1
Memorandum and Diary
for the years
1876-1900
of Robert Russell
Proton Township, Grey Co., Ontario
Transcribed and edited by
Delbert Russell
Preface
Robert Russell (born 17 Jan. 1836, Raphoe, Co. Donegal, Ireland, died 11 March 1900, Proton Town-
ship, Grey Co., Ontario) was the eldest of the seven children of James and Anne Russell. He was fifteen
when the family immigrated to Ontario in June 1851. When Robert Russell retired from teaching in
December 1875 because of ill health, just before his fortieth birthday, he had completed seventeen and a
half years as a school teacher in Melancthon Township, while also farming in Proton and Melancthon
Townships. Perhaps it was turning forty, and intimations of mortality caused by his heart disease, that
inspired him to begin a diary, which he faithfully kept for twenty-five years, with very few missed daily
entries.
The diaries provide an insight into rural life in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, centred
on the village of Dundalk and Proton Township (Grey County), as well as Melancthon Township (first
Grey, then Dufferin County). The entries record events in family, social and political life, as well as the
changes in farming methods, and the migrations of family members seeking better circumstances else-
where. As well as farming, Robert was Treasurer for Proton Township from 1882 until his death, plac-
ing him at the centre of municipal politics. Before becoming Proton Township Treasurer, he had been
Secretary Treasurer of the SS No. 5 Melancthon school board, as well as Treasurer for one year for the
Mayburn Grange. In the last decades of his life he was also Secretary Treasurer of the Dundalk Cheese
Factory, a task which he sometimes found onerous. He also frequently wrote letters, or prepared leases
and wills for neighbours.
At the time Robert begins writing his diary, January 1876, he lives on his farm, Lots 215 and
216, Con. 1 SW, Proton (purchased in 1862), and he also owns Lot 220 Melancthon, Con. 1 NE, just
north of Dundalk on the Gravel (or Toronto-Sydenham) Road, later Highway 10, from Toronto to Owen
Sound. He is turning 40 years of age, his wife Nancy is 35, their children are Jim (12), John (10), Clark
(8), Eliza (or Ida, 6) and Willie (4). Nancy’s parents, and her brother John Agnew and his wife, farm the
adjacent Lots 217, 218, 219, Con. 1 NE, Proton, just to the south. Two miles east of Robert’s house is
the farm of Robert’s parents, James and Anne (Lot 37, Con 4 NE, Melancthon), and on the next lot to
the east, the farm of his brother Sam (age 28) and wife Phoebe (Lot 37, Con. 5 NE, Melancthon). Lot
37, Con. 5 is later farmed for a few years by Robert’s sister Margaret (age 31) and husband, William
Lonsway. Robert lives about 2½ miles (north and east) of the train station in Dundalk. His brother John
Russell (age 35), married to Nancy’s sister Elizabeth Agnew, has a farm on the east side of the Gravel
Road (Lot 236, Con. 1, Melancthon) about ½ mile south of the Dundalk corner. Robert’s sister Sarah
(age c. 33), married to Allen Thompson, a farmer, lives in impoverished circumstances somewhere close
to Dundalk, but her family later moves repeatedly, living finally in British Columbia.
2
In the following transcription I have assumed the reader has a basic knowledge of farming prac-
tices, such as ploughing or harrowing, and harvesting. For more arcane details of rural life I have pro-
vided notes, with the detail marked by *, and the note, prefaced by *, inside square brackets at the end of
the daily entry. Names of family members, or other persons mentioned, are identified also by notes,
when possible. Slightly longer contextual details are given in Appendices at the end of Volume 5. Ap-
pendix 1 gives Russell family relationships, and the names and ages of a sampling of neighbours, based
on 1871 and 1881 Census data. Appendix 2 gives details on Teaching Qualifications and School Inspec-
tors. Appendix 3 is a brief history of the Grange, and other, related rural political and social movements.
See also the separate Material Description of the diaries for the provenance, and the collation and physi-
cal dimensions of the volumes.
Editorial Conventions and Establishment of the Text
The prose in diary entries is usually in telegraph style. The text has been transcribed as written.
Spelling varies, often merely the doubling of single, or reduction of double, consonants (e.g. accross,
barell), or the insertion of glide vowels between consonants (e.g. greately, slightely) or vowel substitu-
tion (e.g. dissipated, dissapated). When a spelling is isolated, or might lead to confusion, the standard
form is added in square brackets (e.g. Esther [=Easter]). The following are typical examples of this var-
iation: cedar, ceder; celler, cellar; choring, choreing; cradle, craddle, cradelled [oats, wheat, cut with
scythe and cradle]; diptheria [=diphtheria]; dissapear, dissappear, disappear; evening, eavning, eaven-
ing; evidentally [=evidently]; extravagence; fallow, follow; gentelly [=gently]; medecine [=medicine];
misshap; occassionally, occasionally; occured; passibly [=passably]; pease [=peas]; ploughing, plow-
ing; preceeding [=preceding]; prepaired; preparetory [=preparatory]; rappidly, rapidly; sett [=set];
shore [past tense of shear]; sowing [=sewing, or sowing]; swail, swale; tendancy [=tendency]; thresh-
ing, thrashing; unprincipalled [=unprincipled]; visably; volumn [=volume]; wagon, waggon; wed [past
tense of weed].
Proper and place names are also variable: Cederville [=Cedarville], Conners, Connor, Faucett,
Fawcett, Hewitt, Hewett, Irvin, Irwin, Mulmer [=Mulmur], Nethercut, Neithercut; Trugon [=Trudgeon].
Robert’s son Clark is written Clark, Clarke, although the final -e may just be an ending flourish of the
letter k; his son John is referred to as John, Johney, Johnny; the name of his sister-in-law Phoebe is fre-
quently written Phebe.
Robert uses parentheses occasionally, and several standard Latin abbreviations: these include the
still current “+ c.” (=etc.), and “viz.” ( =namely), as well as the now archaic “inst.” [for instante mense]
and “ultimo” [for ultimo mense] referring to days of a month (“10th inst.” means “10th of the current
month”, and “29th ultimo” means “29th of last month”). Robert’s syntax shows some distinctive usag-
es: something functions as an adverb, meaning slightly, somewhat. For the preposition until he prefers
till, and sometimes to. His vocabulary is often formal and erudite (particularly noting weather, e.g. the
prevailing character of the day, or ameliorated, etc.), but in describing daily activities he lapses into
vernacular usage frequently in verb tenses, such as using done, seen as the past tense, rather than did and
saw, respectively, or using gave as the past participle of give. On occasion he uses a singular verb fol-
lowing a compound plural subject (e.g. “John and Clark is working there”), and these have been left
unaltered.
The scribal hand is variable: the large, clear, cursive script used for titles and the beginning of en-
tries, is sometimes reduced to very small, and often shortened, forms at the end of entries. At times it is
difficult to distinguish between a and o, and between e and i, and because of compressed writing of low-
ercase letters, words such as there, then, them are often indistinguishable.
3
Editorial changes made to the text are as follows. Square brackets [ ] enclose editorial additions
(replacing missing letters or words), or rejected MS readings following a correction (e.g. “wets [MS
weets]”, “tidied [MS tieded]”), or to indicate unintentional scribal repetitions (dittographies), e.g. “When
he came home [dittog.: when he came home]”; or editorial comments, such as notes, referenced by an
asterisk.
The diarist’s idiosyncratic use of capital letters on words mid-sentence is usually preserved in the
transcript at the beginning of a word, but not at the end (e.g., BoB, DundalK, O’clocK become Bob,
Dundalk, O'clock). Punctuation is modernized editorially, commas and full stops are added for clarity,
and an uppercase letter added on the first word after a full stop. Word division is normalized (e.g.,
cordwood, firewood, sawmill, today, tonight).
Waterloo, Ontario Fall 2018
Delbert Russell, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, French Studies, University of Waterloo, is the great-
grandson of Robert Russell. Born in 1944 in Flesherton (to parents Glenn and Marian Russell), he grew
up on the Russell farm at Shrigley, attended the local one-room elementary school, then Dundalk Dis-
trict High School, and the University of Toronto (B.A. Mod. Langs., M.A., Ph.D. French). He married
Ruth Weber in 1970, and they have two daughters, Susan K. Russell (spouse, Yves Filion), and Jocelyn
M. Russell (spouse, Owen Rees), and four grandchildren, Samuel and Thomas Filion, Fiona and Max-
well Russell-Rees.
Select Bibliography of Printed Works Cited
Corporation of the Village of Dundalk. A History of Dundalk. Printed by Stan Brown Printers Ltd.,
Owen Sound, 1987.
Dodds, Ernest H. The History of Education in Dufferin County, 1834-1983. Grand Valley: Star and
Vidette Printing Ltd., 1983.
Illustrated Historical Atlas of Counties of Grey and Bruce. H. Belden & Co., Toronto, 1880; rpt.
Cumming Atlas Reprints, Port Elgin, 1975.
Leitch, Adelaide. Into the High County: the Story of Dufferin, the Last 12,000 Years to 1974.
Corporation of the County of Dufferin, 1975.
Raphoe Guild of the Irish Countrywoman’s Association. About Raphoe. Browne (Printers) Ltd.,
Letterkenny, 1998; rpt. 2000.
Sawden, Stephen. History of Dufferin County. n. d., n. p. [c. 1939, since the author notes in his Preface
that Dufferin County (formed in 1880) “has been in existence for approximately sixty years.”]
Wood, Louis Aubrey. A History of Farmers’Movements in Canada. Toronto: Ryerson, 1924; rpt., with
intro. by Foster J. K. Griezic, Toronto and Buffalo: University of Toronto Press, 1975.
Online sources used are cited within the text.
Volume 1
4
21 January 1876—31 Dec. 1883
The foliation of the three Quires comprising the first Volume is supplied inside angle brackets (e. g. <Q3 folio 2
recto>), indicating front (recto) and back side (verso) of each folio. A running title is centred on each diary page.
The Quires are foliated separately, the numbering restarting again at 1 for each (Quire 1 has 96 folios, Quires 2
and 3 each have 72 folios). Digital images of each diary page may also be consulted in the relevant subdirectory.
<Quire 1>
<Q1 folio 1 missing>
<Q1 folio 2 recto>
January 1876
21st Snowed a little today, wind pretty strong, pretty sharp freeze. Paid stranger at noon today, did
not want to keep him as he showed some aberration of mind. Underbrushing on Lot 216, Proton.
Calm and very cold 8.40 P.M.
22 Still snowing but blowing so strong that the snow does not lie on the road. Split some wood in
the forenoon. Joseph Malowney came here looking [for] work, did not obtain it. I went to the
Station (Dundalk) in the afternoon and purchased a dozen grain bags at $4.50. The wind is pret-
ty strong at present 7.57 P.M.
23 Sabbath. A little sleet in the morning. Stopped at home all day. Mrs. Russell went to her broth-
er John’s in the afternoon. Brother John and his two men and John Agnew paid us a visit during
the evening.
24 Kept snowing a little during the day, calm and moderate now, 9 P.M. Son Jim and I were chop-
ping cordwood on Lot 216 today.
25 Snow fell all day, wind blowing strong, especially in the eavning. Engaged a man to chop seven-
ty-five cords of wood at sixty cents per cord, he to take the note I hold against Anthony Trugon
for $45. for his pay. I was chopping cordword today on Lot 216 Proton.
<Q1 folio 2 verso>
January 1876
26th No snow fell today, rather mild and the sky cleared off about noon. Was chopping today on lot
216. Wind rising while I write (8.40 P.M.). Mrs. Russell visited Brother John’s (Melancthon)
today.
27 The weather mild and indications of a thaw. Helped John Agnew to clean a load of oats and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John Agnew made me an axe handle at night.
28 Slight rain falling through the day and getting heavier now (9.45 P.M.). Was chopping cordword
on Lot 216 today. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. Lonsway at night, had ourselves weighed there.
Mrs. R. weighed 141 pounds and I weighed the same.
29 Stormy all day, high winds and snow falling incessantly, very cold now (9.10 P.M.). Was chop-
ping cordwood today on Lot 216.
30 Sabbath. Cold stormy day, keen freeze. Stopped at home all day. John Agnew paid us a visit dur-
ing the eavening.
31 Cold in the morning but ameliorated during the day, sun shone out bright, mild now (9.50). Was
chopping firewood on lot 216. Posted two letters in the afternoon, one for Public School Inspec-
tor, the other for Mrs. Campbell, Carder. Mrs. Russell and I attended [MS.: attendended] prayer
meeting at night.
<Q1 folio 3 recto>
5
February 1876
1st Mild morning, began to snow about ten O’clock. Kept falling heavier throughout the day, heavy
fall at night, wind rising (8.40 PM). Went to Mr. Shepherd’s Grist mill, Skeffington Bell and I
with waggon. One horse slipped coming up hill from mill and fell, struck me on the ankle when
rising with his front foot, hurt me, but not badly. I purchased a plow from Mr. Corbett of Shel-
burne. The plow is the Wilkinson No. 11, wrought iron beam, and for said plow I gave my note
for $20.00 payable First March 1877 without interest.
2 Extremely cold day. Blowing, Freezing and snowing. Done no work, only fed the cattle and
split a little stove wood at the house.
3 Not so cold as yesterday. Snow falling and lying pretty good. Sleighing improved rapidly.
Calm at present (8.30 P. M.). Chopping firewood on lot 216 Proton. Brother John came out to
the bush during the afternoon.
4 Cold stormy day, wind very high and snow drifting. Was sawing stove wood with brother John
on Lot 216 today. I and Mrs. Russell visited John Agnew at night.
5 Not so cold as yesterday, neither so high wind. Split some stove wood on Lot 216 and John and
James hauled it home. Father came to see us today.
<Q1 folio 3 verso>
February 1876
Sabbath. 6th Very mild day. Went to see Father and Mother. Mrs. Russell and the three eldest boys
went to meeting in the afternoon.
7 Mild, the sun shining and the snow thawing. Was working with Bother John helping to make a
sleigh road to his wood.
8 Mild and thawing, cloudy part of the day, indications of a change of weather. Was helping
Brother John to kill pigs and make a wood rack for the sleigh.
9 Snowing a little in the morning and turned to sleet during the afternoon. Son James and I were
hauling cordwood to the house today from Lot 216 Proton.
10 A little sleet falling throughout the day, commenced raining at dark, with some lightening at in-
tervals. Heavy rain falling now (10.7 P.M.) Was hauling cordwood to house with oxen off lot
216 Proton. Mrs. Russell and I went to Protracted meeting at night held in Zion W. M. Church.
11 Raining in the morning and continued so to noon, clear in the afternoon. Snow most all gone,
spring birds coming round. Went to Rich[ard] Campbell, Blacksmith, got two iron bolts made
for Bobsleighs. Came home and I and Anthony Fak[a]y fitted them in their place. Brother John
came here in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 4 recto>
February 1876
12 Bright sunny morning and continued clear and warm all day. Freezing now (9.23) P.M. but not
very cold—chopped a road in the forenoon into the cordwood on Lot 216 and in the afternoon
got brother Sam to assist me in putting wooden shoeing on Brother John’s Bobsleighs
13 Sabbath. Fine mild day, sun shining most of the time. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. James Mills in
the afternoon.
14 Mild during the day although a sleet and rain-storm had prevailed during the previous night, very
warm during the day and the tree toads calling in the eavening. Was at brother John’s cutting
wood today.
15 Mild morning, a little frosty rind on the trees, commenced snowing about 11 O’clock A.M.,
snowed a little all day, but the wind was so strong that it did not lie on the roads. Brother John
6
and I were sawing stove wood today on lot 216 Proton. Went to a trustee meeting to Mr. May’s
Hotel at night.
16 Snowing in the morning and the wind blowing very strong, continued all day. Was helping to
saw cordwood on lot 216 Proton. Was also called upon to draw Mr. Richard Millsop’s Will and
a Quit Claim deed from Mr. Henry Johnson to him. The township assessor was here today and
assessed me $1100.00 for Real and $130.00 for personal property. Brother John called in the af-
ternoon.
<Q1 folio 4 verso>
February 1876
17 Pretty mild day, snowed some during the afternoon. Was hauling cordwood out of the bush for
Brother John with the oxen today. James A. Fakay came to Board at my place today.
18 Mild day, freezing in the afternoon, snowed some towards night. Was hauling cordwood out of
the Bush with my oxen for Brother John.
19 Cold morning with a very high wind prevailing in the afternoon. Was hauling cordwood with
oxen for Brother John today
20 Sabbath. Mild, Snowed a little but not of sufficient quantity to cover the roads. Was at home all day.
Sister Margaret and her husband* called during the afternoon, also had Mrs. Agnew Snr. and
Mrs. Agnew Jnr. [*William Lonsway, son of Andrew and Hannah; the Mrs. Agnews are Nancy’s
mother and sister-in-law.]
21 Snowed a little in the forenoon, got soft and mild towards evening, then turned to snow, a great
amount of soft snow falling at present (9.20 P.M.) and the wind very high. Was hauling cord-
wood out of the Bush on Lot 216 with the oxen, did not get along very well as the oxen were
wild and not handy today. Broke the wood rack fetching a load to the house. It’s wet, rough,
hard work swamping green cordwood. Mr. Andrew Lonsway visited us at night and I wrote a
letter for him to Mr. James Henry, Aurora P. O.
<Q1 folio 5 recto>
February 1876
22 Remarkably storm day, snowing, blowing and freezing. Mended wood rack in the forenoon and
swamped cordwood out of the bush in the afternoon. Brother John was here in the eavening.
Skeffington Bell brought me the remainder of my flour from Mr. Shepherd’s mill.
23 Very cold, stormy day, high wind prevailing all day. Keen freeze, and snow drifting. Was
swamping out cordwood today with the oxen. This is a very sickly season and several children
have died in the neighbourhood from diptheria, also typhoid fever has been bad lately.
24 Sharp cold morning, not snowing any however, got mild in the eavening, freezing keenly at pre-
sent (9.40 P.M.). Was swamping out cordwood with the oxen today on Lot 216 Proton.
25 Cold morning and freezing keenly but turned out mild in the afternoon. Brother John and I were
swamping out cordwood with the oxen on lot 216 Proton.
26 Cold raw morning with a South-Easterly wind blowing, continued cold all day with indications
of snow now (10 P.M.). Swamping out wood today with oxen on lot 216. Went to Post Office
and store in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 5 verso>
February 1876
27 Sabbath. Cold day, keen freeze, wind coming from the South-East. Went to John Agnew’s in the
forenoon.
28 Very cold morning. Sleet and snow falling and a South-East wind blowing. Stormed nearly all
day. Fixed stall for the young mare in the afternoon, was at John Agnew’s in the forenoon.
7
29 Not so cold as yesterday, no snow falling, pretty good sleighing just now. Bought some hay
from Mr. Skeffington Bell and he and I hauled it home. First load 2900 pounds gross, second
load 3170 gross, weighed Bobsleighs and driver, their weight was 1100 pounds, which leaves
3870 pounds net weight of hay, @ the rate of $10 per ton comes to $19.35, Said sum to be re-
duced out of the note I hold against him.
<Q1 folio 6 recto>
March 1876
1st Mild day, sun shone a little in the afternoon. Was hauling wood out of the Bush with Brother
John.
2 Very sharp morning with a Bright clear sky. Sun shone bright and warm in the afternoon, wind
in the North-West. Was swamping out cordwood with a team of oxen, Good sleighing snow.
3 Moderately mild morning, got warmer during the day, sun came out bright and warm, thawed a
little during the afternoon. Wind in the North-East. Was swamping out cordwood with a team of
Oxen. Mr. R. Trimble, Collector, called this afternoon and I paid him the balance of my account.
4 Bright clear day, thawing and the maple trees running sap. Wind in the South-West. Was haul-
ing firewood home today assisted by James, John and Clark. Harnessed up the young mare Ger-
ty (three years old) in the afternoon for the first time, drove her, along with the old mare, back
and forth to accustom her to the harness. She went quietly and gentelly enough. Did not draw
anything with the team.
5 Sab. Very mild day. Raining some of the time, a complete thaw. Brother John and wife visited us
today and also John Agnew.
<Q1 folio 6 verso>
March 1876
6th Still thawing, most of the snow has disappeared. Raining part of the forenoon. Wind in the
South. Was making sap troughs assisted by James Anthony Fack[a]y in the afternoon.
7 Raining all forenoon incessantly, cleared off during [the afternoon]. Was preparing material for a
stone boat* and helping also to cut down some large maple trees. [*Stone boat, a flat, sturdy
wooden dragging platform (typically with a surface area about 3’ x 6’), on which heavy loads are
placed to be dragged along the ground by horses.]
8 Very stormy morning, High winds and snow prevailing. Went to the station with brother John in
the forenoon, met in with Andrew Lonsway at Dundalk, got a little broth –O be jovial*—
Returned home about (7 AM)[=P.M.?] all (O.K.). Mrs. Marshall was buried today. [*seems to
refer to a having a friendly drink with someone; see also “O. B. Jovial” 11 Mar. 1879.]
9 Mild day, sun shone out bright in the afternoon, melting most of the snow that fell yesterday.
Was helping brother Samuel to saw some Hemlock logs.
10 Mild day, thawing in the afternoon. Brother Sam and I were making stow trough.
11 Very wet sleety morning, rained during the forenoon. Made spiles* in the afternoon.
[*Spile (or spoil), small spout inserted into hole drilled into maple tree trunk, through which sap
drips into the stow trough, mentioned in previous entry; all part of making maple syrup. Wooden
spiles are hand made (see 6 Apr. 1877, 22 Mar. 1880), but later are replaced by iron ones, pur-
chased 19 Mar. 1881.]
12 Sabbath. Rainy morning, began to snow in the afternoon and continued snowing through the night.
<Q1 folio 7 recto>
March 1876
8
13 Very cold stormy morning, snow falling fast. Continued snowing and blowing all day, freezing
keenly now (10-45 P.M). Was skidding saw logs at Brother Sam’s in the forenoon and helping
Brother John in the afternoon to make a place to pile his cordwood.
14 Very sharp morning but the sun came out bright and clear and kept shining all day. Was helping
J. A. Fakay saw cordwood on Lot 216 Proton. Brother John, Joseph Bowler and Mr. and Mrs.
Lonsway were here this evening.
15 Very cold morning with a piercing wind, continued very cold all day. Went to Mr. John Lud-
low’s today to buy a cow from him.
16 Cold day and very high wind prevailing. Began snowing about noon and continued snowing all
day. Was at a bee today helping brother John to swamp out cordwood.
17 Cold stormy day, snowed and blowed most of the time.
18 Bitterly cold and wind blowing strong. Hauled a stow trough to the sugar bush in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 7 verso>
March 1876
19 Sabbath. Very cold day, but the sun shone out bright and clear, causing a warmth in the sheltered
sides of buildings, etc. Mrs. Russell and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night.
20 Cold morning with an easterly wind prevailing. Got colder on through the day, began snowing
early in the forenoon, kept coming down heavier. At this hour (8.10 P.M) it is still blowing and
snowing. Went to the blacksmith’s in the forenoon, got sleighs fixed and pot mended. Brother
John came in the afternoon and took his Bobsleighs home.
21 Pretty cold morning but got milder during the afternoon. Was breaking in a filly assisted by John
Agnew. Jos[e]ph Malowny was here.
22 Rather milder today than yesterday. Sun broke out bright and clear in the eavening. Went to see
about seed pease in the forenoon. Broke down jumper[?]. In the afternoon hitched up filly and
drove her in as far as Father’s.
23 Bright sunny morning, got brighter and warmer as the day advanced, snow melting on the roads,
and sleighing vanishing. Went in the forenoon to Dundalk to look about pease. In the afternoon
hitched up the filly and Nancy and I went to Dundalk.
<Q1 folio 8 recto>
March 1876
24 Bright morning, the sun shone out clear and warm, causing the snow to melt. Sleighing is nearly
gone again. The wind is in the East at present (9.10) P.M. Hitched up the filly in the forenoon.
Nancy, Eliza, William and I went in to Brother John’s. Mr. John Abbott came with some seed
pease I had purchased off him, in the afternoon.
25 Stormy morning with snow falling and the snow kept increasing through the day and is still
snowing a little now (11 P.M.). Wind blowing from the East. Mr. John Talbot’s little girl, four
years old, was buried today and old Mr. Millsop died yesterday.
26 Sabbath. Mild day with a little snow falling. Hitched up the filly this afternoon and drove Mrs. Rus-
sell and the family to William Lonsway’s.
27 Pretty mild day, a little snow fell in the morning, good sleighing on the roads. Got a letter from
Brother William today, he was thrown from a waggon and ran over, dislocating his shoulder, but
is reported out of danger. Was swamping out cordwood today.
<Q1 folio 8 verso>
March 1876
28 Mild morning and partly a thaw wind. The wind veered around from North-to-East after noon,
began snowing about Two O’clock P.M. The storm kept increasing in violence and at this hour
9
10:5 P.M. the amount of snow that’s falling is something terrific. Was hauling cordwood out of
the bush today.
29 Snowy morning and continued snowing all day. Went to the Post Office this afternoon. Done
nothing of any worth today. Mrs. John Agnew gave birth to a daughter* tonight and Mr. Skeff-
ington Bell was married to Miss Sarah Robinson today. [*Nancy, who dies 20 May, 1892.]
30 Snowing all day moderately, did not do any work.
31 Mild, the snow turning soft, indications of a thaw. Hauled a load of straw from John Agnew’s in
the forenoon and James, John and I were swamping out cordwood in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 9 recto>
April 1876
1 Beautiful sunshiny day, clear and bright all day long. The snow thawed considerably today. Was
swamping out cordwood, assisted by James.
2 Sabbath. Mild day, the snow getting soft. John Russell and his wife and two of his children were at
our house today.
3 Mild day, the snow disappearing. Sleighing getting bad. Mrs. Russell and I went along with
brother Samuel to the funeral of Alice McDowell, daughter of Mr. John McDowell. The child
died of diptheria.
4 Mild day, the air balmy, the snow still thawing, bad sleighing. The boys and I were sawing logs
and skidding them.
5th Pretty mild day to the afternoon, when the wind arose and some snow fell, the wind blowing
from the south-west. Brother Samuel and I were hauling saw logs to the mill. We hauled nine
logs. The sleighing gone from the gravel to the mill generally.
6 Sharp morning, but the sun rose bright and continued so all day, a strong wind blowing from the
South-West causing a thaw. Was swamping out cordwood today.
<Q1 folio 9 verso>
April 1876
7th Very stormy morning, the wind pretty high and snow falling very thick. The heaviest fall of
snow in the same time for the season. The wind from the South-West. It cleared up about noon
and the snow had fell on the level about twelve inches. Swamped out cordwood in the afternoon.
Paid up James Anthony Fakay, the man I had chopping cordwood. He had not finished his con-
tract but I paid him in full for what he had done. Fakay, I rather think, is not his name, he has
told that it is Campbell. He is a man of about thirty years of age, rough featured and brown in
colour, about Five feet seven inches in height, weight about one hundred and fifty-five pounds,
talks with a Scotch accent, says he was born in Belfast (Ireland) and raised in Glasgow (Scot-
land). I think he is an unprincipalled scamp as he went away and left unpaid to Mr. Bowler Six
dollars of a board bill.
8 Bright morning and the sun out strong and warm, thawing off the snow rappidly, wind from the
South-West. Was hauling cordwood out of the bush. Helped Brothers Samuel and John in the
side road with two loads of hay in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 10 recto>
April 1876
9 Sabbath. Bright clear day, the sun shining strong and warm, snow melting rappidly. I and family
took a sleigh ride into Melancthon.
10 Very warm day, the sun clear and bright, the wind in the North-West. Was tapping trees today in
the sugar bush. Saw a robin today, being the first seen by me this spring. Sold Mr. Andrew Lon-
sway a single sett of old harness.
10
11 Sun very strong and the day very warm, the warmest I think for so far in the season. Attended
Mr. Frederick Hessey’s sale of stock and farming implements—all things went very high—one
cow six years old at thirty-one dollars, one heifer with calf at foot $28., nine month’s credit.
12 Rainy morning and continued so to noon. In the afternoon was getting some firewood for the
sugar camp.
Mr. John McDowell’s son Adam died yesterday with diptheria.
13 Foggy morning and the sky overcast, began a light mizzle of rain about ten o’clock A.M., con-
tinued getting heavier to the afternoon, cleared up a little during the eavning. Chopped a little
cordwood in the forenoon and fixed the floor of stable in the afternoon. Mrs. Russell and I paid
a visit to Mr. Lonsway’s at night.
<Q1 folio 10 verso>
April 1876
14th Rainy morning and continued so till about noon, cleared up in the afternoon and the wind rose
and is blowing very strong now (8:45 P.M.). Was moving some hay in the barn assisted by John
Agnew in order to make a sheep pen. In the afternoon assisted John Agnew to butcher two pigs.
15 Cloudy morning and continued so all day. Was making rack for the filly to feed from. Went to
Dundalk in the evening to see about getting my cordwood insured. A cow of mine calved this
morning.
16 Sabbath. Cloudy morning and a snow storm came on about 11 O’clock A.M., covering the ground.
Mr. A. Lonsway and wife and sons, William and Henry, were here a short time in the afternoon.
John Agnew visited us at night.
17 Pretty cold cloudy morning with a slight shower of snow now and then through the day. Was
cutting firewood into drags and son James was hauling them with oxen.
18 Cloudy cold morning and the sun did not shine out clear at any time today. Was chopping cord-
wood on Lot 216 Proton, assisted by Mr. A. Lonsway while my sons* James and John also were
chopping on their own account in order to obtain the price of Boots for them. [*James 12 yrs.,
John 10 yrs old]
<Q1 folio 11 recto>
April 1876
19th Bright sunny morning and continued clear and pleasant with warm sunshine all day. Went and
hired Joseph Malowny at Fourteen dollars per month in the forenoon. Split cordwood in the af-
ternoon. First lamb came this afternoon. Mrs. Russell making molasses* today. [*maple syrup]
20 Sun rose clear and bright but got cloudy soon and continued so all day. Very high wind prevail-
ing now (10:10 P.M.). Sap ran very well this afternoon. Was chopping cordwood today. John
Agnew came here in the afternoon.
21 Cloudy morning and continued pretty much so all day. Plowing has not commenced yet in this
neighbourhood and the spring is rather backward. Was chopping cordwood today on Lot 216
Proton.
22 Cloudy morning but the sun shone out about ten O’clock A.M. then shortly clouded over again.
Was chopping cordwood in the forenoon. Went in the afternoon to Dundalk station taking along
with me James, John and Clark, got them Sunday boots, also a pair for Eliza. The boys had
earned said boots by chopping me cordwood and I to haul it to the station and sell it for them
next winter. Mrs. Russell, assisted by her mother, was in the sugar bush making molasses. They
boiled down after gathering Eighty pails yesterday and Seventy-five today.
<Q1 folio 11 verso>
April 1876
11
23rd Sabbath. Sun shone out bright in the morning. The whole day was about the warmest which has
come yet this spring. One sheep lambed this night.
24 Bright sunny morning, but the sky got a little overcast during the afternoon. Tried to plow in the
forenoon but had to quit it on account of the frost on the ground and the softness of the land. The
boys and I gathered stones in the afternoon. Bought one ton of hay from Mr. Wakely at Eleven
dollars delivered. He brought me half a ton this evening.
25 Clear morning, the sun shining brightly, the day mild and warm. Was gathering stones today
assisted by the boys. Mr. Wak[e]ly brought me one half ton of hay. Two ewes lambed today.
26 Clear morning, but the sun became a little overcast during the day, pretty warm all day. Was
gathering stones assisted by the boys in the forenoon. Was ploughing in the afternoon. One ewe
lambed today.
27 Dull cloudy morning, began to rain about Six O’clock A.M. and continued so for about one hour.
Went in the forenoon & hired up Joseph Malowny. In the afternoon prepared the plow for work
and sowed some cabbage seed.
<Q1 folio 12 recto>
April 1876
28th Misty morning and a little rain fell about Seven O’clock but soon cleared off and continued fine
the remainder of the day with a drying wind. Was plowing with the old mare and the filly. Filly
went very well, it being the first day in the plow.
29 Bright morning but a pretty hard frost, causing the ploughing to be delayed a little in the fore-
noon. But the day was a little chilly. Went to the Blacksmith in the morning and got colter
t[o]ughed[?].* Plowed with the horse team in the afternoon. One cow calved today. [*perhaps
tempered, i.e. hardened in the forge]
30 Sabbath. Slight snow storm this morning and continued snowing till about ten O’clock. Cold wind
blowing and a sharp frost prevailing. Visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 12 verso>
May 1876
1st Very hard frost this morning, retarding plowing till the afternoon. Joseph Malowny and I hauled
rails in the forenoon and ploughed in the afternoon. Mr. William Robinson died this morning.
2 A little cloudy this morning with a pretty hard frost which delayed plowing till about nine
O’clock. Joseph Malowny and I were both plowing from this hour and the women were making
molasses. Went to meet the Trustees of No. 5 at the School House at Six O’clock. Nancy and I
went at night to Mr. Robinson’s wake. There were two lambs came this morning.
3 Bright sunny morning with a little frost on the ground. Joseph Malowny and I were plowing all
day and the women were making molasses. The day continued fine throughout. There were
three lambs came today.
4 Rainy morning but cleared off about Seven A.M. Started to plow with the oxen but changed
with Joseph Malowny for the horse team. Borrowed Mr. Lonsway’s wagon in the evening and
sent Joseph to Mr. Skeffington Bell’s for nine bushels of seed wheat. One lamb came this morn-
ing.
<Q1 folio 13 recto>
May 1876
5th Rainy morning and continued wet all day with a heavy rain just now (8:40) P.M. Joseph
Malowny made me a rack for the horses to feed out of and I went to the station in the evening
and bought some clover and grass seed, the former at Eighteen cents per pound and the latter at
Four dollars per bushel. One lamb came this morning.
12
6 Misty morning with a slight rain falling, cleared off soon and the remainder of the day was fair.
Joseph Malowny was plowing on Lot 215 Proton and I was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon.
Mrs. Russell went to the station and bought the boys hats.
7 Sabbath. Rainy morning but cleared off during the day. The ground very wet.
8 Very wet morning, but cleared off about 1 O’clock. Went to Lot 220 Melancthon to plow but
could not on account of the ground being so very wet. Went then to John Agnew’s and took the
share of his Mo[l]dland plow to the blacksmith’s to be fixed. Brought it home and put it on the
plow, tried to work it but could not on account of the dip in the share. I and Joseph Malowny
plowed in the afternoon in the sod with my own ploughs. The ground is so uncommonly saturat-
ed with rain that the horses sank one foot and a half in the highest part one time. Sold 17 bushels
barl[e]y at 50¢ per bushel. Seen the first swallow today.
<Q1 folio 13 verso>
May 1876
9th Cloudy morning and a mizzling rain falling, continued slightly wet all day at intervals. Joseph
Malowny and I were plowing sod but the ground is so wet we can only plow on the highest of it.
10 Very wet morning and continued raining less or more all day. Cleaned up about Sixty bushels of
barley in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon.
11 Clear bright morning and the sun shining, kept clear to about noon then the sky got overcast and
every appearance of rain. There was a pretty heavy frost on the ground in the morning.
Ploughed in the forenoon and sowed some wheat in the eavening, being the first grain I sowed
this season. Went to Dundalk station in the eavning and got the waggon I had previously or-
dered.
12 Dull morning and a slight mizzle of rain, cleared off however, and the day held up. Finished
sowing wheat today. Had one team plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon.
13 Rather cloudy morning but cleared of[f] and the day remained dry. There was a slight frost in
the morning. Had both teams plowing today on the Melancthon lot.
14 Sabbath. Very severe frost this morning. The sky got overcast early in the day and even indications
of rain appeared.
<Q1 folio 14 recto>
May 1876
15th Rainy morning, but slacked off a little towards 7 O’clock. Went to Melancthon Lot to sow pease
and Harrow and plow. The day became very wet and after sowing about four bushels the teams
and I had to come home, thoroughly wetted. Went to John Agnew’s in the afternoon, helped him
to clean and weigh 38 Bushels of oats that I had bought from him. Came home and after tea
throwed the manure out of some old buildings on Lot 216 Proton. The day continued rainy less
or more from morning till night.
16 Rather misty morning but no rain fell till the afternoon, when a little sprinkle came. It is raining
some just now (8:55) P.M. with indications of a wet night. Was plowing at home today. In the
afternoon put one team to plow in the garden. It is a very late wet spring so far and most of [the]
people cannot get their seeding done on account of the wetness of their farms. Hay is also scarce
in the neighbourhood, but not dear, selling from ten to twelve dollars per ton.
17 Rainy morning with thunder and lightening, the ground is a perfect sea of wet. Cleared off about
8 O’clock A.M. Gathered some stones off a potatoe patch and put a fence around it. There is
lightening just now (9:35 P.M.) and some indications of a thunder storm. It is a question with
many whether they can get their grain sown.
<Q1 folio 14 verso>
13
May 1876
18th Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out bright about 9 O’clock. The day was very [dry] and fine
through[ou]t—in fact the only spring day of the season as yet. Sowed some pease on Melanc-
thon Lot in the forenoon and in the afternoon washed the sheep in the gravel pit in front of the
house. There was about 2 feet water, and it was quite warm.
19 Clear morning and the day got very sultry and hot, and kept so. Was plowing in Melancthon and
the oxen almost gave up on account of the heat and the softness of the land. John Agnew hauled
me the thirty bushels of oats I bought.
20 Sun rose bright but clouded over in a very short time, rain came on about 7 O’clock, accompa-
nied with thunder and lightening. The day cleared about 9 O’clock and remained dry for the re-
mainder of it. There is a good deal of lightening and a little thunder at present (9:45) P.M. Was
working on Melancthon lot today. One team plowing and the other harrowing. Sowed the re-
mainder of the pease today and have got them once harrowed. Never seen such a time of wet,
the harrows were swimming, sometimes, in water. It is very fatiguing [MS fatuiging] on the
teams and they are dragged out, nearly, tonight.
21 Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and clear day but a great storm of thunder, lightening and rain oc-
cured the night before. Continued from 11 to 2 O’clock A.M. Brother John and wife visited us
today.
<Q1 folio 15 recto>
May 1876
22nd Very sharp frost this morning and ice on the water about an inch thick. The sun came out bright
and the day continued fine. I was plowing a potatoe patch and James was harrowing the sod,
breaking it in before sowing the oats. Nancy shore the sheep. I went to the station in the after-
noon and brought home twenty-seven apple trees that I had purchased from Mr. R. J. Doyle. The
ground on which I sowed twenty-five bushels of pease is so wet that I could only get them har-
rowed once.
23 Rather misty morning and some appearance of rain but the mist rose and the sun got out and the
day continued fine. Sowed ten bushels of oats today for the first. James was harrowing and Jo-
seph Malowny was planting out the fruit trees.
24 Clear Sunny morning and the day kept fine all through. Was sowing oats today, had one team
plowing and the other harrowing. Brother John came here in the afternoon and turned his ram
into a weather [=wether, castrated ram].
25 Fine day all through, the sun obscured by clouds in the morning but soon the[y] dissipated.
Staked fruit trees in the forenoon and planted potatoes in the afternoon. Had one team plowing
and the other Harrowing.
26 Fine day with a very slight frost in the morning. Sowed oats in the forenoon and planted pota-
toes in the afternoon, had one team plowing and the other harrowing. Sold 7½ Bushels oats at
30¢ per Bushel and 5 of Barl[e]y @ .50¢
<Q1 folio 15 verso>
May 1876
27th Bright unclouded morning, the sun strong and warm, and the day very fine. I finished sowing
oats today and planted some potatoes in the afternoon. Had one team harrowing and the other
hauling manure. The heifer calved in the morning and the mare colted at night.
28 Sabbath. Bright morning and fine dry day. Nancy and I visited Melancthon folks today.
14
29 Cloudy morning and appeared somewhat like rain. Was plowing for Barley today. Paid Joseph
Malowny His wages. Went to [stricken letters] Dundalk in the eavning and bought 8 Bags of
early Rose potatoes at .70 per Bag. The day was fine and dry all through.
30 Very sharp frost this morning. Went to the station in the forenoon for potatoes and ploughed in
the afternoon, the day was cool but dry. Found one very old ewe dead in the field today, also
Brother John’s Ram that he had casterated on the 24th inst. Think the ewe died from age.
31 Fine day and very warm. Was plowing today, the boys fixing fences in forenoon and went to
Melancthon in the afternoon. Nancy was at Mrs. May’s picking wool. Boys finished potatoe
planting yesterday.
<Q1 folio 16 recto>
June 1876
1st Fine day with a very slight shower of rain in the morning. Was plowing in the forenoon and in
the afternoon sowed three acres of barley.
2 Cloudy in the morning with a few drops of rain, but the day cleared up and was fine. Sowed
three acres of grass & clover seed. James Harrowed barley ground. Brother John bought four
bushels of barley from me at fifty cents per bushel. Black flies and mosquitoes have been perfect
pests these last three days, bit my face all over till, with the swelling they caused, I could scarce-
ly see out of my eyes.
3 Cloudy morning and came on rain about 9 O’clock A.M. Kept raining less or more till about 5
O’clock P.M. Was replanting some potatoes which had not sprouted and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. Sold 10 bush[els] 13 lbs of barley to William Henders @ 60¢ per Bushel.
4th Sabbath. Rather cloudy cool day. Stopped in the house mostly all day and was very tired.
5 Cold cloudy morning and continued so all day. Went to Dundalk with old mare in the morning
to see Sir W. Walace.* Plowed some ground and planted some potatoes in the afternoon. Sold
George Morrow 13 Bushels of oats at .35¢ per Bushel, if not paid within two weeks, and 9 Bush-
els & 8 pounds of barley at .70 per bushel, if not paid in the same time. Respectively, to be .30
& .50¢ per bushel if paid within two weeks. [*a stud horse]
<Q1 folio 16 verso>
June 1876
6th Fair day with the exception of a slight shower about one O’clock. Sold Richard Bamby 12
Bushels of barl[e]y at .70 per bushel to be paid in Six months. Purchased one cow at $29.00 and
one heifer at $19.00 from John Little of Artemesia. The cow he said had calved about three
weeks and the heifer would calve in about ten days. He lied to me most abominably, and my
opinion of him is that he [is] both a liar and cheat and swindler. Had great trouble in fetching the
cows home and it kept me days [=this bothered me for days?].
7 Very fine day, but exceedingly hot. James, John and I brought one of the cows from Little’s.
Helped John Agnew in the afternoon to wash some of his sheep & Got colt casterated [sic] by
Mr. Sloan of Eugenia Falls. Mr. Sloan stopped all night.
8 Heavy Rain fall in the morning, continuing about three hours, the day fine afterwards, with a
splendid growth. Done no work today as I felt so tired I could not.
9 Rainy morning, very heavy shower. Put up fence beyond the Swale in the afternoon.
10 Bright sunny morning and continued fine all day. Went to Shelburne and obtained Drs. Barr &
Norton’s medical Certificate of inability to teach School.* [*this was required each year, in or-
der to qualify for his superannuation pension of $101.]
<Q1 folio 17 recto>
15
June 1876
Sabbath. 11th
Warm day and without rain. Brother John paid us a visit.
12 Remarkably warm day, the hottest I think that has come yet so far this summer. Cleaned up my
oats and took a load of them in the eavning to Dundalk station. Sold Four bushels and twelve
pounds of them at .30¢ per bushel and the remainder of them (51) bushels to M[ess]rs. Thomas
and Beam at 24½ ¢ per bushel. Could scarcely sell them at all as they had heated and were very
musty. Had to hire the Section boss and pay him one dollar to take them to the above named
gentleman on the lorry.
13th Bagged up the remainder of oats. Sold 30 bushels of them to Mr. John McDowell for .25¢ per
bushel, I to deliver them. The day was very hot till about 10 O’clock A.M. when there came on a
heavy rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening and there was a great hail storm at the
same time about Four miles North-West of this. I and Nancy visited at Mr. Lonsway’s this
eavning.
14 Rained part of the day. Hauled McDowell his oats. He acted mean with me and took 1 bushel
off me for a few thistle tops being in them. Hauled Messrs Thomas and Beam 60 Bushels of oats
in the eavning.
15 A great deal of rain fell today, especially in the afternoon. One heifer calved this morning.
<Q1 folio 17 verso>
June 1876
16th Rather cloudy day with some rain falling now and then. The boys and I were preparing a piece
of ground in the forenoon for mixed feed and in the afternoon I went to Mr. David Farrier’s Rais-
ing of a Frame Barn. Sold Mr. Kenneth McAulay 4 bushels Barley at 50¢ p. B.
17 Cloudy day with frequent showers. Was preparing a piece of ground on Lot 216 for mixed feed.
18 Sabbath. No rain today. Visited the folks in Melancthon.
19th Very cool morning but no frost. A little rain fell today. Was plowing on Lot 216. Mr. George
Rutherford came in the afternoon and insured Two thirds of Eighty cords of hardwood for me in
the Stadacona Company for one year for the Sum of three dollars.
20 Cold cloudy day for this season of the year. Some rain fell through the day. Was plowing till 5
O’clock P.M. Sowed some mixed oats, pease and Barley for green fodder. Joined the Sons of
Temperance at night. [“Around 1848, the Sons of Temperance lodge, a fraternal and prohibition-
ist society, reached Canada from the United States.”
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/temperance-movement. Accessed 11/7/2017]
21 Cold cloudy day. Was doing statute labor in Melancthon under James Mills. My James was
harrowing.
22 Bright sunny day and pretty warm. Sowed some Grass and clover seed in the morning. Done
statute labor. Went in the eavning and got paid for oats. [“The Statute Labour Act has its origins
in the earliest days of British settlement in Ontario. In colonial times, many local roads received
no government funding and male residents were forced to work on roads and bridges for as much
as 12 days a year. Eventually, the number of work days required came to be tied to the assessed
value of a settler's property. Landowners had the option to pay the municipality to hire someone
to work on the roads in their place. Refusal to perform statute labour or pay for its value was
punishable by up to six days in prison” (Bob Aaron, “Property Law”, Toronto Star, Sat. 7 Dec.
2007).
<Q1 folio 18 recto>
June 1876
16
23rd Bright Sunny day without any rain. Was doing Statute labor for Melancthon Lot. Nancy took
the wool to Flesherton to be oiled[*], Carded and spun [*after de-greasing, a special spinning oil
is added to the wool before carding: see “Steps in Processing Wool into Yarn” at
https://www.blackberry-ridge.com/prosdscr.htm. Accessed 11/7/2017.]
24 Bright Sunny day and pretty breezy. Took five bags of barley to Dundalk Mill to get chopped.
Went to see a game of ball when at the station. Dundalk boys beat Shelburne boys. Bought two
coal oil barrels at fifty cents each. There was horse racing at Bowler’s Side road this afternoon.
25th Sabbath. Cloudy day but no rain. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. Gerty, a
three year old mare, colted this morning. Time she took: Eleven months less five days.
26 Bright Sunny day and very warm. A thunder storm during the night with very heavy rain. Was
turning manure.
27 Cloudy day without rain, only a slight skiff in the morning and evening. Done two days statute
labor with oxen and self for Lot 216 Proton.
28 Rather cloudy day, but no rain. Was ridding out barn to fit it up for a stable. Boys were hoeing
potatoes.
29 Warm day, a little cloudy but no rain. Was getting posts and beams for stable. Boys were hoeing
potatoes. Nancy was at picking bee at Sam’s. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway & John Agnew visited us
this evening.
<Q1 folio 18 verso>
June 1876
30th Bright warm day and for a wonder there has been no frost in this section of country during this
month. Was cutting logs for beams and posts to fix stable and also hauled them out of swamp.
Boys were hoeing potatoes. Nancy was at a picking bee at her brother John’s.
July 1876
1st Dry day till about 6 O’clock P.M. when it commenced raining slightly and is raining now (11
P.M.). Was helping Brother John to fix a milk house. Nancy and family were at Sunday School
pick nick at Dundalk.* Nancy and I visited John Agnew this night. A stranger was there bring-
ing a lot of land promotion. [*celebrating Dominion Day, July 1, Canada’s national holiday.]
2nd Sabbath. Wet Morning and continued wet mostly all day. Andrew Lonsway and Mrs. Lonsway,
William Lonsway and Mrs. Lonsway and Henry Lonsway visited us this evening.
3 Rainy morning and continued so till about 9 O’clock A.M. Was at Mr. James Mills’ helping him
to raise a log stable.
4 Clear morning but began to rain about 10 A.M. and continued slightly so till 12, noon. Cleared
off and was fair in the evening. Was at Skeffington Bell’s logging be[e] with the oxen. Nancy
went to Flesherton for her dress. John Agnew was here this eavning.
<Q1 folio 19 recto>
July 1876
5th Cloudy morning and with frequent showers through the day. My Boys and I were [dittography:
were] hoeing potatoes for John Agnew.
6 Bright morning and the sun shone all day, clear and strong. Was doing Road work in Proton as-
sisted by John Agnew and his team. Boys were hoeing potatoes.
7 Cloudy morning, with some thunder and lightening accompanied by a heavy shower of rain
about 10 A.M. Very hot in the afternoon. The boys and I were hoeing potatoes for John Agnew.
Nancy was at a Quilting Bee at Mrs. Lonsway’s.
17
8 Bright sunny day and very hot. Was putting in posts and beams in old Barn, fixing it up for a
stable, assisted by John Agnew and Andrew Lonsway.
9th Sabbath. Very hot day. Nancy visited in Melancthon today.
10th Bright morning and very hot through the day. The sky got overcast in the eavning and rain be-
gan falling about 7 P.M. Raining pretty sharply now (9:10) P.M. Was hoeing potatoes at John
Agnew’s today. Boys were hoeing at brother John’s. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s this
afternoon. Road men repaired the gravel opposite my lot today.
<Q1 folio 19 verso>
July 1876
11th Very warm day and a great growth. Was helping John Agnew to hoe potatoes. The boys were
hoeing in at Brother John’s.
12 Warm day but a little cloudy. Nancy and the family went to a pick-nick, or gathering of the
friends*, at brother John’s. I went to Dundalk. The day appeared to me dull and spiritless.
Bought a horse poke* at .90¢ and a whetstone at .11¢ [*Northern Irish Protestants celebrate 12
July as the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, 1690, a victory for Protestant William of Or-
ange over Catholic James II, both claiming the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland. John
Russell was a charter member of Loyal Orange Lodge No. 797; see A History of Dundalk, p.
168. *Horse poke: a device hung on the neck of a horse, with a hinged, hanging bar that allows
grazing, but discourages jumping fences.]
13 Pretty hot day. John Agnew and I were providing material for a hay rack. The boys were hoeing
potatoes at brother Sam’s.
14 Warm day. John Agnew made me a hay rack. I put up a cook house. The boys were hoeing
potatoes at Sam’s.
15 A little cooler than yesterday. I fitted up some rakes, put the grass Scythe in order, cut some
poles for stable loft. The boys were bugging potatoes.
16 Sabbath. The day a little cloudy, with a nice breeze of wind. Brother Sam and wife, Brother John
and wife & John Agnew and wife were here today.
17 Dry day with a breeze of wind. Began mowing today for the first on Melancthon Lot.
18 Rather cloudy morning and commenced raining about 10 A.M., cleared off about 11:30 A.M.
Was mowing today, went in the evening to get William Henders to help me. Nancy was at a
sowing bee at Eliza’s.
<Q1 folio 20 recto>
July 1876
19th Bright sunny day, and pretty hot. Some cloud arose at night, indicating rain. Mr. William Hen-
ders and I were mowing on Melancthon Lot. Nancy and the boys were making hay.
20 Cool morning and a little cloudy, rained some about 9 A.M. Rained a little again at noon, cleared
off and was dry and windy in the afternoon. Very cold just now (9:40) P.M. and there is an ap-
pearance of frost. Had Mr. Henders mowing for me in Melancthon. The boys and I Hauled in
two loads of hay from Melancthon in the forenoon. Cut a pitch hole in the stable and shook out
some hay in the eavning.
21 Cloudy morning but the clouds dispersed and the sun came out and the day continued dry. The
boys and I hauled five loads of hay from Melancthon Lot and Nancy and Clark were raking in
the field while Eliza and William H. minded the gap at home.
22 A very heavy dew this morning but no frost, the sky clouded over. Went to Melancthon Lot and
raked up some hay. Rain came on about 9:30 A.M., not very heavy, but it kept rain[in]g a light
rain all day and is doing so now (9:54) P.M.
18
23rd Sabbath. A pretty cool, cloudy day, but without rain.
<Q1 folio 20 verso>
July 1876
24th Cool, cloudy morning. Nancy and the boys and I went to Melancthon Lot and raked up some
hay and put on a load. It began to rain slightly, but enough to prevent us hauling in any but the
one load. I mowed in the afternoon. Sold ten lambs to Mr. William Acheson at $2.50 each.
Subscribed for Northern Messenger.
25 A very dense fog this morning. Mowed a little in the morning. Nancy raked up some hay, the
boys and I hauled in three loads. I mowed some after tea. There was a little rain fell today.
26 A slight frost this morning but there was a very heavy fog which came down like fine rain, pre-
venting the frost from doing injury. The day was cool but cloudy. Nancy and the boys raked
hay to 5 P.M. and I mowed. Then I hauled in a load.
27 Cool morning and cloudy, but the day kept dry to about 4 P.M., then there was a slight rain which
increased to a pretty heavy shower about 7 P.M. It is now rain[in]g slightly and has the appear-
ance of a wet night. I mowed in the forenoon, hauled in one load of hay in the afternoon and
mowed again in the eavning. Nancy and the boys raked up and helped with the load.
28 Cloudy morning and a very cool day, with a slight mizzle of rain occasionally. Was mowing on
Lot 220 Melancthon, assisted by Jim.
<Q1 folio 21 recto>
July 1876
29th Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine and pretty hot. Was mowing on Lot 220
Melancthon, assisted by Brother John. Nancy and the boys were raking hay. Mr. W. Acheson
took away the lambs which he had bought from me.
30th Sabbath. Bright warm day, and pretty warm. Nancy went to Meeting in the forenoon and She and
I went to Meeting in the afternoon.
31 Clear, bright day and pretty hot. Nancy and the boys and I raked hay on Lot 220 Melancthon.
___________________
August 1876
1st Bright sunny morning and continued clear and hot all day. Had John Agnew helping me haul
hay with his team from Lot 220 Melancthon. Finished haying today. Mother, Brother John and
wife, and Sister Margaret were here today. The weather has been pretty favorable for haying and
I have all mine saved in good order.
2 Bright morning and continued hot and fine all day. The boys and I were fixing pasture field
fence today.
3 Rather cloudy morning and very sultry. The day was warm and dry but clouded over in the
eavning with indications of rain. Was helping brother John to do his Statute Labor in Melanc-
thon.
<Q1 folio 21 verso>
August 1876
4th Bright sunny morning and the day dry and very hot. I felt more oppressed by the heat this day
than [dittography: than] any other time for so far this summer. Brother John and I pulled down
the old driving shed on Lot 220 Melancthon and split some rails out of the cedar logs and James
and John hauled rails with the oxen to fence in the meadow on said Lot.
5 Warm day, but not quite so hot as yesterday. A very heavy rain storm passed over Dundalk about
6 P.M. A rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening is here at this time (9:53 P. M). I
was hauling rails today with the oxen on Lot 220 Melancthon. Brother John was splitting rails
19
and putting up fence for me on said Lot. The boys, James, John and Clark, were picking huckle-
berries.
6th Sabbath. Fair day till the afternoon when there was a smart shower. It cleared off then began rain-
ing at night. Nancy went to Melancthon Meeting in the forenoon.
7 Smart shower in the morning; it cleared off and remained fine all day. I was digging a well to
water the cattle on Lot 220 Melancthon. Brother John assisted me, and the boys hauled some
rails for the fence on said Lot.
8 Dry day and pretty warm. Was bugging potatoes till 5 P.M., then went to the Post Office. Also
went to the Division and requested my name to be taken off. Sent a letter to Brother William.
<Q1 folio 22 recto>
August 1876
9th Dry day and pretty hot. Went to pick huckleberries today. There were four of us, viz. Nancy,
James, John A. and I. There were four of Mr. Lonsway’s, two of Mr. Trugon’s, six of Mr. Mills’,
three of Brother John’s and Brother Samuel. The berries were plentiful and we all filled our ves-
sels. The road was very rough coming out of the marsh, and carrying the berries as far as the
wagon tired us pretty well. We gathered about four paten pails full for ourselves. [Paten’ pails
held 10 or 12 quarts, according to Joshua Fraser, Shanty, Forest and River Life in the Backwoods
of Canada (Montreal: Lovell and Son, 1883), p. 308]
10 Dry and very hot. Was mowing a piece of grass for brother John, the boys were bugging pota-
toes. Heard yesterday that Mr. Robert Bell had died at Bracebridge.
11 Very sultry day and oppressively hot in the forenoon. Tried to prepare some stuff for chinking
the barn but became so fatigued that I had to give it up. There was pretty heavy rain accompa-
nied with lightening and thunder about 7 P.M.
12 Rainy morning but cleared off about 7 A.M. and continued fine and pretty hot all day after. Was
helping Brother Sam at a Manure Bee today.
13th Sabbath. Warm and dry day. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning.
<Q1 folio 22 verso>
August 1876
14th Very warm day although somewhat cloudy. Lightening at night and indications of rain. Went to
the sawmill in the morning and hauled nine logs, about seventy rods[*] on a crotch, to the gang-
way. Got them sawn and brought home two loads of lumber with oxen. The day was so very hot
that I had to let the oxen crawl along the road. [* units of measurement: 1 chain = 66 feet long
(20.1168 meters) = 4 rods; 1 chain = 100 links; 1 rod = 5½ yds. (5.0292 m)]
15 Misty morning and a slight sprinkling of rain fell, but the day cleared up and remained dry. It
was pretty cool in the eavning, as if indicating frost. Brother John was helping me to saw some
Hemlock logs in order to prepare lumber for a frame barn. We sawed 15 from 10.30 A.M. to
6.30 P.M. Mr. Lonsway hauled me some lumber from the mill that I left there yesterday.
16 Very cool morning but no frost. The day rather cloudy and cool without rain. Brother John and I
were cutting saw logs. We cut 18 to 4 P.M. and then went to a ra[i]sing of a frame barn on lot
240 Melancthon, belonging to Mr. Stephens. I then went from there to Dundalk and bought a
grain cradle and blade from Mr. Graham for $3.50. P. S. John Bennett, Sawyer for John
McDowell, had his hand cut off today with the mill saw.
17 Rather cloudy morning but the day was dry. Brother John and I were sawing Hemlock logs. We
sawed 15 then went and cleaned out the well on the hill. James assisted us to limb the trees.
<Q1 folio 23 recto>
August 1876
20
18th Cool morning and a little cloudy, with a sharp shower about [stricken text: 5 A.M. the remainder
of the day was dry. The eavning pretty chilly and cold at night indicating] 6 P.M. and continued
raining some through the night. Brother John was helping me to saw logs. We sawed 16.
19 Shower of rain in the morning, but cleared off and the day remained dry. Very cool in the
eavning and a frosty look with it. Brother John was helping me with the saw logs. We sawed 16.
John and James went to Mrs. McCoy’s with the Cotton Warp.
20th Sabbath. A very cool morning and continues so all day. There was a very sharp frost this night,
and apparently it done a great deal of harm. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us this eavning.
21 A very cool morning but the sun rose bright and clear, the frost lay on the ground pretty heavy.
The day kept dry and warm. Was at Brother John’s helping him to mow barley. Slept at Father’s
all night. There was a slight frost this night.
22 Clear sunny morning and continued dry all day with some appearance of rain towards eavning.
Was helping Brother John with his barley today. Slept at Father’s all night.
<Q1 folio 23 verso>
August 1876
23rd Fine morning, a little cloudy but the day dry and pretty warm. Was helping Brother John with
his barley. He sent me in the afternoon to help Brother Sam put in oats. Slept at Father’s to-
night.
24 Rather misty morning and the day was cloudy but very warm, especially in the afternoon. There
was a slight shower of rain accompanied by thunder about 4. P.M. Was with Brother John help-
ing him to haul in barley. Mr. Mich[a]el Boucher’s* barn was burned today. Slept at home this
night. [*Michael Boucher was a trustee in 1860 for S. S. No. 5 Melancthon, where Robert taught
for 17½ years]
25 A slight shower of rain this morning but the day cleared up and remained dry. Went in the morn-
ing to Mr. A. Lonsway’s to apprize damages done by J. Trugon’s horses. Employed Samuel Rich
to harvest at $1.25 per day for cradling and $1.00 per day for other work throughout the harvest.
There was a pretty high wind this afternoon. Was helping Brother John today with wheat and
barley. Slept at Father’s this night.
26 A slight frost this morning, the day was cool, cloudy and windy. Was helping Brother John with
his wheat today. Came home this night.
27th Sabbath. A severe frost this morning, doing injury to most grain that had escaped the preceding
frosts. The day dry and fine. Mrs. Russell, James and Eliza went to sister Margaret’s.
<Q1 folio 24 recto>
August 1876
28th Fine morning and the day dry and warm. Brother John was helping me to harvest. Got some
wheat cradled, being the first I had cut of wheat this season. I raked and bound.
29 A fine bright harvest day. Got some wheat and also oats cut today. I bound, Nancy helped me at
night. The straw was so brittle that binding through the heat of the day was impossible.
30 Morning a little cloudy but soon cleared off and the day remained dry and warm, with some
clouds towards night. Nancy and I bound a little through the day, then hunted up the oxen, then
bound a while at night. Had a man cradling oats.
31 Misty morning but the sun soon shone out and the day was dry and pretty hot, with some lighten-
ing in the eavning. The boys, Nancy and I were hauling in wheat. Sam Rich was cradling oats
for me. It has now been pretty dry for quite a spell and water is getting scarce.
<Q1 folio 24 verso>
21
September 1876
1st A cool damp morning after the shower of rain last night. Could not haul in any today, it was too
damp. Fixed up a hen house in the forenoon. Nancy, the boys and I bound oats in the afternoon.
Sam Rich cradelled. Mr. Lonsway and wife and William Lonsway visited us this night.
2 A little rain very early in the morning, but the day cleared off and got breezy with a very stiff
gale blowing in the afternoon. The boys, Nancy and I put in the barley and the remainder of the
wheat. It has been very favorable harvest weather so far, and people in general are well ad-
vanced. The crops are ripe about four weeks earlier than they were last year.
3rd Sabbath. A slight shower fell this afternoon. There was frost in the morning but the day was gener-
ally fine. Brother John and wife visited us this eavning.
4 A little rain this morning but nothing to retard work. The day held up dry and pretty breezy in
the eavning. John, James, Nancy and I were binding oats. Samuel Rich was craddling.
5 Damp morning, but soon dried off. The boys, Nancy and I were binding. Sam Rich was
craddling. Mr. Johnson, Presbyterian Student, visited us today. Paid Sam rich $11.00 for 9 days’
work.
<Q1 folio 25 recto>
September 1876
6th Very sharp frost this morning and ice on the water. The forenoon dry but the afternoon was a
little damp. Was helping Brother Sam to harvest. The boys and Nancy were binding oats at
home.
7 Misty morning, but the forenoon cleared up. Towards night there was a slight mizzle of rain.
John Agnew and team, Brother Samuel and team, and Brother John were helping me to haul in
pease from Melancthon lot. Mr. Lonsway helped me in the afternoon to build the stack. Mr.
Lonsway met with a loss this eavning as his mare died, through the effects of eating, it is
thought, too much soft clover. The two teams hauled in 16 loads of peas, clearing a ten acre field.
8 A little rain fell this morning, but the wind rose and the day became dry. Brother John helped me
to top off the pea stack and cover it with boards that he loaned me.
9 Damp morning, but soon became dry and continued so all day. The boys, Nancy and I were
binding oats.
10th Sabbath. A very cool day for this time of the year, but dry. Nancy and Eliza and James went to
Meeting.
11 Cool morning and a slight mizzle of rain. Was helping Brother Sam to harvest. His oats were so
poor with both frost and rust that we had to mow them. Scarcely any grain in them.
<Q1 folio 25 verso>
September 1876
12th A bright clear morning, and continued very fine all day. Brother Sam and team, John Agnew and
team, I and the ox team, Brother John, Andrew Lonsway and James Mills, Jun[io]r, were all
hauling in oats for me today. We cleared of[f] 15 acres. The straw was a good crop, but the
grain appears very light on account of the frost and rust. This day finishes my harvest.
13 Morning a little misty, but the sun shone out clear after some time and the day remained fine.
James, John and I were helping brother Sam at his harvest.
14 Rather cloudy morning but the day kept dry till about 4 O’clock P.M. when there was a pretty
sharp rain which continued till about dark. James, John, and I were helping brother Samuel to
harvest.
22
15 Bright clear morning, and continued a fine day. Posted a letter to the Dep[u]t[y] Minister of Ed-
ucation and another to the Manager, Bank [of] Montreal. Bought a ram lamb from Mr. James
May at $3.00, and went to employ a thrashing machine.
16 Fine day, clear and dry. Went to Mr. Mills’ thrashing. His grain turned out very poorly also.
The machine done very little work.
17th Sabbath. Rather cloudy day, but no rain fell till night, when it rained pretty much all night long.
William Lonsway and wife, and brother John and wife visited us today.
<Q1 folio 26 recto>
September 1876
18th Rainy morning and continued a mizzle during the forenoon. Went to James Mills’ thrashing but
he did not begin on account of the rain. Sold a spring colt to Andrew Lonsway for one milch
cow and a note of hand for $13., payable in 15 months. Sold another spring colt to Thomas Fos-
ter for one yonge[sic] cow, 2 years old, coming 3, in calf, and $11. payable in one year.
19 Cool morning with a slight rain. Faired up during the forenoon and remained dry. Went to a
manure bee to William Lonsway[’s].
20 Rather cloudy morning but the day was dry and warm in the afternoon. Went to the voting on
the Dundalk Bill and voted against it.
21 Rather misty morning but the day was dry. Was hauling out manure today.
22 Misty morning but the day broke up dry and warm. Was hauling out manure today. Nancy and
Jim went with John Agnew’s team to Flesherton for the yarn. Did not get all, only part. Went to
the Post Office in the afternoon.
23 Misty morning with a slight mizzle of rain, but soon cleared off and the day remained dry. Jim
and I were putting out manure. Johney & Clark were helping their uncle John to take up pota-
toes.
<Q1 folio 26 verso>
September 1876
24th Sabbath. Misty, cloudy day but without rain. Stopped at home.
25 Misty morning but the day remained dry till the afternoon, when it commenced raining, which it
did through all the night. Was hauling out manure, the boys were raking up some mixed feed.
26 Rainy morning and continued showery all day and is raining and blowing pretty strong now
(8.40) P.M. Done nothing today, did not feel well.
27 Cold, raw day, but no rain of any account. Was spreading manure. James, John and Clark went
to the station and left their measures for boots.
28 Wet morning and continued showery most of the day. There was a very heavy rain in the after-
noon. Was digging potatoes in the forenoon. James was plowing with the oxen in the forenoon.
29 Cool morning and a little rain fell through the day. Mr. May sent me the ram lamb I bought from
him. James and John were plowing, Clark and I were digging potatoes. Mr. and Mrs. A. Lon-
sway visited us tonight.
30 Chilly morning and continued cold all day with frequent showers. Sold 208 pounds butter to Mr.
D. Davidson* of Dundalk @ .20¢ per pound. Jim put the brand on ram today. [*Davidson’s is a
general merchandise store in Dundalk, and in later entries Robert frequently mentions D. Da-
vidson and his clerks; see History of Dundalk, p. 101, list of businesses in 1877].
<Q1 folio 27 recto>
October 1876
1st Sabbath. Cold morning and continued cold and show[e]ry all day. Nancy went to Sister Sarah’s.
23
2 Cool morning but the day remained dry with a pretty strong wind at night. Was fixing stable for
the mares today. Took the colts from the mares and delivered them to Mr. Foster & Lonsway.
Sow pigged this morning, had nine. Borrowed six bags of oats from Mr. Lonsway as I had not
thrashed yet and want to start plowing. James and John went for the oats with the oxen and
waggon.
3 Cool morning but dry, soon commenced raining and continued showery all day with pretty heavy
rain at night. Henry Lonsway came to work today. I have him hired for one month at $8.00. We
were hauling in some mixed feed this forenoon. The last of it was pretty wet. I had to go to Mr.
Foster’s and borrow back the colt which I had sold him because its mother had so much milk that
she had swelled up to such an enormous extent in her bag that she would have certainly have
[sic] died if I had not brought the colt to suck her again. Father and Sister Sarah were here today.
I bought some lime from John Charters for white-washing purposes. James & John went for it.
4 Cool morning and continued cold all day with frequent showers of sleet and hail. Was plowing
with oxen and John drove them. Henry Lonsway and my Jim were chinking the stable.
<Q1 folio 27 verso>
October 1876
5th Cold day with some showers. Was plowing with the oxen. Henry Lonsway was fixing stable.
6 Very chilly, cold day and the afternoon from about 1:30 P.M. was very wet. Plowed with the
oxen till the rain prevented me. Henry Lonsway was fixing stable. Bought a cow from Thomas
Buchanon for a note against A. Lonsway for $13.00 and $6. cash.
7 Cold day with frequent showers of sleet and snow. Snowed considerable during the night and
the ground was covered with snow before morning. Was plowing with the oxen, Jim was driv-
ing. Henry Lonsway was fixing stable.
8th Sabbath. Bleak wintry morning, the ground covered with snow. Was a chilly, cold day. Brother
John came out today.
9 Ground covered with snow this morning but it went away pretty much all before night. Henry
and the boys were fetching in potatoes in the forenoon and plowing in the afternoon. I was in
search of a thrashing machine. Very windy night.
10 Cold morning and remained cold but dry all day. Henry and Jim were plowing today with oxen.
[“Good” written in left margin, rotated 90◦ right. Following entries have the letter Y {= yes?} in
left margin, similarly rotated, at every entry to 24 Oct, then no rotation to 24 Nov; then Y anno-
tation is sporadic, ending on 6 Dec.]
11 Cold morning, sharp frost and the ground covered with snow. The day broke up fine and the
snow mostly all left. Hitched up the mares and started plowing with them. The young mare was
weak from suckling her colt, had to unhitch them and plow with the oxen.
<Q1 folio 28 recto>
October 1876
12th Cold morning and a great deal of frost in the ground. It thawed out a little during the day. Was
plowing in the forenoon. Henry and the boys were putting potatoes in the cellar in the forenoon.
Was preparing for the thrashing machine in the afternoon. Traded a sheep to Kenneth Perry for
one hundred of beef, and gave him .50¢ to boot. The thrashers are here tonight ready for work
when tomorrow comes.
13 No rain today although it was cloudy most part of it. Was thrashing wheat and pease. The wheat
and [barley: stricken] turned out poorly. The pease were good but very wet as the stack had tak-
en the rain.
24
14 Snowing this morning and continued so mostly all day. The men and teams gathered to thrash
but could not on account of the stormy, snowy day.
15th Sabbath. The ground covered with snow and a cold day all through.
16 A cloudy morning but no rain or snow fell. A pretty high wind. Was thrashing the remainder of
the pease, the barley stack and the oat stack. Barley and oats turned out poorly, not half a crop,
oats light as chaff almost, stack very wet. I have lost as much as $40. on account of having no
barn to put my grain in. Times are getting a little hard on me as my crop will do scarcely any-
thing for me this season.
Mr. James Allen of Artemesia thrashed for me, his charge was $14.00.
<Q1 folio 28 verso>
October 1876
17th A dry day with sun shining pretty nicely in the afternoon. The boys and I were cleaning up the
barnyard in the forenoon and in the afternoon were putting potatoes in pits for the winter. Nancy
took some yarn to the weavers in the afternoon.
18 Fine sunny morning and continued so all day. Went to the station with some pease in the fore-
noon. Sold them @ .61 per bushel. Mr. Hunter asked me to haul nine bunches of lathe for him
from the Freight House to his house. I done so, but had to fetch the lathe back again to the
Freight house as Hunter had not paid the Freight on them. I consider it was mean of him to ask
me to move anything from the freight house when he had not discharged all dues against it. Was
plowing in the afternoon. The boys were fixing up the barn yard and hauling some potatoes to
gather [sic].
19 Very hard frost this morning, but the sun came out strong and the day continued fine. Was plow-
ing in the forenoon and James, John and I were at brother John’s thrashing in the afternoon. His
wheat and barley turned out moderately well.
20 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine. The boys and I were at Brother Sam’s thrash-
ing. His grain turned out very poorly.
21 Heavy rain this morning about 1 o’clock but the day was dry and very sultry. Was at Sam’s in
the forenoon and plowing at home in the afternoon. The eavning was so warm that the oxen put
out their Tongues.
<Q1 folio 29 recto>
October 1876
22nd Sabbath. Cloudy day, but dry and very warm for this time of the year. Brother John was here this
eavning.
23 Rainy morning, commenced long before daylight and continued a perfect pour most of the day.
It is still raining 7:30 P.M. Was fixing the horse stable in the forenoon and in the afternoon went
in to Proton to see about a school to teach next year as I am getting tired of farming.
24 Rather cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain throughout the day. Went to Mr. Thos. Fos-
ter’s in the forenoon and put some fencing round the straw stack in the afternoon. Clark and I
went to Mr. May’s and brought home the muly[*] cow which I had previously purchased from
him. James, John and Henry Lonsway were at Mr. Lonsway’s thrashing. [*muly, or muley are
naturally polled cows, i.e. without horns, typical of certain breeds such as Black or Red Angus]
25 Rainy morning and turned to sleet and snow in the afternoon. Was choring around today and
went to Mr. John Ludlow’s to see about selling him a yoke of working oxen. He came and seen
the oxen and bought them at $110.00 on a year’s credit. The boys were at Lonsway’s thrashing.
25
26 Snowy morning and continued so pretty much all day. I and John were at John Agnew’s thrash-
ing. James and Henry Lonsway were at Mr. Lonsway’s till 11 A.M. Henry then went to Mr.
Mills’ thrashing and James hitched up the horse and plowed.
<Q1 folio 29 verso>
October 1876
27th Dull cloudy morning with a little snow on the ground, but no rain or snow fell through the day.
John and I were at John Agnew’s thrashing. James was plowing.
28 Snowed some last night, the ground white with snow this morning, but some fell during the day.
Done nothing this forenoon. Went in the afternoon to a Trustee meeting of No. 5 Melancthon,
then went to Dundalk and bought a pair of boots for Eliza at $1.25
29th Sabbath. Cloudy day, rather cold and some snow on the ground.
30 Cloudy morning, but cleared up a little through the day, and became mild and warm in the after-
noon. Piled some cordwood in the bush in the forenoon and in the afternoon done some writing
as Sec. Treasurer of School Sect. 5 Melancthon. Also sent a letter to the Educational Depart-
ment. James plowed today.
31 Dull morning, but it did not rain any through the day. Henry Lonsway and I were chopping logs
for a barn in the bush. Jim was plowing.
November 1876
1st Cloudy morning and commenced raining about 10 A.M. and continued a pretty sharp rain for
about one hour. The remainder of the day was misty with a slight rain towards night. Jim was
plowing, Henry and I were chopping logs.
<Q1 folio 30 recto>
November 1876
2nd Rather cloudy morning, but no rain fell to about 3 O’clock P.M., when there was a pretty sharp
and continued shower. It became windy in the eavning and is now (11:45) P.M. blowing a very
stiff gale. I was chopping some barn logs in the forenoon and in the afternoon was choring
around. Jim was plowing. Henry Lonsway’s month was up this morning and I paid him his
wages, $8.00. I also paid his brother William for him $4.00, for which Henry is to haul out of
the bush with William’s oxen as many logs as will build me an end to my Barn of the size of 24
feet Square of a mow and 12 feet of a thrash floor. I must get up a Barn through some means be-
cause I am continually loosing [sic] my grain by stacking. I have lost this year as much as would
put up a mow to the one I have. Besides, my straw is always so badly stacked at thrashing that
the one third is wasted on me. I had thought that I could manage a Frame Barn for next summer,
but I cannot, as my grain turned out so poorly it is not half a crop. Things are beginning to look
squally with me financially. Still, I think I will be able to tide over my difficulties. I must pay
off my debts if possible and be very careful in future not to incur any more if I can possibly
avoid it. It is a very bad thing to get in debt here, depending on the crops to pay it off, because
they seldom do well here. It appears to be a frosty, barren, cold, wet, poor and unproductive part
of the world. [this entry covers the entire page]
<Q1 folio 30 verso>
November 1876
3rd Cloudy morning but the day continued dry with the exception of a slight mizzle of rain in the
forenoon. Was cutting roads in the bush in the forenoon to get out barn logs. In the afternoon,
26
John and I went to K. Perry’s thrashing. Did not thrash as something went wrong with the horse
power. Came home and went to cutting roads again.
4 Misty morning but the day continued dry. John and I went to Kenneth Perry’s thrashing. Jim
chored [MS:shred] around at home. Kenneth got done thrashing about 4 O’clock P.M. John and
I came home and chored around. Mrs. Lonsway and husband were here tonight.
5th Sabbath. Rather cloudy morning but no rain fell during the day. Visited Father this day.
6 Dark, misty morning and began to rain and sleet about 10 O’clock A.M. and continued so with-
out intermission up to the present hour, 8:45 P.M. The boys and I went to the woods in the fore-
noon to take out rafters, but the rain coming on so soon we had to give up the work. I began to
teach my children tonight.
7 Dull morning with a slight mizzle of rain through the day. The boys and I were taking out rafters
in the bush to 4 O’clock P.M., then I went into William Lonsway’s to get him to haul out logs for
the barn.
<Q1 folio 31 recto>
November 1876
8th Misty morning and a [second “a” stricken] good deal of sleet and rain fell during the day. The
ground is remarkably wet at present and the roads are so bad that very few venture on them with
waggons. Such a wet fall has not been known for a long time. William Lonsway was hauling
out Barn logs with his oxen and I was cutting roads, &c.
9 Cloudy morning but there was no rain through the day. Had W. Lonsway with his oxen in the
forenoon hauling out barn logs. In the afternoon I went to Mr. May’s and then to Dundalk and
bought an axe at $1.50 and a helve* at .15¢. [*axe handle].
10 Misty morning, but there was no rain through the day. Was taking out rafters in the forenoon and
in the afternoon turned over some oats in the barn as they were getting warm. The boys, Jim and
John, were cutting stove wood in the bush. Brother John is stopping here tonight.
11 Pretty clear morning with frost on the ground, enough just to keep one from sinking into the
mud. Went with Nancy in the forenoon to Dundalk to get her tooth drawn. In the afternoon
chored around. Boys were chopping stove wood in the afternoon.
12th Sabbath. A very fine day for this time of the year. Brother John was here today.
<Q1 folio 31 verso>
November 1876
13th Beautiful day for this season of the year. Very warm and the sun out bright and clear, but there is
some appearance of rain just now (8:30) P.M. Gave John Agnew four pigs six weeks old and he
is to winter on straw four head of cattle for me. I was hauling out beams and rafters for the barn
with the mare. The boys, Jim and John, were chopping.
14 A little snow on the ground this morning but it soon disappeared. The day was dry and favoura-
ble for working out of doors. John and I were getting out the remainder of the rafters and beams
for the barn. James went to help his uncle John Russell to bank his house. Mrs. Russell is very
much pained this eavning with an inflamed eye.
15 A little foggy this morning but the day brightened up and remained very fine. Went to Dundalk
and got some medecine for Mrs. Russell’s inflamed eye, as it is very painful. Then went to Mrs.
McCoy’s for our cloth. It was not woven. Came home and fixed a beetle* [*maul, large wooden
sledge hammer; see also 13 Dec. 1881, 20 Aug. 1883].
16 Misty morning, but the day held up well. There was a very slight little sprinkle of snow in the
morning. Went to William Lonsway’s and helped him to crosscut stove wood, as he claimed a
day of me for one I had him at the thrashing machine. Stopped at Father’s this night.
27
7 Cloudy day without sun, every appearance of rain tonight. Nancy’s eye is a good deal better.
Tried to burn the logs of the old house on Lot 220 but they were too wet to burn.
<Q1 folio 32 recto>
November 1876
18th Misty morning and a good deal like rain. The day kept dry till the afternoon when there was a
slight mizzle of rain. John and James were chopping stove wood in the bush. I was splitting
rails.
19th Sabbath. Warm, misty day but without rain. Brother John visited us today. I went to John Ag-
new’s in the eavning, my dog followed me. John had two sheep killed a few days before by ei-
ther dogs or wolves. He said he would get some strichnine and put on the remains of the sheep.
Afterwards he said that he had got none. I and the dog passed the remains of one sheep in his
bush. The dog ate some of it but I, believing there was no poison on it, did not mind it. When I
came home Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s, the dog with us. While there he took convul-
sions and swelled up. I got melted butter and poured into him, he seemed to get a little better.
After some time we came home, poor dog could only come part of the way, took another fit and
fell into the water. I lifted him out and carried him home, put some more melted butter into him,
but he died about 11 O’clock that night. John still asserts that he did not put poison out, but the
fact remains that after eating of the sheep, poor dog died, and I think that his death was caused
by poison, and I also think that it was a very treacherous proceeding on the part of John Agnew.
20 Foggy day with a slight mizzle of rain occassionaly. Helped Mr. Lonsway to kill some pigs in
the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned up some pease. Jim and John were chopping fire-
wood.
<Q1 folio 32 verso>
November 1876
21st Misty morning with a very slight mizzle of rain through the day. Cloudy and without sunshine
all day, but pleasant and warm, nonetheless. It is remarkably mild weather for this season of the
year and most people are busy plowing. I was splitting rails today, John and James were cutting
stove wood in [the] bush.
22 Sleet and rain this morning and continued so mostly all day. Went to split rails but gave it up,
the day was so wet.
23 Snow on the ground this morning and some fell during the day. Did not work any today, only
done the chores, as I was not well, having caught a cold. Visited Mr. Lonsway in company with
Mrs. Russell in the eavning.
24 Rather a cool morning and indications of winter as the snow is falling. Went to Dundalk in the
eavning with Mrs. Russell. She sold six pairs of mitts at 50¢ per pair. I went to Mr. Freeland’s
in Melancthon and got from them a little dog which I fetched home.
25 Rather cloudy morning and still some snow on the ground. In the afternoon it thawed some and
at night some more snow fell. Got the BobSleighs put to rights. Nancy plucked eleven geese in
the forenoon and we took them and two bags of beets to Dundalk in the afternoon. She got 15¢
per pound for five of them which were undrawn, and 16½¢ per pound for six of them that were
drawn. They were very fat for young geese and weighed about ten pounds each (the undrawn
ones). Nancy bought herself a sett of dishes. Sold the beets at 50¢ per bushel.
<Q1 folio 33 recto>
November 1876
26th Sabbath. Some snow fell this morning and the day was rather foggy and inclined to be soft. Mrs.
Russell and I visited Mr. John McQuarrie at Dundalk.
28
27 Misty morning with a very slight fall of snow through the day. The roads are very rough, there is
a little sleighing of a poor kind. Fixed a place in the stable for the cows and cleaned up some
barley for market.
28 Several little skiffs of snow fell through the day, but it was inclined to melt. Went to Dundalk in
the forenoon with 15 Bushels & 35 lbs Barley and only got 40¢ per Bushel. It was frozen and
poor stuff and was all I had off 2½ acres sown. In the afternoon went to Dundalk with Fourteen
bags of oats—they only weighed 23 Bushels and 13 lbs. Got 37¢ per Bushel. The oats are very
light and very little of them to an acre. The sleighing is very bad and I would not have gone, on-
ly my grain is in my way where I mean to stable my cattle. Gave my James the price of two
bushels of Barley as he said he had sown the ground that produced that quantity.
29 A little more snow on the ground this morning and continued coming down some more. Hauled
out some oats today and got 37¢ per Bushel. Oats very light: 28 bags well filled only weighed
47 Bushels and 15 lbs.
30 Real cold morning and continued a very sharp freeze all day with some snow falling. Andrew
Lonsway helped me to kill two pigs and a three year old steer. The pigs weighed 502 pounds
net. This is the first cold day there has been this winter.
<Q1 folio 33 verso>
December 1876
1st Very cold morning and continued freezing and snowing all day, a regular stinger of a day. The
boys and I cleaned and bagged the wheat—had about 40 Bushels from Six acres sown.
2 Not quite so cold as yesterday, though cold enough to be very uncomfortable. The boys and I
cleaned up and put away 17 Bushels of pease for feed in the forenoon and in the afternoon built a
pen of rails for the sheep. The co[l]ts were playing this eavning and Rodney, a two-year old,
sprained his leg or bruised his foot on some of the frozen lumps that are thick around the barn-
yard. He is very lame. Also the old mare, on going to water, came into the shed where we had
butchered a steer two days ago, and she smelled the blood. It seemed to make her sick, as she
lay down several times and seemed as if she were going to slip her colt. I put her into the stable
and gave her about a quart of spring wheat. She now (9 O’clock P.M.) seems all right.
3rd Sabbath. Mild day with a nice bit of sleighing. Mrs. and Mr. Lonsway visited us this eavning and
Brother John and wife at night.
4 Rather mild day with pretty high, clear sky. The sleighing is passibly [=passably] good.
Cleaned up 1425 pounds pease and took them to Dundalk. Sold them for .60¢ per bushel. The
highest price for other pease than mine was .58¢, but mine were a pure white pea and no thistle
tops nor oats in them. Sold a steer hide for .15¢ per pound. It weighed 70 pounds.
<Q1 folio 34 recto>
December 1876
5th Mild winter’s day, got a little cold in the eavning. Sleighing pretty good, especially on the gravel
road. Cleaned up some pease (15 Bags) and took them to Dundalk. Got .60¢ per Bushel for
them. Settled with Mr. Thos. Hanbury, and paid him out in full for Boots and shoes & mending
done by him during the year. Gave him a note in my favor on Mr. Barnaby of $8.40, another
note on W. Henders for $4.16, a steer’s hide at $3.75 and 10.00 in cash.
6 Pretty cold morning, but got milder through the day. Passibly good sleighing now. The wind
pretty strong tonight. Was helping John Agnew to saw wood.
7 Rather mild morning and not very cold. Began snowing in the eavning and continued so for
about two hours. Was helping John Agnew at sawing machine in the forenoon. In the afternoon
Mrs. Russell and I joined the Mayburn Grange.
29
8 Cold stormy morning and continued very cold all day. The boys and I were cleaning and putting
away oats.
9 Very cold morning and windy, piercing freeze, continued cold all day, it is freezing at present
(8:35) P.M. as it has not froze this winter. I believe this is the coldest day that has came for this
winter. Finished cleaning oats today and fixed a place in the barn for the horses and calves.
<Q1 folio 34 verso>
December 1876
10th Sabbath. Pretty cold. Wind in the South-East. Snowed a trifle during the day.
11th A little milder this morning, but the wind is rising and it is snowing now (10. P.M.). Went to
Melancthon with some oats I had borrowed from W. Lonsway. Brother Sam and I then got some
stakes for wood rack and put them in. Came home, went to the back field where I had some
wood corded up. Put on about a quarter of a cord and came home and finished my load, ready
for the station tomorrow. Ground terribly rough in the back plowed field. Wind in the S. E.
12 Rather mild day and passibly good sleighing. Was hauling cordwood to Station. Got Gerty, a
three-year old filly, shod on the front feet for the first time. Also got two shoes on the old mare.
13 Mild day and seemed almost like a thaw in the forenoon, then there was a slight shower of snow
in the afternoon. Was hauling dry cordwood to Dundalk Station.
14 Mild day on to about 5 P.M. when there arose a very severe wind and snow storm which contin-
ued through the forepart of the night. Was hauling cordwood to Station. Went in the eavning to
R. Cam[p]bell’s, Blacksmith, had two hind shoes put on old mare and a piece cut off sleigh
tongue.
15 Sharp stormy morning, snow falling and drifting, the storm increasing in the eavning, the roads
terribly heavy. Was hauling wood today to Station. Young mare pulled remarkably well through
heavy drift[s].
<Q1 folio 35 recto>
December 1876
16th A very cold, stormy morning. Snowing, blowing and freezing at an awful rate, and continued so
all day. The stormiest day which has came this winter. Only seen one sleigh on the road today.
Too stormy to take out the team to work, only done the necessary, the chores.
17th Sabbath. Very cold stormy day, snowing, blowing and freezing.
18 Cold day and storming high wind, snow drifting. Hauled wood from the back field to the front.
Very hard work on the team.
19 Stormy, cold day, snowing, blowing and freezing. Did not take the team out today.
20 Pretty cold day. Keen freeze, but no snow fell. Was to a wood bee at brother John’s.
21 Rather mild day, snow pretty deep and not much packed. Sleighs cut off the track very easy, not
so easy getting them on again. Was hauling wood to Station today.
22 Mild day. Was hauling wood to Station.
23 Mild day. Was hauling wood to Station.
24th Sabbath. Pretty sharp freeze. I went to Father’s.
25th Christmas. Rather cold day, keen east wind. Went to Mr. Foster’s in the forenoon to see him about
hauling logs. Nancy and I dined at Mr. Lonsway’s. Nancy and the three boys went to the
A[n]niversary at night.
<Q1 folio 35 verso>
December 1876
26th Rather mild day and very good sleighing. Hauled wood to Station.
30
27 Rather cold day, wind in the north-west. Snowed a little during the day. Went to a Grange Meet-
ing at Mayburn, Mrs. Russell and I. Hauled wood to the station today.
28 Mild day, almost a thaw, a little snow fell during the afternoon. Was at a wood bee at Br. Sam’s.
29 A pretty cold day and turned out very stormy in the eavning, snowing and blowing, and is still
continuing so at present, 8:45 A.M. [sic]. Was hauling wood to Station.
30 A Stormy morning, cold and blowing. The snow drifted during the night, making the roads very
heavy. Was hauling wood to Station.
31 A little milder than yesterday, but still a sharp freeze. Brother John visited us today.
<Q1 folio 36 recto>
January 1877
1st Rather sharp morning and continued so with increasing cold towards night. Hauled wood to
Dundalk today. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway spent part of the eavning with us.
2 Not so cold as yesterday, pretty good sleighing. Was hauling wood to Station.
3 Very sharp morning and continued extremely cold all day, not much blow but a piercing freeze.
Was hauling wood to Station.
4 Rather cold this morning but got somewhat milder towards eavning. Was hauling wood to Dun-
dalk today.
5 Pretty mild day, capital sleighing! Was hauling wood to Dundalk.
6 Very pleasant day, sun came out strong and warm, causing the snow to melt where not exposed
to the north. Was hauling wood to Dundalk.
7th Sabbath. Not a very cold day, rather mild in the morning. Nancy and I went to the back line today.
8 Rather cold day, keen frost. Was hauling wood to Station.
9 Very cold day all through, piercing frost and cold wind, felt more chilly today than any day so far
this winter. John Agnew drove me to Priceville to the Inspector’s. I tried for a permit to teach,
did not succeed. Think perhaps that I will get one [later?]
<Q1 folio 36 verso>
January 1877
10th Rather cold day but not so much as yesterday. Attended the Annual School Meeting of No. 5
Melancthon. Sold 12 cords of dry hard wood to Mr. Stephenson at $1.80 per cord. Bought 4
Bushels Manitoba wheat from him at $2.00 per bushel and .30¢ for each bag, and .23¢ freight on
each bag.
11 Cold morning and a pretty sharp snow storm in the eavning. Was hauling wood to Station.
12 Very cold morning and [dittog.: and] continued extremely so all day. Went to the station and
sold my dry wood to Mr. Stephenson at $1.75 per cord, car measure.
13 Very cold morning and continued so all day. Got windy in the afternoon and the snow began to
drift, filling in the track, causing bad sleighing. It is now (9. P.M.) blowing very fiercely and the
snow rattling against the house and windows. Was hauling wood to the Station today.
14th Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through, the roads very heavy on account of the big blow last night.
Mr. and Mrs. McQuarry visited us today.
15 Pretty cold morning, the roads still heavy. Hauled one load wood in the afternoon to Station. A
pretty large snow storm came on at night filling up the roads.
16 Bright, sunny morning but roads very heavy. Went in the afternoon with a load of wood to Sta-
tion. Old mare got badly corked in turning off to let a loaded team pass.
<Q1 folio 37 recto>
31
January 1877
17th Bright, sunny morning and continued a very fine winter’s day all through. Hitched up Rodney, a
two-year old colt, for the first time and went to Dundalk. He went well. Bought a bottle of
Saunderson’s Infallable oil @.50¢.
18 Pretty mild day and fair sleighing. Boys went to the bush and chopped stove wood.
19 Rather a soft day, and foggy, indications of a thaw. The trees all coated over with frost rind. A
young man came along and hired with the trustees of Sch[ool] Sect[ion] 5 Melancthon @ 330.
per annum.
20 [date number is opposite last line of previous entry] Very Stormy morning, snowing and blowing like
Greenland, and continued a raging storm all day, not a piercing freeze, but an awful heavy blow
and the snow came down very heavy. Went to Dundalk and bought a box of Abernathy’s worm
candy.
21st Sabbath. Stormy day, snow drifting, filling the road.
22 Cold stormy day. Went to the station and piled up some culls, bought some worm candies, and
spirits of turpentine and coal [MS: coil] oil. John Russell’s wife had a son* tonight, which
caused Nancy to be away all night. [*William Henry Russell; see 28 Nov. 1880, which records
his death from diphther.]
23 Very cold stormy morning and continued getting worse all day. It is snowing and blowing at a
lively rate at present (9:30) P.M. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us today.
<Q1 folio 37 verso>
January 1877
24th Very Stormy day all through, snowing, blowing and freezing. Thomas Buchannon got married to
Miss Myles today. Helped John Agnew work at his horse stable.
25 Not much of an improvement on yesterday, scarcely so cold, nor so heavy a blow. Mrs. Tyggart
[=(Mc)Taggart?] died yesterday at Dundalk. Was helping John Agnew till noon today, then went
to Dundalk, bought three Copy Books, a clothes line, 3 doz. Clothes pins, and borrowed a sy-
ringe.
26 Rather milder than for some days back, the day calmer, not such a sharp frost, nor any snow fall-
ing. Was helping John Agnew at his horse stable.
27 Pretty mild day, sleighing is improving, the drifts on the roads are getting packed down with the
amount of sleighs going over. Was working at John Agnew’s.
28th Sabbath. Very fine sunshiny day, and mild. Went in to Melancthon and brought out Brother Sam
and wife, took them home in the afternoon.
29th Beautiful day, the sun shone bright and warm, causing the snow to melt in favorable situations.
Went to the School in Melancthon in the forenoon and from there to the Station. Went at night to
Mr. Lonsway’s.
30 Very beautiful day, sun warm and bright. Young mare sick this morning, lying down and rising
repeatedly. Was either cholic or gravel. Went to Station and got some medecine for her. I put
also a little table salt in her water channel and she urinated and got relief immediately.
<Q1 folio 38 recto>
January 1877
31st Sky red in the east at sunrise, began to darken and looked stormy about 9 O’clock. A little rain
fell during the forenoon, a thaw is evidentally in contemplation. Split a little wood at Father’s.
Wrote some copies at night for Mr. Lonsway’s Children. The wind is rising now (9:15) P.M.
February [1877]
32
1st Rather mild day and inclined to thaw. Roads getting pretty well cut up. Nancy and I attended
Grange meeting this eavning.
2nd Mild day, slight sprinkling of rain. Went to see Mr. Stephens [sic, earlier Stephenson, Jan. 10,
12] to get paid for the wood I sold him. Hunted up and down through Dundalk for him. John
Charters told me he was in Mrs. Stinson’s. I went to there and while rapping on the door, heard
Stephens talking inside. I went in but he had evidentally hid as he was invisable [sic] and the
widow said he was not there. Seen him about 10. O’clock at night at Mr. May’s hotel. Asked
him for the money. Said he would give me an order for $30.00 on Mr. Brown. Asked him when
he would give me the balance, said he did not know. I then refused taking the order.
3 Mild day and pleasant throughout. Went to Dundalk to see Mr. Stephens, did not see him.
4th Very pleasant suns[h]iny day. Fetched Father and Mother out, drove them home in the eavning.
<Q1 folio 38 verso>
February 1877
5th Mild and rather inclined to be soft in the morning, got foggy in the afternoon and a frosty rind
covered the trees. It is blowing a little now (9:15) P.M. and snowing some. Took in a small load
of cordwood to the Station. Got the hind shoes taken off the old mare. Saw Step[h]ens, asked
him for my money. He gave me an order on Mr. Brown for $30.00, says he will not give me any
more as he paid me $20. before. He never paid me $20.00 and he is trying to cheat me out of my
hard-earned money. Don’t know what to do about it. Told him I would sue him. I am thinking,
though, that when he’s rogue enough to cheat me, he would swear a lie to carry out his roguery.
I never got cheated before, nor never had any difference with any person about money matters.
I and Mrs. Russell visited Mr. Lonsway’s tonight.
6 Rather colder than yesterday, but not so much as to be unpleasant. Wind blowing a little and soft
this eavning, a small quantity of snow falling. Was hauling cordwood to Station. Sleighing pret-
ty good. Mr. Kenneth Perry was here this eavning.
7 Mild day and a very slight mizzle of rain fell. Was hauling wood to Station. John Agnew was
here this night.
<Q1 folio 39 recto>
February 1877
8th Very fine day, sun shone pretty strong in the forenoon. Was hauling wood to Dundalk.
9 Bright, sunny morning and the day continued warm. Bad sleighing in some parts. Was hauling
wood to Station. Got the goods the Grange had sent for.
10 Fine morning, sun bright and warm, the day fine throughout. Hauled one load of wood to Station
in the forenoon. Sold a ten cord pile to Mr. H. Graham* for $1.75 per cord. He said there would
be about a cord of culls in it, for which he allowed me .50¢. I got a bolt put in the runner of the
sleigh. Settled my account with Mr. Graham ($3.50), he gave me .50¢ worth sugar and a due bill
for $12.25, being the balance due me on wood. [*H. Graham’s, Staple & fancy dry goods, 1877
list of businesses, History of Dundalk, p. 101.]
11th Sabbath. Mild day. Sun shone bright, thaw wind in the eavning. Nancy and Jim went to Melanc-
thon.
12 Very windy morning and snow falling, continued stormy and cold all day.
13 Bright, sunny morning, but piercingly cold. The day ameliorated as the sun got up in the sky.
Went to Mr. Agnew’s in the eavning and Witnessed a Deed and Lease. Skeffington Bell was
there also and witnessed the same documents.
<Q1 folio 39 verso>
February 1877
33
14th Mild morning and the day continued fine all through. Attended Council Meeting in Proton. Ap-
plied to be assessor, did not get the office. Middleton went back on me.
15th Bright, sunny morning, the day continued fine all through. Went to Mr. May’s in the eavning.
Sent off the amount of invoice for goods Grange obtained.
16 Rather fine morning, but there came on a snow storm with strong wind about 10. O’clock A.M.
Soon cleared off. Nancy and I went to James Murphy’s.* Paid $10.00 at Shelburne on the note
due 1st March next for a plow. Did not get the note. Mr. Corbett said the note was in his own
house. Took a new note for $10.00 with 10 per cent interest. Gave me a receipt for the $10.00
paid and said he would send me the old note. [*Mrs. Mary Murphy is a cousin of Robert’s—
probably the sister of his cousin William Russell who wrote him from Ireland; they live in
Simcoe County, near Rosemont, just west of Alliston. Robert and Nancy pass through Shelburne
on their way to the Murphy’s.]
17 Rather cold morning and continued blowing pretty strong all day, with a very sharp wind.
18 Sabbath. Snowing in the morning and continued so all day. Left James Murphy’s and came home,
the roads pretty heavy.
19 Very sharp morning but the day ameliorated considerably. Went to Dundalk this afternoon.
<Q1 folio 40 recto>
February 1877
20th Sharp cold morning and continued pretty cold most of the day. The snow drifted, making the
sleighing bad in the eavning. Took 19 Bushels and 20 lbs of wheat to Speeton Mills*, Artemesia.
Got 720 pounds flour. Entered a case in Division Court against Mr. John Stephenson.
[*Located within 1.5 miles of Flesherton—advertised for rent in Nov. 1885; see imag-
es.ourontario.ca/Partners/GreyHighlands
/GHPL002485236pf_0632.pdf Accessed 12 July 2017]
21 Very fine sunshiny day. Hunted up the colts in the forenoon and Mrs. Russell and I went to the
Grange in the afternoon.
22 Beautiful day, sun warm and bright. Sun melted the snow so that it ran off the road in streams of
water. Took 17 Bushels and 20 lbs of wheat to Speeton Mills, Artemesia. Got 680 pounds of
flour.
23 Fine mild day, without either snow or rain. Did not do any work today.
24 Fine mild day all through, thaw wind, snow melting. Went to Mayburn and sent off for some
goods for the Grange. Went at Night to John Ludlow’s.
25th Sabbath. Mild morning, but the day got rather chilly in the afternoon. Went to Melancthon and
visited Brothers John and Sam, Father, Mother and Sister Margaret.
<Q1 folio 40 verso>
February 1877
26th Fine mild morning and the day continued pleasant. Went in the forenoon to Mrs. McCoy’s and
settled with her for weaving done for us there. Was $1.40 remaining of last year’s account and
$4.10 due for this year. I gave her a due bill which I held against Mr. Graham for wood I sold
him. The amount remaining unpaid on the due bill is $7.25 which overpaid Mrs. McCoy $1.75
and this sum is to go towards next year’s weaving. The assessor was here today and assessed
Lot 215 at $750, and Lot 216 @ $200. and my personal property at $140. Sum total $1090.
The muly cow calved today.
27 Clear day, the sun bright and warm, continued fine all day. Went to Mr. Thomas Ross’ and pur-
chased 2 Bushels Redchaff wheat at $2.00 per bushel. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us this
eavning.
34
28 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine, although the wind was pretty sharp. Got Mr.
John Ludlow’s note discounted by Mr. May: Note $110, Cash received $100. Paid my note for
wagon to Mr. Norval of $50.00.
March 1877
1st Very beautiful day, the sun clear and bright. Mrs. Russell and I went to see old Mrs. Talbot, who
is very ill, this eavning. Mrs. Agnew was here today, also Anthony Trugon. The first hens’ eggs
of the season obtained today.
<Q1 folio 41 recto>
March 1877
2nd Wet morning, rain and snow combined with a pretty strong wind, and continued a wet slushy day
all through. The rain changed to snow in the eavning. Mr. James May’s Hotel, dwelling house
and Post Office were totally destroyed by fire this morning about 7 O’clock. The fire originated,
it is supposed, in one of the stove pipes. A good deal of household effects were saved, but a con-
siderable portion of them was burned. The loss is very heavy on him as there was no insurance.
3 Snowy morning and continued so all day. The snow is pretty soft, does not appear as if it would
last long. Went to the Station today for some dry apples.
4th Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Brother John and wife visited us this afternoon.
5 Cold, stormy morning and continued cold all day with snow falling. Went to Dundalk for the
goods for Grange and distributed them to the members in the eavning, then sent away the price
of them.
6 Very cold morning with Snow falling and the day got colder and stormier all through, snow fall-
ing and the wind piling it up in heaps. Was around with a subscription list for Mr. J. May, got en-
tered on the list $109.00 and $20.00 of this was paid in cash. I do not approve of the undertak-
ing, as I think it will sting him afterwards.
<Q1 folio 41 verso>
March 1877
7th Cold stormy morning, the roads drifted up with snow. The storm abated as the day advanced and
the sun shone out about noon. Was working in the bush helping to load saw logs for Mr. May,
who had a bee. He had thirteen horse teams hauling logs to the mill and two yoke of oxen work-
ing in the bush.
8 Very stormy morning, snowing and blowing. The snow came down very thick about 4 O’clock
P.M. The snow has got to be a great depth again.
9 Very stormy morning and continued snowing and blowing all day. John Agnew and Robert Nes-
bit visited us today.
10 Cold day but not so stormy as yesterday. The snow is a great depth at present. Not much traffic
of any kind on the road today. Went in the eavning to the Post Office.
11th Sabbath. The storm is somewhat abated, the day, however, is pretty cold, the roads heavy.
12 Something milder this morning and the day was not unpleasant although the snow is deep. Went
to the Grange and got some meal (corn) and two patented pails.
13 Bright, sunny morning and the day continued clear and fine all through, wind in the S.-E. Was
helping brother John to load and unload cordwood. Mrs. Agnew Snr. and Alexander Patterson
were here today.
<Q1 folio 42 recto>
March 1877
35
14th Inclined to be a little stormy in the morning, some snow falling which was mixed with a little
rain, the wind pretty strong. The day kept getting rougher and the storm increased till now (8)
P.M. it is blowing and snowing at a furious rate. The roads are drifted full and the wind is whis-
tling outside at no small rate. Was helping Brother John in the forenoon to haul wood with his
team to the Station. He had to give up in the afternoon on account of the storm and also because
he took a very severe sore throat. William Lonsway and wife were here today.
15 Pretty stormy morning and continued cold and blowing all day. Went to see Br. John.
16 Some improvement on yesterday, neither so cold nor stormy. Went in to see Brother John and
Father and Mother. Brother Sam and wife and John’s wife came out here. Sam and I and John’s
wife went to Dundalk. I sold a calf’s skin for .40¢ (in trade) and I bought 2 Bushels of Redchaff
wheat at $1.35 per Bushel.
17 Bright morning, clear sky, but very sharp air. The day continued cold and clear all through.
Helped John Agnew to clean grain in the forenoon. Went to the Post Office in the eavning. Mr.
Chambers died.
18th Sabbath. Bright warm morning, sun shone, the day fine. Mrs. Russell, her brother John and I went
to the wake of Mr. Chambers in the forenoon. In the afternoon Nancy went to Mr. Lonsway’s.
<Q1 folio 42 verso>
March 1877
19th Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine all through, inclined to be a little cold in the
eavning. Was helping Brother John at his cordwood.
20 Clear bright sunny morning, sun shone all day. Capital sleighing at present! Was helping Broth-
er John at his wood in the forenoon. Did not feel well in the eavning and stopped at home.
21 Windy and snowing in the forenoon. The afternoon was sunny and fine. Was helping brother
John with cordwood in the eavning. Mrs. McCoy was here.
22 Mild morning with a rather soft wind blowing, the day continued fine all through. Was helping
brother John at his wood. Mrs. Russell was at Mrs. McCoy’s quilting bee.
23 Bright sunny morning and continued fine all day. Was helping brother John with his wood. Sent
to Clerk of Division Court for two summonses for witnesses.
24 Morning rather dull and overcast, sun shone a little about noon. Was getting out some Saw logs
on Lot 36 Melancthon, assisted by brothers John & Sam. Slept at Father’s at night.
25 A little drizzle of sleet this morning and the day showed signs of a thaw.
26 Raining and sleeting alternately all day. Attended the Sch. Examination at Melancthon. The
teacher is a bass wood one [?]. Went in the eavning and seen Br. John Express $50.00 to Rolf &
Rolf[?], Toronto.
<Q1 folio 43 recto>
March 1877
27th Stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the roads heavy and the Snow soft underneath on ac-
count of the thaw yesterday. The wind is very strong now (8:20) P.M. and the snow drifting.
Went with Jim in the morning to School Sect. No. 2 Proton and in the eavning went to Mr. Hen-
rick Lemcke’s sale.
28 Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing. The storm kept increasing all day and at this hour
(10 P.M.) it is furious. Went to the Grange this eavning with John Agnew, did not stop any
length of time as there was no likeliness of a meeting on account of the storm. Posted a letter to
Brother William today.
36
29 Pretty sharp, cold morning, but the storm abated since last night. The sun shone out bright but
the wind was pretty strong and sharp. The day got calmer towards night. Mr. James Wilson of
Melancthon and Mrs. Agnew, Mr. A. Lonsway and Mrs. Lonsway were here today.
30 Bright sunny day and a pretty good thaw in the afternoon. Went to Dundalk in the eavning and
bought a barrel of cornmeal @ $4.25
31 Morning inclined to be soft, a snow storm came on about one o’clock P.M. and continued for
about two hours. Went to Mr. James Robinson of Osprey and bought Twenty-three bushels of
oats at forty-two cents per bushel. Bought three pounds of nails at five cents per pound and paid
four dollars on my Blacksmith’s bill. Went in the eavning to the Post Office.
<Q1 folio 43 verso>
April 1877
1st Sabbath. Bright, sunny morning, Sun remarkably strong and warm. Sky became overcast after
dinner. Pretty sharp shower of rain near night, some lightening, quite a storm. Mrs. Russell,
James, Eliza and I visited the folks in Melancthon.
2 Sharp morning, the wind cold, did not thaw much today. Bought one ton of hay today from Mr.
Duggan @ $8.00. Went in the eavning to Silver Star Grange Meeting, accompanied by Mr. May.
3 Pleasant day, although the wind was chilly. Sun shone out all day long. Went to the back line,
Melancthon.
4 Fine, mild morning, sun shone bright, the day fine all through, the snow thawed considerably.
Brother John helped me fetch one ton of hay from Mr. Dug[g]an’s. I brought home the young
cow, Violet, from John Agnew’s. Attended our Grange at night.
5 Snow falling this morning, thick and soft, cleared off about 8 O’clock A.M. Went to Mr. Robin-
son’s, Osprey, for seed oats. Mr. John Conners hauled them home for me. Went in the eavning
to brother John’s and helped him castrate his hog. John Agnew was here this eavning.
6 Nice sunny day, snow thawed a good deal. Was making spoils [=spiles]* for putting in the maple
trees. Went to Mr. Fothergall’s [=Fothergill’s] and asked liberty to tap in his bush; leave granted.
[*See 11 Mar. 1876.]
<Q1 folio 44 recto>
April 1877
7th Frosty morning but the sun shone out bright and clear, and the day became pretty warm. The
boys, Mrs. Russell and I tapped some maple trees today. [in margin] First trees tapped.
8th Sabbath. Mild sunny day, the sun pretty warm, the day continued fine and thawing. Mrs. Agnew
visited us today.
9 Bright sunny morning, although the wind was rather sharp. As the day advanced it got warm, the
snow is melting away, but slowly. We were all working in the sugar bush. I went in to Melanc-
thon with the team in the eavning. John Agnew and Kenneth Perry were here this eavning.
10 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued warm and fine, snow melting rapidly. Served
summonses on three witnesses in the case which I have against John Stephens. The roads very
bad, had to walk through water a good part of the way to one of their places. Mrs. Russell and
the boys were in the sugar bush. Was summoned this eavning to attend Magistrates court at
Flesherton to give evidence against Mr. May for selling liquor without license. Kenneth Perry
was at our house this eavning. Seen five Robins today, being the first seen by me this spring. [in
margin] Spotty & Violet calved.
11 A beautiful day, sun warm and bright. Attended court at Flesherton, was sworn whether Mr. May
sold liquor on the 4th inst., or within thirty days of that time, in Proton, he having no licence for
37
that township. I had to tell the truth and Mr. May was fined $20.00 and costs. The informer,
whoever he is, must be a mean, low skunk. John Agnew & K. Perry were here this eavning.
<Q1 folio 44 verso>
April 1877
12th Beautiful spring day, warm and bright, the sky blue and clear. Nancy and I were working in the
sugar bush. The sap does not run well for so far.
13 Very lovely spring morning and the day continued fine all through. Nancy and I were working in
the sugar bush till noon. In the afternoon went to Mr. Gallaher’s in Melancthon. The boys start-
ed for school today, but could not get there on account of the roads being flooded over. Went to
John Agnew’s at night and stopped there for about two hours.
14th Bright sunny morning and the day continued very fine all through, beautiful weather for this time
of the year. Mr. Gallaher was here looking at some stock I had to dispose of. I traded him a colt
two off [=not yet two?], four spring calves and an ewe for a first-class buggy and a sett of double
and single harness.
15th Sabbath. Very beautiful day, the air mild and balmy, spring weather entirely!
16 Sky a little overcast this morning, and continued cloudy all day, a few drops of rain fell. Went to
the sugar bush in the morning, and helped to start the fires and hang our kettles. Came home and
hauled some rails and lumber off the ground I wanted to plow. Mr. Gallaher brought the buggy
in the afternoon and took away his stock. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Wife and boys in
the sugar bush.
<Q1 folio 45 recto>
April 1877
17th Beautiful spring day all through, sun warm and bright, got a little cloudy just at night. The boys
and I gathered some rails from around the barn in the forenoon, and in the afternoon started to
plow. The ground plowed nicely, no frost to an[n]oy one. Spring has commenced a great deal
earlier this year than last. Two cows calved and one ewe lambed. [in margin] first plowing
18 Rather a cloudy cool day, with indications of rain. It kept fair to about 5 O’clock P.M. when it
commenced raining, the eavning decidedly chilly. Was plowing today. One ewe lambed this
morning. John Agnew was here this afternoon.
19 Cold, cloudy morning, with a raw wind. A slight sprinkle of rain fell in the forenoon, and in the
afternoon there was a good deal of rain. Was plowing to noon, when it became too wet to con-
tinue at it any longer. The ground is very wet today and plowing don’t go good. Was at John
Agnew’s in the eavning.
20 Cold raw morning, but the day cleared off and got pretty fine and dry. Attended Division Court
at Flesherton, settled my case with Stephenson, took his due bill for $17.50. The amount he
owed me for wood was $20.00, but I wished to be done with law and so settled.
21 Warm, sunny morning and the day continued fine all through. Went to Dundalk and presented
the due bill to Stephenson. He would not pay so I suppose I will have to sue him again. (What
trouble!)
<Q1 folio 45 verso>
April 1877
22nd Sabbath. Beautiful day all through, sun warm and bright. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. James
Trugon in the eavning. Brother John was here this eavning.
23 Very nice morning and a beautiful spring day all through. Sowed wheat and Jim harrowed. Mrs.
Russell was in the sugar bush. Old Mr. Gott got his arm broke by one of his cows striking it
when he was untying her. [in margin] first wheat sown
38
24 Very beautiful morning and the day continued charming all through. Finished sowing wheat
(Eight bushels). Went to the Post Office in the eavning.
25 Beautiful day all through, the air mild and balmy, very spring-like. Sowed some pease. Mrs.
Russell and I went to the Grange in the eavning. Seen two swallows today. [in margin] first
pease sown; seen swallows
26 Rather sharp frost this morning, sun came out bright and warm, the day fine but the sky clouded
over in the eavning. Finished sowing pease (15 bushels), Jim harrowed. Mrs. Russell, the boys
and [I] sorted over the potatoes. They had kept pretty well in pits through the winter, about one
twentieth of them was spoiled.
27 Fine day, although a little cool. Jim finished harrowing the pease in the forenoon, and plowed in
the afternoon. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk in the eavning, and at night I drew up Mr. C.
Bell’s will.
28 Very cool day and a cold rain at night. Was plowing today. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway visited us this
eavning.
<Q1 folio 46 recto>
April 1877
29th Sabbath. Cool day but fair on till the eavning when there was some rain. A good deal of rain
mixed with snow fell through the night. Mrs. Russell and I were in Melancthon today.
30 Cool day but varied occassionally by a shower of snow. Was plowing today. Brought the sugar
kettles and barells out of the bush.
May 1877
1st Cool morning and the day continued rather chilly all through. Was plowing. James made anoth-
er start to attend School today. One of the cows did not come home with the rest and it gave us
considerable [MS: of] trouble hunting her up.
2 Cool morning with a slight frost, but nothing to retard work. The day was clear but cool all
through. Was plowing today.
3 Cool clear day all through till the eavning when the sky got clouded, and there was a slight fall of
snow at night. Was plowing in the forenoon. Skidded up some logs which were in my road in
the afternoon.
4 Cool clear day with some snow laying on the ground in the morning, which soon melted. Was
plowing today.
5 Cool morning. The day got warmer and kept fine and dry. Sowed about 20 Bushels oats. Went
to Dundalk in the afternoon to get Stephenson [to] pay due bill. Did not see him. Planted four
nice plum trees which Mother had bestowed me. [in margin] first oats sown
<Q1 folio 46 verso>
May 1877
6th Sabbath. Fine day, clear and dry with a bright sun. Visited at Father’s.
7 Fine Spring day, warm and bright, ground dry and moldy, harrowed splendid! Was picking up
roots in the forenoon. Harrowed some in the afternoon. John Charters was here wanting to buy
a milch cow.
8 Cool day and a little cloudy. Harrowed in the forenoon, plowed some in the afternoon and
sowed a bag of oats.
9 Cool cloudy day, plowed to 4:30 P.M. The old mare, being very heavy with colt, got tired and I
unhitched for the day. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon, sent away for some Grange goods.
39
10 Cool, cloudy day with quite a sharp frost in the morning. It has been a very favorable spring for
so far for seeding, but there is no growth on account of the coldness of the weather. Was plow-
ing today and the three eldest boys were at school. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us this
eavning.
11 Cool day but favorable for working. Finished plowing for oats and sowed and harrowed them.
[in margin] finished sowing oats
12 Warmer than yesterday, sun pretty strong. Was plowing for potatoes. Went to see Mr. Stephen-
son in the afternoon. Did not get my money from him. He offered me $8.00, would not accept
it. He said he would fetch all of it to me next week. [in margin] first potatoes planted
<Q1 folio 47 recto>
May 1877
13th Sabbath. Very fine warm day. Brother John was here in the eavning. Mr. Jenkins’ little boy, aged
about Eleven years, was buried today. He died of diptheria.
14 Warm sunshiny day. Was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon. The ground plows nice and mellow.
15 Rather cool morning, the sun shone out for a little, then clouded over. A slight mizzle of rain fell
in the afternoon. Was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon. The four eldest were at school.
16 Sultry day, but a little cloudy. Was fencing. Brother John’s wife and Nancy shore the sheep.
The four eldest were at school.
17 Sultry morning and cloudy, came on to rain about 10 A.M., a beautiful warm rain making vegeta-
tion rapidly. The rain ceased about 2. P.M. Was plowing on Lot 220 till the rain stopped me.
Harrowed a potatoe patch at home in the eavning. Mrs. Russell and I went to see old Mr. Gott at
night.
18 Warm dry day with rather a strong wind. Good growth today. Was plowing at Lot 220.
19 Very warm day all through. Sowed five bags of mixed grain on Lot 220. Jim harrowed with
Lotty, a two-year old filly, and Gerty. I came home and planted potatoes, and when finished
went to Dundalk. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes
<Q1 folio 47 verso>
May 1877
20th Sabbath. Pretty warm day, got cloudy in the afternoon and a slight shower of rain fell. Went to see
the folks in Melancthon.
21 A pretty sharp rain this morning before day. It cleared off and the day was dry all through.
Plowed in the forenoon with the two young mares, plowed in the afternoon with the two oldest.
Went to Mr. Lonsway’s tonight, got two bushels of pease from him at one dollar per bushel.
22 Cloudy cool morning. It came on to rain early in the morning, then cleared off. It was show[e]ry
till about 2 P.M., cold rain and the night extremely cold. Was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon.
23 Very cold morning and frequent showers of snow through the day. It is cold enough now, (9:5)
P.M., almost, for the month of February. There is snow sufficient to make a score of snowballs
laying at the end of the milk house. Was at a Logging Bee at brother John’s.
24 Very cool day and continued cool and cloudy all through, sharp frost this morning. Finished
sowing and harrowing mixed cattle feed (oats & pease). This winds up my seeding for the sea-
son. The boys went a-fishing!
25 Cool day and cloudy, with frost in the morning. Turned over the potatoes. Mrs. Russell and
Mrs. Mills and I went to Dundalk. Got some milk pans and boots and slippers. Fixed the milk
house in the eavning and attended a Trustee Meeting at night.
<Q1 folio 48 recto>
May 1877
40
26th Cool day, frost in the morning. Was repairing a fence today.
27 Sabbath. Very warm, dry day. Was hoping for some rain but it still seems to shift off. Old mare
colted this night.
28 Very warm, dry day. Was helping brother John to rid up his bush fallow.
29 Dry, sultry day, and very hot. Was helping brother John at his fallow.
30 Sky a little overcast, no rain fell, dry and warm throughout the day. Was helping John in his fol-
low.
31st Cloudy but dry and warm. Was helping John in his follow [=fallow].
June 1877
1st Dry and warm, but a little indication of rain. None came, however, through the day. Went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and bought a cow bell for .45¢ and a bell strap for .40¢. Brother Sam
hauled me a barrel of Cornmeal I had obtained through the Grange. I took it back in the eavning
as it was very inferior. Bought another Barrel at Station for $4.50 cash.
2 Slight shower of rain this morning, doing no more than mearly [=merely] wetting the leaves.
Was helping Brother John today.
<Q1 folio 48 verso>
June1877
3rd Sabbath. Dry sultry forenoon. Got a little cooler in the eavning. Brother John and wife and Mrs.
Samuel Russell were here this eavning. Rosey, a young cow, calved today.
4 Dry day with pretty strong wind. Was helping Brother John with his new fallow.
5 Dry day and pretty warm. Was at Joseph Bowler’s logging bee, putting in time for brother John.
6 Dry day and very warm. Was choreing around home today. A young heifer (Elly) calved today.
7 Dry day and very hot in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon was quite cool. Was at a
raising at James Patterson’s of a hewed log dwelling house.
8 Pretty warm day all through. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, took two bags of
Early Rose potatoes, sold them to Mr. May at $1.25 per Bag.
9 A slight rain fell this morning and the day continued showery to about 6 P.M. when the rain came
down in right down [sic] earnest and continued raining most of the night. The ground was very
dry and the grain and grass had much need of rain. Nancy and I took our wool to Flesherton to
be carded.
10 Very cool morning and continued cold all day, with a slight shower or two of rain. Mrs. Russell
and I visited Mr. James Dane [Daw?]. (Gerty) a young mare sprained her leg when going along
the road and is lame.
<centrefold Quire 1>
<Q1 folio 49 recto>
June1877
11th Quite cool and cloudy this morning and continued so all day. Jim, John, and I were picking up
stones in Lot 220 Melancthon.
12 Cool cloudy morning with a pretty high wind in the forenoon. Slight thunder and heavy rain in
the afternoon about 4 P.M. Mrs. John Agnew was very sick this night and I went to Dundalk to
get some medecine for her.
13 Cloudy morning and the day not very warm. Was doing Statute labor for Lot 215 Proton. The
boys made a start at plowing the summer fallow, but they did not succeed very well.
14 Clear sunny morning and the day very warm and dry. I was doing Statute labor for Lot 215 Pro-
ton. Jim was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon with brother Sam’s team.
41
15 Fine morning, heavy dew, sun rose bright and warm. Got very hot about 1 P.M., then followed a
heavy shower or two accompanied by some thunder and lightening. Was doing Statu[t]e labor.
Jim was plowing on Lot 220 with Sam’s horses.
16 Heavy dew this morning and a little cloudy. There was a slight mizzle of rain about 8 A.M., the
day continued fair though dark. Jim was plowing on Lot 220, John, Clark and I were picking up
stones which I consider pretty hard work. Still, the bible says “Man shall earn his bread by the
sweat of his brow.”
<Q1 folio 49 verso>
June1877
17th Sabbath. Fine dry day and pretty warm.
18 Warm dry day, inclined to be a little cool towards sunset. Was helping brother Sam.
19 Cool cloudy day with a pretty sharp wind, got cold towards sunset. Was helping brother Sam.
20 Warm morning, the sun was bright and clear, the day remained dry although cool towards night.
Chored around in the forenoon. In the afternoon Mrs. Russell and I went to Grange.
21 Rainy morning, but cleared off about 9 A.M., the day continued cloudy and cool. The boys and I
fixed a fence in the forenoon. Took part of brother John’s lumber home to him in the afternoon.
22 Bright sunny morning, although cool and remained so mostly all day. Very cold just now, 11:45
P.M., and every indication of a frost. Was fixing stone boat and making bars[?] today.
23 Bright sunny morning, in fact too much sun as there was a very severe frost last night wilting
down the potatoes to the very ground and injuring grain and grass. Jim, John and I were picking
stones on Lot 220. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. I posted a letter to Broth-
er William.
24th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and a pretty warm day. Mrs. Russell and I went to the funeral of
old Mrs. Thomas Talbot.
<Q1 folio 50 recto>
June 1877
25th Rather cloudy day but dry all through. Was plowing in summer fallow on Lot 220. Went in the
eavning to Post Office. Heard wolves howl tonight.
26 Cool morning and the day not very warm, a slight shower of rain about noon. Was helping
brother Samuel today.
27 Bright sunny morning, although the sun clouded over during the day, but it was very warm with
indications of a thunder storm. I was at a logging bee at John Agnew’s. Mrs. Russell and family
were at a Pick-Nick of the Sabbath School Scholars on Lot 220 Melancthon.
28 Bright morning, the sun shone out strong and warm. Was doing Statute labor today.
29 Slight shower of rain this morning, just enough to lay the dust for a little while. I was doing stat-
ute labor today.
30 Cloudy warm morning and continued so to about 10 A.M., when there came on a very nice rain
which continued about one hour. There were spells of very warm sunshine through the eavning
and I got the benefit of it as I was in John’s clearing, on the edges of his bush, helping him to put
a fence round his barley. This night is very cloudy and black, with a pretty high wind. The air is
close and very warm.
<Q1 folio 50 verso>
July 1877
1st Sabbath. Some slight showers of rain fell during the day. A fine growing day.
2 Pretty warm day all through. Was helping Brother Samuel to log. I slept at Father’s.
42
3 Cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain fell during the day, wetting the ground pretty well.
Was at a logging bee at John Mills’ lot in 5th Range, Melancthon.
4 A very warm morning and the heat kept increasing to about 2 O’clock P.M. It was almost un-
bearable. I felt more oppressed with the heat today than I did any other day so far this summer.
Brother John was making me a gate. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I traded my buggy to
Mr. John Hanbury for seventy-five dollars worth of work to consist of lathing, plastering and
mason work. Brother John stopped here tonight.
5 A pretty warm day but not so hot as yesterday. Brother John finished the gate and gate posts.
We hung the gate and I fixed the fence to it.
6 Clear warm day, although a little cloudy, a few drops of rain fell during the forepart of the night
and it looks like more. Was fixing fences today. Jim was plowing. Went to Dundalk in the
eavning.
<Q1 folio 51 recto>
July 1877
8th Sabbath. Pretty warm day with indications of thunder and rain in the south, though none of the lat-
ter fell here.
9 Warm day with a little wind. It got quite cool in the eavning. I was hoeing potatoes, assisted by
John. Jim was plowing. The crops are doing well for so far but the frost has consid[e]rably in-
jured the potatoes. The hay crop will be very light on account of the dry spring.
10 Pretty warm day although cloudy with a rather brisk wind. The eavning got chilly, almost cold
enough for frost, but happily there was none. I was at Samuel McDowell’s logging bee. Jim was
plowing, John and Clark were hoeing potatoes.
11 A very fine day, a little cloudy with a little wind, not quite so cold this eavning as it was yester-
day eavning. I and John were hoeing potatoes, Jim and Clark were plowing.
12 Fine, pleasant day, a little cloudy but dry and warm. I and all the family went to a pick-nick at
brother John’s. [The Glorious 12th! John Russell was charter member, John Agnew first Master,
of Loyal Orange Lodge No. 797, Proton District; History of Dundalk, p. 168]
13 Pretty warm day, the roads remarkably dry and dusty. John and I were hoeing potatoes. Jim and
Clark were plowing. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
14 Dry morning, sun bright and warm, tokens of rain about noon, small shower fell about one
O’clock. Sowed five acres of turnip seed, hand cast on a piece of old land I had summer fal-
lowed.
<Q1 folio 51 verso>
July 1877
15th Sabbath. Warm day, the sun a little obscured with clouds.
16 Very warm in the forenoon, the afternoon was somewhat cooler, the sun got overcast and rain
fell slightly. Was mowing on Lot 220. Miss Mary Trugon disappeared yesterday eavning from
her home. Her parents are very anxious about her and are looking everywhere for her. [in mar-
gin] First mowing
17 A pretty nice shower very early this morning, but it soon cleared off. The day was fine and
breezy. Was mowing today. Jim helped mow some. Nancy and John raked hay in the after-
noon. My hay crop is very light, I think not more than between seven or eight hundred weight to
an acre. The hay crop in general is light on account of the exceedingly dry time which we have
had. Mr. Trugon got intelligence of his daughter today: she is west[w]ard bound, going through
Proton in search of employment.
43
18 Rained very early this morning, but cleared off a little after daylight. Came on to rain again
about 9 O’clock A.M. It stopped raining after a little. The afternoon was showery and it is now,
(8:40) P.M., raining pretty briskly. I and Jim were mowing today. Mrs. Abbott came along in
the eavning to enquire about the money for some goods she had sent through the Grange to To-
ronto.
<Q1 folio 52 recto>
July 1877
19th Wet morning, but cleared off soon. Went in to the back line this forenoon, mowed on Lot 220 in
the afternoon. The boys raked hay in the eavning.
20 Slight showers of rain fell all through the day. I mowed and the boys chored around at home.
21 Bright sunny morning and a fine breeze of wind drying the hay nicely. I helped Brother Sam to
rake hay in the forenoon and in the afternoon I helped him to haul in. Nancy and the boys were
raking hay on Lot 220.
Sabbath
22 Very warm forenoon, but a slight shower fell during the afternoon, cooling the air considerably.
William Lonsway was here a short time today. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway.
23 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm. I was hauling in hay, assisted by
Brother Sam with his team. Nancy and the boys were raking. We hauled home five loads and
stacked it.
24 Bright sunny morning and the day continued pretty hot all through. Was mowing on Lot 220, the
boys were making [sic=raking?] hay in the afternoon.
25 Very fine day but extremely hot, especially about one o’clock P.M. The sun went down under a
bank of clouds, indicating rain soon. I was mowing today and the boys were raking hay.
<Q1 folio 52 verso>
July 1877
26th A pretty sharp shower about 6 o’clock this morning. Was mowing on Lot 220, the boys were
raking in the afternoon. Mrs. William Lonsway gave birth to a daughter* on this day [“this day”
stricken, “yesterday” written above line]. This day excessively sultry and hot. [*Annie, daugh-
ter of Robert’s sister Margaret.]
27 Cloudy morning, with thunder and lightening very early. There was a pretty brisk rain about 9
A.M. The day was cloudy all through. Was mowing on Lot 220 Jim also mowed some, and he
and his mother raked hay after supper.
28 Bright sunny morning but the sky got overcast and was cloudy, the day was very sultry all
through. I finished mowing today. Nancy and the boys raked and put in hand shaking.*
[*making by hand small mounds of hay, called cocks, with a lateral hole in the middle to allow
drying, and a smooth top to repel rain. About ten pounds of hay are picked up by hand and light-
ly shaken, then shaped into cocks. See The Belfast Monthly Magazine 7 (1811), 139.]
29th Sabbath. Warm day with a shower of rain in the morning. Went to Father’s and stopped all night
there.
30 Bright sunny morning, although the day got a little cloudy, there was no rain. Brother Sam
hauled hay for me today. I forked on and built the stack. Nancy and the boys raked up about an
acre and a half in the forenoon.
31 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine and very hot. Was helping Brother Sam at his
hay. The boys, James and John, were helping Brother John.
<Q1 folio 53 recto>
August 1877
44
1st Bright sunny morning and the day very warm. Was helping Brother Sam at his hay. The boys
were helping Brother John.
2 Clear morning and the day continued fine. Was helping Brother John to haul the hay, the boys
also were helping him.
3 Clear cool morning, almost cold enough for frost. The day was pretty windy. Was helping
Brother John to haul in hay. He has a remarkably good crop, about 15 tons on 12 acres.
4 Very cool morning. I think there was a slight frost this morning but I was not up early enough to
see. The day got pretty warm. It is cool at present (10. P.M.). I went to Dundalk today, got my
boot fixed, seen about some lumber. There was quite a bit of excitement at Dundalk on account
of the fire burning so close to the village, the wind being strong and everything so dry. The boys
had this for a play day.
Sabbath
5 Bright morning and a dry warm day. Nancy went to see Mrs. W. Lonsway.
6 Dry day, and pretty warm, wind in the N. W. Brothers John and Sam helped me to take out some
barn timber. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway were here this [“morn” stricken] Eavning.
7 Foggy morning, but sun soon dispersed the fog, dry and warm with some wind in the N. W.
Sold four Lambs at $2.50 each. Nancy drove them to Station. Brothers John and Sam helped me
to take out barn timber.
<Q1 folio 53 verso>
August 1877
<insert><Letter inserted between pages 53 verso, 54 recto> “ Shelburne P. O. / Aug. 6th 1877 / Robert
Russell / Dear Sir / By all means go up to Dr. Christoe for examination and comply with every
request from the Department as the more strict they are, the more likely you are to succeed if Dr.
Christoe reports favourable / Yours truly / John Barr Md”
[See above, 6 June 1876; Dr. Barr was later MPP, then MP, for Dufferin; see Adelaide Leitch,
Into the High Country, pp. 211, 222, 262-4; Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 42.]
<end of inserted letter></insert>
8th Very misty morning, caused, I think, by the great number of fires around, which are filling the air
with smoke. The vapor cleared off about 8 A.M., the day was pretty hot, wind in the N. W. John
and Samuel were helping me to get out barn timber. Albert Bowler, a young man of about 20
years of age, who has been deranged in his mind for some time back, was sent to the Asylum to-
day.
9 The morning a little cloudy, wind from N. W., dry day with a very slight shower about one P.M.
Was helping Brother Sam to do road work today.
10 Quite a cool morning, with a heavy fog. Nancy and I went to Flesherton. I had a medical Exam-
ination passed on me by Dr. Christoe. He said I had an enlargement of the heart. While I was at
Flesherton I purchased a small spirit level for .25¢ and a mink trap for .30. When we came home
I went to Dundalk and purchased a manure fork for $1.10. Brother John stopped here tonight.
11 Very misty morning, almost like rain. The day kept dry and pretty windy, wind in the N. W.
Went to Archie McAulay’s raising in the morning. Helped John who was working at a barn for
me in the eavning. Mr. Lonsway was here a few hours tonight.
Sabbath 12th Rain very early this morning, but faired up pretty soon. Brother John’s wife was here this
eavning. I went to Mr. Clements Bell’s in the eavning. [Clements Bell is father of Skeffington
Bell]
<Q1 folio 54 recto>
August 1877
45
13th Misty morning, but no rain fell during the day. Jim, John and I were pulling pease. Brother John
was working at a post Barn for me. [in margin] First pease pulled
14 Wet morning and had rained a good deal through the night. There were some slight showers
through the day. I was throwing out manure where the foundation of new barn is. Brother John
was working at Barn, the boys were choring around.
15 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry, although the sky got overcast early in the day.
There were dark, heavy clouds to the South and east and thunder rolling in the distance. Wind in
the East. Jim, John and I were pulling pease. Pease are very light and full of thistles, I think, on
account of me having the ground plowed the fall before and not plowing it again in the spring.
Nancy took the team and the three youngest of the family and went to Proton to Widow Swee-
ny’s for her yarn which she had left to be spun for her.
16 A little wet this morning and the day got very show[e]ry. I and Johny were pulling pease part of
the time. Jim was helping Brother Sam. Brother John was helping at the Barn.
17 Dark morning, but no rain fell, the afternoon was dry and very warm. Was helping at the barn.
Made a bee and put on the plates, long girts* and rafters in the afternoon. Messrs. Lonsway,
Mills, Russell, Trugon, Russell, MacAulay, Agnew and Self composed the gang. [*plate, girt and
rafter are technical terms for members of a frame building: plates are long beams going end to
end of the building, to support the base of the rafters, which rise up to the peak and support the
roof; girts are long beams (on top of the posts) that go from side to side across the end of the
barn]
18 Bright, Sunny day. Helped at the barn. Jim helped Sam.
<Q1 folio 54 verso>
August 1877
Sabbath 19th Warm sunny day. Mrs. Russell went [to Church of] E[ngland] Church.
20 Bright sunny morning, the day very hot. I went in the morning to Kenneth Perry’s and employed
him to cradle oats for me at .50¢ per acre. Then went to Brother Sam’s and borrowed his horses
to haul lumber for me. I hauled three loads from McDowell’s mill.
21 Warm day, in fact, hot. Hauled one load of lumber today. I bargained with McDowell that he
would lend me the logs to winter and I would pay him for the sawing. When I came to settle
with him, he charged me $8.00 per thousand for the lumber, took $3.00 per thousand for the saw-
ing, and says I must put in logs in the winter for the other $5.00 per thousand. He went back on
his bargain and served me very mean. I got 2700 feet from him. I was pulling pease in the after-
noon. Brother John was working at the barn, Jim was helping Brother Samuel.
22 Bright morning but the sky got overcast in the N. W. and threatened rain. Pulled pease in the
forenoon and in the afternoon helped John at Barn. Jim helped Samuel. K. Perry began to
craddle for me this morning.
23 Bright sunny morning, and the day continue[d] fine. Was helping brother John at my barn in the
forenoon. Hauled in some pease in the afternoon but the horses were all wild and unmanageable.
In fact I think some of them were baulky, did not come much speed, broke the hames.* Got
Kenneth Perry’s oxen at night. They hauled in two loads. [*hames, part of horse harness, at-
tached to the collar, and to which tugs are attached.]
24 Bright morning, but there came on a very heavy rain about 6 P.M. K. Perry was cutting my
wheat. Nancy and I were binding, assisted by John and James.
<Q1 folio 55 recto>
August 1877
46
25th Rather misty forenoon with a sprinkling of rain occassionally. Was cleaning out the barn this
forenoon, in the afternoon Nancy and I bound some wheat. Bargained with Kenneth Perry: I
gave him a black Ewe, valued at $5.00 and he cut me three acres of wheat and is to make me
enough shingles to cover a building 20 x 16 in the clear, I to help saw the shingle stuff and to
board him. I also further bargained with him: I gave him two spring calves for which he is to
make me ten thousand of shingles sixteen inches long, I to help saw the timber and board him.
The former shingles to be made any time this fall, the latter to be made some time through the
winter.
Sabbath
26th Bright morning but the day was rather cool and windy. Nancy and I went to Zion church.
27 Bright warm day, but rather windy to about 5 P.M. K. Perry finished cutting oats for me today.
Borrowed Brother Sam’s horses, hauled in a stack of hay out of the yard. The boys finished the
hauling in the afternoon. Nancy and I bound oats in the afternoon. John & James went to the
back line. The water is got very scarce and the cattle are suffering some. One of our cows did
not come home last night and when she came this morning she was in very great pain. Her body
was all covered over with lumps as large as marbles. She appeared to be choking and would uri-
nate or try to continually. We thought she had been poisoned, she swelled a great deal. We
mixed about a tablespoon full of mustard in a cup of cold water and poured it into her. She got
better soon after and appears to be all right now.
<Q1 folio 55 verso>
August 1877
28th Bright morning but the sky got overcast towards noon. There were [sic] some thunder and light-
ening accompanied by rain about one o’clock. Was helping brother John to harvest his barl[e]y
in the forenoon, Jim and John were also helping. Helped him in the afternoon to make a road to
the barl[e]y through the bush to haul in.
29 Wet morning, the grain too damp to bind. Cleared off. Nancy and I bound oats in the afternoon,
assisted by Jim.
30 [Bright stricken] Very misty morning, the grain quite wet. Kenneth Perry cut the remainder of
the wheat. Nancy and I bound it. James, John and Clark were hauling in wheat with Mr. Perry’s
steers.
31 Very wet morning and the day continued show[e]ry. Done no work today, did not feel well.
Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning.
September 1877
1st Damp morning, the grain not fit to tie to about 11 O’clock. We were all binding and stooking
from this hour till night, at oats. It has commenced raining again (8:50 P.M.).
Sabbath 2nd Cool day, but no rain fell. Brother John visited us today.
3 Showery in the forenoon, fair in the afternoon to about 6 O’clock, then rain. Nancy and the boys
bound oats in the afternoon, I was logging at Mr. A. Lonsway’s
<Q1 folio 56 recto>
September 1877
4th Rather dull morning but the day broke up fine. Nancy and the boys bound oats in the forenoon, I
logged at Mr. A. Lonsway’s till noon. Then he came with his team and finished hauling in my
wheat and also hauled in some oats.
5 Misty morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell. Mr. A. Lonsway hauled in oats for me during the
forenoon. This finished my harvest, except some cattle feed that I have still to cut. Brother John
came here in the afternoon, was preparing to put in a thrashing floor in the barn. He hitched up
47
Gerty to pull some sleepers. The mare was wild and he beat her which made her worse and at
last she would not pull any for him. I think he done wrong. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here
this eavning.
6 Rather misty morning, but no rain through the day. Was helping Brother John to harvest his bar-
ley. The boys were pileing [sic] up some manure at home.
7 Misty, rainy-like morning, several little skiffs fell during the day. Was helping brother John to
haul in his barley. John and Jim also helped.
8 Very fine, bright morning, the sun shone out fine and clear, the day warm and dry all through.
Brothers John and Sam were helping me mow some mixed feed. John got sick in the forenoon
and had to go home. The boys, Jim and John, were hauling in a hay stack with Sam’s team.
9th Sabbath Very pleasant day, dry and the sun bright and warm. Went in the afternoon to see old Mr.
Clements Bell who is very sick. Father visited me today.
<Q1 folio 56 verso>
September 1877
10th Rather misty morning but the sun soon got out and the day was dry and warm. Wind in the S. E.
Brother John was helping me to mow some mixed feed. The three boys were raking it up. Water
is very scarce now, not near enough to wash, water cattle, and scarcely enough to make the
meals. The night is cloudy with signs of rain. I hope there will be a good shower.
11 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Was helping A. Lonsway to log, Boys raking
mixed feed.
12 Misty morning and very heavy dew. Sun got out strong and warm. A. Lonsway with team
helped me haul in mixed feed. Boys raked up.
13 Bright sunny morning, and a very sultry day. Scarcely done anything as I was not well. The
boys and wife were at Mother’s for plums, then they drove to Dundalk.
14 Dry day and pretty hot. Nancy and I went with a headstone and placed it over Baby’s grave* in
Armstrong’s Grave Yard. We went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Old Mr. Clements Bell died this
day. [*the grave of their first child, Robert Clark Russell, who died in infancy, b. 7 June 1862, d.
10 Sept. 1862, buried Inistoge Cemetery.]
15 Bright sunny day and warm. Nancy and I went to Mr. Bell’s wake in the afternoon. The boys
raised potatoes.
16 Sabbath. A very slight shower this morning. Nancy, James and I went to Mr. Bell’s funeral.
17 Misty morning, and there was a nice shower in the eavning. Nancy and I went in the afternoon
to an Apple paring at Mr. A. Lonsway’s. The boys were raising potatoes.
<Q1 folio 57 recto>
September 1877
18th Fine morning, but there came on a little sprinkling of rain about 10 A.M. John and I were help-
ing Brother John in the forenoon and Brother Sam in the afternoon to thrash. James had the team
to J. Mills’ thrashing.
19 Very fine dry day. I went to help Sam to thrash, was not able to on account of sickness. John
helped him. James had the team at J. Mills’.
20 Fine morning. Nancy and I went with the team to Shelburne to see Dr. Barr.* He said I had a
little heart disease and that my body was weakened down to nothing. He gave me some mede-
cine and said I was not to work any till I got strong. It began to rain in the afternoon and rained
quite sharp in the beginning of the night. Brother John was here all night. [*See above, 10 June
1876, and letter, 6 Aug. 1877.]
48
21 Dry sunny morning. Went to Brother Sam’s and the boys and John cleaned nine bushels of
wheat. I took it to the mill in the afternoon. The boys helped John to put in his straw.
22 Dry sunny morning. Nancy and the boys took the team and went to Dundalk for the grist left
there yesterday. The boys left their measure for a pair of boots each. They hauled some stove
wood in the afternoon.
23rd Sabbath. Dry day and pretty warm, everything is scorched up with the excessively dry weather.
Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning.
<Q1 folio 57 verso>
September 1877
24 Very fine morning, dry day and windy. The boys were raising potatoes.
25 Dry day, hot and windy all through. Boys were fixing up the potatoes. In the afternoon we lit up
some brush and logs around the swamp.
26 Dry day and warm. Boys were digging for water.
27 Dry, hot day. I went in the forenoon to get help to thresh. In the afternoon the machine came,
threshed about four hours, then had to go to blacksmith’s to get some part of the machine fixed.
29 Dry, hot day. Thrashed till about 2 P.M., when they got done. Pease turned out poorly, oats and
wheat turned out well. The boys and team helped Mr. Lonsway to thrash in the eavning.
30th Sabbath. Very hot and warm.
October 1877
1st Dry day and very hot. Went with Brother John to Melancthon Council and became one of his
sureties for the collection of Township rates. The boys and team were with Mr. Lonsway.
2 Dry, hot day. The boys and Nancy were putting the straw into the barn. I helped a little.
3 Dry, hot day all through. Water remarkably scarce. Had to drive the cows to John Foster’s
spring for a drink. The boys, Nancy and I put in straw. Brother John dug me a hole to get water
but it caved in at once.
<Q1 folio 58 recto>
October 1877
4th Rain this morning and pretty heavy. Kept coming a little through the day, cleared off in the af-
ternoon. Cold this eavning. Went to the Station in the afternoon. Seen Sir John A McDonald on
his way to Owen Sound.
5 Cool morning and a pretty heavy rain in the afternoon. Nancy and I went to Owen Sound on the
Excursion to hear Sir J. A. McDonald.
6 Cool day, with some rain.
7th Sabbath. Cold day and show[e]ry.
8 Cool day and a little show[e]ry all through the day. Went in to Melancthon today. Mrs. Agnew*
died this night at about 10 O’clock P.M. of Cancer in the Stomach. [*Mother of Nancy Agnew
Russell, wife of Robert Russell.]
9 Showery cold day all through.
10 Cold day and raining.
11 Cold wet morning and the rain came down incessantly. Mrs. Agnew was buried today. [Buried
in Gravel Road cemetery, Melancthon, Lot 295, Con. 1 ETSR, adjacent to 156407 Highway 10;
now inactive, 64 monuments preserved; see https://brucegrey.ogs.on.ca/wp-
content/uploads/sites/7/2017/09/Melancthon-Cemeteries.pdf]
12 Fair day, but cold. Took 5 Bushels and 15 lbs of wheat to the mill today.
49
13 Fair day and moderately warm. Pitted up the potatoes for the winter. They are a very poor crop.
The boys fitted up an old house for a pig pen and we put the hogs up to fat.
<Q1 folio 58 verso>
October 1877
14th Sabbath. Dry, warm day all through.
15 Dry day with the exception of a slight shower at noon. James started to plow today, being the
first this fall.
16 Cool day, but dry. The boys plowed till noon, then went to the show fair at Dundalk in the after-
noon. Nancy and I took in 526½ pounds of butter and sold it for .17¢ per pound. There was a
great gathering at the show fair and so far as I could judge from appearances it was financially
successful.
17 Cool day, but dry. Jim was plowing in Melancthon.
18 Cool day and show[e]ry. Jim plowed till noon then took some yarn to the weavers. I went to the
mill for a grist that I had there.
19 Showery morning and a good deal of rain had fallen through the night. I plowed in Melancthon
today, being the first day’s work I have done for a long while on account of being weak and not
fit. John was at Mr. Trugon’s threshing. Jim was choreing around home.
20 Rather cool day and a slight rain in the morning. Was plowing in the forenoon and in the after-
noon attended a trustee meeting.
21st Sabbath. Cool day but dry. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to hear Mrs. Agnew’s
funeral sermon preached by Mr. Williamson.
<Q1 folio 59 recto>
October 1877
22nd Cool forenoon but dry all day. Was plowing . The boys were choring around home.
23 Very fine day all through, resembling Indian Summer. Was plowing, the boys were choreing
around home getting wood. Nancy went to Dundalk.
24 Very fine warm day and dry. Got a little foggy towards eavning. There was a slight rain at
night. I was plowing, the boys were choring around home.
25 Cool day and a slight mizzle of rain in the afternoon. I was plowing. The boys were choring
around home.
26 Cold morning with a pretty hard frost early in the morning. I was plowing today. Mr. and Mrs.
Lonsway visited us this eavning. Bother John had one of his lambs killed on my lot this morn-
ing. His sheep are pasturing with me and some animal, most likely a lynx, killed the lamb.
27 A slight frost this morning, but the sun shone out strong and the day was very pleasant. I was
plowing today. The boys cleaned up some pease and Jim went to the Weaver’s for the full cloth
in the afternoon.
28th Sabbath. Misty morning, the day dry but close and sultry. Mrs. Russell and I went to Sister Mar-
garet’s.
29 A little cool this morning, no frost, dry and cool. Was plowing. Phebe was here today. The boys
were cleaning off some rubbish of wood where the old stable was on Lot 220.
<Q1 folio 59 verso>
October 1877
30th Very fine day, the sun shone out bright in the eavning. Was plowing today, and a very nice day it
was for the work!
31 Dull morning, with a very slight rain. Went to plow but there came on a pretty wetting shower of
snow and rain. I plowed for about two hours, then unhitched. The day continued showery all
50
through. I fixed the pen for the fattening pigs in the eavning. James and John are helping Broth-
ers John and Sam. Nancy was at Mrs. Mills’ sowing [=sewing] bee.
November 1877
1st The ground covered with snow this morning, but about noon it had all disappeared. The after-
noon was foggy and warm. I was fixing at a pig pen in the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned
a grist for the mill. James at his uncle Sam’s. Nancy in at Eliza['s] getting her dress cut out.
2 Very rainy morning and continued a wet day all throug[h], Snow and rain mixed pretty well in
the afternoon. I was choring around home.
3 Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing, which it continued doing all day. There is now, 7
P.M., about three inches of snow on the level and it is still increasing. I only done the necessary
chores today.
4th Sabbath. Snowy day, the snow about one foot deep. One of our cows eat[sic] too many turnips in
the field today, and with the cold and turnips she swelled up so that I had to kill her. Mr. Lon-
sway and Henry helped me to Skin her.
<Q1 folio 60 recto>
November 1877
5th Very stormy all day, snowing like fun and blowing strong. Went to Dundalk with three quarters
of beef and the cow’s hide. Got six cents per pound for the hide and Four cents for some of the
Beef per pound and five cents for some.
6 Cold day and pretty stormy. Was fixing the stables.
7 Bright sunny morning, and a very pleasant day, snow going fast before the sun. Took one bag of
Red River wheat to Dundalk mill. It turned out well, more than forty pounds per bushel. James
and John hauled some rails in the eavning.
8 A slight rain in the morning, which increased to a heavy rain, and kept at [it] all day long. It is
raining steady now (8 P.M.) and the snow is going fast. The boys hauled a load of rails from the
back field to the garden. James Mills brought me ten bushels and forty-nine pounds of pease
which I had purchased from him yesterday at Fifty-five cents per bushel.
9 Cold morning, with some snow falling, the day pretty cold all through. I fixed the garden fence
in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon. The boys were hauling wood.
10 Fine sunny morning, and the day continued fine all through. I took the number and dimensions
of some saw logs which I had cut and went to Dundalk in the eavning to see Mr. Cross, Builder,
about putting me up a house. I exchanged four pounds of tea with Mr. Brown which I had pur-
chased from him. It was bad and the tea he gave me is no better. The boys were hauling wood.
<Q1 folio 60 verso>
November 1877
11th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued mild and warm, causing the snow to thaw. The old
mare got at a quantity of pease I had fed to the fatt[e]ning pigs. She ate a quantity of them,
the[y] caused her to swell. I thought she would have died. We poured about a pound of melted
butter in her and I walked her around for about three hours, when she got better.
12 Very mild morning and the day continued mild and thawing . Helped brother Sam to put some
hay out of a stack into his stable lofts.
13 Nice mild morning, the snow still thawing, the day fine all through. Butchered some hogs (8),
assisted by Brothers John and Samuel.
14 Very fine, mild morning and the day was warm and bright all through. Butchered three hogs this
morning, assisted by Brother Samuel. Took them to Dundalk in the afternoon. They weighed
51
Ten hundred and thirty-four pounds net. I got Four dollars and Eighty-seven and a half cents per
hundred for them, making $50.40. I purchased a throat latch for $0.20 and a breast strap snap for
.05¢.
15 Wet morning and continued very showery all day. Went to Flesherton with a Grist, 9 Bushels
and 20 pounds Red River wheat, got 390 pounds flour. Also took some cloth to the mill to be
fulled. Brought home Mr. Lonsway’s cloth. Nancy and Clark were at Flesherton also. She trad-
ed off some butter, only got 16¢ per lb for it in trade. Better markets at Dundalk.
<Q1 folio 61 recto>
November 1877
16th Very fine dry morning and the day was mild and warm for this season of the year. John, Jim and
I were helping Brother John to settle up his turnips and potatoes.
17 Pretty nice morning, although no sunshine. All the frost and snow have disappeared. The
eavning got cool and there was a shower of rain, also some pretty large hail stones. The wind is
very high now (8) P.M. I finished my fall plowing today: it was sod and it ploughed very well.
[in margin] Plowing
18th Sabbath. Very cold day, the ground frozen quite hard and a piercing wind blowing. Visited Mr.
Lonsway’s.
19 Cold morning but on towards noon the day ameliorated and was quite pleasant in the eavning.
Went to W. Henders to see about getting him to skid Saw logs for me. Then went to Dundalk,
then came home and from thence went to Joseph Lepard’s. [Surname Lepard (but not Joseph L.)
is in index of History of Dundalk].
20 Bright sunny morning and the day continued very fine for this season of the year. The boys and I
were cutting some shingle timber in the bush. It was very hard to get. The bush has been culled
and we did not come much speed. Mrs. Lonsway visited us today, so also did Mrs. Skeffington
Bell and Miss Sarah Bell.
21 Cold raw morning, sharp frosty wind. The day got a little milder towards noon. The boys and I
were getting out shingle timber. I attended a Trustee meeting at Mr. May’s this night.
<Q1 folio 61 verso>
November 1877
22nd Rather misty morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell once and again through the day. The boys
and I were getting out Shingle timber. Mr. William Henders bought the spring colt from me for
$27.00 to be paid in a year. [in margin] Sold spring colt
23 Misty morning but a very mild day for this season of the year, dry and rather sultry. The boys
and I were taking out Shingle timber. Nancy went to Dundalk this eavning.
24 Very Rainy morning and the day continued showery. Sold a cow and three spring pigs to Mr.
John McDowell. I asked $25.00 for the cow, he offered me $20.00. He said he would give me
$1.00 each for the pigs. I told him they were worth about .75¢ each. He finally gave me $25.00
for the cow and I bestowed him the pigs. Mr. Lonsway was here this afternoon and Nancy and I
went to his house at night. We all had ourselves weighed there. I weighed 147 pounds and Nan-
cy 132—the lightest she has been since I re[me]mber. Must eat more and fatten up. It won’t do
for her to go round being so light the wind might lift her and carry her off! [in margin] Sold cow
25th Sabbath. Misty morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell all through the day. Visited Mrs. Clements
Bell, Nancy and I.
26 Rather dull, misty day all through with a little rain. The boys and I were getting out Shingle tim-
ber.
<Q1 folio 62 recto>
52
November 1877
27th Rainy morning, but dried off so that the boys and I went and cut some logs for Joice [=joists].
John Agnew came here this eavning.
28 Pretty cold morning, quite a hard frost with a slight sprinkling of snow on the ground. The day
remained cold and freezing all through. Still, there were a good many plowing. I went in the
forenoon and helped John Agnew to saw three cherry logs that were in his way of plowing, and
in the afternoon went in to Brother Sam’s. William Henders came here today and said he had
heard that the colt he purchased from me was ruptured and spavined. I told him that if it was
ruptured, and that he would get Mr. Sloan of Eugenia to casterate it in the summer, and the colt
died through the effects of the rupture, that I would return him his note. I slept at Father’s to-
night.
29 Very cold, freezing morning and the day remained cold all through. Helped Brother Samuel to
Butcher six pigs. Jim took Mr. Henders his colt today.
30 Very cold morning and the day continued so with some snow falling. It is now snowing at 9 P.M.
Was choring around home today. Brother John is stopping here to night.
<Q1 folio 62 verso>
December 1877
1st Very cold morning, sharp frosty wind, the day ameliorated a little in the afternoon. Helped Mr.
A. Lonsway to kill a beef in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and my brother Sam helped to
kill and dress one for me. I went to Dundalk with the hide, got 6½ ¢ per pound for it, and it
brought me $5.35.
2nd Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was pretty sharp all through.
3 Cold morning, but the day got a little milder in the afternoon. Chored around home. Sent Mr. J.
McDowell the three pigs he had purchased from me. Mr. Isaac Coote, an old Settler on Lot 36—
4th Range, New Survey, Melancthon, with his wife and family left here for the State of Michigan
where he intends settling.
4 Misty morning and wet afternoon. Mr. W. Henders was skidding saw logs for me today with his
oxen, at $1.50 per day. He came at 8:40 in the morning. James, John & I collect the logs. We
skidded 41.
5 Misty morning and the snow all gone. Commenced to rain about 8 A.M. and rained on till about
11. The sun then came out for a while, but the afternoon was cloudy and cold. Mr. Henders was
skidding logs, worked to about 8, then took shelter from the rain in the bush. Came home after a
while, it was then 9:10. Had an early dinner, started to work about 11, finished 2:30 P.M. Put up
35 logs. Mr. A. Lonsway helped me from morning, and John Agnew from 11 O’clock.
<Q1 folio 63 recto>
December 1877
6th Cold morning and a little snow on the ground, the day passibly mild. The boys and I were cut-
ting roads in the bush.
7 Cold morning, with a little more snow, the day cold all through. The boys and I were cutting
roads in the bush in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Mr. W. Henders
brought two Sheep here today to let them stop with the ram for a few days.
8 Cold morning and the day was rather chilly, with several showers of snow, drifting fiercely. Got
home the sheep from John Agnew that I had got from him some time ago for a sett of second
hand harness. Jim and I hauled some shingle timber out of the bush home in the afternoon.
53
Sleighing very bad and the bush very rough. Johney went to Dundalk to get his boots mended.
Mrs. Russell and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s tonight.
9th Sabbath. Rather cold morning and the day was chilly all through. Hitched up the team and Nancy
and I went to Melancthon. I heard today that John Patterson, a former pupil of mine, and now
about 28 years of age and a Miller working in Orangeville, was severely injured by the explosion
of the boiler of the Mill. His leg had to be amputated.
10 Rather milder this morning than yesterday, a little snow falling now and then, but very bad
sleighing. Nancy and I went to Melancthon. I helped brother John to kill a beef.
<Q1 folio 63 verso>
December 1877
11th Nice mild morning and the day continued soft and thawing. Sleighing nearly all gone. Went to
Dundalk and contracted with Mr. Cross to do the carpenter work of a new house, 21 X 27 feet
and 16 feet high, he to do all the carpenter work and to provide the pine lumber that would be re-
quired, and to board himself, I to provide the Hemlock lumber and shingles. His price for it is
$142.50, I to pay him $82.00 when the work is completed and the balance the following January.
And he is to do all his work in a workmanlike manner, and not slight any portion of it.
This was fair day in Dundalk. Cattle sold cheap, good fat cows that would weigh about 500 lbs
dressed meat at from $20. to $18.
12 Very nice morning and the sun shone out for a while, almost like Indian Summer. The day was
beautiful all through. The boys and I were helping John Agnew at his threshing. Nancy was
helping to cook.
13 Rather mild day for this season of the year, with rather a high wind in the eavning. Was choring
around today, did not feel well.
14 Sharp, frosty morning, although the sun shone out bright in the forenoon. Mrs. Russell went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and at night she and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s.
14 Mild morning, and the day got pretty warm with a soft wind. The snow has disappeared, and
cattle are out in the fields grazing. Went to Dundalk. The boys sawed some posts. Brother John
was here this eavning.
<Q1 folio 64 recto>
December 1877
16th Sabbath. Very fine day, mild and warm, the sun hazy, giving one the impression of Indian Sum-
mer. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here.
17 Very nice morning and the sun shone out bright and clear. The day was beautiful all through.
Mrs. Russell and the boys took some beets to Flesherton, but they only succeeded in selling .60
cts worth, no sale for beets.
18 Cold morning and the day continued very cold with a sharp frosty wind. The ground as hard as a
brick. It commenced raining at night.
19 Rainy morning, the day misty all through, the roads quite soft. I went to a Grange meeting but
there was not a quorum. Nancy went to Mr. Bell’s.
20 Soft morning, the snow all gone, roads bad and the ice coming out. Started to haul shingle tim-
ber to the mill. Took two small loads. The roads very bad.
21 A slight sleety rain fell this morning. The day was foggy and mild all through, the roads in a
fearful state with mud. I have heard that some people are plowing today.
22 Nice mild day, like a day in Spring, foggy, close and warm. Went to Dundalk to Settle the plan
and kind of house Mr. Cross is to build for me, and also got some shingles sawed at the Mill.
The boys were gathering stones today. I saw a man plowing. Brother John is here this eavning.
54
<Q1 folio 64 verso>
December 1877
23rd Sabbath. Very fine mild day, but a little misty. Brother Sam and wife and children were here to-
day.
24 Rather misty morning, but the sun shone out about 10 A.M. The day was mild and balmy, like to
any day in spring. Took four bushels and thirteen pounds of Red chaff wheat to Dundalk Mills,
got 150 pounds of flour. The roads are so bad that the empty wagon is enough for a team to
haul.
25 Christmas, and such Christmas weather I never seen in Canada, not a particle of snow to be seen
in the fields or on the roads, the day close and warm with a slight sprinkling of rain now and
then. Mrs. Russell and I, with William and Eliza, spent our Christmas at Mr. A. Lonsway’s. Jim,
John and Clark went to the Sabbath School social at Dundalk.
26 Mild day with rather a close mist prevailing most of the time. Mr. A. Lonsway helped me to
butcher two pigs in the forenoon and in the afternoon he hauled one of them to Dundalk for me.
I had sold it to Mr. Cross, Builder, for $5.00 /100 per cwt. It weighed 253 pounds. I attended
[MS attendended] a meeting of the Grangers, when they chose another secretary in my place.
The Grange, I honestly believe, is a fraud and for all practical purposes I have disconnected my-
self with them The boys were picking stones of[f] the field today.
27 A very fine day all through, a little misty. The boys and I were hauling out manure with the
wagon.
<Q1 folio 65 recto>
December 1877
28th A remarkably fine morning and the day continued bright and warm. The sun shone out clear and
strong. The boys and I were hauling out manure with the wagon. George Kirby was here today.
29 A fine mild day all through, this weather surpasses anything for mildness that the oldest inhabit-
ant has ever seen. Mrs. Sweeny was here today. The boys and I were hauling out manure with
the wagon.
30th Sabbath. Cold raw day, freezing a great deal. Mrs. Bell and Skeffington and wife were here.
31 Cold day and some snow falling. Went to James Kinnear’s, Lot 35 Melancthon and drew up his
Will for him. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk.
January 1878
1st Cold day, snowing a little and freezing a great deal. Went in to Melancthon in the forenoon. Mr.
Lonsway and Wife and Henry were here at night.
2 Very cold morning and some snow falling, the day extremely cold all day, the coldest this winter
for so far. Went to R. Campbell’s, Blacksmith, paid him $10. 00/100 on Act., purchased 10½
pounds of Binding chain from him at 10¢ per pound. He to put a ring on one end at 12¢ and a
grab hook on other at 25¢.
3 Cold day all through, with a little snow falling. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night.
<Q1 folio 65 verso>
January 1878
4th Cold morning and the day continued so. Went to Mrs. Sweeny’s and paid her $3.50 for [weaving
stricken, above:] spinning. The three eldest boys were at School today.
5 Cold morning, the day cold all through, a little more snow on the ground. The boys and I were
hauling out manure with the sleigh. Nancy and two of the boys and I attended a prayer meeting
at night at Mr. Clipperd’s.
55
6th Sabbath. Cold day all through, with a little snow falling. Nancy and Eliza went to Melancthon.
7 Very cold morning and the day continued so. Went to the Voting in Melancthon and Proton and
voted. The boys at school today.
8 Rather cold day all through. Prepared my vouchers for the Auditors. The boys at school today.
9 Mild morning, the snow soft[e]ning, the day mild all through. Drove Nancy in to brother John’s.
He and I then went to the Annual Meeting, from thence I went to Mr. Kinnear’s, fixed his Will.
Then I took the team and went with John to Shrigley Post Office where some money awaited
him as Collector of Township taxes. Came from there to John’s, then home.
10 Mild day, the snow disappearing fast off the road. Went to Dundalk, Nancy and I. Bought ½ Brl
flour, took it to Sister Sarah’s. John sent her a bag of potatoes. Poor Sarah, she has the most
miserable and poverty-stricken life imaginable.
<Q1 folio 66 recto>
January 1878
11th Mild morning, although there fell a pretty brisk shower of snow during the night. The day was
fine all through. Jim is sick with something like a cold. Isabella Montgomery, a young woman
about six miles from here, died with diptheria today.
12 Fine mild morning, the day pleasant all through. Went to Brother Sam’s to a wood bee. Jim and
his mother went to the weaver’s.
13th Sabbath. Cold blustering day, with a slight mizzle of sleet. I and Nancy went to Mr. Lonsway’s at
night.
14 Rather mild day, with a little sleighing as some snow had fell during the night. Took in some
shingle timber to the Mill, about ¾ cord. Brought away some shingles which I had got cut (11
half squares). Went to Mr. R. Cam[p]bell’s, blacksmith, and got him [to] cut the Lampers* in my
colt’s mouth. [*a lump or ridge in a horse’s palate, related to the eruption of teeth; sometimes
causes difficulty in eating; often treated by burning or cutting; see Burney James Kendall, A
Treatise on the Horse and his Diseases (Claremont, N. H., 1878, p. 22); and
http://equimed.com/diseases-and-conditions/reference/lampas (accessed 18/7/2017).]
15 Cool day, but not so cold, sleighing something better. Went to the Sawmill in the morning, put
one log on the gangway. In the afternoon fetched three logs out of the bush as far as the house.
Nancy helped me.
16 Fine mild day, sleighing pretty good. Was hauling saw Logs to the mill. George Hanbury of
Dundalk died today.
17 Rather sharp morning. The day got warmer towards noon. Was hauling logs to Mill. Nancy
helped me to load them.
18 Mild morning and the day pleasant all through. Was hauling saw Logs to Mill. Posted a letter to
Brother William today.
<Q1 folio 66 verso>
January 1878
19th Mild morning and the sun came out bright and strong about noon, causing the snow to melt and
run down the roads. Sleighing completely gone. Hauled 3 Logs from the bush and 2 to the Mill.
20th Sabbath. Soft day all through. Some soft snow fell in the afternoon. Mr. John Mills, an aged man
and a mason and plasterer, working at Mr. James May’s, died today.
21 Mild morning and the day continued soft all through. What little snow was on the roads was so
soft that the Sleighs cut through when the[y] went on it. Brother Sam helped me fix my barn
doors [“(doors” written at end of previous line].
56
22 Mild day to about noon, when it commenced snowing and blowing, which increased as the day
advanced, till the storm rose to a fearful pitch at night. Was helping Brother Sam to cut fire-
wood. Stopped at Father’s all night.
23 Fearful cold morning and the day all through continued freezing something like Greenland. The
coldest day for so far that has came this winter.
24 Not near as cold a day as yesterday. The wind rather soft and indications of a thaw. Our youths
have all went to the Sabbath School Social.
25 Mild morning, but some soft snow falling through the day. Asked some help for a Bee to haul
saw logs.
26 A Good deal of Snow fell through last night and today. The wind pretty strong in the eavning.
Boys and I fixed some skids. Took some wheat to Mill in eavning. Went from there to a trustee
meeting.
<Q1 folio 67 recto>
January 1878
27th Sabbath. Rather a mild day, inclining to be a little soft. Brother Sam’s wife had a male child this
morning.
28 Cold stormy morning, the wind piercing sharp, the day very cold all through. I had a bee today,
hauling saw Logs from the bush to the house. There were Skeffington Bell and team, Brother
Sam and team, John Agnew and team and my own team. Of rollers there were James Patterson,
Brother John, Andrew Lonsway, Joseph Jackson and Mr. May’s man. Mrs. Agnew and Mrs.
Lonsway were helping in the house. We got 63 Logs hauled and skidded at the house.
29 Cold morning, but the day ameliorated towards noon, and became pleasant in the eavning. Was
hauling logs to Sawmill.
30 A very cold morning and the day was piercing cold towards night. Hauled logs to Mill in the
forenoon. Brother Sam’s Baby of [dittog.: of] three days old died this morning and was buried in
Father’s garden between the second and third poplar trees at the South-East end. Nancy and I
were at the burial.
31 Very cold morning, cold noon and cold eavning. Sleighing pretty well gone on the hill sides.
Was hauling logs to Mill and also hauled one load of wood to house from the bush. The wind is
rising at present, 8 A.M. [sic=P.M.?]. Sold a firkin* of butter to R. Cross, Builder, for (.18¢)
Eighteen cents per pound. The gross weight was 59 pounds. [*a firkin is ¼ barrel]
<Q1 folio 67 verso>
February 1878
1st Very Stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the storm abated about noon. Was hauling logs to
Mill in the afternoon.
2 Not near so cold as yesterday, the sun came out bright and strong. The sleighing is excellent.
Was hauling logs to the mill and also hauled some lumber home. Mr. J. Agnew is here tonight.
3rd Sabbath. Very nice, mild morning, the sun shone out bright and strong about 10 A.M., the day fine
all through. Brother John was here this day.
4 Nice mild morning with a mist which soon dissapated, the sun shone out clear and warm, melting
the snow and causing bad sleighing on the hills. The snow is very light for this season of the
year and the days are a great deal like spring. I think the snow is not more than seven inches
deep in the bush. I was hauling logs to the mill.
5 Mild day, although somewhat colder than yesterday. The snow wasted a little today. I was haul-
ing logs to the mill. I put in old mare in order to rest the colt. She done pretty well.
57
6 Pretty sharp morning, but the sun came out strong about noon and the snow was so light on the
slopes of the hills that it soon melted away. The water was running down the hills on the road in
the afternoon, and in many places the roads were bare of snow. I hauled logs to 2 O’clock A. M
[sic=must be P.M.], then drove in to Dundalk.
7 Splendid morning, the sun rose strong and bright and shone all day, the snow melted very rapid-
ly. I hauled some firewood from the bush. J. Jackson and J. Patterson were here this eavning
asking for subscription for C. Minister.
<Q1 folio 68 recto>
February 1878
8th Very mild morning, the sun out and the snow disappearing, with quite a strong wind, the day
very mild all through, in fact, like a spring day. I was chopping logs to make battons [=battens]
of. W. Lonsway and family and wife, with Mr. A. Lonsway and wife, were here today.
9 Very cold morning, the wind in the north, in fact we are transported from the tropics to the polar
region in the Single space of one night! The day did not improve any and as night drew in apace
one got closer to the stove. Ah!, what comfort there is in a red-hot stove a night like this. It
commenced snowing about 5 P.M. and is now indulging in the same gai[e]ty, with a rather sharp
wind blowing. I was at Brother Sam’s and Father’s today. Mrs. Russell went to the weaver’s for
cloth.
10th Sabbath. Cold, freezing day, pretty sharp wind with snow falling most of the day, but drifting so
that it done the roads little good. Brother John was here today.
11 Very sharp morning and the day continued cold all through. Sleighing bad, roads rough, and the
frozen lumps sticking up. I was hauling logs to the mill.
12 Mild morning and the day continued fine all through. Sleighing getting a little thin on the roads.
Dundalk cattle fair was held today, no buying worth mentioning. I was hauling saw logs to the
mill.
13 Very mild morning, indications of rain, the sun shone out very bright and warm about 11:15
A.M. Brother Sam helped me fix my wood rack. He and I then took a load each of cordwood to
Dundalk from his place. Sleighing all gone at C. McConell’s hill. My co[l]ts could not pull the
load at this place on account of no shoes on them. Sam took me up. All the family but myself
are at the C. of E. Sabbath School Social tonight at Gott’s O.[range] Lodge. [in margin] John
Gott married to Miss Glazier [?too miniscule to read]
<Q1 folio 68 verso>
February 1878
14th Mild morning and the sun shone out clear and warm about 10 O’clock in the forenoon. The day
continued fine all through. Was helping Brother Sam to swamp out Cordwood. Went to Skeff-
ington Bell’s at night.
15 Very fine morning, the sun shining like a day in Spring. The day beautiful and clear all through.
It is remarkably pleasant weather. I was helping Brother Sam to swamp out cordwood.
16 The sun rose bright and warm this morning, but clouded over after a little. The clouds disap-
peared about 10 O’clock A.M., when the day became very pleasant. I was helping Brother Sam-
uel to swam[p] wood. The Assessor for the Township of Proton was here today and assessed Lot
216 [sic:= 215?] at $450 and Lot 216 at $100. He also assessed my personal property at $120.,
Sum total $670, and put 4 days of Statute labor on me.
17th Sabbath. Mild day all through.
18 Sharp, frosty morning and continued cold to about 10 A.M., when the Sun shone out. I was get-
ting some saw logs off brother John’s place, assisted by Brother Samuel.
58
19 Sharp, cold morning, but the day ameliorated about 10 A.M., and became mild and warm. There
was a snow storm at night. I was getting out saw logs off Brother John’s lot, assisted by Brother
Sam. Mrs. Samuel Russell was at our place today. Skidding logs is pretty heavy work, as my
bones ached in a manner that was not pleasant.
<Q1 folio 69 recto>
February 1878
20th A little more snow on the ground this morning, but the sun shone out in the afternoon, melting it
off the roads. Very strange winter, very mild and delightful weather for cattle, or men working,
good for all purposes except teaming, and there has been scarcely any sleighing worth [doing?]
during the winter. Locomotion is performed by both sleighs and wagons. The back liners use
sleighs on their roads, the Gravel road people mostly waggons, while those who live south, when
they visit this locality invariably fetch their wagons along. I went with Brother Samuel today to
Mr. Doyle’s mill to see if the roads through the fields were passible, or if the mill was sawing, or
would saw.
21 Very dull, dark morning, sky lowring. Rain came on slightly about 10 A.M. and continued all
day. Hauled two loads of Saw logs for Brother Sam to Doyle’s mill.
22 Wet morning and very stormy night before, wind high. The day continued wet all through,
rained without ceasing. Brother John stopped here tonight.
23 Snow falling this morning, although very soft, not much account for sleighing. It kept snowing
less or more all day. The boys and I Cleaned up about 20 Bushels of wheat for the mill. Mr.
Best of Artemesia was here today wanting to buy my young mare. He offered me $80., I wanted
$100. John Agnew traded off his farm of 218 acres in Proton to a Mr. Tho[ma]s Arnold for 100
acres, improved farm with good buildings, in Essa.* Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s this
eavning. [*Essa Township, Simcoe County, just west and north of Alliston, ON.]
<Q1 folio 69 verso>
February 1878
24th Sabbath. A little snow fell now and then through the day, but it was rather Soft and not of much
use to help the sleighing.
25 A slight skiff of snow in the morning and continued snowing some all day. Hauled a load of Saw
logs for Brother Sam in the afternoon.
26 A bright, sunny morning and as the sun rose in the sky, the snow began to dissapear, not much
sleighing at night on the travelled roads. Took 21 Bushels and 52 lbs of wheat to Feversham
mill. Nancy went with me, I only got 787 pounds of flour, but the miller said that the bolt had
went wrong and that he would make it up, 40 pounds of flour to the bushel, which he did al-
though I told him that I thought my wheat would not make 40 pounds to the bushel. I lost a bag
at the mill through some means. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning.
27 Fine bright sunny morning and the day was one of spring-like aspect. Hauled a load of saw logs
for brother Sam in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, Sam and Mr. A. Lonsway and I made a
sleigh track through Mr. Adams’ bush, coming out on the Gravel at Mr. Kenneth McAulay’s bars
[=type of gate?]. Sleighing is all gone on the roads so we had to try this expedient! Maple sap
ran in a proper streem [sic] today.
28 A little cooler this morning, but the Sun soon got out strong. Sam and I hauled some saw logs
today. We got through the bush very well, but in crossing E. Noble’s lot at the beaver meadow
the horses broke down through the ice. We were trying to get to the mill this way, but the road is
very bad and dangerous, we will have to give it up. A credit sale of stock at John Conners’ this
day.
59
<Q1 folio 70 recto>
March 1878
1st Cold, raw morning and there was mostly a chilliness in the air all day. Snow is completely gone
off all the leading roads. Took my waggon in to Sam’s and left it for him. Helped Brother John
to haul in some turnips, he gave me about half a sleigh load home with me. One ewe lambed.
2nd Close, damp-like morning, rain came on about 11 AM and continued for about two hours. It then
cleared off, but late in the eavning it commenced raining again. Went to Dundalk today and put
my lands into the hands of Mr. A. G. Hunter* to sell for me. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s
at night. [*A. G. Hunter, Commissioner in the Queen’s Bench, listed in 1877 Dundalk Guide, as
well as Rutherford & Hunter, General Agents, land, loan and insurance; see History of Dundalk,
p. 101. George Rutherford is mentioned frequently as insurance and mortgage agent: see 19 June
1876, 2 Mar., 5 Apr., 22 May, 30 Aug., 24 Sept. 1878, 10 June, 3 Sept. 1881, 19 July 1882.]
3rd Sabbath. A Slight drizzle of rain this morning and continued so to the afternoon when it turned to
snow, which it continued on to night. Nancy and I went to Melancthon. I went to see John Pat-
terson at his Brother James’.
4 Snow falling very slightly this morning, but the wind so high that it is blown off the roads. A
Strong wind and a little snow all day. Was at John Agnew’s helping him clean up grain. Sarah
Nethercut, a girl of about 15 years of age, daughter of William Nethercut, died this afternoon of
Billious fever.* [*Common diagnosis in 18th & 19th C. for fever accompanied by nausea. Bili-
ous fever is often stated as cause of death (e.g. A. Lincoln’s son, Willie, died of bilious fever); it
covers a wide range of conditions and diseases, including viral hepatitis and bacterial septice-
mia.]
5 A little sharp this morning, but the sun soon came out, accompanied by a thaw wind which took
the little mite of snow off the roads. Pretty high wind in the eavning. Jim and I took the team
and went to the Sawmill early in the morning, as I was to get this day’s sawing. But the shaft of
the machinery had got broken the eavning before and the Mill was not working. The boys and I
took out some logs for joice [=joists] in the eavning.
<Q1 folio 70 verso>
March 1878
6th A fine bright sunny morning. The day continued clear and beautiful to the afternoon, when signs
of rain began to appear. Rain fell after dark in a copious shower. The boys and I were hauling
home some sleepers for the proposed new house. Mrs. Russell went to Sarah Nethercut’s funer-
al. Brother John stopped here all night.
7 Rather cloudy this morning. The day was sultry all through. The roads are almost impassible on
account of the mud. The snow has almost dissappeared from the fields, and spring-like weather
to all appearances is on us. No open winter like this has occured in my memory in this part of
Ontario.
8 Bright sunny morning, the day continued fine and bright all through, such warm weather as
might be expected in the middle of April. We tapped 70 Maple trees today. Sap ran pretty well.
All hands were in the bush with the exception of Clark who was at school. [in margin] First ma-
ple trees tapped
9 Dull misty morning, but the sun came out after a little and the day got pretty hot. I was helping
in the Sugar bush to about 3. P.M., then went to Dundalk.
10th Sabbath. A very fine morning and the sun shone out very strong and warm. In fact, the day had
more of the warmth of June than March about it.
60
11 A little cool and misty in the morning, and got colder towards night, neither rain nor snow but a
cold wind. I helped John Agnew to clean grain.
<Q1 folio 71 recto>
March 1878
12th Misty morning, but the sun got out from behind the clouds now and then through the day. Close
and sultry towards noon. Misty, with a slight mizzle of rain at night. Pretty high wind after dark.
The snow is all gone from the roads, fields and bush, a little may be seen in the fence corners and
swamps. The ground is almost fit to plow. James and I were gathering stones and hauling them
in heaps. John and the others, except Clark (who was at school), were in the sugar bush.
13 Rain pretty steady all through the day. Boys went and got their boots mended. Nancy [wen
stricken, written above:] was at her brother John’s sowing. Brother John was here today.
14 Snow falling, morning, noon and night. The boys went to School today. Nancy was at her
brother John’s today. Mrs. John Agnew slept here this night.
15 Pretty deep snow on the ground this morning, but very soft and slushy. John Agnew and family
moved away today to the Township of Essa. I took home Brother Sam’s sleighs and brought
back my waggon. Mr. Thomas Arnold, that has got John Agnew’s place, stopped here this night.
16 Mild morning and the snow has pretty much disappeared, the roads are extremely bad. A slight
rain fell for about three hours during the day. I hauled a load of furniture from the Station to Mr.
Arnold’s. There were seven teams. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here this afternoon. All the
family but myself were in the Sugar bush.
<Q1 folio 71 verso>
March 1878
17th Sabbath. Mild morning and the sun shone all through the day, causing it to be pleasant and warm.
18 Rather hard frost this morning, but the sun soon got out, me[l]ting it. The day was very warm
about noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon I borrowed 274½ feet of
lumber from Mr. Lonsway. Jim and John were making molasses.
19 The ground covered with snow this morning, to the depth of about three inches. It melted away,
however, through the day and had entirely disappeared at night. There is, however, more snow
falling now (9:15 P[written on top of A]. M.). I was helping Brother Sam to clean oats. The
boys were making molasses.
20 Cold morning, but after the sun got up pretty high it became warm, especially in the sunshine.
The day was clear and pleasant all through. I was helping Brother Sam in the forenoon to clean
up oats, and in the afternoon, he came and made two grain boxes for me.
21 Dark morning, and the day continued dark and muggy all through. Cleaned up oats at home in
the forenoon and in the afternoon made a grain box. There is some snow falling this night.
22 The ground covered with snow this morning, but after the sun was up some time the snow gradu-
ally disappeared. The day was pleasant and fair all through. The boys and I cleaned up oats in
the forenoon and in the afternoon I made a grain box. I have about 240 bushels of oats. We fin-
ished cleaning them today.
<Q1 folio 72 recto>
March 1878
23rd Mild morning and the day continued warm all through. Maple sap ran well today. Jim and his
mother were in the Sugar bush. The others and I were cleaning up wheat. The Melancthon as-
sessor was with me today, and assessed my 50 acre Lot, $550.* I went to William Lonsway’s
this night and sat up with him, attending to him as he has the Diptheria. [*Lot 220 Melancthon.]
61
24th Sabbath. Very cold morning, with a slight, sharp snow falling, blowing strong and freezing fierce.
About as cold a day as came all winter.
25 A Sharp, cold morning, snowing and freezing. The Snow, however, don’t amount to much, as
the wind blows it into the fence corners about as soon as it falls. Mr. Lonsway and wife were
here this eavning.
26 Cold morning, but the sun got out and the snow disappeared about noon. There came on quite a
wind and snow storm about 9. P.M. I went to Dundalk today and purchased three pairs of gaiter
boots for the boys from Mr. Hanbury at $1.75 a pair. He is to take three cords of cordwood for
them next winter. Mrs. Russell and I were at Mr. Arnold’s this eavning. John Agnew and his
daughter, Annie, were here tonight.
27 About three inches of snow on the ground this morning. The sun got out and melted the snow all
away before noon. The boys and I were hauling cordwood out of the bush. John Agnew and
Annie here tonight.
28 Snow on the ground all day, after the snow storm last night. It is soft and not any good for
sleighing, the day mild. John Agnew went away today. I brought up his cupboard and put it into
our house. We had to cut some off it.
<Q1 folio 72 verso>
March 1878
29th Some snow on the ground this morning and the day continued a little cool, although the sun
melted some of the snow. I and Clark were in the sugar bush. Nancy was to see Mrs. Arnold in
the forenoon and in the afternoon came to the bush. Mrs. Mary Murphy* came here about 11
O’clock tonight. [in margin] First robbin [sic] seen / Canadian Bond / out. [*a cousin of Rob-
ert’s, visiting from Simcoe County.]
30 Cool morning, some snow still remains on the ground. There was a pretty sharp, cold wind
blowing mostly all day. I went to Dundalk and purchased 12½ bushels of barley at .40¢ per
bushel, the merchant to take oats for the barley and allow me .30¢ per bushel for them. The boys
were in the Sugar bush today.
31st Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, although a little sharp. The day continued fine all through. Nan-
cy and I went to Mr. Arnold’s and from thence in to Melancthon. Mrs. Mary Murphy here to-
night.
April 1878
1st Very beautiful morning, and the day was clear and warm all through, quite balmy and Spring-
like. A great many of the neighbours have started plowing. Mrs. Murphy left for home this
morning. Nancy and I were in the sugar bush, Jim and John were gathering stones. I went after
night to sit up with W. Lonsway’s sick*, but they had no need of me so I came home. [*see
above, 23 March. William Lonsway’s diphtheria may have been passed on to his wife Margaret
(Robert’s sister) or their children.]
2 Bright sunny morning and the day continued one of sunshine and warmth. Nancy and I were in
the sugar bush. Jim and John were gathering stones, and in the evening they went with the team
to Mr. May’s and bought two bushels of lime at 15¢ per B.
<Q1 folio 73 recto>
April 1878
3rd Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm all through. The boys were gathering
stones on Lot [216 stricken] 220. I went to transact some business up the road in the forenoon
62
and in the afternoon pickled and limed 12 Bushels of wheat for seed. [in margin] One lamb to-
day
4 Bright sunny morning, and the day was beautiful all through. I sowed 12 bushels of wheat on
Lot 220, Jim harrowed. Nancy and John were in the sugar bush, and Clark at school. [in mar-
gin] First wheat sown
5 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued dry and warm all through. I sowed 8 bushels of
wheat today on Lot 220, which finishes my sowing of wheat for this season. Jim harrowed and
John & Clark gathered stones. The ground does not mould any with the harrows, as it is sod
which was plowed last fall, and the frost at nights wets [MS: weets] it so that it does not dry
soon. Mr. George Rutherford* was here in the eavning and transacted some business for me with
Mr. A. H. Hope of Hamilton. [*probably connected with the sale of land; see 2 March 1878,
above.]
I lost the best of my ewes [the stricken, insert] last night through her drinking a lot of salt and
water in which I had pickled the Seed wheat. I put the Sheep all into the barn and accidentally I
forgot to remove the brine. They all drank it and one of them died. The others are sick enough,
but very dry. I am keeping them shut up and giving them a little water occassionally.
6 Sharp frost this morning, and the day continued pretty cool all through, especially so in the
eavning. I went in the morning to Dundalk and purchased three bags of barley. I then went to
Archy McAulay’s Raising of a log barn. Jim was harrowing, and John gathering stones.
<Q1 folio 73 verso>
April 1878
7th Sabbath. Frost this morning, but the sun rose bright and clear, and the day continued fine all
through.
8 Frost this morning, but the sun rose bright and clear, the day got very warm about 10 A M. In the
eavning it got rather cloudy and chilly. Jim finished harrowing the wheat ground today. John
and I were gathering stones. Nancy in the bush.
9 Cloudy morning, the sky overcast and lowring, a slight rain came on about 10 AM, which in-
creased towards noon. It then faired up for a little and began again and kept at it pretty steady
tonight. It is now raining some (8:15) P.M. and all indications of a wet night. Jim was plowing
this forenoon, John and I were gathering stones. This was the first plowing we done this spring,
although the ground was fit to plow ten days ago, but we were busy putting in some wheat on
ground we had plowed last fall. The neighbours in general are all commenced seeding. It has
been splendid weather for so far, nothing at all to equal it for an early spring in my recollection.
Henry and James Lonsway were here this eavning. Nancy is Sick with Sore throat and pain in
her bones. [in margin] First plowing
10 Rather wet this morning, but the rain somewhat faired off about nine O’clock. There was a slight
mizzle throughout the day. Jim was plowing from about 9 AM., John and I were gathering
stones. Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Lonsway were here a short time this eavning.
<Q1 folio 74 recto>
April 1878
11th Quite a cool morning and rather breezy throughout the day. A fine day for a team to work. Jim
was plowing, John and I were gathering stones. The ground is drying nicely.
12 A slight frost this morning and the day was quite cool all through. Jim was plowing, John and I
were gathering stones to about 5.0 P.M., when we started to look for a stray lamb, but we did not
find it. Mrs. Russell, in company with Mrs. [Lonsway stricken, inserted above] Arnold, visited
Mrs. Lonsway this eavning. James Patton and James Kinnear were with me this eavning for me
63
to sign a petition addressed to the Judge, asking him to be as lenient as possible in passing sen-
tence on Mr. James May. Poor May was convicted of perjury. His enemies have prevailed at
last against him. I am morally certain that he is not guilty of perjury, but his enemies, after years
of watching and annoying him in every shape, have at last entangled him in the meshes of the
law.
13 Cold morning, with a slight sprinkle of rain. The day continued cool all through, with pretty
high wind in the afternoon. Jim was plowing, John and I were gathering stones. Mr. Lonsway
and wife were here a short time this eavning. Another lamb was take[n] today, I think by the
wild cats, as I found fresh blood leading in to the swamp immediately after missing the lamb.
14th Sabbath. Rather cool morning, the day cool and dry. Mrs. S. Russell and Brother John and wife
and John Jackson were here and Mr. Arnold and his Father, and Brother John’s two boys. [in
margin] First cow calved
<Q1 folio 74 verso>
April 1878
15th Rather cool morning and the day continued cool and dry. Jim was plowing, John and I were
gathering stones.
16 Cool morning, but the day warmed up beautifully and was splendid all through. I went to the
Station and bought a ¾ inch auger for .40¢, coming home I also bought from a man who was go-
ing to Dundalk 7½ bushels of Early Rose potatoes at .35¢ per B., and 6 bushels of White caps*
for .30¢ per B. Jim was plowing. I was helping Mr. Arnold to put up a back Kitchen in the af-
ternoon. [* white caps are split peas with seedcoat attached; see http://www.spokaneseed.com/
corefiles
spokaneseed/products/SSCO_Product_Specification_for_SPLIT_PEAS.pdf]
17 Fine cool morning, but the day got warmer and continued very pleasant throughout. I shore
[=sheared] a ram and yearling lamb in the forenoon and John and I sorted our seed potatoes in
the afternoon. The ram’s fleece weighed 11 pounds and the lamb’s 6½. Jim was plowing.
18 Cool morning, dry sunny day with a moderate wind. Went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the morning for
6 Bushels of pease that I bought of him at .60¢ per Bushel. Brought them home and sowed them.
Jim was harrowing. John and I were picking stones in the eavning. The sky is overcast this
eavning and there are indications of rain. [in margin] First pease sown / Full moon yesterday
morning
19 Rain early this morning, but it soon faired up and the day became dry with a good growth, the
eavning got a little cool. Jim was plowing today, John and I were gathering stones in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon I went [to] help raise a frame barn at Mr. John Ludlow’s. One of the
men (Mr. William Gallaher) got badly hurt at it. He was on a plate pulling up rafters. He got one
drawn up partly then pulled and threw his weight on it to brake it, it broke, but did not catch on
the purline, as the purline was spliced, and the splices were not met. He fell and struck on a log
inside: his head, leg and body seem to be pretty bad.
<Q1 folio 75 recto>
April 1878
20th A wet morning, and a great pour of rain last night with thunder and lightening. The day cleared
up about 8 AM. and was dry and sultry to about noon. It then became cool with a very high wind
in the afternoon. The sky is overcast and the wind raising at present (9:55 P.M.). I went in the
morning to See Mr. Gallaher. He is scarcely any better. I was plowing in the afternoon, the boys
were choring around. I sent John to the Blacksmith’s for a wrench and bo[l]t for plow point. He
got me a monkey wrench, price .85¢.
64
21st Sabbath. Very cool morning and cloudy. The day continued cool all through. A man crippled with
rheumatism and who gave his name as John Patterson asked for to get stopping all night and we
kept him. Mr. Arnold was here this eavning. I went in to Melancthon this eavning. [in margin]
Esther [=Easter]
22 Dull cloudy morning and quite cold, rain commenced about 9 A.M. and stopped about 2 P.M. It
clouded up near night and a slight mizzle is now (8:30) falling. Jim was plowing in the dry part
of the day, John and I were picking stones.
23 Rather cold morning and cloudy with showers through the day. Sent Jim in the morning to the
blacksmith’s to get a bolt for plow share. Jim was plowing after that and John and I picking
stones. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s at night. [in margin] Seen 3 swallows.
24 Cloudy morning with some rain falling. It cleared off, then came on about 11 A.M., cleared off,
then began about 2 P.M., when it rained very heavy to about 4. Jim was plowing in the dry
spells. I went to Dundalk in the eavning, bought a pick for $1.30, ½ bushel clover seed for
$2.80, got a parcel in the Express Office, marked $258. Brother Sam got 11 Bags oats from me
in trade for other oats.
<Q1 folio 75 verso>
April 1878
25th Dull cloudy morning, the sky overcast and every sign of rain. There were frequent showers
through the day. Jim was plowing, John and I were putting up fences and choring around gener-
ally.
26 Very showery day all through, and pretty heavy rain in the afternoon. Nancy and I went to Dun-
dalk after tea. Jim was plowing in the dry spells through the day. I paid Mr. Thos. Hanbury,
Shoemaker, balance of his ac[coun]t for 1877.
27 Misty morning and frequent showers through the day. Jim was plowing in the forenoon, and I
went to Mr. R. Campbell’s and paid him the balance of my blacksmith’s Bill for 1877. I went to
Brother John’s in the afternoon and got 800 pounds of hay from him at the rate of $12 per ton.
John Agnew stopped here tonight.
Sabbath
28th Cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain through the day. John Agnew left here today.
Brother John and wife were here in the afternoon.
29 Cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain through the day. Jim was plowing in the afternoon
to tea time, then he went to the blacksmith’s to get a bolt for co[l]ter. [in margin] Nelly calved
30 Misty morning and a little rain fell during the day. The boys and I were hauling out manure to
about 5. p.m., then Jim commenced plowing.
<Q1 folio 76 recto>
May 1878
1st Rather misty morning and a little rain through the day. Jim was plowing. John and I were gath-
ering stones and choring around. Mrs. Russell and I went to Mr. Arnold’s in the eavning. A
clock fixer repaired our clock today.
2 Very heavy rain this morning and it kept wet during most of the forenoon. I went in the after-
noon to Dundalk and posted some letters and renewed my subscription to the weekly Mail, price
$1.14 per annum. Jim was plowing in the afternoon. It came on to rain about 6:30 p.M., accom-
panied with thunder and lightening and it has poured down from then to now (9 P.M.) and is still
at it.
65
3 Very wet morning, but no rain fell during the day. Jim was plowing to noon. In the afternoon he
and I took the team and tried to open up some water furrows to carry off the water on a field that
I wish to Sow with oats. Four men came here this eavning, a-landbuying. One of them wanted
to purchase Lot 220 Melancthon from me. We could not come to terms. This has been a very
wet time for the past two weeks, the ground is completely water-soaked. Most people are
obliged to stop work on their farms, as a great many of them are so wet they cannot be plowed.
There is, however, a splendid growth: grass is about three weeks in advance of this time last
year. Nancy and all the family but me are at Tunkar [=Tunker*] Meeting at Mr. Clippard’s to-
night. [*the Tunker Church was a fundamentalist sect with German Baptist origins; see H. R.
Holsinger, Holsinger’s History of the Tunkers and The Brethern Church (Oakland, Calif., 1901),
at : https://archive.org/details/holsingershistor00hols]
<Q1 folio 76 verso>
May 1878
5th Sabbath. Very cool day all through but no rain. So cold, indeed, that it almost froze. Mrs. Russell
and I visited Mr. Arnold’s in the eavning.
6 Cool morning but the day was dry all through with a fine drying wind, indications of rain to-
night. Sowed about six bags of oats today, being the first oats I sowed this season. Jim har-
rowed. The ground was very wet and did not mould. Brother John was here this eavning. Nan-
cy was to Dundalk. [in margin] First oats sown
7 Heavy rain this morning, but cleared off about 8 AM, the day was dry but cloudy from that on. I
plowed in the dry part of the day. Jim took Lotty (a filly) to the blacksmith’s and got the lampers
cut in her mouth. Also got a wolf’s tooth knocked out of her. There were some holes of water
so deep where I was plowing that the[y] covered the mould board. Mrs. Russell was at Mrs. Ar-
nold’s.
8 Cool morning, but the day kept dry to about 4 P.M., when there came on a very heavy rain. I
sowed about 5 acres of oats today and Jim harrowed them, but did not get them finished. [in
margin] Elly calved.
9 The morning cloudy, but the day kept dry to about 6 P.M., when there was a pretty sharp shower.
Jim plowed the garden in the afternoon and harrowed from tea time till night. An old man
named Sam Allen is stopping here for charity tonight. He is a great talker, his tongue is going
now like a tuck mill* so that I can hardly write for the chatter he is keeping up! [* a tuck mill, or
fulling mill, was a water mill used to cleanse woolen cloth of oils and impurities, making it
thicker. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulling#Fulling_mills]
<Q1 folio 77 recto>
May 1878
10th Cold morning and a little rain through the day and exceedingly cold in the eavning. I sowed
three bags of oats in the afternoon, Jim was harrowing all day. I went to see George Kirby [this
stricken, above:] yesterday afternoon.
11 Very cold morning and the ground white with snow. It melted off in a little while but the day
was cloudy, cold, and windy. I sowed two bags of oats in the forenoon, and planted about a
bushel of potatoes in the afternoon. Jim harrowed. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s at night.
[in margin] Mare colted. First potatoes planted. Snow this morning.
12th Sabbath. Cold morning with a little snow on the ground. The day was very cold and cloudy.
Nancy and I visited in Melancthon.
13 Cold morning, with ice on the rain barrel half an inch thick. The day was cold all through. Jim
was plowing. Nancy and I went to Dundalk.
66
14 Cold morning, with a heavy frost, the day cold all through. I sowed three bags of oats. Jim har-
rowed. I and Nancy were at Mr. Arnold’s.
15 Hard frost this morning, the plowed ground almost as hard as a brick. The sun came out thawing
the frost, the day dry. I sowed two bags of oats. Jim harrowed and then went in the eavning and
plowed on Lot 220 Melancthon. I sold 62 Bushels of oats to Mr. Bradan of Mono for .31¢ per
Bushel. [in margin] Finished sowing oats.
16 Frost this morning, the sun got out strong, the day dry and warm. Jim plowing, I choring around,
John harrowing at Sam’s. Nancy at Mrs. Lonsway’s picking bee.
<Q1 folio 77 verso>
May 1878
19th Bright sunny morning and the day continued fair and warm all through. The ground is drying up
pretty rapidly. Jim was plowing on Lot 220, I was clipping sheep. Nancy clipped two for me.
Mr. Arnold came up in the afternoon and ground his axe. Mr. Lonsway and William John Arnold
were here this eavning. Mr. Lonsway borrowed 7 Bags from me. John is helping Brother Samu-
el. I hear that the frost which done so much harm here was also bad in other parts about 30 miles
east of this.
18 Fine morning and the day continued dry and warm all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and purchased 10 Bushels of barley @ 35¢ per Bushel and ½ Bushel of clover seed @ 4.70 per
Bush[el] and 30 pounds of Timothy seed @ $2.25 per Bushel. Also bought 2 Butter tubs @ .40¢
each. Mr. Lonsway hauled the articles home. In the afternoon Clark and I planted about 2 Bush-
els of potatoes on Lot 220. Jim finished plowing for grain today. [in margin] Posted letter to
Bro. William.
19th Sabbath. Rainy morning and the day continued showery all through. Visited George Kirby in the
eavning. Mr. Arnold was at our place in the afternoon.
20 Cloudy morning, but warm, with a good growth. Went in the forenoon to Father’s, in the after-
noon I helped Jim to haul out manure into a potatoe patch. Mr. Cross came here and leveled the
posts for the new house. A heavy rain came on about noon, then cleared off. Came on again and
was very show[e]ry all afternoon. [in margin] old man Hunk don[?] indecipherable—these notes
are normally about deaths.]
21 Cool morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell frequently during the forenoon, the afternoon was
dry. The boys were hauling out manure. I fitted a handle to the pick in the forenoon and was
digging a cellar in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 78 recto>
May 1878
22nd White frost this morning, but did not see any ice on the water. The day was dry and warm all
through. I sowed about 4¾ acres of Barley in the forenoon and in the afternoon dug in the cellar.
Jim was harrowing, John and Clark were planting potatoes. [in margin] Finished sowing grain.
G. Rutherford married.
23 White frost this morning, doing little harm. Fine day, dry and warm all through. Sowed 30
pounds of grass seed and 30 pounds of clover seed on about 4½ acres. Harrowed the ground
twice then sowed the Seeds, and harrowed them. I was digging celler [=cellar] in the afternoon.
24 Very heavy shower this morning about daylight, cleared off about 5 O’clock A.M. I went to help
Brother Sam to haul out manure. The boys went fishing. They were not very successful, fish did
not bite.
67
25 Fine morning, cloudy but dry all day and warm, good growth. I was digging celler. Jim and
Clark were hauling out manure. John was helping William Lonsway plant potatoes. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
26th Sabbath. Very cool morning and the day continued dry and cold. Nancy and I visited William
Lonsway’s.
27 Frost this morning, the day continued cold and dry. I was digging cellar, Jim and John were
hauling manure.
<Q1 folio 78 verso>
May 1878
28th Frost this morning, the sky overcast and some appearance of rain. The sun shone out after a
while, the day dry but very cold. I was digging cellar, finished it. Jim was plowing and harrow-
ing potatoe patch. Mrs. Arnold visited us this afternoon, also William Lonsway was here, and al-
so a man taking orders for the London Herald newspaper.
20 White frost on the ground this morning, the sun got out bright and soon melted it. The day was
dry but chilly all through. I was around with a petition addressed to the Governor General of
Canada, in order to obtain signatures to it, to get him to pardon Mr. James May, who was sen-
tenced at the assizes to one year in gaol.* The boys were making a brush fence. [*see above, 12
April 1878, reference to guilty conviction for perjury.]
30 Fine morning, and the day was dry and warm all through. Was digging at Cellar drain in the
forenoon, and in the afternoon went round with petition. Obtained 43 signatures in both days.
Boys were working at fence.
31 Very fine warm morning, the day hot and dry. I was cutting seed potatoes, the boys were making
Brush fence.
<Q1 folio 79 recto>
June 1878
1st Very warm sunny morning, the day continued dry and hot all through. Went to Flesherton and
Priceville today to See the Doctor and the Inspector.* The boys were helping Br. Sam to plant
potatoes. [*to qualify for his annual pension.]
2nd Sabbath. Dry warm day all through. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s.
3 Thunder and lightening this morning, accompanied by heavy rain. It cleared off about 8 AM.
All hands were planting potatoes. This has been the hottest day of the season for so far.
4 Cool cloudy morning, and the day continued quite cool all through. There came on a slight miz-
zle of rain about 6 P.M. and it is still raining now (10:10). We finished planting potatoes today. I
planted one potatoe: having first cut it into 19 pieces, I put one piece in a hill, till I planted all the
pieces. I did so for experience, to See how much I could grow from a single potatoe. The varie-
ty was Early Rose. We have planted in all about 16 Bushels this year. Mrs. May was here this
eavning. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes
5 Cool morning, but the sun got out and the day kept dry, though decidedly cool. I got Brother
Sam’s horse and put him along with one of mine and took 586 pounds of wheat to the Grist mill.
I got 390 pounds of flour. I hauled some shingle timber I had in the mill yard forward to the
saw. Bought a barell of salt. Mr. John Arnold and his brother Thomas were here tonight to make
a trade with me for his lot of land in Essa. Jim was [working stricken, above:] stopping at his
uncle John’s tonight.
<Q1 folio 79 verso>
June 1878
68
6th Cold morning and the ground covered with a white frost, ice on the water in some places. The
sun got out bright and strong, the day dry but not warm. I and Jim were at Brother John’s. [in
margin] Frost this morning.
7 Cool morning with a little rain falling, which increased during the day, which was wet all
through. Was on the back line to noon, then John and I went to Dundalk. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway
were here this morning. Nancy and I went at night to Mrs. Arnold’s.
8 Cool morning, and the day cool to about noon, dry all day. Was getting timber cut at the [mill]
today, assisted by Brothers John and Sam. Had William Henders and his oxen hauling in logs.
Sabbath
9 Cool morning, frost on the ground, the day got warmer as it advanced. William Lonsway and
wife were here today. [in margin] Frost.
10 Cool morning, frost on the ground. The sun got out pretty strong about 9 A.M., the day got
cloudy and a slight rain fell. I was at the Sawmill getting logs sawed, assisted by Brother Sam
and my Johney.
Jim’s nose commenced to bleed today at his uncle John’s and bled several times. In the eavning
when he came home it started to blood again. We put wet cloths on the back of his head and af-
ter a good while the blood stopped. Jim appeared quite white and weak. Jim must be careful of
himself and not work nor exercise himself till he gets stronger, for fear that it might injure him.
<Q1 folio 80 recto>
June 1878
11th Bright sunny morning, but there came on some rain about noon. Went to See John Agnew in the
Township of Essa, also to see about exchanging any Lands for Mr. John Arnold’s of that Town-
ship. I did not like the place, so I did not trade.
12 Bright sunny morning and the day continued warm. John Agnew drove me up in his buggy,
about 14 miles. I got home tonight.
13 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine. Warned out the men to do statute labor.
14 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and very warm. Was hauling lumber from the mill.
15 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm Was hauling lumber from the mill. A big thunder and
lightening storm accompanied by rain this night.
16th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning , the day dry but cool.
17 Warm sunny morning, the day hot with a good growth. Was overseeing statute labor in Melanc-
thon.
18 Very warm morning, the day continued hot and dry. Was overseeing statute labor in Melancthon.
19 Warm sunny morning, the day hot and dry. Was at a logging bee at Mr. A. Jacksons’s. [in mar-
gin] Frost.
20 Pretty warm morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon a little wet with every appearance of it
being a wet night because the rain has now come on while I am writing. I and Johney were haul-
ing lumber from the mill.
<Q1 folio 80 verso>
June 1878
21st Misty morning, and the day was warm and showery all through. A very fine growing day.
Johney and I were hauling lumber from the Sawmill home. I got my cheque for superannuated
pension of $101.00* today. [*The amount is always $101., not an even $100.00 as one might
expect.]
22 Misty morning and a good deal of rain fell during the afternoon, and through the night. I was
hauling lumber and shingles from the mill. Settled with John McDowell for sawing and making
69
shingles, paid him $30. cash. I did not like the settlement. I brought home a butter firkin this
eavning. John Agnew and Brother John stopped here this night. Mr. Kirby was here a while this
night.
23rd Sabbath. Misty morning, and a slight mizzle of a rain fell during most of the day. Mr. Arnold
and his two sons were here today.
24 Misty morning, but the day cleared off and was dry and warm. Spent the forenoon at Mr. Ar-
nold’s, in the afternoon worked in the garden. Went to Mr. Lonsway’s, Nancy and I, in the
eavning. Then I went to Ge[o]rge Kirby’s to do some writing for him.
25 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and
purchased a pair of gaitars [=gaiters]. In the afternoon went with Mr. Sloan to W. Henders to get
a colt casterated. John Agnew is stopping here tonight.
26 Warm day all through. I and Nancy and Brother John and wife and Brother Sam’s wife went to
Essa.
<Q1 folio 81 recto>
June 1878
27th Bright sunny morning, the day exceedingly hot. Gave 150 acres of land in Melancthon and
$230.00 in money and value to John Arnold of Essa* for 109 acres there, being the west ½ of Lot
6 on the 6th Con. He, the said Arnold, to put me in 16 acres of fall wheat in good time and in
good order, and to find the seed, and I to summer fallow 5 acres here for him. [*see above, 23
February 1878, for John Agnew’s trade with Thomas Arnold of Essa.]
28 Very sultry day, melting hot. I stopped at John Agnew’s to the eavning, then came to Alliston
and finished up the writing. From thence I went to James Murphy’s* and stopped there all night.
The rest of our company had left John Agnew’s for home in the morning, calling at James Mur-
phy’s. [*Mary Russell Murphy, wife of James Murphy, is Robert’s cousin, as noted above, 16
Feb. 1877.]
29 Very warm day all through, the sun poring down hot. Left James Murphy’s and came home this
eavning.
30th Sabbath. Very hot day all through. I went to see father and mother.
July 1878
1st Very hot day all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, did not do anything in the after-
noon.
2 Warm morning and the day continued fair till the afternoon, when there came on a very heavy
rain, accompanied with thunder and lightening. I went to back line in the eavning. Nancy had
some women helping pick wool.
<Q1 folio 81 verso>
July 1878
3rd Wet morning, but faired up about 9 A.M. Drove brother Sam and William Lonsway in the wag-
on, on their way to Muscoka [=Muskoka*], to within 9 miles of Collingwood. Also took the
wool to the Carding mill and got home the rolls with me. [*Muskoka is a region of lakes just
east of Georgian Bay, about 150 km north of Toronto, now cottage country for the urbanized area
around Lake Ontario].
4 Very hot morning and the day continued dry and warm. Hoed potatoes till 5. O’clock, then went
to Dundalk. Brother John was plowing for me on Lot 220.
70
5 Very warm morning, the day dry and hot all through, with a very fine growth. In fact, the pota-
toes are growing so rapidly that I cannot get them hoed quick enough. I was at Mrs. Gott’s plow-
ing bee.
6 Very warm dry day from morning till night. Was hoeing potatoes along with the boys. Went to
Dundalk in the eavning.
7th Sabbath. Very warm dry day all through.
8 Cloudy morning, looked a little like rain. A few drops fell through the day, but did not amount to
much. I was doeing [=doing] Statute labor for Proton Lots.
9 Very warm morning and the day continued hot all through. The sky clouded over towards night,
but no rain fell. I was doeing statute labor.
10 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty warm with rather strong wind. Got a little chilly at night.
The boys and I were hoeing potatoes.
<Q1 folio 82 recto>
July 1878
11th Showery day but very fine growing weather, heavy rain during the night. The boys and I were
hoeing potatoes, finished them.
12 Rainy morning, but cleared off in the forenoon. Roads very muddy. Nancy and the rest of the
family went to Melancthon. I stopped at home. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
13 Bright sunny morning, the day continued dry and hot with a great growth. I never remember
such splendid growing weather, the grain crop and the root crop for so far cannot be excelled. If
the frost don’t come, there will be a bountiful harvest! Clark and I were bugging potatoes and
pulling mustard.
14th Sabbath. Fine warm day all through. Nancy went to Mrs. William Talbot’s.
15 Dry day all through. Brother John came to help me with the celler, but had to go to Dundalk. I
done a day’s statute labor. [in margin] St. Swithin’s day. [According to traditional folklore, the
weather that comes on St. Swithin’s day (15 July) will continue for 40 days and nights.]
16 Dry, hot day from morning to night. Brother John and I were planking celler, and in the after-
noon put some Paris Green*on the potatoes that are on Lot 220. Nancy and the children took the
team and went to sister Sarah’s with the wool to be spun. [*Paris green, a poisonous inorganic
compound (copper arsenite and copper acetate), emerald green in colour, was used as an insecti-
cide, particularly on potatoes; see https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/paris-
green].
17 Very hot day. Brother John and I were taking out square timber.
<Q1 folio 82 verso>
July 1878
18th Cloudy morning and then came on a very heavy rain, accompanied by thunder and lightening
about 9 A.M. It cleared off in about two hours. Brothers Sam and John were helping me to take
out sleepers and sills for the new house. Very hot this day.
19 Very warm in the morning and got hotter through the day. Brother John was helping me to take
out sleepers for the house. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
20 Very hot morning, although a little cloudy, the day dry. A big storm of thunder and lightening
with rain about 10 P.M. The boys and I hauled the four sills today. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lon-
sway’s this eavning.
21st Sabbath. Cool morning with a pretty high wind. The day kept getting chillier all evening and
there were evident signs of frost, but happily there was none.
71
22 Cool morning, the day cold and dry all through, with a very high wind. Went to Dundalk in the
forenoon and got some Paris Green to put on the potatoes as I cannot keep the bugs off them.
Sprinkled those on Lot 220 in the afternoon. The boys were pulling mustard today on Lot 220.
23 Cool day all through, but dry. I was mowing grass. Jim was harrowing the summer fallow. [in
margin] First mowing.
<Q1 folio 83 recto>
July 1878
24th Cool morning and the day continued rather cool all through, pleasant enough for working. I was
mowing, the boys were making hay.
25 Cool morning, the day got overcast in the forenoon and rain began to fall about 2:30 P.M. Nancy
and Jim and Clark hauled in four loads of hay. Before the rain came on I was mowing. John
was helping his uncle Sam to make hay. It has been a pretty steady afternoon’s rain.
26 Rainy morning and continued wet all day to about 3 P.M., being about 24 hours steady rain.
Done nothing today, went in to Melancthon in the afternoon.
27 Cloudy morning, but no rain fell during the day. I was mowing to 4 P.M. Jim tried to cross plow
the summer fallow in Melancthon, but could not on account of the thistles not being rotted.
Nancy and I went to Dundalk this eavning.
28th Cool morning, but the day kept clear and dry, the eavning very cool with signs of frost, but there
was none. Nancy and I visited at Father’s today.
29 Cool cloudy morning, but no rain came on to the afternoon, when there was a slight sprinkling. I
mowed in the forenoon. Nancy and the boys raked. I hauled in in the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 83 verso>
July 1878
30th Rainy morning, but cleared off in the forenoon about 10 O’clock. I went to the Station in the
afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here today.
31st Bright sunny morning, but the day got overcast in the afternoon, and there came on a very heavy
rain storm about 6 P.M. I was putting Paris Green on the potatoes, the boys were making hay. I
went to the Station in the eavning.
August [1878]
1st Dry morning, but there came on a slight shower in the forenoon, and several showers in the mid-
dle of the day. A heavy rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening is passing over now
(9) P.M., some hail is also mixed with the rain. I finished mowing today, except the fence cor-
ners. The boys were taking bugs off the potatoes.
2 Dry day all through, rather breezy in the afternoon, drying the hay good. I worked for Brother
Sam in the afternoon at hay making, the boys made hay at home.
3 Fine dry morning, the sun [dittog.: the sun] warm and bright all day. Jim, Clark and I helped
Sam at his hay. Nancy and Johney raked up some hay at home and hauled in three loads, which
was famous work, for the help which was at it!
<Q1 folio 84 recto>
August 1878
4th Sabbath. Fine day with a heavy thunder shower about noon.
5th Fine dry day. Was helping Brother Sam at hay-making. Slept at Father’s.
6th Heavy thunder, lightening and rain storm commenced about 3 A.M., continued for about three
hours. Was helping Brother Sam at his hay. Slept at Father’s.
7 Dry day all through. I was helping Brother Sam at his hay.
72
8 Dry day. I was helping Sam at his hay [heavy rain....early this, i.e. first lines of next entry,
stricken].
9 Very heavy thunder and rain storm with some hail early this morning. I came home and went to
Dundalk.
10 Fine dry day all through. I and the boys were helping Sam at his hay.
11th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued dry all through. William Lonsway, his wife and
family, were here today.
12 Fine morning, the day dry and warm all through. I was helping brother Sam at his hay.
13 Dry morning and the day dry and fine all through. I was helping Sam at his hay.
<Q1 folio 84 verso>
August 1878
14th Cloudy morning, but the day kept dry to about noon, when there came on a very heavy rain and
wind storm, accompanied with some thunder. I and the boys were helping Brother Sam at his
hay to the rain came on.
15 Bright morning and the day dry and warm all through. I was helping Mr. Lonsway to pile ma-
nure with the waggons. The boys finished pulling pease. [in margin] Finished pease pulling.
16 Cloudy morning and a rain and thunder storm came on about 9 A.M. It then cleared off and was
fine to about 3 P.M., when there came on a terrific rain storm, thunder and lightening and hail, or
more properly speaking, pieces of ice. In shape these pieces were circular like a little wheel with
a groove in the rim. Frequent showers throughout the afternoon. Thunder and lightening now,
so much that the cows could not be milked. I was helping Brother Sam today to bind some
wheat. Jim was plowing some between showers. The lightening was so sharp that it killed nine
sheep on Mr. William Millsop, about one mile and a quarter from here.
17 Dry day all through. Jim cut a swath with the scythe round the wheat and raked it up. In the
afternoon he went to Mr. Clippert’s and bound wheat. I did not work at anything as I had a se-
vere pain in my knee and side. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
<Q1 folio 85 recto>
August 1878
18th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day was dry all through. Nancy went to church. I went to see
Mr. James May in the afternoon.
19 A little rain fell this morning, but the day soon got dry and breezy. I was mowing wheat, assisted
by Brother Sam and W. Lonsway. The boys and their mother hauled in about 2½ acres of pease.
20 Fine morning and the day continued warm and breezy all through. I mowed wheat in the fore-
noon and helped to haul in in the afternoon. Nancy and the boys raked in the forenoon and
helped me haul in in the afternoon. The wheat is a very poor crop with me this year. I had sown
20 Bushels and I will not have much more than my seed that I sowed off it. I think that it must
have been the rust that injured it in the first place, cutting the enamel off the straw. Then some
very heavy rains came on and washed the rust off, but the harm had been done: the wheat fell
down and the heads did not fill. Plenty of wheat is in the Same condition. This has been a very
singular summer for great heat and frequent storms of thunder and lightening, also great hail and
rain storms, the like I cannot remember. A great deal of harm has been done to the standing
crops in several parts of Ontario. This neighborhood has escaped the devastation.
21 Fine morning, sun out bright and warm, dry day all through. I was mowing in the forenoon.
Nancy and the boys were raking and in the afternoon we hauled in. The Stuff is light and not
much good.
<Q1 folio 85 verso>
73
August 1878
22nd Dry, very hot. I was cutting wheat in the forenoon, Nancy and the boys raking. We were draw-
ing in in the afternoon.
23 Dry day, not so warm as yesterday. The sun got overcast in the eavning. I was mowing wheat
all day, except for part of the afternoon while I was forking on the wagon. Nancy and the boys
were raking up and hauling in. We finished cutting and hauling in our wheat today, and a very
miserable crop it is. [in margin] Finished wheat.
24 Rain this morning, and the day continued slightly wet all through. I and the boys done nothing
today, as the grain was not fit to work. I went to Sam’s in the eavning.
25th Sabbath. Dry day all through. Mrs. Russell visited Mrs. Arnold.
26 Fine dry day, warm and breezy. I was paying William Lonsway the day I owed him. Jim and
John were mowing barley. The three boys, Jim, John & Clark, went to Mr. Clippart’s at night to
help put in his wheat, as he is laid up with a sore foot.
27 Dry day all through. Jim and I were mowing barley. Nancy and the others were raking it. We
finished cutting it today.
28 Dry to about noon when there came on a very slight shower. We were hauling in Barley to the
rain prevented us.
<Q1 folio 86 recto>
August 1878
29 Dry warm day all through. We finished raking Barley and hauling it in. Jim cradled today.
30 Hot day all through. Brother Sam and William Adams and my Jim were craddling oats today.
They are a good crop, but very thistly. Nancy and I were binding and Johney was stooking. Mr.
George Rutherford, Agent, came here today and I signed a mortgage on the Essa lot for $2100.
The conditions of said mortgage are that it is due in twenty years from the first of August 1878.
The interest is 8½ per cent per annum, payable yearly. The first payment of interest to be due on
the first of March 1879, and each payment of interest after to be one year from that date. Any
part of the loan to be paid off at any time the borrower chooses, by giving the company three
month’s notice. The company is the North of Scotland. The mortgage is dated the 28th of Au-
gust 1878 and binds the borrower to keep the buildings insured in at least $700.
31 Rather cloudy morning and it commenced raining a little about noon, but increased as the after-
noon wore on, to at present (7:20) P.M. when it is coming down pretty brisk. Jim was craddling.
John and Clark hauled in a little load of hay, then stooked up some oats. Nancy and I bound, so
long as the rain would let us.
<Q1 folio 86 verso>
September 1878
1st Sabbath. Rainy all forenoon, faired up in the afternoon, when Nancy and I went to William Lon-
sway’s.
2 Rather dull morning, and the day was damp till the afternoon, when there came on some pretty
heavy rain, with thunder and lightening. William Adams and John Russell were craddling oats.
Nancy and I and the boys were binding.
3 Damp harvest morning, a great deal of wet on the grain. It could not be craddled, well to the
afternoon. John Russell and William Adams were craddling. Nancy, the boys and I were bind-
ing.
4 Wet in the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. The men were craddling in the afternoon. Nancy and
I were binding.
74
5 Very heavy dew in the morning, and misty most of the day. John Russell was craddling. Nancy
and I were binding. Jim was helping his uncle Sam.
6 Very heavy dew this morning. John Russell craddling, Nancy and I binding in the forenoon, and
hauling in, in the afternoon. Jim at his uncle Sam’s.
7 Very heavy dew this morning, but the sun got out and was warm. We had to open out about 100
stooks of oats. Brother John was craddling. Nancy, Jim and I and Johney hauled the oats in in
the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 87 recto>
September 1878
8th Sabbath. Dry day all through. Brother Sam and wife paid us a visit today.
9 Dry breezy day all through. We were all hauling in oats, they were fine and dry. We got in about
250 Stooks.
10 Misty morning with heavy clouds passing. We hauled in two small loads of oats, then bound
about 10 Stooks, when it commenced raining, slight at first, but it soon came down heavy
enough, and stopped our harvesting. The boys hauled a little jag of wood home, they then went
for the plow, and Jim plowed some in the afternoon, but he had to give up with the rain. [in mar-
gin] Nomination for the House of Commons.
11 Rainy morning and continued so all day. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 4½
Bushels of fall wheat from Mr. Charles McCormak at $1.05 per Bushel.
12 Rainy morning and continued so all day.
13 Rainy morning and continued so all day. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s helping pare ap-
ples. Mr. Lonsway went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I went with him. I brought home the
wheat I had bought. Also I bought and fetched home a barell of flour: price $5.00.
14 Rainy forenoon, it cleared up in the afternoon. I went to Alexander Patterson’s logging bee on
William Lonsway’s Lot. I slept at Father’s this night.
<Q1 folio 87 verso>
September 1878
15th Sabbath. Dry sunny morning and the day continued fine and dry all through. [in margin] Frost.
16 Dry morning and the day continued dry and breezy. I was plowing for fall wheat in the fore-
noon, and in the afternoon Nancy and I bound and the boys hauled in some oats.
17 Fine dry morning and the day continued dry and breezy all through. Cloudy towards night, with
a pretty high wind, thunder clouds and lightening. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and voted
for an M. P. then came home and the boys, Nancy, and I worked at getting in our oats. Visited at
Mr. Lonsway’s this night. When I came home I wrote a letter for Josua Chambers (who is here)
to John Agnew.
18 Dry morning and the day continued dry and breezy. We finished harvesting today and I went in
the afternoon to see about a thrashing machine. [in margin] Finished Harvesting.
19 Wind and rain storm about 8 O’clock this morning. Jim plowed till noon after the rain was over.
Jim and Johney went to help Sam in the afternoon, and I plowed. There was a very violent wind
and rain storm at night.
20 Fair morning, but some rain fell before noon. There was a violent wind and rain storm about 4
O’clock in the eavning. I plowed in the forenoon and Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
21 The day pretty dry. I sowed 4½ bushels fall wheat. Johney harrowed it. We pared some apples
at night. [in margin] Sowed Wheat.
<Q1 folio 88 recto>
75
September 1878
22nd Sabbath. Fine dry day with a pretty heavy frost this morning. Nancy and I visited at Father’s
today.
23 Dry morning, with a heavy frost, the day continued dry and breezy. I and the boys and Nancy
took up potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Date of cheque for Essa mort-
gage.
24 A little rain fell this morning before day. Nancy and Johney went to sister Sarah’s for the yarn
which she had spun. Brother John is here tonight. George Rutherford was here.
25 Dry morning, but there came on a heavy rain towards night. Nancy and I went to Dundalk.
26 A little rain fell this morning, but the day soon got dry. Nancy and I went to Toronto. I done
some business there and Nancy and I went out as far as Mr. Robert Moore’s, No. 1 York Town-
ship, and stopped there all night.
27 Very fine morning and the day continued dry. Mr. Moore drove us in to the city. I got some
more business done, but not in time to go to the exhibition.
28 Fine morning and the day continued fine all through. Nancy had an opperation performed on her
eyes by Dr. Reeve this morning. I left in the one o’clock train for home. Nancy stopped behind.
I got to Dundalk about 8:20 P.M.
29th Sabbath. Fine dry day.
<Q1 folio 88 verso>
September 1878
30th Dry morning and the day continued dry. Went to the Station in the afternoon for Nancy, who got
home from Toronto, where she had been to get her eyes operated on.
October
1st Dry morning and the day continued dry. The boys were raising potatoes. I went to see about
getting a thrashing machine to thrash. Father was here this eavning.
2 Dry morning and the day was charming, a few drops of rain fell about 11 A.M. I was plowing
today, the children were helping their Grandfather to raise potatoes. Brother John went to Essa
to begin his fall plowing.
4 Bright, Sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm all through. Jim was plowing,
Johney and I were burning stumps.
5 White frost this morning and a slight shower came on about 3 P.M. I went in the afternoon to get
hands for to attend the thrashing. Also I went to Dundalk and purchased a ticket for $1.00 for
the Show Fair. Jim was plowing today.
6th Sabbath. Very fine morning and the day continued fine but cool. Jim went with the wagon for
Father and Mother and they stopped till the afternoon.
<Q1 folio 89 recto>
October 1878
7th Fine morning and the day continued dry, though cool and cloudy. All of us went to the Union
Agricultural Show Fair at Dundalk. We showed a Spring colt, Two rolls of butter, six cabbages,
and six beets. We took first prize for cabbages. It was a very fine show, a great many people,
and a great deal of Stuff shown. The horses, especially the colts, were excellent. The day passed
off very pleasantly, without any misshaps of a serious nature. Some few tipsy lads created a dis-
turbance at night, but the melee did not amount to much.
8 Cool morning and the day continued dry and cool. It is raining now, 7:50 P.M., with every ap-
pearance of a wet night. Jim was plowing today. John and I were burning stumps in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon I went to engage a thrashing machine.
76
9 Very windy morning and frequent showers throughout the day. The wind was so strong that it
blowed the tops off several stacks in the neighbourhood. I went in the forenoon to Mr. W. Ache-
son’s and traded off four ram lambs for 4 Ewe lambs. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk.
10 Calm, cool morning and the day continued fair, dry and sunny. I levelled the earth I have thrown
out of the celler, and brought the sills and sleepers to their places. Jim was plowing.
11 Dry morning, but rain fell about 10 A.M. and the afternoon was pretty wet. Jim and the team
were at Mr. Mills’ thrashing. Johney and I were at Brother Sam’s thrashing. [in margin] Posted
letter to Bro. W. [? unclear, written very small.]
<Q1 folio 89 verso>
October 1878
12th [Sabbath stricken] Very fine sunshiny day all through. Johney and I were at Sam’s thrashing, Jim
was at James Mills’ thrashing. I stoppped at Sam’s all night.
13th Sabbath. Very fine day all through.
14 Fine dry, warm day all through. Johney and Jim with the team were at Mr. Lonsway’s thrashing.
I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
15 Very heavy rain last night, the morning dry and the day dry, cloudy and very sultry. John and
Jim were at Mr. Lonsway’s thrashing. I was preparing for thrashing at home. [in margin] Colt
weaned.
16 Fine dry day all through. Jim was with Mr. Lonsway in the forenoon. In the afternoon the
thrashing machine was with us.
17 Mizzly morning and the day kept getting wetter. We thrashed for about two hours this forenoon
and then had to [keep stricken] quit on account of the rain.
18 Slight mizzle of rain this morning and kept getting worse to about 10 A.M. We thrashed all day.
19 Snow this morning, then rain and the forenoon was very wet for thrashing. We thrashed, howev-
er, all day, the afternoon being dry. I had two oat stacks pretty damp. The thrashers were poor
muddlers, lazy in the morning, and would not get started before 8. Things were going wrong
with them all the time, and they were very slow in putting them to rights. In fact, they were the
very worst thrashers ever I had, and they wanted $20. for their work. I offered $18.
<Q1 folio 90 recto>
October 1878
The grain yield was good, except the wheat, which was very poor. From 10 acres of wheat I
have about 65 Bushels or 6½ Bushels to the acre, and very poor, shrivelled up wheat at that!
Pease, about 25 Bushels to the acre, or 55 bushels in all. Barl[e]y, about 10 Bushels to the acre,
or 50 Bushels in all, the grain dark and small. Oats, about 40 Bushels to the acre, or about 720
Bushels in all, the grain well filled and good. There was a great waste with me in the grain this
year on account of having to stack a good deal, and getting wet weather on the days of thrashing.
20th Sabbath. Fine dry day all through. Mr. Kirby and woman were here today.
21 Lovely day all through, the sun bright and warm, Sky hazy like Indian summer. Jim and John
were at Mr. Clippart’s thrashing. I and Nancy went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some
nails and dye stuff. In the afternoon I went to the Sawmill and bought 3 pieces of joice, 2 x 10 –
22 feet long: cost me $1.00 cash.
22 Beautiful day (Indian summer), I think. The two eldest boys and I went with the team to Mr. W.
Kirby’s thrashing.
23 Wet day from morning to night. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon.
77
24 Dry morning and the day continued dry all through. Jim and John, with the team, to Mr. Kirby’s
thrashing, finished at noon. Then they took two bags of wheat to the Mill and hauled a small
load of wood home in the afternoon. I was at Mr. Nickle’s thrashing. J. Agnew here tonight.
<Q1 folio 90 verso>
October 1878
25th Dry morning and the day continued dry and windy. I was at Mr. Nickle’s thrashing to 2:40 P.M.,
then Jim came and took my place. The boys had cleaned up 13 bags of Barley which I hauled to
Dundalk in the afternoon and got .50 per Bushel. It was dark Barkley. It commenced raining to-
night.
26 Rather drizzly morning, and it commenced raining pretty sharply about noon, and continued wet
all day. It is now (9 P.M.) snowing. Jim and I cleaned 5 Bags of Barl[e]y and 10 Bags of oats. I
took them to Dundalk, I got 45¢ per Bushel for the Barl[e]y and .20¢ for the oats. I bought and
fetched home 20 Bushels of first class fall wheat at .75¢ per Bushel. The market is very dull, a
poor price for all kinds of grain. The Americans have rushed in their grain while they have the
chance of putting it in duty free and glutted up the Markets. But we look forward to better times
when Sir J. A. McDonald, Premier of Canada, takes hold of the reins of government and puts on
a protective duty which will keep the American Stuff out of our Market, or, if send it they must,
we will have the benefit of the duty they will have to pay.
27th Sabbath. Cold day all through, with frequent showers of snow. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lon-
sway’s this eavning. John Agnew slept here this night.
28 Cold wintry morning, snow on the ground about four inches deep and plenty more falling. The
boys and I tid[i]ed up the barn and put in some chaff. The three eldest are at Mr. Lonsway’s
along with their mother. [in margin] Snow
<Q1 folio 91 recto>
October 1878
29th Snow on the ground this morning and a very hard frost last night The day continued pretty cold
all through. Andrew Lonsway Junior died yesterday eavning. John Agnew slept here [this night
and stricken] last night. Nancy and I stopped up all night at the wake.
30 Misty morning and rain came on about 11 AM and continued showery through the eavning.
Nancy, John, Jim and I went to the funeral and when we came home, Johney and I went to Dun-
dalk for some pine lumber for the new house.
31 Cold stormy morning, plenty of snow and slush on the ground, the wind piercing cold and freez-
ing, and kept so all day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for load of flooring, in the afternoon
Johney and I went to the bush for a load of firewood. We put on about ¼ cord, and the ground
was so very soft that it almost beat the horses to draw it home.
November
1st Chilly morning, but the day ameliorated and the sun shone out in the afternoon, melting the
snow. The boys and I fetched in about 12 Bushels of potatoes. James went to the Post Office for
me in the afternoon. Our family is all suffering from a severe cold, hard racking cough and head
ache. Some of them have also a sore throat. It seems to be a sickly time, especially with the
young. I think it must be on account of the sudden changes of weather from heat to cold. A
great many of the children of the neighbourhood are ailing. [in margin] Letter received from Br.
William
<Q1 folio 91 verso>
November 1878
78
2nd Cold rain[y] morning, the day got something warmer towards noon. In the afternoon there was
some rain fell. I went in to Father’s in the forenoon, and in the afternoon fixed up a place for the
pigs to fatten.
3rd Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning.
4 The ground covered with snow this morning, very sharp freeze and continued cold all day. I
went to Dundalk in the forenoon and purchased some nails, matches, indigo and Magenta. In the
afternoon, the boys and I made a stable door, put it on and hauled out some half-rotted straw and
covered our potatoe pits, as we have not been able to get our potatoes sorted and put away for the
winter yet. Gave Mr. T. Hanbury the note which I held on W. Hend[e]rs for $23.00, to be applied
on my account.
5 Pretty cold morning, with a very hard frost. The day got something warmer in the afternoon and
some snow fell. We took up our cabbages today and pitted them. There were two carpenters
working at the new house. Mr. A. Lonsway was here and Eliza Russell also. Nancy went to the
back line in the afternoon.
6 Very wintry morning, snow on the ground about six inches deep. The day got mild towards
eavning, and the snow melted some. The boys and I were hauling firewood home out of the
bush. [in margin] First sleighing.
7 Cold morning, snowing and blowing and such was the state of the day throughout. I cleaned a
small grist and took it to the mill in the afternoon. Josua J. Chalmbers [sic] took the chop[p]ing
of 20 acres culled bush from me at $3 per acre, and board.
<Q1 folio 92 recto>
November 1878
8th Mild morning and the day continued fine all through. Sleighing is passibly good on the Gravel
Road. We took to Dundalk 226 pounds of Butter and sold it to Mr. D. Davidson for .13¢ per LB.
We had formerly sold 53 Lbs @ .15 per pound. We have not made much Butter this season as
three of our cows were farrow*. I brought home from the Mill the grist: there were 313 Lbs of
flour from 7½ Bushels of wheat. [*farrow, adj. (applying to cows only) not producing young in
a given year]
9 Mild morning and the day continued soft and inclined to thaw. There was a slight mizzle of
questionable Rain towards night. I was sent for by Mr. Andrew Lonsway in the morning to draw
his Will, which I done. The boys went in the forenoon to Dundalk and brought home the win-
dow frames for the new house. And in the afternoon they went to the Sawmill and hauled home
two loads of Sawdust which we intend putting in the new house between the outside and inside
boards.
10th Sabbath. Mild morning and the day continued pleasant with the snow disappearing fast. Nancy
and I visited Mr. Lonsway's this eavning.
11 Misty morning, with a slight mizzle of rain, which increased to a pretty heavy rain in the after-
noon, which was decidedly wet. The snow is mostly gone and the roads are getting very sloppy.
Josua J. Chambers commenced his job of chopping this morning. He broke his new axe in a
hemlock tree. I was helping Mr. Lonsway to butcher pigs in the forenoon and in the afternoon I
went to Dundalk. Johney and Jim were hauling home Sawdust in the forenoon.
<Q1 folio 92 verso>
November 1878
12th Misty morning and the day continued thawing to most of the snow disappeared. A very heavy
snow fall at night. I banked up the house today and took our beets out of the ground.
79
13 The ground covered pretty heavy with soft snow this morning. The sun shone out bright several
times during the forenoon, and in the afternoon there were frequent showers of snow. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon chored around. The boys set up the Sap troughs in
the bush and gathered the spiles.
14 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine all through, with the snow melting. I attended
a Trustee meeting in No. 5 Melancthon. The boys were getting some logs for a pig pen.
15 Rather cloudy morning with a thaw wind through the day. The day was mild in the afternoon.
In the forenoon I cut some logs for the pig pen and in the afternoon the boys and I sorted some
potatoes and put them into pits for the winter.
16 Cloudy morning and the day showed some signs of rain. There was a thaw wind to about 3 P.M.,
when it commenced to freeze and became pretty cold in the eavning. Brothers John and Sam
were helping me to raise a hog pen.
17th Sabbath. Cloudy morning and the day remained rather damp.
18 Misty morning and there was slight showers all day. The day was close and warm. I had Josua
J. Chambers helping me at the Hog pen. Jim and John were helping Joe Bowler thrash.
<Q1 folio 93 recto>
November 1878
19th Misty morning, but there was no rain through [dittog.: through] the day. The weather is fine and
open but shocking bad roads. Some people were plowing today. Johney was helping Joe Bowler
thrash in the forenoon. Josua Chalmbers [sic] was helping me at the Hog pen to noon. Jim and I
were working at it all day. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here today.
20 Misty morning, the sky lowering. It cleared up a little towards noon, got overcast in the after-
noon, and began to rain about 4 P.M., and continued so to about 6. The boys and I were working
at the hog pen. Nancy went to Mr. Trugon's in the eavning.
21 Misty morning, but the fog soon cleared of[f] and the sun shone out a kind of hazy [sic]. The
day was very pleasant, resembling Indian Summer. John and I worked at the pig pen. Jim was at
James Mills' thrashing.
22 Wet morning and the day continued dripping all through, the rain turned to Snow during the af-
ternoon. The boys and I were chinking the pig pen. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here in the
eavning.
23 Snowy morning and the ground covered about eight inches deep. Snow fell incessantly all day, a
pretty strong breeze of wind blowing. The boys started with the team and sleigh for to haul saw-
dust, but the sleigh cut down so deep that they had to turn back. The boys fetched out the colt in
the eavning from Sam's.
24th Sabbath. Snowy morning with a good deal on the ground and some fell during the day. The day
was mild. John and Eliza were here today.
<Q1 folio 93 verso>
November 1878
25th Snow falling this morning and continued so most of the day. The air not very cold, but began to
freeze towards night. Jim went to Dundalk in the forenoon. I chored around at different things.
26 Mild morning and the day continued soft and inclined to thaw. Jim and John went to Dundalk in
the forenoon for window sashes, and in the afternoon they mudded the pig pen. Clark and I were
putting sawdust between the boards in the new house. Nancy was at Mrs. Kirby’s in the eavning.
27 Cold raw morning with a very hard frost. It began to sleet about 12 noon and the wind rose pret-
ty strong. The sleet has turned to snow now, 8 P.M., with wind still strong. The boys were
shooting today and were not successful. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some door
80
latches changed for locks and knobs for the doors of the new house. I also bought Clark a pair of
boots at $1.15.
28 Misty morning, the day rather inclined to thaw with a slight fall of snow at night. Nancy took
her geese to Dundalk in the eavning and sold them at 5½ cents per pound.
29 Mild morning with a tendency to thaw. The day continued soft and a little snow fell at night. I
took two small logs to the Sawmill to get some battens.
30 A little more snow this morning, but it soon thawed off the road. The day was pretty mild all
through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for pine lumber for the house and in the afternoon I
went to the Sawmill for some battens.
<Q1 folio 94 recto>
December 1878
1st Sabbath. A mild day, but very bad roads. I went to Father’s.
2 Wet morning. Soon the rain turned to soft snow and it kept at it all day. We Butchered two pigs
and a cow.
3 Mild morning and it kept thawing slight all day. It is now (10 P.M.) snowing. I went to Dundalk
this afternoon for some door casings. Sleighing is played out and mudding is the order of the
day.
4 Cold morning with a little more snow on the ground. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for
doors for the new house and some other fixings. The boys were sawing rail timber. We visited
Mr. Lonsway’s.
5 Snow fell last [night], and there is some better sleighing this morning. The day was pretty cold
all through. The boys were sawing rail timber and I was splitting.
6 Pretty mild morning and the day continued fine. Poor sleighing. The boys were hauling rails
and I was fencing the straw stack and sheep yard. There was a man named Roos here selling
French coverlets for beds. Very beautiful goods. They were $8.00 each. I went to Dundalk in
the eavning for some pine lumber for the new house and Nancy went with me as far as Mrs. C.
Bell’s.
7 Mild morning, but got colder in the afternoon and there was a little snow fell. I went to Dundalk
with a log and got it cut into battens. My horses ran away from Mr. McGregor’s Sawmill. They
ran as far as D. Davidson’s store. Done no harm, the whistle started them. John Voden*, one of
the carpenters at the house, slipped on the upper floor and hurt his hip pretty bad. [*John Vodden
is listed as carriage maker in 1888 directory of Dundalk, History of Dundalk, p. 5]
<Q1 folio 94 verso>
December 1878
8th Sabbath. Mild morning, but the afternoon got rather stormy and commenced snowing. The boys
and Nancy went to prayer meeting at Mr. Nickel’s.
9 Stormy, snowy morning, and the snow continued to about 10 A.M., when it commenced to rain,
gradually at first, then increasing to the present hour (8 P.M.), when it is coming down pretty
brisk. I was boarding up the petitions [=partitions] in the new house. Josua Chambers helped
me in the afternoon. The boys, with their team, helped their uncle John to thrash.
10 Mild day, with the snow very soft and slushy. I and Nancy went to Flesherton and purchased a
new stove called the New Forest Beauty from Mr. William Strain for Twenty-seven dollars, pay-
able one year from the 31st of the present month, interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, to
be paid on the last six months of the note.
81
11 Pretty cold morning, with snow falling. The day kept getting colder and stormy. Nancy and I
went to Dundalk and purchased 19 Stove pipes, 2 elboes [=elbows], 1 pipe with two flanges on
[MS: “ont” with final “t” crossed] it to fit the roof, and one cruck for the pipes to go through, at
.15¢, .20¢, .35¢, and .20¢ each, respectively.
12 Pretty cold day all through. Nancy and I cleaned the rust off the stove. Jim made a wood box.
13 Pretty cold day, but good sleighing. I was splitting some stove wood in the bush. The boys
hauled it home.
14 Pretty sharp morning and the day kept getting colder towards eavning. I and the two eldest boys
and the three horses were at John Irvin’s thrashing. The machine was very hard on the horses.
Although the day was cold, all the teams were ringing wet with sweat.
<Q1 folio 95 recto>
December 1878
15th Sabbath. Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all through.
16 Cold morning, but the day got a little warmer towards eavning. Capital sleighing on the roads
now! I went to the back line in the forenoon and in the afternoon I took 5 Bushels and 8 pounds
of wheat to the grist mill. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway here at night. [in margin] Posted a letter to Ire-
land.
17 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all through. I sold a sow, 14 months old, to
Brother Samuel for one ton of hay. I also took Mother in a little pig seven weeks old. The boys
were chopping wood in the bush.
18 Pretty cold morning and snow fell during the day. I chored around and put up a platform at the
back door of the new house. The boys were chopping in the bush.
19 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold with some snow falling. I chored around home
in the forenoon and in the afternoon attended a trustee meeting. The boys were hauling logs in
the bush.
20 Cold morning and the day continued cold all through. The boys and I were hauling home wood
in the forenoon and in the afternoon I fixed the wood rack. John Agnew was here today.
21 Cold snowy morning and the snow kept coming down faster as the day wore on. There was a
very heavy fall of snow, the storm coming from the East. The storm is still going on (9:15) P.M.
I was helping Brother Sam to haul in a stack of hay today. The boys were chopping stove wood
at the house.
<Q1 folio 95 verso>
December 1878
22nd Sabbath. Rather a fine winter’s morning, but the afternoon got cold and a little stormy.
23 Very cold day and the wind high, a sharp freeze and a regular stinger at night. In the forenoon I
was fixing up a Board fence between the new house and the milk house to brake the north west
wind from the back door of the house. The boys were hauling manure, partly rotted, to bank the
house. In the afternoon Nancy and I went to Dundalk and She purchased a bedstead for $3.25
cash.
24 Very cold stormy day all through, from morning till night, the wind drifting the snow as high as
the fences. We moved into our new house this morning. Mr. Man of Artemesia and a fellow
called Philips of Dundalk came here at night, asking lodgings for themselves and horse as they
could not get through the drifts. We kept them. They acted Shabby enough, especially Philips.
Got oats & hay for their horse, and supper, bed and breakfast for themselves, and gave the chil-
dren .20 cents.
82
25 Christmas, and a cold stormy day all through. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here to dinner today.
I was to go for Father and Mother, but the drifts were so deep that I could not. Our boys were at
Mr. Lonsway’s in the forenoon, and their boys are now here and they and ours are amusing
themselves in the old house now (6:30) P.M.
<Q1 folio 96 recto>
December 1878
[Fragment, recto of last folio, left half of the folio next to binding edge is torn off]
[26] day, Snowing, blowing
..ds are impassible
man or animal on
Such a storm as there
..ys would be hard
I were choring around
[27] day continued cold
showers of snow
terrible storm has been
[28] storm has somewhat abated
day, Sharp freeze in the afternoon
I cleaned up 65 Bushels and 19 lbs
took them to Dundalk and got .22¢
shel for them.
[29] Sabbath. Very cold morning and the day
...ued sharp all through. Nancy and I visited on
line today.
[30] ...orning with a little snow falling through
..ay bitterly cold all through. I and
up 100 Bushels of Oats and I took
...k and sold three for .22¢ per bushel
wife were here today.
[31] and the day continued cold
and I cleaned up 100
...l took them to the Station
...2¢ per Bushel
oats and weighed
83
2¾ bushels each
with you.
<Q1 folio 96 verso is blank>
<end of Quire 1>
<Quire 2>
<Q2 folio 1 recto><Title page>
Memorandum
and
Diary Book
Begun January 1st 1879
by Robert Russell
of the Township of Proton
County of Grey
and Province of
Ontario
[bottom half of page has three recipes for cures:]
Cure for Consumption
Common mullein leaves steeped strong and sweetened with sugar
and drunk freely. The leaves should be gathered before the end of July
if convenient. The leaves of young or old plants are good dried in the
shade and kept in clean paper bags. The medecine must be continued
from three to six months.
Cure for stammering of your speech
Read aloud for two hours daily with your teeth shut
but keep your lips moving, do it two or three times a week.
Take care to read slowly and distinctly and without spray.
Do not get excited but take your time.
Cure for small pox or preventing it
One ounce cream of tartar dissolved in a pint of boi[ling; paper torn off]
water to be drunk when cold at short intervals
It can be taken at any time.
<end of Title page>
<Q2 folio 1 verso>
January 1879
1st Very fine morning and the sun shone out through the day, causing a pleasant feeling to the most
of us after having experienced so much cold, stormy weather. The boys and I cleaned up oats
and I went to Dundalk with two loads (100 Bushels) and sold them for .22¢ per Bushel.
Mr. Kirby and Misses [=Mrs., phonetic spelling?] George and the children were here tonight
84
and took tea with us. All of our children were spending the eavning with Mr. Lonsway’s chil-
dren.
2 Very stormy morning and the day continued cold and stormy all through. The boys and I
cleaned up about 100 Bushels of oats. We put 50 upstairs and bagged up 50 ready for market.
3 Fearfully cold stormy morning and the day continued blowing, snowing and freezing. Nothing
like it has come this winter, although we have experienced some very cold weather. The boys
and I chored around today. Josua J. Chalmbers quit chopping with me for the present. Mr.
Christopher Johnson was here tonight and I helped him make out his school returns to send to
the Inspector.
[4] Another stormy cold morning, but not quite so bad as yesterday. Blowing and freezing pretty
keenly all day. The boys and I were cleaning grain today.
[5]th Sabbath. Cold stormy day all through.
<Q2 folio 2 recto>
January 1879
6th Cold morning and the day continued snowing, blowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon with a load of oats and in the afternoon I took 28 Bushels and 30 pounds of wheat to
get gristed to Dundalk Mills.
7th Very cold day, the snow very deep. Hard work to get firewood. The boys chopped up an elm
log that was in front of the house into stove wood. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. I brought home the grist. I had not good yield, only about 39 pounds to the bushel. The
wheat was part fall [wheat] and remarkably good, the Spring wheat was also well cleaned. [in
margin] Mr. James Penny / died this morning.
8 Another cold day, snowing and freezing. I attended an annual School meeting in No. 5 Melanc-
thon, of which I am Sect. Treasurer. I intended resigning on account of being no longer a rate-
payer, but the people at the meeting all insisted on my retaining the office. They gave me a
vote of thanks for the way I had kept the books of the Section, and also made me a present of
$1.43, the balance in my hands, besides paying me my salary $5.00. In the afternoon Nancy
and I went to Mr. Penny’s wake and stopped most of the night.
9 Another cold day, snow to no end. I went to John McDowell’s Mill with four bags of mixed
[grain] to get chopped. I almost traded horses to a [gap, paper torn off] but finally backed out.
10 Another cold day, snowing and freezing, th[paper torn off: e boys] hauled up some wood in the
forenoon and in the afternoon we changed sleighs with brother Sam, as our family is going to
Essa tomorrow. I also got home the chopped stuff and got paid for the oats I sold last week 358
bushels and 20 lbs @ .22¢ per bushel.
<Q2 folio 2 verso>
January 1879
11 Pretty cold morning, but the day got something milder. All the family, myself excepted, went
to Essa. I went to the station in the afternoon and had a O. B. Jovial with Mr. D. Davidson’s
Clerks.* Home now, early on Sunday morning. I guess the clock has stopped, I cannot tell the
time. [*D. Davidson’s clerks are named in later entries, see 2 May 1879, 22 Dec. 1879, 18
Sept. 1880. “O. B. Jovial” =social drink; see also “O be jovial” on 8 Mar. 1876.]
12th Sabbath. Very fine sunny day all through. I am all alone today. Folks all in Essa. The clock
fixer that righted our clock last spring came here today, wanted to get stopping all night, said he
would clean the clock next morning. Did not keep him.
13 Rather stormy morning and the day continued cold and blowing. I am house keeper and chorer
today. The folks are all gone. Mr. Andrew Lonsway came here a while at night.
85
14 Mild day, from morning to the afternoon, when it commenced freezing pretty keenly. The folks
came home about 5:40 PM. Mr. Kirby borrowed the old mare today to take a grist to Dundalk.
[in margin] Daddy Johnson died today.
15 Cold, stormy morning, and the day continued blowing and freezing all through. Nancy and I
visited Mr. Lonsway’s this afternoon. Jim brought his colt home from brother Sam’s.
16 Pretty cold morning but the day got somewhat warmer towards noon. I was choring around.
The boys commenced going to school.
17 Rather cold morning, but the day got somewhat milder towards noon. The afternoon was pretty
moderate. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Jim went to brother Sam’s to do the
chores for him and to go to school.
<Q2 folio 3 recto>
Jan[uary] 1879
18th Mild morning and the day continued rather mild all through. Plenty of snow falling now 8:30
PM. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. I was chopping firewood in the bush,
Johney hauled it in the afternoon. The snow is very deep, I had to shovel it away from the log I
was cutting before I could saw it. Had also to shovel a way for the team to get into the bush.
Never seen such deep snow at this time of the year.
19th Sabbath. Cold morning and the day continued so.
20 Cold morning, but the day ameliorated towards noon. In the afternoon it was quite mild. I was
taking the top off a straw stack and choring. Nancy and I went to Mr. Kirby’s at night.
21 Cold stormy morning and the day continued snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon and posted a letter to John Agnew. Mr. Kirby was here at noon to look at the young
mare’s mouth, thinking she had a wolf’s tooth. He could see none. Brother John was here at
night.
22 Mild morning and the day continued very moderate. I went to the Bush in the afternoon to cut
firewood. I only got one large maple cut down. The snow is something fearful to get through,
sinking up to the middle in some cases.––I read in the newspaper of the death of Mr. Robert
Moore, a farmer of the second concession of West York. He was threshing and fell off the mow
in his barn on the 10th inst. and was killed. I think that it is the same Mr. Moore I worked for
about the years 1853—54 & ’55, and a better man there could not exist. I liked him as I would
a brother, even when away from him my thoughts were continually on him. But he has gone to
a better world. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn his loss. Ah, if I do not see him
any more in this world, I hope we shall meet in heaven!
<Q2 folio 3 verso>
January 1879
23rd Rather mild morning and the day continued fine for winter. Was chopping firewood in the
bush. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s at night.
24 Mild morning and the day was pretty moderate with rather a high wind causing the snow to
drift. I was chopping stove wood in the bush.
25 Pretty moderate morning, but the day as it advanced got exceedingly rough and windy. Johney
and I were sawing stove wood in the bush in the forenoon and we were glad to leave the woods
on account of the high wind and snow drifting in on us. We were in great danger of falling tim-
ber, the wind was so strong. On our way home we could scarcely see the right way to go, the
snow was raised with the wind and blowing against us in blinding masses. The stormiest day
that has come for a long time. [in margin] Got a letter from Ireland.
86
26th Sabbath. Fine sunny morning, and the day continued mild to the afternoon, when it began to
freeze pretty sharply. I went with the sleigh to the back line in the morning and fetched Father
and Mother out. In the afternoon I took them home again.
27 Windy morning with sleet and rain, the day continued pretty windy all through and raining. It
seems that a thaw has set in. And I split stove wood in the bush in the forenoon and in the af-
ternoon hauled it home. Eliza Russell was here today. [in margin] Thaw.
28 Very fine morning, and the day continued sunny with a thaw wind. Nancy and I fetched in a
small pit of potatoes in the forenoon. There was a good many of them frozen. In the afternoon
I went to Dundalk and purchased an axe handle and some writing paper. Mrs. and Mr. Lon-
sway were here this eavning.
<Q2 folio 4 recto>
January 1879
29th Bright sunny morning, and the day continued splendid all through. Done nothing, only chores.
30 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine to the afternoon, when it got overcast and a
pretty hard freeze set in. I was chopping stove wood in the bush.
31 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all day and pretty windy in the afternoon. I
was chopping stove wood in the bush.
<double line dividing sections>
February [1879]
1st Cold, blustery morning and snow fell during the forenoon, the afternoon windy and excessively
cold. It is now (7:20) P.M. Freezing like Greenland. Johney and I were sawing stove wood in
the bush.
2nd Sabbath. Cold day all through.
3 Pretty mild day, the sun came out pretty warm about 10 A.M. I was chopping firewood in the
bush. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning.
4 Nice morning, the sun shone out strong and bright, the day kept fine all through. I was hauling
firewood from the bush in the forenoon, and in the afternoon drove in to brother John’s for
Nancy and the two youngest, who had been there all day. Brother John borrowed my bay mare,
Gerty, to go to the township of Essa on tomorrow.
5 Rather cold morning, and the day continued pretty cold all through. I was chopping firewood
in the bush today.
<Q2 folio 4 verso>
February 1879
6th Pretty cold day, and I was chopping firewood in the bush.
7 Rather colder than yesterday, with frequent showers of snow. Done nothing today, only my
chores.
8 Rather cold this morning, but the day ameliorated and was sunny and pleasant towards noon.
Johney and I sawed stove wood in the bush till noon, and in the afternoon I took the harrows
and the plow colter to the blacksmith’s shop to get repaired. I also paid Richard Campbell,
blacksmith, his account in full.
9th Sabbath. Pretty cold day and very stormy, the wind blowing and drifting the snow greately
[=greatly].
10 Moderate weather this day, the snow inclined to be a little soft. I was cutting wood in the bush.
87
11 Mild morning with a good deal of soft snow falling. The snow kept coming down mostly all
day. I done no chopping today as it was wetting being outside. William Lonsway was here to-
day.
12 Very cold stormy day, from morning to night, the wind blowing and drifting the snow at a great
rate.
13 Sharp morning, very big freeze. It kept cold all day, and toward eavning the wind rose and
drifted the snow. I was at William Lonsway's bee with the team hauling cordwood to the sta-
tion. Miss Sarah Bell visited us today.
14 Very cold morning, and the day continued cold all through. There arose a wind and snow storm
about 6. PM, the fiercest snow storm I ever was out in. Nancy was at the back line.
<Q2 folio 5 recto>
February 1879
15th Very sharp cold morning, and the day continued piercing cold of all through. Johney, Clark,
and I cleaned up a grist and some wheat for seed.
16th Sabbath. Not quite so cold as yesterday, still there was a sharp enough freeze all day long.
17 Cold morning, but the day got something warmer towards noon. I took to the gristmill 26
bushels [of] wheat.
18 Cold morning, but the day got bright and sunny and was very fine from about 10 A.M. I was
hauling some firewood home from the bush. Mrs. Abraham Jackson* visited us this afternoon.
[*mother of Phoebe Jackson Russell.]
19 Very cold morning, and the day continued cold all day, and blowing with some snow falling. I
went to the back line, and also I went to the mill for a grist I had left there. Rev. Mr. Ward*, C.
[of E.] Minister, called here today. [*Rev. James Ward (Church of England), of Markdale, con-
ducted services every second Sunday at Dundalk, 1877-1880; see History of Dundalk, pp. 142-
43.]
20 Very cold morning, and the day continued cold and stormy all through, very sharp cold wind
and some snow falling. This night was the coldest that has came this winter. Mrs. Clements
Bell visited us today. [in margin] coldest night.
21 Sunshiny morning, and the day was nice and fine all through, with a bright sun. The eavning
was rather sharp. Nancy and two youngest and I went to Dundalk.
22 Rather sharp morning, and the wind continued getting up towards eavning, when it blew pretty
brisk and cold. Johney and I were hauling some hay which I had at W. Lonsway’s. It was clo-
ver hay, and being in a stack, was pretty badly musted.
<Q2 folio 5 verso>
February 1879
23rd Sabbath. Cold stormy day all through. The boys, John and Clark, took Jim in to Sam’s in the
afternoon in the sleigh.
24 Cold stormy day all through, blowing, snowing, and freezing.
25 Very cold stormy day, the wind blowing, and snow falling, and freezing. Johney and I hauled
two little loads of hay from W. Lonsway’s.
26 A very cold and stormy morning and the day continued very cold and stormy all through.
Johney and I hauled the last of our hay from the back line. Old Mr. Kirby was here a while this
afternoon. [in margin] First lamb came tonight.
27 Another snapping cold day, blowing, snowing and freezing. Nancy and I went to Mr. Kirby’s
this eavning.
88
28 Another very cold day, snowing, blowing, and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the eavning and
posted six letters. [in margin] Letter sent to Brother William.
March 1st, 1879
1st Brisk wind this morning, and snow fall, but with a tending to softness. The wind continued
pretty strong, but soft, all day. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. I paid John Nor-
vall, Jnr., $25.00 to be placed to my credit and put on the note which he holds against me for his
brother Tom. Said note being $50, with 0.2 per cent per annum interest. In the afternoon, I
opened a potato pit and brought in a Barell full, there was an odd one of them frozen.
2nd. Sabbath. Rather cold day, windy and freezing in the forenoon, the afternoon pretty mild and the
sun was fine. Nancy, Eliza, and I visited at Mr. James A. Mulholland’s.
<Q2 folio 6 recto>
March 1879
3rd Pretty cold in the morning, but the sun shone out about 10 AM, the day was nice and fine af-
terwards. Nancy and I went to the back line. I met brothers John and Sam coming to the mill
with saw logs. I turned and went back with them. James Murphy stopped here this night.
4 Soft-like morning with the wind pretty high. There came a [sic; delete] on quite a snow storm
of large soft snowflakes. This cleared off after a while, and the day was rather milder. Nancy’s
father was here.
5 Very fine morning, sun bright and warm. I and the family went to the back line to help brother
John to pack up his goods and furniture. James Murphy stopped here tonight.
6 Cold, raw morning, the roads were very heavy on account of the snow which had fallen last
night and drifted. The day got finer about noon, when the sun came out. Brother John moved
away this morning to the township of Essa, where he is going to live on a farm, 109 acres
which he and I have jointly. I sent my team, drive[n] by Jim, also I sent Johney to help drive
his cattle. This changing of places is at the best very troublesome. I hope he will do well in his
new home. He has done very badly in his old home. The wind is getting very strong tonight,
and whistling around the house at a pretty brisk rate.
7 Fine morning, and the day continued very fine all through, with quite a bright sun. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
8 Moderately mild morning, sky overcast in the afternoon, thunder, lightening and some rain in
the eavning. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s a while at night. [in margin] Thunder.
<Q2 folio 6 verso>
March 1879
9th Sabbath. Beautiful morning, the sun bright and warm, the day continued very fine all through
till night, when there came on a rain storm accompanied with pretty heavy thunder and a great
deal of lightening. The snow melted away today pretty rapidly. Mr. and Mrs. James A. Mul-
holland and two of their children visited us today.
10 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued beautiful all through, the sun extremely hot. The
sky got overcast at night and the wind rose. Nancy, I, Eliza and Willy went to the back line
about noon. Edward Thompson is stopping here tonight.
11 Cold, raw morning and the day continued very windy and cold all through. I went to Dundalk,
it being fair day. Cattle were very cheap, some milk cows fetching as little as $12.00.
89
12 Cold in the morning, but as the day advanced the sun shone out bright, making the day more
pleasant. The sky got overcast towards night and there fell quite a nice little bit of snow after
dark. Nancy and I visited J. Trugon's at night.
13 Blowing, stormy morning, snow falling at first, which turned to something like rain soon, the
wind very strong. In the afternoon a pretty sharp freeze set in. Nancy, I, Eliza and Willy were
at Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon.
14 Blustering day all through, snowing, blowing, and freezing from morning till night. Chopped a
little stove wood in the bush this afternoon.
15 Cold, raw morning, and the day continued very cold all through. I shovelled a way through the
snow in the forenoon in to some stove wood in the bush, and in the afternoon Johney and I
hauled it. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
<Q2 folio 7 recto>
March1879
16th Sabbath. Storm and sunshine alternately. Snow showers falling frequently throughout the day,
pretty cold in general. Brother Sam and his wife, with their three children, were here this after-
noon. Most of the company, myself excepted, went to protracted meeting at Dundalk at night.
17th Patrick's Day in the morning. Showers of snow accompanied by a pretty strong breeze, oc-
cassionally sunshine now and then, were the prevailing features of the day. J. Chalmbers here
today.
18 Much the same kind of weather as yesterday, blowing and snowing occasionally, with a little
sunshine now and then. Mrs. R. went to meeting tonight.
19 Pretty cold in the morning, then a little warmer as the sun got out. Some showers of snow
through the day, wind moderate. Brother John was here a while in the afternoon. Brother Sam
and wife also came here in the eavning on their way to Dundalk. Mrs. R. is off to the meetings
tonight again.
20 A little cold in the morning, but the sun came out during the forenoon, and the day was pleas-
ant. I was helping brother John cut saw logs.
21 Sunshiny day, the snow melting, although not rapidly. I was helping brother John cut saw logs.
22 Hard frost this morning, the day got mild about 10 AM. Snow began to fall and kept snowing
mostly all day. I was helping brother John with the saw logs today.
<Q2 folio 7 verso>
March 1879
23rd Sabbath. Rather stormy day, snowing and blowing, the snow somewhat soft.
24 Fine in the morning, but soon the day changed and blowing and snowing commenced and con-
tinued without intermission throughout the day. I sent Jim and the team to help brother John
cut his logs.
25 Sunny morning and the day was pleasant and fine all through, the snow melting considerably.
Jim was helping brother John with the saw logs.
26 Cold, raw morning for some time, then the sun shone out and the day was pleasant till after
dark, then some sleety rain fell. Jim was helping brother Sam in the afternoon to haul stove
wood to the school house. I was chopping stove wood in the bush.
27 Rather fine day, given to thaw in the afternoon. Jim was helping brother Sam to haul wood
with the team.
28 Mild morning and the day continued soft all through. Rain commenced at night. The spring
thaw appears to have set in. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
90
29 Misty morning, the snow melting rappidly, a shower of sleet fell about noon. The afternoon
soft and misty. Johney and I went to brother Sam’s in the eavning for some hay.
30th Sabbath. Cold, stormy day all through.
31 Cold in the morning, but got warmer and the snow melted some towards noon. I and Johney
hauled two small loads of hay from the back line. I went to Dundalk at night and paid John
McDowell $25.00 for sawing 10,000 feet lumber. Brother John was here this eavning and took
away three bags of his own wheat.
<Q2 folio 8 recto>
April 1879
1st Cold in the morning, but got much warmer as the day advanced. It was pretty warm about
noon, and the sun shone out bright. Brother Sam came here in the morning, about 2 O'clock in
the morning, with his team and a small load of grain for brother John. I got my horses har-
nessed and sent Jim and John with Sam’s load to Shelburne. Brother John being along with the
waggon, they put both loads on the waggon at Shelburne and then John started for Essa, as the
sleighing had all gone from Shelburne down. I was helping Sam at a wood bee. There were 12
men at the bee and he got about 13 cords of the stove wood cut and split. Mr. James Jack, as-
sessor, stopped here this night. He assessed me for real and personal property at $910.00.
2 Cold, stormy morning, blowing and snowing. It continued so all day with a pretty sharp freeze.
John and Jim were chopping stove wood in the bush.
3 Very cold morning, and the day kept getting colder all through, snowing, blowing, and freezing.
I went to brother Sam’s in the forenoon with the team and got John’s sugar kettle. The boys
were cutting stove wood in the bush in the forenoon. The afternoon was too stormy for them to
work. Mrs. Gott, Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here today.
4 Cold, stormy day all through, but not quite so much of a blow as was yesterday, snow falling
mostly all day, although in no great quantities. The boys were cutting stove wood in the bush.
5 Pretty cold morning, but the sun broke out at about noon, and the day was pleasant after. The
boys were chopping and I was hauling wood home, and in the eavning I brought in some pota-
toes out of the pit. John Agnew is stopping here tonight.
<Q2 folio 8 verso>
April 1879
6th Sabbath. Rather fine in the morning and the sun kept getting stronger and warmer as the day
advanced. The snow melted considerably. John Agnew was here to the afternoon.
7 Rather cool this morning and the wind blew coldly all day, although the sun shone out pretty
bright. The boys went in to brother Sam's for our bobsleighs, and took his long sleigh in to him
in the forenoon. They chopped stove wood in the bush in the afternoon. Father came out with
the boys and stopped all night with us.
8 Bright sunny morning, and the day was warm and fine all through, with plenty of sunshine. Fa-
ther went home this morning. Jim took him in in the sleigh. We tapped trees today for the first
this season. I made the cuts in the tree and Nancy put in the spiles and set the troughs. We
done 101 in the afternoon. I heard a Robin singing for the first this season. [in margin] First
trees tapped / First robin heard
9 Very fine bright morning, the Sun shone out strong all day and the day was quite pleasant. We
gathered and boiled down sap today. We made about ¾ of a pail of molasses.
91
10 Rainy morning which soon turned to sleet, then to snow, and the day was a tough one all
through. The ground was covered pretty well with snow towards night. [in margin] First cow /
calved.
11 The sun shone out this morning, but there was a very cold wind all day, everything outside cov-
ered with sleet and looking very dreary. The boys cut some stove wood. Nancy and I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
<Q2 folio 9 recto>
April 1879
12th Bright sunny morning, and the day was pretty fine, though rather cold. The boys were cutting
stove wood in the bush. I sowed 30 pounds (9 of clover & 21 of grass) seed on 3 acres of
ground. Henry Lonsway was here a while this afternoon. I went to John Irvin’s at night and
helped him carry in two pigs which he had butchered. The gravel road in front of this place is
now passible. It has been blocked up with snow since Christmas to about four days ago, when
some teams passed through. There is four feet of snow in some of the fence corners yet.
13 Pretty mild morning and the day was rather soft, with a snow shower. Mrs. Russell and I visit-
ed at Mrs. C. Bell’s. We had a five year old cow got her neck broke in the stable tonight. She
was near her calving. Loss, about $20.00.
14 Rather chilly this morning, but the sun shone out after some time and the day got nice and
warm. Mr. Lonsway came over in the forenoon and helped me skin the cow. I sent the hide in
to Mr. Hanbury’s, it weighed 54 lbs gross and was only worth .03¢ per pound. One cow calved
today. Nancy and I gathered 33 pails of sap in about an hour in the afternoon. Jim was helping
Henry Lonsway.
15 Rather sharp morning, but the sun got out in the afternoon. We were in the sugar bush in the af-
ternoon. I went in the eavning to Dundalk to hear Mr. Lauder, M.P.P.* [Abraham William
Lauder, MPP for Grey East, 3 Sept. 1867-8 Dec. 1871, 18 Jan. 1872-20 Feb. 1884. See
http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=720].
16 Rather chilly morning, the afternoon fine. Were in the sugar bush in the eavning.
17 Cold in the forenoon, the afternoon fine. The boys swamped out wood. Nancy and I were in
the sugar bush in the afternoon.
<Q2 folio 9 verso>
April 1879
18th Frosty morning, the sun got out bright, and the sunshine strong in the evening. The boys
swamped out wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon gathered sap. I went to Flesherton, to
Division court, had no case. Wanted to see John Agnew. Owen Cassidy and Kenny Perry
stopped here tonight.
19 Frosty morning, and pretty chilly through the day, although the sun was shining. I went to Mr.
Hughes in the afternoon. Nancy and the boys were in the sugar bush. At night we went to Mr.
Lonsway’s.
20th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, and the day was pleasant and fine all through. One of the
cows got sick this afternoon, apparently a stoppage in her urine. I sent to Dundalk and got
some spirits of sweet nitre. I gave her about one half ounce at a dose; it seemed to relieve her.
[in margin] Heard frogs.
21 Hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out strong, and the day was pleasant and warm.
Nancy gathered some sap in the morning. Jim started the pease today. The frost is not suffi-
92
ciently out of the ground for good plowing. The ground is also soft. Johney and I were picking
over a potatoe pit, there were a great many damaged ones among them. They had rotted, about
the one third of them, I think. I ought to have covered them in the fall with plenty of good dry
straw. In place of that I have put on fox tail and other stuff that I got amongst the potatoe hills
whilst digging them. The potatoes were all scabbed when I put them into the pit. The others
that I had covered with straw were sufficiently sound. [in the margin:] First plowing.
22nd Very fine morning and the day continued exceedingly hot for this season of the year, in fact it
was hazy, almost like Indian summer. Jim was plowing, John and I cleaned up about 23 bush-
els of pease. Bob Irvin was here today to see about buying an old stove from me. I sold him
one for $2.00.
<Q2 folio 10 recto>
April 1879
23rd Pretty mild morning with scarcely any frost, the day got clouded over with indications of rain,
although there was none fell. Jim was plowing, Johney and I cleaned up 110 bushels of oats.
Nancy and I went to Mr. Kirby’s at night. Mr. Kirby offered me two cows for a brood mare. I
declined.
24 Sharp frost this morning, the day got overcast, and was cool. The evening quite cloudy and
rainy like. The ground has dried up splendidly these last few days, plowing goes very well
now. Jim was plowing. A Frenchman named Roos, and a boy which was along with him, sell-
ing counterpanes, arrived and fed their horses here. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this af-
ternoon.
25 Misty morning and the day kept getting cloudier. A little rain fell in the forenoon, and a slight
mizzle kept up to about 3 PM, when it began to rain heavier and wound up with a wet afternoon
and raining now (9:30) P.M. Jim was plowing so long as the day was fair. I sifted some seed
wheat in order to take wild mustard seed out of it. Mrs. Hannah Bowler was here this eavning.
Henry and Mariah Lonsway were here a while at night.
26 Rather cloudy morning, but the rain did not fall till about 6 P.M. Jim was plowing. I sifted
some seed wheat. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
27th Sabbath. Cool morning and the day continued rather cool all through. I went to see Father and
Mother today. [in margin] seen Swallow
28 Cool morning, although the sun shone out bright. The day was fair but cool. I plowed, and Jim
made a stone boat.
<Q2 folio 10 verso>
April 1879
29th Rather misty morning, and a slight rain fell throughout the day, but not enough to stop work. I
was plowing in the forenoon, Jim plowed in the afternoon.
30 Cold, raw morning and the day continued cold all through. Fine snow began to fall about 5 PM
and continued falling till after dark. It is freezing now pretty hard, the ground is quite stiff (9.)
P.M. Jim was plowing, I was sorting some potatoes. The ground where Jim was plowing was
very wet.
___________________________________________________________________
May
1st Cold morning, frost and snow, the ground frozen very hard, no harrowing this morning and but
little plowing. Jim and John went to Mr. Jackson for ½ ton of hay, which I had purchased @
93
the rate of $8. per ton. ½ ton is a pretty small load. We plowed the garden and the patch be-
tween the two houses in the eavning. Mr. W. Kirby came down in the afternoon and I wrote
him two letters.
2 Sharp frost this morning, the ground so hard that it would not harrow in the forenoon. I sowed
four bags of wheat in the eavning. Jim plowed in the forenoon and harrowed in the afternoon.
I then went to Dundalk, was late of getting through with my business. Mr. D. Davidson’s
Clerks* asked me to stop all night with them. I done so. [in margin] first wheat sowen. [*See
below, Neil Strachan and John Stubbings, two of Davidson’s clerks, visited the Russells, 22
Dec. 1879]
3 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued fine all through. I brought home six apple trees
which I had ordered from Chase Brothers & Bo[w]man, Rochester, and planted them. They
cost me twenty-five cents each. I also finished sowing wheat and Jim finished harrowing the
wheat. [in margin] planted fruit trees
<Q2 folio 11 recto>
May 1879
4th Sabbath. Rather misty morning, and some rain began to fall pretty early in the day and the day
continued pretty wet all through. Brother Samuel and wife and baby were here today.
5 Cold, wet morning, and continued wet to about 9 AM when it cleared off, and continued dry to
about 4 P.M. when it commenced to mizzle and was rather wet and cold at night. Jim plowed
from 9 AM till night. I chored around and staked the apple trees. The trees are planted and
named as follows: The Row contains 6 trees and is the third row of trees or 24 steps from the
boundary line between lots 214 and 215. The first tree in the row, counting from the Gravel
Road is named Rhode Island Greening, the second tree, 13½ feet from the first is a Baldwin.
The third, 13½ feet from the second, is a Red Astrachan. The fourth, 13½ feet from the third, is
a Talman Sweet. The fifth, 13½ feet from the fourth, is a Fameuse. The sixth, 13½ feet from
the fifth, is a Wagner. The first I’ll give to James, the second to John, the third to Clark, the
fourth to Eliza, the 5th to William, and 6th to their mother and me, between us.
6 Cold damp morning and there was a slight shower of snow about 10 AM, then a slight mizzle
of rain. The afternoon was a little more favorable. I sowed fifteen bushels of pease today. Jim
harrowed them. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. [in margin] Sowed pease / Full
moon in / the morning.
7 Sunshiny morning, and the day continued dry, although cool. Jim finished harrowing the pease
in the forenoon, and went to plowing sod in the afternoon. John and I picked up stones and
roots [dittog: and stones] where Jim was plowing. Eliza’s little lamb met its death this morning
by some of the animals laying upon it. Mr. Hanbury came here in the afternoon to lathe [=lath;
i.e. to put up lath prior to plastering the walls].
<Q2 folio 11 verso>
May 1879
8th Cold morning, with frost on the ground. The day got warmer. Jim plowed, I and John picked
stones and roots. I helped Nancy plant some onions in the afternoon. I went in to the back line
in the afternoon.
9 Pleasant sunny morning, and the day continued warm all through. Jim plowed, Johny picked
up and gathered stones. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I then attended a trus-
tee meeting.
94
10 A little chilly this morning, but the sun got out bright and warm, and the day was dry and warm
all through. I sowed two bags of oats in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to buy some
cows: did not get any, the cows did not please me. Johney harrowed. [in margin] First oats
sown.
11th Sabbath. Very fine morning, and the day continued dry and warm all through.
12th Fine morning, and the day was very warm all through. I plowed today, John and Jim picked up
roots and stones. Mr. William Middleton stopped here at noon with his horse. Mr. Cross came
here in the afternoon to fix the windows.
13 Fine morning, and the day continued very close and warm, with some appearance of a thunder
storm in the eavning. There was some lightening. I plowed mostly all day. The ground is vey
dry and hard and it is very heavy work on the team.
14 Very warm morning and the day continued hot to about 4 P.M. when it got cloudy, then shortly
after there was lightening, thunder and rain. I was plowing, Jim and Johney were picking
stones. Brother Sam got the lend of the old mare to work, as his has colted. We planted some
potatoes this eavning. [in margin] First potatoes planted.
<Q2 folio 12 recto>
May 1879
15th Fine growing morning, the day cool and misty all through. I was plowing to noon, then I
sowed some oats. Jim harrowed. Nancy shore the sheep. John Hanbury and his two men were
working at the plastering of the house.
16 Fine morning, and the day continued dry all through. Jim was harrowing in the forenoon and in
the afternoon he and I hauled off stones and jerked out stumps from the ground we were going
to fallow.
17 Slight frost this morning, but did not hurt. I plowed to tea time, then I went to Dundalk. Called
at Mr. May’s old place to hear Dr. Barr* address the Electors. Jim and Johney were picking up.
[* MP for Grey, and later MPP; see above, 10 June 1876, 7 Aug. 1877, 20 Sept. 1877, re. med-
ical report to qualify for pension.]
18th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day continued warm and dry. I and wife went to Brother
Samuel’s today.
19 Very warm morning and the day continued hot all through. Jim was plowing. I and Johney
were choring around, picking potatoes, planting them and doing other jobs.
20 Very fine morning and a beautiful day, sunshine all through. Jim was plowing, John was gath-
ering stones. I went to a Chattle [=chattel] Mortgage Sale at Mr. George Mann’s in the Town-
ship of Artemesia. I bought one cow for $19. and another for $22.50. They are both good
cows, one eight and the other seven years old. They are calved some time.
21 Fine day all through. Jim was plowing. Johney and I planted potatoes and gathered stones.
Nancy was at a picking bee at Mr. Lonsway’s. She and I went to Dundalk at night to Mr.
Thomas Talbot’s wake. There was a sharp frost this night. [in margin] Old T. Talbot /died.
<Q2 folio 12 verso>
May 1879
22nd Bright sunny morning, and the day continued dry but cool and windy. Jim harrowed, I sowed
oats and Johney and I gathered stones in the afternoon. Quite a frost this night. [in margin]
Finished sowing oats.
95
23 Fine morning, but quite cool, the day dry and pleasant all through. Jim plowed, I and Johney
planted some potatoes in the forenoon and cleaned some barley in the afternoon. Mr. Lonsway
and Mr. William Silk were here this afternoon. Mr. John Hanbury finished plastering the house.
24 Fine morning, and the day continued dry and breezy with clouds in the afternoon. The three
eldest boys went to see the sports at Dundalk.* Johney ran in the boys race and took first prize
(.75¢). Eliza and Willie went fishing and caught four fish 2½ inches long, big Sport for them.
Nancy went to Dundalk in the afternoon to do some shopping. I stopped at home all day and
plowed. [*Victoria Day holiday, 24th of May, celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday.]
25th Sabbath. Cool, clear morning and the day continued cool and dry all through. [in margin]
Frost.
26 Cold morning, with quite a frost, ice on the water. The day was cold and clear all through. Jim
was plowing, John was gathering stones. I sifted some Barley for seed. Brother Sam was here
at noon. [in margin] Frost. / Lamb come.
27 Cool morning, the day continued cool and bright. Quite a frost this morning. I sowed 4½
acres of Barley. Johney harrowed it. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 18 pounds
of Timothy seed at 5 cents per pound, and 10 pounds Clover seed at 7½ cents per lb. [in mar-
gin] Frost / Finished sowing Barley.
28 Frost this morning, the day was clear and warm. John and I picked stones in the forenoon and I
sowed the clover seed in the afternoon, and Johney harrowed. The ground is remarkably dry
and hard. Water is getting scarce. No spring so dry in my memory. [in margin] Frost.
<Q2 folio 13 recto>
May 1879
29th Bright warm morning, and the day continued dry and warm. Johney was plowing a potatoe
patch, I was cutting seed potatoes. Mrs. Gott was helping Nancy pick wool.
30 Bright sunny morning, the day continued warm and very windy. There was a slight shower of
rain in the forenoon. Johney and I were hauling out manure. I went to a meeting at night of a
political nature at Mr. Atcheson’s School House.
31 Dry warm morning, the sun bright and hot. I went to Flesherton to see Dr. Christoe and from
thence to Priceville to see Mr. Ferguson.* P.S. I took the train at Flesherton Station coming
home and about that time 3 P.M. there came on a rain and wind storm which increased in vio-
lence as we came near Dundalk to nearly a tornado. The fences blew down in all directions.
Buildings were unroofed, the water poured in through the passanger [sic] car, the wind almost
blew the cars off the track. The rain ceased at about 6 P.M., the ground thoroughly wet, hail
stones fell in places. [in margin] Violent Storm. [*William Ferguson was Superintendant of
Schools (or Public School Inspector) for Grey South (which included Melancthon, Proton, Ar-
temesia and Osprey); see Belden, Historical Atlas of Counties of Grey and Bruce; Sawden, His-
tory of Dufferin County, 88, 124-25. In this entry, RR is taking a medical certificate from Dr.
Christoe to W. Ferguson in order to qualify for his annual pension.]
June 1st Sabbath
Rather misty morning, but the rain only came on in the eavning.
2 Misty morning and pretty cool. The day continued dry. Jim was plowing, Johney and I were
fixing up fences in the forenoon and in the afternoon were cleaning up the door yard.
3 Cloudy morning, the day continued fair during the forenoon. About 2 in the afternoon the rain
began to come down, at first slowly, then it increased in quantity till it got perfectly wetting. It
kept raining all afternoon and is at it still (9:30) P.M. We were planting potatoes in the dry part
96
of the day. Planted about 5 bags full. We put them in with the plow, plowed the ground in as
flat as if for grain. Mrs. Kirby was helping Nancy to pick wool. Wesley Lonsway was helping
to drop potatoes.
<Q2 folio 13 verso>
June 1879
4th Showery, cool day all through. Jim plowed, I cut some potatoes for seed.
5 Cool morning, but the day was dry from morning to night. Jim plowed. Mr. Lonsway fixed the
stove pipes on the roof of our house. I went to the Elections for M.P.P. at Dundalk. Mr. Lauder
(Conservative) member for East Grey re-elected. [in margin] Elections
6 Very cold morning, mizzling rain falling through the forenoon and pretty windy. Jim finished
plowing in the forenoon and in the afternoon we planted the remainder of our potatoes. [in
margin] Finished planting / potatoes.
7 Bright, sunny morning, with a very hard frost, ice on the water as thick as a penny. The day
continued cool and clear all through. I sowed 4 1/4 acres mixed oats and pease, John harrowed
them. Jim and Clark helped brother Sam plant potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon
and from thence to Father’s. [in margin] Hard frost.
8th Sabbath. Fine clear morning and the day continued nice and dry. Henry Lonsway and Joseph
Jackson were here today.
9 Clear, bright morning, the day very warm in the afternoon. The boys were hauling rails today.
I got 60 pounds of hay from Mr. Lonsway. He would not take any pay for it. Henry Lonsway
and Joseph Jackson started for Nippising [=Nipissing].* I was to accompany them on a land
hunting excursion, but I backed down, can’t say whether it was right or wrong. [*the major city
in Nipissing District is now North Bay, about 250 km north of Toronto; see, below, details of
later trip to Parry Sound, an area slighty south of Nipissing, and east of Georgian Bay, 19-24
June 1879].
10 Bright, sunny morning and the day was bright and pretty hot all through. I put up a fence. Jim
and John hauled rails. Jim went at noon to the blacksmith’s to get a hook put on one of the
tugs*, the former one being broken. [*synonym for “traces”, part of the horse harness, attach-
ing to the whiffletree, a pivoted crosspiece attached to the tongue of the wagon, allowing the
pulling forces to be distributed evenly.]
<Q2 folio 14 recto>
June 1879
11th Fine clear morning, and the day was pretty warm about noon. It got cloudy towards sunset and
the wind blew pretty strong after dark for about 30 minutes, with some rain. I was repairing
fences, Jim and John were hauling rails. Mrs. Samuel Russell and her sister Hannah were here
this afternoon.
12 Bright sunny morning and the day continued clear but cool in the afternoon. I was repairing
fences, the boys were hauling rails and cleaning up the ground where an old fence had been.
13 Fine morning, clear but a little cool. The day kept fine all through. I was repairing fences. Jim
plowed, and sowed some oats and pease (mixed) for sheep feed. John harrowed. Jim left with
T. J. Arnold for Essa this eavning.
14 Cool morning, and dry to about 3 P.M., when it commenced raining and is now (10) still rain-
ing. I cut some rail timber in the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned oats: 19 19/34* Bush-
97
els, & took them to Dundalk and sold them for .3¢ per bushel. [* a bushel normally has 32
quarts, but here seems to have 34, hence the fraction 19/34]
15th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, but the day got overcast and foggy with a slight sprinkling of
rain occassionally. Brother Sam was here today.
16 Cool, clear morning, the sky high and the day clear but cool, and very chilly towards night,
with signs of frost. I put up a shed for the waggon today. Hanlin* of Toronto beat Elliot of
England in England, at rowing a Race. [*Of Irish descent, born in Toronto, Ned Hanlan was a
famous Canadian rowing athlete, winning the English title in 1879, beating William Elliot by 11
lengths on a course of 5.76 km, on the Tyne at Newcastle; he earlier won the American champi-
onship, and was world champion in 1880, and continued a professional career in rowing for
many years; see http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ned-hanlan/.]
17 Cool and bright morning, the day fair all through. Fixed [up a place for the wagon: stricken] up
fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk.
<Q2 folio 14 verso>
June 1879
18th A slight frost this morning, but did not do any harm. The day was clear and cool all through.
Johney and I fixed fence today. Mother and brother Samuel were out here. Jim got home from
Essa, he is pretty sick and was very sick while away with a cold. He was laid up in bed for one
day or more. I start for Parry Sound District tonight, accompanied by brother Samuel, William
Lonsway and his brother Henry. Mr. Andrew Lonsway drives my team out as far as Singhamp-
ton and brings them home again. Hope he will take care of them, he is but a poor teamster, and
don’t hold his lines eaven [=even]. My object in going to Parry Sound is to get farms for my
sons. [in margin] Frost.
19th to 24th [June].
Frost this morning. Went to Parry Sound in company with Skeffington Bell, Sam Russell, H.
Lonsway, and W. Lonsway. Went about forty miles up the country: it is a wilderness of Rock
and Black lakes, never can become a farming country. We took up no land. Going through the
country was like passing through some horrible nightmare dream.
There is now a Blank in this Journal, as my son Jim was at the point of death almost, when I
came home. Dr. McWilliams visited him seven times and By God’s Mercy and the Dr.’s skill
Jim was saved. Inflamation on one lung and pleuresy [=pleurisy] was the sickness.
[This blank period is, then, three weeks, from 25 June to 16 July, when Robert returns to his
daily record.]
<Q2 folio 15 recto>
July 1879
16th Cool morning and the day continued dry but cool with a pretty strong breeze toward eavning. I
was at Mr. Nicoll’s raising of a frame barn this afternoon. The boys, Johney and Clark, were
hoeing potatoes.
17 Clear cool morning and the day fair all through. Spread some manure for Sam.
18 Clear cool day, without rain. Nancy took the rolls of wool to be spun today. [in margin] First
mail [double underline]
19 Clear cool day, no rain. I went to Dundalk on some business today.
20th Sabbath. Clear cool day all through.
98
21 Cloudy morning with some indications of rain, pretty warm about 2 P.M., a little thunder, no
rain. I was helping Brother Sam to mow, the boys Paris greened the potatoes and hauled home
some stove wood.
22 Cloudy morning and rain began to fall about 11 AM. The afternoon was showery all through.
It is now (9:15) P.M. raining. I was helping Sam at his hay in the forenoon.
23 Clear day in the afternoon, although there was a slight mizzle of rain early in the morning.
Went to Dundalk in the forenoon with a Ram I had sold for $5.00, also posted a letter to A. W.
Lauder, M.P.P., Toronto, and in the afternoon mowed for Sam.
24 Dry morning and the day continued dry and fine all through. I was helping Sam at his hay, the
boys helped in the afternoon.
25 Clear in the morning, but the afternoon became cloudy, no rain. The boys and I were helping
Sam at his hay today.
<Q2 folio 15 verso>
July 1879
26 Cloudy morning and looked very much like rain in the forenoon. The sun shone out in the af-
ternoon and the evening was dry and warm. I was helping Sam today and the boys were help-
ing him in the forenoon. Nancy drove the horses in for me at night.
27 Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued dry all through. Mrs. John Gott and Husband
were here today.
28 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun shone out soon and the day got warm and bright to
about noon, when the sky began to get cloudy. A slight rain storm accompanied by thunder and
lightening came on about 6 PM. I was helping Sam at his hay, Johney was helping Mr. Kirby to
haul in hay.
29 Rather misty this morning, but the sun shone out soon and the day was pretty hot. I was mow-
ing at Sam's, the two boys were making hay with him in the afternoon.
30 Fine morning, the day clear and warm, beautiful hay weather. I and the two boys were helping
Sam.
31 Fine morning and the day very warm, dry all day. I and Jim and the team were doing statute
labor. I went to Mr. John McDowell’s raising of a frame barn in the afternoon. Johnny went to
do road work in my place.
<Q2 folio 16 recto>
August 1879
1st Bright morning, the day dry and very warm all through, with pretty high wind. I helped Sam at
his hay. John and Jim with the team were doing statute labor.
2 Fine morning, dry to about 5 PM when there came on a slight rain, accompanied by thunder
and lightening. I mowed some fence corners and Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
3rd Sabbath. Pretty nice day, dry, clear and moderately warm. Nancy and I visited Mr. S. Bell.
4 Fine morning, the day continued dry and warm with the exception of a few drops of rain that
fell about 2 PM. I was mowing fence corners.
5 Fine dry morning and the day continued dry, and a little breezy with signs of rain, but none fell.
We and Mr. Lonsway’s went a-Berrying to the Huckleberry marsh in Osprey. Did not get
many, as there is a poor crop of berries this year.
6 Bright morning and the day was warm and dry though cloudy in the afternoon. I was mowing
some in forenoon and in the afternoon attended a trustee meeting.
99
7 Bright sunny morning, the day fine to the afternoon. There was some thunder in the evening
with a slight shower of rain. I and the boys were making hay.
8 Fine dry day, but pretty windy. The boys and I were haying.
9 Dry morning, the day dry, the boys berrying, I choring. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s
this eavning. Great signs of frost now(11 PM). Northern lights and stars shooting.* [*No
doubt the Perseid meteors, which are seen every August; see
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/meteor-shower/perseid.html]
<Q2 folio 16 verso>
August 1879
10th Sabbath. Dry morning and the day was dry during the forenoon, in the afternoon there was a
slight shower. Nancy and I visited J. Trugon’s. There was a frost this morning but it done us
no harm. [in margin] Frost.
11 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm. I was cutting rail cuts, the boys
were picking stones. Nancy went with the team after dinner to Dundalk.
12 Fine morning and the day warm and hot all through. I took two cows to Dundalk fair, but did
not sell either, as they were milch cows and dry. Cattle or beef was what was wanted. There
was a vote of the ratepayers in Melancthon taken today to see if they would separate the town-
ship from the county of Grey and unite with others forming the County of Dufferin.
13 Rainy morning to about 7 A.M., when it cleared off and was dry to the afternoon when there
was a pretty heavy rain till night. The boys were picking stones and I was cutting rail timber.
Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning.
14th Cloudy morning, the day cloudy but dry and cool. I was chopping rail cuts, the boys were pick-
ing stones.
15 Cloudy morning and the day continued cloudy though dry. I was chopping rail timber, the boys
were picking stones.
16 Dark morning, the day dark, cool and dry. I was cutting roads to the rail timber in the forenoon
and in the afternoon the boys and I were hauling them out with the horses. Mr. Lonsway and
wife were here a while this night.
<Q2 folio 17 recto>
August 1879
17th Sabbath. Foggy morning but the sun soon shone out and the day was bright and warm. Mr.
Skeffington Bell and wife and brother Sam and wife were here
18 Clear morning, the day dry and pretty warm. The boys and I were pulling pease. [in margin]
First / Harvesting.
19 Dry, hazy morning, the sun bright to the afternoon, when it clouded over. The boys and I were
pulling pease. Alexander Irvin bargained with me to do 15 acres of chopping, fit for logging,
on lot 216, beginning at the back fence of lot 215 and chopping 40 rods across the breadth of
the lot and running towards the Gravel Road 60 rods. 5 acres of this to be done in time for me
to log it and put in Barley. The remainder to be finished during the month of May 1880. The
price of the work is $28 in cash, when I get money made of the crop in 1880, and the cow
called Reddy, valued at $22. The cow to be given any time we like this coming fall.
20 Hazy morning, but the sun rose bright and dispelled the clouds, the day was breezy, dry and
warm. Got clouded towards night and the sun went down under a bank of clouds. I was pull-
100
ing pease, Jim was craddling barley. Nancy and Johnny were binding. Mr. Lonsway had the
team, yesterday and this afternoon, working at his summer fallow.
21 Cloudy morning, the sun just showed at rising then went under the clouds. Rain came on about
6 AM and was a little wet during all forenoon. The afternoon was dry to about 8 PM when
there came on a rain storm with thunder and a great deal of lightening. Jim was craddling in the
afternoon, mother and Johnny were binding. I was pulling pease. Nancy and I were at Mr.
Lonsway’s a while in the forenoon.
<Q2 folio 17 verso>
August 1879
22nd Cloudy morning but the sun got out and the forenoon was dry, there was a slight shower about 4
PM and since there was a very heavy rain, accompanied with thunder and lightening, and a very
high wind from 6 PM to about 9. The boys were harvesting barley, Jim craddling, Johney and
mother binding. I was pulling pease.
24th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Mr. A. Lonsway and Henry and Mrs. Bowler were here this af-
ternoon.
25 Left home this morning, Nancy and I with the team, at 12:30* for Owen Sound. Got to that
place at 12 O'clock noon. Transacted some business, then drove out as far as Chatsworth and
stopped at Mr. A. Morrow’s hotel. The day was cloudy and cool all through. The boys cut
some wheat at home today. [in margin] First wheat cut. [*the distance is slightly more than 40
miles, and travelling at night would be slow.]
26 Bright sunny morning and the day fine all through. Left A. Morrow’s at 8 AM and was home at
4:20 PM. The boys borrowed their uncle Sam's team and hauled in the barley.
27 Bright sunny morning, and the day was clear, cool and bright. Got Mr. Kirby's horse and the
boys and I hauled in pease. John Gott was craddling some oats and some wheat in the fore-
noon. I only got half a day cutting done as the grain was not ripe enough.
<Q2 folio 18 recto>
August 1879
28th Cloudy morning, and the day was rather cloudy all through, but dry. Some thunder in the dis-
tance. We got Mr. Lonsway’s mare and the boys and I finished hauling in our pease. We had
15 loads. I bound some wheat after supper.
29 Rather cloudy morning but sun burst through the clouds and the day was pretty warm and dry.
The boys and I gathered stones in the forenoon, and the boys hauled out manure on the pea
ground in the afternoon. Nancy and I tied oats in the afternoon.
30 Hazy morning, but the sun got out strong and bright and the day was very warm. John Gott
was craddling wheat for us and Nancy and I were binding. John and Jim were hauling out ma-
nure.
31st Sabbath. Rather misty morning, but the sun got out and the day was warm and dry. Nancy and
I went to Father’s in the afternoon.
September 1879
1st Cloudy morning but the sun shone out and the day was dry and pretty warm. John Gott was
craddling wheat to 4 P.M., after that he was cutting oats. Nancy and I were binding, the boys,
John and Jim, were hauling out manure.
101
2 Cloudy morning and an appearance of rain, but the day was dry with the exception of a few
drops. The boys and I hauled in grain to 4 P.M., then Jim plowed. John Gott was craddling. I
hunted up some seed wheat, got it at Mr. Duncan’s of Proton. 7 Bushels of Seneca at $1.00 per
bushel. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning.
<Q2 folio 18 verso>
September 1879
3rd Rather cloudy this morning and there was a shower or two in the afternoon. Nancy and I were
binding oats in the forenoon. Jim was plowing and he went for the seed wheat in the eavning.
4 Wet, windy morning, and the day continued windy and showery all through. Jim was plowing,
and Henry Lonsway was helping him with his team in the afternoon. Jim, Mother & I were at
Mr. Lonsway’s paring* tonight. [*An apple paring bee, presumably.]
5 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and breezy. Jim was plowing to 4 P.M., when he finished
the piece for fall wheat. I sowed some fall wheat (Seneca) in the afternoon. Nancy went in the
eavning to Sister Sarah’s to see about the yarn she is spinning for us. I sold 3 R[am] lambs to
Mr. W. Acheson this eavning at $2.33 each. [in margin] Sowed fall wheat.
6 Bright morning, but the sun clouded over immediately after rising, then some rain fell and it
was showery generally through the forenoon, and also some came on after 8 P.M. I sowed the
remainder of the fall wheat. John harrowed. Clark picked stones with the old mare hitched to
the stone boat. Jim took a very long sleep this forenoon. I expect he was tired. I did not wake
him, he slept to about 10 A.M., then he worked at hanging a gate and putting in posts to tea
time. After that we all got to work, Mother and us, and put in the remainder of our wheat.* It
rained on us at the last load but we did not mind it. [*Put the wheat, cut by John Gott 5 days
earier, into the barn, finishing just as the rain begins.]
7th Sabbath. Mizzly morning and the day was cloudy with a slight sprinkling of rain.
8 Dark cloudy morning and the day was showery all through. I took 3 Lambs to Mr. Acheson’s
which he had bought of me. Came home and split a few rails. Jim was fixing up a gate. Mr.
and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning.
<Q2 folio 19 recto>
September 1879
9th Dark cloudy morning and a slight rain fell during the morning. I went with a fat cow to Dun-
dalk fair. Did not sell her, was only offered $20. The boys were hauling stove wood and in the
eavning they took a load of shingle timber to the mill. The frost killed every thing that was
green this night, except Canadian thistles.
10 Fine sunny morning and a very hard white frost, quite a thick ice on the water. The day dry and
sunny all through. I was helping Brother Sam to harvest. The boys were binding oats at home.
[in margin] Frost / Hard.
11 Fine sunny morning and the day bright and warm all through. A sharp frost this morning. I
was helping Brother Sam to harvest. Jim was also helping in the afternoon. Jim cradaled [sic]
some at home in the forenoon. [in margin] Frost.
12 White frost this morning, the sun rose bright and clear, the day began to get cloudy about noon.
Rain began to fall about 5:30 P.M. and is raining now, 7:30 P.M., quite lively. Brother Sam
craddled the remainder of my oats today. The boys and I hauled in oats to 4 P.M. Nancy
bound oats. The boys then took the team and went in with Sam to help him. [in margin] Frost.
102
13 Cloudy morning and the day got quite overcast about 2 P.M. It began to rain about 5:30 P.M.
and continued pouring down for a while. I was cutting mixed pease and oats for part of the
forenoon. The boys were helping their uncle Sam to harvest.
14th Sabbath. Rainy morning and the forenoon was hot. Nancy and Eliza and Willie went to Grand-
father’s.
15 Frost this morning. Cloudy, but dry till 6:30 P.M. when it commenced raining and kept at it for
a good while. I was splitting rails, the boys, Jim and John, were cutting mixed feed. Clark was
tramping out pease with the old mare. John Agnew slept here this night.
<Q2 folio 19 verso>
September 1879
16th Cloudy morning and the day was dark and lowering all through. Rain commenced about 6 P.M.
and is now (9 P.M.) raining steady. Jim and John hunted up the calves (which had gone astray)
in the forenoon and mowed in the afternoon. Clark thrashed pease and I split rails.
17 Cloudy morning and raining occassionally during the forenoon. The afternoon was dry. The
three eldest boys were helping Mr. Lonsway to thrash. Nancy was helping to cook. I cleaned
up some pease in the forenoon, and in the afternoon cut some oats.
18 Rainy morning and the day continued show[e]ry during the forenoon, the afternoon was gener-
ally dry. The three eldest boys were at A. Lonsway’s thrashing to 5 P.M. I cut some oats in the
dry spells in the forenoon and in the afternoon fixed at making a place to hold the grain in the
barn. Nancy and Jim took the team and went to Dundalk in the eavning.
19 Dark morning and the day was gloomy-like all through, though without rain. I cut some oats,
Jim went for a R. Lamb and four young pigs to John Irvin’s in the forenoon. John was at Mr.
Kirby’s thrashing in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and Jim helped John Irvin to bind.
John Agnew was here all night.
20 Sunny morning, the day dry. Jim and I cut oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim and
Johney hauled in . The thrashers brought their machine here this eavning. Nancy and I went to
A. Lonsway’s a while this eavning. [in margin] Finished / cutting / grain.
<Q2 folio 20 recto>
September 1879
21st Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry all through.
22 Rather dark morning, but the sun got out dispelling the clouds. The forenoon was dry and clear,
the afternoon got cloudy and rain began to fall about 5 P.M. At 6 P.M. there was a very heavy
shower. We thrashed today. Andrew Stewart’s machine.
23 Cloudy morning, but no rain fell during the day. Finished thrashing at noon. $7.00 per day was
the cost of the machine. The grain yielded pretty fair: Spring Wheat about 20 bushels per acre
and a good sample. Barley about 19 Bushels per acre, very dark in colour. Pease about 23
Bushels per acre, good sample. Oats about 30 Bushels per acre, good sample. We put what
straw we had out of doors into the barn in the afternoon. Brother Sam and Wesley Lonsway
helped us.
24 Cloudy day all through, with alternate showers of rain and a few peeps of the sun now and then.
Nancy and Jim went to Sister Sarah’s to get the yarn she spun. John went and left his measure
for a pair of boots. Clark and I bearded the Barley and cleaned up about a load.
25 Very hard frost this morning. The sun got out pretty bright and the day got middling warm. I
took in to Dundalk 33 Bushels of Barley in the forenoon. Could not sell it, because it was very
103
dark. I left it in the grain house. The weigher said he could sell it for me. I sold a cow today
for $20., got $5.00 of earnest. Johney was helping John Irvin to harvest. Jim and Clark and I
raked up 1 1/4 acres of mixed feed and hauled it in this afternoon.
<Q2 folio 20 verso>
September 1879
26th Beautiful morning, the sun a little hazy, the day almost like Indian Summer. Jim, Clark and I
raked up mixed feed in the forenoon and hauled it in in the afternoon. Nancy was quilting at
mother’s. Johney was at Skeffington Bell’s thrashing.
27 Cloudy morning, but the day kept dry and breezy till about 5:30 P.M. when there was a small
sprinkling of rain. We were hauling in mixed feed today. Johney at Sam’s, thrashing. [in mar-
gin] Finished / harvesting.
28th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and warm.
29 Cloudy morning, but the day continued breezy and dry, pretty warm with a little sunshine now
and then. I and Clark took the cow which I had sold into Dundalk in the forenoon. In the af-
ternoon I split rails. Jim and John hauled rails.
30 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty windy. I was making fence, Jim was plowing. Nancy
went in to the back line in the afternoon and helped mother to quilt a pet[t]icoat.
October 1879
1st Fine dry morning, the day dry all through, but cloudy in the afternoon. I was putting up fence
in the forenoon, assisted by John and Clark. In the afternoon I went to old Mr. Gott’s raising.
Jim was plowing.
2 Cloudy morning, and rain began to fall about 3 P.M. and was pretty wet during the balance of
the day. Jim was plowing. Clark, Johney and I were logging and stumping. Nancy and I, with
John and William, were at Mr. Lonsway’s helping pare apples this night.
<Q2 folio 21 recto>
October 1879
3rd Very fine morning, and the day was beautiful, dry and sunny. Jim was plowing. Clark, Johney
and I were logging and picking up.
4 Dry sunny morning, and the day was beautiful and dry all through. I was at James Trugon’s
thrashing. Johney was plowing. Clark and Jim were burning and picking up. Brother Sam
fetched his colt here to be weaned.
5th Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day dry and very warm. Nancy and I were in at Father’s.
6 Dry, sunny morning, and the day was beautiful all through. Jim and the team were at Mr. Clip-
part’s thrashing. Johney, Clark and I were picking up, stumping and logging. I got home the
calves which I had traded with Johney Irvin.
7 Beautiful morning, and the day was dry and hazy all through and very sultry. We all went to
the Show Fair at Dundalk. There was not such an exhibit this year as last. I sold 32 Bushels of
Barley at .30¢ per B.
8 Nice dry morning, and the day dry and warm. There came on a slight shower about dark. The
boys and I were raising potatoes, except Jim, who was with Mr. Clippert helping him to thrash.
9 Dry morning, the day dry and sultry all through. Jim was plowing. Johney was at Mr. Mill’s
thrashing. I and Clark were raising potatoes.
104
10 Dry morning, the day dry and very hot. Jim was plowing, Johney was at Mr. Mill’s thrashing. I
and Clark were taking up potatoes.
<Q2 folio 21 verso>
October 1879
11th Very fine morning and the day was dry, sunny and warm. Clark and I were raising potatoes.
Jim was plowing and Johney was helping James Mills to thrash.
12th Sabbath. Beautiful morning and the day was dry, sunny and very sultry. William Lonsway and
wife and Samuel Russell, wife and family, were here today.
13 Beautiful day, dry and sunny. Johney and I, with Clark, were raising potatoes. Jim was plow-
ing. Mr. W. Lonsway and wife were here this afternoon.
14 Very beautiful day all through, warm enough for summer. I was taking up potatoes, Clark was
gathering [stumps], Jim was plowing.
15 Very beautiful day, remarkably so for this season of the year. Jim was plowing, Clark was
burning stumps. I and Johney were taking up potatoes.
16 Beautiful day, the sun a little hazy, but the day very hot. I finished the potatoes this forenoon
and went to see about some bricks in the afternoon for building two chimneys. Jim was plow-
ing.
17 Cloudy morning and a slight sprinkling of rain fell about 11 A.M., the day dry and breezy af-
terwards. Jim and I went in the forenoon for a load of Bricks, $7. per M., and in the afternoon I
chopped a few logs where I was about to log. Nancy and I went at night to Mr. Lonsway’s.
18 Cool dark day, and windy. We logged today, had G. Johnston and his oxen. Jim did not work
today, had a cold. Nancy and I went at night to see Jimmy Irvin who is sick with, I think,
rheumatic fever. Johney & Clark got their new Boots.
<Q2 folio 22 recto>
October 1879
19th Sabbath. Very cool morning, and the day was cool but dry all through. Nancy, Eliza and I vis-
ited at Mr. W. Lonsway’s today.
20 Dry morning, the day cool, dry and breezy. I plowed sod in the forenoon, and quit it then on
account of the ground being so dry and hard. Johney plowed stubble in the afternoon. I then
went with John Irvin to Dundalk. John’s niece, Jane Eliza Irvin, daughter to Robert Irvin, aged
11 years and three months, died this afternoon of Bilious fever* after a sickness of about eight
days. [in margin] Jane E Irvin / died. [*See 4 Mar., 1878.]
21 Dry day, cool, cloudy and breezy. I went in the forenoon with J. Irvin to Dundalk [dittography
stricken: in the forenoon; “to Dundalk” repeated, but not stricken] and hauled home the coffin
for his niece. In the afternoon we went to the funeral.
22 Dry day but cool [stricken: first snow fell this afternoon very hard frost this eavning] I [strick-
en: digging a drain] was trying [to] burn brush this afternoon. [Jim stricken, John written
above] John was plowing. [stricken: John and Clark were picking stones] Jim went to Fever-
sham for the full cloth.
23 Cold morning and the day was dry but cool. There fell a shower of snow this afternoon. I was
digging a drain this afternoon, Jim was plowing, John and Clark were gathering stones. [in
margin] First / snow fall.
24 Very cold morning, quite white with snow, the day cold all through. John was plowing, Jim and
Clark were fixing barn doors. I was digging a cellar drain.
105
25 Very hard frosty morning, the sun got out and the day got milder. John was plowing, Jim and
Clark were fixing Barn doors and cleaning wheat. I was digging drain. Wife and I went to
Dundalk in the eavning.
<Q2 folio 22 verso>
October 1879
26th Sabbath. Fine, dry, breezy day, the sun bright and clear.
27 Bright sunny morning, and the day dry and warm. Jim was plowing, John and Clark banking
the house. I was digging a drain. Nancy and I went to Archy McAuly’s to bid them goodby[e]
as they are going to Red River.
28 Rainy morning, but cleared off, but the day was generally showery with a good deal of rain to-
wards night. I went to Dundalk in the morning for the carpenter, Mr. Cross. Took him home
again in the afternoon with the team. He was putting up stands for chimneys, I was digging a
drain part of the day. Poor Jim is laid up sick with a cold. Johney was with Johney Irvin
thrashing, Clark was banking the house, hauling clay with the stone boat and one horse.
29 Cold, raw morning, the day cool and windy all through. Mr. McMaster (stone mason) was
building chimneys for me. John at J. Irvin’s thrashing. Jim sick, poor boy. I and Clark were
working at the drain, hauling stones to it and putting in a pipe. Nancy took up her cabbages.
30 Showery forenoon, the afternoon a little snow fell. I and Clark were fixing at the drain. John at
J. Irvin’s th[rashing].
31 Cold, stormy morning, snow falling and continued so all day. John, Clark and I were working
at drain. Mr. Lonsway and wife, Maria and James, were here to supper, it being Hallow eve.
<division line>
[stricken September] November
1st Not quite so stormy as yesterday, but some snow fell. We were fixing our stables to put the an-
imals in. Delivered the old mare to Mr. Cross. I had sold her to him on last Tuesday for
$40.00, $30. to be taken in furniture.
<Q2 folio 23 recto>
November 1879
2nd Sabbath. Cloudy morning and a little snow fell during the day. I was in at the back line.
3 Cold, stormy morning and the day continued windy and cold with frequent showers of snow.
Johney, Clark and I were hauling clay and banking the house.
4 Pretty cold morning, but the day got milder towards noon, there is some sleighing, but bad. I
and the boys were hauling clay to bank the house. Alexander Irvin began the chopping of his
15 acres, which he had taken. [in margin] A. Irvin / commenced / chopping.
5 Mild morning and the day continued so all through, with a shower of snow at night. I helped
Mr. Lonsway to kill pigs in the forenoon. The boys were banking the house.
6 Mild day all through. I gave the Boys a holiday. Jim went to the back line and fetched out his
uncle John’s old sleigh. John and Clark went shooting, got one partridge. Nancy went to help
Mother pluck some geese. I worked at the cellar and put in the cabbages.
7 Mild morning, and quite a thaw wind, snow going away today rappidly. We took in our butter
to Dundalk and sold it to Mr. D. Davidson (406 pounds) at .17½ ¢ per pound.
8 Very mild morning, the [snow] entirely gone from the fields, the cattle out grazing like in sum-
mer, the day mild and balmy. Johney was plowing, I chored around.
9th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Fields clear of snow.
106
10 Mild day, no rain, the weather just like spring. I hauled Mr. J. J. Middleton a load of Bricks
from Proton Station to Dundalk. Johney was helping Mr. Kirby to haul manure.
<Q2 folio 23 verso>
November 1879
11th Wet morning, but cleared off about 9:30 A.M., was showery till eavning, came on a regular
pour at dark, is now, (7:15) P.M., raining quite lively. Johney was plowing during the fair part
of the day. I was fixing up potatoe pits for the winter.
12 Dark morning, and the day was pretty wet all through, with very heavy rain towards night.
Johney plowed in the dry part of the day.
13 Cloudy morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell during most of the day. Johney plowed in the
afternoon, in the forenoon I hewed some sticks [perhaps for building a manger?] for a cow sta-
ble, and in the afternoon attended a trustee meeting in No. 5 Melancthon.
14 Misty dark morning, and rain came on about 10 A.M. and poured down pretty constantly to
about 2 P.M. Jim and I were hewing logs in the dry part of the day. John was plowing. I
[stricken: attended a tr] went to Skeffington Bell’s at night and helped him to fill Township Col-
lector’s Receipts. Alexander Patterson was at our house during the rain.
15 Rather misty morning, but the day held up dry. James Mills was score hacking [?] with us to-
day. Skeffington Bell came here tonight and I helped him to make out some Receipts.
16th Sabbath. Showery day all through.
17 Misty morning, but no rain fell through the day. Jim went to School. John plowed. I hewed
timber. Skeffington Bell was here tonight. I helped him to fill Receipts.
<Q2 folio 24 recto>
November 1879
18th Sharp frosty morning, very cold, freezing all day. Jim and Clark went to school. John tried to
plow but the ground was too hard, had to stop. I was sawing and hewing timber for a cow sta-
ble.
19 Cold, stormy day all through. I was doing nothing, did not feel like working.
20 Very cold, stormy morning, and the day kept snowing, blowing and freezing. We were butcher-
ing hogs, assisted by Mr. Lonsway in the afternoon. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs.
21 Sharp freezing morning, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Some snow fell during the day. We
were choring around, the boys cleaned up a small grist in the afternoon, and I took it to the mill,
also took some barley to be chopped. We took in some cabbages to Dundalk and sold them for
.40¢ per doz.
22 Cold, stormy day, strong wind and some snow falling. I and Johney and Clark were cutting
some firewood in the bush. Jim was helping his mother to cut up the porkers. Mr. Lonsway
and wife were here a while tonight. A man on crutches, having had his feet frozen ten years
ago, had driven here today.
23 Sabbath. Quite blustery this morning, the day cold and stormy all through, with some snow
falling. Brother Sam and his family were here this afternoon.
24 Pretty sharp morning, but not so keen a freeze as yesterday. Johney, Clark and I were hauling
home firewood. Jim was at school.
25 Mild this morning, but a heavy snow storm came on about 8 AM. Soon cleared off and the day
was fine. Johney and Clark started this morning for Essa, a distance of about 40 miles, with 6
head of cattle to get wintered, as we are scarce of feed.
107
<Q2 folio 24 verso>
November 1879
26th Nice mild morning, and the snow melting. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I
brought home 4½ squares of shingles from the mill. The sawing of them cost me .90¢ per
square, the timber was my own.
27 Mild morning, soft like, some rain in the forenoon and a good deal fell during the afternoon.
28 Some rain fell this morning, then it cleared off a little, there came on more about 11 AM. The
afternoon was quite showery.
29 Sharp frosty morning, cold wind and the roads very hard and rough. Went with the waggon to
Primrose, a distance of 18 miles, to meet the boys who were returning from Essa after leaving
the cattle there. Mr. James Murphy and Mr. John Russell were here tonight.
30th Sabbath. Cold, raw morning, and the day was pretty chilly all through. Nancy and I visited at
the Back line today.
December
1st Pretty mild morning, with some snow on the ground, the day was rather mild all through. I left
home this morning and went to the Township of Essa, stopped at J. Agnew’s.
2 Mild morning, thawing and most of the snow went. Snowed some at night. I stopped at John
Russell’s at night.
3 Ground covered with snow, but pretty soft and bad walking. Left John Russell’s this morning,
had dinner at John Agnew’s and stopped at James Murphy’s in Tossorontio [=Tosorontio]
Township this night.
<Q2 folio 25 recto>
December 1879
4th Rather soft morning, but a nice quantity of snow on the ground. I felt tired today and stopped
all day and night at James Murphy’s.
5 Mild morning, and the day got warmish towards noon, and in the afternoon there was quite a
thaw. I left James Murphy’s this morning and arrived home about 9 P.M.
6 Soft morning, and rain fell through the day, a general thaw in progress. John and James were at
John Irvin’s thrashing to about 2 P.M.
7th Sabbath. Soft morning and the day continued so all through, with a little snow fall.
8 Rather mild this morning, and the day showed some appearance of rain, something like a mist
fell occassionally. I and Johney were at John Irvin’s thrashing to about 2 P.M. when the ma-
chine broke.
9 Pretty sharp cold morning, the ground froze hard, the wind pretty high, the day cold and very
windy all through. There was a regular downpour of rain sett [=set] in about 9 P.M. and lasted
nearly all through the night. Johney and I were helping J. Irvin to thrash.
10 Wet morning, and the day was windy and showery all through. There is a regular deluge of wa-
ter on the ground now, and it is still raining, 8:45 P.M. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lonsway were
here this afternoon.
11 Cold morning, and hard frost, the ground hard. Cold wind all day. I was taking the School
census today, stopped at Father’s all night. Dined at Mr. William Nethercot’s [=Neithercut’s].
<Q2 folio 25 verso>
108
December 1879
12th Cold morning, with some snow on the ground, but not enough to make sleighing. I was taking
the School Census today.
13 Pretty cold day, the roads rough, no sleighing or waggoning either, of any account. Sister Sarah
stopped here tonight.
14th Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was cold all through, with a snowfall of about four inches
at night.
15 The ground covered with snow this morning, bad sleighing and bad waggoning. I and Nancy
started for Essa this morning and got to John Agnew’s at night.
16 Pretty cold morning, the day milder from about 10 AM. I sold the Essa farm today to Mr.
Abraham Hussey of Barrie for $(4200.00) Four thousand and two hundred dollars (subject to a
mortgage of $2100[)]. This leaves Brother John and I $2100 to be divided between us, which
we have done, I getting Mr. Hussey’s notes for $1000., $400 to be paid me 16th Feb. 1881, and
$600 to be paid me 16th Feb. 1882. John getting $1100 to be paid as follows: Feb 16th 1880,
$500.; Feb. 16th 1881, $400. and 16th Feb. 1882, $200. This transaction and sale arose out of a
former transaction and sale or trade of lands made by Brother John and I to John Arnold of Es-
sa, Viz. in June 1877 John put in his farm of 100 acres in Melancthon, valued at $3000. and I
put in my farm of 50 acres in the same township*, valued at $2000., against Arnold’s farm of
109 acres in Essa, valued at $5000. I paid Arnold $175. over and above my lot and John done
work on my 2/5ths of the place and otherwise, to about the same amount of money, which left
John and I about equal, viz. 2/5ths and 3/5ths shares in the place
—continued
<Q2 folio 26 recto>
December 1879
continued— After the trade was made I mortgaged the Essa Lot for $2100, of this sum John got to
pay off the mortgage on his Melancthon farm $1153, and $400 in cash to himself, and I got
$408. to pay off a mortgage which was on my lot in Melancthon and $25 in cash. In all, John
got out of the $2100 borrowed $1553 and I got $433. The remaining $114 was consumed in
paying $77. of interest in advance and $37 for insuring the buildings and expenses of the loan.
Nancy and I stopped at Brother John’s this night.
[*the lands in question: in June 1877 Robert Russell sells Lot 220, Con. 1, Melancthon (50
acres), John Russell sells Lot 236, Con. 1 Melancthon (100 acres), in exchange for west ½ of
Lot 6 on the 6th Con. Essa (109 acres), which Robert and John share, with John living on the
Essa farm. This Essa farm is now sold to Abraham Hussey.]
17 Pretty cold morning, snow on the ground and nice sleighing. John drove us in the sleigh to
Shelburne. There we took the cars [=train] and got home about 10 O’clock this night.
18 Mild morning. Nancy and I went to Father’s
19 Sharp, frosty morning. Jim and I went to Brother Sam to help him as he had the sawing ma-
chine. The old machine kept breaking all through the day, and made its final break the first cut
it attempted to take off after dinner.
20 Pretty mild morning, and the day was rather nice all through. The boys and I cleaned up 41
B[ushels]: 20 lbs oats and sold them in Dundalk for 30½ ¢ per Bushel.
21st Sabbath. Very cold morning, and the day kept getting colder as it advanced. The eavning was
something fearful, several people got nipped with the frost, and no wonder. [in margin] Very
cold.
109
22 Not near as cold as yesterday. The boys and I cleaned up 1635 pounds of pease and sold them
in Dundalk for 60¢ p. Bushel. Messrs Neil Strachan and John Stubbings, clerks* in Mr. D. Da-
vidson’s, and Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here, and spent most of the night with us. [*Neil
Strachan, John Stubbings, clerks in Davidson’s general merchandise store, Dundalk, are friends
of Robert, with whom he stayed overnight on 2 May 1879, and are mentioned in 11 Jan. 1879
“O. B. Jovial” entry.]
<Q2 folio 26 verso>
December 1879
23rd Rather mild morning, the day pretty mild all through, capital sleighing now! The boys and I
cleaned up 1630 pounds of pease and sold them in Dundalk for 62¢ per Bushel in the afternoon.
Jim took the team to Mr. George Johns[t]on’s thrashing, but the thrashers did not come. Mr.
John Abbott was here today, canvassing me for to support him as Deputy Reeve. Jim took 2
saw logs to the mill.
24 Mild morning, and the day was very moderate all through, with a little sleet. Johney and I went
to Sam’s to help him at the sawing machine. The old thing worked middling, but he only sawed
about 5 hours for the day’s work. Jim went to G. Johnston’s with the team to thrash.
25 Rather sharp morning and the day was pretty cold all through. Willie, Eliza, Nancy, Jim and I
spent the most of the day at Mr. A. Lonsway’s. Jimmy, Johney and Clark went in the eavning to
Dundalk to a tea meeting.
26 Very sharp morning and the day was cold all through, with a little snow falling now and then.
Jim and Johney were hauling saw logs in the forenoon and in the afternoon they took some
grain to the mill to be chopped. Clark and I were cleaning up pease and bagging oats. Sam
McBratteny (a thrasher) was here for dinner. Mrs. Russell visited Mrs. Bell.
27 Sharp morning, but the day got somewhat milder. Jim and Johney were hauling saw logs.
Clark and I were cleaning and putting away our seed oats.
28th Pretty mild morning and the day was soft and nice all through. Father and Mother were here
today.
29 Soft morning and a little rain falling, it kept thawing all through the day. Jim and John were
hauling saw logs. Clark and I were cleaning up wheat. Brother Sam was here a little while this
eavning.
<between 26 verso and 27 recto, inserted half-page, with words to a song >
Come all you pretty maidens, for you know my tale is true
That never since my wedding-day have I made love to you.
The kisses and the blisses it was once our joy to win
Can never charm our married life, for it would be a sin.
They say that stolen fruit is sweet, but sour the grapes may grow,
As all who tread the sinful path of changing love may know,
Then all should heed the warning, and each gossip low defy
And never kiss another when your wife stands by.
Chorus- Then be a little careful, if you are a flirting man,
For you know that better half of yours will catch you if she can.
If stolen fruit is sweetest, why just taste it on the sly,
And never kiss another when your wife stands by!
You will find that it is better for to be a little meek
110
Than rashly, when your wife is near, a pretty maiden seek.
For if you live a quiet life and long for pleasure too,
Don’t let your dear one see the maid in converse sweet with you.
You cannot be too careful, she will catch you if she can
And then in bitter truth you’ll know that you’re a married man.
If you are sorely tempted, why just meet her on the sly,
But never kiss another when your wife stands by. — chorus.
You need not get in trouble if the right way you pursue
And leave alone the pretty girls who once were sweet on you
For if your love is pure and true, all jealous strife will cease,
And though you sigh for bygone bliss, your heart will be at ease.
Oh then be strong if you should meet the tempter in the way
And do not from the fold of bliss to sin and sorrow stray.
But if you want to flirt just once, why do it on the sly,
And never kiss another when your wife stands by!
<end of song>
<Q2 folio 27 recto>
December 1879
30th Sharp morning and the day was pretty cold all through. Jim and Clark went with a small grist
to Osprey Mill. I went to Dundalk to transact some business.
31 Very sharp morning, wind in the east and some snow falling. The wind veered around to the
north-west in the afternoon and there was a heavy fall of snow. I attended the annual School
meeting at S.S. 5 Melancthon in the forenoon and in the afternoon visited Mr. Henry Hewett
who is in bed, sick of pleuresy and inflamation. Jim and Johney hauled saw logs to the mill.
January 1880
1st Not very cold this morning, the day was bright and sunny till the afternoon, when it clouded
over and got pretty windy towards eavning. Nancy, Jim, and Eliza visited at W. Lonsway’s.
Johney helped Brother Sam to clean grain. Clark and I cleaned and put away our seed wheat.
[in margin] Borrowed Sam’s / T. Sheep [read R=ram?]
2 Mild morning, but very heavy sleighing as the snow had drifted through the night. The day was
fine all through. I visited Miss S. Jackson and Mr. H. Hewett in the forenoon, as they are sick.
In the afternoon I took 9 B[ushels]: 17 pounds of spring wheat to Dundalk and exchanged it for
the same amount of fall wheat, paying .05 a bushel difference. The boys hauled a load of saw
logs to the Mill in the forenoon.
3 Some sleet falling this morning, which kept increasing through the day and on at night, the rain
came pouring down. Jim and Johney went to the Sawmill in the forenoon with logs. Clark and
I cleaned up some oats and bagged them fit for market. [in margin] Rain.
<Q2 folio 27 verso>
January 1880
4th Sabbath. Soft morning, but the wind got pretty strong and cold in the afternoon, and was rather
cold at night.
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5 Fine, mild morning and the day was pretty warm and sunny all through till night, when the
wind rose and was very cold and blustery. I took in 10 Bags of oats to Dundalk and sold them
for .30¢ per bushel. They weighed 28 bushels less 10 pounds.
6 Mild morning, the snow going away. The day pretty mild all through. Mrs. Russell and I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 23 pounds of tea @ .45¢ per lb. [in margin] Posted /
Letter to / William / (Dickson P.O.)
7 Hard morning, the roads very slippery. It got soft about noon, the sun came out pretty strong.
Mrs. Russell and I visited Miss Sarah Jackson (who is sick) in the forenoon, and in the after-
noon Jim and his mother went to Dundalk. Skeffington Bell was here this eavning and traded
me 1½ tons of hay for three spring calves.
8 Soft morning, the snow going away rapidly, some rain in the afternoon. Willie and I took the
calves to Skeffington Bell in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to the back line and Sam
and I inspected a Bush Lot that I have some notion of purchasing. [This is Con. 4, Melancthon;
see below, 12 Jan. entry]
9 Misty morning, the thaw still continues, rain in the afternoon and pretty wet at night. I walked
to Flesherton to see William Strain on some business.
10 Soft morning and the day mild, like spring, colder towards night. Clark and I brought in a pota-
to pit. Jim and John cut firewood in the bush. Jim cut his great toe. I went to Dundalk towards
night.
<Q2 folio 28 recto>
January 1880
11th Sabbath. Mild morning, thawing in the forenoon. Raining in the afternoon.
12 Mild morning although the ground is hard with the frost. Sleighing all gone, the day pretty
mild all through. I went to Dundalk and saw Mr. Thos. McKee, who is up from Sandhill. I
tried to bargain with him for 100 acres of Bush land which he has on the 4 Con. Melancthon. I
could not do it: he asked $1000 in five equal annual payments with 6 per cent per annum inter-
est. I offered him 5½ per cent, therefore there was no bargain between us.
13 Hard morning, sharp frost, a showery snow fell, did not amount to much, no sleighing. Nancy
and I went to Dundalk, took back our tea which we had got. It was bad, price .45¢ per pound.
Exchanged it for some at .70¢ per pound, pretty good tea this time. Saw McKee in the after-
noon. He opened the Bargain again, but nothing came of it.
14 Hard, cold morning, the ground pretty bare of snow, except in the fence corners. The day got
milder about 10 AM. I was chopping firewood in the bush, broke my axe handle just at night.
Jim is in at his uncle Sam’s tonight.
15 Mild morning, and the day very fine and warm all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and bought an axe handle for .20¢. Went to see brother Sam in the afternoon, he is sick of
Quinsy.* Went from his place to Dundalk for some medecine. Slept at Father’s this night.
[*complication of tonsillitis—peritonsillar abscess—infection between tonsil and wall of
throat.]
<Q2 folio 28 verso>
January 1880
16th Mild morning and the day soft all through. Went to the Doctor’s today for medicine for Sam.
Went at night to a Surprise party* held at Mr. Skeffington Bell’s. [This must be a surprise
112
birthday party for Robert, who is 44 the next day. He has helped Skeffington Bell numerous
times with his township rolls and receipts.]
17 Rainy morning and the day continued showery all through. I was at Brother Sam’s most of the
day. This is my 44th Birthday. [in margin] Birthday.
18 Sabbath. Soft morning and the day continued mild.
19 Very mild morning and the day was one of remarkable fineness, like a day in April. I went to
Dundalk today.
20 Snow on the ground again, but poor sleighing. I went to see Brother Sam in the forenoon,
chored around home in the eavning.
21 Rather cold this morning, but the day got milder. I went in the forenoon to see Mr. W. Henders’
son who is very sick, and in the afternoon Nancy and I went to Dundalk.
22 Fine morning, and the day continued fine all through. Nancy and I went to Melancthon in the
afternoon.
23 A little cool in the morning, but the day got milder as it advanced. I hauled some drags of wood
from the swail* in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Brother Sam and his family were here. [*
“Swail”, or more fequently “swale” = low lying or marshy land, which Robert is clearing for
cultivation. See 29 July 1880, 9, 10, 16 Aug. 1880, and repeatedly in June, July, Aug. 1881.]
24 Very fine day all through. I cut some wood in the Bush and Johney and Clark hauled it in the
forenoon, and in the afternoon they took 2 Bags of potatoes to John Morrow’s and brought
home the grist which was at the mill.
<Q2 folio 29 recto>
January 1880
25th Sabbath. Very fine day all through. The sun came out bright like a day in spring. Nancy and I
were a while at Mr. Lonsway’s.
26 Beautiful day all through, the snow is pretty much gone off the roads and the waggons are run-
ning. I was chopping firewood in the bush to about 4 P.M., when I took a pair of boots (miss-
fits) which I had got and returned them. I stopped at Skeffington Bell’s coming home and
helped him with his Roll.
27 Beautiful day all through. I was cutting firewood in the Bush.
28 Very fine day all through. I did not work today.
29 Chilly morning, but the day got milder towards noon. I went in the forenoon with the team for
Mrs. C. Bell. She stopped with us till about 4 P.M. I then took her home. The night was very
cold and stormy.
30 Rather milder this morning, and about noon it began to rain. Ceased raining before night and
began to freeze. The night was very cold. [in margin] Got letter / from / William.
31 Quite a cold morning, storming, freezing and snowing. The day was cold and freezing all
through. I chopped some firewood in the bush in the afternoon.
<Q2 folio 29 verso>
February 1880
1st Sabbath. Very cold morning and the day was extremely cold all through. [in margin] Very
cold.
2 Cold morning, and the day was sharp and freezing all through, with a strong wind. I was chop-
ping firewood in the bush.
113
3 Snowing, blowing, and freezing all day long. I was chopping firewood in the bush. William
Henders’ son, of about 14 years of age, was buried today.
4 Very cold day all through, freezing and snowing. I was chopping firewood in the Bush.
5 Cold, stormy day all through, snowing and freezing. I hauled home about 2500 pounds of hay
from Skeffington Bell’s, which I had got from him in trade for two calves. Skeffington helped
me.
6 Cold morning and the day was pretty cold all through. I made a way in the forenoon through
the bush to the wood which I had cut, and in the afternoon Nancy and I went to Sam’s, and
from thence to Dundalk.
7 Very stormy morning, and the day continued blowing and freezing. Johney and I hauled fire-
wood. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here a while today.
Sabbath
8 Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing, drifting a good deal all through the day. Mrs.
Russell and I visited Mrs. C. Bell.
9 Cold morning, and the day pretty sharp all through. I took some barley to the mill in the after-
noon to get chopped.
<Q2 folio 30 recto>
February 1880
10th Stormy morning and the day continued cold to about noon, when it ameliorated. There was
snow fell in the morning. I was hauling saw logs for James Patterson today, and I stopped at his
place all night.
11 Very fine morning, and the day continued fine all through. The snow melted considerably in
the afternoon. I was hauling saw logs for James Patterson today.
12 Soft morning and the day continued thawing all through. I went to the Back Line. I met Mr.
Thomas Norvall when I was coming home.
13 Fine morning, the day continued soft and mild. Brought Jim home from Sam’s today, as he is
not well.
14 Mild morning and the day continued pretty fine all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon
to see Mr. Hanbury, Bootmaker, who had made a number of mistakes in my Boot Bill. I also
posted two papers to Brother William. In the afternoon I chopped some firewood in the bush.
Brother Sam and William Lonsway were here today, so also were Mr. Andrew Lonsway and
wife.
15th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued fine, though cloudy. Brother Sam and family
were here.
16 Fine mild morning and the day continued fine with sunshine just like spring. The snow is pret-
ty much gone off the gravel and the waggons are running. I was cutting firewood in the bush to
about 4 P.M., then Jim and I took the wagon to the mill for some chopped barley. It was not
done for us.
<Q2 folio 30 verso>
February 1880
17th Very fine morning and the day continued soft, with sunshine mostly all day. I was cutting fire-
wood.
114
18 Rain this morning, then it faired off for a while, and came on again. After the rain there was
frequent showers of snow, with pretty hard frost in the afternoon. It is blowing, snowing and
freezing now (8 P.M.). I was cutting firewood in the bush today.
19 Very cold morning, blowing, freezing and snowing. The day continued remarkably cold all
through. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon with the waggon and some wheat to get gristed
and some barley to be chopped. The roads were fearfully rough. Brother Sam was here a while
this night.
20 Another cold morning, freezing, the day was quite cold all through. I was cutting firewood in
the Bush.
21 Stormy morning and the day was one of alternate snow showers with strong wind. I was chop-
ping firewood.
22nd Sabbath. Rather mild day all through, sunshine some of the time. Nancy and I were in at Fa-
ther’s.
23 Cold, stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing were the principal features of the day. I
was cutting firewood.
24 Rather mild morning and the day was pretty fine to the afternoon, when there came on several
showers of sleet and rain. Very heavy rain at about 8:30 P.M. I took 23 Bushels and 15 pounds
of wheat, partly fall and spring, to Mr. Wright’s Mill, Osprey. I only got 35 pounds of flour to
the Bushel, the smallest return I ever got at any mill, and the wheat was very good. I guess I
won’t go back! [in margin] Went to Mill.
<Q2 folio 31 recto>
February 1880
25th Wet morning and the day continued showe[r]y all through. I done nothing of work-kind today.
26 Fine morning, and the day was like a day in spring, sunshiny and mild. We took in a pit of po-
tatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk.
27 Rather wet early in the morning, but the day got fine soon and was pleasant and mild. Jim and I
cut roads to some firewood in the Bush and hewed some stable logs. [in margin] Good / Reso-
lutions
28 Rather wet this morning and the day continued slightly damp. Jim and I were hewing stable
logs. I went at night to Skeffington Bell’s to help him with his roll. Severe wind storm this
night.
29th Sabbath. Frosty morning, snowing and blowing, very cold all day long.
March [1880]
1st Sunny this morning, which it kept up at intervals all through the day. Jim and I were hauling
home stove wood, the ground is very soft and the sleigh sinks deep in the mud. There is only a
slight sprinkling of snow on the ground.
2 Snow this morning, a nice quantity on the ground and more falling, but it did not last long, as
the day came out soft and warm, and in the afternoon the sleighing was gone. Jim and I, with
the team, helped Brother Sam to haul 38 saw logs from Mr. Doyle’s Sawmill to Mr. McGreg-
or’s. He had them there for two years and more.
3 Mild morning, but the sky got overcast and rain came on about 1:30 P.M. The eavning was
wet. Johney and Jim hauled some stable logs. Mother and I tapped some trees but the sap did
not run. I was subpeaned [=subpoenaed] to attend an arbitration on tomorrow between Robert
115
Patterson and John McDowell. William Lonsway and family were here today. [in margin]
First / tapping.
<Q2 folio 31 verso>
March 1880
4th Slight mizzle of rain this morning, but finally the day became dry and continued so. I attended
an arbitration between John McDowell and Robert Patterson relating to a grist mill which R.
Patterson had rented from J. McDowell. I was a witness in the case but did not stop to see how
the case ended. Brother John is stopping here tonight. Brother Sam brought a load of hay to
me this eavning.
5 Stormy morning, raining and blowing. The rain turned to snow in the afternoon, with a strong
freezing wind. Brother Sam brought a load of hay to me this forenoon, making in all, I think,
about 2500 pounds which he gave me for helping him some in this last haying. I went to Dun-
dalk in the eavning, paid the Blacksmith in full and also one sho[e]-maker. Also gave a new
note to J. Norval for $34.72 , with 12 per cent interest, the old one was for $31.00*. Also paid
up interest $6.60 to D. Davidson, Esq., on a note which he holds against me. Lifted the old
note and gave a new one. This note is now of my true indebitness [=indebtedness] as I gave it
to return another. [*$31.00 + 12% = $34.72]
6 Rather sharp morning, but the day got milder as it advanced. The boys and I were getting out
stable logs. John Agnew was here tonight.
7th Sabbath. Sharp morning, and the day was pretty cold all through. John Agnew stopped here
tonight and so did Brother John.
8 Sharp, cold morning and the day was pretty chilly all along, although the sun shone out bright.
Brother John and John Agnew left here this morning for Essa. Miss Cherry and Miss Nicol
were here this forenoon. Brother Sam was here a while at night. The boys and I were getting
out sleepers and beams for the cow stable.
<Q2 folio 32 recto>
March 1880
9th Very cold morning and the day continued cold with a slight snow fall. I was helping brother
Sam to saw stove wood. Jim and Johney were getting rafters. I slept at Father’s this night.
Nancy was at Mrs. Bell’s.
10 Very sharp morning, and the day very cold from morning to night. Brother Sam was helping us
to lay the foundation of a cow stable.
11 Cold day from morning to night, sharp frost and cold south wind. Scarcely any snow on the
ground, although a very little fell today. The boys were swamping out firewood. I was prepar-
ing Bulls [clearly written, but meaning?], Skids and overlays for the cow stable.
12 Very cold morning, but towards noon the sun shone out clear and the day was warmer in the af-
ternoon. I was asking hands for the Raising of Stable.
13 Cold, raw morning, wind in the South East, the day very cold from morning to night. I raised a
log stable, 20 x 16 in the clear [meaning?]. The corner men were Samuel Russell, William
Lonsway, Alexander Patterson and Joseph Bowler. The others were William Kirby, John Irvin,
Andrew Lonsway, James Trugon and William John Arnold.
14th Sabbath. Sharp morning, keen freeze, the day cold all through.
116
15 Sharp morning, but the day got milder as the sun got higher. The afternoon was pretty mild.
Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, in the forenoon Jim and John swamped out
wood. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here a while this night.
<Q2 folio 32 verso>
March 1880
16th Mild morning with a pretty heavy snow fall, and the snow kept coming down pretty lively all
day. I was chinking a goose house. The boys were chopping wood in the bush in the forenoon
and in the afternoon they hauled stove wood to the house.
17th Patrick’s day in the morning, and a very cold morning at that! The day kept chilly, a little
sleighing. Jim went in the forenoon to James Patterson’s for six hundred of hay which I had
earned with him. I got the hay but it was poor, dirty rubbish! I was helping brother Sam to cut
stove wood and I slept at Father’s all night. Poor Father and Mother are both pretty sick with a
severe cold.
18 A little milder this morning, and the day got a good deal warmer after dinner. The boys were
chopping. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A. Lonsway went with us. I pur-
chased 4 Barrels of salt to sow again [in] spring on the wheat. I am told that it is excellent
thing for grain of any kind. I purchased [it] for $1.10 per Barell.
19 Mild morning and the day was sunny and warm in the afternoon. Mrs. Nickel was here visiting
today. Johney and I took out some flooring for cow stable. Jim was helping A. Irvin to chop.
20 Some snow fell this morning and kept increasing in quantity to now, when it is a pretty severe
storm, and continued at it, Blowing and snowing incessantly to near night. Jim was helping A.
Irvin to chop in the forenoon. Johney and I were hewing logs for flooring cow stable.
21st Sabbath. Mild morning, and the day was pretty genial all through. Nancy and I went with the
sleigh to Melancthon to see Father and Mother.
<Q2 folio 33 recto>
March1880
22nd The ground covered with snow this morning, which fell last night. The sun came out strong,
melting the snow all off the roads about noon. Some little sleighing in the morning. Jim,
Johney and I were getting saw logs out of the bush to the gravel [=the gravel road, now High-
way 10] in the forenoon. In the afternoon I tapped 62 trees. Nancy put in the spiles, then Jim
and I made some troughs for catching the sap. We all took a hand at whittling out some spiles
after night. [in margin] First trees tapped / which ran.
23 Rather fine morning, but there were some snow [flakes] in the forenoon and in the afternoon
there were frequent showers of snow with heavy wind. It is at present (7:20) P.M. snowing and
blowing. The boys were making sap troughs. [in margin] Coldest / night this / winter.
24 Very sharp, cold morning, the previous night was the coldest, I think, which has came this win-
ter. The day continued cold all through. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s a while this
eavning.
25 Bright sunny morning, though a sharp freeze. The day got milder in the afternoon, and was
pretty pleasant and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought 2 Hats and 2 pair of
Gaiters for the Boys. In the afternoon I hauled some sap troughs to the sugar Bush. Jim and
Johny chopped stove wood in the bush.
26 Rather chilly this morning, but the day got fine in the afternoon, and continued fine. I was
placing troughs at the trees in the forenoon. In the afternoon I helped the boys to chop stove
117
wood. The boys went after tea to Dundalk and Jim got Johney’s hat at $1.00 changed for a soft
one at .75. I’ll make him take it back, as I do not like it. Mrs. Clippert was here this afternoon.
27 A slight mizzle of rain this morning, which turned to snow in the afternoon, with a very strong
wind. It is snowing and blowing now, 8 P.M., like fury. Jim an[d] I were notching stove wood.
We lost an old Ewe today. She was crossing a deep furrow with ice on the water. She broke
through the ice, breaking her leg and could not struggle out of the water, as she was very heavy
with lamb. [in margin] one sheep / lost.
<Q2 folio 33 verso>
March 1880
28th Sabbath. Nice quantity of snow on the ground this morning, and the air was quite chilly. The
day remained cool, or rather, cold, all through, although the sun shone out bright. I went to Fa-
ther’s. Brother Sam and family came here in the afternoon. [in margin] Easther [=Easter].
29 Rather cold morning, and the day was sunny though chilly. The boys and I were cutting stove
wood.
30 Cool this morning, the sun shone out all day, yet the air was keen and bracing, but the day was
chilly throughout. The boys and I were cutting stove wood in the bush. [in the margin:] First
Robbin / seen.
31 Beautiful morning, the sun out warm and bright, the day most pleasant of any for so far this
season. Nancy, Eliza and I attended a Quarterly Examination in Sch. Sect. 5 Melancthon. Jim
and John were cutting stove wood in the bush. [in margin] First lamb / came.
April [1880]
1st Fine morning, the day pleasant all through, the sun shone out bright most of the day. We
tapped some trees today and made about a gallon of molasses, Mrs. Russell helping in the bush.
Jim notched wood in the forenoon. Eliza climbed a sapling in the bush, it broke with her, she
fell about eight feet and got badly shaken.
2 Fine morning and the day was dry to about noon, when there came on a slight mizzle of rain,
which increased to a regular Rain storm at night. Johney and I were hauling wood to the camp
in the forenoon, in the afternoon we gathered what sap there was. Jim was at J. Arnold’s saw-
ing.
3 Wet morning and the day was dry in the middle and wet at both ends. Nancy and I went to
James Trugon’s about 3 P.M. and stopped to about 7. P.M.
<Promissory note inserted between pages 33 verso and 34 recto>
Proton April 3rd 1880
I the undersigned Alexander Irvin agree and bargain to finish the ten acres of chopping which I am
working at for Robert Russell by the 30th of the present month. I to underbrush and cut all snags and
small timber of four inches in diameter level with the ground, to pile up all the Brush in a tidy manner,
to cut all the laying logs on the said ten acres, except those which the said Robert Russell may reserve
for saw logs, or Rail timber. The saw logs to be pointed out to me by the said R. Russell and I to cut
them off at the root of the trees and at the top where said R. Russell may show me. The said cuts to be
butted or put in straight next the saw log. The laying rail timber to be cut off at the root . And I to re-
ceive the sum of $33.33 [Fifty is stricken; $33.33 written above line] dollars for the job completed, a
cow valued at $22.00 last fall, and $11.33 in January 1881. And in default of completing the job, or
piling up the Brush on any part of the acres in suitable manner fit to burn, I agree to forfeit the $11.33
118
Balance, and also to pay over to the said Robert Russell anything more it may take to finish the job.
And I agree further that he may either finish the job himself, or employ another, if I fail in doing it.
his
Alexander X Irwin
mark
<end of promissory note>
<Q2 folio 34 recto>
April 1880
Sabbath. 4th. Muggy day all through. Roads dreadful heavy. [in margin] First cow calved / Vio-
let
5 Cloudy morning, but the day brightened up and was dry all through. Jim and Johney started for
the Township of Essa this morning, to bring home the cattle which we had wintering there. I
was cutting stove wood.
6 Snowing this morning and continued snowing a little all through the day. I was cutting stove
wood. [in margin] A. McAuley’s / lot Sale.
7 Pretty cold morning, sharp, raw wind all day, though the sun shone out bright in the afternoon.
8 Cold morning, wind sharp, the ground froze [=frozen] very hard, the day somewhat milder in
the afternoon. I cut some stove wood at the house in the forenoon, and in the afternoon boiled
down some sap. [in margin] T. Talbot and / Miss Leach / married.
9 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the day got milder towards 10 A.M. and was soft and mild in
the afternoon. I went to J. McDowell’s Sawmill in the forenoon, and traded him a hemlock log
16 feet long scaling 359 feet for two smaller ones 16 feet 5 inches long and scaling 325, the dif-
ference of 34 feet I allowed him for hauling the logs forward to the gangway. In the afternoon I
went with the team for it, the roads were very heavy and the horses had to pull hard. The boys
got home tonight with the 5 head of cattle we had wintering in Essa. They came from Sister-
ville, a distance of about 30 Miles and were home about 11:30 P.M.
10 Beautiful morning, the sun shone out warm and strong, the air balmy like a morning in June.
The day got cooler about 11 A.M. At 1 P.M. some snow began to fall, which kept increasing,
also the wind rose till finally a fearful snow was raging, and it is still (7:45), blowing and snow-
ing at a terrific rate. The snow is blowing into every crevice in the outbuildings, rendering
them very uncomfortable for the cattle. [in margin] Great snow storm.
<Q2 folio 34 verso>
April 1880
11th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, the wind blowing and drifting strongly, the
day pretty chilly all through.
12 Quite cold morning, but the day got somewhat warmer towards noon, with a little softening of
the ground towards eavning. The boys were cutting wood.
13 Fine morning, the sun warm and bright, the day sunny from morning to night. Johney and I
sawed wood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I helped in the sugar Bush.
14 Bright sunny morning, the day warm and clear all through. We were working in the sugar Bush
and putting up stove pipes today. Splendid sap day, the best we have had for the season. One
of the cows got down in the stable last night. We had some trouble in getting her up. We had to
get A. Lonsway and his son James to help us. [in margin] Heard frogs.
119
15 Bright sunny morning, high wind, the day dry and warm all through. The boys sawed stove
wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim started to plow. It turned over well, scarcely any
frost in the ground. It was stubble ground we were plowing. I was working at the Sugar camp
in the forenoon and in the afternoon I was letting water off the low places in the fields. Mr.
Lonsway and wife were here this night for a while. Mrs. Russell boiled down 60 pails of sap
into molasses today. [in margin] First plowing / First in 1879 April 21st
16 Hard frost this morning, the day changed about 10 AM. There was some sleet and in the after-
noon considerable [quantity] of rain. Johney was helping Mr. Kirby to log in the dry part of the
day.
<two documents between folio 34 verso and 35 recto>
<one is a detailed sketch of the human brain, divided into 43 faculties, with detailed description of
each faculty, and combinations of faculties, as either large or small: e.g. “A man with large Re-
ligious organs and small intellectual organs is inclined to be devotional, but cares nothing for
Philosophy and Science. The largest organs form the strongest elements of Character. The
larger the organ the more it influences the other organs. Leading traits of Character Result from
large organs….”>
<the second is a detailed bill from R. Cross for the balances due on two accounts, one, the account for
1878 for building the house, the second, for 1880, for plastering, building steps, partitions: total
due: $4.97>
Account of 1878 with R. Russell Esq.
Contract for Building house 137.00
glazing sash 2.00
Extra work on cornices 1.50 Extra pins $2.00 3.50
cutting glass .35¢. paint .30¢ lights of glass 60 1.25
6 lights of glass 96 paper of brads 25 pulls 5 1.26
145.01
Received on the above 143.14 143.14
Balance 1.87
Account of 1880
Plastering by J. Hanbury 35.35
Building steps for front doors .75
Building partitions upstairs 2.00
38.10
Received on the above account 35.00
Ballance 3.10
1.87
Total $4.97
Mr. Russell
Please Oblige me by letting me have this small ballance
as soon as possible, as I have some money to make up,
by so doeing
you will greatly Oblige
Yours Respectfully
R. Cross
120
<end of bill>
<Q2 folio 35 recto>
April 1880
17th Snow this morning, and pretty high wind drifting the snow as it fell. The forenoon pretty
stormy, the afternoon somewhat milder. The snow mostly all melted away. The boys were
chopping stove wood at the house in the afternoon. [in margin] Molly calved.
18th Sabbath. Rather chilly morning, but the day broke out fine and was pleasant in the afternoon.
Thunder and lightening and a little rain at night.
19 A little frost this morning, but it soon thawed. The wind rose about 10 A.M. and increased in
violence till it was something fearful. Great Black Clouds gathered in the west towards night,
but not much snow fell. We gathered 55 pails of Sap in the forenoon and started to boil but the
wind storm was so great, blowing down the limbs, so that Mrs. Russell got frightened and left
the bush. She and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Jim was plowing all day.
20 Fine morning, with a slight bit of frost. The day was very breezy, drying up the roads and
ground considerably. Mrs. Russell boiled down 60 pails of sap. I opened out some water
courses. Jim was plowing. There was a man named Anderson from Markdale, moving down to
Melancthon, called and left off part of his load, as the roads were so bad the team could not
haul it. [in margin] Saw swallow / 1879: on the 26th.
21 Fine mild morning, the sun out bright and warm, the day breezy and drying all through. Johney
and I were terracing around the house, Jim was plowing.
22 Cloudy morning, with a slight shower about 10 AM. The boys and I hauled a ton of hay from
Skeffington Bell’s, which I had bought at $7.00 . Poor enough hay at any money, musty and a
great deal of wild grass with it.
<Q2 folio 35 verso>
April 1880
23rd Hard frost this morning, the ground softened after 9 AM., so that the plow worked. The day
was chilly all through. Mr. Vandusen* paid me a visit today, the first visit of the kind that was
ever paid to me before. [*J. F. VanDusen had a jewellery store, and was a town councilor 1906-
11; History of Dundalk, pp.17, 19, 95. The purpose of this mysterious visit is unclear.]
24 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out bright and the day was pleasant and pretty
warm all through. Jim was plowing. Johney and I sorted potatoes in the cellar in the forenoon.
We had just 33 Bushels. In the afternoon we terraced one end of the house, and sowed some
cabbage seed. [in margin] Sowed cabbage / seed / out doors.
25 Sabbath. Slight rain this morning and the day continued mizzling all through.
26 Cloudy morning, but the sun got a little out in the forenoon. There was rain for about two
hours in the afternoon. Some snow among the rain. There was two beautiful Rainbows ap-
peared this eavning. Jim was plowing. Johney and I split some stove wood and cleared a tree
top out of our way and took out some stumps.
27 Some snow on the ground this morning, but it soon went off and the day continued breezy and
dry. I sowed some pease in the forenoon and in the afternoon went on business to Flesherton.
Jim harrowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon he sowed the remainder of the pease. [in
margin] First grain sown / pease / 2 days after full moon.
28 Fine morning, although a little chilly. The day kept dry and pretty breezy in the afternoon. Jim
was harrowing [plowing stricken, “harrowing” written above] in the forenoon and plowing in
121
the afternoon. I was letting off some water in the afternoon. Johney was picking up. Mr. and
Mrs. Lonsway were here a while this eavning.
<Q2 folio 36 recto>
April 1880
29th Rather cloudy this morning and the sun kept shady all day. The clouds gathered up to about 11
AM when the[y] burst, and the afternoon was wet, a steady come-down all the time. I sowed
Six Bushels of wheat in the afternoon. Jim harrowed and Johney sowed salt on the harrowed
ground at about the rate of a Barell to three acres. I am trying salt this year on the wheat, think-
ing perhaps that it will be beneficial. [in margin] First wheat sown.
30 Wet morning, then snow, which continued during the forenoon. The afternoon was fair. I split
some stove wood in the Bush in the afternoon and Jim plowed. Heavy snow at night.
May [1880]
1st Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling. Snow and rain alternated during the
forenoon. The afternoon was dry. Brother Sam took away 28 Bushels of seed oats which he
had purchased from me some time ago. Jim and John split some wood in the afternoon and Jim
plowed some, from 3 P.M. I digged around the apple trees. [in margin] Snow.
2nd Sabbath. Fine morning, the sun out bright and clear, the day warm all through. Mrs. R. & I
went to Father’s.
3 Cloudy morning and the day had little sunshine, except from 1 to 4 P.M. The afternoon Breezy
and very warm. I sowed near 6 Bushels of wheat. Jim harrowed it. Also he finished harrowing
the wheat that was sown on last Thursday. Miss Emma Bowler was here this eavning.
4 Fine morning, a very heavy dew on the grass, the sun out strong in the middle of the day and in
the afternoon the day very warm and a fine growth. I was hunting up hay in the forenoon and
in the afternoon I sowed some wheat and placed a sett of steps at the front door. I borrowed
Brother Sam’s 2 year old colt and Jim harrowed with his own and him [i.e. the colt] part of the
day.
<Q2 folio 36 verso>
May 1880
5th Fine day all through, great growth, very warm. I sowed some wheat. Jim harrowed, John
sowed salt. Got ½ ton hay from Mr. A. Jackson in the afternoon: price $4.00.
6 Nice morning, but a trifle cool. Got warmer towards noon, the day rather cloudy. I finished
sowing wheat. Jim harrowed and John sowed salt and picked up roots. Nancy and I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. I brought home 7 cherry trees: price $1.40 (One of them an English
cherry, price .40) and 13 Apple trees, price $2.00. The cherry trees are poor ones, very dry, like
as if they had been raised last fall. [in margin] Finished sowing wheat.
7 Thunder, lightening and heavy Rain this morning, about 2 A.M. The day continued showery all
through, with more thunder and lightening about 11 A.M. The ground is soaking with wet and
it is impossible to get on the low lands to work. Jim harrowed a little between showers. I
planted some of the cherry trees. John chored around. I up all night to watch the mares.*
[*Waiting for them to foal.]
8 Fine morning and the day continued very warm and dry, fine growth. I finished planting the
fruit trees. Jim finished harrowing the wheat. In the afternoon he took Sam’s colt home. I up
all night to watch the mares.
122
9th Sabbath. Fine morning, the sun shone out bright in the middle of the day, nice growing day. I
up all night to watch the mares.
10 Rain, heavy in the morning, rain light in the eavning, fair in the middle of the day. I sowed the
first oats for the season today. The ground is very wet, we can only harrow the spots here and
there through[ou]t the field. Nancy up all night to watch the mares. [in margin] First oats
/sown.
11 Fine morning, sun out bright and clear, the day fine all through, dry and breezy. I sowed some
oats. Jim harrowed, then he and Johney picked up stones when he was done harrowing. Nancy
and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. It is very slow work with us putting in our crops. Our
team is very heavy with foals and our ground is very wet and we have to work them very care-
fully and easy, in order not to hurt them.
<centrefold of Quire 2>
<Q2 folio 37 recto>
May 1880
12th Dry cool morning and the [day] continued dry, cool and breezy. Jim plowed, I let water off the
low places on Lot 216. I sat up at night watching the mares that have to colt.
13 Cool in the morning and cool all day, sun shone out clear but there was a cold wind. There was
frost early this morning. I planted a Bushel of Early Rose potatoes this afternoon, Willie
dropped them. Jim plowed in the forenoon and hauled out manure in the afternoon on the pota-
toe patch. John harrowed for W. J. Arnold. Mrs. Bowler and Mrs. Lonsway were here this
eavning. I sat up all night watching the mares. [in margin] Frost this morning. First potatos
[sic] planted.
14 Dry cool morning, the day dry, breezy and cool. I slept in the forenoon and in the afternoon
raised some hop roots from around the old house and planted them around the milk house. Jim
and Johney were hauling out manure part of the day and plowing in the afternoon. I sat up all
night. [in margin] Frost.
15 Cool morning, the sun came out bright, the day dry and cool all through. I sowed some oats to-
day. Jim harrowed with his two year old colt and Gerty. Johny picked up roots, stones and
sticks. Mr. G. Anderson, the man that left his furniture here about four weeks ago, took it away
today. [in margin] Frost.
16th Sabbath. Fine morning, bright, sunshiny, the day clear, warm and dry. Brother Sam and family
were here today. I was up all night.
17 Sunny morning, pretty warm about noon, sultry in the afternoon. I sowed two bags of oats, Jim
harrowed, John picked up. Wife and daughter were at Dundalk a-shopping in the eavning.
<Q2 folio 37 verso>
May 1880
18th Heavy shower this morning before daylight, another shower about 6 A.M., the remainder of the
day was dry and pretty warm. Jim was harrowing and plowing. I sowed two bags of oats.
Johny picked up roots and stones. Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I sat up all
night watching the mares. I bought 500 pounds of hay from J. Irwin at $8.00 per ton. [in mar-
gin] Washed sheep.
19 Fine morning, dry and warm, heavy clouds began to appear in the West and north about 10
A.M. At 11 there came on a very heavy rain with some hail stones, thunder and lightening.
More rain again in the afternoon. Jim was plowing, sowing, and harrowing some in the fore-
123
noon. [He] hewed the plates* of the stable in the afternoon, then went to Dundalk and changed
his $1.25 hat for a .75¢ one. Widdow [sic] Armstrong was here this afternoon. Gerty, a seven
year old mare, colted this eavning about 7:30. Time she took: Eleven months and seventeen
days. Mare colt. Sire Young Lord Haddon, owner William Middleton. [in margin] Gerty
colted. [*Plates are square-hewed timbers, the length of the stable building, placed on the top
of posts. The bottoms of rafters are held on the plates.]
20 Fine morning, dry and warm with a splendid growth. Thunder clouds began to gather about 10
A.M. and a pretty sharp rain storm came on about 11, accompanied with thunder and lighten-
ing. The afternoon pretty showery. Jim and John fastened the plates on the stable in the fore-
noon. I went to Dundalk in the morning, got some Castor Oil for the colt and some clover and
grass seed to sow a calves park which I done in the afternoon. Jim sat up this night.
21 Rainy this morning but cleared off soon and was dry to about 3 P.M. when it began to rain
which it done pretty steadily and is still (8:00) at it. I turned the potatoes in the forenoon and
Nancy and I clipped the sheep in the afternoon. Miss Sarah Bell was here a while this after-
noon, I sat up all night watching the mares. I[t] rained incessantly all night.
<Q2 folio 38 recto>
May 1880
22nd Rainy morning and continued so for most of the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon was
dry. The boys hauled some rails with Jim’s colt in the dry part of the day and put up a small bit
of fence. I was up all night watching mares.
23 Sabbath Fine morning, the day nice and growing. W. J. Arnold and wife were here today. I was
up all night watching the mare.
24 Shower of rain this morning, but the day was warm and cloudy afterwards. Great growing day.
Jim plowed, Johney and Clark chopped rail cuts. A. Lonsway’s boys were over after tea and
mine and theirs played ball to dark. I was up all night.
25 Fine morning and the day continued dry and warm. Jim was plowing. John and I made fence.
I was up all night watching the mare. She colted about 12 O’clock night. Mare colt. Time she
took: Eleven months and twenty-four days. Sire of the colt: Lord Haddon.
26 Fine morning and the day was cloudy though pretty breezy, dry and warm. Jim plowed, then
harrowed after he was done plowing. I finished sowing grain (oats and pease mixed). John
built fence. [in margin] Finished sowing grain.
27 Cool, breezy morning and the day continued cloudy, dry and breezy. Jim finished harrowing,
then hauled out some manure on the potatoe patch and ploughed it under. John helped haul out
manure and spread it. Mrs. John Gott was here today. I sowed some Grass seed on a piece of
low land. Some old bummer stopped here and had his supper. Lots of tramps spunging [sic]
around.
<Q2 folio 38 verso>
May 1880
28 Fine morning, the day continued dry and cool. Jim and John helped Mr. Lonsway plant pota-
toes in the afternoon. Nancy and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Got papers from Toronto.
29 Fine morning, the day dry but very cool in the afternoon. The three boys went a-fishing along
with Mr. Lonsway’s boys. They caught a quantity of small fry, varying from 2 to 8 inches in
length. Eliza and Willie also went a-fishing. They were not very successful. I went in the af-
ternoon to Mr. John Duncan’s Barn Raising.
30 Cool morning with a slight rain, the middle of the day dry. A big rain fall about 5 P.M. Nancy
and I were in at Father’s.
124
31 Cool, dark morning, the day dry to about 6 P.M. when it began to rain and kept it up for about
an hour. Jim and Johney chopped in the swail. I cut seed potatoes, we planted out about 150
cabbage plants and some cucumbers in the afternoon. [in margin] put out some cabbage plants.
June [1880]
1st Fine morning, and the day continued dry but chilly. I was cutting seed potaotes. John and Jim
were chopping in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim harrowed and picked stones.
2 Bright sunny morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon pretty wet. We were planting our pota-
toes, assisted by Wesl[e]y and James Lonsway. In the afternoon we planted about 16 Bushels
with the hoes. Sister Sarah was here this afternoon and all night. [in margin] Finished First
planting of potatoes.
<Q2 folio 39 recto>
June 1880
3rd Bright sunny morning, and the day continued dry and fine all through. Jim and Johney went to
help their uncle Samuel to plant potatoes.
4 Rainy morning, but soon got dry. The day was cloudy and cool afterwards. John and Jim were
helping Sam to plant potatoes. I was helping Mr. H. Clippert raise an end to his log barn in the
afternoon.
5 Fine morning but the day got very rainy about 10 A.M. and continued so for about two hours. I
went to Flesherton. Jim and John were helping their uncle Sam to plant potatoes.
6th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued dry. Brother Sam and wife were here.
7 Wet morning but cleared up about 8 A.M., the day dry after. The boys and I were pulling down
the old house which had sheltered us for many a day. It is hard to remove old landmarks. [in
margin] Resolved forever.
8 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and cool. The boys and I pulling down old hous[e] and
hauling logs away. [in margin] Frost.
9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. I was cleaning up the ground of the old
house. The boys were putting up horse stable with the logs that were in the room. Mrs. W.
Bowler was here this eavning.
10 Rather cloudy morning but the day kept dry to the afternoon when there came on a thunder
storm. Brother Sam framed the rafters and raised them on the cow stable for us.
<Q2 folio 39 verso>
June 1880
11th Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry, showery in the afernoon, some thunder and lightening.
Brother Sam was helping us to put the old room roof on a little building for a horse stable.
12 Fine morning and the day continued dry though cool and cloudy. The boys were sheeting the
stable. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
13th Sabbath. Quite a cold morning and the day was chilly from morning to night. Nancy and Jim
visited on the back line.
14 Cool cloudy morning and the day cool and cloudy all through. I was cleaning out cellar. The
boys were working at the cow stable, sheeting it. Nancy and I set out some cabbage plants in
the afternoon.
15 Fine morning, the day dry but cool. Jim and John were shingling, I was weeding in the garden.
16 Sunshiny morning, the day hot and dry. The boys were shingling, I was working in the garden.
17 Nice bright morning, the day was very fine and hot. The boys were shingling, I was working in
garden.
125
18 Fine morning, the day very warm and dry. Vegetation is progressing very rapidly under the
stimulant of the hot weather. Johney and I were chinking [correction/overwritten]. Jim and his
mother took the team in the afternoon and went to Dundalk. F. T. Carr, Apple tree agent, was
here this afternoon. I did not order any trees.
19 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm to about 2 P.M. when there came on a pretty sharp
shower. John and I were chinking. Brother Sam takes our wool and cloth to Feversham Mills
today.
<Q2 folio 40 recto>
June 1880
20th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day was warm and dry. I with the family went to Church.
After that Mrs. Russell and [I] went to John Gott’s.
21 Fine morning, and the day was pretty warm and cloudy in the afternoon. I hoed some potatoes
in the forenoon and in the afternoon chinked the horse stable.
22 Fine morning, though cloudy, the day was dry and warm with the exception of a shower about
noon. We all attended a C. E. Sunday School picknick held on the rear end of Lot 211, 1st
Range, Proton. A very pleasant day was spent. The crowd was not large but social, the tables
were spread with everything good, and the day passed pleasantly.
23 Cloudy morning, the day dry and a little breezy in the afternoon. Warm all through. Two of
Mr. Crosses men were here from 9 A.M. fixing the studding upstairs for the plasterers. Jim,
John and I were working at the stables.
24 Cloudy morning and the day was one of alternately sunshine and shade, being also remarkably
warm. Jim and John were working at fixing the stables. I was hoeing thistles from among the
potatotes.
25 Sunny morning and the day was bright till the afternoon when there came on a copious rain.
The boys were working at the stables. I was hoeing thistles from among the potatoes in the dry
part of the day. In the eavning I warned out the men in my beat to do statute labor.
<Q2 folio 40 verso>
June 1880
26th Bright sunny morning, the day was a little cloudy but dry and very warm. Jim and his mother
were at Dundalk in the forenoon and traded off some old castings. Johney and I were fixing
fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon were cutting thistles out of the potatoes.
27th Sabbath. Showery during the forenoon, most of the afternoon was dry. I went to Father’s in the
eavning.
28 Dry in the morning to about 10 O’clock when there came on rain and was very showery the re-
mainder of the day. Johney and I were cutting thistles out of the potatoes. Jim was working at
stable.
29 Fine morning, the day dry, cloudy and cool. Jim and John were helping their uncle Sam to put
some logs on his stable. I was cutting thistles. James Trugon and wife were here this eavning.
30 Fine day all through. Jim was helping his uncle Sam, Johney and I were hoeing potatoes. I at-
tended a trustee meeting in the eavning.
July [1880]
1st Cloudy morning with a very slight shower during the day. I and the family went to see the
sports at Dundalk.
2 Fine morning, the day cool, breezy and dry. I was overseeing the men doing statute labor in
this beat.
126
3 Fine breezy morning, the day warm and clear all through. I was overseeing the men doing stat-
ute labor. John Hanbury brought the lath and sand here to fix the upstairs.
<Q2 folio 41 recto>
July 1880
4th Beautiful morning, the day fine and dry all through. Mr. W. Robinson and Miss S. Bell were
here today.
5 Rainy morning for about two hours, then cleared off and the day was dry. I was doing work on
the road, had two teams and two shovellers under me. Mr. John Agnew and wife and child
were here this night.
6 Fine morning and the day continued dry and pretty warm all through. I was helping brother
Sam to saw stove wood in the afternoon.
7 Fine morning, the day very hot. Nancy and I went with Skeffington Bell and his wife to Tosso-
rontio and stopped all night at brother John’s. The plasterers were working at our place today.
8 Beautiful morning, the day exceedingly warm. Left John’s this morning and went to John Ag-
new’s in Essa. The Fall wheat crops in Essa look splendid, so does the meadows. Their spring
crops are a little earlier but not much better than in Proton. Stopped at John Agnew’s all night.
9 Warm, dry morning, the sky clear till the afternoon when some thunder clouds came up. There
was only a sprinkling of rain with some sharp thunder and a little lightening. We left John Ag-
new’s this morning and came home.
10 Warm day and dry all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got my cheque for $101.
Mr. D. Davidson cashed it. Came home and the boys and I repaired a culvert. Nancy and I
went to Dundalk after 6 P.M. and transacted some business.
<Q2 folio 41 verso>
July 1880
11th Sabbath. Dry morning and the day continued cloudy, dry and exceedingly hot. Mr. John Gott,
wife and child were here today.
12th Cloudy morning, the day was cloudy with frequent light showers. We all attended a picknick at
William Lonsway’s.
13 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry. I went to Dundalk on business in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon wheeled some manure out of the old Barn. The boys made pokes for
the horses in the forenoon and mowed in the afternoon. [in margin] commenced mowing.
14 Cloudy morning and some clouds during the day, but the heat was very great. I think the hot-
test day during the summer for so far. I was mowing. Jim fixed the waggon, Clark and John
wheeled manure.
15th Dry day and very hot with considerable [gathering] of clouds. There was a heavy thunder
storm in the forepart of the night. I was mowing.
16 Wet morning and the forenoon was showery, the afternoon was dry and very chilly, almost like
frost. Wife and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and purchased a bedstead at $2.25 and also
some painting material. [in margin] Mail paper received.
17 Cloudy morning but the clouds disappated [=dissipated] about noon and the afternoon was
breezy and dry. I was mowing in the afternoon. Jim was dressing some timber for upstairs.
John & Clark were hoeing potatoes.
18th. Sabbath. Clear day without any rain. Mrs. James Mills was here this eavning
<Q2 folio 42 recto>
July 1880
127
19th Cloudy morning and a very heavy dew on the ground. Rain come on about 9 A.M. and there
were frequent showers through the day. I mowed some in the forenoon. Nancy and I painted
some in the afternoon and I went to Dundalk for some paint after 5 P.M. Jim mowed some in
the afternoon.
20 Cloudy morning, the day was pretty showery all through. Nancy and I painted the kitchen in
part. Jim went with his uncle Sam in the afternoon to help load saw logs.
21 Dry morning, though cloudy, a slight rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and breezy. I went
to Dundalk in the forenoon for some oil for painting and hauled in hay in the afternoon. The
boys raked up hay in the forenoon.
22 Dry morning, but cool and cloudy, the day dry but rain at night. I helped paint the kitchen floor
in the forenoon and hauled in hay in the afternoon. Jim mowed all day. Johney and Clark
raked up hay in the forenoon and helped to haul in in the afternoon.
23 Rainy morning but not very heavy, it cleared up about 7 A.M. and the remainder of the day was
dry, cool and cloudy. Jim mowed, I painted floor, assisted by Nancy in the forenoon. John and
Clark picked berries assisted by Eliza and William. I mowed in the eavning. John Gott’s wife
is sick tonight. Jim and his mother are gone to see her.
24 Dry sunny morning and very warm during the forenoon, the afternoon was rather breezy, the
day dry throughout. We raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in during the afternoon.
25th Sabbath. Rather cloudy this morning, the day hot about noon. A thunder storm in the eavning.
Mrs. Russell and I were in at Brother Sam’s.
<Q2 folio 42 verso>
July 1880
26th Wet morning, it cleared off about 9 A.M. and was dry the remainder of the day. I was helping
Brother Sam at his hay and slept at Father’s that night. The boys were picking huckleberries in
the marsh.
27 A slight mizzle early this morning, dry and breezy the remainder of the day. I was helping Sam
at haying, the boys were choring around home. I slept at Father’s.
28 Fine dry morning, the day hot all through. I was helping Sam to haul in hay. Jim was helping
Skeffington Bell.
29 Dry morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. I was straightening up school accounts in the
forenoon and in the afternoon attended a trustee’s meeting in No. 5 Melancthon. Jim and John
were chopping in the swale.
30 Dry morning, the day dry and hot. I cut some stake timber for the hay rack and ground the cra-
dle scythe in the forenoon. In the afternoon the boys and I commenced to cut our fall wheat. It
is a pretty fair crop, slightly rusted, nothing scarcely to hurt. It is the Seneca or Clawson varie-
ty. We have four acres and I think it will yield about 20 bushels per acre. I sowed it on the 5th
of last September on a piece of pea ground slightly manured. Some of it got winter killed but it
is a great deal better than any Spring wheat I have. Jim craddled. Johney and I bound. [in
margin] First wheat cut.
31st Fine morning, dry and warm, the day dry and hot. We were cutting wheat. Jim craddling,
Johney and I binding. Clark sold his calve [=calf] for $1.25. It is just a month old.
<Q2 folio 43 recto>
August 1880
1st Sabbath. Rather dark cloudy morning, but the day continued dry. Father and mother, Samuel and
Phoebe were here today.
128
2 Cloudy morning. It came on to rain about 9 A.M. and was slightly showery from that to night.
We cut wheat in the dry part of the day. In the afternoon Jim made a rake for raking the stub-
ble. I fixed the waggon rack.
3 Damp, cold morning, with considerable wet on the grain. It dried off about 8 A.M. and contin-
ued fine the remainder of the day. We finished cutting fall wheat, then took some shingle tim-
ber to the mill and brought home half a square of shingles.
4 Bright sunny morning, the day [dry] all through although there were some signs of rain in the
afternoon. We were choring round. Jim fixed the roof of the cow stable. Mrs. Russell and I
went to Dundalk in the eavning. Some people say there was a frost this morning. I did not see
any signs of one. [in margin] Frost.
5 Very fine morning and the day continued dry, breezy and warm. Johney and I were chopping
and burning on Lot 216. Jim went in the eavning to the picknick at Dundalk. Mrs. C. Bell vis-
ited us today. Mr. John Hanbury measured the part of the upstairs which he had lathed and
plastered. There were 143 4/9 square yards at .25¢ per yard which is $35.87. Mrs. Jane
Westacote passed along here today. This eavning is chilly enough for frost. [in margin] slight
frost.
6 Beautiful morning, the day [dry] and warm. The boys and I were picking up and burning in the
forenoon, in the afternoon we hauled in wheat. [in margin] Posted a letter to John Stubbings
7 Dry, warm morning, the day dry and hot, but cloudy towards night. We finished hauling in
wheat in the forenoon. In the afternoon Johny raked the stubble. Jim and Clark fixed fence. I
threshed wheat with the flail.
<Q2 folio 43 verso>
August 1880
8th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry, hot and breezy.
9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, warm and pretty breezy. Jim and Clark went with a small
grist (4¾ Bushels) to Wright’s Mill, Osprey. It was excellent fall wheat without a particle of
any dirt in it and the[y] only got 34 pounds of flour to the bushel. Either Wright or his mill is a
fraud. Johney and I were picking up and burning in the swale. Mrs. H. Bowler and Mrs. James
Reid were here today.
10 Dry morning, although rather cloudy, the day dry and breezy, with a good many clouds towards
eavning. The boys and I were picking up and burning in the swale, good time for it.
11 Very heavy rain this morning before daylight, also thunder and lightening. Through the day it
was dry and cloudy. The boys and I were getting logs sawed at John McDowell’s mill. John
McDowell’s boy with his horses hauled the logs to the gangway and for d[ump]ing[?]. I and
my Johney helped him to roll the logs on the car and I tail sawed. Jim hauled home the lumber:
there were cut of mine today 2130 feet.
12 A little cloudy this morning, the day dry and cool. Jim went to the mill for a load of lumber in
the forenoon, in the afternoon the boys and I pulled pease. There was a quilting here today.
The quilters were Mrs. C. Bell, Mrs. S. Bell, Mrs. J. Gott, Mrs. Nickle, Miss Kate Johnson,
Miss Jane Johnson, Miss Sarah Bell and Miss Maria Lonsway.
13 Breezy dry day all through, although cloudy in the afternoon. The boys and I were pulling
pease.
14 Black letter day. Cloudy, breezy and dry. We finished pea pulling today.
<Q2 folio 44 recto>
August 1880
129
15th Sabbath. Rain very early this morning, the day afterwards dry and pretty warm till the afternoon
when it got very chilly.
16 Bright sunny morning, but a frost all over the ground killling the potatoes and doing other inju-
ry. The heaviest summer frost that has come this long time. The day was dry and the sun
bright, doing all the more injury after the frost. The boys, Jim and John,were helping their un-
cle Sam to pull pease. I was picking up and burning in the swale. [in margin] very heavy frost.
17 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry and breezy to about 6 P.M. when there came
on a slight mizzle of rain, but it did not amount to much. The boys and I were hauling in pease.
We hauled in nine loads out of the back field. [in margin] Finished Hauling in pease.
18 Cloudy this morning, the day dry and breezy, the afternoon pretty much like rain. Jim, Clark
and I were picking stones to 3 P.M. when Jim and I went to little Johney Irwin’s Raising.
Johney was helping his uncle Sam to haul in pease.
19 Fierce wind storm accompanied by a little rain very early this morning before day. The day
breezy and cloudy and dry. Johney was helping his uncle Sam to [i.e. until] noon. Jim and I
were taking off stones. Jim craddled some oats in the afternoon but he gave it up as they were
scarcely ripe enough. [in margin] First oats cut.
20 Sunny morning, the day very warm all through. John and Jim were hauling out manure in the
forenoon, in the afternoon they were helping their uncle Sam thresh. I was hauling out manure
in the afternoon.
21 Sharp shower very early this morning, the day dry after sunrise and moderately warm. I bor-
rowed Sam’s waggon. In the morning John and Clark were hauling out manure, Jim craddled
wheat, I bound.
So rolls round the time.
[in margin] First spring wheat cut.
<Q2 folio 44 verso>
August 1880
22nd Sabbath. Dry cloudy morning. Soon the sun broke through the clouds dispelling them, the day
dry, warm and breezy.
23 Bright morning at sunrise, then cloudy for a while. Sunshine and cloud throughout the day, ex-
cessively hot for about 15 minutes at or near 10 A.M. Jim was craddling wheat, I was binding,
Johney was binding oats.
24 Bright morning, the day got cloudy towards noon, there was a slight mizzle of rain about 1
P.M., then cleared off and was fair to 8 P.M., when it began to thunder and rain slightly with
every appearance of a wet night. Jim was craddling oats. Johney and I cleaned out a drinking
place for the cattle in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I threshed some fall wheat for seed.
25 Cloudy morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell. It soon got dry and the afternoon was fine and
breezy. Jim started the plow in the morning but broke the share, then he got one from Skeffing-
ton Bell, but it did not fit. Johney hauled out manure. I threshed some seed wheat in the fore-
noon, and in the afternoon Jim cut wheat and I bound.
26 Sun rose clear, but clouded over, no rain during the forenoon, but pretty breezy and dry. A
slight rain came on in the afternoon about 5 P.M. Jim cut wheat. Nancy and I tied it. Johney
hauled out manure.
27 Dry morning, and the day remained dry to about 3 P.M. when there came on a thunder shower.
The remainder of the day was dry with excessive lightening at night, and very heavy rain
through the night. Jim craddled in the forenoon, and hauled out manure in the afternoon.
Johney hauled out manure in the forenoon and craddled in the afternoon. Mother and I bound.
130
<inserted letter>
<letterhead> Toronto Grey & Bruce Railways</letterhead>
Toronto 31st Mch 1881
Robert Russell Esq.
Dundalk
Dear Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 29th inst. I would say that I will give you 18¢ for these ties, subject
to inspection.
Should you accept this please sign the Enclosed, and return to me, when I will give our Inspec-
tor instructions to inspect them.
Yours truly, Edmund Wragge*
[under letterhead 15 | 417,
31 | 283,
presumably meaning 15th of month delivered 417 ties, 30th of month delivered 283 ]
[*Edmund Wragge was chief engineer of the Toronto Grey & Bruce Railway, and was general man-
ager in 1875; see Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 77.]
</inserted letter>
<Q2 folio 45 recto>
August 1880
28 Dry morning, the day dry, cloudy and sultry. Jim and Clark went with the team to Maxwell to
get the cloth that had been left at the fulling mill, also to get two plow points. They got 2 at for-
ty cents each. Johney craddled oats today. I mowed some thistley wheat. Nancy and I went to
Dundalk in the eavning.
29th Sabbath. Misty morning and there came on a slight rain about 10 A.M. It continued to about 2
P.M., not very heavy though, the afternoon was dry. Nancy and I went to Brother Sam’s in the
eavning.
30 Fine morning, the day continued dry and cool. I borrowed 5 1/6 Bushels of fall wheat from
Brother Sam. Johney went after it and took it to the Reid Mill, Dundalk. It made 200 pounds
flour. Jim was cutting oats in the forenoon, his mother was binding. I threshed seed wheat in
the forenoon, in the afternoon Jim cut wheat, his mother and I bound.
31 Dark morning, the day was cloudy but dry. Jim and Johney were cutting oats in the forenoon
and wheat in the afternoon. Nancy and I tied.
September [1880]
1st Dark morning and there was a slight shower about noon. The afternoon was dry and very sul-
try. Johney and Jim cut wheat to tea time, when they finished it. Johney then cut oats. I bound
all day. Nancy helped from noon. I sold one dry Ewe for four dollars and a half.
2 Dry morning, but there came on a slight shower about noon and very heavy rain about 4 P.M. It
faired off later in the eavning. Johney, Clark and I hauled in wheat in the dry part of the day,
and I took in a sheep I had sold in the eavning. Nancy was at Mrs. Nickle’s quilting.
<Q2 folio 45 verso>
September 1880
3rd Rainy morning but there was not a great deal fell. The afternoon was dry. I was rigging up my
plow for work in the forenoon and in the afternoon I was plowing. I had very hard work to get
a share to fit the plow. John was spreading manure in the afternoon. Jim is laid up sick. I
think he has been working too hard craddling, as there came a pain in his back at first.
131
4 Murky morning and thunder in the distance, a little rain fell but not much, the afternoon was
dry. I plowed in the forenoon with Jim’s two year old colt and one of the mares. In the after-
noon Nancy and I tied oats. Johney is sick today, they have all been sick in their turn, pains in
their heads and stomachs and shifting pains in their backs and sides. It is rather a trying time.
Jim seems the worst and is the longest of recovering. We had to put a mustard blister to him
tonight.
5th Sabbath. Dry morning and the day was dry and breezy. Jim had still sever[e] pains today, some-
thing like inflamation. We put another mustard blister to him, he is easier this afternoon.
6 Dry breezy morning and the day continued dry and breezy all through. Jim still continues
mending, his pains are pretty much all gone. I think he will get over it this time without the
doctor. Johney, Clark and I were hauling in wheat. John and Clark built and I forked the
sheaves. Nancy helped us in the mow. We hauled in nine loads. The wheat is a miserably poor
crop with me this year. I mean the spring wheat. It first rusted, then midged, lastly, the frost
hit it hard. It will not yield, I think, six bushels to the acre of the most miserable stuff. Poor
country this for growing wheat, and I had venture[d] sowing twenty-two bushels of such. I
think this crop has taught me a lesson, that is not to sow much more wheat in future on this lot.
I think the soil is not calculated for wheat.
<Q2 folio 46 recto>
September 1880
7th Dark morning with a very heavy dew. The clouds scattered after a while and the day was dry
till dark when there came on a slight mizzle of rain. We hauled in grain. John and Clark built
the loads, I forked on. Nancy helped us to noon. We hauled two loads of tied wheat and two
loads of loose wheat, also six loads of oats.
8 Cloudy morning, the day dry, breezy and cool. Nancy and I bound some oats from 10 A.M. to
3 P.M. Johney and Clark hauled them in. We helped to mow them. Johney was rather unwell
in the forenoon, pain in his head. [in margin] Frost.
9 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry, breezy and cool. Johney craddled oats, I tied
and we hauled them off the ground, all that were cut to noon, this leaving the field for the cattle
to get in. Jim raked and hauled in some loose wheat in the forenoon. In the afternoon he
plowed. I had John Gott craddling. I went in the afternoon and engaged John Brinkman to
thrash for me this day week. I then went to Dundalk and sold our butter for .20¢ per pound and
a cent a pound extra to be paid in tobacco.
10 Cool cloudy morning with a heavy frost on the ground. The day was dry, breezy and cool.
Nancy and I bound grain to 4 P.M., then we took our butter to Dundalk and delivered it to Mr.
D. Davidson. Jim plowed, Johney craddled, and Clark went to Mr. Lonsway’s threshing. [in
margin] Frost. Finished cutting grain.
11 Sunny morning, the day was breezy and dry. John plowed in the forenoon. Nancy and I bound
oats in the forenoon. After dinner we all, except Clark, went and lit the 10 acres of fallow
which I got chopped last winter. We got a splendid burn, never seen better. After supper
Johney, Jim and I hauled in two loads of oats. Clark was at Lonsway’s thrashing.
<Q2 folio 46 verso>
September 1880
12th Sabbath. Dry breezy morning, the day was dry and pretty windy to about 6 P.M. when there
came on a sharp rain.
132
13 Dry morning, the day dry and cool all through, the rain fell at no great distance as we could see
the showers a piece off. Jim was asking hands for the thrashing for Thursday. Johney was cut-
ting logs for a straw pen. I plowed and Willie drove the horses.
14 Fine dry morning, the day continued dry and sunny all through. Johney was at Clippert’s
threshing, Jim and Willie picked stones, I sowed about six acres of Seneca fall wheat, Clark
harrowed. [in margin] Sowed wheat 2nd quarter of moon.
15 Fine morning and the day continued dry all through with a slight mizzle of rain in the forepart
of the night. We finished harrowing the wheat, Johney was at Clippert’s thrashing to about 3
P.M. The threshers came here tonight with their machine.
16 Fine dry morning and the day dry, although cloudy. In the afternoon there was a very slight
mizzle but nothing to hurt. We threshed today but did not finish. The threshers are stopping
here tonight. [stricken text and dates corrected.]
17th Misty morning, but the mist soon cleared off and the sun came out bright and warm. There was
some thunder and lightening about 7:30 P.M., also a very sharp shower. We finished threshing
at 8:40 A.M.. The wheat turned out very poorly. Fall wheat about 12 Bushels per acre (Sene-
ca), first class sample. Spring wheat about 8 Bushels per acre, very poor sample. The rust first
affected it, then the midge and lastly the frost. Pease about 25 Bushels per acre, good sample,
and oats 40 or near to it per acre, good sample. The threshers (Brinkmans) done good work and
threshed clean and charged me $8.00 for their time, which I think was reaasonable enough. We
put the straw into the mow in the afternoon, tramping it with Jim’s colt. We also hauled in four
loads of oats, thus finishing harvesting. [in margin] Finished harvesting. Thrashed.
<Q2 folio 47 recto>
Sept[ember] 1880
18th [date corrected from 19th in margin] Misty morning, but the day was dry and pretty warm. I
dug a hole in the forenoon to get water for the cattle and in the afternoon chored around. Jim
helped his uncle Sam to plow. Johney was with Skeffington Bell threshing. [in margin]
Weaned colts. Got letter from J. Stubbings.* [*Clerk at Davidson’s store, Dundalk].
19th [20th stricken] Sabbath. Damp morning, the day continued cool and cloudy with a little rain
falling now and then.
20 [21 stricken] Slight rain this morning, but cleared off about 9 A.M., the remainder of the day was
dry and cool and breezy. Jim was at J. Mills’ threshing. Johney was helping Sam to plow. I
was choring around. I borrowed Brother Sam’s ram, also I got two sucking [sic] pigs from him.
[in margin] Borrowed ram.
21 [22 stricken] Showery morning and the day was one of alternate rain and shine with pretty high
wind. I was fixing up some grain in the granary. Clark was helping me, Johney was at J. Mills’
threshing. Jim was helping J. Irvin to haul in oats.
22 [23 stricken] Fine morning and the day continued dry, cloudy and very cool. Clark was at J.
Mills’ threshing, Jim, John and I packed straw in the mow. We put Jim’s two year old colt on it
and made him tramp it.
23 [24 stricken] Fine morning, dry and warm, the day sunny and warm. We put in the remainder of
the straw, then cleaned up a small grist. I took it to the mill in the afternoon, the boys raised
about five bushels of their potatoes after 5 P.M. Ch. Mills was helping us today. Wife and son
Jim left for Tossorontio & Essa this morning, they went with Father and brother Sam who are
going to see John.
24 [25 stricken] Bright sunny morning and the day was dry and pretty warm. John, Clark and I were
fencing the fall wheat. We hauled the rails and built about 52 rods, some five and some six rails
133
high. Eliza and Willie were keeping house. [Notes at bottom of page on 4 bank drafts (1x1,
1x1, 1x2, 1x4=8$) posted to manager, Bank of Montreal at Toronto, Sept. 25th 1880]
<Q2 folio 47 verso>
September 1880
25th [26th stricken] A little cloudy this morning, but the clouds dispersed and the sun shone out
bright for some time. The sky got overcast towards noon and there was a sharp shower at noon.
Johney, Clark, Willie and I were raising potatoes which belonged to them. We took them to
Dundalk in the afternoon and sold them (17½) Bushels to T. Hanbury at .42¢ per Bag. Also
sold two Bushels to G.R. Middleton for .45¢ per Bag, cash. The boys and Eliza took boots
from Mr. Hanbury for theirs.
26th [27th stricken] Sabbath. Dull morning with an appearance of rain which came on pretty sharply
in the afternoon. All of us, with the exception of Jim and Clark, were on the Back line at Fa-
ther’s.
27th [28 stricken] Rather misty morning and there was a slight mizzle of rain now and then through
the day. Jim and I were cutting logs in the follow. John was at Arnold’s threshing.
28 Rainy morning to about 9 O’clock, then cleared off, the day was dark and cloudy all through.
Jim was at Jim Trugon’s threshing. Johney and I cut logs in the fallow.
29 Rainy morning and the day continued showery all through. Jim and I were asking hands for a
logging bee. Johney was at James Trugon’s thrashing to noon. In the afternoon he and Eliza
and William gathered the apples on (two) 2 trees, there were (Sixteen) 16 bushels of splendid
apples. In the afternoon Nancy, Jim, John and I went to Father’s to a paring bee. I stopped
there all night.
30 Very cold morning and several showers of snow fell during the forenoon. The afternoon was
dry but cold. I cut some handspikes* in the forenoon in C. McDow[e]ll’s Bush. Jim brought
some hay from Sam’s, also the handspikes. John cut logs in the fallow, I asked some more
hands in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow. [*handspikes were wooden rods used as crowbars,
could have metal points on tips, like pikes]
<Q2 folio 48 recto>
October 1880
1st Dark morning and the day continued cool and cloudy. Jim and I were cutting logs in the fol-
low. Johney butchered a sheep, raised some potatoes and dressed some handspikes.
2 Rather cloudy morning but the sun got out about 9 A.M. and the day was warm afterwards. I
had a logging bee today. We got about seven acres logged. There were four horse teams and
an ox team. The hands at the bee were: Sam McDowell and horses, Skeffington Bell and hors-
es, Johney Irvin and horses, —- Buyer and horses. Rollers were: James Mulholland, W. J. Ar-
nold, John Irvin, Mr. Nickle, John Gott, Henry Johnson, Joseph Jackson, James Atcheson, Wil-
liam Talbot, —- —- Curtin, —-Sauder, John Allen and Thomas Carson. Also Tom Mills and
his oxen. Also Mrs. Russell had a quilting today. [blanks are in original- missing first names].
[in margin] Logging Bee.
3rd Sabbath. Rainy morning and the day very wet all through.
4 Wet morning and pretty showery during the forenoon. The afternoon was dry. We fixed at the
horse stable and put our hogs up to fat. All the family with the exception of Jim and John went
this night to a paring bee at brother Sam’s. Got home at 2:30 in the morning. [in margin] Hogs
put up.
134
5 Dry morning, the sun shone out for a while, pretty breezy and dry during most of the day.
There came on a thunder storm accompanied by lightening and heavy rain about 5:30 P.M. The
night is wet and windy. We were logging with our horses.
6 Bright, sunny morning for a short spell, then showers of cold rain throughout the day. I took in
some pease and sold them for .50¢ per Bushel, also I took 470 pounds small [?] wheat to the
mill to be chopped. We all attended show fair, the day was very much against it, very sloppy,
bad roads etc. I bought three sucking [sic] pigs from T. Hanbury at $2.50 for the three.
<Q2 folio 48 verso>
October 1880
7th Fine dry morning, and the day was dry and pretty warm, with a very heavy frost at night.
Brother Sam was helping us to log with his horses. Jim traded his colt (2½ years old) for a
splendid looking new democrat waggon (platform spring) which had been shown at Dundalk
show fair the day previous. We had a paring bee this night.
8th Beautiful dry sunny day all through. I was at W. J. Arnold’s logging bee. The boys were pick-
ing up in the fallow.
9 Beautiful day from morning to night, just like Indian Summer. I hired Mr. Goodfellow and his
oxen to log for me today at $1.50 for his day’s work. He is a good smart worker and so is his
oxen.
10th Sabbath. Dry day, Nancy and family drove in to the back line.
11 Dry morning, the day dry, breezy and warm. We kindled log heaps and picked up in the fallow.
12th Rain this morning before daylight, the day was dry and cold with a pretty stiff breeze. We were
lighting log heap[s], branding, etc. in the fallow.
13 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and fine. We were working in the new fallow,
Branding, burning, etc.
14 Very fine morning and the day was dry to about 3:30 P.M. when it began to rain and continued
showery to about 9. Clark and I were working in the new fallow, Jim and John were helping
their uncle Sam to thresh. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and became one of Skeffington
Bell’s sureties for collecting the municipal tax of Proton.
<Q2 folio 49 recto>
October 1880
15th Dry, sunny morning, the day dry and warm all through. Jim was plowing, the rest of us were
taking up ’tatoes.
16 Rainy morning and continued so to about noon. Jim was plowing in the afternoon, Johney and
Willie were raising potatoes, Clark and I cleaned up wheat. I took a sample of it to Dundalk in
the eavning, the quality was so poor they would not purchase.
17th [18th stricken] Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was cold all through, with showers of snow
occasionally. Snowed steady towards night.
18 [19 stricken] Ground covered with snow and plenty more falling. Continued snowing all day
long, the snow is about four or five inches deep on the level, the heaviest snow storm that I re-
member for so early in the season. We worked at putting in a floor in the new cow stable. Got
the floor in and the cows housed quite comfortable like, the first time they have been in for the
season. [in margin] Big snow storm.
19 Cold morning, some snow fell, the day rather cool throughout. Jim and Clark were hauling
rails and putting a fence round part of the garden in the forenoon, in the afternoon we were [cut-
ting] posts etc. for a cow shed.
135
20 Rather milder this morning, but plenty of snow on the ground. The sun shone out a little in the
afternoon. John Agnew was here today. We cleaned up some oats and pease for chopping, also
two bags of wheat for gristing and Jim took it to the mill in the afternoon. In the forenoon we
were working at the shed.
21 Soft morning, the snow going away, the sun got out and the day was pretty mild. We worked at
the shed till the eavning then Jim went for the stuff to the mill. Mr. Neil Strachan and Willie
Shaw were here a while tonight. [in margin] Sent letter to N. McAulay.
<Q2 folio 49 verso>
October 1880
22nd Mild morning, the snow mostly all gone. Then it began snowing about noon and continued so
all day and night. Jim was plowing in the forenoon, John, Clark and I were pulling down and
burning the old house on Lot 216. In the afternoon Nancy, Eliza and I went with the yarn to be
woven to Mrs. Montgomerie’s in Proton.
23 Sunny morning and very soft. Continued sunny all day. We were binding in the shed, fixing
the pig pen, etc.
24th Sabbath. Quite a quantity of snow on the ground, the roads very bad, the day rather cold.
25 Snow on the ground this morning, but kept melting, rain came on about noon. Very heavy rain
about 5 P.M., rainy night. We borrowed John Irvin’s cutting [box. It] Broke. Jim took it to the
Blacksmith’s to be repaired. Johney and I got some timber in the bush in the forenoon for
flooring for a colt stable. In the afternoon Jim, Johney and Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk. I
went to Father’s and slept there all night.
26 Rainy morning and the day continued pretty wet all through, with a change from rain to snow in
the night. Jim tried the plow for a short spell. Johny and Clark raised some potatoes when it
was partly dry. In the afternoon we cut some oat sheaves. Jim fixed a feeding place in the
horses’ manger for them to eat their oats out of.
27 A nice quantity of snow on the ground this morning, but the sun shone out and the snow pretty
much all vanished before night. We were taking up the remainder of our potatoes (25) Bushels.
28 Cold raw morning, and the day very chilly all through. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark
were mudding the horse stable. I attended K. McAulay’s sale of stock and farming implements.
Things went very high. I thought to purchase some hay but it sold too high.
<Q2 folio 50 recto>
October 1880
29th Very fine morning, the day continued sunny, mild and dry. Jim was plowing, Johny was at A.
Patterson’s bee, Clark chinked and plastered the goose pen. I let off some water of one of the
fields.
30 Mizzly morning and the day was a slight mizzle from morning to night. The boys butchered
our hog, then piled some stove wood in the bush. I took a load of wheat to Flesherton, could
not sell it as it was frozen and a good many oats in it. Left the bags with Mr. Sproul. Am to go
back next Friday and clean it.
31st Mild, fair day. Wife and I went to the back line.
November [1880]
1st Pretty cold morning and some snow on the ground. I was fixing a bridge on Bowler’s side line.
Jim was plowing, the other two were plast[er]ing the cow stable. [Stricken passage: piling
wood and lifting troughs]. The day was blustry and snowey.
136
2 A little chilly this morning, but the day got pretty mild and was very fine in the afternoon. I
was working at the bridge, and also carried in some potatoes in the afternoon, then went to
Dundalk at night. Jim plowed.
3 Fine morning, and the day beautiful all through, like Indian Summer. I worked a little at a Cel-
lar drain, also went to A. Patterson’s and purchased one ton of hay at $5.00 cash, he to haul it.
Jim was plowing, John and Clark were at Johney Irvin’s thrashing. Nancy and the two young-
est were at Mother’s helping to pluck geese.
4 Fine morning, and pretty warm. The day changed about 3 P.M. and rain came on. It is still
(7:30) raining. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark were at Johney Irvin’s thrashing. I went in
the forenoon and helped A. Patterson to weigh ½ ton of hay, he hauled it for me. In the after-
noon I done a small job on the road and worked at the drain from cellar. Mrs. W. Bowler was
here since noon and is stopping here tonight.
<Q2 folio 50 verso>
Novermber 1880
5th Misty morning, and the day was a little showery all through. I and Clark took the team and
went to Flesherton and cleaned over again with Mr. Sproul’s mill a load of wheat which I had
left there the Saturday previous. We got a good many oats taken out and sold the wheat for .
91¢ per Bushel. It was poor wheat and frozen. Jim kept Guy Fawk[e]’s day.* Johney helped
his uncle Sam to butcher some swine. [*Traditional Protestant celebration in England, with
bonfires and fireworks on 5 Nov. to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot of 1605; Guy Fawkes
was executed for his part in the thwarted plot by Catholics to blow up the Parliament at West-
minster.]
6 Rainy morning and the day was very wet all through and a continual pour at night. We butch-
ered our hogs today. Brother Sam helped us, he also brought out his sheep to his ram which is
here with mine.
7th Sabbath. Stormy day with a good deal of snow falling. Jim went to Dundalk for a gargle for his
uncle Sam who has a bad turn of the Quinsey.* [*Tonsilitis]
8 Nice mild day, the snow disappearing, the air balmy. Mr. Skeffington Bell came for me this
morning. I went with him and assisted him to make out Collector’s Receipts for Collecting. In
the eavning I went to Dundalk and got a gargle from the Doctor for Brother Sam. I went in
with it and stopped at Father’s all night.
9 Mild morning, the day sunny, the air balmy, just like Spring. I split some wood for Sam in the
forenoon, in the afternoon I went to the doctor’s and got another gargle for Sam. I took it in
and stopped all night with him, kept fires on, and woke him for his gargle.
10 Rather nice morning, dry and mild. It kept getting breezy and cool till the afternoon when there
came on a sleeting cold rain. It kept at it all the afternoon. Jim was opening water furrows in
the dry part of the day. Johney went to Sam’s in the afternoon. Mrs. J. Mills and Miss Cham-
bers were here a while this afternoon.
<Q2 folio 51 recto>
November 1880
11th Showery day all through, cold rain at that. Jim and I were putting up a colt stable. John was at
his uncle Sam’s.
12 The ground covered with snow this morning and it kept snowing and blowing all day. Jim and
I were working at the colt stable.
13 Fine morning, but a little chilly. Snow on the ground, pretty sharp frost, sun shone out during
the day, no snow fell today. Jim and I were fixing stables. John is in at his uncle Sam’s.
137
14th Sabbath. Rather cool morning, snow on the ground and more falling. I went to the Back line.
15 Cold morning, some snow fell during the day, pretty cold all through the day. Mrs. Russell and
Eliza, Jim and I were at Miss Hannah Mills’ wed[d]ing. She was married to Mr. Hector
McKay. [in margin] Hannah Mills married.
16th Pretty cool morning, and snow kept falling during most of the day. I went to Dundalk and
bought a pair of boots for Johny at $3.50, also some awls, needles, thread, tacks etc., for mend-
ing harness. Also got the Blacksmith to make me some hasps and staples for doors.
17 Cold morning, and the day was pretty cold all through, with some snow falling. We cleaned up
two bags of wheat and Jim took that and two bags of mixed grain for chopping to the mill.
18 Very sharp morning and the day was cold all through with some snow falling. Jim went to
Dundalk for the grist and chop. Mrs. Russell visited Mrs. C. Bell, and I banked the stables.
<Q2 folio 51 verso>
November 1880
19th Rather cold this morning and the day all through was cold wth a little snow falling. Jim and I
got some saw logs cut and in the afternoon Jim took a load to the mill.
20 Another chilly morning, a little milder towards noon, with increasing cold towards night, very
sharp at night, with very high blustering wind. Jim was hauling saw logs.
21th Sabbath. Very cold stormy morning and the day continued snowing, blowing and freezing like
Greenland.
22 Sharp morning, very hard freeze, a good deal of snow fell in the eavning and during the night. I
went to Dundalk to get some lumber sawn, but the mill was not in running order. Jim and
Johny were cutting some oat sheaves for the horses.
23 Another sharp morning, but not quite so cold as yesterday, a little milder towards noon, but
colder in the eavning. Johny and I cut some saw logs in the forenoon, and Jim got a handle for
the broad ax and put it in. In the afternoon I took two cherry logs to John McDowell’s mill and
brought home 788 feet of hemlock lumber.
24 Cold morning with some snow falling, the day pretty cold all through, snow coming down rap-
idly now (7 P.M.) and also drifting. Jim was putting up a porch to the house. John was chop-
ping some cordwood for himself to pay for his boots.
25 Cold morning and the day was pretty chilly with a little snow falling. Jim was putting up the
stoop. John chopping cordwood, I helped Jim for a while and attended a Railroad meeting in
Dundalk at night.
26 Mild morning, the day sunny and fine. I was driving Mr. D. Davidson around to gain voters for
the R. Road bonus. Jim was fixing stoop, Johny chopping wood.
<Q2 folio 52 recto>
November 1880
27th Rather cold morning, but the day got somewhat milder in the afternoon. We were getting some
dry cedar for Melancthon School.
28th Sabbath. Very mild morning, and the day was soft-like till night when there came on a snow
storm. Nancy and I went to the back line to see the folks, then I had to drive out for Mrs. C.
Bell on behalf of Mrs. Samuel Russell who needed her assistance. My wife stopped there all
night. We heard very bad news this eavning, viz. that one of brother John’s little ones* had
died of diptheria and that his wife and most all the rest were ailing with it. Hard, very hard on
John. [*William Henry Russell, b. 23 Jan. 1877.]
29 Moderate morning and the day was rather mild with a sharp shower of snow in the eavning.
Jim hauled some dry cedar to Melancthon School in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped
138
Johney and I to cut some shingle timber. Mr. John H. Palmer was here tonight and I gave him
his agreement made between the trustees of S.S. 5 Melancthon and himself.
30 Rather cold morning and the day was cold all through with an increasing freeze towards five
O’clock. Jim and Johney were getting out shingle timber. I attended the voting for the bonus.
[in margin] Bonus voting.
December [1880]
1st Quite a heavy fall of snow this morning, but it cleared off about 10 A.M. The day was mild af-
terwards. Jim and Johney cut some oat sheaves in the forenoon. I took Mrs. Russell in to the
back line. In the afternoon the boys and I got some shingle timber and took [it to] Mr. McDow-
ell.
2 Mild morning with a good depth of snow that had fallen during the night. The day was mild
with a sharp blow a while in the eavning. Jim, John and I cut two cords of dry cedar (stove
wood) and Jim took it in to Mr. D. Davidson’s in the afternoon.
<Q2 folio 52 verso>
December 1880
3rd Mild morning and the day was soft like a thaw. Jim was hauling cordwood for his uncle Sam.
Johney and I cut cordwood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I attended a trustee meeting at
No. 5 Melancthon.
4 Mild morning and the day continued soft and balmy all through. Brother Sam was helping to
make me a barn door. Jim hauled a load of cordwood for him with our team to Dundalk. Clark
and I cleaned up a grist of about 35 Bushels. Johny hauled out about 2 cords of green wood
that he had cut.
5th Sabbath. Mild morning with a drizzle of rain falling during the forenoon. The afernoon was very
windy and [a] sharp freeze.
6 A little snow falling this morning, and less or more snow fell all through the day, pretty sharp
freeze at night. I was helping Brother Sam to saw stove wood, Jim and John at J. Irvin’s thrash-
ing.
7 Cold stormy morning, and the day kept snowing, blowing and freezing. Jim fixed the barn
doors, Johney and I ground the knives of the cutting box in the forenoon and cut some feed.
Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning and I sold some dry cedar 2 feet long at $1.00 per
cord.
8 Cold stormy day from morning till night, wind high, snow falling and a very keen freeze. We
were getting out some dry cedar. Sold one cord to James Reid of Dundalk for $2.00. We took
it out in the afternoon. Miss S. Bell was here today.
9 Very cold, stormy morning, the day exceedingly cold all through. The boys and I cut dry cedar
to noon and then gave up on account of the cold.
10 Very sharp morning, keen freeze, the day pretty cold all through. Johney and I took a grist to
Hornings Mills, Jim chored at home. It was 9:30 P.M when we got home.
<Q2 folio 53 recto>
December 1880
11th Cold morning and the day pretty chilly all through. We cut 2 cords of dry cedar 2 feet long and
I took it to Mr. G. R. Middleton, Dundalk. He gave me $1.00 per cord for it.
12th Sabbath. Mild day with a very slight mizzle of rain. Mrs. R. and I were at Mrs. C. Bell’s this af-
ternoon.
13 Mild morning, the day was pretty mild all through, with the exception of a strong blow now and
then. Eliza, Willie, and I cleaned wheat. Jim and Johney were at Dan Boyer’s sawing timber.
139
14 Rather stormy morning, a good deal of soft snow falling and drifting, and continued in this
manner most all day. Jim, Johney and I were cutting dry cedar.
15 Stormy morning, the day very cold, snowing, blowing and freezing. The roads badly drifted.
Clark and I took 30 bushels of wheat to Huxtable’s Mills (Melancthon) to be gristed. We got
about 38½ pounds pretty good flour to the bushel. Jim and John cut some dry cedar.
16 Cold stormy morning, and the day continued cold and snowy all through. The boys and I were
cutting dry cedar.
17 Cold stormy morning, the day cold and snowing all through. The boys and I cut dry cedar. Jim
took in a load of 2 feet wood, 2 cords, and sold it to the [druggist, stricken: above] John Con-
ners for $2.00.
18 Another cold stormy day from morning to night. Jim took in 2 cords of dry cedar in the fore-
noon and sold it to the druggist for $2.00 cash. I took in 2 cords in the afternoon and sold it to
Mr. Nixon for one half cash and one half trade. Nancy went to Dundalk this afternoon. John
and Clark took home Sam’s sheep. [in margin] Returned Sam’s Ram.
<Q2 folio 53 verso>
December 1880
19th Sabbath. Very mild morning, the day pleasant all through. Nancy, Eliza and I visited at W. Lon-
sway’s.
20 Mild morning, the day pretty foggy, but soft. In the forenoon I helped J. Mills to weigh a load
of hay. He hauled it for me. I bought 5 tons from him at $6.00 per ton. The boys, Jim and
John, cut a cord of dry cedar 2 feet long, took it to Dundalk and sold it for $1.00 cash for
Christmas money. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, tried around to sell posts, ties or tele-
graph poles. Helped to put up two bents* of J. Hanbury’s skating rink. Had tea at Mr. Donald
McAulay’s. Attended a meeting at the Orange hall. Messrs. Middleton, Nelson, Doyle and
McMillin were the speakers on Municipal Matters. I was chosen chairman. It was a pretty
rough meeting. [*a bent or section of the hoarding around the rink.]
21 Mild morning, the day mild all through, good sleighing, snow about a foot deep in the bush. I
took to Dundalk 6½ bushels Splendid fall wheat and sold it for $1.03 per bushel. In the after-
noon I sp[l]it a cord of dry cedar which Jim and John had cut in the forenoon. Jim then took it
to Dundalk and sold it to Mr. T. Hanbury for $1.00. Jim and John went to a tea meeting in the
English Church, Dundalk, at night.
22 Mild morning, with a very heavy hoar frost on the bushes, the day pretty mild all through. Jim
went to a bee to W. Lonsway to haul saw logs. John and I cleaned up five bags of mixed grain
to get chopped. We then cut some oat sheaves for the horses.
23 Mild morning and the day mild all through, good sleighing. Jim took five bags of chop to the
mill in the forenoon, and swamped out wood in the afternoon, assisted by John. The remainder
of us were at an Examination in No. 5 Melancthon, D. McAulay teacher. It was a grand day. I
paid for the tea and sugar $1.10. The scholars brought splendid baskets filled with delicacies.
They also answered their questions readily and accurately. R. C. Russell got first prize for writ-
ing and also another prize. There were prizes in all amounting to $12.00. [This entry ends with
very cramped writing at bottom of page]
<Q2 folio 54 recto>
December 1880
24th Pleasant morning and the day mild all through. First class sleighing. I attended an Examina-
tion of Proton School No. 2. The pupils are not near so well posted on some of the branches as
the scholars in Melancthon. I dined at Mr. William Talbot’s on the Master Given’s invitation.
140
Jim was hauling in stove wood to Dundalk. Mr. D. McAulay, teacher, was here at night. I paid
him part of his salary, viz. $150.
25 Mild morning, the day pleasant. Jim went in the forenoon for a sleigh ride with Tom Arnold,
and in the afternoon he and Johney and Clark went to a tea meeting at Dundalk. Brother Sam
and family were here today and William Lonsway and family in the afternoon.
26th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Nancy and Eliza were at J. Trugon’s.
27 Rough morning, snowing and blowing, the wind and snow kept increasing all through the day,
and it was very stormy at night. I attended the nomination [MS nimination] for the Melancthon
Municipal Council at the town hall and got $190. School moneys from John Mills, treasurer.
28 Very cold morning and the day kept getting colder all through, a terribly sharp freeze with a
strong wind. The coldest day that has come, I think, during the winter. I went to Dundalk and
from thence to the School House of No. 5 Melancthon and left the books and vouchers before
the S[chool] auditors, I being S[chool] treasurer. John went to a sawing at Mr. Clippert’s, they
only sawed part of the day on account of the cold, as most of the men were getting some part of
them frozen. [in margin] Cold.
<Q2 folio 54 verso>
December 1880
29th Very cold morning and the cold kept increasing to about two O’clock in the afternoon, when it
was fearful, a strong wind, the snow drifting and the air fairly hissing with frost. This night al-
so was fearfully cold, the water froze in the house (which is pretty warm at most times) about
half an inch thick. I attended an annual meeting of S.S. 5 Melancthon, the trustees appointed
another in my place as Sect. Treasurer, the other offered to transact the business for nothing. I
was getting Eight dollars per annum. I delivered up to the new treasurer (R. Oliver) $208.22,
being the full amount of Cash in my hands belonging to the Section. Also I gave him the Mi-
nute Book and Sect. treasurer’s Book. Jim was driving Sam’s team at a bee for Jim Patterson,
hauling saw logs. John and Clark cut some oat sheaves. Sister Margaret gave birth to a child
this morning, it died in the afternoon. [in margin] Remarkably cold day [double underline].
30 Another cold morning, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Still, it was a very sharp day all
through. Nancy and I went in the afternoon to W. Lonsway’s. The boys chored around.
31 Another cold day, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Sharp freeze all day long. John and I cut
cordwood in the bush. [Stricken: and in the afternoon I went with Nancy to Dundalk]. Jim
hauled stovewood.
The old year is gone with its joys and sorrows and who amongst us can tell whether [MS
whither] we will see the end of the next or not. Taking it on the whole, we have nothing to
complain of, we have all had our health, sickness has not visited our home, accidents have not
befallen us, neither have we had any pecuniary losses. So that we have more reason to rejoice
than to complain.
<Q2 folio 55 recto>
January 1881
1st Another cold day, very sharp frost all day through. Jim, John and I cut cordwood in the bush
and in the afternoon Nancy and I went to Dundalk.
2nd Sabbath. Rather milder than yesterday. Brother John came here about 10 A.M. We went with
him after dinner to see the folks in Melancthon. He stopped here at night.
3 Pretty mild morning. Brother John left for home this morning. The boys and I chopped cord-
wood in the bush in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, I went to the Municipal Elections at
Dundalk and voted for J. J. Middleton.
141
4 Pretty chilly this morning, and the day continued cold. I had Mr. D. Davidson’s horse and cut-
ter and was around collecting for said gentleman. John Agnew of Essa was here with his wife
and two children and stopped all night. He brought us up a barrel of flour, thinking ours was
frozen, and made a present of it to us. It was kind, but not needed.
5 Rather milder than yesterday, the day pleasant. I was out collecting for D. Davidson, Esq. Jim
was helping brother Sam, Johny was swamping out cordwood. John Agnew and wife and chil-
dren went away this morning.
6 Pretty chilly this morning, but the day got somewhat milder towards noon. Jim was helping
Sam, I was out collecting for D. Davidson.
7 Rather stormy morning, and the day continued cold all through. I was helping weigh hay which
James Mills hauled to me. Johney fell out of bed last night in his sleep and blackened and
bruised his face rather badly. Jim was helping Brother Sam today.
<Q2 folio 55 verso>
January 1881
8th Rather chilly this morning, but not so cold as yesterday, the day got pretty mild about noon. We
were weighing and stowing away hay today. Jim was at Jona[h] Sauder’s hauling saw logs for
him. He had a bee some time ago and I could not send him a hand so I sent Jim today. Old Mr.
Patrick Conners died this morning, aged, it is said, about 93 years. [in margin] Patrick Conners
died
9th. Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, but the day got milder towards noon.
10 Rather chilly this morning, but the afternoon was a little milder. Nancy, James and I attended
the funeral of Mr. Conners. I then went into Melancthon on Mr. D. Davidson’s business.
11 Fine sunny morning and the day was bright and clear, though sharp frost in the afternoon. I
went to Hornings Mills on Mr. D. Davidson’s business. Jim and John were chopping.
12 Fine morning and the forenoon was sunny, the afternoon cloudy with a snow storm at night.
Jim and John chopped. I went for Mrs. C. Bell in the forenoon and in the afternoon took her
home. Also I drove down to Widow Mulholland’s. James Mills brought home the balance
(700) of the five tons of hay which I had purchased from him some time ago at $6.00 per ton.
13 A cold morning and the day was cold all through with a snow storm at night. Jim and Johney
were chopping.
14 Very cold morning and the day was exceedingly sharp and frosty. Jim and John chopped dur-
ing the forenoon. I was out collecting for Mr. D. Davidson. [in margin] Very cold.
<Q2 folio 56 recto>
January 1881
15th Pretty sharp morning and the day continued cold all through. Jim went to the blacksmith’s to
get a little fixing done to a sleigh, Johney cut Sam some stove wood at the house.
16th Sabbath. Pretty mild morning and the day was fine. Nancy and I were at Brother Sam’s.
17 Mild day all through, snow pretty deep, bad passing teams on the road. I was collecting for Mr.
Davidson, the boys were chopping. [in margin] This is my 45th birthday.
18 Beautiful morning and the day was very pleasant, the sun shone out bright, the sky was clear
and blue. I was collecting, the boys were chopping. I slept at Mr. Davidson’s this night.
19 Beautiful day all through, from morning to night. Clear sky and bright sun. I was collecting,
Jim and John were chopping.
20 Beautiful day all through from morning to night. I was collecting for Mr. Davidson and slept at
his place all night. Jim was at Skeffington Bell’s sawing.
142
21 Stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the day clearing off somewhat towards noon, but the
snow began to come down again. The day was a stormy one all through. I was collecting for
Mr. Davidson during the forenoon. The boys were swamping wood.
22 Pretty stormy day all through, snowing and blowing. Jim and John chopped during the fore-
noon. I done nothing.
23rd Sabbath. Pretty chilly day all through, deep snow and nothing but cold weather.
<Q2 folio 56 verso>
January 1881
24th Not so cold as yesterday, yet cold enough to be disagreeable. I attended a council meeting of
Proton Council held in Mr. S. McCulough’s. [in margin] Sent letter to William / Dickson P.O. /
Tenn.
25 Very sharp morning and the day continued cold all through. I was collecting for D. D., Esq. I
slept at Mr. Davidson’s this night.
26 Another cold day, blowing and snowing. I was collecting and slept at night at Mr. Davidson’s.
27 Very sharp morning and the day continued, blowing and freezing. I collected in Dundalk in the
forenoon and in the afternoon went to W. Egerton’s Sale and collected there. I slept this night
at Mr. Davidson’s.
28 Cold again but not so cold as yesterday. Sun shone out a little while today. I was collecting
and slept at Mr. Davidson’s at night.
29 Something milder than the previous days. About 5 P.M., however, it started snowing and blow-
ing and continued so most of the night. I was collecting and came home this night.
30th Sabbath. Quite cold this morning and the roads very heavy, the day cold all through. Nancy and
Eliza hitched up the team and drove in to Melancthon to Sam’s.
31st Roads heavy this morning and the day cold from morning to night. Mr. Skeffington Bell, his
wife and sister, came here in the afternoon and I helped him at his collector’s Roll.
<Q2 folio 57 recto>
February 1881
1st Extremely sharp morning and the day was one of intense coldness, from morning to night.
Nancy and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] very cold
2 Extrremely cold morning and the day was piercing cold from morning to night. I was collect-
ing. [in margin] very cold
3 Not quite so cold as yesterday, still the freeze was quite sharp. I was collecting. [in margin]
cold.
4 Bright sunny morning and the day continued clear and sunny all through. I was collecting.
5 Very pleasant day, sun out bright and strong from morning to night. I was collecting.
6th Sabbath. Mild morning, but the day was cloudy and not so pleasant as yesterday, the eavning was
quite sharp. Brother Sam and William Lonsway with their wives were here. Nancy and I visit-
ed Mr. S. Bell’s at night.
7 Pretty chilly morning and the day was cold all through. Mrs. Hannah Bowler was here today.
8 Mizzle of rain falling this morning and a thaw on a small scale has set in. Slightly raining all
day. Jim went this morning to drive his aunt Phoebe to Mulmur. Johny and I cleaned up some
pease.
9 Soft morning, a little rain falling throughout the day and a general thaw in progress. I took two
bags of pease to Dundalk.
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10 Soft morning and the day kept thawing all through till night when it began to freeze. The boys
were cutting some stove wood. The children went at night to a Sunday School tea meeting held
in the Orange hall on Lot 211 Gravel Road.
<Q2 folio 57 verso>
February 1881
11th Still soft, and the day kept thawing a little on to the eavning, when there fell a little snow, also
the wind rose and blew a strong gale at night. Jim and John were cutting stove wood in the
bush.
12 Blustery morning, a mixture of rain and snow falling and blowing a strong gale. This was the
general character of the day. I started for Essa this morning but was too late for the train and
had to come home again. I moved some grain in the afternoon which was getting wet in the
bin, the snow had drifted in above it and was melting and coming down. Jim and John cut
stove wood during the forenoon. Miss Sarah Bell was here this afternoon.
13th Sabbath. Very cold stormy day all through.
14 Milder this morning and the day got bright and warm, very pleasant in the afternoon. I started
for Essa this morning to get $400.00 due me on a farm I sold, this last December was a year. I
took the car at Dundalk for Shelburne, from there I went to James Murphy’s, Tossorontio, and
stopped there all night.
15 Very fine morning and the day was one of sunshine and mild weather. The waggons are run-
ning in this part of the country. I left Mr. Murphy’s in the morning and went to Brother John’s,
had dinner there. I then walked to John Agnew’s in Essa and stopped there all night.
16 Fine morning and the day continued fine all through. I stopped at John’s and he drove me over
to Mr. Hussay’s in the afternoon to get my money. Mr. Hussay was not at home. John then
drove me to a farm which he wanted me to buy. I do not like the farm, it is hilly and swampy.
I stopped at John’s this night.
<Q2 folio 58 recto>
February 1881
17th Fine morning but cold, the day continued chilly all through but clear. The Messrs Hussay came
to John Agnew’s this afternoon and paid me the $400.00 which they owed me. I stopped this
night at John Agnew’s.
18 Quite a fall of snow on the ground this morning and it kept snowing all day. John Agnew drove
me to John Russell’s, then John Russell drove me to Primrose. John Agnew came along in the
sleigh. I got a ride from there to Shelburne, took the cars for Dundalk. Nancy and John met me
at the station with the team and so I got home.
19 Fine day all through, cold, clear and bracing. James and Henry Lonsway were helping my boys
to chop in the bush, as they helped them yesterday. I and Nancy went to Mr. Mark Dawson’s in
the afternoon. I bargained with him to winter some cattle for me at .50¢ per month.
20th Sabbath. Mild day all through. We visited W. Lonsway.
21 Mild day, sunshiny and inclined to be soft. I went to Dundalk and settled some bills. Jim
hauled a cord of wood to J. Hanbury. We took four head of cattle to Mr. Dawson’s to be board-
ed at .50¢ p. head a month.
22 Mild morning and the day continued mild all through with a thaw wind. I went and viewed
Modland’s farm, assisted by Thomas Carson, as I had a notion of purchasing said farm. I did
not like it. Jim hauled in some wood to Dundalk.
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23 Very cold morning and the day continued extremely cold from morning to night. Johny hauled
cordwood to Dundalk. Jim was helping Joseph Jackson to make ties. [in margin] Extremely
cold day.
<Q2 folio 58 verso>
February 1881
24th Something milder than yesterday, not near so sharp a freeze, still cold enough to suit any per-
son. Johney hauled wood to Dundalk. Brother Sam and I made ties in my swamp in the after-
noon. We made twenty.
25 Pretty sharp frost in the morning, but the day got somewhat milder in the afternoon. Sam and I
were making ties. We made twenty-three. Johny hauled wood.
26 Pretty cold morning, warm about noon, chilly at night. Sam and I made 17 ties. Johny hauled
wood.
27th Sabbath. Rain pour this morning, faired up about ten O’clock A.M. then began to rain about
5:30 P.M. Nancy visited Father’s.
28 Cold morning, freezing, the roads very icy. Johny and I hauled the remainder of the cordwood
to Dundalk. It was extremely hard to get along as the horses had no shoes on. I sold the wood,
it being green, to Thos. Hanbury, ten cords nearly, at $1.85 per cord. Heavy fall of snow at
night.
March 1881
1st Very cold stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing. Mrs. Russell, Eliza and I visited Mr.
John Ludlow.
2 More moderate today than yesterday, not much wind, the freeze not so great, milder generally.
Brother John was here for a while this forenoon.
3 Rather breezy this morning, and some snow falling. The wind kept increasing all through the
day and in the afternoon especially. At night it blew almost a hurricane. Johney and I made
Fourteen ties today.
<Q2 folio 59 recto>
March 1881
4th Snow falling this morning and it kept increasing in density all through the day. The snow was
very soft and wetting, and there was a pretty strong wind. Johny and I made five ties in the
forenoon. Mr. Boyd, Township assessor, was here and valued as follows: Real Property Lot
215 Assessment $600., Lot 216 ditto $150, Personal property $130, [total] $830. No. of days
Statue Labor 4. [in margin] Assessor here.
5 Rather windy this morning, with some snow falling, there was a little snow fell also during the
day and about 4 P.M. there was quite a snow storm. Johney and I made ties. Jim helped us in
the afternoon: we made 20.
6th Sabbath. Fine mild day from morning to night. I went to Father’s.
7 Beautiful morning, the sun rose bright and clear, the day was one of sunshine and warmth, the
sap ran out of the maples. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon I cut roads to
the ties in the swamp. Nancy was helping mother to sow [=sew]. I got a letter from Brother
William. His Post Office is Batson’s Store, Dickson County, St. of Tennessee. [in margin] W.
Russell / Sawmill and lumberman/ Batson’s Store P. O. / Dickson Co. Tenn.
8 Beautiful morning and the sun shone out bright and clear all day long. Clark and I were sawing
ties in the bush and Johney was hauling stove wood from the bush. [in margin] First lamb came
145
9 Very beautiful morning, sunshiny and warm, the day warm all through, the snow thawing rapid-
ly. Spring weather to all appearances, the day could not be nicer. Brother Sam brought his
horse out and swamped ties for us. We just swamped out one hundred.
<Q2 folio 59 verso>
March 1881
10th Rather fine day all through. Clark, Johny and I were sawing ties and piling them up.
11 Very cold raw morning and the day was sharp and a keen freeze all through. Jim and Johney
were hauling ties. I was making roads for them, they hauled 60 ties.
12 Another cold morning and the day was chilly all through with a heavy snow storm in the
eavning which continued all through the night. Jim and Johney finished hauling ties, they
hauled 40. I went in the forenoon to look at a lot of land in Melancthon and in the afternoon I
helped brother Sam to make ties. I slept at Father’s all night.
13th Sabbath. Pretty deep snow this morning, and the day cold in the forenoon, something milder in
the afternoon. Mrs. Bowler and her son Giles were here this eavning.
14 Hazy morning, but not very cold, the day got pretty warm in the afternoon. Jim, Clark and I
were making ties. Johny was laid up with a cold. We made 25.
15 Bright morning, the sun rose clear and beautiful, the snow melted during the day, the sun was
so hot. Johny, Clark and I were making ties. We made 18. Jim was at Alexander Patterson’s
making ties.
16 Fine morning and the day continued mild all through, cloudy and sunshine, just like the life of
man. I went to Dundalk to attend an auction sale of land. I did not purchase as I thought it
went too high. I sold 200 ties to Mr. C. Johnston for .16 1/4 ¢ per tie. The boys were making
ties. They made 20. Mrs. R. was at Mr. Mark Dawson’s. Their little boy of about four years of
age died this morning. [in margin] Sent a letter to Br. William
<Q2 folio 60 recto>
March 1881
17th Fine mild morning, the day mild and balmy all through, the snow going away fast. The boys
and I made ties. We made 43. Miss Jane Johnson was here this afternoon.
18 Mild morning, the sun came out pretty strong and warm and the day was warm. The boys and I
swamped out ties. We hauled out 81 and piled and sawed them.
19 Soft, mild morning and a storm of slushy snow came on in the afternoon and continued all
evening. The boys and I hauled out ties in the forenoon, and in the afternoon they hauled to the
track. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 106 sheet iron spiles for the maple trees
@ $1.15
20th Sabbath. Rather mild morning, but frequent showers of snow throughout the day.
21 Snowing this morning and the day was very unpleasant with a good deal of soft snow falling.
The boys were hauling ties to the track. I helped Br. Sam to saw some ties.
22 Cold stormy morning, blowing and snowing which it varied through the day by freezing at
night. The boys were making ties in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in
the afternoon got Skeffington Bell to haul me home a ton of hay which I purchased from him
for Eight dollars.
23 Pretty cold frosty morning and the day continued chilly all through, although the sun shone out
brightly most of the time. Jim was helping his uncle Sam with the team to haul ties to Dundalk.
Johney, Clark and I were making ties: we made 20. Miss Sarah Bell was here today, so also
were Miss Sarah Jackson and her brother Sam. Jim with the team is stopping at his uncle
Sam’s during this night.
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<Q2 folio 60 verso>
March 1881
24th Rather sharp cold morning, the sun shone out through the day, making it rather pleasanter, still,
the wind was raw. Keen freeze at dark. Johny, Clark and I were making ties: we made 20. Jim
was helping Sam to haul ties to Dundalk. Mrs. Mark Dawson was here this afternoon.
25 Clear morning, but chilly and the day was cold but clear all through. We were making ties to-
day, assisted by Brother Sam and William John Arnold. We made 66. I went to Mr. Skeffing-
ton Bell’s at night and T. Hanbury and I calculated up his Collector’s Roll.
26 Clear cold day from morning to night. Sun shone out bright. We were swamping out ties. We
swamped out 69. Old Mr. Kirby was here a while tonight.
27th Sabbath. Cold clear day all through. Mr. Mark Dawson and family visited us today.
28 Clear and cold all day, in fact very cold. We finished swamping ties (41) and the boys then
took a load (14) to the track. Mrs. Russell and I paid old Mr. W. Kirby a visit this night as he is
leaving the neighbourhood tomorrow and moving to Owen Sound. He was a good neighbour
and I believe a truthful, honest man.
29 Cold and clear all the day. The boys and I finished hauling ties today. They hauled six loads at
Sixteen in each load, that is 96. This makes 300 ties that we have made.
30 Cold morning, freezing like fun, the day kept chilly all through. Jim took home Sam’s Ewe and
Borrowed his sugar kettle and barrel. Phoebe came in the eavning. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon.
<Q2 folio 61 recto>
March 1881
31st Another cold morning and the day was chilly all through, with snow in the afternoon. The boys
hauled stove wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon made sap troughs.
April 1881
1st Very cold morning and the day was cold all through with some snow falling. Jim and John
were making sap troughs. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s.
2 Pretty cold morning, although the sun rose bright and clear, the day was clear and cold all
through. Mr. Skeffington Bell and I went to look at a farm in Proton which I had some thoughts
of purchasing. We travelled around the lot. I do not like it well, therefore I think I will not buy
it. Jim and John were helping their uncle Sam.
3rd Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was chilly all through.
4 Very cold morning and the day kept getting colder all through. The afternoon was piercing
cold. Jim and John hauled some sap troughs they had made to the sugar bush. The[y] also took
out the barrels and kettles. In the afternoon they made a place to boil. I went to Mr. Brattings
sale to buy a logging chain. There was none sold. [in margin] very cold.
5 Cold morning, and the day kept getting colder all through, with a strong wind accompanied by
a snow storm. I think this has been one of the coldest days that we have had during the winter.
Jim was helping W. J. Arnold to saw wood. The others of us done nothing. [in margin] Ex-
tremely cold.
6 Another cold stormy day with some snow falling, the day got somewhat milder towards night.
Jim and Johney went with the team to Dundalk in the forenoon and got three Barells of salt at
$1.20 per Barell, and a Lance-tooth saw* at $6.00. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here a
while at night. [in margin] Posted a letter to Ireland. [*type of cross-cut saw, usually for soft-
wood]
147
7 Milder day than yesterday, the sun shone out pretty strong in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim and John helped their uncle Sam.
<Q2 folio 61 verso>
April 1881
8th Bright sunny morning and the day continued warm and bright. The boys and I were in the sug-
ar bush tapping trees. We tapped and put the spiles in 105, and in the evening we went for a
heifer we had boarding at Mr. Dawson’s and brought her home as she is rather weak. [in mar-
gin] First trees tapped.
9 Bright sunny morning and the day continued very fine all through with a bright warm sun. Jim,
Clark and I were in the sugar bush. We tapped and put the spiles in 31 trees. We then hauled
some logs with the horses forward to the camp. After that we gathered about 10 pails of sap.
The snow is very deep in the bush, almost 2 feet on an average and so soft in the afternoon that
we would sink to the bottom every step. Very tiresome work. Johney was at a wood sawing at
Jim Trugon’s. [in margin] Heard first robin.
10th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued nice. Mrs. R. and I went to Father’s.
11 Fine morning and the day continued sunny and bright. We tapped some trees, gathered sap, and
boiled down 30 pails. Jim went for two Bushels of white winter wheat for seed. Got it from
Mr. Dover of Melancthon at $1.20 per bushel. Then in the afternoon he went to Dundalk for
the harrows which were getting repaired.
12 A little chilly this morning and the day got somewhat warmer about noon. Johney was in the
sugar bush working. Jim is laid up with a sprained hand. I went to look about purchasing a lot
of land in the 5th Range Melancthon. From thence I went to Dundalk. Mr. Dawson came here
about the middle of the night and told us that a two year old heifer of ours which was wintering
with him had got cast at the straw stack. Johney and Clark and I hitched up the horses, went for
her and brought her home in the sleigh. Her neck seems to have got twisted.
13 Fine morning, although a little chilly, the day got warmer towards noon. Mrs. R., Johney and I
were in the sugar bush. Mrs. R. boiled down fifty pails of sap from Eleven O’clock A.M.
<Q2 folio 62 recto>
April 1881
14th Beautiful morning, and the day continued sunny and fair but with a cold wind towards night.
Johny and I gathered sap.
15 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun shone out after a while and the day was pretty mild.
There is plenty of snow to be melted yet before plowing commences. Mrs. R., Johny and Clark
were making sugar. They boiled into syrup sixty pails of sap.
16 Hard frost this morning and the forenoon was pretty chilly, but the afternoon was warmer wth a
bright sun and thaw wind. Johny and Clark were gathering sap. Mrs. R. sugared off the syrup
of 110 pails of sap. There were 52 pounds of sugar. It was rather soft as it has been her first
venture in sugaring off. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and posted a letter to William Clark,
Springville P.O., Ontario. The letter was asking him if he would sell Lot 34, Con. 4 Melanc-
thon. [in margin] Posted a letter to William Clark/ Springville P.O., Ont.
17th Esther Sabbath. Mild morning and the day continued sunny and springlike all through. [in
margin] 1st cow calved. Heard Frogs.
18 Fine morning and the day was pretty warm all through with a bright sun shining. Mrs. R.,
Johney and I were in the sugar bush. We boiled down 52 pails of sap, part of which was gath-
ered on Saturday previous. Jim started the plow. There was some frost in the ground. Brother
148
Sam was here tonight a spell. In 1879 first plowing April 21st, in 1880 —April 15th [in mar-
gin] First plowing / Saw first Robbin.
19 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun got out bright after a little and the day was pretty
warm about noon. Cloudy in the afternoon with some signs of rain. Jim was plowing, Johney
was helping at his uncle Sam’s to saw wood. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and when we came home I went to the bush and gathered 25 pails of sap from 3:30 P.M.
<Q2 folio 62 verso>
April 1881
20th Beautiful morning, the day sunshiny and warm all through. People have nearly all started
plowing. There is plenty of snow in the fence corners yet and also plenty in some of the woods,
on the edges of swamp. The roads are drying up fast. In the field in which Jim is plowing there
is banks of snow almost three feet deep in the corners of the Northwest fence. Still, the ground
plows well. Johney and I were cleaning our seed wheat. We put it twice through the separa-
tors, still there are a great many oats in it yet. We went out after tea and gathered eleven pails
of sap. There was very little sap in the troughs. Mrs. or Miss Perce, a religious fanatic, stopped
here over night. The impression on me about her is one of deep disgust.
21 Another fine morning, and the day was one of sunshine and mildness. Jim was plowing. Mrs.
R. boiled down into syrup 36 pails of sap. Done it all alone without any help. Rolled the back
log. Rolled in the front Log. Put up the crotches. Swung the sugar kettles on the fire. She is
as strong as horse, especially when mad, and the fit was on her today. Johney and I cut out
snags and small stumps in the new fallow and Johney gathered 10 pails of sap in the eavning.
22 Frosty morning, but nothing to stop plowing. The day was cloudy and rather cool. Jim was
plowing. Johney, Clark and I were picking up in the new fallow.
23 A little frost this morning, but the ground soon got thawed out, the day was pretty warm and a
little cloudy in the afternoon. I sowed about nine bushels of pease and two of wheat. Jim har-
rowed to about 3 P.M. when one of the team (Gerty) took sick with belly ache or stop[p]age of
the urine. We gave her ginger and a spoonful of spirits of sweet nitre. She seemed something
better after, but she is not real well yet. Jim and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin]
First wheat sown / First pease sown / 5 days before new moon.
<Q2 folio 63 recto>
April 1881
24th Sabbath. Pretty warm day, quite hazy in the afternoon, like summer. James Trugon and wife
and Brother Sam were here ths eavning.
25 Cloudy morning and a slight rain in the forenoon, also a heavier shower in the afternoon.
Cloudy at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon I and
Johny cut snags. Jim was harrowing and plowing. [in margin] Saw first swallow.
26 Slight rain early this morning, which increased as the day advanced, and became pretty heavy
about 8:30 A.M. It faired off before noon and the afternoon was dry. Jim was plowing during
the dry part of the day. Johney yoked up his steers and he and I picked Rocks.
27 White frost this morning and the day got cloudy but kept dry to about 5 P.M. when there came
on a pretty sharp shower of rain and kept raining less or more to about 8 P.M. Jim was plow-
ing, Johney and I were picking stones. Mrs. R. boiled into vinegar [?-MS: vinengar] Syrup 13
pails of Sap.
28 A little frost this morning and the day was cloudy all through. There came on some rain about
5 P.M. and continued slightly raining to near dark. I sowed about six bushels of wheat. Jim
149
harrowed and Johny sowed salt on the ground. He sowed two barrels on four acres. John Ab-
bott, Dominion Census taker, was here today.
29 Cold frosty morning and the day was chilly but dry all through. Jim, Johney and I branded up
in the forenoon and in the afternoon we attempted to plow the new fallow, but broke the land-
side* off our plow. I then went to W. Lonway’s and bought an old plow from him for $1.00. It
is not much of a plow, still it may root over the fallow for us. [*bottom plate, part of a plow,
helps stabilize, resists sideways pressure of mouldboard]
<Q2 folio 63 verso>
April 1881
30th Very hard frost this morning and the day was very cold from morning to night. Jim plowed,
Johney took his steers and the stone boat and went to W. Lonsway’s for the plow which I
bought from him yesterday. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. There was some
old tramp stopped here all night. [in margin] Posted a letter to / Matthew Knox / South Dum-
mer.
May [1881]
1st. Sabbath. Very cold frosty morning and the day was dark and cold all through.
2 Frosty morning and the day was cloudy and cold. Jim plowed, Johney picked stones. I went in
the forenoon to W. Lonsway’s to get the colter of the plow. When I came home I helped
Johney to gather stones. After tea John and I cleaned up ten bags of oats.
3 Hard frost this morning, so hard that we could not harrow early in the morning. The day was
cool all through and dry. I sowed about 12½ bushels of oats. Johney harrowed, Jim made a
merry-go-round to hang clothes on. In the afternoon I went to the blacksmith’s to get some
bolts made. [in margin] First oats sown
4 Frost this morning and the morning was cloudy but the sun got out after some time and the day
was pretty warm. Jim and Johney plowed in the new fallow. I picked over a pit of potatoes in
the forenoon and in the afternoon I picked sticks and roots in the fallow. I also went to Mr.
Dawson’s at night to see about some hay.
5 Frost this morning and the air pretty chilly. The afternoon was cloudy and cool. The boys and
I were working in the fallow. Jim plowing, Johney driving and I picking up.
6 Slight shower of rain early this morning, soon cleared off and the day was remarkably fine,
splendid growth. The boys plowed and I levelled several knolls with the spade and chopped
down some scrubby trees.
<Q2 folio 64 recto>
May 1881
7th Slight frost this morning, the day dry and warm with a good growth. The boys finished plow-
ing in the new fallow. I took out some small stumps and levelled some [k]nolls. Clark took the
spoils out of the trees after supper, and Jim and I went to Mr. Dawson’s for some hay.
8th Sabbath. Sultry morning and the day was warm, dry and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I visited Mr. M.
Dawson’s.
9 Cloudy morning and the day warm, there was a shower of rain about 6 P.M., then another big
shower between 8 and 10 P.M., also thunder and lightening. Mr. Skeffington Bell came here
this eavning and changed seven bags of white oats with me for seven bags of Black ones which
he wanted for seed. Jim plowed today. Johney dug knolls in the new fallow. I planted some
potatoes. [in margin] First potatoes planted.
10 Cloudy morning and there were frequent showers throughout the day. Jim plowed to noon then
he fixed the V-drag. Johney and I cleaned oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon I sowed
and Johney harrowed.
150
11 Dry morning, but the day was cloudy and showery, especially the afternoon, when there was
pretty heavy thunder and rain. I sowed oats in the new fallow. Jim harrowed in the forenoon
and in the afternoon made a drag. Johney picked up in the forenoon and harrowed in the after-
noon. I got the three apple trees which I had ordered from the Georgetown nursery. They are
poor, dry, scrubby trees. It’s only a fraud dealing there. [in margin] Got fruit trees.
12 Fine morning, very hot and dry through the day with a good deal of clouds. Jim harrowed,
John picked up. I sowed grass and clover seed in the forenoon and went to Dundalk after din-
ner. Got half a bushel more of clover seed at 5.50 per Bushel. Sowed some when I got home.
Then washed 12 sheep. I purchased 18 Apple trees, 3 plum trees and got a present of a cherry
tree, all to be delivered next spring from Chase Brothers and Bowman, Rochester. Full price
$6.80. [in margin] Ordered trees.
<Q2 folio 64 verso>
May 1881
13th Very fine morning, though cloudy, the day was dry, cloudy and warm with a very fine growth.
Jim harrowed, Johney made slash fence*, I sowed grass and clover seed. Also sowed about
five bags of oats. Johney and his mother went to Dundalk after supper. They have not got
home yet (9 O’clock). [*slash fence: made with unlimbed trees and brush, over rough terrain;
not a rail fence; called a brush fence, 3 days later]
14 Cloudy morning and pretty heavy rain in the forenoon. It cleared off about 9 A.M. and contin-
ued fair to 7 P.M. when there came on thunder and lightening with more rain. Jim harrowed,
John clipped the sheep, and I sowed grass seed in the forenoon, and in the afternoon let off
some water on a new sown field. Johney drove his mother to the graveyard* ten miles down
the gravel from 4 O’clock. She planted a weeping willow, which her brother John Agnew had
purchased and sent to Dundalk, at her mother’s grave. [in margin] Shore sheep. [*See above,
11 Oct. 1877.]
15th Sabbath. Cloudy morning and the day was showery in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to
Brother Sam’s.
16 Cloudy, cold morning with some rain very early. The day dry afterwards and pretty chilly. Jim
plowed and harrowed a potatoe patch, John made a Brush fence, I cut seed potatoes.
17 Cool morning and the day was dry, cool and cloudy. I sorted potatoes in the cellar in the fore-
noon. Jim and John hauled out manure. Clark spread it, and in the afternoon we all planted ten
bushels of potatoes. We put them in with the plow. Plowed them in, dropped the sets in every
third furrow. Raked in the manure first with a rake, then dropped the set on top.
18 Cloudy, cool morning and the day was cool, cloudy and dry. Jim was plowing, Johney and I
were cutting poles to fence a calf park. Mrs. William Bowler was here today.
19 Cool, cloudy and dry from morning to night. Jim was plowing, Johney and I were getting poles
to make a calf park.
<Q2 folio 65 recto>
May 1881
20th Cool, cloudy morning and the day was dry and cool all through. Johney was pulling rail cuts
off the fallow with his steers. Jim was plowing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for some
nails and in the afternoon made part of [the fence] of the calf park.
21 Cool, cloudy day all through. I sowed five bags of oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon ti-
died up the door yard. Jim finished fencing calf park and Johney harrowed the oats which I had
sown.
151
22nd Sabbath. Very fine sunshiny day all through. William John Arnold and his wife and Mother
were here today.
23 Fine morning, bright and sunny, the day warm, clear and pleasant. The boys and I were brand-
ing.* [*branding=burning brush or scrub wood on recently logged land]
24 Fine morning, sun bright and warm, the day clear, warm and dry. Good growing weather. The
boys and I were picking up and branding.
25 Warm morning, sun shone out clear and strong. The boys, Jim and John, hauled rails and I built
them in a fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went with a Mr. Knox to look at his Lot
No. 31, 5th Con., Melancthon. He offered it to me for $1450. I offered him $1300. The Lot is
a pretty good one and I think perhaps I will yet buy it.
26 Hazy morning, the sun red and fiery like, the day was hot. Jim plowed and harrowed some-
thing more than an acre, which I had sown with fall wheat. The wheat is a failure. I sowed it in
oats. I was putting up fence most of the day. Johney and Clark were picking up.
<Q2 folio 65 verso>
May 1881
27th Hazy morning, the sun came out quite red and hot like. The day was very warm in the fore-
noon. It got pretty windy in the afternoon and there was a very stiff gale about 5 P.M. There
came on a slight shower and the wind ceased. I sowed some oats and grass seed on the new fal-
low. Jim harrowed and Johney picked up. Mrs. John Gott was here spending part of the day.
28 Dry very early in the morning, but there came on rain about 9 A.M. and rained all forenoon, and
a great deal of the afternoon. I and Jim and Brother Sam went to Lot 31, 5 Con. Melancthon
and took a good look at it. The Lot is a good one. I purchased it this Eavning from the owner,
Mr. Mathew Knox (South Dummer) for $1300., $200 down, $200 1st of next March and $200
yearly to the principal is all paid, with interest at the rate of six per cent per annum on each
payment as it becomes due. Jim went to Mr. White’s Raising in the afternoon. John harrowed
and Clark picked up. [in margin] Got papers from Toronto.
29th Sabbath. A little cloudy this morning, but the sun soon shone out bright and warm. The day
was sultry. Brother Sam and wife were here today.
30 Warm sunny morning, the day got cloudy about 10 A.M. and was cool and cloudy to dark. I
went to meet Mr. Knox in the forenoon and paid him $200 on the land I had bought. In the af-
ternoon I picked up in the fallow. Jim sowed the remainder of the oats. Johny harrowed, Clark
and Willie were helping Grandfather plant potatoes. [in margin] Finished sowing.
31 A little cool this morning, the day cloudy in the afternoon. Jim harrowed, Johney and I built
fences.
<Q2 folio 66 recto>
June 1881
1st Dry cool morning, the day rather cool all through, with but a little sunshine. Jim and Johney
hauled out manure. I cut seed potatoes.
2 Very chilly morning, so much so that a good many people said there was a frost. The day was
cool, dry and cloudy. We were planting potatoes. We planted about ten bushels. I went to
Dundalk after dinner and got a pair of leather lines, price $2.75. After supper Mrs. Russell and
I with the three youngest went to look at lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon, which I have bought. The
lot pleased well. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes
3 Cool, cloudy morning and the day continued cloudy and cold all through. Pretty chilly at night.
The three eldest boys went a-fishing. I washed and oiled the harness.
152
4 Pretty cool this morning, but the sun shone out bright, the day was rather cool but sunny all
through. Mrs. R. and I went to Priceville. When we came home I went to Dundalk.
5th Sabbath. Cool morning and the day was very chilly, especially in the eavning. Father and Moth-
er and Miss S. Bell were here.
6 Cold morning and a tremendous frost, good thick ice on the water, the potatoes above ground
all killed, a great many pease bleached white, the clover and grass badly hurt. I have some oats
on new land. They were about four inches high; they are flattened down to the ground. Almost
every thing has suffered. I don’t remember of ever seeing such a frost this time of the year. I
went to Dundalk in the morning to Gordon’s* with the Black mare. When I came home I and
the boys made a brush fence. [in margin] Very hard frost. [*butcher shop in Dundalk, History
of Dundalk, p. 101]
<Q2 folio 66 verso>
June 1881
7th Cool morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry. Jim, Johney and I were making brush fence. Mr.
Clippert was here.
8 Cool cloudy morning and the day cool and cloudy all through. Jim and I were chopping in the
swale. Johney cleaned up a piece of ground in the bush and planted some potatoes for himself.
W. Lonsway and family were here.
9 Cool dark morning, the day cool and dark all through. Jim, Johney and I were chopping in the
swale.
10 Hazy morning, the day pretty warm in the afternoon. The sun red, indicating heat. Jim, Johney
and I were chopping and sawing in the swale. We intend cleaning it up this summer. Mr. Geo.
Rutherford was here this eavning transacting business.
11 Hazy morning, but the sun soon dissipated the mist and came out bright. The day was pretty
warm all through. Mrs. Russell, Jim, John, and Eliza left home this morning to pay their rela-
tions in Tossorontio and Essa a visit. Miss Sarah Bell accompanied them. Clark and I put up a
Sett [sic] of Bars to the pasture field.
12th Sabbath. Pretty warm and windy all through, a very slight shower at dark.
13 Cloudy morning, with indications of rain. A few drops fell about 10 A.M. The afternoon was
pretty breezy. About 7 P.M. there came on a pretty sharp wind storm. The sky also darkened
all over. There was thunder and lightening, hail and rain. The wind blew pretty violent for a
while, but was not of long duration. Some of the hail stones were as large as small marbles. I
was fixing fence, cleaning out cellar and choring around generally. The absentees were to be
home this night, but have not come yet (10 P.M.). [in margin] Hail
<Q2 folio 67 recto>
June 1881
14th Cool morning, although the sun shone out bright, the day was cool, dry and breezy and very
chilly in the afternoon. We were chopping in the swale. The folks got home last night.
15 Cool morning, the day dry and cool, with a tendancy to frost in the night. We were chopping in
the swale.
16 Cool morning, the day dry, cool and breezy and very chilly in the afternoon. Jim, John and I
were chopping in the swale. There was quite a rain fall this night.
17 Slight mizzle of rain this morning, the day was cloudy with an occassional [sic] sprinkling of
rain to about 6 P.M. when the sun came out. Jim was hauling ties to Dundalk for his uncle Sam.
Johney and I were chopping in swale.
153
18 Rather cloudy morning, but the sun got out and there was no rain during the day. There was a
small quantity fell at night. Jim was helping Sam to haul ties. Johney and I were chopping in
the swale to noon. In the afternoon we cut some thistles out of the wheat. I went to Dundalk
after tea.
19th Sabbath. Cool dry day. Mrs. R. and I went to Father’s.
20 Cool, dry day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
21 Cold, dry day. I went to Tossorontio, thence to Alliston, stopped at Brother John’s all night.
Very hard frost this night. [in margin ] Frost.
22 Cool, dry day. Left brother John’s this morning and came home.
23 Cool, cloudy and dry. The children went to the Sunday School picknick.
<Q2 folio 67 verso>
June 1881
24th Cool morning, the day cloudy, cold and dry. We had a logging bee in the swale. There were
three teams and fourteen rollers. [in margin] Frost.
25 Cool morning, the day cloudy and cool with a slight rain in the eavning. The boys and I were
fencing.
26th Sabbath. Cool, cloudy day. I visited at Father’s.
27 Pretty cool morning, the day got overcast towards 11 A.M. and it began to rain. The afternoon
was wet, with thunder and lightening. I was bossing the Statue labor on my beat. The boys
were picking up in the swale.
28 Cloudy morning, but the sun got out, and the day was pretty warm during part of the forenoon.
There came on some rain about noon. I was taskmaster today. The boys were picking up in the
swale.
29 Bright, sunny morning with a slight sprinkling of rain towards noon, the afternoon dry and
breezy. Jim was picking up in the swale, Johney was logging at J. Mills’. I was bossing the
Statute labor.
30 Bright, sunny morning, the day dry, cool and breezy. Jim and Johney with the team were doing
four day’s statute labor for Lot 31, Con. 5 Melancthon. I was fixing fences, pulling mustard,
etc. Mrs. Abraham Jackson* and her daughter, Mrs. H. Galaugher, were here this afternoon.
This has been a remarkably cold month. There has been very heavy frosts many times through
the month, which done a great deal of injury, in this and other places of Ontario. All my grain,
grass and potatoes have been froze, less or more, which has retarded their growth. Some of the
oats were froze so badly that they never sprouted again. The crops in general are very back-
ward. There are some blossoms on my pease. [in margin] Pease Blossomed. [*mother of
Phoebe Jackson Russell.]
<Q2 folio 68 recto>
July 1881
1st Bright morning and the day was sunny and warm all through. The boys and I picked up in the
swale in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R. and Phoebe, Willliam Lonsway and I and
Clark went to see the Melancthon Lot [31, Con. 5]. Jim and John went to Dundalk. John
Westacott stopped here this night.
2 Bright warm morning, the day was dry and pretty warm with the exception of a few drops of
rain that fell about 3 P.M. Jim and John were hoeing thistles out of the potatoes. Clark and I
were picking up in the swale.
3rd Sabbath. Bright morning, but the sun clouded over in the afternoon.
154
4 Bright morning, the day very warm, although a little cloudy now and then. I picked up in the
forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Jim and John were cutting this-
tles out of the potatoes.
5 Bright sunny morning, the day very hot although there was a breeze occasionally. Mrs. R. and
I took our wool to Feversham Mills to be carded. We then met with Mr. Walter Bell and wife.
We went home with them and stopped to the eavning. Jim started to mow today. John Agnew
stopped here all night.
6 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot. Jim was mowing, John mowed some in the after-
noon. I cut tops off thistles in the afternoon. Brother John and his daughter Nancy were here a
while today. He is rather embarassed financially. I gave him a note of hand, made by A. Hus-
say [MS Hussy] in my favor for $200.00 in order for him to get it discounted so that it might
help him out of his difficulties. Brother John gave me in lieu thereof a note on himself for
$200.00 paybable in three days from this date.
<Q2 folio 68 verso>
July 1881
7th Cloudy morning, and it commenced raining about 9 A.M. and continued raining pretty steadily
all through the day. The boys and I straightened up things in the barn. Jim went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
8 Cloudy morning and the forenoon was overcast, the sun came out in the afternoon, very hot. I
was logging at Skeffington Bell’s. Jim and John were mowing, Clark was hoeing cabbage.
9 Bright sunny morning, and the day was dry and very hot. Jim and I mowed in the forenoon. I
topped thistles in the afternoon and went to Dundalk. John and Clark hoed thistles out of the
potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon raked hay.
10th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a shower of rain in the afternoon. Mr. Dawson and wife and Jo-
seph Jackson were here in the afternoon.
11 Dry cloudy day, not much sunshine. We tore up the old crossway in the swale, and hauled in
two loads of hay.
12 Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry and vey warm, a pretty sharp shower in the afternoon. Jim,
John, and Clark went to Shelburne. The remainder of us went to Dundalk. [Orange Lodge cel-
ebrations for 12th of July.]
13 Dry forenoon, the afternoon dry, cool and breezy, cold at night. We sawed some stove wood in
the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Sam McDowell’s raising. The boys hoed potatoes
in the afternoon.
14 Dry day, cloudy and cool. We molded up the potatoes and worked among them. Old Mr. Kirby
was here a while this eavning.
15 Cloudy morning and a slight shower of rain, the remainder of the day dry and breezy. We were
cutting stove wood in the swale.
16 Cool dry forenoon, the afternoon cold, dry and breezy. We cut stove wood to tea time then
Mrs. R., Jim and I went to Dundalk. Subscribed, or renewed my subscription rather, for the
Mail.* [*Toronto newspaper, now Globe & Mail]
<Q2 folio 69 recto>
July 1881
17th Sabbath. Cool, breezy morning, the day very cool and windy, cold, in fact, in the eavning. We
visited at Sam’s.
18 Cool morning, the day cool and very windy. Jim mowed, John and I sawed in the swale. Clark
hoed potatoes. Mr. Gowan (teacher) was here trying to sell me a Reaper.
155
19 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and breezy. Jim, Johney and I with the team were helping
Brother Sam to do a road job.
20 Rainy morning, cleared off about 8 A.M., the day dry and pretty cool afterwards. Rain in the
afternoon from 5:30. Johney and I were cutting stove wood, Jim was hauling stove wood from
the swale.
21 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and clear to the afternoon when it clouded over. Jim went in
the forenoon to Dundalk and got his boots sowed [=sewed]. John and I cut stove wood in the
swale. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk after supper. The boys raked up some hay.
22 Cloudy morning, the forenoon cloudy, the afternoon clear and bright. We hauled in some hay
in the forenoon, also hauled home some stove wood, and logged in the afternoon.
23 Bright sunny morning, the day clear, sunny and pretty warm. We finished logging in the swale.
24th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm. Brother Sam and wife
were here today.
25 Rather cloudy this morning. Jim, John and I started for Tossorontio township to help brother
John to harvest. We got a pretty good shower on our journey. We arrived at 5 P.M. and helped
him to bind some wheat.
<Q2 folio 69 verso>
July 1881
26th Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and warm. We were helping Brother John to harvest
wheat.
27 Some clouds this morning, the day dry all through. We helped Br. John to harvest.
28 A little foggy this morning, but the day was very hot. John took the boys and helped Mr. Sar-
gent to harvest. I went to James Murphy’s after supper.
29 Misty morning, but scorching hot through the day. We helped Brother John to harvest.
30 Bright sunny morning, the sun very strong today, lots of showers going round at a distance,
none came near us. We were harvesting.
31st Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the boys with John’s wife and son and I went to John Agnew’s to Es-
sa. There was a heavy rain there.
August 1881
1st Bright sunny morning, the boys and I left Brother John’s and came home. There was a tremen-
dous heavy rain came on when we were about six miles from home. There were creeks of wa-
ter running on the sides of the road when the rain was over. [in margin] Very heavy rain.
2 Sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Jim hauled rail cuts from among the log heap. John
and Clark sawed rail cuts. I went to see about a ram, also to let the clearing and fencing of part
of lot 31 Melancthon. I did not succeed. [in margin] Letter from Ireland.
3 Bright morning, the middle of the day very hot. The boys and I were helping Brother Sam at
his hay.
4 Hazy morning, and the day extremely hot. John and Jim were picking stones a part of the day.
[in margin] Very hot.
<Q2 folio 70 recto>
August 1881
5th Close, warm morning, and the day very sultry all through. There was a very strong gale of
wind in the afternoon about 6 O’clock, then a little after that the clouds got very black and there
was terrific thunder and lightening, and a very heavy rain during most of the night. The boys
and I were picking stones. Mrs. C. Bell was here.
156
6 Rainy morning, thunder and lightening also, the forenoon wet and part of the afternoon. The
boys picked stones a little while in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk.
7th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, but the day was dry. Very chilly in the afternoon, seemed very much
like frost. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here in the eavning.
8 Clear cool morning, the day dry and cool all through, although very cloudy towards night. Jim
and John were pulling pease. I and Mr. J. J. Middleton, Reeve of Proton, went on business* to
Priceville. [in margin] First pease pulled. [*Middleton visited W. Ferguson, School Inspector,
Priveville, to lobby in favour of Robert’s pension, which was granted later that year. See L18.8
in Letters.Documents; and below, 24 Nov. 1881.]
9 Dark cloudy morning, and some slight rain fell. The day was generally dry, cloudy and cool.
Jim, John and I were pulling pease. Clark was hunting up some lost sheep.
10 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry but cool. The boys and I
were pulling pease. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought two pairs of Binding Gloves
@ .45¢ per pair.
11 Cloudy this morning, and pretty cloudy all through the day, and warm, no rain, but strong signs
of it towards night. Jim was craddling fall wheat. John and I were binding. It is a very poor
crop on account of being winter killed.
12th Rainy morning to about 8 A.M., from that on the day was dry and cloudy and very sultry in the
afternoon. Jim, John and I were raising stones in the dry part of the forenoon. In the afternoon
we finished cutting our fall wheat. Nancy and Jim with the team went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
<Q2 folio 70 verso>
August 1881
13th Dark cloudy morning, but there was only a slight shower in the forenoon. The afternoon was
dry and windy to about dark, when there came on some rain. Johney craddled oats in the fore-
noon, and in the afternoon he and Clark and I hauled in pease. Jim was helping Skeffington
Bell to pull pease. [in margin] First oats cut
14th Sabbath. Clear cool day.
15 Clear and cool all through the day, with tendancy to frost at night. Johney, Clark and I hauled
in pease in the forenoon. In the afternoon we bound some spring wheat. I then went to Dun-
dalk and bought a craddle blade for $1.00. Jim cut wheat in the afternoon and oats in the fore-
noon. [in margin] First spring wheat cut.
16 Cool clear day with a clouding over of the sun towards night. Jim craddled oats, Johney and I
bound oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon, Johney, Clark and I hauled in fall wheat.
17 Sunny morning and the day was dry and pretty warm, the sky got overcast in the afternoon,
threatening rain. Jim fixed his craddle in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped A. Lonsway
to bind grain. Johney and I tied oats today.
18 Bright sunny morning and the day was dry and breezy. Jim was helping A. Lonsway. Johney
and I tied oats in the forenoon, and in the afternoon we hauled oats in.
19 Bright warm morning and the day dry and breezy. Johney and Clark helped their uncle Sam to
harvest. Jim craddled oats in the forenoon, in the afternoon he helped me to burn log heaps in
the swale.
20 Bright sunny morning and the day was dry but sometimes cloudy. Jim and I branded in the
forenoon, and in the afternoon we hauled in some wheat and oats. Mrs. R. and I went to Dun-
dalk after tea. Johney and Clark were helping their uncle Sam.
<Q2 folio 71 recto>
157
August 1881
21st Sabbath. Cool, clear morning, the day cool and bright.
22 Misty morning, but the sun shone out scattering the fog. The day was bright, cool and dry. Jim
craddled wheat, Johney and I tied up.
23 Rather misty morning, but the sun got out strong and the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim fin-
ished cutting spring wheat in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he cut oats. Johney and I tied
the wheat, then we branded up some log heaps. I bought a barell of flour from Mr. Wright for
$5.50. [in margin] Finished cutting spring wheat.
24 Hazy morning, the day beautiful, bright and warm. Jim craddled oats, John and I punched* up
log heaps. [Pushed outer-edge unburned ends of logs into the centre of the fire?]
25 Hazy morning, the day bright and hot. James Lonsway was here helping Jim to craddle oats. I
bound. Johney was helping Alexander Patterson to bind wheat.
26 Misty morning, and the day was hazy all through and pretty sultry. There was a slight mizzle
of rain about 5 P.M. Johney was helping his uncle Sam. Jim and Clark hauled in wheat and
oats. I bound oats between loads. Jim and Clark hitched [Gerty?] to the Democrat and went to
Dundalk in the eavning.
27 Cloudy morning and a few drops of rain fell, the day was dry and very sultry. The boys and I
tied oats. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mother, who is a[i]ling with neuralgia, in the eavning.
28th Sabbath. Hazy morning and the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. S. Bell’s in the af-
ternoon.
29 Hazy morning, the sun shone out bright and the day was extremely hot. I went with mother to
Dr. Norton’s at Hornings Mills. Jim helped W. J. Arnold to bind. John helped his uncle Sam to
harvest.
<Q2 folio 71 verso>
August 1881
30th Hazy morning and the sun shone out bright, the day was very hot and dry. Johney, Clark and I
hauled in oats. Jim craddled oats in the afternoon, assisted by James Lonsway.
31st Hazy morning, but the sun soon got out and was bright and warm. Johney, Clark and I bound
oats. Jim was at W. J. Arnold’s threshing.
September [1881]
1st Hazy morning, but the sun got out and the day was pretty sultry. There was some thunder and
lightening and a good deal of rain from about 3:30 P.M. Jim craddled oats in the dry part of the
day. Johney, Clark and I hauled in some oats and tied some.
2 Cloudy morning and the day was dark, pretty much all through. Jim craddled oats, Johney,
Clark and I picked stones. We tried binding after dinner but the grain was damp.
3 Dark morning and the forenoon was pretty damp although no rain fell. The afternoon was
something dour [MS duir]. Jim cut oats, Clark and I tied in the afternoon. Johney was at Mr.
Mark Dawson’s threshing.
4th Sabbath. Hazy morning and the day was dry and warm all through. Mrs. R., Jim, John and Eliza
went to the funeral of Charles Abbott, a young man of 28 years of age who got killed by being
thrown off a waggon while going home from Dundalk on Friday night. I went to see W. Bow-
ler who got his leg broke some days ago.
5 Hazy morning, and the day dry all through. The sky assumed a peculiar appearance about 3
P.M. It first got very dark, then assumed a bright copper colour and it alternated between these
colours till dark. It was so dark that people had to light their lamps at four o’clock in the after-
158
noon. There was a great quantity of ashes fell. I think there must have been a great fire. Jim
craddled, John, Clark and I bound and hauled in. [in margin] Phenomenon.
<Q2 folio 72 recto>
September 1881
6th Hazy, d[r]y hot day all through. Jim cut oats, John, Clark and I hauled in.
7 Misty morning, but the day clouded up soon and was dry and fine, with a tendancy of coldness
towards night. Johney craddled a piece of oats in the forenoon, and helped Clark and I to bind
in the afternoon. Jim helped his uncle Sam to haul in some, and then went to Dundalk.
8 Dark morning, the day continued cloudy to about 9 A.M., then cleared off, and was sunny and
warm. We bound and hauled in oats today. We put away about 43 dozen sheaves for the cows
in the spring.
9 Hazy morning, but the day cleared off and the sun got out and was bright and warm. The boys
hauled out manure. I gave Mr. Clippert a ram lamb and $2.25 cash in exchange for a young
ram of sixteen months of […. right edge of bottom half of the page is torn off, leaving incom-
plete lines of text] a good one with splendid wool. We put up a pig [… torn]
10 Some clouds this morning but there was no ra[in … torn] kept fine to night came on when there
was […torn] for a while some rain also some thunder and […torn] Brother Sam, Alexander Pat-
terson and Jim[…torn] for me, Johney, Clark and I were hauling […torn] the lend of Sam’s
waggon. I went in the […torn] Skeffington Bell’s Bail Bonds for $16.00 […torn] for 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway […torn] boys have gone to help Alexander Patterson.
11th Sabbath. Rather cloudy this morning, but there was no rain [..torn] Mrs. R., Eliza and I went in
to father’s.
12 Cloudy morning, and the day was cloudy all through with some rain […torn] in the afternoon
Jim and Bill Brinkman finished cutting oats. Johney, Clark and I bound in the dry part of the
day. Jim started the plow this afternoon. W. Brinkman and I raised some stones. There was a
frost this morning. [in margin] Frost / Finished cutting grain.
<Q2 folio 72 verso>
September 1881
[covered in black deposit (from oil cloth?), and has a series of recipes, noted in material description
of diaries….]
<end of Quire 2>
<Quire 3>
<Q3 folio 1 recto>
September 1881
13th Rather dark morning with a very heavy dew, but the sun shone out about 9 A.M., and the day was
dry and fine. John and I spread some manure in the morning, and then tied oats from that to night.
Jim plowed to noon, and then helped us to bind. Mr. George Rutherford was here in the afternoon
and insured the dwelling house and contents and the outbuildings and contents for the sum of
$1100.00. The insurance premium is $9.90 and agents fees .90¢. The company is the Victoria
Mutual.
14 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun soon got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim,
Johney and I finished binding oats in the afternoon, and then the boys hauled in three loads. There
was a slight frost this morning. [in margin] Frost.
15 Cloudy morning and very windy through the day. Rain came on about 6 P.M. There was not a
great quantity fell. We finished hauling in oats at about 1:30 P.M. Jim drove the team, Johney and
159
Clark built and I forked on. It was a new fallow we were hauling from. After we finished Jim
asked hands for the threshing. Mrs. R. and I went with the yarn to the weavers. [in margin] Fin-
ished harvesting
16 Dark morning and the day cloudy and pretty windy. Jim plowed, Johney spread manure. There
was rain in the afternoon.
17 Cloudy morning, and the day kept dark with a slight mizzle of rain all through. We built a straw
pen in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Jim plowed, and John spread manure.
18th Sabbath. Clear and fine all day.
19 A little cloudy this morning, and some frost. The sun shone out and the day was dry and pretty
warm. Jim was at W. Bowler’s manure bee. Johney plowed. I spread manure. The two eldest
went to Dundalk in the eavning and left their measures for boots.
<Q3 folio 1 verso>
September 1881
20th Fine morning, the day fine all through. Jim was at Mr. Clippert’s threshing. Johney and I tidied
[MS tieded] up things at home for the thrashing. The thrashers came here tonight.
21 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry and windy. We thrashed today. Had a bad he[a]d
wind.
22 Rather gloomy this morning and there was a smart shower in the forenoon. We finished thrashing
in the forenoon. Some of the new land oats did not yield well. They were rusted and did not fill.
My oats yielded about 30 bushels to the acre, pretty good sample, wheat about 10 B. p. acre, good
sample, and pease about 16 B. p. acre, good sample. The thrashers done good work. Charged ten
dollars. Sam helped us put in straw in the eavning. Jim went to Lonswa[y]’s threshing in the af-
ternoon.
23 Pretty fine morning, the day fine all through. Jim was at Lonsway’s thrashing in the forenoon and
at Nickle’s in the afternoon. Johney, Clark and I put in straw in the forenoon, and I took in a load
of oats to Dundalk in the afternoon, 55 Bushels, got thirty-five cents per Bushel.
24 Heavy rain this morning before daylight. The day dry afterwards. I took in two loads of oats: first
load 21 Bushels 26 pounds at 34½ ¢ per Bushel, the second 64 Bushels 12 lbs @ 34½ ¢ per Bush-
el. The boys at home cleaned oats. Put up some of the pigs to fat, and separated the rams from the
sheep. [in margin] Parted rams from sheep.
25th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. Mrs. R. and I went to Osprey to see Mrs.
Walter Fletcher, daughter to Mrs. C. Bell. She is pretty sick, almost dangerously ill, with Rheu-
matic pains and fever. I think, though, that she has the worst of it over. She has been ill for three
weeks.
26 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a few drops of rain about noon. I hauled two loads of
oats to Dundalk. Got 34½ cts per bushel. Jim and John chored around home, helped me to bag
and load.
<insert>[between folios 1 verso and 2 recto] Harbaugh the Peerless Ventriloquist ticket, Friday night Jan
2 at S.S. no 5 Melancthon</insert>
<Q3 folio 2 recto>
September 1881
27th Rather cloudy morning, and there was a sharp shower about 1 P.M. The afternoon was dry. I took
in two loads of oats and three hundred and fourteen pounds of butter to Dundalk. I got 20¢ per
pound for the butter and 34½ + 35 ¢ for the oats. Jim and John helped at filling oats and raised
potatoes in the afternoon. Clark was helping W. J. Arnold take up potatoes.
160
28 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm with a tendancy to frost in the afternoon. I hauled in a
load of oats in the forenoon (72 B: 11 pounds), got 35¢ per bushel, and in the afternoon Jim took
in the potatoes belonging to the juveniles (21 bags and 50 pounds) and sold them for 55¢ per bag.
Johney and Clark were helping Sam to take up potatoes.
29 Fine day all through, dry and very pleasant. The boys, Jim and John, took up their potatoes (18
bags) and sold them in Dundalk for 60¢ per bag, cash. Clark was helping Father raise his potatoes.
30 Fine morning and the day dry and fine to about 5 P.M. when there came on a very heavy rain and
kept raining most of the night. Some of us were raising potatoes and others of us were moving
some oat sheaves from the shed to the barn. Miss S. Bell and Mrs. Scott (a Chicago lady) were
here this afternoon.
Oct. 1881
1 Rather dark this morning, but the day was dry although cloudy. We took in 27 bags of potatoes
and sold them for .65¢ per bag. Jim hauled some rails to fence the cabbage when he came home,
then he plowed till night.
2nd Sabbath. Dry day, but cool and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I visited Mrs. C. Bell in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 2 verso>
October 1881
3rd Quite cloudy and dark this morning, still there was no rain through the day. We were raising pota-
toes, we got up 66 Bushels. Jim plowed after he was done plowing out the potatoes. Mrs. Clip-
pert was here in the afternoon. Mr. Samuel McDowell brought home our democrat which he had
borrowed Eleven days ago. He took a pretty long loan of it and broke one of the springs, but he
got a new spring put in. I think it will be some time [f]or I lend it again.
4 Cloudy cold day from morning to night. We were raising potatoes. Jim plowed them out of the
rows and we then dug them and gathered them. Mrs. R., Jim, Eliza and Willie went to Dundalk in
the eavning with some cabbage. We took up 43 Bushels.
5 Very hard frost this morning, quite a crust on the ground. The day was mostly clear, but very chil-
ly all through. We were raising potatoes, we took up about 40 Bushels. This finished our potatoe
raising. They were an exceedingly good crop with us this year, large and dry and a good many in
the ground. The boys first sold about 22 bags belonging to the Co. 5 [all five of the children?],
then Jim and John sold 19 Bags belonging to themselves. I then sold for the general good 27
Bags, in all for so far we have sold 68 Bags, or 102 Bushels. I have about 150 Bushels left. I
think I can sell about 20 of these. I put 15 Bushels in the cellar, the rest I have pitted in the field
where I will let them remain for about two weeks to they steam.* I had about 200 Bushels or a lit-
tle more to the acre. [in margin] Hard frost / Finished digging potatoes. [*=until they steam, i.e.
until they cool off in the pit?]
6 Dry, chilly morning, the day dry, cool and clear. The boys were branding* up in the swale. I had a
sore back and had to quit work. Mrs. Sam Russell and Mrs. John Gott were here today. [*burning
off brush wood; swale = low-lying, marshy land; see
<Q3 folio 3 recto>
October 1881
7th Dark morning, and the day cloudy and showery. Jim and Clark went to the show fair at Flesh-
erton. John went to Mr. Dawson’s threshing. Mrs. R. went to help Mrs. D. I stopped at home and
sold pigs. In the afternoon I went to Mr. R. Oliver’s and from thence to Dundalk.
8 Very heavy rain early this morning, and the day was dark and showery. Brother Sam helped us to
Brand up in the swale.
9th Sabbath. Cool and cloudy all day.
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10 Raw cold morning, with snow falling. There were several showers of snow during the forenoon.
The afternoon was dry. We cleaned a small grist and Jim took it to the mill in the forenoon. In the
afternoon we picked stones. [in margin] First snow.
11 Very hard frost this morning, the sun, however, got out and softened the ground. We were picking
stones in the forenoon. Jim plowed in the afternoon. The others of us gathered stones.
12 Mizzly morning and the day continued wet all through, a fine close rain falling, not a heavy show-
er. We tried plowing and picking stones after dinner, but there was too much wet. Mr. Christo-
pher Johnson came here in the forenoon and took away a ram lamb which had strayed into my
flock during the summer. I told him the lamb was not mine and that it belonged to him, he could
take it. Mr. Walter Morrow, a former pupil of mine who went to Cleaveland, St. of Ohio, some
sixteen years ago, and who is now practicing law in that City, called in to see us as he was passing.
Clark went to help his uncle Sam to raise potatotes after dinner.
13 Cool dark morning, with a slight rain. The remainder of the day dry. Jim was plowing, Johney
and I were picking stones. Clark was helping Sam to take up potatotes.
<Q3 folio 3 verso>
October 1881
14th Rather chilly this morning, with a pretty hard frost, the sun got out and made things more agreea-
ble. The day was bright. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark and I were picking stones. Jim burst
the colter board and I took it to the shop and got a new one made after a different pattern. I think it
is better than the old one. Johney, Clark, Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the eavning and the
boys bought some clothing for themselves.
15 Rainy morning, the day showery all through. Jim was plowing in the dry part of the day. Clark
and I were picking up stones. John was at Lonsway’s threshing. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. W. J. Ar-
nold’s to sew a shirt on her machine.
16th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day clear and fine to the afternoon about 4 P.M. when there came
on a slight shower of rain, and rained most of the night. Mrs. R. and I were at Father’s.
17 Rainy morning and the day showery all through, very unpleasant. Johney was at Lonsway’s
threshing. Mrs. R. and family caught and plucked sixty chickens and hens and took them to Dun-
dalk and solf them for .25¢ per pair.
18 A little rain in the forenoon and a good deal in the after part of the day. Jim plowed. Clark and I
went in the afternoon to help Sam to thrash. I took Sam’s place at Jim Patterson’s thrashing while
he prepared his barn. John was helping A. Lonsway to thresh.
19 Fine morning, with a hard frost. Clark and I were helping Sam to thrash. Jim plowed. Johny was
at J. Trugon’s threshing.
20 Fine morning, the day dry. Clark and I helped Sam a little while in the morning to put in straw
then we came and worked at home. Johny was at Jim Trugon’s thrashing to noon. Jim plowed.
<Q3 folio 4 recto>
October 1881
21st Fine morning, the day dry and fine all through. Jim plowed, Johny, Clark and I took out stumps
and roots. Mrs. R. went to the carding mill at Feversham. Phoebe and she took Sam’s team and
W. Lonsway’s wagon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Got letter from Ireland.
22 Fine morning, the day dry till about 3 P.M. when there was a slight rian. Jim plowed. John and
Clark picked stones. I went to Tossorontio Township.
23rd Sabbath. Misty morning, the day inclined to rain. I was stopping at brother John’s.
162
24 Inclined to rain this morning, the middle of the day dry, the afternoon a little wet. Jim plowed,
Johny was at Mr. W. Bowler’s [MS Boweler’s] threshing. I went to John Agnew’s in the eavning
and stopped there all night.
25 Rather nice morning, the day dry till about 3 P.M. when there came on a slight rian. Jim plowed,
John was at Bowler’s threshing till noon. I stopped at Brother John’s.
26 Very hard frost this morning, but the sun soon got out and the day was fine. I stopped at Brother
John’s and picked eleven bags of apples, assisted by his little ones. Jim plowed, John and Clark
picked stones.
27 Fine morning, the day sunny and warm. I left John’s and came home. Jim plowed. Johny and
Clark picked stones.
28 Very fine morning, the day beautiful, dry and warm. Jim plowed. Johny, Clark and I brought in
75 bags of potatoes and put them in the Cellar.
29th Rainy morning, the day cleared up about 10 A.M. We butchered a swine in the forenoon. In the
afternoon Jim plowed, Johny and Clark picked stones. I went to Dundalk after 3 P.M.
<Q3 folio 4 verso>
October 1881
30th Sabbath. Rather misty this morning, but the day was dry and mild. Brother Sam and Phoebe, also
Mark Dawson and wife, were here.
31 A little misty this morning, with a very slight mizzle of rain. The day afterwards dry. Jim was
plowing in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he took eight bags of potatoes, one tub of butter and
five dead geese to Dundalk. Sold them for .55¢ per bag, .20¢ per pound for the butter and .06¢ per
pound for the geese. Mrs. R. went along. I went to a raising in the afternoon in Dundalk (Mr.
Dean’s stone house). Jim bought himself a coat at $6.50. Mrs. R., Jim and I had supper at Mr. S.
Bell’s.
November [1881]
1st Fine morning, the day nice and mild with sunshine in the afternoon. Jim plowed. John and Clark
picked stones.
2 Fine morning and the day fine all through. Jim plowed, Johney and Clark picked stones.
3 Fine morning, but the day got overcast about noon and snow began to fall about 4:30 P.M. Jim
plowed. Johney and Clark picked stones. I helped.
4 Snow on the ground this morning and more falling. Jim opened up some water furrows in the
forenoon, and in the afternoon plowed and harrowed some in front of the house. We brought in
the remainder of our potatoes this afternoon and I banked up the house.
5th Stormy morning, blowing and snowing, which it kept up incessantly till the afternoon, when it
varied the snow for rain. The three eldest boys went with the Orangemen to Caswell’s.* When
they came home they fixed up the cow stable and put the cows in, being the first night the cattle
have been stabled for the winter. I went to Father’s in the afternoon. A. Patterson brought 3½
bushels of pease here for 3 sucking pigs which I had sold him. [*Guy Fawke’s day, seen by Or-
angemen as Protestant celebration.]
<Q3 folio 5 recto>
November 1881
Sabbath. 6th Snow on the ground this morning, but the sun melted a good deal of it off before night.
The day was rather chilly, the eavning nice and sunny.
7 Not much frost or snow this morning, the snow nearly all disappeared about noon, the eavning
pretty mild with a slight mizzle of rain. The three boys, Jim, John and Clark, started for Tossoron-
tio this morning with the team and two yoke of steers. One yoke belonged to Brother Sam. The
163
steers to be wintered at Brother John’s, the team to haul up some apples which I had picked at
John’s two weeks ago.
8 Mild day, but rather dark, little sunshine but no rain. Willie and I took to Dundalk fair a small
mully* cow, three years old and with calve, and a two year old heifer. We sold the cow to Mr.
Philips for ($17.) seventeen dollars. [*for “mully” see 24 Oct. 1876.]
9 Rather fine for this season of the year, a little sun now and then through the day, and the day mild.
I sowed some grass seed in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Lot 31 Melancthon. The
boys got home this eavning. They had eleven bags of apples with them. Skeffington Bell was
here at night. [in margin] Anthony Trugon married.
10 Rather rough day, cold generally. Johney has a sore throat, contracted on his journey to Tossoron-
tio. Jim went to Dundalk and posted a card to his uncle John.
11 Fine morning and the day was generally fine all through. We fitted some handles in some axes
and ground the axes in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Jim, Clark and I chopped. Mrs. Skeff-
ington Bell was here today.
12 Very stormy morning, the storm came on long before day, blowing, sleeting, freezing, raining,
sending the storm in through the cracks and crannies. It kept it up till noon then subsided. The af-
ternoon was pretty dry but very windy.
<Q3 folio 5 verso>
November 1881
13th Sabbath. Rather sloppy cold day.
14 Raining some early this morning, but it cleared off about 9 A.M. We butchered two pigs in the
forenoon and in the afternoon borrowed Johney Irvin’s cutting box and cut some oat sheaves. Mr.
William Bowler, aged 71, and a resident of this neighbourhood for about 33 years died this morn-
ing. Mrs. R. and I went to the wake this night. There was a very heavy snow storm this night. [in
margin] W. Bowler died.
15 Ground covered with snow almost a foot deep. Snow drifted in every crevice of the buildings. We
tried to cut some sheaves this morning, but broke one of the bolts that holds the knives. Had to
send to Dundalk for another bolt.
16 The snow melting this morning and the day soft all through. The boys were cutting sheaves as-
sisted by Johney Irvin. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Bowler’s funeral in the afternoon. They buried
him on the rear end of one of his own lots in Proton.
17 A good deal of rain fell this forenoon, also the afternoon was wet. The two boys, John and Clark,
chopped with me in the bush in the forenoon. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Jim borrowed
some lumber from his uncle Sam and fixed the horse stable.
18 Cloudy day all through, with chilly weather towards night. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
The boys were fixing at the stables. Mrs. R. was sewing at Mrs. S. Bell’s.
19 Snowy morning, and the day continued snowy all through. We were putting handles in a couple of
axes, grinding some axes and fixing the stables for the animals.
20th Sabbath. Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through. Some snow on the ground and some
more falling.
<Q3 folio 6 recto>
November 1881
21st Cold morning, the day pretty wintery like, but the snow got a little soft in the afternoon. Jim was
fixing stables, Johney, Clark and I chopping.
22 Sharp frosty morning, the day beautiful with plenty of sunshine. Keen freeze towards night. We
were chopping a follow on lot 216 Proton.
164
23 Rather cloudy this morning, and little sunshine through the day, but there was a thaw wind. John
was at Mr. Nickle’s thrashing, Jim, Clark and I were chopping fallow on Lot 216 Proton. Mr.
Thos. Hanbury sent a new sewing machine (Wanzer C)* here about 2 P.M. He came after night
and set it a-going. We will pay him $28.00 or $30.00 cash for the machine if we like it after trial.
[*R. M. Wanzer Co., Hamilton, was the most successful sewing machine manufacturer in Ontario.
Active 1860-90, it exported machines around the world, and was awarded many prizes. The Wan-
zer C, a deluxe model, was the last produced, introduced 1877-81. Overproduction and drop in
demand led to the demise of the company. See Brent, Martha. “A Stitch in Time: Sewing Machine
Industry of Ontario, 1860-1897,” Material Culture Review / Revue de la culture matérielle
[Online], 10 (1980): n. pag. Web. 21 Feb. 2018.]
24 Sharp cold morning, with some snow falling, the day was cold all through. Jim was at Mr. Nick-
le’s threshing during the forenoon, in the afternoon the three boys chopped at a fallow on Lot 216.
Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and I went to Dundalk. I paid Mr. Hanbury $29.00 for the sewing machine.
I also received my cheque for $101.00 supperannuated pension, [which] I believe I would not have
got, only for the influence and perseverance of J. J. Middleton, Esq., Reeve of Proton, who went to
the Education Office four times in my behalf. The money ought to have been paid me in July.
Miss Sarah Bell stopped here this night.
25 Stormy morning, the day cold and stormy all through. We only done the chores today.
26 Windy this morning and some snow falling through the day. We chopped in the fallow, all but
Jim, who has a slight cold and I wouldn’t let him work in the bush. He done the chores at home.
<Q3 folio 6 verso>
November 1881
27th Sabbath. Cold morning, blowing pretty strong and snowing some. Mrs. R. and I went to Father’s.
28 Bright sunny morning, the day was fine all through. We butchered two pigs in the forenoon, and
in the afternoon chopped in the fallow. I went at night to John Gott’s and bargained with him to
put me up a first-class frame barn, 40 x 60 feet for the sum of ($85.00) Eight[y]-five dollars. In
the barn there is to be a granary, a horse stable and a feed room. The barn to be up in time for my
hay and grain in 1882.
29 Soft thawing morning, the day continued soft all through, with a thaw wind and a slight rain in the
afternoon. We were chopping fallow. We put the pump in the well at noon.
30 Damp morning, the day continued soft, a slight mizzle of rain falling now and then. The snow has
almost disappeared, except in the fence corners. Jim was at W. J. Arnold’s threshing. The rest of
us were chopping fallow.
December [1881]
1st Windy morning, then a little snow towards noon. A pretty sharp frost and strong wind in the
eavning. Jim was at W. J. Arnold’s thrashing to about 10 A.M. After that he and the other two
boys were chopping. Mrs. John Gott was here today.
2 Mild morning, although the ground is pretty hard with frost. The day was mild all through. The
boys were cutting a road through the swamp on lot 216 to where there is some timber that will an-
swer for the barn. I went to Dundalk and bargained with John McDowell to saw for me 20,000
feet hemlock lumber at 2.50 per M. and to make me 32 squares of shingles at .90 per square. He
to take any plank I do not need and pay me at the rate of $3.00 per M. and not charge for the saw-
ing of it. Mrs. R. was at Mrs. C. Bell’s.
<Q3 folio 7 recto>
December 1881
165
3rd Soft morning, although the ground is frozen pretty hard. The day mild, with a little snow falling.
The boys were chopping a sleigh road in the swamp. I was hunting up cattle feed and buying
stove for keeping shanty in the bush.
4th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day continued very mild all through. Henry Hewett, Junior, was here.
5 The ground hard with frost this morning, but the day was pretty mild for this season of the year.
Cloudy, and a slight skiff of snow in the morning. John went to Widow Bowler’s thrashing. I
went to Mr. McGurr’s and agreed with him to board five head of cattle for me for three months:
one cow at .75¢ per month, one two year old heifer at .62½ ¢ per month, and three yearlings at
.50¢ each per month. If he ties the yearlings in at nights I am to give him .62½¢ each per month.
Jim and Clark were putting straw out of the bottom of a stack in the barn. Wesley Lonsway helped
them. I also helped them in the afternoon. I heard today that Mr. George R. Middleton’s store and
Post Office had been burned yesterday morning at 2 A.M. [in margin] Dundalk P.O. Burned.
6 Soft morning, the day continued soft with a little snow falling now and then. We sent four head of
cattle to Mr. McGurr’s this afternoon. The boys and I chopped in the follow.
7 Rain very early this morning, then from rain to snow. Very high winds prevailed through the day,
accompanied by a blinding snow storm. Jim, John, and I went to Lot 31 Melancthon and cut about
31 logs for a house.
8 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all through. Jim, John and I were cutting stable
logs on lot 31 Melancthon.
<Q3 folio 7 verso>
December 1881
9th Sharp morning, pretty keen freeze most of the day, with smart showers of snow. John was at John
Irvin’s thrashing. Jim off work on accont of a cold. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the team.
10 Pretty sharp morning, but the day got milder, a little sunshine now and then, just like the life of
man. Pretty chilly in the afternoon. We raised our shanty on lot 31 Melancthon. Brother Sam
helped us. John Gott and wife were here this night. He gave me a bill of the lumber required for
my barn, it is 19,137 feet.
11th Sabbath. Mild morning and the day continued soft.
12 Soft morning, inclined to [dittog.: to] rain which came on about 9 A.M. The day was showery, the
sleighing is gone. The boys cut a road in the forenoon to some post timber in the swamp and in
the afternoon they got the lend of some lumber from Brother Sam (42 Boards) and hauled them to
the shanty on Lot 31. I went in the forenoon to Mr. Duncan’s to hire him to cut some oats with his
cutting box.
13 Rain this morning. Rain at noon. Rain at night, in fact, a perfectly wet day! I filed the saw in the
forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. The boys made a Beetle* [*=maul, or large
wooden hammer, similar to a sledge hammer].
14 Rather sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. Jim, John and I were at Brother Sam’s
wood bee. I slept at father’s at night.
15 Another pretty cold morning, the ground white with snow again. We went to our shanty, put on
the floor and roof and cut out the door and window.
16 Sharp morning, the day sharp all through, cold wind. We were chinking the shanty and plastering
it. We borrowed 4 boards from Sam.
<Q3 folio 8 recto>
December 1881
17th Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through, the snow disappearing, the waggons running. Jim
went and fixed at the shanty, the rest of us cleaned wheat. There was a gentleman named Garrett
166
here seeing to get patrons to engage to supply him with milk for a cheese factory that he contem-
plates building 4 miles north of here.
18th Sabbath. Cold wind this morning, sharp frost. Scarcely any snow, even in the fence corners.
19 Hard frost this morning, the day got milder towards noon, the afternoon sunshiny and balmy. I
went in the morning to Dundalk with a small grist to the mill. Bought some nails, hinges, came
home about 10 A.M. Then Mr. John Duncan cut feed for us till night. He made an excellent piece
of cutting, and only charged $3.00.
20 Mild morning, misty, the day soft and balmy. We raised our horse stable on lot 31. Brother Sam
helped us.
21 Rather mild morning and the day pleasant. We borrowed 42 Boards from Sam and fixed our sta-
ble.
22 Rainy morning, the day cleared off about 10 A.M. The boys went to Melancthon and worked at
the stable. I stopped at home and split knots.
23 Pretty hard frosty morning, the day chilly all through, very cold, cutting wind. We were fixing at
the stable. Sam Lonsway got his face badly cut by Henry Hewett’s axe glancing. They were mak-
ing ties for H. Hewett. I bought an old stove from W. Lonsway for $1.25 and took it to the shanty.
24 Cold morning, and the day was pretty chilly, although the sun shone out bright all day long. The
boys cut stove wood at home. Jim went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mr. Lonsway’s family were
here this eavning.
<Q3 folio 8 verso>
December 1881
25th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day very fine, almost like Indian summer. W. Lonsway and
family were here today.
26 Mild morning, the day pleasant and mild all through, not much sunshine but a soft air. I went to
Dundalk to the Township nomination. Jim and John hauled our bed clothes, etc., to the shanty in
the forenoon. All the family, with the exception of the old woman and I, are now (8:15 P.M.) at
the tea party in Dundalk.
27 Mild through the day, although there was a sharp frost and a cold wind this morning. We moved
to the Melancthon Lot and commenced cutting saw logs for Barn. Mr. Kirby and Mr. A. Lonsway
were here a while this night.
28 Mild day all through, in fact more like a day in April than in the middle of winter. John, Jim and I
were cutting saw logs. Clark is cook in the shanty.
29 Mild balmy morning, the day continued misty and mild all through, with a change to the freeze at
night. We were cutting saw logs today. Nancy brought us a supply of bread.
30 Cold morning with a slight shower of snow. The ground very hard frozen, the day cold all
through. I went to Mr. Glazier’s and bought six bushels of Lost Nation wheat for seed at $1.20 per
bushel. The boys were cutting saw logs. I slept at the shanty this night.
31 Sharp morning, a good deal of snow fell through the night, and it kept snowing all day and was
also pretty cold. I and the boys were cutting saw logs in Melancthon.
The old year is passing, almost past, and in casting a retrospective glance, I have nothing to com-
plain of, but many things to be thankful for. We have had good health. Good crops and good
prices. Hoping that the New Year will be as favorable as the old has been, I bring my story to an
end.
<Q3 folio 9 recto>
January 1882
1st Sabbath. Sharp cold day from morning to night.
167
2nd Cold morning, the day sharp, but a little sunshine now and then. The boys hauled some stove
wood home in the forenoon, and in the afternoon took 52 Bushels of wheat, less 4 pounds, to Mr.
Cloughly’s grist mill, Dundalk. I went to the Township voting at Dundalk in the afternoon.
3 Very cold morning, snowing, blowing and freezing, which was the prevailing character of the day.
I took a drive through Proton to see the newly elected council on business.
4 Another cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through. I helped Sam to skid logs in the afternoon.
The boys worked at plastering the horse stable in Melancthon.
5 Not quite so cold as yesterday, still sharp enough to suit. Sam built a log boat for us in the bush.
The rest of us made skidways.
6 Something milder this morning, and there was some snow fell in the afternoon. William John Ar-
nold, with his team, skidded 58 saw logs for us on the Melancthon lot.
7 Mild morning and the day was pretty soft all through. W. J. Arnold skidded 31 saw logs and was
done at about 2 P.M. I hired him for $1.50 per dime [=diem], and board. He hauled in the old
stove to Dundalk and hauled me home part of my grist.
8th Sabbath. Soft morning and the day continued thawing, scarcely leaving any snow. Mr. A. Lonsway
was here this forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went [to] his house in the afternoon.
9 Sunny morning and snow fell pretty steadily through the day. Pretty good sleighing in the after-
noon. Jim brought home the remainder of the grist in the forenoon. John took a cord of dry cedar
to Dundalk and sold it for $1.50. We went to the Melancthon lot in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 9 verso>
January 1882
10th Some snow fell this morning, and it kept falling a little during the day. We fixed the bunks in our
sleigh then went to Melancthon and made a start at hauling our saw logs to the mill.
11 Snowing some today, pretty mild, almost like a thaw. Jim was hauling saw logs. John and I were
helping him to load, cutting roads, sawing logs, etc.
12 Slight snow fall, the day mild throughout the day. Very good sleighing. Jim hauled logs, John and
I worked in the bush.
13 Some snow fall this morning, and also a little during the day, with a slight shower of rain in the
eavning. Jim hauled logs, John and I worked in the bush.
14 Snow fall this morning, snowing through the day. The snow is now about eight inches deep. Jim
hauled logs, John and I cut down trees that were in close proximity to our shanty. John Russell,
John Agnew and son were here tonight.
15th Sabbath. Cold stormy morning, the day was pretty chilly all through. The folks went to the funeral
of James Kinnear’s daughter. John Agnew stopped here tonight.
16 Cold morning, snow falling, the day cold, some snow fell. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon,
thought I would have a chance to get the Office of Township Clerk, but did not. The boys and
their uncle John were going to cut me some oat sheaves. Could not get the fixings up for the horse
power, therefore did not cut. Johnny went to W. J. Arnold’s sawing in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 10 recto>
January 1882
17th Cold morning, the day cold all through. Johney was at W. J. Arnold’s sawing. Jim hauled saw
logs. I helped load and cut roads.
18 Fine morning and the day was pleasant, with grand sleighing. Jim hauled logs. John and I worked
in the bush.
19 Fine morning, but the afternoon was sharp, good sleighing. Jim hauled logs. John and I worked in
the bush.
168
20 Fine day all through, grand sleighing. Jim hauled logs. John and I finished cutting saw logs. We
have now cut over twenty-one thousand feet, which is two thousand more than the framer’s bill
calls for.
21 Snow falling very thick this morning, and it kept coming down pretty close all day. Jim hauled
logs. John and I worked in the bush, cutting roads, helping to load, and cutting stove wood.
22nd Sabbath. Snow storm, pretty high wind at night.
23 Extremely cold morning, blowing and freezing. The afternoon and especially the night is said to
be the coldest for a great number of years past. Mr. John McDowell lay out all night about five
miles from home and was badly frozen, his hands, feet and face. We went to Lot 31 Melancthon
this afternoon, but done nothing, the cold was so extreme. [in margin] John McDowell froze.
24 Extremely cold morning, the day cold all through. We skidded saw logs in the afternoon.
25 Something milder than yesterday, the roads are badly drifted, especially those running North and
South. Jim hauled logs. Johney chopped stove wood. I, with some others, shovelled a passage
through the drifts on Side Line 230, Melancthon.
<Q3 folio 10 verso>
January 1882
26th Very mild morning, the day warm with strong sunshine about noon, rain in the afternoon and very
high wind at night. Jim hauled logs. I fixed some pitch holes in the road. Johney stopped in the
bush. The boys left the shanty at night and went to their uncle Sam’s. The wind rose very strong
about 11 P.M. I got afraid that it would blow down some trees on the horse stable, so I took them
out and came home. I got home at 2:10 A.M. Mother fell today and broke one of her ribs. [in
margin] Mother fell and broke one of her ribs.
27 Started this morning with the horses for the shanty. Stopped at Mother’s this eavning. Jim went
to Mr. Oliver’s [MS Olliver’s] bee. Johney and Jim went to the spree at night.
28 A little soft this forenoon, the afternoon got colder and the wind rose at night. Jim was hauling
logs, John, Sam and I made cedar ties.
29th Sabbath. Cold stormy day. I sat up with Mother all night. Poor mother is badly hurt.
30 Blowing considerable in the forenoon and cold, the afternoon milder. Jim was at Mr. Oliver’s
hauling cedar logs. I and Johney were working in the bush.
31 Mild day all through, sun strong and warm. John and I were working in the bush. Jim hauled saw
logs. I went to a supper in Dundalk in honor of Mr. H. Graham*. [*Member of first Board of
Managers for Erskine Presbyterian Church, 1878; History of Dundalk, p. 139.]
<Q3 folio 11 recto>
February 1882
1st Pretty mild day all through, the sleighing is very bad. Jim was hauling logs. John worked in the
bush. I was at mother’s this night. Poor mother is suffering badly.
2nd Pretty mild morning, and the day mild. Jim was hauling logs. Sam telegraphed to Brother John
Mother’s condition this morn[in]g. John and his wife got to mother’s in the afternoon. I was at
mother’s all night.
3 Stormy morning, blowing and snowing some. Jim was hauling logs. Johney worked at Brother
Sam’s, hauled him some wood. I was at mother’s all night. The last night I ever had a mother on
earth—poor dear, dear mother died about ten minutes after midnight. She departed calm[l]y as a
baby going to sleep, not a quiver, not a groan. She died so easy that we scarce could tell when the
spirit took its flight. She was quite sensible all through her sickness and could speak some words,
though low, till within about thirty minutes of her death. She died as doth the just and good, with
her trust and hope in Jesus Christ the Saviour of mankind. Poor dear darling mother, how I will
169
miss the dear old form and the kindly look that always welcomed me. Ah mother, mother, mother,
may thy loving spirit guide me to the Saviour’s side. [in margin] Mother died this night.
4 Blowing in the morning. Blowing and snowing in the afternoon. Poor father is stopping with me
this night.
<Q3 folio 11 verso>
February 1882
5th Sabbath. A little snow fell this morning, the wind pretty high. We buried Mother about Four
O’clock this afternoon in the church yard of the Union Church on rear end of Lot 36, 4 Range,
N.E. Toronto and Sydenham Road, Township of Melancthon, Co. Grey, Ontario. There was a
large funeral, about 150 persons I think. Mr. Potter, W. Methodist minister, preached the funeral
sermon.
6 Mild morning, the day mild all through, the sun melting the snow in the afternoon. Father went
down with brother John to Tossorontio to stop a while. I sent Johney with the sleigh with him as
John had a wagon up. Johney only got as far as Primrose when the sleighing gave out and he had
to return. John then took father on the wagon home.
7 Mild day, with some rain in the afternoon. The sleighing is almost gone. Jim hauled two loads of
logs to the mill.
8 A little skiff of snow fell last night, but not enough to be of any service to the sleighing. Jim and I
skidded 17 saw logs and he hauled one to the mill in the afternoon. Johney was helping his uncle
Sam to pick potatoes.
9 Sunny morning, the day mild and balmy all through. We cut some stove wood in the forenoon.
Jim hauled the moving home out of the shanty and hauled the wood in the afternoon. John helped
his uncle Sam at the potatoes. Mr. Kirby stopped here this night.
10 Cold raw day all through, blowing and freezing. I done nothing today, did not feel well, got a
cold. The boys chored around, split wood, etc. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon for some
flour. I took the cross-cut to John Gott’s and got her sharp[en]ed and sett.
11 Cold morning, the day chilly all through. Sleighing gone on the leading roads. Wagons are run-
ning. John, Clark and I cut shingle timber on the Melancthon lot. Jim was helping Henry Lon-
sway to make ties.
<Q3 folio 12 recto>
February 1882
12th Sabbath. Fine sunny day, spring-like and mild. Mrs. C. Bell and W. Lonsway, wife and family
were here.
13 Mild soft morning, raining early in the morning but cleared off about 8 A.M. Johney went to W.
McKay’s to help him hew ties. Jim went to Dundalk to get his boots made [? last word minutely
written]
14 Frost this morning, but the sun shone out bright and warm and the day was very pleasant and
spring-like. The snow is pretty much gone out of the fields and the sheep and cattle are out nib-
bling the grass. Jim is helping H. Lonsway to make ties, Johney is helping W. McKay. I sent a
letter to Brother William. Mrs. R. and I were in Dundalk, I twice. [in margin] W. Russell/
Sawmill and lumber man / Batson’s Store P.O / Dickson Co. / St. of Tennessee
15 Mild morning, the day soft and mild all through. I went to Brother John’s to Tossorontio. Jim was
helping H. Lonsway make ties. John was helping W. McKay make ties.
16 Pretty sharp morning. Rain in the afternoon, snow at night. John and I went to John Agnew’s.
Mr. Hussay paid me on the road near Alliston, $400.00. Land payment. John and I stopped all
night at John Agnew’s
170
17 Very cold morning, the day cold all through. I stopped at Brother John’s all night. Father was
there. Poor father is quite lonesome.
18 Very cold raw morning, the day piercing cold all through, and colder still at night, the wind pierc-
ing cold at night. Poor father would have liked [to] come home with me this morning, but I had no
team with me.
19th Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through. Mrs. R., John, Clark and I went to church on Lot 36, 4th
Range, Melancthon.
<Q3 folio 12 verso>
February 1882
20th Sharp morning, the day pretty chilly all through. We were taking out barn timber.
21 Plenty of sleet and snow falling this morning and continued snowing all day. We were taking out
barn timber. I was unable to work with a cold.
22 A little snow fell this morning, there is pretty fair sleighing. We were taking out barn timber.
23 Fine day, but growing softer. We were taking out barn timber. I was unable to work.
24 Soft day all through. We were taking out barn timber. I am unable to work.
25 Pretty cold morning and the forenoon was chilly all through. We went to the Melancthon lot and
finished taking out square timber. I cooked for the men in the shanty.
26th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Mrs. Sam Russell and family were here today.
27 Soft morning, the snow melting fast, sleighing nearly all gone off the roads. Jim and Johney were
swamping out Barn timber. Nancy and I went to Dundalk. I sent Mr. Mathew Knox (South
Dummer) $209.00, being a payment on the lot of land which I bought from him on 28th of last
May. I sent Post Office money orders for that amount and they cost me $1.05.
28 Soft morning, a complete thaw set in, the snow almost all dissappeared. Jim, John and Clark
swamping out Barn timber. They finished all but one beam of our make in Proton. The swamps
have broke up.
<insert>[loose note, between folios 12 verso, 13 recto]
Eden Grove the 8th Mar 1882
To Mr John McAulay and Mother.
Please Pay the bearer, James Russell,
My claim for Horse $7. and $2. for
Interest making $9.
And oblige yours truly
John Agnew
</insert>
<Q3 folio 13 recto>
March 1882
1st Wet morning and most of the day was rainy. Jim went to Dundalk to get his boots fixed.
2 Very fine morning, with a little frost in the morning, the day sunshiny all through, just like spring.
The boys and I took the team and went to the Melancthon lot and hauled out four sticks of timber,
2 sills 60 feet long, 1 sill 40 feet and a splice tr??? sill 37.
3 A fine morning, the day fine all through, but a little cold, very windy in the afternoon. Jim and
Johney were cutting sleepers at home, did not get many.
4 Hard frost this morning, the day pretty chilly, although the sun shone out bright. Jim and John
were cutting sleepers on the Melancthon lot.
5th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, but the afternoon was soft and thawing. Mrs. R. and family were
at church. [in margin] First lamb came.
171
6 Hard frost this morning, and pretty cold through the day. There was a slight snow fall about 5
P.M. Jim and John were cutting sleepers on the Melancthon Lot.
7 Snow this morning, although not enough to make sleighing. The sun shone out in the afternoon
and melted most of it. Jim hauled two sticks of timber from Lot 31 Melancthon. Johney cut roads
in the bush. Jim hauled the timber on the Log Boat. It was very hard work with the last log and
wore the runner of the boat down.
8 Cold raw morning, the day pretty chilly all through. Jim and John were swamping out Barn sleep-
ers on Lot 31 Melancthon. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Dundalk. Miss Johnson and Miss Jackson
were here this eavning.
9 Snow fell this morning and the day was snowey [=snowy] all through. The boys were swamping
out sleepers and Jim hauled home the two 60 feet sills.
<Q3 folio 13 verso>
March 1882
10th Nice quantity of snow on the ground and the sleighing was pretty good in the afternoon. Jim was
hauling logs to the mill. Johny was helping in the bush.
11 Dark morning and there were several showers of snow fell during the day. Jim was hauling logs to
the mill. Johny and Clark helped in the bush.
12th Sabbath. Nice quantity of snow on the ground this morning and there were several snow showers
throughout the day.
13 Very heavy snow storm this morning and a good deal of snow fell through the day. There is good
sleighing. Jim was hauling sleepers from the Melancthon lot. Johney helped in the bush. [in
margin] Heavy snow.
14 Sunny morning, but sharp frost. The day was pretty cold in the shade. There is capital sleighing
now, the boys were hauling sleepers from Melancthon. They are gone tonight to H. Hewitt’s
spree. Father came home from Tossorontio last night.
15 Pretty chilly morning, but the day got milder towards noon. Pretty cold again towards night. We
were cutting and hauling sleepers from the Melancthon lot
16 Nice sunny morning, the day continued bright and pretty warm, the snow melted some. We cut
some sleepers at home in the forenoon, and in the afternoon cut some spruce for Barn doors and
hauled it to the mill.
17 Fine sunny morning, but the afternoon got overcast and very cold and windy. Johney gathered
troughs in the bush and Jim hauled them (150) to Lot 31 Melancthon. Father came out here this
afternoon.
18 Very windy, cold morning, some sleet in the forenoon, rain in the afternoon, some thunder and
lightening at night. Jim hauled the remainder of the square timber in the forenoon. Johney
chopped firewood. Jim hauled it in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 14 recto>
March 1882
19th Sabbath. Pretty fine day all through, the forenoon had some sunshine. Mrs. R., some of the family
and I went to meeting.
20 Mild, but cloudy through the day, frost at night. The boys and I were tapping trees on the Melanc-
thon Lot. [in margin] First trees tapped.
21 Stormy morning, blowing and snowing, very high winds, the day one of wind and snow, too
stormy to do any outside work.
22 Some snow this morning, pretty cold all day. The boys were cutting shingle timber on Lot 31
Melancthon.
172
23 Pretty sharp morning, the day got sunny towards noon. The boys were cutting shingle timber on
Lot 31 Melancthon.
24 Bright sunny morning, the day clouded over and the afternoon was stormy snow and wind. I was
helping the boys to cut shingle timber on Lot 31.
25 Nice sunny morning, the day pretty warm, but chilly [in the afternoon]. The boys were getting
shingle timber. I went to Dundalk and gave my bond for $10,000.00 as treasurer for the Township
of Proton. My sureties are Samuel Russell, Skeffington Bell, John Irwin and Thomas Carson.
26th Sabbath. Soft morning and the day mild, a pretty sharp rain came on about 6 P.M.
27 Wet morning, the day showery all through, cold after dark and freezing pretty sharp. The day was
too wet for outdoor work. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
28 Pretty cold morning, the afternoon milder. The boys were hauling out shingle timber out of the
swamp.
<Q3 folio 14 verso>
March 1882
29th Cold but fair in the forenoon, the afternoon rainy. The boys were hauling shingle timber. Proton
assessor stopped here this night.
30 Cold windy morning, the ground frozen hard. Johney went to Tossorontio for his steers. The as-
sessor assessed me for Lot 215 $650.00, Lot 216 $150.00, Personal property $140.00, five days
statute labor. Jim brought two of the cattle home from Mr. McGurr’s. [in margin] assessor here /
John went for his steers.
31 Pretty cold morning, very hard frost, the afternoon something milder with some sunshine. Jim and
I went in the morning to Dundalk and got 500 pounds of Bran at $.85 per cwt. Jim then got some
shoes put on the horses and I went to the examination in School Section 5, Melancthon.
April [1882]
1st Very fine mild morning, the day sunny and warm, very springlike, remarkably balmy in the after-
noon. Clark and I ground the axes in the forenoon, and Jim went to Melancthon Lot for an axe we
had left at the shanty. Jim and I made a stick of timber for the barn (a girt that we had broke). In
the eavning I then went to Dundalk and bought Johney a pair of Sunday lace boots for $2.75. [in
margin] Seen the first / Robin for this season.
2 Bright sunny day from morning till night, fine springlike weather.
<Q3 folio 15 recto>
April 1882
3rd Pretty hard frost this morning, the sun soon got out and the day was warm and springlike after-
wards. John Gott hewed the sleepers (38, 20 feet long) and overlays (13, 23 feet long). Mrs. R.
and Willie went to the Melancthon Lot and fixed the troughs at the maple trees. [in margin]
Johney got home / the steers.
4 Dark morning and it began to rain about 9 A.M. and continued pretty wet throughout the day. I
attended a Council meeting at Cedarville, about 18 miles from here. I went on horseback and got
completely soaked through with the rain. I left Cedarville about dark and came as far as Hopeville
where I stopped all night. The country approaching Cedarville from here is a miserably swampy
spot and also very stoney. It is a poor section of country. The boys were in the sugar bush gather-
ing sap.
5 Pretty hard frost this morning, but at about 10 A.M. the sun began to appear and the frozen roads
got softened. The afternoon was chilly, and frosty at night. I left Hopeville Hotel this morning
and came as far as Mr. Cavanaugh’s, Township clerk. Stopped there on business till about 2:30
P.M. then came home. The boys (John and Clark) were in the sugar bush a while in the forenoon.
173
They then came home and Mrs. Russell, Eliza, Jim and John went to Miss Maria Lonsway’s wed-
ding. I also went to the wedding when I got home about 8 P.M. A fine industrious girl is Maria,
and Mr. Broughton got a prize in the lottery of marriage when he got her. [in margin] Miss Maria
Lonsway married to Mr. Broughton.
<Q3 folio 15 verso>
April 1882
6th Sleety morning and most of the day was very unpleasant and wet. Jim was at William Lonsway's
wood bee. Mrs. Skeffington Bell was here.
7 Dark misty morning, the day dark and mizzling, the roads fearfully bad. Jim helped James Lon-
sway make ties. Johnny and Clark boiled down sap.
8 Rather misty morning, but the sun got out and the day got very warm about noon. I took the team
and went to Mr. Cavanagh’s, late treasurer of Proton, and got the Books, papers, etc. belonging to
his Office. Jim was at Joseph Jackson’s raising. Mrs. R. and Johney were in the Sugar bush. [in
margin] heard lizzards.
9th Sabbath. Cold this morning, but the day got something warmer. Changed to very cold in the
eavning. Mrs. Russell and I visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s.
10th Very cold morning, hard frost, the roads as rough as can be imagined. Frequent showers of snow
through the day and snowing all night, piercing cold day all through. We were getting our barn
lumber sawn.
11 Cold raw morning, snow on the ground and some now falling. Freezing through the day, the roads
very rough. We were getting lumber cut at the mill.
12 Sharp morning with a sprinkling of snow on the ground. The day chilly, and more snow fell at
night. I was piling lumber at the mill. The boys were getting some firewood. [in margin] First
cow calved / Lady.
13 Cold morning with a nice sprinkling of snow which melted about 12 noon. Jim and I were hauling
lumber from the saw. Johney was helping his uncle Sam to saw stove wood.
<Q3 folio 16 recto>
April 1882
14th Hard morning with plenty of frost, the forenoon pretty chilly. The afternoon something milder,
with frost again at night. We were piling lumber at the mill.
15 Hard frost this morning, the roads very rough. The sun shone out soon, the day got mild and very
nice. We (Jim and I) were at the sawmill in the forenoon. We only got about 600 feet sawn, then
they began to grind. Johney and Clark were in the sugar bush.
16th Sabbath. Nice bright morning, the sun clear all day, very springlike. Mrs. R and family were at
church.
17 Bright sunny morning, the day warm, dry and beautiful. Jim and I were at the sawmill. Johney
was gathering sap in the Sugar bush.
18[=19] Wet morning, but the day got dry about 10 A.M. and was fair to about 6 P.M. when it com-
menced raining and was very wet. Jim started to plow this afternoon. There was no frost, but the
ground was very wet. I attended a Council meeting Dundalk in the evening. [in margin] First
plowing / Muly heifer came home.
[written different script, left slanted, at end of entry] The above entry belongs to the 19th day of
the month.
18 Very fine morning, the day beautiful and bright, very springlike. Jim and I hauled lumber from the
saw. John and Clark were in the S[ugar] bush. [This entry is written in same left-leaning hand as
preceding note. Other entries are in normal hand, slanted right.]
174
20 Kind of wet morning, but it got dry for a while, then came on wet again and finally turned to snow.
Jim was plowing, the others chored around, mostly doing nothing. I was studying out the Town-
ship Treasurer’s Books from morning till night.
21 Ground covered with snow this morning, cold and wintry-like. Snow melted soon and the after-
noon was milder. Jim and John went to the shanty for some molasses with the wagon. Then
Johney thrashed some oats in the eavning.
<Q3 folio 16 verso>
April 1882
22nd Hard frosty morning, the day milder, though rather cold wind. Jim plowed part of the day. Johnny
and Clark went to the Sugar bush and gathered sap. I went to J. J. Middleton's sale. Things sold
very dear.
23rd Sabbath. Frosty morning, but the day turned out nice and warm in the afternoon.
24 Sharp frosty morning, but the day got warm and Springlike. Johney and I repiled about 5000 feet
of lumber at the mill. Then I went to the Sugar bush where Mrs. R. was boiling down sap. Jim
plowed. Johnny thrashed some oats in the afternoon.
25 Frost this morning, but the sun got out and the day got warmer. Johney chored around, Jim
plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I got the 22 fruit trees which I had
ordered from the Rochester nursery.
26 Frosty morning, the air chilly all day, freezing again at night. Jim plowed, Johney and I planted
out the fruit trees. Mrs. R. and Clark went to the Sugar bush in Melancthon. [in margin] Planted
Fruit trees.
27 Frost this morning, but not very hard. Plowing soon commenced and the day was pretty fine. Jim
plowed, Johney split rails, Clark went to the sugar bush and boiled down sap. I chored around fix-
ing trees, etc.
28 Raw cold morning, the day chilly all through, although the sun shone out. There was a slight rain
about noon. Jim plowed, Johney split rails, Clark went to Mr. Ros[e]borough’s for some plum
trees which he had promised me. They were a very poor sample that he sent.
<Q3 folio 17 recto>
April 1882
29th Hard white frost this morning, the ground so white that it appeared almost like snow. The day had
a chilly air all through, although the sun shone out clear. I sold about 7 bushels of wheat. Jim har-
rowed, Johney split rails. Mrs. R went to Dundalk in the afternoon. She and I went to Mr. Lon-
sway’s at night. I borrowed Skeffington Bell’s gangplow this afternoon. W. John Arnold brought
home the fanning mill which he had the loan of. Brother Sam borrowed some bags of me. [in
margin] First Grain Sown / Wheat.
30th Sabbath. Cold, Raw morning with a slight shower of snow. The day was chilly all through. Mrs.
R. and I went to Melancthon.
May [1882]
1st Cold morning, frost on the ground. There was some rain in the afternoon, then it turned to snow,
and a fierce snow storm took place, covering the ground with a white mantle. Jim was ganging till
it got too wet for him. Johney was splitting rails. Clark and I cleaned grain. Eliza and Willie
were at school. Jim took home Skeffington Bell’s gangplow. [in margin] Snow storm.
2 Cold morning, frost and snow on the ground. The day very wintry-like. The snow melted on in
the day. Jim and John went to Melancthon and brought home three pails of molasses, also the
sugar kettles, barrels, pots, etc. Made a general sweep and finished sugar making. It has been a
poor year with us for the business. We are too far from the bush and could not attend at all times.
I went to Dundalk and transacted some business.
175
<Q3 folio 17 verso>
May 1882
3rd Hard frost this morning, but the sun came out and the frost dissappeared. The day was cool and
sunny. I sowed the remainder of the wheat, about five bushels. Jim plowed till noon and Johney
split rails. Johney harrowed in the afternoon and Jim went to the blacksmith’s to get a bolt for the
mouldboard of the plow. [in margin] Finished sowing wheat / Seen first swallow.
4 Nice morning, sun bright and warm, beautiful day all through. Things growing nicely. I sowed
about 14 bushels of pease. Jim harrowed in the afternoon and split rails in the forenoon. Johney
harrowed in the forenoon and split rails in the afternoon. Clark went to his uncle Sam's and har-
rowed for him. [in margin] Sowed pease / full moon / yesterday.
5 Hard frost this morning, but not hard enough to prevent plowing. The day was chilly all through,
but the sun shone out bright. Jim harrowed in the forenoon and sowed oats in the afternoon.
Johney and I cleaned some oats in the forenoon, then John split rails till dinner time, and harrowed
in the afternoon. I picked potatoes in the cellar, and I went to Dundalk after tea time. [in margin]
First oats sown.
6 Hard frost this morning, the day clear and cold. Very little growth at present. Jim harrowed till
noon. Then he and I took in 8 bags of potatoes to Dundalk and sold them for $1.00 per bag. We
also got 1200 pounds of hay from Skeffington Bell for $6.00. Johney split rails, Clark chored
around.
7th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day was sunny but chilly. Father and Sam and Phoebe were here.
We took father up to the teacher doctor* to see what he would say about his sore foot. He said the
bone of the big toe was [diseased? writing unclear]. [*No doubt Dr. Thomas Norton, who was
first a teacher at Hornings Mills, then studied medicine at McGill, returning to a joint medical
practice with Dr. Barr at Hornings Mills and Shelburne; see S. Sawden, History of Dufferin Coun-
ty, n. d. [1939], n. p. [Orangeville or Toronto], pp. 139-40; and above, 10 June 1876, 29 August
1881.]
<Q3 folio 18 recto>
May 1882
8th Frost this morning, but not very hard, the day pretty warm, the afternoon cloudy with a slight
sprinkling of rain, and a heavier shower at night fall. John harrowed some, then plowed the re-
mainder of the day. Johney yoked up his steers and tried to harrow some but did not succeed.
Clark took a sow pig to the back line. I went in the forenoon to Lot 31 to let the chopping and
clearing of some bush to a man. He is to tell me tomorrow whether or not he will take the job. It
is about 10 acres of culled bush with a good deal of underbrush in some parts of it, and I offered
him $50.00/00 to clear it and leave it ready for plowing. Also he is to rid up all the timber on the
old clearing, so as to form a twenty acre field. The whole work to be done for the said fifty dol-
lars.
9 Fine morning, warm day, sunny, with a good growth, the evening cloudy with indications of rain.
I went to Dundalk and purchased the nails and hinges for the frame barn. I paid $3.00 per hundred
for the cut nails and eight cents per pound for the wrought nails. The small hinges were eight
cents per pound, and the large, six cents per pound. Jim plowed. Johney split rails.
10 Cold morning, the forenoon cloudy and cold, the afternoon cold and wet. Jim plowed till tea time.
Johney split rails. The eavning was very cold and wet, the night pouring wet and cold. [in mar-
gin] Wet.
176
11 Cold, raw morning, a drizzling rain falling, cold as winter almost. It kept showery all day, a mis-
erably cold day all through. Jim plowed a little after dinner. There wasn't much work of any kind
done here today. [in margin] Wet.
<Q3 folio 18 verso>
May 1882
12th Wet morning, wet at noon, wet at night, nothing but rain all day, and very cold sleety rain at that.
There has been three days rain almost without intermission. A fearful wet time. Jim and John
went to Skeffington Bell’s to get a load of hay, but it was so windy and wet they could not weigh
it. Nothing doing at home, so wet. [in margin] Very wet.
13 Mizzle of rain this morning, and the day was rather damp and cold. I went to Dundalk. Jim
plowed. Johney split wood. Mrs. R went to Dundalk in the eavning. Miss Sarah Bell was here a
while.
14th Sabbath. Cold, clear morning, the day clear and cold all through. Father and Sam were here, Sam
took father up to the doctor to have his foot seen to.
15th Frost this morning, the day clear and cold. Jim plowed, Johney cut wood. Jim and John went in
the forenoon to Skeffington Bell’s for a load of hay. Mrs. R. and I went to the auction sale at Nel-
son’s in Dundalk this evening. [in margin] Frost.
16 Frost this morning, the day clear and cold. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Jim
plowed. Johnny split rails. Jim broke his plow pretty badly, the head is split in two. [in margin]
Frost
17 Frost this morning, the day cool, clear and dry. Sowed oats in the afternoon. Johney plowed in
the forenoon and harrowed in the afternoon. Jim helped William John Arnold to sow oats. [in
margin] Frost.
18 Clear, cool morning, the day cool but dry. Jim harrowed after he had hauled out some manure and
plowed it under for some early potatoes. Johney planted the potatoes. Mrs. R. helped Mrs. Nickle
to cook for her raising. [in margin] Frost / First potatoes planted.
<Q3 folio 19 recto>
May 1882
19th Frost this morning, the day cool but dry. Jim harrowed, Johnny clipped the sheep. I went to a
raising of a barn at Mr. Nickle’s in the afternoon. Mrs. R. was helping Mrs. Nickle to cook. I
sowed oats in the forenoon.
20 Frost this morning, but the day got pretty warm. I was letting water off the low places in the fore-
noon, and in the afternoon went to Lot 31 Melancthon. Johnny finished clipping sheep.
21st Sabbath. Clear morning, the day fine and pretty warm. I had the doctor call in to see Johney who
has a severe pain in his side.
22 Cloudy morning, the forenoon overcast, the afternoon rainy. I went to John Irvin's and bought 14
bushels of oats at .40¢ per bushel. Jim hauled them home at noon. Jim sowed oats. Clark har-
rowed. Johney is on the sick list. I helped Mrs. R. to clean out the milk house.
23 Pretty chilly morning, and the day cloudy and cold all through. Jim harrowed, Clark picked up, I
fixed fences. Mrs. R. and I went to John Gott’s a while tonight. W. McMurdo of Proton came
here today and offered $100.00 dollars apiece for a span of two years old colts. [in margin] Frost.
24 Hard frost this morning, ice on the water in the sugar kettle, more than half an inch thick. [In] the
[forenoon] Jim plowed some and sowed some. Clark harrowed some. I did a drain in the swale to
let off the water so that I could get it sown. The boys went in for father but he did not come out
with them. [in margin] Frost.
<Q3 folio 19 verso>
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May 1882
25th Cool, dry morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and I were gathering stones in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon Jim was plowing.
26 Dry, cool morning, the day cool and clear. Jim was plowing a potato patch in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon he sowed a bag of oats, being the last of the seeding of grain for this season. Clark
harrowed with one of the mares, as the ground was so soft we could not put the mare that’s near
foaling on it. [in margin] Finished sowing grain (oats) / Got papers from Toronto.
27 Cloudy but cool this morning, the forenoon dry, but rain came on in the afternoon. There was not
a great deal fell, although it kept at it a good while. Johney finished harrowing in the forenoon.
Clark picked up roots and sticks. Jim split rails. I shoveled out a ditch through the low part of the
last sown grain. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the team in the afternoon. We had a splendid
ewe die this eavning, I think from the effects of the cold rains on her, she being shorn. She acted
as if she had cramps.
28th Sabbath. Cool morning, the day cool and clear and cold in the afternoon. W. John Arnold and wife
visited us today.
29 Frost this morning, the day bright and warm. Jim, John and I went to the Melancthon lot and got
out 20 rafters, 25 feet long, 4 inches at the top end. We peeled them and hauled them home. It
was a very heavy load, especially as one of our mares is very near the foaling. [in margin] Frost.
<Q3 folio 20 recto>
May 1882
30th Dry sunny morning, the day pretty warm all through. Jim harrowed in the forenoon and in the
afternoon borrowed his uncle Sam’s horse and skidded timber here for the framers who have come
to work this afternoon. I cut rafters in the forenoon. Johney cut rafters all day.
31st Cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, with frequent showers and pretty sharp rain about
dark. The framers were working here today. Jim hauled two loads of lumber from the mill.
Johney cut rafters. I sent the cattle (5) to John Gott’s to be pastured at .50 cents each per month.
June [1882]
1st Cold morning, drizzling rain falling, something like a genuine Scotch mist, very cold, so much so
that the framers had to keep on their mittens while at work during the forenoon. The afternoon
cleared off and was something milder. Jim and John hauled rafters. Jim fetched home a load of
lumber in the afternoon and Johney and I cut stove wood in the bush. Clark is on the sick list.
2 Frost this morning, then a little shower of rain. The day cleared up and was dry till about 12 noon,
the afternoon very wet. Jim hauled two loads of lumber in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he
hauled some stove wood home. I went to a Council meeting at Dundalk. [in margin] Frost.
3 Rainy morning, rainy at noon, rainy at night, a complete wet day all through. I went in the morn-
ing to R. Mil[l]’s and bought a 60 foot sill from him at 2.50. Hired D. Reid to haul it home for
1.50. Then I went to Priceville and from thence home.
<Q3 folio 20 verso>
June 1882
4th Sabbath. Rainy day, except in the afternoon, which was moderately dry.
5 Dry this morning, but the day was chilly all through. The sun shone out most of the time. I went
to the Court of Revision at Melancthon. Brother Sam helped to haul posts with his horses, then
him and the boys planted potatoes.
6 Fine morning, dry and pretty warm, the day dry all through, and some vegetation. Jim was asking
hands for the raising on next Thursday evening. Johny and [I] took down the old shed and dug
post holes in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent colts to pasture.
178
7 Fine morning, though a little cloudy, the day was dry and warm but very windy in the afternoon.
John was asking hands for the raising. John and I were sawing off posts and placing them in posi-
tion. I went to Dundalk after supper and posted my papers to the Dep. Minister of Education. [in
margin] Sent papers to D. M. of Education.
8 Cloudy morning, very like a thunder storm, the day cloudy, warm and threatening for rain, but
there fell none, very fortunately for me, I think, as I had a Barn raising. There were about sixty-
four men present: the five framers, and ourselves, three. The Barn is 40 x 60 feet. It went together
well and the men were done about 5:30 P.M. Mrs. R. had a wool picking bee of women. [in mar-
gin, double underline, Gothic script] Barn Raised.
9 Very fine morning, the day dry and warm all through. Jim was hauling lumber with one of our
own mares and one of W. J. Arnold’s. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon
chored around. Johney was helping W. J. Arnold to plant potatoes. Willie also helped. Old Mrs.
Johnson, Henry Johnson’s mother, was buried today.
<Q3 folio 21 recto>
June 1882
10th Wet morning to about 7 O’clock, then the rain ceased and the remainder of the day was dry and
warm. Brother Sam and Jim were hauling lumber. Johney was helping Mr. McGurr to haul out
manure. I sold 16 lambs to Mr. James Best for $2.70 per lamb. He paid me $20.00 on them, and
is to pay me the full price when he takes them away.
11th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day fine and warm with a good deal of sunshine. [in margin]
Frost.
12 Frost this morning, the day pretty warm and bright. Jim borrowed his uncle Sam’s horse and
hauled out manure with him and one of our own. Johney helped him. I piled the loose lumber that
was laying round the Barn. I also attended a political meeting at Dundalk at night. The meeting
was called by Dr. Sproul, M.P. for East Grey. [in margin] Frost.
13 Fine morning, the day warm and bright. Cloudy at night. We were hauling out manure in the
forenoon, and planting potatoes in the afternoon. We finished planting. We planted 12½ bushels
this afternoon and we had planted before 7 bushels, making in all 19½ bushels. [in margin] Fin-
ished planting potatoes.
14 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, dry and warm, every indication of a rain storm at night. I went in
the forenoon to Dundalk and got some S[wede] turnip seed. In the afternoon I sowed some of
them. Jim and John were preparing the ground.
<Q3 folio 21 verso>
June 1882
15th Very rainy morning and the forenoon was pretty wet. The afternoon was [MS a] kind of mizzly.
Jim hauled a load of lumber in the afternoon. Johney planted some potatoes for himself. Clark
and I sowed some Swede turnip seed.
16 Fine morning, the day dry, warm and very fine growth. Jim borrowed W. J. Arnold’s waggon and
rack and hauled shingle timber to the mill, and lumber from it. Johney is laid up sick today, very
feverish and a pain over his left eye. Very bad, he was, this morning, quite delirious for a while.
Is a good deal better at night. I and Clark planted some potatoes for Jim as he was working the
team and could not attend to it.
17 Nice morning, but cloudy. The clouds soon dispersed before the sun and the day was dry and
warm. Jim hauled a load of shingle timber and a load of lumber in the forenoon. In the afternoon
he made some drills and we sowed some turnip seed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk after tea and
met with a slight accident going. We were riding in Henry Lonsway’s waggon: the iron came off
179
the end of the neck yoke, the horses started to run. Henry tried to hold them. I caught a line and
was helping. The lines broke, the horses ran into the shed of the tavern on Lot 230 Gravel Road,
Melancthon. The horses turned so short that the three of us who sat in the Spring Seat were
pitched out, falling pretty hard on the ground. Mrs. R. had 7 dozen of eggs with her, they were
smashed to smithereens. We were not hurt seriously, but all of us were pretty badly jar[r]ed. [in
margin] Sent letter to Brother William / Batson’s Store P. O. Dickson Co. / Tenn. US.
18th Sabbath. Morning bright and fine, the afternoon cloudy and windy with a rain storm accompanied
by thunder and lightening.
<Q3 folio 22 recto>
June 1882
19th Cool, cloudy morning, the forenoon a little wet, the afternoon cold but dry. I was at a Bee for
Skeffington Bell’s, helping haul out manure. Jim hauled a load of shingle timber to the mill in the
forenoon, and also a load of lumber home. He went in the afternoon to Mr. Christopher Johnson’s
Raising. Johney went to the Dr.’s to see to get some relief for his eye which is exceedingly pain-
ful.
20 Fine morning, the day fine all through, pretty warm and dry. I went in the forenoon and helped
Jim load a load of shingle timber in Melancthon. In the afternoon I went to the poll at Dundalk
and polled my vote for Dr. Sproul, the Conservative Candidate. The state of the poll in Dundalk
was Dr. Sproul 63, Mr. Christie 48. Majority for the Dr. 15. Jim hauled three loads of shingle
timber to the mill and one load of lumber home. [in margin] Frost this morning / Frost the night of
the 21st June 1881 / Dominion Elections.
21 Fine morning, the day dry and warm, pretty hot in the afternoon. I hauled two loads of lumber
from the mill: 1000 feet on each load. We borrowed W. J. Arnold’s team and John drove them do-
ing Statute Labor. Jim shoveled on the road.
22 Fine morning, the day clear, bright and warm. Jim was hauling lumber. I was doing S[tatute].
Labor.
23 [F stricken] Cloudy morning, some thunder and a little rain, the day was cloudy generally, but very
close and warm, and a fine growth. Jim hauled home thirty-six bunches of shingles. Mrs. McGurr
came here in the afternoon and I wrote two letters for her, one to a son of hers in Winnipeg, the
other to her granddaughter in Toronto.
<Q3 folio 22 verso>
June 1882
24th Bright morning, sun rose clear, the day was rather cloudy but very sultry, the afternoon clouded
over, some thunder and a little shower of rain. Jim hauled two loads of lumber, and after tea took
the team to Sam’s to haul some firewood for him.
25th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm.
26 Fine morning, the day dry and very sultry. Jim hauled shingles and lumber, also some rails to
mend a fence.
27 Dry morning, the day a little cloudy, but dry and sultry with a slight sprinkling of rain at near
night. Jim hauled lumber. Henry Hewitt brought one load of shingles.
28 Dry morning, the day dry though cloudy, also pretty sultry. Jim brought home one barrel of salt
and seven bunches of shingles in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he harrowed the potatoes.
Then he took home his uncle Sam’s horse. We have had the loan of him quite a while, hauled all
our lumber, nearly, with him. Johney and I put up fence.
180
29 Fine morning, but chilly, the day dry and middling warm, good growth. Jim was helping his uncle
Sam to log. Johney and I built fence. Gerty colted, time: Eleven months and sixteen days. Horse
colt, very feeble on its legs, cannot stand.
30 Dark morning, a slight rain in the forenoon and heavier in the afternoon. I went to see father who
is sick. Jim helped Sam to drive a yoke of steers to Dundalk. Johney put some locks on the fence
in the dry part of the day. I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
<insert>[between folio 22 verso and 23 recto, now item L.12 in Letters.Documents directory] Letter
from George Hodgins, Dep. Minister of Education, Education Department Ontario, May 20,1879.
[States rules re. pension]: “if under sixty years of age, one must present a medical report each year,
and present himself to County or City Inspector, who will report….. before pension will be paid.”
[handwritten on back of official letter:] “Heart disease causing extreme palpitations at the slightest
exertion, also fits of vertigo, and renders concentration of thought for public school teaching very
difficult, if not impossible. It first manifested itself during extreme study about 12 years ago.”]
</insert>
<Q3 folio 23 recto>
July 1882
1st Rainy morning, not very heavy, but just a mizzle that was the prevailing feature of the day. All the
family, except Mrs. R. and I, went to Dundalk to see the sports.* [*Dominion Day festivities.]
2nd Sabbath. Fine day all through. I went to Melancthon to see poor father who is sick.
3 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. I went with Brother Sam to a Council Meeting in Melanc-
thon. Came home and went to Father’s, sat up all night with him. He is very sick. Mrs. Eliza
Russell* is up here. [*wife of John Russell, sister of Nancy Agnew Russell and John Agnew]
4 Fine day all through, dry and warm.
5 Dry morning, the day dry, and fine growth. Brother John came up tonight. He and I were at Fa-
ther’s. Poor father is worse.
6 Dry morning, the day dry and fine all through. My dear old Father died just as the clock struck 12
at midnight. The doctor said his disease was pleuresy. Darling Father only lived 3 months and 3
days after mother. Oh, the agony of parting from a beloved parent. My Father was the best of Fa-
thers, no kinder could have been. Father was about 71 years of age. [in margin, double underline]
Father died.
7 Dry warm day all through, rain at night.
8 Cloudy morning, appearance of rain, a little sprinkling fell. We buried poor Father about 3
O’Clock this afternoon alongside of Mother in the Graveyard on Lot 36, 4th Range Melancthon.
Mr. Snowdon, W. Minister, preached the funeral.
<Q3 folio 23 verso>
July 1882
9th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Brother John stopped here today. John Agnew was here a while.
10 Cloudy morning and a little rain fell through the day. Jim and John with the team were doing
Statute Labor for Lot 31 Melancthon. I pulled some mustard in the afternoon. Brother John left
for home in the morning.
11 Fine morning, the day fine all through. John took his steers in the forenoon to the fair. Did not
sell them. In the afternoon he and Clark cut thistles from among the potatoes.
12 Cloudy morning, and pretty windy, the day cloudy and windy all through, with a very slight sprin-
kling of rain a little after 12 noon. Jim went to Horning’s Mills, Melancthon, to play the fife for
the Orangemen there. John beat the drum for Irwin’s lodge, Proton. Clark, Willie and Eliza went
181
to Dundalk to witness the gathering. Even Mrs. R. hurried off after dinner to join the pageant.
Stopped at home alone, as being more consistent with my feelings.
13 Cloudy, windy and cool, all through the day. Jim came home about 10 A.M. from Horning’s
Mills. In the afternoon he re-drilled some turnip ground. I went to Dundalk after dinner. Clark
hoed potatoes at John Gott’s.
14 Dry, cloudy morning, the day dry and pretty windy, especially in the afternoon. Clark, Willie and I
re-sowed some turnip seed which the flies had eaten, before John and Jim went to work on the
drains under their uncle Sam.
<Q3 folio 24 recto>
July 1882
15th Warm day all through, and a little breezy. There was frost this morning, done little harm to ap-
pearance. Jim and John were on the drains with Sam. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and
done some Township business. [in margin] Frost.
16th Sabbath. Cloudy and cool this morning, the day dry and windy, but threatening rain, which came
after night. Mrs. R., W. J. Arnold and Mrs. Arnold, and I took my team and went to Mulmer.
17 Dry morning, but showed signs of rain. The day dry all through. Mrs. R. and the whole caboodle
went to a picknick or tea party on Lot 36–4th Range Melancthon. My family are all wild geese,
run-run-run for evermore. No stop at home. Some of them has arrived now 10 P.M., others are on
the scoot.
18 Rather misty morning, the forenoon got overcast and there was a heavy rain with some hail and a
little thunder in the afternoon. The framers have started work again at the Barn. Mrs. R. took the
team and she and Willie went to Feversham with the wool. Jim was at Mr. Hewitt’s logging bee.
Johney and I dug drains. [in margin] 76¾ lbs Gross / 65¾ net. [weight of wool.]
19 Very heavy dew this morning, the day got overcast and there was a shower about 11 A.M. The
afternoon was fine. I was digging drain, Jim was with Sam on his drain. Johney was doing Stat-
ute Labor for Sam. Mr. George Rutherford was here this afternoon and I got the new Barn insured
in the Western for $380.00 and Contents $120.00. I also had the insurance $100., and part of the
Contents $250., in all $350., taken off the old buildings which are in the Victoria Mutual, and
placed on the new. Sum total $850.00 on building and contents.
<Q3 folio 24 verso>
July 1882
20th Cool, cloudy morning, the forenoon cold, the afternoon warmer. Jim was working on the drains.
Johney was doing Statute Labor for Sam. I went to the back line in the forenoon and in the after-
noon I dug a piece more of the drain where I intend for a lane.
21 Cool morning, the forenoon cool, the afternoon warmer. John and Jim were working with Sam on
the drains. I cut the way to the overlays and W. J. Arnold hauled them out with one horse.
22 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty warm all through. I dug at the ditch for lane. Jim and John
worked at the drains with Sam. Christopher Johnson bought a yoke of small two year old steers
from me for $32.50.
23rd Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through.
24 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got 15 lbs.
spikes for the Barn, also a bottle of medecine from the doctor for the cough. Jim and John helped
John Gott at the Barn. Clark and Willie took home the steers to Mr. Johnson.
25 Dry, sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm, with rather a strong wind. John and I ditched.
Jim and Clark took the mares to “Justice”* in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Lot 31
Melancthon and brought home the Bobsleighs. [*stud horse.]
182
26 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty hot, with a stiff breeze. Jim and Johney were taking
out logs to make an approach to the barn. I was ditching.
<Q3 folio 25 recto>
July 1882
27th Fine morning, the day dry to about noon, then there was some rain with thunder. There was more
rain about 2 P.M. with heavy wind, then a heavy rain about 9:30 P.M. The boys were making an
approach to the frame barn. I was ditching. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway here at night.
28 Dark, cloudy morning, the day cloudy, cool and windy, the eavning chilly. Johney and I put in a
culvert and levelled a waggon track for hauling hay, grain, etc. Jim finished the approach to the
barn, then he repaired the hay rack to haul in.
29 Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. Jim finished the waggon rack, then he went with W. J. Ar-
nold, who borrowed my waggon, to Mulmer. Johney drilled up the potatoes and hoed his own
patch in the afternoon. I looked over the Township Books and went to Dundalk in the afternoon
and deposited $100.00 @ 6 percent in Mr. Lucas’ Bank. I had deposited $100.00 in the beginning
of the month. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought some paints and oils. [in
margin] Renewed subscription to Mail.
30th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day hot mostly, and pretty breezy. Mrs. R. and I went to brother
Sam’s. The place where poor Father and Mother lived is quite lonesome. Their dear old faces are
no more there to welcome me, their voices are hushed forever, sad is the recollection!
31 Cloudy morning, the day cool and cloudy. Jim and John started mowing. The grass is pretty tall
but very thin, it being the first seeding-down on new ground. I was picking around.
<Q3 folio 25 verso>
August 1882
1st Mizzly morning, the day a little wet all through. Jim and Johney mowed till noon. They went to
Dundalk after tea. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went to Osprey woolen Mills for the yarn.
2 Misty morning, and the day was cloudy all through and cool. Jim, John and I went to Lot 31
Melancthon and made and brought home some overlays.
3 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and cool all through. Jim and John were mowing. W. J. Arnold
helped them. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon on business. In the afternoon Clark and I raked
and put up some hay.
4 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and very sultry. Jim and John mowed in the forenoon and in the
afternoon hauled in four small loads. Clark and I raked. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, post-
ed and Registered the following letters: one to Miss West of Orangeville containing $33.00, one to
Miss Rogers of Mount Forest containing $29.00, one to W. Ferguson, Esq., Inspector of P. S., con-
taining money order for $4.00, one to the Manager of the Merchants Bank, Toronto, Receipt for
$24.00 Coupon. Came home and raked hay after that.
5 Cloudy morning, the day several times appeared like rain, still, none fell. The afternoon especially
appear[ed] like thunder, the day was pretty sultry. Jim went to W. J. Arnold to help him at his hay.
We raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in, in the afternoon. Mrs. R. also raked. We hauled in
six small loads. We had to load small, the ground was so rough and stumpy and knolly. Miss Sa-
rah Bell was here a short while this eavning.
6th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry but a good deal of rain fell in the afternoon. Brother
Sam and family were here today.
<Q3 folio 26 recto>
August 1882
183
7th Dark morning, the day cloudy pretty much all through. Jim and Johney were digging on the drain.
I mowed part of the day, and in the afternoon I went to John Brinkman's and bought a small pig,
about ten pounds weight, from him for $2.00.
8 Rather cloudy morning, the day dark generally. There was a slight rain, both in the forenoon and
afternoon. Jim and John worked on the drain for lane. I mowed in the forenoon and in the after-
noon worked at the Township books.
9 Cold morning, the day chilly, mostly, and cloudy. There was quite a rain accompanied with thun-
der and lightening in the eavning. I was working on Sam's drain till about 4 P.M., when the rain
prevented us working any longer. Jim and John went this morning on an excursion to Owen
Sound. Mrs. C. Bell was here today. [in margin] Boys on an excursion.
10 Dark, cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, with every appearance of rain, but scarcely any
fell in this neighborhood. The two boys were with Sam on the drain. Clark was with A. Patterson
on his drain. A sad calamity happened yesterday in Osprey. At a picknick six boys went out in a
small boat to have a sail. The boat upset and four of the boys were drowned. Two of the boys
were sons of Mr. Mills of Osprey. I was cleaning out the cellar in the forenoon and in the after-
noon I went to Dundalk.
11 Bright morning, the day dry all through. Mrs. R. and I raked hay in the forenoon and hauled it
home in the afternoon. Jim and John were at Sam's on the drain. Clark was on A. Patterson’s
drain.
12 Wet morning, the day showery all through. I made out the half yearly statement of the finances of
the Township in the forenoon, and in the afternoon all of us, with the exception of the two eldest,
went to Dundalk. Jim and John worked half a day on the drain. Clark worked the same time.
<Q3 folio 26 verso>
August 1882
13th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, though not wet. Skeffington Bell and wife
were here this afternoon.
14 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy with every appearance of rain, but none fell. Jim was ½ day at
drain, John nearly full day. Clark with A. Patterson. Mrs. R., Eliza and I Paris greened our pota-
toes.
15 Cloudy day all through, with a slight shower of rain in the afternoon. I mowed a little in the fore-
noon. Jim and John were on the drains, Clark was with A. Patterson.
16 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and wet-like. I mowed some in the afternoon. There was a quite
a shower of rain in the forenoon. Jim and John were on the drains.
17 Misty morning, a slight rain falling, which continued most of the forenoon. The afternoon was
dry. I attended council meeting at Dundalk. Jim and John were working on the drain with Sam.
Clark was part of the day with Alex Patterson.
18 Fine morning, the day dry all through. I cut some swale grass in the forenoon and in the afternoon
went to inspect the cleaning of Lot 31 Melancthon. From thence I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R., Eli-
za and I had tea at Mrs. Joseph Neithercut’s. The boys were on the drains. There was a pretty stiff
frost this morning but no harm can be seen yet in this part. [in margin] Frost.
19 Sunny morning, the day clear and bright. I wed [=weeded] turnips in the forenoon. The boys
worked on the drains in the forenoon. There was a very heavy frost this morning but I can't see
any damage done, except some pumpkin leaves wilted. [in margin] Frost.
<Q3 folio 27 recto>
August 1882
20th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day fine all through. Mrs. R., Eliza and I visited at Mr. W. Lonsway’s.
184
21 Cloudy morning, the day dry till about 2:30 PM when there came on a thunder and rain storm.
The afternoon was pretty showery. It is now (7:45) raining pretty sharp. Jim and John were work-
ing at Sam's. Clark was with A. Patterson full day, less half an hour, on drains. I put up some hay
in the swale in the forenoon and in the afternoon wed among the turnips in the dry spells.
22 Showery morning, the day showery all through, with a perfect rain pour during the night. Jim and
his mother went to Flesherton. John was with Sam on the drain. Clark was with A. Patterson.
23 Fine morning, and the day fine all through. Jim was in at Sam's pulling pease. John was on the
drain. Clark made ¾ day with A. Patterson. I was weeding turnips. [in margin] First new pota-
toes.
24 Misty morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. I was ditching at home,
Jim and John were with Sam. Clark was at A. Patterson’s.
25 Fine morning, the day dry and excessively hot. I pulled pease in the forenoon and went to a Coun-
cil meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. The boys were on the drains. [in margin] First harvest-
ing.
26 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Johney, Clark and I pulled pease. Jim was at Sam’s.
<Q3 folio 27 verso>
August 1882
27th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day was generally cloudy, but no rain fell.
28 Rather misty morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. The three boys
and I were pulling pease. John Gott was working at the barn.
29 Fine morning, the day dry and very warm. I was helping brother Sam at his pease. Jim hauled a
load of bricks from Flesherton for Mister Thomas Hanbury to Dundalk. Then he hauled another
load of bricks for John Irwin from Skeffington Bell’s. Clark and Johney pulled pease.
30 Dry warm day all through. C[l]oudy in the afternoon. Jim craddled oats in the forenoon and in the
afternoon he and Johney and Willie hauled in pease. I pulled pease. Clark was helping Sam at his
pease. [in margin] First oats cut.
31 Misty morning, and a very slight skiff of rain fell. The day cleared off about 9 AM and it was dry
afterwards. We put in a load of pease, then Jim and John craddled oats. I fixed the road a little
and went to Dundalk after supper.
September [1882]
1st Cloudy morning, with the appearance of rain. We worked in the turnip patch during the forenoon.
In the afternoon the boys cut and tied some wheat. I hoed turnips. [in margin] First wheat cut.
2 Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out once in a while. The day was dry till about 5:40 PM when
there came on rain, accompanied by thunder and lightening. The boys hauled in the remainder of
the pease in the forenooon, and cut wheat in the afternoon. I hoed turnips in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon went to Melancthon and measured Faucet’s job. It lacked more than ¾ of an acre in
measurement, also there was raking and cutting of snags to be done. Mrs. R. gathered spoils.
[writing cramped]
<Q3 folio 28 recto>
September 1882
3rd Sabbath. Misty morning but no rain fell during the day. There was some rain at night.
4 Dark morning, very like rain, but none fell. The day was dry all through. Jim and I took 16 lambs
in the forenoon to the man that had bought them (James Best). In the afternoon Jim craddled,
John and Clark bound. I hoed turnips and went to Dundalk after tea.
185
5 Fine morning, the day dry all through, but an exceedingly heavy dew this morning which kept the
grain wet and unfit for handling quite a while. I raked up oats, the three boys craddled and bound
wheat.
6 Fine morning, the day dry all through. Jim cut wheat in the forenoon. His mother and John tied.
And in the afternoon we hauled in five loads of loose oats. Clark was working with W. Lonsway
for $1.00.
7 Misty morning, and a very heavy dew. The sun shone out after some time and the day was dry
and fine, but got cloudy towards night with indications of rain. Jim and John were craddling oats.
Clark and I hauled in five loads of wheat in the afternoon.
8 Cloudy morning, and the day appeared very much like rain, but none fell. The sun got out and the
day was dry. I helped Sam to bind and haul in. Jim and Johney cradled oats at home. Clark raked
together some oats into sheaves.
9 Very fine morning, the day dry and fine all through, and very warm about 2 PM. Clark and I
hauled in two loads of oats in the forenoon, and three loads of wheat in the afternoon. Jim and
Johney craddled oats.
<Q3 folio 28 verso>
Sept. 1882
10th Sabbath. Misty morning, but the day was dry all through. Miss Sarah Bell was here. Mrs. R. went
to see Mrs. G. Broughton in the afternoon.
11 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty windy. Jim craddled oats. Mrs. R., Johney and I hauled in in
the forenoon. In the afternoon Mrs. R. and I visited at S. Bell’s.
12 Dry morning, and some frost, but apparently it done no harm. The day dry. Jim craddled, Mrs. R.,
John and I hauled in.
13 Cloudy morning, and very much like rain, which came on about 12:30 after noon, and was consid-
erably wet during the afternoon. Jim, Johney and Willie went to help Sam harvest in the morning.
I had to go to Dundalk in the morning for nails. I then went with the team to Sam's and we all
helped him. The rain stopped us. Sam has out about two loads of grain.
14 Wet morning, the forenoon showery, the day very wind[y] from morning to night, especially so in
the afternoon. There was some hail during the forenoon. The boys tried to craddle some oats but
it was too windy. We tied a load of oats in the afternoon and hauled them in. We also hauled in
some swale grass that I had stacked up. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. W. J. Arnold bor-
rowed the democrat. [in margin] Very high wind.
15 Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out and the day was dry and breezy. Jim and John craddled
oats. Mrs. R., Clark and I tied oats.
16 Very heavy dew this morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. Brother
Sam helped us to harvest oats. Jim mowed them but they were greatly broken down. John and
Clark hauled in ten loads. Mrs. R and I bound oats.
<Q3 folio 29 recto>
Sept. 1882
17th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, thunder and lightening with a slight sprin-
kling rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s.
18 Cloudy morning, but the sun got out about 11 AM. The day was dry and breezy. We hauled in five
loads of oats in the forenoon and this wound up our harvest. Will we all live to see another harvest
finished? Who can tell? We fired our fallow in the afternoon, got a very poor burn. Jim went to
the mill in the afternoon for some plank to finish the horse stable. Did not get any. Will get them
tomorrow morning. [in margin, double underline] Finished Harvesting.
186
19th Rather misty morning, the day cloudy in the forenoon and a pretty sharp shower of rain. The af-
ternoon was dry. The boys were picking up in the fallow in the afternoon. Jim went to the mill in
the forenoon and got some plank to finish the horse stable. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and
got some hinges. Miss S. Bell was here a while today.
20 Misty morning, but the day was dry but cloudy. Jim, John and I picked up in the fallow. Jim went
to see Henry Gallaher in the afternoon, as he wished to get him and his oxen to log.
21 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool all through. John was piling brush in the fallow, Jim and
his Uncle Sam were making door casings for the upstairs. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon for
staples and bolts, in the afternoon I piled brush.
22 Rainy morning, and the forenoon was showery, the afternoon dry. Jim fixed some door casings.
John went with the team to Mr. H. Hewitt's thrashing. John Gott finished the Barn. Price paid
$90.00. He was 34 days and his men were 57 days of a single man. [in margin] J. Gott / finished /
the Barn / Frost.
<Q3 folio 29 verso>
September 1882
23rd Misty morning, the day dry but cool. Frost this morning. John Gott got the lend of the team and
democrat to take his wife to Maxwell to the doctor. We were piling brush in the fallow. Mr. Lon-
sway and wife were here this afternoon. [in margin] Frost.
24th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry but rather chilly. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam's in
the afternoon.
25 Frost this morning, but the day was dry and breezy. The boys and I were working in the wood fal-
low piling brush, etc. James Mills borrowed the democrat to take his daughter Hannah to the doc-
tor at Shelburne. [in margin] Frost.
26 Frost this morning, the day dry but very chilly. The boys working on the chopping. Mrs. R. and I
went to the funeral of Mr. Robert Oliver’s infant in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to
Flesherton and purchased a Wilkinson's plow (1 no. 3, Stiff) for $13.00 cash and our old plow val-
ued at $4.00. Mrs. R. bought herself a new bureau for $11.00 cash and a mirror for $4.00. [in
margin] Frost
27 Frost this morning, the day rather warm and dry. Jim, with the team, was at Mr. Lonsway’s thresh-
ing. Johney, Clark and I chopped in the fallow. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
28 Not quite so chilly this morning, the day pretty warm with a few drops of rain about noon. Johney
is at Mr. Lonsway’s threshing, Jim and Clark worked in the fallow. I went to a Council meeting at
Hopeville. I took my team and drove the Reeve (Peter McGregor) out. They had a very long
meeting and it was two O’clock in the morning when I got home.
<Q3 folio 30 recto>
Sept[ember]1882
29th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm all through. We were logging with the horses in the
fallow.
30 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm all through. We were logging with the horses
in the fallow. W. J. Arnold helped us to roll. Mr. Muir bought a span of colts, both mares sired by
Lord Haddon and twenty-eight months old, from me for Two hundred and five dollars cash. [in
margin] Sold colts.
October [1882]
1st Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day dry and hot all through. W. Lonsway and family were here to-
day.
2 Dry morning, but misty, the day remained cloudy all through and rather cool. We were logging
today. Henry Galllaher had his oxen with us, and W. J. Arnold helped to roll.
187
3 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty warm all through. We had Henry Gallaher and his oxen, and
Brother Sam, logging.
4 Dry morning, the day dry all through, but cloudy in the afternoon. Johney and I fired the log
heaps and kept them punched up. Jim and Clark helped their uncle Sam to raise potatoes. Mrs. R.
and Johney went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. Muir took his colts [MS coalts] away today.
5 Fine morning, but the day got cloudy, although there was no rain fell. We punched up the log
heaps in the morning and went to the Show Fair in Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a fine
turnout at the fair, a very large crowd. James White of Melancthon got badly hurt by R. Mont-
gomerie’s bull.
<Q3 folio 30 verso>
Oct[ober] 1882
6th Fine morning, the day dry and very warm. We were picking up and branding. I went to Dundalk
to Council meeting in the afternoon.
7 Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. We were picking up and firing heaps in the fallow. Mrs.
Lonsway and husband were here a while at night.
8th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry all through and very windy. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. Lon-
sway’s.
9th Rather cloudy this morning, and the day chilly all through. There were several slight showers of
rain. We were taking up potatoes. Mrs. R. and I went to Mrs. Montgomerie’s with the woolen
yarn to be woven. There were 72 skeins and 2 more to send, or about 41½ lbs.
10 Cool morning, the day rather chilly all through. We finished raising potatoes. They were a very
poor crop in comparison with last year. The ground was too dry in the part of the season when
they ought to be growing. The potatoes were large enough, but very few in the ground. We had
about 80 bushels off an acre of ground. Mrs. W. John Arnold and baby were here a while this af-
ternoon. Yesterday I settled with J. Gardiner* and paid him the balance which Mrs. R. owed him.
I gave him one sheep skin @ .60¢ and returned one horse poke @ .70¢, 14½ pounds shingle nails
@ .03¼ ¢ per pound, and .25¢ worth of screw nails. I gave him .10¢ cash to straighten the account
between us. [in margin] Finished raising potatoes. [*John Gardiner, hardware store in Dundalk.]
11 Cool morning, the day pretty chilly but dry. I chored around, the boys put out manure. Mrs. R.
went to Melancthon to see Mrs. Sam Russell, who has been mourning her family.
12 Fine dry day all through, but rather chilly. Jim and I put out manure. We borrowed Mr. Lon-
sway’s waggon. John, Clark and William helped Brother Sam to take up potatoes.
<Q3 folio 31 recto>
Oct[ober] 1882
13th Fine morning, and the day was dry till the afternoon, when there came on a slight rain which in-
creased in volume till it was a terrible heavy shower just at dark. Jim and I hauled home some
firewood in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. John was helping Henry Gal-
laher to clean grain. Clark and William helped Mr. Lonsway raise potatoes. [in margin] Posted
letter to / William Russell / Sawmill and lumber man / Batson’s Store P.O. / Dickson Co. / Tenn.
14 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and dry all through. I worked at the Township books. Jim
hauled grain (2 loads) to Dundalk for H. Gallaher. John and Clark hauled stones with the steers.
Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here a while tonight.
15th Sabbath. Cool day, but nice and dry and sunny.
16 Dry morning, the day dry and fine all through. Jim plowed, John and Clark hauled stones with
steers.
188
17 Dry morning, the day dry and fine, like Indian Summer. Jim plowed, John and Clark picked
stones. I went to Dundalk in the eavning on Business, was about to purchase Mr. Thos.
Lakin[g]s’* house, but did not. [*Thos. Lakings is listed on Collector’s Roll, 1886, as proptery
owner; see History of Dundalk, p. 269.]
18 Dry morning, the day dry and fine all through. Jim plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon
took 224 pounds of Butter to Dundalk and sold it for .18¢ [per lb.] on account. We also took in 2½
bags of potatoes for Eliza and sold them for .65¢ per bag. Jim got a suit of clothes, to be made, at
$19.00. John bought himself an overcoat for $7.00, and a coat, vest and hat for $9.00. Clark was
shingling with John Gott.
<Q3 folio 31 verso>
October 1882
19th Cold, chilly day all through. Jim was plowing, Johney was making a stone boat. Clark and I
helped brother Sam put in straw.
20 Very hard frost this morning, the day very chilly all through. We were logging. Henry Gallaher
helped us with his oxen. Brother John and his wife came here this eavning.
21 Very fine morning, the day dry and mild. The day, generally speaking, was one of idleness: except
paring some apples and asking hands for the threshing, there was nothing done. The thrashers
came here this afternoon and set up their machine.
22nd Sabbath. Fine day, cool, clear and dry. The Misses Neitherut, brother John and wife, were here
today.
23 Misty morning, and the general appearance of the day was wet, but scarcely any fell. We were
threshing today. Brother John and wife were here today.
24th Bright morning when threshing began. The day was cool and clear. We finished threshing at 9:30
A.M. The grain did not turn out well. As near as I can estimate, I had about 25 Bushels of oats
per acre, 14 bushels of pease and 10 bushels of wheat. Some of the oats are light, must have been
froze by the summer frost. The wheat shrunk, some a little froze, the pease a good enough sample,
but very wormy. John and wife and my wife left for home this afternoon. Mrs. R. is going to see
her father. [in margin] Thrashed.
25 Fine frosty morning, the day dry but chilly. Jim was plowing, John was at Dan Reid’s working,
Clark and I worked among the log heaps.
26 Fine frosty morning, the day dry all through. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark were picking
stones.
<Q3 folio 32 recto>
October 1882
27th Fine morning, the day dry and remarkably beautiful for this season of the year. Jim was plowing,
John and Clark were picking stones. I was picking up in the fallow. John Agnew and Dr. Madill
were here at noon.
28 Frosty morning, but the sun soon got out and the day was dry and fine, though rather cool and
pretty windy, with a slight mizzle of rain falling after night. Nancy came home at noon after being
gone since Tuesday noon. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark picked stones. I picked up in the
fallow and fired heaps and set fire to some stumps in the afternoon.
29th Sabbath. Cloudy, dry day but very cold.
30 Quite chilly this morning and the day was cool, cloudy and dry. Jim plowed, John and Clark
picked stones. I went to Melancthon and hunted up Faucet who had been doing some chopping
and clearing for me during the summer. I paid him his full contract price, less three dollars. The
189
contract was not near completed but I paid him to get rid of him. [in margin]. Henry Lonsway
married to Miss Brou[g]hton.
31 A slight shower of rain this morning, but the day cleared off soon and was fine and mild all
through. Jim plowed, Johney and Clark picked stones and I dug a drain in the field to carry off the
water. There were here a while this eavning Mrs. C. Bell, Mis S. Bell, and Mrs. Skeffington Bell,
also Walter Bell and his brother Skeffington. Jim is at, I think, Mr. Joseph Neithercut’s, as there
came a messenger from them to Jim while he was plowing. Halloweve is now about over, will we
all see another? All that were here, I mean, that’s the question.
<Q3 folio 32 verso>
November 1882
1st Remarkably fine morning, the day beautiful and sunny all through. Jim plowed, John and Clark
picked stones. I dug a ditch.
2 A very slight skiff of snow this morning, just barely distinguishable. The day was pretty cold, but
fair. Jim plowed, John and Clark branded and picked up. I helped in the forenooon and in the af-
ternoon I dug a ditch.
3 Very hard frost this morning, and the air was chilly and cold all day. It kept freezing in the shade
all through the day. Jim plowed, John was at W. J. Arnold’s threshing. I finished my digging of a
drain in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Clark and I cleaned a small grist and sawed some hem-
lock logs. Mrs. M. Broughton called to see us this eavning.
4 Very cold raw morning, the ground froze very hard. John and Clark picked up and branded. Jim
took two bags of wheat to Dundalk mill, did not get it ground. Then he got some repairs done at
the blacksmith’s and harnessmaker’s. I went to Mr. Duncan’s to get him [to] cut some oat sheaves
for us, then I went to Dundalk and from thence to C. Fry’s to see a span of colts [MS coalts] that
he had to sell. I did not like them, made him no bid for them. Mrs. R., Eliza and I dined with Mr.
and Mrs. Lonsway in Dundalk. I got a letter from Brother William. [in margin] Got a letter from
Brother William.
5th Sabbath. Fine sunshiney morning, the day pretty mild for this season of the year. Mrs. R. went to
Melancthon meeting. Brother Sam and Phoebe came out with her and stopped to about 9 P.M.
John Agnew stopped here this night.
<Q3 folio 33 recto>
November 1882
6th Rather chilly this morning, and the day was cold all through, hard frost in the morning. Jim
plowed, John was at D. Reid’s threshing. Clark and I took up turnips.
7 Mild morning, with a slight mizzle of rain. The day was dark all through, with appearance of rain
towards night. Jim plowed to about 3 P.M. when he broke his plow point, and had to go to Dun-
dalk for a new one. John was at D. Reid’s threshing, Clark worked at the turnips. I fixed a little
in the barn, preparing for getting some sheave oats cut tomorrow.
8 Misty morning and the day was lowering all through, but mild. We were cutting oat sheaves. We
had Mr. John Duncan, his cutting box, and horse power, and himself and son. They had two span
of horses. They cut from about 10 A.M. till 5:30 P.M. He cut about 95 dozen large bind
[sheaves], and charged $3.50. He done good work and his charge was reasonable.
9 Mild misty morning, the day a little dark all through, with a slight mizzle of rain at night. Jim
plowed in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went with the team to Dundalk for some wheat I had
bought. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk and purchased Twenty-five Bushels and sixty -nine
pounds of prime fall wheat at .85¢ per Bushel. John and Clark were working at turnips.
190
10 A very fine, mild morning, the day beautiful for this season of the year. I helped brother Sam to
butcher a young cow. Jim went to the grist mill. John and Clark put potatotes into the cellar.
<Q3 folio 33 verso>
November 1882
11th Dark mizzly morning, and the day continued slightly wet. Jim plowed, John and Clark took six
head of cattle for us, and one for brother Sam, to Brother John’s in Tossorontio Township to be
wintered there. I chored around and went to Dundalk to transact Township business. [in margin]
Took cattle to Tossorontio.
12th Sabbath. Very fine day, dry and mild.
13 Quite a change in the weather this morning, snow on the ground and a little fell throughout the
day. Pretty cold and stormy towards night. Jim plowed, I worked at the Township Books. Stabled
up the cattle this eavning for the first [time] this season. [in margin] First snow / Stabled cattle.
14 Sharp frosty morning, snow on the ground and a pretty keen freeze. The day pretty cold all
through, a little glimmer of sunshine about 4 P.M. Jim plowed part of the day. Boys got home
from Tossorontio.
15 Sharp cold morning, the day chilly all through. Mrs. R. and Jim went with the team and some
geese to Dundalk. She sold the geese alive to Mrs. Lamon*for .60¢ each. [*James Lamon was a
lawyer in Dundalk, History of Dundalk, p. 93.]
16 Cold morning, the day got milder and the afternoon was a little wet, and finally turned to snow at
night. The boys were fixing around the buildings. I went to Dundalk in the morning to see Mr.
Hewetson.* He wished me to collect his store accounts for him and offered to provide a rig for me
and pay me $2.00 per day. I did not take the job as I thought it would be too fatiguing on account
of the bad roads and bad weather. The roads are breaking up now and the winter coming on, con-
sequently the job would be very cold. [*Hewetson and Smith ran “London House”, a general
store on Main St., Dundalk; see History of Dundalk, p. 3].
<Q3 folio 34 recto>
November 1882
17 Pretty heavy fall of snow on the ground this morning, very wintery-like. The boys fixed up the
buildings, preparetory [sic] to the winter.
18 Fine bright morning, the day sunny and thawing. The boys hauled some firewood and cut some
stove wood, and ground their axes.
19th Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, the day cool all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Melancthon.
20 Cool in the morning, milder towards noon, with a sharp freeze at night. Johney cut some stove
wood at the house. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk and transacted some business. I deeded
Lot 31, fifth Con. Melancthon to Jim, and Lot 215 + 216, first Con., Proton to Mrs. Russell. Life
is uncertain, and if anything happened to me (I being troubled with heart disease) this would an-
swer for a will and be better.
21 Cold morning, the day pretty cool all through, with indications of snow at night. Jim, Clark and I
were fixing our shanty. John helped his uncle Sam to make Sq[uare] timber.
22 Some snow fell this morning, and the day was soft in a general way, with frequent showers of soft
snow. The boys and I were fixing shanty. [in margin] Mrs. McCulloch* died. [*S. McCulloch
was proprietor of the Anglo-American Hotel in 1877, Hist. of Dundalk, p. 101.]
23 Soft morning, thawing. The day was soft with frequent showers of snow. It is now, (8:30) P.M.,
snowing. Jim and Clark were at the shanty. Johney was helping his uncle Sam put in a culvert. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Miss S. Bell is stopping here tonight.
<Q3 folio 34 verso>
191
November 1882
24th Stormy morning, blowing and snowing, and continued so all day. Jim and Clark went to the shan-
ty in the afternoon. John helped Sam.
25 Rather more moderate than yesterday, but some snow fell occassionally [sic] through the day. The
snow is now about six inches deep on the level. In the fence corners it is drifted about two feet
deep. Jim was helping W. J. Arnold to chop. Clark was at H. Hewitt’s threshing. Johney and I
fixed up part of the old barn for a shed.
26th Sabbath. Snowing this morning, snowing at noon, and snowing at night. Soft air.
27 A little sharp this morning, but the day got milder towards noon, with a sharp freeze at night. We
were roofing our shanty in Melancthon.
28 Pretty sharp morning, the day cool, and decidedly cold at night. Very fine sleighing now. We
were fixing our shanty on Lot 31 Melancthon. Mrs. S. Bell and her sister Miss M. Robinson were
here today. [in margin] P. Conner’s child died of diptheria.
29 Very sharp morning, and pretty cold till the afternoon, when the day became somewhat milder, and
snow began falling towards night. The boys and I were fixing the shanty. Mrs. James L. Johnson
died last night. [in margin] Mrs. Johnson died.
30 Rather stormy this morning, the day kept getting worse, the afternoon was blowing and snowing
very strong. The boys were at the shanty. Mrs. R., Willie, Eliza and I went in the afternoon to
Mrs. Johnson’s funeral.
<insert>
[Between folio 34 verso, 35 recto, scrap of paper with measurements for rooms of house, not clear the
purpose.]
</insert>
<Q3 folio 35 recto>
December 1882
1st A little snow fell this morning and the day got softer towards evening, with indications of a thaw.
The boys chored around home. I attended a Council meeting in Dundalk in the eavning. [in mar-
gin] Sent letter to William / Yellow Creek P. O. / Houston Co. / Tenn.
2 Cold blustery morning, snow falling thick. There was a good deal fell during the day. Jim and
Clark went to Melancthon lot, split some firewood and brought home a load at night. John went to
W. J. Arnold’s sawing. Brother John’s Robert came here this eavning.
3rd Sabbath. Rather rough this morning, blowing and snowing, which was the prevailing features [sic]
of the day. All the family went to Melancthon Church.
4 Stormy morning, blowing and snowing. The day cleared off a little towards noon, then came on
more snow and wind, harder than ever. It was a pretty big storm when night came on. I had one
Ewe died today. Cause: something in her head. The boys moved their bedding, etc., to the shan-
ty.
5 Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through, with some snow falling at night. The snow is pretty
deep now, about fifteen inches, I think, on the level. The boys are at the shanty. Mrs. R. and I
went to Dundalk, sold an old stove for $1.90, and a sheep skin for .75¢. W. Lonsway was here to-
night while I made up for him the amount of timber w[h]ich measure was in the culverts which he
built for the section. H. Lonsway and wife were here a while.
6 Snow falling this morning, and a little fell through the day. The boys are chopping cordwood. I
went accross [sic] today and brought home a small load of wood.
<Q3 folio 35 verso>
192
[writing switches to blue/purple pencil from black ink]
December 1882
7th Extremely stormy morning, snowing and blowing a regular tornado or tempest. The storm kept
raging furiously all day. I did not see a solitary person on the road today. The storm was so vio-
lent that I could not find my way to the watering place, consequently all the horned animals had to
go without. I melted snow for the horses. Brother John’s Bob intended on going home this morn-
ing, but he has got stormstaid and cannot. Johney came home from the shanty at night. [in mar-
gin] Violent storm.
8 Another stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing. The storm did not abate any through the
day. The cold was more intense than yesterday. I made my way to the watering place and shov-
eled out the snow. Then we drove the cattle, and a hard job it was. I got both my ears froze stiff
as bricks while doing so. This is the longest storm I ever re[me]mber of.
9 Sharp morning, but the wind not near so strong as yesterday. Some sleighs appeared on the road
today, but they had to take the fields in a good many places. The roads are blowed up at a terrible
rate. Jim was at the shanty part of the day. In the afternoon he went to Dundalk and bought an
axe, the former one being so hard that it is breaking continually. Eliza showed signs of having
diptheria today, her throat being filled with white matter. We are gargling it repeatedly, and blow-
ing sulphur in it. It appears to be getting a little better. John’s Bob went to brother Sam’s when
we found Eliza had diptheria. Jim is stopping with H. Lonsway tonight. [in margin] Eliza took
diptheria.
<Q3 folio recto 36>
December 1882
10th Sabbath. Pretty stormy day, cold, blowing and snowing. Jim, Clark and Willie went to the shanty
this afternoon. Did not like to let them stop in the house where diptheria is. Eliza is getting better.
We keep gargling her throat with salt and water about every hour. Also blowing sulfur with a quill
into her throat. Also we have put on two mustard blisters to her throat.
11 Somewhat calmer than the former days, not blowing nor near so cold. Some snow falling now and
then. John went to Walter Nickle’s threshing. Jim came home this afternoon from the shanty with
a sore throat. Hope it is not diptheria. Eliza is still keeping gaining, perhaps Jim will not have it
very bad. [in margin] Jim got diptheria.
12 Calm, cold morning, the day got windier in the afternoon, and colder, with some snow falling.
Johny went to the shanty for some wood. Clark came home today, thinks he has diptheria. Jim is
getting better.
[writing in purple pencil ends]
13 Quite stormy this morning, snowing some through the day, a perfect hurricane at night. I went
with Mr. McGregor, Reeve, to Council meeting at Cedarville, had to stop there all night.
14 Another stormy morning, the day stormy all through. Came home, the roads impassible in places,
had to take the fields. Mr. McGregor’s mare could scarcely draw the cutter in places.
15 Sharp freeze this morning, but not so much storm as the other days. The snow is an immense
depth.
16 Calmer but quite cold, a little snow fell through the day. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the
eavning. Brother John is here tonight.
<Q3 folio 36 verso>
December 1882
17th Sabbath. Something milder this morning and not so much snow fell. Brother John went to brother
Sam's and came back at night.
193
18 Quite mild this morning, the day mild all through, the trees covered with hoar frost. Johney took
one cord of Cedar to Dundalk and sold it for $1.25.
20 Rather windy this morning, the snow drifting, with a tendancy to rain at night. I went to Dundalk
to the council meeting in the afternoon.
21 Mild day, with a slight rain falling most of the time. Johney took a cord of dry Cedar to Dr.
McWilli[a]m’s* in the forenoon, and in the afternoon drove his mother to Dundalk. I was in Dun-
dalk in the afternoon, and posted and registered cheque to manager of Merchants Bank, also
cheque to Manager, Bank of Commerce, Toronto, $24.00, $28.00 coupons S. Sections, Proton. [*
Dr. James A. McWilliam, Medical Officer of Dundalk, 1888-1903, see History of Dundalk, p. 33.]
22 Mild morning, thawing till the afternoon, when towards night it began snowing. It is now (8:45)
snowing pretty briskly. Johney and Clark went to Melancthon Lot and cut a small load of wood
and brought it home. I stopped at home and done the chores. [in margin] Watson Ballard / (col-
oured) died.
23 A soft snow falling this morning, something between a rain and snowfall during most of the day.
There has been a thaw, but of short duration, not much water as yet, and the snow very little gone.
John and Clark brought home a little stove wood today. Jim and I cleaned peas (60 Bushels), 13
Split + 47 Whole.
<centrefold Quire 3>
<Q3 folio 37 recto>
December 1882
24th Sabbath. Mild day all through, a slight quantity of snow fell.
25 Mild morning, the day very mild, a slight softening of the snow. John and Clark took a sow to the
hog in the forenoon, and in the afternoon all the boys went to a Social at Dundalk. Mrs. R., Eliza
and I visited Mrs. C. Bell after dinner. [in margin, double underline] James Lonsway / married / to
Miss Chambers.
26 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with a slight snow fall. Jim hauled to Dundalk two cords
(short wood) dry cedar to Mr. Thomas Hanbury at $1.25 per cord. John and Clark cut a cord at
home.
27 Rather sharp morning, the day pretty cold. The boys went to Melancthon to work. John brought
home a small load of firewood. In the eavning I went to the Trustees Annual Meeting in S. S. 2
Proton and paid the school rates to the trustees, $330.00. Coming home I dined with Mr. Christo-
pher Johnson.
28 Pretty sharp morning and a keen freeze all day. I took the boys out some bed clothes and some
bread to the shanty. Brother Sam has commenced his job of taking me out rails. Mrs. R and I
went over to H. Lonsway’s a while tonight.
29 Not very cold this morning, almost inclined to thaw, the wind pretty strong throughout all day.
The three boys are shantying. Mrs. R. took some bread to them.
<Q3 folio 37 verso>
December 1882
30th Rather mild this morning, the day mild all through. Willie and I cleaned up a small grist in the
forenoon. Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Posted letter
to Ireland.
31st Sabbath. Blowing and snowing a good deal this morning, and a good deal of blow throughout the
day. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to brother Sam’s, and from thence to the Union Church in the after-
noon.
194
The old year has just about passed away and alas, the dearest and kindest of parents have been
called away during the year. Poor Father, Darling Mother, both gone to their everlasting [MS ling]
homes. Who can tell how soon another one of us may go? Perhaps another year may cause a
blank in some of our families.
January 1883
1st Cold this morning, the day cold all through. The boys started for the shanty this morning. I went
in the afternoon to Dundalk and polled my vote.
2 Cold morning, the day cold all through. I went to the Bank at Dundalk and deposited $1012.54,
Township moneys.
3 Cold stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, which was the prevailing features of the
day. Mrs. R. took the boys in some eatibles [=edibles] in the eavning.
4 Cold morning, the day cold all through. The boys are at the shanty. Mrs. Kirby is stopping here
tonight. One of our calves took bad with a swelling, the urine seems to be stopped. I am afraid I
will lose [MS loose] the calf.
<Q3 folio 38 recto>
January 1883
5th Very sharp cold morning, the day very cold all through, I think the coldest day that has come
through the winter. I took a small grist to John McDowell’s Mill (7½ Bushels).
6 Cold morning, the day cold all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and straightened up the
Township affairs with the banker. In the afternoon I got a grist from Mr. McDowell’s. Calf died,
too much food in stomach, could not digest it.
7th Sabbath. Not quite so cold as yesterday, another fall of snow today.
8 Rather milder this morning. Killed a swine in the forenoon. In the afternoon took the calf’s skin
to Dundalk, got .06¢ per pound [for] it. It weighed 33 pounds. Then took some provisions for the
boys to the shanty. Brought home some firewood. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here a
while at night.
9 Pretty cold day all through.
10 Keen freeze this morning, the day very cold. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went in the afternoon with
provisions to shanty.
11 Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through, but not near so cold as yesterday. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon. Two Miss Neithercuts and Miss Oliver were here today.
12 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny but sharp. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in [the] eavning.
13 Very stormy this morning, the wind kept getting fiercer and some snow fell. This was the windiest
day [that] has come, I think, this winter.
<Q3 folio 38 verso>
January 1883
14th Sabbath. Stormy, snowey day, the roads are drifting up pretty full, especially those which run
North West and South East. Brother Sam and his family were here today.
15 Calmer this morning, and the sun shone out pretty strong. The day was very cold. I went to a
Council meeting at Hopeville.
16 Bright sunny morning, and the day pleasant all through. Mrs. R. and I visited Mr. Skeffington Bell
in the eavning.
17th Blowing and snowing this morning, and the day was one of storm all through. The snow came
down very thick. Mrs. R. took some provisions to the boys at the shanty. I have entered on my
48th year of existance today. Will I see another Birthday? Poor Father and Mother were both
alive this time last year. Alas, both are now gone.
195
18 Pretty sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. James L. Reid of Dundalk died today.
19 Very blustery morning, and the day stormy all through, blowing, snowing and freezing. Mrs. R.
went to William Lonsway’s. Mrs. Lonsway gave birth to a boy.* [in margin] Mrs. W. Lonsway
gave birth to a boy. [*William, d. Feb. 1960, buried in Alliston in family plot.]
20 Something softer this morning, and towards night there was a slight rain or sleet for about two
hours or a little more, when it cleared and there fell some snow. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon and made a Township deposit in the Bank.
<Q3 folio 39 recto>
January 1883
Sabbath. 21st Cold blustery morning, and the day was one of storm, blowing and freezing. The boys
came home about noon.
22 Extremely cold day from morning till night. The sharpest frost this winter, nothing like it. Jim
and John went to Lot 31 Melancthon for some firewood. [in margin] Very cold.
23 Very cold morning, the day extremely cold all through. We chored around home today. [in mar-
gin] Very cold.
24 Another stormy cold morning, but not quite so bad as yesterday. The day was very cold all
through, and the wind high. The wind increased towards night. We butchered a swine. Jim made
a wood rack, Clark and I cleaned up a grist for the mill.
25 Sharp morning, the day piercing cold. The boys took the team and started for Lot 31 Melancthon
to swamp out some cordwood.
26 Very cold morning, but the sun got out soon, and the day was rather pleasant. I went to Dundalk in
the eavning. Henry Lonsway and wife were here a while at night.
27 Something milder and almost like a thaw. Still, I think the thaw is a good while coming. Jim was
trying to haul cordwood to Dundalk. Could not get along well, the roads were so filled up with
snow and the sleighs kept cutting off. It's poor business. I was at Dundalk in the eavning.
<Q3 folio 39 verso>
January 1883
28th Sabbath. Another cold stormy day.
29 Blowing and snowing, mostly, all through the day. John and Clark went to Lot 31 Melancthon for
some firewood. Brought home about an eighth of a cord. Got a telegram from John Agnew say-
ing his father was dead.
30 Very mild morning, the day soft all through, the snow melting and in some parts on the road, al-
most watery. Mrs. R. went to her father's funeral. Johnny and Willie went also. Clark and I took
a grist to the little mill. Jim is at home laid up with a cold. Eliza is keeping house.
31 Very stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing, the day was fearfully stormy all through.
February [1883]
1st Another stormy morning, the day stormy all through from morning till night.
2 Bright morning, the day rather milder than yesterday, with a good deal of sunshine.
3 Pretty stormy morning, the day rough all through, with a sleet fall towards night. Jim and John
went to Lot 31 Melancthon for some firewood.
4th Sabbath. Another stormy day from morning till night.
5 Another stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing all day long. Jim went to help his uncle Sam
haul logs to the mill. Got along badly. Horses crowded. Broke his harness. Broke his clevis.*
Did not get a solitary log to the mill. Came home with one horse hitched to the sleigh, the other
behind. [*Clevis: u-shaped metal connector, with a pin or bolt through the ends of the U, used to
hitch a chain to the harness, to tow logs.]
196
<Q3 folio 40 recto>
February 1883
6th Another stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing. The boys were cutting stove wood in the
bush at home. Joseph Jackson of Melancthon was married to Miss Johnson of Artemesia today.
[in margin] Joseph Jackson married.
7 Another day of storm. Blowing, snowing and freezing. The boys were cutting stove wood.
8 Another stormy day from morning till night, blowing, snowing and freezing. The boys cut stove
wood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon tried to get some home. First, John took his steers and
broke the road to the Bush, Jim shoveled out the snow in the gaps. Then Jim hitched up the horses
and went back. He could only fetch a few sticks. The sleigh was almost load enough for the hors-
es. There had been no road to the Bush any time this winter, so that every foot of it was bursting
through Snow from 2 to 5 feet deep. He succeeded in getting home a few sticks.
9 Very stormy morning and the day continued extremely cold and blustering all through. Blowing,
snowing and freezing were the prevailing characters of the day. Jim went to Dundalk. It kept him
three hours coming home.
10 Sunshiney morning, the [day] clear, bright and calm, but a sharp freeze. The boys were in the
bush cutting stove wood. Jim butchered a swine in the afternoon. I had her up three months fat-
tening, and still she was poor enough. Henry Lonsway and wife, and James Lonsway and wife are
here this night for a while. Miss Sarah Bell was here in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 40 verso>
February 1883
11th Sabbath. A sharp cold day all through, but not so much of a blow as some of the days past.
12 Sunshiny morning, the day bright and pretty warm, the snow melting on the sunny side of the
buildings. Jim hauled home stove wood, John and Clark manufactured it in the bush.
13 Sunshiny day all through. The boys, assisted by Henry Lonsway, were in the bush cutting fire-
wood.
14 Stormy day, snowing and blowing. Jim helped Henry Lonsway saw wood. Clark and Johney
were in the Bush in the forenoon. In the afternoon Johney took John Gott to Flesherton. Clark
went for his boot to the shanty, took it to Dundalk.
15 A little inclined to be soft this morning, the day tending to softness all through. Mrs. R. and I went
to Dundalk on some business.
16 Raining this morning. Raining at noon, and raining at night. I went to Toronto, took a ticket for
there and back, Price $3.80. Got the mixed train at Dundalk, rode to Orangeville and waited there
to the eavning train. Went on board, train delayed at Woodbridge, freight train off the track at
Weston, got to Toronto at 12 night. [in margin] Thaw.
17 The morning blowing and cold. Cleared up about noon, the afternoon sunny. Seen lawyer S. H.
Blake, consulted him about the Essa Lot Mortgage. Took the train 4:25 P.M. and got home to
Dundalk at 10 P.M.
<Q3 folio 41 recto>
February 1883
18th Sabbath. Pretty cold stormy day, the roads very bad, almost impassable.
19 Pretty chilly in the morning and all through the day, although there was a little sunshine. Jim tried
to haul some stove wood from the bush. Only hauled one small load, the horses crowded so. In
the afternoon I went to Clippert’s sale thinking to buy a steer calve, but his calves were heifers.
Johney cut some wood in the bush.
20 Another stormy day, blowing and snowing. I attended a Council meeting at Dundalk.
197
21 Cold stormy morning, the day was very windy all through, drifting snow. The boys started for Lot
31 Melancthon.
22 Cold day all through.
23 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty mild, sun shining all day. Brother Sam came here about to
11 A.M. He and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk in Mr. Nick-
le’s sleigh.
24 Blowing pretty strong all day, the afternoon sleeting, or more like cold rain falling. The boys are
at the shanty.
25th Sabbath. Blowing, snowing and freezing. Brother Sam and Phoebe, and Miss Maxwell were here
in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 41 verso>
February 1883
26th Snowing, blowing and freezing from morning till night, a regular NorWester Blizzard. Willie,
Eliza and I cleaned up a load of oats in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk on
some business.
27 Calm morning, but the day turned out very rough and windy, with a raging snow storm at dark.
Brother Sam hauled out two loads of oats for me today (57 Bushels 15 lbs + 69 Bushels + 18 lbs).
Sold them for .40¢ per bushel. I could not put my horses on the road because they crowd so much.
28 Nice mild morning, the day bright, sunny and warm. Very pleasant after so much cold weather.
Brother Sam hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk for me. Sold at .40¢ per bushel.
March [1883]
1st Bright sunny morning, the day mild and a thaw wind with a hot sun. The snow is settling down
and melting. [in margin] Thaw.
2 Very fine morning about sunrise, but the day got overcast and was pretty cold in the afternoon,
with a slight snow fall. [in margin] Got letter / from Ireland.
3 Rather cold this morning, and the day was chilly all through, with a rather strong wind and a slight
snow fall occassionally.
4 Sabbath. Cold morning, the day chilly all through, very sharp.
5 Another cold morning, the day cold all through, with a pretty bright sun. Keen frost though. [in
margin] First lambs came.
<Q3 folio 42 recto>
March 1883
6th Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through, with some snow falling in the afternoon, and an ex-
ceedingly heavy wind storm at night.
7 Stormy morning, the wind blowing fiercely, the cold very intense. The wind kept raging furiously
all day, but fell at night.
8 Pretty chilly this morning, and the day sharp all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk.
9 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with a slight thaw wind.
10 Soft snow falling this morning and a good deal like a thaw through the day, with frequent showers
of snow now and then. Mrs. R., Willie and Eliza took the team and went to the shanty with provi-
sions for the boys. I went to Dundalk and sent a draft for $701.50, County rates to the Co. Treas-
urer, Owen Sound. [in margin] Posted letter / and three newspapers / to W. Russell, Ireland.
11th Sabbath. Rough stormy day from morning till night. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to brother Sam’s.
We had hard work getting the horses through the snow banks.
12 Stormy morning, stormy at noon, stormy at night, the wind blowing fiercely, snow fallling oc-
cassionally and a bitter freeze at night.
198
13 Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through. Bright sun and a little thaw on the south side of the
buildings. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mrs. W. J. Arnold was here. W. J. Arnold brought
home the ram.
<Q3 folio 42 verso>
March 1883
14th Soft wind blowing this morning, and continued soft all day with a bright sun towards the middle of
the day, causing a slight thaw. Mrs. R. took some provisions to the boys. I went to Dundalk.
Elizabeth Lonsway, a helpless invalid that has been confined to her bed for more than twelve
years, died today. [in margin] Elizabeth Lonsway / died.
15 Cold stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing. The day continued stormy and cold.
16 Stormy cold morning, the day cold, blowing, freezing and snowing. We went to Elizabeth Lon-
sway’s funeral in the afternoon.
17 A little milder this morning than yesterday. The day appeared to get softer, almost like a thaw. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
18th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day got remarkably stormy, blowing, snowing and freezing all day
long. Mrs. R. and I went to William Lonsway’s.
19 Very sharp morning, the forenoon piercingly cold and snowing, the afternoon not much better.
Mrs. R. took the boys to the shanty, then went to a quilting at Phoebe’s.
20 Sharp morning, but the day was sunny and bright. Mr. Thos. Hanbury and ____ Walker, Township
auditors, were here today and commenced their audit.
21 Sharp cold morning, the day pretty cold all through, but a bright sun shining. Capital sleighing
now, the snow storm of Sabbath having filled up the inequalities of the road.
<Q3 folio 43 recto>
March 1883
22nd Bright cold morning, the day chilly all through, although the sun shone out bright.
23 Pretty nice morning, the day sunny and bright. The auditors finished their audit today. [in mar-
gin] Mr. Nickle’s / Baby died.
24 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through, but rather chilly.
25 Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day pretty nice and warm. Brother Sam and wife, and Josiah
Sauder* were here and they and our family went to the funeral of Mr. Walter Nickle’s baby in the
afternoon. Brother John, Eliza and two of their boys came here at night. [in margin] Mr. W. Gal-
laher’s / child died. / Esther [=Easter]. [*Josiah Sauder, no. 33 in picture, History of Dundalk, pp.
312-13. Jim is groom’s man for Sauder, 8 August 1883.]
26 Pretty fine morning, the day sunny but sharp. Brother John and Eliza went to Brother Sam’s. Jim
and I hauled a ton of hay from James Ros[e]borough’s lot on the gravel. The ton cost $13.00. Hay
and cattle feed of all kinds are very scarce and can scarcely be obtained. Jim hauled a couple of
loads of moving for Skeffington Bell in to Dundalk in the afternoon.
27 Sharp morning, the day very cold but clear. I took Jim to the shanty, then I went to Dundalk.
Brother John left for home today.
28 Bright morning, the day cold and clear.
29 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and cold. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 43 verso>
March 1883
30th Beautiful morning, the sun shone out very bright and warm. The afternoon got cooler, and at night
it was quite sharp. All the family, with the exception of myself, went to the Examination of
School Section No. 5 Melancthon.
199
31 Bright sunny morning, the day clear all through but pretty chilly, especially in the afternoon. I
went to Dundalk, and Skeffington Bell, Collector, and I settled collector’s Roll and he returned it.
April [1883]
1st. Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day clear and cold.
2nd Bright morning, the sun shone out strong, the day was pretty mild, but the snow did not melt
much. Mrs. C. Bell was here today.
3rd Rather cloudy morning, but the sun got out soon and the day was rather inclined to be soft. There
was a brisk wind for a short time in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk and posted a letter to Mr.
Mathew Knox, South Dummer Post Office, containing a Draft for $221.00, Land payment and in-
terest on Lot 31, Con. 5, Township of Melancthon. Miss Martha Neithercut was here today.
4 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, and there was something of a thaw.
5 Slight rain falling this morning, and throughout the day there were frequently small showers. Mrs.
Russell and Willie took some provisions on the mare’s back to the boys.
<Q3 folio 44 recto>
April 1883
6th Rather cloudy morning, the day was overcast several times, sunshine and clouds alternating, not
much thaw today. Sharp frost at night.
7th A fresh fall of snow this morning, and a little fell through the day, but the afternoon was mild,
a[nd] there was a slight thaw. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
8th. Sabbath. Mild morning, the day pretty fine all through, the snow melting a little. Mrs. R. and I
visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the eavning.
9 A little chilly this morning, and a pretty strong wind, but the sun soon got out and the day became
warm, and from a cold wind it turned to a thaw wind. The snow disappeared more today than any
day this spring. I heard a Robbin today. Willliam Boyd, Township assessor, was here and as-
sessed Lot 215 $900.00, Lot 216 $200.00, 1 span horses $100, 5 cows $75, + 8 sheep $15.00 =
$190, Total Assessment: $1290.00. I gave in 35 acres cleared on Lot 215, and one acre of bad
land, 10 acres cleared on Lot 216 and 40 acres bad land. There are 7 days St[atute] Labor. I was
at Dundalk this afternoon. [in margin] Heard first / Robbin.
10 Cloudy morning and rather chilly, the wind middling strong. There was not much of a thaw today.
11 Pretty windy morning, the day was inclined to thaw some, the wind got very strong in the after-
noon. The snow is disappearing, though very slowly. There is a great scarcity of cattle provender
in the neighbourhood.
<Q3 folio 44 verso>
April 1883
12th Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful all through, the snow melted a great deal. Jim came from
the shanty and took the Bay mare with him. He is going to get his uncle Sam’s horse and try to
swamp out some rail cuts. Mrs. Daniel Reid was here this afternoon.
13 Mild day, with a strong thaw wind, the snow melted a good deal today. I went to Dundalk. Mrs.
Henry Lonsway was here this afternoon. [in margin] Seen first / Robbin of the / season.
14 Warm morning, the day very sultry, the snow disappearing very fast. The air close and warm, a
thunder storm is evidentally indicated. The boys got home from the Melancthon Lot, John and
Jim were swamping out rail cuts. They did not succeed well, as the mare was too firey. They
broke a couple of their tugs. Clark was at a wood Bee at his uncle Sam’s.
15th Sabbath. Very fine day, sultry and the snow melting rapidly. Rain in the afternoon.
16 Dark morning, but the sun shone out once and again through the day. The boys went to Lot 31
Melancthon in the forenoon. Willie took the Black Mare to the blacksmith’s and got two shoes on.
200
Jim came home in the eavning and made preparations for starting the plow tomorrow. I took in 20
Bushels turnips out of a pit, there was one bushel spoiled ones.
17 Frost this morning, the day was mild but cloudy. Jim took the team, and John, and started for Lot
31 Melancthon to begin plowing. The snow has disappeared as if by magic this last week and
plowing has, in general, commenced. We began on the 19th last year. Mrs. Daniel Reid and Baby
were here today. Fire in Dundalk last night. [in margin, formal printing script] Plowing com-
menced.
<Q3 folio 45 recto>
April 1883
[“april” in formal lower case gothic script]
18 Rather cloudy morning, and the day was chang[e]able, being dry and warm in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon, wet and chilly. The four boys are on the Melancthon Lot, some plowing, some
chopping, and some making molasses.
19 Rainy morning, a slight mizzle, mostly all day. I went with Clark and carried some bread to the
boys. I then went to Dundalk.
20 Fine morning, sun bright and warm, the day generally fine, with a tendancy to frost in the after-
noon. Was in Dundalk in the eavning at a cheese factory meeting.
21 Fine morning, the day bright and clear. I went to Priceville to see Inspector Ferguson.
22 Sabbath. Pretty fine morning, the day generally warm. W. Lonsway and family were here in the
eavning.
23 Pretty hard frost this morning, the day chilly all through, although the sun shone out bright. I
plowed on Lot 31 Melancthon, Johney also plowed. Jim went to Jos. Neithercut’s raising. Clark
and Willie made molasses.
24 Very sharp morning frost, and [MS to and, with “a” overwritten] snow falling occassionally
through the day, and the wind cold and raw. Very sharp frost all day long. I and Mrs. Russell
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
25 Very hard frost this morning, and the day was cold all through and freezing. Johney went to Dun-
dalk in the forenoon and thence to Lot 31 Melancthon to chop rail cuts.
<Q3 folio 45 verso>
April 1883
26th Misty morning, a slight rain in the forenoon, something heavier in the afternoon. Then it turned to
snow and there was, for the space of about an hour, a very heavy snow fall, immensely large, soft
flakes. It cleared off just at dark.
27 Ground covered with snow this morning, but about 3 P.M. it had disappeared. The ground is very
sloppy. Jim came from the shanty for some horse feed. He then went to Mr. Roseborough’s for
half a ton of hay. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
28 Hard frost this morning and a little snow on the ground, the day cold all through. The boys got
done plowing in Melancthon. They have plowed about 18 acres. I attended a meeting of the
cheese factory at Dundalk.
29th Sabbath. Rather chilly day all through, a hard frost in the morning.
30 Frost this morning, but the ground was fit to plow. The afternoon was a little wet on towards
night. Jim plowed with the horses. Johney and I started to pick stones with the steers. The stone
boat soon gave out, then we hitched to a plow. The steers plowed pretty well, it being their first
time. They hauled* a little during the forenoon, but we tied their heads together and that broke
them partly off it. We first tied their tails together, but this was no use. Mrs. R., Clark and Willie
201
went to Melancthon to boil down some sap. Clark came home at night. [*i.e. they did not pull to-
gether in tandem as a team.]
May [1883]
1st Ground covered with snow this morning, quite wintry-like. The snow had all disappeared at
noon. The afternoon was fine and drying. The boys plowed. Jim and Willie went after supper to
Melancthon to fetch home the syrup and utensils. [in margin] Snow.
<Q3 folio 46 recto>
May 1883
2nd Misty morning, the day overcast, a slight rain came on about noon, and got heavier about 4 P.M.
The afternoon was unpleasant and wet. Jim plowed, Johney, Clark and I picked stones. A tramp
called and had his dinner.
4 Dark morning, the sky overcast and a slight mizzle of rain falling. The day was generally gloomy
and unpleasant, the ground is very wet, scarcely any [MS: and] low fields can be got on to be
worked. Jim and Johney plowed. Clark and I cleaned wheat. The Misses Neithercut were here
this afternoon.
5 [entry is in purple pencil] Misty morning, the day mizzling all through. Jim sowed five acres of
pease. Johney plowed and Clark harrowed. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
[in margin] First grain / sown (pease) / one day before / new moon.
[end of pencil, reverts to black ink]
6th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day sunny till the afternoon, when it clouded over. Mrs. R. and I
went in to Brother Sam’s.
7 Wet morning, the forenoon pretty showery, the afernoon dry, but dark. The boys plowed. Clark
chored around in the afternoon. Dan Byer[s] was here and paid $5.00 com[m]utation of Statute
Labor for his father’s Lot for 1882.
8 Dry morning, the day continued dry but cloudy. Jim plowed to noon, when the large clevis of his
plow broke. He went in the afternoon to Dundalk, got another 2 coal oil barrels at .75¢ each + 3
barrels of salt at $1.50 each. John, Clark and I gathered stones in the forenoon and he [Jim?
John?] plowed in the afternoon. [“when the large clevis of his plow broke” is likely an error, since
it is reported as happening the next day.]
<Q3 folio 46 verso>
May 1883
9th Dark cool morning, the day chilly all through, a sharp shower of sleet about 2 P.M. The eavning
very much like a snow storm. Jim plowed for a while in the forenoon, when his large clevis broke.
He went to the blacksmith’s and got one made, price .75¢. Clark plowed in the afternoon. John
plowed all day. I picked the seed potatoes.
10 Dark morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon very wet. It rained incessantly from about 1 P.M.
till dark. I sowed 4½ acres wheat. Jim got it partly harrowed, then had to stop on account of the
rain. John plowed during the dry part of the day. Clark sowed some salt on the wheat ground. [in
margin] Sowed first wheat / Seen first swallow.
11 Very cold morning, the day cold all through, a very heavy frost this morning. We sowed 2½ acres
of wheat on Lot 31 Melancthon. Johney plowed at home. [in margin] Frost.
12 Hard frost this morning, the day very cold all through, but dry. We sowed the remainder of the
wheat, also some oats, and some oats and vetches. John plowed. Clark harrowed at Sam’s. I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid Mr. G. R. Middleton for 3 Barrels of salt which Jim had got
this week. The salt was $1.50 per barrel. I gave him a $5.00 bill and he returned me 0.55¢. Mr.
Fred Nixon and ____ Ketchum* were present. Ketchum said the dearness of the salt came from
202
the national policy. I said after paying so much for it, that I throwed the salt on the ground. Mr.
Nixon remarked that it made good manure. [in margin] Frost. Finished sowing wheat. / First oats
sown / Sowed some vetches. [*first name is blank in MS; Jesse Ketchum had a tannery in Dun-
dalk, and was band master in 1870s; see History of Dundalk, pp. 91, 104, 225]
<Q3 folio 47 recto>
May 1883
13th Sabbath. Cold day, dark and chilly. [in margin] Frost.
14 Frost this morning, the forenoon dry, snow after dinner and raw afternoon. A very unpleasant day.
We sowed five acres pease. Could scarcely get them harrowed, the ground was so wet. Johney
picked stones in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk after tea. [in mar-
gin] Finished sowing pease / Moon a week old / Frost / Got letter from Willie
15 Fine dry morning, the day breezy and sunny, drying the ground well. Jim and Clark started to
Melancthon to prepare the ground for sowing oats. Johney plowed at home. I went to Dundalk af-
ter tea. [in margin] Sent letter to / Brother William / Yellow Creek P. O. / Houston Co. / St. of
Tenn. / US
16 Dry clear morning, the day sunny and breezy. John plowed at home. Jim and Clark came home at
noon from Melancthon and took away seventeen bags of oats to sow. Willie harrowed at his uncle
Sam’s.
17 Beautiful morning, the sun shone strong and warm all day, the first really spring day has came.
Johney plowed, Jim and Clark sowed and harrowed in Melancthon. Willie was at Sam’s.
18 Rather cloudy this morning, the day pretty windy but dry, with the exception of a few drops of rain
near night. Appears like a thunder storm. Jim and Clark worked in Melancthon, John plowed at
home. I went to the back line after supper.
19 Wet morning for a while, a thunder shower at noon. Quite a thunder storm with a rain pour at
night. Clark went to Tossorontio for the cattle. Jim harrowed in Melancthon. John plowed and
picked stones at home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 47 verso>
May 1883
20th Sabbath. Dark gloomy day, cold and raw.
21 Very cold morning, freezing hard through the forenoon, as cold as some days in the winter. Jim
harrowed in the forenoon in Melancthon, and plowed at home in the afternoon. Johney pulled
some brands off the fallow and harrowed afterwards. I sowed oats. The afternoon was wet all
through, a very cold rain at that. Sent first milk to factory. [in margin] Frost. / Brought cattle
home / First milk sent to factory
22 Cold morning, very cold rain came on and kept raining for most of the day. The boys plowed
most of the dry part of the day. I attended Council meeting in Hopeville.
23 Cold raw morning, the forenoon cold and gloomy, the afternoon some sunshine. Jim plowed,
Johney and Clark picked stones and dragged. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
24 Fine morning, the day sunny generally, except a while in the afternoon when it clouded over. Jim
plowed, John harrowed. I sowed about five acres of grass and clover seed.
25 The day dry and sultry, becoming overcast in the afternoon. Jim sowed oats, Clark harrowed,
Johny harrowed. I went to Dundalk in the morning, thence to Lot 31 Melancthon, and from thence
to brother Sam’s. I harrowed a while in the afternoon for him.
26 Dry early in the morning, but the rain soon came on and the day was very wet till 3 PM. Jim har-
rowed some and plowed some. Johney and Clark picked stones. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
203
<Q3 folio 48 recto>
May June 1883
27th Sabbath. Dry day in part, but rather cold.
28 Dry morning, the day dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a pretty sharp, cold rain. The after
part of the day was cold and wet. I attended a Council meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim
went to Mr. Oliver’s to log. John and Clark went to Lot 31 Melancthon to cut roads to rails that
are split. I took seven head of cattle to John Gott’s to pasture. I am to pay 0.50¢ each per month
for them. [in margin] Took cattle to / John Gott’s.
29 Dry morning, the day dry all through. I sowed some mixed oats and pease. Willie harrowed. Jim
is at Mr. Oliver’s. John and Clark are trying to get out rails with the oxen,
30 Dry morning, dry in the forenoon, the afternoon very wet. I sowed some oats. Willie harrowed
with one mare. Jim is at Mr. Oliver’s. John and Clark are getting out rails.
31 Dark morning, a slight mizzle of rain fell during the forenoon. The afternoon partly dry. Jim was
working at Oliver’s. John and Clark are taking out rails. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. C. Bell’s in the af-
ternoon. I went to Dundalk.
June [1883]
1st Bright morning, sun out clear, frost on the ground, the day dry and cloudy in the afternoon. I
sowed some oats, Willie harrowed. The boys are working in Melancthon. [in margin] Frost.
2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Cloudy in the eavning. I sowed some oats.
Willie harrowed, the other boys were swamping out rails in Melancthon. This has been the
wet[t]est spring I ever remember. The grain is only puddled in. [in margin] Finished / Seeding.
<Q3 folio 48 verso>
June 1883
Working in Melancthon for a week. Kept no record.
10th Sabbath. Dry day generally.
11 Showery morning, the day showery all through. I helped Sam cut potatoes. The boys were getting
out rails in Melancthon.
12 Wet morning, with frequent showers through the day. The boys were getting out rails.
13 Dark morning, the day dry and breezy in the afternoon. I sowed some grass seed in the forenoon
and Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. The boys were getting out rails. I got
$101.00 Sup[erannuation] pension.
14 Frost this morning, the day fine and dry all through. I went to Lot 31 Melancthon to help the boys
to get out rails. [in margin] Frost.
15 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm. The boys and I were fencing. Jim came home in the
afternoon and prepared some chop to mill.
16 Beautiful morning, the day very hot all through. John, Clark and I were fencing. Jim took to be
chopped 536 pounds gross, and in the afternoon went to Tom Talbot’s raising.
17th Sabbath. Very warm day, with a sharp shower in the eavning.
18 Rain in the morning, rain in the eavning, dry in the middle of the day. John, Clark and I were get-
ting out stakes. Jim is at home, choring around. Tried to drill up some for turnips but found it too
wet.
<Q3 folio 49 recto>
June 1883
204
19th Dry early in the morning, then dry and wet alternately through the day. John, Clark and I were
getting out stakes for a fence in Melancthon. Jim and Willie went to the mill with a grist. We are
having the loan of one of Brother Sam’s horses as one of our mares has colted. Poor little Hannah
McKay, formerly Hannah Mills, died this morning after suffering in her mind and body for the
past eight or nine months. Took the wheat to Speighton Mills,* ____ Campain, Miller. Got very
poor return, had 32½ bushels, only got 34 pounds to the bushel and a very small portion of bran.
[in margin] Mrs. Hannah McKay / died [* Perhaps also called Speeton Mills, 1.5 miles from
Flesherton; Robert took grist there in 1877.]
20 Misty morning, there was a little rain fell through the day. We were getting out stakes in Melanc-
thon.
21 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and the afternoon sunny. The boys were getting out stakes.
Mrs. R., Willie, Eliza and I were at Mrs. Hannah McKay’s funeral.
22 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot. We were making fence in Melancthon.
23 Sunny day, dry and very warm. John, Clark and I were fencing. Jim went to the mill for some
chop. Also went to the harness makers and got a sett of harness, price: thirty-six dollars.
24th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry till near night, when it commenced raining. Mr. Skeffington
Bell and wife were here today.
<Q3 folio 49 verso>
June 1883
25th Some rain fell this morning, then cleared off till about 10 A.M. when it commenced again and kept
pouring for quite a while. Brother Sam and I started to see a farm in Eldersley Township.* We got
as far as Chesley village this day. The country from Hanover to Chesley appears to be a good
farming section. The fall wheat however, is a failure. Pease, grain and clover appear excellent.
[*Elderslie Township, Bruce County.]
26 Rain this morning, but cleared off about 8 A.M. We left Chesley and drove to the place. Did not
like it: too flat and very much cut up with a creek running through it, winding in and out. The
bridge swept away so that we could not get the team into the farm. A good deal of the farm cov-
ered with pine stumps, the bush consists of a good deal of black ash, swales and hemlock. Alto-
gether, the farm is a very poor one. Left the place at noon, came through the Township of Sullivan
to Desboro, 10 miles, thence to Williamsford village 8 miles, thence to Williamsford Station 3
miles, thence to Markdale 9 miles. Stopped there in Breen’s Tavern all night.
27 Fine morning, the day dry all the forenoon. The latter part of the afternoon rainy. Left Markdale
this morning, got home about noon.
28 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Done some Township writing and other chores. The boys
are making slash fence in Melancthon.
29 Bright sunny morning, the day dry. Jim and Clark were underbrushing.
30 Fine morning, the day dry. Jim and Clark were underbrushing. Johney chored around. I was in
Dundalk in the afternoon, collecting cheese money.
<Q3 folio 50 recto>
July 1883
1st Sabbath. Dry day with the exception of a slight shower in the afternoon. Brother Sam and family
were here, also Mr. R. Montgomery and wife.
2 Dry with the exception of a slight shower at noon. We all went to see the pastime at Dundalk.
3 Dry morning, a slight shower in the forenoon, a terrific thunder and lightening storm about 9 P.M.,
accompanied with heavy rain and high wind. I was coming from Council Meeting at Cedarville
205
with Mr. McGregor, Reeve, and we were out in most of the storm. It was the dreadfulest thunder
and lightening I ever witnessed. It was perfectly appalling. [in margin] Terrific Storm
4 Fine morning, wet, the afternoon dry, the ground is fairly saturated with wet. The crops on the low
ground are drowned out, cannot be any good. Jim is spreading manure. John was helpin[g] Sam.
5 Pretty fair day till eavning, when there came on a rain storm. Jim was working at home. John is
helping his uncle Sam.
6 Fine morning, the day fine till about noon, when there came on a rain pour. The afternoon was
dry. Jim was plowing. John was helping his uncle Sam. Mrs. Abraham Jackson visited us.
7 Very rainy morning, the forenoon wet all through, the afternoon dry but a little misty. Mrs. R. and
I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim and John were helping Sam.
8th Sabbath. Dry all all through. Mrs. R. and some of the family drove to Lot 31 Melancthon.
<Q3 folio 50 verso>
July 1883
9th Dry day all through. I was bossing on the Statute Labor. Jim sowed turnip seed in Melancthon.
Clark harrowed, John worked at Sam’s. [in margin] Sowed turnip seed.
10 Dry day all through. I bossed the Statute Labor. Jim and Clark underbrushed. John helped his
uncle Sam.
11 Dry warm day all through. Jim and Clark underbrushed. John helped Sam. I sowed some turnip
seed in the afternoon. [in margin] Sowed turnip seed.
12 Dry morning, but very cloudy and indications of rain, although a heavy dew lay on the grass.
There came on a rain storm in the afternoon. The three eldest boys went to Maxell with the young
Britons* of Dundalk. Jim fifed for them. They are not yet (9. P.M.) home. [*Loyal Orange
Young Britons Association, youth wing of the Loyal Orange Lodge.]
13 Misty morning, the day dry but cool. John helped Sam. [in margin] Cattle to J. Lonsway.
14 Fine morning, the day dry and very warm in the afternoon. The boys hoed amongst the potatoes.
I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
15th Sabbath. Dry in the morning, showery in the afternoon.
16 Dry throughout the day, a thunder storm threatening at present (9:6) P.M. I took the three boys to
the shanty in the morning and in the afternoon I hoed some potatoes.
17 Dark morning, the day dry, cloudy and windy. The boys are working in Melancthon. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 51 recto>
July 1883
18th Dark morning, a little rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon was dry. The boys are underbrush-
ing. I helped brother Sam to hoe potatoes.
19 Fine morning, the day dry with the exception of a slight shower in the afternoon. The boys were
underbrushing in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. Nickle & Miss Sarah Bell
were here in the afternoon.
20 Fine morning, the day dry all through, dark and cloudy in the afternoon, every appearance of rain.
The boys were underbrushing. I cut the tops of thistles.
21 Fine morning, dry throughout the day and extremely hot in the afternoon. Heavy thunder and
lightening at night, accompanied with a rain pour. The Misses Neithercut came here this eavning.
The boys were working in Melancthon.
22nd Sabbath. Dry day all through. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s.
23 Dry morning, the day dry all through. The boys were working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk
in the forenoon and cut the tops of thistles in the afternoon.
206
24 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through, but dry, not much sun. I was cutting thistles. The boys
were swamping cordwood in Melancthon.
25 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm and dry all through. Jim and Clark were swamping
wood. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and Willie and I hoed potatoes in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 51 verso>
July 1883
26th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. A slight shower of rain after night fell with
indications of more. Jim and Clark were swamping wood. Johney, Willie and I worked at mould-
ing potatoes.
27 Heavy rain last night, this day cloudy but dry, with a little thunder in the afternoon. Jim and Clark
were swamping wood. I atttended some business in Dundalk.
28 Dry morning, slight rain in the middle of the day, the afternoon dry and cool. Mrs. R., Eliza, Clark
and I went to Tossorontio. Clark hired with his uncle John Russell, 1 month for $20.00.
29th Sabbath. Dry day all through. We went from John Russell’s to John Agnew’s.
30 Dry morning, the day dry but cool. In the morning I got a tongue put in the democrat, as the other
had got broken on Saturday night. We left Brother John’s at 2. P.M. and got home at 7:35 P.M.
Jim commenced making a hay rack. John commenced mowing. [in margin] Commenced haying.
31 Dry morning, the day dry but cool all through. Johney went to his uncle John Agnew’s in Essa this
morning. He is going to work a month for him for $30.00. Jim finished his hay rack. I raked and
put up some hay in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 52 recto>
August 1883
1st Cloudy morning, with quite a heavy rain last night. The day dry but cloudy and cool. Jim and I
were mowing.
2 Cool and cloudy all day. Jim and Willie took to Dundalk in the forenoon 8 lambs which I had sold
yesterday to E. Ross for $3.12½ each. In the afternoon they raked hay and hauled in. I mowed.
3 Cool cloudy morning, with quite a rainfall last night, enough to prevent the hay from being hauled
in today. The day was very chilly all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and in the after-
noon Jim and I mowed. [in margin] Subscribed / for Mail.
4 Cold cloudy morning, with a slight mizzle of rain. There had fallen some rain through the night.
The day was cloudy, cool and windy. We raked some hay in the afternoon and hauled it in. It was
pretty green and damp, still we thought it would be best in the barn.
5th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry all through. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Melancthon.
6 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and bright. I mowed and helped to load hay. Jim and the rest
of the family worked at raking and hauling in.
7 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and dry. Mrs. R. and Willie went with the team to Dundalk in
the forenoon. Jim and I mowed. Willie and Eliza raked after dinner.
<Q3 folio 52 verso>
August 1883
8th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. We brought in two loads of hay in the morn-
ing. I mowed the remainder of the day. Jim went in the afternoon with Josiah Sauder and Miss
Eliza Neithercut to Shelburne and acted Groom’s man for him. [in margin] J. Sauder and E. Nei-
thercut married.
9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and sunny. We raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in in the
afternoon. Finished hauling in hay today, except what we have to cut around the fences. [in mar-
gin] finished / Haying.
207
10 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. I went to a Council meeting of Melancthon to try to
get paid for building a line fence between my Lot and the Municipality. Jim hauled a load of lum-
ber for John Gott from Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon he mowed.
11 Sunny morning, the day dry and hot, with thunder clouds in the afternoon. I helped brother Sam
rake hay. Jim mowed at home.
12 Sabbath. Bright morning, the day dry and very warm till the afternoon, when there came on a slight
shower of rain. Johney Norval* was here. [*blacksmith in Dundalk].
13 Mizzle of rain this morning, the day dark all through, but scarcely any rain fell. Jim went to Dun-
dalk in the forenoon to get his boots fixed. He and I mowed in the afternoon. Miss Carson &
Miss Sarah Bell were here making a dress. I brought the young cattle home from James Lon-
sway’s.
14 Pretty sharp frost this morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and Willie Paris Greened the potatoes.
Mrs. Sam Russell and [Mrs. R.] took our wool to the carding mill. [in margin] Frost.
<Q3 folio 53 recto>
August 1883
15th Bright sunny morning, the day dry. Jim and I mowed fence corners in the forenoon and in the
afternoon we bunched up hay. There was a frost this morning.
16 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very hot by spel[l]s. Every appearance of a thunder storm
in the afternoon, but the clouds cleared off about night. Jim and I hauled in the hay that was in the
fence corners and some swale grass in the forenoon. In the afternoon I went to a raising at Mr. Ol-
iver’s, and Jim and his mother finished the hay. Willie went to the Berry marsh.
17 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, dry and warm. Jim went to N. B. Allen’s, Melancthon, to get our
monkey Wrench. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk and had our Photographs taken.
18 A little rain this morning, and more fell during the day. At night there was a slight thunder storm.
Jim hauled rails for a fence.
19th Sabbath. The day a little cloudy, but very hot in the afternoon. Mrs. R and I went to Lot 31
Melancthon.
20 Cloudy, but very warm. Jim hauled rails in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon
for the Beetle & Wedge* and saw. I worked at the Township Books and also went to Dundalk.
[*Beetle, or maul (large wooden hammer, bigger than an axe), used with a wedge, to split wood.]
21 Very fine morning, the day dry and very warm. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Jim
split rails, then helped J. Gott to swing barn doors.
22 Bright morning, but the sun got overcast and there was a thunder storm about 9 A.M. and another
about 6 P.M. Heavy rain. Jim put up a piece of fence in the forenoon, and he hauled some stove
wood home in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 53 verso>
August 1883
23 Bright morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and I were putting up fence. [in margin] cattle home /
from J. Gott’s.
24 Frost this morning, but I think it done no harm. The day was clear and cool. Jim split some wood
in the forenoon and I entered some orders in L[edge]r Book. In the afternoon we went to Dundalk
to get some pictures taken. [in margin] Frost.
25 Fine morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and I were thinning turnips on Lot 31 Melancthon. Hen-
ry Lonsway and wife were here this evening. [in margin] Frost.
26th Sabbath. Bright cool day all through, frost in the morning. Phoebe and Sam were here today.
27 Frost this morning, the day cold and clear. Jim and I were thinning out turnips.
208
28 Cool morning, the day dark and cool. Jim and I were swamping out cordwood with the oxen.
29 Bright warm day. Jim and I were swamping cordwood.
30 Bright warm morning, the day dry and very hot, especially in the afternoon. Jim and I were
swamping cordwood.
31 Very warm day in the forenoon. The latter part of the afternoon was a little wet. Jim and I
swamped cordwood. [Six lines of text crossed out: Brother William who had been away for sev-
enteen years in the States paid us a visit accompanied with his wife. We were all very much sur-
prised and agreeably so. Time has worked a great change in his personal appearance and voice. I
scarcely recognized him.]
<Q3 folio 54 recto>
September 1883
1st Pretty warm day, a slight shower of rain in the afternoon. Jim and I swamped out cordwood.
Brother William accompanied by his wife paid us a long expected visit. He has been away in the
States for seventeen years. I would scarcely have known either his personal appearance or voice,
time has changed him so much!
2nd Sabbath The forenoon dry, the afternoon wet. Brother William, with his wife, and Nancy and I
visited Sam’s.
3 Dry day but cool. Jim got home from Tossorontio. He had went away yesterday for John. Johney
came with him. Willie and I went to Dundalk. Hard frost in the middle of the night, none in the
morning. [in margin] Frost.
4 Very cold morning, the day cold all through. The afternoon showery. We visited at W. Lonsway’s.
5 Cool day. We visited at Sam’s. Very wet in the afternoon.
6 Dry day all through. Brother William and wife & I and Nancy visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the af-
ternoon. [in margin] First pease / pulled / first / harvesting.
7 Dark morning, a little rain in the morning, very showery through the day, and especially so in the
afternoon. We went to Dundalk to have our likenesses taken, but the artist had not all his imple-
ments with him so we were disappointed.
8 Cold, rain all through, very nasty day.
9th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day cold all through. Brother John brought up son Clark, who had been
working for him.
<Q3 folio 54 verso>
September 1883
10th Very severe frost this morning, never seen the like at this time of the year. All kinds of grain ap-
pear to be injured, don’t see well how how anything could escape. The crops are very green on
account of the wet spring and summer. It’s deplorable to contemplate the harm that one night’s
frost can do! Jim and Johney, with team, done three day’s Statute Labor for their uncle John Ag-
new in Dundalk. Brothers William, John and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. We had a small
party here this night on Brother William’s account, who is leaving tomorrow for Brother John’s.
There were Mrs. C. Bell and her daughter Sarah, Mr. Walter Bell and wife, Mr. Skeffington Bell
and wife, Mr. William Lonsway and wife, and brother Samuel and wife, also brother John. [in
margin] Fearful frost.
11 Another frost this morning, the day bright and warm. Brother John and Brother William and wife,
Clark, Nancy and I went to Brother John’s today. The boys pulled pease at home. [in margin]
Frost
12 Fine morning, the day clear and bright all through. Brother John & wife, Brother William & wife,
Cousin May Murphy, Nancy and I went to Alliston and had our likenesses taken in a group.
209
13 Dry morning, but the afternoon was rainy. Brother John loaded up his reaper, after putting it in
working order, for me to fetch home.
14 Dry morning, the day dry and very hot. We bade farewell to Brother William and wife and started
for home. It may be a long farewell, perhaps a last farewell, but I hope not.
<Q3 folio 55 recto>
September 1883
15th Dry morning, the day very hot and dry. Jim & John put the reaper together this morning, assisted
by John Agnew, who came here last evening. They then hitched the horses to it. They done passi-
bly well, it being their first time on a reaper. Jim cut about six acres of grain.
16th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon a little wet. John Agnew and his daugher Annie left
for home about 1 P.M. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon.
17 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Jim and I bound oats and wheat. I helped Henry Lonsway
in the afternoon. Johney craddled at Jim Lonsway’s. Clark came home from Brother John’s and
reports that Brother William and his wife left Alliston for Tennessee this morning.
18 Fine dry morning, but another frost. However, things are past being injured as any grain that could
be frozen was frozen on the night of the tenth inst. The day was very dry. Johney craddled. Clark
and I tied wheat in the forenoon, and Jim reaped. We hauled pease into the Barn in the afternoon.
19 Dry morning, the day dry all through, but cloudy. Jim reaped. John and Clark and I hauled in
pease. Also hauled in three loads of oats at night. We had brother Sam’s team all day.
20 Cloudy morning, the day dark and lowering. A slight rain fell about noon and a good deal heavier
rain came on about 5:30 P.M. The boys and I helped Brother Sam to harvest.
<folo 55 verso September 1883>
21st Cloudy morning and the day threatened rain, but none of any account fell. Jim was reaping at
Sam’s. Sam was hauling in for us. Some of us hauled in, and some of us mowed some oats that
were down.
22 Fine morning, the day dry, clear and warm. Jim reaped till tea time, then hauled in. Johney, Clark
and Willie hauled in with the oxen from morning till tea time. I tied oats & wheat.
23rd Sabbath. Cloudy day, but dry all through.
24 A slight sprinkling of rain fell this morning early, the sky was lowering all through the forenoon.
A slight rain about 2 P.M., which increased to a regular pour about 5 P.M. The boys were hauling
in wheat and oats to the Barn during the dry time of the day. When it came on rain they hauled in
some oats from the back end of one of the fields to the Barn yard, and stooked them up there, the
object being to clear the field for the cattle. I was binding oats.
25 Dark rainy morning, the day generally showery. The boys hauled in some oats from the back field
and stooked them around the Barn. In the afternoon Jim took the reaper to Melancthon. I worked
at the Treasurer’s Books. Johney hauled a few drags of wood for J. Gott with his oxen.
26 Dry morning, and the day continued dry but cloudy. We were reaping oats on the Melancthon
place. They are very badly straw broken and lodged, the worst lodged of any grain I ever seen,
and it is almost impossible to cut them. Johney craddled some wheat. Both oats and wheat are
badly frozen.
<Q3 folio 56 recto>
September 1883
27th Dry morning, but indications of rain. The afternoon pretty windy and rain began falling about
5:30 P.M. Johney, Willie and I hauled in loose oats. They were rather damp, but we wanted the
field cleared for the cattle. We had brother Sam’s team. Jim and Clark are reaping in Melancthon.
210
I bought a colt from Brother Sam for $40.00. It is about three months and a half old. Mrs. Emma
Reid was helping Mrs. R. to quilt a fancy quilt. [in margin] Bought Sam’s colt.
28 Dark morning and quite cold, a shower of sleet fell about 9:90 A.M. The afternoon was dry. Mrs.
R. and I tied wheat. Willie and Eliza shocked it. The other boys were harvesting on the Melanc-
thon Lot.
29 Heavy frost this morning, a shower of sleet came on about 10 A.M., then it turned to a fine rain
and kept steadily to it during the remainder of the day. John, Willie and I hauled in two loads of
oats and two of wheat during the dry time of the day. John and Clark were working in Melanc-
thon.
30th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day cold but dry.
October [1883]
1st Dry morning, the day dry and clear, but cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon. Johney reaped, Jim craddled. Clark and I tied. Mrs. R. helped to tie some.
2 Wet morning, the afternoon dry. I shocked up oats in the forenoon and bound a little in the after-
noon. Johney finished reaping our field. Jim and the other two went to Melancthon to harvest in
the afternoon. Eliza Russell, Bob* & horses came here this eavning. [*brother John’s wife, Eliza
Agnew Russell, and their son Bob (Robert A.); horses is not clearly written, but later reference is
made to his team of horses. ]
<Q3 folio 56 verso>
October 1883
3rd Chilly morning, the day cold and the afternoon windy. There was a shower of snow in the fore-
noon which whitened the ground. Mrs. R. and I tied oats. The boys mowed oats in Melancthon.
4 Very heavy frost this morning, the ground perfectly hard. We were binding oats and some of us
hauling in. Brother John’s Bob helped us. There was so much frost on the sheaves that our rakes
were coated over as with snow. Mrs. R. went to the Agricultural Show Fair, Dundalk, and placed
on exhibit a fancy Quilt, [a] Peck Potatoe[s], Onions, Five pounds Buttter, and a loaf of bread.
5 Heavy frost this morning, but the sun got out bright, and the day was pleasant, though cool. We
hauled in twelve loads of oats in the forenoon, two teams, John’s Bob helped with his, this finished
harvesting in Proton. In the afternoon we all went to the Show Fair. Mrs. R.’s Fancy Quilt and
onions took first prizes.
6 Fine morning, the day dry all through. The three eldest boys harvested in Melancthon. Bob and
his mother went home.
7th Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day beautiful, almost like Indian Summer.
8 Dry morning, but dark, the forenoon fair, the afternoon a little wet. We were tieing oats in
Melancthon. Mrs. R., Phoebe, & Willie went to the carding mill for the yarn.
9 Dry morning, the day splendid till night, when there came on a rain storm with some thunder and
lightening. We started to haul in, in the afternoon, to a stack. Got twelve loads in, then the rain
put a stop to [MS: till] the work.
<Q3 folio 57 recto>
October 1883
10th Wet morning, the forenoon pretty wet, and slightly showery in the afternoon. The boys finished
mowing the tangled oats in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
11 Dark morning, but no rain, the sun got out about 10 A.M. and the day was dry. We took up 43
Bags of potatoes and put them in the cellar.
12 Rainy, generally, throughout the day. John was at Walter Bell’s threshing in the afternoon.
211
13 Cloudy morning, the afternoon very wet. John was at Walter Bell’s threshing in the forenoon. Mr.
& Mrs. Campbell from Bentinck Township were here today and stopped all night. Jim went with
him to hunt up six head of cattle that had strayed out of the tavern keeper’s field where he had put
them.
14th Sabbath. Wet forenoon, the afternoon dry. Campbell and wife left here about nine in the forenoon,
and on their way up the road they got their cattle in Jim Best’s field.
15 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Jim was plowing, John and Clark were picking stones. I
was threshing.
16 Very hard frost this morning. I attended Council meeting at Dundalk. The boys were harvesting
in Melancthon.
17 Hard frost in the morning, the day dry. We were hauling in oats in Melancthon, putting them in
stack. Two teams in the forenoon, and three teams in the afternoon.
<Q3 folio 57 verso>
October 1883
18th Dry morning, the day [dry] till near night, when it began to rain and continued so doing during the
most of the night. We were stacking oats in Melancthon. Just finished harvesting today. A long,
tough job we had at it. Began about the 4th of September. The grain in Melancthon was badly
broken down, and had to mow good deal of it. [in margin] finished harvesting.
19 Wet in the early morning, the afternoon dark and lowering, the afternoon dry. Jim went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon, the others hauled Jim and Willie’s potatoes into the cellar. I thrashed pease
in the afternoon.
20 Dry morning, the day chilly all through. Jim and Johney plowed with the horses and oxen. Clark
and I cleaned pease in the forenoon, then Clark chored around, and I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk.
[in margin] Ground white with snow.
21st Sabbath. Rather chilly morning, the day pretty cold all through. Brother Sam and wife and family
were here today.
22 Hard frost this morning, the day cold. Jim and John plowed. Jim went to Dundalk at night and got
a shoe put on the black mare. Thos. Mitchel[l] and Mrs. John Gott were here. Clark and Willie
picked potatoes out of pit at Sam’s.
23 Dark morning, but the day was dry though cool. John was with the team at James Lonsway’s
thrashing. Clark [stricken text: and Willie sorted potatoes at] plowed some, and hauled some rub-
bish off the street.* Jim went to Thos. Mitchel[l] to pay back time. [*clearly written street, but
meaning unclear.]
<insert> [Between folios 57 verso and 58 recto, two leaves (3 pages written, one blank) of an account
ledger, Payment and Receipts, May through December 1883. Includes personal expenses, cloth-
ing, salaries, bank payments of interest, newspaper subscriptions, cheese payments, etc.] </insert>
<Q3 folio 58 recto>
October 1883
24th Dark morning, the day fine and mild, but no sunshine. Jim was at Tom Mitchel[l]’s, Johney at Jim
Lonsway’s, with the team, threshing. Clark plowed. I worked at the Township books. An old
woman, phemale* tramp, stopped here tonight. [*not clearly written=female?]
25 Dark morning, the day dry, but chilly in the afternoon. John and Clark were at H. Lonsway’s
threshing. I worked at the cheese Book in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Mrs. R and I went to
Dundalk. I purchased 59 pounds of cheese at 10½ ¢ per lb.*, and one barell of flour @ $5.00 per
brl. [*the flour shows up in ledger, noted above, but no entry for cheese; cost of cheese must be
deducted from payment due from factory.]
212
26 Fine morning, the day beautiful all through. I think it must be Indian summer. John and Clark
were at Henry Lonsway’s thrashing. Jim was paying back time to John Oliver. I opened up some
water furrows. W. Lonsway slept here this night.
27 Beautiful morning, the sky hazy like Indian summer, the day fine all through. Jim opened some
water furrows in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to John Gott’s threshing with the team.
John and Clark were at H. Lonsway’s threshing in the forenoon, and Johney was at John Gott’s in
the afternoon. I went to Melancthon Lot to see how the stacks were keeping. Came home and ti-
died up the barn preparatory to threshing. The threshing machine came here at night. We sent our
last milk to the cheese factory for the season this day. [in margin] Threshers came / Factory milk
stopped.
28th Sabbath. Fine day all through, dry and pretty mild.
29 Slight mizzle of rain this morning, which kept increasing, and the day, especially the afternoon,
was very wet. We commenced threshing but had to quit at noon on account of the rain.
<Q3 folio 58 verso>
October 1883
30th Wet showery forenoon, high wind, the afternoon dry and very windy. Headwind against us at
threshing. We hitched some of the horses on in the morning, but took them off again on account
of the rain. We threshed in the afternoon.
31 A slight shower of sleet in the morning, but the forenoon was dry, and pretty windy during the
afternoon. There were frequent showers of snow. We finished threshing at noon. Jim Johnson
and Henry Nichol stopped in the afternoon and helped to put in straw. I had a very poor yield of
grain, and that of the most inferior quality, frozen and dam[p], except the pease which were dry
and not frozen. I think it will be about 11 bushels of wheat to the acre, the worst froze wheat I
have ever seen in my life. There will be about 25 bushels of oats to the acre, frozen badly, and
about 10 bushels pease to the acre. A poor yield, poor quality, and bad in every way. Another
year’s such miserable crop would parch the corns pretty hard. [parch and corns are not clearly
legible; meaning?]
November [1883]
1st Ground covered with snow eight inches deep, and more snow falling, a regular winter’s day. The
boys put straw in during the forenoon. In the afternoon I attended a Council meeting.
2nd Sloppy, nasty day. John and Clark put straw into the barn, and then chored around. Jim was at T.
Mi[t]chel[l]’s chopping Bee.
3 Sloppy, nasty day again! The snow melting and rain falling sometimes. John was at Mr. Nichol’s
threshing. Clark was at D. Reid’s threshing. Jim chored around. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
<Q3 folio 59 recto>
November 1883
4th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us today.
5 Dry in the forenoon, and wet in the afternoon. Clark was at Dan Reid’s threshing. John was at H.
Johnson’s threshing. Jim and I cleaned some grain. I put the hogs up to fat. [in the margin] Hogs
put up to fat.
6 Fine day all through. The boys cleaned up oats, ground their axes, etc.
7 Fine day all through. The boys are working in Melancthon, piling wood. I worked at the Town-
ship Books.
8 Mild day, but very sloppy. The boys were working in Melancthon. I chored around home and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
213
9 Very wet forenoon, the afternoon showery also. The boys were working in Melancthon.
10 Fine mild day all through. The boys were working in Melancthon. Willie and I took to Dundalk
655 Gross of frozen wheat to get chopped. I butchered a spring pig in the afternoon, and at night
went to Walter Bell’s and drew a Lease between him and Peter Doner.
11th Sabbath. Beautiful day from morning till night. At dark there came on a heavy wind and snow
storm.
12 Stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, the day rough and cold all through. Jim went to
William Lonsway’s threshing. The others stopped at home and tended the cattle.
<Q3 folio 59 verso>
November 1883
13th Very stormy day all through. Snowing, blowing and freezing. Jim was at W. Lonsway’s threshing.
John and Clark were at home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
14 Another stormy morning, the day blowing and snowing. John and Clark started for the shanty.
Willie drove them out. I fixed up things a little at home. Miss Sarah Bell is stopping here tonight.
15 Cold morning, the day cold all through. Snowing in the afternoon and blowing a terrific gale at 10
P.M. The boys were underbrushing. I was at H. Johnson’s threshing[? writing very cramped]
16 Cold stormy day all through. The boys were underbrushing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
17 Pretty chilly morning, the day cold on till night, when it got milder. The boys were underbrushing.
I worked at the factory books in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid the
patrons.* Mrs. Broughton & husband were here at night. [*cheese factory patrons]
18th Sabbath. Mild day. Mrs. R. and I went to Br. Sam’s.
19 Another mild day, the snow dissappearing, sleighing about gone. Jim took the boys’ oats to Dun-
dalk and sold them for .29 & .28¢ per bushel. There were 87 Bushels in the two loads which he
took in. They had 13 Bushels left and I bought them at the same price.
20 Still thawing, sleighing gone, raw through the day. Jim & John went with their mother to Dundalk
and purchased clothes with their oat money. Clark was at Brother Sam’s threshing.
<Q3 folio 60 recto>
November 1883
21st Raining in the forenoon, a little showery in the afternoon. Jim and John went to the shanty. Clark
was at Sam’s threshing. This night was very windy and on towards morning it blew a regular hur-
ricane.
22 Dry morning, the day dry all through. The boys were working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
23 Mild day all through. The snow has disappeared and the roads are in a fearful state of mud. The
boys were underbrushing.
24 Mild morning, the snow all gone except a little in the fence corners. Willie and I put out some
manure on the garden, and then plowed it under. The boys were working in Melancthon.
25th Sabbath. Pretty mild day all through. John Irvin’s ram and ours had a battle yesterday, and ours
killed him.
26 Wet morning, the day very wet all through. The boys cleaned some pease, and Jim took the cross-
cut saw to John Gott’s in the eavning to be fixed.
27 Cold frosty morning, the ground hard and very rough. The day was pretty chilly, with a little sun-
shine. Willie took the boys to the shanty and brought home a little stove wood. In the afternoon
he took the oxen and hauled wood for J. Gott.
28 Cold day all through, strong wind and freezing. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I got two teeth
drawn and Mrs. R. got one filled.
214
<Q3 folio 60 verso>
November 1883
29 Pretty chilly morning, but not so cold as yesterday. Snow came on about dark, and it is now,
(10:20) P.M., snowing pretty briskly. Willie and I ground our axe at H. Lonsway’s in the morning,
and in the afternoon Willie yoked up the oxen and hauled home drags of wood. Mrs. Nichol &
daughter, and Mrs. Lonsway, were here in the afternoon, and Mr. Nichol came about dark. Mrs. R.
and I went to see Mrs. C. Bell, who is sick, at night. The boys are working in Melancthon.
30 Cold day all through. A slight snow falling most of the day. The boys are chopping in Melanc-
thon.
December [1883]
1st Milder than yesterday, a little snow fell in the forenoon. The afternoon was soft, like another
thaw. The boys were chopping cordwood. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went with the team to Dun-
dalk in the forenoon, and I went in the afternoon on foot.
2nd Sabbath. Some snow fell during the day, pretty cold weather. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mrs. C.
Bell in the afternoon.
3 Pretty sharp morning, the day generally cold. Willie took the boys and their provisions to the
shanty in the morning. In the afternoon he and I cleaned up some wheat.
4 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with some snow falling at night. The boys are chopping
cordwood. Willie and Eliza visited at Mr. Nichol’s. There is a feeble old man named William
Conners or O’Conners stopping here tonight. Says he came from Durham and is on his way to
some township near Madoc. I hardly think he will ever reach it, he is so feeble. Seems also to be
wandering in his mind.
<Q3 folio 61 recto>
December 1883
5th Mild morning, the day mild all through. The sleighing about gone, pretty good waggoning. I went
to Dundalk and got a shoe on one of the mares, then transacted some other business. The boys are
cutting cordwood. Jim came home this eavning to go to the grist mill tomorrow.
6 Very mild morning, and the day extremely fine. Jim took eight bushels of very bad frozen spring
wheat to Speighton mills. Got only 215 pounds flour, could not expect any more. The worst fro-
zen wheat I ever raised. John and Clark are cutting cordwood.
7 Wet morning, the day rainy all through. Mrs. R. took Jim and some provisions to Melancthon,
then went to Dundalk and bought a barrrel of flour at $5.25.
8 Pretty cold morning, the day chilly, with a slight snow fall in the afternoon. The boys were chop-
ping cordwood. Brother John is here tonight, came about 10 P.M. I went to see Mr. J Duncan
about cutting some oat sheaves. From thence I went to Dundalk and done some Township busi-
ness. At night Mrs. R and I went to see A. Lonsway, who is suffering through a fall.
9th Sabbath. Pretty chilly day all through. A little snow falling now and then.
10 Raw cold morning, the day windy. The roads are extremely rough and hard. The boys are at the
shanty. Brother John is stopping here tonight.
11 Pretty chilly morning, high wind and snow storm in the afternoon. The boys are working in
Melancthon. Brother John left for home early this morning. I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
<Q3 folio 61 verso>
December 1883
12th Pretty cold day all through, wind strong and cold. The boys came home this eavning. Mrs. R.
took the team for them.
215
13 Mild morning, the day mild all through, but pretty windy in the afternoon. We butchered four
hogs. Clark took in a cord of two feet, dry cedar to Dundalk and sold it for $1.50. He then bought
a coat and vest for $7.25. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here this afternoon.
14 Cold morning, some snow fell during the day, strong wind and a very keen freeze towards night.
Jim was at Mr. T. Carson’s wood bee. John and Clark cut stove wood in the Sugar bush. They
came on two racoons and captured them.
15 Very cold morning, the day piercing sharp all through. Mr. John Duncan cut oat sheaves for us in
the afternoon. He was cutting about two hours.
16th Sabbath. Cold day all through. Mrs. R. and I visited at William Lonsway’s.
17 Cold day, a little snow fell now and then. The boys were getting out dry cedar and Jim hauled
some to Dundalk.
18 Another cold day, blowing and snowing, especially in the afternoon. John and Clark were cutting
stove wood. Jim hauled two loads to Dundalk.
19 Sharp morning, the afternoon something milder. Mr. John Duncan was cutting oat sheaves for us.
Cut about six hours today, and two hours on Saturday and charged four dollars.
<Q3 folio 62 recto>
December 1883
20th Cold morning, the day pretty cold all through. Jim took a cord of short hardwood to Dundalk and
sold it to Dr. Griffin for $1.50. In the afternoon he took a cord and [a] quarter of dry cedar to J. J.
Middleton, and put it in on Willie’s clothes, and paid for a cap for him. John took in a cord of dry
cedar (short wood) and sold it to Dr. Griffin for $1.50. Clark hauled to the house with the oxen
some stove wood. I worked at the Township accounts.
21 Pretty chilly morning, the day cold all through. Jim took in two loads of saw logs to the mill.
John and Clark split some firewood at the house.
22 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold from morning till night. Jim hauled the lumber (620) feet
to Lot 31 Melancthon. John and Clark skidded up some logs. I went to Dundalk and done some
business.
23rd Sabbath. Extremely cold morning, the day very windy and freezing quite sharp.
24 Milder than the preceeding days, rather inclined to a softness. The sleighing pretty fair. The boys
went to Melancthon and fixed a place for the straw when it is threshed. The rest of us went to
Dundalk. Took in 53 pounds butter and sold it on account to J. J. Middleton at .18¢ per pound,
making $9.54.
25 Mild morning, the day mild all through. The snow soft, almost like a thaw. Jim went in the early
part of the day to Mr. J. Neithercut's party. The others of the family, old and young, except myself,
went to Dundalk after dinner. I went at night to see sister Margaret and her little ones. They have
diptheria, but are getting better. John Irvin and nephew dined with us today.
<Q3 folio 62 verso>
December 1883
26th Mild morning, the day mild all through. Jim was at Joseph Neithercut’s Bee with the team. John
and Clark went to Melancthon to chop cordwood. John Gott came here tonight and got me to
make him out a Bill of lumber for Patrick Conner’s Barn.
27 Soft morning, some snow falling in the forenoon. Blowing and snowing in the afternoon, very
cold at night. The boys were working in Melancthon. I bagged up twelve bags of frozen wheat,
took it to the Mill, and got it chopped. Paid ten cents a bag for chopping. Sold the chop to Mr.
Morgan for a cent a pound. The worth of it out in flour at $5.40 per barrel.
216
28 Very sharp morning, the forenoon generally pretty cold, the afternoon something milder. The boys
are working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to see sister Margaret who has diptheria. I went to
Dundalk.
29 Pretty mild morning, the day not very cold. The boys were working in Melancthon. I went to
Dundalk on Township business.
30th Sabbath. Snow falling this morning, and a good deal fell through the day. The afternoon was mild.
Brother Sam and wife were here.
31st Mild day, good sleighing, a little snow falling through the day. Jim started to haul cordwood to
Dundalk. John was at Walter Bell’s sawing. I went to Dundalk, purchased three small swine for
$3.00. Transacted some Township business. The old year is drawing to a close and so also are the
most of us. Our crops have been rather poor this year, owing to the frost. It is a hard like winter
for the majority farmers. We have had our health. Who will live to see another year close?
<end of Quire 3>
217
Volume 2
1 Jan. 1884-31 Oct. 1887
See the Preface to Volume 1 for editorial conventions, and a list of variant spellings. Modern foliation
of the 120 folios in volume 2 (added in 2018) is noted in this transcription inside angle brackets
(e.g.<folio 2 recto>) preceding the running title found on each manuscript page. For details on front
and back matter (pasted-in excerpts, sketches, recipes), and physical description of the volume, see the
material description of the diaries, circulated separately.
<folio 1 recto>
<tipped-in sketch of orchard>
North of map
Diagram of Fruit Trees planted on Lot 215 Proton May 5th 1887
Toronto + Sydenham Road
<end of tipped-in sketch>
<title>
Robert Russell’s
Diary
Proton Township
Co. Grey, Ontario
January 1
st
1884
</title>
<pasted-in poem from newspaper column on upper right corner>
<folio 1 verso>
<pasted-in, 3 columns of poetry from newspaper>
<folio 2 recto>
January 1884
[first entry obscured by pasted-in part-column of newspaper poem]
[1st. . .]ning, the day generally fine, the afternoon [. . .] sharp frost. Jim was hauling cordwood [. . .
Dunda]lk, Clark was cooking for him, Johney, [. . .] I butchered two hogs. In the afternoon Willie
took the oxen and sleigh and brought home three swine.
2 Cold morning, the day pretty stormy, especially in the afternoon, blowing, snowing, and freezing.
The boys were working in Melancthon. Clark came home this afternoon to go to school tomor-
row. Chris. Johnson was here this eavning.
3 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold all through, snowing, Blowing, and freezing. The wind
very high. John and Jim are in Melancthon. Clark started to school. Willie and Eliza inte[n]ded
going but it was too cold. [in margin] Very cold.
4 Fearfully cold this morning, the day a regular sneezer all through, high wind and a piercing frost,
would almost chill the marrow of one’s bones. Jim and John are in Melancthon, Clark was at
school. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Cold.
218
5 Cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through, but not so cold as yesterday, not much wind. Jim
was hauling wood to Dundalk. John was chopping. Clark was choring around home. I was work-
ing at the Treasurer’s Books. [in margin] Cold.
6th Sabbath. Another very cold day, keen freeze from morning till night. [in margin] cold.
<folio 2 verso>
January 1884
7th Sharp morning, keen freeze, the day very cold from morning till night. John was hauling wood. I
went to Dundalk to the Municipal Election. [in margin] Cold.
8 Another cold day, blowing, snowing and freezing. A good deal of snow fell in the afternoon. Jim
was hauling wood. Clark was at school. Johney is chopping & cooking on Lot 31 Melanc[thon].
[in margin] Cold.
9 Blowing, snowing and freezing this morning, the day very rough all through. Jim and Johney are
working in Melancthon. Clark is at Daniel Reid’s threshing. Willie and Eliza are at school. [in
margin] Stormy.
10 Sharp morning, the day cold all through and pretty windy. Jim and John were at the shanty. Clark
was at Daniel Reid’s threshing. Willie and Eliza were at school.
11 Another cold morning, the day cold, snowing, blowing and freezing. Jim and John were working
in Melancthon. Clark and Willie were at school. [in margin] Stormy
12 Cold morning, the day pretty cold all through, a little snow falling occassionally. Jim and John
were working at cordwood. Clark was at John Irvin’s threshing. Willie yoked up the oxen and
went to Melancthon for a load of stove wood. [in margin] cold.
<folio 3 recto>
January 1884
13th Sabbath. Rather milder today, a good deal of snow fell and a few drops of rain at night. Mrs.
Robert Oliver of Melancthon died this afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. R. Oliver died.
14 Snowing this morning, and a good deal fell through the day. Not such a keen frost as some of the
days past. Jim and John were in Melancthon at the cordwood, the other three were at school. I
helped John Irvin put in straw.
15 Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through and a very sharp freeze at night. Mrs. R., Jim, John,
Eliza and I were at Mrs. Oliver’s funeral.
16 Cold day all through, snowing and blowing. I went to Dundalk and sold the cordwood at $2 75/100
per cord. The boys were in Melancthon preparing for threshing.
17 Another cold morning, but not so sharp as yesterday. We were threshing in Melancthon, two
teams were hauling home the grain. [in margin] Birthday.
18 Cold stormy morning, the roads very badly drifted, almost impassible, the day blowing and snow-
ing some. We finished threshing in Melancthon, the grain is of a very poor quality, frozen when
growing, wet and dried a dozen or more times before [dittog.: before] stacked, wet and frozen in
the stacks. There is not a bushel of it merchantibel [=merchantible] at the present. There are
about 500 bushels oats and 30 bushels wheat.
19 Something milder this morning, the day got sharp towards night. Sam and the boys fetched two
loads of oats from Melancthon. Mrs. George Broughten & Husband were here a little time at
night. [in margin] R. Montgomery of Proton died.
<folio 3 verso>
January 1884
20th Sabbath. Cold day all through.
219
21 Sharp morning, a very keen freeze through the day. Exceedingly cold at night. I attended a coun-
cil meeting at Dundalk. Jim hauled two loads of oats from Melancthon. Brother John and his son
Robert with their team came to help us haul wood. A. G. Hunter of Dundalk offered to act as
treasurer of Proton for $50.00 per year. The council refused him and retained me at $75. per an-
num.
22 Sharp morning, but the day was not so cold as yesterday, the wind pretty strong. Some snow fell
and there was a good deal of drifting, the roads are in some places impassible. The boys with their
uncle John is fixing a place in Melancthon for their team. Jim hauled a load of oats home in the
afternoon.
23 Snowing, Blowing, and freezing all through the day. The Boys are fixing a stable in Melancthon.
24 Very cold morning, the day cold all through, exceedingly so. The boys and Brother John were
working in Melancthon. [in margin] Cold.
25 Sharp morning, the day cold from morning till night. The boys and John were working in Melanc-
thon.
26 Sharp morning, the middle of the day not very cold. The roads very heavy. John and Jim hauled
wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
27th Sabbath. Pretty chilly day all through. Brother John & Bob, Willie Lonsway and family were
here.
<folio 4 recto>
January 1884
28th Pretty sharp morning, the roads very heavy this morning, the day somewhat milder in the after-
noon. The Boys and Brother John with his son Robert is getting out wood in Melancthon. Clark
was at Nichol’s threshing. Mrs. R. visited Mrs. C. Bell.
29 Mild morning, the day mild all through, some indications of a thaw. All the force, with the excep-
tion of the three youngest, are in Melancthon.
30 Thaw this morning, rain falling and the day was wet all through. The boys and John and Bob are
in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Thaw.
31 Cold, raw wind in the morning, the day cold all through with a slight snow fall. Brother John
came here and stopped all night. Mrs. John Gott and family were here in the afternoon. The boys
were working at the cordwood.
February
1 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold but a good deal of sunshine. John left for home this forenoon.
The boys are working at the cordwood.
2 Rather mild this morning, but the wind arose and it commenced to snow and drift, making the
roads very heavy. I went to Melancthon and helped cut some stove wood. I stopped there all
night. The boys were hauling wood to the station, and Johney was swamping out with the oxen.
<folio 4 verso>
February 1884
3rd Sabbath. Heavy snow fall this morning. It cleared off about 10 A.M. I stopped at the shanty till 2
P.M. then came to Sam’s and from there home. Josiah Sauder and wife and two Miss Neithercuts
were here.
4 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold all through. The boys are working at the cordwood. They took
Eight head of young cattle to Melancthon to eat the straw there.
5 Milder this forenoon, the afternoon a little sharp. The boys are working at the wood.
6 Mild forenoon, the day generally mild. The boys are working at the wood. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
220
7 Another mild morning, the day pleasant till the afternoon, when it got sharper. Mrs. R. and I paid
a visit to Mr. Walter Nichol at night. Boys are working at the wood.
8 Very mild morning, the day pleasant all through with a decided tendancy to a thaw. The Boys are
working at the wood.
9 Mild morning, the day mild all through with a slight fall of snow. The boys were hauling wood. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Posted letter to Br. William
10th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. Walter Bell’s.
<folio 5 recto>
February 1884
11th Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through. Johney and Bob went to Melancthon to swamp
wood with the oxen. Jim is laid up with a cold.
12 Mild forenoon, but the afternoon was windy with a good fall of sleet which turned to rain towards
morning. The two boys are swamping wood. The Township auditors (T. Hanbury & J. Binkley)
audited my books.
13 Rain falling early this morning, a shower of snow about 10 A.M., the afternoon fine. Jim took the
teams to Melancthon, he and Bob and Brother Sam hauled cordwood to Dundalk. Mrs. R. was at a
quilting at Mrs. Lonsway’s [minutely written].
14 Very stormy morning, the day snowing, blowing and freezing all through. The boys are hauling
cordwood. Mrs. R. helped Sister Margaret to quilt.
15 Mild day all through, quite a change from yesterday. The boys were at the cordwood. I went to
Dundalk and done some business.
16 Pretty sharp morning, the day got milder as it advanced, the afternoon was rather softly inclined.
The boys finished hauling cordwood. There are 77 cords. The double pile is 154 feet long and 8
feet hight [sic]. I was in Dundalk [MS dundalk]. [in margin] Finished hauling c. wood.
17th Sabbath. Mild day all through, fall of snow at night.
18 A quantity of soft snow this morning, the day soft, like a thaw. Got the wood measured. Was cut
2 cords the measurement and 2 cords for culls. Got pay for 73 cords. Jim helped Sam today.
Brother John came here at night. Mr. Lonsway & wife were here this afternoon.
<folio 5 verso>
February 1884
19th Soft morning, the day soft all through, with high wind and rain at about 8:30 P.M. We cleaned up
57 20/34 bushels of oats. Jim took them to Dundalk, got .28 1/2 p. Bushel. They were very wet,
having been saved in a stack. I went to Peter Doner’s sale in the afternoon.
20 Extremely stormy morning, the rain that was falling last night turned to snow, the wind rose to a
violent gale, and the cold was intense. The day all through was one of the stormiest and coldest
that came this winter. We cleaned and took to Dundalk 117 Bushels of oats, sold them for .27¢,
the first load, and .25¢ for the second. The oats are very wet and we can’t sell any more of them to
we get them dried. Brother John came here this afternoon from Sam’s. A lamb came today, being
the first of the season. It is a big strong Ewe lamb. [in margin] First lamb.
21 Pretty cold stormy morning, the storm increased as the day advanced, till at last it blew a perfect
hurricane. The storm of wind and snow was so grate [sic] that I could not take the cattle to water.
The first day this winter that they went without. Brother John started for home this morning. His
son Robert went to W. Lonsway’s to put on a load of moving for him and take it down. Jim and
John went to Melancthon.
22 A little milder this morning, but the afternoon got stormy and rough. Jim and John were at the
shanty taking out saw logs. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning.
221
<folio 6 recto>
February 1884
23rd Stormy morning, the [day] windy, and a very sharp freeze in the afternoon. The boys were in
Melancthon. I went to Dundalk, bought some grain bags at $3.40 per dozen, drawing knife at
$1.00 & a spokeshave at .40¢.
24th Sabbath. Rather milder this morning than yesterday, the day pretty mild all through. Mrs. R. and I
went to Brother Sam’s. Stopped there a while, then Sam, Phoebe & we went to William
Lonsway’s.
25 Mild morning, the day inclined to softness. Snow came on in the afternoon, and continued snow-
ing pretty steadily till after night. Jim went in the forenoon to Melancthon for the sleigh. John and
I cleaned a load of Oats. Jim took them to Dundalk in the afternoon, did not succeed well in sell-
ing them as they were damp. Peddled them around a good deal, finally succeeded in getting .26¢
p. B.
26 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, snow fell during the afternoon. Jim and John went to
Melancthon in the morning, their mother drove them there with the team.
27 Mild morning, the day mild but without sunshine. A good deal of snow fell. Jim and John are
taking out saw logs in Melancthon. I took them some bread in the forenoon, then I went to Dun-
dalk and bought 1 Brl. salt for $1.40. Miss Sarah Bell was here today.
28 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and freezing, the afternoon worse than the forenoon, terribly
cold. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. [in margin] very cold.
<folio 6 verso>
February 1884
29th A very cold morning, the day cold all through, Blowing, drifting and freezing like Greenland. Jim
and John were working in Melancthon. [in margin] Very cold.
March [1884]
1st Pretty sharp morning, but the sun got out and the day was pretty fine, with a keen freeze in the
afternoon. The boys were in Melancthon. I attended a cheese meeting in Dundalk.
2nd Sabbath. Pretty keen freeze all day, the sun shone some. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in
the eavning.
3 Keen frost this morning, some sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon very cold and the wind
high. Jim took 61 11/34 Bushels of oats to Dundalk in the forenoon, got .25¢ p. B. They were wet.
He then went with the team to William Lonsway’s and got on his load of moving. Johney and his
mother also went in to help pack up. Brother John came here at 5 P.M. and he and I went to W.
Lonsway’s. He is going to haul a load.
4 Bitterly cold morning, the day very cold all through. I think last night was the coldest came this
winter. W. Lonsway, Sister Margaret and family left their old home in Melancthon for their new
home in Essa. I wish them God Speed. There were six teams at the moving. Jim, John, and their
mother went with them.
5 Pretty sharp morning, the sun shone out a good deal through the day, but the air was cold. There
are only the two youngest and I at home now, the others are gone to Essa. Skeffington Bell was
here in the afternoon.
<folio 7 recto>
February 1884 [March written above]
6th Sharp morning, rather hazy, but the sun shone out clear and bright during the forenoon. The after-
noon was overcast and snow is falling now (9:45) P.M. I went to see Walter Bell’s boy who is
pretty sick with pleuresy.
222
7 Pretty chilly this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was pleasant. First class sleighing
now. The folks got home this eavning.
8 Snowing, blowing, and drifting this morning, the day pretty cold all through. Jim left home this
morning with his uncle Johney’s Reaper and six bags of seed oats which we are changing. John,
Willie and I cleaned up some seed oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
9th Sabbath. Pretty mild day all through.
10 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow inclined to soften a little. John brought home twelve sticks
of wood with his oxen from Melancthon. Then he and I moved about 150 Bushels of oats out of
the bins into the chaff house. Jim has not got home yet (7:12 P.M.). Mrs. A. Lonsway was here
this afternoon.
11 Rain this morning, sleeting and raining all through the day, also a pretty hig[h] wind. Jim and
John went to Melancthon. [in margin] Thaw.
12 High wind this morning and the day was very windy, with an occasional shower of snow. Jim and
John are getting saw logs to the mill.
<folio 7 verso>
F March 1884
13th Bright sunny morning and the sun shone all day. There was a thaw wind and the snow softened
considerably. Jim and John are working in Melancthon getting saw logs out. W. Lonsway called
here this morning on his way to Essa. Mrs Walter Nichol and Mrs. Maria Broughton was here part
of the day.
14 Middling sharp morning, but the Sun shone out about 9 A.M. and the day was pretty mild, the
snow melted a little. The boys were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. was to see Mrs. C. Bell in
the afternoon. Two strange Ladies driving along here this afternoon got off the track. Their horse
got down in the Snow and broke a shaft of their cutter. I spliced it best I could. I think they Said
they lived near Walkerton.
15 Rind on the trees this morning, the sun shone out after a while and the day was thawing till about 3
P.M., when it began to freeze. Then about 5 P.M. snow began to fall and it is now 10:40 P.M.
snowing and Blowing fiercely. Jim and John were at the saw logs. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon with Mrs. R.
16th Sabbath. Nice mild day, but the eavning was chilly
17 Rain very early this morning, then turned to snow about daylight, and kept snowing to about 9
A.M. The afternoon was cold but fair. I went to a council meeting at Cederville. J. J. Middleton
gave me a ride. We stopped all night at Mr. S. Rogers’. The boys worked in Melancthon.
<folio 8 recto>
March 1884
18th Bright sunny morning, the day fine and sunny all through. I came home from Cederville. Stopped
in Dundalk and voted for our M. P. P. The boys worked at the logs. I wrote Andrew Lonsway’s
Will this night.
19 Dark morning, no sun out today. Rain came on about 11 A.M., and continued slightly during most
of the afternoon. I went to Melancthon and brought the team home in the afternoon.
20 Fine morning, the sun shone out through the day, and the weather was quite pleasant. Jim and
John were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to see Phoebe. The assessor, John McMurdo,
was here and assessed Lot 215 @ $700., & Lot 216 @ $350., and personal property @ $150., with
6 days statute labor.
21 Beautiful day, bright, warm sun from morning till night, the snow disappearing fast. The boys
were working in Melancthon.
223
22 Bright sunny day from morning till night, the water running on the road, the birds out singing.
The boys worked in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
23rd Sabbath. Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon fair. Brother Sam and family were here.
24 Dark morning, the day generally dark, a little sun now and then. Snow melting fast. Mrs. R. took
some provisions to the Melancthon Lot.
<folio 8 verso>
March 1884
25th Fine sunny morning, the day nice and bright till about 2 P.M., when it clouded over. The after-
noon cold, with a slight sprinkling of rain. Jim and John were chopping. I went to Dundalk in the
eavning [last word is miniscule].
26 Wet morning till about 9 A.M. when it cleared off a little, the remainder of the day was showery.
The boys are in Melancthon. I was at D. Reid’s wood bee. G. Broughton and wife, and H. Lon-
sway and wife, were here at night.
27 Fine morning, the day fine all through, with a good deal of sunshine. The boys are chopping in
Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk.
28 Fine morning, the day very nice, sunshine prevailing all day. The birds singing merrily. Robins
out for more than a week, though I have not seen any of them yet. Mrs. R., Clark, Eliza and Willie
went to the School Examination in No. 5 Melancthon. I stopped at home. There were six lambs
came today.
29 Cool in the morning, the wind rose and the day got very cold. Very high wind in the afternoon,
freezing hard. I went to Dundalk and S. Bell and I worked at making out the Defaulters List.
Clark fetched two heifers from Melancthon. [in margin] Saw first Robin.
30th Sabbath. Bleak, cold day, piercing wind.
31 Cold morning, a little sunshine through the day. The day was generally cold. I went to Dundalk
in the forenoon. The boys were cutting wood.
<folio 9 recto>
April 1884
1st Cold morning, no sunshine through the day. The day was very cold. Some snow fell. The boys
are cutting cordwood. Mrs. R. went to H. Johnson’s.
2 Sharp morning, the day dark, cold and windy. Some snow fell. The boys are cutting wood.
3 Dark, cold day all through. Very strong wind blowing the cattle feed all through the Barn Yard.
The boys are chopping. [in margin] Got letter from Br. William.
4 Dark, cold morning, the day chilly all through, and very little sunshine. Keen frost in the after-
noon. The boys are cutting cordwood.
5 Cold, raw morning. Keen freeze throughout the day, no sunshine. I was in Dundalk in the fore-
noon. The boys were cutting cordwood. W. McKay, who is helping them, is stopping here to-
night. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here a while at night. [in margin] Posted letter to William.
6th Sabbath. Sunny morning, but a sharp wind, the day pretty clear but cool.
7 Bright sunny morning, sunshine all day, the snow melting. Mrs. R. took the team and some prov-
ender to the boys in the forenoon. In the afternoon I took fourteen bags of cut feed to the Shanty.
8 Rather chilly morning, a little sunshine in the forenoon, and a fine snow storm in the afternoon.
The boys are cutting wood in Melancthon.
<folio 9 verso>
April 1884
9th Quite cool this morning, a little sunshine in the middle of the day, the afternoon cold. I took 27 1/3
Bushels of pease to Dundalk and sold them for .63 ¢ per Bushel. I bought 10 Bushels of Seed
224
back at .50 ¢ per Bushel. The boys were chopping. Jim got his head cut. He and the others had
their axes fastened into a tree which they thought would fall the wrong way. They were trying to
pull it. The tree fell, Jim ran, and his hat fell over his face, and he struck his head against the edge
of William McKay’s axe. The cut, I think, will not be serious.
10 A little cold in the forenoon, some sunshine in the middle of the day, the afternoon rather cold.
Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to make some molasses. The Sap did not run well and she came
home at night. I hauled from Melancthon 1/2 cord short wood to Mr. Parson’s of Dundalk. The
roads are extremely bad. Jim came home this eavning. The Assessor (R. Mooney) assessed the
Melancthon Lot for $850. [in margin] Assessed Melancthon.
11 Pretty sharp morning, a little sunshine in the afternoon, cold at night. All the boys but Jim are
working in Melancthon.
12 Fine morning, the day generally mild, with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and I cleaned some oats
and weak wheat, to get chopped. Eliza was in the sugar bush, along with Clark and Willie. Jim
went in the afternoon & got a shoe put on the mare. [in margin] heard 1st Frog.
<folio 10 recto>
April 1884
13th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s.
14 Mild morning, the middle of the day a little warm with some sunshine, the afternoon cloudy. Jim
and John started the plows in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought a half
bushel of Alsac[e] clover seed, paid $5.10 for it. [in margin] First plowing.
15 Cloudy morning, rain came on about 8 A.M. and continued most of the day. I borrowed Brother
Sam’s mare and [dittog.: and] took her and one of my own to [Cederville stricken] Hopeville. I
drove the Reeve to a council meeting. The roads were very bad coming home, and the night as
black as pitch.
16 Wet morning, the day mostly wet. There is no getting around on account of the state of the roads.
John and Willie are in Melancthon. Jim is at home.
17 Rather cold this morning, the day damp and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. Jim took the team and some provender and went to Melancthon.
18 A little finer this morning, some sunshine through the day. The boys, with the horses and oxen,
are plowing in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Miss Ann Irvin’s and got some plum trees to plant.
<folio 10 verso>
April 1884
19th Fine morning, the day mild, with a good deal of sunshine. The boys are plowing in Melancthon.
Mrs. R. planted out her fruit trees. I went to a cheese meeting in Dundalk in the afternoon. [in
margin] planted / fruit trees.
20th Sabbath. Cool morning, the day cold all through, no sunshine. Hard frost at night, with a shower
of snow.
21 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Bright sun, but sharp cold wind. Mrs. R. went with
Johney to Melancthon to work in the sugar bush. John and Jim are plowing. Willie is cook in the
shanty.
22 Bright, sunny morning, the day bright and clear all through, but the air a little chilly. Mrs. R. came
home from Melancthon from making molasses. Johney brought the oxen and a wagon for wheat.
23 Fine morning, sunshine all through the day. The air pretty warm, nice day all through. Jim is at
Melancthon. Johney started from home this morning with nine bags of seed wheat to Sow in
Melancthon. Mrs. R. has started gardening [in margin] First wheat / sown.
225
24 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and warm, fine springlike weather. The boys are working in
Melancthon. I digged around the apple trees.
25 Fine morning, the day beautiful. The boys finished putting in wheat. Mrs. R. and I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon. Gerty colted on her way home. Colt weak; won’t live. Did not
<folio 11 recto>
April 1884
come to its time. Mrs. R.and I went to brother Sam’s where Jim had left the colt. We did what we
could for it, stopped up all night and attended to it.
26 Beautiful morning, the day splendid, very warm, in fact, hot. Mrs. R. and I stopped all day at
Sam’s. We hauled the colt out in Sam’s light waggon at night. The boys were picking stones at
home.
27th Sabbath. Something cooler this morning, the middle of the day sunny, the afternoon cloudy, a
heavy shower of Rain, accompanied with thunder and lightening at night. The little colt died this
night.
28 Cold morning, the day cold and clear. Jim and John plowed.
29 Very hard frost this morning, the ground would scarcely turn over, the forenoon pretty cold with
but little sunshine, the afternoon milder but overcast towards night. Jim and John plowing.
30 Slight frost this morning, a little sunny through the day, but pretty cool, cloudy in the eavning. We
sowed five acres of pease. John plowed. [in margin: Sowed pease / moon week old]
May [1884]
1st Bright sunny morning, very sultry in the forenoon, a heavy shower about noon, some thunder,
Raining at night. Jim ganged,* John plowed, I swam Barley in pickle* to get some wild oats out
of it. Clark hunted up three steers that had strayed from Melancthon. [*ganged=plowed with a
gang plow, i.e. a plow with two or more shares, capable of turning more than one furrow at a time.
Swimming barley in a pickle (a salt and water solution thought to be a natural weed killer; see 3, 5
April 1878 entries) causes the lighter grains of wild oats to float to the top to be removed.]
<folio 11 verso>
May 1884
2nd Cold morning, frequent showers of cold rain during the forenoon, high wind also. There was quite
a brisk shower of snow in the eavening. John and Jim plowed in the dry part of the day. I went to
Dundalk.
3 Hard frost this morning, the sun got out and the frost gradually thawed out, the afternoon was pret-
ty fine. I sowed five acres of Barley in the forenoon, but we only could get it harrowed once on
account of the ground being so soft from the frost thawing out, will have to let it stand till it dries.
Jim made a stone Boat, John plowed, and Clark harrowed. We took two calves into Dundalk in
the eavening, only got .50¢ each for them. James Mulholland was here and Bought four bags
pease at .63¢ p. Bushel. [in margin] sowed Barley.
4th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, cloudy in the afternoon and rain at night.
5 Cloudy this morning, the sun shone out bright about the middle of the day, the afternoon cloudy.
Jim and Johney were plowing. I loosened some stones and plowed with John’s team a while in the
afternoon, he having got a stiff neck.
6 Dark morning with a very heavy dew, the forenoon overcast, but dry, a little sunshine. During the
afternoon I sowed the remainder of the barley, then went to Dundalk, got home at noon, raised
some stumps till tea time then Clark and I picked stones. Jim plowed in the forenoon, harrowed to
226
tea time, then plowed. Clark plowed to tea time, then gathered stones. John is laid up with a stiff
neck. Mr. Ferris got a calf here from us. We started to put the milk into the factory today. [in
margin] Seen Swallow / Milk to / the factory 72 pounds.
<folio 12 recto>
May 1884
7 Dark cloudy morning, the wind strong and a slight drizzle of rain. The day from morning till night
was overcast and a scotch mist falling all the time. Jim plowed. Johney plowed and gathered
stones. I loosened stumps.
8 Dark muggy morning, the day misty all through, a slight mizzle of rain falling now and then. I
sowed Thirty pounds of Alsike clover seed. Jim and Johney plowed. Jim took a load of stove
wood to Dundalk to Mr. Parsons from Melancthon after tea time. [in margin] Alsike / Sown.
9 Dark morning, slight rain falling, which increased about 10 A.M. to a real good shower. It was
slightly showery in the afternoon and a very heavy rain at night. The boys plowed during the dry
part of the day and while it was raining they helped J. Brinkman to clean 25 Bushels of oats which
I bought from him @ .33 per Bushel.
10 Misty morning, the forenoon overcast, the afternoon, dry and windy. John, Clark and Willie gath-
ered stones in the forenoon, and John plowed in the afternoon. Jim plowed all day. Mrs. R. and I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Got Sup[erinten]d[ent]. / Blanks / from Toronto.
11th Sabbath. The day generally cloudy and pretty cool, a slight frost at night.
<folio 12 verso>
May 1884
12th Frost this morning, and cloudy, the day cleared and no rain fell. Jim sowed ten acres of oats. Wil-
lie harrowed. John plowed, I routed [=rooted] out some stumps and chored around. [in margin]
First oats / sown.
13 Dark overcast morning, a slight rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon very wet, and rain falling
now (8:30) P.M. Jim finished harrowing the oats he sowed yesterday. John plowed, finished
plowing the old pasture field. Mr. T. Mitchel came here to sell me a reaper.
14 Cold morning and cloudy, the day was very windy and drying. Jim and John started with the teams
for the Melancthon Lot to plow, as the ground is to[o] wet at home to sow. I dug out stumps and
roots in the old pasture field.
15 Cold morning, the day dry till about one o’clock, when there came on a thunder and lightening
storm accompanied with hail, rain and wind. A great deal of rain fell. The afternoon extremely
cold and a snow storm came on at dark. The Boys were plowing in Melancthon. I took out roots
in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost
16 Snow, Snow, Snow, the ground covered about l ½ inch, strange at this time of the year! It had all
disappeared at noon. The afternoon was windy and dry. The boys are plowing in Melancthon. I
went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Snow.
<folio 13 recto>
May 1884
17th Bright sunny morning, the day clear but cool. I went to Flesherton, thence to Priceville, then
came home by Dundalk. The boys finished plowing in Melancthon. [in margin] Went to /
Priceville.
18th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day balmy and springlike. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
19 Cloudy morning, the day generally overcast. A slight shower about 6:45 A.M., a little sprinkling
now and then through the day. Jim and Willie are putting in oats in Melancthon. I sowed some
oats at home, John harrowed.
227
20 Rainy morning, rain during all the forenoon, the afterpart of the afternoon dry. No work going on
at home today on account of the wet. Jim and Willie are in Melancthon.
21 Fine morning, the sun shone out bright, the day was sultry, with a good growth. John and I cut
seed potatoes. Jim and Willie are seeding in Melancthon.
22 Fair morning, the day dry during the forenoon, a little rain in the afternoon. Jim finished putting in
oats in Melancthon. John and I cut potatoes.
23 Dry morning, the day dry and very sultry till about 6 P.M., when the sky got overcast and it began
to rain. There is now, 9:10 P.M., a perfect pour, also thunder and lightening. The three boys were
hauling manure. I was letting water off the field.
<folio 13 verso>
May 1884
24 Dark cloudy morning, the day cloudy and a slight mizzle of rain now and then. Jim and John went
to Shelburne to celebrate the day.* I let water off a piece of low land in the forenoon and went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. [* 24 May is Victoria Day holiday]
25th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day cloudy but dry.
26 Misty morning, the day warm but cloudy, with considerable of sunshine now and then. We planted
potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim and I went to J. Brinkman’s at night, I bought
11 Bushels of oats from him at .35¢ per Bushel. I sent the milk cows to pasture at John Gott’s. [in
margin]: First / Potatoes / planted.
27 Cloudy morning, the middle of the day bright and sunny, the afternoon very cold, hard frost at
night. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Got a ride there and back with Mr. T. Hanbury.
The boys planted potatoes on a piece of sod, just plowed the sod down on them. The Misses Nei-
thercut were here.
28 Very sharp frost this morning, ice on the water, the ground as hard as a board. The day cold all
through, but drying. Freezing tonight. Jim harrowed at Walter Bell’s. John helped John Gott pile
manure. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hard frost.
29 Clear, cold and windy. Jim took 960 pounds of mixed grain (oats, pease & wheat) and got it
chopped for the pigs and calves. John worked at putting up a fence round a calf park. [in margin]
Frost.
<folio 14 recto>
May 1884
30th Snow on the ground this morning, and more falling. It had all disappeared before noon. Jim went
to Melancthon for a load of wood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he and John went to
Melancthon to mend a brush fence. I went to Dundalk and Exchanged a 20 gallon milk can for
another of the same size, the first being rusty. Mr. Brinkman was here looking for a lost calve. [in
margin] Snow.
31 Mild morning, the day pretty warm all through, good growth. Jim and John are fencing in
Melancthon. I sowed about three and a half acres of white oats at home. Willie harrowed. Clark
with the oxen hauled stones off the ground. I helped when I had finished sowing. We are now
done sowing grain, but from the appearance of things I think some of the oats will have to be
sowen over again. The seed was poor, on account of the frost last harvest, and the ground was
cold for a long time this spring. The two causes combined is tilting badly for the crops, almost
every person around here has to sow their oats over again. [in margin] Finished / seeding.
<folio 14 verso>
June 1884
228
1st Sabbath. Nice growing day. Mrs. R and I went to Melancthon and stopped at Brother Sam’s on our
way home.
2 Dry morning, and very warm. Got some shoes on the horses. Jim and I started for Tossorontio to
buy seed oats, as our own had missed. Got as far as Rosemont when there came on a very heavy
rain storm, with some thunder and lightening. We went to brother John’s. Johney shore the sheep
at home. [in margin] Shore sheep.
3 Very sultry day all through, the sun extremely hot. Bought 25 Bushels oats @.35¢ per Bushel and
changed them with John for his as I think they are the best seed.
4 Dry warm day all through. Jim and I got home from Tossorontio about 7 P.M. Johney was pick-
ing stones at home.
5 Dry warm day. Jim ganged, John and I hauled stones off with the oxen.
6 Dry warm day. I sowed oats. John hauled with the oxen in the forenoon. Jim and Walter Bell
ganged till they finished the field, then they harrowed till quitting time. This is the second sowing
of oats this season on this field. [in margin] Finished seeding.
7 Very hot day. Jim finished harrowing oats. John and Clark put out manure in the forenoon on the
potatoe patch. Jim helped at the planting in the afternoon. [Stricken Mrs. R. and ] I went to
Dundalk.
<folio 15 recto>
June 1884
8th Sabbath. Bright sunny day all through.
9 Slight rain early this morning. It cleared off, then came on again about noon. There was heavy
cold rain in the afternoon. The boys finished planting potatoes at home then they went to Melanc-
thon in the afternoon to plant two bags for Jim. They could not get it done, as the rain came on.
Jim stopped in Melancthon all night.
10 Cool morning, the day cool, windy and dry. John was repairing Brush fence, Jim finished plant-
ing potatoes, then came home and drove his mother to Dundalk. I worked at the Township and
Cheese accounts. William Lonsway and Wesley were here this night.
11 Rather cool this morning but the day got warmer towards noon, the afternoon was pretty warm.
Jim went with the team to help his uncle Sam haul square timber. Johney and I fixed fences in the
forenoon and in the afternoon he went to Pat Conner’s raising. The oats which I sowed on last
Friday are appearing above the ground already. They are only sown five clear days.
12 Bright morning, the day clear, cool and breezy. Jim helped Sam, John and I picked stones. I went
to Dundalk after tea time.
13 Cool and cloudy. We gathered stones on the summer fallow.
<folio 15 verso>
June 1884
14th Cloudy and cool in the forenoon, bright and cool in the afternoon. Jim gang plowed, Johney,
Clark and I took stones off the summer fallow. After tea I warned out the workers of statute labor.
Mrs. R. and I stopped a while at night at Mrs. C. Bell’s.
15th Sabbath. Clear and sunny most of the day, the afternoon cloudy. Mrs. C. Bell, and Brother John,
Pho[e]be, and children were here.
16 Bright sunny day all through, very warm in the afternoon. John and I hauled stones together. Jim
plowed. Miss McLaughlin, dressmaker, here.
17 Bright, sunny all through, and hot. There were some clouds after sunset. Jim plowed, John hauled
stones into piles. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mr. Langley opperated on two yearling colts
229
of mine. Sam & Wesley Lonsway were here a while in the eavning. Miss McLaughlin left at
noon, having finished her work sci[e]ntifically [=sufficiently?].
18 Fine morning, dry and warm. Very heavy clouds came up about 3 P.M., there were some thunder
and lightening, a little rain and very strong wind. I was Overseeing statute labor. Jim plowed in
the fallow and John gathered stones.
19 Cloudy morning, the sun soon shone out, the day was extremely sultry. In the afternoon I was
overseeing statute labor. John gathered stones, Jim plowed in the summer fallow.
<folio 16 recto>
June 1884
20 Bright sunny morning, the day very hot. I finished statute labor. Jim helped his uncle Sam, John
gathered stones. [in margin] Hot.
21 Warm morning, the afternoon exceedingly hot. Jim made a jumper, assisted by his uncle Sam.
John and Clark picked stones and prepared a cabbage plot. I worked at township business in the
forenoon and attended council meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot / Got pension
/ $101.00/xx.
22nd Sabbath. Dry, warm day, cloudy in the afternoon, a little thunder and a few drops of rain.
23 Dry morning and pretty warm in the forenoon. There was a nice shower in the afternoon. Jim and
John went with the oxen to Melancthon to swamp out cordwood. I went to Dundalk in the
eavning.
24 Dark morning and a very slight shower of rain. The remainder of the day was cloudy, sultry and
dry. Jim and John are swamping wood. We planted out at home 307 cabbage plants. Mrs. R. & I
went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. Mr. Snoden, W. M. Minister, was here a while in the
eavening.
25 Cloudy, cold morning, the day dark and cold. Jim and John are swamping wood. Mrs. R. and I
took them provisions, then I went to Dundalk and paid cheese money.
26 Cold morning, Bright and clear and cool through the day. The boys were swamping wood. I
worked at account Book. Patrick Shaw, Councilor, and Mr. Ken[n]edy were here.
<folio 16 verso>
June 1884
27th Bright sunny morning, the day warm, clear and dry. Jim and John were swamping wood. I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon.
28 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. Jim and John were chopping in Melancthon.
Clark harrowed in the summer fallow. I hoed among the carrots and fixed fences.
29th Sabbath. Dry, warm day all through.
30 Bright morning, the day dry and hot. We were at Brother Sam’s Barn raising.
July 1884
1st Bright morning, the day very warm, got cloudy in the afternoon, and a few drops of rain fell. We
all went to Dundalk to see the sports.
2 Bright morning, the day sunny and breezy. The Boys swamped wood. Mrs. R. and I took them
some provisions in the morning, then drove to Dundalk and in the afternoon took the wool to the
swale and washed it.
3 Bright sunny morning, the day oppressively sultry. I worked at the township books. Mrs. R. took
out provisions for the boys who are working swamping wood in Melancthon.
4 Rather cool and cloudy this morning, a very slight shower in the middle of the day. The boys are
swamping C[ord]Wood. I worked at the Books. Took three steers to pasture at John Gott’s. [in
margin] Steers to J. Gott’s.
230
<folio 17 recto>
July 1884
5th Cool day, cloudy in the afternoon and a pretty strong wind. I hoed carrots in the forenoon and
went to a council meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. The Boys were swamping wood. Brother
John and Wife came here this afternoon
6th Sabbath. Raining this morning, a drizzling cold rain all through the day. John and wife, Mrs. R.,
Jim and I went to Sam’s.
7 Cool this morning, the day pretty cool all through. The three Boys left for Melancthon this morn-
ing. Jim to oversee statute labor, and John and Clark to swamp wood. I hoed potatoes at home.
8 Bright cool morning, the day clear and cool. The Boys were swamping wood and doing R[oad]
Work. I hoed among the potatoes and carrots. Miss Sarah A. Bell was here in the afternoon. [in
margin] Slight frost / this morning.
9 Fine morning, the day dry and clear. I was hoeing potatoes, Clark and Willie hauled out manure.
Jim and Johney swamped wood.
10 Fine morning, the day dry and clear, the afternoon a little cloudy. Jim and John swamped wood.
Clark and Willie hauled manure. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
<folio 17 verso>
July 1884
11th Beautiful morning, sun shone bright and warm, the day dry and clear, with the exception of a
slight shower of rain about 2 P.M. Jim and John finished swamping cordwood and came home at
night. Clark and Willie hauled manure. I hoed thistles among the potatoes. Mrs. R., Phoebe, and
Miss S. Bell started this morning to make the grand tour. They are to do W. Lonsway, John Ag-
new and John Russell. Happy trio, won’t they feel jolly climbing the hills of Mulmer and de-
scending the glades of Mono, taking in the majestic beauties of Tossorontio, and the beautiful
scenery of Essa. Long, oh long will their trip be remembered, and cherished in their heart as
something never to be forgotten!
12 Slight rain this morning, then cleared off and was fine to about 10:30 A.M., when there was anoth-
er shower. Cleared off again and the remainder of the day was dry. Mrs. R. absent, the three eld-
est boys not yet returned from Shelburne (9:30) P.M. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and sent
to Steel Bros. & Co., Toronto, for 6 pounds turnip seed, 2 of White Globe, 2 of Grey Stone, & 2 of
Yellow Aberdeen.
13th Sabbath. Cool cloudy morning, the day cold and windy. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon.
14 Cool morning, the day cold, cloudy and windy. The boys were working at the summer fallow,
some hauling out manure, and some plowing. I hoed the thistles in the potatoes.
<folio 18 recto>
July 1884
15th Cloudy, dry morning, the day cool, cloudy and breezy. The boys were putting out manure and
plowing. I cut some thistles in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Poebe got home this eavning.
16 Cold, misty morning, the fog cleared off and the day was dry and cold. The boys were working at
the summer fallow. I cut thistles, then some wood in the afternoon. Mrs. Thos. Hanbury was here
in the eavning.
17 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool. John plowed, Jim hoed potatoes in Melancthon. Clark
spread manure, Willie wed carrots and hunted up the sheep. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
18 Pretty warm morning, the day dry and warm, with a good deal of sunshine. It clouded over about
sunset and is now (8:40) P.M., Raining quite a nice rain, and it is very much needed. Everything
231
seems parched with the excessive dry weather. Jim and Clark are working in Melancthon. John
and I worked at home at the summer fallow. Willie is laid up sick. Over Exerted himself yester-
day hunting for the sheep. I rented a field of Grass today from Joshua Brinkman for six dollars.
Part of the field is sown with oats, but they missed. Part of it is seeded down, but a poor catch.
However, the field will make a splendid pasture. I brought Twelve head of cattle from J. Gott’s
pasture. [in margin] Brought / cattle / from J. Gott’s.
<folio 18 verso>
July 1884
19th Splendid mizzle of rain during the forenoon, the afternoon dry, cloudy, cool and windy. I plowed
a little in the morning, then sowed about Eight acres of turnips on a summer fallow. They will
probably do for a run for the cattle in the fall. I sowed two pounds of White Globe, two pounds of
Grey Stone and two pounds of Yellow Aberdeen. Purchased the seed from Steel Bros. & Co., To-
ronto at .20¢ per pound, paid .25¢ freight on the parcel. John harrowed them in one stroke with
the iron harrows. Clark and Jim are working in Melancthon.
20th Sabbath. Cool day, mostly clear, decidedly cold about sunset. Mrs. R. was at Mr. Joseph
Jackson’s.
21 Cloudy cool morning, the day dry and cool. Jim took a load of stove wood to Dundalk. The oth-
ers worked at weeding carrots. I fixed a fence to let the cattle get to a spring at J. Brinkman’s.
22 Bright sunny day all through, dry and warm. Clark started for Tossorontio this morning. Jim and
John helped Sam to Shingle his Barn. I cut thistles. [in margin] Clark / went to /Tossorontio
23 Slight rainfall this forenoon, the afternoon dry. I cut thistles. Jim and John helped Sam to Shingle
his Barn.
<folio 19 recto>
July 1884
24 Cloudy this morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Jim helped Sam at his barn. The rest of the
family picked berries. I cut thistles in the forenoon and went to Dund[alk] in the afternoon.
25 Fine morning, the day [dry] and pretty breezy. Jim and John went to Dundalk in the forenoon for
a new Reaper which I had bought. It is called the “New Brantford”. Price, $82 50/xx, cash. They
commenced mowing in the afternoon. I chored around generally. [in margin] Started / Mowing /
Got Reaper home.
26 Fine dry morning, the day dry, clear and pretty warm. Jim and John mowed. I went to Dundalk
Cheese factory and helped to Box and weigh a quantity of cheese. Mrs. R. and I went a while to
G. Broughton’s this night.
27th Sabbath. Rather dark in the morning, a slight rain, only a mizzle, through the day.
28 Fine morning, beautiful day, dry and clear. The boys mowed. I went to a council meeting at
Cederville.
29 Fine morning, the day dry and clear. Jim and John mowed. I brought the grindstone from the
Shanty in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Willie and I raked some hay and put it up in hand
shakings.
<folio 19 verso>
July 1884
30th Fine morning, the day dry till about 1 P.M. when there came on a splendid rain. There was some
thunder and lightening. Another rain about 7:30 P.M. It will do a vast amount of good, although
it may wet the hay. Jim and John mowed in the morning while the dew was on the grass. Then
they and I raked hay and hauled in just one load, when the rain came on. The boys mowed in the
eavning. I cut thistles in the turnips. Miss Kate Johnson was here in the eavning.
232
31 Wet day generally, from morning till night. I went to the cheese factory in the afternoon and
helped to make up the accounts.
August [1884]
1st A little mizzle in the morning, the afternoon dry. Jim borrowed his Uncle Sam’s sulky Rake, and
raked about two acres.
2 The grass very wet with a heavy dew this morning. Clear and dry in the afternoon. Jim raked
some in the forenoon with the Sulky. John, Willie, and I hand raked. Jim took home the rake in
the afternoon, then hauled in. I went to Dundalk and paid the Patrons of Cheese factory.
3rd Sabbath. Cloudy morning, and some sharp showers of rain through the day. Mr. George Glazier
took shelter here a while in the afternoon from the rain.
<folio 20 recto>
August [1884]
4th Cloudy morning, the day dandy all through with a very slight sprinkling of rain. Jim and John
mowed. I worked in the carrot patch. Mrs. R. and I went to H. Lonsway’s at night.
5 Dark, cloudy morning, the forenoon dry, a slight shower of rain came on about 5 P.M. John and
Jim were mowing. Willie and I raked hay from noon till tea time. We thought to get some hauled
in, but the rain prevented us. Johney took a very severe turn of cramps in his stomach after tea.
He had eat [sic] a large quantity of gooseberries and I think they were the cause. We bathed his
feet in hot water, put hot salt to his stomach and gave him some pain killer. He is now [dittog.: he
is now], (9:35) P.M., convalescent.
6 Pretty cool day, dark, not much sunshine. Jim and I mowed and hauled in some.
7 Another dark, cool day. Jim and I mowed. Johney helped us in the afternoon. This finished our
mowing.
8 A little cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. We hauled in till tea time, then helped Br. Sam.
[in margin] Frost.
9 A slight frost this morning, the day fine and dry. Raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in in the
afternoon. Finished haying. Mrs. R., Jim & I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Frost.
<folio 20 verso>
August 1884
10th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Lot 31 Melancthon, and
also to see Mr. William Neithercut. [in margin] Frost / at night.
11 A slight frost this morning, the day dry but cool. Mr. Skeffington Bell came here and set up the
reaper which I had bought from him. We then cut some barley. The reaper worked well. Willie
cut with it for about two hours. John, Jim and I tied and stooked. [in margin] Commenced / Har-
vesting.
12 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm, especially in the afternoon. We finished cutting Bar-
ley. Jim and John went to Melancthon in the afternoon. They intend chopping some large timber
to get sawed into stove wood.
13 Fine morning, the day dry and hot with some clouds in the afternoon. Jim and John are chopping
on the Melancthon Lot. I worked at Twp. Books. [in margin] Annie Middleton / died at 8 P.M.
14 Fine morning, the day hot and dry. Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and Phoebe went to the carding mill
beyond Maxwell with the wool. There were 38 1/2 pounds gross weight. Jim and John were cut-
ting timber for the sawing machine. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot.
233
15 Sultry morning, the day very hot. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to the funeral of Mr. J. J. Middleton’s
little Annie. She was buried about 8 miles down the Gravel Road. Jim and John are working in
Melancthon. [in margin] Hot.
<folio 21 recto>
August 1884
16th Very fine day, but extremely warm, the sky a kind of hazy in the afternoon. Mrs. R., Eliza and I
put in five acres of Barley, then I drove to Melancthon for the boys who were chopping. [in mar-
gin] Hot
17th Sabbath. Extremely warm in the forenoon, a smart shower of rain in the afternoon, some thunder
and lightening. Brother Sam got the Democrat to go to John Jackson’s. [in margin] Hot
18 Warm morning, a little cloudy through the day, but pretty warm. Jim and I dug for water for the
cattle in the swale. John went to Dundalk in the forenoon & got his boot repaired, and bought a
new pair. Then he pulled pease after he came home. [in margin] First / pease / pulled
19 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy but very sultry. I pulled pease. John and Jim went to work in
Melancthon.
20 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and a gentle breeze occassionally, but the air was close and warm
when the breeze did not blow. The boys are working in Melancthon. I pulled pease at home.
Sold Eight Lambs this eavning at $2.50 each.
21 Very sultry forenoon, a slight sprinkling of rain about 11 A.M., the afternoon cool and breezy. I
took the lambs to Dundalk. Henry Lonsway hauled them. Pulled pease when I came home. Jim
is skidding logs. Johney was at S. McDowell’s logging bee with his team.
<folio 21 verso>
August 1884
22nd Cool, cloudy morning, the day cool all through, no sunshine. The Boys were sawing in Melanc-
thon. I pulled pease at home.
23 Quite cool this morning, the day decidedly cold, scarcely any sunshine. A slight rainfall twice
through the day, a little about 7 A.M., and a few drops about noon. There are some indications of
frost this night, the air is exceedingly cold. If there comes a frost now, grain of all kinds in this vi-
cinity will suffer. The boys finished sawing at noon today. They think they have about seventy-
five cords of short wood. I think sixty cords will be nearer the mark. I pulled pease at home, there
are a great many thistles in them, making them very hard to pull. I Expect Clark home tonight
from his uncle John Russell’s. He has been away a full month, helping him to Harvest.
24th Sabbath. Cool day, dry and cloudy.
25 Cool morning, the day cloudy, cool and windy, with a slight sprinkling of rain about noon. I was
pulling pease. John was helping his Uncle Sam. Jim with the team was at Mr. Elliott’s sawing.
26 Cool morning, the day dry, cool and windy. John helpd his Uncle Sam. Jim and I pulled pease at
home. Miss Sarah Bell was here a while today. John is not home yet (8:30) from Sam’s.
<folio 22 recto>
August 1884
27th Ground covered with a white frost this morning. A slight mist arose with the sun, the day clear
and pretty warm in the afternoon. The frost, I think, done little harm, although there was an ice on
the water. Jim and John hauled in pease. I pulled pease, and finished the job. Clark came home
this afternoon from his uncle John Russell’s. The four boys went to Dundalk after tea to get them-
selves boots. [in margin] Frost, Ice / Finished / pulling pease.
234
28 Clear morning, the sun came out but the day got cloudy after a little, the afternoon pretty black,
and rain came on at night. Jim and John worked in Melancthon. I went there in the forenoon for a
load of stove wood. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. was helping Emma Reid to quilt.
29 Rainy morning, the day wet till about 2 P.M. John and Jim were working in Melancthon. I
worked at the cheese accounts.
30 Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out about 9 A.M. and the day was dry till the latter part of the
afternoon, when there came on a slight mizzle of rain. Jim and John were working in Melancthon.
I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Clark, Willie and I hauled in the remainder
of the pease. I sent a letter and two newspapers to Ireland. We brought home the heifer which
was at W. Bell’s. [in margin] Sent / letter to / Ireland.
<folio 22 verso>
August 1884
31st Sabbath. Dry day. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here.
September [1884]
1st Cool morning, the day dry and breezy. We went to Melancthon to cut wheat with the cradles. Jim
came home at night for the Reaper. Eliza is sick with the measels.
2 Bright morning, the day dry and very windy in the afternoon. We cut wheat with the reaper in the
forenoon. In the afternoon the wind was so strong that we had to quit Reaping and cradle.
3 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty windy in the afternoon. The Reaper is not giving good satis-
faction, had to get the agent to see it. Did not improve it any. Took it across to Brother Sam’s to
cut some for him. Had hard work getting it through the Swamps.
4 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty hot. Johney finished the wheat with the cradle. Clark and I
tied, then we all stooked. Jim was reaping at Sam’s.
5 Beautiful day, dry and warm, in fact hot. We reaped some oats. Skeffington Bell came and fixed
up the Reaper. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk.
6 Dry, warm day. We craddled some oats and tied some. Clark tramped out pease with the horses.
Jim took a load of wood to Parson’s in the eavning.
<folio 23 recto>
September 1884
7th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon windy, cloudy, some thunder and lightening and rain.
Dundalk came near being burned from swamp fires.
8 Some rain this morning, the day dry from about 9 A.M. Jim and John stoned* till noon, then Jim
took the team with a load of stove wood to Dundalk. I paid the patrons of cheese factory in the af-
ternoon. [*stone, verb to pick stones from a ploughed field.]
9 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun got out and the day was very sultry. Jim cradled oats in
Melancthon. John and I made a culvert in Melancthon in the forenoon, and tied oats in the after-
noon. Miss Mary Dane and Miss Sarah Bell, Mrs. A. Lonsway, Mr. G. Broughton and wife were
here in the eavning.
10 Fine morning, the sun came out bright and clear, and the forenoon was very sultry. There came on
a thunder storm and heavy rain about noon. We started to haul wheat home from Melancthon.
Jim got caught in the rain with the second load and took shelter in John Neithercut’s Barn. Broth-
er Sam and Alex Patterson just got into the barn at home when the rain came on. Clark helped
Walter Bell.
11 Drizzly morning, the forenoon dark and gloomy, the afternoon dry, sunny and windy. John cra-
dled and tied some oats. Jim went to Melancthon for the grindstone, and chored around. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
235
<folio 23 verso>
September 1884
12th Cool, cloudy morning, the day cool but dry. Jim Reaped for Sam. John was at John Neithercut’s
threshing part of the day, the remainder he cradled for Sam. I entered orders in the Township
Treasurer’s Book in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped Brother Sam to haul in. [in margin]
Frost
13 White frost this morning, the sun got out and scattered the frost, the morning then clouded over,
and there was signs of rain, but the clouds passed over and no rain fell. We were hauling in wheat
from Melancthon. Finished the wheat and hauled in about 50 dozen of oats at home, also a load of
oats from Melancthon. We had Walter Bell and his team, also Brother Sam and his team. [in
margin] Frost
14th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day pretty cool and dry.
15 Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry. Rain came on about 5:30 P.M. There has not fallen much as
yet (8:30 P.M.). Jim reaped some oats, John craddled some. In the afternoon I drove them out to
Melancthon to cut some oats there.
16 Cloudy morning, the forenoon overcast but dry, the afternoon also dry and very windy. I worked
at Cheese accounts in the forenoon, and in the afternoon helped Sam to harvest. Jim and John are
cutting oats in Melancthon.
17 Cloudy morning, the day dry and windy. I helped Sam to haul in oats. Jim and John cradled the
remainder of the oats in Melancthon. Got done about 3:30 P.M.
<folio 24 recto>
September 1884
18th Slight rain this morning, but it soon cleared off, the afternoon was dry. John Reaped oats from 10
A.M. till about 3 P.M. Jim tied some that had been cut before. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon,
and after tea we tied oats and hauled in four small loads.
19 Great frost this morning, quite a heavy ice on the water, the day dry till about 4 P.M., when there
was a slight rain fall. Brother Sam and I, Jim and Johney tied oats in Melancthon during the dry
part of the day. Clark tied oats at home and his Mother and he hauled in two loads in the after-
noon. I stopped at Sam’s all night. [in margin] Frost
20 A little rain fell early this morning, the remainder of the day was dry and breezy. I stooked oats in
Melancthon till about 1:30 P.M., then tied and stooked till night. I stopped in the Melancthon cab-
in all night. John finished Reaping oats at home. Clark and Jim picked stones. Heavy frost this
night. [in margin] Finished / Reaping
21st Sabbath. More frost this morning, the day dry but pretty chilly. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother
Sam’s. [in margin] Frost
22 Wet morning, the day showery all through. I worked at the Township Books. Jim made a sett of
steps for the cellar. John chored around. Mrs. R. went to Decorate Dundalk Eng. Church.
23 Slightly wet this morning, the afternoon dry. The boys brought a load of wood from Melancthon
in the afternoon, and picked stones in the forenoon. I attended Council meeting.
<folio 24 verso>
September 1884
24th Wet morning, the day generally showery, especially in the afternoon. I took Mrs. R. to Dr. Grif-
fin*, Dundalk. She is ailing with something like dispepsia. Jim and John gathered stones during
the dry part of the day. [*W.S. Griffin, Physician, is only listed in 1887 Dundalk Directory; see
History of Dundalk, pp. 104, 126.]
236
25 Dry morning, but cloudy, the afternoon dry, sunny and breezy. We picked stones till tea time,
then turned oat sheafes in the field.
26 Frost this morning, the day sunny and pretty breezy in the afternoon. Jim went in the forenoon to
Melancthon to see if the oats were dry enough to haul in (they were not). When he came home
[dittog.: when he came home], we hauled in oats at home in the afternoon. They were pretty
damp, but we thought it best to draw them in.
27 Very wet morning, the day showery from morning till night. No work doing today, Except Clark
who threshed out some wheat to take to the Show fair at Dundalk. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr.
Nichol’s this eavning.
28th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day overcast and frequent showers, with a very heavy rain just as
night came on. Brother Sam, Pho[e]be and family were here.
29 Bright morning, the sun shone all day and was pretty drying. Willie and I kept working among the
oat sheaves all day, spreading them out, then turning them over. John and Jim hauled rails to put
up a fence.
<folio 25 recto>
September 1884
30 Cloudy, overcast morning, the sun got out after a little and it appeared as if the day might be dry.
We hitched up the horses and started for the field to haul in oats, but the old saying (there is many
a slip “twixt* the cup and the lips) came true, for we had scarcely got into the field when there
came on a violent rain, and so put a stop to our hauling. It rained for about an hour. The afternoon
was dry. Jim and John built a rail fence. I threshed some pease for Willie, who is going to take
them to the show fair on the 7th of next month. [*Robert uses a double quotation mark (not the
modern apostrophe), indicating a supposedly missing prefix be- in betwixt]
October [1884]
1st Cloudy morning, the day generally overcast, though pretty drying. In the forenoon Jim and John
went for a load of oats to Melancthon. They were so wet we had to stand them up outside the
barn. Willie and I turned sheaves at home in the forenoon, and in the afternoon all hands hauled
in. Brother Sam with his team came and helped us. We finished hauling in at home. The last ten
acres which we put in are very damp, some of them growing in the field, but there did not seem
any chance of getting them dry, as every other day for these last twelve days has been wet, and so
soon as we got them a little dry, they would be wet again. It has been a tough time getting them in
the barn.
<folio 25 verso>
October 1884
2nd Cloudy, overcast morning and [rain] began to fall about 9:30 A.M., and increased in volumn
[=volume] till noon, when there was a pretty steady afternoon’s rain, and it is still (6:45) P.M.
Raining! We started this morning for Melancthon to haul in oats. There was Brother Sam, Dan
Reid, and Jim. They fetched a load each. The oats were pretty wet when they got home. There
are about two loads still remaining in the field.
3 Slight mizzle of rain early this morning. The day cleared off soon, the afternoon was very bright
and warm. I chored around in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and got en-
trance tickets for the animals and articles which I mean to show at the fair in Dundalk on the 7th
and 8th inst. Jim opened out oat stooks in Melancthon. John helped Brother Sam at his house.
4 Dry morning, but clouds soon began to appear. There was a slight sprinkling of rain in the fore-
noon and a continuous light rain in the afternoon. We hauled oats from Melancthon, the first two
237
loads we put in the Barn, the last two loads we stood up outside the Barn as they were very wet.
Brother Sam and Johney Oliver helped us.
5th Sabbath. Clear, sunshiney day all through.
<folio 26 recto>
October 1884
6th Bright morning, the sun shone all day. Jim helped Walter Bell to finish his harvest this afternoon.
We put in the last of our oats very early this morning. It has been a tough harvest. Began on the
11th of August. Johney and Willie took up potatoes. I thrashed some grain with the flail for the
Show fair. [in margin] Finished / Harvesting
7 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I took in some things and placed
them in the show grounds. Jim and John raised potatoes. Brother John’s Bob and Nancy came
here this afternoon.
8 Cold, wet morning, faired off a little about noon. More cold rain in the afternoon. Very unpleas-
ant day. All went to the show fair. Mrs. R. got first prize for Star quilt (patch), [stricken second]
third prize for fancy quilt, first for coucumbers [=cucumbers], and first for tidy [?]. Jim and John
got second prizes for White and Black oats.
9 Fair day all through, but a little chilly. The Boys raised potatoes. I went to Dundalk and calculat-
ed the cheese dividends.
10 Fine sunshiney day all through. I took Mrs. R., who is sick, to Dr. Barr of Hornings Mills. Jim
and John were at Mr. Oliver’s logging Bee. James Patterson of Melancthon got very badly hurt at
the bee by a stubb* falling on him. The shock caused concussion of the brain. He also has his col-
lar Bone broken. Poor James, it will go hard with him. [*presumably a short log, falling off a
load.]
<folio 26 verso>
October 1884
11th Bright morning, the day pleasant and dry, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to see James Patterson
in the forenoon. He is very low, still, there is a slight hope of his recovery (I trust God will spare
him to his family). In the afternoon I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of the factory their
cheese dividends. The boys raised potatoes at home.
12th Sabbath. Fine sunny day all through. Mrs. R. and I went to see James Patterson. He is no better.
John Patterson came home with us and stopped all night.
13 Cold, raw morning, the day cloudy and chilly all through. Mrs. R. and Phoebe went with Sam’s
team to the carding mill. I took John Patterson to see his brother James, then I drove him to Dun-
dalk station. The boys were at the potatoes.
14 Dry day. I asked hands for the threshing in the forenoon. John was logging at M. Neithercut’s
Bee. Jim had the Horses helping H. Hewitt to thresh. The driver asked Jim to drive a while for
him, and when he stepped on the horse power* to do so, his foot got caught. He jumped, but his
foot is badly torn. The sole is torn open the breadth of the entire foot and half the length of it, also
very deep. Patrick Conners and Brother Sam brought him home. Dan McDowell went for Dr.
McWilliams. He came, washed, dressed and sowed it together. It’s a terrible tear. [in margin]
Jim got / Foot crushed [*the horse power is the mechanism which converts the motion of the radi-
al arm pulled by horses walking in a circle, through a system of gears, to power the threshing ma-
chine.]
<folio 27 recto>
October 1884
238
15th Fine day, till about 5 P.M. when there was some rain. Bob Mills is threshing here. Jim’s foot is
pretty painful.
16 Fine day. Finished threshing: pretty fair yield, about 23 Bushels of Oats per acre, 14 of Wheat, 12
of pease and 14 of Barley. The wheat is a very good sample. The machine ground the pease into
dust and blowed them away. I lost in this manner about 40 Bushels. I have 140 Bushels Wheat,
60 of pease, 70 of Barley, and near 700 B. of oats, or perhaps 730 B. of Oats, close to 1000 Bush-
els in all of grain. Jim’s foot is progressing favorably. The Dr. came and dressed it this afternoon.
17 Cool, dry day. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing and Clark was at W. Bell’s threshing. Willie
and I tidied up the granary and Barn. I went to Dundalk at night.
18 Quite a shower of snow fell this morning, the day was cool all through. John and Clark were at H.
Lonsway’s threshing. Willie and I chored around home. Brother John and Wife came on a visit
here this afternoon. [in margin] First snow
19th Sabbath. Fine day all through, but windy. Quite a number of persons came here to see how Jim’s
foot was doing. Dr. McWilliams came and took the stitches out.
<folio 27 verso>
October 1884
20th Beautiful day from morning till night. Brother John and wife went to Brother Sam’s. Clark and
John, with the team, are at D. Reid’s threshing. Willie and I put back straw in the barn. [in mar-
gin] Indian / Summer
21 Dry morning, but cloudy, the day was dry. We were putting back straw in the barn. Brother John
and Eliza were here at night. Very heavy rain storm at night. [in margin] Notice of sale / Essa.
[*see below; attempt to sell the farm owned jointly by John and Robert Russell in Essa]
22 Wet morning, the day showery and cold. Brother John and wife left for home. John and Willie
were at J. Gott’s threshing in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I sat
up this night with James Patterson at R. Oliver’s.
23 Ground covered with snow and plenty more falling this morning. Snow falling all through the
day. There is now (7:30) P.M. Six or 7 inches of snow and more falling. I came home from Mr.
Oliver’s, called at Brother Sam’s and bought a cow from him for $2300/XX. [in margin] Snow
24 Heavy coating of snow on the ground, and more falling, the day generally wintry-like with fre-
quent showers of snow. John cut some firewood and hauled it home. I went to Dundalk.
25 Wintry morning, cold, and snow on the ground, the day pretty cold except where the sun shone.
John took 285 pounds wheat and 460 [pounds] mixed grain to the mill. He used the sleigh. I went
to Dundalk. [in margin] Doctor / Here 4th / time
<folio 28 recto>
October 1884
26th Sabbath. Snow and slop, very disagreeable day, snow melting at night.
27 Rain this morning, and mostly all through the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon dry. John
and Willie cleaned pease. I went to Dundalk. Jim’s foot is mending slowly. It causes him con-
siderable of pain sometimes.
28 Snow, pretty much all gone, the day a little chilly, but not very cold. John and I took up turnips
and carrots. Willie drove his mother to Dr. Barr’s.
29 Very nice day all through, dry, mild and breezy. John and I with the team were at Brother Sam’s
threshing. Doctor here to see Jim’s foot, 5th time. Jim’s foot is mending slowly, still, it is mend-
ing, for which we may be thankful.
30 Nice mild day all through, a little snow still remains in the bush, waiting on the next to come.
John and Willie were taking up potatoes in Melancthon. The Scott act* was voted on in Dufferin
239
and carried by over 500 of a majority. Two of the Brinkman boys were here tonight to see Jim.
One of our cows swelled up this night after coming off the turnips. She was dead this morning
when Clark went to fetch the cattle home. [*The Canadian Temperance Act (known as the Scott
Act, since its major sponsor was Sir Richard Scott), passed in 1878 by the Canadian Parliament,
allowed communities or counties to vote separately on the question of prohibition. Dufferin is
“dry” as a result of this vote, but is Dundalk, in Grey County? See
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prohibition/]
31 Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. John brought home a cow from Brother Sam’s. I
bought her for $2300/xx, intend fatttening her. Then he went to H. Hewitt’s threshing. I took a
cowhide to Dundalk, brought $3.85.
<folio 28 verso>
November 1884
1st Dark morning, and in the afternoon snow fell to a considerable extent, the snow pretty soft. John
was at H. Hewitt’s threshing in the forenoon. We put in some straw, gathered up some turnips,
then I went to Dundalk at night.
2nd Sabbath. Dark day all through, the snow again dissapearing. Miss Hannah Neithercut and her sister
Minnie were here.
3 Dark morning, the day generally cloudy, a small bit of sunshine once. The snow is mostly all
gone. Jim’s foot is improving. Miss Minnie Neithercut and her sister Hannah are here. John and
I brought in our potatoes, and some of our carrots into the cellar. I had the smallest yield of pota-
toes this year that I ever had, about 40 bushels on an acre and a half.
4 Cloudy morning, quite a quantity of soft snow fell during the day, the afternoon was soft, almost
like a thaw. We were choring around today.
5 Very cold, stormy morning, the day blust[e]ry all through. Quite a severe snow storm. John took
Miss Minnie Neithercut and her sister home, and brought the cattle from Melancthon. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
<folio 29 recto>
November 1884
6th Plenty of snow on the ground this morning, the day pretty mild, a good deal of snow melted.
Went to Shelburne in the cars*, walked from there to Brother John’s in Tossorontio. [*in the cars
= on the train; in the absence of passenger cars, travellers sat on plank benches installed in box-
cars (see History of Dundalk, p. 36). Robert’s walk from Shelburne to John’s was about twenty
miles (from Shelburne to close to Alliston).]
7 Snow still disappearing, not much here, the day pretty mild all through. I went in the eavning with
Brother John to Alliston, seen John Agnew, then went home with him and stopped there all night.
8 Mild day all through, little or no snow here, sun shining a good deal. John Agnew, John Russell
and I attended the advertised sale of the Essa farm. It was not sold. The Hussay’s paid up all the
interest due to the first of the present month, being one year and eight months interest, also all the
costs. They further agreed [MS:agreead] to give a new mortgage on the farm, to run Five years
from first of the present month, the mortgage to carry seven per cent per annum interest. They
signed an agreement to this affect [=effect], the writing to be completed in ten days. [in margin]
Attended / Sale of / Essa Lot
9th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day mild all through. John Agnew drove me to William Lonsway’s
near Clover Hill. We stopped a while there and then came back to John’s.
10 Another fine morning, the day fine all through. John’s son, J. T., drove me up to Brother John’s in
the forenoon. I stopped at John’s that afternoon and night.
240
<folio 29 verso>
November 1884
11th Fine morning, the day mild all through. Brother John’s Jim drove me up six concessions on my
way home. I then turned him back and footed it to Shelburne, took the cars from there home.
Johney attended the fair at Dundalk today and sold a pair of three and a half year old steers for
Sixty dollars.
12 Mild in the forenoon, but chilly in the afternoon. Johney chopped wood in the afternoon and went
to Mr. Nichol’s threshing in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s.
13 Mild morning, the day dry and breezy in the afternoon. Johney and Willie with the oxen went to
Melancthon to stump and stone. I stopped at home and done the chores. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
14 The ground covered with white frost, the sun shone out and the day was beautiful, almost like In-
dian Summer. Johney and Willie are working in Melancthon. I took care of the animals at home.
Miss M. Hewitt was here.
15 Mild day, the sun shone out bright and clear most of the day. John and Willie worked in Melanc-
thon. I was in Dundalk on cheese business.
16th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day beautiful all through. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here.
<folio 30 recto>
November 1884
17th Cold, raw morning, the day cold all through. Johney and Willie went to Melancthon to work.
18 Pretty chilly morning, the day cold. John and Willie are working in Melancthon.
19 The ground very hard frozen this morning, a chilly air, generally, all day. John and Willie worked
in Melancthon. I went to R. Cornell’s to help make out the milk accounts. Came home about 2
O’clock [at] Night.
20 Cool morning, the day dry, cool and breezy. I worked at home till 3 P.M. at the milk accounts,
then I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of factory for their cheese.
21 Rather milder this morning, the air was soft through the day and the ground thawed some. The
boys worked in Melancthon.
22 Pretty sharp frost this morning, the day cold all through. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the
forenoon. Brother Sam brought home the Democrat Waggon at night. He had been away since
last Tuesday through the Townships of Mulmer, Nottawaysaga and Collinwood [=Nottawasaga,
Collingwood] trying to get a farm to rent. He did not succeed.
23rd Sabbath. Rain in the morning, rain at noon with a strong wind. The rain turned to snow at night.
Two Miss Johnson[s], H. Hewitt & Richard Neithercut were here.
<folio 30 verso>
November 1884
24th Very cold morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, and continued so all day. We butchered nine
pigs. Henry Lonsway helped us.
25 Stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing all day. Willie and I took four fat pigs butchered
to Dundalk, sold them for $5.20 per cwt. John went to Walter Bell’s threshing. He did not thresh.
26 Cold stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing all day. Johney and Willie went to Mr.
Wright’s grist mill, they took 15 Bush[els] & 48 pounds wheat, got near to 40 p. per Bushel.
27 Mild morning, a softness in the air, day almost like a thaw, the day pleasant all through. John was
at W. Bell’s threshing. Mrs. Bowler, Mrs. Neithercut and her daughter, Martha, were here. I went
to Mrs. Bowler’s at night.
241
28 Mild morning, the day mild and foggy, like a fall of rain or more snow. John underbrushed* in
Melancthon. I got a ton of hay of [sic] Dan Reid for $7.00. He hauled it home, then he helped me
drive a yoke of steers from Brother Sam’s home. Mrs. C. Bell was here today, also Jim Nic[h]ol
and three of his sisters were here a while at night. [*cut underbrush on lot that has been logged, or
about to be logged]
<folio 31 recto>
November 1884
29th Mild morning, a little snow fell during the day and the afternoon got chilly. John was underbrush-
ing. Clark took Four head of our young cattle and two of Brother Sam’s to Tossorontio to Brother
John’s to feed them for the winter. Mr. D. Reid and wife were here a while tonight. [in margin]
Cattle / sent to / John’s.
30th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, a little sunshine now and then. I was at Brother Sam’s at night, also to
see J. Patterson. He is improving rapidly.
December [1884]
1st Mild morning, the day generally mild, not much sunshine. John and Willie took the team and
went to Melancthon to repair the Horse stable. Willie brought home a load of stove wood in the
afternoon. Mrs. Widow Broughton and her daughter, Mrs. Lonsway, were here this eavning.
Clark got home this eavning.
2 Mild day but cloudy, and without any sunshine, the sky greately[sic] overcast at night, indicating
snow. A moderate wind prevailed during the day. John is working in Melancthon. Jim’s foot is
mending very slowly.
3 Misty day from norning till night, a slight thaw, strong winds in the morning. John is at the Shan-
ty.
4 Beautiful day, bright sun, the snow disappearing rapidly. Mrs. R. took Jim in to Sam’s in the
sleigh. John is working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to William /
Omega, Tenn [i.e. his brother William]
<folio 31 verso>
December 1884
5th Misty morning, the sun shone out after a while, and the forenoon was beautiful, the afternoon was
rainy. John is working in Melancthon. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs.
R. and I took Jim to Dundalk for the Doctor to see his foot.
6 Cloudy morning, a general thaw has sett in. Wet afternoon, Raining now (8:00 P.M.), the wind
pretty brisk. John was working in Melancthon. Brother Sam and I went to Melancthon, he helped
me to make a wood rack.
7th Sabbath. Very wet day from morning till night, the rain turned to snow at night.
8 Blowing and snowing this morning, the day windy and snow fell during most of the day. John is
working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got a payment from Collector of Tax-
es, also paid Dr. McWilliam* for his services to Jim’s crushed foot. [*Previously treated Jim, “at
point of death” in late June, early July 1879. Dr. McWilliam began medical practice in Dundalk
upon graduation from Trinity Medical College in Toronto in 1876, selling his practice in 1921; see
History of Dundalk, p. 128; and 21 Dec. 1882, above.]
9 Blowing and snowing this morning, a good deal of snow fell during the day, but the wind blew it
off the roads. No sleighing worth anything. John is working in Melancthon.
10 Pretty cool morning, the middle of the day a little sunny, the afternoon cooler, the day calm. Mrs.
D. Reid and Miss S. Bell helped Mrs. R. to quilt. I paid Melancthon tax, Valuation $850, Co. Rate
242
3 mills (2.55), Township R. 2 ½ (2.13), Railroad R. 3. (2.55), drainage $6.89, Trustee tax $3.83,
total $17.95. [amounts we give in parentheses are written as superscript, underscored]. [in mar-
gin] Paid / Melancthon / Tax
<folio 32 recto>
December 1884
11th Pretty sharp morning, the day very variable, snow and sunshine, storm and calm. John is working
in Melancthon. Mrs. R. took some provisions to him and brought home the Bobsleighs which
were there.
12 Pretty sharp morning, the day chilly all through. John is working in Melancthon. Miss J. Neither-
cut came here this afternoon.
13 Cold morning, the afternoon rather milder, not any sun, the day cloudy all through. No sleighing
and very bad wagoning. Miss Neithercut was here making a dress for Eliza. John was working in
Melancthon. Willie, Clark and I moved some straw in the mow in order to get at the hay. Clark
and I then went to Dundalk in the afternoon, he bought himself an overcoat at $10.50. Willie took
Jim in the sleigh to Johney Neithercut’s. He is going to stop there tonight. Mr. Thos. Middleton,
Teacher of this Sch. Sect. Was here tonight. I paid him his order $333.00.
14th Sabbath. Cold, raw wind, the day dark, without any sunshine. Brother Sam and Phoebe were
here.
15 Lots of snow falling this morning, and plenty of snow fell during the day. Pretty good sleighing
now. John hauled stove wood home from Melancthon. I attended council meeting in Dundalk.
Frank Millsop died this morning. [in margin] Sleighing
<folio 32 verso>
16th Cold stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing. The day cold and stormy all through. We
Butchered a fat cow. Dan Reid was chief Executioner, John Gott helped to skin her. I had bought
her about 45 days ago for $25.00. I have been fattening her since then, she is in good order.
17 Sharp morning, the day cold all through, a little snow fell occasionally. John helped Walter Bell at
his wood bee. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
18 Cold morning, the day extremely cold, a little snow fell occasionally. John started to haul cord-
wood to Dundalk. Henry Lonsway is helping him, the sleighing is good. [in margin] Hauled first
/ wood to / Station / this winter.
19 Extremely cold morning, a sharp freeze all day. Some sunshine through the day, no wind, the day
calm. Mrs. Skeffington Bell was here. I was sawing up a cow today and a mighty hard job it was.
She was frozen as hard as [a] stick. [in margin] Cold.
20 Extremely cold day from morning till night. Good sleighing, a little snow falling at night. John
was hauling cordwood. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] very cold
21st Sabbath. A little milder this morning, the middle of the day fine, the afternoon cold. Mrs. R. and I
were at Brother Sam’s.
<folio 33 recto>
December 1884
22nd Very stormy morning, the day stormy all through, blowing and snow drifting very badly in the
afternoon. John hauled wood to Dundalk.
23 Sharp morning, the day pretty chilly all through, no wind, but calm. I worked at the township
Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John Agnew was here all night.
24 Pretty cold day, not any blow but a sharp freeze. John hauled wood. I worked at the Township
Books. John Agnew left for home this forenoon.
243
25 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold all through. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here a while in the
afternoon. William Agnew and wife and wife’s sister came here in the afternoon. Clark got home
from O. S.* Examination. [*Owen Sound was a venue for Teacher Qualification examinations;
Clark is aged 17.]
26 Bright sun pretty much all day, but rather sharp freeze, the day pleasant. John hauled wood. Clark
hauled home a load of stove wood.
27 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly, the day overcast, no sunshine. John hauled cordwood. I and
Clark fixed a place to fat a sow in. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, bought 10 Bushels pease at
.56¢ per Bushel.
28 Sabbath. Mild day, like a thaw, especially in the eavning.
29 Soft forenoon, the afternoon raining. A thaw has set in. John hauled wood to Dundalk. I went to
the nomination.* Mrs. R. went to a Quilting at Phoebe’s. Jim also went to Brother Sam’s. [*It is
unclear which level of government the nominations are for. It is likely for township council (for
which Robert and two eldest sons vote on 5 Jan. 1884); for provincial government, Robert votes
for M. P. P (Member of Provincial Parliament) on 18 March 1884.]
<folio 33 verso>
December 1884
30th Thawing all day, Raining in the afternoon. The boys are in Melancthon. Jim is at Sam’s. Willie
brought the horses home from Melancthon in the afternoon. T. Hanbury, John Neithercut and
Tom Mitchel[l] were here. [in margin] Thaw.
31 Rain in the morning, a little sunshine towards noon, strong cold wind in the afternoon. Freezing at
night. Clark was at J. Patterson’s wood bee. Jim is stopping at Brother Sam’s. Johney is working
in Melancthon. Willie came home from Melancthon for the oxen. The old year is again passing
away and will soon be ended. We have had pretty fair fortune during its continuance, no sickness
which is something to be thankful for. Pretty fair crops and good health. The only drawback was
the accident to Jim’s foot, but I think that time will eventually restore it to its proper use. Good
by[e], Old Year, and may your successor prove a Beneficial One.
<folio 34 recto>
January 1885
1st Cold morning, the day cold all through, sharp cutting wind, freezing keenly. The boys are work-
ing in Melancthon. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s. Jim is at Brother Sam’s.
2 Very cold morning, cold noon and cold afternoon. Sharp air, freezing keen. The boys are in
Melancthon. Jim got home from Sam’s. His Mother went after him with the Sleigh. The sleigh-
ing is gone, though.
3 Sharp cold morning, the day pretty breezy, the wind very cutting, scarcely any sunshine. John,
Clark and Willie were working in Melancthon.
4th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, some sunshine.
5 Pretty mild day all through. Jim, John and I went to Proton and voted*, then John and Jim went
and voted in Melancthon. [*Jim and John are aged 21 and 19, respectively. As property owners
and residents in both townships, they vote in both Proton and Melancthon municipal elections.]
6 A little sharp this morning, the afternoon mild. John is working in Melancthon. Jim is stopping
somewhere, there. Clark & Eliza started for school.
7 Windy, generally, through the day, with several flurrys of snow, the day inclined to be soft. Willie
started for school. John is working in Melancthon.
244
8 Rather mild morning, the day mild. John was working in Melancthon. We took Jim to Dundalk in
the afternoon, to the Doctor’s. Mr. R. Oliver got his Barn, some grain, implements, and some
stock burned this morning about 5 A.M. [in margin] R. Oliver’s Barn / Burned.
<folio 34 verso>
January 1885
9th Mild in the forenoon, cold and a little snow in the afternoon, very strong wind at night with a
blinding snow storm. The wind kept very high all night, making the house quiver. John went to
Mr. Oliver’s bee to haul lumber. George Rutherford came here at night and Insured the outbuild-
ings for $500.00 and contents for $800.00, total $1,300.00, paid $13.00 for insurance and $1.00 for
fees. The insurance to last for 3 years from date. [in margin] Insured / in Western.
10 Pretty sharp morning, strong wind the middle of the day, and afternoon was mild. John and Clark
went to Melancthon and finished making wood rack.
11th Sabbath. Mild day with a slight snowfall in the afternoon, the afternoon also pretty windy. I went
to Brother Sam’s, Mr. Joseph Jackson and wife, and Miss S. Jackson was at our place.
12 Sharp morning, high wind and snow, the day was very windy, with frequent showers of drifting
snow. John left with the team to swamp out short wood in Melancthon. Mr. H. Lonsway and wife
were here at night.
13 Very cold morning, the day sharp all through. John was hauling wood from Melancthon to Dun-
dalk.
14 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. Rather strong wind. I went in the forenoon to Mr.
Oliver’s Raising, then accompanied brother Sam to Dundalk. John was hauling short wood to
Dundalk.
<folio 35 recto>
1885 January
15 Rather cold morning, the afternoon something milder. Pretty good sleighing on account of a slight
snow fall last night. John was hauling short wood to Dundalk. Jim went to John Arnold’s in the
eavning, then he went with Joseph Jackson to his place. I went to Dundalk.
16 Pretty chilly morning and quite a snowfall in the forenoon, very cold towards night and a very
strong wind. Miss Sarah Bell visited us in the afternoon and Miss Gen* Neithercut came here in
the eavening to make up a coat, cloak or something else for Eliza. John was hauling wood to
Dundalk. [*Short for Jennie?, whose older sister married Josiah Saudier, both are daughters of Jo-
seph Neithercut; History of Dundalk, p. 360.]
17 Extremely cold, stormy morning, the day one of storm all through. High wind, piercing cold,
drifting show. Miss Neithercut is here. John took one load of wood to Dundalk and brought an-
other home in the eavning. Clark helped Sam Lonsway 1/2 day at his sawing. I am Forty-nine
years of age. [in margin] Birthday.
18th Sabbath. Cold stormy day, Blowing and snowing. [in margin] Cold.
19 Very cold all through the day, Blowing and freezing, the coldest day, I think, [that has] come this
winter. I hired a horse and cutter from G. R. Phillips* for $1.50, went to Hopeville to a council
meeting. I am retained again as Township Treasurer, Salary $75.00 per annum. [in margin] In-
tensely Cold. [*G.R. Phillips, livery stable, 1887 business directory; History of Dundalk, p. 104.]
<folio 35 verso>
20th Cold morning, the day very sharp all through, a stormy wind and freezing keenly, no sun, the day
cloudy. John is hauling wood to Dundalk, Jim is stopping in Melancthon. [in margin] Cold.
245
21 Cold stormy day from morning till night, Blowing and snowing with an intense freeze. John is
working with the team in Melancthon. Miss Sarah Bell of Proton was married today to a Mr. Pat-
terson of Egremont. [in margin] Miss Bell / married.
22 Bright sunny morning, the sky got overcast towards noon, the afternoon was cold. John is work-
ing at the cordwood. I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
23 Pretty sharp morning, the day generally cold. John was hauling cordwood to Dundalk
24 Milder this morning, the day inclined to be soft, almost like a thaw. John and Brother Sam were
hauling cordwood to Dundalk.
25th Sunday. A little colder than yesterday, quite a quantity of snow fell. Mrs. R. and I went to Br.
Sam’s. I then went to meeting.
26 Stormy morning, blowing and drifting, the day one of storm and cold. John hauled one load to
Dundalk and one home. A. Lonsway and his son James were here.
<folio 36 recto>
January 1885
27th Quite a keen freeze this morning, the day very cold all through. John went to Melancthon to haul
wood. Minnie Neithercut went home this morning with John. I have just got the Township Books
audited and my accounts are straight as possible.
28 Very cold morning, hard freezing, especially in the forenoon, the afternoon a little milder with
some sunshine. John and Brother Sam were hauling wood to Dundalk. Mrs. R. and I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
29 Cold morning, the day cold all through, very little sunshine. Sharp freeze. John was hauling
cordwood to Dundalk. Brother John and wife, and cousin Mary Murphy, came here this eavning.
30 Not so cold as yesterday, the day considerably warmer in the afternoon. Johney was hauling
cordwood to Dundalk. Brother John, his wife and daughter Minnie, and cousin Mary Murphy, are
here. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
31 Mild morning, the day pleasant, with considerable of sunshine now and then. Brother John went
to Brother Sam’s. Johney was hauling cordwood. Clark left home this morning to go to School in
Alliston.* Willie and I cleaned up a small grist. [*Clark is attempting to qualify as a teacher; he
plans to attend middle school.]
<folio 36 verso>
February 1885
1st Sabbath. Considerable of snow fell in the forenoon, the day pretty chilly. John and Mrs. R. went
with the team to Brother Sam’s for John and the others.
2 Cold this morning but the day got milder and the afternoon was pretty nice. John finished hauling
long wood to Dundalk. Brother John and his company went home. Mrs. Thos. Robinson was bur-
ied today. [in margin] Finished / Hauling / longwood.
3 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with a little snowfall in the afternoon. John went to the
mill with a small grist. I chored around. Mr. Nichol called in the eavening.
4 Pretty mild day, scarcely any sunshine but the air soft, the trees covered over with a very heavy
hoar frost. John was hauling logs for Henry Lonsway.
5 Sharp morning, Keen frost, the middle of the day something milder, but the afternoon, especially
about nightfall, extremely cold. I posted a letter to Brother William “Omega P. O., Houston Co ,
St. of Tennessee”, also another to Sister Sarah “Sunnidale Corners P. 0.”* [in margin] Posted / let-
ter / to Br. William. [*Sunnidale Corners is in Simcoe County, near New Lowell.]
246
6 Very cold morning, terrible frost, the middle of the day and afternoon was milder with quite a bit
of sunshine. John was hauling short wood to Dundalk. Mr. Walter Nichols and Wife were here a
while at night.
<folio 37 recto>
February 1885
7 Not near so cold a morning as yesterday, the afternoon, especially, was quite sunny, but on about
dark there was a severe frost again. John hauled one load of short wood to Dundalk in the fore-
noon, then he went to Wright’s mill in the afternoon. He had left to be gristed Eleven Bushels and
Fourteen pounds, and he got Four hundred and forty five pounds of flour or almost Forty pounds
to the bushel. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
8th Sabbath. Cold and windy, some snow fell in the afternoon, and drifted at night
9 Cold, Blustering morning, the day very stormy all through, snowing and blowing. Johney brought
a load of firewood in the forenoon from Melancthon. He hurt his finger pretty badly while load-
ing, struck his finger between the load and the stick he was throwing up. Clark got home from Al-
liston where he had went to School. No Room for him in the school, more money wasted, fitting
him out, cost me about $20.00, all for nothing, humbug from beginning to end of the drama. First
lamb came this morning. Ewe had two, one of them was dead when found. [in margin] First
Lamb.
10 Very cold morning, Blowing and freezing, the day extremely cold all through. I went to Dundalk
to try to sell my cordwood, did not get a bid for it, the first class wood in the yard was selling for
$1.75 per cord. James Murphey was here, I met with him in Dundalk. [in margin] Very cold.
<folio 37 verso>
February 1885
11th Very cold morning, intense frost, the day cold all through. James Murphey stopped here all day.
[in margin] cold.
12th Another cold morning but not quite so sharp as yesterday. John went to Melancthon to haul some
short wood to Dundalk. James Murphy went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] cold.
13 Another cold morning, the day a little milder in the afternoon. John brought a small load wood
home. [in margin] cold.
14 A little milder this morning, the sun shone out and made things look cheery, the afternoon was
rather mild. We Butchered a fat pig in the forenoon and took her to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Sold her for $5.50 per hundred pounds. She weighed 319 pounds. I sold my cordwood to a Mr.
Higgins for $1.60 per cord and $2.00 more added to the sum total of price. It is very little for it. I
got $2.75 per cord last year.
15th Sabbath. Sharp cold day all through.
16 Very cold morning, the day Blowing and freezing and Extremely cold. John and Jim went to
Dundalk and measured the wood, there were 74 cords. In the afternoon John and I hauled two saw
logs from the field. I got 2 Tons of Hay from Mrs. Bowler at $8.00 per ton.
17 Another cold day, very sharp frost. John went with the saw logs to the mill in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon [brought] 8 saw logs home.
<folio 38 recto>
February 1885
18th Something milder than yesterday, still there was a pretty sharp frost. John hauled logs to the saw
mill. Mrs. H. Bowler was here.
19 Pretty cold in the forenoon, sharp frost, the afternoon something milder. John hauled a load of
stove wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, seen brother Sam there. He came near
247
loosing [=losing] about $400.00. In getting into the sleigh at home he put the money in his wife’s
satchal and left the satchel on the wood pile, right on the edge of the travelled road, while he
placed the child in its mother’s arms. He drove to Dundalk without the satchel, missed his money,
then turned and came home. Luckily he found it on the wood pile where he left it.
20 Cold morning, the middle of the day something milder, the afternoon cold with a sharp frost. John
hauled a load of wood to Dundalk and another home. He and Jim went to a flare-up* held in Mr.
John Duncan’s at night, under the patronage of W. Acheson’s Boys. I went to Dundalk, sent a
cheque to the Manager Bank of Commerce for $577.85 to Redeem the second Drainage Debenture
of School Section No. 1 Proton, also Deposited Near $500.00 in the Dundalk Bank. [*obviously
some sort of party; perhaps an outdoor bonfire?]
21 Sharp morning, the day cold all through. John brought a load of wood home, and a little hay that
he had left at John Neithercut’s. Mrs. R. visited Mrs. C. Bell in the eavening.
<folio 38 verso>
February 1885
22nd Sabbath. Pretty chilly in the forenoon, the sun shone out about 10 A.M., the afternoon was pleas-
ant. Mrs. R. and I went to H. Lonsway’s in the afternoon.
23 Bright beautiful morning, the sun shone out strong all day, the day mild. John and Jim started for
Melancthon to work stove wood. This is the first day that Jim attempted work since the 14th of
last October, when he got his foot badly crushed and mangled in the Horse power of a threshing
machine. The foot is far from being well yet. The Township auditors, Messrs. F. Nixon and T.
Fennell were auditing my books here as Treasurer of the Township. [in margin] Jim / tried / work.
24 Rather hazy this morning, the forenoon without sunshine, the afternoon sunny and mild. Jim and
John worked in Melancthon. Eliza went from school to Joseph Ne[i]thercut’s, little Joe Neithercut
came to our place with Clark and Willie.
25 Beautiful morning, the sun shone out clear all day, the day very pleasant. Mrs. R. and I went to
Brother Sam’s last night. His Baby Boy is sick nigh unto death with inflamation on the lungs. I
came home this morning, Mrs. R. stopped till this afternoon. The baby is something better. Jim is
in Melancthon. John is at Mr. Hewett’s wood bee.
<folio 39 recto>
February 1885
26th Beautiful Day all through. John and Jim are in Melancthon working. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
27 Another fine day, almost like a thaw, the air soft and the snow inclined to melt. John and Jim
worked in Melancthon. Mrs. Pierce, a religious crank stopped here all night.
28 Pretty mild morning, the day soft all through, not freezing much. Jim worked in Melancthon, cut-
ting stove wood. John hauled home two loads of stove wood. I cleaned oats in the forenoon, as-
sisted by Clark and Willie. They cleaned in the afternoon themselves and I went to Dundalk to at-
tend a meeting of the Patrons of the cheese Factory. At night Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s
and sat up all night with his Baby.
March [1885]
1st Sabbath. Mild morning, but some snow falling, the day was something colder in the eavening.
Brother Sam brought Mrs. R. and I home. The child is something better.
2 Mild in the forenoon, with some sunshine, the afternoon was cold and blowing. Jim took the team
to Melancthon to haul stove wood to Dundalk. John cut cedar posts at home, I went to Dundalk.
[in margin] Got letter / from Br. / William.
248
3 Dark, lowering day without sunshine, but not cold. Jim hauled stove wood to Dundalk, John cut
posts. I worked at the Township accounts.
<folio 39 verso>
March 1885
4th Dark day all through, with some snow falling now and then, not cold, rather inclined to be soft.
John hauled posts out of the Swamp in the forenoon with the oxen, in the afternoon he went to
Dundalk. Jim was at Mont[gomery] Neithercut’s sawing. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. I went to see about a letter of mine which I posted on the 20th of last month to the
manager, Bank of Commerce, Toronto, containing a cheque for $577.85 to retire Debenture No. 2,
Drainage of School Sect. No. 1 Proton. Said letter has went wrong somehow, although I Regis-
tered it. I wrote to the manager respecting it on the 2nd inst. but I have got no reply.
5 Mild morning, but cloudy, the day cloudy all through. John hauled posts out of the swamp. Jim
hauled wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, sold my oats to Sam McCullough
for .34 3/4 ¢ per Bushel.
6 Beautiful morning, the day splendid, delicious Sunshine all day long. I attended Council Meeting
at Cederville. John hitched up the colts.
7 Pretty fine day, but not near so pleasant as yesterday. There was a good deal of sunshine, but pret-
ty sharp frost. John, Clark and Willie cleaned oats. Jim is somewhere, not at home.
<folio 40 recto>
March 1885
8th Sabbath. Pretty mild in the forenoon, the afternoon a little rough and windy. Mrs. R. and I went
to Brother Sam’s.
9 Mild in the morning, it began getting rough about 10 A.M., and the wind arose very high, accom-
panied with snow late in the afternoon, and through the forepart of the night the storm was bad.
Phoebe came here in the forenoon and in the afternoon Sam came. We took a load of oats to Dun-
dalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Big Blow.
10 Pretty cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through. Sam was here a while about noon. Jim and
Johney started for Melancthon to cut stove wood. They left in the eavning.
11 Milder this morning, the day cloudy but not cold. Jim and John are working in Melancthon. Mr.
Abraham Jackson was here on his rounds, trying to raise money to wipe out the debt for the build-
ing of the English Church in Dundalk.
12 Pretty sharp in the morning, the afternoon milder, with a little sunshine. Jim and John are cutting
stove wood. I took a load of oats to Dundalk.
13 Very cold morning, the sky hazy with a cutting wind, a snow storm in the afternoon. Jim and John
are in Melancthon. I took two loads of oats to Dundalk.
14 Cold, stormy day. I took a load of oats to Dundalk and hauled Sam a load of firewood in the af-
ternoon.
<folio 40 verso>
March 1885
15th Sabbath. Very stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing, the roads drifting up badly. [in mar-
gin] Storm.
16 Very cold morning, no traffic on the roads, they are filled up with snow, the afternoon piercing
cold. Jim and John started to cut cordwood in Melancthon. Brother Sam came here and he and I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. He bought a Black horse, rising Eight years old, from Kenneth
McAulay for $120.00 on ten months’ time. I went in the note with him. [in margin] Sam’s / note
due / January / 16th 1886.
249
17 Cold morning, a sharp frost all day long. Jim and John are working in Melancthon.
18 Cold morning, the day cold all through. The Boys are at Melancthon, working at the cordwood. I
clerked at Kenneth McAulay’s sale.
19 Very sharp morning, the day piercing cold all through. Jim and John are at Melancthon. I hitched
up the horses in the afternoon and drove to Dundalk for the mail matter, then I went to Mr. H.
Johnson’s for Mrs. R. who was at a Quilting. Mrs. Sarah Patterson, Walter Bell, Mr. Patterson and
Mrs. W. Bell were here at night. [in margin] Mrs. S. Patterson here.
20 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Jim and John are in Melancthon.
21 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Jim and John are in Melancthon. Jim got a laced
boot made for his crushed foot, the first since it was hurt. [in margin] Sent letter to Sister Sarah.
<folio 41 recto>
March 1885
22nd Sabbath. Clear cold day all through, sunshine, but sharp frost. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife
were here.
23 Cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through, a good deal of sunshine but cold wind. John and I
started for the Grist mill with Five Bags of wheat. When we got part of the way the mares began
to crowd each other off the track. We had to Borrow a one horse sleigh and put our wheat on it
and go to the mill with the one mare. The snow is very deep on the roads, being drifted. Our
mares are very heavy with foal and our Journey was very risky. Slightly worked one of them.
24 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing at a fearful rate. The day was one of storm all through.
John and Jim left for Melancthon to cut cordwood.
25 Pretty sharp morning, the day had a little sunshine about noon, the afternoon mild.
26 Soft wind this morning, the sun shone out in the forenoon, melting the snow. A big snow storm
came on in the afternoon, the snow very soft, inclined to turn to Rain. I went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon, posted a letter to Brother William, Houston Co., Omega P. O., St. of Tennessee, U.S.
Miss Mariah Maxwell and Mrs. Maria Broughten were here.
27 Soft in the forenoon, thaw wind and bright sunshine. The afternoon pretty sharp frost. I was at
Dundalk in the afternoon.
<folio 41 verso>
March 1885
28th Hard morning, the roads stiffened up well with the frost last night. There was some sunshine in
the middle of the day and through the afternoon. I got Daniel Reid to go to the mill with his team
on account of my team crowding.
29th Sabbath. Bright sunny day but a cool air. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s with the team. We
had to go three miles out of our way on account of Side Road 220 being filled with snow. When
we got within 40 Rods of Sam’s House our horses crowded so that we had to take them off the
sleigh.
30 Dark morning, but mild, quite a snow storm came on in the afternoon, and it is now (9 P. M.)
snowing thick. John and Willie started for Melancthon this morning. John to chop and Willie to
cook. David Kinnear came to chop, have hired him for 1/2 month at $7 1/2. Jim hauled 2 loads of
stove wood home from Melancthon. Clark and I cleaned some Barley in the eavening to get
chopped.
31 Stormy in the afternoon, snowing very heavily. Jim hauled wood in the afternoon. Jim also took 7
bags of Barley and Oats to the mill to be chopped.
<folio 42 recto>
April 1885
250
1st Blustery day, storming a good deal. Jim is in Melancthon, though not chopping. He has a pain in
his Breast. John is chopping. Willie is cooking.
2 Another blustery day, storming. John is chopping cordwood in Melancthon. Jim is on the sick
list. Mrs. R. and I visited at A. Lonsway’s tonight.
3 Not so cold as yesterday, a good deal of sunshine during the day. I went to Dundalk for the chop.
A. Lonsway went with me. Jim came home this afternoon.
4 Pretty sharp morning, the day pretty chilly although there was a good deal of sunshine , the after-
noon pretty chilly. I helped D. Reid in the afternoon to draw in two loads of Hay. Clark, who had
went to the shanty on Friday morning, came home sick this afternoon.
5th Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, quite a bit of Bland [MS:Blank?] sunshine in the forenoon, with
showers of sleet. [in margin] Easther.
6 Rather pleasant all through the day, genuine sunshine most part of the time. The snow took a start
towards the rivers and Lakes. John and Clark went to Melancthon to chop. Willie went to cook.
Jim hauled a load of stove wood home in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk.
7 Cloudy day all through, with a little rain now and then, the snow melting. I attended a special
meeting of Council at Hopeville. S. Bell provided horse and cutter. [in margin] Thaw.
<folio 42 verso>
April 1885
8th Cold stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing. The snow stopped after a little, but the
wind increased, the afternoon was piercing cold. The wind was so strong and the roads so icy that
it was with difficulty any person could walk without falling. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and posted a Draft to the Manager of Molsons Bank, Owen Sound, for $1440.00, Sinking funds of
School Sections, to remain on deposit. In the afternoon I again went to Dundalk for the veterinary
surgeon to attend Mr. A. Lonsway’s mare. [in margin] First / cow /calved.
9 Bright sunny morning, the day pleasant, the snow melting, quite springlike. John is chopping.
John Agnew stopped here this night.
10 Cloudy mostly all day, the snow melting a little, going away very slowly. John is chopping.
11 Quite a change from yesterday, snowing and blowing mostly all day. John & Clarke were chop-
ping. [in margin] 2nd Cow calved
12th Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through, the snow melted a little in the sunny side of the buildings in
the afternoon.
13 Cold morning, the day stormy all through, snowing and blowing, a regular winter’s day. Jim start-
ed for the shanty with Willie to cook and John to chop. Mrs. R visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the af-
ternoon.
14 Fine morning, the day sunny and the snow melting some. The Boys are chopping in Melancthon.
I bought a ton of Hay from J. Roseborough for $10.00. He hauled it home for me. [in margin] 3rd
Cow calved
<folio 43 recto>
April 1885
15th Rather fine morning, the snow melted some through the day, a little sunshine. The Boys are chop-
ping in Melancthon.
16 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny all through, the snow melting in the sunny side of the Build-
ings. The Boys are chopping. I went to Dundalk in the eavening. Mrs. Lonsway & Wife were
here at night.
251
17 Mild morning, a little sunshine in the forenoon and a good deal in the afternoon, the snow melted
considerably and I think spring is approaching. The Boys are chopping. Clark went to
Melancthon this afternoon with Bread. I helped Dan Reid to saw stove wood.
18 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny all through. The snow melted a good deal but it is a great
depth yet on the Roads and in the fields along the fences. The Boys were chopping in Melanc-
thon. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife and H. Lonsway and Wife were here at night. [in margin] 4th
Cow calved
19th Sabbath. Bright sunny day all through, the snow disappearing fast. Brother Sam & Phoebe were
here.
20 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm, the snow going rapidly. John & John Neithercut are
chopping. I went in the morning to Walter Bell’s sawing. The Horse walk* got so soft he could
only saw for about an Hour. [in margin] Heard / Robins / sing. [*the circular path followed by
horses, pulling a radial arm, to power the saw.]
21 Dark morning, a little sprinkle of Rain, the day cleared, strong sunshine. The Boys are working in
Melancthon.
<folio 43 verso>
April 1885
22nd Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm, the snow going very rapidly, the ground will soon
all be bare. The boys are working in Melancthon. [in margin] Seen first / Robin.
23 Fine morning, the day sunny and very warm. The Boys were chopping. Johnney cut his toe, not a
very bad cut, but bad enough to lay him up for a little while. I was at Ch[arle]s. McConnell’s Rais-
ing in the afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here at night. [in margin] John / cut his / toe.
24 Dark morning, the day cloudy, a slight mizzle of rain, the day quite cool. I had the oxen at John
Gott’s logging. I Rolled, J. Gott teamed. Jim is working in Melancthon.
25 Cloudy morning and cold, the day dark and cold. Rain came on at night and turned to sleet to-
wards morning. Jim chopped, Clark moved fence. I attended meeting of Directors of C. Factory
in the eavning.
26th. Sabbath. Ground covered white with sleet this morning, quite cold. The sleet had disappeared
before noon. The day dark and cold. Brother Sam was here in the afternoon.
27 Quite cold this morning, the day pretty cool, not much sunshine. Jim tried to plow where we in-
tend sowing wheat: it was too wet. We then tried another field, it was something drier, still the
ground is very wet. We had the Horses & the Oxen plowing in the afternoon. [in margin] First
Plowing.
<folio 44 recto>
April 1885
28th The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling. It snowed most of the forenoon,
the [snow] was about Four inches deep on the level. Mrs. R. and I went to A. Lonsway’s at night.
29 Ground covered with snow this morning, but the sun shone out bright and most of the snow had
disappeared at night. We cleaned about seventy Bushels of wheat. John Made an Ox Yoke out of
cedar to plow with.
30 Chilly morning, the day clear but cold. Jim and John plowed. I chored around and went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon. Mr. McLean & W. Maxwell were here at night on Factory business.
May [1885]
1st Bright morning, the sun shone out all day but the air was chilly. Jim and John plowed. Jim put in
Rock, a two year old colt, in the afternoon along with one of the mares, he went well.
252
2 Clear but cool morning, the day rather dark, very cold air, especially in the afternoon, sharp frost
at night. Jim, John & Clark were plowing, Clark only in the afternoon. I borrowed Dan Reid’s
plow for him. I also had John Gott’s man and team plowing. We have finished plowing for
wheat, if the ground only dries fit for the seed. A. Lonsway & Wife and Wesley were here at
night. Johney put the two year old Bay colt along with the Bay mare and plowed [with] them in
the afternoon. The little fellow is pretty tired, the ground being so soft.
3rd Sabbath. Dark cool morning, the day overcast and chilly. Mrs. R. & Eliza went to Brother Sam’s.
<folio 44 verso>
May 1885
4th Snow on the Ground this morning and quite wintry-like. The snow had all disappeared about
noon, the afternoon was pretty sunny but quite cool. Jim plowed in the forenoon and sowed pease
in the afternoon. John plowed all day. I harrowed in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow / First
Grain / Sown, pease.
5 Wet morning, the rain cleared off. We plowed some in the garden in the forenoon, and hauled
manure on it. In the afternoon we started for Melancthon with the three teams. The land at home
is too wet to work. Melancthon Lot is dryer.
6 Wet morning, the day wet all through. We had just got the teams started to plow when the rain
came on and we had to stop. There fell so much rain that the stables leaked and we had to take
one of the teams to another stable.
7 Rain early in the morning, but it cleared off about 8 A.M. and the day was dry. The three of us
plowed, Jim & John with the horses and I with the oxen. I came home this night and brought the
oxen with me. I intend sowing wheat tomorrow.
8 Dark morning, quite a frost on the ground. The day was gloomy all through, with a slight rain in
the eavening. I sowed wheat, I think about 13 Bushels. The Ground is very wet, I never sowed
grain on such wet ground, but the season for sowing wheat is about past, so I could not wait for the
ground drying. Willie harrowed with the oxen. [in margin] Sowed Wheat.
<folio 45 recto>
May 1885
9th The Ground covered with snow this morning to the depth of about 2 inches, and more falling.
There were several showers of snow through the day. Jim, John & Clark were in Melancthon.
They did not work the teams. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Snow
10th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day dark, cold & dreary, plenty of snow around the fence comers.
Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here.
11 Hard frost this morning, very cold for this time of the year, the day milder a little while in the af-
ternoon. I bought 1/2 ton hay and got it home, price $5.00. I then bought another 1/2 ton for same
money, and Willie and I brought it home. John took the Bay team to Melancthon to plow.
12 Hard frost this morning, the sun shone out, frost disappeared, the day fine in the afternoon. Willie
harrowed a little in the wheat ground. He and I took the oxen some hay & oats and went to
Melancthon in the afternoon. John & Jim are plowing there. [in margin] Seen / first / swallow.
13 Splendid, dry warm day. We were plowing in Melancthon.
14 Splendid day. We had three teams plowing in Melancthon.
15 Very warm day. We finished plowing in Melancthon.
16 Beautiful day, very breezy and drying. Willie harrowed with the colts in Melancthon. I fired
stumps and picked up. John & Jim plowed at home. Clark started this morning for Tossorontio
for the cattle.
<folio 45 verso>
253
May 1885
17th Sabbath. Bright sunny day from morning till night. [dates 17-22 May have been corrected, from
initial numbers 18-23.]
18 Bright morning, the day fine all through. Willie & I were working in Melancthon. John & Jim
worked at home.
19 Fine morning, the day clear & warm, great growth. I sowed oats in Melancthon. Willie harrowed,
the other two worked at home. [in margin] First oats / plowed
20 Beautiful morning, the day very fine. I sowed oats. Willie Harrowed. John & Jim worked at
home. [in margin] Got cattle / home
21 Beautiful day, splendid growth, lovely weather. Willie & I worked in Melancthon. John & Jim
worked at home. [in margin] Got pension / papers
22 Sky a ltttle overcast this morning, the day sultry, a few drops of Rain late in the afternoon. Willie
& I worked putting in Oats in Melancthon. John & Jim at home. [in margin] Both mares / colted.
23 A little cloudy this morning, but the day cleared off and was fine. Willie finished harrowing in
Melancthon, having harrowed 20 acres in about a week, giving it three harrowings with a span of
two year old colts. Willie & I came home in the afternoon. He then harrowed about five acres.
24th Sabbath. Bright morning, but the day got overcast. There was a little thunder and lightening with
a shower in the afternoon. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here.
25 Bright morning, but clouds gathered and there was a pretty heavy shower in the afternoon. We
were plowing, Harrowing, sowing oats and stone picking. I went in the afternoon to Mr. G. Glazi-
er’s, and bought a Bag of pease from him at .65¢ per Bushel.
<folio 46 recto>
May 1885
26 Bright morning, fine growth, the day fine, dry and warm. I sowed some pease and oats, mixed,
also some vetches. Jim and John plowed and Harrowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in after-
noon.
27 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through. I attended a council Meeting at Hopeville, the
boys finished putting in grain at home. [in margin] Finished / seeding.
28 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through. The boys put out manure.
29 Fine day all through, the boys put out manure and plowed a potatoe patch. Willie and I went in
the afternoon to Melancthon with the colts for Eight Bags of potatoes I had bought.
30 Fine morning but cool, the day got overcast and there was some rain about 11 O’clock A.M. I
went to Priceville. The Boys planted potatoes, the[y] finished all but a Bushel.
31 Cool morning, the day dry but cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s, then to church. [in mar-
gin] Sabbath
<folio 46 verso>
June 1885
1st Cool morning, the day pretty cool, but dry and clear. The Boys made a brush fence, Washed the
sheep and finished planting potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Frost.
2 Dry day, but quite cool. The boys fixed Brush fence in the forenoon and went to Mr. Carson’s
raising in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books.
3 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, cool and clear. Jim and I went to Melancthon with the Horses
and Waggon and gathered stones off the oats which we had sown. John clipped sheep. There was
some rain this night.
254
4 A little foggy this morning, but the sun got out after a little and the day was dry. Jim and I were
gathering stones. John finished clipping sheep, and came to help us in the afternoon. It rained al-
most the whole of this night.
5 Misty morning, with some rain very early, the forenoon was cloudy. In the afternoon the sun
shone out and the day was fine. We finished picking stones in Melancthon.
6 Bright sunny morning, a little frost on the ground, the forenoon cloudless, the afternoon overcast
and a little like rain. We ploughed up about 2 1/2 acres of wheat that the wire worm had cut out,
and we sowed it in Barley. Jim fixed up a Roller at Walter Bell’s in the afternoon, and I went to
Dundalk.
<folio 47 recto>
June 1885
7th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the forenoon clear and pretty warm, the afternoon cloudy and
windy at night. A little rain at night.
8 Rather cloudy this forenoon, and very cold all through the day, with a very stormy wind in the
afternoon. John gathered stones of[f] the grain in the forenoon. I helped and in the afternoon I
went to Dundalk. Jim Rolled the Grain.
9 Cold, Breezy morning, a pretty chilly air all through the day, considerable of sunshine. Mrs. R.
and I drove out to Mr. J. Cavanagh’s, Township Clerk. I had to get him [to] make out R. J.
Doyle’s Default. Jim finished Rolling at home. John hauled Rails.
10 Bright morning, the day dry and warm. Jim rolled oats in Melancthon. I burned pick up heaps
and stumps. John fixed fences at home.
11 Bright sunny morning, the day clear bright and warm. Jim Rolled in Melancthon, I burned
stumps, John fixed fences at home,
12 Bright morning, the day very dry and hot. John and Jim fenced. Clark, Willie and I cleaned some
Barley, 815 lbs., and I took it to the mill in the afternoon to be chopped for the pigs and calves.
13 Bright morning, the afternoon cloudy and a pretty nice shower of Rain about 6 P.M. A pretty
strong wind through the day. The boys and I were logging on Lot 216 Proton.
<folio 47 verso>
June 1885
14th Sabbath. Fine dry day, all through.
15 A little cloudy in the morning, a pretty sharp rain came on about 11 A.M., the afternoon was dry.
Jim, John and I were swamping out cordwood in Melancthon. The clerk of Proton Township (Mr.
Cavanagh) paid me a visit on Township business.
16 Fine morning, the day cool but pleasant. We were swamping out cordwood.
17 Fine morning, the day fine. We were swamping out cordwood. I came home at night to go to W.
Bell’s sawing.
18 Fine dry day, sunny and warm. Jim and John were swamping out wood. I was at Walter Bell’s
sawing. Walter got his finger badly bruised.
19 Fine morning, the day pretty warm. Clark took the oxen which had come home last night back to
the boys to swamp out wood. I took the horses and Democrat and went to Dundalk to the mill for
chop which I had there. Mrs. R. went with me.
20 Morning cloudy, the day cloudy and a little cool, slight shower at night. Jim took the Democrat
and went to J. Sauder’s. John & Clark swamped wood. I hoed potatoes.
<folio 48 recto>
June 1885
21st Sabbath. Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, heavy Rain in the afternoon.
255
22 Cold morning, the day bitterly cold for this season of the year. Jim and John were doing statute
labor for Melancthon. I attended Council Meeting at Dundalk.
23 Cool morning, the day pretty cool with some sunshine. I Bossed the statute labor in this Beat. Jim
& John, with the Oxen, logged at Sam’s.
24 Cool bright morning, the afternoon Rather warmer and sunny. Jim and John were swamping wood
in Melancthon. I Bossed the Statute labor in this Beat. Miss Kate Johnson was here making Dress
for Eliza.
25 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty hot. Jim and John were swamping out wood, I went to Mr.
Glazier’s Barn Raising.
26 Warm morning, the day hot all through. Jim and John were swamping wood. Mrs. R. and the
three youngest went to a pick-nick at S. Sect. 5, Melancthon. I worked at the Township Books.
27 Bright morning, the day dry and very warm, Cloudy in the afternoon. I went in the forenoon with
H. Lonsway to Melancthon to settle with him for Extra timber he took. Jim was at the shanty,
sick, and came home. John and Oxen at Mr. Maxwell’s.
<folio 48 verso>
June 1885
28th Sabbath. Extremely warm forenoon, some thunder in the distance, the afternoon got hazy, and a
thick mist kept blowing around. Extremely cold at night. Mrs. R. and I dined with Mr. A. Lon-
sway.
29 Cold morning, the day very chilly all through, threatening frost in the eavening. Jim, John and [I]
Made crossway* in the swale between Lots 215 & 216 Proton. [*a causeway, or corduroy road
through the marshy swale?]
30 Bright morning, the day cool and dry. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. [in margin]
Got pension.
July [1885]
1st Cool morning, the afternoon very cold and cloudy. All of us went to Dundalk to see the sports.
2 Misty morning, the day overcast, the afternoon wet. John with the oxen was logging at a Bee of
Alx. McKee’s in Melancthon. Jim was in Melancthon.
3 Very fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm, fine growth. I worked at the milk Books in the
forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Jim and John chopped in Melancthon.
4 Sultry morning, the day dry and warm, a little cloudy in the afternoon. I worked at the Milk
Books in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. John and Jim worked
in Melancthon. Clark went to the Teacher’s Examination,* Owen Sound. [*qualifying exams for
teaching certificate; held over three days.]
<folio 49 recto>
July 1885
5th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day dry and very warm. Brother Sam & Phoebe were here.
6 Sultry morning, the day very warm but dry, cloudy in the afternoon with a little thunder. Raining
now (11:00 P.M.). The Boys are working in Melancthon. Clark is at Owen Sound. Mr. Lonsway
and wife & Wesley were here at night.
7 Warm morning, the day fine and dry, with rather a strong wind. Jim and John are working in
Melancthon. I worked at the Milk Books part of the day, and hoed potatoes the remainder.
8 Sultry forenoon, the afternoon still warmer. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Melancthon with provisions
for the boys. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid pa-
trons of Factory their dividend. It was small to each as our cheese are selling very cheap this sea-
son.
256
9 A little cloudy this morning, and a slight rain in the forenoon, also a good heavy shower with some
thunder and lightening a little before sunset. I hoed potatoes in spells through the day. Jim was at
M. Neithercut’s logging Bee. John was chopping in Melancthon. Willie came for the oxen this af-
ternoon to go to Samuel McDowell’s logging Bee tomorrow.
<folio 49 verso>
July 1885
10th Dry day all through and pretty warm. John is at S. McDowell’s Bee with his oxen. Jim is chop-
ping in Melancthon. I was hoeing potatoes.
11 Cool morning, but the day got pretty hot and breezy. The boys were working in Melancthon.
Mrs. R. and I went to Shelburne.
12th Sabbath. Pretty fine day with a little rain in the afternoon, or rather, at night.
13 Misty morning with some rain in the forenoon and a good deal in the afternoon, in general a very
wet day. The family went to Dundalk early in the day. Mrs. R. and I went at about 3 P.M. when
the Rain had ceased. Brother John and Wife came here in the eavning.
14 Fine day, but a little cool, especially in the afternoon. Brother John and We went to Melancthon
Lot, then he went to Brother Sam’s and stopped there all night.
15 Bright sunny morning and the day was pretty hot. The boys, Jim, John & Willie, are working in
Melancthon. Clark cut thistles at home. I hoed potatoes and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
16 Bright sunny morming, windy and hot through the day, the afternoon cloudy. Mrs. R. & Clark
drove in to Proton, the others worked in Melancthon.
<folio 50 recto>
July 1885
17th Bright morning, the day got a little overcast and pretty breezy. Clark went with some provisions
to the boys in Melancthon and brought home a load of stove wood. Jim & John went to Mr. Oli-
ver’s raising in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and moulded in the afternoon with
the plow. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here in the eavning.
18 Bright, sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and chored
around in the afternoon. Clark worked among the potatoes. Jim and John worked in Melancthon.
Clark went for them with the team at night. [in margin] Hot
19th Sabbath. Rather cloudy day, but pretty hot. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went to Church In Dundalk.
John Gott and family came here in the eavening.
20 Sunny morning, the day very sultry, but cloudy in the afternoon. The Boys took the oxen and
went to Melancthon to work. I mowed in the forenoon and Paris Greened* the potatoes in the af-
ternoon. Mrs. Nichols and her daughter Mariah were here a while in the afternoon. [in margin]
Commenced mowing [*Insecticide; see earlier entries in vol. 1]
21 Heavy Rain, thunder and lightening last night. Misty this forenoon, dry in the afternoon. The
Boys worked in Melancthon. I mowed some and Paris Greened potatoes.
<folio 50 verso>
July 1885
22 Pretty sultry this morning and the afternoon was decidedly hot. Jim & John are working in
Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon Clark and I Greened potatoes
and raked up hay.
23 Cloudy in the morning, the day generally overcast but very sultry in the afternoon. I mowed in the
forenoon and helped D. Reid in the afternoon to draw in hay. The boys were working in Melanc-
thon.
257
24 Dark morning, the day rather dark but sultry, a slight sprinkling of rain at night. D. Reid cut grass
for me with his mower in the forenoon. John mowed fence corners in the forenoon, he and I
mowed in the afternoon. Jim worked in Melancthon. Clark helped Walter Bell at his meadow in
the afternoon.
25 Hot, dry day all through. D. Reid cut grass for us with his mower in the forenoon. Jim and John
cut with the scythes in the forenoon and hauled in, in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon and paid the milk patrons their dividends.
26th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. & I went to Brother Sam’s.
27 Dry day and pretty warm. Jim and John fixed broken fence in Melancthon in the forenoon, then
came home and worked at the hay. Clark helped W. Bell at his hay.
<folio 51 recto>
July 1885
28th Clear morning, the day cloudy but dry and pretty breezy in the afternoon. We worked at Hay
making at home in the forenoon and went to Melancthon in the afternoon and burned the Brush on
15 acres of a wood fallow.* We got a good burn on about 10, the fire did not run good on the other
5 as there were too many Berry bushes growing. [*land recently logged, once the brush is burned
off it will be plowed the next year.]
29 Bright morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I finished mowing. Jim and Clark worked in
Melancthon, John helped D. Reid.
30 Extremely sultry morning, the heat increased till about 3 P.M., when it became almost unbearable.
Willie and I Raked hay and put in same. In the afternoon our load upset, which caused us a good
deal of bother. Miss McKee, (dress maker), is working here to day. Jim and Clark are working in
Melancthon. John is helping Brother Sam.
31 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all [through], not near so hot as yesterday. Quite a cool air in
the eavning. Willie and I hauled in the last of our hay in the forenoon. We branded and burned
heaps in the afternoon. Jim and Clark worked in Melancthon at the wood fallow. John helped Br.
Sam at his hay. We put away about 3 tons of hay in the big mow for the spring work. We have
about 5 tons more for the other animals. Miss Mckee is here.
<folio 51 verso>
August 1885
1st Some clouds this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was dry and pleasant. The afternoon
showed some signs of Rain. John and I helped Br. Sam at his hay. Jim and Clark worked at the
log fallow in Melancthon. Miss McKee left here this afternoon.
2nd Sabbath. Fine dry day, all. through.
3 Raining this morning with a strong wind blowing, the rain increased as the day advanced and the
afternoon was very wet. Jim took 24 bushels of wheat to Mr. Wright’s mill, got only about 35
pounds to the bushel. The wheat was good, but a great deal of oats in it. I went to Dundalk in the
Eavning.
4 Slight rain this morning, and contined a little showery through the day. I went to a Council Meet-
ing at Cederville, took Mrs. R. along, drove out with the colts. The night was so dark coming
home that we stopped at Hopeville. The Boys worked in Melancthon.
5 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Came home this morning. Went to Melancthon in the af-
ternoon for a load of wood. Jim and Clark worked at the fallow. John helped Mr. Oliver to haul
in hay.
6 Frost this morning. I think it done no harm. I helped D. Reid to haul in hay, the Boys worked at
the fallow, the day was dry. [in margin] Frost.
258
<folio 52 recto>
August 1885
7th Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, cool and dry. The boys worked in Melancthon, I worked at the
milk books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
8 Cloudy, cool and dry, with quite a Brisk wind. John helped his uncle Sam at his hay, the others
worked in Melancthon. I worked at the Township Books. Mr. R. Cornett, Cheese Manufacturer,
was here in the afternoon.
9th Sabbath. The day overcast and cloudy, slight rain fell occasionally through the day. Mrs. R. and I
were at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the afternoon.
10 Cloudy morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry. The Boys worked in Melancthon. I entered Or-
ders.
11 Misty morning, but the sun dissipated the mist and the day was bright and very warm. I tried to
get the young cattle which were in the bush to take to the fair. I did not succeed. John went to an
Excursion to Owen Sound. Jim and Clark worked in Melancthon.
12 Cloudy morning, the day dry, pretty warm in the afternoon with appearance of rain, but none fell.
I Butchered a sheep in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon and made some hand
spikes. The Boys worked in Melancthon.
13 Dry morning, heavy rain about 3 P.M. Had logging Bee in Melancthon, got about 10 acres
logged, had 6 teams and about 30 men. [in margin] Logging Bee
<folio 52 verso>
August 1885
14th Misty morning, a slight rain fell during the forenoon, the afternoon dry but cold. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon, the boys logged in Melancthon.
15 Frost this morning, but I think done no harm, the day was dry and pretty warm. We were logging
in Melancthon. Sold my lambs (6) to S. Little for $ 2.50 Each. [in margin] Frost. / Sold Lambs
16th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day fine and dry.
17 A little cloudy this morning, the day dry but having an appearance of rain in the afternoon. Jim,
Clark and Willie worked in Melancthon. John was at E. Noble’s Manure Bee. I made some Horse
pokes.
18 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty hot. We had the sawing machine working in Melancthon,
got about 45 cords of short wood cut.
19 Dry morning, the day dry but a little chilly. Jim and I fenced the calves from the oats, and took the
lambs to Dundalk. John, Clark & Willie picked up.
20 Fine morning, the day dry and sunny. We were all picking up in Melancthon. R. Cornett dined
with us.
21 Wet forenoon, the afternoon dry. The Boys helped H. Lonsway at his sawing. Willie & I picked
up.
22 Dry day, plenty of sunshine, three of the Boys picked up. John helped M. Neithercut to saw in the
afternoon. I went to Dundalk.
<folio 53 recto>
August 1885
23rd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry all through. Brother Sam & Phoebe visited us.
24 Wet morning. Raining during the forenoon, a slight rain in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
259
25 Dry cool morning, the sky overcast but the sun shone out and the day was dry. Very chilly about
sunset, indications of frost. We pulled pease, this is our first harvesting. [in margin] First Har-
vesting
26 Wet morning, the forenoon pretty damp. We pulled pease in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Willie
went to Dundalk.
27 Chilly morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. We finished pulling pease in the forenoon, then
Willie took Jim and John to Melancthon and brought home a load of stove wood. Mrs. Sam Rus-
sell and Mrs. J. Maxwell were helping Mrs. R. to quilt. Willie drove them home in the eavning.
[in margin] Finished / pulling / pease.
28 Dark morning and cool, a slight rain came on about noon, the afternoon was a little damp. The
Boys were working in Melancthon. I cut a road back to the pease.
29 Frost this morning, but I think it done no harm. A little sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon
cloudy. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R., Phoebe and I went to the Carding
Mill at Maxwell. We traded off our wool, 112 pounds @ 20¢ per lb., for cloth. We hauled in two
loads of pease when we came home.
<folio 53 verso>
August 1885
30th Sabbath. Misty morning, slight mizzle of rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Walter Bell, his
mother & Wife, were here in the eavning.
31 Very heavy dew this morning, the day cloudy but dry. Jim cut wheat and hauled in pease after
supper. I went to Dundalk after dinner, bought a craddle finger and had it put in. [in margin] First
/ Wheat cut.
September 1885
1st Quite cool this morning with a very heavy dew. Rain about 10 A.M., then dry for a spell, then
more Rain in the afternoon, and very cold rain at that. A very unpleasant day. We bound some
wheat and cut some mixed feed in the dry part of the day. There was Hail and some snow fell in
some parts around here. George Scott (Councilman of Melancthon) and R. Henderson were here
in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost / snow.
2 Ground covered with frost this morning. Ice half an inch thick or nearly so, the day dry and the
frost does not seem to have done much harm, it blackened a few potatoe leaves, that is all that is
discernable as yet. I think that on account of the ground and the crops being so wet, the frost had
little effect, for harm. We were Reaping and binding and finished hauling in pease. [in margin]
Ice / Finished / hauling in / pease.
3 Dry morning, a little rain about noon, the day windy. Jim & John went to Melancthon to burn log
heaps. I tied Wheat in the forenoon and went to Dundalk after.
<folio 54 recto>
September 1885
4th Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and cool. The Boys are working in Melancthon. I threshed pease
with the flail.
5 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and cool, with a slight sprinkling of rain in the afternoon. The
Boys worked in Melancthon. I threshed with flail.
6th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. Mrs. R., Phoebe and I went to Melanc-
thon. In the afternoon the family went to church. [in margin] Frost.
7 Frost this morning, the day dry with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and John branded in Melanc-
thon. Mrs. R., Clark and I tied Mixed feed at home. [in margin] Frost.
260
8 Frost this morning, the day cloudy but dry till noon, the afternoon wet. Clark, Willie and I hauled
in the mixed feed in the forenoon. Jim & John worked in Melancthon. There were 145 dozen of
mixed feed. [in margin] Frost.
9 Wet morning, the day wet all through. John and Jim came home this morning. I attended a Coun-
cil Meeting at Dundalk.
10 Foggy morning, the day dry and cool. Jim Reaped oats in the afternoon. John and I tied some.
Mrs. R. & I went with Br. Sam and Phoebe to Salvation Army.
11 Frost. Ice, this morning, everything caught it, great damage done. Jim Reaped oats & Barley,
Johney and I went to Melancthon and done some Branding. [in margin] Frost, Ice.
<folio 54 verso>
September 1885
12th A little hazy this morning but the sun shone out and the day was warm and dry. Just as night fell
there was some Rain, and a good deal after dark. Jim and CIerk hauled in wheat and mixed feed at
home. John and I Branded. I stopped in the Melancthon Cabin alone all night.
13th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day showery throughout. I came home at night.
14 Dark morning, the day dry but cloudy and threatening Rain. Jim and John took the Reaper and
went to Melancthon to cut oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
15 Misty morning, the day dry. We were harvesting in Melancthon.
16 Heavy dew this morning, the day dry with a fine breeze. We were harvesting in Melancthon.
17 Fine morning, the day dry and sunny. The Boys hauled in at home, five acres of loose oats and
Two of Barley. I stopped in Melancthon and tied oats. There was some thunder and lightening
and a shower of Rain about 9 P.M.
18 The morning fine and sunny, the day dry and warm. We harvested in Melancthon. P. Sauder
helped us.
19 Bright sunny morning, the day fine. Jim Reaped at home, finished Reaping (oats). The rest of us
worked at harvesting in Melancthon till about 2 P.M., then we helped Sam.
<folio 55 recto>
September 1885
20th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and beautiful. All the family went to Zion Church to hear the Gospel Ar-
my.
21 Fine morning, the day dry. Henry Lonsway, Johney and Clark tied oats at home. Jim Reaped for
his uncle Sam. Willie and I light [=lit, set alight] log heaps in Melancthon. When Jim came home
at night, they went to work and hauled in what they had tied through the day. There were Fourteen
loads.
22 Bright morning, the day dry all through. Willie and I Worked at the burning in Melancthon till
noon, When the boys came out with some teams and hauled some of the oats home.
23 Cold morning, the ground covered with snow, the snow melted and the day got fine. We were
hauling in oats from Melancthon.
24 Beautiful day, dry and Warm. We finished hauling in oats this forenoon from Melancthon, there
were Eighteen loads in all. This finished our harvesting this year. We have got the grain in pretty
dry, and all in the barn. I took the horses in the afternoon to get shod. Clark and Jim helped Sam
to tie oats. John was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. [in margin] Finished harvesting.
25 Beautiful day all through, like Indian Summer, the sky hazy and the air balmy. Jim and John
started for Melancthon to plow, they also drove the young cattle there. Clarke tied oats at Sam’s.
<folio 55 verso>
September 1885
261
26th Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful, the atmosphere hazy like Indian Summer. Jim and John
worked in Melancthon preparing the ground for fall wheat. Clark helped Sam to harvest. I
threshed some oats for the Horses and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Miss Matilda Hewitt was
here and got her Father’s Milk money, $6.00.
27th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, delightful weather.
28 Dark morning, the sun shone [MS shine] out and the day was lovely. Jim and John worked at the
new fallow in Melancthon, getting it ready for wheat. Clark helped Walter Bell to haul in oats. I
went hunting seed wheat, got some, 15 Bushels, from Mr. Wright of Osprey at $15.00.
29 Beautiful day. Warm, balmy and clear. Sowed wheat, Jim Harrowed, Johney plowed. Clark was
helping H. Lonsway to thresh.
30 Lovely day, Balmy, dry and warm. We were putting in the wheat. Walter Bell helped us with his
team, harrowing. Jim harrowed with spring tooth harrows, price $ 28.00, warranted not to break.
They are badly broken in the woodwork nevertheless. But they are just the thing for new land,
providing they withstand the Rack. Clark was with H. Lons[way] ½ day, then he came to
Melancthon in the afternoon and cut snags and Brush out of the new fallow. John broke the point
of his plow. I had to get a new one.
<folio 56 recto>
October 1885
1st Charming day, as fine as a man could desire. Clear, warm and dry. We worked at putting in the
wheat, plowing, harrowing, sowing, cutting snags & picking up.
2 Nice day, dry and Warm. I finished spring Wheat this forenoon. The wheat is called the Roger
variety, it is not a large wheat, not near so large as the Clawson, neither is it white in colour, it is
of an amber tint. The boys worked at the fallow. I came home this afternoon.
3 Fine morning, but a little cooler than yesterday, the foorenoon dry, the afternoon Raining from
about 3 O’clock, and a perfect pour about 5 P.M. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon
and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and collected some $80.00 due the cheese factory from the
merchants for cheese which they had bought. The boys came home from Melancthon.
4th Sabbath. Chilly morning, occasional showers of Rain through the day. Mrs. R and I went to Brother
Sam’s.
5th Ground covered with snow this morning, the day cold all through. Mrs. R. placed some things in
the show fair. Jim hauled wood home. John threshed some pease.
6th Pretty chilly day all through, but dry. We all attended the Agricultural show at Dundalk.
<folio 56 verso>
October 1885
7th Pretty cool in the morning, the afternoon mild. John was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Jim Raised
some potatoes in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and threshed some oats with
the flail in the afternoon. Mrs. R., Phoebe & Willie went to the carding mill.
8 Rather milder than yesterday, the day dry and a little sunshine. Jim and John were at W. Bell’s
threshing in the forenoon. Then they came home and raised some potatoes.
9 Dark morning, but the sun shone out and the clouds scattered. The air was rather chilly. We
Raised potatoes, they are a good crop. [in margin] Finished / Raising / potatoes.
10 Beautiful day all through, dry and sunny. We finished Raising our potatoes this forenoon. From
about an acre of Ground we have 145 Bushels, besides all we have used during the summer. In the
afternoon, Jim went to Eufrasia [=Euphrasia]*. I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of cheese
factory over $1000.00. [*Euphrasia Township (with villages of Kimberley and Heathcote), Grey
Co., is immediately north of Artemesia Township (of which Flesherton is the major town).]
262
11th Sabbath. Beautiful, bright sunny day. Sky hazy like Indian summer. Mrs. R. & I went to the
U[nion]. church.
12 Chilly morning, the forenoon pretty cold, the afternoon milder. We picked our potatoes and put
them in the cellar, about 120 Bushels, choice potatoes. I have about 27 bushels of small ones for
the hogs. Jim went to Wright’s Grist mill with l250 pounds good old wheat, and only got 727
pounds of flour. The Bran and shorts won’t make up the weight. John is at J. Gott’s threshing.
<folio 57 recto>
October 1885
13th Wet morning, the day wet and chilly from morning till night, no work doing here to day. Brother
Sam got the Democrat to go to Collingwood.
14 Wet morning, the day Rainy all through. Jim threshed oats, John helped D. Reid Fix his stables. I
worked at the Factory and Township Books. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here. [in margin] Sta-
bled / the cows / 1st night / this season.
15 Dry morning, the day, dry and pleasant. John went to J. Gott’s threshing. I built an arch for the
Sugar Kettle and boiled some potatoes for the pigs. Then Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. Jim
hauled some manure on the garden, then plowed it and put up the fence. Bought 60 pounds of
cheese at the factory price, 9 1/2 p. pound.
16 Fine morning, the day clear, warm and dry. John, Jim and I log[g]ed in Melancthon.
17 Bright morning, the day dry and pleasant, the afternoon got cloudy, very dark and a little rain fell
at night. We were logging in Melancthon. Jim left in the afternoon and went to Mr. William
Acheson’s and bought four small pigs, four weeks old, at $1.06 each. Miss Minnie Nethercut is
here tonight. [in margin] got swine.
18th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day dry. Brother Sam & Phoebe were here.
<folio 57 verso>
October 1885
19th Dark morning, the day cloudy but dry. We were logging in Melancthon.
20 Wet morning, the forenoon generally wet, the afternoon dry. We were logging.
21 Ground covered with snow this morning, the day dry but cold. We were logging in Melancthon.
Bob Morin* helped us. [Later spelled Morn, both perhaps phonetic spellings for Moran, the sur-
name of Clark’s wife, Maria.]
22 Cool morning, the day cloudy, cool and dry. We were logging in Melancthon.
23 Cloudy cool day, with a fine afternoon. I filled* manure in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in
the afternoon. Jim hauled out manure. John was at D. Reid’s threshing. [*Loaded the wagons,
which Jim hauled out and spread?]
24 Bright sunny morning, but a very hard frost, the day pleasant and dry. I started this morning to see
Sister Sarah. I had not seen her for three years. She lives in the township of Sunnydale, near New
Lowell, about 28 miles from here. I went to Bageroes [=Badjeros], thence to Maple Valley,
thence to Dunedin, then to Cre[e]more, thence to Cash Corners and from there to her place. She
was in middling health, but she and her family are in very straightened* circumstances. [*Sarah’s
poverty is frequently alluded to when she is mentioned, but no causes for the poverty are ever giv-
en.]
25th Sabbath. Fine day all through, warm and dry.
26 Rainy this morning, but soon got dry. Left Sarah’s and came home.
<folio 58 recto>
October 1885
263
27th Fine morning, the day dry and pleasant. Jim was helping his Uncle Sam to thresh. John was help-
ing Henry Johnson. Strange dog worried one of my sheep.
28 Dry morning, the day dry and pleasant till the afternoon, when it clouded over, and some rain fell
at night. Jim and I were putting out manure. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing. Mr. J. Abbott
and wife were here
29 Wet morning, the day pretty wet all through. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing. I worked at the
milk books.
30 Ground covered with snow this morning, and pretty chilly air. There was a little sun during the
afternoon. Jim went for a load of firewood to Melancthon, then plowed when he came home.
John threshed cattle feed and hauled out some manure in the afternoon. I worked at the Township
Books. Mrs. R. & Willie went to Dundalk to Sell Geese. Miss Minnie Neithercut, Who has been
on a visit here for about two weeks, went home today.
31 Ground covered with snow and a very hard frost. Jim spread manure in the forenoon and plowed
in the afternoon. Clark and Johney hauled out manure. I thrashed cattle feed in the forenoon and
in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Willie and his mother took some dead Geese to Dundalk in the
afternoon and sold them at from 50¢ to 65¢ each.
<folio 58 verso>
November 1885
1st Sabbath. Wet, sloppy morning, Rain mixed with snow. It finally turned to rain in the afternoon.
Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s.
2 Some snow on the ground this morning, but the frost had worked pretty well out, there were sever-
al showers of soft snow through the day. Jim plowed, John spread manure and I threshed with the
flail. The youngsters were gone to H. Lonsway’s [MS Lounsway’s] apple paring* tonight.
[*Paring bee, to make dried apples.]
3 Pretty cold morning, the ground frozen [MS frize] pretty stiff. There were some showers of snow
through the day. Jim plowed, John spread manure in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to
Melancthon for a load of stove wood. I threshed cattle feed.
4 Dark morning, the day dark, without sunshine, thawing a little, slight rain now and then. Jim
plowed, so also did John. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon, in the afternoon fixed a
hog pen.
5 Dark morning, the day cloudy and Rain in the afternoon. Jim water-furrowed.* John was at S.
McDowell’s threshing. I Chored around and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to
Dundalk to hear the sermon, and how Guy Fawks was blowed up in England a long time ago.
Wonderful enchanting entertainment, and all for Twenty five cents! [*Cut furrows to let off wa-
ter.]
<folio 59 recto>
November 1885
6th Dark morning, the day dark all through with an occasional shower [MS showers] of Rain. Jim and
Willie started for Melancthon to plaster the shanty. John was at S. McD[owell’s] threshing.
7 Dark morning, the day gloomy all through, with showers in the afternoon. John was at S.
McDowell’s threshing. Jim and Willie worked at plastering the shanty. The threshers came here
tonight. [in margin] threshers / came.
8th Sabbath. Dark morning, a little clearer about noon. Rain at night.
9 Wet morning, it cleared off about 9 A.M. Rather an unpleasant day for threshing. Some snow
showers in the afternoon. We threshed all day.
264
10 Rough morning, but cleared off soon, the afternoon, especially, was very fine. We finished thresh-
ing today. Some of the grain turned out very poorly. Wheat about 5 Bushels to the acre, small and
miserable at that. Barley 15 Bushels, very dark and small. Peas about 12 Bushels to the acre,
good sample and Oats, about 27 Bushels to the acre, good sample. We threshed 14 hours in the
two days and I paid them $1l.00. I had about 2 acres barley, 6 of wheat, 5 of pease and 27 of oats.
l1 Very fine day, warm, with a good deal of sunshine. We put in our straw. Wesley Lonsway helped
us and Jim Johnson helped us half a day.
<folio 59 verso>
November 1885
12th Dark morning. Sunshine from about 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Raining in the afternoon. I worked at the
milk Books in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and drew $1000. out of the
Bank, and paid patrons of Factory. Jim was plowing for Mr. Smith of Melancthon. John & Clarke
were cutting stove wood at home.
13 Wet morning, the day sloppy and wet with showers of snow. Jim plowed at Mr. Smith’s. John
hauled home firewood and went in the afternoon to Mr. Brinkman’s for two small swine that I had
purchased. I worked at the milk books. Mr. J. Roseborough was here for his milk money. [in
margin] Got 2 swine / 7 Weeks old
14 The ground covered with snow and more falling, the day dark, without sunshine. John and Clark
cleaned some pease and chored around. Jim plowed at Smith’s for 1/2 day, then came home. I
made some entries in the milk books.
15th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow and more falling, the day very slushy and dark.
16 Dark morning, the day dark and no sunshine. A mizzle once in a while of Rain. John plastered
the cow stable. Jim went to Dundalk for a pair of boots. When he came home, he went to Mr.
John Duncan’s to get him [to] cut feed for the horses. Willie and I cleaned seed pease.
17 Sloppy sort of a day, fine above, but very slushy travelling. Jim and John underbrushed on Lot
216, Proton.
<folio 60 recto>
November 1885
18th Dark morning, the day dark all through, the afternoon wet, very wet. John was at Mr. Nichol’s
threshing. Jim went in the afternoon for Mr. J. J. Duncan’s cutting Box. He is to be here tomor-
row cutting oat sheaves. I sold A. Lonsway a cow today for $20.00. The cow is about 7 years old.
He pays in a year.
19 Freezing this morning, the day pretty mild with a good deal of sunshine. John Neithercut, for Sam
McDowell, came to help us cut Horse feed, and as the cutter did not come, he and the Boys under-
brushed. Mr. Duncan came with his horse power in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent a / letter to
Bro. / William / Paris P. O. / Lamor Co. / Texas, U.S.
20 Hard frost this morning, the ground very rough, the day dark, but without rain, a slight sprinkling
of wet at night. Clark was at Mr. Nichol’s threshing. Mr. Duncan was cutting oat sheaves for us.
The machine did not work well, the little soft leaves of the straw kept turning Round the Rollers.
21 Some snow on the Ground this morning, a little more fell during the day, the day generally dark,
without sunshine. John was at A. Lonsway’s with his oxen skidding logs. We finished cutting oat
sheaves this afternoon. I think we cut about 150 dozen. I paid Mr. Duncan $4.50 for the cutting
of them.
22nd Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the day dark, without sunshine, the Roads very rough. A little snow on
the ground, but not enough to make sleighing.
<folio 60 verso>
265
November 1885
23rd Chilly morning, the wind in the east, a little soft snow falling, the day dark, without sunshine. Jim
and John were underbrushing on Lot 216. Willie and I mixed the cut feed in the Barn. Mr. John
Abbott, collector of Proton, was here and paid to me, as Township Treasurer, $1601.00.
24 Cloudy morning, the day dark, without sunshine, but not cold. Jim, John & Wesley Lonsway were
underbrushing on Lot 216 Proton.
25 Dark morning, the day rather mild, but no sunshine. Jim, John & Wesley Lonsway were under-
brushing. I attended a meeting of the Directors of Cheese factory in Dundalk.
26 Dark morning, but the sun shone out after a while and the day was pleasant. Jim, John and Wesley
Lonsway were underbrushing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
27 Fine morning, the day one of sunshine and very pleasant. Jim and John went to Melancthon to
saw some logs. Jim stopped all night.
28 Dark morning, but the sun got out after some time and the day was pleasant. Jim is in Melancthon
splitting some culled Blocks of wood. John hauled two loads of stove wood home. Clark chopped
short wood for himself. Mrs. R. purchased a Dinner Bell from S. McDowell for $8.00.
<folio 61 recto>
November 1885
29th Sabbath. Dark morning, a good deal of soft snow fell during the day. It soon melted. Mrs. R. and
I went to Mr. Abraham Jackson’s.
30 Fine, mild day, a little sunshine now and then. Jim and John Rigged up a dinner Bell on a post
about 18 feet high. Then we Butchered a fat swine in the afternoon.
December [1885]
1st Mild day, the Ground getting soft, a little soft snow falling now and then. Jim went to Mr. Joseph
Neithercut’s Raising. John and I cleaned some Barley and he took it to the mill in the afternoon to
be chopped. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
2 Pretty cold morning, and a shower of snow about 10 A.M. Jim and John were chopping on Lot
216 Proton.
3 Rather chilly this forenoon, the afternoon something milder. Jim and John were chopping on Lot
216. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and wrote
and posted 65 cards to the patrons of cheese factory, telling them when pay day would be.
4 Chilly in the morning, the afternoon something warmer. Jim and John went to the saw mill and
got some Logs sawn. I worked at the milk books.
5 Sharp morning, the day storming. John went to D. Reid’s sawing. He did not saw. John Agnew
came here this eavning. T. Hanbury drove him out.
<folio 61 verso>
December 1885
6th Sabbath. Very cold, stormy morning, the day stormy all through. John Agnew is here.
7 Sharp, keen morning, but the sun shone out fine, the forenoon was moderate, the afternoon was
very cold. John Agnew left for home this morning. Jim and John went to D. Reid’s sawing.
8 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly all through, with a shower of snow in the afternoon. John took
some animals to Dundalk fair, did not sell any. Jim hauled a load of stove wood home in the fore-
noon. We Butchered Hogs in the afternoon. Mr. A. Lonsway helped us.
9 Raining this morning, the day wet all through, the snow disappearing. Mrs. R. and I cut up the
pork and salted it. Jim and John oiled the Harness. John Gott was here and I made him out a Bill
for Barn lumber. [in margin] Thaw.
[writing switches to purple pencil]
266
10 Sharp morning, the day cold all through. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons
of the cheese factory the Balance in full of their money. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. John was
at home choring around. I gave Mr. T. Hanbury $2.00, Two year’s subscription for the Weekly
mail* in advance, a prize Book (Sp. of the Rebellion) is a Book to come with the papers. [in mar-
gin] payday / Subscription / Renewed for / W. Mail. [*Toronto newspaper the Mail later joins the
Globe, origin of the current Globe and Mail, which sees itself as “Canada’s newspaper”.]
11 A little milder in the forenoon, but pretty rough in the afternoon. Jim hauled wood, John was at
Walter Bell’s threshing.
<folio 62 recto>
December 1885
12 Pretty sharp morning, a little snow fell, the afternoon was milder. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk.
John chored around. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. [in margin, switching back to black ink]
Took 6 / cattle to the B. [=butcher?]
13th Sabbath. Cold in the forenoon, something milder in the afternoon. Sam & Phoebe were here.
14 Moderate day, a little snow fell, the sleighing is pretty good. Jim hauled a load of lumber from the
Mill in the forenoon, and went to Melancthon in the afternoon to haul a load of stove wood to
Dundalk. John fixed a Horse manger in the forenoon and went to a church opening at Corbetton in
the afternoon.
15 Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through, a little snow fell. I borrowed John Gott’s Cutter,
and John drove me out with the colts to a council meeting at Hopeville. Jim hauled wood.
16 Mild morning, the day mild all through. I was fixing up my Orders, which I had got at the Council
meeting yesterday, and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk.
17 Mild morning, the day mild all through, a hoar frost gathering on the Bushes, something like a
thaw. John and Jim were in the wood business. Jim broke the Roller out of his sleighs going
across [MS accross] H. Lonsway’s field. Jim made a sheep Rack in the afternoon.
<folio 62 verso>
December 1885
18th Mild morning, the day soft all through, almost like a thaw. The trees are covered with a drapary
[=drapery] of frost. Mrs. R., Jim and Willie started for a visiting tour among their friends in
Tossorontio & Essa. John was at Mr. Oliver’s sawing, he came home about nine O’clock at night
and took his oxen away to skid logs for Oliver tomorrow.
19 Stormy morning, very high wind accompanied with a snowfall. The wind prevailed all day, al-
most amounting to a Blizzard, except that there was no great cold. John with his oxen was at R.
Oliver’s sawing. Clark took the sleighs which had the Roller broke to the shop to get fixed.
20th Sabbath. Cold day, and pretty windy, the snow is drifting at a great rate.
21 Another stormy morning, snowing and blowing, also pretty cold, the afternoon milder. John
hauled two loads of stove wood home.
22 Soft this morning, continued getting softer all day, a thaw has sett in. John hauled two loads of
stove wood home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark chored around.
23 Rain all day from morning till night. Clark & I went to Hopeville, took the colts and John Gott’s
cutter. Mrs. R., Jim and Willie got home. Bob and Nancy came up.
<folio 63 recto>
December 1885
24th Sharp morning, the day cold, the roads very bad, sleighing badly used up.
25 Something milder than yesterday, the day calm, but sharp in the afternoon.
267
26 Pretty cold morning, the day cold but no wind. John split some firewood, Jim went to Melancthon
for his axe and also for to make an axe handle. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and done some
Township business.
27th Sabbath. Soft morning, the day mild all through.
28 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, the snow still disappearing. John and Clark are cutting
down some swam[p] on Lot 216 Proton. Jim and Willie went to swamp cordwood in Melancthon.
I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
29 Another mild day, the snow is disappearing fast. The wheels are going on the roads. Jim and Wil-
lie are in Melancthon. John and Clark are cutting the swamp. I worked at the Township books.
30 Soft day, thawing. Jim & Willie are in Melancthon, John and Clark are chopping at home. I
worked at Twp. Books.
31 Soft morning, the day soft, with snow in the afternoon. Jim & Willie are in Melancthon. John and
Clark are chopping. I worked at the Township Books. Nancy and Bob started for home this
morning. They left their cutter and took my democrat. I sent $40.00 with Bob to purchase wheat
from his father at .80¢ p. Bushel. Good By[e], Old Year. Which of us all will see the end of your
successor?
<folio 63 verso>
January 1886
1st Mild morning, the day mild all through, the sheep and cattle in some places out picking in the
fields. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John and Clark were chopping. Jim and Willie
worked at swamping wood in Melancthon.
2 Dark morning, the day rather chilly, cold wind, some sleet falling at night. Mrs. R. and I went to
Mr. A. Lonsway’s at night. Jim and Willie came home from Melancthon. John and Clark were
chopping.
3rd Sabbath. Dark morning, the day wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. Mrs.
John Agnew was here this night. [in margin] Rain.
4 Wet morning, the day wet from morning till night, the Roads Busting up. We went to the voting
in Proton in the forenoon, then Jim and John went to vote in Melancthon. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs.
C. Bell’s.
5 Pretty mild morning, freezing good, snow came on about noon and kept falling till night, and after.
John and Jim chopped. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk.
6 Very sharp morning, strong wind and keen frost. The day got colder towards evening and at night
the cold was piercing. John and Jim started with the team for Melancthon at noon. [in margin]
Cold.
7 Very cold day, intense frost and keen wind. Jim & John are swamping cordwood in Melancthon.
I went to Dundalk and sent by Express to sister Sarah a new dress. [in margin] Very cold.
<folio 64 recto>
January 1886
8th Very cold morning, the day intensely cold, but a good deal of sunshine. Jim and John are swamp-
ing cordwood in Melancthon. Clark started for Dundalk village school today. [in margin] very
cold.
9 Cold, windy morning, the day very sharp, with a strong wind. Some snow fell in the afternoon,
but the wind was so strong it blew it off the Roads, so that it did not help the sleighing any. John
was at H. Hewitt’s sawing. Jim swamped wood in Melancthon. Clark, Willie and [I] cleaned
Grain. [in margin] Very cold.
268
10th Sabbath. Cold day, and windy, very keen freeze. Some snow fell but the wind swept it off the
roads. [in margin] Very cold.
11 Sharp morning, but the sun rose bright. It got clouded over in about an hour, then shone some in
the afternoon. The day was intensely cold. Jim and John went to Melancthon to swamp out cord-
wood. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and bargained with John Vodden*, Waggon Maker, for
a sett of new bobsleighs, knee benches, three benches in each Bob, Box on sleighs and shelving on
Box. The sleighs to be finished in first class style, and to be strong enough to haul a load of Logs
or wood, price $45.00. Also a new cutter (Portland style), first class finish, with Both pole and
shafts, price $45.00. I pay $30.00 cash, give a farrow cow, value $20.00, a note of hand which I
hold on a neighbour for $20.00 more, and deliver him 10 cords of dry hardwood, 4 feet long, again
next winter. [*John Vodden and A.S. McArthur, were carriage makers in 1888; see History of
Dundalk, p. 5.]
<folio 64 verso>
January 1886
12th Sharp morning, a little sunshine, the middle of the day a little milder than yesterday, the afternoon
pretty cold. Jim and John were swamping wood in Melancthon. [in margin] cold.
13 A slight amelioration in the weather from yesterday, not quite so cold, the sun shone out a good
while of the day, and was pleasant. Jim and John were swamping cordwood. I went to Brother
Sam’s in the forenoon. In the afternoon Miss Martha May (formerly a scholar of mine), accompa-
nied by Miss Ellen McCullough and Miss ___ Keys visited us. [name is blank].
14 Pretty sharp morning, the day got milder and there was a good deal of sunshine, the afternoon was
pleasant. The Boys finished swamping out wood and came home. Mr. Abbott (Township Collec-
tor), Mrs. Lonsway and Mrs. Nicholas* were here. I worked at the Township Books at intervals.
[*Mrs. Walter Nicholas visits on 3 May 1886.]
15 Mild morning, the day soft like a thaw. Jim went to Mr. Wright’s mill with Six Bushels of wheat,
got only 21 pounds of flour to the Bushel. The wheat was very poor.
16 Soft morning, the day dark and thawing, with Rain in the afternon which turned to snow at night.
Clark helped Walter Bell in the forenoon to take out ties. John helped Sam at taking out posts.
Jim made an axe handle in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon for a cutter. [in
margin] Rain.
<folio 65 recto>
January 1886
17th Sabbath. Rather stormy day, strong wind and snowfall. Sam and Phoebe were here. [in margin]
Birthday.
18 Mild morning and pretty moderate till about 3 P.M., when it began to blow and turned very cold at
night. I went to a council meeting at Hopeville. Willie drove me out with the colts. Jim was help-
ing Walter Bell to take out ties. John was helping Sam to take out posts.
19 Pretty rough morning, some snow falling. The wind rose in the afternoon and the snow drifted,
there was a good deal of snow fell. Jim hauled a load of short wood home in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon cut some posts in the swamp. John helped Sam to take out posts.
20 Rather stormy this morning, a good deal of snow fell during the day, and the sleighing is pretty
fair. Jim and John took out posts in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim hauled wood for Tom
Mills to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
21 Blowing and snowing a good deal during the day, not very cold though. Jim & Johney were
swamping out posts.
22 Snowing and Blowing the General character of the day. Jim & John were sawing posts.
269
<folio 65 verso>
January 1886
23rd Cold, Stormy day. Very sharp frost all day. John and Jim worked at getting posts in the forenoon.
In the afternoon Jim went to Dundalk and brought home a new cutter which I had bought for
$45.00. John drove John Gott with the colts to Osprey. Clark and I sawed posts in the afternoon.
[in margin] Got / cutter home.
24th Sabbath. Rough day, cold and stormy.
25 Pretty cold in the forenoon, a little snow fell, the afternoon milder. Jim hauled cordwood to
Dund[alk]. John hauled a load of Grain to Dundalk for J. Gott, then he hauled a load of lumber
home in the afternoon. Brother John’s Wife, and sons Bob and Jim, came here in the afternoon.
[in margin] Started / to haul / Cordwood.
26 Rather milder today, not so cold as yesterday. Jim hauled C.[ord]wood. John hauled lumber.
Mrs. R., Eliza R., Bob R., & Jim R. went to Br. Sam’s.
27 Mild day, a heavy Rime on the trees, almost indicating a thaw. Jim was hauling C. Wood. John
hauled lumber. Eliza and Jim went home.
28 Rather mild all day, but foggy with a great Rime on the trees. Jim was hauling cordwood. (Mrs.
R.)[=striken] John was hauling stove wood home.
29 Dark day but mild, almost like a thaw. Jim was hauling wood. Mrs. R. and I went to Mrs. R. Cor-
nett’s funeral. She was buried at Flesherton. [in margin] Mrs. R. Cornett / Buried.
<folio 66 recto>
January 1886
30th A little colder than yesterday, still not unpleasant. Jim was hauling wood, John and I cleaned up
some wheat and filled four Bags of Barley to be chopped. We took the wheat to Dundalk and only
got .65 per Bushel for it, it was very poor, and worth no more. We took the Barley to McDowell’s
mill to be chopped, there were 378 pounds of it. I Renewed my subscription to Weekly Globe.
My first paper will be Friday Feb. 5th. [in margin] Subscribed / for Globe.
31st Sabbath. Mild day. Mrs. C. Bell was here.
February [1886]
1st Pretty cold in the morning, milder about noon, and cold in the afternoon. Jim hauled wood to
Dundalk. John hauled wood home. I worked at the Township Books. Clark Brought home the
young cattle from W. Bell’s. [in margin] Brought / cattle home.
2 Cold, stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the day pretty cold, without sunshine, the Roads
filling up badly. Jim was hauling wood to Dundalk. John was hauling wood home. [in margin]
Cold.
3 Very cold, nipping frost. Good sleighing. Jim was hauling wood. Johney hauled stove wood
home. [in margin] Cold.
4 Very cold morning, the afternoon something milder. John stopped working the colts, they have a
cold, or the vet says, the distemper. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. [in margin] Very cold.
<folio 66 verso>
February 1886
5th [stricken, 6th written several lines lower, opposite middle of entry, so order of entries reversed, with
6th preceding the 5th] Not quite so cold this morning as yesterday. Some snow fell in the after-
noon. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. Clark to[ok] the cow to Mr. Vodden which I had sold him
some time ago. John took the young horses to Dundalk to the Vet. He pronounced them as having
the distemper.
270
5[th] Quite cold this morning. It is the general opinion that this forenoon was the sharpest of the season
for so far. The afternoon was not quite so cold, but it might suit anyone for coldness. I went to
Dundalk at night. Jim Hauled wood. John’s team is laid up with a cold.
7th Sabbath. Rather mild day all through.
8 Bright sunny morning, the day lovely, sunshine all through, a sunny thaw. Jim was hauling wood.
John went after dinner to Melancthon to chop stove wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and
sold my cordwood (about 170 cords) to Mr. Higgins for $1.75 per cord, he paid me $10.00 on the
Bargain for which I gave him a Receipt. Miss Mary Trugon was to be married today. [in margin]
Miss / Trugon’s / Wedding day.
9 Bright sunny morning, the day fine. Jim was hauling wood. John was working in Melancthon.
The Township auditors were here auditing my Township Books.
10 Warm day, the wind thawing the snow, the sleighing is going. Jim is hauling wood. John is work-
ing in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Eliza and cousin Bob went at night to C.
Johnson’s party.
<folio 67 recto>
February 1886
11th Soft morning, no frost last night, the snow melted away fast today, a slight mizzle of Rain in the
eavning. Jim is hauling wood. John is working in Melancthon. James Dane called here this fore-
noon on his way home. Walter Bell was with him. Mrs. R. went to Brother Sam’s in the after-
noon. [in margin] Thaw.
12 Soft morning, the day milder all through. Sleighing gone off a good deal of the Roads. Jim came
home this afternoon with the team. He took them away again for fear of them getting the Distem-
per from the young horses. John is working in Melancthon.
13 Rain this morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night. Jim and John are in Melancthon. Clark Bor-
rowed W. Bell’s sleigh and with the oxen took from Melancthon in the afternoon to Dundalk a
Cord of Dry Cedar. Sold it to Mr. Deans for $1.00. [in margin] Rain.
14th Sabbath. Snowing all day long. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. C. Bell’s.
15 A Good deal of snow fell during the day, but the air was mild, the afternoon turned cold and very
Windy at night. Jim and John are in Melancthon working at something.
<folio 67 verso>
1886 February
16th Stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, the day was one of storm all through. Jim and
John are in Melancthon working.
17 Stormy morning, the day stormy all through, Snowing, blowing and drifting. Jim is in Melanc-
thon, John is at home. An Ewe lambed this eavning, had three Ewe lambs at a Birth. [in margin]
Sent letter / to Br. William / First lambs.
18 Roads drifted pretty badly this morning, the day mild. The wind rose in the afternoon and the
Roads are filling up again. Jim is working in Melancthon hauling wood. John went with the oxen
to Walter Bell this afternoon to Swamp logs.
19 Snowing this morning, but mild. The snow continued coming down all day, but got colder at
night. Jim was in Melancthon.
20 Very sharp morning, the Roads badly drifted, the day very cold all through. Jim was in Melanc-
thon, Johney at home. I attended a meeting of the Cheese factory patrons in Dundalk. [in margin]
Very cold.
21st Sabbath. Blowing, Snowing and Drifting all day.
22 Roads Badly drifted, Snow falling and strong wind. Jim is hauling wood. I went to Dundalk.
271
23 Another stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Jim is hauling wood. Johney is choring at home.
<folio 68 recto>
February 1886
24th Strong wind this morning, the wind generally strong all day, the roads filling up, pretty sharp frost
at night. John hitched up the young horses for the first time in about three weeks and drove his
mother to Dundalk. Jim is hauling wood.
25 Raining this morning, and continued Showery through the day. Very windy at night and turned to
Snow and freeze. Jim is working in Melancthon. John went to Mr. McKay’s to See about seed
oats (Black Diamond). Got none. [in margin] Rain.
26 Piercing cold morning, snowing, Blowing and freezing. The day was very cold with a strond
wind. Jim is working in Melancthon hauling wood. John took him some provisions and stopped
there. [in margin] Cold.
27 Bitterly cold morning, sunshiny through the day, but piercingly sharp. Jim and John were working
in Melancthon. They all came home tonight as Jim had finished hauling cordwood (70 cords)
which I had sold at $1.75 per cord. Jim got the wood measured and got paid. He brought a sett of
new Bobsleighs home from Norvall & Vodden’s*, Dundalk, price $45.00 complete. [in margin]
Finished / Hauling / C.Wood. [*John Norval, blacksmith, and John Vodden, carriage-maker; the
purchase is detailed on 11 Jan. 1886; see History of Dundalk, pp. 5, 101, 104.]
28th Sabbath. Very cold morning, the day very sharp all through, bitterly cold at night. [in margin]
Very cold.
<folio 68 verso>
March 1886
1st Cold sunny morning, the day intensely cold from morning till night. Bright sun but piercing air. I
went to Dundalk and purchased three post Office money orders, value $257.00, and sent the same
to A. P. Poussette, Esq., Barrister, Peterborough, instalment $200.00 & Interest, $57.00, on pur-
chas[e] money of Lot 31*, Con 5, Township of Melancthon. John was helping John Gott to take
out ties. Jim was hauling logs for Mr. Oliver. [in margin] Extremely / cold. [*Seems to be written
Lot 34, but probably is Lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon, bought in May 1881, with payments on 1st of
March until principal is paid off; $57. interest at 6% means principal was still $950; see 28 May
1881.]
2 Very cold morning, cold at noon and stormy and cold at night. We cleaned about 200 Bushels of
Oats, then Jim took the new sleighs to Dundalk to get some alterations in them. Mr. Jas.
Cavanagh, Township Clerk, was here a while this afternoon. He wished to get a little money in
advance on his salary and I advanced him $20.00. [in margin] cold.
3 A little milder this morning, but the wind was pretty strong and the afternoon was cold. Jim start-
ed for Brother John’s to get some wheat that I had bought for milling. H. Lonsway went with him
to See his Brother William. Johney and I cleaned oats in the forenoon, and he took his oxen to
John Foster’s sale in the afternoon, but he did not sell them.
4 Mild day, the sun shone strong. Jim is gone for wheat. John hauled oats to Dundalk.
<folio 69 recto>
March 1886
5th Bright sunny morning, the day clear and mild. Jim is not home yet. John hauled Oats to Dundalk.
6 Mild morning, the day soft and balmy, snow melting. Jim got home from the mill this afternoon.
William Lonsway and Margaret and their son William were here tonight. John was hauling oats to
Dundalk.
272
7th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Brother Sam and Phoebe, Mr. A. Jackson and Misses Jackson were
here.
8 Mild morning, snow came on in the afternoon, quite soft like. Jim went in the morning to Melanc-
thon with the team to work. John hauled oats to Dundalk.
9 Mild morning, a little snow falling, the day pretty mild. Jim is working in Melancthon. John
hauled oats to Dundalk in the afternoon. In the forenoon he took his oxen to the fair in Dundalk,
sold them for $90.00, Cash. Sam Lonsway came here tonight to bid us good-by. He is going to
the St. of Nebraska tomorrow. [in margin] John Sold his / Oxen / S. Lonsway / going off / States
10 Mild day, some snow fell, during the afternoon it cleared off. John took some grain to the mill to
be chopped. Jim was hauling logs to the mill.
11 Mild day, but quite a quantity of snow fell. John and Jim were working with the teams in Melanc-
thon.
<folio 69 verso>
March 1886
12th Mild day all through, but the roads very heavy. John and Jim were hauling logs to the mill.
13 Mild morning, the day mild all through, but a good deal of soft snow fell. Jim was at Sandy
McAulay’s Bee, hauling square timber. John hauled saw logs to the mill. Jim Thompson is here
tonight. Mr. H. Lonsway and wife came here at night. The Proton assessor was here and assessed
Lot 215 at $700.00, Lot 216 at $315.00 and the personal property at $150.00, Total $1200.00.
14th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, almost like a thaw. Miss Minnie Neithercut & Jim Thompson were here.
15 Mild morning, some snow fell during the day. Jim and John went to Melancthon to work at get-
ting out saw logs. I went to Dundalk.
16 Mild day, with a heavy fall of snow at night. Jim came home from Melancthon for to get his team
to take to Melancthon tomorrow. John is working in Melancthon.
17 Foggy morning, the sun shone out after some time and the day was exceeding warm, the snow
melting and running in streams on the streets. Jim and Johney were hauling logs to the mill. I
went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Brother John came here this afternoon.
18 Soft day all through. The boys are hauling logs. Brother John and I went to Melancthon, thence
to Sam’s, then home. [in margin] Sam’s / baby /born.
<folio 70 recto>
March 1886
19th Wet Morning, the day cleared off about noon, then it rained some in the afternoon. The day was
very unpleasant, there was quite a lot of thunder and lightening after night. Jim and John were
hauling saw logs. Brother John went to Dundalk and bought seed oats. Jim came home from
Melancthon this afternoon. I Clerked at Jas. Mulholland’s sale. [in margin] Thunder / Jas.
Mulholland’s / Sale.
20 Dark morning, the ground covered with sleety snow, the forenoon dry, quite a sharp rain at night.
Mrs. R. was at Brother Sam’s. Brother John and she came out in the afternoon. Jim went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon to get some seed oats changed. Johney and Willie were in Melancthon.
Johney hauled logs to the Saw mill.
21st Sabbath. Soft snow fell most of the day. Towards night it began to rain and rained quite a bit.
22 Dark morning, the day generally cloudy, a snow storm sett in at night, with a strong wind. Johney
went to Melancthon to haul logs. Brother John started for home this morning with some seed oats
which he had bought. My Jim went with him. [in margin] Jim / went with / Bro. John.
23 Roads very heavy this morning, the day quite cold. John is hauling logs. I attended C. Meeting in
Dundalk.
273
24 Dark day all through, but pretty mild, the snow melting. Johney is working in Melancthon. Mrs.
R. was at a quilting in Mr. H. Lonsway’s.
<folio 70 verso>
25th Bright sunny day, the snow disappearing rapidly. John was hauling logs to the mill from Melanc-
thon. Mr. John Abbott, Collector of Rates for the Township of Proton, was here and made out his
Defaulters’ List and returned his Collector’s Roll.
26 Fine day, but a little chilly in the afternoon, snow melted quite a bit in the forenoon. John was
hauling Logs for S. McDowell. Clark went to Dundalk with the Team when he came from School
and brought home 33 22/34 Bushels of Black Diamond oats which I had Bought from John R.
Montgomery at .33¢ per Bushel. Mrs. R. also went to the village.
27 Sunny morning, but the air was rather chilly through the day. The sun thawed the snow a little.
John was hauling logs. Clark hauled one load with the colts. Mrs. R. went to See Phoebe this af-
ternoon. Mr. Thos. Arnold and Wife, and Mrs. John Arnold, were here a while in the forenoon.
Mr. H. Johnson’s son and three of his daughters and Mr. Andrew Lonsway and wife were here at
night.
28th Sabbath. Rather cool wind today, although the snow melted some. Mr. Skeffington Bell and Wife,
and Miss Carson, were here.
<folio 71 recto>
March 1886
29th Rain in the morning and Rain the afternoon, a cold sleety Rain, sticking like ice on the trees and
ground. John left in the afternoon to get some Blacksmithing done and then to go to Melancthon.
Sold John a yoke of steers, coming 3 years old, for $35.00 cash.
30 Some Rain fell in the forenoon and a little in the afternoon. The day dark and drizzly. John is in
Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon with H. Lonsway, done some Business and bought
110 lbs of Timothy seed at Rate of $3.00 per Bush[el].
31 A slight rain this morning, the day generally showery, the snow is fast disappearing. There is a
mist or steam-like rising off the ground. John is in Melancthon. Mrs. R. took the colts and sleigh
and drove the children to school, then she went to Melancthon Lot. Mrs. H. Lonsway and Baby
were here. Our first cow calved this season. [in margin] 1st calve
April [1886]
1st Windy morning, and some snow falling, the wind increased till about 2 P.M., when it was very
strong. There was quite a snowfall through the day. Mrs. R. drove Eliza to School. John is in
Melancthon. Walter Bell here at night.
2 A little snow fell occasionally through the day. John is working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. drove
Eliza to School, then went in the afternoon to a quilting at Mrs. D. Reid’s.
<folio 71 verso>
April 1886
3rd Fine morning, bright and sunny, the day was pretty mild and the snow melting some. John and
Clark were hauling logs to the saw mill. I helped W. Bell to put in a stack of hay
4th Sabbath. A good deal of sunshine through the day. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
5 Stormy morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, the afternoon chilly. I went to R. Cor-
nett’s sale. John was hauling wood home.
6 Very strong wind this forenoon and pretty cold, the wind stronger in the afternoon, especially to-
wards night, also a violent snow storm sett in. John was hauling wood home. Mrs. R. visited in
the afternoon at Mr. John Arnold’s. [in margin] Big Blow / & Snow / Storm.
274
7 Sunny morning, the day pleasant, but a chilliness in the air in the afternoon. John split stove wood
at home. Mrs. R. & I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night.
8 Bright sunny morning, the day one of sunshine and thaw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and
paid for 112 lbs of Timothy seed which I had bought at $3.00 per Bushel. I also bought and paid
for one peck of Red Clover seed, 2.00, and a peck of Large Late Clover seed, 2.25. Then I
purhased a Draft payable to the Molsons Bank, Owen Sound, for $235.00, Sinking funds of Four
S[chool] sections, and mailed & Registered it, to the Manager Molsons Bank, Owen Sound.
<folio 72 recto>
April 1886
9th Bright sunny morning, the day fine and the snow melting rapidly. All the family, Except Jim (who
is from home), went to an Examination in School Section No. 5 Melancthon. I kept home. [in
margin] heard & / seen / first / Robin.
10 Bright morning, the day one of sunshine, the snow is on its liquid journey to the Lakes (more
speed to it). John went to Walter Bell’s to chop. Clark Split wood at home. I chored around. The
Melancthon Assessor was here and assessed Lot 31, 5th Con. at $800.00. That is $58.00 less than
in 1885. [in margin] Melancthon / Assessor.
11th Sabbath. Chilly in the morning, a thaw wind in the afternoon and the snow melting. Mr. A. Lon-
sway and Wife were here in the Eavning.
12 Rain in the forenoon, Rain in a slight degree in the afternoon, the roads breaking up and becoming
as muddy as possible. [in margin] 2nd Cow Calved.
13 Dark in the morning, with a slight mizzle of rain, the afternoon fine, but hazy. Mrs. R. started for
Tossorontio this morning to bring home Jim. Johny skinned a yearling calve which had got hurt
by some of the cattle and died. He took the hide to Dundalk, got only .75¢ for it.
14 Misty morning, the afternoon sunny and warm, quite spring-like. A lot of little songsters are out
trilling. John and I sowed 10 acres of timothy and clover on Lot 31 Melancthon.
<folio 72 verso>
April 1886
15th Bright sunny morning, the day pleasant and warm all through. Johney made Five mauls*, then
took the Black mare in the eavning and went to meet his mother and Jim who came in the train.
[in margin] Jim / came / Home. [*wooden sledge hammers; see vol. 1]
16 Beautiful morning, the day splendid, a warm bright sun. Johney and Willie cleaned some seed
Oats. Jim and Johney took the team and went to Melancthon in the eavning. Mrs. H. Johnson was
here this afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. Lonsways [written as a very small squiggle]. [in
margin] Heard / Frogs.
17 Beautiful morning, the day fine. Splendid weather. John and Jim went to Melancthon to make sap
troughs.
20 Beautiful day, …. etc., [3 lines in total, stricken, which are entered below in proper place.]
18th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day fine all through.
19 Beautiful morning, the day lovely. Jim, John & I were sinking post holes. [in margin] 3rd Cow
calved.
20 Beautiful morning, the day warm and balmy, no such spring weather has occured this many a year.
We were sinking post holes. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the eavning.
21 Lovely sunny morning, the day Bright and warm. The Boys started for Melancthon with the teams
to plow. I dug post holes. [in margin] Commenced / plowing.
<folio 73 recto>
April 1886
275
22nd Sunny morning, the day very pleasant and dry, the sky bright, without a cloud. Jim and John were
plowing in Melancthon. I dug post holes. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here at night.
23 Splendid morning, Beautiful and bright, the day fine till about 6 P.M., when there arose a thunder
storm and some Rain. Clark pruned some apple trees in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to
Melancthon. Jim and John are plowing. I sunk some post holes.
24 Rainy morning, dry for about three hours in the middle of the day, the afternoon wet. John and
Clark plowed during the dry part of the day in Melancthon. Jim made a Vdrag* at home. John
Neithercut and T. Mitchel were here. [*V drag, or v-shaped hitch for a harrow, dragged behind
the horses; often the name given to the harrow itself, which could be made of a series of chains at-
tached together to make a quilt-like blanket, which when dragged over a plowed field, broke up
remaining clods of soil, creating a smoother surface for seeding. Harrows here are wooden
frames, with protruding wooden teeth, or pins; he later tries new iron harrows.]
25th Sabbath. Dry morning, wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Br. Sam’s. [in margin] Esther.
26 Ground very wet this morning on account of the heavy rain last night. The day was dry but
cloudy. We put in some posts for making lane from the Road to the Barn.
27 Dry in the forenoon, dry and breezy in the afternoon. We turned potatoes in the cellar and hunted
up the young cattle. The boys went with the teams to Melancthon in the afternoon. [in margin]
4th cow calved.
28 Fine dry day. The boys are plowing in Melancthon. I went there to see the fall wheat. We con-
cluded not to Re-sow. [in margin] W. Neithercut / died.
<folio 73 verso>
April 1886
29 Fine dry, Breezy morning and the day was dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a heavy rain
with some hail stones. Mrs. R. and I went to W. Neithercut’s funeral. He was buried in the Grave
Yard at the Union Church. The funeral was pretty large. Jim sowed pease. John plowed and Wil-
lie harrowed. [in margin] First grain / (pease) sowen.
30 Dark morning and a little showery in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. The boys were working in
Melancthon. Mrs. R. was House cleaning. Mr. A. Lonsway and Wife were here at night.
May 1886
1st Bright sunny morning, the day pretty drying, with sunshine most of the time. The Boys were
plowing and harrowing in Melancthon, and came home tonight.
2nd Sabbath. Fine morning, the forenoon clear, the afternoon cloudy, but no rain. Brother Sam and
Phoebe were here.
3 Fine morning, the day dry and breezy till about 3 P.M. when it got overcast and there was a slight
Rain about dark. John went to Melancthon to plow. Jim sowed about 4 acres of wheat at home.
Willie harrowed. I swam* the wheat and bagged up some seed oats. Mrs. Walter Nicholas was
here in the afternoon. [*see above, pickling barley, 1 May 1884; before seeding, seed grain is im-
mersed in brine, thought to prevent weeds.]
<folio 74 recto>
May 1886
4th Dark morning, Rain came on and there was quite a lot fell. Jim started for Melancthon and took
25 Bushels of Seed oats (Black Tartar) to Sow. John is working in Melancthon.
5th Cool morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine and dry. John and Jim were plowing in
Melancthon. We finished plowing there and John brought the team home to plow. I plowed a few
hours in the afternoon.
276
6 Fine, warm, dry day all through. Jim sowed 10 acres of oats in Melancthon. Willie harrowed. I
sowed 10 acres in Grass seed. John plowed at home. [in margin] First oats / sown.
7 Fine day all through. Willie finished harrowing in Melancthon. John plowed at home. I attended
cheese meeting in D[undalk]. [in margin] Seen first / swallow.
8 Fine dry day. John and Wille plowed. I went to Dundalk and bought a new Wilkinson plow No. 4
for $15.00 cash, from S. Bell. I also Bought 8 Bgs. potatoes from C. Johnson for 40¢ p. Bg., cash.
I also took John Vo[d]den 5 Bgs. potatoes.
9th Sabbath. Dry day, but very much like rain.
10 Wet day all through. John and I plowed in the forenoon. Jim dug post holes when dry.
<folio 74 verso>
May 1886
11th Dry but cool morning, the day was cloudy till about 3 P.M. when the sun shone out. John and Jim
were plowing. The Ground is pretty wet after yesterday’s Rain.
12 Fine morning, the day breezy and sunny. John and I plowed. Jim dug post holes.
13 Fine morning, but cloudy, the day was dry till about 5 P.M., when there was quite a shower. It is
again Raining (8 P.M.). Jim sowed 9 Bags tartar oats and three of Black Diamond. Willie har-
rowed. John dug post holes and I plowed. [in margin] 5th cow / calved.
14 Cloudy morning, not much sunshine through the day, but there was a fine growth, the day was
pretty sultry. Jim was working at the Barnyard fence, assisted by Willie. John harrowed. I
plowed. Patrick Langly casterated two yearling colts for me. [in margin] Casterated / colts.
15 Rainy morning, Exceedingly so, and a great deal of Rain had fallen during the night. All forenoon
was slightly wet. A little mizzle fell during the afternoon. John and Clark plowed in the after-
noon. Jim and Willie worked at the Board fence. I chored around.
[changes to purple pencil]
16th Sabbath. Cool cloudy day, chilly, especially at night. There was a frost this morning. [in margin]
Frost.
<folio 75 recto>
May 1886
17th Frost this morning, Ice on the water as thick as a 50 cent piece. The day cloudy, cool and dry.
John and I plowed. Jim worked at the fence. In the afternoon he went to Dundalk and bought 10
12/60 Bushels pease at 56¢ per Bushel. He also bought a keg of nails and a Roll of Barbed wire.
John Agnew stopped here this night. [in margin] Frost / [in ink] Factory / opened. [back to purple
pencil]
18 Cloudy but dry and pretty warm. John and I plowed. Jim worked at the fence. An old man
named Wright came here in J. Agnew’s Buggy and is stopping here this night. We had a cow
calved today, after taking a full month past her time. [writing changes back to ink] John Agnew
stopped here this night. [in margin, in purple pencil] 6th cow / calved.
19 Fine morning, the day Breezy, dry and warm, the eavning about sunset was cloudy like a thunder
storm. I sowed about 9 1/2 acres of Black Diamond oats. Willie harrowed. John plowed. Jim
worked at the fence.
20 Fine morning, the day dry and cool, cloudy towards night. I helped Jim in the forenoon at the
fence and in the afternoon I sowed some mixed pease and oats for cattle feed. John plowed and
Willie harrowed. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here at night. [in margin] 7th cow calved / Got
papers / from / Toronto.
<folio 75 verso>
May 1886
277
21st Fine morning and warm, the afternoon was a little showery. I plowed in the forenoon and helped
Jim at the fence in the afternoon. John sowed oats in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon.
Willie harrowed. We finished seeding, have got about 58 acres spring grain and 10 of Fall Wheat.
This is about the first time, so far as I can Remember, that we finished so early. [in margin] Fin-
ished / Seeding.
22 Fine morning, dry and warm, the day was lovely all through. Jim went to Mr. McGregor’s mill in
the forenoon and got 535 feet of lumber sawn. In the afternoon he worked at the fence. Johney
and Clark hauled out manure and planted about a Bushel of potatoes in the afternoon. I went to
Dundalk in the morning with Jim. [in margin] 8th Cow / calved / First potatoes / planted.
23rd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and mild. Miss Sarah Jackson and her Brother Sam were here.
24 Fine morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy and very cold at night. Jim worked at the fence.
Johney harrowed with his team at Walter Bell’s. Clark and Willie went a-fishing. Eliza went to
the Garden party at Mr. Hame’s. Mrs. R. went to Brother Sam’s. I helped Jim a little at the fence
and chored around.
<folio 76 recto>
May 1886
25th Very cold morning, the day cold all through. I went to Council meeting at Hopeville. Jim worked
at the fence. John at Walter Bell’s.
26 Another cold morning, and cold, windy day. I went to Brother Sam’s in the forenoon and to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon. John put out manure in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to C. John-
son’s for some Beauty of Hebron potatoes which I had bought. Jim worked at the Board fence.
27 Cool morning and Raining. The rain soon abated and the day was dry and cool. Jim went to Dun-
dalk for material to make gates, and made most of one when he came home. John was laid up
with sore throat and dizziness. I cut seed potatoes. Walter Bell got our Black mare this afternoon
to put along with one of his own and go to Egremont for seed potatoes.
28 Fine morning, the day dry but a little cool in the forenoon, the afternoon warm and cloudy. We
planted potatoes, about Eight Bushels of Early Rose and Seven of Beauty of Hebron. Wesley
Lonsway helped us from noon. Jim worked at a gate. [in margin] Frost / Finished / planting / po-
tatoes.
29 Fine day, but very windy. Mrs. R. and I went to Priceville. I borrowed D. Reid’s Buggy. Jim
worked at the fence in the forenoon and went to Mr. Nichol’s Raising in the afternoon. John
washed the sheep.
<folio 76 verso>
May 1886
30th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Mrs. R. and her Sister Eliza went to Brother Sam’s.
31 Bright sunny day. John helped his uncle Sam to plow. Jim worked at the fence. Eliza and Bob
went home. I went to Melancthon and paid T. Mitchell for 46 1/8 c. wood. [in margin] clipped
sheep.
June [1886]
1st Mild morning, the day pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I clipped the Sheep. John helped his uncle Sam
to plow. Jim plowed up the lane and levelled it.
2 Dark morning, a slight rain fell during the forenoon, the afternoon cool and cloudy, with an ap-
pearance of Rain at night. John and I picked stones in the afternoon. Jim went to Melancthon and
mended Brush fences.
3 Very chilly morning, the day cold all through, and a slight frost at night. Jim was working at the
Lane fence. John and I picked stones in Melancthon.
278
4 Cool and Breezy, a little sunshine through the day. Jim was working at the fence. H. Lonsway
helped him. John and I picked stones at home and hauled them off the Grain.
5 Cool and cloudy. Jim worked at making Gates. John went to Tossorontio for flour. Clark and
Willie planted potatoes in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<folio 77 recto>
June 1886
6th Sabbath. Cool and clear. Mr. Joseph Jackson, wife and child, were here, and also Miss Mariah
Maxwell.
7 Cool and cloudy. Jim worked at the Gates. I fixed calve park. William Lonsway and his two lit-
tle girls, with Irma Silk, were here at noon. The little ones are stopping here this night.
8 A little cool in the morning, but the afternoon was warmer. John got home with the flour from
Tossorontio. Jim finished the lane fences and gates in the forenoon and went to Steve Broughton’s
Raising in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk.
9 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty breezy and dry. It got cloudy and a few drops of Rain fell in
the afternoon. We were picking Stones all day.
10 Cool morning, the middle of the day warm, the afternoon cool, clear and dry. John hauled lumber
for Joseph Jackson. Jim Rolled in Melancthon. Mrs. R. & I went to Dundalk.
11 Cool morning, a slight hoar frost, the day sunny and dry. Jane Ludlow Lock Jawed this morning.
Her father came for one of my boys to go for the Doctor. Willie went. The Dr. got the Jaw in.
Jim was painting gate in the forenoon and chopping in the afternoon. John was Rolling in the
forenoon and working for H. Lonsway in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost.
<folio 77 verso>
June 1886
12th Bright morning, the day rather cloudy and a trifle Breezy, the sun overcast about setting time,
quite Rainy like. Jim was at Joseph Jackson’s Barn Raising all day, Johney in the afternoon, and
splitting rails with H. Lonsway in the forenoon. Clark Rolled in the forenoon and chopped in the
afternoon. Willie drove his mother to Dundalk in the forenoon and Rolled in the afternoon. I
worked at the Township Books, Ent[ering] orders.
13th Sabbath. The day dry and pretty warm. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here.
14 Bright morning, the day very hot. We were taking out square timber for a Lintle* to the Barn.
Walter Bell helped us, we got the timber on his Lot. [*Lintle seems to mean an addition built on
to the existing barn, using post and beam construction, as in the original barn.]
<insert><inserted half page> <recto>
Work* At Lintle [*This lists the schedule of work, and payments owed for the construction]
1886. June 13th. 4 men at Sq. timber
14. 6 men Ditto
15 6 men “
17 5 men “
18 Team + 3 men
19 Team + 2 men
21 Team + 2 men 1/2 day
23 4 teams
“ 1 team 1/2 day
“ 1 man - -
24 2 teams
25 Hauling sleepers 1 team
279
26 Hauling sleepers 1 team
28 Cutting + Hauling posts
July 16th John Gott + C. Maxwell
“ Jim, John + Clark
17 John Gott + C. Maxwell
“ Jim, John + Clark
19 John Gott + Ch. Maxwell
“ Jim, John + Clark
20 John Gott + C. Maxwell
“ 18 Men 1/2 day Raising
<verso> Aug. 5th J. Gott [stricken: + C. Maxwell]
“ Jim Russell
6 John Gott 1/2 day
“ Jim + John
7 John Gott, Jim + John Russell
9 John Gott, Jim + John Russell
16 Jim + John Russell 1/2 day
17 Jim + John Russell 1/2 day
25 John Gott + Jim Russell
26 Jim
30 Jim + John 1/2 day
Sept. 10th John Gott 1/2 day. Oct 2. John Gott 1/2 day
[Oct.] Clark 1/2 dy
7 John Gott + Self
8 John Gott. 9th J. Gott 1/2 day
11 John Gott. 12th John Gott
Clark
14 John Gott
Nov. 19 John Gott + Norman Schell 1/2 day
Six months after Date I promise to pay.
</insert>
15 Dry, hot day with a slight thunder in the eavning and signs of Rain. We were taking out square
timber in Melancthon. W. Bell, H. Lonsway and Wesley Lonsway helped us.
16 Beautiful, shower of Rain this morning, the day pretty warm and a fine growth. We were making
square timber. H. Lonsway, W. Bell and Brother Sam helped us. Jim was the Hewer.
<folio 78 recto>
June 1886
17th A little more rain this morning, the day cloudy and very cold at night. We were making lintle tim-
ber. Brother Sam and W. Bell helped us.
18 Cool morning, the day cool and cloudy. We were getting out Rafters and swamping timber.
19 Frost this morning, the day pretty warm and dry. Clark and I fixed a Brush fence at home. John
swamped square timber. Bob Morn* cut roads for him. Jim helped Mr. Morn with the Black
Mare to swamp T[elegraph]. Poles. [*see 21 Oct. 1885]
20th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day fine. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. A. Lonsway’s.
280
21 Cloudy morning, a slight mizzle of rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Jim and John cut
and swamped sleepers for the lintle. I chored around. Jim went with the team to Dundalk in the
eavning.
22 Slight rain throughout the day, with indications of a heavier rain at night. John with his team was
at John Arnold’s sawing. Jim and I fixed Brush fence in Melancthon.
23 Slight Rains all through the day. We were hauling home the timber for the lintle. Brother Sam,
John Arnold & D. Reid helped us with their teams.
24 Dark cloudy day, but pretty sultry. We were hauling home the timber for the lintle.
<folio 78 verso>
June 1886
25th Rainy morning, but cleared off about 10 A.M., the afterpart of the day was fine. John was at M.
Neithercut’s sawing. Jim hauled sleepers home.
26 Rainy morning, but soon cleared off, the afternoon was dry. John went to M. Neithercut’s sawing.
Jim and Clark Hewed sleepers till noon, then Jim went to John Brinkman’s Frame Raising.
27th Sabbath. Beautiful day, dry, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s.
28 Sunny morning, the day warm and bright. Jim was at Jos. Neithercut’s sawing. John and I cut
posts for the Lintle and hauled them home in the forenoon. In the afternoon he mended Brush
fence. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland.
29 Fine morning, the day fine all through. I went to C. Meeting at Cederville, took Jim along. Mrs.
R. also went as far as Mr. John Abbott’s. It was daylight when we got home next morning. John
Agnew & C. Johnson, Councilmen, were with us.
30 Fine dry day, sunny, bright and warm. John Hunted the Bush and fields for two [stricken spring c
]yearling calves which had gone astray, could not get them. John Irwin got them same day along
with his about 4 miles from here in Osprey.
<folio 79 recto>
July 1886
1st Beautiful morning, the day dry, sunny and hot. We all, with the exception of Willie, went to Dun-
dalk to see the sports.
2 Bright morning, the day very warm. John and Jim with the team were at the saw mill hauling logs
forward to be sawn. I warned out hands for the statute labor in the forenoon and in the afternoon
worked at the Township Books.
3 Bright morning, the day dry and very warm. Jim and John were at the saw mill getting logs sawn.
I turned potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to the letting of some R[oad] Jobs in
Melancthon. Miss Minn[i]e Neithercut came here this eavning. [in margin] hot.
4th Sabbath. Very hot day.
5 Scorching, dry, hot day. I was Bossing St. Labor. Jim hauled lumber home from the mill. John
worked on the Road for D. Reid. Josh. Brinkman came here at night. Mrs. R. took Eliza to Shel-
burne to the Entrance Examination. Clark took the train for Owen Sound to stand his Examination
for a third Class Certificate to teach. [in margin] hot.
6 Dry, warm day. I Bossed on the Roads. Jim & John hauled Lumber. We had the team of D.
Reid’s Waggon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon & paid Factory patrons. [in margin] hot.
<folio 79 verso>
July 1886
7th Bright sunny day. Jim and [I] done Statute labor for Melancthon lot. John was at Walter Bell’s
logging Bee.
8 Bright sunny day. Jim and John cut shingle timber in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk.
281
9 Bright sunny day. Jim was at S. McDowell’s logging Bee. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and
got some paint. John washed and gave the Waggon one coat of paint. There was a small shower
of Rain at night. [in margin] Rain.
10 Bright sunny day, with considerable of wind. John and Jim cut shingle timber in Melancthon. I
worked all day, nearly, at the Milk Books. Willie painted the Waggon the second coat, also the
plow and the little gate. Eliza painted the chair [?ink smeared].
11th Sabbath. Pretty warm day, dry and dusty. Mrs. R. & family went to hear Mr. Murphy, Church of
England Minister, preach. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon.
12 Dry and dusty with considerable of a Breeze. All hands went to Dundalk. Mrs. R., Eliza and I
went in the afternoon. Clark got home from O. Sound. He thinks his chances for a certificate are
very slim. I think so also. [in margin] Frost this / morning.
<folio 80 recto>
July 1886
13th Dry but cool this morning, the day was dry, cool and cloudy. We fixed fence. Jim went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon for a pair of Boots. Clark was at W. Hender’s logging Bee.
14 Heavy rain early this morning, and a general wet day from morning till night. Every Kind of crop
was in great need it. The grass is very short and scarcely worth mowing, the Rains are too long of
coming to benefit it. The Grain and potatoes crops will be vastly improved by the splendid wet-
ting which they are now im??inging. Oats are shooting out scarcely six inches in length. I guess
this rain will stretch them. The potatoes are turning yellow in the leaf, and the Rain will cause
them to put on a Green foliage again. In fact, all nature in the vegeatable [sic] and animal King-
dom will be vastly improved. John Gott and his man came here today to Start on building a lintle
to the Barn. He just drew out the plan and then went home, the day was so wet he could not work.
Johney went to W. Watson’s Barn Raising this afternoon. I don’t think, however, that Watson will
put up his Barn this eavning because it has rained incessantly since morning. [in margin] Rain.
<folio 80 verso>
July 1886
15th Misty morning and a slight mizzle of Rain kept coming down all day. The Boys were fixing fence
and choring around, generally. Johney cut his knee slightly with a Broad axe.
16 Cloudy morning, a little sunshine in the middle of the day, cloudy at night. John Gott and C.
Maxwell were here framing, my three boys helped. I cut thistles out of the potatoes. Got cheque
for pension. [in margin] Got cheque / for pension.
17 Mild day, a little cool in the eavning. The Boys worked at the lintle. Clark went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. Willie and I moulded potatoes. [in margin] Sent a letter / to Br. William.
18th Sabbath. Pretty mild forenoon, the afternoon chilly, almost like Rain. [in margin, written very
small] Mrs. Ferris of / Melancthon died.
19 Fine, dry day, very like Rain after dinner. A slight Rain fell just at dark. Jim & John worked with
J. Gott at the Lintle. Mrs. R. and I went in the forenoon to Mrs. John Ferris’ funeral.
20 Quite cool this forenoon, the afternoon very much like Rain, but none fell. The [men] worked at
framing in the forenoon and Raised the lintle in the afternoon. There were 14 Men Besides our-
selves Raising it. It kept us pretty late getting done.
<folio 81 recto>
July 1886
J. 21st Cool morning, the day cool, and a sharp shower of Rain fell in the afternoon. Jim and John are
with D. Reid helping him at his haying. I tried to work but could not, was sick. Then I worked at
the Milk Accounts.
282
22 Frost this morning, the day sunny, dry and warm. I put Paris Green on the potatoes. John mowed
grass. Jim worked at making gate for J. Mills. [in margin] Frost.
23 Fine morning, the day dry and warm, splendid hay day. John mowed grass. Jim finished making
J. Mills’ Gate, then helped D. Reid in the afternoon at his hay. Willie and Eliza Raked up some
hay and I put it in hand shakings.
24 Fine morning, the day splendid, close and muggy at night with a slight sprinkling of Rain. Jim,
John & Willie with the Black Mare helped D. Reid at his hay. Mrs. R., E. & I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon. I paid cheese money.
25th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day fine, a very slight sprinkling of rain at night. Mrs. R. and I went to
Brother Sam’s.
<folio 81 verso>
July 1886
26th A very slight sprinkling of Rain this morning, the day dry till about 5 P.M. when there came on a
pretty heavy rain. Jim was swamping out shingle timber. John and I hauled in a little hay in the
forenoon and in the afternoon John went to Brother Sam’s to help him.
27 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and pretty warm. John swamped out some shingle timber in
Melancthon. Jim hauled it to the mill. Mrs. R. and I took the wool to Dundalk Woolen Mills in
the afternoon and traded some of it for cloth, and left some to be carded and spun for stocking
yarn. We got .21¢ per pound for it in trade, and gave .35¢ per yard for shirting.
28 Dark morning, the day clouded over several times and a few drops of Rain fell. Jim, John, Willie
and I with three of our horses were helping D. Reid at his hay.
29 A little Rain early this morning, but soon got dry, the day was dry and Breezy. Jim, John & Willie
were working at D. Reid’s.
30 Dry morning, the day dry. Jim, John and Willie were working on their own account at D. Reid’s.
D. Reid and Johney hauled four small loads of hay from there for 12 day’s work we gave him. We
cut & made our own share.* [in margin] 4 Small loads / about 3 tons / put away / for spring.
[*they cut their own share of the hay on Reid’s farm, as payment for the 12 day’s work.]
<folio 82 recto>
July 1886
31st Misty morning, but the day cleared off and was fine and dry, and very hot about 1 P.M. I helped
Brother Sam at his hay. Dan Reid cut some grass for us at home. Jim and John mowed fence cor-
ners and Raked up hay.
August 1886
1st Sabbath. Pretty cool, dry day.
2 Cloudy this morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry, very high wind in the afternoon. John and
Willie hauled in some hay in the forenoon and John went and worked for D. Reid in the afternoon.
I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim went to Melancthon and mowed some fence corners, then
helped Mr. Morn.
3 Very cold morning, the day very cold, strong wind. I worked at the Township Books. Jim helped
H. Lonsway to fence. John and Willie with the Bay mare helped D. Reid to finish his hay.
4 Very cold morning, and a Frost, the day dry. John & Willie helped their uncle Sam at his hay.
Jim & I Brought home the fence corners’ hay from Melancthon. [in margin] Frost.
5 Frost this morning, the day dry. John helped H. Lonsway at his fences. Jim and John Gott worked
at the lintle. I chored around. [in margin] Frost.
<folio 82 verso>
August 1886
283
6th Bright morning, the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Tossorontio. Jim, John and John
Gott worked at lintle.
7 Warm day, very dusty. Mrs. R. and I went from Brother John’s to W. Lonsway’s, then to John
Agnew’s. The Boys and J. Gott worked at lintle.
8th Sabbath. Bright warm day. We left J. Agnew’s and came to Br. John’s in the eavning.
9 Fine morning, the day dry but not so warm as yesterday. We came home, got home about 2 P.M.,
did not stop to feed on the way. John, Jim & J. Gott worked at the lintle. We got word in the
eavning that the fire had got on to the Melancthon lot. We went there. About 120 Rods of Brush
fence had been burned and the fire was just at the gate and the rail fence as we got there. We
burned some of the Brush around the Shanty at night in order to Save it.
10 Dry but Breezy day. Jim & John are watching the Melancthon lot from the fire.
11 Dry, hot, windy day. Jim and Johney are watching fires in Melancthon. I attended C[ouncil]
Meeting.
12 Dry and warm. I watched fires in Melancthon. John worked for T. Mitchel[l]. Jim went to Dun-
dalk and bought himself a craddle.
<folio 83 recto>
August 1886
13 Dry morning, the day got overcast and there was considerable of thunder in the forenoon, scarcely
any Rain, the wind was very high in the afternoon. Jim and John are in Melancthon, they are
watching the Bush fires and also to come[n]ce the fall wheat. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie have gone
to a Berry party at Osprey. Owen Cassidy, an old Resident of Melancthon that had been in Michi-
gan, came here this eavning and stopped all night. There was a slight thunder storm with some
Rain at night. [in margin] Commenced / Harvesting / Fall wheat.
14 A little cloudy this morning but the sun got out and dispersed the clouds, the day was dry. Jim and
John are working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. and Willie took them out some provisions.
15th Sabbath. Dry, warm day. Mr. John Abbott and Wife, Mr. W. Clark & Wife, and Brother Sam &
Phoebe were here.
16 Cloudy morning. Rain came on about 9 A.M., and rained to about 2 P.M. We went to Melanc-
thon to work, but came home again. The Boys went for shingles. I got the Brush hook and
stopped all night in Melancthon.
17 Cool day, with a slight mizzle of Rain. The Boys are shingling the lintle. I cut Berry Bushes in
Melancthon.
<folio 83 verso>
August 1886
18th Cool morning, the day dry. I was cutting Berry Bushes in Melancthon. The Boys were shingling
the lintle. There was a frost this night.
19 Sharp frost this morning, the day dry. Jim cut Fall wheat, I tied. John cut Bushes.
20 Pretty warm day and cloudy . The boys harvested in Melancthon. Willie cooked. I was at home
and went to Dundalk.
21 Cloudy day all through. The boys harvested. I worked at the tedious Milk Books.
22nd Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, and wet in the afternoon.
23 A Slight Rain in the forenoon, something heavier in the afternoon. The boys put some Shingles on
the Lintle. Jim brought a load of shingles from the mill. He traded horse teams with D. Reid and
gave $60.00 to [MS of] Boot. He gained a Black mare rising 12 years old and a Black horse rising
4 years for a Big stallion, rising 6 years and an Iron Grey horse Rising 5 years old.
284
24 A little cool this morning, there was also a slight Rain in the morning. The Boys finished shin-
gling the lintle. I cleaned out the manure that it was built on.
25 Dry day. John Gott and Jim worked at the lintle. Johney & I cut and tied fall wheat in Melanc-
thon.
<folio 84 recto>
August 1886
26 Very hot, dry day. John and I harvested in Melancthon. Jim finished the horse’s stall then he
fixed up the Reaper. [in margin] Hot.
27 Dry, hot day. We harvested our spring wheat. [in margin] Hot.
28 Dry and hot in the forenoon, a little thunder and Rain in the afternoon. Jim and John went for a
load each of fall wheat. They just got into the Barn when the Rain came. I tied and stooked wheat
till it was time to go to Dundalk to pay the milk Patrons. Clark came home. He was away from
14th July.
29th Sabbath. Very close, sultry forenoon, the afternoon also warm and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I were in
at Br. Sam’s. [in margin] Hot.
30 Wet morning, and considerable of Rain had fallen during the night. The forenoon wet, the after-
noon dry. The boys worked at the lintle in the afternoon. Jim craddled some Roads.
31 Rather dull morning, quite misty-like although no rain fell. The eavning was cloudy also, with a
few drops of rain. John, Clark and Willie went to Melancthon to pull pease. Jim reaped at home.
Broke a guard and had to go to Dundalk for a new one. I tied oats. Sold 9 Lambs at 2 60/100 to
be delivered in one month. [in margin] First oats / cut. / Black / Diamonds / Sold Lambs
<folio 84 verso>
September 1886
1 Misty morning, but the day cleared up and was dry with a bright sun in the afternoon. Jim hauled
two loads of fall wheat from Melancthon. The other boys were pulling pease. I tied oats.
2 Frost this morning and ice in some places on the water. The sun shone out and the day was bright
and fine. Jim hauled in the remainder of the fall wheat. He borrowed a waggon from Mr. Oliver
and Willie brought one load and he the other. Jim then ground the Sickle and went to Melancthon
to reap. Johney and Clark were pulling pease. I tied oats. Mrs. John Arnold was here.
3 Rather cloudy this morning but the day was dry, the sun shone occasionally. Willie and I stood up
some oat sheaves in the morning till the dew got off the wheat, then we hauled the wheat (5 loads)
in. Mrs. R. and Eliza helped. Then we hauled what rails made thirteen Rods of a fence. Put the
fence up and turned our milk cows into the field. Jim, John & Clark harvested in Melancthon.
4 Cloudy morning, the day dry all through, but quite cloudy. Willie and I stooked up about 2 1/2
acres of oats in the forenoon, then we took the team and went to Melancthon and helped the other
boys to pull pease.
<folio 85 recto>
September 1886
5th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm.
6 Dry sunny day, pretty hot in the afternoon. Jim went to Walter Bell in place of Clark. Johney,
Clark, Willie and I went to Melancthon and harvested there.
7 Dry sunny day, pretty hot. Jim was at Walter Bell’s for Clark. The others of us all were in
Melancthon harvesting.
8 Dry morning, the forenoon clear and sunny, the afternoon cloudy and like rain. I finished binding
oats in Melancthon, came home and tied oats. Jim and Willie hauled in oats. Johney Reaped.
Clark was at Walter Bell’s.
285
9 Wet morning, had rained through the night, the afternoon dry. We tied some oats in the morning,
but gave it up for a bad job. Mrs. R. and Jim went to Dundalk. I worked at the M. Books.
10 Wet again this morning, the afternoon dry. Jim went to the mill for a load of lumber in the fore-
noon. In the afternoon we reaped and Bound oats. John Gott worked 1/2 day at the lintle.
11 Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. We cut and tied about 10 acres of oats. Willie and Mrs. R.
stooked them. John and Clark are gone tonight to W. Bell’s Binding Bee. Jim has went to Mr.
Moran’s to go with him to Mulmer tomorrow.
<folio 85 verso>
September 1886
12th Sabbath. Cool and cloudy with rain late in the eavning. James Lonsway was here.
13 Dry in the forenoon, Rain after 4 P.M. We were reaping and binding oats.
14 Misty morning but not wet, the afternoon Breezy and drying. The boys were harvesting. Finished
Reaping. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon and turned
ten acres of pease. [in margin] Finished Reaping
15 Fine Breezy, drying day. We hauled together ten acres of pease in Melancthon and stacked them,
Mr. Jas. Maxwell built it. When we came home from Melancthon we hauled in Ten acres of oats.
Got done about Two O’clock in the morning.
16 Slight mizzle of Rain in the morning, but it soon dried off. We hauled in Eight acres of oats from
about One O’clock in the afternoon till 4 O’clock. D. Reid helped us with his team. The after-
noon was wet.
17 Dry day, breezy in the afternoon. Clark and I went to Melancthon and stood up some Oat sheaves
that were down. Jim and John craddled at John Gott’s.
18 Dry morning, the day dry and sunny. We hauled in Oats from Melancthon. D. Reid with his team
helped. There were six loads, or 222 dozen [sheaves]. This finished drawing from Mel[ancthon].
John hauled in a load of mixed feed at home.
<folio 86 recto>
September 1886
19th Sabbath. Cold and showery.
20 Cold morning, a shower about 2 P.M. A heavy rain set in about dark and lasted for an hour. John
and Clark were Binding oats at John Gott’s. Jim and I took the young cattle to Melancthon,
fenced the pea stack and made a way for the cattle to drink.
21 Damp, dreary day but no Rain fell. Jim and John with one team helped D. Reid to haul out ma-
nure. Clark and Willie chopped in the swamp.
22 Cloudy day all through, a slight shower at noon, another at night. Jim went in the morning to see
about the thrashing machine, then came home and helped us turn sheaves, then went to Dundalk to
get Whiffletrees* fixed, also to get his horse’s heels doctored. Came home, then went to the Brit-
tons’ lodge.* John & Clark with the team helped D. Reid. [*Whiffletree: device attached to tongue
of wagon, and to traces on horse harness; see 10 June 1879. The Young Brittons, the Youth
branch of the Loyal Orange Lodge].
23 Grain of all kinds very wet this morning from the heavy Rains last night. The day dry and sunny.
Jim and Clark got out some flatted ceder [=cedar] pieces for to lay the lintle floor on. John with
the team was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. S. Patterson & her Father-in-
Law were here this afternoon.
<folio 86 verso>
September 1886
286
24 Dry morning, the day dry till night when there came on a Rainstorm. We threshed about 10 acres
of pease in Melancthon. They were in a stack and a good many were wet.
25 Rain very early in the morning, the day dry. John and I brought the remainder of the threshed
pease home. Jim and Clark stopped in Melancthon. John went to the Vet with a horse in the af-
ternoon. The Vet said there were wolf teeth in him. He broke them.
26 Sabbath. A little Rain through the day.
27 Misty morning, the forenoon dry, a slight rain in the afternoon. Dan Reid with his team helped us
to haul Grain in the afternoon. It was pretty wet, still I did not like to leave it out any longer, as
the weather is so showery. Jim struck out for Melancthon this morning. He goes to live on his
own Lot*, and do the best he can. He is 23 years of age. I hope he will succeed in life. [in mar-
gin] Finished / Harvesting / Jim / went to his / Farm. [*Robert deeded Lot 31, Con. 5, Melanc-
thon to Jim in Nov. 1882, and Jim is now formally taking possession of it as his own farm.]
28 Showery during the day and quite a Rain pour during the night. John was helping J. Maxwell to
Log. Clark is helping Jim.
29 Bright morning, the day sunny and very breezy. I threshed some oats in the forenoon with the
flail. Made up milk accounts in the afternoon. John spread peas on the Barn floor in the forenoon
and went in the afternoon to Collingwood Show Fair. More money gone and waste of time, sink-
ing me deeper & deeper.
<folio 87 recto>
September 1886
29th Continued —— after a little while longer, things must be swept from me as I cannot hold out
against the Extravagence that is eating the very inside out of all I am worth. Always buy, buy, go
in debt in the stores, get every thing that is needed, no thought where the money is to come from
that is to pay it. Bought 27 fruit trees for self and same no. and varieties for Jim from Mr. Carr of
the Galt nurseries on the 28th, or yesterday.
The names of the trees are as follows. Apples:18 Duchess of Oldenburgh, 3 Man, 2 Walbridge,
& 2 Wealthy. Crabs: 1 Transcendent. Plums: 1 Glasse & seedling. Price: $12.00 for the 54 trees.
[in margin] Fruit trees / on 28th inst.
30 Fine dry morning, the day dry and breezy till about 5 P.M. when it commenced raining and the
rain turned to snow during the night. John was at Collingwood Show Fair. Clark was helping Jim
in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the milk patrons.
October [1886]
1st Ground covered with snow this morning and very cold, frequent showers of snow through the day.
John and Clark cut some logs in the eavning. [in margin] First / snow.
2 Dry morning, but cold with some snow on the ground, the day cold all through. John plowed,
Clark helped J. Gott at the lintle in the afternoon. I worked at the Twp. Books. Brother Sam’s
Madella is stopping here tonight.
<folio 87 verso>
October 1886
3rd Sabbath. Dry day. Brother Sam’s Madella was here to the afternoon, then went home.
4 Wet this morning, cleared off about 10 A.M., a slight mizzle in the afternoon. The Boys, John and
Clark, started to help Walter Bell this morning to haul in, but the rain came on and they [re]turned
home. John plowed. Clark and I drove the Lambs (9) to Dundalk to Mr. Rundle who had bought
them one month ago at $2.60 each. I bargained with Mr. Tedford*, harness maker, for a sett of
new harness, less collars and Briddles [=bridles]. In lieu of Briddles I am to have halters with bibs
attached. I pay him $20.00 cash and deliver him Eight cords of 22 inch green wood any time dur-
287
ing the winter. [*James Tedford, harness & hardware, in 1906 Dundalk business directory; see
History of Dundalk, p. 105.]
5 Damp morning, quite misty, the day not wet, still not drying. John and Clark were moving fence
in the forenoon. In the afternoon John went to Melancthon for some lumber I had there. I built
fence.
6 Quite misty this morning, the fog cleared off about 10 A.M., the rest of the day was dry and sunny.
John and Clark moved fence and stone piles. I worked at Township Books. John & I took the
team and went to Dundalk for the new harness.
7 Beautiful day, like Indian Summer. Clark helped W. Bell to harvest. John & Team helped D.
Reid to thresh. John Gott & I worked at the lintle. Mrs. R. quilted [miniscule].
<folio 88 recto>
October 1886
8th Beautiful day all through, sunny and bright. John Gott worked at the lintle. John, Clark, [and]
Eliza Raised potatoes and put them in the cellar (41 Bags). They are large and dry but not many at
a stalk [illegible].
9 Beautiful morning, the day very fine. We finished taking up potatoes. We have about 80 Bushels
of splendid ones. Had about 140 last year in the same ground. Jim and Willie came home tonight.
John Gott was working at the lintle.
10th Sabbath. Beautiful day, Warm and balmy. Brother Sam & Phoebe were here.
11 Fine morning, the day hazy almost like Indian Summer. Jim and Willie left for Melancthon. John
and Clark moved stone pile and chips. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon
helped the Boys. John Gott worked at Lintle.
12 Wet morning, but the day cleared off. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. John took a yoke
of three year old steers of his own and one two year old of mine to the fair, and sold them for
$40.00 and $11.00. Clark helped John Gott at the Lintle.
13 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and moderately warm. All hands attended the show fair at
Dundalk. [in margin] Show / Fair.
<folio 88 verso>
October 1886
14th Dry forenoon but the afternoon was very wet and very windy. The wind is now (8 P.M.) a team-
ing gale. Clark went for J. Gott to John Rutherford’s threshing. I put out manure in the forenoon
and chored around in the afternoon. John Gott worked at the lintle. Son Johney left this morning.
He and I had an altercation. [in margin] Johney / Left home.
15 Drizzly wet morning with a high wind. A great many of the fences on the farm are blown down
with the heavy wind last night. The day was cold and showery, some snow mixed with the Rain.
Clark took the team and went to Brother Sam’s threshing. I chored around. Johney came home
this forenoon. I am glad that he is back again, could not bear to part with him at all, would feel
miserable without him, although we quarrel now and then. Hope there will be no more partings.
[in margin] Johney / came / home / Stabled / cattle for / the first time.
16 Cold morning, snow on the Ground and more falling, the day cold all through. John and the team
were at Br. Sam’s threshing till noon, then he came home and hauled manure. I and Clark chored
around in the forenoon. Clark helped Johney in the afternoon and I went to Dundalk. Mr. A. Lon-
sway and wife were here at night.
<folio 89 recto>
October 1886
288
17th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling. A soft snow fell most of the
day. Mrs. R. and I went to Jim’s in Melancthon.
18 Ground covered with snow this morning, but the day was mild and the snow mostly disappeared.
Johney was getting some firewood. I was at W. Bell’s threshing. John and his mother and Eliza
are at Mr. A. Lonsway’s pearing [=paring] Bee.
19 Beautiful morning, the day very fine. I was at W. Bell’s threshing. Johney hauled out manure.
20 Fine morning, the day dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on some rain. It cleared off, then
began Raining again. It is now (8:40 P.M.) Raining quite Briskly. John and I were hauling out
manure. Clark got home from Collingwood where he had went on last Monday. T. W. John & W.
Robinson were here at night.
21 Cold raw morning, the day dry but pretty chilly. John and I were putting out manure. Clark was
at John Gott’s threshing. Mrs. R. visited Mrs. Abraham Jackson.
22 Splendid day, dry and hazy. I think it is Indian Summer. John plowed. He and I gathered stones
in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark was at H. Lonsway’s threshing. Mr.
R. Cornett* was here. [*Robert Cornett was member of first provisional town council in 1886; see
History of Dundalk, p. 5.]
<folio 89 verso>
October 1886
23rd Fine morning, the day Splendid, dry and mild. Clark was at H. Lonsway’s threshing in the fore-
noon. He and I cleaned pease in the afternoon. John plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon
he and his mother went to Dundalk.
24th Sabbath. Quite cool morning, the afternoon cloudy, and wet at night.
25 Showery this morning and quite a sharp mizzle of Rain fell mostly all day, and turned to snow in
the eavning. The ground is now (7 P.M.) white with snow. We tid[i]ed up the Barn for the thrash-
ing, Butchered a Sheep and picked some stones. The thrashers came here this eavning.
26 Hard [frost this] morning and cool, the day dry and cool. We threshed all day. John Brinkman’s
machine. [in margin] Thrashed
27 Hard frost this morning, the day dry and cool. We finished threshing at noon. The Grain turned
out well, Except the wheat which was poor in quantity but good in quality. We had about 112
Bushels of wheat or 8 Bushels to the acre. 900 Bushels of Oats, or 30 Bushels to the acre, and
about 170 Bushels of pease which we had threshed about three weeks ago, or 17 Bushels to the
acre. [in margin] Jim Oldfield / & M. Maxwell / Married.
<folio 90 recto>
October 1886
28 Dark morning, the day showery. Clark went to H. Hewett’s threshing for Brother Sam. John and I
chored around home in the forenoon and in the afternoon John went to John Oliver’s wedding [MS
weeding], I to Dundalk. I saw several strawberry blossoms in the fields. [in margin] J. Oliver & /
J. Neithercut / Married.
29 Rainy morning, the day generally showery. John was plowing in the afternoon. Clark was at H.
Hewett’s threshing for Br. Sam. I was getting information out of the old collector’s Rolls for the
Township Clerk.
30 Fine morning, the day dry, bright and sunny. William McKay with his oxen logged for us on Lot
216, Proton.
31st Sabbath. Beautiful day, dry, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s.
November 1886
289
1st Dry day, sunny and pleasant. John went in the forenoon with a grist to the mill. In the afternoon
he plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I chored around in the afternoon.
2 Dry day, sunny and bright. John plowed. I spread manure.
3 Cool, Breezy and dry. John plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to the mill for the
grist. Miss Minnie Neithercut came here this eavning. I was seeking the Two yearling colts which
had strayed away. Mrs. R. got them about 3/4 of a mile from home.
<folio 90 verso>
November 1886
4th Quite cold this morning, a shower of snow through the day, cold and windy in the afternoon. Mrs.
R. started for Tossorontio this morning. Miss Neithercut went home this afternoon. John was at
D. Reid’s plowing Bee with the team. I worked at the Factory Books.
5th Cold, Raw morning, the day very windy but dry, with considerable of sunshine. John was plow-
ing. I was Raising stones. Mrs. D. Reid was here in the eavning. John went to Dundalk at night.
I seen strawberry Blossoms in the field. [in margin] Seen / Straw Berry / Blossoms.
6 Rather mild morning, the day cool, dry, and some sunshine. John and I picked stones in the fore-
noon, then I went to Dundalk and he went for a load of wood to Melancthon. I took a Racoon skin
to the Tannery to be tanned. [in margin] Coon skin / to be tanned.
7th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow. Sharp frost, strong wind and cold day.
8 Hard frost this morning, and some snow falling. The day was very cold and a little snow fell.
John and I moved straw out of the lintle in the forenoon and in the afternoon he went for a load of
wood.
9 Pretty chilly in the morning, milder towards noon, a little rain in the afternoon which turned to
snow at night. John and I moved some straw in the forenoon. He took Jim’s Horse to Dundalk in
the afternoon, got a wolf tooth Extracted. Mrs. R. came home.
<folio 91 recto>
November 1886
10th Snow on the ground this morning and some more fell. The day got mild and the snow pretty much
all melted. John went for a load of wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon plowed.
11 Cold, cloudy morning, the day pretty cold with a hard frost setting in in the eavning. John plowed.
I spread manure in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. was helping Mrs.
C. Bell make Rag carpet.
12 Very sharp morning, the day cold and freezing, the Roads very rough, no snow on the ground.
John chored around. I went to Melancthon with a curry comb* & Brush. [*Horse grooming tool.]
13 Sharp morning, the day very cold, raw wind, the Roads very rough. John & I butchered a fat hog
in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to W. Gallagher’s funeral. Mr. and Mrs. A. Lonsway were
here at night. Jim and Ch. Maxwell came here at night. [in margin] W. Gallaher / died.
14th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day pretty windy, a little soft towards eavning. Willie drove Jim &
Clark to Melancthon.
15 Pretty sharp morning, Bleak wind and cold. John hauled some clay in the waggon and Banked the
house with it. I Journalized and Ledgerized about $950.00 worth of Township orders. Mrs. John
Gott was here.
<folio 91 verso>
November 1886
16th Pretty mild morning, the day had a good deal of sunshine and was nice weather for this time of the
year. John A[gnew Russell], who is exactly 21 years of age today, was at H. Johnson’s thresh-
290
ing. I chored around and went to Mr. Duncan’s in the eavning to get him [to] cut horse feed. Mrs.
R. went to Dundalk. [in margin] John’s / Birthday.
17 Rather soft in the forenoon, the afternoon was sleet and Rain. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing.
C. Johnson’s was here in the afternoon.
18 Very Windy morning, the day stormy, strong piercing wind and snow falling. John and [I] tid[i]ed
up the Barn for cutting on tomorrow. John went in the afternoon for the cutting Box to J. Dun-
can’s. I went to Dundalk on Cheese Business in the afternoon. Mr. W. Nichols & Wife were here
at night.
19 Very Blustery morning, Blowing, snowing and freezing. It was so stormy that Mr. Duncan could
not come to cut Horse feed. The day was one of storm. John Gott and Norman Schell were here
in the forenoon and finished the lintle. We then put our cattle in. [in margin] cattle put / in the
new / Stable.
20 A little snow now and then through the day, still, the day was not unpleasant. Mr. John Duncan
cut sheaves for us. He cut about 100 doz. & charged $3.00. W. Lonsway & Team helped us. [in
margin] Old Sam / McDowell / Buryed.
<folio 92 recto>
November 1886
21st Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, the day chilly. Jim came from Melancthon and returned in the
afternoon.
22 Rather fine morning, the day cool but pleasant. John was at Mr. Lonsway’s with the team helping
them cut oat sheaves. I worked at the milk accounts.
23 Pretty sharp morning, the day windy. John split some stove wood. I took the Milk Books to Dun-
dalk to the auditors. The Township collector made a payment to me.
24 Raining this morning, the day generally wet. Mrs. R. took John and some provisions to Melanc-
thon. William took Jim’s Grey Horse to the Blacksmith’s to be shod, then took him to Melanc-
thon. [in margin] Thaw.
25 Pretty sharp morning, the Roads very rough. I went to Dundalk to See the Cheese auditors. Had
to stop with them till near 5 O’clock. John is cutting firewood in Melancthon.
26 Hard morning, the day pretty chilly, a little snow fell. John with the team was helping his uncle
Sam to thresh.
27 Pretty Sharp morning, the day chilly all through, the ground Rough & hard. John was cutting
firewood in Melancthon. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and paid Milk Patrons their last pay-
ment, over $1600.00.
<folio 92 verso>
November 1886
28th Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, the day Rather cold, with some snow.
29 Snow falling this morning and an occasional snow shower through the day. We Butchered hogs.
Dan Reid helped us. We killed 4 hogs and they weighed Ten hundred less Twenty pounds.
30 Pretty fine day, a little chillier than yesterday. Sleighing is improving, a little snow fell last night.
John went to Mr. Wright’s Mill with [dittog.: with] 1.000 pounds of wheat. He got, of yield, 600
pounds of flour.
December [1886]
1st Mild morning, the day pretty mild, with considerable of a snow fall in the afternoon. John hauled
two small loads of firewood from Melancthon, and returned there at night to chop. Jim came
home with his team and got the Old Bobsleighs which I had gave him. He took some cut feed to
Melancthon. Mrs. R. and I were in Dundalk in the forenoon,
291
2 Pretty sharp day, a little snow fell. John is chopping in Melancthon at firewood.
3 Very cold day, from morning till night. Eliza took Clark and some provisions to Melancthon and
brought home Willie. John is cutting firewood there.
<folio 93 recto>
December 1886
4th Very cold morning, the day cold all through. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie took some chickens and a
duck to Dundalk. Willie then went to Melancthon. Jim came home this eavning and is stopping
all night. John is cutting firewood in Melancthon.
5th Sabbath. Pretty mild day. Jim stopped here till afternoon, then went to Melancthon. Brother Sam
and Phoebe were here.
6 Very fine morning, the day beautiful sunshine all through. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to John R.
Montgomerie’s with an Order to be Endorsed by the School Marm of No. 10. John is chopping
firewood in Melancthon. Jim is here this night.
7 Fine morning, the day pretty mild. Jim took the Bay team and Bobsleighs and four Bags of oats to
Melancthon, to Saw log[s].
8 Mild morning, the day fine, Rather inclined to be a little soft. I was at John Johnson’s wood be[e].
He is sick with inflamation of the lungs. Jim, John, Clark and Willie are working in Melancthon.
John is hauling Logs to the mill for Jim.
9 Softish morning, the day mild with a good deal of sunshine in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in
the eavning. John was helping Jim saw log[s].
10 Soft day, thawing. John took the Sow to Hopeville to the Hog. Had his journey for nothing. Mrs.
R. and I went to Mr. Nichol’s at night.
<folio 93 verso>
December 1886
11th A slight mizzle of Rain this morning, and continued misty all day. The snow is fast disappearing.
People have taken to the wheels again. John, with the team, went to Melancthon. He put some
boards on the horse stable. Clark came home at night with a pain in his side. [in margin] Thaw.
12th Sabbath. Dark day and thawing. Mrs. R. drove Clark to Melancthon, then went to Sam’s.
13 Drizzly morning with a pretty heavy shower about 10 A.M. Clark is in Melancthon. John started
with the team to go to Collin[g]wood Town to See Mr. Abraham Horner to buy from him Lot 30,
Con. 4, Township of Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and Deposited in Bank
$1666.00, Township moneys. Snow storm in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw.
14 Pretty Rough day all through, snowing and Blowing, with considerable of a Freeze. John got
home from Collingwood, did not succeed in purchasing from Mr. Horner. The old Goose of a
Dutchman had wrote us that he would sell the Lot for $1500.00. Now he says he meant $2500.00.
It’s too much for it, so the Bargain is off. I went to Brother Sam’s this afternoon.
15 Pretty cold day, blowing, snowing & Freezing. John is working in Melancthon. I went to Meeting
in Dundalk of Mr. Blythe, M.P.P. James L. Johnson, a Resident of Melancthon, got killed by a
Burch [=birch] limb falling on him. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. W. / Paris P. O. / Lamar Co. / St
of Tex.
<folio 94 recto>
December 1886
16th Pretty Rough day all through, Snowing and Blowing. John & Clark are working in Melancthon. I
went there in the afternoon. Mr. McConnell, Collector, deposited with me this eavning over
$1100.00.
292
17 Pretty cold day, strong wind and freezing, the sleighing is very poor. Some snow fell at night.
John and Clark were working in Melancthon. Jim and his team came home this eavning from the
Funeral of James L. Johnson. John came home at night.
18 Snowing some this morning and kept snowing a little during the day. Jim and his mother started
with his team for Tossorontio this morning. He wants to see the Farrier at Rosemont to get him to
prescribe for his Extra [?] Horse which has the scratches. John hauled two loads of stove wood
from Melancthon. He is now gone to some kind of a show at Dundalk. Willie came home from
Melancthon at night.
19th Sabbath. Mild day from morning till night.
20 Sharp, cold day all through. I attended a council meeting at Dundalk. John was hauling wood
home.
21 Mild day, almost like a thaw. John Hauled wood. Mr. S. Rogers, Reeve of Proton, came here this
morning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Folks came home tonight.
<folio 94 verso>
December 1886
22 Mild morning, the day mild all through. John hauled firewood home. I worked at the Township
Books till about 4 P.M., then I went to Brother Sam’s to see his baby which is very sick.
23 Mild morning, the day mild all through. John split wood for the stove at the house till about 3
O’clock, then he dressed and away to Neithercut’s spree.
24 Mild day. John was fixing the horse stable in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk and bought a copper
Boiler for $4.00.
25 Christmas. Roads pretty heavy this morning on account of the snow fall last night. The day cold
enough. Johney got the team and cutter and went a-girling. The other boys after dinner went to
the Christmas festival at Dund[alk].
26th Sabbath. Sharp cold day. Clark and I left with the team (Jim’s) and went to Melancthon in the
afternoon.
27 Cold day with quite a snow fall. Clark and I were cutting stove wood in Melancthon. John was
swamping cordwood in Melancthon. I came home at night.
28 Another cold stormy day. I went to the voting for M.P.P. Voted for Blythe (Conservative). John
is swamping wood in Melancthon. Broke his harness, came home for the new ones.
<folio 95 recto>
December 1886
29th Cold day with some snow falling. I and Clark cut stove wood in Melancthon. John swamped out
cordwood. I came home at night, don’t like shantying.
30 Another cold day, freezing keenly. Willie left home for Melancthon to cook for the Boys. I done
the chores at home. John was to Start [to] haul cordwood to Dundalk. [in margin] Started / haul-
ing / C. W. to Dund.
31 Cold day, snowing and blowing. John was hauling cordwood to Dundalk. One of the horses took
sick with something like a belly ache in Dundalk, had to put him in to the tavern stable and fetch
the vet to see him. Took the horse home that night but he was very sick. Jim was hauling with his
horses from Melancthon. Got his horses down coming over a bridge crossing a drain: the planks
slipped, and let his horses through. One of them got badly lamed. Clark was cutting stove wood.
I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. The old year is passing. It has been an uneventful one.
Which of us will do the best during the coming year? Time will tell.
<folio 95 verso>
293
January 1887
1st Cold day, blowing and snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk and sent $1350.00 to Co. Treas-
urer. Clark was cutting stove wood.
2nd Sabbath. Very cold day, the Roads very heavy.
3 Sharp day, but not so cold as yesterday. John and I went to the voting in Proton, then John took
the team and went to Melancthon to haul wood tomorrow. John Agnew’s Annie & John Thos.
with Brother John’s Minnie came here tonight.
4 Cold day, some snow fell. John was hauling cordwood to Dundalk. John’s Agnew’s folks went a-
visiting to Proton & Melancthon, came home at night. John Agnew also came here at night.
5 Fine morning, some sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon snowing. John Agnew and folks left
for home this morning.
6 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold. John was hauling cordwood. John Agnew came here about 9
A.M. and left for home in about an hour. A traveller named McLaug[h]lin, on his way from Co.
Peel to Kincardine, got his load of moving upset opposite my place tonight. He and his team and a
man that was with him stopped here all night. [in margin] Old Mr. McCullough / Died.
7 Another pretty chilly morning, the afternoon something finer. John was hauling cordwood. Clark
started for the Collin[g]wood high school this afternoon. Wesley Noble gave him a Ride and
hauled his Traps. C. Johnson was here at night. [in margin] Clark went / to Collingwood.
<folio 96 recto>
January 1887
8th Pretty sharp morning, the day cold and Frosty. John is hauling cordwood. Brodie, Clock Cleaner,
was here and cleaned our clock. I paid him .50¢ for doing so.
9th Sabbath. Cold stormy morning, the day very cold and rough, Snow falling in the afternoon. Mrs. R.
and Eliza went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Very cold.
10 Sharp morning, the day cold and Blusterous, quite a snow fall and drift in the afternoon. [in mar-
gin] Cold.
11 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold and stormy, the wind high and the snow drifting. The
Boys are all in Melancthon with the exception of Clark. [in margin] very cold.
12 Milder day than yesterday, a good deal of snow fell, the snow very deep on the Roads. Parties had
to take down the fence of H. Lonsway’s field to let the teams through that way. The Boys are in
Melancthon. John Gott was here and I made him out a Bill of Lumber for E. Ross’ Barn.
13 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold, all the Roads badly drifted. The wind arose in the
eavning, very high, and the cold was intense. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. The Boys are in
Melancthon Hauling wood. [in margin] Very / Cold.
14 Fearful morning, with a snow blockade, Roads impassible for a sleigh. Seen one man taking his
team home, had to leave his sleigh two miles East of here, and fetch his horses singly along. The
Boys are in Melancthon.
<folio 96 verso>
January 1887
15 Pretty cold morning, the day not so bad as yesterday, some snow fell. Jim was here last night and
left for Melancthon this morning. He had to carry some provisions as the Roads are so badly drift-
ed he could not fetch his team. John & Willie are in Melancthon.
16th Sabbath. Cold, stormy day all through.
17 Very stormy Rough day, snowing and Blowing badly, fearfully rough in the afternoon. I went to a
council Meeting at Hopeville with C. Johnson. I was unwell and Johney came out to Mr. John-
294
son’s that night to meet me. But as the night was so rough Mr. Johnson & I stopped at Hopeville.
[in margin] Cold. / Birthday / 51 years old.
18 Sharp, cold morning, intensely cold day, Freezing and Blowing. Mr. Johnson and I came home
from Hopeville. Mr. Johnson got part of his nose frozen slightly. [in margin] Very cold.
19 Another cold morning, the day a little milder than yesterday, the roads are impassible in a good
many parts. I am unwell these days, cannot even do the chores. Johney sold the cordwood (50
Cords) on last Saturday at $1.95 per cord. He got $10.00 on it.
20 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft and thawing in the afternoon. John came home with the
team in the afternoon. Mrs. R. & Eliza were at Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Slight thaw.
<folio 97 recto>
January 1887
21st Pretty hard morning, the snow greately crusted. The day was moderate. John went to Melancthon
to haul cordwood.
22 Rain during the greater part of the day and pouring down now (6:15) P.M. The Boys are in
Melancthon. I started for Dundalk this afternoon but had to turn back, was so weak and sick I
could not go. Don’t know what is wrong with me, have been bad for a week, no pains, just weak-
ened down so that I can scarcely walk. Mrs. A. Lonsway was here this eavning. [in margin] Big /
thaw.
23 Sabbath. Rain mostly all day. Brother Sam, H. Lonsway, Wife & family were here.
24 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, the roads very Bad. I went to Dundalk.
25 Raw morning, the day rather chilly. The auditors of Township accounts (Mr. McDonald & Mr.
McPherson) came here to audit my Books.
26 Quite cold this morning, the day cold. The auditors were at work today and finished at night. The
Boys are in Melancthon.
27 Milder this morning, the day pretty mild. The auditors left for home this forenoon, also Willie left
for to cook in Melancthon. Mr. C. Johnson was here for Clark’s long Boots to take the[m] to him
in Collingwood.
<folio 97 verso>
January 1887
28 Quite a strong wind this morning, and a pretty good Breeze through the day, with a snowfall in the
afternoon. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the afternoon. John is hauling C. Wood. Jim came
home this eavning and went to John Gott’s at night to see him about building a Barn.
29 Mild day, a little snow at night. John was in Melancthon and came home in the eavning to go with
a grist to the mill. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
30th Sabbath. Pretty Rough day all through. Mr. & Mrs. A. Lonsway were here at night.
31 Cold morning, the day a little milder. John took 13 1/2 B. Wheat to Mr. Wright’s mill and got 505
pounds of flour from it. He went to Melancthon at night.
February [1887]
1st Mild morning, the day pretty mild, the afternoon a little windy. The Boys are in Melancthon. H.
Lonsway changed sleighs with me till he came home from his Brother William’s in Simcoe.
2 Wild stormy morning, the day one of storm. The snow is piled as high as the gate tops in the
Barnyard, very few sleighs on the Road. The Boys are in Melancthon.
<folio 98 recto>
February 1887
3rd Milder morning than yesterday, still cold enough, the trees covered with rhime, indicating a thaw.
Brother Sam was here in the eavning.
295
4 Pretty cold day, sharp wind, and cutting. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to straighten things in the
shanty.
5 Sharp morning, the day pretty cool, good sleighing. I attended a political meeting and also a
cheese factory meeting in Dundalk this afternoon. Mrs. John Russell came here this eavning.
6th Sabbath. Mild day. Jim and Willie and Charley Maxwell was home from Melancthon. We went to
see John Trugon, he is sick with inflamation.
7 Snowing and Blowing, the day one of storm. Sleet in the afternoon, which turned to rain at night.
John with the team started for Melancthon in the afternoon. Mr. C. Johnson’s son and three
daughters, with John Agnew’s son Bob, were here at night. I went with Walter Bell to Widow
Mulholland’s and bargained with W. McKee regarding the price of timber which he is getting
from the Widow.
8 Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night, a particularly Wet day. Boys are all in
Melancthon. [in margin] Rain.
9 Sharp morning, the forenoon pretty cold, the afternoon milder. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R went
with her sister Eliza to Br. Sam’s. The Boys are in Melancthon.
<folio 98 verso>
Feb[ruary] 1887
10th Soft morning, the day soft and a thaw wind, the snow disappearing. John Agnew’s Bob is here
tonight. The Boys are in Melancthon. I went to See John Trugon this eavning. [in margin] Thaw.
11 Stormy day, snowing and Blowing with a pretty heavy drift on hand. The Boys are working in
Melancthon.
12 Fine forenoon, a good deal of sunshine, the afternoon cold and rather windy. The Boys came
home from Melancthon. The Township collector made me a payment. Eliza Russell went home
this morning.
13th Sabbath. Fine sunny day. Sam & Phoebe, Mr. W. Bell and wife and Mrs. C. Bell were here.
14 Fine day, the sleighing good. The Boys are in Melancthon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk.
15 Very heavy Roads this morning, snow had fallen to a great depth during the night. I went with
Mr. C. Johnson to a council meeting at Cederville. We stopped all night with Mr. Rogers, the
Reeve. The Boys are working in Melancthon.
16 Mild morning, the day mild. Came home from Council Meeting. Brother John came here this
eavning. The Boys are in Melancthon. Mr. T. Arnold and his daughter Elley visited us at night.
<folio 99 recto>
February 1887
17 Mild day, almost like a thaw. Brother John drove Mrs. R. and I to Dundalk. He went from there
to Jim’s place, then to Brother Sam’s and stopped there all night. Mrs. R. brought his team home.
My John was at S. McDowell’s wood Bee. I got my dry cordwood measured and paid for. I only
had 40 cords and I had paid T. Mitchell and _____ Smith .75¢ a cord for chopping 48 cords less
1/8 cord. They must have cheated me in the measure of the piles in the Bush. [in margin] Price of
/ wood $1.95 / per Cord.
18 Soft morning, a slight mizzle of Rain which increased till it was quite wetting at some times.
Brother John came here from Sam’s in the afternoon. The Boys are working in Melancthon.
19 Snowing and blowing, quite a wild day, yet not very cold, but a good deal of snow falling. Broth-
er John is here, could not go home, day to[o] stormy. The Boys are in Melancthon.
20th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Mrs. R., Brother John, Ida* and I went to Jim’s in Melancthon, and
at night we went to Mr. A. Lonsway’s. [*This is the first time Robert refers to his daughter Eliza
296
as Ida, the name which she used as an adult. The change is probably to distinguish her from her
aunt Eliza Agnew Russell.]
21 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow inclining to soften. The Boys are working in Melancthon.
Brother John started for home this morning. Ida went with him on a visit for a week.
<folio 99 verso>
February 1887
22nd Mild day, capital sleighing. Johney hauled a load of stove wood from Melancthon, then got his
harness mended and swamped out some to top off with. I went to the voting for M.P. at G. Ache-
son’s. [in margin] Dominion / Elections.
23 Fine mild day, good sleighing. John and Jim were at Mr. R. Oliver’s wood Bee. I went to Dun-
dalk.
24 Rough, stormy day, Blowing and snowing, the Roads running North & South filling up fast. John
came home with the team from Melancthon.
25 Mild morning, the day mild but the roads badly drifted. John took his mother to Dundalk.
26 The sky overcast this morning, some sleet fell through the day and it began raining at night. John
went to Melancthon to swamp out stove wood. He came home at night. Clark came home from
Collin[g]wood High School to See us. I think he was homesick. [in margin] Clark / came Home.
27th Sabbath. Very stormy day, Blowing and snowing from morning till after night. [in margin] Big
Storm.
28 Roads almost impassible, especially the Roads running north and south. I went to Dundalk. John
cut some stove wood at home. I was at Walter Bell’s at night for a while, squaring accounts be-
tween him and Mrs. Jas. Mulholland.
<folio 100 recto>
March 1887
1st Rather milder this morning, the day pretty fine. John cut some stove wood at the house. I piled it.
[in margin] Clark left / for Collingwood.
2 Fine day, sunshiny and warm. John cut some wood at the house and in the afternoon drove to
Dundalk for his mother. Brother John’s Bob brought Ida home this eavning.
3 Fine day, a good deal of sunshine, cold in the afternoon. John hauled stove wood home from
Melancthon. I went to Dundalk and settled with Mr. Tedford about some wood (8 cords) which I
had put in to him on a sett of new harness. He complained of it not being sound wood and also be-
ing badly piled. He asked a cord of wood more, or a dollar. I gave him $1.00.
4 Pretty mild day, the sleighing is pretty good, the drifts have got beatten down. John hauled two
loads of stove wood home. I split it. John and Bob went to Mr. C. Johnson’s at night.
5 Rough morning and very cold, the wind rose and the storm increased, also the air got intensely
cold and snow began to fall and drift. It is now (7 P.M.) quite a brisk blow and a very cold night.
John hauled one load of stove wood from Melancthon, that finishes it. Bob left for home at Elev-
en A.M. Charley Maxwell came here with Jim’s team tonight. [in margin] Cold.
<folio 100 verso>
March 1887
6th Sabbath. Sleet in the morning, which turned to rain about 10 A.M. and continued Raining all day.
A young man, a traveller with a Horse and cutter, stopped a while from the rain.
7 Mild morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, quite a thaw. I went to Brother Sam’s.
John chored around home. Miss Maria Maxwell was here in the afternoon.
8 Bright sunny day, the snow disappearing fast. I went to Dundalk. John chored at home.
297
9 Dark morning, the sky overcast. Rain came on about noon, but did not last long here. In Melanc-
thon it Rained a great deal more, which made it very unpleasant for Jim’s wood Bee. He had
about 20 teams hauling cordwood to Dundalk, and got close on 40 Cords hauled. [in margin]
Jim’s / Bee.
10 Nice, Bright day, plenty of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the morning, did not get home till after
night. John chored around at home, and put a two year old colt for the first time into harness, and
drew him along with one of the old team in an empty sleigh. I sold 40 cords of Green wood today
to John D. Morgan for $1.90 per cord. He paid me $25.00, the Balance I am to get next week. I
had formerly sold the same wood to W. Morrow, but he could not pay me so I Resold.
11 Bright sunny day, but sharp wind. John and I went in the forenoon and looked over Lot 36, 3rd
Range, Melancthon. I think of Buying it. John went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<folio 101 recto>
March 1887
12th Fine morning, the day mild. John was cutting stove wood in Melancthon. The Township collector
Returned his Roll to me. I helped him make out his defaulters’ list. Miss Johnson and Miss
Nicholls, missionary collectors, were here in the afternoon.
13th Sabbath. Nice mild day. Jim came home and stopped all night.
14 Pretty chilly morning, the day cool all through. Johney and I cleaned up 22 Bushels of Wheat in
the forenoon and he went to Mr. Wright’s mill in the afternoon. There was about 1 1/2 Bushels of
small wheat taken out of it by the smut machine in the mill, and the Balance, 20 1/2 Bushels,
yielded 830 pounds flour. That would be about 40 1/2 pounds to the Bushel. Mr. S. Rogers,
Reeve of this Township, & J. Cavanagh*, Esq. came here at night and stopped over. [*Township
Clerk, mentioned earlier, 9, 15 June 1885, 2 Mar. 1886.]
15 Cold day all through. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk. John chored around home. Very
late council meeting, near morning when I got home. Next meeting of Council will be in Hope-
ville on the 5th April.
16 Sharp morning, cold, Raw wind through the day. John took me to Dundalk in the forenoon, then
he went for the Grist in the afternoon. Mr. John Arnold & Wife and Johney Maxwell were here at
night.
<folio 101 verso>
March 1887
17th Sharp morning, the day very cold, a slight shower of snow in the afternoon. Johney and I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon John took some oats to Mr. Oliver & Mr. Neithercut,
which were borrowed from them.
18 Sharp morning, cold, raw wind generally through the day. Mr. Hutchinson brought me a ton of
Hay which I had bought from him for $10.00. Johney, Willie and I cleaned oats, about 380 Bush-
els.
19 Raw morning, the day chilly all through, although the snow melted in some favoured spots. John,
Willie & I were cleaning oats and pease, and a pretty dusty job it was. Two young men came here
in the afternoon with a Beveled Grindstone & sickle holder attached to Stone for the purpose of
Grinding my Knife. They were taking orders for some price, $6.00. It appears to be a good ar-
rangement, but I did not purchase.
20th Sabbath. Pretty mild day. Mrs. R. went in the forenoon with the team to Melancthon with some
provisions for Jim, and in the afternoon she and I visited Walter Bell’s.
21 Mild morning, the day mild. John took a load of Oats (53 18/34 Bushels) to Dundalk. Sold them
for 27¢ per Bushel.
298
<folio 102 recto>
March 1887
22 Cold morning, with snow falling mostly all day, very cold wind prevailed through the day. John
took Two loads of oats, 67 4/34 & 65 32/34 Bushels, to Dundalk. I went to Melancthon in the af-
ternoon to hunt up a lost axe, did not find it.
23 Mild in the morning, and the day was pretty fine. John hauled Two loads of oats to Dundalk.
24 Pretty mild in the morning, and in the afternoon there fell some Rain, which soon turned to snow.
At night there was a fierce snow storm Blowing. John hauled Two loads of Grain to Dundalk,
then went from there to Mr. Jas. Roseborough’s for some things of Clark’s which he had sent from
Collin[g]wood with him. John McMurdo, Assessor, stopped here all night and assessed me, viz.
Lot 215 $700.00, Lot 216. $300.00, Personal Prop. $150.00, [total] $1150.00, With six days stat-
ute labor. [in margin] Assessor.
25 Very cold day, some snow falling in the morning, Blowing and freezing like fun. John hauled one
load of grain to Dundalk in the afternoon. We had taken out 399 Bushels of oats at .27¢, and 59
57/60 B. of Pease at 47 1/2¢. I got the money, $136.20 for the grain. Mrs. R. & I were in Dun-
dalk.
<folio 102 verso>
March 1887
26th Rather sharp morning and a pretty cold air during the day, pretty good sleighing just now. John is
working in Melancthon. [in margin] Mrs. G. Glazier / Died.
27th Sabbath. Stormy morning, the day stormy throughout, high wind and snow falling. Clark came
home from Collingwood this afternoon. He had come with Mr. J. Roseborough yesterday as far as
his place and stopped there all night. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here this eavning. W. Lon-
sway, wife & Son came here at night and stopped. [in margin] Storm.
28 Another Stormy morning, the day Blowing & Snowing. John left about 11 A.M. for Melancthon
to work. Clark took the cutter and drove Mrs. R. to Mrs. Glazier’s funeral. [in margin] Stormy.
29 Stormy day from morning till night, Blowing, snowing and drifting. John is working in Melanc-
thon. Jim came home tonight. Clark went with the Sleighs to Mr. Ros[e]borough’s for some of
his fixings which were there, then he drove Mrs. R. to Melancthon in the cutter. Mr. W. Lonsway
was here on his way to Henry’s this eavning. [in margin] Stormy.
30 Calmer morning than yesterday, the day not so bad. Jim left for Melancthon this morning, John
and Clark is working there. W. Lonsway and wife gave us a call on their way home this morning.
31 Beautiful sunny morning, the day Bright and nice all through. John and Clark were working in
Melancthon. John hauled Saw logs to Mr. McGregor’s Mill. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Got a pair of Coonskin mitts which T. Hanbury made me. [in margin] Got letter / from Hauty*/
Russell. [*wife of brother William, now in Texas]
<folio 103 recto>
April 1887
1st Bright, sunny morning, the day very fine, lots of sunshine. John and Clark are in Melancthon.
Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. Abraham Jackson’s.
2 Fine, mild morning, the day spring-like, although a little cloudy sometimes, the snow melting pret-
ty Rapidly. John was hauling saw Logs (920 feet) to John McDowell. This pays all that I owe
him and also he had Logs to the amount of 300 feet Lumber off me, which I paid him for last
summer, but which he denies. Clark was working in Melancthon. [in margin] Took / McDowell /
his Logs.
299
3rd Sabbath. Very mild day, the snow disappearing rapidly. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. [in
margin] D. Bell’s / Horses found.
4 Mild morning, the forenoon thawing, the afternoon got cold and turned to snow. I went to C.
Johnson’s in the afternoon. Mr. J. Trugon was here at night and paid his Brother’s Tax. John
hauled wood to John Vo[d]den.* He has put in about 2 1/2 cords and I still owe him 1/2 cord.
[*Carriage-maker; see 11 Jan. 1886.]
5 Very cold, stormy morning, snowing and blowing and piercing cold during most of the day. I
went to Hopeville to a council meeting, took the cutter and gave Mr. C. Johnson, Councilman, a
Ride. John and Clark were at Brother Sam’s wood bee. A very singular event happened in this
vicinity. A Team of Horses, a Bay and a Grey, one Seven and the other Four years old, belonging
to Mr. Donald Bell of Cederville, Ran away when on their way home from Dundalk on the night
of the 15th, last March. They upsett the cutter and got clear of all Fixings. [in margin] Bell’s
Horses / Escapade.
<folio 103 verso>
April 1887
5th continued—Except the neck yoke and harness, they got entirely away and Mr. Bell looked for them
till he gave up all hopes of ever finding them. On the 3rd of this present month they were found in
the Bush about a mile and a half out of Dundalk, their Lines holding them, being frozen in the ice
which had formed during some fine days and frosty nights while they were in the woods. The
horses were alive and able to go to a stable in the vicinity after being nineteen clear days fastened
in the bush in one spot, and during that time there were some exceedingly cold days. The animals
had nothing to eat or drink, Except Knawing Bark off the trees and licking snow, and one of them
even could not do that as he was Reined up, and with the efforts which he made, the Bits had cut
into his mouth about two inches. Such a case of animal life being sustained so long under such
circumstances is unparalleled in this section of the Country. I know the man, Mr. Bell, seen and
talked with him when he was looking for his horses, and seen his horses yesterday and talked with
Mr. Bell after he had found them.
6th Pretty cold day in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. John hauled a load of wood to J. Vo[d]den.
I worked at the Defaulters’ Roll.
7 A little sharp in the morning, the afternoon mild and thawing. John and Clark worked at home in
the bush, making stove wood. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and in the afternoon
I worked at the Township Books. Jim came home and stopped all night. [in margin] Seen first /
Robin.
<folio 104 recto>
April 1887
8 Mild morning, the day fine and warm, the snow melting rapidly. John and Clark worked at home
getting stove wood.
9 Mild morning, the day soft and Balmy, snow melting Rapidly. John went to Melancthon to chop
for himself some cordwood. I and Clark made some stove wood at home. Mrs. R. Took the team
and Democrat and went in the afternoon to Melancthon with some provisions. Jim came home
with her. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland. /First Wheeling.
10th Sabbath. Fine mild morning, the day Balmy, the snow melting Rapidly. Jim went to Melancthon.
[in margin] Esther.
11 Mild morning, the thaw still continues, the snow disappearing quickly. Mrs. R. went to Melanc-
thon this morning to commence making molasses, did not succeed as the Sap did not run. Came
300
home in the afternoon. Clark started this eavning for School in Collin[g]wood, intends going as
far as Jim’s in Melancthon and stopping overnight.
12 Cold morning, freezing, a shower of Rain about noon, which turned to Sleet in the afternoon. John
is cutting wood for himself in Melancthon. Willie cut his foot this afternoon. I was in Dundalk.
[in margin] Subscribed / for Globe.
13 Cool morning, the afternoon rather milder, inclined to thaw a little. John is cutting wood for him-
self in Melancthon. Miss Sarah Jackson was here. Jim was here for an hour or so in the afternoon.
<folio 104 verso>
April 1887
14th Cold, Raw morning, the afternoon milder and thawing. John is working in Melancthon. Mrs. R
and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
15 Mild morning, the day very changeable, rain in the forenoon, then sunshine, a hail storm, thunder
and lightening in the afternoon. John was working in Melancthon.
16 Cold morning, the day pretty sharp, the afternoon especially cold. I went to Dundalk with Mr. A.
Lonsway in the forenoon. I got an order on him from John McDowell for $10.51 and his wife
gave me .10 cents in silver, in all $10.61, this money paid on Jim Russell’s account, as Mr.
McDowell owed him that amount and Jim gave me an order for that. John worked in Melancthon.
[in margin] First cow / calved.
17th Sabbath. Pretty cool most of the day.
18 Raw morning, hard frost in the morning, a cold wind most of the day. I went to G. Glazier’s sale
in the afternoon, did not buy anything. Jim came home and stopped all night. John is in Melanc-
thon. [in margin] First lamb.
19 Hard frost this morning and pretty cold air all day long. I went in the morning and bought two
sucking pigs from H. Pate for $5.00. Its a big price but they are a good Breed. They are now only
two weeks old but he is to keep them for me to the second day of May. John is working in
Melancthon. Mrs. R., Willie and the team and Jim went this morning to Melancthon. [in margin]
Bought / Two pigs.
<folio 105 recto>
April 1887
20th Quite cool this morning, and a hard frost. It melted away gradually and some people are plowing
but my ground is so soft that I cannot start yet. There was quite a sharp shower at dark. John and
I were cutting stove wood.
21 Dark morning and very much like Rain. There fell a slight shower about 7:30 A.M., then cleared
off, the afternoon was dry and warm. John and I cut stove wood. [in margin] 2nd Cow / Calved. /
Heard frogs.
22 Mild morning, the day got quite cool in the afternoon and a slight Rain came on at dark. John let
some water off with the plow and he and Ida went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I split wood in the
Bush in the forenoon and jobbed around in the evening.
23 Pretty wet morning, but the rain ceased about 8 A.M., the day after that was cool and very windy
in the eavning, with frost at night. John was piling wood in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk
in the eavning.
24th Sabbath. Rather cool, Generally, through the day with a tendancy to snow at night.
25 Snow, Snow, the ground covered with snow and several showers of snow during the forenoon, the
afternoon clear and the snow melted. John and I picked a few stones in the garden, then he plowed
for about two hours in the afternoon. [in margin] First / plowing.
301
26 Hard frost in the morning, chilly all day, freezing at night. I was plowing. John went to John
Gott. Mrs. Em Reid was here. [in margin] 3rd C. Calved / John went to J. G.
<folio 105 verso>
April 1887
27th Hard frost this morning, the Ground froze so stiff that I could not start the plow till 8 A.M. The
Ground where I am plowing is very wet, and sometimes great cakes of Ice turn up with the plow.
The day was dry and cool. Jim came here with the team and got his seed oats and peas.
28 White frost this morning, but the ground soft enough to plow. Rain came on about 1 P.M. and
continued all afternoon. It is Raining now (9:15 P.M.). I was plowing while the day was dry.
Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Dundalk. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here at night.
29 Wet morning, the forenoon pretty showery, the afternoon dry. The ground is thoroughly soaked
with wet and it has put a stop to the plowing with most of the people.
30 Frost this morning, but the ground not hard, the day was cool and dry. I went to let off some water
with the plow and plowed also some in the forenoon. It was very wet. I also plowed in the after-
noon, the Ground was not much dryer. Late spring it is now, the last of April, and no plowing of
any consequence done yet.
<folio 106 recto>
May 1887
1st Sabbath. Slight rain this morning, then cloudy, the afternoon Breezy with a good deal of sunshine.
Mr. H. Lonsway and wife were here.
2 Dry morning, the day dry and very sultry, cloudy in the afternoon and some thunder in the dis-
tance. I was plowing.
3 Fine morning, the day dry and Breezy, but cloudy in the afternoon. I went to H. Pate’s in the
morning for Two very small swine I had bought from him at $2.50 Each. They are only about four
weeks old. Willie came home from Melancthon. I plowed most of the day. Willie plowed a little.
4 A Slight frost this morning, but the day was in general Breezy, dry and sunny. I went in the fore-
noon to Dundalk for some fruit trees which I had bought, Twenty-seven in number. Got the same
number for Jim and took them to him, then fitted up some ground for them in the afternoon. Wil-
lie plowed mostly all day.
5 Fine morning, the day dry and pleasant. Willie was plowing. I dug holes and planted out Twenty
seven Fruit trees. [in margin] planted / potatoes [? not trees?]
6 Fine morning, the day dry and Breezy, the afternoon cloudy and like thunder. Willie plowed till
tea time, then Harrowed. I sowed about Fifteen Bushels of pease. [in margin] First / Sowing
(pease).
<folio 106 verso>
May 1887
7th Fine morning, the day fine all through and very warm. I sowed about 7 1/2 Bushels of oats, plant-
ed some potatoes and went to Dundalk. Willie harrowed. [in margin] First oats / Sown.
8th Sabbath. Fine day and pretty warm.
9 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm, Great Growth. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and
borrowed some Horse collars and a Whiffletree. I intend breaking in my two, two year old colts,
on tomorrow. I plowed in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the forenoon. [in margin] Seen first /
Swallow / of the season.
10 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm. Splendid growing weather. I sowed Oats and Grass
seed. Johney Broke in a span of Two year old colts. He plowed one at a time with one of the old
302
team for a while, then plowed Both of them together towards night. Willie drove the colts for a
while, then harrowed with the old team. [in margin] John / Broke in / the colts.
11 Beautiful morning, but not so hot as yesterday, the day dry and pleasant, the afternoon warm. Jim
came here in the eavning and got four bags of oats. Johney took them in the Democrat as far as S.
McDowell’s for him. Johney was harrowing part of the day with the colts, and plowing part of the
day with the old team. I was plowing part of the day.
12 Splendid day, warm and bright, splendid spring weather. I plowed till 3:30 P.M., then sowed oats.
Willie cyphered [?] around with the colts and stone boat in the forenoon, then plowed while I
sowed. [miniscule writing in last lines]
<folio 107 recto>
13th Dry, hot day, fine seeding weather, nothing like it for a long time. I sowed a Bag of oats in the
morning, then plowed. Willie harrowed for about an hour with the old team, then he harrowed
with the colts. Jim was here at noon. Tommy Neithercut came here at night with Jim’s Grey
Horse for Jim’s provisions. [in margin] Mrs. R. / clipped / sheep.
14 Dry, hot day. I was plowing, Willie chored around.
15th Sabbath. Beautiful day, Bright and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Jim’s in Melancthon.
16 Fine morning, the day clear, cloudless and warm. I plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon
sowed oats. Willie picked stones in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. Mr. A. Lonsway
and wife were here at night.
17 Cloudy this morning, the day generally overcast. A slight sprinkling of Rain kept falling during
the afternoon. I plowed. Willie harrowed with the colts. Mrs. Jas. Roseborough was here in the
evening.
18 Fine morning, but a little cool, the day splendid for working. I plowed. Willie chored around.
Jim came here in the eavning with his horse and is stopping tonight.
19 Fine morning, the day hazy and warm. Jim Sowed nine Bags of Grain for me. He stopped here all
night. I plowed and Willie harrowed.
<folio 107 verso>
May 1887
20th Hazy morning, the day sunny and warm, the mosquitoes very bad in the eavning. Yesterday even-
ing they were so bad that one of the horses lay down in the plow and tried to roll them off him. I
plowed, Willie harrowed. Jim is stopping here this night.
21 Dry day, and the afternoon very hot. I sowed some oats, plowed a head Land, and harrowed in the
afternoon. Willie harrowed all day. We finished seeding, only had a day and a half of broken
weather from beginning to end, never remember of seeing so dry a seed time. H. Lonsway and
wife were here in the eavning. [in margin] Finished / Seeding/. Got papers / from Toronto.
22nd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day fine and warm, with a glorious rain in the eavning, accompanied
by thunder and lightening. Mrs. R. and I went to see Joseph Jackson who is sick.
23 Fine day, with another Grand shower about noon, with thunder and lightening, some hail stones
with the rain. Willie and I moved potatoes out of cellar.
24 Dry, rather cloudy and cool with a sprinkling of Rain. Willie and I cut potatoes and planted some
in the afternoon.
25 Fine day and dry, a little cool in the eavning. Willie and I finished planting potatoes. We have in
about 14 Bushels. [in margin] Finished / planting / potatoes.
<folio 108 recto>
May 1887
303
26 Fine day, but cool. We prepared the ground for a patch of turnip and put them in in the forenoon.
Willie and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s Raising in the afternoon. Jim stopped here all night. [in mar-
gin] Sowed / S. Turnips.
27 Cloudy morning, Rain came on Early in the forenoon, and the day was Generally wet. Jim left
with his horse about 7:30 A.M. Willie and I bagged and weighed 25 Bushels of oats and took
them to John Gott’s. He had bought and paid me for them last March.
28 Fine dry morning, the day dry and cool. Willie and I cut some seed potatoes for Jim in the fore-
noon, and in the afternoon We took some pease and oats to Mr. McGregor’s mill in Dundalk and
got them chopped. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. The three Miss Nichols and Willie Nichols are here
a while this eavning.
29th Sabbath. Fine dry day, a little cool.
30 Fine morning, the day cloudy and the afternoon very windy. Willie and I hauled Rails and laid
them along where we intend Building fence and making lane on Lot 216. [in margin] Last cow /
calved.
31 Dark, cool morning, Raining in the afternoon and at nightfall, quite cool at night. Willie and I
took out three Bags of potatoes to Jim. We hauled out manure for him in the forenoon and planted
Jim’s potatoes (about a quarter of an acre) for him in the afternoon.
<folio 108 verso>
June 1887
1st Dark morning and quite cool, there fell a slight cold rain during most of the forenoon, the after-
noon was cloudy, cool and dry. Willie and I were making lane fence in the afternoon. J. Well-
wood came here to see about sinking me a well. He offered to dig a well in the Barn-yard, Thirty-
five feet deep, for a yoke of three year old steers which I have valued at $45.00. And if he could
not get water at that depth, to dig on till water was obtained, I to pay him $1.50 per foot for each
foot over the first thirty-five. I to haul the stones for well and he to finish the well and Board him-
self and to dig the well six feet in diameter. The work to be commenced after harvest.
2 Cloudy morning, the afternoon Rainy. Willie and I worked at the fence forming the Lane. Jim is
stopping here tonight.
4 Cloudy morning, the day dry, the afternoon warm. Willie and I picked stones. Jim came here at
night.
5th Sabbath. Slight Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Jim is here.
<folio 109 recto>
6th Wet forenoon, the afternoon dry. We chored around. Willie took one of the Horses to the Black-
smith’s to get two shoes on.
7 Fine, dry day, and very warm. Willie helped his mother to wash the wool. I mended Brush fence
in front of Lot 216. Jim stopped here this night.
8 Dry and warm. I chored around in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and drew
$500.00 out of the Bank to meet current Expenses of the Township tomorrow. Willie went in the
afternoon with some provisions to Jim in Melancthon.
9 Misty morning and quite cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain, the afternoon clear and dry. I attended a
council meeting at Cederville. The Boys were at J. Mills’ Barn Raising. [in margin] J. Mills /
Raised / Barn.
10 Bright, sunny morning, the day clear and warm. I went to Flesherton in the forenoon to see Dr.
Christoe. Came home and went to Dundalk. Borrowed Mr. Abraham Jackson’s Buggie to go to
Durham on tomorrow.
304
11 Bright, sunny morning, the day pretty warm. I drove to Durham to see the Inspector of Schools
(Mr. N. W. Campbell) and took Mrs. R. with me.
<folio 109 verso>
June 1887
12th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here in the after-
noon. Our mare, Gerty, colted this forenoon and a mighty struggle she had. I had to get Mr. F. J.
Nixon*, the Vet Surg[e]on to her. The colt was coming wrong, head bent under and legs bent
back [dittog.: back]. Dan Reid was here helping. The mare was in great pain and for a long time.
The colt was alive, but it is very weak on its front legs, cannot get up. The mare had gone Eleven
months and Seventeen days. [*Frederick Nixon, veterinary surgeon is listed in directories of 1887
and 1905; see History of Dundalk, pp. 104-5.]
13 Fine, dry, warm day. Johney, Willie and I cut crossway Logs.
14 Dry, hot day. Johney, Willie and I laid Crossway.* Walter Nichol and Mr. J. Arnold were here.
[*a corduroy road, or causeway; earlier it is in the swale, see above 29 June 1885.]
15 Fine morning, the day warm and clear. Johney, Willie and I worked at making crossway. In the
afternoon Johney hitched up one of the colts along with one of Jim’s horses and Took his mother
and Ida and Mrs. John Gott to Dundalk. He also took the wool to the carding mill.
16 Fine morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. Johney and I fixed fences in the forenoon, in the
afternoon he piled wood in the Bush and I wrote some letters and went to Dundalk. Jim came here
with his horse at night.
<folio 110 recto>
June 1887
17th Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool. Slight thunder and lightening in the afternoon, accompa-
nied with a little Rain. We planted some cabbage plants. Willie planted some potatoes. Johney
chopped some logs on Lot 215. I worked at the Township Books. Jim is stopping here this night.
18 Dark morning, the day dark and cool, a slight mizzle of Rain fell in the afternoon. Johney, Willie
and I were cutting logs on Lot 216.
19th Sabbath. Rain early in the morning with some thunder and lightening. The day was dry from
about 7 A.M. and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
20 Dry, warm day, pretty hot about 3 P.M. I was overseeing Statute labor. John worked for D. Reid
on the Road. Willie cut thistles.
21 Dry morning, heavy rain about 11 A.M., the afternoon dry. I was overseeing Statute labor in the
forenoon. In the afternoon all the family, myself excepted, went to Melancthon p.nick. [in mar-
gin] shot colt to / put it out of pain. / It could not live, / no power in its legs, / getting worse. 9
days old.
22 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon wet with thunder and lightening. I was overseeing R[oad].
work till 2:30 P.M. when the rain stopped us. John was chopping.
23 Dark day, but dry. John was at Mr. Oliver’s Sawing. I finished St. Labor work. Jim came home
this [afternoon], sick with a cold from a severe wetting he got on 21st inst.
<folio 110 verso>
June 1887
24th Dark morning, the day cloudy and a very slight mizzle of Rain. Jim is laid up and has got D. Reid
to go with his horse for him. Miss Minnie Neithercut came here yesterday and is stopping here to-
night. I was at Dundalk this eavning and sold to W. Rundle nine lambs at $2.70 each, and one
lamb at $2.50. He to take them away the first week in Sept. He paid me on them $2.00. [in mar-
gin] Sold Lambs.
305
25 Dark cool morning, the forenoon slightly misty, the afternoon dry, cool and clear. John is laid up
with a sore hand. I was at J. Burns’ Raising (Log Stable).
26th Sabbath. Cool morning, the day dry. Miss Minnie Neithercut is here.
27 Cool morning, the afternoon very hot. We were weeding turnips. Mrs. R. went to Mr. C. John-
son’s. Miss Neithercut went home.
28 Fine morning, the day dry, clear and warm. I hoed potatoes. John is laid up with a sore hand.
29 Bright sunny day. Extremely hot in the afternoon. I wrote some letters in the forenoon and posted
them in the afternoon.
30 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty hot. Johney and I with the team were at Brother
Sam’s sawing. He did not get a good day’s sawing done, as there was a Brake [=break] in the af-
ternoon, only about 30 Cords cut.
<folio 111 recto>
July 1887
1st Bright sunny day and pretty warm with a few clouds in the afternoon and some lightening. The
family went to see the sports in Dundalk.
2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm with the exception of a few drops of Rain in the af-
ternoon. John was at Sam’s Sawing. In the eavning I went to Dundalk.
3rd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and clear. Mr. Clark and wife were here.
4 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a stiff breeze of wind, a slight shower of Rain after
night. I attended H. Jackson’s sawing and went at night to watch the fires which are around Jim’s
shanty. John and Willie cleaned up a Grist and took the horses to be shod, also took the colts to D.
Reid’s to pasture. [in margin] Colts to / pasture.
5 Cloudy, dark morning, Rain came on about 10 A.M., and there was heavy rain at intervals all
through the day. John took the Democrat Waggon to Dundalk to be painted, also a Barrel of salt
to Mr. Morgan’s* which we had got in a mistake, it being fine salt put up in little bags. [*M. A.
Morgan, groceries, 1887 directory of businesses; see History of Dundalk, p. 104.]
6 Fine morning, the day cloudy and cool with a few drops of Rain. John went to Priceville Rolling
Mills with a Grist of 22 Bushels of wheat. He got about [dittog.: he got about] 36 pounds to the
Bushel. Mrs. R. went to Flesherton. The oats are coming out in head, the pease are well in Blos-
som. [in margin] Oats coming / in head / pease out / in Blossom.
<folio 111 verso>
July 1887
7th Bright sunny morning, the day very warm, especially the afternoon. Johney took out some posts
from the Bush to the Road on Lot 216, then he and Ida went to a Garden party at Mr. C. Johnson’s
in the eavning. I went to Dundalk. Jim and his horse came here tonight.
8 Beautiful morning, the day fine and very hot. John went to Dundalk in the forenoon with a load of
ceder [=cedar] posts, Round, 8 feet long. I have sold them for five cents per post. John and Willie
moulded potatoes in the afternoon. Jim is stopping here this night.
9 Fine morning, the forenoon dry and warm, heavy Rain in the afternoon. John hauled posts to
Dundalk. Willie and I moulded up potatoes.
10th Sabbath. Very cool day all through.
11 Cool morning, the afternoon warm. John hauled posts to Dundalk. I P. Greened the potatoes in
the forenoon, and went to a Raising of Frame Barn at T. Allan’s in the afternoon. They only got
one Bent* Raised. [*one section of the frame]
12 Clear, hot day. All the family, Except Mrs. R. and [I], gone to Shelburne to celebrate the 12th.
306
13 Fine morning, the day warm and pleasant. John hauled a load of posts to Dundalk in the forenoon
and in the afternoon went to D. Reid to commence a month’s work for him. Willie and I wed tur-
nips in the forenoon and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Got pension.
<folio 112 recto>
July 1887
14th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. I helped Jim to mow in Melancthon.
15 Dry in the morning, but rain came on about 9 A.M., and continued for about two hours. I was
mowing in Melancthon. [in margin] T. Johnson / Buried
16 Fine morning, the day dry and hot. I mowed in Melancthon till 5 P.M. then went to Dundalk.
Heavy thunder and rain storm at night.
17. Sabb[ath]. Dry day but cloudy. W. Lonsway was here in the afternoon.
18 Bright sunny morning, the day warm and dry. Willie and I went with Jim in the afternoon to
Melancthon. I mowed fence corners. Clark borrowed H. Lonsway’s Democrat and went to Mr. J.
Wright’s, Flesherton, for his clothes which he had sent there from Collingwood.
19 Bright morning, the day dry and warm with a few clouds in the afternoon. Clark came to Melanc-
thon in the forenoon and helped Jim and I to Paris Green the potatoes, then Willie sulkey Raked*
Hay. Jim went to work at Mr. Morn’s and Clark to Mr. Ferris’s in the afternoon. I Raked fence
corners and went to Dundalk. [*sulky rake: a riding-rake drawn byhorses, with raked hay dumped
by hand by the rider. This replaced hand raking; see 1Aug. 1884.]
20 Clear sunny morning, the day warm and pretty hot in the afternoon. We worked in Melancthon
hay making. Put about ten tons in a stack. Mr. J. Maxwell Built it.
<folio 112 verso>
July 1887
21st Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry, Rain from noon till two P.M., the remainder of the day dry and
very sultry. Jim was mowing at Mr. Maxwell’s. Willie Sulkey Raked. Clark and I mowed and
the sweat poured out of us.
22 Cloudy, cool and dry. Jim, Clark and I mowed and after supper Jim and Willie took home a load
of Rakings.
23 Bright and clear all day. We were mowing and gathering up hay. I came home at night.
24th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, not hot, but pleasant.
25 Dry day, but cloudy, it cleared up and the sky got bright in the afternoon. I went from home to
Dundalk in the forenoon, then went to Melancthon and helped to hay. [in margin] Hot.
26 Bright sunny day. We put up a hay stack for Jim in Melancthon with about 7 tons in it. J. Max-
well built it. I went to Dundalk after tea. [in margin] Hot.
27 Dry day and pretty hot. Jim, Clark and I were mowing in Melancthon. P. Sauder helped us. [in
margin] Hot.
28 A slight rain this morning, only a few drops. Jim, Clark and Willie helped Mr. Morn haul in hay.
I finished Jim’s mowing and gathered hay in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot.
29 Very heavy dew in the morning. We hauled hay into a stack. Mr. Morn was the architect.
<folio 113 recto>
July 1887
30 Dry morning, but some slight showers fell during the day. We finished Jim’s stack. Jim took a
load of hay home. We all came home at night. [in margin] Hot.
31st Sabbath. Dry and hot. Mr. S. Bell and wife were here.
August [1887]
307
1st Dry and very hot. I worked at the Township Books and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie
oiled the harness. [in margin] very hot
2 Dry, hot day. Mrs. R., Mr. C. Johnson and Wife and I went to Cederville, a council meeting being
held there. We left there at 12 O’clock night and travelled all night to avoid travelling in the Ex-
cessive heat of the day. [in margin] Hot.
3 Very Warm day. I spent most of the day in Bed, having got home at daylight. [in margin] Hot.
4 Dry, hot day. We cleaned out the well in the forenoon and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in
margin] Hot.
5 Dry and hot, Extremely so. Jim and Willie started for Melancthon to pull pease. There was a
splendid rain about 6 P.M. Dan Reid & Wife and John Russell were here at night. [in margin]
Very Hot / First harvesting.
6 Cool day, and cloudy. Jim came from Melancthon where he was pulling pease. I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
<folio 113 verso>
August 1887
7th Sabbath. Dry and warm. S. Russell and Phebe were here.
8th Dry and hot. Clark, Willie and I were pulling pease.
9 Dry and hot. We were pulling pease.
10 Dry and very hot. We were pulling pease. I went to Dundalk after tea.
11 Cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon Sunny and warm. Jim Reaped oats in the afternoon for me.
Clark, Willie and I finished pulling pease. [in margin] cut first oats.
12 Dry and hot. Jim Reaped oats in the forenoon and went to Melancthon in the afternoon. Clark,
Willie and I hauled in our pease. We put in nine loads in the afternoon. [in margin] Finished /
drawing pease.
13 A slight frost this morning, the day warm and dry. Clark and Willie went to Melancthon to help
Jim. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and tied oats in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost.
14th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Mrs. John Agnew and son came here.
15 Dry and warm. I went to Boulton to consult Dr. Bonner. Got home in the eavning.
16 Dry and warm. John, Willie and I hauled in oats.
17 Dry and warm. Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and I hauled in oats. Mist at night. [in margin] Frost.
<folio 114 recto>
August 1887
18th Fine morning, the day dry till about 6 P.M., when there fell a very slight shower. I cut Roads for
the Reaper.
19 Very heavy dew this morning, the day dry but cloudy and cool. Jim Reaped, cut about ten acres in
pretty rough ground and did not begin till 9 A.M. Willie and I tied.
20 Dry and cool and Bright. Jim Reaped for me in the forenoon, then went to Melancthon and cut
oats with the cradle in the afternoon. I and Willie with the team helped Sam to haul in, in the af-
ternoon.
21st Sabbath. Rain in the morning, but cleared off, the afternoon misty and threatening.
22 Misty morning, the day dark. Jim brought a load of firewood home in the forenoon and in the af-
ternoon Reaped. I worked at the Township Books.
23 Misty morning, no sunshine all day, quite dull. Jim went to his uncle Sam’s to Reap. I pulled
some pease that the Reaper had slid over when cutting the mixed feed, and tied some oats in the
afternoon. Willie helped.
308
24 A Slight rain falling this morning, and a good deal fell through the night. The grain which is cut
and in sheave[s] is quite wet. The afternoon was dry. Willie and I worked among the grain, Bind-
ing some and turning some. The Miss Nicholls are here.
<folio 114 verso>
August 1887
25 Misty morning, not much drying, the afternoon was dry and Breezy. We turned sheaves in the
forenoon, and hauled in oats after tea.
26 Cool morning, and quite damp, the afternoon was sunny and dry. We started to haul in oats about
9 A.M. Johney helped. Jim Reaped in the afternoon.
27 Quite a frost this morning, the afternoon sunny and dry. We were hauling in for Jim in Melanc-
thon. Dan Reid helped us. We hauled in 12 loads of loose oats, and so finished Jim’s harvest. [in
margin] Frost.
28th Sabbath. Quite cool morning, sunny and pleasant through the day.
29 Frost this morning, mostly sunshine through the day. Jim finished Reaping. Willie and I hauled in
during the afternoon. Mrs. R. helped us. [in margin] Frost.
30 Dry and pretty warm. Jim, Willie and I hauled in oats. [in margin] Frost.
31 Frost this morning, the day dry and splendid for Harvesting. Jim, Willie and I hauled in. Mrs. R.
helped us to mow away. We finished today. It has been a splendid Harvest and the very earliest
that I ever remember. The weather has Just been Splendid. [in margin] Frost. / Finished / Har-
vesting.
<folio 115 recto>
September 1887
1st Rather cloudy morning, not any sunshine during the day, a sprinkling of rain in the afternoon, and
a wet night. Jim and I with the team helped Sam to haul in the remainder of his oats. This fin-
ished his harvest. [in margin] Colts / Home.
2 Dark morning, the day cool and dark. Mrs. R., Jim and I went to Brother John’s in Tossorontio.
Mrs. Bowler went with us to Primrose.
3 Morning cool and dry, the middle of the day and afternoon pretty warm. Brother John and Wife,
with his team, went with us to J. Agnew’s.
4th Sabbath. Very misty morning, the mist cleared away and the sun came out hot. We went to Sister
Margaret’s in the afternoon, then came back to Brother John’s.
5 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty warm. Brother John and I went to Dr. Madill’s, Alliston. He
examined me and gave me some medicine, charged me Four dollars. We went to J. Murphy’s in
the eavning.
6 Misty morning, a slight Rain, the day pretty cloudy and cool. We left Brother John’s about Ten
A.M. and got home about 7 P.M., after stopping about three hours in Shelburne. Brother John’s
daughter, Nancy, came up with us.
7 Cool morning, the day dark and cool with a very strong wind in the afternoon and a slight Rain.
The day was cool and Bleak, very autumn like.
<folio 115 verso>
September 1887
8th Cool and Breezy. Jim and my team was at H. Lonsway’s threshing. I went to Dundalk.
9 Cool and windy. I fired some stumps in the forenoon, and went to see about a threshing machine
in the afternoon. Willie with my team was at H. Lonsway’s threshing.
10 Cool day and quite a stiff breeze of wind. We fired a piece of slashing* on the Rear end of Lot
216. It burned pretty good. Jim and Willie with my team was at A. Lonsway’s threshing.
309
[*Slash-and-burn is a technique used since prehistoric times to convert woodland to pasture or cul-
tivated land; here the woodland has been cut (slashed), then when dry, burned.]
11th Sabbath. Dry day and pretty Breezy. Mr. Nichols’ young folks and Mr. H. Johnson’s were here.
12 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. I attended a council Meeting in Dundalk. Jim was threshing
his grain in Melancthon. The machine Broke and he did not finish.
13 Dark morning, the day dark and windy. Jim went this morning to thresh in Melancthon. He is not
home yet (7:45) P.M. Mr. A. Lonsway & Wife were here at night.
14 Dry morning, the day dry and very breezy. I burned stumps. Jim hauled a load of oats from
Melancthon. Dan Reid hauled one also for him.
15 A Slight Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim went to
Melancthon for a load of his oats. Phoebe came here tonight to be ready for Toronto early in the
morning.
<folio 116 recto>
September 1887
16th Fine day although the morning looked something squally and was threatening for Rain. Mrs. R.,
Phoebe and I went to the Toronto Industrial Exhibition. It was a splendid sight but our time was
so limited that we could not see much of it. Phoebe stopped in Toronto all night with her Brother
John. Mrs. R. and I came home. John Agnew came up with us.
17 Fine, dry day, like Indian summer. I helped Jim to clean up a load of oats.
18th Sabbath. Dry sunny day, quite hazy. John Agnew and Jim Russell went to C. Johnson’s. Johney,
Ida and Nancy went to H. Johnson’s
19 Dry morning, the day dry and Breezy. Clark and I deepened a well for the cattle and in the after-
noon we, with others, watched the fire which was in close proximity to W. Clark’s buildings. It
was so near that the Roof of his dwelling house caught fire and Blazed. We carried water on top
of the Barn and sprinkled it over the Roof. We also washed water between the cracks of the siding
Boards outside to dampen the straw and hay so that a spark would not ignite it, as that is where the
most damage was.
<folio 116 verso>
September 1887
20th Fine, dry day and sunny. We threshed Grain. Jim Patton, owner of the machine, threshed about
800 Bushels of oats. There were six spans of Horses on the machine. [in margin] Threshed.
21 Fine morning, the day fine all through. We finished threshing in the forenoon. Did not do so good
work as yesterday, only threshed about 100 Bushels of pease to 11 A.M. The Grain this season
turned out pretty fairly. Had about 30 Bushels of oats per acre, and about 16 of pease. Did not
have any other Kind of Grain growing. Have about 40 Bushels of old wheat in the Granary. I
took Clark to Priceville in the forenoon. He will go from there to Durham by Stage. He is going
to attend the Middle School for three months.
22 Dry, cool day. Jim took the Lambs for me to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and
I burned stumps. Peter Sauder Bought a colt from me for $110.00 Cash. The colt is Two years
old on last May.
23 Cold morning, the day chilly and quite a Shower of snow at night. I was at J. Arnold’s threshing.
[in margin] Snow.
24 Cool morning, the day cool but bright and sunny. I tidied up the Granary in the forenoon and
Went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A man named Gibson hired with Jim for 1/2 month for $6.00.
<folio 117 recto>
September 1887
310
25th Sabbath. Dry day. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s.
26 Dry and Breezy. Jim’s man left this morning. Jim and I burned stumps and in the afternoon got
1/2 ton of hay from D. Reid. [in margin] Frost.
27 Frost this morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry. I went to Melancthon in the forenoon and
brought home the Bay team for Jim who plowed with them in the afternoon. The Rev. Mr. Ross,
Presbyterian Minister, paid us a short visit in the eavning.
28 Frost this morning, the day dry and breezy. I went to Mr. W. Clark’s threshing. Jim plowed.
29 Dry, sunny day. I went to Mr. James Trugon’s threshing. Jim and Willie with the Bay team went
to Mr. D. Reid’s threshing. The Misses Achesons were here this eavning. Jim and the Girls went
with them to the Division* at night. [*The meaning of the Division is unkown to me, but it clearly
refers to some sort of social venue, presumably for dancing.]
30 Rain early in the morning. Cloudy and dry till about 5 P.M., then a slight shower. Jim was at W.
Bell’s threshing. I was at James Trugon’s threshing. Willie plowed.
<folio 117 verso>
October 1887
1st Dry morning, the day dry and fine till about 4 P.M. when there came on a Rain and hail storm,
accompanied by some thunder and lightening. I was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Jim was at J.
Trugon’s threshing in the forenoon. Willie plowed.
2nd Sabbath. Dry day, but cloudy. Master Bob Acheson and his sister were here in the eavning.
3 Rainy morning, the day wet all through, especially so in the afternoon. Very high wind in the
eavning also. It will be very rough for any vessels on the lakes. I went to W. Bell’s threshing but
they did not start. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got the pick pointed.*. [*pointed
probably means he got the end of the pick (used for digging the well) tempered and shaped.]
4 Misty forenoon, the afternoon dry. I was at W. Bell’s threshing till about 2 P.M., then went to W.
Armstrong’s.
5 Very heavy Rain early this morning, then it cleared off with an occasional Scotch Mist through the
day. I was at W. Armstrong’s threshing till about 4 P.M. when the gearing of the machine broke.
6 Misty day. Occassional showers. I was choring at home. Miss Johnson (C. Johnson’s daughter),
Miss Oliver, my boys and Ida, also Brother John’s Nancy, went to the Division this night.
7 Some Rain this morning, the afternoon dry. We all went to Dundalk Show Fair. Mrs. R. took first
prize for Tomatoes, missed on her Quilt. [in margin] Show fair.
<folio 118 recto>
October 1887
8th Dry most of the day, but misty and lowering. John and I Brought a load of wood from the Bush
home. Jim and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Bought up the well-digger’s fixings,* then
Bought 1/2 ton of hay from D. Reid. Willie was at W. Armstrong’s threshing. Dr. Bonner’s two
daughters and J. Trugon’s young folk were here. [*i.e, bought the materials to be used in digging
and making the crib for the well.]
9th Sabbath. Dark day but dry. I wrote W. Gott’s will. [in margin] W. Gott’s / Will.
10 Showery all through the day. Jos. Essex, well-digger, came here, commenced a well, 4 feet 10 in.
in diameter, threw out without any help 9 feet 2 inches. He is to get .50 cents a foot, Board, and
attendence* at the well. He to make also the crib and put it in. [*i.e., a helper.]
11 Dry in the morning, snow about 4 A.M., the afternoon very cold. I took a yoke of steers, 3 1/2
years old, to Dundalk Fair, sold them for $52.50. Willie helping D. Reid at potatoes. The Miss
Bonners were here at night a while. [in margin] Put up pigs / to fat.
311
12 Cold Rain this morning. Jim and the well-digger have got 18 feet and some water. They are crib-
bing at that. I was at the Township Books. Mr. W. Nichol’s two daughters are here at night.
13 Rainy morning and cold, frequent showers of sleet through the day. I went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon. The well-digger finished his job, sank the well 18 feet and cribbed it in four days. Made
$9.00. Jim helped him.
14 Cold day but dry. Jim, Willie and I Raised 33 Bags of potatoes. Ida is very sick, something like
Biliousness.
<folio 118 verso>
October 1887
15th Very hard frost this morning, the sun came out bright and strong, the day was fine though cool.
Jim took Ida to the Doctor in the forenoon. He pronounced her sickness Biliousness and gave her
some medicine. Willie and I cleaned up a grist of about 21 Bushels in the forenoon, in the after-
noon Jim, he and I took up 24 Bags of potatoes. Mrs. R. and I went to W. Nichol’s at night.
Johney came home with the team at night.
16th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, a good deal of sunshine.
17 Fine morning, the day mild and sunny. Willie and I finished Raising potatoes. I have in all 66
Bags, or about 100 Bushels. Willie has 10 Bags. The potatoes are a good size and dry, and a very
good crop. We have this quantity in about 5/8 of an acre besides what we used all summer. John
took a grist of nine Bags of good wheat to Priceville Rolling Mills. It only weighed 19 8/60 Bush-
els. I think he did not get fair weight. He got 733 pounds of flour, or something like 38 lbs to the
Bushel. Ida is something better today and Miss Jennie Nichols is here making her a dress. Jim
was plowing. I went in the afternoon and helped A. Lonsway put crib in well. [in margin] Fin-
ished / Raising / potatoes. / Sent Grist / to Mill.
18 Fine morning, the day remarkably fine, plenty of sunshine. Jim went to help John Gott to shingle.
Willie plowed. Johney hauled home a load of wood from the bush in the morning, then took the
team to Melancthon. I chored around. Jennie Nichol went home this eavning.
<folio 119 recto>
October 1887
19th Fine dry day. Jim plowed. I chored around.
20 Nice morning, the day fine till the afternoon when it showed like Rain, which came on at dark
with thunder and lightening. Jim and John were hauling hay from Melancthon with two teams.
The storm caught them with the two last loads. My cow, Violet, died this afternoon from the Ef-
fects of a severe dogging which she got by John Irwin on the 30th of last month. The cow was on-
ly in the rear end of his lot 214 and in no harm whatever. But the old Rascal Killed her on me
nevertheless. He has no fence on the rear end of his lot, and my fence got burned so the cattle
strayed on him. She was the Best and gentlest cow I ever owned. [in margin] Violet / died.
21 Cold, Raw morning, the day cold all through, with a Big Snow Storm in the afternoon. The Boys
hauled two loads of hay home and one to Dundalk. I helped to grout the house and build the hay.
[in margin] Cows stabled.
22 Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling, the day cold all through. We skinned
Violet in the forenoon and in the afternoon Willie took the hide to Dundalk and 835 pounds of po-
tatoes for himself. Sold the hide which weighed 58 lbs at .06¢ per pound, and the potatoes for
.55¢ per Bag.
23rd Sabbath. Snow in the morning and Rain in the afternoon. A very Big wind storm at night. Shook
the house from bottom to top. Blew down fences too. [miniscule writing]
<folio 119 verso>
312
October 1887
24th Cold, Raw morning and snowing, the day cold although the snow melted some. Jim went to Br.
Sam’s threshing.
25 Quite a cold frosty morning, the day chilly with a little sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk.
Brother John’s Bob came here this eavning, also Clark came from Durham.
26 Bright morning, but a very hard frost, the day pretty fine with a good deal of sunshine. My son
John, who will be 22 years of age on the 16th of next month, got married today to Miss Thomasina
Oliver, daughter of Mr. Robert Oliver of Lot 31, 4th Range Melancthon. The Rev. Dr. Strongman,
Methodist Minister, officiated. After dinner the married couple, with their cousins Bob & Nancy,
went to Brother John’s, Tossorontio. [in margin] John / Married.
27 Hard frost this morning, the day chilly except a while in the afternoon. Jim plowed part of the
day, and went after dinner to W. Acheson’s for Two small swine which I had bought for $1.25
each. I went to Dundalk.
28 Hard frost this morning, the forenoon rather cool, the afternoon warmer. I worked at the Town-
ship Books. Jim plowed in the afternoon.
29 Rain in the morning, snow and hard freezing in the afternoon. Jim went with the team to Melanc-
thon and set up a stove for Johney.
30th Sabbath. Cold, frosty day with some sunshine.
31 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny all through. Jim and I were helping James Johnson to thresh.
<folio 120 recto>
<see Material Description for end matter, copied on folio 120 recto and verso, and on endpaper of back
cover>
<end of volume 2>
313
Volume 3
November 1st 1887-28 May 1892
Editorial Note: Volume 3 is the first to have printed pagination (flyleaf + 278 pp. + endleaf). In this
transcription manuscript diary page numbers are noted inside angle brackets (<p. 1>), preceding the
running title found on each page of the manuscript. Insertions and pasted-in items are indicated by an-
notations inside tags enclosed in angle brackets, e.g. <insert> text of insert </insert>. For examples of
the variable spelling and syntax, and for the editorial conventions used, see the Preface to Volume 1.
——————————
<volume 3>
<p. i (flyleaf)>
<title page recto>
[Inside front cover, and top and bottom of title page have pasted-in clippings, and written annotations.
These probably obscure the word “Diary of” from his official written title; see Material Description,
ciruculated separately, for details on the front and back matter of this volume.]
Robert Russell
Township of Proton, Co. Grey, Ontario
November 1st 1887
<annotation in purple pencil>
Came to Ontario June 1851 From Raphoe
County Donegal, Ireland
<end of annotation>
<title page verso>
[see Material Description for handwritten recipes on this page]
<p. 1>
November 1887
1st Bright sunny morning, the day bright and clear, without a cloud. Jim and I were at Jas. Johnson’s
threshing. He finished at noon. We came home and raised turnips in the afternoon and Jim made
a pigs’ trough. Miss M. Neithercut is here tonight. [in margin] Indian Summer.
2 Beautiful morning, the day sunny and mild. Jim was hauling out manure. He had Henry Lon-
sway’s waggon and his own. Jim Johnson filled the loads. Jim drove the team and I spread the
manure. I think this is Indian Summer. Miss Neithercut went home this afternoon. Mrs. E. Reid
was here. [in margin] Indian Summer.
3 Mild day but cloudy in the afternoon. We were putting out manure. James Johnson hauled with
his team and I filled the waggons. Jim Russell went to see Mr. T. Arnold of Mulmer to see about
renting his farm in Proton.
314
4 Cool morning, and a shower of snow now and then. The afternoon cold, with quite a freeze. John
came home from his wedding tour, then went to his own home in Melancthon. Jim is not got back
from Mr. Arnold’s yet (7:20 P.M.). I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
5 The Ground covered with snow this morning, several showers of snow during the day. Willie and
I cleaned some pease in the forenoon. He and Ida went to Dundalk in the afternoon. She had a
tooth Extracted. I spread some manure and chored around. Jim got home from Mulmer. C. John-
son was here this eavning. Old W. Gott, a Resident of these parts for over thirty years, died this
afternoon. [in margin] Mr. W. Gott died.
6th Sabbath. Fine Balmy day, plenty of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s and in the after-
noon we went a while to Mr. Gott’s wake.
<p. 2>
1887 November
7th Beautiful morning, the day hazy and the sun in colour like Indian summer. We butchered two
spring pigs, seven months old. The best of them weighed Two hundred pounds, less four. I gave
the other one to Johney. It might weigh about 150 lbs. I had given H. Pate $5.00 for them when
four weeks old. We went to Mr. Gott’s funeral and Jim plowed when we came home. [in margin]
Indian Summer.
8 Fine, mild morning, the day fine and sunny, the afternoon turned to freeze and was cold. Jim
plowed. I chored around. [in margin] Steers put / up to fatten
9 Very hard frost this morning, the day cold, with a strong sharp wind. Jim and I moved the timber
off where I intend digging a drain from the Gravel Road down through Lot 216. Mrs. C. Johnson
was here in the afternoon and Mr. C. Johnson a while at night. There is sleet and Rain falling now
(9:) P.M.
10 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and several showers through the day. Jim hauled a
load of cheese for Enniskillen factory.
11th Jim’s Birthday. He is Twenty-four years of age. He went to help his Brother John Raise a horse
stable. This day has been very stormy, high winds and snowing. The most wintry day that has
come for this season.
12 Milder this morning, the day inclined to thaw. Jim was helping John at his horse stable. Willie
and I cleaned up about 80 Bushels of pease.
13th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, but it melted a good deal during the day.
Brother Sam and Phebe and Johney and his wife were here.
<p. 3>
November 1887
14th Mild morning, the day pretty mild all throug[h]. Jim and I made a start with the plow and scraper
in making a drain on Lot 216. In the afternoon Jim took twelve geese to Dundalk for his mother
and a bag of pease for me to be chopped. The geese weighed 118 pounds and sold for Five cents
per pound. He could not get the pease chopped.
15 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering, the snow melting. Jim and I were working on the drain,
he plowing and scraping and I digging. Mr. Bentley of Boulton came here to sell me Lot 213
Melancthon, 50 acres, all swamp. He asked $500.00. I did not make him an offer. D. Reid and
Emmna were here this eavning.
16 Dark morning, the day dark and soft. Jim plowed and scraped on the drain in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon went with some pease to Dundalk to get chopped. I worked on the drain. [in margin
an arrow drawn, pointing up]
315
17 Cold morning, the day blowing and snowing. Jim with his team worked for John Gott. I worked
on the drain. Clark came home from Durham school for a few holidays. J. Ros[e]borough Jnr.
was here.
18 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly. Jim hauled two loads of stove wood home in the forenoon
and in the afternoon H. Lonsway helped him to haul out manure. I worked at the drain.
19 A little chilly in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. Jim hauled out manure. I worked at the drain.
Miss C. Acheson and her sister Rachel, and Josiah Roseborough are here this afternoon.
<p. 4>
November 1887
20th Sabbath. Rough, Stormy day, Blowing and Snowing. Jim drove Clark as far as Priceville with the
cutter on his way to Durham School. The Misses Acheson also went along as far as their place.
21 Pretty cold morning, the afternoon milder. I staked out the swamp part of the drain and went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim helped John Gott. Mrs. James Oldfied, daughter to Mr. James
Maxwell, died this afternoon about Eight O’clock. She was a young woman very much esteemed
by all who knew her, and she had the good will of almost every person. She had only been mar-
ried to Mr. Oldfield on the 27th of Oct. 1886, cut off in her youth and almost in her health. Her
death has caused a greater shock in Dundalk and the neighbourhood than any death which has ever
taken place here. Poor, sprightly, innocent little Maggie. I hope you are in Heaven. [in margin]
Mrs. James Oldfield died.
22 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow softening. I dug on the drain. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk, Ida
went to her Brother John’s. Jim helped John Gott at his stable. T. Arnold, Jnr., stopped here this
night.
23 Mild day, something like a thaw. We went to the funeral of Mrs. James Oldfield. She was buried
in the Union Church Yard. T. Arnold was here this night and I wrote out a Lease between his fa-
ther and J. Russell.
24 Mild morning, but the day got stormy and there was quite a snow storm. I was digging on the
drain. Jim worked with Pete Sauder.
25 Mild morning, the day thawing. We Butchered hogs. P. Sauder helped us and his wife was along.
He made sausage, about 50 lbs. We killed 3 pigs, they would weigh about Eight hundred & fifty
pounds.
<p. 5>
November 1887
26th Dark morning, with a slight mizzle of rain, the afternoon wet. I dug on the drain in the forenoon
and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and got paid for the milk which we had sent to the factory
during the summer. We sent 13503 pounds and received in all for it $93.82, or about Six cents
and nine mills for every ten pounds of milk. Jim went to Melancthon to notch stove wood.
27th Sabbath. Raining in the morning, raining at noon and Raining at night, but at last the rain turned to
Snow and the ground was soon covered. [in margin] Thaw.
28 Plenty of snow this morning, and more falling, the roads are in a bad state, a foot deep with snow
and slush. Jim helped H. Lonsway to saw stove wood.
29 Pretty chilly most of the day. Jim went to Melancthon to work. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I
bought a pair of short Boots, lined, for $1.90 and a Barrel of Salt for $1.00. I also sent $15.00 By
post office money order to Clark in Durham.
30 Milder this forenoon, the afternoon pretty cold. Jim worked in Melancthon. H. Lonsway helped
him.
December [1887]
316
1st Sharp morning, the day cold all through. Jim worked in Melancthon. John Gott helped him. Mrs.
Skeffington Bell was here this afternoon.
2nd Pretty mild day with a fall of snow in the afternoon. Jim and his mother went to Melancthon, Jim
to skid Logs.
3 Mild day, thawing, the snow rapidly disappearing. Rain at night. Jim hauled firewood from the
rear end of Lot. I went to Dundalk at night.
<p. 6>
December 1887
4th Sabbath. Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night, a very wet day. [in margin] Thaw.
5 Sharp morning, freezing and Blowing, the day pretty cold with a little flurry of snow. Jim was
helping D. Reid to saw stove wood.
6 Fine morning, the day fine all through, with a good deal of sunshine. The snow is all gone off the
roads, the waggons are running again. Jim helped D. Reid. Brother John came here in the
eavning. G. McConnell, Collector, stopped overnight.
7 Mild morning, the day mild with a snowfall in the afternoon. Jim was helping D. Reid. Brother
John went in the afternoon to Brother Sam’s.
8 Mild day, but the roads rough. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted a money order letter
to Clark. Jim was taking a tally of his logs which is at the saw mill. Brother John came here at
night, also Johney and his wife.
9 Mild day, but without sunshine. Brother John left for home this morning. Jim with his team skid-
ded logs in Melancthon. D. Reid helped with his team.
10 Wet morning, the day generally wet, the Roads are breaking up. I worked at the Township Books.
11th Sabbath. Dark morning, and a slight rain fell pretty steadily all day. Jim came home this night. He
had been stopping with J. Oldfield since Saturday night, keeping him company.
<p. 7>
December 1887
12th Snow on the ground this morning and more falling, the day was pretty cold and windy. Jim and I
skidded Fourteen saw logs on Lot 216 in the afternoon, then he went to Mr. Hately’s to get him
[to] saw for him with his machine. Ida came home from Johney’s this afternoon.
13 Dark morning, the day cloudy and pretty cold, the Roads are hard and very rough. I went to
Johney’s in Melancthon. Mr. John Arnold and wife, with Johney Maxwell, were here at night.
14 Dark morning, the day milder than yesterday, almost inclined to thaw. Not bad waggoning, but
rather rough. Jim went to Melancthon and fixed a stable for his team. I worked at a Government
Return regarding the Finances of the Township. Mr. G. Rutherford was here this afternoon and
done some Business for me, Transferring lands, etc.
15 Mild morning, the day generally mild. Jim went to Melancthon to prepare for sawing. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon to meet the Twp. collector. Clark came home from Durham.
16 Mild day all through, the roads are smoothing down nicely. Jim had Mr. Hately with his sawing
machine cutting stove wood. He thinks he has got about 30 cords cut.
17 Mild morning, the day mild all through. Jim took his mother and some chickens to Dundalk. I
went to C. Johnson’s at night.
18th Sabbath. The day dark and mild. I went to Brother Sam’s. Johney and Ina came here with the
team.
<p. 8>
December 1887
317
19th Mild morning, the day pretty mild, a little snow fell during the eavning, but not enough to make
sleighing. There is very good wheeling just now, the roads being quite hard. Jim and Clark were
sawing stove wood in Melancthon. They brought the Bay team home at night for me to go to
Council Meeting at Cederville.
20 Mild morning, the day mild. I took the Bay team and democrat waggon and went to a council
meeting at Cedarville. C. Johnson, Councilman, went with me. We stopped all night at Mr. S.
Roger’s, Reeve of the Township. Jim butchered a Two year old steer for me. He weighed 375
pounds. Henry Lonsway helped him.
21 Something colder than yesterday, still, it is nice weather for this time of the year. There was a
slight snow fall last night, which has made a little sleighing. Mr. Johnson and I came home from
Cedarville. Mr. John Abbott was here.
22 Pretty cold morning, the middle of the day warmer, cold again in the afternoon. I sorted my
Township orders and money, went to Dundalk in the afternoon and sent $500.00, Co[unty]. Rates,
to Co[unty] Tr[easurer]. Willie McKay stopped all night.
23 A little colder this morning, the day pretty cold all through. I made places for the young catt[l]e,
which were out, to be tied inside. Jim started for the first time this season to haul wood to Dun-
dalk. Mr. W. Clark was here and left his Taxes with me. [in margin] First wood / hauled to /
Dundalk.
24 Quite cold most of the day. I worked at the Township Books. Jim hauled wood.
<p. 9>
December 1887
25th Sabbath. Mild morning, a little snow falling, the day mild. Mrs. R. and I went to Br[other] Sam’s.
I then went to Johney’s to see his mare (Gerty) which had got very badly corked and bled so much
that she lay down in the stable and went to sleep.
26 Mild morning with a slight fall of snow, the day pretty mild. The young folks went in the after-
noon to a social at Dundalk. Mrs. R. and I went after night to Mr. A. Lonsway’s for a while.
27 Mild day, pretty fair sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid up my store Bills.
28 Quite a snowfall this morning, the day pretty rough. Jim left for Melancthon to haul cordwood to
Dundalk.
29 Very stormy morning, snowing, Blowing and freezing, which it kept up all day long. The snow is
banked ever so high along the fences running north and south. Clark left to visit in Tossorontio.
[in margin] Stormy.
30 The storm has calmed this morning, but the day was pretty cold with a good deal of sunshine. Ida,
Willie, and I cleaned up oats, about 240 Bushels.
31 Stormy day from morning till night, Blowing and snowing. Willie, Ida & I cleaned up some oats
in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim hauled cordwood to Dundalk. The old
year is going out, and on the whole I cannot complain. No sickness, no death, and one marriage in
the family. So good by[e] old year.
<p. 10>
January 1888
1st Sabbath. Blowing and snowing in the forenoon, and in the afternoon it turned to Rain, which settled
the snow down. The Rain cleared off and it started to freeze at about dark.
2 Quite a sharp morning, freezing good, the day generally cold. Johney and I went [to] John Allen’s
and polled our votes. We had to go round by Dundalk to get to the poll on account of the sideline
being drifted. John Brought Gerty home till she would get better of a bad cork.
318
3 Milder than yesterday and a slight shower of snow fell in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon and sent a Draft to the County Treasurer for $1242.00, Cash, Co. Rates for 1887.
4 Snowfall this forenoon, the day mild. Johney drove here in the afternoon and dressed Gerty’s
sore foot. A poor little long haired old tramp came here at noon. Clark started to teach school for
the first time in his life today. [in margin] Clark Began / School Teaching.
5 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and clear, the afternoon a little cloudy. Mrs. R. went in the
eavning to Brother Sam’s. Ida went to Mrs. John Arnold’s.
6 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, the snow turned to sleet in the afternoon. I worked at the
Township Books. Johney and wife were here in the afternoon, and they, with the others, went to
D. Division.
7 Mild morning, the day mild. John Agnew and some of his family, and Brother John’s wife and
son Jim, came here this afternoon.
<p. 11>
January 1888
8th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day mild all through. Miss Minnie Neithercut and Miss Davidson were
here.
9 Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through. John brought home my colt which I had loaned
him about a week ago. The colt is pretty sick, don’t know what is wrong with him.
10 Very stormy morning, the day Snowing, Blowing and freezing, a regular Blizzard. John Agnew
and his folks came here at two O’clock in the night from John’s* in Melancthon. [in margin]
Storm. [*i.e. Robert’s son John, or Johney.]
11 Sharp, cold morning, a very hard freeze, the day very cold all through. The visitors started this
morning for their homes.
12 Very cold morning, the afternoon a keener freeze than the forenoon. Blowing, Snowing and freez-
ing, the coldest night of the season so far.
13 Sharp morning, but not near so cold as yesterday, a very keen freeze mostly all day. Mr. John Ar-
nold came here at night to get me [to] do some calculation for him.
14 Pretty cold this morning, but the sun shone out Bright which made the day have a warm look about
it. I went to Dundalk.
15th Sabbath. Pretty chilly day, a little sunshine occassionally. John and his wife were here and
stopped all night.
<p. 12>
January 1888
16th Very sharp morning, the forenoon very cold, the afternoon a little milder. I went to a council
meeting at Hopeville. John bagged up and weighed 24 Bushels of oats. I am to get from him
market price for them. He and his wife were here all night. Jim is hauling C[ord]wood. [in mar-
gin] Ida went / visiting to / Tossorontio.
17 Not quite as cold as yesterday, still it is cold enough to suit anyone. John went home this morning.
I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and Deposited $700.00 Township funds in Bank. Jim is haul-
ing cordwood. This is my Birthday. I am now 52 years of age. I sold my oats to S. McCullough,
Grain buyer, for Forty cents per Bushel, rise or fall, to be delivered next week. [in margin] My
Birthday.
18 Milder than the preceeding days. I chored around and worked at auditing the Township Books.
Jim hauled cordwood.
19 Rather fine day, a little snow fell but it did not drift any. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Abraham Jack-
son’s. Jim is hauling c[ord]wood. I worked at Township audit.
319
20 Bright sunny morning, the day very fine and sunny. Jim was at Joseph Jackson’s Cordwood Bee.
I worked at the audit of Township accounts. Mrs. James Trugon and her daughter were here this
afternoon.
21st Very sharp morning, the day piercing cold, calm, but the keenest freeze that has come this winter.
Jim hauled cordwood and came home this eavning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A man
named Lany, a resident of Osprey, dropped dead in a hotel in Dundalk yesterday. [in margin]
Very cold.
<p. 13>
January 1888
22nd Sabbath. Pretty cold morning, the Day cold. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here.
23 Another very cold day, especially the afternoon, which commenced Blowing and snowing. Jim
hauled Two loads of oats for me to Dundalk. There were 212 Bushels in the Two loads. I sold
them for $0.40* per Bushel. Mr. F. Bellamy and R. Ferris, Township Auditors, came here to Au-
dit my Books as Township Treasurer. [in margin] Township auditors here / 67 pages filled. [*the
initial “0” is not clearly written, but price is mentioned earlier as Forty cents.]
24 Sharp morning, very hard freeze. The auditors left this morning. I assisted them in their work so
that they had no delay. Jim hauled Two loads of oats for me to Dundalk. There were [sentence
left unfinished].
25 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing, the day very stormy all through, a little milder
when night came on. Jim took a load of Grain (oats & pease) to Dundalk for me in the forenoon.
Mrs. R. went with him. He had 72 1/2 Bushels oats, & 12 1/2 of pease. This was his Fifth load.
The aggregate weight was 17238 pounds, average weight of each, 3447 pounds. The oats I sold
for .40¢ per Bushel and the pease @ .60¢ per Bushel. Total cash $202.03. I am selling about 100
Bushels more of oats to Jim for the same price, also 25 Bushels of pease and 50 Bushels of oats to
Johney. [in margin]. E. B. Grey / Died.
26 Very Rough Stormy day from morning till night. I went to Dundalk and got pay for the Grain Jim
had delivered. I got the advance on price which gave me $4.17 more, or a total of $206.20. Jim is
hauling wood. E. B. Grey* died yesterday. [*Elias B. Grey “claimed Crown land in Proton in
1849 and is credited for naming our village ‘Dundalk’ after his home town in Ireland” (see
http://www.southgate.ca/content/dundalk).]
<p. 14>
January 1888
27th Very cold morning, Blowing and Freezing. The cold increased as the day advanced and at dark it
was something fearful, such a piercing day has not been this winter. The cattle could hardly stop
outside long enough to be watered. [in margin] Very cold.
28 Extremely cold this morning and the day was piercingly sharp. Yesterday was cold enough but
this day is much colder. John got the point of his nose froze this afternoon fetching home a load of
wood from Melancthon. [in margin] Extremely cold.
29 Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day mild compared with yesterday. Mr. Abraham Jackson and
wife, Mr. Joseph Jackson and wife and two children, Mr. Andrew Lonsway and wife, and son
Johney and Wife were here.
30 Mild day, cloudy, calm and soft in the air, very much like a snowfall. Jim went out collecting
Horse money.* Was not very successful. I went to Dundalk and posted five letters. [*stud fees.]
31 Mild morning, the day mild, almost like a thaw. Jim is working in Melancthon. I worked at the
Municipal Books, entering orders, etc.
<p. 15>
320
February 1888
1st Mild morning, a very slight mist of Rain fell during the forenoon. The sleighing is very good on
the Roads except where the pitch holes are. John Gott was here at night and fixed a place in the
stable for a cow’s tying.
2 Mild morning, the day pretty mild. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
3 Mild day all through, something almost like a thaw. I went to Dundalk. [in margin]. Brother
/Sam’s Baby / Born.
4 Mild day, especially in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books, entering orders, etc.
Brother John and James Murphy came here this eavning.
5th Sabbath. Quite cold today, especially in the afternoon. Brother John, Mrs. R., Jim and J. Murphy
went to Sam’s.
6 Cold this morning, the day pretty cold all through. Brother John and Jas. Murphy went to
Johney’s in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. T. and T. Arnold and their
daughter Elly were here. [in margin] Sam’s Baby / Abraham, died.
7 Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through with quite a snowfall in the night. James Murphy
and Brother John started for home this morning, but hearing that Sam’s baby was dead they went
to the funeral. I had to go to Dundalk to meet two members of council and did not know that the
baby was dead to I got home after five O’clock, and at that time Baby was buried. Mrs. R. was at
Sam’s. John and J. Murphy stopped here at night.
8 Very sharp morning, the Roads heavy with the snowfall last night. The day very cold, especially
in the eavning. John and J. Murphy left for home this morning.
<p. 16>
February 1888
9th Very cold morning, the day piercing cold from morning till night, sharp freeze and strong wind.
Jim came home this evening from Melancthon. His Grey Horse is laid up, seems to be done out
with hard work. [in margin] Very cold.
10 Anopther cold morning, keen frost, the day very cold and snowing at night. I posted a letter and
Four newspapers to Brother William (Paris P. O., Lamar Co., St. of Tex., U. S.). I have not had a
letter from him for two years. [in margin] Sent letter / to Br. William
11 Bright sunny morning, the [day] fine and sunshiny, although a sharp air prevailed. Still, the day
was agreeable. Mr. Walter Bell and M. Donner came here in the forenoon to look at a Lease
which I had written for them about Four years ago. Jim hitched up my Bay colt, Jack, and drove
him in the cutter to Johney’s and home again.
12th Sabbath. Fine, mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. A. Jackson’s
13 Fine mild morning, the day mild with a good deal of Bright sun, a slight thaw today. Helped a
man out with a load of Flour which had got off the track. Shovelled him out. He went about 30
Rods and got off again. He came for the scoop shovel, asked me to let him take it with him to
Dundalk and that he would return it this eavning or tomorrow. I let him have it. He has not left it
back yet (7:25 P.M.). He was a young, fair of face, man, about 25 years of age, stout and pretty
tall. One of his horses was white, the other a kind of dirty Black in the outside hair, underneath
white. He had on 35 Bags, was hauling it for Mr. Ford of Markdale.
<p.17>
February 1888
14th Snowing all forenoon, the afternoon windy and a pretty sharp frost. Jim went to Melancthon to
Shovel away snow from the wood which he has to haul. The collector with his niece was here at
night.
321
15 Sharp morning, the day piercing cold from morning till night. Jim had a wood Bee, hauling short
and long wood to Dundalk. He had ten teams and got about six cords of long and Eighteen of
short hauled. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to cook for the teamsters. Miss Jenny Mills and Mr.
Don Grummett were married today. [in margin] J. Mills & / D. Grummett married. / Extremely
cold day.
16 Pretty sharp morning, the day not so cold as yesterday, rather mild in the afternoon. Jim was
straightening up his wood pile in Dundalk and fixing his hay stack.
17 Mild morning, the day mild and quite a bit of sunshine. It is looking and feeling almost like a
thaw. I went up to Mr. A. Lonsway’s a while at night.
18 Mild morning, the day pretty mild. I went to Dundalk to do some Township Business and see F.
V. Bellamy, one of the Township auditors. I got a little Oh, Be Jovial. It was not right. I’ll have
to refrain from it in future.
19th Sabbath. Pretty stormy morning, strong wind, the day Blusterous but not cold. Son Johney and his
wife paid us a visit.
20 Rain this morning and occasional showers through the day, quite a thaw. Jim went in the after-
noon to Dundalk to try to sell his wood. [in margin] Thaw.
<p. 18>
February 1888
21st Blowing and snowing this morning, the day pretty rough, a strong wind all day. Mrs. R. and Wil-
lie took the colt and cutter and started for Tossorontio to bring Ida home. She has been away since
the 16th of February.* Jim was at Joseph Neithercut’s wood Bee. [*mistake for January; see entry
for 24th Feb., below, and 16th Jan., above. ]
22 Fine, mild morning, the day sunny and the snow melting. Jim got Joseph Jackson with his team to
draw a load of hay home from Melancthon and another load to Dundalk.
23 Fine morning, the day sunny and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim was in Dun-
dalk trying to Sell his cordwood. Did not succeed as he could not see the buyer. John Agnew
stopped here all night.
24 Fine morning, the day fine and mild, with a tendancy to get colder at night. Mrs. R. came home
this eavning with Ida who had been visiting in Tossorontio since the 16th of January. John’s Bob
came up also.
25 Blowing and snowing this morning, the snow turned to Rain about noon, then the Rain turned to
snow before night, when it became pretty stormy. R. Cornett, cheese maker, and his man Mr.
McCabe were here a while. Mr. T. Hanbury and W. Rundle, Reeve & Clerk of Dundalk, were
here looking in[to] some old Collector’s Rolls Regarding the drainage Tax. G. McConnell, Town-
ship Collector, was here at night and made a payment to me. I got a letter from Brother William.
[in margin] Wm. Russell / Arthur City P. O. / Lamar Co., St. of Texas / U. S.
<p. 19>
February 1888
26th Sabbath. Very stormy morning, the day Blowing, snowing and Freezing.
27 Cold, stormy morning, the day very cold with a strong wind, the snow is piling up pretty heavy,
the Roads are getting bad. Jim and Bob, with Bob’s horse, went collecting.
28 Fine morning, but sharp. Sunny day, pleasant about noon, cold in the eavning. I attended a Coun-
cil Meeting at Dundalk. The next meeting of the Council is to be in Hopeville on the 6th of June.
John’s Bob left for home this morning.
29 Pretty heavy Roads this morning after the Blow, the day not cold, but rather pleasant. I went to
Melancthon to see a sick horse of John’s. He is bad with the distemper, but getting better.
322
March [1888]
1st Fine, mild morning, the day nice till about noon, when it began to Blow and snow, and the after-
noon was very rough. I was in Dundalk in the afternoon at the annual meeting of the Patrons of
the Cheese Factory. They made me Sect. Treasurer. Jim went to Dundalk to sell his wood. Did
not succeed. [in margin] Stormy afternoon.
2 Stormy morning, the day stormy throughout, Blowing and Freezing. Messrs. C. Johnson, J. Nich-
ols, H. Lonsway and W. Lonsway were here at night to Organize a milk route. [in margin]
Stormy.
3 Very stormy morning, the whole day one of storm, Blowing and Freezing fiercely. Jim went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. This is as stormy a day as has come through the winter. [in margin]
Very stormy.
<p. 20>
March 1888
4th Sabbath. Cold stormy day from morning till night. Mr. W. Fawcett amd wife were here.
5 Another stormy, cold day. Jim went to Melancthon for a load of hay. There were some persons
here at night to form a milk route to Enniskillen cheese factory.
6 Another cold stormy day, Blowing and freezing. Jim went to Dundalk to Sell his cordwood. Did
not succeed. Cordwood is a drag.
7 Sharp cold morning, the day pretty cold all through, the wind pretty high. Jim and D. Reid
brought a load of hay each from Melancthon.
8 Pretty cold day all through, wind pretty high. Jim hauled a load of hay for Henry Gallaher from
where he was living in Melancthon to a place he has rented in Proton. I went to Dundalk, met
with R. Cornett, Cheese Maker. He was very abusive to me on the open street because I would not
send my milk to his cheese factory. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. William / Arthur City P. O. / St.
of Tex., U. S.
9 Bright sunny morning, the day fine, the snow melting. Jim hauled a load of hay home and another
to the Lot he has rented. The Township Collector was here at night and settled up his Roll.
10 Mild morning, the day soft all through, looks like a thaw. Jim was helping Joseph Jackson to Saw
for John Gott. Johney, with Jim’s team, Brought some hay home & Clark brought a Load of wood
home in the afternoon.
<p. 21>
March 1888
11th Sabbath. Rough stormy morning, the day cold and Blusterous, Snowing, Blowing & Freezing.
12 Cold morning, the sun shone out through part of the day, the afternoon stormy and cold. Jim was
helping Henry Lonsway to chop.
13 Stormy morning, the day Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a regular Blizzard, nothing like it this
winter. The storm was so great that the trains on the C. P. R. are Blocked up in this section of the
country. [in margin] Violent / Storm.
14 The storm has spent its fury, the day is calm and the sun bright. Jim helped H. Lonsway to make
posts.
15 Pretty mild day, a good deal of sunshine, the snow softening a little in the afternoon. I went to
Dundalk in the eavning. Gave up to Mr. T. Hanbury the note which I held against him. Note:
$75.00, interest $7.00. Also settled with him for 4 cords of cordwood that he had got in the fall,
price $7.00, Total $89.00. I have agreed to keep the organ which he left here in July and he wants
$5.00 Cash, and call clear. I guess I will have to give it him. Jim was helping H. Lonsway in the
Bush. [in margin] Bargained for Organ.
323
16 Bright sunny morning, the day fine but a little sharp. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim
helped H. Lonsway: chopped in the forenoon, Hauled in the afternoon a Couple of loads of tele-
graph poles to Dundalk.
<p. 22>
March 1888
17th Sharp morning, but the day was pretty fine with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and Clark were at
Johney’s wood Bee. He got about 29 cords of cordwood hauled to Dundalk. I worked at copying
the defaulters off Defaulters’ List into the Defaulters’ Book.
18th Sabbath. Sharp in the morning, mild about noon, the afternoon fine. [in margin] Clark left to /
Board at Johney’s
19 A few drops of Rain this morning, a soft wind prevailed through the day with strong sunshine
causing the snow to melt rapidly. Jim took my two year old colt and his Grey Horse and went to
Flesherton Rolling Mills. Willie went with him. He had nine Bags of wheat, not at all well filled.
They weighed 20 Bushels & 50 pounds. The wheat tested 59 lbs to the Bushel. He got 38 pounds
of flour to the Bushel. In all, 790 lbs flour, 83 shorts, and 225 lbs of Bran. Not bad yield. John
had taken 9 Bags tightly filled to Priceville Roller Mills on the 17th of last October of just the
same wheat and they only weighed 107 Bushels and a few pounds. He got only 733 pounds of
flour. Evidently he got cheated as his Bags were well filled and Jim’s were slack. [in margin]
Blew Hurricane this morning before Breakfast / Jim took Grist to Flesherton Mill. / Thaw.
20 Rain in the morning, Rain at noon, and Rain at night. In fact, a wet day, particularly good thaw.
In one respect I am not sorry for it, as the water in the Barnyard well is very low. Jim went col-
lecting Horse money. Did not be very successful, only got $8.00.
<p. 23>
March 1888
21st Big snow storm this morning with a high wind. The snow kept coming down both thick and fast.
It quit snowing about 1 O’clock P.M., the wind still kept strong till night. I think there fell more
snow during the time it was at it than any previous time this winter. Jim took some lumber to John
Gott’s to get some doors made for the Rooms upstairs. [in margin] Snow Storm.
22 Cold morning, Blowing and Freezing, a pretty stiff shower of snow about 2 P.M., the afternoon
cold and Freezing. Jim brought two loads of firewood home from Melancthon.
23 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, keen freeze most of the time. Jim went to Shelburne in the
forenoon and entered a case in the Division Court against a man for Service of horse. In the after-
noon he sold his cordwood at something under $2.00 p. cord.
24 Sharp morning, the day very cold, very keen cutting air, pretty good sleighing just now. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon. The printer who is printing the Township auditor’s Report had sent for
me. There was an error of three cents between the sum of the addends and the different items
making these addends in Road Work account of Division No. 1. I took in my Ledger. We traced
up the error: it occured by the auditors entering a Road Job $5.75 in place of $5.78. Jim hauled
two loads of stove wood to Dundalk. H. Lonsway hauled two loads also for him, in all 6 1/2
cords. Miss Davidson of Osprey is stopping here this night. Jim drove out for her in the cutter.
Looks like an attachment.
<p. 24>
March 1888
25th Sabbath. Clear frosty morning, Bright and sunny, but a sharp air, the afternoon was very keen and
with sunshine. I went to Sam’s.
324
26 High wind this morning, accompanied with snow which finally turned to sleet and then to Rain in
the afternoon. Jim brought home a load of stove wood from Melancthon.
27 Mild morning, the forenoon quite mild, the afternoon Wet. Jim went to John Middleton’s sale. [in
margin] Rain.
28 Snow this morning, and it kept at it most of the forenoon, the afternoon was fair. H. Lonsway
helped Jim to fix two doors upstairs. Mrs. Isaac Traynor was here and paid some Taxes. [in mar-
gin] First cow / (Speck) calved.
29 Bright sunny morning, the forenoon clear, the afternoon cloudy with a snowfall at dark. Jim and
H. Lonsway were sawing stove wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John McMurdo
(Township assessor) was here and assessed Lot 215 @ $750.00, & Lot 216 @ $350.00, personal
property @ $120.00. 50 acres clear, some on both Lots. Total Assessment $1220.00. Jim’s As-
sessment: Real property $1350.00, no personal. Total clearing 60 acres.
30 Snow this forenoon and very heavy snow which turned to rain in the afternoon. Jim and Willie
with H. Lonsway were getting firewood. Willie hauled home 5 small loads from T. Arnold’s Lot,
about 4 1/2 cords. The roads were [starting] to break [MS breake] through the snow, therefore the
loads were small.
31 Fine, mild morning, the day pretty mild. Jim had H. Lonsway in the forenoon cutting stove wood.
Missionary collectors, Miss Moore and Miss Nicholls were here in the eavning.
<p. 25>
April 1888
1st Easter Sabbath. Mild forenoon, the afternoon cold with a strong wind. Sam & Phoebe, John, Clark
and Ina were here.
2 Mild in the forenoon, cloudy most of the day, the afternoon a little sharp. Jim went collecting
Horse money. Dan Reid and H. Lonsway with their teams hauled Two loads of Hay each for Jim
from Melancthon. Mrs. R. was in Dundalk and Bought Willie a pair of Sunday boots in John Gra-
ham’s for $2.25.
3 Fine sunny morning, the day bright and pleasant, the snow thawing. Jim and H. Lonsway hauled
home the remainder of the hay from Melancthon, all but about one good load, the butt of the stack
which he traded off for as much time as he had at one load. Willie took in his boots which were
too small for him to Mr. Graham’s and Exchanged them for a larger pair at same price. [in mar-
gin] Exchange of Boots.
4 Cloudy in the forenoon but mild, the afternoon Bright and sunny. Jim got married this afternoon
to Miss Mary Eliza Davidson of Osprey Township. The Rev. Dr. Strongman, Methodist Minister
of Dundalk, Officiated. Miss Davidson is nineteen and Jim Twenty-Four years of age. I seen a
few Robins today for the first this spring. [in margin] Jim Married / Seen Robins.
5 Dark morning, Rain, thunder and lightening in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon sun-
shiney and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark, Ida & Willie with the team went to
Mr. McLaughlin’s*, Osprey. [*Mary Davidson’s father died in 1874; in 1877 her mother, née
Anne Jane Wallace (with four young children), married Alexander McLachlan a widower with six
children. Mary’s sister Susan Davidson married Willie in Nov. 1895. The name is spelled
McLaughlin in the 1881 census, McLaughlan in cemetery markers.]
<p.26>
April 1888
6th Raw, cold wind this morning, the day very windy, the snow did not melt much today. Jim brought
home his Bride, a pleasant little girl that I think will make him a happy Wife. [in margin] Jim
Brought / his Bride / Home.
325
7 Sharp morning, keen wind all day, hard Freeze in the afternoon. Jim and H. Lonsway were cutting
stove wood in Mr. Arnold’s Lot. Willie hauled it home, there were five loads, about five cords, I
think. The Sleighing is about gone on the Gravel Road, the horses could scarcely pull the last
load. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I sawed wood in his place.
8th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day fine, the snow melting.
9 Bright sunny morning, a good deal of sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with appear-
ance of Rain. Jim went to Buy a Horse, did not succeed. I split stove wood at the house.
10 Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night, a very wet day. Wesley Lonsway came here
at night. [in margin] Rain / 3rd cow calved.
11 Snow on the ground this morning, but it had all vanished about noon. The day was mild with a
good deal of sunshine. Jim helped H. Lonsway to saw firewood at his own home. I split some
stove wood at home. Mary & Ida were at H. Lonsway’s in the eavning.
<p. 27>
April 1888
12th Sharp morning, the day clear and cold, a good deal of sunshine but a very cold wind. Jim helped
H. Lonsway in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to E. Noble’s sale. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. Mr. C. Johnson was here a while at night. [in margin] Last Mail / paper received.
13 Pretty stiff Frost this morning, the ground quite hard. The sun shone out and the Ground softened.
In the eavning there was a very heavy snow shower. Jim helped H. Lonsway. C. Johnson was
here about one O’clock. Clark stopped here last night and went to School this morning.
14 The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling during all the forenoon, quite win-
tery like again. The afternoon was something milder, and the snow melted a little. Jim went to
Joseph Jackson’s to help him Saw firewood. He bought a horse from Joe and brought him home
with him. Willie went with the team and brought Mary’s two sisters here. They are stopping here
all night.
15th Sabbath. Fine mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. [in
margin] First / Lamb / came.
16 Fine morning, the day fine and sunny. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. Mrs. Jim and Jim went with her
two sisters to Osprey. Something seems to have gone wrong in the sheep Business with me, as I
had to skin three of them today. Two of them died through old age, they were valu[e]less. The
third, which was a splendid young Black Ewe, died in lambing.
<p. 28>
April 1888
17th Pretty mild forenoon, with quite a bit of sunshine, the afternoon cloudy with quite a snowfall. H.
Lonsway and his Brother Wesley were here a while at night.
18 Cold, Raw morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, but a very cold wind. Jim and H.
Lonsway went in the forenoon to chop some trees in Osprey for a day’s sawing, but when they got
to Brother Sam’s he had let the piece to W. Cherry. They then came home and Jim worked with
Henry in the afternoon. Willie drove his mother to Dundalk in the forenoon.
19 Rather chilly in the forenoon, the afternoon milder with a good deal of sunshine. Jim chopped in
the forenoon and in the afternoon took his horses to be shod. I split wood in the forenoon and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I signed a joint note for $37.25 in favor of E. Noble, given by
Johney for a cow and two old plows, due in 6 months and payable at Mr. Lucas Bank in Dundalk.
They voted in Co. Dufferin today and in Eight other Counties in Ontario for Repeal of the Scott
Act.* In School Sect. No. 5, Melancthon, the Repealers were 8 Majority. [in margin] John’s note
326
of $37.25 due / 12th Feb. 1889 / 4th cow calved. [*allowing plebiscite vote on prohibition, here it
is repealed in Melancthon; see entry for 30 Nov. 1884.]
20 Cold morning, the day cold, especially in the afternoon when there was a very sharp frost. H.
Lonsway was helping Jim to cut firewood in the afternoon.
21 Cold morning, the forenoon cold, the latter part of the afternoon milder. Jim was cutting stove
[wood] in the forenoon, and in the afternoon helped H. Lonsway to fix Land Roller.
<p. 29>
April 1888
22nd Sabbath. Hard morning, the Ground softened in towards noon, some sunshine, but a very cold
wind. Mrs. R. and I, with Jim and his wife, were visiting at Mr. Skeffington Bell’s.
23 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty sunny but a chilly wind. Jim took the two Miss Davidsons,
who were here over night, to the station this morning, then he and Willie hauled Rails on T. Ar-
nold’s place. I split some wood. [in margin] 5th cow calved.
24 Clear cold day, a good deal of sunsine, quite a quantity of snow in the fence corners and in the
Roads running North & South. Jim and Willie hauled Rails in the forenoon and in the afternoon
Jim went to A. Lonsway’s Raising of a shed. I made stove wood at the house. Mrs. R. and I went
to see Mrs. D. Reid at night. [in margin] 6th cow calved
25th Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful, the only spring-like day which has come during this
spring. Jim and Willie hauled Rails in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he tried to plow, but
there was too much Frost in the Ground. Jim took his horse to Dundalk in the eavning to be shod.
26 Beautiful day all through, Bright and sunny, splendid spring day, nothing like it for so far. Jim
and [stricken: John] Willie picked stones. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark is at home
tonight.
<p.30>
April 1888
27th Beautiful spring-like day, a genial warm sun and air, the snow is rapidly disappearing out of the
fence corners. The Canadian Band and Whipper Wills are in full swing. Jim and Willie put up
fences in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to the Horse Show in Dundalk. [in margin] 7th
cow calved / Canadian / Band playing
28 Beautiful day all through, from morning till night, but excessively warm. Jim took his Horse on a
round. Willie started the plow. The ground is pretty soft but there is not much frost in it. The
snow out of the fence corners has disappeared very rapidly today. I nailed boards around the un-
der part of the Barn to keep the hens from getting underneath. H. Lonsway and wife and children
were here at night. [in margin] First plowing.
29th Sabbath. Clear sunny morning, the day fine but chilly towards night.
30 Dark cold forenoon, the afternoon Wet. Jim and Willie plowed on Mr. Arnolds place in the fore-
noon. The Ground was in pretty good order. We cleaned oats a while in the afternoon. Phoebe
came here and brought some maple Molasses. She would get wet going home as it Rained nearly
all afternoon.
May [1888]
1st The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling, quite a change since Saturday. The
afternoon was fair and the snow melted. Johny was here with the team. Ida went home with him.
Jim & Willie plowed in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow.
<p. 31>
May 1888
327
2nd Hard frost this morning, but the sun got out and the Frost disappeared, the day was fine but a little
cool. Jim and Willie plowed. I chored around home. The Ground is pretty wet. It will be quite a
few days before it is dry enough at home to plow. The spring is quite late.
3 Quite cool morning, the day cold all through, with a sprinkling of sleet in the afternoon, also a
high wind. Jim and Willie plowed on Lot 218. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the Ea[ning]. [in
margin] Subscribed / for W. Globe / Sent letter / to Ireland
4 Dark cloudy day, with a sprinkling of Rain at noon and at night. Jim and Willie plowed on Lot
218. I sorted potatoes in the cellar. I picked 60 Bushels. Jim and I helped H. Lonsway with his
sick cow at noon.
5 Dark morning and cold, the day dark and lowring, with a slight rain now and then. Jim borrowed
H. Lonsway’s Gangplow and Ganged. Willie plowed with the narrow plow. Both worked at
home. Ida came home from Johney’s this eavning. Ina was with her. Johney called for Ina on his
way home. [in margin] Sowed / cabbage seed.
6th Sabbath. Quite cool most of the day, some sunshine. H. Lonsway & Wife and Miss Sarah Brough-
ton were here.
7 Cool in the forenoon, a little milder in the afternoon, a little sunshine. I sowed Eight Bags of
pease for Jim. Ida harrowed with one horse. Willie plowed. Jim took his Stud on a round, nearly
fixed him, one of his hind legs is swelled up badly. He is not able to work, very lame. I went to
Dundalk after six O’clock. [in margin]. First Grain / sown (pease).
<p. 32>
May 1888
8th Dark morning, the afternoon Wet all the time. Jim sowed two Bags of pease in the forenoon and I
harrowed with one horse. Willie plowed. Jim hired a colt from Mrs. Bowler, as his own horse is
not able to work on account of his sore leg.
9 Foggy morning, the day dry and very sultry. Jim finished harrowing the pease, Willie plowed.
Willie and I took in 8 2/3 Bags of potatoes to Dundalk and sold them for .80¢ p. Bag. [in margin]
Seen first / swallow.
10 Fine dry day and good growth. I worked in the garden in the forenoon, harrowed wheat for two
hours in the afternoon, then went to Dundalk. Jim harrowed and plowed in the afternoon. He also
sowed 3 1/2 Bushels of wheat. It is very late for sowing wheat. [in margin] Sowed wheat.
11 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a splendid growth. Jim sowed Six Bags of Oats. Willie
plowed, I harrowed. [in margin] First set out / our tomatoes / sown peanuts.
12 Rather cloudy this morning, a shower of Rain about 11 A.M. then faired up and was dry during the
afternoon. I Registered and posted a letter containing $20.00 to James Cavanagh, Clerk of Proton.
I harrowed in the forenoon. Jim sowed oats. Willie plowed.
13th Sabbath. Dark, cold day, Roads very sloppy. Mrs. R. & Mrs. R., Sam & Phoebe, Jim and Ida went
to Dundalk to hear Mr. Kilburn, Church of England Minister, from Jamaica, and Brother to Mrs.
A. Jackson, Preach. Mr. Walter Bell was here in the eavning.
<p. 33>
May 1888
14th Dark, cloudy day and cool, with a snowfall at night. Jim plowed in the forenoon and went out
through Melancthon in the afternoon. I fixed fences in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon.
Willie plowed all day. We commenced sending our milk to Inniskillen cheese factory, had ninety-
four pounds in the can this morning. Willie McKay is here tonight, stopping, bidding us good-by
before he goes to Michigan State. [in margin] 8th cow calved / Milk (94 lbs) sent to / Cheese Fac-
tory.
328
15 Snow on the ground this morning and some more fell during the day, especially in the afternoon.
The day was very chilly. Willie and I plowed. Jim attended Division Court at Shelburne. He had
a man sued for Horse money. He got judgement in the case. [in margin] Snow.
16 Cold morning, the day cold with some snow showers. Jim and Willie plowed. I planted out
Twelve apple trees in the forenoon and in the afternoon hunted up two yearling calves which had
strayed away on last Sabbath. I got one at Mr. J. Roseborough’s and the other at Johney Irvin’s.
Mrs. R. came along while I was at Mr. Roseborough’s and helped me drive the calves home. [in
margin] Planted apple / Trees.
17 Hard frost this morning, the harrows fairly Rattled over the ground in the morning. The sun got
strong and the Ground thawed and dried. Jim sowed ten acres of oats. I harrowed till he got done,
then went to Dundalk and Jim harrowed. Willie plowed. [in margin] Hard frost.
<p. 34>
May 1888
18th Dark cloudy morning, the sky overcast towards afternoon and a slight rain came on in the eavning.
Jim finished harrowing the field of oats which he had sown yesterday, then went to Dundalk and
Bought some seed Barley. Willie plowed. I fixed fences. Mrs. D. Reid was here.
19 Bleak, chilly morning, the day cold all through, every indication of Rain. Jim sowed five Bags of
oats in the forenoon, then went to Dundalk for a plow point. Got none to fit, came home and
sowed near Eight Bags more of oats. I harrowed it all once and some of it twice. Willie plowed.
20th Sabbath. Fine dry day, sunny but cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. Jim and Mary went to her
Uncle R. Davidson’s.
21 Dry cool day. Jim took his stud on his rounds. I harrowed and Willie plowed.
22 Bright sunny day, and pretty warm. Jim Gangplowed in the afternoon and also went to Dundalk
for a new stove which he had got from John Gardner in trade for an old horse. He sowed three
Bags of oats in the forenoon. I harrowed in the forenoon. Willie Gangplowed in Jim’s absence.
[in margin] Got papers / from Toronto.
23 Fine dry day and pretty warm. Jim and Willie Ganged and plowed*. I fixed the fence around the
calves park. [*i.e. Jim gangplowed, Willie plowed with the single plow.]
<p. 35>
May 1888
24th Cloudy morning, But the sun Burst through and the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim sowed
about Eleven acres of oats. I harrowed till noon and a while in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the
forenoon and harrowed in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s after tea and is stopping over-
night.
25 Fine day and pretty warm except towards night when it got cool. Jim and I picked a few stones in
the morning, then we plowed. Willie plowed all day. I had John’s team.
26 Fine morning, the day dry except a very slight mizzle of rain in the forenoon, the afternoon pretty
warm. Jim, Willie and I plowed. The mosquitoes were bad this afternoon.
27th Sabbath. Fine dry day and pretty warm. W. Faucett & Wife, Johny Russell & Wife, were here.
28 Dry this morning and the day pretty warm. The afternoon got overcast and there was quite a rain
about 5 P.M. and also at dark. Jim took his horse on his rounds. Johney came with his team and
he and Willie plowed on Lot 218. I sowed about Twenty Bushels mixed Grain (oats and pease),
then went to Dundalk. Sold my lambs, nine in number, to George Dale for three dollars each and
Fifty-cents more on the bunch. I to keep them till the first Sept. next., and he to take them all
away at the one time. He paid me Five dollars on the Bargain.
<p. 36>
329
May 1888
29th Cool cloudy morning, the forenoon generally cold, the afternoon something warmer. Jim helped
Johney to log. Ida harrowed for me in the forenoon. I sowed about three and a half pounds of tur-
nip seed on Five acres which I had sown in oats. I sowed the turnip seed after I had harrowed the
oats once. Then I harrowed on top of the turnip seed. I done this as an experiment. I had previ-
ously seen in the papers an account of a man doing so and having a good crop of each. Willie
plowed. I harrowed in the afternoon and sowed a bag of oats. Clark harrowed for me about two
hours. He is stopping here this night. [in margin] Sowed turnip seed.
30 Quite cool this morning, the day cool all thorugh, but dry. I sowed some oats and cut some seed
potatoes. Jim got H. Lonsway’s horse and put along wth one of his own and Henry plowed about
1/2 an acre of stiff sod for him as one of his own horse’s shoulders were so sore he did not want to
work him. Willie harrowed. Jim finished sowing oats and beans [last work unclear]. [in margin]
Finished sowing oats / Lamb came.
31 Showery generally through the day and a pretty sharp shower in the afternoon. Jim and Willie
plowed for potatoes in the forenoon and I cut potatoes. In the afternoon Jim sowed Barley and I
sowed Grass seed, while Willie harrowed. This finished seeding as far as sowing grain is con-
cerned, and a pretty long, stiff seeding it has been. There is in, however, close on Eight acres of
Grain.
<p. 37>
June 1888
1st Cold morning, the day cool with a good deal of sunshine. A shower of Rain at dark. Jim got D.
Reid’s mare and put along with one of his own horses, and H. Lonsway hauled out manure for him
in the afternoon. Willie harrowed. I sowed Grass seed in the forenoon and cut potatoes in the af-
ternoon. [in margin] Frost / Finished seeding
2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, the forenoon warm, the afternoon cold. We planted potatoes,
about 15 Bushels. Miss Davidson and Brother Sam’s Madella are stopping here tonight. [in mar-
gin] Planted / Potatoes
3rd Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day dry but chilly. There was a heavy frost this morning, ice
on the water. Mrs. R. and I went to church in Dundalk to hear Mr. Kilburn preach. [in margin]
Ice
4 Cool morning, a slight frost, the day dry, sunny and Breezy. Jim took his horse on his Rounds.
Johney was here and got five Bags of seed potatoes. I cut a Bushel of seed potatoes, made the
holes, dropped and covered two Bushels with the hoe in the forenoon. In the afternoon I sowed
Eleven acres of Grass seed, sowed about ten of these from Five O’clock. Just kept me jumping!
Willie and Wesley Lonsway picked stones. [in margin] Finished planting / potatotes. / Got letter
from Ireland.
5 Dry day, sunny and pretty warm with a very stiff Breeze. I washed and oiled the Democrat in the
forenoon, also entered some Township accounts and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Willie
Rolled. Jim picked stones and Washed the sheep.
<p. 38>
June 1888
6th Cool dry morning, heavy Rain and hail in some parts about 9:30 A.M., the afternoon dry but very
cool towards night. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville and stopped there all night. Willie
picked stones and Jim and Mr. T. Arnold fixed fences.
330
7 Very cold morning, the forenon cool, the afternoon sunny and warmer. I came home from Hope-
ville and took Johney’s horses home to him. Jim was out with his horse in the afternoon. Willie
and Wesley Lonsway picked stones.
8 Frost this morning, the day pretty warm and the sun bright. I worked at entering orders in the
Township Books. Jim went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and he and Willie picked stones in the af-
ternoon. Mrs. R. clipped the sheep, 14 in number. I gave her Five cents each for so doing. [in
margin] Frost / clipped sheep
9 Fine morning, the day dry and very warm in the afternoon, with indications of a thunder storm. I
went to see Dr. Christoe at Flesherton. Jim and Willie hauled Rails in the forenoon. Willie rolled
in the afternoon and Jim went to Abraham Jackson’s Raising.
10th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, dry till the afternoon, then quite a heavy rainfall. Johney and his wife
came here and they, with Jim and his wife, and Ida, went to William Fawcett’s. [in margin] 10th
cow calved
11 Cold morning, the day dry and sunny in the afternoon. I fixed fences. Jim took out his horse.
Willie went to school. The women went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Will / in school.
<p. 39>
June 1888
12th Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. Jim and I made log fence and fixed rail fence. Mr. A. Lon-
sway and wife were here.
13 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon showery till about 3 P.M. Jim and I fixed and made a fence on
the rear end of Lot.
14 Dry morning and warm, the day dry till the afternoon, when there came on a pretty heavy Rain
accompanied by some thunder and lightening. Jim and I fixed fence in the forenoon, in the after-
noon he took his horse out, and I went to Dundalk. Seen Mr. Campbell, School Inspector, in Dun-
dalk. He came and stopped with me at night. [in margin] Sent letter to Ireland / Sch. Insp. here
15 Dry morning, the day dry and warm. Jim went to Shelburne to get from the Clerk of Division
Court some money on a judgement he had obtained.
16 Dry morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and Willie worked at digging Cellar for the house which
I intend building.* I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [*First mention of the new house to be
built on an acre of Lot 220, purchased from Widow Bowler.]
17th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and Wife, Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
18 Dry, warm day, in fact hot. Jim took out his horse. I fixed Brush fence. Sister Margaret came
here, also Clark. Willie Lonsway* had came up yesterday and went to Holland today. [*husband
of Margaret, Robert’s sister. He probably went to what is now called Holland Landing, on High-
way 400, ca. 40 miles north of Toronto.]
<p. 40>
June 1888
19th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and Hot. Jim and I looked in the forenoon for H. Lonsway’s
colt which had got lost from his own place. In the afternoon I dug a cabbage plot. Margaret and
Willie are here. [in margin] Hot / Mary’s cow / brought home* [*i.e. Jim and Mary are living
with Robert and Nancy.]
20 Cloudy morning, but soon the sun burst through and the day became very hot. No work of any
account doing today. John Agnew’s son, Nassau, and Brother John’s Minnie are here. Minnie
came up with W. Lonsway. [in margin] Hot
21 Very hot all day and dry. Jim took out his horse. I harrowed the potatoes after gathering the Bugs
off them. Sister Margaret and her husband started for Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Hot
331
22 Warm morning, the day dry and Excessively hot, nothing like it in heat past for a long while. Jim
and I hauled out manure. [in margin] very / Hot
23 Cloudy morning, a few drops of Rain fell, also a slight sprinkle of Rain about noon, not half
enough to lay the dust. We were hauling out manure. I went to Dundalk in the eavning, after Ida
and I had sett out about 200 cabbage plants. [in margin] Hot / planted / c. plants.
24th Sabbath. Not so hot as yesterday. H. Lonsway and wife were here.
25 Cool, cloudy day, looking like rain towards night. Jim took his horse on his rounds. I hauled out
manure, Eleven loads.
<p. 41>
June 1888
26th Dry morning, the day dry but quite cool at night. Jim fixed fences, I went to W. Armstrong’s log-
ging Bee.
27 Quite cold this morning, so much so that mitts felt comfortable while going for the cows. The day
was cool, cloudy and breezy. We done statute labor. Jim went to H. Pate’s Raising in the after-
noon and I went to Dundalk.
28 Slight Rain this morning, the day was cloudy and cool, with a very light mizzle of Rain occassion-
ally. No work going on today. I made some Township calculations. Jim, his wife, and Ida went
with the team to Sam’s.
29 Morning cool and cloudy, the sun got out and the afternoon was warm and bright. I worked with
the team doing Statute labor. Jim worked on the Road in the forenoon and took his horse out in
the afternoon.
30 Quite cool in the morning, the day dry and the afternoon pretty warm. Jim and Willie hauled out
manure. I Fixed up some Township Business and took it to the Post Office. Mrs. R. got home
about noon after being away since the 22nd.
<p. 42>
July 1888
1st Sabbath. Cool morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Mr. Dan Reid and Wife were here in the af-
ternoon.
2 Dry, dusty day and pretty warm in the afternoon. We hauled out manure in the forenoon and went
in the afternoon to Dundalk to See the Sports. Clark Ran a foot Race of half a mile and won it.
There were three others ran against him.
3 Dry day, pretty Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon. Jim took out his horse. I chored around and took
some potatoes and Wool to Dundalk in the afternoon. Sold the wool for about .19 1/2¢ cash and
the potatoes for .65¢ cash per Bag.
4 Rather cloudy this morning, no dew on the Grass, quite a bit like Rain, Still there was none. Jim
plowed, I spread manure. Mrs. Caswell from Medonta Township was here.
5 Bright warm morning, the day pretty warm with a strong wind in the afternoon. Jim plowed. I
went to Dundalk. Clark came here from School.
6 Bright morning, the day pretty dry, cloudy in the afternoon, but no Rain fell. Jim plowed. I
spread manure in the forenoon.
7 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and warm. Jim went to Joseph Jackson’s Logging Bee. I
worked at the Township Books.
<p. 43>
July 1888
8th Sabbath. Dry day, cloudy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s.
332
9 Dry, warm day. I spread manure in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim
plowed, Willie helped Johney.
10 Dry day with a few drops of rain in the afternoon. I attended council meeting at Cedarville. Jim
was at Sam’s sawing. Willie was at W. Bell’s sawing. I stopped at Cederville all night with the
Reeve.
11 Dry morning, the Roads exceedingly dusty. Left for home this morning, got here about one
O’clock. Rain in the afternoon. Jim and Willie worked in the potatoe patch.
12 Dry, cool, and Breezy. All the youngsters went to Dundalk, Mrs. R. and I stopped at home.
Brother Sam and Phoebe and five children were here. [in margin] J. Trugon / married
13 Dry sunny day. Jim went to help Joseph Jackson to Saw. Willie helped at John Arnold’s sawing.
I hoed potatoes. Mr. Elliot of Melancthon took away the Reaper which Jim had traded to S. Bell
in part pay for a new Binder. I have had the Reaper for about Four years. It cost me $82.50, Cash,
and was a good one.
14 Frost this morning, the day dry and cool. I and Willie worked in the potatoes moulding, etc. Jim
is on the sick list with a Bad stomach. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, Got pension $101.00.
J. W. Agnew came here this eavning. [in margin] Frost / Got pension
<p. 44>
July 1888
15th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Joseph W. Agnew, W. Fa[w]cett and wife were here.
16 Dry and warm. Jim spread manure. Willie plowed. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. Came home and fixed a trough for the cows to drink out of as the water
is all dried up in the pools, then went to Enniskillen cheese Factory and drew my first milk divi-
dend $57.00.
17 Cloudy, cool and dry. Jim mowed fence corners. I hoed potatoes. Willie plowed. Mrs.
McLaughlin was here. I Bought Brother Sam’s farm, the old Homestead 100 acre Lot 37, 5th
Range, Melancthon, for $1500. I paid him today $389.00 Cash. [in margin] Jim began / mowing.
18 Dry, warm and Breezy. I finished hoeing potatoes. Jim mowed. Willie harrowd fallow. Rain
about midnight, also thunder and Lightening.
19 Dry and cool. I cleaned out watering place for the cattle on Lot 218. Got plenty of water, it came
Boiling up. Jim cut Grass in the afternoon. Willie Raked fence corners.
20 Dry and cool. I Paris Greened the potatoes. Jim cut Grass. Willie mowed around the stumps and
also in the fence corners.
21 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm, a slight frost this morning. Jim and Willie
worked at Hay making. I wrote some business letters in the forenoon and posted them in the af-
ternoon, then helped to put some hay together when I came home. [in margin] Frost
<p. 45>
July 1888
22nd Sabbath. Rain in the morning, dry in the middle of the day, a shower in the afternoon.
23 Fine morning, the day dry till about 6 P.M., when there came on a slight Rain. I was at Mr. Jas.
Roseborough’s Raising of a Frame Barn. 60 X 64 on stone foundation, containing stables under-
neath. It was long after night before it was got up. Jim hauled in some hay, Willie helped.
24 Fine morning, the day fine and dry. I helped Jim to haul in hay from Mr. Arnold’s Lot. Willie
sulki[=sulky] Raked.
25 Fine morning, the day dry all through. Jim finished mowing. I cut thistle tops in the forenoon and
went to [stricken: Dundalk] Johney’s in the afternoon.
333
26 Misty morning. Rain came on about noon, then cleared off and came on again in the afternoon. I
helped Johnie to mow in the dry part of the day and went to Dundalk in the eavning.
27 Fine morning, the day dry and cool. I fixed Brush fence in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in
the afternoon, then Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s.
28 Dry morning, the day dry but cloudy in the afternoon. I helped John haul in hay and stack it. Jim
finished haying at home.
29th Sabbath. Dry day and pretty warm. Jim & Wife, with Ida, went to Mr. McLaughlin’s.
<p. 46>
July 1888
30th Fine morning, the day dry and the afternoon very sultry and cloudy. Jim and Willie went to
Melancthon to help John with his hay. I worked at Township Business in the forenoon, and in the
afternoon went to Dundalk and drew $500.00 out of the Bank to take with me to Council Meeting
tomorrow. I then went to Johney’s and got his horses, took them to the Blacksmith’s and got two
shoes sett.
31st A little cloudy in the morning, a few drops of Rain fell about noon, the afternoon dry and warm. I
attended a council meeting at Hopeville. S. Rogers, Esq., Reeve of the Township, got his Steam
Saw mill burned. I stopped at Hopeville all night. Mrs. R., who had went with me as far as Mr.
John Abbott’s, stopped there at night. [in margin] S. Rogers’ S. Mill / Burned
August [1888]
1st Bright sunny morning, the day pretty hot. I got home about 10 A.M., took John’s horse then went
to Dundalk and deposited $345.00 in Bank. This money I had left after paying all orders presented
at the Council meeting yesterday. Mr. George Glazier, an old Resident of Osprey Township, died
this night of inflamation of the lungs. [in margin] G. Glazier died
2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I chored around. Jim and Willie are helping
Johney in Melancthon at his hay. George Rutherford, Insurance agent, was here and insured the
outbuildings for $500.00, & Contents $700.00 for three years in the British America Insurance
Company. Premium $12.00. [in margin] Insurance / Barn $500.00, Con. $700.00
<p.47>
August 1888
3rd Cloudy morning, a pretty stiff shower came on about noon, and a very heavy rain after night came
on. Mrs. R. and I went to George Glazier’s funeral. I went to Dundalk when I came home. Jim
and Willie are helping John with his hay.
4 Dark, cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through. Jim and Willie came home from John’s. He
got caught in the rain with his haystack. Jim went in the afternoon to help H. Lonsway make a
watering trough. Willie and Ida, with their mother, went to Dundalk. I worked at the Township
Books.
5th Sabbath. Dry day, and pretty warm
6 Rather cloudy this morning, the day dry but dark, and without much sunshine, a few drops of Rain
at night. I helped Brother Sam finish his hay. Jim and Willie helped Johney finish his.
7 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, warm and dry. I went to Dundalk. Jim and Willie hauled some
drags of wood out of the bush to be ready for the sawing machine.
8 Fine morning, the day [dry] and pretty warm. Jim and Willie picked stones in the forenoon and I
fixed Brush fence. Jim and I went to Sam McDowell’s Raising in the afternoon.
9 Cool morning, the day cool and dry. Willie and I Bugged potatoes. Jim went to help Joseph Jack-
son to Saw. We had a very fine calf got sick with cramps, gave it Laudnum, Spirits of Nitri, Salts,
Sp. tinp. [?] & mustard. Also put hot cloths to its Belly. It is something easier.
334
<p. 48>
August 1888
10th Frost this morning, though not of much account, did not do much harm. The day dry, cloudy and
cool. Jim and I pulled pease. This is our first harvesting and is five days later than last year. [in
margin] First Harvesting / Frost
11 Dark morning and cool, the day cool and cloudy with a little sprinkle of rain aabout 3:20 A.M.
P.M. Jim had Joseph Jackson with his sawing machine working in the afternoon. He cut about 12
cords of stove wood. I pulled some pease in the forenoon.
12th Sabbath. Cool dry day, cloudy in the afternoon. John and Ina and two Miss Morans were here.
13 Morning dry and cool, a little sunshine through the day. Jim and Willie were jerking out stumps.
I put paris green on the potatoes for the second time.
14 Dry morning, the day cool, dry and Breezy. I mended log fence on Lot 219. Jim and Willie were
at the saw mill getting some lumber sawn for me. William Armstrong hauled three loads of it to
Lot 220. I have bought an acre off the N.E. corner of this Lot from Mrs. W. Bowler. I intend
building.
15 Morning wet, the middle of the day dry. Rain at night. Jim and Willie were getting Lumber at the
Mill & hauling it. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s, stopped all night.
16 Morning wet, dry and Breezy in the afternoon. Jim & I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and he
took his Binder in the afternoon to W. Armstrong’s to cut for him. Heavy rain mixed with large
pieces of ice, also thunder in the afternoon.
<p. 49>
August 1888
17th Rain in the morning, slightly wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and cold towards sunset. Jim
jerked some stumps in the afternoon, then went to Dundalk. Willie went to Johney’s to help him
saw shingle timber.
18 Dry morning, the day dry and cool. Jim went to finish cutting W. Armstrong’s wheat. I went with
G. Rutherford in to Brother Sam’s to get some writings signed. I turned pease when I came home.
19th Sabbath. Dry and cool all day. Mr. McLaughlin and wife, with Mrs. Rose of Toronto, were here.
20 Dry cool day, and quite pleasant. Jim, Willie and I pulled pease. Jim and Willie took a Ram
which I had sold to Jim Best for $5.25 up to him in the eavning.
21 Dry and cool. Jim, Willie and I pulled pease.
22 Cool, Breezy and dry. We pulled pease.
23 Cool and cloudy. Jim & Willie pulled pease. I pulled till noon, then went to Shelburne, drew the
value of my Post Office Savings Bank cheque, $109.22.
24 Cool and dry. Jim and I finished pea pulling at noon. Willie jerked stumps.
25 Dryu and Warm. Willie, Jim and I hauled in pease. Eight loads, finished all but about 2 Loads.
<p. 50>
August 1888
26th Sabbath. Warm, Sunny day with a few Rolls of thunder in the eavning. Mrs. R. and I went to
Brother Sam’s.
27 Cool dry morning, the day cool and Breezy. Jim cut oats with his Binder. A stranger, taking or-
ders for Books, whose name was Everett, came across to where Jim was cutting and showed him
some things in his Binder which he had not seen. Willie helped D. Reid to haul in his pease, then
they hauled in two loads of Jim’s. This finished drawing in pease. I stooked oats. [in margin]
Finished hauling in pease. / First Oats cut
335
28 Quite a frost this morning, but done no harm that I could see. I was helping Sam to harvest pease.
Jim craddled Barley. Willie went to D. Reid for a month for $13.50.
29 Bright morning, the day fine and dry, pretty warm in the afternoon. Jim craddled Barley and cut
roads through the oats for his Binder. Joseph Neithercut was here this afternoon and is going to
Build me a house and take a cow in the Spring for his work.
30 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Willie and I raked Barley into sheaves in the afternoon. Jim
cut oats.
31 Rain, thunder, and Lightening this morning, the afternoon dry but cloudy. Jim cut oats in the af-
ternoon. He used three horses together on the Binder. He had Borrowed one from his uncle Sam.
John Montgomery and wife, G. Rutherford and Mrs. Bowler were here. Mrs. Norman McAulay of
Proton, aged 88, died this night. [in margin]. Mrs. Norman McAulay / died.
<p. 51>
September 1888
1st Dry morning, the day dry all through and quite stormy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and
stooked oats in the afternoon. Jim cut oats with his Binder.
2nd Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day dry and fine. Joseph Jackson and wife, and Andrew Roe
and wife were here.
3 Frost this morning, it done some harm, I think, especially to the late oats. Jim Reaped on T. Ar-
nold’s Lot till about 3 P.M., then he went and Reaped for W. Armstrong. W. Armstrong, Mrs. R.,
Ida and I hauled in Four loads of loose Barley and Raked part of it out of the Swath. We also
hauled in Four loads of Bound oats.
4 Dry morning, a slight Rain about 3 P.M., the afternoon dry, cool and windy. Jim Reaped for W.
Armstrong till 10 A.M., then came home, craddled roads after dinner and Reaped after tea. Mrs.
R. and I stooked till tea. I then cut Roads and tied. Miss _____ Lindsay, Mrs. C. Bell’s grand-
daughter from Cannington, was here a while in the afternoon.
5 Cool morning with quite a frost, the day cool, clear and dry. Jim reaped. I cut roads, tied, and
stooked up. [in margin] Frost
6 Fine Breezy day, dry. Jim Reaped. I stooked up. [in margin] Frost
7 Dry morning, the day dry and fine. Jim Reaped. I cut Roads. John Jackson came here this
eavning and stopped all night.
<p. 52>
Sept[ember] 1888
8th A Slight Rain fell this morning, and the forenoon was too damp to handle grain in any form. The
afternoon was dry. John Jackson stopped till noon. Jim reaped oats for about two hours in the af-
ternoon. I stooked up. Mrs. R. helped. [in margin] Big fire in Dundalk / this night
9th Sabbath. Dry and sunny. Sam and Phoebe called here on their way to Henry Gallagher’s. Jim
and wife went with them.
10 A slight frost this morning, the day dry and sunny, a good harvest day. Jim and I with one team
hauled in about sixt[e]en acres of oats on T. Arnold’s place. The oats were light. We had only
sixteen loads. John Oliver came for Mrs. R. this morning before sunrise and took her to see Mrs.
Johney Russell in Melancthon. [in margin] Frost / John’s first child / Born, a Girl
11 A slight frost this morning on the low ground, the day sunny and very drying. Jim and I took in
the lambs which I had sold to George [Rutherford?]. There were 9 of them and splendid ones. I
got $3.50 each. When we came home Jim cut oats with his Binder and W. Armstrong with his
team and I hauled in two loads of wheat and three of oats. [in margin] Frost
336
12 Hazy morning, the day cloudy, windy and dry. Jim cut oats with his Binder. W. Armstrong and I
hauled in nine loads of oats. Clark helped when he came from school.
13 Windy, cloudy, cool and dry. We hauled in Eight loads of oats with W. Armstrong’s team. H.
Lonsway helped Ida and I with seven of them. Jim cut oats with his Binder for W. Armstrong.
<p. 53>
Sept[ember] 1888
14th Bright, Sunny morning, the day clear and dry, quite a frost in the morning. Jim finished cutting
grain for W. Armstrong about 3 P.M. He then came home and cut from tea time. Mr. G. Ruther-
ford was here and insured us in the London Mutual Company. House, Barns, outbuildings and
contents for $1600. at .90¢ on the dollar. $14.40 premium of insurance. I gathered up some grain
on T. Arnold’s place and stooked at home after tea. [in margin] Frost
15 Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful all through, the sun shining bright and the atmosphere
hazy. Jim cut some grain (oats and pease) with his binder. I stooked till noon, then went to Dun-
dalk and sent away a cheque for $37.75, in letter [?writing unclear] two coupons of School Sec-
tions. Came home and shocked up [=stooked] till about sunset, then Jim and I took the team and
went and gathered the craddled grain on his rented farm. It kept us till ten O’clock.
16th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day pretty showery.
17 Dry morning, the day dry but cloudy. We finished cutting grain (oats). I stooked after tea. Josua
Brinkman and wife and D. Reid and wife were here at night.
18 Dry morning, the day dry and cloudy. Jim and I worked among the grain, Binding and shocking.
[in margin] H. Lonsway’s / third Baby / Born.
<p. 54>
Sept[ember] 1888
19th Dark morning, the day cloudy with a small sprinkling of rain at night. Jim and I hauled some rails
and fenced the cabbage plot. Then he plowed till noon, then went to Dundalk. Came home and he
and I put in two loads of oats off Mr. Arnold’s place. This finished harvesting on that Farm.
20 Cloudy morning, the day not very drying, Still, some people were hauling in in the afternoon.
Mrs. R. and I pulled apples in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Came home
and helped Jim to haul in three loads of oats.
21 Cloudy morning, the day alternate clouds and sunshine, not much of a harvest day. I went to Dun-
dalk in the morning and sent a telegram to Andrew Russell, 278 Farley Avenue, Toronto, telling
him I would meet him at the station on Saturday. Came home and raked and Bound some swaths
of oats. Jim and I hauled in one load of oats. We thought the grain to[o] wet. Jim plowed
throughout the day.
22 Misty morning, but the mist cleared off about 9 A.M. and the day was sunny and Breezy. I helped
to haul [MS haule] in a load of Grain in the forenoon, then went to Dundalk to meet Andrew Rus-
sell, who came up on the noon train from Toronto. We hauled in Oats and pease mixed in th af-
ternoon. Nine loads in all, it being the produce of about six acres.
<p. 55>
Sept[ember] 1888
23rd Sabbath. Dry sunny day. We went to Johney’s.
24 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm, the sky quite hazy, almost like Indian summer. I went
in the morning to Dundalk to see Mr. Traynor, the surveyor, came home and Jim and I hauled in
three loads of oats. This finished the harvest and a long one it was. Began on the 10th of August.
The weather was pretty favourable all through, but we did not come speed.* There were 75 Loads
of all kinds of Grain. Jim and wife, Clark and Ida and Andrew Russell drove to Dundalk after tea.
337
[in margin] Finished Harvesting. [*= but even with good weather, we did not finish the season’s
work quickly.]
25 Dark morning, the day dry with the exception of a slight shower of Rain about 5 P.M. Jim went to
John Gott’s threshing. I Broke Ground for the house on Lot 220 Proton, dug three post holes.
Andrew left for Toronto on the 5 O’clock afternoon train. [in margin] Andrew / left for Toronto
26 Misty morning, the day cloudy, a slight sprinkling of Rain occasionally. I finished digging post
holes. Jim is sick with a cold.
27 Wet morning, the day showery and cold. I wrote some letters in the forenoon and took them to the
post office in the afternoon. I went from there to Enniskillen cheese factory and got my Second
milk payment ($62.00). Jim was at W. Armstrong’s threshing in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent
letters to / W. Russell, Ireland / & W. Russell / Arthur City P.O. / St. of Texas.
<p. 56>
Sept[ember] 1888
28th Quite cold this morning, with a very hard frost, the day cool all through, a little snow fell about
one P.M. Jim helped me in the forenoon to put in five posts in the new house on Lot 220, then he
went to W. Armstrong’s threshing and took Willie’s place, who came home and went to plowing
in the afternoon and in the afternoon drove his mother to Dundalk. I was digging out the cellar.
29 Cold, raw morning, the day chilly all through, quite a shower of snow about 4 P.M. It fell thick
and fast and covered the ground well. I bought a ram lamb from Mr. John Arnold for $3.50.
Clark Willie traded steers with D. Reid and gave him $5.00 difference. Clark and I were digging
cellar. Willie was plowing and Jim was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Mrs. Rose of Toronto and Jo-
seph W. Agnew are here. [in margin] Snow
30th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, and some more fell during the forenoon, the
afternoon seen the most of it gone, it is quite wintery-like. Sam and Phoebe came here in the af-
ternoon. Mrs. Rose and child are here. [in margin] Snow
<p. 57>
October 1888
1st Wet morning, the forenoon showery, the afternoon dry. Jim went to Walter Bell’s threshing in the
forenoon. I finished digging the cellar in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the afternoon and drove
Mrs. Rose to Mr. McLaughlin’s at night.
2nd Cold morning, the day very chilly and a fall of snow at night. I attended a council meeting in
Dundalk. Willie plowed.
3 Ground covered with snow this morning. It melted some through the day, still, the day was very
wintery-like. Joseph Neithercut came here and we started in the afternoon to take out timber for
the foundation of a house I am about to build. [in margin] Snow / J. Neithercut / came to work /
Mrs. Yourex[?] committed suicide
4 Cold, Raw morning, the day chilly all through. Jim, Mr. Neithercut and I worked at getting out
timber and hauling it to the place. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Went S. Bell’s Bailsman
for $500. He is collector of taxes for the village of Dundalk. [in margin] Snow
5 Another cold wintery-like morning. We were working at laying the foundation of the House and
digging drain from cellar. Willie plowed.
6 Sharp frost this morning, the day pretty fine with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and I with Joseph
Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed with the exception of the time he was hauling a
load of lumber from the Saw Mill.
<p. 58>
October 1888
338
7th Sabbath. Rain in the morning but it cleared up and the afterboon was dry with the exception of a
very slight mizzle. Johney and wife and daughter and Henry Lonsway & Wife were here.
8 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and cold. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon
and in the afternoon worked at the new house. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked half a day at it.
9 Cold morning, the day chilly all through. Mr. Neithercut was working at the house. Jim was at H.
Jackson’s sawing. Willie plowed. I was on the Sick list, Billiousness, I think.
10 Sharp frost this morning, but the Sun got out and the day was fine. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon and contracted for some flooring at $18.00 p[er] thousand (Burch[=birch] dressed), Window
Sash @ .65 each, panel door $2.50, Battin doors, 5 at $1.25 each. I paid John McDowell Balance
of his account in full for sawing ($9.15). I had paid him $10.00 before this. In the afternoon I
helped raise potatoes. Mr. Neithercut was helping. We took up about 70 Bushels. They are not so
good a crop as last year. I also entered some things for the show fair. [in margin] Clark went to
Board / at Johney’s
11 Fine morning, the day dry and pleasant. We worked at the house. Willie plowed.
12 Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie
plowed. In the afternoon all of us but Mr. Neithercut, went to Dundalk Sh[ow]. fair.
<p. 59>
October 1888
13th Wet morning, the forenoon pretty wet, the afternoon dry. I went in the forenoon to Johney’s to see
about some shingles. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed.
14th Sabbath. Cool and dry. Mrs. T. Carson and her son James were here.
15 Quite a hard frost this morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. I raised six bags of potatoes. Jim
and Mr. Neithercut worked at the house. Willied ploughed.
16 Wet morning, the day cloudy and slightly wet. Mr. Neithercut and I worked at the house. Willie
plowed. Jim went to the Sale of the late G. Glazier.
17 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering with several showers. Willie plowed in the forenoon
and in the afternoon went to the farm of the late G. Glazier for some things that Jim had bought.
Mr. Neithercut, Jim and I worked at the house.
18 Dark morning, the day dark but dry. Jim went to J. Patterson’s plowing Bee. Willie tried to plow
in the forenoon, and helped at the House in the afternoon. J. Neithercut & I worked at house.
19 Wet morning, wet at noon and cold and damp in the afternoon. I went along with S. Bell to judge
some plowing in Melancthon. There were Eleven competed. Prize a Ewe Lamb. Jim won it.
James Patterson gave it.
<p. 60>
October 1888
20th Ground covered with snow this morning, the day was one of alternate showers of snow, Rain and
sunshine. It finally wound up with snow and a sharp frost. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and
settled some accounts for hardware and lumber. Came home and went to J. Mills’ threshing in the
afternoon. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. & Ida pulled ap-
ples in the forenoon and Mrs. R. went with Johney in the afternoon to see his Baby who is sick.
[in margin] John’s Baby Girl died / at night
21st Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, pretty cold day all through. We went to the
Burial of Son John’s little Baby Girl. She was only about Six weeks old when she died. She was
buried in the church yard of the Union Church.
22 Pretty hard frost this morning, and the morning chilly. The sun got out and the day was milder in
the afternoon, looking almost like Rain at night. I was at J. Mills’ threshing. Willie plowed. Jim
339
and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Mrs. Jas. Maxwell fell out of her waggon on her way to
Dundalk and broke her leg. [in margin] Mrs. Maxwell / Broke her leg.
23 Dark, misty morning, the day dark and a slight mizzle of Rain fell during the afternoon. Jim and
Mr. Neithercut worked at the House. I went to J. Mills’ threshing in the forenoon and to D. Reid’s
in the afternoon. Willie ploughed in the forenoon and went to the threshing in the afternoon.
<p. 61>
October 1888
24th Dark morning, the day dark and showery and cold. I was at Dan Reid’s threshing in the forenoon
and chored around home in the afternoon. Jim and Joseph Neithercut worked at the house.
25 Beautiful day all through, mild and sunny. I and J. Neithercut shingled. Jim had the threshing
machine this afternoon. [in margin] threshed
26 Dry morning, but the sky got overcast and the day was slightly wet. J. Neithercut worked at the
house. Jim finished threshing at home. He has about 780 Bushels of oats or 26 Bushels to the
acre, and 20 of wheat or 10 Bushels to the acre. Both oats and wheat are good. He kept about 2
1/2 acres of oats in the sheaf to cut for his horses. I had six acres mixed oats and pease. Threshed
all but one load, have about 180 Bushels. Andrew Lonsway was at the threshing and got a very
bad fall. He slid from the scaffold to the top of the chaff house and fell from there to the Barn
floor. He struck on his head and Breast and broke his breast bone. He was in Excruciating agony
for about two hours till the Doctor came and injected something (I think morphine) into his arm.
[in margin] A. Lonsway / got hurt. / Got letter from / Mrs. W. Russell / Arthur City P.O. / Texas
27 Wet morning, the day showery till about 3:30 P.M. when it cleared off. Jim was threshing at Mr.
Arnold’s. His grain there did not turn out well. He has only about 400 Bushels of oats, or 20 to
the acre. 50 Bushels of Barley or 8 to the acre, 120 Bushels of pease, or 12 to the acre. The grain
is good, but not much of it. [in margin] Pigs put up / to fat
<p. 62>
October 1888
28th Sabbath. Changeable day. Rain and Shine alternately.
29 Showery and sunshine, snow falling at night. Jim and Willie with three Horses at H. Lonsway’s
threshing. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Mr. Neithercut worked at the house.
30 Rather dark morning and considerable of snow on the ground. The sun got out and the day was
pretty fine. Jim and Mr. N[eithercut] worked at the house. Willie ploughed. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. I sat up all night with Andrew Lonsway.
31 Fine morning, the day particularly fine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with some Rain.
Willie ploughed in the forenoon and went to Johney’s in the afternoon for some shingles. I slept
in the forenoon and Raised the Balance of our potaotes (4 Bags) in the afternoon. Jim and Mr.
Neithercut worked at the house.
November [1888]
1st Fine morning, the day unusually mild, just balmy enough to be about the middle of May. Jim and
J. Neithercut worked at the house. I Raised beets and banked the house. Willie ploughed. [in
margin] Heard / Frogs
2 Fine morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon overcast. Jim and J. N. worked at the house. I dug
drain in the dry part of the day, nailed on Boards on the inside in the wet. Willie ploughed.
<p. 63>
November 1888
340
3rd Squally morning, the afternoon pretty fine, with a clear sky at night. Jim and J. Neithercut worked
at the house. Willie ploughed. I dug cellar drain in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon.
4th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day very mild.
5 Mild, moderate day, dry and warm. Willie ploughed. Mrs. R. went to see Mrs. W. Fawcet. Jim
and J. Neithercut worked at the house. I dug cellar drain.
6 Cloudy morning, the day [warm?] but watery-like. The afternoon a little bright. I dug drain in the
forenoon and in the afternoon went to Sam’s. From there to the School House, then Clark and I
went to Dundalk. Willie ploughed. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. [in margin] Got a
letter / from Bell’s Robert.
7 Fine morning, the [day] fine, dry and Balmy. I finished drain digging in the forenoon, went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark and I attended* at a land Sale. Clark has bought a Lot of 100
acres of Good Bush Land for [dittography: for] $625.00. $200. to be paid in Cash in thirty days,
the Balance in yearly instalments of $50.00 with interest at the rate of 6 1/2 per cent per annum.
(Lot 29, Con 4, Township of Melancthon N.E.). Willie and I Brought home the Glass, Window
Sash & doors for House. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at house. I paid $2.50 for a panel door,
$1.25 a piece for five Batten doors & .65 a sash for 9 window sashes, $4.40 for felt paper, or 2 1/2
¢ per pound, and $6.35 for Glass putty, and Lock, hinges, door Latches, screw nails, etc.
[*attended at = were present at.]
<p. 64>
November 1888
8th Snowing this morning, then it turned to rain and continued coming down all evening. Jim and J.
Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed in the forenoon, and papered house in the after-
noon. [in margin] Cattle stabled / 1st time this fall
9 Slight mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for a
pair of Boots, some glass & Hinges. In the afternoon I covered in drain. Willie plowed. Jim and
J. Neithercut worked at the House. Rev. R. Gordon, W. Lonsway and daugher Annie, and R. Da-
vison were here. [* W. Lonsway is brother-in-law, husband of Margaret Russell; Richard Davison
is uncle of Mary Davidson Russell, Robert’s daughter-in-law.]
10 Wet morning, slightly wet in the forenoon and a little Rain in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the
forenoon. I worked at covering drain. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house.
11th Sabbath. Pretty cold day, the Roads very muddy. Johney and Ina were here.
12 The Ground covered with snow this morning. Several showers of snow during the forenoon, the
afternoon finer. Willie plowed in the forenoon. I finished covering in House drain. Jim and J.
Neithercut worked at the House.
13 Quit a bit of snow on the Ground this morning, But the sun got out and the most of the snow had
disappeared about 3 P.M. Willie plowed. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. I worked at
the Township Books.
<p. 65>
November 1888
14th Mild morning, the day Balmy and dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and lifted Clark’s note
of $150.00 which he gave to Robert Duncan about two hours previous. Jim and J. Neithercut
worked at the house. Willie plowed. D. Reid helped with his team. Skeffington Bell was here.
15 Fine day, mild and nice. Jim hauled a load of cheese from Enniskil[l]en to Dundalk in the fore-
noon and worked at the house with Mr. Neithercut in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I put on felt pa-
per. Willie plowed in the afternoon.
341
16 The ground covered with snow this morning, the day cold. Mrs. R. and I put paper on the inside
of the house. Jim got some lumber from Dundalk. J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie
ploughed.
17 Wintery-like morning, the afternoon mild. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie went to Mr.
Nicholes’ threshing. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house.
18th Sabbath. Cold day, a little snow fell in the afternoon. Sam and Phoebe were here. I left at one
O’clock and walked to Hopeville, stopped all night.
19 Soft morning, a little rain, the day mild, with a sharp frost at night. Jim and Mr. Neithercut
worked at the house, I went from Hopeville to Cederville to Council meeting and stopped with Mr.
Rogers (Reeve) all night. G. Johnson also stopped.
<p. 66>
November 1888
20th Cold morning, the day very sharp although the sun shone out bright. G. Johnson and I left
Cederville this morning and came to his place, we got there about 1:30 P.M. I had dinner there
and then walked home.
21 Another sharp morning, the day pretty cold, Freezing all the time. I went to Mr. C. Johnson’s in
the forenoon and got $48.25, the last payment for milk. We had put in to his factory 23655
pounds, and got for that $161.25. Paid H. Lonsway for hauling milk to factory $13.75, which only
left $147.50, or 6¢ 2 m[ills] per gal. of ten pounds of milk.
22 Cold morning, the afternoon warmer. Jim and Willie went to the mill for lumber. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon to meet the collector, got $1525.00 from him and deposited it in the Bank
there.
23 Pretty sharp morning, the afternoon finer with a good deal of sunshine. I chored around. Willie
helped his mother to put felt paper on the house. Jim was at J. Brinkman’s threshing. [in margin]
Steer put up / cattle took / to Arnold’s
24 Mild morning, the day almost like a thaw, a slight fall of snow in the afternoon. Jim was at J.
Brinkman’s threshing. Willie was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Johney & wife were here. I went to
Brother Sam’s.
25th Sabbath. Pretty cold morning, the afternoon milder.
<p. 67>
November 1888
26th Cold morning with some snow falling during most of the day. Keen freeze. Jim worked at the
House. I done chores. Willie hauled a load of hay to Dundalk for H. Lonsway.
27 Mild morning with a tendancy to thaw, the afternoon soft and the snow melting. Jim worked at
the house. Willie hauled firewood home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
28 Soft morning, the day mild, the snow disappearing. Jim and I worked at the House. Willie at A.
Lons[way]’s threshing.
29 Soft morning, the day soft with a slight fall of Rain. Jim and I worked at the House. Willie was at
A. Lonsway’s threshing.
30 Soft morning, the day mild with a snowfall in the afternoon. Jim finished working at the House. I
helped. Willie was at Mr. Lonsway’s threshing in the forenoon, and in the afternoon drove Mrs.
R., Ida & Mary to Dundalk.
December [1888]
1st Sharp morning, the day rather cold. I went to Dundalk. Jim helped J. Jackson to saw at J. John-
son’s. Willie helped John Arnold to cut feed.
2nd Sabbath. Rather milder than yesterday, considerably softer in the afternoon.
342
3 Mild day with snow falling at night. We butchered Hogs, 4 in number, two of Jim’s and two of
mine. W. Lonsway helped. Johney was here. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs
<p. 68>
December 1888
4th Mild day with a little snow. Jim cut oat sheaves with Mr. John Arnold’s cutting Box. Mr. Arnold
helped him.
5 Mild day. Jim finished cutting and took home the Box and Horsepower.* Johney was here and
took home his two sucking pigs which he had left here to get fed up a little for him. I traded a
three year old horse to him for his Mare, Gerty (16 years old again this spring), an even trade if the
mare is with foal. I worked at the Township Books in the afternoon. [*the cutting box, for chop-
ping oat sheaves (both straw and grain) for animal feed, is powered by a gear mechanism, driven
by radial arm pulled in a circle by horses.]
6 Mild morning, the day pretty mild, but cloudy. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon
and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Ida papered the new house. Willie chored
around.
7 Mild morning, the day mild but cloudy. Jim went to John Irvin’s threshing. I fixed a Bin in the
cellar for potatoes in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Willie and I picked them out of the pit and
hauled them to the cellar. There were 23 Bags. Mrs. R. & Ida finished papering the house. Mary
helped.
8 Fine morning, the day mild. Jim went to the Grist Mill with wheat. Willie helped W. Lonsway
put straw in the Barn in the afternoon. Clark wrote out the receipts and payments, also assets and
Liabilities, of the Township of Proton from the 1st of January (till the 15th Dec., inclusive). [in
margin] Phoebe & Sam / here in the afternoon
<p. 69>
December 1888
9th Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day fine. Mrs. R. and Ida went to T. Carson’s. Jim and Mary went
to Johney’s.
10 Beautiful day, mild and balmy, the sun shone out pleasantly in the afternoon. We moved from Lot
215, Where we had lived for about 26 years to a House which I got Built on an acre of Land which
I purchased from Widow Bowler on the North-West* corner of Lot 220, Gravel Road, Township
of Proton. Jim has purchased the old Homestead, 100 acres for $2500.00. I bestow him $900.00
of purchase money and he pays me $100.00 a year without interest for 16 years, then he is done
paying. I hope he will do well. [in margin] Moved to the / New house. [*a slip: it is the North-
East side of Lot 220, as noted earlier, 14 August 1888. Only the east side of Lot 220 Proton is on
the Gravel Road; since the road runs diagonally NW-SE, it is possible that Robert is seeing his
acre lot as north-west, relative to the other corner (SE) of the lot on the Gravel Road.]
11 Mild day all through, the sleighing very poor on some parts of the Roads. I went to Dundalk and
got a draft for the full amount of Co[unty] Rates and sent it to the Co[unty] Treasurer.
12 Quite cold this morning, the day cold, Blowing and snowing, especially at night. The snow came
down fast and furious. Mrs. D. Reid and little ones visited us in our new house. I fixed the shed
on T. Arnold’s place to make it warmer for my cattle. Jim came and fixed a little Jessamine Bow-
er [?is this for a cow?].
13 Cold stormy morning, the day Blowing and Freezing. Willie is going to do my chores and Jim’s
through the winter. He is stopping at Jim’s as most of my stock is there.
<p. 70>
December 1888
343
14th Rough stormy morning, the day decidedly cold and stormy till near night, when it moderated. I
went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim’s Mary came down a while at night.
15 Mild morning, the day softening and some rain fell in the afternoon. Quite a thaw through the
night. I took the Mare, Gerty, and went to a council meeting at Hopeville. The mare showed signs
of sickness on the way, kept looking at her left side and was quite dull. I put her into the stable at
Hopeville and Blanketed her. In about half an hour she was wet with sweat. When council meet-
ing was over at about 11 P.M. I gave her about an ounce of spirits of sweet nitre in some warm
water. She seemed to get something better but I thought it best to stop all night. [in margin] Rain
16th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day generally wet. I left Hopeville about 9 O’clock and got home
about 1 P.M. We gave the mare about a quart of spring wheat, this, I think, done her good. I be-
lieve her sickness was brought on by smelling Blood where we had been Butchering hogs previous
to going to Hopeville. Mary and Jim were here this eavning. [in margin] Rain
17 Still thawing, but the day turned colder in the afternoon, and snow began falling. The roads are in
a glare of ice. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited $1500.00 township funds in the
Bank. Mary was here this eavning.
<p. 71>
December 1888
18th Cold stormy day, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I only done the feeding of the cattle in the
Rented Farm. Clark was here all night.
19 Cold morning, Blowing, Snowing and freezing till after dinner, when the wind abated something.
The afternoon was cold without the high wind. I done the chores for Willie as he was chopping.
Mrs. R. and Ida went to Dundalk in D. Reid’s sleigh.
20 Windy morning, the day pretty chilly with a very high wind at night. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon and returned a suit of clothes to Mr. F. Nixon, they did not fit. I got another suit from
him for the same price, $12.50. Johney and Ina called this eavning.
21 Cold stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing, the afternoon was intensely cold, piercing
frost. I brought three of the cows from Jim’s place to T. Arnold’s farm as I think that will equalize
the fodder. Jim took two Bags of Grain (oats and pease) to the mills in Dundalk to be chopped for
me. He did not get it done, as the mills were not working. Gilbert McConnel[l], Collector of Tax-
es, was here this night and paid over the Balance of Collection. [in margin] Very cold
22 Sharp morning, the forenoon very cold, the afternoon milder. I went with the Collector in a Buggy
to a council meeting at Hopeville in the afternoon. He drove me half the way home at night and I
walked the rest of the Road. Got home about midnight.
<p. 72>
December 1888
23rd Sabbath. Mild morning, the day mild and the snow melting, thaw wind. Mrs. R. and I went to
Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Thaw
24 Mild morning, the snow disappearing, the day was soft all through. Jim fixed up the small house a
little for me. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night. [in margin] Thaw
25 Wet morning, the day slightly showery and rather unpleasant for outdoor sports. We had with us
for the day Brother Sam and Phoebe and their children, except Willie and Madella, also Jim and
his Wife, John and his wife, and Clark and Willie. Mrs. R. and all our family went at night to the
Christmas anniversary in Dundalk. Dan Reid and his wife also went and left their three little girls
in my keeping till they would come back. Johney gave me a Christmas present of a handsome pair
of slippers and Ina gave Mrs. R. a present of another pair. [in margin] Christmas / Rain
344
26 Soft morning, the thaw still continues, the Roads are getting decidedly sloppy. The afternoon a
slight mizzle of Rain. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to get the printer to correct an error
which he had made in the Proton accounts. He promised to correct it in tomorrow’s paper.
27 Frost has set in this morning and some snow with it. There fell a little snow during the day, there
was also a cold wind. I fixed a way in T. Arnold’s Barn to feed the cattle without throwing the
feed out of the Barn doors.
<p. 73>
December 1888
28th Sharp frost this morning, the day cold, the Roads very rough. Some go with waggons and some
with sleighs. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
29 Dark, mild morning, the day dark but not cold. Jim and wife and Willie were here at night and
they with Ida and Mrs. R. went to Dan Reid’s at night.
30th Sabbath. Soft morning, the day mild. Mrs. R., Ida and I went to Jim’s in the eavning.
31st Another change this morning, snow falling and the air pretty cold. The snow ceased about 11
A.M., the afternoon was pretty mild. Jim took the team and Democrat waggon and we went to
Hopeville to the Nomination. There was quite a stormy time there for a while. Candidates telling
all what they would do for the good of the Township if Electetd, other candidates trying to find
fault with the doings of the old Council. Jim and I left about 5:30 P.M. and came home. The Old
Year is going out quickly and while taking a Retrospective glance I find that We have nothing to
regret but many things to be thankful for. We have all had our health which is a great Blessing, in
fact the greatest blessing in store for mankind. I hope and trust the new Year may be as kind to us
as the old.
<p. 74>
January 1889
1st A little sharp this morning, the middle of the day and the afternoon milder. Scarcely any sleigh-
ing, a little snow on the roads but not enough. The waggons are running. I and Willie hauled two
loads of wood home, then I fed the cattle and chored around.
2 Pretty nice morning, the day mild but not much sunshine. I went to Dundalk. Jim, Mary & Willie
were here a while at night. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland
3 Beautiful morning, the sun rose clear, the day was one of sunshine and mildness. I helped Jim cut
a sleigh Road in the swamp. [in margin] Letter from / Hauty
4 Beautiful morning, mild and Balmy, just like a lovely Spring day all through. I helped D. Reid
clean up two loads of oats, and worked at Twp. Books for about two Hours.
5 Not quite so nice a day as yesterday, there was a fog, with a cold Raw wind prevailing all day. I
helped Jim in the forenoon to cut a Road in the swamp and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. [in
magin] 12 Sheep took / to D. Reid’s
6th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day soft, with a snow storm in the eavning which lasted long enough to
make good sleighing. Johney and Ina were here.
7 Calm, mild day and very fair sleighing. I went to the Municipal Election held on Lot 220, third
Range. I voted then went to Dundalk and done some Business. Came back to the poll and stopped
to help count the Ballots.
<p. 75>
January 1889
8th Mild morning, the day mild, the snow softening. Jim and Henry Lonsway Butchered a fat steer for
me in the forenoon. I took the hide which weighed 75 pounds to Dundalk and sold it for Four
cents per pound.
345
9 Soft morning, with a tendancy to Rain, which came on about 11 A.M. and continued Raining till
about 4 P.M., when it turned to a severe snow storm with a very high wind. I went to Mr. James
Kinnear’s Lot 35, fifth Con., Melancthon, to write out his last Will. He is 72 years of age and
pretty bad with Rheumatism in the region of the heart. Jim was out in Melancthon preparing for
the S[awing] Machine. Clark came here from School this eavning. [in margin] Wrote out / James
Kinnear’s / Will
10 Very stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, very high wind. The Roads are filling up badly,
great banks of snow accumulating. The day from morning till night was a regular Blizzard. [in
margin] Big storm
11 Another stormy day, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing from morning till night, great drifts in the
fence corners and on the Roads. I enlarged the shed for the cattle on T. Arnold’s place, and helped
Jim to clean a load of pease in the afternoon. D. Reid and Wife were here a while at night.
12 Pretty fine morning, the sun rose bright and clear, the day was a little sharp, but pleasant. There is
now good sleighing except where the snow banks have not been broke through. I went to Dundalk
in the Forenoon, and when I came home helped Willie haul some wood.
<p. 76>
January 1889
13th Sabbath. Pretty mild day all through. Mrs. R., Ida and Willie were visiting at Mr. T. Carson’s. J.
Ella Arnold was here at night.
14 Beautiful morning, the sun rose clear and mild, the day was one of sunshine. Jim and Johny were
sawing with the machine on Johney’s Lot.
15 Another fine morning, the day mild and pleasant. Jim and Johney were sawing on John’s Lot.
16 Soft-like morning. Rain came on about 11 A.M. and the afternoon was decidedly wet. I got my
sheep (12) from D. Reid’s place. I had them there for nine days. Jim hauled a load of 12 foot Ce-
dar logs for his uncle Sam to Dundalk. [in margin] Rain / Thaw
17 Sharp morning, the snow in a great measure gone, the Ground tightening up again with frost. The
wind rose in the afternoon and there also was a little snow fell. [in margin] My Birth day / 53
years of age
18 Rather chilly this morning, the afternoon milder, a little snow falling occasionally. Very cold at
night, the Roads are in a sheet of ice. I went to Dundalk. D. Reid was here a while at night.
19 Very sharp morning, the day freezing although the sun shone most of the time. Jim and Willie
went to H. Lonsway’s sawing. I chored around and done Jim’s chores.
<p. 77>
January 1889
20th Sabbath. Very Stormy day. High wind, Frost and snow.
21 Blowing, snowing and freezing all day. I got Jim’s Grey horse and went to a Council Meeting at
Hopeville. I stopped all night.
22 Milder morning than yesterday, the middle of the day and afternoon mild and sunny. I left Hope-
ville and got home at noon.
23 Rather soft in the morning, and decidedly so before night. Bright sun and soft wind. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
24 Mild day all through, the sleighing is getting quite thin.
25 Bright sunny morning, the day lovely, sunshine all through, the snow disappearing. Jim hauled me
a load of stove wood from Melancthon in the forenoon, and Willie hauled me one in the afternoon.
I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
346
26 Beautiful, sunny morning, the day one of sunshine and also a mild, balmy air. I helped Jim in the
swamp to cut some cedar [MS ceadar] posts.
27th Sabbath. The Bushes covered this morning with hoar frost. Like a thaw, but snow came on about
noon and snowed all day. I went to see Mr. Kinnear who is sick.
<p. 78>
January 1889
28th Snow falling this morning and kept snowing all day. I worked at the Township Books.
29 A little snow fell during the forenoon, the afternoon without snow and pretty frosty. I helped Jim
to cut cedar posts.
30 Quite a keen frost this morning, the day sharp all through, with a snow storm at night. I helped
Jim cut posts.
31 The Roads very heavy this morning, the day cold and stormy, especially at eavning. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon. Brother John and wife, with cousin Mary Murphy, came here this
eavning. The women stopped all night, John stopped at Jim’s.
February [1889]
1st Very sharp morning, the day cold. Johney came down about noon then he and the women went to
H. Lonsway’s after dinner. Thos. McKee’s son, Thos., died yesterday of Typhus fever. He is to
be buried this afternoon. Jim is now gone to the funeral. He was a young Britton and the Brittons
therefore bury him. Brother John stopped here all night. [in margin] Thos. McKee / Junior Buried
2 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and freezing, which was the general features [MS feautures]
of the day. John went to Son Jim’s and in the afternoon to John’s. The Township auditors, Alex
Gillespie and Thos. Laughlin, were auditing my Books as Township Treasurer. [in margin] Audi-
tors / here
<p. 79>
February 1889
3rd Sabbath. Mild day with a slight snowfall. Mrs. R. and I went to Br. Sam’s at night.
4 Mild morning, almost like a thaw, the day soft till the afternoon when there came on a snow storm
with pretty high wind. John and Wife went to the Faucet’s. Phoebe and Mary Murphy were here.
5 Snow falling this morning, and the day very cold, intense frost, the Roads so heavy that the folks
could not get home. [in margin] Cold
6 Another sharp morning, Freezing like Greenland, and snow falling, the weather so rough that the
folks could not get home. I stopped at Jim’s last night. We brought seven head of the cattle from
T. Arnold’s as the feed at that Barn is getting short. [in margin] Very cold
7 Another very sharp morning, snowing, Blowing and Freezing, the Roads very heavy, as no teams
have ventured out lately. The folks are still storm Bound. [in margin] Cold
8 Something milder this morning, the day pretty calm, the storm seems to be abated. John and wife,
with Mrs. Mary Murphy, left this morning for home. Jim helped me fix the stove pip[e]s which
were smoking Badly.
9 Mild morning, but quite a lot of snow fell during the night. The day quite mild all through.
<p.80>
February 1889
10th Sabbath. Rather milder this morning than yesterday, some snow fell. Mrs. R., Ida and Willie went
to hear the Salvation Army at Maxwell [? tiny script]
347
11 Another snowfall during the day and the afternoon snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a very stormy
afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. Mrs. John Gott was here in the afternoon. I worked at copy-
ing the defaulters from Collector’s list into Defaulters’ Book.
12 A very sharp morning, with quite a snowfall during the night. A very keen freeze about noon.
The people passing on the Road seem scarcely able to keep themselves from Freezing. I finished
copying defaulters.
13 Rather cold this morning, but the sun got out and shone for quite a while. I helped D. Reid to put
on a load of hay.
14 Bright, sunny morning and the day was clear and sunny. More sunshine today than has been for
the last ten days all put together. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. McLaughlin was here.
15 Sharp cold morning, the day sunny but cold. Mrs. R. got Gerty and the cutter and started for
Johney’s this morning. I worked at the Township Books.
16 Dark morning, the atmosphere heavy, the wind high and indications of a thaw. The wind pretty
high all day. I went to Dundalk after helping D. Reid to put on a jag of hay. [in margin] Sent / let-
ters to R. Clark / & R. Clark [*perhaps his son R. Clark, and an Irish relative of his mother, Anne
Clark Russell; see May 16, 1889]
<p. 81>
February 1889
17th Sabbath. Mild morning, thawing a little. It rained last night. Jim's wife gave birth to a baby last
night, or very early this morning. It's a girl. [in margin] Jim’s first / Baby born.
18 Quite a sharp morning, the day pretty cold, a snow storm came on about noon, and continued all
afternoon and night. I went to see James Kinnear who is very sick.
19 Cold snowy morning, the snow kept falling till after noon when it cleared off. The afternoon
stormy, but a sharp frost.
20 Stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, the day generally cold with a strong wind and
occasionally a snow shower. Phoebe was here a while. I went to see Sam, where he was taking
out Barn timber on the rear end of his Lot for Walter Bell. The road was drifted badly and it was a
tiresome walk. [in margin] Cold and / stormy
21 Cold, stormy morning, the middle of the day milder. A very strong wind at night, accompanied
with snow. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in the margin] Cold
22 Cold morning, the day extremely cold, blowing and freezing with a slight snowfall. The roads are
almost impassible. Johney came this way on his way to the grist Mill, but he had to leave his
wheat at Jim's, the roads being so bad he could not get through. [in margin] Cold
23 Another very cold morning, the middle of the day cold, and cold at night, blowing, snowing, &
freezing. A piercing cold day. D. Pate was here. [in margin] very cold
<p. 82>
February 1889
24th Sabbath. Sharp morning, and the day cold but not stormy. I went to James Kinnear’s and added a
codicile to his Will. I stopped a while at Brother Sam's coming home.
25 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny and sharp, but not near as cold as yesterday. Johney hauled
me a load of firewood from Melancthon. The roads are so bad he upset several times, and had to
leave part of the load about a mile from here. He brought the part he had left off to me in the af-
ternoon. I split and piled it at the house.
26 Pretty sharp morning, the day generally cold, with a snowfall in the afternoon. I attended a meet-
ing of Proton council held in Dundalk. It was midnight when they adjourned. The roads were
very heavy and I was pretty tired when I got home.
348
27 Fine, mild morning, the day mild with a good deal of sunshine. I helped D. Reid to put on two
loads of hay, and to put off one load in Dundalk.
28 Beautiful morning, the day soft and with a Balmy air, feels good after so many very cold days. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon, called at W. Bell’s coming home. Mrs. R. and I had tea there.
<p. 83>
March 1889
1st Fine morning, the day mild, the eavning like spring. Mrs. John Arnold was here. Mrs. R. and I
went to her house a while at night.
2 Beautiful sunny morning, the day springlike and warm. Bright sun all day. Mrs. R. brought her
geese home this eavning.
3rd Sabbath. Beautiful sunny day. Mrs. R. and Ida went to James Kinnear’s.
4 Fine morning, the day fine all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and got examined by
Dr. McWilliams for a cold. He gave me a prescription to be filled by Mr. Parsons, druggist. The
examination and medicine cost me $1.15. I went to Brother Sam's in the afternoon. Mrs. Ja[me]s
Maxwell and Mrs. John Arnold were here.
5 The weather has changed today, it's colder and Blowing a good deal. I went to Jim’s and Willie
and I cleaned up about 150 bushels of Grain. Ja[me]s Kinnear died this night.
6 A pretty sharp day, with some snow falling.
7 Quite a cold morning, the day cold and windy. Mrs. R. and I went with Mr. Arnold to the funeral
of James Kinnear. [in margin] Letter from / Willi[am] / Keeter P. O.* / Wise Co. / St. of Tex. / U.
S. [*Keeter is about 30 miles NW of Fort Worth, Tx.]
8 Cold, windy morning, the day blowing, snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk and Mr. J Ar-
nold and I, who are appointed Executors for the late James Kinnear, consulted James Lamon [MS
Laymon], lawyer, regarding our manner of procedure under the Will.
<p. 84>
March 1889
9th Stormy morning, the day very stormy all through, Snowing and Blowing.
10th Sabbath. Not quite so cold or stormy as yesterday. Sam’s Madella was here all night.
11 Bright sunny morning, the day had a good deal of sunshine and the snow melted considerably. I
went with Mr. Arnold in the afternoon to the late J. Kinnear’s and took an inventory of his chat-
tels.
12 Fine morning, the day fine all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
13 Pretty mild morning, the day mild, and the snow melting. I helped Jim to clean up some oats for
market.
14 Something colder than yesterday. Still, there was a little thaw. I helped Jim to clean up some
grain in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought one barrel salt for $1.25.
15 Cold morning, but the afternoon milder, and the snow thawed some. I helped Jim to clean up
Grain. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night.
16 Fine morning, the day soft and the snow thawing, a great many parts of the road are quite bare.
Mrs. R. and I helped Jim to clean up grain. He had about 480 B[ushels] Oats, 64 of Barley, &110
of pease on J. Arnold’s place, or 640 in all. On his own place, about 752 of oats, and 16 of wheat,
total 768. Total for Both, 1422 bushels. Sold oats @ $.30 per Bushel.
<p. 85>
March 1889
17th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day sunny and warm. Jim and Johney and their wives were here.
349
18 Fine morning, the day one of sunshine, the snow melting rapidly. I helped Jim to clean up some
barley, then went to Dundalk, and helped Jim to clean up some oats at night.
19 Fine morning, the day pretty warm till the afternoon, when it became chilly, and at night it was
pretty cold. Miss Sarah Jackson and Mrs. H. Lonsway were here. The snow is gone off a good
deal of the Road, and the waggons are running.
20 Rather a sharp, raw, wind this morning. Still, the snow melted some and the afternoon was milder.
I went to brother Sam’s and traded him for cows in calve for a mare coming three years old. She
is a serviceable beast except for legs being spavined,* which diminishes her value quite a bit.
[*spavin: bony growth on lower hock joint of horse, caused by osteoarthritis; results in lameness]
21 Mild morning, the day mild all through, waggons running. Brother John came up and stopped at
Sam's all night. I posted a letter to brother William today containing $20.00, did not register it as I
thought it would be safer without. Spring must be coming as I seen Robins. [in margin] Sent let-
ter / to Br. William / Keeter P. O. / Wise Co. / Texas [MS Taxes]
22 Bright sunny day, and the snow disappearing. Brother John came out here and he and I went to
John Ludlow’s sale. We did not buy anything. He stopped all night with me. [in margin] Saw /
Robbin.
<p. 86>
March 1889
23rd Bright sunny morning, the day fine and warm. I was helping Jim in T. Arnold’s woods to cut
some firewood. [in margin] 1st cow / calved / Bossy.
24th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, quite springlike.
25 Cold morning, and the day pretty chilly, but a bright clear sky and plenty of sunshine. I chopped
some firewood in T. Arnold’s Bush.
26 Sharp morning, the day mild in the afternoon with a good deal of sunshine. John Agnew came
here from Jim’s in the forenoon. We worked in the eavning in the Bush preparing for the sawing
machine. There were here at night John Agnew, D. Reid and Wife, John Arnold and Wife, Jim
and Mary, Willie, and Johney Maxwell and his sister Maria.
27 Cold morning, the ground froze pretty hard, the afternoon milder and the snow thawing. John Ag-
new left for home this morning. I helped Jim in the bush. Joseph Jackson brought his sawing ma-
chine to the Bush and set it up this afternoon. I divided the sheep with Jim and gave him four, at
$4.00 apiece for three of them, and $5.00 for the other. I brought mine, Eight in number, over to
the rented place. I think I can see to them best myself, and dear [k]nows, they need to be cared
for!
28 Ground covered with snow this morning, the day cold. I was laid up sick. Jim sawed in the bush
with Joe Jackson's machine. He estimates he got about 20 cords cut. The track was bad, had to
quit before night.
<p. 87>
March 1889
29 Cold morning, the day cold all through. Snowing a little, Blowing some, and Freezing a good
deal. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
30 Cold morning, the day chilly, with a good deal of sunshine. Clark came here in the afternoon, and
is going to stop all night.
31st Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling, but the Fresh snow had all
disappeared before night. Mrs. R and Ida went to church in Dundalk. Mr. John Arnold and wife
were here in the eavning.
April [1889]
350
1st Quite cool this morning, but after the sun got fairly started, the day became warmer and the after-
noon was bright. I went to Johney's in Melancthon. He paid me $50.00 as a land payment for the
Lot which he lives on. I Expected more, but I guess he found it hard enough to get what he gave
me. Only I needed it pretty badly, I would not have asked it of him. I called in to the schoolhouse
in which I taught thirteen years ago. The faces of the pupils are all strange. I wrote a few copies
but my eyesight said plainly enough, “you are getting old.”
2 Hard frost this morning, and the forenoon rather chilly, the afternoon milder and the roads pretty
sloppy. Jim went to the Grist mill for some flour for me. Did not get it as they had none.
<p. 88>
April 1889
3rd Big snow storm this morning, and plenty more falling. The snow kept coming down till about 3
P.M. I think it fell about 6 inches. Jim hauled three loads of wood in the afternoon with the
sleigh. [in margin] Snow storm
4th Sleighing this morning, quite a good deal of snow on the ground, but when the sun got out the
sleighing got pretty thin. I attended in the afternoon the auction sale of the deceased J. Kinnear.
5 Mild morning, but quite a good deal of snow on the ground, and a little fell during the day. The
roads are getting pretty bad. The snow which fell is turning soft, and the roads are therefore get-
ting very muddy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim went to the mill for me and brought
Four barells of flour at Five dollars per Brl. He took the sleigh. The first of our lambs came to-
day. [in margin] First Lamb
6 Fine morning, the sun shone out strong and the snow disappeared a good deal. The roads got re-
markably slushy in the afternoon. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie hauled
me six loads of wood out of Jim’s day’s sawing. He had hauled me two very small loads before,
and D. Reid hauled me one. About nine, or perhaps nine and a half cords in all I have got from
Jim. I posted and registered a letter containing $15 to brother William, Keeter P. O., Wise Co.,
Texas. $5 of this was given by Sam and $10.00 by John. I had sent $20.00 to Brother William in
an unregistered letter on the 21st of last month. I am afraid he did not get it, as he has not replied
yet. [in margin] Sent letter to Brother William / Keeter P. O., Wise Co. / St. of Texas, U. S.
<p. 89>
April 1889
7th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, but quite a hard frost in the morning. W. McKay was here at night.
8 A little cloudy in the morning, and the sun did not shine so much today as yesterday. Still, the day
was warm. I split stove wood at the house.
9 Fine morning, the day mild and springlike. I went to Dundalk. Got a letter from brother William,
Keeter P.O., Wise Co., St. of Texas, U.S. [in margin] Letter from / Br. William
10 Fine sunny morning, the day beautiful and mild. I split stove wood.
11 Fine morning, sunny and mild, the afternoon cloudy and like Rain. I split wood in the forenoon
and went to Dundalk in afternoon. I wrote out a Lease for D. Reid at night, then Mrs. R., Ida and I
went to Mr. John Arnold’s and eat* taffy. Got the colt from Sam. [*eat is a spelling for the Irish
pronunciation of the past tense of eat (pronounced like et in et cetera), as opposed to current Ca-
nadian ate]
12 A little colder this morning, the middle of the day fine, the afternoon chilly. I split stove wood.
Proton Assessor (Duncan McKenzie) was here and stopped all night. Assessment on Lot 215
40 acres cleared $750.00
“ 216 10 “ “ $200.00
pt 220* 1 “ “ $50.00
351
5 days statute labor
Lot 217 10 “ “ $300.00
“ 218 35 “ “ $650.00
“ 219 15 “ “ $450.00
7 days statute labor. [*the one acre lot bought from Widow Bowler, site of the new house.]
<p. 90>
April 1889
13th Very hard frost this morning, the day chilly although the sun shone out Bright. The assessor left
this morning. I worked at the Township Books.
14th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, the day nice and sunny. Jim & Mary were here.
15 Hard frost this morning, but the sun got out strong and warm and the day was fine. Mr. John Ar-
nold and I went to Melancthon to See about leasing some of the Kinnear farm to Jean Crique. Jim
went to Dundalk in the eavning for a new plow and Iron Harrows for me which I had bought from
S. Bell, price $14.00 Each.
16 Beautiful morning, the day very fine, warm sun all through, very drying. Jim started plowing. He
plowed on the acre on Lot 220 for me. Willie started to plow in the afternoon on the Arnold Farm.
The ground turned over nice and dry, never seen it in such fine order so early in the season. Wil-
lie’s three year old colt was rather skittish at first, would throw [MS through] herself on the
ground, then jump up and kick, but she soon quit that and walked off quietly enough. John
McMurdo was here this afternoon to Sell me a Seeder, offered me a first class one for $55.00, But
I did not buy. D. Reid and I measured off the acre which I bought from Mrs. Bowler and we put
up posts. [in margin] First plowing
<p. 91>
April 1889
17th Fine morning, the day dry, sunny and warm, the latter part of the afternoon cloudy. Jim’s team
plowed for me today. I plowed with them in the afternoon. Willie plowed for me with our own
team. Sam got away his three cows from here.
18 A little cloudy in the morning, but the sun shone out during the greater part of the day. The day
was pleasant and warm. Willie plowed on the Arnold Farm. I sowed about an acre of mixed grain
(pease & oats) for early cattle feed when the grass gets dry and thin. Jim harrowed it. I don’t like
my new harrows: they track one pin in the track of the other, therefore I will return them. I went
to the horse show in Dundalk in the afternoon. Joseph Neithercut took his cow home. [in margin]
First Grain sowen [=sown]
19 Dry morning, the forenoon dry and warm, the Rain came on about 5 P.M., slightly at first, then
cleared off and came on again about dark, heavy, with thunder and lightening. I planted about 1
1/2 Bushels of potatoes. This is the Earliest planting that I ever remember of doing. Willie
plowed on the Arnold Lot. [in margin] First potatoes / planted. / 2nd Cow calved
20 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a good deal of sunshine, great growth. I took in a pair
of Collars in the forenoon and got two others instead. In the afternoon I picked up some rubbish
on the Arnold farm and planted about two pails’ full of potatoes for Jim. Widow Kinnear came
here and got the Crique Lease from me.
<p. 92>
April 1889
21st Sabbath. Hard frost this morning but the afternoon was sunny and pleasant. [in margin] Easter
22 Hard frost in the morning, but the sun got out and thawed it so that the plowing was not stopped.
The afternoon was pleasant. Willie plowed on the Arnold farm. I worked at the Township Books,
352
preparing an abstract of Receipts & Expenditure for Bursar of Industries.* [*First indication of re-
porting for government statistics as part of Treasurer’s job.]
23 Frost this morning but not enough to stop the plow. The day was cloudy and cool with a stiff
Breeze of wind and not much sunshine. Willie worked at plowing on the Arnold farm. I sowed
three bags of pease after tea time. Mrs. R. is out at son Johney’s. The cow which J. Neithercut got
from me came home yesterday and they took her back this morning.
24 Dark morning, the forenoon dry and pretty warm. Rain came on about one P.M., accompanied by
thunder and lightening. The rain was pretty heavy and continued a good while. I sowed three
bags of pease. Willie harrowed in the forenoon and plowed from about 5 P.M. Clark is stopping
here this night. [in margin] 3[rd] cow calved / (Mary[’s] cow)
25 Dark morning, the day cloudy and a little rain fell. I went to Dundalk. Willie plowed on the Ar-
nold Lot. Mr. John Arnold and wife, John Maxwell and his sister Maria, Clark and Willie were
here at night, eating taffy. The taffy eating is rather tough work on bad teeth, and I had to make a
small quantity do me. [in margin] letter from Brother / William / Keeter P. O. / Texas [MS Taxas]
<p. 93>
April 1889
26th Dark morning, the day rather cloudy but dry. I plowed for Jim in the forenoon, and in the after-
noon planted out six fruit trees which Jim bought for me. There are one Ben Davis, four Man[n]’s,
and an early Richmond cherry tree. They are planted on the south west side of the acre in the order
named. I then sowed two bags of pease for Jim and two bags of oats for myself. Mrs. Hewitt was
here this evening. [in margin] Finished sowing pease / First oats sown
27 Misty morning, a slight rain fell, then cleared off, and came on again about 10 A.M., and cleared
off about 1 P.M. There was also a drizzling rain most of the afternoon. Willie plowed on the Ar-
nold Lot during the dry part of the day, and I sowed oats (4 Bags) in the afternoon. John McDow-
ell and his son Charles came here about 10 A.M. John borrowed $40 from me to be paid in a
week. He was very anxious that I should lend him the money, said he could not get it anyplace
and that he had two cars of shingles in Toronto and they were on deminage [?charge per diem for
storage?]. I gave him a cheque on the Bank in Dundalk for the amount.
28th Sabbath. Dark chilly day from morning till night. Jim and wife, Johnny and his wife, were here.
29 Very cold morning, sleet falling, the day was cloudy, cold and windy, Several showers of sleet. I
got Johney's team. He is gone on the jury to Orangeville. I plowed [with] them in the forenoon.
Mrs. R. Harrowed with them in the afternoon. I sowed 4 1/2 bags of oats in the afternoon. Willie
plowed all day on the Arnold Lot.
<p. 94>
April 1889
30th Cold morning, the ground covered with snow and more fell during the day. The day cloudy and
cold. Last night was so cold ice formed pretty thick on the water in a pail in the dwelling house. I
plowed with Johney's team in the forenoon, and Mrs. R. harrowed with them in the afternoon. In
the afternoon I sowed 3 1/2 bags of oats. Willie plowed on the Arnold Lot.
May [1889]
1st Very hard frost this morning and a little snow on the ground also. The day was chilly all through.
I plowed with John's team in the forenoon, and sowed near 6 Bags of oats in the afternoon. Mrs.
R. Harrowed with Johney's horses. In the afternoon Willie plowed all day on the Arnold Lot. Bob
Mills was here at noon. I paid him $4.00 for 10 cords of stove wood that he cut me in John’s
Bush. Johney stopped here all night.
353
2 Sharp morning, a little snow on the ground, the forenoon cold, the afternoon warmer with a trifle
of sunshine. Johney took his team home this morning. Willie plowed in the forenoon and Har-
rowed in the afternoon on the Arnold Farm. I filled the hole which was intended for cellar on
Jim's Lot. Mrs. R. and I were at John Arnold’s at night.
3 Bright morning, but the day got overcast and cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon, and sowed two Bags of oats for D. Reid in the afternoon. Willie plowed and Harrowed
on the Arnold Lot.
<p. 95>
May 1889
4th Fine morning, the day dry, breezy and pleasant. Willie plowed on the Arnold Farm with the ex-
ception of about two Hours when he was planting Early potatoes for himself. Then I plowed for
him.
5th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin]
Seen / First / Swallow
6 Sunny morning, the day dry, Breezy and warm. Fine growth. I sowed 5 Bags of oats. Willied
plowed and harrowed on the Arnold Farm. Mrs. R. traded off some old irons for a strainer pail.
Bob Johnson was here at tea.
7 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and hot. Willie plowed and
Harrowed. I sowed about 5 Bags of oats. Ida harrowed for Jim.
8 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, clear and sultry. Willie harrowed on the Arnold Farm. I
picked up for Jim in the forenoon and harrowed for him till 6 P.M., then I picked stones on the Ar-
nold Lot. Jim, his mother, and Willie went to Dundalk after 6 P.M. [in margin] Got Harness /
home
9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. Excellent growing weather. I got my new
harness home last night from Mr. Tedford, price $35.00, all complete except Bri[t]chen*, which I
do not need. The harness appears good and I think they will wear pretty well. Willie and I picked
stones, jerked out stumps, hauled away fence into another place and plowed about half an acre on
the Arnold Farm. [*harness strap that goes around the rear-end of the horse.]
<p. 96>
May 1889
10th Dry morning, the day dry and pretty warm about 7 P.M. when there fell a slight shower of Rain. I
harrowed for Jim in the forenoon, and sowed some 3 Bags of mixed grain (pease and oats) in the
afternoon on the Arnold Lot. Jim sowed on his own Lot in the forenoon and Ganged for me in the
afternoon. Willie was plowing and harrowing for Jim. [in margin] Fourth cow Gerty calved / The
fruit trees are out in / leaf
11 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Jim Ganged three acres for me on the Arnold Lot.
Willie plowed for Jim. I sowed 2 Bags of Mixed Grain, this finished our seeding of Grain. I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon, paid $30.00 for the Harness which I had got. Renewed my Subscrip-
tion for Globe. Jim Harrowed for me in the afternoon. This has been the earliest finish of seeding
for me that I rememnber of. [in margin] Finished seeding / Subscribed for Globe
12th Sabbath. Very fine day, dry, sunny and Breezy. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. [in margin]
Sam’s Baby / (a Girl) / Born
13 Clear and Bright in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with a slight shower of rain at night. I
fixed up fences and chored around. Clark stopped here all night. Ned Mills was here a while with
his concertina. W[illie] plowed for Jim.
354
14 Bright morning, the day dry and a good deal of sunshine. I fixed up a milk stand, made a pig
trough, and Willie and I went for a pair of sucking pigs to John Duncan’s. I gave $5.00 for them.
Willie plowed for Jim. Johney also plowed. Mrs. R. went to Phoebe’s to mind her Baby tonight.
<p. 97>
May 1889
15th A little cloudy in the morning and cold, the day was generally cool with some thunder and lighten-
ing about 7:30 P.M., and a pretty heavy rain. I built fence. Mrs. R. is at Brother Sam’s. Willie
plowed for Jim.
16 Warm, cloudy morning, not much sunshine through the day, but very sultry. A splendid growth. I
sowed some oats in the forenoon for Jim and went to Dundalk in the afternoon, Mr. John Arnold
and I, and got some Sale notes (Re. Kinnear Estate) discounted and paid off the liabilities so far as
due. Willie worked the team for Jim. [in margin] Sent letter / to R. Clark / Ireland
17 Fine morning, the day dry, warm and windy, not much sun, the afternoon cloudy. Jim finished
sowing grain. Willie harrowed with my team for him. I fixed bars for the cows to come through
and then cut some seed potatoes.
18 Bright sunny morning, the day sultry and cloudy in the afternoon. Willie and I hauled out manure
and picked stones on the Arnold farm.
19th Sabbath. Sunny morning, the day dry and warm till about 4 P.M., when there came up a Rain and
Wind Storm. The wind was very strong while it lasted, but it only blew for a short time. It lev-
elled a good many fences and also trees. Jim and Mary, with Baby, were here.
<p. 98>
May 1889
20th Dry morning, the day continued dry till about 6 P.M., when there came up a Rain storm, light at
first, but increased in volumn [=volume] till it was a downright pour. There was some thunder and
lightening. We planted our potatoes, about 1/2 acre, on the T. Arnold Lot. Widow Kinnear was
here in the afternoon and got from me as Executor of her husband, $30.00 to purchase a cow. [in
margin] Finished planting / potatoes
21 Rain early this morning and the day showery, generally, cold and bleak. I went to Dundalk, fixed
fence when came home.
22 Another wet cold day, the rain was mixed sometimes with snow flakes. The day was very cold,
necessitating the wearing of mitts. I travelled round to get some young pigs, but I did not succeed.
I worked at the Township Books in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow / Got papers from / Toronto
23 Frost this morning, ice formed on the water, the ground quite hard, the day was cloudy and cool. I
helped Jim to plant 7 Bags of potatoes. [in margin] Frost
24 Chilly morning, the day cloudy and cool, with a very slight mizzle of rain, no sunshine throughout
the day. I helped Jim finish planting his potatoes, then he and I fixed fences on the Arnold Farm
and [dittog: and] then put seven head of Jim’s young cattle to pasture on the enclosed place. Wil-
lie went to Shelburne to see the sports. [in margin] Andrew Russell / here
<p. 99>
May 1889
25th Chilly morning, the day rather cool all through, a little sunshine. I fixed fences in the forenoon
and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
26th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, the day pretty chilly with some sunshine. John and Wife, Jim
and wife and Baby, Miss McLaughlin, Miss Susan Davidson, Clark Russell, Andrew Russell, Mrs.
John Arnold, Mrs. J. Maxwell, Walter Bell, Miss Eliza Mor[a]n, Miss Maria Mor[a]n*, James
355
Mills and wife and daughter Margaret were here. [in margin] Frost [*Maria Moran and Clark
Russell are married 15 Oct. 1890]
27 Cold morning, the forenoon dry, Rain in the afternoon. I attended a council meeting at Hopeville,
stopped there all night.
28 Wet morning, and the Rain mixed pretty well with snow. Several showers of sleet and snow
through the day. The day is extremely cold and the snow is lying on the west side of the Buildings
at night. [in margin] Snow
29 Very hard frost this morning, ice a quarter of an inch thick. The day was dry till about 5 P.M.,
when it began to rain and is now (9:15 P.M.) Raining pretty smartly. I helped Jim in the forenoon
to make a Brush fence. Then Willie and I cleaned up some tailings. I went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon and got Mr. S. Bell to Send for seven Road scrapers for the Township, price $9.25 each,
delivered at Dundalk. Sold Six lambs to James Best at $3.13 (Three 13/100 dollars) each. He paid
me $2.00 on the bargain. The lambs to be delivered the first week in September. [in margin] Hard
frost / Ice / Sold Lambs $3.13 each
<p. 100>
May 1889
30th Wet morning, Rain at noon, Rain at night, a steady wet day, and has been Raining incessantly
from 5 P.M. yesterday till now (9:09 P.M.), without the least sign of ceasing. Such a steady
downpour I never remember. Gerty, my 16 year old mare, colted this morning. [in margin] Gerty
colted
31 Misty morning, the day dark and lowering, a slight rain in the afternoon. I went to Flesherton,
seen Dr. Christoe and Mr. Campbell, School Inspector. Posted a letter this morning for Brother
William (Keeter P.O., Wise Co., St. of Texas, U. S.). [in margin] Sent letter / to Br. William
June [1889]
1st Rain early in the morning, then cleared off, the remainder of the day was dry, cloudy and cool. I
fenced in a Barn Yard on T. Arnold’s Lot and put up a sett of Bars. Willie went with D. Reid to
below Primrose. He is helping Dan to take a Kicking horse down. [in margin] 5th cow / calved
2nd Sabbath. Dark morning, the day overcast, with a Scotch mist. Mrs. R., Jim and wife and Eliza & I
went to Sam’s.
3 Another dark day with scarcely a blink of sunshine. I worked at the Township Books. Mrs. R.
went to W. Fa[u]cett’s.
4 Dark morning, the day cloudy, with sunshine. Willie and I moved the fence in front of the acre
out on the Road so that we could dig the post holes for the Board fence, then trimmed off some
trees. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night.
<p. 101>
June 1889
5th Wet morning, the day dark and drizzly with a sharp Rain at present (9:30 P.M.). Everything is
soaking wet, any flat land is in a perfect swim. I never remember such a time of incessant Rains.
The result must be very bad on the crops. I let off water in some of Jim’s fields. Willie trimmed
out some shade trees on the acre Lot.
6 Dark morning, the day dry with some sunshine in the afternoon, cloudy again at night. Willie and
I staked out some post holes and chored around. I got a sucking pig from Ned Mills and another
from Josiah Sauder at $2.00 each. Sauder’s is a very poor one. [in margin] Got 2 little / pigs
7 Rain early this morning, then cleared off for a while, came on again and the day was wet. It is
now (10 P.M.) pouring down. Willie helped Johney to Log.
356
8 Cloudy morning, mizzle of Rain. Sharp Rain in the afternoon and a heavy rain after night set in.
Willie and I fixed fences. Jim, Willie and I washed our sheep in the afternoon. We were at Mr. J.
Arnold’s at night. [in margin] Dr. Griffin / died. / Washed / sheep
9th S[abbath]. Another Rainy day. Thunder & lightening in the afternoon.
10 Dark morning, the day not wet, but a little mizzle. Willie and I picked stones off the meadow
ground. Mr. J. Arnold and Wife and J. Maxwell were here at night.
<p. 102>
June 1889
11th A little brighter this morning, the day dry with the exception of a slight mizzle of Rain in the af-
ternoon. I went to the fair in the forenoon to buy a milk cow, but did not get one. In the afternoon
I went to the funeral of Dr. Griffin in Dundalk. I also attended a meeting of the patrons of Dun-
dalk cheese factory. I was appointed Sect. Treasurer for the season, pay $15.00.
12 Dry morning, the day dry. I totted up the milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon went a-
horseback with Jim’s Bay horse to Mr. Patrick Shaw’s and stopped with him all night.
13 Dry morning, but cloudy, the day dry and pretty warm. I went with Mr. Shaw in the Rig to a
Council meeting at Cederville. Came home at night with him and stopped all night.
14 Dry morning and pretty sultry, the day dry and warm. I came home in the forenoon and in the
afternoon went to Dundalk and paid Dr. McWilliams a Township order of $4.00, then collected
some cheese money.
15 Heavy Rain, with thunder early in the morning, then the day cleared and was dry till night. Willie
dug some post holes. I made up the milk accounts in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to
Dundalk and paid patrons.
<p. 103>
June 1889
16th Sabbath. Dry day, but cloudy. Mrs. R. and Johney & wife, & Sam & wife, were at Jim’s.
17 Dry morning, the day sunny and warm. I worked at the cheese Books in the forenoon. Willie
went to a Raising of a Frame Barn at Mr. Curtin’s. Jim also was there.
18 Cloudy but without rain, the afternoon got very dark an appeared like a thunderstorm. Quite cool
in the eavning. Willie and I put in posts. Some we drove in and some we placed in holes which
had been dug for them. Jim helped us. Clark is stopping here this night.
19 Rain in the morning, the forenoon wet, the middle of the day dry, the afterpart of the day wet. A
big thunder shower at about Seven P.M. Windy at night. In the afternoon Willie and I hauled a
load of posts from Jim’s place and then we moved a hemlock tree which had blown down with the
wind on the oats.
20 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty sultry. We drove in some fence posts in the forenoon. Jim
helped us. In the afternoon Jim took his team and got 1350 feet of lumber Sawn for me at
McDowell’s mill. Mrs. R., Willie, Ida & I were at Mr. J. Arnold’s.
21 Rain in the forenoon, dry but cloudy in the afternoon. Willie and I went for some lumber to the
mill. The load we got yesterday with the load today measured 1350 feet.
<p. 104>
June 1889
22nd Dry morning, the day dry with a little sunshine. Very cold in the afternoon, every indication of
frost. Willie and I cut some timber on Jim’s lot, preparing it for logging.
23rd Sabbath. Dry all day, and some sunshine.
357
24 Dry morning, the day dry and a little warm, the sun quite hazy. Jim helped at the Board and wire
fence. Willie worked for Jim at John Gott’s Scraping out for his new frame Barn.
25 Dry and pretty warm. Jim, Willie and I worked at the Board fence. Miss Solan, a Dress maker, is
here working for Mrs. R.
26 Dry and warm. Willie and I worked at the Board Fence.
27 A slight shower of Rain in the morning, the remainder of the day dry and pretty sultry. Willie
worked at the fence in the forenoon, and Jim in the afternoon. I worked at it all day except while I
went to Dundalk and back.
28 Fine morning, the day sunny, warm and fine growth. Willie and I fixed at Board fence in the fore-
noon, in the afternoon he went to J. Gott’s raising and I went to Dundalk.
29 Dry and hot. The folks, with the exception of Ida and I, went to Tossorontio. Jim took my mare
along to the farrier’s. I worked at Board fence.
<p. 105>
June 1889
30th Sabbath. Dry and Hot.
July
1st Dry, hot day, cloudy in the afternoon, with some thunder in the distance, also some Rain fell not
far off. Ida and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to see the sports. Clark ran two foot Races, the
first a half-mile and the second, one hundred yards. He won each Race, also he had run a half-
mile race in Toronto on the 29th Ultimo* at a Reform Demonstration. He was second in the race
and won a silver Goblet. There is a fine growth now. I measured the growth of a stalk of oats and
from last Saturday at 7 P.M. till this Monday at the same hour, or Forty-Eight hours in all, it grew
Four and a quarter inches. [*for Latin ultimo mense, in the preceding, or last, month.]
2 Dry morning, the day dry and sultry. Some thunder in the distance in the afternoon. I worked at
the milk books in the forenoon and in the afternoon hoed potatoes, cut Burdocks, etc.
3 Dry morning and the day sultry with a strong wind, the afternoon cloudy with a very heavy rain
about 6 O’clock. I chored around, did not feel well. Clark is here tonight.
4 Dry day, and moderately warm. I and Willie worked at the Board fence in the forenoon and in the
afternoon I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of the Factory their money.
<p. 106>
July 1889
5th Bright sunny morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. I chored around at several jobs. Willie
helped Jim. I gave one order to Robt. St. Johnson, Tree agent, for 18 apple trees, 2 plum trees, 2
crab apple trees, and one cherry tree, to be delivered next spring from the Nursery of Caver Bros.*,
Galt, price $6.80. To be delivered last of April or First of May 1890. [*Chase Bros., Galt, are
given as source of trees on the list at the end of this volume.]. [in margin] ordered Fruit trees
6 Dry day, sunny and warm. Willie and I hoed potatoes.
7th Sabbath. Dry day and pretty warm.
8 Dry and hot. Ina was out here till the afternoon when Johney came for her. Nancy and she had
come here in the morning. I worked at the Township and Milk Books in the forenoon and went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie had Jim’s team putting in statute labor for me. I had five days to
do.
9 Dry and hot. I chored around. Willie done statute labor for me with the team and went to
Johney’s in the afternoon for his team. The plasterer, Mr. Freeman, commenced work for me to-
358
day. He is to lath and plaster and rough cast my house for me for Eight cents a yard, and if we
help him he pays $1.25 per day to us. [in margin] Plasterer came
<p. 107>
July 1889
10th Dry and hot all forenoon, a slight shower of Rain about 7 P.M. Willie, with Johney’s horses, and
Jim, and John Arnold hauled me two loads each of sand from William Graham’s Lot. Cost of
sand, .25¢ per load. I chored around. The plasterer was here.
11 Cooler this morning, the day sunny and bright. Jim and Willie went for two loads of lime for me
to Shrigley. Did not get it as it was not burned. They then went to A. Irwin’s and got one load. I
went to Dundalk. The plasterer is working here.
12 Bright warm day, and pretty hot. Jim, Willie, Ida and Johney’s Nancy* went to the Celebrations at
Shelburne. I chored around at home all day. [*daughter of John and Eliza Russell, Robert’s niece.
Celebrations are by Orangemen on the glorious 12th!]
13 Fine morning, but the day got cloudy and there was some thunder, lightening and Rain. The after-
noon was dry. The plasterer run off the lime. Willie hauled the water from D. Reid’s. I got Jim’s
horses to do so.
14th Sabbath. Bright sunny day.
15 Fine day, cool, clear and dry. Willie and I hoed potatoes. Jim put up Scantling* for me in the new
hous[e], the plasterer lathed. [*probably wall studs prior to lathing; or scaffolding to do the lath-
ing]
16 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. Jim and I went twice to Dundalk with his team for Brick, Lumber,
&c. I paid cash for all my purchases. The plasterer is here working.
<p. 108>
July 1889
17th Bright morning, the day dry but cloudy at night. I chored around and moulded up Jim’s potatoes
in the afternoon. Willie put out manure for him. The plasterer is working here.
18 Warm and dry. Willie and I hauled out manure for Jim. Jim worked at Carpentery in the new
house. The plasterer is off today.
19 A Misty morning, slight Rain in the forenoon. Willie and I were hauling out manure for Jim on
this day in place of yesterday.* Also the plasterer was off work today in place of yesterday. [*a
correction in the order of diary facts]
20 Misty morning, a very slight rain, but the day cleared off and was cool and dry. Willie and I
helped Jim to haul out manure, also D. Reid was there with his team. The plasterer worked here.
21st Sabbath. Bright sunny day, but cool in the morning. Sam and Phebe, Johney and Ina were here.
22 Bright morning, the day cool and clear. Jim worked at the new house. Willie hauled some water
for the plasterers and hauled some of the household goods into T. Arnold’s house. I Paris Greened
the potatoes, Jim’s and mine. There was rain in the afternoon. The plasterer and his man were
working at the house. Willie put clay on the crossing in the afternoon. Nancy left for home this
morning. [in margin] Nancy went home
<p. 109>
July 1889
23rd Bright morning, the day cool and clear. Willie and I hauled out manure for Jim. Jim worked at
the house. Willie hauled water in the afternoon. The plasterer and his man were here.
359
24 Cool, clear day. Willie finished claying the crossing on the Rented Lot. Then he went to help
Uncle Sam at his hay. Jim worked at the house in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. I put in culvert on crossing. The plasterer and his man were here.
25 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty hot. Willie worked at Sam’s. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. The plasterers were here in the afternoon.
26 Fine morning, the day dry and Breezy with some appearance of Rain in the afternoon. There was
some thunder after night. The plasterers were here. Jim put Baseboards on the house. Willie
worked at Johney’s.
27 Dry morning, but misty. The fog cleared off, the day was dry and warm. I hauled water for the
plasterers in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim worked at the house. The
plasterers were here. Willie worked at Johney’s.
28th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry, a great rain last night. Mrs. R. & I were at Sam’s.
<p. 110>
July 1889
29th Rather cloudy this morning, and a heavy Rain about daylight, also there was quite a sharp shower
about 4 P.M. Brother Sam was cutting grass with his mower for me. I chored aournd and added
up the milk sheets. Willie mowed fence corners and around stumps. [in margin] Began haying
30 Dark cloudy forenoon, the afternoon bright but cloudy at night, with a shower of rain. Jim fin-
ished cutting grass for me. I had the use of a Somer mower. Willie helped Mr. J. Arnold to haul
in in the afternoon. The Misses Trugon and Miss Biner were here at night.
31 The grass quite wet this morning. We got the use of Mr. Arnold’s Sulky Rake and I Raked, Jim
and [stricken: Johney ]Willie hauled in. The afternoon was fine and dry.
August [1889]
1st Bright morning, the day fine, dry and warm. We hauled in hay. Jim helped us. This finished hay-
ing. The plasterer was here. [in margin] Finished haying
2 Dark morning and slightely wet, with a Rain before daylight. We all went to Walter Bell’s Rais-
ing. It was a very piece of work, as there were a great deal of misfits.
3 Dry morning, the day dry but cool. I worked at the Milk books in the forenoon and in the after-
noon went to Dundalk and paid the patrons. Willie mowed fence corners.
<p. 111>
August 1889
4th Sabbath. Cool day all through, but dry and sunny. Mrs. R. and Ida went to Johney’s.
5 Cool morning and cloudy. The mist cleared off and the sun got out. The afternoon was cool but
clear. Willie mowed around in the fence corners, also hauled some water for washing out the
house in the afternoon. We were cleaning up things in and around the new house. The buyer took
the lambs away. [in margin] Lambs delivered
6 Fine morning, bright and sunny, but quite a white frost on the ground. The day was cool, clear and
pleasant. Willie and I took his two three-year old steers to Dundalk and delivered them to the
Buyer, price $58.00. Then he went to help his uncle Sam to haul in hay. I Raked hay out of the
fence corners in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost / Steers delivered
7 Bright sunny morning, the day [dry] and Breezy. Willie helped Johney at his hay. I went to
Sam’s and then to Johney’s, thinking they would want some help to haul in, but they were cutting
grass. I then came home and helped Jim to gather in the hay out of his fence corners.
8 Fine morning, but cloudy in the afternoon, with every appearance of rain. There was a little show-
er at dark. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon gathered up the hay in some
360
fence corners. Jim hauled it in. Willie is helping Johney. Ida and her mother are painting the new
house inside. They have just got it washed. I posted and Registered $150.00 to S. Rogers, Esq.,
Reeve of Proton, to pay for some Road jobs he had let.
<p. 112>
August 1889
9th Dark morning, the day overcast and a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. Jim went to help
Johney haul in hay. Willie is also helping him. Ida and her mother painted in the new house. I
worked at the Township Books.
10 Bright morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy. Jim went with his team to Dundalk for two doors
for me. Then he put the doors on the Rooms. Willie is helping Johney. Ida and her mother paint-
ed at the house. I worked at making out statement for the Township Council for next Tuesday.
11th Sabbath. Cool, Bright day, chilly in the afternoon. We went to Jim’s. John and Ina also were
there.
12 Dry morning, the day dry and cool, except a slight shower of Rain about 10 A.M. The plasterer
came here and finally measured his work. I paid him the Balance of his money, $5.00. I worked a
little while at the milk Books and then spread manure for Jim from 4 P.M. The women folks
worked at the House. Willie worked at Sam’s.
13 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering, a great Rain in the afternoon. I attended a council meet-
ing in Dundalk.
14 Wet morning, the afternoon dry. I helped Jim at sawing. Joseph Jackson sawed for him.
<p. 113>
August 1889
15th Dry morning, but cloudy, the day dry, cool and Breezy. I went over the Township vouchers which
I had got on Tuesday, then went to Dundalk and got the Cheese Bills. I called to see Mr. S. Bell
who is very sick with disentry [=dysentery] which has got rather much of a head with him. When
I came home I made out a pay sheet for the Milk Patrons for next Saturday. Mr. E. Lucas, Banker,
of Dundalk handed me over a five dollar Bill which I had paid him too much in paying him some
Township orders on last Tuesday. He asked me when I went to his office today how my accounts
came out after paying the Township orders on Tuesday last (as I had paid close on $900.00 in or-
ders). I told him I was short $5.00 and that I had not the least idea how the shortage came. He
immediately without any hesitation said that I had paid him $5.00 too much and handed me over a
$5.00 Bill. This is the first mistake to my knowledge that has happened to me in finance since I
got to be treasurer of Proton, some Eight years ago.
16 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cold with a slight rain occasional[l]y. I helped Jim a little while
to log on the knowl [=knoll]. Willie helped all day.
17 Dark morning, the mist disappeared and the sun shone out, the day was warm but cloudy in the
afternoon. I helped Jim log in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid milk
patrons.
<p. 114>
August 1889
18th Sabbath. Cool, cloudy and dry.
19th Dry day all through. Willie cut some mixed oats and pease. This is our first harvesting. I worked
entering orders in Township Books. [in margin] Began / Harvesting
20 Dry and fine all day. I Posted some milk accounts, then went to Dundalk. Willie moved the flit-
ting [?fittings] over to the new house.
361
21 Dry but cloudy, with a good deal of wind. Jim tried to pull pease with the tumbling Rake. The
ground was too Rough, stoney and soddy. He had to give it up and take the scythes. I went to a
council meeting at Hopeville in the afternoon. Mr. T. Hanbury took his horse and Buggy.
22 Dry morning, the day dry but cool. Willie, Jim and I were pulling pease. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
23 Dry and pretty warm. Willie, Jim and I were pulling pease. Jim left after tea and went for
Johney’s Buggy. He is going to Tossorontio tomorrow.
24 Dry and warm. Jim and Willie worked making drain from gravel pit till the afternoon when Jim
took his horse and went to Tossorontio for my mare who has been under the vet’s care since 1st
July. I finished pea pulling. [in margin] Finished / pea pulling
<p. 115>
August 1889
25th Sabbath. Dry and warm.
26 Fine day, dry and warm, hot in the afternoon. Willie and I hauled in pease. Jim helped us when
he came home after supper. He had gone to Tossorontio for the mare which I had at Brother
John’s undergoing treatment with the vet, for spavined* legs. He put on several Blisters and there
are two more to go on yet. We hauled in Six loads in the afternoon. [*see 20 March 1889]
27 Cloudy but the sun got out and dissipated the mist. The day was sultry. Willie and I finished
hauling in the pease at noon. There were 7 loads of mine and 3 of Jim’s. They were a fair crop.
We took our wool to Dundalk in the afternoon. There were 46 pounds from Eight sheep of
washed wool. We traded off $6.00 worth of it at .21¢ per pound for a pair of Horse Blankets. The
remainder of it we left to be carded. [in margin] Finished hauling / in pease
28 Dry day and very warm in the afternoon. Jim started to cut oats for me with his Binder. He start-
ed about 10.30 A.M., cut around 20 acres twice before dinner, with two horses. In the afternoon
he put on three horses. In all he cut about 6 acres. The Binder worked splendid. Willie craddled
around the apple trees, and stooked some. I fired up some log heaps for Jim in the afternoon. [in
margin] cut first oats
<p. 116>
August 1889
29th Hazy morning, the day sunny and hot. Jim was cutting oats for me. Willie and I stooked. Phoebe
was here in the afternoon.
30th Dry day and pretty warm. Jim cut oats for me with his Binder. I craddled around the field a
swath, Bound it up, then stooked up. Willie also stooked.
31st Dry day all through, warm in the afternoon. Jim finished Reaping for me about 5 P.M. Willie and
I shocked.* This finished the cutting of our grain. We then went to Jim’s and he[l]ped him till
night. [in margin] Finished / cutting oats. [*synonym for stooked, stand sheaves on end, in
bunches of 5 sheaves, one in the centre, four around the outside.]
September [1889]
1st Sabbath. Hazy morning, but the sun shone out bright and the day was dry and warm. Mr. Thos.
Carson and wife were here. Brother Sam and Phoebe and Johney and Ina were here.
2 Dry and very hot. Jim cut some oats for John Gott, then cut some at home. Willie and I helped
Jim to harvest.
3 Hazy morning, but the sun shone out bright and dissipated the clouds. The day was pretty warm
with a few drops of Rain in the afternoon, hazy clouds and thunder in the distance. Willie and I
362
tied oats for Jim. He, John Gott and C. Mills craddled them. They were on new land sod, white
oats, a good crop but badly rusted.
<p. 117>
September 1889
4th Very misty morning, but the sun shone out and the forenoon was bright, the afternoon was cloudy,
breezy and warm. Willie and I tied oats for Jim. He craddled and we bound. Mrs. R. and Ida
helped to Bind and stook.
5 Dark morning, Rain came on about 7.20 A.M., then cleared off. The afternoon was showery.
Willie and I put off a load of pease which we had on the waggon in the Barn. Helped Jim harvest
in the dry part of the afternoon. The Rain got so heavy that we had to quit. I went to Dundalk af-
ter 5 P.M. Mrs. R. went with Johney this eavning to Melancthon. Hope she will stop there a few
days for the Good of her health.
6 Misty morning, the grain pretty damp from the Rain which had fallen yesterday eavning and last
night. There was no rain fell today, the afternoon dry, Breezy and sunny. Jim Reaped on his own
Lot. Willie and I stooked up. I tied some which he had craddled and also stooked it up.
7 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Beautiful harvest weather. Jim hauled in for me.
He, Willie and I brought in Eighteen loads of oats, but we worked till 9 P.M.
8th Sabbath. Fine day, sunny and hot. Mr. J. Arnold and wife and Mrs. Mills were here a while in the
afternoon.
<p. 118>
September 1889
9th Very slight sprinkling of Rain this morning, the sky cloudy and overcast, but the sun got out and
the day was dry. We hauled in the remainder of our oats. There were 13 loads. I had the loan of
Mr. J. Arnold’s mare. Willie and I and Mrs. R. and Ida worked at the Grain. This finished our
harvesting. Our harvest consisted of 32 loads of oats and 7 of pease. [in margin] Finished Har-
vesting
10 Beautiful day, dry and warm, splendid Harvest weather. Willie, Ida and I helped Jim. We hauled
in 7 loads of oats and then stooked up from tea time.
11 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. We helped Jim at his harvest. Johney also, with his
team, also helped. I forked on, Johney built and hauled in the loads to the Barn. He had two wag-
ons, one was unloading in the Barn while the other was loading in the field. Mrs. R., Ida and Wil-
lie mowed. Jim cut with his Binder. Ina was along. We got in 11 loads, the field was very rough,
the first load upset.
12 Bright morning, the day dry and hot. Jim finished cutting grain at noon. Willie and I helped har-
vest. In the afternoon I went to the funeral of John Norval, Senior, Blacksmith of Dundalk. He
died on the night of the 10th inst., age 74 years. He has been in this neighbourhood for about 25
years. [in margin] John Norval / Buried / Jim finished / Reaping
<p. 119>
Sept[ember] 1889
13th Dry cool morning, the day cool, dry and Breezy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and [dittog.:
and] posted & Registered Deposit Receipts amounting to $1284.00 to the Molsons Bank, Owen
Sound, asking in return a draft for $1250.00, payable to the Bank of Toronto and a new deposit
Receipt for the Balance, $34.00, this money to Retire two debentures of School Sections in this
Township. When I came home I helped Jim to haul in Oats. I pitched on in the field from after
dinner 20 reasonable sized loads and had the last load on before 7 P.M. Jim had H. Lonsway and
363
his team and J. Boman helping and Willie drove Jim’s team. They just got in 26 loads today. [in
margin] Jim’s Baby Sick / John McDowell’s Barn & two horses / Burned last night
14 Dry day, but cloudy and threatening Rain. We helped Jim to haul in. He finished his harvest to-
day. We brought in 14 loads of oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon on Township Business.
[in margin] Jim finished / Harvesting
15th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon. Windy and wet at night.
16 Cold morning, the day cold and cloudy. John Agnew called here at night. Hannah Maria Lon-
sway was here today, went up to Jim’s to stop there all night. I worked at the Township and
Cheese Factory Books.
<p. 120>
September 1889
17th Dark, chilly morning, the day cold all through and Raining at dark. Willie hauled Rails and built
the fence on the rear end of the acre. I worked at the Township and Factory Books till W. Lon-
sway came here about 11 A.M. He and I and Mrs. R. went to Sam’s in the afternoon.
18 Dark morning, the day chilly and show[e]ry. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie Ganged for
Jim as he has gone to Toronto Industrial Exhibition. Bob Russell gave us a call on his way to
Johney’s.
19 Cold morning and wet. The day showery all through. No work a-doing on account of the Rain.
John’s Bob came here in the forenoon and is stopping all night. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
20 Showery day from morning till night. Jim got home from the Toronto Industrial Exhibition at
noon. I took up a few potatoes in the afternoon. John Agnew, with carriage and part of family,
came here in the afternoon and stopped all night.
21 Showery morning, the day showery all through and pretty chilly. John Agnew and his folks went
to son John in the afternoon. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and paid the patrons of the facto-
ry their milk dividends for the month of August.
22 Sabbath. Cold and a little rain in the morning. Jim and Mary were here in the eavning.
<p. 121>
September 1889
23 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and cool with clouds in the afternoon. I took up some potatoes,
not many as I was alone.
24 Beautiful morning, the day sunny and dry. Jim threshed with the Steamer. It got out of order in
the afternoon and they had to send the Engine to Toronto. Willie was at the threshing. I was there
in the afternoon.
25 Fair, cloudy morning, the wind very strong in the afternoon, a slight rain about 6 P.M. We fin-
ished raising potatoes. They were a very poor crop, less than 50 Bushels on 1/2 an acre of ground.
Willie was at William Armstrong’s threshing. [in margin] Finished / Raising potatoes
26 Cold cloudy morning, the day chilly all through, with a slight Rain about 5 P.M. I harrowed the
potatoe patch twice and picked them, hauled Rails and fenced the pits.
27 Rainy morning with some snow among it. The day was showery and cold. I was at J. Trugon’s
threshing. Willie was at Jim’s threshing.
28 Cold morning, the day cold, cloudy and dry. I hunted up a lost yearling for Jim in the forenoon
and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie was at J. Trugon’s threshing.
29th Sabbath. Bright morning, the sun shone out clear and nice, the day fine but cloudy in the after-
noon. John, Ina, Sam & Phoebe were here.
364
<p. 122>
September 1889
30th Dark cloudy morning, the day rather showery, not any sunshine. I went to Dundalk on Township
Business, came home and doctored a sick pig. Willie is at Mr. Farden’s threshing.
October [1889]
1st Rainy morning, the day showery from morning till night. Mrs. R. took in some articles to the
Show Fair in Dundalk. I helped Jim to take up his potatoes. Willie helped in the afternoon, little
Jim Bell picked. We finished his potatoes. They were a very poor crop, not more than about 30
Bushels on 1/2 an acre. He had a few drills of White Elephants which were pretty good.
2 Cold rainy morning, a little Rain but soon cleared off, the afternoon fine, dry, cool and Breezy.
We attended the show fair of Dundalk. It was a pretty fair show, there [MS their] must have been
about 800 persons that entered the grounds as they took in at the gate $120.00. The tickets for
admission were 15¢ each. Mrs. R. took 3 prizes. [in margin] Dundalk / show fair
3 Wet day from morning till night, no cessation [MS cessation with inserted extra sa above line,
insertion mark before t].
4 Showery all through the day, the Rain mixed with snow. We hauled out manure on the Arnold Lot
(20 Loads). Jim helped us.
4 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and plenty more falling, a Regular snow storm, last-
ed nearly all day. It changed to Rain in the afternoon, is now (8 P.M.) Raining. [in margin] Snow
/ Storm
<p. 123>
October 1889
6th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow, cold wintry-like day from morning till night. [in margin]
snow
7 A Good quantity of snow still on the Ground and most of it remained during the day. We hauled
out 15 loads of manure on the Acre. Jim helped us in the afternoon. [in margin] snow
8 Chilly morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk fair
to Sell a fat cow. I asked $30.00 for her but got no bid. When I came home in the afternoon I
hauled out 7 Loads of manure on the acre. Mrs. R. was visiting at Mrs. A. Jackson’s. Mr. ——-
Irwin came here in the afternoon to see about arrears of Taxes on Lot 27, Con. 4. Willie was at
Mr. J. Maxwell’s threshing.
9 Fine morning, the day dry and mild, the afternoon warm. I sent J. Trugon to Henry Lonsway’s
threshing. Willie was at his uncle Sam’s threshing. I looked over some nine Collector’s Rolls to
find out a statement of Mr. Irwin’s taxes to Show the council. Then I fixed up the Granary.
10 Beautiful morning, the day fine but cloudy in the afternoon. Willie and I got up some wood for
the steamer* in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk and withdrew out of the Bank
$550.00 to take with me to Council meeting at Cederville tomorrow. Willie went to Johney’s and
Borrowed his horse and Buggy for me. [*for the steam engine for threshing]
<p. 124>
October 1889
11th Fine morning, the day lovely, just like Indian summer. I attended Council Meeting at Cederville.
Willie was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. I stopped at Mr. Rogers (Reeve of Township) all night.
12 Murkey morning, the day overcast and chilly, a slight mizzle of Rain falling now and then. I left
Cederville about 9 A.M. and got home about 1:20 P.M. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and
posted two letters, one for F. Bellamy and the other for Co. Treasurer.
365
13th Sabbath. Very fine, dry, sunny day. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s.
14 Dry morning, the day Beautiful and Bright. I had the steam threshing machine (Mr. Jack Mitchell,
owner). They threshed me about 900 Bushels of Grain in 8 hours: charge, $8.00. The pease
turned out about 16 Bushels to the acre and the oats about 26. Both the grain of pease and oats are
good. [in margin] Thrashed
15 Bright morning, the day dry and pleasant. Willie was at Mr. John Arnold’s threshing. I tidied up
the Barn, sold a cow to W. Faucett for $25.00. She was a large farrow cow, about 13 years of age.
16 Fine [MS Hin] morning, the day Bright and sunny. Mr. Arnold and I went to Mr. Crique’s to see
about collecting Rent from him. Willie was helping Jim. I worked at the Township Books in the
afternoon.
<p. 125>
October 1889
17 Dry day, with lots of sunshine. I spread manure in the forenoon and in the afternoon looked over
the old collector’s Rolls. Willie helped Jim to plow with our team.
18 Dry morning, the day dry and pleasant. I done nothing in the forenoon, was not well, tried to
spread manure in the afternoon, it was a failure. Willie plowed at Jim’s.
19 Dry, frosty morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy. Willie and I plowed at Jim’s while he went to
J. Mills’ threshing for me. Ida took a trip East to see her friends. Her mother drove her to Dun-
dalk in the morning. [in margin] Ida went / visiting East
20th Sabbath. Dry day, sunny and Bright. Jim, Mary and Arlie were here.
21 Dry, cool morning, the day cool and clear. I went with S. Rogers, Reeve of Proton, to Owen
Sound on Township Business. Willie plowed the acre.
22 The Ground covered with snow and more falling this morning. The snow kept coming down till
the afternoon. I left Owen Sound this morning and got to Dundalk at 7:30 A.M. [mistake for
P.M.?]
23 Very hard frost this morning, the day clear and Bright. I, along with Mr. John Arnold, went to J.
Crique and got one year’s Rent for the Kinnear farm from him ($115.00). Gave $45.00 to the
heirs, intending to put the Balance in the Savings Bank to meet the mortgage on estate. Could not
do it, as Mr. Hanbury will not have that department till next January. Willie plowed in the after-
noon. [in margin] G. Johnson Died
<p. 126>
October 1889
24th Hard morning, ground froze so that there could be no plowing in the forenoon. We worked at the
horse stable. Willie plowed in the afternoon.
25 Mild morning, the day mild and a slight rain fell in the latter part of the afternoon. Willie plowed.
I worked at the stable.
26 Mild morning, the day mild and misty. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought some nails
and in the afternoon I made and put in two oat boxes for the Horses to feed out of. Willie plowed.
27th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day cloudy, cool and dry. Jim and family, Johney and Ina were here.
28 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering, but without rain. Willie plowed. I patched up the
Horse stable.
29 Very fine day all through, mild and dry. Willie and I picked stones on the Arnold Lot.
30 Dark morning and frosty, the day was overcast and chilly. I worked all day long and well into the
night at the milk accounts. Willie plowed. Mrs. A. Jackson came here but did not stop.
366
31 Cloudy morning, the day dark with a slight Rain most of the forenoon. The afternoon dry. W.
McKee came here in the eavning, wanted me as the third arbitrater between him & John Conners.
I declined. Willie plowed in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. William / Keeter P.O.,
Wise Co. / St of Texas, U.S.
<p. 127>
November 1889
1st Dry mild day, but dark and without sunshine. Willie and I hauled in the potatoes to the celler out
of the pits. We had about 34 Bushels. Mrs. D. Reid was here. I went to Johney’s in the eavning
on my way to Sister Sarah’s. There was some Rain at night.
2 Murkey morning, the day dark and lowering. Rain for about two hours in the middle of the day. I
got John’s horse and Buggy and went to Sarah’s in the township of Sunnydale, within about 3
miles of New Lowell. Had dinner and fed horse at Cash Corners. [in margin] Went to / Sarah’s
3 Sabbath. Dark morning, but the day cleared up and the afternoon was clear and cold. I left Sarah’s at
12 O’clock noon and came home.
4 Dry morning, but cold, snow came on in the afternoon and there was a Brisk snowfall towards
night. I went to John Crique’s in Melancthon, and bought two small swine from him at $1.25
each. I then went to Widow Kinnear’s and gave her $50.00 as Executor. Then I went to Johney’s,
had supper and he sent home with me a nice piece of fresh pork. [in margin] Bought pigs / Got
Single Harness
5 Ground covered with snow this morning, the day pretty cold and the snow did not melt any. I sent
Willie with the Democrat for the pigs that I bought yesterday. He plowed when he came home. I
chored around. G. McConnell, Collector, was here for the first of the season and paid me $375.00
Township Taxes. [in margin] 1st collection / By Tax Gatherer
<p. 128>
November 1889
6th Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out and the ground softened so that it was fit to
plow about 10 A.M. The afternoon was dry and Breezy. Willie plowed. I helped Jim to Butcher
three swine in the forenoon. In the afternoon I made a pig pen and put three pigs in it to fatten. [in
margin] Pigs put up / to fat
7 Frost this morning, but it soon thawed out fit for plowing, the day was dry and pretty mild. I
chored around, fixed up the Horse Stable on the Rented farm, etc. Willie plowed.
8 Dark morning, the day dark and dry. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon, in the afternoon I chored around.
9 Beautiful day, almost like Indian Summer, sunshine and clear, hazy Sky. Mrs. R. and Willie start-
ed out for Tossorontio for Ida, & I began fixing a pig pen. Rather hard job with scant material.
10th Sabbath. Dry day, but misty. Clark stopped at night.
11 Dry morning, the day dark, but without Rain. Mrs. R., Ida and Willie got home at night from
Tossorontio. They had five Bags of apples with them. I worked at the Building of the pig pen.
12 Dry forenoon, but cloudy and close. Rain came on about 8 P.M. and there was a pretty Brisk
shower. Willie plowed for about two hours. I worked at the pig pen and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
<p. 129>
November 1889
367
13th Dark morning, and a very slight mizzle of Rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon also dark and a
litle Rain at night. Willie plowed in the afternoon. I worked at the pig House fixing. Miss Mariah
Morne [=Moran] was here a while at night.
14 Rather dreary morning, misty and wet, the afternoon was dry till night. I worked from nine
O’clock in the morning till three O’clock next morning at the milk accounts, making them up for a
final settlement. It’s the last time I will act as Sect. Treasurer for any milk Factory. Willie plowed
in the afternoon. Miss Mariah Morn was here in the evening. [in outer margin] No plowing /
Snow storm
15 Pretty sharp morning, very wintry-like. I did not get out of bed till noon, was very fatigued after
so much mental work. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and delivered up the milk Books to the
auditors, then collected some cheese money. Willie chored around.
16 Very hard frost this morning, so hard that I could not send the team to plow for Clark, who was to
have a plowing bee. Willie brought home a little jag of wood in the afternoon. I nailed up some
boards in front of the shed.
17th Sabbath. Dry day, but dark and lowering. Johney and Ina were here.
<p. 130>
November 1889
18th Misty morning, a slight rain at night. Willie and I cut some stove wood.
19 Dark, misty morning, with a slight mizzle of Rain. The afternoon decidedly wet. Willie helped
Jim to jerk stumps. I chored around home in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon
and collected Balance of cheese money.
20 Rainy morning, the forenoon pretty wet, the afternoon dry, but rain came on at night. I worked at
Posting orders in the Township Books. Willie was looking for two yearlings of Johney’s which
strayed away from Jim’s two day since. He did not find them. He bought a spring colt from John
Ferris for $37.50, Cash. Mrs Hannah Bowler was here.
21 Wet morning, the day dark and lowering. Willie got home his colt in the forenoon and plowed
part of the afternoon. Clark is stopping here this night. I Banked up part of the Board fence.
22 Dark morning, the day dark and show[e]ry in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the dry part of the
day. I worked at fixing feed Boxes & mangers in the horse stable.
23 Showery day all through, the rain was mixed with snow. Willie took the team and went to Clark’s
plowing bee. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and made the final payment to the patrons of the
cheese Factory. The[y] were generally satisfied.
<p. 131>
November 1889
24th Sabbath. A slight Rain in the morning. The remainder of the day dry and cloudy. Mrs. R. & I
went to Brother Sam’s.
25 Pretty hard frost this morning, the sun shone out through the day and the Frost thawed out so that
people plowed. Willie and I chored around. G. McConnel[l], Collector of Taxes, was here.
26 Mild day, a little softening of the frost in the afternoon. Willie made a trap hole in the Barn to put
down feed for the Horses. I put a little window in the Horse stable as it was without any light and
quite dark. We brought our spring colt down from Jim’s, put the halter on him and tied him up for
the first time. He was pretty wild and threw himself several times. Mr. J. Arnold & wife & John
Maxwell were here.
27 Big snow storm this morning, snowing and Blowing all day long, wind very high. [in margin] A
Rattling snow storm
368
28 Snowing and Blowing in the morning, the wind abated in the afternoon but the snow still kept
coming down. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited $640.00 in the Bank, Township
moneys. Willie helped Jim cut feed in the afternoon.
29 Snow falling this morning and quite a quantity now on the Ground. I think there must be Eighteen
inches on the level. It stopped snowing about 10. A.M. We helped Jim to cut Horsefeed.
<p. 132>
November 1889
30th Bright morning, the sun shone out during the day and imparted more pleasantness than was in the
last three day which were dark and stormy. Willie and I went to Melancthon and put up a pole and
Brush Bridge across the drain to the firewood. He hauled home two small loads. The loads were
small on account of us only having the wagon box on the sleighs.
December [1889]
1st Sabbath. Pretty chilly sort of day, a little sunshine. Mary and Baby were here in the afternoon.
2 Soft morning, the snow melting and every indication of a thaw. A little rain fell in the afternoon,
but the rain turned to snow at night. Willie hauled stove wood from Melancthon. He and I
cleaned up at night Four bags of oats and pease to be chopped.
3 Quite a fall of snow last night which has renovated the Sleighing and it was splendid this after-
noon. There was a good deal of sunshine through the day. I chored around. Willie went with the
chop to the mill. Did not get it home, will [go] again on Friday. He hauled a load of wood from
Melancthon in the afternoon. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night.
<p. 133>
December 1889
4th Sharp morning, the day a little sunny but cold, capital sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and deposited $1209.00 Township money in the Bank. Willie cut Roads to the stove wood in the
forenoon and hauled a load of wood home in the afternoon.
5 Morning a little soft, the day inclined to thaw some, but hardened up at night. Willie hauled one
load of wood from Melancthon in the forenoon, Then he and Ida went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
6 Pretty sharp morning, but the day got mild and was pleasant. Willie was at Jim’s manure Bee. I
chored around home.
7 Soft morning, the day thawing, the snow going with a thaw wind. We Butchered three hogs in the
forenoon, they weighed respectively 145, 170 & 184. Spring pigs they were. W. Armstrong’s
man, Tom, helped us. Willie went in the afternoon to the mill for chop. [in margin] Butchered /
Hogs
8th Sabbath. Dark day and quite showery.
9 Dry morning, the day dry but gloomy-like. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Nesbit’s Funeral. I worked at the
Twp. books. Willie chored.
10 Showery throughout the day, with a sweeping rain at night. Willie chored, I worked at the Twp.
Books.
11 Rain and snow mixed this morning, falling, the day was very unpleasant. Willie chored, I finished
working at the Books.
<p. 134>
December 1889
12th Quite hard frost this morning, but the day got mild and the Ground softened quite a bit. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and sent the the Co. Treasurer the Co. Rates for this Township. Willie
helped Jim in Osprey. Mr. Tho[ma]s Hanbury was here in the eavning.
369
13 Quite a chilly morning, the day generally cold. I chored around. Willie helped Jim. G.
McConnell came here at night and paid over Taxes he had collected.
14 Cold morning, with a very slight snow falling, the day was cold and windy. I went to Dundalk on
Township business. Willie chored. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. J. Arnold’s at night.
15th Sabbath. Mild day, and inclined to be wet, very misty, what you might call a Scotch mist. Mrs. C.
Bell was here, also Jim, Mary and Baby.
16 Dark day all through, with Rain in the afternoon. I went to a Council Meeting of the Township
held in John Conner’s New Hotel, Dundalk. The council did not get through with their business
till about 2 O’clock next morning, then most of them stopped till daylight as the night was very
dark.
17 Another misty day, and quite wet in the afternoon, the snow is disappearing fast, no sleighing now,
the wheels are out.
<p. 135>
December 1889
18th Dark morning, the day overcast and rain came on in the afternoon. It is now (7:15 P.M.) Raining.
I counted the amount of the orders I had paid on last Monday and Balanced the Cash. I went in
the afternoon to Dundalk and deposited the money I had in the Bank. Mrs. R. and Jim’s wife
drove to Dundalk in the Democrat. [in margin] Rain
19 Dark morning, the day dull and a slight mizzle of Rain occassional[l]y. I chored around.
20 Rain in the forenoon and a good deal of Rain also in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon. [in margin] Rain
21 Snow in the forenoon, then Rain, the day was very unpleasant. Mr. Arnold and Wife and Johney
Maxwell were here a while at night.
22nd Sabbath. Very Rough day, snowing and Blowing, the snow very soft, almost turned to Rain.
23 Rather a change in the weather this morning, the sky pretty clear, sleighing is once more started.
The day was pleasant and dry. Mrs. R., Ida and I with the team went to Dund[al]k.
24 Dark morning, the day exceedingly wet, a little thunder and lightening in the afternoon [&] at
night. [in margin] Rain / Thunder
<p. 136>
December 1889
25th Christmas morning, the day cloudy and without sunshine. Brother Sam and Phoebe, Madella and
Mary Patterson, Johney and Ina, Jim and Mary and Arlie were here. Willie and his mother and Ida
and Phoebe went at night to Dundalk.
26 Very stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, the day was one of storm from morning till night.
Willie and I dug about 24 feet of an underground drain from the door of the Horse stable on the
Arnold Farm to let the water out, as the floor was floating. I got a moat of some kind in my eye
while working which has caused me great pain, the eye is all inflamed.
27 Clear day and without Rain or snow. I took my sow up to Jim’s and put her with his sow, as the
place I had at home for her was too small. Mrs. R. and Ma[r]y with the Baby went to Dundalk to
have Baby’s picture taken. Willie went in the afternoon to the Bush to help Jim at the wood.
Tommy St. John is here.
28 Mild day and the Roads softening. I went to Dundalk to see Dr. McWilliam regarding my eye
which is still very sore. He looked into the eye, could not see anything and dropped some kind of
a liquid into it. It eased me a little, still, there appears something in the eye by the feel of it. Tom
St. John went from here in the forenoon.
370
<p. 137>
December 1889
29th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day generally wet with a strong wind Blowing. [in margin] Rain
30 Strong wind throughout the day with an occasional shower of snow. [in margin] Rain
31 Clear and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon also cold, freezing very hard at present 7:15 P.M.,
also the wind Blowing Briskly. The old year is passing away and the new will soon be ushered in.
When looking Back, I find nothing to regret, but several things to be thankful for.
January 1890
1st Wet morning, the day very Rainy and the night, an incessant Rain. [in margin] Rain
2 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry with considerable of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the
Forenoon. [in margin] Rain
3 Dry morning, the day dry and the afternoon mild. D. Reid and wife and Jim’s Mary and Arlie
were here.
5th Sabbath. Dark cloudy morning and a slight Rain in the forenoon, heavier at night and it Rained all
night. Mrs. R. and I went to Jim’s. J. Arnold and Wife and Johney Maxwell were here a while at
night. [in margin] Rain
4th Saturday. Mild day. I worked at Fixing Shed [the order of last two entries has been corrected, by
correcting the dates, with 5th written over 4, 4th written over a 5]
<p. 138>
January 1890
6th Heavy Rain this morning, some thunder and lightening, the forenoon wet, the afternoon dry. I
went in the afternoon to the voting in Division 5, Held in John Allen’s Lot 220, third Range, Pro-
ton. Stopped till the poll was over and helped count the Ballots. The Roads are fearfully soft, the
snow has nearly all disappeared except some in the fence corners. [in margin] Rain.
7 Frosty morning, the Ground exceedingly hard. Sharp Frosty day from morning till night. Mrs. R.
and I went to Dundalk. She got a tooth Extracted. John Arnold, D. Reid, Mrs. A. Lonsway and
Wesley were here a while at night.
8 Stormy morning, snowing and Blowing, a regular snow storm all through the day. I worked at
entering orders in the Twp. Books
9 Snowing this morning, but no so much of a blow as yesterday. Snow came down all through the
day. I worked at the Township Books till noon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R.
went to Johney’s in the afternoon.
10 Cold sleety day, the cold air seemed to pierce right through, strong wind.
11 Cold sleety morning, the wind very high about noon and Blowing from the East. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon.
<p. 139>
January 1890
12th Sabbath. Quite a thaw this morning, and the day kept getting softer, Rain in torrents at night.
Johney and Ina, Jim, Mary and Baby were here. Mary and Baby stopped all night. [in margin]
Rain
13 Very strong wind this morning, the wind heavy all through the day, slightely calmer at nigtfall. I
thought it would almost blow the building down in the morning. [in margin] High / wind
14 Bright morning, the sun shone for a very little while, the day was calm, without any snow or Rain.
I fixed a little in the stable.
15 Dark day, a slight fall of snow occasionally.
371
16 A Slight snowfall during most of the day, the afternoon cold.
17 A very little snow fell now and then, the day rather of the mild type. The Widow Bowler was here
most of the day. This is my 54th Birth-day. [in margin] 54th / Birth-day
18 Very mild morning, the day Bright and sunny. The snow thawed some on the Ground and as there
was so little the sle[i]ghing is gone again. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. J. Arnold was
here a while at night, Mary & Baby through the day.
19 Sabbat. Mild day, the little snow going fast. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. T. Carson’s, we went with
the cutter, but the sleighing was very Bad.
<p. 140>
January 1890
20th Fierce wind and snow storm this morning, and kept it up all day. I went with Jim’s team and my
Democrat Waggon to a Council meeting at Hopeville. I stopped there all night. The next meeting
of Council is on the 13th Feb.
21 Another stormy day, snowing and blowing. I came home from Hopeville this morning, the wind
was in my back and I did not suffer.
22 Pretty sharp morning, very hard frost last night. The day cold and some very light snow falling. I
went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. and Ida went to Br. Sam’s & Mr. Jackson’s.
23 Snowing and blowing this morning, quite a bit of snow fell today. I think it has come to stay.
Mary and Arley were here. Mrs. R. and Ida went to a Prayer Meeting at McIn[tyre? writing re-
duced].
24 Snow falling most of the day, the sleighing got pretty good. I am laid up sick with La Grippe, I
think it must be, came on me last night with a headache and a high fever, with a burning heat,
pulse very rapid, then cold chills, slight pains in the back, arms and legs. I took some hot ginger
tea, bathed my feet and legs in hot water, and went to bed. I sweat most of the night, and the fever
had abated in the morning. [in margin] La Grippe / caught me.
25 Mild day, strong wind in the forenoon. I am still on the sick list, feel very weak and exhausted.
<half-page insert, between pp. 140-1>
<recto>
Table of deposits to Reeve, Dp. Reeve, and Councillors, 1889 1890 [for Proton Township /elsewhere as
well for comparison?]
Reeve: McLaughlin. & Rogers for 1889, McMillan & Rogers for 1890
Dp. Reeve: Agnew & McMillan for 1889, Shaw & Abbott for 1890
Councillors: Black, Corbett, McArdle, McKee, Shaw for 1889, Black, Corbett, McArdle, Vance, Lux-
ton, Cooper for 1890.
6 entries for each, totals at bottom of six entries for each.
<verso> tabulation of payments to cheese factory patrons. R. Cornett Manufactory
[details are largely inscrutable]
<end of inserted half-page>
<p. 141>
January 1890
26th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow softening. Brother Sam came out to see me. Johney and Ina also
were here.
27 Fine, mild morning, soft air. Willie has got the Grippe. I had a relaps[e] in [dittog.: in] the after-
noon, got very bad. The Doctor was sent for, gave me some powders to allay the fever.
372
28 Another mild day, the sleighing getting bad. I am still suffering. Jim and his little Girl, Arlie,
have the Grippe.
29 Snow is going rapidly, the day fine. I am stilll in bed with Grippe. Willie is pretty sick also. The
collector came here in the eavning and made a deposit. Johney and Ina, A. Lonsway and wife
were here.
30 Another mild day, the sleighing is done. I ventured out of bed, but kep indoors. Ida is down with
the Grippe.
31 Dark, cloudy day, and thawing. Ida and Willie are pretty well. I am also picking up, so is Jim and
Arlie. Brother Sam and Phoebe came out to see the sick people. It is a very trying time and there
is scarcely any person missing this disease. The heavy muggy weather has a good deal to do with
the continuance of the malady. There are some deaths, but not in this neighbourhood.
<p. 142>
February 1890
1st Pretty chilly morning, the day generally cold, pretty hard freeze. The Township Auditors, Alex-
ander Gillespie and George Watson, were here and audited the Twp. Books. The Grippe won’t let
me go.
2nd Sabbath. Fine mild day, the sleighing gone.
3 Rather Rough this morning, the afternoon fine. Jim took his sheep home this forenoon.
4 Cold, raw morning, pretty strong wind and a fall of sleet, not a pleasant day.
5 Strong wind this forenoon, but inclined to thaw. The wind lowered in the afternoon, but there was
a pretty sharp frost at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s.
6 Pretty sharp, cold wind all day. I went in the afternoon to Mr. A. Lonsway’s. Miss Vera Silk was
here in the afternoon, Wesley Lonsway at night.
7 Strong cold wind prevailing all day, cold also. I went in the forenoon to Walter Bell’s with a peti-
tion for School Separation which I had wrote for him.
8 Snow falling this morning, the day not very cold. Mrs. R. made a Bee to make sap troughs on
Clark’s Lot. Jim, Willie and Henry Lonsway went from here. John and Clark will join in the
bush. The Grippe has still a hold of me, guess it will let go sometime.
9th Sabbath. Rather mild day, with a little snow falling now and then. Jim, Mary & Arlie were here,
also Ina, Johney called at night. Thos. J. Arnold, wife and Baby were here at night, also T. Arnold
& wife.
<p. 143>
February 1890
10th Rather dark day, not much sunshine, a little snowfall. Willie hauled some sap troughs through the
Bush. I entered in Book Receipts and payments Re. Kinnear Estate. Thos. J. Arnold called for his
Father’s Rent, $120.00. I gave him a cheque on the Bank for this amount. [in margin] Paid Rent
11 Fine day, a good deal of sunsine, the snow softening. Willie hauled two loads of stove wood home
from Melancthon. He also got two new shoes put on Queeny and one old one on Gerty, price
paid, .60¢ and .10¢. Tiller Hewitt was here this afternoon. Clark is stopping here tonight.
12 Pretty mild day, the little bit of snow softening. Willie hauled wood for Jim.
13 Mild morning, the day had sunshine and the snow wasted away. I took Gerty and the cutter and
went to a Council Meeting at Hopeville. I got home the same night which don’t often happen, but
the Council let me away early on account of me having La Grippe.
373
14 Mild morning, the sky overcast and Rain began falling about 10 A.M., a decidedly wet day. Jim
started to haul wood and Willie to help, but had to quit. The folks went to a surprise party at T.
Carson’s.
15 Sharp morning, the day rather chilly, a little snow fell last night, which allowed some sleighing.
Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. W. Armstrong was here at night. I wrote a petition for him.
<p. 144>
February 1890
16th Sabbath. Pretty mild morning, the day mild with some sleighing in spots. Mrs. R. and I went to
Johney’s.
17 Sharp morning, the day had a cold, raw air, a little skiff of snow fell once, the sleighing is almost
gone. Mrs. Abraham Jackson was here.
18 Mild in the forenoon, cold and raw in the afternoon, with a particularly sharp night. Mrs. H. Lon-
sway was here in the eavning. John Agnew and wife here at night.
19 Bright sunny morning, the afternoon overcast with a wind and snow storm at night. Brother
John’s Jim stopped here at night. Jim, Mary and Arlie were here a little at night. Clark stopped all
night.
20 Very stormy morning, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, a particularly cold day all through. John’s
Jim left for home this morning. I worked at the defaulters’ list in the afternoon. [in margin] Very
Stormy
21 Snowing less or more all through the day, pretty cold, very fair sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon. There is quite a party at Jim’s tonight, but Willie and I stopped at home, the others
went. [in margin] Jim’s / party
22 Pretty cold morning, the day cold with a slight snowfall. I copied the defaulters’ names and
amounts from the returns made me by collector.
<p. 145>
February 1890
23rd Sab[bath]. Fine morning, the afternoon had a pretty big snow storm. Gerty got a bad kick.
24 Mild day, the snow melting rapidly. I attended Jas. Hately Sale, did not want to buy anything,
other business took me.
25 Mild day, in fact almost like spring. The sleighing is gone again. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk.
26 Mild morning, the day quite mild, the sleighing is about gone.
27 Mild day all through, there are as many Waggons Running as sleighs. Mr. John Connor and wife
paid us a visit this afternoon. There came on a sharp rain about 10 P.M. and continued Raining all
night. [in margin] Rain
28 Rain in the forenoon and a little in the afternoon, turning to snow at night, pretty strong wind
blowing. John came in the afternoon and took away a two-year old steer of his which was winter-
ing here.
March [1890]
1st Sharp morning, the day cold and clear, with a good deal of sunshine.
2nd Sabbath. Cold, clear day, mostly, a very little snow fell once. John and Ina were here a while, then
went to Jim’s.
<p. 146>
March 1890
3rd Quite cold this morning, the day cold and cloudy. I went to Dundalk.
374
4 Cold and stormy this morning, snowing and blowing, which was the general character of the day.
Willie and his mother took the cutter and went to Melancthon to place the sap troughs at the trees.
She is stopping at Johney’s all night.
5 Sharp, Bright morning, the day cold and clear. Pretty hard frost. I went to an auction Sale at Jim
Trugon’s. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here at night.
6 Bright morning, the day sunny and cold. Brother John and Eliza, his wife, came here.
7 Bright sunny day, but very cold. Brother John and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. In the af-
ternoon they went to Brother Sam’s. Mrs. R. and I went in there at night.
8 Bright morning, the day sunny and sharp. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to see
the Exhibition Cars of products from Manatoba [=Manitoba], the North West and British Colum-
bia. There were some fine specimens of Grain, especially Wheat and Barley. J. Arnold & Wife
were here.
9th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Brother John & Wife, Son John & Wife, Brother Sam & Wife, Ida,
Mrs. R. and I were at John Arnold’s for Dinner and tea.
<p. 147>
March 1890
10th Cloudy morning, snow came on about noon and covered the ground over pretty well. Brother
John and Eliza left for home.
11 Dark morning and slightely wet, the day wet all through. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk, and
in the afternoon fixed shed.
12 Dark morning, the day cloudy with a slight rain, the sleighing is entirely gone. Clark came here at
night and is stopping.
13 Fine mild morning, the day sunny and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mrs. John
Gott visited Mrs. R. today.
14 Mild morning, the forenoon sunny and fine, several showers of snow in the afternoon, Sharp frost
towards sunset. Mrs. R. started for the sugar bush in Melancthon (Lot 39, 4th Range), Clark’s Lot.
Willie took her and the traps out with Jim’s team. John Arnold was here at night. Mrs. H. Lon-
sway & Mrs. Jim Russell and Arlie were here in the afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. R. went / sugar-
ing
15 Snow falling this morning and throughout the day generally, pretty sharp frost at night. John Ar-
nold and I went to Dundalk in the eavning and Deposited $83.00 with E. G. Lucas & Co., Bankers,
the amount we have of cash on hand from the Kinnear Estate, as Executors thereof. We then went
to James Lamon, Barrister, the lawyer we had employed in this Business to get a settlement from
him. He is a notorious fraud.
<p. 148>
March 1890
16th Sabbath. Dark morning, and pretty cold, the day was chilly all through with a strong wind, sharp
frost at night.
17 Cloudy and a shower of snow now and then, not so sharp a frost as yesterday. Phoebe and Baby
were here in the eavning. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. Arnold’s at night.
18 Sharp morning, the Ground very hard, the middle of the day mild and the Ground softened, sharp
Frost at night. I attended Council Meeting held in Dundalk. The next will be 27 of May in Hope-
ville.
375
19 Raw, cold morning, the day got milder in the afternoon, the snow melted some, the day cloudy,
sharp Frost towards sunset. I worked at Entering orders in the Township Books. Mary and Arlie
were here in the afternoon.
20 Hard frost this morning, cloudy all day with a tendancy to thaw, a little snow fell about noon, then
it turned soft. I went to Dundalk.
21 Wet morning, and a continual rain through the previous night, the day dark and without sunshine.
The Roads very sloppy and breaking up. Willie took the young mare and went to the sap troughs
in Melancthon and gathered the sap. Jim has got Gerty at his place to dress her wound as I cannot,
she is so restless.
22 Hard morning, but the ground got soft about 10 A.M., the Roads are quite sloppy, the day was
cloudy. Mrs. R. and Willie went to the sugar bush this morning. Brought home at night about a
Gal[lon] of molasses.
<p. 149>
March 1890
23rd Sabbath. Very sharp cold morning, the day cold and cloudy. Jas. Carson and his sister were here.
Mary & Arlie here all night.
24 Cold, cloudy morning, the day rather cold and without sunshine. Johney hauled me two loads of
oats (83 23/34 & 81 26/34 Bushels) to Dundalk. I have sold them for .27¢ per Bushel to S. Bell.
Jim, Willie and I cleaned the oats. Mary & Arlie were here, also Ina. I did not like the weight of
the last load, just the same number of Bags as the first load, and yet I was short two Bushels,
docked me this much for thistle tops, and many in them. [in margin] Oats sold
25 Dark morning, Rain came on about 10 A.M., the afternoon was pretty wet, the Rain turned to
snow about 8 P.M. Willie and his mother helped me to clean oats. Jim hauled out two loads to
Dundalk; there were 30 Bags, weighed 80 Bushels net in his first load, and on the second load
there were 31 Bags, weight 82 22/34 Bushels, price .27¢ per Bushel. There seems to be something
very strange about the weight as yesterday John’s first load had exactly the same 30 Bags out of
the same oats, and they weighed 83 23/34 Bushels, while one bag more today only weighed 82
22/34 Bushels. John Trugon and his wife and Father, Robert Irwin and family, and two sons of Mr.
J. Fletcher left Dundalk for the North West. [in margin] Folks went to the / North West
<p. 150>
March 1890
26th Dark morning and snow came on about daylight, quite a little snow storm, the day was windy and
rough. Jim hauled out the remainder of my grain: Two loads of oats, 54 14/34 and 76 26/34 Bush-
els, and one load of pease, 22 3/60 was mine, and 9 49/60 was his. We got .52¢ per Bushel for
the pease. I have now sold in all 459 Bushels of oats and 31 of pease. I had about 23 Bushels of
oats to the acre and 15 of pease.
27 Mild day, the forenoon cloudy, the afternoon Bright with a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon and sent by Express $202.00 to W. B. Bridgeman Simpson, Commisions
Trust and Loan Company of Canada, for the purpose of paying off the Mortgage in full on Lot 215
Proton. The mortgage has been on for upwards of 20 years and I have paid in that time on the
$200.00 Loan, upwards of $310.00 interest, and the costs of the loan in the first place was about
$30.00. I paid 8 percent per annum half yearly for the first 15 years, then 7 percent per annum half
yearly afterwards. I Borrowed $400.00 in the first place to purchase a Lot of land in the Township
of Mulmur and did not get the land, therefore I returned the company $200.00 and kept the other
$200.00 and bought milk cows with it. I consider it a wrong idea to mortgage, as the interest in
most cases is very oppressive and crushes the Borrower so that he seldom recovers.
376
<p. 151>
March 1890
28th Very stormy morning, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. The wind very high all day and snow
falling most of the time, a particularly stormy day. [in margin] Stormy / 1st cow Violet / calved
29 Not so cold or stormy as yesterday, the sun shone out in the afternoon and there was a little soften-
ing of the ground. I went to Dundalk. The Township Assessor came here and remained over
night.
30th Sabbath. Rather mild, the sun shone out sometimes. Michael Oldfield, an old Resident of Melanc-
thon, now living in Dundalk, Died, age 64 years. The Assessor, Mr. D. McKenzie is stopping
here. [in margin] Mich[a]el Oldfield / Died
31 Hazy morning, a good deal of Rhime on the trees. The sun shone out, disappating the mist and the
day was pleasant. I worked at Copying the defaulters’ out of Book, preparing them to Send to Co.
Treasurer. Assessor left.
April 1890
1st Bright sunny morning, the day clear but somewhat chilly. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to make
molasses. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and Received the papers Re. Loan 4474. They ap-
pear to be all correct, the company did not charge me the $2.00 which they asked for drawing dis-
charge, but returned it to me. That was something strange.
2 Bright morning and sunny day, but rather cold. I went to Brother Sam’s.
<p. 152>
3rd Bright sunny forenoon and very warm, the afternoon cloudy and wet. Willie took the young mare
and went to Melancthon to gather sap. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk.
4 Dark morning, the forenoon wet and in the afternoon, the Rain turned to snow. There was a pretty
strong wind. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Melancthon to Boil down. Gerty lost her colt last night,
cause unknown. She was only about four months from colting time. The second cow (Dark Eye)
calved last night. [in margin] Gerty lost her colt / 2nd cow calved
5 Bright sunny morning, but rather a cold wind, the afternoon warmer. Willie and Johney each
brought me a load of stove wood from Melancthon. Willie had Jim’s team. I went with the young
mare in the afternoon for Mrs. R. who has a turn of billiousness. [in margin] Seen first / Robin of
the / season
6th Sabbath. Dark morning, the forenoon overcast. Rain came on in the afternoon, near night, and was
very heavy for a while. Jim, his wife and Baby, were here in the afternoon. We went to John Ar-
nold’s at night. [in margin] Esther [=Easter]
7 Snow falling this morning and the ground was covered. The afternoon was sunny and warm. Ida
and Willie are in the sugar Bush. I went to Dundalk.
8 Fine sunny morning, but rain came on and the forenoon and most of the afternoon was wet. Willie
went to the sugar camp in the morning. [in margin] First / Lamb
<p. 153>
April 1890
9th Dark morning, thunder in the forenoon and Rain accompanied with hail. Showery and dark in the
afternoon, strong wind also. I went to Sam’s to bring out a cow which I had bought from him,
concluded to let her be till after calving. Jim put Flax seed meal poultices to the mare’s feet as she
is very stiff on her front legs. The veterinary advised so doing, he said she was foundered from
loosing [MS lossing] her foal.
377
10 Sharp morning, the Ground covered with snow and frequent showers through the day, the after-
noon cold. I sawed at Jim’s wood be[e] for the afternoon.
11 Hard frost this morning and the Ground covered with snow, the forenoon cold, the afternoon pretty
mild, the Roads very bad. G. Rutherford was here this afternoon and insured the House and con-
tents for $700.00 in the London Mutual. I gave a promiss[ary] note for $9.10, not more than sixty
per cent of this note to be collected, the first and only payment to be made in Eighteen months. [in
margin] House insured
12 Beautiful morning, the day just lovely, the air mild and Balmy. Quite a warm sun most of the day.
The afterpart of the afternoon cloudy and something like Rain. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon. I became a member of the Mechanic’s Institute, admission one dollar per annum.
We get free Reading of all the Books in the institute for one Year for this sum. I sowed three acres
of Grass seed in the forenoon. [in margin] Hard Frost
<p. 154>
April 1890
13th Beautiful Sabbath morning, the day mild and very spring-like, the sun shone out strong. Mrs. R.
and I went to Brother Sam’s. Mr. John Arnold and wife, Johney Maxwell and his mother, were
here a while at night.
14 Rain in the morning, the day dark and cold with a slight Scotch mist in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and
Willie went to the sugar bush in the early morning. Ida came home about 10 A.M.
15 Fine morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. I chopped some firewood in the bush. Mrs. R. is in
the sugar bush in Melancthon. Willie came home in the afternoon.
16 Frost in the morning, the day bright, sunny and warm. I cut firewood in the bush. Mrs. R. was in
the sugar bush. D. Reid and wife were here at night.
17 Beautiful morning with a slight frost. The sun rose clear and warm, the day pleasant. I helped Jim
to make part of an line fence from his Barn across his Lot. Willie went to the sugar Bush. [in
margin] Sam fetched / cow Home
18 Cold morning, but the sun shone out bright most of the day, with a very cold wind. I helped Jim in
the afternoon to haul Rails. Mrs. R. came home from the sugar Bush in the afternoon. Made about
Six pails’ full of Molasses.
<p. 155>
April 1890
19th Hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine, though with a chilly air. I
bought some cow hay from D. Reid for $1.25. He hauled it to me. I then went to Dundalk and got
the Co. Treasurer’s cheque for $17.95, my commission on School moneys. I also took in the col-
ter to the Blacksmith’s and got it fixed. Willie is rigging up the plow harness and plow for work-
ing.
20th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day sunny with a chilly air. Jim and Mary & Arlie here in
eavning.
21 Fine morning with a slight frost, the day was bright and breezy. Jim got the use of A. Row’s mare
for me as my own is not fit to work on account of a kick she got. Jim and Willie plowed for me on
the Arnold farm. The ground is passibly dry. Mrs. R. went to the sugar bush. Arlie was here all
day. I worked in the afternoon at Filling up financial Statement of the Township for the Bureau of
Industries. [in margin] First plowing / this season
22 Bright morning, the day sunny and warm with a fine growth. Jim and Willie plowed. I went to
George Wright’s mill and bought from him 3 1/2 Brls flour for $15.50 cash.
378
23 Cool morning, the day dry and cool. Willie plowed, except a while in the forenoon when it rained.
24 Frost this morning, the day dry and sunny. Willie and Jim plowed. Ida and I cleaned oats. Miss
Carry McLean was here in the afternoon.
<p. 156>
April 1890
25th Hard frost this morning, the day clear and cool. Willie plowed, I went in the afternoon to the
Horse show in Dundalk. Also paid for 23 Fruit trees, $6.80.
26 Pretty cool forenoon, frost in the morning, the day cool and cloudy. Rain came on about 7 P.M. I
helped Jim in the forenoon to put out manure, and planted four fruit trees for him. In the afternoon
I planted out 23 Fruit trees for myself on the acre. [in margin] Planted / Fruit trees
27th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and family, John and Ina, Walter Bell, ——
Ivay, and A. Row were here.
28 Pretty sharp frost this morning, but the sun soon thawed it soft, the day was cool and dry. I sowed
six Bags of pease. This is my first sowing of grain this spring. Willie plowed. We hitched up
Gerty for the first time since the 23rd of last February. She got a very severe kick then, on her leg
and it is not near well yet, but the work must be done. [in margin] First Grain / pease sown
29 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon had a slight Scotch mist. Willie plowed in the afternoon, I also
plowed with Jim’s team for about two hours in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to help fix my Father
and Mother’s Graves and plant a W[eeping] Willow.
30 Dry, cloudy forenoon, Rain came on in the afternoon about 4 O’clock, faired off a little then came
on heavier. Raining now (7:30 ) pretty hard. Jim plowed in the forenoon and harrowed pease in
the afternoon. Willie plowed all day.
<p. 157>
May 1890
1st Hard Frost this morning, cloudy and cold in the forenoon, Bright and cold in the afternoon. Willie
plowed, Jim worked for me plowing and Ganging.
2 Hard frost this morning, the day dry, cool and windy. Willie Ganged with three horses. Jiim
sowed Seven bags of oats for me with his seeder. I chored around. [in margin] First oats / sown
3 Bright morning, the day dry and breezy till about 4 P.M. when there came on a Rain which in-
creased and after some time there was quite a thunder storm. Jim sowed oats for me with his
seeder. Willie Ganged some and harrowed some, using the three mares at both harrows and Gang.
I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought some clover @ 8¢ per lb. and Timothy seed @ 5¢,
also some carrot and parsnip seed. In the afternoon I sowed some Grass and clover seeds. [in
margin] Heavy Rain / Thunder & Lightening
4th Sabbath. Slightely wet in the forenoon and a Scotch mist in the afternoon. A. Row and J. Bower-
man were here.
5 Dark morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon Slightely wet. I sowed some Grass and Clover seed
in the forenoon and in the afternoon filled up some stone holes for Jim. Willie harrowed in the
forenoon and plowed for Jim in the dry part of the afternoon. The Ground is very wet and more
Rain falling.
<p. 158>
May 1890
6th Slight snow this morning, the day cold and cloudy. I filled up some stone holes for Jim in the
forenoon and in the afternoon plowed for him while he made a stone boat. Willie also plowed
379
with his team for Jim, so did Johney. Very Rough plowing it was, knolly, wet and stoney. [in
margin] Snow
7 Ground pretty white with snow this morning and a small quantity fell most of the forenoon. The
afternoon was milder, with some sunshine. I Ganged at Jim’s in the afternoon with John’s team.
Willie and Johney plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon picked stones. Mrs. R. commenced
her Garden. [in margin] Snow / Mrs. R. Gardening
8 Hard frost this morning, the day cold and cloudy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the
afternoon worked in the garden. Willie helped Jim with team.
9 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through and Raining in the afternoon. The Ground is very soft,
so much so that is is impossible to get the seed put in on anything like low land. I went to Sam’s
in the forenoon to see about some hay for Jim, and in the afternoon Willie and I picked stones for
Jim, and Willie hauled half a ton of hay home from Sam’s. In the forenoon he Ganged. Jim
sowed Seven bags oats with his seeder for me. [in margin] Seen first swallows
<p. 159>
May 1890
10th Dark cold morning, the day chilly and a little sleet fell. Willie harrowed at home with three hors-
es. Jim sowed for me with his seeder. This finished my sowing of Grain for this season, but there
is nine acres to harrow yet. I sowed some carrots and parsnip seed in Garden. [in margin] Fin-
ished sowing / sowed carrot & / parsnip seed
11th Sabbath. Very hard frost this morning, the sun got out clear, the day was clear and cool. Mrs. Wil-
liam Faucett was here.
12 Cloudy and cool in the forenoon. Rain came on about 4:30 P.M., slightely at first, then heavier
and is now, 9 P.M., Raining. Willie finished harrowing the oats. Then went and helped Jim with
the team in the afternoon. I harrowed for Jim with his team while he sowed oats.
13 Dark, cold day, but no Rain. Willie helped Jim with the team. Thomas Arnold, Snr. was here a
while in the eavning. Queeny, a four year old mare, colted this night. She took Eleven months
less nine days. The colt is all right, smart, strong and able to suck. The mare had been working
hard all day ganging, was tied up with the other horses in the stable at night. The stable has two
half doors on it (under and upper), both being fastened. In the morning when Jim went out he
found the colt running round in the Barn yard and the mother tied in the stable. It had oppened
[=opened] the under door by some means, and got out.
<p. 160>
May 1890
14th Clear day, a good deal of sunshine, pretty warm, mostly. I and Willie with the team hauled out
manure for Jim. He sowed ten acres oats for himself at home. T. Arnold, J. Arnold & Mrs. Ar-
nold here in the eavning.
15 Cloudy, cool day, very much like rain and cold enough at night for snow. Willie with his team
helped Jim. I also spread 15 loads of manure for him in the forenoon and in the afternoon I made
drills with the hoe to the amount of 70 Rods in length. Prepared them for the seed, sowed carrots
in them, and was done at 7 P.M. Johney and Ina were here about an hour at night.
16 Dark, cold day with a shower of snow in the forenoon, a[nd] a Rain shower at noon. Willie
plowed and Harrowed the Garden. [in margin] Last cow / Verty calved
17 Cold, Sleety morning, the day Rainy and sleety with a strong wind, very unpleasant day. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland
18th Sabbath. Cold day with quite a Rain about noon. Sam and Phoebe were here.
380
19 Dark, cloudy morning, the day a little sultry in the afternoon. Willie went in the morning to
Johney’s for some hay, and in the afternoon he took John’s team to the Mill with Seven Bags of
chop and to get 3 1/2 Brls of Flour which I had bought. Had to come home without, will get it to-
morrow. I hauled Rails for calve pasture and cut and planted two pails of potatoes. [in margin]
First potatoes / planted. / Factory opened
<p. 161>
May 1890
20th Dry morning, though dark, the day dry and cool. I put up fence round calve park, fetched Mare
and colt, the sow with her pigs, from Jim’s. Willie with his team hauled stones off the field for
Jim in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Harrowed with Jim’s team, while he went to the mill for
chop and flour for me. This is the first day for the calves on grass. I have rented half an acre pas-
ture for them from D. Reid @ $3.00.
21 Frost this morning, the day dry and clear till the afternoon, when it got cloudy like Rain again. I
fixed Fences in the forenoon, and then cut, made spots, dropped and covered 1 1/2 Bushels of po-
tatoes. Willie helped Jim. [in margin] A. Row’s / mare took / Home
22 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool but dry. I planted 2 Bushels of potatoes. Willie helped
Jim, had the team working with him in the afternoon.
23 Cloudy and slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and warm. I cut seed potaotes, and
went to Dundalk in the eavning to a political meeting held for Mr. Blythe, Conservative M.P.P.
and Mr. Moffat, Warden of Grey. Willie helped Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and
Mrs. R. went for the camp fixings.
24 Cloudy, warm and dry. Willie, Mrs. R. and I finished potatoe planting. We plowed in 7 Bushels
and I had hilled in 3 Bushels, so we can tell which way of planting will do best. [in margin] Fin-
ished potatoe / planting
<p. 162>
May 1890
25th Sabbath. Wet morning, and a great deal of Rain had fallen during the night. Jim, Mary and Arlie
were here.
26 Clear morning, the day dry and pretty warm although cloudy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went
to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie with his team was hauling out manure for Jim. [in margin]
Sent n[ews]papers / to R. Clark Snr / Ireland / Got papers from Toronto
27 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry with sunshine in the afternoon. I went to Council Meeting at
Hopeville and stopped all night. I had Mr. A. Row’s horse and buggy. Willie helped Jim.
28 Frost this morning but the sun rose bright and strong. The day was warm and pleasant. I came
home from Hopeville. Willie picked stones.
29 Bright morning, the day warm, sunny and dry. Willy and I picked stones. Ina was here.
30 Dry morning, the day cloudy, not any sunshine. I turned some manure. Willy harrowed for Jim
while he sowed barley. This finished Jim's sowing of grain.
31 Bright sunny morning, the day bright and warm. I made some drills and sowed some turnip seed.
Jim and I washed our sheep in the afternoon. Willie helped Jim during the day. [in margin].
Sowed turnips / Washed sheep
<p. 163>
June 1890
1st Sabbath. Fine dry day, warm with a good deal sunshine. Mrs. R and I were at brother Sam’s.
2 Dry and hot. Willie and I helped Jim to plant potatoes.
381
3 Dry morning, Rain came on about 4 P.M., slightely at first, then gradually increased, when about
7:30 PM there was heavy Rain, thunder and lightening. I helped Jim build some fence part of the
day. Willie helped to swamp out some of Clark's cordwood in Melancthon, Johney used his team
at it. Mrs. R clipped nine sheep, paid her .45¢. [in margin]. Clipped sheep
4 Dry in the forenoon, a very severe thunderstorm in the afternoon, sharp and incessant lightening.
Rain and some hail during the night. The thunderstorm came on about 5 P.M. and lasted till 4
o'clock next morning. We got one of our best cows killed by the lightening. She was in the pas-
ture and standing under a large elm tree. The tree was struck and the bark slivered off it. There
was no mark on the cow. She swelled up to an immense size. Willie worked at Jim’s. [in margin]
Cow (Blackie) Killed / By Lightening
5 Dry morning, the forenoon dry and warm, a rainstorm with some thunder and lightening in the
afternoon. Willie worked at Jim’s. I went to the Ont[ario] Elections. I got Walter Bell, W. Arm-
strong and D. Reid to view the dead cow. [in margin] Ontario / Elections
<p. 164>
June 1890
6th Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry and sultry, the latter part of the afternoon showery with some
thunder. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and posted a letter to Brother William. [in margin].
Letter to brother William / Keeter P. O. / Wise Co. / Tex. U. S
7 Dark morning with a slight mizzle of rain, the day cold and drizzly except a while late in the after-
noon when the sun shone out. Mrs. R and I went to Flesherton with Jim's team. I wished to see
Dr. Christo[e], but he was at Conference. Willie helped Jim.
8 [Sabbath]. Frost this morning but did not do any harm. There was ice on the water. The day was fine
and dry. [in margin] Sabbath / Frost
9 Fine dry morning, very sultry in the forenoon, the afternoon also pretty warm. I went on the hunt
of the cow to buy, but did not get any. Willie helped Jim.
10 Dark morning, rain came on about 9 AM, the day was drizzly and wet. I went to the Dundalk fair
to buy a cow but did not succeed. Willie helped Jim.
11 Dark morning and showery during the forenoon, a very heavy rain about 2:40 in the afternoon. I
went on the hunt of a cow. Mrs. R. went with me. I bought one, seven years old, which had
calved seven weeks, a good size & good like cow, from John Crique of Melancthon for $27.50,
cash. Willie helped Jim.
<p. 165>
June 1890
12th Dry day and very sultry. I went to Flesherton to see Dr. Christoe, also to enter in Court for collec-
tion a promissory note. Got down part of the way with Charles McConnell. Willie was at Jim’s.
13 Dark morning, the day slightely wet. I fixed a poke* for Gerty and then worked at the Township
Books. Willie helped Jim. [*Wooden apparatus, attached to horse’s neck, from which hangs a
hinged wooden bar that allows grazing, but makes jumping fences difficult; see 12 July 1876, and
24, 28 Aug. 1891]
14 Dark morning, the day dark with a very slight mizzle of rain. I went to Dundalk and filled up and
sent away claim papers for the cow which I got killed by lightening on the 4th inst. I also bought
200 cabbage plants from T. Hagan for .35¢, the plants are very small. Willie helped Jim. Brother
John’s Minnie came here on a visit. She and Ida went to Johney's in the afternoon.
15th Sabbath. Dry day and moderately warm.
382
16 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, made up
the milk sheets in the forenoon. Willie had Jim’s team and hauled rails for Clark. I got Johney’s
horse and buggy to go to a Council meeting at Cederville tomorrow.
17 Dry day till about 6 PM when there came in a very heavy shower of rain. Mrs. R. and I went to
Cederville, stopped all night at Mr. Rogers’.
<p. 166>
June 1890
18th Bright morning. We left Cederville about 9 A.M. and got to Johney's @ 1 PM.
19 Bright morning, the day fine and crops are growing nicely. I looked over the orders which I had
got at the Council. Harrowed the potatoes and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie was at
John Arnold’s sawing. Mrs. R. was helping Phoebe.
20 Broight morning, the day dry and fine. I worked at the milk accounts, making out the pay for the
patrons.
21 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm. I went in the cars at 11:40 AM to Flesherton, then by
stage to Priceville. Walked from there to Durham, ten miles. Seen Mr. Campbell, School Inspec-
tor. Walked back to Priceville that afternoon, got there at 9:30.
22 Sabbath. Heavy shower of rain this morning. I left Priceville at 9 AM and walked home. Got here
at 2:30 PM. John and Ina are here.
23 Very sultry day, dry and hot. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and picked bugs off the potatoes
in the afternoon. Mrs. R. lost thirteen goslings last night. Some wild animal mangled and killed
her entire flock. They were scattered over twenty Rods, some with their heads eat off and some
with their entrails torn out. It was on Lot 218 Proton. Big devastation in one night, not any left
out of all her number. [in margin]. Hot / Mrs. R. lost her goslings
<p. 167>
June 1890
24th Sunny morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. I worked at the Township Books and milk ac-
counts. Jim and Willie are getting out timber for stable.
25 Fine morning, the day dry and breezy, pretty warm. Jim and Willie worked at the stable timber in
the forenoon. In the afternoon Jim went to John Conner’s Barn Raising. I hoed potatoes.
26 Bright sunny day and hot. Jim and Willie worked at the stable timber till tea time, then they took
two of Jim’s Cattle to pasture at D. Pate’s. I hoed potatoes and Bugged.
27 Fine dry morning and the sun shone out very hot during the length of the day. I was hoeing and
weeding carrots for Jim. Willie and Jim worked at stable timber.
28 Beautiful Rain very early this morning and the crops all needed it. The Rain was heavy as there
were pools of water on the Road. Jim, Willie and D. Reid worked at the stable. They layed the
foundation. I went to Dundalk.
29th Sabbath. Very warm day, bright sun.
30 Hot and sultry. Jim, Willie, John Gott, D. Reid and I worked at the putting together of the new
stable.
<p. 168>
July 1890
1st Rain early in the morning and several showers during the forenoon. Thunder and lightening and a
heavy Rain in the afternoon. Willie went Fishing, caught a few about four or five inches long, a
failure. The others of us went to see the sports in Dundalk. They were mostly a failure also.
383
2 Sun shone out this morning, but there was a shower of Rain in the forenoon, also a slight shower
in the afternoon. Jim and Willie worked at the stable.
3 Dry morning, the day dry. Jim went to Toronto on business for the young Britons. Willie hauled
home a load of lumber, then wed Jim’s carrots. I went to Dundalk.
4 Dry day. Jim and Willie worked at the stable. I worked at hoeing potatoes.
5 Cool clear morning, the forenoon cool, the afternoon warm[e]r. Willie [stricken: hauled] worked
at the stable. Jim hauled a load of saw logs to McDowell’s Mill. I hoed among the potatoes.
6th Sabbath. Dry day. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. We had Mr. J. Arnold’s Buggy.
7 Cloudy morning, the day dry and very warm in the afternoon. Jim and Willie were at D. Reid’s
sawing in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes.
<p. 169>
July 1890
8th Dry in the forenoon, rain in the afternoon, a pretty high wind. I finished hoeing potatoes. Willie
with Jim's team hauled a load of shingles and two loads of lumber for me. The females went to
Clark's picknick.
9 Cool clear morning, the day cold and clear. Willie and Jim worked at the stable. I worked at the
milk sheets. Dan and Emma Reid were here.
10 Pretty warm day. Willie, Jim, D. Reid and Clark worked at the stable. I attended Council meeting
in Dundalk.
11 Pretty hot day. Jim and Willie worked at the stable. I Paris Greened the potatoes.
12 Dry morning, a slight shower before noon, the afternoon breezy and dry. Jim, Johney and Clark
went with the Britons to Flesherton. Willie went to Orangeville. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon to collect some cheese money. [in margin]. Got a letter from / Br. William / Antlers P. O. /
Ind. Territory / US
13th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry and hot. Sam and Phoebe were here in the afternoon.
14 Dry morning, the forenoon dry and very warm. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon, and in
the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid the Patrons. Their money came to $856.00. That was
three weeks milk. Willie with the team done statute labor. There was a very heavy rain about 6
P.M. with thunder and lightening.
<p. 170>
July 1890
15th Sunny morning, the day bright and warm. I entered the payments in the Milk Books in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon mended the fence. Willie with the team done statute labor.
16 Bright morning, the day dry, but cloudy in the afternoon. I worked at posting orders in the Town-
ship Books. Willie molded Jim’s potatoes.
17 Pretty cool morning, the day generally cool, some rain about 1 PM, and a little thunder, the after-
noon cloudy and cool. Got home mower, Price $50.00, 10 & 20 & 20 the payments. [in margin].
Got home / Mower
18 Cool and cloudy with a tendency to frost at the night. Jim and Willie shingled Stable. J. Arnold
helped in the afternoon.
19 Quite cold this morning, the day cool and cloudy. Jim and Willie finished shingling stable. I went
to Clark’s place in the forenoon for a few bunches of shingles to finish the roof. I have got in all
from him 24 small bunches, viz.16 the first time, and 8 this time. 18 of these bunches were first
class. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
20th Sabbath. Dry day, cool and clear.
384
21 Clear and cool morning, the middle of the day warm. Willie took Minnie to Dundalk in the morn-
ing and laid the upper floor on the stable in the afternoon. I cut some stove wood in the bush.
<p. 171>
July 1890
22nd Cloudy morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Willie took Gerty to the blacksmith and got two
shoes on. Then he hauled a load of wood for Jim and two for me.
23 Fine morning, dry and sunny, the day warm and Breezy. I split some stove wood. Willie helped
Jim at the hay. The afternoon cloudy and like a storm.
24 Very heavy Rain, thunder and lightening early this morning, the remainder of the day dry, cloudy
and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie was at Jim’s in the afternoon.
25 Dark cloudy morning, the day dry till about 7 PM when there was a thunderstorm with lightening
and heavy rain. Willie was at Jim’s.
26 Clear morning, the day cool and cloudy with some sunshine in the afternoon. Willie was at Jim’s.
Johney Norval, Blacksmith of Dundalk, died this eavning of Dierehea [=diarrhea], after a sickness
of about Thirty hours. He was about 32 years of age. [in margin] Johney Norval / Died
27th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s and then to meeting.
28 Bright morning, the day dry, and the afternoon hot. I helped Jim in the forenoon at his hay, and in
the afternoon we went to J. Norval’s funeral. Willie helped Jim.
<p. 172>
July 1890
29th Bright morning, the day dry and warm. I worked at the milk books in the forenoon, and helped
Jim in the afternoon to mow away some hay in the barn. Willie worked at Jim’s.
30 Dry morning, but Rain came on in the forenoon and although not much, yet it stopped hauling in.
The afternoon was cloudy and damp. Jim cut some with the mower, and Willie Raked while it
was dry in the forenoon.
31 Dry forenoon, rain about noon, with some thunder and lightening, the afternoon dry. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon, bought 1 1/2 lbs of Paris green, came home and put it on the potatoes.
This is the second time this season that I have put 1 1/2 pounds on. There is a little over 1/2 an
acre of potatoes. Willie helped Jim at his hay. [in margin] Sent letter to / the Minister of Public /
Instruction
August [1890]
1st Very heavy dew this morning, almost as much wet on the grass as if rain had fallen. All the day
dry and warm. I went to Johney's in the morning to help him at his hay, but he had finished the
eavning before. I then came home and helped Jim at his hay in the afternoon. Willie helped Jim.
2 Bright sunny day, dry and warm. Willie and I helped Jim to haul in hay. Ida also helped to mow.
H. Lonsway’s boy & team were there. [in margin] Got pension / $101.00.
<p. 173>
August 1890
3rd Sabbath. Dry day till about 7 PM, when there came on a Rain storm with thunder and lightening.
The day was Exceedingly sultry. Brother Sam and Phoebe, Johney and Ina were here. [in margin]
very hot
4 Dry morning, the day dry till about 1 P.M. when there came on a tremendous Rain storm with
thunder and lightening. More rain fell in the same time than I ever remember. Another Rain,
Thunder and lightening from 5 to 7 PM. Willie mowed at home with Jim’s team when dry. [in
margin] Heavy Rain / commenced / Haying
385
5 Wet morning, but it cleared off and the day was dry, breezy and cool. Willie mowed at home with
the mares. I mowed with the scythe. John Trugon and wife got home from Red River. They had
been away since April. Thought to farm out there but they could not succeed, therefore [dittog.:
therefore] they sold their horses, cattle and implements and left. [in margin] J. Trugon / got home
6 Dry day, cloudy and breezy. Willie mowed fence corners in the forenooon, and in the afternoon
sulky Raked and hauled in. Jim helped us with his team. We put in five loads in the afternoon on
the loft of the new stable.
7 Fine day, dry and Breezy. Jim, Willie and I worked at Haying. Willie Raked in the afternoon and
mowed in the forenoon. Jim and I hauled in Four loads in the afternoon.
<p. 174>
August 1890
8th Dry day, cloudy and Breezy with sunshine. We finished haying at this place. Four loads with
some Rakings. [in margin] Finished / Haying
9 Cool morning with quite a dampness on the ground, the day was cool, cloudy and breezy. Mrs. R.
with Willie and the team went to Dundalk in the forenoon. In the afternoon Willie helped Jim to
pick up the remainder of his hay Rakings. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Sent let-
ter to Willie / Antlers P.O. / Ind. Territory / U.S.
10th Sabbath. Cold and cloudy, the eavning very cold. W. Agnew, Wife and Two children came here
this eavning.
11 Very chilly morning, the day sunny and warm in the afternoon. I was at a Council meeting in
Hopeville. Willie helped D. Reid mend brush fence.
12 Bright sunny morning, the day hot in the afternoon. I took Johney's Horse and Buggy, which I had
borrowed, home. Then went to Dundalk and collected cheese money. Willie and Ida with J.
Bowerman and sister went to the Berry Marsh.
13 Cool and clear, a little sultry about noon. I worked at the milk Books and went to Brother Sam's in
the afternoon to see a sick colt.
14 Dry day and breezy. I posted the Township orders in the forenoon, and helped Jim stook some
Barley in the afternoon. Willie helped all day.
15 Dry day. Willie and I helped Jim move [MS vove] straw out of the new Barn to the old, till the
waggon tongue broke.
<p. 175>
August 1890
16th Dry morning and cool, the middle of the day warm, the afternoon dry. I paid the Patrons of the
C[heese] Factory in the afternoon. [in margin] $20 — 1st Feb. 1892, $20 —1st Feb. 1893, $10 —
1st Feb. 1891 —[total] $50. Mower
17th Sabbath. Rain in the morning. Fair and cool from about 10 AM, the afternoon very cold, slight
frost at night.
18 Cool morning, but the sun shone out Bright and the day was pleasant. Willie helped Jim to move
straw. I posted the milk payments and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 25 lbs B[lack]
Turnips for $3.50.
19 Dry in the morning, but a slight mizzle of rain came on about 9 AM and the day was wet all
through.
20 Dry, cool morning, the day dry and sunny. Willie and I made a Road of stones to the spring on T.
Arnold's Lot. All the family but Clark [MS Clare] are at J. Maxwell’s party this night. I was there
but came home.
386
21 Rainy forenoon, the afternoon dry, cool & cloudy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
22 Cool and cloudy in the morning, the day cool and slightly wet. We tried cutting pease with the
mower, but it would not do, on account of the wetness of the grain. Then Jim cradled roads
around the oats, and Willie and I pulled in his pease with the scythes. [in margin] First Harvesting
/ pease cut
<p. 177>
August 1890
23rd Dark morning, cool, and the ground very wet with rain, which had fallen during the night. Willie
helped Jim to pull pease. The afternoon was cold and clear, very much like frost. Mrs. R and I
went to Dundalk in the eavning.
24th Sabbath. Cool and clear. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s with Henry Lonsway.
25 Dry morning, the day dry till about 4:30 P.M. when there came on a slight rain which continued
till dark. Jim, Willie and I cut pease on the Arnold place. Jim mowed them, I Raked them out,
and Willie throwed the bunches back. Clark stopped here all night.
26 Damp morning, though not Raining. Rain came on early in the afternoon and was slightely wet
during all the afternoon. Willie helped Jim pull his pease with the scythe. I skinned a sheep which
had got hooked by one of the cows and died. I tied some oats also which had been craddled.
27 Dark morning, the day cloudy and a slight rain at noon. We finished cutting pease, both at Jim’s
and at home. Jim also cut his wheat. My pease are a very poor crop, not any more than one third
of a crop on account of the spring being so wet and the lands plowed so ve[ry l]ate [? words un-
clear]. [in margin] Finished cutting / pease
<p. 177>
August 1890
28th Dry, cool morning, the day dry. Jim reaped for me with his Binder. Willie stooked. I tied up
some craddled grain. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon, and after tea Willie and I hauled in Bar-
ley for Jim, which he had on the knoll. [in margin] First oats cut
29 Wet morning, a geat deal of Rain fell early in the day, the afternoon from about 3 O’clock dry.
Jim cut oats for me with his Binder from about 4 P.M. Willie stooked. I stood up some that were
cut yesterday.
30 Wet forenoon, the afternoon mizz[l]ing, cloudy and cold. No harvesting done today, only a few
shooks stood up.
31st Sabbath. Dry and cool. Johney and Ina were here.
Sept[ember] 1890
1st Very heavy frost this morning, the day Bright and sunny. Jim cut oats for me with his binder.
Willie stooked up. I tied oats at Jim’s. J. Gott and boy craddled them. I Raked and bound about
one thousand sheaves from 9 A.M. [in margin] Frost
2 Dry and fine, quite sunny, a good Harvest day. Willie stooked in the forenoon. He and I and Mrs.
R. hauled in pease in the afternoon. Jim finished cutting oats for me. I tied oats for Jim in the
forenoon. [in margin] Finished / cutting oats
<p. 178>
September 1890
3rd Dry and pretty warm, especially in the afternoon. I tied oats till 6 P.M. for Jim. John Gott
craddled them. Willie, his mother and Ida hauled two loads of pease in the forenoon. This fin-
ished our pea harvest. Willie then stooked up till 6 P.M., when he, I and Mrs. R. helped Jim to
haul in his wheat. [in margin] Finished pease
387
4 Cloudy and breezy, with a sharp shower about 6 P.M. I had John Gott and his team hauling in
oats, 7 loads. Then when we finished the field and went to haul in pease for Jim, Rain came on
and we only got one load in.
5 Every thing steeping in rain this morning, the forenoon cloudy, the aftenoon dry and sunny. I
worked at the Milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon tied some oats for Jim. Willie
worked at Jim’s. John Arnold and Wife and Johney Maxwell and Miss Morin [=Moran] were here
a while at night.
6 Wet morning again, the rain ceased about 8 A.M. I then went to Jim’s and stooked up 2000* oat
sheaves for him. Willie also worked at Jim’s. [*or 400 stooks; seems like a lot for one day, even
if both Robert and Willie did it. Probably should be 200.]
7th Sabbath. Dry day, cloudy in the afternoon and a heavy rain came on about 10:30 P.M. Mrs. Max-
well was here in the afternoon.
<p. 179>
September 1890
8th Rain early in the morning, then a little sunshine, but the day was generally cloudy and cool. Willie
and I pulled some apples in the forenoon and helped Jim Bind oats in the afternoon. Johney and
Ina called at night. Clark is stopping here this night.
9 Dry dark morning, the day dry and cool, not much sunshine. I turned Jim’s pease in the forenoon,
and Willie craddled some oats for him in the afternoon. From tea time we hauled them all in.
There were ten loads. John Gott with his team and man helped. The pease were very damp.
10 Dry cloudy morning, the day dry and cloudy. Willie and I hauled in eight loads of oats. The un-
der parts of the sheaves were very wet, and some of them growing. Ida helped in the mow. Willie
with the team went to help John Gott to haul in after six O’clock.
11 Dark morning, with a Scotch mist, the day mizzly till about 4 P.M., dry after, with a very slight bit
of sunshine. Willie and I hauled in two loads of oats in the morning, [stopped] when they got too
wet. I then posted the Milk sheets and went to Dundalk in the eavning.
12 Dark morning, very misty, which soon cumulated in a heavy shower of rain. After that the day
was dry though not drying. Willie and I helped Jim after tea. [in margin] Colt / weaned
<p. 180>
September 1890
13th Dry early in the morning, Rain came on about 8 A.M. and continued for about an hour, then
cleared off, a Brisk wind and dry afternoon. Willie and I hauled in two loads of oats in the after-
noon. Ida helped in the mow. Brother John and Wife came here in the eavning.
14th Sabbath. Dry day from morning till night.
15 Dry morning, but a very heavy dew. We upsett the stooks and Willie and I hauled in Eight loads
of oats. This finished our harvest. Jim and Ida helped us. This made 28 loads of oats in all and 7
loads of pease. The grain is put in very wet. We went to Jim’[s] in the afternoon and helped him
haul in. Brother John helped us, we put in 10 loads. [in margin] Finished / Harvesting
16 Dry day from morning till night. We helped Jim haul in and finished his harvest.
17 Dry morning, a very heavy dew, the day dry. Jim, Willie, Brother John and I helped Sam to haul
in. Johney helped after dinner. This finished Sam’s harvest.
18 Very Fine morning, sunshine without stint, the day remarkably fine. Brother John and wife left for
home about 11. A.M. We separated our lambs from the ewes, parted the colts from the horses. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
388
19 Dry morning, the day dry till noon, the afternoon showery. I picked some apples off the trees in
the forenoon. Willie and Clark are laid up, Willie with a cold and Clark, I think, with pleuresy.
Johney and Ina were here a short time.
<p. 181>
September 1890
20 Drizzly morning, the day generally damp. I went in the morning for Dr. McWilliam’s for Clark
who has the measels [=measles]. When I came home I worked at the milk books. Mr. John Ar-
nold and wife were here a while.
21st Sabbath. Dark day and dry. I went to tell Dr. McWilliam in the afternoon how Clark was.
22 Dry day but cool. I went in the morning to J. Best’s with D. Reid who took him seven lambs. I
bought one of D. Reid’s Ram lambs from Mr. Best for $4.00 and one ewe lamb from Mr. Best for
$3.50. In the afternoon I worked at making out the Township estimates.
23 Dry day, but cool, a slight sprinkle of Rain at night. John Agnew was here. I worked at Township
Books.
24 Fine morning with a slight Frost, the day dry, cool and sunny. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk
and collected some cheese money, also I drew out of the Bank $600.00 to take to Council meeting.
25 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. I attended council meeting at Hopeville.
26 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry but chilly. I settled up township orders.
27 Cold morning, the day cold with a slight snowfall. I worked at the Milk accounts in the forenoon
and went to Dundalk, and paid in the afternoon. [in margin] 1st Snow
<p. 182>
Sept[ember] 1890
28th Sabbath. Fine, Bright sunny morning, the day Beautiful. Sam and Phoebe were here.
29 Dry morning, the day dry, clear and warm. I took up potatoes, dug and gathered them myself, 13
Bushels in five hours.
30 Beautiful morning, the day dry, the sun hazy and warm, without a cloud. I dug potatoes. Ida
gathered in the afternoon. We took up 20 Bushels. Ina came here after dinner. Johney came for
her at night with the Buggy. Willie who is ailing went to Dr. McWilliam. He said he had Bronchi-
tus, told him to keep mustard to his breast and gave him a bottle of medicine to be taken every
Four hours.
October [1890]
1st Dry sunny morning and the day Fine, cloudy somewhat in the afternoon. I was at W. Armstrong’s
threshing.
2 Bright, sunny morning, the day Beautiful and very warm in the afternoon. I was at W. Arm-
strong’s threshing in the forenoon and Henry Lonsway’s in the afternoon.
3 Wet morning, a great deal of rain fell during the night. The afternoon was dry with an occasional
shower. I was at Henry Lonsway’s threshing in the afternoon.
<p. 183>
October 1890
4th Dry and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and clear. I pulled Four Bags of apples in the
afternoon and Fixed up the grannary [=granary] in the Forenoon for the thres[h]ing. Ina was here.
Willie is still very unwell, does not seem to be gaining strength. Arlie is stopping here tonight.
5th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, wet at night.
6 Drizzly wet day. I went to Jim’s threshing in the afternoon and attended a Council Meeting of
Dundalk at night.
389
7 Missling [=mizzling] all day. I was at J. Arnold’s threshing.
8 Dry morning and the sun shone out during the day. Mrs. R. showed some things at the Fair. Got
nothing. I went in after 3 P.M.
9 Misty morning but the day cleared off and was dry. I Raised 13 Bushels of potatoes. Also I Bar-
gained with George Grummett for a sucking gilt*, he to keep it two weeks and wean it and not to
let it down in flesh and at the end of that time if I like it I am to pay him $40.00 for it. [*young
female pig]
10 Mizzly in the forenoon, the afternoon misty and dry. I was at J. Mills’ threshing in the forenoon.
The machine broke and work stopped. I took up potatoes, (14) Bushels, in the afternoon.
<p. 184>
October 1890
11th Misty morning, the day dry but without Rain. I took up potatoes about (33 Bushels), thus making
in all about 80 Bushels of First class potatoes. Willie and Ida gathered, and I throwed them on
with a stable fork. [in margin] Finished / Raising / Potatoes
12th Sabbath. Dry day, but cold.
13 Rainy throughout the day. I was at J. Mills’ threshing.
14 Showery and cold. I was at J. Mills’ threshing. Four of Brother John’s family came up to attend
Clark’s weddding [MS: weeding], viz. Bob, Jim, Nancy & Minnie. G. McConnell, Collector of
Proton, was here and deposited his Bond with me. [in margin] Collector /Deposited / Bond
15 Fine day, dry and without Rain. Robert Clark Russell, age 23, my third son, was married to Mari-
ah Moran, daughter of John Moran of Melancthon. He and his Bride, together with Brother John’s
boys and girls, left after the Ceremony and Services for Tossorontio on a visit. T. Arnold Snr. was
here at night. [in margin] Clark married
16 Dark morning, Rain in the forenoon and a continous Rain at night. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon prepaired for threshing. The threshers came here at night.
<p. 185>
October 1890
17th Dry morning, the day dry. We threshed. The grain was pretty good, but the yield small, about 500
Bushels of oats, or 17 Bushels to the acre and about 60 Bushels of pease, or 10 Bushels per acre.
The[y] finished threshing but were quite a while after dark, and light was obtained from the
threshers’ lamps. It was J. Brinkman and D. Reid who threshed. [in margin] Threshed
18 Dry morning, the day dry and a good deal of sunshine. I was at Walter Bell’s threshing.
19th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, Rain came on at night. Joe Bowerman stopped here all night.
20 Dark morning, a misty kind of day all through. I made a place to put the pigs which I intend fat-
ting. Mrs. R., Willie and the team went to Dundalk and got some fixings for Clark and placed
them in his house. Ida has been teaching for him till his return. [in margin] Pigs put / up to fat
21 Fine day, mild and a good deal of sunshine. I chored around. Willie hauled home two loads of
firewood from Jim’s Bush.
22 Dark, cloudy day, but dry and mild. I worked at entering Twps. orders in the forenoon, and split
some stove wood in the afternoon. Willie, with the team, hauled out manure for Jim.
<p. 186>
October 1890
23rd Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. Willie, with the team, helped Jim haul manure. I
worked at the Milk accounts.
390
24 Dark morning, a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. Jim and Willie with my team hauled 16
loads of manure for me. I worked at the Milk accounts.
25 Dark morning, the day dark. I straightened up some apples in the forenoon, and in the afternoon
went to Dundalk. Jim and Willie hauled out 17 loads of manure for me.
26th Sabbath. Dark day, but without Rain. Joe Bowerman was here.
27 Dark day and cold. I went to G. Grummett’s to see about a colt which I had bought. Willie started
to plow some sod. G. McConnell, collector, stopped here all night. [in margin] Collector
28 Pretty hard Frost this morning and a little snow on the ground. The day was dark with a flurry of
snow in the afternoon. I worked at the milk books in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to
Dundalk and deposited in Bank $324.00 of Township moneys. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. went to
Clark’s in the forenoon.
29 Dark morning, the afternoon sunny and fine. Willie plowed. I fetched some potatoes into the cel-
lar. G. Grummett brought home the cold I bought of him.
<p. 187>
October 1890
30th Ground covered with snow this morning, and several showers fell during the day. Willie plowed
part of the day. I worked at the milk accounts. Mrs. John Gott came here with a Halloweve goose
as a present. Mrs. R. got home from Clark’s.
31 Snow on the ground this morning, but it got off after a while. The afternoon was mild. Willie
plowed in the forenoon and some in the after part of the afternoon. He helped us to bring in out of
the pits 64 Bushels of potatoes. This makes 75 Bushels potatoes in the cellar. They are good,
choice potatoes, with the small ones picked out. Jim, Mary and Arley were here for their Hallow-
eve Supper.
November [1890]
1st The ground covered with snow this morning and quite wintry-like. It softened and thawed till
about noon when there came on a very heavy snow storm. It is now (7:30 P.M.) Snowing and
Blowing. Willie plowed in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Big snow /
storm
2nd Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow and quite a quantity fell during the day.
3 Bright, sunny forenoon, the afternoon overcast and quite a quantity of snow fell. Willie split some
wood in the forenoon. I chored around. The Roads are very sloppy, snow and mud. It is almost
impossible to Travel them.
<p. 188>
November 1890
4th Snow on the ground this morning, and plenty more falling. It ceased about noon. Jim, Willie and I
cut some stove wood in the bush on lot 219. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here at night.
5 Bright sunny morning, the day bright and mostly without a cloud, almost like Indian summer.
Willie helped Jim in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he and I sawed stove wood in the Bush.
He is stopping tonight at Jim’s.
6 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through. Willie helped Jim. I took up turnips and carrots. Joe
Bowerman stopped here all night.
7 Dark morning, the day cloudy but pleasant, the snow has all disappeared. Willie plowed. I took
up carrots and Beets and put them in the cellar. Jim and Wife and Mrs. R. went to a funeral of
Sam McDowell’s child. Arlie is stopping here tonight. Water has come into the well in cellar. [in
margin] Water in / Well
391
8 Mild day till the afternoon when it got cold and began to freeze. Willie rain-furrowed in the field
to carry off the water in the spring. Jim helped me Butcher a pig which I had up fatting for 19
days. Pig weighed 270 pounds.
9th Sabbath. A Regular downpour of Rain this morning, dry in the afternoon. J. Bowerman stopped
here all night.
<p. 189>
November 1890
10th Pretty hard frost this morning, but it softened after a little, the day dry with a little sunshine in the
afternoon. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk and sent a Post Office money order of $9.50 to T.
Woodhouse, Dry Goods Merchant, Toronto, for a Dress for Ida. Sent pattern of Goods in the let-
ter.
11 Hard frost this morning, the day cloudy and warm in the afternoon. Willie plowed. I worked at
Posting Township orders in the forenoon, and in the afternoon banked the stable. G. McConnell,
collector, stopped all night.
12 Very hard frost this morning, but the ground softened after a little. The afternoon cloudy and
mild. Willie plowed till noon, finished the sod. In the afternoon he hauled two small loads of hay,
about a ton, from Jim’s to the Barn on T. Arnold’s Lot. I Banked the stable and spread manure
part of the afternoon.
13 Fine, mild day, bright sun, almost like Indian Summer. I went to Dundalk and deposited in the
Bank $621.00, Township Funds. Came home and cut some timber down. Willie water-furrowed.
14 Splendid day, Bright sun, the atmosphere Hazy like Indian Summer. I cut down trees for fire-
wood. Willie helped Jim to Butcher. [in margin] Beautiful / Day
<p. 190>
November 1890
15th Slightely wet this morning, the day Showery. Willie and I sawed stove wood.
16th Sabbath. Fine day, so much so that the little Birds were out singing.
17 Wet day from morning till night. Willie took his Mother and Ida to Dundalk and Brought out Miss
Lever to make a dress for Ida.
18 Dry but cloudy. Willie hauled some stove wood home in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and
I sawed stove wood in the Bush. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and collected cheese money. I
worked from 6 P.M. to 3 A.M. at the milk sheets.
19 Snow falling in the morning and quite a few showers of it through the day. Willie and I sawed
stove wood in the bush. Miss Lever is helping on the wonderful dress.* [*this will be Ida’s wed-
ding dress]
20 Hard frost this morning and still freezing through the day, with occasional showers of snow. I
worked at the milk sheets till 2:30 P.M., then went to Dundalk and left the Books at Mr. Morgan’s
to be audited by Clark and him. I then drew out of the Bank $1709.68, cheese money. I intend
paying on Saturday. Willie was at D. Reid’s threshing. Miss Lever is working still at the dress.
21 Snow in the morning, but it mostly disappeared during the day. The day was mild. I packed En-
velopes with the patron’s money. Willie split wood.
<p. 191>
November 1890
22nd Quite a quantity of snow on the Ground this morning and a frequent shower of it during the day. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of Cheese Factory their [MS: theire] final
392
payment for the season. Pretty close on $1800.00. They appeared all pretty well satisfied. Willie
was at A. Lonsway’s threshing.
23rd Sabbath. Rather chilly in the morning, the afternoon was fine. Mrs. R. & I went to Brother Sam’s.
24 Sharp morning, but the sun got out and the day was mild and soft. John Arnold and I went to John
Crique’s. He paid us the Rent ($115.00) of the Kinnear Farm. We gave to the Widow Kinnear
$29.00, to Sydney $27.50, & to child $27.50.
25 Mild day, but with some showers of snow. I fixed around the Barn on the Arnold farm. Willie cut
Roads to some stove wood.
26 Sharp Frost this morning, the day cold. I chopped down some trees for firewood. Willie hauled
some stove wood home out of the Bush with the waggon.
27 Very sharp day. Freezing keenly all day. I worked in the Bush trimming up and cutting down
trees. Willie was at John Brinkman’s threshing.
28 Mild day in the afternoon, but cold in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and depos-
ited $20.00 in Bank to the credit of the Kinnear Estate.
<p. 192>
November 1890
29th Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft. We Butchered a pig which I had up 38 days. It
weighed 300. Willie went to Clark’s in the afternoon with some things for hm. I chored around.
30th Sabbath. Cold day, sharp, raw wind. J. Bowerman stopped all night.
December [1890]
1st Snow falling this forenoon. Cold day, especially near night. Willie and I hauled home two loads
of hay from Jim’s, about a ton. Johney Irwin left his Taxes here.
2 Cold morning, the day very cold all through. Willie drove his mother to Dundalk in the afternoon.
I chored around home.
3 Stormy morning, the day stormy, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Ida was married today to Jo-
seph T. Bowerman, Blacksmith, of Dundalk. The officiationg minister was Rev. Hudson of the
Presbyterian Church, Dundalk. The guests were Jim and Wife and daugher Arley, John and Wife,
Clark and Wife, Brother Sam and Phoebe and their son William and daughter Madella. Abe Bow-
erman and Brother and Sister, & Brother of the Groom, G. Scott and Miss Jessie Mitchell, Mr.
Marshall, Wife & Baby, W. H. Russell, Brother of the Bride, and the Father and mother of the
Bride, R. Russell and N. Russell. The married couple left for Johney’s at night. The[y] went next
morning, along with John & Wife, to Tossorontio and Essa Townships to see their Relations.
<p. 193>
December 1890
4th Cold morning, the day cold all through, Blowing, Snowing some, and Freezing a good deal. Mrs.
R. with horse and cutter went to Clark’s. I done the morning chores then went to Dundalk.
5 Fine morning, the day mild, the Roads getting smoothe. Willie is at Johney’s. I done chores and
went to Dundalk after 5 P.M.
6 Quite a covering of hoar frost on the Bushes all day, the day pretty mild with a slight fall of snow
towards night. I chored around. G. McConnell was here at night and made a payment
7th Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Clark & Maria here.
8 Fine day, mild and calm with some sunshine. Joe & Ida got home from their wedding tour. Willie
& I sawed wood.
393
9 Fine morning, the day mild all through. Mr. D. McMillen, Reeve of Proton, was here. Willie with
the team took Ida’s Organ*, Bed & Bedding & Bedstead to her home in Dundalk. [*purchased
from T. Hanbury for $5.00, received in July 1888]
10 Fine morning, the day fine and mild except a little while in the afternoon when it got rather cold. I
worked at making out Statement at night. Willie and I sawed stove wood in the forenoon.
11 Mild day, snow fell in the afternoon. Willie & I saw[ed] in the forenoon. He split in the afternoon
and I went to Dundalk.
<p. 194>
December 1890
12th Cold, stormy day. I worked at making out Financial statement for the Council. Finished it today.
Willie hauled home stove wood.
13 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold till near night, when it got milder. Willie hauled home wood. I
chored around.
14th Sabbath. Mild day. Willie went to Dundalk for Joe and Ida, and took them home at night.
15 Mild morning, the day mild. I attended a Council meeting at Dundalk. Willie split stove wood.
16 Mild day, the sleighing is very thin, the wheels are running as well as the sleighs. I worked all day
at making out Financial statement for the Township. J. Cavanagh, Clerk, came here in the after-
noon.
17 Mild day, a little snow fell last night. I finished statement about 2 P.M., then wrote some letters
and took Statement to printer. Mrs. R., Williie and the team went to Dundalk. He got a pair of
whiffletrees* and put the irons which he had with him on. He hauled a load of stove wood from
Melancthon in the forenoon. [*device attaching wagon tongue and horse harness; see 22 Sept.
1886, 10 June 1879]
<p. 195>
December 1890
18th Fine, clear day with a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled two saw logs in the afternoon to Mr.
McGregor’s mill. I chored.
19 Bright morning, the day clear and cold with a keen freeze at night. Willie hauled 8 Logs from
Melancthon to the mill. I split stove wood at the house.
20 Bright morning, the day clear and cold, with quite a sharp frost the night before. Willie hauled 4
logs to the mill. I chored at home. Mr. J. Arnold and Wife and J. Maxwell were here at night.
21st Sabbath. Mild day with a very slight rain which turned to snow in the afternoon. It did not amount
to much. John and Ina were here.
22 Bright day, with a thaw wind in the afternoon, the sleighing is very thin and the waggons are run-
ning. I went to Sam’s and he hauled me out about 1200 lbs of hay @ $6.00 a ton. Willie went and
got 4 shoes on the horses then he drew logs forward at the mill to where the carriage could get
them. He hauled two loads of Lumber home. Jim and his mother went to the Funeral of Mrs. John
Mitchell at Maple Valley*, about 13 miles from here. The young woman was a sister to J. Bow-
erman* and died in the prime of life. She was a splendid specimen of womanhood, strong, well-
formed and robust. But death claimed her and she had to go. [*Maple Valley is on Highway 24,
close to the townline between Melancthon and Osprey townships. J. Bowerman is the son-in-law
of Robert, married to Ida.]
<p. 196>
December 1890
394
23rd High wind with some snow falling this morning. The wind and snow increased and at night it was
almost a Blizzard. Willie hauled a load of lumber from the mill. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s School
Examinations. I went in the afternoon. The pupils presented him with a gold-headed cane. He is
leaving the school after having been in it three years. When I came home Mr. McMillen, Reeve of
Proton, was here. I went with him to Dundalk to attend a meeting of the two councils to settle a
money question. We did not succeed.
24 The storm has abated, snow is still falling mildly, the sleighing is pretty good, the day calm. Wil-
lie hauled six logs to the mill. I helped Jim clean a load of oats.
25 Christmas—very sharp morning, the day cold but pleasant. Sleighing fair. Jim & Wife and Arlie,
Clark and Wife, Ida and J. Bowerman, were here. All and Mrs. R. went to the entertainment at
Dundalk at night. I stopped at home and took care of Arlie.
26 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly. Willie hauled six logs to the mill. Jim came in the afternoon
to work at the stable. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Johney called this eavning. Ina was
here for about three hours at night.
<p. 197>
December 1890
27th Fine morning, the day fine till the afternoon when there came on a snow storm with very high
winds and a sharp frost. I attended a council meeting at Hopeville and came home at night. It was
almost 12 O’clock at night when I got home. Willie worked at the horse stable.
28th Sabbath. Very sharp morning, the day Frosty and cold. Joe & Ida came here in the afternoon and
stopped all night.
29 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. I went to Dundalk and done some business. Wil-
lie hauled 6 Logs to the mill and a Load of Lumber home. Jim worked at the stable part of the af-
ternoon.
30 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold. Jim worked at the Stable. Willie hauled the remainder of the
Lumber from the mill. Brother John, his Wife, and Daughter, Vina [=Lavina], came here in the
eavning.
31 Sunny, almost like a thaw, quite a Rhime on the Bushes, the day foggy. William Lonsway and
Wife came here in the Eavning. Brother Sam brought me a Load of hay, about 1600 lbs @ $6.00
per ton. Jim worked at the Stable. I helped him. Willie with the team hauled wood for Jim to
Dundalk. The old Year is now out and the New Year is come in. We have had two marriages and
no deaths in the family. Hope the new year will deal kindly with us.
<p. 198>
January 1891
1st Rain this morning, though slightly intermixed with sleet. Good soft Rain in the afternoon, a regu-
lar thaw. Brother John is at Sam’s. W. Lonsway and Sister Margaret is at A. Lonsway’s. Willie
hauled one load of wood for Jim to Dundalk. I nailed up some boards in the stable. [in margin]
Rain
2 Blowing, Snowing and freezing all day. Brother John, Wife and Vina came here from Sam’s and
then Mrs. R. and them went to W. Faucet’s, then to Ida’s in Dundalk, and came home about 10
P.M.
3 Calm morning but a very sharp frost, I think the hardest freeze this winter, but the sun shone out,
the day was cold and clear. John left for home about 11 A.M., took his brood sow, which he had
bought from me for $10.00 some time ago, home with him. He brought me up two bags of pease
for what she had eat of mine. Jim, Willie and I worked at the stable.
395
4th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, sharp frost. Mrs. R. and I walked to Brother Sam’s at night. Stopped till
about 10 O’clock. Sister Margaret and W. Lonsway was there.
5 Sharp morning, the day cold and without sunshine. Jim worked at the stable, except the time he
went to poll his vote. I worked at the stable in the forenoon, and went to the voting in the after-
noon. I then went to Dundalk, stopped about an hour and came home with Mrs. Reid and Dan.
<p. 199>
January 1891
6th Cold day, sharp frost, the day dark, several Flurries of snow fell. Jim and I worked at the stable. I
Borrowed D. Reid’s Ram for a while and took him to Jim’s. Joe Bowerman and Ida called at night
on their way to Andrew Lonsway’s. [in margin] Borrowed / D. Reid’s / Ram
7 Fine morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, but a sharp frost. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s.
I brought home the four calves which had been at Jim’s for some time. I also brought the Crique
cow over from the barn to the new stable. She fell on the ice and could not get up, for it was all
ice around her. I got Dan Reid to help. We had to chop the ice so as to make it rough for her. We
got her up at last.
8 Fine day, bright and sunny, sharp frost in the morning. I worked at the stable. Brought down a
weak calve from Jim’s, am going to make it strong if possible. D. Reid and Emma were here a
while at night.
9 Beautiful Day from morning till night, plenty of sunshine, the air bracing. I went to Dundalk in
the forenoon. Got $15.19 from J. W. Armstrong, Clerk of D[ivision] Court. Posted & Registered
$4.00 of this to James Patton, Lot 37, Con[cession] 13, Proton. Came home and done my chores.
Felt tired and did not go to Mr. Arnold’s with Mrs. R.
10 Very fine day, Bright and sunny all through. Willie went to Shelburne for some coal for J. Bow-
erman. I worked at laying floor in Horse stalls.
<p. 200>
January 1891
11th Sabbath. Mild day, almost like a thaw. A slight mizzle of rain fell in the afternoon, which soon
turned to snow.
12 Real Blustery morning, snowing, blowing and Freezing, the day very cold. Willie hauled wood
for Jim. I chored around. Jim fixed the Drive House door of the stable.
13 Dark morning, a little snow fell during the day, but not of any account. Willie was hauling for
Jim. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
14 Stormy day, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Willie hauled wood for Jim. I chored at home &
Worked at Balancing the Township Books.
15 Another sharp morning. The day cold but not much snow fell. Willie hauled wood for Jim. I
chored around home and helped D. Reid to put on a load of hay. [in margin] [arrow pointing to
outer margin, of indeterminate meaning.]
16 Pretty cold morning, the day very cold but with a bright sun in the forenoon. Willie hauled wood
for Jim. Mrs. R. went to Son John’s. John Agnew stopped in on his way up to Jim’s. G.
McConnell, Collector, made his final Return of cash, and Roll this eavening. Lawyer Lamon and
his client, S. Irwin, was here looking over the past Collector’s Rolls. I worked in the eavening at
Balancing the Township Books and making out 1/2 yearly Financial Report for Township council.
[in margin] [dot with circle around it, indeterminated meaning.]
396
17 Quite a Hoar frost on the Bushes, the day mild, almost like a thaw. John Agnew here at noon. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon, helped D. Reid put on a load of hay before I went. [Does not
mention his birthday!]
<p. 201>
18th Sabbath. Mild day, almost like a thaw. Ida and Joe were here in the afternoon, also J. T. Agnew.
19 Mild day but the air full of moisture, a slight mizzle of Rain in the afternoon. I attended Council
meeting at Hopeville, left at 8 and got home at 11 P.M., the night mild. Willie hauled a load of
wood for Jim.
20 Mild morning, the day soft, a little sunshine in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of wood and
another of oats with Jim’s team for him to Dundalk. I settled up yesterday’s accounts, then wrote
some letters, went to Dundalk and posted them.
21 Mild day, inclined to thaw, with a shower of snow in the afternoon. I helped Jim bag up a load of
oats, then Willie and I brought a little jag of straw for bedding. Then Willie took the team to Dun-
dalk and got the sorell [=sorrel] mare’s shoes sharped [=sharpened]. J. McArdle left some taxes
here, I to Receive the money and send away Receipt.
22 Mild day, some snow fell. Willie with the team went to Henry Lonsway’s and wood Bee. I went
to Dundalk.
23 Mild day all through, some snow falling. Willie with the team went to Clark’s Bee drawing Logs
to the mill. Mr. John Morin, Senior,* unfortunately got his leg broken. I worked at home copying
off the Defaulters’ Roll with my Defaulters’ Book. [in margin] T. Arnold / here / Mr. Morin’s /
Leg broke [*John Moran, Father of Clark’s wife, Mariah Moran; see 15 Oct. 1890.]
<p. 202>
January 1891
24th A little rough in the forenoon, wind and snow, the afternoon calm and mild. Willie hauled Jim’s
Barley home to him from the Arnold’s Barn in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I attended a
meeting of the Patrons of Dundalk Cheese Factory, held in Dundalk.
25th Sabbath. Mild day, good sleighing. Johney and Ina, Joseph & Ida were here a while at night.
26 A little snow fell in the forenoon, but ceased in the afternoon. Willie hauled 55 ties for Brother
Sam to Dundalk. I chored around. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk.
27 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing. The afternoon mild, almost like a thaw, quite warm. Wil-
lie hauled ties for Sam. He and J. Patterson drawed 120 at 4 loads. I went to Dundalk.
28 Mild morning, the day fine, Snow getting soft. Willie hauled 55 ties for Sam. I brought Arlie
down in the forenoon and made a grain box in the afternoon. Mrs. and Mr. John Arnold and
Johney Maxwell were here at night. [change in ink colour for next entry, from black to blue-
black]
29 Fine morning, the day soft in the afternoon and some rain fell in the afternoon. Willie was at Jim’s
cordwood be[e], he got near 30 cords hauled to Dundalk. The Township auditors, G. Watson and
A. Gillespie, were here auditing the Books. Said Books came out square, as they should. [in mar-
gin] Twp auditors here / Jim’s / Wood Bee
<p. 203>
January 1891
30th Quite a raw, chilly morning with a flurry of snow now and then, the afternoon finer. Willie and I
cleaned oats, Jim Patterson helped us in the afternoon. [ink changes back to black for next entry]
397
31 Dark morning, the day cloudy with several showers of snow, a little rain in the afternoon. Willie
and I cleaned grain. Jim Patterson helped us in the afternoon. G. McConnell called to see me in
regard to Taxes.
February [1891]
1st Sabbath. Rather mild day, a little snow fell sometimes. Brother Sam and Phebe, Jim, Mary and
Arlie, Clark, Maria, and Evans, Mr. Brinkman, W. J. Arnold, Wife and child were here.
2 A little stormy this morning, the day pretty cold and some snow fell especially in the afternoon.
Willie was making ties with Brother Sam. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some School
vouchers out of the Bank. Came home and worked at School accounts. Got finished with these
and packed them in an envelope addressed to Co[unty] Auditors.
3 Very stormy morning, snowing and Blowing. Quite a Rainfall the previous night. Roads are fill-
ing up pretty fast with snow. Willie is helping Sam to make ties. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon, posted 36 Sch[ool] Vouchers to Co[unty] Auditors. Sold my oats to Skeffington Bell for .39
1/2 ¢, to be delivered any time next week. Came home and worked at making out statement for
Council on 7th inst.
4 Very cold morning, the day freezing and cold. John Agnew was here. I bought 2 Barrels of flour
from him at $5.00 per Brl.
<p. 204>
February 1891
5th Sharp morning, the day milder towards the afternoon, the roads drifting up very heavy. I attended
a meeting of Patrons of the Cheese Factory held at Jim’s this night. The drawing of the milk was
let to R. Cornett* at 7 1/2 mills per Gallon. [*Robert Cornett, who was a member of the first
elected town council in 1888, owned the Dundalk Cheese Factory, situated on the southwest edge
of the village; see History of Dundalk, pp. 13, 93.]
6 Mild morning, the day dark but soft, inclined to thaw. The roads are pretty bad in some places, on
account of the big snow drifts. The Patent Lady has her nose in the air this afternoon and is trying
to whistle the Rakes of Mallow.* [The meaning of this allusion remains unclear. The “Rakes of
Mallow” is a traditional Irish folk song, Mallow is an Irish spa town, and the lyrics include these
lines depicting loose living: “Beauing, belling, dancing, drinking, / Breaking windows, damning,
sinking, / Ever raking, never thinking / Like the rakes of Mallow”; see
https://www.libraryireland.com/social-history/popular-rhymes/rakes-mallow.php]
7 The morning mild but the afternoon colder with quite a sharp snowfall at night, also the wind is
Blowing pretty strong which will cause drifted Roads.
8th Sabbath. Mild day with a little snow.
9 Soft morning, a slight mizzle of Rain falling. The day got a little wetter, and towards night there
was a pretty fair thaw. Willie hauled 52 B[shels] & 22 lbs of oats in the forenoon and 75 bushels
less 10 pounds in the afternoon to Dundalk, sold them for .40¢ per Bushel. Jim helped us fill up
19 more Bags for market and 14 Bushels for Clark.
10 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The day was one of storm and cold. Willie
hauled 48 B[ushels] & 08 pounds of oats to market, all told 175 20/34 Bushels. Miserable poor
crop, only about 14 B[ushels] per acre. I sent $120.00 Rent to T. Arnold by Bank cheque. At-
tended Magistrates Court in the afternoon, McArdle v[ersus] Cavanagh.
<p. 205>
February 1891
398
10th Continued—This was an action Brought by McArdle against the Clerk because he would not per-
mit him to take the declaration of office at the meeting of Township council on 19th of last Janu-
ary. Cavanagh was fined $10.00 and costs, in all $35.00. I also posted and Registered a cheque to
Joseph Gourley, Monck P. O.* for $31.50, School moneys, and another to Robert Gordon for $52
78/100 to Kenilworth P. O.*, also School moneys. In the afternoon Willie hauled 25 ties to
Dun[dalk]. [*Monck P. O. is in Luther Township, 9 miles from Arthur. Kenilworth is in Arthur
Township, midway between Arthur and Mount Forest. Both are in Wellington County. Robert
Russell is sending money to pay for students from Proton Township who have to go elsewhere to
attend Catholic schools; see below, 29 Sept. 1891.]
11 Fine sunny morning, the day mild and a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled 60 ties at two loads
to Dundalk. Jim went this morning to Toronto to try to Sell his cordwood. Ida was here in the
eavning. Sent $9.00 in a Registered letter to D. Alexander, Egerton.* This is a Municipal Grant to
their school. [*in Derby township, Grey County, south-west of Owen Sound; probably another
payment for Catholic schooling of Proton township students.]
12 Beautiful morning, the day one of sunsine, the snow softening, the sky hazy. I went in the after-
noon to John Crique’s and Refunded him $2.06 which he had paid in taxes in excess of his just
proportion. Willie hauled two loads (60) of ties to Dund[alk]. Phoebe was here, also Mary and
Arlie.
13 Dark morning, the trees covered with hoar Frost, the day medium in temperature, with pretty sharp
frost at night. I chored around. Willie was at Charley Mills’ Bee.
14 Sharp morning, cold, but the sun shone out and the day was fine. I split wood at the house and
wrote 10 letters at night to cheese Factories. Willie hauled 60 ties to Dundalk.
<p. 206>
February 1891
15th Sabbath. Soft day with a very high wind in the eavning. Johney, Clark and Joe Bowerman and
their wives were here.
16 Quite a thaw most of the day, but it turned to snow in the afternoon and kept at it most of the
night. Willie hauled a load of ties for Sam in the afternoon. Mr. J. Arnold & Wife, & J. Maxwell
were here.
17 Roads pretty well filled up with snow and more falling, quite a quantity fell today. I attended Pro-
ton Council meeting held in Dundalk. Mrs. R. took me to town in the cutter.
18 Heavy snow showers all day. Willie hauled Saw Logs for Clark from his lot in Melancthon.
19 Soft morning, the day mild, the Roads very good in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s
and stopped there most of the day.
20 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing. The day turned soft in the afternoon and at night rain
began to fall. Willie oiled the harness. Jim sold his wood (117 cords) to Mr. Granery at $1.90 per
cord and $2.50 more on the whole quantity. He has been trying for the last month to sell, also
went to Toronto for that purpose.
21 Mild morning, the snow pretty soft, but the day changed in the afternoon and at night there was a
pretty sharp Freeze. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie was breaking in his colt. J. Max-
well helped him.
<p. 207>
Feb[ruary] 1891
22nd Sabbath. Quite stormy most of the day.
399
23 Dark morning, the day a little inclined to be soft, the snow settling down. I worked at the Town-
ship Books in the Forenoon. Willie took 7 pieces of meat to John Crique’s to be smoked for me,
then he hauled a load of saw logs for Clark.
24 Dark morning, the snow soft and inclined to thaw. The afternoon Rainey [=rainy] and a complete
thaw. Willie helped Dan Reid to clean up oats. [in margin] Rain
25 Rain this morning, a steady Rain through all the previous night. Kept raining till about 10 A.M.,
then cleared off, and a steady freeze set in. The roads are very slippery, nothing but glare ice eve-
rywhere, from here to the Barn on Arnold’s place nothing but a sheet of ice. Willie and I cleaned
up some oats out of some seeds in the forenoon. He went to Dundalk with D. Reid in the after-
noon. [in margin] Vesuvius / Bursted* [*eruptions happen almost continuously at Vesuvius, and
this must have been a minor one; the severe eruptions closest to 1891 were in 1872, then 1906.]
26 Dark morning and pretty cold. Snow began to fall in the afternoon and a few heavy showers was
the result. I think that before morning there will be a decent quantity of snow on the iciest part of
the Roads. Nothing doing here today, either by man, boy or Horse.
27 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The day was cold and stormy all through. Wil-
lie went to a wood cutting bee, made by Ned Mills.
28 Very stormy day, Blowing, Snowing, and Freezing. I went to Dundalk and sent $84.50 interest to
N[orth] of S[cotland] L[oan] company. I then went to Clark’s but he was not at home.
<p. 208>
March 1891
1st Sabbath. Clear and very cold.
2 Clear in the morning, overcast in the afternoon, and a shower of snow at night. The day very cold
all through. Willie helped Jim in the afternoon to get in a load of logs. [in margin] Very cold
3 Cold morning, the day dark and cold, especially in the afternoon which was extremely cold. A
shower of snow fell towards night. Willie helped Jim load a load of logs in the forenoon, and he
went to the mill for him in the afternoon and got some chopping done. They put a Blister of Bro-
mide of Mercury and Hog’s lard on the two year old colt’s leg. There is a lump on it at the joint,
something like a spavin.* [in margin] Very cold [*bone spur; see 20 Mar. 1889]
4 Stormy morning, stormy at noon, stormy at night, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing all day long.
Willie, Jim and D. Reid started with the team for Clark’s bush to cut logs for sawing machine.
They cut only about 32, I think, and came home. [in margin] Stormy
5 Sharp morning, the day very cold all through, Freezing quite sharply, especially towards night. I
went to the polling place at Mr. Acheson[’s] and voted. Mr. D. Reid and wife were here at night.
[in margin] Dominion / Election* [*Conservative Party, under John A. Macdonald, remained in
power after a close election; main issue was protective tariffs against US, vs. Liberal Party pro-
posal for free trade. Macdonald died 6 June 1891. Thomas Sproule (1843-1917), farmer and phy-
sician of Markdale, was Conservative MP for Grey East (1878–1911), then Senator (1911-17).]
6 Sharp morning, the day clear and cold. Willie with Jim and D. Reid were cutting firewood.
7 Clear and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. Willie, Jim and D. Reid were cutting fire-
wood in Clark’s Bush. It is a good distance from home, still, firewood must be got.
<p. 209>
March 1891
8th Cold, Raw wind in the morning, changed to almost Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at
Johney’s. [in margin] Mrs. Gott / died
400
9 Wet morning, but soon cleared off, turned to snow in the afternoon. Willie, Jim and D. Reid were
skidding logs for the saw.
10 Mild morning, the day generally mild with a tendancy to thaw in the afternoon. They set the saw-
ing machine in the bush. I went to Dundalk, attended a meeting of Officials from the neighbour-
ing Cheese Factories. The object of the meeting was to form a Board of Sale of cheese. Mrs. R.
went to the Funeral of Mrs. Gott. D. McKenzie, assessor, stopped here at night. Our assessment
is as follows:
Lot 217 10 acres cleared, valuation $300.00
“ 218 35 “ “ “ 700.00
“ 219 15 “ “ “ 450.00
“ 215 40 “ “ “ 800.00
“ 216 10 “ “ “ 200.00
N. W. pt. 220. 1 “ “ “ 50.00
11 Soft morning, the day sunny and quite a thaw. Willie, Jim and D. Reid had John Brinkman sawing
stove wood in Melanthon. One of the yearling calves fell head first in the old leach* and got
drowned. [*leach box, filled with water, leaching through ashes, to make lye.]
12 Very fine morning, the day lovely, almost like a day in spring, bright sun, balmy air and the snow
melting rapidly. Willie hauled two loads (about 4 1/2 cords) of firewood from Melancthon. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 210>
March 1891
13th Very stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, which was the general feature [MS feauture] of the
whole day. Quite a big storm, the Roads filling up rapidly. Willie drove me to John’s in the cutter
to see about buying a spring colt. I did not like the colt, therefore did not buy. Coming home I
walked about a mile while Willie went to Dundalk. Could scarcely get home, the snow was so
deep and the storm so strong. [in margin] Big storm
14 Another morning of snow and wind, the day one of storm, Blowing and snowing. Did not see any
team on the Road and only two men. It has now been snowing and Blowing incessantly for about
Forty-Eight hours. The snow is mountains high in some parts, neither is the storm any what abat-
ed as yet (7:40 P.M.). In the morning when I went to feed the cattle I had to shovel the snow away
from the stable door and the mouth of the shed in order to let the animals out. Jim paid me this af-
ternoon his land payment of One Hundred Dollars. [in margin] Big Storm
15th Sabbath. Very stormy day from morning till night, Blowing and snowing. Did not see eiether man
or beast on the Road today. [in margin] Big Storm
16 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The storm ceased in the afternoon and a calm
set in with a sharp freeze. D. Reid and his little girl, Hannah, came here a while at night. This has
been the longest storm that I remember. Commenced early on Thursday night and only ceased this
afternoon. The Roads are impassible. [in margin] Storm
<p. 211>
March 1891
17th Calmer this morning and continued so till the afternoon, when it began to snow and Blow about as
bad as before. Willie shovelled snow drifts on the Road part of the day. [in margin] First / lamb
18 Snowing this morning and quite a snowfall the previous night. The snow ceased about noon. Wil-
lie shovelled the snow drifts in Jim’s lane. There has come five lambs, three of them died for the
want of milk.
401
19 Bright sunny morning, the day bright and cold. Jim, Willie and I cleaned about 50 Bushels of my
seed oats in the Forenoon. Then Jim took the fanning mill* to his place and Willie and he cleaned
his. [*fanning mill: used to clean seed grain, by blowing off the lighter seeds as they are passed
through sieves.]
20 Foggy morning, a little sleet falling which turned to rain in the afternoon. I brought the sheep
home from Jim’s. Willie then went to Mr. Jean Crique’s for the pork which he had smoked for
me.
21 Mild morning, the Bushes covered over with quite a hoar Frost, the day mild and the snow melt-
ing. I went to Mr. Crique’s and wrote a letter for him, then drove to Dundalk and seen John Morin
[=Moran] who has been to the Hospital and got his chin cut entirely out. He appears dreadful. D.
Reid and John Maxwell were [MS where] here quite a while at night.
22nd Sabbath. Mild day, the snow melting. Joe and Ida were here.
<p. 212>
March 1891
23rd Dark morning, the day generally dark, warm air, the snow getting very soft. Andrew Russell came
here. I went to Dundalk, got a letter from Mrs. W. Russell, Antler’s P. O., I[ndian]. T[erritory],
United States. [in margin] Andrew Russell here / Letter from Mrs. R.
24 Sharp morning, quite a Frost, the day pretty mild, the snow softening in the afternoon. I got a ride
out to Council meeting at Hopeville with Mr. T. Hanbury. We came home the same night. Willie
hauled a Load of stove wood home in the afternoon.
25 Bright, sunny morning, the day clear and cool, the snow softened a little in the afternoon. Willie
hauled two loads of stove wood home from Melancthon.
26 Bright morning, sunny day, clear and cold. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie hauled two
loads of short wood from Melancthon.
27 Cold morning, the day dark and cold. Sharp, Raw wind, very unpleasant. Willie hauled a load of
firewood for Jim. Andrew is gone to a party this night at Clark’s.
28 Bright sunny morning, the day warm, the snow melting. We brought down 40 Bushels of seed
oats from Jim’s which I had exchanged for, then Willie took two Barells out to Clark’s to hold sap
for him. I went with a man from Toronto across [MS accross] the Arnold property to show it to
him. He said if he got it it would cost him the Mortgage and $500. in the trade he proposed mak-
ing of town property.
<p. 213>
March 1891
29th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day one of sunshine. Willie took the cutter and went to
Clark’s for Andrew.
30 Bright morning, the day one of sunshine. Willie went to help Clark make molasses. Andrew left
for Toronto this morning. Jim hauled me a ton of Hay which I had bought from him.
31 Dark morning, the forenoon cold and lowering, a pretty brisk snow storm came on about noon, and
it is still (8:55) snowing and Blowing. I hauled three loads of manure on the Garden in the Fore-
noon. Phoebe and Sam called in the afternoon.
April [1891]
1st Dark morning but mild, the day soft with a slight sprinkling of Rain in the afternoon. I took the
team and went to Sam’s. He with his team Brought me about 1500 lbs hay and I with mine
brought about 500 lbs. Johney, Ina and Ida were here in the eavning.
402
2 Showery generally throughout the day. I made a Box to pack pork in. Willie came home from
Clark’s at night. [in margin] Heard / Robins
3 Snowing this morning, and continued so all day. Drifting and Blowing in the afternoon. Quite a
sharp Frost at night. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and in the afternoon hauled out 3 Loads of
manure. Willie went to the Sugar Bush. [in margin] Sow Farrowed / 11 in number* [i.e. a litter
of 11 piglets]
<p. 214>
April 1891
4th Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing all day, nearly, with a short intermission in the after-
noon. Willie came home this morning.
5th Sabbath. Sharp morning, the day cold, quite a quantity of snow fell yesterday.
6 Bright sunny morning, the day bright but cold. Willie went to the sugar bush. I hauled out seven
loads of manure. Phoebe was here in the afternoon.
7 Bright morning, the sun shone out most of the day, but the wind was cold and the snow did not
melt much. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. She stopped at Ida’s. I came home
and attended the animals. [in margin] Seen two / Robbins
8 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and pretty spring-like. Sharp frost toward night. Mrs. R.
went on hoss Back [=horseback] to John’s. I chored around at home.
9 Bright morning, the sun shone out most of the Day, the snow melting Rapidly. On towards night
the sky got overcast and some signs of Rain appeared. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Sold
my potatoes for Eighty Seven and a half cents per Bag. Johny sold his horses For $255.00, cash,
to James Acheson.
10 Snowfall early this morning, Rain through the day. Jim & I took in 17 1/3 Bags of my potatoes.
<p. 215>
April 1891
11th Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and snow at night, a very unpleasant day. Not much chance of
any work being done.
12th Sabbath. Mild day. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s and came home with Ina. John Agnew stopped here at
night.
13 Fine Forenoon, sunny and nice, the afternoon cloudy and some Rain fell. I went to Sam’s and
bought a ton of hay from him. I also Bought 1/2 ton of hay from E. Mills @ $5. p[er] t[on].
14 Dry, but cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon showery. E. Mills hauled me home the hay (1300
lbs). [in margin] C. Maxwell / & Miss S. Jackson / married
15 Dark day all through from morning till night. I felt sick and weak, something like the Grip. Mrs.
R. Went on a visit to Mrs. C. Bell.
16 Fine morning, the day beautiful, quite spring-like. I went to Dundalk, consulted Dr. McWilliam.
He gave me a bottle of medicine, price .75 cents.
17 Quite spring-like this morning, the day fine all through. Willie took the sorrell [=sorrel] Mare,
aged 5 years, to Brother Sam’s and traded her to him for a three year old colt and gave $5.00 to
boot.
18 Rainy morning, the forenoon wet, the afternoon dry and warm. I got a load of hay from Jim, about
1700 pounds, will return him the same amount when I get it from Sam. Willie spread some ma-
nure. Clark and Mariah is here tonight.
<p. 216>
April 1891
403
19th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Clark and Mariah, Jim, Mary and Arlie, Joe and Ida here. [in
margin] Heard Frogs
20 Dry morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. Jim started the plow for me in the afternoon. The
Gound was too soft and he had to quit. Willie split some stove wood at the house. Clark and Ma-
riah are here. [in margin] First / plowing
21 Fine day, dry and warm and springlike. We all went to Dundalk and had a Group [MS Groupe]
picture of the family taken.
22 Beautiful morning, the day fine. Willie hitched up the three year old colt [MS cold] which I got
from Sam and started the plow. The colt went well. I am confined to the house with a severe
cold.
23 Fine day, springlike and bright. Willie plowed. Brother Sam came to see me.
24 Frost this morning, the day fine. Willie plowed.
25 Hard frost this morning, the day fine. I am feeling something better but very weak. Willie
plowed. [in margin] First cow / calved
26 Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Mr. Bowerman and wife, Joe and Ida, were here.
27 Very fine day, sunny and dry, quite springlike, every vestage [=vestige] of snow has disappeared
from the Fence corners. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk and bought a sweat pad for the co[l]t’s
collar.
28 Hard frost this morning, the day cool but dry. Willie plowed.
<p. 217>
April 1891
29 Fine day all through, very drying. Willie plowed.
30 Fine morning, the day dry and fine. Willie plowed and hitched up his two year old colt in the af-
ternoon. The animal went well enough but he is rather light for plowing.
May [1891]
1st Beautiful day, but a little chilly in the afternoon. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. [in margin] Planted / Fruit trees
2 Mild day and pretty warm in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and a slight rain from about noon
till 3 P.M. Willie harrowed the pea ground in the forenoon and plowed in the dry part of the after-
noon. I mixed the seed oats (Black Diamond & White clusters) and put away the seed. Clark and
Mariah is here.
3 Sabbath. Snow on the Ground this morning, the day quite chilly. Jim, Mary & Arlie, John and Ina,
Clark and Mariah and Miss E. Morin*, Joe Bowerman and Eliza*, Brother Sam and Phoebe, John
Mitchel and —— Davis were here. [in margin] Snow. [*i.e. Joe and Ida; for Morin, see next en-
try]
4 Snow on the Ground this morning, the day windy and very cold. We all went to Dundalk in the
Forenoon and sat for a Group [MS Groupe] picture. Willie sowed pease in the afternoon with
Jim’s seeder. Clark and Mariah, with Miss E. Morin, left for Michigan*. [in margin] Snow /
Clark went / to Michigan [*Clark, Mariah, and her sister E. Moran, go to Hillman, Michigan,
where John Moran and wife (parents of Mariah) had moved earlier from Melancthon. Robert of-
ten spells the name Moran as Morin.]
5 Very hard frost. Willie tried to plow & could not. Tried to work the seeder & could not for the
frost. Went to Sam’s for 1/2 ton of hay. Snowing all eavning, ground covered. Joe and Ida were
here. [in margin] Snow
<p. 218>
404
May 1891
6th A very wintry-like morning, snowing and Blowing. The snow had disappeared about noon, the
sun shone out in the afternoon, but there was a strong cold wind. Willie plowed from 9 O’clock
A.M. till noon, then Drilled in the remainder of the pease and plowed after he had finished Drill-
ing. [in margin] Snow / Finished sowing / pease
7 Frost this morning, the day dry. Willie plowed. J. Bowerman took home the cow which I had
gave Ida. I went to Dundalk.
8 Dry day and windy, cloudy in the afternoon. Jim sowed about 15 Bushels of oats with his seeder
for me. Willie helped at his place while he done it
9 Dry, warm and very windy. Willie finished harrowing 5 1/2 acres of oats, then plowed. I made a
pole gate and put up fences, helped Jim take out some young cattle to John’s in the afternoon and
stopped there all night.
10th Sabbath. Dry and Breezy. Joe and Ida called this afternoon. [in margin] Seen First / swallows
11 Dry and windy. Willie plowed. I chored around.
12 Dry, sunny and Breezy. Willie sowed oats with Jim’s seeder. F. Myles was here at noon. Rented
Clark’s Lot. Will sign the agreement when he consults his spouse.
13 Dry and warm. Willie sowed oats till noon, then harrowed. Took the seeder home at night and
got 10 Bushels of oats from Jim which he owed us.
<p. 219>
May 1891
14th Bright sunny day, dry, Breezy and warm. Willie harrowed in the forenoon and plowed in the af-
ternoon, using his own two year old colt from noon till 4 P.M. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
15 Bright sunny day, dry, Breezy and warm. Willie plowed using his two year old colt from noon till
tea time. I chored around.
16 Frost this morning, ice on the water almost till noon, a very cold forenoon. Sharp wind and a
slight mizzle falling. The afternoon a little milder. Willie plowed From ten O’clock, thought it
was too cold for the colts (which have the distemper) to plow early in the day.
17th Sabbath. Dry and Breezy. Sam and Phoebe, Johney and Ina were here.
18 Dry and Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon. Willie plowed. I chored around. Fixed yard for little
pigs, etc.
19 Dry and windy. Johney gave me a day’s plowing with his colts. Ina was here.
20 Dry and windy. Jim plowed with his team for me. Willie plowed. This finished our plowing.
One of Willie’s team got sick after tea, rolled around and appeared in pain. We gave him a table-
spoon full of soda mixed with an ounce of sp[irit] of sweet nitre. In an hour gave 26 drops tincture
of aconite, in 20 minutes more gave 20 drops aconite, in another hour gave one ounce sp[irit]
sweet nitre. Sent for F. Nixon, V[eterinary] S[urgeon], But the colt was better when he came.
<p. 220>
May 1891
21st Pretty cold morning, the day dry and pretty Breezy, also sultry in the afternoon. Willie Harrowed.
Jim sowed oats for me with his seeder.
22 Cool in the forenoon and pretty cool in the afternoon, the day dry. Jim sowed with his seeder till 9
A.M., then Willie, after he had finished harrowing, hitched his team on to the seeder and Finished
about noon. Went to Johney’s in the afternoon for a Land Roller. This day finished our seeding,
so far as sowing seed, harrowing grain went. We have about 30 acres of oats and 6 of pease in.
405
Our horses have the distemper which has made it very hard on them. I went to Dundalk in the
eavning. [in margin] Finished seeding / Got letter From Clark / Got letter From Ireland / Got
Sch[ool] papers From Toronto
23 Frost this morning, ice on the water, the day dry and sunny. Jim, Johney, Willie and Some others
went a-fishing.
24th Sabbath. Dry, warm and Breezy. Brother Sam and Phebe were here.
25 Dry, Breezy and warm, Cloudy in the afternoon and very much like rain. Willie Rolled, having
[?put] in his two year old colt. I cut potatoes. A little Rain at night.
26 Very cold morning, the day chilly all through. I walked to a council meeting at Hopeville. Got a
ride home with Mr. Traynor.* Willie picked stones. [*Isaac Traynor, land surveyor, also sur-
veyed the one acre section of Lot 220, Proton (24 Sept. 1888); see History of Dundalk, lists of
businesses from 1877 to 1906, pp. 101, 104, 105.]
<p. 221>
May 1891
27 Frost, ice on the water. Willie Rolled. Gerty Foaled. Time: 11 months & 20 days.
28 Dry and Breezy. Willie finished Rolling. I cut seed potatoes. Willie hauled out manure in the
afternoon.
29 Very hot. Willie and I finished potatoe planting at noon. Then he Rolled them. There is a few
more to put in with the hoe around the apple trees when we will have finished. Finished planting,
then Willie went for the loan of Sam’s Buggie for me, and I hunted up the young cattle in the
Bush. [in margin] Finished / planting / potatoes
31st Sabbath. Dry and Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon. Johney & Ina, Joe & Ida were here.
June [1891]
1st Dry and warm. Cloudy in the afternoon. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Got through
early and came home that eavning. Willie helped Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon they
washed the sheep. [in margin] Washed / Sheep
2 Rain early this morning and very much needed it was. The day cloudy and indications of more
soon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited in Bank $150.00, Township moneys. Wil-
lie helped Jim. [in margin] Sent letter / to Br. William / & to C[ousin] William* [*William from
Raphoe in Ireland, from whom Robert received a letter dated March 1, 1864, signed “I Remain
your affectionate cousin to death William Rupell [or RuSsell]
3 A good deal of Rain fell through the day. Willie helped Jim.
<p. 222>
June 1891
June 4th Clear and cool, almost a Frost at night. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and went
to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie helped J. Bowerman plant potatoes at Jim’s.
5 Bright morning, the day clear and pretty warm. Willie clipped the sheep. I fixed fences. [in mar-
gin] Clipped sheep
6 Bright, sunny day, dry and warm. I went to Flesherton and seen Dr. Christoe. Willie with the
team brought home from Melancthon Clark’s sugar making utensils.
7th Sabbath. Bright, sunny and warm.
8 Bright morning, the day sunny and warm. Willie and I picked stones off the clover in the fore-
noon, and in the afternoon he and his mother took the 13 Fleeces of wool, about 75 pounds, to
Dundalk. I chored around.
9 Bright, sunny day, warm and dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie made a pole gate.
406
10 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon had quite a heavy rain, with a little thunder and lightening.
Willie and I put up sheep pen and made two pole gates.
11 Cloudy, with a slight mizzle of rain in the middle of the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon,
heard three preachers speak Regarding Sir J. A. MacDonald.* Willie chored around home.
[*Macdonald died 6 June 1891, just three months after winning the election on 5 March 1891,
above; also, copy of his Will is pasted-in on p. 276, below.]
<p. 223>
June 1891
12 Fine morning, the day sunny and warm, fine growth. Willie plowed for Jim while he helped me.
Mr. Reddick and son were here and operated on two yearling colts. I went to the School Inspector
in Dundalk. [in margin] Seen School / Inspector
13 Fine day, sunny and hot. Jim made a gate for me. Willie plowed for him. I went to Johney’s in
the afternoon and stopped all night.
14th Sabbath [pasted-in clipping, presumably from Dundalk Herald, obscuring the entries of 14-16
June]<clipping> Accident. A serious accident occurred on Wednesday of last week at the raising
of Mr. Henry Lonsway’s barn. Mr. Jas Russell was climbing the frame, and caught hold of a pin,
partly driven in, in order to pull himself up. Feeling the pin beginning to draw, he gave a spring to
enable him to reach the plate, when the pin pulled out and he fell to the ground, a distance of about
twenty-seven feet. The socket of his thigh bone was broken, and other serious injuries received.
We sincerely hope no permanent disability may ensue, but that the injured man may recover fully.
He is an active young man, especially willing and useful at such gatherings, and a general favorite.
At present he is rather easier, but it must evidently be a long time before he will be himself again.
<end of clipping> Joe and Ida were here.
15 Dry, su [obscured] Willie was at W. Bell’s Logging [obscured] the Township Books.
16 Dry s[obscured] Jim finished the gate. [obscured] -rrowed for him. I went to [obscured] the after-
noon.
17 Dry in the Forenoon, wet in the afternoon. Fatal day for me, my poor son Jim Fell off Henry Lon-
sway’s Barn while Raising and got badly, almost fatal[l]y Broken up. The Barn was raised. Jim
was on the floor, having done his work. C. Maxwell was trying to put in a collar joice [=joist],
could not do it. Jim called to J. Trugon who was captain, to assist Charlie. Trugon failed in get-
ting to him. Then Jim sprang up the post on the outside. There was a pin holding the post to the
beam. The pin was only in part of the way. Jim tried his weight on it. It seemed all right, but
alas, when he got himself up even [in margin] Black Day / Jim Hurt
<p. 224>
June 1891
with it, it came out in his hand and he fell a distance of about 25 feet, striking on his left hip,
Breaking a number of Bones and jarring the whole body. Dr. McWilliams came, examined him,
said he could not tell the amount of the injuries, but for sure that the socket which the hip bone
works in was broken. He put a long splint on the outside of the leg, reaching from the armpit to
the heel, laid him on his bed and left him. His mother and I with others watched him all night.
18 Jim is in severe pain this morning, the Bowells are swollen and painful. The Dr. came in the af-
ternoon. W. Armstrong and others watched all night. Nancy Russell came up.
19 Jim still in pain. The Dr. came in the afternoon and gave him a powder (morphine), and left others
for him. Tom Blakely and John Spicer and I watched all night.
407
20 Jim pained severely, slept in short spells through the previous night. Brother John and wife, John
Agnew and wife, Brother John’s Son John & I watched all night. Jim slept through the night. The
Dr. says he is improving.
21Sabb[ath]. Jim still pained. Gave him according to Dr.’s directions 3 spoonfulls of caster oil and 30
drops of Sp[irit] of Turpentine. Had a motion of the bowels. Can urinate passibly well. Dr. says
he is doing
<p. 225>
June 1891
splendid. I hope so. Son John and Willie with Joseph Bowerman watched Jim all night.
22 Jim appears quite a bit better this morning, was easy-like through the forenoon. Did not need to
take any morphine for these last 48 Hours. Was able to eat a biscuit and drink a cup of tea. His
principal drink is water with a dash of Brandy, or pure water alone he would prefer. I believe he is
getting better. Dr. said yesterday that he was doing so well there was no occasion for him coming
again before Wednesday. Quite a source of pain to Jim is the moving of him to get a bedpan un-
der. Brother John cut a portion of the Bed clothes and stretcher Boards from under him, thus
forming a vacancy right under him of about 3 inches square. If it works it will save Jim great pain.
John Agnew and wife came here about 10 AM. and left for home about 1 P.M. Brother John and
wife also left at the same time. The neighbours and others visited pour Jim in great numbers and
he has the sympathy of the entire community. God send that he may recover and also that he be
not lame. A. Rowe and J. Blakely stopped all night.
23 Jim is no worse, still holding his own. Is not deppressed in spirits, though suffering acute pain
sometimes. W. Lonsway & Margaret went home this afternoon. Johney, Dick Neithercut & J.
Neithercut watched all night.
<p. 226>
June 1891
24 Jim is still holding up good, slept pretty well last night, eat some toast for Breakfast and feels nice-
ly. The day is very warm but we got the cook stove moved last night in to the cook house out of
the kitchen, causing the house to be much cooler. Sam sat up this night. The Dr. says that he is
doing well.
25 Jim is keeping well, slept pretty well last night. We eased him yesterday eavning while the Dr.
was here by putting Eight ply of a soft cotton quilt under the sore part of his back. His mother
sowed the folded up quilt to the edge of a towell which was put under his back previously. Then
Jim raised his shoulders as much as he could. The Dr. and I lifted gently, and his mother then
pulled the other end of the towell. This brought the quilt through under him. I and his mother
watched him all night. J. Bowerman and Ida, Johney and Ina were here.
26 Jim had a poor night last night, kept shifing his best leg while in his sleep. Suffered quite a bit.
Got easier in the morning, eat some Breakfast and went to sleep, pretty well all through the day,
not very much pain. This day is cool and he is not so feaverish [?not clear] as yesterday. W. Bell
and W. Armstrong watched all night.
27 Jim has a slight cough this morning, but we got a bottle of medicine from the Dr. and also put a
mustard plaster on his Breast. With this exception he is gaining. H. Lonsway and J. Russell
watched all night.
<p. 227>
June 1891
408
28th Sabbath. Jim is, I think, improving. His cough is not so bad. I hope he will finally get rid of it.
Slept pretty well last night, But had to send Willie to the Dr.’s for more Cough medicine. Ned
Wellwood and —— Fawcett watched all night.
29 The cough still troubling Jim, with this exception he is doing well. Ned Mills and J. Patterson
watched all night.
30 Jim is pretty well and is doing as well as could be expected. The Dr. was with him this afternoon.
John Morrow and Johney Russell watched at night.
July [1891]
1st Jim is still improving. The weather is nice for Dominion Day. W. Armstrong and Willie watched
all night.
2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Willie and I with Jim’s team done Statute labor, D.
Reid Pathmaster.* Jim is still getting better. ——- Johnson & —— Broderick sat up at night.
[*Pathmaster = superintendant of road works done by statute laborers?]
3 Pretty heavy Rain this morning, which is much needed, the grain and grass will feel the effects of
it. Jim holds his own.
4 Showery through the day. Jim is still keeping strong. I went to Dundalk in the morning. H. Jack-
son and Johney Maxwell stoppped with Jim all night.
5 Sabbath. Dark and some Rain fell. Jim is no worse. W. McDonald & —Heney [=Haney?] stopped all
night.
<p. 228>
July 1891
6th [stricken Sabbath] Dark morning, the day slightly wet. Jim is getting along well. Walter McKosh
and Hugh —- watched this night.
7 Showery morning, the day dark and slightly wet. Dr. Mac[William] came and took the long splint
off Jim’s leg. Worked the leg with his hand, caught it by the foot and knee, turned the leg slightly
in, then turned it out, repeated this several times. Said he was getting along nicely and that the leg
should be moved in the same way twice daily, giving it more motion as the patient could bear it.
Jim Coote and Willie Russell watched at night.
8 Clear and cool, quite a lot of sunshine. Jim’s Leg was rather sorer after the splint was taken off.
Otherwise he is about the same.
9 Clear and sunny. Jim is pretty well. I went to Council meeting at Cederville. Slept at Mr. Rog-
er’s. Kept team at Smith’s.
10 Dry and pretty warm. I got home about noon. Jim is mending. Jim Patterson stopped with him all
night.
11 Bright sunny day, pretty warm. Willie with Jim’s team is at Johney’s Logging. Jim is getting
along well. [in margin] $27. Oct. 11th
12th Sabbath. Bright day and warm. Jim is much the same as yesterday.
13 Jim is about the same as yesterday. Willie went to the Eugenia Falls. Heavy rain, thunder &
lightening at night.
<p. 229>
July 1891
14th Rain, thunder and lightening this morning, the same in the afternoon. I worked at the milk ac-
counts. Jim is still doing very well.
15 Dark day and cool, with a slight sprinkling of Rain now and then. Jim is still mending.
409
16 Rather Brighter this morning, the day clear and pretty warm. I hoed poatotes. Jim is still improv-
ing. J. Patterson stopped all night with him.
17 Bright, sunny morning, the day clear, cool and dry. Jim is still mending. R. J. Davidson (Jim’s
Boy) helped me hoe potatoes. The Dr. was to see Jim.
18 Cloudy and cool with an appearance of Rain at night. Jim is still mending. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon and paid milk patrons. [in margin] Got / Pension
19 Sabbath. Cool and clear. Jim is gaining.
20 Cool and cloudy. We started Jim’s hay. Jim is gaining, though slowly. [in margin] Started / Jim’s
haying
21 Dry, Breezy day, quite warm in the afternoon. Jim is still improving. [Stricken We raked up and
hauled in to the Barn Seven loads of hay for him.]
22 Fine dry day. Willie [stricken mowed about 5 acres for Jim. I wrote some business letters & post-
ed them ][written above line]& I & Bob raked and hauled in seven loads of hay. Jim is gaining,
although slowly.
<p. 230>
July 1891
23rd Dry morning, the day dry. Willie mowed about 5 acres for Jim. I wrote some business letters and
posted them. Jim is still mending. A very heavy rain with thunder and lightening commenced
about 10 P.M. Nancy* went home. [*Robert’s niece, daughter of John and Eliza Russell]
24 Dark, cool day. Willie hunted up some of Jim’s young cattle which had strayed out of the pasture.
Bob, with the team, clayed the crossway on the Arnold Lot. I hoed the remander of the potatoes
and put Paris Green on them. Jim is about the same.
25 Dark morning, not very good hay weather in the forenoon. The afternoon dry and breezy. We
Raked and hauled in Five large loads of hay for Jim. Johney and Ina are at Jim’s this night. Jim is
about the same as yesterday, not much change. It is now (11:20 P.M.) Raining.
26th Sabbath. Dry day, but cool. Jim is about the same, slow in mending but I think gaining a little.
27 Dry and breezy, sunny in the afternoon. Willie cut the remainder of Jim’s grass. I worked at the
milk accounts and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted some letters.
28 Dry morning, cloudy in the afternoon. Willie cut grass at home in the forenoon and in the after-
noon finished hauling in For Jim (5 Loads). This makes him 17 Loads in all. Jim is about the
same. [in margin] Finished Jim’s Hay / commenced / our own / Hay
<p. 231>
July 1891
29th Bright, sunny day and warm. Willie mowed at home, finished cutting. The afternoon cloudy with
some thunder and a little lightening. The Dr. called to See Jim and said he was getting along
splendid.
30 Slightely wet this morning, the forenoon cloudy. We chored around. Jim got up today out of bed
for the first time in six weeks. He had been in bed since the 17th of June. John Arnold and Dan
Reid helped him. He slid out over the Bed edge into a Rocking chair. Willie held up the Broken
leg. Dan and Mr. Arnold carried the chair with him in it to the kitchen. He sat up from about 2
P.M. till 10. I think he is doing well. [in margin, double underline] Jim got / out of Bed
31 Frost this morning, done no harm, the forenoon damp, the afternoon dry. We hauled in seven
small loads of hay. Jim is a little sick and weak today.
August [1891]
410
1st Cloudy in the Forenoon. Rain at noon, the afternoon mizzling. We Raked up and hauled in one
load of hay in the forenoon and another in the afternoon. Jim is slightely sick.
2nd Sabbath. Cool and Cloudy. Jim was easier in the afternoon.
3 Cloudy in the morning, but cleared off about 9 A.M. Willie and Bob finished hauling in hay for
me. It’s a poor crop. Jim is gaining. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Finished / Haying
<p. 232>
August 1891
4th Bright sunny morning, the day warm and Bright. I worked From 8 A.M. till 5 P.M. at Posting
orders in the Township Books. I posted, I think, 134 Reeve’s orders. Willie went with the team to
help Johney. His mother went with him.
5 Bright morning, the day sunny and warm. Willie helped Jim. I worked at the Township Books.
Jim is about the same as yesterday.
6 Hazy morning, the day general[l]y hazy and hot. Willie worked at Jim’s. I worked at Milk ac-
counts. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s Lot to pick berries.
7 Bright sunny day and very warm. I cleaned out a watering place for the cattle. Willie worked at
Jim’s. Jim managed to get up and walked to the Barn and around on crutches. [in margin] Jim /
walked / on crutches
8 Dark, sultry morning, the day pretty warm, with a slight sprinkling of Rain. I went to Dundalk in
the Forenoon. Heavy Rains about 7 P.M. Jim is still mending.
9th Sabbath. Dry in the morning, heavy clouds through the day, a very heavy Rain and wind storm with
some thunder and lightening in the afternoon. The rain came down in torrents for a while. Jim is
till improving. [in margin] Heavy Rain / and wind
10 Dry morning, the day dry but cloudy in the afternoon, the afternoon very sultry. I attended council
meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. Jim is still improving, came down to my barn today. [in
margin] Hot
<p. 233>
11th Dry and pretty warm. Left Hopeville this morning and got home about 10:12 A.M. Jim is here
today, went home at night.
12 Dry and Breezy. Went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. Came home, then went again in the after-
noon, seen the Britons march. Jim went with them, played for them. He stopped at J. Bower-
man’s all night. [in margin] Jim went / to Dundalk / J. Bowerman /drove him in
13 Fine morning, the day cool and clear. Jim is scarcely so well as he was yesterday, cramped some
in the morning and a slight touch of Diereah [=diarrhea]. Will be home in the eavning. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and worked at the milk sheets in the afternoon.
14 Dry and fine. I worked at the Township accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon at the Milk
Books. Jim is gaining.
15 Dry, Cool and Cloudy. I worked at the milk accounts in the Forenoon, and in the afternoon went
to Dundalk and paid patrons $1103.00 for 21 days milk. Jim is improving.
16th Sabbath. Clear part of the day, Cloudy in the afternoon. Jim went to Johney’s in Johney’s Buggy.
Brother Sam was here a while in the afternoon.
17 Dry but cloudy, a slight Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went with Sam and Phoebe on an excur-
sion to Niagara. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie helped Jim. Jim is gaining but has a
cough.
<p. 234>
August 1891
411
18th Cloudy in the Forenoon, clear in the afternoon, Dry all day. Mrs. R. got home at 5 A.M. From her
Niagara Excursion. Willie is helping Jim. Jim is improving.
19 Dry and pretty warm. Misses Manton, a woman from Toronto, sister to Mrs. H. Lonsway,* who
had come on a visit to H. Lonsway, died at his place of Malaria fever this morning, after an illness
of about ten days. Her people took her remains in the train this afternoon to the City for interment.
Jim and I went with them to Dundalk. [in margin] Misses Manton / Died. [*Mrs. H. Lonsway was
nee Broughton; see 30 Oct. 1882. The use of “Misses” here is unique: is it phonetic spelling for
“Mrs.”, since Manton is likely her married name.]
20 Dry and breezy, hot in the afternoon and cloudy with a sight sprinkling of Rain in the eavning, and
a pretty heavy rain at night. Jim went to Brother Sam’s in the Buggy in the Forenoon, and from
there to Dundalk in the afternoon. Bought a new Top Buggy From Joe Bowerman for $60.00
cash, and a yoke of Two and a half year old steers, valued at $40.00
21 Wet early in the morning, cloudy and cool in the middle of the day. Bright and sunny about 6
P.M. Jim is pretty well. Willie is working for him.
22 Dark morning, the day dry but cloudy. Willie cut Jim’s Barley. This is the first harvesting. [in
margin] Barley / cut
<p. 235>
August 1891
23rd Sabbath. Dark day and quite cool. Sam and Phoebe were here. Rain at night.
24 Wet morning, the day dark and showery. We spent all forenoon making some pokes* For the
colts. When we had them made and put one on, the colt jumped over a good fence with it, so we
have to keep them stabled up till we get a field of grain in the Barn so we can turn them in. Willie
and Bob Davidson put Battens* on the stable. Jim is gaining. [*poke: device hung around ani-
mal’s neck, allows grazing, inhibits jumping;see 13 June 1890, 28 Aug. 1891. *Batten: board and
batten construction—a narrow board nailed on top of joints of siding boards, sealing the joints.]
25 Dark morning, the Forenoon cloudy, the afternoon clear and dry. Rain last night. Willie and Bob
finished battening the stable in the forenoon. Jim, Mary and Arlie were here. Jim walked, arm on
a stave [=staff? arm on unclear]
26 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty sultry in the afternoon. We started to pull Jim’s pease in the
afternoon. Willie cut with the mower. Bob raked them with the sulky and I forked out the Bunch-
es. Mr. J. Arnold and wife were here at night. [in margin] First / Harvesting / pease
27 Cloudy, close and sultry. We finished cutting Jim’s pease about 4 P.M., then Bob and I pulled
with the scythes in mine till sunsett.
28 Rainy morning, the day showery and unpleasant. Had to stable up three of my colts. They have
got in several times to the grain. No pokes* nor tie-downs will keep them out. I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon. [*see above, 24 Aug. 1891]
<p. 236>
August 1891
29th Dry Day. Bob Davis and I pulled pease. Willie pulled pease at John Gott’s.
30th Sabbath. Dry and cloudy. J. Bowerman and Ida were here. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon.
31 Dry in the morning, a slight rain about 9 A.M., great rain in the distance. Dry afternoon. We
[stricken fenes] pulled pease.
Sept[ember 1891]
412
1st Dry and warm. We finished pulling pease and started the Binder to cut oats in the afternoon. Jim
came to the field and seen that all parts were in working order. [in margin] Finished pulling pease
/ First oats cut
2 Dry, cloudy in the afternoon and very much like Rain. Willie cut oats with the Binder. Bob Davis
stooked. I tied some craddled oats. Jim drove a few rounds. He is greatly improved, nevertheless
it hurts his back to sit on the Binder.
3 Bright morning, but the day clouded over, a little Rain in the afternoon. We cut oats at home till
tea time, then hauled in two Loads of Barl[e]y for Jim. J. Cavanagh, Clerk of T[ownship], was
here.
4 Cloudy and cool. Willie Reaped till 2 P.M. I cut Roads and tied. Bob stooked. After 2. we
hauled in 3 Loads of pease for Jim.
<p. 237>
Sept[ember] 1891
5th Dark morning, but a very heavy dew, the day lowering. Rain came on about noon and continued
mostly all evening. We Reaped oats till 10 A.M., then hauled in a Load of pease for Jim. The
Rain prevented us doing any more harvesting this day.
6th Sabbath. A little Rain in the morning, Dry after. Sister Margaret and Husband came to See Mrs.
Lonsway who is ill.
7 Dry day. Willie Reaped oats for Jim. I craddled Roads and tied what I cut.
8 Dry day. Willie Reaped oats for Jim in the forenoon and we finished hauling in Jim’s pease in the
afternoon. In the Forenoon I cut Roads through some oats of mine.
9 Dry day, hard Frost in the morning. We hauled in pease, had ten loads, finished at tea time, then
drew in the oats for Jim off the Knoll.
10 Dry, sunny day. We finished Reaping at home. I tied some craddled swaths around stone piles in
the forenoon, and in the afternoon tried to find a lost yearling steer. Did not succeed. G. Ruther-
ford, Insurance agent, was here and insured the contents of Barn for $300.00, the stable on Lot 220
for $100.00, contents for $400.00, total $800.00. Gave due Bill payable 1st of next December for
$7.20. The Risk is in the London Mutual, .90 c[ent]s in [the] $. The Insurance is to be re-arranged
in 18 mont[h]s, so that I will not be paying for what I have not. [in margin] Finished cutting of
grain / Insured for $800.00 / From 14th inst. for 3 years
<p. 238>
September 1891
11th Dry day, and pretty hot. Willie, Rob* and I hauled in 13 loads of oats, about 40 stooks to the
Load. [*Rob Davidson, Jim’s hired boy.]
12 Dry day till about 5 P.M., when there came on a heavy rain, and kept at it for nearly two hours.
We put off a load of oats, then hauled in one and after that went to Jim’s and Reaped till the Rain
came on. The piece was very rough.
13th Sabbath. Dry and cloudy, not any Rain. Jim & Mary with Arlie, were here. Joe & Ida and Sam
Jackson were here.
14 Dark morning, the day cloudy but without rain. Willie Reaped for Jim in the afternoon. I cut
Roads and tied it.
15 Wet morning, the day dark, not much rain fell in the afternoon. Willie drove his mother to Dun-
dalk in the morning, then Reaped at Jim’s. He finished Jim’s cutting. I craddled around stumps
and tied it. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Finished / cutting Grain / at Jim’s
413
16 Dark in the morning, the afternoon clear, dry and sunny. I worked at the Township Books. Willie
left this morning with Jim Paterson, Jun[io]r, For the Industrial Fair, Toronto. Jim also went, took
some cattle.* [*for sale, or for showing? This seems to be precursor of the Royal Winter Fair, or
of the Canadian National Exhibition, both held annually in Toronto in the 20th century.]
17 Dry day, sunny and hot. I worked at the milk accounts.
<p. 239>
Sept[ember] 1891
18th Dry in the Forenoon, quite a heavy rain in the afternoon, with some thunder and lightening. Rob
and I hauled in Four loads of oats for cut feed in the dry part of the day. Willie got home at noon
and helped.
19 Bright sunny day, quite sultry and hot. Willie tried to find a lost steer, did not succeed. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the Patrons of Factory* Four hundred and ninety-Four dollars.
[*Cheese Factory.]
20th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, quite Drying.
21 Bright sunny day. I attended a council meeting at Hopeville. Got home about 10 P.M. Willie
hauled in oats at Jim’s.
22 Bright sunny day. We hauled in oats at Jim’s. Jim went to get some cattle to Dundalk.
23 Bright sunny day. We finished hauling in oats at Jim’s in the forenoon and then hauled in seven
loads of oats at home. This made 24 Loads of oats in all, and Ten of pease in all. Total, 34 loads
of Grain. This finished our Harvesting. [in margin] Finished / Harvesting
24 Bright sunny day. Willie and I put up some scaffold poles and unloaded a bag of oats on them,
pulled some apples off the trees. He then hunted up a lost steer and found him. I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
<p. 240>
Sept[ember] 1891
25th Bright sunny day. Willie went to Johney’s threshing with the team. I worked at the Milk Books.
26 Bright sunny day. Willie went to W. Bell’s threshing. I worked at the Township Books.
Sabbath [written betwen entries]
27 Bright sunny day and very warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s.
28 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm with quite a breeze of wind. I helped Jim drive the
young cattle from Johney’s. Willie was at W. Bell’s threshing in the Forenoon and W. Arm-
strong’s in the afternoon.
29 Breezy, cool day with a sharp frost at night. I hired two Livery Buggies in Dundalk and took the
Hon. T. W. Anglin* and E. Irving, Q.C., of Toronto, to Hopeville to investigate about certain
moneys said to be due Proton. Miss N. Agnew, Mrs. H. Faucett and two children were here all
night. [*Timothy W. Anglin (1822-96), who emigrated from Ireland in 1849, was a prominent
journalist and politician (Liberal MP from 1867-82) and defender of Irish Catholic interests. He
moved from New Brunswick to Toronto in 1883. Here he presumably is speaking on provincial
financial support of Separate Schools; moneys paid by Proton to schools in other townships was
for Catholic students who had to go out of Proton for schooling; see above, 10 Feb. 1891. Anglin
features in a satirical poem, one of the newspaper clippings, pasted on fol. 120r in vol.2: “not quite
a traitor, but a very representative Grit.” See
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/timothy-anglin/ ]
30 Fine day, cool and dry with a pretty stiff Breeze. Jim and Mary went to Essa.
October [1891]
414
1st Dry and Breezy. I entered some Township orders in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon. Willie was at W. Lonsway’s threshing.
2 Dry, hot and Breezy. We picked apples off the trees (8 Bags) and brought them to the house.
Phoebe and Mrs. John Arnold were here in the afternoon. Dr. McWilliam opperated on me for
Hydroseal [=hydrocele].* It was pretty sharp and painful and I may have to suffer a long time.
[*retention of liquid, and swelling of the inguinal region or scrotum; related problems include in-
guinal hernias. In layman’s terms, he had a hernia operation.]
<p. 241>
October 1891
3rd The Forenoon dry, the afternoon wet. I suffered intense agony last night till after midnight, when
the pains partly ceased. Sam came to see me.
4th Sabbath. Pretty cool Day. The Dr. was to see me.
5 Wet and cold. I am still in pain.
6 Dry. Willie dug some at a well which he began yesterday. Went with the team to Dundalk in the
afternoon. I am still confined to Bed.
7 Dark, cloudy day. Rain in the afternoon. Johney and Willie worked at the well in the dry part of
the day.
8 Dry day. Willie and Johney worked at the well. Jim’s Boy* helped. [*R. J. (Rob) Davidson see
above, 17 July 1891, below, 4 Nov. 1891.]
9 Dry and cool. Mrs. R. went to the Show Fair in Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie is going to the
concert at night.
10 Dry day, but cool. Johney and Willie worked at the well. Ina was here.
11th Sabbath. Dry and cool. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Johney’s.
12 Dry and cold. Willie went to the mill for lumber to curb* the well, and in the afternoon tried to get
two of the colts which had strayed off last night. I hunted around for them this forenoon.
[*curb=crib, build side walls; see 23 Oct. 1891.]
<p. 242>
October 1891
13th Dry, sunny and cool, with a very hard Frost in the morning. We took up potatoes, about 20 Bush-
els. Brother Sam’s Edith and John Henry* helped us. [*Sam’s son, John Henry (Jack) Russell.]
14 Dry and fine in the forenoon. Wet in the afternoon. Willie was at J. Arnold’s threshing.
15 Showery all day. Willie was at H. Lonsway’s threshing. I fixed the Granary at home.
16 Dry and cool, quite cloudy. Willie with the team was at H. Lonsway’s threshing in the forenoon,
and at Jim’s in the afternoon.
17 Dry and sunny. Jim threshed in the Forenoon.
18 Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, wet in the latter part of the afternoon.
19 Misty morning, cloudy and heavy all day, a slight mizzle of rain in the afternoon. I thrashed. The
oats were pretty badly heated but they had cooled off. The yield was only middling, about 25
Bushels of oats and 20 of pease to the acre, in all about 500 of oats and 100 of pease. I kept un-
threshed about 150 dozen oat sheaves to cut for the horses. [in margin] Threshed
20 Dry but cloudy and threat[en]ing Rain, quite dull-like day.
<p. 243>
October 1891
21st Cloudy all day, with a slight sprinkling of Rain now and then. We finished Raising potatoes, poor
crop, in all only about 30 Bushels. Had 100 on the same ground last year. Mrs. Peter Sauder
415
and husband were here. I wrote out her Will. [in margin] Wrote out / Mrs. P. Sauder’s / Will /
Finished Raising / Potatoes
22 Cloudy and cold, with the ground covered with snow in the Forenoon. I worked at the Milk ac-
counts. [in margin] Snow
23 Very hard frost this morning, the day cloudy and cold, not much sunshine. I worked at the milk
Books. Jim and John Gott made the crib for the well in the afternoon and put it in.
24 Dull in the morning, the afternoon fine and sunny. Willie worked at John Gott’s in the afternoon
for Jim. I Banked around the well crib.
25th Sabbath. Fine day, pretty mild. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Ida’s.
26 Dry and mild with a strong wind at night. Willie Lonsway and his daughter Annie stopped here
about two hours in the afternoon on their way home. W. R.* was harrowing some old meadow
land. I worked at the Township Books and Rolls, hunting up some papers I wanted to get Re. Ir-
vin’s Taxes. [*Willie]
<p. 244>
October 1891
27th Ground covered with snow this morning, and pretty cold, the day cold all through. Willie and I
fixed up the calve stable on Lot 219, and he hauled out manure on the meadow in the afternoon.
[in margin] Vesuvius* / Burst [*see above, 25 Feb. 1891.]
28 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine. We hauled out manure.
29 The sky overcast this morning, but gradually the sun got out and the clouds scattered. The day
assumed almost the appearance of Indian Summer. Willia[m] and I hauled manure.
30 Dull in the morning but the sun shone out and the day was very pleasant, the atmosphere hazy.
Indian Summer, I think. We were hauling out manure. Jim Patterson and his cousin Dave from
Toronto were here a while at night. [in margin] Indian / Summer
31 Wet morning, the day wet till about noon, the afternoon dry, with a little sunshine. We hauled out
manure in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I had supper at Jim’s.
November [1891]
1st Sabbath. Chilly Day, not any sunshine. Johney and Ina were here,
2 Hard frost this morning, a little sunshine through the day, but in general the air was cold. We
hauled out manure in the forenoon and in the afternoon Willie went to Jas. Trugon’s thres[h]ing.
G. McConnell, Collector of Rates, was here.
<p. 245>
3rd Frost this morning, the afternoon was cloudy but mild. Willie was at J. Trugon’s threshing in the
forenoon and in the afternoon he and I finished hauling out manure. 62 Loads From first to last.
We spread it all on about 5 acres of Meadow Land which is pretty well run out. Perhaps the hay
will grow better.
4 Hard frost this morning, the afternoon mild. Willie helped Rob Davidson take out some cattle of
Jim’s to Dick Davidson and went with his mother to Dundalk in the afternoon. Bob Russell came
here this eavning.
5 The ground covered with snow this Forenoon, but the sun in the afternoon melted most of it. Mrs.
R. killed 14 young geese, took them to Dundalk. The[y] weighed on the Halyards [??=halyard
scale? as a bunch tied together with a halliard?] 123 pounds.
6 Beautiful day, mild and pleasant. I attended Council meeting at Dundalk. Willie dug Drains for
Johney. [in margin] Mrs. D. Grummett / Died
7 Fine morning, the day dry and fine. Willie dug on the drain for Johney. I went to Dundalk.
416
8th Sabbath. Wet morning, shower in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Willie & his mother went to the
Funeral of Mrs. Dan Grummett. She was buried at Maxwell.
9 Dry and fine all day. Willie plowed the potatoe patch and took the young horse to Mr. F. Nixon,
V. S., who punctured the swellings on his shoulders, and the hollow on one of them to be
sweeney.* I straightened up the orders & cash I had at Council meeting. [*sweeney: muscular at-
rophy in horse’s shoulder; see www.horsedvm.com/disease/sweeny/. Robert writes out a recipe
for “Cure for Sweeney” on p. 275, below.]
<p. 246>
November 1891
10th Wet morning, the day showery. Willie went to Dan Reid’s threshing. I chored around. Jim’s
Mary & Arlie, and Sam’s Madel[l]a were here. Very wet in the afternoon. [in margin] one swine
/ put up to / Fat
11 Dry morning, the day dry and windy. Willie was at D. Reid’s threshing till noon. In the afternoon
he hauled some logs for a cattle Rack. I worked at fixing the pig pen in the forenoon and in the af-
ternoon cut some logs for a cattle Rack.
12 Fine day, although a little wet in the morning. Jim and Willie went to J. Jackson’s for the cutting
Box and Joe’s Horse power. I fixed feeding place for the cattle.
13 Quite a fall of snow on the ground this morning, did not melt much through the day. Rather chilly
in the afternoon. I wrote some letters in the Forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Bought a Kangeroo Fur Overcoat from F. Nixon for Twenty Dollars, cash. He bestowed me a
pound of tobacco. Willie plowed sod for Jim.
14 Very hard Frost this morning, the day pretty chilly, not much softening. I closed in the shed on the
Arnold Farm and chored around. Willie plowed at Jim’s.
15th Sabbath. Dry and cold in the Forenoon, very wet at night. Joe & Ida stopped all night.
<p. 247>
November 1891
16th Wet day From morning till night. Fixed up and addressed some notification Cards, telling the pa-
trons of Factory when payday would be.
17 The ground covered with mud and slush, but the Rain which was falling soon turned to snow. The
wind also got up and the afternoon was very stormy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and post-
ed notification of payment to the patrons of cheese Factory.
18 The Ground covered with snow. I think it is about six inches deep and more Falling. I Fixed at
the cow shed on Arnold’s Farm most of the day. Brought home the sheep which were out in the
fields all through the storm, and housed them. Willie took three Lambs out to W. Faucett’s for
Jim. Jim brought home the old mare and her colt to me From Johney’s where they had been pas-
turing for about Five weeks. Willie took the Lambs in a Box on the Stone Boat.
19 The morning a little milder than yesterday, the day mild, quite a bit of sleighing. I went to Dun-
dalk on cheese Business.
20 Mild morning. Raining in the afternoon. I went this morning to Dundalk on cheese business: seen
Mr. Cornett, collected some money in Dundalk, came home and worked all night at the milk ac-
counts.
<p. 248>
November 1891
417
21st Dark morning, slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon Rainy. Worked at the milk accounts
till 2.30 P.M., then went to Dundalk and paid Patrons, something over $2100.00 For their last and
final payment of the season. The majority of them were well satisfied.
22nd Sabbath. Misty morning, a kind of scotch mist, quite co[l]d in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went
to Brother Sam’s, then went to church.
23 Misty early in the morning, then turned to Rain. The day was very wet from about 11 A.M. till
after night. We Butchered two pigs in the Forenoon. D. Reid helped us. We intended killing four
but the Rain stopped us. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs
24 Blowing and snowing all day, from morning till night. We Butchered two pigs. D. Reid helped.
25 Blowing and snowing all day long, pretty cold at night. I worked at finishing up the milk ac-
counts. Willie done the chores.
26 Quite a mild day, dark and soft. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
27 Dark, snowey [=snowy] day all through. I worked at posting Township orders. Willie done the
chores. Hauled a jag of wood from the S[ide]Road for Jim.
<p. 249>
November 1891
28th Pretty chilly day, cold, raw wind. Willie was at J. Mills’ threshing. I went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon.
29th Sabbath. Cold, dark day. Roads very Rough. Johney and Ina were here.
30 Another sharp morning, the day chilly and dark. We cut about 50 dozen oat sheaves in the after-
noon. Jim and John Arnold helped us.
December [1891]
1st Mild day, the little snow there is softening. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, changed a Bottle
of medicine for Brother Sam. Took it to him at night. G. McConnell, Collector, stopped all night.
[in margin] Sent letter to / Br. Willie / Antlers P. O. / Ind. Territory / U. S.
2 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow thawing. This day has done up the sleighing. I went to
Dundalk in the Forenoon, then went to Son John’s in the afternoon. Willie chored around.
3 Mild day, the snow disappearing, Roads very bad. I worked at making out statement for the
Township Council.
4 Rainy morning, the day wet all through. I finished Statement.
5 Dry morning, the day fine, cool and very windy. I went to Brother Sam’s threshing. Went in the
eavning with John Crique home, he gave me $50.00, part of his Rent. I gave it immediately to the
widow Kinnear.
<p. 250>
December 1891
6th Sabbath. Cloudy day, cold in the Forenoon, quite a snowfall towards night and at night. I went after
night to see Brother Sam.
7 Quite a nice bit of snow on the ground this morning, and some more fell during the day. Sleighing
is getting started again. Joe and Ida were here at night.
8 Cold, Raw wind this morning, pretty fair sleighing except where the Road was badly cut up. The
wind high in the afternoon and the snow drifting. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. [in margin]
Willie went / chopping
9 Fine morning, but rather windy, very heavy wind last night, the day given to thaw. We, Mrs. R.
and I, went to Sam’s in the Forenoon. I thought he was going to Butcher pigs and I wanted to help
him. He put off the job till Friday. G. McConnell and his Brother were here at dark.
418
10 Fine morning, the day mild, a good deal of sunshine, the sleighing all gone again. Mrs. R. went to
Dundalk.
11 Fine morning, the day fine, sunny and warm. I helped Brother Sam Butcher 5 Hogs. Mr. James
Maxwell also assisted.
12 Fine morning, the day fine. I went to Dundalk and sent the Co[unty] Treasurer $1296.08,
Co[unty] Rates.
<p. 251>
Dec[ember] 1891
13th Sabbath. Fine day, spring-like, the cattle out in the fields picking. Johney, Ina, Pat Conners, Joe
and Ida, also Mary and Arlie here.
14 Rain in the morning, which turned to snow pretty early in the day. It is now, 5:40 P.M., Snowing
and Blowing. I went to Dundalk.
15 Soft snow falling this morning. Sleet and snow mostly all day. I attended C[ouncil] Meeting at
Hopeville. Stopped all night, did not go to bed, late session.
16 Big Snow storm this morning. Snowed nearly all Forenoon. Cleared off in the afternoon. I left
Hopeville about daylight and came home.
17 Rather mild morning, the day pretty Fine. I worked at the Township Financial Statement in the
forenoon and in the afternoon took it to Dundalk to the printers.
18 Soft in the morning, mild day all through. I butchered a pig. She was 2 years old and weighed
310 pounds. Took her to Dundalk in the afternoon. Sold @ $5. per hundred. Jim R. and John
Arnold helped.
19 Mild morning, the day mild, the sleighing gettng very bad. Mrs. R. and I brought some horse bed-
ding from the Barn, then we took Four yearling cattle to Brother Sam’s, who is going to winter
them for me. Came home and went to Dundalk, got home about 6 P.M. [in margin] Cattle to /
Sam’s
<p. 252>
December 1891
20th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow disappearing. Brother John and wife came here in the Forenoon.
21 Another mild day. I entered orders in the Township Books. Brother John and Jim went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon. John’s wife stopped here at night.
22 The snow has almost all gone, the fields and Roads Bare, the cattle out picking, but not much grass
for them. John and wife left for home this morning. Borrowed the Buggy and left his cutter.
23 Mild day, the wheels have taken the place of the runners, quite spring-like. I helped Jim this after-
noon to cut Horse feed.
24 Mild morning, though a little colder than yesterday. Helped Jim cut feed for about an hour this
morning. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
25 Christmas. Mild morning, the day misty and like a fall of something. A Christmas gathering was
here, consisting of Brother Sam, Phoebe, Madela, Willie and Alma,* Jim and his wife and Arlie
(and Willie Watt), John and Ina, Joe Bowerman and Ida. [*Madella, Willie and Alma are children
of Sam and Phoebe—Anne Elizabeth Madella (b. 9 Mar. 1875) the eldest, Phoebe Alma (b. 13
May 1889) the youngest of their nine surviving children.]
26 Mild in the morning and in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon very windy. Freezing and
snowing, very, very cold. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Vesuvius / Erupted /
this morning
419
27th Sabbath. Sharp morning, the day cold, sharp wind, a little snow Falling now and then, but of no
account.
<p. 253>
Dec[ember] 1891
28th Sharp morning, the day very sharp, the Roads very Rough, poor wheeling and no sleighing.
29 Soft morning, the day soft with several Showers of soft snow. It turned cold toward night.
30 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, a little snow falling now and then.
31 Very sharp morning, the day cold, piercing East wind. Roads hard and rough. I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
January 1892
1st Mild morning, the day soft and what little snow there was disappeared. The Roads are sloppy.
Rain at night.
2 Dark morning, the day dark and overcast, a fall of sleet in the afternoon which turned to snow at
night. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon, and in the afternoon John Arnold and I went to John
Crique’s and got the Rent from him.
3rd Sabbath. Cold day. Dark and a Raw wind.
4 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow which was on the Ground melting. I went to the Election.*
[*i.e. for Proton Township Council]
5 Rather colder this morning, but the sun shone out and the middle of the day was pleasant. Mrs. R.
and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 254>
January 1892
6th Cold day all through, a little fine snow Falling, mostly, all through the day. Ida was here a while
at night.
7 Pretty chilly day all through, a little snow falling through the day.
8 Cold morning, the day cold, quite a keen Frost. A good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk and
stopped a while at Division Court.
9 Cold morning, clear and Frosty, the day very sharp all through. Phoebe and Mrs. R. started for
Essa & Tossorontio, took Brother John’s cutter. They intend Bringing home my Buggy from
John’s.
10th Sabbath. Very cold day, Freezing keen.
11 Sharp morning, the day dark and cold with a snowfall at night.
12 Mild morning, the day mild. Snow fell last night which has improved the sleighing. I helped Jim
to cut Seven small cherry logs in the bush and load them on the sleigh. He hauled them to Dun-
dalk and is selling them at $10.00 per thousand. Willie and Johney swamped out cordwood in
Melancthon.
13 Mild day with some snow falling. Willie started to haul cordwood to Dundalk.
<p. 255>
January 1892
14th Pretty sharp morning, the day cold all through. Willie hauled Cordwood to Dundalk. I went to
Dundalk, done some business.
15 Mild morning, the day pretty mild with a good deal of sunshine. Phoebe and Mrs. R. got home
this eavning.
16 Sharp, Frosty morning, the day cold with a very keen Frost. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon.
Willie started at noon for a load of wood.
420
17th Sabbath. Mild day, almost like rain. Willie went with the Horse and cutter to Johney’s. [in mar-
gin] my Birth day
18 Snow falling this morning, and quite a snowfall through the day. I went to a Council meeting at
Hopeville. Took Jim’s Bay Horse for the day and gave him mine. Willie helped him to clean a
load of pease.
19 Very cold day, Freezing like Greenland From morning till night. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. Willie hauled Cordwood. [in margin] Cold
20 Sharp morning, the day cold all through with a snow storm at night. Willie hauled saw logs for
Jim Patterson, sent by Jim Russell. Fire in Dundalk, Hunter & Rundle’s* Stores burned. [in mar-
gin] very cold. [*Hunter was a loans, and land agent; Rundle was a butcher; see History of Dun-
dalk, pp. 91, 101, 104.]
21 Another cold day, the roads very heavy on account of the blow. Snowing this forenoon and Blow-
ing very strong in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of cordwood to Dundalk in the afternoon. I
went to Dundalk. [in margin] Cold
<p. 256>
January 1892
22nd Blowing and storming badly this morning. Stormy also in the afternoon. Willie went with the
team to S. McDowell’s wood Bee, hauling cordwood From Melancthon to Dundalk. Jim’s First
son* born this morning. Quite a cold stormy day For the youngster to make his appearance. [in
margin] Jim’s First / son Born [*Vern Russell.]
23 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold generally, except a while in the afternoon. I went to Sam’s in
the eavning. Willie hauled wood.
24th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, quite like a thaw.
25 Mild morning, but the day got very changeable and frequent wind and snow storms occured during
the afternoon. I posted a letter for Clark.
26 Extremely cold day, Blowing and Freezing. I went a little while to D. Reid’s sale. The articles
went very cheap. [in margin] very cold
27 Another cold day, but not so very cold as yesterday, calm in the forenoon and stormy in the after-
noon. Mrs. Patterson and two children, W. Bell and wife here. [in margin] Mrs. /Patterson / here
28 Milder and almost like a thaw, a little mizzle of Rain in the afternoon. Willie hauled wood. I went
to Dundalk. Patrick Conners was here.
29 Mild day, almost like a thaw. Willie hauled one load of wood and a Telegraph pole to Dundalk.
<p. 257>
January 1892
30th Another mild morning, the day mild, the snow softening. James Reid and his brother Dan were
here. Dan borrowed the cutter and harness to go to Dundalk. Willie is laid up with a cold. Etna*
showed strong signs of Eruption. [*still strong interest in Mt. Vesuvius.]
31st Sabbath. Very mild day. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. Joe and Ida were here in the
eavning. Sandy McAuley’s Dwelling House was Burned about 11 P.M. He has a small insurance
of about $300.00 on the house and contents. The fire caught they think from a spark on the Roof
as they were burning [T??? ad] wood. [in margin] Sandy McAulay’s / House Burned
Feb[ruary 1892]
1st Very mild day, the snow softening, very like a thaw. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Bought a
Draft for $120.15, payable to Thos. Arnold of Creemore and sent it to him for his Rent. Willie
hauled Cordwood.
421
2 Stormy day, a huge snow storm Raging. Willie started this morning to haul wood and hauled one
load in the afternoon. The snow fell about 12 inches in 24 Hours.
3 Mild day all through, a little sunshine soon came on in the afternoon, and is now, 8:15 P.M., snow-
ing. Willie hauled one load of wood in the afternoon. The sleighing is heavy.
<p. 258>
February 1892
4th Sharp morning, the day pretty sharp. The Township auditors were here during the day. G.
McConnell, Collector, Returned his Roll and stopped all night. [in margin] Township / auditors /
here
5 Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through. Brother Sam and I left for to See Sister Margaret
who is sick, almost unto death. We got as far as Brother John’s and stopped there all night.
6 Another cold day, snow deep. Sam and I left John’s and went to Margaret’s. Poor Sister! Life
appears almost gone. She is wasted away so much that I would not know her. Dr. McCullough
said her complaint was Malaria Fever and Dr. Armstrong said it was Lung Fever. We came from
Margaret’s in the eavning and stopped at Brother John’s.
7 Sabbath. Some snow falling in the forenoon, some Rain at night, a little [stricken th] lightening. I
prevailed on Sam to return home this morning as he is suffering from Bronchitis. I went to Marga-
ret’s. John’s son John drove me there. I sat up with Margaret all night. Poor Sister, she seemed to
be about dead.
8 Pretty chilly day, a good deal of snow on the ground. I left Margaret this morning and came as far
as Brother John’s. I am doubtful whether I will ever see my poor Sister alive again or not.
<p. 259>
Feb[ruary] 1892
9th Pretty Rough day, especially in the afternoon. Snow drifted considerably on the Roads. I left
John’s this day at about 11:30 A.M and came home. Bob drove me as far as Shelburne, then I
took the Train. Brother John is suffering with Bronchitis.
10 A little milder this forenoon, the afternoon Blowing. Nancy and Phebe left this morning to go and
nurse Margaret. If good nursing and careful, kindly attention will save her life, She will now ob-
tain it. She has had nothing but negligence, want of care and improper treatment From her Hus-
band and Daughters, thus in a manner, killing her as surely as if they took a club and beat her
brains out. May a just God punish them For their cruelty.
11 Moderate in the Forenon, the afternoon blowing and rough. Willie hauled cordwood to Dundalk.
Extremely rough in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk.
12 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold, especially in the afternoon. The Roads are very badly
drifted. I think it is the coldest day which has come this winter. Willie started in the afternoon to
haul wood. Got part of the way and had to come back on account of the drifts. Adam Traynor
was here this eavning to See about arrears of Land Taxes. [in margin] Very cold
13 Sharp, cold day, but calm. Roads very bad. I attended council meeting at Dundalk.
<p. 260>
Feb. 1892
14th Sabbath. Cold and stormy. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing/
15 Sharp morning, the day cold, especially in the afternoon, the snow drifting. The Roads running
N.E & S.W. are almost impassible. I went to Dundalk.
16 Pretty cold day, Freezing and blowing some. Mrs. R. and Phebe got home from Sister Margaret’s.
She is not any better.
422
17 A little milder than yesterday, yet still cold enough. The roads are very much drifted, and few
teams are on them.
18 Mild morning, the day overcast and very much like a thaw. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Willie
and Johney worked in Melancthon getting out stove wood. [in margin] Mrs. / Sandy McAulay /
Died
19 Stormy, Rough day, Blowing and snowing, especially in the afternoon. Wille hauled wood. Wal-
ter Bell was here a while in the Day.
20 Mild day, the snow getting soft, the air soft and hazy. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs.
Sandy McAulay, an old Lady of 76 who has lived in Proton for the past 42 years. She was buried
in Melancthon at the Gravel Road Church Burying Ground. We went in James Mills’ sleigh.
<p. 261>
Feb. 1892
21st Sabbath. Mild day, close atmosphere, the snow sinking and melting. Jim and his wife and two
Babies, John and wife, Ida and husband and Miss Susan Davidson were here. [in margin] Thaw
22 Mild day all through, a good deal of sunshine. Willie went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got his
wood measured. He and Johney had 61 cords. They began chopping it on the 8th of last Decem-
ber, also had a man helping for about half a month. Sold the wood for $2.00 per cord. They made
about .76 cents per day and Boarded themselves and teams out of this. [in margin] Thaw
23 Beautiful morning, the sun Bright and warm all day, just like a day in spring. I went to Sam’s to
see about some hay. Willie started for Melancthon this morning to cut some trees along with
Johney, for to saw with the machine for firewood. His mother took him out in the cutter. All are
gone this night to Dundalk to the Britton’s Concert. I am Bird alone. [in margin] Sun[?Pm?] / 23
[unclear what this marginal note is]
24 Mild day, the snow softening, quite a good deal of sunshine. Willie and I cleaned oats.
25 Very fine day, sunny in the morning. The sky got overcast, and there was a very small quantity of
Rain in the afternoon. Willie and I cleaned oats.
<p. 262>
Feb 1892
26 Something colder than yesterday, a sharp Frost in the eavning. Willie and I Finished cleaning oats
and pease.
27 Very sharp, Bright sunny day, a piercing Frost all through the day. Willie helped Sam’s Willie to
haul a load of hay, 1500 pounds, home.
[change of ink colour, black to blue-black, writing smaller]
28th Sabbath. Very sharp morning, the afternoon milder.
29 Mild day, the snow melting some in the sunny spots. A snowfall in the afternoon when it turned
cold, and was a pretty cold night with a strong wind. Willie went to Melancthon to cut stove
wood. I went to Dundalk.
March [1892]
1st Pretty sharp morning, the day Bright, sunny and cold. Phoebe and Sam were here a while in the
afternoon. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon, also went again at night to get J. Bowerman to come
and take the front shoes off a horse which is badly Foundered From the effects of a hard drive by
Willie who drove him to Bill Faucett’s one night, then left him standing in a Log Barn till their
party broke up. It’s pretty hard for me to keep a sound horse while the same Willie has anything
to do with him, will not take proper care of him.
2 Brsight sunny morning, the day clear and fine. I worked a little at the Township accounts.
423
<p. 263>
[ink colour changes to black]
March 1892
3rd Beautiful day, clear and sunny. Sister Margaret died today. We got a telegram to that effect this
afternoon from her husband. Poor Margaret has been ailing for about two months. One doctor
said her ailment [MS aliement] was Maleria fever, another Said it was Lung Fever. My poor Sis-
ter is gone, the first break in the family of Seven. Poor, kind Margaret. I hope she is in Heaven
where there is no more suffering, nor unkindness. Poor Margaret was about Forty-seven years of
age. Father, Mother and Sister are now gone. Who will be the next, Ah, who? [in margin] Sister
Margaret Died
[ink colour changes to blue-black]
4 Fine morning, the day Sunny and warm. Mrs. R., Jim and I left home this morning for Sister Mar-
garet’s Funeral. Johney and Ina, Joseph Bowerman and Ida also went. J. Bowerman drove them
down. They stopped at John Agnew’s at night. Brother Sam, who had went down on Thursday
with Phoebe, went with me to James Murphey’s and we stopped all night there. The others
stopped at Brother John’s. Also Sister Sarah who had waited on Margaret for ten days stopped at
night at John’s. [last five words in outer margin]
5 Fine day, but a little cold in the morning. We all went this morning to Margaret’s Funeral with the
exception of Jim and Brother John’s wife, Eliza, both being sick. Margaret is buried at Thompson-
ville, Township of Tecumseth [=Tecumseh], about Four miles from Alliston. There were Thirty-
Five Teams, between single and double. Poor Sister lies in lonesome grave away from her people.
<p. 264>
March 1892
6th Sabbath. Fine Day, sunny and bright. We left John Agnew’s this morning and came home. Sam
and Phoebe came with us in their own rig from Brother John’s. We got home about 3:45 P.M.
7 Beautiful morning, sunny and clear. Johney Brought me a load of wood with his team, then bor-
rowed my sleighs and is going to Brother John’s for potatoes.
8 Dark morning, the day dark and Lowering, getting a little soft in the afternoon, with a slight sprin-
kling of snow. I went to Dundalk. Bought Draft for $262.22, sent it to Bank of Toronto, Toronto,
to Retire Debenture No. 7, Township of Proton.
9 Fine day, Bright and sunny in the afternoon. Quite spring-like.
10 A little cold in the morning, but the middle of the day and afternoon was pleasant. I fixed a place
for a cow in the stable at home, and put her in at night, as she is near calving.
11 Very cold morning, Blowing and Freezing, the day cold and Blowing from morning till night. [in
margin] Cold / Vesuvius / Burst
12 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, with a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. Peter Sauder bought a Bay horse colt from me, rising three years old, for $80.00, on Twelve
months credit. He took the colt home. [in margin] Sold colt / For $80.00
<p. 265>
13th Sabbath. Very cold day, Blowing and Freezing with a little snow falling. [in margin] cold
14 Very cold day, Blowing and Freezing, the sharpest day for a long time. [in margin] cold
15 Pretty sharp day, but not so cold as yesterday. Some snow fell during the day.
16 Fine day, but a little cold in the forenoon, a good deal of sunshine throughout the day. Willie
hauled two small loads of Oats to Dundalk, 52 27/34 & 54 20/34 Bushels. Sold at .27¢ per Bushel
to Mr. Skeffington Bell. Jim’s wife was here a while today.
424
17 Fine day, Sunny and Bright, the snow melting in some places. Willie hauled three loads of oats to
Dundalk, about 164 Bushels. J. T. Agnew was here at noon, went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Mrs. R. and Willie went at night to Dundalk to hear the Rev. Mr. Hudson, Presbyterian Minister,
give a discourse on the Reformation in Scotland.
18 Mild in the forenoon, some snow fell in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of oats in the forenoon
and 24 Bushels of pease in the afternoon to Dundalk. W. Bell was here at night
19 The morning pretty cold with quite a snowfall. The Assessor and Collector were here. I hauled
the Remainder of the oats to Dundalk, 328 1/2 Bushels oats at .27¢ p[er] B[ushel], 24 Bushel
pease @ .58 p[er] Bushel.
<p. 266>
March 1892
20th Sabbath. Rather cold, especially in the morning.
21 Pretty cold in the morning, the afternoon something warmer, Bright Sun. Jim got home his sheep
and brought our two colts home from his place. Vesuvius, Etna, Heckla, and other infernal places
all combined and had a dreadful eruption.* I worked at the Township Books in the afternoon.
[*return to volcanic interests]
22 Dark morning, snow falling occassionally through the day, turning to sleet in the afternoon, almost
like rain. Willie started to haul saw logs to the mill. I guess he is putting in a good part of the day
in Dundalk. Well, I cannot control him any longer, all I can do with him is of no avail.* I was
copying off the Defaulters to Send to County Treasurer. [*conflict and complaints about son Wil-
lie, aged 20]
23 Pretty Rough morning, snowing and Blowing, the day generally was the same kind, the afternoon
a little worse. Willie was hauling Logs to the Mill.
24 Mild day, the snow softening a good deal, especially in the sunny side of Buildings. Willie hauled
Logs to the Mill and a load of Lumber home at night. I went to Dundalk.
25 Mild day, Sunny and warm. Willie hauled Logs to the Mill and a load of Lumber home.
26 Bright, sunny morning, the sky hazy, the snow disappearing rapidly. Willie sold his 3 year old
colt to J. Hudd for $80.00 on 9 months’ time. Took a chattle [=chattel] mortgage. Cost of mort-
gage & Register $1.00 & 5¢.
<p. 267>
March 1892
27th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day Fine, the latter part of the afternoon rather chilly. Johney
and Ina called here on their way to H. Lonsway’s.
28 Fine day, quite mild, a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled a load of Lumber home.
29 Sunny day, but a cold wind. The snow is going, however. We hauled a ton of hay from Jim’s,
price $8.00, then hauled about 1 3/4 loads short wood From Jim’s Bush. I went to see Henry
Johnson (who is suffering with Siatica) in the afternoon.
30 Very sharp morning, the day cold and Raw all through. Willie went to the mill in the forenoon for
a load of w[ood] Sawdust For Bedding of the horses, and in the afternoon he split some stove
wood. I worked at getting some Taxes arrainged [=arranged] in order on a sheet of paper so the
Lawyer could investigate without much delay.
31 Sharp, cloudy day, yet the snow melted some. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie hauled
out manure on the Garden.
April [1892]
425
1st Fine day, cloud in the afternoon, snow melting Rapidly, a Rain and wind storm at night. Willie
went to Dundalk, helped Jim with his horses. [in margin] Seen First / Robin
2 Dark morning, with some Rain, and windy through the day. We went to See Jim off with his
horses to Souris, Man[itoba]. He left about 11 A.M. William Faucett and he took out Fourteen.
[in margin] Jim Shipped / Horses
<p. 268>
April 1892
3rd Sabbath. Dark, warm day, the snow going fast. Johney, Ina & Pat Conners, Jim Patterson, Mrs. Jim
Russell, Arlie, Baby Boy & Miss Susan Davidson, Mrs. Annie Faucett & two children were here.
4 Dark morning, with a Rainfall. The day was cloudy, with something like a Scotch mist most of
the time. Willie went to Johney’s to cut timber for the sawing machine, but came home again
without cutting any. Dan Reid and wife were here at night for a while. The snow is goint rapidly
and there is every appearnce of an early spring. If the weather keep[s] on this way people will be
ploughing in about a week from now, I think. I never remember the snow to go away so rapidly,
less than a week ago there was sleighing enough for us to haul a ton of Hay From Jim’s home, at
one load. Now nothing but bare ground wherever you go. Something very strange, almost incred-
ible that it should have disappeared so rapidly in so short a time. A good deal of lightening and
some thunder about 10 P.M.
5 Dry and very windy, with several showers of Rain through the day, warm and spring-like. I went
to Dundalk and got Gerty measured for a collar. Mrs. R. also went to Dundalk. [in margin] Heard
Frogs / Seen / Butterfly
6 Sharp morning, the day pretty mild and spring-like. Jim got home this afternoon, only having
went as far as North Bay with the horses, William Faucett agreeing to take charge of them from
that place on. [in margin] Jim got / Home
<p. 269>
April 1892
7th Fine morning, the day fine all through, quite spring-like, the birds out singing. Jim has started
plowing, the ground turns up well, no Frost in it. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s this eavning.
8 Fine morning, the sun shone out bright and the forenoon was pleasant, a slight mizzle of rain fell
about noon, which soon turned to snow and the afternoon was disagre[e]able. Willie commenced
plowing in the forenoon but did not go at it in the afternoon, the ground is without frost but rather
wet. It is stubble land, if sod it would have plowed well. This is certainly an early spring and
people will, I think, get through their work a good deal sooner than last year. [in margin] Com-
menced / plowing
9 Snow falling this morning, Freezing and Snowing most of the day, quite wintry-like. It has
stopped the plowing for sure. We did not do anything today.
10th Sabbath. Quite wintry-like all day.
11 Sharp morning, the day cold all through. Willie and I turned over some potatoes in the cellar. I
went in the afternoon to Sam’s to see a sick colt.
12 Sharp this morning, the sun shone out through the day, melting the snow, but the wind was very
cold. We have a sick colt at home, something wrong, I think, with its urine. We gave it two doses
of sweet nitre and rubbed spleen on Back.
13 Sharp morning, the day raw and cold all through, a good deal of sunshine. Willie is cutting stove
logs at Johney’s.
<p. 270>
426
April 1892
14th Sharp morning, very hard frost, the ground did not thaw out all day long. Keen North-East wind.
I went to Dundalk.
15 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, but a good deal of sunshine. The ground softened some in the
afternoon.
16 Hard frost this morning. Stormy, Windy and chilly all day. I got home one Ton of hay from H.
Lonsway. He hauled it. I paid him nine dollars for it.
17 Sabbath. Hard Frost this morning, the day cold and Sunny. Sam & Phoebe, Jim, Mary & Arlie, Joe
Bowerman & Ida, with Miss S. Davis were here.
18 Sharp morning, hard Frost, the day bright and cold. We took the team and went to Dundalk, got
some shopping done. Bought 4 Barells Flour at $4.31 per Brl. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon,
stopped all night, helped him to put a sick phillie [=filly] of his in a sling. Willie plowed in the af-
ternoon. [in margin] Tried plowing / again
19 Hard Frost this morning, the day sunny and cold. Came home from Sam’s at noon. Willie
plowed. Brother Sam left Dundalk on the 5:15 train this afternoon, destination Pense, Assini-
boia,* North-west. Distance, about 1737 miles, Fare $27.85. Hope he will return safe. [in mar-
gin] Sam left / For the N. West. [*Pense is a village, Assiniboia a territory, in the North-West Ter-
ritories; both are now in southern Saskatchewan. The C.P.R. went through Pense in 1882; the vil-
lage was named after the editor of the Kingston Whig, present when the line was laid through
Pense; see http://www.pense.ca/hom_AP_history.htm]
20 Dark cold day, threatening Rain or snow, pretty high wind. Willie plowed. I sowed some cabbage
seed. [in margin] Sowed / Cabbage / Seed
<p. 271>
April 1892
21st Dark, cold morning, the day cloudy with a cold Rain and Scotch mist in the afternoon. I helped
Jim to clean up some oats and a bag of pease. Willie plowed to noon.
22 Dark, damp morning, the day dry, but cool, cloudy and windy. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk,
came home and went to Brother Sam’s.
23 Bright sunny day, dry, clear and cool. I put up some fences which had been blown down, then
chored around. Willie plowed. Mr. Rogers, Reeve, stopped all night.
24th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, the day clear and cold. Mr. Rogers Left at 12. noon. [in margin]
First / Lambs
25 Hard Frost, the day sunny and cool. I went to Sam’s to help with his colt. We got her out of the
slings, took her out of doors, walked her around a while. She lay down. We let her lay a while,
got her up and took her to the stable. Willie plowed from about 10 A.M.
26 Pretty sharp Frost in the morning, the day sunny and warm from about 9 A.M. Willie plowed in
the forenoon & in the afternoon went to the Show of Horses at Dundalk. I got some Fruit Trees.
27 Dark morning, quite a heavy Rain during the night, very strong wind also at night. Willie plowed.
I went to Brother Sam’s after setting out a Bradshaw plum, 4 Snow apple tree[s], & one Princess
Louisa.
28 Dry and very windy with Rain during the preceeding night. Willie plowed. I chored around and
went to Dundalk.
<p. 272>
April 1892
427
29th Hard Frost this morning, the day cool, dry and sunny. Willie plowed. I chored around. J.B. Lu-
cas, Barrister, was here this eavning Re. Irvin’s Suit against Township of Proton.
30 Very hard Frost this morning, the ground so hard that the plow could scarcely pull through it.
Willie plowed in the forenoon, Harrowed in the afternoon and sowed some pease. I went to Dun-
dalk in the eavning. [in margin] First Grain / Sown / (pease)
May 1892
1st Sabbath. Cool and Dry, a little cloudy. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
2 Dark morning, the day dark and Lowering, something like a Scotch mist falling all day. Willie
plowed. I filled up some Township papers. Mrs. R. gathered some sap in Jim’s Bush in the after-
noon.
3 Dark Day, a misty rain in the forenoon, a sharp shower in the afternoon, Some thunder, warm at
night. Willie plowed. I spread manure and hunted up the colts in the eavning.
4 Cold morning, Frost. The day pretty chilly, a very little Sunshine. Willie plowed. I chored
around.
5 Dark, cold forenoon, the afternoon wet, a sleety rain. Willie plowed in the dry part of the day. I
mended fences.
6 Wet morning, Rain till about 10 A.M., then dry, but the day was cold and dark. Willie took me
and 10 years Collector’s Rolls in to Division court in Dundalk, then plowed when he came home.
<p. 273>
May 1892
7th Cool, dry day, Sunny, but not warm. Willie plowed with his team for Jim. I chored around.
8th Sabbath. Very hard Frost this morning. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon.
9 Pretty cool morning but the sun shone through the day. The day was dry, breezy & Sunny. Willie
finished sowing pease, then sowed oats. [in margin] Finished / sowing pease / First oats / Sown
10 Fine morning, the day dry till about 4:30 P.M, when there came on a slight Rain. Willie harrowed
in the Forenoon and Rolled some in the afternoon. I went to Phoebe’s in the forenoon and bagged
up some oats at Jim’s in the afternoon.
11 Dark, Rainy morning, the Rain ceased about 8 A.M., then came on again about 5 P.M. Willie
plowed in the dry part of the day. I chored around.
12 Dry day, but quite cool. Wille plowed. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and sowed three bags
of oats in the afternoon.
13 Dry Day, a good deal of sunshine. Willie Sowed oats with Jim’s Seeder. I chored around.
14 Misty morning, the afternoon cloudy also. Willie harrowed over the oats which were sown. I
pitched some manure from the Back to the Front of the shed.
15th Sabbath. Rather Dark and cool, with quite a Rainfall at night.
16 Fine, dry day. Willie sowed oats. I plowed for Jim in the afternoon.
<p. 274>
May 1892
17th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. I plowed For Jim. He helped Willie to haul out
manure on the Arnold Lot. They hauled out 23 Loads. [in margin] Calves / home From / J. Mills
18 Fine dry day. Willie and I hauled out manure, (17) Loads. [in margin] Richard / Ludlow Died
19 Dry and Windy in the forenoon, the afternoon Wet and windy. Willie plowed in the forenoon and
I spread manure. [in margin] Nancy Agnew* / Died. [*Nancy Agnew Russell’s niece (b. 29 Mar.
1876), daughter of John and Margaret Agnew; the spate of deaths this week is unexplained—no
doubt it was part of the flu pandemic, known as Russian flu. It began in 1889-90 in St. Petersburg,
428
Russia, spread through the Northern Hemisphere, with recurrences in March-June 1891, Nov.
1891-June 1892. It killed about 1 million people worldwide. See
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1889%E2%80%9390_flu_pandemic]
20 Dry day. Willie plowed. I spread manure in the forenoon and sowed oats for Sam in the after-
noon.
21 Misty, damp day. I sowed three Bags of oats in the forenon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Willie worked for Jim. Mrs. R. and Jim went to Nancy Agnew’s Funeral. [in margin] Got papers
from Toronto / Robert Gordon died / Finished sowing oats
22nd Sabbath. Dark, cool day.
23 Misty day, some Rain. Willie plowed in the Forenoon, Harrowed in the afternoon. I sowed [one]*
Bag Barley. [in margin] Finished / Seeding. [*amount not specified; singular Bag suggests one
only, or less.]
24 Misty day, Rain in the afternoon. Willie went to the sports at Shelburne. I sowed Barley and oats
for Sam.
25 Misty day. Willie plowed the Garden. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. C. Bell is very ill, got a
par[a]lytic stroke. Very wet afternoon, also thunder and lightening [this should precede the previ-
ous sentence.] Died this evening. She was highly respected, a kind and benevolent woman, al-
ways doing good.* [in margin] Mrs. Bell / Died. [*She was the first teacher in the area, establish-
ing a school in her home in 1851 (on the farm half a mile south of Robert’s Lot 220, Proton), be-
fore Proton School Section 1 school was established in Dundalk village; she also was a midwife;
see History of Dundalk, p. 282]
26 Slightely wet this morning, the day cold. I went to [stricken Cede ] Hopeville.
27 Cold day, but dry. I went to Mrs. Bell’s Funeral. [in margin] Sam got / Home
28 Frost in the morning, the day dry. Willie hauled out manure. I cut seed potatoes.
<p. 275>
[two recipes for cures; see Material Description, Front and Back Matter]
Cure For Sweeney, etc
Raw Linseed oil 7 oz Oil of Terebinth [=turpentine, in French] 7 oz
Aq. Ammon[ia] Fort 1 oz Olenum Oregannum [oil of oregano?] 1 oz
in all a unit pint
Cure for Stoppage of Urine in a horse:
2 Tablespoonfulls of Saltpetre, 2 Tablespoonfulls of Spirits of Turpentine, 2 Tablespoonfulls of Baking
Soda, 2 Teaspoonfulls of cut smoking Tobacco, made into a tea. All these ingredients dissolved
and mixed and given at one dose if the caase is severe. This has been tried and proved good.
April 23 /92
<p. 276>
[pasted-in newspaper columns, including John Macdonald’s Will]
<p. 277>
[pasted-in newspaper clippings, handwritten cures]
<p. 278>
[Handwritten recipes and cures, one pasted-in small clipping]
<p. [279]>
[endleaf, recto, ruled by hand, unpaginated]
Names of Fruit Trees
planted on acre plot on Lot
429
220 Proton
April 1890
Trees form Chase Bros. Galt Nursery
[Detailed list of trees, by number, and by row, with label on tree cited, if present; see Material Descrip-
tion, circulated separately.]
<p. [280]>
[endleaf, verso, unpaginated; nine handwritten cures and recipes, each separated by line drawn across
the page; see Material Description.]
<inside back cover>
[Handwritten cures and recipes, and pasted-in newpaper clipping. Bottom part of page has
details on assessments of Proton and Melancthon property, 1889; see Material Description.]
<end of volume 3>
430
Volume 4
29 May 1892–23 May 1898
Editorial Note: Volume 4, like Volume 3, has printed pagination (flyleaf + 292 pp. + endleaf); in this
transcription manuscript diary page numbers are noted inside angle brackets (<p. 1>), preceding the
running title found on each page of the manuscript. Insertions and pasted-in items are indicated by an-
notations inside tags enclosed in angle brackets, e.g. <insert> text of insert </insert>. For examples of
the variable spelling and syntax, and for the editorial conventions used, see the Preface to Volume 1.
<flyleaf, recto>
[Title page, unpaginated; the title is obscured with many clippings pasted over the writing. Includes
additional handwritten notes on title page, only one of which, the record of the money sent Brother Wil-
liam, is noted below.]
[Diary
of]
Rob[ert Rus]sell
Proton [Twp]
Co. Grey
Ont.
May 29th 1892
____________________________________
[Notes written in bottom right quadrant, currently obscured by clipping:]
1 x 20 = $20 series of 1880 A.3006.690
1 x 20 = 20 D[itt]o A.2036.888
1 x 10 = 10 Silver Dollars. B1202g.72B
$50.00 sent to Br. William / Elzey P. O. / Ind. Ter. / Texas / U. S. / Dec. 19, 1889
Same Bills sent again / February 16th [corrected to 14th], 1893 / Elzey P. O. / Indian Territory / U. S.
<flyleaf, verso>
[Pasted-in poem, from newspaper: The Bivouac of the Dead, 12 8-line stanzas]
[Pasted-in newspaper column: How Old Are You?]
[Hand-written recipe:] For cuts, wounds or Blood poisoning: a poultice of Brown Muscovady sugar is
said to be excellent. <line> March 27, 1893
<p. 1>
May 29 1892
29th Dry day and a little windy. Mrs. R and I went to Brother Sam’s.
30 Dry and windy, also pretty warm. I helped Willie haul out manure in the forenoon, I then spread it
and he went to Sam’s and got two bags of potatoes called Ninety-Nines. In the afternoon we
planted them, Mrs. R. helped.
31 Warm and dry with a slight rain and some thunder and lightening at night. We finished planting
potatoes, all but a few among the apple trees. Willie went to H. Gallagher’s Raising in the after-
noon and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes
431
June [1892]
1st Warm day. Willie and I picked stones in the forenoon, he rolled in the afternoon and washed the
sheep. I planted some potatoes. Miss Graham from Township of Essa was here. [in margin]
Washed sheep
2Dark in the Forenoon, a little like rain but the day was dry. Willie rolled, I planted some pota-
toes among the apple trees, and fixed Brush Fence.
3Quite cold morning, the day chilly and dark. Willie finished Rolling in the forenoon, I went to
Dundalk in the Forenoon. Helped to Casterate Jim’s colt and ours in the afternoon.
<p. 2>
June 1892
4th Cool, dark morning, the afternoon a little brighter and a good deal warmer. Brother John and Wife
who came here last night, went to Johney’s in the afternoon. Willie hauled home half ton of hay
from Willie Ludlow’s. Poor miserable wild grass. I paid him $4.50 for the ½ ton, he had told me
before I sent for it that the hay was good. I fixed Brush Fence in the afternoon
5th Sabbath. Cloudy in the Forenoon, a regular downpour of Rain in the afternoon, some thunder and
lightening. Brother Sam and Phebe, Brother John and Eliza were here.
6 Bright, Sunny day and pretty sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, and hunted up some stray
cattle when I came home. Willie clipped a Few sheep. Brother John and wife left for home this
afternoon. [in margin] Sheep clipped
7 Dry morning, the day dry and cool. I went to a Council Meeting at Cederville, got home at 1:30
next morning. J. P. Cowan was with me.
8 Dry in the forenoon, and pretty warm, a very heavy rain in the afternoon with some thunder and
lightening. I went to Dundalk. Willie cut some timber for the wood shed. [in margin] Seen In-
spector
9 Dark forenoon, the afternoon clear. Willie cut timber. I was unwell and had to keep in bed.
<p. 3>
June 1892
10th Dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I went with the Buggy and Jim’s horse to Flesherton. I seen
Dr. Christoe. Willie cut some timber for wood shed.
11 Fine, dry day, warm and sunny, fine growth. Willie pulled down the old porch and dug some post
holes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
12th Sabbath. Dry and very warm.
13 Dry, cloudy and warm, with a prolonged Thunder, Lightening, and Rain storm about 6 P.M.
Willie and I got some sills and sleepers for the Kitchen.
14 A little cooler this morning, the afternoon clear and warm. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and
Bought 3 ½ thousand shingles, 5 pieces of joice [=joists], nails and hinges, &c. for· the kitchen. In
the afternoon, Willie and I made some timber. Brother Sam came along, and helped us
15 Dry and hot, Willie hauled sand for Jim. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. I worked at the Books.
16 Dry and very hot, a sharp thunder, lightening and Rain storm at night. Willie hauled a load of
sand for Jim, then hauled the timber for the Kitchen, and harrowed the potatoes. I took out a sill.
Jane Russell* and her Brother Andrew came here from Toronto. Jane has just come From Ireland.
They are cousins of mine. [*How Jane (nicknamed Jenny) and Andrew Russell are cousins is un-
known—presumably children of a son of James’ brother William, since Jane and Andrew seem to
be of the generation of Robert’s children. Jenny Russell later lived with Mary and James Murphey
(or Murphy) in Tossorontio and later died of consumption. My thanks to Reta Lancaster for these
details. Mary Murphey is likely the daughter of William Russell, niece of James and Anne, and
432
first cousin of Robert; see also 16 Feb. 1877; 29, 31 March, 1st April 1878; 12 Sept. 1883; 29,30
Jan. 1885; 31 Jan., 4, 8 Feb. 1889; 4 Mar. 1892.]
17 Dark day, and cool. Brother Sam and Son Jim helped us at the framing of the Building.
<p. 4>
June 1892
18th Dark and cool. Sam helped us at the Building. Andrew left this eavning for Toronto.
19 Sabbath. Dark day with quite a heavy Rain. Mrs. R., Willie and Jenny Russell went to Johney’s.
20 Dark muggy day, pretty warm in the afternoon. We worked at the Kitchen. Jim helped us.
21 Dark, cloudy, day and pretty warm. We worked at the Kitchen. Jim helped in the Forenoon.
22 Dark day, not much sunshine. Willie and I worked at the Kitchen.
23 Dark in the forenoon, clear in the afternoon. Willie, Jim and I worked at the House.
24 The day cloudy except a little while towards sunsett, a slight sprinkling of Rain in the afternoon.
We worked at the House. Jim helped us. Willie went to Mr. Fry's Raising in the afternoon. Ida
drove Jenny home here in the afternoon in the Buggy.
25 Cool dark morning, sunny and sultry in the afternoon. Willie and I made a slash fence on the rear
of Mr. Arnold's Lot.
26 Sabbath. Dry and warm. Cloudy in the afternoon, a little rain at night. I went to Sam's in the
eavning.
<p. 5>
June 1892
27th The day showery and wet. We worked at the Kitchen, Jim helped. Sam and Pho[e]be came out in
the afternoon and took Jenny in to their place.
28 Dry day. Breezy and sunny in the afternoon. Willie made a door. I worked at posting Reeve’
Orders in the forenoon and from 8 P.M. helped to Box and weigh at the Factory 130 cheese. It
was midnight when I got home.
29 Quite showery early in the morning, the afternoon dry Except a few Showers. I dug a cabbage
plot and set out some plants. Willie worked at the Kitchen. In the eavning I went to Dundalk and
helped to Box 120 Cheese.
30 Fine, dry and Breezy, quite cold. I went to Dundalk and took the tally of the cheese, 249 Boxes,
Weight 15240 pounds, price 8½ cents per pound. Sold to McBrill, got his cheque for $1295.40.
Willie was at H. Jackson's Raising.
July [1892]
1st Dry and Breezy, cloudy. Willie, with some other young people, went a-fishing to Feversham. I
worked at the Milk accounts.
2 Dry in the forenoon, very wet the latter part of the afternoon. Made Brush fence in the forenoon &
paid out cheese money in the afternoon.
<p. 6>
<paste-in columns from newspaper, on the sinking of the Asia in Georgian Bay; a recipe against cholera;
a verse of poetry handwritten.>
<p. 7>
<newpaper clippings, page completely given to this; and one recipe for a Good Tonic. Political cartoon
on prohibition, involving Oliver Mowatt and George Matter—Ontario License System, Liquor
Traffic is a wasp’s nest.>
<p. 8.>
July 1892
433
3rd Sabbath. Dark Rainy day from morning till night. Clark and Mariah came home from Hillman,
St[ate] of Michigan. [in margin] Clark & Mariah / came home
4 Dry day and a good deal of sunshine. I worked at making a new milk Book as the one which was
purchased for me is not suitable. The Folks all went to Dundalk Except Jenny and I. I put two
very much given to jum[p] colts to pasture at Mr. Hudd's at a dollar each per month. [in margin]
Colts put to pasture
5 Dry day and pretty warm. Willie with the team done statute labor. I worked entering the weights
of milk and part of the day I hoed thistles out of the potatoes.
6 Dry and hot. Willie done statute labor with the team. I worked at hoeing thistles and also went to
Dundalk, got $300. Township Funds out of Bank to take to Council meeting on the 8th inst.
7 Dry day and hot. Willie cut some trees along side of the Road in the swamp for statute labor. I
Balanced the Township Books and made out Half-yearly Financial statement.
8 Very fine day, dry and hot. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, got home at 4 A.M. next
morning.
<p. 9>
July 1892
9 Dry and warm, slept till noon. Got up, settled up the orders and went to Dundalk.
10 Sabbath. Dry and hot. Mrs. R., Clark and Mariah and I went to Sam’s.
11 Very sultry day with a sharp bit of thunder about 2 P.M. and a little rain. I made brush fence in the
forenoon and went to John Irwin's Raising in the afternoon.
12 Hot day, the sun came pouring down in rays of heat. We celebrated the day* in Dundalk. John
Agnew stopped here at night. [*Orangemen’s celebrations for 12th of July, commemoration of
Battle of the Boyne.]
13 Cool, compared with yesterday, dry and breezy with a clouded atmosphere. We moulded up our
potatoes.
14 Pretty hot day, strong sun, some wind. Jenny, C1ark & Mariah & Willie drove down to Tossoron-
tio. Jim and I weighed, Boxed and shipped 117 Boxes cheese.
15 Pretty warm Forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and very windy with a great Rain storm, thunder and
lightening about 4 P.M. I worked among the potatoes in the Forenoon. [in margin] St. Swithan’s
Day
16 Very cold morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy, very like Frost at night.
17th Sabbath. Dry and cool.
<p. 10>
July 1892
18 Cool in the morning. Breezy and sunny through the day. I mended Brush Fence and Entered
Township orders in Book.
19 Cool dark morning, some rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and sunny. I am laid up with
sore throat.
20 Cool in the morning, Warm in the afternoon with quite a bright sunshine. Willie Paris-Greened the
potatoes, John Wesley Armstrong Noble got married this afternoon to Miss Jackson of the Town-
ship of Holland. [in margin] J.W.Armstrong Noble / Married
21 Very hot day. Clark left this morning for William Moran’s, going to sell Michigan in that part of
the country. I was sick in bed, got up about noon and went to Dundalk, done some business and
came home. Willie is helping Jim at his hay.
22 Dry and cloudy, hot spells occassionally, a good hay day. Willie helped Jim at his hay. I also
helped him in the afternoon.
434
23 Hot day. I think the hottest of the Season. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, helped Jim at his
hay in the afternoon. Willie helped all day. Rain this night. [in margin] Hot
24th Sabbath. Cloudy and very sultry.
25 Hot day and breezy. Willie and I helped Jim. There was a terrific Rain storm at night accompa-
nied with thunder and Lightening.
<p. 11>
July 1892
26 A fine dry day all through and pretty warm. I went to Johney’s, Willie helped Jim.
27 Dry and very hot, a slight shower about sunset, a good deal of thunder and lightening. I helped
Jim to haul in in the afternoon. Willie helped Jim. [in margin] Sent letter to / Fletcher
28 Very hot day, especially in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. Willie helped Jim.
29 Cool and showery, no hay making today. I worked at making out the Estimates for Township
Council which meets at Hopeville on the 2nd of August.
30 Dry and sunny, pretty warm. Willie and I cut some stove wood in the Bush in the Forenoon, he
helped Jim at his hay in the afternoon. I Paris-Greened potatoes
31st Sabbath. Dry, cool and Breezy.
[August 1892]
Aug. 1st Dry and cloudy with the exception of a Slight Shower in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in
the forenoon, took the weight of the cheese, 140 Boxes, got them shipped and got paid for them.
Came home and mowed a little with the Scythe. Willie mowed all day with the mower. Rained
quite heavily this night. [in margin] Commenced Haying
2 Dry cool day. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville
3 Dry day, Willie mowed a little at home in the morning, then helped Jim to finish his haying. [in
margin] Jim Finished / Haying
<p. 12>
August 1892
4 Fine day, dry and Breezy. Willie, Jim and I worked at our hay. We got in seven loads, well saved.
Willie also finished mowing, except a little corner of wild grass. [in margin] Brought / colts Home
/ From pasture
5 Dark day all through, a slight Rain about 4 P.M. Willie cut grass in the fence corners with the
scythe in the forenoon, in the afternoon Raked up a load of good hay and brought it to the stable,
then raked over the ground. Clark came home this eavning.
6 Dry and fine, the afternoon good hay weather. I worked at Milk accounts in the forenoon and in
the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid patrons. Willie Raked and put in hand shakings, 60 in the
afternoon. Mrs. William Henders, wife of William Henders, Lot 230, 2nd Range Melancthon, got
accidentally killed this afternoon. She was standing in a waggon pouring water into a Barrel,
when the colt that was hitched took fright, ran away, she fell out and the Barrel fell on her. She
only lived about 30 minutes. She was about 56 years of age and a Resident of Melancthon for
about 30 years. [in margin] Mrs. Henders / accidentally Killed
7th Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. Johney, Ina and Clark were here.
8 Fine and dry, although looking like rain most of the day. We got in three loads of good hay in the
stable loft and a couple of loads of poor hay into the Barn. Clark helped. Mrs. R and I went to
Mrs. Henders Funeral in the afternoon. She was buried in Dundalk Cemetery.
<p. 13>
August 1892
435
9th Exceeding heavy wind, Rain, Thunder and Lightening, From 1 to about 3 this morning. The light-
ening was something dreadful. The day very sultry and drying. Willie and Clark started last night
about 7 O'clock for Tossorontio. I guess they would catch a wetting. I worked at the Milk Books
today. Another sharp thunder, Lightening and Rain storm this night. [in margin]. Great / Thunder
& Lightening
10 Cloudy and sultry with a good deal of Rain through the day, and some thunder and Lightening. I
mowed some fence corners.
11 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through with a little rain falling now and then. Phoebe was here
in the afternoon. Willie mowed fence corners.
12 Cool, dry and Breezy, quite a bit of sunshine. Clark and Jim took in the Owen Sound Excursion.
Sam’s Madella, Ida, Mariah R., Mrs. R. and Willie went picking berries. Old Mr. Sauder and wife
came here to get some change made in their will. I worked at the Township Books and Estimates.
13 Dry, cool and cloudy. I helped Jim at his cellar till 2 P.M. then went to Dundalk. Willie gathered
up some hay rakings and drew them in, this finished our haying.
14th Sabbath. Dry, sunny and warm. Jim and Family and Susan Davidson were here. I went to Sam’s
after Tea.
<p. 14>
August 1892
15th Dry, hot and sunny. I worked at W. Armstrong’s. Forked hay and Fall wheat to the loaders. Wil-
lie with the team helped John at R[oad] Jobs.
16 Dry and pretty warm. Willie helped Johney with a Road job
17 Dry and hot, Bright sunshine. I mowed an acre of Barley, poor crop. Willie helped Johney Skid
Logs. Jenney came here last night. [in margin] First / Harvesting
18 Dry and hot. I helped Mr. Hood mow some grass in the forenoon, then went to Dundalk. A Mr.
Yourex Bought Clark's Farm for $1300.00, Cash.
19 Fine day, dry and warm. Willie helped Johney Skid logs for Sawing. I was in Dundalk and took
the weight of cheese shipped.
20 Cool in the morning, pretty warm through the day. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk. Wil-
lie Raked up and hauled in an acre of Barley.
21st Sabbath. Dry and Fine. Mrs. R and I visited at Mr. John Conners.
22 Dry and warm. I started to pull pease. Willie went to Dundalk and got two new shoes on one of
the horses, also a new bolster in waggon. [in margin] First / pease / pulled
23 Dry and pretty warm, cloudy in the afternoon. Willie pulled pease, I was sick.
<p. 15>
August 1892
24th Dry in the forenoon, but cloudy. Rain came on about 3:30 P.M., Some thunder. Willie and I
pulled pease in the dry part of the day. Clark went to Dundalk in the afternoon to get the writings
executed for the sale of his Farm, did not get it done, there is a hitch somewhere. Purchaser says
the title is not good. Rained nearly all night.
25 Rainy morning, Rainy at noon, Rainy at night, a very wet day. I went in to Dundalk. Clark got
paid the full amount of his bargain for his Lot, viz, $1300.00, less the interest for 9 months on
principal of $275, and the $275 also less the taxes due to date.
26 Cloudy and cool, dry all but a very slight mizzle of Rain. Willie and I pulled pease.
27 Dry morning, the day dry and quite a bit of sunshine. Willie and I pulled pease.
28th Sabbath. Dry and cool. Johney and wife, Joe Bowerman and wife were here.
29 Dry and pretty warm. We finished pulling pease, went to Dundalk in the afternoon with the team.
436
30 Dry and windy till about 4 P.M. when there came on a heavy rain, some thunder and lightening.
We hauled in 7 Loads pease.
<p. 16>
August 1892
31st Rainy morning, the day dark and Showery. Willie and I helped Jim in the afternoon to open up his
cellar drain which had become choked up.
Sept[ember 1892]
1st Dark morning, the forenoon hazy and Foggy, the afternoon dry. Willie and I helped Jim at his
drain in the forenoon, and in the afternoon harvested for him.
2 Dry morning, the day dry and fine. Willie hauled a load (6 B[ags]) of lime for Jim in the Fore-
noon and in the afternoon took Clark and Mariah to Dundalk on their way to Michigan. I helped
Jim in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Clark and / Mariah went /
to Michigan
3 Fine morning, Sunny and dry, the day splendid harvest weather. Willie cut at Jim’s Grain with the
mower all day. I cut with the scythe around stone piles in the forenoon and in the afternoon went
to Dundalk and deposited ($1,000) one thousand Dollars of R. C. Russell’s money in Bank.
4th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and sunny.
5 Wet in the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. Willie cut grain for Jim in the afternoon. I posted
Township orders in the forenoon and cut a way for the Binder in the afternoon.
6 Wet in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and cut
a way for the Binder in the afternoon. Willie worked the Binder from 4 P.M. This is our first cut-
ting of oats at home. Jim left for Manitoba [MS Minatoba]. [in margin] First oats cut / Jim left for
/ Minatoba
<p. 17>
September [MS August] 1892
7th Bright morning but the day became cloudy and there was quite a shower in the afternoon. Willie
cut Oats in the dry part of the day. I stooked up.
8 Pretty fine day. Willie cut oats. I stooked.
9 Very heavy dew this morning. Willie cut Oats, I stooked in the afternoon went to Dundalk in the
Forenoon and got the weight of the cheese shipped. Sat up to one O'clock in the night making out
the Patrons’ Bills.
10 A little wet this morning as quite a shower had fallen early in the morning. Willie and I stooked
up till noon. Willie cut oats in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the pa-
trons of Cheese Factory for Six weeks milk, about $2,000.00.
11th Sabbath. Fine dry day, Bright and sunny. Joe & Ida and Miss May——, Mary and Susan, Arlie &
Baby were here.
12 Wet in the early morning, Showery in the Forenoon, dry in the afternoon. Willie and I stooked in
the forenoon, and I in the afternoon. Willie cut oats in the afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. R / went to
/Toronto / Finished / cutting oats
13 Wet morning, the day very wet all through. I worked at the milk Books.
14 Rain in the morning, dry the remainder of the day. I went to Toronto, took in the Exhibition, did
not think a great deal of it. Went out Yonge Street as far as Eglinton for a bed at night.
<p. 18>
September 1892
15th Dry morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Went to Toronto, tried to sell Township Debenture of
$900.00 bearing interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum, interest payable yearly, Debenture
437
payable at the end of 15 years. Sold the Debenture at last after a good deal of trying, at par. Came
home at night.
16 Dry day. Willie tried in the afternoon to cut some of Jim’s oats with the Binder. Could not do it
as the ground was so very soft.
17 Dry morning, the day dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. We opened out Four loads of
stooks in the early part of the afternoon, then hauled them in, besides 2 little loads pease.
18th Sabbath. Bright, clear and dry, a very nice day. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon.
19 Scotch mist this morning, enough of wet to prevent the grain from going in early. Willie and I
hauled in 11 loads of oats from about 10 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.
20 Fine morning, the day sunny and dry. We hauled in oats, W. Armstrong with his team helped us
in the afternoon, also WaIter Bell’s two boys.
21 Hazy morning, the day dry and the afternoon Cloudy. We finished hauling in grain. D. Reid and
Jim Bell helped. Willie was at Jim's trying to cut some oats with the Binder. Our oats are in the
Barn, but they will certainly heat. This has been the wettest harvest for a long time. [in margin]
Finished / Harvesting
<p. 19>
Sept[ember] 1892
22nd Dark morning. Rain in the early morning, the day cloudy all through. D. Reid and I mowed oats
with the scythes at Jim’s. Willie cut with the Binder after tea time, the ground was very wet. This
finished Jim’s cutting grain. [in margin] Finished / cutting / Jim’s Grain
23 Cloudy morning, the day dark and not much sunshine, very poor harvest day. I totted up the milk
Sheets, and went to Dundalk afterwards. [in margin] Sent letter / to Jim / Jim got Home
24 Bright morning, the day dry and very sultry. We helped haul in some loose oats for Jim. Jim
came home last night from Manitoba. Typhoid fever is very bad where he was, so he thought it
best to come home.
25th Sabbath. Cloudy day with a good deal of Rain in the afternoon. Johney and wife, Jim and wife
and Arlie were here.
26 Bright morning, the day clear, sunny and windy. Brother Sam was here. Willie was at H. Lon-
sway’s threshing.
27 Fine morning, the day sunny, dry and warm with a good stiff breeze. Willie and I were at Jim’s
threshing in the afternoon. Jim got in the remainder of his grain. The threshed grain was pretty
damp and I think it will heat in the Bins.
28 Fine morning, the day fine dry and sunny. Willie was at W. Armstrong's threshing and went out
this night to Johney's. Brother John's wife Eliza came here this eavning.
<p. 20>
Sept[ember] 1892
29th Dry and sunny, a pleasant Harvest day. Willie is at Johney’s threshing. I went to Dundalk.
30 Dry and sunny. Willie and I hauled Rails and fenced some apple trees on Lot 218.
October [1892]
1st Clear, cool and dry. Jenny Russell and John's wife Eliza went from here this morning, the one to
her Aunt Mary's the other home. I attended a meeting of the Directors of Cheese Factory this
eavning to discuss the penalties to be inflicted on a patron which has been skimming his milk.
2nd Sabbath. Fine day, but a little cool, a shower of rain at night.
3 Dry in the forenoon, cloudy and close, a slight rain in the afternoon. Willie and I hauled two loads
of hay from the Barn and put them on the stable loft. Then we put up two pigs to fat, plowed out a
few rows of potatoes and picked them. [in margin] pigs put up / to fat
438
4 Dry and cool in the forenoon, cool and showery in the afternoon, quite a shower of sleet at night. I
went to Dundalk in the forenoon and exchanged a spade for a spade, came home and Willie and I
raised potatoes. We had the loan of W. Armstrong's potatoe digger. The 2/3 of our potatoes are
rotten, a good crop but badly spoiled. Edward Mills is to be married this eavning to Miss ——
Thompson of Melancthon. I say, success to the pair . [in margin] Ed. Mills / married / To Miss
Thompson
<p. 21>
October 1892
5 Ground covered with snow this morning and plenty more falling. Showers of snow fell mostly all
day. Willie was at J. Mills’ threshing in the afternoon. [in margin] First snow / Vesuvius / Burst
6 Cold, Raw morning, some snow still on the ground, the day pretty chilly. Willie was at Mr. Mills’
threshing. I went to Dundalk, then chored around at home.
7 A little warmer this morning, a pretty heavy shower of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon was
also Showery. Willie and I got some stove wood in the forenoon, and went to the Agriculture
Show fair in Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Dundalk / Show Fair
8 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool. Willie was at Walter Bell’s threshing. I went to Dundalk
and Drew out of Bank $500.00 to take to Council Meeting on Monday, the 10th inst.
9th Sabbath. Dry, but cool and cloudy. J. Bowerman & Ida were here.
10 Dry and sunny. I went to a Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. Willie was at W.
Bell's threshing in the Forenoon.
11 Dry, sunny and warm. I came home in the forenoon. Willie and I took up potatoes. I went to
Dundalk after 4 P.M.
12 Dry and hot, the sun hazy like Indian Summer. We finished taking up potatoes.
<p. 22>
October 1892
13th Beautiful day, warm, dry and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, in the afternoon cov-
ered up potatoe pits and went to Sam’s. Willie chored around.
14 Fine morning, the day very Beautiful. The threshers came and got to work at noon.
15 Splendid Forenoon, the afternoon slightly Showery. We finished threshing at noon. The grain did
not turn out well, only about 5 bushels of pease and 20 of oats to the acre. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon. Willie went to J. Trugon's threshing.
16th Sabbath. Dry Day, but a little cool. Ida was here.
17 Dry, cool and cloudy. I brought 20 bushels of potatoes out of the drive house and put them in the
cellar. Willie was at J. Trugon’s threshing in the forenoon, and took 5 Bags of apples to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
18 Fine morning, the day dry. I was at J. Trugon’s threshing in the forenoon. Willie picked apples.
19 Dry and fine. Willie was at Ned Mills’ threshing in the forenoon, and I in the afternoon.
20 Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk and from thence to Widow Kinnear’s. Willie was at Ned Mills’
threshing in the Forenoon, and digging ditch in the afternoon.
<p. 23>
Oct. 1892
21st Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk, took the weight of cheese shipped. Willie put in Box drain. Mr.
Hood helped him.
22 Dry and fine. I filled some earth on Box drain in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. Willie picked stones. Mr. Hood helped.
23rd Sabbath. Dry and cool.
439
24 Dry and cool. I carried out about 200 Bushels of oats out of the Granary, and spread them on the
Barn Floor. They were heating. Willie plowed in the forenoon, and helped Mr. Hood thresh in the
afternoon with the horses.
25 Some snow on the ground this morning, but it soon melted, the day was slightely showery. I cut
some firewood in the Bush. Willie and I sawed it, then hauled it home. Willie was at Mr. Hood’s
threshing in the forenoon and left here to stop at Johney's all night, and go in the morning to T.
Arnold’s in Creemore.
26 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and the day was sloppy and wet. I took two yearling
pigs to Dundalk. D. McAulay helped me. I had them sold for Twenty Dollars to W. Faucett.
Came home and split a little wood.
27 Cold and slightely wet. Willie got home at noon from Creemore. He took his mother with some
dead geese to Dundalk in the afternoon. I covered in Box drain.
<p. 24>
Oct. 1892
28th Cloudy and cool. Willie plowed, I worked at the milk accounts.
29 Dark cool morning, some Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon Rain, then snow, which is still (9
P.M.) coming down, the wind rising. Willie plowed in the forenoon and blocked out a sett of
Whiffletrees* in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid over $1300.00 to Milk
Patrons. [*a device connecting a vehicle to horse harness; see 17 Dec., 1890]
30th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow this morning, blowing and snowing all day mostly.
31 The ground covered with snow, but the most of it had disappeared before night, the day Sloppy.
Willie plowed. I put back the oats into the Bin which I had spread on Barn floor. G. McConnell,
collector, paid me $341.00, stopped all night here.
Nov[ember 1892]
1st Dark morning, the day dark and drizzly. I worked at the milk accounts, Willie plowed.
2 Sleety morning, the ground covered with a crust of sleety ice, and more falling till about 11 A.M.,
the afternoon dark and misty. Willie plowed in the afternoon, I worked at Milk ac[coun]ts.
3 Dark and cold with several showers of rain. I went to Dundalk, Willie plowed.
4 Dark morning, and snow came on about noon. It kept snowing and blowing all the afternoon. I
was at Sam’s threshing in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the forenoon. [in margin] Snow Storm.
<p. 25>
Nov. 1892
5th The ground covered with snow this morning and the day was dark and wintry. Mud and snow on
the Roads. Willie was at Brother Sam’s threshing with the team. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon chored around home.
6th Sabbath. The ground covered with snow, but thawing, the day dark and gloomy.
7 Dark morning, a slight mizzle of rain falling, heavier at noon. Dark day all through. Willie fin-
ished plowing over the creek. He and I sawed some stove wood at noon. I split it and put it on the
waggon while he was plowing. I fixed at the shed in the forenoon.
8 Cold morning, Blowing and freezing. The day very cold, Blowing, Freezing and snowing some.
Willie plowed.
9 Very hard frost this morning, and the day was pretty cold, no sunshine. Willie plowed. I fixed at
the shed on T. Arnold’s Lot.
10 Dark day and pretty cold, blowing and Freezing. I went to Dundalk. The Roads are very bad and
I was pretty well tuckered out when I got home. I am so weak. Cannot tell what is wrong with
me. I am not sick, but so weak I can scarcely walk.
440
11 Dark day, inclined to thaw. Sleighs and waggons are running, not good any way. Willie and I
cleaned up some oats for the horses, then he went with his mother, and dead turkeys, to Dundalk.
<p.26>
Nov. 1892
12th Quite wintry this morning, a quantity of snow on the ground, the sleighs running, the day dark and
without any sunshine. Willie put manure on the potatoe pits. I fixed the shed on the Arnold Lot.
G. McConnell called [ink blurred] at night.
13th Sabbath. Dark day, a little Rain, the snow going. Sam and Phoebe, Joe & Ida were here.
14 Dark morning, the day dark and slightely wet. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk, deposited
Township money in Bank, also drew out of Bank $123.00 of Clark’s money, loaned $122.40 to
Jim at 10 per cent.
15 Dark morning, a little rain falling sometimes, the day cleared off, the snow has almost disap-
peared. Willie plowed. I took up the Beets and put them in the cellar, also made a Box for an ash
leech.* [*box to percolate water through hardwood ashes, to make lye for soap; see also 22 May
1897]
16 Mild day, some sunshine in the afternoon, the day was almost like spring. Willie plowed, I
washed the mud off the Buggy in the forenoon, and a tiresome job it was! In the afternoon I
fetched a small pit of potatoes into the cellar.
17 Dark day, mild, and most of the snow has disappeared. Willie plowed, I split some stove wood,
and then went to Dundalk.
l8 Mild day, a little sunshine, the roads very sloppy. Willie finished plowing sod. [in margin] Plow-
ing.
19 The Ground covered with snow, the day snow showers. Willie and I got some stove wood and I
went to Dundalk.
<p. 27>
Nov. 1892
20th Sabbath. A few flurries of snow this morning, the day a little cold. Jim Patterson here at night.
21 Pretty hard frost this morning, the day pretty cold with occasional showers of snow. Willie and I
cleaned oats.
22 Quite a wintry morning, cold and raw, the day cold. Willie and I cleaned oats. Mr. Hudd got the
Crique* cow from me this morning. He is to feed her for her milk, to give her to me when I make
the sale, and if I do not sell her, he then gets her back and keeps her till she can get her living off
the pasture in the spring. Johney and Pat Conners were here in the eavning. [*a cow from John
(Jean) Crique, who rents Widow Kinnear’s farm]
23 Rather stormy, Blowing and snowing most of the day. Willie and I cleaned grain.
24 Cold morning, the day quite wintry-like. We done the chores and went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
25 Pretty mild day, very much like a thaw. Willie and I Butchered two spring pigs. One weighed
230 and the other 196 pounds. They were about 7 ½ months old.
26 Mild morning, the day mild, the trees covered with hoar Frost. Willie went to J. Jackson’s to
move the sawing machine to the Bush. I cut up the pigs and salted them.
<p. 28>
Nov. 1892
27th Sabbath. Cloudy, dark day, but mild. Johney & Ina, Ida and Arlie were here.
28 Mild day but without sunshine, the Bushes covered with Rhime, indicating a thaw. Willie and I
cut and brought home some stove wood. Gilbert McConnell was here a while at night and paid in-
441
to Treasury over $1500.00, Between Cash and School Trustees orders. Willie went to Johney’s to
tell him when we will saw.
29 Rather mild day, but dark and without sunshine. Willie was at Jim’s threshing with the Dawe
horse. I transfered township accounts From Day Book to Ledger.
30 Mild, Foggy day. I was in Dundalk all day expecting to ship the Dundalk cheese, But neither the
Buyer nor Car came for them so we did not move them out of the Factory. The Ventry man
brought in their cheese and had to store them in the Elevator warehouse. In the forenoon I collect-
ed cheese money from the Dundalk purchasers, about $140.00. Willie went with the sleigh to E.
Norval’s for two small pigs which I had bought from him @ .75 cents each.
December [1892]
1st Rather colder this morning, the afternoon milder, the weather very foggy. Willie and Johney had
Joseph Jackson in sawing stove wood. Did not get along well, sawed about 20 cords. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon to meet Collector.
2 Dark day and rather mild. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and helped ship 142 Boxes Dundalk
cheese.
<p. 29>
Dec. 3, 1892
3rd Dark morning, pretty cold, several showers of snow through the day, cold at night. I was working
at the Final payment of the milk Books For the Season, and a very hard job it was.
4th Sabbath. Misty day, but mild. Brother Sam was here in the afternoon.
5 Sleety and unpleasant most of the day. I finished the milk accounts. [Stricken: Willie and his
mother went to Dundalk in the eav
6 Dark day, sleet and Rain in the afternoon. Willie and his mother went to Dundalk in the eavning.
John Agnew, Johney and Ina were here in the eavning.
7 Dark day and some Rain. Willie went to Johney’s at night and stopped till morning.
8 Dark day, but mild. I worked at the milk accounts in the eavning. Willie helped me count the
money and put it in the respective envelopes. I had went to Dundalk and got the money out of the
Bank.
9 Dark, mild day. I went to Dundalk and paid the Milk Patrons their last dividend, $1116.24 in all.
Willie went to Melancthon for a load of stove wood.
10 Rather cold, and snowing most of the day. I worked at straightening up the milk accounts and
entering payments. Willie docked his colts’ tails. D. Reid helped. Mrs. R. is going to the Debate
and then to Johney’s.
<p. 30>
December 1892
11th Sabbath. Dark day, not cold but mild. D. Reid and wife were here at night.
12 Dark, Rather inclined to be soft. G. McConnell, collector, was here. Willie made a wood rack for
the sleighs. I worked at making out Financial statement for Twp. council.
13 Misty morning, the day overcast, sleet, Rain and snow at night, heavy wind. I worked at the Fi-
nancial statement. Willie was at a wood bee at Mr. Hewett’s.
14 Dark morning, the afternoon seemed like rain, but it soon turned to snow. Mrs. R. and I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie worked at making wood rack.
15 Mild day, good sleighing. I went to Hopeville to a Council meeting, stopped all night.
16 Mild morning, the day mild. I got home at one O’clock. Willie was helping Jim to saw stove
wood.
442
17 Mild day, lovely sleighing. I worked all day making out Financial statement for Township. Went
to Dundalk to meet Mr. Cavanagh, the Clerk. He did not come. Came home, got at the statement
again and finished it at ten O’clock night. I got a letter from Brother William, Elzey P. O., Ind.
Territory, Texas. U.S., Containing $50.00. I intend making a present of the money to him. Willie
helped Sam to Saw. [in margin] Letter From / Brother Willie
<insert> <between pp. 30-31>
[a special two-page letter by Joseph McArdle “To the Municipal Electors of Proton” regarding a dispute
about road construction in Proton Township, and an earlier accusation by Pat Shaw that the writer
of the present had done certain things, which the present letter refutes.]
[second short financial note] 500 from Bank, 10 notes, 51 Bills, 3.05 silver, .25 copper— total $564.30
to C. Meeting Aug. 14/97
<p. 31>
December 1892
18th Sabbath. Mild day, good sleighing.
19 Quite a snowfall last night. I went in to Dundalk this morning with the Township Financial Report
to the Printer. Came home and straightened up Township orders. Willie hauled a load of stove
wood, about 1½ cords. [in margin] Sent letter to Brother William / Elzey P. O. / Ind. Terr. / St. of
Texas/ U.S.
20 Pretty cold day, some snow falling and a sharp frost. I split wood. Willie went to J. Rosebor-
oug[h]’s sale.
21 Cold day all through, snowing and Blowing. I wrote a number of Business letters and split some
wood. Willie hauled a load of hay From Jim’s.
22 Pretty cold morning, the day sharp, without sun. Frost. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Wil-
lie hauled home a load of wood.
23 Very sharp morning, the day very cold From morning till night. Willie with the team was helping
Brother Sam to saw. I split and piled the wood which Willie had brought home and done the
chores. [in margin] Very cold
24 Very sharp, Frosty day. This morning was about the coldest which has come this winter. I went
to Dundalk after Dinner. Had an appointment with some of the Councilmen. Gave P. Shaw
$38.50 and J. Corbett $5.00 in advance to pay for Road jobs, they to get me Reeve’s orders for this
amount. The auditors of milk accounts (John McGrath & Jim Russell) were in my Books in the
afternoon. [in margin] Cold / $7.10 / for .5 months / Remember
<p. 32>
December 1892
25th Sabbath. Christmas. Cold day all through.
26 A little milder than yesterday, not quite so sharp Frost. Jim and Family, Johney and wife, Sam,
Phebe, Madella, Willie and Alma, Ida and Joe spent the Day with us.
27 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and sunny all through. Miss Mariah and Annie Lonsway were
here in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of stove wood home. I put up a goose pen.
28 Pretty mild day. I worked again at the plaguey Milk Books. Willie hauled a load of wood.
29 Pretty mild day. Willie hauled a load of wood. I wrote some Business letters in the forenoon,
went to Dundalk in the afternoon, posted them, and sent by Express to Manager, Standard Bank,
Durham, $190.50, Sch[ool] Debentures. Sent Cash to Retire it.
30 Pretty mild day. I worked at posting Township orders. Got all of them entered in the day Book.
Willie hauled the last of the wood.
443
31st Fine, mild day, a little snow fell. John McGrath and Jim Russell were here auditing the milk ac-
counts. did not quite finish. Willie hitched up his colts & Broke them in to go in the sleigh. Good
by, Old Year.
<p. 33>
January 1893
1st Sabbath. Snowing from morning till night, not a very cold day. Mrs. R. and I spent our day at
Brother Sam’s.
2 Very cold day, snowing, blowing and Freezing. The Roads Running north and south are badly
filled up. We, that is Willie and I, went to the municipal Election and polled our votes. I also put
in to the printer our sale bill of Stock and Farming Implements. I intend having the Sale on the
18th inst.
3 Very sharp day, freezing keenly. Willie was breaking in his colts. I chored around.
4 Another very cold day. Willie was breaking in his colts. Johney was here at noon. I posted some
Township accounts in the Ledger and chored around.
5 Cold day, snowed some. Willie was breaking in his colts. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
6 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Willie was at a Bee at Johney’s with the team, help-
ing haul saw logs to the mill. I was Balancing the Township Books.
7 Another cold day. Sharp Frost, a little snow in the morning. I wrote some business letters in the
forenoon and posted them in the afternoon. I also sent one to Brother William, Elzey P. O., Indian
Territory, U. S. Willie was breaking in his colts. [in margin] Sent letter to Willie.
<p. 34>
January 1893
8th Sabbath. Very cold day.
9 Sharp morning, the day cold. Willie hauled two loads of hay from Jim’s.
10 Extremely cold all day, but especially in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of hay from Jim’s.
[in margin] Very cold
11 Another cold day, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Willie hauled a load of oats to Dundalk.
12 Pretty sharp day, but coldest in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of oats to Dundalk. I also went
to Dundalk. Willie had to take Back his young horse from J. Hudd which he had sold him for
81.00 dollars in the spring, and had taken a chattle mortgage on him. He also, under the power of
the mortgage, took a mare of Mr. Hudd’s along with the horse in order to secure himself from loss
on the horse. This was legal according to the terms of the mortgage. However, at night Willie
thought better of it and returned Mr. Hudd’s mare to him, keeping just the horse which he had sold
him, and which Mr. Hudd could not pay for.
13 A little milder with some snow in the afternoon. Willie hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk. Mr.
Rogers, Reeve of Proton, was here at noon. Mrs. R. was at [MS in] Ida’s. [in margin] Wrote out /
Andrew Lonsway’s / Will
<insert> <recto, between pp. 34-35>
Sale, January 18, 1893
R. Russell
Name Article Price
Mike Mulligan (did not get) Cow 28.00
S. Rogers “ 3 Steers. $54.00 54.00
William Kyles (did not get) 1 Heifer 17.00
C. Fawcett 1 Farrow Cow 15.00
J. McGrath 1 Cow 28.00
444
D. Reid 1 Cow 25.20 27.00
Thos. Ludlow 1 old Mare 13.00
George Ludlow 1 Yearling Heifer 10.50
“ “ D[itt]o D[itt]o 9.50
C. Fawcett 1 Grey Heifer 9.00
“ “ 1 Yearling Bull 9.00
M. Mulligan Did not give 2 Sheep No. 1 & 7 12.00
E. Jns Hulbert 2 sheep 9 & 11 10.00
A. McAulay Did not take 2 sheep 2& 8 8.00
W. Kyles Did not give 2 sheep 14 & 15 9.00
259.00
<insert><verso>
R. Acheson 2 Sheep No. 10 & 12 13.00
D. Reid 2 Sheep 16 & 17 12.25
C. Fawcett D[itt]o 4 & 5 7.50
D[itt]o D[itt]o D[itt]o 3 & 13 8.50
W. Kyles Did not give 1 sheep 6 6.50
$306.75
</insert>
<p. 35>
January 1893
14th Very sharp morning, the day cold, especially towards night. Willie took a load of oats to Dundalk
in the afternoon. I also went in.
15th Sharp day all through.
16 Very cold day. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night.
17 A little milder than yesterday. I left Hopeville this morning, got home at 12. noon.
18 Fine in the Forenoon, the afternoon Slightely stormy. I had a sale of Stock. The Cattle and sheep
sold pretty well. No sale for horses. I only sold the old mare, Gerty, for $13.00. I have 4 good
young horses left and could not get a bid for them. The sale came to $306.75, But I had to keep
$80.50 worth of this as the sureties were not good and I would not let the stock go.
19 Fine in the Forenoon, the afternoon cold and storming. I went to Dundalk. Willie and J. Bower-
man went to Hornings Mills with the team, thinking to Sell one of them. Did not succeed.
20 Pretty sharp day, hard freeze. I was squaring up the Township Books, preparing for the auditors.
<p. 36>
January 1893
21st Bright sunny morning, the day clear and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie went
to John McGrath’s, Melancthon, for 100 Bushels of American Banner [?] oats which I had bought
from him at .28 cents per Bushel. [in margin] Sent letter / to Dead letter / Office, Washington /
U. S.
Sabbath 22nd Mild day. Jim’s Baby is sick. I am also feeling unwell.
23 Quite mild, almost like a thaw. Willie started to haul cordwood for Brother Sam, From Lot 32, 5th
Range Melancthon, to Dundalk at .80¢ per cord. The roads are very bad with pitch holes and he
will have it very difficult. [in margin] Willie started / to haul wood / For Sam
24 Rather mild in the forenoon, the afternoon produced a snow storm and the snow fell nearly all
night. Willie went to Dundalk in the morning to get his horses shod and sleighs fixed. He did not
get any wood hauled today.
445
25 Snowing mostly all day, the Roads very much filled up. Willie is hauling cordwood.
26 Dark morning, the day lowering, a little snow falling occassionally, the wind rising and the snow
drifting. Willie is hauling wood.
27 Mild day, the sky overcast in the afternoon with a snowstorm at night. Willie was hauling cord-
wood.
<p. 37>
January 1893
28 Blowing this morning, the Road very heavy, something like a thaw in the air, sleet falling now and
then. Willie was hauling cordwood.
29th Sabbath. Raining this morning but it turned to snow in the afternoon, the eavning was very
stormy. [in margin] Thaw
30 Milder, the snow greately crusted, a snow storm at night. Willie is hauling cordwood.
31 The Roads very heavy this morning, a cold East wind Blowing, a Big storm of Snow and wind
towards night. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie was hauling cordwood.
February [1893]
1st Milder, but getting cold in the afternoon. The night was pretty sharp, Blowing and Freezing.
2 Very cold day, piercing cold wind From the east, the afternoon stormy, and very stormy at night. I
went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to P.O. / Inspector / Barrie
3 Very stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The wind and snow increased as the
eavning came on till it blew a Blizzard. [in margin] Big / Storm
4 Bright, sunny morning, but quite a sharp frost, the day was bright and calm. The most of the
Roads are blocked up on account of the raging snow storm last night.
<p. 38>
February 1893
5th Sabbath. Very sharp, cold day, an Easterly wind which seemed to pierce through. Ida called in at
night.
6 Slightely Raining this forenoon, the afternoon decidedly wet. Willie got over from the Barn some
Bedding and oats. Mr. Russnell [sic] and D. Reid were here in the morning. Mrs. Samuel
McDowell and her son Johney were here in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw
7 Sharp, cold day, blowing and Freezing. Willie was hauling wood. I went to Brother Sam’s, the
Road was very bad.
8 Very sharp day. Bitterly cold most of the time. Willie is at Johney’s with the Horses, helping
him.
9 Milder this morning, but there was quite a change in the afternoon when it commenced snowing
and Blowing, a regular out and out storm. [stricken Joh] Willie with the team is at John’s. I got
the money, $50.00, which I had sent to Brother William on the 19th of last December returned me
today through the Dead Letter Office, Ottawa. I had put the wrong address on Willie’s letter. [in
margin] Money Returned / to me
10 Stormy day all through, the Roads are filled up. The Township auditors audited the Books.
11 Bright sunny morning, the day very fine. G. McConnell, Collector, paid in the Balance of Collec-
tion of Township Taxes. Brother John’s three young people and Jenny Russell came up.
<p. 39>
Feb[ruary] 1893
12th Sabbath. Rather mild when compared with the past cold days. Jenny and Vina Russell were here
part of the day.
446
13 Mild day. Willie started in the afternoon to get to Melancthon to haul wood. Brother John’s Jim
went with his team to Brother Sam’s this afternoon.
14 Mild day, the afternoon slightely wet, strong indications of a thaw. Willie is out in Melancthon.
15 Mild day, a little chilly in the eavning. Willie was in Melancthon. There was a gathering of
young people here at night, having amusements.
16 Quite a Blustering morning, the afternoon Calmer, wind and snow in the Forenoon. I went to
Dundalk and got paid for the oats which I had sold some time ago. There were 365 25/34 Bushels
@ 29¢ per Bushel. Willie is in Melancthon.
17 Rather calm in the morning, the afternoon very windy with sharp Frost and snow. I went to Dun-
dalk in the Forenoon, also Willie and Johney, thinking to sell a Horse, did not succeed. [in mar-
gin] Very cold / and stormy
18 Milder than yesterday, but cold enough. Jenny and the others started for home this Forenoon.
Willie was hauling wood. I attended a meeting of the Cheese patrons in Dundalk. Was appointed
Sect. Treasurer at a salary of $50.00, hard earned money. [in margin] Jenny / Left
<p. 40>
Feb[ruary] 1893
19th Sabbath. Stormy, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a perfect Hurricane in the afternoon. No Such
Fierce Blows this winter. [in margin] Furious / Storm
20 Calmer this morning, But a sharp Frost, the day cold, the Roads so very heavy that I seen no teams
on them all day, Except our own. Willie left in the afternoon For Melancthon to haul wood.
21 Pretty cold day all through, the Roads heavy. Willie is in Melancthon.
22 Sharp morning, the day cold, the Roads heavy. Wille is in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s
23 Roads very heavy this morning, the day mild, quite a snowfall in the afternoon. Mr. A. Jack, the
assessor of Proton, stopped here all night. [in margin] Assessor / Here
24 Bright sunny morning. The day got overcast towards noon, the afternoon cloudy with a snowfall.
25 Very fine Day, Bright and sunny, the air a little sharp but pleasant. Willie is in Melancthon work-
ing at Cordwood.
26 Pretty sharp morning, the day rather cold, a little sunshine. John & Ina, Joe & Ida and P. Conners
were here. Jim’s Baby is very sick, had to have the Doctor. [in margin] Sabbath
<p. 41>
Feb[ruary] 1893
27th The forenoon pretty mild, the afternoon cold and windy. Wesley Lonsway’s Baby was buried
today. Sold a horse today to E. Potts & Son of Osprey for $76.00 on seven month’s time. The
horse is rising 4 years old. [in margin] Very strong / wind at night
28 Pretty cold this morning, the Roads very heavy on account of the Big Blow last night. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. Sam was with me.
March [1893]
[1st] Very strong wind all day and pretty sharp frost. Jim’s Baby is about all right again. D. Reid
moved from the Farm to Dundalk where he is going to keep hotel, having rented S. McCullough’s.
[in margin] D. Reid / moved to Dundalk
2 Very fine day, sunny and Bright. I went to Dundalk. Ida was here in the afternoon.
3 Snowing this morning and quite a bit of snow fell during the day, the wind rose and quite a bit of a
snowstorm graced the afternoon.
4 Quite windy and stormy, the afternoon very cold. I attended a meeting of the Cheese Factory pa-
trons in Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Willie / Finished / Hauling cord / wood.
5th Sabbath. Very stormy all day, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing.
447
6 Not quite so stormy as yesterday, still, bad enough. I am laid up with a cold.
<p. 42>
March 1893
7th Sunny day, the storm seems [MS seames] to be over. I am very weak, have coughed so much that
there is very little strength in me.
8 Bright sunny day, the snow softening, the sky hazy, very much like a thaw. Willie hitched up his
Black colts and drove them around. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to help Ida to quilt a quilt.
9 Rainy morning, quite a thaw, the afternoon dry but cloudy, turned to freeze towards night. I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon.
10 Fine, Bright sunny day, the snow softening quite a good deal. Several of the fields showing bare
spots. Willie split some stove wood at home, ground his axe and put in handle in it, preparetory to
helping Johney to take out square timber for a Barn. Mrs. Henry Lonsway visited here in the af-
ternoon.
11 Soft morning, the day wet from about noon. I attended a Council Meeting held in Dundalk, and
stopped all night at J. Bowerman’s.
12th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow softening. J. Bowerman drove me home in his cutter then went back
and brought Ida.
13 Dark day, the Bushes covered with hoar Frost. The snow is still keeping soft. Willie went to help
John Make Barn Timber.
14 Slightely wet this morning, the [forenoon] dark and a little snow falling in the afternoon. Willie is
helping Johney.
<p. 43>
March 1893
15th Cold, stormy day, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Willie is helping Johney.
16 Bright and sunny, with a sharp air, the sleighing is good, the Roads hard. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. Mary and the two little ones are here. P. Sauder came this afternoon and paid me
$50.00 on the $80.00 note which he owed me. I gave up the old note and took a new one for
$30.00, payable in 11 months with 10 per cent per annum interest. Face of note $32.75.
17 Bright sunny day, the air a little sharp, not so keen as yesterday. Jim has a very sore hand and arm
and is gone to the Dr. this afternoon with it. On the 11th inst. he was putting a physic ball into one
of his colts. He had to put his hand in the mouth of the colt, which shut his mouth on his hand,
breaking the skin in several places. The wound became irritated and the hand and arm are pretty
sore. Willie is at Johney’s.
18 Bright and sunny, the snow softening. Willie got home from helping Johney make timber. He has
it all made. Jim’s hand is not any better. I went to see the Dr. regarding it this afternoon. He was
not at home. His arm is giving him great pain and seems worse than the hand.
<p. 44>
March 1893
19th Sabbath. Mild day but not much wearing away of the snow.
20 Pretty Bright day, with a strong wind in the afternoon. Jim’s hand and arm is no better. Willie is
helping at his place, so also is Joe Bowerman.
21 Rather dark, not much sunshine, still, the wind is soft and the snow thawing a little. Jim’s hand is
about the same, scarcely any change.
22 Quite a raw wind and pretty cold, the snow is a little bit softening, not very much. Willie is help-
ing Jim, his hand and arm are still painful.
448
23 Stormy morning, Blowing and a little snow falling. The day cold and stormy all through. Willie
helped Jim to take his pigs to Dundalk. Henry Lonsway hauled them with some of his own. Jim’s
hand does not appear any better. Thaw began this afternoon about 3 P.M., some lightening after
dark. [in margin] Lightening
24 Great thaw this forenoon, the wind and sun both cutting off the snow. It melted at a rapid rate.
The temperature changed in the afternoon and a sharp Frost sett in at night. There was some thun-
der and a rain storm about 1 P.M. Jim’s arm slightely better. [in margin] Thunder
25 Cold day. Quite sharp Frost, the Roads have got hard again. Jim’s arm, I think, is improving.
Willie is at P. Conner’s Bee.
<p. 45>
March 1893
26th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, but not much of a thaw. Jim and Family, Johney and Ina, Joe, Ida & Ben
were here. [in margin] First / Lambs
27 Bright sunny day, the snow melting some. I drove Jim to the Dr. But he did not see him. His hand
is getting better. Willie is at H. Lonsway’s sawing bee. [in margin] Saw First / Robins
28 Beautiful morning, the sun shone clear, the day was fine, the snow thawing in the afternoon. Wil-
lie and I hauled two loads of hay (2 tons) From Jim’s home. Then we brought over some bedding
from the Barn. After that Willie hauled some fixings out to Jim’s Bush, prepairing [=preparing]
for sugar making. Jim’s arm is, I think, improving.
29 Fine morning, the afternoon mild and the sun out, causing the snow to melt. I attended Council
Meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night.
30 Pretty mild, a little snow had fallen in the previous night, giving some sleighing on the Bare spots.
The afternoon mild and cloudy. I came home from Hopeville in the Forenoon and copied off a list
of Tax Defaulters in the afternoon.
31 Mild day with a thaw wind. The snow going away rapidly in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in
the Forenoon and posted to the Co. Treasurer a list of Defaulters of Township Taxes. Willie is at
W. Armstrong’s bee.
<p. 46>
April 1893
1st Dark in the forenoon, with a soft thaw wind, the afternoon windy, with quite a bit of sunshine,
thawing. I worked at entering Township orders.
2nd Sabbath. Mild day, with a thaw wind in the afternoon. [in margin] Esther
3 Cloudy and warm, with a thaw wind, the snow is disappearing pretty fast. Willie and I chopped
down some trees, making them ready for the cross-cut [saw]. Going to have sawing bee, preparing
some firewood.
4 Windy in the morning, Windy at noon, and Windy at night, a very Windy day. Willie cut trees
down in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to ask hands for the sawing Bee on next Saturday.
I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and borrowed an axe. Heavy thaw, snow disappearing fast. [in
margin] Brought the / cow I got from / Black Home / From Johney’s
5 Mild day and a good deal of sunshine in the Forenoon, the snow disappearing. The afternoon
turned cold and there was quite a snow shower about 6 P.M. Willie and I were cutting trees down
for sawing.
6 The ground covered with snow this morning, but the sun got out and the snow disappeared before
night. Willie was at Sam Jackson’s wood Bee. I went to Dundalk.
7 Very peculiar kind of day, everything outdoors glued fast with a coating of sleet, which had fallen
during the night and morning. Willie and I kept indoors.
449
<p. 47>
April 1893
8th The Sleet all washed off this morning with the Rain that came last night. There was also thunder
and lightening during the night, the day was balmy with quite a spring air. We had a wood bee,
sawing firewood in the Bush. There were Henry Lonsway, Jim Russell, Billy Armstrong, Willie
Russell, Sam Jackson, James Patterson, Willie and I. Johney came at noon but did not work, he
having a Boil on his arm. Also W. Armstrong had to go home early in the Forenoon on account of
his wife being sick. Also Jim Russell had to go in the afternoon to Dundalk to attend to Some
business. Andrew Russell came here at noon. We got, I think, about Eight cords of stove wood
sawn. I split a little.
9th Sabbath. Fine day, with a thaw wind.
10 Fine morning, the day pretty mild, not much sunshine. Willie split wood.
11 Pretty mild day, with a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled rails. I went to Orangeville and con-
sulted Solicitor Walsh re. the responsibilities of Executors in the Kinnear Estate.
12 Very high wind this Forenoon, then some rain, the afternoon dry but cloudy. Willie hauled rails in
the afternoon.
13 Very windy day, but dry. Heavy rain last night. Willie started plowing, the ground turned over
well, no Frost in it. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] First plowing / Sent letter / to
Ireland
<p. 48>
April 1893
14th Very hard Frost this morning, still, Willie commenced plowing. The ground turned over very cak-
ey. The day was dark and cold.
15 The Ground covered with snow this morning to the depth of about 3 inches and snow kept falling
till the middle of the afternoon, changing the appearance of the fields to a great extent. Willie
hauled rails after dinner. The latter part of the afternoon sunny, Snow melting. Joe and Ida were
here all night. [in margin] Big snow / Storm
16th Sabbath. Mild most of the day, the sun shone out and the snow melted some. [in margin] Heard
first Frogs
17 Dark day, inclined to rain. Willie got some oats down from Jim’s and plowed in the afternoon.
The afternoon was fine, with a good deal of sunshine. Gilbert McConnell was here. Polling in
Dundalk contested Election. The Reeve, Mr. Thos. Hanbury, Unseated by Mr. Peter McGregor on
account of bad votes being polled at the January Election. Each candidate deposited $20.00 on
Nomination day to defray the costs of present election, the losing man’s money to pay the Expens-
es. Mr. Hanbury carried the contest by 22 majority. [in margin] Dundalk contested / Election
polled
18 Hard Frost this morning, but after some time the ground softened so that Willie plowed. The day
was pretty cool, not much sunshine till near 7 P.M. when the sun came out for a while. I chored
around, cleaned out calf stable, etc.
<p. 49>
April 1893
19th Hard Frost this morning, but the ground softened after a short time so that the plow worked. The
day pretty fine, with a good deal of sunshine in the afternoon. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. visited in
Melancthon.
450
20 Very Windy day, the morning was windy, windy at noon, and Windy at night. Sleet and snow
drifting with the wind and piling up in the fence corners, a particularly Blusterous day. Johney
was here and left for home about 3 P.M. Very Rough on him. [in margin] Very Stormy
21 Snow falling this morning and Blowing pretty strong, the ground covered to about the depth of
Four inches. The afternoon rather calmer. Willie hauled three loads of stove wood with the sleigh
from the Bush in the Forenoon, in the afternoon he took one Bob [sleigh] and drove me to Dun-
dalk. [in margin] Snow / Storm
22 Snowing and Blowing this morning, the day very disagreeable, a little snow falling now and then,
the wind driving it into the eyes when facing the storm, very sharp on the eyes. I went to see H.
Lonsway who is very bad with swollen tongue and matter forming in his ear. He is in great pain.
I then went to Dundalk For some medicine for him. Willie is going to sit up all night with him.
[in margin] H. Lonsway / Sick
23rd Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow, a small kind of thaw, the day mild. Johney and Ina were
here.
<p. 50>
April 1893
24th Mild morning, the day mild with quite a bit of sunshine, the snow disappearing. We took some
trees off the clearance where they had blown down in the storm of last week. A heavy snow storm
raging at 7 P.M. [in margin] Snow / Storm
25 The Ground covered with snow this morning to quite a depth, But the sun shone out and some of
the snow melted. The day was mild. Willie went in the afternoon to the Horse show at Dundalk.
[in margin] Dundalk / Horse show
26 Hard frost this morning, the ground softened a little in the afternoon, the wind got strong and cold
towards night. Willie tried to plow about 10 A.M., there was too much snow on the ground and it
was too hard. Had to quit it. I split some wood in the wood shed.
27 Cold, dreary morning, quite a Rain last night. High wind through the day, cloudy. Willie plowed
in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk.
28 A little frost this morning, but not hard enough to stop the plow. The day was fine with a good
deal of sunshine, the afternoon rather cloudy. Willie plowed. [in margin] First cow / calved
29 Fine morning, the day fine and mild, rather warmer than yesterday, a good deal of sunshine. Wil-
lie plowed. I & Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
30th Sabbath. Dark day, with Rain in the afternoon.
<p. 51>
May 1893
1st Dark day with a Scotch mist all day long, not very wetting, but not pleasant to be out in. Mrs. A.
Lonsway was here in the afternoon. Willie plowed. [in margin] Mrs. T. Hutchinson / of Arteme-
sia / Died
2 Dark morning, the day dark and a slight mist of Rain falling once and again. Willie plowed, I
chored.
3 Dark day, slightely warm, a trifle spring-like. Willie and his mother went to the Funeral of Mrs. T.
Hutchinson. Willie plowed in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
[poem, written as lines]
Haste to the House of mourning,
Show your respect for the dead,
But quick be your returning,
451
[stricken Before] Ere the corpse in the ground is laid.
Bah—
4 Dark morning, the Forenoon dry, but the afternoon steady rain. I sowed about Six bushels of
pease for Willie. He did not get them harrowed. [in margin] First Grain / Sown / pease
5 Dark morning, the day dark and wet-like. A great deal of Rain fell last night. Willie Harrowed
pease in the Forenoon and ploughed in the afternoon. Jim plowed with him in the afternoon. I
went to Dundalk. [in margin] Seen Laurence / Breen, a Minesotta / man, Formerly / a Resident of
/ Melancthon
6 Cold dark day, very much like snow, especially towards night. I split some stove wood in the
bush. Willie and Jim plowed on the Thos. Arnold Farm, as Jim’s Land at home is too wet.
<p. 52>
[two newspaper clippings glued over top 2/3 of page, no running title]
[first clipping: one column, down left edge of page]: True Philanthropy To the Editor: Please inform
your readers that I will mail free to all sufferers the means by which I was restored to health and
manly vigor after years of suffering from Nervous Weakness [….]. Mr. Edward Martin (teacher)
P. O. Box 143, Detroit, Mich.
A Cholera Remedy [a lengthy description of treatment, from] “Mr. Lane, an Eastern traveler and Orien-
talist.”
[right side of page, large ad for Drs. Kennedy & Kergan, Detroit, whose special treatment is for “Weak,
Nervous and Diseased Men”]. Testimonials from three men, one even cured of syphilis; the cure
restores mental and sexual vitality, lost, it suggests, from masturbation.
[Handwritten comment] French surgeons beat the world / they will take a man to pieces and if / they do
not lose any of the pieces, they will put / him together again. He will run and / keep good time,
but the dickens of it is / that they like to operate too well and / regard man too much in the light of
a machine. / Dec. 19, 1894.
<p. 53>
[one clipping from Dundalk Herald] Report on Annual meeting of the Dundalk Cheese Factory, 1st
January 1895.
James Russell and John McGrath auditors. Samuel McDowell re-elected as President and Salesman,
salary $15.00. Robert Russell re-elected Sec. Treasurer, salary $50. Auditors for 1895: John
McGrath, W. H. Jackson, salary $2.50 each. Agreed that the Babcock Tester be used, patrons to
be paid according to Butter Fat contained in their milk. Details on quantities and amounts:
631,453 pounds of milk, 60476 pounds of cheese, total cash for cheese $5907.08.
[on most of the page, a handwritten receipt] A hog medicine, made from charcoal, wood ash, and cop-
peras* dissolved in salt water. It “keeps the animal free from intestinal worms, free from cough
and we are not troubled with hog cholera, owing, as we believe, to the effect of this medicine and
the moveable pen […] May 22 1895”]. [*known from antiquity as copperas or green vitriol, a fer-
rous sulfate; see https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copperas: Definition of copperas: a
green hydrated ferrous sulfate FeSO4·7H2O]
<p. 54>
May 1893
7th Sabbath. Fine, dry, sunny day. I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Seen swallows
8 Fine, dry day, mostly sunshine, though some clouds appeared. Willie plowed in the Forenoon &
Sowed oats in the afternoon. [in margin] First oats sown
9 Bright sunny morning, the day warm and Bright. I picked potatoes out of the pit (28 Bushels) and
carried them into the stable. Willie Sowed oats with Jim’s seeder. [in margin] 2nd / Cow calved
452
10 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. Willie Sowed oats. I pulled clay off roots.
11 Bright sunny day, fine growth. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. John Gott was here.
Willie harrowed.
12 Cloudy morning, dark day and slightely wet. Willie harrowed. I chored around.
13 Misty morning, the day cloudy with a very slight rain. Willie plowed.
14th Sabbath. Cloudy but without rain. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s.
15 Fine day, good growth, dry and warm. Willie and I picked off roots in the forenoon, in the after-
noon he Harrowed, and I sowed some oats by hand.
<p. 55>
May 1893
16th Drizzly, dark morning, the afternoon wet. Willie plowed in the Forenoon.
17 Drizzly, wet day from morning till night. Nothing a-doing on account of the rain.
18 Dry, Windy and sunny. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in mar-
gin] Sent letter / to / Jas. Fletcher / Pense* [*near Regina, Sask.; see 19 April 1892, details of Sam
Russell’s trip to Pense.]
19 Hard Frost this morning, the day sunny and clear. Willie finished plowing for spring grain about
tea time, then Harrowed. I sowed Five Bags of oats in the forenoon.
20 Beautiful day, Sunny and warm, a few rolls of thunder about noon, but no rain. Willie Harrowed.
I cleaned out the Barn Floor. The sheep had wintered in it for two seasons and their droppings
were pasted to the floor, tight as wax, hard cleaning it out.
21st Sabbath. Fine day all through. Joe and Ida were here.
22 Dry and warm, pretty Breezy. Willie sowed oats. I sowed some carrot and parsnip seed in the
Garden. Mrs. John Arnold was here.
23 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon, very high wind at noon. Willie finished sow-
ing oats. I cut potatoes. [in margin] Finished sowing oats
<p. 56>
May 1893
24th Dry and cool, with sunshine occasionally. Willie went to Shelburne to the sports. Ida was here
helping her mother to paper the kitchen. I cut potatoes. [in margin] 3rd & 4th / Cows calved
25 Cool and dry. Willie harrowed in oats. I fixed fences and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in
margin] Got papers / From Toronto
26 Cool and dry, cloudy. Willie finished Harrowing oats. I cut some potatoes for Jim.
27 Dark and cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain, both in the forenoon and afternoon. Willie plowed and
harrowed the Garden. I picked up potatoes after him. Got about Four Bushels.
28th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and sunny. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon.
29 Fine morning, sunny and Bright through the day. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville.
Came home that night, 12:30 when I got home. There is a marked difference in the advance of
vegetation at Hopeville compared with here, plainly seen by the size of the leaves on the trees.
Willie put out nine loads of manure on the potatoe patch and spread it.
<p. 57>
May 1893
30th Cool morning, the day dry and a good deal of sunshine. We planted our potatoes (Ten Bushels). I
plowed them in. Willie and Jim’s Boy, Jim, dropped and Raked in the manure. [in margin] Plant-
ed / potatoes
31 Bright, sunny morning, the day warm and pleasant. Willie picked stones. I chored around.
June [1893]
453
1st Cloudy with a slight sprinkling of rain. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Johney’s to help prepare for
the Raising tomorrow. I chored around home and went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin]
Sent letter / to Willie
2 Cloudy. Rain in the morning, windy, a slight shower in the afternoon. Johney Raised his Barn.
He had about 10 [?] men. All went well, no accident.
3 Cloudy and warm, a shower about 4 P.M. Willie washed his sheep, I helped. We tied a sheep to a
stake at the watering place and I poured the water on his back.
4th Sabbath. Very fine day, dry and warm. Sam and Phoebe with Baby were here.
5 Fine warm growing day, dry in the forenoon, quite a shower in the afternoon. Willie built fence. I
put up a small gate.
6 Fine, dry day, sunny and warm. Willie sheared his 5 sheep, then took the wool to Dundalk. I
worked at the milk Book.
<p. 58>
June 1893
7th Fine morning, the day sunny and Bright. I worked in the Forenoon at the milk Books, and in the
afternoon mended fence. Willie helped J. Bowerman shingle.
8 Fine day, cloudy and cool and windy. Willie Rolled. I went to Dundalk.
9 Fine dry day. Breezy with a good deal of sunshine, Cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Sam’s new
farm. William Rolled.
10 Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer. Mrs. Russell and I drove to Flesherton,
we went in about one hour with Fred horse.* [*Fred is the name of the horse; later sold to G.
McConnell, see 13 Nov. 1894.]
11 Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Joe, Ida and Medalla [=Madella] were here.
12 Beautiful morning, the day sunny and warm. I attended a Council meeting at Proton Station.
Came home at night.
13 Fine morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. I posted Township orders in the Forenoon and in the
afternoon worked on the milk accounts.
14 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie lathed for Joe Bowerman.
15 Dry, cloudy and warm, with a little thunder, Lightening and Rain at night. I seen Inspector Camp-
bell in Dundalk in the afternoon. He is making his official School visits on a Bicycle. [in margin]
Seen / Inspector
<p. 59>
June 1893
15th Continued. Extended thunder, Lightening and Rain storm. Continued all night long, no cessation
to daylight.
16 Dry, warm morning, a thunder storm came on about 3 P.M., heavy Rain also. Willie was helping
Joe Bowerman lathe his house.
17 Fine morning, the day a little cloudy in the afternoon, quite sultry. I helped Jim at Fence. Willie
made [sic] milk house.* [*it is unclear whether Willie actually made a milk house (where: at the
Bowerman’s? at Jim’s? at Robert’s?), or did something to the milk house, such as make it ready.]
18 Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm.
19 Dry, sunny and hot. I helped Jim at putting up a fence. Willie harrowed the potatoes. [in margin]
Hot
20 Dry, sunny and hot. I worked in the Garden after Dinner. Willie with his team worked for Joe
Bowerman. Mrs. Hannah Bowler is stopping here this night. [in margin] Hot
21 Very sultry and showery in the afternoon. I worked at the milk Books. Willie helped Jim at fence.
454
22 Cool, showery and Windy. Willie helped Jim. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and worked at
Milk accounts a while in the afternoon.
23 Clear and cool. Willie and I helped Jim fence.
24 Dry and hot in the forenoon, the afternoon showery with thunder and lightening at night. Willie &
I helped Jim at fence. Insured in London M[utual]. Gave premium note due in 18 months for
$8.00. House $400.00, Contents $200. Only 60 p.c. to be collected on note. [in margin] Insured
<p. 60>
June 1893
25 Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. Clark came home from Michigan. Joe & Ida, Johny & Ina, & Sam
Jackson were here.
26 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy, with a slight sprinkling of Rain. I wed some carrots in
the afternoon.
27 Dry in the Forenoon, but cloudy, the latter part of the afternoon wet with some thunder and light-
ening. I worked at the milk sheets. Willie and Clark went with the horse and Buggy six miles be-
yond Durham to see a Mr. Ray whom Clark wishes to buy a Forty acres lot of land in Michigan
From. [in margin] Got letter / From Jas. Fletcher / Pense P. O. / N. W. T.
28 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes.
29 Dry and hot in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with a very slight sprinkling of Rain. I hoed
potates in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk to take the tally of the cheese
shipped. Phoebe was here. Sam’s Edith stopped here all night.
30 Dry and hot. I hoed potatoes and worked at the milk account, spell about, want to pay the Patrons
on the First Tuesday.
So endeth the chronicles for this month.
<p. 61>
July 1893
1st Dry, cloudy and hot. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went in the afternoon to Dundalk.
2 Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a slight shower in the afternoon.
3 Showery early in the morning, the afternoon dry. I worked at the Milk Books. Willie clayed
crossway.
4 Fine morning, but there was a slight frost in some places. I chored around in the forenoon and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the Milk patrons. Willie with the team done statute la-
bor.
5 Wet near[l]y all forenoon, the afternoon dry. Willie with the team done statute labor in the after-
noon. I worked at the milk Books.
6 Fine morning, the day fine, dry and warm, but cloudy. Brother John’s wife came here this
eavning. Willie hauled one load of Gravel for the Roads in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
7 Dry morning, the day dry all through, sultry and cloudy mostly. I made out Half-yearly Financial
Statement for the Township in the forenoon and hoed potatoes in the afternoon. Eliza went this
eavning to William Faucett’s.
<p. 62>
July 1893
8th Dry and sultry, cloudy, a few drops of Rain fell in the afternoon, a little windy. I attended Council
meeting at Hopeville. Came home at night.
9th Sabbath. Dry with the exception of a very slight shower about noon.
10 Cloudy, cool and dry. I hoed potatoes. Willie with his team helped Joe Bowerman.
455
11 Cloudy and cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain at night. I finished hoeing potatoes. Willie hauled
home some firewood.
12 Wet morning, but the day cleared up and was dry and Breezy from about 9 A.M. I worked at the
Milk Sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon, in the Garden. Phoebe and Baby were here.
13 Clear and sunny in the morning, the day got overcast about 9 A.M., thunder Clouds obscured the
skyes and Rain came on about noon. Some thunder and lightening, the afternoon wet. I Paris-
greened the potatoes partly in the Forenoon. I might as well have been sleeping, as the rain
washed it off. John’s wife Eliza left for home.
14 Cloudy in the forenoon, sunny and hot in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and
Paris-Greened the potatoes in the afternoon. Willie plowed.
<p. 63>
July 1893
15th Cloudy mostly all day, but quite sultry and every appearance of a thunder storm at night. I went to
Johney’s and then to Sam’s. Came home this eavning as Mr. Cavanaugh, Clerk of Proton, wanted
to see me on Business. Jim got home from Cookstown with Vern, had to leave Arley at Brother
John’s, also Mary to Care for her, had measels.
16th Sabbath. Fine day, pretty warm in the afternoon. John and Ina, Jim and Vern, Joe and Ida, Clark,
P. Conners and Miss McLaughlin were here.
17 Pretty warm day, but cloudy and dry. I Entered Township orders. Willie plowed. Jim com-
menced Haying. Johney was here in the morning and got the loan of the mower. Clark started on
his Medicine peddling this morning.
18 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and breezy. I fixed some drainage accounts, then in the after-
noon mowed a few hours on the knoll for Jim. Willie plowed. Jim’s Vern is pretty sick here with
the measels.
19 Bright, Sunny day with a little cool wind. Vern is still sick here with the measels. Willie plowed,
I worked at the milk Sheets.
20 Bright, Sunny and Hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and am now (6 P.M.) going to
Johney’s who I heard got his hand hurt at a Frame Raising yesterday. Willie plowed.
<p. 64>
July 1893
21st Bright morning, the day fine and dry. I helped Sam to put up a Stack of hay, came home at night.
Willie plowed. John had not got his hand hurt, it was another man.
22 Fine morning, cloudy towards noon with a few drops of Rain, the afternoon breezy and dry. I
worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie fin-
ished plowing his summer fallow.
23rd Sabbath. Fine, dry day and pleasant weather. Widdow [=widow] Bowler and a Grand-daughter
stopped here at night.
24 A slight Frost this morning, the day cool, dry and Breezy. I worked at the milk accounts till 4
P.M., when I got as far as I could go till I get the weights tomorrow. Willie is helping Jim at his
hay this afternoon. P[ublic] School Inspector Campbell called in on his way from Durham to
Beeton this eavning. He had made the distance from Durham to here, about 28 miles, in three
hours. He left here at about 7 P.M. and intends going to Beeton (32 miles) this night. I guess he’ll
be pretty tired but he seems a vigorous, tough man, good grit and not easily tired.
25 Cool in the morning and windy, the day windy and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and got the weight of cheese shipped today. Came home and worked at the Books. Willie cut
hay. [in margin] Got pension
456
<p. 65>
July 1893
26th Slightly damp in the morning, and cloudy, the sun got out and the wind arose. The afternoon was
very windy. I worked close all day at the milk accounts. I have them all ready for payment on
next Saturday. Willie was working at the hay. Willie had a lamb killed this eavning by Ned
Mills’ dog. Our pup was in company with him, so the pup will die for being in bad company.
27 Beautiful day, dry, breezy and warm. We put in Willie’s hay (7 loads), good hay and in good or-
der. Clark Raked in the afternoon. Killed the pup for being worthless and keeping Bad company.
[in margin] Willie / Finished / Haying.
28 Dry morning, the day [dry] but cloudy till about Four P.M. when the Rain commenced and from
then till night it was wet. Willie and I helped Jim at his hay. He raked and put in seven loads.
29 Dry day, especially in the afternoon which was sunny and breezy. Willie helped Jim at his hay. I
went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of Cheese factory in the afternoon.
30 Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and family and Miss McLaughlin, Johny & Ina,
& Miss McDowell, Sam and Phebe, Joe and Ida & young Mrs. Mitchel[l] and Clark were here.
31 Fine and dry most of the day, a shower of rain in the morning. Clark left for Michigan this morn-
ing. Forgot his Lunch at the station which his mother had put up with care. [in margin] Clark /
left for Michigan
<p. 66>
August 1893
1st A little wet this morning, the afternoon Breezy and dry. I worked at the weekly milk sheets in the
forenoon and in the afternoon mowed some grass in fence corners. Willie helped S. McDowell at
his hay in the afternoon.
2 Beautiful morning, the day dry and sunny. I mowed some swale grass with the scythe. Willie
hauled in some piecings[?] up in the afternoon.
3 Fine dry morning, the day [dry] and warm. Jim and I went to Sam’s and helped him at his hay. I
stopped there all night.
4 Another fine hay day. Jim and I helped Sam. Jim stopped all night. I came home. Willie hauled
in hay for S. McDowell.
5 Dry in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon slightely wet. Willie and I hauled in a small
load of swale grass hay in the forenoon, in the afternoon he hauled a load of stones for a well, also
some water from the spring. I made out the Yearly estimates for the Township Council on next
Tuesday.
6th Sabbath. Fine day, but cool, the afternoon slightely wet. Mrs. R. went to church.
7 Dry, sunny day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the milk sheets.
Willie hauled stones for the well in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went with Mr. Bell’s party to the Berry
marsh.
<p. 67>
August 1893
8th Fine, dry sunny day, pretty hot in the afternoon. I attended the Council meeting at Cederville.
Willie hauled stones for the well. The crops towards Cederville are good and a little earlier than
around Dundalk. But the fall wheat is pretty badly rusted. I stopped with Mr. Rogers, the Reeve,
all night.
9 Dry and very warm. I left Cederville about 8 A.M., and got to Dundalk 11:30 A.M., stopped a
while there, then came home. Helped to haul some water from the spring, then Balanced the or-
ders which I had paid with the money I took with me. Came out correct. I [had] 70 orders
457
amounting to $747.47. Willie and his mother picked berries in the forenoon and went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
10 Very hot and dry. Willie began digging a well. I worked at the milk books in the forenoon and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
11 Dry and hot in the forenoon, quite a shower of Rain in the afternoon, with some thunder and light-
ening. Willie and I worked at the well.
12 Dry and fine. Willie and I worked at the well in the forenoon and I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. Engaged Elias Grey at $1.50 a day with his windless [=windlass] to help me at the well.
<p. 68>
August 1893
13th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s.
14 Dry and pretty warm. Willie went to Dundalk and got Elias Grey’s windlass to dig the well. We
put it in place in the forenoon and Jim and I dug in the afternoon.
15 Dry and warm. E. Grey came this morning and he and I dug at the well, also an old Sailor pen-
sioner named Dunn came along. I hired him to help, he kept at the windless. Elias and I spelled
each other, time about, in the well. We put it from 9 feet 10 inches to 14 feet. The well is 6 feet in
diameter. The Balance of the family went in the afternoon to a Patron picknick. I picked, they
picknicked—so is life.
16 Dry but cloudy, not much sunshine, Rain at dark. We worked at the well. Dug it in all Fifteen
feet. Commenced stoning about 2 P.M., got about six feet of stone in it. Mr. Dunn left this morn-
ing, would not work because I said he was not worth a dollar per day. Anthony Trugon worked. I
gave him a dollar. [in margin] Big Fire in / Dundalk.
<p. 69>
August 1893
17th Slightely wet this morning, but the day was dry but cloudy. I was at a logging bee at Brother
Sam’s on Lot 32, 6th Conc., Melancthon.
18 Dry and pretty warm. We worked at the well. Anthony Trugon placed the stones, he put in about
ten feet. Willie and I let them down.
19 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. Willie went in the forenoon to Dundalk for
some Lumber for a platform for the well, also took home E. B. Grey’s Bucket and windlass. In the
afternoon he and I finished topping the well. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon.
20th Sabbath. Cool and showery. Joe and Ida called in the eavning.
21 Cool and cloudy, almost like frost at night. I helped at Jim’s sawing. Willie Fixed fence to keep
the cattle out of his grain.
22 Bright, cool morning, the day sunny and hot. We worked at putting up platform and covering in
the well. I also took a turn at the milk sheets after tea. Vern and Arlie were here in the eavning.
23 Fine day, dry and warm. I pulled pease. Willie was Building a Hay & Grain Rack. [in margin]
First / Harvesting
24 Warm day all through, cloudy in the afternoon. I pulled pease and went to Dundalk. Willie also
pulled. E. B. Grey put in a new pump, 16 feet long, at .20¢ per foot, & $4.00 for the head.
<p. 70>
August 1893
25th Fine day, dry and warm. We finished pulling pease. Willie cut grain for Jim in the afternoon. I
worked at the Milk b[oo]ks.
458
26 Fine morning with an exceedingly heavy dew, the grain was not dry enough to cut till near noon.
Willie and I craddled oats around the Trees, stone piles and fences, making ready for the Binder,
then we hauled in two loads of pease at eavning.
27th Sabbath. Dark and a slight rain. [in margin] H?ll / Loose
28 Dark morning, the day generally dark and slightely wet at noon. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon and cut Roads for the Binder in the afternoon. Willie cut at Jim’s in the forenoon and at
home after tea time.
29 Wet, cold morning. I went to a Council Meeting at Hopeville, got there at noon, came home that
night. Got home at 12 midnight. The afternoon was dry and sunny, the night was bright moon-
light and very cold.
30 Dark in the morning, slight mist. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, came home and chored
around. Willie started cutting oats with Jim’s Binder in the afternoon. The Day was clear, cool
and dry. [in margin] First / Oats cut.
31 Heavy mist or dew this morning, the day fine and dry. Willie cut oats with Jim’s Binder. Jim and
I hauled in Willie’s pease in the afternoon. Jim’s boy, Jim, stooked up after the Binder.
<p. 71>
Sept[ember] 1893
1st Misty morning, the day dry to about 6 P.M. when Rain came on. I helped Jim to haul in oats (7
loads). Willie cut at home with the Binder. Jim’s boy stooked after him.
2 Very cold morning, the day chilly, but sunny and breezy. I was on the milk accounts in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon helped Willie to haul in oats (4 Loads). Jim and his boy also helped.
Willie cut with the Binder in the forenoon.
3 Sabbath. Dry and fine. Ida was here in the afternoon and stopped all night. Mrs. Walter Bell also
called in.
4 Fine morning, the day rather cloudy till the afternoon when the sky became clear and sunset gave
indications of dry. We hauled in oats (9 Loads) at Jim’s. Willie cut Jim’s oats in the afternoon, in
the forenoon he hauled in.
5 Fine morning, the day dry and sunny. Willie and I hauled in Eight loads of his oats.
6 Cold morning, quite a frost, the day cool and dry. Willie and I hauled in oats (3 loads) in the fore-
noon. Joe Bowerman and he drew in 2 loads in the afternoon. Jim cut about 3 acres for Willie in
the eavning when he had finished at home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
7 Rain this morning, dried off after a while. Rain then came on at noon, dried off a while in the af-
ternoon. Willie cut with Jim’s Binder in the dry part of the day. Jim craddled Roads, little Jim
stooked. I worked at making up the cheese patrons’ money.
<p. 72>
Sept[ember] 1893
8th Dry and fine, a good deal of sunshine. I worked at the Milk accounts in the Forenoon. Helped Jim
a while in the afternoon, then helped Willie. He was cutting with the Binder all day.
9 Frost this morning, the sun shone out bright, the day was very fine. Willie cut oats till about 2 P.
M. when a bolt broke. Then he went and helped Jim to haul in. I helped Willie in the forenoon
and went in the afternoon to Dundalk and paid the patrons of Ch[eese] Factory.
10th Sabbath. Fine, dry day. Mary, Arlie and Vern were here in the eavning.
11 Dry and fine. Willie cut oats till tea time, I rolled out stones. Then he took some pigs for Jim to
Dundalk. Jim hauled in for him and cut [dittog.: cut] oats in the afternoon.
12 Fine and dry. Willie finished cutting oats at noon. We hauled in from the morning and made a
clean finish of all. Put some of them in just as they were cut. The oats themselves were perfectly
459
dry and hard but there were some thistles’ green. Johney McDowell and H. Davis, Sam and Wil-
lie, Jim and Jim with their teams helped. We got done about 5 P.M. Phebe and Baby were here.
[in margin] Finished cutting grain / Finished Harvesting in / Grain
13 Dry, cool and cloudy with eavery[=every] appearance of Rain soon. I worked all day at the milk
accounts as I had got behind in my work during Harvest. I have them squared up now to date.
<p. 73>
Sept[ember] 1893
14th Dry, cloudy, windy and sultry, with the exception of a very slight shower early in the morning, I
went to Dundalk after writing some letters. Posted them, came home and cleaned out the watering
place for the cattle. Willie hauled home a load of stove wood and plowed in the eavning.
15 Hazy sky, the day sultry, cloudy in the afternoon, heavy Rain at night. I worked all day at posting
Township accounts as I had got far behind, not having done anything to the Books Since Haying
or Harvest. Also having the milk accounts in hand kept me busy. I went to Dundalk at night to
see Mr. Skeffington Bell who is very low. Did not see him, only heard from him.
16 Wet, Showery and windy all through. Just finished entering the Township orders. Moved the
stove into the Kitchen from the Back Kitchen.
17 Sabbath. Cool and cloudy but no rain. Johney and Ina were here in the afternoon.
18 Rain in small quantities most of the forenoon, the afternoon dry and sultry, the sky quite hazy. Jim
threshed, Willie helped him with his colts.
19 Misty morning and a very slight mizzle of rain, the afternoon dry and sultry. Willie helped Jim
finish his threshing in the forenoon. I fixed Brush Fences.
<p. 74>
Sept[ember]1893
20th Dry and warm. I piled wood in the Bush which had been cut in the spring. Willie plowed.
21 Dry morning, the day fine till about 4 P.M. when there came on a slight Rain. I chored around and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie plowed till the rain came on.
22 Wet morning, the afternoon dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon with the milk can to
be mended and in the afternoon helped Jim to raise potatoes. Willie hauled oats for Sam from the
threshing machine to Johney’s Barn.
23 Dry and fine. I attended a Council meeting in Dundalk. Willie plowed.
24th Sabbath. Heavy frost this morning, the day dry. Richard Davison & Family, Jim Russell and Fam-
ily, Madella Russell and Mary Patterson, Joe Bowerman and wife and Miss Bowerman were here.
25 Cold Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon cold and dry. I Raised potatoes in the dry part of the day.
I digged, picked and put in pit 10 Bushels. Willie was helping Johney at his threshing.
26 Pretty cool day, but dry. I digged, picked and put in pit 13 Bushels, not much help to raise them.
Help enough to eat them. Willie went with Jim to the show fair at Durham.
<p. 75>
Sept[ember] 1893
27th Cool and dry. I Raised and picked 13 Bushels potatoes to 4 P.M. William Faucett and wife, John
Agnew and wife were here in the afternoon.
28 Very Cold day, cloudy and sharp. Willie got home from Durham at 2 O’clock this morning. He
says Jim’s horses took Second for carriage team. He plowed out potatoes in the afternoon. I had
raised 4 Bushels in the forenoon. We took up 16 in the afternoon, that is 20 in all.
29 Fine day, dry and warm. I went in the Forenoon to Dundalk and in the afternoon Willie and I took
up 24 Bushels of potatoes.
460
30 Dry, cool and cloudy. I went to W. Armstrong’s threshing for Willie, who has a cold and could
not go.
October [1893]
1st Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and Willie drove to Johney’s.
2 Frost this morning, quite cool day, fine, dry and sunny. Willie and I finished taking up the pota-
toes. We raised and put in the cellar 19 Bushels, this makes 100 Bushels, less one, which growed
on 5/8 of an acre, Besides what we used from the commencement of the season. They are dry and
large and well flavoured. Willie with his team and plow went to help Johney for a few days. [in
margin] Finished Raising / Potatoes
<p. 76>
Sept 1893 October [1893]
3rd Fine day, dry and warm. I helped Jim in the afternoon with his Road Job.
4 Raining in the morning and had been a very wet night, the afternoon dry and sunny. I posted
Township orders in the forenoon and Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
5 Fine day, hot and sunny like Indian Summer. I worked at the milk accounts and Township orders
in the forenoon and went to Johney’s in the afternoon.
6 Slightely damp early in the morning, a good deal of Rain in the afternoon. I worked at the Books
in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie is working at Johney’s.
7 Wet Forenoon, dry in the afternoon. I helped Jim at his Road Job in the forenoon and worked at
the milk Books after. Willie is at Johney’s.
8th Sabbath. Fine, dry day. Johney, Ina, Willie, Newt. Oliver and Ida were here.
9th Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I with Jim and Mary went to the funeral of E. Mills’ Baby in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon helped Jim finish his R[oad] Job.
10 Very fine day, sunny, bright and warm. I cut some logs in the bush for Firewood. Willie is at
Johney’s.
<p. 77>
October 1893
11th Fine day, dry and warm, hazy atmosphere, just like Indian Summer. I cut logs in the Bush in the
forenoon and in the afternoon went to S. McDowell’s threshing. Willie is at Johney’s.
12 Fine day, hot and sunny. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie is at Johney’s.
13 Dry, cool and cloudy through the day, wet at night. We attended the Dundalk show fair. There
was an immense crowd of people, but a poor show of animals, Roots, grain or vegetables. Mrs. R.
stopped in Ida’s all night as the night was both dark and wet. Johney and Ina came out in their
Buggy and when stopped on the Road at Mr. McDowell’s, waiting for me and Willie and Newt
Oliver to catch up, was run into by T. McMannaman in his buggy and the wheel of Johney’s bug-
gy smashed on account of the darkness of the night. [in margin] Cheese Factory closed
14 Wet Day from morning till night. J. Neithercut drove Mrs. R. home this morning. At night the
Rain turned to snow and came down pretty fast. [in margin] First Snow
15th Sabbath. Dreary, snowey day from morning till night. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s. Willie came home
from Johney’s.
16 The Ground covered with snow about two inches deep, but the sun got out and nearly all the snow
had gone before dark. I put up the pigs to fat in the forenoon and in the afternoon cut Sawing ma-
chine logs in the Bush. [in margin] Hogs put up / to fat
<p. 78>
October 1893
461
18th17th Fine morning, the day fine all through, sunny and warm, just like Indian Summer. Mrs.
R. and I filled up a load of potatoes (25 Bags) in the forenoon. Willie and I took them to Dundalk
in the afternoon when he came from J. Arnold’s threshing. I sold them for 40¢ per Bag. Bought
600 pounds of Shorts* at 80¢ per hundred. [*type, or size, of grain; not top quality]
18 Fine day, sunny and dry. Willie and I picked over the pit of potatoes, placed them in another and
put a heavier cover on them.
19 Beautiful day, Sunny and bright. Willie and I with the team and scraper moved the stuff that come
out of the well and filled up the hollow on the Road side with it.
20 Very fine day, Bright and sunny. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk
in the afternoon. Mrs. A. Lonsway and Ida were here. Willie hauled out manure.
21 Bright, sunny day, Sky hazy, the air balmy, just like Indian Summer. Willie and I were hauling
out manure.
22nd Sabbath. Bright and Sunny. Jim and family, Joe and Ida were here.
23 Fine day but cloudy like rain towards evening. Willie met with what might have been a fatal acci-
dent. He was at Johney’s and he and Newt. Oliver went out shooting. Willie’s gun went off just
as he had rammed the charge home while the butt of the gun was resting on the ground
<p. 79>
October 1893
and the muzzle pointing upwards in a line with his body. The charge caught in his Braces, took
part of it off, cut a button off his pants, tore and Burnt his shirts into holes, passed along his left
side, tearing up the skin and made quite a hole where it first caught him. The wound is at its wid-
est place about three inches accross [=across] and about seven inches long. One grain of shot
struck his left arm near the wrist, sloped along it and made a scar of three fourths of an inch. Dr.
Mitchell dressed the wound, probed for shot, but did not find any. It was a very narrow escape for
Willie’s life.
24 Dry day, mostly, but a slight mizzle of rain in the eavning. Willie is doing very well, his mother is
stopping with him. I went to Dundalk, done some Cheese Business, then went to See Willie, then
came home. Willie was sitting up in a chair when I seen him at about 5:30 P.M.
25 Dry but quite cool. Willie’s wound is improving though sore enough yet. I was at Brother Sam’s
threshing.
26 Quite a frost this morning. Rain of a very cold kind came on about 11 A.M. and the afternoon was
unpleasantly wet. I went to Dundlak and bought some beef for the threshing.
27 Rather dark and misty, slightely wet sometimes. Willie got his threshing done by J. Brinkman &
H. Lonsway. He has about 800 Bushels of oats and 40 of pease, about 23 Bushels of oats to the
acre and 15 of pease. [in margin] Threshed
<p. 80>
October 1893
28th Dark and cool, a slight mizzle of rain fell. I am laid up sick on account of the dust at the threshing.
Mrs. R. took the team and went to see Willie, came back and we both went and stopped all night at
Johney’s.
29th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling too. Brought Willie home
this forenoon, the Dr. came and dressed his wound. Says it is healing all right. S. Jackson, Jim
Patterson, Sam & Phoebe, Jim and family, Joe Bowerman and Ida, Johney & Ina were here to see
Willie.
30 Wintry day, the ground covered with snow and more falling, dark and gloomy most of the day. I
worked at the milk accounts. Willie’s wound is mending.
462
31 Snow on the ground but it disappeared mostly before night. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie
cut bands* at Jim’s while they were cutting feed. Johney and Ina & Newt. Oliver stopped here all
night. [*cut bands on the oat sheaves, before feeding the loose oats into the cutting box]
November [1893]
1st Mild day, people are plowing. I took up some roots in the garden, 2 pails parsnips, 12 pails car-
rots, about 6 Bushels swede turnips and a quantity of Cabbage. Willie went this morning with
Johney home. Jim went to Toronto to consult some first class physician regarding Willie. Mrs. R.
killed her geese, 86 lbs. & turkeys, 116 pounds. [in margin] Jim went to Toronto / Mrs. R. killed /
her Fowl
<p. 81>
Nov[ember] October 1893
2nd Mild day, some sunshine, pleasant. Mrs. R. took her Fowl to Dundalk, sold the geese for 5¢ per
lb., & turkeys for 8¢ p. lb. Bought a mattress for Willie to Sleep on at $4.00, took it to Johney’s,
where he is. He is improving some.
3 Mild day, air soft and Balmy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of the
Cheese factory the amount of their money.
4 Sharp frost this morning, the day fine. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville and stopped there
all night.
5 Sabbath. Frost in the morning, the roads rough, the day fine. I got home from Hopeville.
6 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I hauled some stove wood from the Bush, also
brought some Bedding From the Barn for the Horses.
7 Beautiful Day, sunny and mild. I worked at entering Township orders and Cheese accounts.
8 Fine day all through. Jim and Joe Brown Butchered two pigs for me. They would weigh about
230 pounds each. [in margin] Butchered / pigs
9 Dark, misty morning, the day dry but dark. I went to Dundalk and consulted Dr. McWilliams for
my health. He gave me a bottle as a tonic and a Box of pills. He said I was sick enough to be in
Bed in place of walking around.
<p. 82>
November 1893
10th Dark morning, the day dark and gloomy like. I am keeping close in the house. Mrs. R. went with
the team to Johney’s to See Willie.
11 Beautiful day from morning till night. Bright and sunny, the air mild and Balmy. Ida was here in
the afternoon. I fixed the pig pen to keep out the cold.
12th Sabbath. Fine day though dark and misty. Mr. Abraham Jackson of Melancthon died this night.
He was about 60 years of age and had lived in Melancthon for about 35 years, I think. He was a
quiet innofensive [=inoffensive] man and minded his own Business, did not meddle with others.
He died of inflamation of the Lungs after about two weeks’ sickness. [in margin] A. Jackson /
Died
13 Fine day, but not much sunshine. I only chored around and Balanced the Milk patrons accounts so
that the Books are now ready for the auditors. Johney and Willie called here this eavning.
14 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling. The sun shone out for a little
while and melted some of it. The day had rather a wintry cast. Mrs. R. & Jim went to Mr. Jack-
son’s Funeral. I would have went but I was afraid of a renewal of the cold as I have been laid up
about three weeks with a cold. It seems to cling to me very strongly. [in margin] A. Jackson /
Buried
<p. 83>
463
November 1893
15th Quite a snow storm, mostly all day, pretty rough in the afternoon, snowing and Blowing. G.
McConnell, Collector, stopped here all night.
16 Wintry day, the ground covered with snow and some more falling. The snow is about six inches
deep on a level. G. McConnell left here this morning. T. Oliver came down from Jim’s and fed
the cattle at the Barn for me.
17 Fine mild day, sunny and balmy, the snow [MS sun] is fast disappearing. I am trying the efficacy
of hot cloths to my Breast today to remove the tightness.
18 Rather sharp morning, the day pretty cold, the roads very slippery, the sky overcast and some
slight flurries of snow. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk.
19th Sabbath. Very wintry like day. Snowing a good deal of the time. Ida was here.
20 Quite wintry like, there is about seven inches of snow and the appearance of more snow. I tried
choring around but I am so weak that it is pretty hard. Jim piled away his Binder in the Barn on
the Arnold Lot. T. Oliver and I helped.
21 Mild, but a little snow fell now and then. Jim cut oat sheaves for Willie with his cutting Box.
John Agnew & his daughter Annie, Ida, Jim’s wife & family, Johny, Newt. Oliver, Clem Bell,
Tom Oliver & W. Russell were here.
<p. 84>
Nov[ember] 1893
22nd Blowing and snowing mostly all day, but the snow is soft, almost indicating a thaw. Mrs. R. and I
put the Waggon and Buggy in the Barn on the Arnold Lot. Johney & Willie came here in the
eavning and took away Jim’s cutting Box to cut with it.
23 Blowing and snowing all day mostly, not a sharp freeze, the snow piling up in great drifts. Mrs. R.
and I went to Dundalk. Notified T. Arnold that Willie resigned tenancy. [in margin] Notified / T.
Arnold
24 Blowing and snowing, also pretty sharp Frost. I Chored around, but am pretty weak.
25 Snowing and Blowing mostly all day. The snow is now pretty deep. Willie and Johney came here
with the team and hauled me out of the Bush about 5 ½ Cords of short wood. Ina came with them.
G. McConnell was here.
26th Sabbath. Mild day but dark and lowering. Mr. S. Rogers, Reeve, and his Lady came here in the
eavning and stopped all night.
27 Slightely wet this morning, the day inclined to thaw. Mr. Rogers handed me over $1100.00 de-
benture money, under Township By Law No. 32, Proton. I put it in the Bank in the afternoon.
Mr. Rogers left this forenoon for Owen Sound. His Missis went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. went in the
eavning to Sam’s. [in margin] Slight / thaw
<p. 85>
November 1893
28th Snowing and Blowing from morning till night. I worked at the Twp. Books.
29 Snowing all day but not blowing or drifting, the snow is very deep for this time of the year but is
quite soft. Mrs. R. was at Dundalk.
30 Snowing and blowing from morning till night, a very stormy day. H. Gallagher left his Proton
taxes here.
December [1893]
1 Blowing and snowing mostly all day. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the team in the after-
noon. She then drove out to Johney’s and returned for me about 5 P.M. I had an appointment
with the Collector. [in margin] Widow Mulholland / an old resident of 35 years / Died
464
2 Dark day, a little snow fell now and then. I was entering Township orders. Joe took Willie’s team
and hauled a load of wood from Jim’s home.
3rd Sabbath. Blowing and snowing, a very rough stormy day. Mrs. R and Jim went to the Widow Mul-
holland’s Funeral.
4 Bright, sunny day from morning till night. I chored around. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s along with
Phoebe.
5 Blowing and drifting, the day dark and almost like a thaw. I was making out Financial statement
for Council on the 15th of this month.
<p. 86>
Dec[ember] 1893
6th Blowing and snowing, a very stormy day. Mrs. R. with the team went to Dundalk. John McGrath,
auditor of Milk accounts, was here auditing books.
7 Dark day and pretty cold. Mrs. R. went to Widow Jackson’s. I finished Financial statement for
Township.
8 Dark day mostly, pretty cold in the Forenoon but milder in the afternoon. I attended an annual
meeting of the Dundalk Cheese Factory held in Dundalk and was re-elected Sect. Tr. at $50.00
Salary.
9 Soft day, the snow inclined to thaw, still, no actual thaw, sometimes a snowfall through the day.
Mrs. R. and I hauled a load of Bedding From the Barn. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk at night. I am
therefore alone tonight.
10th Sabbath. Very stormy day, Blowing and Snowing.
11 Sharp frost this morning, the day pretty cold, Some showers of snow through the day. [in margin]
Very stormy
12 Cold day, but calm. Last night was a terrific Blow, piling the snow very high.
13 Sharp, cold day, appearantly [=apparently] the hard Freeze has sett in. The snow is very deep.
14 Pretty Rough, stormy day, snowing and drifting. I went to Dundalk and mailed Bal. of Co. Rates,
$531.13, to Co. Treasurer, also drew $2000.00 out of Bank for tomorrow.
<p. 87>
December 1893
15th Snowing in the forenoon and Raining in the afternoon. I attended a Council Meeting at Hopeville,
stopped all night. [in margin] Thaw
16 Cloudy in the forenoon, heavy wind and snow storm in the afternoon. Left Hopeville this morn-
ing, got to Dundalk at 11 A.M, done some Business then, and came home.
17th Sabbath. Rough in the forenoon, Calmer in the afternoon. Willie and Ida came here, Joe came
with the cutter for them at night. Susan Dav[id]s[on] here.
18 Pretty cold day, snowing and blowing. I finished the entries in the Township Financial Statement,
worked hard at it all day and took it to the printer’s at night.
19 Pretty stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Johney came here at night.
20 Pretty cold day, I think the hardest Frost for so far. Mrs. R. went with the team to Dundalk. Great
Blizzard of snow storm this night.
21 Softening of the snow, the Roads are very heavy. I went to Dundalk, never was so tired in going
the same distance.
22 Soft morning, a thaw came on at noon, the afternoon a little wet. Rain at night. [in margin] Thaw
<p. 88>
December 1893
465
23rd Still thawing this morning, the sun came out strong in the afternoon, the first sunshine we have had
for a long time. H. Hanbury & wife here at night. [in margin] Rain
24th Sabbath. Raining mostly all day, but not very heavy. Joe, Ida & Willie stop[p]ed at night. [in
margin] Rain
25 Wet day, heavy showers in the afternoon, turned to snow at night. Cold, Blowing and snowing
about 10 P.M. Jim & family & Susan Dav[id]s[on], Johney, Ina and Newt. Oliver, Joe, Ida & Wil-
lie spent their Christmas with us. [in margin] Rain
26 Snowing a little and blowing a good deal. The thaw is over, the Roads are very bad. The snow
has gone from the middle of the fields but there is plenty at the sides and on the Roads.
27 Snowing and Blowing mostly all day.
28 Soft in the forenoon, like a thaw. Snowing in the afternoon and at night. Mrs. R. and I attended
John Maxwell’s party.
29 A little snow fell in the forenoon, the afternoon clear and cold. We cut some oat sheaves in the
forenoon, Jim, John Arnold, Willie, Tom Oliver and I. Phoebe was here in the eavning. [in mar-
gin] Cut / Feed
30 Very sharp morning, the coldest that has come this winter. The day clear and cold till about 2
P.M., when the sky got overcast and snow began to fall. I went to Dundalk. Brother Sam was
here at night. Willie helped J. Arnold to cut feed.
<p. 89>
December 1893
31st Sabbath. Fine morning, clear and without snow, the afternoon showers of snow. Mrs. R. and I
went to Brother Sam’s. Johney drove us home in his sleigh.
January 1894
1st Pretty sharp morning, the afternoon milder and some sunshine. I went to the voting at John Al-
len’s.
The new Year has come in and the old one gone out, not without some trouble for us. Poor Wil-
lie has been badly shaken up and his mind is rather unbalanced. Hope that his recovery may be
soon.
2 Soft morning, the day mild, with a thaw wind, the snow softening. Mrs. R. and I with the team
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
3 Fine day, soft and mild with quite a Rainfall at night. Mrs. Walter Bell was here. Robt. Marshall,
a very old Resident of Proton, 83 years of age, died today. [in margin] R. Marshall / Died / Rain
4 Raining this morning but cleared off about 9 A.M., the afterpart of the day fine. Willie who had
come home from Dundalk went to John Irwin’s threshing.
5 Snowing mostly all day, quite a heavy fall which will help the Roads.
6 Dark morning, the day overcast and a good deal of snow fell. It will help the Roads very much as
they had got bad during the thaw.
<p. 90>
January 1894
7th Sabbath. Pretty Rough day, blowing and Snowing. Ida, Willie & T. Oliver were here.
8 Sharp Frost, Blowing and snowing alternately all day. Mrs. R. is on the go between here and
Jim’s, Rabbit hunting.
9 Fine day mostly, especially in the afternoon. Jim’s wife gave him a Baby Boy* early this morn-
ing. Dr. Mirchell was in attendance. [in margin] Jim’s Baby / his third one / Born [*Delbert]
10 Misty day all through, damp [indecipherable? wind?? air?], sleighing very good. Looks almost
like a thaw.
466
11 Snowing and blowing in the forenoon, the tracks getting filled up, sleighing very heavy. The wind
very strong in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk.
12 Sharp morning, very strong Blow mostly all day. The roads consequently are very heavy.
13 Dark overcast day, not cold, almost like a thaw. Mrs. R. and I hauled over some bedding in the
afternoon, one little load only.
14th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Johney and Ina, Willie, Joe and Ida were here.
15 Raining this morning and slightely wet through the day. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville
and stopped all night.
16 Dark day, inclined to turn cold. The sleighing is gone in a good many places. Left Hopeville this
morning, got home about 1 P.M.
<p. 91>
January 1894
17th Pretty mild day with a very strong wind. Willie and I cleaned grain. This is my 58th Birthday.
[in margin] Birth / Day
18 Rain and strong wind. I wrote 11 letters containing money on Township Business, also 8 on my
own business. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted them. [in margin] Rain
19 Mild day but pretty strong wind, a good deal of sunshine. We cleaned oats.
20 Dark, overcast day and somewhat cold. We cleaned oats.
21st Sabbath. Pretty cold and cloudy. Joe, Ida & J. McLeod were here, also Sam and Phoebe were here
at night.
22 Pretty cold day. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and Willie and I cleaned oats in
the afternoon.
23 Mild day all through. Willie and I finished cleaning oats in the forenoon. We went to Dundalk in
the afternoon. He got his horses shod.
24 Snow falling thick and fast in the forenoon, very heavy fall and quite soft. It cleared off about 3
P.M. Willie and I Bagged up 30 Bags of oats in the forenoon and he took them to Dundalk in the
afternoon. They are white and he gets .30¢ per Bushel. There were 70 20/34 Bushels. This night
is stormy. [in margin] Stormy
<p. 92>
January 1894
25th Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, very good sleighing from the fall of snow yesterday. Willie
went to Jim’s wood bee. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
26 Dark sky mostly all day, with a sharp Frost. Willie hauled two loads (69 B[ushels] 19/34 & 71
B[ushels] 15/34) to Dundalk. — McLeod came home with him at night, then they went to Dun-
dalk.
27 Pretty cold day, a little snow fell now and then. Willie hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk (70
15/34 B[ushels] & 70 19/34 B[ushels]). I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
28th Sabbath. Pretty sharp frost, cold and without sunshine, a pretty dull day.
29 Fine day generally, some snow in the afternoon. Willie hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk, 72
12/34 & 73 13/34 Bushels. After he came home he and Steve Conners drove to Johney’s.
30 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold with a fall of snow in the afternoon. Jim Lonsway came home
with Willie about noon and stopped here all night.
31 Fine morning, most of the day bright and sunny, good sleighing. Willie hauled two loads of oats
to Dundalk (73 13/34 & 71 16/34) Bushels. James Lonsway helped us Fill up the loads and left in
the afternoon.
[changes to red ink]
467
February [1894]
1st Fine morning, the afternoon stormy, wind and snow. Willie got home in the afternoon. I and Mrs.
R. went to Dundalk. T. Arnold came here at night, also A. Gillespie, Township auditor.
[back to black ink]
<p. 93>
Feb[ruary] 1894
2nd Pretty cold morning, the Roads filling up with snow, Blowing and freezing. John A. Cooper came
here and he and Mr. Gillespie audited the Books of the Township and found them correct. Willie
and I took out 29 24/30 Bushles of his oats. This has made 671 Bushels, some sold at .30½¢,
some at .30 and the last load today at .31 cents p. B. The money he got was $204.45. [in margin]
Auditors here
3 Fine and mild. Willie and I went to Brother John’s in Adjala Township. The sleighing was heavy
till we got about 6 miles then it was good, some bare ground near Johney’s. We got to Shelburne
at 11 A.M., fed them and left at 12.30, got to John’s at 3.30 P.M. The distance is about 30 miles.
Johney is suffering from Rheumatism.
4th Sabbath. Bright and sunny most of the day, but very cold.
5 Cold day all through. John’s son Jim drove me up about 7 miles. I then walked to Shelburne, took
the train and came home. Willie is stopping for a few days.
6 Fine sunny day, but pretty sharp. I am choring around, straightening things up.
7 Fine day, Bright and sunny. I worked at the Township Books posting orders. John Ferris of
Melancthon came here in the afternoon and bought a Cow, carrying her 2nd Calve, for $26.00 to
be paid in January 1895.
<p. 94>
February 1894
8th Fine day all through, almost like a day in April, very strong sun, the water running on the streets in
Town. I chored around and went to Dundalk.
9 Very stormy in the forenoon, Blowing and Snowing. The storm abated somewhat in the after-
noon, the wind not so strong and less snow falling. John Ferris and his son came in the afternoon,
gave me his note for $26.00 payable in Eleven months for the cow which he had bought and took
her away. A little thunder and lightening with some Rain at night. [in margin] Thunder, Lighten-
ing / and Rain at night
10 Very stormy, Snowing and blowing fiercely From morning till night, no hold up. Willie got home
this eavning from Brother John’s. He and I had went down on this day week. John’s daughter
Nancy came up with him. [in margin] Wind and storm / of Snow
11th Sabbath. Rather cold, especially in the afternoon. Joe and Ida stopped all night. [in margin] Mrs.
William Bowler / aged about 75 / Died
12 Very cold morning, strong wind and keen Freeze. The cold got more intense as the day advanced,
the afternoon was bitterly cold, Sharp Frost and high wind. Willie and Nancy drove to Dundalk
and had to stop all night. [in margin] Very Cold
13 Sharp frost this morning, the day pretty cold, Roads badly drifted. Willie could only get with the
horse as far as Walter Bell’s, had to wait till night when the Roads got tracked some.
<p. 95>
February 1894
14th Very sharp morning, the day cold from morning till night, dark with a little snow falling now and
then. I fixed up some Township business.
468
15 Cold morning, the day cold with a snowfall in the afternoon. Willie was hauling hay to Dundalk
for Jim.
16 Bitterly cold morning, the day very cold all through, keen burning frost. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. [in margin] very cold
17 Cold and quite Blustry, especially in the afternoon, the Roads drifted up badly.
18th Sabbath. Cold, the Roads badly Drifted. Sam and Phoebe were here at night.
19 Sharp Frost all day. I attended a meeting of the Township Council held in Dundalk. Mr. Skeffing-
ton Bell gave each member of the Council and each official a Free ticket to the Entertainment in
the Victoria Hall at night by Sara Lord Bailie.* I failed to appreciate anything entertaining about
her. D. Reid drove me home. [*From the Waterloo Advertiser, Nov. 16, 1894, in column “Locals
and Other Items”: “Miss Sara Lord Bailey, styled the queen of elocution, is a remarkably hand-
some and scintillating young woman and her stage presence usually captivates the male portion of
her audience before she has uttered a word.” Born in 1856 in England, Miss Lord grew up in the
Boston area, graduating from the Boston School of Oratory. She married Elbridge Bailey, and
lived variously in Kansas and Massachusetts, and gave elocution lessons and toured giving dra-
matic readings. See https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Woman_of_the_Century/Sarah_Lord_Bailey.]
20 Cold all day, the Roads very heavy. Hannah Mariah Lonsway was here a while today. She and
Mrs. R. went with H. Lonsway to Johney’s. [in margin] cold
21 Very cold day from morning till night, exceedingly sharp frost, the day dark without sunshine. [in
margin] cold
22 Very cold day, a little snow falling occassional[l]y. I helped Jim clean up a load of oats in the
afternoon. [in margin] cold
<p. 96>
February 1894
23rd Piercing cold day, incessant Freeze from morning till night, one of the coldest days of the season.
I helped Jim clean up a load of oats in the forenoon, then went with him to Dundalk. Willie and
Stephen Conners were cutting me stove wood. [in margin] Very Cold
24 Extremely cold morning, the day cold all through. I and Mr. John Arnold went to Dundalk in the
afternoon to see about the Executorship of the late Widow Bowler’s Will. Brother John’s son
John came here this afternoon. [in margin] Very cold
25th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day cold all through, Bright Sunshine in the afternoon. Visitors at the
Russell house today: Miss Nancy Russell, Miss Susie Davis [=Davidson], Miss Abe Bowermn,
Mr. James Patterson, John Russell Jnr, John Russell Snr and wife, Ina, Mr. Robt. Oliver & Mr.
Steve Conner.
26 Bright sunny day, very pleasant compared with the preceeding days. Willie hauled part of a load
of stove wood which he had left off his load on last Saturday. Then he and I hauled two small
loads of hay home from the Arnold Barn.
27 Quite cold in the morning, but became warmer through the day, the sky overcast and very like a
thaw. Willie with his team went to J. Bowerman’s wood Bee. I worked at entering the Defaulters’
names in the Defaulters Book.
28 Fine day, mild, the snow softening. Sold a 7 months old pig for $11.00. Willie hauled it to Dun-
dalk. Mrs. R. and I went to a pie social at Mr. S. Bell’s at night.
<p. 97>
March 1894
1st Quite soft, a thaw wind, the snow melting. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and Expressed Five
hundred & Eighty Five dollars to Messrs Osler and Hammond, 18 King St. West, Toronto.
469
2 Soft day, thawing a little, cloudy mostly. I sold 9 sheep to Brother John for $27.00, 4 Good ewes,
3 ewe lambs, 1 Ram lamb and 1 two year old ram. His son Johny took them to his place in a
sleigh. Willie and I butchered a 7 months old pig in the forenoon. It dressed 220 pounds. Willie
went for a load of firewood in the afternoon.
3 Bright sunny day from morning till night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie hauled two
loads of firewood home. [in margin] Thaw
4th Sabbath. Fine mild day, almost like April, the snow melting fast. Mrs. R. and I drove to Johney’s.
[in margin] Thaw
5 Bright sunny day from morning till night, a complete thaw. I salted down a pig, piled some wood
in the shed, and copied off the Defaulters’ for County Treasurer. [in margin] Thaw
6 Dark morning, Rain commenced falling early in the day, a regular downpour in the afternoon.
Walter Bell came here to see if I would act as arbitrator between the part of the Township Proton
in Union S. S. No 1 and the village of Dundalk. Abb[i]e Bowerman came here to make a dress for
Mrs. R. Willie is out at Johney’s. [in margin] Big Thaw / one of Jim Trugon’s / Daughters died
7 Hard frost in the morning, the sun shone out and the ground softened, the day mild. I cleaned off
the Barn floor and a pretty hard job it was as the sheep [have] been penned on it all winter.
<p. 98>
March 1894
8th Fine day all through, quite springlike, the sun bright and the air balmy. The fields are pretty much
bare of snow, the Roads also are stripped of snow in some places. Mrs. R. and I went to the Fu-
neral of James Trugon’s Daughter, aged about 30, I think. She was buried in Inistioge Burying
ground.
9 Fine morning, the day fine, quite springlike. I went to Dundalk and sent a Draft of $261.56 to
Bank [of] Toronto, Toronto, to Retire the 9th School Debenture of S.S. No. 1 Proton. Mrs. Annie
Faucett was here this eavning.
10 Fine day all through, quite springlike. I was Regulating the account Between the Rural and Vil-
lage of Union S. S. No. 1 Proton. D. Stuart* of Shrigley was assisting. [*David Stewart, hired as
a teacher for the new school building at Shrigley, built in 1875, taught at Shrigley for 21 years; see
also entry for 23 April 1895, announcing his sudden death. See historical pamphlet, History
Committee, marking the closing of Shrigley School, S.S. No. 8 Melancthon, 1 July 1967, for de-
tails on his teaching. He was also a frequent contributor to the Shelburne Free Press and the Dun-
dalk Herald; see Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 137.]
11 Sabbath. Frost this morning, but the day fine, but very windy. Visitors at the Russell House: John
Russell and Wife, Miss Bowerman, Mr. Bowerman, Miss [dittog.: Miss] Nancy Russell, Miss
Susie Davidson and Mr. J. Patterson.
12 Frost this morning, but the day was fine, the fields pretty much all bare. I split some wood and
ground the axe. [in margin] Saw / First / Robin
13 Dark morning and snow falling. Snow fell mostly all day, sometimes very heavy, quite large soft
flakes, the air not cold. Still, it has quite a wintry appearance after so much fine weather.
<p. 99>
March 1894
14th The ground covered with snow and the sleighs running. Pretty chilly most of the day. Miss Mary
Patterson was here in the afternoon.
15 Very stormy day, snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Willie is out at Johney’s getting some stove
wood. I wrote out a Lease in Duplicate this eavning between Thos. Arnold and James Russell.
470
16 Bright sunny day, the snow thawing fast. But there are a good many sleighs on the Road. I think
tomorrow will finish the sleighing for this brush of snow.
17 Patrick’s day in the morning. Dark and without sunshine, a slight sprinkling of sleet in the after-
noon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Thunder at night. [in margin] Thunder
18th Sabbath. Very mild day, the air soft and Balmy as in the end of April. Mrs. R. and I went to
Brother Sam’s.
19 Quite springlike all day, the snow is nearly all gone again, nothing running on the Roads but
wheels. I think plowing will soon start.
20 Chilly most of the day, yet snow melted quite a bit, the afternoon quite lowering and rain began to
fall about night. I went to Dundalk. Willie brought home a load of wood from Johney’s, then
took back the wagon and brought home the Democrat.
21 Springlike all day. W. Brinkman brought his moving to T. Arnold’s Barn last night, though Jim
had the place rented before he came, but he did not know.
<p. 100>
March 1894
22nd Dark, gloomy day with quite a fall of sleety Rain from about 10 A.M. Everything outside is iced
over. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, attended the Proton meeting in Victoria Hall for a while.
Heard the speakers. Am not very favourably [MS favourable] impressed with Mr. [Mc stricken]
Curry, think he is too frothy and anything but sincere. Mr. Dynes, the Patron Candidate* for Duf-
ferin, is more to my liking. [*Patrons of Industry, a conservative political party supporting farm-
ers]
23 Cold wintery day, Snowing and Blowing. The sun shone out a while in the afternoon and dis-
placed a good deal of the snow.
24 Dark day, cold and the ground hard with frost in the morning, in the afternoon very stormy, Snow-
ing and blowing. The Township Assessor, Mr. C. Johnson, was here, raised the Assessment on
Lot 215 & 216 with this now[?] to $1100.00, being $50.00 more than heretofore. [in margin] Very
Stormy / Assessor here
25th Sabbath. Cold wintry like day. Willie took the Buggy and drove Miss Susie Davidson to Johney’s.
Jim Patterson also drove Miss N. Russell out there. [in margin] Esther
26 Very cold and wintry, some sleighs and some wagons on the road. The Roads very Rough. Willie
brought me a load of stove wood from Jim’s. Brother Sam was here in the afternoon. Jim’s wife
Mary was here in the afternoon.
27 Very wintry day, extreme cold. I went with Sam in the afternoon to Dundalk and witnessed some
drawings which he was going to Send to the patent office at Ottawa. They are called the Russell
Pendulum Motion.
<p. 101>
March 1894
28th Quite stormy morning, the snow falling thick and heavy, but the day was rather milder than yes-
terday. I worked at writing out some papers, Letters, etc.
29 Pretty chilly day although the sun shone bright and clear. The snow melted some in the middle of
the day. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. and Nancy went to Sam’s.
30 A little softer, quite mild in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and Nancy
went to Dundalk in the eavning, stopped all night.
31 Quite a thaw wind all day, the Sun also strong. The snow has almost all disappeared. Springlike
Breezes blowing, the atmosphere hazy and soft.
April [1894]
471
1st Sabbath. Cold day, the Roads bad. Sam and Phoebe were here in the afternoon.
2 Very hard frost this morning, the air sharp, Bright Sunshine through the day. Joseph Neithercut,
Senior, was here, just merely called in while passing to See us.
3 Very hard frost this morning, cold all through the day, the roads very rough and hard, a strong
wind mostly all day.
4 Mild day, thawing, the ground softening. Rain in the afternoon. I fixed up a statement for the
Bureau of Industries. Edgar Duncan took away his cattle.
<p. 102>
April 1894
5th Frost this morning but the sun got out and the day was pretty fine. Jim commenced plowing on
the Arnold farm. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] First plowing
6 Cold day, very hard frost, no plowing today. I chored around.
7 Pretty hard frost this morning and a chilly cold air all day. I entered Township orders in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk to a Cheese patron meeting, the object of the meeting
being to buy the Factory from Mr. Cornett and to form it into a joint Stock company factory. He
offered the Factory and plant for $800.00 as it stood, or for $1000.00 and put in the necessary re-
pairs. Mr. Johnson of Laurel was present and addressed the meeting, sharing the workings of the
Laurel Factory as a joint Stock affair. None of the patrons would become stock holders, so it re-
mains the way it formerly ran.
8th Sabbath. Very cold day from morning till night. I went to Johney’s, stopped all night. Mr. Kenneth
McAulay, a Resident of Melancthon for about 46 years, age 82, died this afternoon on Lot which
he had lived on for the past 46 years. He was a good neighbour and a quiet innofensive
[=inoffensive] man. [in margin] Kenneth McAulay / Died
9 Fine day, bright sunshine, the air a little sharp in the afternoon. I was at Brother Sam’s sawing
bee. He got about 25 Cords short wood cut.
10 Very cold day, high wind a-raging, wind and snow storm in the afternoon. John with his Demo-
crat waggon drove H. Jackson, H. Lonsway, himself and me to Mr. McAulay’s Funeral at Melanc-
thon burying ground. [in margin] Heavy Winds
<p. 103>
April 1894
11th Very wintry like morning, the ground covered with snow, and in the fence corners it is about three
feet deep on account of the big blow last night. But the sun got out and the most of it vanished.
12 Fine day, Bright and sunny. The snow almost all melted. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Heard
Frogs / 1st this season
13 Bright and sunny all day, the first real spring day of the season, very warm. I split some wood in
the wood shed. Ida was here. The plowing has fairly commenced. Mr. Riley brought me two
spring pigs which I had bought from him for $2.00 each. They were about five weeks old, pretty
healthy little pigs.
14 Cloudy in the forenoon, bright and sunny in the afternoon, a nice pleaseant day. I plowed for Jim
while he went to Dundalk and done some business. The ground was dry and fine. [in margin]
sowed / Cabbage / Seed
15th Sabbath. Very fine day, sunny and warm.
16 Cloudy and warm with a slight shower of Rain about 6:30 P.M. I plowed about an hour for Jim in
the forenoon and split some wood at home in the afternoon.
17 Fine morning, the day fine all through, sunny and bright. The ground is in excellent order for
plowing. I split some wood at the house. [in margin] Mrs. G. Hutchinson’s / Funeral
472
18 Cloudy mostly all day, a little sunshine now and then, the day warm. I cut timber in the Bush for
the sawing machine. Jim sowed his first grain (oats). His Black team Ran away from him. A tree
fell in the Bush near where they were. Jim was a short distance off. The[y] went 40 Rods with the
seeder, done no harm. [in margin] Jim’s first / sowing / this season
<p. 104>
April 1894
19th Cloudy and sultry. Clouds banked up at night, an appearance of a thunder storm. I cut down some
trees in the bush in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in red ink] Big Blow in
the morning. [in margin] W. Hutchinson, a Resident / of Artemesia, dropped / dead off his horse /
yesterday in Dundalk
20 Cloudy and sultry in the forenoon. Rain in the afternoon, moderately, for about two hours. I cut
down some trees in the Bush in the forenoon.
21 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon a good deal of Rain. I cut some trees down in the
Bush for firewood.
22nd Sabbath. Dark and without sunshine although dry. Joe and Ida were here.
23 Slight mizzle of rain in the morning, the day misty and threatening rain, still, scarcely any fell. I
cut some logs in the Bush for the sawing machine. I think I have about 70 in number but a good
many of them are small. I guess I’ll saw what I have cut. I seen some violets in bloom in the open
air. [in margin] Seen flowers / in the open air
24 Bright sunny day, but quite cool. I plowed for Jim. He was sowing some rough land by hand.
25 Splendid day, sunny and warm. I helped Jim move fence and harrowed for him a while in the af-
ternoon while he sowed.
26 Beautiful day, dry, sunny and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a special
meeting of the Proton Council I attended.
<p. 105>
April 1894
27th Very fine day, dry and warm. I sowed two Bags of oats for Jim and helped at home to put in some
garden stuff.
28 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and warm. [in margin, unknown meaning, written
in red] P. B. D. / 38.
29th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Johney & Ina here. Sam and Phoebe were here in the afternoon.
30 Bright and warm, splendid growing day. Maud Russell brought some onions out.
May [1894]
1st Bright, dry, hot day, cloudy in the afternoon and an indication of a thunder storm. I found a May
flower in blossom today, being the first that I ever remember to have found so early in the season.
2 Dark and overcast, quite cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain fell in the afternoon, the day quite
breezy. I put up some fences for Jim, also fired some stumps on the Arnold place.
3 Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer and a little sunshine. I went to Dundalk.
[in margin] T. Arnold died / Seen first / Swallow
4 Clear and cool with a good deal of sunshine. I hoed among the apple trees. [in margin] First / cow
/calved
5 Frost this morning, the forenoon dry. Rain came on about 5 P.M. I took the potatoes in out of the
pit. They had kept remarkably well, there was about 40 Bushels. There was less than two pails
full of Bad ones among them all. Phoebe was here in the afternoon.
<p. 106>
May 1894
473
6th Sabbath. Dark day mostly, a sharp shower of Rain at night. Willie & Susan here a while at night.
7 Cool, clear and windy in the afternoon, the Forenoon Cloudy, windy and cool with a slight sprin-
kling of Rain. I mended up Brush fence in the Arnold Lot alongside of the road.
8 Clear, cool and bright with a pretty strong wind most of the day. I planted a few hills of early po-
tatoes and washed the stems of the field trees with soft soap suds. [in margin] planted / potatoes
9 Bright, cool day. I went to Brother Sam’s.
10 Cloudy and cool, pretty high wind. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Brother John from Adjala
Township came here this afternoon about 5 P.M. [in margin] Brother John / came here
11 Bright and sunny but cool. I went with Brother John to Dundalk in the forenoon. He and his
daughter Nancy went to Son John’s in Melancthon from Dundalk in the afternoon and I came
home. [in margin] 2nd Cow / Calved
12 Bright sunny day, a trifle cool in the Forenoon, pretty strong wind in the afternoon. I harrowed for
Jim in the afternoon.
13th Sabbath. Dry, but cloudy and cool. Brother John & daughter Nancy, Joe Bowerman and wife,
John Russell and wife, Jim Russell, wife and three children, Brother Sam and Phoebe and Baby,
Willie and Miss S. Davidson, Jim Patterson and Tom Oliver, Eighteen in all, were visitors at the
Russell house today.
<p. 107>
May 1894
14th Cloudy and cool with a slight sprinkling of Rain, mostly all day. Brother John and Son Jim went
to Walter Bell’s after tea. I sowed two Bags of oats for Jim.
15 Cold in the morning, quite a Frost, ice on the water. Brother John and his daughter Nancy left for
home about 10 A.M. I fixed fences in the afternoon.
16 Cool day, a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. I cut nine Bushels of seed potatoes (called
ninety-nines).
17 Quite cool in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer, pretty sharp thunder and lightening with heavy
rain about 7 P.M. I attended Division Court as a spectator in Dundalk.
18 Cold, raw day, slightely wet most of the time, a good deal of Rain fell last night.
19 Very cold morning, the trees, fences, etc., covered with icicles and ice on the water. Slightely wet
in the forenoon, a good deal of cold rain in the afternoon, quite a disagreeable day. [in margin]
Frost
20 Sabbath. Cold Rain mostly all day. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon.
21 Showery all through the day and cold. The land has become saturated with wet and the grain sow-
en [=sown] on the lowlands must be suffering with the amount of wet on it. [in margin] Got pa-
pers / From Toronto
22 Dark, misty day, but not much of a rainfall, the afternoon something warmer. I think the weather
is going to take up and be fine again.
<p. 108>
May 1894
23rd Dark morning, the day dark and slightely wet in the afternoon. I took a horse to Josiah Sauder’s to
pasture for a few months. His charge is $1.00 per month. Jim had put him there on the 18th but
he jumped out and came home. Just as well as the days and nights have been very cold and wet
snow. I put a poke on him today, hoping it will keep him in. The pasture is very poor but he told
me that he was going to open another fresh field. [in margin] Horse put to pasture
24 Dark, misty day with a slight sprinkling of rain. Ida, Willie, Susan and Mary were here. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim got three sheep worried by dogs on the Arnold place. One of them
474
is still living, the other two are dead. The dogs are said to be Fawcett’s and McGregor’s of Dun-
dalk. E. Mills seen them at the sheep. Ida saw the dogs afterwards. Said she knew them as be-
longing to McGregor and Faucett. [in margin] Jims Sheep Killed / by dogs / [written in red above
and below this:] Sent letter to Br[other] William Elzey P.O. / Ind. Terr. / U.S. / Sent letter to Ire-
land
25 Fine dry, sunny day, warm and a good growth. I went to Flesherton and saw Dr. Christoe. Sam
and Phoebe called here this afternoon. Jim went to see Faucett about his dogs which had killed his
sheep. Faucett shot his two dogs.
26 Fine dry forenoon, pretty warm. I spread manure and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A pretty
heavy shower of rain with some hail, thunder and lightening in the eavning about 4 P.M.
27 Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, heavy Rain in the eavning and at night thunder and Lightening.
<p. 109>
May 1894
28th Very cold morning, quite a frost, shower of rain mixed with snow through the day. I attended
Council Meeting at Hopeville and the political speech at night in Dundalk. The day was so very
cold I had to wear a heavy fur overcoat going to Hopeville. [in margin] Miss Johnson / Daughter
of / H. Johnson died / Snow & Frost
29 Cold, dark day, showery in the afternoon, hard frost in the morning, ice on the water. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon. At night Mrs. R. and I went to Miss Johnson’s
wake. [in margin] Snow / & Frost
30 Cold dark day, Showery in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Miss Johnson’s Funeral. She was
buried at Dundalk and the funeral was very large. I think there must have been about half a mile
in length of vehicles. [in margin] Frost
31 Dark, Cloudy day, slightely wet in the afternoon, Frost in the morning. We planted potatoes (nine-
ty-nines), about nine Bushels, in the afternoon. Willie plowed them in, Jim dropped, also two of
Neil McAulay’s girls helped us. We put in the nine Bushels in about three hours. I then went to
Dundalk for my mail. [in margin] Planted potatoes / Frost
June 1894
1st Dark, Cloudy cold day, with frequent slight showers of Rain. I helped with Jim and Willie to
mend fences on the Arnold Lot. [in margin] Frost
2 Wet morning and Rained most of last night. The rain kept coming down till noon, then ceased, the
afternoon dry and cool. I made a Book for the Cheese Business in the forenoon and in the after-
noon went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to Inspector / Rain
<p. 110>
June 1894
3rd Sabbath. Dark, cool day, dry in the Forenoon. Showery in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost
4 Dry in the forenoon, wet from about Eight P.M. I fixed Brush fences. Mrs. R. and I had a hard
job getting Jim’s colts out of his grain. They followed the horse that I took out of the pasture. [in
margin] Rain
5 Wet all through the day. Rain mixed with Snow and sleet. I attended a Council Meeting at Hope-
ville. Stopped there all night. [in margin] Rain
6 Frost this morning, the sun shone out bright for about two hours, then became clouded. The after-
noon was cloudy and cool. I came home through Dundalk. Mr. R. Cornett told me to tell Jim
Russell that he could get W. Armstrong’s milk and that he would be responsible to Mr. Armstrong
for it. Mrs. Andrew Lonsway was here a while this eavning. [in margin] Frost
475
7 Dry day, sunny and warm in the afternoon. I fixed Brush fences and went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
8 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. I mended brush fence in the forenoon and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Seen the Lacross game played between Dundalk and Durham, a
very rough game it is. Durham won.
9 Dry, sunny and hot. Made Brush fences in the Forenoon & went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 111>
June 1894
10th Sabbath. Dry and hot. Mr. John Conners & Wife, John Russell & wife, Joe Bowerman & Wife,
Willie and Miss S. Davi[d]s[on] were here, also Mr. W. Bell & wife here at night.
11 Dry, warm day. I made Brush fence.
12 Dry and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and cool towards night. I fixed Brush Fences
most of the day.
13 Sunny, Dry and hot, the warmest day for the season as yet. I made Brush fences in the forenoon
and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot
14 Dry, Sunny and hot. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. [in margin] Hot
15 Dry, sunny and hot. I entered some Township orders in the Books in the forenoon and in the af-
ternoon done nothing, as I was fatigued. [in margin] Hot
16 Dry and hot. I went to Johney’s, then to Brother Sam’s Lot, then to Dundalk and bought a horse
poke. Came home and went to the political speech making in No. 5 School house, Melancthon.
17th Sabbathg. Pretty warm and cloudy with a slight rain in the afternoon and a heavy rain at night.
Mrs. John Arnold of Melancthon died this afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. / Arnold /Died
18 Showery and warm. I went to Dundalk. Ida came here this afternoon.
<p. 112>
June 1894
19th Dry and cloudy. We attended the Funeral of Mrs. John Arnold. She was buried in Maple Ceme-
try, Dundalk. The funeral was very large, about 77 vehicles. The pall bearers were Th. Hanbury,
James Patterson, Samuel Russell, Frederick Neilson, —- Skeffington[?] and myself.
20 Fine morning, the day dry, cloudy and cool, except the afterpart of it which was clear and warm. I
worked at the Milk accounts. Got a letter from Brother William (Kosoma, I. T., U. S). [in mar-
gin] Got / letter from / Bro. William
21 Bright and sunny, very hot in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning
22 Very sultry, dry day, cloudy in the afternoon, dark and lowering at night with a few drops of rain.
I worked at entering Township accounts and making out ½ yearly Financial statement.
23 Sultry most of the day, cloudy with a Shower of Rain, some thunder and lightening. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
24th Sabbath. Cloudy and very showery, especially in the afternoon when there was extremely heavy
rain with thunder and lightening, some hail and a pretty sharp wind.
25 Cloudy and sultry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped Jim to get out
some rafters.
26 Cloudy, sultry and windy. I went to the Provincial Elections. McNichol (Patrons)* polled 74,
McKechnie (Reformers) 14 in Div. No. 5. [in margin] Provincial Elections / Got cheque $101.00.
[*Patrons of Industry, a political party modelled on the Michigan Patrons of Industry founded in
1889, to protect farmers’ rights and way of life. The Ont. Liberals won the election with support
from 12 Liberal-Patrons candidates, Oliver Mowatt winning his eighth consecutive mandate. The
476
Patrons of Industry won 3 seats independently. See
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_general_election,_1894 ]
<p. 113>
June 1894
27th Dry, cloudy, and cool. I worked at the milk accounts.
28 Dry, Cloudy, windy and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for the purpose of loading
cheese but the[y] were not shipped, will be next Saturday.
29 Clear, Bright and warm. I calculated on the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to a Raising of a
Frame Barn at William Armstrong’s in the afternoon. Clark got home from Michigan. [in mar-
gin] Clark / got Home / From Michigan
30 Clear, Bright and hot. I went to Dundalk, helped to ship cheese. Collected for cheese sold in
Dundalk, then came home.
July[1894]
1st Sabbath. Cloudy, dry and warm. Jim and family, Johney & wife, Willie and Miss Susan Davidson
were here.
2 Cloudy and dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon with some thunder and lightening. I
made up the milk accounts ready for payment.
3 Cool and cloudy. I attended Township Council meeting at Proton Station. Jim drove me home at
night with his blacks.
4 Cool and windy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the milk patrons.
5 Cool and clear. Was pretty sick last night and today. Took a chill when going to bed, am pretty
shaky still.
<p. 114>
July 1894
6th Cloudy and cool with frequent showers in the afternoon. I worked at the Milk accounts.
7 Cool day, Cloudy and a little sunshine now and then. Jim scuffled the potatoes for me. Clark
stopped here last night.
8th Sabbath. Cool and cloudy. Joe and Ida were here in the afternoon.
9 Cool in the forenoon, warm, clear and sunny in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes.
10 Cool and Cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon pretty warm with a very slight Rain, some thunder
and Lightening. Miss Madella Russell was here making a dress for Mrs. R. I hoed potatoes.
11 Dry and cloudy with the Exception of a very slight shower of Rain in the forenoon. I finished hoe-
ing potatoes for the first going over, wed out some carrot drills, and thinned them. Phoebe was
here in the afternoon. Clark stoppped all night.
12 Cloudy generally throughout the day with a stiff Breeze. Pretty warm in the afternoon. Mrs. R.
went to a picknick at Maple Valley. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a pretty good
gathering.* [*for the Orange celebrations on the glorious 12th]
13 Fine morning, the day fine, dry and warm. I worked at the milk sheets. Clark is here at night.
14 Fine day, dry and warm. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
<p. 114>
July 1894
15th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Fine day.
16 Dry, cloudy and warm. I was posting Township orders most of the day.
17 Dry and hot. I paris-greened the potatoes in the forenoon, put on about 3/4 pound to 3/4 of an
acre. Hoed a while in the afternoon at Jim’s turnips. Sold a five year old dry fat cow to the
477
Butcher for $25.00, also gave him the use of a horse for two months for $5.00. Bob Agnew and
Willie Russell stopped here at night. Sam and Clark, along with Jim, fetched up their pendulum
Motion Machine from the Dundalk Foundery [=foundry] (where they had got it cast) to Jim’s
Barn. They are for putting it up there to try it.
18 Very hot day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the milk sheets.
[in margin] Very hot
19 Warm day, but not so scorching hot as yesterday, sky clear and bright. I helped hoe at Jim’s tur-
nips and paris-greened some of his potatoes. Sam, Clark and Jim tried the pendulum motion ma-
chine in Jim’s Barn. It’s not a success, the castings are not true, they are very rough, neither can
the machine be set true.
20 Pretty strong breeze this forenoon, the day middling hot. I hoed some potatoes, went to Dundalk.
Mrs. R. and Clark went to Johney’s. Willie commenced cutting hay for Jim. [in margin] Began /
Haying
<p. 116>
July 1894
21st Dry and fine. I went to a Council meeting at Cedarville, stopped all night with Mr. Rogers
(Reeve).
22nd Sabbath. Pretty warm and sunny. Came home, got here 2:30 P.M. John and Ina, Willie and Su-
san, Clark and Ida were here.
23 Bright, sunny day and hot. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon, and in the afternoon helped Willie to
haul in Jim’s hay. There was a heavy Rain this night, all the crops needed it. [in margin] Rain
24 Rain till about 11 A.M., then dry mostly, and cloudy. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon
and in the afternoon hoed potatoes. A heavy rainfall during the night. [in margin] Rain
25 Fine morning, the day dry, clear and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to help ship the
cheese. The Buyer had not come for them so they did not get [MS be] shipped. Came home and
got Willie with Jim’s scuffler to mould some of the potaotes. I had moulded about the half of
them before with the hoe. Then I paris-greened them, put about 3/4 of a tablespoon full of green
to a pail of water. Had greened them before but made it too weak, only put about ½ spoonful to a
pail of water. Mrs. R. left on a tour to Adjala Township to see her sister Eliza. Is to be gone till
the next Monday. Ida goes with her tomorrow morning from Dundalk. Clark also went to Dun-
dalk this afternoon. He is to come back to Jim’s tonight. He leaves tomorrow morning for his
home in Michigan. He and Brother Sam has been working on a machine drive[n] by pendulum
motion. It is not a success so far.
<p. 117>
July 1894
26th Bright and sunny most of the day, also pretty warm, a few clouds gathered in the eavning. I
helped Jim with his hay till 4 P.M., then went to Dundalk. Clark left here this morning for Michi-
gan. I wish he resided here. [in margin] Clark left / For Michigan
27 Cloudy in the morning, and like rain. But the clouds cleared off and the day was dry and hot. I
worked on the milk accounts mostly all day. [in margin] Hot
28 Pretty warm day, with a stiff breeze of wind. Cloudy in the eavning, almost like a thunder storm.
I Raked with the hand rake a little corner of hay for Jim in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
29th Sabbath. Dry, hot day, but cloudy. I went to Br. Sam’s in the afternoon.
30 Dry and hot. I worked at the Township Books. Mrs. R. got home this afternoon.
478
31 Cool in the morning and eavning, warm in the middle of the day. I fixed a yard to keep the cows
at night while [dittog.: while] they would eat some green feed I intend cutting for them. Also I
mowed around the fence corners of the acre. Miss Elly Arnold and J. Maxwell were here at night.
August [1894]
1 Fine day, breezy, dry and warm. I fixed a gate for the cow pen and raked up and carried in the
fence corners’ hay which I had cut yesterday.
<p. 118>
[two pages with verse ballad written out]
Willy Reilly
O Rise up Willy Reilly and come along with me
I mean for to go with you from this counterie
To leave my father’s dwelling, his houses and freelands
And away goes Willy Reilly and his dear Coleen Bawn* [*although written Bawn, it must be
pronounced Bann]
They go by hills and mountains and by yon lonesome plain
Through shady groves and valleys, all dangers to refrain
But her father followed after with a well-armed chosen band
And taken was poor Reilly and his dear Coleen Bawn
Its home then she was taken and in her closet bound
Poor Reilly all in Sligo jail lay on the stoney ground
Till at the Bar of Justice before the Judge he’d stand
For nothing but the stealing of his dear Coleen Bawn
Now in the cold, cold iron my hands and feet are bound
I’m handcuffed like a murderer and tied into the ground
But all this toil and slavery I’m willing for to stand
Still hoping to be succoured by my dear Coleen Bawn
The jailer’s son to Reilly goes and this to him did say,
O, get up Willy Reilly, you must appear this day
For great squire Folliard’s anger you never can withstand,
I’m feared you’ll suffer sorely for your dear Coleen Bawn
This is the news, young Reilly, last night that I did hear
The lady’s oath will hang you, or else will set you clear
If that be so, says Reilly, her pleasure I will stand
Still hoping to be succoured by my dear Coleen Bawn.
Now Willy’s drest from top to toe all in a suit of green
His hair hangs on his shoulders, most glorious to be seen.
He’s tall and straight and comely as any could be found
He’s fit for Folliard’s daughter were she heiress to a crown.
<p. 119>
Willy Reilly
479
The judge he said this lady, being in her tender youth
If Reilly has deluded her she will declare the truth
Then like a morning beauty bright before him she did stand
Your welcome there my heart’s delight and dear Coleen Bawn
O gentlemen, squire Folliard said, with pity look on me
This vilain came amongst us to disgrace our family
And by his base contrivances this villany has planned
If I don’t get satisfaction I’ll quit this Irish land.
The lady with a tear began and thus replied she
The fault is none of Reilly’s, the blame lies all on me
I forced him for to leave his place and come along with me
I loved him out of measure which has wrought our destiny.
Then outspoke the noble Fox, at the table he stood by
O gentlemen consider in this extremity
Many a man for love is murder[ed] you may see
So spare the life of Reilly, let him leave this countrie
Good my Lord, he stole from her her diamonds and her rings
Gold watch and silver buckles and many precious things
Which cost me in bright guineas more than Five hundred pounds
I will have the life of Reilly should I loose ten thousand pounds.* [*following stanzas written as
one long stanza]
Good my Lord, I gave them him as tokens of true love
And when we are aparting I will them all remove
If you have got them Reilly, pray send them home to me
They’re poor compared to that true heart which I have given to thee
There is a ring among them I allow yourself to wear
With thirty locket diamonds well set in silver fair
And as a true love token wear it on your right hand
That you may think on my broken heart while in a foreign land
Then out spoke noble Fox. You may let the prisoner go
The Lady’s oath has cleared him as the jury all may know
She has relased her own true love, she has renewed his name
May her honor bright gain high estate and her offspring rise to fame.
<p. 120>
August 1894
2nd Fine day, dry and Breezy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the
milk Books.
3 Dark, cold day, several showers of Rain. I worked all day at the milk books.
480
4 Clear and cool. I worked at making Brush fence in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the after-
noon and paid the patrons of Cheese factory $1194.00 for Four weeks milk.
5th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Johney and Ina were here, also Phoebe and Sam with the two
youngest in the afternoon.
6 Sunny and bright, very dry, hot day with Banks of clouds in the west about Sunset. I made out the
Township Estimates in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and drew out of the
Bank $600.00 to take with me to the Council Meeting on tomorrow.
7 Cloudy and close in the forenoon, the afternoon hot and clear. I attended a Township Council
meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night.
8 Cloudy and close in the morning, very much like a thunder storm the latter part of the afternoon,
also cloudy with a little thunder in the distance. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon on some busi-
ness.
9 Cloudy early in the morning, bright, clear and Breezy afterwards. I worked at comparing orders
paid with the money I took to Council, then worked at the Milk sheets. The family is all gone to
the Patron Picknick.
<insert>
Clipping from order paper, with Brown Brothers Co., Continental Nurseries, 2 dwarf pears, 1 plum tree,
$5.00, August 16, 1894
</insert>
<p. 121>
August 1894
10th Cold morning, the day bright and sunny. I worked at the milk sheets and T[ownship] Orders.
There was said to be a frost this morning. [in margin] Frost
11 Fine morning, the atmosphere hazy, the day dry and warm. I worked at Township Books and went
to Dundalk in the afternoon. From there to Johney’s and stopped all night.
12th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Came home this afternoon, called at Brother Sam’s.
13 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon added up the milk sheets of
last week. Got the Butter fat calculated and entered. Jim commenced harvesting on the Arnold
place. Cut some Barley at home first, then Willie and the Binder got cutting oats. [in margin] Jim
began / Harvesting
14 Dry fine day till about 4 P.M. when there came on a slight rain. It cleared off about sundown, then
came on heavier at 10, with thunder and lightening. I cut some oats with the scythe among the ap-
ple trees, then after night went to prevent a fire getting into the line fence between Jim’s rented
place and Johney Irwin’s. Only for the rain the fire would spread.
15 Slightely wet most of the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. I worked all day tinkering up an old
slash fence on the Arnold farm.
16 Fine day all through, dry and pretty warm. I cut some grain around stone piles in the forenoon and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Ordered 2 Pear trees / and 1 plum tree, Mr.
Hare agent / price .50 each / Brown Bros. Nursery
<p. 122>
August 1894
17th Bright, sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I cut some oats around stone piles in the
forenoon and helped Jim haul in five loads of loose Barley in the afternoon. Phebe was helping
Mrs. R. to quilt.
18 Dry and warm. I cut grain around the stone piles in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon. [in margin] Sent letters / to Sister Sarah / Stayner
481
19th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Miss Sue Davi[d]s[on] was here.
20 Dry and fine. I helped Jim harvest. Cut around some piles and stumps, then helped him to haul in
oats. Grand harvest weather for so far, very dry and hot. The oats and pease have ripened a little
too fast without filling up properly. Mr. Joseph Essex, Drain Contractor, was here this morning
with an authority from Samuel Rogers, Esq., Reeve of Proton, telling me to pay him for work on
drains, $150.00, and that he the Reeve would give me a legal order at next Council meeting on the
6th of September. I gave him a cheque on the Bank.
21 Bright and sunny, but cool mostly. I helped Jim to haul in oats on the Arnold farm. Tom Oliver
built the loads and I forked on. The grain is pretty light. We stripped about 15 acres and did not
have many Loads.
22 Bright, sunny day, dry and fine. I helped Jim to harvest. Cut around stone piles in the forenoon.
I[n] the afternoon he craddled and I Raked into sheaves.
23 Dry and warm. I helped Jim harvest on the Arnold Lot. He craddled, I raked, we were troubled
with the fire getting into the line fence at the edge of his oats where we were working.
<p. 123>
August 1894
24th Dry and warm, the sky quite hazy on account of the summer’s Bush fires which are burning
around. It is a great time for burning and clearing off land. The swamps are getting a scorching. I
helped Jim harvest in the forenoon and in the afternoon fixed a road to haul in oats.
25 Dry and warm. I helped Sam on Lot 31 To haul in some oats to the centre of his clearing and to
keep back the Bush fires. I stopped at Johney’s all night.
26 Sabbath. Dry and warm. Came home in the eavning.
27 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, done some Township business. Came home
and went to Sam’s to help him. Stopped all night at Johney’s.
28 Dry and warm. Helped Jim to haul in oats in the afternoon and at night helped to keep the fires
from burning Albert Roseborough’s cordwood.
29 Wet in the morning, slightely wet in the forenoon and a good heavy Rain in the afternoon. I
worked at the milk accounts most all day. [in margin] Rain
30 Dry day with a vapory atmosphere. I worked at the milk Books and also at making up a burned
down fence in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
31 Dry and fine. I helped Jim to harvest. Willie, N. Oliver and I hauled in. Jim was cutting for John.
<p. 124>
September 1894
1st Dry and windy. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. I helped him haul in Some loose oats. Mrs.
R. set fire to the swamp. We had to watch and keep the fire from spreading. Sam has some wood
in danger on Lot 33, 6th Con., Melancthon.
2nd Sabbath. Dry and warm. I went to Sam’s and watched some Bush fires.
3 Dry and hot. I helped Sam to haul in oats.
4 Dry in the forenoon, and pretty warm. It rained a little at noon. I helped Sam to draw in oats in
the Forenoon. Came home in the afternoon.
5 Dry and warm. I helped Brother Sam to haul in oats in the afternoon. He is almost done harvest-
ing, having only about 2 acres of pease to pull and 4 acres of oats to Draw in.
6 Dry and warm, pretty windy. I attended a Council Meeting at Dundalk.
7 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I tied oats in the dry part of the
day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
482
8 Heavy Rain about 2 A.M., also thunder and Lightening. The day dry and Breezy. Jim and I
stooked what we had tied yesterday. Mrs. R. and I tied some more oats in the afternoon. [in mar-
gin] Rain
9th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. went see Joe Bowerman who is sick.
<insert>
Order sheet from Nusery for 1 cherry tree; directions for planting.
Nursery is New England Nurseries, Rochester, N.Y. and Colborne, Ont.
</insert>
<p. 125>
September 1894
10th Heavy Rain very early this morning, accompanied by thunder and lightening. Dry from about 5
A.M., the afternoon very windy. Mrs. R. and I tied and stooked the remainder of Jim’s oats, about
21 dozen in the eavning. [in margin] Rain
11 Dry and cool. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, attended the shipping of cheese. Came home
and helped Jim to haul in the remainder of his oats. Went to Sam’s at night to see sick baby.
12 Dry in the forenoon, some Rain in the afternoon. Worked all day at making out the amount of
Cash to pay each patron in Factory.
13 Dry and cool. Worked in the forenoon on the Factory accounts and in the afternoon went to Dun-
dalk and paid patrons for Four weeks milk $1261.28
14 Very fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. I worked at the Factory books.
15 Dry and fine in the forenoon, the afternoon Showery. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and in
the afternoon worked at Milk books.
16th Sabbath. Dark and cloudy but dry.
17 Cloudy and sultry. I entered some Township accounts from Day Book to Ledger.
18 Dry and warm, bright sun. I helped Jim in the afternoon to pick up in his wood fallow.
19 Dry and warm. Jim threshed. The grain is good but the quantity little. I think not more than 15
Bushels oats to the acre.
<p. 126>
September 1894
20th Slightely wet in the morning, the rest of the day dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and mailed Chas. Foster, paid note of $49.00 to him, to Toronto. Came home and picked up some
wood for firing.
21 Dry and fine, pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I picked up some firewood on the Arnold [Lot] and hauled
it home, pieces of old stumps, hemlock knots, etc., etc.
22 Dry and very windy till about 4 P.M. when it began to rain. I helped Jim to pick up in his wood
fallow and burn. The Rain put a damper on the Burning part of the work.
23rd Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Rain at night.
24 Cold morning, Rain early in the morning, the middle of the day fine, a severe Hail storm in the
afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and brought the Fred Horse home from McCabe the
Butcher. I had hired him two months ago to him. He was to take good care of him, to use him in
his business. The horse was in good order when he got him, now he is as poor as a crow. McCabe
is not much [good at keeping horses?]
25 Sharp morning, the day pretty chilly all through. Mrs. R.and I picked some apples for Jim on the
Arnold Lot in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk and helped ship the cheese.
26 Cold and cloudy. I worked all day and to 2 O’clock next morning at the milk Books, as I am go-
ing to pay next Saturday.
483
<p. 127>
September 1894
27 Very fine day, clear and sunny. I worked at the milk accounts till I finished them at noon. Then I
went to Dundalk.
28 Very fine day, dry and warm. I hunted around after some lost cattle of Joe Bowerman’s. Did not
find them.
29 Exceedingly fine day. Bright, sunny and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and pad the
Patrons of the cheese factory for Five weeks milk, over $1000.00
30th Sabbath. Cool and Cloudy. Jim and family, Joe & Ida, Miss McConnell & Miss M. McD. were
here.
October [1894]
1st Cool clear and dry, with a high wind in the afternoon. I helped Jim to pick up in his wood fallow
in the eavning. In the forenoon I entered the payments made the cheese patrons on last Saturday.
Mr. Pocock, an artist in Fruit Tree pruning, stopped here all night.
2 Dry, cloudy and cool. I went to Johney’s to see what I had best do with a piece of Hardwood Bush
which had got burned down with the fire. It is a pretty bad mess to handle in any shape.
3 Wet morning, showery mostly all forenoon, the afternoon dry. Mrs. R. and I helped Jim to pick
his apples on the Arnold place in the afternoon. There were Six Barells. He gave us two and took
four home.
4 Cloudy, showery day, quite cold also. I went to Dundalk and anxiously awaited a telegram from a
Toronto Bank to which we had shipped $1115.00 worth cheese.
<p. 128>
October 1894
5th Showery mostly through the day. I worked at the Township Books, also added up the milk sheets
for last week, and after nightfall went to Andrew Lonsway’s and wrote out his Will. I think this is
the third will I have written out for him.
6 Dry, cool and cloudy. I helped Jim to pick up and log some on Lot 216, 1st Range, Township of
Proton.
7th Sabbath. Cool and Cloudy. Johney & Ina were here.
8 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the day cold and windy. Jim helped me to Butcher a six months old
pig. It weighed 153 pounds. I sold it in Dundalk to Mr. Rundle the Butcher for $5.50 per 100 lbs.
Jim hauled it in.
9 Fine day, dry and warm. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home at night.
10 Fine day, dry and mild with a slight mizzle of rain at night. I plowed out 11 rows of potatoes with
one horse from 11 A.M. and picked and carried into the cellar 18 Bushels splendid potatoes. [in
margin] First raising / of potatoes
11 Wet morning, the day cold and raw. I compared orders with cash payments which I had made on
last Tuesday, came out square. Went to Dundalk, came home, took up three Bushels of potatoes.
Phebe was here.
12 Dark, Cloudy day, pretty cold in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to the show fair at Dundalk.
[in margin] Dundalk / Show fair
<p. 129>
October 1894
13 Slightely wet in the morning, the afternoon dry with a little sunshine, but pretty cold. Sam’s three
children, John H., Bob, and Maud came out to pick potatoes for me but I thought the day too cold
and therefore did not raise any. I worked at the milk sheets.
484
14th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow this morning, about two inches deep and a little more fell
during the day. Very high, cold wind, the day quite wintry. [in margin] First / Snow
15 Cold morning, the day pretty cold although the sun melted some of the snow. Quite a bit of it re-
mains still. Brother Sam brought me as a present two sucking pigs about five weeks old. They are
nice ones.
16 Pretty cold in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer. Son Johney & Newt. Oliver helped me take up
potatoes in the afternoon. I worked at Jim’s in the forenoon. G. McKinnell collected $20.00,
stopped here.
17 Pretty mild day, But cloudy. Johney, Jim and N. Oliver helped me raise potatoes. We took up and
put in the pit 60 Bushels. First class potatoes. Total: 106 Bushels. [in margin] Finished / potatoe /
raising
18 Frost this morning, the day sunny but cool. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
19 Beautiful day, sunny and warm, clear sky, a few drops of Rain at night. I was helping Jim. Mrs.
Samuel McDowell was here.
20 Very fine day, warm, sunny and bright. I was helping Jim at his new pig pen.
21 Sabbath. Fine day all through. John & Ina were here a while at night. Arlie and Vern were here.
<p. 130>
October 1894
22nd Beautiful day, warm and Bright. I helped Jim at his pig pen.
23 Fine day and warm, with Rain at night. I helped Jim at his pig pen.
24 Slightely wet this morning, the day overcast and cool. I worked at entering Township orders in the
afternoon and in the forenoon worked at the Milk books.
25 Dark day with the exception of a little while in the middle of the day when the sun came out.
Mild, but looks like rain. I went to Dundalk, came home and worked at the milk sheets. Mrs. R.
went to Sam’s.
26 Dark morning, the day overcast and pretty cool. I worked at the Milk Books in the Forenoon and
in the afternoon helped cut oat sheaves.
27 Very fine day, mild like a day in spring, the mosquitoes are out, a-humming. I went to Dundalk in
the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the Milk Books.
28 Sabbath. Fine day, almost like Indian Summer. Mrs. Widow Faucett, Annie Faucett, Jim Patterson
& Ida & Sam Russell were here.
29 Fine day, mild and Balmy. I Butchered two spring pigs. Willie helped. One weighed 186 and the
other 192 lbs. Mrs. W. Talbot and Mrs. Joe Jackson were here. I cut roads in the afternoon to
some logs to swam[p] them. [in margin] Butchered / Pigs
30 Wet morning, the day Rainy. Cut up the pigs and salted them. Worked at the Township Books in
the afternoon. Mrs. R. helped cut up porkers.
<p. 131>
October 1894
31st Dark forenoon, the afternoon sunny and mild. I took up some carrots in the forenoon and in the
afternoon cut roads to some logs which I have in the bush.
Nov[ember 1894]
1st Dark day, slightely wet. Willie and I skidded or rather swamped out some firewood logs which I
had cut on Lot 217.
2 Hard Frost this morning, the day dry and pleasant. Willie and I cut up with the crosscut Saw a
large Elm tree into stove wood. Jim Conners was here all night.
485
3 Slightely wet this morning, the day generally dripping. I went in the morning to Dundalk.
Shipped the last of the cheese, then collected cheese money through the Town. Jim Conners was
here all day.
4th Sabbath. Dark and cold, the Roads are getting bad.
5 Pretty cold day, a trifle of snow fell about one O’clock and more after night. Willie and I went Six
Miles into Proton in the forenoon to See a colt of G. McConnell’s which we are thinking of trading
a horse for, and in the afternoon we went to See the plowing Match in Melancthon. The prize
winners were Jim Russell 1st, $3.50, Joseph Neithercut 2nd, $2.50, James Patterson 3rd, $1.50.
The Bays[?] were —Neithercut 1st, $3.50, Jim Bell 2nd, $2.50, & —Hammond 3rd, $1.50. Mrs.
R. and I went to the plowman’s supper. [in margin] Plowing match
6 The Ground covered with snow and more falling. I worked all day & most of the night at the Milk
accounts. Willie hauled out all the manure on the garden. [in margin] Snow
<p. 132>
November 1894
7th Quite cold most of the day except a little while in the afternoon. Willie is on the sick list with a
cold. I split wood in the wood shed. John Arnold & Joseph Bowler were here a while in the after-
noon.
8 Cold mostly all day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon looked over milk
sheets. Brother John & wife Eliza came here.
9 Cold day, strong east wind. I covered up my potatoe pit, heaped on earth, then put manure on.
10 The ground covered with snow and more falling, a regular snow storm all day. I went to Dundalk
and atttended a meeting of the cheese patrons, then paid them their last payment for this season.
11th Sabbath. Cold and wintry, snow falling all day.
12 Wintry and cold, pretty fair sleighing. I entered some orders in the forenoon and went to Dundalk
in the afternoon to See Joe Bowerman who is sick. Mrs. R. went with the cutter and Willie for the
colt which I had got from G. McConnell. John’s wife Eliza went with son John at night to his
place. Mrs. R. went to see Joe.
13 Pretty mild day with some snow in the afternoon. I attended a meeting of Twp. Council at Hope-
ville and stopped all night. Took out the horse (Fred) which G. McConnell got from me and de-
livered him.
14 Mild day, capital sleighing. Got home at noon. Balanced the orders which I had paid and com-
pared orders with money from them. Correct.
<p. 133>
November 1894
15th Mild day, a thaw wind, the snow going fast, Sleighing is very thin. I worked at fixing the shed on
the Arnold Lot in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Stopped a while with Joe
Bowerman who is very sick. Brother John’s son [John: stricken] Jim came up from Adjala.
16 Slight mizzle of Rain falling now and then. I finished the fixing of the shed in the forenoon and
went to Jim’s in the afternoon. John’s wife Eliza with her son [Johney: stricken] Jim left Jim’s to
[go] around and see the people.
17 Pretty cold day, the thaw has ceased and more snow fell last night. I helped Jim to take up turnips.
We took up and pitted about 800 Bushels. They are frozen a good deal and chewed by the cattle.
If they do not rot it will be a wonder.
18th Sabbath. Pretty cold day, snowing towards night. Eliza and Jim left for home at 11:45 A.M.
486
19 Very cold day, Freezing very hard. Mrs. R. and Willie went to See Joe in the afternoon. I worked
at the Township Books most all day. Brother Sam’s Willie brought me a load of hay this eavning.
There might be about 15 hundred [lbs].
20 Cold morning, the afterpart of the day something milder. Jim thrashed on the Arnold Lot. Joseph
Bowerman is a little better this eavning.
21 Milder this morning, almost like a thaw. Jim finished threshing in about an hour and a half this
morning. He has, I think, about 900 Bushels oats from about 53 acres.
<p. 134>
November 1894
22nd Quite mild all day, the snow melting and the sleighing disappearing. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon and helpd Willie cut Oat sheaves in the afternoon. Jim and Johney also helped. Phebe
was here. [in margin] Cut Feed
23 Soft morning, slightely wet, the day mild. I chored around. G. McConnell was here.
24 Mild forenoon, open and nice. Some people were plowing here in the forepart of the day. A big
snow storm came on about 1:30 P.M. and the snow is now (11 P.M.) falling. I chored around and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
25th Sabbath. Pretty cold all day, bad sleighing.
26 Quite a bit of snow on the ground this morning and a trifle snow fell during the day. I had Joseph
Jackson with his sawing machine cutting stove wood for me on the Arnold Lot. He cut, I think,
about 15 cords. The machinery was in bad working order and there was a brake [=break] in the
forenoon. Also the timber was very small which was against Joe making a good day’s work. My
help was Brother Sam, Sons Jim, John & Willie with Newt. Oliver. [in margin] Cut wood
27 A little snow early in the forenoon, then it came on heavier. A fierce snow storm, with high wind,
was the prevailing features of the day. I split wood in the Bush in the forenoon and in the after-
noon split wood in the wood house. Willie hauled it, also hauled home some bedding for his hors-
es, then went to John Conners for his sleigh Bunks.
<p. 135>
November 1894
28 Very cold morning, a little snow fell during the day, the day cold, freezing. I split wood in the
Bush. Mr. J. Arnold and Miss M. Maxwell were here a while at night. Willie went this morning
to cut some timber in Melancthon, he & Johney. [in margin] Willie went / to chop
29 Pretty Sharp morning, the day cold. I split Stove wood in the Bush.
30 Milder, almost like a thaw. I chored around, felt rather tired to work in the Bush. R. Cornett,
Cheese maker, called here in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to J. Arnold’s at night.
December [1894]
1st Mild morning, the day mild all through, some indications of a thaw. I wrote some letters in the
forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and posted them, also waited on the Township Col-
lector and received from him the proceeds of his collection.
2nd Sabbath. Mild day, the snow feeling soft under the feet.
3 Mild day but nothing of a thaw. Dark and without Sunshine. I had Joe Bowerman helping me to
Saw wood in the bush.
4 Mild day, dark and without sunshine. I helped Jim to cut feed. Mrs. R. went with Willie to
Johney’s as Ina is sick.
5 Mild day, the snow feeing soft to the foot. I worked at the Financial Statement for the Township.
Mr. R. W. Fowler, S[chool] Tr[ustee] of S. S. No. 5 was here for his school money, $270.00. I
paid him.
487
6 Bright, Sunny day. I split about 3 cords of stove wood in the Bush and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
<pp. 136-37>
[blank; missed writing on this opening]
<p. 138>
December 1894
7th Dark morning, the day dark and misty with a little rain falling towards night. Mrs. R. and I hauled
Six loads of Stove wood about (a cord each) From the Arnold Lot.
8 Damp morning, the day inclined to be wet. On about 2 P.M. sleet began to fall, mixed with some
rain. Mr. J. McGrath and Jim Russell were here auditing the Dundalk Cheese Factory accounts.
Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to See Joe in the afternoon. [in margin] Cheese factory / auditors / here
9th Sabbath. Dark day, inclined to thaw.
10 Dark day with a cold East wind, a mixture of sleet and rain fell during the eavning. I split wood in
the wood house and worked at making [MS make] out the Township statement at night. Mrs. R.
went this morning to Johney’s as Ina is sick.
11 Dark day, a little sleety rain falling. I chored around, went to Dundalk in the afternoon, sent the
Co. Treasurer the Co. Rates.
12 Rain this Forenoon, in the afternoon it turned to snow which came down in a regular storm. Mrs.
R. got home. [in margin] Rain
13 The Ground pretty well covered with snow this morning and some more fell during the day.
Sleighs and cutters are running. I split wood in the wood shed.
14 Fine day, the snow disappearing, a good many sleighs running and some waggons. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon and drew $900.00 Township money.
<p. 139>
December 1894
15th Fine day, the snow thawing. I left home this morning with the cutter and went to a Council meet-
ing at Hopeville. Stopped all night.
16th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow nearly all gone off the Roads. I had to walk nearly all the way from
Hopeville home. Got home at 1:30 P.M.
17 Ground hard with frost this morning, high wind and snow in the afternoon. I balanced the paid
orders which I got at the Council Meeting and the money which I had left. Found they came out
right. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
18 Pretty mild day, the roads hard and pretty fair wheeling. I worked all day and part of the night in
making out the Financial Statement For the Township of Proton.
19 Fine day, mild mostly. I went to Dundalk early this morning to the printers with the statement.
Came home and chored around. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s, Willie drove her out in John’s Buggy.
Johney is gone down to Brother John’s in Adjala Township to get his daughter Nancy to come up
and stop at his place as his wife is sick.
20 Bright and sunny, like a day in spring, the cattle and sheep out in the fields picking. Mrs. R. is at
Johney’s. I chored around home. Mathew Leach brought me a load of hay, first class, at $6.50
per ton.
21 Pretty windy this morning and cloudy. There was a slight shower of rain about noon, the after-
noon dry, clear and sunny. M. Leach brought Two loads of hay for Willie @ 6 ½ p[er] t[on].
<p. 140>
December 1894
488
22nd Chilly day but a good deal of Sunshine. I went to Dundalk, transacted Some business. The Bow-
ler Estate was sold, under Mortgage of $1000.00 and two years interest, for ($2710) Twenty seven
hundred and ten dollars. Joseph Bowler was the purchaser.
23rd Sabbath. Cold, raw wind, chilly day.
24 High wind this Forenoon, the sky overcast. Snow began falling in the afternoon and contineud
snowing all evening. Willie and I sawed some stove wood in the bush in the forenoon. I split and
piled it in the afternoon.
25 Christmas—Cold day. Keen cold wind. Mrs. R. and I had dinner with Jim. Willie went to Dun-
dalk, spent most of the day in the skating rink.
26 Very cold day, the sharpest freeze of any this winter. I hauled out two loads of Horse manure
from the stable door and put on a potatoe pit. Willie went to Jim’s to make Bunks for his sleigh.
[in margin] Very cold
27 Extremely cold morning, cold at noon and cold at night. A slight snow falling and a sissiling
[=sizzling] Frost, enough to Skin a fairy if there were such. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
[in margin] Very cold
28 Very cold day, but a good deal of sunshine, almost as cold as yesterday. Willie hauled Eight loads
of stove wood home. Miss Ellen Arnold and Miss Maria Maxwell were here. [in margin] Cold
<p. 141>
December 1894
29 Cold morning, the day very cold all through, dark and without Sunshine. I helped Brother Sam at
his wood sawing. He got a good day’s cutting done, I think about 40 cords. Willie, Jim & Johney
were there.
30 Sabbath. Pretty cold day, but not so cold as yesterday. Some snow fell last night, also some during
the day.
31 Pretty cold mostly all day, a trifle of snow fell. Willie hauled over some bedding and then he went
to Dundalk to get his sleighs fitted for hauling logs to the mill. I also went to Dundalk and done
some business. The Old Year is now about passed away (7:30 P.M.) and the new one will soon be
ushered in. We have had many things to be thankful for and very few things to regret in 1894.
1895
January 1st Mild day, but a little rough in the afternoon. I attended a meeting of the Cheese Board
and was chosen Sect. Treasurer at a salary of $50.00. Willie hauled four loads of stove wood
home.
2 Pretty mild day. Willie hauled five loads of stove wood home in the forenoon and in the afternoon
hauled a load of logs to the saw mill. Mrs. R. and I attend[ed] a party at Mr. H. Hewitt’s in
Melancthon. The company presented him with an arm chair, Mrs. Hewitt with an easy chair, Miss
Hewitt with a lamp and Miss Bird with Silk Handkerchief. They are going to move to Artemesia
Township.
3 Pretty mild with some snow falling in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk and done some business.
<p. 142>
January 1895
4th Cold day, a little snow fell now and then, sharp frost. Willie was hauling saw logs to the mill. I
split wood in the wood House.
5 Cold day, snowning occassionally and blowing some. Willie hauled saw logs to the mill. I split
wood in the wood shed.
6th Sabbath. Mild, almost like a thaw. Jim’s little family were here.
489
7 Mild day, Cloudy and like a softness. I went to the Municipal voting in the afternoon at Johney
Allen’s House. Willie hauled Saw lags to the mill. Phoebe was here.
8 Stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Willie hauled Logs to the mill.
9 Bright, sunny day, pretty sharp frost. I split some wood in the wood house. Willie was at Dick
Neithercut’s wood bee in the afternoon.
10 Very stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Willie and I helped Jim at the sawing machine.
11 Roads heavy this morning, something like sleet falling. The day not cold, dark, without sunshine.
I worked at the Township Books. Willie hauled Logs to mill.
12 Dark day but mild, plenty of snow. Willie hauled home some bedding in the forenoon, then start-
ed hauling Sam’s Mill logs in the afternoon. I attended a meeting of the Cheese factory in the af-
ternoon.
<p. 143>
January 1895
13th Sabbath. Cold and stormy, Blowing, Snowing and freezing. Jim Patterson, Jnr., was here a while
in the afternoon.
14 Stormy, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I worked at the Finances of the Township. Mr. John
Arnold and Miss Maxwell were here a while at night.
15 Cold day, Blowing some and snowing some, Freezing all day. Willie was hauling logs to mill.
16 Milder than yesterday, quite a fall of snow, the Roads are very heavy. Willie was hauling logs.
17 Mild in the morning, pretty mild most of the day. I went to Dundalk. Willie hauled logs. This is
my Birthday. I am now 59 years of age. Time speeds quickly, shall I? [in margin] Birth / Day
18 Dark day with a heavy snowfall, not a keen frost, but mild. Willie hauled logs.
19 Roads filled up with snow, and a heavy blow in the forenoon, the afternoon calm. Mr. David Pat-
terson, 82 years of age, and a resident of this part of Melancthon for about 40 years, died this af-
ternoon. He was a peaceful, innofencive [=inoffensive], good man. [in margin] D. Patterson /
Died
20th Sabbath. Roads heavy but the day calm and not very cold. Johney and Ina were here.
21 Rain this morning and rain throughout the day. The roads got very soft towards night. I attended
a Council meeting at Hopeville and stopped there all night.
<p. 144>
January 1895
22nd Stormy morning, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing. Left Hopeville this morning, got home at
about 11 A.M. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. D. Patterson’s funeral in the afternoon. He was buried
in Zion Churchyard burying ground. Willie was hauling saw logs.
23 Stormy day, snowing and Freezing, the Roads badly filled up. I worked at the Twp. Books.
24 Snow on the ground to a great depth, not much driving, everyone is waiting to the roads get bro-
ken. Willie went last night to a spree a John Conners’, Melancthon. Is not home yet (4 P.M.). I
worked at the Township Books most all day. I have got them ready for the Township Auditors.
25 Fine day, mild with a good deal of sunshine till the latter part of the afternoon, when there came on
a fierce wind and snow storm which lasted all through the night. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon. Mr. John Patterson and wife of Toronto and Mrs. James Patterson of Melancthon were here
in eavning. [in margin] Storm
26 Very stormy day from morning till night, Snowing and blowing. I attended a Council Meeting
held in Dundalk, stopped all night in Joe’s. J. T. Agnew and Sister Anne are here. [in margin]
Violent / Storm
490
27th Sabbath. Wild, stormy morning, the day one of Storm all through. The train due in Dundalk at
noon yesterday only got as far as Dundalk at noon today. I started for home, took to the fields at
S. McDowell’s, got lost in the clearings. After wandering up and down, came out at W. Henders.
Left there and finally got home at night. [in margin] Violent / Storm
<p. 145>
January 1895
28th A lull in the storm but the roads are all blocked up, no person on them, traffic all stopped, the folks
are still here. [in margin] Cold
29 Cold day, some people have been shovelling on the roads and some teams have passed through.
[in margin] cold
30 Quite sharp this forenoon, keen frost and a slight snowfall, quite a few teams are getting out today,
the afternoon fine. [in margin] cold
31 Sharp day, Freezing keen. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, done some business. Willied hauled
a load of logs. [in margin] cold
Feb[ruary 1895]
1st Very sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. Last night was a very Sharp frost, nothing
like it this winter. Willie hauled logs. The folks left for home this morning. I went to Dundalk.
2 Sharp, cold day from morning till night. Willie hauled saw logs. [in margin] cold
3rd Sabbath. Cold and drifting some. A stranger stopped here all night, said his name was Smith and
that he was above Owen Sound, looking [for] work in the lumber shanties, and could not get any.
Said he was going back again to his home in Fergus. Was about 29 years of age, 135 lbs. in
weight, about 5 ft. 8 in. high. Brown hair, grey eyes, wore a moustash. [in margin] cold
4 Cold day, drifting some. Willie hauled logs. The Township Auditors, Neil McDonald & Alex
Gillespie, audited my Books. Found them correct. [in margin] cold / Township auditors here
<p. 146>
February 1895
5th Extremely Sharp day all through. Willie hauled logs. Mrs. R. went in the morning to Johney’s.
Mr. R. N. Henderson of Flesherton called in the eavning on Business. [in margin] Very cold
6 Extremely cold day from morning till night. Willie went in the afternoon to haul a load of saw
logs. Mrs. R. went to Joe’s in the afternoon. R. Arnold called at night. [in margin] Very cold
7 Very cold day, hard Freeze and strong wind. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Very
cold
8 Very cold day, strong wind and sharp Frost. I think the coldest day for season. [in margin] Very
cold
9 Very cold day, strong wind in the afternoon and keen freeze all day. [in margin] Very cold
10 Sabbath. Something milder but cold enough yet.
11 Mild but a great quantity of snow on the roads. The C.P.R. has been blocked up since the 8th inst.
One train went south on that day and I heard another going north today. Jim went to Toronto on
the 5th. We have not heard from him yet. I must go this afternoon and find out if possible why he
has not come home.
12 Milder than yesterday, still, cold enough. Quite a quantity of snow on the ground. Jim came
home yesterday. Had been storm bound with snow drifts on the Railway between here and Toron-
to. Delayed him three days past his time. [in margin] Willie cut feed / Hay
<p. 147>
February 1895
13 Rather mild compared with the past days. Colder in the afternoon, quite sharp at night.
491
14 Pretty mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Willie went to To-
ronto.
15 Mild day, sunshine all day long. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Arnold’s at night.
16 Bright and sunny most of the day, water on the streets of Dundalk where the sun shone. I attended
a Council meeting held in Dundalk.
17th Sabbath. Dark day, but not very cold. Johney and Ina, Mr. S[keffington] Bell and wife were here.
18 Dark day, a little snow fell, the wind strong and the snow drifting some. Neil McAulay came here
and renewed his note. Snow storm in the afternoon, Blowing & drifting.
19 Some snow through the day, cloudy and pretty mild. Willie and I hauled three loads of straw for
bedding from the Arnold Lot.
20 Pretty fine day until the afternoon when there came on a fierce wind and snow storm. Big blow all
through the night, the Roads have drifted very badly, filled right up. Jim paid Rob. Arnold his rent
of $120.00
21 Stormy day, snowing and Blowing at a great rate. Only seen one team on the road this afternoon.
J. Agnew and A. Walker are here, storm bound, their teams are at Jim’s. Lucky, is it not?
<p. 148>
February 1895
22nd Mild day but the roads are very heavy and drifted full. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and sent
to the Canadian Bank of Commerce, Toronto, $597.85, being the 12th drainage Deb[en]t[ure] of
School Section 1. In the forenoon Willie and I hauled a very small load of straw from the Arnold
Lot.
23 Dark day and pretty cold, a little snow fell now and then. Willie helped Jim to clean oats on the
Arnold place in the forenoon and went to the Skating Rink in Dundalk in the afternoon. Johney
Newman also helped him at his oats.
24th Sabbath. Fine in the forenoon, the afternoon stormy and very stormy at night. Blowing and Snow-
ing, the Roads filled right up. I went to Brother Sam’s. Willie Brought Brother John’s Nancy here
from Son Johney’s. Jim Patterson, Jnr. was here.
25 A little calmer in the forenoon, the afternoon Stormy, Blowing and snowing. Jim’s wife has
diptheria. Dr. Mitchell was to see her. The three children are here to avoid taking it.
26 Fine morning but a little cold. I copied a list of Defaulters from Collector’s List into the Default-
ers book.
27 Fine, mild day, sunny in the forenoon and slightely wet in the afternoon. I went to Johney’s and
then to Sam’s new lot. Sam and his son Johney are hauling stove wood to the Melancthon School
at .70¢ per cord.
<p. 149>
February 1895
28th Slightely wet this morning, the day inclined to thaw, though not very rapidly. I went to Dundalk
in the Forenoon and sent by Registered letter $42.00 to Osler & Hammond, Toronto. I helped Jim
to clean oats in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw
March [1895]
1st Thawing this forenoon, but the thaw ceased about noon, and it then began to freeze. The latter
part of the afternoon was Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I helped Jim clean oats on the Arnold
place and also fixed up the tailings for him in the afternoon. The cleaners on about 500 Bushels
choked up the Riddles so that a great part of the good oats ran over and the tailings will all have to
be cleaned over. [in margin] Thaw / Rough / Storm in the afternoon
492
2 Pretty cold mostly all day. I helped Jim clean oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to
Dundalk. Brother John and wife came here this afternoon. Jim bought A. Trugon’s Lot 221, 1st
Con., Melancthon, 50 acres* for $616.00. [in margin] Brother John / & wife here. [*across the
road (Gravel) from, and close to, Robert’s house on NW corner of Lot 220, and Jim’s Lots 215,
215, and rented 217, 218, and 219, 1st. Con., Proton]
3 Sabbath. Pretty rough all day. Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Sam and Phebe came here in the af-
ternoon. J. Patterson, Jnr., also was here. John and wife left with Sam. [in margin] Sam & / Phe-
be here /[written above this, in red] Phebe’s / last visit here* [*a retrospective editorial note, writ-
ten after Phoebe’s death; see 10 June 1895]
4 Pretty rough morning, the day very stormy and increased in cold and violence towards evening.
Willie and I finished cleaning up Jim’s oats on the Arnold Lot. Got out of the tailings about 100
Bushels. [in margin] Stormy
5 A little milder than yesterday, but the afternoon was rough, snowing and Blowing. I helped Jim
fill up two loads of oats. Willie was at P. Conners’ wood Bee.
<p. 150>
March 1895
6th Cold day all through, snowing some and Blowing with a very sharp, keen freeze. Brother John
and wife started for home this morning. Willie went to Melancthon to begin operations on the lot
which he has got from Brother Sam in trade. The trade stands thus: Sam values his Farm at
$1800.00 and Willie his lot 37 on the 4th at $1500. and gets the difference in money. [in margin]
Jim’s boy Vern / has got diptheria
7 Pretty rough in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
8 Snowing and Blowing some, the snow of a soft consistency, almost like a thaw. I helped Jim to
fill up the Balance of his oats on the Arnold Lot. He has 907 Bushels and is getting .31 cents per
Bushel for them in Dundalk.
9 Sharp morning, but calm, with a clear sky and Bright sun. The day got overcast and quite a snow
storm with a big blow came on. Willie and I hauled home about 80 Bushels of tailings in the fore-
noon for cow feed. Then he went to a wood bee at his uncle Sam’s. The diptheria has got worse
on Jim’s Vern and he went to Dundalk about four hours ago to get Dr. McWilliams. I think he
was not at home as I seen Dr. Martin go towards Jim’s.
10th Sabbath. Fine day. Bright and sunny, but the Roads are very heavy.
<p. 151>
March 1895
11th Fine, Bright, sunny day with a rather sharp air, pleasant enough, though.
12 Fine day, mild and without storm. I went to Dundalk, came home, then went to Sam’s.
13 Mild day, quite soft like all day till night came on, when it began to Storm and freeze. A very cold
night.
14 Very cold day, quite a severe frost this morning. Was as cold, I think, as any during winter. I
went to Dundalk, went to see Joe Bowerman who is quite sick, dangerous ill, I think. [in margin]
Very cold
15 Fine day, mild and without storm. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon to see Johney who is
sick with Bronchitis and La grippe.
16 Pretty cold morning, the day sharp all through. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Got
home at 10 P.M.
493
17th Sabbath. Sharp morning, the day cold although a good deal of Sunshine. Kept Jim’s two children
while their Grandmother went to Dundalk to See Joe Bowerman. I went to See Brother Sam’s
Johney, who has got Inflamation of the lungs, in the eavning.
18 Bright and sunny, but a very sharp cold day. I went to Sam’s and sat up all night with Johney, his
13 year old son who is very sick with Inflamation of the lungs.
19 Bright and cold. Came home this morning, Slept most all day.
<p. 152>
March 1895
20th Fine sunny day but a sharp air. I went to Brother Sam’s, sat up all night with Johney. I think he is
mending as he slept well.
21 Bright sunny morning, the day fine but sharp. Slept a while in the forenoon and went to Dundalk
in the afternoon to See Joe, who is very low, I think.
22 Bright and Sunny, quite spring like, a very pleasant day. I helped Willie put on a load of hay then
went in the afternoon to Dundalk on some business.
23 Fine day with a rather strong, cold wind. Mrs. R. has went to Dundalk with cutter. I wrote out my
Will. It’s not witnessed yet. [in margin] Made / Will
24th Sabbath. Fine day, Sunny and warm. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to see Joe.
Johney, Ina and P. Conners here.
25 Fine day, a little cool in the morning, the afternoon sunny, the snow softening. Willie took Clark’s
stove out to his shanty. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to See Joe.
26 Quite a change in the weather this day, stormy, snowing, Blowing and pretty cold. Willie made a
move for his new home. [in margin] Willie / moved / From here
27 Rough in the forenoon, Blowing and snowing, the afternoon milder, calm and sunny about 6 P.M.
Willie was here with a trunk for some of his clothes.
28 Pretty cold forenoon, the afternoon milder with some sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
<p. 153>
March 1895
29 Pretty fine, some sunshine, the afternoon a little cold. John Arnold, Miss Maria Maxwell and Bob
Maxwell were here at night.
30 Mild day with sunshine, the snow melted some. I took the two pigs which I had to Jim’s in his
sleigh and Johney Newman and I Butchered them there. They were seven months old less one
week. One weighed 119 lbs and the other 126 lbs. They cost me for shots and pease alone $10.35
besides a good quantity of potatoes which I fed them. Got the pigs when they were 5 weeks old as
a present from brother Sam. Sold one to Bob Arnold for $5.75 per 100 lbs. No profit in them.
Willie and Ina were here this afternoon.
31st Sabbath. Pretty cold with a sleet and snowfall at night. Mrs. R. went to See Joe.
April [1895]
1st Snowing this forenoon, the snow ceased and the afternoon was mild and cloudy.
2 Fine, sunny day, but a chilly air. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought some postage,
cards, etc.
3 Pretty mild day, slightely thawing. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. I was alone all night.
4 A very slight wasting of the snow but in Dundalk there was water on the streets. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon.
<p. 154>
April 1895
494
5th Mild day, thawing quite a bit with a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went tonight
to sit up with Joe Bowerman.
6 Raining this morning, continued slightely wet during the forenoon, the afternoon dry, cloudy and
cold with a strong wind. The Proton Assessor (Tom McAulay) was here and assessed Jim and I as
joint owners for Lots 215, 216 & pt Lot 220.
215 50 acres, 44 cleared Value $800.00
216 50 acres, 10 cleared Value $150.00
N.W. pt. 220 1 acre Value $100.00
$1050.00
I was to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Rain / Assessor here
7th Sabbath. Slightely wet all day. [in margin] Rain
8 Rain during most of the day, the snow is going pretty well, but slowly. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk
in the afternoon. I fixed the feeding manger for the cows in the forenoon. [in margin] Rain
9 Fine morning, the day mild and the [snow] thawing rapidly. The afternoon got cold and there was
quite a frost at night. Mrs. R. and I went a while at night to Mr. J. Arnold’s.
10 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly. The sun shone out in the afternoon and the snow softened
some. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon and from there to Davidson’s Lot. Walked there and home
again. Pretty tired as the roads are bad.
11 Cold in the forenoon, the afternoon a little milder, the snow melted a little. In the afternoon I went
to Dundalk.
<p. 155>
April 1895
12th Cool and Cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Jim sold his
Black horses for $160.00. They were a matched span, 4 years old. Fine, lofty driving horses.
13 Dark and Cloudy but the snow is going, though slowly. I worked at the Township Accounts.
14th Sabbath. Cold wind, still, the snow melted some. R. Arnold and wife and wife’s sister were here,
also Mrs. Jim Russell and her Mother Mrs. McLaughlin. Mrs. McLaughlin stopped all night.
15 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling, but what fell had all gone about
noon. Mrs. McLauglin and her son Samuel are here.
16 Cloudy, cool day, the snow is going, but slowly. Jim Bought a span of horses for $70.00, one
horse 6 years old, the other 10 years. They are good like horses. Thos. McCauley, Township as-
sessor was here. I gave him an order on the Dundalk Bank for $35.00, part pay as assessor.
17 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. I went to Sam’s to the Davidson farm, helped him cut about a
cord of stove wood. [in margin] Seen Robin / Heard Frogs
18 Fine day, sunny, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John Maxwell and his sister
Mariah was here a while at night.
<p. 156>
April 1895
19th Dry, sunny and warm, very spring like day, the snow is disappearing fast. I split some stove wood
at the house.
20 Dry, Bright and warm. I split stove wood at the house. Jim’s Arlie and the Baby were brought
here today as his boy Vern has taken diptheria again.
21st Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm.
22 A Slight frost this morning, the day bright in the forenoon, cloudy in the afternoon with rain about
7 P.M. I split stove wood at the house, finished my pile, I think there was about seven cords. I
wrote out a lease between Mrs. Ida Bowerman and James Lack on Lots 298, 299 & 230,* Second
495
Con., Melancthon, rent & taxes. Rent $75.00, taxes as levied. Jim Russell started plowing. Quite
a shower of snow this night. [in margin] Jim began / plowing. [*slightly blurred, and blotting,
ink, but clearly 230; it likely should be Lot 250, since Ida’s address is later referred to as Cor-
betton; Lot 230 would be in Dundalk village, while Lots 250, 298, 299 are on the Backline, and
Lot 250 is north of Corbetton, while Lots 298, 299 are south of the Melancthon village crossroad,
close to Shelburne.]
23 Cool morning, the day cool, clear and windy. I took the manure off the potatoe pit and opened it.
The[y] seem to be sound and safe. [in margin] David Stewart, 52 y[ears of] age / School Teacher
for about / 37 years died at his / Home Shrigley* / Found him dead in Bed in the morning. [*see
10 March 1894]
24 Cool in the forenoon and cloudy with a pretty strong wind, the afternoon sunny and warm. I fixed
around the cows’ enclosure and sowed two papers of Cabbage seed. Mary took the children home.
The snow has all disappeared except a little in some fence corners. [in margin] Sowed Cabbage /
Seed
25 Fine day all through, Sunny, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, started to do some
digging in the garden in the afternoon. Jim sowed oats.
<p. 157>
April 1895
26th Very fine springlike day, Sunny and warm. I held the plow for Jim in the forenoon and in the af-
ternoon dug in the garden at home.
27 A little cool this morning, but the day got warm towards noon, a fine day for plowing. I dug in the
garden all day and very hard work it is.
28th Sabbath. Beautiful day, warm and fine. [in margin, meaning unknown] P. B. D. 39
29 Very fine day, mild and Balmy. I dug in the garden in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s to plant some onions for Willie.
30 Fine day. I worked some in the garden. [in margin] Sowed garden / seed
May [1895]
1st Splendid day, beautiful and Bright. I planted Some potatoes (a pail full) in the garden, also sowed
carrot, parsnip, Radish and Beet seed.
2 Very nice sunny day, pretty hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
3 Fine day all through, very slight shower of rain in the forenoon. I got three fruit trees From Brown
Brothers Continental Nurseries, paid $2.00 for them: 1 Bartlett pear, 1 Clapps Favourite, & 1 Yel-
low Egg Plum. Mr. Kenneth of Proton delivered them. I planted them out at the S. E. end of the
dwelling house. The plum tree in the middle. Walter Bell and wife were here in the afternoon.
He Bought Eight Bags and 46 pounds of Potatoes from me at .50 Cents per Bag. The potatoes
were splendid and named ninety-nines. [in margin] Set out / Fruit trees
<p. 158>
May 1895
4th Dry and very warm. I took out the two year old colt to Johney’s to pasture. It lead very well.
Then I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to get a suit of clothes fitted. Willie and S. Davi[d]s[on]
were here all night. [in margin] 1st cow calved / Blackey / Seen swallows
5th Sabbath. Very warm day. Johney and Ina were here, also Miss S. Davi[d]s[on] & Willie.
6 Sultry day with considerable thunder and lightening going around, a slight rain here about 5 P.M.
7 Very fine day with a little thunder and Lightening and Rain in the afternoon.
8 Cool and Cloudy in the morning, the afternoon Bright and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at the Mar-
riage of Miss Ellie Arnold to Mr. James Oliver Newton of Creemore. The wedding took place on
496
Lot 218, Gravel Road, Proton. Rev. —Harrison, Presbyterian Minister, officiated. [in margin]
Miss E. Arnold / Married
9 Fine day, very warm, the sky a little cloudy but the sun very strong. I done some Township writ-
ing in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot
10 Very warm and sultry, oppresively so. [in margin] Hot
11 Cloudy and cooler, slightely wet in the forenoon. Thunder and lightening and pretty heavy Rain in
the afternoon. Splendid growth, nothing like it any spring that I remember.
<p. 159>
May 1895
12th Sabbath. The Ground covered with Snow, and quite hard with Frost, a very cold day, freezing all
the time, the leaves on the trees are quite Black, killed with the frost. The grass and clover appear
to be killed, nothing like it for this time of the year that I remember. [in margin] Frost and / Snow
13 The Ground so hard Frozen that stubble land could not be plowed till about noon. The day very
cold, every kind of vegetation has suffered with the frost. I plowed in a piece of sod for Jim a
while in the afternoon. [in margin] Hard Frost
14 The Ground white with snow, and snow fell during most of the day and there is snow now (7
P.M.) lying in the fence corners and around the north of Buildings. I went to help Sam hunt up six
head of young cattle which he had lost. He got them himself about three miles from home. This is
a very cold, dark wintry day. [in margin] Snow
15 Cold morning, hard frost, the day chilly, freezing now (7 P.M.). Got two spring pigs from J.
Brinkman, 4 weeks old at $2.00 each. They got out of the pen in the afternoon and we had a big
chase to capture them. John Arnold, Miss Mariah Maxwell, Mrs. R., Johny Moore and I were all
after them. Mrs. R. Arnold was here in the afternoon. [in margin] Hard Frost / this morning
16 Hard frost this morning, the day sunny, cold and Bright. I went to Dundalk, Bought a Horse
poke* for .70¢, took it out to Johney’s to put on my colt. Ina drove Mrs. R. and I home in the
Buggy. [in margin] Frost [*device to prevent a horse jumping fences]
17 Frost this morning, the day cold and cloudy. Bleak and drear like. [in margin] Frost
<p. 160>
May 1895
18th Drizzling Rain this forenoon, pretty heavy rain during the afternoon, cold and disagreeable. [in
margin] Frost
19th Sabbath. Cloudy and cold all day. Frost this morning, with a shower of snow at night. I went to
Brother Sam’s in Osprey. It’s a long walk. Phoebe is not well. I went to the Methodist Church
with Sam. [in margin] Frost
20 Hard Frost this morning and the ground covered with snow, the day cold and cloudy. Mrs. R.
went to See Phoebe. [in margin] Frost / and snow
21 Very hard Frost this morning, the day cold but clear. Ice kept on the water in a tub beside the
house all day. Such extremely Frosty weather I have never seen at this Season of the year. The
crops must be badly injured, the grain that was up looks as if a Fire had passed over it, the leaves
on the Fruit trees and on other trees are blackened and scorched like. The ground was so hard this
morning that it could hardly be plowed. I Ruled off a Book For Keeping the milk accounts in.
George Rutherford was here a while at night. [in margin] Hard Frost / [in red] Red letter day
22 Fine day, bright and sunny. I washed and oiled the light harness and after I was done I carried in
to the drive house Eleven Bushels of potatoes out of the pit.
497
23 Bright and warm. I Brought in the remainder of the potatoes out of the pit. I had put away 60
Bushels in the fall and I took out about the same. There was none spoiled. I cut three Bushels for
seed. [in margin] cows to R. Arnold’s / pasture in the / afternoon
<p. 161>
May 1895
24th Dry and warm, Bright sun and fine day. I cut six Bushels of seed potatoes in the forenoon and
went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] got paper / From / Toronto
25 Fine day, dry and warm. I went to Flesherton to see Dr. Christoe, got a ride with Robt. Faucett
most of the way there and back. Got home about 2 P.M., then walked to Dundalk and back. Got
home at 5 P.M.
26 Sabbath. Cool and dark with heavy rains, some thunder and lightening last night and this night.
27 Cold mizzly sort of day. I helped to look up a colt of Johney’s that had strayed from Jim’s. Jim
got it back in the Bush. Willie got Seven Bags of potatoes from me, two of them were for Johney.
28 Fine day, dry and warm. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home that night.
29 Fine day, very sultry. I cut potatoes for Jim in the forenoon and went to Johney’s in the afternoon.
30 Fine day, dry and sultry with every appearance of a thunder Storm, but it passed over. Planted
potatoes (9 Bushels of ninety-nines). Willie and Johney helped me. They put out three loads of
manure, then we started to plant. Willie plowed them in, Johney and I dropped. Just turned the
ground over on the seed without having it plowed before. Gave them one stroke of the Harrows
after planting. Began at about 10 A.M. and finished about 6 P.M. Ina and Miss Bowerman were
here. [in margin] planted potatoes
<p. 162>
May 1895
31st Bright, Sunny day and very warm. I helped to weigh with the stockyards ½ ton of hay which I
bought from Jas. Mills @ $7.00 per ton. Went to Dundalk after and got home in time to help in
with the hay.
June [1895]
1st Bright sunny day and hot. I worked all day at the Milk sheets and Balancing the accounts with the
money which I paid out at last C[heese] Meeting. Brother Sam called in the afternoon.
2nd Sabbath. Bright sunny day and very warm. I walked out to Brother Sam’s in Osprey. Sam’s wife
Phoebe is sick. Poor Phoebe. I hope she will soon get well again. Her little family would badly
miss her.
3 Dry and pretty warm. I entered Township orders in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon, intending to visit the show. I did not get in. Mrs. R. went in. [in margin] our first milk /
sent to Factory
4 Dry, warm and windy. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. Stopped till the evening. Ina Brought us
home in the Buggy.
5 Cool and cloudy, a slight sprinkling of Rain fell during the forenoon. I fixed pig yard in the fore-
noon and in the afternoon worked at the milk accounts.
6 Dry but very cold. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon attended a
meeting of the patrons of Cheese factory in Dundalk. Also sent a post office money order on Al-
pen to Clark, to Hillman P. O. for $100.00. [in margin] letter to Clark
<p. 163>
June 1895
7th Bright and sunny, pretty warm. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon
went to Wesley Lonsway’s Raising of a Barn. [in margin] Frost this morning
498
8 Bright sunny day and pretty hot, especially in the afternoon. The sky is very hazy towards the
horizon indicating great heat.
9th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Joe and Ina were here.
10 Dry and hot but a day ever to be remembered with sorrow and grief, Because on this day one of
the best of mothers and kindest of wives passed away. Poor Phebe, Brother Sam’s wife died today
about 11 O’clock A.M. She had been ailing since winter with a cold which she contracted while
nursing and caring for two of her family who were down sick with inflamation of the lungs. It
gave her considerable trouble and when she moved to her new home in Osprey the cough still
clung to her but the Docter gave her some medicine which helped her and she thought that after
her confinement she would be well again. She gave birth to a male child but only lived about half
an hour after, when she breathed her last. The Docter was with her a few minutes after the child
was born but could not help her. Darling Phebe was a Queen among women, a Better wife or
mother could not be found. Poor Brother Sam and his little Family are distracted with grief. Alas,
Alas, how we will miss her kindly smile and gentle words in our journey through life. [in margin]
Darling Phebe / Died
<p. 164>
June 1895
11th Dry, hot and very dusty. We Buried Phebe in Maple Grove Cemetary, Dundalk, today at 3
O’clock P.M. The funeral left her late residence in the Township of Osprey and with sad and tear-
stained faces, the Friends and neighbours accompanied the remains of the Beautiful and true wom-
an to Dundalk Cemetary where she now rests to the dread trumpet calls the departed to life. The
immortal soul of Phebe is with the Angels in Heaven. We may weep for her but all our sorrow
will avail nothing. She is lost to the world and to us. She had a very large Funeral, I think about a
mile in length. Phebe was the Daughter of Abraham and Hannah Jackson of the Township of
Melancthon, was 39 Years of age, married my Brother Sam when she was about 18 years of age.
She was the mother of Ten living children, Six Boys and Four Girls. The eldest, a girl, Madella, is
about 19 years of age, the youngest is the Baby.
May God Bless and comfort poor Brother Sam and his family in this their hour of dark distress.
<p. 165>
June 1895
12th Fine day, warm and mostly dry, some showers going around. I went to Dundalk and helped to
ship our cheese.
13 Dry and warm. Brother John and wife who were up at the funeral went home. I went to Sam’s
and stopped with him till the evening.
14 Dry and warm. I worked all day at making up milk accounts to pay the patrons their portions of
money.
15 Dry and pretty warm. I worked at the milk Books till noon, when I had them in shape for pay-
ment. Wrote some letters in the afternoon then went to Dundalk and posted them. [in margin]
Sent letter to Br. William / Elzey P. O. Ind. Territory / U. S. / Letter to Sarah / New Lowell
16th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Jim and I went to Sam’s.
17 Dry and hot. I attended Council meeting at Proton Station.
18 Dry and hot. I worked at the milk accounts.
19 Dry, cloudy and warm. I entered Township vouchers in the Cash Book, then added up the milk
sheets and entered them in Book. Ida came here this afternoon.
20 Dry, dusty and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of Cheese Factory.
499
21 Very warm, dusty and dry. I entered cheese accounts in the Forenoon and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. Posted & Registered for Sam a letter containing two postage money orders $100.00 &
$1.25 to Casper Wideman, Gormley P. O.* [* now in York Region, south of Aurora, Newmarket,
north of Toronto]
<p. 166>
June 1895
22nd Fine morning, the day dry till about 3 P.M. when there were a few showers of Rain passed around.
I went to Sam’s. Willie Brought me two sucking pigs to raise a while for him. The rain must have
done a great deal of good as it was much needed.
23rd Sabbath. Pretty warm and dry. We went in the afternoon to the Union Church to hear Phebe’s
Funeral sermon preached. The Church was crowded. The Rev. Mr. Campbell, Methodist minis-
ter, officiated. So endeth the last Chapter in the ceremoneys of the best of women, Phebe Russell.
24 Slightely wet [in] the forenoon, the afternoon dry and warm. I went with Sam in the afternoon to
Dundalk. [in margin] Set out / cabbage / plants
25 Dry and hot. I done Statute labor.
26 Dry, Cloudy and hot in the forenoon, Thunder Storm about 2:30 P.M., heavy rain and terrific wind
while it lasted. The Rain ran in torrents down the slopes, the wind blew down lots of fences and a
Hotel Driving Shed in Dundalk. Upset Eighty Rods of new Straight fence which Jim had put up
on Lot 221, First Range, Melancthon. The Rain was badly needed, but not the wind. [in margin]
Rain and / wind storm
27 Dry and Cool. I helped Jim to put up his Fence in Melancthon Lot which had been blown down
with the wind. I was in Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 167>
June 1895
28th Dry in the morning, a pretty good rain came on about 10 A.M.. I worked at the Factory accounts
and helped Jim in the afternoon with his blown down fence.
29 Dry and pretty warm. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and went to Sam’s in the af-
ternoon.
30th Sabbath. Dry and cool. I was at Sam’s.
July [1895]
1st Dry and cool. I hoed potatoes.
2 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk to ship Cheese. The Buyer did not show up so they were not
shipped. Came home and hoed potatoes. [in margin] Got pension
3 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes.
4 Dry and hot. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
5 Dry and hot, cloudy in the afternoon, very much like a thunder storm but there was none. I
worked at the milk sheets.
6 Dry and hot. I worked at the Townhip Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the after-
noon to attend a meeting of the Board of Cheese Factory to investigate some complaints against
the Milk Drawers.
7th Sabbath. Very hot and sultry, cloudy in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot
8 Hot, with a slight rain in the eavning. I hoed potatoes. Second time. [in margin] Hot
<p. 168>
July 1895
9th Very cold this morning, a trifle warmer through the day. I hoed potatoes till about 4 P.M. when
Bob Agnew, Teacher, came here. He stopped till night then went home with Jim.
500
10 Chilly morning, but the sun shone out bright, the day dry, clear and warm. A frost last night that
injured some potatoes. I made out ½ yearly financial statement for the Township. Finished hoe-
ing potatoes and went to Br. Sam’s in the eavning. He drove me home. [in margin] Frost
11 Frost this morning, doing some harm to the potatoes. I added up the milk sheets in the forenoon
and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and helped to ship 143 Boxes of Cheese which we sold for
.7 3/8 ct. per pound.
12 A slight rain in the morning, gentle showers during the day. I worked at the milk accounts in the
forenoon and went to the celebration in Dundalk in the afternoon.* [*Orange parade, etc.]
13 Cool and cloudy. I cleaned out watering place for the cattle in the forenoon, went to Dundalk in
the afternoon. Came home and paris-greened the potatoes. Put about a heaped teaspoon full to a
pail of water. [in margin] Greened / potatoes
14th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s.
15 Dry and cool in the forenoon, a shower of rain in the afternoon. I attended Council meeting at
Bell’s Corners.
16 Dry and sultry. Left Bell’s Corners in the morning, came to Johney’s with his horse and buggie
which I had borrowed. Got there at 12:30 P.M., then came home.
<p. 169>
July 1895
17th Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got the milk can fixed.
18 Dry and pretty warm. I worked all day at posting Twp orders, then went in the eavning to Dun-
dalk for my mail.
19 Cloudy and sultry with a few drops of Rain. I worked all day and to 11 O’clock at night making
out the milk accounts For payment on tomorrow.
20 Dry and hot, cloudy, almost like a thunder storm. I worked at making out the pay sheets in the
Forenoon. Also Paris-greened the potatoes in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon
and paid the Patrons.
21st Sabbath. Grand Rain mostly all day. It [dittog.: it] will do an immense amount of good as the grain
and grass are scorched up on account of the exceedingly dry weather which has prevailed for near-
ly two months.
22 Dry and warm. I entered the payments which I had made last Saturday to the patrons. Went to
Dundalk in the afternoon, helped to Ship 160 Boxes of cheese which we had sold for 7 3/4 cents
per pound.
23 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, deposited the cheese money in the Bank.
Came home and cut some grass on Jim’s Lot and also picked some on this acre with the scythe.
The grass is so poor that plenty of the ground can’t be mowed.
<p. 170>
July 1895
24th Dry and warm till about 7 P.M. when there came on a slight rain. I helped Jim to haul in some
hay. The hay is a very poor crop. On about 2½ acres on his Melancthon Lot he had only one good
big load, about 25 hundred, I would think.
25 Dry till about 1:50 P.M. when there came on a slight rain with some hail, thunder and lightening. I
worked at the milk accounts.
26 Dry and fine, I worked this forenoon at the milk accounts and in the afternoon went to Dundalk,
renewed my subscription for the Weekly Globe. Mrs. Bowerman was here. Johney and Jim went
to Markdale and bought some cattle (17). Two year olds for five dollars, cows for $12.00 each.
The feed up there is so scarce that the owners were obliged to sell. [in margin] Renewed / Globe
501
27 Wet morning. Rain fell most of the night, much needed. The day dry and cool. Brother Sam
called here on his way to Dundalk.
28th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and pretty warm.
29 Fine most of the day. Rain came on about 3 P.M. and there was a good deal fell also during the
night. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon and stopped all night.
30 Very cold, raw day, cloudy. I entered some accounts.
31 Cold, raw day, windy. Rain in the afternoon. I entered some Township accounts. Madella came
here in the afternoon and Willie called for her on his way home.
<p. 171>
August 1895
1st Cool day with a slight rain at night. I went to Dundalk to ship cheese. Did not send them off, only
Boxed them.
2 Cool day. Went in the forenoon to ship cheese. Did not send them away as the purchaser did not
send us the price of them.
3 Fine day, pretty sultry in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and in the af-
ternoon went to Dundalk and shipped cheese. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s.
4th Sabbath. Dry, with Rain on the previous night.
5 Dry mostly all day. I prepaired the milk accounts for payment.
6 Showery, mostly dry. I prepared the milk accounts for Wednesday payment.
7 Showery. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of the Cheese factory for 4
W[ee]ks milk.
8 Dry day. I went to Dundalk both morning and eavning. Deposited in Bank $119.25, Stock hold-
ers’ money. Also sent $5.00 and $28.00 to Trs. of Sch. Sect. 9 Union and School Sect. No. 9.
9 Dry and very sultry in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets.
10 Dry and sultry, very heavy Rain previous night with thunder and Lightening. The ground seems to
be dampened pretty well at present.
<p. 172>
August 1895
11th Sabbath. Dry and sultry. Ida, Joe, Johney and Ina called in the afternoon.
12 Dry and warm with quite a brisk wind in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s.
13 Dry and fine. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk to consult the Docter. I have Malaria Fever,
summer complaint and Billiousness. I am pretty sick.
14 Dry and fine. I am still ailing with the complicated sickness. The Docter was to see me this after-
noon.
15 Dry and fine. The Sickness is not quite so Bad. Dr. Martin was to see me.
16 Dry and fine. I am better mostly but so very weak that I can scarcely walk. The Dr. was to see
me, also Mr. John Arnold called to see me. [in margin] E. Blakely / Died
17 Fine day. During the afternoon, dry and pretty warm. The latter part of the afternoon was wet
with thunder and lightening, quite a downfall of Rain. Ephraim Blakely, a young man of about 28
years of age, Brother to John Blakely, Blacksmith of Dundalk, died yesterday in John Blakely’s of
Cancer. He had been ailing for quite a long time. His remains were taken this afternoon to Flesh-
erton Burying Ground. There were I think about 40 Rigs passed here. The young, the old, all
must go at the call of the Grim Room[?] of terrors.
<p. 173>
August 1895
502
18th Sabbath. Dry and Cloudy, cool in the afternoon. Joe and Ida were here, had been overnight.
Johney and Ina, Willie and Johney McDowell and Jim’s two children were here. Brother Sam was
here in the afternoon to see me.
19 Cool and cloudy. I went in the forenoon with Jim to Dundalk. Took out of the Bank $500.00 to
defray Expenses of Council Meeting tomorrow. In the afternoon I worked at the milk sheets.
20 Cool morning, Frost in some places. Did not do much harm. Showery in the afternoon. I attend-
ed Council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night.
21 Cool this morning, the day Bright but chilly. Got home about 11 A.M. Settled up the orders
which I had paid yesterday. Came out all right.
22 Cool and cloudy most of the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and shipped 97 Boxes of
cheese @ 7 ½ ¢ per pound.
23 Dry and sultry till about 7 P.M. when there came on Rain with some thunder and Lightening. I
went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got paid for the cheese.
24 Cloudy mostly all day, sultry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Came home with
Sam and went to his place. Stopped all night.
<p. 174>
August 1895
25th Sabbath. Very misty morning but the sun shone out and the day was Bright and Clear. I was at
Sam’s.
26 Fine day, dry and warm. I added up the milk sheets. Jim cut a small field of oats, this being his
first harvesting this season. [in margin] Jim / cut / oats
27 Dry and warm. I wrote some letters on Township Business in the forenoon.
28 Dry and sultry, cloudy a good part of the day, looking very much like rain.
29 Slight shower early this morning, the rest of the day dry and pretty warm. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
30 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. I worked at the milk accounts.
31 A slight rain this forenoon, nothing of much account, cool and windy in the afternoon. I went to
Dundalk in the eavning.
Sept[ember 1895]
1st Sabbath. Cool and dry, cold in the eavning. John & Ina, Joe & Ida, Mary & Arlie and Walter Bell
were here a while in the eavning.
2 Frost this morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I helped Jim a while at his harvest, craddled
around stone piles and tied up some. Made me tired.
3 Dry and Fine. Sam’s little Baby Boy of less than three months old died this forenoon. Little Baby
is gone to meet its mother in Heaven. [in margin] Sam’s Baby / Died
<p. 175>
September 1895
4th Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. We were at the Burial of Broher Sam’s Baby,
who was interred in Dundalk Cemetery.
5 Fine dry day, and warm. I entered Township orders in the Day Book and went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
6 Dry and fine, sultry, cloudy in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets.
7 Dry and fine, cloudy in the afternoon. I helped Jim to haul in oats. Mr. James Cavanaugh, Town-
ship Clerk of Proton, was here this afternoon.
8th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry and fine. Joe and Ida were here.
503
9 Slightely wet both Forenoon and afternoon, not enough of rain to prevent people from hauling in
in the middle of the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
[10 is missed, but 13 is repeated on p.176, so this should be 10, 11, 12]
11 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, helped load cheese, 105 boxes.
12 Fine day and very sultry. I went to Toronto on Township business.
13 A little cooler this morning. Thunder storm early in the morning, quite a rainfall. Visited the Ex-
hibition in the afternoon, came home at night. The cars were filled full of passengers. Could
scarcely get up the Caladon [=Caledon] mountain. There were two Engines drawing the train.
<p. 176>
September 1895
13th Cool morning, the day pretty cool. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
14 Cool, sunny and dry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and attended a meeting of the Cheese
Factory.
15th Sabbath. Cool, Cloudy and dry. Jim and Family, Jim Patterson and his sister Mary and W. Russell
were here.
16 Dry and fine. I worked at the milk sheets.
17 Dry and fine, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
18 Rain in the morning and through the night, the day was overcast and misty, a very fine Rain fall-
ing. I worked at the milk accounts preparing for paying on next Saturday afternoon.
19 Slightely damp in the early part of the day. I worked at the milk accounts and went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
20 Fine day, dry and very warm. I helped Brother Sam a little in the afternoon, Havesting on the Da-
vidson place.
21 Very warm. I went to Dundalk and paid the Cheese factory people.
22 Sabbath. Very warm. Johney McDowell and Wm. H. Russell* were here in the afternoon. [*i.e. son
Willie]
<p. 177>
September 1895
23rd Quite cool and very windy. I took the two year old colt which I had kept in the stable more than
two months out to Willie’s to pasture. [in margin] Took colt / to Willie’s
24 Dry, clear and cool. I worked all day at posting up the payments to the factory which I had made
on last Saturday, and a wearisome job it was.
25 Dry and cool, clear most of the day, but cloudy in the afternoon with heavy Rain. Thunder and
Lightening about midnight. I entered milk statement and went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got
two teeth drawn. Ida & Miss May Fields were here in the eavning.
26 Dry mostly all day, a slight shower of Rain late in the afternoon. Very strong wind. Mrs. R. went
with Johney and took out provisions for Willie’s threshing on tomorrow.
27 Dry, cool morning, slightely wet about 1 P.M. The afterpart of the day dry. Mrs. R. is at Willie’s
threshing and stopping all night. Jim’s boy milked our cows in the morning and Miss Mariah
Maxwell milked them at night.
28 Very heavy frost this morning, the day dark and cold with a slight rain at night. Miss Maxwell
milked our cows this morning. Mrs. R. got home in the eavning. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon.
29th Sabbath. Dry and cool.
30 Heavy frost in the morning, the day dry but chilly.
<p. 178>
504
October 1895
1st Snow on the ground this morning, but soon disappeared, the day cold. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. [in margin] Jim threshed / Snow
2 Chilly morning, the day fine and dry with a good deal of sunshine. I helped Bob Arnold in the
afternoon to Fire his fallow, which he had chopped.
3 Very fine day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
4 Beautiful day. We raised potaotes, 65 Bushels. Mrs. R. and I gathered most of them in the after-
noon. Jim plowed them out, the[y] are a good crop. [in margin] Raised potatoes
5 Beautiful day. I covered the potatoe pits and gathered up 2 Bushels & Cleaned out the cellar.
6th Sabbath. Beautiful Day, Sunny and dry.
7 Lovely morning, the day got overcast about 10 A.M. Rain came on about noon, a little showery in
the afternoon. Jim plowed out the remainder (23) rows of my potatoes. His Boy, George, helped
me pick them up. We had about 55 Bushels, I think. This makes 120 in all, besides what we used
since they were fit for raising. A good crop on about ½ an acre. Mr. Christopher Johnson was
here at noon. [in margin] Finished Raising potatoes
8 Very cold morning, snowing some and freezing a good deal. Frequent skiffs of snow through the
day, the day very cold, quite a change from the past fine days.
9 Cold and raw, but dry. I went to Brother Sam’s to see Madella who is sick with Maleria.
10 Cold and raw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 179>
October 1895
11th Wet morning, the day showery, bad for Dundalk Show Fair. Jim’s wife is sick, under medical
care. Something better in the afternoon. The Show at Dundalk was small on account of the wet.
A good display of Grain, Roots, Fruit, etc. Small show of animals. Few people on the grounds.
[in margin] Dundalk / Show Fair
12 Dark forenoon, a slight mizzle of Rain fell, the afternoon clear, windy and cold. I worked at the
milk sheets.
13th Sabbath. Fine day, but a little cold. Willie, Johney, Ina, Ida, Joe & Miss Bowerman were here.
14 Dry and fine, but quite cold. I went to see Madella. She is getting better. Mrs. R. went with horse
and buggy in afternoon.
15 Cold in the morning, the afternoon pretty warm with a good deal of sunshine. I picked and carried
out of the pit 43 Bushels of potatoes, put them in cellar.
16 Wet through the day, [especially] in the afternoon. Mrs. Walter Bell was here in the eavning.
17 Cold and dry in the afternoon. Several showers of snow in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. I stabled in the cows tonight for the first time this fall. [in margin]
Cows / Stabled
18 Dry, cool and cloudy. G. McKennall [=McConnell?], Collector, was here and paid me as Twp.
Treasurer $15.00. I went with Jim to Dundalk at night for to see the Doctor for him as he has been
subject lately to spasms of pains or gripes, which sits hard on him. The Dr. gave him some medi-
cine, & said it was indigestion.
<p. 180>
Oct[ober] 1895
19th Cold morning but dry. A snow storm came on about noon, frequent showers of snow in the after-
noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to ship the cheese. They were not shipped.
20th Sabbath. Snow, Snow, nothing but Snow. The ground covered and plenty more falling. Very win-
try like weather. [in margin] Snow
505
21 Cold this morning, the ground covered with snow and more falling, the day cold.
22 Milder this morning, the day mild. I went to Dundalk, helped ship the cheese, 333 Boxes, 23589
lbs., price 7 ½ & 8 cts. Total: $1840.63
23 Mild in comparison, the day fine. I put some more clay on my potatoe pits.
24 Something milder today, the sun shone out a good while. I was working at the milk accounts.
25 Mild day. I took up some carrots.
26 Mild day. I took up the cabbages and Beets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon
to a meeting of the Trustees of the Cheese factory.
27th Sabbath. Fine in the Forenoon, the afternoon was wet. John & Ina, Joe & Ida, Nancy Russell and
Miss A. Bowerman were here.
28 Stormy day from morning till night, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. I worked all day preparing
the Cheese accounts for payment. Hard work it is.
<p. 181>
October 1895
29th Quite a wintry day, the ground covered with snow. I attended Proton Council meeting held in
Dundalk.
30 Still wintry enough, the ground is snowed under. I was working at the milk accounts.
31 Quite wintry like, showers of snow in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid
the milk patrons their last cheese money for the season, all costs amounting to over $1855.00
Nov[ember 1895]
1st Cold day and dark. I was all day fixing up the paid accounts of patrons.
2 Fine day, snow melting, some of the Roads quite sloppy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
3rd Sabbath. Quite a bit of snow on the ground this morning, but melted through the day. I went to
Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Indian / Summer
4 Very fine day, just like Indian Summer. I picked and carried in to the cellar a pit of potatoes con-
taining 40 Bushels. [in margin] Ind. Summer
5 Splendid day. Indian Summer to my way of thinking. I chored around in the forenoon and helped
Jim a little while in the afternoon at his turnips. The snow is all gone. People are plowing or tak-
ing up roots. [in margin] Indian / Summer
6 Fine day, dry and warm. I helped Jim at his turnips till about 3:30 P.M. when Reeve Corbett came
for me to go with him to Dundalk to meet the Township Clerk to fix up some Debentures of S.
Sect. No. 14.
<p. 182>
November 1895
7th Wet in the morning, dry and fine through the day. I went to Toronto on Township Business and
stopped all night up Yonge Street at Bronskill’s Hotel.
8 Wet in the morning, dry in the middle of the day, and wet in the afternoon. I went this morning
from the Hotel to see Mr. George Christopher Moore, a gentleman that I formerly knew. Stopped
and had dinner with him, then left about 2 P.M. for the City and came home. Got to Dundalk
about 10 P.M. The night was as dark as pitch. Borrowed a lamp from Mr. Thos. Lakings and
came home.
9 Raining and sleeting all day, a very unpleasant day. I sent T. Laking’s lamp to him with John
Gott.
10th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow, cold day. Joe and Ida were here.
11 Pretty mild, the snow melting. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and handed over to the Trustees
of School Sect. No. 14, $700.00, amount of their debenture which I had sold for them in Toronto.
506
12 Mild day. Several people are plowing. I went to Johney’s and he hauled me home a load of stove
wood.
13 Mild day. We put up a sett of new stove pipes.
14 Pretty mild, the snow all gone. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 183>
November 1895
15th Mild day. I digged an open drain alongside of the garden to the Road to carry off the water in the
spring. Ida was here. Willie also brought me a load of straw from his place.
16 Mild spring like day, especially in the afternoon. I put some mulching of rotted chips around the
apple trees. G. McConnell, Collector was here and left me $247.00
17th Sabbath. Rather mild, with rain at night.
18 Fine day, especially in the afternoon. I went to R. J. Cornett’s* in the forenoon. [*owner, or for-
mer owner, of the Cheese factory]
19 Mild day, a snow storm came on at night.
20 The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling. A very stormy day, Blowing,
Snowing and Freezing. I entered Township orders. Brother Sam was here at noon.
21 Cold wintry day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Met Son Clark, his wife with their girl Ba-
by, coming home [from] the State of Michigan where the[y] had been for about three years. Joe &
Ida were here this night. [in margin] Clark / & Mariah / came home
22 Pretty mild, a good deal of sunshine. I put in most of the day on the Cheese makers accounts,
Straightening them out.
23 Mild day with quite a fall of snow in the afternoon. We Butchered two spring pigs. Jim and Clark
helped. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs
<p. 184>
November 1895
24th Sabbath. Pretty mild day with quite a bit of snow on the ground. Johney and Ina called here. Wil-
lie was here.
25 Snowing this morning, the snow turned to rain in the afternoon. The night was wet and very
windy, blowing down a great deal of Fencing. Johney hauled me a load of firewood. I went to
Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon cut up one of the pigs.
26 Very wild morning, the wind raging high, the snow has gone, a great deal of it thawed till after-
noon when it began to Freeze. I cut up the other pig and salted both. G. McConnell was here and
paid of Twp. Taxes $320.00
27 Mild day, the sun shone out Bright and melted the snow. I wrote out some pages of Twp. Finan-
cial statement. [in margin] Willie married
28 Fine day, Bright and sunny. I wrote out some pages of Financial Statement, went to Dundalk in
the afternoon and settled accounts with J. G. Patterson, Cheese Maker of Dundalk C[heese] Facto-
ry. Willie with his Bride got home this night from Toronto where he had gone to be married to
Miss Susan Davidson, a former resident of the Township of Osprey, daughter of William Da-
vidson, deceased. There were present in our house this night Willie and his Bride, Johney and Ina,
Jim and Mary, Clark and Mariah & their Baby, James Patterson and Brother John’s Nancy and
Tom Oliver.
29 Very fine day, the snow melting but there came on a storm of snow at night. I did not do any writ-
ing today. Had inflamed eye.
30 Fine day, fair sleighing. Worked at the Township Financial Statement.
<p. 185>
507
December 1895
1st Sabbath. Pretty Fine day. Mrs. R. and [I] dined at Jim’s.
2 Stormy, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. I worked at the Financial Statement in the Forenoon
and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. Came home from Johney’s. She had gone there on
Sabbath night.
3 Pretty cold day, sharp frost. I worked at the Financial Statement.
4 Very cold day, Freezing very sharply. I finished The Financial Report for the Township untill
after the 16th inst. when there will have to be some more entries.
5 Sharp day, Freezing keen in the forenoon, a little milder in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
6 A Cold day, sharp Frost. Fine sleighing at the present time. Willie and Sue called here. Mrs. R.
went with them to Johney’s & stopped all night.
7 Softer, inclined to Rain in the afternoon. John McGrath and W. H. Jackson, auditors of Milk
Books, officiated here and found my accounts correct.
8th Sabbath. Very sharp, cold day, Freezing keenly.
9 Very sharp day, cold but good sleighing.
10 Milder than yesterday. Johny brought me a small load of wood. Willie also hauled me a load of
straw from his place. [in margin] load of / straw / & wood
11 Pretty mild day. Willie and Susan came for his potatoes, 27 Bushels, which I had in a pit for him.
He also took home a cow which Jim had gave Sue.
<p. 186>
December 1895
12th Very cold day, the coldest by far which has been this winter. Brother John’s Nancy was here
working on a dress for Mrs. R. She and Madella went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin]
Very cold
13 Very cold morning, the day sharp all through. Jim, Johney & Willie hauled [dittog.: hauled] me
two loads each of stove wood From Lot 31 Melancthon, about Eleven cords I think. I took into the
cellar about 100 heads of Cabbage and 5 Bushels of carrots which I had in pits. [in margin] Got
wood / Home
14 Milder than yesterday though cold enough. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got from Twp.
Collector $1578.83
15th Sabbath. Fine day, mild. Willie and Susan were here. Mrs. R. went home with them.
16 Mild day, the snow softening. Mrs. R. Brought me Willie’s horse and Clark’s cutter. I went to
Hopeville on Township Business. Got $2534.90 from Collector. Had taken $1810.10 out with
me. I paid out $3628.91. Stopped at Hopeville all night. Came home next day. [in margin] Thaw
17 Mild day, the sun and wind chasing away the snow. It is going rapidly. I got home about 1:00
P.M. Straightened up my orders and cash, found I was light. [in margin] Thaw
18 Soft day, thaw wind, sleighing is about gone. I worked all day at the Financial Statement. First
posted my orders in Twp. Books. [in margin] Thaw
<p. 187>
December 1895
19th Raining, the snow pretty much gone, the wheels are once more on the roads. I worked all day at
the Financial Statement. Got finished in full at night. [in margin] Thaw
20 Mild day, quite sultry in the afternoon. I took the Finanical Statement to Dundalk to the printers.
He said it was first class copy. The snow is all gone except in the fence corners where there is a
little. The cattle are out in the fields picking what they can get.
508
21 Mild day, Raining in the afternoon, the cattle and sheep out in the fields.
22nd Sabbath. Quite mild, sultry in the afternoon. A slight mizzle of Rain in the eavning.
23 A little frost this morning, snow came on about 11 A.M. and is still (3.40 P.M.) falling. I split
some stove wood. Clark helped.
24 Dark morning, a fall of sleety rain came on about noon. It is still falling. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
25 Fine mild day, the snow all gone, quite a bit of sunshine in the afternoon, very balmy. I seen sev-
eral Dandelion Flowers today on the roadside opposite Brother Sam’s Lot in Osprey. I spent the
day with Sam. Jim and Family, Johney and Ina, Clark and Family, Willie and Sue were here and
Joe and Ida for a little while. The Roads are very Bad, mud to no end.
<p. 188>
December 1895
26th Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a very cold day, exceeding Bad roads. I made out a Financial
Statement for Dundalk Cheese Factory Annual Meeting.
27 Dark morning, the day dark but not cold, the roads very rough, mostly sleighs going, wheeling
very bad. Mrs. R. went to Corbetton.* I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [*to visit Ida]
28 Bright day, sunny but sharp and cold, roads are still very rough. Mrs. R. got home from Cor-
betton.
29th Sabbath. Mild day with some snow in the afternoon.
30 Snowing slightely all day, mild atmosphere. I went to Hopevlle to the nomination of Township
Council. Came home that night. It was midnight when I got home. S. Rogers, Ex-Reeve, who is
now running for the Reeveship, was very insulting in his address to the people, Blaming the pre-
sent Council and officials for Bad management. Their management was good and Rogers told any
amount of falsehoods.
31 Very stormy all day long, Blowing fiercely and snowing. The fiercest storm which has come dur-
ing this winter, the Roads filling up. Drifts of snow piling up everywhere. There will be no get-
ting along for some time till the Roads are shovelled out, which will not be of any road until the
storm is over. The old year is going out and the new one is coming in. It has been a terrible year
of sorrow. Phoebe the best of women, has gone to her loving home* and her family is desolate
without her. [in margin] Stormy [[?=gone to her eternal home]
<p. 189>
January 1896
1st Stormy day, blowing and snowing. I fixed up some papers and accounts. [in margin] Stormy
2 Stormy, Blowing and snowing, Roads very badly drifted. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in
margin] Stormy
3 Snowing and blowing, the roads badly blocked. This is the Fourth day of stormy weather in suc-
cession. [in margin] Stormy
4 Very cold day, hard freezing. I think the coldest day which has come this winter. Bright sun in
the afternoon. Willie came here this afternoon with his team, then he went to Jim’s for some
things. [in margin] very cold
5th Sabbath. Extremely cold day, the keenest Frost of any day during the winter. [in margin] very cold
6 Very cold day all through. I went in the afternoon to the voting at John Allen’s. Stopped to help
count the Ballots at the close of the poll. The two who ran for (Reeve), Mr. J. Corbett and Mr. S.
Rogers were ties. The Twp. Clerk, Mr. Cavanaugh, who has the casting vote, I believe will give it
for Mr. Corbett. [in margin] very cold
509
7 Cold day, sharp Frost. I attended the annual meeting of the Dundalk Cheese Factory in the after-
noon. Was re-engaged as Sect. Treasurer, at $50.00 salary. [in margin] J. & W. / Hauled me / a
load of / Straw
8 Cold hard Frost, sharp day. I done some writing for Cheese Factory to be printed.
9 Milder than yesterday, quite a pleasant day, a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon.
<p. 190>
January 1896
10th Fine day, mild, quite a good bit of sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and like a snow-
fall. Joe and Ida called here going to Jim’s. I prepared my Books for the Twp. Auditors.
11 Fine day, mild but dark, without any sunshine. I made out Half-Yearly Financial Statement for
next Council Meeting. G. McConnell, Collector of Rates, was here tonight and paid me $584.40,
less $5.00. This $5.00 was a mistake in counting a five dollar bill as a ten. I have written to him,
he will make it right.
12th Sabbath. Stormy, Blowing, Snowing & Freezing.
13 Pretty cold, Snowing some and Freezing. I went to Dundalk.
14 Mild day, not blowing or snowing, dark and Frosty.
15 Fine day, mild and without storm, pretty good sleighing, the roads being packed.
16 Mild day, almost like a thaw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent Letter / to
Ireland
17 Fine day, mild, almost like a thaw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. This is my 60th Birth-day.
[in margin] My 60th Birthday
18 Fine day, mild, dark with a snowfall in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mrs. R.
went to Willie’s at night. She will stop till tomorrow eavning.
<p. 191>
January 1896
19th Sabbath. Mild day. Roads very heavy.
20 Mild day, but a cold, damp, raw wind. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all
night.
21 Mild day, dark and a heavy, cold atmosphere. I got home from Hopeville about 11 A.M.
Straightened up my accounts in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went out to Willie’s with his horse which I
had borrowed to go to Hopeville.
22 Mild day, but dark, with a thick, damp air. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. John Arnold of
Lot 220 Melancthon & Miss Mariah Maxwell, his deceased wife’s sister’s daughter, were married
this afternoon. Clark went to Attwood.* [in margin] J. Arnold / Married [*Perth County, ON,
near Listowel and Elmira.]
23 Dark day, the Bushes and Rails covered over with Rhime. Rain and sleet in the afternoon. Willie
and his wife came here in the afternoon.
24 Blowing and snowing all day, from morning till night. Mrs. R. went to a quilting at H. Lonsway’s.
25 Mild day, some snow fell. I helped Jim in the forenoon to Butcher six pigs and in the afternoon I
entered Township orders.
26th Sabbath. Mild day, quite soft like.
27 Mild day, a very heavy hoar frost on the Bushes. Ida was here. Ina and Johney also. I split stove
wood in the wood House.
<p. 192>
January 1896
510
28th Quite mild all day. The auditors of Township accounts (Mr. John A. Cooper and Mr. Thos. Fen-
nell) were here and audited my Books and vouchers and found them correct.
29 Dark day, the trees and Bushes thick with hoar Frost. A slight sprinkling of Rain or sleet in the
afternoon. I split some stove wood.
30 Mild day but dark and lowering. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
31 Dark day, heavy hoar frost on the Bushish [=bushes], Fences, etc. I went to Sam’s in the morning
and his Willie hauled me a load of straw. I then went to Dundalk to enquire of [MS off] Dr. Mar-
tin how Ida was (she is laid up with Diptheria). He said she was getting better. Met with G.
McConnell, Collector. Stopped a while. [in margin] Ida has / Diptheria
Feb. 1st Dark, misty morning, the day damp and slightely wet. I went to Dundalk to hear Dr. Martin’s
Report of Ida. He says she is improving. [in margin] Thaw
2nd Sabbath. Fine day with a good deal of Sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Corbetton to see Ida.
3 Stormy, rough day, keen freeze, blowing and snowing. I was twice to Dundalk.
4 Pretty cold, rough day. I went in the afternoon to see Ida. She is getting better. I came up with
Dr. Martin as far as S. McDowell’s. Clark and Mariah with Baby left before I came home. Went
to Johney’s, afraid I would sa??? him ??? ???? [words illegible]
<p. 193>
February 1896
5th Fine day, especially in the afternoon. I went to Sam’s in the eavning. His Willie and he loaded up
a load of straw for me and hauled it home. This is the second load I have got from him. He would
not take pay. [in margin] Got second / load of straw / from Sam
6 Rough, stormy day. Blowing and snowing. I stopped at home all day. Two insurance men came
here this afternoon, wanted to insure my life for $1000, I to pay $70.00 per annum. I declined
their offer with thanks.
7 Rough stormy day, Blowing and snowing, the Roads very heavy. Mrs. R. got home this eavning.
8 Calmer, the storm has abated, the day pretty mild. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. She is mending.
9th Sabbath. Pretty mild day. Roads heavy.
10 Quite rough, the day cold, the eavning rough, the night Blowing, snowing and drifting.
11 Very stormy day. Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, the stormiest day, I think, that has occured
during this winter. Neither horse nor man did I see on the road today. [in margin] Big Storm
12 Calm and mild, the roads badly filled with snow. I got from R. Arnold 20 Bushels of oats at .25
cents per Bushel and 2½ of pease @ .50 c. p. B. Mr. Arnold hauled them home to me.
13 Cold and stormy, snowing, Blowing and Drifting. The Roads greately filled up, scarcely any one
moving around. [in margin] Stormy
<p. 194>
February 1896
14th Stormy day from morning till night, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, no person visible to be seen
on the road. [in margin] Very Stormy
15 Quite rough, Snowing and Blowing. I went to Dundalk.
16th Sabbath. Extremely cold day.
17 Bright and sunny, but a very sharp frost. In Dundalk it was said to be 20º below zero this morn-
ing. The day was pleasant enough on account of the fine sunshine. Mrs. R. Arnold and baby was
here a little while at noon. Joe Bowerman took Mrs. R. to Corbetton. She is going to wash for
Ida. Willie was here at noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Cold / 30º Below
zero / in Dundalk
511
18 Dark day with a little snow falling now and then, a penetrating frost all day. All kinds of fluids in
the pantry were iced over and continued so all day. I was alone today, nice and quite, eh?
19 Another cold day, but not so stinging as yesterday, quite a snowfall. I am alone and at peace.
20 Very cold day, pretty strong wind and a sharp frost. Very few teams on the road. Mrs. R. got
home this afternoon from Corbetton. [in margin] Very cold
21 Cold day, very sharp frost, the snow on the roads a great depth. I went to Dundalk. [in margin]
cold
22 A little milder than yesterday, quite a while of sunshine, pleasant compared with the past days.
Johney & Ina were here. Mariah came home with them.
<p. 195>
February 1896
23rd Sabbath. Mild and very much like a thaw, the snow softening and a slight mizzle of rain fell. Ida
and Joe were here in the afternoon.
24 Quite a change from yesterday, strong wind, Snowing occasionally and sharp frost. I fixed up
some accounts satisfactor[i]ly.
25 Very nice sunny day, mostly all through. The sky got overcast late in the afternoon and it turned
cold and began to blow. I went to Willie’s for my colt [MS: cold] which he had Boarding.
Stopped in his house all night.
26 Blowing and drifting this morning, pretty cold facing the wind. Willie hitched up the colt to my
cutter. He drove it home for me. He had been Breaking it in and it goes pretty well. [in margin,
almost illegible] got colt / Home
27 A little blustrey [=blustery] this morning, the snow drifting, the air began to get soft about noon,
the afternoon quite mild and a thaw has sett in. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Bought a
Barell of Salt for $1.00, 4 Bushels of Barley at .35¢ per Bushel. [in margin] Got Letter / From Ire-
land
28 Mild day, quite a thaw wind, a slight shower of Rain about 1 P.M. The snow is settling down.
Jim went to Shelburne to deliver a span of horses which he had sold yesterday for $120.00 to
Rock. [=Robt?] Mains[?]. [in margin] Thaw
29 Pretty sharp day but with a good deal of sunshine. The thaw is evidentally over for the present. I
wrote a number of letters.
<p. 196>
March 1896
1st Sabbath. Rough day. Blowing and Snowing and Freezing.
2 Cold and Rough, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, very cold. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon
and bought a draft of $180.81, sent it to the Molsons Bank, Owen Sound, along with three deposit
Receipts which I held against the Bank. These are Sinking funds belonging to the Township of
Proton, for which I must secure the Bank’s Receipts, and enter in Township Books. Willie came
here at noon, left me his land payment, $144.00, which I must send away for him as soon as possi-
ble.
3 Extremely cold day, sharp frost and strong wind. Was glad enough to stop in the house. [in mar-
gin] very cold
4 Very sharp day but the sun shone out clear and bright. Wind pretty strong. Both last night and the
previous night the Frost was great, got into the cellar and Froze some of the potatoes. [in margin]
Cold
5 Moderately fine, sunshiney day, quite pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Bought a
draft for $144.00, paid .20 cents commission on the draft, sent said draft by registered letter to
512
Caspar Wideman*, Gormley P. O., it being a payment made by Willie on the Mortgage which Mr.
Wideman holds against Willie’s farm. [*see 21 June 1895, where Sam pays earlier amounts]
6 Mild day, pretty much like a thaw, still, there came none. Jim’s little ones, Arlie, Vern and Eric*
were here this night. Their parents had gone to Johney’s. [*?, the third child is Delbert]
<p. 197>
March 1896
7th A very rough day, snowing and Blowing but not a hard freeze, the Roads filling up rapidly. I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Stormy
8th Sabbath. Pretty rough day, Snowing and Blowing. Mr. R. Arnold , wife and Baby were here.
9 Fine day, rather milder than yesterday with a good deal of sunshine. The snow is very deep, espe-
cially on the Roads. I entered some vouchers, done the chores, etc.
10 Clear day with a good deal of Sunshine. But a pretty sharp, keen Air. Robt. Arnold, a neighbour
who came on his farm, Lots 217, 18 & 19, Proton about a year ago, had a sale today and is moving
away tomorrow. Jim Russell has bought his three Lots, 150 acres, for $1875.00.
11 Very sharp day. Easterly winds penetrating. I bought 10 Bushels Oats @ .22¢, 6 Bushels chopped
oats @ 24¢ per Bushel and .70¢’s worth of pease from R. Arnold. He moved off his farm today.
Jim’s man hauled the Oats I got, and some that Clark bought, home for us.
12 Cold, severe day. Frost very sharp, few people on the Road, cold, Bright & Sunny.
13 Fine day, a good deal of sunshine, pretty sharp Frost after sunset. Brother Sam called here.
14 Pretty sharp day, but still a good bit of sunshine. Mrs. R. left this morning for Adjala. I attended a
meeting of the patrons of D[undalk] C[heese] Factory. G. McConnell, Collector of Taxes, re-
turned his Roll.
<p. 198>
March 1896
15th Sabbath. Fine day, quite a good bit of sunshine, Ina and Johney were here in the afternoon.
16 Fine day, the sun warm and strong, the snow softening. Willie Brought me a load of straw. Sam’s
daughter Madella was here a while. [in margin] Got a / Load of straw
17 Misty morning, Hoar frost on the Bushes. The sun shone out about 9 O’clock and the day was fine
till the afternoon, when the sky clouded over and snow began to fall in the afternoon.
18 Fine, mild day, the sun bright and warm. I wrote out six agreements for the milk drawers of Dun-
dalk Cheese Factory, also copied into my Defaulters Book a list of those who were returned in de-
fault of taxes by the Collector of 1895. Jim got 12 of his cattle dehorned by Mr. F. Nixon, V. S.
19 Wild, Blustery day. Blowing and snowing, also pretty sharp frost. I started for Jim’s this after-
noon, got almost 80 Rods, had to turn back as the wind and snow were cutting my face off. Ina
was here. [in margin] Very Stormy
20 Clear and cold, immense snow drifts are piled up in all directions on account of the heavy snow
and wind storm which prevailed yesterday and last night. There are no persons on the Road today,
and before any traffick [=traffic] is resumed they will have to be shovelled out. Jim, H. Lonsway,
& Tom Oliver were here a while.
21 Bright sunny day with a strong wind in the afternoon. People got through the roads with great
difficulty. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
22 Sabbath. Pretty mild day, a few people on the Roads.
<p. 199>
March 1896
23 Bright, sunny day. I attended a Council meeting held in Dundalk. Clark drove me in and out.
513
24 Fine morning, the forenoon pretty fine, the afternoon got overcast and began to blow and drift. I
wrote some letters on Township Business in the forenoon. [in margin] Poor little Pelo* / very sick
/ Had Dr. Martin [*must be a baby-talk name for Pearl, Clark and Mariah’s daughter; see 16 Jan.
1897]
25 Dark day, very windy in the afternoon, thaw wind all day, a slight sprinkling of Rain in the after-
noon. Mrs. R. got home this afternoon From Alliston, A[d]jala, etc. Been away since Saturday
the 14th inst.
26 Cold, stormy day, especially the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and bought some
shorts and Bran. Jim’s wife is here. [in margin] Pelo better
27 Sunny and bright but with a sharp Frosty wind. I entered Township orders.
28 Bright and sunny, but with a high wind, the snow softening some under the influence of the wind.
I moped around, done nothing, only the imperative chores, an every day occurence.
29th Sabbath. Fine day, sunny and warm, the snow melting at a great rate. I went to Brother Sam’s.
30 Fine day, sunny and Bright, the snow disappearing fast. I made out a statement for the Bureau of
Industries of the Receipts & Payments, Assets and Liabilities of Proton for 1895.
31 Very fine day, Sunny and warm. The snow disappearing fast. Changed in the afternoon to cold
and raw. Willie and Susan was here a while in the afternoon.
<p. 200>
April 1896
1st Cold and windy, the day changed and became cloudy with a strong thaw wind. Sam called in the
afternoon. Old Mr. Sauder of Melancthon died early this morning. Showery sleet and Rain mixed
at night. [in margin] Mr. Sauder / Died
2 Very squally day, Fierce storms of snow came on now and then. I went to Dundalk in the Fore-
noon, rode in with Clark, walked home, the Roads are very bad. [in margin] Sent News- / paper
and auditors Report / to Ireland
3 Pretty rough, Stormy day, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing. The Township Assessor (Thos.
McAulay) was here and assessed this house and acre at $100.00. Jim’s Assessment for his 250
acres is $2400.00. Total of Both $2500.00. We are all on as joint owners.
4 Pretty rough day, squally and cold, flurries of snow. I went to Dundalk and bought 2½ Bushels
Best grade Manitoba Flour at $4.60 per Brl. and ½ Barell Ontario @ 3.90 per Brl., From John Sin-
clair. Jim hauled it home. [in margin] Miss Fry / Died
5th Sabbath. Milder than yesterday, but cold enough. Very little if any thaw. Johney and Ina, Willie
and Susan, Miss A. Davidson and Jim’s Arlie and Vern were here.
6 Cold, rough day, Blowing and snowing most of the time. I went to Jim’s in the forenoon and to
Dundalk in the afternoon. Brother Sam was here. Clark started to sell more medicine.
7 Fine, a slight sun, thaw. I helped Jim cut some oat sheaves, then went to Dundalk, bought 30
B[ushels] Oats for 21¢ p. B. for cattle feed. Took them to get chopped.
<p. 201>
April 1896
8th Very fine day, quite spring like. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Clark started out towards
Orangeville to Sell medicine.
9 Pretty chilly day with a slight thaw wind, in the afternoon dark, and a snowfall came on at night.
Jim with his team brought home the chop (1024 lbs) from the mill. Mr. Thomas McKee, a resi-
dent of Proton for about 43 years, died this morning From a cold contracted last fall. [in margin]
Mr. Thos. McKee / Died
10 Dark day, mild and quite spring like. Clark got home from Selling medicine.
514
11 Rain early in the morning, the remainder of the day dark, spring like air. Mrs. R. and I went to
Thos. McKee’s furneral. He was buried in Dundalk Cemetary. The Roads were very bad and
quite a number of people attending were on foot.
12th Sabbath. Very fine day, the snow thawing rapidly.
13 Very warm day, quite spring like, the air hazy and Balmy. I pruned some apple trees, the snow
had broke them considerably. First of our cows calved this morning. [in margin] Cow Calved /
1st Lizzard heard
14 Fine day, but not so bright sun as yesterday. The snow mostly out of the fields except in the fence
corners. Wheels and sleighs both on the Roads. I moved and parted some gooseberrie bushes.
Ida was here. [in margin] Seen / First / Robbin
15 Very fine day, sunny and hot, the snow is nearly all gone out of the fields. I made an enclosure to
keep the cattle so that they would not injure the fruit trees.
<p. 202>
April 1896
16th Bright sunny day, very warm, both horses and men working an’ sweating with the extreme heat. I
went to Dundalk, got a pair of Laced Boots for which I had left my measure from Mr. Syming-
ton.* Cost of the Boots, $3.50. They appear good. Scarcely a pick of snow visable from the
house. [in margin] very warm. [*W. J. Symington (b. 1847, d. 1931) bought the boot and shoe
business of Thomas Hanbury ca. 1883. He is listed in the business directories of 1887 and 1906;
see History of Dundalk, pp. 104-5, 387.]
17 Heavy thunder, lightening and some Rain about 4 A.M. The middle of the day dry and sultry.
Rain in the afternoon. I attended G. Leache’s Sale in the afternoon, Clarked [=clerked] for him.
18 Sultry and close. Sowed cabbage plants and got home some cut feed from Jim. Clark hauled it
with Jim’s team. [in margin] Sowed / Cabbage / Seed
19th Sabbath. Cloudy and sultry, with a slight sprinkling of rain through the day. Jim’s children were
here, their parents had gone to J. Bowerman’s
20 Sunny and warm in the afternoon, the afternoon cloudy and sultry. I wrote out James Mills’ Will
for him, according to his dictation. Jim Russell started two plows on the new place. [in margin]
Wrote out / J. Mills’ Snr / Will / J. R. /Started plows
21 Fine morning, but a little cool, the day rather windy with quite a cold turn in the afternoon. Mrs.
John McLean was here. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, got a Liniment to put on the cow’s
legs. She is quite lame from an overflow of milk which settled in her Bag. Clark started to Sell
medicine.
<p. 203>
April 1896
22 The Ground covered with snow this morning, a[nd] quite a frost, but the sun rose bright and warm
and the snow soon disappeared. Mrs. A. Lonsway called this afternoon. [in margin] Snow / Frost.
23 Fine day, a trifle cool, still, very pleasant, the roads good, the ground dry and all the Farmers busy
plowing. Splendid weather. I went to Mr. Andrew Lonsway’s this eavning and wrote out his Will
for him. This is I think about the fourth time I have wrote out a similar Document for him. [in
margin] wrote out / Andrew Lonsway’s / Will
24 Dark, cold day, with a very slight sprinkling of Rain now and then. I am doing nothing in the
shape of work, only [dittog.: only] attending the cattle. But for the Pains that has me almost lame I
would be chopping some firewood in the bush.
515
25 Fine day, a trifle cold early in the morning, dry and pleasant. I went to Dundalk and bought a
chopping axe for 50¢ and handle for .15¢. Mrs. Richard Ludlow, a resident of Proton for about 48
years, and aged about 81, died today. [in margin] Mrs. Rich[ard] Ludlow / Died
26 Sabbath. Fine day, good growth, Bright and sunny, a little cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Brother
Sam’s. He drove me home at night.
27 Fine day in the forenoon, the afternoon slightely wet. I went to Dundalk, bought a shirt @ .50¢
and a neck tie at .25[¢], also a pair of Baby Boots for little Pelo at .75¢s. I think of going tomor-
row to Stouffville to see D. Boyers to get him to remove a species of cancer which is on my face.
Mrs. Gott & Mrs. A. Lonsway were here.
<p. 204>
April 1896
28th Fine day, pretty warm. I left home this morning, took the cars and went to Stouffville. Came back
from Stou[ff]ville to Markham. Seen Mr. Byers. Put plasters on cancers. I stopped with him all
night.
29 Fine day. Still at Mr. Byers, under his treatment. Pretty tired of the spot.
30 Fine day, a little cool. Left this morning for home with one cancer burned out, the other with a
burning plaster on. Both cancers on my face, a pretty picture I no [MS now] doubt looked, with
my face plastered over and eyes discoloured from the swelling caused by the pain of my face. Got
home about 10.30 P.M., completely used up. I don’t like Mr. Byers’ place to stop in.
[May 1896]
May 1st Fine day, great growing weather. My face is Burning and sore, my head aching Badly. Took
some physic at night.
2 Fine day, a little cloudy and windy. My face is pretty badly swollen. Mrs. Robert Arnold called.
Mr. G. Douglas called and got a receipt for his taxes of 1895 being paid.
3rd Sabbath. Fine dry day. Brother Sam, Willie and wife, Johney and wife were here.
4 Fine day, dry and warm. Clark set out some Fruit trees, which I had got, for me. [in margin]
planted / out Fruit trees
<p. 205>
May 1896
5th Dry and fine. People very busy seeding. The trees are getting out in leaf and there is great vege-
taton. Clark & Mariah at Jim’s.
6 Fine day, splendid weather. One of the spots on my face has burned into quite a hole, the other
spot, although Burned white, has not as yet sunk any. Pretty sore face and head I have. Clark,
Mariah and the Baby started for Willie’s this afternoon.
7 Bright sunny day, dry, Breezy and warm. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. I kept house.
8 Fine day, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk, got some fastenings for to keep colt in field, also two
straps for milk cow.
9th Bright and sunny. I fixed up a runway for the pigs from their pen so that they can get on the road
when they please.
10th Sabbath. Dry and hot. John and wife, Willie and wife were here. Clark and Mariah went to
Church at Hog Back.
11 Dry and hot with an occasional puff of wind. I Banked up some Six apple & plum trees which
Clark had planted for me and I also staked them. Jim plowed the Garden and hauled out two loads
of manure. [in margin] Seen first / swallow
12 Fine day, but dark in the forenoon. Clark, Mariah and little Peelo left for Attwood. They had been
stopping here since 21st of last November when they came from Michigan.
516
<p. 206>
May 1896
13th Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I took to Willie and Susan a yearling heifer calve, made a present of it
to Sue.
14 Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. [R.] and I planted some
garden seeds. Some thunder and lightening with a small sprinkling of Rain about 10 P.M.
15 Fine day, a trifle cool. I picked over some potatoes in the cellar.
16 Fine day, pretty Breezy. I chored around. A slight rain late at night. [in margin] H. H. Hunter / of
Dundalk / Died
17th Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. H. H. Hunter was Buried today in Dundalk Cemetry. Very high
wind, especially at night.
18 Dry and windy. I fixed some fences for Jim which were blown down. Then gathered some sheep
sorrel in the afternoon to drink the juice of, as it is said to be a Blood purifier.
19 Dry but very cool in the afternoon. There was a pretty sharp frost this night. Done some harm,
though not much. [in margin] Frost
20 Dry and sunny most of the day. I helped Jim’s man fill 3 Loads of manure.
21 Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a slight shower of Rain about 4 P.M.
and more rain during the night. [in margin] Got papers from / Toronto
<p. 207>
May 1896
22nd Cool and dry, cloudy in the afternoon. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk to hear Dr. Sproul[e],*
M.P. for E. Grey make a political speech. His opponent was no good. [*Conservative MP 1878-
1911; see 5 March 1891; and http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/sproule_thomas_simpson_14E.html]
23 Dry, clear and Breezy. I made and Ruled a Book for to keep the milk accounts in for the season of
1896.
24th Sabbath. Dry and warm, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin, but strick-
en] Slight / Frost
25 Rain early this morning and it was very much needed, the ground being so dry that the grass and
grain was beginning to wilt and then Brown. The day cloudy and windy. Shower at night and a
good heavy rain after dark with plenty of Lightening and thunder. [in margin] Rain
26 Cool and cloudy with a very strong wind, quite cold at sunset. Joe Bowerman got a heifer calve of
six days old from here. Mrs. R. and I were at Willie’s.
27 Very cool morning, but the sun got out and the forenoon was warm. A pretty sharp shower of
Rain and hail about noon, the afternoon warm. Wm. Lonsway called this afternoon. Sam’s Bob
brought out a horse for me to take me to the Council meeting. I cut potatoes & went to Dundalk.
Mrs. R. helped.
28 Wet in the forenoon, showery through the day, high winds. I attended C[ouncil] Meeting at Hope-
ville. Came home at night.
<p. 208>
May 1896
29th Showery and cold all day, with quite a strong wind. I took home Sam’s mare which I had bor-
rowed.
30 Dry, cool and Breezy with quite a bit of sunshine. I planted potatoes, about 9 Bushels. Willie
with his team, Johney and Sam’s Johney and Bob helped. We hauled out and spread 13 loads of
Manure, then planted the potatoes under. We were done about 4:30 P.M. Planted about 5/8 of an
acre. Did not harrow them. [in margin] potatoes / planted
517
31st Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry, but cool and cloudy. Walter Bell was here a while in the
forenoon.
[June 1896]
June 1 Cloudy in the forenoon, clear and cold in the afternoon. I took the three year old filly to Brother
Sam’s to pasture. [in margin] Took / colt / to Sam’s
2 Dry day but cool, Frost this morning. I was pretty sick last night with a cold. Mrs. R. put hot
stove lids to me and caused me to sweat which relieved me greately. [in margin] Frost
3 Quite a frost this morning, the day dry and warm. I only could walk around a little. [in margin]
Frost
4 Dry and hot. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I Consulted Dr. Martin. He exam-
ined and prescribed for me. I am weak and [a] considerable bit of pain, no appetite, no spring to
me.
5 Fine day, dry and warm. Cloudy and some thunder and lightening at night. Mrs. A. Jackson and
Mrs. Walter Bell called here collecting for the church. We moved the stove into the Back Kitchen.
<p. 209>
June 1896
6th Dry and very warm. I cut some seed potatoes for Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon sowed
some turnip seed for table use.
7th Sabbath. Dry and warm in the forenoon, some thunder and lightening and a splendid Rain in the
afternoon.
8 Pretty fine day, great growth. Some Rain in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets and mend-
ed Brush fence in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s.
9 Dark morning, the day showery, something like a scotch mist, especially in the afternoon. I
chored around. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s & Johney’s.
10 Fine day all through, a little cold in the afternoon. I fixed Brush fence on the T. Arnold farm.
Poor Phebe died a year ago.
11 Frost this morning, but I think it done no harm. I made a piece of a pole fence in the forenoon and
in the afternoon went to Dundalk. I sent a letter to Br[other] William. [in margin] Sent letter to Br.
William ℅ / Kosima P. O. / I. T. / U. S.
12 Fine dry day, pretty warm. Also I finished pole fence. Mrs. R. helped me. Mr. G. Rutherford was
here today and insured me in The Queen Insurance Co. of America, For 36 months, Dating from
the 16th inst. on dwelling house $400.00, Contents $150.00, on wearing apparel $50.00, on Stable
$70.00, Contents $30.00, on northerly corner of Lot 220, 1st Con., Proton, Total $700.00. Premi-
um to be paid in one month—$6.40. That is .90¢ on the $100.00 for house & Contents and $1.00
on the $100.00 for stable and contents. [in margin] Insured
<p. 210>
June 1896
13th Dry and fine, a little cool towards night. I worked at the Township Books and at the Milk sheets.
Ordered English B. C. Tree, price .50¢
14th Sabbath. Dry and cool. Mrs. J. Grummett and husband and Miss Mills were here at night for a
while.
15 Fine day, dry and pretty warm, a little thunder in the distance in the afternoon. I washed two
swine with water and soft soap, then put some green copperas* in water and washed them with
that, the pigs having vermin on them. [*see insert before entry for 7 May 1893.]
16 Dry, sunny and fine. I harrowed the potatoes. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Jackson’s Garden party.
518
17 Dry, sunny and warm. I went to Sam’s but did not get all the way as I met him. Joe and Ida called
here this afternoon.
18 Dry, sunny and hot. Mrs. R. and I went Berry picking. I left the Berry patch in the afternoon and
went to Dundalk, thinking to see the School Inspector. Did not see him. I got a Bottle of medicine
and some pills From Dr. Martin for my stomach which is out of order.
19 Dry and hot, some thunder clouds showing in the afternoon, but no rain fell. I went to Sam’s.
20 Fine day, dry till the afternoon when there came on a pretty nice rain. I worked at the milk Books.
<p. 211>
June 1896
21st Sabbath. Fine day, dry but a little cool. Joe and Ida were here.
22 Dry and cool. I went to Johney’s and Willie’s. Tried to burn some Brush in the fire slashing but
failed.
23 Fine day but a slight frost this morning. Dry and dusty. I went to the Dominion Election polling
at G. Acheson’s. Willie drove me out. [in margin] Frost
24 Dry and sunny, Breezy. I fixed Brush Fence for Jim. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s Logging Bee to
Help Susan. I would have helped log but was afraid of getting the cicatrice on my face, which is
yet tender, switched with brush.
25 Fine day, dry and warm with a good rain at night. I attended Council meeting at Proton Station.
Stopped all night.
26 Dry and warm. Clark, Mariah, Pelow and Miss Maggie Moran came here.
27 Dry and hot. I fixed at pole fence and compared vouchers with the cash which I paid out on the
25th. Came out right.
28th Sabbath. Fine Rain early this morning and rained during most of the forenoon. Willie and Sue
called here.
29 Pretty cool day, but dry. I helped ship Dundalk Cheese.
30 Dry and a little cool. I worked all day at the milk accounts to have them ready to pay the patrons
on next Thursday.
<p. 212>
July 1896
1st Very hot day. I was doing Statute Labor. Mr. R. Oliver called here in the afternoon.
2 Hot and dry. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk
and paid the patrons. [in margin] Got cheque / For pension
3 Hot and sultry in the forenoon, a grand shower of Rain fell about 4:30 P.M., accompanied with
some thunder and lightening.
4 Cloudy in the forenoon. I entered some milk receipts. The afternoon delightfully wet. I worked
at the milk Books. [in margin] Grand / Rain
5th Sabbath. Fine day with a small sprinkle of Rain. Mrs. R. and I went to A. Lonsway’s in the
eavning.
6 A scotch mist fell during the day. I entered Township orders in the forenoon and in the afternoon
hoed potatoes. W. Faucett called here.
7 Cool and cloudy. I hoed potatoes for the first going over. Hard work as the ground was wet and
stuck to the hoe.
8 Dry day, fine and warm. I finished hoeing potatoes for the first going over.
9 Dry in the forenoon. Slightely wet in the afternoon, warm. I worked at the milk sheets in the
forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 213>
519
July 1896
10th Showery, especially in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to J. Bowerman’s. I worked at the milk
sheets. I ordered some small Fruit plants and Bushes From J. R. Medaugh, agent, at Proton Sta-
tion, for Stone and Wellington, 49 Wellington St. E., Toronto, nurseries Fonthill, Ont., to be deliv-
ered by agent April 1897. Currants, 1 Moore Rubie (Black) .50¢, 3 prince Albert (Black) .50¢ , 3
White Grape .50¢; Gooseberries, 6 Smith’s improved .75 ¢, 3 New American .50¢; Strawberries
25 Cresent .50¢, 25 Sharples $1.50; Raspberries 3 Tayler’s .50¢ (Black), 3 Sniders (Black) .50¢, 1
Columbian Free. Total money, $5.75. [in margin] Ordered Fruit plants
11 Fine Bright, sunny day and warm. I Balanced the Township Books and wrote out ½ Yearly Fi-
nancial Statement to present to Council on the 15th inst.
12th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm.
13 Beautiful shower of rain in the morning, cleared off about 9 A.M., the remainder of the day dry
and warm. I went to Dundalk and helped ship 100 Boxes Cheese, sold for 6 13/16¢
14 Pretty warm all day, but cloudy. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and put Paris Green on them in
the afternoon at the rate of one heaped teasponfull to a pail of water.
15 Rain early this morning. I left home about 8:30 A.M., went to a Council meeting at Bell’s Cor-
ners, about 20 miles from here. Stopped all night at the Hotel (Mathew Bulger).
<p. 214>
July 1896
16th Clear and cool all day. I left Bell’s Corners about 8:30 A.M., came home by Dundalk. Stopped
there for about an hour, got home at 2 P.M. Balanced my cash and orders, found them correct.
17 Dry and pretty warm in the afternoon. I hoed and Paris-greened potatoes in the forenoon and went
to Dundalk in the afternoon.
18 Cloudy and cool. I hoed potatoes to 4 P.M., then went to Dundalk.
19th Sabbath. Dry, except a slight mizzle of Rain in the morning.
20 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I posted Reeve’s orders and milk accounts till 4
P. M., then hoed potatoes.
21 Fine dry day and very hot. I helpd Mac [?] grind the mower knife then hoed potaotes.
22 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the latter part of the afternoon. I finished hoeing potatoes for
the second time, then cut a little grass around the house and Mrs. R. and I went with Brother Sam
to Dundalk in the afternoon, to help place a monument at the Grave of his lost Phebe. Poor Phebe,
more than a year departed. The monument* is a good one and cost one hundred and sixty dollars.
[in margin] helped place / monument at / Phebe’s Grave. [*the monument is a red granite pillar
about 3 meters tall.]
23 Fine day, but very much like rain. I finished gathering up the little hay I had, then went to Dun-
dalk. Ida came here in the afternoon.
<p. 215>
July 1896
24th Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry with quite a bit of sunshine. I worked at the milk
sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon mowed some swale grass.
25 Dry day. I went with Jas. Watson to let him the chopping of firewood in Melancthon. I let him 20
Cords 2 feet stove wood at .40¢ per cord. I then went to Johney’s and Willie’s. John drove me
home.
26th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a little wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s.
27 Fine day, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and cut swale grass in the afternoon.
520
28 Hot day, cloudy and very much like a thunder storm in the afternoon. I cut some grass in the fence
corners in the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned out the spring for the cattle and raked up
some hay.
29 Dry and hot till the afternoon, when there came on some thunder with quite a rainfall. I worked at
the Township Books and Cheese accounts.
30 Close, sultry day, a little hazy and thick atmosphere. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
31 Dry and fine. I Paris-greened the potatoes for the third time, then raked up some hay and put it up
in handshakes. There is a great growth these days, splendid Rains and sunshine afterwards.
<p. 216>
August 1896
1st Dark, dry forenoon, the afternoon dark and slightely wet. I worked at the milk accounts and
Township Books.
2nd Sabbath. Fine, dry day, pretty warm. Willie, Susan and her sister Adda [=Ada] were here.
3 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes for Jim.
4 Dry and very hot in the afternoon. I finished hoeing Jim’s potatoes and he hauled in a load of
swale grass hay for me which I had cut. Miss Bowerman is here cutting out a dress for Mrs. R.
We got a likeness today of Brother William, his wife and Grandchild. Rain at night. [in margin]
Hot / Got Brother / William’s Likeness
5 Very sultry and hot, especially in the afternoon. Heavy dark clouds gathered in the sky towards
night and about 10 P.M. the rain was coming down heavy. There was an immense display of sheet
lightening and a good deal of thunder. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and came home about 7
P.M. [in margin] Very hot
6 Dry and pretty hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. also went. Got a lift with H. Lon-
sway. [in margin] hot / Jim commenced / cutting oats
7 Dry and hot. Mrs. R. and I went with Brother Sam and Madella to the cemetry of Dundalk to fix
the Burying plot in which his darling Phebe is interred.
8 Dry in the forenoon and pretty hot. I went in the forenoon to measure some stove wood which I
had got cut. Came home and stooked some oats.
<p. 217>
August 1896
9th Sabbath. Very hot day, thunder and lightening and rain at night. Joe and Ida were here. [in margin]
hot
10 Hot and dry till the afternoon when there was a thunder storm. I attended Council meeting at
Hopeville. Stopped at night. [in margin] hot
11 Dry and hot, a very heavy thunder storm at night, a little hail with a great deal of Rain. I pulled
pease for Jim after I got home from Hopeville. [in margin] hot
12 A little cooler than yesterday, dry. I pulled pease for Jim.
13 Dry and warm. I added up the milk sheets and balanced township orders in the forenoon and went
to Dundalk in the afternoon.
14 Dry and hot. I pulled pease for Jim. We finished on the Arnold place, a seven acre field. They
are a good crop.
15 Dry and hot in the forenoon, a thunder storm in the afternoon, a good deal of lightening and rain. I
helped Jim to haul in pease. We got in 10 loads before the rain and 2 yesterday afternoon.
16th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and very Breezy.
521
17 Dry and cool with a Rain storm at night, accompanied with thunder and lightening. I went to
Dundalk and helped ship 194 Boxes of Cheese. Sold for 7 1/16 & 7 3/16 cents per pound, 120 @
7 3/16, & 74 @ 7 1/16.
<p. 218>
August 1896
18th Dry in the Forenoon, showery in the eavning, with a good deal of Rain at night. I worked all day
at making out the milk patrons accounts, a heavy day’s work it was.
19 Fine day, dry and Breezy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of cheese facto-
ry, 7 weeks milk $1302.49
20 Fine day, dry, a little cool. I Balanced the milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon
helped Jim to finish hauling in pease on the Arnold Lot, then hauled oats. [in margin] Frost this /
morning
21 Dry in the morning, a slight rain came on about 10 A.M. and stopped the hauling in. The after-
noon dry, we again hauled in. I helped Jim in the dry part of the day.
22 Dry day, cloudy in the afternoon and very much like rain. I helped Jim to haul in. Rain storm,
thunder & Lightening at night.
23rd Sabbath. Fine day, dry and Breezy. Willie & Susan and Brother John’s Vina came here and
stopped.
24 Dry and fine. I totted up the milk sheets in the Forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
25 Dry and pretty breezy. I added up the milk sheets got yesterday. [in margin] Frost
26 Dry in the forenoon. Rain came on about 12 noon and kept raining till about 3.50 P.M, when it
cleared up and the sun shone out bright. I put up a few stooks of Barley for Jim in the forenoon.
27 Dry and cloudy in the forenoon. Dry & Sunny in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. Ida was here. [in margin] Frost
<p. 219>
August 1896
28th Frost this morning, but done no harm. The day dry and warm. I went to Sam’s.
29 Dry and cloudy. I went to Johney’s, then came home and helped Jim haul in oats. He put three
acres of oat sheaves in my stable loft for cattle feed for me.
30th Sabbath. Showery. Ida and Vina were here.
31 Dry and cool. I helped Jim haul in oats. We hauled them in just as he cut them with the binder.
Sept[ember 1896]
1st Dry day, cool and a good deal of sunshine. Jim finished cutting grain (oats) and we hauled them
in. Then we drew in six loads of barley. [in margin] Jim finished / cutting grain
2 Dry in the early part of the day, showery from 9 A.M. Not a great deal of rain fell. I helped Jim’s
man to put in one load of barley and unload two. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s threshing.
3 Showery in the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. Very cold in the eavning. I worked at the milk
accounts in the forenoon.
4 Dry and cool. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. Returned 20 pounds of tea to Toronto. The tea
was bad, I would not use it. Fixed up a pig Run when I came home.
5 Dry in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. I helped Jim haul in six loads of Barley in the dry
part of the day. Went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mrs. R., Madella & Vina went to Adjala Town-
ship and I am all alone tonight, ain’t it a pity!
<p. 220>
September 1896
6th Sabbath. Showery most of the day.
522
7 Dry, with a good deal of sunshine. I helped Jim load his pigs (9). He sold them for $3.60 per
hundred pounds live weight. Mrs. R. and Madella got home from Adjala.
8 Fine day, dry and sunny. Mrs. R. Henders called. I worked at the milk accounts.
9 Dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
10 Dry and sunny, very sultry all day. I picked up some firewood in the forenoon and went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon. Jim’s three children are here tonight.
11 Beautiful day, dry, sunny and hot. I picked up three loads of summer firewood and hauled it home
with Jim’s team. Mrs. R. helped. Jim’s children are here.
12 Dark day, showery in the Forenoon, the afternoon misty. Mrs. R. and I hauled up 4 sheep of Jim’s
which had been lost for ten days. She got them at the Railway.
13th Sabbath. Dark day without Rain. Willie and Sue were here.
14 Dark day, a slight mizzle of Rain fell now and then. I worked all day posting Township orders.
15 Dark, cool day. I helped ship the Dundalk Cheese. 153 Boxes, 10283 lbs. @ 8 3/16¢ per lb.
These were the August cheese.
16 Dark in the morning, and in the afternoon Bright, and sunny in the middle of the day. D. Reid and
wife came out to see a mare and colt of his which were at pasture. I worked at making out milk
payments.
<p. 221>
Sept[ember] 1896
17th Dry, cloudy and cool. I finished making out the milk payments, then went to Dundalk.
18 Dry but cloudy, pretty warm. I added up and entered the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to
Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. Mrs. Samuel McDowell was here.
19 Showery all day, the afternoon very cold, strong wind and drifting cold rain. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon and paid milk patrons.
20th Sabbath. Dry but pretty chilly. Johney and Ina were here.
21 Dry and fine. I entered the milk payments in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped Jim to haul
in four loads of Buckwheat.
22 Cold, chilly morning, Rain and wind, the day very cold all through. I went to Dundalk and Bought
some necessaries. Mrs. Jas. Russell was here. Willie called in the eavning.
23 Very hard Frost this morning, the day dry and pretty sunny. I cut stove wood at the house. [in
margin] Frost
24 Fine day all through, warm and sunny. I cut stove wood at the house till noon, then went to Dun-
dalk. Ida was here in the eavning.
25 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. I helped Jim haul in a load of loose buckwheat
in the forenoon. This finished his harvesting. [in margin] Jim finished / Harvesting
<p. 222>
Sept[ember] 1896
26th Dry and fine. I cut up some stove wood at the house and worked a while at the milk sheets.
Brother Sam called this morning.
27th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Jim Patterson, Jnr., was here a while at night.
28 Very fine day, Sunny and warm. I went to Johney’s & Willie’s. Called in to Mr. John Conners’
and stopped about two hours. Mrs. R. and Ida were there.
29 Dry in the forenoon, Rain came on about 3 P.M., the afternoon wet, not much falling, still, heavier
than a good Scotch mist. I worked at the milk accounts.
30 Wet day all through, except about two hours in the forenoon. The sky overcast and quite dark.
The ground is pretty thoroughly soaked with wet at the present time.
523
October [1896]
1st Mizzle, wet day. I fixed fence round part of the garden. Mrs. R. helped. Then I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
2 Fine day, dry and sunny. I helped Jim in the afternoon to cut some oat sheaves.
3 Dry and fine all day. Jim threshed on the home place. His oats were very bad indeed, so light that
a Bag would scarcely weigh a Bushel. He has some good buckwheat, pease and Barley.
<p. 223>
October 1896
4th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Dry and sunny. Jim’s Arlie and Vern were here.
5 Dry and sunny. I started taking up my potatoes, digged and picked up ten Bushels from 11 A.M.
Sam came here in the afternoon and I went with him to witness his sureties signatures to his Bond
as Collector of Taxes for Melancthon. [in margin] Began to raise / my potatoes
6 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. Willie came out with his team and plow and
Boy, and helped me to raise potatoes. Sue also was with him. Anthony Trugon’s two little Boys
also came. At 3 O’clock P.M. we finished, got up about 90 Bushels, put them in pits and covered
them. Will let one pit of 20 Bushels remain till spring, the other pits with about 75 Bushels I in-
tend putting in the cellar in about four weeks from now. They are a good crop, having about, in
all, 100 Bushels off about half an acre. The potatoes are called ninety-nines, they are dry and nice.
Sue stopped all night. [in margin] Finished Raising potatoes
7 Dark morning, quite mizzly most of the day, very cold and has all the appearance of snow.
8 Dry, dark, cold day, a little snow was on the ground in the morning. I Banked around the pig pen
and stable. [in margin] some / snow
9 Cool and clear. We attended Dundalk show fair. There was a large exhibit and large crowd of
people.
10 Clear and cold with a strong, chilly wind in the Forenoon.
<p. 224>
October 1896
11th Sabbath. Fine day, dry but cool. Joe and Ida were here.
12 Dry and cool, with a cold wind.
13 Fine day, dry but a trifle cool, quite a bit of sunshine. I worked at the milk sheets.
14 Beautiful day, sunny and bright. I dug out an open drain alongside of the S. E. fence to carry off
the overflow of water which will occur in the Spring. Also went in the afternoon to see Mrs. A.
Lonsway. Tried to place her Cancer medicine which she has got from England so that she could
use it according to directions, but it is so mixed up that is almost impossible.
15 Beautiful day, almost like Indian summer. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. W. Robinson,
an aged lady of 78 years, Resident of Proton, died this afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. Wm. Robinson
/ Died
16 Very cold day, a shower of snow about 10:30 A.M. Bitterly cold day. Mrs. R. and I went a few
hours to the wake, then Mrs. R. went to Brother Sam’s for the colt which had been pasturing there
and brought it home.
17 Dark, cool forenoon, quite a snowfall in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I attended the Funeral of the
late Mrs. W. Robinson. She was Buried in Maple Grove Cemetry, Dundalk. [in margin] Mrs.
Robinson / Buried / Snow
18 The Ground covered with snow this morning, but most of it disappeared before noon, a pretty cold
day. [in margin] Snow
<p. 225>
524
October 1896
19th Cold, raw day, cloudy. I put some more covering on the potatoe pits. The ground froze hard this
morning.
20 Dark and cold, with a pretty sharp frost in the morning. I attended Council meeting of Proton held
in Dundalk.
21 Dark and cold, hard frost in the morning. I compared the orders I paid and the money left with
what cash I took. Found the day’s work straight and no error. Mr. [striken: D] Jim Grummett &
wife and Mr. W. Bell were here a while at night.
22 Dry and cold. Mrs. R. and I went in the afternoon to Dundalk with the colt.
23 Dry, cool and cloudy. I helped Jim with his turnips. We picked up and put in the Root house 16
loads, about 500 Bushels from noon. There were five of us. Topped them in the forenoon.
24 The Ground covered with snow this morning, the day was one of snow showers and a little sun-
shine between. I worked at the milk accounts. Mrs. Jas. Grummett was here in the afternoon.
25th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and mild. Willie and Sue were here.
26 Fine day, dry and sunny, almost like Indian Summer. I helped Jim to take up the remainder of his
turnips. He has 33 Loads in all, upwards of 1000 Bushels, I think. He gave me one load. [in mar-
gin] Indian / Summer
<p. 226>
October 1896
27th Beautiful day, sunny, bright and warm. I took up some turnips at home. G. McConnell, Collector
of Proton, made his first payment $70.00. [in margin] Indian / Summer
28 Fine day, dry and mild, slightely overcast in the afternoon with a few drops of Rain. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon.
29 Dark morning, but the sun shone out [dittog.: but the sun shone out] and the day was fine and
warm. I worked at posting Township orders. Mrs. R. and Ida drove to Shelburne and bought a
Black Fur coat for thirty dollars. It looks well and I think also a good one.
30 Rainy morning, the forenoon wet, the afternoon dry and warm. I plowed for Jim in the afternoon.
G. McConnell called at night and left $81.00 of Twp. Taxes.
31 Dark and cool, a slight shower of sleet at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
November [1896]
Nov. 1st. Sabbath. Fine day, dry and mild. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
2 Beautiful day, sunny, bright and warm. I raised some carrots and parsnips. Mrs. R. went to Wil-
lie’s, came home in the afternoon.
3 Fine day, dry and sunny. I helped Jim a little in the afternoon to fix up his barn for threshing. In
the forenoon dug a ditch to carry off the water from the Garden in the spring.
4 Dark, but dry. Jim threshed on the Arnold lot. Pease & Barley, good quantity & quality, some of
his oats are light.
<p. 227>
November [stricken: October] 1896
5th Wet morning, the day showery, very wet in the afternoon, the rain turned to snow at night. Jim’s
threshers Broke arm* in the morning, had to stop and go to the Blacksmiths’s for repairs. [*on
threshing machine]
6 The Ground covered with snow and more falling. Several snow showers throughout the day.
Jim’s threshers Broke Arm when about 15 minutes at work this morning. The Big wheel of the
Horse power burst. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted and Registered a letter to the
525
Manager of the Union Bank of Canada, Shelburne, Containing $70.00 in Bills to pay on notes
made by President of Dundalk Cheese Factory, and was due on the 31st last October.
7 Dark and showery. I went to Melancthon to get Johney [to] haul me home a load of stove wood.
There was too much rain falling so he postponed it till next Monday.
8th Sabbath. The ground covered with snow and more falling, a very wintry day,
9 The ground covered with snow, but the day was not cold. Johney and Willie brought me a load of
stove wood each from Melancthon. They helped me to butcher a 13 month’s old pig which
weighed 250 pounds. Jim finished threshing. He had a fair yield.
10 Quite a bit of snow on the ground this morning. It thawed some through the day. Mrs. R. and I
took the colt & Buggy and went to Willie’s, Round by John Trugon’s.
<p. 228>
November 1896
11th Rain this forenoon, the snow has mostly all disappeared, the day mild. I chored around, took up
beets, put some wood in the wood shed, etc. Cloudy in the eavning.
12 The snow has mostly all disappeared and people are plowing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
13 The ground covered with snow and more falling, quite a big fall of snow. Sleighs are running. I
went to Dundalk to be present at the inspection of the cheese. Mr. J. B. McLaren inspected them.
Did not pass his opinion to me about them, said he would tell Mr. Cornett. I went in the afternoon
to Lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon, and let Frank Bellamy the cutting of 30 Cords long wood, at .60
cents per cord. The fallen timber to be cut first, then if there is not enough, standing timber, to
make out the 30 Cords to be cut. Also the tops of the trees to be cut into stove wood 2 feet long at
30 cents per cord. Stopped at Joe Bowerman’s on my way home and had dinner and supper com-
bined at one meal. [in margin] First Sleigh Ride
14 About four inches of snow on the ground this morning, the day pretty cold and wintry like. Joseph
Brown was here to pay his Taxes. G. McConnell, Collector, paid me $475.00 which he had col-
lected.
15th Sabbath. Fine day, the sun shone out bright. The snow has mostly disappeared. Arlie, Vern &
Delbert were here, stopped till their parents came from Joe’s.
<p. 229>
November 1896
16th Fine day, mild and a good bit of sunshine. I put in the cellar, out of the pits, 70 Bushels of pota-
toes. Mrs. R. helped. A Boy was born to Mr. A. Trugon this night. [in margin] A. Trugon’s / Boy
born
17 Fine day, mild and not a particle of snow left. About 9:30 P.M. there came on a rain storm and it
has all the appearance of a wet night.
18 Dark day and showery in the afternoon, a very strong wind in the afternoon. Thunder in the fore-
noon. [in margin] Thunder / Neil Trugon / married
19 Very sharp cold day. Freezing from morning till night, the Roads very rough. I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon.
20 Hard morning, the day sharp, no snow but a very cold freezing air. Roads are as hard as iron and
rough as possible.
21 Snow on the Ground and more kept falling all through the day. Some sleighed but mostly wag-
gons on the Road. I went to Dundalk.
22nd Sabbath. Quite cold, a little snow on the ground. Joe and Ida were here. Willie and Sue called at
night.
526
23 A thaw wind and Rain, the snow is going again. Brother Sam called about one O’clock. I bought
22 Bushels oats and 5 Bushels pease at 20 & 45 cents per Bushel from James Mills.
24 Pretty mild day, the snow has disappeared. John & Ina were here at night. He paid me $50.00
Land payment on Lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon.
<p. 230>
November 1896
25th A sleety Rain fell all day, the ground, Trees and fences all covered with ice and icicles. Jim and
Mary and Andrew Roe were here.
26 Beautiful day, mild as spring, the ice and sleet of yesterday gone. I went to Dundalk to ship
cheese. Did not. I helped McConnell to weigh and Box 60 of the unboxed, had dinner with him.
27 Another Beautiful springlike day. I went again to Dundalk on cheese business.
28 Hard frost last night, the ground as hard as iron. Went again to Dundalk on cheese business.
29th Sabbath. Pretty sharp day. Johney and Ina called in the afternoon. Ida was here a while in the
eavning.
30 Very cold day, the roads hard as iron with some snow on them. I went to Dundalk, helped ship the
cheese and collected cheese money through the village.
[December 1896]
December 1st. Cold day all through. I worked at the milk accounts, getting them ready for pay.
2 Another cold day, not very much snow on the ground. I finished the milk ac[coun]ts. Jim helped
at night.
3 Pretty sharp day, some sleighs , some waggons on the Road. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 231>
December 1896
4th Pretty cold day with some Showers of snow. I went to Johney’s to get him [to] haul me a load of
firewood. The roads were so rough that I thought he had better not.
5 A little soft, with some snow falling. I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of Cheese Factory
their final payment for seven weeks milk drawing & making, total $1759.58.
6th Sabbath. Mild, the snow going. Mrs. R. and I went to A. Lonsway’s a while at night.
7 More snow fell last night, but melted pretty well today. I was working posting milk payments
which I had made last Saturday. Gilbert McConnell, Collector, and wife were here. He paid me
between Cash and orders and deposit slip, $1427.32. Johney and Willie fetched me a load of
wood each.
8 Mild day, the snow softening. I was making out the Financial Statement for next Council Meet-
ing.
9 Mild in the morning, began to blow and snow about 11 A.M., the afternoon cold and rough. I was
making out Financial Statement for Township. I finished it as far as I can go till there are more
Receipts and payments of moneys.
10 Mild day, the snow going. Sleighs and waggons both running. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. [in margin] Got letter from S[ister] Sarah / New Lowell P. O.
11 Fine, mild day. G. McKonnell [=McConnell?] was here and paid me taxes, $276.00. Mrs. R. and
I went to Mrs. Lonway’s at night.
<p. 232>
December 1896
12th Beautiful day as any in spring, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s & Johney’s.
13th Sabbath. Mild mostly all day with a snow shower in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother
Sam’s.
527
14 Pretty sharp day, the roads rough, the air keen and Bracing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Jim Grummett and wife were here a while at night.
15 Pretty cold morning, the day cold. I went to Hopeville to a council meeting. Stopped all night.
16 Another cold day. Came home, got here at noon. Counted over my orders which I had paid and
the Cash I took with me, also what Cash I had got. Paid out over $2900.00. Made no mistake,
every thing [MS think] was square to the last cent. I then went to Dundalk and sent $1000.00, Co.
Rates to Co. Treasurer, O[wen] Sound.
17 Pretty cold day, the roads are very hard and pretty smoothe [=smooth], good wheeling. I posted
orders in the Township Day Book and Le[d]ger.
18 Cold day and snow falling all day long, the wind very strong. I entered the orders in the Financial
Statement out of the Books and Balanced it. I had a long and tiresome job of it. Don’t feel well
either, think I got a cold. Mrs. R. drove Jim’s Mary to the School at Maybourne tonight to some
kind of an entertainment.
19 Cold day, sharp frost. I went to Dundalk to the printers with the Twp. Financial Statement in the
Forenoon.
<p. 233>
December 1896
20th Sabbath. Pretty sharp day. Willie and Susan and Ida & Joe were here.
21 Something milder than yesterday. I butchered a fat pig, would dress about 250 pounds. Jim
McCartney and George Corbett helped. G. McConnell, Collector, & Mr. Gailbraith called at night
with some Tax money.
22 Sharp day with a bit more snow on the ground. Some sleighs running. Mr[s]. R. , horse and bug-
gy, took Jim’s Mary to Dundalk. R. J. Cornett and James Patterson called in the afternoon. I
handed R. J. over $32.00, part earnings of Cheese factory.
23 Very cold day, a little snow falling now and then, but still very cold. [in margin] Cold
24 Cold day, some sleighing, not very good. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Johney
came here when we got home.
25 Pretty chilly, some sleighing. Mrs. R and I spent our Christmas with Johney. Jim and family,
Willie and Sue, Newt. Oliver and Tom were there.
26 Rather milder than yesterday. The Factory auditors, John McGrath and H. Jackson, were here
auditing the Books.
27 Sabbath. Pretty sharp day, cold wind. Jim was down a while at night.
<p. 234>
December 1896
28th Cold, raw wind, not much sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
29 A Slight thaw. I made out a Financial statement for the Cheese Factory. A Germain [=German]
Jew, a pedlar, is stopping here tonight. His name is Goodman.
30 Quite a thaw, slight mizzle of rain and also a ground thaw. I wrote some letters on Township
Business.
31 Mild day, the snow has nearly all disappeared. Good wheeling. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon and sent a draft to the Co. Treasurer for $603.56, Co. rates, Being Balance in full for 1896.
Ida was here today. The old year is nearly out and the new about coming in. The old has passed
away without many changes among us. May the new have the same story to tell. [in margin] Mrs.
Jas. Cavanaugh / wife of the Clerk of Proton / died this morning
[January] 1897
January 1st Mild day. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs. James Cavanaugh of Ventry.
528
2 Mild day, the Roads very sloppy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got from G. McConnell,
Collector, $661.64.
3rd Sabbath. Mild day, the roads very sloppy. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mrs. A. Lonsway.
4 Rain occasionally, the day Freezing at night. I went to the Township voting at John Allen’s.
<p. 235>
January 1897
5th Pretty cold day, a little snow falling, the Roads very rough. I attended the annual meeting of Stock
Holders of Dundalk Cheese Factory. Willie brought a load of wood.
6th Cold day, a little snow falling. I helped Jim in the forenoon cut some Feed. Mrs. S. Wakely,
Manitoba, called to see us.
7 Cold and the roads very rough, almost like a thaw, sometime in the eavning. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon.
8 Sharp frosty day, very little snow on the ground, the roads rough. Wheeling is the mode of transit.
Mary was here in the afternoon sewing.
9 Dark and windy, pretty cold although the little snow there is softening. I Balanced the Township
Books. They are now ready for auditing.
10th Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Johney and Ina were here. Mrs. Hannah Lonsway, wife of Andrew Lon-
sway, aged 68 years and a Resident of these parts for about 46 years, died this forenoon of Cancer
and Rheumatism. Mrs. R. and I went to the house a while at night. [in margin] Mrs. Lonsway /
Died
11 Pretty cold in the afternoon. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville. Came home at night. The
Roads going were very Rough.
12 Very sharp day. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs. Lonsway who was buried in Inistioge
Burying ground.
13 Sharp day. I entered Township orders in Books.
<p. 236>
January 1897
14th Sharp cold day, no sleighing, only a very little Snow on the ground. Willie Brought me a load of
stove wood. Miss A. Bowerman came here in the afternoon to sew [MS saw] for Mrs. R. I went
to Dundalk in the afternoon.
15 Pretty cold day, the roads as hard as iron and rough. Miss Bowerman got done here in the after-
noon and Mrs. R. took her in the Buggy to Ida’s.
16 Dark day, with a slight snowfall. Mild and almost inclined to thaw. Mrs. R. and I went to Dun-
dalk. Clark, Mariah and Pearl came here this afternoon. They had been at St. Mary’s during the
summer and fall. [in margin] Clark & / Mariah & Pearl / came
17th Sabbath. Sleet in the morning, heavy rain at night which turned to snow before morning. This is
my birth day. I am 61 years of age. [in margin] 61st Birth- / Day / Rain
18 Cold, stormy day, Blowing, snowing a little and Freezing very keenly. Clark went to Ida’s.
19 Very Sharp morning, exceedingly cold through the night. The pump Froze last night and we could
not get it to work today. Most of the day was bright and sunny.
20 A little milder than yesterday with a slight fall of snow in the afternoon. Clark went to Proton
Station to help Jim pack some bailed hay in the cars. [in margin] Alfred Ward / 63 years of age /
Died in / Dundalk
<p. 237>
January 1897
529
21st Quite a bit of snow on the ground and more falling, the day mild. A. Gillespie, Township auditor,
came here this afternoon and is stopping all night to commence work tomorrow. I went to Dun-
dalk in the afternoon.
22 Rough, stormy day, the sleighing pretty good, some snow fell. The Auditors of Township Ac-
counts (A. Gillespie & John S. McMullen) were on my accounts. They found them correct, as
usual. They got done about 3 P.M. I went with them to Dundalk. Brother Sam came here and
stopped all night. [in margin] Township / Auditors here
23 Pretty cold day, Snowing a little and freezing a good deal. Sam, Clark and I took the pump out of
the well and brought the Frozen part in to the House to thaw it. G. McConnell called and paid in
$437.00 taxes.
24th Sabbath. Some snow falling. Ida was here and Joe. Joe left his cutter for me to use when going to
the Silver wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Rogers of Cedarville tomorrow.
25 Mild in the forenoon, the afternoon quite stormy, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Mrs. R. and I
left about 1 O’clock in the afternoon to attend the 25th Anniversary of the marriage of Mr. Samuel
Rogers and Mrs. Rogers of Cedarville, about 20 miles from here. We got there about 5 O’clock in
the afternoon. There were about Fifty guests. We had a very pleasant time of it. Mr. R. and Lady
were extremely kind. The Roads were so blocked up with snow that we had to stop till Wednes-
day. [in margin] Brother John paid / us a visit in our / absence
<p. 238>
January 1897
26th Cold and stormy. We stopped at Mr. Roger’s all day and went with Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and
some other guests to McBentley’s[?] and had tea there.
27 The Blowing has ceased and the day is mild. We left for home about 10:15 in the forenoon, got
home at 4:40 P.M. There was about a mile of the road on our way home that was entirely filled up
with snow, therefore we had to go through the fields. Brother John was here when we came but he
left shortly after. Clark drove him to see the Friends and Brother Sam. [in margin] John left for
Sam’s.
28 Pretty mild in the forenoon, the afternoon rough and stormy with a snowfall. I went to Dundalk.
29 Snow falling throughout the day. Pretty rough and cold. Clark took his horse to Melancthon to
trade for a smaller one or to sell. He did not get home this night.
30 Fine day, a good deal of sunshine, quite a large number of teams on the road. The sleighing is
good except where the roads are drifted in. Such places teams have taken into the fields. Johney
brought me a load of stove wood from Melancthon. Clark is not home yet (5:20) P.M. Clark
came about 9 O’clock. Brothers John and Sam also came. John stopped. Johney and Ina also
came here.
31st Sabbath. Very fine day, Bright, sunny and mild. Mrs. R. and Brother John started for Adjala in the
Forenoon. Mrs. R. Arnold was here, also Tom Arnold at night.
<p. 239>
February 1897
1st Very fine day, Bright and sunny. Sam’s Willie came in the afternoon and took his cutter which his
father had left here home, behind his sleigh.
2 Mild day, but cloudy and overcast. Willie called on his way to Jim’s. Jim also called at night.
Clark was here at noon with his horse on his way to Dundalk to try and sell him. He did not suc-
ceed. Brother John was here all night.
3 Mild day without any sunshine. I went and helped Jim to take nine head of fat cattle to Dundalk.
He is shipping them to Toronto. He was bid $190.00 for them by a buyer, but did not take it. I
530
sold my green wood (30 cords) to John Conners of Dundalk for $1.75 per cord. Had dinner with
Mr. Skeffington Bell.
4 Fine day, sunny and warm, good sleighing except where the roads are drifted. I went to Dundalk
in the forenoon. Jim called in at night on his way home from Toronto, where he had been to sell
his cattle. He sold nine head of two year olds. They weighed 8180 pounds. He just cleared what
he was bid at home for them.
5 Mild in the forenoon, colder in the afternoon with a snowfall at night. Brother Sam called at night
to Send word to Jim about pressing S. McCullough’s hay into smaller bundles.
6 Snowing mostly all day, quite a quantity fell, the day mild. Mrs. R got home at night.
7th Sabbath. Mild day. Willie and Sue were here.
<p. 240>
February 1897
8th Mild and dark, no Sunshine. Clark traded his horse to Wesley Lonsway for his span and gave him
Thirty two 50/100 dollars to boot. Brother Sam was here at noon and got my horse and cutter to
go to the Funeral of Mr. McDill, a Forester, to which society Sam belongs.
9 Mild day, Cloudy without sunshine. Mr. Harrison P. Moorish[?] and Ida were here. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 2½ Brls Manitoba flour at $4.90 per Brl., also 1 Bag Ontario
@ $2.00 and 5 Gallons Coal Oil for $1.00. Jim hauled it home.
10 Beautiful forenoon, the sun Bright and warm, the afternoon colder. I went to see Mr. Cavanaugh,
Twp. Clerk, who is very sick.
11 Sharp day, especially in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
12 Quite stormy mostly all day. Blowing and snowing and Freezing. Brother Sam was here about
noon.
13 Mild day, quite a bit of sunshine, good sleighing, the snow, I think, would be about sixteen inches
deep were it not drifted. Jim was here at night. Clark brought over a small load of hay from Jim’s
to me. G. McConnell, Collector, was here at night, paid $635.00.
14th Sabbath. Quite stormy, Blowing and drifting. Mrs. R. and Clark went to Meeting at J. McMurch-
ie’s church.
15 Mild, the Roads very heavy. Mrs. R. and Clark went to Willie’s. Willie came here with a load of
stove wood. I went twice to Dundalk.
<p. 241>
February 1897
16th Mild day, not much sunshine, the snow quite soft. Rather a stiff blow which banked up the snow.
Mrs. Anthonhy Trudgon died this morning. Had been ailing for about three months. [in margin]
Mrs. A. Trugon / Died
17 Mild day, almost a thaw. A Blow in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs. Tru-
gon. We went with Mr. Jim Grummett and wife. Mrs. Trugon was buried at the Union Church.
18 Mild day with some snow showers. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
19 Pretty mild and pleasant. G. McConnell came in the afternoon and stopped all night.
20 A Little Rough, especially in the afternoon, heavy wind and some sleet. I went with Mr.
McConnell to a Council Meeting in Dundalk. He settled up his Collector’s Roll and handed it in.
Jim gave me a ride home at night. He waited on me till I got done with Business.
21 Sabbath. Mild mostly all day. Ida came here in the afternoon. Johney, Ina and Joe called here at
night.
531
22 Rather Blustrey day, calmed down towards night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon with Jim.
Walked home and a hard job it was with the Big coat on. Went to Jim’s at night to hear the Lat-
terday Saints’ preachers.* [*first mention of Clark’s new religion, which he joined in Michigan.]
23 Very stormy, Rough day, blowing, snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
<p. 242>
February 1897
24th Very Stormy, rough day from morning till night, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I worked at the
Township Books.
25 Another pretty rough day, especially in the forenoon, Blowing and snowing. Brother Sam called.
Lew. Kinnell, a cheese maker, was here. I got a small load of straw from Jim.
26 A pretty rough, cold day. I went to Andrew Lonsway’s at night and wrote out his will for him. I
think this is the third will I have drawn for him.
27 Rather cold and rough, but I am in bed laid up with grip.
28th Sabbath. Cold and rather stormy. I am pretty weak, fell of[f] the chair in the afternoon in a faint.
Dr. McWilliam was here, said it was La grippe. Left me some pills.
[March 1897]
March 1 Cold and stormy, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Am still in Bed.
2 Milder than yesterday, the Blow has ceased and there is a softening in the air. I bought a small
load of oat sheaves some time ago from Jim Grummett for $1.50. He hauled them home today.
There is scarcely an oat in them, good straw would be as good nearly.
No more entries till April on account of sickness.
<p. 243>
April 1897
4th Sabbath. Pretty fine day, with a good deal of sunshine, Mrs. Ben Bowerman and Jim Patterson
were here. I am still so weak and poorly that I can scarcely walk. However, I am improving and I
suppose will get strong through time.
5 Dark day with some rain and thunder in the afternoon. Clark came here in the evening and went
away again.
6 Pretty chilly day, cold air. I settled up with Clark, gave him an order on Dundalk Bank for the
Balance of his [stricken: money] ($1000.00) which I had deposited for him in my name on the
14th Sept. 1892. This Balance and interest was $137.08
7 Rather a nice day with a good deal of sunshine. Johney was here in the morning. Jim was here
through the day. Clark, Mariah and Pearl went away this afternoon for their home in Hillman in
St. of Michigan, U. S. [in margin] Clark / left for Hillman
8 Hard Frost this morning, but the day was fine but not much sunshine. Mr. Robt. Oliver, an old
resident of Melancthon, paid us a visit, went to Jim’s for a while, came back and stopped all night.
[in margin] Mrs. Arnold’s / newborn Baby / died
9 Dark morning. It commenced snowing about 10 A.M. Big snow storm all day. Mr. Oliver left
this morning. Mrs. R. has gone to Willie’s this eavning on the colt’s back.
<p. 244>
April 1897
10th The Ground covered with snow this morning, about four inches deep, but the sun got out pretty
strong and a good deal of it disappeared. Mrs. R. got home from Willie’s in the forenoon, and
532
went with Jim in the afternoon to Dundalk. I am still so weak that all I can do is to walk around
slowly.
11th Sabbath. Pretty cool, still, the day was pleasant. Joe and Ida and Walter Bell were here.
12 Bright and sunny, the snow disappearing pretty fast. I took a walk to the rear end of Lot 219, just
5/8 of a mile and back. It tired me out pretty well. I am very weak.
13 Dark and rainy all day, with the exception of about an hour at 3 P.M. No person moving around
today, the Roads very bad.
14 Cool and dark, misty like all day. Mrs. Walter Bell and Mrs. Thos. Robinson were here.
15 Fine day, mild and the snow in the fence corners going pretty rapidly. R. Agnew came here.
16 Fine pleasant morning, Balmy and nice. The day got overcast, slightely wet in the afternoon.
17 The Ground covered with snow this morning, but most of it had disappeared before night. The
day dark, cloudy and cold in the afternoon.
18th Mild in the forenoon, colder in the afternoon, with very heavy wind at night. Brother Sam was
here. [in margin] Esther / Heavy wind
<p. 245>
April 1897
19th The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more fell during the day. The day cold and
windy.
20 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling, but most of it had disappeared
before night. The afternoon milder.
21 Bright and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon overcast with a little rain at night. Stranger
pruned the apple trees here and for Jim on the Arnold place. Seventy-five cents for both jobs.
Edward Noble was here. Mr. Walter Bell and Thos. McAulay, Township assessor, called this
eavning. [in margin] Fruit trees pruned / E. Noble / here
22 Beautiful spring like day, warm and pleasant. T. McAulay, Twp. Assessor, was here with his Roll.
I added up the different columns for him and totalled them. [in margin] First cow / Calved
23 Mild and balmy. Thunder and heavy rain in the afternoon, a little [stricken: rain] hail with the
rain.
24 Fine day mostly. I went to Dundalk with Jim. Have not been there for about two months on ac-
count of sickness.
25 Sabbath. Fine day, a little cold rain at night.
26 Showery all day, some hail mixed with the rain. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s on the colt’s Back.
27 Hard Frost this morning, a bright sunny day with a cold air. Mrs. H. Lonsway was here in the af-
ternoon.
<p. 246>
April 1897
28th Fine, mild day, the Ground drying up good. Ida and Miss Bowerman were here in the afternoon.
29 Mild day, quite close and warm, little sunshine. Cloudy in the afternoon with indications of rain.
Mrs. R. and I walked to Dundalk. It tired me pretty badly. I got some small nursery stock. [in
margin] Jim started / his spring work
30 Cool and windy, dark, without sunshine. I planted out some small Fruit, Gooseberries, currants,
etc. [in margin] Set out / Fruit / plants
May [1897]
1st Dark and lowering most of the day, with something more than a Scotch mist till about 5 O’clock in
the afternoon, when the clouds rolled by and the sun shone out, Bright and clear.
533
2nd Sabbath. Wet all day. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s, then to Willie’s. Willie’s first child,* a girl, was born
today. Dr. McWilliam was in attendance. [in margin] Willie’s Baby / Born. [*Reta]
3 Wet most of the day, the ground is in a terrible state of softness. Mrs. R. got home this afternoon.
Willie brought her.
4 Heavy shower early in the morning, cleared up a little, quite a mizzle of Rain in the afternoon.
5 Fine day, sunny, Bright and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s. Johney drove us
out as far as S. McDowell’s in the Buggy.
6 Dark and threatening Rain, but not much fell. I piled up some wood which had fallend out of the
pile. Opened the potatoe pit, there was some of them Frozen.
<p. 247>
May 1897
7th Beautiful springlike day, sunny and warm. People are all busy plowing, the ground is wet.
8 Fine day, sunny and warm. We planted some onions and sowed lettuce seed.
9th Sabbath. Fine growing day, dry and warm till late in the afternoon when there came on [a] thunder
storm, accompanied with lightening and heavy rain.
10 Dry and warm, a fine growth. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. I went to see Mr. Andrew Lonsway.
11 Fine day, dry and warm, quite a fine growth. I seen three swallows for the first this year. [in mar-
gin] Seen first / swallows
12 Dry and fine to about 1 P.M. when there came on quite a thunder shower, wetting the ground very
badly. Mrs. R. and I were at J. Bowerman’s.
13 Quite a mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry till night when there was a very heavy
Rain. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim plowed, sowed and harrowed the garden.
14 Wet mostly all day, nothing but rain incessantly. There are none of the Farmers around here done
seeding. They cannot get on the ground with the wet.
15 Dry and pretty warm. I posted Township orders.
16th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Joe, Johney and Ina called here.
17 Dry and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy. I took a pit of potatoes (24 Bushels) in.
Mrs. M. Arnold was here in the afternoon. [in margin] Dundalk C[heese] Factory / opened
<p. 248>
May 1897
18th Fine dry day. I planted one Bushel potatoes. [in margin] First / potatoes / planted
19 Dark, without any sunshine, a slight rain in the forenoon and in the afternoon. I planted a Bushel
of potaotes for Jim. Rain, thunder and lightening at night. James Trudgon called here this after-
noon.
20 Wet day, especially in the afternoon, which rained without ceasing, ground very wet.
21 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
22 Dry day, a good growth, the ground dried up nicely, but there came on a rain at night which will
soften it again. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. I fixed fences and put some leached ashes around the
fruit trees. [in margin] Frost / this morning
23rd Sabbath. Wet mostly all day, dark and gloomy.
24 Dark and without any sunshine, but dry and no rain, except a slight mizzle. I chored around, not
much of any work.
25 Dry and fine with a good deal of sunshine. I harrowed about two hours for Jim on Lot 215.
26 Dry and fine, a frost this morning, but it done no harm. The ground drying nicely.
27 Very fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Harrowed about an
hour for Jim when I got home. [in margin] Got papers / From Toronto
534
28 Slightely wet. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. J. Bowler rode out
with me.
<p. 249>
May 1897
29th Slight mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I got home at 9.40 A.M. From Hopeville.
30th Sabbath. Dark day, wet in the afternoon with some thunder and lightening. Joe and Ida were here,
also Jim and Mary a while.
31st Dark and cold, slightely wet. I went to Dundalk. Miss A. Bowerman & Ben were here at night.
June [1897]
1st Dry, sunny and cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s.
2 Dry and cool, with Frost in the morning. I fixed [the] pig yard. Cloudy and very much like rain in
the eavning. [in margin] Frost
3 Dry in the morning, a heavy rain about 11 A.M. The afternoon dry. Johney was here. I gave him
four Bags of potatoes.
4 Dry most of the day but quite cool and cloudy. I cut two Bags of seed potatoes.
5 Dry, Cloudy and warm. I cut seven bushels of seed potatoes at Jim’s for him.
6th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon with thunder and Lightening. I hauled up Jim’s
sheep which had strayed out of his pasture. I got them. Johney and Ina wre here in the afternoon.
7 Wet day mostly all through. I sowed nineteen pounds of Timothy Seed on top of some of last
year’s seeding of three acres which Jim had gave me for a pasture.
8 Dry day, sunny and warm. I tried to hunt up a cow for Jim which had gone astray. Did not find
her.
<p. 250>
June 1897
9th Fine day, dry, warm and cloudy.
10 Dry and warm. R. Arnold was here. I posted a letter to Clark containing $85.00, less .90¢, price
of M[ail] order.
11 Dry in the forenoon, wet about noon and pretty misty about 7 A.M.[for P.M.?]. Mrs. R. Arnold
and child were here.
12 Dry morning, the day dry all through and pretty warm. A woman called in this morning to get
some feed for her Baby.
13th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Jim & Mary called, Jim Patterson and Mr. J. Bowler called.
Mrs. Joseph Bowler was here. Mrs. R. and I went in the afternoon to see Mr. Andrew Lonsway
who is ailing.
14 Fine dry day. I attended Council Meeting at Proton Station. Took the noon train going north at
Dundalk. Jim came for me with the Buggy at night.
15 Dry and fine. I went with Jim in the afternoon to Dundalk, bought two hundred weight of Manito-
ba shorts for $60/100 per 100 lbs. and a hundred of inferior flour for $90/100 for pig feed. Jim
bought one ton of shorts.
16 Fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s. Stopped till 5 P.M. then
Willie drove us home in his Buggy. Johney bought a dog from Mrs. A. Smith for Five dollars
which I think is too much for any dog.
17 Cloudy and overcast, a little rain began to fall about 4 P.M. Kept getting heavier till near night.
18 Fine day, dry and warm. I dug a piece of Ground in the Garden for a cabbage plot.
<p. 251>
June 1897
535
19th Fine day, dry and warm, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to the little saw mill on Sam’s place in
the afternoon. The walk tired me quite a bit.
20th Sabbath. Cold and clear with a strong wind.
21 Clear and cool with a slight frost in the morning. I dug a piece for cabbage plants. [in margin]
Frost
22 Clear, cool and windy. We went to Dundalk to witness the Jubilee.* There were a great proces-
sion of S[c]hool children, about 500. They were presented with medals and Brooches by the cor-
poration. The horse races were a poor affair. [*celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee,
60 years on the throne. She was crowned 20 June 1837. The official parade in London was Tues.
22 June 1897, declared a public holiday in Britain, Canada (and all former colonies); see
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/queen-victorias-diamond-jubilee/]
23 [Stricken: Dry and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.]. Bright and sunny. I hoed
some potatoes.
24 Dry and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. George Watson, insurance agent,
was here at noon. Joe Bowerman brought a load of rails and helped build a Cow pen. Jim also
helped.
25 Cool, clear and windy. Jim and I finished the cow pen. I hoed potatoes for Jim in the afternoon.
26 Fine day, dry and sunny. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Brother Sam and Madella were here a while at night.
27 Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. Willie and Sue with their Baby were here.
<p. 252>
June 1897
28th Fine day and pretty warm. Frost this morning, the afternoon cloudy like a thunder storm. I set out
one hundred and sixteen cabbage plants. Joe & Ida called at night. [in margin] Frost / Set out /
Cabbage / plants
29 Grand Rain this morning, and rain pretty much all forenoon. It was greately needed. Johney came
for his mother this eavning to go to Willie’s, whence she and Sue intend starting tomorrow for the
wedding of Brother John’s daughter Nancy.* The others of the Friends also intend going. I keep
house. [in margin] Rain [*Nancy marries James Patterson, Jnr.]
30 Misty morning, but the day cleared off and the afternoon was just splendid. [in margin] Hot
July [1897]
1st Dominion day, but no turn out in Dundalk. Pretty warm with a little cool wind in the afternoon. I
am alone, something I don’t regret. [in margin] Hot
2 Fine day and very warm. I am alone. [in margin] Very Hot
3 Fine day and hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Very Hot
4th Sabbath. Very warm. Mrs. R. got home from the wedding about 2 O’clock A.M.
5 Very warm day, it might be called hot. I pulled wild mustard out of the acre patch. We moved the
stove to the summer kitchen. [in margin] Hot
6 Hot day. I hoed some potatoes for Jim in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot
7 Very hot, especially in the afternoon. I done Statute labor. Hauled Gravel out of J. Allen’s pit
with Jim’s team. [in margin] Hot
<p. 253>
July 1897
8th Very hot, especially in the afternoon. I posted Township orders in the forenoon and in the after-
noon went to Dundalk. [in margin] Very hot
536
9 Very hot day, the sun came pouring down in the afternoon. I made out the half-yearly financial
statement for the Township. Miss McDonald and Mrs. McDonald visited here. Mr. William El-
ders of Flesherton called to see about arrears of taxes which have been returned against his proper-
ty.
10 Very hot day. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. The Room was ex-
tremely close and warm where I slept. Next meeting of Council is on the 14th of August in the
same place.
11 Sabbath. Dry in the morning, Rain came on about 8 A.M., some thunder and lightening. I left Hope-
ville and got home at 9 A.M. Mr. J. W. Paterson, Jnr. and wife, Joseph Bowerman and Ida were
here. This afternoon is decidedly cooler.
12 Fine day, but cloudy and cool, pleasant for the Orangemen to march. I worked at posting the
Township orders which I got last Saturday. Jim’s family, Arlie, Vern & Delbert are here this
eavning.
13 Dry in the forenoon, a very fine shower of Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I got the horses
which had got out of the pasture, then we hitched up the colt and went to Dundalk.
14 Dry and warm in the Forenoon, quite a shower in the afternoon, some thunder and lightening.
Mrs. R. and I drove with the colt to Johney’s and Willie’s.
<p. 254>
July 1897
15th A little cooler than usual in the morning, the afternoon warmer, the day dry. I wrote some letters
in the forenoon and Paris-Greened the potatoes at the house, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk,
posted the letters and got my mail.
16 Fine day and pretty warm. Thunder clouds passing round, a few drops of Rain fell. I went to
Brother Sam’s, came home with Jim in the Buggy.
17 Pretty hot day, with a very heavy shower of Rain in the afternoon. Mr. J. Corbett, Councilman of
Proton, and Mr. Robt. Woods,* Councilman of Melancthon, let a Road job of Gravelling 14 1/3
Rods opposite this house, six feet width and 7 inches deep, for $10.00. Both Gentlemen had din-
ner here. [*Robt. Woods (1859-1944) was later MP for Dufferin, 1921-25, for the Progressive
party; see Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 166. He was also grandfather of Don Woods
(1935-2013). Don was an indefatigable Russell family reunion organizer, and Russell family his-
torian, who inherited volumes 3-5 of these diaries from his mother Elva Russell Woods, grand-
daughter of Robert Russell. In the late 1970s Don was instrumental in reuniting all five volumes
of these diaries.]
18th Sabbath. Fine day, pretty warm, almost hot.
19 Cloudy and sultry. I mowed the grass around the apple trees and other parts of the acre. Felt pret-
ty tired.
20 Cloudy and warm, thunder clouds and showers passing round. I molded up the cabbage, put some
paris-green on the potatoes and shook out the grass which I had cut. Madella was here a while, al-
so an aged lady (Mrs. Crisp) and her daughter called here to feed their horse. They were from
Honeywood.
21 Dry and sultry in the forenoon, Heavy Rain with some thunder and lightening in the afternoon. I
put Paris Green on Jim’s early potatoes in the dry part of the day. It will be of no use as the rain is
certain to wash it all off. His potatoes are covered with bugs.
<p. 255>
July 1897
537
22 Dry in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, then went out
as far as the Cemet[e]ry.
23 Raining in the morning, slightely wet mostly till noon. I took the Buds off some potatoes.
24 A little damp in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and breezy. I took the buds off some potatoes,
then raked and put in hand shaking some hay.
25th Sabbath. Dry day, but cloudy and cool.
26 Dry till about 7 P.M. when it began to rain and is still at it (9.40 P.M.), with all appearance of a
wet night. I Paris-Greened Jim’s potatoes (an acre) in the afternoon. Joe Bowerman with his
brother Ben and hired boy were helping Jim at his hay in the afternoon. They Raked up and got in
six loads.
27 Wet morning, the day wet all through, and the Rain is now (9.30) P.M. powering* down, such an
incessant rain has not come this year. [*slightly illegible, this may be a slip of the pen for “pour-
ing”]
28 An incessant day’s Rain from morning till night.
29 Dry but the weather seems unsettled.
30th Friday. Dry in the forenoon, a terrifick Rain storm with some thunder and lightening about 1.50
P.M. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
31st Dry and quite breezy with a bright sun mostly all day. I Paris-Greened Jim’s potatoes in the after-
noon. Also carried in some hay which I had at home. This has been a very wet time and a great
deal of hay is spoiled.
<p. 256>
August 1897
1st Sabbath. Dry day. Willie, Sue and Baby were here, also Mrs. Bowerman, Joe and Ida.
2 Dry day and pretty hot. Joe and Jim cut the piece of grass behind the stable for me with their
mowers.
3 Dry and cloudy, pretty warm. I mowed some fence corners till noon, then helped Jim a while in
the afternoon to mow* away some hay. [*=put in hay mow, as opposed to mow=cut]
4 Dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a slight rain, enough to stop the hauling in of hay. I
raked the hay out of some fence corners.
5 Dry and fine. I mowed fence corners in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Jim, Willie and I
hauled in for me four loads which Jim gave me to feed the cows and colt.
6 Fine dry day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, bought a pound of Paris Green for .35 cts. Came
home and put it on an acre of potatoes at Jim’s. This is the third time I greened the same patch.
7 Fine dry day. I went to Dundalk in the morning and in the afternoon helped Jim to mow hay. He
and his help brought in eleven loads from noon. This finished his haying, all but the fence corners
and some rakings. John Maxwell was here a while at night. [in margin] Jim finished / Haying
8th Sabbath. Dry, with rain and thunder in the distance. Johney and Ina called in the afternoon.
9 Dry, with thunder showers passing around. I got a load of hay rakings from Jim and put it in the
stable loft. The hay is good.
<p. 257>
August 1897
10th Very heavy thunder, Lightening and Rain early this morning. The peals were startling and the
lightening very sharp, whilst the Rain came down in torrents. The day was dry from about 10
A.M. I posted some Township orders in the Le[d]ger and made out the estimates for the Council
meeting of the 14th inst. [in margin] Heavy thunder / storms
538
11 Dry and fine, with some clouds rolling over. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, then
went to Sam’s in the afternoon.
12 Very cool and cloudy, almost like frost. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
13 Quite cool this morning, some people said there was a frost. The day fine, sunny and dry. I went
to Willie’s logging bee. There were three teams and twelve men. He got about three and a half
acres logged.
14 Cool and Cloudy, very like a thunder storm in the afternoon. A little rain fell at night. I attended a
Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night.
15th Sabbath. The day cloudy with very Black clouds rolling around in the eavning and a little thunder.
I came home from Hopeville this morning. Mary and Jim were here a little while.
16 Cloudy day with showers of Rain occassionaly. I Balanced up the orders I got at C[ouncil] Meet-
ing. Came out correct.
17 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to a Raising of a Frame Barn, 42 x 70 feet,
at Brother Sam’s. Did not get it finished on account of a little delay in pieces not fitting. The raft-
ers and a piece of the purline plate not got up.
<p. 258>
August 1897
18th Showery day, very heavy rain in the afternoon. I mowed some oats in the forenoon and in the af-
ternoon went to help Sam up with the rafters. Did not get them all up. I stopped at Sam’s all
night.
19 Dry day. Came home and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
20 Dry day. I mowed some oats on the acre. Only could cut in the seven hours which I worked about
1/8 of an acre. They were so thick, laying down and tangled with fowl. Mrs. John Arnold and
Miss Bessie Arnold here a while at night.
21 Fine dry day. I finished mowing the oats in the garden. Joseph Bowler mowed with me for three
hours. I then went to Dundalk and Joe Brown hauled three hundred pounds of shorts home. Ida
was here in the afternoon.
22nd Sabbath. Fine day, dry and cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s.
23 Dry day. I chored around. Jim commenced his harvest. Cut some oats with his Binder. [in mar-
gin] Jim began / his harvest
24 Dry in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon very wet, with some thunder and lightening. I
put in the stable loft the oats (2 loads) which I had in the garden. John Hood, Jim’s man, helped
me.
25 Dry day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and sold a pig to the Butcher @ $6.00 per cwt.,
dressed, and in the afternoon helped Jim a little. Joe Bowler & his wife were here a while at night.
<p. 259>
August 1897
26th Dry and fine. I wrote some business letters in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
27 Dry, cool and cloudy. I chored around, mostly doing nothing.
28 Dry and pretty warm. I posted Township orders in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to help
Jim haul in Barley. He got other help, so I was not needed. Jim took my horse and Buggy and
drove to Dundalk.
29th Sabbath. Dry till about 6 P.M. when there came on a fierce wind and Rain storm, with some thun-
der and lightening.
30 Dry and cool, a pretty fine day.
539
31 Dry and fine. Mr. Deverall,* Butcher of Dundalk, came here and bought a young pig at $6.00 per
cwt. He killed and dressed it here. Mr. John Maxwell was here at night. I wrote him out an ap-
peal to send to the Dept. Minister of Education for a recount of his Examination papers.
[*Deverell Bros., Butchers, listed in 1906 business directory; see History of Dundalk, p. 105.]
[September 1897]
Sept. 1st Dry till about noon, then a slight shower. Dry then till 6 P.M., when there was a pretty heavy
rain. I helped Jim to haul in four loads of oats on the Arnold lot.
2 Dry and fine all day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
3 Very fine day, sunny, dry and warm. I helped Jim haul in oats and turned some pease for him in
the afternoon.
<p. 260>
September 1897
4th Very fine day, dry, sunny and bright. I turned over some pease for Jim, then helped him draw in
two loads. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk at night and done some shopping.
5th Sabbath. Fine day, dry, clear and warm. Joe & Ida, Willie, Sue and Baby were here.
6 Dry and hot with a few drops of rain about 3.30 P.M. I helped Jim to haul in pease. He got them
all in, ten acres he had.
7 Dry and pretty warm, with some indications of rain. I helped Jim to haul in grain.
8 Fine day, sunny and hot. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got a strap for to put on the
co[l]t’s leg to keep if from jumping.
9 Fine day, dry and hot. I stooked some oats for Jim after the Binder, about (110). Mrs. R. and I
went to Dundalk at night.
10 Fine day, dry and warm, splendid harvest weather. I took up potaotes (9 Bushels). The hens had
scratched them up and picked them, also there was a rot taking place, so I thought it best to raise
them. Mrs. R. went to Toronto this morning.
11 A slight shower of rain early this morning, the day dry and bright. Mrs. R. got home from Toron-
to, had some baskets of plums and peaches with her.
12 [13]th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and pleasant. Johney and Ina were here, also Sam. Mrs. R. and I went
to see J. Bowerman at night, he is sick.
<p. 261>
Sept[ember] 1897
13 [14]th Heavy shower of Rain and high wind this morning, the afternoon dry.
14 [15] Dry, clear and cool. I went to Brother Sam’s.
15 [16] Dry and fine. I worked at Ledgerising Township orders.
16 [17] Fine day with a very slight sprinkle of Rain at night. I went to Dundalk, and helped Jim haul in
a load of grain when I got home.
17 [18] A little Rain early this morning. I wrote some business letters in the morning, took them to
Dundalk, posted them. Was home at 9.45 A.M. Then helped Jim in the mow till night.
18 Cloudy and very cool in the morning. The clouds passed away and the day was dry and Breezy. I
helped Jim in the forenoon to mow away grain.
19th Sabbath. Dry and fine till night when there came on Rain. Jim’s three children were here, also
Mrs. Ben Bowerman, Joe & Ida.
20 Damp in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, got some lumber for
cellar door, and in the afternoon helped Jim to mow away grain.
21 Sharp Frost this morning, the day dry but some rain at night. I helped Jim to mow away grain.
540
22 Dry and cool. I helped Jim mow away a load of Barley, then raked up to get some Buckwheat
sheaves which he had cut with the reaper. He stood them up singly. [in margin] (finished / cut-
ting grain / Barley)
23 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. took out to Willie’s some chickens which she had raised
for him.
<p. 262>
Sept. 24th 1897
24th Fine day, beautiful and bright. Mrs. R. and I attended Dundalk Show Fair. There was a pretty
good turn out of people, but the exhibits of different kinds were not numerous.
25 Beautiful day, almost like Indian Summer. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and when there
went to see Mr. Thos. Hanbury’s orchard and garden combined. The vegetables and fruits which
are in it are immense, such apples and plums as are there, and in such abundance and perfection.
In the afternoon I helped Jim to load three loads of Buckwheat. He threshed in the field with the
steamer, hauled the sheaves to the thresher and hauled the grain to the Barn. He has, I think, about
200 Bushels or 22 Bushels to the acre.
26th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon.
27 Cool and dry. I went to Melancthon and piled 14 Cords of short wood which Johney and Willie
had hauled out of the Bush for me last spring and thrown on the roadside. Had dinner and supper
at Johney’s and stopped at Willie’s all night.
28 Very hard Frost this morning, the day dry and sunny. I stopped at Willie’s till about 2 P.M., then
Sue drove me home in the Buggy.
29 Fine day, sunny and bright. I helped Jim raise his potatoes. A very poor crop, only about 25
Bushels off about 3/4 of an acre.
<p. 263>
Sept[ember] 1897
30th Beautiful day, almost like Indian Summer. I took up my potatoes. They were a poor crop, about
18 Bushels off about 1/4 of an acre. I put 13 Bushels in the cellar and 5 in a pit. [in margin]
Raised potatoes.
[October 1897]
October 1st Fine day, dry and sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and
done some shopping.
2 Dry and fine, pretty windy. I pulled some of my apples. Mr. Thos. Lauglin, Township Clerk of
Proton, was here to get the Collector’s Roll of 1896, as a guide to him when making out the rates.
I gave it. J. Agnew and wife called.
3rd Sabbath. Dry and fine. Joe and Ida were here, also Johney and Ina a while at night.
4 Dry and fine. Bright sky, a little hazy atmosphere, a very nice day. I sorted some orders.
5 Dry and very dusty till about 3 P.M. when there came on a slight rain. It cleared off till about 6
when it again commenced. Also there was some thunder and lightening. Mrs. R. and I went to
Sam’s. I helped him light some Brush piles in his chopping, but the rain coming on was against a
good burn. It was 7 P.M. when we got home.
6 Slightely wet most all day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim is pretty sick through inhaling
the poisonous dust at H. Johnson’s threshing on last Monday. Johnson had put his oats in to his
barn very wet. They heated badly and several of the men got sick at the threshing, Jim getting a
bad dose.
<p. 264>
October 1897
541
7th Dry, cloudy and cool, quite a shower of Rain fell during last night. Jim is something better, but
sick enough yet.
8 Dry, mostly, with a little rain about 11 A.M., the day pretty cold. Jim and I went to Dundalk.
9 Cold day, but dry and windy. I attended a Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night.
10th Sabbath. Dry and cold with some thunder and lightening and Rain at night. I got home from
Hopeville at 10 A. M.
11 Cold and windy, slightely wet in the afternoon. I worked all day at posting Township orders.
12 Dry, windy and cool. I finished posting Township orders and Balanced the Books. Came out all
right. Brother John and wife came here in the afternoon and stopped all night. Also the Rev. Mr.
Harrison of Dundalk and wife called in the eavning.
13 Beautiful day, sunny and Bright. John and wife went up to Jim’s for a while, then left for son
Johney’s and Willie’s. Mrs. Samuel McDowell was here.
14 Very fine day, beautiful and Bright. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, then again at night with
the Buggy to give Jim a ride home. We expected him up on the train. He did not come. Brother
John and wife were here all night.
<p. 265>
October 1897
15 Fine day, dry, sunny and warm, exceeding warm for this time of the year. Brother John and wife
left for home this morning. Jim got home from Toronto on the night train. Joe Bowerman drove
him home.
16 Wet early this morning, then dry with some sunshine and pretty warm. A heavy fog came on in
the afternoon, with a dullness [?] in the air which was quite unpleasant. I went to Dundalk in the
forenoon.
17 Sabbath. Dry and pretty fine with a hard frost in the morning. Willie, Sue and Baby were here.
18 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I cleaned up some hen feed in Jim’s Barn on the Arnold place.
19 Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, sunny and somewhat warmer in the afternoon. I picked about a
Barell of apples in the afternoon off our own trees, and in the forenoon we picked about two bags
off Jim’s. Brother Sam was here a while at night. [in margin] Gathered / apples
20 Dry till about 11 A.M., then wet. Very heavy rain at night and after night. Jim started to press hay
at D. Pate’s in Melancthon, very ???myamuable??
21 Cloudy in the forenoon, with something like a Scotch mist, the afternoon dry. I hauled out manure
on the garden with a stone boat.
22 Dry and fine. Finished hauling out manure. Jim helped me in the forenoon.
<p. 266>
October 1897
23rd Beautiful day, dry and warm. I plowed the garden with Jim’s horse and my colt. It tired me pretty
well as the plough ran deep and I am anything but strong after the sickness which I had last spring.
24th Sabbath. Beautiful day. Joe and Ida were here.
25 Delightful day. Indian Summer, I think. G. McConnell, Collector of Township, was here and paid
me as treasurer $99.00. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited it in Bank. I bought 2
Barrels of Manitoba Flour at $5.40 per Barrel and 3 Bags of pease at 45¢ per Bushel. Joe Bower-
man’s team brought it home, A. Thompson drove them. I pulled or Rather, shaked, the sweet ap-
ples on Jim’s orchard on the Arnold place and Carried them in to the house. [in margin] Indian
Summer
26 Beautiful day, sunny and bright with a hazy atmosphere. Indian Summer for sure. I helped Jim
haul in turnips to his root house. [in margin] Indian Summer
542
27 Bright, beautiful day, warm and delightful. I helped Jim finish hauling in turnips. He had about
300 Bushels. He gave me two loads. Johney hauled them home for me. [in margin] Indian Sum-
mer / Skip Carson and / Miss Patterson married.
28 Dark, cool morning, dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a heavy mist, then a slight rain.
Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 267>
October 1897
29th Snow on the ground this morning and more falling, quite a wintry like day. Most of it disappeared
before night. [in margin] First snow
30 Another mantle of snow on the ground this morning, not much, enough to whiten the earth. Some
of it went away before night. G. McConnell, Collector, left me $358.00
31st Sabbath. Dark, cool day, with rain at night. Willie, Sue and Baby were here.
[November 1897]
Nov. 1 Misty morning, the day dark. Warm in the afternoon. I topped some turnips at home.
2 Dark and misty, cold most of the day. Slightely wet in the afternoon. Mrs. John McDowell, an
old resident of about 45 [years] in Proton, died. [in margin] Mrs. John McDowell / Died
3 Very fine day, sunny and bright. I topped the remainder of the turnips that Jim gave me. I think
there must be about 50 Bushels. Jim threshed on the home place today. His grain did not turn out
well. I think about 20 Bushels of oats to an acre. [in margin] Jim threshed
4 Fine day, dry with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I attended the Funeral of Mrs. John
McDowell. She was buried in Inistioge Burying Ground. The Pall Bearers were Mr. — Rundle,
John J. McCullough, Joseph Neithercut, Snr., Son Jim, and John and myself. There were about
Fifty Rigs at the Funeral.
<p. 268>
Nov[ember] 1897
5th Dark morning, the forenoon dry, hot in the afternoon. I helped Jim put a top on a straw stack in
the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and left my measure for a pair of long boots
(calve skin), $5.25 [a] pair. Ida and Mrs. Jas. Maxwell were here in the eavning.
6 Dark and stormy this morning, Showers of snow falling all through the day. High wind, cold at
night, quite wintry like.
7th Sabbath. Fine day, splendid sunshine, very nice.
8 Dark and mizzling most of the day, a very unpleasant sort of weather.
9 Snowing and blowing, a full day of storm, no cessation from morning till night. [in margin] Snow
Storm / Cows stabled
10 Mild day, but the ground is still covered with snow. Sleighs are running, also waggons.
11 Rain in the morning and mostly all forenoon, the afternoon dry till night, when there came on a
blustering snow storm. I Butchered a seven months old pig. It would weigh about 175 pounds,
dressed. Jim and Sam’s Johney were the officers at its death. [in margin] Killed pig
12 Pretty cold with showers of snow during the day, pretty stormy at night, with a strong wind.
13 Cold and stormy in the morning, with snow falling, the afternoon milder. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon, got the last pay for 6 weeks milk.
<p. 269>
November 1897
14th Sabbath. Dark and misty, the snow thawing, the day mild.
15 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the snow mostly gone, the roads very bad.
16 Cold and dark, gloomy day. Mrs. R. sold her poultry.
543
17 Sharp day, a shower of snow in the afternoon. I split some stove wood at the house.
18 Pretty cold day, not any sunshine hardly. I split stove wood at the house.
19 Dark and mild with a little snow falling now and then. Mrs. R. and Mary drove out to Willie’s and
Johney’s. [in margin] J. Johnson’s / Sale of Stock / implements, etc.
20 Mild day, the snow melted away and scarcely any remained at night. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon with the Collector who was here and paid me $340.00 which I deposited in Bank
21st Sabbath. Pretty mild day, though dark. Jim Patterson and Nancy were here and Brother Sam called
at night.
22 The ground again covered with snow but it mostly disappeared before night, but there came on a
fierce snow storm at dark. I carried in to the stable about 40 Bushels of Turnips which Jim had
gave me.
23 Very cold day, with a little snow falling now and then. T. McAulay, collector, handed over
$90.00.
24 Pretty cold although there was a thaw wind. Mrs. Jos. Bowler was here helping to quilt.
<p. 270>
November 1897
25th Dark and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon milder and thawing.
26 Rain in the morning and the day was pretty wet, turned to frost and snow at night.
27 Sharp, cold morning, the day dark and a hard Frost, the Roads very rough. Mrs. R. and I drove to
Dundalk with the buggy in the afternoon. Seen the collector, he handed me over $175.00.
28th Sabbath. Pretty cold day, a little snow on the ground. Joe and Ida were here.
29 Rough, stormy day, blowing snowing and Freezing, not any sleighing as yet.
30 Pretty cold, the roads very rough, a trifle of snow fell. I went to see Jim Bell who is sick for some
time with La Grippe.
[December 1897]
Dec. 1 Cold day, especially in the afternoon, some snow fell. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Met
with the collector. Mrs. Donald McAulay was here. She and Mrs. Russell drove to Dundalk to a
missionary meeting.
2 Sharp cold day with a little snow. I butchered a seven months old pig. It would dress about 200
pounds. Johny Hood, Jim’s man, helped me. Mrs. R. got hurt by being thrown out of her Buggy.
The Buggy tipped up and she fell out, the lines broke and the horse ran off. Might have got killed.
Johny and Ina, Joseph Bowler and wife were here a while at night.
<insert> [between pp. 270 and 271]
page of accounts:
Took $1810.10 back side of page
Got 7.42 has itemized payments in 4 columns
100.00 with total of 4 cols. = 3628.91
2434.90
Received 4352.42
Paid 3628.91
Balance 723.51
</insert>
<p. 271>
December 1897
3rd Cold, but not so much as yesterday. The sleighing is improving.
544
4 Something like a thaw, the trees covered with sleet in the morning which began to soften towards
night, and almost turned to rain. I worked at the financial statement.
5th Sabbath. Dark and soft, a little snow fell.
6 Dark and cold, a little snow fell. Mrs. R. with others started for the funeral of her nephew, J. W.
Agnew,* who died at Fort McLeod in the North West Territories and who will be buried on to-
morrow the 7th inst. from his home in Essa. I worked at the Financial Statement and went to
Dundalk in the afternoon. [*Joseph William Agnew, b. 15 July, 1871, eldest son of John and
Margaret Agnew]
7 Dark mild day with snow falling now and then. I worked at the Township Financial Statement.
Mr. Rutledge called here and left his taxes, $19.80. Joe Bowler milked the cows this morning and
his Father milked them at night. I am alone tonight.
8 Fine day mild and a good deal of sunshine. I worked at the Financial statement. Mrs. R. Got
home about 8 P.M.
9 Dark and soft, the snow going rapidly, wheels and sleighs both on the Roads. Mrs. R. and I went
to Dundalk.
10 Rain mostly all day, a regular thaw. I finished the Financial Statement as far as I could get. Mrs.
J. Arnold and Mrs. Rob. Arnold were here in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw
<p. 272>
December 1897
11th Raining this morning, and continued so most of the day. The rain turned to snow in the afternoon,
freezing tonight. Rob. Arnold and Mrs. J. Bowler were here. Willie and Dr. Martin called at night
to examine Willie for a pain in his side. He said his liver was out of order, gave him some medi-
cine and pills. [in margin] Thaw.
12th Sabbath. Dark, misty and mild. Brother Sam was here a while at night.
13 Dark and a cold raw wind, got cold at night and the wind rose. Mrs. R. went out to Mrs. J. Patter-
son’s to see Nancy.* [*Nancy, daughter of John and Eliza Agnew Russell, b. 12 Oct. 1868, mar-
ried to James Patterson]
14 Dark day, slightely wet with pretty heavy rain after dark. I went to Dundalk and drew out of Bank
$1300. to take with me to the Council meeting tomorrow. Willie brought me the horse and buggy
from Jim’s. I am taking $1362.34 to the meeting, besides $103.00 of taxes which have been left
by individuals for me to hand collector.
15 Pretty cold, raw morning, the day slightely wet. I went to Hopeville to Council Meeting and
stopped all night.
16 Cold and slightely wet. I came home this forenoon. Balanced my cash and found it correct.
17 Snowing all day. I worked at the Financial statement.
18 Snowing some. I finished the statement, very hard it was, as I had to change some of the entries.
<p. 273>
December 1897
19th Sabbath. Pretty cold day with some snow falling. Ida was here.
20 Snowing in the forenoon, the day pretty cold. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, left the Financial
Statement at the printers to be printed, also sent $1000.00 of Co. rates to the Co. Treasurer.
21 Mild mostly all day, with quite fall of snow in the afternoon. Johney called on his way from Jim's.
22 Dark and cold, snowing and blowing in the afternoon. Joe. Bowler and wife were here a while at
night.
23 Cold day, snowing some in the afternoon and blowing very sharp at night.
24 Very cold day all through. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and done some Township business.
545
25 Christmas. Pretty sharp in the forenoon, the afternoon milder with a slight fall of snow. Jim and
wife and family, Willie and wife and Baby, Jim Patterson and wife, Joe Bowerman and Ida were
here. Christmas gift from Jim: 2 pairs slippers.
26th Sabbath. Pretty cold day with a fall of snow in the afternoon. Johney and Ina were here.
27 Bright and sunny with a keen frosty air. I carried some turnips which had frozen in the horse sta-
ble in to the cellar to thaw out. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to see Mrs. J. Patton, who broke her leg.
<p. 274>
December 1897
28th Fine day, but a little cold, capital sleighing. Rev. Harrison, John Maxwell, Ida and T. McAuley
were here.
29 Blowing and snowing most of the day, not very cold. Mrs. R. and I attended a prayer meeting in
James Trugon’s, Minister Harrison officiated. I sent, or rather, wrote a letter this night to Brother
William, Kosoman P. O., I. T., U. S. [in margin] Sent a letter / to Bro. William.
30 Quite a fall of snow this forenoon and the Roads are pretty heavy, the day mild. I sent a letter to
Clark and another to Sister Sarah.* Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and brought the horse and
cutter home for Jim who is going to Toronto on the 5 O'clock train. [*Sarah probably lived in the
Sudbury area in these years. Her daughter Margaret was married 26 Jul. 1894 at Bracebridge,
Muskoka County, and her residence was Sudbury. Sarah’s daughter Sarah Elizabeth was married
15 Mar. 1898 in Sudbury, although her residence was Blezard, Nipissing District. Source: Ontario
Marriages. Thanks to Reta Russell Lancaster for these details.]
31 Very stormy day from morning to night, snowing Blowing and Freezing, the stormiest day of the
season. The old year is passing rapidly into the past and the New Year will soon be ushered in.
What has the old left us? Not very much to me, indeed, as my health, I fear, has been permanently
injured through inflamation of my lungs last winter. Still, things might have been worse, so I
think I must be thankful for past mercies and hope that the future will in some respect compensate
for the past. No sickness in the Families.
<p. 275>
January 1898
1st Stormy cold day. Snowing some, Blowing strong, and Freezing worse than Greenland. The very
coldest day which has come this winter. Son Johney called here on his election campaign, he is
running for the Council in the Township of Melancthon. Jim is in Toronto, he went down on the
30th Ult[imo]* to sell 4 carloads of pressed hay which he had shipped from Proton Station. Don't
know when he will get home for I think the Railroad is blocked up with snow. [in margin] Ex-
tremely cold. [*=“Ultimo mense,” of the previous month, i.e. December]
2nd Sabbath. Very cold stormy day, Snowing, blowing and freezing. James Mills, a [dittog.: neigh]
neighbour, died this morning. He was 76 years of age, and lived here for about 50 years. [in mar-
gin] J. Mills / Died
3 Cold but not so rough as yesterday. I went to the elections in Proton, Dundalk and Melancthon,
voting in each. Willie was here.
4 Mild day, good sleighing. William McDowell, an old resident of Melancthon, died to day of par-
allisis. He was about 63 years of age. Jas. Mills was buried today, there were about 45 Rigs at the
funeral.
5 Mild day. I am laid up with a cold. Dr. Martin was with me yesterday, gave me some medicine. I
am recovering. W. Lonsway and daughter Annie* called today. [William Lonsway, husband of
Robert’s late sister Margaret (deceased 3 Mar. 1892), and Robert’s niece.]
<p. 276>
546
January 1898
6th Dark, mild day, very much like a thaw. Mrs. Mills and her sons Edward, Christopher, Robert and
Joseph came here at night for to get me read their Father's will.
7 Bright and sunny a good deal of this day, quite mild. Jim sent me a load of straw for bedding.
Johney Hudd hauled it, he also took the Buggy over from here and placed it in his Barn. Mrs. Joe
Bowler was here in the afternoon, also Mrs. Donald McDonald and Miss McDonald.
8 Rough and stormy. Blowing and snowing all day, not very cold, the roads very heavy.
9th Sabbath. Mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Jim’s three children, Arlie, Vern, and Delbert were
here. Son Willie slept here this night.
10 Fine day with a good deal of sunshine. Jim went for me to the Council Meeting at Hopeville, I not
being well. I got him to take my place.
11 Mild day, but indications of a thaw, the bushes covered with hoar frost. T. McAulay, collector,
was here and paid me in cash and orders $681. 69. J. Arnold and wife and Miss B. Arnold were
here at night
12 Rain this morning and slightely wet through the day. Jim left for Toronto to see about selling hay.
Miss McDonald paid us a visit. Ida and Miss A. Bowerman called. [in margin] Rain a little /
thunder and / Lightening
13 Dark and pretty mild. T. Laughlin, T. Cla[r]k and T. McAulay, Collector, were here a while at
night.
<p. 277>
January 1898
14th Dark and mild, the roads are rough after the thaw, sleighing is middling.
15 Dark, mild day with quite a fall of snow.
16th Sabbath. Sharp, cold day with a little snow falling now and then. Joe and Ida were here and Joe
brought me a bottle of cough medicine from Dr. Martin at night.
17 Sharp, cold day. I wrote a letter to a Mr. Wm. Smith-Kildon. Sent it and another to the post with
Jim, also sent with him for sundries to Dundalk. This is my 62nd Birthday. They are rolling off
pretty rapidly. [in margin] 62nd Birthday
18 Fine day with a good deal of sunshine.
19 Bright and fine, a very pleasant day.
20 Sleet and snow in the forenoon, the afternoon was rainy, a kind of a thaw.
21 Dark and dull, but mild, the snow has settled down and is not near so deep as it was.
22 Dark and mild, a wind and snow storm at night. T. McAulay [MS McCaulay] and G. McConnell
were here and paid me $193.00, Taxes. Mrs. H. Johnson & Jim Grummett were here, also Messrs.
Anderson, Scott and Smith, Trustees of S[chool] Sect[ion] No. 14, and they refunded me $166.17,
which they had overdrawn in error on the 15th of last December.
23 Sabbath. Dark and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon, wind and snow. Johney and Ina were here.
Brother Sam called at night. Joseph Bowler was here.
<p. 278>
January 1898
24th Dark and cold, the roads pretty heavy with yesterday eavning's snow.
25 Pretty sharp day, with a slight snowfall.
26 Cold day with a snowfall in the afternoon. Willie was here a while, then went to see what was
keeping the man that presses hay.
27 Stormy, Blowing, snowing and drifting most of the day, a little while in the afternoon had some
sunshine. Mrs. J. Patterson, Jnr.*, was here. [Nancy Russell Patterson, Robert and Nancy’s niece]
547
28 Cold and stormy, Blowing and Freezing. Messrs. Cowan and Gillespie, Township Auditors, were
here on my Books. They found them correct. Johney brought me a load of stove wood. [in mar-
gin] auditors / here
29 Extremely cold day, strong wind and very sharp frost. I think it is the coldest day has came this
winter. [in margin] very cold
30th Sabbath. Very cold day, bright sunshine in the forenoon, but a keen Frost. Joe and Ida called at
night. Jim was here with the horse and cutter. [in margin] very cold
31 Pretty sharp day, a little snow falling now and then. Got a letter from Brother William, Kosoma P.
O., Indian Territory, U. S. He and family are well but business has went back. [in margin] Got
letter / From Brother / William / Cold
Feb. 1 Very cold day, nothing like it this winter, Bitterly Freezing. I stopped in all day. [in margin]
very cold
2 Cold as usual, but not quite so bad as yesterday. Most fluids in the house last night were iced
over, snowfall at night. [in margin] Cold
<p. 279>
February 1898
3rd Extremely cold day from morning till night, strong wind and a very sharp freeze. I think there has
been no day so cold this winter. Just seen one sleigh on the road today. Miss Bessie Arnold was
here in the afternoon. [in margin] very cold
4 Pretty cold but not near so bad as yesterday, the Roads are very heavy. Mrs. J. Arnold was here.
5 Stormy, Blowing and snowing, not such a keen Frost as yesterday. Jim sent me a load of stove
wood. I have just heard that Gilbert McConnell, Collector of Proton for about 10 years, died on
the 2nd inst. He had lost his leg in the threshing machine some years ago. His mind I think was
troubled lately. He had been to several doctors and lastly was in the General Hospital in Toronto.
Came home about three weeks ago, incurable, so now he has gone where the wicked cease from
troubling and the weary are at rest. Poor Gilbert was a kindhearted and trustworthy man. I hope
he is happy. [in margin] Gilbert McConnell’s death / Mailed a letter to Brother William
6th Sabbath. Pretty mild. Jim Patterson* of Melancthon unfortunately got his dwelling house with all
its contents burned about 3 P.M. He and wife were away at the time and there was nothing saved.
[*presumably the father-in-law of Nancy Russell Patterson]
7 Very fine day, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Nancy Patterson’s. The collector was here,
I subscribed for one share, $25.00, in the Dundalk Woolen Mills, to be paid in 3 years.
8 Mild and cloudy, a slight rain in the afternoon. I split some stove wood in the wood house.
9 Soft and mild, the thaw continues. Neil McAulay was here.
<p. 280>
February 1898
10th Dark, mild and soft, the thaw continues and the snow is disappearing, fields getting bare. Mrs. Jim
Patterson, Jun[io]r, is stopping here tonight.
11 Sunshine in the forenoon, and a regular thaw, strong wind in the afternoon, windy and rain. Nancy
went with J. Patterson in the afternoon.
12 Pretty mild, but cloudy. I attended Council meeting held in Dundalk. Mrs. R. drove me in, Jim
drove me home. Brother John and wife and daughter Nancy here all night
13th Sabbath. Fine mild day, mostly dark. Brother John and wife went to Jim’s. Jim Patterson,
Jun[io]r, was here and stopped all night. Joe and Ida were here.
14 Pretty mild, a little snow falling occasionally. Brother John, wife and daughter was here all night.
Mr. W. Walton, and T. Laughlin, Twp Clerk, was here on business
548
15 Blowing and snowing quite rough. [Stricken: Brother John; read: Brother John, his] wife and
daughter Nancy, are here tonight.* [*i.e. Eliza Agnew Russell, and Nancy Russell Patterson, have
come to assist in the birth of Mary Russell’s baby]
16 Extremely cold, strong wind and hard Freeze. [Stricken: Brother John, wife and daughter Nancy
are stopping here tonight.] Son Jim’s wife gave birth this morning to a Daughter. Brother John
went with Brother Sam to his place. Mrs. J. Russell and Mrs. R.* were at son Jim’s tonight and J.
Patterson and wife stopped here at night. [in margin] Jim’s Fourth / child Born / very cold day
[*that is Eliza Agnew Russell and Nancy Agnew Russell, mother and aunt of Jim; the fourth child
is Elva.]
17 Quite cold this day but not so much as yesterday. John and wife are here.
18 Rainy morning, turned to sleet & snow in the afternoon. Brother John and wife left for home
about 10 A.M. [in margin] Rain
<p. 281>
February 1898
19th Cold and windy. Thos. McAulay and daughter were here this afternoon.
20th Sabbath. Stormy, blowing and snowing.
21 Heavy fall of snow last night and this forenoon, the day pretty cold in the afternoon. Johney
brought me a load of stove wood.
22 Fine day, mild, without any snowfall.
23 Fine day, mild, good sleighing. Mrs. Jos. Bowler, Mrs. Joseph,* Mrs. William Talbot, and Mrs.
Widow McLean were here. Thos. Laughlin, Twp. Clerk, was here on Twp. business. I went to a
political meeting in Dundalk in the afternoon. [*a surname missing?]
24 Fine mild day, with quite a snowfall. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
25 Pretty rough and stormy, quite a fall of snow, turned quite cold towards night.
26 Fine, mild day with a good deal of sunshine in the afternoon. Johney called here at noon.
27 Sabbath. Fine day. Joe and lda were here.
28 Fine, mild day. Mrs. R. and I went to a political meeting in Dundalk. Brother John’s son Jim was
here all night.
[March 1898]
March 1 Very fine day, bright and sunny. I went to the Provincial Election’s poll and voted for J. D.
Morgan,* Reform Candidate. The other candidates were [David] McNicol, Patron, and Dr. Jame-
son, Conservative. Dr. Jameson was elected. [*David McNicol, of the Patrons of Industry Party,
was MPP 26 June 1894-1 March 1898. Here he is defeated by Jameson, Conservative. The 1898
election was won by the Liberal Party (for its eighth term in office), led by Arthur S. Hardy (Oli-
ver Mowatt, previous leader, had moved into Federal politics in 1896.). The Conservatives were
the official Opposition. The identity of J. D. Morgan, or that of the Reform Party itself, are both
unclear, unless the party is a forerunner of the United Farmers of Ontario.]
<p. 282>
March 1898
2nd Very fine day, clear and sunny, a trifle sharp towards night.
3 Splendid day, clear, mild and sunny. First class sleighing, the snow is not very deep for this time
of the winter, perhaps it would average 18 or 20 inches.
4 Very fine, sunny and bright. S. McDowell, H. Lonsway and Jim Russell were here. H. Lonsway
got the drawing of the milk to Dundalk Ch[eese] Factory at .74 cts. per trip. Willie Brought me a
load of stove wood.
5 Lovely day, Bright and warm sunshine. I attended a meeting of the Cheese Factory in Dundalk.
549
6th Sabbath. Beautiful day, Bright sun and clear sky. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. Samuel McDowell’s.
7 Bright and sunny, a Beautiful day, the snow melting, the water in pools on the roads. Got a letter
from Brother William. [in margin] Got letter / From Br. / William
8 Lovely day, mild and Balmy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim sent me a load of hay. [in
margin] Thaw
9 Cloudy and warm, the snow disappearing fast. Sleighing very bad, a good deal of the roads bare.
The sheep and cattle are picking in the fields. Willie brought me a load of stove wood. Jim
Brought me a load of straw.
10 Dark and thawing, slightely wet in the afternoon. Henry Gallagher bought my colt at $35.00, pay-
able in 5 months with 10 p[er] c[ent] interest. I told him the colt was bad in its wind or I would
not have sold so cheap. If it was sound it would be worth $50.00.
<p. 283>
March 1898
11th Mild day, cloudy and thawing, with high wind and rain at night. I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon and gave Jas. Corbett, councillor, $80.00 to pay orders for me at the Council Meeting on to-
morrow.
12 Dark and thawing, with rain at night. Mrs. J. Bowler was here a while at night.
13th Sabbath. Mild in the middle of the day, with heavy rain the night before. Cold with hard frost at
night.
14 Hard frost this morning, clear and bright during the day with sharp frost at night. Mrs. R. and I
went to J. Arnold’s at night.
15 Windy and cold, sharp frost, piercing wind. I started to go to Brother Sam’s this morning. Came
back again on account of the cold. The sleighing is all gone, wheels are running. Mrs. R. went to
Ida’s this night. lda is sick with La Gripp[e]. It is raining now (11:30) P.M.
16 Nice mild day, just like spring, a good deal of sunshine. Cloudy in the afternoon, thunder, lighten-
ing and some rain at night. I went to see lda, she is getting better. The two daughters of Mr. Don-
ald McDonald were here this afternoon. [in margin] Thunder
17 Pretty chilly most of the day, decidedly cold at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon.
18 Dark and soft, rain in the afternoon. Jim brought me ten bushels of oats which I had bought from
him. He and I then went to the Arnold place and he showed me how much to feed the cattle, he
also gave his mother a bag of buckwheat for hen feed.
<p.284>
March 1898
19th Mild. Rain in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted a letter to Brother
William (Kosoma, I. T, U. S.) Mrs. R. is at H. Lonsway’s tonight, he having come for her as his
wife is sick.
20 Sabbath. Mild and springlike. Mrs. R. is at H. Lonsway’s. Brother Sam, Ida and Joe were here.
21 Some snow on the ground this morning, and a little more fell during the day, finally it turned to
rain. The day dark and lowering.
22 Dark and mizzly most of the day, with some thunder, lightening and rain at night. Mrs. R. went
with H. Lonsway to his place in the afternoon and will be there all night.
23 Pretty cold morning, with quite a bit of snow falling, a little milder in the afternoon, hard frost at
night. Mrs. R. went to H. Lonsway’s at noon. She is going to be there all night. Mr. John Arnold
called here at night. I wrote a letter for him to Wm. Hale at Sudbury re. David Kinnear who is
sick and in the hospital, likely to die. [in margin] H. Lonsway’s / Baby girl born
550
24 Mild in the afternoon, but the forenoon was pretty cold with a hard frost. I went to Dundalk in the
afternoon. I seen two Robins, but others have seen or heard Robins prior to this. [in margin] Seen
/ Robins
25 Beautiful day, clear and sunny, very springlike. Ida was here a good part of the day. [in margin]
Jim started /plowing / on the / Home / place
<p. 285>
March 1898
26 Mild and dark. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I bought an Indian pony Six
Years old from Mr. S. Bell. I gave him a note which I held against H. Gallager of $35.00, bearing
ten per cent interest, due in 5 months from the 10th of this month. He, Mr. Bell, to return me $5.
when he gets paid.
27th Sabbath. Dark with a mizzle of Rain sometimes.
28 Dark and without sunshine, a sprinkling of Rain fell during the forenoon. I made out a List of De-
faulters From Collector’s Roll to send to the County Treasurer, also a Financial Statement to Send
to the Bureau of Industries. [in margin] Heard / Frogs
29 Very hard frost this morning, the sun shone out in the afternoon, which was pleasant and Bright.
30 Hard Frost this morning, the day pretty chilly. Mrs. R. and I hitched up the poney and brought the
Buggy over from Jim's Barn.
31 Hard Frost this morning, the day bright with a very cold wind. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. took
her poney and Buggy and went to Willie[’s]. I am therefore alone tonight
April 1st Clear and cold, the Roads very bad, hard frost this forenoon. I went to Johney’s and Willie’s.
Mrs. R. and [I] came home in the afternoon in the Buggy. The snow is all gone except in the edg-
es of the woods.
2 Extremely hard frost this morning, snowfall during the forenoon, the day very cold. Jim hauled
me 1480 lbs. of Bailed hay from his Barn. He was here a while at night.
<p. 286>
April 1898
3rd Sabbath. Extremely cold, piercing frosty wind.
4 Very cold piercing wind with a slight fall of snow, as cold almost as any day during the winter.
5 Cold and raw with a little sunshine in the afternoon. Mrs. Jim Patterson was here. Jim Russell
and J. P. Bowler were here a while at night .
6 Pretty cold most of the day with quite a snowfall and a very little sunshine. I wrote seven business
letters.
7 Quite a bit warmer than yesterday, a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk, then
at night went to J. Bowler’s for a while.
8 Fine sunny day, mild and springlike, very nice. I posted Township orders in the old books.
9 Fine mild day, quite pleasant. I posted orders in the New Municipal Cash Book.
10th Easter Sabbath. Very fine day, sunny, bright and warm. Joe and Ida and Bob Agnew were here.
11 Another fine day, very bright and warm. I walked to Brother Sam's and home again. The roads
are bad and I am pretty tired. The people as a general thing are out in their fields plowing. [in
margin] General plowing / began
12 Beautiful day, springlike all round, very warm. No spring since I can remember came as early or
as nice as this one.
<p. 287>
April 1898
551
13th Fine day, dry, sunny and warm. We planted some Dutch Setts (onions). Mrs. J. Bowler and Joe
were here a while at night. Jim Russell, also Bob Agnew, called in the forenoon. Mrs. Sarah
Maxwell died at 6 P.M. [in margin] onions planted / Mrs. Sarah Maxwell / died
14 Very fine day, a little windy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
15 Fine day, dry, but a little cold and windy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I attended the funeral of
Mrs. Sarah Maxwell. She was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery.* The funeral was large, I should
say about forty five rigs. The deceased was a sister to Mrs. Phebe Russell and was about thirty
five years of age. She formerly came to school to me when I teached. [*Maple Grove Cemetery is
the name of the Dundalk cemetery, just west of town.]
16 Cool with some sunshine. I washed the pork which had been in salt through the winter and Mrs.
R. hung it up to dry. I also digged a little in the garden.
17th Sabbath. Dry and fine, a little cool.
18 Dry, sunny and clear, a cold wind. I digged some in the garden. Found a Bird's Nest out in the
open field with three eggs in it. I think its very early for birds to be laying eggs. [in margin] Got
Bird’s nest / 3 eggs in it
19 Rough blustering day, sleet, rain and high wind being the order from morning till night.
20 Rough stormy day from morning till night, sleet and snow falling all day long. It melted almost as
soon as it came in contact with the ground .
<p. 288>
April 1898
21st Dry and sunny but pretty chilly, strong cold wind. Mrs. R. went to Shelburne.
22 Rain all day from morning till night, not heavy in the forenoon but increased in volume in the af-
ternoon.
23 Cloudy and dry, a little mild in the eavning. Jim called on his way home from Dundalk .
24th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Johney and lna called in the afternoon.
25 Dry, cloudy and warm. I went to Dundalk. Jim sent me ten Bushels of oats with B. Bowerman.
26 Beautiful day, dry sunny and warm. I put some brush on the beds in the garden to keep the hens
from scratching them. Abbie Bowerman is here making a dress for Mrs. R. Ida came in the even-
ing.
27 Beautiful day, sunny dry and warm. I digged in the garden, then cut and carried some brush from
the swamp to protect the beds when I make them. Abbie Bowerman is on the important dress.
28 Fine day, dry and warm. I carried up Brush from the swamp and placed over some beds of garden
seeds which I had sown in order to keep the hens from scratching them.
29 Fine but a little cloudy, dry and middling warm. I chored around, did not do much of anything.
30 Fine day, dry and warm. I planted some onions then went to Dundalk in the afternoon, bought 30
lbs. Grass seed.
<p. 289>
May1898
1st Sabbath. Fine and dry till about 6 P.M., when rain began falling and continued so mostly all night.
Willie, Sue & Baby were here.
2 Dry and fine all day, rain came on at night but did not continue long. I chored around.
3 Dark and slightely wet all day. Jim got the Poney and Buggy this eavning and went to Dundalk.
4 Dark misty day all through, pretty cold. Brother Sam came here in the forenoon with a demented
man which he found near his place in Osprey. Said his name was Ralph Ward, that he lived in Ar-
thur and could not find his way home. Sam took him to Dundalk, left him in the hotel and went to
consult the Magistrate. When he came back the man was not to be found.
552
5 Dark mostly all day, but no rain, a little mild in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Mrs. R. went at night to Mrs. J. Patterson who is sick. Will be gone all night. I sent a letter to the
Post Master of Arthur describing the lost man, Ralph Ward.
6 Fine day, dry and sunny. Got a telegram from P[ost] M[aster], Arthur, telling me to keep Ralph
Ward, that his people were coming after him. His Son in Law, Ben Grey, came here at night en-
quiring for him, but as I never had him in possession I could not give him.
7 Dry and sunny. Mr. Grey came here at noon and Mr. Ward with him. He had found him and was
very glad, thanked me for sending word, stopped and had dinner. They left to take the 5 O'clock
train for their home in Arthur Village. [in margin] R. Ward found, been wandering for 12 days
<p. 290>
May 1898
8th Sabbath. Fine and dry. Mrs. R. went to see Mrs. Jim Patterson.
9 Fine dry day and warm. Mrs. R. and I helped Willie to take his cow and calve home. The cow
had been boarding at Jim’s all winter. We drove the cow, put the calve into the buggy. [in mar-
gin] seen first / swallows
10 Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. I sowed about 36 pounds of grass and clover seed for
Jim on Lot 219. He finished sowing grain, all but his buckwheat. [in margin] Jim finished / sow-
ing grain
11 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon showery with a little hail mixed with the rain, also some thun-
der.
12 Dry but quite cool, with a heavy frost in the morning. I fixed some fences to keep the cattle out of
Jim’s meadow. Mrs. R. went to see Mrs. J. Patterson.
13 Dry and cool with a frost in the morning. I fixed fences which were broken down.
14 Dry and fine. I posted orders in the Township Books and washed the fruit trees with soft soap
suds. Jim got the poney and buggy and went to Sam’s for a calf, then he went to Dundalk.
l5th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mary and family, Johney and Ina and Ida were here.
16 Dry and fine, cold after sunset. I cut four Bushels of seed potatoes, and brought home the little
pigs which I had got from Jim.
<p. 291>
May 1898
17th Frost this morning, the day clear and cool. I cut five bushels of seed potatoes. T. McAulay, asses-
sor, called here.
18 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. There was a fierce Rain storm at night with continuous thunder
and heavy lightening. I got Jim’s horse and harrows, harrowed the potatoe ground then hauled out
manure on it.
19 Dry and warm. I finished hauling out manure in the forenoon.
20 Dry but cloudy, threatening rain. I cut seed potatoes at Jim’s in the forenoon and in the afternoon
Jim and Arlie, Vern & Delbert, with Benney Bowerman, came here and we planted about eight
bushels in three hours. Jim plowed them in. Ben and Arlie dropped. There is about 5/8 of an
acre, the seed being small, went over this amount of ground. We planted them about ten inches
apart and in every third furrow. [in margin] Began and finished pl[anting] potatoes
21 Dry and sultry. I cut seed potatoes for Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped him to
plant them, about nine bushels and 3/4 of an acre of ground. Long and continued rain at night. [in
margin] Got papers / from / Toronto
22nd Sabbath. Dry and sultry in the forenoon, heavy rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to An-
drew Lonsway’s at night.
553
23 Dry, mostly, with a very little rain. I oiled the Buggy harness, took the brush off the garden beds
and let off water that was over Jim’s oat field. Quite a quantity had accumulated.
<p. 292>
[Hand-written recipes]
For a mouth wash
Tincture of myrrh is one of the best things to use as a mouth wash. It hardens the gums, leaves a clean
taste in the mouth—and a pleasant odor to the breath.
[dividing line]
Kerosene oil is the best of furniture polishes. It cleanses, makes a fine polish and preserves from the
ravages of insects.
[dividing line]
Where to send for Cancer Cure
A. J. L. Gleddon
92 & 92 Queen Street, Cheapside, E. E.
London England
Send a Five dollar money order, with the request for the medicine and how to use it. [in margin] It is
called / the Mattie Medicine
[dividing line]
Receipt for Sciatica
1 oz oil of Hemlock, 1 oz gum of camphor
1oz salt pitre Put this in 1 pt. of coal oil
take 15 drops each day, and rest plenty in
by the fire ——Feb. 13th 1897
[pasted-in clipping from newspaper]
NOTES
A correspondent in the Farmer’s Advocate gives in its last issue an extremely simple and inexpensive
cure for Lump Jaw which should be worth trying. He says I have used ammonia for years, and cured
every case, no matter how bad. Just rub a little on lump, or lumps, as sometimes there are several.
They will disappear gradually in a short time. Sometimes, if very bad, I foment with pretty warm wa-
ter, but not hot enough to scald. The ammonia has then more chance to penetrate, but I seldom do
anything but rub a little on with my fingers out of a ten cent bottle I keep in the stable for the purpose.
<p.[293], unnumbered end flyleaf, recto>
[more clippings, and hand-written recipes and notes]
1. A poem from newspaper: The Sea Queen Wakes, a poem by Canadian poet Mr. Clive Philips Wolley,
“lately published in the Daily Columbian” is “another example of Canadian feeling. The lines
are full of the fire both of poetry and patriotism” —about 22 lines, incomplete, beginning: “She
wakes! in the furthest West the murmur has reached our ears— / She wakes! in the furthest
East the Russian listens and fears”
2. [partly covered by pasted-in poem, a pencilled note] …n as Farmers testify). […]r Fred Rogers, Bar-
rister etc. / Sault Ste Marie.
3. [in ink] When a cow shows signs of aborting, give her about 3 ounces laudunum and keep her quiet,
repeat the dose if necessary. April 10th 1896.
4. [in pencil] South American Rheumatic Cure / [in ink] See Dundalk Herald.
5. To increase or restore apputite [=appetite].
Valerian root 1/4 or ½ lbs. ground coarsely or well bruised. Make a tea of it
554
by steeping a rounding table spoon full of the powder in water 1 pt.
Dose one to two table spoon fulls just before meals and half to a wine
glass full at bed time.
6. To cleanse the Blood—one ounce of stone lime to one quart of water. Take a wine glass full every
morning.
7. Valerian. Latin name —polemonium reptans*. [*Latin, Greek Valerian; Jacob’s Ladder, member of
the Phlox family; native to N. America, herbaceous perennial, ½ to 1½ feet, blue flower (see
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pore2)]
8. Cure for Warts. 1st Cure. Cut a wild turnip and rub the wart several times with it. 2nd Cure. Rub
the warts night and morning with a moistened piece of muriste[?] of ammonia.
9. Said to cure Cancer. Take equal parts of pure honey and Gunpowder, mix and apply the ointment.
June 24th 1896
10. Good Pens. The Copp Clark & Co. Falcon pen. Turner & Co. 01419. Lion series rapid writers.
(D. Leonard & Co Ball pointed.). H. Hewitts patent. Turkish Steel pen Co, Pashins Series 977.
The owl pen.
11. [Newspaper clipping] A prairie farmer correspondent’s remedy for flies on cattle is this: Take
coal tar two parts and coal oil and grease one part each and mix with a small amount of carbolic
acid. Apply with a cloth by moistening the hair and horns of the animal with the liquid. In the
applications include feet and legs and it will drive every fly away, and one application will last
ten days or more in dry weather. Apply as often as necessary and your cows will be entirely se-
cure from flies of all kinds. Any kind of old lard or grease can be used. Coal tar is the base of
this remedy, and when too thick to spread well use more coal oil; when too thin to adhere well
use more coal tar. Carbolic acid will cost about 50 or 60 cents in crystals by the pound, and
every farmer should always keep it on hand, as it, in its many uses, is indispensable. This rem-
edy is equally effective as a lice exterminator on poultry and is used simply by painting the
sides of the henery and roosts and dropping boards with the liquid. For young chickens saturate
a cloth and place in the bottom of a box and place the mother and young chickens in the box for
an hour or so. This recipe is equal to any preparation on the market.
<[p. [294], unnumbered end flyleaf, verso]>
[Three columns of newspaper clippings]
1. From An Algoma Settler. [letter to the editor, extolling the merits of Algoma East for settlement.
Notable among the details given, to show success as a settler, is the list of buildings he has in
1894, after arriving in 1881 with a family of seven children, the eldest being only 15, and start-
ing with building a shanty 8 x 12, and 25 cents cash. He now has: “24 head of cattle, 24 sheep
and 4 horses and a colt. We have also about 110 acres cleared, with one frame barn, 40 X 60,
with stable underneath; one frame house, 22 x 30; one sheep house, 24 x 30; and four or five
other small outbuildings, consisting of hennery, milk house, ice house, etc.”]
2. [second clipping on merits of Algoma, versus going to the US]: “Distant hills, we are told, always
look green, and that probably is why many Canadian farmers go the United States to settle,
notwithstanding that they might do better by staying at home. ….” [pencil dated, 1893]
3. [newspaper clipping] “A Sure Cure for Felon—Steam it! …”
4. [newspaper clipping] “Celery for Rheumatism. New discoveries of the healing virtues of plants…..”
5. [col. 2: another newspaper clipping, letter to the editor of the Globe, from Chelmsford, near Sudbury]:
“Advantages of Algoma”—this time extolling Algoma versus Manitoba or the North-West.
Cites ease of clearing land after forest fires; gives prices for produce; comments on mineral
wealth, productive land, etc. Dated Feb. 22.
555
6. [col. 3: another letter to the editor of the Globe, extolling Algoma]: “From Another Algoma Set-
tler”—gives details of his success as a settler on a farm nine miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, af-
ter only seven years.
<Inside back cover>
[newspaper clippings, hand-written recipes]
1. [one long column, newspaper, continuation of letter to editor from previous page, of an Algoma set-
tler, William Allard, dated Sault Ste Marie, March 10, [added in ink:] ’94.
2. [bottom of first column, further newspaper clipping] Rheumatic Sufferers!!, an ad for a patent medi-
cine, by James Russell, 212 Griswold street, Detroit, Mich.
3. [partial newspaper clipping, on dialogue between Pere Turcotte and an interlocutor, on religion] Part-
ly covers hand-written cure for :
4. [Lumba]go & Rheumatic pains [written in red ink.]…strong liquid ammonia […] fuls of oil of turpen-
tine and 40 drops of laudunum, with ½ ounce of Goose grease. Rub well before the fire in the
pained part. May 11, 1894.
5. [in black ink] Cures for Dissentry, or Summer Complaint: Mix a Table spoon full of Flour in a cup
full of new milk and drink it. [2nd cure] Put two hands full of carraway seed in a pint of the
best new milk. Boil thoroughly and take it.
6. [newspaper clipping] Earache. “I am afraid I have greatly interfered with my own practice,” said a
celebrated aurist, “by giving the following advice to many of my friends: At the first symptoms
of earache let the patient lie on the bed with the painful ear uppermost.”
7. [written in black ink] To Keep Snow from Balling in the hoofs of Horse. 2 ounces of Glycerine ap-
plied equally to them. Globe, Feb. 19, 1896.
8. For worms in pigs: Give doses of 3 ounces of caster oil and a teaspoonfull of oil of Turpentine.
Globe, Feb. 19, 1896.
9. Cure for Erysipilas. Pine Gum spread on a piece of cotton cloth and applied as a plaster to the sore.
Jul. 6th 1896.
<end of inside back cover>
<end of volume four, Robert Russell Diary (May 1892-23 May 1898>
556
Volume 5
24 May 1898 – 2 March 1900
Editorial Note: For examples of the variable spelling and syntax, and for the editorial conventions used,
see the Preface to Volume 1. For details on the physical structure see the Material Description of the
diaries. Pagination is noted inside angle brackets (e.g. <p. 1>), preceding the running title found on
each page of the manuscript. Insertions and pasted-in items are indicated by annotations inside tags
enclosed in angle brackets, e.g. <insert> text of insert </insert>.
As noted in the Material Description, one page between pp. 70-71 has been torn out, and the last
entry is on p. 92. The remaining pages are blank, except for pasted-in clippings and annotations on p.
234, and on the endleaf (recto and verso), and the inside back cover. The last diary entry is for 2 March
1900. Robert died on 11 March 1900, of heart failure, three days after being paralyzed by a stroke.
<inside front cover>
[written across top]
The Alonzo O. Bliss Co., Washington, D. C., U. S. A.
& Montreal, Can.
Herb, medicine for / the Blood
T. H. Atkinson
Stayner,
O[nt]. General Agent
[3 newspaper columns, pasted on the inside cover]
1. “The Toilet.” [series of treatments—“To Soften the Skin”; “To Keep the Hair in Curl”; “To Beautify
the Teeth”; “Hair Restorative”; “Sea Foam, or Dry Shampoo”; “To Make Cold Cream”; “To Re-
store Gray Hair”.]
2. “Napoleon’s Religious Views. Gen. Gourgand, who accompanied Napoleon to St. Helena, has left in
his memoirs some interesting information relative to the Corsican’s religious views. ….”
3. “Electrical Treatment of Cancer. Dr. Massey, an Ohio physician, is treating cancer successfully…..”
</inside front cover>
<p. [i] flyleaf, recto>
<title page>
[three pasted-in newspaper columns at top edge of page, which obscure slightly the written Diary title]
1. Letter from “C. S. dit Blondin”, on the merits of Chelmsford, versus Algoma, etc.
2. continuation of this column
3. 7 4-line stanzas, title: “When You Are Gone”, clipped from Boston Pilot
<title>
Diary
Robt. Russell
Township of Proton
557
Co. Grey
Ont.
May 24th 1898
Dundalk is said to be about 1480 feet higher than Toronto
and 700 feet higher than Owen Sound
</title>
</title page>
<flyleaf, verso>
[blank]
<p. 1>
May 1898
24th Cool and cloudy. The spring is pretty well advanced, the trees are out in leaf, the apple trees be-
ginning to blossom, the cherry and plum are blossomed out fully.
25 Fine and dry, a little windy in the afternoon. I wrote a letter to Brother William, Kosema P. O.,
Indian Territory, U. S. Mrs. R. with her poney took Mrs. Jim Patterson out for a drive.
26 Fine day, dry and warm. Good growth. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got the Buggy harness
mended & posted a letter to Brother William. Miss McDonald was here. [in margin] Sowed /
parsnip / seed
27 Fine day, close and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Joe Bowerman’s in the forenoon.
28 Dry and cool. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night.
29th Sabbath. Dark, with a slight rain in the morning. I left Hopeville in the morning, got home at 10
A.M.
<p.2>
May 1898
30th Dry and fine. I went over the receipts and payments made on Saturday, found the cash correct. I
digged a while in the garden in the afternoon.
31 Fine and dry, warm in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. I finished digging the cabbage plot,
then posted Twp. orders.
[June 1898]
June 1st Dry and pretty warm, thunder clouds in the afternoon. I fixed a Brush fence. Jim gave me a
little pig about five weeks old. Miss Bell was here selling tickets for the entertainment on tomor-
row night. I bought two for thirty cents.
2 Fine day, dry and warm. I chopped firewood in the swamp in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went at
night to hear Mr. Campbell, S[chool] I[nspector], describe a visit to Europe.
3 Fine day, dry and pretty hot. I went to Dundalk and helped at the shed of Presbyterian Church.
4 Dry and hot. I chopped some firewood in the swamp.
5th Dry and hot. Willie, Sue & Baby were here. [in margin] Willie [faint writing; the beginning of
this annotation is written on inside of front cover, at the bottom left corner: “Letter From” with
“Willie” on the bottom of p. 2.]
<p. 3>
June 1898
6th Cloudy and hot. I chopped stove wood in the swamp. Pretty hot work most of the time.
558
7 Hot day with a slight thunder and rain in the afternoon. Mrs. Jim Patterson was here in the after-
noon. Mrs. R. went to visit at Mrs. Wright’s of Wereham [=Wareham]. Mrs. John Arnold gave
birth to a Baby girl. [in margin] John Arnold’s / Baby born
8 Dark and cool. I planted out some cabbage plants, wed some in the garden and went to Dundalk.
Mrs. Mortimer and Mrs. W. Bell, former Scholars,* visited me. [*i.e., they were pupils in his
school many years earlier.]
9 Cool and cloudy most of the day. I went to a Council Meeting at Bell’s Corners, 20 miles away.
Went home with D. McKenzie, Reeve of the Township.
10 Slightely wet and cool with cloudy weather. I and the Clerk and Reeve met at Hopeville on Town-
ship business. Came home in the afternoon. Heavy rain at night.
11 Dry in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Dundalk in the eavning.
<p. 4>
June 1898
12th Sabbath. Showery, especially in the forenoon. Mr. S. McDowell and wife visited us.
13 Slightely wet, cloudy, no sunshine. I posted township orders in the forenoon and in the afternoon
attended a meeting of the Stockholders of the Woolen Mills Comp. Limited, Called for the pur-
pose of passing a By-Law enabling the Directors to borrow money. The By-Law was carried. A
partially blind man called here, taking up collections to enable him to provide for his family.
14 Cool and cloudy, especially in the afternoon. I posted in the Township Cash Book the receipts and
Expenditure for the month of May and Balanced the Book for the month. Jim got the poney and
Buggy and went to Dundalk.
15 Clear and cold, almost a frost last night.
16 Clear and cool. I cut wood in the swamp for about two hours in the forenoon and went to Dundalk
in the afternoon. Withdrew $450.00 of my money out of the P. O Savings Bank. Mrs. Jas. Patter-
son was here.
<p. 5>
June 1898
17th Fine and clear, warm especially in the afternoon. I cut some stove wood in the swamp.
18 Dry and pretty warm, cloudy towards night with some lightening at night. Arlie is here tonight.
19th Sabbath. Cold and cloudy, almost a frost at night.
20 Cold and cloudy. Jim got the poney and Buggy and went to Proton Station. Johney and Ina were
here and got some cabbage plants. I cut some stove wood in the bush.
21 Cool and clear. I cut stove wood in the bush.
22 Cool and clear. I hoed potatoes. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s.
23 Dry, clear and warm. I went to Dundalk, then hoed potatoes when I got home. Johney brought me
a load of stove wood. Mrs. John Arnold with her baby was here.
24 Dry and hot with a high wind and thunder. Cloudy in the afternoon. I bossed the Statute labor in
John Allen’s pit.* [*a gravel pit]
<p. 6>
June 1898
25th Splendid shower last night, this day dry and pretty warm, with the exception of a slight shower at
night.
26th Sabbath. Dry and cool. I went to Sam’s. Mrs. R. came for me in the afternoon with the Buggy.
27 Dry, warm and cloudy having rained quite a bit early this morning. I hoed potatoes. Two persons,
man and woman, with span of horses and buggy called at night wanted to stop, could not keep
them.
559
28 Mostly dry, cloudy and cool. I hoed potatoes.
29 Dry, sunny and hot. I finished hoeing potatoes for the first hoeing. Willie and Susan were here in
the afternoon to see their baby who is here for a few days.
30 Dry and hot, cloudy in the afternoon, almost like a thunder storm. There was a thunder storm ac-
companied with heavy lightening and Rain about the middle of last night. I went to Dundalk in
the afternoon and washed some of my fruit trees when I came home with soap suds.
<p. 7>
July 1898
1st Dry and warm. I washed the apple trees with soap suds, wed some onions, etc. Jim brought me
from the P. Office, my cheque for Sup[erannuation] pension, $101.00
2 Dry and hot, cloudy in the afternoon. A short sharp shower of rain last night about 12 Midnight.
Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. When I came home I made and put up two
scar[e]crows in the cherry trees to keep the birds off.
3rd Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a thunder storm in the afternoon accompanied with sharp lightening
and Rain. Henry Lonsway (a neighbour) had a horse killed in the pasture by the lightening. Willie
and Sue were here and took Reta home.
4 Dry but quite cool and cloudy. I posted a month’s work in the Municipal Cash Book, also made
out the half-yearly Financial Statement for the Township and hoed some potatoes. Jim scuffled
my potatoes in the forenoon. Mrs. Henry Lonsway with her baby was here in the afternoon.
<p. 8>
July 1898
5th Dry and warm with a bright sun in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I pulled some cherries assisted by
Arlie and Vern in the forenoon, in the afternoon, I hoed potatoes. In the afternoon about 8 O’clock
there passed in the sky from East to West a bright ball or streak of Electricity, leaving in its course
for several minutes a long narrow streak of fire. After it had passed there was a rumbling, appear-
antly in the ground, quite loud for about one minute. [in margin] Phenomenon in the sky
6th Fine day, dry, sunny and warm. I hoed potatoes. Ida and Joe were here a while in the afternoon.
They pulled about five quarts of cherries.
7 Dry and hot. I finished hoeing potatoes. Mrs. R. left this morning for Hillman, State of Michigan,
in order to see Clark, Maria and Pearl. Jim drove his mother to the station. I gathered up 117 can-
celled stamps, intending sending them to Mrs. D. McKenzie, Cedarville, according to request. [in
margin] Mrs. R. left for / Michigan
8 Dry and warm with showers in the distance. I went to Dundalk, done some business. Jim brought
me 185 lbs. shorts from Dundalk at $1.85.
<p. 9>
July 1898
9 th Mostly dry, a slight shower in the afternoon, the day cool. I attended a Council Meeting at Proton
Station. Jim came for me with the poney and Buggy at night.
10 Dry, cloudy and cold. At night clear and very cold. Arlie and Delbert came and tidied up the
house. It is quite lonesome since Mrs. R. went to Michigan. There was a very heavy frost at
night, a regular scorcher. [in margin] Sabbath / Big frost / at night
11 Dry and fine. I balanced the orders paid on the 9th with my cash. Came out exactly straight.
12th Frost this morning. The day dry, pretty windy and very dusty. I went to Dundalk, seen the Reeve
and Clerk, done some Township business, came home with Brother Sam. He had supper with me.
I fixed up, then prepared and counted up the costs of the day. [in margin] Frost
560
13 Dry, sunny and hot, especially in the afternoon. Brother John[’s] son Johney called to see me on
his way home this afternoon.
14 Dry and hot. I cleaned out a watering place for the cattle on the Arnold place in the forenoon, and
in the afternoon mowed around the house.
<p. 10>
July 1898
15th Dry and pretty warm. I finished cutting grass in the Garden, took the Buggy and went to town in
the afternoon. Sent off $1.00 renewal of subscription to the Globe, bought Paris Green, Bread and
tea. It is very lonesome being without Nancy.
16 Dry and pretty warm. I Paris-Greened the potatoes, put on the 1/2 acre about 3/4 of a pound. Put
in a teaspoon full to a pail of water, and this done two rows. The bugs are pretty numerous.
Helped Jim in the afternoon to fix his spring for the cattle to drink. [in margin] Paris-Greened /
potatoes
17th Sabbath. Dry and hot with thunder clouds in the afternoon. I drove to Johney’s and Willie’s.
18 Dry and hot with the exception of a slight sprinkling of Rain in the afternoon. Jim & George Cor-
bett hauled in three acres of Jim’s hay and put it on my stable loft. I raked and carried in the hay
of the fence corners on the acre. [in margin] 3 Loads
19 Dry and hot in the forenoon, a very heavy shower of Rain about 2 p.m. I chored around and fixed
some township papers preparitory to my going to Toronto on tomorrow. Sent a letter to Mrs. R.
<p. 11>
July 1898
20th Fine day, dry and very hot. I went to Toronto to sell some Drainage Debentures of the Township
of Proton. Disposed of them at 3 3/4 percent per annum interest. Came home that same day.
21 Dry and hot. I helped Jim at his hay.
22 Dry and hot. I helped Jim in the forenoon, he put in my stable loft one load of hay. The loft is
about full. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Son Willie was here this afternoon.
23 Very hot day. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home at night. [in margin] Hot
24 Sabbath. Exceeding hot, the hotest day of the season. Brother Sam came here in the afternoon. [in
margin] Hot
25 Hot and dry with some clouds. I went to Dundalk.
26 Hot and dry. Mrs. R. got home this night from Michigan. I helped Jim a little at his haying.
27 Hot and dry. I helped Jim at his haying, drove the horse attached to the hay fork rope.
<p. 12>
July 1898
28th Every appearance of rain this morning, heavy clouds but only a very slight shower fell. Jim took
his pigs in the wagon to Dundalk (7 of them). Got $5.25 per hundred for them, they weighed over
170 each. I drove his stag for him, could not get him to the place of shipment on account of the
heat and his fatness. He gave out. Poured water on him several times during the drive. I attended
a meeting of the officials of the Cheese Factory at 6:30 p.m. There was a slight rain with some
thunder and lightening while I was in Dundalk at the meeting.
29 Dry and pretty warm. I built a load of hay for Jim in the afternoon.
30 Fine and dry with the exception of a slight shower of Rain in the morning, the day pretty warm. I
worked at posting Twp. orders, writing business letters, making out the Township estimates, etc.
31st Sabbath. Dry and warm. Johney and Ina called here on their way home from H. Lonsway’s where
they had been visiting. Mrs. J. Arnold also was here a while this afternoon.
<p. 13>
561
August 1898
1st Dry and pretty warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, cleaned out the watering place for the
cattle in the afternoon. Jim hauled three loads of hay and put it in a stack for me at the stable, this
makes seven loads in all which he has given me. Mrs. R. went in the afternoon to Willie’s. [in
margin] Jim finished / haying
2 Pretty hot. I worked at entering orders in the Twp. Books.
3 A slight shower in the morning, the remainder of the day dry and pretty warm. I entered orders in
the Municipal Cash Book and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. went with the poney for
Mrs. Jim Patterson and her sister Minney. Mr. Walter Bell was here a while in the afternoon.
4 Slight shower of rain in the morning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
5 Dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I put some Boiled linseed oil on the Buggy wheels. We had a
piece of tin like a half circle, the shape of the section of the tire, made like a Box. We put the oil
in this, placed it over a fire till it boiled, kept turning the wheel in it for 3/4 of an hour.
<p. 14>
August 1898
6th Dry and warm. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Came home at night. The oats are
nearly all ripe towards this place, some fields are cut and people are threshing their fall wheat and
Barley. Potatoes seem to be a failure owing to the frost and dry weather.
7th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Ida was here in the afternoon. Jim took her and the little girl
home in the afternoon with my poney and buggy.
8 Dry and warm, thunder clouds going round. I drove Brother John’s daughter Minnie home to Ad-
jala, about 34 miles from here. Got there at 6:30 P.M. I had Jim’s horse as my own appeared stiff
in the legs.
9 Dry and warm. Stopped at Brother John’s. He has a fine crop of wheat, oats and barley, is done
harvesting all but about 3 acres of oats which are still in the field. Fine crops in this section of
country.
10 Dry and pretty warm. Left John’s about 8:30 A.M., got home at 5 P.M. The roads very dry and
dusty.
<p. 15>
August 1898
11th Dry and pretty warm, mostly, through the day. I went to Dundalk and bought some pig feed.
There was a pretty heavy rain accompanied with thunder and lightening at night.
12 Dry and cool. I herded cattle (Jim’s and mine) all day out of the grain. Mrs. W. Neithercut and
Mrs. S. McDowell visited here.
13 Dry and cool. I herded Jim’s cattle and mine out of the oat fields on the Arnold farm. It requires
strict attention, as they keep moving around very rapidly.
14th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Mrs. J. Patterson called.
15 Dry and warm mostly, slight rain in the middle of the afternoon, a little thunder and lightening at
night, but no rain. I was herding the cows.
16 Dry and warm. I was herding the animals. Sam’s daughter, Eddie [=Edith], is here tonight.
17 Dry and fine. I chored around, minded cattle and drove them to water, pulling it up for them.
<p. 16>
August 1898
18th Dry and warm, with heavy clouds in the West in the afternoon. I stooked and helped Jim to haul in
some oats, also went to Dundalk.
19 Dry and warm. I helped Jim mow oat sheaves. He and Jim Lock hauled in to the barn.
562
20 Dry and warm. Jim finished cutting oats. His mother and I stooked them (7 acres). We heard that
Sue is pretty sick tonight with what Dr. Mitchell says is inflamation of her stomach. Mrs. R. and
Jim’s Mary is now (11:20 P.M.) gone out to see her. I hope nothing serious will happen, poor Sue.
[in margin] Jim finished / cutting oats
21st Sabbath. Dry and warm. Joe and Ida were here.
22 Dry and warm, misty in the afternoon and a few drops of rain fell. Jim finished hauling in his oats,
Johney Hudd and I helped him. [in margin] Jim finished / hauling in / oats
23 Thunder, Lightening and heavy rain about 4 A.M. The day was dry then to 5:30 P.M. when anoth-
er heavy rain fell with some thunder. I did not see any lightning.
<p. 17>
August 1898
24th Slightly wet during the day, a very heavy thunder, lightening and rain storm at one o’clock this
morning.
25 Cloudy and cool with a slight sprinkling of Rain. I piled up some stove wood which I had cut in
the bush.
26 Cloudy and cool. I worked at posting Township orders in the Day Book and Le[d]ger.
27 Fine day, dry and pleasant. I attended a Council Meeting of Proton, held in Dundalk. Nice pleas-
ant time, all things went harmoniously. Mrs. R. drove me home.
28th Sabbath. Dry, cool and breezy with very heavy clouds around the horizon in the afternoon. A
slight shower of rain after night. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s.
29 Dry and Breezy. I and Mrs. R. were at a paring Bee at Joseph Bowler’s. I think he got 2 Barrels
pared, cored and strung. Mrs. John Arnold and Baby were at our house a while this afternoon.
30 Dry and hot. I fixed up some Township orders. Mrs. R. went to a quilting at H. Johnson’s.
<p. 18>
August 1898
31st Dry and hot. I cut some cedar in the swamp for kindling wood. Jim got the poney and Buggy and
went out to buy hay for pressing. [in margin] Hot
[September 1898]
Sept. 1 Dry and hot. I cut light wood for the winter. Jim brought back the poney and Buggy at noon
then Mrs. R. drove to Mrs. Jim Patterson’s. She was not at home. Then she went to Brother
Sam’s. There is a great fire burning out in the southwest, it appears very much like some person’s
Barn. [in margin] Hot
2 Dry and hot. I piled up some stove wood. Johney and Willie each hauled me from Melancthon a
load of stove wood which I had there. [in margin] Hot
3 A little Rain early this morning, the day very warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Met with
Mr. D. McKenzie, Reeve of Proton.
4th Sabbath. A little rain early this morning, the day pretty warm, high winds. The fire burned fiercely
in the swamp 30 rods to the west of the house, swept an old stump fence from end to end. I drove
to Dundalk at night for Mr. Hood.
<p. 19>
September 1898
5th Quite a Rain this forenoon, I drove Jim to Dundalk, he is going to Toronto with car load of hay.
Got home and fixed fence which had been burned. Got five bushels and twelve pounds of pease
from Mr. D. McDonald, paid him fifty cents per bushel for them.
6 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I fixed a burned down fence, then went at night to Dun-
dalk for Jim who came up on the train.
563
7 Dry through the day, some thunder and lightening with a shower of Rain about 8:30 P.M. I posted
Township vouchers in the Municipal Cash Book.
8 Slight rain, the day mostly dry. I piled up some light wood in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in
the afternoon, posted three letters.
9 Cloudy and dark with a slight rain in the afternoon. I cut stove wood in the swamp.
10 Dry and cool with a good deal of sunshine, very cold at night. I cut stove wood in the swamp.
<p. 20>
September 1898
11th Sabbath. Very hard frost this morning, it has fixed the potatoes and the buckwheat. My potatoes
were not killed by the first frost, but this one blackened them badly. The buckwheat which Jim
had cut down by the first frost had sprung up again and was about 1/3 of a crop, was now in blos-
som and partly in grain. It is now killed by the frost. The day was cool and clear. Brother Sam
called here on his way home in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost
12 Dry, clear and warm, lots of sunshine. I cut stove wood in the swamp.
13 Dry and warm. I was cutting stove wood.
14 Dry and sultry, cloudy in the afternoon, every indication of Rain. I was cutting stove wood.
15 A little rain in the morning, cleared up, dry till about 4 P.M. when there was heavy rain, thunder
and lightening. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s and Willie’s.
<p. 21>
September 1898
16th Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk, posted a letter to Clark, bought some coal oil, oatmeal, Fly pa-
per, stationery, etc.
17 Very fine day, dry, bright and sunny. I wrote out Deed and Duplicate, Mortgage and Duplicate,
between son John and me of Lot 31, Con. 5, Township of Melancthon. Also wrote out Lease of ten
acres of said Lot from John to Me. I am giving him the land for $800.00. He has paid me in all
$200.00 since he got it. This leaves $600.00. I am giving him ten years to pay this amount at 5
per cent per annum interest. I am renting from him for thirty years (I won’t live that long) ten
acres off the southeast corner at 25 cents per annum rent. The farm is a good one containing one
hundred acres. John Jackson called here this afternoon.
18th Sabbath. Rain, thunder, and lightening very early this morning, the day afterwards dry. I went to
Sam’s. Ida was here.
19 Cold and windy, the sky quite hazy, the wind very chilly. I did not do anything, felt tired and worn
out. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. J. Patterson’s.
<p. 22>
September 1898
20th Dry, sunny and warm. I cut stove wood in the swamp in the afternoon. Pretty cool at night.
21 Dry and warm. I cut stove wood in the swamp. Johney White called here this afternoon. Dan
Reid came along with his dogs a-hunting when I was chopping. He had only got one rabbit. Poor
sport, I think.
22 Dry and misty in the forenoon, the afternoon slightly wet. I cut stove wood in the forenoon and in
the afternoon wrote some business letters, went to Dundalk and posted them.
23 Very wet day, heavy showers all through the day, especially in the afternoon. The Equinox storm,
I think. [in margin] Equinox / Rain
24 Dark and misty all day with a slight shower of Rain at night. We brought the stove in out of the
summer kitchen. Jim left his children here at night during the time he and his wife were in Dun-
dalk.
564
25th Sabbath. Dry but dark and overcast. Jim’s three little ones, Arlie, Vern and Delbert were here,
their parents having gone to Brother Sam’s.
<p. 23>
September 1898
26th Mostly dark and cloudy with a little thunder in the distance. I cut a little stove wood in the
swamp.
27 Dry but cloudy mostly, a little sunshine now and then. I cut stove wood. The Rev. — Harrison,
Presbyterian Minister, had tea with us this afternoon.
28 Bright and sunny, I cut stove wood in the swamp. Mr. D. McKenzie, Reeve of Proton, stopped
here this night.
29 Bright, sunny and warm. Mr. McKenzie and I went to the 5th Division Court, Flesherton. The
Township of Proton had two suits, the 1st, J. C. Hooker sued the Township for the Keep of an in-
digent. Hooker lost the case. The 2nd case was where a man got his horse’s leg damaged on
T[own] Line Proton and Artemesia. Proton offered settlement before trial, and to pay as their part,
$7.50. Artemesia would not settle, hence the plaintiff sued both Municipalities. Judgment given
against the Townships, each to pay $10.00 and costs. Mr. J. McKenzie stopped here this night.
30 Dry and sunny in the morning, thunder and Rain in the afternoon. I wrote some letters. Mr.
McKenzie and daughter, who came here in the morning, left for home.
<p. 24>
Oct[ober] 1898
1st Dry with an overcast sky, indications of Rain, none fell. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
2nd Sabbath. Dry and fine. Johney and Ina, Joe and Ida, Willie, Sue and their two children* were here.
[*first mention of Willie and Susan’s second child, R. Melvin, born 6 Aug. 1898; Susan’s illness
20 Aug. 1898 is mentioned, but not the birth of her second child.]
3 Dry and very sultry. Thos. Laughlin, Township Clerk, was here this morning to get the Collectors
Roll of 1897 as a guide for him. I gave it. I piled wood part of the day and took up a drill of pota-
toes. There was just a bag full.
4 Dry and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. I piled the remainder of the stove wood in the
forenoon, had in all about ten cords.
5Dark and showery, especially in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk to meet the Reeve and Clerk
of the Township on Twp. business. Did not get going up to the fair grounds. Mrs. W. Talbot
stopped here all night. [in margin] Dundalk / Show Fair
6 Frost, the day fine. I pulled some mustard at Jim’s. He put a handle in my axe. I also raised a few
potatoes at home. Mrs. Talbot left this afternoon with Joseph Jackson’s son, Arthur.
<p. 25>
October 1898
7th Fine day, cool in the morning, with some frost. I dug and gathered three bags of potatoes.
8 Fine and dry with a good bit of sunshine. I took the poney to Dundalk, had two old shoes taken
off and two new ones put on, cost .50 cts. Also bought two snaps* at 6 cents. [*for horse har-
ness]
9th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mr. J. Patterson Junior, and wife were here. Went to J. Russell’s for tea.
10 Dry and cool, cloudy in the afternoon. Very much like rain, which will be inconvenient for me as I
have laid out to raise my potatoes on tomorrow. I digged and gathered three bushels in two hours
today. There are not many at a stalk, but they are large and dry.
11 Wet day all through. Not very heavy, generally, but it kept coming down. Bad for me as I could
not get my potatoes dug.
565
l2 Fine but cool. Mr. Thos. Laughlin, Twp. Clerk of Proton, was here on Township business in the
afternoon. I oiled the Buggy harness. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s.
<p. 26>
October 1898
13 Rainy day, not very heavy but enough to make it unpleasant. Johney and Ina came here, he to help
me take up my potatoes but the day was unsuitable. Willie also started, must have went home
again as he did not get this far.
14 Another wet day. T. Laughlin, Twp. Clerk, called here this morning and left me a cheque of
$466.00, proceeds of a sale of Drainage Debentures which he had made in Toronto. A. Trugon
brought me two Bags of pease and one of oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got the cheque
cashed.
15 Cold and wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry but cold. Some snow with the rain. I went to
Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. [in margin] Snow
l6th Sabbath. Dry and fine with quite a frost. Came home, got here about one O’clock.
17 Cold but dry, and misty. Took up the potatoes, there were about 60 Bushels, good large potatoes,
most of them. Gave Willie 5 bags, and Jim 7, put in a pit 30 Bushels for seed. Jim and his man
and A. Trugon, Junior, helped. [in margin] Raised / potatoes
<p. 27>
October 1898
18th Dry in the forenoon, very wet in the afternoon. I wrote some business letters for the Township,
intended going to Dundalk to post them but the rain prevented. Johney and Willie each brought
me a load of stove wood from Melancthon. This is the last of what was cut by F. Bellamy in 1896
for me.
19 Dark and cool with some rain at noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and posted some letters.
Among them were ten debentures, Registered to Geo. A. Stinson & Co., Toronto. In the afternoon
I carried out of the drive house in to the cellar 15 Bushels of potatoes. [in margin] Jim threshed /
Grain
20 A little sunshine in the morning, then the day clouded over and was dark and lowering. I went to
Dundalk, Jim also. [in margin] Jim / finished / threshing
21 Dark and without any rain, only a mist like in the forenoon, the afternoon showery and a heavy
rainfall after dark set in.
22 Dark and wet mostly all day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, met the collector who paid me in
taxes $520.00. I deposited it in Dundalk Bank.
23rd Sabbath. Cool and cloudy. Cold at night.
<p. 28>
October 1898
24th Dry and quite a bit of sunshine, strong wind in the forenoon. I split some stove wood. Mr.
McKenzie, Reeve of Proton, called,
25 Fine and dry with quite a bit of sunshine. I went to Dundalk and mailed a P. O. M[oney] order to
the Clerk of the 5th Division Court for $16.42, being the amount Proton had to pay in the case of
Best against the Townships of Artemesia and Proton.
26 Chang[e]able day with alternate rain, there is now at 10 P.M. a wind and snow storm raging. This
is the first snow of the season. I chored around. [in margin] First snow
27 Cold morning, with some snow on the ground, the day cold with a sharp frost. I butchered two
spring pigs, would weigh about 190 lbs each. Mr. Deveral, the Dundalk butcher, and Joseph Bow-
ler done the job. I was in Dundalk in the afternoon.
566
28 Pretty chilly day, dark with an East wind. J. Bowler hauled a dressed hog for me to Dundalk. I
had sold it to the Butcher for $5.50 per hundred. It weighed 188 pounds and deducting 3 lbs. for
shrinkage, Brought me $9.71. Not bad for a spring pig.
<p. 29>
October 1898
29 Very fine day. Bright and sunny, almost like Indian Summer. I salted away a pig, also took up
some roots in the afternoon. A German Jew by the name of Herman James, a pedlar, is stopping
here tonight.
30th Sabbath. Cold and raw, the Jew is still here.
31 Some snow on the ground and a little fell during the day, the day was lowering and very chilly. I
cut a road to the stove wood which I have in the swamp. The pedlar went away this morning, gave
about 25 cents worth for keep.
[November 1898]
Nov. 1 Mild day and a good bit of sunshine. I took up some roots, beets, parsnips, etc. and put some
cabbage away. For the cabbage I dug a trench about nine inches deep and eighteen inches wide
and placed the cabbage roots up in it, having previously put some cabbage leaves in the bottom. I
then put some more cabbage leaves on the top and finally put a slight covering of earth on them. I
also put a few in the cellar on shelves.
2nd Mild day, considering this time of the year. I took the tops of[f] the Beets and put them in the cel-
lar, and also some carrots. I went to Dundalk with the Buggy at night. [in margin] Mr. Calhoun /
died
3 Fine day, dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk, paid my third call on J. T. W[oolen] Mills Co.* Seen
W. Reid and Mrs. Reid. Collector stopped here all night, paid over $200.00. [*see 16 June 1899,
where he refers to his fifth call on The Dundalk Woolen Mills Co. Ltd. It is possible that J. T. is a
person at the Woolen Mills, although the writing is cramped and the ink blotted in this entry.
There is a share certificate, 22 Feb. 1901, to Samuel Russell from The Dundalk Woolen Mills
Company Limited, signed by W. H. Peterson, Secretary, James Russell, President. These two en-
tries suggest the name of the mill is unofficially J. T. Woolen Mill, but officially called The Dun-
dalk Woolen Mill Company Limited.]
<p. 30>
November 1898
4th Mild day with some sunshine, the sky a little like Indian summer. Mrs. R and I went to the funeral
of Mr. J. Calhoun.* He was buried with Masonic rites in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Dundalk.
The funeral was large. [*James Calhoun and son, General Store, is listed in 1887 directory; see
History of Dundalk, p. 104.]
5 Dark and dreary in the Forenoon, the afternoon mild and wet. I worked at the township accounts.
6th Sabbath. Several showers of snow through the day with a strong wind, almost blow a person down.
[in margin] Stabled / Cows
7 Ground covered with snow this morning, some of it melted before night, the day was pretty cool. I
entered Township orders, wrote letters, &c.
8 Fine and dry with quite a bit of sunshine. I worked at the Township Books. The collector was
here and left $405.00.
9 Dark, dreary day without sunshine and pretty cold.
10 Snowing and Blowing all day, a regular blizzard, and a good deal fiercer as the day advanced. The
night was as bad if not worse. The snow will be piled up pretty high in the fence corners in the
morning.
567
<p.31>
November 1898
11th Another pretty bad day, but not so fierce as yesterday.
12 Milder, the snow thawing some, and the day pretty mild. The Twp Collector was here and left me
$140.00 taxes. Brother John’s wife Eliza came here in the afternoon. Mr. Reid’s daughter Annie
drove her up from Dundalk. She stopped all night. Ida was here in the afternoon.
13th Sabbath. Mild in the morning, the afternoon was a regular snow storm. Eliza went with Jim and
wife to her daughter’s, Mrs. Jim Patterson’s.
14 Mild day, the waggons and sleighs are both running, but the snow has melted during the day.
Johney & Ina were here in the afternoon. Jim sent me a load of firewood, also some bedding*,
which I needed. [*straw for cattle bedding]
15 Strong wind in the forenoon, and pretty cold, the afternoon slightely given to thaw. I split some
stove wood, got 13 Bushels of oats from C. Mills at .25¢ per Bushel. Ida was here in the after-
noon.
16 Mild day. I split some stove wood in the forenoon. Mr. Reid & wife, Thos. Hanbury, wife & son,
Joe Bowerman and Ida, Mr. John Russell & Ina were here at night.
<p. 32>
Nov[ember] 1898
17th Mild day, the Roads very muddy. I went to Dundalk. Seen George Wright, Councilman, done
some Township business, also bought 3 Barells Flour, l 1/2 Manitoba & l 1/2 Ontario, for $13.00.
18 Dark and showery, anything but a pleasant day.
19 Dark and mild. I dug a drain in the garden to carry off the water in the spring when the snow
melts. Merritt Nicols left his tax, $21.39, here for the collector
20th Sabbath. Dark and without sunshine mostly all day, pretty cool. Mrs. R. and I drove to Ida’s. The
Roads are very muddy.
21 Fine, dry with a good deal of sunshine, the snow is pretty much gone, the clouds are threat[en]ing
this afternoon.
22 Showery, mostly cold with a heavy damp atmosphere, the roads are extremely bad, not many peo-
ple moving around. Joseph Bowler and wife were here at night.
23 Cold and snowing, a little snow fell mostly all day. The cold was pretty severe. The roads are
very rough, the wheels are still running.
<p. 33>
Nov[ember] 1898
24th Rather mild. Mrs. John Russell came from Mrs. Jas. Patterson’s and stopped here all night.
25 Mild mostly all day, began to grow colder in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. Bob Mills hauled
home for me three Barrels of flour which I had bought last week.
26 Snow falling this morning and all through the day, quite wintry weather, some sleighs and some
waggons running. A span of horses belonging to a Mr. McMaster of Osprey ran away opposite
here and broke his buggy
27th Sabbath. Mild, dry, dark and inclined to be soft. Joe, Ida and Albert Thompson were here.
28 Mild but dark and without any sunshine. John Hudd with Jim’s team hauled me a load of bedding.
He then fixed a horse stall for me.
29 Mild and dark with all appearance of a snowfall at night. I fixed the cows’ stall. Jim got the Bug-
gy, he and Mr. S. Bell are going to Flesherton. Joe and Ida were here a while at night. [in margin]
W. Robinson / died
<p. 34>
568
Nov[ember] 1898
30th Mild but dark, without sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s to the Marriage of his eldest
daughter Madella to John White of Artemesia. There were about Sixty guests. The wedded cou-
ple left in the afternoon for Toronto. Madella is a splendid girl and will make a fine wife. [in
margin] Niece Madella / Russell / married
[December 1898]
December 1st Quite stormy, snowing and blowing, especially in the forenoon. Mrs. R. went to the fu-
neral of W. Robinson, a son of William Robinson. Brother John’s wife Eliza came here at night.
Jim Patterson drove her here. Some snow fell, the day was mild but overcast. John and Ina, Joe
and Ida and Miss A. Bowerman, Brother John’s son, Jim, and his Mother were all here at night,
stopped till after 12 O’clock.
2 Quite a snowfall last night, a little fell during the day. Johney helped me Butcher a pig of six
months old, it would dress, I think, 200 pounds. Ina came with Johney
3 Bright sunny day, the snow thawing some. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Sent deed & duplicate,
mortgage & duplicate of Lot 31, Con. 5 Melancthon to be registered in Orangeville.
<p. 35>
December 1898
4th Sabbath. Pretty cold with a slight snowfall in the forenoon which increased to a heavy fall in the
afternoon. It snowed and blowed all night. Jim’s three children were here, viz., Arlie, Vern &
Delbert.
5 Very deep snow. I think there must have fallen during the night two feet. Snowing and blowing
all day. Jim’s man John Hudd hauled me a load of stove wood from where I had cut it in the
swamp. I made a start at writing out my Financial Statement. [in margin] Big snow Storm
6 Cold and stormy, snow falling throughout the day, the roads are very badly filled up. I worked at
making out the Financial Statement for the Township.
7 Stormy, Rough day, snowing and blowing. The Proton Collector and his Brother stopped here all
night, he left me over $2400.00 taxes
8 Very Rough and stormy. The collector tried the road West, but the snow was too much drifted.
Then he turned and went towards Dundalk. I worked on the Financial Statement.
9 Stormy and rough, snowing and Blowing. I am laid up with a cold.
<p. 36>
December 1898
10th Stormy and rough, snowing and blowing, Roads filling up.
11th Sabbath. Stormy and rough, snowing and blowing. Jim and Mary got as far as here in his cutter.
12 The storm has abated a little, people were trying to open up the Roads in the afternoon, some
shovelling and others driving their sleighs through.
13 Rough day, stormy, the roads bad.
14 Pretty Rough, Snowing some, the Roads very heavy. Mrs. R. went to Jim Patterson’s. [in margin]
J.Patterson’s / Boy* born [*Oscar George Patterson]
15 A little milder, no snow falling. Went to Council Meeting at Hopeville. Jim drove me out with his
horse. We stopped all night.
16 Mild day. Came home and settled up my accounts. Came out straight.
17 Pretty Rough, the Roads very bad. I worked at making out the Financial Statement. Johney
brought me a load of wood, so also did Willie.
<p. 37>
December 1898
569
18th Sabbath. Pretty cold, without snow. Joe and Ida were here.
19 Very cold, raw day. Rhime on the Bushes. Mrs. R. went to help Ina kill turkeys. I finished the
Financial Statement.
20 Dark and slightely wet, the snow sinking. I took to the printer in Dundalk the Financial Statement
to be printed. I had not much trouble in Balancing. [in margin] Thaw
21 Dark and mild, a little snow fell but the thaw has ceased and is about over. I got a letter from
Clark.
22 A little snow mixed with rain in the forenoon which turned into rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and
I went to Dundalk in the eavening, then she went to Mr. Bell’s School entertainment. [in margin]
Rain
23 Snowing and blowing a fierce storm all day, and the blow increased as night came on.
24 Cold and rough, snowing and drifting. I got a Christmas Gift from* Mrs. R. (a cup and saucer),
gilt china .70¢, very nice. [*should read “for”, not “from”?]
<p. 38>
December 1898
25th Sabbath. Pretty mild, the Roads heavy. We had Jim and family, Willie and family, Johney and Ina,
Joe Bowerman and Ida, Newt Oliver and Miss A. Bowerman spending their Christmas with us.
26 Cold and pretty rough, the wind strong and the snow drifting. Mrs. R went in the afternoon to
Mrs. Jim Patterson’s.
27 Stormy and wild, snowing, blowing and drifting. An exceedingly rough day, the roads filling up.
Joe Bowler was here a while.
28 Extremely cold day, the wind is not high but the freeze is very sharp, the coldest day. I think, that
has come this season.
29 Mild, the snow thawing. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. I got the cutter fixed, also seen the Twp.
Collector, he made me a payment.
30 Mild in the forenoon, the afternoon cold and windy.
31 Extremely cold, nothing like it this winter. The old year is passing out and the new coming in. We
have had some reverses in this year, still, our health has been good or fairly so. We hail the New
Year and hope that things in general may be more prosperous with us. [in margin] Very cold /
Bob Russell hurt
<p. 39>
January 1899
1st Sabbath. Cold day, sharp frost. Brother John’s eldest son Robert died this morning. He was for
some time working in a foundry in Toronto and while helping to put up a smoke stack last Friday
something gave way and a piece of wood hit him on the head, Breaking his skull. He was insensi-
ble till he died. Poor boy, to be carried off so suddenly. His Father, Mother & [stricken: family]
Brothers & Sisters will be in agony. [in margin] Brother John’s son / Robert died on the 2nd
2 Very cold, sharp raw wind. I with Jim went to the voting in Melancthon, Dundalk and Proton.
3 Milder, thawing, at night raining. I went to Dundalk, got the poney’s shoes shaped and the cutter
fixed. Also attended a meeting of the Stockholders of Dundalk Cheese Factory. After I came
home Mrs. R. and I drove to Dundalk again. I sent a telegram to Jim when on his way to Toronto,
the telegram got him at Cardwell.* Johney and Ina were here all night. [*4 miles north of Or-
angeville, ON.]
4 Raining this morning, the day wet all through. Mrs. R., Johney and Ina, Willie and Jim Patterson
and Brother John’s daughter Vina left this morning in Jim Patterson’s sleigh for the funeral.
Brother Sam left here about noon for the same. I did not go, was afraid of getting cold.
570
<p. 40>
January 1899
5th Cold, snowing and Blowing, the thaw is over and the Roads are a glare of ice. I worked at Balanc-
ing the Township Books. John Hudd brought me a load of stove wood from the swamp with Jim’s
horses.
6 Cold day, snowing some and blowing. I worked at the Township Books. Jimmey Bowler
milked the cows for me. The folks got home about 1 O’clock tonight. Ina stopped here all night.
[in margin] Storming
7 Fearfully stormy, snowing and blowing. Johney came here for Ina, they left about 3:30 P.M.
Brother Sam came here about 9:30, stopped all night. [in margin] Stormy & cold
8th Sabbath. The blow is partly over. Sam left for home.
9 Pretty cold day. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Stayed all night. [in margin] cold
10 Piercing sharp frosty day. I came home. [in margin] cold
11 Very sharp keen freeze. I entered Township orders. [in margin] cold
12 Milder than yesterday. W. Lonsway called here this afternoon. Johney brought me a load of
wood.
<p. 41>
January 1899
13th Soft and thawing, rain mixed with snow in the Forenoon and pure rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R.
and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
14 Stormy day, Blowing and snowing, especially so in the afternoon. Very chang[e]able weather.
15th Sabbath. Mild and fine. Joe & Ida were here.
16 Very mild, thawing some. Johney brought me two loads of firewood. Willie and Tom Oliver*
were here at noon. The Rev. Mr. Harrison, Presbyterian Minister, and his Lady were here in the
afternoon. [*Tom Oliver later marries Ada Davidson, sister of Mary and Susan.]
17 Colder than yesterday, Freezing and snowing some. I split a little wood in the woodhouse. This
is my Sixty-third Birth-day. [in margin] 63rd Birth / Day
18 Fine and sunny with quite a sharp air. I split some wood in the woodhouse. Mrs. R. went to a
Presbyterian Social in Dundalk. Miss Robinson was here about taxes.
19 Fine and mild, good sleighing. Mr. W. Bell and wife were here a while this afternoon.
<p. 42>
January 1899
20th Quite a fall of snow and the wind pretty high, not cold. Jim’s boys, Vern and Delbert, were here in
the afternoon.
21 Very stormy from morning till night, snowing and Blowing. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk for me.
Brother John and wife came here this afternoon.
22nd Sabbath. Mild and not cold. Brother John and wife Eliza left here this morning and went to their
Son-in-Law’s, J. Patterson.
23 Mild day mostly. Thos. Laughlin, Clerk of Proton, was here in the afternoon. Brother John called
with J. Patterson. Willie called also. Ida was here in the afternoon.
24 Mild day mostly. Mrs. R. and I visited at Brother Sam’s. Brother John and wife Eliza were also
there. Sam and I went to George Brown’s, a neighbor, and I bought a package of “Nature herbs”
from him. He is the agent for the sale of the Medicine, said to cure almost anything.
25 Mild day, good Sleighing. Johney brought me a load of firewood. Mrs. D. McAulay spent the day
here.
<p. 43>
571
January 1899
26th Pretty stormy in the forenoon, the afternoon just terrific, snowing and Blowing, drifting. Brother
John and wife, Jim’s wife and three children were here. John stopped at Jim’s at night, his wife
stopped here. James Conner, a young man of Melancthon, about 27 years of age, born here, a son
to John Conners, Farmer, Melancthon, died in Toronto after three day’s illness of typhoid fever.
He was a splendid specimen of manhood, large, strong and handsome, a good boy, civil and oblig-
ing, loved by his neighbours and friends. He had been working for some time in his Uncle’s store
in North Toronto but death claimed him and he had to go. [in margin] James Conners died / in
Toronto
27 Cold, but the storm has ceased. Sharp frost. The remains of poor Jim Conners came to Dundalk
this night from Toronto. My son Jim helped to carry them from the train; my Jim and the deceased
were greatly attached to each other. Brother John and wife Eliza are here. [in margin] cold
28 Sharp cold day, the roads heavy. Brother John and wife started this morning for home. They upset
about 40 rods from here. They came back. They then started after dinner for J. Patterson’s. Mrs.
R[obert] R[ussell]* went to Jim Conners’ wake. My cold prevented me from going. [in margin]
very cold. [*to distinguish her from Mrs. John R. in this entry.]
<p. 44>
January 1899
29th Sabbath. Extremely cold. Jas. Connor was buried in the R[oman] C[atholic] Cemetery in Melanc-
thon. There was a large Funeral. I could not go, not being well. Mrs. R. went. [in margin] Ex-
tremely / cold
30 Very cold, a snow storm in the afternoon. Johney and Eliza left Jim Patterson’s for home. Son
Johney called here. Mrs. J. Bowler was here. [in margin] Extreme / cold
31 Very Cold. Mr. P. Cowan [MS Cowand] and Alex. Gillespie, Township auditors, were here
on my books. They found them right. Patrick Connor and son John were here at noon. [in mar-
gin] Cold
[February 1899]
Feb. 1st Very cold, the frost is exceedingly sharp.
2 Not quite so cold, a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
3 Quite a snowfall last night, the day rather mild in comparison of the former days.
4 Mild with a slight fall of snow last night.
5th Sabbath. Pretty fine. Johney & Ina, Donald McAulay, wife and daughter were here.
<p. 45>
Feb[ruary] 1899
6th Pretty cold, a very sharp frost in the afternoon and at night.
7 Fine sunny day, the afternoon pretty sharp. Mrs. R. and I went to the funeral of Mrs. S. McDonald
of Proton. She was a sister of Mr. Thos. Laughlin, Clerk of Proton. Was quite young, the mother
of two children, one of them a baby. She was Buried in Ventry Cemetery. The funeral was very
large. Mr. George Carnpbell, an old Resident of Proton, died this morning. [in margin] G. Camp-
bell died / Mrs. McDonald buried
8 Sharp day, keen frost, with a little sunshine now and then, also some showers of snow. I split
some stove wood. Very cold at night. [in margin] cold
9 Very cold, the wind blowing strongly and the cold intense. Snow falling now and then, a bitterly
cold day. [in margin] very cold
10 Extremely cold, the cattle after drinking would shake as if they had the ague. Few people on the
Road today. [in margin] very cold
572
11 Clear and sunny, but with a very sharp frost. I attended a Township Council Meeting held in Dun-
dalk. [in margin] very cold
<p. 46>
February 1899
12th Sabbath. Cold all day and cloudy. Mrs. D. McAulay and Ida Bowerman were here.
13 Cold with quite a bit of sunshine. I got in a little hay stack which I had at the stable. Billy Bowler
and Jim Bowler with their team hauled it, there was quite a bit of bad hay in it.
14 Bright and sunny. I fixed up some Township papers which the auditors asked me to do for them.
Mrs. R. went to Johney’s and Willie’s.
15 A little milder. Still, it’s cold enough.
16 Mild day, a good deal of sunshine, the snow thawing in some places, some pools of water in Dun-
dalk. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Willie hauled me a load of stove wood. [in margin] Willie /
hauled / me a / load of wood
17 Mild, a good deal of sunshine, a little rain in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk and sent Clark
$57.48 in two money orders, one for $50.00, the other for $7.48, payable in Alpena, Michigan,
U.S. The commission cost me .60 cts. The money was paid me by Johney, who wished me to
send it to him. Johney owed Clark.
<p. 47>
Feb[ruary] 1899
18th Dark and quite a thick air, a slight snow in the early morning. The Proton tax collector called here
in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to J. Patterson, Junior’s. Came home at night, then went to Jim
Russell’s. Came home, got her supper, then started for H. Lonsway’s.
19th Sabbath. Mild but dark, very much like a thaw.
20 Dark and soft, a fall of soft snow last night. Mrs. R went to Ida’s. Thos. McAulay, Township as-
sessor, called here (not assessing).
21 Beautiful [MS Beautifuld] day, sunny and warm, the snow thawing fast, quite spring-like. Jim’s
Delbert was here all day.
22 A heavy fall of snow last night, and more fell during the day. Mild and soft. Mrs. R. and I went to
see Andrew Lonsway who is pretty sick. Jim Russell called a while at night.
23 Bright and sunny but a very sharp frost in the eavening. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. The Col-
lector returned his Roll.
24 Very fine with a bright Sun. Keen freeze in the shade. Jim is teaming out his oats, price 28 and 29
cts. per Bushel. Brother Sam was here at night and I gave him a little pup.
<p. 48>
February 1899
25th Pretty sharp Frost but a good deal of sunshine. I wrote in the Township Books, posting orders, etc.
26th Sabbath. Pretty windy, sleet falling through the day and rain at night. Jim’s Four* children were
here this afternoon. [*Arlie, Vern, Delbert and Elva.]
27 Stormy, Snowing and Blowing all day. I copied the defaulters into Defaulters Book. Ida was here.
28 Stormy, Blowing and snowing all day. The snow seemed something soft in the afternoon. I
worked at Township accounts.
March [1899]
1st Pretty cold in the forenoon, Blowing & Snowing, the afternoon milder but with a sharp freeze.
2nd Fine, a good deal of sunshine, quite sunny in Dundalk. I attended a Meeting of the Dundalk
Woolen Mills Co. L. T. McAulay, Proton Assessor, stopped here all night. Assessed Jim’s 250
acres for $2400.00. Assessed my acre and House $100.
573
3 Dark and very misty, a fall of soft snow turning to almost rain in the afternoon, quite a thaw. Mrs.
R. is going now 5:50 P.M. to attend a social held in the Union Church, Melancthon.
<p. 49>
March 1899
4 Dark and a very heavy mist, the day soft, the snow going. I made out Financial Statement for the
Bureau of Industries, and a very crooked bit of work I found it!
5th Sabbath. Rough and stormy. Blowing and snowing, filling up the Roads at a great rate. [in margin]
Big Storm
6 Calm and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon dark, cold and a little snow falling Miss A. Bow-
erman was here.
7 Rather finer than yesterday, but sharp frost in the afternoon. Miss Jenny Russell came here with
Brother Sam from Rosemont.* [*a hamlet in Adjala Township, 7 miles (11 km) west of Alliston,
on what is now Highway 89.]
8 Fine day, mild. Mrs. R. took Jenny out to Sam’s. John Hudd hauled me about 3000 lbs hay from
Jim’s place (the Arnold Lot). Jim would not accept any money for it.
9 Mild day, getting something like a thaw in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I drove to Dundalk.
10 Dark and windy, the sky indicating a storm. Ida was here and went to Jim’s. Her mother drove
her home at night.
<p. 50>
March 1899
11th Quite soft, a strong thaw wind. The water ran in pools accross [=across] the Roads. I attended
Council Meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night.
12th Sabbath. Bright, sunny morning, the day got clouded, the thaw continued till about 3 P.M. when a
snow storm arose. Kept snowing and Blowing all afternoon. Willie and Sue and their two chil-
dren were here.
13 Bright and sunny but with a very sharp frost. I made out a copy of the defaulter’s to send to Co.
Treasurer, and wrote Four Business letters.
14 Bright and sunny most of the day, the afternoon cloudy and cold. I went to Dundalk in the fore-
noon, drew $200.00 out of the Bank, and sent it, along with $800.00 more which I had in the
house, making $1000.00 in all, by Express to the Manager of the Molsons Bank, Owen Sound.
The parcel of money was rather large to go into the envelope, but Mr. Symington the agent put
them into the press in his office and reduced the bulk. There were 10 x 10 = $100, and 180 x 5
= $900, [total] $1000.
Miss Minnie* Russell is here this afternoon. [*daughter of John and Eliza.]
<p. 51>
March 1899
15th Wet day from morning till night. Jim Russell’s Sale of Farm Stock and implements which was to
be today had to be postponed, on account of Rain, till Friday the 24th inst.
16 A good deal of sunshine but a pretty sharp Frost most of the day. Jim was here a while at night.
17 A little sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon cold, and stormy at night.
18 Stormy day. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing from Morning till night. Brother Sam called on his
way home From a meeting of Victoria Cheese Factory.
19th Sabbath. Rough and stormy, snowing and Blowing.
20 Very Stormy day, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Walter Bell and Robt. Irwin called here in the
afternoon with a petition [MS patition], getting signers for seperation [sic] of the Country part of
Union S. S. No. 1, Dundalk, from Dundalk, and to unite with Sch[ool] Sect[ion] 5, Melancthon. I
574
signed the petition.
I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon.
<p. 52>
March 1899
21st Very stormy. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk. Mr.
McKenzie, Reeve of Proton, came home with me and stopped all night. Sam’s Madella and Willie
called here.
22 Soft and evidently a thaw is setting in, the snow is quite soft. Jennie and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk.
23 Stormy, Snowing and Blowing all day long. There was some thunder last night. Jim called at
noon. [in margin] Thunder
24 Very stormy, especially in the forenoon, Blowing and snowing. Jim’s Sale was in the afternoon.
There was a large crowd of persons, and the animals and Farming implements brought good pric-
es. Miss Abbie Bowerman stopped here all night. [in margin] Jim’s Sale
25 Mild and without storm in the forenoon, the afternoon wild, Blowing and snowing. Miss Bower-
man is here making a dress for Jenney. Miss Bowerman went to Dundalk in the evening.
26th Sabbath. Mild and the snow softening some, quite sunny.
27 Very fine, Bright and sunny. Miss A. Bowerman, Jenny and Ida were here making dress for Jen-
ney.* [*Jenny, or Jenney, is Jane Russell, an unidentified cousin.]
<p. 53>
March 1899
28th Dark, with a big snow storm in the afternoon. The snow is now (6: 30 P.M.) falling thickly. Jim
moved in to the Arnold house. Miss Bowerman went home this afternoon.
29 Stormy from morning till night, Snowing and Blowing.
30 Fine, and the snow inclined to soften, a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
Jennie left this morning for Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Jennie left
31 Bright clear morning, the day fine and sunny till about 5 P.M. when the sky got overcast, like a
coming storm. [in margin] Good / Friday
[April 1899]
April 1st Fine in the morning, the afternoon got overcast and there was a heavy fall of snow. Brother
Sam called on his way to Dundalk and I sent a letter with him to post, addressed to John Philips,
Grand Valley P. O., Ont.
2nd Sabbath. Moderate in the forenoon, the afternoon rough. Jim and family spent the day here.
3 Mild with a good deal of sunshine. Jim brought me a jag* of straw for bedding. [*farming ver-
nacular, dialectal usage for “small load” or “amount” e.g. straw, hay, wood; see Webster’s New
World College Dictionary, 4th ed., 2010.]
<p. 54>
April 1899
4th Sunny and with a sharp air. I worked at the Twp. Books.
5 Bright and sunny, the snow melting pretty well. I entered Twp. orders. J. Bowerman and Ida,
Miss Bowerman and Bob Agnew and Jim Russell were here a while at night.
6 Bright and sunny, the day very fine. I went to Dundalk.
7 Dark, a slight snow fell in the afternoon, almost rain.
8 Snowing, Blowing and pretty stormy in the afternoon.
9th Sabbath. Fine. Johney and Ina were here.
10 Fine, a good deal of sunshine. Jim’s second boy, 5 years old, Delbert, met with a bad accident. He
fell down a feed hole in the Barn and broke his right leg up within three or four inches of his body.
575
Dr. McWilliam of Dundalk set the bone. He is doing as well as can be expected. Dr. Mc[William]
Sett it very carefully. [in margin] Delbert broke / his leg
11 Mild with a pretty heavy rain in the afternoon. I attended Proton Council Meeting in Dundalk.
<p. 55>
April 1899
12th Very fine, strong sun and thaw wind.
13 Fine, Bright and sunny, cool in the afternoon.
14 Mild. Strong Sunshine, the snow disappearing fast.
15 Mild and quite springlike, the snow going rapidly. I worked at the Municipal Cash Book. A very
heavy snow storm at night
16th Sabbath. The ground covered with fresh snow about four inches deep this morning, the day fine.
Brother Sam and Walter Bell called in the afternoon. [in margin] Seen Robin
17 Fine, the snow melting pretty fast, a good deal of sunshine. W. Bell called here. I wrote out a
communication for him to the minister of Education. [in margin] heard frogs
18 Fine, sunny, and very springlike. I dug through the Banks of snow and opened out a drain to let
the water away from a potatoe pit.
19 Fine springlike day, a shower of rain last night and another this morning.
<p. 56>
April 1899
20th Fine, dry and warm, the snow is mostly gone.
21 Beautiful day, hot in the afternoon.
22 Very spring-like, there is quite a bunch of snow in the South-west corner of this acre but it is going
rapidly. Some parts of the roads are dry and dusty while other parts have got a ridge of snow and
ice in the centre about two feet deep. Johney and Willie called here this afternoon. Willie took
home a heifer calve which he got from us, he took it on the stone boat behind his waggon. [in
margin] Sowed / cabbage seed
23rd Sabbath. Fine, dry and warm, quite spring-like.
24 Very fine, dry and warm. Some are starting to plow. [in margin] plowing began
25 Dry and sultry, a little thunder in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the Buggy,
the first time we have used it this spring. The roads are very bad, in some places there are ridges
of snow.
26 Beautiful day, a little thunder. I split some stove wood. Got two pigs from Jim, they cost me noth-
ing, they are small and not thrifty,* Came last fall. [* “thrifty” also has the meaning “prosperous;
thriving physically”, in addition to its current meaning “frugal”.]
<p. 57>
April 1899
27th Fine and warm, cloudy in the afternoon with indications of a thunderstorm. Jim borrowed the
poney and Buggy and drove around to buy some hay for pressing. He got some at $5.00 per ton,
first class timothy. Mrs. Henry Lonsway was here a while this afternoon. The last of the snow
disappeared out of the Garden. [in margin] snow all gone / in the clearings
28 Dry and very windy, pretty warm in the afternoon. Mr. Walter Bell was here in the eavning. I
wrote him an application to the Minister of Education re. appointing arbitrators.
29 Beautiful day. Heavy dew last night, a little thunder. I fixed fences, made some garden and went
to Dundalk.
30th Sabbath. Fine day, warm, thunder storm in the afternoon. Jim Patterson, wife and Baby were here.
[May 1899]
576
May 1st. Sultry, cloudy in the afternoon, great growth. I fixed old fences as usual, and worked in
the Garden.
2 Fine but not so warm as yesterday. Dr. McWilliam took the splint off Jim’s Delbert’s broken leg
in the morning, but in the afternoon the leg seemed to have shortened so Jim Brought the Dr. again
and had it made right. The trees are about half leaved-out, the weather being so favourable. [in
margin] Trees out / in leaf
<p. 58>
May 1899
3 Fine but a little cooler than yesterday. I fixed brush fence.
4 Fine, a little cool in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
5 Fine, dry and warm. I sowed garden seed: Coucumber [=cucumber], Butter Beans, Carrots, Pars-
nips & Beets. Mrs. R. had sown top onions, potatoe onions* & Lettuce. [in margin] Sowed gar-
den /Seeds [*presumably “top onions” were what is now called “green onions”, and “potatoe on-
ions” were onions to be grown to maturity, of which the bulb only is for food.]
6 Fine, dry and warm. I fixed lane for pigs and put up a slight Board fence of 72 feet long, only one
Board on top, nailed to posts about five feet off the ground, to keep the poney out of garden.
7th Sabbath. Very fine, sunny, dry and warm. Mr. W. Bell and Joe Bowler and wife were here.
8 Lovely day, sunny, dry and warm, an ideal spring day. I put some brush on the garden beds to
keep the hens off. Helped Jim a little in the afternoon at his fence.
9 Fine, dry and warm. I sowed some carrot seed and washed the fruit trees with soft soap suds.
<p. 59>
May 1899
10th Dry and fine, cloudy and cool in the afternoon. I minded Delbert in the afternoon while his moth-
er went to Dundalk, then finished washing fruit trees. Mr. Walter Bell was here a while in the af-
ternoon. [in margin] Jim sold a / Roller for S. Bell* [Skeffington Bell was an implement dealer,
among other things, in Dundalk. This seems to be the very beginning of Jim’s career in selling
farm equipment. He worked about 30 years full-time for Deering, then International Harvester,
then Cockshutt, before retiring in 1931.]
11 Quite a Rain last night or early this morning, the day cool but dark, with a strong wind, the eaven-
ing wet. I split some stove wood at the house.
12 Dry and fine, pretty warm, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Johney’s and Willie’s then went to
Dundalk, bought a bag of shorts at .75¢, a Box of Matches 10 cts, and some toilet soap .10 cts.
13 Cold, Dry and windy, bright sun, a little sprinkling of Rain in the morning. Done nothing today.
14th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, ice on the water, the day dry, cold and windy. [in margin] Frost
15 Very hard frost this morning, quite thick ice on the water, the maple leaves are scorched and the
blossoms on the fruit trees must have suffered. I split stove wood at the house. [in margin] Frost /
D[undalk] C[heese] F[actory] opened
<p. 60>
May 1899
16th Cold damp morning, very heavy rain with a little hail and some thunder in the afternoon, very
cold.
17 Dark and cold, showery. Delbert was here for the first time since his leg was broke. His Pa, Ma,
and all the family stopped here all night.
18 Dark and cold, a slight mizzle of Rain through the day. Delbert and his Ma went home this after-
noon. He is not able to walk yet so we took him accross in his ‘spruce waggon.’* I split some
stove wood at the house. [*presumably a child’s wagon.]
577
19 Cold drizzly day, very unpleasant.
20 Cold and cloudy, the day getting a little brighter in the afternoon.
21st Sabbath. Dry and fine with rather a chilly air. In the afternoon I went to Brother Sam’s.
22 Dry and fine. I cut seed potatoes. Delbert was brought here in the absence of his Mother and I
minded him. [in margin] Got / papers / from / Toronto
<p. 61>
May 1899
23 Very fine, dry, sunny and warm. I finished cutting seed potatoes, then bagged up the remainder of
the pit for Jim and Willie. I put in pit 30 Bushels last fall and could only get out 28, there were
none either frozen or rotted, they apparently had just wasted away. [in margin] I. Traynor* / called
here at / night [*a surveyor]
24th Queen’s birthday. Victoria is 80 years of age, a long life. The day pretty warm in the morning,
also bright and sunny, the afternoon a little cloudy.
25 Fine, pretty warm. A pretty sharp shower after night fell, some thunder and lightening. Willie
with his team and Newt. Oliver helped me to plant potatoes, about Eight Bushels on 5/8 of an acre.
They hauled out the manure, I spread it, then Willie plowed in the potatoes. Arlie and Vern
dropped, also I and Newt. We had all done at six O’clock, also had harrowed them. We placed the
seed about twelve inches apart in the rows, and dropped [stricken: a see] in every third furrow. I
gave Willie [to take] home with him about ten bushels, and I have six bags for Jim, as neither of
them have any, got killed with the frost last summer. The rows are about 2 1/2 feet apart. [in mar-
gin] Began and finished / planting potatoes
<p. 62>
May 1899
26th Dry and warm, till about 4 p.m. when there came on a heavy shower of Rain, some thunder and
lightening. I worked at the Township Collector’s Rolls, getting up a statement re. Drainage of
Sch[ool] Sect[ion] No. 1, for the information of Proton Council.
27 Showery, pretty warm, a fine growing day, cloudy.
28th Sabbath. The forenoon dry, the afternoon wet, with a thunder and lightening storm about 6
O’clock P.M. Mr. Walter Bell was here a while at night.
29 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon Raining. I went to Dundalk and drew out of Bank $200.00,
Twp. moneys.
30 Cold and windy in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and some sunshine. I attended a council Meet-
ing at Hopeville and stopped there all night. There is a great amount of land between here and
Hopeville covered with water on account of the frequent and heavy rains.
31 Left Hopeville at 7:30 and got home at 10 A.M. Mr. R. Oliver called to see us in the afternoon.
The day was dry and windy.
<p. 63>
June 1899
1st Dry and fine, a little windy. I cut some seed potatoes for Jim. Mrs. R. and I went to DundaIk in
the afternoon. John Madill and John Hudd was here in the forenoon. I drew up an agreement be-
tween them for the buying and selling of a property in Dundalk.
2 Dry, sunny and warm. I finished cutting Jim’s seed potatoes. 3 Bags in all.
3 Dark, Cloudy and cool. I posted Township orders.
4th Sabbath. Heavy Rain, Thunder and Lightening early this morning, the day sultry.
5 A shower of Rain this morning, a little thunder and lightening. I put up a fence to keep the poney
from running over the potatoes. Mrs. R. was repapering the kitchen.
578
6 Dry and sultry with the exception of a shower of Rain mixed with hail in the afternoon. Mrs. R.
finished papering Kitchen. Jim’s wife Mary helped her. G. Watson, Co. Councillor, was here.
7 Sultry and showery in the afternoon. I Consulted Dr. McWilliam Regarding an ailment. He said it
was a double rupture, sent for a double truss for me. Said I was in danger till I got it on. [in mar-
gin] Set out / cabbage plants
<p. 64>
June 1899
8th Fine, dry and cool. Cloudy in the eavening.
9 Dry, cool and sunny. Delbert stopped a while here. His Grandma with the poney and Buggy took
him and a Bag of potatoes to Ida’s. Brought Delbert back but of course left the potatoes!
10 Saturday. Dry and cool. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, took Jim’s Mary along a-shopping.
11th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Willie, Sue and the two babies were here. Jim got my poney and Buggy,
he and wife and Delbert and the wee lady [=Elva] went to Jim Patterson’s. Arlie and Vern stopped
here.
12 Dry in the forenoon, a sharp shower in the afternoon. Ida was here. I went to Dundalk in the af-
ternoon and Dr. McWilliam fitted on me a double truss which I am necessitated to wear. It’s very
uncomfortable but such must be. I think it’s as bad as wearing a hair shirt or any other kind of
penance.
13 Cloudy, close and warm. I worked in the Garden weeding Carrots, digging beds and preparing
ground for planting out Cabbage plants.
<p. 65>
June 1899
14th A shower of Rain in the morning, the day very hot till about 3 p.m. when there came on a rain with
some thunder. I worked in the garden, sowed some carrots, parsnips and Beans for the second
time, weeded some beds and planted out cabbage plants. [in margin] sowed carrots / & parsnips
15 Quite cool this morning with a shower of Rain, the day cool and cloudy. I digged a patch for cab-
bage in the garden and planted out about Forty Seven. This is the second planting on the same
patch. Brother Sam called this eavning and I gave him 100 plants. Jim’ s Mary and Delbert were
here.
16 Very cool in the Morning, the day dry and cool. I went to Dundalk and paid the 5th Call to the
Dundalk Woolen Mills Co. Limited.
17 Dry and fine. I wed some in the Garden.
18th Sabbath. Mostly dry and cloudy, a little rain.
19 Dry and warm, hot about noon. Mrs. R. took the pony and Buggy and went with 100 pounds of
hay wire for the pressers to Melancthon. Delbert is stopping with me.
<p. 66>
June 1899
20th Dry and cool. Cold at night. Johney and Ina were here a while in the [stricken: eav] evening. Jim
and Arlie and Vern stopped here all night. Jim had caught 13 speckled trout and he gave them
around amongst us.
21 Dry and cool most of the day, the evening was something warmer. Jim is in bed here all day with
something like a cold. Cannot tell what it is. I hoed some potatoes in the evening.
22 Dry and cool, a slight shower of Rain in the morning. Jim kept getting worse last night. I went for
Dr. Martin at 11:30 p.m. He came and said he could not tell whether it was typhoid, Malaria or
Measels. He left [dittog.: he left] him some powders and medicine. Jim began taking them and
the fever abated, so much that he drove with me to Dundalk this afternoon.
579
23 Fine, dry and warm. I hoed potatoes. Jim is on the mend. He went out to Willie’s for Mary in the
afternoon.
24 Dry and hot. I hoed potatoes.
<p. 67>
June 1899
25th Sabbath. Fine, dry and warm. Johney & Ina were here. Sam also called.
26 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes.
27 Dry and fine, I was hoeing potatoes. Jim got home from Toronto and stopped here all night.
28 Slightly wet in the forenoon, the afternoon more Rain fell. I hoed a little at the potatoes, but had to
quit on account of the Rain. Jim is here, also Delbert, Vern [MS Verne] and Arlie.
29 Fine, dry and sunny. I finished hoeing potatoes for the First time, then went to Dundalk, took Del-
bert along.
30 Bright and fine. I went to see Mr. B. Bowerman. Miss A. Bowerman and Ida were here this even-
ing.
July [1899]
1st Bright, sunny, and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, stopped about three hours.
2nd Sabbath. Dry and fine. Jim’s children were here while he & wife were at Sam’s.
<p. 68>
July 1899
3rd Showery and pretty warm. I hoed potatoes between showers, this is the second hoeing which I am
giving them.
4 Dry till about 6 P.M. when there was a very heavy rain. The day was quite sultry. I done Statute
labor.
5 Dry and warm in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes.
6 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon, I hoed potatoes in the afternoon.
7 A little Rain early this morning, the balance of the day dry and pretty warm. I worked at the
Township Books and prepared 1/2 -Yearly Financial Statement.
8 Showery and cold. I attended a Council Meeting at Proton Station and stopped all night.
9th Sabbath. Bright, sunny and warm. Came home this morning. J. Bowerman and Ida, Mr. B. Bow-
erman and wife, Jim and Mary with children were here.
<p. 69>
July 1899
10th Warm and Bright. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. took Ida who was picking Berries
home. I examined the orders which I had paid at Council Meeting and compared them with the
cash which I had taken. Came out right.
11 Shower of Rain early this morning, the day dry afterwards and pretty warm. I entered one hundred
and two Reeve’s orders in [dittog.: in] Township Day Book.
12 Fine and dry. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
13 Dry and hot. I wrote some Business letters in the Forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R and I went
to Dundalk. I sent a letter to Br. William, Kosoma P. O., Indian Territory, U.S. [in margin] sent
letter / to Willie
14 Dry, sunny and hot. I entered Twp. orders in Book.
15 Cloudy and cool in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. We were in Dundalk this afternoon and sat
for our pictures. Family group, viz., Mrs. R., Jim, John, Willie, Ida and I. Clark’s, who is in Mi-
chigan, was also taken off an original and put in. Price six dollars for all.
<p. 70>
580
July 1899
16th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Willie and Sue with the two children were here a short time in the even-
ing.
17 Cloudy with a slight mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and windy. I wrote some
business letters and Paris-greened the potatoes (5/8) of an acre. I put on a pound less about a ta-
blespoon full. Sue and Baby were here a while.
18 Fine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with a rain at night. I posted Township orders in the
Municipal Cash Book.
19 Dry, cloudy and cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s.
20 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. Abraham Jack-
son and Miss Eda Russell were here in the afternoon. Brother Sam called in the evening.
21 Heavy shower early in the morning, the remainder of the day dry and breezy. Mrs. R. went to
Misses J. Patterson’s.
<page torn out, covering the days 22July - 24 August 1899>
[Corresponds to the period when the episode occurred which led to Willie’s commital to the Hamilton
Insane Asylum. Details are known from the records of the Asylum (now Hamilton Psychiatric
Hospital) now held in the Ontario Archives. Willie suffered a psychotic event (called an attack of
insanity in the sources, or violinte mania, caused by “hard work, extreme heat”). This happened
suddenly “about 2 weeks prior to 9 Aug.”, i.e. in the week following 21 July, the last entry above.
He was taken into custody on 7 Aug., certified insane by two medical examiners at Orangeville jail
on 9 Aug., and transferred to Hamilton Asylum 24 Aug. 1899. The medical case notes cite his
symptoms: “Delusions, signs, signals and representations of different parties, and other things.”
As well, he “imagines he is suffering from an incurable malady. Quite excited, has to be closely
watched on account of his impulsiveness to strike and kick those near him.”
He seems to have had only this one psychotic event, followed by prolonged depression. He was
discharged on probation in care of his brother James, 2 April 1901, and fully discharged 11 Oct.
1901 as “recovered.” It seems, on the evidence, that he was probably manic-depressive, with a
history of only one manic attack, followed by lengthy depression. The documents sent to me from
the Ontario Archives include copies of the correspondence between the family and the Medical
Superintendant (Dr. James Russell), which are referred to in the diary, below.]
<p. 71>
August 1899
25th Dry and fine. Mrs. R. drove Jim to Willie’s place this forenoon, then she came home and Jim’s
wife and she went to Jim Patterson’s in the afternoon.
26 A little cool in the morning, the balance of the day warm and pretty hazy. Jim got the poney and
Buggy and went to Dundalk.
27th Sabbath. Dry and fine. I drove Jim to Willie’s.
28 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and along with Sue stooked about 8 or 9 acres.
29 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. took the poney, drove to Willie’s and immediately returned, all being well
there.
30 Dry and hot. I took Jim to Dundalk in the afternoon. He went to Toronto on hay business, fare &
Return, $2.30.
31 Dry and sultry till about 8 p.m. when some rain fell and gradually increased in quantity till there
was quite a rainfall during the night. Ida was here in the afternoon. I drove her home then went to
meet Jim in Dundalk. He did not come. The night was very dark for driving.
<p. 72>
581
September 1899
1st A few drops of Rain in the morning, the day cloudy and cool. I went to Dundalk at night and met
Jim, who was coming from Toronto, at the station.
2 Cloudy most of the day but dry and sultry. I wrote some Business letters,* drove to Dundalk and
posted them. [*one is a letter to Dr. James Russell, Medical Superintendent of the Hamilton Asy-
lum, inquiring on the state of health of his son Willie. He receives a reply on the 5th; see below.]
3rd Sabbath. Dry but quite cold in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to the funeral of C. Johnson’s
daughter, Mary. The funeral did not take place because the corpse did not arrive in time. She had
died in Vancouver.
4 Dry and fine. John Agnew called here in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went again to Mr. Johnson’s
daughter’s funeral. She was buried in Flesherton Cemetary.
5 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Johney brought a letter here at night which Jim got in the
post office from Hamilton. The letter contains good news, says Willie is improving mentally and
physically and the chances for his cure are good. [in margin] Letter from Dr. Russell / Hamilton
<p. 73
September 1899
6th Fine day, dry and pretty warm. I went to Willie’s, raked up some oat sheaves. Jim and Johney
hauled them in [MS in then] in the afternoon.
7 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Some people hauled grain in during the afternoon. Mrs. R.
and I went to Dundalk. I got some teeth pulled by Dentist Henderson who will replace them with
false ones when my gums become healed. Those which I got out were stumps and old, partly de-
cayed, a bad lot. A thunder, lightening and Rain storm at night.
8 Cloudy, cool and dry. We pulled our Siberian Crabs*, about five pails full. [*apples.]
9 Dry and fine. Susan and her two Babies came here and stopped all night.
10th Sabbath. Dry and fine, Cloudy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s.
11 Dry and fine till night when there came on a Rain. Mrs. R. took Sue and the Babies home, then
when she came back, she and I went to Dundalk and bought $13.75 worth clothing for Willie and
Expressed them, with other clothes of his, to him in Hamilton. I contributed $5.00 and Sue the
remainder.
<p. 74>
September 1899
12th Fine most of the day. I chored around.
13 Dry with a little sprinkle of Rain about 4:30 P.M. I went to Willie’s, stopped till the afternoon,
then came home.
14 Dry and fine but very cold. Quite a heavy frost last night, thick ice on the pail of water outside the
house. Got news* from Willie. He is still improving. [*reply from Dr. Russell to a letter from Su-
san enquiring about Willie’s state of health.]
15 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. with Jim’s two children went to Willie’s and they with some others raised
his potatoes. I think there would be about 40 Bushels.
16 Dry and fine with a strong wind. I went to Dundalk, bought a Bag of Manitoba flower [=flour] for
$2.25, took it out to Susan.
17th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Jim Patterson, Junior, and wife and Baby were here. Jim Russell got my
poney and Buggy and went visiting to Mr. S. McDowell’s.
18 Dry and fine in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon wet, and now (9:10 P.M.) raining.
<p. 75>
September 1899
582
19th Dark and lowering, quite a sprinkle of rain fell in the afternoon and a little in the forenoon. I at-
tended a Proton Council Meeting in Dundalk. Mrs. R. took me there and came for me at night.
20 Dark and misty all day, a little rain. Ida was here a while in the afternoon, her Mother drove her
home in the Buggy. I Balanced my cash and paid cheques in the Township Business which I had
done yesterday.
21 Fine, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk, got a letter from Willie*, he is still mending. I also
digged and picked five Bushels of potatoes in the forenoon and Five in the afternoon. [in margin]
Got letter / from Hamilton [* reply from Dr. Russell in answer to letter from Robert.]
22 Cold and slightly wet in the morning, the day afterwards was clear and cold. J. Bowler and An-
thony Trugeon with their Boys came here to raise potatoes for me. I thought the day rather cold.
Afterwards I took up some myself.
23 Frosty morning, the day fine. J. Bowler and his two boys, A. Trugon and his Boy helped me raise
potatoes. They were a good crop, about 124 Bushels, a little over two Bushels to the row. [in
margin] Raised / potatoes
<p. 76>
Sept[ember] 1899
24th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, Rain with thunder and lightening in the afternoon. Sue with her
Babies were here, came last night.
25 Wet and cold all day. I sorted over potatoes in the stall.
26 Dry and cold I sorted over some potatoes then got W. Bowler to haul me a load (45 2/3) Bags to
Dundalk. I sold them to John Sinclair for .40 cents a Bag, cash.
27 Dry and cold, some sunshine in the afternoon. I picked a barrel of apples off the two Wealthy
trees, the Haas trees’ apples are worthless on account of worm[s].
28 Dark and cold with a very high wind. T. Laughlin, Clerk of Proton, was here for lend of 1898 Col-
lector’s Roll. I went to Dundalk in the eavning.
29 Cold and cloudy. I chored around. Snow fell tonight. [in margin] First Snow
30 Snowing this morning, a particularly cold day, could make snow balls at the end of the house. Mrs.
R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Moved our cook stove in to the kitchen. [in margin]
moved stove
<p. 77>
October 1899
1st. Sabbath. Dry and cold, hard frost in the morning. Sue and the Babies called here. Johney and Ina
were here.
2 Dry and fine, hard frost in the morning. Sue was here in the forenoon. She and I wrote letters to
Willie.* [Robert writes covering letter to Medical Superintendent, asking for the enclosed letter
(from Susan) be given to Willie; this follows letter sent 27 Sept. inquiring if Susan could visit Wil-
lie, with response on 28 Sept. saying “not yet”.]
3 Cold and clear. Heavy Frost this morning.
4 Bright and sunny. Johney and Ina were here. Dr. Martin paid me a visit at night. I am slightly
indisposed.
5 Fine mild day, Bright mostly. Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Roseborough visited us in the afternoon. Mrs. R.
drove them here from Dundalk.
6 Fine, dry, sunny and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon.
7 Dark and cool.
8 Sabbath. Pretty fine. Mrs. J. Patterson & Mrs. W. Russell were here.
9 Dry and fine. John Agnew and wife stopped here at night.
583
10 Dry and fine. Ida was here a while, Mrs. R. took her home.
<p. 78>
11th Dundalk Show Fair. Dark and misty in the morning, the day cleared up and was fine. I went to
Dundalk in the afternoon, did not go to the grounds. Sue and the children were here in the after-
noon.
12 Fine day, dry and sunny, hazy also like Indian Summer. Miss McDonald and Mrs. McDonald and
Ida were here. [in margin] Indian Summer
13 Very fine. Dry, sunny and warm, like Indian Sununer.
14 Misty in the forenoon, slightly wet, dry in the afternoon. Mrs. Wm. Talbot was here in the after-
noon. I went to Dundalk.
15th Sabbath. Dry and fine.
16 Dry, warm and Sunny. Hazy like Indian Sununer.
17 Dark morning and wet. Heavy rain through the night, the day showery. Mrs. Wright and daugh-
ter-in-law were here. I worked at the Township Books.
18 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. Mrs. Wright went to Jim’s this morning, Mrs. R. took her over.
The threshing machine (W. Silk’s) was to be at Willie’s.
<p. 79>
Oct[ober] 1899
19th Dry in the forenoon, slightly wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. drove Mrs. Wright to Dundalk. I went
to Dundalk in the eavening. [in margin] Trouble / in the / camp* [unclear reference to trouble]
20 Frost this morning, the day sunny but cold.
21 Cold and cloudy with a good deal of sunshine. Ms. R. went in the afternoon to Ida’s.
22nd Sabbath. Dry and cool. Ida and Joe were here.
23 Very heavy rain with thunder and lightening early this morning. Mrs. R. and I went to Susan’s and
brought her two Babies home with us.
24 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. I took out the carrots and beets.
25 Fine day, dry and warm but cloudy. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. Widdow [sic] Neithercut & Mrs. S.
McDowell came here, also Susan.
26 Dry and fine in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. Mrs. R. & Sue took the team and went and
picked Willie’s potatoes. They brought Jim’s 29 Bags & some in the wagon Box. It was hard work
putting them up on the top.
<p. 80>
Oct[ober] 1899
27th Dry and cloudy, damp in the afternoon with a good deal of Rain at night. I went to Dundalk, and
drove to J. Bowerman’s, Coming home, for Mrs. R.
28 Wet all day from morning till night, dark and gloomy
29th Sabbath. Dark and cloudy, but no rain.
30 Dry and sunny, a very fine day. Mrs. R. and Sue took Willie’s team and went to Melancthon to
bring home the remainder of Willie’s potatoes. I piled wood in the woodhouse. [in margin] Sent
letter / to Hamilton [asking if Willie mixes with others, or is “taciturn and reserved.” Answered on
31 Oct.: “has improved rather of late. He goes out working now on the farm and is a little more
talkative, but is still rather confused and not making many friends. His general health is good.” ]
31 Dry and fine. I put about 13 Bushels of Willie’s potatoes in a pit in the Garden. J. Bowerman and
Ida, Mary and Susan were here for supper.
[November 1899]
584
Nov. 1st Dry and fine. I sorted some potatoes in the cellar. Sister Sarah came here about 1 P.M.
Brother Sam brought her.* Sue and her children are stopping here this night. [*Sam has brought
Sarah (and her son George, age 15, b. 10 May 1884, Simcoe Co., ON) to visit their brother Robert
and family. This visit is likely in response to the news that Willie was in the Hamilton Asylum,
and that Robert’s health was failing. Sarah and her family perhaps lived in Sudbury, ON at this
time. Sarah spent the last years of her life in British Columbia.]
2 Cold generally, but dry. Sister Sarah’s son, George, came here and his mother went with him to
Sam’s. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
<p. 81>
November 1899
3rd Cold and raw, with rain at night which turned to snow. I sorted over potatoes in the cellar, picked
out 30 Bushels for seed and eating, and left about 15 for other purposes.
4 The ground covered with about two inches of snow this morning, and a little more fell during the
day. I worked at the Township Books. Made entries in the Municipal Cash Book which is a Big
unwieldy humbug. Stabled up the cows for the first time this season. [in margin] 1st stabling / of
cattle
5th Sabbath. Snow on the ground, the day pretty Chilly. Mrs. R. and I dined with Jim. J. Bowerman
and Ida were here in the eavning.
6 Mild day. I took Susan out to Sam’s, then I engaged Sam’s son, Johney, to work Willie’s farm for
one hundred dollars, he to go to School during winter and to do the chores.
7 Very fine day, sunny, dry and warm. I Butchered two fat Hogs, one of them weighed 200 pounds
and the other 160. J. Bowler and J. Bowerman and Benny* helped. [*Joe Bowerman’s brother.]
<p. 82>
November 1899
8th Fine, dry and sunny. almost like Indian Summer. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.
9 Very fine day, especially in the forenoon, a trifle cloudy in the afternoon.
10 Cold this morning, with snow, the afternoon milder. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville and
stopped all night. Mrs. W. Bell and Mrs. T. Robinson visited Mrs. R.
11 Cold and raw this morning, the afternoon milder. Left Hopeville this morning, got home about 1
P.M.
12th Sabbath. Quite a bit of snow on the ground, the day cold. Joe and Ida were here.
13 Cold morning with snow on the ground, the afternoon milder. Mrs. R. dressed three of her geese,
took them to Dundalk. They weighed 24 pounds, she got Eight cents per pound for them. I
bought 18 Bushels of oats from Bob Mills at 25 cents per Bushel. Mr. John Arnold and wife were
here a while at night.
<p. 83>
November 1899
14th Some snow on the ground in the forenoon. The most of it had vanished before night. The day
pretty mild. Sam brought Sue and Rita* (who had been at his place for a week) here. [*Willie’s
wife and daughter (usually spelled “Reta”); there is no mention of the baby, Melvin.]
15 Dark and misty all day, pretty cold, slightly wet. The snow is all gone and folks are plowing.
16 Mild for this time of the year, Misty in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the after-
noon. T. McAulay, Collector, stopped all night, paid $725.00.
[Following notes, written by Robert Russell at end of the year, explain the gap in the diary en-
tries.]
Laid up with sickness, dropped the tally for quite a while.
585
This year has passed away a sad one for us. My poor son Willie is now in Hamilton Asylum.
God, restore him to his reason again.
[Robert makes no mention, in this year-end reflection, of Susan and Ida’s Christmas visit to Wil-
lie in Hamilton. This happened following the letter Robert wrote to Dr. Russell, Medical Superin-
tendent of the Hamilton Asylum, on 18 Dec. 1899, asking if Willie’s wife and sister can visit him
“about Christmas.” Dr. Russell agrees: “he will no doubt be glad to see his wife and sister.” Fol-
lowing the visit, Robert writes on 21 Jan. 1900: “Did Willie grieve or fret after his wife and sister
left him at Christmas?” The reply on 22 Jan.: “We did not notice anything in particular in regard to
him after his wife and sister visited him, and if he grieved any he must have kept it all to him-
self.”]
<p. 84>
January 1900
1st Rather mild in the forenoon, the afternoon sharper. I went to the Township election at J. Allen’s.
2 Cold day, snowing and Blowing. I worked at making up the School vouchers for Co. Auditors.
3 Milder than yesterday. I split some stove wood in the wood Shed. Mrs. John Arnold was here a
while at night.
4 Mild. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. J. Bowerman brought me some pressed straw. Ida was
along.
5 Fine day, good sleighing. I worked at the Township Books.
6 Fine and mild, good sleighing. J. Bowerman Brought me a load of stove wood. I finished the
Township Books.
7th Sabbath. Rain, the day turned to snow at night, quite a thaw. [in margin] thaw
8 The Snow gone off the fields in a great measure, the roads very Rough, but enough of snow left to
make sleighing. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home in the eavning.
<p. 85>
January 1900
9th The day a little mild. The Township auditors, Alexand[er] Gillespie and Archy McMillen, were
here and audited the Twp. accounts, found them correct. [in margin] Auditors here
10 Very fair sleighing, but the Roads slippery. I wrote out an address* for D. McKenzie, late Reeve
of Proton, took it to the printers. Got the poney shod on the hind feet. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs.
Johney White’s* in Dundalk. [* “address” in the sense of “statement of public appreciation”;
*Mrs. Johney White is Madella, Sam’s daughter]
11 Quite a snowfall, the day mild, sleighing improving. I entered orders in the Day Book.
12 Mild most of the day, good sleighing. Joseph Bowerman hauled me two loads of stove wood.
13 Quite a Bit of snow fell during the day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to see about Jim.
14th Sabbath. Mild, dry. Jim Patterson, wife and Baby, Sue and her two Babies, Joe and Ida, Johney
and Ina were here. [in margin] Mrs. Patton / Died
15 Mild day, dark, with a little snow falling. I split some stove wood in the wood shed. Mrs. R. went
to the wake of Mrs. Patton in Dundalk.
<p. 86>
January 1900
586
16th Mild, and dark, without sunshine, good sleighing. Mrs. R and I went to the funeral of Mrs. J. Pat-
ton in Dundalk. She was buried in the Dundalk Cemetrey [sic].
17 Blowing and drifting, the roads filling up badly. Very sharp frost in the afternoon. I have passed
another Milestone in my journey through life and am now 64 years of age. Will I see another,
that’s the question, or will I be better or worse if I do see another? [in margin] Birthday
18 Dark morning and thawing, a slight mizzle of Rain during the day. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk
in the afternoon and then drove to Ida’s coming home.
19 Quite mild, thawing, the snow going fast. Mrs. R. went to Jim Patterson’s.
20 Still thawing, but the afternoon turned to freezing with a strong wind. Mrs. R and I went to Dun-
dalk.
21st Sabbath. Cold, with a raw N.E wind. Ida was here in the afternoon. Joe called for her with the
cutter at night.
<p. 87>
January 1900
22nd Cold in the morning. The day got milder, some sunshine in the afternoon with a softening of the
snow. Mrs. R. and I drove to Mr. Bowerman’s in the afternoon.
23 Windy in the morning, the snow softening. The wind rose in the afternoon and quite a frost set in,
getting quite cold towards night. Mrs. R. is quite sick, overstrung nerves is the cause, I think. Her
long trouble on account of Willie is very trying on her. [in margin] Mrs. R. Sick
24 Very cold, strong wind and excessively cold. [in margin] cold
25 Cold day From morning till night, but especially in the morning. Mrs. R. is something better.
26 Extremely cold. Frost enough to please a Greenlander. Strong wind with a few flashes of sunlight
in the afternoon. The cold so intense that our pump froze last night, however we have a small well
in the cellar available. [in margin] pump / Froze
27 Sharp morning, the day quite cold but not near so bad as yesterday. Mrs. R. went in the afternoon
for Sue and children. [in margin] cold
28 Very cold and stormy. Sue went to Swinton Park with H. Lonsway and got Babtised [=baptised],
by dipping, into the L.D.S.* It’s a fad, I think.
[*Latter Day Saints, here short for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of L. D. S., a splinter
group from the Mormons, led by Emma Smith, first wife of Joseph Smith, and one of her sons,
following the assassination of Joseph Smith in Illinois in June 1844. This small group formed in
opposition to Brigham Young’s leadership of the Mormons, and their exodus to Utah. It is the Re-
organized L. D. S. that Clark and his wife’s family joined in Hillman, Michigan in 1894. Despite
Robert’s scepticism, it seems Clark converted Susan, Jim’s wife Mary, and Robert’s wife Nancy.
Willie and his family later joined, and some of Willie and Susan’s descendants continue active in
this church, now renamed the Community of Christ. Its headquarters are in Independence, MO.]
<p. 88>
January 1900
29th Cold and Stormy. Mrs. R. took Sue and the children home in the afternoon. [in margin] very /
cold
30 Stormy and rough from morning till night, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. [in margin] very /
cold
31 Very cold day. Sam and Ida were here. [in margin] very / cold
February 1900
Feb. 1 Very cold. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk.
2 Exceedingly cold all day, but especially at night. [in margin] very / cold
587
3 Not quite so cold as yesterday, snowing and blowing occasionally. Mrs. R. is going to Dundalk for
Jim who is to come home from London this afternoon. Brother John and wife came here this
evening, stopped all night. [in margin] Sharp
4th Sabbath. A little milder, with quite a snowfall last night. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. W. Bell’s.
Brother John and Son, Jim, slept here this night.
5 The Roads quite heavy with snow. I worked at the Township Books. Brother John and Eliza went
to their son-in-Law’s, J. Patterson. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s.
<p. 89>
February 1900
6th A little milder, with quite a bit of sunshine. I wrote some business letters.
7 Mild and turned to Rain in the afternoon, quite a thaw. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk.
Mrs. R. took me in and Jim brought me home.
8 Rain during a good part of the day, high wind in the afternoon, with a driving mist. Mrs. R. went
to Willie’s.
9 The Rain has turned to snow, it’s now freezing. John and Eliza were here at night.
10 Pretty mild but not much snow falling. Mrs. R and John’s wife went with Jim Patterson to Dun-
dalk at night, then John’s wife went home with Jim Patterson.
11th Sabbath. Mild. Brother John left this morning for S. Russell’s.
12 Mild but dark, like a fall of something. The snow is thawing some. I wrote some business letters.
13 Mild in the morning, some Rain. Cold in the afternoon. Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Brother
John and Eliza stopped all night.
<p. 90>
February 1900
14th Cold with a strong wind. Brother John and wife left for home this morning. Mrs. R. went to Wil-
lie’s.
15 Pretty chilly day, the sleighing is improved.
16 Another cold day. I went to Dundalk, lifted the money for son Willie’s oats, got .25¢ for the Black
oats and .26¢ for the white. Mr. J. Arnold’s Baby born dead. Total Cash Received, $127.31.
17 Pretty fine, with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to the funeral of Mr. J. Arnold’s Ba-
by.
18th Sabbath. Rather cold. Jim was here a while at night. John & Ina were here in the afternoon.
19 Pretty sharp day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s to purchase a turkey. Jim
started to Shelburne on his Agency.* [*Presumably as a seller of farm implements, and this is the
beginning of his three decades in this business; see 10 May 1899.]
20 Mild day with a good bit of sunshine. I copied the defaulters list into the Book. A tough job it was
on account of the Clerk, Thos. Laughlin, having omitted to place the No. of acres against each Lot
on the collector’s roll.
<p. 91>
Feb[ruary] 1900
21st Mild in the forenoon, the afternoon overcast, windy and cold. Mrs. R. and Mary went to Dundalk.
22nd Rather mild with quite a fall of snow. Mrs. John Murdo and Mrs. H. Lonsway visited here in the
afternoon.
23 Mild with a little snow falling. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. Two men stopped opposite the house in
the afternoon. One of them came in and showed me a Map of Ontario and other places. I pur-
chased one map for ninety eight cents, to be delivered in about a month.
588
24 Dark and mild with quite a fall of snow. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I bought a Draft of
$128.00 from the Bank. Sent it to Mr. David Boyle, Richmond Hill, as payment of $100.00 prin-
cipal and $28.00 interest, due 1st next March on Willie’s Mortgage on Lot 32, Con. 6, Township of
Melancthon. Paid Commission on Draft .15 cts.
25th Sabbath. Rough and Stormy. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, the stormyest day came this win-
ter. Jim was here a while at night.
26 Very cold, sharp frost with the sun shining now and then. [in margin] very cold
<p. 92>
Feb[ruary] 1900
27th Sharp Frost, quite a bit of sunshine, still, a very cold day. Mr. Walter Bell was in a while.
28 Milder than yesterday. Still, cold enough. Ida was here, her mother drove her home in the after-
noon.
[March 1900]
March 1st. Roads quite heavy from the fall of snow last night. Blowing and quite Stormy in the af-
ternoon. I and Jim went to Dundalk, attended the annual meeting of the Dundalk Woolen Mills
Co. L[td]. Mrs. R. is very sick with a cold.
2 Blowing and snowing, a very rough day. Mr. Henderson, Agent for the North of Scotland Co.,
called here.
[No more entries in the diary, the remaining pages blank. Robert Russell died 11 March 1900, presuma-
bly of a stroke, leading to heart failure, the cause of his death mentioned on the death certificate. The
certificate states he was paralyzed for three days before death. He is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery,
Dundalk, in a family plot where now are buried his wife Nancy, and son Willie and his wife Susan, all
indicated on the same red-granite monument.]
<insert><between pp. 92-93>
1. Envelope from Deputy Postmaster General, sent O. H. M. S. Free, date-stamped Ottawa, July 14,
1896—contained the cheque reimbursing Robert for the lost money sent to Brother William in the
U.S. The letter meant for William went to the Dead Letter Office because of an error in the ad-
dress.]
2. Slip of paper, on which is written in ink (recto): May 21/92 Invoiced Mrs. R. $10.00,
(verso) Six months. [above this, notes in pencil at top of slip]:
15 March 1890, Dep. 83.00 June 16
Left - $79.00 on June 16th 18-[cut off]
79 + 20 = 99 on Nov. 28, 1890
99 + 33 = 132 Feb 17th [cut off]
3. Post Card (recto), featuring picture of an envelope, with rose tied to it by ribbon [with simulated post-
age mark] HAPPY NEW YEAR JAN. 1 84; (verso) [written note] A new year’s card / from my
son Jim / in 1884 / To his mother
4. Interim receipt, from The London Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Canada, May 30 1899, for
$6.30, to Mrs. Robt. Russell, for insurance: Dwelling House $350, contents $250, Stable $70.,
Contents $30, Live Stock $50., from June 16 1899 to June 16, 1902, signed Geo. Watson.
589
<p. 234>
<insert>
[Pasted-in newspaper clipping, two full columns long:]
Liquid Air A New Cure For Cancer: Dr. Campbell White Cures Cancers by Freezing Them.
<p. 235>
<Endleaf, recto>
<insert>
[Pasted-in newspaper clipping, 2 1/2 cols., lengthy letter to the Editor of the Globe:]
Men Wanted. To Take Up Land in the Island of St. Joseph [an island 25 miles southeast of Sault Ste
Marie]
<p. 236>
<Endleaf, verso>
Handwritten list of Express Charges From Dundalk to Owen Sound: on $500.00 = .40 cts, on $600.00
through $1000.00 = .50 cts., on $2000.00 = 1.00.
<insert>
[Pasted-in newspaper clipping, one column, with bottom fold-over:] The Infinity of Space. The Centre
of the Universe Everywhere; Circumference Nowhere. [a long description of the solar system, and
deeper space.]
<p. 237-inside back cover>
Top half, handwritten recipes:
Cure for Cancer or other sores. Break a milkthistle and rub the milk which comes out upon the Cance or
sore. Continue this for the season, perserveringly, so long as you can find a milkthistle. It has
been known for certain to effect a cure. August 15th 1898
<double line>
Said to be good for a shortness of Breath and to cause an appetite for food. Prickely ash obtained at the
druggist’s, steeped in whiskey, a little taken before meals. Nov. 23, 1898
<insert, bottom half>
[two pasted-in newspaper clippings]
1. For the Spramotor: Spraying, Disinfecting and Whitewashing can be done with the Spramotor….
2. Some Timely Hints. Prepare for Spraying the Fruit Trees. Test Your Seed Corn Before Planting-
General Notes.
</inside back cover>
<end of volume 5>
Editorial Postscript
3 December 2018
Appended here is the text of the encomium, dated 31 Dec. 1900, sent to Mrs. Robert Russell by the Pro-
ton Township colleagues of Robert Russell, as an expression of their condolences following his untime-
ly death. It was printed on silk, and framed. It hung on the wall beside the large formal photograph of
Robert Russell in the farmhouse at Shrigley of his son Willie, and later of his grandson Glenn.
590
To Mrs. Robert Russell
DEAR FRIEND,
We have purposely delayed the expression of our deep sorrow, awakened by the death of your
dear husband, in order that we might not break in upon the period of your affliction, until the elapse of a
little interval had, in some degree, tended to mitigate the heavy burden of sadness you have been called
upon to bear.
As members and ex-members of the municipality in which the late Mr. Russell held the position
of Treasurer for so long a period, we have met together, at this time, to place upon record the tribute of
our mutual kindness and respect. We desire to do honor to the memory of one whom in life we had by a
long and intimate association, learned to appreciate as a friend worthy of our highest confidence and
esteem.
We assure you, Dear Friend, that apart from his official capacity, we are deeply impressed and
with the conviction that a friend has departed from us whose place it will be hard indeed to fill, and the
direction of our thoughts point to the unselfish, generous nature of Mr. Russell and the kindly social
sphere of influence which he filled, and filled so well.
And then, Dear Friend, when our minds pass from the more kindly considerations of personality
to dwell upon his attributes as an executive officer of the Township we are constrained to acknowledge
that the one whose memory we desire to honor, was a man not governed by sectional, sectarian or selfish
motives. He stood for the best; he strove for the best. He was faithful to every trust: a man of sterling
integrity, who discharged his duty as a Municipal Officer with conscientious industry, correctness and
courtesy.
The sympathy and counsel of Robert Russell were never sought in vain by his colleagues; how
often has his voice been heard amid our deliberations and always with an inspiring influence!
Claiming the privilege of uniting with you in sorrow for the sad loss of our Dear Friend, we re-
main respectfully,
D. MACKENZIE, Ex-Reeve J. H. CORBETT, Reeve
P. SHAW, “ D. WILSON, Counsillor
S. ROGERS, “ J. McARDLE, “
D. McMILLAN, “ G. WRIGHT, “
P. McGREGOR, “ J. A. COOPER, “
G. Watson, County Commissioner T. LAUGHLIN, Clerk
T. McAULAY, Collector
Proton, Dec. 31st
, 1900
591
Appendix 1
Russell Family Members Mentioned in Diaries
(My thanks to Reta Russell Lancaster for the historical and genealogical details provided here in
Appendix 1, the fruit of her extensive research into archives and sources in both Ireland and
Canada, from the 1970s to the present. Disambiguation of names is not always possible, e.g.
the replication of names such as William H., James, Robert, John, Hannah, Maria, Sarah in
different generations of the same family can lead to confusion. Conjectural identifications are
marked with (?).)
First Generation Russells:
James, b. c.1811, Whitehouse Townland (?), Co. Antrim – d. 7 July 1882, Melancthon Twp.,
Dufferin Co.; married, 29 Dec. 1834, Raphoe Presbyterian Church, to Anne Clarke, b. Sept.
1807, Maghrehane, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – d. 4 Feb. 1882, Melancthon Twp., Dufferin Co.
James and Anne Russell and seven children were immigrants to Canada from Raphoe,
Ireland, in June 1851. James and Anne were established on Lot 37, Con 4 NE Melancthon in
1854.
Second Generation Russells (children of James and Anne Russell):
1. Robert—the diarist, b. 17 Jan. 1836, Raphoe – d. 11 Mar. 1900, Proton Twp.; married, Proton
Twp., c. 1861, to Nancy Agnew, b. 14 July 1840 – d. 1931
2. James, b. 16 Jan. 1838 – d. (?); last heard from in two letters from Ohio in Dec. 1853
3. John, b. 27 Mar. 1840, Raphoe – d. 26 May1912, Simcoe Co.; married 7 Mar. 1866, Proton Twp.,
to Eliza Agnew (sister of Nancy), b. 13 Aug. 1845 – d. 1904
4. Sarah Russell, b. c. 1842, Raphoe – d. 11 Nov. 1929, Trail, B.C.; married c. 1862, Melancthon, to
Allen Thompson, b. 1840 – d. 1909 Sask.
5. Margaret Russell, b. 23 Apr. 1844, Raphoe – d. 3 Mar. 1892, Simcoe Co.; married, Melancthon
Twp., c. 1875, to William Lonsway, b. 26 July 1849 – d. 27 Sept. 1917
6. William Henry Russell, b. 6 Dec. 1846, Raphoe – d. (?), Texas; married, Lawrence Co. TN,
USA, 28 Jan. 1869, Louisa Hortence Melisia Wooten
7. Samuel Russell, b. 21 June 1848, Raphoe – d. 23 May 1929, Dundalk; married, 5 May 1874,
Flesherton, to Phoebe Jackson, b. 28 Apr. 1856 – d. 10 June 1895, Melancthon Twp.
Third Generation Russells (and Robert’s granchildren, the Fourth Generation):
Children of Robert and Nancy Russell:
Robert Clark, b. June 1862, died as infant, 10 Sept. 1862
James (Jim), b. 11 Nov. 1863 – d. 11 Feb.1939; m. Mary Davidson, 4 April 1888, Dundalk;
Grandchildren: Arletta (Arlie), b. 17 Feb. 1889 – d. 1 June 1910;
Robert Vern (Vern), b. 22 Jan. 1892 – d. 6 Mar. 1952;
Delbert Glen, b. 9 Jan. 1894 – 9 Nov. 1941;
Elva Ida, b. 16 Feb. 1898 – 27 Dec. 1959
John (Johney), b. 16 Nov. 1865 – d. 9 May1932; m. Thomasina (Ina) Oliver, 26 Oct. 1887,
Melancthon;
Grandhildren: baby girl, died an infant, b. 10 Sept. 1888 – d. 20 Oct. 1888
Robert Clark (Clark), b. 23 Aug. 1867 – d. 5 Feb. 1929; m. Mariah Moran, 15 Oct. 1890,
592
Melancthon;
Grandchildren: Lawedna Pearl (Pearl), b. c. June 1895 (see 21 Nov. 1895 entry)
Eliza (or Ida), b. 29 Sept. 1869 – d. 18 July 1941; m. Joseph T. Bowerman, 5 Nov. 1890,
Dundalk
William Henry (Willie), b. 27 Aug. 1871 – d. 16 Feb. 1957; m. Susan E. Davidson (sister of
Mary), 27 Nov. 1895, Toronto;
Grandchildren:
Mada Reta (Reta), b. 2 May, 1897 – d. 31 Jan. 1980;
Robert Melvin (Melvin), b. 6 Aug. 1898 – d. 18 Aug. 1982
Robert’s grandchildren born after his death in March 1900:
Clark and Mariah Russell have two more children:
Stanley G., b. 5 Mar. 1901 (?) – d. after1958
Lanita Fern (Fern), b. 21 Jan. 1903 – d. 21 Oct. 1973.
Willie and Susan Russell have two more children:
Marjorie E., b. 11 July 1904 – d. 2 Sept. 1977;
Glenn D., b. 19 May 1906 – d. 27 Mar. 1998;
Ida and Joe Bowerman have a son,
Jack, b. 26 July 1908, Dundalk – d. 21 April 1993, Alliston
Johney and Ina Russell adopt a Barnardo Immigrant boy c. 1913,
Harold, b. c. 1904 – d. 10 Oct. 1972
Robert’s nephews and nieces are frequently mentioned in the diaries. Only Robert’s brother Sam lives
in close proximity to Robert; his other siblings moved to Simcoe County in the mid 1880s. Of the
family members listed here, not all appear by name in diary entries, and some dates of birth and names
are not confirmed from reliable sources.
Children of John and Eliza Russell:
Robert Alexander, b. 8 April 1867 – d. 2 Jan. 1899
Nancy, b. 12 Oct. 1868 – d. 1941
James, b. 13 Oct. 1870 – d. ?
Mary (Minnie), b. 13 Jan. 1872 – d. 1917
John Agnew, b. 20 Sept. 1873 – d ?
Lavina (Vina), b. 31 Mar. 1875 – d. ?
William H., b. 23 Jan. 1877 – d. 21. Nov. 1880
Annie Eliz., b. 20 Apr. 1879 – d. 12 May1964
Children of Sarah Russell Thompson and Allen Thompson:
Edward, b. c. 1864
Annie, b. 7 Dec. 1865 – d. 27 Jan 1951
James R., b. c. 1868
Margaret, b. c. 1871
Mary H., b. c. 1873
Sarah, b. c. 1875
William, b. c. 1878
George, b. c. 1881
Children of Margaret Russell Lonsway and William Lonsway:
593
Hannah Maria (Maria), b. c. 1876, m. 23 May 1894, d. 25 Nov. 1938 (dates are not confirmed in
diary.)
Annie, b. 25 July 1877 – d. 15 Mar. 1941
Sarah, b. c. 1878 (date not confirmed in diary)
infant, dies hours after birth, 29 Dec. 1880
William Herbert, b. 18 Jan 1883 – d. Feb. 1960
Children of Sam and Phoebe Russell:
Annie Elizabeth (Madella, later Dell), b. 9 Mar. 1875- d.10 Dec. 1936
William James, b. 18 Mar. 1876 – d. 2 Feb. 1941
male infant, b. 27 Jan. – d. 30 Jan. 1878
Mary Edith (Edith), b. 2 Feb. 1879 – d. Nov. 1915
John Henry (Jack), b. 28 Nov. 1880 – d. 26 May 1948
Hannah Maude, b. 8 Oct. 1882 – d. 3 Feb. 1951
Robert Jackson (Bob), b. 24 April 1884 – d. 19 May1957
Samuel Clark (Clark), b. 18 Mar.1886 – d. 3 May 1926
Abraham, died an infant, b. 3 Feb. – d. 6 Feb. 1888
Phoebe Alma (Alma), b. 13 May 1889 – d. 6 May1987
Elmer Kilburne (Kilburne), b. 26 April 1893 – d. c. 10 Jan. 1960)
Austin Ashla, died an infant, 10 June-11 Sept. 1895
Sample of extended family, neighbours, mentioned in Diaries
(with their ages as given in the 1881 Census)
John Agnew (Nancy and Eliza Agnew’s brother; ages extrapolated from 1891 Census) in 1881 is 42,
wife Margaret 36, children Jos. Wm. 10, J. Thomas 8, Robert 7, Nancy 5, James 2, and they later
have (by 1891) Nassau 9, Eliza 8, Lena 2;
W. J. Arnold (26), Anne (22), Margaret (7 mos);
Mrs. Clements Bell (Sarah, age 61, widow); Skeffington Bell (30), wife Sarah, sister Sarah (23);
William Bowler (age 70), Hanna (63), Albert (24);
John Brinkman (25);
Robert Cross (29);
John Gott (34), Catherine (25);
Andrew Lonsway (53), Hannah (52), William (31), Elisabeth (27), Andrew (25), Henry (23), James (21),
Mariah (19), Samuel (16), Wesley (14) [William is married to Margaret Russell; the sons William,
James, Henry are listed only in 1871 census, so are no longer at their parent’s home in 1881]
Daniel Reid (21), Emma (21), Eliza (3 mos);
James Roseborough (50).
Appendix 2
Teacher Qualifications for Ontario Common Schools
In his diaries Robert mentions his son Clark’s various attempts to gain teacher certification, including
attending schools in Collingwood and Durham, and attempting the qualifying examinations in Owen
Sound. Clark begins to teach on 4 Jan. 1888. Robert himself had Third Class and Second Class
594
Certificates during the seventeen and a half years (1858-75) he taught at S. S. No. 3 (later renamed No.
5), Melancthon. After his retirement from teaching, in order to qualify for his pension, Robert had to
provide a medical report each year to William Ferguson, Priceville, who was Public School Inspector for
South Grey. Ferguson was responsible for Proton, Artemesia, Osprey and Melancthon Townships
(Belden, Historical Atlas of Grey and Bruce; see also Sawden, pp. 124-25).
Before the establishment in Ontario of Normal Schools for teacher training (the first was in 1904
in Toronto), prospecitve teachers attended Grammar Schools (high schools), and in those designated as
Model Schools, they observed teachers, and thus learned to teach, and gained certificates if they passed
the annual teacher examinations. These examinations to qualify to teach were held over three days.
Candidates who succeeded adequately on the first day received Third Class Certificates. Those who
passed the examination on the second day received Second Class Certificates, while those who
succeeded the examinations on the third day were awarded First Class Certificates (see Sawden, p. 89).
The following are the official criteria for each class of teaching certificate, as approved by the
Ministry of Education in October 1856 (cited from Sawden, pp. 87-88).
Third Class Certificates
1. Candidates are required to be able to read intelligibly and correctly any passage from any
common reading book.
2. To be able to spell correctly the words of an ordinary sentence dictated by the examiners.
3. To be able to write a plain hand.
4. To be able to work readily, questions in the simple and compound rules of arithmetic, and
in reduction and proportion and to be familiar with principles on which these rules
depend.
5. To know the elements of English Grammar, and to be able to parse an easy sentence in
prose.
6. To be acquainted with the elements of Geography and the general outlines of the Globe.
7. To have some knowledge of school organization and classification. Teachers of French or
German may substitute their knowledge of these languages for English, whose
certificates will be limited accordingly.
Second Class Certificates
1. Candidates for certificates of Second Class Teachers, in addition to what is required for
Third Class, must be able to read with ease, intelligence and expression, and to be
familiar with the principles of reading and pronunciation.
2. To write a bold free hand, and to be acquainted with the rules of teaching writing.
8. To know fractions, involution, evolution, and commercial and mental arithmetic.
3. To be acquainted with the elements of bookkeeping.
4. To know common rules of orthography, and to be able to parse any sentence in prose or
poetry; to write grammatically, with correct spelling and punctuation, the substance of
any passage which may be read.
5. To be familiar with the elements of mathematical, physical and civil or political
geography, as contained in any school geography.
First Class Certificates
1. In addition to the requirements for Second Class Certificates, candidates for First Class
Certificates must understand the elements of Mensuration and Land Surveying.
2. Algebra to quadratic equation; and to know the first four Books of Euclid.
3. To know the outlines of general history.
595
4. To be familiar with the elements of botany, zoology and natural philosophy.
Appendix 3
Farmers’ Co-operative Movements: The Grange
Following a commission in Jan. 1866 by U.S. Pres. Andrew Jackson to Oliver Kelley to report on the
state of agriculture in the southern states following the Civil War, Kelley and a handful of like-minded
men in Washington and Boston founded the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry in 1867 in
Washington, D.C. It was a fraternal organization for farmers, which borrowed rituals from the Masonic
Order. It required both men and women to be members of its executive committees, and was intended
for the social, intellectual and economic betterment of farmers. It spread rapidly throughout the U.S.,
with 25 states having Granges in 1872, and with a National Grange, to which the state-level Granges
reported.
The Granger movement entered Quebec via Vermont in 1872, and entered Ontario in 1874, first
in Prescott, then in London, and, following expressions of interest from famers in Grey County, a
representative from the National Grange established 3 Granges in Grey (east and west) in March-April
1874. A constituent assembly in June 1874 in London established the Dominion Grange, making the
Canadian movement independent of the U.S. National Grange.
Growth in both countries was rapid. By Jan. 1875 in the U.S. there were 22,000 subordinate
Granges in 41 states. In Canada, by Dec. 1879 there were 766 subordinate Granges with 31,000
members, with 65 Granges in Grey County. A feature of the Dominion Granges was the annual picnic
on 2 June, anniversary of the foundation of the order in Canada. In 1876 the picnic at Flesherton had 22
Granges attending.
The rapid growth was followed by an equally fast decline in Canada; by 1884, ten years after its
foundation, membership had dropped to 12,500, and was merely a few hundred in 1904. In the U.S. the
National Grange recovered from its decline, beginning in 1900, and continues to the present as a farm
organization.
The purposes in both countries included the economic benefits of bulk buying from suppliers,
functioning as a cooperative; and political advocacy against commercial monopolies (railways), or
middlemen between producers and consumers. In Grey County, Robert Russell, as secretary of
Mayburn Grange, was involved in placing orders for supplies for members, but his disappointment in
the advantages was quickly apparent—local merchants also quickly adjusted prices so that they were
competitive with prices offered to Grange members. And there was some feeling that the institution was
too “Yankee” to appeal to Canadians. Robert and Nancy Russell joined the Grange 7 Dec. 1876, and by
26 Dec. 1877 he declares it to be a fraud, and he is no longer secretary, and has divorced himself from it
for “all practical purposes”. (These details on the Secret Order of the Patrons of Husbandry are based on
Wood, A History of Farmer's Movements in Canada; see pp. 21-105, at pp.24, 28, 60-61.)
The impulse for concerted commercial and political action on behalf of farmers, and the
importance of women in political life, evidenced early in Grey County, preceded the later development
of these principles in the United Farmers of Ontario political party (founded in 1914, it won the Ontario
provincial election in 1919), and the associated United Farmers Cooperative. Agnes Macphail from
Priceville, elected in 1921 as the first woman member of Parliament in Canada, was active in both
movements.