Benjamin Reesor (1836 – 1917)
1861-1863
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
Private Journal in which I intend to record local Occurances daily occupation Markets
State of the weather &c &c
Benjamin B Reesor
1861 January 1 Shot a large Owl. Good sleighing About home nearly all day
received a short visit from Brother C Reesor & family, Weather mild Wheat $1.10 cts
2 Helped Brother Noah Reesor at Threshing in forenoon and C Reesor in the
afternoon. Weather mil
3 Helped my Brother Simeon Reesor at threshing Weather Mild
4 Went to my brother in law M. Neighswanders on a visit today and to my Brother S
Reesor this Evening. Weather Clear & Cold.
5 Went to Markham Village. Weather cold and a little snow
Sunday 6 At home all day. Weather Cloudy and Mild
7 Went to Municipal Election in Scarboro Ward No. 2 Voted for Mr Helliwell
Weather, Cloudy and Snowed
8 Helped my Brother Simeon Reesor at threshing. Weather cloudy & mild
9 Went to School Meeting in Scarboro Section No. 4, A.M. threshed oats in
afternoon, Weather, snowed in the morning, cloudy and mild all day Brother Noah &
family here this evening
10 Cleaned Oats in the Morning, made a Wooden fork. Weather, Snowed in the
morning High wind through the day Calm and cold this evening
11 Went to Markham Village for a stove A.M. Took a load of straw to R. Money B
Smith PM. Weather very cold and snowed all day
Jan 1861
12 Helped my Brother C Reesor to kill a Cow A M threshed oats PM went to
Singing School in * Hebron Chapel in the Evening, Weather Clear & very cold
Sunday 13 At home all day received a visit from C Burkholder and family. Weather
Clear and a little warmer
14 Helped my Brother N Reesor to kill a pig AM choring around PM Weather Mild
and a little snow
15 Drawed home a little wood & ground my axe, Today Mr Donald McKay was here
taking the Census, Weather cloudy and mild, Wheat $1.10 @ $1.16
16 Worked in the Shop A.M. Went to Benjamin Lehman's Chopping Bee PM.
Weather, rained AM. Cloudy P.M., Sleighing good yet
17 Went to R Moneys Smith shop A.M. and to T Woods store P.M. Weather Cloudy
& mild
18 Went to my Brother N Reesor's in the morning worked about home through the
day, Weather, Wind from the East Snowed all P.M.
19 Cleaned Oats A.M Went to Cedar Grove P.M. And to Singing School in the
Evening, Weather Cloudy & a little Snow. Wheat $1.18 @ $1.22
Sunday 20 Went to Meeting at Hebron Chapel My Father Revd John Reesor made
Introductory remarks Jacob Grove Preached a sermon on 2nd Cp St John My Brother
& sister in law Simon & Elisabeth Hoover Michael Frets and wife were here after
meeting. Weather Clear & Cold
* commonly called Reesor's Meeting house
Jan 1861
21 Helped Wm Morrison Clean peas in the morning Worked about home all day,
Weather Clear and Cold
22 Went to Cedar Grove Mills AM and then went to Jacob Hoovers in Pickering on a
visit in the Evening, Weather cold and Clear
23 Went to Major Mills AM, fixed Turnip pit PM, and went to my Uncle Dr J S Reesor's
on a visit in the Evening, Weather Clear & cold
24 About the house all day, helped William Morrison Clean Peas in the Evening
Weather, wind from the East, snowed all day
25 Drove John Burkholder to School in Scarboro AM Went to R Money's B Smith
Shop PM weather Clear & mild
26 Worked in the barn A.M. went to Cedar Grove Mills PM. and went to Singing
School in the Evening Weather Cloudy & mild
Sunday 27 Went to Meeting at Widemans Chapel Introductory remarks by Revd
Henry Barkey Sermon on St John 3rd Chap by Rev'd Jacob Burkholder After meeting
went to my father in laws John Hoover's, Weather, Clear AM at 3 oclock Snow P.M
28 Got ready with a load of wheat to go to Major Mills when we received a short visit
from Samuel Doner & wife AM. then I took it in the afternoon and sold it at $1.15 cts
per Bus then we went to my Brother Simeon Reesors in the Evening. Weather Clear
& mild
29 Took two loads of wheat to Major Mills at $1.15 cts per Bus. Weather Cloudy &
mild wind and snow from the north in the Evening
{partial page} at a Meeting held by the members of the members of the Mennonist
Church {upside down at the bottom of the page} Benjamin
at a Meeting held by the members of the Menonist Church held in the Meeting house
situate on Lot No. 1 - 11th Con of Markham for the on the 5th day of February 1861 for
the purpose of appointing Trustees for the ensuing year John Reesor Chairman
Moved by Jacob Reesor seconded by Daniel Hoover that Samuel Reesor be Trustee
Carried
Moved by Christian Burkholder seconded by Christian Reesor that Noah Reesor be
Trustee Carried
Moved by Christian Burkholder seconded by Noah Reesor that Simeon Reesor be
Trustee Carried
Feb 1861
Jan 30 Took a load of wheat to Major Mi{?}lls at $1.15, AM. Sawed fire wood PM.
Died, On Monday Last The Revd. Adam Wideman, Today he was buried on the 4th
Con of Markham he was a minister in our Church nearly 25 years. {different writing J J
Mano Mano Man} Weather, Windy, and a little snow from the north.
31 Went to John Hollinger's Chopping bee in Mr. C Burkholder's Bush, received a
visit from Mr S G Reesor and family in the Evening. Weather Cloudy and mild
February 1 Went to J Woods Store AM. received a short visit from my Uncle Joseph
Burkholder and wife PM. Weather mild and Cloudy AM. Snow & wind from the East
PM
2 Grinding Axe and shoveling snow AM. Went to Cedar Grove PM. Weather mild &
Cloudy a little sunshine at noon great snowstorm last night. snow two feet deep on
the level, good sleighing Wheat $1.10 @ $1.18 cts went to Singing School in the
Evening
Sunday 3 Went to my Brother S Reesor's on a visit his wife has been sick but she is
on a fair way of recovery Weather, Clear and Cold
4 Idling around shot Chloe* AM Went to T Woods store & to Major Mills PM
Received a visit from Peter John & Anne Hoover & Mrs Elisabeth Neighswander in the
Evening Weather Clear & Mild
5 Helped my Brother C Reesor to draw a hay stack into the Barn. Weather Cloudy
and mild
6 Helped my Brother C Reesor to finish drawing in the hay stack and grind his axe
AM. Drawed home a load of wood went to my Brother S Reesors to B Lehmans & to
Cedar Grove PO PM. Weather Cloudy & windy Some snow PM
* our little pet dog
Feb 1861
7 Sorted Apples, Weather, wind storm from the north some six inches of snow fell
since last night, great drifts. very Cold
8 Threshed Oats A.M, I and John Burkholder Went along the Scarboro townline
Beating roads so some great drifts near the 11th Con of Markham PM. Weather,
Clear and very Cold
9 Threshed Oats AM. Went to Cedar Grove Mills For a pig PM. and to singing school
in the Evening. Weather Cloudy and a little milder Commenced to rain about 9 Oclock
this evening
Sunday 10 Went to my Uncle Christian Burkholders on a visit and Called at my
Brother N Reesor's in the Evening. his little daughter Mary is very bad with the Croup,
Weather, Clear sunshine and mild all day, thawing a little
11 Died, Last night my Brother N Reesor's Daughter Mary, then today I went up
through Markham and to Whitchurch to Inform the friends about the funeral, Weather,
rained all day, mild and foggy
12 Went to the Funeral at my Bro N Reesor's the little child was buried at Hebron
Chapel Remarks By Revd H Barkey sermon on 1st St. Peter 1st Chapt 16 Ver by
Revd J Grove after the Service We went to the house over for dinner, Weather, Mild
& Clear, a little snow in the Evening
13 Went to Markham Village for my broken Cutter Drew home a load of wood in the
evening and then went to my Br C Reesor's on {a} visit Weather, Mild & Clear
Feb Mar 1861
Cleaning and drawing
27 Finished Cleaning and drawing in Barley Weather, Clear & mild. Sold a sheep to
Sparta Billy at $4.75 cts
28 Went to the Funeral of R Money's Child AM. and went to J Wood's store PM
Weather, Mild and Cloudy, a little rain PM
March 1 Went to T Watts to buy seed Oats but he he was not at home, AM. Cored &
pared Apples PM. Weather, Mild & Cloudy a little rain in the Evening Went to singing
school at Hebron Chapel in the Evening
2 drawed sedgeings for ovenwood AM. sold 16 Bus Barley to Andrew Lapp and 10
Bus to W Hollinger @ 55cts per Bus & drawed a load of edgings PM Weather, Mild a
little rain and fog
3 We all went to my Bro C Reesor's on a visit Weather Mild & Cloudy, a little rain PM
4 Hitched to the Sleigh to go to Mr Snowball's Brick & Tile yard 7th Con Markham
when Mrs P Laughlin Came and bought 24 Bus Barley @ 55cts per Bus. Hitched again
in the afternoon and went as far as Sparta when it commenced to storm and so we
turned and went home and hung the meat into the smokehouse. Weather Clear & mild
strong West wind, a little snow PM
5 I and John went to Mr Snowball's Brick & Tile yard and brought 700 Bricks @ 45cts
per hundred AM Went to R Moneys B.S. Shop PM. Weather Cold Wind from the
west, a little snow
6 I and John went to Mr Snowball's and brought one thousand 2 in pipe {tiles?}
{illegible, page torn} @ $6 per thous AM {remainder of page illegible due to torn edge}
March 1861
7 Went to Mr Snowballs and brought 500 tiles AM Then we all went over to my
father's to a quilting PM, Weather Clear and Cold one ewe lambed yesterday
afternoon and one last night
8 Went to R Moneys BS Shop AM, Then went to John Young's sale on Lot 33 4th
Con Pickering PM, and to singing school in the Evening Weather, Cloudy & cold a little
rain PM
9 Threshed Oats AM Cleaned And took them to Cedar Grove Mills to get them
Chopped PM. Weather Clear & mild
Sunday 10 Went to Old Dan Hoover's on a visit Weather Clear & Cold wind from the
north
11 Went to my Fatherinlaw John Hoover's on a visit. Weather Clear & pretty Cold
12 Took a Sheep to Sparta for the Butcher AM. I & John Chopped Cordwood for
Chas Burkholder PM Weather Clear & Cold Commenced to Snow from the East in
the evening received a visit from Br S Reesor & family & Jacob Reesor & wife in the
evening
13 I & John Chopped Cordwood for C Burkholder AM Went to R Money's BSS &
threshed Oats and went to Cedar Grove PM Weather Clear & Cold wind from the
{north}
14 Threshed Oats Received a visit from Mr Samuel Hoover & family, of Pickering
PM. Went to my Br C Reesors in the evening Weather Clear & Mild
15 Threshed Oats. Nancy went to singing school in the evening. Weather Clear &
mild
16 I & John helped my father to draw wood AM Went to R Moneys BSS, made some
spiles PM. Received a visit from Uncle D Burkholder {remainder of page illegible due
to torn edge}
March April 1861
Re Received a visit from John Reesor {Lualeus Mau Bfusa ?}
Easter Sunday 31 Received a visit from my Br S Reesor & family Weather. Clear &
mild
Easter Monday April 1 Received a visit from my father & mother Br N Reesor & family,
Weather, Great snow storm from the East. Br Noah's came in the buggy started to go
home about 2 o'clock couldnt get down the lane, hitched to my sleigh him and John
went down and done his chores, came back in the Evening, got stuck in the lane,
unhitched, had to stay all night, great uproar, dont feel well, eat too many eggs, got
belly ache, children crying, and so on. guess we wont forget the first of April for a
week.
2 Got up in the morning, tore down the fences helped Noah's out through the field,
then I went to my Br Simons and hired Miss Louis Moyer @ $2.75 cts per month, then I
& John Cleaned the snow out of the sap buckets AM. Gathered the sap PM Weather,
mild,
3 Boiled sugar. Weather Clear & mild
4 Boiled sugar Went to BSS in the morning Mr. Brown Died last night @ 10 oClock
Weather Mild & Clear
5 Boiled sugar. Weather Clear & mild
6 Boiled sugar. Weather Clear & mild we have made one pound of sugar to each
tree tapped, in one week's time. I dont recollect of ever having done so before
Sunday 7 Went to my Br C Reesors on a visit, Weather mild & Clear
8 I & John Helped P Hoover & S Shank to dig a grave for B Lehman's Child (at
Hebron Chapel) attended funeral AM. killed a calf for my Father. Dug a drain from
Turnip pit PM. {remainder of page illegible due to torn edge}
April 1861
{Re different writing illegible}
9 I & John Chopped Cordwood in the markham bush. Weather Clear, East wind
Calm in the Evening
10 Boiled Mollases, AM. I & Nancy went to Jesse Reesor's on a visit. and I went to
Markham Village. PM. Weather warm & Clear
11 Today I sowed grass seed into that small field of fall wheat opposite C Burkholders
& went to singing school in the Evening Weather, warm & Clear
12 I & John Helped the neighbours to scrub Hebron Chapel AM Chopped Cordwood
in the Markham bush PM. Weather Warm & Cloudy
13 Went to R Money's BSS & made a pair of whipple trees AM. Went to Cedar
Grove Mills for some Chop stuff PM
Sunday 14 Went to meeting at Hebron Chapel. Remarks & sermon on St. John 10th
Chap 12 Verse to end of Chapt by Revd John Reesor Visitors after service. Simon &
Samuel Hoover Weather, Mild & Cloudy, a little snow in the Evening
15 I & John made a pig trough AM. I went to my Br Noah's to get a cross cut saw
came home & sold 16 Bus Barley to Alex Morris @ 50cts per Bus, PM Weather. Mild &
Cloudy
16 Went to my Br Simeon's Bush and got 9 maple trees and 1 beech and set them out
in the dooryard, AM. went to BSS & John Cut down a large willow tree behind the
{sowing ?} PM Weather. mild & Clear
{written in left margin} 2 Suckers Caught yesterday at S Reesors Saw mill.
April 1861
17 I & John Commenced to boil sugar in the morning, then I & Nancy went to T
Wood's store AM. Split rails PM. Weather. Clear. Wind from the north
18 Ploughed sod south of the front garden Weather cloudy and mild. snow PM
19 Ploughed. Received a visit from my father & motherinlaw this PM. Weather.
Clear & windy
20 Boiled sugar. John finished ploughing west of the Creek. I went to BSS in the
Evening Weather. Clear & windy PM Calm this Evening
Sunday 21 Went to the funeral of John Lehman at Wideman's Chapel Sermon by
Revd G Troyer on 2nd Cor 5th Chap 1 & 2 Verses and Revd J Macklin on Revs. 14
chap & 13 verse. after service went to my Br law J H Ramer's for dinner. Weather
Clear & mild
22 Went to my Br S Reesor's S Mill. got my Br C to draw 4 sawlogs on the rollway,
then I helped him to dig 16 young maple trees AM I & John Br N & his hired man J
McNair Went to J Peirces fields and fished upstream to Br S's sawmill and caught 13
suckers PM Weather Clear & warm some thunder in the evening
23 I & Nancy went to Fatherinlaw's for Plum trees John Plowed, Weather. Warm,
some rain PM heavy rain last night
24 Sowed grass seed. Went to Sawmill to pile lumber made fence. Weather
Cloudy AM. Clear & windy PM Sold 10 Bus Barley to H Peters 9 to J Peters & 4 to K
Parkers @ 55 ct per Bus
25 Drawed lumber AM Choring around PM Sold 14 Bus Barley to W Lapp & 14 to S
Hollinger Went fishing in the millraces in the Evening got 4 suckers Weather Clear &
mild {written in left margin} about 800 suckers caught at S Reesor's mill since
yesterday @ 55 {illegible}
April 1861 May
Went to P M
26 Went to R Money's BSS in the morning and bought a new wooden plough for $18
cash. Ploughed a piece of sod south of the graveyard Weather, warm & Clear
27 Sowed oats in the field south of the Front garden in the evening Weather. Warm,
some rain at noon & thunder & rain in the evening
Sunday 28 Went to my Br N Reesors on a visit. Weather. Cool. heavy rain last night
29 Got up at 2 oclock AM I & my father & George Davidson (Br C's man) went to Br
S's mill to fish but found that the water was too high. then we went to a small creek 1/2
mile west of the mill and caught a few suckers. then I helped Br N to roll out pine
stumps on the Townline at Morrisons planted trees PM. Weather Clear warm.
Cloudy PM Sold 10 Bus Barley to D Burkholder @ 55cts
30 Plowed North of the Barn AM rather wet Nailed Batting on Board fence on
Pickering Townline PM. Weather Clear & warm, some Cloudy
May 1 Sorted Apples AM. Spread dung in the Orchard planted some potatoes in the
back garden PM Weather Clear & cool ground white with snow this morning
2 Made Fence north of the dam. Weather cool half inch ice froze last night
3 Finished plowing north of the barn. Weather Clear, mild, frost last night
4 I sowed 2 acres Barley in the field north of the barn John Harrowed & plowed in the
field near hoovers Weather Clear & warm a little frost last night
Sunday 5 Went to Mannasseh Fretz's on a visit. Weather Clear & Cool a little frost
last night
6 I & John Plowed in the field near Hoovers. Weather. rained some last night
commenced to rain at 5 P M and is raining yet 8 P M This morning at 6 oclock I took my
father my sister & Barbara Barkey to Dunbarton Station on the GTRR they are going to
the falls
7 Went BSS AM I & John went to S mill for a load of Oven wood PM. Weather.
Heavy rain last night showers through the day. High water.
8 Planted some plum trees and six Apple trees that I bought of Mr Buell agent to Mr
Bless of Rochester AM. Trimed orchard PM my father & sister and Barbara Barkey
Came home about 2 oclock PM Weather Clearing up some sign of settled weather.
May 1861
A Man is {illegible} Went to my Br Ss Nancy {illegible}
Ascension Day May 9 Went to my Br S Reesor's on a visit. Weather. Clear
10 Fixed fences round the barnyard Hung a new gate at the water trough AM
plowed PM Weather Cloudy. Commenced to rain at 5 PM
11 Choring around put new post into gate by willow tree. Went to T Woods store
planted potatoes in the Evening. Weather rained last night Clear today
12 Went to Meeting at Hebron Chapel Sermon by J E Reesor On St Mark 16th
Chapt 14 Verse to end of Chapt Visitors after service J H Ramer's & family Br C R &
family Weather Clear
13 Plowed, Weather. Cloudy AM. Drisly rain PM
14 Went to BSS to get the new Plow share fixed AM made & drawed out a new
water trough & drawed home a new pig trough. Weather Cloudy
15 Sowed Barley in west half of the field near hoovers AM didn't do much PM. got a
Boil on hip John harrowed in the Barley. Weather Clear shower in the Evening. Sow
got 16 pigs
16 Sowed 8 acres of peas north of the barn. Weather Clear
17 Cultivated East of field near Hoover's John plowed ground where the old fence
stood at Pickering Townline Weather. Clear. Cold wind from the north.
18 Sowed Oats in East half of field near Hoover's Weather. Clear.
Whit Sunday 19 At home all day Nancy went to meeting at Wideman's with Br'
Christians Weather cloudy John's father was here at supper
Whit Monday 20 Went to Br Simeon's SM AM to E Taylor's store PM & to C
Burkholder's in the Evening Weather. Clear. Boil very sore
21 Idling round nursing sore Boil John Plowed for C Burkholder Received a visit
from Uncle Joseph Burkholder & family Weather Clear
22 John Plowed in field south of the lane I was Idling. Boil very sore. Weather
Clear
23 Went to Cedar Grove AM Rolled oats PM. Weather Clear
Queen's Birthday 24 Planted Corn south of the lane AM Sowed Carrots same place
PM Received short visit from Fatherinlaws PM. Weather Clear light showers AM
{In left margin: Chopped cordwood in ? Levi Reesor}
May June 1861
25 I & John Br C's man Br N & his man Went down the roughe to Gibsons Old S Mill
to fish for Mullets, there were none up so after Cacthing a pike & a sucker we Came
home again washed the sheep at Br Simeons PM. Weather. Clear
Sunday 26 Went to Meeting at Altona. Remarks & Sermon on St Luke 10 Chapter 30
vers to end 12 Chapt by Revd H Barkey. Went to M Neighswanders Senior after
Service Weather warm & clear. a little rain in the evening
27 Went to Mr J Scotts, & took in a pit of potatoes AM Went to BSS, & cut seed
potatoes PM. Bob Haig Clipped the Sheep today @ 5 cts apiece. Weather Cool
some rain high wind
28 I & John Plowed fallow East of the dam Weather cool & windy high wind last
night Calm in the evening
29 Took our wool to E Cliffs Carding Mill at Altona Then we went to M
Neighswander's for dinner Weather, Clear & Cool.
30 Had Br N. to help pull Pidgeon weed in the large Wheat field. AM I & John
Ploughed fallow PM. Weather Clear & warm
31 Went to A. Grove's Senr to see Barbara about spinning our wool. Plowed PM.
Weather Clear & warm
June 1 Planted Potatoes & a few Carrots in the field south of the lane Took oat &
Barley chop to Cedar Grove mills in the evening Weather Clear & warm
Sunday 2 Went to meeting at Wideman's Chapel Remarks by Revd J Burkholder
Sermon on Luke 16 Chap 19 ver to end of Chap By Revd J Reesor. Went to
Fatherinlaws after service Weather Clear, rain in the evening
June 1861
{weed AM H}
3 Pulled Pidgeon weed AM. Helped Bro C to Plant Potatoes PM Weather Windy
Cloudy a little rain
4 Pulled Pidgeon weed AM. Ploughed PM. Weather clear
5 Plowed AM. Sorted Potatoes. Went to SSM fishing after supper. Caught 37 of all
kinds & 1 trout Weather Cloudy, rain PM
6 I & John took 2 year old colt to pasture at M Neighswanders Junr Planted & hoed
some potatoes after supper Weather Clear Went fishing this morning at Buttonwood
hole got 2 suckers
7 Had Br C's man to help to pull Pidgeon weed Weather clear
8 Went to Frenchman's Bay for a Ble of Plaster & a Ble of salt AM Ploughed turnip
land PM W Morrison com digging drain Weather warm & clear
Sunday 9 Went to Meeting at Hebron Chapel Remarks by Revd J Reesor Sermon
on St John 8 Chap by Revd H Barkey. Visitors after Service Abraham & Minnie
Burkholder & Solomon Burkholder, Simon Samuel Elisabeth & Fanny Hoover Rose
Moyer B Lehman & Family for supper Weather Clear Warmest day this season
10 Harrowed Summer Fallow near the Dam AM John went to W Bell's raising 3rd
Con Pickering PM
11 I & Father Br C & his man made Board Fence on Front of our Lot in Markham
Village John & J Purdy hauled dung into the fallow behind the Cider house Weather
very warm
12 Hauled dung. Weather Clear a little rain last night cooler today
June 1861
13 Dug in garden John hoed corn AM Both Plowed in Fallow behind cider house
PM Weather. Cool. Comfortable. fine Breesee sold two pigs to M Neighswander
14 Plowed. Weather. Cool Slight shower PM sold a pig to my Father & one to J
Walkey @ $ each
15 Went to Cedar Grove Mills with a grist of 10 Bus wheat AM Spread dung & hoed
potatoes PM John Plowed Sold two pigs @ $1 apiece to H Beswatherick Heavy rain
last night Weather warm Cloudy at times High wind this evening
Sunday 16 Went to meeting at Wideman's Chapel I & Nancy were Called into the
Vestry Where we were Catechised, after service. Voices were taken for a new
Minister. Abraham Hoover Casper Wideman Jacob Wideman & Abraham Wideman
were nominated, in two weeks from today lots will be Cast to decide which of them will
be Chosen.
17 Plowed Fallow hoed corn after supper Weather clear
18 Went to Cedar Grove Mills AM. Laid tiles PM Weather Clear AM Cloudy PM
Traded two pigs to W Morrison for filling all the new drain
June 1861
19 Worked on the road with John & the team Weather Clear AM small shower
some thunder PM
20 Worked Seven hours on the road with John and the team which finished my time in
Markham Weather warm & Clear
21 Went to T Woods store AM Laid tiles PM Weather Fine Shower early this
morning Cloudy all day
22 Sowed Turnips south of the lane. Weather warm Clear
Sunday 23 Went to J H Ramer's on a visit. He was riding in his Buggy last Monday
when the Horse took a fright and ran away Mr Ramer jumped out and fractured his
right leg below the knee he is kep in his bed but is doing as well as could be expected.
Weather warm Clear little rain this morning
24 Harrowed fallows. Weather. Clear & cool
25 Harrowed fallow John not well. lame limbs John Stover hoed carrots corn &
potatoes piled dung behind the barn. Weather warm & Clear
26 I & John Stover Hauled dung into north Fallow John not quite well yet Weather
warm slight shower AM
June July July 1861
27 I & John Stover Hauled dung John not well But he pulled weeds this PM in the
field opposite Burkholders Weather. Cloudy at times But no rain
28 Finished drawing dung. except a wet spot in the yard which we will leave until it
gets dry Weather cooler and Clear
29 Plowed in Fallow East of the dam AM I Went to Cedar Grove Mills with 20 Bus of
oat & Barley chop John went to W Lapps raising PM. Weather Clear. not very warm
30 Went to meeting at Widemans Chapel J Burkholder on St Mat 5C 1st to 12v no
Minister appointed today on account of some difficulty between Rev J Burkholder &
Casper Wideman. went to fatherinlaws after service Weather. Warm. Fine shower
about 2 oclock at Finlaw's but none at home
July 1 Plowed. Weather Cloudy, slight shower PM
2 Plowed. Wore drill smock & full Cloth vest all all day very cool Norwest wind.
Cloudy all day
3 Finished Plowing AM Plowed & hoed corn PM Weather Clear & warm
4 Helped C Burkholder at logging & spread dung for Br C Weather. Warm & Clear
July 1861
5 Helped W Morrison at logging John Finished hoeing the Corn Weather. Warm
6 Went to BSS to get dick shod. AM & {illegible ink blob} new hog trough into the
lane AM. Went to {illegible M Village?} for a new Scythe & John Cut thistles in the oats
& we both went to SM to Bathe after supper in the evening we had a call by the
{illegible, ink blot Revd?} J Grove who Catechised us. Weather warm looking {ink blot}
Sunday 7 Went to Meeting at Hebron Chapel. Sermon by Revd J Grove on St Mat
5C 20v to end of C Visitors after service. D Burkholder & J Stover. Weather. very
warm. Oats in head below the garden
8 Commenced to Cut hay. W Morrison Commenced to work for me today. Weather
very warm today strong west wind. Fine shower this evening. cooler now. Had new
potatoes & green peas for dinner
9 Went to Weaver Lawrie on the 7th Con Markham with some yarn AM mowed PM
Weather. Cloudy at times warm
July 1861
10 took muly cow to Bull Mowed until 10 AM raked & cocked hay the rest of the
day. Weather Clear & some Cloudy & windy
11 Went to T Woods store & plaster on turnips AM mowed PM. Weather soaking
rain last night drisled at times today cloudy cool
12 Cultivated Fallow by Cider House until 9 oclock while John ridged the potatoes
raked hay till supper drawed in 2 loads after supper Weather. cool windy
13 Mowed in the morning then raked & drawed in 2 loads of hay in the evening.
Weather pretty warm cloudy at times
Sunday 14 Went to Meeting at Widemans Chapel. Remarks by Revd J Reesor
Sermon on {blank space} by Revd J Grove. Today Jacob Wideman was appointed to
the Ministry * Weather Clear went to Uncle D Burkholders after service
15 Mowed. Shower AM & PM
16 Mowed. Weather Cloudy slight shower PM
17 Cultivated Behind Cider house & John harrowed until 10 spread grass & thinned
carrots till noon Drew three loads of hay PM Weather Cloudy at times pretty warm
* Abraham Wideman was rejected at his own request
July 1861
July 18 I went to T woods store in the Morning Spread raked & cocked hay all day
Weather. warm Thunder showers in the distance a little rain PM
19 Finished raking & cocking hay in the large meadow. Spread raked & cocked in
the Orchard Thunder & a fine shower in the evening
20 Mowed swale near Hebron Chapel raked & cocked the last of the hay in the
Orchard. Fished at SM in the evening John went to G Mill Weather Clear & cool all
day
Sunday 21 {written in left margin} This is my son Levis 1st Birthday Received a visit
from Br N and Family I, Br N & his son Peter went Picking Berries on Br S's Farm this
PM Weather Clear, warm This is my only son Levi's first Birthday
22 Hoed turnips in the morning. Drew in hay & raked some in swale after supper
Weather, Clear & Comfortable
23 Scuffled & hoed turnips & Drew in two loads of hay. Weather. Clear pretty warm
at noon
July Aug 1861
30 Commenced Wheat south of the orchard today Drew two loads of hay out of the
big meadow swale after supper Weather Clear & warm
31 Hoed Carrots AM Cut roads round the large wheat field PM Weather Cloudy &
showry AM Clear PM Heavy rain & thunder last night
August 1 Cut six acres of wheat with reaper for C Burkholder until about 3 oclock
worked in our own big field until night Weather. very warm
2 Cut wheat in our own big field Weather. very warm some thunde passed over.
few drops of rain this evening
3 Finished Cutting wheat in big field Weather Clear very warm
Sunday 4 Went to meeting at Hebron Chapel where I & Nancy were Baptized to the
Menonite faith Sermon by Br Revd J Grove on St John 1 Ch 1 to 35 ver
July 1861
July 24 Helped Br C at logging. John mowed swale in meadow & hoed turnips.
Weather Clear & warm
25 Mowed swale swale in Meadow. AM Cultivated fallow behind Cider house & John
finished mowing & hoed turnips PM Weather Clear & warm
26 Finished hoeing turnips & spread grass AM raked till supper when a slight shower
stopped us. looks like more rain
27 Cultivated fallow Behind Cider house John Harrowed the fallow Behind Cider
house near the dam drew home two loads of Chips from Br C's new land after supper.
Weather Clear & warm fine shower last night
Sunday 28 We went to C Burkholders on a visit. Weather Long heavy rain. Cloudy
all day
29 Had W Morrison again today dug six fine stumps in fallow Behind Cider house
turned some winnows & grass in swale in Big meadow. Weather Cloudy some
showers clear in the evening.
Aug 1861
5 Cradled a piece of fall wheat south of Hebron Chapel Commenced in the piece of
new land opposite C Burkholders Weather. warm. Cooler this evening
6 Finished Cutting fall wheat. Weather. Clear, pretty warm Shocked new land
before breakfast.
7 Drew in 3 loads of wheat AM. Dug out turnip cellar under the new addition on west
side of the barn PM went to T Woods store after supper. Weather soaking rain PM
Cloudy all day. Cooler
8 Cut weeds in new land till about 10 AM Cut barley with Cradle rest of the day in
field behind the barn. Weather. Cool
9 Choring around worked at vinegar AM I & John went to M Neighswander Jun for
my Colt PM. Weather Heavy rain last night showery this AM Cloudy PM
10 Cut Barley in field Behind barn AM Commenced in field near Hoovers PM had
Br S & his man to help Weather pretty warm Cool this evening
August 1861
Sunday 11 Went to Meeting at Widemans Chapel remarks by Rev H Barkey
Sermon on St Luke 18C 31st v to end of Chap by Rev J Grove Went to Fatherinlaws
after Service Weather Clear Comfortable
12 Drew in 8 loads of fall wheat AM Soaking Cold rain PM raining this evening
Went to burying of J Milroy's little daughter at 3 oclock PM at Zion Church
13 Cut Barley in field near Hoovers John didnt feel well PM Weather cool AM
Warmer PM. Clear
14 Cut Barley AM Drew in 8 loads of Wheat PM Weather Comfortable & Clear
15 Drew in 11 loads of wheat. Dr Mcausland was attending John this Morning he
had a severe attack of Bowel Complaint is in a fair way this evening. Weather Clear,
Comfortable
16 Finished Drawing wheat AM Drew in 5 loads Barley PM Weather Clear, warm
Aug 1861
17 Drew in 3 loads Barley AM Mowed Barley PM, Weather Clear, warm
Sunday 18 At home all day George Davidson Jr was here I had an attack of Bowel
Complaint this PM feel better this evening. Weather Clear. Cloudy this evening
19 Didnt feel well AM Went to J Woods store. Went to BSS PM Commenced to
Ridge up Fallow for Wheat. Weather Clear. Cloudy this evening
20 Drew in 7 loads of loose barley had J Stover to help Brother C Drove J's team
ridging up Weather Clear
21 I Drew off Stone In Fallow behind till 10 oclock then plowed till supper John
plowed till supper then we Drew in Barley Rakings for Father's Fowls. Brought 3 pigs
off R Money @ $1.00 per pig. Weather warm Thunder in the north PM
Aug 1861
22 Helped C Burkholder at threshing from 9 AM till 4 1/2 PM Ribbed Barley stubble
in field near Hoover's till night. John ridged up AM Ribbed PM Weather heavy rain
last night a little this morning Clear today. north wind {written in left margin} Went for
Dr Mc for Br C's Returned from 9 to 12 PM
23 Went to Funeral of B Lehmans little Daughter at Hebron Chapel AM Ribbed
Barley stubble PM Weather clear
24 Ribbed Barley Stubble. Weather Clear
Sunday 25 Went to Br S's on a visit. Weather clear
26 Finished ribbing barley stubbles AM. Cradled Oats below garden PM. Weather
Clear AM slight shower PM thunder at a distance
27 Helped Br C at threshing AM & Helped Br N PM. W. Clear all day thunder
shower in the evening
28 Asked hands to thresh and got barn ready AM had W Burkholder's machine
Treshed 125 Bus Barley & 35 Fall Wheat PM Weather Clear Slight Shower PM
29 Threshed 22 Bus wheat in the morning bound oats south of the house till noon
then cut oats with reaper in field near hoover's PM Weather clear, heavy shower 5
minutes PM
Aug 1861
30 Finished Cutting Oats & then bound Went to Br N binding Bee in the evening
Weather Clear
31 Ridged up. Father & J Stover drew in Five loads of peas & John Stover bound
oats south of the house had a binding bee in field near hoovers. Weather Clear
Sunday September 1 Went to meeting at Hebron Chapel Remarks & Sermon t on St
Mat 18 C by Revd J Reesor visitors after service C G Reesor & wife Simon Elisabeth &
Fanny Hoover & John & Abraham Hoover Samuel Hoover & K Wheeler were here for
tea. Weather Clear today Cloudy this evening
2 Ridged up John Helped from 10 AM till night & stood it well Weather Clear some
thunder and a slight shower this evening
3 Sowed Fallow behind Cider house Weather Clear, pretty warm
4 Finished harrowing & Plowed in north fallow Drew home my Fathers spring wheat
from Purdys after supper Weather Clear & cool
5 Ridged up had Br N & C B's team to help Weather. Clear & cool
6 Ridged up AM Sowed 10 Bus Wheat into north Fallow PM had Br C's team today
Weather Clear & cool
Sept 1861
7 Sowed 5 1/2 bus into north fallow & Finished harrowing AM Drew in 3 loads of
Oats South of the house PM Weather Cloudy this morning Clear today
Sunday 8 Went to Br Noah's on a visit Weath Clear
9 Drew in 14 loads of Peas & 9 loads of Oats Had John Hoover to help today
Weath Cloudy this morning. Clear PM
10 Ridged up Barley Stubble Had Br N & Br C's teams to help Weather Cloudy
commencing to rain 1/2 past 7 o'C PM {written in left margin} help killed a coon this
eving
11 Didn't do much AM finished ridging barley stubble PM Weather rain and cloudy
PM Cleared up this evening
12 Sowed Barley Stubble Weather Clear
13 Went to M Neighswanders Jnr on a visit weather clear
14 Harrowed 1 1/2 acres new land Wheat for my Father at Purdy's Weather Cloudy
showers at noon
15 Went to my Fatherinlaws on a visit found nobody at home stayed from 11 till 4
oc then Came home Weather Cloudy at times
Sept 1861
16 Helped my Br S at ridging pea land Weather Cloudy John Commenced fall
Plowing below the house
17 Bound up a few oats and drew them in AM had CB's man to build 3 loads of peas
into a stack after dinner then I helped him in the fallow till night Weather Cloudy AM
Clear PM
18 Fall Plowed Weather warm & Clear Went to Taylors store in the evening
19 Helped Br N Drag newland at W Morrisons Weather warm Cloudy at times
20 Cleaned up some wheat & chored round Went to BSS AM Pumped the Cistern
Dry PM Weather Rainy & cloudy all day This is my Daughter Adeline's 3rd Birthday
21 Went to Meeting at Hebron Remarks by Revd Moses Erb from Berlin C W
Sermon on St John 19 C 1st to 30 vr by Rev David Sherrick from {blank space}
Visitors after Service Fatherinlaws J H R & family J Stovers Senr Weather Heavy rain
last Rainy AM Cloudy & cool PM
Sept 1861 Oct
Sunday 22 At Home all day Received a visit from Br S & family Weather Clear &
warm frost last night
23 Helped B N to Drag fallow Weather Clear Cool
24 Helped C Burkholder to drag fallow Received a call from Elias Eby & wife from
Berlin. this Evening. Weather Clear
25 Took 28 1/2 Bushels of fall Wheat to Major Mills AM & 8 Bus PM @ $1.3 per
Weather Clear Pleasant
26 I & John Mowed second crop of Clover at Purdy's Weather Clear AM Cloudy PM
rain @ 8 PM
27 Went to E Taylors store & Drew home a loads of old rails for firewood AM
Threshed oats with horses PM. Weather cloudy AM rain PM raining yet 8 oC This
is my 25th Birthday
28 Drew home a load of edgings AM Got dick Shod PM John finished Plowing
below the garden Weather Cloudy squally & sunshine
Sunday 29 at home AM Went to Br C's PM Weather Cloudy Cool
30 Went to Fatherinlaws for Miss Elisabeth Hoover to Work Luoisa Moyer's time is
up to day Weather Cool Cloudy
October 1 Took a load of Barley to Whitby Sold @ 49cts per bus Weather Clear
Some Cloudy this evening
Oct 1861
2 Helped D Hoover at threshing Weather Clear
3 Cleaned A a load of barley & brought home a load of hay from Purdy's. Dogs killed
a skunk weather Clear
4 worked in Cellar made apple Shelves & laid brick AM made large bench for
verandah PM Weather Cloudy, Drissly rain
5 went to T Woods store AM Threshed a few peas PM weather. Drissly. Cloudy.
Close
Sunday 6 At home all day Miss Maria Shirk was here for Supper Weather Cloudy,
Drissly rainy
7 I & John Ribbed wheat stubble in large field Weather Clear
8 Ribbed wheat stubble Weather fine & Clear
9 Ribbed wheat stubble & Drew in a load of Corn tops this evening. Eat an apple of
1860 today. Weather Clear & warm
10 Drew home two loads of wood & 1 load of Pumpkins & 1 of Corns AM Finished
Drawing Corn PM Weather warm & Clear
11 Finished Ribbing AM John went to P Scots Sale & I Gathered in Apples & husked
Corn PM weather Cloudy
12 Husked Corn. Gathered wild grapes in Lapps flats Weather Cloudy, rainy
Oct 1861
Sunday 13 At home AM I went to Br Ss PM his wife is sick but is getting better
Weather Cool & Clear
14 Cleaned Cider house & gathered apples AM Brought home grinders of Cider Mill
from the spring near Br S's S Mill where we keep them to preserve them from the frost &
drouth PM Weather Clear & Comfortable
15 Drew in the Peastack AM Cleaned a load of Barley PM Weather Clear. John
traded horses with Bob Haig
16 I gathered Apples. John & Father took two loads of Barley to Whitby sold at 40
cts weather clear
17 Dug Potatoes & gathered apples in the evening. Weather Cloudy this morning
Clear today rainy a little at 8 PM
18 Finished husking Corn & Gathered Apples Weather. Cloudy. heavy rain last night
19 Cleaned Barley Top threshed 5 doz oats Sheaves Weather Cloudy some rain.
Clear tonight
Sunday 20 At home all day. Weather Cool Clear. Went for Doctor Mcausland at 8
PM
21 Around the house all day Nancy gave birth to a daughter at 4 PM Weather.
Cool Clear
Oct Nov 1861
22 Went to Abraham Grove's for Miss Barbara to do house work. Weather Cloudy
some rain in the evening
23 Dug potatoes Weather Cloudy some rain
24 Dug potatoes. Weather Clear some snow on the ground this morning
25 Finished digging Potatoes AM I went to P Mc{Philips} sale PM Weather Cool
Clear ground frose last night
26 Choring round the garden Fatherinlaws were here today Robert Wallace was
here PM Weather Cloudy
Sunday 27 At home all day Received a visit from M Neighswanders Jnr & family
John Reesors Sen & wife S Hoover Snr & wife Mrs. B Lehman C Burkholder & family
Weather Clear
28 Took cart to T Brown to get it fixed AM gathered apples PM John Commenced
ploughing in field near Hoovers weather clear
29 Went to Major Mills AM John Plowed AM worked in garden and fixed Turnip pit
under back part of barn PM Weather Cloudy Clear
30 Worked at turnip pit AM Plowed PM Weather Cloudy & Clear {written in left
margin} Wm Hagerman died today
31 Boiled Pumpkin sauce at Brother Cs Weather Cloudy
Novr 1 Drew in 7 loads of Turnips Weather Cloudy Bought young ram of W Boll for
6 dollars today
Nov 1861
2 Chored round finished Chest for Indian Corn Buckwheat meal & hulled barley
Weather heavy storm & rain from the east all day
Sunday 3 At home all day I went to C Br a while PM weather Clear A.M Cloudy PM
raining this evening
4 {written in left margin} High water Bridges & Mill dam carried away
Sorted sheep in the morning helped Br C to bring over seven of his ewes I and John
started at 11 o c on a shooting excursion down to the big swamp and the flats of the litle
rouge shot a few birds seen three fine partriges Weather Cloudy & Clear
5 I went to J Dimmas for a meattub & J Gathered apples killed a pig PM Weath
Clear
6 Sorted & Drew potatoes into the cellar they are badly rotted this year. Weather
Clear
7 Drew in 7 loads of turnips Weather Clear (squally some)
8 Drew in 3 loads of turnips which finished them AM I went to Major Mills with 18
bushels to Chop & John plowed PM Weather Cloudy
9 Plowed. Weather fine. Clear.
Sunday 10 At home all day Received a visit from Br N & family & my father & mother.
Nancy complained of sore throat on friday evening still got worse.
November 1861
Sunday 10 So this morning John & my sister Susanna were taking home Miss Barbara
Stover I told them to send Dr Mcausland he came this evening & pronounced it
Diptheria or Putrid sore throat He prescribed for it & she seems to do very well
{illegible} Weather wind from the east
11 Nancy not much better this morning so I went to Markham to Dr Mc he came this
evening but found her much better than she was this morning Weather squally & cool.
windy
12 Went to Markham to tell Doctor that Nancy was better Left Measure for a suit for
John Commenced sheep pen PM Weather. Clear pleasant
13 Finished plowing in field near Hoovers Weather Cloudy windy this evening
14 Plowed below the garden John plowed north of Br Cs house Weather Cloudy
pleasant north cold this PM
15 Plowed south of the garden Weather Clear & Cloudy wind north cold this PM
16 Drew home 3 loads of edgings high wind last night & today hard frost last night
Sunday 17 Started at 6 oc this morning for Dr Mc My Father was taken sick last night
with pain in the bowels & vomiting Dr came at noon & prescribed He is better this
evening. Weather clear some wind I found the roads as Dry as in July D Hoover &
wife were here a little while AM but were called home they had some visitors Jacob
Reesor was here over dinner
18 Went to Markham village to tell Dr that Father was better AM worked at sheep pen
PM J Plowed for Br C PM Weather Clear Beautiful day warm PM
19 I went Down to Shumack plains on little rouge for the young cattle John
Commenced to plow in the old meadow but found it frosty then wen worked at sheep
pen till noon Drew rails from 11th con PM Weather Clear warm
Dec Nov
1861 20 Boiled Pumpkin sauce Weather Cloudy rather warm PM shower this
evening
21 Went to ask W Morrison to thresh peas tomorrow AM went to took for Threshing
Machine PM Weather Cloudy
22 Ribbed Turnip potatoe & Corn land I got Dick Shod AM Weather Cloudy wind
from East
23 Brought home a load of slates & fixed hogs mat John went to Major Mills with grist
& corn & Rye & barley chop Weather snow squals not very cold
Sunday 24 We all went to Meeting at Hebron Chapel Remarks by Revd J Reesor
sermon on St John 14C by Rev H Barkey visitors after service Br inlaw J H Ramers &
family Father in laws a few minutes this evening Weather about 2 in of snow last
night mild today
25 Took John's Cutter to T Greson to get it painted AM Helped Br C to under brush
PM Weather Clear Thawing
26 Fixed barn ready for thrashing AM went to sale at W Hagermans PM Weather
Clear some Cloud bought a grain Cradle & part of another @ $1.25
27 Had threshing Machine Threshed about 162 Boxes of fall Wheat Weather Clear
AM soft snow PM Thawing
28 I & John & CB went to T Woods store where I bought a pair of Coarse boots for
myself & a pair for John then we went to G Taits farm & brought home C Bs Colt from
pasture weather cloudy pretty cold thawing PM
29 Helped Br S at Butchering John & my Father sold 17 of fall wheat at Major Mills
@ $1.3 per Bus Weather 2 in snow last night all thawed today
30 Cleaned & John took it to M Mill About 12 o noon I & family started to my Fa
inlaws staid all night went to meeting at Widemans Chapel {written in left margin}
Wind from nort cold fresing a little
Dec 1 today remarks by R' P Grove sermon on St Mat 22d by Rev H Barky Snowed
all the way home about 3 in on the ground this evening
Dec 1861
2 Helped Robert Wallace to kill his hogs Weather pretty sharp rough sleighing slight
squall PM
3 Helped Br C to kill his hogs Weather Cold Clear {written in left margin} Pump frose
last night
4 John helped Br N to kill his hogs I made ready to kill ours tomorrow Weather pretty
cold cloudy
5 Killed our 6 hogs Brothers all helped Weather Clear warm thawing
6 salted meat. banked turnip cellar with dung drew rails for straw stack fence
Weather fine warm
7 Made fence around straw stack AM went to T Woods PM weath warm cloudy
commenced to rain at dusk
Sunday 8 We all went to Br S on a visit in the lumber waggon roads very muddy.
Weather like April warm some cloudy shower at dark
9 Helped my Father to kill his hogs Weather cloudy foggy {west}
10 got Tom shod new shoes front feet C M took grist 8 bus to Major Mills PM roads
tremenduous bad weather cloudy west windy this evening
11 Turned water from large tile drain behind barn & threshed oats with flail AM I went
to M Mills for grist PM Weather heavy wind from north last night some wind today
calm this evening frose last night & today
12 Buried C{id}er rollers AM cleaned oats & finished sheep pen roof PM Weather
Clear sharp thawed a little
13 Helped C B to kill his hogs & a beef. Weather Clear thawing John Helped raise
James Milroy stables
14 I & John sawed Cedar on road beside Big swamp Weather frost last night thawing
today
Sunday 15 went to Br Ns on a visit in Buggy roads very rough Weather Clear.
thawing today
16 This morninng I & My Father started from Port Union on the cars & arrived at Berlin
at about 2.30 PM stayed all night called on several friends came down to the Grand
river on business rent day stayed in Preston tonight
December 1861
16 This morning I & my father left home at 5 o clock & walked to Port Union took the
Cars & arrived at Berlin at 2.30 PM then we went to Mr J Brubakers stayed a little
while then went to Mr Joseph Sniders near Berlin & took supper then called on the
Revd M Erb then returned to Mr Bs & staid all night
17 started for the grand river this morning called at Isaac Hagys & at the Chickapee
Woolen Mills also a few minutes with Old Samuel Bricker & arrived at the Rev Joseph
Hageys at noon spent a few hours very agreeably then went down to Preston to Mr
Jacob Hageys & staid all night
18 {written in left hand margin} saw a team Ploughing near Dundas today
Took the Cars at 8.30 this morning & came by Harrisburg & Burlington Junction to
Toronto at noon took the Rouge stage at 3.30 PM & got home at about 9. PM Had
fine weather in our travels
19 Dug out a lime stone in the lane north of our farm AM split wood PM Weather
Clear
20 Threshed oats with flail Weather Clear
21 banked turnip Cellar with dung & Mended barn roof AM John went to Post Office &
I went to B Ss to order a new pair of bobsleighs PM Weather pretty cold windy
Sunday 22 went to meeting at Hebron remarks & sermon by Rev J Reesor on St
John 1st Chap visitors after service Jesse Reesor & family Weather Cloudy
23 Cleaned Weat AM John went to Markham & I brought home his cutter from
Iversons where he got it painted PM Weather snowed last night & nearly all day
sleighing rough Cold north wind
24 Cleaned & drew wheat into the granary Weather cold windy Calm this evening
Christmas Day 25 We all went to a feast at my Fathers Brs. S. N. & C were there with
their families. Weather cold cloudy strong East wind this evening.
Dec 1861 Jan 1862
26 Cleaned & Drew in wheat threshed some Oats with flail. Weather soft some rain
PM
27 Sawed Old pine for kindling wood on townline AM split wood & flailed oats PM
Weather north wind snowed through the middle of the day calmer this evening
28 Took 10 Bus F Wheat to R Wallace at $1.00 per Bus AM chored around PM
John got Bob {sharped} shod Weather pretty cold cloudy scarcly any sleighing
29 Went to C.B.'s on a visit Weather mild about 1 in snow last night I & Susan
started to go to Meeting at Widemans but had to turn back the road were too bare
30 I & J cut down three pine trees in Scarboro bush Weather mild & clear
31 Helped Br C to kill a cow AM Took cross cut to Blehman to get filed PM I cut
cordwood in old bush. Weather mild clear
January 1st 1862
Had a quilting party this PM boys & girls some playing in the evening Weather cloudy
am very high wind this evening from the north pretty cold
2 I & J helped Br N at threshing Weather clear pretty cold
3 Helped W Morrison clean peas AM J flailed some oats & I got cross cut saw filed at
Blehmans PM Weather coldest this season
4 killed our own beef had Br S & C to help AM helping Br S to kill his one PM
Weather cold & clear
Sunday 5 Brs S & N & Families were here today & helped to dispatch a roasted beef
heart Weather Milder Br C & family were here PM
6 Got dick shod all round AM Went to Port Union station PM for Benjamin Brubaker &
his sister Fanny & Miss Fanny Eby all from Berlin C W Weather a little snow fell this
morning pretty mild
7 {written in left margin} weather mild & clear Went to Brotherinlaws J H Reesors on a
visit John & Susanna went visiting with the Waterloo people
Jan 1862
8 {written in left margin} roads very bad for this time of year
Went to shool meeting in section Ns 4 Scarboro AM cut up beef PM Weather cloudy
little snow
9 cut sawlogs opposite C Bs Weather this evening thawing mild & cloudy
10 chored around AM cut sawlogs PM Weather rainy AM Cloudy PM windy tonight
11 cut sawlogs AM went to PO PM Weather cold cloudy AM commenced to snow
about noon snowing yet 8 oclock PM
Sunday 12 At home all day Weather mild cloudy a little drissly about 5 in snow
tolerable sleighing
13 I & Nancy went to see Mr C G Reesor who is very sick we found him in a hopeless
state AM Helped Br C to thresh PM Weather very cold
14 Helped Br S at threshing Weather very cold last night about the coldest this
season
15 Chored around AM went to Br S for my cutter & J threshed oats with horses PM
Weath snowed from the east about 6 in fell since last night quit about noon. Mild
today
16 went to Whitby with J Walkey to order a pair of Bobsleighs at Donovan Walkey &
Co's Weather Clear mild pretty cold this evening
17 Cleaned oats AM threshed oats with horses PM Weather mild a little snow
18 Threshed oats with horses AM Went to Cedar Grove to get a {Bureen} for John
paid $6 for it PM Weather snow AM mild
Sunday 19 {written in left margin} C Reesor died last night
Went to meeting at Hebron remarks by Rev J Reesor sermon on St. John 2 C1-11 by
Revd J Wideman Rev J Wideman & wife called PM Weather mild a little snow this
morning sleighing good
20 threshed oats AM cleaned PM Weather snowed AM Cloudy PM Mild snow a
foot deep
21 Went to C Reesors funeral sermon by Rev J Reesor and S Holden went to
Fatherinlaws after service Weather mild cloudy
22 Took 36 Bus fall wheat to Major Mills @ $1.00 AM chored around PM Went to Br
S on a visit in the evening Weather mild & cloudy
Nancy Hoover B R B R R
B B Reesor 1855 BR {written over top of the practice sheet}
May every honest man turn out a rogue {repeated 17 times}
May the sword of justice be swayed by the hand of mercy {repeated 15 times}
Benjamin Reesors Writing Bo{fold covers rest} {written at the bottom of page} 1855
Jan Feb 1862
{page very faint}
23 I & John helped C B at threshing Weather mild
24 took Nancy at Dr {Mcausland} throat was some sore AM cut some logs PM
Weather Clear Mild
25 Went to W Bells bee drawing logs from S Ca{?}or Weather {snowed} some nearly
all day from {illegible} R.W. & J cut logs
Sunday 26 Went to Br inlaw {?} Neighswanders on a visit Weather clear Strong wind
from the North East
27 Drew 4 logs to Br Ss Mill had Br Cs oxen & himself all day & C B & his oxen PM to
draw the logs ready to load Weath Beautiful {written in left margin} Went to singing
school at Peters {illegible}
28 Chored around Drew oats into the granary Cut {illegible} Went to Ramers {Prot?}
Meeting at {?}ters Church in the evening Weath Strong wind from the East sleet snow
& rain in the evening
29 Drew logs. John went with C B to see his father but did not find him at home Weat
Cloudy mild & {fine} AM
30 Drew logs had C Bs Oxen to draw {illegible} Weath Clear comfortable
31 Drew load of logs AM Took a load of Cordwood to A {Mc}Creight AM {witten
above the line} went to {illegible} Weather pretty cold, clear
February 1 Drew logs had C Bs Oxen a while AM Weather clear mild
2 at home all day took dinner with my Mother (my father was in Vaughan} Br S & N &
families were there Weather mild & clear {untill I went home} {written in left margin
illegible}
3 Drew 2 logs Went to Election of Trustees at Hebron Chapel at 10 AM Appointed C
Burkholder B Lehman & S Reesor Trustees for the Co{?vent ?} Weather snow in PM
mild M{illegible} Simon Samuel Fanny & Elisabeth Hoover Menno & Amanda Eby
were here this Even{ing}
4 D I & John helped D Hoovers at threshing Weather pretty cold {snowing}
5 Drew logs John went to school Weather mild wind from east this evening
6 Drew logs Went to B.S. Weather soft rain & snow
7 Went to Major Mills with a grist for Myself & one for CB shelled some corn & drew
home a log for oven wood PM went to Major Mills with C B in the evening Weather
{squally} AM clear PM cleared {illegible}
8 Cleaned {illegible} Asked Burkholders to {thresh my} {illegible} Friday next Weather
Clear a little squally PM pretty {illegible}
February 1862
9 Went to Meeting at Wildemans Chapel Remarks by Revd J Reesor sermon on St.
Luke 16 C 19 v to end of C by Revd J Burkholder went to Uncle Jos Burkholder after
sermon Weather squalls of snow mild
10 Took a load of Pease to Pickering Harbor @ 4.8? per Bus Fatherinlaws were here
this evening Weather mild clear
11 Asked hands to thresh Worked in the barn Weather mild a few inches of snow
fell PM soft tonight
12 Went to J H Ramers to a quilting helped to Dispatch a fine fat Gobler Br Cs M
Neighswander's & Father were there Weather fine Mild good sleighing
13 Went to C Bs Sawlog bee Went to Br Ns in the evening. Weather snow from east
nearly all day
{written in left margin} I went to Dr Mc for had cold
14 Had threshing Machine Threshed 83 Boxes Barley & 160 of Wheat Weather
pretty cold
15 Chored around Br S & family were here this evening Weather Cold Clear
Sunday 16 Went to Meeting at Hebron Chapel Remarks by Revd J Reesor Sermon
on by Re J Grove Visitors after service D G Hoover & wife M Brillinger & family
Samuel & Abraham Burkholder Br C & family this evening Weather Clear but cold
17 Went to Markham to get advice from Dr Mc for Levi he had symptoms of Croup
last night is some better this evening Weather Milder Strong east wind
18 Went to W Morrisons in the Morning M Neighswander J{em} were here today
Weather mild thawing
19 Chored around AM Went to T Burtons Sale PM Weather Cloudy East winds
Snow this evening
20 Had R Wallace to help to clean Barley John is not able to work yet Weather clear
today pretty sharp 4 or 5 in snow last night
21 I & Brs S N & C Drew wood from Purdys for my Father Weather pretty cold clear
22 Had R Wallace to help to clean wheat John took a grist of Chop to Cedar Grove
Mills Weather Clear Mild
Sunday 23 At home all day Weather Mild Fair about well
24 Cleaned some Wheat started for Dr Mc about 10 a.m. Br Cs Elisabeth is sick
Weather terrible snow & wind from the north
Feb Mar 1862
25 {written in left margin} roads drifted Started about 6 a m to see {Sm} went to
Fatherinlaws for Miss Fanny to work for Br Cs W clear cool Cleaned Wheat a while
PM
26 Drew in wheat Weather Mild a little snow
27 Went to BSS & W Bolls AM Hitched up my young Mare Fly PM she went very
quiet Simon Hoover was here a while this evening Weather north wind pretty cold
heavy wind tonight
28 {written in left margin} Roads Drifted About the house all day very Cold Strong
north wind Br Cs Elisabeth getting better she been very sick with inflamation
March 1 I went to Br N AM his wife & son John have the Measles doing pretty well.
I & John went to T Woods store PM brought home new bobs Weather Clear Cold
strong wind from north
Sunday 2 I & Adeline took Hannah Stover home & Called at Br Ss to inform them that
M Neighswander Senr had his thigh joint dislocated on Friday while he was turning his
horse & Cutter I & Nancy went to B Ns PM Weather Clear Mild
3 {written in left margin} Trees Covered with Ice Went to Old S Hoovers for Barbara
Barkey to work for us AM filled bags with barley PM Weather rain & sleet from East
strong wind
4 Hung our pork to smoke Weather mild snowed about 5 in last night. went to CBs in
the evening trees bore down with ice
5 I & J took 2 loads Barley to Liverpool harbor @ 53 cts per Bus. Weather Clear Mild
Snow 2 feet deep on the level roads very rough & heavy. bad turning out thawed a
little
6 Went to Father in laws on a visit Weat Mild
7 {written in left margin} Ice fell off the trees today. Went to Markham with my father
AM Went to BSS PM & to B Lehmans in the evening Weath Mild thawing a little
today
8 Took Nancy to Dr Mc to get a few teeth extracted Dr was not at home. AM Chored
around PM W. Mild & Clear
Sunday 9 at home all day Weather Mild Clear a little rain tonight
10 Chored around AM Helped C B kill a pig PM Weth Drissly rain nearly all day
Clear this evening getting Colder Snow going fast
Mar 1862
11 Went to sale of the property of the late C G Reesor bought wheel barrow @ $3 3
pigs $1 a piece 2 pails & tea pots 35 cts Weather Clear Mild beautiful day thawing
12 brought home the things that I bought at the sale sold two of the pigs to my father
A.M. settled with J Walking p.m. Weath mild a slight {drizle} all a m
13 Went to Br C bush to look for a tree to make sap trough AM cut maple sawlogs
PM Weath Cold east wind
14 Took Nancy to Dr. Mc got two teeth extracted AM cleaned oats PM Weath
Drissly rain
15 Oiled single & double' Harness Weath rain from the east all day Trees loaded
with ice
Sunday 16 Went to meeting at Hebron remarks by Rev J Reesor Sermon on St Luke
10 C 23 v to end of chap by Rev H Barkey Weath Snow AM I & Nancy went to Br N's
a while this evening snowed about 4 in last night
17 Took 50 bus oats to Markham @ 34 cts per Weather Clear Mild Cool wind from
the north
18 Went to B Lehmans AM. I went to D Hoover PM to see how they were with the
Measles they are all up again Peter is very {hoarse} Then we went to Jac' Reesors
in the evening Weather warm & Clear
19 Went to Michael Fret's on a visit Sleiging good rather slushy this evening Weathr
warm Clear
20 John helped Br C draw in hay stack I chored round AM Commenced to make sap
troughs in Br C's bush PM Weath Clear Mild Wind from the east
21 Cleaned Oats AM Chored round PM Weath Mild Great Snowstorm from the
East about 15 in Snow fell since last night lane blocked
22 Shoveled the lane open from end to end AM Drew in Oats PM Br Cs were here
this evening Weath mild
Sunday 23 Went to Br Ss on a visit Weath Mild Snow thawing
24 Cut Maple logs & 2 rail cuts in Scarboro bush Br Ns were here this evening
Weath Mild Clear
25 Went to Markham bought grass seed Timothy @ $3.00 per Bus Clover @ $4.50
per Bus J H Ramers were here today Weath Cool north wind clear
{written in left margin} first Weekly market day in Markham
1862 March April
26 Cut pine logs in Scarboro bush A M had Br Cs oxen & drew Maple saw logs onto
road out of Markham bush & Cleaned Oats P M Weath clear
27 Drew Maple logs to Mill A M had Br C & his Oxen to draw out Maple saw logs out
of Scarboro bush & Drew one load to Mill PM Weat Clear
{written in left margin} John went for Dr Mc today Nancy has Diptheria
28 Drew one load Maple Saw logs to Mill tapped 50 Maple trees Drew home
{illegible} for sap troughs Weat' Clear sap flowed out
29 took kettles into sugar bush drew home wood Snow very deep in the bush
almost impossible to get about A M Drew home timber for troughs P M Weath Cold
east wind clear
Sunday 30 Went to Markham to see Dr Mc for Nancy her throat is better But she is
weak yet Weather strong east wind, cold, sleet & rain about noon Milder this evening
raining a little C B & family were here today. We got supper at fathers
31 {written in left margin} Mrs John Cober died this morning Gathered sap & chored
round A M Made sap troughs P M Weather Cloudy, a little drissly, mild Fatherinlaw
was here a while A M
April 1 {written in left margin} Tapped 25 trees Boiled Sugar A M. Helped K
Gourley to Commence Mrs Cobers Grave at Hebron P M. Weath Clear & warm P M
2 Helped to finish the grave in the Morning Attended the Funeral at the Hebron
Chapel A M Sermon on Revl 14 & 13 v by Revd C. Hoover & Isaiah 38 C & 1s v by
Revd J {O}yes Tunker Ministers also remarks by Revds J Reesor & H Barkey & by P
Cober Tunker Minster. My Brotherinlaw M Neighswander & family & Br S & wife were
here for dinner. Weath Cloudy east wind sharp thunder & lightening this evening
3 I & Nancy Went to Markham A M Boiled sugar in P M Weather warm & clear
sleighing bad
4 Drew a large Cedar log from Tates to Br S's S M for C B. A M. Made sap troughs &
went to W Lapp's P M Weath Cool wind from East P M
April 1862
5 Chored round made handsleigh A M Went to Cedar Grove Mills P M Weath raind
from east A M Clear p m
Sunday 6 at home all day Received a visit from Peter Hoover & his wife Sarah
Neighswander, John & Anne Hoover Weathr Clear, Cold
7 Chored round A M Boiled sugar P M Weath Clear Cold east wind Thawing a little
8 Boiled sugar A M Flailed Oats P M Weath Cold east wind
9 Drew home wood & took Meat tub to Br. Ns to get it hooped Weath Cold east wind.
Clear
10 Sawed pine sawlogs & tapped 20 trees A M Boiled sugar P M Sap flows well
Weath mild Clear
11 Boiled sugar A M Had Br C & his Oxen & C B's Oxen to draw in logs at the S M P
M Weath fine & Clear Sap flowed {?}d roads Muddy. fields Commencing to get bare
12 Boiled sugar & Brought home new Cart box from T Browns Weath fine & clear
Sunday 13 Went to Meeting at Hebron Sermon on St Mat 21 C 1st to 15 v by Rvd J
Reesor visitors after Service B Lehman & Josephus Stover Wea Cool Clear roads
Muddy fields getting bare
14 Went to Belford A M. Freshed Maple trees & Chored round P M Weath mild &
Cloudy Clear P M
15 I & John Helped R Wallace at his chopping bee in bush opposite the lane he is
chopping cord wood there Weath Cloudy A M Clear P M warm
16 Boiled sugar Weath warm Clear
17 Put sleigh & cutters into summer quarters A M Piled lumber at S M P M Weath
cloudy warm raining this evening 8 o clock
Good Friday 18 Went to Br Cs on a visit. Weath Cloudy rainy warm. Windy this
evening. Fall wheat looks first rate grass begins to grow
19 Took 8 bus Chop to Cedar Grove Mills A M Chopped Cordwood in Scarboro bush
P M Weather clear cold north wind
April 1862
Easter Sunday 20 We all went to Br Ns on a visit. Sinom Samuel Elisabeth & Fanny
Hoover came to stay all night with us. Weathr Beautiful clear & warm
Easter Monday 21 About home all day. Weath commence to storm wind & rain from
the east about 9 oc a m raining yet 8 p m
22 Cleaned seed Peas A M piled lumber P M. Weathe Cloudy, drissly rain. Cool
windy 9 oc p m
23 Chored round A M Piled lumber P M Weath Cold north wind Snow Squalls A M
24 Split Cordwood in Scarboro bush A M Piled lumber P M Weath Cold north wind
clear
25 Boiled Sugar A M went to T McMackon's sale P M bought 2 collars. breast
chains & 2 bridles @ 70 cts Weath clear mild sap run well yesterday & today
26 Boiled sugar & went to Cedar Grove Mills Weathr Clear. Sowed field behind
Cider house with grass seed this morning My father caught 5 suckers at Br S's Mill
today
Sunday 27 At home all day. I was at Br Cs awhile P M Weather Mild, Clear, a sharp
east wind
28 I, my Father & John got up at three o clock this morning & went to Br Ss Mill to fish
Caught one sucker Came home. Started at 8 o clock for Pierces with John Br N & his
Man A McNear & caught 180 suckers Weath rainy A M Clear P M {written in left
margin} Suckers caught in Peticoat Creek above the Kingston road
29 Boiled sugar A M Took 19.10 bus Wheat to Major Mills @ 95 cts Weathr Clear,
Cool
30 Took ploughs to BSS & brought home kettle & buckets from sugar bush A M
Commenced to plow in meadow P M. Weath Clear
May 1 Plowed till 10 A M when it began to rain Hitched up at noon when it
commenced again at 3 P M Strong wind from the ea
2 Went to the Funeral of B Lehmans Child A M Remarks by Revd J Reesor Sermon
on by Revd H Barkey Went to Markham to get clothes for John P M Weath
Cloudy foggy A M Warm thuder clouds in the west P M
May 1861
3 Plowed. Went to W Sappy for six bus barley @ 67 cts per Bus. Weathr. heavy
clouds. Cool
Sunday 4 Went to Meeting at Widemans Remarks by Rd J Burkholder J Reesor
Sermon on St John 10 c 1st to 12 v Went to my Fatherinlaws after Service Weath
Cool, showry P M
5 Plowed. Weath Clear heavy clouds Cool
6 Plowed. John went to Whitchurch this P M his Brother inlaw John Pipher Died
yesterday morning the funeral is tomorrow 10 A M. Weath Clear, Cool north wind
strong
7 Plowed A M Took 11 bus Oats to T Burtons P M Got Tom shod after supper
Weath Clear, north strong wind
8 Sowed Peas on east side of Creek in old meadow & oats on west side Weath Clear
windy
9 Finished harrowing in Meadow A M Commenced Plowing below the lane P M
Weath warm windy clear
10 Finished Plowing below lane A M Stopped holes under board fence on Pickering
townline & hunted up our Calves P M went to S M in the evening for some boards
Weath warm clear north wind
Sunday 11 Went to Meeting at Hebron Remark by Rd J Reesor Sermon on St Mat
18 c by Rv H Barkey Visitors af service J Hollingers Went to D Hoovers P M Weath
Clear Mild
12 Sowed Barley below the lane & Peas near Hoovers Weath Clear windy Jack
Strohm & wife from Indiana were here this morning they were at my Fathers all night
13 {written in left margin} Woods turned green Finished Cultivating & Harrowing
Peas A M Harrowed Ribbed Wheat stubble in big Field P M Weath Drissly & Rainy A
M Cloudy P M
14 Rolled in Peas & some Oats in old Meadow When the Roller broke at noon.
Plowed in big field P M Weath clear comfortable
15 Plowed. Nancy went to see J H Ramers son Weathr Clear
16 Plowed. Weathr Clear Warm
17 Plowed A M Washed Sheep P M Weath Clear Warm
May 1862
Sunday 18 At home all day. Br Cs my Mother & Sister took Supper here Weath
warm clear
19 {written in left margin} Minist{illegible} defeated Today Plowed. Weath Cold.
Wore vest Smock & coat & mitts
20 Sowed big field with Oats. W clear cool
21 Finished harrowing & I went to BSS am Went to Dr. Mc pm Barbara Barkey has
Diptheria. Weat. heavy rain East wind. Cool
22 Plowed South of Church Sowed & Ran it with spring Wheat. Wet Clear cool Dr
was to see Mrs Barkey She is a little better
23 I my Fathr J Duncan Br N & A Mcna went Down the little Rouge at 3 a m to look for
Mullet got none. Came home at 7. Plowed root ground Mrs E Neighswander Came
to work today Weath cold north wind clear
Queens Birthday 24 Finished plowing root ground & I went to Cedar Grove Mills A M
John harrowed root ground P M & I fixed fences & Piled brush in new meadow Weath
clear cold north wind
Sunday 25 Went to Meeting at Altona Sermon by Revd H Barkey on St Mat 24 1st to
37 v Went to S G Reeson's after service Weath clear cold wind
26 I Planted Corn below the garden John Rolled barley spring wheat & Commenced
the big Oat field Weath cool cloudy rain this evening 8 p m
27 I Sowed Carrots below the garden & went to Br S's for radish seed A M & John
finishe Rolling Commenced to plant potatoes below the garden P M Weat cloudy
warm cold PM north wind
28 {written in left margin} Weath clear cold north wind Planted potatoes got some
seed at Br Ss @ 60 cts per bus. John went for new clothes at As{illegible} Strong
May June 1862
May Finished Planting potatoes this evening
Sunday Ascension Day 29 Went to Meeting at Hebron Remarks by Revd J Bear of
Waterloo. Sermon on Mark 19 c 14 v to end of chap by Red J M Brenneman of Allen
County Ohio U S in the afternoon I went to Brs C. N. & S with Mr John Diller also of
Allen County Ohio he come home with Me to sta all night. Weath clear warm
30 Went to Major Mills with Sample of fall Wheat did not sell, & went to Cedar Grove
Mills with grist A M Drew stone off Fallow back of barn P M Weather Clear Revd
Tillman Moyer of Clinton C W is at My Fathers tonight. the yearly Conference was held
at Widemans Chapel today
31 Went to Meeting at Hebron Chapel today Remarks by Revd A Moyer of Clinton C
W then Revd Joseph Hagey read 26 C St Mat & Commented on it then Revd T
Moyer read 27 C St Mat & afterwards the Lords Supper was celebrated Red T Moyer
officiated. I & John went to Cedar Grove Mills this evening Weath clear beautifull
Sunday June 1 At home all day. Weath Clear warm
2 Took 2 loads Fall Wheat to Major Mills @ 95cts per bus Fatherinlaws were here this
P M Weath Clear warm
3 Took a load of Wheat to Major Mills A M. Pulled Pidgeon weed P M W. Clear
4 Pulled Pigeon Weed A M Took Wool to Markham Carding Mills P M Weath Clear
5 John Commenced plowing fallow I Drew tiles to drain in fallow & got some at Br Ss
& Cs & at C Bs laid some this evening Weat Clear pretty warm
June 1862
6 I helped W Morrison to lay tiles in Fallow & John plowed A M We both filled drain P
M Weath clear warm
7 Plowed. Weath Slight Shower this Morning Distant thunders
Whit Sunday 8 Went to Meeting at Hebron Remarks & Sermon on St John 14 C 23 v
to end of chap by Red J Reesor Visitors after Service Jacob & Samuel Barkey Jacob
Hoover & wife, Uncle D Burkholder & wife David Burkholder & wife Menno & Susan
Burkholder were at supper Weath clear & pleasant
Whit Monday 9 Idling about home Catched 8 chubs in our dam I & My Father went
to S M after supper with small net & caugh 9 small fish. Water very low Weath clear
beautiful
10 {written in left margin} Wheat out in heads Plowed. Weath. Warm clear
11 I went to Major Mills Nancy went with me to R Wallace's this Morning. then I &
John Finished Plowing Fallow got done this evening Wat. warm
12 Worked on the road in Scarboro at B. Ss A M. rained nearly all P M
Idled ?med round in Br. Ss Woodshed
13 Worked on the road. Weath Clear warm
14 Worked on the road A M I went to Dunbarton for salt but did not get any P M
John Harrowed the potatoes Weath clear
Sunday 15 Went to Meeting at Widemans remarks by Revd H Barkey Sermon on St
John 3 C 1st @ 16th v by Revd J Wideman Went to J H Ramer after service Weath
clear. Cold North wind
16 Drilled rolled and Drew dung on turnip land Weath Clear cool frost last night
June 1862
17 {written in left margin} Seven Gipsy waggons went {illegible} down Pickering
Townline today Got Mr Anthoney's turnip drill and sowed nearly all our turnips Weat
Pretty warm clouded up this evening Rained a little this evening
18 Finished sowing turnips made some fence near grave yard drew some of Br Cs
rails from W Morrisons sideroad. Planted a few mangels this evening Weath cloudy
a fine shower this P M distant thunder
19 Made fence near grave yard and round Orchard made rounds for wagon rack and
done some road work at old lime kiln this evening. Weath rainy A M clear P M hardy
frost last night
20 Drew chips & firewood A M John Plowed north of Br Cs house P M I commenced
to draw out cordwood after supper Weath clear A M cloudy P M go Raining this
evening 9 oclock.
21 Drew out Cordwood I & John Went to W Beebe's to get stone drills Pointed in the
evening Weath warm cool windy this evening
Sunday 22 Went to Jesse Reesor's they were not at home Br Ns & C. Bs were here
for supper Weath Clear warm cool this morning
23 Drew out wood. W Clod hoed the corn Weath Cloudy A M rained a while P M
24 Worked on roads in Markham Weat cloudy a little rain Cool
25 Drew dung on Fallow W Clod filled & John Harrowed Weat. Warm. Clear
26 Drew dung. Weather warm clear
27 Drew dung. Weath Warm clear
28 Drew dung. I took Barbara Barkey to J Hoovers after supper. Weath vry warm Br
S put a new pump into front well
June July 1862
Sunday June 29 At Home all day Br S & Family were here John Hoover was here at
supper he brought Barbara home Weath Cloudy. Warm. selltty sultry looks like rain
30 Went to Markham Village A in the Morning then went to raising of C Br barn
Weath Cler. Cold wind from the north fine shower last night
July 1 Went to Markham Market with butter Sold at 10 cts A M skuffled Corn &
Pottatoes P M John Commenced Cross Plowing fallow Weat Clear comfortabel
2 Went to Dunbarton fo a barrel of Salt A M went to J Higgen's shed raising P M
Weath pretty warm
3 I Finished drawing dung John Plowed Weath Pretty warm Received a visit from
M Neighswander Sen & wife p m
4 John Plowed I spread dung & put Plaster on turnips Br S Painted bob sleigh
Weath very warm clear
5 Both plowed Weath very warm went to S M to bathe this evening
Sunday 6 {written on left margin} Very dry rain wanted very badly Went to Meeting
at Hebron Remarks by Revd J Reesor Sermon on St Luke 15 C by Red J Grover
Visitors after services. Simon Elizabeth & Fanny Hoover John Reesor Senr & wife
awhile P M Weath about the warmest day this Season. there was a cool breeze from
the north
7 Finished Plowing Weath warm cooler this evening
8 John Plowed corn & Potatoes I went to B S to get a shoe onto dick & Drew sheep
dung on a pile in south townline put Plaster on turnips this evening Weath warm
July 1862
9 Commenced to Mow opposite C Br Weath fine Showers comfortable this
morning
10 I went to Cedar Grove Mills in the morning & then Helped W Lapp to Blast rock,
behind the barn John took my Father & Mother to Port Union this Morning then went
to Toronto this evening he brought them home Weat comfortable
11 Had Br Cs Oxen to roll out some stone this Morning. Then I & John Finished
Mowing in Scarboro A M W Morrison came at noon then we raked & cocked some
that was dry I went to Cedar Grove Mills after supper J & W Mowed in orchard
Weat. Clar mild
July 12 I Helped W Lapp Blast Rocks A M J & Willy Finished Mowing Orchard Drew
in the Hay Out of Scarboro P M Weath pretty warm Distant thunder this eveing looks
like rain
Sunday 13 Went to Meeting at Widemans Remarks by Red J Reesor Sermon on
by Red J Burkholder Went to Fatherinlaws after Service. Weat warm looks
like rain
14 Mowed in Old Meadow Weath Comfortable Fine rain last night. Some thunder
15 I went to Sparta In the morning J & W finished mowing old meadow & then we
fixed burning pit a m. J Plowed Ws potatoes P M I went to BSS. Weath showry.
Cool. comfortable
16 I & J Mowed 1 1/2 acres of grass at Purdys Weath Comfortable Clear
17 Drew in the hay out of Orchard & 1 1/2 loads out of Old Meadow Weath Clear.
Comfortable
18 Drew in ½ load Out of Old Meadow & 3 loads from Purdys thined a few turnips this
morning they look pretty well Weat Clear Comfortable
19 Scuffled & thined turnips Father & J brought a little hay from Purdys which finishes
our haying except a little swale grass Weath comfortable commenced to rain about 4
P M looks rainy yet 9 P M
July 1862
Sunday 20 Went to Br Ns for dinner & to Br Ss for tea had a fine feast of white
raspberries & strawberries at B Ss Weath heavy rain & thunder last night. bountiful
showers to day these rains are worth thousands to the Country We have had a
remarkable dry spring the Crops are rather short but these rains will help them
21 I & J Drew dung out of sheds onto townline Weath cloudy not vry warm a little
drissly Br N's & S's Picked Cherries. this is my son Levi's second Birthday
22 I & J thined turnips. Weath. Cloudy. ground wet. Our turnips look very well in
general
23 Made ladder for Picking Cherries A M thinned turnips P M Weath. rained some A
M clear P M. I went to R Money store this evening
24 Thined turnips. I bought a new Washing Machine of Mr. Hilts of dunbarton for $11.
Weath clear fine shower at noon
25 Finished thinning turnips A M. Drew out cordwood P M Weath clar. Comfortable
26 Drew out Cordwood. W M Mowed part of swale in big Meadow Weat Clear pritty
warm
Sunday 27 Went to B Lehman's. Weath Cler Comfortable cloudy this evening
28 Finished Mowing swale shelled some corn I cut road round wheat field behind
Cider house Weat rainy A M clear P M heavy thunder storm & rain this eveing
29 J & W Drew dung I & Father got reaper ready & took ut to C B's to cut his old land
wheat. A M Done nothing P M Weath. rain. rain. rain ground full of water roads
muddy
30 Cut 6 1/4 acres of wheat for C B till about 3 P M. Then cut about 5 acres behind
cider house in our own field. Weath beautiful clear not very warm
July Aug 1862
July 31 Finished cutting wheat behind cider house A M. Then cut half of field near the
dam P M Weath clear pretty warm
August 1 Finished cutting wheat near dam & cut part of barlay ground Weath. Clear
warm
2 Cut 4? acres of old land fall wheat for Br C. raked & cocked hay in big Meadow
swale after supper Weath very warm Distant thunder at noon
Sunday 3 Went to Meeting at Hebron remarks by Rd J Reesor Sermon on St Mark 8
C 1st to 10 v by Revd J Wideman Br Cs were here for supper Weath warm clear
4 I & Nancy went to T Woods this morning W & J finished raking hay in big Meadow
swale then we cut some wheat in barley ground till noon then Drew in the hay & 1
load of wheat out of field behind Cider house P M Weat Clear very warm M
Neighswanders Infant son about 9 Days old Died today
5 I & Nancy went to the Funeral at Martins Sermon on {long blank space} by Red H
Barkey Father J & W finished cuting wheat A M then Drew in 7 loads P M I helped to
unload & hoed turnips P M
6 I raked & bound for Br C Father J & W finished Drawing in behind Cider house &
commenced in field near dam. Weath warm clere
7 Moved fence corners around both wheat fields & hoed turnips Weath rained this
morning until about 9 A M clear P M
8 Drew in out of field near dam. Weath very warm
9 Hoed & thined turnips on the Carrot drills & I took yarn to Mrs Wismer at W
Burkholder's A M Finished Drawing in fall wheat P M Weath warm. Received a call
this evening from Anthoney & Samuel Doner Miss Jane Miller & Susan Stokely from 4th
Con Markham
Aug 1862
Sunday Aug 10 I & Nancy went to Tunker Meeting at John Cober's A M Went to Br
Cs PM Weat Clar, warm
11 Drew Father's wheat from Purdys to Br N's barn A M Hoed turnips & helped Br S
Draw in wheat after supper Weat warm slight rain at noon
12 I cultivated in fallow W Mowed barley J went to Dr is not right well Weat Clear
comfortable
13 Finished Cultivating fallow & helped W finish plowing barley A M Drew in hay out
of wheat field fence corners & hoed turnips P M Weat Clear pretty warm
14 Took grist to Cedar grove & Drew in one load of barley A M. Done nothing P M
Weat clar A M rained P M
15 Went to Cedar Grove Mills for grist A M hoed turnips P M Weath Cool Clear
16 Finished hoeing turnips & raked barley A M Drew in 5 loads P M John went to
Drs. is not quite well yet. Weat Clear. Comfortable
Sunday 17 At home all day. Received a visit from Abraham Grover Jacob & Miss
Barbara & Elisabeth Grover Weat Cler Cool.
18 Took in rack ful of barley which finishes our Drawing in then pulled peas in sod I
Drew home barley rakings from Br Cs for Father after supper Weat Cler warm some
thunder showers passed over
19 Helped C B at threshing untill 3 P M then Drew large stone off fallow with C B's
Oxen Weath Clear warm. have blind man & little girl tonight
20 Pulled peas. J Harrowed fallow Weat. clear. warm
21 Finished pulling peas in sod & burned brush A M Drew in 4 loads of peas P M
Weath warm. clear
22 Chored round A M Went to Sparta & to B Ss for strawberry plants P M Wat
rained A.M Clear P.M Warm
Aug Sept 1862
23 I & Father Helped Br N at threshing A M J & W Drew Dung on of road barley
stuble & I helped P M Weat. pretty warm cool north wind
Sunday 24 Went to Meeting at Widemans Remarks by Rev J Burkholder Sermon on
St Mat 18 chap by Rev H Barkey Went to Jesse Reesors after service Wet Clear.
Cool. Comfortable
25 I & W helped D Hoover to bind spring wheat J ridged barley stubble H Wismer
pulled peas in field near Hoovers Weat Clear warm
26 Cradled Oats in sod J Duncan helped. W. warm
27 Done nothing A M I & W Cradled Oats in Sod P M Weat rain A M Clear P M
28 Sowed wheat on barley Stubble this morning J harrowed I & W pulled peas A M
bound up all oats on sod P M Weat Clear warm
29 I & W pulled peas J Ridged in fallow Went to Br Ns binding bee this evening
Weat Clear mild
30 {written in left margin} hard frost I & W pulled peas J ridged fallow I went to R
Milroys binding bee tonight Weat Clear Mild
Sunday 31 Went to Meeting at Hebron. Remarks by Red J Reesor Sermon on {long
blank area} by Rd H Barkey Visitors after service J Hoover Sen & family M.N. Jr &
family J H Ramer & family at supper Weat Clear Mild a little rain this eveing Uncle
Saml Reesor's horses ran away this morning they turned up our lane & upset the
Carriage Some of the family were badly but not seriously bruised.
Sept 1 I & J ridged up Weat cool windy this evening
2 Had Machine A M threshed 69 bus barley & 75 bus fall Wheat Finished ridging P
M Weath pretty cold. strong cold North wind
3 {written in left margin} Hard frost Melons {frose} Sowed fallow. Weath Cool clear
4 Cut oats with reaper in big field had 20 hands binding tonight. J finished harrowing
fallow Weather. fine. warm.
Sept 5 1862 I & J shocked Oats all day at big field. Weat warm I went to A.
McCreight's binding bee tonight
6 I & Nancy went to T Woods store A M J plowed north of gravyard both plowed P M
cleaned grist after supper W. showry nearly all day
Sunday 7 at home all day Br S & family were here at tea Weath Cool blustering
cloudy. rain last night
8 Got dick shod & went to Cedar Grove Mills AM turned peas & pulled a few PM Cut
a little spring wheat after supper. Weath shower AM clear cold PM
9 Pulled peas AM Drew in PM C B finished pulling our peas PM Weath clear mild
10 Had Br N with team Drew in all peas all oats out of sod & 1 load out of big field.
Weat clear mild
11 Drew in 7 loads of Oats. Weath. Clear mild
12 Drew in 3 loads of Oats Sowed pea ground north of graveyard Finished Cutting
Oats after supper. Wath. showry, AM windy PM cleared
13 I & J helped W Lapp thresh AM little Willie bound oats W Lapp & man helped to
finish binding Oats & spring wheat PM & I & J Drew in all the Oats this evening Weath.
Clear. cool
Sunday 14 Went to Meeting at Altona remarks by Rev H Barkey Sermon on St Luke
10 c 23 v to end of chap Went to M. Neighswander's Jur after service. Weath. cloudy
AM. clear PM
15 I helped Br. C hoe weeds & spread ashes in his fallow J plowed & sowed wheat
opposite Br C's house. Weat clear AM. Cloudy PM
16 Chopped old logs in little fallow at end of lane & Drew in spring wheat. Weath.
Clear
17 I helped Br N Drag new land J picked & raked in fallow Weath cloudy AM clear
PM. Robert Milroy Died today of consumption
{written in margin} thanksgiving Day
18 I Went to Meeting at Cedar Grove Chapel Red J Wagoner Preached on St John
14 c 6 v
Sept 1862
18 In the afternoon I & John went shooting in big Swamp shot two pidgions Weath
cloudy squaly AM. Clear PM
19 Went to R Milroys funeral A M Drew home cordwood out of fallow PM Weat
cloudy AM clear PM.
20 Drew home cordwood. had Br Cs Oxen to draw old logs off fallow raked &
burned. W. clear
Sunday 21 Went to Meeting at Wideman's Chapel Jacob Hoover & his wife D B
Hoover & wife were Baptised today. Sacrement was distributed today Weat. clear
Went to John Hoovers on the {9th} of Markham after service
22 hoed thistles & raked in fallow AM Picked cider apples PM W. clear warm
23 Sowed fallow AM drew home wagon rack full of edgings PM trimed apple trees
Weath clear
24 Brought home cider mill & laid stable floors. Weath cool. clear. rained last night
25 Mowed clover at Purdy's Weath clear.
26 John finished mowing AM I chored round Topped corn PM Weath clear Went
to T Woods in the evening
27 Turned hay at Purdy's AM Drew home 1 load PM Weath warm clear. this is my
26th Birthday
Sunday 28 Went to Meeting at Hebron remarks by Revd J Reesor Sermon by Revd
J Grover Sacrement was distributed Visitors after service Simon Saml Fanny & Lissy
Hoover J Grover Junr. Sam & Nancy Lehman & H Reesor B Lehman & family for
supper Weath clear warm Beautiful
29 Made Cider A M Drew a load of hay from Purdys PM Had Paring bee this
evening Weath cloudy
Sept Oct 1862
30 Boiled apple sauce & cleaned a load of Barley Weath Cloudy. Cool Slight drissel
October 1 Fixed Drying House & chored round Weath cloudy
2 Cleaned Barley for seed & Carried it intoo Granery AM I Went to Mill & to Sparta &
J went to B S. PM Wea Cloudy rainy
3 Dug Potatoes AM Had J Duncan & little Willy to help threshed some Oats PM
Weath Cloudy AM rained a while PM
4 Started for Dunbarton with a load of barley & then heard that they had quit buying
Then left it at T Woods & came home AM Took Barbara Barkey home PM John J
Duncan & little Willy Dug Potatoes Weath rained this Morning Cleared up at noon.
Strong west wind PM & tonight
Sunday 5 Received a visit from Old D Hoover & wife then went to Br Cs for supper.
Weath Clear
6 I went to Whitby with load of Barley Sold @ 70 cts J finished Digging Potatoes
Weath Clear AM rained PM
7 John Commenced plowing in sod stubble I drew rails AM Went to A McCreights
raising PM Weath Clear, a little drissly AM
8 I & J Duncan split rails J Plowed W. warm clear
9 J Plowed I Chored AM I & J Duncan split rails PM Weath Cloudy
10 D I killed a pig & chored AM Went to W Morrisons & Drew a load of rails to little
fallow PM J plowed Weath Cloudy rained this evening.
11 I & J Duncan split rails AM I Drew one load PM J Plowed Weath clear
Sunday 12 Went to Br Cs Weath. clear white frost last night
13 Drew rails & went to pay Mrs Wismer for weaving AM Went to R Milroys sale PM
bought Wood sleigh at $5.00 Weath clear AM cloudy PM
Oct 1862
14 Fenced north side of fallow AM Picked apples PM Weath clear
15 15 Went to B SS & T Woods AM Went to Br N PM Weath. Cold. Cloudy.
16 Picked limestones out of creek in Scarboro bush & got Iron {?inted} handspike
made at BSS H went to Br Cs Paring bee this evening W. rainy
17 Drew in Corn AM Picked Appls PM Weath clear Beautiful. John Diller arrived
here from Ohio this evening he proposes staying awhile in Canada
Sunday 18 Went to Br Ss Weathr. rained this Morning. Clear today
19 Chored round AM Went to P Lapp's sale PM Weath clear. cool.
20 Went to Cedar Grove AM Helped Br C to raise Hogpen & chored round PM W.
rainy AM. Clear. PM
{written in margin} John plows nearly every day
21 I & J Diller Husked Corn. & Drew in Corn Pumpkins & beans He Intends to work
for me awhile Weat. Windy. Cool Cloudy We had a few hands paring apples tonight
22 I Helped D Hoover at threshing J D flailed Oats J Plowed Weath a little snow
this morning Cool Clear. today
23 Cleaned Oats & Picked Apples Weath Cloudy
24 Threshed a few Peas & Picked apples Weath cloudy
Sunday 26 Went to Meeting at Hebron. Sermon on {long blank space} by Revd J
Reesor Visitors. Br N & family & Mrs B Lehman Weath Snowy Squally Cloudy. Cold
all day
27 Picked apples. Weath fine. Pared apples at Cs tonight
28 Made Cider this morning Then went to Meeting at Hebron Revd Mr Lapp from
New York state Preached on St {long blank space} Fatherinlaws were here for Dinner I
& J D went to Belford PM Weath Clear Mild.
29 I & J D went along rouge flats to get bitter sweet roots for Fathers rhumatism he
has been lame a good while. AM Picked appls & boiled cider for sauce. PM Weath
clear
Nov 1862
30 I Went to Belford AM J D sawed wood & boile sauce I helped to finish it PM
then we made turnip Knives & commenced to pull turnips this evening Weath clear.
warm
31 I J & J D pulled turnips Went to Br S's paring bee this evening W. beautiful warm
clear
Nov 1 Pulled turnips AM J & J D went to Markham & I worked on roads in Scarboro
PM W. clear warm beautifull
Sunday 2 Went to Meeting at Widemans. Remarks by Revd H Barkey Sermon on
{long blank space} by Revd J Burkholder Went to Fatherinlaws after service brought
Miss Fanny to work W. cloudy. cool north wind
3 Finished Puling turnips & carrots J & J D threshed a few Oats this morning W.
heavy rain last night clear nearly all day
4 Made Cider AM I & J D Drew in 5 load of turnips & J helped Br C pull turnips PM
W clear
5 I & Br C helped Father to measure a job at Purdys J & J D drew turnips AM J D
helped Br C to pull turnips & I & J Drew in PM finished a {bit} of sauce this evening
W. cloudy some rain this PM
6 J & J D threshed a few peas this morning then we Drew in turnips W. clear
ground frose last night
7 Made Cider & finished Drawing in & pitting turnips We have about 650 bushels
turnips including a few Carrots & globes. W. hard frost last night. Clear
8 Cleaned a load of fall Wheat & I took it to Major Mills AM at 83 cts the boys
threshed some Peas & I went to Cedar Grove Mills with a grist PM Weath. Cold
Snowed about 2 in today {written in margin} looks like winter
Sunday 9 Went to C Bs on a visit W. warmer snow melted today
10 Boys threshed peas & I made fence & chored AM J plowed J D Helped B C & I
went to CD Cedar Grove Mills PM Weath clear warm roads as good as need be
Nov 1862
11 I & J D drew in potatoes AM they are rotted badly then we all went to N
Burkholders sale PM Weath. Warm, strong wind, east tonight
12 12 Drew Stone for Wall under new barn that I Intend to build next summer if all is
well A M Drew limestone out of creek bed in Scarboro bush PM W. cloudy warm
13 I helped Br N to plow I & J D made stack fence & drew stone W. cloudy
14 Had threshing Machine threshed 9 bus spring Wheat & 191 bus fall Wheat W.
cloudy windy tonight
15 Drew stone AM I & J D went to T Woods & to C Pettys & got a load of 2. in tiles.
PM J Drew dung on pits & turnip cellar W. clear cold frose hard last night
Sunday 16 I took Miss Fanny home W. wind from east. cold. roads good as in July
17 Chored round AM J D made crutches for my Father his foot is bad yet with
rhumatis J D threshed peas. J plowed & I took grist to Cedar Grove for Father PM
W. rainy AM cloudy. mild. PM
18 J Commenced to plow in wheat stubble near dam I & J D drew stones & killed pig
at noon. W. mild April weather
19 I went to Br S's & boys cleaned peas & split & sawed wood Chored round PM.
W. rainy all day
20 Chored round AM I & J D went to R Rodgerson's sale PM & I went to T Woods
W. rain & soft snow nearly all day. roads muddy. mild
21 I helped Br N's man Draw in logs at S M & J helped C B kill a pig. AM. J plowed &
I drew Saptroughs into bush out of place where we boiled sugar W. clear mild frost
last night J D commenced to chop opposite the lane today I sold a piec of bush to W
Morrison at $15 per acre
22 J Plowed I went to Cedar Grove Mills AM. Opened mouth of tile drains & chored
round PM W. pretty cold
Sunday 23 Went to Meeting at Hebron remarks & sermon by Rd J Reesor on St Mat
18 c Visitors. Colon & Elizabeth Reesor Anne Woodson & Mrs Neighswander & Anne
Reesor. W. cold windy ground frose
Nov 1862 Dec
24 I & J D Helped C B move his stable to new barn Split cordwood W. pretty warm
thawing
25 Br N.s man came to help to plow frose to hard this Morning then I & J fixed barn
roof & underbrushing AM Drew stones PM. W. clear warm. picked some beech nuts
at noon
26 We all helped Br S. at threshing W. mild cloudy
27 I J & Br N plowed W. mild. cloudy snowing to night
28 I brought home woodsleigh from R Milroys AM Drew elm sawlog to S M. & J
plowed PM W. 3 in snow fell last night thawed some today fressing tonight
Sleighing bad
29 I underbrushed AM & helped Br N put in logs at S M with C B's Oxen PM J went
for Miss Fanny Hoover to work but she could not come Dr Mc was here this evening to
see my Father he says he is afflicted with Inflammatory rhumatism. W warm thawing
a little. soft snow
Sunday 30 I & J D went to Tunker Meeting at J Cobers Sermon In German by S.
Snider on 1st Chap to Romans 14.15.16 & 17 Vers In English by P Cober on same
text. W. mild snowing this evening
Dec 1 I helped Br C to kill pigs. J Drew dung on south end of turnip cellar & Drew
home some wood. Weathr. mild thawing snowed a few inches last night
2 I helped Br. N. kill his pigs J went to Markham W. thawing. Mild. Clear.
3 I went to BSS AM. Buried Cider Mill PM W. snowed about 5 in. Clear this
evening Sleighing tolerable.
4 I. J & J D killed my Fathers 2 pigs. W. Mild. Cloudy AM. clear PM. My Father
could not get out to the shop
5 Cleaned & Drew in wheat. W. clear mild
6 Cleaned & Drew in wheat W. cold strong N wind Some Snow this is the coldest
day we have had this season
Sunday 7 At home all day W. very cold clear freesing hard
8 Helped Br. S kill pigs W. Mild Cloudy AM snowed about 6 in PM.
9 killed our pigs. W. Mild. Sleighing tolerable. This is my wife Nancy's 23rd Birthday
Dec 1862
10 Chored round Salted Pork & C. Went shooting awhile PM. W. clear mild
thawing PM
11 I. J. & J D went down to Purdy's to show J D where to cut some wood for my father.
W. clear thawing fast PM. warm threshed oats with horses PM
12 J went to Markham & I chored round AM threshed Oats with horses PM. W.
warm thawing
13 I shot a beef for Br C & then we cleaned oats AM I went to Cedar Grove Mills with
chop PM. W. Cloudy warm. rainy PM roads muddy
Sunday 14 Went to Br. Ns on a visit. W. Foggy Cloudy drissly warm muddy. Snow
all gone exept fence corners
15 Had Br. S to help to convert our cook house into a kitchen W. warm. rainy. cloudy.
16 I & J D worked at kitchen J went to T Woods AM & to Cedar Grove Mills PM. W.
Mild. Clear Windy tonight
17 Went to J Duncan's Chopping bee at Br. Cs W. Cold. Clear. Wind from the north
18 I helped Br. N make road to sawlogs AM Went to Cedar Grove PM J started
going to Scarboro School today. W. windy clear cold
19 Worked at kitchn Br. N helped AM W. cold windy
20 Helped Br. S to saw fire wood with machine W. cold. cold brease from the north
Sunday 21 Went to Meeting at Hebron. Remarks by Revd H Barkey Sermon on St
John 1st Chap 18 to 28 vers My Father was not able to attend. he is not very well yet.
Weath milder. snowing this evening
22 Helped C. B. to kill 6 hogs & a beef. W. mild. Clear
23 Helped Br S to kill a beef AM Chored round PM W. mild
24 killed our beef & 1 hog W. cloudy. mild. trees covered with white frost
Christmas Day 25 Went to Meeting at Hebron remarks & sermon on St. luke by Revd
H Barkey My Father not able to attend W. mild clear beautiful Visitors today B
Lehman & family Manase Frets & family John took Miss Fanny home this PM
26 I went to T Woods AM Worked at kitchen PM J & J D worked at it all day Weath
rainy all day
1862 1863
Dec 27 I & J D cleaned & brought home my Fathers wheat from Br Ns AM worked a
while at kitchen PM J was in Markham with Susan. W. Mild. cloudy, April weather
28 at home all day. Br Ns were here W. mild
29 1862 I lathed in kitchen J & J D went to Markham Weath. Mild.
Jan 1863
30 I went to Sparta AM. Lathed in kitchen PM W. clear cold. roads rough
31 Helped J D at his chopping bee in our bush. W. clear mild
New Year's Day Jan 1st 1863
Went to Fatherinlaws W. Mild clear beautiful roads very rough
2 Went to B Lehman's Chopping bee W. warm. clear April weather
3 Threshed Oats with horses. W. Mild. cloudy John's Father is here tonight
Sunday 4 at home all day. Br C & family were here W. Clear. windy tonight
5 I Went to Major Mills with grist for my father AM Went to C Raymer's for broad axe
PM W. Clear mild
6 I took 22 {43} lbs fall Wheat to Major Mills @ 87 cts {per} AM threshed Oats with
horses PM W. clear getting colder received a visit from J Honsberger from Cayuga
tonight.
7 Went to Uncle Sam's with Mr. Honsberger AM Went to D Hoover's PM to get a
hand to help thresh at Br N's. My hand is sore I blistered it at J D's chopping bee and
it is very sore. W clear. cold Louis Moyer came here on a visit today
8 Went to R Money's Store AM Went to J Cober's & C Stovers PM. to Inform them
that P Stover's wife Died yesterday. W. Snowstorm from the east about six inches
fell today
9 Chored round AM got Bob & Jen shod PM & J D. & A McNair hewed timber W.
Mild
10 Helped Br. C at threshing. W. Snowed about 4 in. thawing
Sunday 11 At home all day. W. Cloudy. Mild. Sleighing good
12 I & J D Went to Markham Sleighing pretty fine W. pretty Cold. J went to Br Ns
sawlog bee.
13 Hewed timber for new barn. W. Cloudy Snowed from the east PM. Fatherinlaws
are here tonight
14 Hewed timbers AM Lathed in kitchen PM W. Cloudy AM Drissly rain PM Warm
roads getting bad
15 Hewed timber W. Mild snowed from the east I J J D & Aleck McNair Went to T
Woods tonight & bought a pair of moccasins apiece Snowed all the way
Jan 1863
16 Chored round I & J threshed some oats with flail AM Hewed timber PM. W. cold
snowed about 8 inches since last night
17 J went to Markham I drew home wood & went to S M & J D threshed peas AM.
Hewed timber PM W. very cold last night & today a little milder PM
Sunday 18 Went to Meeting at Hebron Sermon on St luke 2d C 42 v to {end} of chap
by Revd J Grove my Father is not able to go out Vis after service M Neighswander
Junr & family W. Milder
19 Chored round & took a pig to J Younge AM Cleaned Oats & Chored round PM.
W. Clear. Mild
20 This was the day for roast geese & Sweet Cake John Diller & my Only Sister
Susannah were married by Revd Mr Gordon. company present. Simon Saml Fanny &
Elisabeth Hoover Abr Meseno Mary & Nancy Burkholder Colon Elisebeth & Esther
Reesor {olders written in margin} John Hover, & Barbara Barkey Br Ns Br' S. & family Br
C. & family C.B. & family & A McNair W. Cloudy Mild a little snow from the east this
evening
21 threshed Oats with horses AM Hewed timber PM W. Mild cloudy
22 Hitched up & Drove round with fly AM Commenced to hew timber PM when it
came on freezy rain we quit & lathed in kitchen
23 I & J Helped D Hoover to thresh W. Mild cloudy AM Clear PM
24 Hewed timber J & Alick went to Markham PM & I & J D made a few Oak sawlogs
W. Mild, thawing my Father went to Br Cs today
Sunday 25 Went to J H Ramers W. Clear Mild roads getting bad, thawing
26 Hewed timber had R Wallace to help. W. Cloudy Mild a little drissly PM
Snowing tonight
27 I went to B S AM Hewed PM. W snowed AM clear PM
28 Hewed timber. W. Mild. Clear. M Frets & wife were here awhile Jacob
Burkholder & Uncle Joe were here awhile PM Jesse Reesor & wife were awhile this
evening
29 Hewed timber I went to Ask Burkholders to thresh for us on Monday W. pretty
sharp. Clear PM Sleighing muddy
30 Drew home hewed timber We & J D's went to Br Ss tonight W. mild clear
For more information on Benjamin Reesor, check out the “Meet the Diarists”
section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca