David Allan (1808 - 1895) 
1875
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
DAILY JOURNAL.1875.
{Several newspaper clippings pasted on the inside of the front cover dated March 17 1875}
The Rice Lake Railway bridge is making satisfactory progress. The contractor is making every necessary
exertion, and the bridge will be open for traffic next summer. In view of a probable flood the Bobcaygeon
Independent suggests that all the stop logs in the back country dams should be ordered out by the agents
of the Ontario Government. {Newspaper clipping-left}
Attempted Suicide 1875 CHICAGO, March 16- A.J. Thomas, for several months an operator in the
Chicago Board of Trade, attempted suicide to-day by shooting himself, it is supposed fatally. Heavy
losses induced the act. {Newspaper clipping-right}
DAILY JOURNAL for 1875.
TORONTO PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
{Printed page showing Rates of Postage, Terms and Court, Bank Holidays, Table of Stamp Duties, and
List of Sundays In 1875}
DIARY 1875.
{Blank Page}
January FRIDAY 1 1875
This is a fine morning not very cold and enough snow left to slide along with a sleigh very well
Saturday 2 Much the same this morning
January MONDAY 4 1875
Very fine morning, and good sleighing snow having fallen last night Great excitement about the
Election
Tuesday 5
This is a fine morning
I had to attend the Court in the Judges chambers in the case Queen vs Birmingham for encroaching on
the York Road with his fence posts
Wednesday 6
Fine clear morning
I went down to Galt to order new clothes for Upper Reels for both the Water Mill and Steam Mill, viz No 9
at head and No10 at tail of reels, and to change the upper cloths to the under reels
Monthly Fair to day
January THURSDAY 7 1875
This is a pritty sharp morning, and snowing a little now and then
I made an agreement with Robt Stewart to take all his pile of clear stuff, that 3 inch Plank for fermenting
tubs at $22,50 per thousand feet Board measure As if picked out and only the quantity I required at
present he would charge me $30.00, per M, and if I chose let me have the balance at $16,00 per M, so I
took the lot and began to haul it home
Friday 8
Fine winter weather, and snowing a little and has been snowing through the night, Got all the clear
Planks home this forenoon
Saturday 9
This is a very stormy cold morning by far the coldest this winter, and yet the glass did not indicate lower
than 3º above zero at 7am. A good deal of snow fell and drifted the wind strong from the West.
We got the wheels of the steam mill finished this afternoon.
The water is very scarse and can hardly chop enough for the Distillery.
January MONDAY 11 1875
This is not so cold as yesterday morning, for at 7am it was 9° below Zero, and this morning at Zero by
one glass and 3° below in another, one while different Thermometers in Town indicated 15° below,
fortunately there was very little wind yesterday, for had it blown as it did on Saturday it would have been
more dredfull against the Wind.
We are repairing the colapse valve in the Still and took out the copper drop pipe, as it had colapsed half
way up and a hole in it where the Steam entered and prevented the charge decending
This is my Birth Day having been born in Edinburgh in 1808.
We got the still started about noon after taking out the drop pipe Peter Gow Esqr elected to day by
aclamation for the Local House of Parliament.
TUESDAY 12
This was rather a milder morning the glass shewing 1° above Zero,
The Steam Mill went all last night
I yesterday received a letter from Girvan containing the discharge of Mortgage by Mrs Grace McLean in
favor of Jannet Armstrong, Robt Scott, J. B. Armstrong, Wm Armstrong, James Massie Mrs Massie his
wife and George Armstrong, which Mortgage bears date 24 Nov 1864 Liber A7 folio 22545
Peter Idington here to day
WEDNESDAY 13
This is a milder morning, Thermometer 27° above Zero and snowing quite copiously also several
showers during the day
I arranged with Ingles to allow my men the use of the plainer at $1,00 per day. And got up the staves
this afternoon
January THURSDAY 14 1875
A very pleasant morning
General Meeting of Wellington Mutual Insurance Co for the Election of New directors &c and all the old
Directors were reelected.
Sad tiding to day of the death of John McGivern son of Col McGivern of Hamilton who was killed by the
Cars near the Station in Toronto last night when expecting to meet his sister last night,
And poor Mr Gray the gardner was Killed by a Northern train in the forenoon,
FRIDAY 15
This is a fine winter morning, Went down to Toronto by the early train, for the purpose of getting a new
drop pipe for the still,
The City seemed dull and great want of activity in trade, and Shipping business has not paid the vessel
owners at all, One propeller laid up for the winter was $3,000 in debts, and many others in like manner,
Was told that Eneas McKay of Hamilton had remarked that his new vessel would have been better on the
stocks all the season & not to have launched her.
I got home by 8 Oclock, and brought the pipe with me,
SATURDAY 16
Moderate morning has been snowing through the night and still continuing, the Temperature is 12°
above Zero,
We are getting on nicely in jointing the staves in my own Machine, having got them thicknessed at
Cossets shop & Ripped them there also, Ingles & Hunters Machine having broken down
I Bought a framer's boring Machine with 3 augers allong with it for $6.50 & a 7/8 bit for 50¢ for dowels for
Bottom of tuns,
January MONDAY 18 1875
This was a moderate morning 10° above Zero at 7 a.m. With a light fall of Snow during the night
Had to put in the Copper drop pipe this morg which took longer time than I expected as it had to be
hamered out larger to get it on the tube of the Brass gate.
Had also to stop to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying House and tighten the ends of the tubes with the
expander
TUESDAY 19
This is another fine winter day Tempᵗ 10° above zero with a light fine snow
Had to stop the Steam Mill this morning as both pairs of flouring Stones were dull and pasted
WEDNESDAY 20
This is a moderate morning with light shower of Snow
Began to remove the bolting cloth of the upper reels of the Steam Mill
Reports are at hand of the failure of several houses in Montreal
January THURSDAY 21 1875
This is a milder morning with a considerable fall of Snow, and continuing
Began to remove the upper reel cloths in the Water Mill bolts, the water is still very scarse and only
enough to Grind the Corn for the Distillery, and think it the best time to change them
Montreal 20th 3 business houses have suspended to day, viz MG. and WH. Edson importers of Wines
liabilities $70,000,
Chapman, Fraser & Tylee groceries & wines $70,000
Duncan Bell, Manufacturer agents $60,000 & several more talked of, Edson offered 25¢ today to his
Creditors
FRIDAY 22
Rather colder this morning, and blowing more, with another coating of snow
Have got the 2 upper reels of the bolts on and working, and will put on the ones taken off and put them on
below as soon as, they are got ready (that is altered a little)
SATURDAY 23
This is a very fine clear morning 10° above Zero a little snow having fallen through the night
More failures reported this morning
Jas Doyle & Co Distillery Goderich,
C Powney, Hardware, Fergus
Asselin Oliver, grocer, Montreal
January MONDAY 25 1875
Moderate weather and settled
Yesterday was a very boisterous day a considerable quantity of snow having fallen. also during last
night much more has fallen, so that it is very deep to day in some places,
2 men are still putting on the bolting cloths, and Dobbie working at the bottoms of the new fermenting
tuns.
TUESDAY 26
This was a very fine day, John & I went down to Galt to emaming a pair of Millstones that were ready for
us, if approved of & when there could not decide & Telegraphed for Moses our Miller to come down &
give his opinion who joined with John in the opinion that they were too open and we therefor ordered
another pair to be made
WEDNESDAY 27
This is a snowing morning, and a good deal must have fallen through the night
Snowing this evening,
January THURSDAY 28 1875
This is a fine morning and moderate weather some more snow has fallen, and still comming down in
slight showers, began this morning to put on the lower cloths on the reels in the water mill (that is those
that were upper ones)
Duncan McDonald of Montreal (formerly merchant of Toronto) now travels for Leckie & Co
FRIDAY 29
This is a very sharp morning 10° below Zero at 7am with scarsly any wind, Otherwise it would be very
cold
The men are finishing the last cloth for the water mill bolts.
SATURDAY 30
This was a very moderate morning, and during the fore part of the day
But during the afternoon it got very cold, I took a drive out to the Rocks and found that a very large track
has been cut up into wood
February MONDAY 1 1875
This is a very fine winter morning, some more snow having fallen during the night
William and Mr Adams went down to Toronto by noon train, about the gauging of some whisky, Wm
went on to Hamilton from there
The Steam Mill has been standing all day for the cleaning out of the Boiler, and to examine the piston,
Judge Gwine opened Court to day for the trial of the contested election between Drew and Higinbotham,
when after a short examination of 3/4 of an hour the seat was declared vacent
TUESDAY 2
Very fine weather, most likely to thaw, from the mildness, the snow is deep in some places on the track
of the G. Western near Town, there was a delay of the afternoon train going North of from 6 pm to 8
Oclock,
It is snowing this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 3
This was a mild morning, and light rain came on early, But yet the Monthly fair was well attended,
about noon it rained hevier and looked like a regular thaw, but about one Oclock the wind chopped round
to the west, and it began to freeze and blow hard and very cold during the evening.
February THURSDAY 4 1875
This is a very cold morning, and has blown a perfect gale all night, and many of the Telegraph wires are
down, and all day it has blown a strong Westerly wind and desperately cold, at 7 am it was 2° below
Zero, and at noon only 2° or 3 ° above it. so continued the remainder of the day
FRIDAY 5
This is another cold morning Thertr at Zero at 7am but the wind was not so strong during the night nor yet
this morning
SATURDAY 6
This morning is colder than yesterday 2° below Zero at 7 pm am
Began to hoop the new fermenting tubs, with 1 Bundle of 3 inch Band I got from Bond on trial
this evening at 7 pm it was 8° below Zero
February MONDAY 8 1875
Sabbath morning was the coldest morning we have had for many years at 1/2 past 7 it was 25° below
Zero at 8 oclock 24° in the evening at 10 pm it was 12° below Zero
This morning it was not so cold at 1/2 past 6 it was 3° below Zero
Got 3 Bdˢ of 3 inch Band and 3 do {ditto} of 2 1/2 inch band iron from Bond & Co a $3.50 pr 100 lbs
New Policy of insurance to day
John Gore the Quarry man began his contract to cut down the Rock in the Distillery cellar for the new
tuns $40,
TUESDAY 9
This is another cold morning, Wind N. West & light (Glass at 10 last night 12° below Zero) This morning at
7 am the mercury stood at 15° below Zero & at 10 am it was 9° below Zero, fortunately the wind is not
strong otherwise it would be fearfully cold,
The glass to night at 10 Oclock was 10° below Zero
WEDNESDAY 10
This morning was 19° below Zero at 7 am but several other Thermometers marked 22° below
The day has been very cold, the wind was from the East then N. West in the afternoon equally cold & at
7 it went round to the South West and began to snow and drift,
There was quite a ground swell in the river and Dam was flowing over in the morning and the ice frozen to
the bottom of the river below the water
February THURSDAY 11 1875
Very cold morning owing to the wind from the West, but the Thermometer does not indicate more than
about Zero, And as the day advanced it became of any thing milder, and Kept on snowing and continued
on till night, so that a great deal of snow has fallen since yesterday evening when it began
Meeting in St Andrews Church School House to night no trains to day
FRIDAY 12
This is another very cold morning 10° below Zero and a cold N. West wind blowing, and has continued
all the forenoon below Zero and only at 2 pm did it get up to Zero, The roads are so blocked up on the
Grand Trunk that no trains have been run to day
No trains the fore part of the day untill night when the snow plough came down with 2 Engines
John Gore finished his contract to day, but there is more to do on Monday after the stone is all cleared
away
SATURDAY 13
This is the coldest morning yet at 7 am the Thermometer showed 27° below Zero and little or no wind,
during the fore noon the wind got up a little from the N. West, The G Trunk trains are running to day and
keeping fair time,
Got the last of the 3 tuns hooped and taken apart for removing
No signs of any change in the weather , but getting colder to night the large quantity of snow adds
greatly to the cold,
February MONDAY 15 1875
Yesterday Morning at 7 am 21° below Zero & quite calm at 1/2 past 8 it was 8° below, at 1/4 past 10
PM, and very cold.
This morning at 7 Oclock 20° below Zero and has been very cold all day and never more than 2° or 3°
above Zero, and fell off lower at dark and at 10 oclock p.m. 8° below Zero
I hear that George McLean has sold his Mills in Aberfoyle 3 pairs of stones for $20,000
John McNaughton formerly a joint proprietor (With Jas Wilson) of the Galt Mills died there at noon to day
aged 54 years, after about 2 years of considerable suffering,
TUESDAY 16
This morning at 7 am 5° below Zero, a considerable difference is felt from yesterday & this fore noon is
very pleasant winter day,
I have just recᵈ a letter from Freelton that Archᵈ Stewart Esqr died on Saturday last, funeral tomorrow at
11 am
The Quarrymen have finished their work in cutting down the Rock for the foundation of Tuns
It is reported that a Bank here will loose $10,000 by a speculator in Barley
WEDNESDAY 17
Stormy morning I went down below Freeton to attend the Funeral of Archᵈ Stewart Esqr who died there
on Saturday last the Roads were terribly drifted, and the day was a desperate one there being no
protection on these wide plains as formerly, when lined with woods on each side of the road, the snow
for the most part was level with the fences
In returning home & when about 2 miles from Guelph we upset the cutter, and I got my left shoulder
dislocated, but drove up to Dr Herods house and got him down to the Priory with us, when him and
James, (my Brother who accompanied me) drew it into its place again the pain was very great
February THURSDAY 18 1875
This I am told is a Keen cold day
I lay in bed all day as quiet as possible so as to keep the joint home in the socket
FRIDAY 19
Not so cold to day. I got up to Breakfast several callers to see me
SATURDAY 20
Much the same as yesterday
February MONDAY 22 1875
The weather tollerably fine yesterday but I did not venture to go to church.
To day was a fine pleasant I dressed and got on my body coat, and overcoat one arm in, and attended
meeting of Directors We had before us report of the destruction of Thomas Watsons tannery by fire
Had to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying house to day & a slight mending of the boiler, also the air
vessel of the water pump which had burst by the frost during the nights of Saturday & Sunday A window
having been left open was the cause And after having got all ready steam up &c it was found that the
water pipe leading under ground from the race was frozen solid. The afternoon was soft and began to
rain
TUESDAY 23
This morning was mild and throught a thaw and light rain in the afternoon, and heavier in the evening.
The men have been working all night and to day Steaming the Water pipe and have made no progress of
any account of The hose used will not bear sufficient pressure
WEDNESDAY 24
Thawing to day again, and the streets flooded with water
Have been working all day, getting off the water out of the well, I had to construct a light coffer=dam
{hand drawing of the well} in the middle of the well and set down a pump in one corner & got it dry so as
to get at the bent iron pipe into which we bored a hole to incert a funnell & poured hot water
William left home for London on a business tour this afternoon
February Thursday 25 1873
This is a cold blustering morning, snow has fallen during the night, yet it is thawing some. After having
had on the Steam all night it has not come through into the Well yet, and am preparing to to take a pipe
from the tank in the distillery, and had the pipes and elbows &c all laid down at the door, when the Steam
began to huller & roar roar in the Well, when all of us were overjoyed that the pipe was once more clear of
ice.
Then we had to remove the coffer dams filled with clay (& dung but the dung was more harm than good,)
and after getting all the chips dirt &c out as clean as possible, set the pump agoing to pump the water
clear, shut down for the night all being tired out.
Very stormy night Heard from WIlliam in London twice to day he leaves for St Thomas
February Friday 26 1873
Another coat of snow this morning. All the works going on well, and the day is turing out fine.
Heard from Wm at Chatham to day
William returned by the 6 oclock train this evening
February Saturday 27 1873
This is a sharp morning, but clear
William returned by the 6 oclock train this evening,
begining to freeze hard this evening
March MONDAY 1 1875
This is a very stormy morning, Snowing heavy & blowing hard at the same time. (Yesterday at 10 a.m.
glass stood at 5° above zero, clear all day & freezing hard in the evening)
At noon the Storm continues the Galt train went down this morning and the mail train came up but no
trains whatever since, the drift and quantity of snow falling will stop them on all the roads,
(my arm is improving & can almost do without a sling.
TUESDAY 2
This is of any thing a better morning but it froze hard last night it is 5° above Zero this morning at 7.
Great many baskets of fouls arriving for the Exhibition
{newspaper clipping outlined in blue} {Messrs, Duffield, Waltham, and Snodgrass, of London, arrived
yesterday as a deputation to confer with the Minister of Inland Revenue relative to excise on oil. They had
an interview with the authorities of the Inland Revenue Department to day, and obtained such
concessions as will enable them to carry on their business, for the present at least, without any
inconvenience arising from the new system of weighing.}
{Newspaper clipping outlined in both a blue and red} {Both the Town and County of Peterboro' were
busily employed last week in considering the fallen bridge over Otonabee. They have decided upon
erecting a temporary wooden bridge, the contract for it, indeed, being already let, so that the
communication across the river will soon be secured. As to the permanent structure, the decision is not
finally made, but it seems to be pretty nearly determined that it shal be a boiler plate girder bridge, similar
to the viaduct at Port Hope. The majority of the County Council advocate a wooden bridge in preference,
if there is to be a great difference in the cost, and as to bow string girder bridges, public confidence in
them seems to have been rudely shaken by the recent accident}
WEDNESDAY 3
This is a very bad morning for the Poultry Show it is snowing and drifting hard from the East and the
railways will soon be all stopped
I have dispenced with my sling for my arm it is a great deal better
I have seen the show this afternoon and it is a fine display of all Kinds of fouls,
The drift and snow is fully worse than it has been & the snow falling heavier towards 6 O,clock
coal deld
for $3,90 by the Nairn Co,
March THURSDAY 4 1875
This is a much better morning and somewhat settled like, and looks like a thaw
Higinbotham started for Orangeville this afternoon
FRIDAY 5
Snowing heavy at 7 Oclock am Temp 20 degrees it slackened off about 10 and the sun partly shone
through the thickness of the Air
Our Fast day in church
It began to snow this evening in going to church and heavier on our return
SATURDAY 6
This morning looks dull & has been snowing last night about 4 inches deep, the glass up to near
freezing say 28 degrees
March MONDAY 8 1875
This is a moderate morning 18 degrees and thawing during the middle of the day opened up the drain in
the Mill Yard to let off the Water. have 3 men working at the flood gates clearing away the ice in case
of a sudden thaw
My arm is a great deal better to day.
Mr & Mrs Gardner here from Kincardine
TUESDAY 9
This morning was much milder about 30 degrees at 7 am the snow is getting soft, but not to say slushey
yet
Have got the flood gates as clear as they can be untill a complete thaw begins.
There was a fogg & hoar frost this morning which is a sign of a thaw
Have finished the Curb for the 4th pair of stones for the Steam Mill, and put on the first coat of paint on it.
WEDNESDAY 10
{No Entry}
March THURSDAY 11 1875
This is a mild day, and the water druping from the eves of the houses
Attended the funeral of Mrs Thos Hood (Annie Bruce) who died on the 9th very suddenly of heart disease,
she used to visit our house 41 years ago when a little girl
FRIDAY 12
This is also a mild morning a shower of sleet & snow has fallen through the night, and the drops are
falling from the roofs
Have taken down the upright shaft for as to Key on a pair of new bevel wheels to drive the Smutt
Machines the teeth of the old ones being worn quite thin
also a spurr wheel on the horizontal shaft the old one having 2 teeth broken out of it
SATURDAY 13
This has been a mild day, the streets are quite wet the water lodging in many places where it cannot
get off
We had to stop the Engine last night as she kept thumping hard in the Cylinder On examination it was
found that a nut of the follower of the Piston had burst in peices it was soon repaired & started again
Have got the wheels keyed on the upright shaft and put in its place
March MONDAY 15 1875
This last has been a fearful night of Thunder & lightning and heavy showers of rain, and the snow in a
pulp
I went down to Galt by the 9 oclock train to see about the new Mill stones and found that they Just been
shipped on board the Car, I also made enquirey about the sale of a pair of old ones, to a party in
Listowel
I also made enquirey about the 18 inch Cylinder that they had on hand, but found that it was engaged to
to fitted up in the mill to be rebuilt at Listowel.
The streets in Galt were all in a puddle and frequent heavy showers of rain
Daniel Lizars Esqr Clerk of the Peace County of Huron died yesterday morning aged 82 years has held
the Office since 1841. His son Dr John Lizars died in Toronto last week
TUESDAY 16
This is a dry morning so far but as the day advanced heavy showers of snow came on drifting heavy
John and a squad of men are busy loading up the Tomestones on three sleighs and taking them up to the
Cemetery, but the day is very course
In the afternoon the Great Western team brought in the new pair of Millstones, when after laying down a
few large bags of Bran upset them right of the sleigh on to them
WEDNESDAY 17
This is another Stormy morning no thaw to day but showers of Snow, with a Stiff Breeze, and wintry like
This is the longest and hardest winter I can remember
March THURSDAY 18 1875
This is a cold disagreable day
There is considerable anxiety this afternoon as to the result of the Election in North Wellington
The news came in to night that Higinbotham was 2 behind Drew
FRIDAY 19
Hard frost this morning, down to Zero at 7 am
The news from the North is changed for the better after getting returns from the different Polling stations
which puts Higinbotham on the other side with a majority of 3 votes
SATURDAY 20
More Snow has fallen last night and looks more wintry again
Higinbotham and a party of friends from the North arrived this evening at 1/2 past 6 and a party of
between 50 & 60 sat down to an elegant repast at 8 Oclock at the Wellington Hotel
March MONDAY 22 1875
Very cold last night Thermoneter at 7 am 7° below Zero {this part is written above the sentence} 13°
below at 6 oclock and at 10 Oclock it rose to 22° above, with a powerfull sun Wm went of to Stratford
this morning
Higinbotham started for Ottawa at 5 pm
TUESDAY 23
This is another sharp morning at 6 oclock it was 13° below Zero and at 7 am it stood at 7° and rose
rapidly when the Sun shone through
William & John Higinbotham came home from Galt school, by the 8 Oclock morning train.
WEDNESDAY 24
This is a mild morning 34° or 2 above freezing and 2 inches of Snow fell during the night The wind due
West, with a light drizle of rain for a very short time, but there is not much of a thaw as yet but it is
comming on
Kingston Court House reported to be on fire this morning
March THURSDAY 25 1875
Moderate weather. Clear and a little thaw
The Court House at Kingston was totally destroyed by fire yesterday
Had to blow off the Mill Boiler this afternoon as the gasket between the flange of the safty valve and the
Boiler was partly blown out, after emptying the boiler and refilling it with cold water to cool it, so as to
allow a man to get in to hand the bolts, & found it hot after all, however we got it all done in 5 hours
Good {written by diarist} FRIDAY 26
This is a wet dull morning rain & fine sleet But the day was mild though dull and a good deal of water
running in the gutters
SATURDAY 27
This is another mild day
The gutters in Windham street were flowing very fast, and extra drains had to be cut across the street to
March MONDAY 29 1875
Quite mild this morning
As the day advanced the streets are flowing fast
William went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train to endeavour to effect some sales.
William returned from Toronto by the 7 pm train & found business dull. Merchants overstocked & little or
nothing doing
TUESDAY 30
Another mild morning, and the weather Spring like & the Sun powerful in melting the Snow & the streets
flooded with water
WEDNESDAY 31
This is also quite a mild day, the Sun has great power in melting the Snow that the Streets are running in
torrents & the gutters full as if after a great fall of rain the River also rising and flowing over the dam
several inches
David Kennedy has begun this week to excavate for the addition to the Market House, and finds plenty of
excellent building Sand
April THURSDAY 1 1875
This is a close morning with Tempte
at 50° and dull and threatning rain
At 1/2 past 10 it began a fine steady close rain, and continued to increase and continued pretty heavy till
1/2 past 12, and only very slightly during the afternoon
And towards night it began to freeze and dry up and turned out a fine night
The water in the Dam rose considerable, but we did not open the flood gates much, as I want to keep the
water that the current below may wear away the ice as it is very much more so than ever I saw
Began to day to put in the new Millstones
FRIDAY 2
This is a very fine morning and dry and plenty of water rolling over the Dam
We began to take the Engine apart and get out the Cylinder to get bored out afresh
Had a meeting of the of the Mutual Insurrance Co. The loss by Thos Watson Tanner of Fergus, was
discussed
Great deal of Water going over the Dam.
Our Clerk Mr Alexr Mackenzie has determined to cross the Ocean to Bring hom his son he will leave on
Thursday
SATURDAY 3
This is another fine morning the water still Keeping up in the river
I got the Cylinder on boad the car this afternoon for Galt
April MONDAY 5 1875
The water is much the same as Saturday but as the day advances it is greatly increased by the heat of
the Sun
Had to hoist the flood gates this afternoon so as to lower the water and prevent the ice going over the
dam as it is far too thick yet not far from 4 feet thick
Have been working all day at the Coils in the Rectifying still and not yet able to find out the worst leacks
the flanges that are turned up at the ends behind the collars are eaten away to extreame thinness
TUESDAY 6
Much colder this morning the ground frozen, We worked to 12 Oclock last night but did not get the joints
to my Satisfaction.
Had to cut off a peice of the turn=up flange of one of the Joints and solder on a new ring instead of
turning up again as the copper appears to be almost rotten & very thin
I went down to Galt this afternoon to give instructions as to what I wanted done to the Engine. The
Water in the Grand River is very high and great quantities of ice and drift wood of all Kinds going down at
a rappid rate
WEDNESDAY 7
This was also a cold raw morning. it had been raining and freezing as it fell and all the sidewalks
covered with ice
This is the Monthly Fair not many cattle in to day
The water in the River is decreasing
April THURSDAY 8 1875
This is a very fine morning, and the roads are drying up fast, and the ice on the Dam melting fast away
My clerk Mr MacKenzie left here by the Great Western R.R. for New York by the 2.10 train on his way to
Scotland. I went out to see him away Mr George Bruce also for the same distination.
FRIDAY 9
This is a dull morning it has been raining during last night or this morning,
another light shower fell about 9 oclock, but did not last above 1/2 an hour, and during the forenoon
became fine clear weather
SATURDAY 10
This is a mild morning.
This afternoon the little boy Grange fell into the canal at the flood gates and was carried through them
and down the River at a rappid rate, when John C Allan hearing of it ran down the side of the bank and
caught hold of him about the smoke House, he was quite exausted & nearly gone
About 10 Oclock, or just as I was about to open the Office door after the Town Clock had finished striking
10 I heard the Bell begin to toll quicker & quicker & the cry of fire, & started up town & heard one say that
Raymonds factory was on Fire
April MONDAY 12 1875
A dull morning & looks like rain and only a light shower fell
The whole of Raymonds Sowing machine factory was burnt down last night, I at one time expected that
the N East wing could be saved but all their exertions were in vane but the greater part of the machines
were saved, but there was no time to take down the shafting and many other fixtures
TUESDAY 13
This morning looks also a little like rain, but so far none has fallen
The ice is entirely away of the Dam, and the water getting lighter and in the afternoon had to shut down
the remainder of the flood gates almost to the bottom so as to Keep the water running over the Dam
Dobbie & Gibson are working at chain for elevating the Dung, the wheels framing &c
Attended a social at the Sabbath School
WEDNESDAY 14
This is a fine morning, got the three cedar posts hauled in
Alfred Stroud called this noon.
Have got the 2 rows of old posts taken out, from to make room for the 3 new fermenting turns, and have
put in 3 heavy Ceder posts instead with much longer caps or vaultrees, and will be ready tomorrow I hope
to lay the pipes & then the bottom of one of the tuns to begin with
April THURSDAY 15 1875
This is a dull morning, pretty cool & looks very much like rain
This afternoon, I attended the distribution of Prizes at the Modell Farm, there was a great number there.
it came on a heavy rain storm and blew hard and cold
FRIDAY 16
This morning the ground was covered with snow, very cold and freezing, but it went mostly all away in the
afternoon
SATURDAY 17
This is quite a cold morning the ground hard frozen and the Dam covered with thin ice the glass was 12°
above zero at 7 am, and the ground covered with a light coat of snow. It remained cold & hard frost all
day
Began to set up the first fermenting tun to day The Engine came back from Galt to day, and got it into
the Engine House this evening.
It is freezing hard again to night.
April MONDAY 19 1875
This is another cold morning 18° above Zero there was a light coat of snow on the ground but it soon
during the forenoon The ground is hard and ice on the Dam
Have been lowering the Engine frame and placing the Cylinder on the frame
______________________________________________________
The Cylinder before being bored was 14 1/8 inches and after being bored out was 14 1/8 3/32ds inches
______________________________________________________
William Fisher arrived this evening from the States
TUESDAY 20
This is also a very cold morning 20° above zero
Have done all I can do to the Engine with our own men, & will proceed to Galt to get a man from there to
put Her in proper line and set the valves. _______________________
I went down to Galt and got the promise of a man to be up tomorrow morning
The water in the Grand River has fallen very considerably, that the Dam having been so much reduced
in height there will not be enough of Water to supply the factorys on the Race, and those that have
Engines will have to make use of them
WEDNESDAY 21
Not much change yet about 18° below at 7 am, When seeing Higinbotham start for Toronto. The man
from Galt arrived by the early train and began to adjust the Engine, his name is C.W.Haines.
The Elevator for the Dung works pretty well
April THURSDAY 22 1975
This is a fine morning not quite so cold
The Engineer Haines is very particular in acertaining the exact lead of the slide valve that it is equal on
both sides. he tests it by the fly wheel obtaining the half diameter so as to get the full stroke each way.
FRIDAY 23
This is of any thing a dull morning, but during the forenoon it became fine.
However in the afternoon it became dull and cold, the wind increased and it began to snow and change
into heavy showers of sleet &c and quite cold and disagreable
Jas Parker the Saloon Keeper is very ill and not expected to get over it
SATURDAY 24
This is a much milder morning
I have to attend a meeting to day at Guthries Office to examine into the funds of the Worsley Estate, but
could not for the present arrive at a final settlement The engine was started and run empty and so far
seemed to perform well. The man left at noon.
Mr Leitch of Montreal was here, and finally settled about the crates of bottles
April MONDAY 26 1875
This is a very fine morning, in fact too fine for we are very much in want of rain to wash the frost fairly out
of the ground
Johnstone Gibson has gone up the Country to see his farm John McPherson is off work with a sore
Henry is also off with with a sore hand. likewise the boy that drives the wood to the furnaces is
off with a sore neck, boils &c
Dobbie & John Allan are at the fixing of the new stones.
TUESDAY 27
This is a very fine morning
This forenoon is most beautiful warm & bright powerful Sun am going to sow Onions this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 28
This is another charming day, but too dry The water is holding out very well
Mr Spratt of Montreal & Toronto called to ask about bran
Sowed my Onion seed to day, and also, parsnips.
April THURSDAY 29 1875
This is a very fair morning, but as it advanced showed sights of rain, about 11 Oclock it began with a
light rain, between 12 and one it became heavier and continued on pretty heavy all the afternoon
Revd Hamilton Gibson of Bayfield called this afternoon, having come down to pay his taxes on Lands in
BLuther
I telegraphed to Goderich for amount due on Bayfield lands.
FRIDAY 30
This is a wintry looking morning, the ground white with snow & sleet, then a light shower of fine rain and
every appearance of a continuance of it. But no rain fell during the forenoon But the wind got up and
blew hard all the afternoon
There is a good deal of Property changing hands just now Jas Mays sold 40 feet on Windham St at
$125"00 per foot front, to Wm Stewart Merchant
James Davie Esq sold his two houses opposite Chalmers Church for $3,000 to Mr Cutton, who next day
sold it to Hearn for $4,000 cash.
Mr McClaggen sold two 1/4 acre lots to Hatch for $3,500
May SATURDAY 1
This is a cold morning for the 1st of May at 6 oclock it was about 2° degrees below Freezing at 7 it was
one degree above freezing, and the ice formed during the night was 1/4 inch thick At 1/2 past 10 it
began to snow, then fine hail It then turned into snow again untill it was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep in
the afternoon began to rain heavy and continued on after dark The wind strong from the East, It really
is extraordinary winter looking weather at this time of year
May MONDAY 3 1875
Yesterday 2d May. Therte 35°. wind strong N.West. frequent showers of snow & sleet, dropping from
the eves, snow of Saturday laying all over a portion of snow had melted during the afternoon. But at 6
oclock it began to freeze & snow again
James Parker, saloon keeper, died at 3 Ock AM
This morning the wind is due West and the snow dissapearing fast, and the sun comming out more
powerful than for some days past, the day is turning out fine yet the wind is cold
TUESDAY 4
Very fine morning, and the day was bright and moderate weather but not warm.
Mr A. D. Ferrier took his departure this afternoon for Scotland
WEDNESDAY 5
This is a moderate morning but still a great want of heat we ought to expect at this time of the year
This is the Monthly Fair and am looking out for a Cow for the mens board
It began to rain about noon and continued all the afternoon and evening
May THURSDAY 6 1875
There was frost last night and produced ice 1/4 inch thick and has been raining this forenoon and is rather
chilly and raw
Have got the new pair of Millstones all ready for action now this afternoon, and have also got a waggon
mounted with a box to convey away the liquid manure from the cattle sheds, having only to back it up
behind the Elevator which soon fills it.
FRIDAY 7
This is a very fine morning, yet there has been frost last night and then ice formed in tubs of water at the
Spring. Higinbotham went down to Toronto this morning by early train. I was present when the first
load of liquid manure was elevated & poured into the new box waggon made for the purpose.
,Neither. Dobbie nor Gibson here to day work slack.
SATURDAY 8
This has been a very fine day, warm in the forenoon, but the South Wind, blew harder in the afternoon,
which made it somewhat cooler
Have been planting some carrots to day
I find that several of the Buckets of the water wheel of the Mill are broken
May MONDAY 10 1875
Yesterday was a great day of rain at least in the afternoon the morning was fine but had strong
appearance of rain and it did begin in earnest about 3 Oclock, and about 4 it came down a perfect pour of
rain & continued.
This morning it is dry but the ground has the appearance of having rained heavy during the night And
the river has risen rappid, and and at noon was higher from rain in one night than I have seen for 3 years
past We had to examine inside of Wooden Still this morning to clean the air valves, but that did not
retard the work much
We had a light shower this afternoon
TUESDAY 11
This opened out a very fine morning. The water in the River this morning is much higher than I have
seen for a long time caused by Rain and there is more natural heat to day than we have had yet, and
notice that the asperagus is making its appearance, and the Rhubarb will be ready to cut this week.
Busey cleaning the mens beds & taking out the stoves & pipes.
WEDNESDAY 12
Cold morning from rain during the night Strong wind blowing from the N. West, and frequent showers
during the day.
Mr Kemp the Inspector of the Bank of Commerce has been in town for some days Willie & Nat had a
conversation with him to day.
I called at Worswicks shope this afternoon and saw a pair of Steam Engines, made for Sheriff Sutton of
Walkertown, they are to be shipped to British Columbia on Saturday first, where he has 20,000 acres of
pine land cost of Engines $1350. no boilers
May THURSDAY 13 1875
This is a fine morning, & some h what like rain
I made up my mind to start for Paris by the afternoon train and got there about 7 pm I put up at
Bradfords Hotel, which is clean quiet comfortable house and reasonable charges. It came on a light rain
but soon went off
FRIDAY 14
Rather a dull looking morning and about 9 am it began to rain and continued heavy for an hour and more,
when I started for the Upper Town to make enquirey about my Lot of land, I saw a Bricklayer who lives
near to it, who thought that $100 per acre was as much as it was worth. Mr Whitlaw thought it worth
$120,,00 but could not find any one that would give that
I left there at 1/2 past 3 & got home (after stopping over a train at Galt) at 8,40
SATURDAY 15
This has been a cold bleak sort of a day and very little growth yet
I went out to the Rocks this afternoon, to see what is to be done as to fencing up where the fire ran
through
Mrs A Mackenzie recd a telegram from Scotland that her husband sails for this country this morning
May MONDAY 17 1875
This is a tollerably fine morning, yet not warm as might be expected at this time of the year
Busey repairing fences, also light waggon new bottom & sides of Basswood.
TUESDAY 18
This is a beautiful morning warm and fine.
Intellegence came that Sheriff Thomas of Hamilton died yesterday morning, aged
The Mayor Melvin and a number of our town council went down to Toronto to attend the funeral of the
Leut Governor Crawford
Mr James Blain called on me this evening on his way home from Georgetown &c, he informed me that
all the papers concerning the sale of his Mills at Galt and the various water leases, to his Brother Richard,
were signed yesterday
WEDNESDAY 19
This is a very fine morning and one of the warmer days of the season, began yesterday to try to find out
where the pipe from the Spring to the Distillery, and after opening it in several places where it must have
been frozen, it is thawed to day but at the crossing at the waste gates it was burst and we are now
wrapping them up with canvas & white lead.
May THURSDAY 20 1875
Fine morning and warm Mrs Wm A Fisher was delivered of a fine boy of 10 lbs wt early this morning
Andrew Fisher arrived from the States this evening at 6 oclock
FRIDAY 21
This is a charming morning and there is appearance of rain
Some light showers of rain fell during the day
SATURDAY 22
This is a fine warm growing morning
Busey making my half of the fence between John Thomas Cunningham and myself at the Quarry
May MONDAY 24 1875
This is a dull morning there having been a good shower of rain this morning at 5 am
This being the Queens Birth day all work is suspended in town
The weather is brightening up and is now fine and warm, and most of the trees in the garden are out in
leaf espeaceally the Birches gooseberry bushes
TUESDAY 25
A fine warm day, quite dry, the water in the River is now begining to get scarser
Wheat is still on the decline, and yesterday brought it down in Chicago 3 to 4 cents, there was a perfect
panic all sellers and no buyers
Still working at the fence at the Quarry, but Cunningham has never touched his part of yet,
WEDNESDAY 26
This is a cool morning, dry and water low
A great fire began this evening about 1/2 past 7 in (Galbreaths sadlery shop) at present occupied by Wm
Beattie Sadler a Brick building it was fairly gutted but the roof stood to the last and only burnt round the
edges but the rest being wooden Tenements 8 in all were of wood were totally burnt up
May THURSDAY 27 1875
This is a fine cool morning, quite dry and water getting short
William went down to Hamilton this morning
Heard word this forenoon that the Eletia steamer had arrived in N York, Mr Mackenzie telegraphs all well
There is quite a mania for buying town lots now
William returned from Hamilton this evening
FRIDAY 28
This morning is warm and fine, but very low water in the dam. I am offered $1600 cash for my 8 acre lot
near the Catholic Hospital.
SATURDAY 29
This is a wet dull morning, with fine showers but not warm
Yesterday & to day, the crab apples, and Russets are in splendid white blossom
May MONDAY 31 1875
Fine pleasant morning, and very dry,
Andrew Fisher started off for Chicago this morning,
Had a meeting of the Directors of the Wellington Mutual Assurance Co to day,
The birch trees are now in full lead and the Lelacks are in full blossom in the Garden but a number of the
plum trees are destroyed by the frost, and some by the Borer
June TUESDAY 1
This is a very fine morning, cool & pleasant
William, Higginbotham, started for Toronto this morning, Mr George Sandilands also went down
Mr Alexr Mackenzie my clerk and his son John arrived home to night at 6, Oclock all quite well,
WEDNESDAY 2
There has been a slight showr this morning about enough to lay the dust, The water in the Dam is about
running over, this is the Monthly fair day, not many cattle in
The Merchant Bank at Elora asks $28,000 for Frazers flour Mill, $12,000 would be given by Mr Eby
formerly of Selem
June THURSDAY 2 1875
This is dry morning and no signs of rain there has been a considerable breeze to day and shortly after
dinner a spark from one of the stalks set fire to the firewood at the back of the Rectifying house, but help
being at hand, it was got put out with very little damage, & farther on in the afternoon it caught again in
another place which was also observed and put out
Reports from Pensalvania inform us of terrible fires in the woods there of the loss of many lives and a
whole villiage, 17 saw mills and over Forty Millions feet of sawn lumber, and a great many cattle, 3 of
our men left my employment and went off to England 1 man & wife & the other 2 to Irland & probably to
New Zeland
FRIDAY 4
This morning looks Also like rain
Have been drawing out design for tops of turrets of granary on a full size, and to get them ready and have
them covered with Galvanized iron,
I was envited by the Warden (Jas Laidlaw) to accompany the County Council to the Model farm this
afternoon to inspect the improvements and the premises and there appears to be a desided, Reform
there,
SATURDAY 5
The same dull appearance, as if rain must come is more evident this morning
Mr Stephen Boult died to day at noon
Have found out to day that they eye of the new mill stones, which was cast by Ingles & Hunter had been
defective and was filled up with Babbit Metal and has now to be bored out and plugged,
No rain whatever fell to day
June MONDAY 7 1875
This has been a fine temperate day but no rain
Higinbotham, Mackenzie, Wᵐ , and I sat very late to night taking stock of accounts &c
TUESDAY 8
This is a very dry morning, and the water in the Dam very low,
We are getting the Stone balanced to day by the forman Mr Laurie Jur, after getting the plugg in the top
of the driver he countersunk it then started the Engine and turned the cockhead more to a point to enable
the Stone to be balanced more easily and when that is done to turn the cockhead more blunt so as to
have more bearing
Mr Davis the Inspector is here with the new goverᵗ measure (of Copper) to test the contents of the close
receivers,
WEDNESDAY 9
No rain yet, the River quite low, Dobbie has been fixing the screens of the Steam Mill Smutt machine,
and the MIllers are facing the stones and will likely have them going some time tomorrow
Davis got the other Receiver tested, and is now making the Rods for each of them of dry cherry
June THURSDAY 10 1875
Fine morning
Higinbotham & I intended to go down to Toronto this morning to see Hon Mr McMaster about Bank
matters but there being doubts of him being at home we put it off till further information
There was great appearance of rain this afternoon but it went past
FRIDAY 11
This another very dry warm morning, and no rain
A little after 9 oclock this morning, the fire Bell gave the alarm of Fire and it turned out to be a wooden
lean=too Mr Soles cargo stone house (that was built by Samˡ Wright the Baker) & then it caught hold of
the stable and burnt that also down,
SATURDAY 12
This is of any thing a cold morning and there seems to have been some frost
A great many people in town to day to see the great Show
The wind blew pretty strong from the West and the sparks from the distillery stalk set fire to the wood
several times
June MONDAY 14 1875
This is another very cool morning (and so was yesterday)
The wind is not so strong to day,
Yet we have made a trial of introducing a 1/2 inch steam pipe into the Distillery Stalk to test its power to
extinguish the sparks before they get out of the chimney
We have got the new pair of stones started this afternoon and they work very well and the 2 pair takes far
less steam to drive them now than what they did before the Engine was bored out and the value fixed say
about 55 lbs,
TUESDAY 15
Very pleasant morning but dry, stoped the Steam Engine this morning to examine the Piston to find out
what caused a hissing of the Steam at every stroke, and discovered 2 slack places in the rings where rust
had collected while standing still and had scratched the inside of the Cylinder sufficient to allow steam to
pass,
Nat & I went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train to have an interview with the Hon Wᵐ McMaster
about my Banking account, (I met sir John A McDonald in the street, soon after that was introduced to
Hon Mr Mowat the Primer & McDonald the Leuᵗ Governor,
Wᵐ leaves for Stratford during the night
WEDNESDAY 16
This is a very fine morning, but dry & warm,
But it appears as of old, that one evil never comes alone, The Middle head of the Still gave way & went
all to peaces, and have set to work to put in a temporary one, so as to finish the mouth, and untill I get all
ready for putting in the new one,
William started for Montreal by 5 Oclock train
June THURSDAY 17 1875
This was a dull dark looking morning, with sure signs of rain for it began slowly about 7 Oclock, and
continued a close light shower untill 12 Oclock when it began to brighten, about 4 it became heavy and
dull again, We have got the Still finished and going again, with a new head in,
James in bed from severe Bleeding at the Nose
About 5 Oclock I received a Telegram from William that he had got there all safe that morning,
FRIDAY 18
This is also a dullish morning but no more rain has fallen
It continued warm all day
SATURDAY 19
Another dry warm morning
William returned from Montreal by the 2,30 train
June MONDAY 21 1875
This is also warm dry morning there has been a fair supply of water this forenoon,
But the new Stone in the Steam Mill is bothering us a good deal
TUESDAY 22
Somewhat of a dull morning, and about 8 Oclock it began to rain, but the shower was very light and did
not last more than a couple of hours, and then hardly more than barely to lay the dust
WEDNESDAY 23
This is a close morning, calm and warm
The fireman & the Carter someway between them drew on the Full amount of water on the Distillery
Pumps with such violence as to break the pump rod, last night after the work was over and only to fill the
mash tun, And have now set to work to make a new one,
Began to prepare for removing the compounding vessels to the Malt house
June THURSDAY 24 {1875 covered}
{ upper right hand corner of page is folded so some words are covered}
There has been some rain through the {covered} but not a great deal more than to lay the {covered}
About 1/2 past 5 am the first of Barnams trains of 20 cars and 1/2 an hour thereafter 2 more came on,
nearly all of them his own cars fitted up for the purpose for horses, camels, coaches & waggons, also 5
Pulman cars, The ground chosen was down at the Dundas Bridge
It was very warm during the middle of the day, but about 1/2 past 3 the sky became dark and the thunder
rolled & lightning flashed, and then a pouring rain from the South West and for a while a regular torneda
and the Street flooded quite deep, The manager of the Circus had to lower the large Canvas to prevent
it being blown away and that alarmed the spectators very much and all of them got drenched to the skin,
but they hoisted the canvas again and performed in the evening again the same as if nothing had
happened and during that time more rain fell,
{four lines of text extend into the entry for the next day}
FRIDAY 25
Today it is quite fair, but close & warm and the whole Barnams Establishment gone off to Berlin,
Signed without security agreement of composition of 75¢
SATURDAY 26
A damp morning, found it was necessary to get the worm of the Rectifying Still overhauled & thoroughly
repaired and therefor went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train, and engaged a copper smith to come
up on Monday night,
David Startup at the factory of H. T. Smith No 3 Elizabeth Street
While there a light shower of rain fell for about an hour A large oval shaped drain is being constructed up
Young Street of much larger dimensions than the present one put in many years ago, the new one is 3
or 4 feet deeper, 20 feet at least from the surface of the street, when about 6 or 10 feet down it entirely
composed of clay to the bottom & of the best quality for Bricks &c,
June MONDAY 28 1875
This is a dull morning, but is brightening up as the day advances, Bank matters again troubling me, Wᵐ
goes to Stratford
Death of Sir WIlliam Logan, geologist appears in the papers this morning, (London) Also terrible floods
in France, the city of Toulouse is inundated in the lower parts & 1000 lives said to lost
I attended meeting of Directors of the Wellington Assurance Co to day,
William went up to Stratford & to return tomorrow
David Startup, came to night,
TUESDAY 29
Fine morning but dull, during the fore part of the day it rained now & then lightly, but in the afternoon it
turned out fine,
Mr A. M. Clark Esqr of Toronto, had a sale of Town lots in the swamp, some 12 or 14 were sold varying
from $100 down to $65 for less than a 1/4 acre,,
Have been getting on pretty well with the worms & found a great many joints bad
WEDNESDAY 30
This has been a very fine day, and have got so far with the copper work but it will take all day tomorrow if
I can get the men to work on that day, being the Dominion day
Major General Whyte arrived to night and is going to stay at Higinbothams to night
July THURSDAY 1 1875
This is a very fine morning for the Review of the Malitia on the Race course at 1/2 past 9 am
I went out between 10 & 11 and saw a great deal of the evolutions, marching & countermarching and the
cannon firing every now & then
FRIDAY 2
This is a fine dry morning, and likely to be a very warm day
This has been a very warm day and is beginning to tell on the water in the River
Went down to the Gass Works & saw them putting together the new cast iron purifier 4 in number & all
put together with flanges & bolts, all the joints truly plained and set with Red lead putty,
Have got all the Copper work done, his time being 8 hours over time and 41 hours regular time board &
fare, up & down
SATURDAY 3
This morning is fine dry weather, and all is bustle at the Camp, and the cars are drawn up at the Station
to take the soldiers to Stratford & Goderich I took leave of a number of Officers
July MONDAY 5 1875
This is a dull morning it rained last night (and also early on Sunday morning) About noon it became
quite dark with heavy overhanging clouds and a little after one it began & rained pretty heavy for more
than an hour, and continued heavy all the afternoon
We are busey laying down the new Stones, that is the 4th pair in the Steam Mill,
TUESDAY 6
This is also a dull morning, close and warm and as the day advanced it began to rain lightly but soon
became heavy and rained heavy for several hours
WEDNESDAY 7
This is also a warm day going to be
July THURSDAY 8 1875
completed a fence between Rectifying house & Warehouse
FRIDAY 9
Fine morning and likely to be warm
I went down to Toronto by the early train to look after copper to line the New Mash tun with, and also
engaged the coppersmith David Startup to come up for to put in,
I bought 14 sheets No 16 4 feet x 6 feet at 25 3/4¢ per lbs 5 lbs of Spelter a 13¢ 35¢ 5 lbs Boxax a 5¢
Great complaints still about the dullness of trade in Toronto, the freights are so low as 1¢ a Bush for
wheat to Kingston
SATURDAY 10
This is a warm morning and the crops looking fine, We cut a great deal of firewood with the good supply
of water we had to day
July MONDAY 12 1875
This is rather a cool morning, last night and the night before there must have been a slight touch of frost
as the leaves of the Squash drooped a good deal
However as the day advanced it became very warm and fine as for days past and great numbers of
Orangemen began to arrive both by train and waggons, all having fine Bands of Music, and Beautiful
banners fluttering in the Breese which was moderately strong enough for that
TUESDAY 13
This is a dull morning and threatening rain and looks rather bad for the Presbyterian Union Picnic
The coppersmith David Startup began to work to day and to pay him $3 per day and I find his help, or his
offer was $3.50 & find his own help & board them both, which I did not approve of as they generally have
mere boys.
WEDNESDAY 14
This has been a fine warm morning, and going to be a very warm day
Attended the Examination of the Boys
July THURSDAY 15 1875
Very warm morning
William starts for Hamilton this morning
FRIDAY 16
This is a dull morning there having been a fine shower during the night, about 8 Oclock it darkened
again and began to rain. The men are getting out a dry Elm stick for the rake of the Mash tun as I could
not get a peice of Oak, which I would prefer.
SATURDAY 17
This is a fine morning
As the day advances it is getting very warm
July MONDAY 19 1875
This is a dul fine morning. But yesterday was dull and there had been a fine shower during the early
morning & also about 7 O,clock
To day it has been a pleasant day so far as the weather is concerned But Mr McMaster the President of
the Bank of Commerce was here and we had a considerable discussion about giving a Mortgage on more
property than I was willing to give, & how the board may deside I cannot tell.
I am notwithstanding going on with the copper lining for mash tun
We have quit mashing & only running of the Old beer
TUESDAY 20
This is a pleasant morning but very dry and river low
The Road & Bridge committee are relaying the Bridge with new top planks, the main 3 inch planking are
likely to stand for a couple of years longer, & they have made a new side walk & broader than before
WEDNESDAY 21
This is also a fine morning by dry. Have taken out the copper of the old mash tun to day, for to work it up
into, measures pipes &c
A strong West wind was blowing, and the dry brush in the swamp was set fire to by one of the
locomotives is supposed, and burned with great furey & had to send men to take down parts of the fence
to stop it from running.
There was a fire in town last night, N. West end, John Hall Junr shop & 2 stables
A Bank meeting appointed tomorrow
July THURSDAY 22 1875
This is a warm morning, dry and Dusty
*Began to day to take out the old mash tun, and cut out the floor large enough to admit the new one We
find the feet of several of the posts rotten and must be replaced with new ones.
Alfred Stroud here and settled for slop Have a good deal of trouble with the fire on the Bridget Farm
John Idington came down by the 5 Oclock train & retnd at 1,20 am
Had a meeting at the Bank this evening with Mr Cemp the inspector
FRIDAY 23
Fine morning but every thing dry as tinder Met Mr Cemp again this morning at the Bank and signed an
agreement
*It was to day we took down the mash tun.
Had 3 men out fighting the fire & in the afternoon 2 more to stop the burning of the stump fence, and
arrest it from catching the trees, all being so very dry
SATURDAY 24
This is another warm dry morning
July MONDAY 26 1875
Of anything a dull morning, with a fine shower of rain but it did not much more than lay the dust, in the
afternoon it became as dry as ever, and the wind got up again and started the fire
TUESDAY 27
This is a fine morning
WIlliam went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train, John Idington & wife went by the same train on
their way to the Salt Water
John Brown Esqr late of Hamilton here on return from Luther Duncan McDonald
WEDNESAY 28
Fine warm morning
Great failure in New York yesterday. The firm of Duncan Sherman & Co. Bankers with liabilities of about
6,000,000
We have got the old Still out of its place, and it was not so much decayed as I expected to find it, and
might have been used a couple years longer
A great fire to night it turned out to be the large Barn built by Wᵐ Day & now owned by Sherrif Grange
was entirley consumed, it began about 11 pm
July THURSDAY 29 1875
This is another dry morning, with shortness of water
We have now got the Mash tun into its place and have begun to cut the gutters in the bottom
William went of to Goderich and perhaps to Bayfield by the 6 pm train
FRIDAY 30
Another fine morning but all too dry as the day advanced the wind got up pretty strong & had to send
men out to watch the fire
We have got all the channels of the Mash tun cut out and have now the strips about ready to put down
Have also been taking down the stone wall for to lay the beams on to support the new still,
SATURDAY 31
This is another very dry morning, And have again to send a man out to watch the fire
William came home from Goderich by the 5 Oclock train
August MONDAY 2 1875
The wind yesterday turned to the East and was cool and had the appearance of rain but none fell, the
wind was very strong,
This Morning is quite cool and as dry as ever, and as the morning advanced the wind is increasing and
blowing the fire back from the Barn & burning more fencing
At One Oclock it became alarming, and Smiths house on the East side & Lobans house on the N. West
side of the Grand Trunk track were in great denger in the former case the Steam fire Engine turned out
and extended the hose from the Dam to near the house & did good service,
Began to screw down the copper to day
TUESDAY 3
This morning is dull, and a shower seems to have fallen during the night, a little after 7 am it began to
rain very light and continued more or less throughout the day
We are getting on well with the copper lining of the Mash tun the Bottom is finished and the side lining is
being put in
John C Allans child baptized by Dr Hogg to night
WEDNESDAY 4
This is a dull morning, and some must have fallen through the night, but it held up during the day, This is
the Monthly Fair day, but not largely attended either by people or cattle,
August THURSDAY 5 1875
Although this is a dull morning there has been little or no rain
The mill cow calved this forenoon and does not appear to have any strength to go about
The cow died about 10 Oclock
FRIDAY 6
This is a very wet morning raining hard a considerable time, and also through the night
Began to the Wooden Still this morning, and got down the bottom and then all the staves round about
The copper smith has got the pipes for the new colums made, & is now making a new pipe for the "blow
off", slope,
SATURDAY 7
Dull with a slight drizzling rain at times
We melted off the joint of the old acending worm and filled them with rozen to be ready on Monday to
straighten them to a larger diameter & to be added to the large worm
Got all the heads in the still and several tempory bands put on which appears to draw it together pretty
well
August MONDAY 9 1875
This Sabbath morning the rain is close & light but got fair afterwards
This Monday morning was fine, I went down to Toronto about copper work and to examine the large
rectifying still that formerly was Gooderham & Worts and find it will suit if we can make a bargin
Hee asks for it as it stands $750
TUESDAY 10
This is a fine morning, and we are setting the blow off valve in the bottom of the Still
Also taking out the old trough, in the roof and putting up the spare one that has been laying out of doors
so long, I think was made about the same time as the other
Have also got a new bearing on the line of shafting as the bevel that drives the mashing rake is turned the
other way,
WEDNESDAY 11
We had a dry forenoon, but a wet afternoon the first shower about 1/2 past 1 was heavy.
Have been working at the line of shafting in distillery, and also taking out the worm in second worm tub
next the heater,
And Dobbie has been in the Mill setting the eye & ajusting the spindle in another I had to Temper the toe
which appeared to be soft
August THURSDAY 12 1875
Dry morning
We are getting on with the hooping of the Still with 4 inch Band iron
William went up to London by the 6 Oclock train
FRIDAY 13
Very dry weather, and find that the late rain have not extingished the fire in the ground out on the York
road farm,
William returned from London by way of Brantford to night by the last train
SATURDAY 14
This is a very close warm morning
The spirits are all done were finished last night, So that the Rectifying still is standing still,
More failures in Toronto
Have got the hooping of the Still done to night
August MONDAY 16 1875
This is a very fine morning, and a light shower fell during the night, I had a Wacthman appointed, to look
after some blackgards {word crossed out, illegible} that have been frequenting the cattle sheds at night
with Mary Ogelvie in company, he heard and saw them but was not able to arrest them
Have been getting pretty well to day in getting the pipes on doubler, and top of Still, checked out
Charger and some staves set to begin with, got the spindle set for the last pair of new stones
William Fisher began to work at the Distillery
TUESDAY 17
This had been a very fine day, close of any thing, with a few drops of rain but no shower
Have felt a good deal of pain twice to day & found that my Truss had slipped of the right spot, & allowing
my bowels to come down,
Dobbie has been adjusting the millstone and ballancing it
This is the first day of the Saugerfest at Berlin
I signed Bond for Compounding Licence to day
J. C. Couper wife with Daughter & her child 6 weeks old (a Boy) came here to day. the latter lately from
Illinois
WEDNESDAY 18
This has been of any thing a dull close day have got the charger on the still finished, Have drawn out
the enlargement of the copper Still to day and am about calculating the cost of the alteration, Dobbie got
the Stone in the Mill balanced and the coggs pared,
William went down to Toronto at 11 Oclock to attend meeting of Wᵐ Griffiths Creditors,
It began to rain about 5 Oclock and continued for an hour or more,
August THURSDAY 19 1875
This morning had the appearance of a wet day, It kept fair during the forenoon, but about one Oclock it
began and rained most of the afternoon
Booths coppersmiths shop in Toronto was burnt down last night about 7 Oclock loss aout $14,00
I am trying to get the line of shafting in the Distillery which has been put in line, finished to day so as to
get the pumps going
J.C. Couper came to night, staying at C Davidsons
FRIDAY 20
This is a dull morning, and rainey like
Coupers folks went all off this fornoon home, some light showers only
A man was shot yesterday evening near the Rifle Range House on the York Road called Yates by one
Marks
SATURDAY 21
This is another dull morning,
light showers towwards noon & about 2 Oclock a heavy shower of hailstons came on and then heavy
rain, and continued with very little intermission all the afternoon
Have got pretty well with the work to day
The Montejuce is again set, and all the pipes fitted to it
Have resolved to alter the Copper Still & not to purchase Booths
August MONDAY 23 1875
Last night was quite cold for the season, and I was told by some that there was frost this morning.
But it turned out a very fine day. But notwithstanding all the rain we have had, the supply of water in the
River is still very light and could only drive one run of stones all day, the Boiler was being cleaned out
Began to day and took down the column of the copper still and brought it to the Blacksmith Shop and took
it apart. have been making pattern for Air pipes.
We went up this evening and bid farewell to Archdeacon Palmer and wife who leave on Wednesday
morning
TUESDAY 24
This is a fine cool morning and still working at the patterns yet, it takes three times the time it would take
me if I had all my tools and things in order, for they are all to seek when wanted
C. H. Finch one of Booths men came wanting to be employed, so I took him on at $2,50 a day and find
himself.
John Idington here Mr Kemp Bank inspector also when certain documents were read over and
signed and John went off n
Willies wife was safely delivered of a gerl this evening.
WEDNESDAY 25
Fine morning
August THURSDAY 26 1875
This is a very fine morning getting ready to leave for Toronto at 8 Oclock
Higinbotham and family start for Southhampton at noon
Got a letter of introduction from Mr Worts to see the Gass Works
FRIDAY 27
Very warm morning
The gass Company have got the town steamer filling their new tank
SATURDAY 28
This has been a very warm day
Have got on pretty well this week with our work, but the copper still is going to take far more work than
was estimated at first
The new tank at the gass works has given way, and water running out at the sides, all of which is for want
of proper ramming and puddling the outside with clay
Nat returned to night alone
August MONDAY 30 1875
This is a fine morning, and pretty warm
Attended full meeting of Directors of Willington Mutual fire Insurance Co, when a considerable amount of
Business was done
Nat went down to Galt by early train, thence to Hamilton and Toronto
TUESDAY 31
This is a warm dry morning
I have not felt so well to day, from downward pressure in my bowels
September WEDNESDAY 1
This is a very warm morning
Monthly Fair to day, but the attendance is but small, I was up in town, but felt so very uncomfortable
from pressure that I came down soon, have got the copper still in peices & spread on the floor
Great fire in Berlin {now Kitchener} to day it began about noon.
September THURSDAY 2 1875
This is a very warm morning, and during the forenoon it was very close & warm about 12 Oclock as the
noon Bell was ringing the rain began light at first and than became very heavy till about 2 when it seased
for a short time and then began again. The cellars on Windham Street were again flooded.
Have got the scroles bent to the proper circle and David Startup is cutting out the peices for enlarging the
top and bottom Have begun the new goose tub an Oval one {space left blank for measurement} by
{space blank again for measurement} long and 7 feet stave all of fine dry 2 inch clear spine. Parker is
making a pair of rings for a man-hole in side of still 15 inches diameter.
FRIDAY 3
Dull kind of morning, and warm all the forenoon but at 12 Oclock it began to rain and a little, but in the
afternoon it began again and continued for some time
This is our fast Day
Startup is getting pretty well with the work he is brazing the rims that goes round the top and bottom of
the still, have got the 26 2 inch pipes from Booth for the goose
SATURDAY 4
This has been a very fine day, dry and cool. Went out with Gideon Hood to examine the farm, and found
large patches of the ground has been burnt up quite deep a foot & more in some places.
have got the Oval goose tub put together this evening and ready for hooping on Monday all made of the
best clear dry pine
September MONDAY 6 1875
This is a fine cool morning and dry with a fine breese for drying the grain that is out The copper smith
has begun to punch the holes ready for reviting the head of the still, each of the rings is all brazed
together in one peice
William started this evening for Chatham by the Great Western I intend on going down to Hamilton
tomorrow
TUESDAY 7
This was a very fine morning. I started for Hamilton by the 6,45 train. got an introduction to the manger
of the Gass Works there, Mr Littlehales who kindly showed me all through
WEDNESDAY 8
This is a dry warm morning
September THURSDAY 9 1875
This was of any thing a dull morning with indications of rain, and a few drops fell befor 8 o,clock
The coppersmith is riveting the rim to the head of the still, and farther on in the day was turning over the
edge of the head of the still, thus {a small diagram of the still's head} the other man is still working at the
goose soldering in the upright pipes
Had a telegram from William who got to Chicago late last night and leaves there tomorrow morning.
It began to rain about 6 pm but only lightly
FRIDAY 10
This is quite a dull cool morning, with a considerable amount of dew on the ground
SATURDAY 11
This is a clear cold frosty morning the side walks are quite white with frost
September MONDAY 13 1875
This was a cool morning but dry
got the sides of the Still soldered in the inside all over the heads of the rivits.
We got the goose on its place and set up the tub all ready for hooping
TUESDAY 14
This was a very fine morning, and at time somewhat cloudy and looking like rain
Have been getting on tolerably well with the copper still and got it all ready for ~ Meeting of Directors
Wellington Mutual to day
Got the fire started in the distillery this afternoon
Went up to Ingles foundry and found that they are now pretty well on with the smoke box & stalk for the
chimn
Then went on to the Exhibition ground, the attendance was thin, being the first day of the show
WEDNESDAY 15
This morning appeared cloudy & like rain but it passed off, and the roads continued very dusty.
The attendance at the show to day was not so large as at last years Show on the 2d day
Considerable progress was made to day in riviting the head on the Still.
The distillery was not lighted to day
September THURSDAY 16 1875
This is a dull morning and a very fine rain is beginning
during the whole of the forenoon it rained close and at times heavy Yet a great many strangers came by
the Cars to the Show it was more moderate in the afternoon but cold and disagreable.
Had a good deal of trouble in turning over the still to prepare it for the bottom
Began to Mash, the first time in the new tub
FRIDAY 17
Cool dull morning and chilly after the rain
We got the bottom tried on the still this morning, and David is now gathering it together so as to fit more
tightly
SATURDAY 18
This is a fine morning, but chilly.
It has taken us all the forenoon to get the Still turned over on its side and put it in position for soldering
round the rivit heads
I have to day been seized with an attack of Lumbago which dissables me very much
September MONDAY 20 1875
This is a cool raw morning & must have been frost last night there was some white on the sidewalks
Got the bottom of the Still all tinned with a thick coating of solder over the rivits and attempted to raise it
up in its place, but the joints would not permit it and had to lift the upper ones as well as the floor below,
This afternoon was wet & cold
The papers report 2 feet of snow at Quebec this morning
TUESDAY 21
This was a cool morning
Got a mason from Dobbie to build up under the copper boiler, he began after dinner
WEDNESDAY 22
Fine morning but frosty and snow near Goderich the mason still at work under the boiler
began to raise the wom tub up stairs fully 2 feet and have got the pipe from the goose to the worm on
Mrs A & I went out to Rockwood, (about a girl the Beer pump burst in the main barrel
The Mason finished up with patching a little at the wall under the 3 chamber still
September THURSDAY 23 1875
This was a very cold morning, white frost on the sidewalks, and our gardin Pump frose fast
got the large pipe on that conducts the vapour from the copper still to the column,
I am still troubled with Lumbago
FRIDAY 24
This was a fine dry morning
Have found it necessary to make a new and larger tester at the Worms mouth, the old one being only
large enough to hold 44 gallˢ {gallons} where it requires to hold over 70
Mrs A and I went down to Fishers MIlls and found Peter Idington going out of doors, they were thrashing
to day with 10 span of Horses, Walter had built a large fine Barn with large storage for turnips, and
ample room for feeding a number of cattle We left at 2 & returned 1/4 to 8,
SATURDAY 25
This is a dull morning, and looke like rain, a few very light showers fell but not enough to lay the dust
Arthur Hogge died this morning aged 58
I had to go home earlier this afternoon as the Lumbago was getting very painful
September MONDAY 27 1875
This was a cool morning but I was not able to get out of Bed, and was hardly able to turn myself with
pains, Yesterday morning about 3 Oclock when I had with great difficulty got my leg over the bed a
severe pain seized me in both sides (as seemed to me) at the same moment as if I had been jambed
between 2 locomotives & had to fall back into bed again, & has been shifting down to my ancle, and is
more like Thiatica
We are progressing with the copper work
TUESDAY 28
This is a fine morning and not so cold
I feel a great deal better this morning & was able to get on my clothes after Breakfast and look over the
works
I think we will get rid of the coppersmiths in a day or two now,
WEDNESDAY 29
This is a dull morning, and I among many others was disapointed at not seeing the Eclipse of the Sun at 6
am to 7,30 for I only saw the sun slightly for 2 minutes & then was too low to get a proper view of it, but it
was seen at the distillery at that time quite plain for a minute or so,
There was a good deal of rain to day, & a great deal of lightning after dark and Thunder
September THURSDAY 30 1875
This morning was dry, but cold & raw But through the day several showers & cold
The papers this morning inform us of great destruction of property last night by the Thunder storm many
Barns having been struck with lightning
October FRIDAY 1
This has been a dry day morning but cold in the early part, but as the day advanced it became more
pleasant
We got the two chargers and the copper still measured to day and all boiled up, to test its tightness, only
one small leak in the still was discouverd, and the chocking of an iron overflow pipe, Mr Reeves of the
Grand Trunk freight Department was here to day
SATURDAY 2
This is a quite wintry looking morning, all the sidewalks are white with frost and the remains of a shower
of hailstones, The first charge was put in the copper still this morning, say 1100 galls
We had to stop the distillery to day, and shut of the water from the race to enable us to put in an
additional pipe to conduct the water down to the new cold water pump that is to supply the extra demand
for cooling the worm & goose, and are trying to get the New Tester finished & put in its place to day while
not running,
The Copper smiths got done to day and left for home, We got up the peice of new stalk to day and the
spark catcher box in good time to day, also busy putting water pipe for new pump
October MONDAY 4 1875
This is somewhat of a cloudy morning but as the day advances it seems to clear up and turn out fine,
We have not got the distillery started yet as the puddling could not be finished on Saturday night But the
Rectifying house is charged and going all right
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. E. Wiman Esqr (of Dunn Wima & Co at 3.30 on his way West
am getting stones drawn over to the river lot,
Our new (Goulds) Pump came to day
TUESDAY 5
This is a dull morning with a slight drizzling rain
Miss Bleaney left Higinbotham this morning for New York I notice this morning the death in Hamilton of
one of my old aquaintance Mr John Fairgrieve on Sabbath evening the 3 Inst Born at Galashiel 11th
Aug 1811 and came to Canada in 1833 and shortly after became aquainted with him at the Wharf at
Dundas.
I went through Mr Raymonds sewing Machn factory which is now nearly finished, the carpenters are at
work completing the benches tables &c all round the shops, and a great many of the heavy & light
Machines lathes &c are being set in their places & the shafting being hung, & men fitting up One of
Worswicks Steam Engines, they are also fitting up a noval heating apperatus with a fan
{Drawing on the right hand side of the page. Drawn in pencil then traced with a pen}
Court Chancery is Sitting
WEDNESDAY 6
This being our Monthly Fair day, has turned out to be at least a very unfavourable morning raining heavy
and cold. The fare was poorly attended from the day being wet, between 3 & 4 Oclock it poured down
very heavy, There was also some Thunder {some numbers written at bottom}
October THURSDAY 7 1875
This was a raw cool morning but dry, but yet it continued cold though the sun shone through for the most
of the forenoon
About 4 Oclock it began to rain, and continued for half an hour
FRIDAY 8
This is also a cool morning but dry, We had to disconect the water pump but found nothing in it, and all
went on well after starting
Williams wife infant and little George started for Montreal this afternoon at 5 Oclock William Fisher
accompanied them
SATURDAY 9
Hard frost last night the side walks & grass all white, This has the appearance of going to be a very fine
day, Recᵈ a note that Mr Alexander wants me particularly to go out immeaditly after dinner Mrs Allan
& I went out before one Oclock, and found that Mrs Alexander had died at 1/2 past 11 not long after the
note to me was written, her age is 65 years
October MONDAY 11 1875
This is a cool morning, with some frost on the planks of the side walks, we have plenty of water in the
Dam, and the water Mill going with 3 pair of Stones, James Allan has been at the Bayfield all last week
to arrange about the sale of his land, Hugh Black of Fergus was found hanging this morning quite dead
in one of the Brick houses of the G. Western Station the verdict of the jury was,
TUESDAY 12
This is a dry cold morning, cold Westerly wind blowing, Had to stop for a couple of hours to examine
into the coil of the Still as it was making much less distilled water than formerly, and on testing it with cold
water found out 2 holes in the new coil, sent Harley & Heather 50 lbs more copper a 18¢ Peter
Idington & wife here to day
Mr James Blain & Mrs Blain of Galt appear to have sailed to day from Quebec in the steamer Sarmatian,
Capᵗⁿ Aird, master
WEDNESDAY 13
Hard frost last night, morter laying out was very hard, but this is going to be a fine clear day, I went out
this morning to the Cemetry to if Mrs Alexanders Grave was ready and found all right
George Sandilands died this morning at his Brothers house aged 38 years
October THURSDAY 14 1875
This is a charming morning for this time of the year and will be very favourable for the visit of the Leuᵗ
Govornor of Ontario to day by the 10 Oclock train
The Governor arrived at the time appointed and after receiving an address from the Council, went up to
the Model farm,
Mrs Mather & her neice from Toronto paid me a visit to day, and I did not attend the reception
FRIDAY 15
This is quite a rainey morning, and very unfit for outdoor work, yet as we are laying down pipes to, and
from the Rectifying house, we must push on and get them laid and the trenches filled up
SATURDAY 16
This is a cold raw morning, but no rain, so that we will be able to finish the covering up of the pipes
Had to drill a hole through the Brass piston rod of the Spirit Pump this morning as the screw into the
crosshead was too slack and came out,
I attended the funeral of Thos Sandilands but not as far as the Cemetery it was so chilly & raw and
flakes of snow falling, There was a large attendance
October MONDAY 18 1875
This is somewhat of a Wintry looking morning, but rather less so than yesterday, Sabbath morning 17th,
at a 1/4 to 9 small flakes of snow began to fall about a yard apart, then shortly after closer & closer and
in 10 minutes after it began, it came on quite heavy, and did not melt at first, at 10,30 Temp 34° and
snowing heavy about 1 Oclock it had stopped and became soft,
This forenoon a good deal melted away
TUESDAY 19
This is rather a promising morning, and very little of the snow remaining,
Working at cattle sheds repairs of floors, windows &c and Johnston Gibson at spouts for new Mash tuns
Went up after dinner with Mr Hamilton Tome stone cutter to arrange about cutting letters on the
Monument
WEDNESDAY 20
This is a fine morning, but the Mill Dam had a thin coating of ice over it, which very soon melted away, the
day being mild
Hamiltons man began to letter the Tome stone about 11 Oclock, and at 3 Oclock, I changed the
inscriptsion and ordered sunk pannels on 3 sides
William went to Brantford & Paris this morning,
October THURSDAY 21 1875
This is quite a mild morning, and not unlike rain,
William returned from Brantford at noon,
And N. Higginbotham and I intend leaving for Montreal by the 5 Oclock train
FRIDAY 22 to FRIDAY 29 - {No Entries}
SATURDAY 30
This is a moderate morning & not hard frost but it is time to take in cabbage &c which we are doing
November MONDAY 1 1875
Yesterday was a blustering morning with showers of snow and sleet and the afternoon also, likewise the
evening
This morning though cold yet dry, and as the day advanced it became milder and the most of the snow
melted away, We began this morning to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying house, and had down the
boiler maker from Ingles foundry who lightened the ends of the tubes and also a leak in front of the fire
box where a crack was discovered, & he got done by dark, We also took down the shafting &
straightened the line of it and put a Key into the coupling instead of the steel pin through it,
got up the Hall stove in Priory to day, William went down to Hamilton this morning,
TUESDAY 2
This is of any thing a colder morning & harder frost
WEDNESDAY 3
There has been a hard frost through the night and the Dam is all frozen over, We have begun this
morning to fit up the New water pump for the Rectifying Pump
This is the Monthly Fair Day
November THURSDAY 4 1875
This is a frosty morning the Dam still frozen over But the day turned out very fine, went out to the
Cemetery in the forenoon, and then started with Mrs A down to Aberfoyle and found the roads very hard
FRIDAY 5
This has been a moderate morning, but the frost has an effect in reducing the water in the Dam
SATURDAY 6
This was a fine mild morning The forenoon has been milder than yesterday
The mildness of the afternoon enduced me to get some Morter made and pointed up a great many chinks
in the logs at the East end of the Priory, We are still working at the new water Pump - All three new
fermenting tuns are charged for the first time
November MONDAY 8 1875
Yesterday was a most splended day, mild and Autumn like,
This is a fine morning though dull yet very mild, still the ice is on the Dam yet
I went up with the men with a load of turf for the graves & got most all of them covered a fresh & will finish
them tomorrow
We are still working at the new pump,
TUESDAY 9
This is a dull morning, but dry, yet looks very much like rain or snow, the temperature is about 30° to 31°
I went up again this forenoon and finished all the Graves with fresh turf, and likewise covered the grave of
the late Mrs George Worsley, and did not leave untill I had completed the whole by 1, Oclock
Started the Steam Engine this afternoon as the water is getting light
WEDNESDAY 10
It has been raining all last night and this there is a coat of snow on the ground and still falling both rain
and sleet which seems now to melt as fast as it falls
Had to repair the Water wheel of the Mill to day
November THURSDAY 11 1875
A little frost this morning, but as the day advanced it became quite mild and soft, and turned out a very
fine day
A Mr Robertson from Glasgow was here to day, he is a flour and Butter Merchant
Have been making some iron Barrels for holding hot ashes when taken out of the Stoves
Went out to the Great Western station to meet Alfred Stroud
FRIDAY 12
This was another very fine morning, and as the day advanced it became an exceedingly pleasant day
In the afternoon Mrs A & I went out to see Mr Alexander, and found him but moderately well
Between Steam and water we are running 5 pair of stones at present,
SATURDAY 13
This was quite a different Kind of morning cold, and snowing but it melted as fast as it fell, but during the
middle of the day it was not so bad, a great many Buggies and waggons in town to day, & there was a
well filled market, We have 5 pair of stones on to day also,
November MONDAY 15 1875
Yesterday was quite stormy and a good deal of snow fell, which made walking to Church rather
unpleasant, It is somewhat milder to day but slight showers of fine snow is still falling, Which continued
during the day off & on
Attended our annual Church Meetting for the election of Office bearers & examination of a/cs
Peter Idington was here and both called at Guthries Office & got a statement of a/c also a cheque for
$151,,15 which Mr Idington took charge of
TUESDAY 16
This is a stormy morning, snow falling pretty heavy but as the ground is very wet, there is less prospect of
laying so as to make sleighing,
It is stated to day that Mr J Williamson of the Golden Lion has bought the shop he is in at present for
$13,500 from F Chadwick & also the Shop next to it from Sandilands for $11,000, so that property is not
falling in value.
William Fisher came home from Montreal through the night,
WEDNESDAY 17
There was hard frost last night, the glass stood at 20° at 7 am, more snow has also fallen so that the
ground is all covered with snow but by no means enough for sleighing
Have begun this morning to break out stuff for 2 more fermenting tuns of same size as those made last,
Wᵐ Fisher is helping with the Tuns
I attended the funeral of the late James Wallace who died at Orangeville & brought to our Cemetery, he
was 77 years old,
November THURSDAY 18 1875
This is a cold blustry morning, with occasional showers of snow, there was frost last night which froze
the ruts in the roads and made them very rough
Wᵐ went down to Toronto by the 11 am train to meet Guest
We sent all the planks for the tuns up to Stewarts plaining Mill and got them all done in about 5 hours,
plained on both sides,
David, Andrew and Annie have the measles
FRIDAY 19
This is a mild morning and the streets are wet As the day advances the snow is melting away
Wᵐ returned from Toronto at 10 Oclock
SATURDAY 20
This is a moderate morning the glass at 32° as the day advanced, it became quite mild and the roads
slushey
November MONDAY 22 1875
It froze pretty sharp last night, at 7 this morning the glass stood at 20° below freezing, but became
milder as the day advanced
I went up to Raymonds new shop to examine their boiler feed pump but found it far too small for my
purpose, I found them taking out their heater out of the ground, which described on the 5th October,
And he is now putting in another of the same construction, but 44 inches diam instead of 36 inches, and
200 two inch tubes 15 feet long, in place of {illegible word, crossed out} 30 three inch tubes 12 feet long,
the new shell is made of 3/16th
pates
M.P. Ryan Esqr M.P. of Montreal has failed
TUESDAY 23
This is a milder morning but dull and dark, and turning to thaw, and after breakfast the mist fell like fine
rain, have been at the Foundry looking for a larger feed pump for the distillery Boiler, but on further
consideration it was thought that to increase the speed of the present one would do, & have resolved to
try that
Called in at the gass works and found that they got their Boiler built in all the pipes round the walls for
heating and that they will start the fire for the first time this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 24
This is a dull cold morning, threatning Snow But as the advances it is getting much colder and the is
blowing pretty fresh from the N West
We are getting on well with dressing the edges of the Staves for the tuns
November THURSDAY 25 1875
This was a very sharp morning 18° below freezing the ice on the Dam strong enough for plenty of skaiters
taking advantage of the dry day I may say fine winter day though cold
I had to place a Constable in charge of the Bridget farm houses, as Wᵐ Hewar who was granted leave to
live in the house while he was in the employ of the tenant Alfred Stroud but after his services were
discontinued he persisted is staying there after the Lease had expired on Sabbath the 21st and began to
remove floors & doors from the outhouses which I stopped
Have got all the Staves dressed on the edges now & the 2 bottoms ready,
Johnston Gibson took away his tool chest this afternoon
FRIDAY 26
This is a wet morning and quite a change from yesterday, and during the forenoon it rained for some time,
and the afternoon it also rained and continued dark all the time
The roads are getting sloppy again
Mr Weir from Thorold called, he is from Straven in Scotland
SATURDAY 27
This a somewhat better morning
As the day advanced it became better but clear and cold for some time in the afternoon
Mrs A & I went out to see Mr Alexander and found him very poorly
November MONDAY 29 1875
This is a very cold morning, the wind strong from the North & N. West & blew hard all night
As the day advances it is getting colder, the wind is desperately cold
Went out to the York Road farm and allowed Hewar to take away the things he left, and I got the Key of
the House,
TUESDAY 30
This is another cold morning at 6 Oclock the glass stood at Zero, and at 7 am it was 3° below
December WEDNESDAY 1
The frost is not so Keen this morning and the snow is making its appearance more freely
December THURSDAY 2 1875
This was more of a wintry morning, with showers of snow
FRIDAY 3
This morning the glass was 17° above Zero and turned out a very fine day
This was our Fast Da{?}y in our Church
SATURDAY 4
This is a soft foggy morning,and as the day advanced a thaw came on which made the streets sloppy
In the afternoon a drizzling rain came on being short of cut firewood we set to work with a fair supply of
water and cut a very large pile of it have now got the first fermenting tun finished after the men having off
at other work for 3 days or so,
Mr Alexander is not so well this morning,
December MONDAY 6 1875
Yesterday was a very unpleasant day for walking light rain fell and froze as it fell making the road
extreamly slippery in going to Church & continued all day,
This morning was of any thing worse having continued raining & freezing during the night and all day,
much the same as yesterday
The men took the staves of the fermenting tun appart after fitting the hoops, And laid down the bottom of
the next, Dobby was absent all day
It began to snow in the evening and about 2 or 3 inches fell,
TUESDAY 7
There is a fine coating of Snow on the hard icy ground but about 9 am a fine rain like wet mist began to
fall, and about 10 it turned to rain, which if it continues destroy the prospects of sleighing,
Towards the middle of the afternoon John & I went out to the York Road farm in the cutter for the first time
this winter, To examine the ground for the best locality for Building 2 hog pens, & also with the view of
taking advantage of the best site for not creating any nucence
WEDNESDAY 8
This morning began with a shower of Snow which made it excellent sleighing,
I went out with Mr Gideon Hood to see if it would suit to build them on the Rocks farm next to the inside
creek, But he considered it by far too great a distance to haul the slop, And will therefor have to Build
them on the nearest farm, I got advice from Guthrie on the Law of nucience
William and Higginbotham went down to Hamilton this evening,
December THURSDAY 9 1875
There was more snow falling this morning and a little during the day
Great hurry is making it in the New Town Hall to get it properly washed out, the Plastering is finished &
all the scaffolding out of the way, the Cheque for Duties to day was no less than $9257,74
William returned by the last train this evening
FRIDAY 10
A little snow falling this morning , and the weather is mild
This is the Fat Cattle Show day and a great many fine large animals were exhibited Oxen, sheep & pigs,
and a splended display of Fouls of all kinds, and the day turned out exceedingly fine, which brought a
great many people into Town, and many from a distance to attend Kennedys Concert for the opening of
the New Hall in the addition of the market House,
SATURDAY 11
It is snowing pretty close this morning and will greatly improve the sleighing
And during the day there was frequent showers of Snow
December MONDAY 13 1875
Yesterday morning we found a fresh coating of snow
This morning we find a heavier coating which will add greatly to the sleighing which is now very good
But as the weather is very mild and the drops falling from the rood it may turn to thaw yet
Both Alice & Eddy have the Measles,
I had two of the Shortreeds here to day Estimating for the construction of the 2 large hog pens I was
about to build on the farm on the York Road, The price of the lumber laid down here from Barry at $11 pr
M delᵈ out on the Ground is the only reasonable portion of cost, More snow has fallen this evening
J.C. Couper was here to day
TUESDAY 14
This is a fine pleasant winter morning, a little snow has fallen during the night, there is a pretty full market
to day It is positively ascertained That important documents have been Registered that was promised
should not be done without some urgent cause or breach of faith,
WEDNESDAY 15
This is a fine winter morning with a light shower of snow, The wind is from the South East, and frequent
showers of snow through the day
December THURSDAY 16 1875
This is a cold morning with a light flurry of snow but throug the day it got milder
Higinbotham & I went up to Stratford by the 6 oclock train, and was met at the Station by John &
his double gray team, the night was cold and stormy and drifting a good deal,
FRIDAY 17
This was a pritty cold morning in Stratford We left by train at 1/2 past 9
Have men out at the farm fixing a pump to clear the lower floor of the Barn of water,
between 5 & 6 the Thermometer stood about Zero
SATURDAY 18
This is a very sharp morning at 7 a little below Zero the middle of the day it was clear and the Sun
shone out for a while, The men went out again to deepen the well for the pump at the farm
December MONDAY 20 1875
Yesterday was a very cold day, at 8 Oclock it was 5° below Zero and about 11 and we went to Church
1/2° below zero And at 10 pm was again 5° below
This morning at 1/2 past 6 am it was 9° above Zero, and became milder as the day advanced, and after
2 pm it became quite soft on the roads and has the appearance of a thaw,
The men were out at the Barn with the pump again & to bring it in to thaw it,
TUESDAY 21
This is a mild morning and the roads quite soft, and the water begining to drop from the eves, as the day
advanced it began to rain lightly and continued so more or less all day
The men were out at the farm fixing the protection for the pump
WEDNESDAY 22
This is another soft morning & quite mild
And as the day advanced the streets became very slushey and the gutters running with water, the snow
is mostly washed of the roads and poor prospects for sleighing at Christmas
Recᵈ interest to day on Mrs McLeans, Mortgage from Thomson & Jackson $20,,88
Mr Alexander very poorly to day
December THURSDAY 23 1875
This is a remarkably fine mild morning the Sun shining out, but the streets and crossings are very muddy,
and little or no snow except along the hard trodden part of the roads and the sides of fences in the
Country, P Idington came up this morning, He drew, Agnus's, Interest, & Thomson & Jackson viz $32
less his $4 advanced & I paid her $28, she paid me $4 on a/c of what I advanced, leaving $[illegible] due
me
The Execution of {blank space} for the murder of his wife took place in the Jaol yard this morning he
died without the least struggle whatever Have been repairing the Steam Mill bridge, Mr Alexander very
ill last night some better this morning, Mrs A and I went out in the afternoon and found him on the soffa
& lavouring hard to get up the phlegm & talked more than he has done to me for 3 week past
FRIDAY 24
This is a very different Kind of morning hard frost and the mudd all frozen dry, yet it is dull & dark &
were it not for the high wind it would snow
About 1 Oclock it began to rain a fine shower of partly rain & partly fine hail and froze as it fell making the
roads very slippery,
Mr Alexander is of any thing a little better this forenoon, The Butchers have opened out to day a
splended display of meat of all Kinds in the new Market, where there is plenty of room to exhibit it to
advantage
About 8 Oclock it rained hard and must have continued for some time,
SATURDAY 25
This is Christmas morning, mild with a little drizzling rain, went round all the works, which were going,
And had only returned to begin Breakfast when James came to inform me that the slop pipes next the
vats had broken down, I went forthwith & got John McPherson, John & W Fisher was sent for and all
was got ready in a short time, the roads were wet & sloppy, We dined at Higinbothams, and towards
evening it dried up & froze hard
A great many young folks were skaiting on the dam till late at night, the ice was fine for it
December MONDAY 27 1875
Sabbath there was a coating of snow of an inch deep had fallen, shortly after a fine shower of rain
began and continued both going and returning from Church, & during the afternoon also, between 4 & 5
a heave shower came on, with thunder & lightning the water overflowing the eve troughs, and thickned so
as to prevent it running, it got dark very soon at 7pm the glass stood at 41° with less rain but dark
But to day it was quite dry and the roads quite hard, but abundance of water running over the dam,
Broke the driver of No
water mill
TUESDAY 28
There was pritty hard frost this morning, the roads quite dry, the mornings are dark, men can hardly
see to work befor 1/2 past 7,
William went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train
Had meeting of Insurance Directors to day leveed assessment for 5° per cent, appointed delegates to
parliament to watch Bill now introduced
Got David Startup now on a visit to repair the worm of Gin still
WEDNESDAY 29
This is another mild morning for this time of the year, the roads are almost good sleighing from the very
mist settling on the ground and frezing, but the waggons are more in use for any distance or with a load,
David Startup, has been all day at the Gin still,
And as the Beer Pump is getting very frail and bursting out in the sides every little while, & having heard
that one Party in Toronto has made some lately I will go down & see what like they are tomorrow before
ordering from Cincinatti
December THURSDAY 30 1875
This is also a mild morning like an April one and intend leaving by the early train for Toronto. And
William had to leave for Paris & Brantford
In Toronto I found business very dull & not as usual at the last of the year, I went to several of the
Engineers shops to see if any of them had made or could make within a short time a forse pump for the
Distillery & failed to get any thing to suit
The streets were in a great mess with mudd
FRIDAY 31
This is a very fine morning the glass about 40°, and in the forenoon about 42½° and really charming
weather, We are very busey taking stock of the Mill & Distillery,
William returned from Brantford by the noon train & finds that Brown must go to the wall,
{an ad for H. D. Edwards & Co. in Detroit, MI, Wholesale Dealers in Mill, Railroad, Engineers and
Chandlers' Supplies}
{Looks to be the first page of the ad for H. D. Edwards & Co with the title "The Secret of Prosperity!". }
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover”
on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca