May 1, 1849
A daily journal kept
by one Eliphalet.A. Nichols
from this day forward
May 1stf 1849
May 1st. I am here at present at Mattice's Corners and
expected to have commenced teaching schooll, but in consequence
of the house being painted nothing.of importance is being done by
me today.
May 2. Wednesday remained at the village until ten o'clock,
left for my fathers called at Mr. Johnston's and arrived at father
at two o'clock. took a dry piece of bread for dinner, to
Mr, A. Y. Holladays and took tea and passed the afternoon with
pleasure, spoke of weddings. Sally Stevens - T. Mustart.
p. 2. Nothing worthy of not(e) has taken place these few days
past. The house is not fit yet.to keep school in, it is so damp
with the painting. Mr. Isaac Stevens died in the first week of
May 1849. Weather continues cold. General time of health (?)
Bull times in many respects but more especially in religious affairs
May 7th. p. 3 Monday 1849 commenced school at Mattices
School-house to-day -- had twelve scholars -- passed off the day
in, getting acquainted with the ways and disposition of the scholars
let them have their own way that they might not be frightened at
every move that I might make.
May 8th. 15 scholars today, found them mischievous, taking
liberty to whisper.
May 9th,1Oth,,& 11th. p.4. Wednesday Thurs. Frid. Weather
rather cold for the season. My health is. qiute good, yet dull;
on account of the hardness of times -- find the school heedless
and indiferent and have come to the resolution if spaired to commence on Monday nex(t) that I must begin to set up my auth(or)ithy
and establish order in the school. Had Mr. Lyman Fisk to visit
on Thursday and I visited with him that evening.
Saturday May 12, 1849. p. 5. No school today on account of
quarterly meeting in the. school house in this place.
May 13th attended meeting today; the preacher was Mr. James
Gardner and a very good sermon he preached it being applicable to
the people.
Monday 14th. School with eighteen scholars dismissed school
for oneday on account of my health not very good.
p.6. Wednesday commenced again with my health but a little
better -- weather moderate.
Thursday 17 -- times as usual with me -- school small. Went
to Mr. Wm Rose's for a visit found him planting Indian corn -- took
my supper and found it to be very distressing to my stomach it being
part which is and has been the cause of my indisposition for a week
past. Took the essence of Hemlock but did not find immediate relief
continued to be uneasy till 10 o’clock.
Saturday May 19th p. 7. No school today on account of my
health being poor yet at the close of the day I find that I am on
the gain. The cause of my illness I suppose is for the want of
exercise the complaint being in the thorax. Warm weather Sabbath
20th went to the middle of the town on purpose for an exercise,
attended prayer-meeting at sister Chamberlins went to James Murphy’s
and stayed with Wyatt Chamberlin in his bedroom upstairs and listened
to him read Smith’s lectures on the Deity for sometime.
Monday 21 May. p. 8. Left Mr.. J. Murphy’s at seven a.m. for
my school and arrived there a few minutes before 9 found the weather
somewhat warm and consequently did not build a fire but the weather
changed before noon and we were quite uncomfortable with the cold;
made a fire at noon and eliminated the cold air from the room and
were able to enjoy the comforts of a warm room.
Thursday this week so far has been quite cold, 24th people have
planted Indian corn but think it to be doubtful whether it grows or
not.
Friday & Saturday 25th & 26th.. p. 9. weather is cold but faired
off on friday evening pleasant on Saturday.my health is good.
Sabbath 27th. Left Mr. Wm Rose’s place to attend church meeting at
Hills School-house near the Indian Lake, but found out there
was nor had been none appointed. Found the people engaged in a
Sabbath school; learned that it was the first ever established there.
After school went to Mr. Hill and dined after the repast took a walk
down to the Lake with one Mr. John McGuire a school teacher of the
aforesaid place, attended meeting at 4 o’clock p.m. Sat. to meditate
Monday 28th. p. 10. Weather quite warm and pleasant, had to
read my school regulations and to put some of them in operation;
found it a better way to keep them in their place while.in school.
Tuesday I was under the necesity correcting lightly. Wednesday, found
it necessary of using the rod of correction. We were without wood
and it being rainy we were somewhat uncomfortable with the cold.
Thursday weather not quite so cold reary (really) nothing of
importance except a turkey came into the sch-house and he was glad
to find the door,
Eriday June 1st, p, 11. weather quite warm so much that people
have ventured out to wash sheep today for the first of the kind that
I have seen this spring. My health now good but find it necessary t
take exercise in order to retain my comfortable state; about twenty
scholars now adays; find them still mischievous and stubborn, had
to use the rod again.
Saturday 2nd June, weather warm, summer commences, E. Mattice
planted Indian corn to-day, and some others. Saw Reuben Stevens pass
the school and he is to hold meeting at Portland tomorrow at 11. I
find a confinement to (be) housed up In school during the summer.
Freed from school again for the walk.
Sabbath June 3rd. p. 12. went to Portland to meeting held by
one Reuben Stevens. His subject was ”if the righteous scarcely are
saved where will the ungodly and the sinner appear” had a good meetin
he apeared to be alive in the work and his was more on the exertation
and invitation order than on sermonising.
Monday 4th. Scholar(s) rather obstinate and disobeying rules
and regulations and in consequence had to use the rod.
Tuesday 5th. p. 13. weather colds had to build a fire; nothing
of importance took place. Health good, yet finding it necessary to
take exercise to preserve it.
Thursday 7th went to Portland and deposited a letter in the
P.O. but found none for me. remained at S. S. Scovel’s in company
with one Elias Chamberlin till twilight then went to Nathan
Byington's found them in bed; made some noise at the window and was
answered from within and was entertained for the night; got up in
the morning before the people and left them in bed.
June 8. p. 14. Nothing worthy of not(e) other than a picking-bee
where I put up the night or two before did not get any invitation
saw no appearance of a preparation for one, and I understand there
was none at the party but elderly women; the name I spoke to some
guilty of taking things that it could not be allowed; did not flog
them. Saturday school small; rather dull times. Hea-strong scholars.
Sabbath 10th went to Beverly or rather started to go to field
meeting beyond Beverly saw a person open the door of a house in bever
Knew him went into the house and were two rom Elisabeth with whom I
was acquainted spoke of meetin asked them to go but they declined
but gave me to understand that they would be there when I returned
from meeting, called when I came back and to my surprise they were
all gone, For the meeting 1 thought it was a good one, a great
number of people were there meditated on providence and on our
favourable situation on my return through Day - town and to the
middle of Bastard.
June 11th. Traveled six or seven miles before school got to the
school about a quarter nine.
Tuesday 12th.wrote a letter to one C F of E. had one large
scholar today Wm. Young who is just commencing Geograph and Grammer.
Wednesday 13th. not very warm went to Portland took a letter
before breakfast got to the town before the Post boy was out of his
bed had hard work to get him up had to go to Mr. Oak to get a Yorker (
changed.
Thursday June 14th. We had a building raised across the street
opposite my school. I found it to be very difficult to make the
pupils attend to their lessons while the building was going up let
out school early on the account. I took supper at the raising. Mr
Mattice saw the baneful effects of licquor thought (though) there
was no fighting as I saw yet the old man with his deeds was. to be
seen.
Friday had a fine shower this P.M. accompanied with thunder and
lightning weather warm. I have now closed school for another with
attending the same.
Sabbath went to School at Hills school in the A.M. and to meet
in our school-house in the P.M. Nothing worth of not(e) till
Thursday 20 June ’49 heard of Mr. Waugh Supt. C. L. (?) of school.
June 21st. Came to the sc(hool) this morning a little after
seven o'clock went to my brother’s to shave. Came back to the school
and had only got the house swept when Mr. Waugh came, it being but
the scholars had not come and he having business with Mr. John Farrel
went to see. him and stayed but a short time then came directly bad
got here at half past eight, he soon began to question the scholars
Geography which were answered pretty correctly, he then heard the first
class read and gave them much praise. He then heard the 3rd and 4th
classes he Mr. Waugh appears to be a very canded and sociable person
He stayed with me a short time and then gave me and the school a
hearty good-by.
Saturday June. 23rd have almost forgot whether I am in the world
or not have lost one week or rather thought it to be June 30th
instead June 23rd. I am one week better off than I thought and which
is a thing which 1 think never happened with me before. Oh may the
mistnken week be well spent if permitted to enjoy the same. The
last week has been spent as usual.
July 1st sabbath went to meeting called a field meeting and a
very good meeting it was,
July (Wed.) 4th. 1849 weather warm and dry with the appearance
of a drought. School as usual with about twenty-two and those are
very uneasy disposed to whisper and play w(h)ich I do not wonder at
very much as they are mostly small.
July 7th. Went to Portland after school it being Saturday.
was at liberty to leave our neighbor (hood) which I did and stayed
away till Sabbath evening. I received a letter from Nimion L.
Holmes and in it, I found advice which if practiced might be of
special use to me,
July 14th 1849. Saturday attended what is called a pick-nick
at the long falls. We stayed some.time walking about the locks;
at two o’clock took a nick and while at our repast heard the approach
of a boat annonced a sight of which we were glad to see. We went
down to the locks and got aboard of the boat Kingston after it pass
through the first lock and sailed through all the locks but one it
a little bay called a basin and there we ran aground, but did not
have much trouble in getting her off.
Friday July 20th nothing of importance has passed our notice
than the weather is exceedingly sultry and the ground parched with
long drought The fire is raging and accomplishing its consuming
ravage over this part of Canada. The anxiety of the people is great
in regard to this element.
Friday August 1849. Since the last or the above we have
rain yet not enough to restore vegetation to its proper state.
Weather continues very warm.
Aug 3rd 1849* Today closed our 3 months in this place. We
had but few pupils and they were all small and but three visitors
Mr. John Farnum, Mr. Miles Young and Mr. H. S. Davidson. After we
had got through with our examination we gave liberty to anyone to
speak if they saw fit in regard to the school. Mr. J. Farnam arose
and said the children appeared to have improved well but to our
discredit he says the are mischievous.
Aug. 13. Commence school again after one weeks vacation. I
left my school neighbourhood on Saturday the 4th: got a ride with
Mr, J. Boyce as far as Lyman Judson’s went the remainder of the
way on foot and arrived at Mr. N. N. Howard’s just at dusk -- remained there till monday evening at which time I went to my old
home where I first taught school remained there abouts till Wednesday
morning I then set out for Young’s and after inquiring the (way?) at
two or three,
13 the Aug, had a weeks visit and in the mean time took the
inflamation in one of my eyes -- did not see anything very uncommon
in my travels.
Aug, 17 friday 1849. Nothing of importance has taken place yet
I am not quite so well as usual. I have at the present time an eye
some what sore and it is still getting sorer I likwise sprained my
foot yesterday and am to-day quite lame.
Saturday, Aug 18. Weather is quite warm to-day. Nothing of
importance has come under my notice today worthy of note other than
my. eyes are still sore.
Oct.6th. I am now about to begin my daily records after being
sometime almost incapable of penning down the occurances as they took
place in consequence of having affected eyes.
Oct 6th, After having been out of school 5 week and not only
out of school but out of all kinds of employment I have again
commenced my school and have been in it one weeks yet far from being
free from my aforesaid affliction (wore eyes),
Oct, 17th. I am in good health save the soreness of my eyes.
Weather is quite like autumn showery weather,
Nov 10th 1849 I now take my pen in hand to place some of the
occurances which have taken place since the last date. My home is
in any place where I may chance to be at bed time or at mealtime.
As for my health it is good but I am destitute of a place to labor
which gives me some uneasineys of mind. Weather has been fine so
far this fall, but now we are having some storm. There has been
only two or three frosty nights this fall. So much trouble and
varien that there cannot be any good done,
Nov. 21, 1849. Weather pleasant for the season. My home is
at present at my fathers and am still destitute of a place to employ
myself in any kind of business other than in looking over some of
my books. Surely idleness bringeth uneasiness of mind.
Nov. 29th. A change of weather for a few days past. The ground
is froze quite hard and the day before yesterday we had a few flakes
of snow, yet light was the fall, that it not take to melt it only a
few minutes.
Dec. 1st 1849. The weather appears to be set in for winter the
ground is frozen very hard. The second day is like the first.
Dec. 3rd. We attended a funeral. The diseased was Mrs. Graham
wife of Thomas Graham. The people assembled at Mattices school-house
and large concourse of people. Death brings immediately to our consideration, though it is not among our relatives the certanty of a
departure from this life. The funeral service attended by Mr. Watkins
but did not preach he merely read service and gave an address though
he said he would preach on the next Sabbath.
Dec. 27 on the 14th we had some snow but not enough to cover
the ground. It continued changable snowing, raining, and freezing
till the 22nd. Saturday it began to snow moderately and snowed some
Saturday evening attended with cold piercing winds and on Sabbath
morning the ground was pretty well covered with snow it being by thi
time some two or three inches in depth. Christmas was a very cold d
singing school in the evening people complained of cold.
Dec. 27th last night we had a little more snow cold winds still
Monday Jan. 7th 1850.
We have now entered upon the last year of the first half centur;
one thousand eight hundred and fifty. We are blessed with health and
all the common comforts of life, including a measure of the Spirit
of our God. Oh may not this year be trifled away. We feel a need of
a greator work of grace in our heart. We begin to feel to be bold in
the cause of our Lord and Master, knowing of Him we shall receive a
greater reward. Oh that we might see the proput (profit) of being
more reserved in all our ways watch and pray that we enter not into
temptation; the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.
"Know ye not if you die in your sins where God & Christ we never can,
come yet some say all will eventually come to God’s Kingdom, and
gain some will say God will have mercy upon the children of men
wenever (whenever) they will ask and/repent, so I do believe. What
say the objectioner; he says this is a dangerous doctrine to hold
forth, for says he a person may commet all sorts of sins while passing
through this life and when he comes to die if he will only say I am
sorry he is carried right into Haven. But it must be they cannot
be that they take a right view of the subject and do not see that
there is not any incouragment held forth by the Methodist and others
for procrastination, but rather exposing their souls to ever-lasting
destruction sicine (since?) we are ever liable to be suddenly cut
off without an moments time to call for mercy. Secondly the Spirit
of God is sent into the world to reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of a judgement to come thereby teaching him his duty both to
God and men and. if they presume to make this their boast and willfull
and knowing reject all counsel and in correction to grieve to (the)
Spirit time after time and say in their hearts we will do that we
know to be our duty, it is awfully feared they vzill get sadly mistake
even admitting they should be blessed with their reason and knew thei
condition at their death; it is (feared, few?) instead of asking and
seeking salvation will have their moughs closed seeing all their days
have been spent in sin and folly and have rejected mercy when it migh
have been found,
I see no incouragement to sin but a lamentable danger,
Jan 8, 1850 -- Again another day has appeared and privileged to
remain while many of our fellow creatures have been called away to
eternity among others some of our acquaintance, one by name of Ayre,
the wife of Thomas Ayre, who was the third wife of the said Mr. Ayre
and she is to be consigned to the silent tomb on Thursday, Another
person from the United States came to Canada and took up his above
or at least stoped in the village of Farmersville and being a different
person from the one last mentioned, who no doubt was a follower of
the Lord, he in his audacity daired to fight against God. He was
much taken up with the inticing and sinful habit of dancing which
appears to draw many away. Well this man by the description given
was not satisfied to assemble in the ball chamber and spread his
baneful influence in this way throught the community, but in his
madness he presented himself in front of the chapel in the aforementioned village called Farmersville and there began dancing with
all composure dioribable and what appears more daring is that he
did it at the time of public worship. Confirming his steadfastness
to his purpose by an oath using the name of the ruler of the Ruler
of the Universe he would persist in his practice. We say nothing
more than that he is now in the Grave or in cold and icy arms of
death. Oh Lord God forbid that we should act in that way.
January 14. 1850.
Commenced teaching school in Portland had 15 pupil the first
day, found them quite agreeable thoug I had been told that it was a
rough place nothing indicating any trouble but all apparently pleasStaid at Mr. W. H. Sherwood attended meeting in the evening held
by Mr. Lewis. Weather extremely cold -- heard of two deaths, one
Mrs. Barns an elderly lady and the other a young man by the name of
John Yates.
Tues. Jan 15. 1850 had 23 pupils today found that I had some
different ones to deal with. in the first part of the day they were
rather cautious how they acted, but in the after part of the day
found that more liberty was taken and so much that I considered that
they thought to rule the school. Consequently I was under the
necessity usurping my authority.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
Jan. 1850.
These four days have been more agreeable than was anticipated
by me I have not had to punish a single pupil taking the roughness
into account of the children of the place, Portland.
I am very well pleased with the anxiety manifested by the pupil
to learn. Oh may the next week be more pleasant than this.
Jan. 15. Friday 1850.
This week is my second week in the place and I am better off
than I thought to be when I came here. Only one has been brought
to know and feel the virtues which lies in the.blue birch and I
hope it may be the last one. The school is backward yet by care
and attention we may advance very far before the close of the
quarter. No school tomorrow.
Saturday Feb 2nd 50
We are blessed with good health and an imperfect desire to do
what is required of us.
Today is what is called candlemas day, and it is one that
indicates a fine season for the remainder of the winter it being a
cloudy day obscuring thus the glorious luminary of day from our
vision.
We are pleased with interest which is taken by our pupils in
the various sciences in which they are engaged. Snow is not yet
more than six inches deep but still we have very good sleighing.
A great number of deaths have taken place since the commencement
of the last month yet we are spared and no doubt for some useful
purpose. Oh may we act so as to be free from condemnation and thus
pass our days in such a manner that it may be a peaceful life and
a happy death and finally receive a crown of glory incorruptible,
Feb 15th -- We have had a very mild winter up to the present
time, but now very cold and blustering, the snow having fell to a
considerable depth last night, to a considerable depth I say for
this winter -- it is so deep that sleighs are troubled to get along.
Five o’clock -- the wind still continues to blow very briskly.
Roads are quite bad and it is very likely they will continue so for
awhile.
Tuesday 19th We have to record some of our behavior yesterday.
Somewhat warm and caused the snow to become soft and yielding and
with very little trouble it could be made into very hard and compact
bodies and in fact it was done but not much injury was done as far a,
I could learn yet some came very near being killed by means of snow
balling, one John Morris was riding along the street and the boys
threw snow at him, and he to retaliate rode in among them with his
horse and in the meantime one of the boys fell and the (horse) proceeded (to) jump putting one foot close to the said boy, so near that
the horse stepped on the boys coat.What a narrow escape we encounterd
in this life and still all things kept by the power of him who ever
liveth and careth for us.
Feb. 28th thursday We had Mr. Henry Lilly to visit us and some
information was derived from him. He was quite unwell.
Friday March 1st. 1850 -- Pleasant this morning, appearance of
Spring.
Sabbath - March 3rd. Went to meeting held by Philander Smith,
a member of E. Methodists. He spoke of the true Church of God saying
that there is no true Church for all have gone astray, but if there
be any perfect or true church it must be those who are infallible,
Walking at all times, blameless and such he designated the true
Church of whatever they belong to.
Wednesday 6 th --Had no school. Went to a wedding and we had
a pleasant a day as could have been expected on such an occasion.
Thursday, Fri & Saturday -- We had school, the school appears to
be on the decrease on account of the opening of the spring requiring
the help of the larger ones at home to use the snow to get the
winters labor completed and likewise to prepare to make sugar as
soon as the (sap) commences to run from the tree and to be ready
for the approaching summer.
• Thursday March 14th 1850. We had quite a wet time last night
and today warm and foggy presenting the appearance of spring. Yesterday morning, from one of our old friends in Elisabethtown
bringing intelligence of another leaving that state of single blessedness, Miss L. Howard is married. Times very agreeable, but not so
much life, and interest in the cause of religion as we ought to see
when we find that everyday has its joys and sorrows,
March 19th 1850. This evening was out last spelling school for
this winter; it was close(d) on account of the shortness of the night
The works of the evil one is still abroad in the land. Tomorrow there
is a trial to be held between Thos. Myers and another respecting a
yoke of cattle, and on that account we are to have no school. We
must give way to evil disposed persons to seek their vengeance.
Friaay March 22 '50. I am now led to look at the injustices in
our special courts by lately having seen the poor robbed of his due
and given to the rich; it gave me extra exertion that 1 might try
ever to avoid getting into the law.
Saturday March 30th. We now have some appearance of Spring. Id
is very pleasant this morning. The sun shines and all nature seems
to wear a promising prospect. Our school was larger yesterday there
being thirty-five scholars.
April 3rd. Weather is quite warm for the season. The snow is
almost all gone. Fall nights and summer days. All nature seems to
wear a lively aspect. All nature did live again; winter with all
its blast has gone and spring has appeared and brought the season
of vegetation to our view, the season which might be conserd
(considered) as the morning of life or the younger period of our
life when we begin to shoot up like the grass of the field.
Apr. 5th Friday quarter past 5 o’clock, school has closed for
another week. The school is not as agreeable as could be wished and
we hope it may be more pleasant for the remainder of the time that I
have to stay. The weather is not as warm as it has been, last night
it froze quite hard and it looks very like a hard frost tonight.
Tuesday eve April 15th '50 Nothing of very great note yet we
are again brought to see what I should call folly and not only so,
but deep wickedness in the children of men.
April 17th We have had very cold weather for some days for the
season. The ice is still good here at Portland so much so that I
saw two men traveling Ridean Lake yesterday on foot -- one month more
in Portland to give the youth such instruction that will prepare then
for discharging such duties which may be incumbent upon them. Oh may
we conduct ourselves the remainder of the time that will be beneficial
to us all.
April 22nd. The weather appears to be changed, the ice here at
Portland is now removed far way since yesterday; the weather is somewhat warmer, last night we had quite a heavy shower of rain and the
wind today is quite high, so much so that it and the rain has driven
the ice back as far as Cow and Jerry islands.
April has been a very disagreeable month being high winds and
cold blustering weather, and today which is the first day of May is
cold.
May Tuesday 25th 1850. We now come to speak about the weather.
The first token of summer was last night after a light sprinkling
of rain the sky presented the appearance of warm and so far it has
been a very true omen for this morning is very pleasant the sun shines
and the birds are filling the air with their melody and all things
seem to be changed from dreariness to the pleasantness (of) a returning seedtime, a thing which was sometimes dispaired of by many
distrustful persons,
June 21st. weather is quite warm but not so warm today as it
has been, yet this evening it begins to have the appearance of a
drought. I am now after a weeks vacation again in school in Portland
having between 20 to 25 scholars but mostly small, learning the letters
while others are reading spelling writing while a few are working in
figures and studying Grammar, The school on account of its being a
juvinle (sic) is not so pleasant as it might be.
Wednesday July 3rd 1850. This morning we arise with pleasure
and animation seeing that all nature appears to be animated by the
refreshing rain which (fell) yesterday and last night, A few days a
the air was dry and husky, and all the things seemed to droop but no
the air is salubrious and cheering to the mind of man; while he was
about to dispair of a plentiful crop, he is now ready to say truly
the great Dispenser of events knoweth what is best,
July 6 th Saturday evening 4 o'clock. Weather quite cool for th
season. It appears to be a general time of health yet man is not
secluded from dangers and that of a frightful shape. Yesterday one
Mr. Thos. Myres was most unluckily gored by an unganed (unchained)
bull of his which would or bruises will it is feared be fatal. This
shows to us that in the midst of health and we are ever exposed to
the various which afflict the human family.
July 15th 1850 Monday. I have now left Port. and am at my
father’s and expect to remain about four weeks that I may rest from
the labours and concerns of the school in Portland, the above mentioned place while I am employed in the securing of hay and grain.
Very various are the occupations of man and while he is busily employed in any one pursuit he is somewhat uneasy but a change begets
cheerfulness.
August 14th. I am now again in the village of Portland and
have been here three days after having been in the harvest for four
weeks as stated on the opposite page. My health did not mend very
materially as was anticipated but is much the same as it was when I
left the school 4 weeks ago. A man cannot get away from himself
though he should go to the uttermost parts of the earth still he has
many thing(s) to perplex and to call forth his attention in whatever
way he may please to go. Our school is thin 12 scholars.
Sept. 18th 1850. 1 am now called to look for a new home. My
school closed yesterday by mutual consent and am again on the road
in search of new employment about a mile from the village of Portland
sitting on the remains of an old stump having perhaps been cut at
least ten annual revolutions of the earth around the sun. At a loss
to determine which way to travel or what course to take. I must go
with the wind. (Arise let us go hence)
Sept. 20th 1850. Our anxiety about worldly affairs seem to be
most prominent and first to be attended to; more concern as it respects
our bodies what we shall eat and drink, whereby we may secure the
blessings and comforts attending this life, than to the happineys of
the life to come: yea, so great is the contrast that a man may wonder
and be startle at his own inconsistency while we use our judment and
reason in the former but almost entirely neglects death or the latter
Wednesday Sept. 25th 50. Having been out of employ for one week
with rather an uneasy mind am now at my brother's waiting with great
anxiety for something to present itself which might be somewhat advangious to engage in. May we so spend the prime of our days so as
to pass the latter period with comfort and increased happiness. A
man is never content in this life, how prospherous soever. Then let
us look for future felicity.
Friday Sept. 27th 50. After having traveled this morning 16 mi.
I am now at my brotherinlaws Mr. I. C. Courtney at half past 11 o-clock
taking full possession of the house, seeing said I. S. has gone to
inform my sister of my arrival,who is now at the door for the rem.
of the day. We converse about the general health of the people at
different places and also about other matter. I did not intend to
have staid till, only a short rime after noon but was detained by the
rain which began to fall while we were taking our repast and continues
till evening.
Saturday morn 28th. 8 o'clock Left Bedford in the Midland Dist.,
found the roads slippery walked slow, had no company, meditated by
the way, saw everything dark, and reflected upon the true saying,
"at 50 man suspects himself a fool kn it - at and reforms his
plan, though not yet at that stage, I can reflect and. look forward.
I am now on a stone about a mile and a half from Westport. looking at
the moving clouds and thinking about my friend, in Bastard.
Monday noon. started again in search of employment but found none
stayed at Esq. Shaws over night spoke of school reaching, had some
encouragement; arose in the morning of Tuesday and went with Esq.
Shaw to one of the Trustees uMr. T. Chamberlin and engaged with him
to teach school at Stedmans school house.
Wednesday 2nd Oct, procured a team and took my things to the
said school section. traveled through the rain there and also, back
to the middle of Bastard, getting some wet before I got to a shelter
North Crosby, Stedman’s School-h.
Monday 7th Oct. 1850. Four o’clock, am now freed from the
school, after being bound or confined since 9 in the morning. The
school is small to-day having only 12 scholars, but 1 expect it to
be larger in two or three weeks, when the people shall have secured
their potatoes and corn; yet it look to me at present to be a lonely
spot being in the midst of strangers, still I hope for something
animating in a few days. Oh may it be my lot to enjoy myself well
here.
Tuesday 8th Oct. Another day is gone without anything very
uncommon taking place. I dined at Mr. Mcdonald’s about fifty rods
from the schoo(1)-room. We now as it has been neglected till the
present give a description of the school house; the walls are of
logs hewn only on the inside and even they are not all hewn; overhead it is sealed with inch boards batten with narrow strips less
than one half inch thick; the desks are of different forms, one was
once used as a carpenters working bench, raised in the middle and
pitching both ways, and which reaches a little more than half across
one sidide of the room; the other side of the room is supplied with
hinged disks, in two parts. As for the seats there are only two,
and one of them has out one foot, and it with the others is a flat
foot which causes it to be more easily upset than if it had a heel
and a toe; for the third seat, one end is supported by three large
scones, while the other end and the centre are kept up by short
blocks of timber, having four boards loosly thrown on to these butment. The stone is cracked on three sides, being wholly deficient
of one leg, having one quarter very nice supported by a large stone
as was the seat, Our broom is of the most convenient kind, for we
can procure one by only going about five rods which I did yesterday
morning and which I also used this morning.
But to complete the description while many other things might be
noticed, (such as a rough floor, a bad door, and much more) is my
writing desk which is one of the curiosities of art. In the frame-wor
there are 3 Xs placed in such a form that the third X connects the oth
two XxX with two pieces of boards fitted on the top forming a horizontal table, and which is seen at a batchelors hall as the first
piece of furniture; for a better name at present, I shall call it a
bachelors table, which is perhaps the most suitable while it is used
by one who might bear that title. It is furnished with a dinning chair
with a flaring back, having gold colored rings round its standard.
Wednesday 9th. School is very thin having only six pupils today,
eight yesterday, and twelve the first day yet we have a promise of more
soon. so we hope for the better, though we should die in despair. I
am going from place to place, in order that I may become acquainted
with proprietors of the school. Weather is quite mild, having the
appearance of an Indian summer.
Thursday l0th. Our school is not much on the increase. Nothing
very interesting but I can say that I am among strangers, though the
people are appearantly very kind, so much so that I cannot feel at
home.
Friday 11th Oct. '50. School with only five pupils, giving an
unfavourabl prospects. In the evening attend a show and I think it
it may be some time before I shall frequent another such place merely
for amusement. The Professor it is said, performed some of the
wonders of the ancients appearing as a Hindoo Magi, presenting, or
doing things which was thought to be, beyond the power of man to
accomplish; such as eating fire, passing money from one place to
another, and calling things through a tumbler and desk, cutting up
a handkerchief and restoring it again easing a glass tumbler, and
chewing paper and bring it out in the form of a raw-hide or whip
stalk.
Besides the above we had some thing more which is commonly considered as achievements, and also am using: the former was performed
in and through the influence of what they call Laughing Gas, or by
inhaling an extra proportion of oxegon, which was prphased for that
purpose, and the latter done by the artificial darkies; such as
dancing, playing and singing songs, in connection with conundrums,
and feigned, the power of putting into the mesmeric state and also
of bringing out of that state again, and other foolery which is but
loss of both paper, ink and time to mention in this small book, see
ing it is now near dark at the close of the week.
Saturday Oct, 1 2'50. Nine pupils today, Heather Lowring; my
health good, excepting a cold, taken since I came here.
Sabbath, 13th. attended S School in the forenoons at Singlets
Corners had a tolerable good school. Went from that to Mr. R. Pres
tons with his daughters Jane and Rachel Preston, took tea with them
went to meeting in the PM, held by one Robert Brewster, left when
preaching was over, did not stay to class meeting, felt that it was
a place in which I should like to have been, but for some hinderan
not necessary to mention; thought that the time might perhaps come
times come when I could count it the greates(t) privalge.
Monday 14 th. A very fine day, looks some like a weather breader
-- took my books to the school house in a box, having bought a lock
a few days ago, things within may be thought to be secure, I am now
about to leave the school house for the day, and attend an apple cut,
this evening after I shall have marked down five rows of dots and
findingV-* the answer to them, as is done at the close of each day, that 7 V 7
I may meditate thereupon by candle (?).
Tuesday 15th. nothing very uncommon to-day, eleve(n) pupils, and
I find them getting acquainted, taking more liberty, seaming to try what
they can do; yet 1 am determined to be ruler.
Wednesday 16th. School same as yesterday as for pupils; but one
did not come till after 11 o’clock, the reason thereof I cannot give,
for she being a little girl about 6 years old, 1 treated her with a
great deal of civility, and she appeared quite cheerful yesterday.
This morning the Parents of the said child sent her off in season;
but she taking a dislike loirtured by the way till her father came
and compelled her to come into the school. She being affected in a
goodly degree could not be prevailed upon to desist from her crying
for a considerable time, and not until I told her positively she
must stop and do as I told her,
The last page seems to be the interpretation and fulfilment of
my last night’s dream which was as follows, "I dreamed that I was
necessiated to punish with a whip, and that severely, which is
altogether so, for 1 have not had such a thing as a rod in the house
neither do I intend to have; yet I must think it to be the fulfilment
of the dream though the rod was not used, still harsh words was
necessary on the occaision: hence any person who does not believe in
dreams cannot be said to determin future events as they did in the
day of the prophets, our fore-fathers.”
Thursday & Friday school as usual.
Saturday 19th went to the middle of the Township of Bastard on
a visit. Sabbath attended meeting in the A.M. held by one Bird,
E.M., P.E. the subject as 'blessed is the pure in heart for he shall
see God,’. And in the evening the sermon was delivered by one Mr.
John Johnston from these, words, "Strive to enter in at the straight
gait, for wide is the gait and broad is the way. that leadeth to
destruction and many there be that go in there at because straight is
the gait and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life and few there
be that find it.” The former sermon comprises one class, while the
latter sets forth both classes before our eyes, wicked & righ(t).
Monday Oct. 21st 50. Nothing difficult in school as yet. Many
are the conflicts of this passing and uncertain life, if not of one
kind they are certain to be of another and thus are our minds almost
continually perplexed with things of a carnal nature; the world, the
flesh, or the Devil,
Tuesday 22. I cannot past scenes and acquaintance in various
parts, even now I have been here upwards of two weeks. Nothing
uncommon in the school,
Wednesday, 23rd, weather pleasan(t).
Thursday 24th. A small increase in the school to-day, 15 schol
it being the most that has been here in any one day before.
Friday 25th. Cloudy all day, smokey, look some like Indian
Summer though it is rather too chilly. Saturday 26th,
quite cold and disagreeable, the wind blowing with
a good A.M. gale attended with some rain, 1 feel chill.I having taken c
Sabbath 27th. Went to Portland expecting to have attende
school, but there was none: staid at Abner Chipman’s over night;
left there before breakfast in the morning of the 28th Monday, got
to the school-house a little after 9, being delayed by a late breakfast, burned nearly a whole box of matches and at last, had to go to
a neighbours for fire; had eight pupils.
Tuesday Oct. 29th. Weather is more mild. school small, seven
pupils. My health is good.
Wednesday 30th had severe headache for a short time in the
morning, bathed it in cold water, from which 1 found relief. Five
pupils.
Friday Nov, 1st weather mild but indicative of rain soon. Schoo
is small, 8 pupils. Saturday no school, went to Portland with a pair
of boot repair staid at N. Byington, Sabbath evening, left for my
school monday morning about 6 o’clock.
Monday 4th, Nov. 1850. Some new pupils, but not much increase o
account of others remaining at home to dig potatoes. Tuesday school
as usual -- weather fair -- muddy roads.
Wednesday 6th somewhat rainy. Courtday at. Newboro weather very
mild for the season.
Thursday & Friday, weather is more settled and cold than it has
been for a time past.
Saturday 9th Weather continues fine for the season.
Sabbath 10th attended meeting at the New Connection Meth (?)
Chapel. The sermon was delivered by Mr. Bell.
Monday Tuesday and Wed. quite agreeable times only it is here,
that I am secluded from all company excep(t) the Irish: the manner
and ways are quite different from our country people so that I am
Some at a loss to know how to act.
Thursday & Friday. School a little on. the increase 17 pupils.
Weather very fine.
Saturday 16th. Went to the village of Portland to get a pair
of boots, that were there left to be mended; but after putting them
on found (they) leaked.
Sabbath 17th. Staid at my fathers all day, being confined by a
snow and rain storm which was kept at till Monday morning and in the
morning the ground was quite white.
Monday 18th. traveled all the way from my fathers in the morning
to the school and found the roads very bad. I built a fire in the
school house stove but could not get the house warm till near noon.
Tuesday weather fine. high winds during time after the storm
(on) Sabbath.
Wednesday 20th (November) 1850. School is small 14 scholars.
Weather fine but think we will cold soon. for me. Saw a flock of
geese of about 70 last night.
Thursday & Friday (20 & 21 Nov. 1850) Weather clear and cold:
freezing.
Saturday (22 Nov. 1850)Weather lowering. As it regards the schoo
it is small yet noisy; and my intention is to have a stiller school
and a better order at the commencement of another weeks.
Tuesday (25th Nov. 1850)The ground is now white with snow but not
enough to make sleighing. While we are enjoying health and all the
common blessings of this life, some have parted this stage of
existance with all its cares and conflicts. An acquaintance of ours
Wing, daughter of Gersham Wing is no more with us
here, having been confined but a few hours, died leaving her affectionate parents to lament her departure. She died on Sabbath last,
the 24th and was intered today the 26th -- there being no doubt a
great number at the funeral occasion.
Thursday 28th Nov. 1850. The weather is quite fowl. The trees
being now covered or enclosed with a thick coat of ice. It might be
said to be a dreary time. School is on the increase. We had twenty
pupils yesterday. This place is like a prison.
Friday Dec. 6th 1850. Snow is still on the ground or rather the
crust of ice. Our school amounts to 22.
Saturday 7th December. The began to fall in the morning and has
continued falling all the day and we now have full indications of
sleighing. The ground being quite hard.
Friday 13th Dec. 1850. One week winter weather. The snow is
sufficiently deep to make good sleigh(ing). Very cold for the season.
Monday Dec. 23rd 1850. The snow began to fall last night and
still the snow continues to fall at 2 o’clock today and there is token
of its ceasing.
No school yet. I have been here at the school house since
morning corking the house. The beat of the storm was scarcely ever
known in these parts.
Feb. 11th, 1851. I have almost neglected my daily journal. I
must say this at the commencement of the first year of the last (half
of the) century, that it is time for me to improve the residue of my
days for it can scarcely be expected that I should live to see the
close of the present century and if I could, I have no time to loose.
Wednesday - evening Feb. 19th. 1851. Weather very pleasant --
some appearance of spring. I was under the necessity of correcting
one calm Cannon - a son of I. Cannon for not obeying me by leaving the
school without leave, but did not flog him in the house as I said to
myself that I would not bring a rod into the house but 1 have him
good one out of doors
Wednesday March 19th 1851. Weather continues to be fine, The
sleighing is still so that sleighs are yet on the move, but in some
places slipping is rather poor.
We had a spelling (at) school last night for the last in this
school.
Saturday March 29th, 1851. Being debared from school these three
days past, on account of having the mumps, I think it a privilege to
frequent the school room, though not in the capacity of school
teaching but meditate and reflect on our various studies in which we,
as teach(ers), and as pupils, have been engaged from time to time in
this place.
Sf
My school is nearly at a close having only nine days more to
teach to complete the term of engagement here,
April Wednesday 9, 1851. This day is the closing of my school
in this school section, No, 1st in North Crosby. I am again without
a home, yet not without some hopes of something to present itself to
view which may be as advantageous if I use discretion. ,
May 1 be actively and diligently employed in doing and for this
purpose may there be no stone left untruned or oppurtunity lost.
Saturday April 12th, 1851. I am now in the township of Bedford on
a visit. Nothing very remarkable has taken place since my arrival
here. Being stimulated, at May’s approach, by two fishes that my
brother-in-law caught, 1 was quite anxious to go the next day to try fo
some fish with my brother-in-law, We went with a spear and gun thinking that we should not fail of obtaining some fish again. We did not
see any fish; and as for fowl, none could obtain any as we could. not
discharge the first load.

Done