Text
James Cameron (1824 - 1912)
1878
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive
{In places, this diary is worn from weather and time. On occasion, the tops, bottoms, and edges of
the pages are crumbly and moldy, making some words and sentences illegible. In most cases, a
note that reads “{Illegible}” refers to this situation.}
{This page originally appeared in James Cameron’s 1877 diary as an inserted page.}
Feby 4th 1878 I Went to Hopkins Jim Here
5th at Hopkins
7th AJ Baker for Hay
8th I Went to Williamst{own} with John Hamilton came home same Day Got Pully Gougue Potatoes
from Hopkins
9th at home
10 Sunday
11th
12,,
13th Charlie Hopkins here I went up with charlie went to Dundee Bought of Viponds a comb
14th Jim Charlie and Jim Summers came for the Steers took the Mare yoked the steers and Left
them till he would take them home on the Sleigh
15th Settled with AJ Baker for the hay Bought of J Grant Tea Rice Raisins Starch Broom G{Illegible}
matches Flour took Dinner at Hamiltons Got the 2 Collars I Lent them
Allen Buried on 6th Decemb{er 18}77
Mr James Cameron Island Feby 16 1878
Went across took Hamiltons Brush home Bought of J Summers Darning needle oil
17th Went Down to Kit Kit Island Gordon and Tommy Jack here
18th at home
19th at home
20th Drew some Drags went to Hopkins Ben {Illegible}uya there
21st Jim and charlie for the oxen Fixed shafts on the Jumper Brought Plough Whippletrees Strap
22nd Drew some Wood Raining
23rd Drawing Wood Forgot to put Down the Rest of this month
1st of March Jim Hopkins To Lancaster for Boards
2nd Jim Took the stove to Lancaster got 6 Tin pans Luke and Galerneau going to Lancaster for saw
Dust Very Cold Stopt coming Back to Dinner E Wind Frosty
3rd Raining Gordon here
4th Waiting seeing if they were coming for hay Rob Baker
5th Got J Hamiltons Coat Went to Du{ndee} Election in F {Fort} Covington for Licquour Licence Bill
{Morris?} Poorly took Dinner and Tea at D Suples Got a Fish from D Baker got a Ride Down from
Charlie hopkins got some oil of Whiskey from Mrs Hopkins for my elbow
6th Ash Wednesday Got a Coat from Jim Jim went for a Load of saw Dust to Lancaster I went to
Summersto{wn} Bought Cotton Binding Brought Johns coat
7th chopping Drawing Wood
8th I went to Hopk{ins} for the Pots got 2 some Potatoes Gordon came Left his axe Isacc Vipond
crossed with a horse Leading Behind ice Getting Bad
9th I crossed up to Hamiltons the crack opening Gordon met me with Roses 2 pots Got Flour &
Meal from John Hamilton Bought ½ lb Tea very hard work to get Back went around north {Illegible}
of Francis Island Jim McDougall here {Illegible} sugar Bush to {Illegible}
Mr James Camerson Island March 10th 1878
ice Jamming Down hens commenced to Lay Fine Day
11th Cold ice Going Down cutting Wood for the sugar Bush
12th fixing an ear for the Pot put a handle on
13th Raining snowing making cedar spoils
14th cutting soft maple for Troughfs
15th Making Troughfs Got over 40 made now some Trees Tapt a Fine Day for sap Got a cedar stick
in the Bay on the ice 3 or 4 canoes Down of Indians for the first
16th first make of syrup made to Day 118 Tapt now made 2 Gallons to Day put out the canoe to
Fish sturgeon St Battiance son speared 1 at foot of Island to Day went Down as far as the Kit Kit
seen no fish
17th St Patricks Day East Wind Fine and cold
18th First Ploughing of sod found a nail in the mares hoof Fine Frost in the Ground
19th in the Bush Tapt some making Troughfs
20th First Day of spring the Grays here made 6 lb of Sugar
21st Tapping Gathering Boiling some Gordon and I crossed heard old Mrs McLennan was Buried
one of the oldest Residenters of Williamstown Got an Order from AJ Baker for 2 Dollars on J
summers Mr Geddes at J Hamiltons cold Raw Windy some Brought home John Hamiltons Bag Got
some Sturgeon oil on my elbow
22nd Livinias Birth Day sugaring Boiling Tapping
23rd Boiling Running well Captain Smallman Went to Lancaster I think he Lost his anchor to Day
high Wind First Trip
24th in the Bush snowing Blowing Freezing Cold
2{5}th Windy Drifting and Fine I Forgot to put Down
26th John H Birth Day
1st of April All Fools Day Good Friday Hen{ery} Bosell here a fine Day Windy Easter {Illegible}ay
Ge{Illegible} here
Mr James Cameron Island April 1878
St Marks Raining some and I forgot the rest
1st of May
2nd Went to Hamilton
24th Queens Birth Day at Fences Plough Planting and the Like
30th Old Beishy went for Mrs Bowen him and Gordon Mr Genie came to night at 1.:50 from him I
and Gordon Went to Hamiltons with a Stick Gordon went to store for castor oil
31st Genie went off Ploughing the Potatos
1st of June A very fine calm Day Some Pic nicks very warm the Baby Born the Glorious First of
June {Above it reads: Rowena} Went home with Mrs Bowen Randolph and I
2nd Laurie came Dan and Billy Bowen Bucky Laurie and Bucky stopt
3rd Laurie Went of I forget the Rest
9th Our Marys Birth Day 1813)
22nd Our Dans Birth Day
1st of July Dominion Day Bub and George here yesterday Brought the Pig from Bills Mr and Mrs
Bowen here Potato Bugs Eating up all our Potatoes shooting all Day P Independence Day Fishing
12th of July Shooting Firing all Day
26th Dog Days Begin Got a Lette{r} from Day some time this month I got a Letter from London 2
Dolla{rs} sent my ashes over
19th July Fernandez Birth Day
Mr James Cameron Island 1st of August 1878
Lammas Day Went to Salmon River with a Tub of Butter had the Old Mans Boat got a Tow Back
from Captain Bowen of the Steamer Jennie to Hamiltons Island opposition to the Rhoda May
Stormy this Evening Kenneth McLaughlin Died some Time this month or Last Working at the hay
2nd of August Minnie's Birth Day
6th of Randolph's Birth Day Commenced {The ‘ced’ were written overtop of the ‘en’} to cut Marsh
hay
19th Bismarck's Birth Day Sometime this month the Viponds Broke Down shut out no Vote at
Election
Sept 3rd Dans Birth Day 1846) Cutting hay and Drawing Firewood Fishing Thrashed the Wheat at
mill Got a sack of Cornmeal from Ge Renshaw at J summers Autumn commences
22nd
23rd Cut and put in 10 cocks of marsh hay
24th Went to Hamiltons husking Corn Got 3 Bags from John Lissie Mr Lairds Wife and Mr Harpers
Girls up from Below
27th at Viponds Roses Careys Wards got Powder from Tom Summers
28th G Renshaw here Drawing Drags
29th St Michael Day
30th I crossed Found a Bun B{Illegible} of J Summers 2 yds of Lining 40 RRR 25 Bought of Ward
Hook P2 spools Thread Matches a very warm Day
Mr James Cameron Island October 1 1878
Mowing Randolph and I Cut 20 Cocks of Marsh hay
2nd put them in the Barn Keeping in the Ram Ram since September
3rd Drawing Wood Thunder & Lightning hail
4th Tearing Down the Shed The Great Race on Wednesday Hanlan and Courtney
5 at the shed the old man up from Montreal got a Ride Down with Captain Rankin and G Renshaw
helped him Down with his Basket Drawing some Drags Bismarck took up the Turnips as the cattle
is coming in
7th Monday Working at the Shed got the crowbar HughAnn Watching the Tent Fixing the canoe
The St Francis went from Lancaster this this morning Began to run Last night a Great many Boats
to Day East Wind a Very fine Day
8th Went to F Covingt{on} West Wind Blew hard at Lukes going up took 2 Bushels of Corn to Mill
took 53 lb of Butter to Jo Lemay 63 lb Tub) allowed 10 lb for the Tub 14 cents Bought of Jo 4 lb
Pork 9 cents a lb 25 lb of salt ¼ lb Pepper 7 cents 1 lb of Tea 40 cents Bought of Parker 6 cents of
Worm Losenges took Dinner at Dan Summers Bought of Mr Bordeau 10 yds of Calico at 12 ½ 1..25
3 yds of Overall Stuf 45 Box of Matches 15 cents 2 lb of nails 8 cents ½ lb crackers 5 cents 4
Plates 20 cents Got a Paper from Bill they had to stop and go the scow as they were too heavy
Loaded with Barley on the H{Illegible}-a-May coming home high Wind sto{pt} at Lukes all night took
Jim Halls wife across very windy my Canoe Leakes Bad
9th took Breakfast at Lukes Raining E Wind and heavy Thunder & sharp Lightning clears of Fine
East Wind Wind changed to West Blowed very hard Blew Down some Trees Got home in Good
Time
Mr James Cameron Island October 10th 1878
HughAnn McMasters Birth Day Windy West and north Drawing wood Working around the shed
went to the head of the Island Randolph and I the Fox after the Hens to night
11th Working at the shed putting post under the side peices and Beams A Fine Day East Wind and
calm some Grains of snow yesterday a change in the moon Full this Morning a Great Deal of
shooting on the south side to Day thers a steamer over there at anchor the Averils
12th Working at the shed
13th Sunny Gordon Came from Hamiltons they have the Mill for thrashing Lashey I seen at the
Lower Point the Averils over Buying Fish at the Fishermen at the Lower Point A Fine Day West Wind
a Great many men Fishing Pickerel on the Water to Day
14th Working at the shed Boarding it The Front part all shut put the Tobacco in the cellar a very fine
Day Seen Wild Geese saturday the 12th
15th Crossed to go to the Store stopt at Hamiltons to help them at the Thrashing Put in the
Buckwheat Tom Jack and I Finished the Buckwheat Thrashed some oats
16th Old Mr William McGreggor Departed the Thrashers away for a Waggon I came home this
Evening Bought of Ward 31 lbs of salt Bought of J Summers 1 Butter tub 2 lb of nails Hooks & Eyes
2 Window Glass pile 10 yds of Cotton 1 yds of Calico 1 spool of Thread lb of shot Lead pencil Got
a Basket of apples crossed Back to Hamiltons in case the Wind would be high in the morning {v}ery
warm weather this time
17 Thrashing Wheat {T}om went home with them went up to the store Lecture on the Front the Lost
Tribes of Israel very warm Day high south West Wind rained the night Mr Genie here him and Felix
18th {c}ame home took a Bag of Apples raining some
{19}th Raining very high Wind this Morning from the East {c}hanged through the Day snowed on the
Mountains to night working some at the shed
Mr James Cameron Island October 20th 1878
Sunday some snow this Morning north West Wind some high the alma Monoro aground at the
Lighthouse Mr Hills Light Got aground Last night one of the old Man's son-in-Law here this Morning
Batteance Latour From Valley-Field got a Drink of Milk Gave 5 cents and a cent to John H Gave him
4 Plugs of Tobacco of my own Raising a very Fine man seemingly the Spartan went up Traveller
coming up with a Good Tow
21st Working at the shed a very fine Day
22nd at the shed covering it Boarding the North End cut some Marsh hay to cover the Top of the
shed Randolp{h} cut 10 Cocks Lots of Wild Geese Flying West
23rd Livinia Birth Day 1868 10 years old To Day Randolp{h} Drew the Hay to Put on Top of the shed
Began to Bank the West End of the House E Wind and it Blows very hard to night frome the Wes{t}
it Blew through the night Water Raised and a Blowing Raining some old Gabriel got Pepper Killed 2
Rust{ers; as in Roosters} Fixing the Boards on the West End of the Banking of the house took some
hay from the Back marsh Stack Got in the sheep so we could catch the Big she{ep} or the Wild
South Down I must Kill her as she is the Devil to make the other sheep Bad to Catch
24th Our Hugh's Birth Da{y} Fixing some around the shed Went ar{ound} the Island covering the
Little Back shed of a{Illegible} Let out the other sheep emptied the Big Vineg{ar} Jar a Great many
Boats going up and Down the Waterfell si{Illegible} East nights Big Blow Frost to {nig}ht near
morning
Mr James Cameron Island Oct 25th 18{78}
My Birth Day St Crispins Day all Shoemakers holds this Day Lots of Boats Going this morning First
Ice this Fall this morning ice in my canoe East Wind I crossed to Hamiltons Got Flour Corn-meal
and Buckwheat Flour for helping them with the Thrashing got the news of Johnny Summers Killing
a Bear on the Island Mrs Hamilton and Tom Jack to Montreal with Butter Last week or the
Begginning of this week Seen Andrew Rose went to the store seen the Rhoda May and the T Parry
Bought of D Ward 1 Tenneet 1 lb nails ½ lb Soda 1 spool of Thread Pipe Issacc Vipond scowing
wood to Renshaws Gordon in Williamstown yesterday
26th Drawing wood cut some in the calf's Pasture {Above it reads: Mr Fulton Departed} Banking the
West end putting on chips Raining some Finished the 2 Quilts
27th Sunday Fine Day Calm wind Raised Raining some Gordon Came from Hamiltons stopt all
night as the wind is Little high and Raining the old man for Tea got it
27 28th Snowed some wind hight turned fine Gordon crossed Wind West {Above it reads: Mr Fulton
Buried to Day} HughAnn went with my mits to Gordon at the head of the Island Killed the Big South
Down sheep and {sh}e was Fat my Back took a very bad {p}ain sent a Peice Down to the Fishermen
St Simon & St Jude
29th Banking East End {a}nd taking away stones George and Peggy Bosell {ca}me with the yarn
spinning 5 lbs of Rolls Gave her {Cut off} lb of Butter and 50 cents cash a Great man{y} Boats a
Going to Day churning to Day
30th Genie here Went away E Wind R{Illegible}
Mr James Cameron Island Oct 31st 1878
Holy Eve All hallow Eve Drew some wood to the old men Fishing at the Lower Point cutting an Oak
out of the Roots Cracking Butternuts to night nust of the Last Year Eating apples Windy and Rain
got a sturgeon
November the 1st All Saints Day John Cameron and Mr Robishaw Came Fishing EEls Got the Oak
Tree Down West Wind and Rain very wet and Windy weather
2nd All Souls Day Drew the oak crook home Drew some Drags they Baited the Line with Duck and
Cleaned it High West wi{nd} and Rain Lots of Boats agoing snowed on the Mount{ain} to night
Froze some to night
3rd Sunday John Cameron and Robishaw crossed for Provision to Summerstow{n} Bread and
Butter to Loaves ½ lb of Butter I went Down to the old mans Lent Avrils Steamer came Last night to
hunt anchored at Frashers On the South Side Cold to Day and Fine water some high Wind West
4th Cutting Stove Wood some Grains of snow West Wind Robishaw started to cross this Evening
turned Back stopt till Morning took in the apples from the milkhouse as everything freezes putting
the milk in the house
5th Guy Fawks Day Robishaw and John Cameron crossed they got no EEls and they are Going
over to hunt Rabbits Fixing the stable Door cold Raw Time West Wind
6th Bohemian and St Francis came up and Went Down W Wind Mowed some hay to put on the
Banking Don Pedro Broke the Jumper putting the Mare in the stab{le} at night not very well this
Evening Windy col{d}
7th Helen's Birth Day snowing stormy W Wind cold and Fine cut the Runner for the Jumper
Bismarck and I mowe{d} some Marsh hay Randolph and I Charli{e} Hopkins and a Man from
Montreal I think his name is Drummond Blowed pret{ty; Illegible} they crossed to Christees Island
Left a {Illegible} snowed and Blowed W Wi{nd}
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 8th 1878
Making a Runner for the Jumper chopping Stove Wood put in the young calves to night for the first
this fall Livinia Bad with the Tooth-ache seen a Raven in the Bush yesterday churning to Day
working some at the Tobacco these nights north wind to Day some Grains of snow Fell Mr Derishee
here for Butter a Good Deal of shooting at Charlies Island Gave Don Pedro a prand of the 4 prong
fork to night that made him Run for an acre before he stopt 5 or 6 Steamers passed to Day
9th Drew some Wood for the Fishermen Gave Randolph a sturgeon and a Jacket Pants and Coat a
Great many hunting Ducks some-thing wrong with the Black Pig Going to Die wont eat a Good
many Boats to Day Wind high a change in the Moon tonight Dont see the Rhoda may crossing this
some time no wild Geese Just now
10th Sunday a Few Propellers went up and Down St Francis & Bohemian went Down Sparry
crossed to Renshaws wharf another small Boat a hunting steamer came out and went up W Wind
cloudy this Evening some Drops of Rain the change of the Moon Dont change the wind much as it
Blows as hard as ever Lots of snow on the mountain no snow here on the ground
11th Took up the Line E Wind Took up the Turnips out of the Bean Place Tried for EEls got none
put a spear pole on the EEl Spear Raining got some oil Martinmas
12th some hail high W Wind the old man Brought some tea Got a Loaf of Bread Gave him stick for
oars taking sticks of the Bean Fence churning the Alexandra went Down a small Steamer with a
Barge part Loaded went in to Lancaster a Good many Boats going to Day
13th St Francis and Bohemenian went up and Down Tow Boats and Propellers going up & Down
North Wind & West snowing hard Fine sunshine the Men went to Renshaws with their Fish Brought
me 1 lb of soda 10 cents Paid them their Bread Back Brought sticks for axe handles to the other
man chopping stove Wood Grinding the axes cleaning Tobacco {to} night the cows away Last night
took the B{Illegible} Blary
1878
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 14th
Drew a ash Tree for oars Drew a pine Log 13 feet Drew some of the cedar out of the swamp seen a
Weasel very white West Wind Don Pedro Roaring Mad this Evening Kept in Black to night splitting
the Ash in Oar Stuff and Rails Thawing to Day Freezing to night A Fortunate Day
15th Got an Axe helve made Brought Down 9 sticks for Oars Trimed the Butternut Tree Down on
the hill piled some of stones on the Stone heap Fixing the Stable Door and the Stall put 1 Door on
the sheep shed Fixed the step at the Back shed Let out the small Pig a very fine Day not much wind
West a Great Deal of shooting to Day a Good many Boats Going up and Down to Day Drew 2
Loads of Wood wind changed this Evening south East a circle around the Sun to Day
16th Roses came for their Heifers had to go Back for Ropes I crossed stopped at Hamiltons John
and I went up to Renshaws for my Bun as he wants it to work at the Bridge helping J Summers to
Load his Goods on the scow crossed to Wards Bought of Mr Ward ½ lb Tea 25 cents Horse Shoe
nails 10 Oil Pipe Seen Dan Frasher a Talking about the contracts for stones Brought Gordon his
Sox and handkerchief he is at AJ Bakers E Wind Rose high crossed over wit{h} George
17th Dan Cameron Missed the Boat and the St Francis would not stop ar call for him
18th crossed to Summerst{own} Raining Blowing
19th Working at the Bridge at Hamiltons spinks John Tommy Jack and I E Wind some cold
20th Working at the Bridge a Great many Indians chopp{ing} cord Wood
the 212st Fishermen over Gave my Tea to take home Finished the Bridge came home Got some
Flour and Cornmea{l}
{Illegible}ohn on this Day of the month Donal{d McMast}er Departed 1846
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 22nd 1878
East Wind very high Raining some hail went around the Island Randolph and I a very ugly Day no
Boats up or Down to Day the sparry came out of Salmon Rover and went in something rong with
her cylinder yesterday as she stopped coming across the channel St Cecilias Day the winds is
Raging to night with Rain its a Took the perch up From the Bottom on the Shore in the Weeds it
Rolled up suck Weeds from the Bottom I never seen suck Bunches Broke the Fishermans Sturgeon
Pen of Stone and they lost 2 Sturgeon out of it and one they Gaffed outside of the Pen Going off I
am Sure there must be accidents other Places
23rd got 4 Oars andxe helves from the Fishermen Old John went Down to Valleyfield to Day Drew
them some wood Raining Blowing came from the West the Wind The Bohemian and St Francis
went up but not so early as usual as the wind was very high last night
24th Sunday A Change in the Moon high West Wind Snow on the Mountains Last night a Propeller
came up this Morning the Bohemian & St Francis went Down went around the Island Bismarck
Randolph and I
25th Killing the Pig Banked the {in}side of the cookhouse A Very fine Morning after 12 it began to
snow and Blow from the North East putting in the cattle at night and Feeding cows & calves
Feeding good hay to the Mare the Sparry came out this Morning a Tug went up with 4 or 5 Barges
in Tow 2 Men Fishing EEls at the Sturgeon Island
26th A Small Steamer went Down into {L}ancaster with a Barge or something Like a Yacht in tow W
Wind cutting stove Wood to Day snow on the Ground the Tobacco near claned of the stems not
Plugged yet {n}ot much Frost
27th The Bohemian & St Francis up and Down the Last Trip for the St Francis to Day Mr Genie
came to night Brought me a Bag of Potatoes {a}nd a Bag of Buckwheat Flour But did not Bring my
Big Boat the Fishermen went to Lancast{er} with their sturgeon to go on the Bohemian {Illegible}
south East wind and Rain to night
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 28th, 1878
Wind changed high West Wind Steamer went Down with a Barge in Tow Mr Genie went home
Banking the house more Got 3 Pikes from old John to day Drew him some Wood Put Out some
manure the Sparry went in to Lancaster took out Rousseau's scow and had Quite a Job with her
this side of the Lighthouse Fine some Rain not Cold very much Bothered with Rheumatism now
very windy night Last night
29th Working at Big Shed Door {Above it reads: putting up stones at the oak Log} Chopping Stove
Wood 30th fine
30th St Andrew's Day The Festival of the Scotch a Fine Day North East Wind the Sparry crossed to
Day Made a Rack in the Big Shed Firing some Good shots set 2 Traps the first I set water high {In
the right margin: (Putting up stones at the oak Log yesterday and Let the water run of the Wet Place
a Pond below the house)}
1st of December 1st sunday in Advent Froze a Little Last night North East Wind cool and Fine a
scow or Barge came up out of Lancaster a Steamer came out of salmon River this morning
Randolp{h} and I went around the Island a Great many of those Gannets went up yesterday Flying
very high
2nd cutting Drags Raising the Troughfs very high South East Wind Raining some Drew a hicory the
wind Blew Down the old man Gabriel here got Buckwheat Flour Soda and Milk Gave me a Paper
Rafter & Desmarteau Selling off cheap No Lights up in Mr Hills nor the Floating Light But Johnstons
on the Cherry Islands Light is up Did not see any Boats Going to Day But the Sparry Crossed and
up to cornwall
3rd a Yacht or scow sailed Down into Landcaster and they all got up their Lights to night Raining
and snowing some West Wind Let out the Ram to Day had the ram 3 months in Feeding salted the
sheep Cleaned out the calves shed where the Ram was in Lost one of my Traps Chain Broke from
the Trap the Muskrat mu{st} be in it Looked but could not find it
Mr James Cameron Island December 4th 1878
East Wind snowing Sperry took a scow or yacht out of Lancaster a Tug went up with 4 Barges in
Tow no Lights in Mr Hills or the Floating Light But Light on the cherry Light to night the Fishermen
took up their Lines to Day going of tomorrow Put in the young Bull Royal Charlie, a sail came
across and went up high Wind I went to the Head of the Island took in my Irons piled up the 2 sawLogs put the soft maple Boards in the Barn Some Ducks but no Geese 1 Trap set 1 Leg this
morning took up the trap took the Fish Box up on the Bank
5th Gabriel Deroshie and John (his brother the Fishermen) went of to Day Left their Bun and most of
their things till the would come next spring North West Wind some snow Randolph and I took up
their Boxes and their Fishing Rigging Got a Gallon of Sturgeon oil from them took their Jolly Boat
the Lousia with them a Steamer came up out of Lancaster and went Down with a Barge Mr
Smallman came across to Day I think this is the Last Trip for him as I think Salmon River will Freeze
to night Feeding the cattle No Lights to night only the cherry Island Light is Lit
6th St Nicholas the Festival of the Germans Froze hard Mr Smallman did not come out of Salmon
River to Day with the Steamer Sparry NW Wind snowing some Freezing cold Light on Cherry Island
to {n}ight set a Trap in a hole for the Fox but I {d}ont think he comes to it now All the cattle in{Illegible} stabling to night but Don Pedro he is out all alone {to}ok the sheep Down from the upper
End of the Island {fi}lled one of the Ticks with wheat straw to Day {to}ok the old Fanning mill out of
the stable to the Barn {p}ut the onions from up stairs to the cellar Lots of snow Birds Flying about
Dont see any wild Geese some Ducks
{7}th Kind of Fine cold NW Wind snowing some some ice near shore Gathered 230 spoils 80 {i}n
the milkhouse 150 in the Bush chopping stove {w}ood put the 2 cats down in the Tent for the Rats
No Lights in the Lighthouses to night
8 Sunday a Very Fine Day
1878
Mr James Cameron Island Decr 9th
Piling 1 ½ Cords of Wood up in the Marsh that was there all Summer cut an Ash for a Little Sleigh
Snowing and Blowing East Wind the Hay on the Barn Floor all done to night Commencing to Feed
from the East Mow the Sheep comes to the Barn to Feed all the Cattle Picking out in the Day high
East Wind to night
10th Leander's Birth Day Drew up the Old Mans Bun And My Canoe very high East Wind Raining
water Raising piling up those Long peices near the Stable at the Lower End of the Garden Drew
Some Sticks to the Door took a plank up from the Lower Point tryed to saw the crooks of the Little
sleigh split them
11th Wind West froze some Last night Went aroun{d} the Island Randolph and I its terrible the
Weeds & Dirt and Minnos Frogs & Dirt the high Eas{t} Wind throws up On the shore A Steamer
came up I think its the Anderson {Above it reads: it is the Kendrick} or artic its Blowing hard and
Snowing {Above it reads: -Kendrick} Blustering with snow Working at the Little hand Sleigh
12th Water Rising West Wind Blowing hard Working at the sleight pretty Cold Lots of Dusks Black
Ducks plenty
13th Finished the sleigh West Wind not much wind som{e} set a Fire in the Marsh Burnt a Strip not
Much took up the Trap as the Water is Raising seen the Marsh Set Fire over at Mr Bowens I
suppose its Luke
14th chopping Stove Wood a fine Day wind East wind Raised high snowed and hailed some to
night the 2 Big White Backed Eagles after Ducks some stormy to night I oiled myself for the
Rheu{matism}
15 Sunday A Fortunate Day a Fine Day pretty cold W Wind Freezing some in the side of shore Got a
Rat in the Trap in the Milkhouse came up from the old Mans Tent
16th put A Runner in the Little old Sleigh went to Pitt Point very cold Frosty and Windy West pretty
cold to night with wind
17th W Making a cellar Door Broke on a stack of Marsh ha{y} 2 ½ Tons in it Began to cut hay fine in
the Mow a Fine Day but Windy on the Water West
Mr James Cameron Island Dec 18th 1878
Drawing Drags of Wood a Fine Day Windy from the West seen the Ram standing still in the field he
dont look very well
15th St Thomas cutting Stove Wood Caught the Ram put him in Fixing the hinges on the Door of
the Big Shed and its Windy and Frosty Gordons heifer out to night Set 2 Traps for Muskrats to night
seen a Track thought it was a Mink or a very Large Weasel
20th Last Day of Fall or Autumn one of the Heifers ON her Back in the Manger of the Big Shed had
to Knock Down 6 or 7 Boards to get her out of that but she is all Right Got a muskrat set 2 Traps at
the lowe{r} point for Mink or weasel not very well to Day Blowing not very cold Got a young
Maskinonge in the Back Bay cut a hole in the ice and struck him with the axe
21st First Day of Winter and fine Morning it is Just time enough to Wheel around turned East and
Blows hard {Above it reads: Turned over the Bun} Drew some Wood {Above it reads: shot 2 Ducks
got 1} took up the Traps {Above it reads: Put in the sheep} as the wind is breaking up the ice very
windy Time
Sunday 22nd Got a Weasel in the Tent Drifting and snowing Blowing very hard
23rd Fixing a handle in the Shovel as the Bull & on Don Pedro Broke it somehow or other its very
windy time Blows hard every Day the Cattle eats hearty its cold and Wood pile {a}ll Drifted up with
snow
24th Christmas Eve {c}utting Stove Wood Feeding the cattle Extra {th}is cold weather something
wrong with the Ram nailing a Board in the sheeps place {a}s the Black weather sumps in where I
put hay very windy from the West
25th Christmas Day cold Windy Day
26th Cold & Blowing chopping Stove Wood wind fell and {i}t was calm all night what it was not for a
month and a half before this St Stephens Day small Pox Bad around Lancaster
Mr James Cameron Island Dec 27th 1878
East Wind snowing Fine I crossed not being across since the 21st of november Stopt at J
Hamiltons took Dinner caught 14 Turgies Tom Gordon and I for Parisha's Raffle Went up to the
store Gordon and I Bought of Mr Ward 1 pair of Boots for HughAnn 3 yds of calico Tea 5 lb of Rice
½ lb soda spool Thread skain Thread Binding to 1 sheep Pelt 40 Rat 10 4 ½ lb of Butter 58 ½ oil J
Hamilton and I to the Raffle Geese Turkies and Cutter Raffled John got a Goose Mr Ward sick Got
25 lb of Flour From AJ Baker John and the Minister had some Row crossed on the ice at Roses
coming home
28th St Innocents Day Gordon and crossed from Hamiltons Got 40 lb of Flour and 8 lb of cheese
Brought over J Hamiltons Axe and a handle as I had it since the 9th of March North West Wind
Freezing some told me Mrs Jack Departed heard old Mr Duffeild shot a Mans Horse for not paying
for a Bottle of Whiskey in Jail for 6 months Allen McDonald up the Front poorly the Steamer
Kendrick went Down from Summerstown on the 27th she came up on the 11th) and I thought it was
the Anderson or artic John Vipond Back from California a did not make a Long stay
29th Cold this morning the water all in a skim of ice but after it turns warm and snowed some
turned cold after it turns warm and snowed some turned cold at night but windy
30th chopping Stove Wood Gordon fixe{d} the horse saw and sawing stove wood cold and soft W.
Wind very windy time
31st Last Day of the year Drawing Wood making a pair of overalls for Gordon Kind of Soft Windy a
change in the Moon all the Talk is Jim Grant he Failed and has the creditors in a Terrible way he has
Borrowed mone{y} From a Great many ice taken from Rensha{ws} to Summerstown.
For more information on James Cameron, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca
1878
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive
{In places, this diary is worn from weather and time. On occasion, the tops, bottoms, and edges of
the pages are crumbly and moldy, making some words and sentences illegible. In most cases, a
note that reads “{Illegible}” refers to this situation.}
{This page originally appeared in James Cameron’s 1877 diary as an inserted page.}
Feby 4th 1878 I Went to Hopkins Jim Here
5th at Hopkins
7th AJ Baker for Hay
8th I Went to Williamst{own} with John Hamilton came home same Day Got Pully Gougue Potatoes
from Hopkins
9th at home
10 Sunday
11th
12,,
13th Charlie Hopkins here I went up with charlie went to Dundee Bought of Viponds a comb
14th Jim Charlie and Jim Summers came for the Steers took the Mare yoked the steers and Left
them till he would take them home on the Sleigh
15th Settled with AJ Baker for the hay Bought of J Grant Tea Rice Raisins Starch Broom G{Illegible}
matches Flour took Dinner at Hamiltons Got the 2 Collars I Lent them
Allen Buried on 6th Decemb{er 18}77
Mr James Cameron Island Feby 16 1878
Went across took Hamiltons Brush home Bought of J Summers Darning needle oil
17th Went Down to Kit Kit Island Gordon and Tommy Jack here
18th at home
19th at home
20th Drew some Drags went to Hopkins Ben {Illegible}uya there
21st Jim and charlie for the oxen Fixed shafts on the Jumper Brought Plough Whippletrees Strap
22nd Drew some Wood Raining
23rd Drawing Wood Forgot to put Down the Rest of this month
1st of March Jim Hopkins To Lancaster for Boards
2nd Jim Took the stove to Lancaster got 6 Tin pans Luke and Galerneau going to Lancaster for saw
Dust Very Cold Stopt coming Back to Dinner E Wind Frosty
3rd Raining Gordon here
4th Waiting seeing if they were coming for hay Rob Baker
5th Got J Hamiltons Coat Went to Du{ndee} Election in F {Fort} Covington for Licquour Licence Bill
{Morris?} Poorly took Dinner and Tea at D Suples Got a Fish from D Baker got a Ride Down from
Charlie hopkins got some oil of Whiskey from Mrs Hopkins for my elbow
6th Ash Wednesday Got a Coat from Jim Jim went for a Load of saw Dust to Lancaster I went to
Summersto{wn} Bought Cotton Binding Brought Johns coat
7th chopping Drawing Wood
8th I went to Hopk{ins} for the Pots got 2 some Potatoes Gordon came Left his axe Isacc Vipond
crossed with a horse Leading Behind ice Getting Bad
9th I crossed up to Hamiltons the crack opening Gordon met me with Roses 2 pots Got Flour &
Meal from John Hamilton Bought ½ lb Tea very hard work to get Back went around north {Illegible}
of Francis Island Jim McDougall here {Illegible} sugar Bush to {Illegible}
Mr James Camerson Island March 10th 1878
ice Jamming Down hens commenced to Lay Fine Day
11th Cold ice Going Down cutting Wood for the sugar Bush
12th fixing an ear for the Pot put a handle on
13th Raining snowing making cedar spoils
14th cutting soft maple for Troughfs
15th Making Troughfs Got over 40 made now some Trees Tapt a Fine Day for sap Got a cedar stick
in the Bay on the ice 3 or 4 canoes Down of Indians for the first
16th first make of syrup made to Day 118 Tapt now made 2 Gallons to Day put out the canoe to
Fish sturgeon St Battiance son speared 1 at foot of Island to Day went Down as far as the Kit Kit
seen no fish
17th St Patricks Day East Wind Fine and cold
18th First Ploughing of sod found a nail in the mares hoof Fine Frost in the Ground
19th in the Bush Tapt some making Troughfs
20th First Day of spring the Grays here made 6 lb of Sugar
21st Tapping Gathering Boiling some Gordon and I crossed heard old Mrs McLennan was Buried
one of the oldest Residenters of Williamstown Got an Order from AJ Baker for 2 Dollars on J
summers Mr Geddes at J Hamiltons cold Raw Windy some Brought home John Hamiltons Bag Got
some Sturgeon oil on my elbow
22nd Livinias Birth Day sugaring Boiling Tapping
23rd Boiling Running well Captain Smallman Went to Lancaster I think he Lost his anchor to Day
high Wind First Trip
24th in the Bush snowing Blowing Freezing Cold
2{5}th Windy Drifting and Fine I Forgot to put Down
26th John H Birth Day
1st of April All Fools Day Good Friday Hen{ery} Bosell here a fine Day Windy Easter {Illegible}ay
Ge{Illegible} here
Mr James Cameron Island April 1878
St Marks Raining some and I forgot the rest
1st of May
2nd Went to Hamilton
24th Queens Birth Day at Fences Plough Planting and the Like
30th Old Beishy went for Mrs Bowen him and Gordon Mr Genie came to night at 1.:50 from him I
and Gordon Went to Hamiltons with a Stick Gordon went to store for castor oil
31st Genie went off Ploughing the Potatos
1st of June A very fine calm Day Some Pic nicks very warm the Baby Born the Glorious First of
June {Above it reads: Rowena} Went home with Mrs Bowen Randolph and I
2nd Laurie came Dan and Billy Bowen Bucky Laurie and Bucky stopt
3rd Laurie Went of I forget the Rest
9th Our Marys Birth Day 1813)
22nd Our Dans Birth Day
1st of July Dominion Day Bub and George here yesterday Brought the Pig from Bills Mr and Mrs
Bowen here Potato Bugs Eating up all our Potatoes shooting all Day P Independence Day Fishing
12th of July Shooting Firing all Day
26th Dog Days Begin Got a Lette{r} from Day some time this month I got a Letter from London 2
Dolla{rs} sent my ashes over
19th July Fernandez Birth Day
Mr James Cameron Island 1st of August 1878
Lammas Day Went to Salmon River with a Tub of Butter had the Old Mans Boat got a Tow Back
from Captain Bowen of the Steamer Jennie to Hamiltons Island opposition to the Rhoda May
Stormy this Evening Kenneth McLaughlin Died some Time this month or Last Working at the hay
2nd of August Minnie's Birth Day
6th of Randolph's Birth Day Commenced {The ‘ced’ were written overtop of the ‘en’} to cut Marsh
hay
19th Bismarck's Birth Day Sometime this month the Viponds Broke Down shut out no Vote at
Election
Sept 3rd Dans Birth Day 1846) Cutting hay and Drawing Firewood Fishing Thrashed the Wheat at
mill Got a sack of Cornmeal from Ge Renshaw at J summers Autumn commences
22nd
23rd Cut and put in 10 cocks of marsh hay
24th Went to Hamiltons husking Corn Got 3 Bags from John Lissie Mr Lairds Wife and Mr Harpers
Girls up from Below
27th at Viponds Roses Careys Wards got Powder from Tom Summers
28th G Renshaw here Drawing Drags
29th St Michael Day
30th I crossed Found a Bun B{Illegible} of J Summers 2 yds of Lining 40 RRR 25 Bought of Ward
Hook P2 spools Thread Matches a very warm Day
Mr James Cameron Island October 1 1878
Mowing Randolph and I Cut 20 Cocks of Marsh hay
2nd put them in the Barn Keeping in the Ram Ram since September
3rd Drawing Wood Thunder & Lightning hail
4th Tearing Down the Shed The Great Race on Wednesday Hanlan and Courtney
5 at the shed the old man up from Montreal got a Ride Down with Captain Rankin and G Renshaw
helped him Down with his Basket Drawing some Drags Bismarck took up the Turnips as the cattle
is coming in
7th Monday Working at the Shed got the crowbar HughAnn Watching the Tent Fixing the canoe
The St Francis went from Lancaster this this morning Began to run Last night a Great many Boats
to Day East Wind a Very fine Day
8th Went to F Covingt{on} West Wind Blew hard at Lukes going up took 2 Bushels of Corn to Mill
took 53 lb of Butter to Jo Lemay 63 lb Tub) allowed 10 lb for the Tub 14 cents Bought of Jo 4 lb
Pork 9 cents a lb 25 lb of salt ¼ lb Pepper 7 cents 1 lb of Tea 40 cents Bought of Parker 6 cents of
Worm Losenges took Dinner at Dan Summers Bought of Mr Bordeau 10 yds of Calico at 12 ½ 1..25
3 yds of Overall Stuf 45 Box of Matches 15 cents 2 lb of nails 8 cents ½ lb crackers 5 cents 4
Plates 20 cents Got a Paper from Bill they had to stop and go the scow as they were too heavy
Loaded with Barley on the H{Illegible}-a-May coming home high Wind sto{pt} at Lukes all night took
Jim Halls wife across very windy my Canoe Leakes Bad
9th took Breakfast at Lukes Raining E Wind and heavy Thunder & sharp Lightning clears of Fine
East Wind Wind changed to West Blowed very hard Blew Down some Trees Got home in Good
Time
Mr James Cameron Island October 10th 1878
HughAnn McMasters Birth Day Windy West and north Drawing wood Working around the shed
went to the head of the Island Randolph and I the Fox after the Hens to night
11th Working at the shed putting post under the side peices and Beams A Fine Day East Wind and
calm some Grains of snow yesterday a change in the moon Full this Morning a Great Deal of
shooting on the south side to Day thers a steamer over there at anchor the Averils
12th Working at the shed
13th Sunny Gordon Came from Hamiltons they have the Mill for thrashing Lashey I seen at the
Lower Point the Averils over Buying Fish at the Fishermen at the Lower Point A Fine Day West Wind
a Great many men Fishing Pickerel on the Water to Day
14th Working at the shed Boarding it The Front part all shut put the Tobacco in the cellar a very fine
Day Seen Wild Geese saturday the 12th
15th Crossed to go to the Store stopt at Hamiltons to help them at the Thrashing Put in the
Buckwheat Tom Jack and I Finished the Buckwheat Thrashed some oats
16th Old Mr William McGreggor Departed the Thrashers away for a Waggon I came home this
Evening Bought of Ward 31 lbs of salt Bought of J Summers 1 Butter tub 2 lb of nails Hooks & Eyes
2 Window Glass pile 10 yds of Cotton 1 yds of Calico 1 spool of Thread lb of shot Lead pencil Got
a Basket of apples crossed Back to Hamiltons in case the Wind would be high in the morning {v}ery
warm weather this time
17 Thrashing Wheat {T}om went home with them went up to the store Lecture on the Front the Lost
Tribes of Israel very warm Day high south West Wind rained the night Mr Genie here him and Felix
18th {c}ame home took a Bag of Apples raining some
{19}th Raining very high Wind this Morning from the East {c}hanged through the Day snowed on the
Mountains to night working some at the shed
Mr James Cameron Island October 20th 1878
Sunday some snow this Morning north West Wind some high the alma Monoro aground at the
Lighthouse Mr Hills Light Got aground Last night one of the old Man's son-in-Law here this Morning
Batteance Latour From Valley-Field got a Drink of Milk Gave 5 cents and a cent to John H Gave him
4 Plugs of Tobacco of my own Raising a very Fine man seemingly the Spartan went up Traveller
coming up with a Good Tow
21st Working at the shed a very fine Day
22nd at the shed covering it Boarding the North End cut some Marsh hay to cover the Top of the
shed Randolp{h} cut 10 Cocks Lots of Wild Geese Flying West
23rd Livinia Birth Day 1868 10 years old To Day Randolp{h} Drew the Hay to Put on Top of the shed
Began to Bank the West End of the House E Wind and it Blows very hard to night frome the Wes{t}
it Blew through the night Water Raised and a Blowing Raining some old Gabriel got Pepper Killed 2
Rust{ers; as in Roosters} Fixing the Boards on the West End of the Banking of the house took some
hay from the Back marsh Stack Got in the sheep so we could catch the Big she{ep} or the Wild
South Down I must Kill her as she is the Devil to make the other sheep Bad to Catch
24th Our Hugh's Birth Da{y} Fixing some around the shed Went ar{ound} the Island covering the
Little Back shed of a{Illegible} Let out the other sheep emptied the Big Vineg{ar} Jar a Great many
Boats going up and Down the Waterfell si{Illegible} East nights Big Blow Frost to {nig}ht near
morning
Mr James Cameron Island Oct 25th 18{78}
My Birth Day St Crispins Day all Shoemakers holds this Day Lots of Boats Going this morning First
Ice this Fall this morning ice in my canoe East Wind I crossed to Hamiltons Got Flour Corn-meal
and Buckwheat Flour for helping them with the Thrashing got the news of Johnny Summers Killing
a Bear on the Island Mrs Hamilton and Tom Jack to Montreal with Butter Last week or the
Begginning of this week Seen Andrew Rose went to the store seen the Rhoda May and the T Parry
Bought of D Ward 1 Tenneet 1 lb nails ½ lb Soda 1 spool of Thread Pipe Issacc Vipond scowing
wood to Renshaws Gordon in Williamstown yesterday
26th Drawing wood cut some in the calf's Pasture {Above it reads: Mr Fulton Departed} Banking the
West end putting on chips Raining some Finished the 2 Quilts
27th Sunday Fine Day Calm wind Raised Raining some Gordon Came from Hamiltons stopt all
night as the wind is Little high and Raining the old man for Tea got it
27 28th Snowed some wind hight turned fine Gordon crossed Wind West {Above it reads: Mr Fulton
Buried to Day} HughAnn went with my mits to Gordon at the head of the Island Killed the Big South
Down sheep and {sh}e was Fat my Back took a very bad {p}ain sent a Peice Down to the Fishermen
St Simon & St Jude
29th Banking East End {a}nd taking away stones George and Peggy Bosell {ca}me with the yarn
spinning 5 lbs of Rolls Gave her {Cut off} lb of Butter and 50 cents cash a Great man{y} Boats a
Going to Day churning to Day
30th Genie here Went away E Wind R{Illegible}
Mr James Cameron Island Oct 31st 1878
Holy Eve All hallow Eve Drew some wood to the old men Fishing at the Lower Point cutting an Oak
out of the Roots Cracking Butternuts to night nust of the Last Year Eating apples Windy and Rain
got a sturgeon
November the 1st All Saints Day John Cameron and Mr Robishaw Came Fishing EEls Got the Oak
Tree Down West Wind and Rain very wet and Windy weather
2nd All Souls Day Drew the oak crook home Drew some Drags they Baited the Line with Duck and
Cleaned it High West wi{nd} and Rain Lots of Boats agoing snowed on the Mount{ain} to night
Froze some to night
3rd Sunday John Cameron and Robishaw crossed for Provision to Summerstow{n} Bread and
Butter to Loaves ½ lb of Butter I went Down to the old mans Lent Avrils Steamer came Last night to
hunt anchored at Frashers On the South Side Cold to Day and Fine water some high Wind West
4th Cutting Stove Wood some Grains of snow West Wind Robishaw started to cross this Evening
turned Back stopt till Morning took in the apples from the milkhouse as everything freezes putting
the milk in the house
5th Guy Fawks Day Robishaw and John Cameron crossed they got no EEls and they are Going
over to hunt Rabbits Fixing the stable Door cold Raw Time West Wind
6th Bohemian and St Francis came up and Went Down W Wind Mowed some hay to put on the
Banking Don Pedro Broke the Jumper putting the Mare in the stab{le} at night not very well this
Evening Windy col{d}
7th Helen's Birth Day snowing stormy W Wind cold and Fine cut the Runner for the Jumper
Bismarck and I mowe{d} some Marsh hay Randolph and I Charli{e} Hopkins and a Man from
Montreal I think his name is Drummond Blowed pret{ty; Illegible} they crossed to Christees Island
Left a {Illegible} snowed and Blowed W Wi{nd}
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 8th 1878
Making a Runner for the Jumper chopping Stove Wood put in the young calves to night for the first
this fall Livinia Bad with the Tooth-ache seen a Raven in the Bush yesterday churning to Day
working some at the Tobacco these nights north wind to Day some Grains of snow Fell Mr Derishee
here for Butter a Good Deal of shooting at Charlies Island Gave Don Pedro a prand of the 4 prong
fork to night that made him Run for an acre before he stopt 5 or 6 Steamers passed to Day
9th Drew some Wood for the Fishermen Gave Randolph a sturgeon and a Jacket Pants and Coat a
Great many hunting Ducks some-thing wrong with the Black Pig Going to Die wont eat a Good
many Boats to Day Wind high a change in the Moon tonight Dont see the Rhoda may crossing this
some time no wild Geese Just now
10th Sunday a Few Propellers went up and Down St Francis & Bohemian went Down Sparry
crossed to Renshaws wharf another small Boat a hunting steamer came out and went up W Wind
cloudy this Evening some Drops of Rain the change of the Moon Dont change the wind much as it
Blows as hard as ever Lots of snow on the mountain no snow here on the ground
11th Took up the Line E Wind Took up the Turnips out of the Bean Place Tried for EEls got none
put a spear pole on the EEl Spear Raining got some oil Martinmas
12th some hail high W Wind the old man Brought some tea Got a Loaf of Bread Gave him stick for
oars taking sticks of the Bean Fence churning the Alexandra went Down a small Steamer with a
Barge part Loaded went in to Lancaster a Good many Boats going to Day
13th St Francis and Bohemenian went up and Down Tow Boats and Propellers going up & Down
North Wind & West snowing hard Fine sunshine the Men went to Renshaws with their Fish Brought
me 1 lb of soda 10 cents Paid them their Bread Back Brought sticks for axe handles to the other
man chopping stove Wood Grinding the axes cleaning Tobacco {to} night the cows away Last night
took the B{Illegible} Blary
1878
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 14th
Drew a ash Tree for oars Drew a pine Log 13 feet Drew some of the cedar out of the swamp seen a
Weasel very white West Wind Don Pedro Roaring Mad this Evening Kept in Black to night splitting
the Ash in Oar Stuff and Rails Thawing to Day Freezing to night A Fortunate Day
15th Got an Axe helve made Brought Down 9 sticks for Oars Trimed the Butternut Tree Down on
the hill piled some of stones on the Stone heap Fixing the Stable Door and the Stall put 1 Door on
the sheep shed Fixed the step at the Back shed Let out the small Pig a very fine Day not much wind
West a Great Deal of shooting to Day a Good many Boats Going up and Down to Day Drew 2
Loads of Wood wind changed this Evening south East a circle around the Sun to Day
16th Roses came for their Heifers had to go Back for Ropes I crossed stopped at Hamiltons John
and I went up to Renshaws for my Bun as he wants it to work at the Bridge helping J Summers to
Load his Goods on the scow crossed to Wards Bought of Mr Ward ½ lb Tea 25 cents Horse Shoe
nails 10 Oil Pipe Seen Dan Frasher a Talking about the contracts for stones Brought Gordon his
Sox and handkerchief he is at AJ Bakers E Wind Rose high crossed over wit{h} George
17th Dan Cameron Missed the Boat and the St Francis would not stop ar call for him
18th crossed to Summerst{own} Raining Blowing
19th Working at the Bridge at Hamiltons spinks John Tommy Jack and I E Wind some cold
20th Working at the Bridge a Great many Indians chopp{ing} cord Wood
the 212st Fishermen over Gave my Tea to take home Finished the Bridge came home Got some
Flour and Cornmea{l}
{Illegible}ohn on this Day of the month Donal{d McMast}er Departed 1846
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 22nd 1878
East Wind very high Raining some hail went around the Island Randolph and I a very ugly Day no
Boats up or Down to Day the sparry came out of Salmon Rover and went in something rong with
her cylinder yesterday as she stopped coming across the channel St Cecilias Day the winds is
Raging to night with Rain its a Took the perch up From the Bottom on the Shore in the Weeds it
Rolled up suck Weeds from the Bottom I never seen suck Bunches Broke the Fishermans Sturgeon
Pen of Stone and they lost 2 Sturgeon out of it and one they Gaffed outside of the Pen Going off I
am Sure there must be accidents other Places
23rd got 4 Oars andxe helves from the Fishermen Old John went Down to Valleyfield to Day Drew
them some wood Raining Blowing came from the West the Wind The Bohemian and St Francis
went up but not so early as usual as the wind was very high last night
24th Sunday A Change in the Moon high West Wind Snow on the Mountains Last night a Propeller
came up this Morning the Bohemian & St Francis went Down went around the Island Bismarck
Randolph and I
25th Killing the Pig Banked the {in}side of the cookhouse A Very fine Morning after 12 it began to
snow and Blow from the North East putting in the cattle at night and Feeding cows & calves
Feeding good hay to the Mare the Sparry came out this Morning a Tug went up with 4 or 5 Barges
in Tow 2 Men Fishing EEls at the Sturgeon Island
26th A Small Steamer went Down into {L}ancaster with a Barge or something Like a Yacht in tow W
Wind cutting stove Wood to Day snow on the Ground the Tobacco near claned of the stems not
Plugged yet {n}ot much Frost
27th The Bohemian & St Francis up and Down the Last Trip for the St Francis to Day Mr Genie
came to night Brought me a Bag of Potatoes {a}nd a Bag of Buckwheat Flour But did not Bring my
Big Boat the Fishermen went to Lancast{er} with their sturgeon to go on the Bohemian {Illegible}
south East wind and Rain to night
Mr James Cameron Island Nov 28th, 1878
Wind changed high West Wind Steamer went Down with a Barge in Tow Mr Genie went home
Banking the house more Got 3 Pikes from old John to day Drew him some Wood Put Out some
manure the Sparry went in to Lancaster took out Rousseau's scow and had Quite a Job with her
this side of the Lighthouse Fine some Rain not Cold very much Bothered with Rheumatism now
very windy night Last night
29th Working at Big Shed Door {Above it reads: putting up stones at the oak Log} Chopping Stove
Wood 30th fine
30th St Andrew's Day The Festival of the Scotch a Fine Day North East Wind the Sparry crossed to
Day Made a Rack in the Big Shed Firing some Good shots set 2 Traps the first I set water high {In
the right margin: (Putting up stones at the oak Log yesterday and Let the water run of the Wet Place
a Pond below the house)}
1st of December 1st sunday in Advent Froze a Little Last night North East Wind cool and Fine a
scow or Barge came up out of Lancaster a Steamer came out of salmon River this morning
Randolp{h} and I went around the Island a Great many of those Gannets went up yesterday Flying
very high
2nd cutting Drags Raising the Troughfs very high South East Wind Raining some Drew a hicory the
wind Blew Down the old man Gabriel here got Buckwheat Flour Soda and Milk Gave me a Paper
Rafter & Desmarteau Selling off cheap No Lights up in Mr Hills nor the Floating Light But Johnstons
on the Cherry Islands Light is up Did not see any Boats Going to Day But the Sparry Crossed and
up to cornwall
3rd a Yacht or scow sailed Down into Landcaster and they all got up their Lights to night Raining
and snowing some West Wind Let out the Ram to Day had the ram 3 months in Feeding salted the
sheep Cleaned out the calves shed where the Ram was in Lost one of my Traps Chain Broke from
the Trap the Muskrat mu{st} be in it Looked but could not find it
Mr James Cameron Island December 4th 1878
East Wind snowing Sperry took a scow or yacht out of Lancaster a Tug went up with 4 Barges in
Tow no Lights in Mr Hills or the Floating Light But Light on the cherry Light to night the Fishermen
took up their Lines to Day going of tomorrow Put in the young Bull Royal Charlie, a sail came
across and went up high Wind I went to the Head of the Island took in my Irons piled up the 2 sawLogs put the soft maple Boards in the Barn Some Ducks but no Geese 1 Trap set 1 Leg this
morning took up the trap took the Fish Box up on the Bank
5th Gabriel Deroshie and John (his brother the Fishermen) went of to Day Left their Bun and most of
their things till the would come next spring North West Wind some snow Randolph and I took up
their Boxes and their Fishing Rigging Got a Gallon of Sturgeon oil from them took their Jolly Boat
the Lousia with them a Steamer came up out of Lancaster and went Down with a Barge Mr
Smallman came across to Day I think this is the Last Trip for him as I think Salmon River will Freeze
to night Feeding the cattle No Lights to night only the cherry Island Light is Lit
6th St Nicholas the Festival of the Germans Froze hard Mr Smallman did not come out of Salmon
River to Day with the Steamer Sparry NW Wind snowing some Freezing cold Light on Cherry Island
to {n}ight set a Trap in a hole for the Fox but I {d}ont think he comes to it now All the cattle in{Illegible} stabling to night but Don Pedro he is out all alone {to}ok the sheep Down from the upper
End of the Island {fi}lled one of the Ticks with wheat straw to Day {to}ok the old Fanning mill out of
the stable to the Barn {p}ut the onions from up stairs to the cellar Lots of snow Birds Flying about
Dont see any wild Geese some Ducks
{7}th Kind of Fine cold NW Wind snowing some some ice near shore Gathered 230 spoils 80 {i}n
the milkhouse 150 in the Bush chopping stove {w}ood put the 2 cats down in the Tent for the Rats
No Lights in the Lighthouses to night
8 Sunday a Very Fine Day
1878
Mr James Cameron Island Decr 9th
Piling 1 ½ Cords of Wood up in the Marsh that was there all Summer cut an Ash for a Little Sleigh
Snowing and Blowing East Wind the Hay on the Barn Floor all done to night Commencing to Feed
from the East Mow the Sheep comes to the Barn to Feed all the Cattle Picking out in the Day high
East Wind to night
10th Leander's Birth Day Drew up the Old Mans Bun And My Canoe very high East Wind Raining
water Raising piling up those Long peices near the Stable at the Lower End of the Garden Drew
Some Sticks to the Door took a plank up from the Lower Point tryed to saw the crooks of the Little
sleigh split them
11th Wind West froze some Last night Went aroun{d} the Island Randolph and I its terrible the
Weeds & Dirt and Minnos Frogs & Dirt the high Eas{t} Wind throws up On the shore A Steamer
came up I think its the Anderson {Above it reads: it is the Kendrick} or artic its Blowing hard and
Snowing {Above it reads: -Kendrick} Blustering with snow Working at the Little hand Sleigh
12th Water Rising West Wind Blowing hard Working at the sleight pretty Cold Lots of Dusks Black
Ducks plenty
13th Finished the sleigh West Wind not much wind som{e} set a Fire in the Marsh Burnt a Strip not
Much took up the Trap as the Water is Raising seen the Marsh Set Fire over at Mr Bowens I
suppose its Luke
14th chopping Stove Wood a fine Day wind East wind Raised high snowed and hailed some to
night the 2 Big White Backed Eagles after Ducks some stormy to night I oiled myself for the
Rheu{matism}
15 Sunday A Fortunate Day a Fine Day pretty cold W Wind Freezing some in the side of shore Got a
Rat in the Trap in the Milkhouse came up from the old Mans Tent
16th put A Runner in the Little old Sleigh went to Pitt Point very cold Frosty and Windy West pretty
cold to night with wind
17th W Making a cellar Door Broke on a stack of Marsh ha{y} 2 ½ Tons in it Began to cut hay fine in
the Mow a Fine Day but Windy on the Water West
Mr James Cameron Island Dec 18th 1878
Drawing Drags of Wood a Fine Day Windy from the West seen the Ram standing still in the field he
dont look very well
15th St Thomas cutting Stove Wood Caught the Ram put him in Fixing the hinges on the Door of
the Big Shed and its Windy and Frosty Gordons heifer out to night Set 2 Traps for Muskrats to night
seen a Track thought it was a Mink or a very Large Weasel
20th Last Day of Fall or Autumn one of the Heifers ON her Back in the Manger of the Big Shed had
to Knock Down 6 or 7 Boards to get her out of that but she is all Right Got a muskrat set 2 Traps at
the lowe{r} point for Mink or weasel not very well to Day Blowing not very cold Got a young
Maskinonge in the Back Bay cut a hole in the ice and struck him with the axe
21st First Day of Winter and fine Morning it is Just time enough to Wheel around turned East and
Blows hard {Above it reads: Turned over the Bun} Drew some Wood {Above it reads: shot 2 Ducks
got 1} took up the Traps {Above it reads: Put in the sheep} as the wind is breaking up the ice very
windy Time
Sunday 22nd Got a Weasel in the Tent Drifting and snowing Blowing very hard
23rd Fixing a handle in the Shovel as the Bull & on Don Pedro Broke it somehow or other its very
windy time Blows hard every Day the Cattle eats hearty its cold and Wood pile {a}ll Drifted up with
snow
24th Christmas Eve {c}utting Stove Wood Feeding the cattle Extra {th}is cold weather something
wrong with the Ram nailing a Board in the sheeps place {a}s the Black weather sumps in where I
put hay very windy from the West
25th Christmas Day cold Windy Day
26th Cold & Blowing chopping Stove Wood wind fell and {i}t was calm all night what it was not for a
month and a half before this St Stephens Day small Pox Bad around Lancaster
Mr James Cameron Island Dec 27th 1878
East Wind snowing Fine I crossed not being across since the 21st of november Stopt at J
Hamiltons took Dinner caught 14 Turgies Tom Gordon and I for Parisha's Raffle Went up to the
store Gordon and I Bought of Mr Ward 1 pair of Boots for HughAnn 3 yds of calico Tea 5 lb of Rice
½ lb soda spool Thread skain Thread Binding to 1 sheep Pelt 40 Rat 10 4 ½ lb of Butter 58 ½ oil J
Hamilton and I to the Raffle Geese Turkies and Cutter Raffled John got a Goose Mr Ward sick Got
25 lb of Flour From AJ Baker John and the Minister had some Row crossed on the ice at Roses
coming home
28th St Innocents Day Gordon and crossed from Hamiltons Got 40 lb of Flour and 8 lb of cheese
Brought over J Hamiltons Axe and a handle as I had it since the 9th of March North West Wind
Freezing some told me Mrs Jack Departed heard old Mr Duffeild shot a Mans Horse for not paying
for a Bottle of Whiskey in Jail for 6 months Allen McDonald up the Front poorly the Steamer
Kendrick went Down from Summerstown on the 27th she came up on the 11th) and I thought it was
the Anderson or artic John Vipond Back from California a did not make a Long stay
29th Cold this morning the water all in a skim of ice but after it turns warm and snowed some
turned cold after it turns warm and snowed some turned cold at night but windy
30th chopping Stove Wood Gordon fixe{d} the horse saw and sawing stove wood cold and soft W.
Wind very windy time
31st Last Day of the year Drawing Wood making a pair of overalls for Gordon Kind of Soft Windy a
change in the Moon all the Talk is Jim Grant he Failed and has the creditors in a Terrible way he has
Borrowed mone{y} From a Great many ice taken from Rensha{ws} to Summerstown.
For more information on James Cameron, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca
