Irene Dixon Bamford 1913-1914, Diary Transcription
5034_4-2-5

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itemTitle: 1913 Cont’d + 1914
date: 1913-1914
Title: 5034_4-2-5
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1
[Queen’s Archive folder]
Irene Dixon Bamford Diary 191 Cont’d & 1914. 1913-1914
[stamp]
Queen’s University Archives
Locator
Box 2
File 5

2
1913 Cont’d &
Date 1914

3
[inside cover with various scribblings]
EEmma
John
Emma
Boat
Mail
Sam Woodman
ES
Emma Leeman
Emma Leeman
St Lawrence PO
Wolfe IslandOnt.
Mrs RA Gaskin
351 Bramard St
Watertown N.Y.

4
Maggie
Junior
Howard Niles
Howard
Niles
R
Irene Dixon
Irene Dixon
34 yrs ago
Letters Posted 1911
since New Years

Jan 20th

\href{#article-32135473}{Grace}

,2

""

Maud

,2

by Em

card to Kathleen

,1

Jan

Grace

,2

""

Maud

,2

""

Belle

,2

Jan 27

Maud

,2

""

Maud

,2

""

Herald

,2

""

Grace

,2

""

Express order for Herald

4

Feb 3

3 cards, Grace, Belle, Maud

3

"4

letter for Grace

,2

"7

" for Eveline

,2

""

" " Grace

,2

"9

letter for Maud

,2

" 14

sent letter to Belle

,2

" 21

" letter Grace

3

March 3rd letter to Eveline

,2

7th

for F.W. Watson

,2

"

for Grace

,2

"

for Maud

,2

Mar 17

W. L. Watson

,2

21

sent three cards Grace, Maud & Belle ,3

"

letter Bernard Morgan

,2

28

a letter to Maud

,2

"

" " " Mills for garden seeds

,2

30

a letter to Belle

,2

"

a letter to Grace

,2

Apr 11

a letter to Muriel

,2

""

" " " Grace

,2

""

" " " Maud

,2

5
[various scribblings of additions]

6
Accounts for 1917

.

.

.

Geo Niles sleigh

$27,00

Jan 15

Sold butter 60 lbs at 24 cts per lb

$14,40

"

4-1/3 doz egg, 35 per doz

1,52

"

butter Mrs Rutan 1 lb

,25

sit shoe for Geo Woodman

,10

sold calf to Dempster

5,00

Jan 17

butter on the market

8,47

"

Honey for Henderson

2,55

" 24

shoeing of Niles horse

,75

1 shoe for Jack Niles

,10

riviting J Niles cutter

0,25

" 27th

2 bushels beans for Wm G Woodman 4,00

"

2 doz eggs, 30 per doz

,60

"

15 per sec Honey to Henderson

7,20

"

butter to Whitney 15 lb

3,75

"

butter 32 lbs Bateson

7,68

"

butter Henderson 21 lbs

5,04

"

sold butter to Lib 9-1/2 lbs

2,28

"

Mrs Ruttan 2 lbs butter

,48

Feb 4th

Mrs Winbum 27 butter

6,48

" 12th

Mrs Winbum 22 .24 cts

5,28

"

Honey crawford 18 per 19 sec 26 per

2,85

"

Eggs Crawford 3 doz

,85

"

Sold wheat 5 bushel

4,12

"

Mrs Ruttan Butter 1 lb

,24

Feb 24th Butter Frank Woodman 2 lb

,50

28

Butter for Grace 10 lbs 25 cts

2,50

butter for Winbum 10 lbs

2,50

butter for Whitney 19 lbs

4,75

20 lbs Honey Henderson

8,00

7
March
8 - butter 19 lbs at 25 - $4,75
March 11 - two doz egs 24 - ,48
17 - Sold Day 1 bag potatoes - ,75
" - setting shoe for H. Halliday - ,25
22nd - eggs Jimy Morgan 4 doz - ,80
23rd - " sold in Kingston 5 doz - ,80
Butter 31 lbs - 7,13
27 - two roosters to F.W. - 1.00
setting shoe for C. Woodman - 10
Apr 11 - Buter 20 lbs Winburn - 4.60
Weat for Murphy 3-1/2 bu - 2,92
3 bags poatotes .95 - 1.35
Apr 27 - 9 doz eggs
Butter 49 lbs .10
Butter 21 lbs .18
T. Woodman 5 - 1.00
Sylvia 1 - 20
Ruttan 3 - 60
Aug
5 doz eggs .20 - 1,00
3 bushels apples
tomatoes - .75
Potatoes 1 - 1.75
Butter 25 per lb 33
Aples
Aug
Mrs Niles butter 3lb .25 per - .75
Henderson apples 5-1/2 bushels .80 per - 4.40
Apples on market - 3.15
potatoes - .70
butter 10 lb on market ,28 per - 2.80

8
continued from Friday 5 Nov 1914
back of book
tod us about his visit to Wellies.
H and Mrs Joslin were there two
weeks. V plowed all p.m.
Received letters from Belle (a card), a
long letter from Grace. 2 Heralds
and a Standard. We read the
terrible war News and go to
bed.
Saturday 6th Nov 1914
A cloudy morning and a cloudy
day. V plowing, Emma doing Sat
work. I on my feet all a.m. and
most of p.m., tried out one Kettle
of fat. Set up a new chair tidy,
dont know as I will finish it very
soon. Emma cleaned all floors
and made a tough cake which
she covered with chocolate dressing
We heard by way of Sylvia who has
received a letter from Samy that Ada Dixon
is very sick not expected
to recover. She is in Watertown
hospital, there is a letter here for
Rachel from Jen since yesterday
Sunday 7th Nov 1914
A cloudy day, Wind West. V
calculating his liabilities and how
to meet them. Hard work to keep Edith
up to business. I superintended the breakfast
while Emma helped milk. V shaved and
cut up the pork. We expect Maggie Joslin here
to dinner. Very nice, warm and comfortable
here by the dining room stove. Think
I will write a letter to Belle.

9
continued from page 5
Maggie Joslin came here from church staid to
dinner. Emma and Maggie called
on Sylvia. Emma went as far as
Rachels where they called and staid
awhile. Maggie Magee came down
and romped around with Edith awhile
after Edith’s return from Rachels
where she had been to carry R
a letter from Jen which had been
here since Friday evening. Mr McKay
also made us a visit staid to
supper. I prepared most of the
supper, worked in kitchen till Emma came
Monday 9th Nov 1914
A cloudy morning West wind
froze last night. I got to get up
and work tho I don’t feel like it
but necessity forces me to do so.
Almond Joslin here on look out for
Germans which I think is all
nonsense. Alstayed to din I
was going to say Al staid to dinner.
Voltie intended to plow but was
rung up to help load pressed hay
which occupied his time all
a.m. he plowed all p.m.
Edith went to shcool. We tried
out lard and etc. Maggie here to borrow kettle.
Teusday [sic] 10 Nov 1914
A beautiful day, river like a
mirror all day. Mr Constance phoned
that the hay boat would be here for
Volties hay and again phoned that
it would not come to day. So Sam H

10
5
MWWM M
Woodman went home but Hiram Joslin
staid and helped Voltie
put the corn in the barn. Hiram
staid to dinner. V didn’t plow to
day. Emma intended to wash
but did not. We churned and
tried more lard. V doing all
kind of odd jobs. No letters
from any one, only Standard and
Farmers magazine and some
Almanacs. Edith at school.
Maggie brought the kettle home
and got Rundal’s linament for
Sylvie got cramps. Had a telephone
ring that the coal barge is coming tomorrow
at foot and Breakeys bay. W.W.W.W.
Wednesday 14 Nov 1914
A chilly day wind west. V drew water
for Rachel to scald her chickens.
V killed her chickens. Edith
went over and helped Rachel
and staid all night so to
help R off in the morning.
After dinner V drew two loads
of coal from the foot of the island.
This morning after washing the dishes
and while washing the stove my peg
leg gave up and I fell on the floor
and burnt my left arm in falling,
burnt it on the stove; by help of Emma
and Edith and a chair, I got on
my feet again not any worse only
for the burn and considerably shook
up. Evening after chores done V cleans up
a grist of hog feed. 5 bags. V built a
good coal fire in dining room stove

11
Thurs| Thursday 12 Nov 1914
Partly clouds partly sunlight not
very cold. Emma working as usual.
Edith came home early this morning bringing
a few toasted corn flakes that R had given
her. Voltie drove to dock with hog grist
5 bags full. Voltie has been up since
since ten minutes to two doctoring
old Ben horses for colic & did not
go to bed again but cleaned stables
horse and cow stables, milked 7 cows,
fed cows, horses and hogs then routed
the neighbours by phone to help him
load hay on the boat. Emma
cook rib, made apple pie, cleaned
kitchen floor, washed towels and
an apron. Edith home from school
to help she does some work but have
to drive her all the time, holler and
yell but she can play with the
cats beautifuly. Six men here
to dinner. Jack Niles, Sam and
John H Woodman, Albert Gillespie,
Ed McDermot and Voltie.
After dinner V went to lower
Barn and cleaned up the hay,
looked after the pigs then drove to
the dock for Rachel and pig feed.
Sylvia sent letter to Sheridan Maloney.
F F Friday 13 Nov 1914
I wrote to Andy Mitchel and Wellie
to find John’s whereabouts. Edith carried
them to Vs road & gave them
to Wm Ranous. Voltie went for the
sheep drove them home then hitched
up and drove to George Woodmans.

12
intending to bring home the little
colts but they wouldnt drive or be
led so came in time for dinner.
He intended to plow this pm but
storm prevented. Not much work
done here this day, we have satisfy
soup for dinner. Voltie plowed
all pm. A terric wind blowing,
lightning and one great thunder clap
and no more thunder, the wind
uprooted one of the cedars on the
shore directly in front of the house.
my arm is very sore yet.
Didnt go for the mail this eve.
Emma milked and separated the
milk. I read to V and Emma from Farmers
Magazine.
Saturday 15 Nov 1914
Voltie went early this morning
(ie) after breakfast to George’s for the
colts. Geo & Rodney pike come down
with them. They met Voltie up by the english
church. A pair of little bays.
Edith went to Sylvia’s for the
mail, a letter from Grace, a letter
from Watson, a letter from Maud and
a bundle of papers from Belle and
some West India papers from
W Watson. V rung for Edith before
she would come home. V now gone
to draw wood from the dock to the school
house. Emma made apple pies and mopped
floors, got dinner. Emma baked bread,
ground frozen hard last night cant
plow this a.m. The day is chilly and
sun shining. Maggie Maggee staid
here all night for Sylvie has a
bean. To bad that she doesnt give him
up or marry him. Emma Woodman &
Samy came over for the day, went home early.

13
Sunday 16th Nov 1914
A cloudy morning and begins
raining at noon. Rained all pm.
The day passes very quietly no one
here. Maggie staid to breakfast
V wandered off down to the lower
farm looking aft sheep. Said they
were all right. Our rain barrel full
wont have to bring water from river
to wash. V came from S place
wet wet wet. Changed clothes went
to barn said Old Ben horse
got cholic colic again gave
him a triple dose of horse
medicine composed of milk,
soda and ginger and spirits
of mitre and soon he was
better, then Voltie gave him a
dose of 4 tablespoons full of
spirits of turpentine and 5 of
linseed oil.
Monday 16 Nov 1914
clear, sun bright day, wind from
S.W. White caps rolling grandly
and dashing on shore. I think
my burnt arm is better but such
a lot of work to do. Washing, churning,
house cleaning, sewing, patching,
papering, curtains to wash, a thousand
things to do and no one to do
any thing. Oh that miserable
lazy Edith. Voltie has gone to
the field to plow. No wood to
the school house and V is trustee
and he has not time to chop wood
for the school. After dinner Voltie
see last page in book for Nov 19 through 24th

14
13

[date

[description]

[Amount]

"

Horse Keeping

.25

"

Paid on Emmas watch & ring

1,20

"

20 lbs B sugar from Winbruns

1,05

"

Tea from Crawfords

,90

"

Whiskey

,75

"

treating

,20

"

Paid Jerry M on oak tree

3,00

"

Eleven gal kerosine at 10 per gal

1,10

Feb 23 Tablets Dyspepsia

,50

"

Sawing

2,25

"

Rice

,25

"

Rolled Wheat

,25

"

Soda

,10

"

help to load lumber

,25

"

drink brandy

,10

"

Bits and screws

,48

"

Cigars

,10

"

Rubber for separator bowl

.15

[subtotal]

2,53

" 28

Crothers biscuits

1,00

"

Whiskey

1,50

"

Horse keeping over night

1,00

"

Diary

,10

"

Horse keeping

,25

"

Groceries

2,95

"

drug store

,80

"

lumber

,30

"

paint oil turps. oil can

,60

"

cloves

,20

"

tobacco

,50

[subtotal]

8.20

Manson & Campbell Note No 431 8.00
[total]

see pages 50, 51, 52 for
Nov 25th through Nov 30th

16.20

15
14
March{March}
|—|—|———-|—|—|—|

8

Sawing

[strikethrough]
2
[/strikethrough]

[strikethrough]
3
[/strikethrough]
2

30

milling

52

horse keep

25

Kingston Em,s
Kubb[?]

70

"

Whisk

60

"

Onions

35

"

cod fish

35

"

groceries

55

"

thread

[underlined] 05
[/underlined]
5

[underlined] 15
[/underlined]

sand paper
5

17

Tobacco &
cider

Clayton

"

6 yds
blueprint

82
[underlined] 25
[/underlined]

2 yds print

March

67

6,

04

n

,60
[underlined] ,36
[/underlined]

96
Kingston

Emma’s
third reader

,14

"

1 boule milk

[underlined] ,05
[/underlined]
19

March

23

Dr Bogart

1

00

Horse
keeping

,

25
[strikethrough]
0
[/strikethrough]

[strikethrough]
25
[/strikethrough]
,

25

Kingston dinner &
chinawares

"

Paid
Lumber Bill

3,

20

"

groceries

1,

30

"

grinding

[strikethrough]
2
[/strikethrough]
,

24

"

iodine

,

15

"

Whiskie

,

40

Turpentine

,

25

Letter
Tablet

[underlined] ,

10 [/underlined]

$7,

14

1,

30

March
28

Sent to Mills
for seeds

"

Registered
the same

5

31

1 lbs tea by
[?] from +
from May
Paine

,

30

16
15
April 11 Tuesday 1911

[description]

[Amount]

6 lbs rice

.25

10 lbs granulated sugar ,60
10 bars brown soap

,25

1 lb tea

,25

tobacco

,25

1 lb Fed

,30

5 lb brown Shuger

,25

Emma’s geography

,65

A paper pins

,40

G

,25

Toited soap

,10

Emma’s shoes

1,20

Granulated sugar

,50

rolled wheat

,25

lbs prunes

,25

matches

.15

1 lb tea

,30

y

,40

Sunday a very fine 1st
of December 1813
Voltie and

Dan McLean went over the
river and brought the scales
and Will came came [sic] home with
them towards night he went over to
Rachels and staid all night with her

17
16
Monday 2nd Dec 1913
A very good day. Voltie and Will
working over at Rachels fixing cow
stable and banking her house
Tuesday 3rd Dec 1913
No one goes
to Kingston to day from here.
Will goes up to see Uncle Sam
Wednesday 4 Dec 1913
This is the day Will should have
gone home but he went visiting
to Al Barrys
ate dinner then found them
butchering, stays all night with R
Thursday 5 Dec 1913
Came over home after visiting
Dignams, found Mrs Dig gone
to Chicago visiting her daughter
Mary. Will came over in time for
dinner. In evening the Digs came
here. Harold and Frances Mcdonnell

18
17
August 1911 17th
Baking Powder .25
Bird seed .10
Soda
Toilet soap
12 Lemons ,30
Brown sugar ,50
matches
Rolled wheat
Granulated sugar
Yellow corn meal
1 mollasses
——
pins
Brown sugar
Granulated
2 lbs putnergen
1 yeast cakes
pepper
1 spool white thread
1 lb tea
1 vannilla
2 lb lard
Friday 5 December 1913
One fine day V phoned to John Murray
to take him to Clayton to see
about the bank money. Will Dixon
went along so far on his way
home. He came home at one Oclock
brought 20 yds of brown cotton &
10 yds blue print, 2 pairs of stockings
for E & E, 1 package of dye red
and two letter tables also a
bag of pea nuts.

19
18
Saturday 6 Dec 1913
A very good day. Emma
mopped then washed. I
sent Edith to R with Evelines
letter and a piece of cheese.
She sent me 3 eggs. This is
the first winter that I
had no eggs to lay down since
I began house keeping 47
years ago.
Sunday 7th Dec 1913
A rainy day mud ankle deep.
Emma had her nose painted.
Hiram Joslin’s to visit
Maggie Joslin, but rain and mud
prevented. So we pass a very
quiet day at home. Except
goes the rounds of the farm looking
after sheep and things and away
back on Rachel’s place and
calls on R for a while. The rain
will end in a snow storm.

20
19
Monday 8 Dec 1913
The first snow storm of the season
snowing & blowing from the N.W.
a very nasty day. V sets Dan McLane
to filling Rachels barn with
hay while he finishes making cider
160 gallons done for this year.
The calves 55 of them were out all
night, V went for them early
this morning, he put 3 of the
calves in the stable last night.
Dan complaining of cold feet.
V rigged him out with mackanard
socks and a pair of big shoes. V
went to the Frank place for apples which
were in the old house and filled a
barrel with apples for Grace. I
dont think there was much profitable
house work done. I wrote two letters
one to Muriel and one to Grace,
mended some socks, patched Edith
an apron, pared a string of apples
to dry and churned. Emma made
a few butter prints. Edith noisy and
contrary as usual but helps some
but noisy. Emma found a mouse
nest in red cupboard, 11 half
grown mice, our calico cat ate
five. pan cakes for supper. Voltie
paid Dan 20 dollars for his months
work.

21
20
Tuesday 9 Dec 1913
A clear bright day but cold,
scarcely any wind, what there is
is South. Thawing in the sunlight.
Edith gone to school. I send two
letters by her to P.O., one to Grace
and one to Muriel. V and Dan
butcher one pig for our own
home use. Uncle Sam is very sick
man. Dont think he can ever
get well. Begins to cloud up
again very dark, clouds
in the South, Wind rising and
squally and rain setting in at night.
Wind howling all night. Dick Kesler
brought his old sleigh up
for V to fix. V and Dan drove over
to R with her 6 gallons of kerosine,
a bag of apples and a bag of oats.
V and D filled her barn chock
full of hay and banked some of
her buildings
Wednesday 10 Dec 1913
This is a nasty day. Wind SE
and rain & mow, a combination
and dark had to light a lamp.
V went over and butchered 16
hens for market. Then went to
the lower barn, moved hay and
tried to shoo the sheep in
the barn but they wouldnt
go. Not much work being done. I
made two apple pies, baked a
bad green squash stringy no good,
tried out the lard and cooked
the heart and tongue. Edith stays
home to day.

22
21
Thursday 11 Dec 1913
The storm clouds clear away
uncle Sam Woodman died to
day, just six weeks to a day after
Wells Sr died. Voltie drove to
the dock this morning with Dan McLane
and Aunt Rachel.
Sylvia phoned for V while he
was at dinner to say her grand
father is dead and V hurried
through his dinner, shaved and
went up there. Emma trying
to do the barn chores at noon.
V moved all the hogs into the
pen. Edith washing the dinner
dishes. River very still, cloudy
again. Samy came down to
borrow a razor. Wall Niles came home
to day. came home with V from
C Woodmans this evening. Wall
wears a diamond ring. He says
it cost $100.
Friday 12th Dec 1913
A full moon this eve. A very good day.
Emma cleaned the pantry. Edith went
to school. V choring around doing
all sorts. Frank came from Charleys
while we were eating dinner. Invited him
to dinner; said he had just had dinner.
He wanted to shave him. V gave him
his razor and told him to shave himself
which he did. Frank staid all p.m. &
to supper. V carried in 5 swarms
to the cellar in eve V & F & E went to
C Woodmans for mail, a letter from Maud and one
from Grace and Bob.

23
22
Saturday 18 1913 Dec
A very fine day. Wind South.
V finished carrying in the bees
which is only 12 hives for he
found one vacant hive. E hurried
around and got the floors cleaned
mighty sudden to go to the
funeral. V went and aunt Rachel.
Mr Stewart preached the funeral
sermon. Frank, Emma and Len Patterson
were all there, was there
from over the way. Rachel came
with Voltie & E. Evening I
went over to do her chores.
Sunday 14 Dec 1913
A very fair day only mud mud
every where. No church service to
day. We roasted a rib for dinner.
Rachel came over to dinner, went
home around the shore. We had
a quiet peaceful Sabath day went
to bed early.
Monday 15 Dec 1913
A bright beautiful day. Emma washed.
Voltie brought in the first eggs
of the season. Aunt Rachel
came over for me to address her
Christmas Boxes to Will and Eveline,
Edith went to school, V drew
a load of wood and made
a hay ride for the sleigh. I finish
trying out the lard. I borrowed a
cup of tea of Sylvia. I got nearly all
the dinner and supper and I
should think Emma could finish
the supper without letting the meat
burn for the sake of disputing with Edith.

24
23
Tuesday 16 December 1913
Emma finished hanging out
the clothes, made cookies and
I received letter from Belle also
one from Grace and
Wednesday 17 December 1913
I scrubed the butter basket and
dried it in the oven while E helped
put some hay in the barn. Emma
printed and put up 24 lb of butter for
market, mopped the kitchen floor
and helped get supper. Edith went to
school. Voltie plowed all day.
Thursday 18 December 1913
A chilly morning. V drove to
the dock in the old buggy carrying
Rachel and Emma and 24
lbs butter for Emma and 11 for
Rachel. Edith home from school today
helping me get the meals, etc. V does Rachels
chores and then drives to dock for E &
R. Voltie puts West window in veranda
Wind North and cold, sent Emma
her fur collar to wear home from
the dock.

25
24
Friday 19 Dec 1913
This is the next day after
Kingston market. Voltie drove
to dock with Emma and
the last day of school. Emma
and Edith go to school in am to
recite their pieces; a rehersal, came
home at noon, dress all in white and
return to perform before the audience.
The Morgans, Flynns, Dignams,
OBriens, Woodmans & George & Inez.
Nina had a christmas tree for
the kids. Show out at 3 p.m.
Saturday 20 Dec 1913
The usual amount of work
done, mopping, sweeping, churning,
getting the meals. I take of the
butter and wash the churn.
Emma cooks the pigs feet
and V begins his new shop
by drawing stone and putting
up a frame. 2 hens on their nests
but dont lay. Old Ben sick
with indigestion.
Sunday 21st December 1913
A very mild day for the season
Cloudy ground bare. Old Ben better
this morning after V was up doctoring him all
night. Emma went to church. Rachel
came over, gave her her cards. Mrs Higg
and Mrs Dignam and Delaval Calendar.
After dinner and dishes washed Emma
goes visiting Sylvia and Ruth. after
awhile Aunt R goes home and
we are once more left alone to read
and study. Ground bare.

26
25
Monday 22nd Dec 1913
Another lovely day. Scarcely any
wind, river quiet, a brilliant sun
shining brightly over every thing.
C Woodman gone over the river.
V sent by him for oil, kerosine.
V putting up 3 barrels of apples for
HendersonEmma making
christmas fruit cake. The apples
are for Day and McFarland.
R was to come over and help
make the christmas cakes. Tis now
half past 11 a.m. she not here.
She came after dinner,
butter would come she said.
Emma made ginger cookies
and fried cakes put up a basket
for Grace. V drove to dock with
3 barrels of apples. The fire went
out in the coal stove.
Voltie sat up late reading.
Tuesday 23 Dec
Arose very early. Emma drives
to dock with V, drove Duke home.
Very mild in the morning tho cloudy
beginning to rain toward noon. Rain
all p.m., mud mud and rain &
not very warm. Voltie milked the cows
and done nearly all the chores before
he went to Kingston. Emma dressed
for the weather and drove the calves
in, stabled the cows and fed them.
Then drove to the dock for Voltie, she started
early carrying the lantern with her. Edith
and I waited a long time after school.

27
26
supper ready hot and steaming
with a roaring fire as a welcome
when they should come. Such a
dark night and telephones ringing
up Dignams inquiring Is boat in
At last about 8 Oclock p.m. E &
V came. Voltie bringing candies, nuts
and other Christmas duds from
town so we had our supper while
peace & contentment reigned supreme.
Wednesday 24 Dec 1913
Didnt go for the mail till this
morning. A letter and Helens
picture from Spokane, a book
from Nina Murphy, a package from
Will. A very nasty day freezing rain.
E decorated Dining room for
Xmas. Got Edith off to bed.
Early as we could filled her stocking
and dressed her doll. V drove to
dock for hen feed. May Woodman
sent me an appron.
Thursday 25 Dec 1913 Xmas
Edith up early this morning examining
her stocking and new school bag,
pulling out doll, new mittens and
every other strash. She dont deserve
anything she receives this morning.
A great over grown girl nearly 12 years
old and to dirty and lazy to
get out of her own way. V drove for
Aunt Rachel she came bringing and
a gift for me, a little aggate basin,
a pan cake turner and a plate. The chicken
stuffed and roasting in the oven after

28
27
very pleasant Christmas. R goes
home and we are alone once more
and all is well.
Friday 26 Dec 1913
A cold morning and a stormy
day. Wind N. Snowing and blowing.
I sit by the fire and write thanks
to a few Xmas beneficiaries including
Nina, Mary & Grace. George W Woodman
here all a.m. in shop
with V where V is making a
sleigh box for Geo. He ate dinner
with us. Geo can talk faster &
louder than any man within
a radius of 40 miles but
Geo is one fine lad, good true
and generous. Voltie
carried Sylvie a pail of Sour Krout
when he went for the mail and
she gave V a bottle of goose
oil from their Xmas goose.
Our evening mail a letter and books
from Maud, a book from Welly &
Eveline sent Emma a pretty silk
veil and Lazy Edith two yds
of red sash ribbon, also a book
for aunt Rachel and a letter
for Rachel from Cupper, Brooklyn and a box
of something from Will
Saturday 27th Dec 1913
A cold brilliant day 3 deg above zero.
V gone over to R’s to put hay or
straw in her barn. Emma cleans
floors. V drew a load wood

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28
Sunday 28th Dec 1913
Maggie McGee here also.
A very good day not to
beautiful. I intended to write
letters to day but didn’t. Henry Holliday
drove in and staid
to dinner then Rachel came
over and staid to supper.
Edith went home with her
to carry a lantern. She was
to come home early this morning
and now tis long afternoon
and she not here yet. Well
I guess tis getting a little ahead
of time
Monday 29th Dec 1913
Looks very much like snow
this morning. V up early
and butchered 8 chickens and
we three dressed them for
market and filled 3 barrels
of apples for market. Begins
to snow, right merrily. I have
written one letter to Grace all OK.
Two Oclock and Edith not here
home yet. A dirty day any way
towards night V drives to dock with
apples, 5 barrels & a bushel basket
full which he is going to give
away 12 eggs up to this time.
Tuesday 30 Dec 1913
Arose early. V going to Kingston on
boat. Emma drives to Dock with V in
covered rig driving Darke Not very
good weather all a.m. clears away at
noon. Emma out nearly all day.

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28
doing chores boat leaves at
2 Oclock p.m. from Kingston.
Emma starts early for the
dock 4 O’clock p.m. Edith
and I have supper ready when
they come back but Edith obstains
as a berkshire. V came just after
dark. Emma went to PO brought
a lettter from Grace, a book from
Lottie, also one for Rachel. V bought
2 books from town, Annie Gillespie married to day.
Wednesday 31 Dec 1913
This is the last time any can write
the true date by writing 1913. This is
school meeting day. Voltie went once
was elected trustee, then drove to
the dock for the veranda door and
lumber. Rachel came over and
we gave her her new book
We have pea soup for dinner.
In the evening I read to V &
E & E. A very cold night.
Thursday 1 Jan 1914
The river is steaming thick
and heavy this morning. Voltie shoeing
Duke. Old Blacksmith shop cold
which makes it very uncomfortable
to work in. 3 eggs brought in this
morning. E & E not very ambitious
on this first of Jan the beginning of the
new year but just as foolish and
noisy and lazy as ever. A heavy white
frost. This morning covering every out
door object. A very little wind East

31
30
Voltie filled R’s barn with hay.
Jimmy Morgan here this p.m. I gave
him a lot of old magazines. Emma
trying to wash dont make
much head way about the wash.
This is a very cold day.
Friday 2 Jan 914
A very good day. Emma washed
a tremendous washing and hung them
on the line. I sent Lottie a
Christmas book The Timberlost Girl,
a letter to Maude. R went
to PO to mail letters and
rode back with Geo Ranons. Em
brought in the clothes and folded
them to iron. I received a book from Bill
Mr Opp. R here waiting
Saturday 3 Jan 1914
A very good day so much of
a good day that V worked on
the new shop he is building beside
doing all the chores and getting
wood for both stoves. Emma cleaned
the flooes [flues] from every room

32
31
Sunday 4 Jan 1914
Cloudy and has all the appearance
of a snow storm. Notwithstanding
all the appearance Emma went
to church and from there to
Hiram Joslins, rode down with
Maggie and the Gillespie twins
Clara & Dell. V and Edith
prepared the dinner. Edith washed
the dishes, then went up to see
Maggie Maggee and carried her
a doll. V went to the old house
and brought a mess of beans, we
had pea soup for dinner and a chocolate cake
Monday 5 Jan 1914
Clear and cold. Wind NE
Business is booming this day
within door and out ie I guess
it will be. Maggie J gave Em
a fancy cup and saucer yesterday, also
Sylvia went to the English church
yesterday and saw E & E’s sister.
E at church with E Irvine.
Emma and Edith cleaned every
calico from the boxes at foot of
my bed and filled the two
marketing bags full.

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32
Monday 5
Tuesday 6 Jan 1914
Cloudy weather. Voltie working on his shop
nearly all day. I sent a letter to
Belle and one to Will. Edith went to
to post office with the letters. Met
R there posting letters to Bell
and Lottie

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39
Wednesday 7
Not very cold but cloudy. V drove
to George Woodmans. When he returned
Wallace Niles came with him, visited
awhile, drank a couple glasses of cider
drove with V over to fill R barn with
and
from there went to George Niles visiting.
R came over bringing butter scales and
print and Emma printed 16 lbs
butter for market. V put up 3 barrels
of apples for Henderson, chopped wood
enough to last till tomorrow night.
C Woodman butchered two pigs for market.
Emma talked to Sister Ethel over the phone
Thurssday 8 January 1914
The boat came in last night
and Voltie and Aunt R are gone
to Kingston with apples, butter & eggs
We arose at 4,30 a.m. V ate breakfast,
dressed for Kingston, harnessed and drove
to the door, load in sleigh 3 barrels
of apples. I sent a letter to Grace,
and to market 16 lbs butter, 18 eggs.
Emma brought water to wash
clothes and has now gone to
the old Frank barn for the calves.
Edith is 12 years old to day . The
weather not very cold but inclined to be
snowy. V went over to dock with sleigh.
Emma is gone so long I fret
about it. Gone 1 1/2 hour, came and
brought the calves. While E & E are doing
chores at the barn, Ed McDermott and John Murray
came with a sow which they
threw in among our hogs in the pen

35
34
I called the girls to the house. Emma
done all the chores after they drove away
but Edith is to dirty and lazy to
do anything excepting eating her meals,
obstinate and quarrelsome. Boat
left at 2 p.m. V drove home quite
early. 6 eggs to day.
Friday 9 Jan 1914
A misty soft day cloudy.
Voltie drove over to dock for lumber
and things. Anglin sent a door
to many. Rachel rode over when
V came from dock. She brought
towels to hem on machine
and a tick to make for a
pillow. George W Woodman
came and he & V worked on
Geo’s sleighbox. Geo & R here
to dinner. I pare apples (sweet)
for preserves. R paid ,52 cts to me for the eggs.
Wallace here also. George, Wallace
bigger than ever. Standard & Herald
and a letter from Lena also
and from Genevieve. 3 eggs.
Saturday 10 Jan 1914
A cloudy snowy morn. Edith working
some but quarrelsome. Emma cleaned
all the floors, churned & salted the butter.
George W Woodman here again to
dinner. Emma finished her apron
& Ed’s under garment sewed any thing
and done a very good job on Edith’s
blue calico dress, sent R’s mail to Will Dignam.
finshed Trail of Lesson

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35
11 Jan 1914
A clear bright cold day, 6 below
zero. Jack Niles phones for V’s
boat to row Lizzie Horn across the
river. We were at breakfast when Jack
phoned and V went and helped
Jack get the boat off.
R and Wallace here to dinner.
R fried cakes for dinner.
Nothing to record of any very great
importance. Only it is very cold and
and the wind is West. Lent Wallace
a book "Trail of the Lonesome Pine"
Monday 12 Jan 1914
A tremendous cold day, river
partly frozen over this morning.
Emma wants to get the washing
around but there is no water only
as it is brought from the river, the
open places in the river are steaming
like a cauldron on butchering day.
We get the meals and snuggle
around the stove, knit and make a
dress for Edith. Voltie does the chores
and goes over to Rachels to feed
her cows. growing colder towards
night, we burn coal in both stoves
wind west.
Tuesday 13 Jan 1914
The coldest morning. 30 below zero.
The neighbors inquiring of each other
by telephone "H cold is at your place,"
Sylvie couldnt tell for they had lost
their thermometer. Wallace here, helped V
move cider from barn to the cellar.
Cider all frozen. To cold to send

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36
letters to post office so I dont
write. Voltie lent Wallace
Scotts Lady of the Lake.
V rings the old trunk down and
I search for a fortune but find none
barring a bushel of old worthless
old shop’s papers, some fish hooks
and a box of various and divers
kinds of buttons. Even his Bible is
gone with his mothers photo
and other papers. The weather
is so cold we sit up late to keep
the coal burning brightly and
the rooms warm. V put straw
in barn 1 load and carried R
a load of straw, a letter from
Grace. One from Bert Smith
he been buying a new horse. Maud
and the babe are well. Forgot
to say Ethel Woodman sent me
a card. 30 deg below zero 1 egg
Wednesday 14 Jan 1914
Didnt arise very early. Wind
not so fierce as yesterday but the
river is entirely closed in ice
from shore to shore. Geo McD
drove here with fish. Denny here
to meet him. Wallace Niles here.
V ordered up dinner for Geo McDonald
One old c pail gave out a we
threw it away. Denny and another
man came up from Clayton on ice boat.

38
37
Thursday 15 Jan 1913
Weather more moderate
but freezing. Tough work to get
Edith to do any kind of work
especialy setting table or washing
dishes. Emma washing. I working
in kitchen all a.m., washing dishes,
pots, pans, kettles, stove, getting dinner
but can scarcely walk even by using
a cane. Voltie drove up to George Woodmans
and brought home a
good load of hard wood, mostly
maple limbs that fell in last winter
ice storm. We had a bowl of
hot pepered soup for him when
he came at 3 p.m. Every
indication of a snow storm; a
few stray flakes falling.
Friday 16 Jan 19134
A white frost this morning.
Voltie after doing all the
chores, is away again for
another load of wood. Edith
as lazy as ever worse if
anything. Cloudy and misty
misty. Emma hung the clothes
on the line. clothes freeze as
soon as they are hung on the line
Evening mail is Herald, Standard,
Farmers Magazine. Not a letter nor
a card for me. A letter for R from
Em. A letter from Junior relating to
Bank business in Clayton. Some
advertising. Trash which goes into the
stove.

39
38
Saturday 17th January 1914
A stormy day. Wind N.E.
V just hit the mark when when
he got wood to last through
this storm, and the big washing
is done. I finished Edith dress
by sowing [sic] buttons and button holes
made her a good warm underwaist.
Emma cleaned all the floors and
made a layer cake for Maggie Joslin
is coming to make her
periodical visit. We sit up late.
I read aloud to V and E & E
one of Mrs L. T. Meads stories,
Polly A new fashioned girl.
A story both humorous & instructive.
Tho nothing scientific nor
historical.
Sunday 18 Jn 1914
A very fine day. Emma goes
to Church. Maggie Joslin comes
home with Emma and the visiting
proceeds. After dinner and dishes
washed, E & E & M go to consession
on the ice where they meet Maggie Magee
and Ruth Woolcotte, Samy W
also Eddie McDermot with ice boat.
Voltie goes over to Rachels to look
after her and does her chores then
goes down by the big barn and threshes
a few beans, brings them home to be
cooked tomorrow. Emma goes as far as
Rachels with Maggie. We read till late.
Edith while filling the lantern contrives to spill kerosine in
the beans. I dont think they can be cooked after that dose

40
39
Monday 19th Jan 1914
V intended going to Clayton this
morning but looks like a gathering
storm. John OBrien drove in here
to invite V to a party at Henry Hallidays
some time this week and inquire
about the condition of the ice. John OBrien
wants to cross over to Maloneys
to invite the try to cross on Samy W
ice boat. Samy to be accompanied
by Wall Niles, Charley Wooman
and young Jack Gibson who
is here from Manitoba visiting
visiting his Murphy & Halliday
relations. The wayfarers on ice
soon found there was no
ice crossing nor any other
way so gave up the expedition.
Wallace & Jack OB stopping
here to cider. I think they have
about all the hard cider they can
hold. I know one of them has all right.
Wallace phoned from here to find or
learn if the "Old Folks Ball" is
coming off tonight, yes! so Wall
hurries away home to get ready for
the great affair. We go to bed a little earlier
than. Edith goes to school, this is
the first day of Mary Barriey teaching
this year. I am glad Ed has gone
to school. Peace and Quietness reigns
Our hens dont lay many eggs. Trouble
is no gravel so V digs some out from under
the boat house. I heard Laura Dignam
has twin girls. That is fine. I write a
long letter to Helen Watson, Chicago.

41
38
Tuesday 20 Jan 1914
A beautiful downfall of snow.
Wall said last night he is going to
help V draw straw to day. But I knew he
wouldnt and I told him so.
Edith gone to school. Got a drive up
with the Woodmans after wallowing
through the drifts to get to C Woodman.
Samy on the ice trying to make his
ice boat navigate but finds if quite
difficult on account of snow, any way
he broke down and came to the house
to get V to repair the breakage which
he, Voltie, does. Shep our beautiful little
mongral [sic] dog always ready to bark
his very loudest when any one outside
the family comes. V tried to beat
Shep back behind the stove but
in spite of Voltie he escaped around
back of stove and met Samy with a
full blast of his loud vaciferous
bow wow. Emma frying doughnuts
which are superfine. Voltie finishing
off 5 whiffletrees. Got old sharing horse
in the kitchen. I send a letter to
Helen Watson. Wallace came in p.m.
always glad to see Wallace.
The weather very unpleasant so did
not go for the mail last night.
We sat up till eleven p.m. I
reading aloud to Voltie and the girls
E & E. Only 3 eggs to day.
Sylvia got a bad cold.

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Wednesday 21st Jan 1914
The weather not very cold this
morning but snow still continues
to fall. Wind North, snow drifted
and banked so high cant get to
the clothes line to bring in the clothes,
the raspberries bushes are drifted
under. Edith gone to school, walked
as far as Sylvias, Voltie going with
her to get the mail. The mail,
a card from Nellie Brooks, a
letter from Maud, a letter from
Will, a letter from Grace.
Wallace just came going to
help V put straw in the barn.
Forgot to say Emma received two
cards from Will. Wallace here
to dinner. Mrs Niles telephoned
to V that aunt R has no kerosine
nor hen feed. R sent word by
Jack Niles when he drove past her
house. C Woodman’s got stuck in snow
bank this morning while taking Maggie
and Edith to school; had to unhitch
the horses. Took 4 men to dig them out
Only 4 eggs and of those frozen. Emma
made layer cake. We sat up till 10.30 pm
reading. Voltie drove to R’s with
kerosine and hen feed. Emma
sent her a few fried cakes and clean

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Thursday 22nd Jan 1914
10 below zero this morning.
Sun bright every where but cold.
The snow covered Earth
looks dreary even if the sun does shine.
Sylvia phoned for Edith to hurry
along to go to school with Maggie
in cutter. D Casler phoned for
Voltie to put irons on his sleigh
runners. Emma washed the breakfast
dishes while Voltie took down the
kitchen stove pipe and cleaned the
pipe and stove from soot and ashes
from beginning to finish and now
gone to draw straw for Rachel.
John OBrien here to borrow hand
sled, and box going to corners
for kerosine. When he returned
Harrold Dignum was with him
also Sheridan Malony. Harold went
over with John. Kasler brought his
old sleigh here for V to put sleigh
shoes on. I wrote a letter to Maud
and one to Grace.
Friday 23rd Jan 1914
A cloudy morning but not very
cloudy nor very cold. Sylvie rang
for tea. Emma sent a cup full when
Edith went to school. I sent two
letters, one to Maud and one to
Grace. Edith at school. Wallace here.
V working on Keslars sleigh.
Wind S. E & E after school went ice
boating. Eddie McDermot Capt.
I finished Ediths petticote [sic] and made one
for Emma & received letters from Muriel & Lottie.

44
Saturday 24 Jan 1914
Wind South, thawing, snow
disapearing, slush, and mud.
Emma cleans the floors. Now
I have to write to Will, Lottie, Muriel,
John, Nellie. This is lazy Saturday
for Edith. I never saw anyone
shirk work like Edith. Ed washed the
dinner dishes by compulsion then
cleaned the snow off the veranda and
washing machine. Emma helping V
draw hay from the lower barn.
I scarcely know what occured
the remainder of the day only
we read most of the evening
excepting I experiment in
knitting a new lace pattern
Sunday 25th Jan 1914
Didnt arise very early.
Nearly 10 a.m. when we had
breakfast the sun brightly shining.
Ice covered with snow so no
skating, no ice boating, river
snow covered. Wallace here to dinner
and supper. V & Wall drove over for
Rachel. Sylvia & Maggie came for
a visit. Voltie gave Sylvia sour kraut.
We had pea soup for supper.
V and Wallace studying the
map of Buffalo city in p.m.
Monday 26 Jan 1914
Not so very cold but 14 above zero
and a tremendous fall of snow.
Edith gone to school walked across
the plowed ground to Woodmans from
there. CW drove to school with Edith & Maggie.

45
No one here excepting
our own family, snow very soft
and light like feathers. V ironing
of wifflelaces, chopping wood and
doing chores. I write a long letter
to Will. I wish Belle would write me
a letter and John too but never
mind it is all right. We go to bed
quite early.
Tuesday 27 Jan 1914
A mostly thawing day. The snow settled
and bare ground appears in spots.
dreary & forlorn looking weather.
One more winter day gone for ever.
I wish they were all gone and a
bright warm June day were here.
I sent Wills letter to P.O. by Edith. Charley W
rung for V to come and doctor a
sick heifer. He went after breakfast.
Emma & I making pillow cases.
E gone to school with Woodmans.
I dont feel very well this day.
Received a letter from Helen Watson
in answer to mine.
She wrote that her sister Mrs Coats
has had a parylitic stroke
which is an awful thing. No other
letters, only the Kingstandard
Wednesday 28 Jan 1914
A soft mudy day. I feel better
but such a night of dreams, fighting
kids and fierce bulls. V put rafters
on his shop. Emma painted the kitchen
floor. I knit lace. Ed gone to school.
V brought the stove down stairs. Emma
cooked the supper by it. Raining hard

46
Thursday 29th Jan 1914
Wind South and blowing some.
Voltie working on shop after dinner.
V went to the lower place for part of
an old roof to cover his shop. Emma
painted the kitchen floor second time.
Ed home from school and I wish
she was in school. I wrote a
letter to John and knit all the
thread I had. V went over to R and
carried her potatoes and apples.
Emma straightening up the chamber
and baking bread. Emma got a
bad cold. R sent me some dates,
two onions and some soda biscuits.
Samy Woodman here to borrow flour.
Samy and McNealy sailing around
on the iceboat. Roy McNealy is
Samy’s cousin who has come to visit
Samy. Emma not very well got a sore
throat she took two Quinine pills.
V sat up late reading. 5 eggs.
Friday 30 Jan 1914
The South wind blew a gale from the South
all night. The ice is breaking up.
V and Ed got breakfast this morning. Emma
came down stairs just as Ed & I finished
washing the breakfast dishes. I sent a letter
to Johny also one to Grace. V after 3
loads of manure out on the meadow drove to
OBriens for a bottle of brandy which Henderson
which sent down by John OBrien. V at same
time stoped at the PO leaving the 2 letters
for John & Grace. John OBrien here for
corn cobs. Edy McDonald here to buy
eggs for Bessie. 3 doz & 6 at 35 cts per.
V providing away on the shop $1,22.

47
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30th continued
Sent Edith for the mail.
Only a few steps from the
house she fell and smashed the
lantern and globe. V gave his
lantern to her. Not much mail
only Herald, a letter from
Wesley, a beautiful letter.
I think I’ll send it to Will.
I expected a letter from Belle
but received none, not even from
Grace.
Saturday 31 Jan 1914
This is the last day of the month
and the last day of the week.
Wind North and snowing and
blowing. Voltie got bad cold.
Emma set the breakfast table,
brought in wood enough before
breakfast to last 2 days. She
gathered the breakfast dishes
and is now helping to wash
them. Growing colder. Emma cleaned
dining room and pantry floor.
Edith cleaned peas for soup
put them to cook. V mending harness
in kitchen. Snow, hail and a
little rain falling all day.
My appetite not very good but
gradualy getting better. Wall came
this stormy p.m. helped V do
the chores. V wants to go to
Clayton & wants to go to Kingston
but can go to neither place.

48
45
Sunday 1st February 1914
We were alone nearly all day.
Except just at night fall. Ruth
and Maggie came for yeast
cake. Voltie went over to R’s fed
her hens and watered & fed her
cattle and put them in the
stantions [sic] then came down by way
of the big barn (or old house) the
beans are in the old house the kitchen
and brought home a bucket full.
Preaching in church to day. The
congregation consisted of 11 mostly
children. Emma cant speak above
a whisper this morning and
countinues all day. Edith’s voice
is extremely audible and
manifest like a gobbler.
Ed and Mag on the ice in p.m.
Monday 2nd Feb 1914
This is the annivesary of my
wedding, 53 years ago many
happy days have I seen and
many unhappy days also
but my wedded fate is only
the story of thousands, wherein
a girl marries a handsome but
ungodly man who exists for himself
and this world only. and at last
drags out a miserable old age but
he possessed many noble traits
of character, had they been developed,
but ignorance his at the root of the
certainty, an equaly ignorant father before
him, and an equaly ignorant and ill
used mother, no education, no culture

49
46
knowing that human life at its
utmost limit, is short and uncertain.
When I take a retrospective glance
in to the long past, I think I must
have wanted to change my happy
easy life of a school teacher, to have
run such a terrible risk
or have been blindly infatuated to have
given my children such an heiratay [sic]
for a father. Talk of Heridaty
Parents should guard carefuly the
welfare of their children. I who can
with only a generation or none trace my lineage
to the New England Puritans
Tuesday 3rd Feb 1914
A beautiful day sun shining
brightly. V after doing all chores
worked on the shop nearly all
day. Emma washing. I get
dinner and wash dishes. Ed gone
to school.

50
47
Wednesday 4th Feb 1914
Another fine day. Emma washed
and put all her washing on
the line, this is the second day
Emma has washed. We hadnt
washed in so long a time the
washing had swelled to.
Edith gone to school, walked there
and walked home in the mud.
Teacher threatened to whip her
if she dont behave.
Thursday 5th Feb 1914
Another fine day. V working on
shop till towards noon. Jim Morgan
came. Then R came for her coffee.
After she and her coffee, Geo McDonald
drove in with fish
for Denny. V phoned for Denny
at Clayton. He not at home till
5 p.m. He is coming up early tomorrow
morning. Mabel M came for eggs
sold her two doz at 35 per
George and Jim here for dinner.
Mabel here to supper. Had bullheads
for supper. I ate 2, Mab ate 3, V 3
E & E each 2’s apiece. Edith gone to
school. Edith and Alden Morgan
had a row. Ed is very unpopular
at school. I write a long letter to Belle.

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48
Friday 6th February 1914
A very pleasant but becoming cloudy.
Wallace came early and went with
Voltie to Geo Woodmans for an old
barn roof. We hurried around to get
dinner ready when Wall & V
came but Wall wouldn’t stay, going
home to get ready for the horse race
ball at the villiage. Rachel came
over to dinner. I paid her for
the doz eggs and gave her mustard,
spirits, turpentine and lamp wicking.
Denny and his brother came
for fish. The brother go in ice
awful wet and cold. Lent
him dry clothes. Poor chap.
Geo McDonald came with another
load of bull heads. Two barrels
and a box full, and drove to
the foot. Den couldnt load them
all in the punt. Ed gone to
school. I sent a letter by her to P.O.
to Belle. I was disapointed when
Emma returned with the mail
to find only Herald & Standard
Farmers Magazine and an invitation
for Voltie to the Engineers Ball
Kingston city hall, no letters,
no cards. But why should I
be disapointed at not receiving
letters from Belle nor John.
Edith in row with Alden Morgan
she is most always in a row with
some one. A grand old snow storm.

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49
Saturday 7 Feb 1914
Awoke this morning to find
the rain beating against the
windows & wind South, a dreary
dismal morning. clears up towards
noon. V working in his old shop
making eveners. Emma cleaned
floors. I have a very bad cold
yet. V insisted upon my drinking
a glass of cider with a teaspoon
full of ginger stired in which
immediately gave me hiccough.
Blizzards and snow squals all
p.m. but growing colder with
west wind roaring. Voltie at
5 p.m., after doing all chores,
chopping Sundays stove wood,
went over to R to see if she
is all right, and from there
he went to the lower barn to
salt and feed the sheep and
when coming home, met a poor
little muskrat, that must have been
driven from his river home by the jam
ice, and rising of the river. When
V stopped walking it came to V
and smelled of his boots and pants
and long overcoat: When V stooped and
smothed his furry back, he ran away
poor little hungry "musky". Perhaps
sometime his coat of fur will line
some ones over coat. Hot biscuits &
honey for supper. only 3 eggs.

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Sunday 8 February 1914
Colder this morn 3 above zero
a brilliant sun, still, quiet every
where except Sheps melodious bark
which is cheerful and almost joyous
for it signals the coming of
someone. No cervice [sic] in church to
day. After dinner V took oil can
and sled and a spiked club and
walked across the ice to Vans. Jack OBrien
had gone over before him to
Maloneys. V found the ice good
for bearing a horse. V not long gone
when weather changed to snow squalls.
Em gone to CW’s visting. Maggie McGee
here visiting Ed. Emma phoned
to Ed to put cattle in stable. Mag & Ed
couldnt do so but suceeded in getting
them all in stable, also the Bull, and
fastened the door leaving the stock
loose. I phoned for Emma she
came and stanchioned the cattle and
said V is nearly here; he found
his way through the storm to home home
which is a relief to every one. Rachel
came over for - something dont know
what. Wall came while we were at
supper staid till 10 p.m.
Wednesday 25th Nov 1914
V preparing to go to Kingston
tomorrow. going to pay debts and
get groceries.

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26 Thursday Nov 1914
Arose early, V after breakfast
walked to the dock enroute for
Kingston to get a few things and
pay some debts but came home as
usual greatly disapointed for the over
shoes and over stockings were
gone and not expected ever to be
found. Emma drove to dock
for him
27 Friday Nov 1914
Voltie went early this morning before
breakfast for his things that were left
at the dock last night pans, 2 bags of
corn (cracked), stove pipe, elbows &c
and to search for Emma’s over
shoes and over stockings "price was
$2,50 can get no clue whatever.
They must have been stolen. Phoned
to Geo Rattray. He has not seen
them. V and Emma & I are awfuly
disapointed. Mail only a card from
John which I am glad to get also a
Standard and two Herald and
Merry Harris
28 Saturday Nov 1914
A very fine day ground frozen
some but V plowed in p.m.
Sylvie bought a bushel of turnips
of Voltie for ,50 cts. Ed McDermot
came for them and brought home
the saw and saw buck at same time.
Magie came down we gave her two
turnips for dinner. Emma cleaned the
floors and Edith washed the separator after
talking about it and waiting for three days.

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Sunday 29 Nov 1914
A fine clear day. Lib and
Van came over in skiff landed
at Smith place went from there to
Rachels to trade roosters. Vand
came here from Rachels borrowed
a 14 lbs of pork. V sent yeast
cakes (Royal) to Grace. Would like to
have seen Lib but they go directly home
fearing the wind may blow as
it is now quite breezy. Heard that
the R.F.D. begins 7th of next month.
We had visitors. Sylvia here to
dinner and supper. Maggie Macgee
here to supper. Edith went
up there and Mag came home with
her. Harold Dignum here to supper.
All went home at ten p.m.
Monday 30 Nov 1914
A beautiful a.m. warm air hollow
we can hear the rumbling of the tran
across the river. Edith goes to school.
Clouds up at noon time and rains
and rains in p.m. V plowing all
day. Orville McDermot here to
work just after dinner
Ground beginning to rain
towards night.

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Sunday 15 February 1914
A very fine day. Anniversary of Emmas
birth. Emma 15 years old to day
Van Bamford drove over and called
for cider even before he came in to
house. Of course V gave it him and
in less than an hour he was foolishly
drunk noisy, swearing, indecent talk.
He didnt make a move to go home when
it was sundown. V rung for Wallace
to come and help V pile old Van but
it was thick and snowing a little
with moon in the last quarter so the critter stayed all night.
Monday 16 Feb 1914
A beautiful day. Van went home
and I am glad. went towards night.
I never never heard any man use
so much profanity and obscenity
in their common conversation.
Realy it is terrible and shocking.
How can Lib live with him. V went
over to see how R gets along these
days. V’s apples standing in dining room.
Tuesday 17th February 1914
A vry good day. V this morning after doing
chores loaded 5 barrels of apples on the
sleigh and started for Kingston.
Edith at school. A lonesome day
at home with only Emma and I and
Emma out doing the chores. I sent a
card to Lottie and Belle. Emma
went for the mail, 6 letters and a
package of papers from Watson.
V came about 9 p.m. and Charley Woodman
with him very much
intoxicated. C staid to supper
and couldnt go home alone.

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and at last towards midnight
went to bed in V’s bed. After raising
Old Ned half or 2/3 rd night went
home. I could write a whole chapter
on this business but whats the use.
V brought home candy 2 lbs, Dates
Halibut, Oysters, sugar, tea, coffee,
Lemons, Rolled wheat, Rolled oats,
buckwheat flour, Graham flour,
3 box pink pills, 2 bottle eclectric oil, bottle ink,
box pens 1 box letter paper & envelopes,
and a bottle whiskey and rice, maple syrup,
compound and a pound of maple sugar
and soap laundry and a wick for
my little oil stove, a load of coal
for Rachel and snuff and bread
for Rachel and 150 feet clothes
line.
Wednesday 18 February 1914
Charley W sent here for cider
a half gallon. A very good
day wind South. Rachel here
to dinner after dinner V drove
around by CW & he went and
helped V

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Thursday 19 February 1914
A fine day. Van brought Lib
over early while I was washing
dishes. Van drove home and left Lib
to negotiate with V for a load of
hay
Friday Feb 20, 1914
Another bright but cold day
some deg below zero. Voltie gone
to Kingston with another load
of apples came home at 8 p.m.
had stopped to the horse races.
Emma done all the chores.
Edith went to school. Edy McDermot
came for cider 1/2 gallon and
in morning Ed came for 1/2 gal which
makes 1 gal
Satuarday 2/21/1914
A very good day. Al Joslin came
up to help load hay for old Van & Lib.
Emma cleaning floors. Ed wont
do any work without she is drove to
it with the very hardest persuasion.
I washed dishes. Wellie and Hiram
came in time for dinner. Wallace came.
CW sent for cider. A dinner Voltie
hitched up and with Wellie and Wall
drove to Kingston they returned at nine p.m.
Wellie brought V a horse as a gift.

59
Tuesday December 1st 1914
A soft warm cloudy day and
raining and dark. Tis nine
Oclock and I am writing by lamp
light.

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58
Sunday Feb 21, 1914
Looks very stormy this morn
but clears after awhile. Wellie drove
over for Rachel. Hiram comes
home and Maggie comes with
him. Clifford comes stays to dinner
and supper and goes up home
to Charlie’s at bed time. About
4 pm Wellie drives over
home with Rachel accompanied
by Edith leaving R at home. They
drive on to Al Joslins where they
have supper then return home
Wallace Niles here all here to dinner.
Monday Feb 22 1914
A clear cold morning
windy, coffee for breakfast
12 below zero this morning.
A man selling monuments
here. V bargained for one at
$110 dollars. Welly and Hiram
here and want to start for home
but afraid the apples will freeze.
Cant get much work done.
Visiting with the boys Hiram
and Clifford. CW sent for another
jug of cider which makes the
second time to day.
Tuesday 28 Feb 1914
Wellie and Hiram went home
this a.m. carried some apples home
to the children and Eveline. Wellie
hadnt been gone a long time (only
about half an hour when John came

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John going to stay 2 weeks all
right. We are glad to see John
Wednesday 23
24 Tuesday
Dear Grandma
I am going
to wash dishes then
wash separtor [sic] and
milk pails then
I am going to
make a pie and
custard. Done.
25 Wednesday

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26 Thursday
27 Friday
Saturday 28 Feb 1914
Voltie and John drew one load
big load of wood from George Woodman.
Emma cleaned floors. I
cant remember clearly any thing that
happens without setting it down,
recording it from day to day as it
ocurs. No one came that I know of except
Alden Morgan for sour krout which
Voltie gave him and refused to pay
for it.

64
61. 1914
Sunday 1st of March
A cloudy day, not extremely
cold. Rev Stuart here this a.m.
John helping Voltie barrel apples
for market. Emma cooking cabbage
for dinner. A miserable storm
raging towards night. John
goes over to Rachels after dark
through the storm with a lantern
to see how she is. I caught another
cold. I took two quinine
capsuls and a half teaspoon
of Eclectric oil which made
me very sick all night
Monday 2nd March 1914
The storm continues snowing
blowing and drifting. V & J
does chores and put up 112 sections
of honey for market, puttied glass
in veranda windows. John went
over to R’s to do her chores.
I guess they thought J & V that
I had a fit or something only
I was so soundly sleeping they couldnt
awaken me very easily. Well the stormy
day has passed on, gone with the rest
of eternity.
Tuesday 3rd March 1914
A beautiful day, sun bright and warm
V & J drew six loads of manure
that is all they done except to eat
breakfast, dinner and supper &
smoke and "chaw". not a letter nor a
card nothing except Standard &c
Charley Woodman sick had the doctor

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Wednesday 4 March 1914
A pleasant warm day. Charley Woodman
died this morning. Voltie
and Wall Niles attended to washing
and dressing poor Charley.
V & J had started for Geo Woodman’s
for a load of wood but turned back
when they arrived opposite Mr Niles
and Wallace came out and told
them about poor C.W. No one left
of the family now only Sylvia and
Samy but I think they are as well
off without C as with him. Wallace
here to dinner. To many arguments
going on here these days to make
every thing aggreeable. Pneumonia
was the cause of CWs demise which
a run down broken dissipated constitution
couldnt stand. O poor Charlie, he
was only cruel to himself. May
the dear Lord have mercy on him
and I have faith to believe He
will. He was a good neighbor
always ready to accomodate or do
any thing for V and never slandered
any one or spoke a word against
any one; Henry Halliday here this
evening. H & V went up to poor dear
Charlie’s which is his no more.
We cant say going up to uncle Sam
nor going up to Charlie’s never more
never now!

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63
Thursday 5 March 1910
Voltie and Emma started
for Kingston this morn with
5 bushells of apples and 109
sections of honey carrying
some apples and honey to
Grace. Im sick got the
grip, drunken old Van
and Rob Percy came from
Sylvia’s drinking up cider.
Mr and Mrs Stewart here in p.m.
Friday 6 March 1914
A very good day. Rachel came over
said Lib staid with her all night.
Lib told R a miserable take of filth
and dirt and poor house hold
management. Lib & Alvira Gillespie
cleaned the rooms and scraped
and washed the walls of the rooms.
According to Libs account the
disorder of that house was almost
indescribable. Voltie and John
and Emma got to the
funeral. Rachel staid here
with me, after the funeral
Van drove over for Lib. Ben Percy
came also and O such a noise.
At last the all got to singing every
old song and hymn and old Ben
can yell some. He dont know
enough to "come in when it rains"; finaly old
Ben staid all night.

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Saturday 7th March
After chores all done and every
thing done for the day, Voltie drives
to Clayton to get the money from the
bank, came and went to corners for
medicine for me. He brought from
Clayton maple sugar, glucose, a
wrapper for me, gingham for Emma,
a dress print for Edith and pea nuts
and oranges. Oh but I dont feel very
well this nasty grippe.
Sunday 8 March 1914
I have almost forgoten what occured
this day. I know its Sunday a day of rest
and as I cant do any thing only rest,
why I rest
Monday 9 March 1914
A lovely day. Voltie went to Kingston
to pay a bank note went to Bobs
for dinner. Sold eggs at .30 per doz
brought home cracked corn, 2 papers,
pins, 8 yds white shaker flannel.
Nothing done at home this day, neither
in door nor out except a few chores
at the barn. Voltie brought home a
new beadstead for my room. A real
beauty iron, while enamaled trimed with
brass. I was in bed when V came home.
V bought Edith a pair of stockings.

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Tuesday 10 March 1914
A new milker at the barn.
Emma took up old mattress from
my bed room floor, cleaned out every
thing, sent the old cupboard at foot
of my bed up stairs. It took Emma
Voltie and John to get it up there
and then Emma carried up a
thousand old magazines and periodicals
every kind printed in U.S.A. and
Canada, EnglandBarbados besides we tore up and burnt up
but still they accumulate.
Wednesday 11th March 1914
A very good day for traveling
on the ice. Voltie went across to
Vans brought home 5, 6 gallons
cans of Kerosine. Lib sent another
load of literature and some carrots,
onions.
Thursday 12th March 1914
I write two letters. One letter]to
Maud also one to Grace, sent Isabella
.10 for buy her candy. Voltie and John
draw straw for Rachel. I dont feel
very well with grip. The rest of the family
can walk or run or bang around just as
they please while I sit here. O sometimes I
dont know wheather I’m on Wolfe island or
in the world or where. Every thing seems
strange weird and wizzardy.

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Friday 18 March 1914
A beautiful day. Voltie and John
drew 2 loads of wood from J.W.
a big one for R and a small
one for ourselves. Nasty Grippe still
hangs on to me. Well let it. I can
stand it if the weather would only
get warmer. V hulled corn. In the
evening came Jimy Morgan and
Johny, Bill McDonald about school
business. Jim wants his pay for tinkering
up the dirty old school house. A great
noisy argument going on about
Mexican affairs, which neither John,
Johny nor Jim knows any thing about more
than Shep.
Saturday 14 March 1914
A cloudy dreary dismal morning.
The weather looks as if the storm
would burst upon us any minute,
snow white, snow white, every where
and still heaped up on the washing
machine, no melting away of close
rigid old winter. For my breakfat
I ate an egg, a slice of bread and
butter and drank a cup of coffee
25 minutes past 9 a.m. "Edith washing
dishes. Emma mopping floors.
Wall Niles is in the kitchen. I hear his
voice. Voltie is hulling corn.
Henry Halliday Sr here too came
with Wallace. Wallace ate dinner
here. V building Wall a boat. Maggie
here visiitng Edith. For play they are
shoveling snow off the veranda. Samy &
McDermot gone to Clayton to the horse races.

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Sunday 15 March 1914
A very good day. Sun purtly
shining clear. Mr Stewart at
Mr Niles phoned to find out
my condition. Emma goes to
church. Lib and Van here, glad
to see them. They staid to supper.
Will Niles and his sister Stella
here. Sylvia and Maggie drive
over to Frank’s. Sylvia, Samy and
McDermot keeps the road
between their place and Franks
red hot. Sheridan Maloney drove
out with Sylvia to day to Franks.
By the advice of Frank, Samy Woodman
entered their old horse Joe for
the race, by paying $2,50. Old Joe
didnt run; the manager said
"take that old grey horse out
of the way" They are trying to be
very gay since their father
and grandfather died. Charley
died eleven day sago. V discovered
this morning that the rabbits have
destroyed all his new apple trees.
John borrowed 4 traps and set them
for rabits. Wallace here till quite
late in the evening. John went
over to see how R gets along,
found her all right.
Monday 16 March 1914
A nasty windy morning. Wind South.
V working on Wallace boat. Wallace
is here. Sun shines out a sort of
a dismal sickly sun light . The weather

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68
is like myself miserable and grippy.
Edith home to day 20 minutes
after nine. Lamps are cleaned
chimneys polished. The snow is
disapearing. the ice looks like a mirror.
Voltie working on Wallace’s boat.
I wrote a long letter to Belle
she never writes to me. Do I
care? I dont know. you see
I dont know whtat the circumstances
hinder, she may be sick. I
expected her to come. She didnt
come. The day continued cloudy.
John went over to look after R,
Coal wont burn, axe is dull and
wont chop, or split, saw wont saw,
saw horse no good. Consequence
John brought the whole business
over here to sharpen, grind &
repair. Edith "horse de combat"
Wallace came down this evening to
see how his boat progresses. The
Grippe is a nasty thing.
Tuesday 17 March 1914
The month is marching along
This is St P’s day. I wonder how
many days, hundreds of days St
Patrick’s has been celebrated, and sung.
I have forgotten the year of St Pats
birth. I once had a history of Ireland.
John drove out to the Corners. I sent by
him for more Grippe medicine. V gave
him $5,00 with which he bought oranges,
French mustard, stuffed olives, gum, whiskey
letter paper, and envelopes, bushels of tobaco

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I sent a letter to Belle & Helen Watson by
John. I received a letter from Grace.
I sent a card to Grace.
sent $3,00 dollars to Gladys over alls
for V (Voltie gave him the money to
get those things) John ate dinner
with Van and Lib. Sylvia and
Samy went to Kingston market with
butter. The day is brilliant with sun
light and warm, snow nearly gone
and ground all mud. sent Edith
to Rachels for pork. Emma cooked
beans. Edith chewed 5 sticks of
pepsin gun at once. Voltie worked
on Wall’s boat. Wallace helping him
at 3 oclock pm. Wallace here to supper.
John brought buckwheat flour and coffee
for Rachel. John bought onions of
Lib .25 cts. I sewed and Em stitched.
Wednesday 18 March 1914
A cloudy thick misty morning
Wallace and Voltie
working on the boat. this Grippe
cough dont leave me very much.
I am trying to teach lazy Edith at
home. John doing chores ie feeding
her stock and filling her barn with
straw. Emma went to Ruth’s to get her
skirt made. I partly made a night
gown. Edith got supper for the boys
V & W & J. Emma came home in time to
wash (or help) supper dishes. Edith made a
custard for supper. Edith worked
like a little heroine and done every thing
all right.

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Thursday 19th March 1914
A cold raw day and windy & S.W.
Edith gone to school. Voltie & Wallace
working on boat. Wall here to dinner.
I sent Sylvia a letter about the
dress she wants to give Emma.
John sawing wood. Cooked
onions (boiled) and fried onions
for dinner. I finished the night
gown with buttons holes and buttons
Maggie Joslin selling post cards.
Em & I bought 12.
Friday 20 March 1914
A very good day, sent letter to Grace and
one to Hiram. received one solitary
letter only, and that was from
Belle. We were surprised and
pleased to see Will, didnt expect
him. He brought butter nuts and
Volties plum trees. Voltie finished
up Wallace’s boat this day.
Wallace here to dinner. We got dinner
for Will. After awhile Will went
walked over to Rachels she knew
he was here for John had told
her when he went to do her chores.
Will ate supper with R came
back and staid with us till
bed time then walked back to
R’s and staid all night
with her, and so ended the day.
Saturday 21st March 1914
Sun, crosses the equator to day
coming home to us, tho it is not the
sun which to us is stationary but
tis the inclination of the earth on
its orbit as it wheels around the sun

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George P Woodman called upon us
every 365 days. Voltie sent by
Sylvia (who is gone to Kingston
market with butter) for 10 lbs
of salts for cattle. Sylvia
bought 20 instead of 10.
Will drove home to day. V gave
him a bag of Apples, some pears
etc. R came over about her old
being sick staid to see Will enroute
for home then J hitched up a
drove over to doctor her old cow,
she went back home with John.
Wallace here painting his boat.
I wrote and sent a letter by Will
to Belle to post from his post box.
I sewed on night gown, 10 lambs
forgot to say R sent me a
piece of pork
Sunday 22nd March 1914
A cloudy half dreary loathing day
V went to Sylvias for Salts
then went to R’s to doctor her
old cow. The days jog along and
time is ever running into eternity
on, on, on and on, no begining no
ending to time nor space. Oh
what is the great and awful
mistery. John went over to
R’s to dinner, chopped wood
and sawed wood for her
Wallace here awhile. Edgar Niles
and Tom Maloney
Maggie Maggee here Frank Woodman
made us a visit too.
He and Em drove over in buggy
to see how the children get along.
Sylvia & Ruth & Samy has bad spels
since her father died. Poor dear Samy.
Frank and Em drove home after dark

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Monday 23 March 1914
A thick dark cloudy morning
snows a little but not cold.
Emma going to wash. Voltie
brought water from the river. My
appetite not very good this
morning and I am very lame.
Edith gone to school I
finished a night gown for
Emma, make an apron
for Emma. Wallace down
looking at his boat. Voltie
preparing to go to Kingston,
put up a bag of apples for
Grace. John done Rachels
chores, chopped wood for her,
doctored her old cow and
killed a hen for her to keep
her from eating her eggs.
Tuesday 24 March 1914
Arose early, V going to Kingston
to day, got away quite early
and and drove across the
island to Henry’s and went up
the North shore carrying Grace
apples, butter nuts, and hulled
corn. John after doing our chores
drove down by the barn looking
for more lambs. There was none
then drove up to Rachel’s fed
and watered her stock, brought
her over with her hen which she
cooks here for the family dinner, after awhile
John drives home with her, does her
chore work. J not very well pleased
about it. I sew, make an under waist

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V comes quite early. Bob Joslin
with him, brought his valise or
suit case. V brought pea nut candy
3lbs tea, kippered herring, 2 pepper, 3 corn starch.
It is bed time. I am glad of it. I
want to go to bed. 13 doz eggs
at 20 cts per. What he bought for
shop I dont know, a flask of scotch,
whiskey, ale etc. Emma drives
to school for Ed and Maggie,
met them coming home.
Wednesday 25 March 1914
A cloudy morning chilly scarcely
a bit of fire in dining room stove.
V fixed bob out with a pair of
his striped over alls and they
went to the lower barn to look
for lambs, found two now,
both black this time. 12 now.
Voltie set John & Bob to drawing hay
from the stack to the barn. George Woodman
go here for salts for a pig.
Emma fried 9 eggs for breakfast.
Rachels old cow sick all and
bloated up and has been for
serveral days. That old cow
is going to die. Voltie working
in the shop and doing every
thing. Emma brought in the
clothes and hung out more. Edith
at school. Emma drove for her
found her at OBriens and Maggie

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Thursday 26 March 1914
Another day weather the same.
Cloudy, nasty, windy, snow
nearly all gone; ice not bugged [budged]
one bit, saw a horse and cutter
on ice drawing up past of Niles.
The men folks ie V and J &
bob all over doctoring R’s cow
and when coming home found
a young calf with one of our
cows, so they drove the cow and
calf to the cow barn, milked
the cow and fed the calf. Things
go off "kinder so so" in teh hour
not much done. I make a
dress skirt for Edith and Emma
cuts out an appron for Edith,
only one p in aprons. After
we were in bed, John and
the kids and I, V & Bob feet
undressed in walks R for the
boys to to go over about her
old cow. That poor old woman
had wallowed through mud
water & slush. The boys went,
gone two hours. she too walked
back but arrived there long after they
did. They could give her medicine
but couldn’t lift her. Wallace here
in evening, Joe and Ed McDermot
here in evening. John Murray here for
his saw. Edith home from school.

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Friday 27 March 1914
another day the same as yesterday,
only it rains rains. Bob intended
to go up with the mail but to much
rain and mud. I sent a letter to
Bobbie. V employed B to write
to Edwards pm for the post office
keeping. B sent a letter to Grace.
He is going to stay till Tuesday.
V went over to doctor R’s cow.
John puttying in glass for veranda
and now gone over to R’s to
doctor her old cow. I go to
bed quite early. I began writing
to Watson but didnt finish the
letter gave Bob the pen and
ink to write to Grace. Bob, at
Volties request wrote to
Hon Mr Edwardsmember of parliament
requesting the keeping of the
post office for Voltie. Wallace here
and Harold Dignum and they
all went over to doctor R’s old
cow but 5 men couldn’t get
her up. Bob phoned to Grace.
Grace wants Bob to be sure and
come home tomorrow which of
course will make a Journey for
Voltie. Mail one Saturday
letter; that from Belle. all
been sick with Grippe. I wish
I could get a letter or card or something
from Maude. I hope they are all
well. Belle said Kathleen
is going to work for Murriel

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20 eggs
Saturday 28th March 1914
Arose early this morning. Voltie going
to drive to Marysville with Bob,
drove up with buggy and two horses.
The sun shines out a little but they
go. John reads my old diary of 27
years ago. He gone now to doctor
Rachels old cow. Edith washed
dishes. [ Emma continues writing in diary]
John gone over to Rachel to
see how her old cow is. Grandma
laid down for a little while. Uncle
Voltie sent down a veterinary
for aunt R’s cow. They say she is all
bloated up so she as to sqesse [sic] in the
barn door. 5 oclock in the
afternoon and Edith still washing
dinner dishes. I mended some
of her clothes and Grandma
and I made her a skirt together.
the ice not out of the river yet
but the robbins are here. John
chop wood for night, I made
a cake for supper. the weather
is awful disagreeable out. Wel [sic] I have
got to go and get supper for uncle
Voltie will be here and now supper
ready so I will lay my pen one
side till by and by. Uncle Voltie
has got home and has gone over to
Anut [sic] Rachel to tap her old cow.
The Veterinary said she had droppsy,
he got home about half past seven
and bought a bl [lb] of mustard and
a bottle of Olive Oil and 5 yds of
cloth, 1 yd of lace and 1 pair of

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stockings for Grandma and some
cherry whiskey, half a dozen of
lemons, a some buckwheat flour
and Mis McClaren’s old cow
bit it open. Grandma & Edith gone
to bed. Oh yes and something else
a lb of bacon. Well it is 9 oclock
and it is bed time! So good night
Emma
Sunday 29 March 1914
Another damp cloudy morn,
coffee for breakfast, wish I had
not drank any, my appetite poor
if could only get rid of this nasty
cough. breakfast dishes not gathered
but sprawled all over table. Edith
in kitchen. V & J went over to
look after R’s old cow. Sylvia
rung for Edith to go up and
stay with Maggie while they go
over to see Bessie McDonald
who is sick, & going to leave from
here before long. R’s old cow going to
die. Towards night Em rung for
Edith to come home. Ruth came
down to supper said Laura Elley
is in the insane asylum.
R’s old cow died and R’s she
is about half crazy, so she says.
Emma went home with entte, carrying
a lantern to see her safely home.
Emma set a hen on 12 eggs. We
separated the milk this pm from
two cows. The first separating
this year

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Monday 30 March 1914
Another nasty morning, mud
and rain. But V & J have gone
over to skin and draw out R;s
old cow. The breakfast dishes are
still on the table waiting for some
one to clear the table and wash the
dishes. Edith wont work if she can
get rid of it. another calf which
makes three. Wall here this afternoon
John puttied in windows. Uncle Voltie
working in the blacksmith shop.
Sylvia and Ruth cleaning their
parlor. After dark John putting
in one more glass and
one fixed rocker. V reading.
Tuesday 31st Mar 1914
A bright warm sunny morning.
Frost last night. White frost. I
send a letter to Grace, one to
Maud. R sent a letter to
Will. V sent sent Veternary’s
instrument home by mail.
This is the last day our mail
goes from Sylvia’s. Henceforth
our mail carried and post master
is Wm H Woodman. J & V
working at Lower place on boat
house slide. pm. they skined
R’s old cow, heart big as water pail,
gull big as a tea pot, liver dried up &c
They went from there to the lower
barn and boat house. found a
dead sheep in the barn with a
pair of orphan lambs, which will

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have to be brought up by hand.
Not much mail to night only
the Standard and 3 cards (Easter)
from Franks kids, Cassie, Clifford
and Ethel. Edith popped some
corn. John received a letter from
Gladys complaining and asking
him for money.
Wednesday 1st April 1914
A cloudy morning V and J working
at lower boat house. and skin
the sheep. I suppose the work
is now going to fly for Emma
and Edith are now writing down
the program of todays work on
a slip of paper. So no look
out and keep out of the way.
V came in bringing those dear
little lambs that I might see
them then carried them to the
barn, put them in a big box.
They can drink after dinner.
V and J went to work on
the lower boat house. Emma
gone to bed sick. So her card
was filled. Edith pitched in and
worked like a heroine all p.m.
& washed sup dishes and popped
some more corn. John went
from the working on the boat house
to R’s to chop wood enough to last
her two days didn’t want to go all
the same. V & J visited in kitchen
till bed time. Retired at 1/2 past 9 p.m.

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Thursday 2nd April 1914
Another nasty day, ground white
with snow this morning, at noon
all gone. Boys, after doing home
chores went away down to work on
boat house but not till after
dinner. V and Edith and I
still continue to pick up and
clear the pantry of shelves of useless
rubbage. I scour 85 knives, forks,
& spoons. Emma came down stairs
at 10 a.m. Sour, dont like to answer
when I speak to her. Oh how very
unpleasant. My appetite no good
there is nothing I like or can
relish. John said he would dig some
horse radish but it has not come up
yet. I ought to finish writing to Watson
Why dont I?
Friday 3rd April 1914
A very good day. Boys work on
boat house. Work drags here all
day. nothing kept snug nor tidy.
Wish I was well. No working
done this week. I just two embroidered
petticoats for Edith, finished Ediths dress.
Emma partly made herself a dress.
Another calf at the barn but dead. No loss
without gain. V will have the milk
for the orphan lambs. Only one letter
and that from my dear grandson
Reginald and a bundle of papers
from brother Wilf. River open this
morning. Emma went for the
mail. Edith finished supper.
Voltie this morning had to wait for water
to heat to wash the strainer boil

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Saturday 4 April 1914
A cold bright morning.
A row here this morning
about unwashed milk pails
V had to wait for hot water
to wash the milk pails. Yes
tis a nasty bitter cold day. West
wind I think. Row going on most
all day in kitchen. V and J working
on boat house, only when J went over
to chop wood for Rachel. Maggie here
to borrow soap 2 bars. Sunny Monday.
Emma cleaned floors. Edith’s mouth
always going. She does quite a
lot of work tho. Boys finished up
all they can do on the boat house
at present got to get more lumber. I
had a bad time coughing. John fixed
some beaten white of an egg and white
sugar which stopped it. We dont
have many eggs now. Eat them. We
have no meat.
Sunday 5 April 1914
A bright morning but a light snow
fell int he night and the ground is white
this morning. The river is
covered with fields of ice. Snow all gone at noon.
A very quiet day, nothing occurs
unusual. Boys do the chores. Looked
for Rachel; she didnt come. Sylvia
and Ed McDermot came in the
evening; treated them to pop corn
weather not warm, chilly, cough
Dont seem to be any better.

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Monday 6 April 1914
Another frozen morning ground
bare. great fields of ice in the river.
Voltie fixing and painting the
churn. V and J working on veranda.
Edith after washing dishes and
cleaning and filling lamps has
gone to school. Emma washed and
hung out a lot of clothes but didnt finish.
I had a great and tiresome time washing
dishes. pantry and kitchen are awful
and bread bread bread
piled up. I wrote a letter to Will
Tuesday 7 April 1914
This morning looks very much
like rain.The air is chilly but the
rain dont come and the boys work
on veranda all day except when
John goes over to Rachels to see how
she gets along. finds her all right
but lame. Edith gone to school.
Emma rips her new skirt apart
and makes it wider. Emma churns
and gets dinner. The days drag
monotonously on. Emma set
another hen on 15 eggs. I sent a
a letter to Will and a card to
Reginald. Received only one small
letter from Grace. Didnt get any
letter from Maude. The day closes
in dark with prospect of a storm of
rain. Forgot to say Emma received a letter from Edith Boles about
peddling cards.
Wednesday 8 April 1914
Rain. Rain. a steady down pour
Edith or De comba goign to stay
home to day on account of rain.

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consequently has resolved to do nothing
to help, only hinder all she can.
That 12 years old is to mean and
devlish just at present, to endure.
Cant work on veranda to day.
John gone to Mr Niles’ for chipping
shears. Sent her night gown home
by John. V at shop painting Veranda
doors. Emma washing towels etc.
hung them on the further line
Rain turned to snow, ground
white again. Dont know how R
gets along this day; all right I
hope. John puttying glass in window
for shop. A dismal day. I made
an apron from a sugar sack
and started a rug. Voltie cant
get his meals on time. Edith made
a long strip for a rug. Emma made
a pretty fancy basket of pink silk and
ribon. John puttied in glass. V read
Farmers Magazine. and so ends the
day.
Thursday 9th April 1914
A clear frozen morning, ground
covered with snow again. river
quite clear of ice except along the shores.
Graces anniversary birth day.
I think she is 40 to day. A cold
day. Boys working in shop. John
puttying in windows glass. V makes
whiffletrees. I mended a pair of
pants for John & John began reading
"The Tail of the Lonesome Pine" Maggie
here to borrow kerosine lent Sylvia a
quart kerosine. Stewing pumpkin for
pies. dont know whenever the will be made.

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Friday 10th April 1914
Another bright cold morning,
ground spotted with snow
that didn’t melt yesterday. Boys
working on veranda. Emma went
to P.O. Emma mailed one letter to Edith Bates
anent pedling those PO cards. I sent
a letter to Maud and a letter to
Mills for seeds. Voltie made
Edith hop for her laziness. She
wouldnt pickup the dinner dishes,
table covered with dishes and every
thing left from dinner, over one hour
after that she. I dont understand
what ails her. V and J drew R
a load of wood from away back on
her place. Mail, Herald and Standard,
Card from Maud, Eveline, Alzina McDonald.
E & E received cards from Genevieve and
their sister Ethel also cards from Maude.
Saturday 11 April 1914
A cloudy morning looks very much
like rain, dark and misty. Voltie
working on Veranda. Rachel came
over before breakfast - ate breakfast with
us. She came about her heifer coming
in. V sent John over while he worked
at home. V gave Edith from 8 till 9
oclock to wash breakfast dishes or she
would hop. She didnt have to hop
she had them all finished two minutes
before the clock struck nine. V & J worked
on veranda. Emma made two punkin
pies, mopped floors. Ed washed dishes.
J went at sunset to milk and feed
R heifer and feed the calf.

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Sunday 12th April 1914
A bright clear cold morning
didnt arise quite so early as
usual, except John arose early
drove over to R’s done R’s chores
and brought her over early this
morning before breakfast. She staid
to Easter dinner and till 4,30 oclock
when J drove over again with her,
milked and fed the calf &c
Eggs, Eggs, fried, poached, boiled,
& omelet. I just loathe eggs.
I began reading a new book
"The little Shepard of Kingdom come"
Monday 13th April 1914
A clear cold morning. Wind North
frost on windows. Edith "Or de
ongber". broke a sauce dish and
spilled the sauce on the floor.
John gone over to R’s to milk and
feed her calf. V gone to drive the
stock to the straw stack and look
after the sheep. I guess I’ll darn
socks for our boys. V & J mended
six pairs of socks. They can do
no more to the now; windows
all in. Emma ironed. Emma
made two pies pumpkin pies. John
went over to milk and feed R’s calf
but didnt go till after breakfast.
Edith "Or de congba" about a small piece
of lead pencil. The diary below this
mark belongs to
Tuesday 14th April 1914
Looks like a storm again. Emma is
cleaning parlor. Emma goes to PO
I send a letter to Grace. Send by

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Sylvia for butter color
and shoe laces, white thread
and tobaco. I sent her a
cabbage. Maggie here for butter
papers. Em gone to PO, Ed gone
to R’s to borrow a broom to dry
out the parlor. Boys working on
shop. Ed McDermot went for mail
I clean long cupboard and put
clean papers on shelves, cut
blocks for Emma’s quilt and rug
rags and log cabin quilt. J went
again to milk R’s heifer. Mail a
letter from Grace, an Easter card from
Edith Dixon. Standard etc
Wednesday 15 April 1914
The month half gone, the days
chase each other like cloud shadows,
a very fine day. The work within doors
moves slowly - sowed tomato seeds.
Not sure they will sprout, hope so.
Emma cleaned floors. I cut
rug rags. V gone to Jack Niles
to help tear down and old barn. Jack
has a bee to do the work. The river
is full of floating ice but boat
went up to day called the ringleader.
John working alone on the shop
this p.m. puting on the last roof
boards. J & E & E all rushed to
the shore to see the first boat go up
with marine glasses. Mr Almond Joslin
sick at the villiage. Mrs A Joslin
told Emma over the phone. V brought in a
box of soil and I sowed tomato & gourd seeds

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Thursday 16 April 1914
Awoke this morning to find
rain falling. river full of ice.
V & J cleaning seed grain.
churned. Emma fixed Edith brown
dress. I worked in the rag business.
The weather clears up, & quite warm.
Voltie got an awful lame back.
J fills another kettle of dirt for
seeds. Maggie here 3 hours, she
brought the dress pattern home.
Friday 17 April 1914
A beautiful warm day. V & J
carried the bees out side. John
plowing fermin at Rachel’s.
Edith gone to post office.
Sent three letters and Graces
pattern; a letter to Kenneth McDonald
for seeds, a letter
to Fallon brothers, a letter to
Richard’s soap company for
Emma. Maggie sent me a
piece of her new dress. I go out
to the veranda which to me is like
going visiting. The river is thickly
dotted with little islands of ice, the
warm sunlight and beautiful river,
the humming of bees is all like a
dream. The air is so still every thing
so quiet. One solitary bee buzzing
around on the new glass windows.
V found one extinct hive filled with
honey. R over here for hen feed
said Mrs Dignum had made
her a visit and Laura still in

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the asylum. Edith as obstinate
and lazy as ever. John plowing
all day. V working on shop all
day. John blistered his heels
plowing; nothing occured outside the
usual rotine [sic] of business. Emma
swept and put things to order in
chamber; set a hen which makes
7 hens now setting.
Saturday 18 April 1914
A bright day & breezy. John plowing.
I expected a letter from some source
but received nothing, not so much
as a card. John received a letter
from Gladys. Herald and
Standard that is all. Voltie went
for the mail. P.M. Emma went
visiting to see Sylvia & Ruth.
Edith after lingering over the dinner
dishes, Phoned for Maggie. Maggie
came & had fine time looking over
cards and photos. Staid they rung
for her to come home and help milk
the cows. Ed McDermot had going
over river for kerosine. Emma staid
till dark. Voltie roofing his new
shop. I pieced a chair cushion &
"string a string" for rug. John
began a new book, "Freckles"
Sunday 19 April
Sunday once more and looks like
rain. Wish it would. It would settle
the ground and the grass would grow.
John while going to Rachels to do
her milking steped on a barbed wire.

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which penetrated his shoes and
stuck in his foot consequently
a very sore foot which Voltie treated
to a surgical examanation [sic] and a
poultice of linseed meal. Emma
went to church. Margaret Joslin
came home with her for a visit,
she lost her hair ribon (blue) couldnt
find it. she ate dinner and supper
with us. and went home through
the rain. I finish reading the
fourth volume of the "History of
England" by John Richard Green
which leads up to the down fall
of Napoleon and there the history
stops; wish there had been more
up to this date 1914. another new
milker. John began Lorna Doone
Monday 20th April
A warm cloudy morning. no
wind to ruffle the river or even
gently move the smallest limbs
of the trees. Emma made 4
butter prints, from last churning
and washes separator. Johns foot
is better. Charley W & his father
were burried to day, we carried the
plants and boxes of dirt out in veranda.
Voltie plowed. John worked on
shop shingling. Guess
there was not much of anything
done within door. I know Edith wont
work. Emma done all there was
done. I dont know about Edith
she is a puzzle to me cant solve

93
Tuesday 21st April 1914
A fair pleasant day. John plows,
his foot is better. Voltie works on shop
putting on roofing and cementing
Emma done big dirty wash and
hung them on the line. I write and
send a letter to Grace, one to
Kenneth McDonald Bros for one packet of
Livingston’s globe tomato seed, also
I send a letter to Miss Carrie Lippincott
Minneapolis for a mixture of flower
seeds. Rachel came over to dinner
brought sliced ham, and maple
syrup. I lent her 10 glass ceilers
for her Krout. Our seeds from Mills
came to day and a letter from Grace
and V received a letter from Bert Smith
and the Standard and that is
all. Looks again like rain. Sent Edith
to Mrs Niles for castor oil for the calf.
Old ram not very well. I thinks he
has been fighting with the bull. Forgot to say
Ruth gone home to her dad Batavia
Wednesday 22nd April 1914
This month is hasting on. It will soon
be May and grass dont grow. John
plowing. V building shop, shingling
North side. Emma first hen didnt
hatch; eggs not good. Emma cleaned
floors, brought in and folded the clothes,
churned. V filled boxeses and
I saved 5 kinds of tomatoes and
celery. I made rug rags for rug
Voltie and Emma preparing to go
to Kingston tomorrow. 14 lbs butter,
6 doz eggs. John drove to dock with
Voltie, Emma and Rachel stoped
in the field to plow.

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Thursday 23rd of April 1914
Emma ate dinner with Grace this
Thursday 23rd
A bright day—so far—This is
the first trip for the islander this
spring from our dock. As I said
before V & Em & R gone up on
boat to Kingston to market butter
and eggs which leaves Edith
and I alone. But dont suppose
she will do any work to amount
to anything. If she does I’ll be
surprised. The old sheep is
better and the calf is well.
John still continues to milk R’s
cow. Edith is in the kitchen
washing breakfast dishes but not a
sound can I hear, every thing
as silent, not a sound of a dish being washed.
broke a sauce dish, done so much. Before John
drives home, he goes to the dock
for R, E & V. Emma bought parlor
curtains. John milked R’s cow. supper
all ready when the arrived and Emma
was delighted by showing her purchases.
Friday 24 April 1914
A very good day. Buchanan over to see
Lizzie Horn who is sick at Jack Niles, and
phoned to Mrs McDonald about Bernie
who I suppose can never get well. I
sent a letter to Belle and paid the telephone
bill. John finished plowing forninst Rachels.
R sent me some head cheese &
a cake of maple sugar. V worked on shop.
Received a card from Belle. seeds from K McDonald.
Emma rec’d her picture. The old homestead, Standard,
Herald and 2 books from Experimental

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Saturday 25 April 1914
A chilly morn Wind East & looks
like a storm. Emma cleans floors
and cooks and irons. Edith washes
dishes. V & J after dinner proceed
to the grainery to clean grass seed,
when R appears "all dripping with
wet and trembling with cold" to
say that her cow didnt come home
with the heifer and R is scart [sic], fearing
she has got in some rock hole or
is cast or something so the work
at grainery comes to a sudden halt
and away goes John with coat closely
buttoned, to look for said cow and
after looking every where on their
farm and several others without success.
V goes also, when the cow quietly walks
home from the Woodman pasture
so 4 hours gone and to late to
clean grass seed. John stops and
milks her heifer and chops wood
enough to last two days and comes home
tired, wet and hungry, bringing a
bowl of beans which B has given him.
We read the war news between U.S.A.
and Mexico and go to bed.
Sunday morn 26 April 1914
A rainy morn, Rained all night; a
big stream of water running on the
flat, to the river. A late breakfast makes
a late dinner, and a late breakfast
and dinner makes a late supper
which is all well enough for Sunday.
I guess the preacher didnt come down
to day if he had his congregation

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would have been small. Rains
all day. Voltie says the grass grows
some. I can’t find much to record
this day. John takes an afternoon nap.
Dont know how R is no one went
there to day. V & J set a net. River
very quiet, scarcely a ripple
Monday 27th April 1914
A misty gray morning, water running
on the flat. V run the net and got
two fish. E & E, "Horse De combat"
towards each other; a little wrangle
wringle going on in kitchen every Monday
morning. V cleaned the fish by the
river. Emma canning apples.
John plowing Garden, Voltie building
fence; weather clears and sun
shines clearly, one pepper coming
up. Edith is blowed out, sure thing
I arranged cabinet and made Ed
a petticoat, and a pair of
drawers. Ed washes dishes after the old
way, churning going on too. Buchanan
over again to see Lizzie Horn. She
is very sick and may never recover and
Louise Niles is badly again, I cut
some rags for a rug. I think we
have 17 pieces towards a rug. The grass
is growing. The raspberry bushes are turning
red, and the orange lillies are up and
growing.
Tuesday 28 April 1914
A brilliant morning and continues
bright till 3 p.m. when the clouds
gather for rain which beging immediately

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about 4 p.m. R came over to mail
letters or (magazines) and stays to
dinner. I remove to the warm, well
lighted veranda where I clean free from
husks and litter a half bushel, multiple
onions which V will carry to market
Thursday. Emma washes three bed
quilts and cleans Volties bedroom.
One hen hatching, she and her
chicks ought to be looked after.
John finished plowing corn growing.
V building fence. Mail Standard,
seeds from Miss Carrie Lippincott
Tomato seeds from Kenneth McDonald.
Voltie when counting the sheep found
one missing, and its loss is a mistery
April 1914 Wednesday 29th
Emma set another hen
A rainy morning and rained
all night. Chilly wind north. Voltie
went to the lower barn and when coming
home found the lost sheep, dead by
all appearance for a week. it was torn
and mutilated. V thinks the bull
killed the sheep. V & J cleaning oats
for seed. 10 a.m. and rain rain
Joe Woodman came to get V to
do some shop work and ate dinner
with us. Heard that the sick are
all convalesent. Bessie & Lizzie &
Louise. Churned after dark.
Thursday 30 April 1914
A fair morning Wind N. Arose
at half past 4 a.m. V going to Kingston.

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sent 13 lbs butter to market. John
drove to dock. They stop for
Rachel she going too. 1 doz eggs
only for market. Our eggs are
a constant article of diet, breakfast,
dinner & supper. We get about
2 dozen a day but a lot goes
under the hens for hatching.
Eleven chickens came yesterday.
Friday 1 May 1914
A very good day. John began cultivating
in the big field going to sow oats.
Voltie is building fence. I received
a letter from Muriel also one from Grace.
Saturday 2nd May 1914
Emma cleans floors.
Sunday 3rd May 1914
Maggie came visiting Edith entertained
her by playing with Emmas pigs on the floor.
Consequently one died. Em went to church
12 people comprised the congregation. Rachel &
Sylvia in p.m. here here

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Monday 4 May 1914
Didnt wash to day. Edith went to school.
Tuesday 5 May 1914
A very fine day. V brought water for Emma
to wash. Emma washed big washing .
I sent letter to Muriel.
Wednesday 6th May 1914
A very pleasant day, wind North.
Voltie building fence Wallace helping
him this a.m. but didn’t stay to dinner.
John working in field. I cleaned a lot
of onions. Emma done jeneral [sic] house
work and ironed. Edith went to
school. Two men came to set
up the manure spreader. They staid
to supper and all night. Young fellow
is named White. The other man from
Yarker—dont know his name. We churned

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Thursday 7th May 1914
A rainy morning. Voltie &
John up early, the manure spreader
men didnt get up so early but the
man from Yarker voluntarily
separated the milk. Edith as mean
and devlish as ever makes me
angry. No one from here goes to
Kingston. R hailed Wallace when he
was returning from the dock to say
her cow had a calf and wants someone
from here to come over and tie
up the calf. John goes. R came
over just in time to ride back with
John, he is gone to plow her garden.
Sylvia went to Kingston to market. Sylvia
has got a sore throat. She bought
Samy a new fiddle. I borrowed 5
envelopes of Sylvia. E & E went for them.
I sent home Mrs Niles castor oil.
She wants to get Edith for Inez
surely she ought to know better.
Friday 8 May 1914
A very pleasant day. John finished the
sowing big field to oats and V crossed draged
it. I wrote and sent a letter to Grace.
Emma carried it to the road, and gave it to
Maggie who is going to the new p.o. for the first
time. Dont think there was much work
done inside the house this day more
than cook and wash dishes. I pieced two
blocks. Mrs Ranous came and I
gave her a few multipliers and some
flower seeds. Emma & Sylvia went to the
po; drove down. No letters. Herald and
a picture of the Alps & Farmers Magazine.

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Saturday 9th 1914 May
Emma cleaned floors. Sylvia
here got sore throat. Gave her catchup and
jelly, set out the plants Mrs Ranous
gave me. Rachel came.
Sunday 10 May 1914
A very fine day Preacher here, he is
visiting the old, sick and afflicted.
Emma didnt go to church. Went visiting
Sylvia in p.m.
Monday 11
Didnt wash to day. Didnt do any thing only
cook 3 very indiferent meals. Lazziness
prevails, windows dirty, curtains dirty and
smoky. Rachel here for the magazines
to send to Eveline. The floors need
painting the house needs renovating all
through. Edith at school.
Tuesday 12 May 1914
Chilly morning
looks like rain. V went to Dig’s for his hog.
I cleaned 12 lbs multipliers for seed,
work drags.

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99
Jan 1915
oil kerosine
12 galons
12 "
6
tea
1b
1p
1"
sugar
14 lbs
14
15

103
100
Jan 1915
for me Stockings ,75
Shoes for Em $3,00
skates 1,00
shoes mended ,50
" mended ,40
" Johns aneeded 1,25
17
18

104
101
Jan 1915
Lemons 19
1 doz
Soap
10 bars
5"
5
20
21

105
22
Saturday 22 May 1914
Charlie V Halliday
Jan 1915 codfish
24
Sunday 24 May 1914
Charley Gillespie went over the river for
Muriel and Raymond and her babies.
The little fat dimpled cherubs Hilda
and baby James 6 months old and
got two teeth. Sent for R to come over
to dinner. Sent Edith. R came
Muriel brought me a bottle of smelling
salts and an embroidered handkerchief
her own work. Well we had an enjoyable
visit and admired her babies. They are
two lovely kids only Hilda is so very pale and
bloodles[s] with here [sic] yellow curls and very
dark eyes. Well I dont often enumerate
or relate what we had for dinner but
They seemd to enjoy the "menu" boiled
potatoes, a platter heaped full of fried fish, good bread &
butter, cheese, cookies, date crackers, maple sugar,
custard, oranges, butter gravy etc etc
Rachel went home. Henry H came & ate supper. John
returned from fishing with 96 rock bass & ansilles and
a bull head.

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Monday 25 May 1914
A cloudy drizzling morn
Didnt sleep much last night
for thinking of the churning consequently
I was so very sleepy this morning, didnt
get up till breakfast was ready and
every one at table except me. Churned
after breakfast without any difficulty
Emma & Edith wrangling as usual.
Emma wants to be boss of the
whole affair around here. Edith
going to school, which will make
some difference in the peace of the
family, she is now under going the
opperation of having her hair combed
by Emma which she does with no
gentle hand which causes a truncetory
"turkey dance". D came early and
brought Edith’s shoes. V and J are
building fence.
Tuesday 26 May 1914

107
January 22nd 1915
Wednesday 27
A misalaneous [sic] assortment
Matches ,15
soda ,05
tobaco ,80
1 cap ,75
Feb Tobaco 3 lbs
Thursday 28
29 Friday 29

108
Jan 22 1915
Saturday 30
Coal and hardware $13,00
Sunday 31st
Monday 1st June
Monday morning bright and clear. Voltie
and John digging post holes and building
fence. Tom Dignum and his mother
came over and went over the river in V’s skiff
went to the co corners. they came back and
had supper with us. The wind changed from
North to South in p.m. and brought a
shower. Lent Mrs D a book "The white
Sister". We sent our milk to factory this
morning by John 190 lbs. Rachel
came over in a.m. for butter milk. Edith setting
onions. Emma made pumkin pies. The
boys go on the river at night. V went early in morning.

109
Tuesday 2nd June 1914
A bright day & breezy wind North and
cool. Emma made out 25 lbs butter
for Thursday’s market leaving 25 at
home. Voltie went over to fix Tom Dignums
motor engine. John working
at the fence. When Voltie returned from
Dignums he helped John with the fence.
John brought water from river to wash
clothes. Emma found she had no soap
phoned to Sylvie to see if she could borrow
enough soap to wash clothes. She could lend
one bar. She had only two bars. Sylvia
borrowed starch which Emma carried
to Sylvia when she went for the soap also
carried home Sylvie’s old tin pail that
Emma had soldered. Edith went to the post office
to mail a letter to Grace; drove
down with Joe and a young McDermot
and then set out onions. We can
rhubarb after dinner.
3

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Thursday 4 June 1914
Arose early 4 am. Voltie drives to
the dock with John and Emma.
Emma has 25 lbs butter for market
which she sold for 23 per lb. Emma &
John ate dinner with Grace.
Jan 1915
Soap paint
bars 10
5
6

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7
Tuesday 8 June 1914
Wind South and breezy. V & J
sheared sheep. Ed gone to school.
Wanted to send letter to Grace but cant.
The p.o. is too far away. John plowing
for corn. Boys set tomato plants.
The Englishman came again
this evening. Wind blows, didnt
go on the river this eve.
Wednes 9 June 1914
Not many fish this morning.
Den here early. John McDonald
here too. A letter last night from Reginald,
one from Maude. Edith went early
to carry R some fish. Very saucy
and lazy dont want to do any thing,
says she will go to school but wont
pick up the breakfast dishes. V not very
well, stomach out of order. Jack Niles
had a barn raising Voltie. Young Rache
here peddling Native herbs and other
medicine. Emma made 23 lbs butter
for market.

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Thursday 10 June 1914
Arose at 4 Oclock a.m. Voltie and
Emma went to Kingston to market
with butter. butter not very firm
weather to warm but sold it for
22 and 24 per. Edith staid
home with me; worked well all a.m.
but skipped out many tmes. tho she done
very well. V carried to market wool
and pork and Henry H’s pigs, brought
home his pig feed tht had been left the
Thursday previous. Emma bought herself
and Edith each a new hat. She ate dinner
with Grace.
Sunday 14 June 1914
Another fine day. Emma Woodman &
Frank came over to Sylvia’s & Sylvia
went home with them. Maloney’s brought
them over. Charley Gillespie motored them
home across river again. Sadie McDermot and
Maggie, Maggie here to dinner. Rachel
here to supper. John reading Virginian
No church service to day. Mr Stewart gone to
conference. I am very lame this day. The
boys went on the river at sun down. Edith
wont comb her own hair washing her didnt

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Monday 15 June 1914
A beautiful bright day, Wind South
a brisk breeze all p.m. Emma
done big washing; hung them all on
the lines, having to put up an extra line
besides spreading them on the grass.
John is cultivating for corn. Voltie
finished the lower boat house and
hoed beets and turnips and many
other things necessary to be done.
Edith went to school. Rachel came
over for her honey sections that V
had split for her. V put out
all the boxes of tomato plants and
peppers watered them and the cabbage
plants. Sent letters to Maud and
Henry by Denny, also sent for
another pair of shoes and stockings
for Edith. The wind changed to
North. Maggie came to borrow starch
Only three pike this time.
Tuesday 16 June 1914
A cool bright windy morn. Wind North
We are talking about making pumpkin
pies, cakes, cookies, apple pies. We are
talking about it "understand". John
cultivating for corn. A good warm rain
is very much needed. Edith home to
day. R came over to Dinner.
I sewed on Ediths dress, work goes
slow. John cultivated and sowed
corn with the drill. V looking
after the motor which he took down
to the tower boat house last night
and it leaks fearfully

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Wednesday 17 June 1914
A very fine day, cool & dry no rain
also this is picknic day in Bob Smiths
grove, for the benefit of the
English church. John drove up
with E & E. They rode back north
the Barry’s in their automobile.
Of the hundred tomato plants
V set, only 4 remain. Guess
it is grub work. R came over
to dinner and washed the
milk can and dinner dishes
Thursdy 18 June 1914
A fine dry day no rain
circus day. V and Emma gone
to the circus. John drove to the dock
taking the milk can and driving around
by the factory. Not any thing done
this day in door nor out. this is
cider day, long to be remembered. Van
came over somewhat set up, sent
him to look for John. Found Joslin
Then sent John to look for Edith. I was
considerably upset about her after serching
and calling found her abed fast
asleep on V’s bed. The horses standing
in the stable all day without any thing
to eat wiht harness on. But cider
swilling going on and running
fish nets two fish. Resolved that
if there ever is while I live another
barrel of cider made may the lord
have mercy on this family. V dont
drink it, thank God. Edith dont do much
beside chasing hogs out the oats, hens
out the strawberries, Lambs out the meadow
Dilavan can swear yet
most fearfully.

115
I did hate to have V leave home
for I was afraid John would would play
out all day drinking cider and lying
in the hay or straw. Old Van brought
seed corn that V had already paid for. The
hogs were not fed. Oh it was a terrible
day, something I was not acustom
to. At last J made out to milk
the cows and drive to the dock
for V and Reggie and Emma.
I was glad to see them come home.
Old Van wouldn’t go to bed but set
up swilling cider till late and
and using such awful profanity
that every thing turned blue and smelt
of brimstone.
Friday 19 June 1914
Turned colder and wind blows from
North. Delavan De Grasse couldn’t go
home if he wants to but he is up to
cider again all day and is full
of history, religion and pollitics [sic]
Towards night Emma filled the
vinegar barrel with every drop
of cider consequently when they went
for cider it was gone and the
twain were mad, awful mad and
I was glad E emptied the barrel
Saturday morn 20th
Cold but not much wind. Van
arose early and went home sober.
I made apple pie, pumkin pie.
We are expecting the preacher to dinner
tomorrow. V set cabbage & tomato
plants that he had bought on the market.
No rain, tho much needed

116
Sunday 21 June 1914
Mr Stewart our preacher and
his family came to dinner
only 2 children, Muriel Stewart and
Ferguson Stewart. I dont see any
more discipline nor good manners
with minister’s kids than others.
V gave him $5,00. I gave her
a book and Emma gave
Muriel a book etc. This is
(excepting one) his last Sunday
to preach. They go to Batersee
Sylvia, Cassie & Maggie were
Cassie and Maggie intended
to stay to dinner but didn’t
want to meet the preacher. No rain.
Monday 22nd July 1914
Emma done big washing. Edith
wouldnt do much.
Tuesdy 23

117
Wednesday 24 June 1914
A very warm rain. Voltie and E
picking berries 81 boxes for market.
Thursday 25 June 1914
A very warm fine day. John &
Rachel gone to Kingston. V drove
to dock with them. Our first swarm of
bees for this year. V hives them after
bringing the swarm on a limb to show me
what a big swarm it was or is. Mr Smeaton
from the Orphans home and his manservant
here to dinner. Forget to say, Reggie went
to town also. He came back bring little
Bob with him. Reginald stoped and staid
all night with Rachel.
Friday 26 June 1914
A cool morning. Wind North no rain,
no rain. John gone to Vans
for kerosine. Edith wont work. Emma
and Voltie picking berries. Robt watches
the cows. Reggie not come yet from
Rachels. Reginald came over
with R she staid awhile then went.
I pared potatoes for dinner, pick over 2 boxes
berries for dinner, washed breakfast dishes
and milk pails and stove. John came bringing
corn, golden bantam corn 12 gallons kerosine,
tobaco and other stuff.

118
he had been to corners walked
out. Voltie worked on his boat
this p.m. (motor), Cassie where no rain
here for 2 boxes of Berries. Howard Niles here
for two. This is the last day of school.
Mary Barrie sent me two little plants
by Edith and we have set them out.
I wish we could have a shower for
our berries.
Saturday 27 June 1914
Beginning to look like rain but
not much. Em cleaned floors
Kids went fishing. Sylvia and Cassie,
Maggie Magee, GraceMcKay, Rachel,
George Niles here. Rachel got her supper
here. John and Ed picked greens.
V and the youngons put the pump
in the river with the long Rubber hose
to water the Berries and watered some
of them.
Sunday 28 Jun 1914
A heavy rain in the night which
continues at intervals all day with
thunder and lightning. Reginald
and Robert sneaked out and
went fishing down by high rocks.
Reginald fell in. I sent John for
them. Reginald came dripping wet.
They brought their fish poles but left the
fish on the shore 15 of them. John reading
most all day. Our butter has stepped out
till we churn. This is Stewarts
last day preaching. Dont think many
attended service to day on account
of rain. V entertained the kids in
the kitchen a mouth organ consert.

119
Monday 29 June 1914
Wind blowing hard from
west and still continues to
rain. Howard here for Berries
2 boxes for dinner; a dreary
dismal day but noise plenty
a bedlam. E & E & Re & Ro Never any
piece or quietness only when V is in
the house. Evening passes very quietly
J goes early to bed. V reads "Billy" the
"quartette", play marbles.
Tuesday 30 June 1914
The last of June. Rained in the
night. Cloudy this morning,
very cool. John drove to the
factory, came back ate breakfast then
drove to P.O. with letters one for Grace
from me. John sends a letter to
Andy MitchelWatertown. Reggie
went to Niles for strawberry crates.
Clouds gradualy clearing away
John & Robert Jr went to the Briar
farm for a load of wood. I washed
breakfast dishes, scoured knives & forks,
washed stove, milk pails, pots, pans, kettles,
wrote a letter, picked over a pail
of greens, pared potatoes and
churned. I set Edith to churning
while I pared potatoes. She didnt
churn but turned the washing
machine. V after doing all the
chores picked 12 boxes of berries.
V & Em & Reggie & John picking
berries I wash dinner dishes.
Robert is weeding salsify and onions.
Van came over Lib sent me a small

120
Rachel over for butter and berries
can of Salmon which we had
for supper. I sent her two boxes of
strawberries. This is a trying time
indeed and will be for a long time.
Wednesday 1st of July 1914
A beautiful day, river still.
Van and Lib came early this morn.
I received a letter from Grace.
V killed a hen for dinner. George Rattray
has a barn raising to day.
V was asked but cant go, has to
pick berries, but sent his crow bar
and block and takles [sic]. began
raining at three p.m. but Van
came through the rain rowing
across. Both staid for their
supper then with berries and
several other trophy’s. Rowed home
through the rain.
Thursday 2nd July 1914
A cloudy morning after breakfasat.
J drove to the dock with V, he carrying
2 crates of berries to market 72 boxes.
Clears away & the sun shines brightly.
Emma cleaned the floors I cook &
wash dishes. Joe & Ed came for 2 baskets
of berries. Gave Emma .25 cts for them.
They helped pick the berries. Next
came old Horn for 3 boxes so Emma
left her work again to gather the berries,
no pay this tim, he just walks off
carrying the berries. We are preparing to
get supper when Howard Niles comes
for 2 baskets, no pay. Louise came home.
John & Reginald building fence all day (pasture)

121
to day from the hospital. Our load
came at last. John, Voltie, Grace, Margarette,
Isabelle, Robert Jr and
Miriam Bruton and dog Buster.
Friday 3rd July 1914
A fine day; a heavy dew this morning.
The cows in the grain this morning.
Voltie and John build fence all a.m.
Grace, Voltie and Emma picked berries
all p.m. 120 which are for Kingston
market. Reginald & John cultivate
potatoes, beans, corn, tomatoes, turnips.
Emma, Margaret, Miriam, Edith & Robert
walked to the post office, brought a
letter from Eveline with $25,00 dollars,
express order from Welly, a card from
Maud and one from Belle. Reginald
and John & Voltie went to the lower
boat house and got the motor all ready
for tomorrow’s trip to Kingston. Went
at sundown. While they were all gone
to P.O. & motor, Mrs Cheesemaker Watts
came for berries while her hubby waited
outside in buggy. Very sorry we had
none for her. Jack Niles 4, Dian
Berry 6, Woodmans 2, which makes
132 boxes to day.
Saturday 4 July 1914
Independence day once more bright
and clear. Arose very early, Voltie
gone to Kingston in motor carrying
120 boxes of berries for market. Found
all the cows in our grain this morning.
John tearing about, things dont go right

122
V returned and went to
Clayton, gone quite late, brought
Limburger cheese, 2 new dresses for
me (wrappers) and print for Edith &
Emma, dresses. brought from Kingston,
2 pairs of shoes for Edith No 4’s,
both pairs too small
Sunday 5
Monday 6

123
Tuesday 7 July 1914
A cloudy day which makes it
somewhat cooler. V went to market
with 120 or boxes of berries
went to Kingston, brought 4 loaves
of bread, a letter tablet and
envelopes. he forgot to mail
my letters. I sent to Belle, Maud
and Eveline. That is just like
a man to forget things. Well
no great damage done. Grace &
Emma picking p.m.
Wednesday 8
V picking berries for H.H. & D.H.,
Mrs John Hogan (widow called for
berries 24 boxes. John is cutting
hay. Edith, Margaret, Miriam Bruton & Isabel
at consession bathing themselves.
Sylvia & Jessie Reid here for 2 boxes
berries.
Thursday 9 July 1914
A hot day, wind North & breezy.
John haying, mowing. Reginald
raking. Margaret & Miriam Bruton
gone to Kingston. V sent Dick H
& Henry H each a crate of Berries.
V working in cemetery this a.m.
picking berries in p.m. Edith and
Robert went fishing caught 9 fish.
Edith prepared them for supper.
Grace canning berries the first except
one little can. Lightening in the south after
sunset but no rain. Emma drove to

124
the dock for Margaret and Miriam.
I got the supper while Grace & V
picked berries. V picked for McLaren.
Margaret and Miriam brought
candies, bananas, peanuts, oranges,
and Margaret bought her grandma
a we pretty dish.
Friday 10 July 1914
Another hot day a scorcher. V gone
to the villiage with berries for McLaren.
Tis 9 a.m. river quiet not a ripple.
haying to be done, cows to be watched
weeds to be pulled, berries to be picked
and canned. Always a contention
among youngones, but are they any
worse than grown ups? Only more
insignificant little affairs. Beet greens
and fish for dinner. Grace has canned
18 cans berries. Voltie returned at
4 p.m. Had been to Kingston.
John and Reginald drawing in
hay. I think this is the hottest day.
I ever saw 85 deg in the shade.
V bought bananas, pea nuts, beer 6
bottles, stockings, pins, darning needles,
mucilage ink, paid interest on bank
note, paid telephone bill. Kids have
great time playing in hay, bathing, fishing,
Mail. Herald, letter from Maud, one
from Nellie Brooks, Farmers Magazines
and one letter from Hugh Livingston.
Saturday 11 July 1914
The summer is swiftly galloping away. Tis
cloudy this morning looks like rain.
Edith wearing her best embroidered

125
petticoat every day and wont take
it off. Must write to Nellie, Muriel,
and Maud. All in bathing, Isabelle,
Margaret, Robert, Miriam, Emma,
Edith, Sylvia, Reginald, Ed,
Joe Woodman. Maggie Joslin here for
Berries 2 boxes. Howard here for berries
4 boxes. A Joslin rung for berries.
Sunday 12 July 1914
A cool morning. Wind North, clear
sky. No butter, potatoes nearly all
gone. V killed a hen. We are to have
a pot pie for dinner. Noon river
still and weather as hot as ever. John &
Reggie & Robert went trolling. Grace
and Emma got dinner, picked
berries. The day passed on gone forever
gone with all the other Sundays and days
since creation. John and Reginald &
Robert, caught 65 fish of various kinds
perch, rock bass, black bass etc. Sylvia
came for a little while just at sundown. Every
kid goes to consession to roll, tumble and
flounder about in the water. Then Grace,
Emma, Reginald, Robert & Buster go
over to R carrying her some fish.
At last every one gone to rest and the
house is quiet once more.
Monday 13 July 1914
Another day just like the preceeding
ones. Emma washing at the river.
Grace deting dinner. The men, J &
V are haying. Edith gave me a foot bath
River like a mirror. I worte three letters
1 to Muriel 1 to Nellie Brooks 1 to Maude.
Kids all went to Sylvias

126
Tuesday 14 July 1914
A beautiful cool cloudy day.
I sent letter to Nellie, 1 to Muriel.
Edith, Margaret, Miriam, and Isabella
walked to the post office. V & John working
in field haying. Grace worked in kitchen
all a.m., picked berries in p.m. Isabella
swept the veranda and picked up and
cleaned up everything, the dear little cherub.
Wind North and breezy. John and Voltie
worked in hay field. Reginald
raking with old tranhorse. The girls
every one go to the post office in
the old buggy. Not a letter excepting one
card from Muriel. John received a letter
from Gladys asking for money.
I do believe they would rob him of
his very hearts blood and never
thank him. Once they had a good
home but they were not satisfied till
they destroyed all he had, and
broke his heart. Knapp is the fair
haired "bye". Now let him support
them. they will get enough of Knapp
and taking care of themselves after awhile. John
has been their support and slave
long enough, two great healthy women
when they have robbed him till he has nothing
but his poor toil, warm hands to support
them with. Then keep pulling on him for
money after they have destroyed his
home and drove him out. Have they
turned Knapp out? Oh no. But when he
finds out that he too has lost his support
he will show his rotten nature
and forsake them all right and I

127
think the time is close at hand, if not already
accomplished. Arthur has got
to have a home. She is
a woman old enough to have common
sence if she is ever going to have.
Watertown, they wanted, and Watertown
they have got. It was such a delighful
place for moving picture shows and
other entertainments and Arthur
went along, for Arthur needed
a home, poor Arthur.
If Gladys had stuck by her father; but she
didn’t; but wrote "Poppa you know I’m
your daughter and you ought to support
me" Support! Yes, support! that is
all they think of or care about.
The money he sends, there never
was as much as a "thank you" for
it. I notice they never ask or say
"when are you coming home". No
that is not what they want. They just
want a machine to pump money from
but they want the machine to keep at a
distance. Now he can smoke the pipe
of peace, and read his book right here
at his own home and the time will
come when he will be on the high
road to success again, better than ever
before if he keeps away from them and
banks his earnings. I dont want him to go
on the road never again but if the
truth was sifted out, without any doubt
in my mind, John is the first instigator or
caused by his own folly in the first place come
all this trouble. Some men ought never to marry

128
no rain
Wednesday 15 July 1914
Another dry hot day the last day
of Miriams visit and Grace is preparing
to return to Kingston leaving Reginald
and Robert here. So she packs
her cans of strawberries. The new
folks work in hay field, mowing,
raking, cocking and drawing
Oh how fearfuly hot. The girls
drive to the p.o. Emma, Margaret,
Miriam and Isabel. no letters
nor papers except one postal
card from Muriel. Then every
kid including Maggie has a
boisterous time playing "high Spy"
and squat tag: audience John,
Voltie, Emma and self. Then we
all proceed to the parlor where
Miriam where Miriam [sic] bare footed
adn bare legged entertains us with
piano music which she certainly can
do; she is a musical wonder. I
never saw anything like the exquisite
touch of her fingers on the keys.
At last Maggie goes home and we all
go to bed.
Thursday 16 July 1914
Another hot day. Voltie drove
to the dock with Grace, Margaret, Isabell
and Miriam enroute for Kingston with
their boxes and suitcases leaving Edith
to get dinner and get along the
best we can but have to take out
a search warrant several times to
find Edith. Sometimes find her at

129
no rain
Jones’, sometime at the barn,
here and there and every where
but with bobby for help manage
to get along very well. We got an
early dinner which Grace had prepared
before she went home. Had supper
nearly ready when V drove home from
the dock with only Emma in the cart
beside the groceries. I’m always glad
to see the marketers return from
Kingston with the parcels and
bundles which often includes
some bananas, oranges, candies
etc beside this time Emma
brought bolona and sausage.
Friday 17 July 1914
A breezy day no rain but can
better work in field. Emma went
for field berries along the road
and found scarcely any but picked
a few cherries. R gave Emma a
box of raspberries which we had for supper.
The day goes as usual. Emma walked
to the post office and comes from home in
the automobile with Geo Barrie and
Bob Burk and Norman Dupont.
The Herald and a bunch of papers
from Eveline, Leslies weekly,
Afternoon cloudy looks like rain
but not yet do. J & V want rain
till they get the hay in the barn
Saturday 18 July 1914
Looks like rain and begins about
2 p.m. and rains very severe at
intervals. It brought the men from the hay

130
Morgan died this day Saturday 18 July 1914
field and the kids from fishing
ie Emma, Edith, Robert and Reginald.
How it rained, how it poured
Emma wiped up the kitchen floor.
I didnt bake for the wood was wet
but got supper on oil stove.
Sunday 19th July 1914
A cool breezy day, wind north shifting
South in p.m. Peas for dinner. Emma
picked them. John went fishing
I and Edith shelled. Reginald &
Robert went with John fishing, caught
65 and one big black bass. Sylvia
& Maggie came down awhile. John
cleaned the fish. Reginald and I
studied Geography, History of England,
and Webster’s dictionary awhile.
Emma made a custard pie for dinner
and a chocolate cake. John gave Sylvia
some fish, George Morgan Sr died to day.
Monday 20th July 1914
A breezy morn. Wind NW changed
South at noon. hard work to get
work done. I helped wash breakfast dishes,
churned, washed and salted the butter and
then churned and salted her butter.
We had greens, new potatoes and fish
and a pie (rhubarb) for dinner. Emma
gathered all the dirty clothes and carried them
to the river to soak. V and J & Reg
drawing hay. After dinner Emma went
to Rachels to pick raspberries. Edith and
Robert wash the dinner dishes.
Emma brought 4 boxes of berries
had one for supper. 3 fields cleared
of hay

131
Tuesday 21st July 1914
A cool breezy morn. Wind S.W.
I’m very lame this morning but
I, by use of the two canes, walked to the
veranda. John gone to factory.
V & J & Reginald worked in hay field.
V shot a hen. Emma picked and
cleaned it, done it in a cloth & hung it in
the cellar. The hen was scratching
up the potatoes. Emma washed clothes
on the shore. Edith quarrellng with
Bob. Mail a letter from Grace, a
card from Belle and Standad
and that is all. Belle requesting
the name of the man that laid
the Atlantic cable. Cyrus W Field
was the man.
Wednesday 22nd July 1914
A very fine day neither to hot nor
to cool clear brilliant sun in
a cloudless sky. V shot another
hen this morning in the potatoe
scratch, scratch, scratch and dig.
The yesterday hen we cooked for
dinner. The boys drew 6 loads
of hay from R’s place, p.m.
It begins to look like rain.
Mrs Niles over to R’s picking
reaspberries. After supper V goes back
to mow hay while John and Reginald
do the chores. Edith & Bob lugging V’s shot
gun around out door.
Thursday 23 July 1914
Begins to rain at 3 a.m. I heard of potatoe
on the veranda. John went to
factory and to the dock. V sent

132
by John $53 dollars to give
to George Rattray requesting him
to go to the bank and pay Mr Thos Mills
the 53 dollars that V hired
last spring for J. 1/2 past nine
a.m. V grinding mowing machine
knives. Weather clearing, hoeing and
weeding. Edith washing towels &c. Emma
cooking chicken. I sent a letter to
Belle. Edy McDonald phoned Emma
for a cat (kitten). 10h, 10m rains again.
V phoned to Geo Rattray
for coal (soft coal). Geo sent
hard chestnut coal instead
because he didn’t understand
Friday 24th July 1914
Very mudy morning couldn’t
walk to the foot post office, sent
a letter to Grace & a card to Belle by
by Joe and Ed. String beans for
dinner. Boys hoed in garden.
V mowed over on Rachel in
p.m. Edith contrary as usual.
E & E & Rob’t started to walk to the
P.O. only went a far as Rachels
found the mail had been brought
and left there. A letter from
Hiriam Burton, a card from
Belle and the Herald.
Saturday 25 July 1914
Haying not done yet. weather
not very favorable for haying.
V hoed in garden and planted
cucumbers. Emma finished cleaning
kitchen and painted K floor

133
mowed in p.m. I sent
Edith to A Joslin’s for a lb of
butter.
Sunday 26 July 1914
A very good day. Emma went
to church in p.m. Maggie here
tearing around with Edith. John
and the boys went fishing caught
a soda biscuit pail full. V tinkering
around the cellar way. Clery brought
the preacher down in his motor
and came here for gasoline,
paid V a dollar for gasoline.
John cleans fish on the shore.
Samy and Emma go driving in
the evening.
Monday 27 July
All hands working to day
mowing hay. John hoeing
corn. Reginald raking. Edith &
Robert picked peas for dinner. V
ate his breakfast first to get to the
field early to cut hay. Emma cleaned
my room and washed some things
at river. Edith after a great deal of
persuasion put some dried apples
to stew. I churned, washed breakfasat
and dinner dishes shelled peas wrote
a letter to Miriam Burton, cut some
quilt blocks &c. V finished mowing
hay except a small piece here at home.
Edith raised old Dickens. rained a little.
Tuesday 28 July 1914
A very good day for work in door and
out door. V & J and Reginald drawing hay

134
to the lower barn from R’s place. V &
J going to try and finish haying
as soon as they can for there is
always lots of work to do. E couldnt get
a chance to send to the post office
to Edith & Robert swatting flies.
Robert picked the beans. I snipped their
heads off. I washed breakfast dishes. Emma
cleaned pantry. We borrowed soap 1 bar
of Sylvia also one from Rachel.
Mail, Standard, a card from
Belle also a letter from Belle.
Dilavan came over with
John King who wants to hire out
to V but V dont need him. J.K.
stays all night a to breakfast.
V succeeds in hiring him out to
John Weir for two dollars per day,
hired him by the using of the
telephone.
Wednesday 28 July 1914
Boys finished haying over on R.
Emma preparing to go to Kingston
for a weeks visit. I send Robert to
Sylvia’s to borrow baking soda. Robt
and Edith quarrel and fight
then Robert goes to Woodman’s.
Edith picks a pail full of string beans.
Wind blowing strong breeze from
North. V killed a tough old rooster
which I picked and prepared for dinner
and prepaired [sic] the string beans. Rachel
sent over a raspberry pie. After dinner
I sent her part of the chicken pot pie
and she sent beans shelled and cooked.

135
1 Jan 1914
Eggs up to this date
12
Emma done big washing of clothes
at the river. We managed to send
Grace string beans & peas, i.e. we are
going to send them tomorrow.
Thursday 29th 1914
A very fine day warm tho the
night and morning a cool. John
drove to factory. Voltie drove to dock
with Emma, Reginald & Robert also
Rachel. Emma going to stay a
week with Grace. V arose at 4 a.m.
V mowed the hay by the river this
a.m. and raked and cocked it
its. Maggie came, she swept the
floors for me. Edith washed milk
pails and milk can then she was
absent, missing. I didnt look for
her but continued to wash breakfast
dishes. When V came he found her
asleep on his bed and now begins the
trial of having hard work and endurance
for one whole week. Very dry no rain.
Friday 30th July 1914
This is the second day Emma has been
gone and I am tired. I cant
write much any way.

136
Saturday 1st Aug 1914
This is the third day. Emma has been gone,
gone. I made two rhubarb pies and
two turnovers. Ive got one cake for Sunday,
guess the cat wont eat those pies.
After a long argument and persuasion
we got Edith to mop the floors. Bert phoned
for V to come for him and Maud and Hubert
at Cornairs. V went and they came in time for
supper.
Sunday 2nd August 1914
I woke this morning to find Bert, Maud
and the Baby Hubert here. Maud helped to
get the meals. We had fish in abundance
that John and Rob’t Junior had caught
the night before (last night) by moonlight.
We sent for Rachel to come over and see Maud
and the baby. She came.
Monday 3rd August 1914
Arose early for V is going to take
Bert and Maud across in the motor
where Bert’s car is waiting for them at Cornair’s
Maud and the little baby Hubert. V
came back and then went to the villiage
and Kingston by motor. He came late
bringing dishes and groceries and 3 Whigs
saying War is declared in Europe. England,
France, Russia, Germany, Austria, Servia [sic]
and Belgium all fighting at once. The home
millers of Ireland, the militant suffregetts and Mexico have
have all stopped fighting and stand agape with horror looking on.
R came in evening & staid till V came

137
New Year Morning 1914
Brown Sugar lb 20
Tuesday 4 August 1914
No rain wish it would rain. Received a
card from Belle saying she and
Henry would be here the 11 or 12 of the
months. This is the sixth day Emma
has been gone. I have weathered the storm
of her absence 6 days. Oh I’m tired. But the
days are passing, time waits for no one. V & J
working in field. V binding and J setting up oats.
We churned.
Wednesday 5 August 1914
A bright clear day but hot no rain.
May Ranous married to day to Rodney Pike.
They were married in English church. We sent
the numerous carriages ladened with happy
people all going down to Geo Ranous to the wedding
dinner. Barry’s auto carried the bridal party. Our
boys, V & J working in the oat field. Little Bob Jr preparing
to go home this p.m. on the boat. Sylvia went to the wedding
and took Ed McDermot with her. Ed has got a new buggy.
Thursday 6 August 1914
Another hot dry day. Emma came home.
I am very glad to see her, and I
feel like one let out of prison.
She brought bananas and we had them
for supper. Reginald came down on the boat
for a trip. Robt Wells Jr went home on the boat
this pm. Grace sent him a card to come home
for his dad is coming home.
War declared between England
and Germany. All Europe in a blaze of war
Fridy 7th August 1914
Another scorching day, no Rain every
thing dry, dry, dry! V and hoeing beans. I forgot
to say that Sylvia has gone visiting yesterday to her
grandad Reid and took Ed McDermot with her.
I guess they are coorting [sic]. I did not do any
house work to day. I had a vacation and sat in our
veranda. Rachel came

138
1914
Choth
shaker flannel 20 yds
Saturday 8th August 1914
A very hot day a scorcher and a terrible
drought every thing drying up. V finished
binding the big oat field here by the church.
I sat by the window and watched the binding
till the last straw fell & then dinner was
ready. Emma had to wash for she
had been gone to Graces a whole week.
For dinner we had bread & butter, boiled potatoes,
boiled sliced beets, boiled eggs, cookies, cake,
crea, gravy, onions & stewed black caps
and tea. John fixed the river pump for
wattering the tomatoes and cucumbers.
The smoke is so thick we can scarcely
see from here to Consession and is growing
worse all the time. I am stewing pumpkin
and cleaned potatoes for dinner and beets
washed pots, pans, and kettles and both
tables and cabinet. Wind changed from
South to N but hot. To work again
setting up oats in field. Wish it
would rain. The flies are plentiful and
savage. Edith went to help Rachel drive
her cows to water this a.m. We received
a letter from Maud (or card). V received a card
from Lottie saying to come to Vans for them tomorrow

139
Sunday 9th August 1914
V motored over to Vans for Lottie &
Louise also Willie came too to make a
days visit and we were glad to see them
all. We had a fine mess of fish for
dinner that John had caught. After
dinner Willie with valise in hand goes
over to Rachel’s. After awhile the girls followed
with another hand bag and stay all night.
Lottie brought me a book. But I had
read it. Wilie took it to exchange it.
He is covering for the girls next Sunday.
No rain but a very hot dry day.
Monday 10 August 1914
V reaping & bindind [sic] oats John setting
up oat. Lottie came over for shelf paper
staid awhile, no water in Rachels well.
V drew some for them from our well.
Emma makes Lottie and I a
glass of cold lemonade. Clouds gather
and a little rain falls towards night.
Emma washes and drys the clothes before
the commencement of rain. Brings
them in. Sylvia came home to day then
comes to make a call together with Maggie.
Rain drives them home. I retire early.
Tuesday 11 August 1914
A very hot day. A heavy shower in
a.m. I write and send a letter to Grace.
John drives down to post office to mail
his letters and mine. Louise drives down
with him. Emma and I finish her
dress. Samy brought the mail from WHW
2 letters for me. One from Miriam Burton
one from Mrs Stewart. Emma went
for the mail to Sylvia. I read the
war news.

140
Wednesday 12 August 1914
Time flies and summer is hastening
away. This is a cool day. Wind N.E.
V and J drawing and stacking oats.
I done some repairing of overalls and
socks for the boys V & J. After dinner
Rachel, Lottie and Louise came over
awhile and staid a couple of hours.
Wind hushed river still, river like a
mirror. Lottie & Louise came and
Emma and the two girls go out in
the boat after supper. Edith pulled
all the onions this day. The flies
are very troublesome.
Thursday 13 August 1914
No one goes to town from here
to day except Rachel. Voltie drives to
the dock. We send by her for groceries
and a hundred lbs of flour. Emma drives
over with Voltie to send by Maggie Joslin
for embroidery needles. Voltie and John
draw and stack oats. V drives to dock.
Reginald and Robert Jr came down on
the boat leased to come home again. They
bring me a letter from Grace saying they are
going to move to Limerick or Brownville
Grace has been over there, to Berts. All is
well.
Friday 14th August 1914th 1914
The day is clear and very warm. I received
a letter from Belle saying Grace is to
be married next month (Sept). V rec’d
a letter of thanks from Anglin thanking him
for strawberry plants. The Standard and
Montreal Herald and Weekly Star. We sat
up to read the War News.

141
Saturday 15 August 1914
Weather quite cool this morning. Wind S
and blowin a stiff breeze. Heard the phone
ring at 1/4 to 12 midnight for A Joslin and
at 1/4 past 12 for W. H. Woodman. Heard by
the phone this morning that a baby girl
came to John Niles Jr’s last night.
Lottie and Louise here this pm. V and
J cutting peas. We have green peas for
dinner. V brings in some ripe tomatoes!
A few squally showers this p.m. but the
sun shines most of the time. Lottie &
Louise and Reginald go to
water R’s cows.
Sunday 16th August 1914
A very good day. Lena drove out
for Lottie and Louise, brought me some
slips of geranium. V motored for them,
Cassie and Clifford came too. Lottie
gave me Ben Hur. Rachel came over
and staid till V came back. Reginald
went over and came back with
Voltie. Carrie & Clifford were left behind
and engaged Albert Gillespie to take
them across in his motor. Wind South and
beginning to rain. John drives over with
Rachel after the return of V & Reginald.
Monday 17 August 1914
Rather wet in fore noon couldn’t bind oats
after dinner. V and John go to Clayton.
V to pay his bank note of 30 dollars
and buy shoes and calico, limbarg [sic] cheese,
peanuts and candies etc. They came
after dark. Emma milked the cows.
Kids noisy as anything. Edith and

142
Robert & the kittens all up in the
apple tree. Rachel came over and staid
till 7 pm.
Tuesday 18 August 1914
Emma washing some more things.
V and J cut peas; we had peas
peas for dinner. Weather rainy.
John goes for the mail (drives) a
letter from Grace, a card from
Muriel. I send a letter to Grace also
a card from Muriel.
Wednesday 19 Aug 1914
A very good day warm and
pleasant. Emma cleans floors
and bakes bread and cake. I make
apple pies (4). I work around till
I’m rather tired. V and J rending
oats on old Smith place
then V drives to dock for Bob
and Grace and Isabel so we
have a jolly house full again.
Thursday 20th Aug 1914
V and Reginald went to Cape with
Bob Wells Sr in motor. He is going to Brownville
to look for a house to move into. V & Reginald
came back early bringing tanglefoot and
rolled oats with a small glass pepper shaker
as a prize. Cloudy and begins to
rain in pm. Little Bob wouldn’t stay
but went home to Kingston with his
mother. V gave Reginald 3 dollars.
John and Emma milk the cows and
Edith goes to water R’s cows. R drove
her hom [sic] by ordering her to go.

143
Friday 21st August 1914
A cloudy day wind south didn’t
send any mail today. Emma jawing
at Edith in kitchen. V & J shingling the
shop. Cats tearing up & down the apple tree.
Edith went night and morning to
help R water her cows. I patched
several garments, wrote in this diary.
V and J finished shingling
and put on the ridge boards. One
clearing up storm accompanied by
thunder and lightning. Mail Montreal
Herald, Standard, letter from Muriel and
one from Maud also a letter from Lottie.
Saturday 22 of August 1914
A very fine day after the storm. V &
J has to open up the oat shocks to dry
in the sun. I washed breakfast dishes. Emma
cleaned floors. While we were at dinner
Belle and Henry came quite unexpectedly.
I was so glad to see them. Belle brought
phonograph records. We set up quite
late talking. Ben Percy rowed them
across in Rob Percy’s skiff and
ate dinner here before going to Sylves
where he staid all night.
Sunday 23rd August 1914
A fair day. Edith went to water
Rachels cows, I sent invitation to R to come
over, she came and staid to dinner.
Ben Percy came too dinner. After
dinner Ben goes home ie after the
rain which comes in great floods,
almost a tornado acompanied by thunder
and lightning. Went to water R’s cows
but they wouldn’t drink.

144
Monday 24th August 1914
A fine day. V & J drew and
stacked oats this p.m. R keeps sending
for Belle to come over there. Emma
didnt wash to day, we just get three
meals a day. I know they dont like to
work very well. But Emma has
most every thing to do alone.
Edith shirks every thing she can.
Tuesday 25 August 1914
A fine day. V and J finished
harvesting to day.
Wednesday 26 August 1914
A very fine day. Belle walked over to
Rachels staid till after dinner. V phoned to
Henderson for groceries. Emma finished
washing.
Thursday 27 August 1914
A fine day. Arose early. John going to
town. V sending by him for hog feed
and groceries. V and Henry go fishing
had fine luck catching bass and perch
and rock fish. Rachel and old
Preacher Craig here to dinner. Mr Craig
dug strawberry and dewberry plants. J brought
home whiskey and beer. Reginald and Robert came,
we expected Grace but she didn’t come
only the little boys came.

145
Friday 28th August 1914
Quite a fine day. Not much done
in or out this day but a terrible
swilling of beer and some whiskey
too. I dont know what will ever
become of John; his habits of intemperance
has such a terrible grip on him that
he can never, no never conquer the
horrible monster; his whole appearance
is shocking. May God have mercy
on him and snatch him from his
awful doom before it is everlastingly
to late. My poor dear Johny. How
can I bear to see him go down
down down!
Saturday 29th August 1914
This is the day that Belle &
Henry came so unexpectedly as
a surprise while we were at
dinner. Emma flew around
and soon had an extra dinner
for them. Ben Percy brought
them over, ate dinner also
then went to Sylvias and staid
all night.
Sunday 30 August 1914
Rain wind and squalls nearly
all day. Wind lulls in pm towards
night. Ben came back from Sylvias
ate dinner again with us then
took Rob Percy’s skiff that he had
rowed Bell & Henry across in and went
away home across the river tho the
poor "critter" really has no home.
This is the day Belle went home. Ive made a
mistake somewhere.

146
Monday Aug 31st 1914
Voltie took John to the Cape
this day.
Tuesday Sept 1 1914
Wednesday 2nd Sept 1914
V works hard all day and then
after dark drives to the dock for
Bob, Grace, Margret and Isabelle.
He didnt wait for supper but
we had a good square meal when
they came home from dock and
we all sat down together and
enjoyed a merry sociable time
Reginald went to the dock with
Voltie.

147
This Thursday brought a lot of groceries
from town and Friends.
Thursday 3rd Sept 1914
This Thursday V went to Kingston in motor.
Awoke this morning to find
Grace, Bob and their four kids here
enroute for WatertownN.Y. for
new home. It was hustle and
bustle all day getting ready to go.
Grace done big washing and
ironing. Bob tried to fish but
not very successful, wind blew so
hard but we have enough to eat
without them. Our greatest want is
butter which is not much from Sat
night and Sunday morning cream.
Friday 4th Sept 1914
Well this is the morning that Grace,
Bob, and their kids are to go over
the river to Van’s. V went across twice
first carrying Bob, Reginald and Bob Jr.
Came back for Grace and Margaret &
Isabelle and loads of parcels, but no
Bert there waiting for them. V came
back said they all staid to dinner
including Al Barry and his brother
Robert from the West. Lib made an extra
pie for she had only one. A very good day.
Saturday 5 Sept 1914
One day of quietness and peace
tho I miss the little boys Reggie
and Robbie and are lonesome
without them and to think they
are going away from us tho only
to Watertown it seems 5 times further
away than Kingston. Saturday towards
night a phone from Bert and Maud to come
to Cornairs for them well after supper. V goes and
dont get back till after dark. A cool day some wind

148
Sunday 6 Sept 1914
A very quiet Sunday reading
and resting, and three square
meals, a doctering baby Hubert
and listening to a great lot
of news gossip and scandal
that ever happened in Jeff Co, N.Y.
Oh I hate it
Monday 7 Sept 1914
Bert and Voltie building
fence all day boring post
holes. Hubert is better gave him
a lot of catnip tea and scalded
milk. Maud dont look very well,
she is so thin as a spindle and fat
as a match every day
Tuesday 8 Sept 1914
A very good day. Bert an
Voltie work at the fence all
day. Maud and Emma do
some work and keep every
thing humming. I write a
letter to Wellie. Lots of fish
and eggs. Mail a card from
Wellie, Standard and Globe
Wellie said he saw John in Watertown

149
Wednesday 9 Sept 1914
A cool day but not very
windy. Bert helps V nearly day
except when he goes fishing and
catches a good suply [sic] for the table.
Baby Hubert is better. Emma made
him a dress which Maud put on
him. V takes M & B across in motor
at sunset such a beautiful
evening, not a ripple on the
water. V gone only a little while.
Emma has a great time finding and
cleaning bottles for the baby
Thursday 10 Sept 1914
A fine day. No one from here goes to town
this day. Voltie alone but
begins cutting the corn, goes
down on the 75 acres for the sheep
and does all the chores alone,
milks all the cows besides going
to the lower farm for them, feeds
12 hogs, chops all the wood &c
V drives to dock for hog feed &
200 lbs sugar $$14 dollars all
paid for.
Friday 11 Sept 1914
A fine cool day. Voltie cutting and
binding corn nearly all day with the
binder he carried. R corn potatoes &
tomatoes. Emma made crab apple jelly
The first she has made this fall.
Edith at school for which I am thankful.
I make Edith an apron. Mail, Standard,
Montreal Herald, Daily Globe, a letter from
Margaret Gaskin, a card from Belle
saying Grace is to be married 16th this month.
V hew some corn. Belle wrote that John had
been at their house 3 days

150
Saturday 12 Sept 1914
A bright morning & cool. Emma
helping V draw corn, after bottling
the jelly. I’m trying to get Edith
to work at the dishes, hard work
for me to get her to wash dishes,
the tongue of her is tremendous.
Sylvia came for something
dont know what. It might have
ben to show her nice apron which she
received from Eatons last nights
mail. Edith done very well this
a.m. but O so lazy, obstinate nd
indifferent to any thing said to her
about pickup dishes or any other
kind of help to get the work along
& wash all breakfast dishes and get
dinner. then wash dinner dishes,
milk pails, and stove wash, bender
and water bench & soap dish, etc.
Tom Dignum phoned to ask Voltie
why he cut his corn so early. Voltie
finished drawing the corn so
it is done. Sylvia and Sheridan gone
up the river in a motor. Maggie
Edith went for the cows.
Sunday 13 Sept 1914
A beautiful bright morning. Emma
went to church. Maggie here this morn
for tomatoes. Edith went to help aunt
R water her cows and brought home
three snowplowers on a stem. V caught
5 fish. Edith cleared thm for dinner.
Maggie Joslin comes home with

151
and to dinner. Emma & Maggie
after washing the dinner dishes walk
up to Jack Niles to see the baby Lois.
Found Geo & Louise there besides Old Horn
and Lizzie, Mr and Mrs Kesler.
Edith goes up to visit Maggie Magee.
She is alone. Sylvia gone to English
church. Ed, Joe & Sam gone to Howe Island
to a bass [sic] ball play. About
4 pm V motors to Micheas with
Margaret Joslin; she is working for her
granny Anne Michea, Mag Magee
came home with Edith and they go
sauntering along the shore. The
day ends in quiet peacefulness
Monday 14 Sept 1914
Another beautiful day. A brilliant
sun and a cloudless sky & warm
tho the evenings are cool. V fixing
line fence between himself and
Geo Niles. Emma washed and
hung the clothes on the line by
10 pm. Edith picked beans for
dinner. I shelled them. Then Edith
went to school; has row with the
Morgans, Madeline tore Ediths
new apron. V finished cobbling the
fence, picked lot of tomatoes for
home canning and for Joslin’s
family beside a pail of cucumbers
for Weir. Edith went for the cows gone
a long time. Emma called on Sylvie
2 hours. Edith came home early. Edith
washing supper dishes. A beautiful sunset
and the river so still it reflects every color of sky.

152
Tuesday 15 September 1914
Another bright sunny day. Wind
South and breezy. Edith gone to
school. Alden Morgan here for
vinegar didnt get any. Alden
says Edith is to blame for all the
trouble at the school house, she
medelles [sic] and bosses, is quarrelsome,
hinders the boys from playing ball.
Wednesday 16
A beautiful day. Grace Halliday married
to day to Howard Cheever. V doing all kinds
of odd chores and preparing for threshes,
dug 2 bag of potatoes. I churned, had
a very good lump of butter.
Thursday 17 Sept 1914
A fine day very. Arose very early Voltie is going to
Kingston for table supplies for
threshers, beef, pork and bread.
We keep the milk at home to day
and last night. Emma drove to dock, we
made apple pies and punkin pies, 9 loaves
of bread, cookies, rolled jelly cake, ginger cake, etc
The day is very warm. V left his bag pork & bread on boat
Friday 18 September 1914
Another fine day tho the morning
was very fogy when Voltie started
for the villiage in the motor very
early to catch the boat to get his
beef and pork and bread that he
left on the boat but the boat had
had gone and V followed the
just Edith is harried lazy to day

153
boat to Kingston, and got his
beef, pork and bread and hired a man
for a month, an old scotch man George McKay.
Sylvia came after dinner and
helped Emma all p.m. The machine
moved here from Niles just at Sunday.
George Niles and here in evening.
George has sore eyes. Old Geo can
talk faster than old Lewy only
Geo dont stutter, he sits at table
twice as long as any of the family.
Mail a card from Louise, a letter
from Grace, a letter from Maud.
The Herald and Standard. Voltie
bought 20 bags cotton $4 dollars.
Saturday 19th Sept 1914
Wind North cool & clear. Geo Niles
here to breakfast also Will Ranous.
The threshing machine is buzzing
and the men are working like bees.
Sylvia is here. Forgot to say V saw
Grace H and her husband on the boat
just two young kids to be married and
they have before them (if they live) a long life
of happiness, or disgusting sorrow which
will it be?
Sunday 20 Sept 1914
Another fine day breezy wind South.
I write a long letter to Will. Emma
goes to church in p.m. Alden McD
here all p.m., staid to supper.
Hat Essford and his new wife
Elen Forbes Caselry married yesterday,
Widower and widow, boys met to
serenade them last night but were
not welcomed. Essford very angry

154
Monday 21 Sept 1914
Another bright day, finished
threshing at noon pulled out and
went to Byron Irvines, old Geo
went too. Emma not very well,
got a cold or distemper, gave
a pie, a loaf of bread and some
flour. Edith watered Rs cows.
The monument man came at
4 p.m. V went to dock for it
but only one half came, base not here.
man steid all night
Tuesday 22 Sept 1914
Another warm morning; thick and hazy
looks like rain but no rain,
a hot dry day. Emma canned
9 cans of tomatoes and preserved
some. McKay threshing at Montgomery’s.
Edith at home helping Emma and
drive R’s cows to river
Tuesday 23

155
This is 16 Jan and
11 egs [sic] up to this date
1915
Jan 17 - 3
" 18 - 3
" 19 - 5
" 20 - 5
" 22 - 4
23 - 7
24 - 5
25 - 5
26 - 6
27 - 5
28 - 6
29 - 5
30 - 4
31 - 6
[subtotal] 74
1 Feb - 7
2nd - 5
3rd - 5
4-5
5-5
6-5
7 - 4 Friday
8-6
9-5
10 - 4
12 - 1
13 - 4
14 - 6
15 - 6
16 - 6
17 - 6
18 - 7
[random additions]

156
Saturday
Sunday 27 Sept 1914
A fine cool morning, arose
at 7 O’clock. V gathered the
apples, siberian crabs from
the Smith place, a bay full
brought them up in boat and 40
perch that he caught by goose point.
Old scotch Geo came
back. Woodmans cows
nearly destroyed one garden last
night but they dont care.
Monday 28 Sep 1914
A clear clear cool morning,
frost last night. Old Geo
spreading manure. Ed washing
dishes. V showing him how to
use the spreader. Wind North
Edith gone to Niles for a letter
for V from Buchanan been
gone a long while. Emma cleans
tomatoes. I fix Emma a dress.
After dinner V goes to Clayton
in motor, comes home quite
early brings Limburger cheese couldnt
find a garlic in Clayton. It is a
one horse town any way.

157
Jan Rachels eggs
eggs
25th day 4
""1
26 - 2
Tuesday 29
Wednesday 30
Thursday 1 Oct
Friday

158
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday

159
Wednesday
The hay pressers have returned
to Sylvias.
Thursday 8 Oct 1914
No rain. Sent by Sylve for spices and
groceries then V phoned to Henderson
for lard and fruit strainer. Emma
goes up to Sylvia’s to get dinner
for the hay pressers. She came home
directly after dinner and dishes washed.
Edith and I got our dinner and
washed dishes sent for fruit strainer.
V drove to dock for grist and lard and
Friday 9 Oct 1914
A fair warm day no rain in a
long time, weather hazy, the trees
have changed their coats of green for
autumn colors of every hue the "creation".
A letter to John, a letter to Grace and
one to Fallon Brothers, CornwellOnt.
Edith watering R’s cows and carried
the mail as far as Rachel. Old Geo
drawing manure. V phoned to friend
for Turmeric and a box of tanglefoot.
Emma making mixed pickles.

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Saturday 10
Sunday 11
Monday 12

161
Tuesday 13 Oct Nov 1914
A fine day. V and McKay
digging potatoes. I write letters but
cant get them to post office. Edith gone
to school.
Wednesday 14 Oct 1914
A very pleasant day. Voltie and
McKay cleaned up and bagged a
hundred bushels of oats. He says the hay
will be here tomorow and to prepare but
he is going to Kingston tomorrow also aunt
Rachel. I am sending 4 letters one to Margaret,
one to Watson, one to John, one to Eveline.
Bessie Brickenridge and Will Mcdonald go
across in V’s skiff to see Buchanan, river like a mirror.
Edith goes to school
Thursday 15 Oct 1914
Not a very pleasant day. Voltie went to
town with a grist and a hundred bushels
of oats which went up on scow while he
went up on the islander. The hay press
moved here this morning from Geo Gillespies.
John McDonald Cheif and owner with
two Hogans, Victor and Stewart
as junipers with Joe Woodman as
assistant for the day, only and old
McKay. V came home from Kingston
bringing several and various article in
grocery and dry goods line to numerous
to mention.

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Friday 16 Oct 1914
Not a pleasant day, dont rain
but threatens it, a little rain at
noon but the hay press is in
opperation. Oh I’ll be glad when
this gang is gone. I washed breakfast
dishes made two apple pies, cooked
beans etc. Maggie here for oil
and filling. Ediths head full
about school.
Saturday 17 Oct 1914
A cloudy misty morning but they pumped
hay all day and we cooked all day three
square meals. After supper and
after dark John McDonald and his
Hogan gang went home and the house
is clear of that lot, and we are alone
excep McKay and I’ll be glad when
he too is gone.
Sunday 18th
A fine day sun shining clearly and
bright.
Monday 19th
A fine day Geo plowing Samy and
a

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Tuesday 20 Oct 1914
A beautiful day wind South. Sylvia
here helped Emma wash dinner
dishes and helped Emma scald and
peel tomatoes, says she dont care if
Sam is gone, he is so contrary and
disagreeable. Voltie and Geo scraping
ditches; we filled 18 glass cans with
tomatoes. Samy Woodman cleared out
and went to Franks. Jack Niles set
his over the river. V in evening makes a barrel
of Krout for Rachel.
Wednesday 21 Oct 1914
Another fine day. Wind South and blowing
river rough. Edith went to school. Had
a fight with Morgan’s kids. Sylvia
here, gave her a basket of tomatoes.
Voltie working on shop, Geo plowing
Thursday 22nd October 1914
A beautiful day. Old Geo up
very early this morning at 4 am. He is
going away this morning; his months
work is done. V got Geo’s breakfast before
any of us were up. V sent a grist to mill,
came back ate breakfast and went to the
Smith place and moved the bales of hay
from the old shed into the barn 30 bales,
ate dinner then picked tomatoes red and
green. Emma picked her apron full of
red and green peppers. Edith went
to school. I croched [sic] a chair didy.
Voltie went to the dock this pm for his grist.
Dennie went up and back with Voltie.

164
Mr ReidSylvia’s grandad came
on the boat this pm cam visiting
Sylvia. He drove over from the
dock with Voltie.
Friday 28 Oct 1914
Another fine day. V motored over
the river to Van’s. Mr Reid going
across to Frank’s. V bought 25 gal
of kerosine. Lib sent me half bushel
of Quince pears. Sold his hay to a
Mr Fred Constance for 12 per tun [sic]
(20 tuns) and young cattle (yearlings)
for $175 dollars. He gave V
25 dollars to bind the bargain.
Then V went to George W Woodmans
bought colts for 75 dollars and
Emma making ketchup. Edith at
school.
Saturday 24th 1914
Somewhat cloudy. Wind
North. Voltie, Emma & Edith captured
23 ducks this morning and put
them in the chicken coop. After
breakfast and chores done V
went over to Rachels with two
bags of oats for her hens, gathered
her apples then worked on shop.
Edith went over to Rachels to help
gather the little apples. Sylvia
and Maggie came down to make
a visit.
Sunday 25 October 1914
A very quiet day. Wind North. No visitors
alone all day. At 11 O’clock am.
Edith went to Rachels to water R’s
cows came home at 3 pm brought
some 3 Peoples home Journals. Margaret
here after dark for butter for their supper got

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Monday 26th 1914 October
Awoke this morning to find the Wind
S.W. and blowing and rain pelting
against the window. V up early, went
for the cows, milked and drove to factory
and home again. No breakfast ready
had to wait. V gathered the cabbage,
done all the chores watered and fed the
stray ducks, rolled the sour krout
in the kitchen from the back veranda.
Voltie had to doctor old Ben again
last night for colic. Edith at school.
First snow this autumn nasty
snow storm froze last night quite hard.
Tuesday 27 October 1914
Not very bad weather in am but Wind
beginning to blow after dinner. Frank Woodman
came over with R Percey’s skiff
to bring his father in law Mrs Reid across
The wind blows so Frank cannot return
home but turned back after going 1/4 way,
across. He makes us a visit and stays
all night. Mr Reid comes down in
evening to make us a visit and stays
till 10 pm. News came from far west
that Annie Gillespie Bolton died this morning
at 9 Oclock am. Voltie bought Franks old
well drill. Edith a school. Voltie
built a fence around the straw stack.
Frank is loud, noisy and good natured.
We make more pear preserves and churn.
V carried pumkins down cellar, frozen
stiff. So we have lost the punkins and squash.
The hens ate all the quail head beans.
No letters only standard and two cook
books.

166
Wednesday 28 Oct 1914
A howling day for wind and weather.
Frank is storm bound sure. River
in tremendous motion, cover with white
crested waves and in the midst of
the wind and bellowy waves. Albert Denny
goes up with his motor for
fish and such a sight mounting
on a stupendous wave then almost
disapearing in the trough of the sea
to rise again dashing through the spray.
He surely has the courage of a— a—
reckless man. P.M. wind blows
harder, sea runs higher. V carrying
the apples into the cellar. Emma making
herself one apron. I pick over a pot
of beans. V brought the old drill
down from Sylvia’s. Voltie gone to
the dock this eve with grist for hog
feed. Boat not in to the dock.
After coming home phoned to
George Rattray to advertise those stray
ducks, at the Standard Office and
go to McLeods for 2 quarts of
raw linseed oil and a pint of
turpentine. V going to doctor old
Ben horse for worms, he chopped some wood.
Thursday 29th October 1914
A cloudy morning river not very
rough this morning but the wind will
blow after sun up. Voltie rings
for Frank to get up and g immediately
across the river while he can. Frank went.
Edith gone to school. Wind blowing. Voltie
getting ready to plow phoned all am.
Maggie alone to day, came down to

167
dinner had mashed potatoes,
codfish, gravy, sliced tomatoes,
squash, baked beans, baked biscuits,
stewed apple sauce, mustard picles.
Sylve gone to town, grandpa Reid
gone home. A cloudy dreary dismal
day not so cold as yesterday. V plowed
all pm. V drove to dock for grist
and linseed oil & spirits of turpentine
when he returned found supplier
awaiting. Emma had milked the
seven cows, separated the milk,
cleaned the pantry Storm window
and put it on the pantry window.
After supper chores done Voltie reads
awhile and goes to bed as usual.
Friday 30th Oct 1914
A half sunshiny day. Wind North West
not freezing. Voltie plowing. Edith at home.
Didn’t go to school because she wont get
around to do any work. Emma sheined [sic]
tomatoes for chow, chow. Edith pulled
mangles and done good work.
Sylvia sent Maggie here to borrow
pot to cook a chicken in lent her
one. Woodmans cows beake [sic] in again
and ate the beets. A letter from
Reginald also from Eveline, 2 Herald

168
Nov 4 1914
Lend Sylvia
Sylvia 1 cup of tea
6 a kettle
10 a kettle
16 a bottle of kerosine
Thursday
Friday
A very good day for the month.
V plowing all day. Edith home
pulling mangles and done fine
and piled them in heaps. Woodmans
cows came in the night and ate
part of them

169
Saturday October 31 1914
A very good day. V plowing all am
and pm. We made chow chow and
canned 5 cans of tomatoes, got our
3 square meals. E cleaned floors.
V went to Clayton this morning.
Started at 9.20 and returned at
12,30 Oclock bringing pork barrel,
10 yds percale, tobacco,
syrup and sweet potatoes
Sunday 1 November 1914
A very good day for the first of
Nov tho the wind is blowing half
a gale from the south. I wrote
a letter to Reginald. V broke the
Sunday pm as he often does by doing
a job of work which could have been left
undone. Edith will not wash nor
change her clothes nor comb her hair
about 5 pm she got ready and went
to R to water R cows but found R had
watered them. Evening Sylve and Mag
here
Monday 2nd Nov 1914
A cloudy morning. West wind.
Geo Gillespie rung for Voltie to help
load pressed hay, he went. Voltie
shut the red pigs in a pen this
morning to keep them from destroying
all his ensilage corn, 5 pigs. Emma
porpones [sic] the washing till tomorrow.
Voltie came home to dinner plowed
in afternoon. Edith at school.

170
Tuesday 3rd Nov 1914
A cloudy drizzly day. Edith at School.
Emma done big washing and hung
them all on the line. V plowed all
day only stopped to chop wood for
Rachel. Voltie up twice to drive
Woodman’s cows out of our garden.
I sent a letter to Reginald by
William Ranous. Edith carried it
to school house and gave it to him
at noon. No letters for me
Wednesday 4th November
A terrible South wind blowing all day.
The heaviest blowout this year. Voltie
plowed all a.m., drew cheese to dock in
p.m. cleaned up a grist for hogs feed.
Emma dug dahlias, gladiolias and
Salsify. Emma likes to listen at the
telephone and learn the neighbours
business. Edith at school. Emma brought
in all the clothes early this morning.
We churned and began packing our butter
for winter.
A boat lying under sea of Carleton island
Thursday 4 November 1914
A cloudy morning West Wind and
blowing some. Voltie drove to dock with
grist for hog feed and send by Rube
for a few groceries and butcher knives.
Finished the croched [sic] tidy this morning.
Edith lazy as ever. Voltie plowing.
Emma making salisfy soup.
Voltie up again last night chasing
Woodman’s cows out of our garden, they
went away around Niles water fence and off up
in Niles field where the Woodman’s got them
this morning. Churned again to day.

171
Jan 1st 1914
John bought 2 shirts for V
both costing $1,00
Corn Golden Bamtam .30
Thursday continued
Edith had to stay home to day
because she will not even try to get
around and get ready for school. Talking
to her does no good. I dont know what
ails her. She does some out door chores
but wont willingly. Emma & Ed
finished pulling the beets, carried the
refuse of cabbage leaves out the cutter,
pulled the turnips. E & E put the
cows in the stable. Emma milking
while V is gone to the dock for his
grist & groceries, not very cold.
Emma washed churn and separator
Maggie here to borrow tea. Emma
lent her a cup full of tea and said
nothing to me about it till Mag was
gone home. V phoned to Al requesting
him to help butcher, he replied "yes".
Friday 5th Nov 1914
Cloudy. Weather growing colder.
Wind North. V up this morning
cows milked, fire built, kettle set
and filled with water for butchering,
cleaned stable, built fires in dining
room and oil stove all before
breakfast. Only butchered one hog
for family pork. Tom & Harold
and Mr Al Joslin finished butchering
early. Tom & Harold went home before
dinner. Al J staid to dinner and
continued on 5 page

172
6
21 Nov 1914
Saturday
A nasty cold
day. Rachel came over for first
time in long while, glad to see
her. She staid to dinner.
Sunday 22nd Nov 1914
This is the anniversary of my birth.
No one here alone all day. 81 years
old to day, wrote a long letter to Grace.
Weather not very good. A phone
from Constance saying "drive the
cattle to Hogans and he would
pay him for cattle and hay.
Monday 23
A chilly cold day
V arises early, drives the cattle,
6 of them, one cow and 5 yearlings
to Hogans. Dignum boys met V
at cheese factory and they drove
all their cattle together. Constance
paid V. V called and paid George Woodman
for the colts $65 dollars. Frank Buchanan
drove in and bought V’s one sheep and two
hogs $50 dollars.
24 Nov 1914 Tuesday
Wind South East not so
cold as yesterday. V gone to bank. V to
house from there to Snubs for mail box,
churning going on. Maggie Magee over
to Jim Morgans for 3 days, not very
warm in house. E and E shuffling
around not doing much. I sent a letter
to Grace with $1,35 to Reg enclosed in letter.

173
V went to plow but had too
stop to help John McDonald
move the hay press from
the barn over to Weirs for
they are going to press hay.
Voltie managed to hire old
Bill York to chop the wood for
the school house. We milk the
cows once a day now. I read
a story to V and Edith
& Emma in evening. The wind is
howling from the west and the
sea is running high
Tuesday 17 Nov 1914
The West wind howling all night
fearfully and still continues with
increasing force. The river
presents a picture of millions of
white crested waves forever in
in motion rising in great white
capped billows vanishing for
a second only to rise again instantly
magnificently grand but wearing
to soul and eye.
"Cease rude Boreas cease thy"
"railing" . Voltie rung up again
the Obriens about the wood
for the school. E washing breakfast
dishes. Emma shelling corn for dinner.
Volty making stanchions for stable
calves. forgot to say Weir
paid V 2 dollars for tomatoes &
cucumbers which V paid to Joe Woodman.
Continued on opposite
page 8th February 1914

174
[the strike throughs possibly placed upon payment of account\
468, 96. Debts to be canceled

\$ cts
Piano paid 25 dol

70,00

B Joslin

120,00

Costelo

25,00

Kent Brothers

50,00

mortgage

256,00

cabinet

28,00

B.S.

10,00

Balance on tree

7,00

Geo Rattray

10,00

F Bamford for lumber 3,20
Balance taxes

6,30

Canning

6,30

Friend

5,00

Balance of taxes

20,00

Cabinet

20,00

Kent Burton

25,00

Pills

45,00

Mortgage

200,00

Livingston

15,00

Cabinet

6

Mills

40,00

175

Henry H

36 Boxes

Sam Woodman 24 "

26 June
"

24
12
1 July

Joe Woodman x2 ,25

"

Old Horn 2-0-

176
Jan 15
Sold ducks $7.00

177
Alden McDonald
will be 15 years old the
17th of January
Emma Leeman
St Lawrence PO
Wolfe Island
Ont
Canada

178
W.G. Woodman $
for barn work 5.00
repairing sleigh 4.00
Potatoes 1.60
Bull money 18.00
2 bushels beans 4.00
building skiff 16.00
spring tooth harrow
[4 Christmas seals]
Mowat
Memorial Hospital
Kingston
A Merry Xmas

179
Jan 1 D 1914 Sundries
sewing machine needles .25
sewing needles . 05
2 books 1,00
Pills
Sylvias account
1/2 bushel potatoes
1 cup of tea
1 qut of kerosine
3 bars of soap
20
x6
[subtotal] 120
95
25
3
22

180
Stockings form ,35
Mrs John Bamford
No 7 West Woodruff Street
Watertown
N.Y.

181
Paid Henderson on account
with apples $6,10
Henderson 4,40
[various additions not all visible or accurate]
4 Jack N
72 market
48 market
___
120
6 Barrie
2 Woodman
July 2nd 1914
Alden McDonald
will be 15 years
17th of January
Emma Leeman
St Lawrence PO
Wolfe Island
Ont
Canada

182
Mrs W.R. Brooks
811 Spofford Ave
Spokane Wash
Mrs Charles Halliday
R.F.D. Route 2
Limerick
N.Y.
[sketch outline of a pair of scissors]
Mrs Bent H. Smith
R.F.D. Route 1 Limerick
Jeff County
N.Y.

183

This document would not be possible without the editorial contributions of the following
people:
Ann Hopkinson, Elise MacCaull, Ella Deering, Naema Popp, Megan Ouellet, Eric Irvine, Marilyn,
and Queen’s University Archives