James Cameron (1824-1912)
1892

Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
DISCLAIMER: This diary depicts some discriminatory content which some may find
offensive. During the diary’s time period, such racial terms and prejudices were
commonplace in Canadian society. They are considered wrong today.

Mr James Cameron Island
1st of Jany 1892 New Years Day E Wind Leander and Stanley and i cutting sawlogs snowed
or hail Lewis the Indian here to Dinner Gave him a Peice of meat to take home some cakes
for the children Treated him to wine
2nd Raining hailed E Wind Fixing the crofscut saw
3rd Allen's B Day 1853 Windy Fine
4th Cold W Wind Drew some of the sawlogs to the Bank Frosty tonight The Heifer calved
Spotty
5th very Cold and Frosty W Wind not making much ice at the Brush Fence splitting stove
wood
6th Epiphany not very well E Wind Snowing Blowing hard Killed the calf for skin cold
7th W Wind some ice going Down took to the Sturgeon Island Last night and From
Lancaster over to Charlies Island and Rofs's Island not making much to Day took in the
Water Barrel to the House put in the sheep some snow now
8th Hugh Ann's Birth Day 1866 Drew some Wood E Wind The Fox came on the Island to
night ice taken acrofs at the Fool of Francis Island Water Raising at the shore
9th WW cutting stove wood Stanley and I went around the Island seen the Fox on the
sturgeon Island
10th Fine ice Making
11th E Wind cold Windy got 2 Rats sawing stove Wood

1

{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
12th of Jany 1892 some Rain crofsed the ice to Hamiltons ice not very Good got in coming
Back took Dinner at Hamiltons got apples Heard Mary Ann McLeod Departed or Robert
MacDonald's Widow A Quere Kind of a Man called at Hamiltons and took the ice there
acrofs to Hopkins Point Like a Man that did something Bad On the Day of the Month Our
Mary Departed in Williamstown a year ago to Day
13th E W Snowed Randolph Came and went Back a Man here from Lewis was there all night
stopt here all Day went of his name is _______________ gave him Boots and so 4th the
colt not well
14th Election Randolph came for me to got Gave me three Dollars from McLeods Farmer we
went up to Hamiltons and John Gordon Randolph and I went to Lancaster voted for RR
McLennan A McArthur against him 350 Majority
15th cold Leander Bad with his Leg

Turn Back 3 1/2 Leaves for Jany 16th
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
16th of Jany 1892 Very Fine Day EW Went to Hamiltons for the Papers
17th Fine Lewis's 2 Boys here and Dany Spink
18th Began to snow W Wind cutting stove wood seen cutters crofsing Summers Road
cutting hay Lots Fishing EEls
19th WW snowing Drifting cutting hay put the sheep in with the calves a very Frosty night
20th very Frosty Fine at stove wood seen one of those Big White Backed Eagles he is
Looking for Ducks and Muskrats aroudn the air-holes a Lot of air-holes smoking

2

21st St Agnefs Day W Wind Drifting stormy turned Fine Drew 2 Loads of Wood Grinding the
axes
22nd W Wind Turned to snowing Drifting Drew some Wood From the Beech Tree in the
upper Bay some water Raising
23rd The Chine New Year W Wind snowing Blustering made a Whippletree cutting stove
wood Fixing a stall in the stable
24th Charles Tuppers B Day Windy cold
25th Robie Burns B Day Cold Windy Leander Crofsed to Summerstown Bought of Mr Ward
Tea soap soda 54 Frank Laplante Bushing the Road on the ice cold Frosty
27th Frosty Frosty W Wind Broke on another Marsh hay stack
28th {missing} wind snowing not so cold Fine cutting {missing} Breaking Roads water
Raising on the {missing}
29t Leander Bought of Ward pepper 10 piles {missing} 25 30 Friday
30 - 31 Randolph here {missing} went to Lewis got Sleigh over
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
1st of Feby 1892 Brought Lewis some Buttermilk Butter and salve Fixing his sleigh First
crofsing to Lewis with the Horse
2nd Candlemas Day sun shines to Day the Bear will see his shadow E Wind Leander to
Dundee to get the mare shod 70 cents Drifting to night a Dance at Jo Lemays to night
Bought of John Tyo Boots for 15 nails 12 1/2 Tea 15
3rd E Wind cutting Willows and alders
4th W {missing} Drew the stack in the upper Field
5th W Wind and E Wind Those 2 stars are very close together what they will do I cannot tell

3

6th E Wind Leander went to Jo Lemays with his watch Hugh Ann and Livinia went to Lewis's
Frosty
8th Gordons Birth Day {missing} Drifting seen a crow
9th Sn{missing} Windy Fine Drew some wood {missing} Leander took Tub of Butter to a
{missing} Got a Dollar cash on it Bought {missing} Tea 40 2 Mock suns and a Tail {missing}
the sun going Down

Turn 2 1/2 Leaves for Feb 11th

{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
1892
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
11th of Feby 1892 E W Drifting
12th cold Windy Frosty
13th cold and Frosty
14th St Valentines Day 3 From Lewis's here turned stormy E Wind Randolph came Mary-Ann
stopt all night
15th Mary Ann went home Fine and Frosty very Bad with colds
16th Fine Frosty a Raffle at Frank Laplants of a Boat Drew some wood sawing stove wood
snow Deep in the Bush
17th Fine W Wind very Frosty Frosty Last night Reading Papers

4

18th James Hugh's Birth Day 1855 Leander cutting Firewood a very Fine Day
19th Leander and Hugh Ann went to Day with Butter Tallow and Butter to Jo Lemay For
Fixing the Watch and {illegible} Bought 200 of Flour 5..40 5 Gallons of oil 60 2 Patent
Bottles 50 Cotton 50 Calico 60 Old Mrs Combell Departed Mr Hatt{illegible} Daughter in F
Covington Departed E Wind
20th Drifting Leander crossed from Mac{missing} Bought Writing Paper 15 Thread 15 2
Pipes 2
21st E W
22nd Washingtons B Day Fine Day at Wood Broke on a stack of Marsh Hay
23 Drawing Wood Fine
Turn Back 2 1/2 Leaves for Feb the {illegible}
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
1892
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
23rd of Feby 1892 E Wind Fine Drawing Wood
24th St Matthis Day E Wind Fine cutting stove wood
25th EW Seen a Lot of Gulls going Down they stopt at the air-hole at the Kit Kit Island 2
hound crossed and went Down the ice they went Back again Drew 2 Loads of Hay from NaHoutas Island Drew some wood not very well to Day
26th Windy from the North Freezing cold
27th EW cold Randolph came had Millers Almanack

5

28th Gordon and Dany Spink came Lewis children here Gave them some Good Hay for their
sick cow took our sleigh
29th Intercalary Day Leap Year E Wind Fine Franky Laplante Married to Day Drew the Rest
of the stack from Na-Houtas Island
1st of March St Davids Day the Festival of the Welsh E Wind They are Drawing stones to the
Lighthouse
2nd Ash Wednesday E Wind cold Fine I eat no meat to Day nor Good Friday these 2 Days I
Keep
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
3rd of March 1892 E Wind Fine Leander and Hugh Ann to Dundee Bought 3 1/2 lbs Tea 7..15
Calico 5 yards of overall stuff Brought home the clock Brought Joh Lemay a pail of Milk Got
Lamp Fixed Made a Whippletree split some Rails Wrote a Letter to night For to send to the
Toronto News with a Dollar in it Put in no annexation Keep away the Yankees Hugh Ann
stopt
4th Fine Drew wood
5th Leander put the Letter in the P Office Registered got a certificate *Cow Greece here
going to Lancaster for ash
6th E Wind Fine
7th E Wind Began to cut ice put in the storehouse Cow Grease here to night
8th cut more ice put it in covered with marsh Hay
8th EW Martin came for the sleigh Gave him axehandle stuff to make Thawing Livinia Bad
with the Toothache some Drops of Rain some snow to night Ducks and crows Flying

•

Cow Grease is Lewis Brother in law

6

{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
9th of March 1892 Fine W Wind some Drops of Rain a Lot of Cutters crofsing on the
Summerstown Road took the sap Barrels out of the storehouse Writing to Day
10th Fine W Wind changed to East to night Snowing and hard to night Charlie Craig at
Lewis's Drew a Load of stuff up to the sugar Bush Leander got a Rat sawing stove wood
Livinia Bad with the Toothache soaking the sap Barrels Filed the crosscut saw
{illegible}
11th Drifting Blowing hard Blizzardy WW some cold tonight
12th on this Day of the Month D McMaster Senior First came to the Island cutting wood for
sugar Bush at the camp cutting stove wood
13th Windy
14th Stanley's Birth Day 1880 W Wind Fine Cold Leander chopping at the camp
15th Fine W Wind sawing a hollow Basswood water Raising near shore
16th Fine cold Wind West cutting Wood at the camp cutting stove wood
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
17th of March 1892 St Patrick's Day The Festival of the Irish Fine W Wind Leander cutting
wood For the camp I went up to the Bush Making Quilts Leander went Down to the air-hole
at the Kit Kit Island one Duck in it
18th St Josephs Day on this Day of the Month Vicky Departed 1887 E Wind Windy snowed
some Drawing Wood Broke the Rack of the sleigh snowing and Blowing to night
19th Drifting W Wind one of the Lewis's Boy here for Tea Leander went to Hamiltons for the
Mail sawed some Logs this Looks Like Equinoxial Gales Gave Lewis Boy 3 almanacks
Leander went to Hamiltons for the Papers got a viol of Toothache stuff

7

20th Windy Drifting cold Molly calved to night
21st Windy Broke on a Marsh hay stack of 2 Tons Minky calved to night cold
22nd Livinia Senior's Birth Day Fine Day warm Leander to Hamiltons for Four Bushels of Oats
1.20 Paid this paid for the Barley all But 77 cents (owe) Margaret Poorly John not Well E
Wind sawin a Big Hollow Basswood sawed a stick on the calves place
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
23rd of March 1892 Fine Warm E Wind changed to West Rained snowed Last night Just a
year since Bismarck went to Mr McCrimmons to work cleaning my old Gun as its rusty
sawing stove wood
24th Fine Turned to snowing a Little warm Lewis Boy here for salt Butter and Tobacco
Leander not well cutting stove Wood crows Plenty some snow Birds
25th Lady Day Fine Warm The Boys Killed the calf Gave it to the 2 Dogs sowing stove wood
some Ducks and crows
26th John Hamiltons Cameron's B Day 1879 very Fine Day Tapt 30 Trees Gathered 5 Pails to
night I went to Hamiltons as they are all sick Brought a Bottle of Wine Got a Doz of Herrings
from Tom Got a Treat at Hamiltons Got a Pipe from Gordon Hugh Ann came Home John
Morris and Mary Drove Down Mary Brought a nice Wire Bird-cage Gave them the Big cat we
owe him 40
27th Fine Randolph here Martin here got the oars the Hunters took From their place
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
28th of March 1892 Fine in the sugar Bush cleaning around the Fireplace Tapt some took
the Barrels up and some of the Pots cut some wood seen a Robin
29th Fine Went to Lewis's for our Handsleigh in the Bush got 103 Tapt now Began to Boil
Have about 50 pail gather now Boiled about 30 pails to Day in the Pots Piling stove Stanley
very sick in Bed 2 Hounds Running around here

8

30th Boiled what sap we had in syrup Left for tommorow to give it a Boiling after straining
Gathered 22 pails to Day a very Fine Day E Wind some one shooting at the air hole at the
Kit Kit Island cutting Wood and sawing seen a Blackbird
31st E Wind Fine Tapt 47 to Day got 55 Pails in the Barrels to night no Boiling to Day took
the sticks of the ice where we cut the ice Wild Geese came a Few Days ago Leander got a
Rat
1st of April all Fools Day in the Bush Fine E Wind very warm Boiling sap
2nd Fine E Wind changed to West Rained some Made 4 Gallons to Day Got a Duck on the
ice Great Shooting at the airhole at the Kit Kit Blackbirds came cows crofsed to the Pit
Point
3rd Fine E Wind First sugar Made about 70 lbs and a Feast on the snow ice opened at
Francis Island Lots of Ducks
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
4th of April 1892 Fine Rained some sap not running very well Gathered 15 pails put out the
Bun Leander on the water to the Marsh water high sawing stovewood snow Melting well
Made a Leg for wood saw horse Fixed a peice to the Handle of the Mud-spear Fixed the
Handle in the Rake E Wind Black Ducks came and swallows
5th E Wind changed to West some hail Fine Rained Thunder and Lightning sawing wood
made Picquets Leander shot a Rat a very Large one seen a Plover Lots of Ducks and Wild
Geese a strip opening Down to the sturgeon Island not very well But still Knocking around
ice Jamming Before the House or opposite Wind high to night Rained
6th W Wind Ice Jamming and Going Down Boys Boiling 2 Gallons of syrup not running well
shot a Duck at the Sturgeon Island seen 3 Men crofsing to the Kit Kit Drawing a Boat on the
ice Hawks and Yellow hammers came and cranes The Heifer Jenny calved to night
7th Fine Gathered 20 pails to Day Leander Got Duck 2 EEls 1 pike taking the manure from
the apple trees Lot of ice Jamming Going Down Loons came
{page two}

9

Mr James Cameron Island
8th March April1892 Fine W Wind Leander shot 7 Ducks in the Bush Gathered 20 pails
Boiling ice going Down seen a Fishing Light out at Christees Island sawing stove Wood
made Picquets
9th On this Day of the Month I was married 1862 30 years to Day W Wind Rained snowed
some made 1 1/2 Gallons of syrup not Running well Got a Rat setting Traps Windy to day
The Back Bay ice went of this Morning and it always takes a Long time to move as it always
goes in a Large cake not a very Good Time for sugar or not a Good year Randolph Came
this Evening
10th Palm Sunday Windy Flurries of Snow Hens commenced to Lay Oxley calved
11th Cold Windy Tapt 15 Trees runs well Narcisse and Dick came to Day Took Dinner here
water Low
12th First seining to Day got a Lot of perch 500 in 2 hauls Brought up a Mefs Boiling in the
Bush about 2 1/2 Gallons of syrup Windy cold at stovewood
13th Windy Narcisse to Lancaster with First Lot of Fish Took us a 1 lb of soda 10 cents Killed
Jenny calf for the hide cutting stove wood Gathering and Boiling sap
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
14th of April 1892 Fine Day Wind all Kinds in the sugar Bush Sap running well to Day 2 of
Lewis's children here went to the Bush Brought me 2 of my axehandles to a lb of Butter 25
Gave them Milk Amiot working at their House Narcisse set 2 sturgeon Lines to Day
15th Good Friday Wind all around the compass Fine setting Fires Boiling in the Bush put out
John H's Bun sawing wood splitting Rails Got a Lot of Perch Narcisse to Butter 25 cents
16th Fine some Grains of snow Hugh Ann went to Hamiltons for the Papers of 3 Weeks got a
Picture with the Toronto paper the Roman Chariotts Race Mr Ward Here with a Telegram to
the Fishermen Told us Alexander came Home Mrs Summers Poorly Mrs Duckett very Poorly
Boiling in the Bush

10

17th Easter Sunday all Kinds of Wind Fine Alexander Hamilton here and Dan Spink in the
Sugar Bush Made about 50 lbs of sugar Fishermen to Lancaster A Hamilton Bought a String
of Cat Fish of the Fishermen
18th Uncle Duncan's B Day The Grenada First Trip Boiling sap Taking the Banking From Front
of the House Mrs Jo Ducquett Departed
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
19th of April 1892 Fixing a Barrel For the Leech to Make soap put in the ashes Boiling in the
Bush not running well Leander to Charlies Island Mr Kelly came to the see the Fishermen
John Morris and with him stopt to Dinner Left his or Forgot it Fine Day Made a Bench for to
hold the working Tools Narcisse to Butter 25 Leander crofsed to Summerstown Bought of
Mr Ward 2 Bars of soap 10 cents Bottle of ink 3 cents Leander Fishing with A Hamilton and
D Spink stopt all night
20th very Fine Mrs Duckett Buried to Day setting Fires 2 Men came for Fish Quebec Reo
and a man from Alexandria Narcisse to Lancaster Took 5 or 6 Gallons of syrup to the House
sap runs some to Day Purcells Lawsuit going on now Put Hay on the ice in the ice house
Drawing Wood of Potato Ground Shot a Duck
21st E Wind Leander to Dundee with Rats and calfskins Stanley and Livinia in the Bush at the
Last of it wind changed to south West and changed to the East Narcisse to Matches
Bought of Tyo Ploughpoint 50 Rosin 25
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
22nd of April 1892 Fine Windy some Rain Leander came First Boat went Down with a Raft
The John A Lights Lit up to night for the First Taken the Banking away from the West End
took some of the Things from the sugar Bush Went to the Head of the Island
23rd St George's Day The Festival of the English Fine cool Windy First Ploughing Done
24th Low Sunday Gordon and Randolph here had a Feast of Taffy W Wind Windy The
nannie 2 Lambs Narcisse to Butter 25 No Lights in the Light house as no Boats is running

11

25th St Marks DAy Fine Windy Fixing the Lane Fence Nory calved The nannie 2 Lambs on
24th spreading manure Narcisse to 1 Gallon of syrup 1 Dollar
26th Frosty these nights Fine Windy Ploughing Drawing stones to the Bank Took home the
sugar Bush Rigging Lewis here for Butter Tea and sugar pipe 25 Taking Banking from the
north side a small Tug went up to Day Rovers Birth Day
26th Mr Jo Genie here Fixing the Buoys Leander Taken Stones of the Peice Below the House
Took the Big stone in Front of the House to the River had to cut it with old axes to make it
Lighter as its too Heavy Fine
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
28th of April 1892 Raining, very Windy The Granada Late a Going into Dundee south West
Wind sold Fishermen 2 Doz of Eggs Fixing the White Boat
29th Lights up again Working at the Lane Fence one of the nannies Lambs hurted By the
colt Making Picquets
30th Windy Fine The steamer Anderson came up Jack Munore Got the cherry Island
Lighthouse Lewis Bosell and Robideau at the Fishermens for Bait Leander crofsed to
Summerstown snowed a Few Grains this Morning putting out manure Drew some Rails and
stones one of the sheep a Lamb to Day Killed a snake and Burnt him Bought of A McDonald
3 lb of Tea 1 Dollar paid this got a spool and 2 Plugs of Tobacco a Present spirits of
Turpentine and Paint oil 45 cents From Mr Ward Paid Tom Kennedy to Fixing spear 1 Prung
15 cents Got a Telegram From G Shora and a Postal cart
1st of May Fine Fishermen to Butter 25 oil 5
2nd Fine Fixing the yard Fence Digging stones at the Garden E Wind
3rd Fine E Wind Ploughing the Rows for Potatoes planted Rows of Potatoes Lewis Bosell
here for Bait Tow Boats a Going Fishermen to Butter 25 Alexandra went Down
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island

12

4th of May 1892 Fine very windy The Fishermen went to with a Load of Fish The Cultivator
came up First Trip The Terebone came up Monday Finished Planting the Peice of Potatoes
above the house The Massena into Salmon River her First Trip putting Manure on the Lower
Peice of Potatoes cutting Potato seeds and Fixing the Rest of the Potatoes in the cellar high
high Wind cannot say if the Granada came out today
5th Fine Moved the cook-stove to the cookhouse put out the Double stove putting out
manure on the Lower Peice Began to Plough the Piece for the Potatoes Cultivator went
Down a Raft Towing Down 1 of the sheep a Lamb had to take it in the house as it is cold Dick
went to Montreal yesterday a Fox on Alexis Island Stanley and I for a Load of Drift Wood
6th Ploughing the Garden Taken stones to the River Fine cool and Windy
7th Windy cool Leander crofsed Bought of Mr Ward Soap salt Fishermen to Butter 25 Lots
of Touring
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
8 of May 1892 Randolph and Willie Rose here Narcisse here Fine The Girls and Stanley to Jo
Lemays and Lewis's
9th Fine Day warm Planted and Drilled the Lower Potatoes Narcisse started for Montreal
Drew some Rails to the Garden Fence Working at the Fence cut some Brush for the Fence
Painting the White Boat Took a very Bad Pain in my Right Breast to night and its awful sore
Took Radways RRR
10th Fine in Bed very Bad with this Pain eat hearty E Wind not working to Day
11th E Wind Commenced to Rain cold Fixing the Fence in spots a Lamb to Day the Leeck a
Running Lye Making Leander a pair of Pants not well this Pain I have it yet and my Tooth is
Bad
12th E Wind Cool Rained Found a Fine Large Pickerel at the shore on Land Drove up with the
Wind a Mock Sun as the sun was near Down Narcisse Fixing Leanders saw Mrs Ward
Departed Mr Hills Daughter Rebbeca
{page one}

13

Mr James Cameron Island
13 of May 1892 Stanley and the 2 Girls went to Mr Andrew Frashers to see Fernandez Got a
new Kind of Hen Eggs and Ducks Eggs Heard of Mrs Wards Departure a very Fine Day one of
the sheep had 2 Lambs and another had one they all have their Lambs now Leander Broke
his spear Fixing the Garden Fence Raking the small stones out of it sawing stove Wood a
new Boat went up I think its the Rocket
14th Fine Day Mrs Ward Buried to Day a Lot of Boats a Going to Day Raking the Garden of
small stones and cutting the sod Leander not well set hens to Hatch Narcisse to
Summerstown and Lancaster Let the Mare out to Grass on the Pitt Point King Birds came
15th 4 of Lewis's children here Fine some Rain Mr George McDonald Sanfield and Mifs
Cameron here Leander to Hamiltons for our Mail
16th very Windy Painting the side of the Boat with Blue Paint oriols came Narcisse paid his
Rent
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
17th of May 1892 Fine Windy Fixing the south side of the Garden Fence Working at the
Garden cutting stove Wood 3 Barges at anchor opposite the head of this Island
18th a Fortunate Day very Fine First Trip up of the Bohemian Lots of Tus at those Barges
Leander to Summerstown Bought of Mr Ward a Butter Tub 25 Bought of A McDonald Broom
15 cents Tax 5 Matches a Box 5 Bought of Tom Kennedy a spear 75 Handle with it Brought
Mrs Hamilton some Top Onions seed Amiot here For Butter 5 lb at 20 1 Dollar cutting Brush
Began the soap planted cucumbers Put out the White Boat Narcisse to Lancaster With Fish
Lent him the Boathook E Wind to night and Northern Lights to night
19th St Dustans Day Fine High E Wind Fixing Brush Fence setting Fires a Boat Down at
Charlies Island with a Raft Put the Big Bull in the stable sawing wood water Raising some
20th Fine commenced to Rain Narcisse to Butter 25 Went to Head of the Island sawing
Wood Planted Beans
21st Raing Dick Brought me 5 lb of Tobacco 50 cents they got a Loon on thier Line

14

{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
22nd of May1892 Rogation Sunday E W Rained Fine Windy Leander to Alexis Island seen the
Young Foxes
23rd Rained Fine EW Wind changed to West sawed some Wood chickens out
24th Queen's Birth Day Rained turned Fine turned Windy Randolph here Fixed the Barn
Door Got a Tick
25th Windy West Harrowed the Potatoes Fixing Rails and sticks for a Fence at the Hog Pen
Drew the 2 cedars up From the River water Raising Fishermen to Lancaster Got a Parcel
From Dan Contents 2 Fine Coats 2 Vests 2 Ties and 4 samples of Patrons it was A Fraser
Gave Them to the Fishermen and he had a Letter for Fernandez and a card
26th Ascension Day or Holy Thursday Fine Leander and Hugh Ann to Dundee Brought a Tub
of Butter 4..80 Bought Boots 2.50 Boots 1..25 Flour 1.20 Cornmeal 20 Salt 80 Ginger 20 Red
Paint 15 Thread 15 Washboard 10 Cotton 84 Hat 5 Calico 20 Calico 65 Making a Fence at
the Pen Working at the soap Dick's hand sore Leander to Fish with Narcisse Potatoes up
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
27th of May 1892 A very heavy Downpour of Rain to Day some Hail West Wind cutting Brush
for the Fence Narcisse and Dick started to go home as his hand is sore Came Back Narcisse
to Potatoes Thunder 1 clap
28th Fine Windy at Fence pealed Elm Bark
29th Fine Rained some John and Billy and Mary Morris and Mifs Plomado Mrs Lemay and
her 4 children and Randolph all here paid Mrs Lemay 40 cents John and Billy and the Girls
stopt all night
30th Billy Bought 2 sturgeon From Fishermen they went off Fine making Fence Digging at
the Pen {illegible} Tonia and her mother went to Lewis Dan Spink came to Fish

15

31st Fine E Wind Lewis 2 Boys here for seed Potatoes 1 lb of Butter got cabbage Plants a
100 sheared the sheep cut the Tails of some of the Lambs Senecal at the Fishermans going
to the Kit Kit
1st of June Vicky Birth Day 1878 The Glorious First of June Fine very warm Mr Genie here the
Through Line Boat went up to night Washed the wool
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
2nd of June 1892 Fine Rained hard Thunder and Lightning Fixing Poles to the Hops took a
sawlog around from the northside to the Door Narcisse to Montreal Dick got Potato
3rd E Wind Fine Mr Genie here going to Cornwall sawing stove Wood Leander Got a Fox him
and Stanley Genie got a sturgeon from the Fishermen Put out 100 cabbage Plants Line Boat
went Down Narcisse paid Leander 1.75 Fixed the sail with mast Fishing to night
4th of June old George the Third's B Day it used to be Kept for a Long Time E Wind sawing
Wood Leander crossed to Summerstown Bought of Mr Ward sack of salt 80 paid Paint oil
Got a Trial of Dust Tea From Mrs Hamilton seen a Man passing here about 7 o clock Kept
Down with the way of Rosses Island and he seemed strange the way he was going around
Fixed the 2 Logs on the Bank

Robert Shackelton and Wife here on the 10th of June for Indian Stone Ware
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
5th of June 1892 Pentecost Whit Sunday Randolph and Dan Spink here Raining Mr Genie
here from Cornwall
6th ON this Day of the Month Sir John A McDonald Died 1891 Cleaning the sprouts of the
Potatoes in the cellar sawing stovewood E Wind

16

7th Fine Day E Wind piling stovewood The 2 Girls to Lewis's with Potatoes for him to Plant
got cabbage Plants the Boat Thief going to stop at Lewis's Frank Laplants Daughter Married
yesterday
8th Fine E Wind commenced yesterday working at the south Window with 2 Glass in it
commenced to Rain Lots of shooting at the Kit Kit Fishermen to Lancaster Frank Laplante at
Hamiltons Wharf Randolph came from Malone Got the Loan of John Tyo's Boat
9th Aunty Mary's B Day 1813 Leander and Randolph to Dundee with J Tyo's Boat Rained
some Stanley and I went around the Island
10th Randolph put 2 Boards in the Floor up stairs cutting Weeds in the Potatoes Last of the
sheep a Lamb Narcisse took his Boat from Lancaster
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
11th of June 1892 Fine Day W Wind Bohemian From Cornwall with a Pleasure Party The Boys
Leander and Randolph went to Lancaster with the Wool Stanley and I at the Potatoes Left
so much wool for stocking yarn Paid with the Wool
12th Fine Gordon and D Spinks here Randolph and Leander to Jo Ducquetts
13th Began hoeing Down on the Hill Potatoes a Good many Beetles on the Potatoes cleaning
out the cow stable Fixing the Brush Fence Narcisse to Bushel of Potatoes 40 very Warm
and Windy
14th Fine Warm Turned very Windy Blowing hard S West Thunder at the Potatoes Alexandra
Went Down Trowling not very Good
15th a very Fine Day Leander Trowling Fishermans smoke house took Fire Stanley and I put
it out as they are away Leander to Batteau Creek Trowling Mr Genie came Leander and him
went spearing Put the calves out in their Pasture cleaned the Barn the West End Fixing the
Syrup as its Foaming Boiled it well the Wind made Leaves Wilter Bugs Bad caterpillars Bad
put Frame around onions
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island

17

16th of June 1892 Corpus Cristie W Wind Uncle Bill and the 2 Boys and Rufus and Charlie
Creamer and Mary here They went to the Kit Kit to see those Fishermen about seanning
very Heavy Rain and Wind Bill and Billy went home and the rest stopped
17th Fine the Boys Fishing got a Lot Rained very heavy Blew hard 2 here From Malone stopt
all night D Spink and Leander Fishing Mr Genie and Billy and another Fishing
18th The Ever Memorable Battle of Waterloo they all went of Gordon here C Rose here to
see Gave a Razor to R Leander to Dundee E Wind Deer Flies commenced Mr Genie here
Rain
19th Raining Lewis the Indian here Grand Procession to Day Rained hard Fox Dead
20th very Heavy Rain torrents of it Genie Fishing Leander to Summerstown Bought of Mr
Ward pan of Bread 25 paid the Water Raising salted the cattle Lots of Water with the Rain
in the cellar E Wind W Wind Beetles Plenty Fixing the Logs at the shore
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
21st of June 1892 Fine Day W Wind Mr Genie went home Gave him his Jack-Lamp got the
small Fish Box Leander Went For Shingles to Lancaster Got 4 Bunches Bought Putty and
soap Water high Looking for sticks to Make a Jumper took some caterpillars of the apple
trees and Beetles of the Potatoes caught a young Duck in the Bush put 56 pails out of the
cellar of Water nailed some spikes in the Barn
22nd Fine Windy Stanley and I up in the Bay 2 Indians came Wanting Ash would not Give
them any Stanley and I went up to the head to see what they were Doing they went off mad
Fishermen caught 2 Tame Geese to Day Fixing the 2 Logs at the shore Leander and Hugh
Ann went to Dundee took 2 Tennets of Butter and 14 Doz and /2 of Eggs weeking the
Garden Uncle Dan's Birth Day Bought 1 Dollar for Tea 3 lbs Flour 100 2.50 Tubs 3 60 cents
Nails round shingle nails 20 lb 1 Dollar Crackers 25 4 cash Wistard Calico hairpins John
Morris and Mary came Water High in Dundee
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island

18

23rd of June 1892 Fine W Wind John Morris and Leander went to Lancaster for 8 Bunches
of Shingles 4 Dollars Began Shingling the north side of the house Thunder Rain Leander got
a Hook in his hand a Handsome Brig or Brigantine went up in Tow of a Tug Bought a Roll of
Felt at Lancaster 63 lb 1..15 Narcisse to Syrup Got 2 EEls From Fishermen Weeding the
Garden Lots of Potato Bugs Deer Flies Bad
24th St John the Baptist Fine very Warm some Rain E Wind and West 3 Girls went to see
the Monument Island cairn Jo Vipond here Looking for his Bun as it was taken away Last
night shingling the south side of the House took 11 bunches of shingles Mr Genie came Boys
a Fishing Genie took me 2 Kinds of Tobacco plants some old shingles Mid Summer Day
25th Fine very warm W Wind Digging a Peice Before the Door for Tobacco Rained very
Heavy Bohemian Down with a Party 3 Girls went to Hamiltons for the Papers and the Mail
Fixed a window in the West End with 2 Glass Planted the Tobacco peice before the Door 5
of them went out in the Line Boats swells
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
26th of June 1892 Fine W Wind John and Mary Morris went home Leander Hugh Ann Livinia
went with them very Heavy Rain and some Hail Fell here Thunder and Lightning must to
have very heavy to the north Leander Found a Barrel Mr Genie Fishing Jo Lemays Boy here
for the Table got 2 lb of Butter took home the shawl and Plate Gave him 2 Kittens
27th fine Brindle calved put the Plough 4 or 5 Rows of Potatoes and the Rain commenced
had to Leave them alone Fixing up stairs some strawberries not very well Windy and Rainy
28th W Wind Rained some Fine Genie took the Hooks of his Line Too Windy to Raise it
scrubbing the Petition and upper Floor took the Potatoes out of the Celler 17 Bushels Put
them in the storehouse taking the stems of them Fishermen to Potatoes not very well
29th St Peter and St Paul PJ calved yesterday Putting the Plough Through the Potatoes
where they are not Wet Finished Down on the hill very unwell to Day a yacht at the squaw
Island aground the Ivy at her this morning and the Grenada to night The Colt 2 years to Day
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island

19

30th of June 1892 Heavy Rain W Wind not Well Water high
1st of July Dominion Day Fine W Wind no rain to Day For a Wonder Lewis the Indian here
Gave him Tobacco Plants Butter his 4 children went to Brockville to Pick strawberries Fixing
Boards on the south side Heifer in all Day Campers on Alexis Island shooting a Lot the Big
Glass Jar holds a Gallon Broke about 42 years since we got it
2nd Fine Narcisse and Dick Dont agree Dick Going home Narcisse going to Fish at Lancaster
took up the 2 Geese put out over 20 Tobacco Plants Mowed Thistles in the calves Pasture
took up Fishermens 2 Buns Leander crossed to Summerstown Bought a Pair of shoes
Pepper Thread Tea Soap Matches
3rd Raining 2 Men came to Fish with the Fishermen Windy
4th American Independence a Fine Day Fixing the Wharf water raising
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
5th of July 1892 Uncle John's B Day 1803 Fine Day Leander to Dundee Water high and
Raising some E Wind went up to the Bay Stanley and I put a Bottom to a Box Bought of Lime
2 scythes 1.30 Leander to Summerstown to night
6th a very warm Day Finished putting the Plough through the Potatoes Lewis 2 Boys here
for milk and Butter Drew the Logs up a Little with the mare Taking the stems of the
Potatoes Fixed a Leg in the Bench sawed some wood a Man at the Fishermens From
Alexandria Leander Mowed some to Try the scythes
7th Fine warm Mowed the Grove and a Road to the Back of the Barn and a Road to the
cherries as they are Getting Rip Put Paris Green on the Lower Peice of Potatoes Those
Fishermen from Lancaster to pay rent From Monday Last 4th of July as they came up to
Day to speak to me about it
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
1892

20

{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
8th of July 1892 Fine Mowing commenced Rain Thunder Lightning heavy Rain to night
9th Raining Gordon and D Spinks here Mercell here for Potatoes paid 25 cents for a 1/2
Bushell put a Few shingles on the Barn Thunder and Lightning
10th Leander and Hugh Ann and Livinia went to Dundee Fine Narcisse to Salt and Butter
11th Putting in Hay for the First put in the Grove hay put the calves in the Grove {illegible}ed
the 2 of Them English cherries getting Ripe the Corinthan went Down Young Ducks out 3 of
them Warm Fine W Wind
12th of July Orangeman's Day Fine W Wind put in 3 Loads of Hay very Warm Corinthian
went up Dick and one of the men went to Fish at Lancaster very Warm Fine Leander
crofsed Heard Fraser & Howard Had a Fight
13th Mowing
14th Warm Fine Mowing
15th Fine very warm putting in Hay Mowed some Rained to night Thunder and Lightning and
Wind St Swithens Day Narcisse to Butter & oil
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
1892
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
16th of July 1892 Mowing Windy Cool
17th Gordon here Got 2 Plugs of Tobacco From him Left his cloths to Be Fixed Windy
18th Mowing Back of the Barn

21

19th Fernandez B Day 1874 Raking Mowing Broke the Jumper Making coils Leander crofsed
Bought of A McDonald Whetstone 2 Rakes 2 spools of Thread 10
20th Fine Putting in hay on the West side Turning Hay Fixed the Jumper Great Talk about A
Fraser and Howards Fight
21st Fine Day Mowing Down to the Wet Place and on the hill Raking Lewis's children here for
Milk and Butter
22nd Fine very warm Thunder Lightning Rain Hail at Lancaster Heard the convent was Burnt
at Williamstown Leander went to Summerstown Bought for Narcisse 3 Pounds of sugar 18
cents Put in 2 Loads of hay Mowed some Back of the old Garden Mice awful Plenty
Gaberneau went home as he is sick
23rd Fine Leander and Hugh Ann went to Dundee took 3 Tubs of Butter sent Papers to
Bombay Bought 4 Tubs 1.. 2 Pair of shoes 2..50 1 Pair of Shoes 1..50 2 Fork handles 20 Rice 10
lbs 50 5 lbs of Raisins 25 Pan of Bread 25 Flour 100 Wt 2.50 Balance of Book A/C 4..26
Butter 12.90 Eggs 88 Calico Mr McIrvaine Ellen John Mary Morris came Mowing Fine Rain
24th Windy
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
25th of July 1892 St James They went off Fine Putting in Hay Rained Thunder Lightning hard
High Wind to night Lots of Towing to Day Fixed the Handles in the 2 Forks Turnin and
Gathering hay put the 2 calves in the pasture to night
26th Mowing Galerneau 50 cents for Rent to Day Lewis got the Bun yesterday
27th Putting in hay Mowing
28th E Wind Fine Mowing Mr Genie came Gave me a Dollar Bottle of ale Went Fishing to
night got 16 EEls Him and Leander
29th Fine Gathering and coiling hay all Ready went the Wind Rain Thunder and Lightning
commenced heavy Rain very high Wind Heard the Ministers Horse was Killed By the
Lightning

22

30th Fine E Wind Mowing Turning and coiling drying the hay Mr Genie here Put the 2 Geese
in as they Root out the Tobacco
31st Hugh Ann Went to church Leander and Dick to Hopkins Point Mr Genie went off
1st of August Lammas Day Putting in Hay the West End of the Barn Full Made 25 coils The
Columbia Went Down Raking
2nd Minies B Day Raind some Put in 3 Loads Made 20 coils
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
3rd of August 1892 Fne Mowed a Big Peice next the North Marsh
4th Rain Mowing the Lower Point Thunder
5th Finished Mowing the Lower Point made 84 coils Gustay Hence camping on the Pitt
Point Leander crossed to the store Bought of A McDonald 3 lb of Tea 1 Dollar Matches 10
starch 2 Plugs 10 Thread 15 Angus sent me 2 Plugs a Present 15 2 of Lewis children here
John Hamilton not well
6th Randolph's Birth Day 1867 Mowing in the upper Field Heavy Rain Thunder high Wind
Mowed a Road in the oak Field Transfiguration of Christ Fine the Duke of Edingburg's Birth
Day 1844 a Lot of Towing The Garnet went up did not Get our Mail yesterday Leander
crossed For the Mail
7th Lemays here in the Grove Liberty with them
8th Fine Began a stack high wind did not Finish it put 3 Loads in the Barn very windy
Gathering at the Lower Point and Raking Genie came From Cornwall had a pail of cherries
Rained hard to night heavy Thunder and Lightning Mercells wife and children came she was
sick went home on the 9th
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island

23

9th of August 1892 Fine very hot Mowing in upper Field Rained Thunder Genie went off a
Lot of Towing a Lot of Hay out a Most holy Lot of Potato Bugs crawling about very hot and
sultry using new Potatoes Rained and Thunder to night
10th Fine EW Stanley and I to Lewis for our Boat Mowing very hot commenced to Rain
Thunder and Lightning heavy Rain Heard Peter Back was Drowned takin in a Maskinonge as
he was not very sober Rained to night hard
11th Raining to Day Fine Mowed some in the oakfield water in it Fixed the Lounge Found a
Bun or Punt chicken Hawks coming around Jo Genie and Mr Connely and 4 More here all
night They are Fishing Pickerel
12th They went off Gave me 1 Dollar for There Trouble Rained all night and Rained to Day E
Wind Rained to night cleaned the stables
13th E Wind Rain Fine went to the Head of the Island cut some Thistles water high Leander
crofsed to Summerstown Broom 15 2 Bars of Soap 16 Plug of Tobacco 10 Mr Genie came
had a Pig for me a Pail of HuckleBerries and Black Currants a spade for Stanley
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
Augt 14th 1892 Fine Day Genie went of Tonight Rained to night
15th Mowing in the Upper Field opened out all the coils to Dry
16th Fine Finished the West stack of Fine hay Filled the Barn on the sticks shut the Barn
Door north and put a Good Lot of Fine hay on the Floor put a Lot in to Day
17th Fine W Wind putting in From the upper Field Mowing Gathering The Bohemian Pic Nick
18th a very hot Day Leander and Hugh Ann Went to Dundee took 2 Tubs of Butter 8 1/2 Doz
of Eggs Mowing some in upper Field made some coils of hay Fixed the Wheelbarrow Hurted
my Hand most awful hot Day Narcisse to Montreal Bought of J Tyo Flour 200 Wt 4.80 Tin
Pans 1.80 2 Tubs 60 Tax 5 Scythe and Stone 65 34 yds Cotton 2.38 Tobacco 20 4 Bars of
Soap 20 c Starch 10 Glass 15 Bought to Be above Made a {illegible} Pepper 30 1/3 oil cloth
25 Pair of Braces Boots Pipes calico Dress Goods
Mary Morris came with them home

24

19th Bismarck B Day 1870 Mowing very warm Thunder and Rain Lightning Peter Back here
from the Rain Mowed some in the Back Place Rained hard to night shot a chicken Hawk
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
20th of August 1892 Fine Windy E Wind Mrs Charron came and Joseph Mowing some in the
oakfield Leander crossed to Hamiltons for the Papers The Girls went to Lewis's Mr Genie
came
21st Fine Genie went to Cornwall Leander the 2 Girls and Mary Morris to Dundee
22nd Fine Mowing in the Back Marsh and the oakfield Leander to Jo Lemays with his Gun to
Fix
23rd Began a Marsh Hay stack Put in all that was in the upper Field the upper Feild Finished
the Barn all Full cut some in the Front Marsh Hugh Ann went to Roses Hawks Plenty Flying
around for Hens Put a Long handle in the 4 Prung Fork for the stacks Rained Thunder and
Lightning to night
24th Rained some Fine Mowed some Leander went for his Gun 10 cents Got a Mefs of
Perch from Lemay My corns is sore Few Flocks of Black Ducks St Bartholemu one of the
Lambs Killed at the Head of the Island Rained to night hard
25th High E Wind Rained some Foggy with the Rain
26th E Wind Fine Taking away one of the sticks of the Wharf John Morris and TC here
Leander went with them to Hamiltons Island
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
August 27th 1892 High E Wind Rained some Fine cool Races to be to Day at Jo Duquetts
with Boats and Yachts Fixing Fence around the Tobacco The Bohemian a Pleasure Trip John
Morris here
28th Fine Day John Leander went to Dundee Hugh Ann Livinia and their Mother went to
Hamiltons Mrs Shora and Min and Leander came 5 Gallons of oil 50 St Augustine

25

29th Fine Leander and John Morris to Lancaster Boards 5 of Them 80 Mowing made some
coils went a spearing to night got 2 EEls
30th Fine Warm Fixing the East End Floor of the Frame Min and the 2 Girls went to
Lancaster for a churn Fixing the Lime for to Plaster the inside of the House Alexandra and
Passport went Down Josy Galerneau here for the Key of Johnys House Bought of Mr
McGillis churn 7 1/2 Dollars Lamp 75 2 Door Latches 25
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
31st of August 1892 Raining some Windy Fine Mowed some Leander and John to Round
Island Fixed the Latches on the Doors 2 Hunters and a Dog crossed over to Jo Lemays a
Tent on Alexis Island
1st of September St Giles Day Fine Cool Windy Plasterig cut 2 sticks for a Jumper Mowed
some First churning with the new churn the Leader Hunting commences
2nd Fine Day Races in Lancaster Working at the Jumper Mowed some the Girls to
Lancaster Bought of Mr Glennie 3.25 for 6 chairs and Rocking chair 2 Lamp Chimneys 25
Door Latches and Hinges
Johnny and Leander went to Lancaster For the Boards but they were not Ready Leander
Traided his Watch Gave 2 Dollars to Boot
3rd D McMasters Birth Day 1846 Fine Finished the Jumper the Girls crofsed for the Mail
Received a Letter From DMM Games in Williamstown
4th The Boys and Girls went to Lewis's and he was away to St Regis
5th Fine John Angus B Day 1850 Boys a Mowing in the Marsh one of the Prize Fights to Day
Rain
6th Gordon came with a Telegram from Dan Put the Plough in 2 Rows of Potatoes Mr Robert
McGibbon Mr David Fraser and Dan and Frank Laplante Rowing them had a Lot of stuff and
a Prize Fight to Day crofsed over to Point Lovat
{page one}

26

Mr James Cameron Island
7th of Sept 1892 Fine W Wind This is the Day Corbett and Sullivan is to Fight Mrs Charron
went off to Day John Morris and Leander Mowing in the Marsh John Fixed the window in the
cookhouse Fixed the Handle of the handsaw The Algerian Went Down to Day Taking the
Ripe Leaves of the Bottom of the Tobacco Heard that their was 2 Men shot at Cornwall
yesterday
8th John and Leander Mowing Frost this Morning on the Low Land Dick went to Montreal
with his Mother the Girls went to Jo Lemays for Johnnys clock got it Gathered some coils in
the oak field shot 2 Ducks Killed 2 chickens Nativity of V.M
9th Mowing Fixing calves Pasture Fence caught the old Ram Put a Handle in one of the axes
took the shingles up from the shore Stanley and Tonia making coils
10th John and Leander over on the south side for Ducks got none Digging the Ends o the
Rows of Potatoes Leander and John to Summerstown for the mail Bought of A McDonald 3
lb of Tea 1 Johny Leander Mary Morris and Hugh Ann to Dundee Gave _______and
________ so 4th Mr Genie came Dan Spink here
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
12th of Sept 1892 Fine Taking up a Few Potatoes George adn 3 of his Brother in laws came
to night a Goose and a Duck stole to night from the shore Leander in Dundee at a Bee
shingling Bought 2 spoons 20
13th Fine Leander and Hugh Ann came Began a Marsh hay stack Windy did not Finished
Stanley and I around the Island Took a Barrel of apples of the Big Tree yesterday taken in
Beans and put the Ram in the Pasture a shower of Rain this Evening our Goose and Duck
stole Last night and the other Duck Hurted
14th very Windy George and all of them went off put the Harnefs on the colt and Drove him
around tryed to catch the sheep cutting some of the cotton the Ram got out of the Pasture
15th Windy Began a stack in the upper Field Finished it cut some sticks for a Fence around
the stack cutting Weeds Ploughed 2 Rows of Potatoes some Drops of Rain Fair in
Williamstown

27

16th caught the Rams 5 of Them put them in the stable Windy at the Potatoes took away
the Heap of stones at the Potatoes Finished 2 Quilts
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
17th of Sept 1892 Windy Topt of 2 stacks Made a Fence around the stacks put the 5 Rams
in the calves Pasture Took the Fat Pine Home from the sugar Bush not much Ducks Henhawks Plenty Yellow hammers Plenty
18th Windy Leander crofsed over to Hamilton for the Mail Got a Letter From D McM with 5
in it for Minnie Gave it to her had over the B Boat
19th Pealing apples Raining all Day Mrs Oxley Departed
20th Fine Fixed a Fence around the stack in the upper Field Leander Went to Malone Fair
Stanley and I went to Fish at the Kit Kit Island caught 22 Perch a Great many Fishing Lights
out to night
21st Last Day of Summer Fine E Wind Drew some Wood put out 2 Loads of Manure Found a
Barrel Floating Down Lewis Marcell went of to Day paid up all he owed and Bought Bought 5
lbs of Butter
22nd First Day of Fall or Autumn Fine some Drops of Rain sun crofsed the Line Equinoxical
Gales now Digging at an oak crook Leander and Charlie Creamer came from the Fair at
Malone St Matthews Day
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
23rd Sept 1892 Fine Windy Thunder and Lightning Rained Heard the Corinthian was Burnt
24th Fine Leander for the Mail sent a Letter to D McM Montreal Digging at a Large stone at
the Oak Tree Charlie and Stanley Fishing Perch got 38 some Drops of Rain Triming the Buds
of the Tobacco Mr Genie came Fishing to night him and Leander Got 5 sturgeon 11 EEls and
some suckers Brought me 2 Bags of Apples

28

25th Fine Leander Charlie Creamer and Minnie went to Dundee Mr Genie went off 2 Tugs
towing up Lumber Barges Hugh Ann and Livinia went over to Lewis the Indians Place Got
salt From Narcisse for Genie to salt his Fish Rained Thunder and Lightning to night and
Windy
26th Windy Raining cool Pealing and stringing apples Rained to night Narcisse to 5 lb of
Butter on credit
27th Fine cool very Windy Stanley and I around the Island smoking Fish put up another Quilt
this is 3 now cutting stovewood Leander and Minnie came Randolph sent me 4 Papers
28th Fine Killed one of the spring calves 3 Months old at the Potatoes put 14 Bushels in for
the first in the cellar
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
29 Sept 1892 St Michael Michaelmas Day Fine Day Minnie crofsed to Hamiltons to get a
Ride out to Williamstown as they are going to the convent Pic Nic Hugh Ann and Livinia Put
her acrofs at the Potatoes Put 17 Bushels in to Day 31 Bushels in the cellar now cut the Meat
and salted it Mr Long the Indian Agent and Lewis Pike here Getting the names of the Islands
Sturgeon Island at the South East End of St Johns Island EEl Island on the north side of St
Johns Island about 1/2 an acre of land in each of them Gave Him the names of some other
Islandas the Kit Kit Tuppers or Butternut Snake or Rofs's Island squaw Island above the Hill
Lighthouse Suse's Island above the Monument Island cat I Ball I Sheep I Dead Mans I Seen a
Big Fire this afternoon up the way of Summerstown The Fishermen Found Dan Frasers Boat
as they were coming From Lancaster Last Night Bought of Mr Ward 2 1/2 lb of salt
30th Fine very Windy Put in 30 Bushels to Day Leander not well Letting the water Run at
the Wet Place
1st of October Tonia B Day 1883 Fine cool took in 13 Bushels From the East Potatoes Put in
Marsh hay in stable Loft
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island

29

2nd of Oct 1892 Fine Windy Gordon and D Spinks here Leander and Stanley to Lewis's The
Fire up the Front was Billy McLeans Barn
3rd at the Potatoes 70 Bushels in the cellar now commenced to Rain Thunder Lightning cut
3 stalks of Tobacco some of the sheep hurted Angus McDonalds Store Burnt By Lightning
4th Fine Windy Rained Hail Leander and Hugh Ann to Dundee with Butter 75 to J Tyo and 26
to Davidson 20 cents a lb Flour 6..90 took 200 Home and Left 100 till we go again 2 pairs of
shoes 2..20 Milk Pans 1..80 Rubbers 35 RRR 2 Bottles 50 Fine Salt 60 2 Tubs 50 1 Tub 12
velvet 10 Shirting 10 yards 90 cinnamon 20 cash $1 20 yds sateen 1 Dollar got J Morris coat
another Fire that Day of the Lightning a Man Barn
5th Harrowing Potatoes 75 Bushels in the cellar now very cold commenced a Harrow to
make Stanley Did the First Ploughing with the colt to Day Dick went to Montreal North Wind
Leander Began Making a Harrow
6th Windy cool Fine Leander Fishing with Narcisse went to the Head of the Island to Look
for a sheep thats not in the Flock Fixing the saw and making Leg for the Wood-Saw-Horse
Narcisse to Lancaster for Dick
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
7th of Oct 1892 Fine Windy cut all the Tobacco Rained to night took up the Potatoes at the
Gate at the Harrow The Dogs and Stanley Killed a Weasel Leander crofsed for the Mail
8th Fine Mr Hamilton here Gordon Thornton Craig D Spinks John Took me Down a Letter
from Brockville From C Mallory on Hunting a a Package for Livinia a yacht came up Last
night stopt at Alexis Island a mistake above is the 9th
9th Put in the Tobacco 1 {illegible} Hugh Ann B Day Drew some Drags Took the saw Logs up
on the Bank Fine Windy hung up 5 stalks of Different Kind Deline Bosell was to be married
to Day
11th E Wind cool very Fine Mowing in the Front Marsh made 25 coils Stanley and I Leander
and Charlie Creamer went to Dundee took 2 of the Lambs at 3 Dollars a piece sent of 2
Letters to Brockville put up another Quilt on the Frames 2 Men on the sturgeon Island
Hunters I think from the Yacht Lilly

30

12th Frost E Wind Fine cool Trimming some of the apple trees took up some apples Fixing
Rails on the West shed Foggy seen Wild Geese Stanley and Tonia Killed a Weasel Hicory
nuts Falling Leander came had the other 100 of Flour
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
13th of Oct 1892 Fine Day Stanley and I to Hamiltons Got 8 Bushels of Apples Mr Kenneth
Rofs from Lancaster for apples John's neice and Family there John {illegible} there for the
Buggy Tom Ploughing the Yacht Lily stopt at the Wharf sent a Letter to A E Powter Got a Bill
from John Pealing apples the Star came for the First Time to Day for 5 Months 25 cents
14th Fine putting out manure on the Potato Ground pealing apples Narcisse for Butter
matches Tobacco
15th Fine Day Mr Genie came cutting Pine made a small stack of 40 coils in the Front marsh
hung up all the Tobacco in the store-house heard Bull-Frogs to night Leander and Mr Genie
went Fishing tonight Went to the Sturgeon Island trimed some Trees Burnt some Weeds
16th Fine Mr Genie went off the Girls and Stanley went to Hamiltons for the Mail 3 Hunters
came to the shanty Saturday night Last night the 2 Hunters here for Milk Treated with a
Good coo of Rum Bought Milk
17th Fine Putting out Manure Hunters For Milk Ducks not Plenty Found another of the sheep
Dead at the Head of the Island Fixed Johns Bun some The Alexandra went Down to Day and
Tuesday is her Day to go Down
18th Fine Foggy this Morning Putting out Manure Lots of Shooting to Day Rained Heavy to
night St Lukes Day Leander shot a Duck sold it ot the Hunters
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
19th of Oct 1892 Rained some Windy Fine Made 2 Whippletrees Stanley Making a Waggon
with Wheels Stanley Plastering the Henhouse the Bohemian Going Down the same Day the
2 Hunters up to night from the Shanty Bushy he is a shoemaker and the other a Machinist
works for the water corporation

31

20th An Eclipse to Day and the New Moon comes in very Fine Day piling up old Wood in the
Bush Leander to Plum Island those 2 Hunters went off to Day from the shanty Mr Hume's
here for Milk
21st Fine Windy Leander to Summerstown Bought of Mr Ward Tea 25 Soda 8 Powder 35 40
caps 10 Stanley and I to the Sturgeon Island cutting Brush and Hay putting out Manure
Drew 2 Beams for the cow stable a Good many Ducks Flying past to Day Heard Dan Fraser's
Daughter was married this Week
22nd Fine Leander to Charlies Island for Ducks Mr Hume's is going off I suppose for Election
taking the top of the stable cut some Brush the Fishermen got a Lamp from us
23rd Livinias Birth Day 1868 Fine Windy Mr Genie here Fernandez and D McDonald here
24th Our Hugh's Birth Day Fixing Round of Logs on the cow stable Fine Windy Mr Genie
Made 2 Axehandles for me Leander shot 3 Ducks Alexandra went Down
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
25th of Oct 1892 My Birth Day 1825 67 years old to day cool Fine Windy Mr Genie got a Tow
to up Cornwall Wrote 2 Directions one to Thomas Broswa Beau harnois advocate the other
for Montreal Fixing poles on the cow place Fixed the Buttertub a small one only 12 lbs of
Butter St Crispin's Day Mr Genie came from Cornwall had some Bricks Bought the 4 Glass
for us and 3 lb of nails 72 and Brought Back 8 cents which is 80 cents had a Treat
26th Fine Rained some to night Sent the small Tub of Butter Down with Narcisse Shora to D
MM Mr Genie Made 2 Whippletrees Leander shot 2 Ducks Killed a Mutton Pretty Good one
Calm to Day Dick Leander Mr Genie went to Fish to night Martin Lewis's Boy here for an
auger Gave hime the 2 inch augur Got 6 sturgeon 10 suckers 2 EEls 1 Pickerel 1 Perch
27th at the Banking Windy cool Fine some Drop of Rain salted the Mutton salted 2 sturgeon
Martin came with the augur they Killed their cow
28th Fine some Rain Lewis here for Milk Mr Genie went off Leander went to Summerstown
Bought of Mr Ward a sack of salt pipes 2 plastering calfs shed
29th Raining Killed the Turkey oil to the Fishermen set Traps in the cellar

32

30th Windy the 2 Girls went to Craigs at the Point
31st Fine Halloween or Holy Eve Drew some Drags of Wood sawed a maple that was turned
out of the Roots cracking nuts Dick here Leander shot a Loon and 4 Ducks
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
1st of November 1892 All Saints Day This is the Harvest month of Death E Wind Raining
Blowing Leander after Ducks got 6 some cool
2nd some snow East Wind cold Rain put in the Horses Narcisse went to Lancaster a Lot of
shooting to Day Livinia Bad with her Wrist Rheumatism
3rd On this Day of the Month Granda Departed 1857 E Wind Raining Leander after Ducks
Got 3 Lots of Ducks Flying John Morris and the Wife came shot an owl Livinia Bad with her
hand Stanley Plastering the calves stable
4th Windy Rained some Began to snow to night Sissy to the store Tea Lot of shooting to
Day George Charron and another Man with him came to Hunt 2 Men took them up from
Lancaster
5th The Gunpowder Plot Guy Fawkes Day Ground covered with snow Windy cool the 2
Boys went to Plum Island to Get the Fox did not get him took Rover Moved the stove from
the cookhouse had the cows in Sissy and Johnys Wife to the store yesterday Bought of Mr
Ward Tea 30 Mrs Summers very Low
6th Leander Sissy and John Morris and his wife went to Dundee took the 2 Rams 6 Dollars
took Randolphs 2 coats and Mits shirts sox Handkerchief Sissy stopt
7th Leander came Bought of Tyo 5 lb of Rope 75 paid Box of Caps 10 hard Tobacc 24 paid
Leander to A McDonald Tea 1 2 pair of Boots 4 Dollars paid this Helen B Day Narcisse paid 4
Dollars
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island

33

8th of Nov 1892 very high W Wind did not see the Grenada crofsing to Day This is Election
in the States For President Narcise paid 3 Dollars to Day Got oil took in the cabbage Beets
and Turnips Fixing the stalls in the stable
9th Prince of Wales Birth Day a Fine Day a Great many Boats Going to Day sawing stove
wood Banking the Front of the house Killed a Weasel and he is White Mad 2 cheeses
Narcisse got 5 lb Butter paid yesterday Got a Weasel in the Trap
10th Thanksgiving Day E Wind Snowing Narcifse and Dick went Went off Left their Seine put
in the calves put the cabbages and Turnips in the Frame cellar Cleaveland Elected on the
8th Keeping in the cattle
11th Martinmas Keeping in the cattle A Lot of shooting
12th Leander to Summerstown changed Stanleys Boots at A McDonalds water low
13th Sunday Fine Mr Dan Fraser Lovat and John here For his Boat Brought me a Lot of very
good apples Lent my oars D Spinks here
14th Fine Spreading manure Fixing Boxes and Irons and Tools Lots of Shooting skinned 3
Weasels Getting house Rats
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
18 Nov 1892 Fine E Wind Leander went for Dick Bun to Lancaster Mr Genie came went to
Cornwall Brought me 2 Bags of apples Turnips a pan for Sugar Bush Left his Guns Brought
me a mud spear poles Thunder 1 cloap to Day
16th E Wind Rained to night Went around the Island cutting Rushes sawed some Wood a
Good many Boats going to Day 2 Boats of Hunters on the EEl Island the Bohemian got a
ground coming Down from Cornwall
17th Fine E Wind Leander went to Dundee Mr Genie came from Cornwall Fixing the Door of
the shanty cut an ash For oars wrote a Direction for Mr Genie to send to Narcisse Charron
Longuel county of Chambly P2

34

18th Drew some Wood Fine high wind to night and Rained hard Mr Genie skinned a Loon
yesterday got 218 lb of Provender Traded Guns The Cultivator came up to take the
Bohemian off
19th Windy Mr Barnhart here Bought Stanleys Duck paid 50 cents Mr Wallace with him cut
Down the Dead oak at the River Mr Genie Fixed the saw Cultivator and Bohemian went
Down Flurry of snow Let out the Ram
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
20th of Nov1892 Fine Mr Genie went off Leander shot a Fox W Wind
21st on this Day of the Month D MMaster Senior Departed 1846 Windy Drew up 2 of the
Boats cool Fixing new pipes to the stove shot a Duck got a House Rat Billy Bone here
{illegible} shooting to Day Made a Beetle Flurries of snow Keeping in the cattle Lots of snow
on the Mountains Traveller went up in Tow 3 Masts and 2 Master Princefs Louise Running
Began Saving the Ashes St Cecelia Day
23rd St Clement Day Flurries of snow W Wind Propellar went up Lumber Steam Barge went
Down caught an EEl for Bait for the Mink shot a Duck cutting stove wood Princess came out
to Day and the Algoma commencing to set Fires to the Marshes Princefs Laid at the Point
24th Windy T Craig here got the cutting stovewood setting Traps for Mink Fixing the Cellar
Door Mr Higginson and Barnhart here stopt all night high W Wind cold
25th Mr Higginson Gave 2 Dollars cool Livinia John and Mary came Took a Boat From
Hopkins Point as Salmon River is Froze The Princefs Laid up at Summerstown on the 23rd
Boys went to Alexis Island Hunt John Charlie and Leander The Alexandra went up on the
25th on her Last Trip
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
26th of Nov 1892 Fine the # Girls went for the Mail Bought of J Summers 3 Bars of Soap 5
Mr Wards Pipes The Boys Hunting got a Fox they seen Lewis Dont Kill my Fox Boats Towing
up and Down

35

•

27th Hay Done on the Barn Floor Stanley and I cutting
alders and Brush Boats a going to Day

29th E Wind and West and East Seined some setting Fires in the Marshes no Boats to Day
not Much Shooting to Day Lots of Weasel Tracks
30th St Andrews Day The Festival of the Scotch E Wind cool Killed the Bull Shot a large
Horned owl The Boys went to Alexis Island shot a Duck seen no Fox no Boats went to Day
set Fire on the Front Marsh Dont Burn very well Lights up to night Keeping St Andrews to
night John Morris and Mary Charlie Leander Stanley H Ann Sissy Tonia Tonia cut her EyeBrow By Falling on the ice at wet Place
1st of December W Wind set Fires in the Marsh went to upper Point cut the Meat in
Quarters George Renshaw Departed on Sunday 27th
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
2nd of Dec 1892 W Wind Windy Boys hunting
3rd Snowing W W John Mary and Charlie Creamer and Leander went up Home Leander to
Summerstown Bought of J Summers an undershirt 90 no Lights in the Lighthouses to night
Tug and 3 Barges went up Yesterday
4th a Tug and Barges went up to Day
5th Fine cool Windy cutting Brush in the oakfield Broke on a Fine Hay stack shot an owl W
Wind
6th St Nicholas The Festival of the Germans and a very fine Day E Wind turned Windy and
commenced to snow hard to nigh Drew some drags cutting Brush in the oakfield cut Down
a Dead oak and an Elm Ground the Axes last night shot a owl
7th very Fine Day E Wind at Wood Drew 2 Loads of stone to the Bank got a Weasel in the
Trap about 3 inches of snow Flocks of Black ducks around to Day Files the wood-saw
8th Fine E Wind Rained Thunder and Lightning Leander shot 4 Ducks Filed the crosscut saw
Conception of the Virgin Mary sawing stove wood

36

9th sawing wood Fine Day
9th Leander's Birth Day Fine Day Leander to Summerstown a Tub of Butter to A McDonald
him not at home Got a Mink in the Trap Bought of Mr Ward Shot Powder Soda got a Letter
From Minnie
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
11th of Dec 1892 Fine Windy Leander shot a Mink a Big one Lost the cap Pin of his Gun
12th Fine W Wind cutting up at the Brush Fence cutting Brush put the owl in the shanty
13th Court opens in Cornwall this Week Fine Day Leander Went to Dundee took 2 Minks
cutting Drags cut an ash by the Roots as there is a crook in it for a sleigh a Good Deal of
shooting to Day
14th E Wind Snowing and Blowing hard Got a Weasel at the Lower Point sawed some Wood
15th W Wind Leander came From Dundee 1 Pair of over-shoes 1..40 2 yds of cloth 1 Dollar
Got a Weasel snow melting sold his 2 Mink 2..50 Got a Dollar for the Fox-skin Got 24 shells
and a Box of Wads from Charles Creamer
16th W Wind snowed hard for a While Drew some Drags This is the Day The Murderer in
Cornwall is to be Hung to Day Jim Slavin
17th Fine Leander crofsed to Summerstown Bought of A McDonald 3 lb of Tea 1 2 pairs of
Boots 2 lb of Soda sent me 2 Plugs Tobacco Got a Bag of oats at Hamiltons Bought of John
Summers 200 of Flour 4.20 Paid cut my hair
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
18th Dec 1892 Randolph J Morris and Barnhart here to night stormy some snow to night
19th Randolph and J Morris went off stormy snowing Blowing Firing at a Mark to Day Froze
hard to night

37

20th cutting stove wood Fine cold Frosty Took up the Traps made 23 Plugs of Tobacco
Last night the Water smoky Freezing hard
21st First Day of Winter W Wind Blowing some snow Fine Drawing Drags of Elm and White
Birch cutting and sawing stove wood Put in the Heifers Last night not much ice made Made
22 Plugs of Tobacco Last night St Thomas Day Taking the Marsh hay from the upper Field
cleaning Tobacco
22nd a Fortunate Day cold W Wind Frosty ice made to the Rushes cutting stove wood
made a Place for the Pig the sheep came home from the Bush no Ducks around to Day
23rd Very Frosty cold Windy cutting and sawing stove Wood Killed the Goose too windy for
ice to make Broke a Peice out of the Axe
24th W Wind Windy Frosty some anchor ice Going Down no Game of any Kind water Low
Began to cut Hay on the East Mow
25th Christmas Day Snowing cool
26th cold Freezing Blowing W Wind sawing stove wood Ice Taken to Christies Steamboat
channel open taken to night St Stephens Day very very cold Windy and Frosty
{page one}
Mr James Cameron Island
27th of Dec 1892 Fine W Wind Leander crofsed the ice to Hamiltons Got our Mail ice Took
Last night in the steamboat channel Drew some Wood Drew some Hay from the stack
Grinding the axes Got a Paper From A Hamilton Oswego Foxes around on the ice
28th Fine Day Holy Innocents Day Bismarck here Had the colt in the sleigh to Day Drew
some Wood with him works very well Leander and Stanley Fishing EEls got 9 cut a Pole for
the Barn door Leander crossed to Hamiltons with Bismarck
29th Our Angus B Day Frosty Fine W Wind Took in a Quarter of Beef to Thaw out Tried for
EEls got some
30th Fine Leander crossed to Summerstown Bought of A McDonald Broom 20 Cap 45
Knitting needles 8 ice Rough Heard Barnhart and F Laplant had a Fight or a Quarrel this

38

Week Lewis Drawing Hay with handsleighs From Round Island Stanley and I to Sturgeon
Island
31st Fine Drew some Wood Drew the Logs up in the Grove and 1 of the Soft Maple From the
Wet Place St Sylvesters Day
{page two}
Mr James Cameron Island
1892

For more information on James Cameron, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section
under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca

39