Text
SIMCOE COUNTY
ARCHIVES
B1-2 R3D 52 Sh4
COLEMAN, William R.
Diaries 1S65-1915
Simcoe County Archives and the
Local Initiatives Program, 1977
Acc. 9 7 7 -3
Diaries of Wm. R. Coleman
Wm. R. Coleman kept diaries from 1865 to 1915.
He made
entries, not only of personal events, but that of agricultural
changes, politics, people of the area, Cookstown merchants and
many other activities spanning the 50 years.
William Richard is the son
of Richard Coleman who came from
Tyrone, Ireland in 1834 and settled on Lot 2 Concession 2 of
Innisfil Township.
His mother (who is a Lynn) died on August 4, 1851
at the age of 56.
His brothers & sisters are Eliza, Robert, Ann Jane
David, Richard and HenryOn May 10, 1869 he married Bessie Burns from which they had
6 children, Elizabeth, David Ernest, Mary Edith, Henry Wilton,
Herbert Burns and William Richard (Willie).
Wm. R was a busy man, looking after his farm & being on Township
Council for many years.
He was also involved with the Fenian Raids
(becoming a Sergt), a road inspector (Pathmaster), census taker and
a member of the Orange Lodge.
His sons, except Herbert, had moved West to Manitoba.
Willie joined the army & went overseas during W.W.I.
word was received that he was killed in action.
There,
On October 12, 1916
He was not married.
Two months after, William R. Coleman died, on December 28, 1916, at
the age of 83.
Page 1
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1865
June
14
Went to Toronto to the Synod
17
Came home from the Synod in the morning
drilled in the evening
21 went to Barrie to the review
July
24
Alexander & Eliza came from Cartwright
26
came to the Shanty with Eliza & Alex
Father Anjane & B Burns
14
plowed Richard came to help me
16
went to John Wallaces with Dr. Billy
17
Bobby Allingham commenced work at noon
20
commenced to mow at the Shanty
set Wm Oliver a job to put in pump & stone well
21 moved in the AM
Oct.
at the Shanty
hauled in at home in the PM
23
went to SS & Church
stopped at Mrs Coleman until night
read A Methodist in (secret)
29
bound wheat at J Coleman in the AM
30
Went to SS & Church AM came to the Shanty PM & wrote
to Cartwright & Willy Palmer
9
bound at W Wms in the PM
Sold the cow at $30 went to Cookstown to Wrights sale AM
went to McKays to buy a cow PM
10
Went to Moir to the threshing machine
11
hauled strawpen logs
from A Jane at 20$
12
Went to Cookstown and got the H.P of the machine (fixd)
13
went to Cartigt for Father
17
came home from Cartwght
18
Thanksgiving Day
20
threshed at Uncle Williams
24
threshed at home
went home at night
went to Church
bought the heifer
got the harness from Procto
Edward Bathie got shot in the arm
Page 2
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1865 con’t
Nov.
Dec.
3 had a bee raisin Potatoes had Father Yankee Dick bob Kitty
& I Isabella & got them all raised
8
J Pharis put the pump in AM went to drill PM
went to Bathie's at 11 pm
9
Chopped at Bathie's
cant plough for snow
10
chopped wood AM ploughed in the flats PM
Edward all night
Sat up with
20
plowed in the new land
21
went to Sunnidale with Wm Allingham to see land
went to Collingwood at night PM left
22
came home from Collingwood
went to Church to James Reinys at night
did not like the land
11 Wm Oliver & J Robins Stoning upper half of well I hauled stones
19
split rails with John McLennan
practice music PM
*Note Memoranda in back of Diary:
engaged in marriage
went to Cookstown to
July 9, 1865 Bessie & I were
Year 1866
March
9
came home am went to Cookstown & from thence to Toronto
with the Volunteers
10
Drilled am Drilled again pm
had oysters at night
Sent a letter to A.M.J. Hec
11
Wrote home to Cartwright Went to the drill Shd and was
marched to Church am went to Church in the cathedral pm
12
Drilled from 10:30 to 1 o came home & had dinner
Drilled from 3 to 5 pm had oysters at night
13
Drilled am came home & had dinner wrote to R Johnston
Drilled pm Visited No 404 S.O.S. at night
16
Drilled am Drilled pm visited the billets with Lt Cook
Stopped at Lennoxes at the Spree
17
Fell in at ten am
fire at night
had lunch at 1 Drilled until 5pm
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con't
March 18
Was marched to Church am went to Church to the Cathedral PM
left the girls home
19
Drilled as usual
20
Drilled as usual
21
Drilled as usual
22
Went to the Dr Shed with R & J W Parks on their way home
Drilled as usual got a letter from rev. Wm Fidler
23
Drilled as usual
24
Drilled from 10-30 to 12 30 marched through the city PM
Got a letter from Dr. Lund
25
Was marched to the Cathedral at 8.30 am went to the Methodist
Meeting at night wrote to Dr Lund
26
Drilled as usual
had a letter from E.B.
27
Drilled as usual
had a letter from A.M.J.
28
Met in the Dr Shed at 9.15 and marched out
from AnnJane
29
Drilled as usual had a letter from R.J. Coleman also from
B.B. got word to go home
30
Good Friday
31
The Company came home from Toronto
wrote to Mr Fidler at night
Richard & J M Parks got leave to go home
was appointed corporal
was marched to Church am
had a letter
visited the Asylum
April 12
Went to Drill sat for my picture came home in the evening
Went back to Cookstown and stopped all night hired Hugh Reiny
13
Drilled in the morning had my picture taken in the Pv Clothes
came home & to the Shanty Cleaned Peas & barley pm
15
went home am went to Church pm
wrote to Cartwright
16
hauled brands off the fallow Hugh Reiny commenced work
went to Cookstown & home at night & posted a letter to
Cartwright $1 to A.J.
20
Jobbed around the house am Sowed wheat in the north end of
the big field drilled at 7pm got some photographs from
T. Bailey stopped at Mrs Colemans at night
28
Drilled am went home and had dinner came to the Shanty &
took the Cartwright saw to Jas Dinwoody’s came to the
Shanty Stopped all night W.A. came with me
had Allen to the Shanty
Page 4
Wm.R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con't
May
June
5 Drilled am got paid for Drilling in Toronto cam home &
had tea went to Cookstown to the Lodge & stopped at
Mrs Colemans all night
12
Went to drill am fiddled about pm went with Dr Billy to
Lucys Willy A fixed the door hinge and stopped all night
16
Sowed oats this side the (cres)
Went to Uncle Wm s for oats pm
28
cut oats am Dr Billy & Nottawa Dick was here pm
nothing done Jess foaled in the evening
31
went home & had dinner went to Cookstown & got the horses
shod the Company got word to be ready for the front wrote
to Wm P and AMJ
Humphry ploughed
got
2
left Cookstown at Sam & went to Toronto with the Co. thence
to Port Dalhouse by the Boat then to within
miles of F Erie
by the cars travelled all night
3
proceeded to Fort Erie at noon
at the fort
pitched our tents on the hill
4 met in the morning for parade
5 wet part of the day
were out on picket
6
30 men 2 corporals 1 sergt & 1 officer
rained nearly all day was appointed Sergt
7 met in the (Nowjet) Went out on piquet at 2PM was out all
night on the riverbank
11
had Battl drill and skirmeshing at 11
13
went out on piquet at 7-30am Was out all night at the
steam bridge
had (- ~)at 3PM
15 were taken to Port Colboun 20 miles from F Erie was
billeted at Mr Brings
16
parade at 3-30
17
was brought before the Major for not turning out at
3 oclock got (clar) as I did not know my duty Wrote father
18
rained nearly all day got word at night that we were to
go home was glad to hear it
19
started for home at 10.30 went by Dunville to Stratford
then by Berlin & to Toronto at 11 oclock pm stopped at
Wm (Juvier)
was regnt orderly Boy
Page 5
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con’t
June
20
came to the Dril Shed to come home but was too late
came home PM
30
Went to Cartwright had (Anpane) (Mrs Palmer--Yankee &
George & Minnie Palmer
July
12
went home early
with the lodge
Aug.
21
commenced cutting S wheat on the hill had Father Rich
Harry & Yankee W Patterson H Reiny Teddy & myself had
a visit from the girls at night
Sept. 29
Oct.
went to Cookstown
left home for Camp (tho) went to Toronto by the N.P. thence
to P Dahousie by the boat thence to the camp by the baggage
waggon
1 had company Drill in the morning
2
went to Cloverhill
Battalion Drill pm
had skirmishing
3 was Sergt of the guard
4 was relieved fro guard at bam and went with the Co
to Niagara Falls started at 7 came home that Evg
Nov.
5
had a Battle with an imaginary Enemy Skirmishing through
the fields and bush the whole force in (corg) was out
6
came home from Camp (thorold) Marched to Port Dalhousie
had the boat to Toronto & the car to Gilford
10
threshed at John Colemans
23
plowed am went to E Bathies to the machine pm
10 went to Lennox’ Mill with wheat & barley
& R J Coleman raise the potatoes
Geo plowed
Father Geo Taylor
13
Sick lay in bed all day
dungbee
W Patterson has a
15
Malcolm finished threshing rained nearly all day bought
Cross’s 2 calves He & I brought them down here I went
back to Fathers & stayed all night wrote a letter for Ireland
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con't
Nov.
Dec.
20
put the 2 Sows to fat Geo & went to Father to butcher
too wet went to Thos Colemans pm stopped all night
24
went to Thompsons mill & hauled a load of slabs
quite hard froze
26
warned some of the men for inspection
M Cooper at $4 each
27
the Co was inspected by Major Schoule Mrs Cook & Thos Perry
were buried got a letter from Aunt Margaret for Sams wages
13
John McLennan came here with a list of volunteers names to
warn for drill
14
put half the roof on the calf pen H Jones was here for money
Moved the bed into the kitchen Messers M McLennan M Moir &
L Richer was here
road
bought 16 lambs from
20 went to Cookstown to be drilled by McKenzies
did not come
McKenzie
22
the big mare got loose this morning again with the other
three went to for red wash according to Sams recipe but
it was no good
24
went to Cookstown for some red wash got some from Harper
got a recipe from him wrote to Cartwright at night
*Note Memoranda in back of Diary: Nov. 27, 1866-Wm Cook, Thos Parks
& I got 40 rounds of ammunition each
Year 1867
Jan.
7 helped to Saw at S McKenleys
Feb.
8 cleaned some wheat am threshed oats at crop pm
Alex &
Eliza John Mitchell & Lydia came from Cartwright
April
8 Went to Barrie as Juror to the assizes
Snowed & rained am
was on McDermits case
Geo helped to saw at Fathers
9 At the Assizes
10 at the Assizes
Paid my school tax Sam
was on Beaties Dowry case
was on Clarks Reywy case (foreman)
11 At the court am was on Dunlops case for theft
Verdict
guilty sentence 3 years Penty
walked home pm Stopped
at Uncle Wins all night
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 7
Year 1867 conTt
May
31
had the Sowing machine
June
17
Made some of the lane fence east of the shanty
Geo hauled
planks from Jebbs mill
I went to Cookstown after tea to
a Committee meeting
18
Logged at fathers
had J nix with the oxen
left Geo plowing
came home at night & Geo was gone
had plowed but a few rounds
found out on Wednesday that he had cleared out & took 16 or $18
of mine
24
plowed
went to Cookstown after tea with the Tailor & got
cloth for a suit of clothes
July
Aug.
Sept.
1
had a spree at night had 11 girls
Confederation day
celebrated it with the Company
Company had dinner in Grahams
came home at night
was with me
for Picken
fiddle
P Parks
11
went to Ferguson & got $120came home & finished hoeing
the potatoes at noon went to see J Patterson after about
the waggon
13
Hired Sidney Tibbs for two months at $20 P month
commenced mowing
17
J Patterson & I went to Gilford & brought home our new waggon
had another piece of my tooth pulled by Dr Sutherland
Tibbs
1 went to Barrie with bacon & flour for Sid flour & oats for
sale
got (— ) for oats & $7 for flour
Was at the show at
night
17
went to Barrie with flour got $7.00 P brl had 5 brl
at Dr Knowles wake at night
Sid pulled peas
18
was at Dr Knowles funeral &' Evening service in the Church
7 went to the elction
supper
was
Hugh Coulter came home with me & had
22 went to S.S. & Church & to Mrs Arnolds (Bessy) wake PM
was at the wake all night
23
was at Mrs Arnolds funeral
30
cultivated
Father came & took Jess & the harness away to
Barrie tomorrow with crab apples
wrote an application for
my discharge agan the company
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1867 con’t
Oct.
13
did not go to church
People being afraid of taking the
disease that Rebecca had
14
dug round stones on the hill field
Abraham Cantrill hauled
up with the horses
Abraham comes work to day at $12 for
one month or $11 while the plowing lasts
Nov.
14
paid my taxes to Peacock
Dec.
12
came home this morning
was cold
Abr & I cut the
Pine in the bush & oak in the field
got my two ears frozen
Thes at M
Move the bed in the kitchen at night
20
Abr is
of the
I list
lungs
$10-12
threshing at Sandys
went to Cookst to an inspection
Co.
Nippes T Ellavdt Jno Moir Rich Thos Harry &
the(Cop)
consulted Dr Nicol about the pain in my
calls it irritation of the lungs
*Note Memoranda in back of Diary: Jan 9, borrowed from A McLennan 1
large clevis bolt ; May 14, returned the same
Also lists letters sent & received
Year 1868
Jan.
6 went to the Election am
& cleaned some peas PM
Henry & I drove my pigs to Fathers
20 went to Toronto with Henry
drove Nelly in the cutter
in 12 hours
stopped at Allinghome
Feb.
went
21
saw Dr Bowell
Said I was doing well
examined the B A &
Days Commercial Colleges to make arrangements for Henry
Seen Dr Lund
lifted my notes
visited the Parliament House
Seen Betty Burns at night
Harry & I drove Nelly out
22
arranged for Henry for 3 month in Days C. College for $20$3 + 57 for books
Seen Bessy Burns (der) Hee out
went to the Asylum left Bessy home
had miss Gipson along
23
went to Cartwright from Toronto
14
Robt Allingham & I went to Ross Mill with an (Bek loger)
Paid Cowper (but or) land 47.50
McLennans & McKindly
girls came down at night
very stormy
19
Salted the pork about 350 lbs
put about 30 lbs salt on
Bob & I went to Cookstown with the teamPM
called at fathers
comeing home fine soft day
left Henry in Toronto
A
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1868 con't
March
7
advertise the calf in Grahams Hotel
took a load of hay to
fathers
last of the stack am
went to Cookt & got Thos
Tate Boys to draw the lease between Picken & I
stopped
for the lodge
stopped at fathers
8
Dr Sarah Ann Jane & I went to T Wallaces
had very heavy
rain
Stopped all night on acct of the road being very
soft
Still thawing
great flood
April
6
ground too hard to Plow
hauled 4 w box fields of wood &
chips & I doof of oak bark
A1 chopped the turnip patch
July
1 Dr, Rebecca, Ann Jane & I went to an excursion on Lakes Simcoe
& Couching
Stopped at the reunion at Lefroy at night
Sept.
4
Dr Bob Alex & I Plow AM
Dr Bob & I finished at tea time
Abm harrow at home PM
went to the circus at night went
to fathers & stayed all night
22
hired Abraham at breakfast this Mg for another year from
his time is out at $120 & washing and A week out of this
year to go to see his sister.
He & I plowed on the hill
Oct.
23
helped W. Oliver to saw AM
made a rack for the creek in
the East side of the North lanePM
went with Henry at lp
to Cookstown to keep Mrs. C from going with Hall to get
married
Sat in the Bar all night
Dec.
4
Johny & I was at the machine at Sandys
Abm thresh & cut
oats
went to the lodge at night
was reelected master
Stoped at the spree til mg
8 Abm & I piled the oak
very stormy
brought
Cookst Evg.
left my
from Sanders at $17
came home at 2
22
lumber at Brans mill N 238ft AM
the H. Power from Uncles
Went to
measure bar & great coat that I bought
was at Henry Armstrongs Birthday party
hauled home 3 loads cedar rails cut from Reinys swamp
went to Hindles school house & Paid my S tax $3.00
Abm cut & hauled rail cust with Olivers oxen
Page 9
Page 1C
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1869
Jan.
Feb.
26
Mary McLennan is getting married today
Chopped logs for
sawing
Yank (Yankee) has the horses hauling hay
Abm
went to Fishers to settle with him
5 Mrs. Coleman was found dead in bed at 4 this morning by
little Dick as I was leaving to go home
Stopped in the
village all day
7 Mrs Coleman was buried to day
March 11
took a bag to Jebbs mill
I heard that Ann Jane was bad
with inflamation of the bowels
went to see her
She
is very ill
13
went to Cookstown morning to hear from Fraser about the
hotel
He sends word that wont have it
Arranged with
Father about the place
came home at 1pm
went back to
Cookstown & met Patterson & T.W. Parks on (
) business
16
Saw D Bullinger last night about the Hotel
Stopped at
fathers AM
went to Cookstown PM
Saw G Gibbs about the
Hotel
did not make a bargain
Stoped at fathers
Ann Jane seems a little better
28 was at James Murrays funeral
April
thence to Cookstown to get
2 went to fathers & had dinner
the deed from father but Boys was not at home. Stopt for
the lodge
3 Abraham went to Owen Sound
with Jess
8
Rebecca & Bessie Burns cooked
Taylor left him at Barrie
went to Moirs at night
20
Rented the Hotel to D. Brillenger at $350 quarterly in
advance having got word from Gibbs that he would not
take it
23
Plow in the potatoes & turnips grow
Spillets & killed her accidentally
night
threatning rain bedtime
26
T. Campbell & Robert Gregg was here at tea time to rent
the Hotel
R, Gregg stayed all night
27
went to Cookstown & W. Jones & I let the Hotel to Gregg
at $360Brillinger failing to come
Father & I disputed
about the place
He wanting $1000 & %acres of wood for
the other place
bought the sow from
J. Moir was here at
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1869 con’t
May
June
July
10
last day of single life
went home with the waggon
Went
to Uncles & had dinner
came back to fathers thence to
J. Jones, Dr & I thence to the church & (got) married to
Bessy burns at 2PM
came straight home
Mag colt is
very bad
22
felt a tickling sore in my right hand
27
Richd finished sowing the oats
with my hand
31
Showed my hand to Dr Nicol calls it a whitlow
Made me poltice with bread & water
Suffering fearfully
2
Showed my hand to Nicol again
Would not lance it yet
4
Nicol lanced & (prolled) my hand to day
very painful
did not run
John Coleman Sowed grasseed on the flat field
14
Taylor commenced plowing the S fallow
very showery
weather
first writing I done since the 21st (vilt)
Was at A Scarlet meeting
15
went to Toronto to the Synod
16
Was at the Synod AM & at the G Lodge PM
19
went to Spark Hales about the farm mg
went to the Synod
till 2.30pm
Subscribed for the Weekly telegraph
24
commenced hauling hay
hauled 1 load
it rained
T.R.Ferguson was here
went to the side road with him
Offered me an office (Ensign) in the Co.
commenced
ploy on the Hill PM
3 time
31
finished hauling the hay
11 loads in all this year
went to Cookst Evg
Saw Capt Bridgeurto
Letty Jones came home with me
Sept. 5 Went to Church mg
Mr&Mrs Parks was here
& Elly Jones too
Alick has the meaesles
liquor for him at night
Saw McCheel Allingham
S.J. Coleman
Went for
16
B.M.C. last night
finished the wheat at Lucys
John cut around the wheat on the hill after tea
Bessy ill
brought Aunt Jane to see her
rained to night
17
Dr.Tom. John & Alick plowed on the hill AM & commenced
cutting wheat PM
Kit & Kate Coleman came here
Ann Jane was here
Page 1
Wm.R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1869 con’t
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
7
reaped & mowed oats
Alick is at Cooks threshing
Robert Allingham came here, hired Him for a year at $132
10
Bessy & I went to Fathers
Alex came up yesterday with
Fathers horse
Volunteers warned to be ready
23
Rained all A.M. & Most of PM
Bob threshed & Alick cut
some oats
put two logs in the bridge on the side road PM
heard the trial at Cookst between J. Ferguson & Bradeau
5 went to Bankins & got watch (dog)AM went to Cookst to
the Lodge PM
came home at 7 Dr & 2 Bobs plow till noon
Harry & Beck was married
13
did some chores AM Bessy & I went to Cookst PM to meet
W. Jones & get the rent from Gregg & get boots for Bessy
Bob dug & took home the Beets. Carrots & parsnips from
Lucy1s
27
made A post for the ben in the barn AM
Was at J.Colemans
Baby funeral PM
went to Cookt
Bob is helping
J McLennan to thresh with the horses
1 wrought on the Hill on the s.road
freezed last night
cold to day
same help as yesterday
collecter was here (Donnelly)
18
Father & I went to Cookst PM
of the place
Father signed the deed
24
did some chores AM
went to the School examination PM
Mr Fidler was here for dinner
Bob hauled 2 loads wood
25
xmas
Bessy & I went to Church AM
dinner
came home at bedtime
went to Fathers & had
Year 1871
Jan.
15
Bessy & I left Baby at Fathers & went to church PM
had tea at Fathers & came home at 8
22
MrsL-Hamiltori'was called to Her long home this mg at 2
went to Church mg
had dinner at Harrys
went to
Ramiltons & stayed till ngt
Bessy. Yank & Billy Burns
went after Mrs Burns
very cold day
23
hauled 2 loads wood AM
old Dick & I put some hay on the
stalk
left PM
went to the wake & stopt till 10
coldest day was this year 27 blow zero
Page 1
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1871 con't
Jan.
Feb.
24
went to the Funeral with Charley Hawitt
to day
26
Bessy & I went to Cartwright from $4.15 to 5.40 with
Mag & Harrys mare
29
Stopt at Alexs all day
30
Bessy Eliza & I went to the village mg
Baby took ill last night
1 Alex Eliza Margaret Higgins Bessy & I went to Port Perry
Borelia & Prince Albert
3
26
March 14
April
not so cold
Bessy & I came home from Cartwright in 13hrs
Stormy mg & evg
Bessy & I went to Church mg
left Libby at Fathers
dinner there
J M^ltas came here
Snowing Evg
had
Went to the nominations
T.R.Ferguson was reelected for
the Ontario Parliament
not able to be present himself
from the beating he got in Bradford
very muddy roads
16
cut oats here
rained some AM
23
Sowed about 4 inches last night
Bob is helping Richd to
haul lgs for sawing.
W.H. came here & we tried to settle
but he got in a passion & left
Ann Jane stopt all night
24
left Ann Jane home.
Bessy, Father & I went to Cookst
I borrowed $88 from Jas Ross $40 from Perkins & 20 from
Father & paid W.H. at his Fathers
what money I had
borrowed from Him with interest $169 in all
brought the chapt stuff from Sams
25
told Jake
and the T
for man &
for going
John said
the steer
had Richd Dickey J.Moir Bob & I
This day 12 years Bro Robert was buried
Coleman Yesterday to offer W.H. for me Pickens
Machine into his own hands and allow me $2 P day
team till the plowing was done & $1.50 P day after
with the machine.
went to Johns to night
He offered it & He, W.H., refused it. Bo yoked
& hauled in the clover stack
1
hauled logs to the rollway for Sawing
have 90 in
S. McLennan was here & got His auger
J.Moir got a chain
John went to W.H. yesterday and He refused to take the
machine & Hill & give me $80 for the fall ploughing &
threshing
4
Revd Mr Fidler & Harrison Doan came here AM to see about
buying land
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1871 con't
April 11
July
Aug.
wrought at the new fence AM
went to Sutherland raising PM
Fawcett was here taking the census
Bob ploughed
Dickey left Bessy and Father here
Bought two gang ploughs from Bradeau coming home
3 Was at the district: meeting at Alliston
Dr Norris went
with me
was at Fathers coming home. Yank helped Dr to
clean a load of wheat on the hill & harrow some
Bob is
idle sick
12
Celebrated the 181th Anniversary of the battle and victory
of the Boyne with my Lodge.
District met in Cookstown had
speaking in the drill shed
made Yank social at night
30
Stopt at home all day
Jno Mitchell went to Balaniscreen
J Shoughnessy was here Evg
14
finished ploughing the west centre field PM
Part gauged
& part plowed
J Shoughnessy gathered peas till tea
He & I hauled one load after
fire raging at Lucys
machine broke at McManas
18
cut oats on the hill till about 2 pm
When I had to come
home to the fire at Lucys and pull down some of the fence
and hauled it away after night Rich, 0 Dick J.Mitchele,
J Shoughnessy Jas Stuart & Harry helped haul rails
till 10PM
threshing at J. Jones
19
took Blacks & Hindles threshing mg
cut oats till near 2
& went to the fire north of Lucys. Richd, J Shoughnessy
A Dick & I hauled wood into the field till 9pm threshed at
Parks
20 wind SE this mg
fire drawing near my bush
rain came
thank God about 10
good many people came here
J Mitchel
& I went to Fathers with Harry Evg
Sept.
8
finish sowing west field. Bob ploughed in S.E. field
H Stephens harrowed
Yank & 0 Dick hauled manure AM
All hands attended the fire in McLennans swamp PM
10
helped 3
F. McLennan to take down some of his fence and
took down some of my own
got some of mine burnt
14
was up till 4 this mg
Sawing Cooks & J McLennan
fences
sowed last of F wheat(S.E. field)
0 Dick
& Bob harrowed
Bob hauled some of Cooks rails from
the fire
Uncle Jack & Wm Coleman was here
Page 14
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1871 con’t
Sept. 17
Nov.
Dec.
Bessy & I went to Church PM
very cold wind
Rev Mr Fidler announced that he was going to leave
the parish
9 David Ernest born at 10.25 PM
Saw Mrs Burns early
some better
Harry & I and the
horses wrought on road
Bob ploughed at Lucys
some
frost last night
fine day
Dickey brought Mrs Moir
& I brought A.J. here. Our 2nd Baby 1st Boy was born
at 10.25 PM weighed 8 lbs
Bob ploughed at Lucys
15
went to Squire Ross for money $40 for work done on
roads had rorey J Heads horse
had dinner at Greggs
tea at Harries
Met John Moir there
good sleighing
threshed at W Dinwoodys
Year 1872
Jan.
10
finsihed threshing at home
about 80 bush S wheat &
120 fall & 100 oats - had S. McLennan, Bob McKindless
R Picken, Bill & Jess Moir, J Spillett & Jock, James
Reiny, Ricd, Hary, Yank, Dickey, R.J. Coleman, Richd Parks
& myself. 16 besides the threshers Bob Allingham, Harry
Stephens & Billy Burns
19 in all. had Parks & Moirs
teams
Soft day
17
threshers burst Big wheel mg
Billy came for me. Armstrong
put a strap on it. threshed at Thos PM I drove it
wrought well
went to 0 meeting in the A Hall to arrange
for gauge to Bradford on friday
Dr Bill took very ill
in Cookt & was taken to Harys
18
fixed up & cleaned out the cut oats room AM took Bessy to
Fathers, went to Fergusons and gave Andy $100 on Estate
Rent PM
Threshers broke & cogs in Big wheel at T. Colemans
& got Hodgins H Power to finish
19 went to Bradford to the Election of Officers of the
Agricultural Associan of S Simcoe So as to get the next
fair to Cookstown
Elected our men
Billy Burns and H. Stephen had the team out
Snow Storm PM
Bob & A Jane went to Sunnidale
March 22
got a shoe on Mag & tried to sell Mitchells mare, could
not
Bessy got Lizzy vaccination & Her Picture taken
weighed 166-3/4# on Jas Ross scale with one coat on
Page 1
Page 1<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1872 con't
April
2 weighed 164#
mg
Harry &
110 doz.from
Mrs Forsters
month
on Sandys beam
Mrs Moir got L; ton
Yank helped me to haul 3 loads oats
the hill
roads block up
hardly
little girl Jeany came here to live
hay this
about
passible
at $1 P
8 helped to Saw at Sandys & Yank took the Horses & helped
Harry to move into the old house on Coleman Estate
warm day - roads very bad
May
Aug.
10
finished hauling the sawed wood AM done the choresPM
Ann Jane & Bessy laid the new carpet in the Parlor
cold wind
Some snow blowing PM Floods greatly abated
11
J Mitchell went to U.S.M
ground hard this mg
turned
out fine day
left A. Jane home mg & went to Cookstown
to see Gregg about leaving Hotel. Said he would hold it
a month or two after May if I could not rent by that
time
Father went to Cookt with me
have no man now
roads bad
13
went to Barrie & took out garnishee to prevent Jas
Armstrong paying Riddeles money
28
0 Dick & I helped to plant potatoes at Fathers
Insured
my place in Victoria Insurd Co. $1000
Dickey commenced
rolling on the Hill
very cold wind
1 Nomination day in Cookst.
10
Sept.
Little elected by acclamation
Price & I went to Cookstown night
Surveyers there
Hamilton Railway
1
Bessy & I went to Church mg.
J Moir was here PM
went to Cookst Evg for medicine for Lizzy for Summer
complaint
Billy Burns is here Sick
2
Some rain this mg
went to Barrie to have a suit with
Teague about the wood Jas Armstrong bought
Teague was
not Summonded
Judge G. allowed Armstrong to pay me
the $22 by me indemnifying him
Price O.D. & Dickey
hauled wheat on Hill.
16 Alx & I went to Spilletts to get Bricks for house could
not get them for 2 weeks yet.
Price finished harrowing
wheat & run water furrows
0 Dick broke 4 B harrow in
new fallow & went to Cookt after - Sick-
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1872 con't
Ocf,
7 Price & I emptied the well A.M.
Price went to Hunter
to live & I ploughed in new fallow P.M.
0 D is not home
yet
9
Nov.
Dec.
cut oats at Fathers
had E. Bathie in 0 Dick place
Bessy & Mary Jones went there to quilt
13
did not go to Church
A D got home Evg for the first
Since the show fair
Price was here
16
Bessy & I was at Mrs Watsons funeral A.M.
hauled home
a load of the lumber Henry had on his (tent) ey
22
commenced threshing
threshed for Picken
have Dick &
Hary Stephens
got my leg hurt mg but thank God not much
O.D. left this mg
Bessy was at John Colemans Babys funeral
30
threshed at Wm Reinys finished and left the machine at
Fergusons 3rd line barn
very cold and stormy
Snowed
some but not enough for Sleighing
6
threshed at Fergusons barn on the 50 acres.
went to the
Lodge at night & was Elected Master Sixth time
Stopt in
Harrys all night
9 finished Fergusons barn on the 50 acrs at 4 P.M.
&
moved to R.T. Bantings
very cold stormy day
Stopt at
Col- .
16
went with Alxr to Mr. Polls Tecumseth to look at his farm
Alxr offered $430.0 & he wanted $430,00
had dinner
at W Jones
Sleighing poor outside.
17
went to Barrie as witness
Sleighing good
18
Price & I cleaned 10 bags barley & 6 bags wheat on the Hill
A.M. brought my elm lumber from Jebbs Mill P.M. Snowed
some to day
Saw W. Coleman & Hugh Morrow from Mulmur
25
Christmas
Mrs Burns, Price & I went to Church
Father & I Stopt for communion
Father, A.J. Alexr
Eliza, Dicky & Kate came home with us
called to see
John Coleman
He is Pretty ill . A.J. came back with Price
& stopt all night
W. Hill was here mg about threshing
very cold East wind
on Bathie & Pickin Case
Page 1/
Wm. R. Coleman of Inrxlsfil Township Diaries
Year 1873
Jan,
1
Bessy & I spent most of day with John Coleman who is
very low
and went to the Presbyterian Social at night
8
threshed at Goodwins, Bob is still in Richds place
John Coleman died at 7 mg
did not know it till Bob came
back from Cookstown at 7:30 & told me
10 was at John Colemans Funeral.
Settled some of my Acts
in Cookt P.M.
bought a watch from Dr.Nicol for 15cw hay
Bob Allingham came home with me to take my place at
machine tomorrow
Very cold day.
11
was at G Davis Funeral
Richd Rary Stephens & Bob A
threshed at S Pattersons
very cold day
18 went to Pickens & bargain with Him for His farm at $2500
He backs out when we went to Cooks
Cold AM snowed most PM
Feb.
21
Stopt in doors AM
went to Cookt PM
was at a railway
meeting
Mailed J. Abell $5.70
Snowed most of day
22
was at the Reinys Collecting threshing money & to get them
to vote for the $20000 bonus to the Hamilton & N.W.R.R. on
friday
24
Voted for the $20-000 bonus to the Hamilton & N.W.R.R.
built a load of oats on the Hill & Bessy & I went to
Parks at night & stopt till tea time
10
went to Cookt mg to get Pete Shod. S Spillett came to
tell me I could have Bricks
brought home 700
Price hauled 3 loads rails from Ferriers
cold day
Mrs. Moir was here
11
took 67 Bush of S wheat to Bradford
got $1.17
$78.39
brouhgt home 650 bricks from Spillets
had Pete & Charley
Price hauled wood for Adam J.
12
hauled 700 bricks with Kitty & doll
Price was at Moirs
bee drawing Stable timber with Pete & Charley
Revd Mr Hindes Miss Rohan & Beck McKindless was here.
13
hauled 700 bricks with Kitty & doll
Price took 750 with
Pete & Charley
Bessy & Jane Mitchell went to Cookstown
with me
14
hauled 800 bricks from Spillets with Kitty & doll
Price
took 800 with Pete & Charley
cold
Elly Janes & Kitty
Coleman was here for Misy Mary
Bob Allingham was took
them
He took Kitty away to go to Sutton to See his cousin
15
hauled 800 bricks with Pete & doll
S. McLennan 300 for
Himself & 300 for me
Price went to Alliston P.M.
Sharp mg but fine day & good sleighing
Page 1
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page IS
Year 1873 con’t
Feb.
19
Alexr & Eliza went to Goderich
left Bessy at Fathers AM
went to R. Hills and bought bricks at $7- PM
hauled
home 2 loads P.M.
Price finished hauling 1000 rails from
A Ferriers & hauled some wood
20 hauled 3 loads Bricks from Hills 820-800-780
paid
his sum $26-25c for them & what I had got yesty 3750
Price is at Adams sawing
fine weather thawing in
middle of day
March 14
got 15% bush Treadwell wheat ground at Nicols
got
130 ft flooring at Nicols took it to Alliston & got it
planed for 29c
got a door for balcony for $2.50
warm day
Snow going very fast
roads bare in places
Price is at E Bathies bee
15 raining this mg.
rained most all day
went to Montgomerys
funeral P.M.
Price wend for Sand
got none for rain
Miss Simpson is here from Toronto
Came yesterday
flood
getting up fast
April
2
Bessy, W.Evans & I was at Bob Allinghams Wedding at
Jas. Jones
Bessy & I was home about 5.30
Price was
at Moirs with the Horses Sawing till machine broke at 3P.M.
John Platt was here alone
Mud & Snow banks alternately
3
Wm Evans commenced bricking the house at noon
him
Price in at Moirs Sawing with the Horses
7
Wm Evans put up some Bricks. I attended Him
Father was
here
Jno Platt came here & commenced the gable in the
front of the House
8
done some at the Brick work
H.Ferrier & Platt shingled
the front gable
rained most all day
I attended
fine day
13
Price & I eat 12 eggs each at breakfast
W. Evans eat 11
Price-Evans-Bessy & K went to Church
water very high
<pn side road
had dinner & tea at Fathers
19
finished lathing A.M.
& put on one coat plaster P.M.
went to Cookstown (W.Evans & I) after tea
Letty Jones
came here and stopped all night
25
left Win Evans at Gilford mg on His way home
He charged
me $31 for Bricking & plastering house & 1 gave him $41
E. Bathie got 12cw hay P.M.
Ann Jane & Dicky was here
for lime & Mortor
Page 2(
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1873 con’t
May
June
10
rained some this mg
Sowed the Peas 1.3h bush on hill
field next Saws & harrowed some
Price ploughed first
in S.W. pasture field till tea time harow peas after
Father & Jas. Scroggy was here
Insured the Hotel
at 3 pr cwt $1600 3 years in the Citizen C. of Montreal
cool & windy
30
Price & I puled down & rebuild fence between house field
& north pasture
$200 000 bonus granted to H. & N. west R.R.
Great demonstration in Cookt to night
6 Price & I pulled down & rebuilt part of fence between
Reaver Meadow & East pasture till tea time
Rev. Mr. Hindes
was here from tea time till night
Price & I went to
the Lodge at night
Bessy went to Cookt & got some
tomatoe plants from D Nicol
7 Price has Pete to excursion to Orillia
Dickey has Kitty
& the Buggy
done very little to day
fence some
around E oats field & Bessy & I planted some tomatoes &
Cauliflower plants
dry & windy, rain wanted
July
16
went to Barrie with E. Bathie to get some money $12 from
Jack
bought Edwards note of $80 for $68 & a clear receipt
12
Spent the day very pleasantly in & around Cookstown
Clover Hill, Elm Grove Alliston, & Newtown Robinson
Lodges was at Cookt
Bessy & the Children was down Lizzy & Erny
15
commenced Fathers meadow mg. Wm Jones, Britan - Father
Jas. Jones, Yank & I went to Cookst & looked over the
estate papers which (Share) that I have collected on Estate
Acct $1502-ll--& Paid out $1558-78-that is $56-68 more than
(J Rud, W.Jone Paid
Sept. 11
Price & I cut and bound some of the oats in the S.W.
field - very warm day
Bessy got home and had Elly Conner
with her. She hired a girl in Adjala
Harry is at
Parks helping with Peas.
12
Threashed the Peas with McKindless machine
at night
had a spree
17
threshed for Hayley 180 wheat - 175 oats
took J Stewarts
job Evg at $22
theshers let H Power fall & bent line
shaft
left machine at Poole barn
Dickey went to Adjala
for a girl
Price left in a fret this mg
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1873 con’t
Sept. 18 went to Alliston and got line shaft straightg
Parks & I
put H Power together
Mr & Mrs Canner was here & took
Elly away.
Harry went to Cole & Col circus to night
19 went to Adjala P.M.
looking for a girl
Richd Parks
& Harry threshed John Stewarts wheat on Pool farm $10job
I stopt at J Conners all night
threshed for
J McLennan
20 went to Ballacroy looking a girl-got none
came home evg.
Elly Canner came with me
Parks & Harry threshed for
McLennan P.M.
Richd A.J. & S. Jane went to Nottawa
Price went to work this mg again
23
cleaned first load of wheat A.M.
Price hauled a load
from Gilford for Bradeu & Harry P.M.
Harry logged with
McKindless & I went to Littlejohns near Barrie looking
a girl P.M.
24
took first load of wheat to Bradford (bush) 53-35 got
$115
$61-63
took home a load for Bradeu & Harry
Price took 947 bricks to Dr Norris - Harry & J.W. Parks
took the machine to D. Ross-s
fine day
26 got the line shaft straight at Alliston A.M. threshed
at Ross s P.M. Dickey took my place and W. Jones & I
rented the Hotel to Wm Adams 3 years at $325- six months
in advance P.M.
W & Jas Jones - Father & I signed the
bonds for Guarding P.M.
30
Oct.
went to Thos. Wrights with J Moir to rent His Farm
They agreed at $300 P annum
Price & Hary Ploughed
2 went to Mrs Ferriers in 4th con and hired Mary Taylor
A.M. went to the County Show P.M, & witnessed a lease
for J. Moir
Price Ploughed A.M. and went to the show
P.M.
Hary is at it all day
fine day
6
left Elly Canner at Wm Jones & Mrs Jones took her to Adjala
A.M. had dinner at Fathers & went to D. Thompsons for
Apples
got none.
Harry Parks & I cut oats at Fathers
they & Richd went to Bob Grahams Evg to thrash tomorrow
cold wind
7
fetCfced home some potatoes A.M,
went to Cookstown to
change tenants in the Hotel P.M.
Adams did not come in
my time - left at 4 p.m.
Price came home this mg &
ploughed first Since noon 2
Richd Parks & Harry threshed
at Bob Grahams
fine day
8 Mr McLennan & I hand picked 12 bush apples-Paid 40c for
them
went to Cookt evg to give lease to W Adams and
settle with Gregg
they were busy moving and I did not
get it done
Price ploughed some in N.E. field & hauled
some stones in S.E. Rich Parks & Harry left B. Grahams at noon
Page 2;
Wtn R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1873 con't
Oct.
Nov.
11
Hary & I finished hauling manure at noon went to Cookstown
P.M, to give the Lease to W. Adams but he backed out last
night
Price ploughed in west field
rained some P.M.
13
walked to Mrs Ferriers after Mary Taylor
She is away to
the 9# A.M.
Harry & I went to Sams threshing P.M.
Price ploughed at house
Rd Surple came here to night
to blast stones
29
ground white this mg. & freezing
went to Becketts for
a girl A.M. got the promise of one. A.M. Harry & I wrought
on road P.M. Price & Harry hauled away the fence from
around line pasture a.m.
some snow on ground yet.
9
17
Dec.
4
Stopt at home all day. Wra Jones & wife was here pretty
cold
freezing tonight
Mary Edith was born at 10.10pm
our 2nd girl brought Dr Nicol and Ann Jane here at 9pm
Wrote Marys name 19-11-05 Wk
threshed at Boh Ross s a.m. Saw Professor Rockwell perform
with his train Horse.p.m.
Dickey started with A Hipwell
left Machine at Pickens
Parks came home with me
had the
waggon to day.
home to night
fearful wild night-of wind & rain- wind
kept up all day
fences & trees blown down in all directions
J Hewitt came here. Parks, Harry & I took machine from
J. Ross s & set it at McLeods. Price & J. Hewitt covered
potato pits deeper, hardly a particle of snow to be seen
this mg commenced freezing mg & continued all day
11
left Bessy & the Children at Fathers & went to the political
meeting at Cookstown. Boulton & Saunders Harry was at
the meeting too
ground white mg
rained some am
23
Skidded logs a.m. & went to the nomination of Bolton &
Saunders p.m.
Bessy went to Barrie with 7 geese
6 ducks & 36 doz eggs, got 50 &65 for geese, 25 each for
ducks and 17c for eggs
warm day
30 went to the Election to Hindles School house - Boulton
& Saunders was Scrutineer for Boulton
Boulton elected
by
Great demonstration in Cookstown
came home
at 11hired Price Hamilton again 1 year for $162-50
to come until done with arnold
Page 22
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1874
Jan.
March
5 went to Election a.tn.
Voted for Trueman & Hunter for
Dp Reeves & Scott & Lennox for Councillors
They were
elected
ground bare except at fences
fine day
22
repaired Stalls in stable a.m.
went to the nomination
at Cookstown p.m. W.C. Little Elected again for Dominion
house by Acclamation
rained most of day & night
29
took 63-30 F wheat to Bradford
Stored at Stoddarts
was offered $1.15 - $1.16 was paid
Jas. Burns took
Bessy to Bondhead & got the Burns Estate money from
H. Lount $125 each
wont allow Bessy to keep any of it
very stormy evg
6
28
J. Moir and S J Coleman was married p.m.
Moirs dog &
mine killed 5 of my sheep last night & worried 11 more
E. Bathie & A Ferrier valued the damage & laid $27 on it
Moir to pay half of it to me. Them to get 2 pelts & me 3
went to Cookt p.m. & got stuff for the live ones
Met
with W. Jones & Flanigan that has taken the Hotel at Greggs
went to Cookstown to Watsons Sale
Isaac Lennox came
here & offer to trade a horse for Pete & Charly & give
$200 boot
I want $220
Valued P & C at $320 or
Charly at $170
30 went to Lennox Mill mg to see him about the trade. & to
look for Peas at J gnation Lennox. Peas sold
J. Lennox
to be here tomorrow went to P Rolsons p.m. to buy oats
wanted 58, for oats & 65 for peas
Richd & Yank was here
making a rollway for logs.
ground quite bare
town
line drying
31
helped Richd & Yank to Skid logs with my 2 teams in my
bush on the Hill
first He cut here
Isaac Lennox
was here & had his brother James & John Dick to see
Charly
I wanted $170- he thought he was too flat footed
April 30 went to Cooks mg about buying Peas
Sold Glasford some
hay at $16 p ton
Dickey took him 22cwt.2as pm
I
went & Seen Mary Taylor at Mrs. Macs about buying the
place & then to Cook & got advice from M Leary about it
May
5 Dickey harrow Mag first time
finished ploughing &
Sowed turnips & potatoe patch about 3 acrs
put 4^ bush
wheat on it & went to see the Surveyers cross Sams place
for R.R, a.m.
plough for early potato & commenced sowing
peas p.m, Bessy got a round shoe on Charly & brought Jim
Burns home with her p.m.
Page 2
Page 2i
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1874 con’t
May
Sowed last of oats in Hill field
18*i finished Sowing
Joseph Coulter came here & I hired Him for 5 months
at $14 & washing if we Suit each other
to be paid
in winter
very windy p.m.
cold night
22
June
2
was Pall Bearer at Old Mr. Martins funeral
left home mg for Chicago left Toronto by G Trunk
at 11.40 reached Chicago at 8.20 next mg
510 miles
from Toronto
Jim Burns commenced work Plowed at Port
went on G Trunk
3 reached Chicago at 8.20 this morning
R.R. to Detroit Junction & Michigan Central
from that
to Chicago
found Taylors without any trouble
took
my lodging with Mrs Leeson
July
4
got a release of Dower signed by Lucy & deed signed by
Lucy, Wm Alexr & Joanna Morea mg
went to the railway
station p.m. to know when trains left for Toronto
W.A.Taylor took me to the theatre
5
Joseph Mitchell drove me around town till we got the
papers Sworn to before Zenis Lee, A Notory Public
left for home at 9.20 p.m. & reached Toronto at
7.20 p.m. Satdy
15
Joe & I pulled & burnt stumps & logged on port
Jim
ploughed
went to Cookst after tea & got Hotel
insured with Cook for $2000
Bessy was with me
21
Bessy & I went to See Mrs p W Jones
Church & hear Mr Ball preach p.m.
30
took 49.35 S wheat to Gilford got $1.17
brought the
printing Press from Gilford for P.H. Stewarts
gave
Willy Morling 25c to drive the team to Cookstown with it
& came across the Swamp from Hewitts to meet Rev. McHindes
here
He & His mother was here Evg
Joe harrowed
on Port & Jim Burns cut thistles
cool day
21
gave Richd the mower & I plough Kitty & Mag till tea
time & went to Cookst Evg
Seen P Hamilton & wanted Him
to come back & put in His time - He refused- Jim plowed
all day & Joe thrashed oats
31
Jim & I went to Barrie to See Barnums Show
Dicky rode
Mag up
Joe harrowed
(Carpwiters) wrought at porch
Father came home from Walkerton
was away since 29 May
went to St. Johns
Page 2
Wm. R. Coleman of Innlsfil Township Diaries
Year 1874 con't
Sept.
6
14
Oct.
Nov.
Bessy & I went to Church mg
night & to day
Davy Jones was here last
Jim, Joe & I plow a.m.
fire broke off from Port at
noon & burnt Swamp between Reiny & Port
A great many
of Reinys fences Some of Abel Kindles & A great many of
Ignatius Lennox & some sawed wood oon Him
Great fire South of J MCLennans barn
8 was at the S.Simcoe Show fair at Cookstown
Bessys 20#
butter took Bradeu & Colemans Prize - Set of China $10
worth
Mrs Wm Jones came home with us
23
Hotel partly destroyed by fire this mg
damage estimated
at $240 by Jas Ingham & Mathew Bradeu
ploughed mg till
Henry came & told me of the fire
went to Cookt then
Dick spread manure at Fathers
weighed 161#
24
ploughed a.m.
went to Cookst p.m. & W. Jones & I signed
an agreement to take $240 for what damage is done to Hotel
Dicky ploughed
Joe raised potatoes
3
ploughed a few rounds in the Sod but it is very dry & I
left off
tried to get Hewitt to thrash peas but cant
went to Cookst ~ after night & got a cheque from the
Insurance Co for $240 for the fire in the house
Bessy was at Fathers & Mrs Stewart & Her was at Jno
Pattersons
4 was helping to thrash at Pickes till Evg
potatoes
Indian Summer weather
Joe hauled
10
hauled Soft water & (op) a.m.
burned some chunks p.m.
Ann Jane & Sophia Coleman was here dyeing yarn red, black
& Scarlet
Jo is raising turnips
find dry weather
like Indian Summer
13
went to Barrie to get Surveyers
Flannigan & Robt Sproule
was here about letting former in & latter into the Hotel
14
took the team to Cookstown to Yank to haul stuff to bank
the house
Harry is in
Met with Surveyers
Gavelier
sent young McVitty home with me
16
McVitty run the lines west & north of this No,7-north of
port to Slash 60 rods
South of Port & E of Port to
Slash 50 rods from centre of road
E. Bathie & T. McLennan
carried the chain
fine warm day dry roads McVitty & I
was at Cookst at night
28
went to the Conservative meeting at Alliston
Bolton was
nominated to run again
had the buggy
snow storm PM & night
Page 2i
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1874 con’t
Dec.
3
chored around the house & helped Morling to clean 16 bush
Peas that they thrashed to day
thrashers at Goodwins
Snow going and looks like rain
turned to freeze Evg
Joe is thrashing at Moirs
Year 1876
Jan,
Feb.
3 was elected Councilman first time by
Scott 261 Self 236
Cross 179 Wright 79
Wilmot 108 Reynolds 4 Little Reeve
McKay first & Mordeu 2 Dys
freezing today very stormy evy
14
went & stopt Ritchey working at bridge a.m. & went to
J. Ross & Paid $12 00 S tax
15
went with C Richey to bridge a.m.
got first 2 Shoes on Mag p.m.
17
was at my first Council meeting held at Victoria
snow last night thrashers at Cooks
20
Set Ritchey the job of the Hill on the Side Road at $100
Johy & I skidded some logs
24
was at my second Council meeting at Allandale got $8 for
Johnston
had the buggy
Fred is at Ferriers Sowing
Johny chopped
27
Robt & W McKindless Sowed on North Side of Hill for me
fine day
Stayner John Coleman was buried to day
we could not agree
A little
had the cutter
7 was at my 3rd Council meeting - at Lefroy
Sleighing gone
threshers broke B Pinion at Dr Ross p.m.
finished for Goodwin a.m.
Fred hauled some wood
came home
9 Burns, J.W. Parks & I thrashed at D.R. Ross s
at night
Metcalf the Assessor was here
Fred hauled wood
rained & Freezing bedtime
16
Very stormy to day
Johny went to Cooks p.m.
Fred fed
the cattle
kept in doors all day
Billy Gardner died
Suddenly to night
22
drove to Barrie in the cutter & Sold my Barley at 62.
Engaged Creswick to Survey 2nd line & hired Lizzy Coleman
at $5 pr month till fall & brought her home with me
Stormy to day & night
Johny had load of wheat to Lefroy
in the waggon
Page 2‘
Wm. R. Coleman of Innlsfil Township Diaries
Year 1876 con't
March 30
April
May
June
took Erny to the Doctor a.m.
left Lizzy Coleman home p.m.
was at a Supper at the Queens at night at opening of Orange
G Britons Lodge
Fred & Jim are thrashing at Sams p.m.
4 Ms Curry came here to see if I would by Pat Morans farm
Went to Fennels & he went over it with me
Moran wanted
$1500 & I offered Him $1000™
E Bathie got a ton of hay
Miss Anderson came here
Eliza came here & stopt all
night
roads very muddy
18
laid worm of lane fence in to centre field
Jim & Fred cut oak at Bava Sr c
Kitty mare run over Mary
& Hurt her eye
27
made a place for the young Pigs am
was at A Ferriers
raising p.m.
went to a meeting in Advocate office about
forming A Printing Co. at night
done nothing
ground
drying fast
Fred got me
bush (cluh) wheat at R Fennels
to Sow on fall do
22
let water off Port a.m.
went to Cookst p.m. & bought
the Picken farm from Bradeu at $3000 to be paid in 7 years
Fred finished harrowing wheat
Father was very ill to day
26
was at first meeting Court Recision at Thornton ~ 8th meeting
Fred ganged & plowed
Bob Hewitt ploughed for oats in
S.E. field
13
was at Late Rr Byers funeral at Alliston
Jim & not ploughed
very warm
27
at home a.m.
Saw Sir John McDonald p.m. for the first
time
had big day in Cookst
Jim finished light double
harness a.m. & went to Cookst p.m.
Fred harrowed
Fred is on road
July
1
left harrow at Cookst & got some work done
in advance on mortgage $100- I lent him $200
home with me
Fred is at Hewitts
gave Harry
Jim came
Sept.
6
Sowed grass seed for Rich mg went to James Dinwoody &
bought Seed wheat p.m.
Nat Harrowed & Dick Parks & Dick
Jones ploughed
Uncle William was here with his road list
The men finsihed harrowing
9 was at Robert Goodwins funeral
on Hill a.m. & commenced hauling oats at home p.m.
j,
Page 28
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1876 con’t
Sept. 19
(.
22
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
3
went to Barrie to get the deed of Pickens place & c
Bradeu was not at home
Barrie & Cookstown Lacrosse
Clubs played
Harry brought another mortgage & we signed it the
first one being wrong drawn
Went to Cookstown at night
& saw Bradeu about his deed
cut oats a.m. & threshed some p.m,
surveying the line
Creswick was here
13
Spread manure a.m.
was x^ith Creswick fore Port p.m. He
finished running the line in the swamp
helped to thrash
oats at McKindless Evy
Jim & Willy ploughed
fine day
16
Bradeu gave me three deeds - one from Pickens to Him and one from him to me of Port and Quit Claim deed of
Port from Ms Campbell.
Jim & Willy Plowed
roads muddy
17
took 59b-36# barley to Gilford
got 75c
Sent the
team home with young Picken & walked across the swamp
(with Thos Bateman) on the 2nd line for the first time
Jim plowed in NW field & Willy on Port
25
was at Special meeting of Council at Allandale to meet
officials of H. & N. R.R.
Granted them another year
to have the grading done
was in Barrie home at 10.20
o clock
13
fixed cellar for potatoes a.m.
had Creswick Surveying p.m.
He divided the concession between 7 & 8
Jim & Willy took
in 3 loads large & one of small potatoes
Andy Morrow
brought his tools from Beattys p.m. fine warm day
14
Creswick run port of the line between J Reiny & No 8 mg
& run for Campbells, McLennan & Ferguson p.m. S McKindless
& I ( ained)
Jim & Willy took in last load of potatoes am
A Morrow commenced framing shed p.m.
8 Andy Morrow left this mg too much snow on the roof to
shingle
Jim & Willy cleaned out new shed
Bessy & I
went to see Mrs Johnston Ey
H. Trueman came here at
night (collecting taxes)
15
done some chores & c a.m. went to Churchill p.m. &
ordered a pair of Bobs at $40
very stormy Ey Settled
with Jim this mg & he left
charged me $16.66 pr month till
now
18 Was at a land Sale in Barrie
Bought 10 acres in Tiny or
Tay at 10.76 very cold & stormy
A
Page 2
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1877
Jan.
9 bushed & broke beadershaft box a.m.
done some chores p.m.
was at Cookt mg about Charlys furniture being Seized
Charley brotherinlaw gave Slaughter $15 to redeem the
furniture
returned it at night
Feb.
2
Brought Mrs Sutherland here mg & She dyed carpet yarn for
Bessy
went to Agnews & Pattersons children funeral p.m.
Lodge at night
April 20
finished Sowing the Hill Johy finished cultivating
it & He & Willy harrowed it
Bessy came home from W Jones
with her Girl Annie Hoover
June
18
Great fire in Cookstown last night
Armstrongs Hotel &
out buildings & Buchanans, the Orange Hall the Queens
Stabling & other buildings were burnt
19
Bessy &
Western
$45 for
$435 in
26
Went to Cookstown & met W Jones to consult about Glasford
renting the Hotel
Johny plowed & harowed in S fallow
I was at Cookst
Met the inspector for the
insurance Company
He allowed $300 for stables
damage to house $90 for damage to furniture
all
28 William & Ann Coleman was here from Mulmur
went to
Cookt Evg & took Kate home from the Hotel
Glasford &
Wife now into it to day
Johny plow - Jim finished sowing
turnips
July
Aug,
22
Bessy & I went to Church mg W Jones & Wife was here
T. Coleman - Dicky- & Miller
Railway Contractors
was here
27
Joseph Fennell & I examined work done by Bolton on South
Town line - did not pass it
The men cut some wheat on
the hill
heavy rain at 10-mg & 6 p.m.
29
No service
Church getting painted & papered
1 Dicky - Kelly - Heasly - Jim Burns W Heasly & I hauled
first ( ) 2 loads fall wheat on the hill
44 years old
to day
Sept, 2
took the 4 children to Fathers Eg
away this mg
cold wind
Andy went
Page 3'
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1877 con’t
Sept. 27
Oct.
Dec.
got 39b-17# barley from Rich & got it ground at Nicols
Got 2 teeth filled at Alliston
Jim & Willy commenced
piling & burning brush on Port
Cars came to Cookt
first time
29
Jim & I cleaned 60b-30# wheat a.m. on the hill
to Lefory p.m. got $1.14
very dry weather
Willy burned brush on Port
20
Jim Willy & I plowed on the Hill
I went to the
Village & got (boundries) on Plan Eg
fine cool day
took it
Jim &
2 went to Cookt mg & got Kitty & Charly shod
Stopt at
the Lodge & was reelected Treasurer, Jas Donnell Master
18
finished threshing in frame barn mg & went to Cookt
to Glosfinds trial
He & wife were committed for treat
Jim was in Cookt p.m.
cold to day
roads very rough
rained some to night
Year 1878
Jan.
Feb.
17
Herbert Burns, our 5th child - 3rd Boy was Born at 2.45
this morning
Thanks be to God all is well
Thrashed
on the hill
Broke the H. Power p.m. & got McKindless
31
Jim took 55b~24# Hill S wheat to Lefory got 95c
Heasly helped me to clean last of Spring wheat on the
Hill
went to See Father at noon
went to Cookt at
night & arranged to Send 150b wheat with other Grangers
to Portland to go in S.S. Harding
Chapman Agent
2 was at 2 meeting of Council at Allandale (Hamlius)
Fawcett was appointed assessor
Sleighing in North
end but rough in South end
Jim & Willy Heasley
cleaned wheat
4 Jim & I took 150 bushel Spring wheat from home to Cookstown
to send to Portland - Chapman Agent
finewheeling
wheat sent to Sailing vessel
Kate Harding
Mrs John Duff died this mg
9 was at Mr John Wilkinson Funeral
Jim took a load
of wood to Adam Johnston
I went to Cookstown
roads
rough & very hard cold wind all day
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1878 con’t
Feb.
18
J. McLennan & his 2 men Stewart & Spensor & Jim Burns
& I made a road through the Slash opposite Lots No 8 & 9
I went to Cookstown about money raissent to W.J. Ramsay & Co
19
J.J. Jackson came here for his money on mortgage & stopt
all night
20 Went to Cookstown mg
to Colie & sold them
is due on mortgage &
Toronto
some snow
March
April
& cancelled Sale of goods in Hotel
to him for $400 - Paid Jackson what
sent $117.55 to W. Ramsay & Co.
last night
1 went to Cloverhill p.m. to see Rev McKee about interest
on mortgage
He consented to wait till fall for it
at 8 pr cent.
Jim hauled a load of wood to A Ayerst
11
hunted up the sheep & done the chores
Jim trimmed
back seat of Buggy a.m. & went to cookstown p.m. &
Grange Social at night
No snow or ice to be seen
except some ice in swamp
I went to Cannings p.m. &
got Assessment of this Part of S.S. no 2
20
Jim & cut & took home a cedar tree for post
Made
gate posts for gate South of frame barn west side of
yard
frost last night
Soft to day
was at McLennans
to night about new S. Section
2
in Barrie all day at Summersett
8 went to Barrie on Glasfords trial He was aquitted
was home at 8 p.m.
hired Jim Parks at $15 pr month
for 7 months
Him & J William, Rich Jim & the
2 Heasleys cut oats - & some barley
filled the room
with oats
Willy Heasley commenced at $9 while
plowing
20
May
was at Council meeting at Lefroy
heavy rain last
night & some this mg
The 2 Jims ploughed for
Peas
Willy harrowed some
Presented petitions
from S.S. no.l & 2 for a new S. Section
8 went to Squire Fennels a.m. with C. Campbell to See
about water on Townline
went to Cookt Evg to sell
dry meat but could not
The men made a gate
finishe- harrowing oats & took in a load of hay
very very heavy rain Eg
Tom Coleman started for
Manitoba this mg .
14
Rev Mr Baker & Wife was here p.m. took doll to Fathers
was at Mrs. Bathies with Mr. Baker Father came home
with me this mg (the last time he came here)
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 32
Year 1878 con't
May
16
Kneeshaw finished the 2 fields at 9 mg
went to
Cookt p.m. & helped A, Ferguson & J. Banting to examine
Grange Secratory A.J. Cambell Acct
Father went home
with me for the last time He ever left here
The men
hauled Stones
white frost this mg
fine day
June
21
Seen father this mg
He is very low
was at County &
District meetings at Alliston
My Dear Father breathed
his last at 11.10 to night
He quietly fell asleep
with A Jane ~ Richard - Henry & Me around him
22
came home mg went (back) & went to Cookstown & telegraphed
Eliza & c Alexr & Eliza & Mary came at 7 p.m,
23
Bessy Alexr & I came home this mg
went back Eg
Bessy & I came home again
rained all night last night
Uncle Jack & William came from Mulmur
24
Followed the remains of my poor Dear Father to their
last resting place at 11 a.m.
age 79
25
J.W. Parks - Henry & I met at Richards & read the Will
& divided the beds & bedding & (cj) Bessy was with me
Alexr & Eliza went home this morning
July
Aug.
6 Thos. Duff & I went to Barrie and made arrangements for
dinner with Summersett for arrive for our 2 Lodges & the
young Britons at 40 cents each
very warm
11
left Bessy & Uncle Jack at Colemantown & got some machine
oil at Cookstown
McKay & I examined swamp on 3rd line
near Lake p.m.
The men commenced fencing some Pasture
on Port
12
King William Day
The 2 Jims - Willy & I were in Barrie
rained most of a.m.
fine p.m.
15
hauled in first 6 loads of hay from S.W. of house
put
2 in stable & 4 in Barn
Jim cut the balance of the piece
Bateman the Tailor put his Horse to pasture
1 45 years old to day
cut on Hill a.m.
to bind
very heavy rain p.m.
12
hauled in & cut on the hill
boat races
Heasley helped
Yank went to Barrie to the
19 Met McKay at 4th line Survey & we decided to gravel the Port
ditched by Appleten and decided to put guard on out above
Churchill
I went then to Mordeus & He & I went to road
at Nixens and laid out what work is to be done
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1878 con't
Aug.
Sept.
24
Seen C Hindle at Lennoxes p.m. and engaged Him to
Superintend the graveling on 4th line Swamp & showed
E Bathie some work to be done on side road
1 Bessy & I went to see Mrs Bathie Eg too wet to go to
church
rained most all last night and some to day
Barrie Jebb was buried to day
Bessy Kate &
7 Willy & I hauled raking off north flats
I went to Cookstown Eg
the men mowed & cocked barley
Kate starts for Manitoba on Tuesday next
11
went to Barrie on Campbell & Rogers trial
-13 xtfas in Barrie all day on Campbell & Rogers trial rained
heavy most of the day
trains stopt on both Railways
roads cut away so bad
Nov.
14
got home on Eg train
$28-50c damages
trial ended to day
Campbell gets
30
the 2 Jims & I commenced making shed for horses on Hill
a.m. was the 2 Jims commenced plowing on the Hill & I
went to Conservative Convention at Cookstown p.m. chose
Parkhill for Candidate for Ontario House of Assembly
13
very stormy a.m. Some great flurries of snow
fine p.m.
Jim & I done some at log shed I left Ann Jane home at
night & went to see Frank Coleman He is very ill
15
Jim Kicky & W Heasley took in the potatoes
I fed the
stock & a.m.
left yarn at the weavers & went to H. Kindles
& gave Him $9.25 road money
Dickey & I went to Cookst
at night
fine day frost at night
roads very bad
21
Bessy & I went to see Frank Coleman p.m. I stopt & sat
u p with him all night He is very low with inflammation
of the lungs
22
went to Cookstown from Mrs Coleman this morning Mrs Coleman
& I sat up with Frank last night He is very weak
23
went to Barrie to Prove Claims against Bradeu & Coleman
but could not as I had not the notes with me
left Mary
Ross note with Lennox Bros.
29 went to Barrie & was examined by Lount on my case with
W.J. Ramsay
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 3^
Year 1878 con't
Dec.
4
National Thanksgiving Day
10
went to Barrie on the Suit
I have with W.J. Ramsay
to Harry, Yank & Willy Heasly
11
attended Court
Stopt at the Queens
some snow this mg
12 my suit with W.J. Ramsay was decided to day
got
Judgement against Ramsay for $122.13
some sleighing
13
came from Barrie to Craigvale mg
on Northern R.R.
Mordeu & I examined work on 2nd sideroad at 14th line
came to Cookst on H. & N.W.R.R.
Bessy & the children
met me at the station
28
helped to thrash at Jas McKindless
Jim hauled manure
to Port
Richard Coleman (Fleuy) Our Rich & Ann Jane
was here at night
snow deep
29
Bessy & I was at Church mg & at Methodist Meeting in
New Building at night
good sleighing
*Note in back of diary: Candidate decided to stand for Innisfil
for the year 1879
for Reeve W.C. Little, present one,
James Allan;
1st Dy Reeve G.P. McKay, present one,
C. Cross; 2 Dy A.M. Mordeu, present one, Wm. Lennox,
F. Barclay,& Isaial Wilmot; Councillors , W.R. Coleman,
present one, Magnus Baikie, Stanley Brooks, H. Grose Senr
J. S. Lucas William Metcalf
Year 1879
Jan.
Feb.
9 went to Barrie about expenses in Suit with Ramsay
roads
badly filled
Jim hauled wood for Heasly & Willy helped
to thrash at McLeods
16
went to Barrie & got cheque for $127.62 from McCarthy, Boys
& Pepler on Ramsay case.
Jim & Willy helped to saw at
Port very cold mg & night
26
Bessy 6 I were at Mrs Gardners funeral
Parks
sharp morning
had dinner at
15 went to Barrie & stopped writt ordered by Black against
me for Bradeu & Coleman debt - had to give a mortgage
on this place for $1000 - Parks finished thrashing
very cold
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1879 con't
Feb.
March
May
June
July
21
4 went to J.D. Booths to make payment on hill
went to
Cookst Eg & mailed it to freehold Loan Co. Toronto
Bessy went to Parks with me to see Mrs. Jones Yank took
2 small loads from Hill to Cookst
10
Sloan was here assessing me
25
turned to freeze last night
Bessy & I was at old
Mr Rolstens funeral p.m.
snow banks & mud alternatly
Jim Hauled dung to Port
30
S. McKindless & I went to Wake House (Old Mr Blakes
4th line p.m.)
freezing most of day
16
got 214 tiles at Spillets for Cellar drain a.m. brought
Rich here p.m. to lay them but drain was not ready
the
3 men wrought at the drain
Sabrina Barr commenced work
this morning
Mayhew left her here
$6 pr month
31
Bessy & I were at Mrs Jones funeral
had dinner at
W Cross & tea at Joseph Hipulls
good shower p.m.
21
took C. Palling & J.W. Parks to County Meeting at Alliston
arrange to have a County demonstration at Buters
the
2 Jims drilled for & sowed turnips & cut some thistles
30
Jim Parks & I wrought on road
Jim Parks & Willy finished
harowing on Port fallow
went to Cookstown at night &
seen Clement about piece land in Cookstown would take no
less than $200
7 Andrew Ferguson died this morning
9
27
Aug.
helped to saw at James Reinys - Split what the machine
cut mg & Ey
Sat up with E Bathie all night = he has
inflammation of the lungs
Bessy & I were at Andy Fergusons funeral a.m.
got in
two-first loads of hay & cocked some
got the hayfork
pulleys up & some mowed p.m. Shower about 3.30p.m.
Queens Hotel & old House burned to night at 12 midnight
5 Ann McLennan died this mg
17
Bessy & I went to see Mrs John McLennan
did not go to
church
Service in Evg
Mrs. Hamilton (Kate Connor)
died this morning at Athlone
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1879 con't
Aug.
18
went for Mrs Mac morning to stop two days . She could
not come till tomorrow Bessy & I went to Athlone to
attend Mrs Hamilton funeral p.m. the men ganged &
cultivated & took in some peas
19
was at the funeral of Mrs Hamilton
got home about
7 p.m. Mrs Mac washed & kept house.
the men ganged
& finished cutting peas
Willy helped to thrash at
James Reinys
Sept. 16
Thos. R. Ferguson died last night
went to Cookst mg
& wrote to Little, McKay, Mordeu, Lucas Hunter &
Palling
came home p.m. & bound some oats
Oct.
Bessy, Lizzy, Erny Wilton & I were at the show (Miss
Moffat was with us)
the 2 Jims were at it too
Willy
went shooting
Ann Jane & Mary came from Walkerton
Mary
was away since August 1878
fine day
3
6 laid out place for drain on E Side of clearing on Port
Picked some apples at McLennans & met Jno MacAfee on South
townline about draining it
the men wrought at the drain
10
Nov.
was at 15th Meeting of Council at Armstage, Allandale
was in Barrie
roads bad
very warm
the men finished
drain from Reinys fence to River & on cross drain
21 Willy Ferrera was here p.m. with his taxes
Year 1880
Jan.
5 was at Elections. Palling came home with me for dinner
Jim hauled last of oak lumber to Station for J. Montgomery
& Yank hauled (Voters)
was elected Councillor 5th time
10
went to Squire Littles to get potatoes from his Tenant Quinn - got none
ground most bare
Jim fed the Stock
12
cleaned last of Treadwell a.m. Yank took it to Cookstown
& I went to Geo Simpsons (Essa) to buy Potatoes p.m. got
none
good wheeling
Jim threshed peas p.m.
13
done some chores a.m. was at District Meeting at Cookst p.m.
Bessy, Erny, Mary & I were at Church xmas tree at night
Yank hung the 2 outside doors Jim threshed peas rough wheeling
Page 3<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 3
Year 1880 con't
Jan.
21
examined Bridge at John Reinys a.m. cut some oats p.m.
till wheel bursted on wheel shaft
went to Cookst Ey &
ordered a wheel with Macintosh
Alliston folk tried
to take the fair away - but failed
31 was at Mill Meeting at night
decided on trying to raise
$500 - for J. E. Oliver to take the Lennox Mill here
no snow (hardly) roads rough
Feb.
2
E. Fawcett & I went to Allandale to 2 meeting of Council
J. Lennox was appointed assessor
had the buggy pretty
cold next meeting March
10
Ogle Ferguson & I got Subscriptions for a bonus for
Spindlue to build a mill in Cookstown
11
went to Barrie with James McKindless to help him to raise
money
failed
13
Bessy & I went to Shelburn on our way to Walkerton have
Wilton with us
left Richds at 11 a.m. was at Shelburn
before 6
fine day wheeling good have Tom & Mag and
Jno Moirs buggy
14
left Shelburn about
and was at Walkerton a little after
7. found Alex & Eliza well
15
Stayed at Alexanders
16
Alex & I went to the station a.m. William Dovers 2 girls
Martha & Lizzy came here at noon, Martha ~ Alex— Bessy
& I drove into town this Eg
Alex & I went to station
at 9 & met Picken 0 James Duff & other delegates there
fine sunny day
fine sunny day
Billy Burns is here
20 Alex - Eliza - Bessy Wilton & I went to Wm Devers
Teeswater, 14 miles
good wheeling
21 Alex & I went to Jno Buckleys Jr Greensik about 17 miles
p.m. & stayed all night
some snow last night poor
sleighing
22 went from Buckleys to Pattersons (via Paisley) about 13 miles
came home P.M about 15 miles
23
Started for home came to Shelburn 55 miles
Stayed at
Belfrys
Saw teams hauling heavy loads sawlogs to durham
& square timber at flesherton Station & the road was dry
& dust flying from Rosemud here
24
came from Shelburn home 31% miles
left Shelburn at
10.30 & was home before 5 p.m. fine day & road good
Page 3£
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1880 con’t
March 23
was at cheese factory meeting p.m. & hired Willy Marling
7 months from 1 April at $12.00 p month
26
walked to church
had dinner at Parks
went to Richds
& came home & helped Perrier & James Parks to set sawing
machine
April 14
May
was at Special Meeting for Election of Officers of
Agricultural Society
Beat Alliston & Bradford 208
votes to day
15
gathered sap fed the stock and other chores The 2
Willys
(
) & J. McLennan Hewed some timber Campbell
commenced plowing Some plow before to day
Yank &
G Coleman was here at night
Yank starts for Man. with
Tom in the morning
16
was at 4 meeting of Council at Armstage, Allandale
Roads very bad
rained some this p.m. W, Marling
split wood at the door
Jim Burns got hack to night
He was away from noon 14th
Yank left for Manitoba
this mg with T. Coleman
17
made some whiffletrees & a.m. Jno Palling came here at
noon
soft snow mg
cleaned up p.m. The men finished
cleaning wheat
19
I got some whiffletrees ironed in Cookstown got $1 worth
work done
Piled rubbish on trak of fence on Port where
we took away the N & S fence
Jim hauled the stones off
it & W Marling hauled manure Willy boiled sap
17
gave first mll£ to C factory
20 was at confirmation service - dined with the Bishop
(Sivertimes) at the Parsonage
25
took Liz & Erny to School their first time mg
dead in McKindless shed at noon
man found
31 was at 8th meeting of Council-3rd Court Revision at
Churchill
The men started drain from creek northward
towards Swail
June
20
Did not go to Church Service is in the Eving
Bessy
and I went to James Reinys p.m. Bob Steels wife is
dead there
21
Saw bridge on 3rd line mg Bessy & I was at Bob Steels
wifes funeral a.m. Mowed Port of E lane fence p.m.
the 2 Willys dug drain Jno Knightly-fruit tree agent is
here to night
Page 3$
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1880 con't
July
1
Bessy & I went to Demonstration
& oroge young Britins
got up by Orange Men
7 brought Uncle Andys Boxes to the Station a.ra.
hay p.m. got in first 4 loads of hay p.m.
18 Letty had a young Son yesterday
to day
Raked
Bessy & I was there
Aug.
26
Rebecca Stewart came home with me to live
Oct.
16
done some chores a.m. took Lizzy Erny Mary & Wilton to
see Uncle Williams - last time I saw him alive
24
Did not go to Church Ann Jane here since yesterday
morning
snow about 3 inches
Sacked W. Heasley this
morning for Blackguard language used yesterday
25
Nov.
26
rained most all day & last night
was at Uncle Wm wake till 11 p.m.
27
Bessy & I were at Uncle Wm funeral p.m.
done some chores
Jim & Willy threshed peas
3 Thanksgiving Day
Put the 10 pigs to fat-a.m.
Wilton I were at Richds p.m.
9
Dec.
Richd came here morning and told us Uncle William died
at 12.85 last night Bessy went to Canourns & Cookstown
I went up with Richd & seen Uncle s Corpse
Roads very
muddy raining to night
Erny
Erny is 9 and Mary 7 yrs old tonight
prepared cellar
for potatoes & Barn for butchering a.m. Rich & I killed
Heasley 2 yr old steer p.m.
22
went across 3rd line Swamp to examine it to advertise
for tenders for clearing it. David Irving went with me
to James Miscampbells
24
took my first grist to Spendlaes new mill at Cookstown
25
fed the cattle a.m. was at Widow Lees Sale on Grahams
place p.m. Jim & Heasley put straw on(Pts) on the 50 acres
21
got Election cards at Cookstown a.m. & was at examination
at schoolhouse p.m. Jim is threshing at Jas McKindless
23
went from Connellys to Victoria Canvassing a.m.
was
at Council meeting at Churchill p.m.
We set clearing
of 3 line Sag/sampt' to Robt Sproule opposite Lots 9,10,11,12
13 & part of 14 at $11.90 p acre
Page 4(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1881
Jan.
March
April
3
Election day
was defeated by Barclay for first Dep
Reeve
Jim helped to skid logs for Rich
Dickey drove
the mares with voters
13
went to Fallings a.m.
He & I met McKay & Haughton Lennox
in Barrie p.m.
arranged not to unseat Barclay or Gordon
if they let Lennox alone
raining when I left Barrie
Snowing when I came home
26
was at G. Moir funeral
Stormy Eveing
Jim hauled a load
of wood for Heasley
Bessie is keeping better
4
left Maggie Brown home & went 1% miles above Mad River
looking a girl
engaged Louisa Varey till fall if she
suits at $5 month
Stopped at Loves all night
Soft
snow falling with N.E. wind all day
5
Stopped at Angus a.m.
brought girl home p.m. was home
in 4 hours from I left Angus
had Mag & fly to the cutter
snow deep fine day
22
was at Cookstown getting instruction about taking the
census
Bessie was with me
C. Palling came home with
us
Jim took home some frozen potatoes
23
was at Cookstown getting instruction on taking the Census
Jim cut sawing logs
frost last night fine days roads
bad
Palling & I weighed 167# each
29
Bessie & I were at Archie Cosgroves funeral p.m. roads
getting dry in places, fine day
Heasley cut & Jim hauled
sawing logs
B Burns left for Wallace
31
got 16 bags oats & chopped at Cookstown & got my Census
Schedules from Bantie
4
commenced taking census
took 10 families in Cookstown
5
took census from S. McKindless to Riehds & some in Cookstown
cold and blustry great flurries of snow p.m.
6
took Census from R Stewarts by Sutherlands
Jesse Moirs & home
7
taking census from D. Reinys by I Lees back 4th line to
sideroad down to W. Reinys & home
Mannings, Parks
12
Bessie & I were at Mrs. Montgomerys funeral
14
taking census ,3rd line from R. Hills west to W. Ferriers
walked
Jim repaired harness
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1881 con't
April 15
Good Friday
taking census from Blacks west to Townline
to J Moirs drove first time
was at Church at night
16
taking Census from R Cunninghams to townline & Camauns
drove
18
was taking Census from G Sharps to townline on 6th & to
J Brysons & Cookt Mrs Jebb & Campbells
19
taking Census done 5th line East from 5 to 11 - lot drovd
home at night
20 was taking Census from Moses McKennies to 6th line & East
to 2nd Side road - drove came home at night
J Maw came &
took Wag horse away without leave - the men cut wood at the
door
May
21
went on foot to day commenced at I Sharpes & went East
on 7th line to lot 11 & stopped at Mrs Connellys
(acomill) on 8-line all night
22
taking Census
8th line
23
drove from Stewart Wrightd west to Townline & all Thornton
18 families
drove from Lot 11 to Stewart Wrights on
5
planted some apple trees & Dr. Nicol was here mg seeing
Mary
She has Scarlet fever
6
H. Heasley & I finished planting trees - 40 apples, 4 plums
2 cherries & 1 crab
47 in all
Put stones under 2nd west
row & south 2 of 3rd row
13 Erny & Herby are both ill with fever
31 was taking Census
Bessie left me at J Reynolds on 9th line
Stopped at Jas McMullens all night
June
1
taking Census
stopped at John Hopkins all night on 10th line
2
taking census
Stopped at J Reinys on 9th all night
frost last night
3
taking Census
4
taking Census a.m.
Slight
Stopped at Mathew McKenzies all night
was home at 3-p.m.
5 Bessie Lizzie Mary & I went to Church mg first time since
April on account of Scarlet fever
Richard & family was
here
Bob Jones went away Eg
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1881 con't
June
7 Doll foaled last night
foal weak Seen to it & moulded
early potatoes a.m. Planted some potatoes on Hill p.m.
8
taking Census on 11 & 12 lines from Sideroad East
Stopped at Lougheeds all night - had fly
Jim plowed
9
finished taking Census on 11 & 12 lines
came home at
night
Jim is plowing on Hill these days
10
left Census papers with Banting had 250 families
traveled 2100 miles
wrought 19 days
Bessie was to
Cookstown with me
July
10 Mrs Jonston died at
yesterday Eg Bessie & I were at
the funeral Eg heard an orange Sermon in M Meeting
house Eg Mr Mahan
Aug.
15
Seen Jim Hewitt at Thos. Blacks about note a.m. He refused
to give me anything
I went to Bradford p.m. & sued Him
took Erny with me
Jim & Willy ganged barley on the Hill
16
Served T Black with a garnishee Summons at(Home)
Hewitt with a summons at James Donnells a.m.
21
Lizzy Erny & I went to Goodwins from Church
Goodwin & I
went to see John Patterson p.m. He is very weak
fine
dry weather
24
John Patterson died this mg
Sept.
Oct.
& Jim
8
Bessie & the 5 children & I went to Harvest home festival
at 11 mg
came home at dark
24
went to Bradford was about 10 minutes too late or I would
have got judgement against Jim Hewitt for note $95
came home by Cookstown
9
Bessy, Lizzy, Erny, Herby & I went to Church
Mary & Wilton
were in shed loft & Wilton set fire to the hay & burned
frame & log Barns, Horse stable & Every building on the
place (except the house) and nearly all this years & part
of last years crops.
10
commenced building a temporary place for the horses
Morrow & Henry Heasley helped at it
14
Andy made backhouse
Andy
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innxsfil Township Diaries
Year 1881 con’t
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
16
Bessie & I were at James Kidds funeral p.m.
23
last night J.H. Cambell took me from the Lodge to E.S. Guns
where J.W. Parks, D. Sutherland, Robert J. Coleman & others
were there & gave $415.00 to help me build & get feed for
my stock
16
brought 700 ft lumber from Nicols Mill
roads bad
Jim &
Willy took I McLennans tool chest home & got His wagon &
took in 82 bush Potatoes
Bessie was in Cookst
28
W. Irving came to help us to Shingle but it was too cold
Andy He & I made and put up airpipe over cow stable in North
end of barn
Jim brought Potatoes from Hill & Peas from Richd
8
Richd & I went to Alliston
Got Judgement on Jim Hewitt
note $95 & interest got $10-00 of it garnisheed from Thos
Black
roads very rough
cold day
10
Tom & Kate arrived from Manitoba last night
17
Yank got there from Manitoba a.m.
He came home with me
Year 1882
Jan.
1
14
Thos Meredith died at 4 this morning
head quite ^ell but have a cold
got Mag Shod a.m. Brought
a load of Pea straw from Richds & filled it into wall of
barn P.M. & went to see Mrs Bathie at night She is Pretty
low
Jim helped Henry to haul stones a.m. & helped me p.m.
19 was at Meeting at Cookst choosing Candidate for Election
at 2.50 on friday mg result of last Ballot was announced
when Tyrwhitt had 168 - Dunn 133
came home at daylight
friday mg
Mrs Bathie died this p.m.
Feb.
24
put manger in calf stable
Jim brought a load of Pea straw
from J Moirs a.m. & 2 loads wood to T Ellits p.m.
Henry got his toe frozen mg hauling stones
he hauled
wood after 38 below zero at 5 am
25
brought 800£t hemlock Planks from Fletchers Mill west of Ivy
on the wagon with Mag & fly
good wheeling
the men hauled
turnips & cleaned some oats
Yank went to Richds fine day
townline muddy
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1882 con’t
March
April
5 Rich & Letty went to Church from here & got Robert Milton
Baptized
road hard under soft top
12
did not go to church was up all last night with Jeff He got foundered yesterday standing in the stable
had
Mayhew with him treatment for founder kept his feet in
hot Bran Mash 48 hours gave physic
21
Stormy mg hinged trapdoor & mdae stationary ladder &
Yank glazed windows & put one in Shop in Barn
Harry went
home from J McLennans where he went to thrash some oat
straw for beds
Jim went to Cookst Snow occasional! all day
27
helped Parks & Richd to skid logs
very high at night
28
J. Lennox drove into the River & left his Buggy in it
7
Good Friday
was at Lodge at night for the last time
have left the Lodge after belonging 29 years
raining bedtime
water
I
16 was at D Kyles funeral was pallbearer
Mr. Gun & family
& Miss Williams & P.H. Stewart came home with us
May
July
25
Johny McGaw left some time last night and I don’t know
where for
went to his Fathers he had not come home
went on to Barrie
fine day frost at night
25
Jim is drunk at Cookstown
26
had H. Heasley assorting the potatoes attended to Him
planted first potatoes E of Barnyard p.m. & brought
young cow from Reynolds Eg
Yank & Erny helped Picken
with 2 teams
- harrowing
Jimis at Cookst
27
Jim is
on Hill
Yank &
Cookst
rolling
29
repaired fence over creek at pig pen a.m. Plowed P Patch
E of Bnyard & planted some potatoe p.m.
Jim came last
night - He harrow S Fallow N E Field on Port
Yank went
away some there mg
still drunk at Cookstown
planted somepotatoes
mg J.A. Campbell & I washed his 4 & my 18 sheep p.m.
C Campbell threw them into us
Yank & I went to
Ey Yank got roller at Ferriers a.m. & commenced
flasts east of front lane
Erny finished rolling
5 went to Barrie to try to make Ballot right in Election case
on Twhich I wrote my name - it was counted
Tywhitts
Majority is still 6
Jim finished plowing fallow first time
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1882 con’t
July
Aug.
19 was repairing fence on port & hurt my back
22
back quite painful & weak but able to go about
30 minutes night & morning
31
cut & bound wheat on Hill between house & D Sutherlands
lane
Bessie drove some for us
Bessie & I went to
Cookst at night
cant get half the men stopted on the Hill
to night
2 cut wheat on hill
Bessie drove some for us Jim Price
& I bound Back stiff mg but better when I get warmed up
3
Sept.
I bathe
cut wheat on hill
Bessie drove
Jim Price & I bound
14
cut round barley on S Port field Started Bessie to cut in
N Port field & helped Pascoe to put pump in wall on Hill
The men hauled wheat on Hill a.m. & barley at home p.m.
I raked barley at home p.m.
15
finished raking barley in North field a.m. was at
J. McKindless threshing p.m. very heavy rain p.m & night
Bessie finished cutting barley at noon (on port) the men
Price-Bob Naugh & Pat Ryan hauled barley till the rain came
17
put part of partition in house on Hill & opened shaft
there
They are growing very badly
Price & Bessie white
washed shanty
Jim came back this mg
away since 6th
He & Pat took out cedar posts
Bob grubbed 2 pine stumps
very dry
18
The men & I opened shocks on Hill a.m. (have over 40
acres f wheat out yet) & hauled barley at home p.m.
I raked till tea time- Iwent to Jas Reiny thresh & Bessie
raked after tea
took corpse
6 Bessie & I were at Tommy Heaslips funeral
in spring wagon Jane Eveleigh came home with us
13 went to Toronto mg was
Shaftsbay Hall p.m. &
Walkerhouse at night
stopt at Mrs. Colemans
at Convervative meeting at
another Conservative meeting at
had dinner & tea at Kellys &
all night
14 went to Exhibition grounds mg
at Mrs Coleman
very windy
came back at night
Stopped
15 went & seen Mrs Johnston mg then to show grounds till 2 oclock
J. W. Parks & I was in Queens Park & up 275ft in Cathedral
tower p.m. & at (Leoo) zoo at night one Bear weigh 1200whale measure 52 ft
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1882 con't
Sept. 16
21
Oct.
Nov.
took 18cwt.36# casting to Butterfield & got judgement
against Riddle transcribe from Barrie for Alliston cool
& dry
Pryce repaired Shanty
5 Jim is drunk at Cookstown
warm weather & good roads
10
Lizzie has dyptheria
12
was at Cookstown for nails a.m. & to see the Dr about
Lizzie - She is some better of the Dyptheria this p.m.
9 Bessie & I went to Jebbs Child funeral p.m. but was too late
20
Dec.
'
left Mrs Coleman at 6.30 mg & got to Beeton at 2p.m. & to
Cookstown after ten - found all well at home
Bessie & I were at Chas. Jebbs Funeral p.m.
Annie away to night
Letty took
6 Jas. A. Campbell & I were at Annual Conservative meeting
at Victoria
7 put door on chaff room & fed the stock
Jim brought the
H Power from Barrie
Very stormy all day cold & windy
Year 1883
Feb.
7
27
Bessie & I were at Jno Fergusons funeral
was at Election
McKay beat Hook 168
March 25
don't go to Church now
April 11
Jim is idle at Cookstown
18
Geo had the team to Lennox Mill for his furniture
20
George Gillan commenced year work
30
Jim started for Manitoba this morning
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1883 con't
May
June
10 married 14 years to day
8 broke up H Power & planted some potatoes at gate at road
Uncle Andy died at 9 this mg
went there after tea Geo
finished Plow E of lane
9 x^as at Uncle A s wake last night
Richd & I chose grave
plot
rain a.m. & p.m.
Geo went to Midland
July
10
Aug.
5
Bessie tried to plow faloow on port hut could not for
clover pulling out a.m. Bessie & I were at Mrs. W. Sproules
funeral at Newtown R p.m.
Chris ~ Tom & I went to the tamarocks to get gooseberries
water to our boottops & got no berries
Sept. 16
Bessie & I were at S.McKindless funeral
Oct.
Geo went to look for his wife
8
Threanted rain
some rain p.m.
*Note: See Memboranda in back of Diary: March 12th- Set Henry
Sleight the job of building shed 22 x 54 & Untie 20-44
& hew the timber and put cowstable & feederoom under barn
for $75 - hewing to be paid for when it is done & balance
of one half to be paid in winter of 83 & 84 & last half
in winter of 84 &85
Year 1884
Jan.
30
Feb.
3
Bessie & I went from Church to meet Mr. Pooles funeral
had dinner at Richds.
8
Heard of S.G. Greens death this mg
Cookstown
went up townline and got pathmaster to level pitch holes
in road
thawing fast to day
Bessie & I went to
Page 4:
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1884 con’t
March
7
took 3 logs from Haughtons to Merrich
Eyes weak from snowblindness
finished hauling
29 was at Jas & W. McKindless about sawing am
was on 3rd
line getting contributions to Tyrwhitt testamunial p.m.
Richd & A.R. Ferguson were here about sawing
very
frosty wind
April
5 done some chores a.m.
was at meeting of Committee to
collect funds for & decided on present to Lt. Col. Tyrwhitt
Tom sawed at Jas McKindless
Bob cut wood
22
May
8
Bessie & I went to Barrie & signed Mortgage for 2000 at
6 pr cent
had Lucy & Nellie their first time
Bessie & I were at Thos. Wrays funeral at Churchill
to Lefroy to see Mrs Edgar
went
13
Sowed oats in old pasture at Barn a.m.
at Mrs. A. Edgars funeral p.m.
Bessie & I were
22
went to Barrie in 2 h-lOm came home in 2h 05m with
Lucy & Nellie
had Wilton & Herby with me
washed the
Sheep eg Tom Archie & I
26 was at Richds & D. Sutherlands
brought cow & calf from
J Resns Ey
Jas Donnell was here with washing machine
Aug.
29
I was at Scott Act meeting at night
23
Bessie & I were at Mrs Frasers funeral a.m.
in S.W. field
Sept. 10
30
Oct.
1
cut some oak
took Herb to the Dr a.m. He says he has Excema got
window sash at Fergusons & looked for the sheep very heavy
rain
Tyrwhitt came home with Bessie & I
took Col. Tyrwhitt to Cookstown mg & stayed all day
fair p.m.
Tom was there all day
at
9 voted against Scott act a.m. M McLennan & his man helped
us to take Post from under S end of barn p.m. Rev. Mr.
Fletcher & wife was here
Page 4
Wm R. Coleman of Irmisfil Township Diaries
Year 1884 con11
Oct.
20
finished 2 window frames a.m.
dying & killed a lamb
got Beach bark for
Year 1885
Jan.
15
Feb. 19
20
Uncle Jack died last night at Williams in Mulmur
95 years
aged
done the chores a.m.
brought the chop from Cookstown
p.m.
Lizzie was with me
She is taking medicine from
Nicol for aenemia which means bloodless
Tom helped
to saw at home with team
Tom & I cleaned 2 bins barley
R Gilpin was here to
sell an organ
Tom & Ernest went to A. Fergusons at night
for grain crusher
Sleighing good not quite so cold
21 went to Barrie about buying an organ
took Lizzie with me
She is taking medicine for A Enemia or bloodlessness
Sherwood wanted $126 cash for style 11 organ
23
Mrs Sherwood offered me a style 11 organ & Royal A
sewing machine for &125
25
went to Alliston & bought an organ & a sewing machine
for $125
March 30
31
April
went to Barrie to the Assizes to attend as Grand Juror
Bob Marlin hauled rails from Reynolds to the hill Stormy
In Barrie on the Grand Jury
at Bob McKindless
Bob Marlin helped to thresh
1
In Barrie
rain & sleet most all day
coming in to Barrie to go to N.W.
Volunteers are
2
In Barrie on G Jury
for N.W. this a.m.
3
Came from Barrie on 6.42 train mg was at Church at Cookst
J. Coulter drove me home p.m. A. Jane & Jenny Coulter was
here Stormy & snowing a.m. Left my P book in Barrie
4 Companies Volunteers left Barrie
visited Jail Ey
Missed the train at Cardwell Junction
27 went to Toronto
got into Toronto at night
Stopt at Mrs Coleman saw
first bag seed in a field near Toronto
Wm. R. Coleman of Irmisfil Township Diaries
Year 1885 con’t
April 28
In Toronto all day & done my business
May
1
done some chores a.m. sowed wheat on potato ground on hill
p.m. & went to Cookst Ey
was at the law suit at night
7
raining this mg the men & I cleaned the oats on the Hill
& stumped in new field.
cold wet backward weather
19
drilled & sowed turnips a.m. Bessie & I were at Bondhead
p.m. having law with D & S Wyit
22
finished line fence in bush at tea time & spred manure
after
Bessie & Ernest are at Excursion to bracebridge
cold high wind all day
15
finished mowing S side of drain in N.W, field
bought
or hired a selfbiner from Lewis & Pascoe - Maxwells agents
24
Commenced cutting wheat (in centre East field) a.m. went
to Cookstown to get machine from Pascoe but could not get it
gave Jas Banting an order for one at night
25
Ernest & I brought Scuffler & Selfbiner from J. Ross a.m.
Jas Banting started it in W. centre field p.m.
the men
went to Cookst at night
31
Ernest & I cut in North port field till tilting lever broke
at teatime - went to Cookstown & got J Banting to wire for
one
The men ganged & shocked very warm
June
July
Aug.
1
Dec. 10
I am 52 years of age to day - weigh 153// in shirt & pants
and have good health thank God
left the children at School & took 3 loads of wheat from
Hill to Cookst & gave Albert Wessen a lease of the Hill
50 for 5 years
freezing to day
Page 5
Page 5
Wm, R. Coleman of Innisfil Township
Year 1886
Feb.
March
2 helped A Campbell to haul sawlogs to Newtown for Dr. Nicol
cold day
12
fed the stock & brought the buggy from the Hill a.m. Bessie
& I were at Mrs Wrights - Mary Ann Fergusons funeral p.m.
& at A Campbells for tea
Some rain this mg
good
wheeling on townline
John came back at noon
15
Discharged John this mg for not rising in time & not coming
to feed the horses on Sunday
I done the chores a.m.
Took a grist to the mill on the wagon & J Moirs load of
wood on Sleigh p.m.
Snow to day
18
Went to Alliston to see if Elariage had sued me
had
Irene Coleman with me
fine day
Sleighing quite thin
19
Soft snow falling most of day
done the chores a.m.
took some wheat & some chop to Cookt p.m.
& was at annual
meeting of warehouse co. shareholders
Had J.A. Campbell
& wife & Mrs McLennan Bob & Dicky Kate Morn & Irene
Coleman at night
22
fed the Stock a.m. took the saws to D. Sutherlands left
Kate Morrow & Irene at Amfares & went to Cookst p.m. &
took a load of stuff for A Campbell to the car at night
Albert came home with me
3
done the chores a.m.
was at Arbitation at Cookstown
taking part of Tecumsethinto the union school p.m.
Frank & Irene Coleman Kate Morrow Ann Jane & Letty were
here p.m.
April 19
June
helped to get addition to Church lot seeded before
Surveying it tomorrow
had Dilsy to buggy double first time
26
Bob^commenced ganging wheat on hill Hy Slight & W Heasley
came here & commenced dressing posts for front of house
I helped them to fetch them to house & was at Vestry meeting
at night
was elected C. Warden
Mr Fieldson & I were
appointed to See the Biship about Mr. Fletcher
16
Harrowed some & Bob plowed some on Hill
& Richds Eg
Alexander camehome with me
was at Parks
Harry Wilton
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1886 con’t
July
Aug.
21
finished cutting hay
Piece at E lane & last of S Meadow
on Port
The men harrowed & poisoned bugs a.m. & cocked
hay p.m. Richards hoed turnips Rain Evening - Bessie
was at Coost Ey
1 Bessy & I were at Church twice Rev. Mr. W.H.A. French
took charge of Cookst Parish to day
J.W. Parks & I were
at P. Raisons funeral
14
Done some chores a.m. Harry & I & team helped to shovel
barley for Bob McKindless p.m. Ernest cut barley on hill
p.m. The men lowered the well about 7 inches a.m.
17 made poke for colt
helped Pascoe to make cover for well
& put in pump at barn
was at Cookstown Evg
Bob
harrowed
Harry hauled wood for Engine & gauged
18
Ernest commenced cutting oats on hill
Pascoe commenced to
make cistern at house
Harry gauged in E fallow a.m.
helped Pascoe to get cedar for cover for cistern & & &
28
threshed on Hill a.m. & at home P.M.
shower rain p.m.
had lots of hands
Harry moved Engine to R Greensides
Sept. 6 went to Richards mg to haul in oats He could not haul
He & X set the machine
commenced cutting oats after tea
Bolt came off Jack at night ~ the Jack land wheel broke &
broke J.W. Parks arm & thumb & cut Hy Wilton in the Cheek
& most killed him
Dr. Nicol attended to them
Oct.
Nov.
15
Bob & I finished pulling peas at tea time
went to
Cookstown at night & engaged A. Rogers for Sexton at
$40 pr annum
11
Took milk to cheese factory a.m.
school again
30
Ernest & Oscar McNichol took 4 bags apples for us & 5 for
C. Campbell to Carters
got about 38 gallons in all fine day
10
Bessie & I went to see Mrs Coulter & the twins at night
20
Was at Conservative caucus at Queens Hotel in Barrie to
appoint Candidates for Muncip Offices
Bessie & Lizzie
were with me
Ernest started to go to
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1886 con't
Dec.
6 J.W. Parks & I were at Conservative Convention at Beeton
to select a candidate For Cardwell (first time Innisfil
were in it) had Lucy to the cutter Sleighing rough
home at 9.50 p.m.
23
done some chores a.m. got frank shod - a tooth pulled
p.m. & was at Dr Wylies meeting at night
not half sleighing
*Note: Memoranda in back of Diary: May 20: Witnessed Mrs McK sign
2 notes of $100 each for E McL
Year 1887
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
14
Done the chores
William Richard was born Evg
helped to finish cutting at Parks
4 got some barley chopped
2 p.m. to day
Bob
Thos. Coleman, Essa, died at
22
Dominion Election was Dy returning officer at Kindles
Tyrwhitt & Wright was at Cookst at night
23
returned ballot box mg
3
Bessie & Rate went to Lefroy p.m.
Bessie & I were at funeral of Capt Cooks child P.M,
is here
Kate
11
was at meeting of farmers institute at night in Cookst own
23
Bessie went to Spindles with me
Saw Manitoba products in
car
Douglas fir in the car from B.C. measure 8 ft across
1 was at old Mrs Watsons funeral
till 10 p.m.
Bessie & I were at Cookst
11
was at Vestry Meeting at 5 p.m.
appointed Church Wardens
30
J.W. Parks & I were at A.Edgars funeral
^
Mr Fieldsen & I were again
at Cookst all night
Page 5^
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Di aries
Year 1887 con't
May
15
Mag had filly to King of Ontario last night
was at Church
18 was at Robt Blacks funeral a.m.
June
July
9 Had a great bear hunt but it happened to be a dog
19
Bessie & I were at Mr Parks p.m. & Jubilee Service at Church
at night
18
Rain last night
poisoned pr bugs
30
Bessie & I were at Spindles
thursday night
31
Discharged Bob Robinson this mg
Bessie & I went to see
Letty from Church Ey Jenny Spindles funeral Serman was
preached this Ey
Aug.
3
Sept
29
Oct.
2
25
Nov.
Repaired canvas
the men
Jeanny died in Toronto
threshed most all the fall wheat at home
very warm
Had
J, McLennan, B. Jones for C. Campbell - A man from Jess Moir
W. McKindless all day & J. Sutherland p.m
Had D. Reiny
J. W. Parks, Wra. Stewart, Richard & man, H. Wittle the
Boys & myself
Felt very tired at night
very dry time
Bessie & I were at church mg & Eg
29 persons mg & preached Ey
The Bishop confirmed
Tried to crush oats p.m. with engine. Broke shaft in
crusher Sent it to Toronto Ey Harry plowed
10 Was at William Reinys funeral p.m.
of the day
17
this a.m.
Rained & snowed most
Met Col. Banting & G. Fisher at the late Wm Relays place
& we valued chattels a.m.
Thanksgiving day
Dec. 20 Left Ernest in Barrie to Stand the entrance examination
good wheeling
ground just white
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889
Jan.
1
Collected clothes for Brown family
Bessie & the 5 children
& I & Jim were at S.S. entertainment in T. Hall at night
rough wheeling
2
Brought clothes to Brown A.M. & helped Rev. Little &
Jno Ross to disinfect School house p.m.
had dinner at
Jno Ross
7 Was Dy Returning Office at G. Ayerts house, Cookstown
first poll we had in Cookstown
Black & McChonky elected
Patterson beaten
some snow this mg
8
E. Fawcett & I took ballot box to Fallings & went to
Barrie
Had Jeff & Ben to the Buggy
fair sleighing at
Barrie
9 went to Schoolhouse p.m.
from noon
Feb.
March
School is started
rained
10
the 4 children commenced going to school to Miss Sharp
I left them there mg
Jim & I cleaned barley
26
Bessie stayed with Mrs Hamilton
mud
good wheeling
27
Mrs Hamilton died at 1.30 this mg
Stormy all day Bessie
was at Harailtons all night
I was at Church & brought
her home
8
done the chores a.m. Was at Annual Meeting of Warehousing
Company p.m. was reelected director
Bessie was with me
to Parks
She is very low
some
16
(SEE Memoranda) C.Campbell & Mrs Jackson were married on
the 13th
22
Was at 2 meeting of farmers Institute a.m & night
25
Rev. Mr. French & family were here p.m.
to Swamp on 3rd line p.m.
fine day
26
Thos. Duff was here p.m. & stayed all night - Teacher
came home with the children & stayed all night - S. Fawcett
& the 2 Miss Ayerst were here Ey
He & I went
7
too windy to crush to day
Went to Cookstown p.m. & got
more medicine for the cough I have
The pain hack of my
left sholder is pretty- bad to night
quite stormy p.m.
no school to day
8
In the house all a.m. Too stormy for the children to go to
school
In house most all day Strong wind & some snow
falling most all day Ferrier got oak plank for door sill of
new house
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889 con’t
March 13
Eliza Montgomer & H. Hamilton were here
to freeze p.m.
ground bare in places
fine a.m. turned
16 McLeod 6th line teacher was with me
warm day
(SEE Memoranda) some teams broke through in the swamp
on tuesday (Mar.12)
April
22
went to the model mg & arranged with Bob to crush tomorrow
Was at Agriculture Meeting p.m. arranged to have a spring
show
23
(SEE Memoranda) Sold the 8 October pigs to Wilcox for
$54- & I to butcher them
26
Took Lucy to Woolman on the 10th line to get her cured
of ringbone
Stopped at T Connelys all night
29
Col. Banting & G Fisher were winding up W. Reiny will affair
5 Went to Toronto
6
was at W Jones over night
Saw W.H. Howland & M Kighley about mortgage
They agreed
to let it remain at the same rate of interest
was at
Parkdale P.M. Saw M. Allingham at night
7 Was in St. James Cemetary p.m.
8 W. Jones & I were to see A. Ferguson at Spadina Ave
Saw Ann Elliott
She is very ill
9
I am stopping at Connors
Went down Town mg
Parkdale p.m.
Had tea with Mrs Ferguson
10 Was in Toronto all day
11
June
1
Was at
Jim Coullers time is up to night
was down Town mg had dinner at Kellys
Bessie & Jim Coulter met me
Camehome p.m.
E. Fawcett & I examined gravelpit at D. Reineys place &
seen him about it
3 Went to Lefroy to get T. Gilpin to sell Mrs McLennan stuff
had to go to Bradford & engage R Stewart
22
Came by Elmgrove & saw Flins & Aunt Marian
28
Bessie & I were at Garden Party at James Laws p.m. very warm
Page 5‘
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889 con’t
July
Aug.
5
Bessie & I & all the children but Willie were at S.S. Picnic
at Degrossi Point
weather fine
had a good time
18
(SEE Memoranda) On Thursday 18 Bessie & Mary fell out of
back of spg wagon coming from Marariatys when Wilt &
Herb & them were picking berries Bessie got very
badly hurt
29
Was at Bella Fergusons funeral a.m. examined reaper &
took mag to Cookstown
4 Was not at Church
Saw old Mrs Moir a.m. Mr.&Mrs Fieldsend
Fred Coleman & Mr Hopper, Balinda & Allie Goodwin & Rick
& Letty were here
19 my back got sore while cleaning the horses this mg
laid up
30
Sept. 3
7
Old Mrs Moir died at 9 this mg
I am
May back is sore & weak
Bought Ferriers pearake here mg
Back a little better
Dr. Nicol calls it Seiatica He
would not guarantee a cure. Was at the village Evening
(SEE Memoranda) Have been laid up since 19 with sore back
& it is hardly any better yet
done nothing for it
yet but keep a plaster to it & rest
25
Old man Patterson died at 11 a.m. to day age 90 years
Oct.
23
threshed at Jess Moirs (Jones place) till 3.45
trustee meeting at schoolhouse to hire teacher
$350. we offered her 325-00
Nov.
24
Brought the Doctor from Cook mg Bessie had Stillborn baby
girl this mg. J.W. Parks, Rich & I buried it between
Father & Mother Evg
muddy roads
30
Bessie took Milkleg - very bad to day
& I brought Dr Norris
Dec.
Went to
She wanted
Dr Nicol was away
3 Letty & I were at wakehouse ~ Isaac Fergusons p.m.
4
Letty & I were at Isaac Fergusons funeral a.m. was in the
house with Bessie p.m. She is very weak not so well as
yesterday
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889 con't
Dec.
5 Mrs McLennan Letty & I were up with Bessie
poltice off her leg & put on dry warm cloths
6
Took the
I went to Cookstown mg for the Dr & He & Dr Norris was
here p.m. He told them to use hot cloths & linnament
instead of poltice first time
The Dr says she is
holding her own well
24
Went to Barrie with Jas Rainey to explain to A Lawyer
about Col. Banting & G. Fisher having Rainys money He
employed Pepllar to get it back Roads bad in South end
of Township
30
Was at nomination at Stroud J. Ross & E Little by acclamation
Rod McConkey & W. Black for 2 Dy
Jamaison Webb & Harry
Grose for council
Road rough
*Note: Memoranda in back of Diary: St. Johns Church, Cookstown
was built in 1853 (Dr. Norris)
Year 1890
Jan.
Feb.
11
Jno Ross & I went to Barrie
I arranged for Ernest to
board at Jas Reynolds
Attending the high school
15
Was at annual agricultural meeting at Cookstown p.m.
appointed Director
18
was at Mrs R.T. Bantings funeral
Was pall bearer
(SEE Memoranda) 13 very strong wind done a great deal of
damage in Ontario blew at the rate of 75 miles p hour
28
Quite sick to day
31
Still in bed & coughing very much
confined to the bed
4
Still sick
sore leg
6
Sent for Dr. Norris to day
but bronchitis
13
Was
Think it is lagrippe
Bessie is able to walk round some on her
He says it is not lagrippe
Sent for the Dr to day again He says I a little better
but he dont expect me to get well till the warm weather
sets in
Eliza came to cookstown to night
A
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1890 con’t
March
8 Went to Barrie to get the Judge to Examine McLennan Estate
accts
But I must have them audited by Clerk Surrogate
Court
April
He has just left the
3 Brought Ernest from Coostown Ey
high school in Barrie
was there on Quarter
16
Lizzie & I went to Barrie I got the McLennan estate accts
from Stewart to day The Judges order for my pay $100
for the Will case & $50- for the Administration Case
The acct was audited by J.M.L. Stevensen
Clerk Surragate
Court
29
Children had their pictures take at school
do Ernests eye is very bad
30
Took Ernest to Dr. Norris but he could not see to take the
piece out of his eye
Dr Nicol took it out
May
31
Bessie & I were at Robt. Walkers funeral p.m.
June
4
July
at Ed Mannings funeral p.m.
17
Fell on the wheel by a line breaking while backing the
team in the yard & broke some of my ribs
24
Was at Agricultural Meeting P.M.
aranged Prize List
3 Took Mary to Alliston for examinations
4
Sept. 18
Oct.
But it did not
Bessie & I were at Mrs Armstrongs (Old Susie) funeral p.m.
(SEE Memoranda) Aug. 1: I am 57 to day & had a present of
a nice pocket kerchief from Mary & Lizzie under my
plate at breakfast
Finished harvesting
took stacked peas a.m. was at
Thos. Blacks funeral (of 3rd line) p.m.
9 Ed Spar is painting Church seats
16
Peter Donnell was buried P.M,
aged 88 or 89
25
Repaired floor in House on hill a.m. & cut oats, at
Richards p.m.
Page 6(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1890 con't
Nov.
23
Dec.
8
18
Mr & Miss Fieldsen & Andrew Ferguson were here from Church
J. Cook threshed Peas till 3 p.m.
throat
Fred Heinrick cut his
Was at Parks to See Mrs Bums & to Cookst a.m.
Lizzie
& I were at examination at Schoolhouse p.m.
Teeny Rogerson
went with us
School closed to day
fine day
Year 1892
Jan.
21 Was at Cookstown Ey
The Children Mary Wilt & Herb were
at Magic lantern entertainment at S House at night
Feb.
16
Bessie, Mary & I were at Presbyterian Concert at night
Miss Alexander recited pieces
18
The scholars orgainized a Literary Society
SEE Memoranda: 13th night - Northern Lights = hly red
29
Dolls foal Frank kicked me in the mouth this p.m. & Split
my lip to my nose - broke out one tooth - left another
hanging by the gums & loosened 2 more
Dr. Buchanan put
3 stitches in the lip
March
1
Severe headache all day from kick I got yesterday
Bessie
is ill too with headache & chills & pains in her bones Seems
to be lagrippe
7 Bessie & I were at Cookst P.M.
out of my lip
22
April
May
The Dr took the 3 stitches
Bessie & I went to Alick Stinson (or Stepenses) funeral a.m.
SEE Memoranda: 21-got word that Alex Stephen (Bessies Uncle)
was dead
2 W. McKindless D. Jones & I brought Engine from Donnels
to W. McKindless gate
15
Bessie & I were at Katie Rosses funeral mg
26
Assencion Day
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 6
Year 1892 con’t
June
July
21
The Boys brought wood from bush for house & Engine
SEE Memoranda: 21 - Lizzie came home from Walkerton
25 ~ The volunteers came from camp
30
Got my boots repaired a.m. made my first piece of Russel
fence at S W corner of 3 acres of bush
1 Dominion Day - The 5 Elder Children went to De Grussie Point
26
Bessie & I were to see Mr. Fawcetts Eg
from rheumatic Inflairananation
Aug.
3
Bought 700 ~ 2%inch tiles from Alliston
q
5
I went to see Mr. Fawcett at night
He is sufffering
Patience dug drains
Saw him die at 8:35 p.m.
6 Ann Jane who is ill came here p.m.
7 Bessie, Lizzie, Ernest & Mary & I were at
p.m.
was Pall bearer
Sept.
3
Fanny Patterson
24
Harry Fountain came here from Walkerton
28
Finished harvesting
Aunt Jane died at 5:35 this p.m.
Bessie & I were to the village & to see Ann Jane Ey
5 Ogle came here mg to say Ann Jane is worse
Bessie & I
went up there
She quietly fell asleep at 10:25 a.m. I
was at Cookst Evening
7 Bessie & I went to W, Hs a.m.
Sister Ann Janes funeral p.m.
Nov.
Fawcettsfuneral
Bessie was at W. Jones funeral
Elly Stevenson came home
with her
SEE Memoranda: 1st- A.R. Ferguson came with word that W.Jones
died this mg in Toronto
22 Saw Aunt Jane & Ann Jane both are going down
came home with us
Oct.
Mr
The children & us were at
9 Ernest is 21 & Mary 19 tonight
26 Took Lizzie to Bradford to have impressions for her teeth
Good wheeling on S townline Splendid on Penetang
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 6
Year 1892 con’t
Dec.
2 Was at W & D Sutherlands about measuring D 50 & mine to find
my E line fence
They refused to measure & divide
Was at
W. Stewarts & Coost p.m. about getting Engine to cut oats
3 Herb & I measured N & S ends of 50 a.m.
SEE Memoranda: north end of 50 R60 ft 6 inch 9
south end of 50 R58 ft 15 inch 0
8
Bessie & I were at Old Mrs. James Kidd funeral p.m.
SEE Memoranda: 5-Lizzie got her upper teeth
15
Hy & R.J.Coleman had machine cutting wood on road p.m.
23
Ernest & the 2 girls were at Candy festival at 4th line
church
Year 1893
Jan.
Feb.
11
Very cold
to day
14
Willie is 6 years old to day
23
Was at meeting of Patrons of Cheese factory p.m.
Professor Dean lectured on dairying
30
Sami Fawcett & I were out getting Subscription list
renewed fro Minister Stephen
17
Was at Churchill p.m. & bought a buggy from R.W. Sloan
SEE Memoranda: 15 - Annie Ferrier was married this p.m.
March 22
April
Registered from 15 to 30 below zero in Ontario
Ernest took a load to 10th line for R.A. Sutherland
moving there
He is
25
Sawed wood in bush p.m.
28
The youngsters went to their taffy pull at T. Malton
31
Good Friday - Bessie & I were at Old Mrs. Reineys funeral p.m
4
Rick Coleman (Fleury)came here p.m.
Got my eye hurt with a chip a.m.
it dressed
Went to Dr. Nicol & had
Page
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1893 con’t
April 11
June
July
eye pretty well - have no constant pain
19
Eye pretty sore this mg
24
Felt very despondent to day
13
Went to Toronto to the Synod
Had dinner at Connors
181 Richmond
was at Mrs Wilcox 33 Walton St, all
night
Kate Morrow & I were at Mrs. Jones (Setove) at
night
14
Consulted Dr. Ryerson 60 College Street mg about my eye
He said it must come out.
At Synod a.m. & p.m.
Was
at Government house with members of Synod at Garden party Ey
15
Arranged with Dr. R to have my eye taken out tomorrow
mg
was at Synod after
16
Drs Ryerson & Siskin took out my left eye between 9-30
& ll~oclock a.m.
Went to Mrs Moors 26 Grenville St
about 2p.m.
17
Was At Mrs Moors
18
Was at Mrs. Moors in the house all day
19
At Mrs Moors
20
Saw Dr R mg
He said I might come home Came home p.m.
Irene Coleman came with me
Met Bessie in Cookst
21
Feel well but a little tired
SEE Memeoranda: 30th- Put glass eye in first time except
when Dr. R tried it in in Toronto
on 25th
5
Took a walk to the Park & University Ey
SEE Memoranda: Deacons (Mrs. Armstrong) stable (tove)
burned last night
9 Was at Church mg
Second time since Easter
& __ Bill - Cheesemaker- came home with us
Aug.
Hattie Hamilton
10
Bessie, Lizzie Ernest & I were at Aunt Maryans funeral a.m.
24
Bessie & Mary were at B Dicks funeral
SEE Memoranda: 24th- Ernest brought home new binder (Massey Harris)
1
I am 60 years old today
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 6
Year 1893 conft
Aug.
20
Ernest got powders for Charlie from D. Banting mg & brought
Mrs. Scott (Ellen Elliott) here
Sept. 8 Went to Barrie & consulted Stewart about making Armstrong
take Charlie horse
He fears I am too late
Oct.
Nov.
24
Herb commenced going to Cookstown school
31
Took Charlie horse to Mr Armstrongs p.m.
out after me
4
He turned him
Harry, Harvey & Bob Coleman & Jack & Alick Copeland helped us
9 Was to Barrie as delegate to meet Hon. Clark Wallace &
Hon, Wood re tariff
14
Went to barrie & saw Boys about horse suit
15
Got judgement against Mr. Armstrong at Beeton for $80 for
Charlie horse
20 Mr Armstrong took Charlie horse away to day
Dec.
8
20
Ernest & I brought
a.m. & we cut oats
T. Thompson for J.
Gustoures Thompson
10 in all
R. McKindless Engine from W. McKindless
p.m.
Had N. Faulknerfor C Campbell,
Sutherland, Harry Coleman, G. Wilson,
& ourselves
W. Ferris run Engine
Fed the stock a.m.
Bessie & Ernest were to Lefory a.m.
They & I were at exam at 4th line p.m. Was Chairman
W.J. Ross is giving up school
27 Was at Schoolmeeting a.m. R. Cunningham was reelected Trustee
J.McLennan made bookcase for me (3 corners) I helped him p.m.
Lizzie was at J. Ross
W.J.Ross & Jala Smith came home with
her
roads slippery
*Note : Memoranda in back of Diary
-Applications for School for 1894 (he lists 9 students)
-Nov. 16: decided to accept Herbert Srigleys application
at $280
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year
Jan,
1894
1 Was Deputy Returning Officer at Election at Cookstown
Election for Reeve & 2 Dy & Prohibition
Roads part
icy & part getting bare
2 Took ballot box to Allandale & went to Barrie
Feb.
17
Lizzie got 3 teeth filled by McLaren
22
SEE Memoranda: Herb, Ross & the 2 girls Howard Cooper
& sister & Winnie Campbell, H, Srigley
S.F. Frank Coleman & our 3 Boys & 2 girls
are skating on Port to night
10
Examined J.A. Kidds stable p.m.
SEE MEMORANDA: Tom Thompson (J. Sutherlands hired man) died
there this mg of dyptheria
28 Was at meeting of Directors & one of Shareholders p.m.
Bessie & Kate Morrow were with me to the village good wheeling
April
4
Done the chores & took in a load of turnips
Ernest
helped Pickens to saw W & H are going to School at
Cookstown
5
Started fire in bush for boiling Sap & helped Ernest to
take in turnips He took in 4 loads
had topsy & Kate to
7 Went to Aurora & ment D, Urquhart
the buggy
fine day
some are plowing
May
16
commenced Spring work
ganged on Hill a.m. Bessie & I
were at old Mrs Ross s funeral p.m.
Wilt cultivated
on Hill for oats
Ernest is sick
Bessie brought'’1
F Patterson here
17
Bessie & I were at Mrs. Norris s funeral p.m.
Smiths & Ross s here at night
3
Some
Ernest helped Albert Reiney to raise house & barn for
stone foundations
17
Planted some potatoes & corn at house & Bessie & I went to
see Mrs. Picken
She went to Cookstown & I went to Richards
about Monument in graveyard
20
Went to see Mrs Picken but she was dead since 9:30 last night
Page 6<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1894 con’t
June
July
Aug.
13
Lizzie & Louis Henry Fountain were married in the church
by Rev. G. Scott at 1:30 p.m.
They left on the Evening
train
Bessie & I went to see Fred at night
He is pretty
low
21
Fred Coleman passed away at 11-50 this a.m.
26
Was Deputy Returning Officer at Election for Ontario
Jeffs got
& Little
J, McLennon was poll clerk
30
Took ballot box to Palling Allandale & ballots to Duffan
Election clerk for Cardwell
10 Went to village mg & took monument to graveyard & bought
new mower Warren home
Ernest commenced cutting grass
13
I helped a.m. & helped to make foundation for & raise
monument in Lewis cemetary
20
Bessie & I were at garden party at J. Ross Ey
27
Cut grass & on track of drain in North gully
commenced digging drain there
Sept. 3
Patience
Cookstown Civic holiday
5 Was at A.R. Ferguson
6
27
Oct. 16
Brought dish harrow from B.R. Fergusons a.m.
Mary & Charlie were married by Mr Scott in the church at
1:30 p.m. & went away on the 5:50 train
Mary went home with Charlie this a.m.
17
Bessie was with me
bought bedroom set from Jebb at 12:00
for Mary
SEE MEMORANDA: 16th-Was at R. Blacks at night decided to have
Annie Wallace for teacher next year at $275
30
Mrs. Robt Watson died at 5 this a.m.
31
Halloween Mr Moor Teacher left for Dundas this mg
SEE MEMORANDA: W.F. Moor left for Dundas this mg & Mr
Phillip takes his place as Head teacher
in Cookstown
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1894 con’t
Nov.
15
Took 15 lambs to village to Geo.Ferguson & done some chores
21 Mary & Charlie were here p.m. E & W were at Mary Pickins
shooting match p.m.
Dec.
11
Lizzie came here from Walkerton first time since her
marriage
17
Was at village p.m. to get tooth filled
fill it
Bozanke did not
27 Was at Jeremiahs Fergusons funeral
31
Borrowed organ case from Sherman p.m to ship organ to
Lizzie
Bessie was with me
Year 1895
Jan.
2 Was at Jno Ross Sons funeral p.m.
E left organ at station
for Lizzie & brought C box from Parks
8
Had J Dobson cutting oats with Rankins engine
11
Was at J Sutherlands Babys funeral
20
Bessie & I were at Church Evening
on the hill & left us there
Maud broke the harness
23 Was going to A.R. Fergusons funeral a.m. when J. McLennan
came with word that Mrs Todd was dead
Helped him to
take yer downstairs
25 Was at Old Mrs Todds funeral to 6th line
Feb.
March
22
Roads somewhat drifted
no mail
89 years old
as no cars got in
7 Was to 6th line Mill with Rick & E p.m.
9 Repaired harness & was at Cookstown p.m.
logs to rollway at mill a.m.
16
E hauled in some
Mr. McLennan & I presented petition to Council to this time
opened p.m at Lefroy
Page 6!
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1895 con't
March 25
April
Left Scantling at Ferriers & also washing machine &
settled with R. McKindless mg
6 Making logboat
8
18
Finished making logboat
left oats at mill to chop & grasseed at Station for Steel
Bros. Toronto
The 2 Boys & Bob & Barclay
Reiny
split wood
warm day
Charlie & Mary were here
24 Was at village Evening having R & W McKindless hauled up
for assault They apologised & admitted they were wrong &
Paid me the $10 I claimed
June
25
Went to village Evening Had R & W McKindless before Banting
& Cook
Bill acknowledge that he must have got the $10
I claimed & the apologised & paid it
27
Bessie & I were to Barrie
Lennox
2
Irish Dick Jones was here
Saw E.A.Littie about Supporting
11 Went to the Synod mg Was there p.m. Had tea at - billetNo 60 Grenville St. Mrs Garrett, Met Kate & Irene at
St. James at night & went to Mrs. Colemans 72 McGill St there
home to billet
12
Was at P.0 Home Bernards Boys home - Fegham home & Boys home
for a lay a.m. Synod p.m. Government house 4 p.m. Mrs, Jones
then home to billet
13
At Synod part of a.m, & p.m.
14
at Market & Synod a.m. came home p.m. Ed Lewis drive me home
Stayed at Mrs. Jones all night
SEE MEMORANDA: 11th- went to Synod
15th- came home
Mrs. Jones address 334 Seaton St; Colemans
72 McGill St; Mr Fidlers 30 Maple Grove, Parkdale
Mr Garrett 60 Grenville
26
July
Church Social At Parsonage Eg
36th Batallion band was there
2 Lucy scared at a stone blasting & upset the buggy & threw me
out & broke a rib & bruised me some Evening
3 Dr. & Mrs Nicol was here this mg
Side very sore
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1895 con't
Aug.
Sept
1
I am 62 years old to day,
weigh 160#
2
The 3 Boys & team helped J. McLennon in with his wheat. They
were at football match at 4th line against Cookstown Evening
2 Labour Day - the 3 Boys were at concert at night (firemans)
8 Willie Armstrong was buried to day
14
SEE MEMORANDA: Herb is going to Cookstown School - Willie
is 4 th line
Nov. 18 Was At J. T. Sproules funeral p.m.
Dec.
20
School at Cookstown closed
Year 1896
Jan.
19 Wilt-Herb & I were at Church Ev
Mrs. Burns fell & hurt her hip
Rev. Mr. Murphy preached
20
Fed stock & other chores
The Boys hauled elms for firew
Mrs. Geo. Ryley died last night
22
Was at Mrs. Geo. Ryleys funeral to Carluke p.m. The Boys
E & W took home last 3 loads of Straw from Hill pretty cold
Feb. 17
18
fed stock & wrote a.m. brought 840# chops from mill p.m.
Bessie is sick with cold
the 3 boys went to Kickapoo Concert
Herb came home mg school
very cold registered
35 below at village morning
Mrs. Burns got worse this a.m. Fed some stock & attended her
Bessie is some better to day able to be round
Rev. Scott
was here Evening
Letty came here & stayed all night
19 Mrs. Burns passed away about 1.20 this morning Bessie,
Letty & I were with her. E went to St. Johns Church & brought
Ella Stevenson home with him
Mary came here p.m. Mild a.m.
quite stormy Evening & was at village a.m.
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1896 con't
Feb.
21
Roads Sa drifted this mg could not bury
The neighbors
turned out & opened the road to the village a.m. arranged
to bury tomorrow
22
Buried Mrs Burns to day one con. south & 8 lots west of
Bondhead Wilt took Pallbearers Ernest Ella Stevenson
Mary & Charlie & Bessie & I went in our sleigh
We came
home by Stevenson
March 19
Ernest & I took Topsy & Kate & Lucy Mares to Newmarket
to Moroirs the Frenchman. Snowed all day Left N.M.
at 5:30 & got stuck in a snowbank at W. Johnstons 2 miles
north of Bradford & lodged with him all night
26 Went to J.McLennans at night & paid my note for my share
of biners note $82.00 Interest $11-89 total 93.89
He took only 85.00
April
1 Lost my glass eye last night
2 Went to Toronto & got another eye from Dr. Ryerson Saw
the Bishop & W W Righley
had tea at Mrs. Colemans
72 McGill St & stopped with Mrs Jones 334 Seaton St.
Saw M Allingham 4 Clara St morning
went
3 Good Friday
to Grace Church with Kate Morrow & had dinner at Mrs Colemans
Left Toronto at 5.30p.m. at Cookst about 8.20
June
30
Schools closed for holidays
July
19
Barclay Reiney died at 9-30 this morning
Sept. 4 was at meeting in S. house about having Hlghschool work Ey
7 Labor Day
19
Oct.
J. Reiny with Cooks engine cut oats for us a.m. had
W. Patience Jno Moir & ourselves
Alf went home at noon
Mrs Coleman - Sophia - came here p.m.
1 Rich Hill was here collecting taxes
Page 7<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 7
Year 1896 con’t
Oct.
Nov.
3
Charlie came here at 5 this morning
Mary had her first
baby last night Bessie & Mrs Campbell went home with him
SEE MEMORANDA: Mary had her first baby (Girl) last night
Mabel Vivian
29
Went to Jas Hamiltons no 11 in 11th Con Gwillimbury &
D Thorps 1 in 12 con after J Hamilton - MasonW & H plowed
Very warm bright sunny day George Graham
was here at night
2
Commenced raising turnips took in 20 loads Had Sylvester
Moir
Alick Copeland Herb Russell & Gowan Patience
29
Dec.
Bessie & I were at Church morning
Anderson Evening
Ernest & Mary Elden
6 Bessie, M.E. Anderson & the 3 Boys were to Church at night
& had my Saskatchewan robe
Slates from the wagon in shed
7 Left Miss Anderson at Dixons & brought buggy wheel from
village a.m. Was At Brysons & Smiths to buy barley p.m.
E & E. Anderson were at Kindergarton at Cookst at night
He & Will cut oats at Campbell
9 Box fell from my pocket last night & broke my glass eye
but I have another one
22
Fed stock & helped J & C. McLennan to put bees in cellar
23
Got Min & Dilsey shod & broght a Massey-Harris rootpulper
from J Banting home
26
SEE MEMORANDA: got word (a letter) that Billy Burns died
on 12 Inst in Manitoba
29
Got word to night that Lizzie had a young Son Zesty mg
Year 1897
*NOTE:
Memoranda in front of diary
County Council Division first elections Jan, 4, 1897
(he notes his childrens birth dates)
Jan.
4 Was at village all day Was elected Councillor first time
since 1880
Herb started school
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con't
Jan.
Feb.
7 Went to Charlies for Mary to stay while Bessie goes to
Walkerton
could not come to day
22
Jim McKindless drove me to village mg & I borrowed money
from T.H. & C. Arnold & I went to Barrie & paid it to
J.A. McCarthy on interest due Ferguson estate by W.McKindless
26
Took a load of wood to J. Banting on pulper (Massey-Harris)
W Phillips was here for information in Ferguson McKindless suit
28
Left Willie at School mg in the house rest of day E went
to 6th line for lumber we left there but it was gone
SEE MEMORANDA: Lizzies Baby died
18
Fed stock a.m.
Was at W Moirs sale & at Cookstown &
Ed lewises p.m. J McLennan came here at noon He & I went
to sale together
SEE MEMORANDA: W. Ferrier of Barrie Buried to day at
Lewises
26
Fed stock at McLennan a.m. got grain ground at mill p.m.
Rich J McLennan & Wife were here Evening
W Lennan was
here at night
SEE MEMORANDA: Herb came home at noon from school - Sick
with cold
27
Done some chores a.m. Was Campbells also to see Winnie
a.m. She has Pendizitis
Was at Conservative Meeting at
Churchill p.m. quite cold
March 19
Saw J.A. Ferguson about settling with Mrs. McKindless p.m.
23 Minnie mare threw me in the lane & hurt my shoulder some
26
April
Took Mary home (from here) to Lefroy
2 Took Herb to Toronto to Dr Price Brown 37 Carlton
He
examined him but would not give an opinion till tomorrow
Had dinner at Mrs Colemans 72 McGill
Had tea bed &
breakfast at Mrs Jones 334 Seaton
3 Met Herb & Frank - Harrys at Drs. at 9 He examined Him again
& said there was microbes in his Sputons That his throat &
lungs were affected. Had dinner at Russell House Saw
Mrs. Fawcett 20 Rose Ave. Stayed with M Aldington 4 Clare
all night
4 Micheal A His Daughter Annie & I were at church at Little
Trinity morning M & I were over Don P.M. & at Mrs. Colemans
at night
Some rain at night
Page 7
Page 7
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con't
April
5
Saw the Dr. twice Herb & I had a long walk in the city
& I came home Evening & left Herb at Mrs Colemans Ernest
helped Campbell to move to Station
10
Ernest went to the village & had Wilton home from Oakville
& Toronto
SEE MEMORANDA: 5th -left Herb in the city
6th -Campbell moved to Oakville
9th- Bob Strong came 7 months work
10th -Wilt came home from Oakville & Toronto
May
12
Left J Brysons mill home & brought dogpower from Rinnear
Lennox a.m.
16
Good Friday holiday
18
Bessie Wilt Willie & I were at Church mg the team Pete
& doll run away they ran from the church to C. Campbells
gate at No. 8
26
Ernest is laid up with meazels p.m.
29
Ernest cultivated & harrowed
30
Ernest finished cultivating for & Bob finished sowing barly
& peas on 50 - Ernest & Bob went to village at night
11
Bessie & I were to village evening & Herb wad home with us
just came from Toronto
12
Saw Sawyer Massey road Scrape
tried at village
21 Went ot village morning & sax^ Candidate Clevenand bay horse
took load chop to mill p.m. & saw German coach horse
Traded a cow - reddy- & old buggy to Andy for cart
SEE MEMORANDA: 19th - Dr. Nicol took the splints off
Charlies leg that was broken on 15 of March
June
23
A Son & Daughter of Dr. Runey of Adjala St Letitia Parks
were here p.m.
25
Charlie went home - first time in 10 weeks
1 Was at Vandeburgs morning about gravel pit - Little Jameison
& I met at Wrights at 7th & examined road - Thence to Martens
at 11 on 8th con Cowans on 9th & Reynolds on 10th
3 Jameison & I bought gravel pit from Vandeburg
at cross on junction
exam road
Page 1L
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con’t
June
7 Was making arrangement with Pathmaster about using the
road machine
8 Was at R. Cunningham p.m. about using road machine
too wet to work to day
Ground
10 Was at D Irvings examining road a.m. & at Dixens about
road machine
11
Bessie & I were at our first excursion to Guelph
fine day
16 Was at village a.m. for screen wire
was there p.m. about
chart for School bought the chart from Holden (Memoranda $37-50)
Went to Wrays & Brysons with Him evening J McLennon tried
to take his bus mg but could not
He took them all night
18 made doubletree & whiffletree a.m.
20 Jubilee Service in church to day
July
22
Jubilee Day
25
Bob is still away drinking
29
Dressed some stuff for window screens Rained most all day
The masons went home p.m. 4th line School closed to day
1 Dominion Day
3 Was at village & D Ross p.m. to see Cement Co. agent but
did not
Aug.
5
Bessie & I went to Charlies a.m. & was at garden party at
D Little evening Ney & McDonald painted stables wall
Ernest got 4 bags cement from S Kidd
4
SEE MEMORANDA: Set job of making 167 rods of road on 2nd
line in Swamp to J Moir & J.R. Picken
5 Helped H Basnes to repair pump at house
but the valve was under water
Sept.
tried pump on Hill
2 Left Herb at Bradford to attend Model School
6 Labor Day
7 Bob is sick
8
Bob Strong is drinking
Page 7
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con’t
Sept. 10
Geo & I threshed at E Bathies met John Ross - Joseph Whiteside
& Jas Duff at village re gravelling town line at night
11
Some rain mg Was at Jas Blacks about gravel pit - & at
Mrs Christean Coleman wake at night
Bob commenced
work again
12
Bessie Willie & I were to Charlies - Irene was there from
Toronto & Herb from Bradford
Ernest was at Thomas Colemans
funeral p.m.
28 Was at village a.m. Examined work commenced on this line
& some on 3rd line swamp p.m.
Oct.
Nov*
Dec.
11 Was at Court revision & Council meeting at Stroud finished
Big Bay Point drain affair W left Herb at Bradford
22
Lizzie & I started for Walkerton
from Shelburne all night
Stayed at R Woods 9 miles
23
Got to Fountain (Alexs farm) about 9 o clock
6 Was at Old Mrs Wrays funeral to Churchill a.m.
17
SEE MEMORANDA: Bob Strong moved to Vine
29
Was at Hapnapy Hindes funeral at Wilsons Hill
Year 1898
Feb.
5 Went to Bradford & settled with Evans & T.S. Graham about
Drennan & Pearson case
March 21 Was at Will Fishers funeral p.m.
April 18 Was at Joe Blacks funeral p.m.
Page 7£
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1898 con?t
April 23
24
May
Bessie & I were at Sam Pattersons funeral a.m. to Lefroy
& Charles p.m. Stayed at Charles all night
SEE MEMORANDA: Surveyers passed to swamp this morning
for the CPR Co. War threatening between
Spain & W. States
Thos. McKindless was buried to day
to have lost his memory
E Bathie is ill - seems
7 Mrs Heasley died very suddently this evening
9 Was at Mrs. Heasleys funeral to Wilson Hill
June
July
29
Willie & I were at Wm Blacks funeral p.m.
17
Surveyers are surveying for C.P.R. railway
9 Went to Toronto & got two eyes from Cohm Bros,
night
Sept. 26
Hy Quincy commenced cementing cellar floor
& Alick helped him
home at
H. Copeland
28 Waterworth & Kiernan were here p.m. to sell home comfort
range, Kirk sent grand garland stove here p.m. Lizzie
& Henry came from Charlies at night
SEE MEMORANDA: got grand garland stove from Kirkpatrick
$24 without furniture
Oct.
29
SEE MEMORANDA: Prohibition Election day
14
Got 11 sacks cement at A MisCampbell a.m.
pipes from A Arnold p.m.
15 Will Patience came for Bessie
Herbert Kenneth
Nov.
got ventilator
Mary had her first Boy,
18
Bessie, Ernest, Herb, Willie & I were at Rebeccas funeral p.m.
23
Broke last of the 2 eyes I got in Toronto 9th July
25
Went to Toronto & got another eye from Dr. Ryerson dined
at Russell House Had tea at M Allinghams Stayed at Mrs. Colemans
103 Gerard Street all night
Wm. R. Coleman of Xnnisfil Township Diaries
Page 7
Year 1898 conTt
Nov.
26
Called on Mrs Jones a.m.
Had dinner at Mrs C & came home
30
Herb is teaching in the village
Year 1899
*Note:
Jan.
Feb.
note in front of diary
Had house bricked in 1873
Bought first binder Toronto, 1885
Cookstown P.0. Revenue $1173.67 Salary & Rent $420-00
Jan.17(1898) W. Grace handed me deed of land-25acres
of east 50 acres of N% of 11 in First con
Innisfil
Mar.15 Meeting of Cookstown Warehousing Co. held in
Jebbs Hall
130 $20 Shares held of which
Dr. Nicol has 60
Geo Duff
18
28
3 Was at Dr. Norris funeral p.m.
5
22
March
Was at 3rd meeting of Council at Allandale - Mr. Palling
resigned his position as treasurer
SEE MEMORANDA: C, Palling resigned the office of treasurer
The Auditors found him $501.25 short
70 years of age
Herb is going to High School in Walkerton
I was at Robt Pickens funeral p.m.
6 Bessie & I were to funeral of Mrs Alex Stevenson
21 Was at Mrs W. Coopers funeral to Thornton-was at Cookstown
April 15
May
Went to Barrie & hired Jack Sibbald 7 months for $16 pr month
9 At James Rogersens funeral p.m.
15
Was at Sale of Picken Swamp farm p.m.
20 Was at Council Meeting at Craigvale
with township
Have not settled yet
Page 76
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1899 con*t
May
26
Webb Hill & I consulted Lennox re Pallings accounts with
township
29 Webb Grose & I exam roads 5th line - Penetang & S townline
was at Charlies all night
31 Webb Grose & I examined Pallings farm to ascertain its
value a.m.
I went in to Barrie p.m. then to R Allingham
Stayed all night
June
1 Came from R Allingham to Council meeting at Thornton Council
ofered to take $1500 & Palling ofered $1200 - for what he
is short with the council
5 Met Mrs Wilson in Strathys office - Barrie - to inquire into
her claim against her mother for $154.00
SEE MEMORANDA: Met Mrs Wilson in Barrie about legacy willed
her by her Father
a
6th~Wilt went with the Volunteers to camp at Niagara
7 Grose - Hill & I examined 10th line at Brighams
1st & 2nd Sideroad
Essa Road
13
At adjournment meeting of Council at Craigvale Settled with
Mr. Palling for $1350 in lieu of the 2491.46 he was short
in his cash
James Black was appointed treasurer at $150
pr annum
Went to Robt Allinghams
14
R Allingham went with me See Pathmaster Brillinger & Crawford
in N W corner of township
17
Went to Barrie & got 7 bags potatoes & saw Strathy re Mrs.Wilson
claim against her mother did not settle it Wilt came home
from Camp
Charlie came here at 11 p.m. after his colts
23 wrote specifications of Sideroad bridge a.m.
30
July
Bessie & I went to Barrie, Paid Mrs Wilsons money to Strathy
& Eston
8 Bessie & I were at G Patience funeral p.m. had tea at
Mr Fieldsmans F Patience & Maggie Allingham were here over
night
18
Bessie, Willie & I were on Painswick SS excursion from Bellewart
to B.B. Point - Allandale, Barrie & Jacksons Point came home
from Charles
Page 7S
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1899 con't
Aug.
Sept.
26
Was to Barrie & met Grose & opened tenders for drain E of
railway on 3rd line
4 Labor Day
15
SEE MEMORANDA: G.F. Fisher died in his 79 year
17
Bessie, Willie & I were at Squire Fishers funeral to Lewis
cemetary p.m.
19 Was at Campbell & Carter Law suit p.m. Carter was committed
for trial for removing goods to defraud Campbell
Oct.
Nov.
9 Bessie & I went to Barrie to David Stewarts funeral
Pallbearer
was
13
Bessie & I left for Walkerton
got to Flesherton 50 miles
from Cookstown at 5-p.m. & stayed all night
14
Left at 6 & reached Walkerton
16
Bessie - Lizzie & I were down town
19
Thanksgiving Day
20
Started for home - left Walkerton at 12-20 reached Flesherton
at 6 - 31 miles
21
Started at 6 & reached Shelborn at 9-30 = 22 miles = reached
home at 5.30 p.m.
31% miles at 12
Bessie Lizzie Henry & I were at Mr Fountains
4 Went to Barrie & Saw Lennox about Drennan Money
9 Had Birthday Party for Ernest & Mary at night
Dec,
15
Grose -Hill & I examined & Passed last of ditching on this
line Swamp a.m.
I went to S. Townline p.m. to meet Jermys
but he did not come
went on to the village
29
Bessie & I went to Bradford & brought home Home Comfort Range
that I bought from Thompson at $35.00
30
Took Wilt to Village to Rifle practice & sent W.Downie & Wife
to Beeton
1 Went to Cloverhill morning & arranged to start hauling gravel
on Monday & notified some of the men
Page 8(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1900
*Note:
Jan.
memoranda in front of diary
Ernest & Wilton commenced working the farm this year 1900
Dec. 17 Andrew Ferrier died was buried at Thornton
4 Went to Toronto & got an eye from Dr. Ryerson
had dinner
at Russell here called at Mrs Colemans 103 Gerrard St
& M Allingham
Lizzie was with me to Cardwell
Missed
train at Cardwell & went to Inglewood for the night with
Dent Hotel keeper
5
Came home from Inglewood a.m.
W. Sutherlands fine day
Ernest & Wilton threshed at
17
Ernest took 7 hogs to Village a.m. C.W.Pherson came home
with him & commenced dividing
11 in first concession p.m.
18
Left the men in the swamp morning Bessie Mabel & I took
them their dinner & I brought them back at night E. W.
& McPerson The Surveyor went to concert for South Africa
volunteer fund
19
Fed stock morning Took the men to the swamp to Survey but
it was too Soft & Mr McPherson went home
I left him at
station & brought S Clement - Sheriff of Brandon back with
me & left him back Evening
20 Had Council meeting at Craigvale a.m. & examined Shannon
bridge on Lot 15 13th line
Feb.
6 had dinner with Mrs Stoddart & saw Col. Tyrwhitt
confined to the house
7
March
He is
SEE MEMORANDA: H. Black Assessor was here
17
got Bruce shoes removed & got my medal for Fenian raids p.m.
19
Charlie & the 2 Boyx went to the Pull -Hypnatize affair
at village at night
1
C Campbell killed 3 beef Heifers for us a.m. Ernest took
some to R Reiney & village & got word that Gen. Cronje
Surrendered to Lord Roberts
Willie & I went to village at night to Pulls
9 Fed stock
Hypnotic concert but they did not perform
17
of Ireland
In house all day with the cold J & Mrs McLennan
went home at noon
Quite cold
Was in Drillshed in Toronto
all day This day 34 years
Page 81
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1900 con't
March 28
May
June
SEE MEMORANDA: General Youchert (Yowler) died at 11-30
last night in Pretory
6 Ernest & Wilton are working the farms - first year
24
Queens 81 anniversary of Birthday
28
SEE MEMORANDA: Eclipse on Sun a.m.
4 Whole Council met at Shannis bridge - cancelled Brennans
Contract of $148-00 & set the job to Hanning Warnica at
$149.
Had dinner at Warnicas
9 W & H were to Mortons Park
12
Grose - Hill & I were at T. Todds on 6th
& Helumkays on 6th p.m.
S. Cannings on 5
20 Went to Panetang on train & from there to San Souci on
boat City of Toronto - Charlie was with me
Got back to
Lefroy at 8:40 p.m.
Stayed at Charlies all night
22
SEE MEMORANDA: Mrs McKindless died at 10-45 a.m.
Set
contract again to H. Slight of building
House on Hill $750- to be done
24
was at Mrs McKindless funeral p.m.
25
H. Slight & I laid out track of house on 50 - 2nd line
26
Was to Barrie & bridge on 13th line
Heard Mrs McKindless
will read
McLennon & I are appointed Executor
27
Mary & I were at Mrs Albert Campbells funeral
She was
brought from Chatswill by train
Saw the races p.m.
She was 91 years old
July
2 Dominion Day - At home alone most all day Bessie is at
Walkerton
Wilt is at Lefroy, Ernest & Willie at Degrassie
point & Herb to Shelbourne playing lacrosse
Was at
S townline p.m. & Campbells at night
Aug.
6 hauled water to Engine here
& at McLennon
17 Was at Mrs Colemans-Big Bettys-funeral
Sproule came home with me
29
got bread at village morning
Cousin Margaria
Page 82
Wra. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1900 con’t
Aug.
31
Herb played lacrosse at Bracebridge - Fell of Swingbeam
& hurt my shoulder
Sept
5
Saw Lacrosse match p.m.
Latter beat 3 to 1
6
Sam & H Slight hauled stones on Hill I took them their
dinner & went to village
Ernest is laid up with sore eye
Cookstown & Bracebridge p.m.
18 Was to Barrie ~ Heard Sir Charles Tupper - Hon Hugh John
McDonald & Hon G Foster speak
Oct.
1 Was at Alf Ayerst funeral a.m.
7 D Banting was here sewing
Nov.
Wilt mare where Minnie kicked her
16
Met Ritchie F Moriarty in Swamp p.m. & we set him the job
of clearing road allowances across lots 9 & 10 at 50b & 40b
per rod
12
At hill & village a.m.
roof for eave-troughs
23
At village morning for W Lennan
Mrs McKindless p.m.
Dec. 17
House all lathed - King measured
He sold chattels of late
Andrew Ferrier died about 6 p.m.
27
At village p.m.
Saw Dr Nicol re mortgage
Herb came home
28
Went to Barrie - drew $1200 from Bank & Paid it to Dr.Nicol
at night $200 still due
Was at reception to W Moir
from S. Africa
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1901
*Note: in front of diary
1867 Dr Nicol came to village
1874 Bought Port farm
1885 bought first binder
Jan.
4
at Richards a.m. & saw Dick
He is ill with asthma Bessie
Herb & I were at Church concert in temperance hall at
night
not snow enough for Sleighing yet
6
Bessie-Ernest & Herb were to Thanksgiving Service in Church
for safe return of W.J. Moir
7
took Herb to Village morning on his was to Barrie Collegiate
Institute
9 got mail & bread p.m.
14 Was at first Council meeting of the century at Craigvale
SEE MEMORANDA: Charlie Kidd got home from South Africa
29
At village p.m. to take up carpet in Dr. Nicols house did not get it
30 At village a.m. Bessie-Ernest-Willie & I were at first
reunion of veterans of 1866 at night
Feb.
6 Had Wiltons Mare - Emms- to village p.m. - when turning at
Campbells gate she upset the cutter & ran through McKindless
field & broke it most all to pieces
27
March
4
Came home from Beeton Evening
Bruce scared at train & ran
against the train near 11th line N of Beeton Threw us out
Doolittle was here p.m. to buy Peter & Doll
$160.00
I would like $175.00
He offered
5 Was at Doolittles (Gilford) & Charlies
7 Was at John Duffs funeral p.m.
75 years old
9 SEE MEMORANDA: James Brown died aged 65 yrs
Laid
up in house with pain in right breast
from fall on the ice
12
at home in the house
14
Was at 3rd meeting of Council at Alliston
master
15
Bessy & I were at Mrs. D. Groses funeral p.m. & had tea at
Mr Smiths
John & Ellen Stevenson came here
appointed Path-
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1901 con’t
March 16
April
At home
breast some better
think may have had broken rib
9 Went to Walkerton via Orangeville with H. Fountain
man ploughing
Saw
*Note: no further entries had been made until:
20
In Walkerton
*Note: no further entries made until:
May
26
Lizzie & I were to twon & Cemetary
27
Came home from Walkerton via George Town
Geotown 1H hours
was delayed at
8 Was at Jim Moirs funeral, Cookstown to Wilsons Hill a.m.
16 Met J. King & W. Corbit on hill
furnace pipes
they cut holes for
23 Was at hill & village a.m. & p.m. got King to put in hot
air pipes for furnace
Mr Fountain was with me
June
July
29
was at P.H. Stewarts funeral to the Station at Barrie Harry
& I were Pall Bearers
Bessie & Mary went to Toronto with
Miss S.
Wilt & A ney went to dorset
very warm
5 Rain this a.m. & at night
Was at Wakehouse - Mrs Rolston p.m.
Russel Patience had Bruce to Charlies
6
Was at village morning for Plaster of Paris - Was Pallbearer
at Mrs Rolstons funeral to newtown p.m.
30 Thos Elliott, J. Grahma & I got our applications for farm in
New Ontario
filled at Major Cooks p.m.
Aug.
4
Bessie & I were at John Fishers funeral to Lewis burial
grounds p.m.
6 Brought flooring - doors-& moulding from village to Hill a.m.
we were at Lacross Match p.m. Bradford beat Cookstown 4-1
8
Bessie & I were at Mrs Pattersons funeral p.m.
almost 89 years old
She was
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1901 con11
Aug.
Sept.
10
Took cedar log from road & 76 feet of cedar plank from
village to hill for veranda
13
Bessie & I were to village
met Jno Robinson Police Sergt
Toronto & Geo. Ross Volunteer of 1866 Mrs. D. Sutherland
came home from Collingwood
5 Went to Toronto from Lefroy
was at Gurneys office &
fair
At M. Allinghams for night
6
Oct.
Settled with Gurney about furnace & saw some of the city
had dinner & tea at F. Patience M.A.& I were to Hanlans
point at night
12
Herb & I finished Measuring plastering of new house
16
Went to hill morning to help H. Ross & others to put furnace
he did not come till p.m.
22
Harvest thanksgiving service in Church Rev. H.C. Dixon
Preached
Bessie & I were there morning Lizzie, __Henry
& the Boys Evening
2 Lizzie Henry & all hands at fair p.m.
Bessie & I
Six Children got our picture taken by Adams p.m.
& our
3 Left Herb at Station to go to Medical College -or University
Toronto morning Henry & X took sideboard to hill first
piece of furniture in new house
Irene & Mary came here
Evening
Showery
9 Bessie & I went to Toronto a.m. I went to M. Allingham
at night
Bessie stopped at Frank Colemans
Saw Herb at
Wycliffe College
10
Was lined up with the other 66 men on King west & saw the
duke & Duchess of Cornwall & York pass through
11
Saw Duke & Duchess & about 11,000 troops on exhibition ground
Infantry Cavalry Mounted rifles Artilary & The Ambulance
Corps
18
went to Hill p.m. & to village & brought range furniture
that came from Toronto
21 Went to hill & village morning W Robinson finished inside
of house to day & Pascoe commenced emptying well
22 Was at R.J. Hills about adverty for tenders to finish work
on Sideroad & picked apples a.m.
Helped Pascoe & Brawly
to clean out well on hill & was to village
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1901 con't
Nov.
2 Was to Allandale to get 5 names on voters list - was too late
5 Bessie & I moved into New house on hill p.m. Willie came
with us hut went back with Ernest - I was 37 years & Bessie
32 years & almost 5 months in house on Oakdale Farm
7 Bessie & I went to Ernests (home) a.m.
I came home here p.m.
23 Met Ritchie & Moriarty on S townline p.m.
about done
Jim has his job
25
Left Bessie at Ernest a.m. was a T. Pollocks p.m. met
he and Geo Dales at village at night re their contract on
Sideroad
They refused the money $19.15
27
Saw J. Moriarty on S. townline- re contract of 1900- & was
to village
Left buggy at Wills & took cutter first time
30 Was at Village P.M.
on for furnace
Clifton of Alliston put last register
Year 1902
Jan.
10 At village a.m.
furnace p.m.
W.B. Clifton put chain on ventilate of
24 Left Willie at School morning
Bessie Willie & I were to
2nd reunion of No, 3 Co, 66 Veteran I had a good time
29 Was at Meeting in T. Elliott Store winding up reunion of
veterans of 66 affairs
Arranged to raise funds to get
present for Major Cook
Feb.
March
25
At home was back at bush. Wilt & Willie Copeland brought
me 17 cwt of coal from village
warm day frost at night
1 Walked to village p.m. Still soft this line hardly fit for
horses to travel
Very deep Snow banks yet & quite soft
2
Was to townline a.m. looking for money I lost yesterday had
dinner at D. Sutherlands
roads almost impassable -soft
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 conTt
March
3 At Jas. Reineys a.m. re $47- I lost yesterday at Ernest
& E Bathies p.m. Edward died at
Revd Mr Hawe came with me from Bathies & had tea here
Quite cold p.m.
some snow fell
4 Wilt left 5 pigs here morning just weaned - to be fed &
took our 2 to village - I went with him & was at wake
house * E. Bathie= p.m. deep banks & bare ground
5
Bessie & I were at Edward Bathie funeral to Lewis
Cemetary p.m.
6 Was at P. Greensides re lost money & at Jas Reineys re
making his will
April
10
Henry & I were to Ernest a.m. He left Mary home p.m. I
went to village Evening brought H. Lennox here to write
James Reineys will
11
H. Lennox & I went to Jas. Reineys a.m. & he wrote Mr.
Reineys will - Peter Greenside & I were appointed executors
was to village p.m. Quite soft
19
Was at Meeting of Warehousing Co. p.m.
24
Was at Alex Robers funeral p.m. roads quite dry in places
Some snow on yet but wheeling good most all the way to village
got $4-
10% dividends
1 At village
Some soft snow fell last night cold wind
today roads muddy Col. R.T. Banting died at 7 this mg
aged 76 years
3 Was at Col Banting funeral pretty hard frost last night
cold wind to day
roads muddy p.m. about a dozen of 66
men marched together at funeral
6 Mrs A Agnew died at 7 this morning
8 Got grain ground for Wilt a.m. Bessie & I were to Fanny
Agnews funeral p.m. Rich Coleman - Dick, came here from
Richds at night
10 Was at convention at Beeton - Little, Fraser & Boddy =
Little got it - had dinner at County house went on train
13
Bessie, Willie & I here - Mary came here p.m. went home
again
Robt Cunningham, Innisfil - was buried this p.m
cold wind
15
Was at Jess Moirs - Jas & D Reineys about posts for fence a.m
T. Elliot, J.W. Parks & I presented Major Cook with gold
chain & locket - at night-
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 con't
April 23 MEMORANDA: James Reiney died this morning
24
82 years old
Helped Frank Coleman to prepare for going to Shelburn p.m.
25 Was Pall bearer at James Reineys funeral p.m. rain at night
with thunder & lightning
Frank Coleman has ray team to
Shelburn for Emm & Duffy
May
June
13
Was at Duff Little Political meeting in temperance hall at
night
1 News reached London at 4.30p.m. that terms of peace was
signed in South Africa
18
At village a.m. At Thornton p.m. for fence for hen yard
Wilton & Emma Cuttinder were married at Mt. Albert
20 At village a.m. got vie shod - Wilton brought his wife
home at night, Bessie, Mary Charlie Lizzie henry, Willie
& I were there
Charlie & Mary came home with us
23
MEMORANDA: Saw Miss Goodwin at Thornton & was at village a.m.
Henry put gate on hen yard
He & Bessie went to
Ernest at night
24
At village am telephoned Thorpe re to meet re graveling
W townline at home alone p.m.
Bessie & Lizzie are at
Ernests
Ernest & H. Fountain brought Emms stuff from
Mt. Albert - Herb came home from Muskoka
26 Henry & I made some at B house a.m. Lacrosse match
Cookstown & Tottenham p.m. & at Lawn Social at Mrs.O.R. Ferguson
Evening
very cold Lizzie & Henry were down to the match
July
1 Willie brough Spgr wagon from Ernests morning & he & I
brough 11 window screens from Robinsons
Left it at Wilts
Evening
Willie stayed there co comming work
6
MEMORANDA: great rain & hail storm washout on RR near
Allandale trains had to come around by Geo town
Lizzie went home this morning
13 Willie & I were to church morning warm day Dick Jones
came here & told us that R Allinghams youngest (daughter)
was dead
14
At a Lewises & village morning
Bessie & I were to R.Allinghams
17 Done the chrose & was at village & Wilton got 2 pigs from
Wilton
Some rain last night Lennox demonstration at
Holland Landing
■
'
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 conft
July
Aug.
24
Put in Screen windows & p.m. was at N Gray townline
& village p.m. Herb & Bert Brown were here last night
& went to Bradford to play Lacrosse
were beaten by 8-1
Saw first wheat cut
27
Heard Rev. T.G. Wright preach on the protestantism of the
Church of England a.m.
1 Went to Lefroy re Mrs Cooks camping at Willow Point had
dinner at Charlies
Mrs Coleman was with me
I am 69
years old to day & feel healthy & strong
4 Was to Barrie - Mrs Coleman was to & from Jonathon Reineys
with me boat races in Barrie - Saw but one race
21 Went to W. Leesens to get him to put wire fence front of
house a.m. could not come now. Wilt - Herb & I finished
shocking oats here p.m. rain last night
28
Sept.
MEMORANDA: J.A. Kidd - D.R. Ross & I were appointed to go
to fair at Toronto to buy Gasoline Engine for
Elevator
6 Was to station with funeral of Mrs. McNicol morning
some chores around home
done
9 Went from Lefroy to Exhibition Toronto re buying a gasoline
Engine for Elevator
Stayed at M.Allinghams all night - rained
most of the day
10
At Temple buidling & other places am at Exhibition p.m.
M Allinghams night
fine day
11
Had dinner at Fred Patience & came to Lefroy p.m.
at Mrs Colemans morning
12
at Charlies all day
called
could not get home for rain
16 Met M Gavillier at Station re draining Nottawa creek
He
& I went to Jebbs Pond then up to Wiltons & had dinner
then up river to near No 10 in 2nd
Then here for night
17
Was at village - Gavillier has mare & buggy to Sandy cove
18
Gavellier & I were 3rd line - 4th & 5th and to swamp on 7th
& home by 6th p.m.
19 Willie drove Mr G to James Miscampbell & Wilts a.m, I
left him at village p.m.
Was at meeting of directors p.m.
We bought Gasoline Engine 5 H Power from Braddy of Geo Town
Page 9(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 con’t
Sept
24
Webb Grose ~ Sutherland & I met at R.R. crossing on 11th
& thence to Tolandal Mill & to Barrie & had meeting in
Ness Hotel Willie was with me
Oct.
14
At home a.m. At meeting in village p.m. re appauity Farters
to select land for Vetn’s of 66 in New Ont. done nothing
MEMORANDA: had meeting in Jebbs Hall re choosing our farms
in new Ontario did no agree in any plan
17
W at John McLennon funeral to 6th line - was pallbearer
27 A Council Meeting at Churchill re Nottawasaga drain
Majority parties interested against it
29 Was to Barrie Saw Lennox re drain
Bessie came home to
night ground white this morning
first time quite cold
Nov.
1
Bessie & I went to Lefroy p.m. called at Jas Allens re
drain - Stayed at Charlies all night
Wilt & wife came
there about 7 p.m.
3 At village a.m.
Emma - Mrs Duffy had daughter last night
6 Was at Charlies & Jas Allens with drainage Petition
7 Met rest of Council & Gavellier at 10th line & examined big
creek drain from about 75 rods north of 7th line to 12th lines
10 Went to Bradford via of Bondhead to Settle with Slight ~
could do nothing with him
cool roads good
11 Willie & I put tar paper on stable
21
Brough D Banting to see heifer of Wilts a.m. that straw
stack fell on
could do no good at home p.m.
22 Was at Henry Sloans funeral p.m.
62 years in Innisfil
He was 86 years old
29 MEMORANDA: Got certificate for land grant re veterans of 66
from Crown Land office to day
Dec.
5
11
Cut furnace wood in bush at Oakdales
Wilt & I
Bessie cooked for us
Ernest - Willie-
Bessie 6 I went to Barrie ~ Mary is up there Wilt & Emma
were up too ~ good sleighing not very cold - Bessie got
fur coat
MEMORANDA: Bessie got fur coat in Tyrer & Ellis’s $40
Page 93
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfll Township Diaries
Year 1902 con’t
Dec.
12
Went to Ernest to set cutting of furnace wood to Copeland
Boys a.m. James Loughead came home with me from there
He & I were to village
13
Done chores James Loughead went home p.m. arranged about
cost of graveling W.Townline with Jas S. Buff at Leadlays p.m.
18
MEMORANDA: Mrs Foster Cookstown died last night
23
Made out & sent Statemen of house contract to Dunn Ferguson
& Jane
Year 1903
Jan.
2
Was canvassing on 3rd line a.m. Bessie & I were at funeral
of Emmas Duffys Baby p.m.
9
Bessie & I were to Barrie
went by Jas Loughead
Fetition re drain quite cold
12
Feb.
He signs
Went to James Allens a.m. with Fetition re draining Swamp
very cold & stormy road N & S filling up
2
Was at Churchill p.m. Jas Allen & I had Fetition for South
Xnnisfil drain presented to Council
4
Was at Robert Watsons funeral p.m. Richard Harry & I arranged
on a bases1 - for settlement of Ann Janes effects
25
March 18
Rod McKonkey assessor was here over night
fine day
At home a.m. At annual meeting of Elevator Co. p.m. got
fine warm day roads bad Wilt brought 11 head of
cattle here to day Willie helped him
19
Ernest was here between 6 & 7 a.m* to day Emma is sick
I left Bessie there & brough Mary over then came home
Fine boy born about 5 p.m.
MEMORANDA: Wilts first child = Boy was William David Louis
20
Went to Wiltons & saw his Boy this mg (first born) was at
village p.m. Alone now 8 p.m. Bessie & Willie are at
Wiltons
warm to day
raining now
Page 92
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1903 con't
March 24
27
April 16
June
At home a.m. Richard, Henry & I settled or about settled
up - Ann Janes will affairs p.m.
Copeland had sawing
bee in bush here
At home a.m. Saw Rankins delivery of Massey Harris implements
& Bain wagons at village about 40 teams p.m. Willie helped
saw at Parker
Went to Ernest morning & signed order for Wind Mill & grain
crusher Mill also to run C Box & root pulper
20
At Churchill of revision of drainage assessment
25
Trimming some post 1 m & was to R. Hills re assessment of
drain works p.m.
2 Was at George Thompson funeral p.m.
4
73 years of age
Rich Coleman & I hauled my lumber 2 loads cedar & elm from Robinson & Dobsons Mill
9 At Thos Timmins funeral a.m. was Pall Bearer - buried at
Wilsons
Herb & I planted potatoes
July
Aug.
10
Went to W Mcknights & met Rev. Mr Sparling re selecting farm
in new Ontario
Herb & I sawed some wood Evening
19
Split & piled some wood Wilt helped me some p.m. to saw
Emmas was with him
Lizzie Henry & Ernest were on Excursion
to Balia falls
23
Heavy rain last night
Bessie & I went to Ernests this morning
M. Gavillier Henry Fountain & Charlis - C. Campbell & I laid
out track of river on South part of Port = about
rods p.m.
25
Henry & Lizzie were to Barrie, Excursion to Niagara
7 Helped R. Hill- H. Grose & R Sutherland to locate drain on
N% 8
very warm
13
Gailler Grose - Hill & I located drain between Sutherland
& I - 30 rods East & thus South to new Channl will be made
for river - N & South drain to start 20 rods E of Albert
Rung corner J. Dren & Son helped us p.m.
25
At home a.m. Charlie & I took levels for drain in his
centre field p.m. Charlie came here to stay all night
Page 93
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1903 con’t
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
9 Mary Pickin & R Cousins were married to day
29
Raised first pit of potatoes And was at village All our
children & H. Fountain & Emma & L Parry came here at night
& presented me with an arm chair
20
Bessie & I were to Stevensons, Tecumseth
21
Bessie & I were to Charlies to tell Henry Fountain about
farm for sale in Tossorontio
fine day
22
At Orlanda Lewis re mast for wind mill & at village a.m.
H. Fountain left for Manitoba this a.m.
23
Bessie & I went to Wells a.m. I searched swamp p.m. for
Mast for Wind Mill
got none
31
Examined river where Drennan tapped river with new drain
Lot 17 Con 8
9 Bessie & I went to Charlies & presented Mary with a gold
watch as a Birthday present
10
Helped Ernest finish his turnips Lizzie is ill with cold
Bessie was with me Got one & perhaps 2 of my ribs broken
with calf at night
16
Lizzies Children are ill with Whooping cough
25
Christmas - Bessie & I & our 6 Children & 6 Grand children
2 sons in law on Daughtering - A.J. Palmer - Mrs McLenna
Sen. & Mr Fountain Sen had dinner & tea at Ernest (Also
Miss Ray from Toronto)
Year 1904
*Note-in front of diary
Bought Port farm in 1874
Bought Hill farm in 1876
Hamilton & N.W. railway built in 1877
Wm Greer married 1877 (now Detective)
Rev. Mr Fidler came here about 1860 left in 1871
Parsonage built in 1867
Page 9
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1904 con't
Feb.
April
8
Very cold at village & Ernest p.m & got Medicine from
Dr. McKay for Bessie
She is some better to night Dr says
it is muscular rheumatism
13
Hear Gamey = the man from Manitoulan= in temperance hall p.ra.
many could not get in
18
was to village thence to J. Robinsons with Henry re
buying farm p.m.
5 At home alone Bessie is at Wilts Wilts 2 baby- Boyborn yesterday died to day
He & H Fountain Thos Crittendor
& I buried it to night in Mothers grave
19
MEMORANDA: about $12,000,000 lost by fire on front, Bay &
other Streets in Toronto
21
MEMORANDA: Lizzies 5th child born at Ernests
24
Took a walk p.m. through Richards bush first time I
remember being in it for 40 years
I am alone - Bessie
is at Ernests
25
alone here - repaired some at E line fence at bush Let
cows Lulu - Jessie & Lulu calf on back pasture first time
26
At home alone - repaired some at fence
30 Alone =here on the hill- Was to village p.m.
Ernests - cold -planted some corn
31
June
Bessie is at
Was at village p.m. Bessie is at Ernests -Rich Coleman
rolled here for Wilt p.m quite cool
1 Was at Ernests p.m. Bessie came here with H. Fountain p.m.
& stayed till he came back from town & went back to Ernests
heavy rain last night & some the p.m. alone to night again
2 alone here a.m Was to village p.m. Henry hung screen door
on hall evening heavy rain last night & some this a.m.
3 Planted last of corn & some potatoes at village Evening
Bessie went to Lefroy from Ernests
alone as usual
16
Helped cut seed at Ernests a.m. & Wilts p.m. Bessie &
Ernest were to Rosseau with Union S S excursion
home
at 11 p.m.
23 Was to Major Cooks village Ernest & C Patience Bessie
was with me to Ernests Will Ferrier had grader on road
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1904 con't
June
24
July
6
25
Emma & Eva Patience & I were picking strawberries at Huff
place p.m. Bessie stayed at Ernests to help Lizzie
Lost my road glasses
Rain this mg Saw road in Swamp & new cut of river p.m.
Alone to night
Done some fitting up & was to village - Lizzie was to
village & here p.m. Henry is still in N W looking for
land - fine day
31 Bessie & I were to Church mg
called at night
Aug.
Herb & Georgina Morrison
1
71st Anniversary of my Birthday and Thanks be to God
have good health
4
Helped Wilt finish hauling wheat here a.m. Bessie & I
were to Ernests & town p.m. Hy Fountain landed from north
west p.m was away since 14 June
Sept.
2 MEMORANDA: Stodart & I arranged names for voters list
Oct.
4 Was at Mrs. Robt Grahams funeral p.m. & brought Bessie
from Wilts at night
MEMORANDA; bought 14 ft wheel windmill from Brantford
they take back old 13ft wheel
Nov.
3
27
Dec.
Tom McNaught & X were Scrutineers at Election & Lennox
& Henry - Lennox won by
The Grits got 63 Majority in dominion
very fine day
Bessie & I were to Ernests for dinner Lizzie had Henry
(Coleman) Fountain, her second boy baptized night
2 Was at Wm Dinwoodys funeral
7
He was 78 years old
at home a.m. Was to J.W. Parks p.m. & saw Thos Parks
first time in 37 years
Page 9
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905
Jan.
Feb.
16
MEMORANDA: Henry & Lizzie got tonsils cut in Bartranas
throat in Barrie by Dr. Broad
2 MEMORANDA: James Loughead died
15
at annual meeting of warehouse Co. p.m. 12^% dividends
March 14
Lizzie, Henry & their four children left for Oakriver,
Manitoba
April
22
MEMORANDA: Provincial Parliament opened to day -Whitney
Premier
31
Was to Barrie by train to Thos Elliotts funeral - Mrs. Wm
Black to me to dinner
3 was to Town - from there to Richs Thompson & C Kindles for
machine belt
5
May
July
cut first oats with Windmill
1 Run the Windmill some & sowed some grasseed for Ernest
He & Wilt sold hogs at $6.65 pr cwt
cold wind
10
June
Bessie & I were to Ernests
to day
3
Planted first corn & potatoes & helped Bessie to lay
Carpet
Bessie & I were to Ernest Evening 36 Anniversary
of our marriage
Cut some potatoes for Ernest Bessie was with me - not so
cold
Mary came here at night from Womans Institute Meeting
at Cookstown
12
hoed first potatoes planted = Bessie & I were at Garden
party at Mr. Masons, Clover Hill Evening
22
Herb went to Thornton to take Dr Whealeys place for awhile
7 Brought Mrs Ohern- Lucy Taylor - from station to Mary Taylor
She came from Chicago
Left there at 2-3p.m. got here on
ll-Sa.m, train was to town Wilt could not have hay for rain
13 Was to town & Wilts Bessie came home with me Emma is some
better
Maud Cook & Maggie Thompson dined here with Herb
& I heavy rain p.m.
Page 9
Page 9
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905 con't
July
Aug.
17
Bessie & I were to Mrs Chris Campbills funeral from Gilford
to Ebenezer - came home via town
Irene stayed at Wiltons
very warm but dry
Ernest brought Irene here to night
7 Met Council at Stroud re -examining Swamp road on this
line - Wilt ganged some here
Emma & Wm Lowe - Newmarket
were with them
12
helped Ernest haul last of wheat & first of barley
Thunder lightning & hail and heavy shower of rain about
3 p.m. at Ernest hardly any rain here
13
Bessie & I were to Church Evening
14
Was to twon for mail a.m. Edgar Moir ganged in fallow
here Herb came from taking Dr. Whealeys place to night
Church undergoing repair
21 Was to town am W.J. Coleman Yank & Wife & child arrived
from Manitoba
22
Was to Town evening
Yank & Wife & child were here for dinner
31 Met Township Council - Hill - Black Reiney-Leslie & Todd &
they examined road in Swamp p.m, Ernest finished threshing
a.m. & cutting oats p.m.
Sept.
4
Labor Day - got the mail - was at Wilts & Ernest Spindle
& Wife were here p.m. He & I went fishing on Watsons
place = no fish
rain last night
5
Emma & her mother came here morning
I helped Spinloe clean
13 lbs wheat at Ernest - took it to him & bought chop from
mill to Ernest with his team
Herb & Miss Whealey was here
from Thornton
6 helped Ernest haul oats
Bessie took Emma to town to dentist
Emma & Mother were here all night - last night
13 Was to town p.m. Emma & Miss Rae was with me
teeth filled
Wilt stacked his peas here
Emma got
25
Was to town morning & back evening W. Robinson laid out
foundation for kitchen & woodshed p.m. Wilt Emma & Miss Rae
took his & Charlies mares & foals to Lougheads for Barrie fair
26
Was to town a.m. Edgar & I hauled some earth from under
where kitchen will be
Bessie was to Spindloes
27
Edgar Moir & I excuvated for kitchen
left Miss Rae to Lefroy
Bessie-Emma & Ernest
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905 con't
Sept. 29
Oct.
at home
W Baker & J McCullock commenced foundation for
kitchen & woodshed
Wilt hauled stones to them
MEMORANDA: Humphry Jones was here
Donnell house on
townline was burned
1 At home all day Wilt=Emma & Mrs Armstrong (Eliza Loughead)
came here evening
the woman stayed all night
7 Was to town twice left Yank & W. Baker the last time
Baker finsihed foundation for Kitchen & woodshed
9 Brought Major Cook to R.R. station & Mary Taylors re getting
Lucys stuff from station is is in bond
Wilton took it to
her Evening He finished cutting his clover here a.m. very
warm
10
town a.m.
again p.m. at Fred Fishers funeral Mrs. D.
Sutherland was with me Lena Sutherland were here at night
14
Went to town morning & saw Yank Wife & Child off for Winnipeg
Wilt brought me a load of mangolds one Mangold weighed 7 lbs.
16
Was to town twice a.m. and brought home the nails for the
kitchen & woodshed
commenced raising potatoes p.m. cold
strong wind
22
At home Mary Ellen Anderson is here - She went to Church
with Ernest at night Centenary Service re Battle of Trafalgar
l-0ct-1805
23 Was to town a.m. picked some potatoes p.m. Humphry Jones
of Duluth bade us good bye
May Coleman was with him
Nov.
2
14
took Herb to Village morning going to Buffalo to go in
Hospital
was to town evening again
helped Ernest to raise turnips
Bessie was with me
Charlie
brought M.E. Anderson here & told us that Mabel has Scarlet
fever
20 Was to Twon & Jno Sutherlands p.m. W Robinson & two men
commenced Kitchen -except about 4 hours work p.m. ground
hard - not very cold
21
Dec.
hauled lumber to house for W Robinson Tom Marlin & C Robertson
building Kitchen - was to town p.m. good wheeling ground
too hard to plow Ernest got back from Sunnidale
1 At home all day Very cold ground not half white gave
Thos Duff order for 6 current & 6 raspberrie bushes
Page 9
Page 9'
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905 con’t
Dec.
6
Bessie & I went to Wilts a.m. I entertained Louis p.m.
While Bessie & Emma went to town - fine day
Wheeling
improved
22
Was at Bob McKindless funeral p.m. & brought Louis from
Wiltons home with me
He fell here & cut his face Willie
took him home
27
Was to town p.m.
present from Wilt
Willie brought ton of coal here
xmas
28 Made coal bin in shed
got Ernest team shod & took them
home to him
Willie brought me 22 cwt & 501bs coal from
R.J. Coleman
fine sunny day
30
did not feel very well this morning took Bessie & Mary
Came home p.m. Bessie came at night
Year 1906
Jan,
Feb.
3 At home
Strong wind with some sleet
agent was here
Beare - Windmill
14
Bessie & I alone here - light drizling rain most all day
Jas Spindloe died at 1 this morning
15
Bessie & I were to Mrs Spindloe & took news of Mr. Spindloes
death to Mr. Fieldsens p.m.
Quite soft
roads slippery
16
Bessie & I were to James Spindloes funeral p.m.
21
At home carried over 75 pails of water from cellar
time water raised in it
Quite soft - some raining
68 years old
first
27 Bessie 6 I went and took Mary & Charlies place while they
attended Miss Ida Rothwels wedding
Very cold & roads very
rough in places
March
5 At home Bessie & Lena Sutherland were town - re chair for
Mrs Ferrier
roads softened some
wheeling some better
6 Was to town p.m.
frost last night
to get address to Mrs & W Ferrier
road slippery to day
wrote
Page IOC
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
March
8
13
Bessie & I were at presentation of chair to Mrs Ferrier
& cane to W.B. Ferrier and an address at night
I read the
address
had a good time
Was at W Ferriers Sale p.m, Mary, Charlie & Willie were
here
fine day
A Coleman Ogle Ney & J Parks left for
Manitoba
14 was at annual meeting of Elevator Co, p.m. got 11%
roads dry & smooth
hardly any snow fine wheeling
16 Was to town p.m, Mrs & W Ferrier are moving to town
good wheeling
Blustery
26
April
MEMORANDA: $3,500 debentor Buy law Cookstown was defeated
by 11 * 47 for & 58 against
2 Was town p.m. saw late C.H. Willoughby who died Saturday
Wilt & family called p.m.
fine sunny day
roads pretty good
3 was at C.H. Willoughbys funeral to Newtown Robinson to day
Bessie was to the village
roads pretty good
May
16
Was to town p.m. Wat at Vestry meeting at night
get our seat in Church back but did not
17
Bessie & I were at Joseph C Kidds funeral p.m. 74 years old
18
W at the Church p.m. & got our seat back
helped some at
cleaning up rows the Church
fine spring day
Mrs Spindloe
was here p.m.
23
MEMORANDA: Mrs C. Jebb fainted at Service in Church tonight
was carried home & died about 12 midnight
25
Bessie & I were at Mrs Chas Jebbs funeral p.m. Tom Parks
commenced months work with Wilt - he is here tonight cool
& dry
27
Took Emma to town a.m. Went to Ernests to run Windmill p.m.
but he had me get May shod Wild sowed peas in N E field
30
Wheeled coal ashes to end of lane to road & gravel to well
11
Planted a few potatoes
16
Rolled some for Wilt a.m.
very warm day
17
Took Emma & Louis to Lefroy Quite warm
with Ernest & Willie after 10p.m.
was to town
tried to
& saw some cricket practice
helped excavate at Church p.m.
Oscar McNicol called
Page 10
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
May
June
24
Saw part of cricket game at town Cookstown & St. Chemeatt
Toronto p.m. Herb played lacrosse at Elmvale
29
Took Emma to Dentist Watson in BRadford
2 Herb & I put cutter up in woodshed - Planted some potatoes
was to town
Left home for Fort Erie 40 years ago to day
was on train all night Battle of Ridgway was fought
3 At home Ernest left Herb at Alliston to take Dr McCullochs
practice this week
Arived with Cookstown Co. at Ft Erie
40 years ago to day
5 Was to town p.m. & got buggy top repaired by T. Webb
warm
July
Quite
11
Burned oil in barrel a.m. straw stack took fire p.m &
came nigh burning barn - I was at Ernests cutting potatoes
cold wind
12
Went home with Ernest morning who stayed here all night to
see if fire would start - cut some potatoes for him
13
hoed corn ~ hung new screen door
Bessie was with Mrs Clarkson
She is some better Wilt & Emmas were here at night Willie
was to Guelph Excursion
14
Was to town morning & brough lumber for woodshed on buggy
Mrs Crittender here & home again to Wilts
Geo Cook &
T Marlin finished woodshed & put stairs to cellar
16
Put some shelves in new Kitchen
trunk here evening from Toronto
26
Bessie & I were at John Reinys funeral p.m.
29
MEMORANDA: Charlie left Mabel & Kenneth at Wilts
Shower
Wilt brought Herbs
aged 94 years
1 At home - Wilt left Mabel & Kenneth here p.m.
left them at Wilts friday
Charlie
2
Churned a.m.
8
Bessie & I were to see Emma p.m. She is about well Willie
took Mabel & Kenneth home from here very heavy rain storm
11
Took Mabel & Kenneth to the celebration at town p.m
applied Paris green & a.m. Was to twon p.m.
& Jim Moir hauled manure here
dry
25 MEMORANDA:
Wilt, Willie
36th Anniversary of Lizzys birthday
Page 10
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
July
28
Aug.
6
Went to Lefroy for Sophia & Irene Coleman
Helped haul some Alsike at Ernest Frank Coleman & Wife &
Mary came to Ernest from Lefroy noon & here p.m.
10 At home did not do much
Herb raked some Stubble
14
They did not come
feel lazy - Wilt & Emma were here
Dr. Rounthwaite was here a.m.
Drove Emma =& Louis to Lefroy to see Mary Fountain on her
way to Manitoba - train did not stop
20 Was to Ernests & Wilts noon & to town p.m. Charlie to Sophia
from here
Herb came home from camp at Stony beach
Sept.
21
Herb went to B.M. Society Meeting Toronto evening
22
Bessie & I were to Maggie Couse funeral p.m.
here now
23
Bessie & I were at Mrs Laws funeral to N.T. Robinson
24
Herb came home from British Medical Society Meeting
25
Herb drove me to Barrie to buy some clothes went up in 1 h
& 50 minutes & came back in lh=45 minutes via Thornton
28
Herb & I are here a.m. He is packing to go to Palrauster
Mr M Gonigle - Herb & I went to Ernests He is threshing
Mary is here tonight
MEMORANDA: Herb Started for Palmerson to practice there
We are alone
Some better
2 Took a dizziness in my head in bed this morning
through the day - Richards, Harry was here re delegates to
convention at Beeton on 13th
Some rain at night
3
Feel a little light headed & sick at stomach a.m. about all
right p.m. was to town evening Bessie & I were down home
after
4
Brought Emma & then Mrs. Wm Dinwoody = Widow55 here a.m. &
left them home evening
cool & dry
13
J.W, Parks & I drove to Beeton to choose a candidate to take
E A Little place in provincial Legislative
Alex Ferguson
got it
I nominated him
Ouite cold
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
Oct.
19 At home-improve coalbin
Rained last night & to day till
late p.m. Mrs. G. Patience ^Saskatoon -Man - was buried
at new town Robinson
26 Was to town morning Bessie & I went to Alex Groses
funeral - did not go to cemetrary - on 6th line
Dec.
29
At Home a.m. Was to town p.m. ground white this morning
mostly gone p.m. more snow this evening plows were going
MEMORANDA: Wilt & Emma were at Golden wedding of Mr. &
Mrs Thibodeau, Bradford
10
Had cutter out first time this winter
Left Bessie at
Ernests morning got Lucy shod & brought Bessie home at
night = Laura Graham is here from Ernests = was baking there
14 Was at Conservative Meeting at Churchill p.m. dark comin
home lost my way & went to Ernests not knowing where I
was
Bessie is ill with cold
raining & freezing most all p.m
15
At home a.m, to Town p.m. Got tooth pulled by Dr. Rounthwaite
Bessie is quite ill with a cold - mild - Wilt & Emma & Louis
was here
Year 1907
Jan
Feb.
28
At home Orlance Lewis here morning to buy timber A. Copeland
was here to rent home farm
Frank Sinclair was here to rent
this farm
31
Rented this hill farm to J.T. Agnew & went him & J.T. Sim
to Major Cook & signed lease & left Bessie at Wiltons
Emma is not so well
2 Went to Major Cooks morning & signed leace of home farm to
Copelands
Quite soft freezing to night
4 Went to Jno Agnews-Elm Grove- & he signed agreement - to have
his son leave same Amt of fall plowing done & wheat sowed
as this is now on this farm - at end of lease poor sleighing
20 Went with J.T. Agnew & Wilkinson to the Swamp to show them
where to cut wood a.m. Took Wilt there p.m. & he showed me
the boundry lines of the 25 acres Mary Ellen is here
Page 10
Page 10-
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1907 con't
Feb.
24
At home Stormy evening Wilt - Emma & Louis Ernest -Willie
& Wilts hired girl maggie Carr was here for dinner Mary
Ellen Anderson is here
March 25
Bessie & I went to Barrie by train & styed all night at
Wiltons rented rooms - 30 John Street
Emma & I left
Wilt on train for Battleford at 2 a.m. Tuesday
April
Bessie & I were at Mrs D Hoppers funeral = Lewis cemetary p.m.
Part of road muddy - Some drizling rain
4
5 At home a.m. Bessie Mrs. D Sutherland were to Ernest Evening
to a leavetaking Party & presentations Ernest & Willie Big crowd - came home at 6 Saturday morning
6 Bessie 6 I came from Ernests at 6 a.m. & slept till Mabel
& Kenneth woke us about 12:30 - Charlie was with them
They went home p.m. Was to town Evening
16
Bessie & I were to Ernests & with Ernest & Willie
had the
last meal we expect to have with them in that house
ground white morning heavy flurries of snow
20
Bessie S I went to Charlies a.m.
Churchill p.m. to get dress made
She & Mary went to
Lena
26 Was to town p.m. Ernest was here since about 8
Sutherland & Bessie baked here for Ernest & Willie going
west - Willie was to Lefroy frost last night
29 Was to town p.m.
to load tomorrow
May
1
Car did not come for Ernest & Willie
rain las t night
Sawed some wood ~ Was to town evening Ernest & Willie
both called
car not come yet frost last night Sun
bright wind cold
4 At home a.m. Was to town p.m. Ernest got car to day
Near 2 inches of snow this morning gone tonight except
where Slites
6
Spread some manure in garden a.m. Was to town p.m.
& Willie are here to night Perhaps their last
Bright sun not very warm
Ernest
7 Brought Lettie Parks here morning also Mrs D Sutherland to
prepare lunch for Ernest & Willie took lunch to Station
& Saw them leave for Battleford
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 10.
Year 1907 conft
Hay
June
13
MEMORANDA: Alex Morrison died at 2 p.m.
fine warm day
14
Bessie & I went to Barrie to see Emma She is in the
Hospital
H. Lennox wrote & I signed my will p.m.
24
was to town p.m. re law for pultry tresspassing
Quite warm
26 MEMORANDA: Planted a few hills of Potatoes near henpen
signed surrender of my certificate for land grant
July
9 Bessie & I were at Mathew Hodgens funeral to Coulsons Hill
went from there to Charlies & stayed all night
10 Bessie & I came home by Cookstown p.m. & learned that
A. Agnew died this morning about 3 o clock
23 Had Gyp to harness morning was to town again noon
got $50 cheque for land certificate
Aug.
2
(Friday) Was to town a.m, got letters from Lizzie & Herb
Mary & 6 weeks old Boy are here Cookstown Civic holiday
7 Mabel
windy
14
Sept.
Kenneth & I were to No 7 a.m. & town p.m. dry &
Served Agnew with notice to destroy noxias weeds
Harry Fisher was married
2 At home Bessie was to D Sutherlands
tournament in town
Labor day
Baseball
3 MEMORANDA: 6 killed & many injured in train wreck on CPR
2% miles East of Caladen at 9:35 a.m.
6 was Sick all day with Pain in stomach
an injection at night which relieved me
town evening
7 At home sick better than yesterday
Bessie gave me
Bessie was to
Dr. Rounthawalte
23 Was to town p.m at meeting of directors of Elevator Co.
to purchase new power for same adjourned for further
information
24 Went to Barrie on train & saw the fair
Oct.
3 At home a.m. was at meeting of directors of W.H. Co. p.m.
decided to get two Gasoline Engines for Elevator $175- &
or about $188-
Page 10i
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1907 con't
Oct.
Dec.
23
Bessie & I visited Mr. & Mrs- Feldsend Mrs T.H. Arnold
was buried
Bessie called at house going out
24
Saw W Copeland about repairing Swamp road a.m. Sawed some
wood & p.m. fine day
Smith Dixen sold his farm to Hill
8
Bessie & I were at Lefroy
Mary & Charles had their
second boy Christened Charles Douglas Ray
11
Was to town p.m. & left impression for teeth with Dr McLaran
12
Ernest walked into our bedroom unexpected about 4:30 this
morning he came from Battleford He & I were to town p.m.
15
At home
Wilt & family came here from Holley
in places
17
Was to town noon Then to Copelands Then to town again
and met Mr Currie of windmill Co. did not agree
Ernest &
Wilt were to Speers
snow deep
teeth in by
18 Was to Town p.m. & got set of upper teeth
McLaran
Wilt & family went to
p.m.
fine day
good sleighing
Year 1908
Jan.
9 At home Ernest was to town Alice & Cyrus Smith and
Lena & Norman Sutherland were here at night
March 14
At home Bessie & Mary cooked for Ernst going to Sask
Monday
Charlie and children were here Wilt was here
twice
Emma is in Toronto
16
Too Ernest to station morning for Battleford Second time
Nicol Coleman west to Battleford & W.J. Sutherland to
Carnduff
17
St. Patricks day
Was at Wm Allinghams funeral a.m.
Mary was to town with me
21 Was to town & helped Wilt for 2nd trip to the west p.m.
Snow deep on roads
Page 10'
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1908 con't
March 23 Was to town morning Then Bessie & I went to Wiltons and
helped them pack for N.W. They took 3 loads to station
Mary & Charlie came this evening
April
24
Will left town at 4-40 p.m. on second trip to Battleford
Charlie, Mary & Emma are here tonight
30
Emma Louis & I were to town a.m. & I in the evening again
Looking for word from Wilton townline very pitchy
2 Left Emma & Louis on train for Battleford morning
very bad
roads
5 At home
Bessie & I & lonesome
Emma left friday for
Battleford
Quite soft drizling rain part of day
7 MEMORANDA: Bessie & Mrs Agnew changed stovepipes & housecleaned some
8 At home & wrote letters west
drizling rain & freezing
most all day
what wheat is stripped looks sound but
backwards
May
11
Very strong wind most all day So did not go to town
down storm windows & other jobs
freezing tonight
25
Cleaned outsome at cellar
Bessie & I were to see Mrs. Geo
Jebb
She is improving fine spring day light showers
4 Was to town p.m.
the dining room
25
June
16
July
not quite so cold Bessie painted this
Mrs Agnew helped her some
Empire Day
made & put step to veranda
evening fine & warm
5 Was to town p.m.
we were to town
Bessie painted veranda floor to 2nd coat
Was to town p.m. cold wind about a dozen boys played
football in N E Field
2 Bessie & I were at Mrs H. Rankins funeral p.m.
the 3 children came here p.m.
8
28
took
Mary &
Took Bessie to town a.m, & she had 3 teeth pulled She
& Mabel & I were to Garden party at Knowles evening fineday
Bessie & 1 were to Mrs Geo Fishers funeral p.m = 84 years
A
Page 10*
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1908 con't
Aug.
5
Bessie & I were at Mrs Hy Sloans funeral p.m. 84 years old
17
helped Agnew finish hauling oats & was to town Mark
Birdsail went home to Elmvale
light shower Evening
19
At home Bessie & Mrs Agnew were to town p.m. Northern
Lights last night
Some rain this morning
cold to day
26
Was to Copelands noon to learn how Alex is
fever
Was to town after
27
Was to Copelands a.m. Alex is no better
Bessie was at J Sutherland p.m. quilting
28
Was to Copelands then to J.W. Parks for dinner then to
town
fine day
29 Was to Copeland a.m. & to town p.m.
is some better
Was to town p.m.
fine day
30 Alex Copeland died this morning at 10 o clock
were down there p.m.
31
Sept. 17
18
Oct.
he has typhoid
A Copeland
Bessie & I
Bessie & I were at Alex Copelands funeral a.m. was buried
at our Church
Mary & Charlie were here for tea
Was at Convention at Cookstown p.m. A Lennox was chosen
without opposition
Bessie helped quilt at Mr. J. Sutherland
Made bin in cellar for potatoes Was at Meeting of renting
committe of warehouse at night Coleman & T Couse $215 each
2 Was to town p.m. & got deed of village lot from D.H, Coleman
& Wife
Wm Copeland was here at night
9 MEMORANDA: got deed of village lot 12 John & Elizabeth
Street, Cookstown
10
Bessie & I were at Richard Hill Senr funeral
15
Fired some bushheap in South Side of bush a.m. wind
changed & I got over 30 rods of fences South & each of bush
burned
16
Checking fire all day
17
Went to bush before breakfast hhd dinner at home & then in
bush till after night Checking fire - done no harm since
Thursday
18
Checking fire in bush
weather dry
not running
Page 105
Wm, R. Coleman of Innisfll Township Diaries
Year 1908 con't
Oct.
19
Checking fire b y digging Bessie left crock for butter
with Mrs J. S p.m.
Hill finished threshing
20 Was to bush a.ra. fire about out
first since 14
Still very dry
Was to town p.m.
21 Went to the bush at 9 came back at 3 went at 5 & stayed till 7
Checking fire kept busy but no danger days fine nights cold
22
Was to the bush morning & evening Was to town p.m. bright
cool dry weather ground so hard many people can’t plow
23
Trimmed some trees in the bush & wrote some fine day
rain wanted very much
24
At home trimmed up some in bush
ground
Light rain p.m.
Saw one spot of fire in
29 Was to town & saw Nicol who got home from the west yesterday
morning
very thick fog
could not see the ground one rod
in front of the mare at 11 a.m.
Dec.
10
Was to Mary Taylors & took her to town & paid her taxes
had cutter Sleighing thin
25
Christmas
Bessie & I went to Charlies a.m. Herb & Henry
Fountain & his two boys came there last night poor sleighing
28
Herb went back to Palmerston this mg
to town p.m. had the buggy mild
30
Took H. Fountain to town morning for Fergas Some soft snow
& some rain morning Bob Gilroy was buried to day
Henry Fountain & I were
31 At home all day Geo Parks was here for their saw not very
cold flurries of snow better sleighing than wheeling ground
not quite covered
Mark Beardsail & Wife of Elmvale came
to Agnew & say that snow is very deep up there. H. Fountain
went to Fergus yesterday morning to have an operation & left
Harry here & Bertrand at Lefroy. Harry is asleep on the
couch 10-50 p.m. & Bessie is fixing the fire for the night
Good bye old 1908 Agnews are in the other part of the house
Herb operated on H. Fountain at Fergus for rupture
Page Hi
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1909
Jan.
1 At home all day Bessie Harry Coleman Fountain & I
not very cold better wheeling than sleighing
9 Was to twon noon Mary-Mabel & Baby Rae & Bertrand
Fountain were here p.m. left about 7-
Feb.
1 Was to town a.m. Charlie came here a.m. & He & I took
H. Fountain & his two boys to Lefroy a.m. & to Station at
6 p.m. for home in Manitoba
14
Valentines day
16
Was to town p.m. James Connor - Sask - & Ida Parks were
here at noon
Heavy snow fall p.m.
18
Took Herb to town a.m. & he operated on Henry for piles
I walked home p.m. had the cutter Lena Sutherland was here
19
Left Herb at Station this morning for Palmerston
28
Bessie & I were to Church a.m.
Evangelist - preached
March 17
Rev. Bennet Anderson -
Went to town to attend meeting of warehouse Co. p.m. There
was none only Dr. Buchanon Frank Coleman & I
pretty cold
a.m. Judge Gowan died aged 74 years
28 MEMORANDA: 54 Anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Feildsends marriage
April 12
May
Harry Coleman & Maud Graham were married in Church this p.m.
4 Was to town p.m. library day part of road dry
patches of fresh snow yet cool
some
13
Was to town noon fine day roads good
foot was taken off in Hospital
Allen Grahams
19
Was to Town a.m. Nicol left for west - second time
day
Mrs Wallace is here & at Agnews
24
finished planting potatoes
Bessie & Mrs Agnew were to
town Evening cool & dry Mrs Sutherland senr is 90 years
to day
fine
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1909 con’t
June
July
22
At home Brought two loads old rails from bush with Gyp
on stoneboat a.m. Rain p.m. very warm saw first
lightning bug
23
hauled some old rails from bush pasture fence & was to
town
warm Presbyterian Garden Party tonight
1
42nd anniversary of Dominion
8
Cut some thistles on road = doing my road work = hear
Mrs Clarkson is very low weather too dry
9
finished cutting thistles on road a.m. and was to town
a.m. Edgar Moir repaired barn roof a.m.
10
At home - good heavy rain this p.m. which was much needed
Bessie & Mrs Agnew were to town p.m.
13
Was to town evening Mrs Agnew was with me cool & dry
R.J. Coleman went to Barrie to have operation for rupture
16
At home Bessie & Mrs Agnew picked the cherries on lot in
town
had rain thunder & lightning
Herb Ross was here p.m.
21
At home Bessie & X had no horse to go to garden party at
Knowles = Gyp having a foal - went to townline and saw the
Siderodrome - take about 100 on 2 wagons with 3 seats
lenthwise on each wagon
MEMORANDA: Siderodrome 2 traction Engine drawing 2 wagons
to Garden party at Knowles had about 100
passengers
28 Was to town p.m. walking fine day
H. Rankin & Letitia
Parks were married & started for Manitoba
Aug.
1 At home - Bessie & I - 76th Anniversary of my birth
6 Was to town p.m. had Gyp first time since foaling
8th July Quite warm had letter from H. Fountain with news
of birth I think on 29 July
8 MEMORANDA: 90° in Shade - 93 in Toronto
Sept.
2 Was to town p.m.
21
dry & cool frost last night weighed 152 lbs
Charlie left for the west this morning Bessie & I came
home p.m. we picked some wild grapes a.m.
Page 11
Page 111
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1909 con’t
Oct. 10 At home Richard was here p.m.
lent him my maps of N.W.
13 Was to town p.m. & consulted Dr. Rounthwaite re Kidney
trouble
very cold wind
Nov.
3 Was to town p.m. & sawed some wood
Charlie got home from
Gittysburg he left for there 21st Sept.
15 MEMORANDA: J.R. Graham fell down outside back stairs of
Leadlogs & was killed to night
18
At home J.R. Graham was buried at Alliston
his neck was broken
. Drs. say
29 Went to Bradford & had mortgage to Goodwin rearranged
Dec.
19 At home on the hill Bessie & I Mrs Hill called p.m. &
Bessie went home with her
cold=20 below freezing at
noon 24 below freezing at night
Year 1910
Jan *
5 Was to town p.m. good sleighing Mild & soft at night
a piece of glass 22 inch long 9 inches in centre blew
out of window on our bed last night
12
MEMORANDA: Ed Arnold & Frankie McGowan were married
13 Was to town a.m. Sleighing good Robt McMaster was
killed in Spindlas Swamp tree fell on him
14
At home too stormy to go to town Mrs John Patterson was
buried at the Church
milder at night
27 Was to town noon soft morning - colder p.m.
repaired pump perhaps last time
28
Pascoe
MEMORANDA: Mrs Agnew brought me in a pitcher of Thick
cream
a present
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 11;
Year 1910 con't
Feb. 11 Was at meeting in town hall p.m. when delegates from
Agriculture College gave lecture on agriculture stock
judging
27
At home wrote to Lizzie
2nd baby born, a Girl
Quite soft
Mrs J.T. Agnews
March 14 Was at burial of Mrs Allingham at the Church a.m.
strong wind
very
24 Was to town p.m. fine warm day good wheeling most all the
way Mrs H. Graham buried aged 76
April
5 Was to town a.m. trimmed up some in bush p.m. Mrs Hill
helped Bessie repair plaster upstairs p.m.
warm
6 Was to town a.m, & to David Raineys funeral p.m. age 78
May
14
Sawed & split some mill slabs a.m. was to town p.m.
finished painting our bedroom
fine spring day
20
Sawed & split some slabs Was to town p.m. very heavy
rain last night Frank Coleman was married
MEMORANDA: Frank Coleman was married to Miss Tucker
8 At home - Bessie & I, Gowin Coleman was here p.m. fine
day Jno Hill & wife had our buggy at Neilrys funeral
MEMORANDA: got up at 3-15 this morning to see the Comet
could not see it
20 At home rained p.m. & night
Public holiday
June
Bessie
King Edward VII was buried
24
At home (Victoria Day) fine warm day
comet tonight
could not see the
25
Bessie & I were at Olive Kidds funeral p.m.
27
Was to town p.m. Saw Halleys comet just now 10-10 p.m
a little south of west
16
Cookstown civic holiday Was to town evening for mail
first head of new wheat in J. Hills field
17
Moulded the potatoes Was to town evening very warm
MEMORANDA: very warm - 98 in shade 104 in the Sun at noon
cold wind
Saw
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1910 con't
June
28
Was to town a.m. finished filling around bridge
making stone boat p.m. Herbs wedding day
commenced
29 Was to town a.m. finished making stoneboat p.m.
MEMORANDA: R.J. Agnew was married
July
Aug.
Sept.
1 Was at Old Boys Reunion & Dominion day celebration in
town p.m. dry warm weather
17
At home on the hill Bessie & I
fine day
MEMORANDA: Mrs Chapman died at T. Fishers
20
Bessie & I were at garden Party in Agricultural Park
first G party there
27
Was to Barrie re Agnew leaving farm & had Gyp went by
Thornton returned by sideroad fine day & good roads
29
Was to John Agnews & left with wife re giving up the farm
J. McGowan was here at night to rent it
8 Was to town p.m. fine day Agnew was to Lombards re renting
farm
Mrs Agnew is in Elmvale
9 Was to town p.m.
farm to rent
Oct,
quite cold wind
Agnew is looking for
12
Was to town noon cut some wood at house
cool & dry
7-45 Bessie is at J. Hills
MEMORANDA: had letter from Ernest Saskatoon R C Hospital
23
sawed some limbs
Elderberry wine
Was to town p.m.
Bessie is making
11 Was to Barrie consulting Lennox & got 2 copies of
statistics
Came to Lefroy & stayed all night
12 Went to Bellewart a.m. & came home - was to town evening
quite cold
made oath of allegiance to King George V
MEMORANDA: Mrs Sutherland died aged 91 years
14
At home a.m. Bessie & I were at Mrs J Sutherlands funeral
p.m. aged 91 years & some months
15
James Givens was here to rent this farm a.m. Bessie & I were
to Frank Lusons funeral at Church p.m. Mary & Charlie came
here from Palmerston
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1910 con't
Oct.
Nov.
21
drove to Barrie & Harry went on train to get advice from
Lennox re getting rent from Agnew
cold
roads good
25
Was to twon a.m & brought Weymouth here & seized on Agnews
grain
was to town p.m.
26
Was to town a.m. & again p.m. Agnew sold first of his
barley to H. Couse
the money to be paid to me
27
MEMORANDA: Willie Copeland paid half years to night $225
17
Was to town a.m. Neither Sleighing or wheeling
Mrs Hill
was here tonight Couse refused to pay the Agnew order
MEMORANDA: Saw a dead wolf & deer in town Nicol got home
from the west 2nd time
21 Was to town a.m. about half sleighing
me a Summons p.m. re feeding straw
S. Gilroy brought
23 Was to town a.m. Weymouth sold Agnews binder & one cow
for rent due 1st inst Charlie & Mary are here
Charlie
is to town now 6.40 p.m. Most all wheels going
24
Charlie & I were to town a.m. had lawsuit with Agnew
in town p.m Charlie was with me was beaton roads muddy
26 Walked to twon a.m. roads hard & rough Mabel Kenneth &
Roy came & took Mary home at night
MEMORANDA: served notice of appeal on J.T. Agnew
Charlie
went to Barrie & consulted Lennox re Agnew
lawsuit
Dec.
6 Was to town
George Cook was buried at Lewis bg ground
9 Was to town then to F Sinclair then to town again Agnew
took his wagon & buggy away ~ very cold Sleighing good
10 Was to town a.m. got load of hay from J.R.Fisher Mary
was here
went home at night took mare home from Hills
cold very cold
MEMORANDA: was served with Writ of summons re Agnew case
Agnew took Dexter (Charlies Horse) out of stable
& tied it to fence
12 Was to town noon & paid my taxes
cold
13
Went to Barrie & saw Lennox re Writ of Summons
on me good sleighing
was served
17
Was to twon p.m. H. Barnes repaired not so cold Bessie is
at Hills 8:35 p.m.
MEMORANDA: Put cutter in woodshed & Agnew took it away left
it back in night time outside I took it away to
Page 116
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1910 con’t
Dec.
21 Was to town Agnew would not let me put cutter in shed or
north barnfloor
24 Went to town at night for Bessie & Mrs Hill who were to
Barrie - Willie reached town from Manitoba & went to Barrie
& from there to Lefroy
25
Xmas Bessie & I were to Harry Colemans a.m. whose Baby
is dead & to Lefroy after & met Willie there
Year 1911
Jan.
4 At home & have a cold - Willie is at Skating carnival in
town
Agnew is moving out
5 At home Willie went to town p.m.
today
very cold
6 Willie & I were to twon p.m.
Monday
cold
9
11
Agnew took family away
saw Fraser re trial next
Was at Lawsuit at Alliston with Agnew
J. Hill & Willie were there
Very stormy day
At home Willie was to twon
Agnew hauled last load of his
cut oats
Some rain & some snow
13 Was to town noon Bessie & Willie went to Lefroy p.m. for
foal mild
Agnew took away last of his implements
16
At home Willie went to Lefroy at night W Donnelly & Son
came & rented this farm = five years from 1st March next
20
At home a.m. Willie & I were to town p.m.
Signed lease of this farm for 5 years
24
Bessie & I were to town p.m. Was at J Donnells wakehouse
Wesley is dead
Willie went to Palerston
roads slippery
26
Was to town p.m.
31
Was to twon noon Saw Harry & D Hopper about sending papers
to H. Lennox
Not so cold some snow
got bag of oats
from Couse
soft
W. Donnelly & I
Wesley Donald was buried
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1911 con’t
Feb.
1 Was to town p.m. cold east wind Bessie was quilting at
Clarksons p.m. Not home yet 8,45
roads slippery
2 At home too cold to go to town
milk 6,40 p.m.
Bessie is to Hills for
4 Was to twon p.m. Mr & Mrs Hill & Mr, & Mrs Clarkson were
here for tea
MEMORANDA: messers Clarkson & Hill were valuing loss by
Agnew
9 Was to Copelands re having stable floors made of cement
was to town after
10
Was to town p.m. Jno Hill was with me Settled with
J. Fraser - Lawyer
pretty cold good sleighing
17
Was to town p.m. Saw Fraser re costs at Alliston
Weller was with me he is to town tonight mild great
snow banks on townline
18
Was to Barrie on train & saw Lennox re Agnew case
drove me to Station & home again
23
At home
funeral
Willie
Charlie & Mary called coming from Herb Ross boys
March 11 Went to Barrie & was examined by Bob Agnew re Agnew acct
& I was examined by Mr. Lennox
13
Was to Bank a.m. re Bank dr ast to Ernest from Wilkie
fine day
fair wheeling
17
Was to town p.m. Milder - light snow Assessor was here
Pump froze last night
24 Was to twon p.m. & got 11 fowl from Wm Stoddart
each
Some of road dry
30
April 10
21
At home fed themares &
bird
Cold p.m* & night
60 cents
the hens ~ have 10 hens & a male
Mrs Hill brought mail evening
At home a.m. wasto town p.m. Most of roads dry
sunny day
MEMORANDA: Jas Dinwoody Jr was buried this p.m.
bright
At home a.m. Wm Donnelly & I were to town p.m. I gave him
Lease for fives years of this farm (on the Hill)
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 11
Year 1911 con't
May
11
Bessie went to Lefroy this morning I went with her to Lot
No 8 was also No 7
at home p.m. Very strong wind p,m.
Thunder Showers evening alone to night
17 Was to town a.m. Bessie is housecleaning yet = fine day
Bessie set first hen
MEMORANDA: Bessie fell off chair set on table when house
cleaning & hurt her heel & ankle
June
2 Was to Barrie by train CP McLennan not meat Lennox & Cowans
office re coming suit with Agnew
fine day
6 At home wrote A.J. Palmer
here cold drilling rain
Charlie took the Census
9 Was to town a.m. walking cut & split some wood after
Agnew had summons served on Bessie
12 Was to town a.m.
*Note:
W. Donnelly plowed garden
That is the last entry for 1911. In the memoranda section
in the back of the diary, he writes:
June 1911 - Verdict given against me in Barrie
for $339.00
Year 1912
Jan.
1 At home on the hill Bessie & I Ernest went to town at
night
Brother Henry is very low Not good sleighing
this winter yet
4
At home
Ernest sawed some Mill cuttings & drove Birdy
on the lines - not good sleighing yet
D Sutherland was
operated on for kidney trouble had one removed
7 At home on the hill Bessie Ernest & I Mrs. Clarkson
was here p.m. very cold I have an attack of bronchitis
Very hard cough
8 At home - Ernest went to town evening
this morning
D. Sutherland died
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 11*
Year 1912 con't
Feb.
1 At home fine & mild
Bessie & Ernest were to town p.m.
Brother Henry passed away at 4.55 p.m. Bessie in town
was there
- I weighed 138 lbs,
2
Ernest took me to town p.m.
He was Born April 1st. 1848
3
Bessie-Ernest & I were at Brother Henrys funeral p.m. also
Mary & Charlie they are here tonight
Twins - two
Boys- Born to Frank Coleman last night - Henry was buried
by the Masons
Saw Brother Henrys corpse Mother died in 1851
6 At home - Ernest & I, Bessie is at Lefroy Ernest feeds
J. Hills stock He went to Toronto to have an operation
on his nose. T. Trotter brought me 37-#10 nut coal from
R.J. Coleman at $7 per ton
7 At home on the hill Ernest drove Birdy (coming 3) to town
2nd time
John Hill had operation on nose by Dr Goldsmith
Toronto
Ernest is doing their chores
March
10
36-below at Lefroy
At Lefroy Bessie & I too cold to come
home & roads drifted
J. Hill came home from Toronto
4
At home - Wm Donelly & Wife were here
Ernest brought Mary
Ellen Anderson from the station p.m he had Birdy 2 yr old
filly to town a.m.
5
Ernest & I were to town a.m. & done some business in Bank
Ernest was to home place p.m. it is empty
He and Mary
Ellen are to Richards now 7.40 p.m.
fine day
9
Charlie took Ernest to town morning for Saskatchawn his
second visit home since he went there in 1908 Mary Ellen is
here
Charlie & Mary went home p.m. I weighed 144 lbs.
10 At home Bessie & I & Mary Ellen Anderson
for Sask yesterday morning via of Toronto
Ernest left
18
Was to Wm Sutherlands & Mortons a.m.
snow sinking
23
Was at Warehouse Meeting p.m.
out all old Directors
25
John Robert Fisher & I went to town p.m. & I rented him the
home farm for 5 years at $400 for first year & $450 pr year
for rest of the term
deep pitch hole & some bare spots mild
April 10
re renting the farm
Canadian Grain Company left
got telegram that Herb has appendect. Was to town p.m. had
whels 2 time this Spring snow very deep on part of townline
Went to town p.m. phone Mary to come over She & Charlie
came that night
Page 12
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1912 con’t
April 11
May
got telegram morning that Herb was operated on yesterday
for appendicetis
Went to town & phoned to our Mary to
go to him Charlie left Mary at Station morning for Palmerston
12
Herb Ross was here morning with word that Herb was doing
nicely
Was to town p.m. Ernest commenced to sow wheat
to day in Sask
13
Brother Richard was here a.m. & went to town with me p.m.
had card from Mary that Herb is doing well
Willie Copeland
came here tonight & paid me the balance of rent
22
Was to town a.m. Signed my application for grant to
Volunteers of 1866 - Mary brought Mabel here to stay till
Bessie comes from Palmerston
17
At home ~ on the hill George Graham & Mcol Coleman brought
the horses home p.m. They were at Brooms
23 Was to J.R. Fishers - Tenant on Oakdale Farm a.m.
to town Quite warm roads muddy
31
June
July
Aug.
thence
Bessie & I were to town p.m. fine day Convention in town
to day for Federal house W at Boys was Choison
5 Planted some potatoes north of Path
Bessie was to Mrs
D. Sutherlands p.m. Cool
Frank Bateman & Ellen Parks
were married
22
Kenneth & I sawed a few sticks of wood
I took him to centre of swamp fine day
taken to Barrie Hospital evening
16
Trimmed up some in bush a.m. was to town for the mail p.m.
Horse races in town Longboat didn’t come not very warm
he went home evening
Mrs Clarkson was
1 At home - Mary & Ray came here a.m. & went home evening
M Donnelly finished cutting wheat a.m.
heavy rain p.m.
This is the 79th anniversary of my birth
I have fairly
good health but not strong
5
Sawed some wood a.m. was to town p.m. cool Mrs Clarkson
was brought from Barrie Hospital in Ambulence
6 At home - on the Hill was to see Mrs Clarkson at night
doing well
W.Donnelly & man (James Whittle) commenced
hauling his wheat here Lord Strathcona is 92 years old today
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1912 con’t
Aug.
23 Was to town p.m. rain shower a.m. got checque for $100
Fenian Raid Services
Charlie was here evening
26 Was to town a.m. heavy rain & some hail p.m. Herb-Wife
& Son Bert were here when I came from town
Herb went to
town at night
Sept. 3 Bessie & I were to town p.m. Bessie went to Jess Moirs
& paid him his witness fees p.m.
fine day
5 Was to town p.m. Saw Dr Rounthwaite re hard lump at inner
corner of eye
very warm
Oct.
7 Was to Wellington Webbs on 7th line a.m. re buying bush
timer a.m.
8 Mr Webb came here p.m. & we went to the bush & he valued
what timber in the bush (except the cedars) at $300
(Just for what would make lumber)
A. Arnold repaired
the stove p.m.
Nov.
17
raised some potatoes a.m. tripped on board in cellar &
fell on my nose on ground & cut it
18
laid up with sore nose Bessie raised & picked some potatoes
Donnelly &men finished raising theirs
20 At home on the hill.
my will
Alex Cowan came here p.m. & altered
29 Was to town p.m. & saw Fraser re Donnellys taking Sheaf oats
he says they can’t
Sarah Moir died last night - heart
failure - Mable McLennan & Miss Whan are here for night
Dec.
18
At home - repaired bridge to stable from barnyard Bessie
was to J. Sutherlands p.m ordering a goose for xmas. Sam
Donnelly took his two fillies away
19
Was to town p.m. Mrs. Jno Sutherland brought a goose here
11% lbs at 14 cents some snow last night wheels & runners
going
Page 12
Page 12
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1913
Jan.
1 At home Ernest got home from Saskatchewn 21
6 Mrs. Clarksen died last night Bessie & I went there this
evening She & Ernest are there now at Service held at 8 p.m.
March
17
At home on the hill
Bessie & Ernest were to see Harry
Colemans Wife & Baby boy her 2nd
28
At home- Mary came here noon & is there tonight Ernest
was to town p.m. he is out driving now 8.15 - more
buggies going than cutters
pretty cold
3 At home
died
Bessie & I Ernest is at Lefroy
John Wallace, Flos
8 At home Bessie, Ernest, Mary Ellen Anderson & I
Ernest
put up Post for mail box a.m. & was to town evening Mild
to day
April
May
10
Mary took Ernest to Station for Druid Sask his 3rd trip there
Mary went home
Mary Ellen Anderson is here
13
Was to town noon Ida Parks too M E Anderson away p.m. This
is the second time I was to town this year
roads muddy
some ice warm snow going fast
18
At home Bessie & I Mild not cold
was here assessing
28
Was to town & Donnely man had cutter Ice Bright morning
light flurries of snow Herb Ross was here evening to say
good bye
He is going to Edmonton
Assessor R. M Conkey
7 Was to town noon & brought home Rural mail delivery mail
box
roads pretty muddy not very cold
10
At home on the hill rained lightly most all day quite
cold rain
got first mail in our Rural mail delivery mail
box
Ho snow in sight from here
25
At home Bessie went to Lefroy for 100 lbs Sugar that Mary
had bought for us
24
Planted first of late potatoes Marys Children Mabel & Ray
came here a.m.
Ellen Taylor nee Elliott & Hatty Richmond
nee Elliott
The 2 latter here tonight
a
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 12
Year 1913 con?t
June
July
6 Frank Coleman & Wife & Mary & Ray came here from Lefroy a.m.
Frank, Ray & I were to town p.m.
Frank & Wife & Mary were
to Richards & Harrys p.m. They went to Lefroy evening had
very heavy shower of rain evening
14
Was to town p.m. Then to Wm Gardnus for potatoes Lot 9 Conl4
Gwillimbury but gone
15
Alone here Bessie is gone to Lefroy
here fine day
29
At home on the hill Mr Humphry of Toronto left Irene Coleman
here a.m. with Automobile a.m. Richard was here p.m.
warm day
Donnellys are plowing
30 Was to see John Reiny who was hurt yesterday by being
Skared by an Auto
Bessie & Irene was to John Sutherlands
evening
Aug.
Sept*
1 Went to Richards and got them to come here for dinner
Mary & Mrs Ray were here too
This is the 80th anniversary
of my birth Am 80 today fine day
12
Was to town a.m. Bessie & Irene were to Harry Colemans
p.m. fine dry day (Harry Coleman on the farm)
18
got a letter from Wilton today saying that Henry was Hailed
out almost completely on 3 inst
Was to town noon
22
Bessie - Irene & I were at Richards 71st anniversary of his
birth also Mary & Charlie & Harry & Wife Mary & Charlie
were here all night
Very heavy rain a.m & p.m.
30
At home Bessie got bushel of mixed henfeed from Harry
Coleman a.m. 93cents
1 Herb left this morning for Toronto via of George Town I
got J Sutherland to value two colts ~ He valued the
hackney 2 years past at $100 the Alcianean one year old
at $70
21
On the hill Bessie & I - have good health but not strong
27 Was to town p.m.
Isaac Bollock was burned*?this p.m
*
cool & fair
Page 12
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1913 con!t
Oct.
9 At home Quite warm heavy thunder evening While dozing
in bed this morning thought I heard Father cal me William
28
Nov.
At home H. Barns & Man repaired pump
cold wind today
Rain Last night
3 At home J.R. Fisher came here and paid me a half years
rent $225.00 no snow in sight
4 When I arose this morning I almost fell from lightness in
my head
not sick but dizzy weak Mrs & Miss Sutherland
was here at night
6 At home Bessie was to town a.m. Took first 2 pills of
Dr. Tyrotts
Lynotts Kidney pills today
18
Dec.
Was to town noon
roads good
Met Albert Campbell in town
Wind cold
5 At home bright sunny day Herb sent me 30 Bectal Conaids
for kidney trouble used one
19
I got a letter from Nicol this morning that Lizzie & her
two girls were there (in town) I got A Banting to phone
to Mary & she came here before 8 p.m. I brought Lizzie
& girls here p.m. first time to use cutter Sleighing
good I brought them here p.m.
20
Lizzie & Mary was to twon for Lizzies trunk p.m. & went
to Lefroy after
Ernest came here about 10 p.m from Sask
Frank Coleman, Toronto sent me bottle of Port wines
22
Was to Richards to see Harvey who is sick a.m. -small poxMable McLennan brought Lizzie & Bessie - her Daughter here p..m.
Ernest was to town p.m. Wheels & runners gained
23
At home Ernest, Lizzie & Esther are here
went to town all night
26
At home - Dr. Rounthwaite came here & vaccination Ernest
a.m. pretty cold
27
Herb, Wife & two children came here from Palmerston
met them at the Station fair sleighing
30
Ernest left Herb & family at Station morning
are to J Sutherlands now 8.30 p.m, mild
Ernest & Lizzie
Ernest
He & Lizzie
31 At home - Ernest Lizzie Daughter Bessie are here Lizzie
& Ernest went to town at night Sleighing not very good
Good Bye 1913
A
Page 12
Wm, R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914
Jan.
Feb.
28
At home Bessie-Ernest & I
Soft snow melting
Had his Baby Jack here this morning
2 At home Ernest
Hy Coleman
is Out driving since morning 8-40 p.m. mild
3 At home Ernest took Lizzie & her two girls to Station
going to Palmerston fine mild day
4
At home Ernest was at R Thompsons Sale p.m.
now
fine day
9 Ernest went to dont know where Very cold wind
horses at Stach day time & stable at night
is to town
have our
10
Was at home farm a.m. re Fisher getting timber & he was
here p.m. Said he would Exatnin the farm
13
At home Lizzie & Ernest are to The Valentine Social in
the town hall to night Quite cold sleighing
18
At home Bessie Lizzie 2 girls Ernest was at Chris
Campbells Sale to day He Is out now fine day & good
sleighing
19 Went to Dr Rounthwaite morning tongue it was partly paralysed
yesterday morning
My tongue was partly paralysed yesterday
morning, saw Dr. Rounthwaite this morning
March
22
Have bronchitis
Dr forbids going out of door
25
At home, fine day Mr & Mistress Park were here p.m. Ernest
& Charlie took Lizzie & her 2 girls Esther & Bessie to
town at night to start for home via way of Alliston
9 At home - not well Very uneasy fidgety
weighed 138 by Wilton
March 9 1914 I
17
At home Ernest went to Sunnidale
was here Sun bright wind cold
Mr & Mrs Parks & Richard
18
Mary & Charlie came here evening Ernest was married at
Sunnidale He & Wife came here at night wheels & runners
going fine day
20
Ernest too Mary Ellen his wife to town going to her fathers
at Mansfield Albert Reiny Wm Sutherland were here wheels
& runners going fine day
22
Ernest & Ellen was to Richard
Mrs. H. Rankin & R Jones
was here
Mrs Jess Moir & Daughter town at night
Page 12
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con’t
March 23
April
Ernest & Wife left for home evening Mary & Mabel came
here p.m. fine day Mary here tonight Mabel went home
very ill Dr here
25
Not so well Dr here
rainy
commenced house cleaning
27
Not very well Mary is here with us She was to town p.m.
Herb & Dr Rounthwaite came here in the evening to see me
28
Herb went home to Palmerston this morning fine warm day
fields baring road very muddy Mabel McLennan came here
evening
Mary went home
31
Micheal Allingham & Bros Robert do were here
was here
fine day
1
Feel much better
coming daily yet
Mary is here
have Bronchitis
road very bad
She & Mother
Dr Rounthwaite
Dr Rounthwaite is
2 Not so well to day some soft snow freezing to night
Rev. Slmen was here
Mary is here yet
3 about the same Donnellys brought their cows & other cattle
here
frost last night
fine day
snow at fences yet
5 Richard & Wife, Harry Coleman & Wife
Mrs George Moir were here
Wm Latimer assessor was here
7 Bessie Mary & I here
day fairly mild snow at fences yet
fine
10 Mary & Wray & Gilpen girl came here & Mable went home
Mrs Rankin & R Jones were here Sun bright wind cold
snow at some fences yet
11
Dr. Rounthwaite here this morning Says am about the same
Mary & Wray are here some snow at fences yet
Bessie
was at Richards
12 Mary & Ray are here & Jim Burns
sun bright
wind cold
17
Bessie & Jim Burns are here I took very nervous & weak
this a.m.
got all right p.m. Saw first Robins
fine
spring day
21
not very well this a.m. Mabel McLennan was here evening
Donnelly commenced sowing here oats Sold the town lot to
C. Campbell
fine day
22
feel better to day but mustnt go out in cold air
air wind cold
Jim was to town p.m.
23
At home R.J. Coleman sent us a load of coal James Stewart
of Toronto brought Mary here p.m. in his Auto They went back
again bright sun cold wind
Feel well to day
Sun bright
Page 12
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con't
*Note:
entries in large type are written by Mary or otherwise
marked
April 24
May
1
June
J McKnight & C Campbell were here
Dr Rounthwaite was
here
very poorly all day (William)
26
Very unrestful & nervous
29
commenced lying in bed upstairs
walk around sometime
but not strong
come down to meals
Mary came at noon She & Jim went to town p.m.
30
In bed upstairs most of time
Mary is here
1
failing in strength
I come down to meals
3
Not so well a.m. Uncle Dick Aunt Letty, Mary &
Baby here for dinner,
Charlie & Ray came p.m.
4 Not very well a.m. had a bath p.m very warm & showery
Mrs Cousins here
Uncle Jim went to town bot
me a box of chocolates
card from Wilton
15
I feel better
didnt go to bed today
Bessie was to town p.m. fine day
walked some outside
29
pretty well
went with Jim in the morning for milk to
Harys (Harry Coleman) Bessie went to town
31
Not so well
in bed most of day
6 Jim took me to townline this morning I got tired but
stayed up all day
Mary came here a.m. She & Jim went
to town p.m. Jim & Mary went to town & Jim bought a coal
oil stove for Bessie
10
Jim took me to Lewises burying ground morning Frank Coleman
& wife & nephew come & Mary & June
Frank took Jim Burns
& I to town p.m.
13
feel well to day Herb & wife & their 2 children
here
Jim brought them from town
15
Left Herb & family at Station morning
felt well
came
was to town p.m.
16 Went to town morning for Dr Brown to see Jim who is ill
Dr Brown says it is heart trouble ails Jim
Page 121
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con't
June
25
July
1
13
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
1
Not strong this morning Jim drove me to Richards
well
rest of day
Bessie went to Richards & took Lettie to
Parks to W,I. Meeting
Strong wind
Bessie & I were at Mrs Blacks funeral Charlie & Mary came
home with us & went home after
Charlie brought Emma & Louis
here from town
At home - not very well, feel weak
no celebration in town
Some rain at night
This is the 81st anniversary of my Birth day and weak but
not sick ~ Had Richard & Letty & Mary & Jim Burns for
dinner
Mary went home
fine day
22
2:15 pan. up since morning Bessie is in bed now tired
Jim is gone to town quite warm
feeling better
28
didn't sleep well last night weak this morning went to
bed a while a.m. Emma & I drive to Richards p.m. didn't
get out I feel weak
30
Emma is here H. Nicol Coleman was married to Lula Armstrong
yesterday by Rev Canon Murphy
19
At home Bessie Jim & I a.m.
21
Somewhat weak this morning Was in bed part of a.m. Jim
went to town p.m, for a chew of tobacco Quite warm
10 At home a.m. Bessie Jim & I I was to Mary Tayors p.m.
Jim went to town McCullough was here p.m. assessing
19 Weak this morning Herb & son Herbert Moore = came here at
night Jim broughtthem here
Got word that Sophia
(Coleman) got a stroke & not likely to recover
20
Nov.
Herb & Son Herbert Moore went home this morning
see me
Bessie is to Richards Misty Morning
8 At home on the hill
He came to
Tom Fisher died at 9 a.m. yesterday
Page 12!
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con't
Nov.
18
Same as yesterday Louis & I went to town p.m Was at
Richards coming home
Very cold wind
feel pretty well
hurts legs & kneejoints to walk
20 Mabel McLennan & Miss Whan here p.m. Jim Burns came from
Lefroy
Louis & I went to town p.m. I was to Richards
Evening feel well this p.m. Good wheeling
Dec.
1 At home Bessie Emma Louis Jim Burns & I
& Ida Parks were here
Maud Coleman
21 At home not strong
Bessie - Wilt & Wife & son here They
are to Tipperary March in town to night
Snow drifting
Kenneth went home Will had the colt comeing 2
hitched
to Sleigh 1st time He went well
24
Wilton & Family (wife & son here)
dont feel so well this
morning Wilt had yearling colt to town to cutter first
time single he went well Wm R Chantler was here p.m.
re Bible Society
Year 1915
Feb.
6
In bed most all day Dr. Brown here afternoon
Bessie, Jim, Wilton & family here
beautiful
day
Wilton Louis & Jim were to town Written by Emma
7
In bed most all day Frank C & family here 3
children
Wilton & family here
a beautiful
day out sleighing good lots of snow
Written by Wilton
13
had breakfast in bed « down stairs till 7.55 p.m. fine
day walked a little outside
27
Had breakfast in bed dinner down stairs Dr. Brown was here
now 4 p.m. Wilton & family Wife & son here Jim Burns here
The Dr was to see Emma, Wilts wife
28
Breakfast in bed dinner & supper down stairs Harry Coleman
& wife were here Wilton & Wife & son ** Jim Burns is here
Gave Hy Coleman some Provincial Statutes
Page 13!
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1915 con’t
March
2 had breakfast in bed down stairs rest of day Mary is
here tonight Wilton & family are here Emma is ill
bright sun Strong wind Mary here
3
Wilton & Mary took Emma to Simcoe Hall in Allandale
on a stretcher she was very low quite cold
father in bed when we left got up for dinner &
tea
Written by Wilton
8
Sylvia Coleman is at Simcoe Hall, Allandale Wilt took
Emma there on 3rd too She is there now Bright sun cold
wind Emma is at Simcoe Hall, Allandale also Sylvia Coleman
9 Breakfast in bed downstairs rest of day
Burns here
I weighed 138 to day
Wilton & Jim
12
Louis & Wilton drove the colt to Holly after tea
gone to Allandale to see Emma fine with cool
N W wind Breakfast in bed down rest of day
Bessie some better She was very sick with the
Gripp
written by Wilton
15
Breakfast in bed down for a big dinner & a good
big supper Wilton & Louis Home
Emma improving
nicely
Wilton had the buggy to town p.m.
very
warm
Written by Wilton
24 Weak breakfast in bed - p Bessie
*Note:
That is the last entry in this book. Another book marked 1915
starts on March 23
March 23 & 24 entries possibly written by Wilton
March
23 Wilton went to Allandale to see Emma
sunroom al p.m.
24
April
She was out in
Wilton & Louis went to Toronto this p.m.
Druid at 10 p.m. via Chicago
7 Bessie, Jim & I had Bessie to town p.m.
was buried
8
they leave for
Alex McFadden
Breakfast in bed coming from the barn a.m. I walked forward
took weak & fell near the house
10
Breakfast in bed
17
Breakfast in bed p.m. Bessie downstairs rest of day
Bessie & Jim Burns here Jim was to town p.m. bright sun
MEMORANDA: Mary brought Emma to Lefroy with her Saturday
Eve from Simcoe Hall She looks fine
quite weak downstairs p.m.
Page 13:
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1915 con't
April
28
weak this morning but able to walk around some
the paper from the road
brought
29 About the same as yesterday cold wind walked outside some
had letter from Ernest dated Druitt Sask Apr 23
May
June
14
Was at Richards morning driving Breakfast down stairs
feel pretty well was to Richards morning Mary - Mabel
& Ray Emma & Sister Mrs McKay of Toronto & Frank Rogerson
in Frank Auto - cold wind
28
Bessie & I were to Charlies Lefroy Met Frank Coleman & Wife
from Toronto there - he had his auto there & took us all
for a drive to the village along the lake I stood the
drive well
8
Willie came from Brandon to Lefroy 1:20 p.m.
Mary
brought him over Herb & Bert came off night train
Fleury Dick passed away 10 o c p.m. per Mary
it was at Richards that Fleury (Dick) died
-Harry Coleman
9 Herb went awa this a.m. for Palmerston I was down stairs
& feel some stronger Bessie was to see Bob Coleman
(Fleurie ) corpe at Harries
Willie left for Montreal
July
10
Bessie & I were to see Richard Colemans corpse a.m. at
Harrys Willie was to be in Montreal to day
12
Bessie, Jim & I here can walk around fairly well Mrs
Frank Coleman of Toronto came here morning & stayed till
p.m. also Mrs Taylor (nee Ellen Elliott) were here too
10
J.W. Parks was here fine day Johny Moir died & was buried
at St. Johns Church on the 12th
11
C P McLennan & his cousin Lizzy Moir were here
12
at Richards not able to go to Barrie, The Lodge went
(Orange Lodge) Johny Moir was buried at the church (English
Church-St. Johns)
15
At home all day & downstairs (Bro -Bessie & I were to see
Richard p.m.) Soreness in chest Richard has
25 At home rather weak
Richards May & Gowan got home from West
Page 13
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1915 con’t
Aug.
1
82 years old to day at home all day on the hill but weak
but not sick
Bessie was to Richards after tea
he is
some better but weak Jim Burns is here Gowan & Sister
May got here from Manitoba
6 Ogle Coleman came from the West
*Note:
13
Uncle Richard passed away about 10p.m.
was
unconscious since Wednesday All the family
were with him but Bob
-Mary
14
Charlie & I came over to Uncle Richards in Eve
came up here about 10
15
Uncle Richard is Burying this p.m.
Raining hard
Mother, Uncle & Chas are gone to funeral - Father
& I here alone
he is very weak
-Mary
the last entry in this book is August 20
20
*Note:
Dec.
pretty weak to day very warm
& I Jim is gone to town p.m.
sunshine
Bessie, Jim Burns
the last entry Wm. R. Coleman wrote is in the first 1915 Diary
26
Gowan & Mr Donnelly here to day
& Williams all at home
Ernest & Ellen Jim Bessie
William R. Coleman passed away
on Thursday, December 28, 1916
age
83 years.
APPENDIX
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1892
Wm. Evans bricked house at Oakdale in April 1873
Births: (Wm. R. Bros & sisters)
Eliza
Sept. 28
1826
W.J. (Yank)
July 27
1852
Robert
Aug.
24
1829
Richard
June 14
1855
William
Aug.
1
1833
Kate
May
31
1858
Ann Jane
Mar.
11
1836
James Burns
Oct
27
1844
David
Dec.
8
1839
John N Burns
May
27
1841
Richard
Aug.
22
1842
Mrs Wallace
Aprl
3
1836
Henry
Apr.
1
1848
W.R.Coleman Jr Jan 14
1887
Thos. Coleman
1845
Nov 30
Deaths:
1851 Age 56
William Coleman
1893 Age
July 14
1852
12
John Lynn
1893
Robert
Mar. 14
1859
30
David Lynn
1892
Father
June 21
1878
80
Uncle William
Oct. 24
1880
Eliza
Oct. 12
1891
65
Fred Coleman
June 21
1894
Ann Jane
Oct.
5
1892
56
Rebecca Coleman
Nov. 16
1898
Uncle Andy
June
8
1883
Mrs. Burns
Feb. 19
1896
Aunt Mary Ann
July
8
1893
W.J. Burns
Dec. 13
1896
1869
E.A. Fawcett
oAug. 5
1892
64
Mother
Aug.
David
4
Bessie Coleman Feb.
Aunt Jane
Sept 28
1892
Wm. Allingham
Mar. 15
1908
98
John Coleman
Jan
8
1873
John McLennan
Oct. 15
1902
68
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1892
Births: Grandchildren
March 16
Lizzie Walkerton
Fountain
McLennas
1898
Mabel Vivian
Oct
13
1896
14
1900
Herbert Kenneth
Oct
15
1898
Gertrude Violet
March 24
1902
Charles Douglas Ray
June 13
1907
Harry Coleman
May
21
1904
Ester Marian
June
21
1907
Mabel Irene
March 27
Wm Louis Bertand June
July 29
Wiltons boy,
1909
William David Louis, March 19, 1903
Nov. 19, 1888
James Jones died
Dec. 9
Miss Nettie Clarke died
1909
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1901 Diary
1874 -
Bought Port farm
1867 -
Dr Nicol came to village
1885 -
bought first binder
Council
1901
Reeve
Geo W Webb
Clerk
C Palling
$250.00
Councillor
H
W
R
R
Treasurer
Jas Black
150.00
Assessor
R.W. Sloan
110.00
Auditors
G.W. Black
Stanley Spillet
Grose
R Coleman
S Sutherland
J Hill
Council of 1902 by acclamation
Council -Grose, Coleman, Hill, Sutherland
G.W. Webb - Reeve
Deaths:
Mrs. Robert Coleman
(Bessie
Feb.
5
1869
Mrs Burns
Feb.
19
1896
1859
W. Jones
Sept. 1
1892
June 21
1878
Aunt Mary Ann
July
28
1893
Uncle Wm
Oct. 26
1880
John Coleman
Jan.
8
1873
Eliza
Oct. 12
1891
Grand Father
March
Aunt Jane
Sept 28
(Married to Wm)
1892
Uncle William
Oct.
26
1880
Alex Dexer
Nov.
3
1908
Ann Jane
Oct.
5
1892
Bro. Henry
Feb.
1
1912
Fred
June 21
1894
Rebecca
Nov. 16
1898
Mother
4
1851
David (Bros) July 14
(age 12)
1852
Robert (Bro) March 14
Father
Nov. 5, 1901
Aug.
Bessie & I moved into new house on the Hill
March 7, 1901
was at John Duffs funeral
Nov. 20, 1902
Henry Sloan aged 86 years
Aug. 3,
Mrs Sloan 84 years
1845
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1901 Diary
Births:
k
(Wm. R. Coleman children)
Elizabeth (Lizzy)
July 25
1870
David Ernest
Nov.
9
1871
Mary Edith
Nov. 9
1873
Henry Wilton
Oct. 12
1875
Herbert Burns
Jan. 17
1878
William Richard
(Willie)
July 14
1887
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1902 Diary
March 9, 1866
went with Cookstown Co. to Toronto R Banting,
Dr. Wilson, Parks, Robert Lewis, Donald Bannerman,
& I were billeted at W Irwins, Church Street (23)
was appointed Corporal
March 31
Came home from Toronto with the Company
was appointed Sergt)
Sat. June 2
left Cookstown with Co. &
to Port Dalhousie by boat
to Fort Eries
got there
taken to Port Cobourne 20
June 19
Started for home
came by Dunville - Stratford
and Berlin to Toronto got there at 11 p.m.
June 20
went Drill Shed morning to come home
for train & came home p.m.
went to Toronto thence
then took train & went
Sunday noon
15 were
miles from Fort Erie
was late
Births:
General Woolsley
June
4
1833
C. Cook
Aug. 19
1832
C. Palling
July 17
1833
Judge Boys
1833
E. Fawcett
1833
W.R. Coleman (self)
Aug.
1
1833
Rich Coleman (Fleury)
Feb. 29
1833
Feb. 25
got first 17cwt of coal $5.50
Apr. 14
burned last of it
(June 6
It lasted 1 month & 20 days & cost $5.50
11% cents a day
Nominated for Councillors for 1903
Reeve - H. Grose acclamation
Councilors - M. Konkey, Coleman, Hill, Sutherland, Esq Todd,
T. Stewart, Anson Black C. Northgate
The latter withdrew, I was defeated
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1909 Diary
Aug. 28, 1906
Herb Started for Palmerston
1877 - Railway built through Cookstown
1877 - Harry built house
Aug. 4, 1882
D. Fisher cut wheat for me with binder
first binder on line
1881 - Well on hill dug 56 ft & pump cost $56.00
Sept. 21, 1909
Charlie left for the West
April 16, 1883
Jim Burns left at noon & went to W. Jones
-W. Evans
-Dec. 1884
bricked the house at Oakdale April 1873
Maggie Lynne of Picton was married
-At Convention at Beeton Sept. 3, 1906 on 5th ballot Fraser had 108
Ferguson 93, Hill 50; 6th Ballot Ferguson 134 Fraser 129
April 2, 1873
R Allingham married
Feb. 29, 1876
Richd & Letty were
-Railway made through Cookstown 1877
-(Red) Baker left here 1878
-Rev. Mr Fletcher came 1878
-Coleman Hotel burned 1879
-July 27th addition to Hill barn 1884
-April 22, Agnew & I measured South end of 50- 58^ rods
-April 3
commenced burning wood
-Dec. 9
commenced burning nut coal
-Feb. 17
enough snow for good sleighing first time this winter
-Feb. 24
Sleighing gone, good wheeling
-Dec. 3, 1892
Herb & I measured this farm North end
South end
1909 - South end 58^ rods
60 rods 6 ft 9 inches
0
58
15
r"The f o
i l { * * c li^ p lo g ^ p m l b o
Jooistdu^* *A<3 vacate ^ f ^ . 1 8 7 8 ' tb*^
bubflshedf 1)/ tfie J&te P.^J0b_. S tew art
rtjirsubject of'fhey&ttu&ry pra* fpthar
of^ eV h rs W , K . en d R ic h o r d .C o V o iB h
•‘
y *> ‘*-*
** }
v
^
ji, ‘
j"**,** ■*r*i^ ** ■** *
?- T,vh e su b ject
rat .
. ,o f _ib is^ in otice"
• _■_VIvas
*_•«„ i'-'b.o-.
in the C ou n ty o f D o n e g a l, Ireland!. In
z
-v ^ 1’
'**?**"'x-**■
^**»-*^'u*■
IVpS 'in a .w liih thSity*five year*^ old
em lgr^i-a to ib is' cpuntrjC ^wb b fe ia
;1 8 3 i k :' eft.'o^ o a th e p lace o ien fieri*
cd above L o t 2, C ou 2 . l o n is f il w n ich
-*V*<£-*•«.•Vr- V r;V.,; •: -> «.
'
was a t t b i t tim e a a ea sv fo rest. - l i i s
wifa. aad y e u n g fa m ily had,' w ith bltn
to uudet •sm'tlie b su a l h ard sh ip s ‘ in c ld ent^W the se ttle r s^ ! ife; ‘ g u b y h ard
Work "and d d !ig en e© jb e a*spe< t o f tb e ir
farm ]7ept pace w ith si! around.’*,' H is
in t c rest Vn \n e pi ace co n tl n u ed to' the
la s t;!:
I V* .
In 1837 (Urn R e b e llio n ) h is lo y a lty
was p q t tO the te^fc, and h e h ad th e
pleasure, o f tu rn in g put "as on e of". the
Hom e Q u o r d .^ v h c q n o t h i n g else w as
req p irtd l'-jjd ajf Ins 'labors • hfe^jwaa
ably sec ended oy h is lo v in g w ife and
Ip getbbr tTiby 'su vr a / great* im p r o y e m en t^ ia their su rro u n d in g s/ w l’Jh
every''prospect./-of en joyin g life*, for
many yearn; b u t in H151 ^hls. ~jpa.no or
was eulie.ct away, and - from th a tH ls r e
ri
’\ * } , * * •
't
A**-*1^ *,*^,**.,._ «♦““
h is hitereat wiis ja hie fam ily 7 and all
his energies pvere d ir e c te d _ for th e ir
wolfare, H e loaves b eh in d h ied ' tw o
daughters and three . sons to
-h *
*
”^“**♦ •**.
for a kind and lo v u ie
r;*>r
-V*
®\.-,
brouuys and one sister ah
him?-'iMr, Coleman, was one o f' thr.se
whole h e n led Iriia sons o r d d Irela n d
»j‘*:■*
' *’—
whose tios^itality made all who en tered
iiis rrsidoop’o feel at horns.' p H e~ w a s
ei'p.ipTiliCin _ o f . . h u d
wKat, Wj-rpew to h p 'r ig h t he'prkctTs^d
dally h o^ iV ^ever i c i d y 'id‘testify ' for
'th e M aster/-whom . h e delighted to
serve and in rick nose" or trials**‘never
lost faith in th a t T rieod th at1 sticke<h
ibaa a?b r o t ' H lk :3 d 'b e lg h - /'i
bors
iu bfghc?> -beraj$ ob*hi*
virtue^ Jfiu'ip 1114 feoehi r^uallti^W ^re
Second to no no. h a w;<s ono
We
n w y ca^novoj/m k'do';an*’ e n } ^ r j ^ b
gamed xbo good .w ilh o f klL* / T h a s /^
baa"gone fo bjs'pe.sV f o H j
W,p«i
io?Xoi,yt;
Mic Richard Oolcman., died at his re
sidence Xx>t 2, Ootx. 2, Innisfil, on the
Hist Inst, at the age of 79 ycxra. H e
'
horn In the County of Donegal, Xro t
'heed, in 1790, and when thlrtj-firo yorns
old emigrnied to thin country, whom In
1834 he settled on the pinco loenUon'cd
‘ »bo'TJ, which was at that tlrno’ a dense ]
forest. HU'wifo and young ftimUy hnd, I
t Hth him, to undergo the usual hardahlpa j
incident to tho sottlerU lifcj but by hard
1 vorh end diligence the nopoct of tholr
■firm kept pace with all around. In 1837
/he rebellion) bU loyalty wjuj put to !
tho tost, and ho turned out m ono of tho :
Home Guard, In all his labors ho was
ably seconded by hts loving ivifs, and to- „
gether they saw a great improvement In
their surroundings, with every prdspoct
of onjoylnn life for many years.
Ho
leaves behind him two daughters and
throo oona to mourn for ft kind ahd lav*
ing fathor; three brothers ami ono sis
tcv also survive hlrnl Mr, Oolomnn w hs
one of those whole -hen r tod, *tnu) bods of
old Ireland, rrhcoe hospitality made oil
who cntoi-cd hie residence
at Imrao,
He was Lrothfa! in ovei'y relation of life,
and what ho knew to be rightt ho praOtlsed dally
1
•--- --------
From the Barrie Northern j
A dvance,
J u ly
4,
1878
;
. ..,<AWUigS
...»*&m soilowfi ; At Aiiiut&alo,j
1 Mr, Juries Burton, Chairman. A veto
No, h, m the 3rd
gfidoaco
was
moved
by
A.
MiseampTownship
ol
ianbfii
_Fully 80
ark Dt rms BtsTRict.'—EvgRYTHiKS
traded by W. Lennox, and car-1 acres cfoorod; Good soil TermaUboral and
exooust
FJU£S«, F.HEK iiN.0 FULL,
At Victoria, Mr. A M. Morden, l>ri»
Full P^Uettkre can ba obtained
from
Deputy,
Hoove,
in
the
chair.
A
vote
of
* year#—* ixmiiuntru
JOHN MACDONALD & 00 ,
to have a lock-up.
■an; 3rd, I
confidence, moved by Thomas Hurkt, or
Toronto,
S tatjteh bow boasts two Banc Bail sooondod by Thomas Black, was carried.
JOHN a LUCAS,
beat 2 in
Churchill.
3.8 2m
Da. MeCusaisv fefts gone to *‘do “ Newport, Clubs,
At Thornton, John Scott in the chair.
'Unglissa,I» faid.iloia.abIs
watering place near Boston.
A.
vote
of
confidence,
moved
by
Thomas
BiUCEBRiDOK is to have a photograph, j
A R F O S m v R L t ' D EC LA R ED
Mr. Chas. Ross, Reeve, is trying to for gallery.
-l«l T.
Scythes, seconded by John Hopkins,wa8 W
>¥ against monopoly and high
tennetk j get the dignity and responsibility of the
carried.
At
Ivy,
John
Lennox
in
the
PRICKS■4Httf-|reovMjhip while on a visit to Mansncld, Mm - T hb crops ail over the county look
chair. A vote of confidence, moved by- C.L. LftEbcgB to Intimate to the public of Bar
fo; 8r&, ! aikchusotte.
splendid.
*
;ul eurra*
mtrroua&ing counter, that he lowon. hand
John T. Fletcher, seconded by 'Thomas rie tiiul
Ohiki-* Roqsrs, acrompaaled by his wife
Iftocta rnclrio, ond ad
a eiwiply of Screw-jacks,
S
'.»t, T, | and (laughter, are spending the season at NiAt Bell tiie materials
Collijsgwood is trying to organize a H, Banting, was carried.
... uwxseeay
t>
HKMCVI4 GUILDdt
OH of every tooriptfon. He will rJ»opraamnj Ag»»Ewart A vote of confidence, moved by IN
too to Move. IsCimce ony dlstaacft without Injur
riovtit M,k. I), FAUQjJHAnsoK, of Messrs. Far- band.
the piaster, bnsoking tho windows, or Injur
As-listok hm a new gram elevator, Henry Groase, J. P., seconded by Sam. ing
qtjharaon & Dutton, goes on a visit to An id
ing the dwelling, &o,, to any shapa Ho also nuts
Wray, was carried.
three storeys high,
W'rl. Scotia.
In npw sills ana inokoe old hotwos as good as
now. Work tlcmoin all parte of the County on
“-is I,
k. M, K, Harhron, Deputy-Rocvo, starts
Mu, Richard Coleman, died at his re fee shortest notice and reeeonnhlo terms. Tho
Mb . IL Robinson, Colling wood,. has
John |t to M
Is also a flnst-olasahai’Aat- superintend*
day for Kngbuid.
sidence Lot 2, Oon. 2, Irmbfil, cm the , subscriber
gone on a continental trip.
fog the building in Mill darns. The follmvijig
Hb
\
rotomiooa
are kindly pc«»Ut/<xl r~-Messrs. Goo
; 2nd, | Mr. John Ler, with his daughter, have
21st ,Inst, , at ,,the . ,age
- .of '79
, ,,yearn. , T
Rail, B'Aibm MoOuihy.QLC.. Dr. aLUartiiy. 1L
O we?? Bound cricketers were “ waxed”
| gone on a Trans. Atlantic trip.
was
bom
in
the
Comity
of
Donegal,
Ire.eowroy,
G.
Cook, O. P. Wright, a. Thomson, T
tad. j Mr , D itncan Ooiftts (Vespra) left yester- by Collingwood cricketers last week.
land
in
1790
and
when uurej-m
thirK-firna yowra
v«ira j Owaffle,
Samuel
Wesley,
Joseph Rogers,
all oi
lano,
iu
i/»
u
,a
n
a
wnoa
1Japrlo.
and
Meastu
dhaotier.
Weet E«sar
I day for a visit to the Old Country,
old emigrated to tiiin country, where ra j Brown. Angus; Tatehe, penetetigaiahcuo *
'tttti j
Tee
Bradford
Herald
has
a
well
writ*
John Johnson, (Simpson's Brewery)
a^ in.. ij baaMr,
ten account of the excursion to the Fails 1834 ho sottlod on th . ploco montiortL-d
gone to I’Mgland.
atevt, which wm ut that thnd a t a m j
,
| M r. L achun J ohnson wont Engiand-warde on the civic holiday.
forest, ills wifoand young tamuy had, i domiffi Coot Mils: John Boattv. R. McGoukcy
Bay. | yesterday.
T hu invention of a lieograph is in con* w ith him to undav'm th e tinnal hardehina >and A- Noee, EnniatU : A, Randal and Mr. Jamie
ih t j Mrs. T. I> McOonkry acoompanics her t* captation, and the Stayner editor al , ,, nna7 t0,UIl'iSrb0 Mteue-aai aaraemps g0|l> M!tl&slllg; m(i m oUieri}.
incident to the settler b life; but by ham ardrers,
? | wm. Dr, MoOoukcy, ti Newport, for which ready sees his occupation gone.
work and diligence the aopoct of their
I place they started on Monday afternoon.
farm kept pace with all around. In 1837
, | P J r. T. W, Georoesf has gone to view the
(the rebellion) kia loyalty wan put to
the test, and he turned out as one of tho
Home Guard. In all his labors ho was
ably seconded by his loving wife, and to
gether they saw a great improvement In
their surroundings, with every prdspocfc
of enjoying life for many years.
He
leaves behind him two daughters and
throe sons to mourn for a kind and lov
ing father; three brothers and one sis
ter also survive him, Mr, Ooloman was fj
one of those whole-hearted, tm o sons of \
old Ireland, whoso hospitality made all
who entered his TOsi.denco feel at home.
He was truthful in every relation of life,
and what he knew to be right{ he prac
tised dally
«r now rmnm
A _
JrtroR.KATioa,—It is said tfeai olive
oil ftdmiaUtered Internally U an exoelfont
rom-ed/ for the $out, and k also tenetlcinl in
paralysis, and epilepsy ; Tut for tho cure of
rhennutism, aearalgla, colds and oollo, sod
the tecnovftl of pain generally, there is nothing
like the “ Canadian Pain Destroyer
it -e
the m an reliable remedy. For «de by Drn g1 jtsts and cooatry dealers. Price S3 cwfos
j per boufo,
Owxxns or Houses iUrouMiw. — And why .
oot? And who knows but rrbat Rieir horseo
rejoicing ss woH; who can prove the cor>*
C ^rge FUday’a,' tor
lr»rj. Eat their owners refote« ' t m into a kettle of Mtealshte«
day,mn ws* .terriblv «•*
M m M ‘ v '**'
l ^ T A B T E HOT ! i
m U O R L A H ti.
1111111,1
Begs to inform the ishali
surroundiug country
business in the alx»ve E*^
ncriencc of mid prrvcb® M|
hope® to bo able to gm«s§
all who yotronfoe bins fMoritioco, Ao,, Dyet.1 or f e i
€5©mSeiR®i3i’4
and nicely finished.
-t|
Foatbere, l.acc'e, Uafe^i
dyed all the newest wfeir;
Gloves Oloftncti.
AH h in d s o f H ot
Oarpete, Gmmbdotk
ehNured. Sheep Skins
A G E N T S
, , _ Year
:
The following is-a dipping from Use
pvdrnovm ' Advocate of 187 8 thi-i
tub'bbed by the Ia to P, ti. 3t-j %ra r t
le sahj-et, of the obituary Wits father
Me-?rn W t R, and Richard Cob man
Friday evening Ju n e 21s?t at:
us ' late residence Cot 2, Con 2. I
sriisBi Mr Richard Co’eman aged
72 y*-ars
-- ■ ■.
i
.>,;
- Tim subject of this notice was born
tj the County t i Rooegal, Ireland in
1792, uad whan thirty-five years old,
ferns g ra t'd to this" country, where in
3831 lilssibsd on the pi ice men tio-n
Jed above Lob 2, Con 2. Innisfil wnich
was a t that tim e a dense forest, ...His
w;fe a id yeung family had* with him
to undergo the usual hardships incid*
h a t to the settlors life; b u t by hard
work -and thlligeoee the aspett of their
fann h ept pace with all around.
H is
Ink- rest in the pi ace continued to the
L st
. ;
\
In 1837 (the Rebellion) his loyalty
.was put to the te-t, and he had the
ydeasofe of turning out as one of the
Home Guord^when nothing else was
required. In all Ms labors he was
ably seconded by his loving wife and
to ge-ther they -saw- aj great improvein their surroundings, with
feveiy pn.-peet. of enjoying life for
many yea;s; h u t in 1851 hist partner
was oatied away, and - from th a t tin e
his interest was in his family? and ah
his energies were directed for their
welfare. H e leaves behind him ' two
daughters and three sons to m ourn
for a kind and tovnig hither three
brothers and one sUter also survive
h im. :;Mi} Colerivm waft one of those
w hoie\eu*?ei true sous of old Ireland
whose hospitality made all who entered
h is re side ups feel at home. H e was
robtioA of, Jife and
w hat hej^new to be rig h t lib practised
daily He
ew©r ready to testify for
the Ma-stof' whom he delighted to
serve and m sickness or trials never
lost faith in th a t Trie ad th at stlck eh
f
■ctosvT ^*a 0 a h H i s p i d
i
..y
heigh- 11
y ' jj
hors SpCife in h%hfc,si ter&Jb ohGm i i *
irtue% while Ids social
^ re
yecond to none. he'tta* one V*?om ,We
amy ray nuver. made an ' e n e m '^ ; - ^ ^
|a in e d the good will of f t l h 'd T M A e
l i s r g o ^ ^ o l n i 'j h ^ ' t o f l ^ S i I ^ S i e
re-pect ap'd lo v e o f,
w H ^had^t
pleasure, of his a c q u a in ta n c e ,\:'^
‘
dolmV _
1^9 funeral lorJndi'ony.**'-
*x
f
Cookstown .Advocate— A fter a year
or more of declining health Mr. W.
R. Coleman, one of the highly re
spected residents of Innisfil passed
aw ay. on Friday, December 29th at
the age o f 83 years. Mr. Coleman
for many years was an extensive
arid successful farmer, took an "ac-.
tive part in public affairs, was a
member o f the council and was one
o f the most prominent men in the
township.* Some years ago he* ceased]
active :wojk and retired to one of
his farms. He is survived
py a'
. widow, two .daughters and two sons.
] W illie having been killed in France
about two months ago. T he1daugh
ters are Mrs. McLennan o f Lcfroy
and Mrs. Fountain in th esW©st. His
two sons Ernie and W ilt have also
been in the west ; for some years.
The remains were -buried at St.
John's Church Cemetery on Sunday
afternoo^ last. Rev. W . Creswick
officiating. The deceased was a life
long and consistent member of the
Anglican Church. ‘
^
:
TH* INTERESTS Of* BARBI*. TH* COIWTT OF- SimCOE AND THE DOttlNtOW (OF CANADA OOR* CRITEW!
JLE NO, 4200M
:«*
'i
B A R R IE , C O U N T Y O F SIM CO E, O N TA R IO , A U G U S T 19, 1915
G. T. R. EMPLOYEES ^
ORGANIZE FOR
PATRIOTIC PURPOSE
VETERAN OF 1866
ANSWERS THE GAEL
ARRESTED AS SPY
/ WEEK’S REMAND
JOY RIDINC
Wednesday
"five Barrie yt
In the death of Richard Coleman,
perience they
InnisfU township mourns the pass
burry, and a:
ing of one of her pioneer sons, who
week are still
died on Friday of last week. Born
■in 1842, on lot 2, con. 2, I mbs til, Will Not Enlighten Police As their little on
in question ti
the late Mr. Coleman spent his life
To His Travels
it is a
an auto. No
on the farm on which lie first saw
Barrie Division Will Raise light of day. His it was to see the
is obtainable
i'
Hewitt hill, o
ence
township around, him develop, his STRANGER
Funds to Assist Railway
IN TOWN ARREST-. Hill. While
to till the soil of his father, and
ED AT ARMOURIES WITH
t opened
Men W ho Enlist
at a rate it i
as the years grew upon him it was
hour the ear s
CAMERA IN HIS POShis privilege to pass the homestead
that is being
}
SESSION
to his son Henry, with whom he has
NADX In the news from our railway been
the machine
living. The deceased was a
ward reporter will be found the ac
something doii
is , either count of an enthusiastic meeting held young man of 24 when the Fenian
Making
Enquiries
at
Electric
Power
affair said the
raid
took
place,
he
was
one
of
the
or with*' in the Y.M.C.A. hall on Thursday
times, the occi
Station as to Source of Poweror
of last week. The meeting organized men to go from Simcoe county as
] have turned o\
Damned the British Army
itself into an organization to he a member of the Cookstown Co.
| How the occ«]
And
it
was
fitting
th
at
bis
bier
and the Soldiers.
is fre* known as the Barrie Division Bailj
or serjous inju
should
be
carried
by.
six
of
his
|
Patriotic
Association,
; enables waymen ?s
j ly soiled cloths
comrades in arms on that occasion.
The
aims
of
the
organization
will
r her exThere
was
some
excitem ent}
„ waiL
The funeral took place on Sun
alone. be to raise funds for Field Com
forts, Red Cross . and other worthy day, and was one of the largest around the Mule aster street armour- j troubles. The
*ore ^ could b<
purposes; in aiding the men, who ever seen in the Cookstown district, ies on Saturday night, caused b y • new
wheels w<
have offered themselves for the de showing the high respect in which the arrest of a stranger, by Sergt. on the car hex
aitager fence of the Empire, The funds .he was held in the neighborhood. Reid, who was acting in what th e j
two door were
Will be carefully and economically The funeral service was conducted officer considered a suspicious man other badly h r
ner,
added
to
the
suspiciousness
o£
in a business manner by the Rev. E. F. Salmon, inter
frame gone, <
m m & A administered
and placed where - it is considered ment taking place in St.. John’s the ease the man was carrying a all that remai:
camera.
When
put
under
m
ilitary
the most good can be done. It is (Anglican) Church cemetery.
The
the spokes, mu
intended not only to make this pail-bearers were J. W. and George- arrest, the man raised such a row board on one :
emergency contribution as generous Parks, of Barrie, Geo. Graham, that the idea of his being a spy was ed. When th
as possible, but to continue the or Wm. Draper, Win. Montgomery and given good grounds, P C . Lambie
was called and the man locked u p j
^ , cravHr'
ganization and submit shortly to John King.
the employees a plan for monthly
Besides the widow, who before at police headquarters. He gave h is j *ence> ,demon sis
—
contributions to keep up the good her marriage in 1876 was Miss name as E. L. Clarke, nothing de- j
work, as long as the necessity ex Liiitia Jones, five sons and a daugh- finite as to his past could be had.
ter survive: Harry, who is Hep- “ ?Xe
™ his way from
m ists.
Following up the success of the reeve of Innisfil, on the home farm, Killarney to Omemee, coming t o
Barrie from Col ling wood. Among1
I .railwayman fs Patriotic concert of Harvev and Robert in Killarnev, the effects found on his person was
last winter, the idea was enlarged Man., Ogle.and Gowan, of Limerick,
Meta Clark 1
upon and the' present movement Sask., and May, Mrs. Wm. Ferrier, transportation from Killarney to
for Settini
started. The executive committee of Cookstown. . Among those pres Omemee via Orillia, issued to Clarke
its composed of heads of the various ent at the funeral from a distance as engaged on survey work among
Railway
departments, who will were: Geo. Coleman, Chicago; Frank the Georgian Bay islands. The case
Cotter Sewer
thoroughly organize their depart Coleman, Norman Hillock, Misses was called in the police court on.
Monday Judt
ment, in this way there will be no Bebe and Tid Jones, Air. and Mrs. Monday morning.
to dispose ©f
overlapping. The entire plan of or Goodwin, Henry Quiney of Toronto;
Sergt, Reid was the first witness docket, judgmoi
ganization and collection of funds Air. and Airs. Geo. Parks, Air. and called. He stated that he first saw
-cases. The
will be carried out with the thor Airs. P. Moran, Air. and. Airs. P. prisoner at . 7,45 Saturday evening all
Cotter against
oughness characteristic of the rail Jones, Geo. Leslie and Herb. Log on Mule as ter street, opposite the by
the town of
way work. The committee will in head, all of Barrie.
armouries, was carrying camera, pealed to the C
i' vestigate every phase "of the war j.
__ ___________ ■
thought he was slouching around, first case. ■ AY.
‘ situation, with probably 2,000 G.T.R. ^
^ _
so thought his duty to investigate . peared for the
mex: at the front or in training, this j Y l i l l N l \ ' J i f I I A
the
, , m a n , doings.
,Crossed
.
. the
,, .conducting his
j is a big underiakiug but the organ!- * v U I i V I i f ILiLi v n u u
street ar,.Tafter speaking to the h<.ari, ,tiie „n
zation i s p r e p a r i n g to tackle the
map invited him to the armouries i <jeejsion was r ,
F u rs,
-gab in s way equal to the ' occasion,
on'"the pretext of-taking a picture
Hn®- best to .serve their eoTtirades
Tito enl.1jfnVfit m\nn Tiie /itrioimiry*i
^
«<««
.
COUNT
it
WAS SETTLED
The .Late W. B. Coleman
The Late Pte. W*ni. Coleman
\ i ^ h 4)jiiq,de
*P ie..,W ilt. Coifin'
jW hose D eath w as reported in
the, suprem e s a o v
these colu m n s la st w eek. ,
ARCHIVES
B1-2 R3D 52 Sh4
COLEMAN, William R.
Diaries 1S65-1915
Simcoe County Archives and the
Local Initiatives Program, 1977
Acc. 9 7 7 -3
Diaries of Wm. R. Coleman
Wm. R. Coleman kept diaries from 1865 to 1915.
He made
entries, not only of personal events, but that of agricultural
changes, politics, people of the area, Cookstown merchants and
many other activities spanning the 50 years.
William Richard is the son
of Richard Coleman who came from
Tyrone, Ireland in 1834 and settled on Lot 2 Concession 2 of
Innisfil Township.
His mother (who is a Lynn) died on August 4, 1851
at the age of 56.
His brothers & sisters are Eliza, Robert, Ann Jane
David, Richard and HenryOn May 10, 1869 he married Bessie Burns from which they had
6 children, Elizabeth, David Ernest, Mary Edith, Henry Wilton,
Herbert Burns and William Richard (Willie).
Wm. R was a busy man, looking after his farm & being on Township
Council for many years.
He was also involved with the Fenian Raids
(becoming a Sergt), a road inspector (Pathmaster), census taker and
a member of the Orange Lodge.
His sons, except Herbert, had moved West to Manitoba.
Willie joined the army & went overseas during W.W.I.
word was received that he was killed in action.
There,
On October 12, 1916
He was not married.
Two months after, William R. Coleman died, on December 28, 1916, at
the age of 83.
Page 1
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1865
June
14
Went to Toronto to the Synod
17
Came home from the Synod in the morning
drilled in the evening
21 went to Barrie to the review
July
24
Alexander & Eliza came from Cartwright
26
came to the Shanty with Eliza & Alex
Father Anjane & B Burns
14
plowed Richard came to help me
16
went to John Wallaces with Dr. Billy
17
Bobby Allingham commenced work at noon
20
commenced to mow at the Shanty
set Wm Oliver a job to put in pump & stone well
21 moved in the AM
Oct.
at the Shanty
hauled in at home in the PM
23
went to SS & Church
stopped at Mrs Coleman until night
read A Methodist in (secret)
29
bound wheat at J Coleman in the AM
30
Went to SS & Church AM came to the Shanty PM & wrote
to Cartwright & Willy Palmer
9
bound at W Wms in the PM
Sold the cow at $30 went to Cookstown to Wrights sale AM
went to McKays to buy a cow PM
10
Went to Moir to the threshing machine
11
hauled strawpen logs
from A Jane at 20$
12
Went to Cookstown and got the H.P of the machine (fixd)
13
went to Cartigt for Father
17
came home from Cartwght
18
Thanksgiving Day
20
threshed at Uncle Williams
24
threshed at home
went home at night
went to Church
bought the heifer
got the harness from Procto
Edward Bathie got shot in the arm
Page 2
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1865 con’t
Nov.
Dec.
3 had a bee raisin Potatoes had Father Yankee Dick bob Kitty
& I Isabella & got them all raised
8
J Pharis put the pump in AM went to drill PM
went to Bathie's at 11 pm
9
Chopped at Bathie's
cant plough for snow
10
chopped wood AM ploughed in the flats PM
Edward all night
Sat up with
20
plowed in the new land
21
went to Sunnidale with Wm Allingham to see land
went to Collingwood at night PM left
22
came home from Collingwood
went to Church to James Reinys at night
did not like the land
11 Wm Oliver & J Robins Stoning upper half of well I hauled stones
19
split rails with John McLennan
practice music PM
*Note Memoranda in back of Diary:
engaged in marriage
went to Cookstown to
July 9, 1865 Bessie & I were
Year 1866
March
9
came home am went to Cookstown & from thence to Toronto
with the Volunteers
10
Drilled am Drilled again pm
had oysters at night
Sent a letter to A.M.J. Hec
11
Wrote home to Cartwright Went to the drill Shd and was
marched to Church am went to Church in the cathedral pm
12
Drilled from 10:30 to 1 o came home & had dinner
Drilled from 3 to 5 pm had oysters at night
13
Drilled am came home & had dinner wrote to R Johnston
Drilled pm Visited No 404 S.O.S. at night
16
Drilled am Drilled pm visited the billets with Lt Cook
Stopped at Lennoxes at the Spree
17
Fell in at ten am
fire at night
had lunch at 1 Drilled until 5pm
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con't
March 18
Was marched to Church am went to Church to the Cathedral PM
left the girls home
19
Drilled as usual
20
Drilled as usual
21
Drilled as usual
22
Went to the Dr Shed with R & J W Parks on their way home
Drilled as usual got a letter from rev. Wm Fidler
23
Drilled as usual
24
Drilled from 10-30 to 12 30 marched through the city PM
Got a letter from Dr. Lund
25
Was marched to the Cathedral at 8.30 am went to the Methodist
Meeting at night wrote to Dr Lund
26
Drilled as usual
had a letter from E.B.
27
Drilled as usual
had a letter from A.M.J.
28
Met in the Dr Shed at 9.15 and marched out
from AnnJane
29
Drilled as usual had a letter from R.J. Coleman also from
B.B. got word to go home
30
Good Friday
31
The Company came home from Toronto
wrote to Mr Fidler at night
Richard & J M Parks got leave to go home
was appointed corporal
was marched to Church am
had a letter
visited the Asylum
April 12
Went to Drill sat for my picture came home in the evening
Went back to Cookstown and stopped all night hired Hugh Reiny
13
Drilled in the morning had my picture taken in the Pv Clothes
came home & to the Shanty Cleaned Peas & barley pm
15
went home am went to Church pm
wrote to Cartwright
16
hauled brands off the fallow Hugh Reiny commenced work
went to Cookstown & home at night & posted a letter to
Cartwright $1 to A.J.
20
Jobbed around the house am Sowed wheat in the north end of
the big field drilled at 7pm got some photographs from
T. Bailey stopped at Mrs Colemans at night
28
Drilled am went home and had dinner came to the Shanty &
took the Cartwright saw to Jas Dinwoody’s came to the
Shanty Stopped all night W.A. came with me
had Allen to the Shanty
Page 4
Wm.R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con't
May
June
5 Drilled am got paid for Drilling in Toronto cam home &
had tea went to Cookstown to the Lodge & stopped at
Mrs Colemans all night
12
Went to drill am fiddled about pm went with Dr Billy to
Lucys Willy A fixed the door hinge and stopped all night
16
Sowed oats this side the (cres)
Went to Uncle Wm s for oats pm
28
cut oats am Dr Billy & Nottawa Dick was here pm
nothing done Jess foaled in the evening
31
went home & had dinner went to Cookstown & got the horses
shod the Company got word to be ready for the front wrote
to Wm P and AMJ
Humphry ploughed
got
2
left Cookstown at Sam & went to Toronto with the Co. thence
to Port Dalhouse by the Boat then to within
miles of F Erie
by the cars travelled all night
3
proceeded to Fort Erie at noon
at the fort
pitched our tents on the hill
4 met in the morning for parade
5 wet part of the day
were out on picket
6
30 men 2 corporals 1 sergt & 1 officer
rained nearly all day was appointed Sergt
7 met in the (Nowjet) Went out on piquet at 2PM was out all
night on the riverbank
11
had Battl drill and skirmeshing at 11
13
went out on piquet at 7-30am Was out all night at the
steam bridge
had (- ~)at 3PM
15 were taken to Port Colboun 20 miles from F Erie was
billeted at Mr Brings
16
parade at 3-30
17
was brought before the Major for not turning out at
3 oclock got (clar) as I did not know my duty Wrote father
18
rained nearly all day got word at night that we were to
go home was glad to hear it
19
started for home at 10.30 went by Dunville to Stratford
then by Berlin & to Toronto at 11 oclock pm stopped at
Wm (Juvier)
was regnt orderly Boy
Page 5
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con’t
June
20
came to the Dril Shed to come home but was too late
came home PM
30
Went to Cartwright had (Anpane) (Mrs Palmer--Yankee &
George & Minnie Palmer
July
12
went home early
with the lodge
Aug.
21
commenced cutting S wheat on the hill had Father Rich
Harry & Yankee W Patterson H Reiny Teddy & myself had
a visit from the girls at night
Sept. 29
Oct.
went to Cookstown
left home for Camp (tho) went to Toronto by the N.P. thence
to P Dahousie by the boat thence to the camp by the baggage
waggon
1 had company Drill in the morning
2
went to Cloverhill
Battalion Drill pm
had skirmishing
3 was Sergt of the guard
4 was relieved fro guard at bam and went with the Co
to Niagara Falls started at 7 came home that Evg
Nov.
5
had a Battle with an imaginary Enemy Skirmishing through
the fields and bush the whole force in (corg) was out
6
came home from Camp (thorold) Marched to Port Dalhousie
had the boat to Toronto & the car to Gilford
10
threshed at John Colemans
23
plowed am went to E Bathies to the machine pm
10 went to Lennox’ Mill with wheat & barley
& R J Coleman raise the potatoes
Geo plowed
Father Geo Taylor
13
Sick lay in bed all day
dungbee
W Patterson has a
15
Malcolm finished threshing rained nearly all day bought
Cross’s 2 calves He & I brought them down here I went
back to Fathers & stayed all night wrote a letter for Ireland
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1866 con't
Nov.
Dec.
20
put the 2 Sows to fat Geo & went to Father to butcher
too wet went to Thos Colemans pm stopped all night
24
went to Thompsons mill & hauled a load of slabs
quite hard froze
26
warned some of the men for inspection
M Cooper at $4 each
27
the Co was inspected by Major Schoule Mrs Cook & Thos Perry
were buried got a letter from Aunt Margaret for Sams wages
13
John McLennan came here with a list of volunteers names to
warn for drill
14
put half the roof on the calf pen H Jones was here for money
Moved the bed into the kitchen Messers M McLennan M Moir &
L Richer was here
road
bought 16 lambs from
20 went to Cookstown to be drilled by McKenzies
did not come
McKenzie
22
the big mare got loose this morning again with the other
three went to for red wash according to Sams recipe but
it was no good
24
went to Cookstown for some red wash got some from Harper
got a recipe from him wrote to Cartwright at night
*Note Memoranda in back of Diary: Nov. 27, 1866-Wm Cook, Thos Parks
& I got 40 rounds of ammunition each
Year 1867
Jan.
7 helped to Saw at S McKenleys
Feb.
8 cleaned some wheat am threshed oats at crop pm
Alex &
Eliza John Mitchell & Lydia came from Cartwright
April
8 Went to Barrie as Juror to the assizes
Snowed & rained am
was on McDermits case
Geo helped to saw at Fathers
9 At the Assizes
10 at the Assizes
Paid my school tax Sam
was on Beaties Dowry case
was on Clarks Reywy case (foreman)
11 At the court am was on Dunlops case for theft
Verdict
guilty sentence 3 years Penty
walked home pm Stopped
at Uncle Wins all night
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 7
Year 1867 conTt
May
31
had the Sowing machine
June
17
Made some of the lane fence east of the shanty
Geo hauled
planks from Jebbs mill
I went to Cookstown after tea to
a Committee meeting
18
Logged at fathers
had J nix with the oxen
left Geo plowing
came home at night & Geo was gone
had plowed but a few rounds
found out on Wednesday that he had cleared out & took 16 or $18
of mine
24
plowed
went to Cookstown after tea with the Tailor & got
cloth for a suit of clothes
July
Aug.
Sept.
1
had a spree at night had 11 girls
Confederation day
celebrated it with the Company
Company had dinner in Grahams
came home at night
was with me
for Picken
fiddle
P Parks
11
went to Ferguson & got $120came home & finished hoeing
the potatoes at noon went to see J Patterson after about
the waggon
13
Hired Sidney Tibbs for two months at $20 P month
commenced mowing
17
J Patterson & I went to Gilford & brought home our new waggon
had another piece of my tooth pulled by Dr Sutherland
Tibbs
1 went to Barrie with bacon & flour for Sid flour & oats for
sale
got (— ) for oats & $7 for flour
Was at the show at
night
17
went to Barrie with flour got $7.00 P brl had 5 brl
at Dr Knowles wake at night
Sid pulled peas
18
was at Dr Knowles funeral &' Evening service in the Church
7 went to the elction
supper
was
Hugh Coulter came home with me & had
22 went to S.S. & Church & to Mrs Arnolds (Bessy) wake PM
was at the wake all night
23
was at Mrs Arnolds funeral
30
cultivated
Father came & took Jess & the harness away to
Barrie tomorrow with crab apples
wrote an application for
my discharge agan the company
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1867 con’t
Oct.
13
did not go to church
People being afraid of taking the
disease that Rebecca had
14
dug round stones on the hill field
Abraham Cantrill hauled
up with the horses
Abraham comes work to day at $12 for
one month or $11 while the plowing lasts
Nov.
14
paid my taxes to Peacock
Dec.
12
came home this morning
was cold
Abr & I cut the
Pine in the bush & oak in the field
got my two ears frozen
Thes at M
Move the bed in the kitchen at night
20
Abr is
of the
I list
lungs
$10-12
threshing at Sandys
went to Cookst to an inspection
Co.
Nippes T Ellavdt Jno Moir Rich Thos Harry &
the(Cop)
consulted Dr Nicol about the pain in my
calls it irritation of the lungs
*Note Memoranda in back of Diary: Jan 9, borrowed from A McLennan 1
large clevis bolt ; May 14, returned the same
Also lists letters sent & received
Year 1868
Jan.
6 went to the Election am
& cleaned some peas PM
Henry & I drove my pigs to Fathers
20 went to Toronto with Henry
drove Nelly in the cutter
in 12 hours
stopped at Allinghome
Feb.
went
21
saw Dr Bowell
Said I was doing well
examined the B A &
Days Commercial Colleges to make arrangements for Henry
Seen Dr Lund
lifted my notes
visited the Parliament House
Seen Betty Burns at night
Harry & I drove Nelly out
22
arranged for Henry for 3 month in Days C. College for $20$3 + 57 for books
Seen Bessy Burns (der) Hee out
went to the Asylum left Bessy home
had miss Gipson along
23
went to Cartwright from Toronto
14
Robt Allingham & I went to Ross Mill with an (Bek loger)
Paid Cowper (but or) land 47.50
McLennans & McKindly
girls came down at night
very stormy
19
Salted the pork about 350 lbs
put about 30 lbs salt on
Bob & I went to Cookstown with the teamPM
called at fathers
comeing home fine soft day
left Henry in Toronto
A
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1868 con't
March
7
advertise the calf in Grahams Hotel
took a load of hay to
fathers
last of the stack am
went to Cookt & got Thos
Tate Boys to draw the lease between Picken & I
stopped
for the lodge
stopped at fathers
8
Dr Sarah Ann Jane & I went to T Wallaces
had very heavy
rain
Stopped all night on acct of the road being very
soft
Still thawing
great flood
April
6
ground too hard to Plow
hauled 4 w box fields of wood &
chips & I doof of oak bark
A1 chopped the turnip patch
July
1 Dr, Rebecca, Ann Jane & I went to an excursion on Lakes Simcoe
& Couching
Stopped at the reunion at Lefroy at night
Sept.
4
Dr Bob Alex & I Plow AM
Dr Bob & I finished at tea time
Abm harrow at home PM
went to the circus at night went
to fathers & stayed all night
22
hired Abraham at breakfast this Mg for another year from
his time is out at $120 & washing and A week out of this
year to go to see his sister.
He & I plowed on the hill
Oct.
23
helped W. Oliver to saw AM
made a rack for the creek in
the East side of the North lanePM
went with Henry at lp
to Cookstown to keep Mrs. C from going with Hall to get
married
Sat in the Bar all night
Dec.
4
Johny & I was at the machine at Sandys
Abm thresh & cut
oats
went to the lodge at night
was reelected master
Stoped at the spree til mg
8 Abm & I piled the oak
very stormy
brought
Cookst Evg.
left my
from Sanders at $17
came home at 2
22
lumber at Brans mill N 238ft AM
the H. Power from Uncles
Went to
measure bar & great coat that I bought
was at Henry Armstrongs Birthday party
hauled home 3 loads cedar rails cut from Reinys swamp
went to Hindles school house & Paid my S tax $3.00
Abm cut & hauled rail cust with Olivers oxen
Page 9
Page 1C
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1869
Jan.
Feb.
26
Mary McLennan is getting married today
Chopped logs for
sawing
Yank (Yankee) has the horses hauling hay
Abm
went to Fishers to settle with him
5 Mrs. Coleman was found dead in bed at 4 this morning by
little Dick as I was leaving to go home
Stopped in the
village all day
7 Mrs Coleman was buried to day
March 11
took a bag to Jebbs mill
I heard that Ann Jane was bad
with inflamation of the bowels
went to see her
She
is very ill
13
went to Cookstown morning to hear from Fraser about the
hotel
He sends word that wont have it
Arranged with
Father about the place
came home at 1pm
went back to
Cookstown & met Patterson & T.W. Parks on (
) business
16
Saw D Bullinger last night about the Hotel
Stopped at
fathers AM
went to Cookstown PM
Saw G Gibbs about the
Hotel
did not make a bargain
Stoped at fathers
Ann Jane seems a little better
28 was at James Murrays funeral
April
thence to Cookstown to get
2 went to fathers & had dinner
the deed from father but Boys was not at home. Stopt for
the lodge
3 Abraham went to Owen Sound
with Jess
8
Rebecca & Bessie Burns cooked
Taylor left him at Barrie
went to Moirs at night
20
Rented the Hotel to D. Brillenger at $350 quarterly in
advance having got word from Gibbs that he would not
take it
23
Plow in the potatoes & turnips grow
Spillets & killed her accidentally
night
threatning rain bedtime
26
T. Campbell & Robert Gregg was here at tea time to rent
the Hotel
R, Gregg stayed all night
27
went to Cookstown & W. Jones & I let the Hotel to Gregg
at $360Brillinger failing to come
Father & I disputed
about the place
He wanting $1000 & %acres of wood for
the other place
bought the sow from
J. Moir was here at
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1869 con’t
May
June
July
10
last day of single life
went home with the waggon
Went
to Uncles & had dinner
came back to fathers thence to
J. Jones, Dr & I thence to the church & (got) married to
Bessy burns at 2PM
came straight home
Mag colt is
very bad
22
felt a tickling sore in my right hand
27
Richd finished sowing the oats
with my hand
31
Showed my hand to Dr Nicol calls it a whitlow
Made me poltice with bread & water
Suffering fearfully
2
Showed my hand to Nicol again
Would not lance it yet
4
Nicol lanced & (prolled) my hand to day
very painful
did not run
John Coleman Sowed grasseed on the flat field
14
Taylor commenced plowing the S fallow
very showery
weather
first writing I done since the 21st (vilt)
Was at A Scarlet meeting
15
went to Toronto to the Synod
16
Was at the Synod AM & at the G Lodge PM
19
went to Spark Hales about the farm mg
went to the Synod
till 2.30pm
Subscribed for the Weekly telegraph
24
commenced hauling hay
hauled 1 load
it rained
T.R.Ferguson was here
went to the side road with him
Offered me an office (Ensign) in the Co.
commenced
ploy on the Hill PM
3 time
31
finished hauling the hay
11 loads in all this year
went to Cookst Evg
Saw Capt Bridgeurto
Letty Jones came home with me
Sept. 5 Went to Church mg
Mr&Mrs Parks was here
& Elly Jones too
Alick has the meaesles
liquor for him at night
Saw McCheel Allingham
S.J. Coleman
Went for
16
B.M.C. last night
finished the wheat at Lucys
John cut around the wheat on the hill after tea
Bessy ill
brought Aunt Jane to see her
rained to night
17
Dr.Tom. John & Alick plowed on the hill AM & commenced
cutting wheat PM
Kit & Kate Coleman came here
Ann Jane was here
Page 1
Wm.R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1869 con’t
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
7
reaped & mowed oats
Alick is at Cooks threshing
Robert Allingham came here, hired Him for a year at $132
10
Bessy & I went to Fathers
Alex came up yesterday with
Fathers horse
Volunteers warned to be ready
23
Rained all A.M. & Most of PM
Bob threshed & Alick cut
some oats
put two logs in the bridge on the side road PM
heard the trial at Cookst between J. Ferguson & Bradeau
5 went to Bankins & got watch (dog)AM went to Cookst to
the Lodge PM
came home at 7 Dr & 2 Bobs plow till noon
Harry & Beck was married
13
did some chores AM Bessy & I went to Cookst PM to meet
W. Jones & get the rent from Gregg & get boots for Bessy
Bob dug & took home the Beets. Carrots & parsnips from
Lucy1s
27
made A post for the ben in the barn AM
Was at J.Colemans
Baby funeral PM
went to Cookt
Bob is helping
J McLennan to thresh with the horses
1 wrought on the Hill on the s.road
freezed last night
cold to day
same help as yesterday
collecter was here (Donnelly)
18
Father & I went to Cookst PM
of the place
Father signed the deed
24
did some chores AM
went to the School examination PM
Mr Fidler was here for dinner
Bob hauled 2 loads wood
25
xmas
Bessy & I went to Church AM
dinner
came home at bedtime
went to Fathers & had
Year 1871
Jan.
15
Bessy & I left Baby at Fathers & went to church PM
had tea at Fathers & came home at 8
22
MrsL-Hamiltori'was called to Her long home this mg at 2
went to Church mg
had dinner at Harrys
went to
Ramiltons & stayed till ngt
Bessy. Yank & Billy Burns
went after Mrs Burns
very cold day
23
hauled 2 loads wood AM
old Dick & I put some hay on the
stalk
left PM
went to the wake & stopt till 10
coldest day was this year 27 blow zero
Page 1
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1871 con't
Jan.
Feb.
24
went to the Funeral with Charley Hawitt
to day
26
Bessy & I went to Cartwright from $4.15 to 5.40 with
Mag & Harrys mare
29
Stopt at Alexs all day
30
Bessy Eliza & I went to the village mg
Baby took ill last night
1 Alex Eliza Margaret Higgins Bessy & I went to Port Perry
Borelia & Prince Albert
3
26
March 14
April
not so cold
Bessy & I came home from Cartwright in 13hrs
Stormy mg & evg
Bessy & I went to Church mg
left Libby at Fathers
dinner there
J M^ltas came here
Snowing Evg
had
Went to the nominations
T.R.Ferguson was reelected for
the Ontario Parliament
not able to be present himself
from the beating he got in Bradford
very muddy roads
16
cut oats here
rained some AM
23
Sowed about 4 inches last night
Bob is helping Richd to
haul lgs for sawing.
W.H. came here & we tried to settle
but he got in a passion & left
Ann Jane stopt all night
24
left Ann Jane home.
Bessy, Father & I went to Cookst
I borrowed $88 from Jas Ross $40 from Perkins & 20 from
Father & paid W.H. at his Fathers
what money I had
borrowed from Him with interest $169 in all
brought the chapt stuff from Sams
25
told Jake
and the T
for man &
for going
John said
the steer
had Richd Dickey J.Moir Bob & I
This day 12 years Bro Robert was buried
Coleman Yesterday to offer W.H. for me Pickens
Machine into his own hands and allow me $2 P day
team till the plowing was done & $1.50 P day after
with the machine.
went to Johns to night
He offered it & He, W.H., refused it. Bo yoked
& hauled in the clover stack
1
hauled logs to the rollway for Sawing
have 90 in
S. McLennan was here & got His auger
J.Moir got a chain
John went to W.H. yesterday and He refused to take the
machine & Hill & give me $80 for the fall ploughing &
threshing
4
Revd Mr Fidler & Harrison Doan came here AM to see about
buying land
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1871 con't
April 11
July
Aug.
wrought at the new fence AM
went to Sutherland raising PM
Fawcett was here taking the census
Bob ploughed
Dickey left Bessy and Father here
Bought two gang ploughs from Bradeau coming home
3 Was at the district: meeting at Alliston
Dr Norris went
with me
was at Fathers coming home. Yank helped Dr to
clean a load of wheat on the hill & harrow some
Bob is
idle sick
12
Celebrated the 181th Anniversary of the battle and victory
of the Boyne with my Lodge.
District met in Cookstown had
speaking in the drill shed
made Yank social at night
30
Stopt at home all day
Jno Mitchell went to Balaniscreen
J Shoughnessy was here Evg
14
finished ploughing the west centre field PM
Part gauged
& part plowed
J Shoughnessy gathered peas till tea
He & I hauled one load after
fire raging at Lucys
machine broke at McManas
18
cut oats on the hill till about 2 pm
When I had to come
home to the fire at Lucys and pull down some of the fence
and hauled it away after night Rich, 0 Dick J.Mitchele,
J Shoughnessy Jas Stuart & Harry helped haul rails
till 10PM
threshing at J. Jones
19
took Blacks & Hindles threshing mg
cut oats till near 2
& went to the fire north of Lucys. Richd, J Shoughnessy
A Dick & I hauled wood into the field till 9pm threshed at
Parks
20 wind SE this mg
fire drawing near my bush
rain came
thank God about 10
good many people came here
J Mitchel
& I went to Fathers with Harry Evg
Sept.
8
finish sowing west field. Bob ploughed in S.E. field
H Stephens harrowed
Yank & 0 Dick hauled manure AM
All hands attended the fire in McLennans swamp PM
10
helped 3
F. McLennan to take down some of his fence and
took down some of my own
got some of mine burnt
14
was up till 4 this mg
Sawing Cooks & J McLennan
fences
sowed last of F wheat(S.E. field)
0 Dick
& Bob harrowed
Bob hauled some of Cooks rails from
the fire
Uncle Jack & Wm Coleman was here
Page 14
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1871 con’t
Sept. 17
Nov.
Dec.
Bessy & I went to Church PM
very cold wind
Rev Mr Fidler announced that he was going to leave
the parish
9 David Ernest born at 10.25 PM
Saw Mrs Burns early
some better
Harry & I and the
horses wrought on road
Bob ploughed at Lucys
some
frost last night
fine day
Dickey brought Mrs Moir
& I brought A.J. here. Our 2nd Baby 1st Boy was born
at 10.25 PM weighed 8 lbs
Bob ploughed at Lucys
15
went to Squire Ross for money $40 for work done on
roads had rorey J Heads horse
had dinner at Greggs
tea at Harries
Met John Moir there
good sleighing
threshed at W Dinwoodys
Year 1872
Jan.
10
finsihed threshing at home
about 80 bush S wheat &
120 fall & 100 oats - had S. McLennan, Bob McKindless
R Picken, Bill & Jess Moir, J Spillett & Jock, James
Reiny, Ricd, Hary, Yank, Dickey, R.J. Coleman, Richd Parks
& myself. 16 besides the threshers Bob Allingham, Harry
Stephens & Billy Burns
19 in all. had Parks & Moirs
teams
Soft day
17
threshers burst Big wheel mg
Billy came for me. Armstrong
put a strap on it. threshed at Thos PM I drove it
wrought well
went to 0 meeting in the A Hall to arrange
for gauge to Bradford on friday
Dr Bill took very ill
in Cookt & was taken to Harys
18
fixed up & cleaned out the cut oats room AM took Bessy to
Fathers, went to Fergusons and gave Andy $100 on Estate
Rent PM
Threshers broke & cogs in Big wheel at T. Colemans
& got Hodgins H Power to finish
19 went to Bradford to the Election of Officers of the
Agricultural Associan of S Simcoe So as to get the next
fair to Cookstown
Elected our men
Billy Burns and H. Stephen had the team out
Snow Storm PM
Bob & A Jane went to Sunnidale
March 22
got a shoe on Mag & tried to sell Mitchells mare, could
not
Bessy got Lizzy vaccination & Her Picture taken
weighed 166-3/4# on Jas Ross scale with one coat on
Page 1
Page 1<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1872 con't
April
2 weighed 164#
mg
Harry &
110 doz.from
Mrs Forsters
month
on Sandys beam
Mrs Moir got L; ton
Yank helped me to haul 3 loads oats
the hill
roads block up
hardly
little girl Jeany came here to live
hay this
about
passible
at $1 P
8 helped to Saw at Sandys & Yank took the Horses & helped
Harry to move into the old house on Coleman Estate
warm day - roads very bad
May
Aug.
10
finished hauling the sawed wood AM done the choresPM
Ann Jane & Bessy laid the new carpet in the Parlor
cold wind
Some snow blowing PM Floods greatly abated
11
J Mitchell went to U.S.M
ground hard this mg
turned
out fine day
left A. Jane home mg & went to Cookstown
to see Gregg about leaving Hotel. Said he would hold it
a month or two after May if I could not rent by that
time
Father went to Cookt with me
have no man now
roads bad
13
went to Barrie & took out garnishee to prevent Jas
Armstrong paying Riddeles money
28
0 Dick & I helped to plant potatoes at Fathers
Insured
my place in Victoria Insurd Co. $1000
Dickey commenced
rolling on the Hill
very cold wind
1 Nomination day in Cookst.
10
Sept.
Little elected by acclamation
Price & I went to Cookstown night
Surveyers there
Hamilton Railway
1
Bessy & I went to Church mg.
J Moir was here PM
went to Cookst Evg for medicine for Lizzy for Summer
complaint
Billy Burns is here Sick
2
Some rain this mg
went to Barrie to have a suit with
Teague about the wood Jas Armstrong bought
Teague was
not Summonded
Judge G. allowed Armstrong to pay me
the $22 by me indemnifying him
Price O.D. & Dickey
hauled wheat on Hill.
16 Alx & I went to Spilletts to get Bricks for house could
not get them for 2 weeks yet.
Price finished harrowing
wheat & run water furrows
0 Dick broke 4 B harrow in
new fallow & went to Cookt after - Sick-
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1872 con't
Ocf,
7 Price & I emptied the well A.M.
Price went to Hunter
to live & I ploughed in new fallow P.M.
0 D is not home
yet
9
Nov.
Dec.
cut oats at Fathers
had E. Bathie in 0 Dick place
Bessy & Mary Jones went there to quilt
13
did not go to Church
A D got home Evg for the first
Since the show fair
Price was here
16
Bessy & I was at Mrs Watsons funeral A.M.
hauled home
a load of the lumber Henry had on his (tent) ey
22
commenced threshing
threshed for Picken
have Dick &
Hary Stephens
got my leg hurt mg but thank God not much
O.D. left this mg
Bessy was at John Colemans Babys funeral
30
threshed at Wm Reinys finished and left the machine at
Fergusons 3rd line barn
very cold and stormy
Snowed
some but not enough for Sleighing
6
threshed at Fergusons barn on the 50 acres.
went to the
Lodge at night & was Elected Master Sixth time
Stopt in
Harrys all night
9 finished Fergusons barn on the 50 acrs at 4 P.M.
&
moved to R.T. Bantings
very cold stormy day
Stopt at
Col- .
16
went with Alxr to Mr. Polls Tecumseth to look at his farm
Alxr offered $430.0 & he wanted $430,00
had dinner
at W Jones
Sleighing poor outside.
17
went to Barrie as witness
Sleighing good
18
Price & I cleaned 10 bags barley & 6 bags wheat on the Hill
A.M. brought my elm lumber from Jebbs Mill P.M. Snowed
some to day
Saw W. Coleman & Hugh Morrow from Mulmur
25
Christmas
Mrs Burns, Price & I went to Church
Father & I Stopt for communion
Father, A.J. Alexr
Eliza, Dicky & Kate came home with us
called to see
John Coleman
He is Pretty ill . A.J. came back with Price
& stopt all night
W. Hill was here mg about threshing
very cold East wind
on Bathie & Pickin Case
Page 1/
Wm. R. Coleman of Inrxlsfil Township Diaries
Year 1873
Jan,
1
Bessy & I spent most of day with John Coleman who is
very low
and went to the Presbyterian Social at night
8
threshed at Goodwins, Bob is still in Richds place
John Coleman died at 7 mg
did not know it till Bob came
back from Cookstown at 7:30 & told me
10 was at John Colemans Funeral.
Settled some of my Acts
in Cookt P.M.
bought a watch from Dr.Nicol for 15cw hay
Bob Allingham came home with me to take my place at
machine tomorrow
Very cold day.
11
was at G Davis Funeral
Richd Rary Stephens & Bob A
threshed at S Pattersons
very cold day
18 went to Pickens & bargain with Him for His farm at $2500
He backs out when we went to Cooks
Cold AM snowed most PM
Feb.
21
Stopt in doors AM
went to Cookt PM
was at a railway
meeting
Mailed J. Abell $5.70
Snowed most of day
22
was at the Reinys Collecting threshing money & to get them
to vote for the $20000 bonus to the Hamilton & N.W.R.R. on
friday
24
Voted for the $20-000 bonus to the Hamilton & N.W.R.R.
built a load of oats on the Hill & Bessy & I went to
Parks at night & stopt till tea time
10
went to Cookt mg to get Pete Shod. S Spillett came to
tell me I could have Bricks
brought home 700
Price hauled 3 loads rails from Ferriers
cold day
Mrs. Moir was here
11
took 67 Bush of S wheat to Bradford
got $1.17
$78.39
brouhgt home 650 bricks from Spillets
had Pete & Charley
Price hauled wood for Adam J.
12
hauled 700 bricks with Kitty & doll
Price was at Moirs
bee drawing Stable timber with Pete & Charley
Revd Mr Hindes Miss Rohan & Beck McKindless was here.
13
hauled 700 bricks with Kitty & doll
Price took 750 with
Pete & Charley
Bessy & Jane Mitchell went to Cookstown
with me
14
hauled 800 bricks from Spillets with Kitty & doll
Price
took 800 with Pete & Charley
cold
Elly Janes & Kitty
Coleman was here for Misy Mary
Bob Allingham was took
them
He took Kitty away to go to Sutton to See his cousin
15
hauled 800 bricks with Pete & doll
S. McLennan 300 for
Himself & 300 for me
Price went to Alliston P.M.
Sharp mg but fine day & good sleighing
Page 1
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page IS
Year 1873 con’t
Feb.
19
Alexr & Eliza went to Goderich
left Bessy at Fathers AM
went to R. Hills and bought bricks at $7- PM
hauled
home 2 loads P.M.
Price finished hauling 1000 rails from
A Ferriers & hauled some wood
20 hauled 3 loads Bricks from Hills 820-800-780
paid
his sum $26-25c for them & what I had got yesty 3750
Price is at Adams sawing
fine weather thawing in
middle of day
March 14
got 15% bush Treadwell wheat ground at Nicols
got
130 ft flooring at Nicols took it to Alliston & got it
planed for 29c
got a door for balcony for $2.50
warm day
Snow going very fast
roads bare in places
Price is at E Bathies bee
15 raining this mg.
rained most all day
went to Montgomerys
funeral P.M.
Price wend for Sand
got none for rain
Miss Simpson is here from Toronto
Came yesterday
flood
getting up fast
April
2
Bessy, W.Evans & I was at Bob Allinghams Wedding at
Jas. Jones
Bessy & I was home about 5.30
Price was
at Moirs with the Horses Sawing till machine broke at 3P.M.
John Platt was here alone
Mud & Snow banks alternately
3
Wm Evans commenced bricking the house at noon
him
Price in at Moirs Sawing with the Horses
7
Wm Evans put up some Bricks. I attended Him
Father was
here
Jno Platt came here & commenced the gable in the
front of the House
8
done some at the Brick work
H.Ferrier & Platt shingled
the front gable
rained most all day
I attended
fine day
13
Price & I eat 12 eggs each at breakfast
W. Evans eat 11
Price-Evans-Bessy & K went to Church
water very high
<pn side road
had dinner & tea at Fathers
19
finished lathing A.M.
& put on one coat plaster P.M.
went to Cookstown (W.Evans & I) after tea
Letty Jones
came here and stopped all night
25
left Win Evans at Gilford mg on His way home
He charged
me $31 for Bricking & plastering house & 1 gave him $41
E. Bathie got 12cw hay P.M.
Ann Jane & Dicky was here
for lime & Mortor
Page 2(
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1873 con’t
May
June
10
rained some this mg
Sowed the Peas 1.3h bush on hill
field next Saws & harrowed some
Price ploughed first
in S.W. pasture field till tea time harow peas after
Father & Jas. Scroggy was here
Insured the Hotel
at 3 pr cwt $1600 3 years in the Citizen C. of Montreal
cool & windy
30
Price & I puled down & rebuild fence between house field
& north pasture
$200 000 bonus granted to H. & N. west R.R.
Great demonstration in Cookt to night
6 Price & I pulled down & rebuilt part of fence between
Reaver Meadow & East pasture till tea time
Rev. Mr. Hindes
was here from tea time till night
Price & I went to
the Lodge at night
Bessy went to Cookt & got some
tomatoe plants from D Nicol
7 Price has Pete to excursion to Orillia
Dickey has Kitty
& the Buggy
done very little to day
fence some
around E oats field & Bessy & I planted some tomatoes &
Cauliflower plants
dry & windy, rain wanted
July
16
went to Barrie with E. Bathie to get some money $12 from
Jack
bought Edwards note of $80 for $68 & a clear receipt
12
Spent the day very pleasantly in & around Cookstown
Clover Hill, Elm Grove Alliston, & Newtown Robinson
Lodges was at Cookt
Bessy & the Children was down Lizzy & Erny
15
commenced Fathers meadow mg. Wm Jones, Britan - Father
Jas. Jones, Yank & I went to Cookst & looked over the
estate papers which (Share) that I have collected on Estate
Acct $1502-ll--& Paid out $1558-78-that is $56-68 more than
(J Rud, W.Jone Paid
Sept. 11
Price & I cut and bound some of the oats in the S.W.
field - very warm day
Bessy got home and had Elly Conner
with her. She hired a girl in Adjala
Harry is at
Parks helping with Peas.
12
Threashed the Peas with McKindless machine
at night
had a spree
17
threshed for Hayley 180 wheat - 175 oats
took J Stewarts
job Evg at $22
theshers let H Power fall & bent line
shaft
left machine at Poole barn
Dickey went to Adjala
for a girl
Price left in a fret this mg
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1873 con’t
Sept. 18 went to Alliston and got line shaft straightg
Parks & I
put H Power together
Mr & Mrs Canner was here & took
Elly away.
Harry went to Cole & Col circus to night
19 went to Adjala P.M.
looking for a girl
Richd Parks
& Harry threshed John Stewarts wheat on Pool farm $10job
I stopt at J Conners all night
threshed for
J McLennan
20 went to Ballacroy looking a girl-got none
came home evg.
Elly Canner came with me
Parks & Harry threshed for
McLennan P.M.
Richd A.J. & S. Jane went to Nottawa
Price went to work this mg again
23
cleaned first load of wheat A.M.
Price hauled a load
from Gilford for Bradeu & Harry P.M.
Harry logged with
McKindless & I went to Littlejohns near Barrie looking
a girl P.M.
24
took first load of wheat to Bradford (bush) 53-35 got
$115
$61-63
took home a load for Bradeu & Harry
Price took 947 bricks to Dr Norris - Harry & J.W. Parks
took the machine to D. Ross-s
fine day
26 got the line shaft straight at Alliston A.M. threshed
at Ross s P.M. Dickey took my place and W. Jones & I
rented the Hotel to Wm Adams 3 years at $325- six months
in advance P.M.
W & Jas Jones - Father & I signed the
bonds for Guarding P.M.
30
Oct.
went to Thos. Wrights with J Moir to rent His Farm
They agreed at $300 P annum
Price & Hary Ploughed
2 went to Mrs Ferriers in 4th con and hired Mary Taylor
A.M. went to the County Show P.M, & witnessed a lease
for J. Moir
Price Ploughed A.M. and went to the show
P.M.
Hary is at it all day
fine day
6
left Elly Canner at Wm Jones & Mrs Jones took her to Adjala
A.M. had dinner at Fathers & went to D. Thompsons for
Apples
got none.
Harry Parks & I cut oats at Fathers
they & Richd went to Bob Grahams Evg to thrash tomorrow
cold wind
7
fetCfced home some potatoes A.M,
went to Cookstown to
change tenants in the Hotel P.M.
Adams did not come in
my time - left at 4 p.m.
Price came home this mg &
ploughed first Since noon 2
Richd Parks & Harry threshed
at Bob Grahams
fine day
8 Mr McLennan & I hand picked 12 bush apples-Paid 40c for
them
went to Cookt evg to give lease to W Adams and
settle with Gregg
they were busy moving and I did not
get it done
Price ploughed some in N.E. field & hauled
some stones in S.E. Rich Parks & Harry left B. Grahams at noon
Page 2;
Wtn R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1873 con't
Oct.
Nov.
11
Hary & I finished hauling manure at noon went to Cookstown
P.M, to give the Lease to W. Adams but he backed out last
night
Price ploughed in west field
rained some P.M.
13
walked to Mrs Ferriers after Mary Taylor
She is away to
the 9# A.M.
Harry & I went to Sams threshing P.M.
Price ploughed at house
Rd Surple came here to night
to blast stones
29
ground white this mg. & freezing
went to Becketts for
a girl A.M. got the promise of one. A.M. Harry & I wrought
on road P.M. Price & Harry hauled away the fence from
around line pasture a.m.
some snow on ground yet.
9
17
Dec.
4
Stopt at home all day. Wra Jones & wife was here pretty
cold
freezing tonight
Mary Edith was born at 10.10pm
our 2nd girl brought Dr Nicol and Ann Jane here at 9pm
Wrote Marys name 19-11-05 Wk
threshed at Boh Ross s a.m. Saw Professor Rockwell perform
with his train Horse.p.m.
Dickey started with A Hipwell
left Machine at Pickens
Parks came home with me
had the
waggon to day.
home to night
fearful wild night-of wind & rain- wind
kept up all day
fences & trees blown down in all directions
J Hewitt came here. Parks, Harry & I took machine from
J. Ross s & set it at McLeods. Price & J. Hewitt covered
potato pits deeper, hardly a particle of snow to be seen
this mg commenced freezing mg & continued all day
11
left Bessy & the Children at Fathers & went to the political
meeting at Cookstown. Boulton & Saunders Harry was at
the meeting too
ground white mg
rained some am
23
Skidded logs a.m. & went to the nomination of Bolton &
Saunders p.m.
Bessy went to Barrie with 7 geese
6 ducks & 36 doz eggs, got 50 &65 for geese, 25 each for
ducks and 17c for eggs
warm day
30 went to the Election to Hindles School house - Boulton
& Saunders was Scrutineer for Boulton
Boulton elected
by
Great demonstration in Cookstown
came home
at 11hired Price Hamilton again 1 year for $162-50
to come until done with arnold
Page 22
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1874
Jan.
March
5 went to Election a.tn.
Voted for Trueman & Hunter for
Dp Reeves & Scott & Lennox for Councillors
They were
elected
ground bare except at fences
fine day
22
repaired Stalls in stable a.m.
went to the nomination
at Cookstown p.m. W.C. Little Elected again for Dominion
house by Acclamation
rained most of day & night
29
took 63-30 F wheat to Bradford
Stored at Stoddarts
was offered $1.15 - $1.16 was paid
Jas. Burns took
Bessy to Bondhead & got the Burns Estate money from
H. Lount $125 each
wont allow Bessy to keep any of it
very stormy evg
6
28
J. Moir and S J Coleman was married p.m.
Moirs dog &
mine killed 5 of my sheep last night & worried 11 more
E. Bathie & A Ferrier valued the damage & laid $27 on it
Moir to pay half of it to me. Them to get 2 pelts & me 3
went to Cookt p.m. & got stuff for the live ones
Met
with W. Jones & Flanigan that has taken the Hotel at Greggs
went to Cookstown to Watsons Sale
Isaac Lennox came
here & offer to trade a horse for Pete & Charly & give
$200 boot
I want $220
Valued P & C at $320 or
Charly at $170
30 went to Lennox Mill mg to see him about the trade. & to
look for Peas at J gnation Lennox. Peas sold
J. Lennox
to be here tomorrow went to P Rolsons p.m. to buy oats
wanted 58, for oats & 65 for peas
Richd & Yank was here
making a rollway for logs.
ground quite bare
town
line drying
31
helped Richd & Yank to Skid logs with my 2 teams in my
bush on the Hill
first He cut here
Isaac Lennox
was here & had his brother James & John Dick to see
Charly
I wanted $170- he thought he was too flat footed
April 30 went to Cooks mg about buying Peas
Sold Glasford some
hay at $16 p ton
Dickey took him 22cwt.2as pm
I
went & Seen Mary Taylor at Mrs. Macs about buying the
place & then to Cook & got advice from M Leary about it
May
5 Dickey harrow Mag first time
finished ploughing &
Sowed turnips & potatoe patch about 3 acrs
put 4^ bush
wheat on it & went to see the Surveyers cross Sams place
for R.R, a.m.
plough for early potato & commenced sowing
peas p.m, Bessy got a round shoe on Charly & brought Jim
Burns home with her p.m.
Page 2
Page 2i
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1874 con’t
May
Sowed last of oats in Hill field
18*i finished Sowing
Joseph Coulter came here & I hired Him for 5 months
at $14 & washing if we Suit each other
to be paid
in winter
very windy p.m.
cold night
22
June
2
was Pall Bearer at Old Mr. Martins funeral
left home mg for Chicago left Toronto by G Trunk
at 11.40 reached Chicago at 8.20 next mg
510 miles
from Toronto
Jim Burns commenced work Plowed at Port
went on G Trunk
3 reached Chicago at 8.20 this morning
R.R. to Detroit Junction & Michigan Central
from that
to Chicago
found Taylors without any trouble
took
my lodging with Mrs Leeson
July
4
got a release of Dower signed by Lucy & deed signed by
Lucy, Wm Alexr & Joanna Morea mg
went to the railway
station p.m. to know when trains left for Toronto
W.A.Taylor took me to the theatre
5
Joseph Mitchell drove me around town till we got the
papers Sworn to before Zenis Lee, A Notory Public
left for home at 9.20 p.m. & reached Toronto at
7.20 p.m. Satdy
15
Joe & I pulled & burnt stumps & logged on port
Jim
ploughed
went to Cookst after tea & got Hotel
insured with Cook for $2000
Bessy was with me
21
Bessy & I went to See Mrs p W Jones
Church & hear Mr Ball preach p.m.
30
took 49.35 S wheat to Gilford got $1.17
brought the
printing Press from Gilford for P.H. Stewarts
gave
Willy Morling 25c to drive the team to Cookstown with it
& came across the Swamp from Hewitts to meet Rev. McHindes
here
He & His mother was here Evg
Joe harrowed
on Port & Jim Burns cut thistles
cool day
21
gave Richd the mower & I plough Kitty & Mag till tea
time & went to Cookst Evg
Seen P Hamilton & wanted Him
to come back & put in His time - He refused- Jim plowed
all day & Joe thrashed oats
31
Jim & I went to Barrie to See Barnums Show
Dicky rode
Mag up
Joe harrowed
(Carpwiters) wrought at porch
Father came home from Walkerton
was away since 29 May
went to St. Johns
Page 2
Wm. R. Coleman of Innlsfil Township Diaries
Year 1874 con't
Sept.
6
14
Oct.
Nov.
Bessy & I went to Church mg
night & to day
Davy Jones was here last
Jim, Joe & I plow a.m.
fire broke off from Port at
noon & burnt Swamp between Reiny & Port
A great many
of Reinys fences Some of Abel Kindles & A great many of
Ignatius Lennox & some sawed wood oon Him
Great fire South of J MCLennans barn
8 was at the S.Simcoe Show fair at Cookstown
Bessys 20#
butter took Bradeu & Colemans Prize - Set of China $10
worth
Mrs Wm Jones came home with us
23
Hotel partly destroyed by fire this mg
damage estimated
at $240 by Jas Ingham & Mathew Bradeu
ploughed mg till
Henry came & told me of the fire
went to Cookt then
Dick spread manure at Fathers
weighed 161#
24
ploughed a.m.
went to Cookst p.m. & W. Jones & I signed
an agreement to take $240 for what damage is done to Hotel
Dicky ploughed
Joe raised potatoes
3
ploughed a few rounds in the Sod but it is very dry & I
left off
tried to get Hewitt to thrash peas but cant
went to Cookst ~ after night & got a cheque from the
Insurance Co for $240 for the fire in the house
Bessy was at Fathers & Mrs Stewart & Her was at Jno
Pattersons
4 was helping to thrash at Pickes till Evg
potatoes
Indian Summer weather
Joe hauled
10
hauled Soft water & (op) a.m.
burned some chunks p.m.
Ann Jane & Sophia Coleman was here dyeing yarn red, black
& Scarlet
Jo is raising turnips
find dry weather
like Indian Summer
13
went to Barrie to get Surveyers
Flannigan & Robt Sproule
was here about letting former in & latter into the Hotel
14
took the team to Cookstown to Yank to haul stuff to bank
the house
Harry is in
Met with Surveyers
Gavelier
sent young McVitty home with me
16
McVitty run the lines west & north of this No,7-north of
port to Slash 60 rods
South of Port & E of Port to
Slash 50 rods from centre of road
E. Bathie & T. McLennan
carried the chain
fine warm day dry roads McVitty & I
was at Cookst at night
28
went to the Conservative meeting at Alliston
Bolton was
nominated to run again
had the buggy
snow storm PM & night
Page 2i
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1874 con’t
Dec.
3
chored around the house & helped Morling to clean 16 bush
Peas that they thrashed to day
thrashers at Goodwins
Snow going and looks like rain
turned to freeze Evg
Joe is thrashing at Moirs
Year 1876
Jan,
Feb.
3 was elected Councilman first time by
Scott 261 Self 236
Cross 179 Wright 79
Wilmot 108 Reynolds 4 Little Reeve
McKay first & Mordeu 2 Dys
freezing today very stormy evy
14
went & stopt Ritchey working at bridge a.m. & went to
J. Ross & Paid $12 00 S tax
15
went with C Richey to bridge a.m.
got first 2 Shoes on Mag p.m.
17
was at my first Council meeting held at Victoria
snow last night thrashers at Cooks
20
Set Ritchey the job of the Hill on the Side Road at $100
Johy & I skidded some logs
24
was at my second Council meeting at Allandale got $8 for
Johnston
had the buggy
Fred is at Ferriers Sowing
Johny chopped
27
Robt & W McKindless Sowed on North Side of Hill for me
fine day
Stayner John Coleman was buried to day
we could not agree
A little
had the cutter
7 was at my 3rd Council meeting - at Lefroy
Sleighing gone
threshers broke B Pinion at Dr Ross p.m.
finished for Goodwin a.m.
Fred hauled some wood
came home
9 Burns, J.W. Parks & I thrashed at D.R. Ross s
at night
Metcalf the Assessor was here
Fred hauled wood
rained & Freezing bedtime
16
Very stormy to day
Johny went to Cooks p.m.
Fred fed
the cattle
kept in doors all day
Billy Gardner died
Suddenly to night
22
drove to Barrie in the cutter & Sold my Barley at 62.
Engaged Creswick to Survey 2nd line & hired Lizzy Coleman
at $5 pr month till fall & brought her home with me
Stormy to day & night
Johny had load of wheat to Lefroy
in the waggon
Page 2‘
Wm. R. Coleman of Innlsfil Township Diaries
Year 1876 con't
March 30
April
May
June
took Erny to the Doctor a.m.
left Lizzy Coleman home p.m.
was at a Supper at the Queens at night at opening of Orange
G Britons Lodge
Fred & Jim are thrashing at Sams p.m.
4 Ms Curry came here to see if I would by Pat Morans farm
Went to Fennels & he went over it with me
Moran wanted
$1500 & I offered Him $1000™
E Bathie got a ton of hay
Miss Anderson came here
Eliza came here & stopt all
night
roads very muddy
18
laid worm of lane fence in to centre field
Jim & Fred cut oak at Bava Sr c
Kitty mare run over Mary
& Hurt her eye
27
made a place for the young Pigs am
was at A Ferriers
raising p.m.
went to a meeting in Advocate office about
forming A Printing Co. at night
done nothing
ground
drying fast
Fred got me
bush (cluh) wheat at R Fennels
to Sow on fall do
22
let water off Port a.m.
went to Cookst p.m. & bought
the Picken farm from Bradeu at $3000 to be paid in 7 years
Fred finished harrowing wheat
Father was very ill to day
26
was at first meeting Court Recision at Thornton ~ 8th meeting
Fred ganged & plowed
Bob Hewitt ploughed for oats in
S.E. field
13
was at Late Rr Byers funeral at Alliston
Jim & not ploughed
very warm
27
at home a.m.
Saw Sir John McDonald p.m. for the first
time
had big day in Cookst
Jim finished light double
harness a.m. & went to Cookst p.m.
Fred harrowed
Fred is on road
July
1
left harrow at Cookst & got some work done
in advance on mortgage $100- I lent him $200
home with me
Fred is at Hewitts
gave Harry
Jim came
Sept.
6
Sowed grass seed for Rich mg went to James Dinwoody &
bought Seed wheat p.m.
Nat Harrowed & Dick Parks & Dick
Jones ploughed
Uncle William was here with his road list
The men finsihed harrowing
9 was at Robert Goodwins funeral
on Hill a.m. & commenced hauling oats at home p.m.
j,
Page 28
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1876 con’t
Sept. 19
(.
22
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
3
went to Barrie to get the deed of Pickens place & c
Bradeu was not at home
Barrie & Cookstown Lacrosse
Clubs played
Harry brought another mortgage & we signed it the
first one being wrong drawn
Went to Cookstown at night
& saw Bradeu about his deed
cut oats a.m. & threshed some p.m,
surveying the line
Creswick was here
13
Spread manure a.m.
was x^ith Creswick fore Port p.m. He
finished running the line in the swamp
helped to thrash
oats at McKindless Evy
Jim & Willy ploughed
fine day
16
Bradeu gave me three deeds - one from Pickens to Him and one from him to me of Port and Quit Claim deed of
Port from Ms Campbell.
Jim & Willy Plowed
roads muddy
17
took 59b-36# barley to Gilford
got 75c
Sent the
team home with young Picken & walked across the swamp
(with Thos Bateman) on the 2nd line for the first time
Jim plowed in NW field & Willy on Port
25
was at Special meeting of Council at Allandale to meet
officials of H. & N. R.R.
Granted them another year
to have the grading done
was in Barrie home at 10.20
o clock
13
fixed cellar for potatoes a.m.
had Creswick Surveying p.m.
He divided the concession between 7 & 8
Jim & Willy took
in 3 loads large & one of small potatoes
Andy Morrow
brought his tools from Beattys p.m. fine warm day
14
Creswick run port of the line between J Reiny & No 8 mg
& run for Campbells, McLennan & Ferguson p.m. S McKindless
& I ( ained)
Jim & Willy took in last load of potatoes am
A Morrow commenced framing shed p.m.
8 Andy Morrow left this mg too much snow on the roof to
shingle
Jim & Willy cleaned out new shed
Bessy & I
went to see Mrs Johnston Ey
H. Trueman came here at
night (collecting taxes)
15
done some chores & c a.m. went to Churchill p.m. &
ordered a pair of Bobs at $40
very stormy Ey Settled
with Jim this mg & he left
charged me $16.66 pr month till
now
18 Was at a land Sale in Barrie
Bought 10 acres in Tiny or
Tay at 10.76 very cold & stormy
A
Page 2
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1877
Jan.
9 bushed & broke beadershaft box a.m.
done some chores p.m.
was at Cookt mg about Charlys furniture being Seized
Charley brotherinlaw gave Slaughter $15 to redeem the
furniture
returned it at night
Feb.
2
Brought Mrs Sutherland here mg & She dyed carpet yarn for
Bessy
went to Agnews & Pattersons children funeral p.m.
Lodge at night
April 20
finished Sowing the Hill Johy finished cultivating
it & He & Willy harrowed it
Bessy came home from W Jones
with her Girl Annie Hoover
June
18
Great fire in Cookstown last night
Armstrongs Hotel &
out buildings & Buchanans, the Orange Hall the Queens
Stabling & other buildings were burnt
19
Bessy &
Western
$45 for
$435 in
26
Went to Cookstown & met W Jones to consult about Glasford
renting the Hotel
Johny plowed & harowed in S fallow
I was at Cookst
Met the inspector for the
insurance Company
He allowed $300 for stables
damage to house $90 for damage to furniture
all
28 William & Ann Coleman was here from Mulmur
went to
Cookt Evg & took Kate home from the Hotel
Glasford &
Wife now into it to day
Johny plow - Jim finished sowing
turnips
July
Aug,
22
Bessy & I went to Church mg W Jones & Wife was here
T. Coleman - Dicky- & Miller
Railway Contractors
was here
27
Joseph Fennell & I examined work done by Bolton on South
Town line - did not pass it
The men cut some wheat on
the hill
heavy rain at 10-mg & 6 p.m.
29
No service
Church getting painted & papered
1 Dicky - Kelly - Heasly - Jim Burns W Heasly & I hauled
first ( ) 2 loads fall wheat on the hill
44 years old
to day
Sept, 2
took the 4 children to Fathers Eg
away this mg
cold wind
Andy went
Page 3'
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1877 con’t
Sept. 27
Oct.
Dec.
got 39b-17# barley from Rich & got it ground at Nicols
Got 2 teeth filled at Alliston
Jim & Willy commenced
piling & burning brush on Port
Cars came to Cookt
first time
29
Jim & I cleaned 60b-30# wheat a.m. on the hill
to Lefory p.m. got $1.14
very dry weather
Willy burned brush on Port
20
Jim Willy & I plowed on the Hill
I went to the
Village & got (boundries) on Plan Eg
fine cool day
took it
Jim &
2 went to Cookt mg & got Kitty & Charly shod
Stopt at
the Lodge & was reelected Treasurer, Jas Donnell Master
18
finished threshing in frame barn mg & went to Cookt
to Glosfinds trial
He & wife were committed for treat
Jim was in Cookt p.m.
cold to day
roads very rough
rained some to night
Year 1878
Jan.
Feb.
17
Herbert Burns, our 5th child - 3rd Boy was Born at 2.45
this morning
Thanks be to God all is well
Thrashed
on the hill
Broke the H. Power p.m. & got McKindless
31
Jim took 55b~24# Hill S wheat to Lefory got 95c
Heasly helped me to clean last of Spring wheat on the
Hill
went to See Father at noon
went to Cookt at
night & arranged to Send 150b wheat with other Grangers
to Portland to go in S.S. Harding
Chapman Agent
2 was at 2 meeting of Council at Allandale (Hamlius)
Fawcett was appointed assessor
Sleighing in North
end but rough in South end
Jim & Willy Heasley
cleaned wheat
4 Jim & I took 150 bushel Spring wheat from home to Cookstown
to send to Portland - Chapman Agent
finewheeling
wheat sent to Sailing vessel
Kate Harding
Mrs John Duff died this mg
9 was at Mr John Wilkinson Funeral
Jim took a load
of wood to Adam Johnston
I went to Cookstown
roads
rough & very hard cold wind all day
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1878 con’t
Feb.
18
J. McLennan & his 2 men Stewart & Spensor & Jim Burns
& I made a road through the Slash opposite Lots No 8 & 9
I went to Cookstown about money raissent to W.J. Ramsay & Co
19
J.J. Jackson came here for his money on mortgage & stopt
all night
20 Went to Cookstown mg
to Colie & sold them
is due on mortgage &
Toronto
some snow
March
April
& cancelled Sale of goods in Hotel
to him for $400 - Paid Jackson what
sent $117.55 to W. Ramsay & Co.
last night
1 went to Cloverhill p.m. to see Rev McKee about interest
on mortgage
He consented to wait till fall for it
at 8 pr cent.
Jim hauled a load of wood to A Ayerst
11
hunted up the sheep & done the chores
Jim trimmed
back seat of Buggy a.m. & went to cookstown p.m. &
Grange Social at night
No snow or ice to be seen
except some ice in swamp
I went to Cannings p.m. &
got Assessment of this Part of S.S. no 2
20
Jim & cut & took home a cedar tree for post
Made
gate posts for gate South of frame barn west side of
yard
frost last night
Soft to day
was at McLennans
to night about new S. Section
2
in Barrie all day at Summersett
8 went to Barrie on Glasfords trial He was aquitted
was home at 8 p.m.
hired Jim Parks at $15 pr month
for 7 months
Him & J William, Rich Jim & the
2 Heasleys cut oats - & some barley
filled the room
with oats
Willy Heasley commenced at $9 while
plowing
20
May
was at Council meeting at Lefroy
heavy rain last
night & some this mg
The 2 Jims ploughed for
Peas
Willy harrowed some
Presented petitions
from S.S. no.l & 2 for a new S. Section
8 went to Squire Fennels a.m. with C. Campbell to See
about water on Townline
went to Cookt Evg to sell
dry meat but could not
The men made a gate
finishe- harrowing oats & took in a load of hay
very very heavy rain Eg
Tom Coleman started for
Manitoba this mg .
14
Rev Mr Baker & Wife was here p.m. took doll to Fathers
was at Mrs. Bathies with Mr. Baker Father came home
with me this mg (the last time he came here)
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 32
Year 1878 con't
May
16
Kneeshaw finished the 2 fields at 9 mg
went to
Cookt p.m. & helped A, Ferguson & J. Banting to examine
Grange Secratory A.J. Cambell Acct
Father went home
with me for the last time He ever left here
The men
hauled Stones
white frost this mg
fine day
June
21
Seen father this mg
He is very low
was at County &
District meetings at Alliston
My Dear Father breathed
his last at 11.10 to night
He quietly fell asleep
with A Jane ~ Richard - Henry & Me around him
22
came home mg went (back) & went to Cookstown & telegraphed
Eliza & c Alexr & Eliza & Mary came at 7 p.m,
23
Bessy Alexr & I came home this mg
went back Eg
Bessy & I came home again
rained all night last night
Uncle Jack & William came from Mulmur
24
Followed the remains of my poor Dear Father to their
last resting place at 11 a.m.
age 79
25
J.W. Parks - Henry & I met at Richards & read the Will
& divided the beds & bedding & (cj) Bessy was with me
Alexr & Eliza went home this morning
July
Aug.
6 Thos. Duff & I went to Barrie and made arrangements for
dinner with Summersett for arrive for our 2 Lodges & the
young Britons at 40 cents each
very warm
11
left Bessy & Uncle Jack at Colemantown & got some machine
oil at Cookstown
McKay & I examined swamp on 3rd line
near Lake p.m.
The men commenced fencing some Pasture
on Port
12
King William Day
The 2 Jims - Willy & I were in Barrie
rained most of a.m.
fine p.m.
15
hauled in first 6 loads of hay from S.W. of house
put
2 in stable & 4 in Barn
Jim cut the balance of the piece
Bateman the Tailor put his Horse to pasture
1 45 years old to day
cut on Hill a.m.
to bind
very heavy rain p.m.
12
hauled in & cut on the hill
boat races
Heasley helped
Yank went to Barrie to the
19 Met McKay at 4th line Survey & we decided to gravel the Port
ditched by Appleten and decided to put guard on out above
Churchill
I went then to Mordeus & He & I went to road
at Nixens and laid out what work is to be done
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1878 con't
Aug.
Sept.
24
Seen C Hindle at Lennoxes p.m. and engaged Him to
Superintend the graveling on 4th line Swamp & showed
E Bathie some work to be done on side road
1 Bessy & I went to see Mrs Bathie Eg too wet to go to
church
rained most all last night and some to day
Barrie Jebb was buried to day
Bessy Kate &
7 Willy & I hauled raking off north flats
I went to Cookstown Eg
the men mowed & cocked barley
Kate starts for Manitoba on Tuesday next
11
went to Barrie on Campbell & Rogers trial
-13 xtfas in Barrie all day on Campbell & Rogers trial rained
heavy most of the day
trains stopt on both Railways
roads cut away so bad
Nov.
14
got home on Eg train
$28-50c damages
trial ended to day
Campbell gets
30
the 2 Jims & I commenced making shed for horses on Hill
a.m. was the 2 Jims commenced plowing on the Hill & I
went to Conservative Convention at Cookstown p.m. chose
Parkhill for Candidate for Ontario House of Assembly
13
very stormy a.m. Some great flurries of snow
fine p.m.
Jim & I done some at log shed I left Ann Jane home at
night & went to see Frank Coleman He is very ill
15
Jim Kicky & W Heasley took in the potatoes
I fed the
stock & a.m.
left yarn at the weavers & went to H. Kindles
& gave Him $9.25 road money
Dickey & I went to Cookst
at night
fine day frost at night
roads very bad
21
Bessy & I went to see Frank Coleman p.m. I stopt & sat
u p with him all night He is very low with inflammation
of the lungs
22
went to Cookstown from Mrs Coleman this morning Mrs Coleman
& I sat up with Frank last night He is very weak
23
went to Barrie to Prove Claims against Bradeu & Coleman
but could not as I had not the notes with me
left Mary
Ross note with Lennox Bros.
29 went to Barrie & was examined by Lount on my case with
W.J. Ramsay
Wm R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 3^
Year 1878 con't
Dec.
4
National Thanksgiving Day
10
went to Barrie on the Suit
I have with W.J. Ramsay
to Harry, Yank & Willy Heasly
11
attended Court
Stopt at the Queens
some snow this mg
12 my suit with W.J. Ramsay was decided to day
got
Judgement against Ramsay for $122.13
some sleighing
13
came from Barrie to Craigvale mg
on Northern R.R.
Mordeu & I examined work on 2nd sideroad at 14th line
came to Cookst on H. & N.W.R.R.
Bessy & the children
met me at the station
28
helped to thrash at Jas McKindless
Jim hauled manure
to Port
Richard Coleman (Fleuy) Our Rich & Ann Jane
was here at night
snow deep
29
Bessy & I was at Church mg & at Methodist Meeting in
New Building at night
good sleighing
*Note in back of diary: Candidate decided to stand for Innisfil
for the year 1879
for Reeve W.C. Little, present one,
James Allan;
1st Dy Reeve G.P. McKay, present one,
C. Cross; 2 Dy A.M. Mordeu, present one, Wm. Lennox,
F. Barclay,& Isaial Wilmot; Councillors , W.R. Coleman,
present one, Magnus Baikie, Stanley Brooks, H. Grose Senr
J. S. Lucas William Metcalf
Year 1879
Jan.
Feb.
9 went to Barrie about expenses in Suit with Ramsay
roads
badly filled
Jim hauled wood for Heasly & Willy helped
to thrash at McLeods
16
went to Barrie & got cheque for $127.62 from McCarthy, Boys
& Pepler on Ramsay case.
Jim & Willy helped to saw at
Port very cold mg & night
26
Bessy 6 I were at Mrs Gardners funeral
Parks
sharp morning
had dinner at
15 went to Barrie & stopped writt ordered by Black against
me for Bradeu & Coleman debt - had to give a mortgage
on this place for $1000 - Parks finished thrashing
very cold
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1879 con't
Feb.
March
May
June
July
21
4 went to J.D. Booths to make payment on hill
went to
Cookst Eg & mailed it to freehold Loan Co. Toronto
Bessy went to Parks with me to see Mrs. Jones Yank took
2 small loads from Hill to Cookst
10
Sloan was here assessing me
25
turned to freeze last night
Bessy & I was at old
Mr Rolstens funeral p.m.
snow banks & mud alternatly
Jim Hauled dung to Port
30
S. McKindless & I went to Wake House (Old Mr Blakes
4th line p.m.)
freezing most of day
16
got 214 tiles at Spillets for Cellar drain a.m. brought
Rich here p.m. to lay them but drain was not ready
the
3 men wrought at the drain
Sabrina Barr commenced work
this morning
Mayhew left her here
$6 pr month
31
Bessy & I were at Mrs Jones funeral
had dinner at
W Cross & tea at Joseph Hipulls
good shower p.m.
21
took C. Palling & J.W. Parks to County Meeting at Alliston
arrange to have a County demonstration at Buters
the
2 Jims drilled for & sowed turnips & cut some thistles
30
Jim Parks & I wrought on road
Jim Parks & Willy finished
harowing on Port fallow
went to Cookstown at night &
seen Clement about piece land in Cookstown would take no
less than $200
7 Andrew Ferguson died this morning
9
27
Aug.
helped to saw at James Reinys - Split what the machine
cut mg & Ey
Sat up with E Bathie all night = he has
inflammation of the lungs
Bessy & I were at Andy Fergusons funeral a.m.
got in
two-first loads of hay & cocked some
got the hayfork
pulleys up & some mowed p.m. Shower about 3.30p.m.
Queens Hotel & old House burned to night at 12 midnight
5 Ann McLennan died this mg
17
Bessy & I went to see Mrs John McLennan
did not go to
church
Service in Evg
Mrs. Hamilton (Kate Connor)
died this morning at Athlone
Page 3
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1879 con't
Aug.
18
went for Mrs Mac morning to stop two days . She could
not come till tomorrow Bessy & I went to Athlone to
attend Mrs Hamilton funeral p.m. the men ganged &
cultivated & took in some peas
19
was at the funeral of Mrs Hamilton
got home about
7 p.m. Mrs Mac washed & kept house.
the men ganged
& finished cutting peas
Willy helped to thrash at
James Reinys
Sept. 16
Thos. R. Ferguson died last night
went to Cookst mg
& wrote to Little, McKay, Mordeu, Lucas Hunter &
Palling
came home p.m. & bound some oats
Oct.
Bessy, Lizzy, Erny Wilton & I were at the show (Miss
Moffat was with us)
the 2 Jims were at it too
Willy
went shooting
Ann Jane & Mary came from Walkerton
Mary
was away since August 1878
fine day
3
6 laid out place for drain on E Side of clearing on Port
Picked some apples at McLennans & met Jno MacAfee on South
townline about draining it
the men wrought at the drain
10
Nov.
was at 15th Meeting of Council at Armstage, Allandale
was in Barrie
roads bad
very warm
the men finished
drain from Reinys fence to River & on cross drain
21 Willy Ferrera was here p.m. with his taxes
Year 1880
Jan.
5 was at Elections. Palling came home with me for dinner
Jim hauled last of oak lumber to Station for J. Montgomery
& Yank hauled (Voters)
was elected Councillor 5th time
10
went to Squire Littles to get potatoes from his Tenant Quinn - got none
ground most bare
Jim fed the Stock
12
cleaned last of Treadwell a.m. Yank took it to Cookstown
& I went to Geo Simpsons (Essa) to buy Potatoes p.m. got
none
good wheeling
Jim threshed peas p.m.
13
done some chores a.m. was at District Meeting at Cookst p.m.
Bessy, Erny, Mary & I were at Church xmas tree at night
Yank hung the 2 outside doors Jim threshed peas rough wheeling
Page 3<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 3
Year 1880 con't
Jan.
21
examined Bridge at John Reinys a.m. cut some oats p.m.
till wheel bursted on wheel shaft
went to Cookst Ey &
ordered a wheel with Macintosh
Alliston folk tried
to take the fair away - but failed
31 was at Mill Meeting at night
decided on trying to raise
$500 - for J. E. Oliver to take the Lennox Mill here
no snow (hardly) roads rough
Feb.
2
E. Fawcett & I went to Allandale to 2 meeting of Council
J. Lennox was appointed assessor
had the buggy pretty
cold next meeting March
10
Ogle Ferguson & I got Subscriptions for a bonus for
Spindlue to build a mill in Cookstown
11
went to Barrie with James McKindless to help him to raise
money
failed
13
Bessy & I went to Shelburn on our way to Walkerton have
Wilton with us
left Richds at 11 a.m. was at Shelburn
before 6
fine day wheeling good have Tom & Mag and
Jno Moirs buggy
14
left Shelburn about
and was at Walkerton a little after
7. found Alex & Eliza well
15
Stayed at Alexanders
16
Alex & I went to the station a.m. William Dovers 2 girls
Martha & Lizzy came here at noon, Martha ~ Alex— Bessy
& I drove into town this Eg
Alex & I went to station
at 9 & met Picken 0 James Duff & other delegates there
fine sunny day
fine sunny day
Billy Burns is here
20 Alex - Eliza - Bessy Wilton & I went to Wm Devers
Teeswater, 14 miles
good wheeling
21 Alex & I went to Jno Buckleys Jr Greensik about 17 miles
p.m. & stayed all night
some snow last night poor
sleighing
22 went from Buckleys to Pattersons (via Paisley) about 13 miles
came home P.M about 15 miles
23
Started for home came to Shelburn 55 miles
Stayed at
Belfrys
Saw teams hauling heavy loads sawlogs to durham
& square timber at flesherton Station & the road was dry
& dust flying from Rosemud here
24
came from Shelburn home 31% miles
left Shelburn at
10.30 & was home before 5 p.m. fine day & road good
Page 3£
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1880 con’t
March 23
was at cheese factory meeting p.m. & hired Willy Marling
7 months from 1 April at $12.00 p month
26
walked to church
had dinner at Parks
went to Richds
& came home & helped Perrier & James Parks to set sawing
machine
April 14
May
was at Special Meeting for Election of Officers of
Agricultural Society
Beat Alliston & Bradford 208
votes to day
15
gathered sap fed the stock and other chores The 2
Willys
(
) & J. McLennan Hewed some timber Campbell
commenced plowing Some plow before to day
Yank &
G Coleman was here at night
Yank starts for Man. with
Tom in the morning
16
was at 4 meeting of Council at Armstage, Allandale
Roads very bad
rained some this p.m. W, Marling
split wood at the door
Jim Burns got hack to night
He was away from noon 14th
Yank left for Manitoba
this mg with T. Coleman
17
made some whiffletrees & a.m. Jno Palling came here at
noon
soft snow mg
cleaned up p.m. The men finished
cleaning wheat
19
I got some whiffletrees ironed in Cookstown got $1 worth
work done
Piled rubbish on trak of fence on Port where
we took away the N & S fence
Jim hauled the stones off
it & W Marling hauled manure Willy boiled sap
17
gave first mll£ to C factory
20 was at confirmation service - dined with the Bishop
(Sivertimes) at the Parsonage
25
took Liz & Erny to School their first time mg
dead in McKindless shed at noon
man found
31 was at 8th meeting of Council-3rd Court Revision at
Churchill
The men started drain from creek northward
towards Swail
June
20
Did not go to Church Service is in the Eving
Bessy
and I went to James Reinys p.m. Bob Steels wife is
dead there
21
Saw bridge on 3rd line mg Bessy & I was at Bob Steels
wifes funeral a.m. Mowed Port of E lane fence p.m.
the 2 Willys dug drain Jno Knightly-fruit tree agent is
here to night
Page 3$
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1880 con't
July
1
Bessy & I went to Demonstration
& oroge young Britins
got up by Orange Men
7 brought Uncle Andys Boxes to the Station a.ra.
hay p.m. got in first 4 loads of hay p.m.
18 Letty had a young Son yesterday
to day
Raked
Bessy & I was there
Aug.
26
Rebecca Stewart came home with me to live
Oct.
16
done some chores a.m. took Lizzy Erny Mary & Wilton to
see Uncle Williams - last time I saw him alive
24
Did not go to Church Ann Jane here since yesterday
morning
snow about 3 inches
Sacked W. Heasley this
morning for Blackguard language used yesterday
25
Nov.
26
rained most all day & last night
was at Uncle Wm wake till 11 p.m.
27
Bessy & I were at Uncle Wm funeral p.m.
done some chores
Jim & Willy threshed peas
3 Thanksgiving Day
Put the 10 pigs to fat-a.m.
Wilton I were at Richds p.m.
9
Dec.
Richd came here morning and told us Uncle William died
at 12.85 last night Bessy went to Canourns & Cookstown
I went up with Richd & seen Uncle s Corpse
Roads very
muddy raining to night
Erny
Erny is 9 and Mary 7 yrs old tonight
prepared cellar
for potatoes & Barn for butchering a.m. Rich & I killed
Heasley 2 yr old steer p.m.
22
went across 3rd line Swamp to examine it to advertise
for tenders for clearing it. David Irving went with me
to James Miscampbells
24
took my first grist to Spendlaes new mill at Cookstown
25
fed the cattle a.m. was at Widow Lees Sale on Grahams
place p.m. Jim & Heasley put straw on(Pts) on the 50 acres
21
got Election cards at Cookstown a.m. & was at examination
at schoolhouse p.m. Jim is threshing at Jas McKindless
23
went from Connellys to Victoria Canvassing a.m.
was
at Council meeting at Churchill p.m.
We set clearing
of 3 line Sag/sampt' to Robt Sproule opposite Lots 9,10,11,12
13 & part of 14 at $11.90 p acre
Page 4(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1881
Jan.
March
April
3
Election day
was defeated by Barclay for first Dep
Reeve
Jim helped to skid logs for Rich
Dickey drove
the mares with voters
13
went to Fallings a.m.
He & I met McKay & Haughton Lennox
in Barrie p.m.
arranged not to unseat Barclay or Gordon
if they let Lennox alone
raining when I left Barrie
Snowing when I came home
26
was at G. Moir funeral
Stormy Eveing
Jim hauled a load
of wood for Heasley
Bessie is keeping better
4
left Maggie Brown home & went 1% miles above Mad River
looking a girl
engaged Louisa Varey till fall if she
suits at $5 month
Stopped at Loves all night
Soft
snow falling with N.E. wind all day
5
Stopped at Angus a.m.
brought girl home p.m. was home
in 4 hours from I left Angus
had Mag & fly to the cutter
snow deep fine day
22
was at Cookstown getting instruction about taking the
census
Bessie was with me
C. Palling came home with
us
Jim took home some frozen potatoes
23
was at Cookstown getting instruction on taking the Census
Jim cut sawing logs
frost last night fine days roads
bad
Palling & I weighed 167# each
29
Bessie & I were at Archie Cosgroves funeral p.m. roads
getting dry in places, fine day
Heasley cut & Jim hauled
sawing logs
B Burns left for Wallace
31
got 16 bags oats & chopped at Cookstown & got my Census
Schedules from Bantie
4
commenced taking census
took 10 families in Cookstown
5
took census from S. McKindless to Riehds & some in Cookstown
cold and blustry great flurries of snow p.m.
6
took Census from R Stewarts by Sutherlands
Jesse Moirs & home
7
taking census from D. Reinys by I Lees back 4th line to
sideroad down to W. Reinys & home
Mannings, Parks
12
Bessie & I were at Mrs. Montgomerys funeral
14
taking census ,3rd line from R. Hills west to W. Ferriers
walked
Jim repaired harness
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1881 con't
April 15
Good Friday
taking census from Blacks west to Townline
to J Moirs drove first time
was at Church at night
16
taking Census from R Cunninghams to townline & Camauns
drove
18
was taking Census from G Sharps to townline on 6th & to
J Brysons & Cookt Mrs Jebb & Campbells
19
taking Census done 5th line East from 5 to 11 - lot drovd
home at night
20 was taking Census from Moses McKennies to 6th line & East
to 2nd Side road - drove came home at night
J Maw came &
took Wag horse away without leave - the men cut wood at the
door
May
21
went on foot to day commenced at I Sharpes & went East
on 7th line to lot 11 & stopped at Mrs Connellys
(acomill) on 8-line all night
22
taking Census
8th line
23
drove from Stewart Wrightd west to Townline & all Thornton
18 families
drove from Lot 11 to Stewart Wrights on
5
planted some apple trees & Dr. Nicol was here mg seeing
Mary
She has Scarlet fever
6
H. Heasley & I finished planting trees - 40 apples, 4 plums
2 cherries & 1 crab
47 in all
Put stones under 2nd west
row & south 2 of 3rd row
13 Erny & Herby are both ill with fever
31 was taking Census
Bessie left me at J Reynolds on 9th line
Stopped at Jas McMullens all night
June
1
taking Census
stopped at John Hopkins all night on 10th line
2
taking census
Stopped at J Reinys on 9th all night
frost last night
3
taking Census
4
taking Census a.m.
Slight
Stopped at Mathew McKenzies all night
was home at 3-p.m.
5 Bessie Lizzie Mary & I went to Church mg first time since
April on account of Scarlet fever
Richard & family was
here
Bob Jones went away Eg
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1881 con't
June
7 Doll foaled last night
foal weak Seen to it & moulded
early potatoes a.m. Planted some potatoes on Hill p.m.
8
taking Census on 11 & 12 lines from Sideroad East
Stopped at Lougheeds all night - had fly
Jim plowed
9
finished taking Census on 11 & 12 lines
came home at
night
Jim is plowing on Hill these days
10
left Census papers with Banting had 250 families
traveled 2100 miles
wrought 19 days
Bessie was to
Cookstown with me
July
10 Mrs Jonston died at
yesterday Eg Bessie & I were at
the funeral Eg heard an orange Sermon in M Meeting
house Eg Mr Mahan
Aug.
15
Seen Jim Hewitt at Thos. Blacks about note a.m. He refused
to give me anything
I went to Bradford p.m. & sued Him
took Erny with me
Jim & Willy ganged barley on the Hill
16
Served T Black with a garnishee Summons at(Home)
Hewitt with a summons at James Donnells a.m.
21
Lizzy Erny & I went to Goodwins from Church
Goodwin & I
went to see John Patterson p.m. He is very weak
fine
dry weather
24
John Patterson died this mg
Sept.
Oct.
& Jim
8
Bessie & the 5 children & I went to Harvest home festival
at 11 mg
came home at dark
24
went to Bradford was about 10 minutes too late or I would
have got judgement against Jim Hewitt for note $95
came home by Cookstown
9
Bessy, Lizzy, Erny, Herby & I went to Church
Mary & Wilton
were in shed loft & Wilton set fire to the hay & burned
frame & log Barns, Horse stable & Every building on the
place (except the house) and nearly all this years & part
of last years crops.
10
commenced building a temporary place for the horses
Morrow & Henry Heasley helped at it
14
Andy made backhouse
Andy
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innxsfil Township Diaries
Year 1881 con’t
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
16
Bessie & I were at James Kidds funeral p.m.
23
last night J.H. Cambell took me from the Lodge to E.S. Guns
where J.W. Parks, D. Sutherland, Robert J. Coleman & others
were there & gave $415.00 to help me build & get feed for
my stock
16
brought 700 ft lumber from Nicols Mill
roads bad
Jim &
Willy took I McLennans tool chest home & got His wagon &
took in 82 bush Potatoes
Bessie was in Cookst
28
W. Irving came to help us to Shingle but it was too cold
Andy He & I made and put up airpipe over cow stable in North
end of barn
Jim brought Potatoes from Hill & Peas from Richd
8
Richd & I went to Alliston
Got Judgement on Jim Hewitt
note $95 & interest got $10-00 of it garnisheed from Thos
Black
roads very rough
cold day
10
Tom & Kate arrived from Manitoba last night
17
Yank got there from Manitoba a.m.
He came home with me
Year 1882
Jan.
1
14
Thos Meredith died at 4 this morning
head quite ^ell but have a cold
got Mag Shod a.m. Brought
a load of Pea straw from Richds & filled it into wall of
barn P.M. & went to see Mrs Bathie at night She is Pretty
low
Jim helped Henry to haul stones a.m. & helped me p.m.
19 was at Meeting at Cookst choosing Candidate for Election
at 2.50 on friday mg result of last Ballot was announced
when Tyrwhitt had 168 - Dunn 133
came home at daylight
friday mg
Mrs Bathie died this p.m.
Feb.
24
put manger in calf stable
Jim brought a load of Pea straw
from J Moirs a.m. & 2 loads wood to T Ellits p.m.
Henry got his toe frozen mg hauling stones
he hauled
wood after 38 below zero at 5 am
25
brought 800£t hemlock Planks from Fletchers Mill west of Ivy
on the wagon with Mag & fly
good wheeling
the men hauled
turnips & cleaned some oats
Yank went to Richds fine day
townline muddy
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1882 con’t
March
April
5 Rich & Letty went to Church from here & got Robert Milton
Baptized
road hard under soft top
12
did not go to church was up all last night with Jeff He got foundered yesterday standing in the stable
had
Mayhew with him treatment for founder kept his feet in
hot Bran Mash 48 hours gave physic
21
Stormy mg hinged trapdoor & mdae stationary ladder &
Yank glazed windows & put one in Shop in Barn
Harry went
home from J McLennans where he went to thrash some oat
straw for beds
Jim went to Cookst Snow occasional! all day
27
helped Parks & Richd to skid logs
very high at night
28
J. Lennox drove into the River & left his Buggy in it
7
Good Friday
was at Lodge at night for the last time
have left the Lodge after belonging 29 years
raining bedtime
water
I
16 was at D Kyles funeral was pallbearer
Mr. Gun & family
& Miss Williams & P.H. Stewart came home with us
May
July
25
Johny McGaw left some time last night and I don’t know
where for
went to his Fathers he had not come home
went on to Barrie
fine day frost at night
25
Jim is drunk at Cookstown
26
had H. Heasley assorting the potatoes attended to Him
planted first potatoes E of Barnyard p.m. & brought
young cow from Reynolds Eg
Yank & Erny helped Picken
with 2 teams
- harrowing
Jimis at Cookst
27
Jim is
on Hill
Yank &
Cookst
rolling
29
repaired fence over creek at pig pen a.m. Plowed P Patch
E of Bnyard & planted some potatoe p.m.
Jim came last
night - He harrow S Fallow N E Field on Port
Yank went
away some there mg
still drunk at Cookstown
planted somepotatoes
mg J.A. Campbell & I washed his 4 & my 18 sheep p.m.
C Campbell threw them into us
Yank & I went to
Ey Yank got roller at Ferriers a.m. & commenced
flasts east of front lane
Erny finished rolling
5 went to Barrie to try to make Ballot right in Election case
on Twhich I wrote my name - it was counted
Tywhitts
Majority is still 6
Jim finished plowing fallow first time
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1882 con’t
July
Aug.
19 was repairing fence on port & hurt my back
22
back quite painful & weak but able to go about
30 minutes night & morning
31
cut & bound wheat on Hill between house & D Sutherlands
lane
Bessie drove some for us
Bessie & I went to
Cookst at night
cant get half the men stopted on the Hill
to night
2 cut wheat on hill
Bessie drove some for us Jim Price
& I bound Back stiff mg but better when I get warmed up
3
Sept.
I bathe
cut wheat on hill
Bessie drove
Jim Price & I bound
14
cut round barley on S Port field Started Bessie to cut in
N Port field & helped Pascoe to put pump in wall on Hill
The men hauled wheat on Hill a.m. & barley at home p.m.
I raked barley at home p.m.
15
finished raking barley in North field a.m. was at
J. McKindless threshing p.m. very heavy rain p.m & night
Bessie finished cutting barley at noon (on port) the men
Price-Bob Naugh & Pat Ryan hauled barley till the rain came
17
put part of partition in house on Hill & opened shaft
there
They are growing very badly
Price & Bessie white
washed shanty
Jim came back this mg
away since 6th
He & Pat took out cedar posts
Bob grubbed 2 pine stumps
very dry
18
The men & I opened shocks on Hill a.m. (have over 40
acres f wheat out yet) & hauled barley at home p.m.
I raked till tea time- Iwent to Jas Reiny thresh & Bessie
raked after tea
took corpse
6 Bessie & I were at Tommy Heaslips funeral
in spring wagon Jane Eveleigh came home with us
13 went to Toronto mg was
Shaftsbay Hall p.m. &
Walkerhouse at night
stopt at Mrs. Colemans
at Convervative meeting at
another Conservative meeting at
had dinner & tea at Kellys &
all night
14 went to Exhibition grounds mg
at Mrs Coleman
very windy
came back at night
Stopped
15 went & seen Mrs Johnston mg then to show grounds till 2 oclock
J. W. Parks & I was in Queens Park & up 275ft in Cathedral
tower p.m. & at (Leoo) zoo at night one Bear weigh 1200whale measure 52 ft
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1882 con't
Sept. 16
21
Oct.
Nov.
took 18cwt.36# casting to Butterfield & got judgement
against Riddle transcribe from Barrie for Alliston cool
& dry
Pryce repaired Shanty
5 Jim is drunk at Cookstown
warm weather & good roads
10
Lizzie has dyptheria
12
was at Cookstown for nails a.m. & to see the Dr about
Lizzie - She is some better of the Dyptheria this p.m.
9 Bessie & I went to Jebbs Child funeral p.m. but was too late
20
Dec.
'
left Mrs Coleman at 6.30 mg & got to Beeton at 2p.m. & to
Cookstown after ten - found all well at home
Bessie & I were at Chas. Jebbs Funeral p.m.
Annie away to night
Letty took
6 Jas. A. Campbell & I were at Annual Conservative meeting
at Victoria
7 put door on chaff room & fed the stock
Jim brought the
H Power from Barrie
Very stormy all day cold & windy
Year 1883
Feb.
7
27
Bessie & I were at Jno Fergusons funeral
was at Election
McKay beat Hook 168
March 25
don't go to Church now
April 11
Jim is idle at Cookstown
18
Geo had the team to Lennox Mill for his furniture
20
George Gillan commenced year work
30
Jim started for Manitoba this morning
Page 4
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1883 con't
May
June
10 married 14 years to day
8 broke up H Power & planted some potatoes at gate at road
Uncle Andy died at 9 this mg
went there after tea Geo
finished Plow E of lane
9 x^as at Uncle A s wake last night
Richd & I chose grave
plot
rain a.m. & p.m.
Geo went to Midland
July
10
Aug.
5
Bessie tried to plow faloow on port hut could not for
clover pulling out a.m. Bessie & I were at Mrs. W. Sproules
funeral at Newtown R p.m.
Chris ~ Tom & I went to the tamarocks to get gooseberries
water to our boottops & got no berries
Sept. 16
Bessie & I were at S.McKindless funeral
Oct.
Geo went to look for his wife
8
Threanted rain
some rain p.m.
*Note: See Memboranda in back of Diary: March 12th- Set Henry
Sleight the job of building shed 22 x 54 & Untie 20-44
& hew the timber and put cowstable & feederoom under barn
for $75 - hewing to be paid for when it is done & balance
of one half to be paid in winter of 83 & 84 & last half
in winter of 84 &85
Year 1884
Jan.
30
Feb.
3
Bessie & I went from Church to meet Mr. Pooles funeral
had dinner at Richds.
8
Heard of S.G. Greens death this mg
Cookstown
went up townline and got pathmaster to level pitch holes
in road
thawing fast to day
Bessie & I went to
Page 4:
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1884 con’t
March
7
took 3 logs from Haughtons to Merrich
Eyes weak from snowblindness
finished hauling
29 was at Jas & W. McKindless about sawing am
was on 3rd
line getting contributions to Tyrwhitt testamunial p.m.
Richd & A.R. Ferguson were here about sawing
very
frosty wind
April
5 done some chores a.m.
was at meeting of Committee to
collect funds for & decided on present to Lt. Col. Tyrwhitt
Tom sawed at Jas McKindless
Bob cut wood
22
May
8
Bessie & I went to Barrie & signed Mortgage for 2000 at
6 pr cent
had Lucy & Nellie their first time
Bessie & I were at Thos. Wrays funeral at Churchill
to Lefroy to see Mrs Edgar
went
13
Sowed oats in old pasture at Barn a.m.
at Mrs. A. Edgars funeral p.m.
Bessie & I were
22
went to Barrie in 2 h-lOm came home in 2h 05m with
Lucy & Nellie
had Wilton & Herby with me
washed the
Sheep eg Tom Archie & I
26 was at Richds & D. Sutherlands
brought cow & calf from
J Resns Ey
Jas Donnell was here with washing machine
Aug.
29
I was at Scott Act meeting at night
23
Bessie & I were at Mrs Frasers funeral a.m.
in S.W. field
Sept. 10
30
Oct.
1
cut some oak
took Herb to the Dr a.m. He says he has Excema got
window sash at Fergusons & looked for the sheep very heavy
rain
Tyrwhitt came home with Bessie & I
took Col. Tyrwhitt to Cookstown mg & stayed all day
fair p.m.
Tom was there all day
at
9 voted against Scott act a.m. M McLennan & his man helped
us to take Post from under S end of barn p.m. Rev. Mr.
Fletcher & wife was here
Page 4
Wm R. Coleman of Irmisfil Township Diaries
Year 1884 con11
Oct.
20
finished 2 window frames a.m.
dying & killed a lamb
got Beach bark for
Year 1885
Jan.
15
Feb. 19
20
Uncle Jack died last night at Williams in Mulmur
95 years
aged
done the chores a.m.
brought the chop from Cookstown
p.m.
Lizzie was with me
She is taking medicine from
Nicol for aenemia which means bloodless
Tom helped
to saw at home with team
Tom & I cleaned 2 bins barley
R Gilpin was here to
sell an organ
Tom & Ernest went to A. Fergusons at night
for grain crusher
Sleighing good not quite so cold
21 went to Barrie about buying an organ
took Lizzie with me
She is taking medicine for A Enemia or bloodlessness
Sherwood wanted $126 cash for style 11 organ
23
Mrs Sherwood offered me a style 11 organ & Royal A
sewing machine for &125
25
went to Alliston & bought an organ & a sewing machine
for $125
March 30
31
April
went to Barrie to the Assizes to attend as Grand Juror
Bob Marlin hauled rails from Reynolds to the hill Stormy
In Barrie on the Grand Jury
at Bob McKindless
Bob Marlin helped to thresh
1
In Barrie
rain & sleet most all day
coming in to Barrie to go to N.W.
Volunteers are
2
In Barrie on G Jury
for N.W. this a.m.
3
Came from Barrie on 6.42 train mg was at Church at Cookst
J. Coulter drove me home p.m. A. Jane & Jenny Coulter was
here Stormy & snowing a.m. Left my P book in Barrie
4 Companies Volunteers left Barrie
visited Jail Ey
Missed the train at Cardwell Junction
27 went to Toronto
got into Toronto at night
Stopt at Mrs Coleman saw
first bag seed in a field near Toronto
Wm. R. Coleman of Irmisfil Township Diaries
Year 1885 con’t
April 28
In Toronto all day & done my business
May
1
done some chores a.m. sowed wheat on potato ground on hill
p.m. & went to Cookst Ey
was at the law suit at night
7
raining this mg the men & I cleaned the oats on the Hill
& stumped in new field.
cold wet backward weather
19
drilled & sowed turnips a.m. Bessie & I were at Bondhead
p.m. having law with D & S Wyit
22
finished line fence in bush at tea time & spred manure
after
Bessie & Ernest are at Excursion to bracebridge
cold high wind all day
15
finished mowing S side of drain in N.W, field
bought
or hired a selfbiner from Lewis & Pascoe - Maxwells agents
24
Commenced cutting wheat (in centre East field) a.m. went
to Cookstown to get machine from Pascoe but could not get it
gave Jas Banting an order for one at night
25
Ernest & I brought Scuffler & Selfbiner from J. Ross a.m.
Jas Banting started it in W. centre field p.m.
the men
went to Cookst at night
31
Ernest & I cut in North port field till tilting lever broke
at teatime - went to Cookstown & got J Banting to wire for
one
The men ganged & shocked very warm
June
July
Aug.
1
Dec. 10
I am 52 years of age to day - weigh 153// in shirt & pants
and have good health thank God
left the children at School & took 3 loads of wheat from
Hill to Cookst & gave Albert Wessen a lease of the Hill
50 for 5 years
freezing to day
Page 5
Page 5
Wm, R. Coleman of Innisfil Township
Year 1886
Feb.
March
2 helped A Campbell to haul sawlogs to Newtown for Dr. Nicol
cold day
12
fed the stock & brought the buggy from the Hill a.m. Bessie
& I were at Mrs Wrights - Mary Ann Fergusons funeral p.m.
& at A Campbells for tea
Some rain this mg
good
wheeling on townline
John came back at noon
15
Discharged John this mg for not rising in time & not coming
to feed the horses on Sunday
I done the chores a.m.
Took a grist to the mill on the wagon & J Moirs load of
wood on Sleigh p.m.
Snow to day
18
Went to Alliston to see if Elariage had sued me
had
Irene Coleman with me
fine day
Sleighing quite thin
19
Soft snow falling most of day
done the chores a.m.
took some wheat & some chop to Cookt p.m.
& was at annual
meeting of warehouse co. shareholders
Had J.A. Campbell
& wife & Mrs McLennan Bob & Dicky Kate Morn & Irene
Coleman at night
22
fed the Stock a.m. took the saws to D. Sutherlands left
Kate Morrow & Irene at Amfares & went to Cookst p.m. &
took a load of stuff for A Campbell to the car at night
Albert came home with me
3
done the chores a.m.
was at Arbitation at Cookstown
taking part of Tecumsethinto the union school p.m.
Frank & Irene Coleman Kate Morrow Ann Jane & Letty were
here p.m.
April 19
June
helped to get addition to Church lot seeded before
Surveying it tomorrow
had Dilsy to buggy double first time
26
Bob^commenced ganging wheat on hill Hy Slight & W Heasley
came here & commenced dressing posts for front of house
I helped them to fetch them to house & was at Vestry meeting
at night
was elected C. Warden
Mr Fieldson & I were
appointed to See the Biship about Mr. Fletcher
16
Harrowed some & Bob plowed some on Hill
& Richds Eg
Alexander camehome with me
was at Parks
Harry Wilton
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1886 con’t
July
Aug.
21
finished cutting hay
Piece at E lane & last of S Meadow
on Port
The men harrowed & poisoned bugs a.m. & cocked
hay p.m. Richards hoed turnips Rain Evening - Bessie
was at Coost Ey
1 Bessy & I were at Church twice Rev. Mr. W.H.A. French
took charge of Cookst Parish to day
J.W. Parks & I were
at P. Raisons funeral
14
Done some chores a.m. Harry & I & team helped to shovel
barley for Bob McKindless p.m. Ernest cut barley on hill
p.m. The men lowered the well about 7 inches a.m.
17 made poke for colt
helped Pascoe to make cover for well
& put in pump at barn
was at Cookstown Evg
Bob
harrowed
Harry hauled wood for Engine & gauged
18
Ernest commenced cutting oats on hill
Pascoe commenced to
make cistern at house
Harry gauged in E fallow a.m.
helped Pascoe to get cedar for cover for cistern & & &
28
threshed on Hill a.m. & at home P.M.
shower rain p.m.
had lots of hands
Harry moved Engine to R Greensides
Sept. 6 went to Richards mg to haul in oats He could not haul
He & X set the machine
commenced cutting oats after tea
Bolt came off Jack at night ~ the Jack land wheel broke &
broke J.W. Parks arm & thumb & cut Hy Wilton in the Cheek
& most killed him
Dr. Nicol attended to them
Oct.
Nov.
15
Bob & I finished pulling peas at tea time
went to
Cookstown at night & engaged A. Rogers for Sexton at
$40 pr annum
11
Took milk to cheese factory a.m.
school again
30
Ernest & Oscar McNichol took 4 bags apples for us & 5 for
C. Campbell to Carters
got about 38 gallons in all fine day
10
Bessie & I went to see Mrs Coulter & the twins at night
20
Was at Conservative caucus at Queens Hotel in Barrie to
appoint Candidates for Muncip Offices
Bessie & Lizzie
were with me
Ernest started to go to
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1886 con't
Dec.
6 J.W. Parks & I were at Conservative Convention at Beeton
to select a candidate For Cardwell (first time Innisfil
were in it) had Lucy to the cutter Sleighing rough
home at 9.50 p.m.
23
done some chores a.m. got frank shod - a tooth pulled
p.m. & was at Dr Wylies meeting at night
not half sleighing
*Note: Memoranda in back of Diary: May 20: Witnessed Mrs McK sign
2 notes of $100 each for E McL
Year 1887
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
14
Done the chores
William Richard was born Evg
helped to finish cutting at Parks
4 got some barley chopped
2 p.m. to day
Bob
Thos. Coleman, Essa, died at
22
Dominion Election was Dy returning officer at Kindles
Tyrwhitt & Wright was at Cookst at night
23
returned ballot box mg
3
Bessie & Rate went to Lefroy p.m.
Bessie & I were at funeral of Capt Cooks child P.M,
is here
Kate
11
was at meeting of farmers institute at night in Cookst own
23
Bessie went to Spindles with me
Saw Manitoba products in
car
Douglas fir in the car from B.C. measure 8 ft across
1 was at old Mrs Watsons funeral
till 10 p.m.
Bessie & I were at Cookst
11
was at Vestry Meeting at 5 p.m.
appointed Church Wardens
30
J.W. Parks & I were at A.Edgars funeral
^
Mr Fieldsen & I were again
at Cookst all night
Page 5^
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Di aries
Year 1887 con't
May
15
Mag had filly to King of Ontario last night
was at Church
18 was at Robt Blacks funeral a.m.
June
July
9 Had a great bear hunt but it happened to be a dog
19
Bessie & I were at Mr Parks p.m. & Jubilee Service at Church
at night
18
Rain last night
poisoned pr bugs
30
Bessie & I were at Spindles
thursday night
31
Discharged Bob Robinson this mg
Bessie & I went to see
Letty from Church Ey Jenny Spindles funeral Serman was
preached this Ey
Aug.
3
Sept
29
Oct.
2
25
Nov.
Repaired canvas
the men
Jeanny died in Toronto
threshed most all the fall wheat at home
very warm
Had
J, McLennan, B. Jones for C. Campbell - A man from Jess Moir
W. McKindless all day & J. Sutherland p.m
Had D. Reiny
J. W. Parks, Wra. Stewart, Richard & man, H. Wittle the
Boys & myself
Felt very tired at night
very dry time
Bessie & I were at church mg & Eg
29 persons mg & preached Ey
The Bishop confirmed
Tried to crush oats p.m. with engine. Broke shaft in
crusher Sent it to Toronto Ey Harry plowed
10 Was at William Reinys funeral p.m.
of the day
17
this a.m.
Rained & snowed most
Met Col. Banting & G. Fisher at the late Wm Relays place
& we valued chattels a.m.
Thanksgiving day
Dec. 20 Left Ernest in Barrie to Stand the entrance examination
good wheeling
ground just white
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889
Jan.
1
Collected clothes for Brown family
Bessie & the 5 children
& I & Jim were at S.S. entertainment in T. Hall at night
rough wheeling
2
Brought clothes to Brown A.M. & helped Rev. Little &
Jno Ross to disinfect School house p.m.
had dinner at
Jno Ross
7 Was Dy Returning Office at G. Ayerts house, Cookstown
first poll we had in Cookstown
Black & McChonky elected
Patterson beaten
some snow this mg
8
E. Fawcett & I took ballot box to Fallings & went to
Barrie
Had Jeff & Ben to the Buggy
fair sleighing at
Barrie
9 went to Schoolhouse p.m.
from noon
Feb.
March
School is started
rained
10
the 4 children commenced going to school to Miss Sharp
I left them there mg
Jim & I cleaned barley
26
Bessie stayed with Mrs Hamilton
mud
good wheeling
27
Mrs Hamilton died at 1.30 this mg
Stormy all day Bessie
was at Harailtons all night
I was at Church & brought
her home
8
done the chores a.m. Was at Annual Meeting of Warehousing
Company p.m. was reelected director
Bessie was with me
to Parks
She is very low
some
16
(SEE Memoranda) C.Campbell & Mrs Jackson were married on
the 13th
22
Was at 2 meeting of farmers Institute a.m & night
25
Rev. Mr. French & family were here p.m.
to Swamp on 3rd line p.m.
fine day
26
Thos. Duff was here p.m. & stayed all night - Teacher
came home with the children & stayed all night - S. Fawcett
& the 2 Miss Ayerst were here Ey
He & I went
7
too windy to crush to day
Went to Cookstown p.m. & got
more medicine for the cough I have
The pain hack of my
left sholder is pretty- bad to night
quite stormy p.m.
no school to day
8
In the house all a.m. Too stormy for the children to go to
school
In house most all day Strong wind & some snow
falling most all day Ferrier got oak plank for door sill of
new house
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889 con’t
March 13
Eliza Montgomer & H. Hamilton were here
to freeze p.m.
ground bare in places
fine a.m. turned
16 McLeod 6th line teacher was with me
warm day
(SEE Memoranda) some teams broke through in the swamp
on tuesday (Mar.12)
April
22
went to the model mg & arranged with Bob to crush tomorrow
Was at Agriculture Meeting p.m. arranged to have a spring
show
23
(SEE Memoranda) Sold the 8 October pigs to Wilcox for
$54- & I to butcher them
26
Took Lucy to Woolman on the 10th line to get her cured
of ringbone
Stopped at T Connelys all night
29
Col. Banting & G Fisher were winding up W. Reiny will affair
5 Went to Toronto
6
was at W Jones over night
Saw W.H. Howland & M Kighley about mortgage
They agreed
to let it remain at the same rate of interest
was at
Parkdale P.M. Saw M. Allingham at night
7 Was in St. James Cemetary p.m.
8 W. Jones & I were to see A. Ferguson at Spadina Ave
Saw Ann Elliott
She is very ill
9
I am stopping at Connors
Went down Town mg
Parkdale p.m.
Had tea with Mrs Ferguson
10 Was in Toronto all day
11
June
1
Was at
Jim Coullers time is up to night
was down Town mg had dinner at Kellys
Bessie & Jim Coulter met me
Camehome p.m.
E. Fawcett & I examined gravelpit at D. Reineys place &
seen him about it
3 Went to Lefroy to get T. Gilpin to sell Mrs McLennan stuff
had to go to Bradford & engage R Stewart
22
Came by Elmgrove & saw Flins & Aunt Marian
28
Bessie & I were at Garden Party at James Laws p.m. very warm
Page 5‘
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889 con’t
July
Aug.
5
Bessie & I & all the children but Willie were at S.S. Picnic
at Degrossi Point
weather fine
had a good time
18
(SEE Memoranda) On Thursday 18 Bessie & Mary fell out of
back of spg wagon coming from Marariatys when Wilt &
Herb & them were picking berries Bessie got very
badly hurt
29
Was at Bella Fergusons funeral a.m. examined reaper &
took mag to Cookstown
4 Was not at Church
Saw old Mrs Moir a.m. Mr.&Mrs Fieldsend
Fred Coleman & Mr Hopper, Balinda & Allie Goodwin & Rick
& Letty were here
19 my back got sore while cleaning the horses this mg
laid up
30
Sept. 3
7
Old Mrs Moir died at 9 this mg
I am
May back is sore & weak
Bought Ferriers pearake here mg
Back a little better
Dr. Nicol calls it Seiatica He
would not guarantee a cure. Was at the village Evening
(SEE Memoranda) Have been laid up since 19 with sore back
& it is hardly any better yet
done nothing for it
yet but keep a plaster to it & rest
25
Old man Patterson died at 11 a.m. to day age 90 years
Oct.
23
threshed at Jess Moirs (Jones place) till 3.45
trustee meeting at schoolhouse to hire teacher
$350. we offered her 325-00
Nov.
24
Brought the Doctor from Cook mg Bessie had Stillborn baby
girl this mg. J.W. Parks, Rich & I buried it between
Father & Mother Evg
muddy roads
30
Bessie took Milkleg - very bad to day
& I brought Dr Norris
Dec.
Went to
She wanted
Dr Nicol was away
3 Letty & I were at wakehouse ~ Isaac Fergusons p.m.
4
Letty & I were at Isaac Fergusons funeral a.m. was in the
house with Bessie p.m. She is very weak not so well as
yesterday
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1889 con't
Dec.
5 Mrs McLennan Letty & I were up with Bessie
poltice off her leg & put on dry warm cloths
6
Took the
I went to Cookstown mg for the Dr & He & Dr Norris was
here p.m. He told them to use hot cloths & linnament
instead of poltice first time
The Dr says she is
holding her own well
24
Went to Barrie with Jas Rainey to explain to A Lawyer
about Col. Banting & G. Fisher having Rainys money He
employed Pepllar to get it back Roads bad in South end
of Township
30
Was at nomination at Stroud J. Ross & E Little by acclamation
Rod McConkey & W. Black for 2 Dy
Jamaison Webb & Harry
Grose for council
Road rough
*Note: Memoranda in back of Diary: St. Johns Church, Cookstown
was built in 1853 (Dr. Norris)
Year 1890
Jan.
Feb.
11
Jno Ross & I went to Barrie
I arranged for Ernest to
board at Jas Reynolds
Attending the high school
15
Was at annual agricultural meeting at Cookstown p.m.
appointed Director
18
was at Mrs R.T. Bantings funeral
Was pall bearer
(SEE Memoranda) 13 very strong wind done a great deal of
damage in Ontario blew at the rate of 75 miles p hour
28
Quite sick to day
31
Still in bed & coughing very much
confined to the bed
4
Still sick
sore leg
6
Sent for Dr. Norris to day
but bronchitis
13
Was
Think it is lagrippe
Bessie is able to walk round some on her
He says it is not lagrippe
Sent for the Dr to day again He says I a little better
but he dont expect me to get well till the warm weather
sets in
Eliza came to cookstown to night
A
Page 5
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1890 con’t
March
8 Went to Barrie to get the Judge to Examine McLennan Estate
accts
But I must have them audited by Clerk Surrogate
Court
April
He has just left the
3 Brought Ernest from Coostown Ey
high school in Barrie
was there on Quarter
16
Lizzie & I went to Barrie I got the McLennan estate accts
from Stewart to day The Judges order for my pay $100
for the Will case & $50- for the Administration Case
The acct was audited by J.M.L. Stevensen
Clerk Surragate
Court
29
Children had their pictures take at school
do Ernests eye is very bad
30
Took Ernest to Dr. Norris but he could not see to take the
piece out of his eye
Dr Nicol took it out
May
31
Bessie & I were at Robt. Walkers funeral p.m.
June
4
July
at Ed Mannings funeral p.m.
17
Fell on the wheel by a line breaking while backing the
team in the yard & broke some of my ribs
24
Was at Agricultural Meeting P.M.
aranged Prize List
3 Took Mary to Alliston for examinations
4
Sept. 18
Oct.
But it did not
Bessie & I were at Mrs Armstrongs (Old Susie) funeral p.m.
(SEE Memoranda) Aug. 1: I am 57 to day & had a present of
a nice pocket kerchief from Mary & Lizzie under my
plate at breakfast
Finished harvesting
took stacked peas a.m. was at
Thos. Blacks funeral (of 3rd line) p.m.
9 Ed Spar is painting Church seats
16
Peter Donnell was buried P.M,
aged 88 or 89
25
Repaired floor in House on hill a.m. & cut oats, at
Richards p.m.
Page 6(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1890 con't
Nov.
23
Dec.
8
18
Mr & Miss Fieldsen & Andrew Ferguson were here from Church
J. Cook threshed Peas till 3 p.m.
throat
Fred Heinrick cut his
Was at Parks to See Mrs Bums & to Cookst a.m.
Lizzie
& I were at examination at Schoolhouse p.m.
Teeny Rogerson
went with us
School closed to day
fine day
Year 1892
Jan.
21 Was at Cookstown Ey
The Children Mary Wilt & Herb were
at Magic lantern entertainment at S House at night
Feb.
16
Bessie, Mary & I were at Presbyterian Concert at night
Miss Alexander recited pieces
18
The scholars orgainized a Literary Society
SEE Memoranda: 13th night - Northern Lights = hly red
29
Dolls foal Frank kicked me in the mouth this p.m. & Split
my lip to my nose - broke out one tooth - left another
hanging by the gums & loosened 2 more
Dr. Buchanan put
3 stitches in the lip
March
1
Severe headache all day from kick I got yesterday
Bessie
is ill too with headache & chills & pains in her bones Seems
to be lagrippe
7 Bessie & I were at Cookst P.M.
out of my lip
22
April
May
The Dr took the 3 stitches
Bessie & I went to Alick Stinson (or Stepenses) funeral a.m.
SEE Memoranda: 21-got word that Alex Stephen (Bessies Uncle)
was dead
2 W. McKindless D. Jones & I brought Engine from Donnels
to W. McKindless gate
15
Bessie & I were at Katie Rosses funeral mg
26
Assencion Day
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 6
Year 1892 con’t
June
July
21
The Boys brought wood from bush for house & Engine
SEE Memoranda: 21 - Lizzie came home from Walkerton
25 ~ The volunteers came from camp
30
Got my boots repaired a.m. made my first piece of Russel
fence at S W corner of 3 acres of bush
1 Dominion Day - The 5 Elder Children went to De Grussie Point
26
Bessie & I were to see Mr. Fawcetts Eg
from rheumatic Inflairananation
Aug.
3
Bought 700 ~ 2%inch tiles from Alliston
q
5
I went to see Mr. Fawcett at night
He is sufffering
Patience dug drains
Saw him die at 8:35 p.m.
6 Ann Jane who is ill came here p.m.
7 Bessie, Lizzie, Ernest & Mary & I were at
p.m.
was Pall bearer
Sept.
3
Fanny Patterson
24
Harry Fountain came here from Walkerton
28
Finished harvesting
Aunt Jane died at 5:35 this p.m.
Bessie & I were to the village & to see Ann Jane Ey
5 Ogle came here mg to say Ann Jane is worse
Bessie & I
went up there
She quietly fell asleep at 10:25 a.m. I
was at Cookst Evening
7 Bessie & I went to W, Hs a.m.
Sister Ann Janes funeral p.m.
Nov.
Fawcettsfuneral
Bessie was at W. Jones funeral
Elly Stevenson came home
with her
SEE Memoranda: 1st- A.R. Ferguson came with word that W.Jones
died this mg in Toronto
22 Saw Aunt Jane & Ann Jane both are going down
came home with us
Oct.
Mr
The children & us were at
9 Ernest is 21 & Mary 19 tonight
26 Took Lizzie to Bradford to have impressions for her teeth
Good wheeling on S townline Splendid on Penetang
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 6
Year 1892 con’t
Dec.
2 Was at W & D Sutherlands about measuring D 50 & mine to find
my E line fence
They refused to measure & divide
Was at
W. Stewarts & Coost p.m. about getting Engine to cut oats
3 Herb & I measured N & S ends of 50 a.m.
SEE Memoranda: north end of 50 R60 ft 6 inch 9
south end of 50 R58 ft 15 inch 0
8
Bessie & I were at Old Mrs. James Kidd funeral p.m.
SEE Memoranda: 5-Lizzie got her upper teeth
15
Hy & R.J.Coleman had machine cutting wood on road p.m.
23
Ernest & the 2 girls were at Candy festival at 4th line
church
Year 1893
Jan.
Feb.
11
Very cold
to day
14
Willie is 6 years old to day
23
Was at meeting of Patrons of Cheese factory p.m.
Professor Dean lectured on dairying
30
Sami Fawcett & I were out getting Subscription list
renewed fro Minister Stephen
17
Was at Churchill p.m. & bought a buggy from R.W. Sloan
SEE Memoranda: 15 - Annie Ferrier was married this p.m.
March 22
April
Registered from 15 to 30 below zero in Ontario
Ernest took a load to 10th line for R.A. Sutherland
moving there
He is
25
Sawed wood in bush p.m.
28
The youngsters went to their taffy pull at T. Malton
31
Good Friday - Bessie & I were at Old Mrs. Reineys funeral p.m
4
Rick Coleman (Fleury)came here p.m.
Got my eye hurt with a chip a.m.
it dressed
Went to Dr. Nicol & had
Page
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1893 con’t
April 11
June
July
eye pretty well - have no constant pain
19
Eye pretty sore this mg
24
Felt very despondent to day
13
Went to Toronto to the Synod
Had dinner at Connors
181 Richmond
was at Mrs Wilcox 33 Walton St, all
night
Kate Morrow & I were at Mrs. Jones (Setove) at
night
14
Consulted Dr. Ryerson 60 College Street mg about my eye
He said it must come out.
At Synod a.m. & p.m.
Was
at Government house with members of Synod at Garden party Ey
15
Arranged with Dr. R to have my eye taken out tomorrow
mg
was at Synod after
16
Drs Ryerson & Siskin took out my left eye between 9-30
& ll~oclock a.m.
Went to Mrs Moors 26 Grenville St
about 2p.m.
17
Was At Mrs Moors
18
Was at Mrs. Moors in the house all day
19
At Mrs Moors
20
Saw Dr R mg
He said I might come home Came home p.m.
Irene Coleman came with me
Met Bessie in Cookst
21
Feel well but a little tired
SEE Memeoranda: 30th- Put glass eye in first time except
when Dr. R tried it in in Toronto
on 25th
5
Took a walk to the Park & University Ey
SEE Memoranda: Deacons (Mrs. Armstrong) stable (tove)
burned last night
9 Was at Church mg
Second time since Easter
& __ Bill - Cheesemaker- came home with us
Aug.
Hattie Hamilton
10
Bessie, Lizzie Ernest & I were at Aunt Maryans funeral a.m.
24
Bessie & Mary were at B Dicks funeral
SEE Memoranda: 24th- Ernest brought home new binder (Massey Harris)
1
I am 60 years old today
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 6
Year 1893 conft
Aug.
20
Ernest got powders for Charlie from D. Banting mg & brought
Mrs. Scott (Ellen Elliott) here
Sept. 8 Went to Barrie & consulted Stewart about making Armstrong
take Charlie horse
He fears I am too late
Oct.
Nov.
24
Herb commenced going to Cookstown school
31
Took Charlie horse to Mr Armstrongs p.m.
out after me
4
He turned him
Harry, Harvey & Bob Coleman & Jack & Alick Copeland helped us
9 Was to Barrie as delegate to meet Hon. Clark Wallace &
Hon, Wood re tariff
14
Went to barrie & saw Boys about horse suit
15
Got judgement against Mr. Armstrong at Beeton for $80 for
Charlie horse
20 Mr Armstrong took Charlie horse away to day
Dec.
8
20
Ernest & I brought
a.m. & we cut oats
T. Thompson for J.
Gustoures Thompson
10 in all
R. McKindless Engine from W. McKindless
p.m.
Had N. Faulknerfor C Campbell,
Sutherland, Harry Coleman, G. Wilson,
& ourselves
W. Ferris run Engine
Fed the stock a.m.
Bessie & Ernest were to Lefory a.m.
They & I were at exam at 4th line p.m. Was Chairman
W.J. Ross is giving up school
27 Was at Schoolmeeting a.m. R. Cunningham was reelected Trustee
J.McLennan made bookcase for me (3 corners) I helped him p.m.
Lizzie was at J. Ross
W.J.Ross & Jala Smith came home with
her
roads slippery
*Note : Memoranda in back of Diary
-Applications for School for 1894 (he lists 9 students)
-Nov. 16: decided to accept Herbert Srigleys application
at $280
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year
Jan,
1894
1 Was Deputy Returning Officer at Election at Cookstown
Election for Reeve & 2 Dy & Prohibition
Roads part
icy & part getting bare
2 Took ballot box to Allandale & went to Barrie
Feb.
17
Lizzie got 3 teeth filled by McLaren
22
SEE Memoranda: Herb, Ross & the 2 girls Howard Cooper
& sister & Winnie Campbell, H, Srigley
S.F. Frank Coleman & our 3 Boys & 2 girls
are skating on Port to night
10
Examined J.A. Kidds stable p.m.
SEE MEMORANDA: Tom Thompson (J. Sutherlands hired man) died
there this mg of dyptheria
28 Was at meeting of Directors & one of Shareholders p.m.
Bessie & Kate Morrow were with me to the village good wheeling
April
4
Done the chores & took in a load of turnips
Ernest
helped Pickens to saw W & H are going to School at
Cookstown
5
Started fire in bush for boiling Sap & helped Ernest to
take in turnips He took in 4 loads
had topsy & Kate to
7 Went to Aurora & ment D, Urquhart
the buggy
fine day
some are plowing
May
16
commenced Spring work
ganged on Hill a.m. Bessie & I
were at old Mrs Ross s funeral p.m.
Wilt cultivated
on Hill for oats
Ernest is sick
Bessie brought'’1
F Patterson here
17
Bessie & I were at Mrs. Norris s funeral p.m.
Smiths & Ross s here at night
3
Some
Ernest helped Albert Reiney to raise house & barn for
stone foundations
17
Planted some potatoes & corn at house & Bessie & I went to
see Mrs. Picken
She went to Cookstown & I went to Richards
about Monument in graveyard
20
Went to see Mrs Picken but she was dead since 9:30 last night
Page 6<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1894 con’t
June
July
Aug.
13
Lizzie & Louis Henry Fountain were married in the church
by Rev. G. Scott at 1:30 p.m.
They left on the Evening
train
Bessie & I went to see Fred at night
He is pretty
low
21
Fred Coleman passed away at 11-50 this a.m.
26
Was Deputy Returning Officer at Election for Ontario
Jeffs got
& Little
J, McLennon was poll clerk
30
Took ballot box to Palling Allandale & ballots to Duffan
Election clerk for Cardwell
10 Went to village mg & took monument to graveyard & bought
new mower Warren home
Ernest commenced cutting grass
13
I helped a.m. & helped to make foundation for & raise
monument in Lewis cemetary
20
Bessie & I were at garden party at J. Ross Ey
27
Cut grass & on track of drain in North gully
commenced digging drain there
Sept. 3
Patience
Cookstown Civic holiday
5 Was at A.R. Ferguson
6
27
Oct. 16
Brought dish harrow from B.R. Fergusons a.m.
Mary & Charlie were married by Mr Scott in the church at
1:30 p.m. & went away on the 5:50 train
Mary went home with Charlie this a.m.
17
Bessie was with me
bought bedroom set from Jebb at 12:00
for Mary
SEE MEMORANDA: 16th-Was at R. Blacks at night decided to have
Annie Wallace for teacher next year at $275
30
Mrs. Robt Watson died at 5 this a.m.
31
Halloween Mr Moor Teacher left for Dundas this mg
SEE MEMORANDA: W.F. Moor left for Dundas this mg & Mr
Phillip takes his place as Head teacher
in Cookstown
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1894 con’t
Nov.
15
Took 15 lambs to village to Geo.Ferguson & done some chores
21 Mary & Charlie were here p.m. E & W were at Mary Pickins
shooting match p.m.
Dec.
11
Lizzie came here from Walkerton first time since her
marriage
17
Was at village p.m. to get tooth filled
fill it
Bozanke did not
27 Was at Jeremiahs Fergusons funeral
31
Borrowed organ case from Sherman p.m to ship organ to
Lizzie
Bessie was with me
Year 1895
Jan.
2 Was at Jno Ross Sons funeral p.m.
E left organ at station
for Lizzie & brought C box from Parks
8
Had J Dobson cutting oats with Rankins engine
11
Was at J Sutherlands Babys funeral
20
Bessie & I were at Church Evening
on the hill & left us there
Maud broke the harness
23 Was going to A.R. Fergusons funeral a.m. when J. McLennan
came with word that Mrs Todd was dead
Helped him to
take yer downstairs
25 Was at Old Mrs Todds funeral to 6th line
Feb.
March
22
Roads somewhat drifted
no mail
89 years old
as no cars got in
7 Was to 6th line Mill with Rick & E p.m.
9 Repaired harness & was at Cookstown p.m.
logs to rollway at mill a.m.
16
E hauled in some
Mr. McLennan & I presented petition to Council to this time
opened p.m at Lefroy
Page 6!
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1895 con't
March 25
April
Left Scantling at Ferriers & also washing machine &
settled with R. McKindless mg
6 Making logboat
8
18
Finished making logboat
left oats at mill to chop & grasseed at Station for Steel
Bros. Toronto
The 2 Boys & Bob & Barclay
Reiny
split wood
warm day
Charlie & Mary were here
24 Was at village Evening having R & W McKindless hauled up
for assault They apologised & admitted they were wrong &
Paid me the $10 I claimed
June
25
Went to village Evening Had R & W McKindless before Banting
& Cook
Bill acknowledge that he must have got the $10
I claimed & the apologised & paid it
27
Bessie & I were to Barrie
Lennox
2
Irish Dick Jones was here
Saw E.A.Littie about Supporting
11 Went to the Synod mg Was there p.m. Had tea at - billetNo 60 Grenville St. Mrs Garrett, Met Kate & Irene at
St. James at night & went to Mrs. Colemans 72 McGill St there
home to billet
12
Was at P.0 Home Bernards Boys home - Fegham home & Boys home
for a lay a.m. Synod p.m. Government house 4 p.m. Mrs, Jones
then home to billet
13
At Synod part of a.m, & p.m.
14
at Market & Synod a.m. came home p.m. Ed Lewis drive me home
Stayed at Mrs. Jones all night
SEE MEMORANDA: 11th- went to Synod
15th- came home
Mrs. Jones address 334 Seaton St; Colemans
72 McGill St; Mr Fidlers 30 Maple Grove, Parkdale
Mr Garrett 60 Grenville
26
July
Church Social At Parsonage Eg
36th Batallion band was there
2 Lucy scared at a stone blasting & upset the buggy & threw me
out & broke a rib & bruised me some Evening
3 Dr. & Mrs Nicol was here this mg
Side very sore
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1895 con't
Aug.
Sept
1
I am 62 years old to day,
weigh 160#
2
The 3 Boys & team helped J. McLennon in with his wheat. They
were at football match at 4th line against Cookstown Evening
2 Labour Day - the 3 Boys were at concert at night (firemans)
8 Willie Armstrong was buried to day
14
SEE MEMORANDA: Herb is going to Cookstown School - Willie
is 4 th line
Nov. 18 Was At J. T. Sproules funeral p.m.
Dec.
20
School at Cookstown closed
Year 1896
Jan.
19 Wilt-Herb & I were at Church Ev
Mrs. Burns fell & hurt her hip
Rev. Mr. Murphy preached
20
Fed stock & other chores
The Boys hauled elms for firew
Mrs. Geo. Ryley died last night
22
Was at Mrs. Geo. Ryleys funeral to Carluke p.m. The Boys
E & W took home last 3 loads of Straw from Hill pretty cold
Feb. 17
18
fed stock & wrote a.m. brought 840# chops from mill p.m.
Bessie is sick with cold
the 3 boys went to Kickapoo Concert
Herb came home mg school
very cold registered
35 below at village morning
Mrs. Burns got worse this a.m. Fed some stock & attended her
Bessie is some better to day able to be round
Rev. Scott
was here Evening
Letty came here & stayed all night
19 Mrs. Burns passed away about 1.20 this morning Bessie,
Letty & I were with her. E went to St. Johns Church & brought
Ella Stevenson home with him
Mary came here p.m. Mild a.m.
quite stormy Evening & was at village a.m.
Page 6
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1896 con't
Feb.
21
Roads Sa drifted this mg could not bury
The neighbors
turned out & opened the road to the village a.m. arranged
to bury tomorrow
22
Buried Mrs Burns to day one con. south & 8 lots west of
Bondhead Wilt took Pallbearers Ernest Ella Stevenson
Mary & Charlie & Bessie & I went in our sleigh
We came
home by Stevenson
March 19
Ernest & I took Topsy & Kate & Lucy Mares to Newmarket
to Moroirs the Frenchman. Snowed all day Left N.M.
at 5:30 & got stuck in a snowbank at W. Johnstons 2 miles
north of Bradford & lodged with him all night
26 Went to J.McLennans at night & paid my note for my share
of biners note $82.00 Interest $11-89 total 93.89
He took only 85.00
April
1 Lost my glass eye last night
2 Went to Toronto & got another eye from Dr. Ryerson Saw
the Bishop & W W Righley
had tea at Mrs. Colemans
72 McGill St & stopped with Mrs Jones 334 Seaton St.
Saw M Allingham 4 Clara St morning
went
3 Good Friday
to Grace Church with Kate Morrow & had dinner at Mrs Colemans
Left Toronto at 5.30p.m. at Cookst about 8.20
June
30
Schools closed for holidays
July
19
Barclay Reiney died at 9-30 this morning
Sept. 4 was at meeting in S. house about having Hlghschool work Ey
7 Labor Day
19
Oct.
J. Reiny with Cooks engine cut oats for us a.m. had
W. Patience Jno Moir & ourselves
Alf went home at noon
Mrs Coleman - Sophia - came here p.m.
1 Rich Hill was here collecting taxes
Page 7<
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 7
Year 1896 con’t
Oct.
Nov.
3
Charlie came here at 5 this morning
Mary had her first
baby last night Bessie & Mrs Campbell went home with him
SEE MEMORANDA: Mary had her first baby (Girl) last night
Mabel Vivian
29
Went to Jas Hamiltons no 11 in 11th Con Gwillimbury &
D Thorps 1 in 12 con after J Hamilton - MasonW & H plowed
Very warm bright sunny day George Graham
was here at night
2
Commenced raising turnips took in 20 loads Had Sylvester
Moir
Alick Copeland Herb Russell & Gowan Patience
29
Dec.
Bessie & I were at Church morning
Anderson Evening
Ernest & Mary Elden
6 Bessie, M.E. Anderson & the 3 Boys were to Church at night
& had my Saskatchewan robe
Slates from the wagon in shed
7 Left Miss Anderson at Dixons & brought buggy wheel from
village a.m. Was At Brysons & Smiths to buy barley p.m.
E & E. Anderson were at Kindergarton at Cookst at night
He & Will cut oats at Campbell
9 Box fell from my pocket last night & broke my glass eye
but I have another one
22
Fed stock & helped J & C. McLennan to put bees in cellar
23
Got Min & Dilsey shod & broght a Massey-Harris rootpulper
from J Banting home
26
SEE MEMORANDA: got word (a letter) that Billy Burns died
on 12 Inst in Manitoba
29
Got word to night that Lizzie had a young Son Zesty mg
Year 1897
*NOTE:
Memoranda in front of diary
County Council Division first elections Jan, 4, 1897
(he notes his childrens birth dates)
Jan.
4 Was at village all day Was elected Councillor first time
since 1880
Herb started school
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con't
Jan.
Feb.
7 Went to Charlies for Mary to stay while Bessie goes to
Walkerton
could not come to day
22
Jim McKindless drove me to village mg & I borrowed money
from T.H. & C. Arnold & I went to Barrie & paid it to
J.A. McCarthy on interest due Ferguson estate by W.McKindless
26
Took a load of wood to J. Banting on pulper (Massey-Harris)
W Phillips was here for information in Ferguson McKindless suit
28
Left Willie at School mg in the house rest of day E went
to 6th line for lumber we left there but it was gone
SEE MEMORANDA: Lizzies Baby died
18
Fed stock a.m.
Was at W Moirs sale & at Cookstown &
Ed lewises p.m. J McLennan came here at noon He & I went
to sale together
SEE MEMORANDA: W. Ferrier of Barrie Buried to day at
Lewises
26
Fed stock at McLennan a.m. got grain ground at mill p.m.
Rich J McLennan & Wife were here Evening
W Lennan was
here at night
SEE MEMORANDA: Herb came home at noon from school - Sick
with cold
27
Done some chores a.m. Was Campbells also to see Winnie
a.m. She has Pendizitis
Was at Conservative Meeting at
Churchill p.m. quite cold
March 19
Saw J.A. Ferguson about settling with Mrs. McKindless p.m.
23 Minnie mare threw me in the lane & hurt my shoulder some
26
April
Took Mary home (from here) to Lefroy
2 Took Herb to Toronto to Dr Price Brown 37 Carlton
He
examined him but would not give an opinion till tomorrow
Had dinner at Mrs Colemans 72 McGill
Had tea bed &
breakfast at Mrs Jones 334 Seaton
3 Met Herb & Frank - Harrys at Drs. at 9 He examined Him again
& said there was microbes in his Sputons That his throat &
lungs were affected. Had dinner at Russell House Saw
Mrs. Fawcett 20 Rose Ave. Stayed with M Aldington 4 Clare
all night
4 Micheal A His Daughter Annie & I were at church at Little
Trinity morning M & I were over Don P.M. & at Mrs. Colemans
at night
Some rain at night
Page 7
Page 7
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con't
April
5
Saw the Dr. twice Herb & I had a long walk in the city
& I came home Evening & left Herb at Mrs Colemans Ernest
helped Campbell to move to Station
10
Ernest went to the village & had Wilton home from Oakville
& Toronto
SEE MEMORANDA: 5th -left Herb in the city
6th -Campbell moved to Oakville
9th- Bob Strong came 7 months work
10th -Wilt came home from Oakville & Toronto
May
12
Left J Brysons mill home & brought dogpower from Rinnear
Lennox a.m.
16
Good Friday holiday
18
Bessie Wilt Willie & I were at Church mg the team Pete
& doll run away they ran from the church to C. Campbells
gate at No. 8
26
Ernest is laid up with meazels p.m.
29
Ernest cultivated & harrowed
30
Ernest finished cultivating for & Bob finished sowing barly
& peas on 50 - Ernest & Bob went to village at night
11
Bessie & I were to village evening & Herb wad home with us
just came from Toronto
12
Saw Sawyer Massey road Scrape
tried at village
21 Went ot village morning & sax^ Candidate Clevenand bay horse
took load chop to mill p.m. & saw German coach horse
Traded a cow - reddy- & old buggy to Andy for cart
SEE MEMORANDA: 19th - Dr. Nicol took the splints off
Charlies leg that was broken on 15 of March
June
23
A Son & Daughter of Dr. Runey of Adjala St Letitia Parks
were here p.m.
25
Charlie went home - first time in 10 weeks
1 Was at Vandeburgs morning about gravel pit - Little Jameison
& I met at Wrights at 7th & examined road - Thence to Martens
at 11 on 8th con Cowans on 9th & Reynolds on 10th
3 Jameison & I bought gravel pit from Vandeburg
at cross on junction
exam road
Page 1L
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con’t
June
7 Was making arrangement with Pathmaster about using the
road machine
8 Was at R. Cunningham p.m. about using road machine
too wet to work to day
Ground
10 Was at D Irvings examining road a.m. & at Dixens about
road machine
11
Bessie & I were at our first excursion to Guelph
fine day
16 Was at village a.m. for screen wire
was there p.m. about
chart for School bought the chart from Holden (Memoranda $37-50)
Went to Wrays & Brysons with Him evening J McLennon tried
to take his bus mg but could not
He took them all night
18 made doubletree & whiffletree a.m.
20 Jubilee Service in church to day
July
22
Jubilee Day
25
Bob is still away drinking
29
Dressed some stuff for window screens Rained most all day
The masons went home p.m. 4th line School closed to day
1 Dominion Day
3 Was at village & D Ross p.m. to see Cement Co. agent but
did not
Aug.
5
Bessie & I went to Charlies a.m. & was at garden party at
D Little evening Ney & McDonald painted stables wall
Ernest got 4 bags cement from S Kidd
4
SEE MEMORANDA: Set job of making 167 rods of road on 2nd
line in Swamp to J Moir & J.R. Picken
5 Helped H Basnes to repair pump at house
but the valve was under water
Sept.
tried pump on Hill
2 Left Herb at Bradford to attend Model School
6 Labor Day
7 Bob is sick
8
Bob Strong is drinking
Page 7
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1897 con’t
Sept. 10
Geo & I threshed at E Bathies met John Ross - Joseph Whiteside
& Jas Duff at village re gravelling town line at night
11
Some rain mg Was at Jas Blacks about gravel pit - & at
Mrs Christean Coleman wake at night
Bob commenced
work again
12
Bessie Willie & I were to Charlies - Irene was there from
Toronto & Herb from Bradford
Ernest was at Thomas Colemans
funeral p.m.
28 Was at village a.m. Examined work commenced on this line
& some on 3rd line swamp p.m.
Oct.
Nov*
Dec.
11 Was at Court revision & Council meeting at Stroud finished
Big Bay Point drain affair W left Herb at Bradford
22
Lizzie & I started for Walkerton
from Shelburne all night
Stayed at R Woods 9 miles
23
Got to Fountain (Alexs farm) about 9 o clock
6 Was at Old Mrs Wrays funeral to Churchill a.m.
17
SEE MEMORANDA: Bob Strong moved to Vine
29
Was at Hapnapy Hindes funeral at Wilsons Hill
Year 1898
Feb.
5 Went to Bradford & settled with Evans & T.S. Graham about
Drennan & Pearson case
March 21 Was at Will Fishers funeral p.m.
April 18 Was at Joe Blacks funeral p.m.
Page 7£
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1898 con?t
April 23
24
May
Bessie & I were at Sam Pattersons funeral a.m. to Lefroy
& Charles p.m. Stayed at Charles all night
SEE MEMORANDA: Surveyers passed to swamp this morning
for the CPR Co. War threatening between
Spain & W. States
Thos. McKindless was buried to day
to have lost his memory
E Bathie is ill - seems
7 Mrs Heasley died very suddently this evening
9 Was at Mrs. Heasleys funeral to Wilson Hill
June
July
29
Willie & I were at Wm Blacks funeral p.m.
17
Surveyers are surveying for C.P.R. railway
9 Went to Toronto & got two eyes from Cohm Bros,
night
Sept. 26
Hy Quincy commenced cementing cellar floor
& Alick helped him
home at
H. Copeland
28 Waterworth & Kiernan were here p.m. to sell home comfort
range, Kirk sent grand garland stove here p.m. Lizzie
& Henry came from Charlies at night
SEE MEMORANDA: got grand garland stove from Kirkpatrick
$24 without furniture
Oct.
29
SEE MEMORANDA: Prohibition Election day
14
Got 11 sacks cement at A MisCampbell a.m.
pipes from A Arnold p.m.
15 Will Patience came for Bessie
Herbert Kenneth
Nov.
got ventilator
Mary had her first Boy,
18
Bessie, Ernest, Herb, Willie & I were at Rebeccas funeral p.m.
23
Broke last of the 2 eyes I got in Toronto 9th July
25
Went to Toronto & got another eye from Dr. Ryerson dined
at Russell House Had tea at M Allinghams Stayed at Mrs. Colemans
103 Gerard Street all night
Wm. R. Coleman of Xnnisfil Township Diaries
Page 7
Year 1898 conTt
Nov.
26
Called on Mrs Jones a.m.
Had dinner at Mrs C & came home
30
Herb is teaching in the village
Year 1899
*Note:
Jan.
Feb.
note in front of diary
Had house bricked in 1873
Bought first binder Toronto, 1885
Cookstown P.0. Revenue $1173.67 Salary & Rent $420-00
Jan.17(1898) W. Grace handed me deed of land-25acres
of east 50 acres of N% of 11 in First con
Innisfil
Mar.15 Meeting of Cookstown Warehousing Co. held in
Jebbs Hall
130 $20 Shares held of which
Dr. Nicol has 60
Geo Duff
18
28
3 Was at Dr. Norris funeral p.m.
5
22
March
Was at 3rd meeting of Council at Allandale - Mr. Palling
resigned his position as treasurer
SEE MEMORANDA: C, Palling resigned the office of treasurer
The Auditors found him $501.25 short
70 years of age
Herb is going to High School in Walkerton
I was at Robt Pickens funeral p.m.
6 Bessie & I were to funeral of Mrs Alex Stevenson
21 Was at Mrs W. Coopers funeral to Thornton-was at Cookstown
April 15
May
Went to Barrie & hired Jack Sibbald 7 months for $16 pr month
9 At James Rogersens funeral p.m.
15
Was at Sale of Picken Swamp farm p.m.
20 Was at Council Meeting at Craigvale
with township
Have not settled yet
Page 76
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1899 con*t
May
26
Webb Hill & I consulted Lennox re Pallings accounts with
township
29 Webb Grose & I exam roads 5th line - Penetang & S townline
was at Charlies all night
31 Webb Grose & I examined Pallings farm to ascertain its
value a.m.
I went in to Barrie p.m. then to R Allingham
Stayed all night
June
1 Came from R Allingham to Council meeting at Thornton Council
ofered to take $1500 & Palling ofered $1200 - for what he
is short with the council
5 Met Mrs Wilson in Strathys office - Barrie - to inquire into
her claim against her mother for $154.00
SEE MEMORANDA: Met Mrs Wilson in Barrie about legacy willed
her by her Father
a
6th~Wilt went with the Volunteers to camp at Niagara
7 Grose - Hill & I examined 10th line at Brighams
1st & 2nd Sideroad
Essa Road
13
At adjournment meeting of Council at Craigvale Settled with
Mr. Palling for $1350 in lieu of the 2491.46 he was short
in his cash
James Black was appointed treasurer at $150
pr annum
Went to Robt Allinghams
14
R Allingham went with me See Pathmaster Brillinger & Crawford
in N W corner of township
17
Went to Barrie & got 7 bags potatoes & saw Strathy re Mrs.Wilson
claim against her mother did not settle it Wilt came home
from Camp
Charlie came here at 11 p.m. after his colts
23 wrote specifications of Sideroad bridge a.m.
30
July
Bessie & I went to Barrie, Paid Mrs Wilsons money to Strathy
& Eston
8 Bessie & I were at G Patience funeral p.m. had tea at
Mr Fieldsmans F Patience & Maggie Allingham were here over
night
18
Bessie, Willie & I were on Painswick SS excursion from Bellewart
to B.B. Point - Allandale, Barrie & Jacksons Point came home
from Charles
Page 7S
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1899 con't
Aug.
Sept.
26
Was to Barrie & met Grose & opened tenders for drain E of
railway on 3rd line
4 Labor Day
15
SEE MEMORANDA: G.F. Fisher died in his 79 year
17
Bessie, Willie & I were at Squire Fishers funeral to Lewis
cemetary p.m.
19 Was at Campbell & Carter Law suit p.m. Carter was committed
for trial for removing goods to defraud Campbell
Oct.
Nov.
9 Bessie & I went to Barrie to David Stewarts funeral
Pallbearer
was
13
Bessie & I left for Walkerton
got to Flesherton 50 miles
from Cookstown at 5-p.m. & stayed all night
14
Left at 6 & reached Walkerton
16
Bessie - Lizzie & I were down town
19
Thanksgiving Day
20
Started for home - left Walkerton at 12-20 reached Flesherton
at 6 - 31 miles
21
Started at 6 & reached Shelborn at 9-30 = 22 miles = reached
home at 5.30 p.m.
31% miles at 12
Bessie Lizzie Henry & I were at Mr Fountains
4 Went to Barrie & Saw Lennox about Drennan Money
9 Had Birthday Party for Ernest & Mary at night
Dec,
15
Grose -Hill & I examined & Passed last of ditching on this
line Swamp a.m.
I went to S. Townline p.m. to meet Jermys
but he did not come
went on to the village
29
Bessie & I went to Bradford & brought home Home Comfort Range
that I bought from Thompson at $35.00
30
Took Wilt to Village to Rifle practice & sent W.Downie & Wife
to Beeton
1 Went to Cloverhill morning & arranged to start hauling gravel
on Monday & notified some of the men
Page 8(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1900
*Note:
Jan.
memoranda in front of diary
Ernest & Wilton commenced working the farm this year 1900
Dec. 17 Andrew Ferrier died was buried at Thornton
4 Went to Toronto & got an eye from Dr. Ryerson
had dinner
at Russell here called at Mrs Colemans 103 Gerrard St
& M Allingham
Lizzie was with me to Cardwell
Missed
train at Cardwell & went to Inglewood for the night with
Dent Hotel keeper
5
Came home from Inglewood a.m.
W. Sutherlands fine day
Ernest & Wilton threshed at
17
Ernest took 7 hogs to Village a.m. C.W.Pherson came home
with him & commenced dividing
11 in first concession p.m.
18
Left the men in the swamp morning Bessie Mabel & I took
them their dinner & I brought them back at night E. W.
& McPerson The Surveyor went to concert for South Africa
volunteer fund
19
Fed stock morning Took the men to the swamp to Survey but
it was too Soft & Mr McPherson went home
I left him at
station & brought S Clement - Sheriff of Brandon back with
me & left him back Evening
20 Had Council meeting at Craigvale a.m. & examined Shannon
bridge on Lot 15 13th line
Feb.
6 had dinner with Mrs Stoddart & saw Col. Tyrwhitt
confined to the house
7
March
He is
SEE MEMORANDA: H. Black Assessor was here
17
got Bruce shoes removed & got my medal for Fenian raids p.m.
19
Charlie & the 2 Boyx went to the Pull -Hypnatize affair
at village at night
1
C Campbell killed 3 beef Heifers for us a.m. Ernest took
some to R Reiney & village & got word that Gen. Cronje
Surrendered to Lord Roberts
Willie & I went to village at night to Pulls
9 Fed stock
Hypnotic concert but they did not perform
17
of Ireland
In house all day with the cold J & Mrs McLennan
went home at noon
Quite cold
Was in Drillshed in Toronto
all day This day 34 years
Page 81
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1900 con't
March 28
May
June
SEE MEMORANDA: General Youchert (Yowler) died at 11-30
last night in Pretory
6 Ernest & Wilton are working the farms - first year
24
Queens 81 anniversary of Birthday
28
SEE MEMORANDA: Eclipse on Sun a.m.
4 Whole Council met at Shannis bridge - cancelled Brennans
Contract of $148-00 & set the job to Hanning Warnica at
$149.
Had dinner at Warnicas
9 W & H were to Mortons Park
12
Grose - Hill & I were at T. Todds on 6th
& Helumkays on 6th p.m.
S. Cannings on 5
20 Went to Panetang on train & from there to San Souci on
boat City of Toronto - Charlie was with me
Got back to
Lefroy at 8:40 p.m.
Stayed at Charlies all night
22
SEE MEMORANDA: Mrs McKindless died at 10-45 a.m.
Set
contract again to H. Slight of building
House on Hill $750- to be done
24
was at Mrs McKindless funeral p.m.
25
H. Slight & I laid out track of house on 50 - 2nd line
26
Was to Barrie & bridge on 13th line
Heard Mrs McKindless
will read
McLennon & I are appointed Executor
27
Mary & I were at Mrs Albert Campbells funeral
She was
brought from Chatswill by train
Saw the races p.m.
She was 91 years old
July
2 Dominion Day - At home alone most all day Bessie is at
Walkerton
Wilt is at Lefroy, Ernest & Willie at Degrassie
point & Herb to Shelbourne playing lacrosse
Was at
S townline p.m. & Campbells at night
Aug.
6 hauled water to Engine here
& at McLennon
17 Was at Mrs Colemans-Big Bettys-funeral
Sproule came home with me
29
got bread at village morning
Cousin Margaria
Page 82
Wra. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1900 con’t
Aug.
31
Herb played lacrosse at Bracebridge - Fell of Swingbeam
& hurt my shoulder
Sept
5
Saw Lacrosse match p.m.
Latter beat 3 to 1
6
Sam & H Slight hauled stones on Hill I took them their
dinner & went to village
Ernest is laid up with sore eye
Cookstown & Bracebridge p.m.
18 Was to Barrie ~ Heard Sir Charles Tupper - Hon Hugh John
McDonald & Hon G Foster speak
Oct.
1 Was at Alf Ayerst funeral a.m.
7 D Banting was here sewing
Nov.
Wilt mare where Minnie kicked her
16
Met Ritchie F Moriarty in Swamp p.m. & we set him the job
of clearing road allowances across lots 9 & 10 at 50b & 40b
per rod
12
At hill & village a.m.
roof for eave-troughs
23
At village morning for W Lennan
Mrs McKindless p.m.
Dec. 17
House all lathed - King measured
He sold chattels of late
Andrew Ferrier died about 6 p.m.
27
At village p.m.
Saw Dr Nicol re mortgage
Herb came home
28
Went to Barrie - drew $1200 from Bank & Paid it to Dr.Nicol
at night $200 still due
Was at reception to W Moir
from S. Africa
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1901
*Note: in front of diary
1867 Dr Nicol came to village
1874 Bought Port farm
1885 bought first binder
Jan.
4
at Richards a.m. & saw Dick
He is ill with asthma Bessie
Herb & I were at Church concert in temperance hall at
night
not snow enough for Sleighing yet
6
Bessie-Ernest & Herb were to Thanksgiving Service in Church
for safe return of W.J. Moir
7
took Herb to Village morning on his was to Barrie Collegiate
Institute
9 got mail & bread p.m.
14 Was at first Council meeting of the century at Craigvale
SEE MEMORANDA: Charlie Kidd got home from South Africa
29
At village p.m. to take up carpet in Dr. Nicols house did not get it
30 At village a.m. Bessie-Ernest-Willie & I were at first
reunion of veterans of 1866 at night
Feb.
6 Had Wiltons Mare - Emms- to village p.m. - when turning at
Campbells gate she upset the cutter & ran through McKindless
field & broke it most all to pieces
27
March
4
Came home from Beeton Evening
Bruce scared at train & ran
against the train near 11th line N of Beeton Threw us out
Doolittle was here p.m. to buy Peter & Doll
$160.00
I would like $175.00
He offered
5 Was at Doolittles (Gilford) & Charlies
7 Was at John Duffs funeral p.m.
75 years old
9 SEE MEMORANDA: James Brown died aged 65 yrs
Laid
up in house with pain in right breast
from fall on the ice
12
at home in the house
14
Was at 3rd meeting of Council at Alliston
master
15
Bessy & I were at Mrs. D. Groses funeral p.m. & had tea at
Mr Smiths
John & Ellen Stevenson came here
appointed Path-
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1901 con’t
March 16
April
At home
breast some better
think may have had broken rib
9 Went to Walkerton via Orangeville with H. Fountain
man ploughing
Saw
*Note: no further entries had been made until:
20
In Walkerton
*Note: no further entries made until:
May
26
Lizzie & I were to twon & Cemetary
27
Came home from Walkerton via George Town
Geotown 1H hours
was delayed at
8 Was at Jim Moirs funeral, Cookstown to Wilsons Hill a.m.
16 Met J. King & W. Corbit on hill
furnace pipes
they cut holes for
23 Was at hill & village a.m. & p.m. got King to put in hot
air pipes for furnace
Mr Fountain was with me
June
July
29
was at P.H. Stewarts funeral to the Station at Barrie Harry
& I were Pall Bearers
Bessie & Mary went to Toronto with
Miss S.
Wilt & A ney went to dorset
very warm
5 Rain this a.m. & at night
Was at Wakehouse - Mrs Rolston p.m.
Russel Patience had Bruce to Charlies
6
Was at village morning for Plaster of Paris - Was Pallbearer
at Mrs Rolstons funeral to newtown p.m.
30 Thos Elliott, J. Grahma & I got our applications for farm in
New Ontario
filled at Major Cooks p.m.
Aug.
4
Bessie & I were at John Fishers funeral to Lewis burial
grounds p.m.
6 Brought flooring - doors-& moulding from village to Hill a.m.
we were at Lacross Match p.m. Bradford beat Cookstown 4-1
8
Bessie & I were at Mrs Pattersons funeral p.m.
almost 89 years old
She was
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1901 con11
Aug.
Sept.
10
Took cedar log from road & 76 feet of cedar plank from
village to hill for veranda
13
Bessie & I were to village
met Jno Robinson Police Sergt
Toronto & Geo. Ross Volunteer of 1866 Mrs. D. Sutherland
came home from Collingwood
5 Went to Toronto from Lefroy
was at Gurneys office &
fair
At M. Allinghams for night
6
Oct.
Settled with Gurney about furnace & saw some of the city
had dinner & tea at F. Patience M.A.& I were to Hanlans
point at night
12
Herb & I finished Measuring plastering of new house
16
Went to hill morning to help H. Ross & others to put furnace
he did not come till p.m.
22
Harvest thanksgiving service in Church Rev. H.C. Dixon
Preached
Bessie & I were there morning Lizzie, __Henry
& the Boys Evening
2 Lizzie Henry & all hands at fair p.m.
Bessie & I
Six Children got our picture taken by Adams p.m.
& our
3 Left Herb at Station to go to Medical College -or University
Toronto morning Henry & X took sideboard to hill first
piece of furniture in new house
Irene & Mary came here
Evening
Showery
9 Bessie & I went to Toronto a.m. I went to M. Allingham
at night
Bessie stopped at Frank Colemans
Saw Herb at
Wycliffe College
10
Was lined up with the other 66 men on King west & saw the
duke & Duchess of Cornwall & York pass through
11
Saw Duke & Duchess & about 11,000 troops on exhibition ground
Infantry Cavalry Mounted rifles Artilary & The Ambulance
Corps
18
went to Hill p.m. & to village & brought range furniture
that came from Toronto
21 Went to hill & village morning W Robinson finished inside
of house to day & Pascoe commenced emptying well
22 Was at R.J. Hills about adverty for tenders to finish work
on Sideroad & picked apples a.m.
Helped Pascoe & Brawly
to clean out well on hill & was to village
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 8
Year 1901 con't
Nov.
2 Was to Allandale to get 5 names on voters list - was too late
5 Bessie & I moved into New house on hill p.m. Willie came
with us hut went back with Ernest - I was 37 years & Bessie
32 years & almost 5 months in house on Oakdale Farm
7 Bessie & I went to Ernests (home) a.m.
I came home here p.m.
23 Met Ritchie & Moriarty on S townline p.m.
about done
Jim has his job
25
Left Bessie at Ernest a.m. was a T. Pollocks p.m. met
he and Geo Dales at village at night re their contract on
Sideroad
They refused the money $19.15
27
Saw J. Moriarty on S. townline- re contract of 1900- & was
to village
Left buggy at Wills & took cutter first time
30 Was at Village P.M.
on for furnace
Clifton of Alliston put last register
Year 1902
Jan.
10 At village a.m.
furnace p.m.
W.B. Clifton put chain on ventilate of
24 Left Willie at School morning
Bessie Willie & I were to
2nd reunion of No, 3 Co, 66 Veteran I had a good time
29 Was at Meeting in T. Elliott Store winding up reunion of
veterans of 66 affairs
Arranged to raise funds to get
present for Major Cook
Feb.
March
25
At home was back at bush. Wilt & Willie Copeland brought
me 17 cwt of coal from village
warm day frost at night
1 Walked to village p.m. Still soft this line hardly fit for
horses to travel
Very deep Snow banks yet & quite soft
2
Was to townline a.m. looking for money I lost yesterday had
dinner at D. Sutherlands
roads almost impassable -soft
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 conTt
March
3 At Jas. Reineys a.m. re $47- I lost yesterday at Ernest
& E Bathies p.m. Edward died at
Revd Mr Hawe came with me from Bathies & had tea here
Quite cold p.m.
some snow fell
4 Wilt left 5 pigs here morning just weaned - to be fed &
took our 2 to village - I went with him & was at wake
house * E. Bathie= p.m. deep banks & bare ground
5
Bessie & I were at Edward Bathie funeral to Lewis
Cemetary p.m.
6 Was at P. Greensides re lost money & at Jas Reineys re
making his will
April
10
Henry & I were to Ernest a.m. He left Mary home p.m. I
went to village Evening brought H. Lennox here to write
James Reineys will
11
H. Lennox & I went to Jas. Reineys a.m. & he wrote Mr.
Reineys will - Peter Greenside & I were appointed executors
was to village p.m. Quite soft
19
Was at Meeting of Warehousing Co. p.m.
24
Was at Alex Robers funeral p.m. roads quite dry in places
Some snow on yet but wheeling good most all the way to village
got $4-
10% dividends
1 At village
Some soft snow fell last night cold wind
today roads muddy Col. R.T. Banting died at 7 this mg
aged 76 years
3 Was at Col Banting funeral pretty hard frost last night
cold wind to day
roads muddy p.m. about a dozen of 66
men marched together at funeral
6 Mrs A Agnew died at 7 this morning
8 Got grain ground for Wilt a.m. Bessie & I were to Fanny
Agnews funeral p.m. Rich Coleman - Dick, came here from
Richds at night
10 Was at convention at Beeton - Little, Fraser & Boddy =
Little got it - had dinner at County house went on train
13
Bessie, Willie & I here - Mary came here p.m. went home
again
Robt Cunningham, Innisfil - was buried this p.m
cold wind
15
Was at Jess Moirs - Jas & D Reineys about posts for fence a.m
T. Elliot, J.W. Parks & I presented Major Cook with gold
chain & locket - at night-
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 con't
April 23 MEMORANDA: James Reiney died this morning
24
82 years old
Helped Frank Coleman to prepare for going to Shelburn p.m.
25 Was Pall bearer at James Reineys funeral p.m. rain at night
with thunder & lightning
Frank Coleman has ray team to
Shelburn for Emm & Duffy
May
June
13
Was at Duff Little Political meeting in temperance hall at
night
1 News reached London at 4.30p.m. that terms of peace was
signed in South Africa
18
At village a.m. At Thornton p.m. for fence for hen yard
Wilton & Emma Cuttinder were married at Mt. Albert
20 At village a.m. got vie shod - Wilton brought his wife
home at night, Bessie, Mary Charlie Lizzie henry, Willie
& I were there
Charlie & Mary came home with us
23
MEMORANDA: Saw Miss Goodwin at Thornton & was at village a.m.
Henry put gate on hen yard
He & Bessie went to
Ernest at night
24
At village am telephoned Thorpe re to meet re graveling
W townline at home alone p.m.
Bessie & Lizzie are at
Ernests
Ernest & H. Fountain brought Emms stuff from
Mt. Albert - Herb came home from Muskoka
26 Henry & I made some at B house a.m. Lacrosse match
Cookstown & Tottenham p.m. & at Lawn Social at Mrs.O.R. Ferguson
Evening
very cold Lizzie & Henry were down to the match
July
1 Willie brough Spgr wagon from Ernests morning & he & I
brough 11 window screens from Robinsons
Left it at Wilts
Evening
Willie stayed there co comming work
6
MEMORANDA: great rain & hail storm washout on RR near
Allandale trains had to come around by Geo town
Lizzie went home this morning
13 Willie & I were to church morning warm day Dick Jones
came here & told us that R Allinghams youngest (daughter)
was dead
14
At a Lewises & village morning
Bessie & I were to R.Allinghams
17 Done the chrose & was at village & Wilton got 2 pigs from
Wilton
Some rain last night Lennox demonstration at
Holland Landing
■
'
Page 8
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 conft
July
Aug.
24
Put in Screen windows & p.m. was at N Gray townline
& village p.m. Herb & Bert Brown were here last night
& went to Bradford to play Lacrosse
were beaten by 8-1
Saw first wheat cut
27
Heard Rev. T.G. Wright preach on the protestantism of the
Church of England a.m.
1 Went to Lefroy re Mrs Cooks camping at Willow Point had
dinner at Charlies
Mrs Coleman was with me
I am 69
years old to day & feel healthy & strong
4 Was to Barrie - Mrs Coleman was to & from Jonathon Reineys
with me boat races in Barrie - Saw but one race
21 Went to W. Leesens to get him to put wire fence front of
house a.m. could not come now. Wilt - Herb & I finished
shocking oats here p.m. rain last night
28
Sept.
MEMORANDA: J.A. Kidd - D.R. Ross & I were appointed to go
to fair at Toronto to buy Gasoline Engine for
Elevator
6 Was to station with funeral of Mrs. McNicol morning
some chores around home
done
9 Went from Lefroy to Exhibition Toronto re buying a gasoline
Engine for Elevator
Stayed at M.Allinghams all night - rained
most of the day
10
At Temple buidling & other places am at Exhibition p.m.
M Allinghams night
fine day
11
Had dinner at Fred Patience & came to Lefroy p.m.
at Mrs Colemans morning
12
at Charlies all day
called
could not get home for rain
16 Met M Gavillier at Station re draining Nottawa creek
He
& I went to Jebbs Pond then up to Wiltons & had dinner
then up river to near No 10 in 2nd
Then here for night
17
Was at village - Gavillier has mare & buggy to Sandy cove
18
Gavellier & I were 3rd line - 4th & 5th and to swamp on 7th
& home by 6th p.m.
19 Willie drove Mr G to James Miscampbell & Wilts a.m, I
left him at village p.m.
Was at meeting of directors p.m.
We bought Gasoline Engine 5 H Power from Braddy of Geo Town
Page 9(
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1902 con’t
Sept
24
Webb Grose ~ Sutherland & I met at R.R. crossing on 11th
& thence to Tolandal Mill & to Barrie & had meeting in
Ness Hotel Willie was with me
Oct.
14
At home a.m. At meeting in village p.m. re appauity Farters
to select land for Vetn’s of 66 in New Ont. done nothing
MEMORANDA: had meeting in Jebbs Hall re choosing our farms
in new Ontario did no agree in any plan
17
W at John McLennon funeral to 6th line - was pallbearer
27 A Council Meeting at Churchill re Nottawasaga drain
Majority parties interested against it
29 Was to Barrie Saw Lennox re drain
Bessie came home to
night ground white this morning
first time quite cold
Nov.
1
Bessie & I went to Lefroy p.m. called at Jas Allens re
drain - Stayed at Charlies all night
Wilt & wife came
there about 7 p.m.
3 At village a.m.
Emma - Mrs Duffy had daughter last night
6 Was at Charlies & Jas Allens with drainage Petition
7 Met rest of Council & Gavellier at 10th line & examined big
creek drain from about 75 rods north of 7th line to 12th lines
10 Went to Bradford via of Bondhead to Settle with Slight ~
could do nothing with him
cool roads good
11 Willie & I put tar paper on stable
21
Brough D Banting to see heifer of Wilts a.m. that straw
stack fell on
could do no good at home p.m.
22 Was at Henry Sloans funeral p.m.
62 years in Innisfil
He was 86 years old
29 MEMORANDA: Got certificate for land grant re veterans of 66
from Crown Land office to day
Dec.
5
11
Cut furnace wood in bush at Oakdales
Wilt & I
Bessie cooked for us
Ernest - Willie-
Bessie 6 I went to Barrie ~ Mary is up there Wilt & Emma
were up too ~ good sleighing not very cold - Bessie got
fur coat
MEMORANDA: Bessie got fur coat in Tyrer & Ellis’s $40
Page 93
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfll Township Diaries
Year 1902 con’t
Dec.
12
Went to Ernest to set cutting of furnace wood to Copeland
Boys a.m. James Loughead came home with me from there
He & I were to village
13
Done chores James Loughead went home p.m. arranged about
cost of graveling W.Townline with Jas S. Buff at Leadlays p.m.
18
MEMORANDA: Mrs Foster Cookstown died last night
23
Made out & sent Statemen of house contract to Dunn Ferguson
& Jane
Year 1903
Jan.
2
Was canvassing on 3rd line a.m. Bessie & I were at funeral
of Emmas Duffys Baby p.m.
9
Bessie & I were to Barrie
went by Jas Loughead
Fetition re drain quite cold
12
Feb.
He signs
Went to James Allens a.m. with Fetition re draining Swamp
very cold & stormy road N & S filling up
2
Was at Churchill p.m. Jas Allen & I had Fetition for South
Xnnisfil drain presented to Council
4
Was at Robert Watsons funeral p.m. Richard Harry & I arranged
on a bases1 - for settlement of Ann Janes effects
25
March 18
Rod McKonkey assessor was here over night
fine day
At home a.m. At annual meeting of Elevator Co. p.m. got
fine warm day roads bad Wilt brought 11 head of
cattle here to day Willie helped him
19
Ernest was here between 6 & 7 a.m* to day Emma is sick
I left Bessie there & brough Mary over then came home
Fine boy born about 5 p.m.
MEMORANDA: Wilts first child = Boy was William David Louis
20
Went to Wiltons & saw his Boy this mg (first born) was at
village p.m. Alone now 8 p.m. Bessie & Willie are at
Wiltons
warm to day
raining now
Page 92
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1903 con't
March 24
27
April 16
June
At home a.m. Richard, Henry & I settled or about settled
up - Ann Janes will affairs p.m.
Copeland had sawing
bee in bush here
At home a.m. Saw Rankins delivery of Massey Harris implements
& Bain wagons at village about 40 teams p.m. Willie helped
saw at Parker
Went to Ernest morning & signed order for Wind Mill & grain
crusher Mill also to run C Box & root pulper
20
At Churchill of revision of drainage assessment
25
Trimming some post 1 m & was to R. Hills re assessment of
drain works p.m.
2 Was at George Thompson funeral p.m.
4
73 years of age
Rich Coleman & I hauled my lumber 2 loads cedar & elm from Robinson & Dobsons Mill
9 At Thos Timmins funeral a.m. was Pall Bearer - buried at
Wilsons
Herb & I planted potatoes
July
Aug.
10
Went to W Mcknights & met Rev. Mr Sparling re selecting farm
in new Ontario
Herb & I sawed some wood Evening
19
Split & piled some wood Wilt helped me some p.m. to saw
Emmas was with him
Lizzie Henry & Ernest were on Excursion
to Balia falls
23
Heavy rain last night
Bessie & I went to Ernests this morning
M. Gavillier Henry Fountain & Charlis - C. Campbell & I laid
out track of river on South part of Port = about
rods p.m.
25
Henry & Lizzie were to Barrie, Excursion to Niagara
7 Helped R. Hill- H. Grose & R Sutherland to locate drain on
N% 8
very warm
13
Gailler Grose - Hill & I located drain between Sutherland
& I - 30 rods East & thus South to new Channl will be made
for river - N & South drain to start 20 rods E of Albert
Rung corner J. Dren & Son helped us p.m.
25
At home a.m. Charlie & I took levels for drain in his
centre field p.m. Charlie came here to stay all night
Page 93
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1903 con’t
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
9 Mary Pickin & R Cousins were married to day
29
Raised first pit of potatoes And was at village All our
children & H. Fountain & Emma & L Parry came here at night
& presented me with an arm chair
20
Bessie & I were to Stevensons, Tecumseth
21
Bessie & I were to Charlies to tell Henry Fountain about
farm for sale in Tossorontio
fine day
22
At Orlanda Lewis re mast for wind mill & at village a.m.
H. Fountain left for Manitoba this a.m.
23
Bessie & I went to Wells a.m. I searched swamp p.m. for
Mast for Wind Mill
got none
31
Examined river where Drennan tapped river with new drain
Lot 17 Con 8
9 Bessie & I went to Charlies & presented Mary with a gold
watch as a Birthday present
10
Helped Ernest finish his turnips Lizzie is ill with cold
Bessie was with me Got one & perhaps 2 of my ribs broken
with calf at night
16
Lizzies Children are ill with Whooping cough
25
Christmas - Bessie & I & our 6 Children & 6 Grand children
2 sons in law on Daughtering - A.J. Palmer - Mrs McLenna
Sen. & Mr Fountain Sen had dinner & tea at Ernest (Also
Miss Ray from Toronto)
Year 1904
*Note-in front of diary
Bought Port farm in 1874
Bought Hill farm in 1876
Hamilton & N.W. railway built in 1877
Wm Greer married 1877 (now Detective)
Rev. Mr Fidler came here about 1860 left in 1871
Parsonage built in 1867
Page 9
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1904 con't
Feb.
April
8
Very cold at village & Ernest p.m & got Medicine from
Dr. McKay for Bessie
She is some better to night Dr says
it is muscular rheumatism
13
Hear Gamey = the man from Manitoulan= in temperance hall p.ra.
many could not get in
18
was to village thence to J. Robinsons with Henry re
buying farm p.m.
5 At home alone Bessie is at Wilts Wilts 2 baby- Boyborn yesterday died to day
He & H Fountain Thos Crittendor
& I buried it to night in Mothers grave
19
MEMORANDA: about $12,000,000 lost by fire on front, Bay &
other Streets in Toronto
21
MEMORANDA: Lizzies 5th child born at Ernests
24
Took a walk p.m. through Richards bush first time I
remember being in it for 40 years
I am alone - Bessie
is at Ernests
25
alone here - repaired some at E line fence at bush Let
cows Lulu - Jessie & Lulu calf on back pasture first time
26
At home alone - repaired some at fence
30 Alone =here on the hill- Was to village p.m.
Ernests - cold -planted some corn
31
June
Bessie is at
Was at village p.m. Bessie is at Ernests -Rich Coleman
rolled here for Wilt p.m quite cool
1 Was at Ernests p.m. Bessie came here with H. Fountain p.m.
& stayed till he came back from town & went back to Ernests
heavy rain last night & some the p.m. alone to night again
2 alone here a.m Was to village p.m. Henry hung screen door
on hall evening heavy rain last night & some this a.m.
3 Planted last of corn & some potatoes at village Evening
Bessie went to Lefroy from Ernests
alone as usual
16
Helped cut seed at Ernests a.m. & Wilts p.m. Bessie &
Ernest were to Rosseau with Union S S excursion
home
at 11 p.m.
23 Was to Major Cooks village Ernest & C Patience Bessie
was with me to Ernests Will Ferrier had grader on road
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1904 con't
June
24
July
6
25
Emma & Eva Patience & I were picking strawberries at Huff
place p.m. Bessie stayed at Ernests to help Lizzie
Lost my road glasses
Rain this mg Saw road in Swamp & new cut of river p.m.
Alone to night
Done some fitting up & was to village - Lizzie was to
village & here p.m. Henry is still in N W looking for
land - fine day
31 Bessie & I were to Church mg
called at night
Aug.
Herb & Georgina Morrison
1
71st Anniversary of my Birthday and Thanks be to God
have good health
4
Helped Wilt finish hauling wheat here a.m. Bessie & I
were to Ernests & town p.m. Hy Fountain landed from north
west p.m was away since 14 June
Sept.
2 MEMORANDA: Stodart & I arranged names for voters list
Oct.
4 Was at Mrs. Robt Grahams funeral p.m. & brought Bessie
from Wilts at night
MEMORANDA; bought 14 ft wheel windmill from Brantford
they take back old 13ft wheel
Nov.
3
27
Dec.
Tom McNaught & X were Scrutineers at Election & Lennox
& Henry - Lennox won by
The Grits got 63 Majority in dominion
very fine day
Bessie & I were to Ernests for dinner Lizzie had Henry
(Coleman) Fountain, her second boy baptized night
2 Was at Wm Dinwoodys funeral
7
He was 78 years old
at home a.m. Was to J.W. Parks p.m. & saw Thos Parks
first time in 37 years
Page 9
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905
Jan.
Feb.
16
MEMORANDA: Henry & Lizzie got tonsils cut in Bartranas
throat in Barrie by Dr. Broad
2 MEMORANDA: James Loughead died
15
at annual meeting of warehouse Co. p.m. 12^% dividends
March 14
Lizzie, Henry & their four children left for Oakriver,
Manitoba
April
22
MEMORANDA: Provincial Parliament opened to day -Whitney
Premier
31
Was to Barrie by train to Thos Elliotts funeral - Mrs. Wm
Black to me to dinner
3 was to Town - from there to Richs Thompson & C Kindles for
machine belt
5
May
July
cut first oats with Windmill
1 Run the Windmill some & sowed some grasseed for Ernest
He & Wilt sold hogs at $6.65 pr cwt
cold wind
10
June
Bessie & I were to Ernests
to day
3
Planted first corn & potatoes & helped Bessie to lay
Carpet
Bessie & I were to Ernest Evening 36 Anniversary
of our marriage
Cut some potatoes for Ernest Bessie was with me - not so
cold
Mary came here at night from Womans Institute Meeting
at Cookstown
12
hoed first potatoes planted = Bessie & I were at Garden
party at Mr. Masons, Clover Hill Evening
22
Herb went to Thornton to take Dr Whealeys place for awhile
7 Brought Mrs Ohern- Lucy Taylor - from station to Mary Taylor
She came from Chicago
Left there at 2-3p.m. got here on
ll-Sa.m, train was to town Wilt could not have hay for rain
13 Was to town & Wilts Bessie came home with me Emma is some
better
Maud Cook & Maggie Thompson dined here with Herb
& I heavy rain p.m.
Page 9
Page 9
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905 con't
July
Aug.
17
Bessie & I were to Mrs Chris Campbills funeral from Gilford
to Ebenezer - came home via town
Irene stayed at Wiltons
very warm but dry
Ernest brought Irene here to night
7 Met Council at Stroud re -examining Swamp road on this
line - Wilt ganged some here
Emma & Wm Lowe - Newmarket
were with them
12
helped Ernest haul last of wheat & first of barley
Thunder lightning & hail and heavy shower of rain about
3 p.m. at Ernest hardly any rain here
13
Bessie & I were to Church Evening
14
Was to twon for mail a.m. Edgar Moir ganged in fallow
here Herb came from taking Dr. Whealeys place to night
Church undergoing repair
21 Was to town am W.J. Coleman Yank & Wife & child arrived
from Manitoba
22
Was to Town evening
Yank & Wife & child were here for dinner
31 Met Township Council - Hill - Black Reiney-Leslie & Todd &
they examined road in Swamp p.m, Ernest finished threshing
a.m. & cutting oats p.m.
Sept.
4
Labor Day - got the mail - was at Wilts & Ernest Spindle
& Wife were here p.m. He & I went fishing on Watsons
place = no fish
rain last night
5
Emma & her mother came here morning
I helped Spinloe clean
13 lbs wheat at Ernest - took it to him & bought chop from
mill to Ernest with his team
Herb & Miss Whealey was here
from Thornton
6 helped Ernest haul oats
Bessie took Emma to town to dentist
Emma & Mother were here all night - last night
13 Was to town p.m. Emma & Miss Rae was with me
teeth filled
Wilt stacked his peas here
Emma got
25
Was to town morning & back evening W. Robinson laid out
foundation for kitchen & woodshed p.m. Wilt Emma & Miss Rae
took his & Charlies mares & foals to Lougheads for Barrie fair
26
Was to town a.m. Edgar & I hauled some earth from under
where kitchen will be
Bessie was to Spindloes
27
Edgar Moir & I excuvated for kitchen
left Miss Rae to Lefroy
Bessie-Emma & Ernest
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905 con't
Sept. 29
Oct.
at home
W Baker & J McCullock commenced foundation for
kitchen & woodshed
Wilt hauled stones to them
MEMORANDA: Humphry Jones was here
Donnell house on
townline was burned
1 At home all day Wilt=Emma & Mrs Armstrong (Eliza Loughead)
came here evening
the woman stayed all night
7 Was to town twice left Yank & W. Baker the last time
Baker finsihed foundation for Kitchen & woodshed
9 Brought Major Cook to R.R. station & Mary Taylors re getting
Lucys stuff from station is is in bond
Wilton took it to
her Evening He finished cutting his clover here a.m. very
warm
10
town a.m.
again p.m. at Fred Fishers funeral Mrs. D.
Sutherland was with me Lena Sutherland were here at night
14
Went to town morning & saw Yank Wife & Child off for Winnipeg
Wilt brought me a load of mangolds one Mangold weighed 7 lbs.
16
Was to town twice a.m. and brought home the nails for the
kitchen & woodshed
commenced raising potatoes p.m. cold
strong wind
22
At home Mary Ellen Anderson is here - She went to Church
with Ernest at night Centenary Service re Battle of Trafalgar
l-0ct-1805
23 Was to town a.m. picked some potatoes p.m. Humphry Jones
of Duluth bade us good bye
May Coleman was with him
Nov.
2
14
took Herb to Village morning going to Buffalo to go in
Hospital
was to town evening again
helped Ernest to raise turnips
Bessie was with me
Charlie
brought M.E. Anderson here & told us that Mabel has Scarlet
fever
20 Was to Twon & Jno Sutherlands p.m. W Robinson & two men
commenced Kitchen -except about 4 hours work p.m. ground
hard - not very cold
21
Dec.
hauled lumber to house for W Robinson Tom Marlin & C Robertson
building Kitchen - was to town p.m. good wheeling ground
too hard to plow Ernest got back from Sunnidale
1 At home all day Very cold ground not half white gave
Thos Duff order for 6 current & 6 raspberrie bushes
Page 9
Page 9'
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1905 con’t
Dec.
6
Bessie & I went to Wilts a.m. I entertained Louis p.m.
While Bessie & Emma went to town - fine day
Wheeling
improved
22
Was at Bob McKindless funeral p.m. & brought Louis from
Wiltons home with me
He fell here & cut his face Willie
took him home
27
Was to town p.m.
present from Wilt
Willie brought ton of coal here
xmas
28 Made coal bin in shed
got Ernest team shod & took them
home to him
Willie brought me 22 cwt & 501bs coal from
R.J. Coleman
fine sunny day
30
did not feel very well this morning took Bessie & Mary
Came home p.m. Bessie came at night
Year 1906
Jan,
Feb.
3 At home
Strong wind with some sleet
agent was here
Beare - Windmill
14
Bessie & I alone here - light drizling rain most all day
Jas Spindloe died at 1 this morning
15
Bessie & I were to Mrs Spindloe & took news of Mr. Spindloes
death to Mr. Fieldsens p.m.
Quite soft
roads slippery
16
Bessie & I were to James Spindloes funeral p.m.
21
At home carried over 75 pails of water from cellar
time water raised in it
Quite soft - some raining
68 years old
first
27 Bessie 6 I went and took Mary & Charlies place while they
attended Miss Ida Rothwels wedding
Very cold & roads very
rough in places
March
5 At home Bessie & Lena Sutherland were town - re chair for
Mrs Ferrier
roads softened some
wheeling some better
6 Was to town p.m.
frost last night
to get address to Mrs & W Ferrier
road slippery to day
wrote
Page IOC
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
March
8
13
Bessie & I were at presentation of chair to Mrs Ferrier
& cane to W.B. Ferrier and an address at night
I read the
address
had a good time
Was at W Ferriers Sale p.m, Mary, Charlie & Willie were
here
fine day
A Coleman Ogle Ney & J Parks left for
Manitoba
14 was at annual meeting of Elevator Co, p.m. got 11%
roads dry & smooth
hardly any snow fine wheeling
16 Was to town p.m, Mrs & W Ferrier are moving to town
good wheeling
Blustery
26
April
MEMORANDA: $3,500 debentor Buy law Cookstown was defeated
by 11 * 47 for & 58 against
2 Was town p.m. saw late C.H. Willoughby who died Saturday
Wilt & family called p.m.
fine sunny day
roads pretty good
3 was at C.H. Willoughbys funeral to Newtown Robinson to day
Bessie was to the village
roads pretty good
May
16
Was to town p.m. Wat at Vestry meeting at night
get our seat in Church back but did not
17
Bessie & I were at Joseph C Kidds funeral p.m. 74 years old
18
W at the Church p.m. & got our seat back
helped some at
cleaning up rows the Church
fine spring day
Mrs Spindloe
was here p.m.
23
MEMORANDA: Mrs C. Jebb fainted at Service in Church tonight
was carried home & died about 12 midnight
25
Bessie & I were at Mrs Chas Jebbs funeral p.m. Tom Parks
commenced months work with Wilt - he is here tonight cool
& dry
27
Took Emma to town a.m. Went to Ernests to run Windmill p.m.
but he had me get May shod Wild sowed peas in N E field
30
Wheeled coal ashes to end of lane to road & gravel to well
11
Planted a few potatoes
16
Rolled some for Wilt a.m.
very warm day
17
Took Emma & Louis to Lefroy Quite warm
with Ernest & Willie after 10p.m.
was to town
tried to
& saw some cricket practice
helped excavate at Church p.m.
Oscar McNicol called
Page 10
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
May
June
24
Saw part of cricket game at town Cookstown & St. Chemeatt
Toronto p.m. Herb played lacrosse at Elmvale
29
Took Emma to Dentist Watson in BRadford
2 Herb & I put cutter up in woodshed - Planted some potatoes
was to town
Left home for Fort Erie 40 years ago to day
was on train all night Battle of Ridgway was fought
3 At home Ernest left Herb at Alliston to take Dr McCullochs
practice this week
Arived with Cookstown Co. at Ft Erie
40 years ago to day
5 Was to town p.m. & got buggy top repaired by T. Webb
warm
July
Quite
11
Burned oil in barrel a.m. straw stack took fire p.m &
came nigh burning barn - I was at Ernests cutting potatoes
cold wind
12
Went home with Ernest morning who stayed here all night to
see if fire would start - cut some potatoes for him
13
hoed corn ~ hung new screen door
Bessie was with Mrs Clarkson
She is some better Wilt & Emmas were here at night Willie
was to Guelph Excursion
14
Was to town morning & brough lumber for woodshed on buggy
Mrs Crittender here & home again to Wilts
Geo Cook &
T Marlin finished woodshed & put stairs to cellar
16
Put some shelves in new Kitchen
trunk here evening from Toronto
26
Bessie & I were at John Reinys funeral p.m.
29
MEMORANDA: Charlie left Mabel & Kenneth at Wilts
Shower
Wilt brought Herbs
aged 94 years
1 At home - Wilt left Mabel & Kenneth here p.m.
left them at Wilts friday
Charlie
2
Churned a.m.
8
Bessie & I were to see Emma p.m. She is about well Willie
took Mabel & Kenneth home from here very heavy rain storm
11
Took Mabel & Kenneth to the celebration at town p.m
applied Paris green & a.m. Was to twon p.m.
& Jim Moir hauled manure here
dry
25 MEMORANDA:
Wilt, Willie
36th Anniversary of Lizzys birthday
Page 10
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
July
28
Aug.
6
Went to Lefroy for Sophia & Irene Coleman
Helped haul some Alsike at Ernest Frank Coleman & Wife &
Mary came to Ernest from Lefroy noon & here p.m.
10 At home did not do much
Herb raked some Stubble
14
They did not come
feel lazy - Wilt & Emma were here
Dr. Rounthwaite was here a.m.
Drove Emma =& Louis to Lefroy to see Mary Fountain on her
way to Manitoba - train did not stop
20 Was to Ernests & Wilts noon & to town p.m. Charlie to Sophia
from here
Herb came home from camp at Stony beach
Sept.
21
Herb went to B.M. Society Meeting Toronto evening
22
Bessie & I were to Maggie Couse funeral p.m.
here now
23
Bessie & I were at Mrs Laws funeral to N.T. Robinson
24
Herb came home from British Medical Society Meeting
25
Herb drove me to Barrie to buy some clothes went up in 1 h
& 50 minutes & came back in lh=45 minutes via Thornton
28
Herb & I are here a.m. He is packing to go to Palrauster
Mr M Gonigle - Herb & I went to Ernests He is threshing
Mary is here tonight
MEMORANDA: Herb Started for Palmerson to practice there
We are alone
Some better
2 Took a dizziness in my head in bed this morning
through the day - Richards, Harry was here re delegates to
convention at Beeton on 13th
Some rain at night
3
Feel a little light headed & sick at stomach a.m. about all
right p.m. was to town evening Bessie & I were down home
after
4
Brought Emma & then Mrs. Wm Dinwoody = Widow55 here a.m. &
left them home evening
cool & dry
13
J.W, Parks & I drove to Beeton to choose a candidate to take
E A Little place in provincial Legislative
Alex Ferguson
got it
I nominated him
Ouite cold
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1906 con’t
Oct.
19 At home-improve coalbin
Rained last night & to day till
late p.m. Mrs. G. Patience ^Saskatoon -Man - was buried
at new town Robinson
26 Was to town morning Bessie & I went to Alex Groses
funeral - did not go to cemetrary - on 6th line
Dec.
29
At Home a.m. Was to town p.m. ground white this morning
mostly gone p.m. more snow this evening plows were going
MEMORANDA: Wilt & Emma were at Golden wedding of Mr. &
Mrs Thibodeau, Bradford
10
Had cutter out first time this winter
Left Bessie at
Ernests morning got Lucy shod & brought Bessie home at
night = Laura Graham is here from Ernests = was baking there
14 Was at Conservative Meeting at Churchill p.m. dark comin
home lost my way & went to Ernests not knowing where I
was
Bessie is ill with cold
raining & freezing most all p.m
15
At home a.m, to Town p.m. Got tooth pulled by Dr. Rounthwaite
Bessie is quite ill with a cold - mild - Wilt & Emma & Louis
was here
Year 1907
Jan
Feb.
28
At home Orlance Lewis here morning to buy timber A. Copeland
was here to rent home farm
Frank Sinclair was here to rent
this farm
31
Rented this hill farm to J.T. Agnew & went him & J.T. Sim
to Major Cook & signed lease & left Bessie at Wiltons
Emma is not so well
2 Went to Major Cooks morning & signed leace of home farm to
Copelands
Quite soft freezing to night
4 Went to Jno Agnews-Elm Grove- & he signed agreement - to have
his son leave same Amt of fall plowing done & wheat sowed
as this is now on this farm - at end of lease poor sleighing
20 Went with J.T. Agnew & Wilkinson to the Swamp to show them
where to cut wood a.m. Took Wilt there p.m. & he showed me
the boundry lines of the 25 acres Mary Ellen is here
Page 10
Page 10-
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1907 con't
Feb.
24
At home Stormy evening Wilt - Emma & Louis Ernest -Willie
& Wilts hired girl maggie Carr was here for dinner Mary
Ellen Anderson is here
March 25
Bessie & I went to Barrie by train & styed all night at
Wiltons rented rooms - 30 John Street
Emma & I left
Wilt on train for Battleford at 2 a.m. Tuesday
April
Bessie & I were at Mrs D Hoppers funeral = Lewis cemetary p.m.
Part of road muddy - Some drizling rain
4
5 At home a.m. Bessie Mrs. D Sutherland were to Ernest Evening
to a leavetaking Party & presentations Ernest & Willie Big crowd - came home at 6 Saturday morning
6 Bessie 6 I came from Ernests at 6 a.m. & slept till Mabel
& Kenneth woke us about 12:30 - Charlie was with them
They went home p.m. Was to town Evening
16
Bessie & I were to Ernests & with Ernest & Willie
had the
last meal we expect to have with them in that house
ground white morning heavy flurries of snow
20
Bessie S I went to Charlies a.m.
Churchill p.m. to get dress made
She & Mary went to
Lena
26 Was to town p.m. Ernest was here since about 8
Sutherland & Bessie baked here for Ernest & Willie going
west - Willie was to Lefroy frost last night
29 Was to town p.m.
to load tomorrow
May
1
Car did not come for Ernest & Willie
rain las t night
Sawed some wood ~ Was to town evening Ernest & Willie
both called
car not come yet frost last night Sun
bright wind cold
4 At home a.m. Was to town p.m. Ernest got car to day
Near 2 inches of snow this morning gone tonight except
where Slites
6
Spread some manure in garden a.m. Was to town p.m.
& Willie are here to night Perhaps their last
Bright sun not very warm
Ernest
7 Brought Lettie Parks here morning also Mrs D Sutherland to
prepare lunch for Ernest & Willie took lunch to Station
& Saw them leave for Battleford
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 10.
Year 1907 conft
Hay
June
13
MEMORANDA: Alex Morrison died at 2 p.m.
fine warm day
14
Bessie & I went to Barrie to see Emma She is in the
Hospital
H. Lennox wrote & I signed my will p.m.
24
was to town p.m. re law for pultry tresspassing
Quite warm
26 MEMORANDA: Planted a few hills of Potatoes near henpen
signed surrender of my certificate for land grant
July
9 Bessie & I were at Mathew Hodgens funeral to Coulsons Hill
went from there to Charlies & stayed all night
10 Bessie & I came home by Cookstown p.m. & learned that
A. Agnew died this morning about 3 o clock
23 Had Gyp to harness morning was to town again noon
got $50 cheque for land certificate
Aug.
2
(Friday) Was to town a.m, got letters from Lizzie & Herb
Mary & 6 weeks old Boy are here Cookstown Civic holiday
7 Mabel
windy
14
Sept.
Kenneth & I were to No 7 a.m. & town p.m. dry &
Served Agnew with notice to destroy noxias weeds
Harry Fisher was married
2 At home Bessie was to D Sutherlands
tournament in town
Labor day
Baseball
3 MEMORANDA: 6 killed & many injured in train wreck on CPR
2% miles East of Caladen at 9:35 a.m.
6 was Sick all day with Pain in stomach
an injection at night which relieved me
town evening
7 At home sick better than yesterday
Bessie gave me
Bessie was to
Dr. Rounthawalte
23 Was to town p.m at meeting of directors of Elevator Co.
to purchase new power for same adjourned for further
information
24 Went to Barrie on train & saw the fair
Oct.
3 At home a.m. was at meeting of directors of W.H. Co. p.m.
decided to get two Gasoline Engines for Elevator $175- &
or about $188-
Page 10i
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1907 con't
Oct.
Dec.
23
Bessie & I visited Mr. & Mrs- Feldsend Mrs T.H. Arnold
was buried
Bessie called at house going out
24
Saw W Copeland about repairing Swamp road a.m. Sawed some
wood & p.m. fine day
Smith Dixen sold his farm to Hill
8
Bessie & I were at Lefroy
Mary & Charles had their
second boy Christened Charles Douglas Ray
11
Was to town p.m. & left impression for teeth with Dr McLaran
12
Ernest walked into our bedroom unexpected about 4:30 this
morning he came from Battleford He & I were to town p.m.
15
At home
Wilt & family came here from Holley
in places
17
Was to town noon Then to Copelands Then to town again
and met Mr Currie of windmill Co. did not agree
Ernest &
Wilt were to Speers
snow deep
teeth in by
18 Was to Town p.m. & got set of upper teeth
McLaran
Wilt & family went to
p.m.
fine day
good sleighing
Year 1908
Jan.
9 At home Ernest was to town Alice & Cyrus Smith and
Lena & Norman Sutherland were here at night
March 14
At home Bessie & Mary cooked for Ernst going to Sask
Monday
Charlie and children were here Wilt was here
twice
Emma is in Toronto
16
Too Ernest to station morning for Battleford Second time
Nicol Coleman west to Battleford & W.J. Sutherland to
Carnduff
17
St. Patricks day
Was at Wm Allinghams funeral a.m.
Mary was to town with me
21 Was to town & helped Wilt for 2nd trip to the west p.m.
Snow deep on roads
Page 10'
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1908 con't
March 23 Was to town morning Then Bessie & I went to Wiltons and
helped them pack for N.W. They took 3 loads to station
Mary & Charlie came this evening
April
24
Will left town at 4-40 p.m. on second trip to Battleford
Charlie, Mary & Emma are here tonight
30
Emma Louis & I were to town a.m. & I in the evening again
Looking for word from Wilton townline very pitchy
2 Left Emma & Louis on train for Battleford morning
very bad
roads
5 At home
Bessie & I & lonesome
Emma left friday for
Battleford
Quite soft drizling rain part of day
7 MEMORANDA: Bessie & Mrs Agnew changed stovepipes & housecleaned some
8 At home & wrote letters west
drizling rain & freezing
most all day
what wheat is stripped looks sound but
backwards
May
11
Very strong wind most all day So did not go to town
down storm windows & other jobs
freezing tonight
25
Cleaned outsome at cellar
Bessie & I were to see Mrs. Geo
Jebb
She is improving fine spring day light showers
4 Was to town p.m.
the dining room
25
June
16
July
not quite so cold Bessie painted this
Mrs Agnew helped her some
Empire Day
made & put step to veranda
evening fine & warm
5 Was to town p.m.
we were to town
Bessie painted veranda floor to 2nd coat
Was to town p.m. cold wind about a dozen boys played
football in N E Field
2 Bessie & I were at Mrs H. Rankins funeral p.m.
the 3 children came here p.m.
8
28
took
Mary &
Took Bessie to town a.m, & she had 3 teeth pulled She
& Mabel & I were to Garden party at Knowles evening fineday
Bessie & 1 were to Mrs Geo Fishers funeral p.m = 84 years
A
Page 10*
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1908 con't
Aug.
5
Bessie & I were at Mrs Hy Sloans funeral p.m. 84 years old
17
helped Agnew finish hauling oats & was to town Mark
Birdsail went home to Elmvale
light shower Evening
19
At home Bessie & Mrs Agnew were to town p.m. Northern
Lights last night
Some rain this morning
cold to day
26
Was to Copelands noon to learn how Alex is
fever
Was to town after
27
Was to Copelands a.m. Alex is no better
Bessie was at J Sutherland p.m. quilting
28
Was to Copelands then to J.W. Parks for dinner then to
town
fine day
29 Was to Copeland a.m. & to town p.m.
is some better
Was to town p.m.
fine day
30 Alex Copeland died this morning at 10 o clock
were down there p.m.
31
Sept. 17
18
Oct.
he has typhoid
A Copeland
Bessie & I
Bessie & I were at Alex Copelands funeral a.m. was buried
at our Church
Mary & Charlie were here for tea
Was at Convention at Cookstown p.m. A Lennox was chosen
without opposition
Bessie helped quilt at Mr. J. Sutherland
Made bin in cellar for potatoes Was at Meeting of renting
committe of warehouse at night Coleman & T Couse $215 each
2 Was to town p.m. & got deed of village lot from D.H, Coleman
& Wife
Wm Copeland was here at night
9 MEMORANDA: got deed of village lot 12 John & Elizabeth
Street, Cookstown
10
Bessie & I were at Richard Hill Senr funeral
15
Fired some bushheap in South Side of bush a.m. wind
changed & I got over 30 rods of fences South & each of bush
burned
16
Checking fire all day
17
Went to bush before breakfast hhd dinner at home & then in
bush till after night Checking fire - done no harm since
Thursday
18
Checking fire in bush
weather dry
not running
Page 105
Wm, R. Coleman of Innisfll Township Diaries
Year 1908 con't
Oct.
19
Checking fire b y digging Bessie left crock for butter
with Mrs J. S p.m.
Hill finished threshing
20 Was to bush a.ra. fire about out
first since 14
Still very dry
Was to town p.m.
21 Went to the bush at 9 came back at 3 went at 5 & stayed till 7
Checking fire kept busy but no danger days fine nights cold
22
Was to the bush morning & evening Was to town p.m. bright
cool dry weather ground so hard many people can’t plow
23
Trimmed some trees in the bush & wrote some fine day
rain wanted very much
24
At home trimmed up some in bush
ground
Light rain p.m.
Saw one spot of fire in
29 Was to town & saw Nicol who got home from the west yesterday
morning
very thick fog
could not see the ground one rod
in front of the mare at 11 a.m.
Dec.
10
Was to Mary Taylors & took her to town & paid her taxes
had cutter Sleighing thin
25
Christmas
Bessie & I went to Charlies a.m. Herb & Henry
Fountain & his two boys came there last night poor sleighing
28
Herb went back to Palmerston this mg
to town p.m. had the buggy mild
30
Took H. Fountain to town morning for Fergas Some soft snow
& some rain morning Bob Gilroy was buried to day
Henry Fountain & I were
31 At home all day Geo Parks was here for their saw not very
cold flurries of snow better sleighing than wheeling ground
not quite covered
Mark Beardsail & Wife of Elmvale came
to Agnew & say that snow is very deep up there. H. Fountain
went to Fergus yesterday morning to have an operation & left
Harry here & Bertrand at Lefroy. Harry is asleep on the
couch 10-50 p.m. & Bessie is fixing the fire for the night
Good bye old 1908 Agnews are in the other part of the house
Herb operated on H. Fountain at Fergus for rupture
Page Hi
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1909
Jan.
1 At home all day Bessie Harry Coleman Fountain & I
not very cold better wheeling than sleighing
9 Was to twon noon Mary-Mabel & Baby Rae & Bertrand
Fountain were here p.m. left about 7-
Feb.
1 Was to town a.m. Charlie came here a.m. & He & I took
H. Fountain & his two boys to Lefroy a.m. & to Station at
6 p.m. for home in Manitoba
14
Valentines day
16
Was to town p.m. James Connor - Sask - & Ida Parks were
here at noon
Heavy snow fall p.m.
18
Took Herb to town a.m. & he operated on Henry for piles
I walked home p.m. had the cutter Lena Sutherland was here
19
Left Herb at Station this morning for Palmerston
28
Bessie & I were to Church a.m.
Evangelist - preached
March 17
Rev. Bennet Anderson -
Went to town to attend meeting of warehouse Co. p.m. There
was none only Dr. Buchanon Frank Coleman & I
pretty cold
a.m. Judge Gowan died aged 74 years
28 MEMORANDA: 54 Anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. Feildsends marriage
April 12
May
Harry Coleman & Maud Graham were married in Church this p.m.
4 Was to town p.m. library day part of road dry
patches of fresh snow yet cool
some
13
Was to town noon fine day roads good
foot was taken off in Hospital
Allen Grahams
19
Was to Town a.m. Nicol left for west - second time
day
Mrs Wallace is here & at Agnews
24
finished planting potatoes
Bessie & Mrs Agnew were to
town Evening cool & dry Mrs Sutherland senr is 90 years
to day
fine
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1909 con’t
June
July
22
At home Brought two loads old rails from bush with Gyp
on stoneboat a.m. Rain p.m. very warm saw first
lightning bug
23
hauled some old rails from bush pasture fence & was to
town
warm Presbyterian Garden Party tonight
1
42nd anniversary of Dominion
8
Cut some thistles on road = doing my road work = hear
Mrs Clarkson is very low weather too dry
9
finished cutting thistles on road a.m. and was to town
a.m. Edgar Moir repaired barn roof a.m.
10
At home - good heavy rain this p.m. which was much needed
Bessie & Mrs Agnew were to town p.m.
13
Was to town evening Mrs Agnew was with me cool & dry
R.J. Coleman went to Barrie to have operation for rupture
16
At home Bessie & Mrs Agnew picked the cherries on lot in
town
had rain thunder & lightning
Herb Ross was here p.m.
21
At home Bessie & X had no horse to go to garden party at
Knowles = Gyp having a foal - went to townline and saw the
Siderodrome - take about 100 on 2 wagons with 3 seats
lenthwise on each wagon
MEMORANDA: Siderodrome 2 traction Engine drawing 2 wagons
to Garden party at Knowles had about 100
passengers
28 Was to town p.m. walking fine day
H. Rankin & Letitia
Parks were married & started for Manitoba
Aug.
1 At home - Bessie & I - 76th Anniversary of my birth
6 Was to town p.m. had Gyp first time since foaling
8th July Quite warm had letter from H. Fountain with news
of birth I think on 29 July
8 MEMORANDA: 90° in Shade - 93 in Toronto
Sept.
2 Was to town p.m.
21
dry & cool frost last night weighed 152 lbs
Charlie left for the west this morning Bessie & I came
home p.m. we picked some wild grapes a.m.
Page 11
Page 111
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1909 con’t
Oct. 10 At home Richard was here p.m.
lent him my maps of N.W.
13 Was to town p.m. & consulted Dr. Rounthwaite re Kidney
trouble
very cold wind
Nov.
3 Was to town p.m. & sawed some wood
Charlie got home from
Gittysburg he left for there 21st Sept.
15 MEMORANDA: J.R. Graham fell down outside back stairs of
Leadlogs & was killed to night
18
At home J.R. Graham was buried at Alliston
his neck was broken
. Drs. say
29 Went to Bradford & had mortgage to Goodwin rearranged
Dec.
19 At home on the hill Bessie & I Mrs Hill called p.m. &
Bessie went home with her
cold=20 below freezing at
noon 24 below freezing at night
Year 1910
Jan *
5 Was to town p.m. good sleighing Mild & soft at night
a piece of glass 22 inch long 9 inches in centre blew
out of window on our bed last night
12
MEMORANDA: Ed Arnold & Frankie McGowan were married
13 Was to town a.m. Sleighing good Robt McMaster was
killed in Spindlas Swamp tree fell on him
14
At home too stormy to go to town Mrs John Patterson was
buried at the Church
milder at night
27 Was to town noon soft morning - colder p.m.
repaired pump perhaps last time
28
Pascoe
MEMORANDA: Mrs Agnew brought me in a pitcher of Thick
cream
a present
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 11;
Year 1910 con't
Feb. 11 Was at meeting in town hall p.m. when delegates from
Agriculture College gave lecture on agriculture stock
judging
27
At home wrote to Lizzie
2nd baby born, a Girl
Quite soft
Mrs J.T. Agnews
March 14 Was at burial of Mrs Allingham at the Church a.m.
strong wind
very
24 Was to town p.m. fine warm day good wheeling most all the
way Mrs H. Graham buried aged 76
April
5 Was to town a.m. trimmed up some in bush p.m. Mrs Hill
helped Bessie repair plaster upstairs p.m.
warm
6 Was to town a.m, & to David Raineys funeral p.m. age 78
May
14
Sawed & split some mill slabs a.m. was to town p.m.
finished painting our bedroom
fine spring day
20
Sawed & split some slabs Was to town p.m. very heavy
rain last night Frank Coleman was married
MEMORANDA: Frank Coleman was married to Miss Tucker
8 At home - Bessie & I, Gowin Coleman was here p.m. fine
day Jno Hill & wife had our buggy at Neilrys funeral
MEMORANDA: got up at 3-15 this morning to see the Comet
could not see it
20 At home rained p.m. & night
Public holiday
June
Bessie
King Edward VII was buried
24
At home (Victoria Day) fine warm day
comet tonight
could not see the
25
Bessie & I were at Olive Kidds funeral p.m.
27
Was to town p.m. Saw Halleys comet just now 10-10 p.m
a little south of west
16
Cookstown civic holiday Was to town evening for mail
first head of new wheat in J. Hills field
17
Moulded the potatoes Was to town evening very warm
MEMORANDA: very warm - 98 in shade 104 in the Sun at noon
cold wind
Saw
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1910 con't
June
28
Was to town a.m. finished filling around bridge
making stone boat p.m. Herbs wedding day
commenced
29 Was to town a.m. finished making stoneboat p.m.
MEMORANDA: R.J. Agnew was married
July
Aug.
Sept.
1 Was at Old Boys Reunion & Dominion day celebration in
town p.m. dry warm weather
17
At home on the hill Bessie & I
fine day
MEMORANDA: Mrs Chapman died at T. Fishers
20
Bessie & I were at garden Party in Agricultural Park
first G party there
27
Was to Barrie re Agnew leaving farm & had Gyp went by
Thornton returned by sideroad fine day & good roads
29
Was to John Agnews & left with wife re giving up the farm
J. McGowan was here at night to rent it
8 Was to town p.m. fine day Agnew was to Lombards re renting
farm
Mrs Agnew is in Elmvale
9 Was to town p.m.
farm to rent
Oct,
quite cold wind
Agnew is looking for
12
Was to town noon cut some wood at house
cool & dry
7-45 Bessie is at J. Hills
MEMORANDA: had letter from Ernest Saskatoon R C Hospital
23
sawed some limbs
Elderberry wine
Was to town p.m.
Bessie is making
11 Was to Barrie consulting Lennox & got 2 copies of
statistics
Came to Lefroy & stayed all night
12 Went to Bellewart a.m. & came home - was to town evening
quite cold
made oath of allegiance to King George V
MEMORANDA: Mrs Sutherland died aged 91 years
14
At home a.m. Bessie & I were at Mrs J Sutherlands funeral
p.m. aged 91 years & some months
15
James Givens was here to rent this farm a.m. Bessie & I were
to Frank Lusons funeral at Church p.m. Mary & Charlie came
here from Palmerston
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1910 con't
Oct.
Nov.
21
drove to Barrie & Harry went on train to get advice from
Lennox re getting rent from Agnew
cold
roads good
25
Was to twon a.m & brought Weymouth here & seized on Agnews
grain
was to town p.m.
26
Was to town a.m. & again p.m. Agnew sold first of his
barley to H. Couse
the money to be paid to me
27
MEMORANDA: Willie Copeland paid half years to night $225
17
Was to town a.m. Neither Sleighing or wheeling
Mrs Hill
was here tonight Couse refused to pay the Agnew order
MEMORANDA: Saw a dead wolf & deer in town Nicol got home
from the west 2nd time
21 Was to town a.m. about half sleighing
me a Summons p.m. re feeding straw
S. Gilroy brought
23 Was to town a.m. Weymouth sold Agnews binder & one cow
for rent due 1st inst Charlie & Mary are here
Charlie
is to town now 6.40 p.m. Most all wheels going
24
Charlie & I were to town a.m. had lawsuit with Agnew
in town p.m Charlie was with me was beaton roads muddy
26 Walked to twon a.m. roads hard & rough Mabel Kenneth &
Roy came & took Mary home at night
MEMORANDA: served notice of appeal on J.T. Agnew
Charlie
went to Barrie & consulted Lennox re Agnew
lawsuit
Dec.
6 Was to town
George Cook was buried at Lewis bg ground
9 Was to town then to F Sinclair then to town again Agnew
took his wagon & buggy away ~ very cold Sleighing good
10 Was to town a.m. got load of hay from J.R.Fisher Mary
was here
went home at night took mare home from Hills
cold very cold
MEMORANDA: was served with Writ of summons re Agnew case
Agnew took Dexter (Charlies Horse) out of stable
& tied it to fence
12 Was to town noon & paid my taxes
cold
13
Went to Barrie & saw Lennox re Writ of Summons
on me good sleighing
was served
17
Was to twon p.m. H. Barnes repaired not so cold Bessie is
at Hills 8:35 p.m.
MEMORANDA: Put cutter in woodshed & Agnew took it away left
it back in night time outside I took it away to
Page 116
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1910 con’t
Dec.
21 Was to town Agnew would not let me put cutter in shed or
north barnfloor
24 Went to town at night for Bessie & Mrs Hill who were to
Barrie - Willie reached town from Manitoba & went to Barrie
& from there to Lefroy
25
Xmas Bessie & I were to Harry Colemans a.m. whose Baby
is dead & to Lefroy after & met Willie there
Year 1911
Jan.
4 At home & have a cold - Willie is at Skating carnival in
town
Agnew is moving out
5 At home Willie went to town p.m.
today
very cold
6 Willie & I were to twon p.m.
Monday
cold
9
11
Agnew took family away
saw Fraser re trial next
Was at Lawsuit at Alliston with Agnew
J. Hill & Willie were there
Very stormy day
At home Willie was to twon
Agnew hauled last load of his
cut oats
Some rain & some snow
13 Was to town noon Bessie & Willie went to Lefroy p.m. for
foal mild
Agnew took away last of his implements
16
At home Willie went to Lefroy at night W Donnelly & Son
came & rented this farm = five years from 1st March next
20
At home a.m. Willie & I were to town p.m.
Signed lease of this farm for 5 years
24
Bessie & I were to town p.m. Was at J Donnells wakehouse
Wesley is dead
Willie went to Palerston
roads slippery
26
Was to town p.m.
31
Was to twon noon Saw Harry & D Hopper about sending papers
to H. Lennox
Not so cold some snow
got bag of oats
from Couse
soft
W. Donnelly & I
Wesley Donald was buried
Page 11
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1911 con’t
Feb.
1 Was to town p.m. cold east wind Bessie was quilting at
Clarksons p.m. Not home yet 8,45
roads slippery
2 At home too cold to go to town
milk 6,40 p.m.
Bessie is to Hills for
4 Was to twon p.m. Mr & Mrs Hill & Mr, & Mrs Clarkson were
here for tea
MEMORANDA: messers Clarkson & Hill were valuing loss by
Agnew
9 Was to Copelands re having stable floors made of cement
was to town after
10
Was to town p.m. Jno Hill was with me Settled with
J. Fraser - Lawyer
pretty cold good sleighing
17
Was to town p.m. Saw Fraser re costs at Alliston
Weller was with me he is to town tonight mild great
snow banks on townline
18
Was to Barrie on train & saw Lennox re Agnew case
drove me to Station & home again
23
At home
funeral
Willie
Charlie & Mary called coming from Herb Ross boys
March 11 Went to Barrie & was examined by Bob Agnew re Agnew acct
& I was examined by Mr. Lennox
13
Was to Bank a.m. re Bank dr ast to Ernest from Wilkie
fine day
fair wheeling
17
Was to town p.m. Milder - light snow Assessor was here
Pump froze last night
24 Was to twon p.m. & got 11 fowl from Wm Stoddart
each
Some of road dry
30
April 10
21
At home fed themares &
bird
Cold p.m* & night
60 cents
the hens ~ have 10 hens & a male
Mrs Hill brought mail evening
At home a.m. wasto town p.m. Most of roads dry
sunny day
MEMORANDA: Jas Dinwoody Jr was buried this p.m.
bright
At home a.m. Wm Donnelly & I were to town p.m. I gave him
Lease for fives years of this farm (on the Hill)
Win. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 11
Year 1911 con't
May
11
Bessie went to Lefroy this morning I went with her to Lot
No 8 was also No 7
at home p.m. Very strong wind p,m.
Thunder Showers evening alone to night
17 Was to town a.m. Bessie is housecleaning yet = fine day
Bessie set first hen
MEMORANDA: Bessie fell off chair set on table when house
cleaning & hurt her heel & ankle
June
2 Was to Barrie by train CP McLennan not meat Lennox & Cowans
office re coming suit with Agnew
fine day
6 At home wrote A.J. Palmer
here cold drilling rain
Charlie took the Census
9 Was to town a.m. walking cut & split some wood after
Agnew had summons served on Bessie
12 Was to town a.m.
*Note:
W. Donnelly plowed garden
That is the last entry for 1911. In the memoranda section
in the back of the diary, he writes:
June 1911 - Verdict given against me in Barrie
for $339.00
Year 1912
Jan.
1 At home on the hill Bessie & I Ernest went to town at
night
Brother Henry is very low Not good sleighing
this winter yet
4
At home
Ernest sawed some Mill cuttings & drove Birdy
on the lines - not good sleighing yet
D Sutherland was
operated on for kidney trouble had one removed
7 At home on the hill Bessie Ernest & I Mrs. Clarkson
was here p.m. very cold I have an attack of bronchitis
Very hard cough
8 At home - Ernest went to town evening
this morning
D. Sutherland died
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 11*
Year 1912 con't
Feb.
1 At home fine & mild
Bessie & Ernest were to town p.m.
Brother Henry passed away at 4.55 p.m. Bessie in town
was there
- I weighed 138 lbs,
2
Ernest took me to town p.m.
He was Born April 1st. 1848
3
Bessie-Ernest & I were at Brother Henrys funeral p.m. also
Mary & Charlie they are here tonight
Twins - two
Boys- Born to Frank Coleman last night - Henry was buried
by the Masons
Saw Brother Henrys corpse Mother died in 1851
6 At home - Ernest & I, Bessie is at Lefroy Ernest feeds
J. Hills stock He went to Toronto to have an operation
on his nose. T. Trotter brought me 37-#10 nut coal from
R.J. Coleman at $7 per ton
7 At home on the hill Ernest drove Birdy (coming 3) to town
2nd time
John Hill had operation on nose by Dr Goldsmith
Toronto
Ernest is doing their chores
March
10
36-below at Lefroy
At Lefroy Bessie & I too cold to come
home & roads drifted
J. Hill came home from Toronto
4
At home - Wm Donelly & Wife were here
Ernest brought Mary
Ellen Anderson from the station p.m he had Birdy 2 yr old
filly to town a.m.
5
Ernest & I were to town a.m. & done some business in Bank
Ernest was to home place p.m. it is empty
He and Mary
Ellen are to Richards now 7.40 p.m.
fine day
9
Charlie took Ernest to town morning for Saskatchawn his
second visit home since he went there in 1908 Mary Ellen is
here
Charlie & Mary went home p.m. I weighed 144 lbs.
10 At home Bessie & I & Mary Ellen Anderson
for Sask yesterday morning via of Toronto
Ernest left
18
Was to Wm Sutherlands & Mortons a.m.
snow sinking
23
Was at Warehouse Meeting p.m.
out all old Directors
25
John Robert Fisher & I went to town p.m. & I rented him the
home farm for 5 years at $400 for first year & $450 pr year
for rest of the term
deep pitch hole & some bare spots mild
April 10
re renting the farm
Canadian Grain Company left
got telegram that Herb has appendect. Was to town p.m. had
whels 2 time this Spring snow very deep on part of townline
Went to town p.m. phone Mary to come over She & Charlie
came that night
Page 12
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1912 con’t
April 11
May
got telegram morning that Herb was operated on yesterday
for appendicetis
Went to town & phoned to our Mary to
go to him Charlie left Mary at Station morning for Palmerston
12
Herb Ross was here morning with word that Herb was doing
nicely
Was to town p.m. Ernest commenced to sow wheat
to day in Sask
13
Brother Richard was here a.m. & went to town with me p.m.
had card from Mary that Herb is doing well
Willie Copeland
came here tonight & paid me the balance of rent
22
Was to town a.m. Signed my application for grant to
Volunteers of 1866 - Mary brought Mabel here to stay till
Bessie comes from Palmerston
17
At home ~ on the hill George Graham & Mcol Coleman brought
the horses home p.m. They were at Brooms
23 Was to J.R. Fishers - Tenant on Oakdale Farm a.m.
to town Quite warm roads muddy
31
June
July
Aug.
thence
Bessie & I were to town p.m. fine day Convention in town
to day for Federal house W at Boys was Choison
5 Planted some potatoes north of Path
Bessie was to Mrs
D. Sutherlands p.m. Cool
Frank Bateman & Ellen Parks
were married
22
Kenneth & I sawed a few sticks of wood
I took him to centre of swamp fine day
taken to Barrie Hospital evening
16
Trimmed up some in bush a.m. was to town for the mail p.m.
Horse races in town Longboat didn’t come not very warm
he went home evening
Mrs Clarkson was
1 At home - Mary & Ray came here a.m. & went home evening
M Donnelly finished cutting wheat a.m.
heavy rain p.m.
This is the 79th anniversary of my birth
I have fairly
good health but not strong
5
Sawed some wood a.m. was to town p.m. cool Mrs Clarkson
was brought from Barrie Hospital in Ambulence
6 At home - on the Hill was to see Mrs Clarkson at night
doing well
W.Donnelly & man (James Whittle) commenced
hauling his wheat here Lord Strathcona is 92 years old today
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1912 con’t
Aug.
23 Was to town p.m. rain shower a.m. got checque for $100
Fenian Raid Services
Charlie was here evening
26 Was to town a.m. heavy rain & some hail p.m. Herb-Wife
& Son Bert were here when I came from town
Herb went to
town at night
Sept. 3 Bessie & I were to town p.m. Bessie went to Jess Moirs
& paid him his witness fees p.m.
fine day
5 Was to town p.m. Saw Dr Rounthwaite re hard lump at inner
corner of eye
very warm
Oct.
7 Was to Wellington Webbs on 7th line a.m. re buying bush
timer a.m.
8 Mr Webb came here p.m. & we went to the bush & he valued
what timber in the bush (except the cedars) at $300
(Just for what would make lumber)
A. Arnold repaired
the stove p.m.
Nov.
17
raised some potatoes a.m. tripped on board in cellar &
fell on my nose on ground & cut it
18
laid up with sore nose Bessie raised & picked some potatoes
Donnelly &men finished raising theirs
20 At home on the hill.
my will
Alex Cowan came here p.m. & altered
29 Was to town p.m. & saw Fraser re Donnellys taking Sheaf oats
he says they can’t
Sarah Moir died last night - heart
failure - Mable McLennan & Miss Whan are here for night
Dec.
18
At home - repaired bridge to stable from barnyard Bessie
was to J. Sutherlands p.m ordering a goose for xmas. Sam
Donnelly took his two fillies away
19
Was to town p.m. Mrs. Jno Sutherland brought a goose here
11% lbs at 14 cents some snow last night wheels & runners
going
Page 12
Page 12
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1913
Jan.
1 At home Ernest got home from Saskatchewn 21
6 Mrs. Clarksen died last night Bessie & I went there this
evening She & Ernest are there now at Service held at 8 p.m.
March
17
At home on the hill
Bessie & Ernest were to see Harry
Colemans Wife & Baby boy her 2nd
28
At home- Mary came here noon & is there tonight Ernest
was to town p.m. he is out driving now 8.15 - more
buggies going than cutters
pretty cold
3 At home
died
Bessie & I Ernest is at Lefroy
John Wallace, Flos
8 At home Bessie, Ernest, Mary Ellen Anderson & I
Ernest
put up Post for mail box a.m. & was to town evening Mild
to day
April
May
10
Mary took Ernest to Station for Druid Sask his 3rd trip there
Mary went home
Mary Ellen Anderson is here
13
Was to town noon Ida Parks too M E Anderson away p.m. This
is the second time I was to town this year
roads muddy
some ice warm snow going fast
18
At home Bessie & I Mild not cold
was here assessing
28
Was to town & Donnely man had cutter Ice Bright morning
light flurries of snow Herb Ross was here evening to say
good bye
He is going to Edmonton
Assessor R. M Conkey
7 Was to town noon & brought home Rural mail delivery mail
box
roads pretty muddy not very cold
10
At home on the hill rained lightly most all day quite
cold rain
got first mail in our Rural mail delivery mail
box
Ho snow in sight from here
25
At home Bessie went to Lefroy for 100 lbs Sugar that Mary
had bought for us
24
Planted first of late potatoes Marys Children Mabel & Ray
came here a.m.
Ellen Taylor nee Elliott & Hatty Richmond
nee Elliott
The 2 latter here tonight
a
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Page 12
Year 1913 con?t
June
July
6 Frank Coleman & Wife & Mary & Ray came here from Lefroy a.m.
Frank, Ray & I were to town p.m.
Frank & Wife & Mary were
to Richards & Harrys p.m. They went to Lefroy evening had
very heavy shower of rain evening
14
Was to town p.m. Then to Wm Gardnus for potatoes Lot 9 Conl4
Gwillimbury but gone
15
Alone here Bessie is gone to Lefroy
here fine day
29
At home on the hill Mr Humphry of Toronto left Irene Coleman
here a.m. with Automobile a.m. Richard was here p.m.
warm day
Donnellys are plowing
30 Was to see John Reiny who was hurt yesterday by being
Skared by an Auto
Bessie & Irene was to John Sutherlands
evening
Aug.
Sept*
1 Went to Richards and got them to come here for dinner
Mary & Mrs Ray were here too
This is the 80th anniversary
of my birth Am 80 today fine day
12
Was to town a.m. Bessie & Irene were to Harry Colemans
p.m. fine dry day (Harry Coleman on the farm)
18
got a letter from Wilton today saying that Henry was Hailed
out almost completely on 3 inst
Was to town noon
22
Bessie - Irene & I were at Richards 71st anniversary of his
birth also Mary & Charlie & Harry & Wife Mary & Charlie
were here all night
Very heavy rain a.m & p.m.
30
At home Bessie got bushel of mixed henfeed from Harry
Coleman a.m. 93cents
1 Herb left this morning for Toronto via of George Town I
got J Sutherland to value two colts ~ He valued the
hackney 2 years past at $100 the Alcianean one year old
at $70
21
On the hill Bessie & I - have good health but not strong
27 Was to town p.m.
Isaac Bollock was burned*?this p.m
*
cool & fair
Page 12
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1913 con!t
Oct.
9 At home Quite warm heavy thunder evening While dozing
in bed this morning thought I heard Father cal me William
28
Nov.
At home H. Barns & Man repaired pump
cold wind today
Rain Last night
3 At home J.R. Fisher came here and paid me a half years
rent $225.00 no snow in sight
4 When I arose this morning I almost fell from lightness in
my head
not sick but dizzy weak Mrs & Miss Sutherland
was here at night
6 At home Bessie was to town a.m. Took first 2 pills of
Dr. Tyrotts
Lynotts Kidney pills today
18
Dec.
Was to town noon
roads good
Met Albert Campbell in town
Wind cold
5 At home bright sunny day Herb sent me 30 Bectal Conaids
for kidney trouble used one
19
I got a letter from Nicol this morning that Lizzie & her
two girls were there (in town) I got A Banting to phone
to Mary & she came here before 8 p.m. I brought Lizzie
& girls here p.m. first time to use cutter Sleighing
good I brought them here p.m.
20
Lizzie & Mary was to twon for Lizzies trunk p.m. & went
to Lefroy after
Ernest came here about 10 p.m from Sask
Frank Coleman, Toronto sent me bottle of Port wines
22
Was to Richards to see Harvey who is sick a.m. -small poxMable McLennan brought Lizzie & Bessie - her Daughter here p..m.
Ernest was to town p.m. Wheels & runners gained
23
At home Ernest, Lizzie & Esther are here
went to town all night
26
At home - Dr. Rounthwaite came here & vaccination Ernest
a.m. pretty cold
27
Herb, Wife & two children came here from Palmerston
met them at the Station fair sleighing
30
Ernest left Herb & family at Station morning
are to J Sutherlands now 8.30 p.m, mild
Ernest & Lizzie
Ernest
He & Lizzie
31 At home - Ernest Lizzie Daughter Bessie are here Lizzie
& Ernest went to town at night Sleighing not very good
Good Bye 1913
A
Page 12
Wm, R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914
Jan.
Feb.
28
At home Bessie-Ernest & I
Soft snow melting
Had his Baby Jack here this morning
2 At home Ernest
Hy Coleman
is Out driving since morning 8-40 p.m. mild
3 At home Ernest took Lizzie & her two girls to Station
going to Palmerston fine mild day
4
At home Ernest was at R Thompsons Sale p.m.
now
fine day
9 Ernest went to dont know where Very cold wind
horses at Stach day time & stable at night
is to town
have our
10
Was at home farm a.m. re Fisher getting timber & he was
here p.m. Said he would Exatnin the farm
13
At home Lizzie & Ernest are to The Valentine Social in
the town hall to night Quite cold sleighing
18
At home Bessie Lizzie 2 girls Ernest was at Chris
Campbells Sale to day He Is out now fine day & good
sleighing
19 Went to Dr Rounthwaite morning tongue it was partly paralysed
yesterday morning
My tongue was partly paralysed yesterday
morning, saw Dr. Rounthwaite this morning
March
22
Have bronchitis
Dr forbids going out of door
25
At home, fine day Mr & Mistress Park were here p.m. Ernest
& Charlie took Lizzie & her 2 girls Esther & Bessie to
town at night to start for home via way of Alliston
9 At home - not well Very uneasy fidgety
weighed 138 by Wilton
March 9 1914 I
17
At home Ernest went to Sunnidale
was here Sun bright wind cold
Mr & Mrs Parks & Richard
18
Mary & Charlie came here evening Ernest was married at
Sunnidale He & Wife came here at night wheels & runners
going fine day
20
Ernest too Mary Ellen his wife to town going to her fathers
at Mansfield Albert Reiny Wm Sutherland were here wheels
& runners going fine day
22
Ernest & Ellen was to Richard
Mrs. H. Rankin & R Jones
was here
Mrs Jess Moir & Daughter town at night
Page 12
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con’t
March 23
April
Ernest & Wife left for home evening Mary & Mabel came
here p.m. fine day Mary here tonight Mabel went home
very ill Dr here
25
Not so well Dr here
rainy
commenced house cleaning
27
Not very well Mary is here with us She was to town p.m.
Herb & Dr Rounthwaite came here in the evening to see me
28
Herb went home to Palmerston this morning fine warm day
fields baring road very muddy Mabel McLennan came here
evening
Mary went home
31
Micheal Allingham & Bros Robert do were here
was here
fine day
1
Feel much better
coming daily yet
Mary is here
have Bronchitis
road very bad
She & Mother
Dr Rounthwaite
Dr Rounthwaite is
2 Not so well to day some soft snow freezing to night
Rev. Slmen was here
Mary is here yet
3 about the same Donnellys brought their cows & other cattle
here
frost last night
fine day
snow at fences yet
5 Richard & Wife, Harry Coleman & Wife
Mrs George Moir were here
Wm Latimer assessor was here
7 Bessie Mary & I here
day fairly mild snow at fences yet
fine
10 Mary & Wray & Gilpen girl came here & Mable went home
Mrs Rankin & R Jones were here Sun bright wind cold
snow at some fences yet
11
Dr. Rounthwaite here this morning Says am about the same
Mary & Wray are here some snow at fences yet
Bessie
was at Richards
12 Mary & Ray are here & Jim Burns
sun bright
wind cold
17
Bessie & Jim Burns are here I took very nervous & weak
this a.m.
got all right p.m. Saw first Robins
fine
spring day
21
not very well this a.m. Mabel McLennan was here evening
Donnelly commenced sowing here oats Sold the town lot to
C. Campbell
fine day
22
feel better to day but mustnt go out in cold air
air wind cold
Jim was to town p.m.
23
At home R.J. Coleman sent us a load of coal James Stewart
of Toronto brought Mary here p.m. in his Auto They went back
again bright sun cold wind
Feel well to day
Sun bright
Page 12
Wm. R, Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con't
*Note:
entries in large type are written by Mary or otherwise
marked
April 24
May
1
June
J McKnight & C Campbell were here
Dr Rounthwaite was
here
very poorly all day (William)
26
Very unrestful & nervous
29
commenced lying in bed upstairs
walk around sometime
but not strong
come down to meals
Mary came at noon She & Jim went to town p.m.
30
In bed upstairs most of time
Mary is here
1
failing in strength
I come down to meals
3
Not so well a.m. Uncle Dick Aunt Letty, Mary &
Baby here for dinner,
Charlie & Ray came p.m.
4 Not very well a.m. had a bath p.m very warm & showery
Mrs Cousins here
Uncle Jim went to town bot
me a box of chocolates
card from Wilton
15
I feel better
didnt go to bed today
Bessie was to town p.m. fine day
walked some outside
29
pretty well
went with Jim in the morning for milk to
Harys (Harry Coleman) Bessie went to town
31
Not so well
in bed most of day
6 Jim took me to townline this morning I got tired but
stayed up all day
Mary came here a.m. She & Jim went
to town p.m. Jim & Mary went to town & Jim bought a coal
oil stove for Bessie
10
Jim took me to Lewises burying ground morning Frank Coleman
& wife & nephew come & Mary & June
Frank took Jim Burns
& I to town p.m.
13
feel well to day Herb & wife & their 2 children
here
Jim brought them from town
15
Left Herb & family at Station morning
felt well
came
was to town p.m.
16 Went to town morning for Dr Brown to see Jim who is ill
Dr Brown says it is heart trouble ails Jim
Page 121
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con't
June
25
July
1
13
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
1
Not strong this morning Jim drove me to Richards
well
rest of day
Bessie went to Richards & took Lettie to
Parks to W,I. Meeting
Strong wind
Bessie & I were at Mrs Blacks funeral Charlie & Mary came
home with us & went home after
Charlie brought Emma & Louis
here from town
At home - not very well, feel weak
no celebration in town
Some rain at night
This is the 81st anniversary of my Birth day and weak but
not sick ~ Had Richard & Letty & Mary & Jim Burns for
dinner
Mary went home
fine day
22
2:15 pan. up since morning Bessie is in bed now tired
Jim is gone to town quite warm
feeling better
28
didn't sleep well last night weak this morning went to
bed a while a.m. Emma & I drive to Richards p.m. didn't
get out I feel weak
30
Emma is here H. Nicol Coleman was married to Lula Armstrong
yesterday by Rev Canon Murphy
19
At home Bessie Jim & I a.m.
21
Somewhat weak this morning Was in bed part of a.m. Jim
went to town p.m, for a chew of tobacco Quite warm
10 At home a.m. Bessie Jim & I I was to Mary Tayors p.m.
Jim went to town McCullough was here p.m. assessing
19 Weak this morning Herb & son Herbert Moore = came here at
night Jim broughtthem here
Got word that Sophia
(Coleman) got a stroke & not likely to recover
20
Nov.
Herb & Son Herbert Moore went home this morning
see me
Bessie is to Richards Misty Morning
8 At home on the hill
He came to
Tom Fisher died at 9 a.m. yesterday
Page 12!
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1914 con't
Nov.
18
Same as yesterday Louis & I went to town p.m Was at
Richards coming home
Very cold wind
feel pretty well
hurts legs & kneejoints to walk
20 Mabel McLennan & Miss Whan here p.m. Jim Burns came from
Lefroy
Louis & I went to town p.m. I was to Richards
Evening feel well this p.m. Good wheeling
Dec.
1 At home Bessie Emma Louis Jim Burns & I
& Ida Parks were here
Maud Coleman
21 At home not strong
Bessie - Wilt & Wife & son here They
are to Tipperary March in town to night
Snow drifting
Kenneth went home Will had the colt comeing 2
hitched
to Sleigh 1st time He went well
24
Wilton & Family (wife & son here)
dont feel so well this
morning Wilt had yearling colt to town to cutter first
time single he went well Wm R Chantler was here p.m.
re Bible Society
Year 1915
Feb.
6
In bed most all day Dr. Brown here afternoon
Bessie, Jim, Wilton & family here
beautiful
day
Wilton Louis & Jim were to town Written by Emma
7
In bed most all day Frank C & family here 3
children
Wilton & family here
a beautiful
day out sleighing good lots of snow
Written by Wilton
13
had breakfast in bed « down stairs till 7.55 p.m. fine
day walked a little outside
27
Had breakfast in bed dinner down stairs Dr. Brown was here
now 4 p.m. Wilton & family Wife & son here Jim Burns here
The Dr was to see Emma, Wilts wife
28
Breakfast in bed dinner & supper down stairs Harry Coleman
& wife were here Wilton & Wife & son ** Jim Burns is here
Gave Hy Coleman some Provincial Statutes
Page 13!
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1915 con’t
March
2 had breakfast in bed down stairs rest of day Mary is
here tonight Wilton & family are here Emma is ill
bright sun Strong wind Mary here
3
Wilton & Mary took Emma to Simcoe Hall in Allandale
on a stretcher she was very low quite cold
father in bed when we left got up for dinner &
tea
Written by Wilton
8
Sylvia Coleman is at Simcoe Hall, Allandale Wilt took
Emma there on 3rd too She is there now Bright sun cold
wind Emma is at Simcoe Hall, Allandale also Sylvia Coleman
9 Breakfast in bed downstairs rest of day
Burns here
I weighed 138 to day
Wilton & Jim
12
Louis & Wilton drove the colt to Holly after tea
gone to Allandale to see Emma fine with cool
N W wind Breakfast in bed down rest of day
Bessie some better She was very sick with the
Gripp
written by Wilton
15
Breakfast in bed down for a big dinner & a good
big supper Wilton & Louis Home
Emma improving
nicely
Wilton had the buggy to town p.m.
very
warm
Written by Wilton
24 Weak breakfast in bed - p Bessie
*Note:
That is the last entry in this book. Another book marked 1915
starts on March 23
March 23 & 24 entries possibly written by Wilton
March
23 Wilton went to Allandale to see Emma
sunroom al p.m.
24
April
She was out in
Wilton & Louis went to Toronto this p.m.
Druid at 10 p.m. via Chicago
7 Bessie, Jim & I had Bessie to town p.m.
was buried
8
they leave for
Alex McFadden
Breakfast in bed coming from the barn a.m. I walked forward
took weak & fell near the house
10
Breakfast in bed
17
Breakfast in bed p.m. Bessie downstairs rest of day
Bessie & Jim Burns here Jim was to town p.m. bright sun
MEMORANDA: Mary brought Emma to Lefroy with her Saturday
Eve from Simcoe Hall She looks fine
quite weak downstairs p.m.
Page 13:
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1915 con't
April
28
weak this morning but able to walk around some
the paper from the road
brought
29 About the same as yesterday cold wind walked outside some
had letter from Ernest dated Druitt Sask Apr 23
May
June
14
Was at Richards morning driving Breakfast down stairs
feel pretty well was to Richards morning Mary - Mabel
& Ray Emma & Sister Mrs McKay of Toronto & Frank Rogerson
in Frank Auto - cold wind
28
Bessie & I were to Charlies Lefroy Met Frank Coleman & Wife
from Toronto there - he had his auto there & took us all
for a drive to the village along the lake I stood the
drive well
8
Willie came from Brandon to Lefroy 1:20 p.m.
Mary
brought him over Herb & Bert came off night train
Fleury Dick passed away 10 o c p.m. per Mary
it was at Richards that Fleury (Dick) died
-Harry Coleman
9 Herb went awa this a.m. for Palmerston I was down stairs
& feel some stronger Bessie was to see Bob Coleman
(Fleurie ) corpe at Harries
Willie left for Montreal
July
10
Bessie & I were to see Richard Colemans corpse a.m. at
Harrys Willie was to be in Montreal to day
12
Bessie, Jim & I here can walk around fairly well Mrs
Frank Coleman of Toronto came here morning & stayed till
p.m. also Mrs Taylor (nee Ellen Elliott) were here too
10
J.W. Parks was here fine day Johny Moir died & was buried
at St. Johns Church on the 12th
11
C P McLennan & his cousin Lizzy Moir were here
12
at Richards not able to go to Barrie, The Lodge went
(Orange Lodge) Johny Moir was buried at the church (English
Church-St. Johns)
15
At home all day & downstairs (Bro -Bessie & I were to see
Richard p.m.) Soreness in chest Richard has
25 At home rather weak
Richards May & Gowan got home from West
Page 13
Wm. R. Coleman of Innisfil Township Diaries
Year 1915 con’t
Aug.
1
82 years old to day at home all day on the hill but weak
but not sick
Bessie was to Richards after tea
he is
some better but weak Jim Burns is here Gowan & Sister
May got here from Manitoba
6 Ogle Coleman came from the West
*Note:
13
Uncle Richard passed away about 10p.m.
was
unconscious since Wednesday All the family
were with him but Bob
-Mary
14
Charlie & I came over to Uncle Richards in Eve
came up here about 10
15
Uncle Richard is Burying this p.m.
Raining hard
Mother, Uncle & Chas are gone to funeral - Father
& I here alone
he is very weak
-Mary
the last entry in this book is August 20
20
*Note:
Dec.
pretty weak to day very warm
& I Jim is gone to town p.m.
sunshine
Bessie, Jim Burns
the last entry Wm. R. Coleman wrote is in the first 1915 Diary
26
Gowan & Mr Donnelly here to day
& Williams all at home
Ernest & Ellen Jim Bessie
William R. Coleman passed away
on Thursday, December 28, 1916
age
83 years.
APPENDIX
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1892
Wm. Evans bricked house at Oakdale in April 1873
Births: (Wm. R. Bros & sisters)
Eliza
Sept. 28
1826
W.J. (Yank)
July 27
1852
Robert
Aug.
24
1829
Richard
June 14
1855
William
Aug.
1
1833
Kate
May
31
1858
Ann Jane
Mar.
11
1836
James Burns
Oct
27
1844
David
Dec.
8
1839
John N Burns
May
27
1841
Richard
Aug.
22
1842
Mrs Wallace
Aprl
3
1836
Henry
Apr.
1
1848
W.R.Coleman Jr Jan 14
1887
Thos. Coleman
1845
Nov 30
Deaths:
1851 Age 56
William Coleman
1893 Age
July 14
1852
12
John Lynn
1893
Robert
Mar. 14
1859
30
David Lynn
1892
Father
June 21
1878
80
Uncle William
Oct. 24
1880
Eliza
Oct. 12
1891
65
Fred Coleman
June 21
1894
Ann Jane
Oct.
5
1892
56
Rebecca Coleman
Nov. 16
1898
Uncle Andy
June
8
1883
Mrs. Burns
Feb. 19
1896
Aunt Mary Ann
July
8
1893
W.J. Burns
Dec. 13
1896
1869
E.A. Fawcett
oAug. 5
1892
64
Mother
Aug.
David
4
Bessie Coleman Feb.
Aunt Jane
Sept 28
1892
Wm. Allingham
Mar. 15
1908
98
John Coleman
Jan
8
1873
John McLennan
Oct. 15
1902
68
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1892
Births: Grandchildren
March 16
Lizzie Walkerton
Fountain
McLennas
1898
Mabel Vivian
Oct
13
1896
14
1900
Herbert Kenneth
Oct
15
1898
Gertrude Violet
March 24
1902
Charles Douglas Ray
June 13
1907
Harry Coleman
May
21
1904
Ester Marian
June
21
1907
Mabel Irene
March 27
Wm Louis Bertand June
July 29
Wiltons boy,
1909
William David Louis, March 19, 1903
Nov. 19, 1888
James Jones died
Dec. 9
Miss Nettie Clarke died
1909
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1901 Diary
1874 -
Bought Port farm
1867 -
Dr Nicol came to village
1885 -
bought first binder
Council
1901
Reeve
Geo W Webb
Clerk
C Palling
$250.00
Councillor
H
W
R
R
Treasurer
Jas Black
150.00
Assessor
R.W. Sloan
110.00
Auditors
G.W. Black
Stanley Spillet
Grose
R Coleman
S Sutherland
J Hill
Council of 1902 by acclamation
Council -Grose, Coleman, Hill, Sutherland
G.W. Webb - Reeve
Deaths:
Mrs. Robert Coleman
(Bessie
Feb.
5
1869
Mrs Burns
Feb.
19
1896
1859
W. Jones
Sept. 1
1892
June 21
1878
Aunt Mary Ann
July
28
1893
Uncle Wm
Oct. 26
1880
John Coleman
Jan.
8
1873
Eliza
Oct. 12
1891
Grand Father
March
Aunt Jane
Sept 28
(Married to Wm)
1892
Uncle William
Oct.
26
1880
Alex Dexer
Nov.
3
1908
Ann Jane
Oct.
5
1892
Bro. Henry
Feb.
1
1912
Fred
June 21
1894
Rebecca
Nov. 16
1898
Mother
4
1851
David (Bros) July 14
(age 12)
1852
Robert (Bro) March 14
Father
Nov. 5, 1901
Aug.
Bessie & I moved into new house on the Hill
March 7, 1901
was at John Duffs funeral
Nov. 20, 1902
Henry Sloan aged 86 years
Aug. 3,
Mrs Sloan 84 years
1845
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1901 Diary
Births:
k
(Wm. R. Coleman children)
Elizabeth (Lizzy)
July 25
1870
David Ernest
Nov.
9
1871
Mary Edith
Nov. 9
1873
Henry Wilton
Oct. 12
1875
Herbert Burns
Jan. 17
1878
William Richard
(Willie)
July 14
1887
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1902 Diary
March 9, 1866
went with Cookstown Co. to Toronto R Banting,
Dr. Wilson, Parks, Robert Lewis, Donald Bannerman,
& I were billeted at W Irwins, Church Street (23)
was appointed Corporal
March 31
Came home from Toronto with the Company
was appointed Sergt)
Sat. June 2
left Cookstown with Co. &
to Port Dalhousie by boat
to Fort Eries
got there
taken to Port Cobourne 20
June 19
Started for home
came by Dunville - Stratford
and Berlin to Toronto got there at 11 p.m.
June 20
went Drill Shed morning to come home
for train & came home p.m.
went to Toronto thence
then took train & went
Sunday noon
15 were
miles from Fort Erie
was late
Births:
General Woolsley
June
4
1833
C. Cook
Aug. 19
1832
C. Palling
July 17
1833
Judge Boys
1833
E. Fawcett
1833
W.R. Coleman (self)
Aug.
1
1833
Rich Coleman (Fleury)
Feb. 29
1833
Feb. 25
got first 17cwt of coal $5.50
Apr. 14
burned last of it
(June 6
It lasted 1 month & 20 days & cost $5.50
11% cents a day
Nominated for Councillors for 1903
Reeve - H. Grose acclamation
Councilors - M. Konkey, Coleman, Hill, Sutherland, Esq Todd,
T. Stewart, Anson Black C. Northgate
The latter withdrew, I was defeated
Appendix
Notes of the front & back memoranda of the Diaries
1909 Diary
Aug. 28, 1906
Herb Started for Palmerston
1877 - Railway built through Cookstown
1877 - Harry built house
Aug. 4, 1882
D. Fisher cut wheat for me with binder
first binder on line
1881 - Well on hill dug 56 ft & pump cost $56.00
Sept. 21, 1909
Charlie left for the West
April 16, 1883
Jim Burns left at noon & went to W. Jones
-W. Evans
-Dec. 1884
bricked the house at Oakdale April 1873
Maggie Lynne of Picton was married
-At Convention at Beeton Sept. 3, 1906 on 5th ballot Fraser had 108
Ferguson 93, Hill 50; 6th Ballot Ferguson 134 Fraser 129
April 2, 1873
R Allingham married
Feb. 29, 1876
Richd & Letty were
-Railway made through Cookstown 1877
-(Red) Baker left here 1878
-Rev. Mr Fletcher came 1878
-Coleman Hotel burned 1879
-July 27th addition to Hill barn 1884
-April 22, Agnew & I measured South end of 50- 58^ rods
-April 3
commenced burning wood
-Dec. 9
commenced burning nut coal
-Feb. 17
enough snow for good sleighing first time this winter
-Feb. 24
Sleighing gone, good wheeling
-Dec. 3, 1892
Herb & I measured this farm North end
South end
1909 - South end 58^ rods
60 rods 6 ft 9 inches
0
58
15
r"The f o
i l { * * c li^ p lo g ^ p m l b o
Jooistdu^* *A<3 vacate ^ f ^ . 1 8 7 8 ' tb*^
bubflshedf 1)/ tfie J&te P.^J0b_. S tew art
rtjirsubject of'fhey&ttu&ry pra* fpthar
of^ eV h rs W , K . en d R ic h o r d .C o V o iB h
•‘
y *> ‘*-*
** }
v
^
ji, ‘
j"**,** ■*r*i^ ** ■** *
?- T,vh e su b ject
rat .
. ,o f _ib is^ in otice"
• _■_VIvas
*_•«„ i'-'b.o-.
in the C ou n ty o f D o n e g a l, Ireland!. In
z
-v ^ 1’
'**?**"'x-**■
^**»-*^'u*■
IVpS 'in a .w liih thSity*five year*^ old
em lgr^i-a to ib is' cpuntrjC ^wb b fe ia
;1 8 3 i k :' eft.'o^ o a th e p lace o ien fieri*
cd above L o t 2, C ou 2 . l o n is f il w n ich
-*V*<£-*•«.•Vr- V r;V.,; •: -> «.
'
was a t t b i t tim e a a ea sv fo rest. - l i i s
wifa. aad y e u n g fa m ily had,' w ith bltn
to uudet •sm'tlie b su a l h ard sh ip s ‘ in c ld ent^W the se ttle r s^ ! ife; ‘ g u b y h ard
Work "and d d !ig en e© jb e a*spe< t o f tb e ir
farm ]7ept pace w ith si! around.’*,' H is
in t c rest Vn \n e pi ace co n tl n u ed to' the
la s t;!:
I V* .
In 1837 (Urn R e b e llio n ) h is lo y a lty
was p q t tO the te^fc, and h e h ad th e
pleasure, o f tu rn in g put "as on e of". the
Hom e Q u o r d .^ v h c q n o t h i n g else w as
req p irtd l'-jjd ajf Ins 'labors • hfe^jwaa
ably sec ended oy h is lo v in g w ife and
Ip getbbr tTiby 'su vr a / great* im p r o y e m en t^ ia their su rro u n d in g s/ w l’Jh
every''prospect./-of en joyin g life*, for
many yearn; b u t in H151 ^hls. ~jpa.no or
was eulie.ct away, and - from th a tH ls r e
ri
’\ * } , * * •
't
A**-*1^ *,*^,**.,._ «♦““
h is hitereat wiis ja hie fam ily 7 and all
his energies pvere d ir e c te d _ for th e ir
wolfare, H e loaves b eh in d h ied ' tw o
daughters and three . sons to
-h *
*
”^“**♦ •**.
for a kind and lo v u ie
r;*>r
-V*
®\.-,
brouuys and one sister ah
him?-'iMr, Coleman, was one o f' thr.se
whole h e n led Iriia sons o r d d Irela n d
»j‘*:■*
' *’—
whose tios^itality made all who en tered
iiis rrsidoop’o feel at horns.' p H e~ w a s
ei'p.ipTiliCin _ o f . . h u d
wKat, Wj-rpew to h p 'r ig h t he'prkctTs^d
dally h o^ iV ^ever i c i d y 'id‘testify ' for
'th e M aster/-whom . h e delighted to
serve and in rick nose" or trials**‘never
lost faith in th a t T rieod th at1 sticke<h
ibaa a?b r o t ' H lk :3 d 'b e lg h - /'i
bors
iu bfghc?> -beraj$ ob*hi*
virtue^ Jfiu'ip 1114 feoehi r^uallti^W ^re
Second to no no. h a w;<s ono
We
n w y ca^novoj/m k'do';an*’ e n } ^ r j ^ b
gamed xbo good .w ilh o f klL* / T h a s /^
baa"gone fo bjs'pe.sV f o H j
W,p«i
io?Xoi,yt;
Mic Richard Oolcman., died at his re
sidence Xx>t 2, Ootx. 2, Innisfil, on the
Hist Inst, at the age of 79 ycxra. H e
'
horn In the County of Donegal, Xro t
'heed, in 1790, and when thlrtj-firo yorns
old emigrnied to thin country, whom In
1834 he settled on the pinco loenUon'cd
‘ »bo'TJ, which was at that tlrno’ a dense ]
forest. HU'wifo and young ftimUy hnd, I
t Hth him, to undergo the usual hardahlpa j
incident to tho sottlerU lifcj but by hard
1 vorh end diligence the nopoct of tholr
■firm kept pace with all around. In 1837
/he rebellion) bU loyalty wjuj put to !
tho tost, and ho turned out m ono of tho :
Home Guard, In all his labors ho was
ably seconded by hts loving ivifs, and to- „
gether they saw a great improvement In
their surroundings, with every prdspoct
of onjoylnn life for many years.
Ho
leaves behind him two daughters and
throo oona to mourn for ft kind ahd lav*
ing fathor; three brothers ami ono sis
tcv also survive hlrnl Mr, Oolomnn w hs
one of those whole -hen r tod, *tnu) bods of
old Ireland, rrhcoe hospitality made oil
who cntoi-cd hie residence
at Imrao,
He was Lrothfa! in ovei'y relation of life,
and what ho knew to be rightt ho praOtlsed dally
1
•--- --------
From the Barrie Northern j
A dvance,
J u ly
4,
1878
;
. ..,<AWUigS
...»*&m soilowfi ; At Aiiiut&alo,j
1 Mr, Juries Burton, Chairman. A veto
No, h, m the 3rd
gfidoaco
was
moved
by
A.
MiseampTownship
ol
ianbfii
_Fully 80
ark Dt rms BtsTRict.'—EvgRYTHiKS
traded by W. Lennox, and car-1 acres cfoorod; Good soil TermaUboral and
exooust
FJU£S«, F.HEK iiN.0 FULL,
At Victoria, Mr. A M. Morden, l>ri»
Full P^Uettkre can ba obtained
from
Deputy,
Hoove,
in
the
chair.
A
vote
of
* year#—* ixmiiuntru
JOHN MACDONALD & 00 ,
to have a lock-up.
■an; 3rd, I
confidence, moved by Thomas Hurkt, or
Toronto,
S tatjteh bow boasts two Banc Bail sooondod by Thomas Black, was carried.
JOHN a LUCAS,
beat 2 in
Churchill.
3.8 2m
Da. MeCusaisv fefts gone to *‘do “ Newport, Clubs,
At Thornton, John Scott in the chair.
'Unglissa,I» faid.iloia.abIs
watering place near Boston.
A.
vote
of
confidence,
moved
by
Thomas
BiUCEBRiDOK is to have a photograph, j
A R F O S m v R L t ' D EC LA R ED
Mr. Chas. Ross, Reeve, is trying to for gallery.
-l«l T.
Scythes, seconded by John Hopkins,wa8 W
>¥ against monopoly and high
tennetk j get the dignity and responsibility of the
carried.
At
Ivy,
John
Lennox
in
the
PRICKS■4Httf-|reovMjhip while on a visit to Mansncld, Mm - T hb crops ail over the county look
chair. A vote of confidence, moved by- C.L. LftEbcgB to Intimate to the public of Bar
fo; 8r&, ! aikchusotte.
splendid.
*
;ul eurra*
mtrroua&ing counter, that he lowon. hand
John T. Fletcher, seconded by 'Thomas rie tiiul
Ohiki-* Roqsrs, acrompaaled by his wife
Iftocta rnclrio, ond ad
a eiwiply of Screw-jacks,
S
'.»t, T, | and (laughter, are spending the season at NiAt Bell tiie materials
Collijsgwood is trying to organize a H, Banting, was carried.
... uwxseeay
t>
HKMCVI4 GUILDdt
OH of every tooriptfon. He will rJ»opraamnj Ag»»Ewart A vote of confidence, moved by IN
too to Move. IsCimce ony dlstaacft without Injur
riovtit M,k. I), FAUQjJHAnsoK, of Messrs. Far- band.
the piaster, bnsoking tho windows, or Injur
As-listok hm a new gram elevator, Henry Groase, J. P., seconded by Sam. ing
qtjharaon & Dutton, goes on a visit to An id
ing the dwelling, &o,, to any shapa Ho also nuts
Wray, was carried.
three storeys high,
W'rl. Scotia.
In npw sills ana inokoe old hotwos as good as
now. Work tlcmoin all parte of the County on
“-is I,
k. M, K, Harhron, Deputy-Rocvo, starts
Mu, Richard Coleman, died at his re fee shortest notice and reeeonnhlo terms. Tho
Mb . IL Robinson, Colling wood,. has
John |t to M
Is also a flnst-olasahai’Aat- superintend*
day for Kngbuid.
sidence Lot 2, Oon. 2, Irmbfil, cm the , subscriber
gone on a continental trip.
fog the building in Mill darns. The follmvijig
Hb
\
rotomiooa
are kindly pc«»Ut/<xl r~-Messrs. Goo
; 2nd, | Mr. John Ler, with his daughter, have
21st ,Inst, , at ,,the . ,age
- .of '79
, ,,yearn. , T
Rail, B'Aibm MoOuihy.QLC.. Dr. aLUartiiy. 1L
O we?? Bound cricketers were “ waxed”
| gone on a Trans. Atlantic trip.
was
bom
in
the
Comity
of
Donegal,
Ire.eowroy,
G.
Cook, O. P. Wright, a. Thomson, T
tad. j Mr , D itncan Ooiftts (Vespra) left yester- by Collingwood cricketers last week.
land
in
1790
and
when uurej-m
thirK-firna yowra
v«ira j Owaffle,
Samuel
Wesley,
Joseph Rogers,
all oi
lano,
iu
i/»
u
,a
n
a
wnoa
1Japrlo.
and
Meastu
dhaotier.
Weet E«sar
I day for a visit to the Old Country,
old emigrated to tiiin country, where ra j Brown. Angus; Tatehe, penetetigaiahcuo *
'tttti j
Tee
Bradford
Herald
has
a
well
writ*
John Johnson, (Simpson's Brewery)
a^ in.. ij baaMr,
ten account of the excursion to the Fails 1834 ho sottlod on th . ploco montiortL-d
gone to I’Mgland.
atevt, which wm ut that thnd a t a m j
,
| M r. L achun J ohnson wont Engiand-warde on the civic holiday.
forest, ills wifoand young tamuy had, i domiffi Coot Mils: John Boattv. R. McGoukcy
Bay. | yesterday.
T hu invention of a lieograph is in con* w ith him to undav'm th e tinnal hardehina >and A- Noee, EnniatU : A, Randal and Mr. Jamie
ih t j Mrs. T. I> McOonkry acoompanics her t* captation, and the Stayner editor al , ,, nna7 t0,UIl'iSrb0 Mteue-aai aaraemps g0|l> M!tl&slllg; m(i m oUieri}.
incident to the settler b life; but by ham ardrers,
? | wm. Dr, MoOoukcy, ti Newport, for which ready sees his occupation gone.
work and diligence the aopoct of their
I place they started on Monday afternoon.
farm kept pace with all around. In 1837
, | P J r. T. W, Georoesf has gone to view the
(the rebellion) kia loyalty wan put to
the test, and he turned out as one of tho
Home Guard. In all his labors ho was
ably seconded by his loving wife, and to
gether they saw a great improvement In
their surroundings, with every prdspocfc
of enjoying life for many years.
He
leaves behind him two daughters and
throe sons to mourn for a kind and lov
ing father; three brothers and one sis
ter also survive him, Mr, Ooloman was fj
one of those whole-hearted, tm o sons of \
old Ireland, whoso hospitality made all
who entered his TOsi.denco feel at home.
He was truthful in every relation of life,
and what he knew to be right{ he prac
tised dally
«r now rmnm
A _
JrtroR.KATioa,—It is said tfeai olive
oil ftdmiaUtered Internally U an exoelfont
rom-ed/ for the $out, and k also tenetlcinl in
paralysis, and epilepsy ; Tut for tho cure of
rhennutism, aearalgla, colds and oollo, sod
the tecnovftl of pain generally, there is nothing
like the “ Canadian Pain Destroyer
it -e
the m an reliable remedy. For «de by Drn g1 jtsts and cooatry dealers. Price S3 cwfos
j per boufo,
Owxxns or Houses iUrouMiw. — And why .
oot? And who knows but rrbat Rieir horseo
rejoicing ss woH; who can prove the cor>*
C ^rge FUday’a,' tor
lr»rj. Eat their owners refote« ' t m into a kettle of Mtealshte«
day,mn ws* .terriblv «•*
M m M ‘ v '**'
l ^ T A B T E HOT ! i
m U O R L A H ti.
1111111,1
Begs to inform the ishali
surroundiug country
business in the alx»ve E*^
ncriencc of mid prrvcb® M|
hope® to bo able to gm«s§
all who yotronfoe bins fMoritioco, Ao,, Dyet.1 or f e i
€5©mSeiR®i3i’4
and nicely finished.
-t|
Foatbere, l.acc'e, Uafe^i
dyed all the newest wfeir;
Gloves Oloftncti.
AH h in d s o f H ot
Oarpete, Gmmbdotk
ehNured. Sheep Skins
A G E N T S
, , _ Year
:
The following is-a dipping from Use
pvdrnovm ' Advocate of 187 8 thi-i
tub'bbed by the Ia to P, ti. 3t-j %ra r t
le sahj-et, of the obituary Wits father
Me-?rn W t R, and Richard Cob man
Friday evening Ju n e 21s?t at:
us ' late residence Cot 2, Con 2. I
sriisBi Mr Richard Co’eman aged
72 y*-ars
-- ■ ■.
i
.>,;
- Tim subject of this notice was born
tj the County t i Rooegal, Ireland in
1792, uad whan thirty-five years old,
ferns g ra t'd to this" country, where in
3831 lilssibsd on the pi ice men tio-n
Jed above Lob 2, Con 2. Innisfil wnich
was a t that tim e a dense forest, ...His
w;fe a id yeung family had* with him
to undergo the usual hardships incid*
h a t to the settlors life; b u t by hard
work -and thlligeoee the aspett of their
fann h ept pace with all around.
H is
Ink- rest in the pi ace continued to the
L st
. ;
\
In 1837 (the Rebellion) his loyalty
.was put to the te-t, and he had the
ydeasofe of turning out as one of the
Home Guord^when nothing else was
required. In all Ms labors he was
ably seconded by his loving wife and
to ge-ther they -saw- aj great improvein their surroundings, with
feveiy pn.-peet. of enjoying life for
many yea;s; h u t in 1851 hist partner
was oatied away, and - from th a t tin e
his interest was in his family? and ah
his energies were directed for their
welfare. H e leaves behind him ' two
daughters and three sons to m ourn
for a kind and tovnig hither three
brothers and one sUter also survive
h im. :;Mi} Colerivm waft one of those
w hoie\eu*?ei true sous of old Ireland
whose hospitality made all who entered
h is re side ups feel at home. H e was
robtioA of, Jife and
w hat hej^new to be rig h t lib practised
daily He
ew©r ready to testify for
the Ma-stof' whom he delighted to
serve and m sickness or trials never
lost faith in th a t Trie ad th at stlck eh
f
■ctosvT ^*a 0 a h H i s p i d
i
..y
heigh- 11
y ' jj
hors SpCife in h%hfc,si ter&Jb ohGm i i *
irtue% while Ids social
^ re
yecond to none. he'tta* one V*?om ,We
amy ray nuver. made an ' e n e m '^ ; - ^ ^
|a in e d the good will of f t l h 'd T M A e
l i s r g o ^ ^ o l n i 'j h ^ ' t o f l ^ S i I ^ S i e
re-pect ap'd lo v e o f,
w H ^had^t
pleasure, of his a c q u a in ta n c e ,\:'^
‘
dolmV _
1^9 funeral lorJndi'ony.**'-
*x
f
Cookstown .Advocate— A fter a year
or more of declining health Mr. W.
R. Coleman, one of the highly re
spected residents of Innisfil passed
aw ay. on Friday, December 29th at
the age o f 83 years. Mr. Coleman
for many years was an extensive
arid successful farmer, took an "ac-.
tive part in public affairs, was a
member o f the council and was one
o f the most prominent men in the
township.* Some years ago he* ceased]
active :wojk and retired to one of
his farms. He is survived
py a'
. widow, two .daughters and two sons.
] W illie having been killed in France
about two months ago. T he1daugh
ters are Mrs. McLennan o f Lcfroy
and Mrs. Fountain in th esW©st. His
two sons Ernie and W ilt have also
been in the west ; for some years.
The remains were -buried at St.
John's Church Cemetery on Sunday
afternoo^ last. Rev. W . Creswick
officiating. The deceased was a life
long and consistent member of the
Anglican Church. ‘
^
:
TH* INTERESTS Of* BARBI*. TH* COIWTT OF- SimCOE AND THE DOttlNtOW (OF CANADA OOR* CRITEW!
JLE NO, 4200M
:«*
'i
B A R R IE , C O U N T Y O F SIM CO E, O N TA R IO , A U G U S T 19, 1915
G. T. R. EMPLOYEES ^
ORGANIZE FOR
PATRIOTIC PURPOSE
VETERAN OF 1866
ANSWERS THE GAEL
ARRESTED AS SPY
/ WEEK’S REMAND
JOY RIDINC
Wednesday
"five Barrie yt
In the death of Richard Coleman,
perience they
InnisfU township mourns the pass
burry, and a:
ing of one of her pioneer sons, who
week are still
died on Friday of last week. Born
■in 1842, on lot 2, con. 2, I mbs til, Will Not Enlighten Police As their little on
in question ti
the late Mr. Coleman spent his life
To His Travels
it is a
an auto. No
on the farm on which lie first saw
Barrie Division Will Raise light of day. His it was to see the
is obtainable
i'
Hewitt hill, o
ence
township around, him develop, his STRANGER
Funds to Assist Railway
IN TOWN ARREST-. Hill. While
to till the soil of his father, and
ED AT ARMOURIES WITH
t opened
Men W ho Enlist
at a rate it i
as the years grew upon him it was
hour the ear s
CAMERA IN HIS POShis privilege to pass the homestead
that is being
}
SESSION
to his son Henry, with whom he has
NADX In the news from our railway been
the machine
living. The deceased was a
ward reporter will be found the ac
something doii
is , either count of an enthusiastic meeting held young man of 24 when the Fenian
Making
Enquiries
at
Electric
Power
affair said the
raid
took
place,
he
was
one
of
the
or with*' in the Y.M.C.A. hall on Thursday
times, the occi
Station as to Source of Poweror
of last week. The meeting organized men to go from Simcoe county as
] have turned o\
Damned the British Army
itself into an organization to he a member of the Cookstown Co.
| How the occ«]
And
it
was
fitting
th
at
bis
bier
and the Soldiers.
is fre* known as the Barrie Division Bailj
or serjous inju
should
be
carried
by.
six
of
his
|
Patriotic
Association,
; enables waymen ?s
j ly soiled cloths
comrades in arms on that occasion.
The
aims
of
the
organization
will
r her exThere
was
some
excitem ent}
„ waiL
The funeral took place on Sun
alone. be to raise funds for Field Com
forts, Red Cross . and other worthy day, and was one of the largest around the Mule aster street armour- j troubles. The
*ore ^ could b<
purposes; in aiding the men, who ever seen in the Cookstown district, ies on Saturday night, caused b y • new
wheels w<
have offered themselves for the de showing the high respect in which the arrest of a stranger, by Sergt. on the car hex
aitager fence of the Empire, The funds .he was held in the neighborhood. Reid, who was acting in what th e j
two door were
Will be carefully and economically The funeral service was conducted officer considered a suspicious man other badly h r
ner,
added
to
the
suspiciousness
o£
in a business manner by the Rev. E. F. Salmon, inter
frame gone, <
m m & A administered
and placed where - it is considered ment taking place in St.. John’s the ease the man was carrying a all that remai:
camera.
When
put
under
m
ilitary
the most good can be done. It is (Anglican) Church cemetery.
The
the spokes, mu
intended not only to make this pail-bearers were J. W. and George- arrest, the man raised such a row board on one :
emergency contribution as generous Parks, of Barrie, Geo. Graham, that the idea of his being a spy was ed. When th
as possible, but to continue the or Wm. Draper, Win. Montgomery and given good grounds, P C . Lambie
was called and the man locked u p j
^ , cravHr'
ganization and submit shortly to John King.
the employees a plan for monthly
Besides the widow, who before at police headquarters. He gave h is j *ence> ,demon sis
—
contributions to keep up the good her marriage in 1876 was Miss name as E. L. Clarke, nothing de- j
work, as long as the necessity ex Liiitia Jones, five sons and a daugh- finite as to his past could be had.
ter survive: Harry, who is Hep- “ ?Xe
™ his way from
m ists.
Following up the success of the reeve of Innisfil, on the home farm, Killarney to Omemee, coming t o
Barrie from Col ling wood. Among1
I .railwayman fs Patriotic concert of Harvev and Robert in Killarnev, the effects found on his person was
last winter, the idea was enlarged Man., Ogle.and Gowan, of Limerick,
Meta Clark 1
upon and the' present movement Sask., and May, Mrs. Wm. Ferrier, transportation from Killarney to
for Settini
started. The executive committee of Cookstown. . Among those pres Omemee via Orillia, issued to Clarke
its composed of heads of the various ent at the funeral from a distance as engaged on survey work among
Railway
departments, who will were: Geo. Coleman, Chicago; Frank the Georgian Bay islands. The case
Cotter Sewer
thoroughly organize their depart Coleman, Norman Hillock, Misses was called in the police court on.
Monday Judt
ment, in this way there will be no Bebe and Tid Jones, Air. and Mrs. Monday morning.
to dispose ©f
overlapping. The entire plan of or Goodwin, Henry Quiney of Toronto;
Sergt, Reid was the first witness docket, judgmoi
ganization and collection of funds Air. and Airs. Geo. Parks, Air. and called. He stated that he first saw
-cases. The
will be carried out with the thor Airs. P. Moran, Air. and. Airs. P. prisoner at . 7,45 Saturday evening all
Cotter against
oughness characteristic of the rail Jones, Geo. Leslie and Herb. Log on Mule as ter street, opposite the by
the town of
way work. The committee will in head, all of Barrie.
armouries, was carrying camera, pealed to the C
i' vestigate every phase "of the war j.
__ ___________ ■
thought he was slouching around, first case. ■ AY.
‘ situation, with probably 2,000 G.T.R. ^
^ _
so thought his duty to investigate . peared for the
mex: at the front or in training, this j Y l i l l N l \ ' J i f I I A
the
, , m a n , doings.
,Crossed
.
. the
,, .conducting his
j is a big underiakiug but the organ!- * v U I i V I i f ILiLi v n u u
street ar,.Tafter speaking to the h<.ari, ,tiie „n
zation i s p r e p a r i n g to tackle the
map invited him to the armouries i <jeejsion was r ,
F u rs,
-gab in s way equal to the ' occasion,
on'"the pretext of-taking a picture
Hn®- best to .serve their eoTtirades
Tito enl.1jfnVfit m\nn Tiie /itrioimiry*i
^
«<««
.
COUNT
it
WAS SETTLED
The .Late W. B. Coleman
The Late Pte. W*ni. Coleman
\ i ^ h 4)jiiq,de
*P ie..,W ilt. Coifin'
jW hose D eath w as reported in
the, suprem e s a o v
these colu m n s la st w eek. ,
