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David Allan (1808 – 1895)
1877
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive Volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY
1872.
JOURNAL
{Handwritten} 1877
{ Newspaper clipping re businesses for sale, etc. overlay and Calendar for 18727.}
{written in pencil} 7th or 9th Nov 1875
{Overlay - newspaper clipping re sale of lots. written in pen 3/4 down the page 7th June 1877}
DAILY JOURNAL FOR 18727
TORONTO:
PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS,
MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
16th Aug 1877
{Newspaper clipping re insolvency cases with handwritten date of Jany 3d 1877. Handwritten dates
of 26th Apl 1877 and 27th Apl 1877 also written on one clipping}
{Newspaper clippings with handwritten dates Feb 22d 1877 and a funeral notice for SOPHIA
FRASER}
{Handwritten Overlay as follows}
1st. Eleven acres Perchis Lot 120.
2d Part of Lot 121.
3 Strip in rear of school {-}
4. Lots 18, 11 + 12.
5 " 7, 8, 9
6 84, 83, 143, 145, 79, 113.
7. 5 + 6 Neeve st.
8. 12 + 13 (Range 3d) Div As (8 acres)
�9. Part of Lot 1, a, 2 acres
10. Lot in Priory street
{Printed page - newspaper clipping with handwritten dates} {written in pencil} Mail of the 4th Jany
1877
{Newspaper clipping with handwritten date in pen 20 June 1877 }
{Newspaper clippings with handwritten dates of 3 April 1877 and 27th April 1877}
{Newspaper clipping and handwritten page of Mathematical calculations}
{Handwritten sketch - layout of The Old House}
{Printed page} - RATES OF POSTAGE; LAW TERMS; TABLE OF STAMP DUTIES; BANK
HOLIDAYS; LIST OF SUNDAYS IN 1872.
{Printed page - newspaper clippings with handwritten dates of Jany 3d 1877, 1861 Birth and Death
notice and Decr 1876}
{Printed} DIARY 1877.
{calling card} M.S. PUTNAM, HAMILTON. ONT.
January. MONDAY, 1. 1877.
This was a fine morning 12º above zero, at 7 a m and plenty of snow for good sleighing, the
Churches were well attended yesterday.
We hear that William Dickson Esq of Galt died this day aged 77 years and 6 months
TUESDAY, 2.
Fine weather all day. Have been waiting all day expecting Mr John Idington down from Stratford to
consult on matters of Insolvency. But towards the end of the afternoon I went up to Mr John Smith's
Office and signed the document of Assignment.
WEDNESDAY, 3.
{written in pencil} 1877-1759=118
�Fine calm morning, Thermometer at 7 a m, was 2º below zero. A great many people are in Town,
this being the Monthly Fair Day, there seems to be very few cattle fit for Beef.
January. THURSDAY, 4. 1877.
This morning was not so cold. William went to Stratford this afternoon.
FRIDAY, 5.
Fine winter morning Glass at 7, a.m., 10º above Zero, calm, and fine sleighing. Peter Idington
Idington and his Grandson, Patrick here to day
SATURDAY, 6. January
This was a milder morning and thawed a very little about the middle of the day.
There was a good many teams in town
January. MONDAY, 8. 1877.
Sabbath was a fine day, glass about 8º above Zero at 7, a.m. and about Church time 10º above.
This morning is fine and moderate, and the sleighing improved again by a light fall of Snow. All
busey putting all the things in order so as to take an Inventory of them
TUESDAY, 9.
This is another moderate morning. A little more snow has fallen during the night.
Mrs Wm Scott Stewart was here and went to went to Waterloo by noon train, having returned from
Georgetown where her daughter has got a situation as school teacher.
WEDNESDAY, 10.
This is a moderate morning, clear and pleasant moderate frost at 7, a m, about 12º.
But at 10 a m it was 21º above zero
January. THURSDAY, 11. 1877.
This was also a moderate morning. This is my Birth Day.
Towards night it began to blow & snow a little. I went up to the Station expecting to meet John
Idington who wired that he would come, but he did not then but came by the late train, and had an
�Interview with the Manger of the Bank and Lemon, with regard to settling about my Son Williams
liability in my Estate,
When it was agreed that he should give up every thing house & lot with bar of dower, to pay $15 rent
per month for the house untill May, and to get back his furniture at 50¢ in the dollar.
Dr Hogg is not well this week
FRIDAY, 12.
This is a very cold morning. At 7, a.m. the glass was 11º below zero, and even up to 10 a m it was 5º
below zero.
The Annual Meeting of the Directors dined together at the Queens. At 2 p m a general meeting of
the Stockholders of the Wellington Mutual was held, and Report of the last years buisness read,
when the old Board of directors were re elected there was a much larger meeting of stockholders
than usual or on former occasions.
SATURDAY, 13.
This is not so cold a morning 5º above Zero but the wind from the North began to get up during the
day, and the cold increased very much towards evening.
I called on Dr Hogg and found that he was better to day than yesterday
January. MONDAY, 15. 1877.
Yesterday was a moderate day, at 7 a.m. the glass was about 10º above zero, but in the afternoon it
got to be colder. A Mr Frazer preached for us yesterday (a student from Toronto).
Dr Hogg passed a bad night.
This morning was about the same temperature. But a change came on in the forenoon as if there
was going to be a thaw or a snow storm, when after 2 p.m. the wind sprung up from the N West with
a continuous fall of snow and very cold going against the wind.
Dr Hogg no better to day spitting up blood from the lungs
�TUESDAY, 16
Moderate morning 10º above zero at 7 a m. A good deal of snow fell last night and is laying still,
there being no wind to drift it, but the Trains are very irregular in arriving
WEDNESDAY, 17.
{No entry}
January. THURSDAY, 18, 1877
This was not a very cold morning about 12º at 7 a m and towards noon quite mild.
Dr Hogg passed a very restless night & now some easier to day
FRIDAY, 19.
This is a very mild morning, and only 30º in the glass.
It has been thick and misty all day and looks as if a thaw was beginning
SATURDAY, 20.
Last night has been very mild, and rained a good deal, at 7 a.m. the Thermometer stood at 35º, and
water dropping from the roofs. But at 10 Oclock the wind had chopped round to the North and the
Mercury went down below freezing & still sinking.
About ½ past 11 a very sudden snow storm sprung up, lasting only 10 or 15 minutes.
January. MONDAY, 22. 1877.
Yesterday morning at 8 am glass 5º above Zero clear and cold all day.
To day at 7 a m glass 10º above Zero. This mornings papers announce the death of John Fleming
M.P.P. of Galt, which took place in his own house yesterday at noon, he was born in Dumfries
Scotland 1819 I have known him since he entered his apprenticeship with Jas Coleman Esqr. of
Dundas about 40 years ago, he was struck with a Parlatic stroke on Monday the 15th while dressing,
to proceed to Toronto to attend the Parliament.
TUESDAY, 23.
This is a fine clear morning at 7 a.m. 12º above. The day was generally cold and sharp wind from the
N West.
�WEDNESDAY, 24.
This morning at 7 a m 13º above zero about 11 1/2" of snow had fallen during the night and snowing
of a fine close kind continued during the forenoon.
In the afternoon the wind has got round to the North & N. West.
January, THURSDAY, 25. 1877.
Moderate morning
FRIDAY, 26.
Very fine winter weather.
The members of the Local House of Assembly came up to visit the Model Farm, and returned by the
special train in the evening.
SATURDAY, 27.
Milder morning than yesterday.
Mr A. B. Stewart arrived this evening from Montreal
January. MONDAY, 29. 1877.
This was a moderate morning. This being the day for the first meeting of my Creditors, and hope
that there may be a full attendance.
The meeting took place in Mr Smiths office at ½ past 2, the President of the Bank of Commerce, Mr
William McMaster was present, Messrs Lemon, Guthrie & John Idington were present, Mr F. W.
Stone the largest Cr. except the Bank acted for many of the creditors that were absent. My
statement was read to the meeting the cause of the failure. I was then questioned on behalf of Mr
Stone and as to what pressure was used by the Bank to forse me to give them a Mortgage
TUESDAY, 30.
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 31.
{No entry}
�February. THURSDAY, 1. 1877.
This is a mild morning, such as we have had for the most of the week
FRIDAY, 2.
This is another moderate morning no great thaw by any means, but mild and fine weather
SATURDAY, 3.
This morning is not so mild.
I am considerably better to day the pain is mostly in the calf of my left leg
February. MONDAY, 5. 1877.
Yesterday was a fine day, went to Church in the forenoon only, and heard Revd. Mr Duff preach. I
walked with much more freedom, yet considerable pain in the calf of my leg.
This morning the trees are all clothed with a thick coating of horefrosts, which is flowing off with the
wind as the day advances.
TUESDAY, 6.
This morning the glass was at freezing, and there is appearance of some change.
I feel a considerable deal better in my leg this morning.
The Merchants in Town complain a good deal of the dullness of trade it is much worse than at this
time last year, and in Montreal there is not a day but failures are announced of greater or less
amount.
WEDNESDAY, 7.
This morning the glass stood at 34º at 7 a m and as the day advanced it got up to 40º, and the roads
became wet, and the sleighing wearing away. This is the Monthly Fair day there is a great many
people in town
February. THURSDAY, 8. 1877.
8º above zero at 7 a m
�FRIDAY, 9.
A very fine morning and about 10º above zero as there is every appearance of this being a fine day
I have made arrangements to pay our long promised visit to Fishers Mills, before the roads get too
bare of snow
SATURDAY, 10.
This is a very fine morning also
February. MONDAY, 12. 1877.
Yesterday was remarkably fine day, the glass at ½ past 7 a m was 20º above Zero, and on our
return from Church the Sun had great power in thawing the snow, the sidewalks were quite clear of
snow and dry. Dr Hogg steped up to the Pulpit and gave out the intimations about the Communion
and the Sabbath school, he was very weak in voice.
This Monday morning it is much colder 8º above Zero at 7 a m, but as the forenoon advanced, the
wind increased from West to N. West with occasional flurries of snow which was a very great change
from yesterday.
Higenbotham left this morning at 11 Oclock for Toronto thence for Ottawa in the evening, Mrs Smith
and Mrs Wallace accompanied him so far to see their brother Wm who is not much better
TUESDAY, 13.
This morning was fully as cold in the morning but as the day advanced it became more moderate.
William and his wife and George went down to Fishers Mills at noon
WEDNESDAY, 14.
The glass at 7 a m this morning was 4º above Zero quite clear and dry, and fine weather throughout
the day
February. THURSDAY, 15. 1877.
This morning is not quite so cold 20º above zero. {in pencil below "about 20°"}
Quite an excitement is created this morning about Higinbotham & McClaggans Agent, Jones, who
has absconded last night and turns out to be considerable behind in his cash to them and indebted
to many in Town. {in pencil "Fine ice"}
�FRIDAY, 16.
This morning is even milder than yesterday the Thermometer indicating 34º above zero at 7 a m.
The forenoon was of any thing brooding a change.
I left the house about ½ past 12 and went up as far as Blyths tavern to meet the funeral of Mrs
Frazer of Elora, they came in sight just as I was about to tie my horse in the shed a Blast of Snow
came on on my way up, the sleighing was bad & had to take the Buggy, it got cold by the time I
returned
SATURDAY, 17
This morning was dull at 7 a m the glass was at 21º below Zero, and began snowing and increased
to a heavy fall of it. {in pencil} 7 am 21º began snowing and increased to a heavy one
{Newspaper cutting "March 15" Financial re creditors of Lennox & Williams}
February. MONDAY, 19. 1877.
Yesterday was a moderately fine day.
This Monday morning the glass was down to 10º above zero.
My old accquaintance Hutchison Clark Esqr died on the 17th Inst in Hamilton aged 71 years, at one
time Mayor of the City
TUESDAY, 20.
Fine morning but a little colder than yesterday the glass was 8º above Zero, yet the weather was
fine.
The Sale of all the Chattle property of the Guelph Mills and Distillery began this forenoon at 10
Oclock, and the day being so favourable was largely attended, but as usual things of little value sold
for as much as they were worth, but those that cost a good deal of money, went for little or nothing
WEDNESDAY, 21.
Fine clear morning 30º at 7 am, or just about freezing. I cannot remember such fine weather to
continue so long.
�February. THURSDAY, 22. 1872 {s/b 7}
This is another fine morning, glass at 7 a m 29º above Zero
FRIDAY, 23.
This morning is not quite so promising for the last day of the Sale
SATURDAY, 24
{No entry}
February. MONDAY, 26. 1872 {7}.
Moderate morning the glass at 27º. Mrs John Lennie died aged 84 years.
Tuesday, 27.
The glass this morning was at 24º
WEDNESDAY, 28.
Fine winter morning but down to 18º.
Mr Brotherhood, Mr Hughes the bridge inspector and another gentleman, were testing the Bridge,
first as to the deflection at the centre of all spans, then at all the different cross girders, and every
time 2 locomotives and tenders were run over at full speed, but nowhere did the deflection exceed ⅝
th of an inch.
2 gentlemen here from Toronto examining the Mills
February. March. THURSDAY, 1st. 1872 {7}.
Sharp clear morning at 7 a m Glass 20º and the ground hard and all the ruts on the road bearing,
but the day turned out a very fine day just like a fine day in April.
A good many people taking away their things that they had bought at the sale.
Mrs A & I went up to the drill shed to see the grand exhibition of Poultry of almost every kind, they
were in fine order and looked to great advantage.
I hear that my old friend Dr James Hamilton died at his recidence in Flambro this afternoon in his
80th year, he came to Canada in the year 1818
�March. FRIDAY, 2d.
This morning there is quite a change it is dark dull and raining, glass at 7 a m 34º there has been a
shower of sleet during the early part of the morning.
This is our Fast Day in most of the Churches.
It rained the greater part of the forenoon, and likewise a part of the afternoon in the evening in going
& returning from Church, a fine mixture of rain and snow fell, the attendance in Church was very
thin. Dr Hogg is considerably better to day. Mr John Rennie an old settler died at 1. oclock today to
day, he was at Gideon Hoods on Monday & got cold returning home, aged 70 years, he came to
Canada in 1844
SATURDAY, 3d.
This is a dull morning glass 28º above Zero, the Snow that fell through the night was very light just
enough to replace what was washed away by the rain yesterday. 12 cars of Cattle passed while I
was writing. It is quite astonishing to see the continued supply of Cattle and pigs from the West that
pass almost every day. After breakfast and while at Worship Eddie Higenbotham came in to inform
us that Dr Hogg died this morning at 7 a m. This is a terrible stroke to us all. Messrs McCrea,
Massie & I went to the Undertaker selected a coffin and in the afternoon had the body laid in it down
in the Drawing Room
March. MONDAY, 5th. 1872 {7}.
Sabbath morning at 7 am the glass stood at 20º above Zero. 3 or 4 inches more of Snow has fallen
during the night, yet the weather was moderate and favourable, but no melting of snow at noon. The
Communion very well attended considering the roads neither good sleighing or driving.
Revd. Mr Davidson of Alma conducted the forenoon servises in a very able & pleasing manner. Mr
Wardrope in the evening.
To day, there has been another coating of Snow and the glass a little lower at 7 a m 15º below Zero.
I met Revd J. D. McDonell at the Station having returned from Walkertown & on his way home &
could not wait over to attend the funeral. Mr Lambie & wife also Mr Geo McMillan from Detroit
arrived at 5 p m.
Peter Idington was here to day.
�TUESDAY, 5 6th
This is a fine clear morning, but froze hard last night theThermometer stood at zero at 7 a m, the
logs of House cracked during the night. No more snow has fallen since the night before.
WEDNESDAY, 7th
This is a moderate morning, several inches more of Snow has fallen during the night, and somewhat
drifted. The Thermometer at 7 a m stood at 10º above Zero. It was very stormy last night and cold.
This is the Monthly Fair day, there was a large attendance a good many cattle, but very little if any
Produce the weather was remarkably fine during the middle part of the day, but towards the
afternoon it began to get cold. Mr George McMillan of Detroit went home by the ½ past 2 train
March. THURSDAY, 7 8th. 1872 {7}.
Snowing heavy this morning, and has been during the night, at 7 a m the glass stood at 24º above
Zero. The snowing ceased about noon when I began to shovel a walk to the Mill gate, depth of new
snow about 3 to 4 inches, it then came on rain before I finished and continued, for most of the
afternoon
FRIDAY, 8 9th March
This morning is very dull, with glass 16º at 7 a m and the wind Northerly and a little fine snow falling,
the wind blew hard during the night but there is no drift owing to the crust of ice on the top of the
snow from the rain yesterday.
The trees are loaded with a heavy coating of ice bending the branches almost to the ground
SATURDAY, 9 10th
This is a fine clear morning, but the frost has been severe during the night, the glass this morning at
7 a m was 6º above zero. There is a very thick crust all over the Snow that it is exceedingly difficult
to walk over it continually breaking through.
My William is now unloading a fine lot of Cansas Corn for seed to the farmers
March. MONDAY, 12 1872 {7}.
Sabbath morning of any thing dull atmosphere, and threatning more snow then the light flakes which
are now falling, about 7 a.m the glass was about 9 above zero, and quite calm.
�Revd J. C. Smith of St Pauls Church Hamilton preached the funeral sermon of the late Dr Hogg.
Funeral of an old settler Tinker Burns to day.
This Monday morning, glass 22º above zero at 7 a m and snowing pretty heavy fine snow
TUESDAY, 13th.
This is a fine clear morning, glass at 7 a m was 14º above zero, fully a couple of inches more Snow
has fallen during the night.
The day is pleasant, there is a Meeting of the Presbytery to day,
the sleighing is continuing good
WEDNESDAY, 13 14th
This is dull mild morning the glass at 32º and windy the ice is still hanging on the Branches of the
trees but not so much as some days ago.
It has been snowing most of the forenoon
March. THURSDAY, 14 15th 1872 {7}.
A fine clear morning but the frost was harder last night at 7 a m glass about 12º above Zero.
The day turned out remarkably fine for the Fat Cattle Show day, the attendance was large, and the
display of fine animals
FRIDAY, 16th
No more snow last night, but the frost was harder, being this morning at 7 a m, 7º above Zero. It
began to snow about 10 Oclock.
SATURDAY, 17
Fine clear morning but much harder frost last night, this morning at 7 a m, glass 8º below Zero
March. MONDAY, 18 19th 1872 {7}
Sabbath morning dull with fine snow falling, and not so cold as yesterday morning. glass at 7 a m 6º
above Zero.
Revd Mr Bently preached the Church vacant. The day was fine and splended sleighing.
�This morning at 7 a m the glass was at Zero, and a slight falling of snow continuing
TUESDAY, 19 20th
Fine clear morning the night has been cold but the Thermometer indicates only 1º below Zero at 7 a
m.
The new plaining Mill Company of Dundas and here have made an assignment
WEDNESDAY, 20 21st
This is a wintry looking morning but not so cold as as yesterday, the Mercury being up to 24º above
Zero. It is snowing very heavy, and from all appearance must have been snowing all night. The
trains going up have 2 locomotives attached to them.
Trade is in a deplorable condition Mr Clerehue of the Crokery warehouse is in trouble also the
Foundry of Heather & {blank} who have for some time back trying to get relieved by forming a joint
stock Co to relieve them
March. THURSDAY, 22d 1872 {7}
Quite a change this morning, the glass at 34º and the water dropping fast from the eves of the roof
that the snow has become that heavy that it has broken down the whole of the Roof of the long
piggery down the river, and which was of late year's used as a feeding Byre for cattle, but there has
not been a live thing in it this winter
FRIDAY, 23d.
This is also a very mild morning the glass at 7 a m was 36º, and thawing fast
SATURDAY, 23 24th
It was a little colder last night, the glass at 7 a m this morning stood at 24º, about the middle of the
day it became soft an slushy amongst the snow which is melting fast away.
There was a meeting to day before the Judge in Chambers concerning the Mortgage given by me to
the Bank my son William was examined as to the pressure applied to obtain that document. The
three Inspectors were there, likwise Mr Lemon and Mr Makelean from Hamilton for the Bank also Mr
Kemp the present manager at Hamilton, both he and George Sandilands were examined.
The frame of the fallen cattle shed was advertized to be sold to day but as only {blank} was bid for it
it was withdrawn.
�{Newspaper clipping} GINGER BEER. from the Mercury of Jany 30 1877
March. MONDAY, 26th. 1872.
Sabbath morning began with a fine rain freezing as it fell, that the footpaths every where were as
slippery as glass but during the forenoon it was all gone, and the Streets got slushey, in the evening
fine rain fell. The Revd. Mr McDonald of Elora preached for us, morning & evening, the temperature
was 27º at 7 a. m.
This morning was quite wet and rained all the forenoon, the Snow melting fast and sliding in great
quantities from the roofs of the shops in town & elsewhere.
The timber of the old piggery was sold to day by private bargin to Mr Thane for the sum of $35.00
but not the flooring nor the cattle chains, and is now being removed.
TUESDAY, 27th.
This morning the glass is 30º and snowing gently but there has been a considerable fall during the
night and all over looks wintry like again.
finished my letter to Illinois & posted it this evening.
WEDNESDAY, 28th.
This is a clear morning, hard frost during the night and a strong N West wind blowing all night, and
this morning, at 7 a m the glass indicated 22º above Zero.
This has been a fearce cold day, the wind was most penetrating, and any thing but a day for walking
about in.
March. THURSDAY, 29th. 1872.
This is a cold clear morning and the glass at 7 a m at 18º with a cold wind blowing it got clear and a
good deal of bright sun shine but yet cold.
At no time this day did the glass show more than 33º.
I have had a bad cold these three days and dare not go out freely.
My Son William has got in to his new Office the paint being about sufficiently dry.
�FRIDAY, 30th.
This is a fine clear morning and the Thermometer 25º at 7 a m and the Sun quite warm through the
window am writing at.
This day is Good Friday and is kept as a general Holiday throughout the Town. Railway fares are
reduced for the day only to one half fare going and returning same day, and tomorrow at 1⅓ fare
returning by Monday the 2d April, (the same by both railways). A good many people are taking
advantage of this opertunity of seeing their friends.
Higinbotham and Mr Guthrie came home from the House of Commons at ½ past 2 p.m. and will
return on Monday, it appears that the days that Members are absent are deducted from their pay.
SATURDAY, 31st.
This is a mild morning the glass at 7 a m was 36º above Zero, and roads wet.
The forenoon was dull and inclined to rain, but very little fell.
The afternoon was much the same with a light shower of sleet
{Newspaper cutting} March 31 1877
April. MONDAY, 2d. 1872.
Sabbath morning dull and mild glass 37º and thawing and look a little like rain. But as the day
advanced it cleared up and the sun shone out quite warm melting the snow on the sides of the
roads, that the gutters were running full with water, so that sleighing will be entirely gone round the
Town by tomorrow night. A Mr Bell lately from Lancashire preached for us to day.
This Monday morning is colder the glass standing at 27º and the ground dry, and the sky clear, but a
cold Northerly wind blowing. Had a meeting of our Session this morning to make appointments for
Ministers for trial sermons. {blank}, Peter Idington here.
Higinbotham & Gutherie left for Ottawa at 5 p.m.
TUESDAY, 3.
This is also a clear cold morning glass at 20º above Z the Sun is very powerfull, and will melt a
great deal of the Snow on the road sides
�WEDNESDAY, 3 4th
This is a fine clear morning and the cold about 20º and will turn out many for the Monthly Fair day.
April. THURSDAY, 4 5th 1872.
This is a dull morning with a light rain glass 36º at 7 a m.
The day throughout was quite pleasant, and the river is rising but not likely to be high for want of
rain.
FRIDAY, 5 6th
This is a fine morning, but colder than yesterday Just about Freezing at 7 a m, but there is a cold N.
West wind, which is much felt when standing out of the Sun.
William is still kept pretty busey with orders for corn.
Have just heard that Revd Mr Tawse has been struck down with a paralatic stroke.
H. Andersons man working at the stalls in the Stable
SATURDAY, 6 7th
This is a very fine morning, much about the same as yesterday for coldness but less wind, glass at 7
a m was 31º.
April. MONDAY, 8 9th 1872.
Sabbath morning fine and clear, a little wind blowing from the S. West, glass at 7 a.m 32º.
Revd. Neil. R. Forsythe from St Johns Newfoundland preached for us, both morning & evening.
This morning is much the same as yesterday, clear atmosphere and light wind.
About 11 O,Clock a.m recd. a Telegram from King that the Revd. John Tawse died yesterday. I
telegraphed to Peter Idington to meet me here & go by the 5 p m train to Toronto, but got a reply that
he had gone by Hamilton, and after further reflection thought better to postpone my going untill
farther on should, finances permit. So Miss Agnes Idington went alone.
TUESDAY, 10th
This is another beautiful morning, the Sun very powerfull. The Court is sitting this week and
precided over by Judge Adam Wilson.
�I see by the Globe to day that Revd. Mr Tawse was aged 78 years, the family found a document out
that he was a year older.
Anderson's rent of stable begins this day at $3.00 per month.
WEDNESDAY, 10 11th
This also is a very fine morning, and the glass at 7 a m was 45º with a light breese.
George Lind's Son Adam called on us to day, aged 14 years and is a nice young lad, & dined with
us.
The dust is flying about in the streets like summer and the Snow is hardly to be seen, except in very
sheltered spots. All the ice is clear of the dam and the gates are shut down as flow of water is not
near so high as in former years, There having been so very little rain as yet.
April. THURSDAY, 11 12th 1872.
This is another fine Spring morning I hear that some farmers have begun to plough
FRIDAY, 12 13th
This is another fine warm morning, and quite dry
I began this forenoon to repair the Fences in the Garden and the Park
SATURDAY, 13 14th
This is also a very fine day and calm.
I took of all the straw of the vines to day and there is some of the buds begining to sprout.
James Dowrie has been filling and changing the water in the tuns in the Distillery yesterday, and to
day he started the Engine in the Rectifying house to drive the Pumps to fill all the utensials It has
not been going since we stoped last summer.
April. MONDAY, 15 16th 1872.
Sabbath was a fine day and mild with warm Sunshine.
Revd Mr Laing from Montreal preached forenoon and evening.
This morning is cloudy and looks very much like rain, which much wanted
�TUESDAY, 16 17th
This is a beautifull morning, there must have been some rain during the night as the ground was
quite wet.
It is expected that War will be declared to day by Russia against Turkey.
The Assignee and the three Inspectors intend to examine the Rocks property this afternoon with a
view to determine what steps to take with a with regard to disposing of it, at an early day, as well as
the York Road farm. The opinion from Mr Guthrie regarding the Mortgage is expected this week.
Eddy Hginbotham got his Knee cut with a Scythe this afternoon, Dr McDonald was got, who
dressed the woond which was large & had to be stiched, (I assisted)
WEDNESDAY, 17 18th
This morning was dull and threatning rain but cleared off during the forenoon, and the roads dusty.
But in the afternoon it began to rain and continued till night.
At the Prayer Meeting Mr Laing officiated.
April. THURSDAY, 18 19th 1872.
This is a very wet morning, but the weather is cold, yet there is a great improvement in the grass
FRIDAY, 19 20th
This morning it is fair, but somewhat cold after such a day of rain as yesterday.
Busby to up the Parsnips this forenoon, and raked the dung of the Asperagus. The Rhubarb is very
consederably above the ground and may soon have a dish of it.
Recd from Hiram Anderson $3.00 being one months rent of Stable from the 10th day of this month.
My Daughter left for Ottawa this afternoon at 5 Oclock
SATURDAY, 20 21st
This is another fine morning. The effects of the late rain required the flood gates to be opened again
as the water was getting high, but nothing like what it used to be in former seasons when the rains
continued for days melting large quantities of of snow, such we have not had for several years.
�A good deal of preparation is going on for The Celebration of the 50th year of the settlement of the
Town of Guelph, which was on the 22d April 1827.
{Corner of page turned down} MONDAY 22 23d 1872.
{covered}rday was a very nice day, heard Mr Laing for the 2d Sabbath and liked exceedingly well in
the forenoon in particular. He had also a fine discourse in the evening.
We had a call this morning this from Mr Justice Thos. Galt's two sons. I took them round the garden
and explained the difference in the various pine trees & cedars. I then went up to the Hotel and
called on their father, who was an invited Guest to attend the Celebration of the 50th year of Guelph.
The weather was splendid and do think I never saw such a large turn out of people, and as for
children it took over 3,000 Oranges to supply them all.
TUESDAY, 23 24th
This is rather a louring morning and looks like rain it is quite calm.
No rain fell and it cleared up fine. Judge Galt went on to Open Court at Stratford by the 10 Oclock
train.
WEDNESDAY, 24 25th
This was a fine morning. I sowed 2 Boxes of Cellery seed this morning.
I wrote to Higinbotham reminding him of the taxes on lands before the 1st of May
April. THURSDAY, 25 26th 1872.
This is a very fine morning and the leaves are out on some of the goosbery bushes. I cut of the tops
or shoots on the Blackthorn Hedge this morning
FRIDAY, 26 27th
I went down to Hamilton this morning the weather was dull, but yet pleasant. The train was late &
did not leave Guelph till 20 m past 7, got down to Harrisburg where the train was waiting for us and
got in to Hamilton by about 10 minutes to 9, or just about, one hour 30 minutes, the quickest I ever
travelled the cause of it was that the train sepparated near Elora and they never knew that they had
left the passenger car behind untill they reached Guelph, and then had to put back with all speed to
fetch it on but there were no passengers in it, which explains that the Conductor had no occasion to
look to the car, & that caused the delay which had to be made up.
�The City appeard dull to me, visited old Mrs Brown and many old acquaintances.
SATURDAY, 27 28th
Having slept at McNaughtons all night, I could not get out early untill about ½ past 10 when the
heavy rain ceased for a little, but drizzled more or less all day, after calling on several old friends, I
left for home by the 3.25 train and got home at 6, Oclock.
April. MONDAY, 29 30th 1877.
Yesterday was a rather dull day, yet no rain. Revd. Mr Straith preached forenoon & evening, a very
slow preacher with very little annimation.
This morning is dull a heavy shower of rain & sleet came on about 10 Oclock, and another cold
shower of fine hail and rain
TUESDAY, 30 1st May
This has been a dull coldish day early in the forenoon a shower of fine snow came on mingled with
rain, but did not continue long the afternoon was dry but cold.
We mist our Cow again this evening, she had been in the Park all day and was taken out & put into
the yard at ½ past 5 & about ½ past 6 she was gone
May. WEDNESDAY, 1 2d
This was a fine morning, but the frost has been strong last night as the side walks were all quite
white with frost.
This is the Monthly Fair Day.
Revd. Mr Smith of Hamilton preached for us last night this evening to a large congregation.
May. THURSDAY, 3d 1877.
This is a fine clear dry morning, but hard frost again last night. The forenoon opens out fine and
warm.
FRIDAY, 4th
Clear cool morning.
�Meeting of Session this morning at 9 a m, to consult as to mode of proceeding on Monday before the
congregation as to their choise of a Minister whither by Ballot or open vote, the latter we decided on
as best, And to get the opinion of the Managers as to what stipend they could raise over and above,
all the repairs of roof and Painting of Steeple.
SATURDAY, 5th
This is a fine morning, but there is a cold wind blowing.
The grass has not made so much progress of late on account of the cold nights. I, Posted 2 letters to
Glasgow this morning to go by the N.Y line.
Higinbotham & wife returned home this evening, accompanied by Mrs Wm Higinbotham of Toronto,
all well and in good sprits
{corner of page turned down} MONDAY, 6 7th 1872
Sabbath morning, fine clear and a little warmer than of late glass 45°, but no rain.
Meeting in the school room this morning at 9 a. m, of members of session and of the managing
commetee, to acertain the state of the funds of the Church as to what amt. of Stipend we could
afford to give a new Minister.
The Meeting of the Congregation met at 2 p.m. when the Revd. Thos Wardrope preached a sermon
for the occasion. A resolution was carried that the congregation at once proceed to moderate in a
call for one of the Ministers who had preached for us, when the Revd J. C. Smith of St Pauls Church
Hamilton recd the largest ballot, it was then resolved to make the call unanimus.
Got the Parlour Stove taken out to day
TUESDAY, 7 8th
This is another very fine morning, but as the day advanced it became cloudy and had the
appearance of rain, but only a few drops fell in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY, 8 9
This is a very fine morning and quite dry, preparing to plant potatoes to day. Higinbotham working at
the back of the Hill. He is summoned to appear before the Judge in Chambers to day about my
Mortgage.
�May. THURSDAY, 9 10th 1872.
This was a very fine morning, but no rain although it threatend last night as a few drops fell then.
The forenoon is splended and I am busey falling Rhubarb with the view of selling it to the
greengrocers,
have been cutting Asperagus also.
FRIDAY, 10 11th
This is also a very fine day.
Meeting of session at the Manse at 9 a. m.
SATURDAY, 11 12th
Fine warm morning
May. MONDAY, 14th 1877.
This is a fine warm morning, the leaves of the apple trees are out in almost full leaf, and the chesnut
is so already.
A Meeting of Clerihue's Creditors to day.
At noon the Glass stood at 73º.
Set 9 duck eggs this morning
TUESDAY, 15th
This is another very fine morning warm & dry and there is danger of fires in the Bush, we hear of
some at a distance from here, threatning distruction of Property.
In the afternoon it began to rain and continued untill the evening.
preparing Rhubarb for market @ 50¢ per dozen Bunches of 10 stalks each.
WEDNESDAY, 16
This is a close warm misty morning, and there is every appearance of more rain a few drops fell in
the forenoon, but about 3 p m it came on at first very light and then got quite heavy, and contined ½
an hour or more.
�Have been cutting & packing a good deal of Rhubarb & Asperagus, this morning
May. THURSDAY, 16 17 1877.
This is a dull morning, and must have rained during the night.
I set to work and cut a lot of Rhubarb about 9 Oclock it began to rain heavy and seems to continue
FRIDAY, 18th
This is a warm close morning
SATURDAY, 18 19
Warm dry morning.
Miss Grant & her brother arrived from Scotland this afternoon and proceeded out at once to
Glenburn.
John Brown Esqr of New York in town, & will stay over tomorrow
{Notice of a Bankruptcy}
May. MONDAY, 20 21 1872.
Yesterday was a fine day. Revd Mr Aiken from {illegible} preached.
This morning was fine & began & cut a over 12 bunches of Asperagus.
Attended meeting this evening at the meeting of our Church finance comettee in the school room
TUESDAY, 22
This is a very wet morning raining hard, and continued all day untill about 5 Oclock when it cleared
up.
Hon Wm McMaster examined to day in the case of my Mortgage to the Bank.
Adam Brown Esqr in town to day, & left for home by eveing train. Higinbotham & McLagan also J
Smith retnd from Toronto after the opening of tender for Crokery stock.
�WEDNESDAY, 23d
This is a cool morning, and quite a change from what we have had of late, and seems to continue so
throughout the day.
I agreed to day with Mr E Morris of the Ontario Bank for the use of the grass park for the season of
six months for the neat sum of Twelve dollars, ($12.00).
I rained again this afternoon & it still continues cold
May. THURSDAY, 23 24th 1872.
This is quite a cold morning, the ground and the side walks were white with frost, the Sun broke
through during the morning with enough of heat to clear away the unwelcome whiteness but the
dullness in the atmosphere and the cold N West wind blowing made it any thing but agreeable, for
the Queens Birth Day
FRIDAY, 24 25
This is a fine bright morning, Tempe at 7 a. m. was 5º.
Miss Blainey & Miss Smith from N York arrived to day
SATURDAY, 26th
This is a pleasant morning, and likely to be much warmer than these last few days, the forenoon
and afternoon turned out fine & warm.
I attended the funeral of Joseph Hobson's youngest Son to the Cemetery his age was 2 years & 9
mos.
May. MONDAY, 28th 1872.
Yesterday was a very fine day, the Church was well attended the Revd {blank}.
This is a very fine morning, and the forenoon warm and pleasant. About one Oclock this afternoon a
Telegram came from Walkerton that the Town was on fire and that a number of houses were already
destroyed, and asking that the Guelph Engine be sent up.
�TUESDAY, 29th
This is another very fine morning, and have been early at my present only work in pulling and
making up bundles of Rhubarb and Asperagus for sale.
I put up 24 of Rhubarb and 12 of Aspergus which will neat me $1.50.
Higinbotham went down & returned from Toronto to day
WEDNESDAY, 29 30th
This is also a warm morning, but no rain as we looked for last night.
Revd W T Wilkins, formerly of Stratford officiated at the Prayer Meeting this evening, but I had
difficulty in hearing even a little of his discouse.
May, THURSDAY, 30 31st. 1872.
This is another warm dry morning.
Having lost so many young, ducks of late by Rats I have determined to Poison them and have, used
stricknine between 2 peices of buttered bread
June FRIDAY, 31 1st
This is a very fine morning.
This was kept as our Fast Day in all the Presbyterian Churches Mr Wilkins, preciding, and also in the
evening at 7.30 p.m.
June. SATURDAY, 2d
This was quite a dull dark morning, with signs of a thunder storm brewing, rain began to fall about 8
Oclock, but did not continue as long as we could desire probably not more than an hour.
Lucy Ann relict of the late Col Saunders, Clerk of the Peace died early this morning
June. MONDAY, 3 4th 1872.
This Sabbath morning is dull and looks like rain. I find that notwithstanding my particular care in
depositing the poisined peices of Bread, yet Mr Anderson's Dog - had found them out and got
poisined, and one of my hens also.
�At a ¼ to 10 it began to rain very close, and was pretty heavy at a ¼ past 10. The friends were
obliged to bury Mrs Saunders to day instead of tomorrow as advertised. I was too late with many
more.
This is a dull morning and wind getting up and looks like rain
TUESDAY, 4 5th
This is of any thing a dull morning and looks like rain. I got ready to start for Toronto by the early
train but having mistaken the true time, she was off by the time I got there. But left by the 11 Oclock
train.
I looked round at many of the improvements and buildings now finishing.
At the Queens Hotel I got introduced to the 5 Swedish Ladies, and heard them sing at Mrs
Morrison's Opera House. I staid at the Queens, all night.
No rain fell at all
WEDNESDAY, 6th
This was another fine morning. I took a stroll about the City, But could find very few fine buildings
being constructed, and trade seems to be lifeless yet, and did not see half a dozen Steamers and
Schooners in all the Port.
The Shops and the Markets are very thinly attended. The (Bolton) Steam flouring Mill, was busey
grinding and putting up Bagg flour only and doing seemingly a brisk trade at $4.75 per 100 lbs cash,
it surely should pay when the whole concern was bought for $14,000.
This Monthly Fair Day
June. THURSDAY, 6 7th 1872.
This is a splended morning, with a gentle cooling breeze. Mr Jas Phin. Senr. called this forenoon.
In the afternoon I attended the Sale of of the last of the land on the Glebe, being that portion that
was reserved for a Cows park for the Minister, but it was found inconvenient to get the Cow or horse
out or in every time when wanted, that it was resolved to dispose of it and the proceeds to be applied
to pay of the Debt of the Church amounting to $2,366
�FRIDAY, 7 8th
This was also a fine morning.
Made arrangements with Mr Mercer to rip up the boards Higinbotham has on hand to make a
temporary fence round his peas and oats, instead of ordering Flakes
also ordered 80 Hemlock scantling from C. Mickle and got them delivered that evening.
SATURDAY, 8 9th
This was rather a dull morning, but cleared off during the forenoon, when Wm Higinbotham and I,
went up to the field and set up 2 pannels of the temporary fence, and made arrangements to begin
and complete it on Monday.
The afternoon was dull. Mr Chas Davidson left by the 5 Oclock train for Montreal thence for Halifax.
Shortly after 6 Oclock a drizling rain began to come on which ended on some heavy showers up till
10 Oclock.
Mr Anderson, Manager of the Bank of Commerce was examined to day about the Mortgage.
June. MONDAY, 10 11th 1872.
This is a dull wet looking morning (Sabbath) and the grass all very wet, yet it cleared off and became
fine, but towards evening it turned cold.
This is a cool morning but turned fine through the day, got John McPherson to help with the fence to
day.
A good of thunder and lightning began about 10.30 and heavy rain after that
TUESDAY, 11 12th
This is a somewhat dull morning and the ground very wet, and there must have been considerable
rain during the night.
It is getting cool this evening.
Wm Fishers Sale of his furniture, & leaves tomorrow. They took tea with us this evening, & to sleep
at Johns house.
�The case between G Sandelands & our Son William as executors of the late Wm Alexanders Will &
George Quarrie about a loan due the Estate, was de
John Chambers died to day aged 47.
WEDNESDAY, 12 13th
This is a very fine morning. Mrs V Patterson relict of the late George D Patterson ) aged 64 years
June. THURSDAY, 13 14th 1872
This is a very fine morning.
Began to dig out the road into Higinbothams lot at the back of the Hill.
P. H. Gibbs of the Ontario Bank died yesterday aged 44 years & 11 months, funeral tomorrow at
Oshawa on arrival of train 3.30 p m.
Got the fence completed last night & began to the cutting of the the road, and preparing a couple of
new gateposts.
FRIDAY, 14 15th
This is a very close warm morning, it rained heavy last night, there was a good deal of thunder and
lightening during the night.
Funeral of Mrs George Patterson to day at 2 Oclock.
SATURDAY, 15 16th
This is of any thing a dull morning, and not unlike rain. But as the day advanced it became clear &
bright and all appearance of rain vanished.
Got the gate finished and road leading out to the main road finished this evening.
My Son William's, wife was safely delivered of a Son to night
June, MONDAY, 18th 1872
Sabbath morning is fine and warm. Revd Mr Sanderson officiated in the forenoon and Revd Mr
Wardrope in the evening.
�This morning opens bright and warm, and has continued so all day. I got over my old drawing table
from the Office to day and a job it was to get it down stairs, having originally been taken there in
peices
TUESDAY, 19th
This is another very fine morning, with a smart breese. It will be a fine day for the Sale of the
remainder of the lumber, Barrels.
Wrote a postal card to Illinois this morning
WEDNESDAY, 19 20th
This is a fine windy morning when out hunting my strayed Cow, which I found, but fine warm
weather.
Mr E Morris & wife left this morning for England.
Strawberries in abundance now at 15¢ a basket.
Mrs Tawse and Mrs McNaughton arrived this evening from Waterloo
June. THURSDAY, 20 21st 1872
This is a dull morning and heavy clouds.
I went up to see Dr Herod and John Hobson start for England by the early train, also Miss Pipe.
Great Fire in the City of St John's, N. Brunswick some 200 acres of houses burnt up
{F.Y.I. At 2:30 on the afternoon of June 20, 1877, a spark fell into a bundle of hay in Henry Fairweather's storehouse
in the York Point Slip area. Nine hours later the fire had destroyed over 80 hectares (200 acres) and 1,612 structures
including eight churches, six banks, fourteen hotels, eleven schooners and four wood boats. The fire had killed
approximately 19 people, and injured many more.}
FRIDAY, 21 22d
This is a chilly morning, and througout the forenoon, farther news of the Great fire at St John's N.
Brunswick is very distressing, some 15,000 people out of house & home.
It is quite cold this evening
�SATURDAY, 23d
This is a fine bright morning, but I hear that there has been frost early this morning, sufficient to
produce ice
June. MONDAY, 25th 1872
This Sabbath morning was fine and warm.
A student by the name of Tait from Toronto preached a very excelent sermon this forenoon and Mr
Wardrope in the evening.
This morning was dull with a light shower but the day turned out warm
TUESDAY, 26th
This morning was at first bright then clear and early in the forenoon began to rain, and continued
tolerably heavy during the middle of the day. Mr Jas Anderson presented me with a bag of Potatoes
WEDNESDAY, 26 27th
The morning was rather dull and looked like rain but little or nothing came.
The Gass Company are very busey laying a extended line line of pipes to convey the gass across
the River Speed at the Mill Bridge on the lower side close to the wall. And what crosses the Bridge
is lapwelded pipes 4 inches diameter and ¼ inch thick with screwed couplings, the cost laid down
45¢ per running foot, will stand a pressure of 400 lbs per inch, and are 12 feet long each and weigh
from 212 to 230 a peice, they have deep sockets & ample room for hemp gaskins & lead {sketch of
pipe}
June. THURSDAY, 28th 1872
This is another dull morning but no rain as yet has fallen though at times thought comming.
Mrs Tawse & Mrs McNaughton left this morning by the Brock road stage at 11 Oclock.
Dr John Finlayson M.D. of Elora died there to day aged 77 years, a native of Rosshire & settled in
Canada in 1833 first in Cornwall & came to Elora in 1848 he was an Episcopalian
�FRIDAY, 29th
This was a dull morning but no rain fell till about 10 Oclock. The men employed by the Gass Co.
began at 3 a m to tear up the planking of the Mill Bridge so as to lay the pipes between the stringers
or main Beams of the bridge, which was done, and then filled in with tan bark to keep out the frost as
much as possible. But during the day it was discovered that the majority of the stringers were so
much decayed that it would not be safe to risk a covering of new planks, & now awaits the desision
of the Road & Bridge Committee.
I met an old acquaintance this forenoon a Mr John Buchan, who boarded with me and my father at
Mr Shearers in Toronto (then Little York) in 1832.
We had some showers of rain both forenoon and afternoon that the Masons had to stop work on the
New Herald Office
SATURDAY, 29 30th
This is another dull morning, and it began to rain about ½ past 9 a.m. and continued a smart shower
for an hour and a half, and since it became fair it became close and hot, a number of men are now
digging out the trench for the gass pipes on the North side of the River 4 feet 6 inches deep.
This has been a close warm day. Mr Thom of Montreal is here, but goes up to London at 6.
{corner of page turned down} MONDAY, 2d 1872
Th{covered}bbath morning is close and warm, with a fine strong from the South West, Revd Mr
Gallagher preached.
This is also Dominion Day. While we were at Church the wind blew down the famous Glass Plum
tree with a considerable crop of fruit.
This Monday is to be the day of rejoicing and a number of fine Boats and Canoes compeated for
prizes, a great number of people were assembled the Bridges below and above, and in Davidson's
and the Priory grounds were thickly ranked with sightseers. We both took a drive round the old
Glebe and Exhibition ground &c.
�TUESDAY, 3d
This morning was dull after a heavy shower about 5 Oclock, and some light suney showers after
that. The Catholics are erecting triunphal arches for the Archbishop who is to lay the foundation
stone of the Cathedral.
I have been using Paris Green for the Potatoes.
WEDNESDAY, 3 4th
This is a fine bright morning for the Monthly Fair which turned out well, so far as numbers of people
is concerned, plenty of Mowers, Rakes, and Reapers and a good many sales of them made.
Death of John McIntosh of Arthur. I observe that an old acquaintance of the Villiage of Arthur died
last week aged 89 years, he listed in the 92d Gordon Hilanders in 1804, was wounded & lost a leg
at the Battle of Bayonne, came to Canada in 1840, got a free grant of 200 acres, close to Arthur,
his wife died several years ago & at the age of 83 married a woman of 19 years of age, with whom
he lived happy.
While attending the Strawberry festival of Chambers Church at the Drill Shed, our servant girl, Alisha
Pollock, fell of our swing & hurt her back so as to dissable her from work.
I hear of the failure of Mr Robt. Rae, distiller of Windsor
July. THURSDAY, 4 5th 1872
This is a very fine morning
FRIDAY, 5 6th
This is also a very fine morning.
I went to the drill shed to hear what the Hon Alexr Mackenzie Primeer of the Dominion of Canada
had to say, and was very much pleased with his easy and moderate way that he charges his
{illegible} the opposition
SATURDAY, 6 7th
This is a very fine morning, went over to Higinbothams before breakfast and had a conversation with
the Hon Alex Mackenzie and found him very frank, and soon after 10 a m he and the other
gentlemen accompaning him proceeded in carriages, with a number of others forming a large
�procession to the Great Western Station, where a Special Directors Car awaited to convey them to
Fergus
July. 1877 MONDAY, 8 9th 1872
This Sabbath morning is dull, with very little wind, and it continued close and warm all day. a Revd
Mr Gall preached for us in the forenoon, and Revd Mr Mitchell of St John's when a collection was
taken up for their Church Building fund, he stated that 400 acres of houses were burnt up.
This Monday morning is wet there having been a considerable amount of Thunder & lightning during
the night and morning and heavy showers of rain, yet not of such long duration as to penetrate the
soil sufficient to keep the grass from getting brown
TUESDAY, 9 10th
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 10 11th
This is another fine morning.
The young folks are busey preparing flours &c for the display and refreshments after the induction of
our Minister J.C. Smith.
Mrs Allan & I dined at Glenburn, in company with Mr Jas Reid & wife from Buffalo, and came in in
time to attend the Induction at 2 Oclock, the attendance was large.
One unpleasant announcement appeared in the Herald that James Massie & Co. had called a
Meeting of his Creditors to meet at the Queens Hotel, Toronto on the 17th inst.
July. 1877 THURSDAY, 11 12th 1872
This is a fine morning, but dry and warm.
I hear this morning that the Carpenters working at the New Wellington Hotel, have stopped work, for
want of pay for several weeks.
My Son William went down to Hamilton this morning thence to Toronto next day
FRIDAY, 12 13th
This is a very fine morning.
�A fine breeze has sprung up which cools the air a little.
SATURDAY, 13 14th
This is a very fine pleasant morning, also a very large market with large loads of cherries at 5¢ a
quart, and potatoes at 40¢ a peck.
Higinbotham went up to London this morning.
July. MONDAY, 15. 16th 1872.
Sabbath 15th July was a very warm day. Rev Mr McDonald preached in St Andrews Church in the
forenoon the Introductory sermon And our own Minister Rev J.C. Smith in the evening
Monday 16th Fine morning, but dry and warm, I expected John Idington from Stratford to attend the
meeting of my Creditors to day, but he did not come, The meeting began at 2pm present Messrs
Stone & Elliot 2 of the inspectors, Kemp & Thomas, of the Bank also their Solicitor Mr McKelcan,
Strachan, George Sheppard, Hamilton, Alexr Smith, J.C. Allan, Higinbotham, Brydon, & Mr Cutten
for Creditors & John Smith, Assignee, It was resolved that the Mortgage to the Bank is legal and
good to them,
It became dull in the afternoon, with strong signs of rain & very warm, rain began about 8 but only
light
TUESDAY, 16. 17th
This is a close morning, it was raining between 1 & 2 Oclock a.m. at 6 this morning thermometer
stood at 66 degrees, and heavy at 4 Oclock I was told,
Meeting of Creditors of Jas Massie & Co to day at the Queens Hotel Toronto at 2pm
WEDNESDAY, 17. 18th
This is a warm morning, and very warm during the day
The sky got cloudy in the afternoon, and looked very like rain, We visited our old servant Lidia
Anderson to day, who is to be married tomorrow to our old Distiller James Dourie, and proceed to
Manatoba on a visit to her Brothers family.
It rained this evening.
�July. THURSDAY, 18 19th 1872
This is a dull heavy morning but no rain, Bot ½ Bushel of new potatoes at 50¢ or $1. per Bushel.
Went up this afternoon to see the new Engine that Worswick is making for Mr Marsden of
Newmarket it a splended peice of work
FRIDAY, 19 20th
This is rather a chilly morning, compared with yesterday, The wind is from the N. West.
I have not felt quite so well to day.
I looked into Ingles & Hunters shop this forenoon and saw no Engines on the floor, but was told that
they have orders for two, I saw a small 6 horse power upright Engine out in the yard and about ready
to send off {sketch of engine}
SATURDAY, 20 21st
This is a fine clear warm morning with gentle South Westerly breeze.
Plenty of fine potatoes much larger than last Saturday, at $1.25 a Bushel down to $1.00. The
Fruiteers are getting in Boxes of American harvest Apples, and Peaches, but very dear. ___
July. MONDAY, 22 23d 1877.
Sabbath was a fine morning warm with a gentle breeze our own Minister Mr Smith preached his first
forenoon Sermon and evening likewise, both were powerfull and convincing discourses. Neither
Davidson or McCrea were able to be in Church from indisposition.
This morning is fine warm & clear, but as soon as the Mail came to hand it brought alarming
intellegence of the great Railroad riots in Pittsburg, Reading.
TUESDAY, 23 24
This is another beautifull morning, with a gentle breeze as the day advances it becomes very warm.
Railroad matters on the other side are getting more settled and hear of no more destruction of
Property. But it appa'rs that the Strikers hold the Station ground at East Buffalo and will not allow
any trains to go out, and many cattle are dying for want of food and water.
�WEDNESDAY, 24 25th
This is likewise a very warm clear morning. I have been up quite early at the church, as the Scaffold
for Painting the Spire is completed, & was desirous of stopping any unnecesary alterations in the
weather cock, but only to put in links to hang the Bells to the arms & reguild them and the Cock.
Mr A. B. Stewart returned from Dundas and Toronto this afternoon, and had a chat with him till late
this evening, and is going off by first train to Toronto in the morning.
July. THURSDAY, 25 26th 1877.
This is a close warm morning, Thermometer at 7 a m, 73º.
Mr A B Stewart left by the 8.25 train this morning this is a very warm day.
John & I went through all the Manse to day and took dimensions of its rooms &c. The painter
strongly advises 5 coats of paint instead of 3 coats and sanding it.
FRIDAY, 26 27th
This has been rumbling morning about 3 Oclock the Thunder and lightning was very severe, with
frequent showers of rain and the ground was very wet this morning, and all the forenoon close and
warm about One Oclock a heavy shower of large drops came on but only lasted a few minutes. I
was Overcome with the heat and walking about yesterday that I dont feel so well to day
SATURDAY, 27 28th
This is another close warm morning and the Market well supplied with all kinds vegetables.
The accounts from the States are more pacific Except the miners who have stopped the Pumps and
the water will soon fill the mines
July. MONDAY, 29 30th 1877.
Sabbath was very warm.
This morning is also very warm.
Meeting in the School room this evening principly in regard to the enlargement of the Manse, the
Committee that were appointed got plans out that would cost about $3,000 while the Trustees would
not expend more than $1300. Offer of Exchange was made by Hugh Walker, he to take our manse,
�& we to take his new house & the old one, and allow him $2,500 for the difference, & to be decided
on Monday next.
TUESDAY, 30 31st
This is a very warm morning.
Massie Nat went down to Toronto to day.
I observed the contractor nailing down the 3 inch elm planking on the Bridge with 6 inch cut nails &
told him they would never hold, he said these were the kind allowed him to use, I then spoke to the
Chairman, and the Engineer and they agreed at once we me, and sent down a keg of 6 inch wrought
iron spikes, which drew them down firm & solid
WEDNESDAY, 31 August 1st 1877
Another very warm morning.
They got the North half of the Bridge planked to day and made passable for foot passengers.
Nat went down to Toronto & retd. in the evening.
August. THURSDAY, 2d 1877.
This morning glass at 70º at 7 a m.
We went down to the Puslinch Lake to see the Boys the day was very warm but there was a fine
cooling breeze, we had a boat and I rowed out to the Island where the boys were encamped, they
were pleased to see us but we did not stay long partly fearing a thunder storm but it passed off, but
it had rained very heavy for ½ an hour in Town.
FRIDAY, 3d
This is a cool morning from yesterdays rain, the news from the States is not all quiet yet and matters
are in an unsatisfactory state yet.
Higinbotham and family with Miss Blainey are preparing to go down to Puslinch Lake, they started at
3 Oclock P.M. and did not get home till a ¼ to 10. the night was pleasant no moon but starr light
�SATURDAY, 3 4th
This is a very fine morning, with hardly a breath of wind, they are about to put in the last beam of the
Bridge, I dont think that the bridging between the beams is sufficient and will be apt to spring a good
deal
August. MONDAY, 6th 1877.
Sabbath was a cool day.
This morning quite plesent but as the day advances it becomes much warmer. Revd. J. D. McDonell
here this forenoon on his way to Fergus.
We had a very good meeting this evening in our school room, when it was resolved to buy Walkers
new house for $6,000 and to dispose of our Manse
TUESDAY, 6 7th
This is another warm morning. The men are busey planking the Bridge with new 3 inch elm plank
and {blank}
WEDNESDAY, 8th
This is a warm close morning, and was quite warm all day.
About 7 a m received a Telegram from John Idington to meet him him at the evening train but did not
arrive Another came saying he would leave Toronto at 9.15. but he did not get here till 12 Oclock
and slept at Higinbothams
August. THURSDAY, 8 9th 1877.
This was a fine airey morning. Went up to the Station to see John Idington go home to Stratford.
Mrs A and I got ready soon afterwards and started for Puslinch Lake and arrived there about One
Oclock, rowed out to their Island & eat Lunch and remained for an hour or so, left the Hotel at ½
past 4 for Peter Idington's at Fisher's Mills and home about 10 Oclock we got a little rain, but it had
rained very heavy ½ way to Guelph as we saw all the pools on the road filled with water, it was very
dark that we could not a Buggy before us but with great difficulty a good many flashes of lightning
helped us at the first start.
Heard that Robt Cauldwell was shot by accidint by his Son in Africa on the 6th June last.
�FRIDAY, 9 10th
This morning was dull and heavy looking, my toes are quite sore that the Horse tramped on last
night & 3 are coloured a dark purple.
William Higinbotham came up by train last night & went down to the Lake early this morning with the
2 horses & light waggon and brought up their Tent and all their things and got home by {blank}
Oclock a m
SATURDAY, 10 11th
This morning is much the same.
On Tuesday last Messrs James Massie & Co. made an assignment to John Smith official assignee,
and a meeting of his Creditors are called for the 21st of this month at 2 Oclock
August. MONDAY, 12 13th 1877.
Sabbath 12th, heavy rain about 4 or 5, then again about 9 - and at 10 Oclock it became heavier
again, it kept fair after 11 Oclock but remained dull and heavy all day.
This is a dull morning and likely to bring on more rain, between 10 & 11 it rained very heavy for a
while with light showers now and then, the afternoon was dry but close & warm.
I examined McLaggans hot air furnace and also that of Mr Gowdy
TUESDAY, 13 14
This is a very dull dark morning, there was considerable thunder and lightning during the night &
some showers this forenoon has been quite wet, some heavy showers fell about 12. And again in
the afternoon. The wind was Southerly
WEDNESDAY, 14 15th
This is also a dulish morning with hot outbursts of sunshine and not like settled weather yet. About
12 & 1 it rained pretty heavy for about ½ an hour Then again at 6 it came on very heavy with large
drops and close.
Saw McFarish the miller who has been down at Halifax about a loss he has sustained by the failure
of a commission house. Goldie is in for about $8,000. John Pipe a 100 Bbls. Tolton is also in
�August. THURSDAY, 15 16th 1877.
This is dry morning and more settled like, but it looks like as if it had rained during the night, the
Thunder is rolling this forenoon and the sky is becoming dark again.
Great rain came on about One oclock and continued for 3 hours of incesant heavy rain, when all the
gutters and & drains were completely overd flowed and great many cellars flooded and considerable
damage done.
The crops standing out will suffer greatly
FRIDAY, 16 17th
This morning opened out fine and clear and looked like settled, it continued so till after One Oclock
when a close rain came on with close heat, and must now greatly injure the Spring wheat that is
standing out, and am told they are sprouting an inch long.
SATURDAY, 17 18th
This morning opens out fine and dry like, yet there now and then warm gusts of hot air which makes
it very doubtful if it will continue so all day.
The amount of Massie's debts are $238,738,39 The Bank of Montreal's claim is $183,725,00
August. MONDAY, 19 20th 1877.
Sabbath 19th was a fine dry day.
This morning is bright and beautiful and looks quite settled to all appearance.
About ½ past One a fire broke out in Horsemans hardware store it began in the cellar, and took hold
so rapidly that little or nothing was saved. Williamson & Co. Cormack & Sons, and the Banks of
Commerce & Ontario had to move every thing, which was a work of great labour and destruction, but
with the hard work of the firemen, and plenty of water the fire was at length got under controll.
TUESDAY, 20 21st
This is a very fine morning, and settled looking, and the late rains has improved the pastures a good
deal.
A great many Tomatoes are offered for Sale at 75¢ per Bushel, and remarkably fine.
�The Meeting of James Massie's Creditors met and appointed John Smith as assignee. The
composition sheet having in most cases been signed by the largest Creditors, the matter was soon
got over, and the very few who who objected to accepting the 50¢ in the dollar cash had to comply,
another meeting has to be called to meet in 3 weeks according to Law, to confirm these
proceedings, when the dividend will be paid.
WEDNESDAY, 22d
This is a very fine morning, clear Sky and likely to be very warm this day, and it was so.
Men have begun to remove the Rubbish out of the burnt building, and D Kennedy has got the job of
putting all to rights again. Revd Mr Edward Ebbs came here to day along with Mr Wickson from
Toronto they left in the afternoon by the 4.45 train
August. THURSDAY, 23d 1877.
This seems to be a close morning and of any thing dull looking have thoughts of starting for
Stratford this morning, Which I did and got there at a ¼ to 12 and met John Idington on the street.
The day was fine and had a good view of the House both of the external and internal arrangements,
the floors are laid on nearly all the rooms and the lathing going in the Kitchen part of the house
FRIDAY, 23 24th
In Stratford, The weather is rather cloudy this morning & raw of anything. Had a turn about the Town
this forenoon and found several new Brick houses covered in & ready for the Carpenters and
plasterers. I met with Thos Todd of Galt also Mr Ballentyne a dealer in Cheese, with whom we
dined. I then went out to the Grand Trunk Repair shops, & found an Old aquaintance who has been
directing & making changes in Shops there, has now returned and is going to make such alterations
in the amount of work which must be done by the men in the Shops, also of the enlargement of such
Cylinders as will admit of it, that will enable an Engine to draw nearly double the number of cars they
formerly did, and with the same number of men.
SATURDAY, 24 25th
Very fine morning. The Great London Show is here already this morning with over 30 cars & 2 fine
sleeping cars all their own property, it appears their contract with the G.T.R. Co. is $200, cash down
for every time they move, with the Companys Engine always in attendance, their canvas nearly
covered the whole fair ground
�August. MONDAY, 26 27th 1877.
Sabbath 26th This is a very fine morning, the day was dry and warm.
Monday morning bright and warm
TUESDAY, 27.
This is a pleasant morning.
The forenoon was quite fine without the least appearance of a change. But between 12 & 1 a
dullness came over the atmosphere then the rolling of thunder and a heavy shower of rain for a ¼ of
an hour, after an interval of about ½ an hour another very heavy pouring rain came on which lasted
15 or 20 minutes.
Mr Cooper the Surveyor has been beat off his work in surveying the Priory Grounds to day, with the
view to divide it into lots for Building purposes
WEDNESDAY, 28
This was a close cloudy morning and thretning rain. Mrs A and I intended going to Toronto by the
cheap Excurction train at 9 a m, but I having to sign a deed of the old Manse to Dr Howitt (for which
he paid $3,500 cash) we could not get away till the 11 Oclock train, the weather by that time turned
out very fine, called on the Alexanders, and saw the House they are building of Brick & to cost
$2,500, the ground in that street is worth $45 per foot front to be ready 1st Nov. We also called on
Wm Higinbotham, but could not see him as he would be able to recognise either of us. We left by
the 11.45 train having been too late for the 5.15.
August. THURSDAY, 29 30th 1877.
We got home this morning from Toronto about 2 Oclock by the middnight train, with a great many
Guelph folks who had been left behind.
This is a splended day for the Harvest Home on the Model Farm, to which I have been
invited but for want of conveyance of my own, and having to attend the Babtism of my Son's child
this evening I thought it would be too much for us both.
We went up to Williams to the Babtism at 7 Oclock and left at 10 the childs was named Walter, Nat,
Maggie, & Miss Idington were there
�FRIDAY, 30 31st
This is a very wet morning, raining hard at 6 Oclock. The Thunder was rolling at ½ past 6 and still
raining. 9 Oclock and still raining hard.
This is our Fast Day in the Presbyterian Churches in this Town.
The afternoon was dry but in the evening it was of any thing a little drizzling rain. The attendance at
night in the Church was much better.
I went up to Goldie's Mill for a supply of chicken feed, and looked in to the new Engine house, which
is very much enlarged, and found them far advanced with the foundation and bed ofor the Engine it
is substantial and well built with Water lime, and bolt holes preserved in the work by means of
wooden boxes built in as the work goes up.
SATURDAY, 31 1st September
This is a fine morning and the rain has ceased. I sent Postal card to A Cuningham.
But as the day advanced it became quite chilly.
There was a meeting of my Creditors this afternoon.
All I can hear that was done was the reception of offers for the outeside property, that could not be
intertained being far below the mark, another matter, was the purchase of a life interest for
my Brother William
September. MONDAY, 3d 1877.
Sabbath morning is of any thing dark and cloudy, and hope it may keep faire, this being
our Communion Sabbath. It got quite cool at midday 60º and at 6 pm 55º.
This day has also been chilly, a cold N. West wind has been blowing all day, and those that were up
very early this morning found the side walks white with frost
TUESDAY, 3 4th
This is of any thing a better looking morning a fine clear sky. The Tas
�WEDNESDAY, 4 5th
This is the Monthly Fair Day and it is a very fine morning, The Fare is but poorly attended.
I have just heard that the Elora Mills have been purchased from the Merchant Bank by Mr Horetop
for $12, 000 $13,000
September. THURSDAY, 5 6th 1877.
This is a cool morning after the rain yesterday afternoon.
The day has been pleasant yet cooler than of late this is the Horticultural Show day, and a very fine
Show it is, neither the Cauliflower nor the Egg plant was so good either in size or compactness, &
too many green leaves in the centre of them, a fine desplay of Plums, but hardly ripe
FRIDAY, 6 7th
This is a dull morning and looks like more rain and there was a light shower in the forenoon
SATURDAY, 7 8th
This was a fine morning, and as it advanced a great many waggons with fruit and vegitables drew up
at the market such as, tomatoes, grapes of various Kinds, Melons, corn, &c.
September. MONDAY, 10th 1877.
Sabbath, this is a fine clear morning with moderate temprature. In the afternoon there was a slight
shower
TUESDAY, 10 11th
This was of any thing a dull morning, and very much like rain.
Went out the Dundas road to look out for some store pigs
WEDNESDAY, 11 12th
This is a very fine morning and as the day advances is getting very warm
September. THURSDAY, 12 13th 1877.
This is a splendid morning, and it will be highly favourable for the Caladonian Gathering this day at
the Exehibition grounds
�FRIDAY, 13 14th
This appears to be a very fine morning & have made up mind to go down to Hespeler by the Cars
and walk to Peters. I found them all so far as he & the son & daughter were well, but Mrs Idington
was complaining a good deal of lowness of spirits &c., The weather was very warm, they have had
a fine crop of splended peaches ripe & good. It is only once in several years they can have the like.
I was driven down to Hespeler saw old Jacob who is preparing to run his distillery next week, he
complains of the poor proffits they are making, he sold the last sale of rye at 80¢ duty paid, and
from haveing been in store for some 8 or 10 weeks it was found that the Barrels after being emptied,
weighed more than they were tared on an average 6 lbs which he had to allow of the spirits.
SATURDAY, 14 15th
This is another very fine morning, with a very fresh breeze, a great quantity of Peaches are daily
being brought to town by rail and selling at $1.50 a box that a few days ago were selling at $2.50 to
$3.00 - & Apples 75¢ & $1.00 a bag.
I met Geo Randall of Waterloo returning from Toronto he says he sold Rye Whisky duty paid at 83¢
& in Bond at 23¢ and says that there is nothing in it, & would gladly sell out Mill & Destillery at 50¢.
September. MONDAY, 16 17th 1877.
Sabbath morning was dull after such a heavy fall of rain during the night, washing out great ruts on
the roads. But as the day advanced it became fine & warm. Mr Smith in the forenoon, & Mr
Wardrope in the evening.
This Monday morning is a little damp but pleasant about ½ past One it began to rain and continued
more or less throughout the afternoon.
Mr Jas. Caulfields, flour and saw mills were destroyed by fire on Sunday morning between 12 & 1
am. They were leased (except the saw mill) to Messrs. Cordiner & Haigh, the total loss is from
$8,000 to $10,000 and no Insurance whatever, having neglected to renew the Policy for some
months. Higinbotham started for Orangevelle meeting to night
TUESDAY, 17 18th
This is a fine morning, and looks as if there had been some rain last night.
I took a strol this afternoon to see the progress made.
�F.W. Stone is getting round again but he has been very ill for some days back
WEDNESDAY, 18 19th
This is quite a fresh morning, but there was frost on the side walks at 5 a. m.
September. THURSDAY, 19 20th 1877.
This is a fine dry morning, and cool and pleasant
FRIDAY, 20 21st
There was a little frost this morning, but clear and bright
SATURDAY, 21 22d
This is another fine clear morning, but the grass had a white coating this morning, there is very little
done in the Mill in gristing of any Kind
September. MONDAY, 23 24th 1877.
Sabbath morning 23d Sept. clear and bright, and looks as there had been a light frost.
This is a very fine morning. The Inspectors of my Estate examined the peice of road I purchased
from the Council or rather exchanged as I gave them a road for it, and got a deed from them & gave
them one also.
TUESDAY, 24 25th
This is a fine morning, and a long train went up to London well filled with passengers for the
Exhibition at London.
Higinbotham left for Tornonto by the last train to be present at the Marriage of Mrs Wm
Higinbothams daughter by her first husband, Miss to Mr {blank} Morrison son of Angus Morrison,
Mayor of Toronto.
WEDNESDAY, 25 26th
This is a very fine morning, but so many Cars for the Exibition as yesterday.
I went up to Goldie's Mill this afternoon, and find they have got the Engine & fly wheel connected, &
have hung the new boiler along side of the old one, the old wall remaining between them. They are
both return tubular boilers the masons were building in the furnace with fire Bricks, and forming the
�inverted arch below the boiler with common bricks, they are also taking out the old pully & part of
the shafting, and going to put in a larger pully & shaft of 5¼" diameter, very little done to the
condencer as yet, will take 2 weeks yet before all is going again.
A. B. Stewart passed down from Detroit by the 5. train, spoke to P. S. Stevenson who was also on
board.
September. THURSDAY, 26 27th 1877.
This is a rainey morning.
William went to Toronto at 11 a m. George Linds 2 boys called to the eldest is 20 years past last
May, they had both been to the Exhibition at London, where over 30,000 people were admitted by
ticket.
James Goldie is is putting in a new intermidiate wrought iron shaft about 20 feet long at least, all
turned and polished 5¼ inches diameter, (the old one was only about 4 in and in 2 lengths). The
Chimey plate on the new foundation (which is only tempory is 30 inches diameter to suit the present
smoke stalk) But the foundation for ultimately building a Brick one on is 9 feet square of substantial
masonary.
FRIDAY, 27 28th
This is a very fine morning, quite mild and the flowers in the garden fresh vigerous as they were in
June and think that new flowers are comming in Bloom.
Wm returned from Toronto this morning.
A great many have returned from the Provincial Show this afternoon
SATURDAY, 28 29th
This is another beautiful morning. A great many people in town, and great quantities of fruit and
vegitables, also an Auction of Horsemans goods saved from the fire.
Our Minister Mr Smith got up another 2 loads of furnature and got them in from the station. The
wooden drain along the South side of Quebec street is nearly completed it is about {blank} feet wide,
and {blank} deep at the deepest part Ceder cills
�September. MONDAY, 1st October 1877.
Sabbath 30th is a very foggy or misty morning that I cannot see ½ across the river.
This morning we enter on the first day of October 1877 which is a most charming morning, there
has been a light shower of rain during the night but now all is clear & fine.
About 9 a m Higinbotham, little Alice and I went down to Richard Nicklin's Saw Mill in Flambro &
retured in the afternoon the day was very warm, yet fine and airey, people seemed to be busey
lifting their Potatoes, Wm Leslie had the largest I have ever seen.
The roads were in fine order, and the condition of the Farms and steading appeared much improved
since I was down in that quarter
October. TUESDAY, 2d
This is quite a dull morning and has every appearance of rain, which will be a drawback to the Fair
which opens to day here, as well as in Hamilton, neither Society being willing to give way to the
other.
The contractor for digging the cellar of Higinbothams small shop at the East end of the Grand Trunk
Bridge began this morning.
About 10 minutes past 7 this evening my daughter Mrs Higinbotham was safely delivered of a
daughter.
WEDNESDAY, 3d
This morning is likewise a dull morning, but the mist now appears to be falling, and likely to be fine.
The day is turning out to be fine, and a great many visitors are pouring in by horse conveyance and
by the Trains.
I went up to the Exhibition grounds in the afternoon and found the show of farm Impliments more
extensive, the Roots of all kinds larger and very solid, and the display of fruit was extraordinary, and
fine
October. THURSDAY, 3 4th 1877.
There is quite a change this morning, the rain has come at last and rather heavy at times, the wind
from the West.
�The Early Vermont Potatoe is a very fine one. But the Late Rose is more productive
FRIDAY, 4 5th
This is quite a cool morning, there had frost, but as the day advanced it became more pleasant.
About noon we got the loan of Higinbothams horse & Buggie and went up to the Exhibition ground,
and found that the Exhibitors were begining to pack up their things, altogether the affair was a
success notwithstanding that the Hamilton show was on the same days.
It appears that Messrs Kemp & Mitchell of the Bank were looking all round the premises
SATURDAY, 5 6th
This is a pleasant morning, although there has been a little frost. The day turned out quite pleasant,
at noon when I went up to town I met our old friend Edward Martin, the lawyer formerly of Guelph,
but now of St Louis.
The contractor for Higinbothams cellar has about completed the excavation
October. MONDAY, 7 8th 1877.
Sabbath morning 7th inst. is a fine dry morning, but the grass was quite white at ½ past 6.
This Monday morning is very wet, seems to be steady & with a heavy shower now and then & no
outdoor work going on
TUESDAY, 10 9th
This morning is better but still dropping of the roof, as if there had been rain during the night.
The day turned out much better than could have been expected in the early part of the forenoon.
The Sabbath School Convension of Ontario began this morning in the Norfolk Methodist Church
about 200 having arrived, but they are flocking in by every train.
Miss Alles Snider, a delegate took tea with us.
We attended the meeting this evening of the Sabbath School Convension, which was filled to
overflowing, & good speeches delivered
�WEDNESDAY, 9 10th
This is a dull looking morning after the rain during the night or early morning.
The day continued very unsettled with showers in the afternoon and evening.
We again attended the Convension this evening.
October. THURSDAY, 10 11th 1877.
This is another wet and dull looking morning, and the clouds looks very water like.
Business still continues very unsettled still a great many failures are reported almost daily and the
weekly reports are almost as numerous of late as they were when the depression was at its worst.
The defalcation & embeselments very frequent. It is quite cold this afternoon the wind Northerly, and
slight drizzling rain at times.
A party in Hamilton has bought a large number of the old whisky barrels, 7 cars are engaged for
them & they are being loaded this afternoon
FRIDAY, 1112th
This looks like a clear settled morning, the wind is yet from a Northerly direction but not so cold as
yesterday afternoon
SATURDAY, 14 13th
A dry morning, with frost on the grass, the sky cloudy at 7 a. m. the sky is clearing up as the morning
advances
October. MONDAY, 14 15th 1877.
Sabbath day was fine and warm & quite a sumer day.
This morning was a fine clear morning, Nat, went off towards Erin villiage this morning.
I went up to Goldies Mill this forenoon, but the Steam Engine was standing still but it had been going
3 days last week. But the Condener is not attached to it yet.
TUESDAY, 15 16th
This is rather a dull morning and cold, Northerly wind. It continued raw and, and drizzling rain now
and then
�WEDNESDAY, 16 17th
This is a wet morning, but during the day it improved and was quite dry in the afternoon.
The Sale of the lots of Land in my Estate came of at One Oclock
October. THURSDAY, 17 18th 1877.
This is another dull morning and a good deal of mist that it almost wets one through in a short time.
I have made up my mind to proceed to Stratford to consult John Idington about dower.
I did start by the ½ past 2 train and got there about ½ past 4, and found him engaged at an
arbitration between a Farmer and the New Railway Co. from Woodstock, Stratford and into the
Huron Tract. I staid at the Hotel all night and after tea had some time to consult him as well as in the
morning.
FRIDAY, 18 19th
This was a very wet morning in Stratford & having rained very heavy through the night the streets
were very wet I left by the early train for the East at 9.25. and got here at 11. a. m. and found it wet
and disagreable here also, and mason work suspended for the day.
SATURDAY, 19 20th
This is a cold raw morning, but as yet no rain although it looks like it. It is getting colder as the day
advances, however the afternoon was dry but not in any way cheerfull weather. I handed in a letter
to the Inspectors of my Estate this forenoon about my Wifes Dower I went up to Goldies Mill in the
afternoon and saw the new Engine at work which to all appearance went well the speed is much
reduced below the old one that was taken away, and the valves are not so intricate and difficult to
set and keep in order the boiler's are fed at present with hot water from the Exaust cistern, But
when the condencer is completed I do not see how they can feed with hot water, without an
additional fixture for the purpose
October. MONDAY, 21 22d 1877.
21st There was frost last night and the side walks with the effects of it.
The Assizes began to day Judge Morrison preciding
�TUESDAY, 22 23d
This was a remarkably fine morning.
It continued so all the early part of the day but a great change came about towards the after part of
the day, turned rather cold and dreary.
This last few days the leaves have been falling of the trees in great quantities
WEDNESDAY, 23 24th
This is a dull morning and raw.
Reports are going about that the Guelph Mills & all the property of the Bank of Commerce is sold,
but cannot trace it to any authentic source as yet, but after Saturday it will be fully known after the
tenders are opened.
About 7 Oclock it began to rain and continued for some time
October. THURSDAY, 24 25th 1877.
This is a foggy morning, and even aproaching to fine rain, the mist lasted most of the forenoon.
Sturdy's trial for the abduction of Miss Carr came on this morning, and the Courtroom was cramed.
About 5 p. m called at the G. Trunk station the carrs M were late & got tired waiting and left, but had
only gone out of the gate when I heard the train comming and I returned and the first one I
recognised was my Brother James, from Bayfield
FRIDAY, 25 26th
This is a dull raw morning and the Thermometer down to 34º. The grass is keeping green and fine
as yet and affords fine pasture in abundance.
The day continued cold throughout. There was great crouds in the Courthouse to hear the trial of
Sturdy it was difficult to squeze in to get standing room.
I was informed to day that Williamson offers Carpets made at Elora for 87¢ per yard that cost 85¢ in
the making, & when you deduct his proffit for selling of from 10 to 12¢ per yard it will leave the
manufacturer nothing but a heavy loss, of perhaps 12¢ per yard. I heard that the Bank of Commerce
�has a claim or Mortgage of $25,000 on the flour & woolen Mills at Ayr the Woolen Mill was lately
destroyed by fire, which must leave the proprietors in a poor way
SATURDAY, 26 27th
This morning seems to be dull and louring and looks like rain. During the day it kept off, was never
clear and bright all day. The Court closed for the day about not one oclock.
There is yet a dullness in most of trades, great complaints as to the difficulty in collecting outstanding
debts.
The Wellington Hotel is not finished yet such as stairs to the basement floors there, and painting and
staining. The heating apperatus is appearantly finished. But the prospects of it paying are bad
should the, Duncan Act, be carried
October. MONDAY, 28 29th 1877.
Sabbath morning dull and misty. Tempt. 43º and mild. {Newspaper clipping}
TUESDAY, 29 30th
This morning is bright, but there has been a heavy frost as the grass is white at 7 a. m. and the side
walks as well all covered with Rime.
WEDNESDAY, 30 31st
This is a somewhat dull morning Tempt. at 40º, and cloudy
October. November THURSDAY, 31 1st 1877.
This is a very nice fall morning, But have heard that the young men, have done some mischeif at the
back of the Hill in taking Higinbothams gates of the hinges, and breaking some parts which I went
over and with assistance restored to their places and got the 11 pigs put back into the field.
The Assizes were finished this afternoon
November. FRIDAY, 1 2d
This is a very wet morning, it rained hard through night, and has washed down a great quantity of
the fine yellow leaves of the Maples &c.
The day throughout was blustering & stormy.
�William at Hamilton to day.
James D Allan and Higinbotham went up to London
SATURDAY, 3d
This is a somewhat pleasanter morning yet coldish and requires an overcoat.
In the forenoon it was clear dry and the masons were at work, but those on the upper works of the
New Catholic Church did not appear and slight flurries of snow now and then. At 5 p m when the
train passed down, the roofs of the coaches or cars had a coating of Snow on them.
Nat returned from London this evening, he bot 500 Bbls crude oil at Petrolia
November. MONDAY, 4 5th 1872
This Sabbath morning was dry and cold and a little frost on the grass at 7 a m but cleared off, and
the fore part of the day was tolerably fine, but in the afternoon it became heavy & dull & between 3 &
4 began to snow, and continued all the afternoon & evening.
Nat went to Hamilton this morning.
Monday morning wet, with showers of sleet and rain, up to about noon. It then began to snow
steady and lay on the ground
TUESDAY, 5 6th
This is a Wintry looking morning thin ice covers the Dam and the ground is all coverd Snow
between one & 2 inches deep. As the day advanced it became more pleasant though wet and
muddy.
We made some calls for the first time on Mrs Hogg (widow of our late Minister) and also on our New
Minister Mr Smith.
I cut up some pigs to day at Higinbothams.
Some geese were frozen on the Dam last night and are not relieved yet.
�WEDNESDAY, 6 7th
This is a moderate winter looking morning, the Dam is again froze over this morning also. About 9
Oclock it began to warm up and become fine.
This being the Monthly Fair Day I went to Evan McDonalds and brought my Cow to the Fair ground
and Sold her for $25. cash.
The masons have been at work to day building at the End addition of Williamson's Shop, and are
now leveled for the cills of the upper windows.
November. THURSDAY, 7 8th 1872.
This morning quite dull and wet, there is a close fine rain falling steady, and will prevent any Mason
work being done to day, as the day advances there is no appearance of any sessation of the rain.
I wrote to John Smith, Bridge of Allan to day about his lot in Hamilton
FRIDAY, 8 9th
This is a cold morning with, ice on the ponds only yet it is dull, yet the masons began to work on
Williamsons building at the ("Lion").
Also the men worked at the roof of the Catholic Church in carrying up the central spire which seems
to be a slender one yet considerably higher than the old one still standing
SATURDAY, 9 10th
This is a tollerable fine morning. The market was very well supplied, and further I saw 30 or 40
coops of live Turkeys being the last load of a shipment of 1900 of them to be sent off to New York
this afternoon.
Went up to Goldies Mill this forenoon to see his New Engine going after the condencer was attached
& am now convinced that a condencer in connection with a high pressure Engine is an emence
saving, The loss of which in years past has contributed to my loss & ruin, in the great waste of fuel
November. MONDAY, 11 12th 1877.
This is a moderate morning of any thing mild yet very dull, yet no rain fell during the forenoon
�TUESDAY, 12 13th
This is a very fine morning for the time of the year. The forenoon turned out pleasant and the people
began to turn out to attend the Sale of the remainder of the loose property at the Mills and Distillery.
The Auctioneer Mr Knowles began to sell the things in the Office such as maps, inks, desks, clock,
files for papers, tin boxes. Thermometers & many things too numerous to mention then the old
Bedsteads & Bedding that remained from the last Sale Then firewood, the soft wood going as low
as 50¢ & 60¢ was stopped some casks and 5 tuns of oak
WEDNESDAY, 13 14th
This is a moderate day going to be, it is dry but dull, yet mild and outdoor work going on freely.
I am busey cutting down a stand for a stove for dining room to cook with &c.
November. THURSDAY, 14 15th 1877.
This is a wet morning.
At 10 Oclock it began to rain very heavy and what little work that was doing before the shower is
now stopped.
Fitted up pipes in dinning room stove.
It rained again this evening for a short time
FRIDAY, 15 16th
This is a fine bright morning, and the sun shone out finely, and made a pleasant change, how long it
may last. I began to set up the old 8 day Mill office clock at Higinbothams which he bought at the
sale for $1.00.
Peter Idington & wife called after dinner for a short time, and left Town about ½ past 4. p.m.
Peter Idington & wife were here, (I borrowed $20 from him) We are to have our meeting of the
Worsley Trustees on the 3d Decr.
SATURDAY, 16 17th
This morning is quite a change from yesterday, it is mild so far as to allow a drizzling rain to fall, and
the atmosphere is dull, and looks like more rain.
�It however kept fair during the afternoon but about ½ past 5 it became dull & dark with frequent
flashes of lightning and about 8 Oclock a heavy shower of rain and high wind from the N. West came
on and lasted for about ½ an hour
November. MONDAY, 18 19th 1877.
18th This is a cold Sabbath morning it is dry & freezing, & a strong wind from the North & N. West.
This Monday morning is fine and bright, and the Northerly wind continues cold yet the frost is not so
very hard as yet the glass at 9 Oclock a. m. was 28º. But it is astonishing to see the depth that the
roads are frozen, which is clearly seen, in digging up some of the old gass pipes, the direction of
which having been changed, when several miles of new and ones of larger caliber have been put in
this year.
TUESDAY, 19 20th
This is a moderate monning and looks as if it is going to be a fine day.
The Court of Chancery met to day.
The day turned out fine, and we took a walk up to Williams House.
WEDNESDAY, 20 21st
This is a pleasant morning, and outdoor work going on freely, building in both stone & wood, also
cutting down the elevated sidewalks at Elliots Hill, and preparing to make steps of aproach to the
Houses on each side. Peter Idington here this forenoon, also his Son John from Statford attending
to a case in Chancery which he got so arranged as to allow of his return home by the ½ past 2 train.
The Court adjourned untill Friday. Mrs John Sully died at noon to day aged 71 years & 9 months
November. THURSDAY, 21 22d 1877.
This is a mild dull wet morning, with a continuos fine close rain with the glass at 42º, and the grass
quite green yet.
The Church was very well attended to day, and we got a splended Sermon from Mr Smith.
The day has continued wet
�FRIDAY, 22 23d
This is a thick misty morning, all wet arround us and quite calm and mild, glass 41º at ½ past 7 a.m.
SATURDAY, 23 24th
This is a very wet morning dark and dull, the rain continuing all morning, glass 44º at 7 a.m. The
wind from the N East and getting colder as the day advances, and still raining. About ½ past 10 this
forenoon the new addition to Williamsons with a loud noise, the whole front of the upper story and
the half of the middle one, and a portion of the end wall and many of the joists broken in peices.
{Newspaper cuttings} 10th Oct 1877
November. MONDAY, 25 26th 1877.
This Sabbath morning is another damp and misty day, the glass at 7 a m 41º. At about 9 a m I recd.
a Telegram from Adam Brown Esqr of Hamilton that he desired my attendance of my his Mothers
Funeral at 3 oclock, So I determined to go down, got ready as quick as possible and had the good
fortune to get Mr Murton to take me out in his Buggy with all speed, and was there 4 minutes before
the 9.35 train started, got to Hamilton about ½ past 11. The weather showrey, took dinner at
McNaughtons attended funeral at 3. {Newspaper cutting} 24 Nov 1877
TUESDAY, 26 27th
In Hamilton, wet dissagreable morning
WEDNESDAY, 27 28th
Dry morning with a little frost, and a few flakes of snow at times. The bricklayers are about up with
the walls of Higinbothams little Shop.
There is great work in voting for & against the Duncan liquor Act, those against have a very large
majority
November. THURSDAY, 28 29th 1877.
This is a fine clear morning Thermometer at 27º, Although the frost was enough to freeze the mortar
yet the Bricklayers started, but having neither Bricks nor lime, they had to quit work, from that cause
alone.
�The Anti Duncanites had a grand procession to night a great number paraded with torch lights, also
a great many carriages loaded with officers & delegates from other parts also a display of fireworks,
the night was very cold
FRIDAY, 29 30th
There is hard frost this morning, the wind was cold strong,
This is our Fast day in the Church, the fire's or heating apperatus had not been attended to properly
and the Church was very cold, and having my Overcoat off I shivered a great part of the time Revd
Mr Mullen of Fergus preached.
James Kirkpatrick Esqr died this morning in Hamilton. Born in Sanfield near Belfast 1791. married
in 1815 and removed to Canada & settled in Barton as a Land Surveyor.
John Davidson, Postmaster Galt died there this afternoon at 5 Oclock of Paralysis.
SATURDAY, 30 1st Decr
Hard frost during the night and this morning it was calm yet the Thermometer indicated 20º below
freezing.
The little snow that fell is still laying over the ground
December. MONDAY, 3d 1877.
Sabbath 2d Being our Communion Sabbath is fine and clear there was hard frost last night the
glass at 8 was 13º above Zero. This Monday morning was clear & bright the ground very bare of
Snow and the Therter. at 26º at 7 a.m.
Meeting to day of Miss Worsleys & the late G Worsleys Trustees at Guthrie, Wall, & Cutten, office to
at at 2 Oclock recd. check for balance of funds. $416.66.
Mr Coopers arrears of rent of Rose Cottage is $196.00. Mr Watt had answer from Stratford that the
arrears of Taxes due by the Estate on Lots 130 and 287 is $68.76
TUESDAY, 3 4th
This was a little milder morning, but not bright. It continued dry during the forenoon, the roads fine
smooth and dry and hard.
�But in the afternoon it began with a few flurries of Snow, and then turned into fine rain, but close and
not heavy.
Nat went down to Toronto in answer to a Telegram that his brother William was dieng, but did not
get there to see him alive. Robert White one of my oldest aquaintance died to day at 1 Oclock. I
also had a letter from Mr James Hutchison, that his wife died last Sabbath wishing me to attend the
funeral tomorrow, but not being free from a cold I have had I cannot go
WEDNESDAY, 4 5th
This is quite a soft morning and quite mild glass up to 40º, and a thick fogg falling. The chimney and
gable end of the shop was put up yesterday.
Several more failures, both great and small in Montreal and other places
December. THURSDAY, 5 6th 1877.
This is quite a change from yesterday, the ground is quite hard, and a keen wind blowing from the N.
West.
I attended Robert White's funeral at 2 Oclock to day as far as the Church, but the weather was too
cold for me to go to the cemetery.
The times are still very depressed Moulton (colured) grain and wool buyer has obtained an extension
of time from his Creditors, Lock and Galbraith have also called on their Creditors for an extension of
time
FRIDAY, 6 7th
This is a cold morning freesing hard the wind from the N. East. I got Donald McGinnes to fill up
round the boxes for the cellar windows of Higinbothams little shop
SATURDAY, 7 8th
This morning was not quite so cold as yesterday only 27º. There had been a fall of snow during the
night but very light. During the day we had 2 or 3 light showers.
Reports to day about the safety of the steamer City of Berlin are becoming alarming and some
packages have been cast ashore thought to have been on board of her.
�December. MONDAY, 9 10th 1877.
Sabbath 9th had some snow on the ground, fallen during the night glass about Freezing, at noon
began to thaw and the side walks got quite wet.
This morning was mild 28º and as the day advanced it became more mild, and the snow is melting
fast.
A Telegram reached here about 10 am that the Steam Ship City of Berlin was all safe, having broken
her Shaft when 2 days sail from reaching England
TUESDAY, 10 11th
This is a very mild morning the glass at 37º and the roads getting quite slopy again.
As the day advances the Sun is shinning out fine
WEDNESDAY, 11 12th
This is a very mild morning the glass at 30º and as the day advanced it became much milder and
more like Spring weather.
And as the day advanced it improved, the roads also becoming more sloppy, and lots of cattle
comming in for the Show tramped the mudd pretty well.
December. THURSDAY, 12 13th 1877.
This is another mild morning, dull and inclined to rain. The Thermometer at 40º.
It began to rain a little past 9 a m. This the Fat Cattle Show day, and a great many were brought into
Town yesterday.
There was a fine show of fat cattle, and a very fine display of fat Poultry of all kinds, some of the
Turkeys weighing 14 lbs each.
I wrote to John Smith Bridge of Allan, Scotland, also to Wm and Andrew Fisher in Philadelphia. * I
received the first paper of the Weekly Witness to day dated the 13th
FRIDAY, 13 14th
This is a little colder the glass at 30º at 7 a m the roads are dry, and the weather clear.
�Nat and his son William went down to Hamilton & thence to Toronto this morning. (*Weekly Witness
to day)
SATURDAY, 14 15th
This is a dull morning as yet.
I have got Busby this morning to trim the Grape vines so as to preserve them as far as I can & my
means will permit, But several of them are dead from 1 to 2 feet from the top downwards.
I afterwards got him to dig a drain at the side of Higinbothams little store and found the ground so
soft that he could strike the Pick at one blow down to the handle. I recd. a letter from John Smith in
Scotland.
Nat & William returned from Toronto this evening
December. MONDAY, 16 17th 1877.
This Sabbath is a remarkably fine day as mild as a day in May in morning at 7 a m it was 2º above
freezing viz 34º. and at One Oclock on our return from Church the Thermometer was 42º out of the
Sun and all the frost out of the ground.
This is a mild morning the glass at 34º at 7 a.m. and became warmer as the day advanced it is as
mild as yesterday.
The cold that my wife has had for a week & more was worse this evening.
TUESDAY, 17 18th
There is quite a change this morning the wind is round to the East and the glass at 7 was 26º, the
sky is hasey and dull.
Martin has got the floor of the small Shop for Higinbotham laid.
I remitted money to Wickson & also Mr Reeve of Toronto.
WEDNESDAY, 18 19th
This is a very different morning for yesterday during the night it became quite mild and it rained
during the night and morning at 7 a m a light shower was falling and the Thermometer at 40º and
about 10 Oclock it was 46º and a thick fogg was falling
�December. THURSDAY, 19 20th 1877.
This morning opened up the same as yesterday with the glass between 30º & 40º and quite mild all
the day, and the roads out of town are very muddy, that is the side and concession roads, the main
gravel roads are in pretty fair order
FRIDAY, 20 21st
This is much the same kind of morning, with the exception that there had been rain during the night
and also a shower this morning about 7.
The main front window is put into the shop this morning, and Martin has begun to strap the walls
SATURDAY, 21 22d
This is also a very mild close dull morning, the grass and walks quite damp, the Holly is fine and
green and in demand by the Butchers for to decorate their Beef, Sheep & Pigs which are hung up in
profusion.
The whole day was thick and dark with fogg, I cannot remember such weather to continue so near
Christmas when several have been plowing this very week with great ease
December. MONDAY, 23 24th 1877.
Sabbath 23d was mild a little above freezing and the ground wet with the falling fogg.
This Monday is another soft morning and the glass about 35º and as the day advances it becomes
more foggy that one can scarsly see more than accross the street, such a continuation of thick close
weather I cannot remember, even the year of the Rebelion 1837 which was mild and open weather
even into the new year, but cannot remember so much fogg.
TUESDAY, 24 25th
Christmas Day, at 7 a m dull and dark weather and the glass at freezing, and did not get above 35º
all day, in the afternoon the fine rain or falling dew came on and towards 4 Oclock a close rain fell
for some time, there was very little mirth and pleasure riding or driving and hardly any ice on the
Dam. I dined at Higinbothams but Mrs Allan did not venture out having not sufficiently recovered
from her cold.
�WEDNESDAY, 25 26th
This is another moderate morning at 7 a.m. the glass was exactly at ZFreezing and not a breath of
wind, it was dark that I had to go outside with the light as frequently of late to see the figures of the
Thermometer. It is really a remarkable season, and all the Merchants complaining of the want of
trade.
December. THURSDAY, 26 27th 1877.
This is another very mild morning glass at 37º at 7 a.m and the Sun shone out, and every thing
except the leafless trees looked like a May morning.
William Higinbotham starts for Erin villiage to try what he can do in a druggests shop there.
The glazer has put in the glass in the windows in the New Store and the Plasterer is first coating it to
day
FRIDAY, 27 28th
This is another charming morning, there was frost last night sufficient to freeze the Dam over with a
thin coat of ice, at 7 a.m. the glass was 27º at 10 the Sun shone out splendidly.
I put on a new truss this morning made in Philadelphia and seems to fit well so far and give me great
releif
SATURDAY, 28 29th
This is a fine clear morning glass 28º at 7 a.m the grass is all white with frost.
The day was certainly fine and the Market well supplied with every thing you could think. The news
to day from Europe looks as if England is to be drawn in to the war so as to maintain her ground as
to the protection of Constantinople and the free passage of the Dardinelles
December. MONDAY, 30 31st 1877.
Sabbath was a fine day and the Church well attended, there had been pritty hard frost through the
night, for the streets were hard and dry.
This morning being the last day of the year is getting colder as the glass was at 20º at 7 a.m. the
wind enclined to the East and snow flakes flying, & does not seem to come down freely.
�The large wholesale house of George Winks & Co. has failed with liabilities of $300,000 and Assets
to pay 74¢ in the dollar.
Mr Kirkpatrick of Goderich and Mr Hugh McCullauch of Galt were here inspecting the Mill to see
what repairs are required, and what improved apperatus is requestte to keep up with the times*
Tuesday 31
*Mr Kirkpatrick told the Miller that he could build a new mill at the Railway Station that could grind all
the flour he would want to make for $18,000 and save all the teaming of flour & wheat, which is a
very large item, and have no dam ice or backwater to contend with, nor shortness of water for half of
the year, so that the Bank would have to come down a great deal more in their price than what they
now ask.
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-1877
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
1877
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
David Allan Diary Collection
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
UG
Transcription Progress
Scripto transcription progress
Done
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Printed page} DAILY</p>
<p>1872.</p>
<p>JOURNAL {Handwritten} 1877</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Printed page - Newspaper cutting and Calendar for 1877.}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>7th or 9th Nov 1875</p>
<p>{Printed page - newspaper cutting.}</p>
<p>DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1877</p>
<p>TORONTO:</p>
<p>PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS,</p>
<p>MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>16th Aug 1877</p>
<p>{Printed page - newspaper cuttings with handwritten dates below.}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Printed page - newspaper cuttings and a funeral notice for SOPHIA FRASER}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>1st. Eleven a.m. Perches Lot 120.</p>
<p>2d Part of Lot 121.</p>
<p>3 Strip in rear of school {-}</p>
<p>4. Lots 18, 11 + 12.</p>
<p>5 Lots 7, 8, 9</p>
<p>6 84, 83, 143, 145, 79, 113.</p>
<p>7. 5 + 6 Neeve st.</p>
<p>8. 12 + 13 (Ramp 3d) Div As (8 acres)</p>
<p>9. Part of Lot 1, a, 2 acres</p>
<p>10. Lot in Priory street</p>
<p>{Printed page - newspaper cutting with handwritten dates} Mail of the 4th Jany 1877</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Newspaper cuttings with handwritten dates}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Printed page - newspaper cutting}</p>
<p>{Mathematical calculations}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Handwritten plan of The Old House}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Printed page} - RATES OF POSTAGE; LAW TERMS; TABLE OF STAMP DUTIES; BANK HOLIDAYS; LIST OF SUNDAYS IN 1872.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Printed page - newspaper cuttings with handwritten dates}</p>
<p>{Printed} DIARY 1877. M.S. PUTNAM, HAMILTON. ONT.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. MONDAY, 1. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine morning 12ºabove zero, at 7 a m and plenty of snow for good sleighing, the Churches were well attended yesterday. We hear that William Dickson Esq of Galt died this day aged 77 years and 6 months</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 2.</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather all day. Have been waiting all day expecting Mr John Idington down from Stratford to consult on matters of Insolvency. But towards the end of the afternoon I went up to Mr John Smith's Office and signed the document of Assignment.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>1877-1759=118 Fine calm morning, thermometer at 7 a m, was 2º below zero. A great many people are in Town, this being the Monthly Fair Day, there seems to be very few cattle fit for Beef.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. THURSDAY, 4. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This morning was not so cold. William went to Stratford this afternoon.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 5.</span></h3>
<p>Fine winter morning Glass at 7 a.m. 10º above zero, calm, and fine sleighing. Peter Idington Idington and his Grandson, Patrick here to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 6. January</span></h3>
<p>This was a milder morning and thawed a very little about the middle of the day. There was a good many teams in town</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. MONDAY, 8. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath was a fine day, glass about 8º above zero at 7 a.m. and about Church time 10º above. This morning is fine and moderate, and the sleighing improved again by a light fall of snow. All busey putting all the things in order so as to take an Inventory of them</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 9.</span></h3>
<p>This is another moderate morning. A little more snow has fallen during the night. Mrs Wm Scott Stewart was here and went to went to Waterloo by noon train, having returned from Georgetown where her daughter has got a situation as school teacher.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 10.</span></h3>
<p>This is a moderate morning, clear and pleasant moderate frost at 7 a m, about 12º. But at 10 a m it was 21º above zero</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. THURSDAY, 11. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This was also a moderate morning. This is my Birth Day. Towards night it began to blow & snow a little. I went up to the Station expecting to meet John Idington who wired that he would come, but he did not then but came by the late train, and had an Interview with the Manger of the Bank and Lemon, with regard to settling about my Son Williams liability in my Estate, when it was agreed that he should give up every thing house & lot with bar of dower, to pay $15 rent per month for the house untill May, and to get back his furniture at 50¢ in the dollar. Dr Hogg is not well this week</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 12.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very cold morning. At 7 a.m. the glass was 11º below zero, and even up to 10 a m it was 5º below zero. The Annual Meeting of the Directors dined together at the Queens. At 2 p m a general meeting of the Stockholders of the Wellington Mutual was held, and Report of the last years buisness read, when the old Board of directors were re elected there was a much larger meeting of stockholders than usual or on former occasions.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>This is not so cold a morning 5º above zero but the wind from the North began to get up during the day, and the cold increased very much towards evening. I called on Dr Hogg and found that he was better to day than yesterday</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. MONDAY, 15. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a moderate day, at 7 a.m. the glass was about 10º above zero, but in the afternoon it got to be colder. A Mr Frazer preached for us yesterday (a student from Toronto). Dr Hogg passed a bad night. This morning was about the same temperature. But a change came on in the forenoon as if there was going to be a thaw or a snow storm, when after 2 p.m. the wind sprung up from the N West with a continuous fall of snow and very cold going against the wind. Dr Hogg no better to day spitting up blood from the lungs</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 16</span></h2>
<p>Moderate morning 10º above zero at 7 a m. A good deal of snow fell last night and is laying still, there being no wind to drift it, but the Trains are very irregular in arriving</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 17.</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. THURSDAY, 18, 1877</span></h2>
<p>This was not a very cold morning about 12º at 7 a m and towards noon quite mild. Dr Hogg passed a very restless night & now some easier to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 19.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very mild morning, and only 30º in the glass. It has been thick and misty all day and looks as if a thaw was beginning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 20.</span></h3>
<p>Last night has been very mild, and rained a good deal, at 7 a.m. the Thermometer stood at 35º, and water dropping from the roofs. But at 10 Oclock the wind had chopped round to the North and the Mercury went down below freezing & still sinking. About ½ past 11 a very sudden snow storm sprung up, lasting only 10 or 15 minutes.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. MONDAY, 22. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday morning at 8 am glass 5º above zero clear and cold all day. To day at 7 a m glass 10º above zero. This mornings papers announce the death of John Fleming M.P.P. of Galt, which took place in his own house yesterday at noon, he was born in Dumfries Scotland 1819 I have known him since he entered his apprenticeship with Jas Coleman Esq. of Dundas about 40 years ago, he was struck with a Parlatic stroke on Monday the 15th while dressing, to proceed to Toronto to attend the Parliament.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 23.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning at 7 a.m. 12º above. The day was generally cold and sharp wind from the N West.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 24.</span></h3>
<p>This morning at 7 a m 13º above zero about 12" of snow had fallen during the night and snowing of a fine close kind continued during the forenoon. In the afternoon the wind has got round to the North & N. West.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January, THURSDAY, 25. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Moderate morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 26.</span></h3>
<p>Very fine winter weather. The members of the Local House of Assembly came up to visit the Model Farm, and returned by the special train in the evening.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 27.</span></h3>
<p>Milder morning than yesterday. Mr A. B. Stewart arrived this evening from Montreal</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January. MONDAY, 29. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This was a moderate morning. This being the day for the first meeting of my Creditors, and hope that there may be a full attendance. The meeting took place in Mr Smiths office at ½ past 2, the President of the Bank of Commerce, Mr William McMaster was present, Messrs Lemon, Guthrie & John Idington were present, Mr F. W. Stone the largest Cr. except the Bank acted for many of the creditors that were absent. My statement was read to the meeting the cause of the failure. I was then questioned on behalf of Mr Stone and as to what pressure was used by the Bank to force me to give them a mortgage</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 30.</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 31.</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. THURSDAY, 1. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild morning, such as we have had for the most of the week</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 2.</span></h3>
<p>This is another moderate morning no great thaw by any means, but mild and fine weather</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>This morning is not so mild. I am considerably better to day the pain is mostly in the calf of my left leg</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. MONDAY, 5. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a fine day, went to Church in the forenoon only, and heard Revd. Mr Duff preach. I walked with much more freedom, yet considerable pain in the calf of my leg. This morning the trees are all clothed with a thick coating of horefrosts, which is flowing off with the wind as the day advances.</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 6.</span></h2>
<p>This morning the glass was at freezing, and there is appearance of some change. I feel a considerable deal better in my leg this morning. The merchants in Town complain a good deal of the dullness of trade it is much worse than at this time last year, and in Montreal there is not a day but failures are announced of greater or less amount.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 7.</span></h3>
<p>This morning the glass stood at 34º at 7 a m and as the day advanced it got up to 40º, and the roads became wet, and the sleighing wearing away. This is the Monthly Fair day there is a great many people in town</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. THURSDAY, 8. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>8º above zero at 7 a m</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 9.</span></h3>
<p>A very fine morning and about 10º above zero as there is every appearance of this being a fine day I have made arrangements to pay our long promised visit to Fishers Mills, before the roads get too bare of snow</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 10.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning also</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. MONDAY, 12. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was remarkably fine day, the glass at ½ past 7 a m was 20º above zero, and on our return from Church the Sun had great power in thawing the snow, the sidewalks were quite clear of snow and dry. Dr Hogg steped up to the Pulpit and gave out the intimations about the Communion and the Sabbath school, he was very weak in voice. This Monday morning it is much colder 8º above zero at 7 a m, but as the forenoon advanced, the wind increased from West to N. West with occasional flurries of snow which was a very great change from yesterday. Higenbotham left this morning at 11 Oclock for Toronto thence for Ottawa in the evening, Mrs Smith and Mrs Wallace accompanied him so far to see their brother Wm who is not much better</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>This morning was fully as cold in the morning but as the day advanced it became more moderate. William and his wife and George went down to Fishers Mills at noon</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 14.</span></h3>
<p>The glass at 7 a m this morning was 4º above zero</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. THURSDAY, 15. 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This morning is not quite so cold 20º above zero. Quite an excitement is created this morning about Higinbotham & McClaggans Agent, Jones, who has absconded last night and turns out to be considerable behind in his cash to them and indebted to many in Town. Fair ice</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 16.</span></h3>
<p>This morning is even milder than yesterday the Thermometer indicating 34º above zero at 7 a m. The forenoon was of any thing brooding a change. I left the house about ½ past 12 and went up as far as Blyths tavern to meet the funeral of Mrs Frazer of Elora, they came in sight just as I was about to tie my horse in the shed a Blast of Snow came on on my way up, the sleighing was bad & had to take the Buggy, it got cold by the time I returned</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 17</span></h2>
<p>This morning was dull at 7 a m the glass was at 21º below zero, and began snowing and increased to a heavy fall of it. 7 am 21º began snowing and increased to a heavy one</p>
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<p>{Newspaper cutting}</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. MONDAY, 19. 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a moderately fine day. This Monday morning the glass was down to 10º above zero. My old accquaintance Hutchison Clark Esqr died on the 17th Inst in Hamilton aged 71 years, at one time Mayor of the City</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 20.</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning but a little colder than yesterday the glass was 8º above zero, yet the weather was fine. The Sale of all the Chattle property of the Guelph Mills and Distillery began this forenoon at 10 Oclock, and the day being so favourable was largely attended, but as usual things of little value sold for as much as they were worth, but those that cost a good deal of money, went for little or nothing</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 21.</span></h3>
<p>Fine clear morning 30º at 7 am, or just about freezing. I cannot remember such fine weather to continue so long.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. THURSDAY, 22. 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine morning, glass at 7 a m 29º above zero</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 23.</span></h3>
<p>This morning is not quite so promising for the last day of the Sale</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 24</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. MONDAY, 26. 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>Moderate morning the glass at 27º. Mrs John Lennie died aged 84 years.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 27.</span></h3>
<p>The glass this morning was at 24º</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 28.</span></h3>
<p>Fine winter morning but down to 18º. Mr Brotherhood, Mr Hughes the bridge inspector and another gentleman, were testing the Bridge, first as to the deflection at the centre of all spans, then at all the different cross girders, and every time 2 locomotives and tenders were run over at full speed, but nowhere did the deflection exceed ⅝th of an inch. 2 gentlemen here from Toronto examining the Mills</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February. March. THURSDAY, 1st. 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>Sharp clear morning at 7 a m Glass 20º and the ground hard and all the ruts on the road bearing, but the day turned out a very fine day just like a fine day in April. A good many people taking away their things that they had bought at the sale. Mrs A & I went up to the drill shed to see the grand exhibition of Poultry of almost every kind, they were in fine order and looked to great advantage. I hear that my old friend Dr James Hamilton died at his recidence in Flambro this afternoon in his 80th year, he came to Canada in the year 1818</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. FRIDAY, 2d.</span></h3>
<p>This morning there is quite a change it is dark dull and raining, glass at 7 a m 34º there has been a shower of sleet during the early part of the morning. This is our Fast Day in most of the Churches. It rained the greater part of the forenoon, and likewise a part of the afternoon in the evening in going & returning from Church, a fine mixture of rain and snow fell, the attendance in Church was very thin. Dr Hogg is considerably better to day. Mr John Rennie an old settler died at 1. oclock today to day, he was at Gideon Hoods on Monday & got cold returning home, aged 70 years, he came to Canada in 1844</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 3d.</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning glass 28º above zero, the Snow that fell through the night was very light just enough to replace what was washed away by the rain yesterday. 12 cars of cattle passed while I was writing. It is quite astonishing to see the continued supply of cattle and pigs from the West that pass almost every day. After breakfast and while at Worship Eddie Higenbotham came in to inform us that Dr Hogg died this morning at 7 a m. This is a terrible stroke to us all. Messrs McCrea, Massie & I went to the Undertaker selected a coffin and in the afternoon had the body laid in it down in the Drawing Room</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. MONDAY, 5th. 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning at 7 am the glass stood at 20º above zero. 3 or 4 inches more of Snow has fallen during the night, yet the weather was moderate and favourable, but no melting of snow at noon. The Communion very well attended considering the roads neither good sleighing or driving. Revd. Mr Davidson of Alma conducted the forenoon servises in a very able & pleasing manner. Mr Wardrope in the evening. To day, there has been another coating of Snow and the glass a little lower at 7 a m 15º below zero. I met Revd J.D. McDonell at the Station having returned from Walkertown & on his way home & could not wait over to attend the funeral. Mr Lambie & wife also Mr Geo McMillan from Detroit arrived at 5 p m. Peter Idington was here to day.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 6th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, but froze hard last night theThermometer stood at zero at 7 a m, the logs of House cracked during the night. No more snow has fallen since the night before.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>This is a moderate morning, several inches more of Snow has fallen during the night, and somewhat drifted. The Thermometer at 7 a m stood at 10º above zero. It was very stormy last night and cold. This is the Monthly Fair day, there was a large attendance a good many cattle, but very little if any Produce the weather was remarkably fine during the middle part of the day, but towards the afternoon it began to get cold. Mr George McMillan of Detroit went home by the ½ past 2 train</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. THURSDAY, 8th. 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>Snowing heavy this morning, and has been during the night, at 7 a m the glass stood at 24º above zero. The snowing ceased about noon when I began to shovel a walk to the Mill gate, depth of new snow about 3 to 4 inches, it then came on rain before I finished and continued, for most of the afternoon</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 9th March</span></h3>
<p>This morning is very dull, with glass 16º at 7 a m and the wind Northerly and a little fine snow falling, the wind blew hard during the night but there is no drift owing to the crust of ice on the top of the snow from the rain yesterday. The trees are loaded with a heavy coating of ice bending the branches almost to the ground</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 10th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, but the frost has been severe during the night, the glass this morning at 7 a m was 6º above zero. There is a very thick crust all over the Snow that it is exceedingly difficult to walk over it continually breaking through. My William is now unloadng a fine lot of Causas Corn for seed to the farmers</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. MONDAY, 12 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning of any thing dull atmosphere, and threatning more snow then the light flakes which are now falling, about 7 a.m the glass was about 9 above zero, and quite calm. Revd T. C. Smith of St Pauls Church Hamilton preached the funeral sermon of the late Dr Hogg. Funeral of an old settler Tinker Burns to day. This Monday morning, glass 22º above zero at 7 a m and snowing pretty heavy fine snow</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 13th.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, glass at 7 a m was 14º above zero, fully a couple of inches more Snow has fallen during the night. The day is pleasant, there is a Meeting of the Presbytery to day, the sleighing is continuing good</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 14th</span></h3>
<p>This is dull mild morning the glass at 32º and windy the ice is still hanging on the Branches of the trees but not so much as some days ago. It has been snowing most of the forenoon</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. THURSDAY, 15th 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>A fine clear morning but the frost was harder last night at 7 a m glass about 12º above zero. The day turned out remarkably fine for the Fat Cattle Show day, the attendance was large, and the display of fine animals</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 16th</span></h3>
<p>No more snow last night, but the frost was harder, being this morning at 7 a m, 7º above zero. It began to snow about 10 Oclock.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 17</span></h3>
<p>Fine clear morning but much harder frost last night, this morning at 7 a m, glass 8º below zero</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. MONDAY, 19th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning dull with fine snow falling, and not so cold as yesterday morning, glass at 7 a m 6º above zero. Revd Mr Bently preached the Church vacant. The day was fine and splended sleighing. This morning at 7 a m the glass was at zero, and a slight falling of snow continuing</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 20th</span></h3>
<p>Fine clear morning the night has been cold but the Thermometer indicates only 1º below zero at 7 a m. The new plaining Mill Company of Dundas and here have made an assignment</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 21st</span></h3>
<p>This is a wintry looking morning but not so cold as as yesterday, the Mercury being up to 24º above zero. It is snowing very heavy, and from all appearance must have been snowing all night. The trains going up have 2 locomotives attached to them. Trade is in a deplorable condition Mr Clerehue of the Crokery warehouse is in trouble also the Foundry of Heather & {blank} who have for some time back trying to get relieved by forming a joint stock Co to relieve them</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. THURSDAY, 22d 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>Quite a change this morning, the glass at 34º and the water dropping fast from the eves of the roof that the snow has become that heavy that it has broken down the whole of the Roof of the long piggery down the river, and which was of late year's used as a feeding Byre for cattle, but there has not been a live thing in it this winter</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 23d.</span></h3>
<p>This is also a very mild morning the glass at 7 a m was 36º, and thawing fast</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 24th</span></h3>
<p>It was a little colder last night, the glass at 7 a m this morning stood at 24º, about the middle of the day it became soft an slushy enough the snow which is melting fast away. There was a meeting to day before the Judge in Chambers concerning the Mortgage given by me to the Bank my son William was examined as to the pressure applied to obtain that document. The three Inspectors were there, likwise Mr Lemon and Mr Makelean from Hamilton for the Bank also Mr Kemp the present manager at Hamilton, both he and George Sandilands were examined. The frame of the fallen cattle shed was advertized to be sold to day but as only {blank} was bid for it it was withdrawn.</p>
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<p>{Newspaper cutting} GINGER BEER. from the Mercury of Jany 30 1877</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. MONDAY, 26th. 1872.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning began with a fine rain freezing as it fell, that the footpaths every where were as slippery as glass but during the forenoon it was all gone, and the streets got slushey, in the evening fine rain fell. The Revd. Mr McDonald of Elora preached for us, morning & evening, the temperature was 27º at 7 a. m. This morning was quite wet and rained all the forenoon, the Snow melting fast and sliding in great quantities from the roofs of the shops in town & elsewhere. The timber of the old piggery was sold to day by private bargin to Mr Thane for the sum of $35.00 but not the flooring nor the cattle chains, and is now being removed.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 27th.</span></h3>
<p>This morning the glass is 30º and snowing gently but there has been a considerable fall during the night and all over looks wintry like again. finished my letter to Illinois & posted it this evening.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 28th.</span></h3>
<p>This is a clear morning, hard frost during the night and a strong N West wind blowing all night, and this morning, at 7 a m the glass indicated 22º above zero. This has been a fearce cold day, the wind was most penetrating, and any thing but a day for walking about in.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March. THURSDAY, 29th. 1872.</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold clear morning and the glass at 7 a m at 18º with a cold wind blowing it got clear and a good deal of bright sun shine but yet cold. At no time this day did the glass show more than 33º. I have had a bad cold these three days and dare not go out freely. My Son William has got in to his new Office the paint being about sufficiently dry.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 30th.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning and the Thermometer 25º at 7 a m and the Sun quite warm through the window am writing at. This day is Good Friday and is kept as a general Holiday throughout the Town. Railway fares are reduced for the day only to one half fare going and returning same day, and tomorrow at 1⅓ fare returning by Monday the 2d April, (the same by both railways). A good many people are taking advantage of this opertunity of seeing their friends. Higinbotham and Mr Guthrie came home from the House of Commons at ½ past 2 p.m. and will return on Monday, it appears that the days that Members are absent are deducted from their pay.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 31st.</span></h3>
<p>This is a mild morning the glass at 7 a m was 36º above zero, and roads wet. The forenoon was dull and inclined to rain, but very little fell. The afternoon was much the same with a light shower of sleet</p>
<p>{Newspaper cutting} March 31 1877</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. MONDAY, 2d. 1872.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning dull and mild glass 37º and thawing and look a little like rain. But as the day advanced it cleared up and the sun shone out quite warm melting the snow on the sides of the roads, that the gutters were running full with water, so that sleighing will be entirely gone round the Town by tomorrow night. A Mr {blank} Bell lately from Lancashire preached for us to day. This Monday morning is colder the glass standing at 27º and the ground dry, and the sky clear, but a cold Northerly wind blowing. Had a meeting of our Session this morning to make appointments for Ministers for trial sermons. {blank}, Peter Idington here. Higinbotham & Gutherie left for Ottawa at 5 p.m.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>This is also a clear cold morning glass at 20º above z the Sun is very powerfull, and will melt a great deal of the Snow on the road sides</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 4th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning and the cold about 20º and will turn out many for the Monthly Fair day.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. THURSDAY, 5th 1872.</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning with a light rain glass 36º at 7 a m. The day throughout was quite pleasant, and the river is rising but not likely to be high for want of rain.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 6th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, but colder than yesterday just about freezing at 7 a m, but there is a cold N. West wind, which is much felt when standing out of the Sun. William is still kept pretty busey with orders for corn. Have just heard that Revd Mr Tawse has been struck down with a paralatic stroke. H. Andersons man working at the stalls in the stable</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, much about the same as yesterday for coldness but less wind, glass at 7 a m was 31º.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. MONDAY, 9th 1872.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning fine and clear, a little wind blowing from the S. West, glass at 7 a.m 32º. Revd. Neil. R. Forsythe from St Johns Newfoundland preached for us, both morning & evening. This morning is much the same as yesterday, clear atmosphere and light wind. About 11 O,Clock a.m recd. a Telegram from King that the Revd. John Tawse died yesterday. I telegraphed to Peter Idington to meet me here & go by the 5 p m train to Toronto, but got a reply that he had gone by Hamilton, and after further reflection thought better to postpone my going untill farther on should, finances permit. So Miss Agnes Idington went alone.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 10th</span></h3>
<p>This is another beautiful morning, the Sun very powerfull. The Court is sitting this week and precided over by Judge Adam Wilson. I see by the Globe to day that Revd. Mr Tawse was aged 78 years, the family found a document out that he was a year older. Anderson's rent of stable begins this day at $3.00 per month.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 11th</span></h3>
<p>This also is a very fine morning, and the glass at 7 a m was 45º with a light breeze. George Lind's Son Adam called on us to day, aged 14 years and is a nice young lad, & dined with us. The dust is flying about in the streets like summer and the snow is hardly to be seen, except in very sheltered spots. All the ice is clear of the dam and the gates are shut down as flow of water is not near so high as in former years, there having been so very little rain as yet.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. THURSDAY, 12th 1872.</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine Spring morning I hear that some farmers have begun to plough</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 13th</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine warm morning, and quite dry I began this forenoon to repair the Fences in the Garden and the Park</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 14th</span></h3>
<p>This is also a very fine day and calm. I took of all the straw of the vines to day and there is some of the buds begining to sprout. James Dowrie has been filling and changing the water in the tuns in the Distillery yesterday, and to day he started the Engine in the Rectifying house to drive the Pumps to fill all the utensials It has not been going since we stoped last summer.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. MONDAY, 16th 1872.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath was a fine day and mild with warm Sunshine. Revd Mr Laing from Montreal preached forenoon and evening. This morning is cloudy and looks very much like rain, which much wanted</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 17th</span></h3>
<p>This is a beautifull morning, there must have been some rain during the night as the ground was quite wet. It is expected that War will be declared to day by Russia against Turkey. The Assignee and the three Inspectors intend to examine the Rocks property this afternoon wth a view to determine what steps to take with a with regard to disposing of it, at an early day, as well as the York Road farm. The opinion from Mr Guthrie regarding the Mortgage is expected this week. Eddy Higinbotham got his knee cut with a scythe this afternoon, Dr McDonald was got, who dressed the wound which was large & had to be stitched, (I assisted)</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 18th</span></h3>
<p>This morning was dull and threatning rain but cleared off during the forenoon, and the roads dusty. But in the afternoon it began to rain and continued till night. At the Prayer Meeting Mr Laing officiated.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. THURSDAY, 19th 1872.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very wet morning, but the weather is cold, yet there is a great improvement in the grass</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 20th</span></h3>
<p>This morning it is fair, but somewhat cold after such a day of rain as yesterday. Busby to up the Parsnips this forenoon, and raked the dung of the Asperagus. The Rhubarb is very consederably above the ground and may soon have a dish of it. Recd from Hiram Anderson $3.00 being one months rent of Stable from the 10th day of this month. My Daughter left for Ottawa this afternoon at 5 Oclock</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 21st</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning. The effects of the late rain required the flood gates to be opened again as the water was getting high, but nothing like what it used to be in former seasons when the rains continued for days melting large quantities of of snow, such we have not had for several years. A good deal of preparation is going on for The Celebration of the 50th year of the settlement of the Town of Guelph, which was on the 22d April 1827.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April, MONDAY 23d 1872.</span></h2>
<p>Sunday was a very nice day, heard Mr Laing for the 2d Sabbath and liked exceedingly well in the forenoon in particular. He had also a fine discourse in the evening. We had a call this morning this from Mr Justice Thos. Galt's two sons. I took them round the garden and explained the difference in the various pine trees & cedars. I then went up to the Hotel and called on their father, who was an invited Guest to attend the Celebration of the 50th year of Guelph. The weather was splendid and do think I never saw such a large turn out of people, and as for children it took over 3,000 Oranges to supply them all.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 24th</span></h3>
<p>This is rather a louring morning and looks like rain it is quite calm. No rain fell and it cleared up fine. Judge Galt went on to Open Court at Stratford by the 10 Oclock train.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 25th</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine morning. I sowed 2 Boxes of Celery seed this morning. I wrote to Higinbotham reminding him of the taxes on lands before the 1st of May</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. THURSDAY, 26th 1872.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning and the leaves are out on some of the goosbery bushes. I cut of the tops or shoots on the Blackthorn Hedge this morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 27th</span></h3>
<p>I went down to Hamilton this morning the weather was dull, but yet pleasant. The train was late & did not leave Guelph till 20 m past 7, got down to Harrisburg where the train was waiting for us and got in to Hamilton by about 10 minutes to 9, or just about, one hour 30 minutes, the quickest I ever travelled the cause of it was that the train sepparated near Elora and they never knew that they had left the passenger car behind untill they reached Guelph, and then had to put back with all speed to fetch it on but there were no passengers in it, which explains that the Conductor had no occasion to look to the car, & that caused the delay which had to be made up. The City appeared dull to me, visited old Mrs Brown and many old acquaintances.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 28th</span></h3>
<p>Having slept at McNaughtons all night, I could not get out early untill about ½ past 10 when the heavy rain ceased for a little, but drizzled more or less all day, after calling on several old friends, I left for home by the 3.25 train and got home at 6, Oclock.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April. MONDAY, 30th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a rather dull day, yet no rain. Revd. Mr Straith preached forenoon & evening, a very slow preacher with very little animation. This morning is dull a heavy shower of rain & sleet came on about 10 Oclock, and another cold shower of fine hail and rain</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 1st May</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dull coldish day early in the forenoon a shower of fine snow came on mingled with rain, but did not continue long the afternoon was dry but cold. We mist our Cow again this evening, she had been in the Park all day and was taken out & put into the yard at ½ past 5 & about ½ past 6 she was gone</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. WEDNESDAY, 2d</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine morning, but the frost has been strong last night as the side walks were all quite white with frost. This is the Monthly Fair Day. Revd. Mr Smith of Hamilton preached for us last night this evening to a large congregation.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. THURSDAY, 3d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine clear dry morning, but hard frost again last night. The forenoon opens out fine and warm.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 4th</span></h3>
<p>Clear cool morning. Meeting of Session this morning at 9 a m, to consult as to mode of proceeding on Monday before the congregation as to their choise of a Minister whither by Ballot or open vote, the latter we decided on as best, and to get the opinion of the Managers as to what stipend they could raise over and above, all the repairs of roof and painting of steeple.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 5th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, but there is a cold wind blowing. The grass has not made so much progress of late on account of the cold nights. I, Posted 2 letters to Glasgow this morning to go by the N.Y line. Higinbotham & wife returned home this evening, accompanied by Mrs {illegible} Higinbotham of Toronto, all well and in good sprits</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. MONDAY, 7th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning, fine clear and a little warmer than of late glass 45½, but no rain. Meeting in the school room this morning at 9 a. m, of members of session and of the managing commitee, to ascertain that sate of the funds of the Church as to what amt. of stipend we could afford to give a new Minister. The Meeting of the Congregation met at 2 p.m. when the Revd. Thos Wardrope preached a sermon for the occasion. A resolution was carried that the congregation at once proceed to moderate in a call for one of the Ministers who had preached for us, when the Revd J. C. Smith of St Pauls Church Hamilton recd the largest ballot, it was then resolved to make the call unanimus. Got the parlour stove taken out to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 8th</span></h3>
<p>This is another very fine morning, but as the day advanced it became cloudy and had the appearance of rain, but only a few drops fell in the afternoon.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 9</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning and quite dry, preparing to plant potatoes to day. Higinbotham working at the back of the Hill. He is summoned to appear before the judge in Chamber to day about my mortgage.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. THURSDAY, 10th 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>This was a very fine morning, but no rain although it threatend last night as a few drops fell then. The forenoon is splended and I am busey falling Rhubarb with the view of selling it to the greengrocers, have been cutting Asperagus also.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 11th</span></h3>
<p>This is also a very fine day. Meeting of session at the Manse at 9 a. m.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 12th</span></h3>
<p>Fine warm morning</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. MONDAY, 14th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine warm morning, the leaves of the apple trees are out in almost full leaf, and the chesnut is so already. A Meeting of Clerihue's Creditors to day. At noon the Glass stood at 73º. Set 9 duck eggs this morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 15th</span></h3>
<p>This is another very fine morning warm & dry and there is danger of fires in the Bush, we hear of some at a distance from here, threatning distruction of property. In the afternoon it began to rain and continued untill the evening. preparing Rhubarb for market @ 50¢ per dozen bunches of 10 stalks each.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 16</span></h3>
<p>This is a close warm misty morning, and there is every appearance of more rain a few drops fell in the forenoon, but about 3 p m it came on at first very light and then got quite heavy, and continued ½ an hour or more. Have been cutting & packing a good deal of Rhubarb & Asperagus, this morning</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. THURSDAY, 17 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, and must have rained during the night. I set to work and cut a lot of Rhubarb about 9 Oclock it began to rain heavy and seems to continue</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 18th</span></h3>
<p>This is a warm close morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 19</span></h3>
<p>Warm dry morning. Miss Grant & her brother arrived from Scotland this afternoon and proceeded out at once to Glenburn. John Brown Esqr of New York in town, & will stay over tomorrow</p>
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<p>{Notice of a Bankruptcy}</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. MONDAY, 21 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a fine day. Revd Mr Aiken from Bahai preached. This morning was fine & began to cut a over 12 bunches of Asperagus. Attended meeting this evening at the meeting of our Church finance comittee in the school room</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 22</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning raining hard, and continued all day untill about 5 Oclock when it cleared up. Hon Wm McMaster examined to day in the case of my Mortgage to the Bank. Adam Brown Esqr in town to day, & left for home by evening train. Higinbotham & McLagan also I Smith retnd from Toronto after the opening of tender for crokery stock.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 23d</span></h3>
<p>This is a cool morning, and quite a change from what we have had of late, and seems to continue so throughout the day. I agreed to day with Mr E Morris of the Ontario Bank for the use of the grass park for the season of six months for the neat sum of Twelve dollars, ($12.00). I rained again this afternoon & it still continues cold</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. THURSDAY, 24th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is quite a cold morning, the ground and the side walks were white with frost, the Sun broke through during the morning with enough of heat to clear away the unwelcome whiteness but the dullness in the atmosphere and the cold N West wind blowing made it any thing but agreeable, for the Queens Birth Day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 25</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine bright morning, Tempt at 7 a. m. was 5º. Miss Blainey & Miss Smith from N York arrived to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 26th</span></h3>
<p>This is a pleasant morning, and likely to be much warmer than these last few days, the forenoon and afternoon turned out fine & warm. I attended the funeral of Joseph Hobson's youngest Son to the Cemetery his age was 2 years & 9 mos.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. MONDAY, 28th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very fine day, the Church was well attended the Revd {blank}. This is a very fine morning, and the forenoon warm and pleasant. About one Oclock this afternoon a Telegram came from Walkerton that the Town was on fire and that a number of houses were already destroyed, and asking that the Guelph Engine sent up.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 29th</span></h3>
<p>This is another very fine morning, and have been early at my present only work in pulling and making up bundles of Rhubarb and Asperagus for sale. I put up 24 of Rhubarb and 12 of Asperagus which will neat me $1.50. Higinbotham went down & returned from Toronto to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 30th</span></h3>
<p>This is also a warm morning, but no rain as we looked for last night. Revd W T Wilkins, formerly of Stratford officiated at the Prayer Meeting this evening, but I had difficulty in hearing even a little of his discourse.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May, THURSDAY, 31st. 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is another warm dry morning. Having lost so many young, ducks of late by Rats I have determined to Poison them and have, used stricknine between 2 peices of buttered bread</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June FRIDAY, 1st</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning. This was kept as our Fast Day in all the Presbyterian Churches Mr Wilkins, preciding, and also in the evening at 7.30 p.m.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. SATURDAY, 2d</span></h3>
<p>This was quite a dull dark morning, with signs of a thunder storm brewing, rain began to fall about 8 Oclock, but did not continue as long as we could desire probably not more than an hour. Lucy Ann relict of the late Col Saunders, Clerk of the Peace died early this morning</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. MONDAY, 4th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath morning is dull and looks like rain. I find that notwithstanding my particular care in depositing the poisined peices of Bread, yet Mr Anderson's Dog - had found them out and got poisined, and one of my hens also. At a ¼ to 10 it began to rain very close, and was pretty heavy at a ¼ past 10. The friends were obliged to bury Mrs Saunders to day instead of tomorrow as advertised. I was too late with many more. This is a dull morning and wind getting up and looks like rain</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 5th</span></h3>
<p>This is of any thing a dull morning and looks like rain. I got ready to start for Toronto by the early train but having mistaken the true time, she was off by the time I got there. But left by the 11 Oclock train. I looked round at many of the improvements and buildings now finishing. At the Queens Hotel I got introduced to the 5 Swedish Ladies, and heard them sing at Mrs Morrison's Opera House. I staid at the Queens, all night. No rain fell at all</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 6th</span></h3>
<p>This was another fine morning. I took a stroll about the City, But could find very few fine buildings being constructed, and trade seems to be lifeless yet, and did not see half a dozen Steamers and Schooners in all the Port. The Shops and the Markets are very thinly attended. The (Bolton) Steam flouring Mill, was busey grinding and putting up Bagg flour only and doing seemingly a brisk trade at $4.75 per 100 lbs cash, it surely should pay when the whole concern was bought for $14,000. This Monthly Fair Day</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. THURSDAY, 7th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is a splendid morning, with a gentle cooling breeze. Mr Jas Phin. Senr. called this forenoon. In the afternoon I attended the Sale of of the last of the land on the Glebe, being that portion that was reserved for a Cows park for the Minister, but it was found inconvenient to get the Cow or horse out or in every time when wanted, that it was resolved to dispose of it and the proceeds to be applied to pay of the Debt of the Church amounting to $2,366</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 8th</span></h3>
<p>This was also a fine morning. Made arrangements with Mr Mercer to rip up the boards Higinbotham has on hand to make a temporary fence round his peas and oats, instead of ordering Flakes also ordered 80 Hemlock scantling from C. Mickle and got them delivered that evening.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 9th</span></h3>
<p>This was rather a dull morning, but cleared off during the forenoon, when Wm Higinbotham and I, went up to the field and set up 2 pannels of the temporary fence, and made arrangements to begin and complete it on Monday. The afternoon was dull. Mr Chas Davidson left by the 5 Oclock train for Montreal thence for Halifax. Shortly after 6 Oclock a drizling rain began to come on which ended on some heavy showers up till 10 Oclock. Mr Anderson, Manager of the Bank of Commerce was examined to day about the Mortgage.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. MONDAY, 11th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull wet looking morning (Sabbath) and the grass all very wet, yet it cleared off and became fine, but towards evening it turned cold.This is a cool morning but turned fine through the day, got John McPherson to help with the fence to day. A good of thunder and lightning began about 10.30 and heavy rain after that</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 12th</span></h3>
<p>This is a somewhat dull morning and the ground very wet, and there must have been considerable rain during the night. It is getting cool this evening. Mr Fishers Sale of his furniture, & leaves tomorrow. They took tea with us this evening, & to sleep at Johns house. The case between G Sandeland & our Son William as executors of the late Wm Alexanders Will & George Quanie about a loan due the Estate, was de{blank}. John Chambers died to day aged 47.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 13th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning. Mrs V Patterson relict of the late George D Patterson ) aged 64 years</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. THURSDAY, 14th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning. Began to dig out the road into Higinbothams lot at the back of the Hill. P. H. Gibbs of the Ontario Bank died yesterday aged 44 years & 11 months, funeral tomorrow at Oshawa on arrival of train 3.30 p m. Got the fence completed last night & began to the cutting of the the road, and preparing a couple of new gateposts.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 15th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very close warm morning, it rained heavy last night, there was a good deal of thunder and lightening during the night. Funeral of Mrs George Patterson to day at 2 Oclock.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 16th</span></h3>
<p>This is of any thing a dull morning, and not unlike rain. But as the day advanced it became clear & bright and all appearance of rain vanished. Got the gate finished and road leading out to the main road finished this evening. My Son Wiliam's, wife was safely delivered of a Son to night</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June, MONDAY, 18th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning is fine and warm. Revd Mr Sanderson officiated in the forenoon and Revd Mr Wardrope in the evening. This morning opens bright and warm, and has continued so all day. I got over my old drawing table from the Office to day and a job it was to get it down stairs, having originally been taken there in peices</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 19th</span></h3>
<p>This is another very fine morning, with a smart breese. It will be a fine day for the Sale of the remainder of the lumber, Barrels. Wrote a postal card to Illinois this moning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 20th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine windy morning when out hunting my strayed Cow, which I found, but fine warm weather. Mr E Morris & wife left this morning for England. Strawberries in abundance now at 15¢ a basket. Mrs Tawse and Mrs McNaughton arrived this evening from Waterloo</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. THURSDAY, 21st 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning and heavy clouds. I went up to see Dr Herod and John Hobson start for England by the early train, also Miss Pipe. Great Fire in the City of St John's, N. Brunswick some 200 acres of houses burnt up</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 22d</span></h3>
<p>This is a chilly morning, and throughout the forenoon, farther news of the Great fire at St John's N. Brunswick is very distressing, some 15,000 people out of house & home. It is quite cold this evening</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 23d</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine bright morning, but I hear that there has been frost early this morning, sufficient to produce ice</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. MONDAY, 25th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath morning was fine and warm. A student by the name of Tait from Toronto preached a very excelent sermon this forenoon and Mr Wardrope in the evening. This morning was dull with a light shower but the day turned out warm</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 26th</span></h3>
<p>This morning was at first bright then clear and early in the forenoon began to rain, and continued tolerably heavy during the middle of the day. Mr Jas Anderson presented me with a bag of potatoes</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 27th</span></h3>
<p>The morning was rather dull and looked like rain but little or nothing came. The Gass Company are very busey laying a extended line line of pipes to convey the gass across the River Speed at the Mill Bridge on the lower side close to the wall. And what crosses the Bridge is lapwelded pipes 4 inches diameter and ¼ inch thick with screwed couplings, the cost laid down 45¢ per running foot, will stand a pressure of 400 lbs per inch, and are 12 feet long each and weigh from 212 to 230 a peice, they have deep sockets & ample room for hemp gaskins & lead {sketch of pipe}</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. THURSDAY, 28th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is another dull morning but no rain as yet has fallen though at times thought comming. Mrs Tawse & Mrs McNaughton left this morning by the Brock road stage at 11 Oclock. Dr John Finlayson M.D. of Elora died there to day aged 77 years, a native of Rosshire & settled in Canada in 1833 first in Cornwall & came to Elora in 1848 he was an Episcopalian</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 29th</span></h3>
<p>This was a dull morning but no rain fell till about 10 Oclock. The men employed by the Gass Co. began at 3 a m to tear up the planking of the Mill Bridge so as to lay the pipes between the stringers or main Beams of the bridge, which was done, and then filled in with tan bark to keep out the frost as much as possible. But during the day it was discovered that the majority of the stringers were so much decayed that it would not be safe to risk a covering of new planks, & now awaits the desision of the Road & Bridge Committee. I met an old acquaintance this forenoon a Mr John Buchan, who boarded with me and my father at Mr Shearers in Toronto (then Little York) in 1832. We had some showers of rain both forenoon and afternoon that the Masons had to stop work on the New Herald Office</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 30th</span></h3>
<p>This is another dull morning, and it began to rain about ½ past 9 a.m. and continued a smart shower for an hour and a half, and since it became fair it became close and hot, a number of men are now digging out the trench for the gass pipes on the North side of the River 4 feet 6 inches deep. This has been a close warm day. Mr Thom of Montreal is here, but goes up to London at 6.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 2d 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath morning is close and warm, with a fine strong from the South West, Revd Mr Gallagher preached. This is also Dominion Day. While we were at Church the wind blew down the famous Glass Plum tree with a considerable crop of fruit. This Monday is to be the day of rejoicing and a number of fine Boats and Canoes compeated for prizes, a great number of people were assembled the Bridges below and above, and in Davidson's and the Priory grounds were thickly ranked with sightseers. We both took a drive round the old Glebe and Exhibition ground &c.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 3d</span></h3>
<p>This morning was dull after a heavy shower about 5 Oclock, and some light suney showers after that. The Catholics are erecting triumphal arches for the Archbishop who is to lay the foundation stone of the Cathedral.I have been using Paris Green for the Potatoes.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 4th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine bright morning for the Monthly Fair which turned out well, so far as numbers of people is concerned, plenty of Mowers, Rakes, and Reapers and a good many sales of them made. Death of John McIntosh of Arthur. I observe that an old acquaintance of the Villiage of Arthur died last week aged 89 years, he listed in the 92d Gordon Hilanders in 1804, was wounded & lost a leg at the Battle of Bayonne, came to Canada in 1840, got a free grant of 200 acres, close to Arthur, his wife died several years ago & at the age of 83 married a woman of 19 years of age, with whom he lived happy. While attending the Strawberry festival of Chambers Church at the Drill Shed, our servant girl, Alisha Pollock, fell of our swing & hurt her back so as to dissable her from work. I hear of the failure of Mr Robt. Rae, distiller of Windsor</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 5th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 6th</span></h3>
<p>This is also a very fine morning. I went to the drill shed to hear what the Hon Alexr Mackenzie Primeer of the Dominion of Canada had to say, and was very much pleased with his easy and moderate way that he charges his enemies the opposition</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, went over to Higinbothams before breakfast and had a conversation with the Hon Alex Mackenzie and found him very frank, and soon after 10 a m he and the other gentlemen accompaning him proceeded in carriages, with a number of others forming a large procession to the Great Western Station, where a Special Directors Car awaited to convey them to Fergus</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. 1877 MONDAY, 9th</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath morning is dull, with very little wind, and it continued close and warm all day a Revd Mr Gall preached for us in the forenoon, and Revd Mr Mitchell of St John's when a collection was taken up for their Church Building fund, he stated that 400 acres of houses were burnt up. This Monday morning is wet there having been a considerable amount of Thunder & lightning during the night and morning and heavy showers of rain, yet not of such long duration as to penetrate the soil sufficient to keep the grass from getting brown</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 10th</p>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 11th</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning. The young folks are busey preparing flours &c for the display and refreshments after the induction of our Minister J.C. Smith. Mrs Allan & I dined at Glenburn, in company with Mr Jas Reid & wife from Buffalo, and came in in time to attend the Induction at 2 Oclock, the attendance was large. One unpleasant announcement appeared in the Herald that James Massie & Co. had called a Meeting of his Creditors to meet at the Queens Hotel, Toronto on the 17th inst.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. 1877 THURSDAY, 12th</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, but dry and warm. I hear this morning that the Carpenters working at the New Wellington Hotel, have stopped work, for want of pay for several weeks.My Son William went down to Hamilton this morning thence to Toronto next day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 13th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning. A fine breeze has sprung up which cools the air a little.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 14th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine pleasant morning, also a very large market with large loads of cherries at 5¢ a quart, and potatoes at 40¢ a peck. Higinbotham went up to London this morning.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 15. 16th 1872.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 15th July was a very warm day. Rev W McDonald preached in St Andrews Church in the forenoon the Introductory sermon And our own Minister Rev J.C. Smith in the evening</p>
<p>Monday 16th Fine morning, but dry and warm, I expected John Idington from Stratford to attend the meeting of my Creditors to day, but he did not come, the meeting began at 2pm present Messrs Stone & Elliot 2 of the inspectors, Kemp & Thomas, of the Bank also their Solicitor Mr McKelcan, Strachan, George Sheppard, Hamilton, Alexr Smith, J.C. Allan, Higinbotham, Brydon, & Mr Cutten for Creditors & John Smith, Assignee, It was resolved that the Mortgage to the Bank is legal and good to them,</p>
<p>It became dull in the afternoon, with strong signs of rain & very warm, rain began about 8 but only light</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 16. 17th</span></h2>
<p>This is a close morning, it was raining between 1 & 2 Oclock a.m. at 6 this morning thermometer stood at 66 degrees, and heavy at 4 Oclock I was told, Meeting of Creditors of Jas Massie & Co to day at the Queens Hotel Toronto at 2pm</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 17. 18th</span></h2>
<p>This is a warm morning, and very warm during the day</p>
<p>The sky got cloudy in the afternoon, and looked very like rain, We visited our old servant Lidia Anderson to day, who is to be married tomorrow to our old Distiller James Dourie, and proceed to Manatoba on a visit to her Brothers family.</p>
<p>It rained this evening.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 19th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull heavy morning but no rain, Bot ½ Bushel of new potatoes at 50¢ or $1. per Bushel.Went up this afternoon to see the new Engine that Worswick is making for Mr Marsden of Newmarket it a splended peice of work</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 20th</span></h3>
<p>This is rather a chilly morning, compared with yesterday, The wind is from the N. West. I have not felt quite so well to day. I looked into Ingles & Hunters shop this forenoon and saw no Engines on the floor, but was told that they have orders for two, I saw a small 6 horse power upright Engine out in the yard and about ready to send off {sketch of engine}</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 21st</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear warm morning with gentle South Westerly breeze. Plenty of fine potatoes much larger than last Saturday, at $1.25 a Bushel down to $1.00. The Fruiteers are getting in Boxes of American harvest Apples, and Peaches, but very dear.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 23d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath was a fine morning warm with a gentle breeze our own Minister Mr Smith preached his first forenoon Sermon and evening likewise, both were powerfull and convincing discourses. Neither Davidson or McCrea were able to be in Church from indisposition. This morning is fine warm & clear, but as soon as the Mail came to hand it brought alarming intellegence of the great Railroad riots in Pittsburg, Reading.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 24</span></h3>
<p>This is another beautifull morning, with a gentle breeze as the day advances it becomes very warm. Railroad matters on the other side are getting more settled and hear of no more destruction of Property. But it appears that the Strikers hold the Station ground at East Buffalo and will not allow any trains to go out, and many cattle are dying for want of food and water.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 25th</span></h3>
<p>This is likewise a very warm clear morning. I have been up quite early at the church, as the Scaffold for Painting the Spire is completed, & was desirous of stopping any unnecesary alterations in the weather cock, but only to put in links to hang the Bells to the arms & reguild them and the Cock. Mr A. B. Stewart returned from Dundas and Toronto this afternoon, and had a chat with him till late this evening, and is going off by first train to Toronto in the morning.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 26th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a close warm morning, Thermometer at 7 a m, 73º. Mr A B Stewart left by the 8.25 train this morning this is a very warm day. John & I went through all the Manse to day and took dimensions of its rooms &c. The painter strongly advises 5 coats of paint instead of 3 coats and sanding it.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 27th</span></h3>
<p>This has been rumbling morning about 3 Oclock the Thunder and lightning was very severe, with frequent showers of rain and the ground was very wet this morning, and all the forenoon close and warm about One Oclock a heavy shower of large drops came on but only lasted a few minutes. I was Overcome with the heat and walking about yesterday that I dont feel so well to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 28th</span></h3>
<p>This is another close warm morning and the Market well supplied with all kinds vegetables. The accounts from the States are more pacific Except the miners who have stopped the Pumps and the water will soon fill the mines</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 30th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath was very warm. This morning is also very warm. Meeting in the School room this evening principly in regard to the enlargement of the Manse, the Committee that were appointed got plans out that would cost about $3,000 while the Trustees would not expend more than $1300. Offer of Exchange was made by Hugh Walker, he to take our manse, & we to take his new house & the old one, and allow him $2,500 for the difference, & to be decided on Monday next.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 31st</span></h3>
<p>This is a very warm morning. Massie Nat went down to Toronto to day. I observed the contractor nailing down the 3 inch elm planking on the Bridge with 6 inch cut nails & told him they would never hold, he said these were the kind allowed him to use, I then spoke to the Chairman, and the Engineer and they agreed at once we me, and sent down a keg of 6 inch wrought iron spikes, which drew them down firm & solid</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, August 1st 1877</span></h3>
<p>Another very warm morning. They got the North half of the Bridge planked to day and made passable for foot passengers. Nat went down to Toronto & retd. in the evening.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 2d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This morning glass at 70º at 7 a m. We went down to the Puslinch Lake to see the Boys the day was very warm but there was a fine cooling breeze, we had a boat and I rowed out to the Island where the boys were encamped, they were pleased to see us but we did not stay long partly fearing a thunder storm but it passed off, but it had rained very heavy for ½ an hour in Town.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 3d</span></h3>
<p>This is a cool morning from yesterdays rain, the news from the States is not all quiet yet and matters are in an unsatisfactory state yet. Higinbotham and family with Miss Blainey are preparing to go down to Puslinch Lake, they started at 3 Oclock P.M. and did not get home till a ¼ to 10. the night was pleasant no moon but starr light</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 4th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, with hardly a breath of wind, they are about to put in the last beam of the Bridge, I dont think that the bridging between the beams is sufficient and will be apt to spring a good deal</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 6th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath was a cool day. This morning quite plesent but as the day advances it becomes much warmer. Revd. J. D. McDonell here this forenoon on his way to Fergus. We had a very good meeting this evening in our school room, when it was resolved to buy Walkers new house for $6,000 and to dispose of our Manse</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>This is another warm morning. The men are busey planking the Bridge with new 3 inch elm plank and {blank}</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 8th</span></h3>
<p>This is a warm close morning, and was quite warm all day. About 7 a m received a Telegram from John Idington to meet him him at the evening train but did not arrive another came saying he would leave Toronto at 9.15. but he did not get here till 12 Oclock and slept at Higinbothams</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 9th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine airey morning. Went up to the Station to see John Idington go home to Stratford. Mrs A and I got ready soon afterwards and started for Puslinch Lake and arrived there about One Oclock, rowed out to their Island & eat Lunch and remained for an hour or so, left the Hotel at ½ past 4 for Peter Idington's at Fisher's Mills and home about 10 Oclock we got a little rain, but it had rained very heavy ½ way to Guelph as we saw all the pools on the road filled with water, it was very dark that we could not a Buggy before us but with great difficulty a good many flashes of lightning helped us at the first start. Heard that Robt Cauldwell was shot by accidint by his Son in Africa on the 6th June last.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 10th</span></h3>
<p>This morning was dull and heavy looking, my toes are quite sore that the Horse tramped on last night & 3 are coloured a dark purple. William Higinbotham came up by train last night & went down to the Lake early this morning with the 2 horses & light waggon and brought up their Tent and all their things and got home by {blank} Oclock a m</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 11th</span></h3>
<p>This morning is much the same. On Tuesday last Messrs James Massie & Co. made an assignment to John Smith official assignee, and a meeting of his Creditors are called for the 21st of this month at 2 Oclock</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 13th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 12th, heavy rain about 4 or 5, then again about 9 - and at 10 Oclock it became heavier again, it kept fair after 11 Oclock but remained dull and heavy all day. This is a dull morning and likely to bring on more rain, between 10 & 11 it rained very heavy for a while with light showers now and then, the afternoon was dry but close & warm. I examined McLaggans hot air furnace and also that of Mr Gowdy</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 14</span></h3>
<p>This is a very dull dark morning, there was considerable thunder and lightning during the night & some showers this forenoon has been quite wet, some heavy showers fell about 12. And again in the afternoon. The wind was Southerly</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 15th</span></h3>
<p>This is also a dulish morning with hot outbursts of sunshine and not like settled weather yet. About 12 & 1 it rained pretty heavy for about ½ an hour Then again at 6 it came on very heavy with large drops and close. Saw McFarish the miller who has been down at Halifax about a loss he has sustained by the failure of a commission house. Goldie is in for about $8,000. John Pipe a 100 bbls. Tolton is also in</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 16th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is dry morning and more settled like, but it looks like as if it had rained during the night, the Thunder is rolling this forenoon and the sky is becoming dark again. Great rain came on about One oclock and continued for 3 hours of incesant heavy rain, when all the gutters and & drains were completely overd flowed and great many cellars flooded and considerable damage done. The crops standing out will suffer greatly</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 17th</span></h3>
<p>This morning opened out fine and clear and looked like settled, it continued so till after One Oclock when a close rain came on with close heat, and must now greatly injure the Spring wheat that is standing out, and am told they are sprouting an inch long.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 18th</span></h3>
<p>This morning opens out fine and dry like, yet there now and then warm gusts of hot air which makes it very doubtful if it will continue so all day. The amount of Massie's debts are $238,738,39 The Bank of Montreal's claim is $183,725,00</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 20th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 19th was a fine dry day. This morning is bright and beautiful and looks quite settled to all appearance. About ½ past One a fire broke out in Horsemans hardware store it began in the cellar, and took hold so rapidly that little or nothing was saved. Williamson & Co. Cormack & Sons, and the Banks of Commerce & Ontario had to move every thing, which was a work of great labour and destruction, but with the hard work of the firemen, and plenty of water the fire was at length got under control.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 21st</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and settled looking, and the late rains has improved the pastures a good deal. A great many Tomatoes are offered for Sale at 75¢ per Bushel, and remarkably fine. The Meeting of James Massie's Creditors met and appointed John Smith as assignee. The composition sheet having in most cases been signed by the largest Creditors, the matter was soon got over, and the very few who who objected to accepting the 50¢ in the dollar cash had to comply, another meeting has to be called to meet in 3 weeks according to Law, to confirm these proceedings, when the dividend will be paid.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 22d</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, clear Sky and likely to be very warm this day, and it was so. Men have begun to remove the Rubbish out of the burnt building, and D Kennedy has got the job of putting all to rights again. Revd Mr Edward Ebbs came here to day along with Mr Wickson from Toronto they left in the afternoon by the 4.45 train</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 23d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This seems to be a close morning and of any thing dull looking have thoughts of starting for Stratford this morning, Which I did and got there at a ¼ to 12 and met John Idington on the street. The day was fine and had a good view of the House both of the external and internal arrangements, the floors are laid on nearly all the rooms and the lathing going in the kitchen part of the house</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 24th</span></h3>
<p>In Stratford, The weather is rather cloudy this morning & raw of anything. Had a turn about the Town this forenoon and found several new Brick houses covered in & ready for the Carpenters and plasterers. I met with Thos Todd of Galt also Mr Ballentyne a dealer in Cheese, with whom we dined. I then went out to the Grand Trunk Repair shops, & found an old aquaintance who has been directing & making changes in Shops there, has now returned and is going to make such alterations in the amount of work which must be done by the men in the Shops, also of the enlargement of such Cylinders as will admit of it, that will enable an Engine to draw nearly double the number of cars they formerly did, and with the same number of men.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 25th</span></h3>
<p>Very fine morning. The Great London Show is here already this morning with over 30 cars & 2 fine sleeping cars all their own property, it appears their contract with the G.T.R. Co. is $200, cash down for every time they move, with the Companys Engine always in attendance, their canvas nearly covered the whole fair ground</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 27th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 26th This is a very fine morning, the day was dry and warm. Monday morning bright and warm</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 27.</span></h3>
<p>This is a pleasant morning. The forenoon was quite fine without the least appearance of a change. But between 12 & 1 a dullness came over the atmosphere then the rolling of thunder and a heavy shower of rain for a ¼ of an hour, after an interval of about ½ an hour another very heavy pouring rain came on which lasted 15 or 20 minutes. Mr Cooper the Surveyor has been beat off his work in surveying the Priory Grounds to day, with the view to divide it into lots for Building purposes</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 28</span></h3>
<p>This was a close cloudy morning and thretning rain. Mrs A and I intended going to Toronto by the cheap Excurstion train at 9 a m, but I having to sign a deed of the old Manse to Dr Howitt (for which he paid $3,500 cash) we could not get away till the 11 Oclock train, the weather by that time turned out very fine, called on the Alexanders, and saw the House they are building of Brick & to cost $2,500, the ground in that street is worth $45 per foot front to be ready 1st Nov. We also called on Wm Higinbotham, but could not see him as he would be able to recognise either of us. We left by the 11.45 train having been too late for the 5.15.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 30th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>We got home this morning from Toronto about 2 Oclock by the middnight train, wth a great many Guelph folks who had been left behind. This is a splended day for the Harvest Home on the Model Farm, to which I have been invited but for want of conveyance of my own, and having to attend the Babtism of my Son's child this evening I thought it would be too much for us both. We went up to Williams to the Babtism at 7 Oclock and left at 10 the childs was named Walter, Nat, Maggie, & Miss Idington were there</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 31st</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning, raining hard at 6 Oclock. The Thunder was rolling at ½ past 6 and still raining. 9 Oclock and still raining hard. This is our Fast Day in the Presbyterian Churches in this Town. The afternoon was dry but in the evening it was of any thing a little drizzling rain. The attendance at night in the Church was much better. I went up to Goldie's Mill for a supply of chicken feed, and looked in to the new Engine house, which is very much enlarged, and found them far advanced with the foundation and bed for the Engine it is substantial and well built with Water lime, and bolt holes preserved in the work by means of wooden boxes built in as the work goes up.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 1st September</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning and the rain has ceased. I sent Postal card to A Cuningham. But as the day advanced it became quite chilly. There was a meeting of my Creditors this afternoon. All I can hear that was done was the reception of offers for the outeside property, that could not be intertained being far below the mark, another matter, was the purchase of a life interest for my Brother William</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 3d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning is of any thing dark and cloudy, and hope it may keep faire, this being our Communion Sabbath. It got quite cool at midday 60º and at 6 pm 55º. This day has also been chilly, a cold N. West wind has been blowing all day, and those that were up very early this morning found the side walks white with frost</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 4th</span></h3>
<p>This is of any thing a better looking morning a fine clear sky. The Tas</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 5th</span></h3>
<p>This is the Monthly Fair Day and it is a very fine morning, The Fare is but poorly attended. I have just heard that the Elora Mills have been purchased from the Merchant Bank by Mr Horetop for $12, 000 $13,000</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 6th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a cool morning after the rain yesterday afternoon. The day has been pleasant yet cooler than of late this is the Horticultural Show day, and a very fine Show it is, neither the Cauliflower nor the Egg plant was so good either in size or compactness, & too many green leaves in the centre of them, a fine desplay of Plums, but hardly ripe</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning and looks like more rain and there was a light shower in the forenoon</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 8th</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine morning, and as it advanced a great many waggons with fruit and vegitables drew up at the market such as, tomatoes, grapes of various kinds, melons, corn, &c.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 10th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath, this is a fine clear morning with moderate temperature.In the afternoon there was a slight shower</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 11th</span></h3>
<p>This was of any thing a dull morning, and very much like rain. Went out the Dundas road to look out for some store pigs</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 12th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning and as the day advances is getting very warm</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 13th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a splendid morning, and it will be highly favourable for the Caladonian Gathering this day at the Exhibition grounds</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 14th</span></h3>
<p>This appears to be a very fine morning. I have made up mind to go down to Hespeler by the Cars and walk to Peters. I found them all so far as he & the son & daughter were well, but Mrs Idington was complaining a good deal of lowness of spirits &c., the weather was very warm, they have had a fine crop of splended peaches ripe & good. It is only once in several years they can have the like. I was driven down to Hespeler saw old Jacob who is preparing to run his distillery next week, he complains of the poor proffits they are making, he sold the last sale of rye at 80¢ duty paid, and from having been in store for some 8 or 10 weeks it was found that the Barrels after being emptied, weighed more than they were tared on an average 6 lbs which he had to allow of the spirits.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 15th</span></h3>
<p>This is another very fine morning, with a very fresh breeze, a great quantity of Peaches are daily being brought to town by rail and selling at $1.50 a box that a few days ago were selling at $2.50 to $3.00 - & Apples 75¢ & $1.00 a bag. I met Geo Randall of Waterloo returning from Toronto he says he sold Rye Whisky duty paid at 83¢ & in Bond at 23¢ and says that there is nothing in it, & would gladly sell out Mill & Distillery at 50¢.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 17th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning was dull after such a heavy fall of rain during the night, washing out great ruts on the roads. But as the day advanced it became fine & warm. Mr Smith in the forenoon, & Mr Wardrope in the evening. This Monday morning is a little damp but pleasant about ½ past One it began to rain and continued more or less throughout the afternoon. Mr Jas. Caulfields, flour and saw mills were destroyed by fire on Sunday morning between 12 & 1 am. They were leased (except the saw mill) to Messrs. Cordiner & Haigh, the total loss is from $8,000 to $10,000 and no Insurance whatever, having neglected to renew the Policy for some months. Higinbotham started for Orangevelle meeting to night</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 18th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, and looks as if there had been some rain last night. I took a strol this afternoon to see the progress made. F.W. Stone is getting round again but he has been very ill for some days back</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 19th</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a fresh morning, but there was frost on the side walks at 5 a. m.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 20th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine dry morning, and cool and pleasant</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 21st</span></h3>
<p>There was a little frost this morning, but clear and bright</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 22d</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine clear morning, but the grass had a white coating this morning, there is very little done in the Mill in gristing of any kind</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 24th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning 23d Sept. clear and bright, and looks as there had been a light frost. This is a very fine morning. The Inspectors of my Estate examined the peice of road I purchased from the Council or rather exchanged as I gave them a road for it, and got a deed from them & gave them one also.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 25th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, and a long train went up to London well filled with passengers for the Exhibition at London. Higinbotham left for Tornonto by the last train to be present at the Marriage of Mrs Wm Higinbothams daughter by her first husband, Miss {blank} to Mr {blank} Morrison son of Angus Morrison, Mayor of Toronto.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 26th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, but so many Cars for the Exibition as yesterday. I went up to Goldie's Mill this afternoon, and find they have got the Engine & fly wheel connected, & have hung the new boiler along side of the old one, the old wall remaining between them. They are both return tubular boilers the masons were building in the furnace with fire Bricks, and forming the inverted arch below the boiler with common bricks, they are also taking out the old pully & part of the shafting, and going to put in a larger pully & shaft of 5¼" diameter, very little done to the condencer as yet, will take 2 weeks yet before all is going again. A. B. Stewart passed down from Detroit by the 5. train, spoke to P. S. Stevenson who was also on board.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 27th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a rainey morning. William went to Toronto at 11 a m. George Linds 2 boys called to the eldest is 20 years past last May, they had both been to the Exhibition at London, where over 30,000 people were admitted by ticket. James Goldie is is putting in a new intermidiate wrought iron shaft about 20 feet long at least, all turned and polished 5¼ inches diameter, (the old one was only about 4 in and in 2 lengths). The Chimney plate on the new foundation (which is only tempory is 30 inches diameter to suit the present smoke stalk) But the foundation for utimately building a Brick one on is 9 feet square of substantial masonry.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 28th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, quite mild and the flowers in the garden fresh vigerous as they were in June and think that new flowers are comming in Bloom. Wm returned from Toronto this morning. A great many have returned from the Provincial Show this afternoon</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 29th</span></h3>
<p>This is another beautiful morning. A great many people in town, and great quantities of fruit and vegitables, also an Auction of Horsemans goods saved from the fire. Our Minister Mr Smith got up another 2 loads of furnature and got them in from the station. The wooden drain along the South side of Quebec street is nearly completed it is about {blank} feet wide, and {blank} deep at the deepest part Cedercills</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 1st October 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 30th is a very foggy or misty morning that I cannot see ½ across the river. This morning we enter on the first day of October 1877 which is a most charming morning, there has been a light shower of rain during the night but now all is clear & fine. About 9 a m Higinbotham, little Alice and I went down to Richard Nicklin's Saw Mill in Flambro & retured in the afternoon the day was very warm, yet fine and airey, people seemed to be busey lifting their potatoes, Wm Leslie had the largest I have ever seen. The roads were in fine order, and the condition of the Farm and steading appeared much improved since I was down in that quarter</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. TUESDAY, 2d</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a dull morning and has every appearance of rain, which will be a drawback to the Fair which opens to day here, as well as in Hamilton, neither Society being willing to give way to the other.The contractor for digging the cellar of Higinbothams small shop at the East end of the Grand Trunk Bridge began this morning. About 10 minutes past 7 this evening my daughter Mrs Higinbotham was safely delivered of a daughter.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 3d</span></h3>
<p>This morning is likewise a dull morning, but the mist now appears to be falling, and likely to be fine. The day is turning out to be fine, and a great many visitors are pouring in by horse conveyance and by the Trains. I went up to the Exhibition grounds in the afternoon and found the show of farm Impliments more extensive, the Roots of all kinds larger and very solid, and the display of fruit was extraordinary, and fine</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 4th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>There is quite a change this morning, the rain has come at last and rather heavy at times, the wind from the West. The Pearly Vermont Potatoe is a very fine one. But the Late Rose is more productive</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 5th</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a cool morning, there had frost, but as the day advanced it became more pleasant. About noon we got the loan of Higinbothams horse & Buggie and went up to the Exhibition ground, and found that the Exhibitors were begining to pack up their things, altogether the affair was a success notwithstanding that the Hamilton show was on the same days. It appears that Messrs Kemp & Mitchell of the Bank were looking all round the premises</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 6th</span></h3>
<p>This is a pleasant morning, although there has been a little frost. The day turned out quite pleasant, at noon when I went up to town I met our old friend Edward Martin, the lawyer formerly of Guelph, but now of St Louis. The contractor for Higinbothams cellar has about completed the excavation</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 8th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning 7th inst. is a fine dry morning, but the grass was quite white at ½ past 6. This Monday morning is very wet, seems to be steady & with a heavy shower now and then & no outdoor work going on</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 9th</span></h3>
<p>This morning is better but still dropping of the roof, as if there had been rain during the night. The day turned out much better than could have been expected in the early part of the forenoon. The Sabbath School Convension of Ontario began this morning in the Norfolk Methodist Church about 200 having arrived, but they are flocking in by every train. Miss Alles Snider, a delegate took tea with us. We attended the meeting this evening of the Sabbath School Convension, which was filled to overflowing, & good speeches delivered</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 10th</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull looking morning after the rain during the night or early morning. The day continued very unsettled with showers in the afternoon and evening. We again attended the Convension this evening.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 11th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is another wet and dull looking morning, and the clouds looks very water like. Business still continues very unsettled still a great many failures are reported almost daily and the weekly reports are almost as numerous of late as they were when the depression was at its worst. The defalcation & embeselments very frequent. It is quite cold this afternoon the wind Northerly, and slight drizzling rain at times. A party in Hamilton has bought a large number of the old whisky barrels, 7 cars are engaged for them & they are being loaded this afternoon</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 12th</span></h3>
<p>This looks like a clear settled morning, the wind is yet from a Northerly direction but not so cold as yesterday afternoon</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 13th</span></h3>
<p>A dry morning, with frost on the grass, the sky cloudy at 7 a. m. the sky is clearing up as the morning advances</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 15th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath day was fine and warm & quite a sumer day. This morning was a fine clear morning, Nat, went off towards Erin villiage this morning. I went up to Goldies Mill this forenoon, but the steam Engine was standing still but it had been going 3 days last week. But the Condenser is not attached to it yet.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 16th</span></h3>
<p>This is rather a dull morning and cold, Northerly wind. It continued raw and, and drizzling rain now and then</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 17th</span></h3>
<p>This is a wet morning, but during the day it improved and was quite dry in the afternoon. The Sale of the lots of Land in my Estate came of at One Oclock</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 18th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is another dull morning and a good deal of mist that it almost wets one through in a short time. I have made up my mind to proceed to Stratford to consult John Idington about dower. I did start by the ½ past 2 train and got there about ½ past 4, and found him engaged at an arbitration between a Farmer and the New Railway Co. from Woodstock, Stratford and into the Huron Tract. I staid at the Hotel all night and after tea had some time to consult him as well as in the morning.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 19th</span></h3>
<p>This was a very wet morning in Stratford & having rained very heavy through the night the streets were very wet I left by the early train for the East at 9.25. and got here at 11. a. m. and found it wet and disagreable here also, and mason work suspended for the day.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 20th</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold raw morning, but as yet no rain although it looks like it. It is getting colder as the day advances, however the afternoon was dry but not in any way cheerfull weather. I handed in a letter to the Inspectors of my Estate this forenoon about my Wifes Dower I went up to Goldies Mill in the afternoon and saw the new Engine at work which to all appearance went well the speed is much reduced below the old one that was taken away, and the valves are not so intricate and difficult to set and keep in order the boiler's are fed at present with hot water from the Exaust cistern, But when the condencer is completed I do not see how they can feed with hot water, without an additional fixture for the purpose</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 22d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>21st There was frost last night and the side walks with the effects of it. The Assizes began to day Judge Morrison preciding</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 23d</span></h3>
<p>This was a remarkably fine morning. It continued so all the early part of the day but a great change came about towards the after part of the day, turned rather cold and dreary. This last few days the leaves have been falling of the trees in great quantities</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 24th</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning and raw. Reports are going about that the Guelph Mills & all the property of the Bank of Commerce is sold, but cannot trace it to any authentic source as yet, but after Saturday it will be fully known after the tenders are opened. About 7 Oclock it began to rain and continued for some time</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 25th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a foggy morning, and even aproaching to fine rain, the mist lasted most of the forenoon. Sturdy's trial for the abduction of Miss Carr came on this morning, and the Courtroom was cramed. About 5 p. m called at the G. Trunk station the carrs M were late & got tired waiting and left, but had only gone out of the gate when I heard the train comming and I returned and the first one I recognised was my Brother James, from Bayfield</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 26th</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull raw morning and the Thermometer down to 34º. The grass is keeping green and fine as yet and affords fine pasture in abundance. The day continued cold throughout. There was great crouds in the Courthouse to hear the trial of Sturdy it was difficult to squeze in to get standing room. I was informed to day that Williamson offers Carpets made at Elora for 87¢ per yard that cost 85¢ in the making, & when you deduct his proffit for selling of from 10 to 12¢ per yard it will leave the manufacturer nothing but a heavy loss, of perhaps 12¢ per yard. I heard that the Bank of Commerce has a claim or Mortgage of $25,000 on the flour & woolen Mills at Ayr the Woolen Mill was lately destroyed by fire, which must leave the proprietors in a poor way</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 27th</span></h3>
<p>This morning seems to be dull and louring and looks like rain. During the day it kept off, was never clear and bright all day. The Court closed for the day about not one oclock. There is yet a dullness in most of trades, great complaints as to the difficulty in collecting outstanding debts. The Wellington Hotel is not finished yet such as stairs to the basement floors there, and painting and staining. The heating apperatus is appearantly finished. But the prospects of it paying are bad should the, Duncan Act, be carried</p>
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<p>== October. MONDAY, 29th 1877.</p>
<p>Sabbath morning dull and misty. Tempt. 43º and mild. {Newspaper cutting}</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 30th</span></h3>
<p>This morning is bright, but there has been a heavy frost as the grass is white at 7 a. m. and the side walks as well all covered with Rime.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 31st</span></h3>
<p>This is a somewhat dull morning Tempt. at 40º, and cloudy</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. November THURSDAY, 1st 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very nice fall morning, But have heard that the young men, have done some mischeif at the back of the Hill in taking Higinbothams gates of the hinges, and breaking some parts which I went over and with assistance restored to their places and got the 11 pigs put back into the field. The Assizes were finished this afternoon</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. FRIDAY, 2d</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning, it rained hard through night, and has washed down a great quantity of the fine yellow leaves of the Maples &c. The day throughout was blustering & stormy. William at Hamilton to day. James D Allan and Higinbotham went up to London</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 3d</span></h3>
<p>This is a somewhat pleasanter morning yet coldish and requires an overcoat. In the forenoon it was clear dry and the masons were at work, but those on the upper works of the New Catholic Church did not appear and slight flurries of snow now and then. At 5 p m when the train passed down, the roofs of the coaches or cars had a coating of Snow on them. Nat returned from London this evening, he bot 500 Bbls crude oil at Petrolia</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 5th 187{7}</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath morning was dry and cold and a little frost on the grass at 7 a m but cleared off, and the fore part of the day was tolerably fine, but in the afternoon it became heavy & dull & between 3 & 4 began to snow, and continued all the afternoon & evening. Nat went to Hamilton this morning. Monday morning wet, with showers of sleet and rain, up to about noon. It then began to snow steady and lay on the ground</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 6th</span></h3>
<p>This is a Wintry looking morning thin ice covers the Dam and the ground is all coverd Snow between one & 2 inches deep. As the day advanced it became more pleasant though wet and muddy. We made some calls for the first time on Mrs Hogg (widow of our late Minister) ad also on our New Minister Mr Smith. I cut up some pigs to day at Higinbothams. Some geese were frozen on the Dam last night and are not relieved yet.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>This is a moderate winter looking morning, the Dam is again froze over this morning also. About 9 Oclock it began to warm up and become fine. This being the Monthly Fair Day I went to Evan McDonalds amd brought my Cow to the Fair ground and Sold her for $25. cash. The masons have been at work to day building at the End addition of Williamson's Shop, and are now leveled for the cills of the upper windows.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. THURSDAY, 8th 187{7}.</span></h2>
<p>This morning quite dull and wet, there is a close fine rain falling steady, and will prevent any Mason work being done to day, as the day advances there is no appearance of any sessation of the rain. I wrote to John Smith, Bridge of Allan to day about his lot in Hamiton</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 9th</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold morning with, ice on the ponds only yet it is dull, yet the masons began to work on Williamsons building at the ("Lion"). Also the men worked at the roof of the Catholic Church in carrying up the central spire which seems to be a slender one yet considerably higher than the old one still standing</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 10th</span></h3>
<p>This is a tollerable fine morning. The market was very well supplied, and further I saw 30 or 40 coops of live Turkeys being the last load of a shipment of 1900 of them to be sent off to New York this afternoon. Went up to Goldies Mill this forenoon to see his New Engine going after the condencer was attached & am now convinced that a condencer in connection with a high pressure Engine is an emence saving, The loss of which in years past has contributed to my loss & ruin, in the great waste of fuel</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 12th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate morning of any thing mild yet very dull, yet no rain fell during the forenoon</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 13th</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning for the time of the year. The forenoon turned out pleasant and the people began to turn out to attend the Sale of the remainder of the loose property at the Mills and Distillery. The Auctioneer Mr Knowles began to sell the things in the Office such as maps, inks desks, clock, files for papers, tin boxes. Thermometers & many things too numerous to mention then the old Bedsteads & Bedding that remained from the last Sale then firewood, the soft wood going as low as 50¢ & 60¢ was stopped some casks and 5 tuns of oak</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 14th</span></h3>
<p>This is a moderate day going to be, it is dry but dull, yet mild and outdoor work going on freely. I am busey cutting down a stand for a stove for dining room to cook with &c.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. THURSDAY, 15th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning. At 10 Oclock it began to rain very heavy and what little work that was doing before the shower is now stopped. Fitted up pipes in dinning room stove. It rained again this evening for a short time</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 16th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine bright morning, and the sun shone out finely, and made a pleasant change, how long it may last. I began to set up the old 8 day Mill office clock at Higinbothams which he bought at the sale for $1.00. Peter Idington & wife called after dinner for a short time, and left Town about ½ past 4. p.m. Peter Idington & wife were here, (I borrowed $20 from him) We are to have our meeting of the Worsley Trustees on the 3d Decr.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 17th</span></h3>
<p>This morning is quite a change from yesterday, it is mild so far as to allow a drizzling rain to fall, and the atmosphere is dull, and looks like more rain. It however kept fair during the afternoon but about ½ past 5 it became dull & dark with frequent flashes of lightning and about 8 Oclock a heavy shower of rain and high wind from the N. West came on and lasted for about ½ an hour</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 19th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>18th This is a cold Sabbath morning it is dry & freezing, & a strong wind from the North & N. West. This Monday morning is fine and bright, and the Northerly wind continues cold yet the frost is not so very hard as yet the glass at 9 Oclock a. m. was 28º. But it is astonishing to see the depth that the roads are frozen, which is clearly seen, in digging up some of the old gass pipes, the direction of which having been changed, when several miles of new and ones of larger caliber have been put in this year.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 20th</span></h3>
<p>This is a moderate morning and looks as if it is going to be a fine day. The Court of Chancery met to day. The day turned out fine, and we took a walk up to Williams House.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 21st</span></h3>
<p>This is a pleasant morning, and outdoor work going on freely, building in both stone & wood, also cutting down the elevated sidewalks at Elliots Hill, and preparing to make steps of aproach to the Houses on each side. Peter Idington here this forenoon, also his Son John from Statford attending to a case in Chancery which he got so arranged as to allow of his return home by the º past 2 train. The Court adjourned untill Friday. Mrs John Sully died at noon to day aged 71 years & 9 months</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. THURSDAY, 22d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild dull wet morning, with a continuos fine close rain with the glass at 42º, and the grass quite green yet. The Church was very well attended to day, and we got a splended Sermon from Mr Smith. The day has continued wet</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 23d</span></h3>
<p>This is a thick misty morning, all wet around us and quite calm and mild, glass 41º at ½ past 7 a.m.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 24th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning dark and dull, the rain continuing all morning, glass 44º at 7 a.m. The wind from the N East and getting colder as the day advances, and still raining. About ½ past 10 this forenoon the New addition to Williamsons with a loud noise, the whole front of the upper story and the half of the middle one, and a portion of the end wall and many of the joists broken in peices.</p>
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<p>{Newspaper cuttings} 10th Oct 1877</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 26th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath morning is another damp and misty day, the glass at 7 a m 41º. At about 9 a m I recd. a Telegram from Adam Brown Esqr of Hamilton that he desired my attendance of my his Mothers Funeral at 3 oclock, So I determined to go down, got ready as quick as possible and had the good fortune to get Mr Murton to take me out in his Buggy with all speed, and was there 4 minutes before the 9.35 train started, got to Hamilton about º past 11. The weather shourey, took dinner at McNaughtons attended funeral at 3. {Newspaper cutting} 24 Nov 1877</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 27th</span></h3>
<p>In Hamilton, wet dissagreable morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 28th</span></h3>
<p>Dry morning with a little frost, and a few flakes of snow at times. The bricklayers are about up with the walls of Higinbothams little Shop. There is great work in voting for & against the Duncan liquor Act, those against have a very large majority</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. THURSDAY, 29th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine clear morning Thermometer at 27º, Although the frost was enough to freeze the mortar yet the Bricklayers started, but having neither Bricks nor lime, they had to quit work, from that cause alone. The Anti Duncanites had a grand procession to night a great number paraded with torch lights, also a great many carriages loaded with officers & delegates from other parts also a display of fireworks, the night was very cold</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 30th</span></h3>
<p>There is hard frost this morning, the wind was cold strong,This is our Fast day in the Church, the fire's or heating apperatus had not been attended to properly and the Church was very cold, and having my Overcoat off I shivered a great part of the time Revd Mr Mullen of Fergus preached. James Kirkpatrick Esqr died this morning in Hamilton. Born in {Sanfield} near Belfast 1791. married in 1815 and removed to Canada & settled in Barton as a Land Surveyor. John Davidson, Postmaster Galt died there this afternoon at 5 Oclock of Paralysis.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 1st Decr</span></h3>
<p>Hard frost during the night and this morning it was calm yet the Thermometer indicated 20º below freezing. The little snow that fell is still laying over the ground</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 3d 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 2d Being our Communion Sabbath is fine and clear there was hard frost last night the glass at 8 was 13º above Zero. This Monday morning was clear & bright the ground very bare of Snow and the Thertr. at 26º at 7 a.m. Meeting to day of Miss Worsleys & the late G Worsleys Trustees at Guthrie, Wall, & Cutten, office to at at 2 Oclock recd. check for balance of funds. $416.66. Mr Coopers arrears of rent of Rose Cottage is $196.00. Mr Watt had answer from Stratford that the arrears of Taxes due by the Estate on Lots 130 and 287 is $68.76</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 4th</span></h3>
<p>This was a little milder morning, but not bright. It continued dry during the forenoon, the roads fine smooth and dry and hard. But in the afternoon it began with a few flurries of Snow, and then turned into fine rain, but close and not heavy. Nat went down to Toronto in answer to a Telegram that his brother William was dying, but did not get there to see him alive. Robert White one of my oldest aquaintance died to day at 1 Oclock. I also had a letter from Mr James Hutchison, that his wife died last Sabbath wishing me to attend the funeral tomorrow, but not being free from a cold I have had I cannot go</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 5th</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a soft morning and quite mild glass up to 40º, and a thick fogg falling. The chimney and gable end of the shop was put up yesterday. Several more failures, both great and small in Montreal and other places</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 6th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is quite a change from yesterday, the ground is quite hard, and a keen wind blowing from the N. West. I attended Robert White's funeral at 2 Oclock to day as far as the Church, but the weather was too cold for me to go to the cemetery. The times are still very depressed Moulton (colured) grain and wool buyer has obtained an extension of time from his Creditors, Lock and Galbraith have also called on their Creditors for an extension of time</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold morning freezing hard the wind from the N. East. I got Donald McGinnes to fill up round the boxes for the cellar windows of Higinbothams little shop</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 8th</span></h3>
<p>This morning was not quite so cold as yesterday only 27º. There had been a fall of snow during the night but very light. During the day we had 2 or 3 light showers. Reports to day about the safety of the steamer City of Berlin are becoming alarming and some packages have been cast ashore thought to have been on board of her.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 10th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 9th had some snow on the ground, fallen during the night glass about Freezing, at noon began to thaw and the side walks got quite wet. This morning was mild 28º and as the day advanced it became more mild, and the snow is melting fast. A Telegram reached here about 10 am that the Steam Ship City of Berlin was all safe, having broken her Shaft when 2 days sail from reaching England</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 11th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very mild morning the glass at 37º and the roads getting quite slopy again. As the day advances the Sun is shinning out fine</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 12th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very mild morning the glass at 30º and as the day advanced it became much milder and more like Spring weather. And as the day advanced it improved, the roads also becoming more sloppy, and lots of cattle comming in for the Show tramped the mudd pretty well.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 13th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is another mild morning, dull and inclined to rain. The Thermometer at 40º. It began to rain a little past 9 a m. This the Fat Cattle Show day, and a great many were brought into Town yesterday. There was a fine show of fat cattle, and a very fine display of fat Poultry of all kinds, some of the Turkeys weighing 14 lbs each. I wrote to John Smith Bridge of Allan, Scotland, also to Wm and Andrew Fisher in Philadelphia. * I received the first paper of the Weekly Witness to day dated the 13th</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 14th</span></h3>
<p>This is a little colder the glass at 30º at 7 a m the roads are dry, and the weather clear. Nat and his son William went down to Hamilton & thence to Toronto this morning. (*Weekly Witness to day)</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 15th</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning as yet. I have got Busby this morning to trim the Grape vines so as to preserve them as far as I can & my means will permit, But several of them are dead from 1 to 2 feet from the top downwards. I afterwards got him to dig a drain at the side of Higinbothams little store and found the ground so soft that he could strike the Pick at one blow down to the handle. I recd. a letter from John Smith in Scotland. Nat & William returned from Toronto this evening</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 17th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath is a remarkably fine day as mild as a day in May in morning at 7 a m it was 2º above freezing viz 34º. and at One Oclock on our return from Church the Thermometer was 42º out of the Sun and all the frost out of the ground. This is a mild morning the glass at 34º at 7 a.m. and became warmer as the day advanced it is as mild as yesterday.The cold that my wife has had for a week & more was worse this evening.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 18th</span></h3>
<p>There is quite a change this morning the wind is round to the East and the glass at 7 was 26º, the sky is hasey and dull. Martin has got the floor of the small Shop for Higinbotham laid. I remitted money to Wickson & also Mr Reeve of Toronto.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 19th</span></h3>
<p>This is a very different morning for yesterday during the night it became quite mild and it rained during the night and morning at 7 a m a light shower was falling and the Thermometer at 40º and about 10 Oclock it was 46º and a thick fogg was falling</p>
</div>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 20th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This morning opened up the same as yesterday with the glass between 30º & 40º and quite mild all the day, and the roads out of town are very muddy, that is the side and concession roads, the main gravel roads are in pretty fair order</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 21st</span></h3>
<p>This is much the same kind of morning, with the exception that there had been rain during the night and also a shower this morning about 7. The main front window is put into the shop this morning, and Martin has begun to strap the walls</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 22d</span></h3>
<p>This is also a very mild close dull morning, the grass and walks quite damp, the Holly is fine and green and in demand by the Butchers for to decorate their Beef, Sheep & Pigs which are hung up in profusion. The whole day was thick and dark with fogg, I cannot remember such weather to continue so near Christmas when several have been plowing this very week with great ease</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 24th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath 23d was mild a little above freezing and the ground wet with the falling fogg. This Monday is another soft morning and the glass about 35º and as the day advances it becomes more foggy that one can scarsly see more than accross the street, such a continuation of thick close weather I cannot remember, even the year of the Rebelion 1837 which was mild and open weather even into the new year, but cannot remember so much fogg.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 25th</span></h3>
<p>Christmas Day, at 7 a m dull and dark weather and the glass at freezing, and did not get above 35º all day, in the afternoon the fine rain or falling dew came on and towards 4 Oclock a close rain fell for some time, there was very little mirth and pleasure riding or driving and hardly any ice on the Dam. I dined at Higinbothams but Mrs Allan did not venture out having not sufficiently recovered from her cold.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 26th</span></h3>
<p>This is another moderate morning at 7 a.m. the glass was exactly at Z Freezing and not a breath of wind, it was dark that I had to go outside with the light as frequently of late to see the figures of the Thermometer. It is really a remarkable season, and all the Merchants complaining of the want of trade.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 27th 1877.</span></h2>
<p>This is another very mild morning glass at 37º at 7 a.m and the Sun shone out, and every thing except the leafless trees looked like a May morning. William Higinbotham starts for Erin villiage to try what he can do in a druggests shop there. The glazer has put in the glass in the windows in the New Store and the Plasterer is first coating it to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 28th</span></h3>
<p>This is another charming morning, there was frost last night sufficient to freeze the Dam over with a thin coat of ice, at 7 a.m. the glass was 27º at 10 the Sun shone out splendidly. I put on a new truss this morning made in Philadelphia and seems to fit well so far and give me great releif</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 29th</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning glass 28º at 7 a.m the grass is all white with frost. The day was certainly fine and the Market well supplied with every thing you could think. The news to day from Europe looks as if England is to be drawn in to the war so as to maintain her ground as to the protection of Constantinople and the free passage of the Dardinelles</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 31st 1877.</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath was a fine day and the Church well attended, there had been pritty hard frost through the night, for the streets were hard and dry. This morning being the last day of the year is getting colder as the glass was at 20º at 7 a.m. the wind enclined to the East and snow flakes flying, & does not seem to come down freely. The large wholesale house of George Winks & Co. has failed with liabilities of $300,000 and Assets to pay 74¢ in the dollar. Mr Kirkpatrick of Goderich and Mr Hugh McCullach of Galt were here inspecting the Mill to see what repairs are required, and what improved apperatus is requested to keep up with the times* *Mr Kirkpatrick told the Miller that he could build a new mill at the Railway Station that could grind all the flour he would want to make for $18,000 and save all the teaming of flour & wheat, which is a very large item, and have no dam ice or backwater to contend with, nor shortness of water for half of the year, so that the Bank would have to come down a great deal more in their price than what they now ask.</p>
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David Allan (1808 - 1895)
1876
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive Volunteers
{Cover of Diary}
DAILY
JOURNAL,
1876.
{Printed Calendar for 1876 and first 4 months of 1877.}
DAILY
JOURNAL
FOR
1876.
TORONTO: PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS, MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
{A maple leaf has been pressed on this page}
{Printed Report of The Annual General Meeting of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Wellington
12th January, 1877.}
{Financial Statement of THE MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE COUNTY OF
WELLINGTON. For the Year Ending 31st December, 1876.}
{The Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Company. BY-LAW No. 4}
{Annual Report of the Wellington Mutual Insurance Company for 1875.}
{Next several pages continuation of the Annual Report}
{RATES OF POSTAGE; TERMS AND COURTS; BANK HOLIDAYS; TABLE OF STAMP DUTIES;
LIST OF SUNDAYS IN 1876}
DIARY 1876.
{Newspaper clippings dated Nov 1876}
�January SATURDAY 1 1876
This is a very remarkable New Years morning foggy weather dark morning & almost like a light rain
falling, and during the forenoon a close rain but very fine was falling, and during the whole day it was
foggy & drizzling rain the water is running heavy over the dam, and reminds one more of the middle
of April then this, we had a great many callers to day, as usual, on New Years day all our works
are standing still
January MONDAY 3 1876
Fine dry morning Yesterday Sun shining fine and almost like an April day.
This morning was hard frost and the ground hard and solid, and the Dam covered with young and
old scaiting.
There has been plenty of water for the Mill for some weeks now.
TUESDAY 4
Hard frost this morning at 7 a m the glass stood at 8º above Zero.
Wm. Robertson began this morning to put on the felt on the Copper Still and to line it with boards
WEDNESDAY 5
This is also a dry morning but not so hard frost as the day advanced it became milder, after dinner
it began to rain.
The water still holds out for 3 run of stones going to day and running over the Dam.
About ½ past 2 it began to rain again & between 3 & 4 it rained heavy with snow flakes between,
and later the water was running down the streets.
Mr Mills of Hamilton was murdered by a Butcher yesterday, who was a tenant of his in arrears of
rent
January THURSDAY 6 1876
During the night it dried up, and the roads hard froze this morning, and flakes of snow blowing about
but it is too cold for the snow to fall, 3 pair of stones going briskly in the water Mill.
�The men working at the covering of the Boiler with felt, we had to make 2 wooden rings for top &
Bottom, and wide enough to admit of room to introduce the staves between them and the felt (which
was previously tied on round about with twine), and then kept in their place with wedges in a
tempory manner untill ready for the iron hoops
FRIDAY 7
This was a very pleasant morning, and very little frost, enough to make the roads hard and dry. And
during the day the Sun shone out quite pleasant. William went up to London and then on to
Chatham to see about corn, But found that they had not begun to shell it out as yet, the weather
being too open for that
SATURDAY 8
This morning was dry but not hard frost, but of any thing dark & dull in the forenoon a light rain
came on for a little while, but not enough to drive the skaiters of the ice, But the latter part of the
afternoon was quite wet and rained considerable.
The copper still is about done the hoops having been put on this forenoon.
No snow snow whatever to be seen any where. William came home to night without doing any thing
January MONDAY 10 1876
Yesterday was a remarkably fine day for this time of the year it was quite mild when going to
Church & the ground soft and muddy, and a few rolls of thunder were herd, in the afternoon the fine
clear sunshine seased & foggy dark weather came on and at about Church time it rained heavy, and
began to blow. There was quite a change this morning a very strong Westerly wind has been
blowing all night and continues this morning and very cold, the Glass at 10º above Zero, during the
whole day it blew hard and snowed at times, & the ground as hard as ever.
A good deal of excitement about voting for the shop Licence By-Law which was lost by 264 majority,
got the copper Still lining finished to day
TUESDAY 11
This is another cold morning, a little snow has fallen during the night, but it is too cold for it to come
down.
The men are working at the staging round the new fermenting tuns.
�WEDNESDAY 12
This is a cold morning very little wind, and very little snow on the ground. The frost is sharp,
Thermometer 10º above Zero.
Have just got information that Wm Alexander of Ellenburn died this morning at 10 a m
January THURSDAY 13 1876
This is a pretty cold morning 12º above Zero cold N Westerly wind.
Went out to Ellenburn twice to day and saw the corpse & saw very little change the upper part of
the face all above the mouth reminds me very much of my late father.
The Boiler makers began this morning, and at noon got an assistnant.
After the peices were cut out for the Patches to be put on, we found the space for the water
completly filled up and so hard that no water could get to it and in consiquence led to the burning
and cracking of the plates, no less than 5 barrow fulls of scale and mud were taken out.
FRIDAY 14
This is another cold morning, it is not blowing much.
Went out to the Cemetery with Mrs R Thomson to point out the spot to dig the grave for Mr
Alexander and make allowance for the place for the monument.
The boiler makers will work late to night. They left about ½ past 10.
SATURDAY 15
This is a very fine morning very moderately cold very little snow to be seen except on the sides of
the roads, the middle is all bare.
We have a bother with the Beer pump this morning breaking out at the angle of the branch where it
was patched before
January MONDAY 17 1876
Yesterday was quite a mild morning. At 9.30 the Thermometer stood at 37º and the atmosphere
dull and heavy, and continued so till evening when it began to freeze.
�Monday morning, a little snow has fallen during the night, but as the day advanced the mild weather
& drizzling rain washed it all away.
Was over early at the Rectifying house before the furnace was lighted. Mr Cuttler began to day to
adjust all the Millstones, all having more or less got out of Ballance.
Mrs A and I attended the Funeral of the late Wm Alexander Esq this afternoon it was largely
attended
TUESDAY 18
Another mild morning, and thick weather and after Breakfast it began to rain, and kept on all the
forenoon more or less, and many teams came in with wheat and had to stand out in the rain till
unloaded.
The last of the new fermenting tuns are finished with pipes, spouts &c. & ready for use
WEDNESDAY 19
This is a wet dull morning and after breakfast rained steady and may be said to have rained all the
day more or less, and all the snow is now washed away. There must have been far more rain up the
country than here, as the water is very high and comming down very thick and muddy.
In the afternoon it got colder and began to freeze about dusk, and about 8 Oclock a heavy shower
fell. William started for Toleda this afternoon. I am quite disconcerted about awful deficiency in the
amount of spirit which has been lost this last ½ year, on account of the weighing system
January THURSDAY 20 1876
This is a cold blustering morning the ground all covered with snow, and light showers of it now &
then.
FRIDAY 21
This is a cold windy morning, a little snow blowing about now & then.
But it is too cold for the snow to fall regularly.
The roads are very rough for driving the ruts being deep and hard.
Cuttler got done with the stones this afternoon
�SATURDAY 22
This has been quite a snowey morning, a good must have fallen through the night, but not enough
for sleighing, however it continues to fall this forenoon.
Snowing this afternoon also.
helped to drape the Church this evening in mourning for the late Wm. Alexander, Elder
Sabbath 23
Quite a change again this morning, the water dropping from the eves of the roofs and it was quite
sloppy in going to Church and a little snow fell, but so little that it blew away before the wind.
January MONDAY, 24 1876
This morning the ground is hard and the frozen crust on the snow will prevent it from being blown
away, there is every appearance of more snow. No word from William since he left.
Meeting to day of the Board of Directors, of Wellington Mutual Insurance Co. -
Only a few flakes of snow fell. Am in trouble to day the Duties being overdue & not enough funds to
meet them.
There has been no thaw today.
TUESDAY 25
Meeting of Millers Acociation in Toronto.
This is a moderate morning. Thermometer 26º and a slight flurry of snow falling. The frost these last
2 nights has made the an impression on the water in the river. Had a Telegram from William dated
Chicago 24th that he had bought corn and would leave tomorrow night, (that is to night).
We have had a considerable shower of Snow this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 26
This is a fine bright morning, the glass 22º, at 10 a m there was very little snow fell last night.
The annual Meeting of the Wellington Mutual Insurance Co. for the Election of Directors, at 2 Oclock.
�Mr Edward Thomas died at his recidence in Nassagaweya 71 a very respectable and deacent
farmer, and have known him for many years
January THURSDAY 27 1876
This is a very wet morning, it rained heavy during during the night and the streets are running with
water, and it is very slippery and most difficult to walk about.
William returned from Chicago about 4 a m this morning. It has been thawing all day and the
gutters running as in Spring.
Mr Guest called this afternoon
FRIDAY 28
This is another wet morning. I started for Hamilton by the 9.30 am train and got down about 12, it
rained during the most of the journey down and after I got into the City the weather made it very
unpleasant and business very dull.
The Brass pump arrived from Cincinnati to day
SATURDAY 29
This is a cold Blustering morning, not much frost but the wind is strong,
during the day we had a shower of snow. ___ In the afternoon the wind increased next to a gale
almost from the N' East accompanied with snow and was very cold
January MONDAY 31 1876
Yesterday was a fine clear day but cold at ½ past 9 a m the Glass stood at 17º above Zero.
This morning is not quite so cold, and the wind more round to the South during the forenoon and
afternoon, there was a fine bright sunshine and the roads runing with water where the sun shone.
And the water flowing over the Dam in a copious stream reminding me of April or May.
Mr David Torrance, President of the Bank of Montreal died this morning aged 71 years
February TUESDAY 1
This is quite a wintry looking morning, it is snowing heavy but of any thing soft, and dull weather.
�It still continues to snow heavy this afternoon.
Have been drawing out the new pump road on full size on paper and on a board for the Blacksmiths.
Trade is still very dull all over and a great many failures taking place both here & in the States
WEDNESDAY 2
It blew very hard last night and cold and this morning there was a thick coat of snow and the glass
stood at
At ½ past 9 a m it was at Zero. This is the Monthly Fair Day.
There was a very small attendance at this Fair the roads being drifted in certain localities may have
hindered many of them.
February THURSDAY 3 1876
It is not so cold this morning 6º above zero. Sleighing is pretty good now.
William started this afternoon to Douglas for to attend a Sheriffs Sale of the effects in the Mill there,
of flour, Wheat, Middlings &c of which William bought the whole lot and got it teamed down at 14¢
per 100 lbs. he returned about 12 Oclock
FRIDAY 4
This is a fine day, and hardly so cold as yesterday.
Old James McFarlane was buried to day at Rockwood, he having died near Eden villiage, aged 98
years 10 months. he was born in the year of the Irish Rebelion
SATURDAY 5
This is another fine morning glass at 7 a m stood at 2º below Zero.
Our fine carriage horse lately bought died this morning, he age was 5 years past
February MONDAY 7 1876
Yesterday was a very mild fine day and the snow melting fast and very little frost in the evening.
This morning is another very fine morning and the sun shining bright & warm
�TUESDAY 8
This is another fine morning and the snow dissapearing pretty fast, the waggons have again to be
used in the Town.
Nat went down to Toronto by the 11 a m train
WEDNESDAY 6
A good deal of snow has fallen during the past night and this morning it is still falling.
A great fire in New York on Monday night, loss in goods & houses about $3,000,000.
We took the correct measure of the Pump rod.
A drizzling snow has been falling during the afternoon.
David Stirton M.P. started for Ottawa this afternoon the Parliament opens tomorrow
February THURSDAY 10 1876
This is a mild morning a little below freezing a considerable deal of sleet has fallen through the
night and a crust was frozen over it this morning it has improved the sleighing.
I wrote to Mrs McLean in Girvan to day Enclosing draft for £16,15.2 on the Bank of Scotland,
London
FRIDAY 11
This is a very wet morning, has been raining a great deal through the night and has done so most of
the forenoon, and the roads are running full of water.
I have not felt well to day was quite giddy after getting out of Bed & had to return to it & much
inclined to vomit. took opening medicine which operated & now feel a good deal better this
afternoon.
SATURDAY 12
This is a fine clear morning but mild and the roads a little frozen.
But as the day advances the water is running down the roads and the river is very high, lipping over
the guard block on the far side of the top beam of the dam and equal to what it is in April, and is a
�little up on the under side of the cross beam behind the grating at the entrance of the Mill race, and
the water is very dark
February MONDAY 14 1876
Yesterday was a very fine mild day, but very slippery walking in parts, towards night it began to
harden.
Early this morning a little after midnight it began to blow hard, with a good deal of thunder and
lightning and then heavy showers of rain, and the water froze on the trees weighing them down
considerably and during the forenoon the streets were much flooded and the river rising again, I
never remember such a continuation of such mild weather
TUESDAY 15
Midling hard frost last night, the ground and remaining snow is hard, but the river is still very high.
The beer pump gave out to night
WEDNESDAY 16
There was pretty hard frost last night, and the wind was strong during the night.
I went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train, to get Startup the Coppersmith to come up
February THURSDAY 17 1876
This is a moderate morning, the ground hard and dry, but as the day advanced it became colder and
blowing, there is not enough of snow for sleighing. David Startup came up by the 10 Oclock train,
and immediately began to prepare the copper pipe for the new Pump
FRIDAY 18
This is a coldish morning, yet the day shone out very fine, but no thaw.
We got on pretty well with the Pump to day and got up steam in the afternoon and after running a
charge and a half the log on which the Pump was set burst from the Pressure of the depth of beer in
the large tub & had to stop and put on clasps to keep it together. And which had the desired effect,
but did not get done in time to run any more to night
�SATURDAY 19
Rather sharp frost this morning, but as the day advanced it became much milder, clear and bright
sunshine, yet no thaw whatever.
We got fairly started again early this morning and going well. But as the pump throws up a
considerable of beer above the Piston which is run into a pail, but as it is so often filled, and apt to be
neglected, we had to put in a large tub with its bottom level with the bottom of the pump logs with a
large Cock connecting the two, which when filled, we have only to shut off the supply from the
fermenting tuns, and open the Cock when the pump draws up every drop of it.
February MONDAY 21 1876
Fine day yesterday.
This is a fine winter morning, glass 22º above Zero roads hard and dry. Rectifying House stopt for
cleaning out the boiler, and the man from Ingles & Hunters put in all the thimbles in the tubes which
had fallen out in consiquence of them having too much taper, which I got turned off he also caulked
round the patches that were leaking.
The coppersmith soldered the leak in the bottom of the still which is now tight. He also fixed cocks
on the decending pipe of the worm to turn on the faints with the fusil oil on to the Rectifiers or Filters.
We have got the fixings of the beer pump and pipes completed and all going well.
It began to rain this evening and blow hard, and about 8 Oclock came on to snow.
TUESDAY 22
This is a cold windy morning, with a fresh coat of frozen snow. The water in the river has fallen
considerably yet we have plenty to drive the Mill. David Startup is about finished
WEDNESDAY 23
This has been a very cold night, and this morning at 6 Oclock the Thermometer stood at 6º below
Zero, and at 7 a m 2º below it has been blowing pretty hard all day, and the snow that fell during the
night, has drifted more or less, and it is very cold getting about with the N. West wind blowing.
I got Mr Gideon Hood as my security on my Bond for payment of Duties for the amt. on his part for
$10,000.
�David Startup, coppersmith went off by the 11 Oclock train.
February THURSDAY 24 1876
This last night was much colder at 6 this morning the glass was 6º below, but at 7 a m it was 2º
above Zero, and to day there is very little wind, and strange to say that where the Sun is heating on
the sidewalks the snow is melted and slushey, there is little or no wind.
The accounts from Ottawa descrbe in glowing terms the grand dress Ball, at the Governors
Recidence.
The day has been a pleasant mild day.
Sent paper & letter to Illinois
FRIDAY 25
{No entry}
SATURDAY 26
This is a very cold morning, and during last night it blew hard, to day it is quite cold getting about.
I did not feel well to day at all felt giddy in the morning & went only once of ncessity up town, having
taken medicine.
Towards night it came on to blow hard and the snow drifted very much.
February MONDAY 28 1876
It blew hard & cold all day yesterday, and the snow kept falling for the most of the,
We had an alarm of fire in the school room of St. Andrews Church, there was not much damage
done.
This morning was cold but got milder during the day. Meeting of Directors of Wellington Insurance
Co. to day.
It is snowing this evening and looks as if it were going to be heavy.
�TUESDAY 29
This is a more moderate morning not so cold as yesterday, but the snow is very difficult to walk on,
as it is dry and loose like sand.
There has been more snow falling at times but it is not enough to bind the other But in places
where it is drifted it is quite hard and carries a person quite easy.
The Poultry Show opened to day and there are many more entries than last year.
the snow is coming on again
March WEDNESDAY 1
This was a sharp morning.
But the day turned out fine. This being the Fair Day there was a large turn out of cattle and there
was a number of buyers and the cattle went off quick
March THURSDAY 2 1876
This is a fine winter morning bright and clear glass about 18º below Zero at 7 a m. But it continues
cold on account of the North Wind. The sleighing is tolerable fair
FRIDAY 3
This was a sharp morning 5º above Zero at 7 a m. This is our Fast day in our Church.
Mr Wallace came up from Hamilton to day.
Mr Peter Idington was also here.
The Poultry show broke up at noon to day.
Peter Idington here to day.
William went up to Stratford about wheat
SATURDAY 4
This was a very fine morning.
�During the day there was a moderate thaw and the snow is wearing away on the much travelled
roads.
Peter Idington here to day again. William returned about 5 Oclock this morning.
March MONDAY 6 1876
Yesterday was was a fine mild morning & dry, but in the afternoon it began to rain & continued for
some time And in the evening it came on again with light showers.
This is quite a mild morning, and the roads are very much washed from the rain during the night,
that the sleighing will be altogether gone if this weather continues.
TUESDAY 7
This was a wet morning, and raining more or less for most of the forenoon, and part of the
afternoon.
The river is rising fast and is nearly as high as the last flood some weeks ago, we opened the flood
gates this afternoon.
There is appearance of more rain. The roads are in a very bad state
WEDNESDAY 8
Quite a change this morning, during the night It turned to hard frost, and instead of mire of
considerable depth is now hard solid roads, and a cold frosty wind blowing. The water is for all that
comming down very deep
March THURSDAY 9 1876
This is a fine dry morning, frost throughout the night was middling hard and will be very trying on the
young Wheat now without protection. The water in the river is much lower this morning
FRIDAY 10
This is another very fine morning, hard frost last night, but the sun has great power in thawing the
middle of the roads so as to soften the hard edges of the ruts and make it more easy on wheel
carriages. We had to shut down the flood gates this morning so as to keep up the head on the Dam
�SATURDAY 11
A moderate morning, and the roads getting softer. The water is keeping up pretty fair.
The afternoon is cloudy, and it began to rain about ½ past 6
March MONDAY 13 1876
Yesterday morning was a rainey, and had been during the night, and continued more or less all day.
This morning the ground was covered with Snow over 4 inches deep, and the wind continuing
strong.
This afternoon is becomming much colder and the wind which was Westerly is now becomming
more Northerly and getting very cold, a little snow is blowing about.
Revd Mr Tanner lectures in our Church to night
TUESDAY 14
This is a tolerable sharp morning, rather too cold for snow last night.
During the day the Sun shone out fine and and made the sidewalks smoke. Meeting of Presbytery
in Chalmers Church.
William started off to Hamilton, thence to Brantford
WEDNESDAY 15
This is a fine clear morning, the glass much the same as yesterday 10º or 11º above Zero.
The roads are very rough and hard
March THURSDAY 16 1876
This is a very stormy morning, the wind has been blowing at a fearfull rate all night, it is
accompanied with dry fine frozen particles of Snow and in thick clouds and driven with great forse
against one's face, the cold is not at all severe only 23º above Zero at 10 a m. The wind still
continues this afternoon strong from the East and the fine snow still falling.
I wrote to J. Smith, Bridge of Allan by this afternoons Mail.
William came home by the 6 Oclock train.
�Mr Fouler had a grand examination in the Town Hall to night, it was cram full & a couple of hundred
people in the old hall
FRIDAY 17
This is of any thing a milder morning, and snowing a little, the is more from the West now.
It became colder in the afternoon, and still snowing lightly
SATURDAY 18
Sharp morning ½ past 10 am the glass stood at 5º above Zero, at 1.30 p m it was 10º above Zero.
I have kept the house all day, being affected with headach last night and giddiness this morning
March MONDAY 20 1876
Yesterday morning was pretty sharp, at 7 am glass stood at 5º above Zero, clear and calm
weather. I went twice to Church & did not feel the worse of it.
This morning chilly and raw, cold 22º at 10 a m inclined to snow or other change.
I feel better this morning.
About noon it began to snow and kept on quite heavy all the afternon, and evening and blowing from
the East.
TUESDAY 21
Wintry morning, and the fall of snow during the afternoon and during last night, has left a coating of
snow generaly all over of from 6 to 8 inches deep.
The day is turning out fine with a slight flurry of snow now and then
WEDNESDAY 22
This is a fine morning, glass at 20º. I am going to try the sleighing this forenoon.
James Dobbie is said to have died at his tea table last night, of heart disease.
Mrs A and I went down to Fishers Mills to see Mr Idingtons family, and found them all well, the
roads in Waterloo were considerably drifted up certain places, and sloping so as almost to tip the
cutter over
�March Thursday 23 1876
This is a fine morning, and as the day advances the sun is begining to melt the snow in the middle of
the road.
This afternoon the roads are getting quite soft and watery, and if it continues a day or two longer all
the snow will be gone.
I am glad I went to Waterloo yesterday for the roads in many places must be bare to day.
Red. letter from John Smith, Bridge of Allan.
FRIDAY 24
This is another fine morning and likely to thaw more to day.
It has turned out a fine forenoon went out to the Model Farm and found the sleighing very bare in
most places & unless more snow falls it will soon be all gone.
Peter Idington & wife were here to day.
The Court of Queens Bench is sitting just now precidud over by Judge Gainne
SATURDAY 25
This is a very course morning with sleet and snow a good deal has fallen through the night, and the
roads are now very slushey and dissagreeable. It has continued throughout the day much the same,
with frequent showers of frozen rain, sometimes pretty heavy.
The weather is so dull and dark that no Eclipse can be seen.
Wrote to John Smith this afternoon by US mail
March MONDAY 27 1876
Yesterday was a somewhat blustering day with light showers of snow.
This is a dull blustering day, and bad getting about with either sleigh or waggon.
Feek, began this morning about 9 Oclock left at 10 a.m. began again at 3 p m.
Miss Isabella Alexander came this afternoon
�TUESDAY 28
Pretty hard frost last night, the road are very hard and dry. Feek began at 7 a m, and worked till a
little after 3 p m.
About 1 Oclock it began to snow and continued to fall heavy all the afternoon and no appearance of
it stopping.
William, went to Paris & Brantford this morning.
Wind from the N East.
Recd. Telegram from William that he was stormstead at Brantford & could not be home to night
WEDNESDAY 29
This is another snowey morning, and it is now very deep all over, wind from the N. East.
William came home at noon to day.
We are making arrangements to stop distilling tomorrow to enable us to put in the heating pipes in
the smoke stalk to heat up the feeding water for the Boiler, and raise the grate bars 12 inches, so as
to reduce the quantity of dead wood that accumulates and blackens in the fire box down on the bars.
March THURSDAY 30 1876
This is a pleasant winter morning good sleighing, and good many teams in town, and we are
hurrying out the firewood from the Rocks with a number of hired teams, for we cannot depend on it
lasting long, for the frost is too mild to preserve it.
Distillery standing to day, having been running on till about 4 Oclock this morning, having run since
yesterday morning.
We have been working late to night to complete what we think will be a saving of fuel & time in the
distillery. Feek to about
FRIDAY 31
This is a mild morning and thawing. I am rather dissapointed in finding this morning that our hard
work all yesterday is not going to answer in the present way & am going to stop and replace the
grate bars as they were.
�After cooling down the furnace we lowered the grate bars to their old position and the draft was
restored to its former strength. But the feed water passing through the coil of 2 inch pipes does not
heat up the water to the heat I expected.
I have got a bad cold from last nights late work.
April SATURDAY 1
This is also a mild morning.
But as a precaution I have made up my mind to remain in the house all day, having taken, Medicine
April MONDAY 3 1876
This morning is soft but no rain, but the thaw is rappid and the roads quite slushey, and the water
running rappid in the gutters.
I feel a good deal better to day, but keep as much in the Office as I can.
TUESDAY 4
This is another mild morning, and thawing fast
WEDNESDAY 5
This is a dull morning. there has been a little frost last night, about 10 Oclock it began to snow
pretty thick loose snow which melted as it fell, and then a little rainey sleet, making the streets
slushey and unpleasant. There is a large attendance of Farmers and others in Town to day, this
being the Easter Fair, and a greater number of fat cattle shown than I have seen before.
Jeffry Lynch was in Toronto yesterday and spent an hour at Mr Wm. Higinbothams & found him
worse requiring to be watched as he cuts up Handkerchifs &c into ribbons.
We are without a fireman to day, having turned off Scott for dissobedience
April THURSDAY 6 1876
This morning the ground was somewhat dry, but as soon as the Sun got fairly up the water began to
run on the streets, and the snow that is still laying on the sides of the roads is getting very soft and
melting fast away.
The ice on the dam is quite whole yet but it must be brittle and very unsafe to cross on now.
�Thos. Baxter of Wellington Square is reported to have been drowned this morning on his own farm.
fine mild night
Mrs A & I at Mrs Websters to Tea
FRIDAY 7
Wet rainey and dull morning with frequent showers of sleet, and there seems to be a regular break
up of the ice and the water in the Dam is rising.
The Hamilton papers announce the sudden death of an old aquaintance of mine Mr Thomas Baxter
of Wellington Square in examining a drain that run into a small creek had become giddy & fell in &
got drowned he was 55 years of age.
A dispatch from Ottawa says that the site for the New Post Office is fixed, and to be erected on the
present site of the Wellington Hotel
SATURDAY 8
It froze hard last night and the ground is quite dry and bearing up. The weather is fine and clear
April MONDAY 10 1876
The weather was fine yesterday. This morning the ground is dry with the nights frost but as the day
advances it is thawing fast
TUESDAY 11
This is a fine mild morning and the water running down the road at a rappid rate and the water in the
river rising.
William went up to Stratford this evening on a tour among customers
WEDNESDAY 12
This is a very dull dark morning, and must have been raining during the night.
About 7 a m it began to rain very lightly and then more heavy during the forenoon there is very little
snow to be seen on the sides of the roads now. I Had to hoist the flood gates as the water was
getting over the fender log at the Northerly end of the aperon, the water is very dark and muddy.
Had telegrams from Wm. from Stratford and Mitchel
�April THURSDAY 13 1876
This is another dull misty morning, and its condensation producing a very fine rain. But during most
of the forenoon the rain fell more freely.
The Steam Mill Bridge is loaded with stones. In the afternoon rain came on again, and the water in
the river continuing to rise, notwithstanding that the flood gates have been raised as far as they will
open. And the ice is breaking up & going over.
Wm. Telegraphed from Stratford that he will be home at 8 p m.
We are only running the Mill with 1 run of stone from the water being so high and causes the water
wheel to labour too much in backwater injuring the bucket boards.
Higinbotham returned from Ottawa. William came home from above about same time.
FRIDAY 14
This is Good Friday. It was so far fair, with the exception that the fog condenced into fine rain, and
continued so throughout the forenoon. The water got very high and we had to raise the gate to the
full height.
We hear of no disausters as yet from the high floods, the most of the ice is of the Dam except a little
on the edges.
It began to be very cold towards evening. I went up to Goldie's dam, he was working at his flood
gates, being affraid of them.
SATURDAY 15
This was a dry morning, and the water no higher than late last night.
The day is quite fine but yet not the warmth in the air we ought to have
April MONDAY 17 1876
Yesterday was a very fine day.
This is of any thing a chilly morning. But as the day advances it is getting better.
�We had to shut down part of the flood gates this morning as the water was too low to run over the
Dam shewing how rappidly the flood or spring fresshet dissapears now compared with former years
when it lasted for much more than a week.
TUESDAY 18
This is a fine morning, and the water in the river is still lower that the gates have to be further shut
down.
WEDNESDAY 19
This is a very fine sprin morning and the ground is drying up fast, and the flood gates are now
altogether shut down close
April THURSDAY 20 1876
This is a fine morning although, there was hard frost last night, and the ground was quite hard.
This forenoon and part of the afternoon was fine but further on it became cold again.
Went out the York Road to attend the funeral of a Son of Robert Paterson who died in Detroit day
before yesterday of Tyfod Fever.
William started for London this morning.
We had a heavy shower of rain last night and it was very dark, some later it blew very hard
FRIDAY 21
This is a very fine morning, and the roads drying up very fast.
The driver of the chopping stones broke, one lug at each end
SATURDAY 22
This was a fine mild morning, and looked like rain.
But as the day advanced it became very pleasant and the Sun shone out fine. Willie Higinbotham
came home from Hamilton at noon, Aut Agnes & the two boys from Fishers Mills, & Mary was
brought from Toronto by her Father to night, so that they are all at home but Harry who is at Elora.
William came home from London by the 5 Oclock train.
�It began to rain about 5 oclock and then again at ½ past 6. I felt very giddy this afternoon and
inclined to stagger in my walk
May MONDAY 1 1876
Cold blustery day yesterday, with a shower of snow, but it was light and dry & blew away.
It froze hard last night, and there was ice on the tub at the spring ½ an inch thick & over. This is a
fine Bright morning but cold.
The Masons have begun to build the foundation walls for the shop to be built for the owner of the
ground James Mays being 25 feet 8 inches. Wm. Stewart and Petrie's are next being something like
40 feet some inches, then the frame stable which ground is feet frontage
TUESDAY 2
This was a very fine morning, and very little frost. I got the Onions sown in the garden to day and
also the hot beds with cabbage seed and cauliflour.
I got the Bucket boards repiled and changed the position of the bearers between the teirs, and also
the 1½ inch Oak planks in the same way.
Mr Corby Junr., Distiller from Bellville was here this afternoon intending to stay over tomorrow
WEDNESDAY 3
This is a most beautiful morning for the Monthly Fair. I see a great many, Reapers & Mowers being
arranged for Sale.
The Wellington Hotel Building was sold by Auction to day for $150.00. The verandah for $13.00.
The stable which was a framed one and sheeted both inside and outside, for $40.00, and the ground
to be cleared by a certain time.
May THURSDAY 4 1876
This was a dry morning but not so warm as yesterday morning.
The party who bought the Wellington stable is busey taking it down
�FRIDAY 5
This is a cold wet morning and the wind from the East, it continued fair for the greater part of the
forenoon, but came on agin in the afternoon. I sowed a bed of spinnage and also some Parsley this
forenoon.
The Auction of the furniture &c. is still going on to day and is likely to take all day tomorrow.
It has been raining all the afternoon and continues still this evening ½ past 8.
SATURDAY 6
This is a dull damp morning, it must have rained through the night, and likely to rain more ere long
May MONDAY 8 1876
Sabbath was of any thing a damp day threatning rain in the forenoon, but the afternoon was dry.
But I did not go to Church as I felt unwell, in the afternoon felt great headache and sent for Dr Herod.
To day it was dry weather, I feel no worse and the head better, the Dr called again to day and
required me to keep quiet for the next 24 hours at least and not go out.
TUESDAY 9
This was a fine day
WEDNESDAY 10
This is a very wet morning and heavy rain
May THURSDAY 11 1876
This is a fine morning. I made arrangements this forenoon to meet John Chambers at the Quarry
hole to build retaining wall.
FRIDAY 12
This is a wet looking morning but no rain has fallen. It continued fair all day
�SATURDAY 13
This is a fine morning, and as the day advanced it began to blow a stif Northern wind so that is was
not so warm as some days ago.
I was out at the Bridget farm with a Donald Cameron, with a view to let it
May MONDAY 15 1876
Yesterday was a moderately fine day, but got dull in the afternoon. I went to Church in the forenoon.
This morning it was dry but during the forenoon it began to rain, and continued on during the
afternoon pretty heavy.
The Wellington Hotel is about half demolished, they are getting on much faster in taking it away
than was expected.
TUESDAY 16
This is a dull wet morning, has been raining during the night, and lightly during the forenoon, but
continues still very dull.
William went down to Hamilton this forenoon, to attend meeting of Chilmans Creditors
WEDNESDAY 17
A great deal of Thunder and lightning last night and this morning, and a great deal of rain, and it is
causing great delay in putting in the crops. The land are now all socking wet
May THURSDAY 18 1876
This has been a very fine day, and quite warm at times.
I Have had some men repairing fence at, Back of cottage.
William started for Ottawa this afternoon at 5 Oclock
FRIDAY 19
This is a fine morning, and the trees and bushes have made great progress, and the leaves are
about full out on the Birch trees and on the chessnuts also, and the grass is looking beautiful.
�I have been drawing out a Plan of Mr Alexanders Cemetery Plot for Monument and where the
graves are to be for they are not in their proper place. He having only bought a single lot on the day
that his wife died as I was along with him and gave my opinion as to its selection & she was (Mrs
Alexander) burried at a proper distance from the centre of that lot so as to admit of another grave
beside her, as it was his intention to leave this country but having taken ill so soon after her and
continuing to get worse, he ordered the other half to be bought and which is now 28 feet by 20 feet
SATURDAY 20
This was a very wet morning, raining heavy till 9 Oclock and then turned very warm.
Had a telegram from Wm. at Ottawa enquiring the amt. owing by Wm. Hall of Perth. I wrote him
enclosing Guests letter
May MONDAY 22 1876
Yesterday was a very warm day about 74º. This was a dull morning and looked like rain, but none
fell.
I did not feel well during the night and felt better about noon.
Telegraphed to Wm. at Montreal, then Mr Stewart who replied at 5 p m.
Only got a reply from Wm. at 8 p m
TUESDAY 23
There was hard frost during the night and this morning a little ice on the tubs at the spring was about
the thickness of a Penny peice. But the day is turning out fine and warm
WEDNESDAY 24
This was a very fine morning, and moderate breese of wind cooled the air, there was no sporting
with any more than one boat on the Dam a great many took advantage of the cheap fares to
Toronto & London & Hamilton.
I shut down both Mill and Distillery.
Had a Telegram from William that he would leave Montreal to night at 10 Oclock
�May THURSDAY 25 1876
This is another very fine morning, and all the trees almost in full leaf.
Have been employing whitewashers to day to finish their work at the Priory.
Made every endeavour to pay the duties on spirits but had not enough funds and paper to cover
cheque, and have to wait for word from Toronto.
William came home at ½ past 2 p m
FRIDAY 26
This was another fine morning, and quite warm during the day.
I have just read in the Scottish American of the death of Mr David Bryce Architect and R.S.A. aged
73, he died in Edinburgh at his own recidence 131 George Street. I have Known him since a boy,
his father was a Mason, and kept a night drawing school, at which my father was first a pupil &
afterwards an assistant, his Mother was often in our house in Leith Walk, and were great friends for
many years. I visited him several times in 1861 when in Scotland
SATURDAY 27
{No entry}
{Duplicate page}
{Duplicate page}
May MONDAY 29 1876
There was very heavy shours of rain this morning but the ceased about 11 Oclock, but it cooled the
Air a good deal, and in the afternoon it became quite chilly.
They are getting on very well with the excavation of the old stable of the Wellington Hotel and a man
is underfitting or building a 2 feet wall, and which has to be very carefully done, and have
recomended 2½ feet thick in preference, the other stores west of them are up to, and the first joists
are laid.
The chessnut trees are in full blossom & and all the Apples & cherry trees.
�I attended the Revision Committee in the Town Hall this evening. But as I was a day behind in
entering my complaint they will consider by Friday night if it can be admitted
TUESDAY 30
This is a cool morning, and there was frost on the sidewalks.
The foundation of the New Wellington Hotel and the Masonic Hall is now dug out and likely to be
finished tomorrow. This is a warm day about 80º in the glass.
WEDNESDAY 31
This was another fine morning.
The papers this morning announce a great Conflagration in in Quebec and 400 houses found to
have been consumed, first report stated a 1000 houses destroyed, and the loss will not fall short of
$800,000
June THURSDAY 1 1876
This is another fine morning.
It is now confirmed that the Sulton of Turkey has been dethroned.
I Went down to the Quarry and found that it will take Chambers another day to fill up the
embankment.
The masons have begun to build the Masonic Hall. The whole excavation is now taken out and the
sides on Windham street protected.
Met this night at Massie's to consult about a testemonial to be presented to Mr Jas. Gow, Collector,
on his removal to Windsor, when a large sum was subscribed to day 2d June the list is now made
up to $349.00
FRIDAY 2
This is a very warm morning and the heat about ½ past 10 was 85º.
This is our Fast Day and there was a very fair attendance.
In the evening I attended the Revision committee in the Town Council Room but being a day too late
they could not take up my case.
�I have a strong desire to go to Philadelphia to the Centennial to pick up some insight in many things I
may see that may be of great use to me if I am spared
SATURDAY 3
This is a dull morning, and rain began to fall about Breakfast time and continued heavy for a
considerable time. And then in the afternoon another heavy shower so that the ground is well
socked this season.
{Newspaper clippings - handwritten on some - Nov 16 1876 and 30th Nov 1876}
June MONDAY 5 1876
Yesterday was our Communion Sabbath and was very well attended notwithstanding the
appearance of rain in the morning, but the day turned out fine.
This is a fine morning we are planting posts on the side of the embankment at the Quarry, for a
fence, instead of a stone wall to hold up the embankment as intended, but owing to the great
quantity of water, was prevented from laying the foundation, and regret now that I did not pump out
the water originally intended, which would have taken up less room & been more durable.
TUESDAY 6
This is a very fine morning.
We have the Photagrapher taking views of the Mill this morning, & other premises.
54 more cattle were shipped this morning from here, and the balance taken probably next week if
can sell a car load at the Fair tomorrow
WEDNESDAY 7
This is a fine morning, and every thing appears to be growing fast, the snowballs & Lelacks also.
This is the Monthly fair day, a great many people are in Town & a good many cattle, but the
demand was not very keen & the prices low & some would not accept the offers & took them home
again.
Mr James Gow took farewell of us to day as he leaves for Windsor tomorrow.
�Reeve's who bought all Hoods cattle, is very much put about at the dullness of the market not being
able to sell a car of them to day as he expected. He has also the handling of Gooderham's cattle,
700 yet on hand
June THURSDAY 8 1876
This has also been a very fine day, and being dry weather and warm affects the quantity of water in
the river, which is well tested with, 3 pair of stones night and day for the most of last week and this.
We are only running 100 Bushels per day in the Distillery and that only untill the balance of the cattle
is out.
A considerable quantity of Indian Corn was sold to farmers yesterday for sowing for green feed.
FRIDAY 9
This was a fine warm morning, but somewhat threatning rain. I went down to Hamilton by the 10
Oclock train and was prepared with my umberella in place of my walking stick, but it was not
required as it cleared up before noon clear and warm.
Trade is dull and very little doing. I made more enquiry about fares &c about the Centennial.
I returned home by the last train
SATURDAY 10
This morning was warmer than yesterday, but we had during the day a gentle breeze, and yet it was
very warm.
We are getting the quarry hole nearly filled up, and on Monday will put up some planking on the
posts to retain the earth
June MONDAY 12 1876
This is a very fine morning.
It appears that there will be no cattle taken out of the stalls this evening for shipment tomorrow, as
the markets are quite overstocked and prices very low
�TUESDAY 13
The men got the fence at the quarry completed at noon to day or rather the middle of the afternoon.
But I would like a little more earth put on to raise.
Mr Donald Guthrie was nominated for member to night, for the House of Commons.
WEDNESDAY 14
This has also been a very warm day, and the water is failing fast in the river.
Massie went down to Montreal yesterday. Mr John Awood & wife started for England this, p.m.
William went off to St. Catharines at 2 p.m.
The coffins of both Mr & Mrs Alexander were removed to day, their heads to within 2 feet of the
Monument & 2 feet 6 inches apart, she lies on the left side of him.
Barrels of Spirits was shipped yesterday
June THURSDAY 15 1876
This is a close morning and damp, and considerable rain must have fallen during the night, and has
given every thing a refreshing appearance.
George Booth of Toronto called this morning on his way to Windsor. The papers annonce the
death of Judge Duggan in Toronto yesterday aged 64 years. I knew his father and his Brothers.
It was very close warm sultry about the middle of the day, and after noon a ratling shower of Hail
came on and soon turned into rain for a while, and shortly after that came on again when I was up in
town and continued till about 6 Oclock & it was rather amusing to find one Counsilor and the cheif
constable taking advantage of the only verandah's now left at Haddens & Days, in Windham street
which elisited a good deal of fun
FRIDAY 16
This has been a dull forenoon, and close & warm, But as the day advanced it became clearer. The
Pump of Rectifying House lately started was out of order & in adjusting it they broke the screw of the
lower end of the Brass piston rod yesterday & it is being repaired at Ingles & Hunters to day. Mr
Chubb began the foundation of the new Wellington Hotel, and Emslie & Taylor are nearly ready for
�the first teir of joists for the Masonic Hall. Recd. Telegram from William at Brantford will be home
at 6, looks very much like rain
SATURDAY 17
This is a dull morning, but about a ¼ to 9 it began to rain heavy and continued the most of the
forenoon, and nearly all the afternoon, and very heavy at times, no mason work was done to
day.
June MONDAY 19 1876
This has been a close morning, and of any thing dull and like rain. The late rain has again raised the
water in the River very considerably.
A terrible fire broke out yesterday morning in St. John, Quebec and destroyed the principal part of
the Town and over 3000 people left houseless, & the loss about one Million dollars.
Nat went to Toronto this morning.
The Sale of the last 2 acres of the Glebe lands of St. Andrews Church took place this afternoon it
was divided into 9 lots and brought $1320.00.
A smart little shower fell about 6 Oclock.
TUESDAY 20
This is somewhat more cool
WEDNESDAY 21
This has been a fine morning.
We are cleaning out the boiler &c. in the Rectifying house and fixind the new Pump
June THURSDAY 22 1876
This is a fine morning.
I am making anxious enquiries about any one going to Philadelphia so as to have company.
Saw Mr Alexr. Drysdale to day who is going there on his way home but he will not leave here till
Mondaay week the 3d July.
�Have got the pump finished in the Rectifing house this afternoon
FRIDAY 23
This is another fine morning, but close and likely to be very warm
SATURDAY 24
This was a fine cool pleasant morning, but as the day advanced it became very warm.
Have been making enquirey for places to stay in when in N. York and Philadelphia
June MONDAY 26 1876
{No entry}
TUESDAY 27
This is a fine morning. I have made up my mind to start on my journey to N. York and thence to the
Grand Centennial at Philadelphia and will leave here by the midday train.
June 28th to July 31 inclusive - No Entries
August TUESDAY 1
This is a fine warm morning, but yet reports are comming in for the failure of the Fall wheat from
Rust during the late close damp weather.
I was all through Mr James Morrison's new stone dwelling house which is nearly ready for the
Painter.
I also examined Mr Thos. Gowdy's new red Brick house which is large & roomey, and are now
lathing it ready for the plasterer, both situate on Liverpool Street.
The council are making great improvements on Liverpool Street cutting down the hill behind Mr
Elliots and filling up opposite Walkers and Bells new houses.
�WEDNESDAY 2
This is another very warm morning.
And my Brother James D. Allan is busey loading up a Car with his furnitue to be landed at Goderich,
thence to be conveyed by waggon to Bayfield, where he has now got a house erected on his own
land ready for his family of Wife, 2 sons & 2 daughters, and intends leaving here tomorrow
August THURSDAY 3 1876
This is also a fine morning and warm & dry.
We all went up to the train at ½ past 9 to take farewell of James Allan and his family, who left at 9.45
for Goderich, the Car with all their furnature having started before them at 6 Oclock a m.
I observe by this morning papers that Douglas & Bannermans saw mill near Georgetown was all
Burnt up yesterday afternoon.
August 4 to August 14 inclusive - No Entries
TUESDAY 15
This is a very warm morning 80º by 9 oclock a.m.
Peter Idington came up this afternoon.
WEDNESDAY 16
This is not quite so warm this morning as yesterday, but still dry and warm.
We are making preparations for starting the Steam Engine, and have been getting some new patent
packing for the Piston rod
August THURSDAY 17 1876
This is another dry morning, and no appearance of rain. There is reports of great fires in the woods
in the Eastern provinces. We got the Engine a going this forenoon and began to smutt some wheat
and after dinner all three runs were grinding
�FRIDAY 18
This was also a warm morning, and during .
Had Mr Robert Glendenning of Philadelphia & his daughter Mrs Noman to tea & a few friends to
meet them.
John C. Allan returned from Sullivan after viewing his land there
SATURDAY 19
This morning was not quite so warm as yesterday morning, but as the day advanced it became
quite warm.
William went off to Kincardine by the 12.30 train.
John McPherson has been busey these several days in replacing the broken lights of the
Green=house with sound ones, and puttying up all defects, and painting the bars above the putty.
Sherrif Grange died to night at 10 Oclock
August MONDAY 21 1876
Yesterday was a cool morning, but the middle of the day got warm.
But last night was quite cool and extra clothes were required on our Bed frost was seen early on
the shingles.
TUESDAY 22
This is a warm morning.
I attended the Funeral of Sherrif Grange as Paulbearer at 3 Oclock this afternoon, the attendance
was large, his age on the Coffin was 68 years
WEDNESDAY 23
This is another fine morning
August THURSDAY 24 1876
This is a dull morning and looks like rain. We intended to have started for King to visit the Revd. Mr
Tawse family, but Mrs A. did not feel well enough to go to day.
�The Unuion Pic'nic comes off this afternoon.
After all parties were on the ground and the children busey at their sports and before they had time
to get any refreshments It began to rain and drove them off, some went home others took shelter
under Mr Guthrie's verandah, and went at it again after it got fair.
I discharged Nat's Mortgage on the back of the Hill property to day
FRIDAY 25
There has been rain during the night, and looks dark and gloomy yet.
Wm. went down to Toronto by the 9 Oclock train
Mrs A. & I go at 11 on our way to King, station.
SATURDAY 26
Mr Robert Holt of Dundas died to day aged 76 years a native of Sussex England & settled in
Dundas in 1834 and carried on Brewing ale for many years there of an excelent quality, and
August MONDAY 28 1876
{No entry}
TUESDAY 29
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY 30
This has been another very warm day. Mrs Allan and I left Lake Couchichen 88 miles North of
Toronto this morning at ½ past 9 and arrived in Toronto at ½ past 2 p.m
August THURSDAY 31 1876
This is a very warm morning, and every thing very dry and the grass becoming quite Brown.
At 2 Oclock the Thermometer stood at 86º
�September FRIDAY 1
This is a dull morning, but much cooler than yesterday, a very fine shower fell during the night and
looks as if we were going to have more.
This is our Fast Day.
A smart shower of rain fell this afternoon.
SATURDAY 2
This was a dry morning.
It {blank}
September MONDAY 4 1876
This is a dull morning and looked like rain but the signs dissapear as the day advances.
At 1.30 yesterday afternoon a fire broke out at the City of St. Hyacinthe at the West End, and fanned
by a high North West wind, and before it was arrested 600 houses were destroyed, and the loss
roughly estimated at $2,000,000.
A large fire broke out in the Town of Seaforth this morning about 2 Oclock when property to the
amount of between $80,000 and $100,000 was destroyed, Mr James Murphy among the rest,
formerly of Guelph.
TUESDAY 5
This is rather a cool morning.
A fire broke out in Dunbar's or rather Lowell's swamp East of the Bridget farm and set fire to a couple
of pannels of my fence which was soon put out, but I had to keep watch till late, for if the wind which
was fortunately N. West had turned towards the N. East would have destroyed the Road (Boundry
line of Town) which is founded with Brush and timber & covered with swamp earth and gravel, and
would burn deep into the ground if once it catched in my meaadow
WEDNESDAY 6
This also is a cool morning 45º, and no signs of rain as yet.
This is the Monthly Fair Day.
�The attendance to at the Fair is but small.
There was a very few drops of rain fell on our way to the Prayer meeting
September THURSDAY 7 1876
This morning looks dull, but yet no rain comes down
FRIDAY 8
This morning looked very much like rain, but none fell.
The Glue factory near Berlin was destroyed by fire last night. It was insured in the Waterloo Mutual
for $4,000 & Wellington for $2,000
SATURDAY 9
This has been another dry morning, and still there is a strong appearance of rain.
It continued dry the whole day
September MONDAY 11 1876
We had a fine rain yesterday morning, which lasted till 11 Oclock when going to Church, but nothng
more after that.
The rain began slowly about 6 Oclock & appears likely to continue
TUESDAY 12
This was a fine morning though a little dull yet it was a splended day, for the Guelph Caadonian
Society, holding their first annual gathering, which was large, and all went off in splended style
WEDNESDAY 13
This was a dull morning.
Had some light rain but soon went off again
September THURSDAY 14 1876
This morning is a little wet, and threatens to rain this forenoon
�FRIDAY 15
This is a dullish morning and looks a good deal like rain, preparing to start toToronto.
Got down to Toronto by noon, and had great trouble and exertion to fall in with Sir John A
Macdonald, and after being at his house found that he had left at 11 and went off in the Northeren
train, & would not be back untill Monday. The Offices in the New Custom House are now being
occupied. The British American Assurance Cos new Office is far advanced and they are now
building at the 3rd story, the workmanship & design is very splended
SATURDAY 16
This is a very fine morning. My clerk Mr Alexr MacKenzie went off by the early train to New York
thence to Philadelphia.
Higinbotham wife & children, William do, {ditto} & Mr Thom went down to P. Idingtons at 3 p m &
retd. ½ past 9.
September MONDAY 18 1876
Yesterday was pleasant and cool. in
In the afternoon it began to look rainey like, and began while in Church but not heavy, but heavier at
night.
This morning it was quite wet and continued till about 8 Oclock.
It is determined now that Higinbotham and William will leave for Britian on Wednesday, if alls well.
I went up to fergus to day at One Oclock to see Mr George Ferguson & got a Introductory letter to
his Brother Robert in London, business is but very moderate in Fergus no wheat offered as yet
and the River almost dry, lower than ever I saw it
TUESDAY 19
This is a dull morning, & threatning rain there must have been some falling through the night.
No rain fell and it cleared up very fine. Peter Idington & wife were here to day
�WEDNESDAY 20
This is a fine morning, though dull and heavy looking. I missed the first train going to Hamilton but
went by the ½ past 9 train to attend the Provincial Show held there this week.
On my return home at night I was told of a fearfull accident that happened about 6 Oclock, that a
heavy stone wall had fallen and killed one man named John Watt and injured another, they were
masons, engaged at an inside wall next the Court yard
September THURSDAY 21 1876
This is a dry morning, went up to see the building where the wall fell
FRIDAY 22
This morning was a little wet.
At 2 Oclock to day we took leave of Higinbotham & William who started for Liverpool & to sail on
Wednesday the 27th.
SATURDAY 23
This has been a wetish kind of a morning and cloudy looking, falling like a fine mist.
James D Allan came down this evening from Bayfield to see his wife.
September MONDAY 25 1876
Yesterday was somwhat of a dull day, yet no rain but only a kind of drizzle.
This morning it is quite mild and soft, yet no rain. James D Allans wife is very low this morning and
scarcely knows any one, she could hardly speek yesterday to be understood.
It began to rain about 9 Oclock very heavy and continued after, ten and during the night.
TUESDAY 26
This morning is fair, but shows great signs of heavy rain having fallen through the night
WEDNESDAY 27
This is a cold dissagreable morning, it rained and blew hard a great part of the night.
The day was cold and stormy.
�The Mill was shut down to allow the men to attend the Funeral of James Allans wife at 3 Oclock it
was well attended.
September THURSDAY 28 1876
This is a dull morning
FRIDAY 29
This is also a dull and coldish morning and the eves dropping as if there had been rain last night.
Alexr. McKenzie returned home this evening by the 6 Oclock train
SATURDAY 30
This was of any thing a cool morning.
Yet it continued fair, and a great many people attended the market to day which was very large,
probably with all kinds of supplies for the central Exhibition next week.
We have hard times in the Priory without a servant, Phebe started off last night.
October MONDAY 2 1876
This is a fine morning and likely to be a fine week for the Central Fair which begins tomorrow.
We have drawn off all the water in the Mill Dam for the repairs of the gates, flume, &c, before the
cold weather sets in. We are putting in another centre post for the gates of the outlet flume next
the Steam Mill
TUESDAY 3
This appears to be a fine morning Bright and pleasant for the show.
A change in the weather has come about between 9 & 10 Oclock it became quite dull, and fine rain
began to fall, George Corbet from Owens Sound, called this forenoon
WEDNESDAY 4
This was a dullish morning but it cleared off during the forenoon, and seems to continue but it is yet
chilly, a great many carriages of all descriptons fill the streets, fully as many as ever I have seen.
Peter Idington wife, son & daughter here to day.
�October THURSDAY 5 1876
This is a fine clear morning but the wind is chilly.
But the day after all has turned out to be a fine dry day and the attendance at the Show very large
said to be over 10,000 people.
Upon examination we find that all the ceder joists over the flume in the Steam Mill and the Elm
beams are quite rotten, and have begun to lift the floor to replace them with sound ones.
FRIDAY 6
This was a wet morning, and had rained heavy during the night, the forenoon was tolerably dry but
the afternoon was cold and wet.
The Show breaks up at 2 Oclock, this afternoon is cold and dissagreable.
My brother James & children started off by the 10 Oclock train for Bayfield Miss Hooper went with
them
SATURDAY 7
This is a wet cold morning, more in the way of showers of sleet, hail, and snow.
And continued with a cold wind all day.
We had notice by Telegram from Montreal this afternoon that the Sythia Steam Ship had arrived to
day at Queenston, yesterday
October MONDAY 9 1876
Yesterday was a chilly wintry kind of a day with frost enough during the night to make ice on the
pools.
This day is very wintry like with frequent showers of fine snow &c.
Charles Davidson started with his daughter to Philadelphia at 2 Oclock.
TUESDAY 10
This morning is also much the same as yesterday and through the day it was somewhat better,
though the roofs were white.
�Miller of Ingersoll got a sample of flour and was to make an offer tomorrow.
Mr Alexr. Thomson of Thomson Birket & Bell of Hamilton is at present laying very ill with a Brain
fever, a consultation of 3 Doctors was held to day, and thought the case very precarious.
WEDNESDAY 11
This morning the roofs were not so much covered and the day has been fine clear and dry, yet a
cold wind is blowing.
No change in Thomsons case for the better
October THURSDAY 12 1876
This is a cold raw morning, with cold wind.
We are still working at the flume next the Water Wheel the plate beam on the top of the posts of the
Breast above the Moat was completely rotten and not wishing to desturbb the posts nor the front
planking this season pu cut off the old tennants and a portion of the worst of the posts, put in a new
beam lower down where they were sounder, then removed the iron stay back to stone where we
got a good hold to support the pressure of the water.
FRIDAY 13
This is a very fine morning, and dry and bright. Thermometer 28º.
The day has turned out remarkably fine, and looks as if it was going to be the beginning of the Indian
Summer.
SATURDAY 14
This is a wet morning with light rain, but it must have rained heavy during the night as the ground is
very wet.
The day has continued fair but windy and very cold and wintry like.
Have begun to day to repair the Water Wheel.
October MONDAY 16 1876
Very hard frost, Saturday night & yesterday morning the ice on the water Barrel in the Garden was
over one inch thick, the day was dry windy & cold.
�This morning is cold, 2º below freezing and still blowing cold from the North.
People of the Town have begun to vote on the By-law for $30,000.
Bot. of Horseman 25 coach screws 4 inch x ⅜ at $3.30 per 100.
The death of young Cosset & Robertson near Philadelphia is announced this forenoon.
TUESDAY 17
This has the appearance of a fine morning hardly any frost.
I find that 2 whole quarters of the inside lining of the Water Wheel is completely gone & I propose to
put a ½ inch bolt down through the shrouding with a nut on the inside.
WEDNESDAY 18
This is beautiful morning, a little frost on the ground. The glass at 7 a m was 24º above zero.
October THURSDAY 19 1876
This morning was not so cold, yet there was frost on the ground, but the day was beautifull, and a
good deal of Barley brought to town.
Wheat on account of the War like news has gone up 5 cents since yesterday.
I attended the funeral of of young Robertson and Cosset. their graves were near together, it was
the largest funeral I ever saw in this Town
FRIDAY 20
This appears to be a fine morning, not quite so bright as yesterday morning, am hurrying to finish
my only letter to my Son, this being the last Friday morning that we can send by the Allan line, and
have great doubts, if it will reach England before, they leave.
John Black a Mason, but laterly a farmer in Puslinch died this morning after a protracted illness,
aged 78 years he acted as our foreman at the Building of the Court House here in 1842 & 3.
SATURDAY 21
This was a warm morning, and there had been rain during the night, at 7 a m the glass was 48º
and at 10 it was between 50º & 60º and as high as 70º went out for a short drive in the afternoon.
�John Manderson died to day aged 70 years, originally a mason but laterly a farmer in the Paisley
Block.
October MONDAY 23 1876
Yesterday was a fine mild day, at 1 Oclock the glass stood at 65º.
But to day it is very wet having rained very heavy all night, and seems to continue this forenoon also.
There was no mason or outside carpenter work done to day, the afternoon chilly and raw & a little
wet.
Had news from England to day, a letter from Willie to his wife from Queenston and one from
Higinbotham to his wife from Liverpool & all well.
TUESDAY 24
This morning was dray, but it became showrey in the forenoon.
This afternoon has been also showrey and chilly.
WEDNESDAY 25
This has been a dissagreable day wet showry weather.
Our old Millwright Johnson Gibson died at Brant this morning aged 58 years, 5 mos. he entered my
fathers employ and has continued with ever since with the exception of a few months this summer.
I had 3 newspapers from William, 1 from London of the 7th inst. & 2 from Edinburgh of the 9th Inst.
October THURSDAY 26 1876
Chilly morning glass 34º, and a light shower of hailstones and snow.
Have got the water wheel started to day and, now elevating Spring Wheat.
Have been sadly detained in completing a quantity of flour that is sold, for a delay in getting Fall
wheat forward from Detroit, but is now reported to be near at hand
FRIDAY 27
This is a dull morning, with frost on the ground.
�Have got a load of fall wheat from McDonald of Aberfoyle to enable us to finish a shipment that
should have been sent of last week, and have the steam on again to finish it. Have also begun this
morning to grind up the middlings as it is a loss of money to keep them on hand, and have plenty of
water to drive the Mill.
SATURDAY 28
A good deal of Snow has fallen through the night and on the level places measured 3½ inches deep,
and likely to lay over to day as there is thaw nor frost of any consiquence.
Saw P. Idington in Town to day
October MONDAY 30 1876
Yesterday was a tolerably fine day, and the snow is melting away gradually.
This is a mild morning and the snow is melting fast away.
Have a Meeting of Directors of the Mutual Fire Insurance Co., to day.
I am lifting the covering of the rain water Cisteren & going to Pump it all out as it has been spoiled by
the kitchen dishwater running in to it
TUESDAY 31
This is quite a mild morning and very foggy, almost enough to make a fine shower of rain.
I had a letter from William, dated Glasgow 19th Octr. McLagan, had one from Nat.
Working at the Cistern to day also
November WEDNESDAY 1
This is a warm close foggy morning, with the Thermometer at 54º. This is our Monthly Fair day. We
are grinding flour with 3 pair of stones with steam, and 2 pair on middlings with water
November THURSDAY 2 1876
This is a very mild morning, but of any thing cloudy
Went up to the train & met with Revd. K. McLennan whos son is about to enter the Bank of
Commerce, here.
�About 1 Oclock it began to rain, and continued more or less through the afternoon.
All buisness was suspended to day
FRIDAY 3
This is a cool raw day but no frost.
They are hurrying on with the New Post office, and close up for the winter when the 2d story joists
are laid, and that the walls are nearly ready for them.
Sandy Glass, lost a fine little girl this afternoon one year and ten months old, of Hooping cough &
deptheria.
Alexr. Thomson Esqr. of Hamilton died at 8 Oclock of brain fever.
SATURDAY 4
This morning there was a slight touch of frost on the side walks, but the forenoon was fine weather
but damp in the afternoon.
Had 1 load of coal to the Office.
The Steamer passed father point at 4 a m this morning, the names of F.W. Stone & his 2
daughters & Mrs Webster are among the passengers
November MONDAY 6 1876
Yesterday was a very fine day, attended funeral of Alexr. Glass child.
This was a dull morning, but raw & damp, Glass at 40º.
It began to rain about 10 Oclock, and continued with little intermission all the afternoon, at 8 Oclok it
was very heavy.
The Assizes began to day Justice Galt on the bench.
Church Meeting to day at 2 Oclock
TUESDAY 7
This is also a dull morning.
�But as the day advanced it appeared more settled and kept dry.
At 3 Oclock I attended the funeral of Mr Alexr. Thomson late of Hamilton to his last resting place in
Guelph it was largely attended by no less than 56 gentlemen from Hamilton.
Great doings to in the United States, for the Election of the New President, Tilden or Mays
WEDNESDAY 8
This is another doubtful morning, no frost but a very few snow flakes fell this forenoon
November THURSDAY 9 1876
This is of any thing a more promising morning yet by no means clear.
Yet during the forenoon the Sun shone out pretty fair for a while.
In the afternoon it again got cloudy & heavy. I had a visit from my old friend Mr James Gow of
Windsor, for a short time
FRIDAY 10
This is a dullish morning, yet it is dry, and there had been sufficient frost during the night to make ice
on the tubs &c. ¼ of an inch thick, The Sun shone out in the forenoon.
No proper dicision yet as to who has the majority as President, but the general opinion is that Tilden
will be the man.
Have got our Hall Stove rigged up to day and the Parlour one also
SATURDAY 11
Fine morning.
Have got the tin gutters in front of the verandah leading to the soft water cisterns.
The gardner Busby & Bulger have been cleaning out all the short dung out of the hot Beds &c and
top dressing the cow park with it and as soon as the parsnips are out of the ground will have no
further need of Busby after the vines in the Grapery are wound round with straw ropes.
The day has been fine, large market & have seldom seen so many fowls offered at this time of the
year. The Assizes closed this afternoon
�November MONDAY 13 1876
Sabbath morning the glass was about 28º or {say} 4º below freezing, the frost during the night must
have been hard as the ice on the tubs in the garden was ½ inch thick and the Mill Dam was frozen
over for the first time this season.
This morning glass at 30º the ice on the dam gone, the ground is white, repairing the covering of
the mill race at the old House and the stairs, also the wooden exaust pipe from the Engine is quite
rotten in places, and caved in so as to interupt the escape of the steam.
War News looks more eminent and exciting in Europe
TUESDAY 14
This morning the glass was between 30º & 40º but gradually got colder, and in the afternoon
became quite dull.
Peter Idington in town & both of us called at Guthries & Mr Watt set Tuesday the 28th inst. for
Meeting of Miss Worsleys Executors, at 12 Oclock.
Some few flakes of snow fell.
It is reported that Hon. John H. Cameron died at 3½ Oclock this afternoon, going in his 60th year
WEDNESDAY 15
The ground was all white this morning with Snow but so light that, it mostly melted all away during
the day.
The Hon, John Hillyard Cameron was born at Beaucaire, Languedoc, France, in April 14th 1817
received part of his early Education KellKenny College, and came to Canada in 1825. The funeral
is to take place on Friday at 3 Oclock.
November THURSDAY 16 1876
This is a cold raw morning, though not freezing hard just now, yet it must have froze hard last night
as the ice on the Barrel is over ½ inch thick.
The day however was dry and chilly.
�FRIDAY 17
This was a fine mild morning, and the day turned out a moderate day.
We took a drive out to Helenburn and then to the Cemetery
SATURDAY 18
This morning was milder than yesterday and continued so through the forenoon.
The afternoon was dull and looked like rain, but only a few drops fell.
We have been talking about our dear Son & Son=in=law likely to have left England to day.
November MONDAY 20 1876
Yesterday was of any thing a wet day, a constant drizzle of fine rain or disolving mist.
To day the weather is much the same, wet for the most of the time, the roads are getting very
muddy now
TUESDAY 21
This is also a soft morning, fine close rain like mist falling, and continued during the forenoon.
The afternoon was much the same as the forenoon, with a fine drizzling rain
was down at Mr Stones house, Mr Lemon called. John Stone is very ill & not able to speak, and is
quite helpless & can take no food.
WEDNESDAY 22
This has been a drizzling morning, yet not cold the glass about 35º.
In the forenoon it continued to blow a little colder and slight flurries of snow fell, and towards the
afternoon the cold increased.
Have been taking up my Parsnips to day and the salery tomorrow
November THURSDAY 23 1876
There has been a little frost during the night but enough to produce thin ice on the tubs out in the
garden, but it is becoming milder again and dark and dull as if there was going to be a fall of snow.
�I feel somewhat dissapointed in not getting a letter this week from William in England. But have
hopes yet that one or other of us may hear from them before the end of the week.
My daughter got a letter from her Husband to day from London dated the 10th Instant, stating that
they were to sail on the 18th for home in the Steam Ship
FRIDAY 24
There was a little ice on the water in the garden this morning, and white on the tops of the Celery
and leeks, both of which are being taken up this morning.
The day is clear and as the wind is from the North it is getting colder. I am also getting the double
windows put in.
Attended a Lecture by Professor Delaney on the Catacombs of Rome.
SATURDAY 25
There was a light sheet of ice on the Dam this morning and the ground frozen, but as the day
advanced it became mild and the side walks and roads slopy.
Have been grinding with three pair of stones in the water Mill this morning but as the day advanced
the water got short and had to take of one run.
It has begun to Snow to night, but hope it may all melt yet and produce more water, both for the
River and also for our soft water Cisterns which are empty
November MONDAY 27 1876
There was about 2 inches deep of Snow on the ground yesterday morning & a part of it melted away
where the Sun beat on it.
But this morning other 2 inches have fallen, and still falling lightly this morning.
But the Snow continued to fall heavier during the afternoon.
Had a Telegram from a Mr Carpenter of Jolliett Illinois to meet him at the Royal Hetel.
Mr John Stone, 2d son of Mr Fredk. Stone, died yesterday afternoon.
Met with Mr Carpenter of Jolliett U.S. this evening
�TUESDAY 28
Meeting of Miss Worsley Exectuors a 12 Oclock Balce. {Balance} to divide $408.28, Revd. E. Ebbs
$99.05 & Miss Reeve $198.12 less our fees $12.00.
This morning looks wintry like, more light snow falling and, the Dam all covered with ice and snow.
I attended the funeral of Mr John Stone this afternoon at 2 Oclock.
WEDNESDAY 29
This is a dull dark morning, with light showers of snow, but about the middle of the day it was quite
pleasant weather
Several Sleighs are seen driving about town
November THURSDAY 30 1876
There was sharp frost this morning, the Snow is laying all over, and a few flakes fell this morning.
The mail announces the arrival of the Parthia Steamer at New York yesterday.
Had a Telegram from William that he would leave New York to night
December FRIDAY 1
This is the coldest morning we have had this season at ½ past 6 a m the Thermometer stood at 5º
above zero & no wind.
It was quite cold the whole day. This being our Fast Day the yet the attendance was not large. The
wind North West.
William got home this evening at 6 Oclock quite well
SATURDAY 2
This is not such a cold morning as yesterday the glass about 15º above zero, have been drawing off
all the water of the distillery pipes, even at this early period of the Winter som of the cast iron elbows
have burst.
N. Higinbotham arrived this evening at 6 Oclock quite well with the exception of a black eye, he got
from a heavy lurch of the Ship in a storm
�December MONDAY 4 1876
Yesterday was a fine moderate winter day and the Churches were well attended.
This morning at 7 the glass stood at 15º above zero, and during the day was milder.
Have been confined to the House all day with a sore heel, having skined it with my Boot pressing on
it where there was a hole in my sock.
TUESDAY 5
This is a very moderate winter morning yet the frost has burst some of the elbows in the pipes
WEDNESDAY 6
This morning has not been severe and as the Sun got stronger about the middle of the day, it
softened the ridges on the roads.
This being the Monthly Fair a good many people were in town
December THURSDAY 7 1876
This was a moderate morning, and the ground bare
FRIDAY 8
It froze pretty hard last night, and a little snow fell
SATURDAY 9
This is a very stormy morning, and has been all night, the wind is very fearce, and the snow drifting
very hard all day, the Thermometer about 10º above zero.
It is by far the most stormy day we have had
December MONDAY 11 1876
Yesterday the 10th the morning was calm and hardly a breath of wind, at 7. a.m the Thermometer
stood at 5º below zero, the ground generally covered with snow several inches and enough in places
to make tolerable sleighing, it snowed in the afternoon.
To day the glass was 5º above zero at 7. a.m and what snow that fell during the night has made
�TUESDAY 12
This morning was quite mild about 7 a m the glass stood about the Freezing point and milder as the
day advanced, a good deal more snow fell during last night and has made tollerable sleighing.
A great many cattle are comming into town this afternoon to be exhibited at the fat cattle show
tomorrow, the days are very short just now having to light lamps at ¼ to 5 Some of the
Workshops close at ½ past 4, and start about 8 in the morning. We are very dull now, the Distillery
standing so long, and the Mill doing but very little, & only 4 hands working at work & the Pedler
WEDNESDAY 13
This is a mild morning, the glass just about Freezing and no more. This being the Fat Cattle show
day, a great number were shown as Prize Cattle and a great many ordinary cattle for sale, as well as
a splended lot of fat Hogs & Sheep as well as a large lot of fat Poultry, it was thought to have been
the largest show that has been yet, the weather was all that could have been wished for, and much
of the Snow thawed away.
Nat & William went down to Toronto to see the President of the Bank of Commerce. Wm returned to
night but Nat remained over till tomorrow
December THURSDAY 14 1876
This morning was much colder than yesterday and a cold wind blowing, and no such thing as thaw
to day. Had a letter from John Smith of Bridge of Allan announcing the birth of a Son
FRIDAY 15
This is a cold morning, with a little more snow having fallen during the night.
During the forenoon the wind increased in coldness and after One O'clock, the wind increased to a
furious snow storm and continued all the afternoon and evening, but during the night it blew still
harder and the cold increased
SATURDAY 16
This is a very cold stormy morning, and the glass at 8 a m stood below zero a little.
The sleighing is but poor yet.
It is rather a dull cheerless cold day, and all our works standing still, makes it more so.
�December MONDAY 18 1876
Yesterday was another cold morning at 8 a m the glass stood at zero and during the day only got to
3º above zero.
This morning it was also about zero but about the middle of the day 7º above there had been a
considerable fall of Snow during the night which has made very good sleighing, which makes
somewhat more stitr in Town.
One of the Twins in my Brother John's family died this afternoon at ½ past 3 named Winstanley.
TUESDAY 19
This is a stormy morning, but not so cold as yesterday morning. Thormometer stood at 13º above
zero at 9 Oclock, it blew hard last night.
It is nowing heavy this forenoon, and the wind from the West.
X H.B. Gordon Architect of Toronto, called on the 21st
WEDNESDAY 20
This morning at 7 a m Glass 2º below zero and the day was cold.
F.W. Stone, N. Higenbotham, William and A. Mackenzie, went down to Toronto to day to see the
President of the Bank of Commerce about the arrangement of my affairs, and were engaged over 3
hours.
I attended the funeral of Johns child this afternoon and got my hands almost froze in driving. The
Grave was dug according to order 7 feet deep.
Nat and William returned to night by the 8 Oclock train
December THURSDAY 21 1876
X This morning was more mild at 7 it was 10º above zero and more snow had fallen during the
night, and the sleighing was splended, and a large Market to day of all kinds of Produce, hoggs
especially the highest price $7.00.
Recd. from Thomson & Jackson interest on Mrs McLeans Mortgage $20.00 (is not so much as last
time)
�FRIDAY 22
This was a moderate morning about 10º to 14 above zero, with a little more snow.
There was again another large market this morning, the sleighing is very good.
I desided to put on the fire in the Distillery on Tuesday next, to test the pipes &c.
Our Sabbath school children's meeting to night was largely attended by both parents & strangers, &
all went off exceedingly well.
SATURDAY 23
This morning is also mild and snowing a very little, glass about 18º above zero.
December MONDAY 25 1876
Yesterday at 8 a m the glass was at zero and calm.
Christmas Day was a very fine morning the Thermometer stood at 10º above zero at 7 a m the
sleighing was very good, calm & pleasant.
TUESDAY 26
This was also a pleasant morning, and a large market.
This afternoon according to notice given the principal part of my Creditors met in my Office, when
the state of my affairs was laid before them.
WEDNESDAY 27
This morning was also calm and pleasant the sleighing was improved by the light fall of snow
through the night.
Had a meeting of the Directors of the Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Co. to day, there was a full
meeting and a good deal of business done, and an Assessment of 6 per cent called ordered.
We got notice that the Bank folks from Toronto are to be here tomorrow.
December THURSDAY 28 1876
�This is a moderate morning. We have been informed that the President Mr. Wm McMaster and the
Manager will not be here before ½ past one having had to go round by Hamilton, (he missed the
train).
When only Mr. Anderson came, & part of time Mr. Wm Smith also, Mr. Andw. Lemon, Mr. F.W.
Stone John Idington, and Wm. & I sat the whole day talking over in what way the funds could be
raised and the Works kept going Mr. Anderson taking part in the conversation and at the same time
had in his pocket Insolvency papers that were signed in Toronto on the 27th. John Idington went on
home by the 6 Oclock train
FRIDAY 29
This is quite a stormy morning, blowing & drifting at a fearfull rate.
The 11 Oclock train going East was far behind time & did not go past here till ¼ past 12, when Mr.
Wm Smith, Manager of the Bank of Commerce handed me a document requiring me to hand over
my Estate & effects as per Insolvment act of 1875.
And the same to William in the afternoon. But not being a partner of mine not yet a Trader according
to the Act, he will require to be treated differently.
SATURDAY 30
This morning is moderately cold say about 20º with a little snow, & some had fallen during the night.
We were all surprised to find this morning that The Engineers of the Grand Trunk Railway,
throughout the whole line had struck work at 8.30 last night.
The ductch mail as it is called uncoupled on the track here near the market, and a freight train with
12 cars of live Piggs left at the freight station with all the feed pipes dissconected & the water run off
the boilers, some at Breslau Station & all over as far as Portland & Sarnia.
December SUNDAY 31 1876
This was a fine morning 12º above zero plenty of snow for good sleighing, and the Churches well
attended.
Monday, 1st January 1877
This is a very fine morning.
�William Dickson Esqr. of Galt Died this day aged 77 years & 6 months
entered all in new Book
Tuesday 2d Jany. 1877
Fine weather all day.
Have been waiting all day expecting Mr John Idington down from Stratford to consult on matters of
Insolvency.
But towards the end of the afternoon I went up to Mr John Smith's Office and, signed the document
of Assignment.
Wednesday 3d Jany. 1877
At 7.a.m Thermometer 2º below zero and quite calm.
This Being the Monthly Fair Day a great many people are in Town but, very few cattle that are fit for
Beef
Thursday 4th Jany.
This morning was not so cold. William went to Stratford this afternoon
Friday 5th
Fine winter morning Glass at 7 am at 10º above zero,
calm and fine sleighing. Peter Idington here and his Grandson Patrick
Saturday 6th Jany.
This was a milder morning and thawed a very little about the Middle of the day
there was a good many teams in Town
Sabbath 7th Jany. 1877
This was a fine day about 10º above at Church time
�Monday 8th Jany. 1877
This was a fine moderate day and the sleighing improved again by a light fall of Snow, all busey
laying all things in order so as to take an Inventory of them
Tuesday 9th Jany.
This is another moderate morning a little more snow has fallen during the night. Mrs Wm Scott
Stewart was here & went to Waterloo by noon train
Wednesday 10th Jany.
This is a moderate morning, clear, and pleasant the frost during the night was about
But at 10 a m it was 21º above zero
Thursday 11th Jany.
Was also moderate, this is my Birth Day. Towards night it began to blow & snow a little went up to
the Station expecting to meet John Idington, who wired that he would come, but did not then, but
came by the late train, and had an interview with the Banker & Lemon on Wm account.
Dr. Hogg is not well this week
Friday 12th
was a very cold morning at 7 it was 11º below zero, and even up to 10 Oclock it was 5º below. The
Annual Meeting of Directors of The Wellington Mutall at the Queen's we dined together & had the
General Meeting for the Election of the new board of Directors upstairs, when all the old ones were
re ellected, there was a much larger meeting of strangers than formerly
Saturday 13th Jany.
This is not so cold a morning 5º above zero but the wind from the North began to get up during the
Day and the cold increased very much towards evening.
I called on Dr. Hogg and found that th he was better to day than yesterday
�Monday 15th Jany.
Yesterday was a moderate day at 7 a m it was 10º above zero, but in the afternoon it got to be
colder, a Mr Frazer, Preached for us yesterday (a student from Toronto).
Dr. Hogg passed a bad night.
And this morning was about the same temperature, and a change came on in the forenoon as if
there was going to be a thaw or snow storm, when after 2 pm the wind sprung up from the N. West
with a continuos fall of snow and cold going against the wind. Dr. Hogg no better to day, and
spitting up Blood from the lungs
Tuesday 16th
Moderate morning 10º above zero at 7. a.m a good deal of snow fell last night and is laying still
there being no wind to drift it, but the trains are very irregular in arriving
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-1877
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
1876
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
David Allan Diary Collection
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township
UG
Transcription Progress
Scripto transcription progress
Done
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Cover of Diary}</p>
<p>DAILY</p>
<p>JOURNAL,</p>
<p>1876.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Printed Calendar for 1876 and first 4 months of 1877.}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>DAILY</p>
<p>JOURNAL</p>
<p>FOR</p>
<p>1876.</p>
<p>TORONTO: PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS, MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{A leaf has been placed over this page}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{This page provides typed written information with the following heading: The Annual General Meeting of the Company was held in the Queen's Hotel, Guelph, on the 12th January, 1877.}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{This page provides typed written information with the following heading: THE MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE COUNTY OF WELLINGTON</p>
<p>For the Year Ending 31st December, 1876.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{This page provides typed written information with the following heading: The Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Company. BY-LAW No. 4}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{This page provides typed written information with the following heading: Annual Report of the Wellington Mutual Insurance Company FOR 1875.}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Continued - This page provides typed written information with the following heading: Annual Report of the Wellington Mutual Insurance Company FOR 1875.}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{This page provides typed written information with the following heading: BALANCE SHEET OF LEDGER}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{This page provides typed written information with the following headings: RATES OF POSTAGE; TERMS AND COURTS; BANK HOLIDAYS; TABLE OF STAMP DUTIES; LIST OF SUNDAYS IN 1876}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">DIARY 1876.</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Newspaper cuttings dated Nov 1876}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January SATURDAY 1 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a very remarkable New Years morning foggy weather dark morning & almost like a light rain falling, and during the forenoon a close rain but very fine was falling, and during the whole day it was foggy & drizzling rain the water is running heavy over the dam, and reminds one more of the middle of April than this, we had a great many callers to day, as usual, on New Years day all our works are standing still</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 3 1876</span></h2>
<p>Fine day morning yesterday Sun shining fine and almost like an April day. This morning was hard frost and the ground hard and solid, and the Dam covered with young and old scaiting. There has been plenty of water for the Mill for some weeks now.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>Hard frost this morning at 7 a m the glass stood at 8º above zero. Wm. Robertson began this morning to put on the felt on the Copper Still and to line it with boards</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>This is also a dry morning but not so hard frost as the day advanced it became milder, after dinner it began to rain. The water still holds out for 3 run of stones going to day and running over the Dam. About ½ past 2 it began to rain again & between 3 & 4 it rained heavy with snow flakes between, and later the water was running down the streets. Mr {blank} Mills of Hamilton was murdered by a Butcher yesterday, who was a tenant of his in arrears of rent</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY 6 1876</span></h2>
<p>During the night it dried up, and the roads hard froze this morning, and flakes of snow blowing about but it is too cold for the snow to fall, 3 pair of stones going briskly in the water Mill. The men working at the covering of the Boiler with felt, we had to make 2 wooden rings for top & Bottom, and wide enough to admit of room to introduce the stanes between them and the felt (which was previously tied on round about with twine), and then kept in their place with wedges in a tempory manner untill ready for the iron hoops</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This was a very pleasant morning, and very little frost, enough to make the roads hard and dry. And during the day the Sun shone out quite pleasant. William went up to London and then on to Chatham to see about corn, But found that they had not begun to shell it out as yet, the weather being too open for that</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>This morning was dry but not hard frost, but of any thing dark & dull in the forenoon a light rain came on for a little while, but not enough to drive the skaiters of the ice, But the latter part of the afternoon was quite wet and rained considerable. The copper still is about done the hoops having been put on this forenoon. No snow snow whatever to be seen any where. William came home to night without doing any thing</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 10 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a remarkably fine day for this time of the year it was quite mild when going to Church & the ground soft and muddy, and a few roles of thunder were herd, in the afternoon the fine clear sunshine seased & foggy dark weather came on and at about church time it rained heavy, and began to blow. There was quite a change this morning a very strong Westerly wind has been blowing all night and continues this morning and very cold, the Glass at 10º above Zero, during the whole day it blew hard and snowed at times, & the ground as hard as ever. A good deal of excitement about voting for the shop Licence By-Law which was lost by 264 majority, got the copper Still lining finished to day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>This is another cold morning, a little snow has fallen during the night, but it is too cold for it to come down. The men are working at the staging round the new fermenting tuns.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold morning very little wind, and very little snow on the ground. The frost is sharp, Thermometer 10º above Zero. Have just got information that Wm Alexander of Ellenburn died this morning at 10 a m</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY 13 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a pretty cold morning 12º above Zero cold N Westerly wind. Went out to Ellenburn twice to day and saw the corpse & saw very little change the upper part of the face all above the mouth reminds me very much of my late father. The Boiler makers began this morning, and at noon got an assistnant. After the peices were cut out for the Patches to be put on, we found the space for the water completly filled up and so hard that no water could get to it and in consiquence led to the burning and cracking of the plates, no less than 5 barrow fulls of scale and mud were taken out.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This is another cold morning, it is not blowing much. Went out to the Cemetery with Mrs R Thomson to point out the spot to dig the grave for Mr Alexander and make allowance for the place for the monument. The boiler makers will work late to night. They left about ½ past 10.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning very moderately cold very little snow to be seen except on the sides of the roads, the middle is all bare. We have a bother with the Beer pump this morning breaking out at the angle of the branch where it was patched before</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 17 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was quite a mild morning. At 9.30 the Thermometer stood at 37º and the atmosphere dull and heavy, and continued so till evening when it began to freeze. Monday morning, a little snow has fallen during the night, but as the day advanced the mild weather & drizzling rain washed it all away. Was over early at the Rectifying house before the furnace was lighted. Mr Cuttler began to day to adjust all the Millstones, all having more or less got out of Ballance. Mrs A and I attended the Funeral of the late Wm Alexander Esq this afternoon it was largely attended</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>Another mild morning, and thick weather and after Breakfast it began to rain, and kept on all the forenoon more or less, and many teams came in with wheat and had to stand out in the rain till unloaded. The last of the new fermenting tuns are finished with pipes, spouts &c. &c. ready for use</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>This is a wet dull morning and after breakfast rained steady and may be said to have rained all the day more or less, and all the snow is now washed away. There must have been far more rain up the country than here, as the water is very high and comming down very thick and muddy. In the afternoon it got colder and began to freeze about dusk, and about 8 Oclock a heavy shower fell. William started for Toleda this afternoon. I am quite disconcerted about awful deficiency in the amount of spirit which has been lost this last ½ year, on account of the weighing system</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY 20 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold blustering morning the ground all covered with snow, and light showers of it now & then.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold windy morning, a little snow blowing about now & then. But it is too cold for the snow to fall regularly. The roads are very rough for driving the ruts being deep and hard. Cuttler got done with the stones this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This has been quite a snowey morning, a good must have fallen through the night, but not enough for sleighing, however it continues to fall this forenoon. Snowing this afternoon also. helped to drape the Church this evening in mourning for the late Wm. Alexander, Elder</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>Sabbath 23 Quite a change again this morning, the water dropping from the eves of the roofs and it was quite sloppy in going to Church and a little snow fell, but so little that it blew away before the wind.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY, 24 1876</span></h3>
<p>This morning the ground is hard and the frozen crust on the snow will prevent it from being blown away, there is every appearance of more snow. No word from William since he left. Meeting to day of the Board of Directors, of Wellington Mutual Insurance Co. Only a few flakes of snow fell. Am in trouble to day the Duties being overdue & not enough funds to meet them. There has been no thaw today.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>Meeting of Millers Acociation in Toronto. This is a modeate morning. Thermometer 26º and a slight flurry of snow falling. The frost these last 2 nights has made the an impression on the water in the river. Had a Telegram from William dated Chicago 24th that he had bought corn and would leave tomorrow night, (that is to night). We have had a considerable shower of snow this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine bright morning, the glass 22º, at 10 a m there was very little snow fell last night. The annual Meeting of the Wellington Mutual Insurance Co. for the Election of Directors, at 2 oclock. Mr Edward Thomas died at his recidence in Nassagaweya 71 a very respectable and deacent farmer, and have known him for many years</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY 27 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a very wet morning, it rained heavy during during the night and the streets are running with water, and it is very slippery and most difficult to walk about. William returned from Chicago about 4 a m this morning. It has been thawing all day and the gutters running as in Spring. Mr Guest called this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>This is another wet morning. I started for Hamilton by the 9.30 am train and got down about 12, it rained during the most of the journey down and after I got into the City the weather made it very unpleasant and business very dull. The Brass pump arrived from Cincinnati to day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold Blustering morning, not much frost but the wind is strong, during the day we had a shower of snow. In the afternoon the wind increased next to a gale almost from the N' East accompanied with snow and was very cold</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 31 18976</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a fine clear day but cold at ½ past 9 a m the Glass stood at 17º above zero. This morning is not quite so cold, and the wind more round to the South during the forenoon and afternoon, there was a fine bright sunshine and the roads runing with water where the sun shone. And the water flowing over the Dam in a copious stream reminding me of April or May. Mr David Torrance, President of the Bank of Montreal died this morning aged 71 years</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">February TUESDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a wintry looking morning, it is snowing heavy but of any thing soft, and dull weather. It still continues to snow heavy this afternoon. Have been drawing out the new pump rod on full size on paper and on a board for the Blacksmiths. Trade is still very dull all over and a great many failures taking place both here & in the States</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>It blew very hard last night and cold and this morning there was a thick coat of snow and the glass stood at {blank}. At ½ past 9 a m it was at zero. This is the Monthly Fair Day. There was a very small attendance at this Fair the roads being drifted in certain localities may have hindered many of them.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 3 1876</span></h2>
<p>It is not so cold this morning 6º above zero. Sleighing is pretty good now. William started this afternoon to Douglas for to attend a Sheriffs Sale of the effects in the Mill there, of flour, wheat, middlings &c. of which William bought the whole lot and got it teamed down at 14¢ per 100 lbs. He returned about 12 Oclock</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine day, and hardly so cold as yesterday. Old James McFarlane was buried to day at Rockwood, he having died near Eden villiage, aged 98 years 10 months, he was born in the year of the Irish Rebelion</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning glass at 7 a m stood at 2º below zero. Our fine carriage horse lately bought died this morning, he age was 5 years past</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 7 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very mild fine day and the snow melting fast and very little frost in the evening. This morning is another very fine morning and the sun shining bright & warm</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning and the snow dissapearing pretty fast, the waggons have again to be used in the Town. Nat went down to Toronto by the 11 a m train</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>A good deal of snow has fallen during the past night and this morning it is still falling. A great fire in New York on Monday night, loss in goods & houses about $3,000,000. We took the correct measure of the Pump rod. A drizzling snow has been falling during the afternoon. David Stirton M.P. started for Ottawa this afternoon the Parliament opens tomorrow</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 10 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild morning a little below freezing a considerable deal of sleet has fallen through the night and a crust was frozen over it this morning it has improved the sleighing. I wrote to Mrs McLean in Girvan to day Enclosing draft for $16,15.2 on the Bank of Scotland, London</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning, has been raining a great deal through the night and has done so most of the forenoon, and the roads are running full of water. I have not felt well to day was quite giddy after getting out of Bed & had to return to it & much inclined to vomit. took opening medicine which operated & now feel a good deal better this afternoon.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning but mild and the roads a little frozen. But as the day advances the water is running down the roads and the river is very high, lipping over the guard block on the far side of the top beam of the dam and equal to what it is in April, and is a little up on the under side of the cross beam behind the grating at the entrance of the Mill race, and the water is very dark</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 14 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very fine mild day, but very slippery walking in parts, towards night it began to harden. Early this morning a little after midnight it began to blow hard, with a good deal of thunder and lightning and then heavy showers of rain, and the water froze on the trees weighing them down considerably and during the forenoon the streets were much flooded and the river rising again, I never remember such a continuation of such mild weather</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>Midling hard frost last night, the ground and remaining snow is hard, but the river is still very high. The beer pump gave out to night</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>There was pretty hard frost last night, and the wind was strong during the night. I went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train, to get Startup the coppersmith to come up</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 17 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate morning, the ground hard and dry, but as the day advanced it became colder and blowing, there is not enough of snow for sleighing. David Startup came up by the 10 Oclock train, and immediately began to prepare the copper pipe for the new Pump</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>This is a coldish morning, yet the day shone out very fine, but no thaw. We got on pretty well with the Pump to day and got up steam in the afternoon and after running a charge and a half the log on which the Pump was set burst from the Pressure of the depth of beer in the large tub & had to stop and put on clasps to keep it together. And which had the desired effect, but did not get done in time to run any more to night</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>Rather sharp frost this morning, but as the day advanced it became much milder, clear and bright sunshine, and no thaw whatever. We got fairly started again early this morning and going well. But as the pump throws up a considerable of beer above the Piston which is run into a pail, but as it is so often filled, and apt to be neglected, we had to put in a large tub with its bottom level with the bottom of the pump logs with a large cock connecting the two, which when filled, we have only to shut off the supply from the fermenting tuns, and open the cock when the pump draws up every drop of it.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 21 1876</span></h2>
<p>Fine day yesterday. This is a fine winter morning, glass 22º above zero roads hard and dry. Rectifying House stopt for cleaning out the boiler, and the man from Ingles & Hunters put in all the thimbles in the tubes which had fallen out in consiquence of them having too much taper, which I got turned off he also caulked round the patches that were leaking. The coppersmith soldered the leak in the bottom of the still which is now tight. He also fixed cocks on the decending pipe of the worm to turn on the faints with the fusil oil on to the Rectifieers or Filters. We have got the fixings of the beer pump and pipes completed and all going well. It began to rain this evening and blow hard, and about 8 Oclock came on to snow.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold windy morning, with a fresh coat of frozen snow. The water in the river has fallen considerably yet we have plenty to drive the Mill. David Startup is about finished</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very cold night, and this morning at 6 oclock the Thermometer stood at 6º below zero, and at 7 a m 2º below it has been blowing pretty hard all day, and the snow that fell during the night, has drifted more or less, and it is very cold getting about with the N. West wind blowing. I got Mr Gideon Hood as my security on my Bond for payment of Duties for the amt. on his part for $10,000. David Startup, coppersmith went off by the 11 Oclock train.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 24 1876</span></h2>
<p>This last night was much colder at 6 this morning the glass was 6º below, but at 7 a m it was 2º above zero, and to day there is very little wind, and strange to say that where the Sun is heating on the sidewalks the snow is melted and slushey, there is little or no wind. The accounts from Ottawa describe in glowing terms the grand dress Ball, at the Governors Recidence. The day has been a pleasant mild day. Sent paper & letter to Illinois</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>This is a very cold morning, and during last night it blew hard, to day it is quite cold getting about. I did not feel well to day at all felt giddy in the morning & went only once of ncessity up town, having taken medicine. Towards night it came on to blow hard and the snow drifted very much.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 28 1876</span></h2>
<p>It blew hard & cold all day yesterday, and the snow kept falling for the most of the {blank}. We had an alarm of fire in the school room of St. Andrews Church, there was not much damage done. This morning was cold but got milder during the day. Meeting of Directors of Wellington Insurance Co. to day. It is snowing this evening and looks as if it were going to be heavy.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>This is a more moderate morning not so cold as yesterday, but the snow is very difficult to walk on, as it is dry and loose like sand. There has been more snow falling at times but it is not enough to bind the other But in places where it is drifted it is quite hard and carries a person quite easy. The Poultry Show opened to day and there are many more entries than last year. the snow is coming on again</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">March WEDNESDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This was a sharp morning. But the day turned out fine. This being the Fair Day there was a large turn out of cattle and there was a number of buyers and the cattle went off quick</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 2 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine winter morning bright and clear glass about 18º below zero at 7 a m. But it continues cold on account of the North Wind. The sleighing is tolerable fair</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 3</span></h3>
<p>This was a sharp morning 5º above zero at 7 a m. This is our Fast day in our Church. Mr Wallace came up from Hamilton to day. Mr Peter Idington was also here. The Poultry show broke up at noon to day. Peter Idington here to day. William went up to Stratford about wheat</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>This was a very fine morning. During the day there was a moderate thaw and the snow is wearing away on the much travelled roads. Peter Idington here to day again. William returned about 5 Oclock this morning.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 6 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was was a fine mild morning & dry, but in the afternoon it began to rain & continued for some time and in the evening it came on again with light showers. This is quite a mild morning, and the roads are very much washed from the rain during the night, that the sleighing will be altogether gone if this weather continues.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This was a wet morning, and raining more or less for most of the forenoon, and part of the afternoon. The river is rising fast and is nearly as high as the last flood some weeks ago, we opened the flood gates this afternoon. There is appearance of more rain. The roads are in a very bad state</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>Quite a change this morning, during the night it turned to hard frost, and instead of mire of considerable depth is now hard solid roads, and a cold frosty wind blowing. The water is for all that comming down veery deep</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 9 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine dry morning, frost throughout the night was middling hard and will be very trying on the young wheat now without protection. The water in the river is much lower this morning</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 10</span></h3>
<p>This is another very fine morning, hard frost last night, but the sun has great power in thawing the middle of the roads so as to soften the hard edges of the ruts and make it more easy on wheel carriages. We had to shut down the flood gates this morning so as to keep up the head on the Dam</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>A moderate morning, and the roads getting softer. The water is keeping up pretty fair. The afternoon is cloudy, and it began to rain about ½ past 6</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 13 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday morning was a rainey, and had been during the night, and continued more or less all day. This morning the ground was covered with snow over 4 inches deep, and the wind continuing strong. This afternoon is becomming much colder and the wind which was Westerly is now becomming more Northerly and getting very cold, a little snow is blowing about. Revd Mr Tanner lectures in our Church to night</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This is a tolerable sharp morning, rather too cold for snow last night. During the day the Sun shone out fine and and made the sidewalks smoke. Meeting of Presbytery in Chalmers Church. William started off to Hamilton, thence to Brantford</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, the glass much the same as yesterday 10º or 11º above zero. The roads are very rough and hard</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 16 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a very stormy morning, the wind has been blowing at a fearful rate all night, it is accompanied with dry fine frozen particles of snow and in thick clouds and drives with great force against one's face, the cold is not all severe only 23º above zero at 10 a m. The wind still continues this afternoon strong from the East and the fine snow still falling. I wrote to J. Smith, Bridge of Allan by this afternoons mail. William came home by the 6 Oclock train. Mr Fouler had a grand examination in the Town Hall to night, it was cram full & a couple of hundred people in the old hall</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>This is of any thing a milder morning, and snowing a little, the is more from the West now. It became colder in the afternoon, and still snowing lightly</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>Sharp morning ½ past 10 am the glass stood at 5º above zero, at 1.30 p m it was 10º above zero. I have kept the house all day, being affected with headach last night and giddiness this morning</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 20 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday morning was pretty sharp, at 7 am glass stood at 5º above zero, clear and calm weather. I went twice to Church & did not feel the worse of it. This morning chilly and raw, cold 22º at 10 a m inclined to snow or other change. I feel better this morning. About noon it began to snow and kept on quite heavy all the afternon, and evening and blowing from the East.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>Wintry morning, and the fall of snow during the afternoon and during last night, has left a coating of snow generaly all over of from 6 to 8 inches deep. The day is turning out fine with a slight flurry of snow now and then</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, glass at 20º. I am going to try the sleighing this forenoon. James Dobbie is said to have died at his tea table last night, of heart disease. Mrs A and I went down to Fishers Mills to see Mr Idingtons family, and found them all well, the roads in Waterloo were considerably drifted up certain places, and sloping so as almost to tip the cutter over</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March Thursday 23 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, and as the day advances the sun is begining to melt the snow in the middle of the road. This afternoon the roads are getting quite soft and watery, and if it continues a day or two longer all the snow will be gone. I am glad I went to Waterloo yesterday for the roads in many places must be bare to day. Recd. letter from John Smith, Bridge of Allan.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning and likely to thaw more to day. It has turned out a fine forenoon went out to the Model Farm and found the sleighing very bare in most places & unless more snow falls it will soon be all gone. Peter Idington & wife were here to day. The Court of Queens Bench is sitting just now precideed over by Judge Gainne</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>This is a very coarse morning with sleet and snow a good deal has fallen through the night, and the roads are now very slushey and dissagreeable. It has continued throughout the day much the same, with frequent showers of frozen rain, sometimes pretty heavy. The weather is so dull and dark that no Eclipse can be seen. Wrote to John Smith this afternoon by US mail</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 27 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a somewhat blustering day with light showers of snow. This is a dull blustering day, and bad getting about with either sleigh or waggon. Feek, began this morning about 9 Oclock left at 10 a.m. began again at 3 p m. Miss Isabella Alexander came this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>Pretty hard frost last night, the road are very hard and dry. Feek began at 7 a m, and worked till a little after 3 p m. About 1 Oclock it began to snow and continued to fall heavy all the afternoon and no appearance of it stopping. William, went to Paris & Brantford this morning. Wind from the N East. Recd. Telegram from William that he was stormstead at Brantford & could not be home to night</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>This is another snowey morning, and it is now very deep all over, wind from the N. East. William came home at noon to day. We are making arrangements to stop distilling tomorrow to enable us to put in the heating pipes in the smoke stalk to heat up the feeding water for the Boiler, and raise the grate bars 12 inches, so as to reduce the quantity of dead wood that accumulates and blackens in the fire box down on the bars.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 30 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a pleasant winter morning good sleighing, and good many teams in town, and we are hurrying out the firewood from the Rocks with a number of hired teams, for we cannot depend on it lasting long, for the frost is too mild to preserve it. Distillery standing to day, having been running on till about 4 Oclock this morning, having run since yesterday morning. We have been working late to night to complete what we think will be a saving of fuel & time in the distillery. Feek to about</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 31</span></h3>
<p>This is a mild morning and thawing. I am rather dissapointed in finding this morning that our hard work all yesterday is not going to answer in the present way & am going to stop and replace the grate bars as they were. After cooling down the furnace we lowered the grate bars to their old position and the draft was restored to its former strength. But the feed water passing through the coil of 2 inch pipes does not heat up the water to the heat I expected. I have got a bad cold from last nights late work.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">April SATURDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is also a mild morning. But as a precaution I have made up my mind to remain in the house all day, having taken, medicine</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 3 1876</span></h2>
<p>This morning is soft but no rain, but the thaw is rappid and the roads quite slushey, and the water running rappid in the gutters. I feel a good deal better to day, but keep as much in the Office as I can.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>This is another mild morning, and thawing fast</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning. there has been a little frost last night, about 10 Oclock it began to snow pretty thick loose snow which melted as it fell, and then a little rainey sleet, making the streets slushey and unpleasant. There is a large attendance of Farmers and others in Town to day, this being the Easter Fair, and a greater number of fat cattle shown than I have seen before. Jeffry Lynch was in Toronto yesterday and spent an hour at Mr Wm. Higinbothams & found him more requiring to be watched as he cuts up Handkerchifs &c. into ribbons. We are without a fireman to day, having turned off Scott for dissobedience</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 6 1876</span></h2>
<p>This morning the ground was somewhat dry, but as soon as the Sun got fairly up the water began to run on the streets, and the snow that is still laying on the sides of the roads is getting very soft and melting fast away. The ice on the dam is quite whole yet but it must be brittle and very unsafe to cross on now. Thos. Baxter of Wellington Square is reported to have been drowned this morning on his own farm. fine mild night Mrs A & I at Mrs Websters to Tea</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>Wet rainey and dull morning with frequent showers of sleet, and there seems to be a regular break up of the ice and the water in the Dam is rising. The Hamilton papers announce the sudden death of an old aquaintance of mine Mr Thomas Baxter of Wellington Square in examining a drain that run into a small creek had become giddy & fell in & got drowned he was 55 years of age. A dispatch from Ottawa says that the site for the New Post Office is fixed, and to be erected on the present site of the Wellington Hotel</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>It froze hard last night and the ground is quite dry and bearing up. The weather is fine and clear</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 10 1876</span></h2>
<p>The weather was fine yesterday. This morning the ground is dry with the nights frost but as the day advances it is thawing fast</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine mild morning and the water running down the road at a rappid rate and the water in the river rising. William went up to Stratford this evening on a tour among customers</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>This is a very dull dark morning, and must have been raining during the night. About 7 a m it began to rain very lightly and then more heavy during the forenoon there is very little snow to be seen on the sides of the roads now. I Had to hoist the flood gates as the water was getting over the fender log at the Northerly end of the aperon, the water is very dark and muddy. Had telegrams from Wm. from Stratford and Mitchel</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 13 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is another dull misty morning, and its condensation producing a very fine rain. But during most of the forenoon the rain fell more freely. The steam Mill Bridge is loaded with stones. In the afternoon rain came on again, and the water in the river continuing to rise, notwithstanding that the flood gates have been raised as far as they will open. And the ice is breaking up & going over. Wm. Telegraphed from Stratford that he will be home at 8 p m. We are only running the Mill with 1 run of stone from the water being so high and causes the water wheel to labour too much in backwater injuring the bucket boards. Higinbotham returned from Ottawa. William came home from above about same time.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This is Good Friday. It was so far fair, with the exception that the fog condenced into fine rain, and continued so throughout the forenoon. The water got very high and we had to raise the gate to the full height. We hear of no disausters as yet from the high floods, the most of the ice is of the Dam except a little on the edges. It began to be very cold towards evening. I went up to Goldie's dam, he was working at his flood gates, being affraid of them.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This was a dry morning, and the water no higher than late last night. The day is quite fine but yet not the warmth in the air we ought to have</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 17 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very fine day. This is of any thing a chilly morning. But as the day advances it is getting better. We had to shut down part of the flood gates this morning as the water was too low to run over the Dam shewing how rappidly the flood or spring fresshet dissapears now compared with former years when it lasted for much more than a week.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, and the water in the river is still lower that the gates have to be farther shut down.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning and the ground is drying up fast, and the flood gates are now altogether shut down close</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 20 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning although, there was hard frost last night, and the ground was quite hard. This forenoon and part of the afternoon was fine but farther on it became cold again. Went out the York Road to attend the funeral of a Son of Robert Paterson who died in Detroit day bebore yesterday of Tyfod Fever. William started for London this morning. We had a heavy shower of rain last night and it was very dark, some later it blew very hard</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and the roads drying up very fast. The driver of the chopping stones broke, one lug at each end</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine mild morning, and looked like rain. But as the day advanced it became very pleasant and the Sun shone out fine. Willie Higinbotham came home from Hamilton at noon, Aut Agnes & the two boys from Fishers Mills, & Mary was brought from Toronto by her Father to night, so that they are all at home but Harry who is at Elora. William came home from London by the 5 Oclock train. It began to rain about 5 oclock and then again at ½ past 6. I felt very giddy this afternoon and inclined to stagger in my walk</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 1 1876</span></h2>
<p>Cold blustery day yesterday, with a shower of snow, but it was light and dry & blew away. It froze hard last night, and there was ice on the tub at the spring ½ an inch thick & over. This is a fine Bright morning but cold. The Masons have begun to build the foundation walls for the shop to be built for the owner of the ground James Mays being 25 feet 8 inches. Wm. Stewart and Petrie's are next being something like 40 feet some inches, then the frame stable which ground is {blank} feet {blank} frontage</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>This was a very fine morning, and very little frost. I got the Onions sown in the garden to day and also the hot beds with cabbage seed and cauliflour. I got the Bucket boards repiled and changed the position of the bearers between the teirs, and also the 1½ inch Oak planks in the same way. Mr Corby Junr., Distiller from Bellville was here this afternoon intending to stay over tomorrow</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 3</span></h3>
<p>This is a most beautiful morning for the Monthly Fair. I see a great many, Reapers & Mowers being arranged for Sale. The Wellington Hotel Building was sold by Auction to day for $150.00. The verandah for $13.00. The stable which was a framed one and sheeted both inside and outside, for $40.00, and the ground to be cleared by a certain time.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 4 1876</span></h2>
<p>This was a dry morning but not so warm as yesterday morning. The party who bought the Wellington stable is busey taking it down</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold wet morning and the wind from the East, it continued fair for the greater part of the forenoon, but came on agin in the afternoon. I sowed a bed of spinnage and also some Parsley this forenoon. The Auction of the furniture &c. is still going on to day and is likely to take all day tomorrow. It has been raining all the afternoon and continues still this evening ½ past 8.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull damp morning, it must have rained through the night, and likely to rain more ere long</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 8 1876</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath was of any thing a damp day threatning rain in the forenoon, but the afternoon was dry. But I did not go to Church as I felt unwell, in the afternoon felt great headache and sent for Dr Herod. To day it was dry weather, I feel no worse and the head better, the Dr called again to day and required me to keep quiet for the next 24 hours at least and not go out.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 9</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 10</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning and heavy rain</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 11 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning. I made arrangements this forenoon to meet John Chambers at the Quarry hole to build retaining wall.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>This is a wet looking morning but no rain has fallen. It continued fair all day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, and as the day advanced it began to blow a stif Northery wind so that is was not so warm as some days ago. I was out at the Bridget farm with a Donald Cameron, with a view to let it</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 15 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a moderately fine day, but got dull in the afternoon. I went to Church in the forenoon. This morning it was dry but during the forenoon it began to rain, and continued on during the afternoon pretty heavy. The Wellington Hotel is about half demolished, they are getting on much faster in taking it away than was expected.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull wet morning, has been raining during the night, and lightly during the forenoon, but continues still very dull. William went down to Hamilton this forenoon, to attend meeting of Chilmans Creditors</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>A great deal of Thunder and lightning last night and this morning, and a great deal of rain, and it is causing great delay in putting in the crops. The land are now all socking wet</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 18 1876</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very fine day, and quite warm at times. I Have had some men repairing fence at, Back of cottage. William started for Ottawa this afternoon at 5 Oclock</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, and the trees and bushes have made great progress, and the leaves are about full out on the Birch trees and on the chessnuts also, and the grass is looking beautiful. I have been drawing out a Plan of Mr Alexanders Cemetery Plot for Monument and where the graves are to be for they are not in their proper place. He having only bought a single lot on the day that his wife died as I was along with him and gave my opinion as to its selection & she was (Mrs Alexander) burried at a proper distance from the centre of that lot so as to admit of another grave beside her, as it was his intention to leave this country but having taken ill so soon after her and continuing to get worse, he ordered the other half to be bought and which is now 28 feet by 20 feet</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>This was a very wet morning, raining heavy till 9 Oclock and then turned very warm. Had a telegram from Wm. at Ottawa enquiring the amt. owing by Wm. Hall of Perth. I wrote him enclosing Guests letter</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 22 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very warm day about 74º. This was a dull morning and looked like rain, but none fell. I did not feel well during the night and felt better about noon. Telegraphed to Wm. at Montreal, then Mr Stewart who replied at 5 p m. Only got a reply from Wm. at 8 p m</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>There was hard frost during the night and this morning a little ice on the tubs at the spring was about the thickness of a Penny peice. But the day is turning out fine and warm</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This was a very fine morning, and moderate breese of wind cooled the air, there was no sporting with any more than one boat on the Dam a great many took advantage of the cheap fare's to Toronto & London & Hamilton. I shut down both Mill and Distillery. Had a Telegram from William that he would leave Montreal to night at 10 Oclock</p>
</div>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 25 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is another very fine morning, and all the trees almost in full leaf. Have been employing whitewashers to day to finish their work at the Priory. Made every endeavour to pay the duties on spirits but had not enough funds and paper to cover cheque, and have to wait for word from Toronto. William came home at ½ past 2 p m</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>This was another fine morning, and quite warm during the day. I have just read in the Scottish American of the death of Mr David Bryce Architect and R.S.A. aged 73, he died in Edinburgh at his own recidence 131 George Street. I have known him since a boy, his father was a Mason, and kept a night drawing school, at which my father was first a pupil & afterwards an assistant, his Mother was often in our house in Leith Walk, and were great friends for many years. I visited him several times in 1861 when in Scotland</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<p>{Duplicate page}</p>
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<p>{Duplicate page}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 29 1876</span></h2>
<p>There was very heavy showrs of rain this morning but the ceased about 11 Oclock, but it cooled the Air a good deal, and in the afternoon it became quite chilly. They are getting on very well with the excavation of the old stable of the Wellington Hotel and a man is underfitting or building a 2 feet wall, and which has to be very carefully done, and have recomended 2½ feet thick in preference, the other stores west of them are up to, and the first joists are laid. The chessnut trees are in full blossom & and all the Apples & cherry trees. I attended the Revision Committee in the Town Hall this evening. But as I was a day behind in entering my complaint they will consider by Friday night if it can be admitted</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 30</span></h3>
<p>This is a cool morning, and there was frost on the sidewalks. The foundation of the New Wellington Hotel and the Masonic Hall is now dug out and likely to be finished tomorrow. This is a warm day about 80º in the glass.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 31</span></h3>
<p>This was another fine morning. The papers this morning announce a great Conflagration in in Quebec and 400 houses found to have been consumed, first report stated a 1000 houses destroyed, and the loss will not fall short of $800,000</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 1 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine morning. It is now confirmed that the Sulton of Turkey has been dethroned. I Went down to the Quarry and found that it will take Chambers another day to fill up the embankment. The masons have begun to build the Masonic Hall. The whole excavation is now taken out and the sides on Windham street protected. Met this night at Massies to consult about a testemonial to be presented to Mr Jas. Gow, Collector, on his removal to Windsor, when a large sum was subscribed to day 2d June the list is now made up to $349.00</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>This is a very warm morning and the heat about ½ past 10 was 85º. This is our Fast Day and there was a very fair attendance. In the evening I attended the Revision committee in the Town Council Room but being a day too late they could not take up my case. I have a strong desire to go to Philadelphia to the Centennial to pick up some insight in many things I may see that may be of great use to me if I am spared</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 3</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning, and rain began to fall about Breakfast time and continued heavy for a considerable time. And then in the afternoon another heavy shower so that the ground is well socked this season.</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Newspaper cuttings - following dates handwritten on some - Nov 16 1876 and 30th Nov 1876}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 5 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was our Communion Sabbath and was very well attended notwithstanding the appearance of rain in the morning, but the day turned out fine. This is a fine morning we are planting posts on the side of the embankment at the Quarry, for a fence, instead of a stone wall to hold up the embankment as intended, but owing to the great quantity of water, was prevented from laying the foundation, and regret now that I did not pump out the water originally intended, which would have taken up less room & been more durable.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning. We have the Photagrapher taking views of the Mill this morning, & other premises. 54 more cattle were shipped this morning from here, and the balance taken probably next week if I can sell a car load at the Fair tomorrow</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, and every thing appears to be growing fast, the snowballs & Lelacks also. This is the Monthly fair day, a great many people are in Town & a good many cattle, but the demand was not very keen & the prices low & some would not accept the offers & took them home again. Mr James Gow took farewell of us to day as he leaves for Windsor tomorrow. Reeve's who bought all Hoods cattle, is very much put about at the dullness of the market not being able to sell a car of them to day as he expected. He has also the handling of Gooderham's cattle, 700 yet on hand</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 8 1876</span></h2>
<p>This has also been a very fine day, and being dry weather and warm affects the quantity of water in the river, which is well tested with, 3 pair of stones night and day for the most of last week and this. We are only running 100 Bushels per day in the Distillery and that only untill the balance of the cattle is out. A considerable quantity of Indian Corn was sold to farmers yesterday for sowing for green feed.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 9</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine warm morning, but somewhat threatning rain. I went down to Hamilton by the 10 Oclock train and was prepared with my umberella in place of my walking stick, but it was not required as it cleared up before noon clear and warm. Trade is dull and very littlle doing. I made more enquiry about fares &c. about the Centennial. I returned home by the last train</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 10</span></h3>
<p>This morning was warmer than yesterday, but we had during the day a gentle breeze, and yet it was very warm. We are getting the quarry hole nearly filled up, and on Monday will put up some planking on the posts to retain the earth</p>
</div>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 12 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning. It appears that there will be no cattle taken out of the stalls this evening for shipment tomorrow, as the markets are quite overstocked and prices very low</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>The men got the fence at the quarry completed at noon to day or rather the middle of the afternoon. But I would like a little more earth put on to raise. Mr Donald Guthrie was nominated for member to night, for the House of Commons.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This has also been a very warm day, and the water is failing fast in the river. Massie went down to Montreal yesterday. Mr John Awood & wife started for England this, p.m. William went off to St. Catharines at 2 p.m. The coffins of both Mr & Mrs Alexander were removed to day, their heads to within 2 feet of the Monument & 2 feet 6 inches apart, she lies on the left side of him. Barrels of Spirits was shipped yesterday</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 15 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a close morning and damp, and considerable rain must have fallen during the night, and has given every thing a refreshing appearance. George Booth of Toronto called this morning on his way to Windsor. The papers annonce the death of Judge Duggan in Toronto yesterday aged 64 years. I knew his father and his Brothers. It was very close warm sultry about the middle of the day, and after noon a ratling shower of Hail came on and soon turned into rain for a while, and shortly after that came on again when I was up in town and continued till about 6 Oclock & it was rather amusing to find one Counsilor and the cheif constable taking advantage of the only verandah's now left at Haddens & Days, in Windham street which elisited a good deal of fun</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dull forenoon, and close & warm, But as the day advanced it became clearer. The Pump of Rectifying House lately started was out of order & in adjusting it they broke the screw of the lower end of the Brass piston rod yesterday & it is being repaired at Ingles & Hunters to day. Mr Chubb began the foundation of the new Wellington Hotel, and Enslie & Taylor are nearly ready for the first teir of joists for the Masonic Hall. Recd. Telegram from William at Brantford will be home at 6, looks very much like rain</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning, but about a ¼ to 9 it began to rain heavy and continued the most of the forenoon, and nearly all the afternoon, and very heavy at times, no mason work was done to day.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 19 1876</span></h2>
<p>This has been a close morning, and of any thing dull and like rain. The late rain has again raised the water in the River very considerably. A terrible fire broke out yesterday morning in St. John, Quebec and destroyed the principal part of the Town and over 3000 people left houseless, & the loss about one million dollars. Nat went to Toronto this morning. The Sale of the last 2 acres of the Glebe lands of St. Andrews Church took place this afternoon it was divided into 9 lots and brought $1320.00. A smart litle shower fell about 6 Oclock.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>This is somewhat more cool</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine morning. We are cleaning out the boiler &c. in the Rectifying house and fixing the new Pump</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 22 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning. I am making anxious enquiries about any one going to Philadelphia so as to have company. Saw Mr Alexr. Drysdale to day who is going there on his way home but he will not leave here till Monday week the 3d July. Have got the pump finished in the Rectifing house this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning, but close and likely to be very warm</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine cool pleasant morning, but as the day advanced it became very warm. Have been making enquirey for places to stay in when in N. York and Philadelphia</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 26 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning. I have made up my mind to start on my journey to N. York and thence to the Grand Centennial at Philadelphia and will leave here by the midday train.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 29 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 30</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">July SATURDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 3 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 6 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 10 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 13 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 17 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 20 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 24 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 27 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 31 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">August TUESDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine warm morning, but yet reports are comming in for the failure of the Fall wheat from Rust during the late close damp weather. I was all through Mr James Morrison's new stone dwelling house which is nearly ready for the Painter. I also examined Mr Thos. Gowdy's new red Brick house which is large & roomey, and are now lathing it ready for the plasterer, both situate on Liverpool Street. The council are making great improvements on Liverpool Street cutting down the hill behind Mr Elliots and filling up opposite Walkers and Bells new houses.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>This is another very warm morning. And my Brother James D. Allan is busey loading up a Car with his furniture to be landed at Goderich, thence to be conveyed by waggon to Bayfield, where he has now got a house erected on his own land ready for his family of Wife, 2 sons & 2 daughters, and intends leaving here tomorrow</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 3 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is also a fine morning and warm & dry. We all went up to the train at ½ past 9 to take farewell of James Allan and his family, who left at 9.45 for Goderich, the Car with all their furnature having started before them at 6 Oclock a m. I observe by this morning papers that Douglas & Bannermans saw mill near Georgetown was all Burnt up yesterday afternoon.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>(No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 7 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 9</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 10 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 14 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This is a very warm morning 80º by 9 oclock a.m. Peter Idington came up this afternoon.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This is not quite so warm this morning as yesterday, but still dry and warm. We are making preparations for starting the Steam Engine, and have been getting some new patent packing for the Piston rod</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 17 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is another dry morning, and no appearance of rain. There is reports of great fires in the woods in the Eastern provinces. We got the Engine a going this forenoon and began to smutt some wheat and after dinner all three runs were grinding</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>This was also a warm morning, and during {blank}. Had Mr Robert Glendenning of Philadelphia & his daughter Mrs Norman to tea & a few friends to meet them. John C. Allan returned from Sullivan after viewing his land there</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>This morning was not quite so warm as yesterday morning, but as the day advanced it became quite warm. William went off to Kincardine by the 12.30 train. John McPherson has been busey these several days in replacing the broken lights of the Green=house with sound ones, and puttying up all defects, and painting the bars above the putty. Sherrif Grange died to night at 10 Oclock</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 21 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a cool morning, but the middle of the day got warm. But last night was quite cool and extra clothes were required on our Bed frost was seen early on the shingles.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This is a warm morning. I attended the Funeral of Sherrif Grange as Paul=bearer at 3 Oclock this afternoon,the attendance was large, his age on the Coffin was 68 years</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 24 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning and looks like rain. We intended to have started for King to visit the Revd. Mr Tawse family, but Mrs A. did not feel well enough to go to day. The Unuion Pic'nic comes off this afternoon. After all parties were on the ground and the children busey at their sports and before they had time to get any refreshments It began to rain and drove them off, some went home others took shelter under Mr Guthrie's verandah, and went at it again after it got fair. I discharged Nat's Mortgage on the back of the Hill property to day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>There has been rain during the night, and looked dark and gloomy yet. Wm. went down to Toronto by the 9 Oclock train Mrs A. & I go at 11 on our way to King, station.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>Mr Robert Holt of Dundas died to day aged 76 years a native of Sussex England & settled in Dundas in 1834 and carried on Brewing ale for many years there of an excelent quality, and {blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 28 1876</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 30</span></h3>
<p>This has been another very warm day. Mrs Allan and I left Lake Couchichen 88 miles North of Toronto this morning at ½ past 9 and arrived in Toronto at ½ past 2 p.m</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 31 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a very warm morning, and every thing very dry and the grass becoming quite Brown. At 2 Oclock the Thermometer stood at 86º</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">September FRIDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning, but much cooler than yesterday, a very fine shower fell during the night and looks as if we were going to have more. This is our Fast Day. A smart shower of rain fell this afternoon.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>This was a dry morning. It {blank}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 4 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning and looked like rain but the signs dissapear as the day advances. At 1.30 yesterday afternoon a fire broke out at the City of St. Hyacinthe at the West End, and fanned by a high North West wind, and before it was arrested 600 houses were destroyed, and the loss roughly estimated at $2,000,000. A large fire broke out in the Town of Seaforth this morning about 2 Oclock when property to the amount of between $80,000 and $100,000 was destroyed, Mr James Murphy among the rest, formerly of Guelph.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>This is rather a cool morning. A fire broke out in Dunbar's or rather Lowell's swamp East of the Bridget farm and set fire to a couple of pannels of my fence which was soon put out, but I had to keep watch till late, for if the wind which was fortunately N. West had turned towards the N. East would have destroyed the Road (Boundry line of Town) which is founded with Brush and timber & covered with swamp earth and gravel, and would burn deep into the ground if once it catched in my meaadow</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>This also is a cool morning 45º, and no signs of rain as yet. This is the Monthly Fair Day. The attendance to at the Fair is but small. There was a very few drops of rain fell on our way to the Prayer meeting</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 7 1876</span></h2>
<p>This morning looks dull, but yet no rain comes down</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>This morning looked very much like rain, but none fell. The Glue factory near Berlin was destroyed by fire last night. It was insured in the Waterloo Mutual for $4,000 & Wellington for $2,000</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 9</span></h3>
<p>This has been another dry morning, and still there is a strong appearance of rain. It continued dry the whole day</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 11 1876</span></h2>
<p>We had a fine rain yesterday morning, which lasted till 11 Oclock when going to Church, but nothng more after that. The rain began slowly about 6 Oclock & appears likely to continue</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine morning though a little dull yet it was a splended day, for the Guelph Caadonian Society, holding their first annual gathering, which was large, and all went off in splended style</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>This was a dull morning. Had some light rain but soon went off again</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 14 1876</span></h2>
<p>This morning is a little wet, and threatens to rain this forenoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This is a dullish morning and looks a good deal like rain, preparing to start to Toronto. Got down to Toronto by noon, and had great trouble and exertion to fall in with Sir John A Macdonald, and after being at his house found that he had left at 11 and went off in the Northeren train, & would not be back untill Monday. The Offices in the New Custom House are now being occupied. The British American Assurance Cos. new Office is far advanced and they are now building at the 3rd story, the workmanship & design is very splended</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning. My clerk Mr Alexr. MacKenzie went off by the early train to New York thence to Philadelphia. Higinbotham wife & children, William wife & children, & Mr Thom went down to P. Idingtons at 3 p m & retd. ½ past 9.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 18 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was pleasant and cool. In the afternoon it began to look rainey like, and began while in Church but not heavy, but heavier at night. This morning it was quite wet and continued till about 8 Oclock. It is determined now that Higinbotham and William will leave for Britian on Wednesday, if alls well. I went up to fergus to day at One Oclock to see Mr George Ferguson & got a Introductory letter to his Brother Robert in London, business is but very moderate in Fergus no wheat offered as yet and the River almost dry, lower than ever I saw it</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning, & threatning rain there must have been some falling through the night. No rain fell and it cleared up very fine. Peter Idington & wife were here to day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, though dull and heavy looking. I missed the first train going to Hamilton but went by the ½ past 9 train to attend the Provincial Show held there this week. On my return home at night I was told of a fearfull accident that happened about 6 Oclock, that a heavy stone wall had fallen and killed one man named John Watt and injured another, they were masons, engaged at an inside wall next the Court yard</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 21 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a dry morning, went up to see the building where the wall fell</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This morning was a little wet. At 2 Oclock to day we took leave of Higinbotham & William who started for Liverpool & to sail on Wednesday the 27th.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This has been a wetish kind of a morning and cloudy looking, falling like a fine mist. James D Allan came down this evening from Bayfield to see his wife.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 25 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was somwhat of a dull day, yet no rain but only a kind of drizzle. This morning it is quite mild and soft, yet no rain. James D Allans wife is very low this morning and scarcely knows any one, she could hardly speek yesterday to be understood. It began to rain about 9 Oclock very heavy and continued after, ten and during the night.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>This morning is fair, but shows great signs of heavy rain having fallen through the night</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold dissagreable morning, it rained and blew hard a great part of the night. The day was cold and stormy. The Mill was shut down to allow the men to attend the Funeral of James Allans wife at 3 Oclock it was well attended.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 28 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>This is also a dull and coldish morning and the eves dropping as if there had been rain last night. Alexr. McKenzie returned home this evening by the 6 Oclock train</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 30</span></h3>
<p>This was of any thing a cool morning. Yet it continued fair, and a great many people attended the market to day which was very large, probably with all kinds of supplies for the central Exhibition next week. We have hard times in the Priory without a servant, Phebe started off last night.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 2 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning and likely to be a fine week for the Central Fair which begins tomorrow. We have drawn off all the water in the Mill Dam for the repairs of the gates, flume, &c., before the cold weather sets in. We are putting in another centre post for the gates of the outlet flume next the Steam Mill</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 3</span></h3>
<p>This appears to be a fine morning Bright and pleasant for the show. A change in the weather has come about between 9 & 10 Oclock it became quite dull, and a fine rain began to fall, George Corbet from Owens Sound, called this forenoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>This was a dullish morning but it cleared off during the forenoon, and seems to continue dry but it is yet chilly, a great many carriages of all descriptons fill the streets, fully as many as ever I have seen. Peter Idington wife, son & daughter here to day.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 5 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine clear morning but the wind is chilly. But the day after all has turned out to be a fine dry day and the attendance at the Show very large said to be over 10,000 people. Upon examination we find that all the ceder joists over the flume in the Steam Mill and the Elm beams are quite rotten, and have begun to lift the floor to replace them with sound ones.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>This was a wet morning, and had rained heavy during the night, the forenoon was tolerably dry but the afternoon was cold and wet. The Show breaks up at 2 Oclock, this afternoon is cold and dissagreable. My brother James & children started off by the 10 Oclock train for Bayfield Miss Hooper went with them</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This is a wet cold morning, more in the way of showers of sleet, hail, and snow. And continued with a cold wind all day. We had notice by Telegram from Montreal this afternoon that the Sythia Steam Ship had arrived to day at Queenston, yesterday</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 9 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a chilly wintry kind of a day with frost enough during the night to make ice on the pools. This day is very wintry like with frequent showers of fine snow &c. Charles Davidson started with his daughter to Philadelphia at 2 Oclock.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 10</span></h3>
<p>This morning is also much the same as yesterday and through the day it was somewhat better, though the roofs were white. Miller of Ingersoll got a sample of flour and was to make an offer tomorrow. Mr Alexr. Thomson of Thomson Birket & Bell of Hamilton is at present laying very ill with a Brain fever, a consultation of 3 Doctors was held to day, and thought the case very precarious.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>This morning the roofs were not so much covered and the day has been fine clear and dry, yet a cold wind is blowing. No change in Thomsons case for the better</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 12 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold raw morning, with cold wind. We are still working at the flume next the Water Wheel the plate beam on the top of the posts of the Breast above the Moat was completely rotten and not wishing to desturb the posts nor the front planking this season pu cut off the old tennants and a portion of the worst of the posts, put in a new beam lower down where they were sounder, then removed the iron stay back to stone where we got a good hold to support the pressure of the water.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and dry and bright. Thermometer 28º. The day has turned out remarkably fine, and looks as if it was going to be the beginning of the Indian Summer.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This is a wet morning with light rain, but it must have rained heavy during the night as the ground is very wet. The day has continued fair but windy and very cold and wintry like. Have begun to day to repair the Water Wheel.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 16 1876</span></h2>
<p>Very hard frost, Saturday night & yesterday morning the ice on the water Barrel in the Garden was over one inch thick, the day was dry windy & cold. This morning is cold, 2º below freezing and still blowing cold from the North. People of the Town have begun to vote on the By-law for $30,000. Bot. of Horseman 25 coach screws 4 inch x ⅜ at $3.30 per 100. The death of young Cosset & Robertson near Philadelphia is announced this forenoon.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>This has the appearance of a fine morning hardly any frost. I find that 2 whole quarters of the inside lining of the Water Wheel is completely gone & I propose to put a ½ inch bolt down through the shrouding with a nut on the inside.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>This is beautiful morning, a little frost on the ground. The glass at 7 a m was 24º above zero.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 19 1876</span></h2>
<p>This morning was not so cold, yet there waas frost on the ground, but the day was beautifull, and a good deal of Barley brought to town. Wheat on account of the War like news has gone up 5 cents since yesterday. I attended the funeral of of young Robertson and Cosset, their graves were near together, it was the largest funeral I ever saw in this Town</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>This appears to be a fine morning, not quite so bright as yesterday morning, am hurrying to finish my only letter to my Son, this being the last Friday morning that we can send by the Allan line, and have great doubts, if it will reach England before, they leave. John Black a Mason, but laterly a farmer in Puslinch died this morning after a protracted illness, aged 78 years he acted as our foreman at the Building of the Court House here in 1842 & 3.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>This was a warm morning, and there had been rain during the night, at 7 a m the glass was 48º and at 10 it was between 50º & 60º and as high as 70º went out for a short drive in the afternoon. John Manderson died to day aged 70 years, originally a mason but laterly a farmer in the Paisley Block.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 23 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a fine mild day, at 1 Oclock the glass stood at 65º. But to day it is very wet having rained very heavy all night, and seems to continue this forenoon also. There was no mason or outside carpenter work done to day, the afternoon chilly and raw & a little wet. Had news from England to day, a letter from Willie to his wife from Queenston and one from Higinbotham to his wife from Liverpool & all well.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This morning was dray, but it became showrey in the forenoon. This afternoon has been also showrey and chilly.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dissagreable day wet showry weather. Our old Millwright Johnson Gibson died at Brant this morning aged 58 years, 5 mos. he entered my fathers employ and has continued with ever since with the exception of a few months this summer. I had 3 newspapers from William, 1 from London of the 7th inst. & 2 from Edinburgh of the 9th Inst.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 26 1876</span></h2>
<p>Chilly morning glass 34º, and a light shower of hailstones and snow. Have got the water wheel started to day and, now elevating Spring Wheat. Have been sadly detained in completing a quantity of flour that is sold, for a delay in getting Fall wheat forward from Detroit, but is now reported to be near at hand</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning, with frost on the ground. Have got a load of fall wheat from McDonald of Aberfoyle to enable us to finish a shipment that should have been sent of last week, and have the steam on again to finish it. Have also begun this morning to grind up the middlings as it is a loss of money to keep them on hand, and have plenty of water to drive the Mill.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>A good deal of Snow has fallen through the night and on the level places measured 3½ inches deep, and likely to lay over to day as there is thaw nor frost of any consiquence. Saw P. Idington in Town to day</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 30 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a tolerably fine day, and the snow is melting away gradually. This is a mild morning amd the snow is melting fast away. Have a Meeting of Directors of the Mutual Fire Insurance Co., to day. I am lifting the covering of the rain water Cisteren & going to Pump it all out as it has been spoiled by the kitchen dishwater running in to it</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 31</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a mild morning and very foggy, almost enough to make a fine shower of rain. I had a letter from William, dated Glasgow 19th Octr. McLagan, had one from Nat. Working at the Cistern to day also</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">November WEDNESDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is a warm close foggy morning, with the Thermometer at 54º. This is our Monthly Fair day. We are grinding flour with 3 pair of stones with steam, and 2 pair on middlings with water</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 2 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a very mild morning, but of any thing cloudy went up to the train & met with Revd. K. McLennan who s son is about to enter the Bank of Commerce, here. About 1 Oclock it began to rain, and continued more or less through the afternoon. All buisness was suspended to day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 3</span></h3>
<p>This is a cool raw day but no frost. They are hurrying on with the New Post office, and close up for the winter when the 2d story joists are laid, and that the walls are nearly ready for them. Sandy Glass, lost a fine little girl this afternoon one year and ten months old, of Hooping cough & deptheria. Alexr. Thomson Esqr. of Hamilton died at 8 Oclock of brain fever.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>This morning there was a slight touch of frost on the side walks, but the forenoon was fine weather but damp in the afternoon. Had 1 load of coal to the Office. The Steamer {blank} passed father point at 4 a m this morning, the names of F.W. Stone & his 2 daughters & Mrs Webster are among the passengers</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 6 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very fine day, attended funeral of Alexr. Glass child. This was a dull morning, but raw & damp, Glass at 40º. It began to rain about 10 Oclock, and continued with little intermission all the afternoon, at 8 Oclock it was very heavy. The Assizes began to day Justice Galt on the bench. Church Meeting to day at 2 Oclock</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This is also a dull morning. But as the day advanced it appeared more settled and kept dry. At 3 Oclock I attended the funeral of Mr Alexr. Thomson late of Hamilton to his last resting place in Guelph it was largely attended by no less than 56 gentlemen from Hamilton. Great doings to in the United States, for the Election of the New President, Tilden or Mays</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>This is another doubtful morning, no frost but a very few snow flakes fell this forenoon</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 9 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is of any thing a more promising morning yet by no means clear. Yet during the forenoon the Sun shone out pretty fair for a while. In the afternoon it again got cloudy & heavy. I had a visit from my old friend Mr James Gow of Windsor, for a short time</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 10</span></h3>
<p>This is a dullish morning, yet it is dry, and there had been sufficient frost during the night to make ice on the tubs &c. ¼ of an inch thick, The Sun shone out in the forenoon. No proper dicision yet as to who has the majority as President, but the general opinion is that Tilden will be the man. Have got our Hall Stove rigged up to day and the Parlour one also</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning. Have got the tin gutters in front of the verandah leading to the soft water cisterns. The gardner Busby & Bulger have been cleaning out all the short dung out of the hot Beds &c. and top dressing the cow park with it and as soon as the parsnips are out of the ground will have no farther need of Busby after the vines in the Grapery are wound round with straw ropes. The day has been fine, large market & have seldom seen so many fowls offered at this time of the year. The Assizes closed this afternoon</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 13 1876</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning the glass was about 28º or say 4º below freezing, the frost during the night must have been hard as the ice on the tubs in the garden was ½ inch thick and the Mill Dam was frozen over for the first time this season. This morning glass at 30º the ice on the dam gone, the ground is white, repairing the covering of the mill race at the old House and the stairs, also the wooden exaust pipe from the Engine is quite rotten in places, and caved in so as to interupt the escape of the steam. War News looks more eminent and exciting in Europe</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This morning the glass was between 30º & 40º but gradually got colder, and in the afternoon became quite dull. Peter Idington in town & both of us called at Guthries & Mr Watt set Tuesday the 28th inst. for Meeting of Miss Worsleys Executors, at 12 Oclock. Some few flakes of snow fell. It is reported that Hon. John H. Cameron died at 3½ Oclock this afternoon, going in his 60th year</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>The ground was all white this morning with Snow but so light that, it mostly melted all away during the day. The Hon, John Hillyard Cameron was born at Beaucaire, Languedoc, France, in April 14th 1817 received part of his early Education Kellkenny College, and came to Canada in 1825. The funeral is to take place on Friday at 3 Oclock.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 16 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold raw morning, though not freezing hard just now, yet it must have froze hard last night as the ice on the Barrel is over ½ inch thick. The day however was dry and chilly.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine mild morning, and the day turned out a moderate day. We took a drive out to Helenburn and then to the Cemetery</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>This morning was milder than yesterday and continued so through the forenoon. The afternoon was dull and looked like rain, but only a few drops fell. We have been talking about our dear Son & Son=in=law likely to have left England to day.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 20 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was of any thing a wet day, a constant drizzle of fine rain or disolving mist. To day the weather is much the same, wet for the most of the time, the roads are getting very muddy now</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>This is also a soft morning, fine close rain like mist falling, and continued during the forenoon. The afternoon was much the same as the forenoon, with a fine drizzling rain was down at Mr Stones house, Mr Lemon called. John Stone is very ill & not able to speak, and is quite helpless & can take no food.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This has been a drizzling morning, yet not cold the glass about 35º. In the forenoon it continued to blow a little colder and slight flurries of snow fell, and towards the afternoon the cold increased. Have been taking up my Parsnips to day and the salery tomorrow</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 23 1876</span></h2>
<p>There has been a little frost during the night but enough to produce thin ice on the tubs out in the garden, but it is becoming milder again and dark and dull as if there was going to be a fall of snow. I feel somewhat dissapointed in not getting a letter this week from William in England. But have hopes yet that one or other of us may hear from them before the end of the week. My daughter got a letter from her Husband to day from London dated the 10th Instant. stating that they were to sail on the 18th for home in the steam ship</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>There was a little ice on the water in the garden this morning, and white on the tops of the Celery and leeks, both of which are being taken up this morning. The day is clear and as the wind is from the North it is getting colder. I am also getting the double windows put in. Attended a Lecture by Professor Delaney on the Catacombs of Rome.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>There was a light sheet of ice on the Dam this morning and the ground frozen, but as the day advanced it became mild and the side walks and roads slopy. Have been grinding with three pair of stones in the water Mill this morning but as the day advanced the water got short and had to take of one run. It has begun to Snow to night, but hope it may all melt yet and produce more water, both for the River and also for our soft water Cisterns which are empty</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 27 1876</span></h2>
<p>There was about 2 inches deep of Snow on the ground yesterday morning & a part of it melted away where the Sun beat on it. But this morning other 2 inches have fallen, and still falling lightly this morning. But the Snow continued to fall heavier during the afternoon. Had a Telegram from a Mr Carpenter of Jolliett Minois to meet him at the Royal Hotel. Mr John Stone, 2d son of Mr Fredk. Stone, died yesterday afternoon. Met with Mr Carpenter of Jolliett M.S. this evening</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>Meeting of Miss Worsley Executors a 12 Oclock Balce. to divide $408.28, Revd. E. Ebbs $99.05 & Miss Reeve $198.12 less our fees $12.00. This morning looks wintry like, more light snow falling and, the Dam all covered with ice and snow. I attended the funeral of Mr John Stone this afternoon at 2 Oclock.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull dark morning, with light showers of snow, but about the middle of the day it was quite pleasant weather several sleighs are seen driving about town</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 30 1876</span></h2>
<p>There was sharp frost this morning, the Snow is laying all over, and a few flakes fell this morning. The mail announces the arrival of the Parthia Steamer at New York yesterday. Had a Telegram from William that he would leave New York to night</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">December FRIDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is the coldest morning we have had this season at ½ past 6 a m the Thermometer stood at 5º above zero & no wind. It was quite cold the whole day. This being our Fast Day the yet the attendance was not large. The wind North West. William got home this evening at 6 Oclock quite well</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>This is not such a cold morning as yesterday the glass about 15º above zero, have been drawing off all the water of the distillery pipes, even at this early period of the Winter som of the cast iron elbows have burst. N. Higinbotham arrived this evening at 6 Oclock quite well with the exception of a black eye, he got from a heavy lurch of the Ship in a storm</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 4 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a fine moderate winter day and the Churches were well attended. This morning at 7 the glass stood at 15º above zero, and during the day was milder. Have been confined to the House all day with a sore heel, having skined it with my Boot pressing on it where there was a hole in my sock.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>This is a very moderate winter morning yet the frost has burst some of the elbows in the pipes</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>This morning has not been severe and as the Sun got stronger about the middle of the day, it softened the ridges on the roads. This being the Monthly Fair a good many people were in town</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 7 1876</span></h2>
<p>This was a moderate morning, and the ground bare</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>It froze pretty hard last night, and a little snow fell</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 9</span></h3>
<p>This is a very stormy morning, and has been all night, the wind is very fearce, and the snow drifting very hard all day, the Thermometer about 10º above zero. It is by far the most stormy day we have had</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 11 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday the 10th the morning was calm and hardly a breath of wind, at 7. a.m the Thermometer stood at 5º below zero, the ground generally covered wth snow several inches and enough in places to make tolerable sleighing, it snowed in the afternoon. To day the glass was 5º above zero at 7. a.m and what snow that fell during the night has made</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>This morning was quite mild about 7 a m the glass stood about the Freezing point and milder as the day advanced, a good deal more snow fell during last night and has made tollerable sleighing. A great many cattle are comming into town this afternoon to be exhibited at the fat cattle show tomorrow, the days are very short just now having to light lamps at ¼ to 5 Some of the Workshops close at ½ past 4, and start about 8 in the morning. We are very dull now, the Distillery standing so long, and the Mill doing but very little, & only 4 hands working at work & the Pedler</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>This is a mild morning, the glass just about Freezing and no more. This being the Fat Cattle show day, a great number were shown as Prize Cattle and a great many ordinary cattle for sale, as well as a splended lot of fat Hogs & Sheep as well as a large lot of fat Poultry, it was thought to have been the largest show that has been yet, the weather was all that could have been wished for, and much of the Snow thawed away. Nat & William went down to Toronto to see the President of the Bank of Commerce. Wm returned to night but Nat remained over till tomorrow</p>
</div>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 14 1876</span></h2>
<p>This morning was much colder than yesterday and a cold wind blowing, and no such thing as thaw to day. Had a letter from John Smith of Bridge of Allan announcing the birth of a Son</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold morning, with a little more snow having fallen during the night. During the forenoon the wind increased in coldness and after One O'clock, the wind increased to a furious snow storm and continued all the afternoon and evening, but during the night it blew still harder and the cold increased</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This is a very cold stormy morning, and the glass at 8 a m stood below zero a little. The sleighing is but poor yet. It is rather a dull cheerless cold day, and all our works standing still, makes it more so.</p>
</div>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 18 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was another cold morning at 8 a m the glass stood at zero and during the day only got to 3º above zero. This morning it was also about zero but about the middle of the day 7º above there had been a considerable fall of Snow during the night which has made very good sleighing, which makes somewhat more still in Town. One of the Twins in my Brother John's family died this afternoon at ½ past 3 named Winstanley.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>This is a stormy morning, but not so cold as yesterday morning. Thermometer stood at 13º above zero at 9 Oclock, it blew hard last night. It is nowing heavy this forenoon, and the wind from the West. H.B. Gordon Architect X of Toronto, called on the 21st</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>This morning at 7 a m Glass 2º below zero and the day was cold. F.W. Stone, N. Higenbotham, William and A. Mackenzie, went down to Toronto to day to see the President of the Bank of Commerce about the arrangement of my affairs, and were engaged over 3 hours. I attended the funeral of Johns child this afternoon and got my hands almost froze in driving. The Grave was dug according to order 7 feet deep. Nat and William returned to night by the 8 Oclock train</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 21 1876</span></h2>
<p>X This morning was more mild at 7 it was 10º above zero and more snow had fallen during the night, and the sleighing was splended, and a large Market to day of all kinds of Produce, hoggs especially the highest price $7.00. Recd. from Thomson & Jackson interest on Mrs McLeans Mortgage $20.00 (is not so much as last time)</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This was a moderate morning about 10º to 14 above zero, with a little more snow. There was again another large market this morning, the sleighing is very good. I desided to put on the fire in the Distillery on Tuesday next, to test the pipes &c. Our Sabbath school children's meeting to night was largely attended by both parents & strangers, & all went off exceedingly well.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This morning is also mild and snowing a very little, glass about 18º above zero.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 25 1876</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday at 8 a m the glass was at zero and calm. Christmas Day was a very fine morning the Thermometer stood at 10º above zero at 7 a m the sleighing was very good, calm & pleasant.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>This was also a pleasant morning, and a large market. This afternoon according to notice given the principal part of my Creditors met in my Office, when the state of my affairs was laid before them.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>This morning was also calm and pleasant the sleighing was improved by the light fall of snow through the night. Had a meeting of the Directors of the Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Co. to day, there was a full meeting and a good deal of business done, and an Assessment of 6 per cent called ordered. We got notice that the Bank folks from Toronto are to be here tomorrow.</p>
</div>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 28 1876</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate morning. We have been informed that the President Mr. Wm McMaster and the Manager will not be here before the ½ past one having had to go round by Hamilton, (he missed the train). When only Mr. Anderson came, & part of time Mr. Wm Smith also, Mr. Andw. Lemon, Mr. F.W. Stone John Idington, and Wm. & I sat the whole day talking over what way the funds could be raised and the Works kept going Mr. Anderson taking part in the conversation and at the same time had in his pocket Insolvency papers that were signed in Toronto on the 27th. John Idington went on home by the 6 Oclock train</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a stormy morning, blowing & drifting at a fearfull rate. The 11 Oclock train going East was far behind time & did not go past here till ¼ past 12, when Mr. Wm Smith, Manager of the Bank of Commerce handed me a document requiring me to hand over my Estate & effects as per Insolvment act of 1875. And the same to William in the afternoon. But not being a partner of mine not yet a Trader according to the Act, he will require to be treated differently.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 30</span></h3>
<p>This morning is moderately cold say about 20º with a little snow, & some had fallen during the night. We were all surprised to find this morning that The Engineers of the Grand Trunk Railway, throughout the whole line had struck work at 8.30 last night. The duetch mail as it is called uncoupled on the track here near the market, and a freight train with 12 cars of live Piggs left at the freight station with all the feed pipes dissconected & the water run off the boilers, some at Breslau Station & all over as far as Portland & Sarnia.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">December SUNDAY 31 1876</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine morning 12º above zero plenty of snow for good sleighing, and the Churches well attended.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday, 1st January 1877</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning. William Dickson Esqr. of Galt Died this day aged 77 years & 6 months entered all in new Book</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 2d Jany. 1877</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather all day. Have been waiting all day expecting Mr John Idington down from Stratford to consult on matters of Insolvency. But towards the end of the afternoon I went up to Mr John Smith's Office and, signed the document of Assignment.</p>
</div>
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<p>Wednesday 3d Jany. 1877</p>
<p>At 7.a.m Thermometer 2º below zero and quite calm. This Being the Monthly Fair Day a great many people are in Town but, very few cattle that are fit for Beef</p>
<p>Thursday 4th Jany.</p>
<p>This morning was not so cold. William went to Stratford this afternoon</p>
<p>Friday 5th</p>
<p>Fine winter morning Glass at 7 am at 10º above zero, calm and fine sleighing. Peter Idington here and his Grandson Patrick</p>
<p>Saturday 6th Jany.</p>
<p>This was a milder morning and thawed a very little about the Middle of the day there was a good many teams in Town</p>
</div>
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<p></p>
<p>Sabbath 7th Jany. 1877</p>
<p>This was a fine day about 10º above at Church time</p>
<p>Monday 8th Jany. 1877</p>
<p>This was a fine moderate day and the sleighing improved again by a light fall of Snow, all busy laying all things in order so as to take an Inventory of them</p>
<p>Tuesday 9th Jany.</p>
<p>This is another moderate morning a little more snow has fallen during the night. Mrs Wm Scott Stewart was here & went to Waterloo by noon train</p>
<p>Wednesday 10th Jany.</p>
<p>This is a moderate morning, clear, and pleasant the frost during the night was about {blank} But at 10 a m it was 21º above zero</p>
<p>Thursday 11th Jany.</p>
<p>Was also moderate, this is my Birth Day. Towards night it began to blow & snow a little went up to the Station expecting to meet John Idington, who wired that he would come, but did not then, but came by the late train, and had an interview with the Banker & Lemon on Wm account. Dr. Hogg is not well this week</p>
<p>Friday 12th was a very cold morning at 7 it was 11º below zero, and even up to 10 Oclock it was 5º below. The Annual Meeting of Directors of The Wellington Mutual at the Queen's we dined together & had the General Meeting for the Election of the new board of Directors upstairs, when all the old ones were re elected, there was a much larger meeting of strangers than formerly</p>
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<p>Saturday 13th Jany.</p>
<p>This is not so cold a morning 5º above zero but the wind from the North began to get up during the Day and the cold increased very much towards evening. I called on Dr. Hogg and found that he was better to day than yesterday</p>
<p>Monday 15th Jany.</p>
<p>Yesterday was a moderate day at 7 a m it was 10º above zero, but in the afternoon it got to be colder, a Mr Frazer, Preached for us yesterday (a student from Toronto). Dr. Hogg passed a bad night. And this morning was about the same temperature, and a change came on in the forenoon as if there was going to be a thaw or snow storm, when after 2 pm the wind sprung up from the N. West with a continuos fall of snow and cold going against the wind. Dr. Hogg no better to day, and spitting up Blood from the lungs</p>
<p>Tuesday 16th</p>
<p>Moderate morning 10º above zero at 7. a.m a good deal of snow fell last night and is laying still there being no wind to drift it, but the trains are very irregular in arriving</p>
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David Allan (1808 - 1895)
1875
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
DAILY JOURNAL.1875.
{Several newspaper clippings pasted on the inside of the front cover dated March 17 1875}
The Rice Lake Railway bridge is making satisfactory progress. The contractor is making every necessary
exertion, and the bridge will be open for traffic next summer. In view of a probable flood the Bobcaygeon
Independent suggests that all the stop logs in the back country dams should be ordered out by the agents
of the Ontario Government. {Newspaper clipping-left}
Attempted Suicide 1875 CHICAGO, March 16- A.J. Thomas, for several months an operator in the
Chicago Board of Trade, attempted suicide to-day by shooting himself, it is supposed fatally. Heavy
losses induced the act. {Newspaper clipping-right}
DAILY JOURNAL for 1875.
TORONTO PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
{Printed page showing Rates of Postage, Terms and Court, Bank Holidays, Table of Stamp Duties, and
List of Sundays In 1875}
DIARY 1875.
{Blank Page}
January FRIDAY 1 1875
This is a fine morning not very cold and enough snow left to slide along with a sleigh very well
Saturday 2 Much the same this morning
January MONDAY 4 1875
Very fine morning, and good sleighing snow having fallen last night Great excitement about the
Election
Tuesday 5
This is a fine morning
�I had to attend the Court in the Judges chambers in the case Queen vs Birmingham for encroaching on
the York Road with his fence posts
Wednesday 6
Fine clear morning
I went down to Galt to order new clothes for Upper Reels for both the Water Mill and Steam Mill, viz No 9
at head and No10 at tail of reels, and to change the upper cloths to the under reels
Monthly Fair to day
January THURSDAY 7 1875
This is a pritty sharp morning, and snowing a little now and then
I made an agreement with Robt Stewart to take all his pile of clear stuff, that 3 inch Plank for fermenting
tubs at $22,50 per thousand feet Board measure As if picked out and only the quantity I required at
present he would charge me $30.00, per M, and if I chose let me have the balance at $16,00 per M, so I
took the lot and began to haul it home
Friday 8
Fine winter weather, and snowing a little and has been snowing through the night, Got all the clear
Planks home this forenoon
Saturday 9
This is a very stormy cold morning by far the coldest this winter, and yet the glass did not indicate lower
than 3º above zero at 7am. A good deal of snow fell and drifted the wind strong from the West.
We got the wheels of the steam mill finished this afternoon.
The water is very scarse and can hardly chop enough for the Distillery.
January MONDAY 11 1875
This is not so cold as yesterday morning, for at 7am it was 9° below Zero, and this morning at Zero by
one glass and 3° below in another, one while different Thermometers in Town indicated 15° below,
fortunately there was very little wind yesterday, for had it blown as it did on Saturday it would have been
more dredfull against the Wind.
�We are repairing the colapse valve in the Still and took out the copper drop pipe, as it had colapsed half
way up and a hole in it where the Steam entered and prevented the charge decending
This is my Birth Day having been born in Edinburgh in 1808.
We got the still started about noon after taking out the drop pipe Peter Gow Esqr elected to day by
aclamation for the Local House of Parliament.
TUESDAY 12
This was rather a milder morning the glass shewing 1° above Zero,
The Steam Mill went all last night
I yesterday received a letter from Girvan containing the discharge of Mortgage by Mrs Grace McLean in
favor of Jannet Armstrong, Robt Scott, J. B. Armstrong, Wm Armstrong, James Massie Mrs Massie his
wife and George Armstrong, which Mortgage bears date 24 Nov 1864 Liber A7 folio 22545
Peter Idington here to day
WEDNESDAY 13
This is a milder morning, Thermometer 27° above Zero and snowing quite copiously also several
showers during the day
I arranged with Ingles to allow my men the use of the plainer at $1,00 per day. And got up the staves
this afternoon
January THURSDAY 14 1875
A very pleasant morning
General Meeting of Wellington Mutual Insurance Co for the Election of New directors &c and all the old
Directors were reelected.
Sad tiding to day of the death of John McGivern son of Col McGivern of Hamilton who was killed by the
Cars near the Station in Toronto last night when expecting to meet his sister last night,
And poor Mr Gray the gardner was Killed by a Northern train in the forenoon,
�FRIDAY 15
This is a fine winter morning, Went down to Toronto by the early train, for the purpose of getting a new
drop pipe for the still,
The City seemed dull and great want of activity in trade, and Shipping business has not paid the vessel
owners at all, One propeller laid up for the winter was $3,000 in debts, and many others in like manner,
Was told that Eneas McKay of Hamilton had remarked that his new vessel would have been better on the
stocks all the season & not to have launched her.
I got home by 8 Oclock, and brought the pipe with me,
SATURDAY 16
Moderate morning has been snowing through the night and still continuing, the Temperature is 12°
above Zero,
We are getting on nicely in jointing the staves in my own Machine, having got them thicknessed at
Cossets shop & Ripped them there also, Ingles & Hunters Machine having broken down
I Bought a framer's boring Machine with 3 augers allong with it for $6.50 & a 7/8 bit for 50¢ for dowels for
Bottom of tuns,
January MONDAY 18 1875
This was a moderate morning 10° above Zero at 7 a.m. With a light fall of Snow during the night
Had to put in the Copper drop pipe this morg which took longer time than I expected as it had to be
hamered out larger to get it on the tube of the Brass gate.
Had also to stop to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying House and tighten the ends of the tubes with the
expander
TUESDAY 19
This is another fine winter day Tempᵗ 10° above zero with a light fine snow
Had to stop the Steam Mill this morning as both pairs of flouring Stones were dull and pasted
WEDNESDAY 20
This is a moderate morning with light shower of Snow
�Began to remove the bolting cloth of the upper reels of the Steam Mill
Reports are at hand of the failure of several houses in Montreal
January THURSDAY 21 1875
This is a milder morning with a considerable fall of Snow, and continuing
Began to remove the upper reel cloths in the Water Mill bolts, the water is still very scarse and only
enough to Grind the Corn for the Distillery, and think it the best time to change them
Montreal 20th 3 business houses have suspended to day, viz MG. and WH. Edson importers of Wines
liabilities $70,000,
Chapman, Fraser & Tylee groceries & wines $70,000
Duncan Bell, Manufacturer agents $60,000 & several more talked of, Edson offered 25¢ today to his
Creditors
FRIDAY 22
Rather colder this morning, and blowing more, with another coating of snow
Have got the 2 upper reels of the bolts on and working, and will put on the ones taken off and put them on
below as soon as, they are got ready (that is altered a little)
SATURDAY 23
This is a very fine clear morning 10° above Zero a little snow having fallen through the night
More failures reported this morning
Jas Doyle & Co Distillery Goderich,
C Powney, Hardware, Fergus
Asselin Oliver, grocer, Montreal
January MONDAY 25 1875
Moderate weather and settled
Yesterday was a very boisterous day a considerable quantity of snow having fallen. also during last
night much more has fallen, so that it is very deep to day in some places,
�2 men are still putting on the bolting cloths, and Dobbie working at the bottoms of the new fermenting
tuns.
TUESDAY 26
This was a very fine day, John & I went down to Galt to emaming a pair of Millstones that were ready for
us, if approved of & when there could not decide & Telegraphed for Moses our Miller to come down &
give his opinion who joined with John in the opinion that they were too open and we therefor ordered
another pair to be made
WEDNESDAY 27
This is a snowing morning, and a good deal must have fallen through the night
Snowing this evening,
January THURSDAY 28 1875
This is a fine morning and moderate weather some more snow has fallen, and still comming down in
slight showers, began this morning to put on the lower cloths on the reels in the water mill (that is those
that were upper ones)
Duncan McDonald of Montreal (formerly merchant of Toronto) now travels for Leckie & Co
FRIDAY 29
This is a very sharp morning 10° below Zero at 7am with scarsly any wind, Otherwise it would be very
cold
The men are finishing the last cloth for the water mill bolts.
SATURDAY 30
This was a very moderate morning, and during the fore part of the day
But during the afternoon it got very cold, I took a drive out to the Rocks and found that a very large track
has been cut up into wood
February MONDAY 1 1875
This is a very fine winter morning, some more snow having fallen during the night
�William and Mr Adams went down to Toronto by noon train, about the gauging of some whisky, Wm
went on to Hamilton from there
The Steam Mill has been standing all day for the cleaning out of the Boiler, and to examine the piston,
Judge Gwine opened Court to day for the trial of the contested election between Drew and Higinbotham,
when after a short examination of 3/4 of an hour the seat was declared vacent
TUESDAY 2
Very fine weather, most likely to thaw, from the mildness, the snow is deep in some places on the track
of the G. Western near Town, there was a delay of the afternoon train going North of from 6 pm to 8
Oclock,
It is snowing this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 3
This was a mild morning, and light rain came on early, But yet the Monthly fair was well attended,
about noon it rained hevier and looked like a regular thaw, but about one Oclock the wind chopped round
to the west, and it began to freeze and blow hard and very cold during the evening.
February THURSDAY 4 1875
This is a very cold morning, and has blown a perfect gale all night, and many of the Telegraph wires are
down, and all day it has blown a strong Westerly wind and desperately cold, at 7 am it was 2° below
Zero, and at noon only 2° or 3 ° above it. so continued the remainder of the day
FRIDAY 5
This is another cold morning Thertr at Zero at 7am but the wind was not so strong during the night nor yet
this morning
SATURDAY 6
This morning is colder than yesterday 2° below Zero at 7 pm am
Began to hoop the new fermenting tubs, with 1 Bundle of 3 inch Band I got from Bond on trial
this evening at 7 pm it was 8° below Zero
�February MONDAY 8 1875
Sabbath morning was the coldest morning we have had for many years at 1/2 past 7 it was 25° below
Zero at 8 oclock 24° in the evening at 10 pm it was 12° below Zero
This morning it was not so cold at 1/2 past 6 it was 3° below Zero
Got 3 Bdˢ of 3 inch Band and 3 do {ditto} of 2 1/2 inch band iron from Bond & Co a $3.50 pr 100 lbs
New Policy of insurance to day
John Gore the Quarry man began his contract to cut down the Rock in the Distillery cellar for the new
tuns $40,
TUESDAY 9
This is another cold morning, Wind N. West & light (Glass at 10 last night 12° below Zero) This morning at
7 am the mercury stood at 15° below Zero & at 10 am it was 9° below Zero, fortunately the wind is not
strong otherwise it would be fearfully cold,
The glass to night at 10 Oclock was 10° below Zero
WEDNESDAY 10
This morning was 19° below Zero at 7 am but several other Thermometers marked 22° below
The day has been very cold, the wind was from the East then N. West in the afternoon equally cold & at
7 it went round to the South West and began to snow and drift,
There was quite a ground swell in the river and Dam was flowing over in the morning and the ice frozen to
the bottom of the river below the water
February THURSDAY 11 1875
Very cold morning owing to the wind from the West, but the Thermometer does not indicate more than
about Zero, And as the day advanced it became of any thing milder, and Kept on snowing and continued
on till night, so that a great deal of snow has fallen since yesterday evening when it began
Meeting in St Andrews Church School House to night no trains to day
�FRIDAY 12
This is another very cold morning 10° below Zero and a cold N. West wind blowing, and has continued
all the forenoon below Zero and only at 2 pm did it get up to Zero, The roads are so blocked up on the
Grand Trunk that no trains have been run to day
No trains the fore part of the day untill night when the snow plough came down with 2 Engines
John Gore finished his contract to day, but there is more to do on Monday after the stone is all cleared
away
SATURDAY 13
This is the coldest morning yet at 7 am the Thermometer showed 27° below Zero and little or no wind,
during the fore noon the wind got up a little from the N. West, The G Trunk trains are running to day and
keeping fair time,
Got the last of the 3 tuns hooped and taken apart for removing
No signs of any change in the weather , but getting colder to night the large quantity of snow adds
greatly to the cold,
February MONDAY 15 1875
Yesterday Morning at 7 am 21° below Zero & quite calm at 1/2 past 8 it was 8° below, at 1/4 past 10
PM, and very cold.
This morning at 7 Oclock 20° below Zero and has been very cold all day and never more than 2° or 3°
above Zero, and fell off lower at dark and at 10 oclock p.m. 8° below Zero
I hear that George McLean has sold his Mills in Aberfoyle 3 pairs of stones for $20,000
John McNaughton formerly a joint proprietor (With Jas Wilson) of the Galt Mills died there at noon to day
aged 54 years, after about 2 years of considerable suffering,
TUESDAY 16
This morning at 7 am 5° below Zero, a considerable difference is felt from yesterday & this fore noon is
very pleasant winter day,
I have just recᵈ a letter from Freelton that Archᵈ Stewart Esqr died on Saturday last, funeral tomorrow at
11 am
�The Quarrymen have finished their work in cutting down the Rock for the foundation of Tuns
It is reported that a Bank here will loose $10,000 by a speculator in Barley
WEDNESDAY 17
Stormy morning I went down below Freeton to attend the Funeral of Archᵈ Stewart Esqr who died there
on Saturday last the Roads were terribly drifted, and the day was a desperate one there being no
protection on these wide plains as formerly, when lined with woods on each side of the road, the snow
for the most part was level with the fences
In returning home & when about 2 miles from Guelph we upset the cutter, and I got my left shoulder
dislocated, but drove up to Dr Herods house and got him down to the Priory with us, when him and
James, (my Brother who accompanied me) drew it into its place again the pain was very great
February THURSDAY 18 1875
This I am told is a Keen cold day
I lay in bed all day as quiet as possible so as to keep the joint home in the socket
FRIDAY 19
Not so cold to day. I got up to Breakfast several callers to see me
SATURDAY 20
Much the same as yesterday
February MONDAY 22 1875
The weather tollerably fine yesterday but I did not venture to go to church.
To day was a fine pleasant I dressed and got on my body coat, and overcoat one arm in, and attended
meeting of Directors We had before us report of the destruction of Thomas Watsons tannery by fire
Had to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying house to day & a slight mending of the boiler, also the air
vessel of the water pump which had burst by the frost during the nights of Saturday & Sunday A window
having been left open was the cause And after having got all ready steam up &c it was found that the
water pipe leading under ground from the race was frozen solid. The afternoon was soft and began to
rain
�TUESDAY 23
This morning was mild and throught a thaw and light rain in the afternoon, and heavier in the evening.
The men have been working all night and to day Steaming the Water pipe and have made no progress of
any account of The hose used will not bear sufficient pressure
WEDNESDAY 24
Thawing to day again, and the streets flooded with water
Have been working all day, getting off the water out of the well, I had to construct a light coffer=dam
{hand drawing of the well} in the middle of the well and set down a pump in one corner & got it dry so as
to get at the bent iron pipe into which we bored a hole to incert a funnell & poured hot water
William left home for London on a business tour this afternoon
February Thursday 25 1873
This is a cold blustering morning, snow has fallen during the night, yet it is thawing some. After having
had on the Steam all night it has not come through into the Well yet, and am preparing to to take a pipe
from the tank in the distillery, and had the pipes and elbows &c all laid down at the door, when the Steam
began to huller & roar roar in the Well, when all of us were overjoyed that the pipe was once more clear of
ice.
Then we had to remove the coffer dams filled with clay (& dung but the dung was more harm than good,)
and after getting all the chips dirt &c out as clean as possible, set the pump agoing to pump the water
clear, shut down for the night all being tired out.
Very stormy night Heard from WIlliam in London twice to day he leaves for St Thomas
February Friday 26 1873
Another coat of snow this morning. All the works going on well, and the day is turing out fine.
Heard from Wm at Chatham to day
William returned by the 6 oclock train this evening
February Saturday 27 1873
This is a sharp morning, but clear
William returned by the 6 oclock train this evening,
begining to freeze hard this evening
�March MONDAY 1 1875
This is a very stormy morning, Snowing heavy & blowing hard at the same time. (Yesterday at 10 a.m.
glass stood at 5° above zero, clear all day & freezing hard in the evening)
At noon the Storm continues the Galt train went down this morning and the mail train came up but no
trains whatever since, the drift and quantity of snow falling will stop them on all the roads,
(my arm is improving & can almost do without a sling.
TUESDAY 2
This is of any thing a better morning but it froze hard last night it is 5° above Zero this morning at 7.
Great many baskets of fouls arriving for the Exhibition
{newspaper clipping outlined in blue} {Messrs, Duffield, Waltham, and Snodgrass, of London, arrived
yesterday as a deputation to confer with the Minister of Inland Revenue relative to excise on oil. They had
an interview with the authorities of the Inland Revenue Department to day, and obtained such
concessions as will enable them to carry on their business, for the present at least, without any
inconvenience arising from the new system of weighing.}
{Newspaper clipping outlined in both a blue and red} {Both the Town and County of Peterboro' were
busily employed last week in considering the fallen bridge over Otonabee. They have decided upon
erecting a temporary wooden bridge, the contract for it, indeed, being already let, so that the
communication across the river will soon be secured. As to the permanent structure, the decision is not
finally made, but it seems to be pretty nearly determined that it shal be a boiler plate girder bridge, similar
to the viaduct at Port Hope. The majority of the County Council advocate a wooden bridge in preference,
if there is to be a great difference in the cost, and as to bow string girder bridges, public confidence in
them seems to have been rudely shaken by the recent accident}
WEDNESDAY 3
This is a very bad morning for the Poultry Show it is snowing and drifting hard from the East and the
railways will soon be all stopped
I have dispenced with my sling for my arm it is a great deal better
I have seen the show this afternoon and it is a fine display of all Kinds of fouls,
The drift and snow is fully worse than it has been & the snow falling heavier towards 6 O,clock
�coal deld
for $3,90 by the Nairn Co,
March THURSDAY 4 1875
This is a much better morning and somewhat settled like, and looks like a thaw
Higinbotham started for Orangeville this afternoon
FRIDAY 5
Snowing heavy at 7 Oclock am Temp 20 degrees it slackened off about 10 and the sun partly shone
through the thickness of the Air
Our Fast day in church
It began to snow this evening in going to church and heavier on our return
SATURDAY 6
This morning looks dull & has been snowing last night about 4 inches deep, the glass up to near
freezing say 28 degrees
March MONDAY 8 1875
This is a moderate morning 18 degrees and thawing during the middle of the day opened up the drain in
the Mill Yard to let off the Water. have 3 men working at the flood gates clearing away the ice in case
of a sudden thaw
My arm is a great deal better to day.
Mr & Mrs Gardner here from Kincardine
TUESDAY 9
This morning was much milder about 30 degrees at 7 am the snow is getting soft, but not to say slushey
yet
Have got the flood gates as clear as they can be untill a complete thaw begins.
There was a fogg & hoar frost this morning which is a sign of a thaw
Have finished the Curb for the 4th pair of stones for the Steam Mill, and put on the first coat of paint on it.
WEDNESDAY 10
{No Entry}
�March THURSDAY 11 1875
This is a mild day, and the water druping from the eves of the houses
Attended the funeral of Mrs Thos Hood (Annie Bruce) who died on the 9th very suddenly of heart disease,
she used to visit our house 41 years ago when a little girl
FRIDAY 12
This is also a mild morning a shower of sleet & snow has fallen through the night, and the drops are
falling from the roofs
Have taken down the upright shaft for as to Key on a pair of new bevel wheels to drive the Smutt
Machines the teeth of the old ones being worn quite thin
also a spurr wheel on the horizontal shaft the old one having 2 teeth broken out of it
SATURDAY 13
This has been a mild day, the streets are quite wet the water lodging in many places where it cannot
get off
We had to stop the Engine last night as she kept thumping hard in the Cylinder On examination it was
found that a nut of the follower of the Piston had burst in peices it was soon repaired & started again
Have got the wheels keyed on the upright shaft and put in its place
March MONDAY 15 1875
This last has been a fearful night of Thunder & lightning and heavy showers of rain, and the snow in a
pulp
I went down to Galt by the 9 oclock train to see about the new Mill stones and found that they Just been
shipped on board the Car, I also made enquirey about the sale of a pair of old ones, to a party in
Listowel
I also made enquirey about the 18 inch Cylinder that they had on hand, but found that it was engaged to
to fitted up in the mill to be rebuilt at Listowel.
The streets in Galt were all in a puddle and frequent heavy showers of rain
Daniel Lizars Esqr Clerk of the Peace County of Huron died yesterday morning aged 82 years has held
the Office since 1841. His son Dr John Lizars died in Toronto last week
�TUESDAY 16
This is a dry morning so far but as the day advanced heavy showers of snow came on drifting heavy
John and a squad of men are busy loading up the Tomestones on three sleighs and taking them up to the
Cemetery, but the day is very course
In the afternoon the Great Western team brought in the new pair of Millstones, when after laying down a
few large bags of Bran upset them right of the sleigh on to them
WEDNESDAY 17
This is another Stormy morning no thaw to day but showers of Snow, with a Stiff Breeze, and wintry like
This is the longest and hardest winter I can remember
March THURSDAY 18 1875
This is a cold disagreable day
There is considerable anxiety this afternoon as to the result of the Election in North Wellington
The news came in to night that Higinbotham was 2 behind Drew
FRIDAY 19
Hard frost this morning, down to Zero at 7 am
The news from the North is changed for the better after getting returns from the different Polling stations
which puts Higinbotham on the other side with a majority of 3 votes
SATURDAY 20
More Snow has fallen last night and looks more wintry again
Higinbotham and a party of friends from the North arrived this evening at 1/2 past 6 and a party of
between 50 & 60 sat down to an elegant repast at 8 Oclock at the Wellington Hotel
March MONDAY 22 1875
Very cold last night Thermoneter at 7 am 7° below Zero {this part is written above the sentence} 13°
below at 6 oclock and at 10 Oclock it rose to 22° above, with a powerfull sun Wm went of to Stratford
this morning
Higinbotham started for Ottawa at 5 pm
�TUESDAY 23
This is another sharp morning at 6 oclock it was 13° below Zero and at 7 am it stood at 7° and rose
rapidly when the Sun shone through
William & John Higinbotham came home from Galt school, by the 8 Oclock morning train.
WEDNESDAY 24
This is a mild morning 34° or 2 above freezing and 2 inches of Snow fell during the night The wind due
West, with a light drizle of rain for a very short time, but there is not much of a thaw as yet but it is
comming on
Kingston Court House reported to be on fire this morning
March THURSDAY 25 1875
Moderate weather. Clear and a little thaw
The Court House at Kingston was totally destroyed by fire yesterday
Had to blow off the Mill Boiler this afternoon as the gasket between the flange of the safty valve and the
Boiler was partly blown out, after emptying the boiler and refilling it with cold water to cool it, so as to
allow a man to get in to hand the bolts, & found it hot after all, however we got it all done in 5 hours
Good {written by diarist} FRIDAY 26
This is a wet dull morning rain & fine sleet But the day was mild though dull and a good deal of water
running in the gutters
SATURDAY 27
This is another mild day
The gutters in Windham street were flowing very fast, and extra drains had to be cut across the street to
March MONDAY 29 1875
Quite mild this morning
As the day advanced the streets are flowing fast
William went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train to endeavour to effect some sales.
�William returned from Toronto by the 7 pm train & found business dull. Merchants overstocked & little or
nothing doing
TUESDAY 30
Another mild morning, and the weather Spring like & the Sun powerful in melting the Snow & the streets
flooded with water
WEDNESDAY 31
This is also quite a mild day, the Sun has great power in melting the Snow that the Streets are running in
torrents & the gutters full as if after a great fall of rain the River also rising and flowing over the dam
several inches
David Kennedy has begun this week to excavate for the addition to the Market House, and finds plenty of
excellent building Sand
April THURSDAY 1 1875
This is a close morning with Tempte
at 50° and dull and threatning rain
At 1/2 past 10 it began a fine steady close rain, and continued to increase and continued pretty heavy till
1/2 past 12, and only very slightly during the afternoon
And towards night it began to freeze and dry up and turned out a fine night
The water in the Dam rose considerable, but we did not open the flood gates much, as I want to keep the
water that the current below may wear away the ice as it is very much more so than ever I saw
Began to day to put in the new Millstones
FRIDAY 2
This is a very fine morning and dry and plenty of water rolling over the Dam
We began to take the Engine apart and get out the Cylinder to get bored out afresh
Had a meeting of the of the Mutual Insurrance Co. The loss by Thos Watson Tanner of Fergus, was
discussed
Great deal of Water going over the Dam.
Our Clerk Mr Alexr Mackenzie has determined to cross the Ocean to Bring hom his son he will leave on
Thursday
�SATURDAY 3
This is another fine morning the water still Keeping up in the river
I got the Cylinder on boad the car this afternoon for Galt
April MONDAY 5 1875
The water is much the same as Saturday but as the day advances it is greatly increased by the heat of
the Sun
Had to hoist the flood gates this afternoon so as to lower the water and prevent the ice going over the
dam as it is far too thick yet not far from 4 feet thick
Have been working all day at the Coils in the Rectifying still and not yet able to find out the worst leacks
the flanges that are turned up at the ends behind the collars are eaten away to extreame thinness
TUESDAY 6
Much colder this morning the ground frozen, We worked to 12 Oclock last night but did not get the joints
to my Satisfaction.
Had to cut off a peice of the turn=up flange of one of the Joints and solder on a new ring instead of
turning up again as the copper appears to be almost rotten & very thin
I went down to Galt this afternoon to give instructions as to what I wanted done to the Engine. The
Water in the Grand River is very high and great quantities of ice and drift wood of all Kinds going down at
a rappid rate
WEDNESDAY 7
This was also a cold raw morning. it had been raining and freezing as it fell and all the sidewalks
covered with ice
This is the Monthly Fair not many cattle in to day
The water in the River is decreasing
April THURSDAY 8 1875
This is a very fine morning, and the roads are drying up fast, and the ice on the Dam melting fast away
My clerk Mr MacKenzie left here by the Great Western R.R. for New York by the 2.10 train on his way to
Scotland. I went out to see him away Mr George Bruce also for the same distination.
�FRIDAY 9
This is a dull morning it has been raining during last night or this morning,
another light shower fell about 9 oclock, but did not last above 1/2 an hour, and during the forenoon
became fine clear weather
SATURDAY 10
This is a mild morning.
This afternoon the little boy Grange fell into the canal at the flood gates and was carried through them
and down the River at a rappid rate, when John C Allan hearing of it ran down the side of the bank and
caught hold of him about the smoke House, he was quite exausted & nearly gone
About 10 Oclock, or just as I was about to open the Office door after the Town Clock had finished striking
10 I heard the Bell begin to toll quicker & quicker & the cry of fire, & started up town & heard one say that
Raymonds factory was on Fire
April MONDAY 12 1875
A dull morning & looks like rain and only a light shower fell
The whole of Raymonds Sowing machine factory was burnt down last night, I at one time expected that
the N East wing could be saved but all their exertions were in vane but the greater part of the machines
were saved, but there was no time to take down the shafting and many other fixtures
TUESDAY 13
This morning looks also a little like rain, but so far none has fallen
The ice is entirely away of the Dam, and the water getting lighter and in the afternoon had to shut down
the remainder of the flood gates almost to the bottom so as to Keep the water running over the Dam
Dobbie & Gibson are working at chain for elevating the Dung, the wheels framing &c
Attended a social at the Sabbath School
WEDNESDAY 14
This is a fine morning, got the three cedar posts hauled in
Alfred Stroud called this noon.
�Have got the 2 rows of old posts taken out, from to make room for the 3 new fermenting turns, and have
put in 3 heavy Ceder posts instead with much longer caps or vaultrees, and will be ready tomorrow I hope
to lay the pipes & then the bottom of one of the tuns to begin with
April THURSDAY 15 1875
This is a dull morning, pretty cool & looks very much like rain
This afternoon, I attended the distribution of Prizes at the Modell Farm, there was a great number there.
it came on a heavy rain storm and blew hard and cold
FRIDAY 16
This morning the ground was covered with snow, very cold and freezing, but it went mostly all away in the
afternoon
SATURDAY 17
This is quite a cold morning the ground hard frozen and the Dam covered with thin ice the glass was 12°
above zero at 7 am, and the ground covered with a light coat of snow. It remained cold & hard frost all
day
Began to set up the first fermenting tun to day The Engine came back from Galt to day, and got it into
the Engine House this evening.
It is freezing hard again to night.
April MONDAY 19 1875
This is another cold morning 18° above Zero there was a light coat of snow on the ground but it soon
during the forenoon The ground is hard and ice on the Dam
Have been lowering the Engine frame and placing the Cylinder on the frame
______________________________________________________
The Cylinder before being bored was 14 1/8 inches and after being bored out was 14 1/8 3/32ds inches
______________________________________________________
William Fisher arrived this evening from the States
�TUESDAY 20
This is also a very cold morning 20° above zero
Have done all I can do to the Engine with our own men, & will proceed to Galt to get a man from there to
put Her in proper line and set the valves. _______________________
I went down to Galt and got the promise of a man to be up tomorrow morning
The water in the Grand River has fallen very considerably, that the Dam having been so much reduced
in height there will not be enough of Water to supply the factorys on the Race, and those that have
Engines will have to make use of them
WEDNESDAY 21
Not much change yet about 18° below at 7 am, When seeing Higinbotham start for Toronto. The man
from Galt arrived by the early train and began to adjust the Engine, his name is C.W.Haines.
The Elevator for the Dung works pretty well
April THURSDAY 22 1975
This is a fine morning not quite so cold
The Engineer Haines is very particular in acertaining the exact lead of the slide valve that it is equal on
both sides. he tests it by the fly wheel obtaining the half diameter so as to get the full stroke each way.
FRIDAY 23
This is of any thing a dull morning, but during the forenoon it became fine.
However in the afternoon it became dull and cold, the wind increased and it began to snow and change
into heavy showers of sleet &c and quite cold and disagreable
Jas Parker the Saloon Keeper is very ill and not expected to get over it
SATURDAY 24
This is a much milder morning
I have to attend a meeting to day at Guthries Office to examine into the funds of the Worsley Estate, but
could not for the present arrive at a final settlement The engine was started and run empty and so far
seemed to perform well. The man left at noon.
Mr Leitch of Montreal was here, and finally settled about the crates of bottles
�April MONDAY 26 1875
This is a very fine morning, in fact too fine for we are very much in want of rain to wash the frost fairly out
of the ground
Johnstone Gibson has gone up the Country to see his farm John McPherson is off work with a sore
Henry is also off with with a sore hand. likewise the boy that drives the wood to the furnaces is
off with a sore neck, boils &c
Dobbie & John Allan are at the fixing of the new stones.
TUESDAY 27
This is a very fine morning
This forenoon is most beautiful warm & bright powerful Sun am going to sow Onions this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 28
This is another charming day, but too dry The water is holding out very well
Mr Spratt of Montreal & Toronto called to ask about bran
Sowed my Onion seed to day, and also, parsnips.
April THURSDAY 29 1875
This is a very fair morning, but as it advanced showed sights of rain, about 11 Oclock it began with a
light rain, between 12 and one it became heavier and continued on pretty heavy all the afternoon
Revd Hamilton Gibson of Bayfield called this afternoon, having come down to pay his taxes on Lands in
BLuther
I telegraphed to Goderich for amount due on Bayfield lands.
FRIDAY 30
This is a wintry looking morning, the ground white with snow & sleet, then a light shower of fine rain and
every appearance of a continuance of it. But no rain fell during the forenoon But the wind got up and
blew hard all the afternoon
There is a good deal of Property changing hands just now Jas Mays sold 40 feet on Windham St at
$125"00 per foot front, to Wm Stewart Merchant
�James Davie Esq sold his two houses opposite Chalmers Church for $3,000 to Mr Cutton, who next day
sold it to Hearn for $4,000 cash.
Mr McClaggen sold two 1/4 acre lots to Hatch for $3,500
May SATURDAY 1
This is a cold morning for the 1st of May at 6 oclock it was about 2° degrees below Freezing at 7 it was
one degree above freezing, and the ice formed during the night was 1/4 inch thick At 1/2 past 10 it
began to snow, then fine hail It then turned into snow again untill it was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep in
the afternoon began to rain heavy and continued on after dark The wind strong from the East, It really
is extraordinary winter looking weather at this time of year
May MONDAY 3 1875
Yesterday 2d May. Therte 35°. wind strong N.West. frequent showers of snow & sleet, dropping from
the eves, snow of Saturday laying all over a portion of snow had melted during the afternoon. But at 6
oclock it began to freeze & snow again
James Parker, saloon keeper, died at 3 Ock AM
This morning the wind is due West and the snow dissapearing fast, and the sun comming out more
powerful than for some days past, the day is turning out fine yet the wind is cold
TUESDAY 4
Very fine morning, and the day was bright and moderate weather but not warm.
Mr A. D. Ferrier took his departure this afternoon for Scotland
WEDNESDAY 5
This is a moderate morning but still a great want of heat we ought to expect at this time of the year
This is the Monthly Fair and am looking out for a Cow for the mens board
It began to rain about noon and continued all the afternoon and evening
May THURSDAY 6 1875
There was frost last night and produced ice 1/4 inch thick and has been raining this forenoon and is rather
chilly and raw
�Have got the new pair of Millstones all ready for action now this afternoon, and have also got a waggon
mounted with a box to convey away the liquid manure from the cattle sheds, having only to back it up
behind the Elevator which soon fills it.
FRIDAY 7
This is a very fine morning, yet there has been frost last night and then ice formed in tubs of water at the
Spring. Higinbotham went down to Toronto this morning by early train. I was present when the first
load of liquid manure was elevated & poured into the new box waggon made for the purpose.
,Neither. Dobbie nor Gibson here to day work slack.
SATURDAY 8
This has been a very fine day, warm in the forenoon, but the South Wind, blew harder in the afternoon,
which made it somewhat cooler
Have been planting some carrots to day
I find that several of the Buckets of the water wheel of the Mill are broken
May MONDAY 10 1875
Yesterday was a great day of rain at least in the afternoon the morning was fine but had strong
appearance of rain and it did begin in earnest about 3 Oclock, and about 4 it came down a perfect pour of
rain & continued.
This morning it is dry but the ground has the appearance of having rained heavy during the night And
the river has risen rappid, and and at noon was higher from rain in one night than I have seen for 3 years
past We had to examine inside of Wooden Still this morning to clean the air valves, but that did not
retard the work much
We had a light shower this afternoon
TUESDAY 11
This opened out a very fine morning. The water in the River this morning is much higher than I have
seen for a long time caused by Rain and there is more natural heat to day than we have had yet, and
notice that the asperagus is making its appearance, and the Rhubarb will be ready to cut this week.
Busey cleaning the mens beds & taking out the stoves & pipes.
�WEDNESDAY 12
Cold morning from rain during the night Strong wind blowing from the N. West, and frequent showers
during the day.
Mr Kemp the Inspector of the Bank of Commerce has been in town for some days Willie & Nat had a
conversation with him to day.
I called at Worswicks shope this afternoon and saw a pair of Steam Engines, made for Sheriff Sutton of
Walkertown, they are to be shipped to British Columbia on Saturday first, where he has 20,000 acres of
pine land cost of Engines $1350. no boilers
May THURSDAY 13 1875
This is a fine morning, & some h what like rain
I made up my mind to start for Paris by the afternoon train and got there about 7 pm I put up at
Bradfords Hotel, which is clean quiet comfortable house and reasonable charges. It came on a light rain
but soon went off
FRIDAY 14
Rather a dull looking morning and about 9 am it began to rain and continued heavy for an hour and more,
when I started for the Upper Town to make enquirey about my Lot of land, I saw a Bricklayer who lives
near to it, who thought that $100 per acre was as much as it was worth. Mr Whitlaw thought it worth
$120,,00 but could not find any one that would give that
I left there at 1/2 past 3 & got home (after stopping over a train at Galt) at 8,40
SATURDAY 15
This has been a cold bleak sort of a day and very little growth yet
I went out to the Rocks this afternoon, to see what is to be done as to fencing up where the fire ran
through
Mrs A Mackenzie recd a telegram from Scotland that her husband sails for this country this morning
May MONDAY 17 1875
This is a tollerably fine morning, yet not warm as might be expected at this time of the year
Busey repairing fences, also light waggon new bottom & sides of Basswood.
�TUESDAY 18
This is a beautiful morning warm and fine.
Intellegence came that Sheriff Thomas of Hamilton died yesterday morning, aged
The Mayor Melvin and a number of our town council went down to Toronto to attend the funeral of the
Leut Governor Crawford
Mr James Blain called on me this evening on his way home from Georgetown &c, he informed me that
all the papers concerning the sale of his Mills at Galt and the various water leases, to his Brother Richard,
were signed yesterday
WEDNESDAY 19
This is a very fine morning and one of the warmer days of the season, began yesterday to try to find out
where the pipe from the Spring to the Distillery, and after opening it in several places where it must have
been frozen, it is thawed to day but at the crossing at the waste gates it was burst and we are now
wrapping them up with canvas & white lead.
May THURSDAY 20 1875
Fine morning and warm Mrs Wm A Fisher was delivered of a fine boy of 10 lbs wt early this morning
Andrew Fisher arrived from the States this evening at 6 oclock
FRIDAY 21
This is a charming morning and there is appearance of rain
Some light showers of rain fell during the day
SATURDAY 22
This is a fine warm growing morning
Busey making my half of the fence between John Thomas Cunningham and myself at the Quarry
May MONDAY 24 1875
This is a dull morning there having been a good shower of rain this morning at 5 am
This being the Queens Birth day all work is suspended in town
The weather is brightening up and is now fine and warm, and most of the trees in the garden are out in
leaf espeaceally the Birches gooseberry bushes
�TUESDAY 25
A fine warm day, quite dry, the water in the River is now begining to get scarser
Wheat is still on the decline, and yesterday brought it down in Chicago 3 to 4 cents, there was a perfect
panic all sellers and no buyers
Still working at the fence at the Quarry, but Cunningham has never touched his part of yet,
WEDNESDAY 26
This is a cool morning, dry and water low
A great fire began this evening about 1/2 past 7 in (Galbreaths sadlery shop) at present occupied by Wm
Beattie Sadler a Brick building it was fairly gutted but the roof stood to the last and only burnt round the
edges but the rest being wooden Tenements 8 in all were of wood were totally burnt up
May THURSDAY 27 1875
This is a fine cool morning, quite dry and water getting short
William went down to Hamilton this morning
Heard word this forenoon that the Eletia steamer had arrived in N York, Mr Mackenzie telegraphs all well
There is quite a mania for buying town lots now
William returned from Hamilton this evening
FRIDAY 28
This morning is warm and fine, but very low water in the dam. I am offered $1600 cash for my 8 acre lot
near the Catholic Hospital.
SATURDAY 29
This is a wet dull morning, with fine showers but not warm
Yesterday & to day, the crab apples, and Russets are in splendid white blossom
May MONDAY 31 1875
Fine pleasant morning, and very dry,
Andrew Fisher started off for Chicago this morning,
�Had a meeting of the Directors of the Wellington Mutual Assurance Co to day,
The birch trees are now in full lead and the Lelacks are in full blossom in the Garden but a number of the
plum trees are destroyed by the frost, and some by the Borer
June TUESDAY 1
This is a very fine morning, cool & pleasant
William, Higginbotham, started for Toronto this morning, Mr George Sandilands also went down
Mr Alexr Mackenzie my clerk and his son John arrived home to night at 6, Oclock all quite well,
WEDNESDAY 2
There has been a slight showr this morning about enough to lay the dust, The water in the Dam is about
running over, this is the Monthly fair day, not many cattle in
The Merchant Bank at Elora asks $28,000 for Frazers flour Mill, $12,000 would be given by Mr Eby
formerly of Selem
June THURSDAY 2 1875
This is dry morning and no signs of rain there has been a considerable breeze to day and shortly after
dinner a spark from one of the stalks set fire to the firewood at the back of the Rectifying house, but help
being at hand, it was got put out with very little damage, & farther on in the afternoon it caught again in
another place which was also observed and put out
Reports from Pensalvania inform us of terrible fires in the woods there of the loss of many lives and a
whole villiage, 17 saw mills and over Forty Millions feet of sawn lumber, and a great many cattle, 3 of
our men left my employment and went off to England 1 man & wife & the other 2 to Irland & probably to
New Zeland
FRIDAY 4
This morning looks Also like rain
Have been drawing out design for tops of turrets of granary on a full size, and to get them ready and have
them covered with Galvanized iron,
I was envited by the Warden (Jas Laidlaw) to accompany the County Council to the Model farm this
afternoon to inspect the improvements and the premises and there appears to be a desided, Reform
there,
�SATURDAY 5
The same dull appearance, as if rain must come is more evident this morning
Mr Stephen Boult died to day at noon
Have found out to day that they eye of the new mill stones, which was cast by Ingles & Hunter had been
defective and was filled up with Babbit Metal and has now to be bored out and plugged,
No rain whatever fell to day
June MONDAY 7 1875
This has been a fine temperate day but no rain
Higinbotham, Mackenzie, Wᵐ , and I sat very late to night taking stock of accounts &c
TUESDAY 8
This is a very dry morning, and the water in the Dam very low,
We are getting the Stone balanced to day by the forman Mr Laurie Jur, after getting the plugg in the top
of the driver he countersunk it then started the Engine and turned the cockhead more to a point to enable
the Stone to be balanced more easily and when that is done to turn the cockhead more blunt so as to
have more bearing
Mr Davis the Inspector is here with the new goverᵗ measure (of Copper) to test the contents of the close
receivers,
WEDNESDAY 9
No rain yet, the River quite low, Dobbie has been fixing the screens of the Steam Mill Smutt machine,
and the MIllers are facing the stones and will likely have them going some time tomorrow
Davis got the other Receiver tested, and is now making the Rods for each of them of dry cherry
June THURSDAY 10 1875
Fine morning
Higinbotham & I intended to go down to Toronto this morning to see Hon Mr McMaster about Bank
matters but there being doubts of him being at home we put it off till further information
There was great appearance of rain this afternoon but it went past
�FRIDAY 11
This another very dry warm morning, and no rain
A little after 9 oclock this morning, the fire Bell gave the alarm of Fire and it turned out to be a wooden
lean=too Mr Soles cargo stone house (that was built by Samˡ Wright the Baker) & then it caught hold of
the stable and burnt that also down,
SATURDAY 12
This is of any thing a cold morning and there seems to have been some frost
A great many people in town to day to see the great Show
The wind blew pretty strong from the West and the sparks from the distillery stalk set fire to the wood
several times
June MONDAY 14 1875
This is another very cool morning (and so was yesterday)
The wind is not so strong to day,
Yet we have made a trial of introducing a 1/2 inch steam pipe into the Distillery Stalk to test its power to
extinguish the sparks before they get out of the chimney
We have got the new pair of stones started this afternoon and they work very well and the 2 pair takes far
less steam to drive them now than what they did before the Engine was bored out and the value fixed say
about 55 lbs,
TUESDAY 15
Very pleasant morning but dry, stoped the Steam Engine this morning to examine the Piston to find out
what caused a hissing of the Steam at every stroke, and discovered 2 slack places in the rings where rust
had collected while standing still and had scratched the inside of the Cylinder sufficient to allow steam to
pass,
Nat & I went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train to have an interview with the Hon Wᵐ McMaster
about my Banking account, (I met sir John A McDonald in the street, soon after that was introduced to
Hon Mr Mowat the Primer & McDonald the Leuᵗ Governor,
Wᵐ leaves for Stratford during the night
�WEDNESDAY 16
This is a very fine morning, but dry & warm,
But it appears as of old, that one evil never comes alone, The Middle head of the Still gave way & went
all to peaces, and have set to work to put in a temporary one, so as to finish the mouth, and untill I get all
ready for putting in the new one,
William started for Montreal by 5 Oclock train
June THURSDAY 17 1875
This was a dull dark looking morning, with sure signs of rain for it began slowly about 7 Oclock, and
continued a close light shower untill 12 Oclock when it began to brighten, about 4 it became heavy and
dull again, We have got the Still finished and going again, with a new head in,
James in bed from severe Bleeding at the Nose
About 5 Oclock I received a Telegram from William that he had got there all safe that morning,
FRIDAY 18
This is also a dullish morning but no more rain has fallen
It continued warm all day
SATURDAY 19
Another dry warm morning
William returned from Montreal by the 2,30 train
June MONDAY 21 1875
This is also warm dry morning there has been a fair supply of water this forenoon,
But the new Stone in the Steam Mill is bothering us a good deal
TUESDAY 22
Somewhat of a dull morning, and about 8 Oclock it began to rain, but the shower was very light and did
not last more than a couple of hours, and then hardly more than barely to lay the dust
�WEDNESDAY 23
This is a close morning, calm and warm
The fireman & the Carter someway between them drew on the Full amount of water on the Distillery
Pumps with such violence as to break the pump rod, last night after the work was over and only to fill the
mash tun, And have now set to work to make a new one,
Began to prepare for removing the compounding vessels to the Malt house
June THURSDAY 24 {1875 covered}
{ upper right hand corner of page is folded so some words are covered}
There has been some rain through the {covered} but not a great deal more than to lay the {covered}
About 1/2 past 5 am the first of Barnams trains of 20 cars and 1/2 an hour thereafter 2 more came on,
nearly all of them his own cars fitted up for the purpose for horses, camels, coaches & waggons, also 5
Pulman cars, The ground chosen was down at the Dundas Bridge
It was very warm during the middle of the day, but about 1/2 past 3 the sky became dark and the thunder
rolled & lightning flashed, and then a pouring rain from the South West and for a while a regular torneda
and the Street flooded quite deep, The manager of the Circus had to lower the large Canvas to prevent
it being blown away and that alarmed the spectators very much and all of them got drenched to the skin,
but they hoisted the canvas again and performed in the evening again the same as if nothing had
happened and during that time more rain fell,
{four lines of text extend into the entry for the next day}
FRIDAY 25
Today it is quite fair, but close & warm and the whole Barnams Establishment gone off to Berlin,
Signed without security agreement of composition of 75¢
SATURDAY 26
A damp morning, found it was necessary to get the worm of the Rectifying Still overhauled & thoroughly
repaired and therefor went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train, and engaged a copper smith to come
up on Monday night,
David Startup at the factory of H. T. Smith No 3 Elizabeth Street
�While there a light shower of rain fell for about an hour A large oval shaped drain is being constructed up
Young Street of much larger dimensions than the present one put in many years ago, the new one is 3
or 4 feet deeper, 20 feet at least from the surface of the street, when about 6 or 10 feet down it entirely
composed of clay to the bottom & of the best quality for Bricks &c,
June MONDAY 28 1875
This is a dull morning, but is brightening up as the day advances, Bank matters again troubling me, Wᵐ
goes to Stratford
Death of Sir WIlliam Logan, geologist appears in the papers this morning, (London) Also terrible floods
in France, the city of Toulouse is inundated in the lower parts & 1000 lives said to lost
I attended meeting of Directors of the Wellington Assurance Co to day,
William went up to Stratford & to return tomorrow
David Startup, came to night,
TUESDAY 29
Fine morning but dull, during the fore part of the day it rained now & then lightly, but in the afternoon it
turned out fine,
Mr A. M. Clark Esqr of Toronto, had a sale of Town lots in the swamp, some 12 or 14 were sold varying
from $100 down to $65 for less than a 1/4 acre,,
Have been getting on pretty well with the worms & found a great many joints bad
WEDNESDAY 30
This has been a very fine day, and have got so far with the copper work but it will take all day tomorrow if
I can get the men to work on that day, being the Dominion day
Major General Whyte arrived to night and is going to stay at Higinbothams to night
July THURSDAY 1 1875
This is a very fine morning for the Review of the Malitia on the Race course at 1/2 past 9 am
I went out between 10 & 11 and saw a great deal of the evolutions, marching & countermarching and the
cannon firing every now & then
�FRIDAY 2
This is a fine dry morning, and likely to be a very warm day
This has been a very warm day and is beginning to tell on the water in the River
Went down to the Gass Works & saw them putting together the new cast iron purifier 4 in number & all
put together with flanges & bolts, all the joints truly plained and set with Red lead putty,
Have got all the Copper work done, his time being 8 hours over time and 41 hours regular time board &
fare, up & down
SATURDAY 3
This morning is fine dry weather, and all is bustle at the Camp, and the cars are drawn up at the Station
to take the soldiers to Stratford & Goderich I took leave of a number of Officers
July MONDAY 5 1875
This is a dull morning it rained last night (and also early on Sunday morning) About noon it became
quite dark with heavy overhanging clouds and a little after one it began & rained pretty heavy for more
than an hour, and continued heavy all the afternoon
We are busey laying down the new Stones, that is the 4th pair in the Steam Mill,
TUESDAY 6
This is also a dull morning, close and warm and as the day advanced it began to rain lightly but soon
became heavy and rained heavy for several hours
WEDNESDAY 7
This is also a warm day going to be
July THURSDAY 8 1875
completed a fence between Rectifying house & Warehouse
FRIDAY 9
Fine morning and likely to be warm
I went down to Toronto by the early train to look after copper to line the New Mash tun with, and also
engaged the coppersmith David Startup to come up for to put in,
I bought 14 sheets No 16 4 feet x 6 feet at 25 3/4¢ per lbs 5 lbs of Spelter a 13¢ 35¢ 5 lbs Boxax a 5¢
�Great complaints still about the dullness of trade in Toronto, the freights are so low as 1¢ a Bush for
wheat to Kingston
SATURDAY 10
This is a warm morning and the crops looking fine, We cut a great deal of firewood with the good supply
of water we had to day
July MONDAY 12 1875
This is rather a cool morning, last night and the night before there must have been a slight touch of frost
as the leaves of the Squash drooped a good deal
However as the day advanced it became very warm and fine as for days past and great numbers of
Orangemen began to arrive both by train and waggons, all having fine Bands of Music, and Beautiful
banners fluttering in the Breese which was moderately strong enough for that
TUESDAY 13
This is a dull morning and threatening rain and looks rather bad for the Presbyterian Union Picnic
The coppersmith David Startup began to work to day and to pay him $3 per day and I find his help, or his
offer was $3.50 & find his own help & board them both, which I did not approve of as they generally have
mere boys.
WEDNESDAY 14
This has been a fine warm morning, and going to be a very warm day
Attended the Examination of the Boys
July THURSDAY 15 1875
Very warm morning
William starts for Hamilton this morning
FRIDAY 16
This is a dull morning there having been a fine shower during the night, about 8 Oclock it darkened
again and began to rain. The men are getting out a dry Elm stick for the rake of the Mash tun as I could
not get a peice of Oak, which I would prefer.
�SATURDAY 17
This is a fine morning
As the day advances it is getting very warm
July MONDAY 19 1875
This is a dul fine morning. But yesterday was dull and there had been a fine shower during the early
morning & also about 7 O,clock
To day it has been a pleasant day so far as the weather is concerned But Mr McMaster the President of
the Bank of Commerce was here and we had a considerable discussion about giving a Mortgage on more
property than I was willing to give, & how the board may deside I cannot tell.
I am notwithstanding going on with the copper lining for mash tun
We have quit mashing & only running of the Old beer
TUESDAY 20
This is a pleasant morning but very dry and river low
The Road & Bridge committee are relaying the Bridge with new top planks, the main 3 inch planking are
likely to stand for a couple of years longer, & they have made a new side walk & broader than before
WEDNESDAY 21
This is also a fine morning by dry. Have taken out the copper of the old mash tun to day, for to work it up
into, measures pipes &c
A strong West wind was blowing, and the dry brush in the swamp was set fire to by one of the
locomotives is supposed, and burned with great furey & had to send men to take down parts of the fence
to stop it from running.
There was a fire in town last night, N. West end, John Hall Junr shop & 2 stables
A Bank meeting appointed tomorrow
July THURSDAY 22 1875
This is a warm morning, dry and Dusty
*Began to day to take out the old mash tun, and cut out the floor large enough to admit the new one We
find the feet of several of the posts rotten and must be replaced with new ones.
�Alfred Stroud here and settled for slop Have a good deal of trouble with the fire on the Bridget Farm
John Idington came down by the 5 Oclock train & retnd at 1,20 am
Had a meeting at the Bank this evening with Mr Cemp the inspector
FRIDAY 23
Fine morning but every thing dry as tinder Met Mr Cemp again this morning at the Bank and signed an
agreement
*It was to day we took down the mash tun.
Had 3 men out fighting the fire & in the afternoon 2 more to stop the burning of the stump fence, and
arrest it from catching the trees, all being so very dry
SATURDAY 24
This is another warm dry morning
July MONDAY 26 1875
Of anything a dull morning, with a fine shower of rain but it did not much more than lay the dust, in the
afternoon it became as dry as ever, and the wind got up again and started the fire
TUESDAY 27
This is a fine morning
WIlliam went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train, John Idington & wife went by the same train on
their way to the Salt Water
John Brown Esqr late of Hamilton here on return from Luther Duncan McDonald
WEDNESAY 28
Fine warm morning
Great failure in New York yesterday. The firm of Duncan Sherman & Co. Bankers with liabilities of about
6,000,000
We have got the old Still out of its place, and it was not so much decayed as I expected to find it, and
might have been used a couple years longer
�A great fire to night it turned out to be the large Barn built by Wᵐ Day & now owned by Sherrif Grange
was entirley consumed, it began about 11 pm
July THURSDAY 29 1875
This is another dry morning, with shortness of water
We have now got the Mash tun into its place and have begun to cut the gutters in the bottom
William went of to Goderich and perhaps to Bayfield by the 6 pm train
FRIDAY 30
Another fine morning but all too dry as the day advanced the wind got up pretty strong & had to send
men out to watch the fire
We have got all the channels of the Mash tun cut out and have now the strips about ready to put down
Have also been taking down the stone wall for to lay the beams on to support the new still,
SATURDAY 31
This is another very dry morning, And have again to send a man out to watch the fire
William came home from Goderich by the 5 Oclock train
August MONDAY 2 1875
The wind yesterday turned to the East and was cool and had the appearance of rain but none fell, the
wind was very strong,
This Morning is quite cool and as dry as ever, and as the morning advanced the wind is increasing and
blowing the fire back from the Barn & burning more fencing
At One Oclock it became alarming, and Smiths house on the East side & Lobans house on the N. West
side of the Grand Trunk track were in great denger in the former case the Steam fire Engine turned out
and extended the hose from the Dam to near the house & did good service,
Began to screw down the copper to day
TUESDAY 3
This morning is dull, and a shower seems to have fallen during the night, a little after 7 am it began to
rain very light and continued more or less throughout the day
�We are getting on well with the copper lining of the Mash tun the Bottom is finished and the side lining is
being put in
John C Allans child baptized by Dr Hogg to night
WEDNESDAY 4
This is a dull morning, and some must have fallen through the night, but it held up during the day, This is
the Monthly Fair day, but not largely attended either by people or cattle,
August THURSDAY 5 1875
Although this is a dull morning there has been little or no rain
The mill cow calved this forenoon and does not appear to have any strength to go about
The cow died about 10 Oclock
FRIDAY 6
This is a very wet morning raining hard a considerable time, and also through the night
Began to the Wooden Still this morning, and got down the bottom and then all the staves round about
The copper smith has got the pipes for the new colums made, & is now making a new pipe for the "blow
off", slope,
SATURDAY 7
Dull with a slight drizzling rain at times
We melted off the joint of the old acending worm and filled them with rozen to be ready on Monday to
straighten them to a larger diameter & to be added to the large worm
Got all the heads in the still and several tempory bands put on which appears to draw it together pretty
well
August MONDAY 9 1875
This Sabbath morning the rain is close & light but got fair afterwards
This Monday morning was fine, I went down to Toronto about copper work and to examine the large
rectifying still that formerly was Gooderham & Worts and find it will suit if we can make a bargin
�Hee asks for it as it stands $750
TUESDAY 10
This is a fine morning, and we are setting the blow off valve in the bottom of the Still
Also taking out the old trough, in the roof and putting up the spare one that has been laying out of doors
so long, I think was made about the same time as the other
Have also got a new bearing on the line of shafting as the bevel that drives the mashing rake is turned the
other way,
WEDNESDAY 11
We had a dry forenoon, but a wet afternoon the first shower about 1/2 past 1 was heavy.
Have been working at the line of shafting in distillery, and also taking out the worm in second worm tub
next the heater,
And Dobbie has been in the Mill setting the eye & ajusting the spindle in another I had to Temper the toe
which appeared to be soft
August THURSDAY 12 1875
Dry morning
We are getting on with the hooping of the Still with 4 inch Band iron
William went up to London by the 6 Oclock train
FRIDAY 13
Very dry weather, and find that the late rain have not extingished the fire in the ground out on the York
road farm,
William returned from London by way of Brantford to night by the last train
SATURDAY 14
This is a very close warm morning
The spirits are all done were finished last night, So that the Rectifying still is standing still,
More failures in Toronto
Have got the hooping of the Still done to night
�August MONDAY 16 1875
This is a very fine morning, and a light shower fell during the night, I had a Wacthman appointed, to look
after some blackgards {word crossed out, illegible} that have been frequenting the cattle sheds at night
with Mary Ogelvie in company, he heard and saw them but was not able to arrest them
Have been getting pretty well to day in getting the pipes on doubler, and top of Still, checked out
Charger and some staves set to begin with, got the spindle set for the last pair of new stones
William Fisher began to work at the Distillery
TUESDAY 17
This had been a very fine day, close of any thing, with a few drops of rain but no shower
Have felt a good deal of pain twice to day & found that my Truss had slipped of the right spot, & allowing
my bowels to come down,
Dobbie has been adjusting the millstone and ballancing it
This is the first day of the Saugerfest at Berlin
I signed Bond for Compounding Licence to day
J. C. Couper wife with Daughter & her child 6 weeks old (a Boy) came here to day. the latter lately from
Illinois
WEDNESDAY 18
This has been of any thing a dull close day have got the charger on the still finished, Have drawn out
the enlargement of the copper Still to day and am about calculating the cost of the alteration, Dobbie got
the Stone in the Mill balanced and the coggs pared,
William went down to Toronto at 11 Oclock to attend meeting of Wᵐ Griffiths Creditors,
It began to rain about 5 Oclock and continued for an hour or more,
August THURSDAY 19 1875
This morning had the appearance of a wet day, It kept fair during the forenoon, but about one Oclock it
began and rained most of the afternoon
Booths coppersmiths shop in Toronto was burnt down last night about 7 Oclock loss aout $14,00
�I am trying to get the line of shafting in the Distillery which has been put in line, finished to day so as to
get the pumps going
J.C. Couper came to night, staying at C Davidsons
FRIDAY 20
This is a dull morning, and rainey like
Coupers folks went all off this fornoon home, some light showers only
A man was shot yesterday evening near the Rifle Range House on the York Road called Yates by one
Marks
SATURDAY 21
This is another dull morning,
light showers towwards noon & about 2 Oclock a heavy shower of hailstons came on and then heavy
rain, and continued with very little intermission all the afternoon
Have got pretty well with the work to day
The Montejuce is again set, and all the pipes fitted to it
Have resolved to alter the Copper Still & not to purchase Booths
August MONDAY 23 1875
Last night was quite cold for the season, and I was told by some that there was frost this morning.
But it turned out a very fine day. But notwithstanding all the rain we have had, the supply of water in the
River is still very light and could only drive one run of stones all day, the Boiler was being cleaned out
Began to day and took down the column of the copper still and brought it to the Blacksmith Shop and took
it apart. have been making pattern for Air pipes.
We went up this evening and bid farewell to Archdeacon Palmer and wife who leave on Wednesday
morning
TUESDAY 24
This is a fine cool morning and still working at the patterns yet, it takes three times the time it would take
me if I had all my tools and things in order, for they are all to seek when wanted
�C. H. Finch one of Booths men came wanting to be employed, so I took him on at $2,50 a day and find
himself.
John Idington here Mr Kemp Bank inspector also when certain documents were read over and
signed and John went off n
Willies wife was safely delivered of a gerl this evening.
WEDNESDAY 25
Fine morning
August THURSDAY 26 1875
This is a very fine morning getting ready to leave for Toronto at 8 Oclock
Higinbotham and family start for Southhampton at noon
Got a letter of introduction from Mr Worts to see the Gass Works
FRIDAY 27
Very warm morning
The gass Company have got the town steamer filling their new tank
SATURDAY 28
This has been a very warm day
Have got on pretty well this week with our work, but the copper still is going to take far more work than
was estimated at first
The new tank at the gass works has given way, and water running out at the sides, all of which is for want
of proper ramming and puddling the outside with clay
Nat returned to night alone
August MONDAY 30 1875
This is a fine morning, and pretty warm
Attended full meeting of Directors of Willington Mutual fire Insurance Co, when a considerable amount of
Business was done
�Nat went down to Galt by early train, thence to Hamilton and Toronto
TUESDAY 31
This is a warm dry morning
I have not felt so well to day, from downward pressure in my bowels
September WEDNESDAY 1
This is a very warm morning
Monthly Fair to day, but the attendance is but small, I was up in town, but felt so very uncomfortable
from pressure that I came down soon, have got the copper still in peices & spread on the floor
Great fire in Berlin {now Kitchener} to day it began about noon.
September THURSDAY 2 1875
This is a very warm morning, and during the forenoon it was very close & warm about 12 Oclock as the
noon Bell was ringing the rain began light at first and than became very heavy till about 2 when it seased
for a short time and then began again. The cellars on Windham Street were again flooded.
Have got the scroles bent to the proper circle and David Startup is cutting out the peices for enlarging the
top and bottom Have begun the new goose tub an Oval one {space left blank for measurement} by
{space blank again for measurement} long and 7 feet stave all of fine dry 2 inch clear spine. Parker is
making a pair of rings for a man-hole in side of still 15 inches diameter.
FRIDAY 3
Dull kind of morning, and warm all the forenoon but at 12 Oclock it began to rain and a little, but in the
afternoon it began again and continued for some time
This is our fast Day
Startup is getting pretty well with the work he is brazing the rims that goes round the top and bottom of
the still, have got the 26 2 inch pipes from Booth for the goose
SATURDAY 4
This has been a very fine day, dry and cool. Went out with Gideon Hood to examine the farm, and found
large patches of the ground has been burnt up quite deep a foot & more in some places.
�have got the Oval goose tub put together this evening and ready for hooping on Monday all made of the
best clear dry pine
September MONDAY 6 1875
This is a fine cool morning and dry with a fine breese for drying the grain that is out The copper smith
has begun to punch the holes ready for reviting the head of the still, each of the rings is all brazed
together in one peice
William started this evening for Chatham by the Great Western I intend on going down to Hamilton
tomorrow
TUESDAY 7
This was a very fine morning. I started for Hamilton by the 6,45 train. got an introduction to the manger
of the Gass Works there, Mr Littlehales who kindly showed me all through
WEDNESDAY 8
This is a dry warm morning
September THURSDAY 9 1875
This was of any thing a dull morning with indications of rain, and a few drops fell befor 8 o,clock
The coppersmith is riveting the rim to the head of the still, and farther on in the day was turning over the
edge of the head of the still, thus {a small diagram of the still's head} the other man is still working at the
goose soldering in the upright pipes
Had a telegram from William who got to Chicago late last night and leaves there tomorrow morning.
It began to rain about 6 pm but only lightly
FRIDAY 10
This is quite a dull cool morning, with a considerable amount of dew on the ground
SATURDAY 11
This is a clear cold frosty morning the side walks are quite white with frost
September MONDAY 13 1875
This was a cool morning but dry
got the sides of the Still soldered in the inside all over the heads of the rivits.
�We got the goose on its place and set up the tub all ready for hooping
TUESDAY 14
This was a very fine morning, and at time somewhat cloudy and looking like rain
Have been getting on tolerably well with the copper still and got it all ready for ~ Meeting of Directors
Wellington Mutual to day
Got the fire started in the distillery this afternoon
Went up to Ingles foundry and found that they are now pretty well on with the smoke box & stalk for the
chimn
Then went on to the Exhibition ground, the attendance was thin, being the first day of the show
WEDNESDAY 15
This morning appeared cloudy & like rain but it passed off, and the roads continued very dusty.
The attendance at the show to day was not so large as at last years Show on the 2d day
Considerable progress was made to day in riviting the head on the Still.
The distillery was not lighted to day
September THURSDAY 16 1875
This is a dull morning and a very fine rain is beginning
during the whole of the forenoon it rained close and at times heavy Yet a great many strangers came by
the Cars to the Show it was more moderate in the afternoon but cold and disagreable.
Had a good deal of trouble in turning over the still to prepare it for the bottom
Began to Mash, the first time in the new tub
FRIDAY 17
Cool dull morning and chilly after the rain
We got the bottom tried on the still this morning, and David is now gathering it together so as to fit more
tightly
�SATURDAY 18
This is a fine morning, but chilly.
It has taken us all the forenoon to get the Still turned over on its side and put it in position for soldering
round the rivit heads
I have to day been seized with an attack of Lumbago which dissables me very much
September MONDAY 20 1875
This is a cool raw morning & must have been frost last night there was some white on the sidewalks
Got the bottom of the Still all tinned with a thick coating of solder over the rivits and attempted to raise it
up in its place, but the joints would not permit it and had to lift the upper ones as well as the floor below,
This afternoon was wet & cold
The papers report 2 feet of snow at Quebec this morning
TUESDAY 21
This was a cool morning
Got a mason from Dobbie to build up under the copper boiler, he began after dinner
WEDNESDAY 22
Fine morning but frosty and snow near Goderich the mason still at work under the boiler
began to raise the wom tub up stairs fully 2 feet and have got the pipe from the goose to the worm on
Mrs A & I went out to Rockwood, (about a girl the Beer pump burst in the main barrel
The Mason finished up with patching a little at the wall under the 3 chamber still
September THURSDAY 23 1875
This was a very cold morning, white frost on the sidewalks, and our gardin Pump frose fast
got the large pipe on that conducts the vapour from the copper still to the column,
I am still troubled with Lumbago
�FRIDAY 24
This was a fine dry morning
Have found it necessary to make a new and larger tester at the Worms mouth, the old one being only
large enough to hold 44 gallˢ {gallons} where it requires to hold over 70
Mrs A and I went down to Fishers MIlls and found Peter Idington going out of doors, they were thrashing
to day with 10 span of Horses, Walter had built a large fine Barn with large storage for turnips, and
ample room for feeding a number of cattle We left at 2 & returned 1/4 to 8,
SATURDAY 25
This is a dull morning, and looke like rain, a few very light showers fell but not enough to lay the dust
Arthur Hogge died this morning aged 58
I had to go home earlier this afternoon as the Lumbago was getting very painful
September MONDAY 27 1875
This was a cool morning but I was not able to get out of Bed, and was hardly able to turn myself with
pains, Yesterday morning about 3 Oclock when I had with great difficulty got my leg over the bed a
severe pain seized me in both sides (as seemed to me) at the same moment as if I had been jambed
between 2 locomotives & had to fall back into bed again, & has been shifting down to my ancle, and is
more like Thiatica
We are progressing with the copper work
TUESDAY 28
This is a fine morning and not so cold
I feel a great deal better this morning & was able to get on my clothes after Breakfast and look over the
works
I think we will get rid of the coppersmiths in a day or two now,
WEDNESDAY 29
This is a dull morning, and I among many others was disapointed at not seeing the Eclipse of the Sun at 6
am to 7,30 for I only saw the sun slightly for 2 minutes & then was too low to get a proper view of it, but it
was seen at the distillery at that time quite plain for a minute or so,
�There was a good deal of rain to day, & a great deal of lightning after dark and Thunder
September THURSDAY 30 1875
This morning was dry, but cold & raw But through the day several showers & cold
The papers this morning inform us of great destruction of property last night by the Thunder storm many
Barns having been struck with lightning
October FRIDAY 1
This has been a dry day morning but cold in the early part, but as the day advanced it became more
pleasant
We got the two chargers and the copper still measured to day and all boiled up, to test its tightness, only
one small leak in the still was discouverd, and the chocking of an iron overflow pipe, Mr Reeves of the
Grand Trunk freight Department was here to day
SATURDAY 2
This is a quite wintry looking morning, all the sidewalks are white with frost and the remains of a shower
of hailstones, The first charge was put in the copper still this morning, say 1100 galls
We had to stop the distillery to day, and shut of the water from the race to enable us to put in an
additional pipe to conduct the water down to the new cold water pump that is to supply the extra demand
for cooling the worm & goose, and are trying to get the New Tester finished & put in its place to day while
not running,
The Copper smiths got done to day and left for home, We got up the peice of new stalk to day and the
spark catcher box in good time to day, also busy putting water pipe for new pump
October MONDAY 4 1875
This is somewhat of a cloudy morning but as the day advances it seems to clear up and turn out fine,
We have not got the distillery started yet as the puddling could not be finished on Saturday night But the
Rectifying house is charged and going all right
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. E. Wiman Esqr (of Dunn Wima & Co at 3.30 on his way West
am getting stones drawn over to the river lot,
Our new (Goulds) Pump came to day
�TUESDAY 5
This is a dull morning with a slight drizzling rain
Miss Bleaney left Higinbotham this morning for New York I notice this morning the death in Hamilton of
one of my old aquaintance Mr John Fairgrieve on Sabbath evening the 3 Inst Born at Galashiel 11th
Aug 1811 and came to Canada in 1833 and shortly after became aquainted with him at the Wharf at
Dundas.
I went through Mr Raymonds sewing Machn factory which is now nearly finished, the carpenters are at
work completing the benches tables &c all round the shops, and a great many of the heavy & light
Machines lathes &c are being set in their places & the shafting being hung, & men fitting up One of
Worswicks Steam Engines, they are also fitting up a noval heating apperatus with a fan
{Drawing on the right hand side of the page. Drawn in pencil then traced with a pen}
Court Chancery is Sitting
WEDNESDAY 6
This being our Monthly Fair day, has turned out to be at least a very unfavourable morning raining heavy
and cold. The fare was poorly attended from the day being wet, between 3 & 4 Oclock it poured down
very heavy, There was also some Thunder {some numbers written at bottom}
October THURSDAY 7 1875
This was a raw cool morning but dry, but yet it continued cold though the sun shone through for the most
of the forenoon
About 4 Oclock it began to rain, and continued for half an hour
FRIDAY 8
This is also a cool morning but dry, We had to disconect the water pump but found nothing in it, and all
went on well after starting
Williams wife infant and little George started for Montreal this afternoon at 5 Oclock William Fisher
accompanied them
SATURDAY 9
Hard frost last night the side walks & grass all white, This has the appearance of going to be a very fine
day, Recᵈ a note that Mr Alexander wants me particularly to go out immeaditly after dinner Mrs Allan
�& I went out before one Oclock, and found that Mrs Alexander had died at 1/2 past 11 not long after the
note to me was written, her age is 65 years
October MONDAY 11 1875
This is a cool morning, with some frost on the planks of the side walks, we have plenty of water in the
Dam, and the water Mill going with 3 pair of Stones, James Allan has been at the Bayfield all last week
to arrange about the sale of his land, Hugh Black of Fergus was found hanging this morning quite dead
in one of the Brick houses of the G. Western Station the verdict of the jury was,
TUESDAY 12
This is a dry cold morning, cold Westerly wind blowing, Had to stop for a couple of hours to examine
into the coil of the Still as it was making much less distilled water than formerly, and on testing it with cold
water found out 2 holes in the new coil, sent Harley & Heather 50 lbs more copper a 18¢ Peter
Idington & wife here to day
Mr James Blain & Mrs Blain of Galt appear to have sailed to day from Quebec in the steamer Sarmatian,
Capᵗⁿ Aird, master
WEDNESDAY 13
Hard frost last night, morter laying out was very hard, but this is going to be a fine clear day, I went out
this morning to the Cemetry to if Mrs Alexanders Grave was ready and found all right
George Sandilands died this morning at his Brothers house aged 38 years
October THURSDAY 14 1875
This is a charming morning for this time of the year and will be very favourable for the visit of the Leuᵗ
Govornor of Ontario to day by the 10 Oclock train
The Governor arrived at the time appointed and after receiving an address from the Council, went up to
the Model farm,
Mrs Mather & her neice from Toronto paid me a visit to day, and I did not attend the reception
FRIDAY 15
This is quite a rainey morning, and very unfit for outdoor work, yet as we are laying down pipes to, and
from the Rectifying house, we must push on and get them laid and the trenches filled up
�SATURDAY 16
This is a cold raw morning, but no rain, so that we will be able to finish the covering up of the pipes
Had to drill a hole through the Brass piston rod of the Spirit Pump this morning as the screw into the
crosshead was too slack and came out,
I attended the funeral of Thos Sandilands but not as far as the Cemetery it was so chilly & raw and
flakes of snow falling, There was a large attendance
October MONDAY 18 1875
This is somewhat of a Wintry looking morning, but rather less so than yesterday, Sabbath morning 17th,
at a 1/4 to 9 small flakes of snow began to fall about a yard apart, then shortly after closer & closer and
in 10 minutes after it began, it came on quite heavy, and did not melt at first, at 10,30 Temp 34° and
snowing heavy about 1 Oclock it had stopped and became soft,
This forenoon a good deal melted away
TUESDAY 19
This is rather a promising morning, and very little of the snow remaining,
Working at cattle sheds repairs of floors, windows &c and Johnston Gibson at spouts for new Mash tuns
Went up after dinner with Mr Hamilton Tome stone cutter to arrange about cutting letters on the
Monument
WEDNESDAY 20
This is a fine morning, but the Mill Dam had a thin coating of ice over it, which very soon melted away, the
day being mild
Hamiltons man began to letter the Tome stone about 11 Oclock, and at 3 Oclock, I changed the
inscriptsion and ordered sunk pannels on 3 sides
William went to Brantford & Paris this morning,
October THURSDAY 21 1875
This is quite a mild morning, and not unlike rain,
William returned from Brantford at noon,
�And N. Higginbotham and I intend leaving for Montreal by the 5 Oclock train
FRIDAY 22 to FRIDAY 29 - {No Entries}
SATURDAY 30
This is a moderate morning & not hard frost but it is time to take in cabbage &c which we are doing
November MONDAY 1 1875
Yesterday was a blustering morning with showers of snow and sleet and the afternoon also, likewise the
evening
This morning though cold yet dry, and as the day advanced it became milder and the most of the snow
melted away, We began this morning to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying house, and had down the
boiler maker from Ingles foundry who lightened the ends of the tubes and also a leak in front of the fire
box where a crack was discovered, & he got done by dark, We also took down the shafting &
straightened the line of it and put a Key into the coupling instead of the steel pin through it,
got up the Hall stove in Priory to day, William went down to Hamilton this morning,
TUESDAY 2
This is of any thing a colder morning & harder frost
WEDNESDAY 3
There has been a hard frost through the night and the Dam is all frozen over, We have begun this
morning to fit up the New water pump for the Rectifying Pump
This is the Monthly Fair Day
November THURSDAY 4 1875
This is a frosty morning the Dam still frozen over But the day turned out very fine, went out to the
Cemetery in the forenoon, and then started with Mrs A down to Aberfoyle and found the roads very hard
FRIDAY 5
This has been a moderate morning, but the frost has an effect in reducing the water in the Dam
SATURDAY 6
This was a fine mild morning The forenoon has been milder than yesterday
�The mildness of the afternoon enduced me to get some Morter made and pointed up a great many chinks
in the logs at the East end of the Priory, We are still working at the new water Pump - All three new
fermenting tuns are charged for the first time
November MONDAY 8 1875
Yesterday was a most splended day, mild and Autumn like,
This is a fine morning though dull yet very mild, still the ice is on the Dam yet
I went up with the men with a load of turf for the graves & got most all of them covered a fresh & will finish
them tomorrow
We are still working at the new pump,
TUESDAY 9
This is a dull morning, but dry, yet looks very much like rain or snow, the temperature is about 30° to 31°
I went up again this forenoon and finished all the Graves with fresh turf, and likewise covered the grave of
the late Mrs George Worsley, and did not leave untill I had completed the whole by 1, Oclock
Started the Steam Engine this afternoon as the water is getting light
WEDNESDAY 10
It has been raining all last night and this there is a coat of snow on the ground and still falling both rain
and sleet which seems now to melt as fast as it falls
Had to repair the Water wheel of the Mill to day
November THURSDAY 11 1875
A little frost this morning, but as the day advanced it became quite mild and soft, and turned out a very
fine day
A Mr Robertson from Glasgow was here to day, he is a flour and Butter Merchant
Have been making some iron Barrels for holding hot ashes when taken out of the Stoves
Went out to the Great Western station to meet Alfred Stroud
�FRIDAY 12
This was another very fine morning, and as the day advanced it became an exceedingly pleasant day
In the afternoon Mrs A & I went out to see Mr Alexander, and found him but moderately well
Between Steam and water we are running 5 pair of stones at present,
SATURDAY 13
This was quite a different Kind of morning cold, and snowing but it melted as fast as it fell, but during the
middle of the day it was not so bad, a great many Buggies and waggons in town to day, & there was a
well filled market, We have 5 pair of stones on to day also,
November MONDAY 15 1875
Yesterday was quite stormy and a good deal of snow fell, which made walking to Church rather
unpleasant, It is somewhat milder to day but slight showers of fine snow is still falling, Which continued
during the day off & on
Attended our annual Church Meetting for the election of Office bearers & examination of a/cs
Peter Idington was here and both called at Guthries Office & got a statement of a/c also a cheque for
$151,,15 which Mr Idington took charge of
TUESDAY 16
This is a stormy morning, snow falling pretty heavy but as the ground is very wet, there is less prospect of
laying so as to make sleighing,
It is stated to day that Mr J Williamson of the Golden Lion has bought the shop he is in at present for
$13,500 from F Chadwick & also the Shop next to it from Sandilands for $11,000, so that property is not
falling in value.
William Fisher came home from Montreal through the night,
WEDNESDAY 17
There was hard frost last night, the glass stood at 20° at 7 am, more snow has also fallen so that the
ground is all covered with snow but by no means enough for sleighing
Have begun this morning to break out stuff for 2 more fermenting tuns of same size as those made last,
Wᵐ Fisher is helping with the Tuns
�I attended the funeral of the late James Wallace who died at Orangeville & brought to our Cemetery, he
was 77 years old,
November THURSDAY 18 1875
This is a cold blustry morning, with occasional showers of snow, there was frost last night which froze
the ruts in the roads and made them very rough
Wᵐ went down to Toronto by the 11 am train to meet Guest
We sent all the planks for the tuns up to Stewarts plaining Mill and got them all done in about 5 hours,
plained on both sides,
David, Andrew and Annie have the measles
FRIDAY 19
This is a mild morning and the streets are wet As the day advances the snow is melting away
Wᵐ returned from Toronto at 10 Oclock
SATURDAY 20
This is a moderate morning the glass at 32° as the day advanced, it became quite mild and the roads
slushey
November MONDAY 22 1875
It froze pretty sharp last night, at 7 this morning the glass stood at 20° below freezing, but became
milder as the day advanced
I went up to Raymonds new shop to examine their boiler feed pump but found it far too small for my
purpose, I found them taking out their heater out of the ground, which described on the 5th October,
And he is now putting in another of the same construction, but 44 inches diam instead of 36 inches, and
200 two inch tubes 15 feet long, in place of {illegible word, crossed out} 30 three inch tubes 12 feet long,
the new shell is made of 3/16th
pates
M.P. Ryan Esqr M.P. of Montreal has failed
TUESDAY 23
This is a milder morning but dull and dark, and turning to thaw, and after breakfast the mist fell like fine
rain, have been at the Foundry looking for a larger feed pump for the distillery Boiler, but on further
�consideration it was thought that to increase the speed of the present one would do, & have resolved to
try that
Called in at the gass works and found that they got their Boiler built in all the pipes round the walls for
heating and that they will start the fire for the first time this afternoon
WEDNESDAY 24
This is a dull cold morning, threatning Snow But as the advances it is getting much colder and the is
blowing pretty fresh from the N West
We are getting on well with dressing the edges of the Staves for the tuns
November THURSDAY 25 1875
This was a very sharp morning 18° below freezing the ice on the Dam strong enough for plenty of skaiters
taking advantage of the dry day I may say fine winter day though cold
I had to place a Constable in charge of the Bridget farm houses, as Wᵐ Hewar who was granted leave to
live in the house while he was in the employ of the tenant Alfred Stroud but after his services were
discontinued he persisted is staying there after the Lease had expired on Sabbath the 21st and began to
remove floors & doors from the outhouses which I stopped
Have got all the Staves dressed on the edges now & the 2 bottoms ready,
Johnston Gibson took away his tool chest this afternoon
FRIDAY 26
This is a wet morning and quite a change from yesterday, and during the forenoon it rained for some time,
and the afternoon it also rained and continued dark all the time
The roads are getting sloppy again
Mr Weir from Thorold called, he is from Straven in Scotland
SATURDAY 27
This a somewhat better morning
As the day advanced it became better but clear and cold for some time in the afternoon
Mrs A & I went out to see Mr Alexander and found him very poorly
�November MONDAY 29 1875
This is a very cold morning, the wind strong from the North & N. West & blew hard all night
As the day advances it is getting colder, the wind is desperately cold
Went out to the York Road farm and allowed Hewar to take away the things he left, and I got the Key of
the House,
TUESDAY 30
This is another cold morning at 6 Oclock the glass stood at Zero, and at 7 am it was 3° below
December WEDNESDAY 1
The frost is not so Keen this morning and the snow is making its appearance more freely
December THURSDAY 2 1875
This was more of a wintry morning, with showers of snow
FRIDAY 3
This morning the glass was 17° above Zero and turned out a very fine day
This was our Fast Da{?}y in our Church
SATURDAY 4
This is a soft foggy morning,and as the day advanced a thaw came on which made the streets sloppy
In the afternoon a drizzling rain came on being short of cut firewood we set to work with a fair supply of
water and cut a very large pile of it have now got the first fermenting tun finished after the men having off
at other work for 3 days or so,
Mr Alexander is not so well this morning,
December MONDAY 6 1875
Yesterday was a very unpleasant day for walking light rain fell and froze as it fell making the road
extreamly slippery in going to Church & continued all day,
This morning was of any thing worse having continued raining & freezing during the night and all day,
much the same as yesterday
�The men took the staves of the fermenting tun appart after fitting the hoops, And laid down the bottom of
the next, Dobby was absent all day
It began to snow in the evening and about 2 or 3 inches fell,
TUESDAY 7
There is a fine coating of Snow on the hard icy ground but about 9 am a fine rain like wet mist began to
fall, and about 10 it turned to rain, which if it continues destroy the prospects of sleighing,
Towards the middle of the afternoon John & I went out to the York Road farm in the cutter for the first time
this winter, To examine the ground for the best locality for Building 2 hog pens, & also with the view of
taking advantage of the best site for not creating any nucence
WEDNESDAY 8
This morning began with a shower of Snow which made it excellent sleighing,
I went out with Mr Gideon Hood to see if it would suit to build them on the Rocks farm next to the inside
creek, But he considered it by far too great a distance to haul the slop, And will therefor have to Build
them on the nearest farm, I got advice from Guthrie on the Law of nucience
William and Higginbotham went down to Hamilton this evening,
December THURSDAY 9 1875
There was more snow falling this morning and a little during the day
Great hurry is making it in the New Town Hall to get it properly washed out, the Plastering is finished &
all the scaffolding out of the way, the Cheque for Duties to day was no less than $9257,74
William returned by the last train this evening
FRIDAY 10
A little snow falling this morning , and the weather is mild
This is the Fat Cattle Show day and a great many fine large animals were exhibited Oxen, sheep & pigs,
and a splended display of Fouls of all kinds, and the day turned out exceedingly fine, which brought a
great many people into Town, and many from a distance to attend Kennedys Concert for the opening of
the New Hall in the addition of the market House,
�SATURDAY 11
It is snowing pretty close this morning and will greatly improve the sleighing
And during the day there was frequent showers of Snow
December MONDAY 13 1875
Yesterday morning we found a fresh coating of snow
This morning we find a heavier coating which will add greatly to the sleighing which is now very good
But as the weather is very mild and the drops falling from the rood it may turn to thaw yet
Both Alice & Eddy have the Measles,
I had two of the Shortreeds here to day Estimating for the construction of the 2 large hog pens I was
about to build on the farm on the York Road, The price of the lumber laid down here from Barry at $11 pr
M delᵈ out on the Ground is the only reasonable portion of cost, More snow has fallen this evening
J.C. Couper was here to day
TUESDAY 14
This is a fine pleasant winter morning, a little snow has fallen during the night, there is a pretty full market
to day It is positively ascertained That important documents have been Registered that was promised
should not be done without some urgent cause or breach of faith,
WEDNESDAY 15
This is a fine winter morning with a light shower of snow, The wind is from the South East, and frequent
showers of snow through the day
December THURSDAY 16 1875
This is a cold morning with a light flurry of snow but throug the day it got milder
Higinbotham & I went up to Stratford by the 6 oclock train, and was met at the Station by John &
his double gray team, the night was cold and stormy and drifting a good deal,
FRIDAY 17
This was a pritty cold morning in Stratford We left by train at 1/2 past 9
Have men out at the farm fixing a pump to clear the lower floor of the Barn of water,
�between 5 & 6 the Thermometer stood about Zero
SATURDAY 18
This is a very sharp morning at 7 a little below Zero the middle of the day it was clear and the Sun
shone out for a while, The men went out again to deepen the well for the pump at the farm
December MONDAY 20 1875
Yesterday was a very cold day, at 8 Oclock it was 5° below Zero and about 11 and we went to Church
1/2° below zero And at 10 pm was again 5° below
This morning at 1/2 past 6 am it was 9° above Zero, and became milder as the day advanced, and after
2 pm it became quite soft on the roads and has the appearance of a thaw,
The men were out at the Barn with the pump again & to bring it in to thaw it,
TUESDAY 21
This is a mild morning and the roads quite soft, and the water begining to drop from the eves, as the day
advanced it began to rain lightly and continued so more or less all day
The men were out at the farm fixing the protection for the pump
WEDNESDAY 22
This is another soft morning & quite mild
And as the day advanced the streets became very slushey and the gutters running with water, the snow
is mostly washed of the roads and poor prospects for sleighing at Christmas
Recᵈ interest to day on Mrs McLeans, Mortgage from Thomson & Jackson $20,,88
Mr Alexander very poorly to day
December THURSDAY 23 1875
This is a remarkably fine mild morning the Sun shining out, but the streets and crossings are very muddy,
and little or no snow except along the hard trodden part of the roads and the sides of fences in the
Country, P Idington came up this morning, He drew, Agnus's, Interest, & Thomson & Jackson viz $32
less his $4 advanced & I paid her $28, she paid me $4 on a/c of what I advanced, leaving $[illegible] due
me
�The Execution of {blank space} for the murder of his wife took place in the Jaol yard this morning he
died without the least struggle whatever Have been repairing the Steam Mill bridge, Mr Alexander very
ill last night some better this morning, Mrs A and I went out in the afternoon and found him on the soffa
& lavouring hard to get up the phlegm & talked more than he has done to me for 3 week past
FRIDAY 24
This is a very different Kind of morning hard frost and the mudd all frozen dry, yet it is dull & dark &
were it not for the high wind it would snow
About 1 Oclock it began to rain a fine shower of partly rain & partly fine hail and froze as it fell making the
roads very slippery,
Mr Alexander is of any thing a little better this forenoon, The Butchers have opened out to day a
splended display of meat of all Kinds in the new Market, where there is plenty of room to exhibit it to
advantage
About 8 Oclock it rained hard and must have continued for some time,
SATURDAY 25
This is Christmas morning, mild with a little drizzling rain, went round all the works, which were going,
And had only returned to begin Breakfast when James came to inform me that the slop pipes next the
vats had broken down, I went forthwith & got John McPherson, John & W Fisher was sent for and all
was got ready in a short time, the roads were wet & sloppy, We dined at Higinbothams, and towards
evening it dried up & froze hard
A great many young folks were skaiting on the dam till late at night, the ice was fine for it
December MONDAY 27 1875
Sabbath there was a coating of snow of an inch deep had fallen, shortly after a fine shower of rain
began and continued both going and returning from Church, & during the afternoon also, between 4 & 5
a heave shower came on, with thunder & lightning the water overflowing the eve troughs, and thickned so
as to prevent it running, it got dark very soon at 7pm the glass stood at 41° with less rain but dark
But to day it was quite dry and the roads quite hard, but abundance of water running over the dam,
Broke the driver of No
water mill
�TUESDAY 28
There was pritty hard frost this morning, the roads quite dry, the mornings are dark, men can hardly
see to work befor 1/2 past 7,
William went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train
Had meeting of Insurance Directors to day leveed assessment for 5° per cent, appointed delegates to
parliament to watch Bill now introduced
Got David Startup now on a visit to repair the worm of Gin still
WEDNESDAY 29
This is another mild morning for this time of the year, the roads are almost good sleighing from the very
mist settling on the ground and frezing, but the waggons are more in use for any distance or with a load,
David Startup, has been all day at the Gin still,
And as the Beer Pump is getting very frail and bursting out in the sides every little while, & having heard
that one Party in Toronto has made some lately I will go down & see what like they are tomorrow before
ordering from Cincinatti
December THURSDAY 30 1875
This is also a mild morning like an April one and intend leaving by the early train for Toronto. And
William had to leave for Paris & Brantford
In Toronto I found business very dull & not as usual at the last of the year, I went to several of the
Engineers shops to see if any of them had made or could make within a short time a forse pump for the
Distillery & failed to get any thing to suit
The streets were in a great mess with mudd
FRIDAY 31
This is a very fine morning the glass about 40°, and in the forenoon about 42½° and really charming
weather, We are very busey taking stock of the Mill & Distillery,
William returned from Brantford by the noon train & finds that Brown must go to the wall,
�{an ad for H. D. Edwards & Co. in Detroit, MI, Wholesale Dealers in Mill, Railroad, Engineers and
Chandlers' Supplies}
{Looks to be the first page of the ad for H. D. Edwards & Co with the title "The Secret of Prosperity!". }
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover”
on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-1877
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
1875
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
David Allan Diary Collection
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
Creator
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David Allan
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Courtesy of Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
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19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township
UG
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<p>DAILY JOURNAL.1875.</p>
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<p>{Several newspaper clippings are pasted/taped in. Most appear to have been traced in blue prior to being cut out.}</p>
<p>{QUEENS BENCH, - (Present Mr. Justice Wilson.) JUDEMENTS OF FULL COURT. BEVERLEY C. BANKER – No rule. GORDON V. WATEROUS. – Rules absolute to enter verdict for defendant. REGINA V. TAYLOR – The following is the {illegible} of a very important judgment 1. The {illegible} brewer is a branch of trade and commerce. 2. It is business, although domestic, and internal in the Province in which it is carried on, which is under the general control of the Dominion Government, which unlike the Government of the United States, possesses the general sovereignty of the country, subordinate, of course, to the Imperial Parliament, while the Provinces, unlike the respective States of the Union, can exercise their merely delegated powers. 3. The Dominion authority has power alone to tax and regulate the trade of a brewer, and having done so the Ontario Legislature has not the power to restrain it unless in a qualified manner, and for the mere purposes of police to the extent before mentioned. 4. The prohibition to keep, have, or sell beer by a brewer, unless under a license and the payment of a tax for a licenseis an excess of power by the Provincial authority , and is a restraint and regulation of trade and commerce, and not the exercise of a police power. 5. The Ontario Legislature has the power to exercise control in all matters of police, or, in other words, which relate to the good government, health, and morals of the people. 6. It is not altogether quite easy to determine what is a matter of police, and what is a regulation of trade. The police power is in almost every case to some extent, when dealing with persons or with the subjects of trade, a restraint, and in that respect a regulation of trade. 7. The restriction imposed by the Ontario Legislature on brewers not to sell by retail, as defined in the Act of 1874, is not ultra {wires?}, because it is a mere repetition and renewal of the legislation, which was in full force here before and at the time of the Confederation. 8. The right conferred on the Ontario legislature to deal exclusively with “shop, saloon, tavern, auctioneer and other licenses,” for purposes of revenue does not extend to licenses on brewers and distillers, over} {{TORONTO?} WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 1875. Which the General Government only, and at all aimes exercises jurisdiction, and which are of a higher and different class than the licenses of retail dealers which are mentioned, and the other licenses have reference to those kinds of licenses before states, such as on billiard tables, livery stables, &c, &c, which are chiefly enumerated in the Municipal Acts.9. The Ontario Legislature has the right to license or prohibit the sale of liquors in shops and taverns, and in other places of the like kind, because it has the exclusive power over Municipal Institutions, and these institutions had before, and at the time of Confederation, the exercise of these powers, and because such power read in connection with sec. 92, sub-section 16 of the Confederation Act is now a matter “ of a merely local or private nature in the Province.” 10. That power is in restraint of trade as well as a matter of police, so that the general regulation of trade and commerce, which is vested in the Dominion Government, must be considered to be modified by the powers which the Ontario Legislature, acting in relation to municipal institutions, may properly exercise.}</p>
<p>{brother, were driving home across the {illegible} between 9 and ten o’clock on Saturday {illegible} the latter party was the victim of a {illegible} and successful attempt at robbery {illegible} stranger jumped on the sleigh{illegible} ately “knocking” the driver {illegible} robbed him of his pocket {illegible} nately only contained {illegible} The horses ran away {illegible} harness in their {illegible} an an easy {illegible} was unkown {illegible} it is not {illegible} ever}</p>
<p><br /> {MARCH 17, 1875 exceptions to this general rule. These are: Clark, Hawks, Powers, Earle, Stephens, and Darling. While the principals fail, the subordinates make money. THE SAGINAW WALLEY – In salt there has been a large increase in the production for 1874, or 971,587 brls, against 810,495 the previous year. This is for the Saginaw River alone, the production of the State being 1,026,979 barrels, an increase of 200,000 barrels. There is a decrease of about 45,000,000 feet in the amount of lumber out as compared with 1873. The table of production includes all the mills along the Saginaw River, and the interior mills in Saginaw County, but excludes a number of important mills in the northern part of Bay County, which are properly considered railroad mills. The decrease in the amount of lumber cut is partially attributed to the fact that four mills were destroyed by fire in 1873, and three during the past year. Seven other mills did not run at all, and a number only a portion of the season. Many of the mills operated, and which were fortunate enough to get an ample supply of logs, show a much better record than during any former year. The statistics of lumber manufacture are condense in the following summary: - {{{see table in scan}}} From the amount of unsold lumber on hand, as given above, should be deducted 30,000,000 feet sold since January 1st, 1875, and 60,000,000 held by manufacturers who operate yards elsewhere, and which is practically out of this market.}</p>
<p>{The Parry Sound Lumber Company’s new mill covers an area of 85 x 108 feet, and has a capacity for sawing from 80,000 to 100,000 feet per day. There in use in the new mill three Turbine water-wheels, which are capable of giving 280 horse power. This mill is certainly the best on the North Shore, and possibly it is equal to any in the Province. The building, also being close to the village, adds greatly to the appearance of the place, as at a short distance, it has the resemblance of a large English cathedral more than a saw mill. In the attic story alone, there are 15,000 lights of glass. In addition to the erection of the new mill, the Company have also extended their tramways, and altogether, they have spent about $35,000 in these improvements, a large proportion of which was paid in wages – in giving employment to emigrants and others who would otherwise have been deprived of work during the winter. We area also glad to learn that the Foreman, M. Else, and all of his men, are members of the Order of Good Templars. The Georgian Bay Lumber Company also intend building a mill on the same principle at Wanbashene, next winter.}</p>
<p>{there is a calendar for 1875 and 1876 below the newspaper clippings}</p>
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<p>The Rice Lake Railway bridge is making satisfactory progress. The contractor is makng every necessary exertion, and the bridge will be open for traffic next summer. In view of a probable flood the Bobcaygeon Independent suggests that all the stop logs in the back country dams should be ordered out by the agents of the Ontario Government. {Newspaper clipping-left}</p>
<p>Attempted Suicide 1875 CHICAGO, March 16- A.J. Thomas, for several months an operator in the Chicago Board of Trade, attempted suicide to-day by shooting himself, it is supposed fatally. Heavy losses induced the act. {Newspaper clipping-right}</p>
<p>DAILY JOURNAL for 1875.</p>
<p>TORONTO PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.</p>
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<p>DIARY 1875.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January Friday 1 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning not very cold and enough snow left to slide along with a sleigh very well</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 2</span></h2>
<p>Much the same this morning</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January Monday 4 1875</span></h2>
<p>Very fine morning, and good sleighing snow having fallen last night Great excitement about the Election</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 5</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning I had to attend the Court in the judges chambers in the case Queen {vs?} Birmingham for encroaching on the {York?} Road with his fence posts</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 6</span></h2>
<p>Fine clear morning I went down to order new clothes for {Upper Reels?} for Water Mill {and?} Steam Mill, No9 at head and No10 at tail of {reels}, and to change the upper cloths to the {under reels?} Monthly fair to day</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January Thursday 7 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a pritty sharp morning, and snowing a little now and then I made an agreement with Roth Stewart to take all his pile of clear stuff, that 3 inch plank for fermenting tubs at $22,50 per thousand feet Board measure as if picked out and {only?} the quantity I required at present he would charge me $30.00 per M,and if I chose let me have the balance at $16, 00 per M, so I took the lot and began to haul it home</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 8</span></h2>
<p>Fine winter weather, and snowing a little and has been snowing through the night, got all the clear planks home this forenoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 9</span></h2>
<p>This is a very stormy cold morning by far the coldest this winter and yet the glass did not indicate lower than 3º above zero at 7am. A good deal of snow fell and drifted the wind strong from the West. We got te wheels of the steam mill finished this afternoon. The water is very {scarse?} and can hardly {chop?} enough for the Distillery.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 11 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is not so cold as yesterday morning, for at 7am it was 9° below zero, and this morning at zero by one glass and 3° below in another, one while different Thermomenters in Town indicated 15° below, fortunately there was very little wind yesterday, for had it blown as it did on Saturday it would have been more dredfull against the wind. We are repairing the colapse valve in the still and took out the copper drop pipe, as it had colapsed half way up and a hole in it where the Steam entered and prevented the charge decending This is my Birth Day having beewn born in Edinburgh in 1808. We got the still started about noon after taking out the drop pipe Peter {Gow Esqr? elected?} to day by aclamation for the local hours of parliament.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 12</span></h2>
<p>This was rather a milder morning the glass showing 1° above zero, The Steam Mill went all last night I yesterday received a letter from Girvan containing the discharge of Mortgage by Mrs Grace McLeare in favor of James Armstrong, Robt Scott, {L?},B, Armstrong, Wm Armstrong, James Massie Mrs Massie his wife and George Armstrong, which Mortgage bears date 24 Nov 1864 {Likes?} A7 folio 22545 Peter Idington here to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 13</span></h2>
<p>This is a milder morning, Thermometer 27° above zero and snowing quite copiously also several showers during the day I arranged with Ingles to allow my men the use of the plainer at $1,00 per day. And got up the stoves this afternoon</p>
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<p>David_Allan_1875-010.pdf</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY 14 1875</span></h2>
<p>A very pleasant morning</p>
<p>General Meeting of Wellington Mutual Insurance Co for the Election of New directors &c and all the old Directors were reelected.</p>
<p>Sad tiding to day of the death of John McGivern son of Col McGivern of Hamilton who was killed by the Cars near the Station in Toronto last night when expecting to meet his sister last night, And poor Mr Gray the gardener was killed by a Northern train the forenoon,</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 15</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine winter morning, Went down to Toronto by the early train, for the purpose of getting a new drop pipe for the still,</p>
<p><br /> The City seemed dull and great want of activity in trade, and shipping business has not paid the vessel owners at all, One propeller laid up for the winter was $3,000 in debts and many others in the like manner, Was told that Eneas McKay of Hamilton had remarked that his new vessel would have been better on the stocks all the season & not to have launched her.</p>
<p>I got home by 8 Oclock, and brought the pipe with me,</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 16</span></h2>
<p>Moderate morning has been snowing through the night and still continuing, the Temperature is 12° above Zero,</p>
<p>We are getting on nicely in jointing the staves in my own Machine, having got them thicknessed at Cossets shop & Ripped them there also, Ingles & Hunters Machine having broken down</p>
<p>I Bought a framers boring Machine with 3 augers allong with it for $6.50 & a 7/8 bit for 50¢ for dowels for Bottom of tuns,</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 18 1875</span></h2>
<p>This was a moderate morning 10° above zero after 7 a.m. With a light fall of snow during the night</p>
<p>Had to put in the Copper drop pipe this morg {morning} which took longer time than I expected as it had to be hamered out larger to get it on the tube of the Brass gate.</p>
<p>Had also to stop to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying House and tighten the ends of the tubes with the expander</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 19</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine winter day Tempᵗ {temperature} 10° above zero with a light fine snow</p>
<p>Had to stop the Steam Mill this morning as both pairs of flouring Stones were dull and pasted</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 20</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate morning with light shower of snow</p>
<p>Began to remove the bolting cloth of the upper reels of the Steam Mill</p>
<p>Reports are at hand of the failure of several houses in Montreal</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY 21 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a milder morning with a considerable fall of snow, and continuing</p>
<p>Began to remove the upper reel cloths in the Water Mill bolts, the water is still very scarse and only enough to Grind the Corn for the Distillery, and think it the best time to change them</p>
<p>Montreal 20th 3 business houses have suspended to day, {viz?} MG. and WH. Edson importers of Wines liabilities $70,000,</p>
<p>Chapman, Fraser & Tylee groceries & wines $70,000</p>
<p>Duncan Bell, Manufactures agents $60,000 & several more talked of, Edson offered 25¢ today to his {lendition?}</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 22</span></h2>
<p>Rather colder this morning, and blowing more, with another coating of snow</p>
<p>Have got the 2 upper reels of the bolts on and working, and will put on the ones taken off and put them on below as soon as, they are got ready (that is altered a little)</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 23</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine clear morning 10° above Zero a little snow having fallen through the night</p>
<p>More failures reported this morning</p>
<p>Jas Doyle & Co Distillery Goderich,</p>
<p>C Powney, Hardware, Fergus</p>
<p>Asselin Oliver, grocer, Montreal</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 25 1875</span></h2>
<p>Moderate weather and settled</p>
<p>Yesterday was a very boisterous day a considerable quantity of snow having fallen. also during last night much more has fallen, so that it is very deep to day in some places,</p>
<p>2 men are still putting on the bolting cloths, and Dobbie working at the bottoms of the new fermenting tuns .</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 26</span></h2>
<p>This was a very fine day, John & I went down to Galt to { examing?} a pair of Millstones that were ready for us, if approved of & when there could not decide & Telegraphed for Moses our Miller to come down & give his opinion who joined with John in the opinion that they were too open and he therefor ordered another pair to be made</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 27</span></h2>
<p>This is a snowing morning, and a good deal must have fallen through the night</p>
<p>Snowing this evening,</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY 28 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning and moderate weather some more snow has fallen, and still coming down in slight showers,</p>
<p>began this morning to put on the lower cloths on the reels in the water mill (that is those that were upper ones) Duncan McDonald of Montreal (formerly merchant of Toronto) now travels for Lockie & Co</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 29</span></h2>
<p>This is a very sharp morning 10° below Zero at 7am with scarsly any wind, Otherwise it would be very cold</p>
<p>The men are finishing the last cloth for the water mill bolts.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 30</span></h2>
<p>This was a very moderate morning, and during the fore part of the day But during the afternoon it got very cold, I took a drive out to the Rocks and found that a very large track has been cut up into wood</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 1 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine winter morning, some more snow having fallen during the night</p>
<p>William and Mr Adams went down to Toronto by noon train, about the gauging of some whisky, Wm {William} went on to Hamilton from there</p>
<p>The Steam Mill has been standing all day for the cleaning out of the Boiler,and to examine the piston,</p>
<p>Judge Gwine opened Court to day for the trial of the contested election between Drew and Higinbotham, when after a short examination of 3/4 of an hour the seat was declared vacant</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 2</span></h2>
<p>Very fine weather, most likely to thaw, from the mildness, the snow is deep in some places on the track of the G. Western near Town, there was a delay of the afternoon train going North of from 6pm to 8 oclock,</p>
<p>It is snowing this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>This was a mild morning, and light rain came on early, But yet the monthly fair was well attended, about noon it rained heavier and looked like a regular thaw, but about one Oclock the wind chopped round to the west, and it began to freeze and blow hard and very cold during the evening.</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 4 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a very cold morning, and has blown a perfect gale all night, and many of the Telegraph wires are down, and all day it has blown a strong Westerly wind and desperately cold, at 7 am it was 2° below Zero, and at noon only 2° or 3 ° above it. so continued the remainder of the day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 5</span></h2>
<p>This is another cold morning Therᵗ {thermometer} at Zero at 7am but the wind was not so strong during the night nor yet this morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 6</span></h2>
<p>This morning is colder than yesterday 2° below Zero at 7 pm am</p>
<p>Began to hoop the new fermenting tubs, with 1 Bundle of 3 inch Band I got from Bond on trial</p>
<p>this evening at 7 pm it was 8° below Zero</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 8 1875</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath morning was the coldest morning we have had for many years at 1/2 past 7 it was 25° below Zero at 8 oclock 26° in the evening at 10 pm it was 12° below Zero</p>
<p>This morning it was not so cold at 1/2 past 6 it was 3° below Zero</p>
<p>Got 3 Bdˢ {bundles } of 3 inch Band and 3 [du?] of 2 1/2 inch band iron from Bond & Co a $3.50 pr {per} 100 lbs</p>
<p>New Policy of insurance to day</p>
<p>John Gore the Quarry man began his contract to cut down the Rock in the Distillery cellar for the new tuns $40,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 9</span></h2>
<p>This is another cold morning, Wind N.West & light (Glass at 10 last night 12° below Zero) This morning at 7 am the mercury stood at 15° below Zero & at 10 am it was 9° below Zero, fortunately the wind is not strong otherwise it would be fearfully cold,</p>
<p>The glass to night at 10 Oclock was 10° below Zero</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 10</span></h2>
<p>This morning was 19° below Zero at 7 am but several other thermometers marked 22° below</p>
<p>The day has been very cold, the wind was from the East then N.West in the afternoon equally cold & at 7 it went round to the South West and began to snow and drift,</p>
<p>There was quite a ground swell in the river and Dam was flowing over in the morning and the ice frozen to the bottom of the river below the water</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 11 1875</span></h2>
<p>Very cold morning owing to the wind from the West, but the thermometer does not indicate more than about Zero, And as the day advanced it became of any thing milder, and kept on snowing and continued on till night, so that a great deal of snow has fallen since yesterday evening when it began</p>
<p><br /> Meeting in St Andrews Church School House to night no trains to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 12</span></h2>
<p>This is another very cold morning 10° below Zero and a cold N.West wind blowing, and has continued all the forenoon below Zero and only at 2 pm did it get up to Zero, The roads are so blocked up on the Grand Trunk that no trains have been run to day</p>
<p>No trains the fore part of the day untill night when the snow plough came down with 2 Engines</p>
<p>John Gore finished his contract to day, but there is more to do on Monday after the stone is all cleared away</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 13</span></h2>
<p>This is the coldest morning yet at 7 am the thermometer showed 27° below Zero and little or no wind, during the fore noon the wind got up a little from the N.West, The G Trunk {Grand Trunk} trains are running to day and keeping fair time,</p>
<p>Got the last of the 3 tuns hooped and taken apart for removing</p>
<p>No signs of any change in the weather, but getting colder to night the large quantity of snow adds greatly to the cold,</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 15 1875</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday Morning at 7 am 21° below Zero & quite calm at 1/2 past 8 it was 8° below, at 1/4 past 10 PM, and very cold.</p>
<p>This morning at 7 Oclock 20° below Zero and has been very cold all day and never more than 2° or 3° above Zero, and fell off lower at dark and at 10 oclock p.m. 8° below Zero</p>
<p>I hear that George McLean has sold his Mills in Aberfoyle 3 pairs of stones for $20,000</p>
<p>John McNaughton formerly a joint proprietor (With Jas Wilson) of the Galt Mills died there at noon to day aged 54 years, after about 2 years of considerable suffering,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 16</span></h2>
<p>This morning at 7 am 5° below Zero, a considerable difference is felt from yesterday & this fore noon is very pleasant winter day,</p>
<p>I have just recᵈ {received} a letter from Freelton that Archᵈ {Archibald} Stewart Esqr {Esquire} died on Saturday last, funeral tomorrow at 11 am</p>
<p>The Quarrymen have finished their work in cutting down the Rock for the foundation of Tuns</p>
<p>It is reported that a Bank here will loose $10,000 by a speculator in Barley</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 17</span></h2>
<p>Stormy morning I went down below Freelton to attend the Funeral of Archᵈ {Archibald} Esqr {Esquire} who died there on Saturday last, the Roads were terribly drifted, and the day was a desperate one there being no protection on these wide plains as formerly when lined with woods on each side of the road, the snow for the most part was level with the fences</p>
<p>In returning home & when about 2 miles from Guelph we upset the cutter, and I got my left shoulder dislocated, but drove up to Dr Herods house and got him down to the Priory with us, when him and James, (my Brother who accompanied me) drew it into its place again the pain was very great</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 18 1875</span></h3>
<p>This I am told is a keen cold day I lay in bed all day as quiet as possible so as to keep the joint home in the socket</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>Not so cold to day. I got up to Breakfast several callers to see me</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>Much this same as yesterday</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY 22 1875</span></h3>
<p>The weather tollerably fine yesterday but I did not venture to go to church. To day was a fine pleasant I dressed and got on my body coat, and overcoat one arm in, and attended meeting of Directors we had before us report of the destruction of Thomas Watsons tannery by fire Had to clean out the boiler of the rectifying house to day & a slight mending of the boiler, also the air vessel of the water pump which had burst by the frost during the nights of Saturday & Sunday A window having been left open was the cause And after having got all ready steam up &c it was found that the water pipe leading under ground from the hose was frozen solid. The afternoon was soft and began to rain</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This morning was mild and thought a thaw and light rain in the afternoon, and heavier in the evening. The men have been working all night and to day heaming the water pipe and have made no progress of any account of The hose used will not bear sufficient presence</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>Thawing to day again, and the streets flooded with water Have been working all day, getting off the water out of the well, shed to construct a light coffer=dam {in the center of this section is an illustration of the well} in the middle of the well and set down a pump in one corner & got if dry so as to get at the bent iron pipe into which we bored a hole to insert a funnell & poured hot water William left home for London on a business tour this afternoon</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY 25 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold blustering morning, snow has fallen during the night, yet it is thawing some. After having had on the steam all night it has not come through into the well yet, and am preparing to take a pipe from the tank in the distillery, and had the pipes and elbows &c all laid down at the door, when the steam began to holler & roar in the well, when all of us were overjoyed that the pipe was once more clear of ice. Then we had to remove the coffer dams filled with clay (& dung but the dung was more harm than good) and after getting all the chips dirt &c out as clean as possible, set the pump agoing to pump the water clear, shut down for the night all being tired out. Very stormy night Heard from WIlliam in London twice to day he leaves for St Thomas</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 26</span></h2>
<p>Another coat of snow this morning. All the works going on well, and the day is turning out fine. Heard from Wim at Chatham to day</p>
<p>William returned by the 6 oclock train this evening</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 27</span></h2>
<p>This is a sharp morning, but clear William returned by the 6 oclock train this evening, begining to freeze hard this evening</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 1 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a very stormy morning, snowing heavy & blowing hard at the same time. (Yesterday at 10 a.m. glass stood at 5 above zero, clear all day & freezing hard in the evening) At noon the storm continues the Galt train went down this morning and the mail train came up but no trains whatever since, the drifts and quantities of snow falling will stop them on all the roads, (my arm is improving & can almost do without a sling.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 2</span></h2>
<p>This is if any thing a hotter morning but it froze hard last night it is 5° above Zero this morning at 7.</p>
<p>Great many baskets of fouls arriving for the Exhibition</p>
<p>{He pasted in a newspaper clipping and outlined it in blue which reads: } “Measrs, Duffield, Waltham, and Snodgrass, of London, arrived yesterday as a deputation to confer with the Minister of Inland Revenue relative to excise on oil. They had an interview with the authorities of the Inland Revenue Department to day, and obtained such concessions as will enable them to carry on their business, for the present at least, without any inconvenience arising from the new system of weighing.</p>
<p>{Beside it is another newspaper clipping outlined in blue which reads: } Both the Town and County of Peterboro' were busily employed last week in considering the fallen bridge over Otonabee. They have decided upon erecting a temporary wooden bridge, the contract for it, indeed, being already let, so that the communication across the river will soon be secured. As to the permanent structure, the decision is not finally made, but it seems to be pretty nearly determined that it shal be a boiler plate girder bridge, similar to the viaduct at Port Hope. The majority of the County Council advocate a wooden bridge in preference, if there is to be a great difference in the cost, and as to bow string girder bridges, public confidence in them seems to have been rudely shaken by the recent accident</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>This is a very bad morning for the Poultry Show it is snowing and drifting hard from the East and the railways will soon be all stopped</p>
<p>I have dispenced with my sling for my arm it is a great deal better</p>
<p>I have seen the show this afternoon and it is a fine display of all kinds of fouls,</p>
<p>The drift and snow is fully worse than it has been & the snow falling heavier towards 6 o,clock</p>
<p>coal deld {delivered} for $3,90 by the Nairn Co,</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 4 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a much better morning and somewhat settled like, and looks like a thaw Higinbotham started for Orangeville this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>Snowing heavy at 7 Oclock am Temp 20 degrees it slackened off about 10 and the sun partly shone through the thickness of the air Our Fast day in church It began to snow this evening in going to church and heavier on our return</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>This morning looks dull & has been snowing last night about 4 inches deep, the glass up to mean freezing say 28 degrees</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 8 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a moderate morning 18 degrees and thawing during the middle of the day opened up the drain in the mill yard to let off the water. have 3 men working at the flood gates clearing away the ice in case of a sudden thaw My arm is a great deal better to day. Mr & Mrs Gardner here from Kincardine</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 9</span></h3>
<p>This morning was much milder about 30 degrees at 7 am the snow is getting soft, but not to say slushey yet Have got the flood gates as clear as they can be untill a complete thaw begins. There was a fogg & hoar frost this morning which is a sign of a thaw Have finished the Curb for the 4th pair of stones for the steam mill, and put on the first coat of paint on it.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 10</span></h3>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 11 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a mild day, and the water droping from the eves of the house Attended the funeral of Mrs Thos Hood (Annie Bruce) who died on the 9th very suddenly of heart disease, she used to visit our house 41 years ago when a little girl</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>This is also a mild morning a shower of sleet & snow has fallen through the night, and the drops are falling from the roofs Have taken down the upright shaft for as to key on a pair of new bevel wheels to drive the smutt machines the teeth of the old ones being worn quite thin also a spurr wheel on the horizontal shaft the old one having 2 teeth broken out of it</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>This has been a mild day, the streets are quite wet the water lodging in many places where it cannot get off We had to stop the Engine last night as she kept thumping hard in the cylinder On examination it was found that a nut of the follower of the Piston had burst in peices it was soon repaired & started again Have got the wheel keyed on the upright shaft and put in its place</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 15 1875</span></h3>
<p>This last has been a fearful night of thunder & lightning and heavy showers of rain, and the snow in a pulp I went down to Galt by the 9 oclock train to see about the new distillery and found that they just been shipped on board the car, I also made enquiry about the sale of a pair of old ones, to a party in Listowel I also made enquiry about the 18 inch Cylinder that they had on hand, but found that it was engaged to to fitted up in the mill to be rebuilt at Listowel. the streets in Galt were all in a puddle and frequent heavy showers of rain Daniel Lizars Esqr Clerk of the Peace County of Huron died yesterday morning aged 82 years has held the office since 1841. His son Dr John Lizars died in Toronto last week</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This is a dry morning so far but as the day advanced heavy showers of snow came on drifting heavy John and a squad of men are busy loading up the Tomestones on three sleighs and taking them up to the cemetery, but the day is very course in the afternoon the Great Western team brought in the new pair of millstones, when after laying down a few large bags of Bran upset them right of the sleigh on to them</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>This is another stormy morning no thaw to day but showers of snow, with a still breeze, and wintry like This is the longest and hardest winter I can remember</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 18 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold disagreeable day There is considerable anxiety this afternoon as to the result of the Election in North Wellington The news came in to night that Higinbotham was 2 behind Drew</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>Hard frost this morning, down to zero at 7 am the news from the North is changed for the better after getting returns from the different polling stations which puts Higinbotham on the other side with a majority of 3 votes</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>More Snow has fallen last night and looks more wintry again Higinbotham and a party of friends from the North arrived this evening at 1/2 past 6 and a party of between 50&60 sat down to an elegant repast at 8 oclock at the Wellington Hotel</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 22 1875</span></h3>
<p>Very cold last night Thermometer at 7 am {this part is written above the sentence} 13 degrees below at 6 oclock 7 degrees below zero and at 10 oclock it rose to 22 degrees above, with a powerful sun Wm went of to Stratford this morning Higinbotham started for Ottawa at 5 pm</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This is another sharp morning at 6 oclock it was 13 degrees below zero and at 7 am it stood at 7 degrees and rose rapidly when the sun shone through William & John Higinbotham came home from Galt school, by the 8 oclock morning train.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This is a mild morning 34 degrees or 2 above freezing and 2 inches of snow fell during the night The wind due west, with a light drizle of rain for a very short time, but there is not much of a thaw as yet but it is comming on Kingston Court House reported to be on fire this morning</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 25 1875</span></h3>
<p>Moderate weather. Clear and a little thaw The Court House at Kingston was totally destroyed by fire yesterday Had to blow off the side boiler this afternoon as the gasket between the flange of the safety valve and the boiler was partly blown out, after emptying the boiler and refilling it with cold water to cool it, so as to allow a man to get in to hand the bolts, & found it hot after all, however we got it all done in 5 hours</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>{next to Friday in the title has written in Good} This is a wet dull morning rain & fine sheet But the day was mild though dull and a good deal of water running in the gutters</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>This is another mild day The gutters in Windham street were flowing very fast, and extra drains had to be cut across the street to {ends abruptly}</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 29 1875</span></h3>
<p>Quite mild this morning As the day advanced the streets are flowing fast William went down to Toronto by the 11 oclock train to endeavour to effect some sales. William returned from Toronto by the 7 pm train & found business dull. Merchants overstocked & little or nothing doing</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 30</span></h3>
<p>Another mild morning, and the weather spring like & the sun powerful in melting the snow & the streets flooded with water</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 31</span></h3>
<p>This is also quite a mild day, the Sun has great power in melting the snow that the streets are running in torrents & the gutters full as if after a great fall of rain the river also rising and flowing over the dam several inches David Kennedy has begun this week to excavate for the addition to the market house, and finds plenty of excellent building sand</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April THUSDAY 1 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a close morning with Temp = {has te written above the equals sign} at 50 degrees and dull and threatning rain At 1/2 past 10 it began a fine steady close rain, and continued to increase and continued pretty heavy till 1/2 past 12, and only very slightly during the afternoon And towards night it began to freeze and dry up and turned out a fine night The water in the Dam rose considerable, but we did not open the flood gates much, as I want to keep the water that the current below may wear away the ice as it is very much more so than ever I saw Began to day to put in the new millstones</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning and dry and plenty of water rolling over the dam We began to take the engine apart and get out the Cylinder to get bored out afresh Had a meeting of the of the Mutual Insurance Co. The loss by Thos Watson Tanner of Fergus, was discussed Great deal of water going over the Dam. Our clerk Mr Alexr Mackenzie has determined to cross the Ocean to Bring home his son he will leave on Thursday</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 3</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning the water still keeping up in the river I got the Cylinder on boad the car this afternoon for Galt</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 5 1875</span></h3>
<p>The water is much the same as Saturday but as the day advances it is greatly increased by the heat of the sun Had to hoist the flood gates this afternoon so as to lower the water and prevent the ice going over the dam as it is far too thick yet not far from 4 feet thick Have been working all day at the coils in the Rectifying still and not yet able to find out the worst cracks the flanges that are turned up at the ends behind the collars are eaten away to extreame thinnesls</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 6</span></h3>
<p>Much colder this morning the ground frozen, we worked to 12 oclock last night but did not get the joints to my satisfaction. Had to cut off a peice of the turn up flange of one of the joints and solder on a new wing instead of turning up again as the copper appears to be almost hotter & very thin I went down to Galt this afternoon to give instructions as to what I wanted done to the engine. the water in the Grand River is very high and great quantities of ice and drift wood of all kinds going down at a rappid rate</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This was also a cold raw morning it had been raining and freezing as is fell and all the sidewalks covered with ice This is the Monthly Fair not many cattle in to day The water in the River is decreasing</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 8 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and the roads are drying up fast, and the ice on the dam melting fast away My clerk Mr Mackenzie left here by the Great Western R.R. for New York by the 2.10 train on his way to Scotland. I went out to see him away Mr George Bruce also for the same distination.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 9</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning it has been raining during last night or this morning. another light shower fell about 9 oclock, but did not last above 1/2 an hour. forenoon became fine clear weather</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 10</span></h3>
<p>This is a mild morning This afternoon the little boy Grange fell into the canal at the flood gates and was carried through there and down the River at a rappid rate, when John C Mean heaving of it ran down the side of the bank and caught hold of him about the smoke house, he was quite exausted & nearly gone About 10 oclock, or just as I was about to open the office door after the Town Clock had finished striking 10 I heard the Bell begin to toll quicker & quicker & the cry of tine, & started up town & heard on say that Raymonds factory was on fire</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 12 1875</span></h3>
<p>A dull morning & looks like rain and only a light shower fell The whole of Raymonds Sewing machine factory was burnt down last night, I at one time expected that the N East wing could be saved but all their exertions were in vane but the greater part of the machines were saved, but there was no time to take down the shafting and many other fixtures</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>This morning looks also a little like rain, but so far none has fallen The ice is entirely away of the Dam, and the water getting lighter and in the afternoon had to shut down the remainder of the flood gates almost to the bottom so as to keep the water running over the dam Dobbie & Gibson are working at chain for elevating the Dung, the wheels framing &ce Attended a social at the Sabbath School</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, got the three ceder posts hauled in Alfred Stroud called this noon. Have got the 2 rows of old posts taken out, from to make room for the 3 new fermenting turns, and have put in 3 heavy Ceder posts instead with much longer caps or vaultrees, and will be ready tomorrow I hope to lay the pipes & then the bottom of one of the tuns to begin with</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 15 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning, pretty cool & looks very much like rain This afternoon, I attended the distribution of Prizes at the Modell Farm, there was a great number there. it came on a heavy rain storm and blew hard and cold</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This morning the ground was covered with snow, very cold and freezing, but it went mostly all away in the afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a cold morning the ground hard frozen and the dam covered with thin ice the glass was 12 degrees above zero at 7 am, and the ground covered with a light coat of snow. It remained cold & hard frost all day Began to set up the first fermenting tun to day The Engine came back from Galt to day, and got it into the Engine House this evening. It is freezing hard again to night.</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 19 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is another cold morning 18 degrees above zero there was a light coat of snow on the ground but it soon during the forenoon The ground is hard and ice on the Dam Have been lowering the Engine frame and placing the cylinder on the frame {this next section has a line above and below it, boxing it in} The Cylinder before being bored was 14 1/8 inches and after being bored out was 14 1/8 3/32ds inches {second line} William Fisher arrived this evening from the states</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>This is also a very cold morning 20 degrees above zero Have done all I can do to the Engine with our own men, & will proceed to Galt to get a man from there to put {word is written over} in proper line and set the valves. {end of paragraph followed by a line} I went down to Galt and got the promise of a man to be up tomorrow morning the water in the Grand River has fallen very considerably, that the Dam having been so much reduced in height there will not be enough of water to supply the factorys on the Race, and those that have engines will have to make use of them</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>Not much change yet about 18 degrees below at 7 am, When seeing Higinbotham start for Toronto. The man from Galt arrived by the early train and began to adjust the engine, his name is C.W.Haines. The Elevator for the Dung works pretty well</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 22 1975</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning not quite so cold The Engineer Haines is very particular in acertaining the exact lead of the slide valve that it is equal on both sides. he tests it by the fly wheel obtaining the half diamter so as to get the full stroke each way.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>This is of any thing a dull morning, but during the forenoon it became fine. However in the afternoon it became dull and cold, the wind increased and it began to snow and change into heavy showers of sleet &c and quite cold and disagreable Mr Parker the Saloon Keeper is very ill and not expected to get over it</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This is a much milder morning I have to attend a meeting to day at Guthries Office to examine into the funds of the Worsley Estate, but could not for the present arrive at a final settlement The engine was started and ran empty and so far seemed to perform well. The man left at noon. Mr Leitch of Montreal was here and finally settled about the crates of bottles</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 26 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, in fact too fine for we are very much in want of rain to wash the frost fairly out of the ground Johnstone Gibson has gone up the country to see his farm John McPherson is off work with a sore Henry is also off with with a sore hand. likewise the boy that drives the wood to the furnaces is off with a sore neck, boils &c Dobbie & John Allan are at the fixing of the new stones.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning This forenoon is most beautiful warm & bright powerful sun am going to sow Onions this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>This is another charming day, but too dry the water is holding out very well Mr Spratt of Montreal & Toronto called to ask about bran Sowed my Onion seed to day, and also parsnips.</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 29 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fair morning, but as it advanced showed sights of rain, about 11 oclock it began with a light rain, between 12 all done it became heavier and continued on pretty heavy all the afternoon Rev Hamilton Gibson of Bayfield called this afternoon having come down to pay his taxes on lands in Luther I telegraphed to Goderich for account due on Bayfield lands.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 30</span></h3>
<p>This is a wintry looking morning, the ground white with snow & sleet, then a light shower of fine rain and every appearance of a continuance of it. But no rain fell during the forenoon But the wind got up and blew hard all the afternoon there is a good deal of Property changing hands just now Jas Mays sold 40 feet on Windham St at $125..00 per foot front to Wm Stewart merchant James Davie Esqr sold his two houses opposite Chalmers Church for $3,000 to Mr Cutton, who next day sold it to Hearn for $4,000 cash. Mr McClaggen sold two 1/4 acre lots to Hatch for $3,500</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">May SATURDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold morning for the 1st day of May at 6 oclock it was about 2 degrees below freezing at 7 it was one degree above freezing, and the ice formed during the night was 1/4 inch thick at 1/2 past 10 it began to snow, then fine hail It then turned into snow again untill it was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep in the afternoon began to rain heavy and continued on after dark the wind strong from the East, It really is extraordinary winter looking weather at this time of year</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 3 1875</span></h3>
<p>Yesterday 2 May. Ther 35 degree windstrong N.West frequent showers of snow & sleet, dropping from the eves, snow of Saturday laying all over a portion of snow had melted during the afternoon. But at 6 oclock it began to freeze & snow again James Parker, saloon keeper, died at 3 ock {oclock} This morning the wind is due west and the snow disapearing fast, and the sun comming out more powerful than for some days past, the day is turning out fine yet the wind is cold</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>Very fine morning, and the day was bright and moderate weather but most warm. Mr A. D. Ferrier took his departure this afternoon to Scotland</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 5</span></h3>
<p>This is a moderate morning but still a great want of heat we ought to expect at this time of the year This is the Monthly Fair and all looking out for a cow for the mens board it began to rain about noon and continued am the afternoon and evening</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 6 1875</span></h3>
<p>There was frost last night and produced ice 1/4 inch thick and has been raining this forenoon and is rather chilly and raw Have got the new pair of millstones all ready for action now this afternoon, and have after got a waggon mounted with a box to convey away the liquid manure from the cattle sheds, having only to back it up behind the elevator which soon fills it.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, yet there has been frost last night and then ice formed in tubs of water at the spring. Higinbotham went down to Toronto this morning by early train. I was present when the first load of liquid manure was elevated & powered into the new box waggon made for the purpose. Neither. Dobbie nor Gibson here to day work slack.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day, warm in the forenoon, but the South Wind, blew harder in the afternoon, which made it somewhat cooler Have been planting some carrots to day I find that several of the Buckets of the water wheel of the Mill are broken</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 10 1875</span></h3>
<p>Yesterday was a great day of rain at least in the afternoon the morning was fine but had strong appearance of rain and it did begin in earnest about 3 oclock, and about 4 it came down a perfect pour of rain & continued. This morning it is dry but the ground has the appearance of having rained heavy during the night and the river has risen rappid, and and at noon was higher from rain in one night than I have seen for 3 years past We had to examine inside of wooden still this morning to clean the air valves, but that did not retard the work much We had a light shower this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>This opened out a very fine morning. The water in the river this morning is much higher than I have seen for a long time caused by rain and there is more natural heat to day than we have had yet, and notice that the asparagus is making its appearance, and the Rhubarb will be ready to cut this week. Busey cleaning the mens beds & taking out the stoves & pipes.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 12</span></h3>
<p>Cold morning from rain during the night strong wind blowing from the N. West, and frequent showers during the day. Mr Kemp the Inspector of the Bank of Commerce has been in town for some days Willies & Nat had a conversation with him to day. I called at Worswicks shop this afternoon and saw a pair of steam engines, made for Sheriff Sutton of Walkertown, they are to be shipped to British Columbia on Saturday first, where he has 20,000 acres of pine land cost of Engines $1350. no boilers</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 13 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, & some what like rain I made up my mind to start for Paris by the afternoon train and got there about 7 pm I put up at Bradfords Hotel, which is clean quiet comfortable house and reasonable charges. It came on a light rain but soon went off</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>Rather a dull looking morning and about 9 am it began to rain and continued heavy for an hour and more, when I started for the upper town to make enquirey about my lot of land, I saw a Bricklayer who lives near to it, who thought that $100 per acre was as much as it was worth. Mr Whitlaw thought it worth $120,,00 but could not find any one that would give that I left there at 1/2 past 3 & got home (after stopping over a train at Galt) at 8, 40</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This has been a cold bleak sort of a day and very little growth yet I went out to the Rocks this afternoon, to see what is to be done as to fencing up where the fire ran through Mrs A Mackenzie recd= a telegram from Scotland that her husband sails for this country this morning</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 17 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a tolerably fine morning, yet not warm as might be expected at this time of the year Busey repairing fences, also light waggon now bottom & sides of Basswood.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>This is a beautiful morning warm and fine. Intellegence came that Sheriff Thomas of Hamilton died yesterday morning, aged The Mayor Melvin and a number of our town council went down to Toronto to attend the funeral of the Leut Governor Crawford Mr James Blain called on me this evening on his way home from Georgetown &c, he informed me that all the papers concerning the sale of his mills at Galt and the various water leases, to his Brother Richard, were signed yesterday</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 19</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning and one of the warmer days of the season, began yesterday to try to find out where the pipe from the spring to the distillery, and after opening it in several places where it must have been frozen, it is thawed to day but at the crossing at the waste gates it was burst and we are now wrapping them up with canvas & white lead.</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 20 1875</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning and warm Mrs Wm A Fisher was delivered of a fine boy of 10 lbs wt early this morning Andrew Fisher arrived from the States this evening at 6 oclock</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>This is a charming morning and there is appearance of rain Some light showers of rain fell during the day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 22</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine warm growing morning Busey making my half of the fence between John Thomas Cunningham and myself at the Quarry</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 24 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning there having been a good shower of rain this morning at 5 am This being the Queens Birth day all work is suspended in town The weather is brightening up and is now fine and warm, and most of the trees in the garden are out in leaf espeaceally the Birches gooseberry bushes</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>A fine warm day, quite dry, the water in the River is now begining to get scarser Wheat is still on the decline, and yesterday brought it down in Chicago 3 to 4 cents, there was a perfect panic all sellers and no buyers Still working at the fence at the Quarry, but Cunningham has never touched his part of yet.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 26</span></h3>
<p>This is a cool morning, dry and water low A great fire began this evening about 1/2 past 7 in (Galbreaths sadlery shop by Wm Beattie Sadler) at present occupied a Brick building it was fairly gutted but the roof stood to the last and only burnt round the edges but the rest being wooden Tenements 8 in all were of wood were totally burnt up</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY 27 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine cool morning, quite dry and water getting short William went down to Hamilton this morning Heard word this forenoon that the Eletia steamer had arrived in N York, Mr Mackenzie telegraphs all well There is quite a mania for buying town lots now William returned from Hamilton this evening</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 28</span></h3>
<p>This morning is warm and fine, but very low water in the dam. I am offered $1600 cash for my 8 acre lot near the Catholic Hospital.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 29</span></h3>
<p>This is a wet dull morning, with fine showers but not warm Yesterday & to day, the crab apples, and Russets are in splendid white blossom</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY 31 1875</span></h2>
<p>Fine pleasant morning, and very dry,</p>
<p>Andrew Fisher started off for Chicago this morning,</p>
<p>Had a meeting of the Directors of the Wellington Mutual Assurance Co to day,</p>
<p>The birch trees are now in full leaf and the Lilacks are in full blossom in the Garden but a number of the plum trees are destroyed by the frost, and some by the Borer</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June TUESDAY 1</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning, cool & pleasant</p>
<p>William, Higinbotham, started for Toronto this morning, Mr George Sandilands also went down</p>
<p>Mr Alexᵈ {Alexander} Mackenzie my clerk and his son John arrived home to night at 8 , Oclock all quite well,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 2</span></h2>
<p>There has been a slight showr this morning about enough to lay the dust,</p>
<p>The water in the Dam is about running over, this is the monthly fair day, not many cattle in</p>
<p>The Merchant Bank at Elora asks $28,000 for Frazers flour Mill, $12,000 would be given by Mr Eby formerly of Salem</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 2 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a dry morning signs of rain there has been a considerable breeze to day and shortly after dinner a spark from one of the stalks set fire to the firewood at the back of the Rectifying house, but help being at hand, it was got put out with very little damage, & farther on in the afternoon it caught again in another place which was also observed and put out</p>
<p>Reports from Pensylvania inform us of terrible fires in the woods there of the loss of many lives and a whole villiage, 17 saw mills and over Forty Millions feet of sawn lumber, and a great many cattle,</p>
<p>3 of our men left my employment and went off to England 1 man & wife & the other 2 to Ireland & probably to New Zealand</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 4</span></h2>
<p>This morning looks also like rain</p>
<p>Have been drawing out design for tops of turrets of grainary on a full size, and to get them ready and have them covered with Galvanized iron,</p>
<p>I was invited by the Warden (Jas Laidlaw) to accompany the County Council to the Model farm this afternoon to inspect the improvements and the premises and there appears to be a desided, Reform there,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 5</span></h2>
<p>The same dull appearance, as if rain must come is more evident this morning</p>
<p>Mr Stephen Boult died to day at noon</p>
<p>Have found out to day that they eye of the new mill stones, which was cast by Ingles & Hunter had been defective and was filled up with Babbit Metal and has now to be bored out and plugged,</p>
<p>No rain whatever fell to day</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 7 1875</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine temperate day but no rain</p>
<p>Higinbotham, Mackenzie, Wᵐ {William}, and I sat very late to night taking stock of accounts &c</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 8</span></h2>
<p>This is a very dry morning, and the water in the Dam very low,</p>
<p>We are getting the Stone balanced to day by the forman Mr Laurie Jur {Junior}, after getting the plugg in the top of the driver he countersunk it then started the Engine and turned the cockhead more to a point to enable the stone to be balanced more easily and when that is done to turn the cockhead more blunt so as to have more bearing</p>
<p>Mr Davis the Inspector is here with the new goverᵗ {government} measure (of Copper) to test the contents of the close receivers,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 9</span></h2>
<p>No rain yet, the River quite low, Dobbie has been fixing the screens of the Steam Mill Smutt machine, and the Millers are facing the stones and will likely have them going some time tomorrow</p>
<p>Davis got the other Receiver tested, and is now making the Rods for each of them of dry cherry</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 10 1875</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning</p>
<p>Higinbotham & I intended to go down to Toronto this morning to see Hon Mr McMaster about Bank matters but there being doubts of him being at home we put it off till further information</p>
<p>There was great appearance of rain this afternoon but it went past</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 11</span></h2>
<p>This another very dry warm morning, and no rain</p>
<p>A little after 9 oclock this morning, the fire Bell gave the alarm of Fire and it turned out to be a wooden lean=too Mr Soles cargo stone house (that was built by Samˡ {Samuel} Wright the Baker) & there it caught hold of the stable and burnt that also down,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 12</span></h2>
<p>This is of any thing a cold morning and there seems to have been some frost</p>
<p>A great many people in town to day to see the great Show</p>
<p>The wind blew pretty strong from the West and the sparks from the distillery stalk set fire to the wood several times</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 14 1875</span></h2>
<p>This another very cool morning (and so was yesterday)</p>
<p>The wind is not so strong to day,</p>
<p>Yet we have made a trial of introducing a 1/2 inch steam pipe into the Distillery Stalk to test its power to extinguish the sparks before they get out of the chimney</p>
<p>We have got the new pair of stones started this afternoon and they work very well and the 2 pair takes far less steam to drive them now than what they did before the Engine was bored out and the value fixed say about 55 lbs,</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 15</span></h2>
<p>Very pleasant morning but dry, stoped the Steam Engine this morning to examine the Piston to find out what caused a hissing of the Steam at every stroke, and discovered 2 stack places in the rings where rust had collected while standing still and had scratched the inside of the Cylinder sufficient to allow steam to pass,</p>
<p>Nat & I went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train to have an interview with the Hon Wᵐ {William} McMaster about my Banking account, (I met sir John A McDonald in the street, soon after that was introduced to Hon Mr Mowat the Primer & McDonald the Leuᵗ {Lieutenant} Governor,</p>
<p>Wᵐ {William} leaves for Stratford during the night</p>
<p></p>
<h1><span></span><span class="mw-headline">=WEDNESDAY 16</span></h1>
<p>This is a very fine morning, but dry & warm,</p>
<p>But it appears as of old, that one evil never comes alone, The Middle head of the Still gave way & went all to peaces, and have set to work to put in a temporary one, so as to finish the mouth, and untill I get all ready for putting in the new one,</p>
<p>William started for Montreal by 5 Oclock train</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 17 1875</span></h2>
<p>This was a dull dark looking morning, with sure signs of rain for it began slowly about 7 Oclock, and continued a close light shower untill 12 Oclock when it began to brighten, about 4 it became heavy and dull again,</p>
<p>We have got the Still finished and going again, with a new head in,</p>
<p>James in bed from severe Bleeding at the Nose</p>
<p>About 5 Oclock I received a Telegram from WIlliam that he had got there all safe that morning,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 18</span></h2>
<p>This is also a dullish morning but no more rain has fallen</p>
<p>It continued warm all day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 19</span></h2>
<p>Another dry warm morning</p>
<p>William returned from Montreal by the 2,30 train</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 21 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is also warm dry morning there has been a fair supply of water this forenoon,</p>
<p>But the new Stone in the Steam Mill is bothering us a good deal</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 22</span></h2>
<p>Somewhat of a dull morning, and about 8 Oclock it began to rain, but the shower was very light and did not last more than a couple of hours, and then hardly more than barely to lay the dust</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 23</span></h2>
<p>This is a close morning, calm and warm</p>
<p>The fireman & the Carter someway between them drew on the Full amount of water on the Distillery Pumps with such violence as to break the pump rod, last night after the work was over and only to fill the mash tun, And have now set to work to make a new one,</p>
<p>Began to prepare for removing the compounding vessels to the Malt house</p>
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<p>{page is folded in upper right hand corner so some words are difficult to read}</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY 24 [1875]</span></h2>
<p>There has been some rain through the [illegible] but not a great deal more than to lay the [dust?]</p>
<p>About 1/2 past 5 am the first of Barnams trains of 20 cars and 1/2 an hour thereafter 2 more came on, nearly all of them his own cars fitted up for the purpose for horses, camels, coaches & waggons, also 5 Pulman cars, The ground chosen was down at the Dundas Bridge</p>
<p>It was very warm during the middle of the day, but about 1/2 past 3 the sky became dark and the thunder rolled & lightning flashed, and then a pouring rain from the South West and for a while a regular tornado and the Street flooded quite deep, The manager of the Circus had to lower the large Canvas to prevent it being blown away and that alarmed the spectators very much and all of them got drenched to the skin, but they hoisted the canvas again and performed in the evening again the same as if nothing had happened and during that time more rain fell,</p>
<p>{four lines of text extend into the entry for the next day}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY 28 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, but is brightening up as the day advances,</p>
<p>Bank matters again troubling one, Wᵐ {William} goes to Stratford</p>
<p>Death of Sir WIliam Logan, geologist appears in the papers this morning, (London) Also terrible floods in France, the city of Toulouse is inundated in the lower parts & 1000 lives said to lost</p>
<p>I attended meeting of Directors of the Wellington Assurance Co to day,</p>
<p>William went up to Stratford & returns tomorrow</p>
<p>David Startup, came to night,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 29</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning but dull, during the fore part of the day it rained now & then lightly, but in the afternoon it turned out fine,</p>
<p>Mr A.M. Clark Esqr {Esquire} of Toronto, had a sale of Town lots in the swamp, some 12 or 14 were sold varying from $100 down to $65 for less than a 1/4 acre,,</p>
<p>Have been getting on pretty well with the worms & found a great many joints bad</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 30</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very fine day, and have got so far with the copper work but it will take all day tomorrow if I can get the men to work on that day, being the Dominion day</p>
<p>Major {written on the line above} General Whyte arrived to night and is going to stay at Higinbothams to night</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 1 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning for the Review of the Malitia {Militia} on the Race course at 1/2 past 9 am</p>
<p>I went out between 10 & 11 and saw a great deal of the evolution, marching & countermarching and the cannon firing every now & then</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 2</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine dry morning, and likely to be a very warm day</p>
<p>This has been a very warm day and is beginning to tell on the water in the River</p>
<p>Went down to the Gass works & saw them putting together the new cast iron purifier 4 in number & all put together with flanges & bolts, all the joints truly plained and set with Red lead putty,</p>
<p>Have got all the Copper work done, his time being 8 hours over time and 41 hours regular time board & fare, up & down</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>This morning is fine dry weather, and all is bustle at the Camp, and the cars are drawn up at the Station to take the soldiers to Stratford & Goderich I took leave of a number of Officers</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 5 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning it rained last night (and also early on Sunday morning) About noon it became quite dark with heavy overhanging clouds and a little after one it began & rained pretty heavy for more than an hour, and continued heavy all the afternoon</p>
<p>We are busy laying down the new Stones, that is the 4th pair in the Steam Mill,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 6</span></h2>
<p>This is also a dull morning, close and warm and as the day advanced it began to rain lightly but soon became heavy and rained heavy for several hours</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 7</span></h2>
<p>This is also a warm day going to be</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 8 1875</span></h2>
<p>completed a fence between Rectifying house & Warehouse</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 9</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning and likely to be warm</p>
<p>I went down to Toronto by the early train to look after copper to line the New Mash tun with, and also engaged the coppersmith David Startup to come up for to put in,</p>
<p>I bought 14 sheets No 16 4 feet x 6 feet at 25 3/4¢ per lbs 5 lbs of spelter a 13¢ 35¢ 5 lbs Boxax {borax} a 5¢</p>
<p>Great complaints still about the dullness of trade in Toronto, the freights are so low as 1¢ a Bush for wheat to Kingston</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 10</span></h2>
<p>This is a warm morning and the crops looking fine, We cut a great deal of firewood with the good supply of water we had to day</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 12 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is rather a cool morning, last night and the night before there must have been a slight touch of frost as the leaves of the squash drooped a good deal However as the day advanced it became very warm and fine as for days past and great numbers of Orangemen began to arrive both by train and waggons, all having fine Bands of Music, and Beautiful banners fluttering in the Breeze which was moderately strong enough for that</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 13</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning and threatening rain and looks rather bad for the Presbyterian Union Picnic The coppersmith Davide Startup began to work to day and to pay him $3 per day and I find his help, or his offer was $3.50 & find his own help & board them both, which I did not approve of as they generally have mere boys.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine warm morning, and going to be a very warm day attended the Examination of the Boys</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 15 1875</span></h3>
<p>Very warm morning William starts for Hamilton this morning</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 16</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning there having been a fine shower during the night, about 8 oclock it darkened again and began to rain. The men are getting out a dry Elm stick for the rake of the mash tum as I could not get a price of Oak, which I would prefer.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning As the day advanced it is getting very warm</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 19 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning. But yesterday was dull and there had been a fine shower during the early morning & also about 7 o,clock To day it has been a pleasant day so far as the weather is concerned But Mr McMaster the President of the Bank of Commerce was here and we had a considerable discussion about giving a mortgage on more property than I was willing to give, & how the board may decide I cannot tell. I am notwithstanding going on with the copper lining for mash tun We have quit mashing & only running of the old beer</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 20</span></h3>
<p>This is a pleasant morning but very dry and river low The Road & Bridge committee are relaying the Bridge with new top planks, the main 3 inch planking are likely to stand for a couple of years longer, & they have made a new side walk & broader than before</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 21</span></h3>
<p>This is also a fine morning by dry. Have taken out the copper of the old mash tun to day, for to work it up into. measure pipes &c A strong West wind was blowing, and the dry brush in the swamp was set fire to by one of the locomotives is supposed, and burned with great furey & had to send men to take down parts of the fence to stop it from running. N. West There was a fire in town last night, and, John Hall furn {furniture?} shop & 2 stables A Bank meeting appointed tomorrow</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 22 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a warm morning, dry and Dusty {this paragraph is starred} Began to day to take out the old mash tun, and cut out the floor large enough to admit the new one We find the feet of several of the posts rotten and must be replaced with new one. Alfred Stroud here and settled for shop Have a good deal of trouble with the fire on the Bridget Farm John Idington came down by the 5 oclock train & retu=d at 1,20 am Had a meeting at the Bank this evening with Mr Cemp the inspector</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 23</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning but every thing dry as tinder Met Mr Cemp again this morning at the Bank and signed an agreement {this line is starred} It was to day we took down the mash tun. Had 3 men out fighting the fire& in the afternoon 2 more to stop the burning of the stump fence, and arrest it from catching the trees, all being so very dry</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This is another warm dry morning</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY 26 1875</span></h2>
<p>Of anything a dull morning, with a fine shower of rain but it did not much more than lay the dust, in the afternoon it became as dry as ever, and the wind got up again and started the fire</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 27</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning</p>
<p>WIlliam went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train, John Idington & wife went by the same train on their way to the Salt Water</p>
<p>John Brown Esqr {Esquire} late of Hamilton here on return from Luther Duncan McDonald</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESAY 28</span></h2>
<p>Fine warm morning</p>
<p>Great failure in New York yesterday. The firm of Duncan Therman & Co. Bankers with liabilities of about 6,000,000</p>
<p>We have got the old Still out of its place, and it was not so much decayed as I expected to find it, and might have been used a couple years longer</p>
<p>A great fire to night it turned out to be the large Barn built by Wᵐ {William} Day & now owned by Sherif Grange was entirely consumed, it began about 11 pm</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY 29 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is another dry morning, with shortness of water</p>
<p>We have now got the Mash tun into its place and have begun to cut the gutters in the bottom</p>
<p>William went of to x [Goderich and perhaps to] Bayfield by the 6pm train {text was added after by adding an x and writing the rest of the sentence on the line above]</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 30</span></h2>
<p>Another fine morning but all too dry</p>
<p>as the day advanced the wind got up pretty strong & had to send men out to watch the fire</p>
<p>We have got all the channels of the Mash tun cut out and have now the strips about ready to put down Have also been taking down the stone wall for to lay the beams on to support the new still,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 31</span></h2>
<p>This is another very dry morning, And have again to send a man out to watch the fire</p>
<p>William came home from Goderich by the 5 Oclock train</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 2 1875</span></h2>
<p>The wind yesterday turned to the East and was cool and had the appearance of rain but none fell, the wind was very strong,</p>
<p>This morning is quite cool and as dry as ever, and as the morning advanced the wind is increasing and blowing the fire back from the Barn & burning more fencing</p>
<p>At One Oclock it became alarming, and Smiths house on the East side & Lobans house on the N. West side of the Grand Trunk tack were in great danger in the former case the Steam fire Engine turned out and extended the hose from the Dam to near the house & did good service,</p>
<p>Began to screw down the copper to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>This morning is dull, and a shower seems to have fallen during the night, a little after 7 am it began to rain very light and continued more or less throughout the day</p>
<p>We are getting on well with the copper lining of the Mash tun the Bottom is finished and the side lining is being put in</p>
<p>John C Allans child baptized by Dr Hogg to night</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 5 1875</span></h2>
<p>Although this is a dull morning there has been little or no rain</p>
<p>The mill cow calved this forenoon and does not appear to have any strength to go about</p>
<p>The cow died about 10 Oclock</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 6</span></h2>
<p>This is a very wet morning raining hard a considerable time, and also through the night</p>
<p>Beran to the Wooden Still this morning, and got down the bottom and then all the stones round about</p>
<p>The copper smith has got the pipes for the new colums made, & is now making a new pipe for the "blow off", slope,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 7</span></h2>
<p>Dull with a slight drizzling rain at times</p>
<p>We melted off the joint of the old acending worm and filled them with rozen to be ready on Monday to straighten them to a larger diameter & to be added to the large worm</p>
<p>Got all the heads in the still and several tempory hands put on which appears to draw it together pretty well</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 9 1875</span></h2>
<p>This Sabbath morning the rain is close & light but got fair afterwards</p>
<p>This Monday morning was fine, I went down to Toronto about copper work and to examine the large rectifying still that formerly was Gooderham & Worts and find it will suit if we can make a bargin</p>
<p>Hee {We?} asks for it as it stands $750</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 10</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, and we are setting the blow off valve in the bottom of the Still</p>
<p>Also taking out the old trough, in the roof and putting up the spare one that has been laying out of doors so long, I think was made about the same time as the other</p>
<p>Have also got a new hearing on the line of shafting as the level that drivers the mashins rake is turned the other way,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 11</span></h2>
<p>We had a dry forenoon, but a wet afternoon the first shower about 1/2 past 1 was heavy.</p>
<p>Have been working at the line of shafting in distillery, and also taking out the worm in second worm tub next the heater,</p>
<p>And Dobbie has been in the Mill setting the eye & ajusting the spindle in another I had to Temper the toe which appeared to be soft</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 12 1875</span></h2>
<p>Dry morning</p>
<p>We are getting on with the hooping of the Still with 4 inch Band iron</p>
<p>William went up to London by the 6 Oclock train</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 13</span></h2>
<p>Very dry weather, and find that the late rain have not extinguished the fire in the ground out on the York road farm,</p>
<p>WIlliam returned from London by way of Brantford to night by the last train</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 14</span></h2>
<p>This is a very close warm morning</p>
<p>The spirits are all done were finished last night, So that the Rectifying still is standing still,</p>
<p>More failures in Toronto</p>
<p>Have got the hooping of the Still done to night</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 16 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and a light shower fell during the night, I had a Wacthman appointed, to look after some blackgards {word crossed out, illegible} that have been frequenting the cattle sheds at night with Mary Ogilvie in company, he heard and saw them but was not able to arrest them</p>
<p>Have been getting pretty well to day in getting the pipes on doubles, and top of Still, checked out Charger and some staves set to begin with, got the spindle set for the last pair of new stones</p>
<p>WIlliam Fisher began to work at the Distillery</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 17</span></h2>
<p>This had been a very fine day, close of any thing, with a few drops of rain but no shower</p>
<p>Have felt a good deal of pain twice to day & found that my Truss had slipped of the right spot, & allowing my bowels to come down,</p>
<p>Dobbie has been adjusting the millstone and ballancing it</p>
<p>This is the first day of the Sauger fest at Berlin</p>
<p>I signed Bond for Compounding Licence to day</p>
<p>J.C. Couper wife with Daughter & her child 6 weeks old (a Boy) came here to day. the latter lately from Illinois</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 18</span></h2>
<p>This has been of any thing a dull close day</p>
<p>have got the charger on the still finished,</p>
<p>Have drawn out the enlargement of the copper Still to day and aim about calculating the cost of the alteration,</p>
<p>Dobbie got the stone in the mill balanced and the coggs pared,</p>
<p>WIlliam went down to Toronto at 11 Oclock to attend meeting of Wᵐ {William} Griffiths Creditors,</p>
<p>It began to rain about 5 Oclock and continued for an hour or more,</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 19 1875</span></h2>
<p>This morning had the appearance of a wet day, It keeps fair during the forenoon, but about one Oclock it began and rained most of the afternoon</p>
<p>Booths coppersmiths shop in Toronto was burnt down last night about 7 Oclock loss about $14,00</p>
<p>I am trying to get the line of shafting in the Distillery which has been put in line, finished to day so as to get the pumps going</p>
<p>J.C. Couper came to night, staying at C Davidsons</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 20</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, and rainey like</p>
<p>Coupers folks went all off this forenoon home,</p>
<p>some light showers only</p>
<p>A man was shot yesterday evening near the Rifle Range House on the York Road called Yates by one Marks</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 21</span></h2>
<p>This is another dull morning,</p>
<p>light showers towwards noon & about 2 Oclock a heavy shower of hailstons came on and then heavy rain, and continued with very little intermission all the afternoon</p>
<p>Have got pretty well with the work to day</p>
<p>The {Montejuce?} is again set, and all the pipes fitted to it</p>
<p>Have resolved to alter the copper Still & not to purchase Booths</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 23 1875</span></h3>
<p>Last night was quite cold for the season, and I was told by some that there was frost this morning. But it turned out a very fine day. But notwithstanding all the rain we have had, the supply of water in the River is still very light and could only drive one run of stones all day, the Boiler was being cleaned out Began to day and took down the column of the copper still and brought it to the Blacksmith Shop and took it apart. have been making pattern for air pipes. We went up this evening and bid farewell to Archdeacon Palmer and wife who leave on Wednesday morning</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 24</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine cool morning and still working at the patterns yet, it takes three times the time it would take me if I had all my tools and things in order, for they are all to seek when wanted C. H. Finch one of Booths men came wanting to be employed, so I took him on at $2,50 a day and find himself. John Idington here Mr Kemp Bank inspector also when certain documents were read over and signed and John went off n Willies wife was safely delievered of a girl this evening.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 25</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY 26 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning getting ready to leave for Toronto at 8 oclock Higinbotham and family start for Southhampton at noon Got a letter of introduction from Mr Wort to see the gass works</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 27</span></h3>
<p>Very warm morning The gass company have got the town steamer filling their new tank</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 28</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very warm day Have got on pretty well this week with our work, but the copper still is going to take far more work than was estimated at first The new tank at the gass works has given way, and water running out at the sides, all of which is for want of proper ramming and puddling the outside with clay Nat returned to night alone</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY 30 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, and pretty warm Attended full meeting of Directors of Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Co. when a considerable amount of Business was done Nat went down to Galt by early train, thence to Hamilton and Toronto</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 31</span></h3>
<p>This is a warm dry morning I have not felt so well to day, from downward pressure in my bowels</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">September WEDNESDAY 1</span></h3>
<p>This is a very warm morning Monthly Fair to day, but the attendance is but small, I was up in town, but felt so very uncomfortable from pressure that I came down soon, have got the copper still in peices & spread on the floor Great fire in Berlin {now Kitchener} to day it began about noon.</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 2 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a very warm morning, and during the forenoon it was very close & warm about 12 oclock as the noon Bell was ringing the rain began light at first and than became very heavy till about 2 when it seased for a short time and then began again. The cellars on Windham Street were again flooded. Have got the scroles bent to the proper circle and David Startup is cutting out the peices for enlarging the top and bottom Have begun the new goose tub an Oval one {space left blank for measurements} by {space blank again for measurements} long and 7 feet Have all of fine dry 2 inch clear pine. Parker is making a pair of rings for a manhole in side of still 15 inches diameter.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 3</span></h3>
<p>Dull kind of morning, and warm all the forenoon but at 12moclock it began to rain and a little, but in the afternoon it began again and continued for some time This is our Fast Day Startup is getting pretty well with the work he is brazing the rims that goes around the top and bottom of the still, have got the 26 2 inch pipes from Booth for the gooze</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 4</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day, dry and cool. Went out with Gideon Hood to examine the farm, and found large patches of the ground has been burnt up quite deep a foot & more in some places. have got the Oval goose tub put together this evening and ready for hooping on Monday all made of the best clear dry pine</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 6 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine cool morning and dry with a fine breese for drying the grain that is out The copper smith has begun to punch the holes ready for reviting the head of the still, each of the rings is all brazed together in one peice William started this evening for Chatham by the Great Western I intend on going down to Hamilton tomorrow</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 7</span></h3>
<p>This was a very fine morning. I started for Hamilton by the 6,45 train. got an introduction to the manger of the Gassworks there, Mr Littlehales who kindly showed me all through</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 8</span></h3>
<p>This is a dry warm morning</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 9 1875</span></h3>
<p>This was of any thing a dull morning with indications of rain, and a few drops fell befor 8 oclock The coppersmith is riveting the rim to the head of the still, and farther on in the day was turning over the edge of the head of the still, this {Allan drew a small diagram of a funnel, of the still's head} the other man is still working at the goose soldering in the upright pipes Had a telegram from William who got to Chicago late last night and leaves there tomorrow morning. It began to rain about 6 pm but only lightly</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 10</span></h3>
<p>This is quite a dull cool morning, with a considerable amount of dew on the ground</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 11</span></h3>
<p>This is a clear cold frosty morning the side walks are quite white with frost</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 13 1875</span></h3>
<p>This was a cool morning but dry got the sides of the Still soldered in the inside all over the heads of the rivits. We got the goose on its place and set up the tub all ready for hooping</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 14</span></h3>
<p>This was a very fine morning, and at times somewhat cloudy and looking like rain Have been getting on tolerably well with the copper still and got it all ready for Meeting of Directors Wellington Mutual to day Got the fire started in the distillery this afternoon Went up to Ingles foundry and found that they are now pretty well on with the smoke box & stalk for the chimney Then went on to the Exhibition ground, the attendance was thin, being the first day of the show</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 15</span></h3>
<p>This morning appeared cloudy & like rain but it passed off, and the roads continued very dusty. The attendance at the show to day was not so large as at last years show on the 2d day Considerable progress was made to day in riviting the head on the still. the distillery was not lighted to day</p>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 16 1875</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning and a very fine rain is beginning during the whole of the forenoon it rained close and at times heavy yet a great many strangers came by the cars to the show it was more moderate in the afternoon but cold and disagreable. Had a good deal of trouble in turning over the still to prepare it for the bottom Began to Mash, the first time in the new tub</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 17</span></h3>
<p>Cool dull morning and chilly after the rain We got the bottom tried on the still this morning, and David is now gathering it together so as to fit more tightly</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 18</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, but chilly. It has taken us all the forenoon to get the still turned over on its side and put it in position for soldering round the rivit heads I have to day been seized with an attack of Lumbago which disabled me very much</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 20 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a cool [raw?] morning & must have been frost last night there was some white on the sidewalks</p>
<p>God the bottom of the Still all tinned with a thick coating of solder over the rivits and attempted to raise it up in its place but the joints would not permit it and had to lift the upper ones as well as the floor below,</p>
<p>This afternoon was wet & cold</p>
<p>The papers report 2 feet of snow at Quebec this morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 21</span></h2>
<p>This was a cool morning</p>
<p>Got a mason from Dobbie to hold up under the copper boiler, he began after dinner</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 22</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning but frosty and snow near Goderich the mason still at work under the boiler</p>
<p>began to raise the worm tub up stairs fully 2 feet and have got the pipe from the goose to the worm on</p>
<p>Mrs A & J went out to Rockwood, (about a girl</p>
<p>the Beer pump burst in the main barrel</p>
<p>The mason finished up with the patching a little at the wall under the 3 chamber still</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 23 1875</span></h2>
<p>This was a very cold morning, white frost on the sidewalks, and our gardin Pump frose fast</p>
<p>got the large pipe on that conducts the vapour from the copper still to the column,</p>
<p>I am still troubled with Lumbago</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 24</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine dry morning</p>
<p>Have found it necessary to make a new and larger tester at the worms mouth, the old one being only large enough to hold 44 gallˢ {gallons} where it requires to hold over 70</p>
<p>Mrs A and I went down to Fishers MIlls and found Peter Idington going out of doors, they were thrashing to day with 10 span of Horses, Walter had built a large fine Barn with large storage for turnips, and ample room for feeding a number of cattle We left at 2 returned 1/4 to 8,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 25</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, and looks like rain,</p>
<p>a few very light showers fell but not enough to lay the dust</p>
<p>Arthur Hogges died this morning aged 58</p>
<p>I had to go home earlier this afternoon as the Lumbago was getting very painful</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY 27 1875</span></h2>
<p>This was a cool morning but I was not able to get out of Bed, and was hardly able to turn myself with pains, Yesterday morning about 3 Oclock when I had with great difficulty got my leg over the bed a severe pain seized me in both sides (as seemed to me) at the same moment as if I had been jambed between 2 locomotives & had to fall back into bed again, & has been shifting down to my ancle, and is more like Thiatica {sciatica} We are progressing with the copper work</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 28</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning and not so cold</p>
<p>I feel a great deal better this morning & was able to get on my clothes after Breakfast and look over the works</p>
<p>I think we will get rid of the coppersmiths in a day or two now,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 29</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, and I among many others was disapointed at not seeing the Eclipse of the Sun at 6 am to 7,30 for I only saw the sun slightly for 2 minutes & then was too low to get a proper view of it, but it was seen at the distillery at that time quite plain for a minute or so,</p>
<p>There was a good deal of rain to day, & a great deal of lightning after dark and Thunder</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY 30 1875</span></h2>
<p>This morning was dry, but cold & raw</p>
<p>But through the day several showers & cold</p>
<p>The paper this morning inform us of great destruction of property last night by the Thunder storm many Barns having been struck with lightning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October FRIDAY 1</span></h2>
<p>This has been a dry day morning but cold in the early part, but as the day advanced it became more pleasant</p>
<p>We got the two chargers and the copper still measured to day and all boiled up, to test its tightness, only one small leak in the still was discovered, and the checking of an iron overflow pipe, Mr Reeves of the Grand Trunk freight Department was here to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 2</span></h2>
<p>This is quite wintry looking morning, all the sidewalks are white with frost and the remains of a shower of hailstones, The first charge was put in the copper still this morning, say 1100 galls {gallons}</p>
<p>We had to stop the distillery to day, and shut of the water from the race to enable us to put in an additional pipe to conduct the water down to the new cold water pump that is to supply the extra demand for cooling the worm & goose, and are trying to get the New Tester finished & put in its place to day while not running,</p>
<p>The Copper smiths got done to day and left for home, We got up the peice of new stalk to day and the spark catcher box in good time to day, also busy putting water pipe for new pump</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 4 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is somewhat of a cloudy morning but as the day advances it seems to clear up and turn out fine, We have not got the distillery started yet as the building could not be finished on Saturday night But the Rectifying house is charged and going all right</p>
<p>I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. E. Wiman Esqr {Esquire} (of Dunn [Winie & Co?] at 3.30 on his way West</p>
<p>am getting stones drawn over to the river lot,</p>
<p>Our new (Goulds) Pump came to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 5</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning with a slight drizzling rain</p>
<p>Miss Bleaney left Higinbotham this morning for New York</p>
<p>I notice this morning the death in Hamilton of one of my old aquaintance Mr John Fairgrieve on Sabbath evening the 3 Inst Born at Galashiels 11th Aug 1811and came to Canada in 1833 and shortly after became aquainted with him at the Wharf at Dundas.</p>
<p>I went through Mr Raymonds sewing Mach {machine} factory which is now nearly finished, the carpenters are at work completing the benches tables et cetera all round the shops, and a great many of the heavy & light Machines lathes et cetera are being set in their places & the shafting being hunt, & men fitting up One of Worswicks Steam Engines, they are also fitting up a noval heating apperatus with a fan</p>
<p>Count Chaneery is Sitting</p>
<p>{Drawing on the right hand side of the page. Long rectangle in the centre and on either side there are triangle-like shapes that are open at the top. Looks like it was drawn in pencil then traced with a pen. Likely the Noval apparatus, as under word}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 6</span></h2>
<p>This being our Monthly Fair day, has turned out to be at least a very unfavourable morning raining heavy and cold. The fare was poorly attended from the day being wet, between 3 & 4 Oclock it poured down very heavy, There was also some Thunder</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 7 1875</span></h2>
<p>This was a raw cool morning but dry, but yet it continued cold though the sun shone through for the most of the forenoon</p>
<p>About 4 Oclock it began to rain, and continued for half an hour</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 8</span></h2>
<p>This is also a cool morning but dry, We had to disconect the water pumps but found nothing in it, and all went on well after starting</p>
<p>Williams wife infant and little George started for Montreal this afternoon at 5 Oclock William Fisher accompanied them</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 9</span></h2>
<p>Hard frost last night the side walks & grass all white, This has the appearance of going to be a very fine day, Recᵈ {Received} a note that Mr Alexander wants me particularly to go out immeaditly after dinner Mr Alan & I went out before One Oclock, and found that Mrs Alexander had died at 1/2 past 11 not long after the note to me was written, her age is 65 years</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 11 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a cool morning, with some frost on the planks of the sde walks, we have plenty of water in the Dam, and the water mill going with 3 pair of stones, James Allan has been at the Bayfield all last week to arrange about the sale of his land, Hugh Black of Fergus was found hanging this morning quite dead in one of the Brick houses of the G. Western Station the verdict of the jury was,</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 12</span></h2>
<p>This is a dry cold morning, cold Westerly wind blowing, Had to stop for a couple of hours to examine into the coil of the still as it was making much less distilled water than formerly, and on testing it with cold water found out 2 holes in the new coil, sent Harley & Heather 50 lbs more copper a 18¢ Peter Idington & wife here to day</p>
<p>Mr James Blain & Mrs Blain of Galt appear to have sailed to day from Quebec in the steamer Sarmatian. Capᵗⁿ {Captain} Aird, master</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 13</span></h2>
<p>Hard frost last night, morter laying out was very hard, but this is going to be a fine clear day, I went out this morning to the Cemetry to if Mrs Alexanders Grave was ready and found all right</p>
<p>George Sandilands died this morning at his Brothers house aged 38 years</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 14 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a charming morning for this time of the year and will be very favourable for the visit of the Leuᵗ {Lieutenant} Govornor of Ontario to day by the 10 Oclock train</p>
<p>The Governor arrived at the time appointed and after receiving an address from the Council, went up to the Model farm ,</p>
<p>Mrs Mather& her neice from Toronto paid me a visit to day, and I did not attend the reception</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 15</span></h2>
<p>This is quite a rainy morning, and very unfit for outdoor work, yet as we are laying down pipes to, and from the Rectifying house, we must push on and get them laid and the trenches filled up</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 16</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold raw morning, but no rain, so that we will be able to finish the covering up of the pipes</p>
<p>Had to drill a hole through the Brass piston rod of the spirit pump this morning as the screw into the crophead was too slack and came out,</p>
<p>I attended the funeral of Thos {Thomas} Sandilands but not as far as the Cemetery it was so chilly & raw and flakes of snow falling, There was a large attendance</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 18 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is somewhat of a wintry looking morning, but rather less so than yesterday, Sabbath morning 17th, at a 1/4 to 9 small flakes of snow began to fall about a yard apart, there shortly after closer & closer and in 10 minutes after it began, it came on quite heavy, and did not melt at first, at 10,30 Temp 34° and snowing heavy about 1 Oclock it had stopped and became soft,</p>
<p>This forenoon a good deal melted away</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 19</span></h2>
<p>This is rather a promising morning, and very little of the snow remaining,</p>
<p>Working at cattle sheds repairs of floors, windows et cetera and Johnston Gibson at spouts for new Mash tuns</p>
<p>Went up after dinner with W Hamilton Tome {Tomb} stone cutter to arrange about cutting letters on the Monument</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 20</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, but the Mill Dam had a thin coating of ice over it, which very soon melted away, the day being mild</p>
<p>Hamiltons man began to letter the Tome stone about 11 Oclock, and at 3 Oclock, I changed the inscription and ordered sunk pannels on 3 sides</p>
<p>William went to Brantford & Paris this morning,</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 21 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is quite a mild morning, and not unlike rain,</p>
<p>William returned from Brantford at noon,</p>
<p>And N. Higinbotham and I intend leaving for Montreal by the 5 Oclock train</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 22</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 23</span></h2>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY 25 1875</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 26</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 27</span></h2>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 28 1875</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 29</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 30</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate morning & not hard frost but it is time to take in cabbage &c which we are doing</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 1 1875</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a blustering morning with showers of snow and sleet and the afternoon also, likewise the evening</p>
<p>This morning though cold yet dry, and as the day advanced it became milder and the most of the snow melted away, We began this morning to clean out the Boiler of the Rectifying house, and had down the boiler maker from Ingles foundry who lightened the ends of the tubes and also a leak in front of the fire box where a crack was discovered, & he got done by dark, We also took down the shafting & straightened the line of it and put a key into the coupling instead of the steel pin through it,</p>
<p>got up the Hale stove in Priory to day, William went down to Hamilton this morning,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 2</span></h2>
<p>This is of any thing a colder morning & harder frost</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>There has been a hard frost through the night and the Dam is all frozen over, We have begun this morning to fit up the New water pump for the Rectifying Pump</p>
<p>This is the Monthly Fair Day</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 4 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a frosty morning the Dam still frozen over But the day turned out very fine, went out to the Cemetery in the forenoon, and then started with Mr A down to Aberfoyle and found the roads very hard</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 5</span></h2>
<p>This has been a moderate morning, but the frost has an effect in reducing the water in the Dam</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 6</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine mild morning</p>
<p>The forenoon has been milder than yesterday</p>
<p>The mildness of the afternoon enduced me to get some Morter made and pointed up a great many chinks in the logs at the East end of the Priory, We are still working at the new water Pump - All three New fermenting tuns are charged for the first time</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 8 1875</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a most splended day, mild and Autumn like,</p>
<p>This is a fine morning though dull yet very mild, still the ice is on the Dam yet</p>
<p>I went up with the men with a load of turf for the graves & got most all of them covered a fresh & will finish them tomorrow</p>
<p>We are still working at the new pump,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 9</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, but dry, yet looks very much like rain or snow, the temperature is about 30° to 31°</p>
<p>I went up again this forenoon and finished all the Graves with fresh turf, and likewise covered the grave of the late Mrs George Worsley, and did not leave untill I had completed the whole by 1, Oclock</p>
<p>Started the Steam Engine this afternoon as the water is getting light</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 10</span></h2>
<p>It has been raining all last night and this there is a coat of snow on the ground and still falling bot rain and sleet which seems now to melt as fast as it falls</p>
<p>Had to repair the Water wheel of the Mill to day</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 11 1875</span></h2>
<p>A little frost this morning, but as the day advanced it became quite mild and soft, and turned out a very fine day</p>
<p>A Mr Robertson from Glasgow was here to day, he is a flour and Butter Merchant</p>
<p>Have been making some iron Barrels for holding hot ashes when taken out of the stoves</p>
<p>Went out to the Great Western station to meet Alfred Stroud</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 12</span></h2>
<p>This was another very fine morning, and as the day advanced it became an exceedingly pleasant day</p>
<p>In the afternoon Mrs A & I went out to see Mr Alexander, and found him but moderately well</p>
<p>Between Steam and water we are running 5 pair of stones at present,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 13</span></h2>
<p>This was quite a different kind of morning cold, and snowing but it melted as fast as it fell, but during the middle of the day it was not so bad, a great many Buggies and waggons in town to day, & there was a well filled market, We have 5 pair of stones on to day also,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 15 1875</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was quite stormy and a good deal of snow fell, which made walking to Church rather unpleasant, It is somewhat milder to day but slight showers of fine snow is still falling, Which continued during the day off & on Attended our annual Church Meetting for the election of Office bearers & examination of a/cs {accounts}</p>
<p>Peter Idington was here and both called at Gutheries Office & got a statement of afc {account} also a cheque for $151,,15 which Mr Isington took charge of</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 16</span></h2>
<p>This is a stormy morning, snow falling pretty heavy but as the ground is very wet, there is less prospect of laying so as to make sleighing,</p>
<p>It is stated to day that Mr J Williamson of the Golden Lion has bought the shop he is in at present for $13,500 from F Chadwick & also the shop next to it from Sandilands for $11,000, so that property is not falling in value.</p>
<p>William Fisher came home from Montreal through the night,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 17</span></h2>
<p>There was hard frost last night, the glass stood at 20° at 7 am, more snow has also fallen so that the ground is all covered with snow but by no means enough for sleighing</p>
<p>Have begun this morning to break out stuff for 2 more fermenting tuns of same size as those made last, Wᵐ {William} Fisher is helping with the Tuns</p>
<p>I attended the funeral of the late James Wallace who died at Orangeville & brought to our Cemetery, he was 77 years old,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 18 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold blustry morning, with occasional showers of snow, there was frost last night which froze the ruts in the roads and made them very rough</p>
<p>Wᵐ {Willilam} went down to Toronto by the 11 am train to meet Guest</p>
<p>We sent all the planks for the tuns up to Stewarts plaining Mill and got them all done in about 5 hours, plained on both sides,</p>
<p>David, Andrew and Annie have the measles</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 19</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild morning and the streets are wet As the day advances the snow is melting away</p>
<p>Wᵐ returned from Toronto at 10 Oclock</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 20</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate morning the glass at 32° as the day advanced, it became quite mild and the roads slushy</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 22 1875</span></h2>
<p>It froze pretty sharp last night, at 7 this morning the glass stood at 20° below freezing, but became milder as the day advanced</p>
<p>I went up to Raymonds new shop to examine their boiler feed pump has found it far too small for my purpose, I found them taking out their heater out of the ground, which described on the 5th October, And he is not putting in another of the same construction, but 44 inches diam {diameter} instead of 36 inches, and 200 two inch tubes 15 feet long, in place of [illegible word, crossed out] 30 three inch tubes 12 feet long, the new shell is made of 3/16 th pates</p>
<p>M.P. Ryan Esqr {Esquire} M.P. of Montreal has failed</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 23</span></h2>
<p>This is a milder morning but dull and dark, and turning to thaw, and after breakfast the mist fell like fine rain, have been at the Foundry looking for a larger feed pump for the distillery Boiler, but on further consideration it was thought that to increase the speed of the present one would do, & have resolved to try that</p>
<p>Called in at the gass works and found that they got their Boiler built in all the pipes round the walls for heating and that they will start the fire for the first time this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 24</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull cold morning, threatning Snow But as the advances it is getting much colder and the is blowing pretty fresh from the N West</p>
<p>we are getting on well with dressing the edges of the Staves for the tuns</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY 25 1875</span></h2>
<p>This was a very sharp morning 18° below freezing, the ice on the Dam strong enough for plenty of skaters taking advantage of the dry day I may say fine winter day though cold</p>
<p>I had to place a Constable in charge of the Bridges farm houses, as Wᵐ {William} Heavar {Hewar?} who was granted leave to live in the house while he was in the employ of the tenant Alfred Stroud but after his services were discontinued he persisted is staying there after the Lease had expired on Sabbath the 21st and began to remove floors & doors from the outhouses which I stopped</p>
<p>Have got all the staves dressed on the edges now & the 2 bottom ready,</p>
<p>Johnston Gibson took away his tool chest this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 26</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning and quite a change from yesterday, and during the forenoon it rained for some time, and the afternoon it also rained and continued dark all the time</p>
<p>The roads are getting sloppy again</p>
<p>Mr Weir from Thorold called, he is from Straven in Scotland</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 27</span></h2>
<p>This a somewhat better morning</p>
<p>As the day advanced it became better but clear and cold for some time in the afternoon</p>
<p>Mrs A & I went to see Mr Alexander and found him very poorly</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY 29 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is a very cold morning, the wind strong from the North & N. West & blew hard all night</p>
<p>As the day advances it is getting colder, the wind is desperately cold</p>
<p>Went out to the York Road farm and allowed Heavar {Hewar?} to take away the things he left, and I got the key of the House,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 30</span></h2>
<p>This is another cold morning at 6 Oclock the glass stood at Zero, and at 7 am it was 3° below</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December WEDNESDAY 1</span></h2>
<p>The frost is not so keen this morning and the snow is making its appearance more freely</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 2 1875</span></h2>
<p>This was more of a wintry morning, with showers of snow</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>This morning the glass was 17° above Zero and turned out a very fine day</p>
<p>This was our Feast Day in our Church</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 4</span></h2>
<p>This is a soft foggy morning,and as the day advanced a thaw came on which made the streets sloppy</p>
<p>In the afternoon a drizzling rain came on being short of cut firewood we set to work with a fair supply of water and cut a very large pile of it have not got the first fermenting tun finished after the men having off at other work for 3 days or so,</p>
<p>Mr Alexander is not so well this morning,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 6 1875</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very unpleasant day for walking light rain fell and froze as it fell making the road extremely slippery in going to Church & continued all day,</p>
<p>This morning was of any thing worse having continued raining & freezing during the night and all day, much the same as yesterday</p>
<p>The men took the staves of the fermenting tun appart after fitting the hoops, And laid down the bottom of the next, Dobby was absent all day</p>
<p>It began to snow in the evening and about 2 or 3 inches fell,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 7</span></h2>
<p>There is a fine coating of snow on the hard icy ground but about 9 am a fine rain like wet mist began to fall, and about 10 it turned to rain, which if it continued destroy the prospects of sleighing,</p>
<p>Towards the middle of the afternoon John & I went out to the York Road farm in the cutter for the first time this winter, To examine the ground for the best locality for Building 2 hog pens, & also with the view of taking advantage of the best site for not creating any nucence {nuisance}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 8</span></h2>
<p>This morning began with a shower of snow which made it excellent sleighing,</p>
<p>I went out with Mr Gideon Hood to see if it would suit to build them on the Rocks farm next to the inside creek, But he considered it by far too great a distance to have the slop, And will therefor have to Build them on the nearest farm, I got advice from Guthrie on the Law of nucience {nuisance}</p>
<p>WIlliam and Higinbotham went down to Hamilton this evening,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 1875</span></h2>
<p>There was more snow falling this morning and a little during the day</p>
<p>Great hurry is making it in the New Town Hall to get properly washed out, the Plastering is finished & all the scaffolding out of the way, the Cheque for Duties to day was no less than $9257,74</p>
<p>William returned by the last train this evening</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 10</span></h2>
<p>A little snow falling this morning , and the weather is mild</p>
<p>This is the Fat Cattle Show day and a great many fine large animals were exhibited Oxen, sheep & pigs, and a splended display of Fouls of all kinds, and the day turned out exceedingly fine, which brought a great many people to attend Kennedys Concert for the opening of the New Hall in the addition of the market House,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 11</span></h2>
<p>It is snowing pretty close this morning and will greatly improve the sleighing</p>
<p>And during the day there was frequent showers of snow</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 13 1875</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday morning we found a fresh coating of snow</p>
<p>This morning we find a heavier coating which will add greatly to the sleighing which is now very good But as the weather is very mild and the drops falling from the roofs it may turn to thaw yet</p>
<p>Both Alice & Eddy have the Measles,</p>
<p>I had two of the Shortreeds here to day Estimating for the construction of the 2 large hog pens I was about to build on the farm on the York Road, The price of the lumber laid down here from Barry at $11 pr M delᵈ {delivered} out on the Ground is the only reasonable portion of cost, More snow has fallen this evening J.C. Couper was here to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 14</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine pleasant winter morning, a little snow has fallen during the night, there is a pretty full market to day It is positively ascertained That important documents have been Registered that was promised should not be done without some urgent cause or break of faith,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 15</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine winter morning with a light shower of snow, The wind is from the South East, and frequent showers of snow through the day</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>This is a cold morning with a light flurry of snow but through the day it got milder</p>
<p>Higinbotham & I went up to Stratford by the 6 oclock train, and was met at the Station by John & his double gray team, the night was cold and stormy and drifting a good deal,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 17</span></h2>
<p>This was a pritty cold morning in Stratford We left by train at 1/2 past 9</p>
<p>Have men out at the farm fixing a pump to clear the lower floor of the Barn of water,</p>
<p>between 5 & 6 the Thermometer stood about Zero</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 18</span></h2>
<p>This is a very sharp morning at 7 a little below Zero the middle of the day it was clear and the Sun shone out for a while, The men went out again to deepen the well for the pump at the farm</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 20 1875</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday a very cold day, at 8 Oclock it was 5° below Zero and about 11 and we went to Church 1/2° below zero And at 10 pm was again 5° below</p>
<p>This morning at 1/2 past 6 am it was 9° above Zero, and became milder as the day advanced, and after 2 pm it became quite soft on the roads and has the appearance of a thaw,</p>
<p>The men were out at the Barn with the pump again & to bring it in to thaw it,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 21</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild morning and the roads quite soft, and the water begining to drop from the eves, as the day advanced it began to rain lightly and continued so more or less all day</p>
<p>The men were out at the farm fixing the protection for the pump</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 22</span></h2>
<p>This is another soft morning & quite mild</p>
<p>And as the day advanced the streets became very slushey and the gutters running with water, the snow is mostly washed of the roads and poor prospects for sleighing at Christmas</p>
<p>Recᵈ {Received} interest to day on Mrs McLeans, Mortgage from Thomson & Jackson $20,,88</p>
<p>Mr Alexander very poorly to day</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 23 1875</span></h2>
<p>Tis is a remarkably fine mild morning the Sun shining out, but the streets and crossing are very muddy, and little or no snow except along the hard trodden part of the roads and the sides of fences in the Country, P Idington came up this morning, He drew, Anguss, Interest, & Thomas & Jackman {vig?} $32 less his $4 advance & I paid her $28, she paid me $4 on a/c of what I advanced, leaving $1,, due me,</p>
<p>The Execution of {blank space} for the murder of his wife took place in the Jaol yard this morning he died without the least struggle whatever Heave been repairing the Steam Mill bridge, Mr Alexander very ill last night some better this morning, Mrs A and I went out in the afternoon and found him on the soffa & labouring hard to get up the phlegm & talked more than he has done to me for 3 week past</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 24</span></h2>
<p>This is a very different kind of morning hard frost and the mudd all frozen dry, yet it is dull & dark & were it not for the high wind it would snow</p>
<p>About 1 Oclock it began to rain a fine shower of partly rain & partly fine hail and froze as it fell making the roads very slippery,</p>
<p>Mr Alexander is of any thing a little better this forenoon, The Butchers have opened out to day a splended display of meat of all kinds in the New Market, where there is plenty of room to exhibit it to advantage</p>
<p>About 8 Oclock it rained hard and must have continued for some times,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY</span></h2>
<p>This is Christmas morning, mild with a little drizzling rain, went round all the works, which were going, And had only returned to begin Breakfast when James came to inform me that the slop pipes next the vats had broken down, I went forthwith & got John McPherson, John & W Fisher was sent for and all was got ready in a short time, the roads were wet & sloppy, We dined at Higinbothams, and towards evening it dried up & froze hard</p>
<p>A great many young folks were skating on the dam till late at night, the ice was fine for it</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY 27 1875</span></h2>
<p>Sabbath there was a coating of snow of an inch deep had fallen, shortly after a fine shower of rain began and continued both going and returning from Church, & during the afternoon also, between 4 & 5 a heave {heavy} shower came on, with thunder & lightning the water overflowing the eve troughs, and thickned so as to prevent it running, it got dark very soon as 7pm the glass stood at 41° with less rain but dark</p>
<p>But to day it was quite dry and the roads quite hard, but abundance of water running over the dam, Broke the driver of No water mill</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 28</span></h2>
<p>There was {bitter?} hard frost this morning, the roads quite dry, the mornings are dark, men can hardly see to work before 1/2 past 7,</p>
<p>William went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train</p>
<p>Had meeting of Insurance Directors to day leveed assessment for 5° per cent, appointed delegates to parliament to water Bill now introduced</p>
<p>Got David Startup now on a visit to repair the worm of Gin still</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 29</span></h2>
<p>This is another mild morning for this time of the year, the roads are almost good sleighing from the very mist settling on the ground and freezing, but the waggons are more in use for any distance or with a load, David Startup, has been all day at the Gin still,</p>
<p>And as the Beer Pump is getting very frail and bursting out in the sides every little while, & having heard that one Party in Toronto has made some lately I will go down & see what like they are tomorrow before ordering from Cincinatti</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY 30 1875</span></h2>
<p>This is also a mild morning like an April one and intend leaving by the early train for Toronto. And William had to leave for Paris & Brantford</p>
<p>In Toronto I found business very dull & not as usual as the last of the year, I went to several of the Engineers shops to see if any of them had made or could make within a short time a forse pump for the Distillery & failed to get any thing to suit</p>
<p>The streets were in a great mess with mudd</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 31</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning the glass about 40°, and in the forenoon about 42 1/2 and really charming weather, We are very busy taking stock of the Mill & Distillery,</p>
<p>William returned from Brantford by the noon train & finds that Brown must go to the wall,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Second page from pamphlet/ad entitled "The Secret of Prosperity!". Corresponds with the following page of the diary. Appears to be an ad for H. D. Edwards & Co. in Detroit, MI}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Pamphlet/ad entitled "The Secret of Prosperity!". Corresponds with the previous page of the diary}</p>
</div>
transcribed
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https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/57c0f000bb1e0dc6d30b44c14906fa6e.pdf
0b074b81b6bac1bc88b93c807c58294e
https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f5947947f4aa648807be5c46b2e4477b.pdf
08f0252eb2177e6a046b42ee88da045f
https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/73fea8591412afad00ba7212b5ae0d21.pdf
e7cbca080e263a44322235d05367fdf6
https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/908d07cb8387e348bf651a21dc615edf.pdf
96fe860542b299d8a57f74a0c474bf41
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-1877
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
January 1, 1873
Is Part Of
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David Allan Diary Collection
Medium
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Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
UG
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Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Front cover of diary}</p>
<p>DAILY JOURNAL.</p>
<p>1873.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">DIARY - 1873.</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>January Wednesday 1 1873</p>
<p>This is a fine new year's day plenty of snow on the ground to make good sleighing, and many driving round paying visits,</p>
<p>all the works are stopt as usual, the weather is very moderate 26 {degree sign} above zero at noon.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Thursday 2 1873
</pre>
<p>Quite moderate this morning and has some appearance of a thaw</p>
<p>The beer pump burst again this forenoon and have put on a new lower branch which was ready at hand</p>
<p>It began to rain about 11 Oclock and continued through the afternoon with more like sleet and was freezing as it fell,</p>
<p>Had some trouble with the beer pump again and put all right</p>
<p>Towards dark it was raining very heavy and at time showers of sleet and snow, Walter Idington was here and went home tonight</p>
<pre> January Friday 3 1873
</pre>
<p>Mild morning and the snow soft and full of water underneath, and up to the ancles in water at every step, had took down the other branch of the pump from Ingles and gave it to Arms & Worswick to finish, as he will not start work at his Foundry untill Monday</p>
<p>Wm and I went out to Mr Alexanders and read over the will of my late step mother Jean Allan</p>
<pre> January Saturday 4 1873
</pre>
<p>It was different weather this morning, hard frost and the roads dried up and hard, the check valve of the feed pipe of the mill boiler got clogged up with lime and had to put in a spare one we had, and Arms & Worswick bored a hole and put in a cock in it</p>
<p>Mr A.B. Stewart passed up to Stratford this afternoon about Clarke's estate</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Monday 6 1873
</pre>
<p>This was a fair winter day very little snow fell, But frequent light showers of snow yesterday with a beating wind. Mr A.B. Stewart got down yesterday by freight train. William is confined to the House with Mumps but came out the middle of the day.</p>
<p>Mr A.B. Stewart and Daughter left here for Montreal this afternoon at 5 Oclock. The beer pump rod broke this evening, and we got Hooper to put a new piece in & finished it by 11 p.m.</p>
<pre> January Tuesday 7 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a fine morning</p>
<pre> January Wednesday 8 1873
</pre>
<p>This is the monthly fair day, but there being no cattle brought in for sale, there was little difference from day The day was cold blustering with frequent showers of snow Working late to night fixing the coupling of hoisting tackle of the Rectifying house</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Thursday 9 1873
</pre>
<p>Very cold morning with a stiff westerly wind, glass at about zero at 7 a.m. Grand Trunk trains are much delayed for want of water many of the locomotives have to leave their loads or trains and run down to Acton for water Had to cool of the still this morning as the Montifuce pipe was choacked and found large lumps of solder and pieces of brick stuck into it, and had to saw of the bend that went down inside the still, and it works well now</p>
<p>[at top of page] Thursday 9th Jany 2 locomotives went down at 12 minutes past 11 for water at Acton and returned at 1:46 p.m. = 2 hours 34 m</p>
<pre> January Friday 10 1873
</pre>
<p>Very cold, at 6 a.m. it was 6 [degree sign] below zero, and a dry cold westerly wind, and about noon down to zero. The Grand Trunk men came down with the new pump shaft, and although cautioned by me to work the pumps by hand first and then examine the discharge pipe below the floor, as I was sure that it was frozen, and not to start the wheel to pump untill they were positive that there was no ice, but my advice was departed from in the latter case, and when attached to the wheel and 2 or three stropes made a gaskin fly out of a joint, and the water flew in all directions, so that had not that relief been given, the shaft would have broken again The men went home to Stratford again this evening at night 9:30 p.m. 4" below zero) William is improving</p>
<pre> January Saturday 11 1873
</pre>
<p>Still cold at 7 a.m. 3" below zero and a keen wind and continued cold through the day The pump inspector Jamison and another man were here this afternoon, about thawing the discharge pipes and I offered to draw all the water off the race to allow them to work. William is a good deal better this afternoon</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Monday 13 1873
</pre>
<p>There is quite a change of weather this morning, which gave appearance of it last night, the glass is up to about 4o" at 1/2 past 10 a.m. William is considerably better this morning. It began to rain about noon & continued off and on all the afternoon so that the roads became quite sloppy & sweaming with water . The men came down from Stratford to examine the Grand Trunk pipes</p>
<pre> January Tuesday 14 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning is mild so far but just below freezing, and the roads are dry and very slippery</p>
<pre> January Wednesday 15 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning is dry and moderate, but is turning into a thaw, which I hope may help us in getting the Grand Trunk pipes free from ice</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Thursday 16 1873
</pre>
<p>Heavy rain through the night, and a very close rain this morning Have begun to fix the Grand Trunk pipes again this morning, and the plan of thawing the frozen pipes which came into my head when sitting thinking on various plans the other night, and that was to attach a steam pipe to the Boiler and turn that on to thaw the ice, and have got Todd to fix the cock to the Boiler</p>
<pre> January Friday 17 1873
</pre>
<p>This is quite another kind of morning, hard frost & clear weather, and the roads very icy & slippery Have got the steam pipe attached to the Boiler of the Engine which heats up the cast iron exceedingly well Having to stop the water mill the Dam is flowing very copiously This afternoon the wind has chopped round to North & is getting very cold, and likely to freeze hard to night William over in the Office to day</p>
<pre> January Saturday 18 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a cold morning, and the glass stood at zero at 8 a.m., it was very cold during the night and must have been down to 5" or 6" below It has been snowing all the forenoon, Geo Lind came down from Fergus this morning, & left for Hamilton at 1 a m There is a good deal of wheat comming in the price is firmer $1.20 to [blank] for Fall, and $1.21. to 1.22 for Spring John & 2 men have been all day at the Grand Trunk pipes keeping the steam on & the water running over the Dam is going yo keep on all night & tomorrow I shortened the iron conecting rod 1/2 an inch, and must charge $1 for that job William is much better to day, has been at the Office & the Bank</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Monday 20 1873
</pre>
<p>Moderate weather 10" to 12" above zero, & snowing as the day advanced it was a little milder, with snow continuing, Got the Grand Trunk pipe clear of ice about 10 Oclock last night, and had the Pumps going this morning, and the water mill with 3 run of stones. I observe that my old friend Mr Thomas Dennie Harris who died on Saturday last was interred to day in Toronto. I have known him since 1831 he was born in Boston in 1803 and was entering his 70th year of his age ------------- Keg butter from Brill 66 lbs 4 taken of = 62 sent down stairs</p>
<pre> January Tuesday 21 1873
</pre>
<p>Mild morning with a considerable fall of snow and kept on snowing all forenoon At 1. oclock went out to G.W. station to attend the Funeral of young Mrs Grange (Agnes oldest daughter of the late James Webster, aged 33 years, Revd A Palmer performed the service at the grave)</p>
<pre> January Wednesday 22 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a mild morning Have begun to grind coal</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Thursday 23 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a moderate morning 6° above zero, with a little snow, and light Easterly wind. William made ready and started for Hamilton by the one Oclock train. About this time the wind began to increase and the snow became much heavier, and became sharp and very cold and most pearcing against the wind</p>
<pre> January Friday 24 1873
</pre>
<p>This is also a moderate morning 8° above zero and deep snpw in some places, trains late the night Express passed up at 1/4 to 7. am The whole night was very course and the wind whistling through every crack. The Snow Plough passed up at 1/2 past 11 propelled by 2 Engines then after her the morning Express also driven by 2 Engines. Mr W.J. Spicer was on board & spoke to him. Accounts from all quarters speak of the late storm as unprecedented, and all trains long behind time William came home about 11 Oclock p.m.</p>
<pre> January Saturday 25 1873
</pre>
<p>This has been a very moderate winter day that about noon where the Sun shone on the side walk it was wet. Got the bevel wheel on the upright shaft of the steam mill reaised a little as it was too deep in geer, and then got up steam to set the pumps in motion to keep them from freezing</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Monday 27 1873
</pre>
<p>This was a fine clear morning 2° above zero As the day advanced it became very mild almost approaching a thaw, and very inviting for a sleigh ride, made a hurried call at Mr Alexanders Sheehan is filling the ice house now</p>
<pre> January Tuesday 28 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning much milder only 22° above zero But as the day advanced it became much colder blowing a stiff N. West wind and was very cold The County Council organized today and reelected Mr Thomas Mair as their Warden for the th time. Had to draw some copper wire that I ordered from New York being 22 instead of 26 as ordered and had to spin it into 3 ply.</p>
<pre> January Wednesday 29 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a very cold morning at 6 a.m. it was 20" below zero at 1/2 past 7 was 25° below, and at 10 a.m. 6° below fortunately there is almost no wind otherwise it would be dreadfully cold, it was difficult to keep up any throughout the night, the glass went down to freezing in my Parlour. Attended the Funeral of Mrs Helen Neeve formerly (Leden) who died in Buffalo last week of cacer in the breast & side, aged 72 and one of the first settlers in Guelph Ingles & Hunter got a heavy band of refined iron 65 lbs a</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> January Thursday 30 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning is not quite so cold only 2° below zero at 1/2 past 7 a.m., ;ittle or no wind Preparing to fill an addition to the Ice House</p>
<pre> January Friday 31 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a mild morning 12° above zero at 1/2 past 7 the weather clear, and little or no wind but from N.West. Weighed our own middlings water mill. 43 lbs to the bushl Eby of Salem 40 lbs</p>
<pre> McLean, Aberfoyle 35 "
</pre>
<pre> February Saturday 1 1873
</pre>
<p>This is rather colder morning than yesterday a little snow falling, and the little wind that is blowing is cold And as the day advanced it became colder, yet the water is holding out tolerably well 2 run all the forenoon but had to take of one run to allow them enough water to saw wood with the wind N.West and colder still</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Monday 3 1873
</pre>
<p>Yesterday morning it was very cold at a 1/4 past 7 a.m. it was 7° below zero and quite calm the G,T, night train passed down at 8.45 a.m. This morning was much milder and as the day advanced it became close & thick and has an appearance of thaw or rain</p>
<pre> February Tuesday 4 1873
</pre>
<p>Quite a mild morning, with a little mist and as the day advanced it became a thaw William went up to Stratford at 10 a.m. and I went down to the Steam Saw Mill at Freelton to look out for a supply of saw dust for an additional ice house, and also to enquire about staves for a new still It became colder in returning home and froze hard in the evening</p>
<pre> February Wednesday 5 1873
</pre>
<p>This is the Monthly Fair day ground hard and dry, and the sky bright & clear There was a great many cattle on the ground which the shortness of Feed compelled the owners to sell if possible although not fat or in good condition, and prices were very low. William came home from Stratford this afternoon at 5 p.m.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Thursday 6 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, glass 36" above zero</p>
<pre> February Friday 7 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a fine morning. During last night 2 trains collided in Trainers Cut, and the Engines and 8 or ten cars were very much injured, they worked all night to get the wreck out of the way. But when I went out to see it after breakfast there was no less than 11 pairs of wheels piled on the top of one of the tenders, and it took them till noon before the passenger trains passed. The roads are slushey to day</p>
<pre> February Saturday 1873
</pre>
<p>There is quite a change from yesterday hard frost this morning, and a slight shower of snow, during the day wind got up and it became quite cold. Chambers went down to Freelton saw mill for sawdust with the new box I made on purpose, and got home with a load at night</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Monday 10 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a very sharp morning it was 5" below zero at 1/2 past 6 a.m. Yesterday was also very cold with a keen N.West wind blowing pritty stiff John went up to Enotsville this morning</p>
<pre> February Tuesday 11 1873
</pre>
<p>It has the appearance of thaw this morning the walls of the Mill & all the stone Buildings are quite white with the frost comming out. Preparing to start for Detroit & Windsor</p>
<pre> February Wednesday 12 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Thursday 13 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
<pre> February Friday 14 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
<pre> February Saturday 15 1873
</pre>
<p>This has been a moderate day, I left the City of Detroit this morning at 9 o'clock by the Great Western Railway and arrived home at 5 p.m., the day was frosty yet clear.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Monday 17 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a fine morning, and as the day advances it becomes milder. About the middle of the day it was quite mild and thawing fast and the roads are becoming bare of snow, Peter Idington here today</p>
<pre> February Tuesday 18 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
<pre> February Wednesday 19 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Thursday 20 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
<pre> February Friday 21 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
<pre> February Saturday 22 1873
</pre>
<p>This was a cold morning</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Monday 24 1873
</pre>
<p>This is another very cold morning more from the wind blowing than what the glass shows being only at zero at 7 a.m. ,whereas yesterday morning at same hour it was 8 below zero, with a sharp wind also. The gas in Chalmers Church was frozen and prevented service and the congregation dispersed.</p>
<pre> February Tuesday 25 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
<pre> February Wednesday 26 1873
</pre>
<p>[blank]</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> February Thursday 27 1873
</pre>
<p>There has been a heavy fall of snow through the night</p>
<pre> February Friday 28 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a very cold morning, 10" below zero and at 1/2 past 10 the mercury rose to 12 above and the day turned out very fine. This is our Fast day in the Church.</p>
<pre> March Saturday 1 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning at 7 the glass stood at 5" above zero. I was in great anxiety about corn, having mashed the last we had, and though we have a good many cars of it laying at Stratford, where I had thoughts of going to try to push it on, when word came in that a car had come to hand by the Western and during the day another by the Grand Trunk.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> March Monday 3 1873
</pre>
<p>Yesterday, Sabbath morning 2 March, was mild at 7 a.m. 24° above zero, at 9 a.m. 30° with a light powdering snow falling, our Communion Sabbath, -- a light snow on ground. This morning was very different, at 7 a.m. 6° above zero and a cold north wind blowing also a little snow, at 1/2 past 2 it was colder 4" above zero and wind getting stronger & colder.</p>
<pre> Presentation this evening to Mr White G T Freight agent of gold watch & chain, also broach & ear rings for Mrs W, being about to leave Guelph and become General Freight Agent in Toronto.
</pre>
<pre> March Tuesday 4 1873
</pre>
<p>This is another cold morning glass about zero at 7 a.m. Wind still northerly, but the weather fine and clear</p>
<p>John Young Esqr of Hamilton died this afternoon aged 65</p>
<pre> March Wednesday 5 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning at 1/2 past 6 a.m. the glass stood at 11° below zero, but as the day advanced it became mild and above freezing. I went down to Acton to McDonalds Mill to look after long lumber for still staves</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> March Thursday 6 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning it was not quite so cold the glass stood at zero at 7 a.m., and as the day advanced it became quite pleasant</p>
<pre> March Friday 7 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a fine mild morning at 1/2 past 9 a.m. the glass stood at 45° and drops falling from the eves of the houses. I had intended to have gone down to attend the Funeral of my old friend John Young Esqr of Hamilton where he died on Tuesday last at 4 o'clock p.m. He was born at Galston in Ayrshire in 1808 and was in his 65 year I have known him since 1833, but as I felt my legs very painfull and stiff last night I concluded not to go</p>
<p>[newspaper clipping] The tender of the Joseph Hall Manufacturing Company, Oshawa, to supply the pumping machinery for the Ottawa Waterworks, at the price of $40,000 was accepted last evening. The other tenders were: Barclay, Montreal, $40,500, and Goldie & McCulloch, Galt, $49,000</p>
<pre> March Saturday 8 1873
</pre>
<p>This a fine winter morning, dry and a light wind. I went down to Lime House Station and got a horse & cutter from Thos Gowdy and went down to Douglas & Bannermans Saw Mill to see what they could do in cutting long stuff for staves of still. I then went down to Cox's Mill near Milton, who could saw long enough stuff but as he is not in the habbit of cutting Bill stuff & as some might be rejected and thrown on his hands he declined so far unless I could not get it elsewhere but would charge $27. per M. laid down at Georgetown so I ordered it at the first mill, and came home by the 6 o.clock train, It was very stormy in the afternoon and a heavy fall of snow.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> GENERAL STATEMENT
Town of Guelph
RECEIPTS
</pre>
<p>To balance from last year 262.10</p>
<pre> Cash Tavern Licenses $1350.00
" Shop " 745.00
" Billiard " 260.00
---------- 2355.00
Interest on Guelph & Preston D'bnts 1176.00
Market fees and rents 2949.86
Town Hall rents 392.65
Butcher's rents and sheds &c 702.94
--------- 4045.45
Cash High School Treasurer 82.00
" Legislative grant 657.00
" Superannuation fund 14.00
---------- 753.00
Assessment balance of 1871 1541.78
" " 1872 26565.55
------------- 28107.33
</pre>
<pre> Cash non-resident taxes 597.24
" Police fines 422.06
" Rack rents 10.50
" S.W. Agricultural Society 200.00
" Rent Exhibition ground 61.00
" Capt. Bruce returned 10.00
" Pound keeper's fines 24.39
" County grant 500.00
--------- 1825.19
-----------
</pre>
<p>Total 38524.07</p>
<pre> EXPENDITURES
</pre>
<p>By Roads and Bridges 2740.00</p>
<pre> 4 Wards 798.66
--------- 3538.66
Fire and water 2189.28
Market house 826.73
Relief 737.05
Central Exhibition 616.76
Insurance 326.60
Printing and stationary 418.95
--------- 5115.37
Tree planting 30.15
Board of healthe 35.00
Remittance of taxes 31.64
" of Licenses 151.37
-------- 248.16
County Rate 4312.50
Watering streets 654.00
----------- 4966.50
Redemption & Interest Debentures 4357.20
Public Schools 6640..18
High School 446.22
Separate do 620.00
---------- 7706.40
Bills retired 1871 4979.86
Salaries 4287.00
Miscellaneous payments 2417.48
Collectors commission for 1871 529.21
Balance 378.23
--------- 907.44
38524.07
</pre>
<p>John Harvey, Town Treasurer</p>
<p>To the Mayor and Municipal Council of the Town of Guelph Gentlemen--- The undersigned beg to report that they have examined and audited the Treasurers Books, and compared the Vouchers with the payments made, and found them correct. The receipts from the various sources of revenue exhibited in the detailed statement herewith presented amount to $38,524.07. and the expenditures to $38,145.84, leaving a balance in the hands of the Treasurer on the 31st of December 1872 of $378.23. They further report that the Books are clean and neatly kept.</p>
<pre> All which is respectfully submitted.
W.S.G. Knowles
</pre>
<p>March 3rd,1873 William Hart Auditors</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 8</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine winter morning, dry and a light wind, I went down to Lime house station and got a horse & cutter from Thos Gowdy and went down to Douglas & Bannersmans saw mill to see what they could do in cutting long stuff for staves of (?), I then went down to Cox Mill near Milton, who could saw long enough stuff but as he is not in the habit of cutting (?) stuff & as some might he rejected and thrown on his hand, he declined so far unless I could not get it elsewhere but would charge $27. (?) laid down at Georgetown so I ordered it at the first mill, and came home by the 6 oclock train, it was very stormy in the afternoon and a heavy fall of snow</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March Monday 10 1873</span></h2>
<p>Moderate weather the snow laying still,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March Tuesday 11 1873</span></h2>
<p>[Blank]</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March Wednesday 12 1873</span></h2>
<p>Putting up a new oak receiver of about 2000 galls for reducing in previous to pumping it into the upper receiver in the rectifying room</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March Thursday 13. 1873</span></h2>
<p>Rather coldish this morning, but is better through the day</p>
<p>I went up this afternoon to (?) farm and bought 5 pigs from her man Rudd</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March Friday 14 1873</span></h2>
<p>It was mild this morning, and during the day it was quite showery and the roads covered with water</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March Saturday 15 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is thick foggy morning & raining at 7 a.m. & must have been raining during the night for the water is running copiously all over, but has not as of yet made any increase in the river.</p>
<p>Attended the funeral of Mr. John Gow (father of Peter Gow) aged 84, the weather was very disagreeable raining all the afternoon, as well as the forenoon, part of the low ground of cemetry was covered with water, in the evening it began to blow hard and after dark it still increased.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>March, Monday 17 1873 The storm was very severe on Sunday morning accompanied with snow, some damage was done in flowing of one barn roof and sheds, fences et cetera. To day has been a blustering day the snow still laying on the ground. We have been putting the new Oak {illegible} in its place to day which was no easy job. There is a considerable quantity of water in the river and {illegible} yesterday.</p>
<p>Tuesday 18 This is another blustering day with frequent showers of sleety snow, plenty of water for the {illegible} all day and yesterday also. G.Christopher Docring of Phillipsburg Waterloo died yesterday 17th March aged 56 years and 4 months was born in the {place?} and came to Canada in 1835 and leaves a wife 10 sons and 3 daughters</p>
<p>Wednesday 19 Quite moderate weather, snow has fallen through the night. I went out in the {illegible} to the Western {illegible} for to go to Bradford I got there about 1/2 past 9.The snow was melting fast, the Grand River is breaking up above and gorging the river with very thick ice for many miles up. Now we're at work cutting away a jaw at the iron Budge to give it relief. I went up to see {illegible} flour mill. it has 4 {illegible} of stones and a small pair for middlings.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March THURDAY 20 1873</span></h2>
<p>Thick and misty morning and light rain but it became heavier about noon it began to snow heavy but it was soft and will not {lay?}. The street all over are coverend with slush</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 21</span></h2>
<p>This is a stormy looking morning a considerable quantity of snow has fallen through the night, and as the day advances it keeps on snowing with a {illegible} wind</p>
<p>{Insurance?} meeting to day.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 22</span></h2>
<p>Dissagreable in walking it was thawing ow the sunney sides of the streets and hard as the North, not much wind</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 24 1873</span></h2>
<p>Last night was very cold, like yesterday, windy and disagreable This morning at 1/4 to 7am the glass stood at 80 above zero, but the sun has great power on the south exposure where is rises fast but there is not likely to be any {illegible} to day,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 25</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold blustering morning, with showers of snow between the gusts of wing, there is a considerable quantity of snow on the ground, but the sleighing is not generally good now as it is {worn} of in marry places</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 26</span></h2>
<p>This is a wintry looking morning and snowing heavy, and must have been through the night All this forenoon has been snowing</p>
<p>This afternoon as heeavy as ever</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY 27 1873</span></h2>
<p>There was a great deal of snow on the ground and cold North West wind still prevailing</p>
<p><br /> William Phin, farmer, died to of only 1 weeks illness aged 69 years and 8 month's.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 28</span></h2>
<p>Mild this morning, and as the day advanced began to thaw rapidly, William went down to {illegible} this morning, and continued so all day</p>
<p>We cur or sawed a great deal of firewood to day,</p>
<p>William returned about 1/2 past 9.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 29</span></h2>
<p>This is a very wet morning raining steady and must have rained a good deal during the might I intend going down to linehouse by the early train but the wet and Mrs A not being so well did not go then But as Mrs A, was getting better I went by the train at 1/2 past 11 to Line House and started far Grove Mill and found a good many of the long staves sawn and will answer with a few exceptions, the road was still well covered with snow, and sleighing fair and plenty of slow in the woods yet {food?} {hawling?} out saw logs & it rained through the afternoon The return train was late, but got home by 7 oclock,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY 31 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild morning and 3 1/2 inches more snow on the ground and still snowing. It was fine and dry yesterday, we are begun to make some Oak Rectifiers.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April TUESDAY 1</span></h2>
<p>This is a raw morning with slight covering of snow on the ground, which soon melted away, but in the afternoon there werefrequent showers of sleetand fine hail.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 2</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet kind of sleety day</p>
<p>Yet there is a large Fair , The show ground was quitfull of cattle</p>
<p>I just now hearof the death of John Taylor, Paisley Blockaged 68 years, used to work for us many years ago as a {maelunist?} (along with Roht Dunbar now of Buffalo from works)</p>
<p>Also of the death of Richard Evans aged 64 years, he used to attend the Steam Engine of the Mill,about 2 years ago,He was at one time Engineer of a geuttermans steam yaught in England</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 3 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine clear morning glass above {peeging?} and most od the snow is washed of the streets in Town</p>
<p>The reports od thelots of the Steam Ship Atlantic af the White Star Line proves to betoo true,of the cost of Halifax on themorningof the 1st about 3 oclock a.m 600 or more said to be drowned</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 4</span></h2>
<p>Misty and thick weather thawing fast, the gates all up and the water flowing copiously</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 5</span></h2>
<p>This is a thick dull morning and has been showing all forenoon</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY 7 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning and thick fogg with light rain say during the most of the forenoon The river is rising stillbut nit so high as I have seen is.</p>
<p>A Mackenzie my clerk went to Buffalo about some Malt on his own age that has been detained by the customs department there.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 8</span></h2>
<p>It has rained during most of the night and this morning occacional light showers</p>
<p>All the Snow about the Town is now about gone, The ice on the dawn has not broke up yet.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 9</span></h2>
<p>This is another wet morning, and it rained and blew all night,the water wasvery highand kept on hissing, and it rained steady all the forenoon and the sfternoon as well, but the ice is not broken up on the dawn enough to let it come over</p>
<p>Iwent down to the Dundas Bridge this afternoon and found the road coveredwith water, and then down to Giws Bridge where all the meadoesis covered with water,and the road also so that I could not go home that way, but had to return by the upper road</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY 10 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a cool frosty morning, clear and dry with a little ice on the roads. Theriver has fallen about 6 inches</p>
<p>William went of to Walkerton at noon.</p>
<p>John Stewart (Foundry) pf Hamilton here this afternoon.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 11</span></h2>
<p>This morning {opens?} out fine, and hsa the appearance of going to be a fine day.</p>
<p>In the afternoon it began to be a little colder and the wind Easterly</p>
<p>The water in the dam is much about the the same as yesterday & a little higher</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 12</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine morning, with the water in the river pretty high, but the sun had its effect and the soft wind yesterday in shifting the ice that is began to move and some thick peices got stuck onthe dam for an hour & more untill they damed back the water to a height which {Hoated?} their over, for these flakes were no legs thaw from 30 to 36 inches thick, and when one they went over other peices gave way and followed their, but thefirst of their broke & carried away the most present dam, in the afternoon, part Goldies arrow was carried away and blank and timber came down. And during the whole afternoon emense peices came one after another in quick successin, & took away the {cutt?} waters of both mill & Distillers {bids?}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April Monday 14 1873</span></h2>
<p>The taking {Above the line - breaking} away of part of Goldie's Apron began to show itself on Sabbath morning, for the loosening of the top beams had made suffiecent opening to let the water underneath to that it washed away the stones and then the eath and gravel, that we observedthe water comming down quite dark and muddy before we went to Church, but had not been long there when John was called out, As Goldies Dam had gone and the water had risen & carried more ice against the Bridges breaking the port posts of the herts or peirs that the can of the bent nearest the Distillery did settle down a few inches,</p>
<p>Have to carry the mash for the Distillery round with the waggon, as the Bridge is not safe</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 15</span></h2>
<p>Making preparations to get the leg of the heat in to support the Distillery Bridge</p>
<p>I understand the two Brothers of Goldies were up to day and have decided to make a temporary Dam so as to get water for the Mill before they can have the steam engine ready, they are getting in lots of Brush and long poles {se?} but I am very doubtful if they can succeed as the height is over 17 feet before they can get enough water to drive the Machinery</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 16</span></h2>
<p>It blew a complete gale last night accompanied with a good deal of rain and sleet</p>
<p>Busey getting the leg of the hert lowered and fixed in its place,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April Thursday 17 1873</span></h2>
<p>This has been a cold morning with a little rain and it {heeca?} a cold wind all day</p>
<p>Got the remainder of the scaffolding of the Bridge and tackle cleared away this morning and all clear for the car to run as usual</p>
<p>I intend going down to Toronto in the morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 18</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine morning, I started to Toronto by the early Train, and found bus {illegible} but very moderate, the bricklayers were very crowded on one large building on Front Street a good many more that I though were woking to advantage</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 19</span></h2>
<p>This is another moderate spring day</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April Monday 21 1873</span></h2>
<p>This has been a coldish morning with ice on the water yesterday and this morning</p>
<p>This afternoon it was cold and a thick shower of snow fell</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 22</span></h2>
<p>I went down to Hamilton this morning and got the Balance dice on Alex Allens mortage $228.50 {written as 50 cents expressed as a fraction 50 over 100} from T, C, Kerr $ Co,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 23</span></h2>
<p>Strung post last night, and the water falling fast</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April Thursday 24 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning and has the appearance of rain, I took a look and the Goldies Brush Dam this morning, which has now reached accrofs the gape, and is constructed of trees and the tops with its bush on, placed up stream and the butt down stream, I have great doubts of its being able to do any more than direct and turn the water down to the waste gates, if even that</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 25</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 26</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April Monday 25 1873</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine morning, I went down to attend the Presbytery in Hamilton and returnd the same evening The bus {niep?} was {puneiply?} to sustain the call of the 2 charge in Hamilton to the Reo Smith of Bellville</p>
<p>also to {receive?} a call from Mellborne for Reso Ms Edmison of Waterdown</p>
<p>Gibson began to work again this morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 29</span></h2>
<p>Fine spring weather</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 30</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning warm and pleasant, went up to Goldie's Dam, and found them quite busey carting gravel on it, but the weight of it will settle town the Brush and poles laid accrofs and nice to all appearance take them about 2 weeks if it does not break out, fefore they can turn the water into the Mill {na ee?}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May Thursday 1 1873</span></h2>
<p>This was a dull morning and wet and had rainded through the night</p>
<p>There has been some showers through the day and the water rising considerably</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 2</span></h2>
<p>This is also a heavy kind of morning</p>
<p>Had tidings to day of the death Mr Adam Johnston my wife's Uncle at</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 3</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning, and the water in the River is falling a good deal</p>
<p>I went up to Goldie's Mills to see how they are getting on with their Dam, and find that they have begun to close rather early as a great quantity of gravel and earth is being washed through below the brushes and advised him to use bags of earth to stop the holes</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May Monday 5 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine summer morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 6</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine morning Our mare had a colt this morning</p>
<p>I sold my calf this morning 3 weeks old for $3 William went up to Stratford this morning</p>
<p>Walter Jaington here to night, Wm {Wm = William} returned to night</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 7</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, and a great many cattle in the market ground, but them complain of low prices. The wind is {using?} and it is getting very dusty</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May Thursday 8 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a dark rainey morning, and appears to have been raining all night John Allan went down in the cars to Galt this morning, thence to Ayr to see the smutt machine there. William Allan went down by the early train to Toronto to attend meeting of Thos Griffiths & Co creditors, John McPherson & Gibson and laying the joists in the lower floot of the new house We have exausted all our Indiain corn to day - and I bought 322 Bushels from Davis at 50 c {c = cents, cent symbol on original document}</p>
<p>Wm {Wm = William} is in Hamilton to night</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 9</span></h2>
<p>Dark and dull this morning has been raining through the night, and a little still falling,</p>
<p>I went up to see how Goldie is getting on with his Dam they have got a raft out in front {are?} six wheelbarows at work wheeling gravel have some 18 more employed independant of Teamsters</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 10</span></h2>
<p>This is another dull morninig with a very light rain, corn about done to day again but 3 cars have arrived at the Station above & will be bought down at noon</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>Monday, May 12 1873</p>
<p>This is a very cool morning, from the rain that fell yesterday afternoon and through the night. The river is keeping high. Have been unloading corn today. Have begun to fence in the vacant lot below the old school house.</p>
<p>Wednesday, May 14</p>
<p>This was a fine morning leave for Toronto at 7:30 to attend meeting of Mack.S Creditors in Toronto</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>Thursday May 15, 1873</p>
<p><br /> I was in Toronto to day, having waited over from yesterday, and attended meeting of Creditors of Thomas Griffith and Go Wholesale Grocers. A great deal of Building is going on in Toronto a number of large warehoses are being built in sum of them the foundation walls are very thick and in others not so, good stone pillars are built in the cellars and cart iron pillars resting on them to support the floors above got home to night at 9 oclock</p>
<p>Friday May 16</p>
<p>This is a fine morning, and find that James Goldie has got the Dam high enough to turn the water into the Mill now and 2 run of stones are going,</p>
<p>Saturday May 17</p>
<p>This is a fine morning but yet not sufficient heat to {illegible} on vegitation. We have {illegible} news of the death of Mr John Shedder who was killed last night, he had been at Goboeonk and in returning to Toronto went out at Gannington Station, and in stepping on after the Train was in motion tripped and rolled between the platform and the wheels and dried in a few minutes. I knew him well.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May Monday 19 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning, with a gentle refreshing breeze.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 20</span></h2>
<p>No rain after all Have begun to unload the Car of large staves, bucked Boards & {Scribble shaped like printed S}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 21</span></h2>
<p>This morning is somewhat dull and looks life rain Busey to day piling up the stave stuff to day, & laying it very open to let the wind through At noon to day the Thermometer stood at 72 degrees, {degree symbol used in original text in place of "degrees", temperature presumably in Fahrenheit}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May Thursday 22 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning, quite warm and no rain yet The water in the river is getting low, and only runs over the Dam during the forenoon Looked at Goldies Dam this afternoon who is only able to drive the smutting machinery and one pair of stones, as there is as much water passing through the dam as comes out from the 2 wheels, I Went down to Galt this afternoon to see {Wm?, Wm = William} Higenbotham at Dr {Jassics?} school and found him quite well, The rules of the school would not permit of me bringing him home with me</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 23</span></h2>
<p>Fine warm morning, and set about examining the spring water pipes from the Priory which are still stopt by either ice or something else, they are all clear till where it crofses the main road at the Bridge, But hope that the great heat to day 84 degrees {degrees symbol used in place of "degrees", temperature likely in Fahrenheit} at noon, will thaw if it is ice A large flour will burnt in Montreal yesterday lofs from $80,000 to $100,000,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 24</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May Monday 26 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a delightful morning, but we want rain very much A boy of the name of {blank space} was near drowned in my Mill race this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 27</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine fresh morning, We have had a shower of rain during the night but it had only gone down about 2 inches into the ground The water was low this morning in the River and had to wait until they had started above us Attended the Funeral of Mrs John A Wood to day. One of the Grand Trunk men from Stratford was here packing the Pump, but for all that it does not discharge the quantity fo water it ought to do and am convinced that there is a defect in the pipe where it enters the ground from the flame, and is what I have suspected is the case all winter,</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 28</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning and looks very like rain I intend starting to day from Seneca Falls in N York State {N York State = New York State}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May Thursday 29 1873</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 30</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 31</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Monday 2 1873</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather but keeping very dry and much need of more rain</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 3</span></h2>
<p>This is another very fine morning There is some appearance of rain</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 4</span></h2>
<p>This is of any thing a duller morning and more like as if there will be rain, This is the monthly fair day, there was a good many peopple in Town, but not such a number of cattle as last fair day, The rain began a little in the forenoon, but the clouds very soon disapeared, but in the afternoon it came on a {smart?} shower and continued for about a couple of hours</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Thursday 5 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning At 4 Oclock this afternoon we took the child intended to be called Mary and burried her in the East corner of my Cemetry lot.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 6</span></h2>
<p>This is of any thing a cloudy morning There was a very slight shower in the forenoon but it soon passed off</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 7</span></h2>
<p>This has the appearance of going to be a warm day, Said George McCullouch We unloaded a car load containing some long Staves and some 1 1/2 inch Oak boards</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Monday 9 1873</span></h2>
<p>Of any thing a dull morning and some looks of rain There was a few drops only. I went down to Toronto by the 11 Oclock train to attend metting of Griffiths creditors, but owning to the lawyers not being able to obtain evidence from a witnefs, without a regular summons to attend. the inspecting commetee could not report, and was adjourned till Saturday the 14th at 11 Oclock</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 10</span></h2>
<p>This morning was dry, but in the forenoon it turned like tain Ground coal to day Went up to the Church</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 11</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Thursday 12 1873</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 13</span></h2>
<p>This morning, William went down to Toronto at 11 Oclock William returned at 8:30 p.m</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 14</span></h2>
<p>Warm morning Got the Vestry at the Church in its place this afternoon</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Monday 16 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning, but very warm and dry Have found out the cause of the falling off in the yealds in the Distillery for the last half month, it appears that there has been a leak in both of the Steam columns at the upper end, and I have now to go down to Toronto to get a new one, and the last one that was put in is to be changed and used instead of one of them, but not in time to catch the 1/2 past 5 train and had to wait, til the midnight train</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 17</span></h2>
<p>This a fine morning, I got home from Toronto by the midnight train at 1/2 past 2 One omission was made in not getting the pipe of the inner column to project down through below the flange and through the head of the still to prevent the wood from burning, and which has to be done by Feek, in soldering a piece to it I found a notice from the health officer about (complaints) as to removing the filth from the pigery and the cattle sheds, and that none shall be allowed to go into the river,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 18</span></h2>
<p>This is another dry morning and no signs of rain, John is going up to Enotsville about the wood & coal.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Thursday 19 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a dry warm morning Mrs John McCrea died at one this morning, being worn out from long illnefs from a hole in her cheek, aged 58 years About noon to day the glass stood about 90 degrees {degree symbol used in place of "degrees", temperature presumably in Fahrenheit} in the shade, and every thing is drying up</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 20</span></h2>
<p>This is another dry morning, Have begun to draw plans of the Mill for the Excise Department in Triplicate,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 21</span></h2>
<p>A good deal like rain this morning</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Monday 23 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a dark and dull morning, the same as it was all day yesterday, and no rain to speak of not enough fell to lay the dust, There is to be a meeting of the Directors of the Wellington Mutual at Hespeler to day at 1/2 past 12, I have been down at Hespeler and returned by the afternoon train and got home at 6 Oclock A fine steady rain began to fall about 1/2 past 7, and likely to continue</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 24</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning, from fear of not getting an answer in time from the cheif Inspector whether he will waive the taking of stock in the Mill at this time, I have to leave for Toronto by the 7.30 train, I started accordingly and found the Mr Godson had not been at his Office, so I drove to his house and presented my letter from the Department refering the matter to him, which he acquessed in as not being necessary at this time, and he telegraphed Mr Gow to that effect.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 25</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Thursday 26 1873</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 27</span></h2>
<p>I have got the Plans of the Mill completed and have had hard work on account of lumbago or Rhumatism in my hip bone and all down my left leg</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 28</span></h2>
<p>This is a dry morning, and has the appearance of going to be a warm day</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June Monday 30 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a dark wet morning, there was thunder during the night and rain, But during the early part of the forenoon it rained very heavy for several hours, and in the afternoon it rained also and continued cloundy and thick that we never saw the sun all day, William Nickols of the Court House Inn died yesterday at noon of Heart disease aged 77 he came to Guelph in June 1832 Mr G Ridout Repr {Repr = Representative} of Toronto died yesteday aged 66. he represented Toronto in Parliament</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July Tuesday 1</span></h2>
<p>This is close morning and warm from the rain yesterday. The Mills went all night but shut down this morning, and all the other works being Dominion Day, I had Mr Alexander in as one of my Bondsmen as formerly, him in $6,000, James D Allan $3,000, Willian Allan $3,000 Mr James Blain and wife of Galt here this afternoon on their way to Malton Higinbotham away at the opening of the Southern Extention of the W.G.S Bruce Railway to Wingham</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 2</span></h2>
<p>This morning was cloudy, and wet but faired off as the day advanced it was sultry and close throughout the day Which is our Hortecultural Show Day but I am too lame with Rhumatism to attend I wrote to my sisters in Illinois, to day Great complains of the low price obtained for still fed cattle and Hogs, importations from the States are competing hard against our feeders here In the evening it rained very heavy</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July Thursday 3 1873</span></h2>
<p>This morning was wet and rained up to 7 Oclock, and then continued fair, but very cloudy Jaettson from Berlin here offering to sell wheat In the {afterhawl?} of the day it cleared up and likely to be dry weather</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 4</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, warm and of any thing close, a considerable quantity of wheat has come in this morning, the price has fallen $1,16 a $1,17</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 5</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, A great many teams in with wheat, some 350 Bushels spring about $1,16 My leg is rather better to day The lining of the Mash tun broke out in holes in a thin plate, & I telegraphed for a peice to Toronto, in the mean time got Feek to solder up the holes, first & last it took all day, so there was no mashing,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July Monday 7 1873</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning Dry and warm</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 8</span></h2>
<p>This is also a fine morning Preparing to go to Stratford by the 2 Oclock train and to stay over at Baden for the 6 Oclock train</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 9</span></h2>
<p>I returned this evening from Stratford by the Dutch mail</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> June MONDAY 30 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a dark wet morning, there was thunder during the night and rain. But during the early part of the forenoon it rained very heavy for several hours, and in the afternoon it rained all, and continued cloude and think that we never saw the sun all day, William Nichols of the Court House Inn died yesterday at noon of Heart disease aged 77 he came to Guelph in Jun 1832. Mr G Ridout Eyr of Toronto died yesterday aged 66, he represented Toronto in Parliament</p>
<pre> July TUESDAY 1
</pre>
<p>This is a close morning and warm frim the rain yesterday. The Mills went all night but shut down this morning, and all the other works being Dominion Day, I had Mr Alexander in as one of my Bonds,em as formerly. him in $600. James D Allan $3,000. William Allan $3,000 Mr James Blain and wife of Galt here this afternoon on thier way to Matton Higinbotham away at the evening of the Southern Extention of the W.G.S Bruce Railway to Wingham</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 2
</pre>
<p>This morning was cloudy and wet but faired off as the advanced it was sultry and close throughout the day. Which is our Horicultural Show Day. but I am too lame with Rhumatism to attend I wrote to my sister in Illinois, today Great complaint of the the low price obtained for still fed Cattle and Hogs. importation from the Hates are competeing hard against our feeders here In the evening it rained very heavy</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July THURSDAY 3 1873
</pre>
<p>This morning was wet and rained up to 7 oclock, and then continued fair, but very cloudy Jackson form Berlin here offering to sell wheat In the afterpart of the day it cleared up and likely to be dry weather</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 4
</pre>
<p>This is a fine morning, warm and of any thing clear, a considerable quantity of wheat has come in this morning, the price has fallen $1,16. a$1.17</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 5
</pre>
<p>This ia a fine morning. A great many teams in with wheat, some 350 Burbels spring about $1.16. My log is rather better today The lining of the Mash tun broke out in holes in a thin plate & I telegraphed for a price to Toronto, in the mean time got Feek to soldin up by the holes, first & cast it took all day, so there was no mashing.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July MONDAY 7 1873
</pre>
<p>Fine morning Dry and warm</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 8
</pre>
<p>This is also a fine morning Preparing to go to Stratford by the 2 oclock train and to stay over at Baden for the 6 oclock train</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 9
</pre>
<p>I returned this evening from Stratford by the Dutch Mail.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July THURSDAY 10 1873
</pre>
<p>Very wet this morning. a good deal of rain fell through the night, and the morning feels cold & started a pie in our bedroom</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 11
</pre>
<p>This was a fine day morning but not warm William started for Hamilton at one oclock and returned about 1/2 past 9</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 12
</pre>
<p>Dry weather</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July MONDAY 14 1873
</pre>
<pre> TUESDAY 15
</pre>
<p>I went up to the Hay field this afternoon & find the 2 men will have it all cut his evening</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 16
</pre>
<p>This is a dry warm morning Went up to the hay=field at the Gleke and the hay will be ready to take in after dinner, the crop is light. but there is over 3 tons of it. William left town about one oclock for Orangeville Gorden here paying part of rent for piggery Meeting to night at Massies, about inviting the Merchant Bank to open a Branch here. John Harold of Hamilton here this evening,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July THURSDAY 17 1873
</pre>
<p>This has been a wet night it rained on till after 6 Oclock this morning very heavy this afternoon got the large water tank set up and 3 hours on before night William got home to night about 12 Oclock</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 18
</pre>
<p>I rained in the early part of the morning the large tub in all hooped and , they are now pushing on with the spouts The Election this day for a councillor for the East Ward in place of Bell who resigned, term mated in the declaration of Charles Daordson, mayorth over David McCrea, of 25</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 19
</pre>
<p>This is quite a cool morning, and rather dull and dark, with a light breeze</p>
</div>
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<pre> July MONDAY 21 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a somewhat cool morning, and very dry weather</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 22
</pre>
<p>This is a warm dry morning We are working away at the pipes for the bottom of the large tun to draw of the water to wash away the filth of the pig styes.</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 23
</pre>
<p>This is a fine warm morning, and going to be a hot day, Have got the water running into the tun freely to day, and making arrangements in the inside, Jogn went up to day to Enatsville mowing. Marcon got married this morning about 1/2 past 6 to Mifs Goodewe,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July THURSDAY 24 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a fine morning, and likely to be a very warm day The case against Wm Gordon was brought up in the Police Court this forenoon and a several Wittneses testified as to the intolerable smell arrising from the pigs, when judgement was reserved until Saturday Higginbotham and I are going down to Toronto to see what Gooderham & Works have done to abate the smell of their yard, so much complains of there</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 25
</pre>
<p>quite a heavy shower of rain fell this evening from 6 to 8 oclock</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 26
</pre>
<p>Fine morning but no more rain, Gordon was fined $1,00 and costs and to have the pigs removed in two weeks from to day Repairing the steam Mill Bridge these two days, with new cut water post &c Higginbotham and family went down in a hired carriage to spend the day at the lake in Pushlinch. Mrs A and I went away about 4 Oclock to meet them and after going all the way to the Lake could not find them out Though several of Ingles men had seen John Allan there, and got home before them about 1/2 past 8</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July MONDAY 28 1873
</pre>
<p>Fine morning, The Engine is standing to day for cleaning out the Boiler &c and taking of the cover of the straw chest to see what is the cause, of the squeeling noise at times as if the slide valve or Piston were going dry, but could not discover anything</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 29
</pre>
<p>.</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAy 30
</pre>
<p>Allan of McDond died</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> July THURSDAY 31 1973
</pre>
<p>The crank pin of the Steam Engine of the Mill Heated to such an extent that the Brasses were almost melted, and the pin so damaged as to require a new one. I started fro Galt at one Ocloack with it and the connecting Rod</p>
<pre> August FRIDAY 1
</pre>
<p>Shery. McDonald Burried</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 2
</pre>
<p>This is a very fine morning I have made up my mind to accompany the deputation to go to Montreal to apply for a Branch of the Merchants Bank here, consisting of {Mefm?} John Hogg, Massie Wilkee & myself Martin for others</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> August MONDAY 4 1873
</pre>
<p>The Engineer got here I understand al noon this day with the new crank pin and connecting rod</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 5
</pre>
<p>{blank}</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 6
</pre>
<p>Wm Easter one of Days men built up the seats in the dining room from 1/2 past 9 till 1/2 past 4.</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> August THURSDAY 7 1873
</pre>
<p>Joseph Lynch died aged 81. {reseaent?} in Park upwards of 40 grams</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 8
</pre>
<p>{blank}</p>
<p></p>
<pre> SATURDAY 9
</pre>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<table><tbody><tr><td>August Monday 11 1873</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
{blank}
<table><tbody><tr><td>August Tuesday 12 1873</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
{blank}
<table><tbody><tr><td>August Wednesday 13 1873</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
{blank}</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> August THURSDAY 14 1873
</pre>
<p>{blank}</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 15
</pre>
<p>{blank}</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 16
</pre>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> August MONDAY 18 1873
</pre>
<p>Fine morning Have got the Heam Mill started again this forenoon Mr A.B Hewart left by the 11 Oclock train for Toronto</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 19
</pre>
<p>This is another fine morning but very dry and the day is turning out to be warm</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 20
</pre>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> August THURSDAY 21 1873
</pre>
<p>Fine morning. Jas. Glover leaves the town for Manitoba his wife 3 children and Nephew, her oldist daughter 13 years old Intelligence came that the Duke of Manchester would pay us visit</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 22
</pre>
<p>Of ant thing a dull morning, but as the day advanced it became fine, And being a Holiday by Proclamation of the Mayor, many will attend the Pie nics and the great Boston, Bas Ball match The distillery is standing, but the the Mills were going.</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 23
</pre>
<p>This was very fine morning, and warm have been fixing the Boom irons on the N.East side of the Dam, which was injured by the ice last winter, for some days past, )</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> August MONDAY 25 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a wet morning, a good deal of rain having fallen throughout the night, and still continues. at 8 am, about 10 it was quite fair, William, wife, and Annie, Mrs Higinbothain, & Annie Graut left for Illinois at 2 Oclock, It was quite an anxious day for me Observed {There is a small round brown stain.} Lenos the plasterer off work today from a hurt her got on Saturday night in stepping through a stove pipe hole in the upper floor of the new house</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 26
</pre>
<p>This is a very fine morning, Gibson plastered top of stone work with water lime when worked away, Observed river very thick and muddy this forenoon and found that the new earth work at the Goldies dam had washed away, leaving them about where thet were about a fortnight ago</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 27
</pre>
<p>This is a cool dry morning, and an excurtion day to the Falls where a is to walk on a rope below the falls elevated about 140 feet above the water, several of my men are away at it, the 2 ingineers, the distillery not being at work to day, allows Taylor to attend the Mill Engine John Allan is up at Enotsville to day, The carpenters are erecting the seaffold for plastery under the easing of roof of new house</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> August THURSDAY 28 1873
</pre>
<p>A man named Wilson came down to put in new leathers in valves of Grand Trunk Pumps</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 29
</pre>
<p>This is a fine morning, John up the Mickles saw mill for lumber, I went down to Aeton to see the Grand Trunk steam Pump The men are lathing & Plastering under the easing of new house {There is a brown stain on "lathing".}</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 30
</pre>
<p>This has been a very fine day, they are giving the facia board of the rood a coat of Paint Mr Thomas Hefferman of Hefferman Bros returned from the old country at 6 this evening. Pumps going late to night</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> September MONDAY 1 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a dull cool morning, Partly from the heavy rain that fell on Sunday morning which moistened the ground yet it did not fill the Dam awy faster, The Engine is stopt for cleaning out the Boiler and after that was done we had to fill the boiler with fails as the hole in the connecting rod was worn out and broke and a man came down from Stratford and took it up to repair came down from Stratford and took it up to repair I Put in a new brass Oil cup on the steam chest on trial for 3 weeks and 2 bass oilers on the crank shaft Ground some coal to day</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 2
</pre>
<p>Fine morning but very dry, The oilers are not giving satisfaction as yet Three, Teams up to Enotsville for heardwood timber, and came home very late</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 3
</pre>
<p>This was a very cool morning, and has continued so nearly all day, This is the Fair Day and a good many loads of wheat came. Man been patting up gutters in new house, The steam Mill, Boiler began to leak badly this afternoon had to stop, out the fire and Telegraph to Galt for a man A very bad time to be stopt having blown to finish by Saturday</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Thursday 4 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, the fogg is thick & falling like fine rain The boiler maker did not arrive last night But he came by the noon train but did not bring the force pump with him as desired, I telegraphed for it & got it by 5 Oclock train filed the boiler and tested it at over 100 lbs to the inch but did not find any more leak than a good suet Got a hand hole from higles and put on above the crown sheet so as to loosen the seale there</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 5</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning, The men worked all night expanding ends of tubes and caulking some joints, then tested the Boiler again and found it quite tight, and got her started during the forenoon, he charged full time for the day he came double time for night and a full day to go home in all 4 days which I think is too much</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 6</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning, but last night was cold was up at Goldies Dam Also in the Mill the Engine driving 4 pair of stones and most of the Machinery, they say their Packer and a boy can pack from 180 to 200 {Buls? = Bulls?} from 7 to 6 pm have been drawing detail drawings for school house Having taken cover of End of sylinder and found it all corded from the borings of hole for oil cup</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Monday 8 1873</span></h2>
<p>This was a cool morning, Has a very busey forenoon taking out the piston expanding the springs to keep out the packing rinks, took of the cover of the steam chest to see if the borings had injured the face of the slide valve and found none, and screwed the foundation frame down solid on its site, William & his wife was to leave Allan dale to day for Chicago The water in the Dam kept up pretty well to day we ground coal in the morning, and sawed wood in the afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 9</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 10</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Thursday 11 1873</span></h2>
<p>A very fine morning The Engine still continues and I intend starting for Galt to get up a man from there to examine the brasses and fill up with Babbit metal I went down to Galt and got a man to come up with me,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 12</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 13</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold morning after the Storm last night of rain and lightning</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Monday 15 1873</span></h2>
<p>Cold morning there was frost last night also as well as on Sunday morning when the ground was quite white George Worsley died this morning at 1 Oclock The weather is changing to rain which will be much against the Central Exhibition Show, which begins tomorrow being the first day A great deal of wheat comming in to the Mill William & Party returned all safe from Detroit this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 16</span></h2>
<p>The weather is chilly, yet it is likely to turn out a fine day, Cattle are pouring in very fast, and the vatious Entrie exceed those of last year by {blank space} hundred, A good deal of wheat came in to the Mill to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 17</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning Preparing to attend Worsleys funeral at One Oclock A part of the Governon of the Engine broke this afternoon, and I must start to Galt in the morning to get a new peice,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Thursday 18 1873</span></h2>
<p>This morning I prepared to go down to Galt to get the peice of the Steam Engine Governon replaced, but missed the train by a couple of minutes, and had to drive down which took me 2 hours the roads were good and the weather fine after the light rain, got the peice made of wrought iron as they had no castings on hand and during the time I went up to Doon Mills I left Galt at 6 Oclock and got home about 1/2 past 8, and the darknefs was helped by {considering?} lightning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 19</span></h2>
<p>This morning looked wet from the great quantity of rain that had fallen through the night and early morning,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 20</span></h2>
<p>This morning looked cloudy, and had the appearance of tain Great money panic in N York {N York = New York} yesterday, with a great number of failures</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Monday 22 1873</span></h2>
<p>Dull morning with appearance of rain Mrs Tawse left this morning at 1/2 past 7 This forenoon has been cold and raw After dinner it rained for a considerable time and quite close and heavy at times The news to day from N York {N York = New York} are more of a moderate tone The banks here are using caution and decline to go beyond a certain limit</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 23</span></h2>
<p>This was a dry day, but chilly of any thing A good deal of Barley comming in, But the price fell from $1.5 to 85 c partly owing to the Panic in N York and also partly from the Grand Trunk refusing to carry any more freight East until the Change of Gauge is finished But we have not begun to buy any yet</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 24</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning clear & warm The tidings from New York are more quiet but there is fears of more Houses not being able to hold out against the pressure I was out at Mr Alexanders this afternoon, in returning saw signs of a change to rain, which may come during the night</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Thursday 25 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a very wet morning and every thing looks dreary, it will be a bad day for the Provincial Show at London</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 26</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning As the day advances it gets warmer I was up at Stratford to day at 3 o clock the Thermometer stood at 82 degrees {degree symbol used in place of "degrees", temperature presumably in Fahrenheit} The Plasterers are getting near a close Rained very heavy from 10 to 12 Oclock</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 27</span></h2>
<p>Very warm this morning I telegraphed to Galt to learn if George McCullouch is at home that I might be sure to see him if I went down, got answer, from home will be back on Monday quite warm to day also, A strange case was tried to day before the Mayor from 2 men having been found in F. W. Stones new house on his farm</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September Monday 29 1873</span></h2>
<p>Heavy rain this morning and during the night It faired up about 9 Oclock, It was very close and warm in Church yesterday Stone, Gurtherie, Stirton, & Gow went down to Toronto and got the matter in dispute about possesion all put to rights regarding the Farm sold to the Government,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 30</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine dry morning, and throughout the day it keeps fine, The Grand Trunk Co are taking west to Stratford a large number of cars, for to alter them into narrow guage cars,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October Wednesday 1</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October Thursday 2 1873</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 3</span></h2>
<p>Fine fair morning, but of any thing raw and chilly We are busey taking out the Machinery of the old Carding Mill to put it in repair for Sawing Wood and plaining boards for other repairs & c This is out Fast day in our Church The Grand Trunk men began to shift the nails as soon as the last car past down at 1/2 past 4</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 4</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning, and it rained heavy through the night, at 10 am raining very heavy and afraid it will hurt my sale of Plants at the Market at 11 Oclock It rained on to about 12 Oclock which prevented the Ladies from turning out to buy, so I postponed the sale till Thursday at same place and hour</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October Monday 6 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold raw morning, yesterday morning also looked very thretning to rain and detered many from comming in to Church to attend the communion, To day the wind is cold from the N East and afternoon it turning to N West blowing fresh and cold Judge Galt passed through this afternoon on his way from Walkerton, I have a long chat with him while waiting on the train, about old times of about 35 years ago Col {Sho?} Saunders the Clerk of the Peace met with a serious accident this morning in comming to his Office, was run into while driving in his Buggy, by a runaway team, his head was scalped and scull fractured</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 7</span></h2>
<p>Fine clear noon light in comming from Church</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 8</span></h2>
<p>Very fine morning Mrs A and I went down to Galt at noon, left home at 5 minutes to 1 and got in Galt at 1/4 past 3, left there at 6,30, and got to W Laingtons at 1/2 past 8 and got home at 11 pm, the roads were fine</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October Thursday 9 1873</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 10</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 11</span></h2>
<p>Rather a coldish day this, Col Saunders died this morning at 6 Oclock</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October Monday 13 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is quite a cold raw morning and looks like either rain or snow, have only One of men working to day loging the plank of platform for the circular saw, Gibson & John M Person at the geering which is near finished I attended the funeral of Col Saunders at 2 Oclock it was large, the weather was quite cold & the wind against us going up to the Cemetary, a Guelphite named Simons at the Bank of Commerce fell down stairs & Broke his neck and died at once, on Saturday night last, Dobie got on the last stone on the top of the Gable of the school house this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 14</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine mild morning, and likely to be a warm day, Thomas Lennox, plasters was born in {Stranrar Arppshore?}, was from 60 to 65 years of age, after having finished my work on the {blank space}, He went to plaster a house for John Murphy Woolrich road, and fell down a stair & broke his spike on Friday evening the 3 and was brought to the Catholic hospital on Tuesday the 7th & after suffering a great deal, ihe died on {sentence never completed}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 15</span></h2>
<p>This is another very fine morning, Mifs McCrea, one of our {Earpers?} daughters, is to be married this forenoon in St Andrews Church by the Kev Dr Hogg to Mr {name not stated} I went out to the sale of Cattle at J, W, Stones Thos Lennox died about 9 Oclock this morning</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October Thursday 16 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine morning, We are now getting the machinery of the Carding Mill very near ready, we are now fixing the long drum over head the coupling of which loose and of the truth, Alex Glass built up the areas of the Basement window of the new Barraks to day to kech the water from getting into them, I attended the funeral of our old Plasterer, Thomas Lennox this afternoon, and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 17</span></h2>
<p>This is a coldish morning, and are trying to get all the outdoor work done in case that snow should fall The new Barracks are now finished and getting the rooms scrubbed out Find some difficulty in getting headroom for the stairs to the infanct gallery in our new school house at the church</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 18</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning and still continues to rain, intend to pay off as many of the labourers to night as I can I have been getting a new pump put into the kitchen for soft water and the pipes that were burst in the bathroom repaired,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<div class="toc">
<div class="toctitle">
<h2>Contents</h2>
<span class="toctogglespan"></span></div>
<ul><li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#October_THURSDAY_16_1873"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">October THURSDAY 16 1873</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#.7Bcovered.2C_presumably_FRIDAY.7D_17"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">{covered, presumably FRIDAY} 17</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#.7Bcovered.2C_presumably_SATURDAY.7D_18"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">{covered, presumably SATURDAY} 18</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Terrific_Gas_Explosion."><span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">Terrific Gas Explosion.</span></a></li>
</ul></div>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY 16 1873</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning, we are now getting the machinery of the Carding Mill very near ready, we are now fixing the long drum over head the coupling of which was loose {?} of the truth, Alex Glass built up the areas of the Basement window of the new Barracks to day to keep the water from getting into them, attended the funeral of our old plasterer, Thomas Lennox the afternoon, and was buried {covered} cemetery</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">{covered, presumably FRIDAY} 17</span></h3>
<p>This is a {covered}, and are trying to get all {covered} done in case that snow {covered} the new Barracks are now finished {covered} the rooms scrubbed out Find some {covered} getting headroom for the stairs {covered} gallery in our new school {covered} church</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">{covered, presumably SATURDAY} 18</span></h3>
<p>This is a {covered} and still continues to rain, {covered} as many of the labourers to {covered} I have been getting a new pump {covered} kitchen for soft water and the {covered} burst in the Bathroom repaired,</p>
<p>{newspaper clipping}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Terrific Gas Explosion.</span></h3>
<p>A House Blown to Pieces.</p>
<p>(From the Rond Eau News of Oct. 16) Last evening we had an opportunity of witnessing the most extraordinary phenomenon that has ever occured in this section of the country. For the past few days Mr.H.Truax, proprietor of the old Vester House, on the Gravel Road between Blenheim and Chatha, had had some men engaged in boring for water, a fewfeet from the hotel. Yesterday, about four o'clock, when they had reached a depth of ninety feet, they suddenly came to water, and in such quantities that in five minutes a stream of mingled water and gas the size of the ten inch hole was rushing a hundred feet into the air, making a loud rumbling noise like a train of cars. Water was pouring over the building and into the ditches along the road. Stones, thrown high into the air, were falling all around, and every minute the stream seemed to gain volume and force. This had lasted about an hour when the gas by some means, caught fire, exploding with a report like the discharge of a cannon, filling all parts of the house with flames, tearing it to pieces, and setting fire to the fragments. Quite a number of people were in the building at the time, three of whom were badly burned- Mrs. Truax, James Drake, and a man named Lewis Roc. The flames and water were now rising about seventy feet, with a sound as of a hurricane. When we visited the scene, an hour later, the column of fire was unabated, and as cloud after cloud of flame rose high into the air, lightning up the darkness, and casting a sickly, ghostly glare on the faces of the hundreds of people who had gathered from all parts of the country, the spectacle was really grand, and one not likely to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The hole from which the fire and water escaped was by this time worn to about two feet in diameter, and the tremendous subterraneous force seemed now to be irresistible. Streams of water and sand were running in all directions, flooding the ruins. The cause of the explosion is unknown, but it is supposed to have been caused by a fire in the kitchen about 40 feet distant. At a late hour in the night the flames remained unabated, though they are likely to cease soon. The loss falls heavily on Mr. Truax, who had just refitted the hotel at considerable expense. We learn that all those injured are likely to recover, although suffering severely.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> October MONDAY 20 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a cold raw morning, and looks as if it new going to turn into rain or snow the wind is N West as the day advances it becoms colder and a few flakes of snow are falling Wm Taylor out beer runner in the Distillery is loading his furniture and intends to leave with his family for Bellville by the night Express at 3 a.m. About 1/2 past 4 the wind became much stronger & turned to the N East with thick sleet & snow and was near blowing down the rafters of the New St Andrews School</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 21
</pre>
<p>This is a wet slushey morning, and raining a good deal, in many parts the snow and hail are laying in the sheltered placs & showers of it comming on, still, very little outdoor work done to day, Have turned the main Drum in the Carding Mill this afternoon</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 22
</pre>
<p>This is a dry morning but damp, and rainy like not at all settled looking, and it feels and dissagreable,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> October THURSDAY 23 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a not dissagreable morning and continues to all appearane all day as the day advances no outdoor work can be done</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 24
</pre>
<p>Fine dry morning Meeting of Directors of Wettington Mutual insurance Co to day ay 11 oclock</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 25
</pre>
<p>This is a dry morning but coldish</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> October MONDAY 27 1873
</pre>
<p>Of any thing a wet morning, and rather bad weather for Armstrong shingling the roof of St Andrews School house And also for Goldie finishing his dam they are laying the top bed of heavy stones for the timber to be bolted to I examined the stove in the hot air chamber in the Church, and got the Brick work partly taken down to admit of an examination</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 28
</pre>
<p>This is a very dissagreable morning drizling snow falling, as the day advances the weather no better, they are still continuing at the shingling even in the slushey weather Had to put on our old dress to go into the hot air room and found the crack on the top of the stone much wider than before and the inner end plate 1 1/2 inch open at the top and order chase to make screws to draw it together, The rouads are getting very muddy again {There is a drawing that looks like a rectangular box with three circles in it.}</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 29
</pre>
<p>The is the first really wintry looking morning of the season, the snow has fallen during the night about 1/2 an inch deep, the wind feels cold from the West, The mon on the school root had to quit as the mortar froze before the shingles was laid,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> October THURSDAY 30 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a cold blustering day, the ground bad a frozen crust on it this morning It looks like more Snow It lookes serious for those having large quantities of turnips to take up some has not begun yet, Signed mortgage to A.B Stewart to day. Interest begins 1 May 1874. Masons put in one solid stone under pillers of Arches for fallery for Organ,</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 31
</pre>
<p>Was cold blustering, and occasionally sleet and drizzling. mixed rain & snow and very little outdoor work can be done We are about finishing stock taking in the Mill Chase finished the Iron Work of the store in the Church</p>
<pre> November SATURDAY 1
</pre>
<p>The ground is covered with snow this morning But as the day advanced it melted away. and the shingling went on Worked a;; afternoon fixing store in Church building up the Buckwork</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> November THURSDAY 6 1873
</pre>
<p>Frosty morning This a Provincial Holiday for general Thanksgiving for bountiful Crops The day turned out very fine, There was Service in the forenoon in out Kirk Attended the funeral of Mr Robert Rae, Crockery Merchant aged 36. Sir John A Mcdonald Government raigned to day</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 7
</pre>
<p>Fine morning, ice on the dam the day turned out mild, The appointment of the New Ministry at Ottawa was conformed by his Excellency</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 8
</pre>
<p>Of any thing a wet drizzling morning but mild The monetary affairs in the States are not at all mending, but on the contrary a great number of Cotton Mills, from Works, Locomotive Works &c are being stopt. and a great many thousand men are out of work,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> November MONDAY 10 1873
</pre>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 11
</pre>
<p>This was an ordinary winter morning very little snow on the Ground, but very unsettled, I went up ti=o Goldie's Dam this forenoon & found them putting in the last of the dtryts to support the apron, which overhangs the wall, and is about to be covered with Plank Began to snow hard this evening and blew very cold</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 12
</pre>
<p>There was a considerable lot of snow on the ground this morning I went down to Hespeler and thence to Plainston to see Watter who is confined to bed & has been very ill but is of any thing mending now.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> November THURSDAY 13 1873
</pre>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<pre> FRIDAY 14
</pre>
<p>This was a very cold morning for this time of the year at 1/2 past 6 the glass stood at zero and continued cold all day Peter Idington here & got Gutheries opinion in Worsleys Will which did not amount to much We also got the wit of all the mortgages with dates &c Boyes are skaiting on the Dam which is of anything too soon</p>
<pre> SATURDAY 15
</pre>
<p>It was not quite so cold this morning, the snow still laying on the ground The day begins to look fine. which was only for a little while, & then got dull.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> November MONDAY 17 1873
</pre>
<p>This is a dull morning, the Glass 2 or 3 degrees above freezing, Church meeting to day at 2 pm.</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 18
</pre>
<p>This is a fine moderate day The men are putting on the Galvanized iron on the Deck roof of St Andrews school houses Organ Gallery, Mrs Worsley & Maggie Logan left by the 1 oclock train for Hamilton. Higinbotham left for Quebec at 1/2 past 5 this afternoon. Mr Massie goes also as far as Montreal Mr Mornis of the Ontario Bank as far as Brockvile John Allan started for Enotsville about the wood &c</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 19
</pre>
<p>This is a cold, dear morning Putting on a peice of sheet coppar on Mash tun to day where a hole had broken through, light frost just now and a light flurry of snow falling,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November Thursday 20 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine winter morning, & think of going to Toronto I took the early train for Toronto to get the large Steam Pipe conducting the Steam into the lower still altered at Booths I got it begun to at once, The city is somewhat dull, although the weather is unfavourable yet they were building at the New Custom House setting heavy corner stones & c and building brick work also, and in other places in Town also got home at 1/2 past 8 pm,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 21</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate morning and of any thing and likely to be a thaw Heavy lofs likely to be sustained if no thaw come as the Erie Cannal in frozen up and hundreds of loaded boats froze up, they will extend over 8 miles in length, Began to Mash 80 Bushels to day after standing a considerable time</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 22</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine winter morning Goldie is finishing the top of his dam with gravel, brought round from the bottom of the river behind the Dam,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November Monday 24 1873</span></h2>
<p>A fall of Snow of about 3 inches fell during the night, and may assist the sleighing to day Our teams and off to Enotsville to have out a quantity of square Elm timbers on to the road Have a discusion in the Bank of Comerce with W Keurh the Inspector about increase of line of discount Higinbotham came home from Quebec about 7 pm the train being 8 hours late The teams did not get home till late & had to leave a log on the road</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 25</span></h2>
<p>There has been another fall of snow during the night, and it froze hard also, We began to run beer in the distillery to day THe sleighing is much improved The water wheel of the Mill is getting out of order, the inside lining getting loose</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 26</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November Thursday 27 1873</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 28</span></h2>
<p>This was a very moderate morning, there has been a light fall of snow, I went down to Galt by the early train to arrange about getting up 2 men from goldie McCalloueh & Co to fit up a rolling school for cleaning the Brau in the Steam Mill, one man is likely to come on Monday I saw a good many new improvements, in stave cutters, shingle machines, Bolt screwing machines & c The saw making works, have begun to work and are cuting out plates,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 29</span></h2>
<p>There is more snow this morning again so that we have very fine sleighing now,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December Monday 1 1873</span></h2>
<p>Snowing this morning, and thick and foggy weather, We drew off the water of the race to day for the purpose of repairing the water wheel</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 2</span></h2>
<p>Thawing fast and began to rain very wet and slushy under feet to day, all in a pulp to day and the good sleighing going fast Rained fast in comming from the Prayer meeting at C Pavidsons</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 3</span></h2>
<p>Raniey wet morning and thawing very fast This is out Fair Day, yet I went up to Berlin thence to Waterloo Village to see the Coppersmiths at Randalls Distillery as to the cause of the lofs sustained in the column still, But found no experienced hands there, & their own still is in bad order. They are fitting up their new column still which is nine (9) feet in circumference, and 7 double chambers of 3 feet high each, and the goose tum & worm very high up in the roof {There is a small sketch in the middle of the page, likely of the column still being written about on the page. The words of the diary wrap around the sketch, implying he likely drew it on the page before writing his entry} It has rained heavy all day & to night also,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December Thursday 4 1873</span></h2>
<p>Blowing hard this morning, and the wind was very high all night, and cannot remember of ever, hearing the wind so loud and strong as it was during last night, a good many roofs were blown off, fences down, 20 feet of the roof of the gass works, The {iron; written above text as an addition} smoke stalk of John McCreas Jaunery down & all in peices, The water in Smiths Creek rose so rapidly and overflowed the banks and carried away the dam at Hamburg Had a meeting Insurance Director to day, Have got the water wheel nearly finished James Dowrie, out Distillers Barn roof was stripped off William went to Hamilton this morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 5</span></h2>
<p>The roads were quite dry this morning, and hard frozen, a very great change from what it was yesterday and the day before The papers teams with the destruction of Property for many miles from Kingston all the way to London and Chatham, There was not the least thing disturbed about my Property, We did not get the wheel finished yet, the flume along with the Steam Mill had to be close lined with inch boards on both sides & filleted at the bottom edge,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 6</span></h2>
<p>Hard frost this morning, began to raise the outer end of the water wheel, and got a 12 feet board 12 inches broad plained down to 1/4 of an inch and put 3 peices of it under the head block, which will keep the wheel free from rubbing on the Bottom The Steam Engine is going but we cannot pump any water to the Grand Trunk on account of all the water being out of the flume, and the Company would not go to the expense of putting in pipes to the well We shut down the {lower; written above text as an addition} gates and raised the head gates and filler the race & tried the Pumps but found the pipes were frozen & would not work to our satisfaction</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December Monday 8 1873</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild morning, and misty and looks like rain & we are now fitting on the Steam pipes on the top of the Boiler to thaw the Grand Trunk pipe But previous to starting the Steam on, we tested the pumps again with the wheel and got the to work and throw a copious stream, Making a proof trial with the column still to day again, 2 men came up from Galt at noon to day but say they will not begin to work until tomowwow morning Wet and misty all day and fine rain The last train from Toronto was not in till after 10 Oclock owing to the think fogg that they could not see the signals</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 9</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning, the rain is fine and close, the men from Galt began to work this morning It was wet weather part of the fore and afternoon Mr Shearson was here from Chicago</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 10</span></h2>
<p>This is a frosty morning, the sky quite dull, the ground hard, this is Fat Cattle show day,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December Thursday 11 1873</span></h2>
<p>Dark dull morning, and continued so most of the day with fine rain, Peter Idington came up to day, Quarter Sessions are sitting just now, Keying on a new mitre wheel on on the auglular up right haft that drives the Elevators and conveyars Peter Idington here this afternoon, & leave for Stratforn at 6 oclock</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 12</span></h2>
<p>This is another changeble morning light coating of Snow falling on soft ground, at 10 Oclock began to rain, John went down to Galt this morning to look after Bolting cloth for New Reels & c and returned at 12 Oclock It began to snow pretty steady in the afternoon and continued on and at 9 Oclock came on heavy,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 13</span></h2>
<p>{blank}</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>December MONDAY 15 1873</p>
<p>This was a fine morning, but a little fogg indicating a thaw. About the middle of the day it became soft. Had meeting of the Director of the Wellington Mutual with the view of a General meeting for the Election of new Ones But the late Act requires such Elections to take place within 2 months after the 1st of Jauy in each year, therefor we had to pass a By=law postponing it till the 1st Tuesday in Feby next. Saully Glass started this afternoon</p>
<p>TUESDAY 16</p>
<p>Think fogg this morning also, it thawed a good deal during the middle of the day, but the sleighing is good yet. We got in the New Smutt machine from the station this forenoon, it only arrived last night there, (Have got up all the {faming?} conveyors & op into the Heam Mill</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY 17</p>
<p>This is a very fine clear morning, the frost by the glass is 14° above zero The men have got pretty well advanced with the new Reel</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>December THURSDAY 18 1873</p>
<p>Fine clear morning, and no thaw Revd Mr Bain of {Searlion?} started home this morning at 8:10 a.m. (sharp,)</p>
<p>FRIDAY 19</p>
<p>SATURDAY 20</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>December Monday 22 1873</p>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, the frost about 18° above zero A considerable quantity if Wheat comming in, at $1.12 to $1.14 for Spring, to $1.20 to $1.22 for fall</p>
<p>TUESDAY 23</p>
<p>Fine morning, Thermometer at 7 am 10° above zero weather clear and bright a great many teams in with whear, at $1.13 u$1.14 for Spring to $1.20 for fal, {Mexr?} Glass re{th?} this morning from Bellville I attended funeral of G.B Frayers, son 11 years & 2 mos old named Charles Edward Have got in the enlarged drum for the Smutt Machine this afternoon The Galt {Millnoright?} The McDougals & Olive Smith says that Eureka has an excellent separator but it is not such a good scourer as the Trimmer Machine Bagar for the Benight of N.M.C Association Began today A great meany in teams in the market today</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY 24</p>
<p>This is a very fine morning The market is quite throng to day also and the display of Butcher meat in the Halls is very splendid The Smutt Machine was started this afternoon and so far seems to clean the wheat both fast and very well T.C.Chisholin is missing is N York {nm?} Hamilton & Sons of Toronto Engine Works has failed, and several hundred men thrown out of employment</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>December THURSDAY 25 1873</p>
<p>This is a fine moderate morning, and the little snow that fell last night will help the sleighing a llittle Bother, Mill & Distillery are working today,</p>
<p>FRIDAY 26</p>
<p>This was another moderate morning, glass at 7 a.m. about 30°, about 2 oclock it began to snow, it was soft and wet I went to attend the Funeral of old Mrs Hugh McDonald aged 88 years 9 months who came to Guelph in 1833. Mr Romain has returned from New York, and jave given up all hopes of finding the body of Mr T.C. Chisholin, is son in law.</p>
<p>SATURDAY 27</p>
<p>Ordinary winter morning The Galt millwright got through with their work and left at noon</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> December MONDAY 29 1873
</pre>
<p>This was a blustering morning, snowing & blowing, and it blew very hard throughout the night Nomination day, John Harris & Robt Melvin proposed for Mayor, Fred Chadwick for {Relue?} also Howard, Snow falling most of the afternoon Got a Keg of butter tonight from Haddens, containing 107 lbs of butter for the mens use at</p>
<pre> TUESDAY 30
</pre>
<p>This morning is more calm, but somewhat harden frost A great many teams in with whear also a good many sleighs in with Hogs for sale and the price is getting up, the highest to about $5.30 Have been making bins in the Mill for the tailing and chicken feed to fall into Mackenzie and the Excise officer Campbell have benn busey these two days past in taking stock in the Mill</p>
<pre> WEDNESDAY 31
</pre>
<p>This has been a very fine winter day and the market was pretty throng with wheat wool and pork The beer pump in the the distillery broke out at the upper branch They have begun to take stock in the distillery, and they are sure to finish it to night</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> Thursday 1st January 1874
</pre>
<p>This is a very fine mild morning And as the day advances it proves finer still it is quite a thaw and ground wet under foot, all the works are standing as usual on a New Years dar and we have a freat many callers or visiter</p>
<p>This is another mild morning and the roads slushey and wet And a good mant teams in with wheat Vincent began to day to finish of some 800 or 900 gallons of Ginger wine that he had prepared the ingredients for Proclamation is published of the Desolation of the Dominion Parliament</p>
<p>Quite a thaw this morning and a thick fog As the day advances it becomes much milder and the water running swift in the gutters and all over the streets This has been a very mild winter I may say since the beginning of Doer and have had none like it for several years, Vincent still at the wine The visits for a new Election of members for the Dominion Parliament are out to day. Had a telegram from Fred K Allans that he will leave N York this evening at 8.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> Monday 5th Jany 1974
</pre>
<p>Yesterday was a very mild day and quite a glow of heat was felt when we went to church and the water running in the gutter & the streets quite sloppy, in the afternoon it began to blow and increased to a gale, and began to rain & continued till about 5 oclock about 6 than began to snow, thew sleet, & the wind blowing hard from the N.West This morning the ground is hard and freezing, 25° The water in the river is about a foot deep over the dam, Great excitement Mr Fredrick Adams arrived this afternoon more Cattle came in this evening,</p>
<pre> Tuesday 6th
</pre>
<p>There is a great change this morning hard frost 20° at 7 oclock a little snow had fallen between 8 & 9 oclock a shower of snow came on & once more coverd the ground with white Ordered from 25 to 30 pigs with next load of cattle to weight from 75 lbs to 150 a $5 per 100lbs live weight</p>
<pre> Wednesday 7th
</pre>
<p>The snow still laying but the softness of the day will back it as it was very loose before and it is now tawing, with light rain about 3 oclock it began to rain heavier and continued on till late, This was a Fair day but not much done</p>
<pre> Thursday 8th
</pre>
<p>The snow is being covered with a coat of frozen ice, and it is very slippery, the icy rain still falling and covering posts, trees Telegraph wires &c</p>
<pre> Friday 9th
</pre>
<p>A little post this morning but as the day advanced it became milderhundred, and appeased as if there was to be a general thaw, But in the afternoon it began to snow & increased as night came on, The Telegraph wires appear to be broken down for hundreds of miles round by the weight of ice can neither send a message to Montreal or N York today</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>Date. CASH ACCOUNT-JANUARY Recd. Paid.</p>
<p>1874 Jany 10th</p>
<p>This is a mild morning just 1 or degrees below freezing at 7 oclock, the snow still laying that fell last night, wheat has begun to come early morning,</p>
<p>11th Sunday This was a very fine day</p>
<p>Monday 12th.</p>
<p>This was quite a mild morning and a large market</p>
<p>Tuesday 13th</p>
<p>This was a very cold morning at 7 oclock The Thermometer stood below zero. and became mild as the day advanced in th afternoon it began to snow. and continued till 9 oclock</p>
<p>Wednesday 14th</p>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, and all the snow that fell last night is only about 2 inches deep.</p>
<p>Thursday</p>
<p>Friday</p>
<p>Saturday</p>
<p>cold this morning at 7 oclock it stood at zero</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>Date CASH ACCOUNT-FEBRUARY Recd. Paid.</p>
<pre> Monday 19th Jany
</pre>
<p>Wet morning, heavy rain fell during the early morning, and this morning a fine rain is falling, & showers of sleet through the afternoon and the street quite slushey with the thaw but at evening it began to freeze, Henry left this morning for Hamilton with a sleigh load of whisky.</p>
<pre> Tuesday 20th
</pre>
<p>This is colder morning at 1/2 past 7, the glass stood at 5 o clock zero & quite different from the mild weather of yesterday & towards the afternoon it was blowing and freezing quite cold, the starter blowing and freezing, quite cold, the starter the new store in the Rectifying room this afternoon</p>
<pre> Wednesday 21st
</pre>
<p>There had fallen a considerable coating of snow through the night, but this morning was quite mild, with a strong sign of a thaw_ it came on to be very mild as the day advanced, and very slushy in the afternoon. I have been engaged to day cutting up 6 pigs for the House Wm, wife Miss Grant & Mrs Higinbothaw went down to Fishers Mills - got in to day all the staves for the new still into the store to get them {drofsed?}</p>
<pre> Thursday 22
</pre>
<p>This in a dark wet morning so that I thought the clocks had got wrong at 7 it was raining heavy and very slippery, the snow is washing away very fast, and begin to have fears about getting in enough of firewood It rained in the afternoon also.</p>
<pre> Friday 23
</pre>
<p>It must have rained through the night or the water in the river is very high, at the Mill race head gates the water was half way up pm tje rich beam {acchop?} the race inside of the rack or grating, and we had to hoist One, or the Bottom flood gates as the water was coming in to the lower floor of the Mill</p>
<pre> Saturday 24th.
</pre>
<p>This has been a very cold stormy day with frequent shows of snow, and freezing all the time, which begins to show a freeing in the river, Maggie & Mary went up to Alna this evening John returned from London, this afternoon Hou Samueal Mills died to day aged 67</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<pre> Date CASH ACCOUNT-MARCH Recd. Paid
</pre>
<p>Monday 26th July, 1874.</p>
<p>This is a cold morning & like yesterday about 10° above zero, the snow that fell on Saturday helps to make fair sleighing. Began on Saturday to dress the staves for the new chamber still, 24 feet long. Have had all the old rectifiers in the distillery down on their place buttons on new button hoops & others where required Also agreed for a Brush Machine for the smutt Machine, went out to look at a drove of pigs this evening.</p>
<p>Tuesday morning 27th</p>
<p>This is with a mild morning glass at 36° at 1/2 past 10 it began to rain % continued for some time & then sleet coupiously.</p>
<p>Wednesday 28th</p>
<p>This was a mild morning and quite soft, but by 10 oclock the wind veered round to the North and there it began to freeze, and became very cold I cut up 2 more pigs this afternoon about 150 lbs each,</p>
</div>
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David Allan (1808 - 1895)
1869
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
Daily
JOURNAL
1869
Printed Calendar for the Year 1869
Two newspaper advertisement clippings pasted at top of page.
Daily Journal for 1869
Toronto:
Published by Brown Brothers,
Manufacturing Stationers
{Four newspaper articles pasted on the page}
{The first newspaper article}
Our city contemporary says:
The Dominion Telegraph Company having, in its desperation, secured an organ in our city contemporary,
actually furnishes it with despatches from Ottawa, although its line is not extended further than Toronto.
Who can beat that, as a feat of telegraphy? To the above question we answer, no-body. By the use of the
Dominion Telegraph lines we get Ottawa news twelve hours in advance of the Spec. That's what's the
matter; and it is perfectly satisfactory to us and to our innumerable readers, if not to our neighbor and its
few subscribers. We may also remark that we advocated the new enterprise from its first introduction to
the public notice till now, believing a new telegraph line to be an absolute necessity to the Province. The
Spec. also advocated it as well as we; but suddenly turned short round and began to oppose it. But these
short turns constitute one of the normal features of the Spec. It once commenced to expose the brewery
frauds in Waterloo, and that with great force and energy; but it suddenly turned round, as it has done with
the Dominion Telegraph enterprise, and took the opposite course - defending them. Why, we shall not
pretend to say; but not long afterwards the President of the Brewers' Association issued a circular, calling
upon the members of that body to add five dollars a year to their usual contribution, to compensate a
gentleman connected with the Spec. for his Parliamentary services in their behalf. It formerly denounced,
in unmeasured and bitter language, without regard to truth, the management of the Great Western
Railway, and then turned suddenly round and became its warmest eulogist. It at one time within a year,
denounced John Bright and Gladstone, while it lauded to the skies Disraeli and other Tory leaders; but in
a short time after it was found pronouncing panegyrics upon Bright and Gladstone, and anathematizing
�Disraeli and his friends. For a time it was high Tory in its professions, next mongrel, and then actually
pretending to be Reform in its teachings, and becoming the organ of John Sandfield Macdonald's hybrid
Govment. We admire consistency, especially as illustrated in the management of the Spec. It may
sometimes be difficult to say which side it does espouse; but having discovered that we are quite safe to
conclude it will soon be on the other. We shall not assume to assign the reasons for the zig-zag policy of
the Spec.; but uncharitable people ascribe it to an instinctive scent for the dimes. Probably it is all
patriotism and a genuine regard for the public good. {The last sentence was written in italics)
{The second newspaper article pasted on the page}
THE DOMINION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. (From the Galt Reporter.)
Why, in the name of everything that's good, do not the Directors of the above Company clear up the
doubts that at present hang round it? With suspicion on every side, with grave charges made, with
Directors resigning, all the general public has had laid before it in the way of refutation has been that at a
dinner at St. Catharines, at which were present Directors and Stockholders, us "out-side barbarians" were
assured that it was "all right." No proof that the charges made were false, no proof of the soundness and
integrity of a concern in which the people of this country are asked to invest $500,000, but merely
champagne congratulations on the construction of a few miles of the road, and grand prophecies for the
future. If this is to remove distrust, to refute charges, it is easily done, but we are doubtful. The Upper
Canada and Commercial Banks were "all right" till they failed; and more to the point, the "Grand Trunk
Telegraph Company" was no doubt heralded as "all right" and decidedly proved its right to be considered
so. Why, if everything is satisfactory, if the inauguration and present position of the company are
satisfactory, is it not clearly shown to the public? The originators of the scheme are pronounced to be
speculators and unsound. Why not disprove this? They are accused of controlling the stock in order to
gain their own ends. Disprove this. Of having secured the contract for the building of the line at an
exorbitant price, and such as to allow them a profit of something like $125 per mile, or one half of the
contract price, and that they secured this contract without it having been submitted to tender. Disprove
these assertions, Distrust is too general now to be neglected. Stock must yet be sold - and who will buy?
Payments on stock already subscribed will become due, and who, in the face of all these charges, will
have any satisfaction in making those payments, or will not avoid such payments if possible. The
Company at present {illegible section to follow as the pasted on newspaper article curled} ...down with an
incubus of doubt. ...must remove that load before....undertaking.
�{The third newspaper article pasted on the page}
PAPER MAKING. - It was not until the year 1806 that the first patent "for manufacturing paper of an
indefinite length" was taken out by Henry Fourdrinier. This was soon followed by Mr. Dickinson's patent of
Jund 30, 1807, for machinery for cutting and planing paper thus made. Fourdrinier's patent for the paper
machine, which still bears his name, was taken out in the same year; and it was about this time that Mr.
Dickinson (whose death has been recently announced) commenced his career as a paper manufacturer
by the purchase of Apsley Mill, near Hemel Hempstead, to which, in the course of time, four other mills in
Hertfordshire were added, two of them constructed, and the water-power for them create, under his own
superintendence. It was in 1807, before the commencement of the Peninsular campaign, that he invented
a new cannon-cartridge paper, made by mixing together linen and woollen rags in certain proportions, so
that after the explosion, it was prevented from retaining sparks of fire. In 1809 he patented machinery for
the manufacture of paper by means of an ingeniously constructed cylinder of brass, covered with wire
gauze and connected with an air-pump - a form of machine which still remains in use. This was followed
by other patents for the manufacture of finely-faced copperplate paper by a soft of {Your comment
here...}veneering process, and for a machine to cut cards, both of which were successful inventions, and
the former especially tended much to increase his reputation. In 1829 he invented the process of
introducing coloured threads into the body of paper at the instant of its manufacture, which was again
improved on in 1839. This preservative against forgery will have been noticed by holders of Exchequer
bills, and many of us will remember it in the stamped envelopes which were issued by Government after
the adoption of the penny postage system, in the introduction of which Mr. Dickinson had taken great
interest. In 1832 we find him again patenting a knotter or strainer for cleaning pulp from impurities; and
two years later applying magnets for the removal of any portion of iron that may happen to be in the pulp,
and thus preventing ion-mould in the paper.
{The fourth newspaper article pasted on the page.}
COMMUNICATIONS.
DOMINION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. (To the Editor of the Globe.)
Sir, - There are a few point connected with the present fierce controversy about this undertaking, that
require a little discussion; and as you have published several articles on the subject, no doubt the public
would like to have a little more information. This I do not propose to furnish myself, but to ask from the
Directors; and as one of the original subscribers who has hitherto had confidence in them, I think I am
entitled to ask for it. Firstly, amid so many and so diverse opinions about the cost of a good telegraph line
thoroughly equipped, including all the preliminary expenses, we might expect our Directors to discover
from outside sources the actual facts of the case, and lay them before the public. On the one hand we are
asked to believe that the lines lately built in the United States have cost from $300 to $450 per mile, (see
�'Dominion Telegrapher'), whilst the opponents of the Company confidently affirm that the outside figure
should be $125, and that Mr. Reeve would make more than $200,000 out of the operation. If this is not
the case, then I think the Directors owe it to us, the shareholders, who are {newspaper is wrinkled,
illegible sentence}...and to the public who are asked to subscribe to collect evidence from some other
source than Mr. Reeve or Dr. Dwight, and make it known to us through your columns. Perhaps they could
learn what the People's Telegraph Company in Quebec are going to pay for their line, as the contract for
a portion has been already awarded. Secondly, if it should appear that Mr. Reeve will clear anything like
so enormous a sum as $200,000, would it not be advisable to try to get rid of him, and give out the resst
of the line to tender? Ungrateful, do they say? We could afford to give him $50,000 for his charters of
connection, the value of which does not seem to be sufficiently recognized in the Trade Review articles. If
that would not satisfy the man, I don't know what would. He could pay up all his debts in the States, and
begin life anew with the remainder. Failing that, however, the shareholders might still be satisfied if they
could be assured that the profits would pay fair dividends on the capital of $500,000. Let us hear what the
results of operation have been already between Toronto and Buffalo, and any other figures obtained from
disinterested parties. Lastly, attention has been drawn to the alleged fact, that the mileage between
Hamilton and Wellington Square has been unnecessarily increased and the Spectator refuses to accept
the future extension westwards as a sufficient reason for it. This is a point which I am most anxious to see
cleared up as soon as possible. Believing, as I do, that the whole enterprise may yet be successful, if
public confidence can be restored, but that at the same time this cannot be unless the directors
vouchsafe clearer and fuller information. I have written this letter to indicate to them just the doubt and
difficulties that have arisen in the mind of A SHAREHOLDER.
Hamilton, 25th March, 1869.
{Glued to Journal page, a receipt from Russell House}
RUSSELL HOUSE,
Ottawa, 14 June 1869
No. of Room 19
Mr. D. Allan to James A. Gouin, Dr.
2 Days Board & Lunch $5.50
Sundries
Washing
Carriage
Omnibus Up & Down $.50
$6.00
Received payment, Dr. J. A. Gouin (Signature) {Second Signature illegible perhaps that of D. Allan}
�Glued to page are two articles First Article:
AUCTION SALE of VALUABLE MILL SITE, DISTILLERY, &c. Will be sold by Public Auction, at
VICTORIA HALL, in the TOWN OF COBOURG, Province of Ontario,
On WEDNESDAY, 9th JUNDE, 1869, At 12 o'clock, noon, that valuable property known as the ONTARIO
DISTILLERY, Situate in the TOWN OF COBOURG, Province on Ontario, within a short distance of the
Grand Trunk Railway station and commodious harbour of Cobourg, consisting of a large BRICK
DISTILLERY, driven by water and 2 steam engines of about 40 horse-power each, and capable of
mashing 500 bushels of grain per day; also a BRICK RECTIFYING HOUSE, with steam engine of 25
horse-power, and also a BRICK MALT HOUSE & KILN. There are also on the premises large Granaries,
Sheds for 300 head of cattle and Pens for 500 hogs, besides Stales, Ice Houses &c. The above Buildings
are nearly new and in excellent order. The entire property on which these valuable buildings are situated,
including the Mill Pond, comprises about 23 acres, through which the Ham Creek runs, giving about 8 feet
head of water. Land to the extent of 75 acres additional, and immediately adjoining, can be had on
reasonable terms, the soils of which, as well as that of the locality generally, is admirably adapted for the
cultivation of the Sugar Beet, and this property might meet the requirements of persons disposed to
engage in the manufacture of Sugar from that material; but the buildings could easily be made available
for almost any manufacturing purpose; the Corporation of the Town of Cobourg having lately passed a
by-law exempting from local taxation for 5 years several descriptions of Factories. Terms - One-half
Cash, balance in three annual instalments, with interest at 7 per cent. There will be a Reserved Bid. For
full particulars as to title, &c, apply (if by letter post-paid) to the MANAGER BANK OF MONTREAL,
Cobourg, Ont, or the undersigned, A.J. VAN INGEN & Co., Auctioneers, &c, Cobourg Ont
Second Article
The Consolidated Bank.
At a meeting of the Consolidated Bank shareholders, at Montreal, on Wednesday, the Chairman, in reply
to a question read the following list to show where the share-holders' money had gone:-
Toronto, Campbell & Cassels .........$30,498 Toronto Fuel Co..............28,000 Galbraith, Christie & Co....
69,193 Turner & Co .................77,696 Credit Valley Co............106,456 A. Shanly....................20,900
Montreal Furniss & Co.............. $123,325 W.H. Riley............. 65,000 Ascher & Co............... 501,839
Beatty & Co................. 94,848 Fish, Shephard & Co.........120,354 Davidson & Co............... 64,322 A.
Davidson..................23,000 Koitask......................75,301 Coultz, Raynor & Co..........23,685 Wm.
Ebb......................48,000 Cowper.......................72,000 Forsyth......................48,000
�Mrs. Hollis - With all those losses in Montreal, Sir Francis Hincks was found guilty one day and allowed to
walk out the next day. Mr. Morgan - He is not, I am told, buying a property worth ten thousand dollars.
The Chairman remonstrated, and asked if Mrs. Hollis could not understand the effect of having an
unfaithful servant. (Cries of disapproval and doubt.) Miss McDougall then called upon Mr. Campbell, the
General Manager, to state what he had been doing since last fall for the shareholders. Mr. Campbell said
he had been working very hard. (Laughter.) Miss McDougall thought Mr. Campbell did not look her
straight in the face like an honest man should. interruptions now became frequent. One of the ladies
suggested that a movement be made to bring Mr. Rennie back, and have him tried for fraudulently using
the names of the directors to the syndicate which originated only in his own brain, as stated by Mr.
Rankin. Miss McDougall was glad to have evidence that he had any brains. (Laughter.) Ex-Governor
Macdonald will be the liquidator for the creditors of the bank. Mr. W.W. Ogilvie is the Government's
liquidator, and the shareholders have elected Mr. Robert Moat, E.J. Barbeau, and Mr. Ogilvie.
{On the edge of the article in handwriting is written: "Mercury" 11th June 1860 }
{Advertisement glued onto page, typed with diagrams}
E.H. MARTIN & CO., ROOFING MATERIALS, 70 MAIDEN LANE AND 9 LIBERTY STREET, NEW
YORK. ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT.
The Felt is made of flax and hemp, carded together until such a fibre is formed as will absorb a sufficient
quantity of Asphaltum to give a perfect foundation of a roof. This may be thoroughly tested by placing the
Felt in water, and allowing it to remain there awhile. when taken out and examined; it will be observed
that the texture of the Felt is not in any way injured. When coated with the Prepared Roof Coating, the
Felt is not affected by change of temperature, and, being non-conducting in its properties, resists alike
heat from the sun and cold from frost and snow. It is made in rolls 25 yards long, 32 inches wide, equal to
200 square feet, and is put up for shipment in cases of 4 rolls, each case weighing about 375 pounds,
and containing 8 squares of roofing. DIRECTIONS FOR APPLYING THE PATENT ASPHALTE
ROOFING FELT TO DWELLING HOUSES OR OTHER PERMANENT BUILDINGS. All sharp edges of
the boarding or rafters should be taken off, so as to form an even surface for the Felt to rest upon. Do not
tar, pitch, or apply any adhesive mixture to the boards on which the felt is to be laid. Old wooden roofs
that have been previously tarred should have a coating of whitewash before the Felt is laid on. The Felt
can be laid from gable to gable, or across the roof from eave to ridge. It is essential that it should be
stretched tight and smooth, overlapping from 1 to 2 inches at the joinings, and closely nailing through the
overlap with 24-oz. roofing tacks 1 1/2 inches apart. The gutters must be of two layers of Felt, one over
the other, cemented together with the boiling mixture, and then coated and sanded. when the Felt has
been nailed to the boards, it is absolutely necessary, to complete the roof, to give a good thick coat of the
�Prepared Roof Coating - say 3 gallons to the square of 100 feet. {Large diagram of a barn with product
being laid on roof.} ROBERTS SC N.Y. This Design shows the MOST DESIRABLE FORM FOR ROOFS
to be covered with the PATENT ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT. The Letter F represents the Felt on the
Roof. {imagine of barrel with the company name and address as follows...} PREPARED ROOF COATING
E.H. MARTIN, 70 Maiden Lane, 9 Liberty St., N.Y. Prepared Roof Coating. We have taken great pains to
manufacture for the Asphalte Roofing Felt our Prepared Coating, which has a combination of such
materials as are necessary to stand the action of the severe winter and the intense heat of our summer
climate. A coating to be durable must have a stout body as well as great elasticity, and hence the
Prepared Coating will be found too thick to run freely from the bunghole of the barrel; it is therefore
advisable to remove the head, stir the contents thoroughly from the bottom, and if necessary heat until it
spreads with ease. The Coating must be laid on with a brush, and immediately afterwards some course
sharp sand sifted over it, as much as it will absorb. It is important that the day should be dry "and the Felt
perfectly so" when the Prepared Roof Coating is applied. A second coat, after the first has thoroughly
dried, "will ensure a perfect roof for many years. {On the side edges of the paper with the advertisement,
there is additional writing.} Dry and Tarred Sheathing Paper, Coal Tar, Roofing Pitch, Mineral Paint,
Asphalte Varnish, Etc. Roofing Brushes, Swedes Iron Nails (galvanized and plain), Roof Paint and
general Roofers' Sundries.
January, Friday 1. 1869.
This is a very stormy morning the wind drifting the snow most furiously.
The was a fire during the morning John Harris Bakery and storehouse was completely gutted between 4
& 5 this morning.
Saturday 2.
This has been a day of snow with very little interuption. Went up to the Foundry for the purpose of
assertaining, if a heading jointer could be made to joint the staves for Rectifiers tubs Tuns &c
In the afternoon attended William Wilson's Funeral, it snowed all the time, and is now very deep in some
places where it has been drifting.
The water for the mill is in good supply, and 2 run going steady
January. Monday, 4. 1869 {No entry}
Tuesday, 5. {No entry}
Wednesday, 6. {No entry}
�January. Thursday, 7. 1869.
I returned from Toronto this forenoon, weather mild, the sleighing mostly gone.
The beam accross the lower stile that steadies the copper pipe broke to day and had to secure it as
follows,
Friday, 8.
This has been a raw cold day, and more frosty thaw yesterday,
Some snow fell this evening
Saturday, 9.
This has been a fine day, but little or no Sleighing except on the road sides,
I went down to Galt this morning to see what progress Goldie & McCullough are making in the
construction of the new boiler & the Engine, I found that the boiler was well advanced, and so far good
workmanship, and the new Cylinder is bored and ready for fitting on
January. Monday, 11. 1869
This morning opened fine, have got an additional carpenter on to the filters, (Aulden) who is preparing all
the bottoms.
This is the anneversary of my Birth day
The water is holding out well, we are grinding all night now
Tuesday, 12.
More frosty this morning, but rather too fine having no sleighing, but the waggoning on the gravelled
roads is quite smooth.
Funeral of George David Armstrong, James's Son he had been married little more than 3 months,
will grind to night again, plenty of water
Wednesday, 13.
This has been a mild day, plenty of water, both for the mill and for sawing wood &c
�There is no appearance of more snow yet and the roads are all very bare
We are getting on very well now with the Filtering vessels.
William went of this afternoon in the Buggy to Erin villiage Acton Georgetown &c
Grinding to night again
January. Thursday, 14. 1869.
This has been a mild day, and more like an April day than Jany, Began to grind the middlings yesterday
at noon, and have been at it all day The malting is going on very well in this mild weather
I have decided on a tender for sawing the wood.
Friday, 15.
Quite mild to day also, water holding out
Rob came back from Philadelphia
Saturday, 16.
This has been rather a colder and rawer day yet the water is still good
January. Monday, 18. 1869.
This has been dark heavy morning, and also the forenoon, with snow flakes flying the most of the day,
though not enough to make any good sleighing
David Brown began this morning as fireman in the Distillery
I have just heard from Toronto that the Still is ready
Tuesday, 19.
Fine morning but no snow of any account although it looked much like it
I went down to Toronto this morning and saw Martin & Son and ordered a six horse power Engine for
Rectifying house, examined pipes at Levys, ordered some of the locks at Morrisons to be chased for
wood,
was informed that the flat copper still was shipped yesterday.
�Wednesday, 20.
Dull morning with some snow flakes falling
I went up to Berlin and to Waterloo to enquire about store casks, and saw some that were very well
made, and to hold from 12 to 16 Bbls. each, all made of 2 inch stuff, I returned at 3 pm, and found the
still at this station and got it down with the worm all safe, got an alarm about Johney Higinbotham
having been run over by the wheel of a light waggon loaded with some light lumber but fortunately no
bones were broken,
{calculations at bottom of page} 16 + 32, 32 + 480 = 512 a Boiler maker worked 1/2 day
January, Thursday, 21 1869
The foreman Thos Butler boiler maker came down & worked all day.
Friday, 22
Fine bright day but cold, and the roads exceedingly hard and Good, a considerable number of teams are
now comming with Wheat seeing that the sleighing should snow comes will not likely last long enough to
enable them to take out their grain in time. the waggoning is splendid
Boiler Maker, with 1 man & a day was at work from 1 pm to 3.45 ½ past 4 PM
Saturday, 23
Boiler maker, with 1 man & a boy, was at work from 7 am till 3,45 PM
January. MONDAY, 25. 1869.
Very cold this morning below zero but did not look till about 8 o'clock when it was about 2 degrees
above that,
I have taken a bad cold this morning & am quite hoares.
Boiler A holder, on man & a boy during the forenoon only did very little
Tuesday , 26.
This was another cold morning, the wind very sharp and has continued so all day
Have got 2 men to work at the cattle shed or Byre to fit up the stalls &c
�No person came to work at the Boiler to day
WEDNESDAY, 27.
Cold and windy to day, yet fine clear weather and the roads hard and smooth.
A great many loads of wheat in to day, we took in over 2,100 Bushels.
to day at 1 oclock the Boiler maker 2 men and a boy came
January. THURSDAY, 28. 1869
This is quite a mild morning, and heavy looking as if there was going to be a fall of rain or snow
A good many teams in with wheat to day but so many as yesterday
The Boiler maker 2 men & a boy all day
FRIDAY, 29. {No entry}
SATURDAY, 30. {No entry}
February. MONDAY, 1. 1869. {No entry}
TUESDAY, 2.
Lydia Anderson came back to day and entered into the charge of the old House as House Keeper &c a
$6 pr month, and a girl to help her. Mrs. Calum left
WEDNESDAY, 3.
The snow is very deep this morning, there having been a continued fall all night,
I was very much dissapointed at finding that the foreman boiler maker had done nothing last night, they
have been working all day cutting of the old revits heads so as to get the holes for the new ones,
and now have promised them a reward if they work all this night
February. THURSDAY, 4. 1869.
The boiler makers only got the boiler finished this mor=g about 6 Oclock & I handed them the reward of a
dollar, to each of the 3 men if they got done by that time
The 2 masons got done with the building up of the brick work by 1/2 past 4
�Have also found that the revits in front of the Mill boiler are not tight
FRIDAY, 5. {No entry}
SATURDAY, 6. {No entry}
February. MONDAY, 8. 1869.
Moderate weather, began to day to take the Engine appart
TUESDAY, 9.
This has been a very mild day, and has made considerable empression on the sleighing, making it very
bare in some places
I attended as a Pall bearer at Jos Websters funeral, left the house at 12 noon for the Union Cemetery.
A great quantity of Wheat in the market to day
WEDNESDAY, 10.
This is a fine mild morning but no thaw as yet. Began to day to make a large tressel to lift the Boiler with.
The Cattle shed is finished to day.
February. THURSDAY, 11. 1869.
{No entry}
FRIDAY, 12.
Very mild and sloppy roads.
got the boiler about up on the bridge to night
SATURDAY, 13.
Quite mild and splended weather for hoisting the boiler
Meeting of Creditors of John McLean at 10 Oclock at Gathen's office,
have got the boiler accross the bridge and on the road opposite the Blacksmith shop on the carriage with
3 inch planks for a tramway and going well.
�February. MONDAY, 15. 1869.
This was a mild day throughout, and we got on very well with the Boiler, having got it down the hill and
halfway into the boiler house.
Yesterday was a stormy day snow & drift, but not so hard as during Saturday night in which a
considerable quantity of snow fell which was packed quite hard.
Revd Principal Snodgrass & Revd Mr. Mackerras addressed the meeting in St. Andrew Church this
evening
TUESDAY, 16.
This is another mild morning and snowing a little
I had prepared to leave by the Great Western for Brantford this morning, but got out too late for the train
and had to go by way of Stratford
The {large X written above line with initial W} Engine frame, shaft and connecting rods &c were sent down
to Galt this morning on a sleigh and will try if the boiler could also be brought up from there by a similar
conveyance and save the carriage to & from the cars which is more than half the labour.
WEDNESDAY, 17.
This was quite a snowy morning at Brantford and left there this morning and got home at 1/4 past 12
noon, the snow & sleet has been general , and has continued more or less all the afternoon
X should be here as this was the day it was sent down. {indicated above entry was on this day not 16th}
February. THURSDAY, 18. 1869.
{No entry}
FRIDAY, 19.
Mr. Vincent got
SATURDAY, 20.
Fine mild weather
�February. MONDAY, 22. 1869.
This is a fine morning after the heavy fall of snow we had all yesterday.
We got down the Car with the tubs and casks &c from Brantford, to this Station above and had them all
taken down and put into the Shed, in the evening the sky was clear and beautiful yet many predicted
comming storm of some Kind.
I got the boiler set down in its place and recess in the wall made for the small fly wheel
William and (John Faulkoner the man), started with the horse and cutter for upper Townships.
Mr. Vincent went to Simcoe on his own business.
TUESDAY, 23.
We have had a very stormy night, and this morning completely inundated with snow, and continued falling
and blowing all the forenoon that the 10 o'clock train with 2 Engines ahead did not arrive till 1/2 past one,
and only one freight train went down & no passenger train for the East as yet 1/2 past 5.
WEDNESDAY, 24.
{No entry}
February. THURSDAY, 25. 1869.
This is of anything a better day have been making holes through the walls for pipes &c and have got the
smoke pipe for the boiler into the chimney, and putting the water cistern up in the garret
FRIDAY, 26.
A good deal of Snow has fallen through the last night and through the day, at it clear and fine and then
dull and heavy.
Had a telegram from William this forenoon from Owen Sound and about to Start for Durham
I got a man down from Ingles this morning but sent him back to repair the heater and then come back,
{underlined with purple ink} which he did (Robt Hiam) {again underlined in purple ink} Am hewing the
Rock for seats for frame of the little Engine.
Renewed Church note, with Jas Massie for another 3 months to day. {underlined in purple ink} Recd
Gold draft from Halifax for $998.
�To day Gibson and Jamison, at pump geering Jno McPherson & Wiswall, at the foundation of Engine,
A. McDonald & at the cisterns, and Riddel fixing pipes to Boiler
SATURDAY, 27.
This has been a very cold day, a sharp Keen wind blowing from the N West, have got the water cisterns
in their places in the Garret and connected with a 3 inch pipe
The snow being so abundant makes good sleighing though rather deep, brings in the firewood teams
very fast that I now refuse to take any more new lots but only from those who have not filled their
contracts as yet
William was at Mount Forest at 5 this PM and cannot be home till tomorrow forenoon.
March. MONDAY, 1. 1869.
This has been a much colder day than yesterday but towards evening it got calm
William got home yesterday at 1 Oclock
We got the sleepers down for the Engine foundation properly bedded to the Rock and then 3 bolt of 7/8th
square iron drven down 9 inches into the stone, drilled first bore
Gibson got drunk this afternoon and unfit for work.
Attended to funeral of Alexander White's daughter, who died near N York
TUESDAY, 2
This has not been a cold day about 20° in the morning the Sun shone out fine about noon, so I took,
Mother, out a short distance on the York Road,
getting on but slowly to day, but fitting up the Brantford rectifiers the one above the other. I intend to go
to Galt in the morning.
WEDNESDAY, 3.
I went down to Galt in the morning , and returned at Noon, the weather was pleasant.
I went to Godie & McCulloughs and examined the Boiler which has every appearance of being a good
job, and they fully expect to have it ready to be brought up in 10 days, I got a young man up with me to
fit up the water pipes through the Distillery his name is William Herriot {underlined in purple ink}
�March. THURSDAY, 4. 1869.
{no entry}
FRIDAY, 5.
It was very cold last night and the logs of the old Priory cracked loud and sharp like a gun shot the
Thermometer at 7 stood at 15° below Zero 1/2 an hour before that the gardner noted 16° below,
fortunately it was very calm during the day otherwise it would have been desperate cold. We are making
very good progress with the pipes, and also the small Engine
SATURDAY, 6.
This is a very stormy cold morning, and yet the Thermometer does not indecate more than 10° above
zero but the wind is Keen and sharp from the North with occasional showers of snow.
We are obliged to rehoop the Brantford rectifiers as the bottom ones were altogether too thin and rotten
March. MONDAY, 8. 1869.
Rather a cold day
TUESDAY, 9.
This is quite a mild morning
I started for the Preston linning and flax Works of Elliot & Co. and where they made seemless Bags ropes
&c also linseed oil, all on a large scale and every thing of the best construction and latest improvement ,
but from want of sufficient demand the works were a loosing concern and were shut up in toto last year
and now a large part of the machinery is being shipped in boxes, to Stevens Linnen works, Webster
Mass.
All the shafting of the Mill is of one uniform size {being} 2 3/8th drain all turned from end to end & hung
with splended screw hangers, the whole is heated by coils of iron pipes, lighted by gass, and water
carried to all the flats in pipes with hydrants & hose at different places
William went to Toronto & returned to day
WENDESDAY, 10.
This is a very different Kind of day from what yesterday was the snow is falling thick and constant, and as
the wind is not strong the snow falls very equal,
�very few teams are comming to Town
George Booth was here this afternoon and got the measure of the coppar pipes &c yet wanting, I sold him
the old coppar of former mash tun at 23 cents a {illegible}
March. THURSDAY, 11. 1869.
This is a mild calm day, yet no thaw, and plenty of work in shoveling snow to make roads.
FRIDAY, 12.
This has been another snowy day, yet not any drifting
Peter Idington here for his sisters
Edmund Ritchie, Post Master of Hamilton, died this afternoon 62 years past, he was born in Wales,
March 2d 1807.
SATURDAY, 13.
Fine clear calm morning and moderate frost
Recd from Bond 2 pipes 10 ft 2 and 4 do {ditto} about 13 feet at same price as last (he will charge for a
Zink Cock $2,60,
Evat & Ingles To returned to them 1 bar angle iron wt 149 lbs
March. MONDAY, 15. 1869.
Cold blustering morning
TUESDAY, 16.
This was a very cold morning, and the walls of the log house were cracking again, the mercury stood at
11 below zero, and about 9 oclock it had got up to 20 above.
I told Robert Hiam not to come tomorrow till {underlined in purple ink} more work was ready for him.
WEDNESDAY, 17.
This has not been such a cold day as yesterday, fine and clear. This is Easter fat Cattle show day, and
was largly attended a vast number of cattle were brought in. I never saw finer and 2 espessially from
Esquesing were large & fat
�The coppar Smiths made a beginning this morning. G Booth went of in the afternoon train to Toronto &
left a journeman and a boy at work I have begun to take out the tuns from the cellar below for charger
& receiver
Had a short interview with Mr. Bridges this morning regarding.
Mrs Tawse returned to day from Peters
March. THURSDAY, 18. 1869
Fine clear morning. glass stood at 6 below Zero at 1/4 to 7 I have got one Receiver set up this evening
and one hoop on.
William accompanied his wife as far as Galt on her way to Hamilton this afternoon
Mr. Romaine drew my attention to the smallness of my yealds, & which is atributed to the large quantity of
fine corn meal sifted out of it, and also of using none but reground middlings, But to test the matter so as
to find out whither the fault lies there or in the inferiority of the yeast I shall next week try the pure corn
and rich middlings.
FRIDAY, 19.
The weather has been some milder to day with an occasional shower of snow, have got the first large
tun finished as a charger, and getting 2 more emptied for taking down.
I made up my mind to let, William Harriot from Galt go home as all the work is done that I required him to
do, so he left by the afternoon Train
It has snowed a good deal this afternoon and this evening quite heavy.
at 7 am Temp 14° above zero
SATURDAY, 20.
{No entry}
March. MONDAY, 22. 1869.
A cold wind blowing and not at all an agreeable day
at a 1/4 past 6 oclock the Thermometer stood at 5° above Zero and at 7 it was 13°.
�TUESDAY, 23.
Fine mild weather the snow melting very grandley away yet there is plenty left for good sleighing the
roads slushey in parts
am making preparations to raise the large receiver in the Rectifying room overhead at least 18 inches so
as to be high enough to charge the small rectifyer.
Henry Booth, began for the first to work at making the joint for the column of the little still, which on their
contract work for about 1/2 the day, the rest of it at pipes to conect the old with the new distillery
WEDNESDAY, 24.
This is a fine morning and the roads quite slushey in many places.
have removed the tie beams wider appart to let the receiver be raised
Henry Booth has worked all day at the pipes for the old distillery, and the two young men at the new.
March. THURSDAY, 25. 1869.
This morning was rainey, and a thick mist hang over the ground for most of the forenoon the snow is
melting pretty fast
Have got men at work clearing away the snow, also the ice &c behind the flood gates
The journeman copper smith, David Startup quit work at noon and went to Toronto.
FRIDAY, 26.
This morning was quite wet, and a thick mist hung over the ground for most of the forenoon. The snow
continues to melt fast
Have got men still working at the flood gates
{Short newspaper article glued to page} "Locomotive boilers, it is reported, can be kept free from scale
by introducing about once in three months twelve pounds of zinc in half ounce pieces. The zinc is said to
dissolve and cover the inner surface of the flues with a thin coating."
�SATURDAY, 27.
Quite a mild morning, and looks as if it had rained during the night. The thaw continued all day, and no
rain, yet the streets all over were running down in great streams like little rivers. Booth got the new
coppar pipe from the pump to the old receiver in the Rectifying house room in the old distillery finished to
night
March. MONDAY, 29. 1869.
Still thawing and the water is now flowing over the dam, it looks something like rain this morning and
should that come on the rise will be rappid. I am now in doubts whither to take up the erection at the end
of the Bridge for lowering the new boiler or to let it stand in the river and load it heavily with stones.
There was only Gibson working at the new tun to day the rest were at other work
TUESDAY, 30.
Thawing fast yet and the water in the river rising pretty fast, there has been a slight drizzel of rain during
the forenoon
this afternoon has been inclined to wet and thickish like mist.
Stevens has built in the chimney and also the fly wheel to day
WEDNESDAY, 31.
Quite a change in the weather to frost his morning There is more water in the river this morning
Stevens at the furnase of Boiler this morning.
April. THURSDAY, 1. 1869.
{No entry}
FRIDAY, 2.
Hard frost this morning, with a coat of new snow on the ground
Dr. Henry Orton was intered in the Guelph Cemetery this afternoon he died in Fergus on Tuesday the
30th March aged 67 he came from Nottinghamshire to this Town in 1835
�SATURDAY, 3.
A cold and unpleasant day, a light coating of snow had fallen. The new Boiler from Galt was brought
down to the station this afternoon and we took down the lighter parts of the Engine &c
Have been trying all the rectifyers with water as to tightness
Bo't 2000 Bushels of old corn out of Robbins Store house
{Next page begins on Monday the 5th, no page for 4th}
April MONDAY, 5. 1869
Quite a cold morning and thought that the remaining snow would be of advantage in case I should take
the new Boiler down on a sleigh, but it went away while we were working at the Erection of the large
trussel and screw, and got the Boiler swung in the Chains by night
I weighed the last bundle of coppar pipes that came by Express on last & found it to be 35 lbs a heavy
bar of soulder came too
Tuesday, 6.
This has been a very fair day with somewhat of a cold wind, have got the Boiler on the truck and
travelling on Zinch oak planks laid flat on the ground & have got as far as the {my?} white gate tonight
and made fast to Keep it from running down the Hill
The copparsmith is getting pretty nearly done with his work
Had the Engineer Robt Hiam, down from Ingles this afternoon
Wednesday, 7.
The ground was pretty hard this morning, but as soon as the Sun got fairly up it soon softened, and
became quite muddy. We got on well to day with the Boiler This was the monthly Fair {underlined in
purple ink} Day and a large number of very fine fat cattle came in, have bought the remainder of the Corn
in Romain's Storehouse, in all about 6,000 Bushels
William had to go down to Brockville this afternoon at 3 Oclock
The case in Chancery of Wilson ves Robertson for Backing water on Wilson, the case was soon
concluded, defendant in his written answer having admitted that the backing up took place in 1844 before
�he bought the Mills We got the Boiler alongside of the Carding mill this evening have got the water in
the new distillery this evening 1 Robt Hiam here all day
April. THURSDAY, 8. 1869.
This has been a fine day, yet cold in the morning Had a Telegram from William that he arrived in
Brockville at 6 am all right. Broke part of the new pump this morning which detained us from filling the
Boiler.
Heard of the failure of Weir who exported so much silver.
broke part of the new pump to day, but got the Brassfounder to start his fire at once and cast one of
brass.
FRIDAY, 9.
Hard frost this morning the ground is quite hard and dry, but as the day advanced all was deep mud,
have got the Pump all right again and the water going over in large quantities
hope to get the steam up tomrrow if at all possible
William returned from Brockville this evening and got things pretty much to his mind
SATURDAY, 10. {No entry}
April. MONDAY, 12. 1869.
This is a fine morning. Mr. Stevens began to build in the copper boiler 3/4 of a day only, as the frame of
the furnace was not ready for him.
TUESDAY, 13.
Mr. Stevens got the copper built in & finished this evening.
WEDNESDAY, 14.
We have had the Column Still tested to day with water and runs well
April. THURSDAY, 15. 1869.
This has every appearance of being a fine day
�We have been again trying the little still the most of the day and cannot get it to work to please at all, and
have resolved to put in a coil of pipe, and take out the inner coppar bottom, the worth of which Mr George
Henry George Booth thinks will cover the expense of the coil
And have Telegraphed G. Booth to come up to see if he can propose any other plan (These remarks
belong to Wednesday 14th.) {underlined in purple ink}
John Baker, (son of Mary Burns or Dudgeon) began work today, having engaged him for a year at $120 &
Board
Nat & Maggie gone to Toronto this afternoon.
FRIDAY, 16.
This is a very fine day, have braced up the Barley floor in the Malt house so as to carry the load of
whisky that must be finished for Bonding this evening -
Mr. George Booth came up to day at 10 Oclock but could not suggest any better plan than we thought of
yesterday and recommends 4 turns of a coil {hand drawn diagram here} thus so we have this noon
begun to take the bottoms apart
Have also taken in 10 bbls of whisky to charge the still tomorrow (all these remarks belong to Thursday)
this is a warm fine day, Theremometer about 60°, the river is rising fast to day, busey getting the bottom
out of Still, also measuring contents of tuns in Rectifying House. Hung up the Hams in Smoke house to
day.
Nat & Maggie gone to Toronto this afternoon
SATURDAY, 17.
This has been a fine day thou rather colder than yesterday, yet the water kept increasing in the river.
Sold 9 pigs to Sharp to day at $8,50
The ice was broken up and went all over the Dam this forenoon
April. MONDAY, 19. 1869.
This was a thickish foggy morning, and we had a dreadfull night of Thunder & lightning accompanied with
heavy rain which must have melted the snow up the country very fast, for the water was very high early in
�the morning and Kept rising much faster than I have ever known it, and far beyond the highest usual
hight, and great lots of stumps and trees came down and several of them stuck fast under the Bridge that
we had to lift the Planking so as to get at the roots to cut them away so as to reliese them, But all to no
effect, and about 11 Oclock the Dam gave way, but previous to that the Pig house was swept off.
I had taken the precaution of loading the Engine Bridge with stones & it stood fast, the foundation of the
Bath house was undermined and fell & a portion of the corner of the Distillery as well.
TUESDAY, 20.
Began this morning to construct a shield of planks and sunk it at the corner of the Distillery to prevent the
strong current from cutting away any more of the wall.
I have also begun to prepare a horse leaver to pump up the beer and water to run of the four tubs
remaining
WEDNESDAY, 21.
This has been a cold, windy day and slight showers of sleet and snow fell but melted soon away.
Barclay, the Carpenter and his men have been very busey to day supporting the our Bridge by laying or
projecting a long beam over each of the bridge beams and have chained them up and is getting long 1
1/2 inch bolts {ink blot} to hold them together which will enable teams to pass when covered over with
planks, it will make a rise on the roadway untill the dam is rebuilt.
The inside scroll pipe for the coppar came, also 5 peices of Brass to bear it from the bottom, weighing
each 7 1/2 lbs.
I have been informed that Armstrongs dam did actually go off yesterday afternoon at 5 Oclock.
April. THURSDAY, 22. 1869.
This has been a fine spring day, and the water in the river has fallen very considerable, and the great
quantity of large stones gathered behind the dam are seen, horses have passed over the Bridge to day.
FRIDAY, 23.
Fine day and have been collecting timber and planks all day that drifted down the river
We tried the Horse power this forenoon and found the speed far too slow, and resolved to change change
the pinion from the upright shaft on to the laying one and the large one where it was so as to double the
motion, and got it all ready to put in its place in the morning.
�SATURDAY, 24.
This has been a fine day, and the water has fallen considerably, yet not low enough to commense the
measurement &c of the Dam,
We got the Horse power to work very well to day and began to pump up the first charge about 1 oclock
and will get done by 10 this evening.
April. MONDAY, 26. 1869.
Fine morning, Went down to Toronto to attend the meeting of Directors of the Dominion Telegraph
Company, there was a tolerable full meeting
TUESDAY, 27.
Returned from Toronto this morning, Went up for a few minutes to attend the Sale of Lands for Taxes,
but the crowd was great and the bidding so brisk that I did not remain any time, there was a little rain
during the day, and indications of more.
WEDNESDAY, 28. {No entry}
April. THURSDAY, 29. 1869. {No entry}
FRIDAY, 30.
This has been a very fine day, and have got the water in the river cowered very much by the removal of
the Stones formed into heaps, and the quantity of water in the river is much reduced
Henry Booth got finished yesterday but a few small appearant leaks had to be seen to he packed up his
tools in the forenoon, tied up a bundle of pipes 25 lbs also 65½ lbs of Soulder to go to Waterloo
May. SATURDAY, 1.
This has been a cold bleack day, rain in the morning and a Kind of drizzle throughout the day and a
shower of Snow and sleet in towards evening.
I have been blasting out a trench in the rock towards the Well for water to Supply the Rectifying house
May. MONDAY, 3. 1869.
This was a cold morning but dry, yesterday was also cold and some rain fell in the morning.
�The Grand Trunk folk's had a large gang of men lifting the old rails of the Bridge and some of the beams
and cross ties that were rotten, and laying down new Rails of a size much heavier than the former, and
the cars to day seem to run much smother on them.
I had to get more props put under the Distillery wall for the crack is evedently getting wider and have
bored holes through the wall for a bolt to go half across the the house so as to screw it up or at all events
keep it where it is. also began to clear away the head race preparatory for quarrying out the Rock on the
mill side.
TUESDAY, 4.
Began to get the new boiler across into nearer to its place and got it down and turned on to the Bridge at
the Blacksmiths Shop.
WEDNESDAY, 5. {No entry}
May. THURSDAY, 6. 1869. {no entry}
FRIDAY, 7.
Have got the Boiler on its site, and the Engine frame down on its bed, and the shaft likewise
SATURDAY, 8.
Weather fine for outside work
Stevens built the foundation for the Mill Boiler end to rest on, to day.
Have been all the week blasting for the drain &c
May. MONDAY, 10. 1869.
This has been one of the warmest days we have had this Spring. The water in the river is much lower
and will begin to lay the temporary dam in a day or two
We are still going on blasting for to get the water pipes low enough to be below the frost, and expect to
have them connected with the Pump tomorrow.
Have bought the chains, Blocks, Pullie &c also the wheel & pinion and barrel of a Derrick from Mr Bell for
$45. Also had men removing the fence at the Quary for room to strip more ground
TUESDAY, 11 and WEDNESDAY, 12 {No entry}
�May. THURSDAY, 13. 1869.
Very warm day, but extremly dusty about 11 oclock I went down to Hespeler to attend a sale of cattle
I left about 1/2 past 3 but it came on a heavy Thunder storm of hail and & rain
Haley and Martin ODonell have begun this morning to blast out the race at the Carding mill for the future
wast gates.
FRIDAY, 14.
This has been a fine pleasant day, except a portion of the afternoon, when about 1/2 past 5 a Thunder
storm came on when the sky became dark, and down came a shower of hail first & then heavy rain, for
about 20 minutes
have got the greater part of the Blasting done Bo't 4 good steel spades a $1.40 and 6 shovels a $1.25
SATURDAY, 15.
This has been a dull sort of day and little or no Sunshine, there was a light rain in the forenoon We
have been getting on pretty fair in blasting out the new flood gate & have not quite finished the drain yet
May. TUESDAY, 18. 1869.
This has been a fine working day and have got all the blasting for the drain and now covering over the
pipes
Have got the Engine laid down in its proper place but is not as screwed down
The Boiler is also placed but not built under
WEDNESDAY, 19.
This has been rather a cold unpleasnt day with a damp cold air
Run off today the first charge of Spirit in the New Rectifying House, & which performed very well
May. THURSDAY, 20. 1869.
This has been a much more pleasant day. Have run off a charge of Spirit in the New Gin Still which also
run very well
Sent down this morning 3 men & man horse and cart to strip in the Quarry
�May 21 & May 22 {no entries}
May. MONDAY, 24. 1869.
This is the Queens Birth day , and the weather is fine, but there was not so much rejoysing as in former
years
TUESDAY, 25.
Very fair weather
George McCulloch from Galt began this morning to fit up the Engine
WEDNESDAY, 26.
Have let the York Road farm to Alex Chrighton for $80 a year and taxes
May. THURSDAY, 27. 1869
This has been a coldish raw day. We have been getting on pretty well with the blasting out of the Race
for flood gates.
I am continuing the quarrying out of the drain for to take the water from the Distillery race to the Rectfying
house and have had to blast the upper end.
FRIDAY, 28. 1869
This has been a thick dull forenoon with a drizzling rain which began before 11 O'clock and increased to
rain at noon, and at One O'clock I stopt the outdoor men from working.
Had to stop the Retifying House for the purpose of attaching a Steam Stop Valve next to the dome.
Sold the Sheep & lambs, Sow & calf, Sow and pigs, and 11 acres of Barley to D. Chrighton.
It rained heavy about 10 O'clock this evening.
SATURDAY, 29. 1869
This is a dull morning, and rained till about 6 o'clock, since it has been fair and all the men at work.
May, 31, June 1, 2, 3 & 4. {No Entries}
SATURDAY, 5.
This is a very wet morning and none of the men are working in the Quarry this forenoon
�June. MONDAY, 7. 1869.
Fine morning have got the race blaster deep enough and are now triming the sides
Have sent down some men to the quarry to begin the lower bed
TUESDAY, 8.
Fine weather Went down to Toronto this morning & ordered a Globe Valve to regulate the Steam on the
Column Still when up stairs
Called at Chewits to get business cards printed on stone that is lithographed
I xamined the Derricks at the docks and got some very good hints from them, Went in to Levys Shop to
see if he had any Wheels & pinions that might suit me , but saw none, Birmingham began to deepen the
well and brought his tackle box with him the
WEDNESDAY, 9 .
Rather a cool morning left Toronto at 1/2 past 7 & got here 1/4 to 10.
The water is comming into the well much faster than 2 men can pump it, and am now making an inner
curb 4 feet high and made small enough to pass down inside the upper one The Engineer is fitting in the
Steam pipes to day
June. THURSDAY, 10. 1869.
This morning was threatening rain, yet we persevered in getting ready for putting in the triangle frames for
the temporary dam and a flood gate
Mr Goldie having previously agreed to let of the water of his dam and then shut down his gates which
gave us several hours of very low water and notwithstanding some heavy showers of Rain and Thunder
we worked all the time, We got the 2d curb into the well and had to put in 2 pumps to enable the men to
Work
FRIDAY, 11.
Weather fine and getting on well with our work
Our Collector of Inland Revenue intimated some time ago that he would not be allowed to grant me a
Licence without a new set of Plans of the interior of the Distillery, and as I have been searching for the
Tracings of those sent to the Department at Ottawa for several days without being able to find them and
�not having time to make out another from the rough Sketch in any thing like the time it will be required, I
start for Ottawa this afternoon at 4.10, to ask for the use of it
SATURDAY, 12.
I arrived at Prescott this morning at 6. See Memorandum Book
June 14 & 15 {No Entries}
WEDNESDAY, 16.
I returned from Ottawa this morning about 2,30
June. THURSDAY, 17, FRIDAY, 18, SATURDAY, 19 {No Entries}
June. MONDAY, 21. 1869.
got some planking done in the bottom of the temporary waste gate to day, Goldie again troubled with the
Toe of the shaft of his Water Wheel that drives his Machinery which goes 140 resolutions a minute &
wont allow the water to enter it
TUESDAY, 22.
This was a fine forenoon and we got on well with the dam in being able to get some planks nailed in the
bottom of the flood gates which the rain on
We had also a fine opportunity of building under the Wall at the outlet of the Carding Mill race, as Goldie
was obliged to let of the water of his dam and then shut down which gave us a fine chance of getting
foundation dry for more than 2 hourses and well it was so for it rained very heavy for more than an hour
WEDNESDAY, 23, THURSDAY, 24 {No Entries}
FRIDAY, 25.
This was a fine morning
Went down to E Carrols quarry and brought home his Derrick to my quarry on loan for a season with a
long chain & two single iron blocks & 1 wooden one
SATURDAY, 26.
During the forenoon for the most part it Kept fair but in afternoon it rained for a considerable time, and
then in the evening We got on however very well with our wall in North side of the waste gate, and is
now feet high from the bottom of the race, and have some thoughts of carrying it up to the top of the
�bank of dry stone We also got the South wall founded on the solid Rock which I did not expect to get so
near
Mr Bridges Mr Spicer, & Mr Hannaford passed up this afternoon, & Mr H gave me leave to fasten the top
of my Derrick Mast to the iron tube of the Bridge
June. MONDAY, 28. 1869.
This morning is warm and sultry, it is now 5:45 a.m and every appearance of more rain. There was
very little rain yesterday forenoon but it had rained heavy during the night, and yesterday afternoon both
going and returning from Church it was raining heavy and all the gutters sewers and low parts of the
Streets all covered, None of the outdoor men could work till noon I observe no damage done to our
temporary dam as yet, But when the effects of this rain come down this afternoon from the country above
I am affraid it will tax the capacity of the flood gate very much, in the afternoon the water rose a
considerable deal, the afternoon Kept fair and all the men were at work
TUESDAY, 29.
This morning at 6 oclock looks threatning like I went out to the Brick Yard to engage for getting out clay
at $1 a load, and it began to rain and soon got fair again, yet the men worked all day though showrey at
times with frequent flashes of lightning, about noon the water got very high so as to endanger the
tempory dam & had to Keep the men on till dark wheeling on earth to raise the bank high enough
I bought 45 large blocks of stone from Dobie and Patterson a 10¢ a foot this day,
We hear of several dams in Waterloo having gone that stood the freshet in the spring and the dam at
Doon has gone again after having been repraired & & is now worse than before
WEDNESDAY, 30.
It rained hard last night at 11 and then during the night yet it has done no damage, the river is at least 3
inches lower than last night when we left off, But there is every likelihood of it rising again as at present
1/2 past 5 a close rain is falling, the men did not begin to work till 1/2 past 9 it continued after that
tollerably settled but dull and cloudy
July. THURSDAY, 1. 1869.
This being Dominion Day, no work is done and the most of the men are off to the Falls on the Excurtion
train going and returning for $1,00
This also being our Sabbath school, Picknick great preparations are made
�John & I drove out to see Armstrongs dam which is up and the water at full height & the Mill going, the
weather is dry and pleasant and appears like being settled
FRIDAY, 2.
This opened a fine morning, and fair all day and enabled us to get well on with our work to day, One of
my men named Groet in returning from the Excurtion last night got on the top of one of the railway cars
when in motion and in passing under a Bridge near Coptown struck his head against it and fell senseless
and had to be left at the station
In measuring the actual contents of one of the tuns, we got short of water and had to start the small
Engine to pump enoug water for the purpose as well as enough to change the water in the old distillery
James again on
SATURDAY, 3.
Last night has been a dreadful night of rain it broke through a gutter at the East end of the Bridge above
the bank rusing down into the bottom of the race and disarranging all the mud cills laid in the bottom all of
which will have to be done over again, the men did not begin work till quarter time, The engine
continued to work well driving 3 pair of Stones every day
Vincent returned from Toronto this evening at 6 Jas no work
July. MONDAY, 5. 1869.
This has been a fine dry day, yet it has not the appearance of being settled, the water however in the
River is getting lower. but in the Quarry it is so deep that the men cannot work in the lower beds
Mr Brunel the Assistant Commissioner of Excise was here and and after looking through the premises
gave Mr Romain permission to allow a License to be granted to me, the Receivess being that near as to
come come within the range required by the Department
TUESDAY, 6.
This is a very fine day, and have been making good progress with the work on the dam &c Mr Hughes,
the Bridge Inspector was here to see what way I intend to the Guys of the Derrick to the Bridge, and
approved of the manner I proposed and even more allowing me to make holes through the timber close
down to the iron tube
This is our Horticultural Exhibition day, the Display is good and the attendance large especially in the
evening
�WEDNESDAY, 7.
This is a very fine morning, and looks as if it was going to be very warm, This being our Monthly Fair day
a number of cattle are being driven in
The day turned out well My application for License is put in & expect it to be issued tomorrow,
July. THURSDAY, 8. 1869.
This morning is dark and gloomy, 1/2 past 6 a smart shower of rain came on, it appears to have rained
heavy during the night, no work can begin this morning The labourers mostly began about 1/4 time and
the Masons at noon
The quarry continues to be Kept so full of water by the continual showers that no ordinary evaporation
can dry it up, so that I was compelled to day to begin the erection of a Pump and to use the 3 inch iron
pipes to convey it away
It rained very heavy about 11 Oclock
FRIDAY, 9.
This morning is not clear yet, It appears to have rained hard during the night
The malitia companies are mustering to day for a weeks encampment
SATURDAY, 10.
This has been a dry day, hot and Sultry occasionally with great Gusts of wind & dust flying in great clouds
I Have got the Crane raised in the quarry to day
July. MONDAY, 12. 1869.
This is a pleasant morning, yesterday morning about 2 or 3 Oclock it blew a perfect harracane for some
time accompanied with a heavy shower of rain a considerable number of trees were blowen down in and
around the Town, The day has Kept fair and the work gone uninterupted, the crane in the quarry
answers well, and lifts the large Stones with great ease
TUESDAY, 13.
This is a fine morning, William left for Toronto at 10 Oclock to try to sell Flour
Went out to the Camp this evening
�WEDNESDAY, 14.
This has been a dull day, threatning rain all forenoon when it began to fall a little after 12 Oclock, I
attended a Meeting of our Presbitary at noon today, I have got the wall about up to the height now at the
flood gate entrance
William came home this evening
July. THURSDAY, 15. 1869
This morning opened very dark and rainey like, but became clear and very warm during the day and quite
close in the evening Have been to lay the cills of the flume for the outlet of the Flood gate this morning,
and have torn down the old walls on each side behind the arch and have begun to build it up with water
lime
FRIDAY, 16.
This morning presents in many respects a deplorable sight, the great rain that began about 2 Oclock
came down in perfect sheets of water, flooding the Camp from 6 to 18 inches deep of water so that all
their bedding had to be lifted & removed to dry on the fences, The quarry was quite full of water over 4
feet deep and 3 men has been all day pumping and only reduced it for 4 to 5 inches, and has stoped the
rest of the men from working
The Red Mill dam was again carried away and the walls of the culvert or bridge on the Waterloo road
scooped out clean, also the garden walks much damaged
I dined at the mess this afternoon Col. Taylor present
SATURDAY, 17.
This morning the weather seems settled and has continued so all day
Have been pumping all day with very little effect, about a couple of inches only. Have got the walls up to
about the last course now and the frame work in front ready for the spars or Rack,
July. MONDAY, 19. 1869.
This has been a warm day and at times the Sun was quite hot which is indicative of more rain, but the
roads were quite dry and we made considerable progress in pumping out the water out of the Quarry say
about 3 inches
And we have got on well in framing the flume at the back of the waste gate,
�Brought down Mr Morrisons power pump from Mr Wallaces late recidence, and use it to pump the water
out of the site for the Dam it is 18 inches diam. inside by 2 3/4 in deep
{illustration of power pump drawn by diarist}
Jas off work
TUESDAY, 20.
This is a very dark morning about 1/2 past 5 there appeared to have been no rain during the night, but at
7 it began to rain heavy and continued till 1/2 past 8 so that the men could not work till after dinner in the
quarry
It began again to rain heavy about 4 and Kept on for about an hour, but having dug gutters round the
quarry completely prevented any more running into it than what fell on its surface and the water this
evening is exactly 5 inches below what it was when the began yesterday morning
Began this morning to take out the front plate of the Distilley Boiler and remove the stone work so as to
get it out into the yard for examination
Jas off work
WEDNESDAY, 21
This is a dull morning and by no means settled, rain must have fallen during the night. Wm went down to
Hamilton this morning The greater part of the forenoon there was a drizzling rain and frequent showers
in the afternoon, and now again at 1/2 past 8 a close rain, and it has been more like an October day for
cold had to light a fire in the dinning room, have been moving the horse power up to drive the rollars to
grind the charcoal
Jas off work
July. THURSDAY, 22. 1869.
This has been a dry day and have got all the old logs of the {h}ents of the flood gate dragged out by the
horses.
Gibson has been off work all day Jas also
Went over to bid Mrs Glendenning goodby as she leavs for Philadelphia in the morning with her son
�FRIDAY, 23.
Meeting of Dominion Telegraph Co in Toronto a 2 Oclock but could not find time to attend
This day has continued dry and we have got on very well with our work, had a couple of men out this
afternoon cutting poles for the rack
A thunder storm began this evening with some rain
Gibson off, also Jas
SATURDAY, 24.
This was a very dull morning, at breakfast the main journal of the Crank Shaft of the Engine became so
hot as to melt the Babbit metal, which run in about the Brasses that it brought the engine to about a stand
and not having a reliable man to put it in order again I started out at once in the Buggy to Farishs New Mill
nee Rockwood and brought in George McCullough who got it all right, and Steam on and tested by 9
Oclock, it rained again this forenoon
Gibson off, also Jas
July. MONDAY, 26. 1869.
This is a fine morning but not settled looking yet, there is appearance on the ground of it having rained
through the night. Yesterday was warm & dry & of any thing sultry,
It turned very warm this forenoon and cloudy and about 10 minutes to 12 it began to rain a smart shower
for 1/2 an hour and after that continued dry
The mason work for entrance of the flood gate is finished except a little pointing on two upper courses,
have begun to clean out the race beyond the Carding Mill preparatory for pointing up some leaky places if
we can find them out, have got well on with planking the flume behind the gates, Bot a lot of Spikes
from Store
Jas off still
TUESDAY, 27.
This has been a dry day
Jas off
�WEDNESDAY, 28.
This is a very wet morning & it appears to have been raining hard during the night
The rain continued this morning till near 10 am began again at about 11, and stopt a little after 12. the
afternoon was dry and the men worked in the quarry
Jas off
July. THURSDAY, 29. 1869.
This is a dull morning and the ground wet from the heavy shower that fell early this morning between 2 &
3 o,clock, Alexr McNaughton left for Acton then,
Since then it has been fair and all hands working
Jas off
FRIDAY, 30.
This has been a dry day and no interuption to the work I made an attempt to bruse charcoal in the
Rollars with 2 horses but found that they were not able and had to fix it for 4
Got enough of the temporary dam removed and turned the Water through the new flood gates
Went up this afternoon with Mr Jas Hough the Secretory of the Cemetary to see if the lots taken up by us
were right viz Nos 5 &11 and although they do not agree with the present Plan or Map yet they could not
be altered, being in our possession so long and Interments made in both ends, and will begin tomorrow to
the walls for the railing
Jas off still
SATURDAY, 31 {No Entry}
August. MONDAY, 2. 1869.
This is a fine morning, and have started the masons up to the Cemetery to lay the foundation & find the
railing is made too large by a foot for the ground and have to set it up in the shop to have it cut to a size
and cannot reduce it less than one pannel of pattern viz 13 inch Telegraphed Thorold about an Engine
It began to rain about 1/4 past 5 and continued for abt half an hour,
Jas off yet but is now reforming,
�TUESDAY, 3.
This though somewhat clear is a doubtfull morning it must have rained heavy through the night by
appearance
I intend starting for Toronto at 4 OClock
Jas off
WEDNESDAY, 4.
In Toronto all day it rained heavy in the morning and had wait in doors untill the first shower passed
over, & there again under other shelter, called at three different places, about hiring an Engine to drive
the Pump in the Dam but did not succeed, I then left for Hamilton at 12 O,clock and arrived there 2 P.M.
made more enquirey there but all wanted to sell but not to let
August. THURSDAY, 5. 1869.
This was a dull morning yet it Kept fair and during the day it cleared up fine but cooll
Agreed with Davidson & Chadwick for their Engine at $1,00 per day, and am preparing foundation for it
and hope to have it set this week
Jas right & piling lumber to day
FRIDAY, 6.
This has been a fine dry day, and have got on very well with our work, have got down the Boiler from the
Foundry, and will get the Engine down tomorrow
Gibson has never come near his work all this week, James has been working at piling oak lumber this
last two days
SATURDAY, 7.
This has been a fine dry day and the water is getting lower
I have got the Engine down and is now set in its place. I got John Oliver also from the Foundry to fix the
pipes and set her a going
�August. MONDAY, 9. 1869
This is a delightful morning quite dry and looks as if a spell of dry weather has set in.
This has been a great day for sight seers, Vanambergs Exhibition of wild beasts and birds, contained in
24 vans besides several large fine carriages for the Band &c
TUESDAY, 10.
This has been another fine warm day, and have been pushing on with the Engine for driving the Pump
and have got it started at last, throwing a large quantity of water
I have had men deepening the river so as to let me lay the foundation of the Distillery wall.
WEDNESDAY, 11. {No Entry}
August. THURSDAY, 12. 1869.
This is a fine dry morning, The day is warm and have been getting on as hard as we could with the
coffer dams, and got the Engine started again, to reduce the water but up to dark all we could make was
3 inches lower than the outside, and will run her all night and see if anything can be done
have been putting in a coffer dam at the corner of the Distillery
FRIDAY, 13.
The ground was wet this morning from the heavy rain last night, the Engine run all night but did no good
and have determined to deminish the space by putting in two fresh dams
I do not feel well to day and have Kept the House this forenoon, but had to go out to exam and push on
with the Distillery dam
The Boiler is also out being properly cleaned for examination
SATURDAY, 14
This was a fair dry day during the early part of it, but the clouds began to over hang in the afterpart, Our
upper coffer dam shows signs of being tight as the water is flowing over in to the spout to conduct it past
the lower one. The water in the river was too high to day for begining to build under the corner of
Distillery, but have got a quantity of Stones dressed & laid down at the end of the gangway
The evening was wet and it rained very heavy from 9 to 11,
�August. MONDAY, 16. 1869.
This day is set appart as a Holiday by proclamation of the Mayor, and from the rainey and wet appear{off
page} of the morning there will be neither weather for work nor play. About 1/2 past 9 it became dry and
fit for the men to work and got the dams quite tight enough to warrant us in making another attempt with
the Engine which was done in the evening & she brought down the water a foot in less than an hour
I set of the door of the new warehouse this forenoon to four feet wide in the clear, which is large enough
to admit puncheons
TUESDAY, 17.
This has been a dry day and the Engine was able to Keep the water down, that we got a good deal of the
round boulders out of the Foundation, and got a footing prepared for the Derrick
Revd Mr Livingston came this evening to attend the Presbytery
WEDNESDAY, 18.
This morning looks dull and looks like rain But the day turned out warm and rather sultry
William left home for the upper country, this afternoon
The Presbytery meet here to day
August. THURSDAY, 19. 1869.
This has been a warm day and very fatiguing we have got the foundation for the centre part of the Dam
about cleared out, and as soon as the Derrick is ready will begin to lay stone
Mr Livingston left for home this morning
FRIDAY, 20.
We had a lighter fog this morning than we have had for several mornings past, but it has been a very
warm day, have got the irons on the top of the Derrick attached to the Bridge
R Little engages to get out 3 trees a 3 to make logs 22 inches square and 36 feet long, and rip them in
too with whip saw, the trees to cost $5 each, the hewing $24, and hawling 1 team to each stick
have got the iron now laid on the Steam Mill Railway and the new car at work
It began to rain about 4 Oclock and continued for an hour very heavy
�SATURDAY, 21.
This morning the rain began about 4 Oclock and rained very heavy that the ground was more like a sea in
parts, the Pump began to go about 4 and made a good empression at first, but the rain sent in several
streams that gave her more work than she could manage
The rain Kept on through the forenoon that the labourers could not work, the Carpenters went on in the
afternoon to finish the Railway
Recd a Telegram from Wm to night that he had got to Kincardine & would start for Southampton on
Monday
August. MONDAY, 23. 1869.
This is a dry morning but the water is still high and the Engine labouring very hard & has made very little
empression as yet, Yesterday morning the water increased so that I was affraid of the upper coffer
dams, being cut away or having to take down part of the planks in the sluice, but a little after Church time
it began to fall, the rain must have been gen{off page} and heavy up the country
We got the Car on the railway
TUESDAY, 24.
This has been another fine working day But we had some dilay during the forenoon from the slide valve
of the Engine getting out of order but after that we got the water low in the afternoon and got a cours of
large Stones begun
We had intended to work an hour later this evening in laying stone in the foundation, then a terrible
accident happened to George Moir my foreman Stone Mason he persisted in runing the Car down the
inclined Railway with the large Stones on & before the proper break for Stopping the Car was ready
having run one load well, he went on a second though strongly advised not to attempt it, but he did so,
and lost the command of the Car, and from the increased velocity it attained and when reaching the
bumper threw him off down into the hole beneath and the stone and car on the top of him the men got of
the car with their hands but the stone had to be lifted with the Crane, and when got out, only said "Oh My
God", once or twice, & died when being carried home
WEDNESDAY, 25.
This has been a lonesome day for me as I cannot forget the poor fellow The water is much lower and
the Engine can keep the hole quite low
William in Durham to day
�August. THURSDAY, 26. 1869.
This has been a fine working day, and all the men except the Quarry men, dropt at 9 Oclock to attend the
funeral of Poor George Moir, he was 43 years of age, the attendance was large,
We began work again at 1 Oclock we had the water very low this afternoon
The Moulder {written in pencil above line} Foundry came down at 4 Oclock from Evat & Ingles to cast 2
brasses for the Old Mill water wheel, they weighed 55 lbs each
I intended by casting 2, to have them bored out but after considering the time and expense and only one
of them being required, we chipped and filed it
FRIDAY, 27.
This is a fine dry day and the water has fallen considerably
SATURDAY, 28.
This was a wet morning and must have rained heavy during the night. I went down to Galt with the view
of procuring two or three masons but found that there was full employment for all the men they could get,
but left word in case of any desiring a change. I returned at noon,
I found that the feed pump, of the pumping Engine would not work, and the day was lost so far as laying
the large stone was concerned but we set to work to construct a road to drive carts down to the lower side
of the Dam
{A variety of newspaper clippings placed on page}
August. MONDAY, 30. 1869.
This turned out a fine day and after some bother with the Engin pumps we got out the water and have got
a good many large stones laid according to the pins set for a guide mostly on the South West end of the
Dam
We have also stript the roof of the Wheel house of the Carding Mill and put in heavy cedar rafters and
covered it with new boards.
TUESDAY, 31.
This has been another dry day.
We have got the new brass set under the inner end gudgeon of the Water wheel and are making good
progress in putting the new float boards or buckets
�We are also going on framing the middle bent for the Bridge, the Council having last night accepted my
offer to construct it
September. WEDNESDAY, 1. 1869.
Another fine dry day and have got on fine with the N. Eeast end of the dam and have got it above the
water
There was hard frost during the early morning, Andw Quarrie and his brother returned from the Old
country this morning somewhat improved in health
This is the Fair day
We began to night to set of the true circle for the front Dam by ordinates, but could not see to finish it
September. THURSDAY, 2. 1869.
Fine weather, set to work early this morning before the men began to work to finish the lines of work and
the masons have made good progress to day with the work and began to use water lime
Dr Hamilton called this afternoon also D C Gunn formerly of Hamilton wharf now of Oswego.
FRIDAY, 3.
Dry weather and fine for puddling the front of the Dam
SATURDAY, 4.
Fine dry weather and the water very low. The Mill water wheel has got in the last bucket board now
and the men have been helping to raise the Distillery Water Wheel to put in new head Blocks, the old
ones being quite rotten and was picked out in peices
I have not got the corner of the Distillery repaired yet, as I am waiting till the Dam is far enough advanced
to enable me to shut off the water to dry the foundation
September. MONDAY, 6. 1869.
This has been another dry day, and have got on so far well, some dirt got into the Pump which stop{off
page} the Puddling only for a little, We began this forenoon to tear down the old Bridge and have stopt
all passage that way Poor, John Neeve died to day aged 62
�TUESDAY, 7.
This morning was dark and dull untill about 1/2 past 8 when it began to rain and continued with very little
interuption all day so that no outdoor work was done after the rain began, Our old teamster and Flour
salesman in Hamilton John smiths Wife came to Town last night, I spoke to her to day
at 10 Oclock is still raining
WEDNESDAY, 8.
This is another wet morning and appears to have been raining during the night, no outdoor work can
begun this morning, thought that the work could begin about quarter time in the forenoon but no it
rained, then at 1 the men were in the quarry but it again became dark and began to rain,
The carpenters however kept at it sawing the timbers for corbels of Bridge, screwing up the stringers &c,
and also in the Distillery fitting in 3 new cedar lintals under arch way of tail race to rest end of new beam
on &c
September. THURSDAY, 9. 1869.
At 6 this morning it was raining and the water has risen very considerably since last night, and even this
morning
7 it is now fair and the men have all begun to work though not to advantage in some cases
counted the water lime this morning only 31 Bbls left I order another to day
FRIDAY, 10.
This was a fine dry morning, and the work went on as usual, the water became sufficiently low about
noon so that the Steam Pump was started and got the water out so that we got the centre bent of the
Bridge up in place, and began taking down the walls and excavations far enough back of the roadway,
between the pillars to allow of moving all the 5 timbers or stringers back at once on rollars by means of
the large screw
SATURDAY, 11. {No Entry}
September. MONDAY, 23. 1869.
This has been another fine dry day and the work has progressed very
�TUESDAY, 14.
This is a fine dry morning
Have got well on with the Dam and also have got the fine stringers of the Bridge drawn over to their right
place and have put the corbels under the N.E end
We also began to bale out the water out of the coffer dam at the corner of the Distillery and got part of the
foundation of that laid with cement
Three teams left this morning for Freelton for heavy timbers for the Bridge
have had accounts compared with James & find him largely in Debt to me
WEDNESDAY, 15.
Fine morning, the teams did not get home till 3 Oclock this morning and were not able to get out the
heaviest viz 22 x 22, but bought two pieces 22 x 11 and another stick
September. THURSDAY, 16. 1869.
This is a fine morning and all the masons at the Distillery yet, and they will not be able to finish it to day.
Three teams left this morning at 1/2 past 5 for Freelton for the large sticks of timber for the Bridge
FRIDAY, 17.
Dull morning it has rained heavy through the night but quite fair now, The teams got home with the
heavy logs about, about 12 Oclock last night
We have got on well with the corner of the distillery and have been closing the front of the dam with
Puddle to a very narrow space that we may close tommorrow
Have also been getting the big logs on tresses fit for ripping them up, we also pulled down a
considerable peice of the walls jutting out beyond the G. T Pier
Jas very drunk this morning
SATURDAY, 18.
Fine dry morning but cool
�September. MONDAY, 20. 1869.
This is a fine day and regret to have to burry a fine horse one of the span that used to be used on the
farm he died yesterday
TUESDAY, 21.
Fine weather, have been sitting more of the upright bolts in the Dam and laying the flat bars lengthways
Prince Arthur passed up at 1 oclock to Exhibilton in London. I missed seeing him
WEDNESDAY, 22.
Fine working day but very warm
September. THURSDAY, 23. 1869.
This has been a fine day, but there was a good deal of mist in the morning, Set more bolts to day in the
middle of Dam, took on 3 more hands to day so as to hurry out the portions of the old Bridge
abbutments and fill up the deep portion of the hole behind the dam so as to get done with the Engine this
week
We got the last of the beams in the bridge this afternoon and have got down the crable belonging to
Massie to lay the stones for the new abbutments, we got out one of the largest stones of the Old Bridge
the derrick has yet lifted & set it to night on the dam
Gold ran up to 150 this afternoon
a drunk man fell through the beams this evening and broke his thigh
FRIDAY, 24.
This has been another very fine day though very misty and thick in the morning
Two of the spurr wheels that drives the Separator broke yesterday and found one ready at the Foundry
and got the other cast at Crows Foundry this afternoon, have got the crabb mounted for lifting stones
below the Bridge
Gold at noon to day was 162½ Bot to day in Chicago 10000 bushels No 2 Corn n 76¢ in Store
Finished with pumping last night and will begin in the morning to take the Engine apart
�SATURDAY, 25.
The forenoon was fine working weather but at 12 Oclock a dark cloud came over us and a heavy shower
of rain came on & continued for over an hour, and part of the afternoon
Began to take the engine apart
September. MONDAY, 27. 1869
This is a cold morning and the water very high, but not in such quantity but could be Kept below the upper
course of the Dam by Keeping the culvert clear of sticks
Sent part of the Engine up to Ingles Foundry
Bot of Messrs Bruce 1 piece timber 8 x10 - 34 feet long
1 do " " - 46 do
a 12½¢ a foot
TUESDAY, 28.
This morning is dry but quite cold and all the timbers on the dam and Bridge are quite white with frost
WEDNESDAY, 29.
This has been a fine working day
Have got the Hewars of Timber started out at the rocks to day
September. THURSDAY 30. 1869 {No Entry}
October. FRIDAY, 1.
Fair weather
Went down this afternoon to Galt about getting a man to examine Distilley Boiler
SATURDAY, 2.
Fine day
George McCullough came up and examined the Boiler
�October. MONDAY, 4. 1869.
This is a coldish morning
I went out to the Rocks this afternoon to see how the men are getting on in squaring timber for the Dam,
and found that they are likely to get all the large timber of my land
The teams hauled in the 1st two loads to day
TUESDAY,5.
This is a fine morning but cool
Have got 2 additional Carts on the Dam and have now got the banks united and driving freely accross
and are now making good progress with the filling in front of the Dam
the South End abutment of the Bridge will be about finished tomorrow and after that we will carry on with
the mud cills for the foot of the apron before the water gets too cold
I have stopped quarrying stone for the season and will take home all the tools tomorrow
WEDNESDAY,6.
Cold morning below freezing 28° to 30 degrees the ground is white
This is the Fair day and the first day of the Fall Show of Agriculture products & the next day for cattle &c
I went down to Galt this afternoon to examine a Boiler for the Distillery, and have decided to take it, and
have ordered it to be got ready
October. THURSDAY, 7. 1869.
This is the 2d day of the Fair, The weather continues exceedingly fine, and have all the carts at work
driving gravel from the Mill yard on to the Dam
The hewars are not getting on with the timber as fast as I could wish, They attend fairs, la cross games
&c
FRIDAY, 8.
This has been another very fine day and are pushing on with the work
�SATURDAY, 9.
This has been a fine working day, and we are making good progress with the Dam
There appeared indication of rain in the afternoon it however Kept fair
Have arranged that the men shall begin work at 1/2 past 6 a.m. and drop at 1/2 past 5 in the evening
Reid and Murdock of Chicago are here this afternoon
October. MONDAY, 11. 1869
This is a wet morning, yet not so heavy but only drizzling, the labourars began at 1/2 past 6, but the
Masons fearing rain did not make their appearance They however began at 1/4 time
Have 2 men at work replacing the cattle Byres
TUESDAY, 12 {No Entry}
WEDNESDAY, 13.
Fine weather And we are now pushing hard with 4 carts in the gravel pit, and it takes men as pickers and
shovelers, to Keep them going
I went down to Galt to see what progress they have made with the Boiler, but that they had not touched it
yet, but would positively begin to tomorrow,
October. THURSDAY, 14. 1869.
This is fine weather though cold in the morning We are about finished with the roothouse behind the
Office, having removed all the old earth first, then laid on about a coat of 6 inches thick of clay well
packed down over the logs, then returned the earth and after that covered it all over with turf & put a
fence round it also renewed the lining for the bins inside,
Have got the water wheel and shafting in the Distillery put to rights, put in new beams and also new head
blocks under the Water wheel, the old brasses were good and may wear many years yet
We have got the walls or abutments of the Bridge finished now and the drystone walls on the top below
planking done & Have paid of 4 masons to night, and will keep on two of them to finish the flank wall of
dam & the back
�FRIDAY, 15.
This has been a coldish day with slight drizzling showers now and then, and have been attending the
Funeral of William Jackson Senr of the Paisley block It was quite cold with occasional showers
Have made good progress with the graveling in front of the dam
Willie Jackson died on the 12th Inst aged 66 years and 5 months
SATURDAY, 16.
This is a fine dry morning, but 4 degrees below freezing. Will have to day 2 hired teams to help with
getting the timber
October. MONDAY, 18. 1869.
This is a cold morning and the first Snow shower of the season is falling, the Conductiors of the Grand
Trunk say it is an inch thick at Stratford
We are pushing on with the gravel of the Dam and will soon have enough, and hewing coping for the top
of the Wing wall
also repairing the floor of the Mill in renewing the wooden grating for the Steam of the flour
We have been busey taking in Corn to day. The blacksmith has about finished the irons for the Booms
to conduct the stumps, trees and ice over the Dam
TUESDAY, 19.
This morning is also threatning and cold and flurries of snow falling
I attended the Funeral of Andrew Ritchie one of the oldest settlers who died on the 17th of a cancer in the
stomach aged 67,
WEDNESDAY, 20.
This has been a coldish day but no Snow
George Lillie farmer Scotch Block died on the 18th Inst aged 76 his funeral took place to day he was
originally a Stone Mason,
We have had 2 teams to day hauling down Corn, one at stone and another drawing in Timber from Rocks
farm
�October. THURSDAY, 21. 1869.
The weather was milder this morning and have deminished the number of men in the gravel pit --- and
have taken some of them to excavate the trenches at the foot of the apron for mud cills and have shut
down the gates for short time to lower the water as much as possible, and have one of them laid quite low
ramed on both sides and under loaded with heavy stone to prevent it rising with the water
Had one of the masons rebuilding the butterise of the garden wall at the the Boat landing steps, the lower
courses say 2 feet high with Cement
FRIDAY, 22.
This has been a fine working day, have again begun this morning to lay more cills, Also removed the
coffer dam this forenoon at the distillery, and pointed up all the Openings at the bottom with water
lime that could not be got at before and packed it with Clay, Gibson put in Guta percha washers, or
gaskins between the joint of the large copper pipe of the big still and put in heavier bolts to make it tighter
than it was before with pasteboard, also put in a Cock to draw of the condenced water from the Steam
pipe, likwise put new brass spring in the colapse valve
Intend to visit Galt in the morning about the Boiler.
SATURDAY, 23.
A very Wet morning, Went down to Galt and found that the Boiler was taken apart and the tubes being
cleaned, and the new end plate in hands flanging it, so that it will be ready next week
It rained all the forenoon
October. MONDAY, 25. 1869.
This is a frosty morning the ground quite hard, and am preparing to go off this morning at 9 with the
Deputation to Walkerton
We did not get away till 1/2 past 10, The party consisted of Dr Herod Mayor, Mr Peter Gow M.P. Mr Robt
Melvin and myself. we got as far as Harriston that night about 8 Oclock, we found the roads very heavy
after we passed Elora where snow had fallen, and by the time we got to Harriston it was several inches
deep, we started
TUESDAY, 26.
This morning at 1/2 past 8 and got to Walkerton at 3 p.m. the snow within 5 miles of it was 18 inches
deep on the road and two feet in the Woods and falling thick & heavy at times. after I got my dinner I
took a turn out to look at the River, it is certainly a fine stream and a large supply of Water the upper
�Mill has 13 feet of fall on which they are Building a new flour Mill fitted for 4 run of Stones but only 3 to be
put in at present , The country round looks fine The Town is located quite in a vally with high lands all
round and well wooded with hardwood
WEDNESDAY, 27.
This morning I found that considerable snow had fallen through the night, and a shower now & then, and
hearing that it was snowing heavy in Guelph I began to be very uneasy about the Dam not being finished
in case the winter sets in with hard frost also if a sudden thaw came on with rain, might place me in a
very critical position, so I determined to leave for home at once, and engaged a man to take me to
Durham by slay for $2,50 and got there by 2 Oclock and left there at 4 in a One horse buggy for Mount
Forest for $2,00 and got there about 7 O,clock and slept at Coynes Hotel. Had a telegram from Guelph
as I arrived at Durham that Gooderhams Distillery had burnt down last night
October. THURSDAY, 28 1869
I left Mount Forest by stage at 1/2 past 3 a.m. got to Arthur at 7 very cold, at Fergus got a seat from W
Garvin in his buggy and got home at 1/2 past 11, and found there had been a great fall of snow.
However this afternoon it began to grandually wear away.
I saw on my way down large fields of turnips out. also Oats standing in the sheaff and covered with
snow.
FRIDAY, 29
Fine morning the frost not hard and as the day advanced it became sloppy,
The teams are removing the stones off the road, the Carpenters got up the hammer beam or main
beam under for the rafters to rest on set up to day and two of the diagonals laid in their places, Cut of
the planks of the temporary dam and filled it up behind with good gravel, began to break out a door at
the back of the Kiln. John Hall has got all the Stringers on Neeve Street Bridge.
Got 2 of Little's men this afternoon to help on with the work.
SATURDAY, 30
This has been a cold day, very little snow fell, but near noon some of it melted away it then turned cold
again. We are hurrying on with all speed. It would be strange if winter is going to set in in earnest
already. Yet it looks remarkably like it. Large feilds of turnips, potatoes and even apples are on the
trees yet.
�November, MONDAY, 1. 1869.
Cold frosty morning, but about noon it was of any thing milder. I went down to Toronto this morning by
the 1/2 past 7 train and got into the City at 1/2 past 10. Took a cab to see Gooderham & Worts ruined
Distillery, it was truly amasing to see the amount of Property destroyed.
TUESDAY, 2.
This has been a very fine day, and much milder no snow whatever laying on the ground and people
getting up their turnips and potatoes with all speed.
Went down to Galt this afternoon, and found them hand at Work at the Boiler & will have it ready on
Saturday. The Council are making poor progress with the Pier of the lower Bridge.
WEDNESDAY, 3.
This morning opened clear, and fine mild weather, and continued so all day. this being the Monthly fair
day, a good many people in Town. Good news came in to day that the By-law in the county of Bruce had
been carried in favour of the Wellington Gray & Bruce Railway by a Majority of 257
THURSDAY, 4.
This was a dry day but cold and windy we are still drawing nearer to a close with the Dam
discharged 2 masons I had I taken on for a day or two as the work is all but done
FRIDAY, 5.
This has been rather course day. raining and sleeting now and then. took down the little crane this
afternoon
This looks bad for people getting up their Turnips Emence quantity of apples are frozen on the Trees
SATURDAY, 6.
This is a Wintry looking morning the ground again covered with Snow busey finishing, the top of the
Dam with gravel, and preparing to take down the large crane, have got the
November. MONDAY, 8 1869
This is a very cold morning, it has been blowing and snowing all night, and the ground is again covered
with snow, we did not get the wheels of the mill and Distillery finished in time to let the water on, the
stones requiring to be trained yet after the water is on. we are still leveling and filling up the breast of the
dam in places where some settlement of the soft earth has taken place, And also filling up the last space
behind the Dam where the Crane stood
�Cannot get up the Boiler from Galt yet for want of the Truck's, which are somewhere on the road from
Goderich. I was at Ritchies sale this afternoon, very cold wind & great fields of Turnips frozen in and
likely to be lost
TUESDAY, 9.
The weather this morning is still wintry like it is not hard frost, yet no thaw and the little snow remains on
the ground. We are busey getting the Boom that is to guide the stumps and timber over the Dam fixed in
its place and then remove the tempory Bridge that is over the race
WEDNESDAY, 10.
Went out to the Western station to night to acertain if they had brought up the Truck to Galt and the
Conducter said no
November. THURSDAY, 11. 1869
Rather a raw day, and yet not very favourable for those who have their turnips in the ground of getting
them out
Got a Telegram this forenoon that the Truck waggon had reached Galt last night, and made preparations
to start down here after dinner, with 2 span of horses and also and a team with a waggon to carrey the
chains boxes &c and got there about dark and found the Boiler loaded and ready for the chains to bind it
(the conductor was not aware that he had the Truck with him last night in a close box car)
The water Mill started this morning with 3 run of stones,
FRIDAY, 12.
We left Galt this morning at 8 oclock with the Boiler and had to leave the waggon a little distance out of
Galt and attach that span of horses also to the Boiler as the weight was too much for 2 span through the
mudd which was soft in places, We however got on well and reached Guelph about 4 Oclock
The water mill has been going all last night, and the gudgeon became heated & and had to stop for a little
while,
Riddle is busey blowing of the boiler for to clean her out for the winter
SATURDAY, 13.
The frost this morning was not severe yet enough to thicken the ice on the Dam,
Busey this morning unloading the Boiler and getting it into position,
�The Planking of the Dam is far forward and will be finished on Monday.
Have got the Boiler on to her seat in the Distillery to night
November. MONDAY, 15. 1869.
Moderate weather though cold and raw
Got the boiler set in its place this forenoon and took the measurement for a steam pipe
TUESDAY, 16.
The weather tolerably mild considering the lateness of the season. I went down to Galt with the Pattern
of the Steam Pipe to attach the Boiler to still. Likewise the smoke pipe to lead into the Chimney, also a
Bend for the feed pipe.
I returned at noon, Robt Ward went down with the Truck and brought up the Smoke dome and furnace
bars by night, and well for him he did as it now blows almost a gale with thick pelting snow storm, Wm
in Toronto, came home in the evening
WEDNESDAY, 17.
There had been rain early in the morning and now a heavy thaw and the roads quite slushey and now
rains and sleets alternately.
The last of the Planks have been put on the bent under the bridge, and also on the tail walls of the apron
behind the Piers, and all planks collected and taken into the Yard, have got the feed pipe in the boiler,
and the smoke box fitted on.
The carpenters began the Cattle Byre
Hiam the engineer from Ingles came at one oclock to help with the pipes
November. THURSDAY, 18. 1869
Rather a rough wintry looking morning, showers of snow falling throughout the day, it was quite at noon,
let several more men go to day.
am busy at the Boiler getting pipes attached and the foundation built up under it, and the smoke pipe
conducted into the chimney, also forging a frame for an ask pit door
Intend to work late to night
Several sleighs have been running to day, Hiam all day at work
�FRIDAY, 19.
Has been snowing through the night, and began again about 8 Oclock, did not get the mason work and
the pipe fittings done last night after working to 11 Oclock, have got on the guage cocks. Also got a
new glass tube from a G trunk {Grand Trunk} engineer for Water guage I am putting a raised grating in
front of the Boiler. Snowing now again noon time, a good many sleighs in with wheat at the Mill just
now.
Have done with the Masons at the boiler and laying the front this afternoon at 4 Oclock & got the fire on to
dry the work
The Carpenters still at the cattle byres.
Snowing most all the afternoon heavy Hiam all day at work
SATURDAY, 20.
Snowing heavy this morning, and has been through the night, so that there is a thick coat of it on the
ground. got the fire on this morning to heat up the water to make yeast to start with, but the draft I am
afraid is not going to be sharp enough and now see that so many (100) small tubs form a considerable
opposition to the smoke &c it is so weak as to leave a white fur round the mouth of each of the tubes
November. MONDAY, 22. 1869
This is a fine clear morning, and the thermometer at a 1/4 to 7 stood at 13 degrees
The distillery Boiler does not seem to get any better to day
Began to day to cut a hole in the distillery roof for the erection of a scaffold to aid in putting an iron stalk
on top of the Brick one to increase the draft
But a fall of snow came on so heavy and continued all the afternoon which put a stop to outdoor work.
The Dam all covered with strong ice
TUESDAY, 23.
This has been a fine mild day 3° above freezing at 9 Oclock, making grating for windows of the rectifying
house
Johney Higinbotham's Birthday
& Father & Mother at Elora
�WEDNESDAY, 24.
Fine clear morning Thermtr 5° above zero at 7 am & continued fine all day. men still rpairing at the
cattle byres
November. THURSDAY, 25. 1869
This has been a fine day throughout and rather milder than yesterday
Have been busey fixing underneath the large water pump, also changing the pully for drawing the
engine pump for the Rectifying house
FRIDAY, 26.
I went down to Galt this morning to consult Mr Goldie about the difficulty in the draft of the brick chimney,
and he thinks that by adding to the height of the old one, that a great improvement may be made
Hood has now over 70 head of cattle in the Byres
SATURDAY, 27.
Fine winter weather with indecations of a thaw
Bob Ward came home from Galt with 32 feet of 22 inch Smoke Stalk
November. MONDAY, 29. 1869.
Fine mild weather and thawing
Attended our adjurned annual meeting in the Church
this evening quite
TUESDAY, 30
Thawing very rappidly to day, and have been very busey in getting the chimney ready, and have just got
the larger portion through the roof
This is St Andrews day, Ball & Supper to night
December. WEDNESDAY, 1.
Quite a change to day, the roads hard and freezing, Working hard to get up the Smoke stalk to day
Got the chimney up through the roof and all ready to hoist by 1/2 past 4, but I deemed it too late to do any
more as we could not possibly see to work safly in half an hour after that
�December. THURSDAY, 2. 1869
The weather pleasant and calm this morning with a slight shower of snow falling, and set to work with all
dilligence and got the smoke Stalk in its place and the fire started by 10 Oclock and find it has made a
great improvement in the draft.
FRIDAY, 3.
Fine morning
Went up to Waterloo Villiage to attend the meeting of W Fischers Creditors when John Kerr of Toronto
was appointed official assignee
SATURDAY, 4.
This has been a mild morning, and of any thing turned to a thaw, have been working for some few days
at finishing the stall in the new cattle Byre, and also preparing stuff for the bottom of some of the tuns
(fermenting) which in some appear defective
Wm Dixon formerly of Dundas called to day & would like to leave St {Lain's} if he could find a place to do
business in,
December. MONDAY, 6. 1869.
Fine winter day, frost moderate.
Meeting of Directors of Mutual Insurance Co.
TUESDAY, 6.
Some snow fell to day
a good deal of wheat came in
WEDNESDAY, 8.
Fine weather, and the teams with wheat began to pour in early to day
December. THURSDAY, 9. 1869.
This has been another very fine day of anything thawing in the middle of the day
It has been a very throng day in taking wheat the teams reached about up to the G. Trunk tank house
and many unhitched their horses and came back in the afternoon and hauled in the load This has been
the Fat Cattle Showday, and prime ones they were
�Adam Brown Esqr, Mr Burton the lawyer and some other gentlemen passed down on their way from
Walkerton after being present at the final passing of the By=Law, for a Bonus to the railway
FRIDAY, 10.
This has been another mild day, and good many sleighs in with wheat, some slight showers of sleet fell
& thought it was going to turn into rain but did not, putting up to day a coal and wood shed at the end of
Office.
The pit wheel that is fixed on the gudgeon of the Shaft of the Water Wheel in the Distillery got loose and
broke 2 teeth, we have taken it out to burn the greese of it put in 2 inch pins where the teeth is (as they
are not both in the same place) which will help thereon in geering, and enable us to get to work in the
morning without loss of time
SATURDAY, 11.
Mild this morning also, and is wearing the snow of the roads very fast, and waggons are resorted to in
many cases,
December. MONDAY, 13. 1869.
The weather is of anything on the turning point and getting colder
John McPherson has got the coal house finished to day
The roads are now quite bare of snow and waggons are now generally used
TUESDAY, 14.
This is a sharp morning and freezing hard
The wind has got up through the day and is blowing quite cold, the roads are now very bare and quite
hard.
Fisher fitted in our new Press & Desk to day in the inner office
WEDNESDAY, 15. {No Entry}
THURSDAY, 16, FRIDAY, 17, & SATURDAY, 18 {No Entries}
December. MONDAY, 20. 1869.
This is a sharp morning, with a few flakes of snow flying,
Election for Mayor took place to day, or rather nominated.
�Have got the Byres finished so far as to admit the Cattle into the new stalls just finished
TUESDAY, 21.
This has been another cold day but no wind in the early part of the day,
A great many loads of Wheat came in to day, Goldie did not seem to take his usual share, we took in
about 1800 bushes at an average of.
We have got the posts up for a platform with roadway to drive up hay to the end of the new feeding byre
and will have it completed in a day or two.
Snowing a good deal at 10 pm and fast also blowing and cold
WEDNESDAY, 22.
This is a very wet morning, a considerable quantity of Snow fell during the night, and the rain is melting it
away very fast
I have some intention of going to Bowmanville by the afternoon train,
heard that this was the day that Feilds distillery at Canastoga was seized
December. THURSDAY, 23. 1869.
I got safe to Bowmanville at 11 Oclock last night, The weather to day is cold and blowing fresh
FRIDAY, 24.
I got home this morning at 4 Oclock having left Bowmanville at 11 last night.
This is a pleasant winter day
SATURDAY, 25.
Fine winter weather, and great lots of people on the Dam seating and Curling
December. MONDAY, 27. 1869.
This is a very misty morning, It began to rain in the forenoon a little, and then heavy in the afternoon
Only a few loads of wheat came in to day.
�TUESDAY, 28.
The rain yesterday has washed away much of the sleighing, it is however fine weather to day. We had
a fire in Town this morning between 5 & 6 oclock the Stable of Mr Taylor (who married Mrs Sunby) was
burned down
I went down to Toronto this morning & was on change saw Brunell who goes to Ottawa to morrow
morning
WEDNESDAY, 29.
Fine working day
Have put in the iron Catwater on the middle bent of the bridge to day, and preparing to fit on the Beam
and and remove the temporary side of the flame, so that the two waters join together
December. THURSDAY, 30. 1869.
There has been a fall of snow during the night and will improve the roads a good deal
FRIDAY, 31
This has been a very mild day, and the little snow that fell, night before last is pretty much worn away
There was very few teams in with wheat to day
Had a Telegram from Wm Osborne of Galt that he would take the Barley stone & case at $60
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover”
on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
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David Allan Diary Collection
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19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
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David Allan
Source
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Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
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1862-1877
Coverage
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19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
Date Created
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1869
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David Allan Diary Collection
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Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
Creator
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David Allan
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township
Source
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Courtesy of Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
UG
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>Daily Journal</p>
<p>1869</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>David Allan</p>
<p>Daily Journal for 1869</p>
<p>Toronto:</p>
<p>Published by Brown Brothers,</p>
<p>Manufacturing Stationers</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{Four newspaper articles pasted on the page}</p>
<p>{The first newspaper article}</p>
<p>Our city contemporary says:</p>
<p>The Dominion Telegraph Company having, in its desperation, secured an organ in our city contemporary, actually furnishes it with despatches from Ottawa, although its line is not extended further than Toronto. Who can beat that, as a feat of telegraphy? To the above question we answer, no-body. By the use of the Dominion Telegraph lines we get Ottawa news twelve hours in advance of the Spec. That's what's the matter; and it is perfectly satisfactory to us and to our innumerable readers, if not to our neighbor and its few subscribers. We may also remak that we advocated the new enterprise from its first introduction to the public notice till now, believing a new telegraph line to be an absolute necessity to the Province. The Spec. also advocated it as well as we; but suddenly turned short round and began to oppose it. But these short turns constitute one of the normal features of the Spec. It once commenced to expose the brewery frauds in Waterloo, and that with great force and energy; but it suddenly turned round, as it has done with the Dominion Telegraph enterprise, and took the opposite course - defending them. Why, we shall not pretend to say; but not long afterwards the President of the Brewers' Association issued a circular, calling upon the members of that body to add five dollars a year to their usual contribution, to compensate a gentleman connected with the Spec. for his Parliamentary services in their behalf. It formerly denounced, in unmeasured and bitter language, without regard to truth, the management of the Great Western Railway, and then turned suddenly round and became its warmest eulogist. It at one time within a year, denounced John Bright and Gladstone, while it lauded to the skies Disraeli and other Tory leaders; but in a short time after it was found pronouncing panegyrics upon Bright and Gladstone, and anathematizing Disraeli and his friends. For a time it was high Tory in its professions, next mongrel, and then actually pretending to be Reform in its teachings, and becoming the organ of John Sandfield Macdonald's hybrid Govment. We admire consistency, especially as illustrated in the management of the Spec. It may sometimes be difficult to say which side it does espouse; but having discovered that we are quite safe to conclude it will soon be on the other. We shall not assume to assign the reasons for the zig-zag policy of the Spec.; but uncharitable people ascribe it to an instinctive scent for the dimes. Probably it is all patriotism and a genuine regard for the public good. {The last sentence was written in italics)</p>
<p></p>
<p>{The second newspaper article pasted on the page}</p>
<p>THE DOMINION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. (From the Galt Reporter.)</p>
<p>Why, in the name of everything that's good, do not the Directors of the above Company clear up the doubts that at present hang round it? With suspicion on every side, with grave charges made, with Directors resigning, all the general public has had laid before it in the way of refutation has been that at a dinner at St. Catharines, at which were present Directors and Stockholders, us "out-side barbarians" were assured that it was "all right." No proof that the charges made were false, no proof of the soundness and integrity of a concern in which the people of this country are asked to invest $500,000, but merely champagne congratulations on the construction of a few miles of the road, and grand prophecies for the future. If this is to remove distrust, to refute charges, it is easily done, but we are doubtful. The Upper Canada and Commercial Banks were "all right" till they failed; and more to the point, the "Grand Trunk Telegraph Company" was no doubt heralded as "all right" and decidedly proved its right to be considered so. Why, if everything is satisfactory, if the inauguration and present position of the company are satisfactory, is it not clearly shown to the public? The originators of the scheme are pronounced to be speculators and unsound. Why not disprove this? They are accused of controlling the stock in order to gain their own ends. Disprove this. Of having secured the contract for the building of the line at an exorbitant price, and such as to allow them a profit of something like $125 per mile, or one half of the contract price, and that they secured this contract without it having been submitted to tender. Disprove these assertions, Distrust is too general now to be neglected. Stock must yet be sold - and who will buy? Payments on stock already subscribed will become due, and who, in the face of all these charges, will have any satisfaction in making those payments, or will not avoid such payments if possible. The Company at present {illegible section to follow as the pasted on newspaper article curled} ...down with an incubus of doubt. ...must remove that load before....undertaking.</p>
<p>{The third newspaper article pasted on the page}</p>
<p>PAPER MAKING. - It was not until the year 1806 that the first patent "for manufacturing paper of an indefinite length" was taken out by Henry Fourdrinier. This was soon followed by Mr. Dickinson's patent of Jund 30, 1807, for machinery for cutting and planing paper thus made. Fourdrinier's patent for the paper machine, which still bears his name, was taken out in the same year; and it was about this time that Mr. Dickinson (whose death has been recently announced) commenced his career as a paper manufacturer by the purchase of Apsley Mill, near Hemel Hempstead, to which, in the course of time, four other mills in Hertforshire were added, two of them constructed, and the water-power for them create, under his own superintendence. It was in 1807, before the commencement of the Peninsular campaign, that he invented a new cannon-cartridge paper, made by mixing together linen and woollen rags in certain proportions, so that after the explosion, it was prevented from retaining sparks of fire. In 1809 he patented machinery for the manufacture of paper by means of an ingeniously constructed cylinder of brass, covered with wire gauze and connected with an air-pump - a form of machine which still remains in use. This was followed by other patents for the manufacture of finely-faced copperplate paper by a soft of {Your comment here...}veneering process, and for a machine to cut cards, both of which were successful inventions, and the former especially tended much to increase his reputation. In 1829 he invented the process of introducing coloured threads into the body of paper at the instant of its manufacture, which was again impreved on in 1839. This preservative against forgery will have been noticed by holders of Exchequer bills, and many of us will remember it in the stamped envelopes which were issued by Government after the adoption of the penny postage system, in the introduction of which Mr. Dickinson had taken great interest. In 1832 we find him again patenting a knotter or strainer for cleaning pulp from impurities; and two years later applying magnets for the removal of any portion of iron that may happen to be in the pulp, and thus preventing ion-mould in the paper.</p>
<p>{The fourth newspaper article pasted on the page.}</p>
<p>COMMUNICATIONS.</p>
<p>DOMINION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. (To the Editor of the Globe.)</p>
<p>Sir, - There are a few point connected with the present fierce controversy about this undertaking, that require a little discussion; and as you have published several articles on the subject, no doubt the public would like to have a little more information. This I do not propose to furnish myself, but to ask from the Directors; and as one of the original subscribers who has hitherto had confidence in them, I think I am entitled to ask for it. Firstly, amid so many and so diverse opinions about the cost of a good telegraph line thoroughly equipped, including all the preliminary expenses, we might expect our Directors to discover from outside sources the actual facts of the case, and lay them before the public. On the one hand we are asked to believe that the lines lately built in the United States have cost from $300 to $450 per mile, (see 'Dominion Telegrapher'), whilst the opponents of the Company confidently affirm that the outside figure should be $125, and that Mr. Reeve would make more than $200,000 out of the operation. If this is not the case, then I think the Directors owe it to us, the shareholders, who are {newspaper is wrinkled, illegible sentence}...and to the public who are asked to subscribe to collect evidence from some other source than Mr. Reeve or Dr. Dwight, and make it known to us through your columns. Perhaps they could learn what the People's Telegraph Company in Quebec are going to pay for their line, as the contract for a portion has been already awarded. Secondly, if it should appear that Mr. Reeve will clear anything like so enormous a sum as $200,000, would it not be advisable to try to get rid of him, and give out the resst of the line to tender? Ungrateful, do they say? We could afford to give him $50,000 for his charters of connection, the value of which does not seem to be sufficiently recognized in the Trade Review articles. If that would not satisfy the man, I don't know what would. He could pay up all his debts in the States, and begin life anew with the remainder. Failing that, however, the shareholders might still be stisfied if they could be assured that the profits would pay fair dividends on the captial of $500,000. Let us hear what the results of operaiton have been already between Toronto and Buffalo, and any other figures obtained from disinterested parties. Lastly, attention has been drawn to the alleged fact, that the milage between Hamilton and Wellington Square has been unnecessarily increased and the Spectator refuses to accept the future extention estwards as a sufficient reason for it. This is a point which I am most anxious to see cleared up as soon as possible. Believing, as I do, that the whole enterprise may yet be successful, if public confidence can be restored, but that at the same time this cannot be unless the directors vouchsafe clearer and fuller information. I have written this letter to indicate to them just the doubt and difficulties that have arisen in the mind of A SHAREHOLDER.</p>
<p>Hamilton, 25th March, 1869.</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>Glued to Journal page, a receipt from Russell House</p>
<p>RUSSELL HOUSE,</p>
<p>Ottawa, 14 June 1869</p>
<p>No. of Room 19</p>
<p>Mr. D. Allan to James A. Gouin, Dr.</p>
<p>2 Days Board & Lunch $5.50</p>
<p>Sundries</p>
<p>Washing</p>
<p>Carriage</p>
<p>Omnibus Up & Down $.50</p>
<pre> $6.00
</pre>
<p>Received payment, Dr. J. A. Gouin (Signature) {Second Signature illegible perhaps that of D. Allan}</p>
<p>Glued to page are two articles First Article:</p>
<p>AUCTION SALE of VALUABLE MILL SITE, DISTILLERY, &c. Will be sold by Public Auction, at VICTORIA HALL, in the TOWN OF COBOURG, Province of Ontario,</p>
<p>On WEDNESDAY, 9th JUNDE, 1869, At 12 o'clock, noon, that valuable property known as the ONTARIO DISTILLERY, Situate in the TOWN OF COBOURG, Province on Ontario, within a short distance of the Grand Trunk Railway station and commodious harbour of Cobourg, consisting of a large BRICK DISTILLERY,driven by water and 2 steam engines of about 40 horse-power each, and capable of mashing 500 bushels of grain per day; also a BRICK RECTIFYING HOUSE, with steam engine of 25 horse-power, and also a BRICK MALT HOUSE & KILN. There are also on the premises large Granaries, Sheds for 300 head of cattle and Pens for 500 hogs, besides Stales, Ice Houses &c. The above Buildings are nearly new and in excellent order. The entire property on which these valuable buildings are situated, including the Mill Pond, comprises about 23 acres, through which the Ham Creek runs, giving about 8 feet head of water. Land to the extent of 75 acres additional, and immediately adjoining, can be had on reasonable terms, the soils of which, as well as that of the locality generally, is admirably adapted for the cultivation of the Sugar Beet, and this property might meet the requirements of persons disposed to engage in the mannfacture of Sugar from that material; but the buildings could easily be made available for almost any manufacturing purpose; the Corporation of the Town of Cobourg having lately passed a by-law exempting from local taxation for 5 years several descriptions of Factories. Terms - One-half Cash, balance in three annual instalments, with interst at 7 per sent. There will be a REserved Bid. For full particulars as to title, &c, apply (if by letter post-paid) to the MANAGER BANK OF MONTREAL, Cobourg, Ont, or the undersigned, A.J. VAN INGEN & Co., Auctioneers, &c, Cobourg Ont</p>
<p>Second Article</p>
<p>The Consolidated Bank.</p>
<p>At a meeting of the Consolidated Bank shareholders, at Montreal, on Wednesday, the Chairman, in reply to a question read the following list to show where the share-holders' money had gone:-</p>
<p>Toronto, Campbell & Cassels .........$30,498 Toronto Fuel Co..............28,000 Galbraith, Christie & Co.... 69,193 Turner & Co .................77,696 Credit Valley Co............106,456 A. Shanly....................20,900</p>
<p>Montreal Furniss & Co.............. $123,325 W.H. Riley............. 65,000 Ascher & Co............... 501,839 Beatty & Co................. 94,848 Fish, Shephard & Co.........120,354 Davidson & Co............... 64,322 A. Davidson..................23,000 Koitask......................75,301 Coultz, Raynor & Co..........23,685 Wm. Ebb......................48,000 Cowper.......................72,000 Forsyth......................48,000</p>
<p>Mrs. Hollis - With all those losses in Montreal, Sir Francis Hincks was found guilty one day and allowed to walk out the next day. Mr. Morgan - He is not, I am told, buying a property worth ten thousand dollars. The Chairman remonstrated, and asked if Mrs. Hollis could not understand the effect of having an unfaithful servant. (Cries of disapproval and doubt.) Miss McDougall then called upon Mr. Campbell, the General Manager, to state what he had been doing since last fall for the shareholders. Mr. Campbell said he had been working very hard. (Laughter.) Miss McDougall thought Mr. Campbell did not look her straight in the face like an honest man should. interruptions now became frequent. One of the ladies suggested that a mov-ment be made to bring Mr. Rennie back, and have him tried for fraudulently using the names of the direcotrs to the syndicate which originated only in his own brain, as stated by Mr. Rankin. Miss McDougall was glad to have evidence that he had any brains. (Laughter.) Ex-Governor Macdonald will be the liquidator for the creditors of the bank. Mr. W.W. Ogilvie is the Government's liquidator, and the shareholders have elected Mr. Robert Moat, E.J. Barbeau, and Mr. Ogilvie.</p>
<p><br /> {On the edge of the article in handwriting is written: "Mercury" 11th June 1860 }</p>
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<p>{Advertisement glued onto page, typed with diagrams}</p>
<p>E.H. MARTIN & CO., ROOFING MATERIALS, 70 MAIDEN LANE AND 9 LIBERTY STREET, NEW YORK. ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT.</p>
<p>The Felt is made of flax and hemp, carded together until such a fibre is formed as will absorb a sufficient quantity of Asphaltum to give a perfect foundation of a roof. This may be thoroughly tested by placing the Felt in water, and allowing it to remain there awhile. when taen out and examined; it will be observed that the texture of the Felt is not in any way injured. When coated with the Prepared Roof Coating, the Felt is not affected by change of temperature, and, being non-conducting in its properties, resists alike heat from the sun and cold from frost and snow. It is made in rolls 25 yards long, 32 inches wide, equal to 200 square feet, and is put up for shipment in cases of 4 rolls, each case weighing about 375 pounds, and countaining 8 squares of roofing. DIRECTIONS FOR APPLYING THE PATENT ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT TO DWELLING HOUSES OR OTHER PERMANENT BUILDINGS. All sharp edges of the boarding or rafters should be taken off, so as to form an even surface for the Felt to rest upon. Do not tar, pitch, or apply any adhexive mixture to the boards on which the felt is to be laid. Old wooden roofs that have been previously tarred should have a coating of whitewash before the Felt is laid on. The Felt can be laid from grable to grable, or across the roof from eave to ridge. It is essential that it should be stretched tight and smooth, overlappying from 1 to 2 inches at the joinings, and closely nailing through the overlap with 24-oz. roofing tacks 1 1/2 inches apart. The gutters must be of two layers of Felt, one over the other, cemented together with the boiling mixture, and then coated and sanded. when the Felt has been nailed to the boards, it is absolutely necessary, to complete the roof, to give a good thick coat of the Prepared Roof Coating - say 3 gallons to the square of 100 feet. {Large diagram of a barn with product being laid on roof.} ROBERTS SC N.Y. This Design shows the MOST DESIRABLE FORM FOR ROOFS to be covered with the PATENT ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT. The Letter F represents the Felt on the Roof. {imagine of barrel with the company name and address as follows...} PREPARED ROOF COATING E.H. MARTIN, 70 Maiden Lane, 9 Liberty St., N.Y. Prepared Roof Coating. We have taken great pains to manufacture for the Asphalte Roofing Felt our Prepared Coating, which has a combination of such materials as are necessary to stand the action of the severe winter and the intense heat of our summer climate. A coating to be durable must have a stout body as well as great elasticity, and hence the Prepared Coating will be found too thick to run freely from the bunghole of the barrel; it is therefore advisable to remove the head, stir the contents thoroughly from the bottom, and if necessary heat until it spreads with ease. The Coating must be laid on with a brush, and immediately afterwards some course sharp sand shited over it, as much as it will absorb. It is important that the day should be dry "and the Felt perfectly so" when the Prepared Roof Coating is applied. A second coat, after the first has thoroughly dried, "will ensure a perfect roof for many years. {On the side edges of the paper with the advertisement, there is additional writing.} Dry and Tarred Sheathing Paper, Coal Tar, Roofing Pitch, Mineral Paint, Asphalte Varnish, Etc. Roofing Brushes, Swedes Iron Nails (galvanized and plain), Roof Paint and general Roofers' Sundries.</p>
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<p>January, Friday 1. 1869.</p>
<p>This is a very stormy morning the wind drifting the snow most furiously. The was a fire during the morning John Harris Bakery and storehouse was completely gutted between 4 & 5 this morning.</p>
<p>Saturday 2.</p>
<p>This has been a day of snow with bery little interuption. Went up to the Foundry for the purpose of assertaining, if a leading jointer could be made to joint the staves for Rectifiers {illegible} In the afternoon attended William Wilson's Funeral, it snowed all the time, and is now very deep in some places where it has been drifting. The water for the mill is in good supply, and 2 run going steady</p>
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<p>January. Monday, 4. 1869 {No entry}</p>
<p>Tuesday, 5. {No entry}</p>
<p>Wednesday, 6. {No entry}</p>
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<p>January. Thursday, 7. 1869.</p>
<p>I returned from Toronto this forenoon, weather mild, the sleighing mostly gone. The beam accross the lower stile that steadies the copper pipe broke to day and had to secure it as follows, {no further entry}</p>
<p>Friday, 8.</p>
<p>This has been a raw cold day, and more frosty thaw yesterday, some snow fell this evining</p>
<p>Saturday, 9.</p>
<p>This has been a fine day, but little or no sleighing except on the road sides, I went down to Galt this morning to see what progress Goldie & McCullough are making in the construction of the new boiler & the Engine, I found that the boiler was well advanced, and so far good workmanship, and the new cylinder is bored and ready for fitting on</p>
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<p>January. Monday, 11. 1869</p>
<p>This morning opened fine, have got an additional carpenter on to the fitters, (Aulden) who is preparing all the bottoms. This is the anneversary of my Birth day The water is holding out well, we are grinding all night now</p>
<p>Tuesday, 12.</p>
<p>More frosty this morning, but rather too fine having no sleighing, but the waggoning on the gravelled roads is quite smooth. funeral of George David Armstrong, James & Son he had been married little more than 3 months, will grind to night again, plenty of water</p>
<p>Wednesday, 13.</p>
<p>This has been a mild day, plenty of water, both for the mill and for sawing wood {illegible symbol} There is no appearance of more snow yet and the roads are all very bare We are getting on very well with the Filtering vessels. William went of this afternoon in the Buggy to Erin villiage Acton Georgetown {illegible symbol} grinding to night again</p>
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<p>January. Thursday, 14. 1869.</p>
<p>This has been a mild day, and more like an April day than Jany, Began to grind the middlings yesterday at noon, and have been at it all day The malting is going on very well in this mild weather I have decided on a tender for sawing the wood.</p>
<p>Friday, 15.</p>
<p>Quite mild to day also, water holding out Rob came back from Philadelphia</p>
<p>Saturday, 16.</p>
<p>This has been rather a colder and rawer day yet the water is still good</p>
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<p>January. Monday, 18. 1869.</p>
<p>This has been dark heavy morning, and also the forenoon, with snow flakes flying the most of the day, though not enough to make any good sleighing David Brown began this morning as fireman in the Distillery I have just heard from Toronto that the still is ready</p>
<p>Tuesday, 19.</p>
<p>Fine morning but no snow of any account although it looked much like it I went down to Toronto this morning and saw Matins & Son and ordered a six horse power Engine for Rectifying house, examined pipes at Levys, ordered some of the locks at Morrisons to be chased for wood, was informed that the flat copper still was shipped yesterday.</p>
<p>Wednesday, 20.</p>
<p>Dull morning with some snow flakes falling I went up to Berlin and to Waterloo to enquire about store casks, and saw some that were very well made, and to hold from 12 to 16 {Bhls} each, all made of 2 inch stuff, I returned at 3 pm, and found the still at this station and got it down with the worm all safe, got an alarm about Johney Heiginbothaus {sp?} having been run over by the wheel of a light waggon loaded with some light lumber but fortunately no bones were broken, {calculations at bottom of page} 16 + 32, 32 + 480 = 512</p>
<pre>a Boiler maker worked 1/2 day
</pre>
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<p>January. MONDAY, 25. 1869. Very cold this morning below zero but did not look till about 8 o'clock when it was about 2 degrees above that, I have taken a bad cold this morning & am quite hoares. Boiler A holder, one man & a boy during the forenoon only did very little January. TUESDAY , 26.</p>
<p><br /> This was another cold morning, the wind very sharp and has continued so all day Have got 2 men to work at the cattle shed or Byre to fit up the stalls &c No person came to work at the Boiler to day</p>
<p>January. WEDNESDAY, 27.</p>
<p>Cold and windy to day, yet fine clear weather and the roads hard and smooth. A great many loads of wheat in to day, we took in over 2,100 Bushels. to day at 1 oclock the Boiler maker 2 men and a boy came</p>
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<p>January. THURSDAY, 28. 1869</p>
<p>This is quite a mild morning, and heavy looking as if there was going to be a fall of rain or snow A good many teams in with wheat to day but as many as yesterday The Boiler maker 2 men & a boy all day</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 29. {No entry} SATURDAY, 30. {No entry}</p>
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<p>February. MONDAY, 1. 1869. {No entry}</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 2. {entry at bottom of the page} Lydia Anderson came back to day and entered into the charge of the old House as House Keeper &c at $6 per month, and a girl to help her. Mrs. Calum {unsure of name} left</p>
<p>WENESDAY, 3. The snow is very deep this morning, there having been a continued fall all night, I was very much dissapointed as finding that the foreman boiler maker had done nothing last night, they have been working all day cutting of the old revits heads so as to get the holes for the new ones, and now have promised them a reward if they work all this night</p>
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<p>February. THURSDAY, 4. 1869. The boiler makers only got the boiler finished this morg about 6 oclock & handed them the rewaaed of a dollar to each of the 3 men if they got done by that time The 2 masons got done with the building up of thebrick work by 1/2 past 4 Have also found that the revieets in front of the mill boiler are not tight FRIDAY, 5. {No entry} SATURDAY, 6. {No entry}</p>
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<p>February. MONDAY, 8. 1869.</p>
<p>Moderate weather, began to day to take the Engine appart</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 9.</p>
<p>This has been a very mild day, and has made considerable empression on the sleighing, making it very bare in some places I attended as a Pall bearer at {first name illegible Pat?} Websters funderal, left the house at 12 noon for the Union Cemetery. A great quantity of wheat in the market to day</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 10.</p>
<p>This is a fine mild morning but no thaw as yet. Began to day to make a large tressel to lift the Boiler with. The cattle shed is finished to day.</p>
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<p>February. THURSDAY, 11. 1869.</p>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 12. Very mild and sloppy roads.</p>
<p>got the boiler about up on the bridge to night</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 13.</p>
<p>Quite mild and splended weather for hoisting the boiler</p>
<p>Meeting of Creditors of John McLean at 10 Oclock at Gathen's office, have got the boiler accross the bridge and on the road opposite the Blacksmith shop on the carriage with 3 inch planks for a tramway and going well.</p>
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<p>February. MONDAY, 15. 1869.</p>
<p>This was a mild day throughout, and we got on very well with the Boiler, having got it down the hill and halfway into the boiler house. Yesterday was a stormy day snow & drift, but not so hard as during Saturday night in which a considerable quantity of snow fell which was packed quite hard.</p>
<p>Rev. {?} Principal Sandgrass {sp?} & Rev. {?} Mr. Mackerras {sp?}.addressed the meeting in St. Andrew Church this evening</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 16. This is another mild morning and snowing a little I had prepared to leave by the Great Western for Brantford this morning, but got out too late for the train and had to bo by way of Stratford The {large X written in here with initial W, this section should be included in the next day's entry} Engine frame, shaft and connecting rods &c were sent down to Galt this morning on a sleigh and will try if the boiler could also be brought up from there by a similar conveyance and save the carriage to & from the cars which is more than half the labour.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 17.</p>
<p>This was quite a snowy morning at Brantford and left there this morning and got home at 1/2 past 12 noon, the snow & sleet has been general , and has continued more or less all the afternoon {large X written in here with explanation that the previous day's entry regarding the shipping of equipment to Galt} should be here as this was the day it was sent down.</p>
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<p>February. THURSDAY, 18. 1869.</p>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 19.</p>
<p>Mr. Vincent got</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 20.</p>
<p>Fine mild weather</p>
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<p>February. MONDAY, 22. 1869.</p>
<p>This is a fine morning after the heavy fall of snow we had all yesterday. We got down the car with the tubs and casks &c from Brantford, to this station above and had them all taken down and put into the shed, in the evening the sky was clear and beautiful yet many predicted comming storm of some kind. I got the boiler set down in its place and recess in the wall made for the small fly where William and (John Faulkoner the man), started with the horse and cutter for upper Townships. Mr. Vincent went to Simcoe on his own business.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 23. We have had a very stormy night, and this morning completely inundated wtih snow, and continued falling and blowing all the forenoon that the 10 o'clock train with 2 engines ahead did not arrive till 1/2 past one, and only one freight train went down & no passenger train for the east as yet 1/2 past 5.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 24.</p>
<p>{No entry}</p>
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<p>February. THURSDAY, 25. 1869.</p>
<p>This is of anything a better day have been making holes through the walls for pipes &c and have got the smoke pipe for the boiler into the chimney, and putting the water cistern up in the garret</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 26.</p>
<p>A good deal of snow has fallen through the last night and through the day, at it clear and fine and then dull and heavy. Had a telegram from William this forenoon from Owen Sound and about to start for Durham I got a man down from Ingles this morning but sent him back to repair the heater and then come back, which he did (Robt Hiam) Am hewing the Rock for seats for frame of the little Engine. Renewed Church note, with {illegible name} Massie for another 3 months to day. Received gold draft from Halifax for $998. To day Gibson and Jamison, at pump geering In {illegible} Wiswell, at the cisterns, at the foundation of Engine, A. McDonald & Riddel fixing pipes to Boiler</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 27.</p>
<p>This has been a very cold day, a sharp keen wind blowing from the NWest, have got the water cisterns in their places in the garret and connected with a 3 inch pipe The snow being so abundant makes good sleighing though rather deep, brings in the firewood teams very fast that I now refuse to take any more new lots but only from those who have not filled their contracts as yet William was at Mount Forest at 5 this {illegible} and cannot be home till tomorrow forenoon.</p>
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<p>March. MONDAY, 1. 1869.</p>
<p>This has been a much colder day than yesterday but towards evening it got calm William got home yesterday at 1 Oclock We got the sleepers down for the Engine foundation properly bedded to the Rock and then 3 bolt of 7/8th square iron driven down 9 inches into the stone, drilled 1 inch boro Gibson got drunk this afternoon and unfit for work. Attended to funeral of Alexander White's daughter, who died near {illegible}</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 2</p>
<p>This has not been a cold day about 20 degrees in the morning the sun shone out fine about noon, so I took, Mother, out a short distance on the York Road, getting on but slowly to day, but fitting up the Brantford rectifiers the one above the other. I intend to go to Galt in the morning.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 3.</p>
<p>I went down to Galt in the morning , and returned at noon, the weather was pleasant. I went to Godie & McCulloughs and examined the Boiler which has every appearance of being a good job, and they fully expect to have it ready to be brought up in 10 days, I got a young man up with me to fit up the water pipes through the Distillery his name is William Herriot</p>
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<p>March. THURSDAY,4. 1869.</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 5. It was very cold last night and the logs of the old Priory cracked loud and sharp like a gun shot the Thermometer at 7 stood at 15 degrees below zero 1/2 an hour before that the gardner {?} noted 16 degrees below, fortunately it was very calm during the day otherwise it would have been despearate cold. We are making very good progress with the pipes, and also the small Engine</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 6. This is a very stormy cold morning, and yet the thermometer does not indicate more than 10 degrees above zero but the wind is keen and sharp from the North with occasional showers of snow. We are obliged to rehoop the Brantford rectifiers as the bottom ones were altogether too thin and rotten</p>
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<p>March. MONDAY, 8. 1869.</p>
<p>Rather a cold day</p>
<p>TUESDAY,9. This is quite a mild morning I started for the Preston linning and flax works of Elliot & Co. and where they made seemless Bags ropes &c also linseed oil, all on a large scale and every thing of the best construction and latest improvment , but from want of sufficient demand the works now a loosing concern and were shut up in toto {?} last year and now a large part of the machinery is being shipped in boxes, to Stevens Linnen works, Webster Mass. All the shafting of the Mill is of one uniform size {?} 2 3/8th drain all turned from end to end & hung with splended screw hangers, the whole is heated by coils of iron pipes, lighted by gass, and water carried to all the flats in pipes with hydrants & hose at different places William went to Toronto & returned to day</p>
<p><br /> WENDESDAY, 10. This is a very different kind of day from what yesterday was the snow is falling thick and constant, and as the wind is not strong the snow falls very equal, very few teams are comming to Town</p>
<p>George Booth was here this afternoon and got the measure of the coppar pipes &c yet wanting, I sold him the old coppar of former mash turns {?} at 23 cents a {?}</p>
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<p>March. THURSDAY, 11. 1869. This is a mild calm day, yet no thaw, and plenty of work in shoveling snow to make roads.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 12. This has been another snowy day, yet not any drifting Peter Idington here for his sisters</p>
<p>Edmund Ritchie, Post Mast of Hamilton, died this afternoon 62 years past, he was born in Wales, March 2nd 1807.</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 13. Fine clear calm morning and moderate frost Received from Bond 2 {unable to transcribe this sentence, technical and handing writing not as fine as usual}</p>
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<p>March. MONDAY, 15. 1869. Cold blustering morning</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 16. This was a very cold morning! and the walls of the log house were cracking again, the mercury stood at 11 below zero, and about 9 oclock it had got up to 20 above.</p>
<p>I told Robert Hiam {sp?} not to come tomorrow till more work was ready for him.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 17. This has not been such a cold day as yesterday, fine and clear. This is Easter fat Cattle show day, and was largly attended a vast number of cattle were brought in. I never saw finer and 2 especially from Esquesing were large & fat The coppar {sp?} smiths made a beginning this morning. G Booth went of in the afternoon train to Toronto & left a journeman and a boy at work I have begun to take out the tuns from the cellar below for charger & receiver Had a short interview with Mr. Bridges this morning regarding. Mrs. Larose returned to day from Peters</p>
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<p>March. THURSDAY, 18. 1869 Fine clear morning. glass stood at 6 below zero at 1/4 to 7 I have got one Receiver set up this evening and one hoop on. William accompanied his wife as far as Galt on her way to Hamilton this afternoon Mr. Romains drew my attention to the smallness of my yealds, & which is atrituted to the large quantity of fine corn meal sifted out of it, and also of using none but reground middlings, But to test the matter so as to find out whither the fault lies there or in the inferiority of the yeast I shall next week try the pure corn and rich middlings.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 19. The weather has been some milder to day with an occasional shower of snow, have got the first large tuns finished as a charger, and getting 2 more emptied for taking down. I made up my mind to let, William Harriot from Galt go home as all the work is done that I required him to do, so he left by the afternoon Train It has snowed a good deal this afternoon and this evening quite heavy. at 7 am Temp 14 above zero</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 20. {No entry}</p>
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<p>March. MONDAY, 22. 1869. A cold wind blowing and not at all an agreeable day at a 1/4 past 6 oclock the thermometer stood at 5 degrees above zero and at 7 it was 13 degrees.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 23. Fine mild weather the snow melting very grandley away yet there is plenty left for good sleighing the roads slushey in parts am making preparations to raise the larger receiver in the Rectifying room overhead at least 18 inch so as to be high enough to charge the small rectifyer. Henry Booth, began for the first to work at making the joint for the column of the little still, which on their contract work for about 1.2 the day, the rest of it at pipes to conect the old with the new distillery</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 24. This is a fine morning and the roads quite slushey in many places. have removed the tie beams wider appart to let the receiver be raised Henry Booth has worked all day at the pipes for the old distillery, and the two young men at the new.</p>
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<p>March. THURSDAY, 25. 1869.</p>
<p>This morning was rainey, and a thick mist hang over the ground for most of the forenoon the snow is melting pretty fast</p>
<p>Have got men at work clearing away the smow, also the ice & behind the flood gates</p>
<p>The journeman copper smith, David Startup quit work at noon and went to Toronto.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 26. This morning was quite wet, and a thick mist hung over the ground for most of the forenoon. The snow continues to melt fast Have got men still working at the flood gates</p>
<p>{Short newspaper article glued to page} Locomotive boilers, it is reported, can be kept free from scale by introducing about once in three months twelve poinds of zinc in half ounce pieces. The zinc is said to dissolve and cover the inner surface of the flues with a thin coating.</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 27. Quite a mild morning, and looks as if it had rained during the night. The thaw continued all day, and no rain, yet the streets all over were running down in great streams like little rivers. Booth got the new coppar pipe from the pump to the old receiver in the Rectifying house room in the old distillery finished to night</p>
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<p>March. MONDAY, 29. 1869. Still thawing and the water is now flowing over the dam, it looks something like rain this morning and should that come on the rise will be rappid. I am now in doubts whither to take up the erection at the end of the Ridge for lowering the new boiler or to let it stand in the river and load it heavily with stones. There was only Gibson working at the new tun to day the rest were at other work</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 30. Thawing fast yet and the water in the river rising pretty fast, there has been a slight drizzel of rain during the forenoon this afternoon has been inclined to wet and thickish like mist. Stevens has built in the chimney and also the fly wheel to day</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 31. Quite a change in the weather to frost his morning There is more water in the river this morning</p>
<p>Stevens at the furnase of Boiler this morning.</p>
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<p>April. THURSDAY, 1. 1869.</p>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 2. Hard frost this morning, with a coat of new snow on the ground</p>
<p>Dr. Henry Orton was intered in the Guelph Cemetery this afternoon he died in Fergus on Tuesday the 30th March aged 67 he came from nottinghamshire to this Town in 1835</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 3. A cold and unpleasant day, a light coating of snow had fallen. The new Boiler from Galt was brought down to the station this afternoon and we took daown the lighter parts of the Engine &c Have been trying all the rectifyers with water as to tightness Bought 2000 Bushels of old corn out of Robbins Stone house</p>
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<p>April. THURSDAY, 8. 1869. This has been a fine day, yet cold in the morning Had a Telegram from William that he arrived in Brockville at 6 am all right. Broke part of the new pump this morning which detained us from filling the Boiler. Heard of the failure of Weit who exported so much silver. broke part of the new pump to day, but got the Brassfounder to start his fire at once and cast one of brass.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 9. Hard frost this morning the ground is quite hard and dry, but as the day advanced all was deep mud, have got the Pump all right again and the water going over in large quantities hope to get the steam up tomorrow if at all possible William returned from Brockville this evening and got things pretty much to his mind</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 10. {No entry}</p>
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<p>April. MONDAY, 12. 1869. This is a fine mornig. Mr. Stevens began to build in the copper boiler 3/4 of a day only, as the frame of the furnace was not ready for him.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 13. Mr. Stevens got the copper built in & finished this evening.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 14. We have had the Column still tested to day with water and runs well</p>
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<p>April. THURSDAY, 15. 1869. This has every appearance of being a fine day We have been again trying the little still the most of the day and cannot get it to work to please at all, and have resolved to put in a coil of pipe, and take out the inner coppar bottom, the worth of which Mr Henry George Booth thinks will cover the expense of the coil And have Telegraphed G. Booth to come up to see if he can propose any other plan (These remarks belong to Wednesday 14th.) John Baker, (son of Mary Burns or Dudgeon) began work today, having engaged him for a year at $120 & Board Nat & Maggis gone to Toronto this afternoon.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 16. This is a very fine day, have braced up the Barley floor in the Malt house so as to carry the load of whisky that must be finished for Conding this evening - Mr. George Booht came up to day at 10 oclock but could not suggest any better plan than we thought of yesterday and recommends 4 turns of a coil {hand drawn diagram here} thus so we have this noon begun to take the bottoms apart Have also taken in 10 barrels {?} of whisky to charge the still tomorrow (all these remarks belong to Thursday) this is a warm fine day, Theremometer about 60 degrees, the river is rising fast to day, busey getting the bottom out of still, also measuring contents of tuns in Rectifying House. Hung up the Hams in Smoke house to day.</p>
<p>Nat & Maggis gone to Toronto this afternoon</p>
<p><br /> SATURDAY, 17. This has been a fine day thou rather colder than yesterday, yet the water kept increasing in the river. Sold 9 pigs to Sharp to day at $8.50 The ice was broken up and went all over the Dam this forenoon</p>
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<p>April. MONDAY, 19. 1869. This was a thickish foggy morning, and we had a dreadfull night of Thunder & lightning accompanied with heavy rain which must have melted the snow up the country very fast for the water was very high early in the morning and Kept rising much faster than I have ever known it, and far beyond the highest usual hight, and great lots of stumps and trees came down and several of them stuck fast under the Bridge that we had to lift the Planking so as to get at the roots to cut them away so as to reliese them, But all to no effect, and about 11 Oclock the Dam gave way, but previous to that the Pig house was swept off. I had taken the precaution of loading the Engine Bridge with stones & it stood fast, the foundation of the Bath house was undermined and fell & a portion of the corner of the Distillery as well.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 20. Began this morning to construct a shield of planks and sunk it at the corner of the Distillery to prevent the strong current from cutting away any more of the wall. I have also begun to prepare to run of the four tubs remaining</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 21. This has been a cold, windy day and slight showers of sleet and snow fell but melted soon away. Barclay, the Carpenter and his men have been very busey to day supporting the our Bridge by laying or projecting a long beam over each of the bridge beams and have chained them up and is getting long 1 1/2 inch bolts to hold them together which will enable teams to pass when covered over with planks, it will make a rise on the roadway untill the dam is rebuilt. The inside scrole pipe for the coppar came, also 5 pieces of Brass to bear it from the bottom, weighing each 7 1/2 lbs. I have been informed that Armstrongs dam did actually go off yesterday afternoon at 5 oclock.</p>
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<p>April. THURSDAY, 22. 1869. This has been a fine spring day, and the water in the river has fallen very considerable, and the great quantity of large stones gathered behind the dam are seen, horses have passed over the Bridge to day.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 23. Fine day and have been collecting timber and planks all day that drifted down the river We tried the Horse power this forenoon and found the speed far too slow, and resolved to change change the pinion from the upright shaft on to the laying one and the large one where it was so as to double the motion, and got it all ready to put in its place in the morning.</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 24. This has been a fine day, and the water has fallen considerably, yet not low enough to commnense the measurement &c of the Dam. We got the Horse power to work very well to day and began to pump up the first charge about 1 oclock and will get done by 10 this evening.</p>
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<p>April. MONDAY, 26. 1869. Fine morning, went down to Toronto to attend the meeting of Directors of the Dominion Telegraph Company, there was a tolerable full meeting</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 27. Returned from Toronto this morning, went up for a few minutes to attend the Sale of Lands for Taxes, but the crowd was great and the bidding so brisk that I did not remain any time, there was a little rain during the day, and indications of more.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 28. {No entry}</p>
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<p>April. THURSDAY, 29. 1869. {No entry}</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 30. This has been a very fine day, and have got the water in the river covered very much by the removal of the stones formed into heaps, and the quantity of water in the river is much reduced Henry Booth got finished yesterday but a few small appearant leak's had to be seen to he packed up his tools in the forenoon, tied up a bundle of pipes 25 lbs also 65 1/2 lbs of boulder to go to Waterloo</p>
<p>May. SATURDAY, 1. This has been a cold bleack day, rain in the morning and a kind of drizzle throughout the day and a shower of snow and sleet in toward evening. I have been blasting out a trench in the rock towards to well for water to supply the Rectifying house</p>
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<p>May. MONDAY, 3. 1869. This was a cold morning but dry, yesterday was also cold and some rain fell in the morning. The Grand Trunk folk's had a large gane of men lifting the old rails of the Bridge and some of the beams and crop ties that were rotten, and laying down new Rails of a size much heavier than the former, and the cars to day seem to run much smother on them. I had to get more props put under the Distillery wall for the crack is evedently getting wider and havebored holes through the wall for a bolt to go half across the the house so as to screw it up or at all events keep it where it is. also began to clear away the head race preparatory for quarrying out the Rock on the mill side.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 4. Began to get the new boiler nearer to its place and got it down and turned on to the Bridge at the Blacksmiths Shop.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 5. {No entry}</p>
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<p>May. THURSDAY, 6. 1869. {no entry}</p>
<p><br /> FRIDAY, 7. Have got the Boiler on its site, and the Engine frame down on its bed, and the shaft likewise</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 8. Weather fine for outside work Stevens built the foundation for the mill Boiler end to rest on, to day. Have been all the week blasting for the drain &c</p>
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<p>May. MONDAY, 10. 1869. This has been one of the warmest days we have had this spring. The water in the river is much lower and will begin to lay the temporary dam in a day or two We are still going on blasting for to get the water pipes low enough to be below the frost, and expect to have them connected with the Pump tomorrow. Have bought the chains, Blocks, Pullie &c also the wheel & pinion and barrel of a Derrick from Mr Bell for $45. Also had men removing the fence at the Quary for room to strip more ground</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 11 and WEDNESDAY, 12 {No entry}</p>
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<p>May. THURSDAY, 13. 1869. Very warm day, but extremly dusty about 11 oclock I went down to Hespeler to attend a sale of cattle I left about 1/2 past 3 but it came on a heavy thunder storm of hail and & rain Haley and Martin ODonell have begun this morning to blast out the race at the carding mill for the future west gates.</p>
<p><br /> FRIDAY, 14. This has been a fine pleasant day, except a portion of the afternoon, when about 1/2 past 5 a thunder storm came on when the sky became dark, and down came a shower of hail first & then heavy rain for about 20 minutes have got the greater part of the Blasting done bought 4 good steel spades at $1.40 and 6 shovels a $1.25</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 15. This has been a dull sort of day and little or no sunshine, there was a light rain in the forenoon we have been getting on pretty fair in blasting out the new flood gate & have not quite finished the drain yet</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. Tuesday, 18. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine working day and have got all the blasting for the drain and now covering over the pipes</p>
<p><br /> Have got the Engine laid down in its proper place but is not screwed down</p>
<p>The boiler is also placed but not built under</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 19.</span></h3>
<p>This has been rather a cold unpleasnt day with a damp cold air</p>
<p>Run off today</p>
<p>the first charge of spirit in the New {Rectify} House which performed very well</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. Thursday, 20. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a much more pleasant day. Have run off a charge of Spirit in the New Gin Still which also run very well Sent down this morning 3 men & {mair} horse and cart to strip in the quarry</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May. Monday, 24. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is the Queens Birthday , and the weather is fine, but there was not so much {?} as in former years</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 25.</span></h3>
<p>Very fair weather</p>
<p>George McCulloch from f Galt began this moring to fit up the engine</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 26.</span></h3>
<p>Have let the York Road farm to Alex Chrighton for $80 a year and taxes</p>
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<p>May. THURSDAY, 27. 1869</p>
<p>This has been a coldish raw day. We have been getting on pretty well with the blasting out of the Race for flood gates.</p>
<p>I am continuing the quarrying out of the drain for to take the water from the Distillery race to the Rectfying house and have had to blast the upper end.</p>
<p>May FRIDAY, 28. 1869</p>
<p>This has b een a thick dull forenoon with a drizling rain which began before 11 o'clock and increased to rain at noon, and at one o'clock I stopt the outdoor men from working. Had to stop the Retifying House for the purpose of attaching a steam stop valve next to the dome. Sold the Sheep & lambs, cow & calf, sow and pigs, and 11 acres of Barley to D. Chrighton. It rained heavy about 10 O'clock this evening.</p>
<p>May. SATURDAY, 29. 1869</p>
<p>This is a dull morning, and rained till about 6 o'clock, since it has been fair and all the men at work.</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 5.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very wet morning and some of the men are working in the Quarry this forenoon</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. MONDAY, 7. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning have got the race blaster deep enough and are now trimg the sides</p>
<p>Have sent down some men to the quarry to begin the lower bed</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 8.</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather Went down to Toronto this morning & ordered a globe valve to regulate the steam on the column still when up stairs</p>
<p>Called at {?}hewits to get business cards printed on stone that is lithographed</p>
<p>I examined the Derricks at the docks and got some very good hints from them, Went in to Levys Shop to see if he had any wheels & pinions that might suit me , but saw none, Birgmingham began to deepen the well and brought his tackle box with him</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 9 .</span></h3>
<p>Rather a cool morning left Toronto at 1/2 past 7 & got here 1/4 to 10.</p>
<p>The water is coming into the well much faster than 2 men can pump it and made small enough to pass down inside the upper one The engineer is fitting in the steam pipes to day</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. Thursday, 10. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This morning was threatening rain, yet we perservered in getting ready dor putting in the triangle frames for the temporary damn and a flood gate</p>
<p>Mr Goldie having previously agreed to let of the water of his damn and then shut down his gates which gave us several hours of very low water and notwithstanding some heavy showers of rain and thunder we worked all the time , We got the 2nd curb into the well and had to put in 2 pumps to enable the men to work</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 11.</span></h3>
<p>Weather fine and getting on well with own work</p>
<p>Our Collector of Inland Revenue indicated some time ago that he would not be allowed to grant me a license without a new set of plans of the interior of the Distillery and as I have been searching for the Tracings of those sent to the department at Ottawa for several days without being able to find them and not having time to make out another from the rough sketch in any thing like the time it will be required I start for Ottawa this afternoon at 4.10 to ask for the use of it</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 12.</span></h3>
<p>I arrived at Prescott this morning at 6 see memorandum book</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday,16.</span></h2>
<p>I returned from Ottawa this morning about 2.30</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. Monday, 21. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>got some planking done in the bottom of the temporary waste gate to day, Goldie again troubled with the {toe} of the shaft of his water wheel that drives his machinery which goes 140 resolutions a minute & wont allow the water to enter it</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 22.</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine fornoon and we got on well with the dam in being able to get some planks nailed in the bottom of the flood gates which the rain on</p>
<p>We had also a fine oppertunity of building under the wall at the outlet of carding mill races as Goldie was obliged to let of the water of his down and then shut down which gave us a fine chance of getting foundation dry for more than 2 courses and well it was so for it rained very heavy for more than an hour</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 25.</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine morning</p>
<p>Went down to {E or T} carrols quarry and bought home his Derrick to my quarry on loan for a season with a long chain & two single iron blocks & 1 wooden one</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 26.</span></h3>
<p>During the forenoon for the most part it kept fair but in afternoon it rained for a considerable time, and there in the evening we got on however very well with our wall in Northside of the waste gate, and is now {blank} feet high from the bottom of the race, and have some thoughts of carrying it up to the top of the bank of dry stone We also got the South wall founded on the solid Rock which I did not expect to get so near</p>
<p>Mr Bridge Mr Spicer, & Mr Hannaford bussed up this afternoon, & Mr He gave me leave to fasten the top of my Derrick mast to the iron tube of the Bridge</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June. MONDAY, 28. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This morning is warm and sultry, it is now 5:45 a.m and every appearance of more rain. There was very little rain yesterday forenoon but it had rained heavy during the night and yesterday afternoon both going and returning from church it was raining heavy and all the gutters sewers and low parts of the streets all covered, None of the outdoor men could work till noon I observe no damage done to our temporary dam as yet, But when the effects of this rain come down this afternoon from the country aboce I am afraid it will tax the capacity of the flood gate very much, in the afternoon the water rose a considerable deal, the afternoon kept fair and all the men worked</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 29.</span></h3>
<p>This morning at 6 oclock looks threatening like i went out to the Brick Yard to engage for getting out clay at $1 a load, and it began to rain and soon got fair again, yet the men worked all day though showery at times with frequent flashes of lightening, about noon the water got very high so as to endanger the temporary dam & had to keep the men on till dark wheeling on earth to raise the bank high enough I bought 45 large blocks of stone from Dobie and Patterson a 10c a foot this day, We hear of several dams in Waterloo having gone that stood the {freshet} in the spring and the dam at Doon has gone again after having been repraised & is now worse than before</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 30.</span></h3>
<p>It rained hard last nightat 11 and then during the night yet it has done no damage, the river is at least 3 inches lower than last night when we left off, But there is every liklihood of it rising again at present 1/2 past 5 a close rain is falling, the men did not begin to work till 1/2 past 9 it continued after that tollerably settled but dull and cloudy</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 1. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This being Dominion Day, no work is done and the most of the men are off to the falls on the excurtion train going and returning for $1,00 This also being our Sabbath school, pick nick great preparations are made John & I drove out to see Armstrong dam which is up and the water at full height & the Mill going, the weather is dry and pleasant and appears like being settled</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 2.</span></h3>
<p>This opened a fine morning, and fair all day and enabled us to get well on with our work to day, One of my men named {grot} in returning from the Excurtion last night got on the top of one of the railway cars when in motion and in passing under a bridge near coptown struck his head against it and fell senseless and had to be left at the station In measuring the actual contents of one of the tuns, we got short of water and had to start the small engine to pump enoug water for the purpose as well as enough to change the water in the old distillery James again on</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>Last night has been a dreadful night of rain it broke through a gutter at the East end of the Bridge above the bank rushing down into the bottom of the race and disarranging all the mud cills laid on the bottom all of which will have to be done over agin, the men did not begin work till quarter time, The engine continued to work well driving 3 pair of stones every day</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 5. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine dry day, yet it has not the appearance of being settled, the water however in the River is getting lower. but in the Quarry it is so deep that the men cannot work in the lower beds Mr Brunel the Assistant Commisioner of Excise was here and and after looking through the premises gave Mr Romain permission to allow a License to be granted to me, the Receivess being that near as to come come within the range required by the Department</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 6.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine day, and have been making good progress with the work on the dam &c Mr Hughes, the bridge inspector was here to see what way I {intencll} to the {Guys} of the Derrick to the Bridge, and approved of the manner I proposed and even more allowing me to make holes through the timber close down to the iron tube</p>
<p>This is our Horticultural Exhibition day, the Display is good and the attendence large especially in the evening</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 7.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and looks as if it was going to be very warm, This being our monthly fair day a number of cattle are being driven in</p>
<p>The day turned out well my application for License is put in & expect it to be issued tomorrow</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 8. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This morning is dark and gloomy, 1/2 past 6 a smart shower of rain came on, it appears to have rained heavy during the night, no work can begin this morning The labourers mostly began about 1/4 time and the masons at noon The quarry continues to be kept so full of water by the continued showers that no ordinary evaporation can dry it up so that I was compelled to day to begun the erection of a Pump and to use the 3 inch iron pipes to convey it away</p>
<p>It rained very heavy about 11 Oclock</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 9.</span></h3>
<p>This morning is not clear yet, It appears to have rained hard during the night The militia companies are mustering to day for a weeks encampment</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 10.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dry day, hot and sultry occasionally with great gusts of wind & dust flying in great clouds I have got the crane raised in the quarry to day</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 12. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a pleasant moring, yesterday morning about 2 or 3 oclock it blew a perfect {?} for some time accompanied with a heavy shower of rain a considerable number of trees were blowen down in and around the town, the day has kept fair and the work gone interupted, the crane in the quarry answers well, and lifts the large stones with great ease</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning, William left for Toronto at 10 oclock to try to sell flour</p>
<p>Went out to the camp this evening</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 14.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dull day, threatening rain all forenoon when is began to fall a little after 12 oclock, I attended a meeting of our Presbitary at noon today, I have got the wall about up to the height now at the flood gate entrance</p>
<p>William came home this evening</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 15. 1869</span></h2>
<p>This morning opened very dark and rainey like, but because clear and very warm during the day and quite close in the evening Have been to lay the cills of the flume for the outlet of the Flood gate this morning, and have torn down the old walls on each side behind the arch and have began to build it up with water lime</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 16.</span></h3>
<p>This morning presents in many respects a deplorable sight, the great rain that began about 2 oclock came down in perfect sheets of water, flooding the Camp from 6 to 18 inches deep of water so that all their bedding had to be lifted & remoed to dry on the fences, The quarry was quite full of water over 4 feet deep and 3 men has been all day pumping and only reduced it for 4 to 5 inches and has stped the rest of the men from working</p>
<p>The Red Mill dam was again carried away and the walls of the culvert or bridge on the Waterloo road scooped out clean, also the garding walks much damaged</p>
<p>I dined at the mess this afternoon Col. Taylor present</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 17.</span></h3>
<p>This morning the weather seems settled and has continued so all day Have been pumping all day with very little effect, about a couple of inches only. Have got the walls up to about the last course now and the frame work in front ready for the spurs or rock</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 19. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a warm day and at times the sun was quite hot which is an indication of more rain, but the roads were quite dry and we made considerable progress in pumping out the water out of the quarry say about 3 inches and we have got on well in framing the flume at the back of the waste gate,</p>
<p>Brought down Mr Morrisons power pump from Mr Wallaces late recidende and use it to pump the water out of the site for the Dam it is 18 inches diam. inside by 2 3/4 in depth</p>
<p>{illustration of wheel done by diarist}</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY,20.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very dark morning about 1/2 past 5 there appeared to have been no rain during the night, but at 7 it began to rain heavy and continued till 1/2 past 8 so that the men could not work till after dinner in the quarry It began again to rain heavy about 4 and kept on for about an hour, but having dug gutters round the quarry completely prevented any more running into it than what fell on its surface and the water this evening is exactly 5 inches below what it was when the began yesterday morning. Began this morning to take out the front plate of the Distillery Boiler and remove the stone work so as to get it out into the yard for examination</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 21</span></h3>
<p>This is a dull morning and by no means settled, rain must have fallen during the night. Wm {William} went down to Hamilton this morning The greayer part of the forenoon there was a drizziling rain and frequent showers in the afternoon and now again at 1/2 past 8 a close rain and it has been more like an Octover day for each cold had to light a fire in the dinning room, have been moving the horse power up to drive the rollars to grind the charcoal</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 22. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a dry day and have got all the old logs of the bents of the flood gate dragged out by the horses.</p>
<p>Gibson has been off work all day Pat also</p>
<p>Went over to bid Mrs Glendenning goodby as she leaves for Philidelphia in the morning with her son</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 23.</span></h3>
<p>Meetinf of Dominion Telegraph Co a 2 oclock but could not find time to attend This day has continued dry and we have got on very well with our work, had a couple of men out this afternoon cutting poles for the rack</p>
<p>A thunder storm began this evening with some rain Gibson off, also Pat</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 24.</span></h3>
<p>This was a very dull morning, at breakfast the main journal of the Crank Shaft of the engine became so hot as to melt the Babbis metal which run in about the Brasses that it brought the engine to about a stand and not having a reliable man to put it in order again I started out at once in the Buggy to Farishs New Mill nee Rockwood and brought in George mcCullough who got it all right and Steam on and tested by 9 oclock, it rained again this forenoon</p>
<p>Gibson off, also Pat</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 26. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning but not settled looking yet, there is appearane on the ground of it having rained through the night. Yesterday was warm & dry & of any thing sultry, It turned very warm this forenoon and cloudy and about 10 minutes to 12 it began to rain a smart shower for 1/2 an hour and after that continued dry The mason work for entrance of the flood gate is finished except a litte pointing on two upper courses, have begun to clean out the race beyond the Crading Mill preparations for pointing up some leaky places if we can find them out, have got well on with planking the flume behind the gates, But a lot of spikes from stone</p>
<p>Pat= {short form for a name, unclear of whom} off still</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 27.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dry day</p>
<p>Pat off</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 28.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning & it appears to have been raining hard during the night The rain continued this morning till near 10 am began again at about 11, and stopt a little after 12. The afternoon was dry and the men worked in the quarry</p>
<p>Jas off {initially thought to be pat, James off?}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 29. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morninh and the ground wet from the heavy shower taht fell early this morning between 2 & 3 o,clock, Alexr McNaughton left for Acton then, Since then it has been fair and all hands working</p>
<p>Jas {James} off</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 30.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dry day and no interuption to the work I made an attempt to bruse charcoal in the Rollars with 2 horses but found that they were not able and had to fix it for 4 Got enough of the temporary dam removed and turned the water through the new flood gates</p>
<p>Went up this afternoon with Mr Jas {James} Hough the secretory of the cemetary to see if the lots taken up by us were right viz Nos 5&11 and although they do not agree with the present plan or map yet they could not be altered being inour possesion so long and Interments made in both ends and will begin tomorrow to the walls for the railing</p>
<p>Jas off still</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 2. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning and have started the masons up to the Cemetary to lay the foundation & find the railing is made too large by a foot for the ground and have to set itt up in the shop to have it cut to a size and cannot reduce it leps {less} than one pannel of pattern viz 13 inches Telegraph tp Harold about and engine</p>
<p>It began to rain about 1/4 past 5 and continued for abt half an hour Jas off yet but is now refroming,</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>This though somewhat clear is a doubtful morning it must have rained heavy through the night by appearances</p>
<p>I intend starting for Toronto at 4 oclock</p>
<p>Jas= off</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 4.</span></h3>
<p>In toronto all day it rained heavy in the morning and had wait in doors untill the first shower passed over & there again under other shelter, called at three different places about hiring an engineer to drive the Pump in the Dam but did not suceed, I then left for Hamilton at 12 oclock and arrived there 2 P.M. made more enquiry there bur all wanted to sell but not to let</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 5. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This was a dull morning yet it kept fair and during the day it cleared up fine but cooll Agreed with Davidson & Chadwick for their Engine at $1,00 per day and am preparing foundation for it and hope to have it set this week</p>
<p>Jas right & piling lumber to day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 6.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine dry day and have got on very wellw ith our work have got down the Boiler from the Foundry and will get the Engine down tomorrow</p>
<p>Gibson has never come near his work all this week, James has been working at piling oak lumber this last two days</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 7.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine dry day and the water is getting lower I have got the Engine down and is now set in its place. I got John Oliver also from the Foundry to fix the pipes and set her a going</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 9. 1869</span></h2>
<p>This is a delightful morning quite dry and looks as if a spell of dry weather has set in. This has been a great day for sight seers, Newamburgs Exhibition of wild beasts and birds contained in 24 vans besides several large fine carriages for the Band &c</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 10.</span></h3>
<p>This has been another fine warm day and have been pushing on with the Engine for driving the Pump and have got it started at last, throwing a large quantity of water I have had men deepening the river so as to let me lay the foundation of the Distillery wall.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 11.</span></h3>
<p>{Blank}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 12. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine dry morning, The day is warm and have been getting on as hard as we could with the coffer dams and got the Engine started again to reduce the water but up to dark all we could make was 3 inches lower than the outside and will run her all night and see if anything can be done have been putting in a coffer dam at the corner of the Distillery</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>The ground was wet this morning from the heavy rain last night, the Engine run all night but did no good and have determined to diminish the spave by putting in two fresh dams I do not feel well to day and have kept the house this forenoon but had to go out to examine and push on with the Distillery dam The boiler is also out being properly cleaned for examination</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 14</span></h3>
<p>This was a fair dry day during the early part of it but the clouds began to overhang in the afterpart, Our upper coffer dam shows signs of being tight as the water is flowing over in to the yard to conduct ut past the lower one. The water in the river was too hig to day for beginning to build under the corner of Distilery but have got a quantity fo stones dressed & laid down at the end of the gangway</p>
<p>The evening was wet and it rained very heavy from 9 to 11</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 16. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This day is set appart as a Holiday by proclomation of the Mayor and from the rainey and wet appearance of the morning there will be neither weather for work nor play. About 1/2 past 9 it became dry and fit for the men to work and got the dams quite tight enough to warrant us in making another attempt with the Engine which was done in the evening & she brought down the water a foot in leps than an hour</p>
<p>I set of the door of the new warehouse this forenoon to four feet wide in the clear which is large enough to admit puncheons</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 17.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dry day and the Engine was able to keep the water down that we got a good deal of the round boulders out of the foundation and got a footing prepared for the Derrick</p>
<p>Revd Livingston came this evening to attend the Presbytery</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 18.</span></h3>
<p>This morning looks dull and looks like rain But the day turned out warm and rather sultry William left home for the upper country this afternoon</p>
<p>The Presbytery meet here to day</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 19. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a warm day and very fatiguing we have got the foundation for the centre part of the Dam about cleared out and as soon as the Derrick is ready will begin to lay stone</p>
<p>Mr Livingston left for home this morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 20.</span></h3>
<p>We had a lighter fog this morning than we have had for several mornings past but it has been a very warm day, have got the irons on the top of the Derrick attached to the bridge</p>
<p>R Little engages to get out 3 trees to make logs 22 inches square and 36 feet long and rip them in too with {?} saw the trees cost $5 each, the heaving $24 and hawling 1 team to each stick</p>
<p>have got the iron now laid on the Steam Mill railway and the new car at work</p>
<p>It began to rain about 4 Oclock and continued for an hour very heavy</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 21.</span></h3>
<p>This morning the rain began about 4 oclock and rained very heavy that the ground was more like a sea in parts, the pump began to go about 4 and made a good empression at first but the rain sent in several streams that gave her more work than she could manage The rain kept on through the forenoon that the labourers could not work, the carpenters went on in the afternoon to finish the Railway</p>
<p>Recd {recieved} a Telegram from Wm {William} tonight that he had got to Kencardine & would start for Southampton on Monday</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 23. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a dry morning but the water is still high and the Engine albouring very hard & has made very little empression as yet, Yesterday morning the water increased so that I was afraid of the upper coffer dams being cast away or having to take down part of the planks in the {sluice}, but a little after Church time it began to fall, the rain must hav ebeen going and heavy up the country</p>
<p>We got the car on the railway</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY,24.</span></h3>
<p>This has been another fine working day But we had some dilay during the forenoon from the slide valve of the Engine getting out of order but after that we got the water low in the afternoon and got a course of large stones began</p>
<p>We had intended to work an hour later this evening in laying stone in the foundation when a terrible accident happed to George Moir my foreman stone mason he persisted in running the car down the inclined railway with the large stones on & before the proper break for stopping the car was really having a run one load well, he went on a second though strongly advised not to attempt it but he did so, and lost the command of the car and from the increased velocity it attained and when reaching the bumper threw him off down into the hole beneath and the stone and car on the top of him the men got off the car with their hands but the stone had to be lifed with the crane and when got out only said "oh my god", once or twicce & died when being carried home</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 25.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a lonesome day for me as I cannot forget the poor fellow The water is much lower and the Engine can keep the hole quite low</p>
<p>William in Durham to day</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 26. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine working day, and all the men except the quarry men dropt at 9 oclock to attend the funeral of Poor George Moir, he was 43 years of age, the attendance was large, the began work again at 1 oclock we had the water very low this afternoon</p>
<p>The moulder from {?} & Ingles foundry came down at 4 oclock to cast 2 brasses for the Old Mill water wheel, they weighed 55 lbs each I intended by cashing 2, to have them bored out but after considering the time and expense and only one of them being required, we chipped and filled it</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 27.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine dry and the water has fallen considerably</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 28.</span></h3>
<p>This was a wet morning and must have rained heavy during the night. I went down to Galt with the view of processing two or three masons but found that there was full employment for all the men they could get, but left word in case of any desiring a change. I returned at noon, I found that the fee pump of the pumping Engine would not work and the day was lost so far as laying the large stone was concerned but we set to work to construct a road to drive carts down to the lower side of the Dam</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<p>{newspaper clippings pasted over}</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 30. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This turned out a fine day and after some bother with the Engine pumps we got out the water and have got a good many large stones laid according to the pins set for a {?} mostly on the South West end of the Dam We have also stript the roof of the wheel house of the carding mill and put in heavy cedar raftors and covered it with new boards.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 31.</span></h3>
<p>This has been another dry day. We have got the new brass set under the inner end gadgcon of the water wheel and are making good progress in putting the new float boards or buckets</p>
<p>We are also going on framing the middle bent for the Bridge, the council having last night accepted my offer to construct it</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. WEDNESDAY, 1. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>Another fine dry day and have fot on fine with the N. East end of the dam and have have got it above the water</p>
<p>There was hard frost during the early morning, Andw Quarrie and his brother returned from the old country this morning somewhat improved in health</p>
<p>This is the fair day</p>
<p>We began to night to set of the true circle for the front Dam by ordinates but could not see to finish it</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY,2. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather, set to work early this morning before the men began to work to finish the lines of work and the masons have made good progress to day with the work and began to use water line</p>
<p>Dr Hamilton called this afternoon aslo D C Gunn formerly of Hamilton what now of Osepego.</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>Dry weather and fine for puddling the front of the Dam</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 4.</span></h3>
<p>Fine dry weather and the water very low. The Mill water wheel has got in the last bucket board now and the men have been helping to raise the Distillery Water Wheel to put in new head blocks, the olf ones being quite rotten and was picked out in pieces</p>
<p>I have not got the corner of the distillery repaired yet, as I am waiting till the Dam is far enough advanced to enable me to shut odd the water to dry the foundation</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 6. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been another dry day, and have got on so far well, some dirt got into the pump which stopt the Puddling only for a little, we began this forenoon to tear down the old bridge and have stopt all passage that way Poor, John Neeve died to day aged 62</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 7.</span></h3>
<p>This morning was dark and dull untill about 1/2 past 8 when it began to rain and continued with very little interuption all day so that no outdoor work was doen after the rain began, Our old teamston and flour salesman in Hamilton John smiths Wife came to Town last night, I spoke to her to day</p>
<p>at 10 Oclock is still raining</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 8.</span></h3>
<p>This is another wet morning and appears to have been raining during the night, no outdoor work can begin this morning, thought that the work could begin about quarter time in the forenoon but no it rained, then at 1 the men were in the quarry but it again became dark and began to rain, The carpenters however kept at it sawing the timbers for {illegible} of Bridge, screwing up the stunges &c, and also in the Distilery fitting in 30 new cedar lintals under archway of terace to rest end of new beam on &c</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 9. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>At 6 this morning it was raining and the water has risen very considerably since last night, and even this morning 7 it is now fair and the men have all began to work though not to advantage in some cases</p>
<p>counted the water line this morning only 31 Blies left I order another to day</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 10.</span></h3>
<p>This was a fine dry morning, and the work went on as usual, the water became sufficiently low about noon so that the Steam Pump was started and got the water out so that we got the centre bent of the Bridge up in place, and began taking down the walls and excavations far enough back of the roadway, between the pillars to allow of moving all the 5 timbers or stringers back at once on rollars by means of the large screw</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 23. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been anotehr fine dry day and the work has progressed very</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 14.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fie dry morning Have got well on with the Dam and also have got the fine stringers of the Bridge drawn over to their right place and have put the corbels under the N.E end We also began to bale out the water out of the coffer dam at the corner of the Distillery and got part of the foundation of that laid with cement Three teams left their morning for Freelton for heavy timbers for the Bridge</p>
<p>have had accounts compared with James & find him largely in debt to me</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 15.</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning, the teams did not get home till 3 Oclock this morning and were not able to get out the heaviest viz 22x22 but bought two pieces 22x11 and another stick</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 16. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning and all the masons at the Distillery yet and they will not be able to finish it to day. There tems left this morning at 1/2 past 5 for Freelton for the large sticks of timber for the Bridge</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 17.</span></h3>
<p>Dull morning it has rained heavy through the night but quite fair now, The teams got home with the heavy logs about, about 12 oclock last night We have got on well with the corner of the distollery and have been closing the front of the dam with puddle to a very narrow space that we may close tomorrow Have also been getting the big logs on tresses fit for ripping them up, we also pulled down a considerable piece of the walls jutting out beyond the G. T Pier</p>
<p>Jas {James} very drunk this morning</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 18.</span></h3>
<p>Fine dry morning but cool</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 20. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine day and regret to have to burry a fien horse one of the spur that used to be used on the farm he died yesterday</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 21.</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather, heave been sitting more of the upright bolts in the Dam and laying the flat bars lengthways</p>
<p>Prince Arthur passed up at 1 oclock tto Exhibition in London. I missed seeing him</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 22.</span></h3>
<p>Fine working day but very warm</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 23. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine day, but there was a good deal of mist in the morning , Sat more bolts to day in th emiddle of Dam, Took on 3 more hands to day so as to hurry out the portons of the old Bridge abbutments and fill up the deep portion of the hole{illegible} the dam s as to get done with the Engine this week</p>
<p>the got the last of the beams in the bridge this afteroon and have got down the crable belonging to Massie to lay the stones for the new abbutments, we got out one of the largest stones of the Old Bridge the derrick has yet lifted & set it to night on the dam</p>
<p>Gold ran up to 15o this afternoon</p>
<p>a drunk man fell through the beams this evening and broke his thigh</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 24.</span></h3>
<p>This has been abother very fine day though very misty and thick in the morning Two of the spurr wheels that drives the separator broke yesterday and found one ready at the Foundry and got the other cast at Crows Foundry ths afternoon, have got the crabb mounted for lifting stones below the bridge</p>
<p>Gold at noon to day was 162 1/2 Bot {bought} to day in Chicago 10000 bushels No2 Corn n 76c {cents}in store</p>
<p>Finished with pumping last night and will begin in the morning to take th engine apart</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 25.</span></h3>
<p>The forenoon was fine working weather but at 12 oclock a dark cloud came over us and a heavy shower of rain came on & continued for over an hour and part of the afternoon Began to take the engine apart</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 27. 1869</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold morning and the water very high but not in such quantity but could be kept below the upper course of the Dam by keeping the culvert clear of sticks</p>
<p>Sent part of the engine up to Ingles Foundry</p>
<p>Bot of Mepes Bruce 1 piece timber 8x10 - 34 feet long 1 do " " 46 do a 12 & a foot</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 28.</span></h3>
<p>This morning is dry but quite cold and all the timber on the dam and Bridge are quite white with frost</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 29.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine working day</p>
<p>Have got the {illegible} of timber started out at the rocks to day</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. FRIDAY, 1. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>Fair weather</p>
<p>Went down this afternoon to Galt about getting a man to examine Distilery boiler</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 2.</span></h3>
<p>Fine day George McCullough came up and examined the Boiler</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 4. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a coldish morning</p>
<p>I went out to the Rocks this afternoon to see how the men are getting on in squaring timber for the Dam and found that they are likely to get all the large timber of my land The team hauled in the 1st two loads to day</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY,5.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fien morning but cool</p>
<p>Have got 2 additional carts on the Dam and have now got the banks united and driving freely accross and are now making good progress with the filling in front of the Dam the South End abutment of the Bridge will be aboyt finished tomorrow and after that we will carry on with the mud cills for the foot of the apron before the water gets too cold</p>
<p>I have stopped quarrying stone for the season and will take hoe all the tools tomorrow</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY,6.</span></h3>
<p>Cold morning below freezing 28° to 30 degrees the ground is white This is the fair day and the first day of the Fall Show of Agriculture products & the next day for cattle &c</p>
<p>I went down to Galt this afternoon to examine a Boiler for the Distillery and have decided to take it ad have order it to be got ready</p>
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<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 7. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is the 2 day of the Fair, The weather continues exceedingly fine, and have all the carts at work driving gravel from the mill yard on to the Dam The hewars are not getting on with the timber as fast as I could wish, They attend fairs La crop games &c</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 8.</span></h3>
<p>This has been another very fine day pushing on with the work</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 9.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine working day and we are making good progress with the Dam There appeared indication of rain in the afternoon it however kept fair</p>
<p>Have arranged that the men shall begin work at 1/2 past 6 {illegible} and drop at 1/2 past 5 in the evening Reid and Murdock of Chicago are here this afternoon</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 11. 1869</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning yet not so heavy but only drizzling, the labourers began at 1/2 past 6 but the masons fearing rain did not make their appearance They however began 1/4 times</p>
<p>Have 2 men at work replacing the cattle Byres</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather And we are now pushing hard with 4 carts in the gravel pit and it takes men as pickers and shovelers to keep them going</p>
<p>I went down to Galt to see what progress they have made with the Boiler, but that they had not touched it yet but would positivelyy begin to tomorrow,</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 14. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine weather though cold in the morning the are about finished with the roothouse behind the office, having removed all the old earth first then laid on about a coat of 6 inches thick of clay well packed down over the logs, then returned the eacrth and after that covered it all over with turf & put a fence round it also {illegible} the lining for the bins inside Have got the water wheel and shafting in the Distillery put to rights, put in new beams and also good andmay wear many years yet We have got the walls or abundments of the Bridge finised now and the drystone walls on the top below planking done & Have paid of 4 masons to night and will keep on two of them to finish the plank wall of dam & the back</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 15.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a coldish day with slight drizzling showers now and then and have been attending the Funerak of William Jackson Senr of the Paisley block It was quite cold with occasional showers Have made good progress with the graveling in front of the dam</p>
<p><br /> Willie Jackson died on the 12th {illegible} aged 66 years and 5 months</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 16.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine dry morning but 4 degrees below freezing. Will have to day 2 hired teams to help with getting timber</p>
</div>
<div class="mw-parser-output">
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 18. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold morning and the first Snow shower of the season is falling, the conduction of the Grand Trunk say it is an inch thick at stratford</p>
<p>We are pushing on with the gravel of the Dam and will soonhave enough and hewing coping from the top of the wing wall</p>
<p>also replacing the floor of the Mill in renewing the wooden grating for the steam of the flour</p>
<p>We have been busey taking in corn to day. The blacksmith has about finished the irons for the brooms to conduct the stumps, trees and ice over the Dam</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 19.</span></h3>
<p>This morning is also threatening and cold and flurries of snow falling I attended the Funeral off Andrew Ritchue one of the older settlers why died on the 7th of a cancer in the stomach aged 67</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 20.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a coldish day but no Snow George Lillie farmer scotell Block died on the 18th Inst aged 76 his funeral took place to day he was originally a stone mason</p>
<p>We have had 2 teams to day hauling down corn one at stone and another dragging in timber from Rocks farm</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. Thursday, 21. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>The weather was milder this morning and have deminished the number of men in the gravel pit and have taken some of them to excavate the trenches at the foot of the apron for mud cills and have shut down the gates for short time to lower the water as much as possible and have one of them laid quite low ramed on both sides and under loaded with heavy stone to prevent it rising with the water</p>
<p>Had one of the masons rebuilding the butterise of the garden wall at the th Boat londing steps, the lower coursed say 2 feet high with cement</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 22.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine working day, have again begun this morning to lay more cills, also remove dthe coffer dam this forenoon at the distillery and pointed up all the openings at the bottom with waterline that could not be got at before and packed it with clay, Gibson put in {Guta pucha} washers on gasking between the joint of the large copper pipe of the big still and put heavier bolts to make it tighter than it was before with pasteboard. also the steam pipe likewise put new brass spacing in the colapse valve</p>
<p>Intend to visit Galt in the morning about the Boilers.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 23.</span></h3>
<p>A very wet morning, went down to Galt and found that the Boiler was taken apart and the tubes being cleaned and the new end plate in hands flauging it so that it will be ready next week</p>
<p>It rained all the forenoon</p>
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<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 25. 1869.</span></h2>
<p>This is a frosty morning the ground quite hard, and am preparing to go off this morning at 9 with Depcitation to Walkerton We did not get away till 1/2 past 10, The party consisted of DR Herod Mayor, Mr Pete Gow M.P. Mr Robt Melvin and myself. we got as far as harriston that night about 8 oclock we found the roads very heavy after we passed Elora where snow had fallen and by the time we got ot Harriston it wa several inches deep, we started</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 26.</span></h3>
<p>This morning at 1/2 past 8 and got to Walkerton as 3 P.M. the snow within 5 miles of it was 18 inches deep on the road and two feet in the woods and falling thick & hevay at ties. after I got my dinner I took a turn out to look at the River it was certainly a fine stream and a large supply of water the iupper mill has 13 feet of fall on which they are Building a New flour Mill fitted for 4 run of stones but only 3 put in at present The country round looks fine The town is seated quite in a vally with high lands all round and well wooded with hardwood</p>
<h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 27.</span></h2>
<p>This morning I found that considerable snow had fallen through the night and a shower bow & there and hearing that it was snowing heavy in Guelph I began to be very uneasy about the Dam not being finished in case the winter sets in with hard frost also if a sudden thaw came on with rain migjt place me in a very critical position so I determined to leave for home at onve and engaged a man to tale me to Durham by sleigh for $2.50 and got there by 2 oclock and left there at 4 in a One horse buggy for Mount Forest for $2.00 and got there about 7 oclock and slept at Coynes Hotel. Had a telegram from Guelph as i arrived at Durham that Gooderhams Distillery had burnt down last night</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Thursday, 28 October.</span></h3>
<p>I left Mount Forest {was arrowed in above the sentence} by stage at 1/2 past 3 a.m. got to Arthur at 7 very cold, at Fergus got a seat from Mr Garvin in his buggy and got home at 1/2 past 11. and found there had been a great fall of snow. However this afternoon it began to gradually melt away. I saw on my way down large fields of turnips out. also oats standing in the sheiff and covered with snow.</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 29 October.</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning the frost not hard and as the day advanced it became sloppy. The teams are removing the stones off the road, the carpenters got up the hammer beam or main beam under for the rafters to near on set on to day and two of the diagonals laid in their places, cut of the planks of the temporary day and filled it in behind with good gravel, began to break out a door at the back of the Kiln. John Hall has got all the stringers on Neeve Street Budge. Got 2 of Little's men this afternoon to help out with the work.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 30 October.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a cold day, very little snow fell, but near noon some of it melted away it then turned cold again. We are hurrying on with all speed. It would be strange if winter is going to set in earnest already. Yet it looks remarkably like it. Large feilds of turnips, potatoes and even apples are on the trees yet.</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November, Monday, 1. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>Cold frosty morning, hot about noon if was of any thing milder. I went down to Toronto this morning by the 1/2 past 7 train and got into the City at 1/2 past 10. Took a cab to see Gooderham & Worts ruined Distillery, it was truly amazing to see the amount of property destroyed.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 2.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day, and much milder no snow whatever laying on the ground and people getting up their turnips and potatoes with all speed. Went down to Galt this afternoon and found there hand at work at the boiler & will have it ready on Saturday. The Council are making poor progress with the pier of the lower bridge.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 3.</span></h3>
<p>This morning opened clear, and fine mild weather, and continued so all day. This being the monthely fair day, a good many people in town. Good news came in to day that the by-law in the county of Bruce had been carried in favour of the Wellington Gray & Bruce Railway by a majority of 257</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. Thursday, 4.</span></h3>
<p>This was a dry day but cold and windy we are still drawing nearer to a close with the Dam discharged 2 masons I had 1 taken on for a day or two as the work is all but done</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 5.</span></h3>
<p>This has been rather coarse day. raining and sleeting now and then. took down the little crane this afternoon This looks had for people getting up their turnips Emence quantity of apples are frozen on the Trees</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 6.</span></h3>
<p>This is a dirty looking morning the ground again covered with snow busey finishing, the top of the dam with gravel, and preparing to take down the large crane, have got the {abruptly ends}</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. Monday, 8</span></h3>
<p>This is a very cold morning, it has been blowing and snowing all night, and the ground is again covered with snow! we did not get the wheels of the mill and Distillery finished in time to let the water on, the stones requiring to be trained yet after the water is on. we are still leveling and filling up the heart of the dam in place where some settlement of the soft earth has taken place, and also filling up the last space behind the Dam where the crane stood Cannot get up the Boiler from Galt yet for want of the Truck's, which are somewhere on the road from Goderich. I was at Ritchies sale this afternoon, very cold wind & great fields of turnips frozen in and likely to be lost</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 9.</span></h3>
<p>The weather this morning is still wintry like it is not hard frost, yet no thaw and the little snow remain on the ground. We are busey getting the Boom that is to guide the stumps and timber over the Dam fixed in its place and then remove the temporary Bridge that is over the race</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 10.</span></h3>
<p>{entry begins in the last quarter of the space} went out to the Western station to night to accertain if they had brought up the Truck to Galt and the Conducter said no</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. Thursday, 11.</span></h3>
<p>Rather a haw day, and get not very favourable for those who have their turnips in the groun of getting them out Got a Telegram this forenoon that the Truck waggon had reached Galt last night, and made preparations to start down here after dinner, with 2 span of horses and also and a team with a waggon to carry the chains boxes &c and got there about dark and found the Boiler loaded and ready for the chains to head it (the conductor was not aware that he had the Truck with him last night in a close box car) the water mill started the morning with 3 run of stones.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 12.</span></h3>
<p>We left Galt this morning at 8 oclock with the Boiler and had to leave the waggon a little distance out of Galt and attach that spare of horses also to the Boiler as the weight was too much for 2 span through the mudd which was soft in places, we however got on well and reached Guelph about 4 oclock The water mill has been going all last night and the gudgeon became heated & and had to stop for a little while, Riddle is busey blowing of the boiler for to clean her out for the winter</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>The frost this morning was not severe yet enough to thicken the ice on the Dam, Busey this morning unloading the Boiler and getting it into position, the Planking of the Dam is far forward and will be finished on Monday. Have got the boiler on to her seat in the Distillery to night</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 15. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>Moderate weather though cold and {?} Got the boiler set in its place this forenoon and took the measurement for a steam pipe</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 16.</span></h3>
<p>The weather tolerably mild considering the lateness of the season. I went down to Galt with the Pattern of the Steam Pipe to attach the Boiler to still. Likewise the smoke pipe to lead into the Chimney, also a Bend for the feed pipe. I returned at noon, Rob Ward went down with the Truck and brought up the Smoke dome and furnace bars by night and well for him he did as it now blows almost a gale with thick pelting snow storm. Wm {William} in Toronto, came home in the evening</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 17.</span></h3>
<p>There had been rain early in the morning and now a heavy thaw and the roads quite slushey and now rains and sleets alternately. The last of the Planks have been put on the bent under the bridge, and also on the tail walls of the apron behind the Piers, and all planks collected and taken into the yard. have got the feed pipe in the boiler, and the smoke box fitted on. The carpenters began the cattle Byre Hiam the engineer from Ingles came at one oclock to help with the pipes</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. THURSDAY, 18.</span></h3>
<p>Rather a rough wintry looking morning, showers of snow falling throughout the day, it was quite at noon, let several more men go to day. am busy at the boiler getting pipes attached and the foundation built up under it, and the smoke pipe conducted into the chimney. also forging a frame for an ash pit door Intend to work late to night Several sleighs have been running to day, Hiam all day at work</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 19.</span></h3>
<p>Has been snowing through the night, and began again about 8 oclock, did not get the mason work and the pipe fittings done last night after working to 11 oclock. have got on the guage cocks. Also got a new glasstube from a G trunk {Grand Trunk} engineer for water guage I am putting a raised grating in front of the boiler. Snowing now again noon time, a good many sleighs in with wheat at the mill just now. Have done with the masons at the boiler and laying the front this afternoon at 4 oclock & got the fire on to dry the work The carpenters still at the cattle byres. Snowing most all the afternoon heavy Hiam all day at work</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 20.</span></h3>
<p>Snowing heavy this morning and has been through the night, so that there is a thick coat of it on the ground. got the fire on this morning to heat up the water to make yeast to start with but the draft I am afraid is not going to be sharpe enough and now see that so many (100) small tubes form a considerable opposition to the smoke &ce it is so weak as to leave a white fur round the mouth of each of the tubes</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 22.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear morning, and the thermometer at a 1/4 to 7 stood at 13 degrees The distillery Boiler does not seem to get any better to day began to day to cut a hole in the distillery roof for the erection of a scaffold to aid in putting an iron stalk on top of the Brick one to increase the draft but a fall of snow came on so heavy and continued all the afternoon which put a stop to outdoor work. The Dam all covered with strong ice</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 23.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine mild day 3 degrees above {an ink blot over above} freezing at 9 oclock, making grating for windows of the rectifying house Johney Heiginbotham's Birthday & Father & Mother at Elora</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 24.</span></h3>
<p>Fine clear morning Therm to 5 degrees above zero at 7 am & continued fine all day. men still repairing at the cattle byres</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. THURSDAY, 25.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine day throughout and rather milder than yesterday Have been busey fixing underneath the large water pump, also changing the pully for drawing the engine pump for the rectifying house</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 26.</span></h3>
<p>I went down to Galt this morning to consult Mr Goldie about the difficulty in the draft of the brick chimney, and he thinks that by adding to the height of the old one, that a great improvement may be made Hood has now over 70 head of cattle in the Byres</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 27.</span></h3>
<p>Fine winter weather with indications of a thaw Bob Ward came home from Galt with 32 feet of 22 inch Smoke Stalk</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 29. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>Fine mild weather and thawing Attended our adjurned annual meeting in the Church this evening quite</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 30</span></h3>
<p>Thawing very happily to day, and have been very busey in getting the chimney ready, and have just got the larger portion through the roof This is St Andrews day, Ball & Supper to night</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. WEDNESDAY, 1.</span></h3>
<p>Quite a change to day, the roads hard and freezing. working hard to get up the smoke stalk to day Got the chimney up through the roof and all ready to hoist by 1/2 past 4, but I deemed it too late to do any more as we could not possibly see to work safly in half an hour after that</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 2.</span></h3>
<p>The weather pleasant and calm this morning with a slight shower of snow falling, and set to work with all dilligence and got the smoke stalk in its place and the fire started by 10 oclock and find it has made a great improvement in the draft.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning Went up to Waterloo Villiage to attend the meeting of W Fischers Creditors when John Kerr of Toronto was appointed official assignee</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 4.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a mild morning, and of any thing turned to a thaw, have been working for some few days at finishing the stall in the new cattle byre, and also preparing stuff for the bottom of some of the tuns (fermenting)which in some appear defective Mr Dixon formerly of Dundas called to day & would like to leave {St Louis?} if he could find a place to do business in.</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 6. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>Fine winter day, frost moderate. Meeting of Directors of Mutual Insurance Co.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 6.</span></h3>
<p>Some snow fell to day a good deal of wheat came in</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 8.</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather, and the teams with wheat began to pour in early to day</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 9. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>This has been another very fine day of anything thawing in the middle of the day It has been a very throng day in taking wheat the teams reached about up to the G. Trunk tank house and many unhiitched their horses and came back in the afternoon and hauled in the load This has been the fat cattle showday, and our prime one they were Adam Brown Esqr, Mr Burton the lawyer and some other gentlemen passed down on their way from Walkerton after being present at the final passing of the By=Law, for a Bonus to the railway</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 10.</span></h3>
<p>This has been another mild day, and good many sleighs in with wheat. some slight showers of sleet fell & thought it was going to turn into rain but did not. putting up to day a coal and wood shed at the end of the office. The pit wheel that is fixed on the gudgeon of the shaft of the water wheel in the Distillery got loose and broke 2 teeth. we have taken it out to burn the greese of it put in 2 inch pins where the teeth is (as they are not both in the same place) which will help {word is scratched out} in gearing, and enable us to get to work in the morning without loss of time</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 11.</span></h3>
<p>Mild this morning also, and is heating the snow of the roads very fast, and waggons are resorted to in many cases.</p>
</div>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 13. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>The weather is of anything on the turning point and getting colder John McPherson has got the coal house finished to day The roads are now quite bare of snow and waggons are now generally used</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 14.</span></h3>
<p>This is a sharp morning and freezing hard the wind has got up through the day and is blowing quite cold, the roads are now very bare and quite hard. Fisher fitted in our new Press & Desk to day in the inner office</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 15.</span></h3>
<p>{space is blank}</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 20. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>This is a sharp morning, with a few flakes of snow flying. Election for Mayor took place to day, or rather nominated. Have got the Byres finished so far as to admit the cattle into the new stalls just finished</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 21.</span></h3>
<p>This has been another cold day but no wind in the early part of the day. A great many loads of wheat came in to day. Goldie did not seem to take his usual share, we took in about 1800 bushes {bushles} at an average of. We have got the posts up for a platform with roadway to drive up hay to the end of the new feeding byre and will have it completed in a day or two. Snowing a good deal at 10 pm and fast also blowing and cold</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 22.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very wet morning, a considerable quantity of snow fell during the night, and the rain is melting it away very fast I have some intention of going to Bowmanville by the afternoon train. heard that this was the day that Feilds distillery at Canastoga {Conestogo} was seized</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 23. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>I got safe to Bowmanville at 11 oclock last night, the weather to day is cold and blowing fresh</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 24.</span></h3>
<p>I got home this morning at 4 oclock having left Bowemanville at 11 last night. This is a pleasant winter day</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 25.</span></h3>
<p>Fine winter weather, and great lots of people on the dam seating and curling</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. MONDAY, 27. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very misty morning It began to rain in the forenoon a little, and then heavy in the afternoon Only a few loads of wheat came in to day.</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 28.</span></h3>
<p>The rain yesterday has washed away much of the sleighing, it is however fine weather to day. We had a fire in town this morning between 5&6 oclock the Stable of Mr Taylor (who married Mrs Sunley) was burned down I went down to Toronto this morning & was on change saw Branell who goes to Ottawa to morrow morning</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 29.</span></h3>
<p>Fine walking day have put in the iron catwater on the middle bent of the bridge to day, and preparing to fit on the Beam and and remove the temporary side of the flame, so that the two waters join together</p>
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<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December. THURSDAY, 30. 1869.</span></h3>
<p>There has been a fall of snow during the night and will improve the roads a good deal</p>
<h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 31</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very mild day, and the little snow that fell, night before last is pretty much worn away There was very few teams in with wheat to day Had a Telegram from Mr Osborne of Galt that he would take the Barley stone & call at 8 bn</p>
</div>
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David Allan (1808-1895)
1867 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL, 1867.
{Printed page} CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 1867. BANK HOLIDAYS. TABLE
OF STAMP DUTIES. RATES OF POSTAGE
{Printed page with newspaper cutting} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1867.
TORONTO:
PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS,
MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
{Newspaper cutting - notice of Marriage}
{6 blank pages}
February. MONDAY, 11. 1867.
The weather is cold and windy to day but not so cold as yesterday which was
very bitter, the wind being so keen. Went out to the Rocks {caves at what is now
the quarry at the Reformatory} and drove all round and find a considerable
quantity of parts of piles of dry wood yet left, hardly any wheat in the market to
day
TUESDAY, 12.
Mild weather to day, but no increase of water yet but have plenty for 2 run. Saw
14 hogs weighed to day in the market fed by Griffeth of Eramosa, and after
deducting 2 lbs for each hog they amounted to 5780 lbs @ $5.50 = $317.90
WEDNESDAY, 13.
Mild weather to day, and raining hard during the whole of the forenoon and most
of the afternoon
FRIDAY, 15.
Very fine winter weather, Went down to Fishers Mills {2 km north-west of
Hespeler on Chilligo Creek} to day, Higinbotham & wife and Wm & Johny, Mrs A
and self, the sleighing was good considering the washing it got from the rain on
Wednesday they had plenty of water running over the dam there
�SATURDAY, 16.
This is a very rainey and stormy morning but cleared up by noon. There is a
great deal of water flowing over the apron to night, but think there is no need to
lift the gates as it is freezing now. Began to {blank} on the rafters for roof of Shed
at the furnace door of Distillery
February. MONDAY, 18. 1867.
This has been a fine mild day, and the snow melting away pritty fast on the
roads, a considerable quantity of water is flowing over the dam. Have resolved
to day to set up the Cronometer Steam Guage to test the little Boiler in the
distillery Have begun to put on the sheeting for the roof of the shed in front of the
furnace doors
TUESDAY, 19.
The New Woolen Factory to be built on the old Tannery lot (Jacksons) is to be 81
feet long & 34 feet wide & 2½ stories high, the lower 10 feet the next to be 9 feet
high
WEDNESDAY, 20.
Went down to Hamilton this morning & found that they had a greater fall of snow
than we had last night. This being the day of Meeting of the Corn Exchange, the
attendance was very poor, and sales made, the trade in general is very dull
February. THURSDAY, 21. 1867.
This is a cold day, and clear yet not very hard frost. It appears that the Wollen
factory contracts are taken the Mason work is to be completed for $1770.00 &
the Carpenter work for $1050.00
FRIDAY, 22.
This has been another coldish day. but quite clear. Some snow fell last night and
through the forenoon but all of it did not amount to much, nor make sleighing.
Have made preparations, by way of attaching the little Boiler to the old one, so as
to give it a fair trial tomorrow. We are also now grinding No
2 wheat into a 2d
quality of flour, it would have been much better had the wheat been dried on a
Kiln
SATURDAY, 23.
�I made a fair trial of the boiler this morning and after several hours hard firing got
the steam up to 12 lbs but when ever it was turned on to the still it went down at
once, and after working on till after 10 oclock could only run one charge and had
hard work to blow of that, we pulled out the fire and put it into the old furnace and
started it, and had the steam up in a very short time
February. MONDAY, 25. 1867.
This has been rather a coldish day, the wind sharp. Mrs Stewart of Montreal and
little Duncan left for home at 3 o,clock. Very few loads of wheat came into town to
day and some sold as high as $1.50
TUESDAY, 26.
Fine winter weather but hardly any sleighing on the main roads. There was a
good deal of wheat in town to day, but all very high, some loads commanding
$1.52 in silver and not unfrequent $1.50 in bills, poor fall wheat $1.71Pork heavy
from $5.30 to $5.40
WEDNESDAY, 27.
This has been a very fine day, I went down to Hespeler to enquire about square
timber and flour Barrels and agreed for 1000 from Kribs at 30 cents there at the
shop. He could not furnish the timber himself but have heard from since that a
party will deliver it rough hewn at $8.68 or counter hewed at $8.80 per 100 feet in
Guelph
February. THURSDAY, 28. 1867.
Cold to day by what it was yesterday and looked like rain in the afternoon. The
team brought up a load of Barrels from Hespeler, also a load from Evertown and
one from Kelly. This has been our Fast day in the Church {St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church at Suffolk and Norfolk streets} and was very well attended
both morning & evening.
March. FRIDAY, 1.
Very mild to day, team brot another load of Barrels from Waterloo But have set
about making a new large Rack to hold a hundred Bhls at least. Attended a
General Meeting of Directors of Insurance Company. Also set about taking out
the boiler put into the distillery on trial. It began to rain this evening and likely to
continue all night
WEDNESDAY, 6.
�This is our Monthly fair day and a considerable number of cattle came in and all
those that were fit sold quick. at much better prices than last fair day. I sold 4
steers for $160 in bills, at least $5 a head more than could have been got for
them last fair.
FRIDAY, 8.
Went down to Hamilton this morning by train to attend meeting of Steam Ship
Company. Much more snow had fallen there yesterday and during last night,
than in Guelph for I went up to town in a sleigh which could not have been done
in our town, the City seemd dull
SATURAY, 9.
Recd
a letter this morning from my Sister in Illinois
[Blank page}
FRIDAY, 15.
This has been a clear bracing day, blowing a cold wind from the N West. Got up
6 of the long pine beams from Morriston to day. In the afternoon I went down
there myself with another order for timber, which I have to pay $8 for deld
in town.
Little said that the large timber was far too cheap at $9. and that he would make
no more at less than $12.
SATURDAY, 16.
This is another cold blustering day freezing very hard, Wheat has taken quite a
start to day in price $1.45 yesterday & $1. 52 in bills to day & $1.55 in Silver. I Bot
1200 Bush from John Stewart at $1.45 Bills. Richard Greet Esqr died this
forenoon about 10 a m, from a very severe attack of Paralises, he had a light one
last year aged they say 52 years but I think he was more, came here 1835 & was
22 then. Robert Swan of Acton died also to day aged 63, he formerly was a
farmer on the Elora road Pilkington then a few years a flour & grain dealer in
Toronto & lately of Acton,
March. MONDAY, 18. 1867.
A considerable fall of snow yesterday and this morning from 3 to 4 inches, we
have hard frost. Mr Rutherford of Stratford came here & Paid in $5,000 on a/c of
flour and was desirous of purchasing another lot of flour, but did not feel
disposed to sell any more at present. One of the name of Todd has suddenly left
Seaforth having previously sold warehouse receipts to 4 or 5 different parties for
the same wheat. The Assizes began to day
�TUESDAY,19.
This is a fine clear day but froze very hard last night, the Mercury was down at
zero this morning at about 7. It appears to day that the Royal Canadian Bank
Branch at Stratford has a claim of $8,000 on Todd estate. I attended Greets
funeral & was one of the Paul Bearers, his Son Alexr
arrived from the States
while the Coffin was in the Church
WEDNESDAY, 20.
This is a fine day, but little wheat comming into Market & 1.62 paid for Spring
and $1.90 for Fall. Began to Grind over the middlings at noon to day.
March. THURSDAY, 21. 1867.
Went down to Toronto this morning, weather pleasant though looking like a
change. Bot of Geo. Michie & Co
1 Pun Scotch whisky 162 galls a cask 1.87½
$303.75. Made enquirey about flooring for Wm’s house and found corn seasoned
1½ inch $30 face measure and 1¼ at $24. It was very stormy in returning the
snow fell very fast and drifting heavy, but it was not dry but rather soft.
FRIDAY, 22.
This is a fear full morning a great deal of snow has fallen through the night and
still continues but is gradually fallen off. we have not had such a heavy fall as this
for years. The Meeting of the Elmira road Co. took place to day and 5 directors
when Nos
by ballot fell on Goldie, Massie, P. Winger, Thomson, & Gow, were
elected as the first directors of the Road. There was a very good attendance of
Stockholders. The Band of the 17th
Regt
came up from Toronto for the concert in
the Drill Shed about {blank} people were assembled to hear the Music which was
splendid (It was in aid of the Band fund of the 30th
Wellington Batallion. The Band
consisted of {blank} men .
SATURDAY, 23.
This is a splendid morning quite mild and if it continues the snow will soon go
away. The Band of the 17th
Regt
left by the 10 oclock train. Bot of H Fraser & Co
of Montreal 1 Pun Jamaica Rum, No
9 = 117 galls 334/10ths OP a 8/6d
per gall at
16, OP $228.73 2% off for cash $223.00. The strength was found to agree
correctly,
TUESDAY, 26.
�This has turned out to be a very fine day for this time of the year, so Mrs A and I
went up in the cutter to Fergus & with the exception of a few bare places in the
middle of the Road on this side of Blyths tavern the sleighing was very fair so that
the late snow must have fallen very generally to the north of us. It got pretty cold
on our way home.
WEDNESDAY, 27.
Singular enough this has turned out a course morning with occasional showers of
snow.
March. THURSDAY, 28. 1867.
This is a very pleasant day went down to Galt to attend the Induction of Revd
Muir as Minister of St
Andrews Church there. Mr Mc
Donell of Fergus preached
the Sermon, Mr Hogg addressed the Minister and Mr Thom the people, the
Presbytery were invited to dine with the Trustees &c. I went through Messrs
Goldie & McCulloughs works, which are now very extensive haveing the new
Shop for constructing woolen machinery in full operation. The price of wheat is
going up still more, and flour must rise again
FRIDAY, 29.
Very good weather busey getting the new Bran Duster taken on trial fitted up
SATURDAY, 30.
This has been a most charming winter day, but the snow is melting away fast
from the heat of the Sun. Got the Bran Duster started this forenoon. Then a
Telegram from Montreal this morning that the No
2 flour sent had been sold to
day on Cars at $8.00
April. MONDAY, 1. 1867.
This has been a very rough morning, snowing heavy and driving with the wind
quite thick at times but was all over and melted away by noon. The Duster
appears to blow out allong with the Bran a considerable lot of fine dust. Mr
Joseph Garrard Wright son of Mr Samuel Wright the Baker died here to day,
aged 36 years
TUESDAY, 2.
This has been a better day, but the roads are getting very bad. Ryan wants to
leave the stone cottage on Norfolk Street and Mr Joseph Hobson the Surveyor is
to have it, at $9 a month payable quarterly,
FRIDAY, 5.
�The River is rising fast and have ordered the Flood gates to be raised this
afternoon or tomorrow, the weather is very wet and slushey
SATURDAY, 6.
Mrs A & I went down to Hamilton to see Mrs Helen Stewart our Neice, who is
very ill, also to see Mrs Tawse who is there for a few days. The weather open
and mild, trade but moderate, and flour & wheat dear
April. MONDAY, 8. 1867.
Strong frost this morning, the gates are open, and the water has fallen very much
but as soon the day was advanced the water rose and the ground became quite
soft again
Wednesday, April 10, 1867
Birth Mrs George Palmer of a Son this day
FRIDAY, 12.
Dry weather. Have been working for some days thoroughly repairing the
sepparator
SATURDAY, 13.
The weather is very mild and dry and the roads dried in some parts and dusty.
The water is rising considerably.
April. MONDAY, 15. 1867.
This is a very wet day, there was no rain yesterday, yet in the morning befor
going to Church had to raise the Carding Mill gates to prevent a place in the dam
from cutting away untill I could stop it to day. Mr & Mrs Lambie of Detroit came off
here this afternoon on their way to England
TUESDAY, 16.
This has been a better day than yesterday and dry walking. Mr & Mrs Lambie
started at ½ past 3 this afternoon for the old country
SATURDAY, 20.
This has been a very fine day though somewhat colder than yesterday. Mr Boult
has got so far recovered as to go out today a little. Jas
Davidson has made a fair
beginning of the foundation of the Independant Church also Kennedy & Pike
�have made great progress in taking out the cellar for basement of the Mercury
Printing Office
April. MONDAY, 22.1867.
A considerable shower of snow came on during last night and continued the most
of the forenoon, but melting very fast on the road or where there is gravel. It is
freezing this evening
TUESDAY, 23.
This is a much drier morning & frosty, and began this day at noon to strip the
earth of in front of the Jarvis lot to make a road down and at the same time test
the quality of the stone, before fully opening out the quarry. This is St
Georges
day, dinner in Town Hall
WEDNESDAY, 24.
The roads were hard and dry this morning & there had been hardish frost during
the night, and this afternoon it is quite wet with snow & sleet,
FRIDAY, 26.
It blew very hard this evening
SATURDAY, 27.
This is a cold windy morning. and there has been rain during the night and frost
this morning. I notice the death of Jane relict {widow} of the late John Ewart Esqr
Toronto, in her 79 year, she died yesterday. Crester Johnston of the Plains
Puslinch died this morning
{Yesterday's diary entries repeated with newspaper cuttings pasted over.}
May. WEDNESDAY, 1.
This is our Spring fair day, and a considerable number of cattle, but the price was
not so good as last market day. The weather is cold and backward. Engaged
George Cole for a month on trial at $9.00 a month & Board
May. THURSDAY, 2. 1867.
John Goggan asked an advance of wages, and I agreed to give him $10 next
month.
�FRIDAY, 3.
This is a finer day than we have had for some time. I engaged John Gore and he
begins this morning to quarry stone in front of lot on the Waterloo Road so as to
open a road into my own ground, his wages $1.25 as wages and an allowance
for taking charge of the work of 25¢ extra per day. Went down to Toronto to day
to see that Mrs Campbell got her luggage that was left behind, and found that
flour had been sold freely at $8.50 for No
1 Spring
{Newspaper cuttings on page}
May. MONDAY, 6. 1867.
This was a wet morning yet the men began and worked
TUESDAY, 7.
This has been a dry day but cold
Wednesday, 8.
The Court of Chancery began its sittings to day the weather is coldish yet. I
attended the Presbytery to day, also meeting of Directors of Mutual Insurance Co
regarding aplication from Fraser for insurance on New Mill at Elora now nearly
ready
May. THURSDAY, 9. 1867.
This has been a very fine day and not so cold quite as for some days past. The
Court of Chancery had the Case of Ontario Bank and Hackins on hand all day
and left of at 6 and begin tomorrow,
FRIDAY, 10.
This has been a very fine day, the court is still sitting, went out to the Rocks this
afternoon and also down at the Quarry on the Waterloo road which is turning out
very blocks of stone,
SATURDAY, 11.
I went down this morning to Hamilton, and found business but moderate the
extream prices are hardly obtained here. In returning fell in with Mr Ross of
Whitehead & Ross who is to stay over till Monday
May. MONDAY, 13. 1867.
�This morning a somewhat wet & cold but faired up during the forenoon and drove
Mr Ross up to Goldies Mills. I agreed to advance the wages of William Taylor
(now 2d mashman ) to $16 per month to begin after the present month is out.
WEDNESDAY, 15.
Died. At St
. Fort Cottage Brantford Captn
Jas
A Stewart in his 28th year.
Son-in-law of Captn
Vale
May. THURSDAY, 16. 1867.
This was a fine morning though a little cold. John & I went up to Berlin and also
to Waterloo and examined the piggeries there belonging to G Randall formerly
Hespeler & Randall which the latter bought out this Spring, and Hespeller sailed
for Europe this present week, they are now distilling 65 Busels. I did not think
their pig styes fit for feeding in cold weather
FRIDAY, 17.
This has been a very fine day. My old aquaintance James Beachall. Contractor of
Toronto died there to day aged 57.
SATURDAY, 18.
It was cold this morning for this season of the year but was pleasant through the
day but windy. There has been a good deal of Wheat sold in town to day. I
agreed with Robert Ward to continue for a year at $15.00 per month to begin
when his present month ends. Mr John Ross our old townsman was here to day
May. MONDAY, 20. 1867.
This is a very pleasant day but dry weather, there was a little fine rain yesterday
evening, but nothing to speak of. Robertson the Millowner of Fergus left here this
afternoon for the old country & the worlds fair.
TUESDAY, 21.
This has been a cool forenoon, and the middle part of the day was very windy &
dust flying at a great rate, when on came the rain about 3 oclock and continued
till after 7 p m and cold. I have been trying to hunt up all the evedence I can in
the Mc
Antee case, & intend going to Toronto in the morning to see Mr Mc
Michael
about it,
WEDNESDAY, 22.
�This was a tolerably fine morning but not at all warm. I went down to Toronto to
see Mr Fitzgerald about the Mc
Antee case, the train was late in getting in to the
City and not being able to find Mr F. when I first called, and after he came the
consultation continued till after the train had left, and made up mind to stay all
night
May. THURSDAY, 23. 1867.
This was another coldish morning for this time of the year, and a shower of rain
came before we got to Georgetown, when it got fair, we were detained here for
about an hour, on account of a great smash up just at the Station of no less than
5 cars being smashed to peices and the flour & Pork barrels, strewed on the
road, the locomotive and one car became detached from the rest and run on for
over a ¼ of a mile ere the could stop it although the car was draged with only one
axel and a pair of wheels, and one would have thought from the manner in which
the ties were cut up that such of itself would have stopped it, we got round the
wreck by the track at the back of the Station house. Had a meeting in the Church
& decided to build the Gallery
FRIDAY, 24.
This had the appearance of being a very fine day for Celebrating the Birth day of
our Gracious Queen and turned out to be so for the earlier part of the day, but a
storm of wind rain & thunder broke up the sports for the afternoon but in the
evening it became fair, and a large number of people gathered together to
witness the setting off of the fireworks
SATURDAY, 25.
This morning was fair but about ½ past 10 it began to rain and continued
showrey for the most of the afternoon. Mr Alexander & I bargined with S. Boult to
put up the Gallery & make front door open out for the sum of $500.00, and have
it finished by the 26th
of July,
May. MONDAY, 27. 1867.
This is a fine morning, but the planks on the sidewalk was covered with frost at ½
past 6 but the day continued throughout dry and fine. I began to day to put up the
large two chamber still in the corner of the distillery & Rectifying house so as to fit
all the hoops, manholes pipes valves &c and cause as little delay as possible in
putting it in its proper position, and will do the mash tun in the same manner
shortly. I wrote to Dr Fairbairn at Hamilton this evening inviting him to pay us a
visit, with his wife. I sent our cow this morning to Stone's Hereford Bull {Frederick
William Stone after whom Stone Road is named}
�{A mash tun is a vessel used in the mashing process to convert the starches in
crushed grains into sugars for fermentation.}
TUESDAY, 28.
This morning is dark and gloomy and began to rain about 9 o clock a. m. Our
Clerk Alexr
Mc
Kenzie left for New York on a visit this morning
WEDNESDAY, 29.
This has been a dry day
May. THURSDAY, 30. 1867.
This morning looks dull and somewhat like rain. the stonecutter began this
morning the wages to be $2.25 per day.
FRIDAY, 31.
This is a very fine morning, and all through the day has been fine and warm. Mr
Boulby from Berlin was here and have signed the various papers appointing the
18th
June for the Arbitration of Unger vs Wilhelm
{Newspaper cutting}
Saturday, 1.
This is the finest morning we have had
June. MONDAY, 3. 1867.
This has been another wet day, of & on short showers, it rained the most of
yesterday forenoon. Mrs W Allan Junr
& 2 children & Mrs Hogg started for
Montreal this morning, some heavy showers fell late in the afternoon
{Newspaper cuttings}
TUESDAY, 4.
This is a very fine morning, and has the appearance of settled weather, finished
my letter to my Sister this morning, Mr John A Wood & wife, also David Dickson
started for the Old country this morning
�[2 blank pages}
SATURDAY, 15.
The weather is now very warm & almost too much so to work out of doors. I will
have to begin at once to put up the scaffold for the masons to finish the granary. I
cannot get Davidson this year to superintend the men. Dobie is a very good
workman & may get him he has just finished the new woolen works House for
Mc
Crea & Co
which is the day agreed on after that a penalty of $10 per day,
Kennedy & Pike have also completed the Mercury Office to day
TUESDAY, 18.
This is a very fine morning, and hurrying on other work to enable me to be in
attendance at Martins Office before 10 Oclock to begin the Arbitration between,
Christian Yuger Plaintiff Anthony Wilhelm and Valentine Guilder defendants. My
old friend Kenneth Robertson of Galt died there to day aged 67 years
WEDNESDAY, 19.
This is another fine morning, begin the Arbitration at 9.30
June. THURSDAY, 20, 1867.
This is another very dry morning. Could not get away to attend Kenneth
Robertson's funeral to day
June. MONDAY, 24. 1867.
This is another very warm day, Maggie & her Husband are about to travel to
Rochester &c. and start this afternoon
TUESDAY, 25.
Warm and dry weather. Miss Helen Hewatt left for Scotland to day
WEDNESDAY, 26.
This morning opened dark & gloomy and the long expected rain began to fall at
10 Oclock and continued till 1 P.M. with little intermission
June. THURSDAY, 27. 1867.
This has been a warm and sultry day, with little or no rain. F. W. Stone left here
�to day on his way to England
FRIDAY, 28.
This has been a very fine day, Mr Jas
Massie {James Massie, prominent Guelph
merchant} & Mrs Robt
Armstrong (widow) left this morning for New York & Mrs A
{likely David Allan’s wife, Christina} on her way to San Fransisco, & my daughter
Mrs Higinbotham {Margaret Jane (Maggie) Allan who was married to Nathaniel
Higinbotham} will meet them beyond Rochester & accompany them to N. York. I
signed my award to day as arbitrator in favour of Defendants, and charged for my
fees $40. William left this morning for Montreal to join his wife & children. A large
party came up from Hamilton in a special car to assist or witness the breaking
ground of the {blank}
July. MONDAY, 1. 1867.
This is a very fine morning, I went up to the Drill Shed to see the Riffle and
Artillary Companies go through their evolutions, and marched out into the Square
and fired 3 rounds and three cheers for the Queen, the day was spent in great
quietness a Meeting of Ministers in the Town Hall where Prayers were said and
addresses, and "God save the Queen Sung “, in the Evening the Town Hall was
beautifully illuminated
TUESDAY, 2.
This has been another warm day. A Bill of Exchange was presented from
Chicago for 8,000 Bushels of Corn. Recd
a letter to night from William dated
Montreal the 1st
July. THURSDAY, 4. 1867.
This is a wet morning to all appearance but about 9 a.m. it faired up, I had to go
down to Toronto for some one to put in the new apperatus in the distillery and
cannot get my licence untill that is finished I am therefor prevented from mashing,
I am to get Booth on Monday. This is the Horticultural show day.
FRIDAY, 5.
We had a fine shower this morning, and cool at times and then very sultry, the
men are busey lathing Williams house and Stephens building in the grate, I also
began to build up the front of the granery, John Armstrong the miller arrived this
afternoon from Scotland, he was only a month there
�SATURDAY, 6.
Heavy rain this morning from 6 to 8, and dried up afterwards, going on with
building of granary
July. MONDAY, 8. 1867.
Fine morning. Mr Davis the detective came up this morning and the younger Mr
Booth the copper smith and plumer, came up with him as I had arranged when
down, he at once instructed him as to how it was to be done
July. THURSDAY, 11. 1867.
This is another fine day and Mr Booth had just got done last night, when it was
found that one of the points had cracked which he had to stop to repair, and left
in the afternoon for Waterloo
SATURDAY, 13.
This has been a splended day warm & with cooling breeses at times, have got on
very well with the granary. Mrs Higinbotham came home this afternoon from New
York.
July. MONDAY, 15. 1867.
This is a fine morning though a little cloudy. Peter Idington here to see about the
mowing of his lot & Mr Tawse. It began to rain about ½ past one, and some fine
heavy showers fell during the afternoon
TUESDAY, 16.
This is a fine morning. Began this afternoon to take of the roof of the granary on
the N East side.
WEDNESDAY, 17.
This is another fine morning. The Masons are not working to me to day, they are
all at Barclays. The stone cutters are working. The carpenters are removing the
roof all over. The large worm was leaking to day & had to stop untill it was
wraped up at about 12 noon. The inside diameter of it is 6 feet 1 inch and the
upper round or bend is 5 inches in diameter
July. THURSDAY, 18. 1867.
�Fine morning but very warm. Mrs A & I went out to Nassagaweya to Cargills Saw
Mill, Willie & Davie {likely the grandchildren of David Allan, the children of
Nathaniel Higinbotham and his wife Margaret Jane (Maggie), nee Allan} with us.
A Mc
Kenzie for office use to cheque $100.00.
A Mc
Kenzie silver $200.00
FRIDAY, 19.
This is a very fine morning, and likely to be fine weather for the Hay
SATURDAY, 20.
This has been a splended day for getting in the Hay and the crop has turned out
very fair. The great meeting for hearing the sentiments of those comming forward
as candidates to represent the South & {blank} Ridings of our County. am now
trying to get a person to run the Engine for some time as the water is getting very
scarce
July. MONDAY, 22. 1867.
Fine dry morning, the appearance of rain yesterday has gone off
Ordered from Gowdy.
65 joists 8 X 3
65 joists 8 X 2½
130 all 15 feet long
50 peices 10 X 3.
50 peices of any breadth above 10 inches & 3 inches thick
20 peices 6 x 6 all 12 feet long
wrote to William this morning.
TUESDAY, 23.
This is a very hot day. I again wrote to William and am preparing to leave for
Toronto by the evening train. The Masons have begun to day the foundation of
Mr John Hoggs corner store. of which the Branch of the Bank of Commerce is to
have a portion
FRIDAY, 26.
I engaged {blank} Riddel to drive the Steam Engine 15 hours a day, and his
wages to be Twenty 1¼ dollars a day month and board, and when there is no
need for the Engine, and he is to do any other jobing work out or in doors, the
�wages to be twenty dollars a month & Board, he is to begin work on Monday first
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until August. SATURDAY 3.
1867}
SATURDAY, 3.
The weather is extreamly dry and warm have been working the Engine since
{blank} but have often to stop her creating a great delay and loss of wood
{Yesterday's diary entry repeated with a newspaper cutting pasted over.}
August. MONDAY, 5. 1867.
This is a warm and close morning. Ingles sent down a man to put the Engine in
line
TUESDAY, 6.
This has been a warm forenoon and very dry, but this afternoon we were visited
by a thunder storm and two very heavy showers of rain, which gave us a good
deal of trouble owing to the grannery being without a roof, the water ran down
through the different floors and wetting some fall wheat in the lower stor flat. We
got the Engine started again this evening and seems to work some easier but
heats yet
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until August. THURSDAY 29.
1867}
August. THURSDAY, 29. 1867.
The weather is getting a little changeable a little rain now & then but nothing to
effect the river which is very low. The steam Engine going every day
FRIDAY, 30.
Quite cold this morning, & had to have a fire in the room at breakfast, but the day
turned out fine after all. I went up to Chipchases for 3 loads of light coloured sand
for pointing the walls of new building, & we are now prepared to put up the rafters
SATURDAY, 31.
�The weather was cold this morning again, but the forenoon was fine, attended at
the Masters Chambers (Mr Hall) to answer as to whether Boulby had any
conversation with me previous to signing my award in the case of Unger &
Wilhelm & Guildner. Mr Hancock of Toronto attended on behalf of Plaintiff. Mr
Mc
Klennan was sworn as to what became of my written instructions to him for
making out the award and as to the words contained in it, and if it ordered the
plaintiff to pay all the costs of the suit, Arbitration, & the Award, he said that my
instruction after the award was signed was destroyed. but was fully ordered to
pay all costs, Mr Mc
Coig, as witness swore that he came in to Mc
Lennans office
& heard Boulby say to me that I had not mentioned costs of Arbitration. but that
failed in its worth to disturb the award. It rains close this afternoon. Masons stopt
work
TUESDAY, 3.
This was a very fine day. Went down this evening to Toronto to hurry on the
acending worm
WEDNESDAY, 4.
Returned from Toronto this afternoon
FRIDAY, 6.
The Elections for South Wellington begins to day. The news this evening is not
so good, we appear to be far behind in Puslinch
SATURDAY, 7.
We go on with the Election again to day. The worm has arrived and brought
home
September. MONDAY, 9. 1867.
This morning opened fine after a very light shower had fallen during the night.
The forenoon was clear but the afternoon became cloudy and heavey showers
fell that drove the men from their work. The carpenters were fitting and securing
the rafters of the grannery. The towers are nearly finished. The mason work of
the building is about done, they have been pointing these two days.
WEDNESDAY, 11.
Fine weather all day. Got great alarm from fire in Armstrong Mc
Crea & Co
Factory taking fire about the Picker room, & flames broke through the roof but
was greatly retarded by the mortar below the shingles
�September. THURSDAY, 12. 1867.
This morning opened fine, and heard that we had another fire during the night or
early this morning. viz. Dyson’s waggon shop, a frame, lath & plaster walls,
nothing was saved, and no Insurance whatever on it. Met as directors to enquire
into cause of the fire in Armstrong, Mc
Crea's woolen mill &c, but defered till
tomorrow, damage laid at $2,000. had a light shower this afternoon, got done
with most all but one stone cutter. getting on well with the roof of granary, and
slating begun
FRIDAY, 13.
This has been a broken day, for rain fell both forenoon and afternoon. Had a
meeting of Directors to see if we could agree about a sum for loss & let him go
on with his work, & resolved that it be refered to full board on Friday 20th next.
September. MONDAY, 16. 1867.
This is a dullish morning. The rain began to fall about 9 oclock and the masons
had to quit work. We have no mashing to day in the Distillery but only running of
the beer preparatory for repairs,
TUESDAY, 17.
This morning opened fine, but became very sultry and warm and clear, and the
rain kept off. This is the day of our Horticultural Exhibition. Mr Flemming, Mr
Gray, & Mr {blank} from Toronto are here as Judges..
I am Vice President this
year.
WEDNESDAY, 18.
Rather cloudy to day and warm with considerable appearance of rain, but none
fell, I am getting on well with the roofing and slating. Have begun to day to take
the old mash tun to peices and is as rotten as muck
September. THURSDAY, 19. 1867.
Fine morning, Mr Tawse started by this mornings train for Stratford. Have been
taking sundry {illegible} the old stills after being in about {blank} years the oldest
is the upper one and is remarkably sound & could have run for several years yet,
were it not for the pipes passing through burning the staves
�FRIDAY, 20.
Very fine day, had a general meeting of Directors of the Wellington Mutual
Assurance Co
to day to consider the claims for loss by fire in Armstrong Mc
Crea
& Co
woolen works, and other matters. Had family dinner to day Mr Tawse came,
but I was absent at meeting of directors
SATURDAY, 21.
This seems to turn out a fine day. All the old beams are &c that can well be
removed are now out, and are now digging for proper foundations for new posts
for the new mash tun and the still & doubler, and have them so disconected that
at a future period beams & joists can be put in without disturbing them. Local
directors met and settled the waterworks claim for $2,015.00
September. MONDAY, 23. 1867.
Fine morning and very dry, the water in the dam appears hardly to have risen
any thing since Saturday when we shut down
TUESDAY, 24.
The weather quite dry yet, are now building the stone foundation for the new
chamber still
WEDNESDAY, 25.
Fine morning but dry, and have begun to take down and fit up the staves of the
new still. And fitting up the posts and beams for, the Mash tun
September. THURSDAY, 26. 1867.
This is another dry morning. I went down by train to Galt purchase a pump log
rimer 3½ in diam & bought also one of 2¼ inch. H.H. Date the tool maker has out
all his tilt hammars & refixing their foundations some 6 feet deep under ground &
overhauling shafting drums &c
FRIDAY, 27.
This is another fine day, and the masons are about a close with the pointing of
the building and the masons taking home their tools. Hard at work driving on the
hoops on still
SATURDAY, 28.
�Another dry and warm day & a great deal of wheat bought in to day also. place to
day got the new mash tub put in its place to day, and the shaft and rake put in.
On examination to day found that the new Gallery in Church is to high in front &
too low at back & have stopt the work, & propose to lower front & raise the back
18 inches
{Yesterday's diary entries repeated with a newspaper cutting pasted over.}
September. MONDAY, 30. 1867.
Still very dry weather. We raised the large worm tub to day fully 18 inches
October. TUESDAY, 1.
This another dry day, and hear that there has been a great fire in Galt which
began at 1.40 this morning & have not learned the number of houses burnt nor
the exact amt. And hear also that Buchanan, Hope & Co
has failed. I leave this
evening at 7 for Toronto
WEDNESDAY, 2.
In Toronto last night and to day sketched out the form of the coppar pipes
required. And also bought some iron ones. John Cameron Esqr late of the
Commercial Bank at Toronto died yesterday morning, aged 57.
FRIDAY, 4.
Warm dry weather
SATURDAY, 5.
There was a good deal of rain fell during the night, & the water got in through the
unfinished portion of the roof between the two Mills but got it all secured during
the day. Some coppar pipes came up by Express from Toronto to night, but find
they are not right and will return them on Monday
October. MONDAY, 7. 1867.
Yesterday was fine weather but cold from what we have had for some time back.
Weather to day is dry but the frost was on the ground this last morning. We have
got the doubler &c in its place, pipes in inside of still set, and going to work till 9
oclock to night to hurry on better. The rain on Saturday night must have been
very considerable up the country, as we have had ample water for two run at a
good rate all day
�TUESDAY, 8.
This has been a fine day, but the water has not been so abundant as yesterday,
that we could only run one pair of stones. My Sister Mrs Cuningham came this
afternoon
WEDNESDAY, 9.
This has been rather a heavy and dull day and began to rain after 2 Oclock but
not heavy still pushing on with the distillery but it takes much longer time than I
expected
October. THURSDAY, 10. 1867.
This has been a wet day yet no great quantity of rain fell here, yet it may improve
the water in the river, we could only drive one run by water and two by steam.
The various pipes in the distillery consumes a great deal of time in screwing &
fitting them. Mr Morrison brought up The new horse arrived from near Montreal
FRIDAY, 11.
The weather is moist and roads getting very muddy
SATURDAY, 12.
This has been a drizzling rainey day, but has not as yet given us a supply of
water, but from appearances to night there is every likelihood of there plenty on
Monday morning. Have got well on with the pipes of the distillery this week. Mr
Morrison left this afternoon for Toronto going home
October. MONDAY, 14. 1867.
Rather a raw day but yet no rain. Went up to day Hodgert and Smiths oil Refinery
to see Parafin or the refuse of the Coal oil applied firing up the furnace of the
Engine, and saw myself that with only 1 jet of oil burning it produced sufficient
flame to raise the Steam from 40° to 60° in four minutes
TUESDAY, 15.
This has been a very fine day, and looks as if it were the begining of the Indian
Summer. The rain has not as yet produced any lasting benifits for we had to
down the water mill about 6, Oclock and continued Steam till about 9.
October, THURSDAY, 17. 1867.
�Fine weather and the water is holding out better than could be expected
considering this dry weather, bought a large new fine horse to day for the Farm
FRIDAY, 18.
This has been a very fine day, and have got the highest slop cistern nearly
lowered to its proper place and have got the steam pipe fixed into the lower
chamber of New Still and the hop tub attached to it again. Traded away the horse
“Barney” for a larger one to mate the one bt
yesterday
{Yesterday's diary entries repeated with a newspaper cutting pasted over.}
{Blank page}
FRIDAY, October 25, 1867
Fine weather this morning, the Court of Chancery began its Sittings here to day
about 11 Oclock – {Vancounaught} Preciding. I have a case and have been in
attendance, but the one that is now on will take all day. Have not made so much
progress with the distillery to day being much in want of pipes from Toronto.
great excitement yet about the Commercial Bank
SATURDAY, 26.
This is another fine day. No pipes from Toronto yet. The case begun in Court this
morning lasted to night
{Printed Funeral Notice}
{2 pages of yesterday's diary entries repeated with newspaper cuttings pasted
over.}
October. MONDAY, 28. 1867.
This has been rather a dull day, and has some signs of rain. The pipes came up
this morning from Toronto & hope to get them on by tomorrow evening.
Chancellor Mowat opened the Court & This afternoon Eldridge made proposals
to settle the suit I had against him I tried to get $350.00 but he would only agree
to give $300.00 & pay his own costs, so I accepted the offer payable in 3 years in
equal annual Installments with Interest at the rate of 8 per cent per annum on
each payment
TUESDAY, 29.
�Fine weather still continuing, have got a man that was jobbing here for harding of
Toronto to connect the pipes for the receivers Doubler &c, to day he began at 8
and finished at 5 Oclock P.M.
WEDNESDAY, 30.
Another charming day, Wm Wife & Son went to Toronto this morning, the day
was very fine they returned in the evening with Miss Morrison
October. THURSDAY, 31. 1867.
This is a fine day, the masons are building a brick chimney for Nat instead of the
stone one which was very defective in the construction of the flues. Mr Robt
Wallace got married to Miss Abby Higinbotham at noon to day
November. FRIDAY, 1.
This is a dry and very dusty day the wind blowing a strong westerly breese, went
out to the farm at noon where they are taking up the turnips & producing a very
good crop even considering the long continued drought this season, water all
over is extreamly scarse, the Grand River at Elora is very low. The Thames at
London & at Stratford was never known to be so low. We got the Distillery started
this afternoon and offers well, the Mash can be cooled off in half the time that it
formerly could be done in with copper sides only in the Mash tun. The bottom
lining is a great improvement, made new agreement with John Stewart to buy
grain
SATURDAY, 2.
This is another windy day, and the fire is now running on both sides of the
Railway, it began yesterday in Robt
White's swamp & also beyond the Shanties
and through into my swamp. Burning a good many pannels of rails there & at
Whites also
November. MONDAY, 4. 1867.
This has been a cold raw day after the rain that fell yesterday and during last
night, which was very stormy, one or two slight showers of snow fell during the
afternoon but what fell after dark is laying on the ground. The water in the Dam is
not much improved by the rain as yet. Carpenters repairing the feeding Byres,
stakes, floors &c which were much worn and broken through. My Sister took ill
during the night with a pleurosy in her right breast
TUESDAY, 5.
�Cold this morning the snow laying on the side walks, but melted away during the
day. The water has improved to day and we have 2 pair of stones going by
water. Robertson & Sons has a boiler plate reservoir made and all the cocks
burners retort &c fitted up and goes off with Mr John Mc
Crea to England
tomorrow, where he is to take out a Patent to protect their Invention for using
Coal Oil as Fuel for Steam Engines. They will then push on mine to completion.
My sister Mrs Cuningham is a little easier to day, after having applied a large
mustard blister & then called the Doctor
WEDNESDAY, 6.
This morning looked very wintry like with a general covering of snow on the
ground but as the day advanced it melted away and became sloppy. This being
the Fair day a great many people were in town & a number of cattle and horses.
John Mc
Crea Esqr left here this morning by G. Trunk for Quebec, thence to
London to take out a Patent for the Oil Burner
{Handwritten note} Grinding Middlings. It is best to grind them on a stone by
themselves then bolt them also by themselves and run the flour into the cooler by
that means you avoid any risk of the specks of their offal getting into the best
flour. That system of grinding high for the first grinding, and taking out a first
quality of flour and after that to grind the rest lower and make another quality, is
now found not to be so profitable as it makes too much of the 2d sort which the
extra price on the best will not make up. 16th Jany
1867
November. MONDAY, 11. 1867
This has been a cold day and some frost in the morning, the Grand Trunk men
are still busey putting up the iron Girders of the Bridge instead of the Wooden
ones
TUESDAY, 12.
This is been another cold day. Wind northerly and blowing strong, freezing
almost all day N Higinbotham went up to Alma with his father and returned in the
evening, little Willie was with him, I am carting the masons chips on in front of the
cattle byres instead of the wooden platform. The air valve in the distillery was
turned back over by the force of the air, and put on the coppar one to give more
vent. Still lining at the granary walls. The windows are not ready to put in yet.
WEDNESDAY, 13.
This also is a somewhat cold day. My Daughter Mrs Higenbotham gave birth to a
daughter this morning about ½ past 7 a .m. and I having previously arranged to
get the chimney or rather the grate built in in their parlour it was done as quietly
�as possible to their great satisfaction
{Mathematical calculation}
FRIDAY, 15.
Frosty and windy this morning. The coal oil Burner again going this forenoon, Wm
Barbour & a brother came up from Georgetown this morning to see it, having
heard in Toronto yesterday that it was going. James Cuningham arrived by the
Grand Trunk this morning around 3 a. m
SATURDAY, 16.
The wind is very strong and cold this morning and about as dusty as yesterday,
The coal oil heating apperatus went very well this forenoon for a while but it was
ultimately found that the pipe for supplying the steam was too small and it was
therefor taken out for enlargement. The men got up the last of the iron beams of
the Bridge this afternoon that is intended to be put up this season
November. MONDAY, 18. 1867.
Pritty hard frost this morning ice all over the dam, and the water not running over,
yet we are driving 2 run of stones, but no steam this day, received Bill of Lading
of corn having been shipped from Chicago. Went through Goldies Mill this
afternoon they say that they will be able to start to grind in about a week, the
masons are building at the large fireplaces that is 2 double ones for the cooper
shop, the men are on the roof shingling it to day & a cold berth they have. I told
the carpenters and outdoor labourers to drop work at 5 p.m
TUESDAY, 19.
This has been another cold day, with strong wind but still dry and dusty, a good
deal of wheat comming in to Market, and the price declining. We have been
running the Engine to day and continued grinding untill 9 pm. but had great
difficulty in keeping up the supply of water the pump not going fast enough, as
the Boiler takes more water on account of a larger steam pipe having been fitted
into the dome so as to supply the burners with as dry steam as can be got.
WEDNESDAY, 20.
This is a milder morning, but very dry and dusty, we increased the driving pully of
the Pump 3 inches in diameter which now gives plenty of water, but does not
enter hot enough into the Boiler, and have this day ordered an additional Heater
to be attached having a coil of pipe for the water to pass through before entering
the Boiler. We are also at Work in the distillery to night putting in a new and much
larger low wine tub holding about 151 gallon's
�November. THURSDAY, 21. 1867.
Went down to Morriston to day in search of a Cooper but did not succeed.
FRIDAY, 22.
This has been a mild day and very like rain and if any thing foggey, went up to
Berlin and then to Waterloo to seek a cooper but found none, was in Randall's
Distillery, and saw the enlargement he has made in his Premises, which is only a
lean too at the end & Back of the former building and four more fermenting tuns
in it. The Engine of Snyder's Mill makes only {blank} revolutions a minute, and
burns 2 cords of wood at least from 6 a.m to 7 pm and it was driving 1 run of 4½
feet stones and 2 run of the very small stones for sheeling the wheat for the
Haxal flour, and another pair driven by the water wheel,
SATURDAY, 23.
Some more fogg this morning but went of during the forenoon, the Engine has
been going a part of the forenoon untill the oil on hand was exausted & some
crude oil was brought on, but was deemd too watery to attempt it with such
burners as we have been using, and the pipes were taken up to be altered. The
water in the river is very low that in the afternoon we had to stop the Mill Wheel to
enable the distillery One to finish the Mash and pump enough water to supply the
Boiler, No appearance of rain yet, and great scarsity of water in many parts of
this country, & the States where Locomotives are employed to carry it into the
interior. Peter Idington & wife here to day. We are discharging Corn from cars to
day
November. THURSDAY, 28. 1867.
I went down to Hamilton accompanied by James Cuningham, and shewed him
the Rolling Mills in full operation, The trade is not at all brisk. The weather was
somewhat cold but still pleasant
FRIDAY, 29.
This is rather an unexpected change in the weather has been rain through the
night and still continuing which puts a stop to hauling down the Corn from the
Station
SATURDAY, 30.
Some snow to day, and the ground hard frozen. Meeting of Directors of Mutual
Insurance Co.
to close the year's accounts
�December. MONDAY, 2. 1867.
Snow on the ground, but have only seen one cutter running to day, but no
sleighing. The Annual Meeting for the Election of new Directors for the Mutual Ins
Co
, the old ones were reelected with the exception of Fraser of Elora in place of
Webster who is unable to attend. We finished the Corn this afternoon
TUESDAY, 3.
This has been very fair weather, and Jas
Cuningham and I went down to Toronto
and went through Gooderham's Distillery
WEDNESDAY, 4.
This has been a moderate Winter day. My Sister and her Son James Cuningham
left here at about 11 oclock this forenoon (the train being late) for home
FRIDAY, 6.
This has been a cold blustering day. We again started the Steam Engine to Grind
and pack up what was in the binn. The snow is almost blown away, I set about
building a cow byre at the Wallace cottage for I Stewart
SATURDAY, 7.
This is of anything a calmer morning than yesterday was, but last night it blew a
fearfull gale and appears to have taken the roofs of several Barn's stables,
sheds, &c. Showers of snow came frequent during the day but the wind was too
strong for it to lay. We got the flagg staff in its place this forenoon and bought a
peice of new ¾ inch rope to hoist it up with. The Engine has been going to day
also
{Blank page}
SATURDAY, 14.
This has been a sharp morning, yet through the forenoon it was clear fine winter
weather. The Alma block took fire about 4 Oclock this afternoon, it originated in
shop occupied by Wm
Mullholand Ironmonger, in the room below the stairs where
the boy trimed and lighted the lamps, and from there communicated with Jas
Massie's Shop, by a back shop, to the main portion containing his large stock of
groceries, about $22,000 worth of which were saved.
�TUESDAY, 17.
The frost was sharp this morning. Went down to Waterloo in quest of a cooper
WEDNESDAY, 18.
Very cold morning 10 below zero at 8 oclock
December. THURSDAY, 19. 1867.
This is a another sharp morning
FRIDAY, 20.
This has been a more moderate day and some snow had fallen during the night.
We had to saw wood again this morning as the water is so light that we cannot
saw long at a time. Harrison the old distiller called here this evening having been
at the Gold diggings & made very little
WEDNESDAY, 25.
This has been a very rainey and unpleasant day, and no chance for sleigh riding
parties as the whole of the snow (though not much) is now being washed away
{Blank page}
December. MONDAY, 30. 1867.
This was a pleasant morning, but no snow drove out to the Station in the Buggy,
To go to Hawitt Trade, but moderately brisk, the accounts from New York about
so many large failurers among the largest Merchants, causes some anxiety.
Went down to the Wharf to examine some Indian Corn on board of a vessel and
which had got damaged by water so that it heated very much but it was not all
landed nor the value of it computed by the Insurance Co
. Heard that this is the
day in England for the meeting of J. Buchanans Creditors, and the desision they
may come to will sent by Telegraph.
{Newspaper cutting pasted in - notice of marriage}
{2 Newspaper cuttings - 'The Bread Question' and 'Facts about California wheat
and flour'}
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists”
page under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
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David Allan Diary Collection
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19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
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David Allan
Source
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Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
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1862-1877
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19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
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David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
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David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
Date Created
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1867
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David Allan Diary Collection
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Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
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David Allan
Source
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Courtesy of Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
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19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township
UG
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<p>February. Monday, 11. 1867.</p>
<p>The weather is cold and windy to day but not so cold as yesterday which was very bitter, the wind being so Keen Went out to the Rocks and drove all round and find a considerable quantity of parts of piles of dry wood yet left, hardly any wheat in the market to day</p>
<p>Tuesday, 12.</p>
<p>Mild weather to day, but no increase of water yet but have plenty for 2 run Saw 14 hogs weighed to day in the market fed by Griffeth {could be Griffith} of Eramosa, and after deducting 2 ibs for each hog they amounted to 5780 Ibs at $5,50 = $317,,90</p>
<p>Wednesday, 13.</p>
<p>Mild weather to day, and raining hard during the whole of the foremoon and most of the afternoon</p>
<p>February. Thursday, 14. 1867.</p>
<p>Friday, 15.</p>
<p>Very fine winter weather, Went down to Fishers Mills to day, Higinbotham's wife and Mrs {illegible} and Mrs {illegible}, the sleighing was good considering the washing it got from the rain on Wednesday they had plenty of water running over the dam there</p>
<p>Saturday, 16.</p>
<p>This is a very rainey and stormy morning but cleared up by noon</p>
<p>There is a great clear of water flowing over the apron to night, but think there is no need to lift the gates as it is freezing now. Began to on the rafters for roof of Shed at the furnance door of Distillery</p>
<p>February. Monday, 18. 1867.</p>
<p>This has been a fine mild day, and the snow melting away pretty fast on the roads, a considerable quantitty of water is flowing over the dam. Have resolved to day to set up the Cronometer Steam Guage to test the little Boiler in the distillery Have begun to put on the sheeting for the roof of the shed in front of the furnance doors</p>
<p>Tuesday, 19.</p>
<p>The New Woolen Factory to be built on the old Tanner lot (Jacksons) is to be 81 feet long & 34 feet wide & 2 1/2 stories high, the lower 10 feet the next to be 9 feet high</p>
<p>Wednesday, 20.</p>
<p>Went down to Hamilton this morning & found that they had a greater fall of snow than we had last night This being the day of meeting of the Corn Exchange, the attendance was very poor, and sales made, the trade in general is very dull</p>
<p>February. Thursday, 21. 1867.</p>
<p>This is a cold day, and clear yet not very hard frost It appears that the Wollen factory contracts are taken The Mason work is to be completed for $1770,,00 & the Carpenter work for $1050,,00</p>
<p>Friday, 22.</p>
<p>This has been another coldish day, but quite clear Some snow fell last night and through the forenoon but all of it did not amount to much. nor make sleighing, Have made preparations, by way of attaching the little Boiler to the old one, so as to give it a fair trial tomorrow We are also now grinding No 2 wheat with a 2d {illegible} quality of flour, it would have been much better had the wheat been dried on a Kiln</p>
<p>Saturday, 23.</p>
<p>I made a fair trial of the boilder this morning and after several hours hard firing got the steam up to 12 Ibs but when ever it was turned on to the Still it went down at once, and after working on tile after 10 oclock could only run one charge and had hard work to blow of that, we pulled out the fire and put it into the old furnance and started it, and had the steam up in a very short time</p>
<p>February. Monday, 25. 1867.</p>
<p>This has been rather a coldish day, the wind sharp Mrs. Stewart of Montreal and little Duncan left for home at 3 o,clock Very few loads of wheat came into town to day and some sold as high as $1.50</p>
<p>Tuesday, 26.</p>
<p>Fine winter weather but hardly any sleighing on the main roads There was a good deal of wheat in town to day, but all very high, some loads commanding $1.52 in silver and not {unfrequently?} 1,50 in bills, poor fall wheat $1,71 Pork heavy from $5.30 to $5,40</p>
<p>Wednesday, 27.</p>
<p>This has been a very fine day, I went down to Hespeler to enquire about square timber and flour Barrels and agreed for 1000 from Krlbs at 30 cents there at the shop He could not furnnish the timber himself but have heard from since that a party will deilver it rough hewn at $8.68 or counter hewed at $8.80 per 100 feet in Guelph</p>
<p>February. Thursday, 28. 1867.</p>
<p>Cold to day by what it was yesterday and looked like rain in the afternoon The team brought up a load of Barrels from Hespeler, also a load from Evertown and one from Kelly This has been our Fast day in the Church and was very well attended both morning & evening</p>
<p>March. Friday, 1.</p>
<p>Very mild to day, team took another load of Barrels from Waterloo But have set about making a new large Rack to hold a hundred Brls {short for barrels?} at least Atteneded a General meeting of Directors of Insurance Company Also set about taking out the boiler put into the distillary on trial, It began to rain this evening and likely to continue all night</p>
<p>Saturday, 2.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March 1867</span></h2>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 6.</span></h3>
<p>This is our monthly fair day and a considerable number of cattle came in and all that were fit - sold quick. at much better prices than last fair day</p>
<p>I sold 4 steer for $160 in bills, at least $5 a head more than could have been got for them last fair.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 8.</span></h2>
<p>Went down to Hamilton this morning by train to attend meeting of steam ship company Much more snow had fallen then yesterday and during last night, than in guelph for I went up to town in a sleigh which could not have been done in our town, the city seemed dull</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 9.</span></h3>
<p>Read a letter this morning from my sister in Illinois.</p>
<p>No transcription</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 15.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a clear bracing day, blowing a cold wind drom the N West Got up 6 of the long pine beams from Morriston today. In the afternoon I went down there myself with another order for timber, which I have to pay $8 deld {delivered} in town, Little said that the large timber was far too cheap at $9 and that he would make no more at less than $12.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 16.</span></h3>
<p>This is another cold blusteing day freezing very hard. Wheat has taken quite a start today in price $1.45 yesterday & $1.52 in bills today and $1.55 in silver</p>
<p>I bot 1200 bush from John Stewart at $1.45 bills.</p>
<p>Richard Greet Esqr died this forenoon about 10am, from a very severe attack of paralises, he had a light one last year then aged 52 years but I think he was more, came here 1835 aged 22. Robert Swan of Acton died also today aged 63, he formerly was a farmer in the Elora road Pilkington then a few years a flour & grain dealer in Toronto and lately of Acton.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March. Monday, 18. 1867</span></h2>
<p>A considerable fall of snow yesterday and this morning from 3 to 4 inches, we have hard frost.</p>
<p>Mr Rucherford of Stratford came here and paid in $5000 on acc {account} of flour and was desirous of purchasing another lot of flour, but did not feel disposed to sell any more at present</p>
<p>One of the name of Todd has suddenly left Seaforth having previously sold warehouse reciepts to 4 or 5 different parties for the same wheat.</p>
<p>The Assizes began today</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 19.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine clear day but froze very hard last night the mercury was downa t zero this morning at about 7. It appears today that the Royal Canadian Bank Branch at Stratford has a claim of $8000 on Todd estate</p>
<p>I attended Greets funeral & was one of the paul bearers his son Alex { shor for Alexander) arrived from the States while the coffin was in the church.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 20.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine day but little wheat coming into market</p>
<p>$1.62 paid for Spring and $1.90 for Fall</p>
<p>Began to grind over the middlings as noon today.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March. Thursday, 21. 1867</span></h2>
<p>Went down to Toronto this morning, weather was pleasnt though looking like a change</p>
<p>Bot of Geo Michele & Co 1 pure scotch whisky 162 galls a 1.87/1/2 each $303.75</p>
<p>Made enquiry about flooring for Wms {Williams} house and found corn season 1/2 inch $30 face measure and 1 1/4 at $24</p>
<p>It was very stormy in returning the snow fell very fast and drifting heavy but it was not dry rather soft</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Friday,22.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fearful morning a great deal of snow has fallen through the night and still continues but is gradually fallen off. we have not had such a heavy fall as this for years. the meeting of the Elmira road co. took place today and 5 directors when nos by ballot fel on Goldie, Massie, P Winger, Thomson & Gow were elected as the first director of the road. There was a very good attendance of stockholders</p>
<p>the Band of the 17th Regt {short for Regiment) came up from Toronto for the Concer in the drill shed about people were assembled to hear the music which was splendid (it was in aid of the Baud fund of the 30th Welington Battillion)</p>
<p>The Band consists of men</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 23.</span></h3>
<p>This is a splendid morning quite mild and if it continues the snow will soon go away, The Baud of the 17th Regt left by the 10 oclock train.</p>
<p>Bot of H. Fraser & Co. of Montreal 1 Pun Jamaican Rum</p>
<p>No9 = 117 gall 33 4/10 the OP a 8/6d for gall at 16 OP $228.73 25% off for cash $223.00 The strength was found to agree correctly</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 26.</span></h2>
<p>This has turned out to be a very fine day for this time of the year so Mrs A & T went up in the cutter to Fergus & with the exception of a few bare places in the middle of the road on this side of Blyth Tavern the sleighing was very fair so that the late snow must have fallen very generously to the north of us</p>
<p>It got pretty cold on our way home.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 27.</span></h3>
<p>Singular enough this has turned out a course morning with occasional showers of snow.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">March. Thursday, 28. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very pleasant day went down to Galt to attend the Introduction of Revd {short for Reverand} Muir as Minister of St Andrews Church there Mr McDonell of Fergus preached the sermon. Mr Hogg addressed the Minister and Mr Thom the people, the presbytery were invited to dine with the Trusters &c</p>
<p>The price of wheat is going up still more and flour must rise again</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 29.</span></h3>
<p>Very good weather busey getting the new Brace Duster (taken on trial) fitted up</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 30.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a most charming winter day, but the snow is melting away fast from the heat of the sun</p>
<p>Got the Brace Duster started this forenoon</p>
<p>Had a telegram from Montreal this morning that the No2 flour sent had been sold today on cars at $8.00</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April. Monday, 1. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very rough morning snowing heavy and driving with the wind quite thick at times but was all over and melted away by noon</p>
<p>The Duster appears to blow out along with the Brace a considerable lot of fine dust</p>
<p>Mr Joseph Garrard Wright son of Mr Samuel Wright the baker died here today, aged 36.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 2.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a better day but the roads are getting very bad</p>
<p>Ryan wants to leave the stone cottage on Norfolk Street and Mr Joseph Hobson the surveyor is to have it at $9 a month payable quaterly</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 5.</span></h2>
<p>The River is rising fast and have ordered the flood gates to be raised this afternooon or tomorrow, the weather is very wet and slushey</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 6.</span></h3>
<p>Mrs. A and & I went down to Hamilton to see Mrs Helen Stewart our niece who is very ill, also to see Mrs Tacose who is there for a few days.</p>
<p>The weather open and mild, trade but moderate, and flour & wheat dear</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April. Monday, 8. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Strong frost this morning, the gates are open and the water has fallen very much but as soon the day was advanced the water hose and the ground became quite soft again.</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 10.</span></h3>
<p>Birth</p>
<p>Mrs George Palmer of a son this day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 12.</span></h2>
<p>Dry weather, Have been working for some days thoroughly reparing the sepparator.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 13.</span></h3>
<p>The weather is very mild and dry and the roads dried in some parts and dusty</p>
<p>The water is rising considerably</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April. Monday, 15. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very wet day, there was no rain yesterday, yet in the morning before going to Church had to raise the carding mill gates to prevent a place in the dam from cutting away untill i could stop it today</p>
<p><br /> Mr & Mrs Lambie of Detroit come off here this afternoon on their way to England</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 16.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a better day than yesterday and dry walking</p>
<p>Mr & Mrs Lambie started at 1/2 past 3 this afternoon for the old country</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 20.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very fine day though somewhat colder than yesterday.</p>
<p>Mr Boult has got so far recovered as to go out today a little</p>
<p>Pat Davidson has made a fair begining of the foundation of the Independent Church also Kennedy & Pike made great progress in taking out the cellar for basement of the Mercury printing Office</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">April. Monday, 22. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>A considerable shower of snow came on during last night and continued the most of the forenoon but melting very fast on the road or where there is gravel</p>
<p>It is freezing this evening</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 23.</span></h3>
<p>This is a much drier morning & frosty and began this day at noon to stripe the earth of in front of the jarvis lot to make a road down and at the same time test the quality of the stone, before fully opening out the quarry</p>
<p>This is St Georges day, dinner in Town Hall</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 24.</span></h3>
<p>The roads were hard and dry this morning & there had been hardish frost during the night and this afternoon it is quite wet with snow & sleet,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 26.</span></h2>
<p>It blew very hard this evening</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 27.</span></h3>
<p>This is a cold windy morning and there has been rain during the night and frost this morning.</p>
<p>I notice the death of Jane Relict of the late John Ewart Esqr Toronto, in her 79 year, she died yesterday.</p>
<p>Crester Johnston of the Plains Puslinch died this morning.</p>
<p>{newspaper clippings}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Wednesday, 1. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is our Spring fair day and a considerable number of cattle, but the price was not so good as last market day. The weather is cold and backward</p>
<p>Engaged George Cole for a month on trial at $9.00 a month & Board</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Thursday, 2. 1897.</span></h2>
<p>John Goggan asked an advance of wages and I agreed to give him $10 next month.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 3.</span></h3>
<p>This is a finer day than we have had for some time.</p>
<p>I engaged John Gore and he begins this morning to quarry stone infront of lot on the Wateroo road so as to open a road into my own ground, his wages $1.25 as wages and an allowane for taking charge of the work of 25c extra per day.</p>
<p>Went down to Toronto today to see that Mrs Campbell got her luggage that was left behind and found that flour had been sold freely at $8.50 for No1 Spring.</p>
<p></p>
<p>{newspaper clipings}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Monday, 6. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This was a wet morning yet the men began and worked.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 7.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dry day but cold</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 8.</span></h3>
<p>The court of Chancery began its sitting today the weather is coldish yet</p>
<p>I attended the Presbyter today, also meeting of Directors of Mutual Insurance Co regarding applictaion from Fraser for insurance on the New Mill at Elora now nearly ready.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Thursday, 9. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very fine day and not so cold quite as for some days past. The court of Chancery had the case of Ontario Bamk and Hackins on hand all day and left of at 6 and begin tomorrow.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 10.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day, the court is still sitting, went out to the rocks thus afternoon and also down at the quarry on the waterloo road which is turning out very blocks of stone,</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 11.</span></h3>
<p>I went down this morning to Hamilton, and found business but moderate the extream prices are hardly obtained here</p>
<p></p>
<p>In returning fell in with Mr Ross of WhiteHead & Ross who is to stay over till monday</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Monday, 13. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This morning is somewhat wet & cold. but faired up during the forenoon and drove Mr Ross up to Goldies Mills</p>
<p>I agreed to advance the wages of William Taylor ( now 2 mashman) to $16 per month to begin after the present month is out.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 15.</span></h3>
<p>Died</p>
<p>At St Fort cottage Brantford captain Jas {James} A. Stewart in his 28th year son-in-law of Captain Drake</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Thursday, 16. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This was a fine morning though a little cold</p>
<p>John & I went up to Berlin {now known as Kitchener} and also to Waterloo and examined the piggeries there belonging to G Randall formerly Hespeler & Randall which the latter bought out this Spring, and Hespeller sailed for Europe this present week, they are now distilling 65 Bushels</p>
<p>I did not think their pig stiyes fit for feeding in cold weather</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 17.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day</p>
<p></p>
<p>My old aquaintance James Beachall Contractor of Toronto died there today aged 57</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 18.</span></h3>
<p>It was cold this morning for this season of the year but was pleasant through the day but windy There has been a good deal of Wheat sold in town today</p>
<p>I agreed with Robert Ward to contine for a year at $15.00 per month to begin when his present month ends.</p>
<p>Mr John Ross our old townsman was here today</p>
<p>{newspaper clipping}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Monday, 20. 1867</span></h2>
<p>This is a very pleasant day but dry weather, there was a little fine rain yesterday evening but nothing to speak of</p>
<p><br /> Robertson the Mill owner of Fergus left here this afternoon for the old country & the worlds fair</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 21</span></h3>
<p>This has been a cool forenoon, and the middle part of the day was very windy & dust flying at a great rate, when on came the rain about 3 oclock and continued till after 7pm and cold</p>
<p>I have been trying to hunt up all the evidence I can in the McAntee case, & intend going to Toronto in the morning to see McMichael about it.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 22.</span></h3>
<p>This was a tolerable fine morning but not at all warm, I went down to Toronto to see Mr Fitzgerald about the McAntee case, the train was late in getting in to the city and not being able to find Mr F. when I first called and after he came the consultation continued till after the train had left, and made up mind to stay all night</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Thursday, 23. 1967</span></h2>
<p>This was another coldish morning for this time of the year, and a shower of rain came before we got to Georgetown, when it got fair, we were detained here for about an hour, on account of a great smash up just at the station of no less than 5 cars being smashed to pieces and the flour & Pork barrels strewed on the road, the locomotive and one car became detached from the rest and ran on for over a 1/4 of a mile ere the could stop it although the car was dragged with only one axel and a pair of wheels, and one would have thought from the manner in which the tiies were cut up that such of itself would have stopped it, we got around the wreck by the track at the back of the station house.</p>
<p>Had a meeting in the Church & decided to build the Gallery.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 24.</span></h3>
<p>This had the appearance of being a very fine day for celebrating the Birth day of our Gracious Queen and turned out to be so for the earlier part of the day, but storm of wind rain & thunder broke up the sports for the afternoon but in the evening it became fair and a large number of people gathered together to witness the setting off of the fireworks.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 25.</span></h3>
<p>This morning was fair but about 1/2 past 10 it began to rain and continued showerey for the most of the afternoon</p>
<p>Mr Alexander & I bargained with S. Boult to put up the Gallery & make front door open out for the sum of $500.00 and have it finished by the 25th of July,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Monday, 27. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning, but the planks on the sidewalk was covered with frost at 1/2 past 5 but the day continued throughout dry and fine, I began today to put up the large two chamber still in the corner of the distillery & rectifying house so as to get all the hoops, manholes pipes valvesetc. and cause as little delay as possible in putting it in its proper position, and will do the mash run in the same manner shortly I wrote to Dr Fairbairn at Hamilton this evening inviting him to pay us a visit, with his wife.</p>
<p>I sent our cow this morning to Stones Hereford Bull</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 28.</span></h3>
<p>This morning is dark and gloomy and began to rain about 9 oclock am. Our Clerk Alexnr {short for Alexander} Mckenzie left for New York on a visit this morning.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 29.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a dry day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. THURSDAY, 30. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This morning looks dull and somewhat like rain. the stonecutter began this morning the wages to be $2.25 per day.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 31.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and all through the day has been fine and warm. Mr Boulby from Berlin was here and have signed the various papers appointing the 18th June for the Arbitration of Unger vs Wilhelm</p>
<p>{Newspaper cutting}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 1.</span></h3>
<p>This is the finest morning we have had</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. MONDAY, 3. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This has been another wet day, of & on short showers, it rained the most of yesterday forenoon. Mrs W Allan JunR & 2 children & Mrs Hogg started for Montreal this morning, some heavy showers fell late in the afternoon</p>
<p>{2 newspaper cutting scraps, one on a death}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 4.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and has the appearance of settled weather, finished my letter to my Sister this morning, Mr John A Wood & wife, also David Dickson started for the Old country this morning</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<p>{Two Blank Pages}</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">Saturday,15.</span></h3>
<p>SATURDAY, 15.</p>
<p>The weather is now very warm & almost too much so to work out of doors. I will have to begin at once to put up the scaffold for the masons to finish the granary. I cannot get Davidson this year to superintend the men. Dobie is a very good workman & may get him he has just finished the new woolen works House for McCrea & Co which is the day agreed on after that a penalty of $10 per day, Kennedy & Pike have also completed the Mercury Office to day</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 18.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and hurrying on other work to enable me to be in attendance at Martins Office before 10 Oclock to begin the Arbitration between, Christian Yuger Plaintiff Anthony Wilhelm and Valentine Guilder defendants. My old friend Kenneth Robertson of Galt died there to day aged 67 years</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 19.</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning, begin the Arbitration at 9.30</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. THURSDAY, 20, 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is another very dry morning. Could not get away to attend Kenneth Robertson's funeral to day</p>
<p></p>
<p><br /> {Blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. MONDAY, 24. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is another very warm day, Maggie & her Husband are about to travel to Rochester &c. and start this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 25.</span></h3>
<p>Warm and dry weather. Miss Helen Hewatt left for Scotland to day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 26.</span></h3>
<p>This morning opened dark & gloomy and the long expected rain began to fall at 10 Oclock and continued till 1 P.M. with little intermission</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. THURSDAY, 27. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a warm and sultry day, with little or no rain. F. W. Stone left here to day on his way to England</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 28.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day, Mr Ja{s} Massie {James Massie} & Mrs Robt Armstrong {Robert Armstrong} left this morning for New York & Mrs A on her way to San Fransisco, & my daughter Mrs Higimbotham will meet them beyond Rochester & accompany them to N. York. {New York} I signed my award to day as arbitrator in favour of Defendants, and charged for my fees $40. William left this morning for Montreal to join his wife & children. A large party came up from Hamilton in a special car to assist or witness the breaking ground of the</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 1. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a very fine morning, I went up to the Drill Shed to see the Riffle and Artillary Companies go through their evolutions, and marched out into the Square and fired 3 rounds and three cheers for the Queen, the day was spent in great quietness a Meeting of Ministers in the Town Hall where Prayers were said and addresses, and "God save the Queen Sung" , in the Evening the Town Hall was beautifully illuminated</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 2.</span></h2>
<p>This has been another warm day. A Bill of Exchange was presented from Chicago for 8,000 Bushels of Corn. Recd {received} a letter to night from William dated Montreal the 1st</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 4. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a wet morning to all appearance but about 9 a.m. it faired up, I had to go down to Toronto for someone to put in the new apparatus in the distillery and cannot get my licence untill that is finished I am therefor prevented from mashing, I am to get Booth on Monday. This is the Horticultural show day.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 5.</span></h3>
<p>We had a fine shower this morning, and cool at times and then very sultry, the men are busey lathing Williams house and Stephens building in the grate, I also began to build up the front of the granery {grainery}, John Armstrong the miller arrived this afternoon from Scotland, he was only a month there</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 6.</span></h3>
<p>Heavy rain this morning from 6 to 8, and dried up afterwards, going on with building of granary</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 8. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning. Mr Davis the detective came up this morning and the younger Mr Booth the copper smith and plumber, came up with him as I had arranged when down, he at once instructed him as to how it was to be done</p>
<p><br /> {Blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 11. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine day and Mr Booth had just got done last night, when it was found that one of the points had cracked which he had to stop to repair, and left in the afternoon for Waterloo</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a splended day warm & with cooling breeses at times, have got on very well with the granary. Mrs Higinbotham came home this afternoon from New York.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 15. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine morning though a little cloudy. Peter Idington here to see about the mowing of his lot & Mr Tawse. It began to rain about 1/2 past one, and some fine heavy showers fell during the afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 16.</span></h3>
<p>This is a fine morning. Began this afternoon to take of the roof of the granary on the N East side.</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 17.</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine morning. The Masons are not working to me to day, they are all at Barclays. The stone cutters are working. The carpenters are removing the roof all over. The large {n}orm {norm or worm} was leaking to day & had to stop untill it was wraped up at about 12 noon. The inside diameter of it is 6 feet 1 inch and the upper round or bend is 5 inches in diameter</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. THURSDAY, 18. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning but very warm. Mrs A & I went out to Nassagaweya {Halton Township} to Cargills Saw Mill, Willie & Davie with us. A McKenzie for office use to cheque $100.00. as do silver - - - $200.00</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 19.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very fine morning, and likely to be fine weather for the Hay</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 20.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a splended day for getting in the Hay and the crop has turned out very fair. The great meeting for hearing the sentiments of those comming forward as candidates to represent the South & Ridings of our County.</p>
<p>am now trying to get a person to run the Engine for some time as the water is getting very scarce</p>
<p>July. MONDAY, 22. 1867. Fine dry morning, the appearance of rain yesterday has gone off</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. MONDAY, 22. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Fine dry morning, the appearance of rain yesterday has gone off</p>
<p>Ordered from Gowdy. 65 joists 8 X 3 65 do 8 X 21/2 130 all 15 feet long</p>
<p>50 peices 10 X 3. 50 do of any breadth above 10 inches & 3 inches thick 20 do 6 x 6 all 12 feet long</p>
<p>wrote to William this morning.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 23.</span></h3>
<p>This is a very hot day. I again wrote to William and am preparing to leave for Toronto by the evening train.</p>
<p>The Masons have begun to day the foundation of Mr John Hoggs corner store. of which the Branch of the Bank of Commerce is to have a portion</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 26.</span></h2>
<p>I engaged Riddel to drive the Steam Engine 15 hours a day, and his wages to be {scratched out illegible} 1 1/4 dollars a day {month} and board, and when there is no need for the Engine, {illegible scratched out} he is to do any other jobing work out or in doors, the wages to be twenty dollars a month & Board, he is to begin work on Monday first</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>The weather is extreamly dry and warm have been working the Engine since but have often to stop her creating a great delay and loss of wood</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. MONDAY, 5. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a warm and close morning. Ingles sent down a man to put the Engine in line</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 6.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a warm forenoon and very dry, but this afternoon we were visited by a thunder storm and two very heavy showers of rain, which gave us a good deal of trouble owing to the grannery being without a roof, the water ran down through the different floors and wetting some fall wheat in the lower {illegible} flat. We got the Engine started again this evening and seems to work some easier but heats yet</p>
<p></p>
<p><br /> {Large break in entries from David Allan}</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. THURSDAY, 29. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>The weather is getting a little changeable a little rain now & then but nothing to effect the river which is very low, The steam Engine going every day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 30.</span></h3>
<p>Quite cold this morning & had to have a fire in the room at breakfast, but the day turned out fine after all. I went up to {C}hipchases for 3 loads of light coloured sand for pointing the walls of new building & we are now prepared to put up the rafters</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 31.</span></h3>
<p>The weather was cold this morning again, but the forenoon was fine, attended at the Masters Chambers (Mr Hall) to answer as to whether Boulby had any conversation with me previous to signing my award in the case of Unger & Wilhelm & Guildner. Mr Hancock of Toronto attended on behalf of Plaintiff. Mr McKlennan was sworn as to what became of my written instructions to him for making out the award and as to the words contained in it, and if it ordered the plaintiff to pay all the costs of the suit, Arbitration, & the Award, he said that my instruction after the award was signed was destroyed. but was fully ordered to pay all costs, Mr McCoig, as witness swore that he came in to McLennans office & heard Boulby say to me that I had not mentioned costs of Arbitration. but that failed in its worth to disturb the award. It rains close this afternoon. Masons stopt {stopped} work</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 3.</span></h3>
<p>This was a very fine day. Went down this evening to Toronto to hurry on the acending worm</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 4.</span></h3>
<p>Returned from Toronto this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 6.</span></h3>
<p>The Elections for South Wellington begins to day. The news this evening is not so good, we appear to be far behind in Puslinch</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 7.</span></h3>
<p>We go on with the Election again to day. The worm has arrived and brought home</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 9. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This morning opened fine after a very light shower had fallen during the night. The forenoon was clear but the afternoon became cloudy and heavy showers fell that drove the men from their work. The carpenters were fitting and securing the rafters of the grannery. The towers are nearly finished. The mason work of the building is about done, they have been pointing these two days.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 11.</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather all day. Got great alarm from fire in Armstrong McCrea & Co Factory taking fire about the Picker room, & flames broke through the roof but was greatly retarded by the mortar below the shingles</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 12. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This morning opened fine, and heard that we had another fire during the night or early this morning. Viz Dyson’s waggon shop, a frame, lath & plaster walls, nothing was saved, and no Insurance whatever on it. Met as directors to enquire into cause of the fire in Armstrong, McCreas woolen mill & c, but defered till tomorrow, damage laid at $2,000. had a light shower this afternoon, got done with most all but one stone cutter. getting on well with the roof of granary, and slating begun</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 13.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a broken day, for rain fell both forenoon and afternoon.</p>
<p>Had a meeting of Directors to see if we could agree about a sum for loss & let him go on with his work, & resolved that it be refered to full board on Friday 20th next.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 16. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a dullish morning. The rain began to fall about 9 o’clock and the masons had to quit work. We have no mashing to day in the Distillery but only running of the beer preparatory for repairs</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 17.</span></h3>
<p>This morning opened fine, but became very sultry and warm and clear and the rain kept off. This is the day of our Horticultural Exhibition. Mr Flemming, Mr Gray, & Mr{left blank} from Toronto are here as Judges. I am Vice President this year.</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 18.</span></h3>
<p>Rather cloudy to day and warm with considerable appearance of rain, but none fell, I am getting on well with the roofing and slating.</p>
<p><br /> Have begun to day to take the old mash tun to pieces and is as rotten as muck</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 19. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning, Mr Tawse started by this mornings train for Stratford.</p>
<p>Have been taking sundry both the old stills after being in about years the oldest is the upper one and is remarkably sound & could have run for several years yet, were it not for the pipes passing through burning the staves</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 20.</span></h3>
<p>Very fine day, had a general meeting of Directors of the Wellington Mutual Assurance Co to day to consider the claims for loss by fire in Armstrong McCrea & Co woolen works, and other matters.</p>
<p>Had family dinner to day Mr Tawse came but I was absent at meeting of directors</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 21.</span></h3>
<p>This seems to turn out a fine day. All the old beams are & c that can well be removed are now out, and are now digging for proper foundations for new posts for the new mash tun and the still & doubler, and have them so disconected that at a future period beams & joists can be put in without disturbing them.</p>
<p>Local directors met and settled the waterworks claim for $2,015.00</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 23. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Fine morning and very dry, the water in the dam appears hardly to have risen anything since Saturday when we shut down</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 24.</span></h3>
<p>The weather quite dry yet, are now building the stone foundation for the new chamber still</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 25.</span></h3>
<p>Fine morning but dry, and have begun to take down and fit up the staves of the new still. And fitting up the posts and beams for the Mash tun</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. THURSDAY, 26. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is another dry morning.</p>
<p>I went down by train to Galt purchase a pump log rimer 3 1/2 in diam {diameter} & bought also one of 2 1/4 inch. H.H. Date the tool maker has out all his tilt hammars & refixing their foundations some 6 feet deep under ground & overhauling shafting drums & c</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 27.</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine day, and the masons are about as close with the pointing of the building and the masons taking home their tools. Hard at work driving on the hoops on still</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 28.</span></h3>
<p>Another dry and warm day & a great deal of wheat bought in to day also.{illegible place to day?} got the new mash tub put in its place to day, and the shaft and rake put in.</p>
<p>On examination to day found that the new Gallery in Church is to high in front & too low at back & have stopt {stopped} the work, & propose to lower front & raise the back 18 inches</p>
<p>{newspaper cutting pasted over entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. MONDAY, 30. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Still very dry weather. We raised the large worm tub to day fully 18 inches</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">October. TUESDAY, 1.</span></h3>
<p>This another dry day, and hear that there has been a great fire in Galt which began at 1.40 this morning & have not learned the number of houses burnt nor the exact amt. {amount} And hear also that Buchanan, Hope & Co has failed. I leave this evening at 7 for Toronto</p>
<p></p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 2.</span></h3>
<p>In Toronto last night and to day sketched out the form of the coppar pipes required. And also bought some iron ones.</p>
<p>John Cameron Esqr late of the Commercial Bank at Toronto died yesterday morning, aged 57.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 4.</span></h3>
<p>Warm dry weather</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 5.</span></h3>
<p>There was a good deal of rain fall during the night, & the water got in through the unfinished portion of the roof between the two Mills but got it all secured during the day.</p>
<p>Some coppar pipes came up by Express from Toronto to night, but find they are not right and will return them on Monday</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 7. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was fine weather but cold from what we have had for some time back. Weather to day is dry but the frost was on the ground this {last} morning.</p>
<p>We have got the doubler & c in its place, pipes in inside of still set, and going to work till 9 o’clock to night to hurry on better.</p>
<p>The rain on Saturday night must have been very considerable up the country, as we have had ample water for two run at a good rate all day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 8.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine day, but the water has not been so abundant as yesterday, that we could only run one pair of stones.</p>
<p>My Sister Mrs Cuningham came this afternoon</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 9.</span></h3>
<p>This has been rather a heavy and dull day and began to rain after 2 o’clock but not heavy still pushing on with the distillery but it takes much longer time than I expected</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 10. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a wet day yet no great quantity of rain fell here, yet it may improve the water in the river, we could only drive one run by water and two by steam. The various pipes in the distillery consumes a great deal of time in screwing & fitting them. Mr Morrison brought up The new horse {illegible} from near Montreal</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 11.</span></h3>
<p>The weather is moist and roads getting very muddy</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 12.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a drizzling rainy day, but has not as yet given us a supply of water, but from appearances to night there is every likelihood of there plenty on monday morning. Have got well on with the pipes of the distillery this week.</p>
<p>Mr Morrison left this afternoon for Toronto going home</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 14. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Rather a raw day but yet no rain. Went up to day Hodgert and Smiths oil Refinery to see Parafin or the refuse of the Coal oil applied firing up the furnace of the Engine, and saw myself that with only 1 jet of oil burning it produced sufficient {hands or flames} to raise the Steam from 40° to 60° in four minutes</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 15.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day, and looks as if it were the begining of the Indian Summer. The rain has not as yet produced any lasting benifits for we had to down the water mill about 8, Oclock and continued Steam till about 9.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October, THURSDAY, 17. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather and the water is holding out better than could be expected considering this dry weather, bought a large new fine horse to day for the Farm</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 18.</span></h3>
<p>This has been a very fine day, and have got the highest {slop} cistern nearly lowered to its proper place and have got the steam pipe fixed into the lower chamber of New Still and the hop tub attached to it again. Traded away the horse “Barney” for a larger one to mate the one bt {bought} yesterday</p>
<p>{newspaper cutting pasted over}</p>
<p>{newspaper cutting pasted over from Tuesday the 14th}</p>
<p>{Blank}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, October 25, 1867</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather this morning, the Court of Chancery began its Sittings here to day about 11 Oclock – {illegible} Preciding. I have a case and have been in attendance, but the one that is now on will take all day.</p>
<p><br /> Have not made so much progress with the distillery to day being much in want of pipes from Toronto.</p>
<p><br /> great excitement yet about the Commercial Bank</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 26.</span></h3>
<p>This is another fine day.</p>
<p>No pipes from Toronto yet.</p>
<p><br /> The case begun in Court this morning lasted to night</p>
<p>{funeral notice and newspaper cuttings pasted over page}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October. MONDAY, 28. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This has been rather a dull day and has some signs of rain. The pipes came up this morning from Toronto & hope to get them on by tomorrow evening.</p>
<p>Chancellor Mowat opened the Court & This afternoon Eldridge made proposals to settle the suit I had against him I tried to get $350..00 but he would only agree to give $300..00 & pay his {own} costs, so I accepted the offer payable in 3 years in equal annual installments with interest at the rate of 8 percent per annum on each payment</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 29.</span></h3>
<p>Fine weather still continuing, have got a man that was jobbing here for harding of Toronto to connect the pipes for the receivers Doubler &c to day he began at 8 and finished at 5 Oclock P.M.</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 30.</span></h3>
<p>Another charming day, Wm {William, possibly his son} Wife & Son went to Toronto this morning, the day was very fine they returned in the evening with Mrs Morrison</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October. THURSDAY, 31. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine day, the masons are building a brick chimney for Nat instead of the stone one which was very defective in the construction of the {flues}.</p>
<p>Mr Robt {Robert} Wallace got married to Miss Abby Higinbotham at noon to day</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">November. FRIDAY, 1.</span></h3>
<p>This is a dry and very dusty day the wind blowing a strong westerly breeze {possibly spelt breese as in previous times}, went out to the farm at noon where they are taking up the turnips & producing a very good crop even considering the long continued drought this season, water all over is extreamly scarse, the Grand River at Elora is very low. The Thames at London & at Stratford was never known to be so low.</p>
<p>We got the Distillery started this afternoon and offers well, the Mash can be cooled off in half the time that it formerly could be done in with copper sides only in the Mash tun. The bottom lining is a great improvement, made new agreement with John Stewart to buy grain</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 2.</span></h3>
<p>This is another windy day, and the fire is now running on both sides of the Railway, it began yesterday in Robt {Robert} White's swamp & also beyond the Shanties and through into my swamp. Burning a good many pannels of rails there & at Whites also</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November. MONDAY, 4. 1867.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a cold raw day after the rain that fell yesterday and during last night, which was very stormy, one or two slight showers of snow fell during the afternoon but what fell after dark is laying on the ground. The water in the Dam is not much improved by the rain as yet.</p>
<p>Carpenters repairing the feeding Byres, stakes, floors &c which were much worn and broken through.</p>
<p>My Sister took ill during the night with a pleurisy in her ^right chest</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 5.</span></h3>
<p>Cold this morning the snow laying on the side walks, but melted away during the day.</p>
<p>The water has improved to day and we have 2 pair of stones going by water. Robertson & Sons has a boiler plate reservoir made and all the cocks burners retort & fitted up and goes off with Mr John McCrea to England tomorrow, where he is to take out a Patent to protect their Invention for using Coal Oil as Fuel for Steam Engines. They will then push on mine to completion.</p>
<p>My sister Mrs Cuningham is a little easier to day, after having applied a large mustard blister & then called the Doctor</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 6.</span></h3>
<p>This morning looked very wintry like with a general covering of snow on the ground but as the day advanced it melted away and became sloppy. This being the Fair day a great many people were in town & a number of cattle and horses</p>
<p>John McCrea Esqr left here this morning by G. Trunk for Quebec, then {thence} to London to take out a Patent for the Oil Burner</p>
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David Allan (1808-1895)
1866 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL, 1866.
{Printed page} CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 1866. LAW TERMS. BANK HOLIDAYS. TABLE OF
STAMP DUTIES. RATES OF POSTAGE
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1866.
TORONTO:
PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS,
MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
January. THURSDAY 18. 1866.
{No entry}
FRIDAY 19.
The weather is mild to day and the little sleighing there has been wearing away, there
has been a great many teams in town to day with pork and wheat. The level cogged
wheel that drives the smutt machine was stripped of its coggs this morning and so
crushed the collar of the laying shaft up against the bush or plumer block so as to burn it
to a red heat and regularly char it to coal, and have set to work to put in an new set of
coggs and a bush with 2 inches wider bearing say 6 inches instead of four.
SATURDAY 20.
At six this morning it was quite wet and rainey and had been blowing very hard all night,
about 9 it began to freeze, and made the roads as slippey as glass, and together with
the high wind makes very cold. The coggs (a set of which were ready on hand) are now
fitted and keyed in, are now being turned (4 pm) The rain last night has helped the
water sufficient to enable us to drive 2 run of stones
January. MONDAY 22. 1866.
�This has been a much milder day. Got the smutt machine wheel finished this evening
and ready to start about 8, Oclock
TUESDAY 23.
This has been a pleasant day. Peter Idington here. Allen of Arthur was here this
afternoon and I agreed to sell him the Mc
Guire lot for $800 he to pay me $200 about the
first week in March and 5 years to pay the balance with Interest.
WEDNESDAY 24.
This has been a somewhat colder day yet a great deal more wheat came than did
yesterday. There seems to be a greater quantity demand for it in other parts below.
{Printed page} Newspaper cutting
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until May. TUESDAY 8. 1866}
TUESDAY 8.
We are repairing the gate posts leading into the mill yard, and have raised the arch two
feet higher than it was
WEDNESDAY 9.
Fine weather, but too dry. Have begun to clear out remainder of the timbers in the wheel
ark preparitory to building the walls for the steam engine.
{Blank page}
FRIDAY 11.
Warm weather, and the ground exceedingly dry, and no moisture to start the fall wheat
which suffered so much from the unprotected state it was in all winter for want of
sufficient snow
SATURDAY 12.
�Fine weather to day. Mr Saunders & Mr Lemon to compare the a/c against the cattle
yard, so as to lessen the labour of the Arbitrator, every appearance of rain
May. MONDAY 14. 1866.
This is a cold morning and considerable frost caused by the very copious rains that fell
during Saturday night and yesterday morning which left large pools on the roads filled
with water. William is still confined to bed with a rhumatic attack. Old Miss Hewatt died
this afternoon
TUESDAY 15.
A clear but not a warm day. Began our Arbitration this morning in Hewars case for
Balance due me for cattle yard. William was rather better to day & has able to attend at
the examination
WEDNESDAY 16.
Weather to day much the same as yesterday. Continued the Arbitration to day untill 6
pm. and stands adjourned till this day week.
FRIDAY 18.
Fine weather, agreed to pay Ingles 3¢ a lb towards the cost of the Engine shaft if it is
ordered from Detroit for if made there to order it will cost them 10¢ a pound here, which
they think too high, and feel rather enclined to wait the arrival of iron of the size from
England, which I do not, and therefore bear my share of the extra price so as not to
delay the work.
SATURDAY 19.
Very warm fine weather. Higinbotham returned home this forenoon at 9.50 only ten
minutes after his son was born. Old Swan the Dutchman engaged to burn a pit of pure
maple charcoal and deliver them here at 10¢ per Bushel. The men are out in the bush
getting out a large oak beam for end of shaft for engine
TUESDAY 22.
Fine weather but cold
�WEDNESDAY 23.
Cold this morning. There was a slight flurry of snow but it went soon of, and turned into
sleet.
May. THURSDAY 24. 1866.
Hard frost during the night and morning the ground was quite at 4 Oclock. it has
destroyed a good many delicate flowrs. This being the Queens Birth day all work is
suspended, and the weather being fine all the games foot and boat races are going on,
and closed with an Illumination fireworks and a large bonefire. A melancholly accident
happened at Galt this day the large Russian cannon went off when charging and 2 men
were killed on the spot and some others wounded by splinters of the ramrod
FRIDAY 25.
This is a fine warm day it looked very much like as if we were going to have a great
shower of rain in the morning but only a few drops fell and through the forenoon it
cleared up and all appearance of it passed off
SATURDAY 26.
Frost this morning again, have been putting a plank edging from the Battery to the big
stone to confine the gravel of the walk. The rain is seeming to come this afternoon,
about finishing the planting of the potatoes next the Glebe, have planted about two
acres this year. Also diging out the foundation for altering the gable of the granery
preparatory to building it all up this summer.
May. MONDAY 28. 1866.
We had a great deal of rain during the whole day yesterday, with little or no interuption.
And it has continued all last night, and now and then, a shower this morning
June. FRIDAY 1.
Fine weather. But very startling news that the Finians have crossed over to Fort Erie
from about Black Rock between 1500 & 2000 strong and are throwing up earthworks
�with all possible speed. The following troops have left Toronto. William is still improving
but has a great difficulty in walking
SATURDAY 2.
This is another beautifull morning and making for a very warm day. The news this
morning is that our men attacked the Finians at a place Ridgeway east of Port Colborne
{blank} miles but as they advanced they found themselves outnumbered and had to fall
back on the Welland Canal. William is much better to day & gone to Mr Alexanders.
Again we hear that our troops rallied and drove the Finians before them
June. MONDAY 4. 1866.
This is somewhat of a wet morning, and do not feel well yet, having been much
disturbed last night and this morning with my bowels and have kept the house the most
of the day. We have been much put about both yesterday and to day with very exciting
intelligence about the Finians. Later account say that about 800 of the Finians made
their escape in scows tugged by propellers from Buffalo who took them back to that city,
and that the US steamer detained another scow with the commander Col O'Neal on
board & holds them now as prisoners. P. Idington & wife here
TUESDAY 5.
There has been considerable rain during the night and this forenoon. Had to attend
Court to day and was fined by the Mayor & Petterson in the Sum of $20. and $2.10 for
costs, for not removing the dung from cattle yards within the time ordered. Considerable
excitement about Montreal and Cornwall, and Prescot, 2 cars seized by the US Marshall
with ammunition & stores on board were taken by the Finians
WEDNESDAY 6.
This has been a wet day at least frequent showers. This was the Monthly fair day.
William was a good deal better to day & attended a short time in the Office & went to
Fishers Mills in the afternoon by cars
June. THURSDAY 7. 1866.
�Very fine morning, I went down to Toronto to attend the Synod, Mrs A accompanying
me. Notwithstanding the excitement and the number of Ministers absent, they will
continue their sittings and finish the business of the court. It began yesterday.
FRIDAY 8.
In Toronto. the weather fine
SATURDAY 9.
Fine all day
TUESDAY 12.
Raised
WEDNESDAY 13.
This has been somewhat of a sultry day a good of thunder & rain during last night and a
heavy shower at noon. Our Presbytery is in Session to day was only a short time there,
as I had a case in our quarter sessions now sitting, against William Maxwell for
defrauding me in cordwood - but from some doubts in the minds of the jury they thought
his brother was the guilty most gilty, and set him free. Raised
June. THURSDAY 14. 1866.
Fine weather, shipped a 100 Bhls of No
2 flour to Montreal. Went down to Fishers Mills
this afternoon
{Blank page}
SATURDAY 23.
Fine warm weather, & a good deal of wheat came in. John Stewart of Eramosa left $300
on loan @ 7 per cent for annum, if over a month. Took out of the large steam box
(prepared for steaming all the planks for the new still and mash tun) the first charge and
found it much lighter than when it went in, after being in about 4 days
June. MONDAY 25. 1866
�This has been a very hot day, but cooled down in the evening after a light thunder
shower. The news from Europe to day is still more warlike
WEDNESDAY 27.
Fine weather, This has been an exciting day in whisky, about ½ past twelve Oclock Mr
Romain came down to inform me that he had a Telegram from Ottawa that, Parliament
had raised the Duty on whisky from 30¢ to 60¢ and is now in full force, so up it went at
once to 65¢ for gall
SATURDAY 30.
Fine weather, I went down to Brampton this morning to see what agreement Mr Haggart
had about pumping water for the Grand Trunk Company, and found that he had
proposed some alterations in the one they had sent up for his signature, but as yet it
had not been completed nor did he think that he would do so for some time untill he saw
how it would work
July. MONDAY 2. 1866.
This is another fine day, and find that William is rather considered better to day, both
Herod & Hewitt examined him to day, and found nothing wrong with his inside
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until July. THURSDAY 19. 1866.}
July. THURSDAY 19. 1866.
This has been the first dry day that we have had for a week
FRIDAY 20.
This has been a fine moderately warm day and have been leading all the hay that could
be got dry. The Grand Trunk companys men have been working hard all day in laying
the remainder of the pipes past the mill gate and down into the race & along the bottom.
William came home from his trip to Sault-St Mary this evening by Toronto & is much
better in health
SATURDAY 21.
�We had a very fine forenoon, but in the afternoon it rained very heavy. Kept the mill
standing all day to enable the workmen to finish the pipes but they could not do it for
want of a bend.
July. MONDAY 23. 1866.
We had a tremendous storm of wind & rain yesterday afternoon a little after five oclock
& it blew down a great many ornamental trees & some fruit trees, the roof of the G J.
Engine house for about ¼ of it was lifted and the slates & sheeting thrown to the
ground, the G. Western's long wood shed was totally destroyed, and many Barns lost
their roofs and a great deal of fencing blown down, Our Church roof also was to some
extent damaged & slates removed, This has been a fine dry day though at times it was
very sultry
{Blank page}
July. MONDAY 30. 1866.
Fine dry wether and have begun to scaffold for the raising of my Son William's roof so
as to admit of another story being built on it - by cutting holes in the walls under the
plate for incerting 4 beams under the same, and the plate bound to these by irons to
prevent the roof from spreading, and thick planks checked along on the top of these
beams under the rafters so as to carry them all up equal without in any way breaking
the roof.
TUESDAY 31.
The Atlantic Cable is now complete.
August. WEDNESDAY 1.
This has been fine weather. but warm for out door work. Have got ready all the eight
screws and have begun to raise it.
August. THURSDAY 2. 1866.
Rather wet this morning but better about noon have been very busey for the most of the
day finishing the raising of the roof of Wms
house for the present to the height of 6 feet
�from the floor to the under side of plate and is resting on tressels on one side and on 4
post on the other.
FRIDAY 3.
Very fine morning and Mrs A & I went down to Toronto so see William & little David, go
off in the steam boat "Banshee" to Montreal at ½ past 2 PM, and after that had too little
time to do any business of consiquence and returned left on our return at 3.45. P.M, it
rained heavy the whole way, and even after 8 oclock, but not quite so heavy.
SATURDAY 4.
Very wet morning and had rained heavy during the night. The masons could not begin
work till about 10 Oclock, and the weather has been dry since and the work on the
house progressing very well. The Steam Engine is also far advanced, and may be ready
to bring down the end of next week, the Boiler fire Box and the main shell is put together
but not riveted yet
August. MONDAY 6. 1866.
This has been a very fine cool bracing day - and have been getting on well with building.
I have determined to day the exact height of the lying shaft of the Steam Engine and the
main level wheel is now being keyed on its place. Tomorrow is to be kept as a Holly day
in Town and the works will be standing still
{Blank page}
August. MONDAY 13. 1866.
Rainey weather still continues and appears to have been raining all night. It rained
during part of the forenoon yesterday and then in the evening and very few in Church.
This morning we raised the roof as high as it will require and they have got the Lintals
on the windows, and the work is progressing well. though slow and expensive, Mr A L
Argo from Stratford called, an agent in Town to day selling breach loading Pistols &
Riffles
TUESDAY 14.
�This is another dull misty morning with fine drizzling rain which continued to about 10
oclock. Our Riffle Company are is again called out to the Niagara frontier for 8 days.
The afternoon has been more settled but very sultry & close, and not unlike rain,
WEDNESDAY 15.
We have had dry weather to day. Considerable enquirey is now making for a better
supply of wheat the new comes in so sparingly that those who require it must bid up for
it. I bought to day nearly 600 bushels from Thos Easterbrook a $1.25 bills 100 Bush of
Jas Dow a $1.26 silver, a car load at St Marys $1.20 there
August. THURSDAY 16. 1866.
This has been one of the dryest days we have had for some time, it continued very cool
for the most of the day. I got the roof set down on its proper place on the walls of
Williams house, Bot 162 Bushels of fall wheat of Geo Balkwell at $1.30 bills
FRIDAY 17.
This has been a charming day sufficiently warm getting on well with the house the
gables are about built up to the top. Flour has gone up in Montreal within the last day or
two about 50¢. Our RIffle Company left here by the G. W. Railway for the
neighbourhood of Drumondville. I am getting the foundation walls built to day for to rest
the beam on that carries the inner end of the fly wheel shaft
SATURDAY 18.
This has been a fine warm day and have got on very well with the house this week, and
also with the preparations for the Engine. Was up at the Peoples Mill this afternoon and
found Mr Goldie busey supperintending his men clearing out old walls & pointing up the
bottom of main ones with water lime, and were dressing the beams full length across
the building 14 X 13 of excellent pine from near Hespeller, delivered here for $12 per
100 feet running measure for what is 12 X 12 & over.
August. MONDAY 20. 1866.
Fine weather, there had been during Saturday night and Sunday morning. and a heavy
shower fell during yesterday afternoon between 3 & 4 oclock. But this day has been fine
�dry weather I have 2 masons working at foundation for Engine also 3 at the granery
walls.
TUESDAY 21.
This is another fine day, men hard at work getting in the wheat on the Waterloo road the
last of the peas was got in on Saturday from the back of the hill. This is the day for the
Great Finian Pick Nick at Black Rock, but from all we hear, there is no disturbance
SATURDAY 25.
This has been a fine day, our Guelph Riffle Company returned this day at noon from
Thorald. I have got on well with the foundation for the Engine and have got the beams
laid on the wall
August. MONDAY 27. 1866.
This has been a fine dry day & have got in all the oats on the upper field on hill, have
got the side all ready for the Engine and expect to get it down tomorrow. The water in
the river is getting very light & there is much need of the Engine
August. THURSDAY 30. 1866.
This has been fine working weather with a slight shower in the forenoon, there is much
need of it so far as the river is concerned as it is very low, and we had to stop this
afternoon for want of it. We the Steam Engine planted on its seat this afternoon it is a
pritty heavy affair to handle
FRIDAY 31.
Very scarce of water, and consiquently of flour and had this afternoon to go to
Armstrongs Mill in Eramosa to try to buy some but could not I then went to Edin Mills
and bot 200 bags from Hortop they also are scarce of water and wheat also. There is no
old wheat to be got
September. SATURDAY 1.
This has been a warm day and some few drops of rain fell but not enough to stop work
or do any good in helping to fill the dam. We have been boring the holes and getting the
bolts in to screw down the Engine to the frame The mason work for the bed of the boiler
�is far advanced as well as the foundation walls of the Boiler House. The Engine for Mr
Argo of Stratford & made by Robertson & Mair was put on the cars to day, and went of
before I went out to see it, it is about the same power as mine. Mr Massie here, told me
that it is generally talked of in Montreal that Galts financial Bill will do a great deal of
harm among business men as all the Banks will curtail their Discounts, and that the Bk
.
of Montreal has done that already
WEDNESDAY 5.
This has been a fine day and warm, and have got well on with the building, the ash pit
and other foundation for the Engine Boiler is ready and it is being set on its place. The
fly wheel is troublesome to get true. Anders Anderson a suede came here from my
sisters in Illinois, this afternoon on his way home to Sweden to see his Parents
September. THURSDAY 6. 1866.
This is a fine warm day,
FRIDAY 7.
This is a dull morning, it began to rain about ½ past 8 oclock, and got quite heavy at ¼
to 9. and the men left of work. I went out with Mr Anderson to the G. W. Station in time
for the cars at 7.05. a m & shortly before the rain began he went to see the Niagara
Falls & then to New York where he takes the steamer for Liverpool thence to Hull,
where he gets the steam packet to Gothenburg
SATURDAY 8.
This is a fine working day, the rain yesterday has had a good effect on the river and
enables us to grind with two run of stones.
September. MONDAY 10. 1866.
This has been a fine working day, I began to prepare for building a stone foundation for
sheep house on the farm and adjoining the new Barn 24 X 48 with pig house, &c below.
TUESDAY 11.
It has rained some through the night, and this morning the clouds are heavy and a
drizzling rain is falling, the masons & stonecutters did not begin nor could they do any
�thing to day for rain one the name of Spratt was here from Toronto in quest of bag flour,
but went home by the 10 oclock train, It now rains heavy ¼ to nine, this night
FRIDAY 14.
This has been rather a dull day at least after one oclock it became very dark and by two
oclock began to blow a complete gale and heavy rain. it blew about 15 feet of roofing of
the market shed. The men were stoped from working this afternoon.
SATURDAY 15.
There was strong frost this morning and has injured some garden stuffs. Several
companies left here this morning at 10 oclock for Thorald. The men, that is the masons
did not work any this forenoon, and only 2 of them in the afternoon. One Boiler Maker
has been working at the distillery boiler to day and are getting on slowly with it. {Rugles}
their master went off with the Guelph Artillery to Thorald
September. MONDAY 17. 1866.
This has been a partly cloudy day, it rained through the night and slightly this morning.
Yesterday it rained in the morning and also in the evening, and was cold all day the
Church was rather thinly filled. Only three masons are working at the Engine house to
day and 2 labourers. Old Mr Dunbar and his son Wm called here to day on their way
home from Buffalo. We are were engaged this afternoon preparing beaters for the
merchant bolts & are pulling them on to night
TUESDAY 18.
This is rather a more pleasant forenoon than we had lately. Three gentlemen from St
John's N.B called here to day soliciting consignments of flour.
WEDNESDAY 19.
There was not much rain of consiquence to day got the funnel from the Engine Boiler
put into the chimney, and is now in readiness for the fire
September. THURSDAY 20. 1866.
This has been another very wet day. The masons did not work an hour to day for the
rain, but one boiler maker and two helpers came this afternoon. The steam pipes for the
�Engine are about finished and expect to have the boiler filled and steam up tomorrow.
My son William and little David came home from his travels, Mr & Mrs Alexander
likewise returned from Montreal by the same conveyance they report having had wet
weather all the time they have been gone
FRIDAY 21.
This has been a dry day and the masons worked from, one Oclock. We got the Steam
Engine started this afternoon and appeared so far to work fine & smooth. But the
geering for driving the pump will require some alternation, I got 17 feet of 4 inch pipe to
drive it
SATURDAY 22.
This has been a dry day and clear, there was very strong frost this morning, even ice at
the Mill door step I saw. Our volunteers came home to day at ½ past one. We had the
Engine going again this afternoon and grinding with one run of stones
TUESDAY 25.
This has been an extrordinary wet day it rained even on
September. THURSDAY 27. 1866.
Went down this morning to the Exhibition in Toronto the weather was fine and the
ground very much dried up, compared with what it had been the two previous days
TUESDAY 2.
This is another fine day, a great deal of wheat in the market, and the prices quite stiff
1.43 to 1.45 and even $1.50 paid for large sound midgeproof. One George Patterson
called here with John Gray and wanted a situation as Packer and of any other work
outdoor when, indoor work is done, He is to begin on Thursday at $12 per month &
Board,
{Blank page}
October. MONDAY 8. 1866.
�We have now fine weather. I was arroused from my bed yesterday by two of the Engine
drivers of the Grand Trunk wanting me to start the mill or the Steam Engine to pump
water for them as their tenders were dry, and they could go no farther. I peremtorally
declined doing any thing of the kind having filled the Tanks on Saturday night and all
having leaked out being quite untight
SATURDAY 13.
Goodman finished the excavation for the hot air furnace under the Church
TUESDAY 16.
This has been a charming day. The masons are still busey building in the Distillery
Boiler and the carpenters are about finished with the roof of Engine Boiler house. John
& Eliza Allan left for Toleda at ½ past 5 this afternoon the Train was over 2 hours late,
he is to return after seeing her safe away from that Town on her way to Illinois. Great
fire in Quebec on Sunday from 18,000 to 20,000 people rendered houseless
WEDNESDAY 17.
A splendid day again
SATURDAY 20.
Fine weather to day, we got the Boiler in the distillery finished to day and put on the fire
October. MONDAY 22. 1866.
The weather has been dry to day but cold, and clearly shows that Autumn has begun.
We are very busey taking up our potatoes and find the yeald very good, the chili's
especially are sound, but the kidneys are doubtful and we are laying them in small
heaps to try them. Have begun to day to lath the roof of the Engine House
TUESDAY 23.
This has been a coldish day, Wm went down to Toronto this morning to attend the
Review of the Troops there, had a Mr Greenough here from, Boston wanting flour. I
went out to Arthur Hogge's sale of Thorough bred cattle, & was in want of a Ram and
bid as high as $60 for a fine one & did not get it. I went afterwards to Joseph
Parkinson's & bought a this years ram lamb for $18, which will answer every purpose for
�this year. I am advised strongly not to mix the Cotswolds with the Leicesters Ewes, but
rather to improve from a.
{5 blank pages}
WEDNESDAY 14.
We did not start the distillery to day as I am going to put in large pipe on the crown of
the new mouth peice attached to the large boiler, the two bottom pipes for supplying it
with water, only does so when at a low temperature but as soon as steam is generated
it expells the water and the crown gets red hot and has cracked the plate, A ¾ pipe was
placed on the top to convey the steam as it was formed to the large boiler, but that did
not help it at all. We have had some splended weather of late but it now threatens to
break up this evening with a light rain,
November. THURSDAY 15. 1866.
Wet morning, worked late last night to finish the joints of a new pipe 3½ inches diameter
I have been connecting the new mouth peice with the large boiler
{4 blank pages}
{December} TUESDAY 4.
Very wet morning, I went down to Toronto & returned in the evening, called on Cameron
& Mr Mc
hall about suit in Chancery against John Mc
Atee
{2 blank pages}
FRIDAY 14.
Hard frost down to near zero. The Grand Trunk men are making very little progress in
laying the wooden pipes for overflow water, the ground is every day getting harder,
SATURDAY 15.
This has been a fine winter day clear with sunshine, but the frost was very keen in the
morning only 2 above zero. Mr Brunel the Revenue, or rather the Excise Inspector was
�down this morning. It appears that Halladys distillery is standing still the Chippawa was
going for a short time & is again stopped, the one at Coburg is not going. The Kingston
one (Mortons) is still working finishing up some contracts, & will then stop they are
working at a loss, the one at Prescott is again working & in fine order & has a fine
improvement in their lock up at the mouth of the worm,
TUESDAY 18.
A good deal of snow fell during the night but not enough to make good sleighing
WEDNESDAY 19.
Moderate day but yet the ground is frozen pretty deep, the Grand Trunk workmen are
making very slow progress in laying the wooden pipes
December. THURSDAY 20. 1866.
Very cold this morning at 7 a.m the Thermometer stood 8º below zero, very little wind.
The workmen are not working at the drain to day. I got Stevens to build in a grate in
Williams, Parlour to day
{5 blank pages}
{Printed page} PRICE LIST OF BURGOYNE, BURBRIDGES, CYRIAX & FARRIES
{Blank page}
{3 printed pages} NEW COMMENTS UPON A QUESTION OF THE DAY.
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page
under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-1877
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
1866
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
David Allan Diary Collection
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township
UG
Transcription Progress
Scripto transcription progress
Done
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 19.</span></h2>
<p>The weather is mild to day and the little sleighing there has been wearing away, there has been a great many teams in town to day with pork and wheat</p>
<p>The level cogged wheel that drives the smutt machine has tripped of its coggs this morning and so crushed the collar of the laying shaft up against the bush or plumer block so as to burn it to a red heat and regularly char it to coal, and have set to work to put in (illegible) new set of cages and a bush with 2 inches wider bearing say 6 inches instead of four</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 20.</span></h2>
<p>At six this morning it was quite wet and rainy and had been blowing very hard all night, about 9 it began to freeze, and made the roads as slippery as glass, and together with the high wind makes very cold, the coggs (a set of which were ready on hand) are now fitted and keyed in, are now being turned (4pm) The rain last night has helped the water sufficient to enable us to drive 2 run of stones</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January. Monday 22.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a much milder day</p>
<p>Got the smutt machine wheel this evening and ready to start about 8, Oclock</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 23.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a pleasant day Peter Laington here</p>
<p>Allen of Arthur was here this afternoon and I agreed to sell him the Mcguire lot for $800 he to pay me $200 about the first week in march and 5 years to pay the balance with interest.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 24.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a somewhat colder day yet a great deal more wheat came than did yesterday. There seems to be a greater demand for it in other parts below,</p>
<p>{newspaper clipping about court case in Chicago with warning to Canadians doing business in Chicago}</p>
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<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 8.</span></h2>
<p>We are repairing the gate posts leading into the mill yard and have raised the arch two feet higher than it was</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 9.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather, but too dry Have begun to clear out remainder of the timbers in the wheel ark preparitory to building the walls for the steam engine.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 11.</span></h2>
<p>Warm weather and the ground exceedingly dry, and no moisture to start the full wheat which suffered so much from the unprotected state it was in all winter for want of sufficient snow</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 12.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather to day Mr Saunders & Mr Lemon to compare the (ale?) against the cattle yard so as to lessen the labour of the arbitrator, every appearance of rain</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Monday 14. 1866</span></h2>
<p>This is a cold morning and considerable frost caused by the very copious rains that fell during Saturday night and yesterday morning which left large pools filled with water William is still confined to bed with a rhumatic attack. Old lip Hewatt died this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 15.</span></h2>
<p>A clear but not a warm day Began our arbitration this morning in Hewars case for balance due me for cattle yard William was rather better to day & has able to attend as the examination</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 16.</span></h2>
<p>Weather to day much the same as yesterday Continued the arbitration to day until 6 PM and stands adjourned till this day week</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 18.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather, agreed to pay Ingles 3c a lb towards the cost of the engine shaft if it is ordered from Detroit for if made there to order it will cost them 10c a pound here, which they think too high, and feel rather inclined to wait the arrival of itonof the size from England, which I do not, and therefore bear my share of this extram price so as not to delay the work.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 19.</span></h2>
<p>Very warm fine weather</p>
<p>Higinbotham returned home this forenoon at 9.50 only ten minutes after his son was born Old Iwan the Dutchman engaged to burn a pit of pure maple charcoal and deliver them here at 10c per bushel The men are out in the bush geting out a large oak beam for and of shaft for engine</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 22.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather but cold</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 23.</span></h2>
<p>Cold this morning, there was a slight flurry of snow but it went soon of and turned into hail.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Thursday 24. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Hard frost durning the night and morning the ground was quite at 4 Oclock. it has destroyed a good many delicate flowers This being the Queens birth day all work is suspended, and the weather being fine all the games foot and boat races are going on, and closed with an illumination fireworks and a large bon fire A melancholly accident happened at Galt this day the large Russian cannon went off and 2 men were killed on the spot and some others wounded by splinters of the ramrod</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 25.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine warm day it looked very much like as if we were going to have a great shower of rain in the morning but only a few dropes fell and through the forenoon it cleared up and all appearance of it pissed off</p>
<p></p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 26.</span></h2>
<p>Frost this morning again, have been putting a plank edging from the battery to the big stone to confine the gravel of the walk, the rain is seeming to come this afternoon, about finishing the planting of the potatoes next the glebe, have planted about two acres this year Also diging out the foundation for altering the gable of the granery preperatory to building it all up this summer.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">May. Monday 28.1866.</span></h2>
<p>We had a great deal of rain during the whole day yesterday with little or no interuption and it has continued all last night and now and then, a shower this morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. Friday 1.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather but very startling news that the Finians have crossed over to Fort Erie from about Black Rock between 1500 & 2000 strong and are throwing up earthworks with all possible speed the following troops have left Toronto. William is still improving but has a great difficulty in walking</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 2.</span></h2>
<p>This is another beeautiful morning and making for a very warm day The news this morning is that our men attacked the Finians at a place ridgeway east of Port Colborne miles but as they advanced they found themselves outnumbered and had to fall back on the Welland Canal Williams is much better to day & gone to Mr. Alexanders Again we hear that our troops rallied and drove the Finians before them</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. Monday 4. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This is somewhat of a wet morning, and do not feel well yet, having been much disturbed last night and this morning with my bowels and have kept the house the most of the day We have been much put about both yesterday and to day with very exciting intelligence about the Finians Later account say that about 800 of the Finians made their escape in scows tugged by proppellers from Buffalo who took them back to that city, and that the US steamer detained another scow with the commander Col O,neal on board & holds them now as prisoners</p>
<p>P.Laington & wife here</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 5.</span></h2>
<p>There has been considerable rain during the night and this forenoon Had to attend court to day and was fined by the Mayor & Petterson in the sum of $20. and $2.10 for costs. For not removing the ding from cattle yards within the time ordered. Cosidereable excitement about Montreal and Cornwall, and Prescot. 2 cars siezed by the US Marshall with ammunition & stores on board were taken by the Finians.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 6.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a wet day at least frequent showers this was the monthly fair day William was a good deal better to day & attended a short time in the office & went to fishers Mills in the afternoon by cars</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. Thursday 7. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Very fine morning, I went down to Toronto to attend the synod Mrs. A accompanying me Notwithstanding the excitement and the number of ministers absent, they will continue their sittings and finish the buisiness of the court. It began yesterday.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 8.</span></h2>
<p>In Toronto. the weather fine</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 9.</span></h2>
<p>Fine all day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 12.</span></h2>
<p>Raised</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 13.</span></h2>
<p>This has been somewhat of a sultry day a good of thunder & rain during last night and a heavy shower at noon Our Presbytery is in session to day was only a short time there, as I had a case in our quarter sessions now sitting, against William Maxwell for defrauding me in cordwood - but from some doubts in the minds of the jury they thought his brother was the most gilty and set him free -Raised</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. Thursday 14. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather, shipped a 100 bhels of No2 flour to Montreal Went down to Fishers Mills this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 23.</span></h2>
<p>Fine warm weather, & a good deal of wheat came in John Stewart of Eramosa left $300 on loan a 9 per cent for annum if over a month. Took out of the large steam box (prepared for steaming all the planks for the new still and mash turn) the first charge and found it much lighter than when it went in, after being in about 4 days</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">June. Monday 25. 1866</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very hot day, but cooled down in the evening after a light thunder shower. Thenews from Europe to day is still more war like</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 27.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather, this has been an exciting day in whisky. about 1/2 past twelve Oclock Mr Romain came down to inform me that he had a telegram from Otawa that, parliament had raised the duty om whisky from 30c to 60c and is now in full force, so up it went at once to 65c for gall</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 30.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather, I went down to Brampton this morning to see what agreement Mr Haggart had about pumping water for the Grand Trunk company, had proposed some alterations in the one they had sent up for his signature, but as yet it had not been completed nor did he think that he would do for some time untill he saw how it would work</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. Monday 2. 1866</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine day, and find that William is rather considered better to day. Both Herod & Hewitt examined him to day, and found nothing wrong with his inside</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. Thursday 19. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This has been the first dry day that we have had for a week</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 20.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine moderately warm day and have been leading all the hay that could be got dry The Grand Trunk companys men have been working hard all day in laying the remainder of the pipes past the mill gate and down the race & along the bottom William came home from his trip to Sault-st Mary this evening by Toronto & is much better in health</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 21.</span></h2>
<p>We had a fine forenoon, but in the afternoon it rained very heavy Kept the mill standing all day to enable the workmen to finish the pipes but they could not do it for want of a bend,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. Monday 23. 1866</span></h2>
<p>We had a tremendous storm of wind & rain yesterday afternoon a little after five Oclock & it blew down a great many ornamented trees of some fruit trees, the roof of the G J. engine house for about 1/4 of it was lifted and the slates & sheeting thrown to the ground. the G westerns long wood shed was totally destroyed, and many barns lost their roofs and a great deal of fencing blown down, our blanch roof also was to some extent damaged & states removed, This has been a fine dry day though at times it was verry sultry</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">July. Monday 30. 1866</span></h2>
<p>Fine dry weather and have begun to scaffold for the raising of my son Williams roof so as to admit of another story being built on it - by cutting holes in the walls under the plate for incerting 4 beams under the same, and the plate bound to these by irons to prevent the roof from shreading, and their planks checked along the top of these beams under the rafters so as to carry them all up equal without in any way breaking the roof.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 31.</span></h2>
<p>The Atlantic Cable is now complete.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Wednesday 1.</span></h2>
<p>This has been fine weather. but warm for out door work Have got ready all the eight screws and have begun to raise it</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Thursday 2. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Rather wet this morning but better about noon have been very busey for the most of the day finishing the raising of the roof of (illegible) house for the present to the height of the 6 feet from the floor to the under side of plate and is resting on the tresseks on one side and on 4 post on the other.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 3.</span></h2>
<p>very fine morning and Mrs A & I went down to Toronto so see William & little David, go off in the steam boat "Banshee" to Montreal at 1/2 past 2 PM, and after that had too little time to do any (business?) of consequence and left on our return at 3.45, PM, it rained heavy the whole way and even after 8 Oclock, but not quite so heavy.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 4.</span></h2>
<p>Very wet morning and had rained havy during the night, the masons could not begin work till about 10 Oclock, and the weather has been dry since and the work on the house progressing very well The steam engine is also far advanced, and may be ready to bring down then and of next week, the boiler fire box and the main shell is put together but not riveted yet</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Monday 6. 1866</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very fine cool bracing day - and have been gettin on well with building I have determined to day the exact height the lying shaft of the steam engine and the main level wheel is now being keyed on its place Tomorrow is to be kept as a holy day in town and the works will be standing still</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Monday13. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Rainey weather still continues and appearsto have been raining all night, it rained during part of the forenoon yesterday and then in the evening and very few in church. This morning we raised the roof as high as it will require and they have got the lintals on the windows, and the work is progressing well. though slow and exspensive, Mr A L Argo from stratford called, an agent inn town to day selling breach loading pistols & rifles</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 14.</span></h2>
<p>This is another dull misty morning with fine drizzling rain which continued to about 10 oclock, our riffle company is again called out to the Niagara frontier for 8 days. The afternoon has been more settled but very sultry & close, and not unlike rain,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 15.</span></h2>
<p>We have had dry weather to day Considerable enquirey is now making for a better supply of wheat the new comes in so sparingly that those who require it must bid up for it I bought to day nearly 600 bushels from Thos Easterbrook a $1.25 bills 100 bush of (illegible) Dow a $1.26 silver, a car load at St Marys $1.20 there</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Thursday 16. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This has been one of the dryest days we have had for some rime, it continued very cool for the most of the day I got the roof set down on its proper place on the walls of Williams house, But 162 bushels of full wheat of Geo Balkwoll at $1.30 bills</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 17.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a charming day suffiently warm getting on well with the house the gables are about built up to the top. Flour has gone up in Montreal within the last day or two about 50c Our RIffle company left here by the G. W. Railway for the neighbourhood of Drummondville I am getting the foundation walls built to day for to rest the beam on that carries the inner end of the fly wheel shaft</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 18.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine warm day and have got on very well with the house this week. and also with the preparations for the engine was up at the peoples mill this afternoon and found Mr Goldie busey supperintending his men clearing out old walls & printing up the bottom main ones with water lime, and weredressing the beams full length acrop the building 14 X 13 of exellent pine from near Hespeller, delivered here for $12 per 100 feet running measure for what is 12 X 12 & over</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Monday 20. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather, there had been during Saturday night and Sunday morning. and a heavy shower fell during yesterday afternoon between 3 & 4 oclock - But this day has been fine dry weather I have 2 masons working at foundation for engine also 3 at the granery walls,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 21.</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine day, men hard at work getting in the wheat on the Waterloo road The last of the peas was got in on Saturday from the back of the hill, This is the day for the Great Finian Pick Nick at Black Rock, but from all we hear, there is no disturbance</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 25.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine day, our Guelph Riffle Company returned this day at noon from Thorald - I have got on well with the foundation for the engine and have got the beams laid on the wall</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Monday 27. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine dry day & have got in all the oats on the upper field on hill, have got the side all ready for the engine and expect to get it down tomorrow. The water in the river is getting very light & there is much need of the engine</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">August. Thursday 30. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This has been fine working weather with a slight shower in the forenoon, there is much need of it so far as the river is concerned as it is very low, and we had to stop this afternoon for want of it, We the steam engine planted on its place this afternoon, it is a pritty heavy affair to handle</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 31.</span></h2>
<p>Very scarce of water, and consiquently of flour and had this afternoon to go to Armstrong mill in Eramosa to try buy some but could not I then went to Edin Mills and got 200 bags from Horton they also are scarce of water and wheat also. There is no old wheat to be got</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. Saturday 1.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a warm day and some few drops of rain fell but not enough to stop work or do any good in helping fill the dam, We have been boring the holes and getting the bolts in to screw down the engine to the frame The mason work for the bed of the boiler is far advanced as well as the foundation walls of the boiler house. The engine for Mr Argo of Stratford & made by Robertson & Main was low on the cars to day, and went of before I went out to see it, it is about the same power as mine Mr Massie here, told me that it is generally talked of in Montreal that galts financial bill will do a great deal of harm among business men as all the Banks will curtail their Discounts, and that the Bk of Montreal has done that already</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 5.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine day and warm. and have got well on with the building, the ash pit and the foundation for the engine boiler is ready and it is being set on its place, the fly wheel is troublesome to get true, Anders Anderson a suede came here from my sisters in Illinois, this afternoon on his way home to Sueden to see his parents</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. Thursday 6. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine warm day,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 7.</span></h2>
<p>This is a dull morning, it began to rain about 1/2 past 8 oclock, and got quite heavy at 1/4 to 9. and the men left of work I went out with Mr Anderson to the G. W. Station in time for the cars at 7.05. am & shortly before the rain began he went to see the Niagara falls & then to New York where he takes the steamer for Liverpool thence to Hull, where he gets the steam packet to Gothemburg</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 8.</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine working day, the rain yesterday has had a good effect on the river and enables us to grind with two run of stones.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. Monday 10. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine working day, I began to prepare for building a stone foundation for sheep house on the farm and adjoining the new barn 24 X 48 with pig house, & e below,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 11.</span></h2>
<p>It has rained some through the night, and this morning the clouds are heavy and a drizzling rain is falling, the masons & stonecutters did not begin nor could they do any thing to day for rain one the maine of spratt was here from Toronto in quest of bag flour, but went home by the 10 oclock train, It now rainst heavy 1/4 to mine, this night</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 14.</span></h2>
<p>This has been rather a dull day at least after one oclock it became very dark and by two oclock began to blow a complete gale and heavy rain. it blew about 15 feet of roofing of the market shed, the men were stoped from working this afternoon,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 15.</span></h2>
<p>There was strong frost this morning and has injured some garden stuffs Several companies left here this morning at 10 oclock for Thorald, The men, that is the masons did not work any this forenoon, and only 2 of them in the afternoon One boiler maker has been working at the distillery boils to day and are getting on slowly with it, (Rugles?) their master wentoff with the Guelph Artillery to Thorold</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. Monday 17. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a partly cloudy day, it rained through the night and slightly this morning, yesterday it rained in the morning and also in the evening, and was cold all day the curch was rather thinly filled, only three masons are working at the engine house to dat and 2 labourers. Old Mr Dunbar and his son Wm called here to day on their way home from Buffalo we were engaged this afternoon preparing beaters for the merchant bolts & are pulling them in to night</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 18.</span></h2>
<p>This is rather a more pleasant forenoon than we had lately, three gentlemen from St Johns N. B called here to day soliciting consignments of flour,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 19.</span></h2>
<p>There was not much pain of consequence to day got the funnel from the engine boiler put into the chimney, and is now in (ready?) for the fire</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. Thursday 20. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>This has been another very wet day. The masons did not work an hour to day for the rain, but one boiler maker and two helpers came this afternoon The steam pipes for the engine are about finished and expect to have the boiler filled and steam up tomorrow, My son William and little David came home from his travels, Mr & Mrs Alexander likewise returned from Montreal by the same consequence they report having had wer weather all the time they have been gone</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 21.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a dry day and the masons worked from, one Oclock we got the steam engine started this afternoon and appeared so far to work fine & smooth but the geering for driving the pumps will require some alternation, I got 17 feet of 4 inch pipe to drive it</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 22.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a dry day and clear, there was very strong post this morning. even us at the will door step I saw, our profiteers came home to day at 1/2 past one We had the engine going again this afternoon and grinding with one run of stones</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 25.</span></h2>
<p>This has been an extrordinary wet day it rained even on</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">September. Thursday 27. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Went down this morning to the exhibition in Toronto the weather was fine and the ground very much dried up, compared with what it had been the two previous days</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 2.</span></h2>
<p>This is another fine day, a great deal of wheat in the market, and the prices quite stiff 1,43 to 1,45 and even &1.50 paid for large sound (midset roof?) One George Patterson called here with John gray and wanted a situation as packer and of any other work outdoor when, indoor work is done, he is to begin on Thursday at $12 per month & board,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 13.</span></h2>
<p>Goodman finished the excavation for the hot air furnace under the (illegible)</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 16.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a charming day, the masons are still busey building in the distillery boiler and the carpenters are about finished with the roof of Eugene boiler house, John & Elisa Allan left for Toleda at 1/2 past 5 this afternoon the train was over 2 hours late, he is to return after seeing her safe away from that town on her way to Illinois, Great fire in Duebee on Sunday from 18,000 to 20,000 people rendered houseles</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 17.</span></h2>
<p>A splendid day again</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 20.</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather to day, we got the boiler in the distiller finished to day and put on the fire</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">October. Monday 22. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>The weather has been dry to day but cold, and clearly shows that Autumn has begun, we are very busey taking up our potatoes and find the yeald very good, the chilis especially are sound, but the kidneys are doubtful and we are caying them in small heaps to try them Have begun to day to lath the roof of the Eugene house</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 23.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a coldish day, (illegible) down to Toronto this morning to attend the review of the troops there, had a Mr Greenough here from, Boston wanting flour I went out to Arthur Hogges sale of thorough bred cattle, & was in want of a ramand bid as lush as $60 for a fine one & did not get it I went afterwards to Joseph Parkinsons & bought a this years ram lamb for $18. which will answer every purpose for this year I am advised strongly not to mix the cottonwooled, with the leicesters ewes, but rather improve from a.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 14.</span></h2>
<p>We did not start the distillery to day as I am going to put in large pipe on the crown of the new mouth peice attached to the large boiler, the two bottom pipes for supplying it with water, only does so when at a low temperature but as soon as steam is generated it expells the water and the crown gets red hot and has cracked the plate, A 3/4 pipe was placed on the top to convey the steam as it was formed to the large boiler, but that did not help it at all We have had some splendid weather of late but it now threatens to break up this evening with a light rain,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">November. Thursday 15. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Hot morning, worked late last night to finish the joints of a new pipe 3 1/2 inches diameter I have been conmelting the new mouth peice with the large boiler</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 4.</span></h2>
<p>Very wet morning, I went down to Toronto & returned in the evening, called on Cameron & Mr McHall about suit in Chancery against John Mc Atee</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 14.</span></h2>
<p>Hard frost down to near zero The Grand Trunk men are making very little progress in laying the wooden pipes for overflow water, the ground is every day getting harder,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 15.</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine winter day clear with sunshine, but the frost was very keen in the morning only 2 above zero. Mr Brunel the revenue, or rather the excise inspector was down this morning, It appears that Halladys distillery is standing still the Chippawa was going for a short time & is again stopped, the one at Coburg is not going, the Kingston one (mortons) is still working finishing up some contracts, & will then stop they are working at a lofts, the one at prescott is again working & in fine order & has a fine improvement in their lock up at the mouth of the workm,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 18.</span></h2>
<p>a good deal of snow fell during the night but not enough to make good sleighing</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 19.</span></h2>
<p>Moderate day but yet the ground is frozen pretty deep. the Grand Trunk workmen are making very slow progress in laying the worker pipes</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">December. Thursday 20. 1866.</span></h2>
<p>Very cold this morning at 7a.m the thermometer stood 8 degrees below zero, very little wind The workmen are not working at the drain to day. I got Stevens to build in a grate in Williams, parlour to day</p>
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David Allan (1808-1895)
1865 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL. 1865.
-/v 70¢ {Printed page} CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 1865. LAW TERMS. BANK HOLIDAYS.
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1865.
TORONTO:
PUBLISHED BY
BROWN BROTHERS,
MANUFACTURING STATIONERS,
66 KING STREET EAST.
-/v 70¢
Cost of Barn on Bridget Farm.
Excavation
$18.20
Masonery buidling
$51.60
Stone
$
Lime
$
Sand
$
Fanning including extras
$85.00
Lumber
Shingles
Nails
Hinges & fastenings
Sleepers
Raising
Rafters
Hamilton June 22d 1865
Mr David Allan
1865
Bol of.
aug 18 86 ft 6 inches iron Railing
13 iron posts
V.B. Robbi {page torn}
151. {page torn}
58.5 {page torn}
�$209.8 {page torn}
{2 printed pages - newspaper cuttings}
-/v 70¢ Globe 11th Jany 1865 {Printed page - newspaper cutting}
{Blank page}
January, MONDAY, 2. 1865.
Fine weather
TUESDAY, 3.
Very hard frost this
WEDNESDAY, 4.
This is the monthly fair day a great many cattle were in, but not many in good order for killing. I was
from home, having gone up to Woodstock to look after Andrew George Smiths note which was
protested
January, THURSDAY, 5. 1865.
This is another fine day, a good deal of wheat is comming in as well as Pork, the latter not quite so
firm, perhaps on account of the appearance of thaw, as the snow is melting on the sidewalks.
FRIDAY, 6.
Much the same kind of weather as it was yesterday, money came in pretty freely to day and was
much wanted having large demands to meet this week and next
SATURDAY, 7.
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 9. 1865.
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 10.
{No entry}
�WEDNESDAY, 11.
Went up to Elora and received payment for my 2 shares in the Gravel Road $50.00 The sleighing is
good.
January, THURSDAY, 12. 1865.
Fine winter day, a good deal of wheat comming in to day, got a note discounted
FRIDAY, 13.
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 14.
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 16. 1865.
It was very cold this morning 6º below zero and fine any snow falling. John Idington passed up this
morning and has made arrangements to leave Mount Forest on Thursday first. The Ontario Bank
has opened a Credit for me of $15,000.
TUESDAY, 17.
Fine pleasant frosty weather but not quite so cold as yesterday. I obtained this day a Transcript from
A. A. Baker Clerk of 1st Division Court, Guelph, and forwarded to John Idington Esq. Mount Forest*,
to be transmitted by him for Registration in the County of Grey, to be against the lands of Michael
Stonehouse, Date of suit 3d May 1861. for $84.67 & is now $91.54.
Int. from June 61. Transt. 1.50
*Durham is the 2d Division Counrt County of Grey, the Clerks name is Wm. Jackson
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until January, FRIDAY, 27 1865}
FRIDAY, 27.
Very fine winter day. Mrs A & I started for Fishers Mills on a visit to P. Idington and found it very cold
going there against the wind, found them well, John Thorp died this afternoon at 3 oclock I wrote to
my Sister and posted it to day.
Mr Chaffey of Brockville has the Mortgage on Thorps Hotel for £900 + 200 for Interest = £1100
�SATURDAY, 28.
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 30. 1865.
Misty and thick this morning, the frost not so keen as last week. John Thorp Senr Funeral takes
place this afternoon at 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, 31.
{No entry}
February, WEDNESDAY, 1. 1865.
Fine weather. This is the monthly Fair day, there is a great many cattle in and the price
pritty good. I saw a Locomotive and tender run of the track to day at noon, caused by the
track at the market crossing being filled up with snow.
February, THURSDAY, 2. 1865.
A great deal of wheat came in to day
FRIDAY, 3.
Threatening rain but a good many sleighs in with wheat, it began to rain much heavier about
½ past 3, when they had just then got the Locomotive that run of on Wednesday on the
track again it required 2 of the most powerfull Engines to do it
SATURDAY, 4.
{No entry}
{2 blank pages}
February, MONDAY, 13. 1865.
Very cold morning 22º below Zero at 7 a.m
TUESDAY, 14.
13º below Zero at 7 a.m.
�WEDNESDAY, 15.
Cold raw day
February, THURSDAY, 16. 1865.
Weather much milder which has improved the sleighing
FRIDAY, 17.
Mild and has much the appearance of thaw
SATURDAY, 18.
{No entry}
February, MONDAY, 20. 1865
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 21.
There has been a good deal of thawing to day and the streets very wet {Transcriber's note following text written in purple ink} Mind to get the Flood gates clear of ice, and ready to
hoist in case of sudden thaw
WEDNESDAY, 22.
The weather is very mild to day & misty and turned into heavy rain during the forenoon, in
the afternoon it got fair, and I ordered the flood gates to be cleared of ice {Transcriber's note
- underlined in purple ink}
February, THURSDAY, 23. 1865.
No thaw to day Mr Swan of Mt Forest came here yesterday & has allowed his note to be
protested in the Bank, he has to day made every enquirey for money, without any success,
in one place 3 percent a month was asked, Left at 4 p.m. for Hamilton
FRIDAY, 24.
The weather in Hamilton to day is mild and fine winter weather, but trade is remarkably dull
and dismal 2 failures reported. returned this evening
�SATURDAY, 25.
{No entry}
February, MONDAY, 27. 1865.
Hard frost all day, but yesterday was very slopy
TUESDAY, 28.
A great deal of snow fell during the night
March, WEDNESDAY, 1. 1865.
This has been a fine Fair day a great many cattle and people were in attendance, the prices
were not quite so good as they were at the Elora Fair yesterday.
March, THURSDAY, 2. 1865.
To day is rather slushey walking on account of the thaw and the depth of snow. This is our
fast day in our Church the attendance was thin
FRIDAY, 3.
The weather still soft. Division Court is held to day, my case against Jas Trainer & Patrick
Groit for their dogs having killed 10 of my sheep in Nov last came of to day, a jury of 5 was
empanneled and they gave their verdict in favour of the defendant
SATURDAY, 4.
Very heavy Snow this morning, but it cleared off during the day.
March, MONDAY, 6. 1865.
This is a charming day, the frost during the early morning must have been about Zero as at
7am it was 4º above it. The Building Society meeting was held to day and we devided £5 a
share
TUESDAY, 7.
This is a mild day and very soft under foot, the sun has a powerfull effect on the snow now.
WEDNESDAY, 8.
�{No entry}
March, THURSDAY, 9. 1865.
This is a mild day with close fine rain after some mist in the morning
FRIDAY, 10.
This is quite a cold frosty day, considerable snow has fallen during the night which has
improved the bare parts of the road near Town.
SATURDAY, 11.
This is a very cold blustery day, The Revenue Inspector Telegraphed to Quebec to acertain
from the department if "He can Bond {v} Spirits manufactered since the 1st instant or accept
duty at once. {v} - before 15th Inst.
March, MONDAY, 13. 1865.
This is a moderate day - but yesterday was a cold disagreable day, the wind was very
cutting and a great deal of snow fell during the day. Mr A.B. Stewart was here & past down
this evening on his return to Montreal
TUESDAY, 14.
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 15.
{No entry}
March, THURSDAY, 16. 1865.
This is a blustery cold wet & rainey morning, and continued throug a considerable part of
the day, went up in the rain to the Marble Works with Mrs McLean to examine the
monuments &c. Attended a meeting of Assurance to day on Quinlan's loss at Salem,
wherein there is evedence of its being set on fire, his claim was $300 on Brick shop $300 on
stock of boots & shoes, the board refused to pay the claim in full, and accepted his offer to
take $450.00
FRIDAY, 17.
�This day is quite a change from yesterday, dry clear & frosty, but warmer during the middle
of the day and thawing the snow very fast
SATURDAY, 18.
The wind blew very strong and a great deal of rain fell during the night, that the Mill dam
was so full & overflowing that the water entered the lower floor of the Mill, but after hoisting
all the flood gates, which were quite loose and free having been examined and the ice
cut away some weeks ago, and then quite easy to lift.
March, MONDAY, 20. 1865.
This is a fine day, but thawing very fast. The Court of Assises began at noon John Idington
here had 2 cases,
TUESDAY, 21.
Weather still mild, and thawing fast. The rain comming on this afternoon will have a
dangerous effect if it continues in creating a great flood in the River all the gates are now
open
WEDNESDAY, 22.
This is a very rough morning strong wind rain and sleet the greater part of the day & got
worse in the afternoon. The water in the Dam is rising and is now higher than I have seen it,
I took the precaution to load the low bridge with stones, it is washing clear over the middle
peir of Bridge, to night the there is a very fearce snow storm, it is now (10pm) passing and
beginning to lower
March, THURSDAY, 23 1865.
This is a frosty morning and find the water about a foot lower, the Mill stood all day
yesterday and was started this morning but found that the Wheel was labouring so much in
back water that I stopt it for to day also the water was up 2 inches at noon from the melting
of the snow.
FRIDAY, 24.
{No entry}
�SATURDAY, 25.
{No entry}
April, MONDAY, 3. 1865.
This is somewhat of a cold blowey day yet clear and dry, Held the Annual Meeting of the
Building Society, and re elected all the old officers again
TUESDAY, 4.
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 5
{No entry}
{Blank page with ink markings}
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-1877
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
January 2, 1865
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
David Allan Diary Collection
Medium
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Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
UG
Transcription Progress
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Done
Scripto
Transcription
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<p>{printed}</p>
<p>DAILY JOURNAL. 1865.</p>
<p>January, MONDAY, 2. 1865.</p>
<p>Fine weather.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 3.</p>
<p>Very hard frost this</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 4.</p>
<p>This is the monthly <span style="text-decoration:underline;">fair day</span> a great many cattle were in, but not many in good order for killing. I was from home, having gone up to Woodstock to look after {Audre?} George Smiths note which was protected</p>
<p>January, THURSDAY, 5. 1865.</p>
<p>This is another fine day, a good deal of wheat is comming in as well as Pork, the latter not quite so firm, perhaps on account of the appearance of thaw, as the snow is melting on the sidewalks.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 6.</p>
<p>Much the same kind of weether as it was yesterday, money came in pretty freely to day and was much wanted having large demands to meet this week and next</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 7.</p>
<p>January, MONDAY, 9. 1865.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 10.</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 11.</p>
<p>Went up to Elora and received payment for my 2 shares in the Gravel Road $50.00 The sleighing is good.</p>
<p>January, THURSDAY, 12. 1865.</p>
<p>Fine winter day, a good deal of wheat comming in to day, got a note discounted</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 13.</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 14.</p>
<p>January, MONDAY, 16. 1865.</p>
<p>It was very cold this morning 6 {degree sign} below zero and fine any snow falling.</p>
<p>John Idington passed up this morning and has made arrangerments to leave Mount Forest on Thursday first. The Ontario Bank has openerd a Credit for me of $15,000.</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 17.</p>
<p>Fine pleasant frosty weather but not quite so cold as yesterday.</p>
<p>I obtained this day a Transcript from A. A. Baker Clerk of 1st Division Court, Guelph, and forwarded to John Idington Esq. Mount Forest*, to be transmitted by him for Registration in the County of Grey. against the lands of Michale Stonehouse, Date of suit 3 May 1861. for $84.67 & is now $91.54.</p>
<p>Int. from June 61 Transt. 1.50</p>
<p>Durham is the 2d Division Counrt County of Grey, the Clerks name is Wm. Jackson</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 18.</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY, FRIDAY 27 1865</span></h2>
<p>Very fine winter day. Mrs A & J started for Fishers Mills on a visit to P. Idington and found it very cold going there against the wind. found them well, John Thorp died this afternoon at 3 o'clock</p>
<p>I wrote to my Sister and posted it to day.</p>
<p>MrGhaffey of Brockville has the Mortgage on {Thorps} Hotel for {pound sign}{equation of 900 + 200 = 1000} for interest</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY, MONDAY 30 1865</span></h2>
<p>Mistry and thick morning, the frost not so keen as last week.</p>
<p>John Thorp {son?} Funeral takes place this afternoon at 2 p.m.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 31</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, WEDNESDAY 1</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather. This is the monthly Fair day. there is a great many cattle in and the price pritty good</p>
<p>I saw a Locomotive and tender run of the track to day at noon caused by the track at the market crossing being filled up with snow.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, THURSDAY 2 1865</span></h2>
<p>A great deal of wheat came in to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>Threatening rain but a good many sleighs in with wheat. it began to rain much heavier about 1/2 past 3. when they had just then got the Lo= =comotive that run of on Wednesday on the track again it required 2 of the most powerful Engines to do it</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 4</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, MONDAY 13 1865</span></h2>
<p>Very cold morning 22 {degree sign} below Zero at 1 a.m</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 14</span></h2>
<p>13 {degree sign} below Zero at 7 a.m.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 15</span></h2>
<p>Cold raw day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, THURSDAY 16 1865</span></h2>
<p>Weather much milder which has improved the sleighing</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 17</span></h2>
<p>Mild and has much the appearance of thaw</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 18</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, MONDAY, 20. 1865</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 21</span></h2>
<p>There has been a good deal of thawing to day and the street very wet</p>
<p>{following text for Tuesday witten in purple ink} Mind to get the Flood gates clear of ice. and ready to hoist in case of sudden thaw</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 22</span></h2>
<p>The weather is very mild to day & misty and turned into heavy rain during the forenoon, in the afternoon it got fair and I <span style="text-decoration:underline;">ordered the flood gates to be cleared of ice</span> {underline in purple ink}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, THURSDAY, 23. 1865</span></h2>
<p>No thaw to day</p>
<p>Mr {Snau?} of Mt Forest came here yesterday & has allowed his note to be protested in the Bank. he has to day made every enquirey for money without any sweep, in one place 3p each a month was asked,</p>
<p>Left at 4 p.m. for Hamilton</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 24</span></h2>
<p>The weather in Hamilton to day is mild and fine winter weather, but trade is remarkably dull and dismal</p>
<p>2 failures reported.</p>
<p>returned this evening</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 25</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, MONDAY, 27. 1865</span></h2>
<p>Hard frost all day, but yesterday was very slopy</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 28</span></h2>
<p>A great deal of snow fell during the night</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, WEDNESDAY 1</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine Fair day a great many cattle and people were in attandance, the prices were not quite so good as they were at the Elora Fair yesterday.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, THURSDAY, 2. 1865</span></h2>
<p>To day is rather slushey walking on account of the thaw and the depth of snow</p>
<p>This is our fast day in our Church the attendance was thin</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 3</span></h2>
<p>The weather still soft</p>
<p>Division Court is held to day, my case against {Sal Fraisser?} and Patrick {Groit?} for their dogs having killed 10 of my sheep in Nov {Cass?} came of to day, a jury of 5 was {empauete?} and they gave their verdict in favour of the defendant</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 4</span></h2>
<p>Very heavy Snow this morning, but it cleared off during the day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, MONDAY, 6. 1865</span></h2>
<p>This is a charming day, the frost during the early morning must have been about Zero as at 7am it was 4 {degree sign} above it.</p>
<p>The Building Society meeting was held to day and we devided {pound sign} 5 a share</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 7</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild day and very soft under foot, the sun has a powerful effect on the snow now</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 8</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, THURSDAY, 9. 1865</span></h2>
<p>This is a mild day with close fine rain after some mist in the morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 10</span></h2>
<p>This is quite a cold frosty day, considerable snow has fallen during the night which has improved the bare parts of the road near {Town?}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 11</span></h2>
<p>This is a very cold blistery day, The Revenue {Inspection?} Telegraphed to Quebec to acertain from the department if {he?} can Bond {"insert here" symbol indicated} spirits manufactered since the 1st instant or accept duty at once</p>
<p>{“insert here” symbol}</p>
<p>before 15th {illegible}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, MONDAY, 13. 1865</span></h2>
<p>This is a moderate day -- but yesterday was a cold disagreable day, the wind was very cutting and a great deal of snow fell during the day</p>
<p>Mr A.N. Stewart was here & past down this {evening?} on his return to Montreal</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 14</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 15</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, THURSDAY, 16. 1865</span></h2>
<p>This is a blistery {'cold' scratched out} wet & rainey morning and continued throug a considerable part of the day, went up in the rain to the Marble works with Mrs McLean to examine the Monuments. {illegible markings}</p>
<p>Attended a meeting of Assurance to day on {Quin lanes?} lofs at Salem wherein there is evedence of its being set on fire, his claim was $300 on Brick shop $300 on stock of boots & shoes, the board refused to pay the claim in full, and accepted his offer to take $450.00</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 17</span></h2>
<p>This day is quite a change from yesterday, dry clear & frosty but warmer during the middle of the day and thawing the snow fast</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 18</span></h2>
<p>The wind blew very strong and a great deal of rain fell during the night that the Mill dam was so full & overflowing that the water entered the lower floor of the Mill, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">but after hoisting all the flood gates</span>, which were quite loose and free having <span style="text-decoration:underline;">been examined and the ice cut</span> away some weeks ago, and then quite easy to lift.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, MONDAY, 20. 1865</span></h2>
<p>This is a fine day, but thawing very fast</p>
<p>The Court of {Assises?} began at noon John Idington here had 2 cases,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 21</span></h2>
<p>Weather still mild, and thawing fast</p>
<p>The rain comming on this afternoon wild have a dangerous effect if it continues in creating a great flood in the River all the gates are now open</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 22</span></h2>
<p>This is a very rough morning strong wind rain and sleet the greater part of the day & got worse in the afternoon</p>
<p>The water in the Dam is rising and is now higher than I have seen it, I took the {precast?} to load the low bridge with stones it is washing clear over the middle peir of Bridge, to night the there is a very fearce snow storm, it is now (10cm) {peesing?} and beginning to lower</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, THURSDAY, 23 1865</span></h2>
<p>This is a frosty morning and {frid?} the water about a foot lower, the Mill stood all day yesterday and was started this morning but found that the Wheel was Labouring so much in back water that I stopt it for today also Te water was up 2 inches at noon from the melting of the snow</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 24</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 25</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">APRIL, MONDAY, 3. 1865</span></h2>
<p>This is somewhat of a cold blowey day yet clear and dry,</p>
<p>Held the Annual Meeting of the Building Society, and reelected all the old officers again</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 4</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 5</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{ink markings and bleed from previous pages}</p>
transcribed
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David Allan (1808-1895)
1863 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive Volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL 1863
{Printed page} CALENDAR FOR 1860.
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1860.
New York:
PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY
KIGGINS & KELLOGG,
Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers and Blank Book Manufacturers,
123 & 125 WILLIAM STREET,
BETWEEN JOHN AND FULTON.
{Blank page)
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1860.
{Blank page}
{Transcriber's note - in every header the diarist edits them to the correct date}
January, THURSDAY, 1st 1863
The year has ushered in with most splendid weather The sun shining out clear and beautiful quite
calm and the cold in the morning only about the freezing point, the ice on the Dam is strong enough
and crouded with skaiters. of all ages and sexes.
FRIDAY, 2d
The same fine weather prevails, and the roads are hard and smooth.
SATURDAY, 3d
The weather is not so fine as it was yesterday was dull, I went down to Puslinch to see about clear
boards and square timber It began to rain in the afternoon, and made the roads quite heavy, that
were very fine in the morning
�January, MONDAY, 5th 1863
The day is dry but blowing cold went out to the farm, the men are at work cutting up all the old laying
cedar and other logs and under-brush
TUESDAY, 6th
The weather is still mild and little or no frost more than to harden the roads during the night, which
soften during the day.
WEDNESDAY, 7th
{No entry}
January, THURSDAY, 8th 1863
{No entry}
Friday, 9th
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 10th
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 12th 186{3}
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 13th
Some more snow fell to day which with what fell yesterday enabled a light sleigh or cutter to slip
along. The annual meeting of the Bible Society was held this evening in St Andrews Church
WEDNESDAY, 14th
The weather to day has been quite wet and rainy, and melting all the snow that fell yesterday
January, THURSDAY, 15th 186{3}
It froze harder last night than for some nights past, but the most of the snow gone it Began however
in the afternoon and snowed heavy. I have just got the new toe and brass for for the upright shaft of
the old Mill (but now a new one) the toe is 3¾ 1/16 inches in diameter which is 1¼ inches larger than
than the old one. I was present both at the steeling and temporing of it myself, and likewise cast the
�Brass, which is quite hard & good. The teams went down to Morriston to day for some dry square
pine timber. It has been snowing heavy all afternoon, and will be hard for the teams to get home.
Board day in Bank
FRIDAY, 16th
There is considerable frost snow this morning and must have fallen during the night. At 7 this
morning the glass was 10° below zero.
Saturday, 17th
Rather of any thing milder this morning
January, MONDAY, 19th 186{3}
Much milder this morning and during the middle of the day there was a slight thaw
TUESDAY, 20th
No thaw but a cold raw wind and very dull threatning a fall of snow or rain. We are getting on well
with the Water Wheel the greater part of the Buckets are in their place
WEDNESDAY, 21st
Went down to Galt this morning and returned by evening train, At the Foundry setting a/c in full to
date. R Wallace informed me he sold 1000 Bhls {bushels} No 1 spring wheat flour to be delivered
F.O.B in Hamilton at $4.15 Blain is treating now with a Montreal House for $4.20 and thinks he will
get it. The snow has improved the roads but I am afraid it is not going to last, as there is a slight
thaw. The upright shaft and spurs wheel and level pinion are in their place
January, THURSDAY, 22d 186{3}
Very mild this morning and thawing and continued so all day, so that it begins to tell on the roads
seriously. Mr N Higginbotham very ill, yet,
FRIDAY, 23
It still continues mild but the snow is not melting as fast as it did yesterday. Measuring and deciding
about the upright shafts. Higginbotham rather better to day
SATURDAY, 24th
�{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 26th 186{3}
It has been quite soft to day and little else than waggons and Buggies going. It however began to
snow in the evening. This is the Anneversary of Burns Birth day Dinner was or rather Supper at 8
was given at Grants Saloon to the Canadian Bard, Alex r McLaughlan - on his return from Scotland
TUESDAY, 27
Snowing hard this morning yet soft yet Mrs A & I went down to Mr Idingtons in Waterloo. and found
the sleighing tolerably good for a light conveyance. It snowed all the fore part of the day
February, WEDNESDAY, 28th
It froze pritty hard during the night and there is no thaw to day - this evening a Dinner to Hon A. J
Ferguson, to welcome his return from Scotland
Thursday 29th
Fine morning and moderate frost Board day, the President of the Bank Mr Simpson was here
Friday 30th
Moderate frost and no additional snow.
Saturday 31st
Sharper frost this morning, but little or no snow on the roads, except at the sides
February, Monday 2d 1863
{No entry}
Tuesday 3d
{No entry}
Wednesday 4th
Board day in bank.
{Transcriber's note - no entries, apart from day and date, after the above date until February ,
THURSDAY, 12th 186{3}}
�February, THURSDAY, 12th 186{3}
Board day
{Transcriber's note - no entries, apart from day and date, after the above date until February,
WEDNESDAY, {18th}}
WEDNESDAY, {18th}
Very sharp cold day, good roads and a great quantity of grain in
February, THURSDAY, {19th} 186{3}
Has been a cold day, good sleighing and a considerable quantity of wheat in the market. Rev
Kenneth McLennan of Paisley here. Board day in Bank.
FRIDAY, {20th}
{No entry}
SATURDAY, {21st}
Not due in Hamilton on Monday
[Transcriber's note - No entries between February, MONDAY, 23rd 1863 and March TUESDAY, 31st
1863}
{April} WEDNESDAY, 1st {1863}
Cold freezing day, the ground was bare of snow yet there was a considerable number of cattle at the
Fair, And the prices were much improved when compared to the one last month
April THURSDAY, 2d 1863
{No entry}
FRIDAY, 3d
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 4th
{No entry}
�April, MONDAY, 6th 1863
This has been a very different day from what yesterday was it began to snow heavy this morning
and continued all day and in a great measure melted away, whereas yesterday was a fine clear
pleasant day of Sunshine
TUESDAY, 7th
This has been another day of sleet and snow which is melting fast, have the 3 horse teams and the
Oxen at the Rocks hauling the firewood out of the chopping on to the roadside to be out of the way
in burning the brush in the spring. Let the water on the big Mill New water wheel. the stone pinions
were in geer and all went smooth and well.
WEDNESDAY, 8th
{No entry}
April, THURSDAY, 9th 1863
This has been a very fine day, but the roads are getting deep and muddy as the frost goes out. Peter
Idington was here to day, went out to the freight station with him. A.B. Stewarts sale of furniture to
day. I wrote to Hart & Munson of Utica NY. about another of Mattisons Flour packers.
[Transcriber's note - No entries between April, FRIDAY, 10th 1863 and April WEDNESDAY, 22d
1863}
April, THURSDAY 23d 186{3}
have obliged to discontinue here so as to begin the month of May on the proper day of the week.
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until May, FRIDAY, 1st 1863}
May, FRIDAY 1st May
Began to chopp Corn in the (large Mill) to day at a fine rate. Had quite an alarm yesterday about the
outer gudgeon of the new water wheel being allowed to run dry untill it was so hot as to change its
colour it tore up the brass and also made the surface of the gudgeon (which was had been polished
with Emery) rough and quite pock-pitted. we cooled it down with sulphur and water, and then after
cleaning it well, and had got it quite cool put on fresh oil & tallow and smoothed the surface with a
�fine file, it then appeared to work tolerably well But fear it will have to be turned again to make it as
perfect as it was. It is fine weather
SATURDAY, 2d
There is some appearance of rain to day. I feel heavy and have a slight headache
Note due tomorrow
Meeting of committee on Printing ½ past 7.
May MONDAY, 4th 18{63}
{No entry}
May, TUESDAY 5th
Began to chop Corn with the Old Mill (or large Mill) regularly
WEDNESDAY {6TH}
{No entry}
{7 blank pages}
May, THURSDAY 28, 18{63}
{No entry}
Friday 29
Have got the Eight acre field next the Glebe sown with Oats this day, and partly harrowed
Saturday 30
considerable rain fell this forenoon, and part of the afternoon The cone for the new packing machine
was finished to day, and the most of the geering filled up for it. The fitting up of the upper part begun
The shafting is progressing as fast as can be done, the Bran Bolt casing is finished
May, Sabbath 31 18{63}
June, MONDAY 1 1863
�This has been a {throng} day, this being our annual meeting of the Wellington Mutual Fire Assurance
Co. when I was again re elected a Director, Had also a meeting of the Building Society The weather
is raw and cold to day Have got the 8 acre field fenced and finished this afternoon.
Tuesday 2
Intend leaving for Hamilton this morning
{Transcriber's note - no entries, except for day and date, after the above date up to June, TUESDAY,
23d 18{63}}
{Blank page}
Letters to write or answer
Horsburgh
Mrs Robertson Chatham (of 13th Feb) see Kingsmill
John Burnes, {---}
Treasurer of Goderich. A.M Ross
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
David Allan
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1862-1877
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
January 1, 1863
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
David Allan Diary Collection
Medium
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Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription
UG
Transcription Progress
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Done
Scripto
Transcription
A written representation of a document.
<p>Daily Journal 1863</p>
<p>1860 Calendar</p>
<p>Daily Journal for 1860</p>
<p>{Page 3 blank)}Daily Journal for 1860</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January Thursday, 5 1st 1863 {in every header he edits them to the correct date In future I will use the same format as Clara Philp's}</span></h2>
<p>The year has ushered in with most splendid weather The sun shining out clear and beautiful quite calm and the cold in the morning only about the freezing point, the ice on the Dam is strong enough and crouwded with skaiters. of all ages and sexes.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 2</span></h2>
<p>The same fine weather prevails, and the houses are hard and smooth,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 3</span></h2>
<p>The weather is not so fine as it was yesterday was dull, I went down to Puslinch to see about clear hoards and square timber It began to rain in the afternoon, and made the roads quite heavy, that were very fine in the morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January, Monday, 5th</span></h2>
<p>The day is dry but flowing cold went out to the farm, the men are at work cutting up all the old laying cedar and other logs and under = brush</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 6th</span></h2>
<p>The weather is still mild and little or no frost more than to harden the roads during the night, which soften during the day.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 7th</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January, Thursday, 8th</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 9th</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 10th</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January, Monday 12th</span></h2>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 13th</span></h2>
<p>Some more snow fell to day which with what fell yesterday enabled a light {sheigh?} or cutter to ship along. The annual meeting of the Bible society was held this evening in St Andrews church</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 14</span></h2>
<p>The weather to day has been quite wet and rainy, and melting all the snow that fell yesterday</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January, Thursday, 15</span></h2>
<p>It froze harder last night than for some nights past, but the most of the snow gone it Began however in the afternoon and snowed heavy I have just got the new toe and brass for for the upright shaft of the old will (but now a new one) the toe is 3 3/4 1/lb inches in diameter which is 1 1/4 inches larger than than the old one. . I was present both at the steeling and tempories of it myself, and likewise rest the Brass, which is quite hard & good The teams went down to Morriston to day for some dry square pine timber It has been snowing heavy all afternoon, and will be hard for the teams to get home Bourd day in Bank</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday, 16th</span></h2>
<p>There is considerable frost snow this morning and must have fallen during the night As of this morning the glass was 10° below zero</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 17th</span></h2>
<p>Rather of any thing milder this morning</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Monday, 19th</span></h2>
<p>Much milder this morning and during the middle of the day there was a slight thaw</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 20th</span></h2>
<p>No thaw but a cold raw wind and very dull threatening a full of snow or rain We are getting on well with the Water Wheel the greater part of the Buckets are in their place</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday, 21st</span></h2>
<p>Went down to <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Galt this</span> morning and returned by evening train, At the Foundry setting a/c {account} in full to date R Wallace informed me he sold 1000 Bhls {bushels} No 1 spring wheat flour to be delivered F.O.B in Hamilton at $4,,15 Blain is trating now with a {Uoutreal?} House for $4.20 and thinks he will get it The snow has improved the roads but I am afraid it is not going to last. as there is a slight thaw The upright shaft and spurs Wheel and level pinion are in their place</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January Thursday, 22</span></h2>
<p>Very mild this morning and thawing and continued so all day, so that it begins to tell on the roads seriously Mr N {Heigginbothain?} very ill, yet,</p>
<pre>== Friday, 23 ==
</pre>
<p>It still continues mild but the snow is not melting as fast as it did yesterday measuring and deciding about the upright shafts heigginbothain rather better to day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 24th</span></h2>
<div class="toc">
<div>
<h2>Contents</h2>
</div>
<ul><li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#January.2C_Monday.2C_26th"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">January, Monday, 26th</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Tuesday.2C_27"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">Tuesday, 27</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#February.2C_Wednesday.2C_28th"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">February, Wednesday, 28th</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Thursday_29th"><span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">Thursday 29th</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Friday_30th"><span class="tocnumber">5</span> <span class="toctext">Friday 30th</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#Saturday.2C_31st"><span class="tocnumber">6</span> <span class="toctext">Saturday, 31st</span></a></li>
</ul></div>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">January, Monday, 26th</span></h2>
<p>It has been quite soft to day and little else than waggons and buggies going, It however began to snow in the evening <span style="text-decoration:underline;">This is the anneversary of Burns Birth day</span> Dinner <span style="text-decoration:underline;">?</span> or rather supper at 8 was given at Grants saloon to the Canadian bard, Alex/ MC Laughtons - on his return from Scotland</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday, 27</span></h2>
<p>Snowing hard this morning yet soft yet <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Mrs A {&?} I went down</span> to Mr {hadington?} in Waterloo. and found the sleighing tolerably good for a light conveyances it snowed all the fore part of the day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">February, Wednesday, 28th</span></h2>
<p>It froze pritty hard during the night and there is no thaw to day - this evening a <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Dinner to {heon?} A,d Ferguson</span>, to welcome his return {Seattaid?}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Thursday 29th</span></h2>
<pre>Fine morning and moderate frost Bourd day, the president of the Bank W Simpson was here {written in two different inks and 29th to 31st written in Wednesday slot}
</pre>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Friday 30th</span></h2>
<p>Moderate frost and no additional snow.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 31st</span></h2>
<p>sharper frost this morning, but little or no snow on the road, except at the sides</p>
<div class="toc">
<div>
<h2>Contents</h2>
</div>
<ul><li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#FEBRUARY.2C_MONDAY_2ND_1863"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">FEBRUARY, MONDAY 2ND 1863</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#TUESDAY_3rd"><span class="tocnumber">2</span> <span class="toctext">TUESDAY 3rd</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#WEDNESDAY_4th"><span class="tocnumber">3</span> <span class="toctext">WEDNESDAY 4th</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#THURSDAY_5th"><span class="tocnumber">4</span> <span class="toctext">THURSDAY 5th</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#FRIDAY_6th"><span class="tocnumber">5</span> <span class="toctext">FRIDAY 6th</span></a></li>
<li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#SATURDAY_7th"><span class="tocnumber">6</span> <span class="toctext">SATURDAY 7th</span></a></li>
</ul></div>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, MONDAY 2ND 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 3rd</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 4th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 5th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 6th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 7th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, MONDAY 9th 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 10th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 11th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, THURSDAY 12th 1863</span></h2>
<p>Board day</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 13th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 14th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, MONDAY16th 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 17th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 18th</span></h2>
<p>Very sharp cold day good roads and a great quantity of grain in</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, THURSDAY 19th 1863</span></h2>
<p>Has been a cold day, good sleighing and a considerable quantity of wheat in the market.</p>
<p>Rev Kenneth McLennan of Paisley here</p>
<p>{large space}</p>
<p>Board day in {Bank?}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 20th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 21st</span></h2>
<p>Note due in Hamilton on Monday</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, MONDAY 23rd 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 24th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 25th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY, THURSDAY 26th 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 27th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 28th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MARCH, MONDAY 30 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 31st</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 1st</span></h2>
<p>Cold freezing day, the ground was bare of snow yet there was a considerable number of cattle at the Fair, And the prices were much improved when compared to the one last month</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">APRIL, MONDAY 6th 1863</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very different day from what yesterday was it began to snow heavy this morning and continued all day and in a great measure melted away. whereas yesterday was a fine clear pleasant day of Sunshine</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 7th</span></h2>
<p>This has been another day of sleet and snow which is melting fast, have the 3 horse teams and the Oxen at the Rocks hauling the firewood out of the chopping on to the roadside to be out of the way in burning the brush in the spring</p>
<p>Let the water on the big Mill New water wheel. the stone pinions were in geer and all went smooth and well</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 8th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">APRIL, THURSDAY 9th 1863</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very fine day, but the roads are getting deep and muddy as the frost goes out,</p>
<p>Peter Idington was here to day. went out to the freight station with him</p>
<p>A.B. Stewarts sale of furniture to day--</p>
<p>I wrote to Hears & Munson of Utica NY about another of Mattisons Flour packers.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 10th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 11th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">APRIL, THURSDAY 23 1863</span></h2>
<p>have obliged to discontinue here so as to begin the month of May on the proper day of the week--</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MAY, FRIDAY 1st</span></h2>
<p>Began to chopp Corn in the (large Mill) to day at a fine rate.</p>
<p>Had quite an alarm yesterday about the outer gudgeon of the new water wheel being allowed to run dry untill it was so hot as to change its colour it {tore at?} the brass and also made the surface of the gudgeon (which had been polished with Emery) rough and quite pock-pitted. we cooled it down with sulpher and water, and then after cleaning it well, and had got it quite cool {just?} on fresh oil & tallow and smoother the surface with a fine file, it then appeared to work tolerably well But fear it will have to be turned again to make it as perfect as it was. It is fine weather</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 2nd</span></h2>
<p>There is some appearance of rain to day. I feel heavy and have a slight headache</p>
<p>Note due tomorrow</p>
<p>Meeting of committee on Printing 1/2 {illegible}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MAY, MONDAY 4th 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 5th</span></h2>
<p>Began to chop Corn with the Old Mill (or large Mill) regularly</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 6th</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MAY, THURSDAY 28, 1863</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 29th</span></h2>
<p>Have got the Eight acre field next the Glene sown with Oats this day and partly harrowed</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 30th</span></h2>
<p>considerable rain fell this forenoon and part of the afternoon</p>
<p>The {cone?} for the new packing machine was finished to day and the most of the geering filled up for it</p>
<p>The fitting up of the upper part begun</p>
<p>The shafting is progressing as fast as can be done, the Bran Bolt casing is finished</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MAY, SUNDAY 31st 1863</span></h2>
<p>{Sabbath written with date}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">JUNE, MONDAY 1 1863</span></h2>
<p>This has been a {throng?} day, this being our annual meeting of the Wellington Mutual Fire Assurance Co when I was again reelected a Director</p>
<p>Had also a meeting of the Building Society</p>
<p>The weather is raw and cold to day Have got 8 acre field fenced and finished this afternoon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 2nd</span></h2>
<p>Intend leaving for Hamilton this morning</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">LETTERS TO WRITE OR ANSWER</span></h2>
<p>Horsburgh Mrs Robertson Chatham (<span style="text-decoration:underline;">of 13th Feb</span>) see {Kingsmill?}</p>
<p>John Burnes {sue?}</p>
<p>Treasurer of Goderich. A.M Rofs</p>
transcribed
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https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/47ba772d140281c4292cfffcd7f86cda.pdf
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Text
David Allan (1808-1895)
1862 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
{Printed} DAILY JOURNAL 1862.
{Printed} CALENDAR FOR 1860.
Wm Larter wants to rent my farm at Kennelworth for 4 years, write George Allen, then Kennelth P.O.
{Printed} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1860.
New York:
PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY
KIGGINS & KELLOGG,
Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers and Blank Book Manufacturers,
123 & 125 WILLIAM STREET,
BETWEEN JOHN AND FULTON.
Prices at Smiths Bellows
32 inch
$16
34 inch
$17
36 inch
$18
38 inch
$24
Spikes 7 inch English made {---} spikes
6 inch English made {---} spikes
Nails
6 inch pressed English made 4½¢ per lb
5 inch pressed English made 4½¢ per lb
4, 3½, 3 inch patent pressed {---} nail 7½¢.
2¼, 2½, inch patent pressed {---} nails 8½¢.
Cut nails $3.25 per 100.
I
Angle Iron
I
from 1 to 3 inches
Chains
I
broad $4½ per 100 lb
5/16th - 7¢
I
¼ - 8¢
I
Boiler plate
3/16 - 9½¢ per lb.
I
Best refined $3½ to $4
�I
Bar Iron
from ⅝ square or round up to 3 inches
sqre or round $2.75 per 100 lbs, all best Refd.
Large Round Iron
2½ inches diameter
$2.75
3 inches diameter
$2.75
3¼ inches diameter
$3.00
3½ inches diameter
$3.00
3¾ inches diameter
$3.25
4 inches diameter
4¼ inches diameter
4½ inches diameter
5 inch diameter
$3.25
$3.50
$3.50
$3.75
5½ inch diameter
$4.00
6 inch diameter
$4.50
1 to 1¼ - Washers 8 ¢ per lb
Pump
a force pump for 1½ suction pipe $9½.
{Transcriber's note - David Allan's diary is blank up until he begins editing the dates on July 14th}
{Transcriber's note - David Allan is recording 1862 entries in an 1860 diary / book; hence the
changing of day numbers.]
July 1862
TUESDAY, 22
Began to excavate in front of the old Mill for the foundation of the breaks or Pilasters for front door to
be carried up to stiffen the wall.
WEDNESDAY, 23
Rained heavy during the night, and a shower of hail fell about 5 a m, Went down to Hamilton this
morning, for, Belting, nuts, &c
�THURSDAY, 24th 1862
Dry weather all day Began to put in the gudgeons in the new oak shaft Have got the excavation in
front of Mill down to the rock
FRIDAY, 25th
The weather very fine & lots of people pouring in to see the show to day Bailed the water out of the
quarry this morning.
SATURDAY, 26th
{No entry}
July, MONDAY, 28th 1862
At 7 this morning there was a slight shower but not it was thought sufficient to retard the work & the
masons began, but it went off and on till 8 oclock when it became heavy and at a little past 9 it was
heavier still, so that all outdoor work is suspended A great alarm of Fire aroused us at 12 last night,
which fortunately was confined to John Hewar's stables, had it not been for the supply of water from
my Duck pond the Tavern which is of stone could not have been saved, even although there was not
a breath of wind to fan the flames
TUESDAY, 29th
It rained very heavy, last night, and the quarry had to be bailed out this morning The Cylinder
plaining machine is now at work and performs the work well I find I must take down the frame of the
old Mill as it delays the masons to keep her working any longer for the sake of making use of the
good supply of water as it would throw the work late into the fall,
July WEDNESDAY, 30th
{No entry }
July THURSDAY, 31st 1862
This is a very warm day yet a very good supply of water, have got the 2d lot of corn elevated & will
finaly stop the old water wheel Got the Bands or hoops on the gudgeon of the pit wheel and of the
new shaft 3 of the others were found to be too slack, they would have been right had the wood been
left full enough, but must cut them & take them in The masons are cutting the arch stones and
dressing the coursers and header stones for the wheel house
FRIDAY, August 1st 1862
�Began this morning to take the old water wheel apart The Bands of the Gudgeons are now finished
and will be put on after the old wheel is removed to allow the masons to work.
SATURDAY, 2d
The weather is very warm and the work of taken down the machinery goes on slow by what one
might expect
August, MONDAY, 4th 1862
This is a very warm day
TUESDAY, 5th
Another close morning there has been a slight shower of rain, have put on more men to remove the
old wheel, must attend Old Mr John Ingles, Funeral to day.
WEDNESDAY, 6th
Fine dry weather and very warm, have got all the wheel and ark out now, but part of shaft that is in
the pit wheel.
August, THURSDAY, 7 186{2}
The weather is so far very favourable
FRIDAY, 8th
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 9th
{No entry}
August, MONDAY, 11th 186{2}
Fine weather, and all hands busy taking down purlins with framing &c. which is more difficult to take
down than I expected, and one of the men a John Herd got hurt by the falling of one of the bents on
him, I looked long for 3 cars of corn to arrive ere the shaft is taken down that drives the elevator but
they did not, and had to remove it A Fire broke out at Stewarts plaining Mill, and burnt 20 new
fanning mills and 50 about half finished with about 30,000 feet of boards
TUESDAY, 12th
�Fine dry weather, and we are taking the remainder of the Fall wheat home to the stack yard of which
it will make two good ones, I regret now very much that I did not adhere to my original plan of
allowing the old frame of the Mill to stand and build then in to the stone wall my idea was to cut the
tennants of every beam and elevate them all to their proper heights and secure them there with
straps and props untill the masons built up to them, but I was allowed myself to be prevailed on to
take it all down which I now very much regret,
WEDNESDAY, 13th
Went down to Toronto this morning with Mrs A. & met Maggie, the weather was very fine, I returned
the same evening I find they have not made much progress during my absence in taking down the
large bents, being only and another half down it is slow work
{Transcriber's note - Doubtless Mr and Mrs Allan travelled to and from Toronto by way of the Grand
Trunk Railway which reached Guelph in 1856. Allan's home and mill were but a 5-minute walk from
the G.T.R. station.} {Might Maggie be their daughter Margaret?}
August, THURSDAY, 14th 186{2}
Got down the hanging bents this forenoon, but the rain comming on rather heavy stopped the work
and appears to continue this afternoon without interuption. This stops all outside work, the stone
cutters are working in their sheds. I gave Fredk Marcon notice this evening that I should want to have
possession of the house by the day month at least and have begun to lay down stones for building a
Back Kitchen &c. I likewise began last Monday to lay down stones at the Wallace house.
FRIDAY 15th
The weather fine and dry to day, and have managed to get down the last bent of the mill this
afternoon, I again to day reminded both Marcon & his Wife that I could not allow them to have the
house any longer then the 14 Sept and if they can leave it sooner I will deduct the proportion of rent
not due,
SATURDAY, 16
{No entry}
August, MONDAY, 18th 186{2}
�Resolved to take down the back wall to the rock and start and make a new beginning. Had to get a
new upright pole for the derrick a went out to the woods for a small elm of 40 feet long and got that
fitted up for the purpose, which cost a day of 3 men and nearly another half day to put it up.
TUESDAY, 19th
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 20th
{No entry}
August, THURSDAY, 21st 186{2}
This has been a fine warm day. had to get more assistance in the grass field some of it is almost
ready for carrying in there is 6 men and a boy employed to day, the crop is good measured it from
20 to 26 inches long. The oak water wheel shaft of the new mill is again loose and heating and had
to stop her this afternoon for repairs, it is many years since it was got out and was found after having
been housed in for several years and previous to its being put in it was found a little defective but not
of sufficient extent to condemn it, but after having been put in its place the machinery was several
years of being finished and put in operation and that is a great cause of its rappid decay
FRIDAY, 22d
It rained very heavy for a great part of last night & blew strong, the rain continued during the
forenoon and put a stop to outdoor work. Began to take down the building of the furnace in the
Distillery to get out the Boiler. Also began to lay the first stones in the back wall at the Pit wheel with
water lime from Thorold. Burnt out the drift bolts out of the ends of the old shaft and made them 3
feet long and drove them in, which I think will have the effect of firming the gudgeon, also getting
home more timber with two teams
SATURDAY, 23d
{No entry}
August, MONDAY, 25th 186{2}
Fine weather and getting on well now with the mason work. I went down to Galt this afternoon to
obtain 2 inch oak plank for Spirit vats,
�TUESDAY, 26th
Fine weather to day getting in timber with both teams this forenoon, after dinner 1 team at stone
from my own quarry the other carting hay on the farm.
{Transcriber's note - According to a note at the top of an early page in this, his 1862 diary, Allan had
a farm at Kenilworth which is adjacent to what is today Hwy 6, and some 50km north-west of
Guelph.}
WEDNESDAY, 27th
It rained very heavy during the night and this forenoon that it has prevented any mason work being
done
August, THURSDAY, 28th 186{2}
After a dreadfull night of rain and thunder with very bright flashes of lightning, it has again cleared of
but continues sultry and warm and doubt much whither it will continue fair all day, have this forenoon
got the back wall up to the level for the joists which will be begun this afternoon, and the outer wall of
the wheelhouse is to be founded also.
FRIDAY, 29th
A fine dry day got well forward with the outer wall, all laid with massive stones from inches to {blank}
and from 3 to 6 feet long, and all laid in best water line. The Gudgeon of new mill at the pit-wheel
end, was heating considerably to day. Got all the Spring wheat at the back of the hill cut.
August, SATURDAY, 30th
Another fine morning for work.
September, MONDAY, 1st 186{2}
This has been a playday for most of the people of the town and all my masons and carpenters, and
only 5 labourers working, and the Mill going, This is a Great Excursion day to Toronto and to the
Falls. Startling news this afternoon arrived that the Confederates were only 3 miles from
Washington. The Oak tree cut down and hewed on 2 sides, 19 feet long 18 in thick and will stand 18
square, Another cut 14 feet long 20 x 15
1 Elm 10 feet in circumference over the Bark
1 Elm 11 feet 2 in circumference over the Bark
1 Elm 11 feet 7 in circumference over the Bark - thought of trying one for a shaft
�TUESDAY, 2d
Fine weather this morning but cool produced by a N. W. Wind. all the masons at work to day, but
some are rather sleepy after the Excursion, laying the joists of millstone floor
WEDNESDAY, 3d
Frost this morning and cold, but fine weather for working, busey finishing joists this afternoon. There
is a difficulty in getting all to work right as some of the carpenters are not be trusted, and only few
that are fit to joint the staves for the oak turns
September, THURSDAY, 4th 186{2}
Fine weather for building, the masons have started on the contract again, from the under side of the
beams, and three feet higher next granary. Began to take out the Boiler to day & got the largest out
this evening. Wrote to Alex Laidlaw, Millwright Mono Centre P.O to come on
FRIDAY, 5
Fine weather all day. and got on well with the walls. and have got the window frames in front on the
Millstone floor set, also the {illegible} of the Buttresses Got Both Boilers out to-day.
SATURDAY, 6th
This has been a very fine day notwithstanding the very heavy rain during the night and morning
early. Sent out the teams for timber from the Rocks. It began to rain at 4 P M and stopped the
masons.
September, MONDAY, 8th 186{2}
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 9th
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 10th
{No entry}
September, THURSDAY, 11th 186{2}
�Very fine weather to day,
FRIDAY, 12th
Weather keeping good which enables us to get on well with the work, the Boiler is about finished. I
went down to Toronto this afternoon to get the pipes of the boiler (blow off ones) repaired and took a
look at several chimney stalks and found they did not differ much from what I had designed myself
as to size. I orderd Rennie to order the slates for the roof of the mill as soon as possible. The price of
Lehigh coal was $8 per ton on board cars
SATURDAY, 13th
The weather was fine to day and after, doing business at various places in Toronto, started by
Express and reached here at 12 a m. Began and got the Boiler into the distillery. Got in all the
Beams into their places above the water wheel house
September, MONDAY, 15th 186{2}
This morning was fair though not clear but continued so untill 11 when it began to rain, which stops
the masons in the mean time. I began to thrash out the wheat on the farm this morning and will now
be retarded
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until January, WEDNESDAY, 24th}
WEDNESDAY, 24th
Fine weather. I went down this morning to Toronto to see the Provincial Show. the Exhibition of
cattle was very large, as well as that of Fruits and vegetables, but in the fine Arts it was not so good
as I have formerly seen, and the same may be said of machinery, there was 3 Steam Engines 2 in
Motion - & a great many Ploughs. The Governor General {Transcriber's note - Viscount Monck} was
on the Show Ground. I returned home same night. I heard that he was going to pay a visit to Guelph
in passing tomorrow
{Transcriber's note: And so it came to pass that on September 25th, 1862 Lord Monck visited
Guelph... The visit is detailed on pages 124 to 126 of the "The Annals of the Town of Guelph",
published in 1877 to celebrate the town's 50th anniversary. At the bottom of page 125 we find
mention of the Governor General making remarks to various gentlemen on the train platform before
he left Guelph. Among these gentlemen was "Mr D. Allan" whom he, the G.G. "recognized as his
fellow passenger from Liverpool, ..."}
�September, THURSDAY, 25th 1862
This has been a fine morning and have got up our flags at the Priory {Transcriber's note - David
Allan's residence, immediately south of what is now the River Run Centre} and Mill, and throughout
the Town, and the Council have constructed a platform to receive his Excellency {Transcriber's note
- Governor General Viscount Monck} on, at length the Car came in sight which was announced by
the firing of cannon about 12 oclock, when after the Mayor having read the address and his
Excellency having made his reply the councill was [illegible word struck out} presented by the Mayor,
but I was introduced by the Secretary to his Lordship who remembered me well as a fellow
passenger on board the North Briton from Londonderry last year - and spoke of how fortunate we
were in getting such a fine safe passage in the ill fated vessel, he was on his way to Dwight in Illinois
to shoot,
FRIDAY, 26th
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 27th
The Boiler is now built up and finished and now waiting for the water wheel to be ready
Sept MONDAY, 29th 1862
The weather pretty fair but inclines to change got up three beams on the 2d flat above the stone
floor. The back wall of the wheel house is about its height now
TUESDAY, 30th
Went down to Toronto with E Martin to consult with Cameron, it rained through the night and was
showrey during the day Found that Lehigh coal had got up to $9 and Brierhill house coal to $6½ I
bought 5 tons of each
October, WEDNESDAY, 1
Very wet weather that the masons could not work. The Horticultural Show was held to day in the
Town Hall, I took 24 prizes. This being also the monthly fair the Town was pretty throng, about 300
cattle entered the yard for sale
October, THURSDAY, 2d 1862
�It rained heavy during the night and continued showrey during the day the builders did not work. The
water wheel in the Distillery is far advanced. The arms and shrouding is completed for one ring of
the new mill water wheel it is being fitted together in the new carpenter shop, with holes bored and
ready for the bolts,
FRIDAY, 3d
Considerable rain fell last night, and through the day it continued thick muggy weather with now and
then a shower the masons made a start in the morning but were beat off. The Township Show is
held to day & between 2 and 300 a good many cattle were entered. We have now had a long
continuation of wet weather which retards the work very much, having yet to complete the present
and build another story before we can begin the roof.
SATURDAY, 4th
A good deal of rain has fallen through the night, this morning looked as if it was going to become fair
but ¼ past 7 it began to rain heavy and continued for some time but about noon, it began to clear up
that the masons began and worked all the afternoon, they made an attempt to put on the withering of
the Buttresses above door but broke one of them. Got the new water wheel in the Distillery finished
today
October, MONDAY, 6th 1862
This morning appeared like settled weather the ground and any boards exposed were white with
frost, but about noon it began to rain and about 2 p m a heavy shower fell, and after a second one
the masons dropped work, had to put in a new sluiss for distillery wheel of pine the oak one having
worn very unequal and leaked very bad but this one stopes the wheel well, had up steam to day
preparatory to mash but the pipes leaked steam and had to tighten them.
TUESDAY, 7th
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 8th
{No entry}
October, THURSDAY, 9th 186{2}
This day seems as if it were going to keep fair and so far the work has gone very well to day, Have
begun to lay the sleepers or joist in the lower celler floor of the mill all of cedar. The hewing of the
stones for the buttresses and window is behind with part of the front walls. This was a Bank day (the
�board met) Old Mr Wm Dunbar of Pickering was here to day, and a Grandson William's. It began to
rain lightly in the afternoon and of any thing increased and got heavy about a ¼ befor 6.
FRIDAY, 10th
It have rained through the night, but it was fair this morning so that the men that is the builders
worked all the forenoon, but at noon it began to rain and has continued all this afternoon, the stone
cutters are working, and the carpenters & millwrights have indoor work. This is the County Show
day, and a bad day it is for it.
SATURDAY, 11th
{No entry}
October, MONDAY, 13th 186{2}
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 14th
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 15th
{No entry}
October, THURSDAY, 16th 186{2}
This appears to be a wet day, and though light showers fell it did not hurt retard the work very long.
Went out and bought some dry 2 inch Planks from Thompson on the Dundas road {Transcriber's
note - now Gordon Street}. Rcd payment of a/c,s from Mrs Hamilton.
FRIDAY 17th
This is rather a dull day but no rain, through the forenoon it threatened a good deal but very little fell.
I thought of going to Hamilton to day but found I could not leave the work
SATURDAY, 18th
This has been the finest day we have had this week, and has enabled the men to get well on with
the work. the front wall Gothic window was finished this forenoon and the front all but ready for the
last of the uppermost beams. The breast beams forming the Throat for the water wheel is in to day.
Bought 40 pigs to day on the farm of Mr Whitman, Boundary of Guelph and Waterloo for $ {blank}
October, MONDAY, 20th 186{2}
This has been a fine day for working though the wind was blowing sharp and cold
�TUESDAY, 21
It rained a good deal last night and it was wet this morning and most of the forenoon. But it got fair
and the masons began at 1 oclock it soon got dark and a smart shower drove them home
WEDNESDAY, 22d
Rather a wet forenoon, but yet the men worked the greater part of it. But in the afternoon they
enjoyed themselves on account of my Son's marriage this forenoon.
October, THURSDAY, 23d 186{2}
This morning is dry but cold and raw the ground was whitish, but the men are all working.
FRIDAY, 24th
This morning was damp, yet it turned out a very fine day, I went down to Hamilton this morning and
returned in the evening, made enquirey about copper pipes for distillery but found they must be
made to order. Trade has greatly improved of late there
SATURDAY, 25th
A good deal of rain fell during the night and this morning the gangways were covered with frost,
throughout the day it has been cold with a light drizzling snow which did not lay but melted as it fell.
All hands are employed at the roof and 3 bents of the purlin frame are up and the masons nearly
done the cornice being nearly all laid and the Gable about up.
October, MONDAY, 27th 1862
Rather a cold this morning, it froze hard last night that the mortar is hard, and the ground white, the
mason did not begin till noon. got the purlin plates on the walls and 3 of them put together this
evening
TUESDAY, 28th
The weather is much milder to day and have got on well with plates &c.
WEDNESDAY, 29th
This has been quite a mild day, and the row steps on the middle gable of the mill is up to the top and
only wants the finishing stone the rest of the mason work is about complete. I think of going down to
Toronto in the morning to consult with Mathew Cameron about the suit, Beardmore vs Allan
{Transcriber's note - no entries, apart from day and date, after the above date until December,
MONDAY, 8th 1862}
�December, MONDAY 8th 1862
Pretty hard frost putting gate posts at the Carding Mill. My Sister Margaret (Mrs Fisher) died to day
at noon
TUESDAY, 9th
{No entry)
WEDNESDAY, 10th
{No entry)
DECEMBER, THURSDAY, 11th 1862
{No entry}
FRIDAY, 12th
This appears to have been the day on which my poor Nephew, William Cunningham, died at Helena
in {blank} while incamped
SATURDAY, 13th
{No entry}
December, MONDAY, 15TH 1862
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 16th
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 17th
{No entry}
December, THURSDAY, 18th 1862
Went down this afternoon to Hamilton
FRIDAY, 19th
�Rather a cold raw day in Hamilton
SATURDAY, 20th
Quite mild open weather, so that plowing might go on if the ground was dry enough Have got water
wheel shaft on the Bridge & ready to put in when the Brasses are bored out
December, MONDAY, 22d 1862
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 23d
{No entry}
WEDNESDAY, 24th
{No entry}
December, THURSDAY, 25th 1862
This being Christmas day, only the Mill and Distillery are going for part of the day it most beautifull
weather, as mild and free from snow as in May, the ice on the Dam is still sufficiently strong and
good and frequented by Ladies as well as young men in great numbers. I went out and took a walk
over the farm and pointed out what trees and brush I want cut down. Alexr Glass went up this
morning to Minto to serve James Burnett with notice to attend, Heir & Divorce Court
FRIDAY, 26th
There was a heavy fall of rain during the night and continued more or less during the day and late in
the evening. I have rarely seen such a continuance of mild wet weather at this time of the year. The
greater part of the forenoon was taken up in ascertaining if the pillow blocks for the new gudgeons
working in, were level, and found them so, the pit wheel end about ⅛th of an inch the highest, in the
afternoon began to get the shaft in untill the rain drove us off.
SATURDAY, 27th
This morning is dry and cold, but are keeping busy in getting the shaft into its place, which goes on
steadily. Have got the shaft in its place and all fits well. Have just now recd a letter from Illinois
anouncing the death of William Cuningham on the 12th inst.
�December, MONDAY, 29th 1862
Yesterday was a very fine day, the Sun shone out as in April or May. The New Church was opened
for Divine Service yesterday. The weather to day is still mild but dull and heavy & brooding rain or
snow
TUESDAY 30th
Fine weather and neither rain or snow fell
WEDNESDAY 31st
The same fine weather still continues, but freezing rather harder at night. Straightened up the high
board fence next the railway bank in the side yard.
{Blank page}
{Printed page} SCOTTISH UNION & NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. OF EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.
U.S. BRANCH, HARTFORD, CONN.
M. BENNETT JR. MANAGER
JAS. H. BREWSTER, ASST. MANAGER
J.W. OGSTON, Resident Agent, Guelph, Ont.
{4 printed pages - advertisements and testimonials} BRANTFORD FOUNDRIES UNITED ENGINE
WORKS.
{Printed page - Newspaper cuttings and handwritten note dated May 1st 1863.}
Moyer & Co. of Waterloo
Has during the last winter shipped bag flour to Quebec through Mr David Birch also some to
Portland, through Thos Raefield, who made about 10¢ better of it than James & Oliver though he
considers them very good agents. He has also sent to the copper mines at Seton, and has got rid of
a great deal of ground middling and screenings and a good deal of poor wheat, which neated in
Waterloo over $2 per {102} lbs
1st May 1863.
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
�
Dublin Core
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Title
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David Allan Diary Collection
Subject
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19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
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David Allan
Source
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Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum and Archives of the University of Guelph
Date
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1862-1877
Coverage
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19th Century, Wellington South County, Guelph Township, Ontario
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1863
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1865
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1866
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1867
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1869
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1873
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1875
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1876
David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1877
Dublin Core
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David Allan Diary & Transcription, 1862
Date Created
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July 4, 1862
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David Allan Diary Collection
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<p>{David Allan's diary is blank up until he begins editing the dates on July 14th}</p>
<p>{Note from transcriber: David Allan is recording 1862 entries in an 1860 diary / book; hence the changing of day numbers.]</p>
<p>July 1862</p>
<p>Tuesday, 22 Began to excavate in front of the old Mill for the foundation of the breaks or Pilasters for front doon {door?} to be carried up to stiffen the wall,</p>
<p>Wednesday 23 Rained heavy during the night, and a shower of hail fell about 5 a m ,Went down to Hamilton this morning . for , <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Belting , nuts,</span> &c</p>
<p>Thursday, 24th Dry weather all day Began to put in the gudgeons in the new oak shaft Have got the excavation in front of the Mill down to the rock</p>
<p>Friday, 25th The weather very fine & lots of people are pouring in to see the show to day Bailed the water out of the quarry this morning .</p>
<p>Saturday, 26th {No entry}</p>
<p>MONDAY, 28th</p>
<p>At 7 this morning there was a slight shower not it was thought sufficient to retard the work & the masons began , but it went off and on till 8 o clock when it became heavy and a little past 9 it was heavier still , so that all outdoor work is suspended A great alarm of Fire aroused us at 12 last night , which fortunately was confined to John {Hewah , s} stables , had it not been for the supply of water from my Duck pond the Tavern which is of Stone could not have been saved , even although there was not a breath of wind to fann the flames</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 29th It rained very heavy last night , and the quarry had to be bailed out this morning The Cylinder plaining machine is now at work and preforms the work well I find I must take down the frame of the old Mill as it delays the masons to keep {?} any longer for the sake of making use of the good supply of water as it would throw the work late into the fall ,</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 30th {No entry made}</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><br /> Wednesday</p>
<p>THURSDAY, July 31st</p>
<p>This is a very warm day yet a very good supply of water, have got the 2d lot of Corn {?elevated} & will finaly stop the old water wheel</p>
<p>Got the Bands or hoops on the gudgeon of the pit wheel and of the new shaft 3 of the others were found to be too slack , they would have been {?right ?tight} had the wood been left full enough , but must cut them & take them in</p>
<p>The masons are cutting the arch stones and dressing the coursers and header stones for the wheel house</p>
<p><br /> FRIDAY, August – 1st 1862</p>
<p>Began this morning to take the old water wheel apart</p>
<p>The Bands of the Gudgeons are now finished and will be put on after the old wheel is removed to allow the masons to work –</p>
<p><br /> SATURDAY, 2</p>
<p>The weather is very warm and the work of taken down the machinery goes on slow by what one might expect</p>
<p>MONDAY, 4th</p>
<p>This is a very warm day</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 5th</p>
<p>Another close {humid} morning there has been a slighjt shower of rain , have put on more men to {?remove} the old wheel , must attend Old Mr John Ingles [?possibly Ingall's}, Funeral to day</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 6th</p>
<p>Fine dry weather and very warm , have got all the wheel and ark out now , but part of shaft that is in the pit wheel .</p>
<p>THURSDAY, 7</p>
<p>The weather is so far very favourable.</p>
<p>FRIDAY, 8th</p>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<p>SATURDAY, 9th</p>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<p>MONDAY, 11th</p>
<p>Fine weather , and all hands busy taking down pulins with framing &c. which is more difficult to take down than I expected , and one of the men a John Herd got hurt by the falling of one of the {bents?} on him ,</p>
<p>I looked long for 3 cars of corn to arrive ere the shaft is taken down that drives the elevator but they did not , and had to remove it</p>
<p>A Fire broke out at Stewarts plaining MIll , and burnt 20 new fanning mills and 50 about half finished with about 30,000 feet of boards</p>
<p><br /> TUESDAY, 12th</p>
<p>Fine dry weather , and we are taking the remainder of the Fall wheat {home?} to the stack yard of which it will make two good ones ,</p>
<p>I regret now very much that I did not adhere to my original plan of allowing the old frame of the Mill to stand and build then in to the stone wall my idea was to cut the tennants of every beam and elevate them all to their proper heights and secure them there with straps and props untill the masons built up to them , but I allowed myself to be prevailed on to take it all down which I now very much regret ,</p>
<p><br /> WEDNESDAY, 13th</p>
<p>Went down to Toronto this morning this morning with Mrs A.and met {Maggie?} . the weather was very fine , I returned the same evening</p>
<p>I find they have not made much progress during my absence in taking doen the large bents , {being?} only and another half down it is slow work</p>
<p>{Doubtless Mr and Mrs Allan travelled to and from Toronto by way of the Grand Trunk Railway which reached Guelph in 1856. Allan's home and mill were but a 5-minute walk from the G.T.R. station.}</p>
<p>{Might Maggie be their daughter Margaret?}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 14th</span></h2>
<p>Got down the hanging bent this forenoon, but the rain comming on rather heavy stopped the work and appears to continue this afternoon without inter=uption</p>
<p>This stops all outside work . the stone cutters are working in their sheds .</p>
<p>I gave Fredk Marcon notice this evening that I should want to have possession of the house by {the?} day month at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">least</span> and have begun to lay down stones for building a Back Kitchen &c</p>
<p>I likewise began last Monday to lay down stones at the Wallace house ,</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 15th</span></h2>
<p>The weather fine and dry to day , and have manged to get down the last bent of the mill this afternoon ,</p>
<p>I again to day reminded both Marcon & his Wife that I could not allow them to have the house any longer then the 14 Sept= and if they can leave it sooner I will deduct the proportion of rent not due ,</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 16</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 18th</span></h2>
<p>Resolved to take down the back wall to the rock and start and make a new beginning</p>
<p>Had to get a new upright pole for the derrick a went out to the woods for a small elm of 40 feet long and got that fitted up for the purpose , which cost a day of 3 men and nearly another half day to put it up.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 19th</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 20th</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 21st</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine warm day . had to get more assistance in the grass field some of it is almost ready for carrying in there is 6 men and a boy employed to day . the crop is good measured it from 20 to 26 inches long ,</p>
<p>The Oak water wheel shaft of the new mill is again loose and heating and had to stop her this afternoon for repairs, it is many years since it was got out</p>
<p>and was found after having been housed in for several years and previous to its being put in it was found a little defective but not of sufficient extent to condemn it , but after having been put in its place the machinery was several years of being finished and put in operation and that is a great cause of its rappid de=cay</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 22d</span></h2>
<p>It rained very heavy for a great part of last night & blew strong , the rain continued during the forenoon and put a stop to outdoor work</p>
<p>Began to take down the building of the furnace in the Distillery to get out the Boiler ,</p>
<p>Also began to lay the first stones in the back wall at the Pit wheel with water lime <span style="text-decoration:underline;">from Thorold</span></p>
<p>Burnt out the drift bolts out of the ends of the old shaft and made them 3 feet long and drove them in , which I think will have the effect of firming the gudgeon,</p>
<p>Also getting home more timber with two teams</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 23d</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<p>MONDAY, 25th</p>
<p>Fine weather and getting on well now with the mason work</p>
<p>I went down to Galt this afternoon to obtain 2 inch oak plank for Spirit vats ,</p>
<p>TUESDAY, 26th</p>
<p>Fine weather to day getting in timber with both teams this forenoon , after dinner {lunch} 1 team at stone from my own quarry the other carting hay on the farm</p>
<p>{According to a note at the top of an early page in this, his 1862 diary, Allan had a farm at Kenilworth which is adjacent to what is today Hwy 6, and some 50km north-west of Guelph.}</p>
<p>WEDNESDAY, 27</p>
<p>It rained very hard during the night and this forenoon that it has prevented any mason work being done</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 28th</span></h2>
<p>After a dreadfull night of rain and thunder with very bright flashes of lightning , it has again cleared of but continues sultry and warm and doubt much whither it will continue fair all day have this forenoon got the back wall up to the level for the joists which will be begun this afternoon , and the outer wall of the wheelhouse is to be founded also</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 29th</span></h2>
<p>A fine dry day got well forward with the outer wall , all laid with massive stones from inches to and from 3 to 6 feet long . and all laid in best water lime</p>
<p>The Gudgeon of new mill at the pit-wheel end , was heating considerably to day</p>
<p>Got all the spring wheat at the back of the hill cut</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 30th</span></h2>
<p>Another fine morning for work ,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 1st September, 1862</span></h2>
<p>This has been a play day for most of the people of the town and all my masons and carpenters , and only 5 labourers working , and the Mill going , This is a Great Excursion day to Toronto and to the Falls .</p>
<p>Startling news this afternoon arrived that the Confederates were only 3 miles from Washington.</p>
<p>The Oak tree cut down and hewed on 2 sides . 19 feet long 18 in thick and will stand 18 square , Another cut 14 feet long 20 x 15</p>
<p>1 Elm 10 feet in circumference over the Bark 1 do. 11 - 2 – 1 do 11 - 7 – thought of trying one for a shalft</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 2</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather this morning but cool produced by a N. W. Wind . all the masons at work to day , but some are rather sleepy after the Excursion ,</p>
<p>laying the joists of millstone floor</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 3</span></h2>
<p>Frost this morning and cold , but fine weather for working , busey finishing joists this afternoon</p>
<p>There is a difficulty in getting all to work right as some of the carpenters are not be trusted , and only few that are fit to joint the staves for the oak {Tuns?}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 4th</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather for building , the Masons have started on the contract again , from the under side of the beams . and three feet higher next granery . Began to take out the Boiler to day & got the largest out this evening Wrote to Alex Laidlaw .. Millwright {,} Mono Centre P, O to come on</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 5</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather all day . and got on well with the walls . and have got the wndow frames in front of the Millstone floor set . also the {illegible word} of the Buttresses Got Both Boilers out to-day .</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 6th</span></h2>
<p>This has been a very fine day notwithstanding the very heavy rain during the night and morning early</p>
<p>sent out the teams for timber from the Rocks</p>
<p>It began to rain at 4 P M and stopped the masons –</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 8th</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 9th =</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 10th</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 11th</span></h2>
<p>Very fine weather to day ,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 12th</span></h2>
<p>Weather keeping good which enables us to get on well with the the work , the Boiler is about finishd</p>
<p>I went down to Toronto this afternoon to get the pipes of the boiler ( blow off ones ) repaired and took a look at many chimney stalk's and found they did not differ much from what I had designed myself as to size</p>
<p>I orderd Rennie to order the slates for the roof of the mill as soon a possible</p>
<p>The price of Lehigh coal was $8 per ton on board cars</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 13th</span></h2>
<p>The weather was fone to day and after , doing business at various places in Toronto , started by Express and reached here at 12 a m .</p>
<p>Began and got the Boiler into the distillery</p>
<p>Got in all the Beams into their places above the water wheel house</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 15th</span></h2>
<p>This morning was fair though not clear but continued so untill 11 when it began to rain , which stops the masons in the mean tme</p>
<p>I began to thrash out the wheat on the farm this morning and will not be retarded</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 16th</span></h2>
<p>{No entry)</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 17th</span></h2>
<p>{No entry)</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 18</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 19</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 20</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 22d</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 23d</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 24th</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather . I went down this morning to Toronto to see the Provincial Show. the Exhibition of cattle was very large , as well as that of Fruits and vegetables , but in the fine Arts it was not so good as I have formerly seen , and the same may be said of Machinery . there was 3 Steam Engines 2 in Motion – & a great many Ploughs .</p>
<p>The Governor General {Viscount Monck} was on the Show Ground</p>
<p>I returned home same night {SPACE} I heard he was going to pay a visit to Guelph in passing tomorrow</p>
<p><br /> {Transcriber's note: And so it acame to pass that on September 25th, 1862 Lord Monck visited Guelph... The visit is detailed on pages 124 to 126 of the "The Annals of the Town of Guelph", published in 1877 to celebrate the town's 50th anniversary. At the bottom of page 125 we find mention of the Governor General making remarks to various gentlemen on the train platform before he left Guelph. Among these gentlemen was "Mr D. Allan" whom he, the G.G. "reognized as his fellow passenger from Liverpool, ..."}</p>
<p>{Transcriber's note: Be sure to read the next entry.}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 25th</span></h2>
<p>This has been a fine morning and have got up our flags at the Priory {David Allan's residence, immediately south of what is now the River Run Centre} and Mill , and throughout the Town , and the Council have constructed a platform to receive his Excellency (Governor General Viscount Monck} on , at length the Car came in {sighy? ... sight?} which was announced by the firing of cannon about 12 o clock , when after the Mayor having read the address and his Excellency having made his reply the councell was [illegible word struck out} presented by the Mayor , but I was introducced by the Secretary to his Lordship who remembered me well as a fellow passenger on board the North Briton from Londonderry last year – and spoke of how fortunate we were in getting such a fine safe passage in the ill fated vessel , he was on his way to Dwight in Illinois to shoot ,</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 26th</span></h2>
<p>{No entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 27th</span></h2>
<p>The Boiler is now built up and finished and now waiting for the water wheel to be ready</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 29th</span></h2>
<p>The weather pretty fair but inclines to change</p>
<p>got up three beams on the 2d flat above the stone floor</p>
<p>The back wall of the wheel house is about its height now</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 30th</span></h2>
<p>Went down to Toronto with E Martin to consult with Cameron , it rained</p>
<pre>through the night and was showrey during the day
</pre>
<p>Found that Lehigh coal had got uo to $9 and Brierhill house coal to $6½ I bought 5 tons of each</p>
<p> </p>
<p><br /> OCTOBER 1862</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 1</span></h2>
<p>Very wet weather that the masons could not work</p>
<p>The Horticultural Show was held to day in the Town Hall , I took 24 prizes .</p>
<p>This being also the Monthly fair the Town was pretty throng , about 300 cattle entered the yard for sale</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 2</span></h3>
<p>It rained heavy during the night and continued showrey during the day the builders did not work ,</p>
<p>The water wheel in the Distillery is far advanced</p>
<p>The arms and shrouding is completed for one ring of the new mill water wheel</p>
<pre> it is being fitted together in the new carpenter shop, with holes bored and ready for the bolts ,
</pre>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 3d</span></h3>
<p>Considerable rain fell last night , and through the day it continued thick muggy weather with now and then a shower the masons made a start in the morning but were beat off.</p>
<p>We have now had a long continuation of wet weather which retards the work very much , having yet to complete the present and build another story {storey] before we can begin the roof .</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 4th</span></h3>
<p>A good deal of rain has fallen through the night , the morning looked as if it was going to become fair but 1/4 past seven it began to rain heavy and continued for some time but about noon it began to clear up that the masons began and worked all the afternoon , they made an attempt to put on the withering , of the Buttresses above door but broke one of them</p>
<p>Got the new water wheel in the Distillery finished today</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 6th</span></h3>
<p>This morning appeared like settled weather the {ground?} and my boards exposed were white with frost , but about noon it began to rain and about 2 pm a heavy shower fell , and after a second one the masons {dropped?} work, had to put in a new sluiss {sluice} for distillery wheel of pine{,} the oak one having worn very unequal and leaked very bad but this one stopes the wheel well, had up steam to day preparatory to mash but the pipes leaked steam and had to tighten them.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 7th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry written}</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 8th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry written}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 9th</span></h3>
<p>This day seems as if it were going to keep fair and so far the work has gone very well to day, Have begun to lay the sleepers or joist in the lower celler floor of the mill all of cedar</p>
<p>The hewing of the stones for the buttresses and window is behind with part of the front walls .</p>
<p>This was a Bank day (the board met) Old Mr Wm Dunbar of Pickering was here to day , and a grandson William.s</p>
<p>It began to rain lightly in the afternoon and of {if?} any thing increased and got heavy about 1/4 befor 6 ,</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 10th</span></h3>
<p>It have rained through the night , but it was fair this morning so that the men that is the builders worked all the forenoon , but at noon it began to rain and has continued all this afternoon , The stone cutters are working , and the carpenters & millwrights have indoor work</p>
<p>This is the County Show day , and a bad day it is for it ,</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 11th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry written}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 13th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry written}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 14th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry written}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 15th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry written}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 16th</span></h3>
<p>This appears to be a wet day , and though light showers fell it did not {indecipherable word struck out} retard the work very long</p>
<p>Went out and bought some dry 2 inch Planks from Thompson on the Dundas road {now Gordon Street}</p>
<p>Red {Received} payment of a/c,s {accounts} from Mrs Hamilton ,</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 17th</span></h3>
<p>This is rather a dull day but no rain , through the forenoon it threatened a good deal but very little fell ,</p>
<p>I thought of going to Hamilton to day but found I could not leave work</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 18th</span></h3>
<p>This has been the finest day we have had this week and has enabled the men to get well on with the work . the front wall Gothic window was finished this forenoon and the front all but ready for the last of the uppermost beams</p>
<p>The breast beams forming the Throat for the water wheel is in to day</p>
<p>Bought 40 pigs to day on the farm of Mr Whitman , Boundary of Guelph and Waterloo for $ {no number given}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 20th</span></h3>
<p>This has been a fine day for working though the wind was blowing sharp and cold</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 21</span></h3>
<p>It rained a good del last night and it was wet this morning and most of the forenoon</p>
<p>But it got fair and the masons began at 1 o clock it soon got dark and a smart shower drove them home</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 22</span></h3>
<p>Rather a wet forenoon , but yet the men worked the greater part of it</p>
<p>But in the afternoon they enjoyed themselves on account of my Son,s marriage this forenoon ,</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 23d</span></h3>
<p>This morning is dry but cold and raw the ground was whitish , but the men are all working .</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 24th</span></h3>
<p>This morning was damp , yet it turned out a very fine day , I went down to Hamilton this morning and returned in the evening , made enquiry about copper pipes for distillery but found they must be made to order Trade has greatly improved of late {there?}</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 25th</span></h3>
<p>A good deal of rain fell during the {indecipherable word struck out} night and this morning the gangways were covered with frost , throughout the day it has been cold with a light drizzling snow which did not lay but melted as it fell All hands are employed at the roof and 3 bents of the purlin frame are up and the masons nearly done the {comie?} being nearly all laid and the Gable about up</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 30th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 31</span></h3>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">NOVEMBER 1862</span></h2>
<p>SATURDAY, 1st</p>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 3d</span></h3>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 4th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 5th</span></h3>
<p>{No entry made}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">DECEMBER, MONDAY 8TH 1862</span></h2>
<p>Pretty hard frost putting gate posts as the carding Mill</p>
<p>My Sister Margaret (Mrs Fisher) died today at noon</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 9TH</span></h2>
<p>{no entry)</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 10TH</span></h2>
<p>{no entry)</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 12TH</span></h2>
<p>This appears to have been the day on which my poor Nephew, William Cunningham died as Helena in {large space} while incamped</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">DECEMBER, THURSDAY 18TH 1862</span></h2>
<p>Went down this afternoon to Hamilton</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 19TH</span></h2>
<p>Rather a cold raw day in Hamilton</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 20TH</span></h2>
<p>Quite mild open weather, so that plowing might go on if the ground was dry enough</p>
<p>Have got water wheel shaft on the Bridge & ready to put in when the Brasses are bored out</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">DECEMBER, MONDAY 22 1862</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 23RD</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 24TH</span></h2>
<p>{no entry}</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">DECEMBER, THURSDAY 25TH 1862</span></h2>
<p>This being Christmas day, only the Mill and Distillery are going for part of the day it most beautiful weather, as mild and free from snow as in May, the ice on the Dam is still sufficiently strong and good and frequented by Ladies as well as young men in great numbers</p>
<p>I went out and took a walk over the farm and pointed out what trees and bush I want cut down</p>
<p>Alex Glass mens up this morning to Minto to serve James Burnett with notice to attend, Heir & {Devisee?} court</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 26th</span></h2>
<p>There was a heavy fall of rain during the night and continued more or less during the day and late in the evening. I have rarely seen such a continuance of mild wet weather at this time of the Year</p>
<p>The greater part of the forenoon was taken up in ascertaining if the pillow blocks for the new gudgeons working in, were level and found them so, the pit wheel end about 1/8th of an inch the highest, in the afternoon began to get the shaft in untill the rain drove us off.</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 27th</span></h2>
<p>This morning is dry and cold. but are keeping busy in getting the shafts into its place, which goes on steadily</p>
<p>Have got the shaft in its place and all fits well.</p>
<p>Have just now read a letter from Illinois anouncing the death of William Cunningham on the 12th inst</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">DECEMBER, MONDAY 29TH 1862</span></h2>
<p>Yesterday was a very fine day, the Sun shone out as in April or May. The New Church was opened for Divine service yesterday</p>
<p>The weather to day is still mild but dull and heavy & looking rain or snow</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 30TH</span></h2>
<p>Fine weather and neither rain or snow fell</p>
<h2><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 31st</span></h2>
<p>The same fine weather still continues, but freezing rather harder at night</p>
<p>Straightened up the high board fence next the railway back in the side yard</p>
<p>{blank}</p>
<p>{card for Scottish Union & National Insurance Co}</p>
<p>{pamphlet for Foundries United - Brantford Engine Works (pg 1)}</p>
<p>{pamphlet for Foundries United - Brantford Engine Works (pg 2)}</p>
<p>{pamphlet for Foundries United - Brantford Engine Works (pg 3)}</p>
<p>{pamphlet for Foundries United - Brantford Engine Works (pg 4)}</p>
<p>{newspaper clippings regarding "The Episcolpal Parsonage at Galt" and "The Largest Mill in the World}</p>
<p>{note dated May 1st 1863}</p>
<p>Moyer & Co. of Waterloo</p>
<p>Has during the last winter shipped bag flour to Quebec through Mr David Birch</p>
<p>also some to Portland through Thos Raefield who made about 10c better of it than James & Oliver though he considers them very good agents</p>
<p>He has also sent to the copper Mines at Acton and has got rid of a great deal of ground middling and screenings and a good deal of poor wheat which neated in Waterloo over $2 for {1/2 lbs or 112 lbs?}</p>
<p>1st May 1863</p>
transcribed