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ELIZAAANN1S LOGBOOKS:
The Late Victorian Logbooks Kept By Eliza-
Ann MacFarlane:1864-1940:Lot 30, Concession
IV, Stanley, Township, Huron County, Ontario
Edited by Ken F. Stewart M.A. with the
permission of Isabel and Jean Fraser.
1998
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�A Note On the Sources
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane began these jottings in 1887. They
continue to 1901. Miss MacFarlane also kept detailed account books
of receipts and expenditures. The logs are kept in school exercise
books or on the pages of almanacks. By using abbreviations and
keeping to the "bare bones,"Miss MacFarlane was able to squeeze in
what she wished to record in each day's weather forecast. She us
ually recorded the weather and the number of eggs her hens laid.
Her sister Agnes never married. Jane married Ned Glen and lived
barely a mile away.Isabella, an elementary teacher, married Thomas
Fraser. James Macfarlane,the father,died in 1899. The one brother,
John, married Isabella R. McEwen, in 1900 and took over part of of
the stone farm house. Eliza, the widowed mother, with her single
daughters Agnes and Eliza-Ann,set up separate quarters. It would
have been better if Eliza and her two daughters had moved to Clin
ton when John married. Indeed they would have gone, but Mrs Eliza
MacFarlane’s maiden sister Agnes {usually called Aunt Nancy), had
committed herself to keeping house for their brother James, who
farmed three lots to the south. Agnes would not leave her widowed
brother and Eliza therefore refused to leave her sister alone on
the fourth Concession. James and Agnes Stewart died the same week
in February, 1911. Eliza MacFarlane and the two daughters then
moved to Clinton.
Jane, Agnes and Eliza died very close together in 1940
and 1941. Isabella (Mrs Fraser) and her daughters Isabel and Jean,
saved a trunk full of books and papers that have proven to be a
goldmine for local and family history. Only recently was permis
sion given to peruse these log books.Eliza-Ann had her own form of
shorthand,but thanks to the uncounted hours I spent over 40 years,
picking the brains of people who knew the neighbourhood intimate
ly,to a detailed culling of the Clinton News-Record and to ex
tensive perusal of photographs,I found I could crack the code.The
missing letters, implied words and appropriate punctuation, con
tained in square brackets,are added to make perusal by interested
readers as easy as possible.
Although much of the information is prosaic,what emerges is a
clear and detailed picture of life at the top end of Stanley
Township in the last dozen years of the Victorian era. The logs
peter out in 1901. With the father dead and brother John married
and sharing the house, life was never the same on the place after
that.
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane was an outdoor type and shows in the
log an interest in, and a detailed understanding of, both animal
husbandry and agricultural procedures and techniques. When her
parents went to the "Old Country" in search of breeding stock,
Eliza-Ann was left in charge of operations, and they were effec
tively and efficiently carried out. One cryptic reference in 1888
- '"shot Wallace" suggests that she could dispatch a suffering
creature if brother John or her father were not available.She was
no Annie Oakley or Calamity Jane, however. She also could do fem
inine tasks and was a Victorian lady all her life.
In the 1887 experimental diary, she reveals a dry sense of
humour and a capacity for deadpan understatement In the cryptic
diaries that follow, this same quality occasionally shows through.
Fenwick Stewart alleged In later life, that his Aunt Eliza (Mrs
James MacFarlane) cooked mutton so badly that it put everyone off
sheep or lamb in the community. There is a sly dig by Eliza Ann
as she confides to her diary: " Ma stuffed mutton for our dinner
today[.) I am sure your •teeth will be watering when you know
that[.]" I think that if Miss MacFarlane could be reached for
comment now, she might well say:"These diaries chronicle the best,
the happiest and most productive years of my adult life."
K.F. Stewart Toronto Summer:1998
To the left is a list of people whose willingness* to
share reminiscences, photographs, historical books and
papers with me over the past 50 years, has given me a de
tailed knowlege of life in Stanley Township's Baird's
School Community.
�(2)
In The Beginning:1887
The following was written on two large sheets of
newsprint, one with an ad for a hotel, and the other for a Dry
Goods store,
"Fair-day
Wedensday (sic)
September 28, 1887
"I poked around all day doing everything and yet accomplished
nothing!. I] got the floor swept when I was late [at] hen feeding
time[.] I had just come up with the cows when I heard the waggon
(sic) coming & their (sic) was four billys up in the clover here
all day so when I heard the wagon coming [,] I went to put them
down & I saw Lizzie [ Glen] ahead and Agnes & Bella were with her
& Jim [Barkley] was behind in Dunk McEwen’s covered buggy & same
old horses & John Junor behind[.] Jim waited while they opened
the gate for Lizzie & told [my two sisters]to get in for a ride[.]
Bella wouldent (sicj[.] Agnes went[.]I got her to help me with the
lambs[.] Jim was here for his supper[.]I asked him if he was after
the [washing and mending] list[.] He said no [-] just two or three
shirts[. H]e took his overcoat too[. H]e told me he heard about us
riding the 24th.Mr McLeam (sic) came home from the show with fatt
i
er[. H[e] was a judge & was here all night and John drove him up
with Nance to meet the 8 o ’
c[lock] train[. Kitten caught two mice
tonight. I took in the clothes before I went to bed and left the
lamp burning!.]Agnes was up at 2. o ’
clock [a.m] and it [was still]
burning.
Commentary Lizzie is Eliza-Ann's first cousin, Margaret Elizabeth Stewart
(1859-1941). Edward Glen Sr had lived across the road from
MacFarlanes for 25 years. TJje previous December he and his wife moved to
Clinton (see Clinton Mew Era December 10, 1886). His sons William and Ned
divided the family holdings on the 3rd and 4th concessions.On June 7,William
married Margaret Elizabeth Stewart.(See Mew Era June 10, 1887).James Barkl
ey (1859-1949) was a much younger brother of Mary Barkley, wife of Eliza-
Ann's Uncle James Stewart. Mary and James were first cousins. James Barkl
ey and James Stewart were both first cousins and brothers-in-law.Jim spent a
lot of time at his sister’
s.At the time Eliza-Ann wrote this, Jim had fallen
into a routine of working in the Michigan lumber woods in winter and as a
hired farm hand in Stanley, in warm weather, in 1887, he was working for
Duncan McEwen, (Lot 28 Con 2). Don Glen told me that Duncan McEwen kept an
old rig pulled by old horses for hired help to use. Jim was easy-going and
affable. He seems to have had an arrangement with Eliza-Ann to wash and mend
his clothes.
Thursday
[September 29, 1887] No porridge this morning [-] no flour[-]
have to live on potatoes and short
rations[, Mr]Wiggington [was] here [in the] forenoon and[Mr]Wells
came when he was here. Wells had his dinner here[.} Took away his
billy and bought the two yearlings and father bought his four
sheep. John went with grist after dinner. Bella and I were washing
the 2 yearlings with father[.W]e were pulling apples a while[.T]he
fellow came along with the apple barrels when we were washing
sheep [-] stumped 30 at Glens & 30 here. Glens were pulling apples
at Charlys [and] will finish pulling their, .apples tomorrow at din
nertime. We are not going to get flour till tomorrow night. Father
has borrowed Frank to go to Seaforth tomorrow!.] Duncan came here
just at dark to buy the yearlings[.] Wells had a letter from his
sister and they had a young daughter. [Wells] is going to take his
sheep to the Goderich fair if he gets word-that their(sic) is any
prize for them. Went to the b a m for the big barrel for rain [-]
had to take the wheel - barrow over to put [it] in [-] gave Bella
a ride over for old acquaintance sake ...I saw a white goat in the
shed....Bella ran up to it & it turned out to be the shovel.
COMMENTARY Probably brother John went with with winter wheat to Trick's
mill to replenish the family's supply of flour. Thomas Trick
had owned Spring Creek Farm since 1873. Situated (as the crow flies) about a
mile north-west of MacFarlanes, it has a mill pond fed by spring-fed Spring
Creek. In 1887, Trick operated both a grist mill and a saw mill.When business
�3 .
was brisk, Trick would would have to space the milling of his customers out
to allow for the mill pond to build up. The water turbines, particularly in
warm weather,could deplete the pond faster than the incoming fresh water from
spring Creek could replace it,It appears that Trick told John MacFarlane that
his flour would be ready Friday, Miss MacFarlane notes on Friday that John
went to the mill and in Saturay's entry, she refers to massive baking operat
ions, so one assumes John returned with the fresh flour,
Friday
[September 30, 1887] Father away to Seaforth this morn-
ing[.]We all went to lift the potat
oes this forenoon. After dinner[,]which was near 1 [o'
clock]before
we were ready to take it[,] Ag & Bella went away to pull apples..I
put in the potatoes with John and then he went away to the mill in
a little while. Ag and Bella were pulling the Spy [apple tree] in
the old garden when Annie Herbinson shouted Hello to them[. S]he
said she was going over to Glen1s & she would be in here for a
while when she was coming back. When she went [to Glen's she was
told]....Lizzie was down home [at Uncle John Stewart'
s.T]he bovs
or men or whatever you want to call them[,]
wanted her to wait
there[.]Lizzie would not be gone long[. B]ut[Annie] said she would
come here first[.T]hey told her not to stay more than an hour [-]
that Lizzie would be back. I washed the dishes and started to get
[Annie] some tea[,Jwhich consisted of a few slices of bread[.There
is] nothing more in the house[,] only 3 cakes in [the] can[.] I
was out doors & I saw Lizzie at their front door..... she waved so
Annie went over[.] Willie & Lizzie drove her home[.] It was rain
ing when she left so we gave her a white Parasol[.] Ned came over
[to return]it and stayed till after 10[,]so you may guess the time
I'm writing at.He took Frank home with him when he went.It did not
rain last night[.I]t sprinkled a little when we were at the potat
oes today and it rained a shower about 4 o'cflock]..............
Saturday
[October 1, 1887] Duncan was here this forenoon [though]
not in the house. [Mr] Steep was around
buying apples. John Junor, John & Willie drove for Jim's trunk
about 5 o'[clock.I]t was raining middling heavy T]hey were lifting
their potatoes & came in from the field[. T]hey had a few bags of
potatoes on the wagon[.] Bella and Ag pulling apples all after
noon [&] me scrubbing[.]Baked bread today[.] Had a big pie for our
dinner [and] got another for tomorrow made & others with crust as
tuff (sic) as whalebone[.] Ma baked cakes[. I] done the ironing
tonight. It is 10 min[utes] to 11 now & I am going to have a bath.
Sabbath
[October 2, 1887] Raining most of the forenoon [-] Unusual
occurrance[.]Ned was not here.I think he
is keeping away until you come home so I hope you have not got
to[o] thick[.]I guess I had better stop here[.]Mrs Wigginton (sic)
was here a little while in the afternoon[. F]ather went to Uncle
James & Uncle James was here when we came back from [Sabbath]
School [at the schoolhouse]. Turkeys weighed 37 libs........
COMMENTARY Single women in the Victorian era were expected to be above
reproach and to be seen to be above reproach,where men were
concerned. Single males, alone or in groups were suspect, and unchaperoned
encounters with them could get one "talked about," Willie and Ned Glen, aged
28 and 30 "batched it” across the road,Willie married Lizzie Stewart and be
came a respectable married man. Ned moved to a small frame house half a mile
east, where he would batch it for five years before marrying Jane MacFarlane,
Jane would only be 20 when Eliza-Ann wrote these lines, Ned worked very hard
for several years to pay down the mortgage on Lot 31 (3), This indebtedness
and Jane's tender years meant that the courtship would be a long one, Eliza-
Ann’
s testy observations and eliptical inferences suggest that Ned is very
much on probation,Note in Friday’
s entry the account of Annie Herbinson,who,
upon finding that Lizzie Glen was not yet home,chose to wait for her over at
MacFarlanes, The hired men and (possibly Ned) urged her to stay, but she re-
fused. Eliza-Ann notes that Ned finds a lot of excuses to come around and
that he stays overly long. She also notes on Sunday that Ned didn't visit
that day and wonders what that means.
�Monday
[October 3, 1887] Picking turkeys of course[I.]got done
about half-past 1. It has been raining all day. John went up with
the turkeys when ever we ate our dinner. Fergueson (sic) came here
in his covered buggy when we were at the barn hitching[. I] had to
get his dinner. Mrs Fergueson & Miss Fergueson are to be here this
week. Willie & Lizzie [Glen] went to Clinton[. I s]crubbbed Spare
and my Bed-room[.] Agnes washed [the] Spare [bedroom]. Parlour and
Front door windows and I swept out both rooms ready for scrub
bing[. It is] 1/2 past 9 now[. I] have to set bread yeast[.]
Tuesday
[October 4, 1^98] Raining all day[.]Ned was here this fore
noon to get a hole bored in a fork [but,]
Poor thing,the borer(sic) was at the barn & John took him there to
bore it.Old plug died today[.W]hen John was at the barn last night
she was a little sick and died about dinner today[.] John [took]
her to the lime-kiln. Had a[n] apple dumpling for our dinner today
[-] baking bread & cream cakes [-] made jelly cake today[.] Agnes
read out halls Book crab apples. Bella blackedma's stove[.] Kil
led sheep [- Agnes helped to scald it & cleaned guts[.]Bella[says]
I should have gut[ted] intestine firstf.] I hope John will under
stand what I mean....fixed head mended my parasol tonight[,] then
Bella and I went upstairs and stripped your room[.]Ag put clothes
...[at this point Eliza-Ann runs out of space on the first
broadsheet and switches to a fresh one. It begins Tuesday
continued but doesn't follow through with the sentence.Ag
nes said tonight she bet you were wishing you could have a [il
legible] mat for tonight[.]Bella is gueggling here beside me read
ing every word I write[.]I slept with her last night & I guess she
is waiting for the beast to come as she called me in bed last
night[.] It is 10 minfutes] to 11 o ’
c[lock] & still she gueggles.
COMMENTARY The last few lines provide a clue as to why this entry is
so unclear in places.Bella (15) and Agnes (21) are reading
over her shoulder and at times she appears to include them in the dialogue.
Perhaps Jane (20) forbade any mention of her name. Note the undisguised glee
shown by Eliza-Ann when Ned comes to get a hole drilled. The drill is in the
barn and Ned doesn’
t manage to get up to the house and see Jane. Bella is
bunking in with Eliza-Ann, while her bedroom is being scrubbed down, and is
giggling uncontrollably."Giggle” may have been considered slang by’
’
the Mas
ter” and probably it never was included in spelling bees when Eliza-Ann went
to school. She guesses, and comes up with ’
’
gueggling”. Perhaps thats how it
sounded in her father’
s broad highland Scots and her mother’
s Ulster ac
cents. At any rate, the giggling and uproar made a bit of a shambles of that
day’
s diary entry.
Wedensday(sic) Ag and Bella won't let me mind to write[.T]hey
[October 5, 1887] [are] saying O don't forget to tell you the
bulls jumped out on the road today.Well Agnes
started to wash this morning after we milked and she had to leave
to help to put in them things they were talking about[.] O before
I forget they are telling me to mind you to not be saying Hellof,]
as it is very vulgar. Ma stuffed mutton for our dinner todayk-] I
am sure your teeth will be watering when you know that[.] Well we
washed today[.] Agnes was just blueing the clothes about 3 o ’
c[lock,] I guess it was [,] when along marched Sarah & Pryssilla
so we just put them out and we had father's flannel shirt and the
socks done & Agnes washed [illegible] & her [illegible] apron & we
put the shirting, shirts & s[ocks] back..2 1/2 inch blank where
words have been vigorously erased..back into the tub and left
them there. Wells came bobbing along with the sheep and for his
sheep he had his supper here[.] Sarah and Pryssilla went to Glen’s
when we ( O I forgot till they minded me that I had forgot to tell
you [that]I told Ag to cut the jelly cake the stilish way and here
is the way she done it- tiny diagram- a circle with a cross
making 4 quarters - it was her got the supper.) were finishing
milking. They came out where we were milking & and Uncle John's
John went up to Glens in his new buggy[. H]e was asking hands
to threshing. They are to be threshing to-morrow and Uncle James
after them. Kitty's stuck up John’s stair[.] I left him there when
I came to write this[. As I write, Bella and Agnes] are both sit-
[t]ing [,]gueggling & Ag saying Puke Puke Puke[I] And say there is
4 .
�5
beasts on that grand bed of your's for there is a bite I got there
on my hand & I have to stop every little while and scratch......
...Bella was sawyingsic^rails with father a good part of the day[.
S]he was at it when the ladys came[.]I think I had something else
to tell you but I forget what it was[. It is] 1/4 past 9[. I'm]
now going to set for bread tonight[-] yet to feed you [illegible]
when you come back. They told me to end up with Puke Puke Puke
diagram of a circle divided in eight...[I have] Jelly cake
on the brain tonight. P.S. Bella got her cheek cut & hurt by a
stick hitting her.
Thursday We are all as tired as Sam Hill to-night
[October 6, 1887] floating around like bees every day. Fat
her and John at threshing all day.Agnes finished washing coloured
clothes this forenoon[. Indeed she done the most of the washing[?]
very little I did[.]Raining all forenoon[.] Baking bread today[.]
I washed the windows in my room and sewed good bedroom feather-
tick. we took in the clothes just before dinner [because] we
thought it was going to pour rain all day and then we were going
to hang them in the old house.[.] After dinner we were sorry we
took them in and so we took and hung them out again.About 2 or 1/2
[past] 2 who should come driving along but the apple pickers [-]
Hanley(sic) & another man & a cub & Hanley informed them that he
was 17. Ag & Bella were out after they came pulling apples. They
packed 20 barrels today[and are coming back in the morning to fin
ish & then going to Glens. Mother and I fixed the grapes to night
[-] we just picked enough to preserve a kettleful [and] made the
rest into wine. I forgot to tell you before till Ag sung out from
her roost to Bella [asking] did I tell you about the drawerlegs[?]
I have been catching it for the way I hung out the drawers and
them all staring at them I suppose. Agnes made paste & went into
the parlor & made the 2 paper window blinds. Then we went out with
the intention of taking in the clothes[, ]but it was so clear &
nice [that] we left them out. We then went to the barn to get some
dry boards for the morning fire. Bella wants to finish this[. S]he
wont tell me what but I may as well tell you[,] for I know it is
to draw the way I hung the drawers, for I heard Ag tell her to do
it because I made the jelly cake [diagram] last night. What
follows is a different handwriting and a diagram.
(Contributed)
The artist is not in the habit
of wearing such things and so
cannot remember the exact shape
(Excuse)
Eliza-Ann resumes, feigning
incoherent fulminations,
The dirty brute of a hog let my fellow (one of my numerous
ones) see those horrid unmentionables[!] I hope she wont
be so mean as I let _________ & _________ see yours.lt is now 25
min[utes] past 10[,] so good night[i]
Friday I washed the clock [-] 0 [-] I forgot the
[October 7, 1887] opening salutef.] Agnes came up the stairs and
told me to get up[;]it was pouring rain[. S]he
ran out when ever she got up and took in the clothes[, which were]
wringing wet[,J of course. Agnes washed the dining room windows[;]
then her and Bella went and finished pulling Hanley's apples be
fore they would come[.I]t wasent(sic^raining when they went out[,]
Bella says[,]but it poured when they were out. [Hanley and his two
helpers] came along.......& finished packing after dinner [. W]e
have 25 barrels and they have to take them up tomorrow. They got
through with the threshing early[.]We put up the blindsin the din
ing room & [took] the white ones off there upstairs[.]
�«
>
*
Bella read up ma*s rooms washed up the dust{.] Ag hung out the
clothes after dinner when it faired up[.]I was ironing at them to
night [. ] I dont mind of any
more notes just now[.] I am very
tiredf,] so good night - it is 3 minfutes] past 10.
At this point, after 10 days, Eliza-Ann stopped
writing for the balance of 1887, Never again would the
daily entries be so detailed,
(
t
r
t
W*r
�THE FIRST ALMANAC DIARY:1888
7
Introduction
The log was kept in a copy of The Diamond Dye Almanac
(1888) published by Hells,Richardson & Co. Montreal. There
is a page for each month for use as a diary. The times of
sun rise,sunset,andmoon rises and moon phases are supplied
each day. At the bottom of all twelve pages is the follow-
ing:"use these diary pages for memoranda of accounts, pay
ments, engagements, etc".One gathersthat Eliza-Ann found a
detailed daily log too much work and (perhaps) a poten
tial cause of friction between her and her sisters In
March, she began to keep cryptic notations about weather,
egg production and the goings on for each day. She would
keep this up until the middle of 1901, gradually refining
her short forms.
March,1888
Eggs
6. Tues. Jane & I at Grants1
10. Sat. Soft
11. Sun. Blustring
12. Mon. Stormy
15. Thu. Father & Mother at Wigg[inton's] I was
at Junor'
s[.]
16. Fri. Corn Meal fetched home
19. Mon. Glen & Mrs Glen here
22. Thu. First lambs ^ ‘
"lamey
Sheep died at
night.
23. Fri. 31 eggs used up to now-worth .28 or
,33[.] 18 [degrees] below 10
Duncan here2
24. Sat. Zero this morning 6
25. Sun. 13 [degrees] below zero 12
. 26. Mon. Assesor here all night 6
27. Tues. Wells here 9
28. Wed. Malcolm [McEwen and] Fenwick [Stewart
at]Grey1s sale[.]Wigginton here
/Z_
29. Thu. Hector [Junor] here[.]
Ellie Green 3 year 15
30. Fri. Uncle James [Stewart] here for dinner.
Tom Wigginton here. 6
31. Sat. Ag & Bella at Uncle James
Father at Clinton 14
Jane & John at the river[-]saw a
crane & 4 ducks 90 eggs
90 eggs
�7
12
10
13
17
17
22
30
22
30
23
30
34
26
27
26
12
43
33
34
39
1. Sun.
2. Mon •
3• Tues.
♦
4. Wed.
5. Thu.
6. Fri.
7. Sat.
8. Sun.
9. Mon.
10. Tues.
11. Wed.
12. Thu.
13. Fri.
14. Sat.
15. Sun.
16. Mon.
17. Tues.
18. Wed.
19. Thu.
20. Fri.
8 .
April, 1888
Smith here Sold Wallace Father at
Dunkens [and] Mother at Glen's
Smith here Wigginton here
M. & Ann Ross and Malcolm here. Sarah
[Barkley] and Ida [Stewart] Father
went with Malcolm to Morgans sale
Rain Thunder & litningfsic)
[illegible] lovely spring day the snow
went nearly all away[.] Started mat[.]
John heard frogs.
Frogs singing tonight Donald Smiths
dance[.]John went back with bags to
mill[.]
Thomas Wiggintonhjare Uncle James here
Daisy [the] Heifer calved. Mrs Camer
on's funeral^ Johnny McGregor here
Walker girls left for North-West[.]
John and Tom off to grange[.]
Aunt Agnes [Stewart] here Billy killed
Smith here Duncan Here John in Clin
ton Broke meat hook
Malcom (sic) at the barn[.] Sandy Ross
here for potatoes[.]Duncan here
Temperatures [illegible]
Ferny calved Mat finished Smith here4
Snowed at night Jane & Bella went to
to church
Morrow here -12 c[ents] Eggs
J. Elliot at school
John away to Ross'es with Vicount(sic)[.
Heavy fall of snow[.]
Brucefield show Jane washed upstairs
hall plaster
Scott [The Canada Temperance]Act voting
Uncle James at barn going to Glen's for
hay «
Father at Clinton[.] Put in mat[-] took
mat hook with him[.] Found 3 turkey
eggs[.]
Eggs
�21. Sat 46
9 .
Jane cleaning school[.] Pete McGregor here.
Fergueson's here[-] Agnes went home with
them[. I] finished green dress....
t
o
t
o
•
Sun. Sabbath School started[.] Ned here at
night[.] Ma & John at church[.] 30
23. Mon. John started to plow[.]Started to dig
garden[.] Emmerson here for dinner[.]
Father shot ducks[.]
37
24. Tues • Ferguson's(sic) here today[.]Ned moved
Perdue away[.]Planted cabbage..... 49
25. wed. Pete McGregor here[.]John got a duck[.] 32
26 . Thu. [Two Peddlers] Scott [and] Powell here.
Lots of swallows[;]John says he saw them
[on the] Sabbath[.]
13
19
27 . Fri. Father grafting plums[.]Jane cleaning
Ma's room[.] Set [11] turkey eggs[.]
Tom Churchill here[.]
40
28. Sat. Cows nearly all out all night[.] Mary
Glen born[.] Jane & Bella in Clinton
[and they fetched the]Mat hook home[.]
Wood done[.]
29
29. Sun. Tom Wigginton here[.] Sarah [Barkley] &
Ada [Stewart] at Sabbath School [and
later] here for supper[.] Uncle James
here[.]
47
30. Mon. Emerson here for dinner[.] Alfred Isard
started school[.]
12
30
May, 1888
Eggs
1. Tues . Snowed only a little[;]lay a short
time[.]Father & John at Brucefield[.]
44
2. Wed. Stanley Beauty (black heifer) calved[.]
Aunt Mary [Stewart] here & at Glen's[.]
Dan RossS here Bella Grant's wedding
37
3. Thu. Finished seeding[.]Sarah [Barkley] in
on her road to Glen’s[.]Mrs Finley [Mc-
Ewen] this way coming in[.]
41
4. Fri. German peddler here for dinner[.]Jessie
Wigginton here[;]carae from Glen's with
me[.] Rain
34
5. Sat. Manson here[;]Ada here[.] Agnes & John
at Clinton [.] Father & Mother planted
cherry trees & walnuts[.] Cows all out
tonight [-] only the milch....tonight.
22
6. Sun. Mr & Mrs Wigginton here.[.]Ned here[.]
Will- Henry Elford - John put on his
shoes first time[.]
33
�1 0 .
7 * Mon. Uncle John’s AnnieS here for flower
slips[.]Jim Junor here this evening[.] 38
Morgan here & Emerson[.]
Rained & Hail
ed today[.]
8. Tues. Raining nearly all day[.]Mr & Mrs Dun- 28
can here[.]Agnes at Glens to night[.]
John at Brucefield[.]
9. Wed. Smith’s son here[.]Malcolm in buggy
here[.]Put up river fence[.jMcCartney 27
here[.]
10. Thu. Dan Ross here in evening 29
11. Fri. Smith Here[.]Willie Glen got his girl 26
home[.] Duncan McEwen's raising[.]
Cows (Milch) all out all night[.]
12. Sat. Planting potatoes all day[.] Smith
here
to buy[.]Ned here for pinchers[
. Our] 30
Milch cows in tonight; Glen's out[.]
13. Sun. Made Rubarb pies yesterday[.]
Jane & I 27
at church[.] Rained, hailed, snowed[.]
Stray gobbler came[.) Milch cows in[.]
14. Mon. Snowed {
ground white[in]
some places)[.j
Aunt Agnes here[.] Cold 0 Emerson here
Milch cows in Jane went to Glen’s[.] 28
I finished [braids?] on mat.[.]
15. Tues. Snowed[;] roof & Rails white[.] Albert 22
Wise here[.] John in Clinton[.] John
fixed pump[.]Black cows in[;]fixed the
fence round field[.]
16. Wed. Snowed a little[;]Duncan’s here on way 35
to Clinton[.]Picking clover stones all
day & was putting up fences [in the]af
ternoon [
.
] Cold out last night[
-]
frostf.] Sarah at Glen’s[.]
17. Thu. Scott here Dan Ross here for potat- 26
oes[.]
Sowing mangold'
s(sic) & carrots..
...all day[.]Black cows out at night[.]
18. Fri. Father in Clinton[.]Got Agnes' seeds[.] 26
McEwens after Goblerfsic^ [.JPlanted
6 rows of mangols this evening[.] Got a
piece of bride’s cake [and] Gota Guinea
egg.
19. Sat. Sowing Mangol & Turnip seeds most all
day[. D]ad again at Clinton[.] Indian 36
woman here[.] Pa & Ma at Elliot’s &
Wigginton'
s[.] John at Craig'
s[.]
20. Sun. Let Black Heifer on the road[.] Vicount
out all night[.] Malcolm & a [stone] 29
Mason here.
21. Mon. Morrow Agnes & I dug flower beds[.]
Agnes & Bella at Glen’s[.] John at mill 26
with grist[.]The Emerson boy] shot a snake....
�22. Tues
ll
22. Tues. John E lliot here[.] John sollingf.?]
Uncle James here Finley's share...Fath- 22
er and Knot at Malcolm's[,]
23. Wed Father & Malcolm at Clinton [.] Sandy 28
Ross' wife was here[.] John Junor col
lecting[.] Let three calve out[.]
24. Thu. Scott here [-] washed sheep[.] Bella at 26
Uncle James [-]Father & John at Sandy
Ross'es & I finished....sun hat & brown
dress....
25. Fri. Glen here[.] Dunkan & Charlotte here[.] 17
26. Sat. Kate foaled[.] Mowed lawn[.] Malcolm 26
here[.] Wigginton heref.] Set Guinea
eggs[.jJane planted melons[.] Francis
came to Glens[.]
27 . Sun Father & Mother at church[.]Uncle James
& Willie & Ned[.] Kates foal died[.] 35
28. Mon. Wells & Wife....Duncan....Smith...[and]
..Morrow..,here[.] Heavy rain [but] not 29
very much.
29. Tues. Malcolm & Wife here[.] Father & Mother
left for Old Country7 [.] Ned here for 32
spade[.jMalcolm here with cow[.]
30. Wed. Ag & I planted turnips most of day[.] 28
Sarah here[-]Smith here cow Kate McEwen
& Jane here[.] Ned & Francis8 here[.]
John plowing summer fallow[.]
31. Thu. Raining....Sarah Wigginton......Jim....
Charlie...here...Found Guinea nest.... 23
1. Fri.
June, 1888
Eggs
Ag & I fixing fence. Old[Mr Edward]Glen 24
here[.]Rev. [Alex] Stewart at Glens[.]
Raining Frost last night
2. Sat. Aunt Agnes here[.]John finished plowing 24
summer fallow[.]Jane in Clinton[.] Mal
colm here with cow tonight[.] Raining
this morning[.] Sarah here all night.
Smith here with cow[.]
3. Sun. Ned here[.] Fen[wick] & Adam [Stewart]
in on the way to [sabbath] school[.] 28
4. Mon. John harrowing before dinner[.We] shore 20
sheep [in the] afternoon[.]Inspector at
school[.]A very little frost last night[.]
5. Tues. Ag & I finished fence[;]Started running
off lye[and]John started manure[.] 21
6. Wed. Agnes went to Clinton[.] Tom & Jessie 23
[Wiggington] here[.] Gave Annie guinea
eggs[.]Washed blankets [and made] corn-
meal pudding[.]
�49
21
26
17
23
28
25
46
30
25
27
37
18
22
17
12
Aunt Agnes...[and}..2 Mrs Glens.here[.]
John & I in Clinton & Ag at picnic mee
ting[.]Jane ironed her White dress[.]
[Eggs] not gathered[.J
Mrs Junor here
Raining Agnes horse back riding[;]ask
ing [for] baskets[.]Smith here cow[.]
Heavy Rain Uncle James...[and]....
Francis here[.]
John Butchart^..[and]..Emerson here[.]
planted out cabbage [and] lettuce[.]
.....J[ane] at Glens[.]
Manson here[.]Jane & I cleaned cell-
er[.]
A fellow here for his breakfast[.]
Jane at Clinton & McTavishes[.]
Scott here Road Work
Sarah[Barkley...and]Aunt Agnes here[.]
Ferguson here on way after stray catt-
le[.] Picked bugs first time[.Eggs]not
gathered
Sarah in in way to Clinton[.]John & I
at Clinton[.] Fen[wick] up with pap
ers John took out the last 2 loads of
manure[.]
Emerson...[and]....Aunt Agnes here[.]
Finished Soap[.] Bella at Grants to
night! •]
Old [Edward]Glen here[.]John at Bruce-
field[.]Sewed ribbon collar on dress[.]
John finished spreading manure[.]
Cleaned out my room[.]Jane finished her
white dress[.] Guineas out John mowed
lawn[.]
Scott here[.]Malcolm here in evening on
way home from Uncle John's[. I] planted
out some foxglove[.]
An old fellow here looking for work[.]
Set up Ma’s stove[.]2[Duncan McGregor's]
here....Ag at Glens...Francis here
Jane & I at Clintonf.]Ag, Bella & Fran
cis at river[.]
Francis at [Sabbath] school......... Ned
..Mrs Wigginton....Lizzie....Fen[wick] &
Adam...,here[.] w
Jim__
_ Aunt Agnes here[.]Started weeding
roots[.] John took Aunty home[.]
7. Thu.
8. Fri.
9 . Sat..
10. Sun.
11. Mon.
12. Tues.
13. Wed.
14. Thu.
15. Fri.
16. Sat.
17 . Sun.
18. Mon.
19. Tues.
20. Wed.
21. Thu.
22. Fri.
23. Sat.
24. Sun.
25. Mon.
27
18
�26. Tues.
13
Weeding rootsf.]John & Ag at McEwen’s[;]
Jane, Bella & Frank at river[. I] got a 15
letter Mrs McEwen fetched[.]
27. Wed. Sarah here[.] John & I [and Wiggington]
in Clinton[.] Weeding roots[.] 15
28. Thu Raining Weeding roots Lizzie over with
hen 20
29. Fri . Ag & I picked strawberries[. ]Hoeing po
tatoes [.] Wool buyer/peddler here[.] 21
John at Uncle Johns[.]
30. Sat. A g & Bella hoing potatoes[.] Jessie Wig-
ginton here[.] Ned here baking for [Mon
day's Dominion Day] picnicf.] Jessie &
Bella cooking berries[. Eggs not gather-
ed[.]
1. Sun. Annie StewartlO......Uncle James.... Tom
Wigginton..Ned..Daniel..Fred..here[.] 57
2. Mon. Picnic John started mowing[.]Brigham,
Adam & Ellen ElliottU here[ . Jane & 17
Annie Ferguson & John Here.Duncan'
s here
on way from picnic[.]01d fellow with arm
off here[.
]
3. Tues • Old [Edward] Glen..... Aunt Agnes here[.]
Started coleingfsic) hay. 15
4. Wed. Taking in hay[.]Fellow at pump for
drink[.] 18
5 . T h u . At hay 32
6. Fri. Harrow [Ontario?] pedler here[.] At
hay[.] Father & Mother sailed for
home in Toronto[. Eggs] not gather
ed^]
7. Sat. Finished big hay field[.]Jim....Ned..
& Dune[an] McEwen here[.] 24
8 . Sun . Uncle James....Ned here[.]Aikenhead
at [Sabbath] School[.] 23
9. Mon. Sarah here[.]Jessie & I[were]at Mrs
Wigginton's rug bee[.] John & Jane 17
in Clinton[.]
10. Tues. John in Brucefield [-] got binding
twine[. Eggs] not gathered[.]
11. Wed. Scott here [-] brought wood[.] Fen-
[wick] here [this] afternoon[.] A 16
little rain
12. Thu. Raining Shook out hay 13
13 . Fri . Aunty [Agnes]..Andrews cattle buyer...
....here[.] 7
14. Sat. Finished hay [in] all but [the] orchard
before dinner[.] 21
�15. Sun
14
16. Mon.
17. Tues.
18. Wed.
19. Thu.
20. Fri.
Tom Wigginton here for dinner[.] Annie
Stewart,Ned & George & Tom here in
evening[.] 17
Ag & Bella picking berries[;]got about
3 q(uar]ts(.] Finished hay (orchard) 18
Mrs Wigg[ington] at Glens (cherries)
John at Uncle James *[.] Ag & I picking
bugs nearly all day[.] 12
Ag & John in Clinton & Brucefield & at
Duncan's[.] Jane at Uncle James[.]Rain
(fried lard over) [Eggs not gathered.]
Ag & Bella weeding turnips[.]Aunty Ag- 12
nes here.Trout sited(sic) yesterday[.3 16
Started cutting wheat[.] Mother home 12
from Old Country[.] Lizzie here[.] 11
21. Sat.
22. Sun.
23. Mon.
24. Tues.
25. Wed.
26. Thu.
27. Fri.
28. Sat.
29. Sun.
30. Mon.
Father home [with imported livestock]
Glenapppin & Glenlyon[.] Wiggintons... 19
.♦..Uncle James...Fen[wick].... Adam..
[and] Duncan here[.] Sold 4 fat cows
to one Smith[.]
Ned & Will....Jim...John Junor....Jack
McGregor....Malcolm & McBride here. 12
Finished cutting wheat Sold 4 steers
to Stanbury’s12[.]Sarah (Barkley] and
Annie [Stewart], Mr & Mrs E. Glen and
Sarah Wigginton here[♦]Father & Moth
er at Malcolms. Eggs not gathered.]
Father and John in Clinton[.]Jim[Paul? 24
apeddler here[.]
Aunt Agnes here[.] Horses out at Mai- 13
colms creek[.] Started putting straw
out of mow[.]
I cut some carraway[.] Taking in Wheat
[and] outting [last year’s] straw out
of mow[.] Sandy Ross and Mrs here[.]
Jane in Clinton[.] Uncle James here[.
Eggs not gathered.]
Nora Junor & Lizzie McEwen here[.] 23
Finished taking in wheat.G.Elliot and
Jack here[.]
Linds....& Mrs Hugh McGregor Sr.... & 2 3
rag pedler....here[.] Took in wheat-
sakingsf.] Old country sheep home[.]
Father & Agnes started for church[.] 23
Uncle James,, Ned, John & Hector Junor
[here]
.
Aunt Mary & Ida [Stewart]12 here[.] 20
Duncan for sheep[.] Bella herding
horses[.]
�31. Tues
15
31. Tues. Shot Wallace[. ]0ld Innis1*... .McIntosh..
Pete McGregor here[.] Weeding tur- 16
nips [and] started pulling peas[.]
Bella herding horses[.]
August, 1888
1. Wed. Ag at Uncle Jame's for kitten[.]15 Hoe- 18
ing roots [in the] forenoon[.]
2. Thu. Ag in Clinton[.] Aunt Agnes Here[.]Will 27
& Road[.]
3. Fri. Ag & I pulling garden peas[.]2 McG[reg- 34
or] Duncan’s here[.] Heavy rain-storm
4. Sat. Arch[ibald]McDougal..Jim Junor..here[.] 29
Ma made the first apple pies[.]
5. Sun. Bella & I went to church[.]Mr & Mrs Bob 26
Renolds....Fen [wick].... Bill B[e] acorn*6
& Jack..Tom Wigginton..[and] 2 McGregor
boys here[.]
6. Mon. Jim Heren here[.] Bella & I spreading 22
peas[.] Ag herding horses[.]
7. Tues. Took in 2 loads of peas[-]finished pull- 29
ing both[.] Rev. [Mr Stewart] called[.]
Fen[wick went] for doctor for his moth
er[.]*7 Old Glen here Ma went down[.]
8. Wed. Aunt Abby & Lily18 at Glen’s[.] Father & 30
Mother at Wigg[inton’s] Finished peas[.]
9. Thu. Started cutting oats[.]Father at Varna & 7
Uncle James’[.] Jane went to Clinton[.]
10. Fri. Old Mr Fisher here[.]Jane at Uncle James’.41
Jessie, Tom & Lizzie Hunter here[.]
Fetched..[illegible]..stand...[illegible].
Sleam Dunk here[.]....J[ohn] and A[gnes]
picked first [apples?]
11. Sat. Bella went to Clinton[;] Father herding 47
horses[.]Finished cutting lowpiece oats[.]
12. Sun. Tom Elliot..Cook...Hamilton....McDougal.. 25
Cousin John [B. Stewart] *9.here[ .] Jane
& I at church[.]
13. Mon. Morrow here[. He] took John's lamb & Fa- 28
ther & John cleaned up the oats. I [was]
herding20 [the] bull all day[. Jane & Ag
picking thimble[berrie]s[.]
14. Tues. Nursery peddler here[.] Tom Wigginton 23
here all night[.]
15. Wed. Smith Here[.] Rosy calved[.] Finished reap- 34
ing[.]Father at Duncan's[.]
16. Thu. Father & John in Clinton[;] got Glenappin 31
shod [.]Herding bull[.]
�16
22
17. Fri.
18. Sat.
19. Sun.
20. Mon.
21. Tues.
22. Wed.
23. Thu.
24. Fri.
25. Sat.
26. Sun.
Sandy Innis & G[eo]r[ge] Inglis....Uncle
James....& Cluff here today[.]2l Ag & I
clipped lambs[. ]Herding bull after din
ner[. ]
Herding bull 60
Ned here to night
Father at church[.] Tom & J[essie Wiggin- 23
ton] were here[. The Rev. Mr] Turnbull
preached[.]
Started hauling in oats[.] Took 4 fat 36
cord[s of wood] to Brucefield.] Margaret-
Ann in on way for berries[.]
Took 7 steers to Walker's22 corners for
Stanburys[.]Father in Clinton[.] 36
Finished taking in Rathwell23 [place 46
oats[.] Herding bull[.]
Jane & John in Clinton[.] Finished har- 36
vest[.] Aunty [Agnes]..... Finley[McEwen]
and Inglis...here[.]
Bella & Agnes at Varna[;] Father at Mai- 32
colm's[.] Ned here[.] Scott bought Ag's
lamb[.]
Father at Malcolm's threshing[.] Mrs Finley,
Ella & baby [Anabel McEwen]......Mrs Dunk &
Mary & Bella Ross..Hugh McGregor ....& Tom 33
Fraser...[here].
Henry Bacom, Ned & Will here[.] John, Ag, 32
Bella at church[.]
27. Mon.
28. Tues.
29. Wed.
30. Thu.
31. Fri.
Ho[l]mes here (other side of Clinton).
Vic-
ount(sic) at Butchart1s[.] 26
John at Gilmour's for wheat[.] I went to
Clinton[.] a fellow going to see the mason 25
Guinea hen died[.] Sowed wheat (at 34
Smith’s)[.]24
Maggie McGregor, Carrie, Kitty & Lizzie
McTavish [and] Parks Here[.] Father & John
in Clinton[.] 20
Finished making my boot box[.] Raining 54
1. Sat.
September, 1888
Father & John in Clinton 33
2. Sun. Uncle James, Jim [Barkley], George Gil- 25
mour & Fen[wick] here[♦] Jane, John &
I at church[.]
3 . Mon. John to Perdues25 to see about thresh-
ing[.] I [was] at Uncle James'[.] John 18
fractured his wrist.
4. Tues. I went for Reeve[.]Father at Malcolm*s[.] 25
�5 . Wed
22
6 .
7.
8.
9.
1 0 .
11.
1 2 .
13 .
14.
15.
16.
17 .
18.
19.
2 0 .
2 1 .
22.
23 .
24.
25.
26.
17
Reeve & Son here setting arm[.] Glen’s
threshing
Thu. Scotch pedler....Aunt Agnes....Wigginton
& Tom..heref.] Stray pig heref.] Perdue
fetched separator[.]
21
Fri. Agnes in Clinton. Reeve here. 28
S a t . Churchill here[.] Perdue fetched [steam
threshing] engine[.] I finished[pleated?]
mat[.]
32
Sun • Jane & I went to church[. We] saw Polly &
Margaret Cumming. Sarah Issard & Willie
with us.
19
Mon. Threshing[.]John went to Clinton[.] Took
machine over to Finley's[.] 22
T u e s . Took tank out today 30
Wed. Father at Finley's threshing[.] 28
T h u . [Agnes and I]washing sheep[.]John at mill 14
for chop[.] Wigginton & Tom here for
wheat[.] John & Ag in Clinton[.] Duncan &
Mrs here[.]
wheat[.] John & Ag in Clinton[.] Duncan &
Mrs here[.]
F r i . Uncle James threshing[.]Sarah Wigginton 26
heref.] Jim Inglis after pig[.] Ag at
Churchill's and Issards[.]
Sat:. Uncle John’s threshingf.]Ag & Father fix- 26
ing up sheep. Mother & Jane in Clinton[.3
Sun. Tom here[.] Rainingf.] 31
Mon. John & Ag in Clinton[.] Tom here all 19
night - Ned[.]
T u e s . Father, John & Tom at Seaforth[.] 18
Wed . Started lifting potatoes[.] Duncan here
[illegible] sheep[.] Churchill here[.] 33
T h u .
Fri.
S a t .
S u n .
M o n .
T u e s .
Wed.
Jane & I lifting potatoes[.]Ag & Bella at
Clinton show[.] Mr & Mrs Ballantyne here
all night[.]
Father,John, Jane & I..Churchill & Tom at 36
show[.] Churchill here[.]
Girls all at potatoes [-]Father carrying 25
them in[.] Finished Melons[.]
Mr & Mrs Tom & Stella [here.]Bella & I at
church[.] 21
John & Agnes at Clinton[?]Father & Mother
at Rathwells26 23
Father at Malcolm[
McEwen’s.]John at Uncle 20
James[.]
Rainingf.] Ag & John in Clinton[.]Church- 21
ills here27[#] Pedler (dress cutting)Mar-
tin & Sons here[.]
�18
27. Thu.
28. Fri.
29. Sat.
30. Sun.
Raining Father took Glenlyon to Church
ills (sold)[.] Ag cleaning oats[.] 17
Raining Father went to Clinton[.] 20
Cleaned stove & stove pipes[.]
Raining[?] Snowed first,I think[.] Father
at mill with grist & chop[•] Ag & John in
Clinton[. Eggs] not gathered[.]
Father at Uncle James' [and] Uncle James
here[.] Raining 37
October, 1888
1. Mon. John & Agnes in Clinton [.]Raining Aunty 14
[Agnes and] Tom here[.] Men all went to
Clinton with Dad[.] Fen[wick] and Tom
here all night[.]
2. Tues.
3. Wed.
4. Thu.
5. Fri.
6. Sat.
7* Sun.
8. Mon.
9. Tues.
10. Wed.
11. Thu.
12. Fri.
Father, John & Tom away to Goderich 11
show[.]Fen[wick] & Ag went to Clinton to
take home team[*] Jane at Issardsf.] Mrs
Duncan here[.J
Snowed last night & all day nearly (big
flakes & showery)[.] All (4) pulling 16
apples[.]
Raining Lizzie [Glen] here[.She] gave
Mother [a photograph] album.28 6
Tene McDonald....Tene M c E w e n S a r a h 9
[Barkley] in on way to Clinton[.Sarah is]
going up north[.]29 They came home from
[the] show[.]
Father & John at Clinton for 4 loads [of]
Goderich stuff(Hanley rails to fence).Mr &
Mrs Ferguson here[.] fetched goose (pul
ling apples)
Raining[;]Ned,Jane,John & Agnes at preach- 15
[ingj in[Sabbath School](But^&rt Ministry)30
Pulling apples[.] Ned Rathwell here for 12
dinner[.] Started plowing (shanty field)
Father,John & George at Bayfield show[.] 4
Pulling apples[.] Packers at Glens[;] they
sacked them to night[.]
First baking of new flour[.] Heavy frost 7
last night[.] Pulling mangols all day. Old
Glen here[«] Beautiful day[.]
Jane, Bella & Father gone to Blyth[.] Ag & 12
I finished mangols before dinner[.] Scotch
peddler [who was] here last time....[and]
...Jim..-here[.]
Raining[;] Sandy Ross & Smith have bought 5
Bold Vicount(sic),heifer calf & Ag’s black
heifer[. T]ook away after dinner[.] Duncan
fetched up his sheep[.]Mrs &Duncan here[.]
�13. Sat
14. Sun.
15. Mon.
16. Tues.
17. Wed.
18. Thu.
19. Fri.
20. Sat.
21. Sun.
22. Mon.
23. Tues.
24. Wed.
25. Thu.
26. Fri.
27. Sat.
28. Sun,
29. Mon.
30. Tues.
31. Wed.
19
Baker, McDougall, Duncan, Torrance [and] 7
George Stickley31here[.]Jane [at]Sheppards
sale[.]
Agnes & I at Sabbath School, Beautiful
Day[.] 8
Jane & Bella home on A.M.train.Pulled barn 9
roads took cellar[.]Father shot rabbits[.]
Raining to night[.]
Raining (Showery) Glens here[.]Agnes & I 5
Pulling apples[.]Started ploughingRathwell
[place] after dinner[.] Tom & Jessie
here[.] Finished ploughing shanty field[.]
Pulling apples[?] shower after dinner[.] 3
Malcolm in on way To Sheppards[.] Father
ploughing too in forenoon[.]
Lifting potatoes all day[-]finished[.]Nice 2
day[;] Aunty here[.] Charlie took Glen'
s
barrels[.]Saw flock of geese going south[.]
Raining all forenoon[.] Pulling apples[.] 15
Ag & J[ohn] took up [a] load [of] rails[.]
Father ploughing after dinner too[.]Took in
a load of mangols[.] Malcolm[here after
scraper[,]
Father hauling mangols all day & pulling ap
ples & carrying sheep[.] Cold wind snowing 7
& raining all day[;] ground white now[.]
Snow lying yet on roofsf.] round edges 6
places yet[.] Wigginton here[.] Ma at
Glen'sf;] Baby sick[.]
Dickson's man here for his 3 lambs that he 5
bought[.]Jane in Clinton[;]got home with Un
cle James[.] Ag & I baking an apple [des
sert. ]
3 days taking in apples all day[.] misty
rain[.] Missed goose[.] Finished taking in
apples[.] 14
I [was]in Clinton[.]Hauled 3 loads of rails 8
(wood)[.] Beautiful day[.]
Ag & I pulling carrots all day[.]Ned & Dun- 6
can here[.] Beautiful day[.]
East south wind;showery[.] Ag & I pulling 10
carrots[.] Uncle James here[.]
[We] Finished pulling carrots and took in 1 7
load[.] Raining[.] Ned in Clinton for cid-
er[.]
Fen[
wick] here[.] Showery 4
Finished taking in carrots[-]4 loads[.] Ad- 6
am & Jim Elliot called[.] Showery
Ag & I pulling turnips[.] Adam Elliot 5
here[.] Beautiful day
Jim Elliot & Uncle James here[.] Uncle John 2
& Glen’s went to Hullet [Township.]
Mother &
I in Clinton[.]Beautiful day[.]Jane & Agnes
at quilting at Annie Ross ’
es [. ] Jennie Grant
here all night[.]
�November, 1888
20
1. Thu.
2. Fri.
3. Sat.
4. Sun.
5• Hon•
6. Tues.
7. Wed.
8. Thu.
9. Fri.
10. Sat.
11. Sun.
12. Mon.
13. Tues.
14. Wed.
15. Thu.
Glen's threshing[. I] put on new boots {for
the] first time.Ag & I taking in turnips[-]
5 loads &£I] pulled about l[.]Jane at meet
ing {concerning missions.] Martin here this
morning{.] Beautiful day[.] 4
Glen’s threshing{.} Ag & I finished pulling
turnips & taking them in [-] 2 1/ loads{.3
Aunty here{.] John plowing{.] Showery warm 13
Picking turkeys until dinnertime{.] Sarah
here[.] Mary Cummings [correct spelling
is Cuming] here all night[.3 Father Mother
6 Agnes in Clinton[.] Beautiful day 2
Beautiful day[.] Ned here[.]Jane & I went a
piece with Mary Cumming[.]32 7
Ag at Malcolm's{.] Father plowing all day
too[-]finished at Rathwells about 5{o'clock]
Sarah [Barkley]and Annie [Stewart] in on a
walk[.]Heavy rain at night & thunder slight-
ning[.] Beautiful [hot] day[.] 5
Started plowing below barn[with]two teams[.]
Nice day [but]dull[.] Wigginton [calledin[.] 6
Picking turkeys all morning[.] Wells here
with 4 sheep[.] Aunty [Agnes] & [sister]Ag &
John in Clinton with turkeys[.] Apple pack
ers called[.] Beautiful day[.]
Father at Malcolm’s for dinner[.]Scott here 11
for Dick(his lamb).Wells bought one yester
day and took it with him[.] Raining all
day[;] milch cows and colts in to night[.]
Tom & Jessie[Wigginton]here with [4]sheep[.]6
Malcolm & John Thompson33 here[.] Ada [Stew
art]with Ag & Bella went to town for pump[.]
Trees delivered to night[.] Raining
Showers{.] Tom & Jessie here with citrons &
for pears[Jane finished jacket[.] John & Dad
took up 2 loads of wood after dinner[.] fin
ished my checked red shirting skirt and put
it on to night[.]
Father & John at Uncle James’[.] Tom [here]
cold wind very windy Two black cows in
to night for the first time[.] 9
Jane in Clinton[.] McDonald here[.] Cut out
jacket lining[.] Beautiful day[. Eggs] not
gathered[.]
Frost last night. Father & John at Wiggin-
ton's threshing[.]Laidlaw here[; He] bought
[the] last billy lamb[.] Beautiful day 9
Father & John finished plowing all but sum
mer fallow land in front of door[.] Cut out
jacket[.] Mrs Junor here[.] Beautiful day 9
Thanksgiving day examinations[and then]Sab
bath School closed[.] Rev.Sim[p]son, Sawyer,
Scott & Forrest at Examination[.] Father &
John plowing summer fallow[.] Beautiful
day [-] raining a little to night[.]
9
�16. Fri
17. Sat.
18. Sun.
19. Hon.
20. Tues.
21. Wed.
22. Thu.
23. Fri.
24. Sat.
25. Sun.
26. Hon.
27. Tues.
28. Wed.
29. Thurs.
30. Fri.
21
Snowed a little and froze last night [.We]
had in all the cattle last night[.]Ma [and]
John [attended John Pearson's dance.34. 7
Agnes went to Duncan's[.] Duncan here for
his sheep[. He] bought an imported shear
ling[.] Jane & John in Clinton[.] 3
Jane & I in church[;]Ramsay preached[.]Hard
froze[-]snowed a little toward night & star
ted raining[.] Thawing toward midnight[.] 2
Raining cold Uncle James..Sandy Ross & Dun
can here[.]Ag went down for Uncle James[.] 2
A fellow here with McDonald's two sheep[.]
Father in Clinton[.] Jane & Ag at Greg
or 's[.]35 Uncle James & Dares here[.] Nice
day [-] froze hard 2
Nice day Apple packers here[;They] packed
15 barrels[.]Father at Uncle James’killing
pigs[.] Allister here for his 2 sheep[.]
Duncan with sheep[.] Dewdrop calved[.] 2
Nice day[,]Aunty here[.]Jane in Clintonf.]
Father & John & Irish36cutting..[and haul
ing] wood -] 1 load before dinner and 3
loads after dinner[.] 2
Nice day[.] Put in double[i.e. storm] win
dows [in the] kitchen[.] Father went to
Bell's sale and him & Mother went to Fin
leys at night[.] Ma was at Duncan’s all
day[.] Finley’s wem't at home[.] 10
John & Willie McEwen in this morningf.JFa-
ther at Wigginton's for dinner [and at]
Woon’s & Wises too37 Manson here[.] Mrs
Middleton's funeral[.]38 15
Ag & Bella in Church[.The Rev.Alex.Stewart
preached.] Nice day[;] The ground is hard-
frozen [making for]good roads[.] 2
Nice day Dull middling cold A few flur
ries of snow Jane in Clinton[.] I hauled
2 loads of wood after diner[.] 5
Agnes at McTavish'es after dinner[.]Prayer
meeting at A[lex.] Innis's[;] Ma, Jane & I
went[.] Hauled 2 loads of wood I think af
ter dinner[.] fellow hunting mink[.] Nice
day dull 0
Aunty here[.I] hauled 2 loads of wood be
fore dinner [and] John [hauled] 1 after[.]
filled apples for cider[.] John hauling
gravel[.]39 Nice day [but] dull[.] 3
Father...John....& Willie in Clinton.[Ont
ario Department of Education] Inspector
[Elgin] Tom at [S.S. #1 ] school[.] Sarah
Wigginton here[.] J.Wigginton here asking
[us to a] dance[.] John hauling gravel[.]
Raining & snowing a little[.] 3
John at Malcolm[McEwen’
s]bee hauling earth
to house[.]40 wigginton dance[;] John
went[.]Jim [Barkley]here going to dance[.]
Snowing & soft all day[;]freezing a little
to night[.]
�December, 1888
22
1. Sat.
2. Sun.
3. M o n .
4. Tues•
5 . Wed.
6. Thu.
7. Fri.
8. Sat.
9. Sun.
10. Mon.
11. Tues.
12. Wed.
13. Thu.
14 Fri
15. Sat.
16. Sun.
John Junor here.....Father & John went to
Tom Welsh'es sale. Father took Wigginton's
sheep...... 3
Dull day[.] Ned [here,] 0
Father away buying our beef. Wells here[.]
Finished red shirting busque[.] Started
storming some[.] 3
Father & John went to Johnny Thompson’s
for heifer father bought yesterday[.]
Glen's killed pigs[.] John there to
night[.] Jane cleaned pantry[.] Showering 0
some[.]
Agnes at Corin's; (sleigh [used] first
time)[.] John at mill with chop (had Hec
tor) [.] Jane cleaned kitchen ceiling[.]
Stormed soft last night[.] 3
Mother,Jane & John in Clinton[.]Took cider
apples & didn’t get cider[.] Sleigh in
Clinton[.] Fen[wick] here[;] took vinegar
home. Snowed some nice day 1
Killed 6 pidgeons[.] (Sic) 1
Jack Reid & Jack Elliot here[.] Father &
John finished cutting, splitting & piling
what wood was hauled up[.] Dull day Soft-
ish Finished making curly jacket and ap-
ron[.]
Jane & I at church[.] Uncle James here[.]
Soft buggies going good[.]
Aunt Agnes....Heren & Couch here[.] Father
S
t John in Clinton for cider with the wag
on[.] Soft fine day
I[was] at Duncan McEwen’s[.] Mother & John
in Clinton[.] Mother got home with Duncan
(for sheep)[;]John waited for cider & ket
tle[.] A little frost windy
Making apple butter[.}Duncan & Mrs here[.]
Jim here all night[.] Snowing a little to
night[.]
Mr Glen here[.] John took back kettle[.]
Father & John hauled some wood[.] Set up
Jane's stove upstairs[.]4l Snowing stormy
Father & John hauling up logs for wood to
day too[.]I moved into the room[.] Jane at 4
Uncle James’[.] McGuire here and away af
ter fat sheep[.] nice day Sheep died[.]
Father in Clinton[.] McDonald’s man after
his sheep[.] Finished making other apron
(shirts)[.] Thawing[;] rained a little to
day[.]
Raining
17 • Mon. Misty [-] Started freezing & snowing a very
little near night[.] John in Clinton[.] Fa
ther dug round berry bushes & moved little
trees[.] Ag cleaned her room[.]
�18. T u e s .
23
Jane at Pearsons [. ]Minnie42& Gustie & Sarah
here[.] Clear moonlight Froze hard cold
no wind 1
19. Wed. Father & Mother went to Wigg[inton's] about
1/2 past 4(after they came from bush)[.]Fel
low here to night wanting to buy pid-
geons[-] Icy cold flurries
20. T h u . Father in Clinton[.] I [was] at Glens[.]
clear windy cold
21. Fri. Father put on new smock[.] made 3 window
boards [.]Agnes made......[illegible].. .box
...[illegible]Stormy but not very frosty[.]
22. Sat. John at the mill with [a Wagon-load [of]
grist[.] Father at Duncans[.] Finished
father's drawers[.] Clear cold (middling) 2
23 . S u n . Bella & I at church (Rumbal) Green
Froze hard (buggies)
•
C
N
M o n . John in Clinton[.] Shot a partridge[.] Kil
led turkey. Soft a little rain 1
25. T u e s . Sarah [Barkley,] Ada & Annie [Stewart] here
after dinner and all night[.] Ned & George
here at night[.] Raining and warm
26. Wed. Father at school meeting[.]43 Duncan & Tom &
Duncan's and J. Bole'
s boy here[.] Warm a
little rain
27 . T h u . Father in Clinton[.]Sarah Wigginton here all
night[;] her & Ma went to Uncle James'[.]
Hard frozen stormy 2
28. Fri. John went down to Uncle James' with [news]-
papers to night[.]44 Hard froze nice day
windy 4
29. S a t . Jane & Bella in Clinton[.] Father & John in
the bush these days. I finished navy blue
basque[.] 3
30. S u n . Ag & I in church[.] Hard froze a little
soft p.m. 3
31. M o n . Father at Varna (election) .45John Hunting all
day[. We] ate Sarah's goose[.] Snowed last
night; soft[.] froze a little to night[.] 6
1. The Grant's farmed on the London Road on the Stanley. The
cluster of houses at the junction of Stanley Sideroad 30 and
the London Road, was called Granton.(Unlike the Granton in
Biddulph Township, this Granton had no post office status.
Janet (Jennie) Grant was a longtime friend
with Isabella MacFarlane,and both became school teachers.
Jennie became an avid photographer.
2 . Duncan McEwen 1843-1927-son of Stanley pioneer "Cash" John
McEwen, and farmed Lot 28, Con 2.
3. S.S. #1 teacher ’
Master" George Baird's mother-in-law, Mrs
John Cameron,died April 7 and her funeral was April 9.
Deceased was born in Perthshire, Scotland 1800,married John
Cameron 1833, emigrated to Glengarry, Upper Canada, 1845 and
settled in Stanley, 1850. Her daughter Janet married to Geo.
Baird. See obit. Clinton New Era ,April 13, 1888.
4.
5. This Ross Family lived on Lot 27, Con 2.
6. Annie Stewart 1867-96, daughter of John Stewart and Abigail
Tweedy Sometimes call "Nan"; She died at 29 of TB.
�7
.
24
James MacFarlane made several trips to Scotland to acquire
purebred livestock -sheep-cattle-horses.
8. Francis Hamilton
9.
10. Annie Stewart 1875-1960, daughter of James Stewart and Mary
Barkley; married 1900 to Harvey H. McBrien, a Clinton
carpenter.
11. When the diarist's maternal grandfather, Adam Stewart,
emigrated from Ireland to Leeds County, Upper Canada, in
1833, his niece Mary Anna Stewart came with the family. Mary
Anna married James Elliott of Kitley Township, Leeds Co. in
1835 and the farmed south of Smith's Falls on Con 3, S.
Elmsley Township. In 1857, the Elliott's followed their
Stewart and Barkley relatives to Huron Co.and settled in
Hullett Township north of Clinton. The diary entry is
confusing; one of the Elliott daughters was a Mrs Brigham.
12. Stanbury's lived out on the London Road.
13. Ida Stewart 1877-1956 dau. of James And Mary.
14. refers to John Innis {sometimes spelled Innes).
15. Yesterday Eliza-Ann says "Shot Wallace." Wallace
was probably a cat and Agnes is getting a kitten
from Uncle James and Aunt Mary.
16 The Beacoms lived up in Goderich Township. Bill Beacom and
Fenwick were good friends and future brothers-in-law. Wm.
Beacom married Annie Rathwell and was the father of
Elmer and Cela. Cela Beacom married Fred Sloman and they
operated the "School-on-Wheels" in northern Ontario. Wm.
Beacom died young in tfcL'
17. Mary Barkley suffered severely from "dyspepsia." She was
overweight and may have suffered from an eating disorder.
18. Lillian Ellen Stewart 1876-1904, youngest child of John and
Abigail Stewart.
19. John Barkley Stewart (1861-1925), eldest son of John and Abi
gail Stewart. His father had set him up on a farm on the Bay-
field Concession, Goderich Township. In 1890 O he year -
Lhi^
diar^TTsf misstYiqi- Jack married a Stanley Twsp. neighbour,
Amelia Graham (1868-1903). They had 3 children:William John
John(1890-1974) Elva Abigail Graham(1895-1947) and Thomas
Brown(1902-7$). Jack's second wife, Mary Jane Haliday(1871-
1939) is the mother of the youngest child, Mary Robertson,
still living in 1998.
20. Eliza-Ann occasionally refers to herself or her siblings as
"herding" horses or cattle. This most recent reference sup
plies a clue. A bull is kept only for breeding. In 1998, our
diarist could have written, without violating propriety:
"Cow X in heat. Father and John tied up getting the oats into
the bam, so I had to set the bull on her. I left the pair to
gether for most of the day in the barnyard." In many house
holds, well into the 20th century, only the menfolk would
supervise this livestock coupling. Women of all ages and small
boys would be sent to the house. On a farm where men were in
short supply, a wife, sister or daughter, would take the init
iative. James MacFarlane was years ahead of his time and was
widely respected for the high quality of his pure bred stock.
His four daughters would all understand the logic and the fin
ancial rewards of selective breeding. They conformed to Vic
torian propriety by not talking about it, or using a euphemism
such as "herding."
21. John Innes fsometimes spelled Innis), a native of Banfshire,
Scotland, emigrated to Upper Canada in 1841 and came to Stan-
in 1848. Originally he settled on Lot 30, Con 2, but event-
moved 2 lots north to lot 32. He was one of the first horse
importers in the area.His son Alex (Sandy) Innes carried on
the tradition and fanned on Lot 32. John Innes's daughter,
Mary, was Mrs Duncan McEwen. John Innes died in 1893.(see obit
in Clinton New Era, August 4, 1893.)
22. Duncan Walker farmed
23 Lot 32, Con 4, Stanley Township fronts on the Bayfield River
and is 120 acres. It had been occupied by Edward Rathwell and
by Alex. Robertson, before Edward Glen and James MacFarlane
bought it and split it between them a decade or so earlier.A
mile and a quarter south, next to James Stewart, Nicol
Robson had farmed Lot 26-IV,before moving west.The MacFarlane’s
�tended to refer to their part of that lot as "the Rathwell
place" while Glen's tended to call their 60-acre portion "the
Robison Place." (There is a tendency in people from Ulster to
add or subtract syllables from names - Robson becomes Rawbison
and Elliot becomes Eliot). And in handing down the oral
tradition about the pioneer days, Robson and Robertson got
confused as one-and-the same person by the oral historians and
both got called "Rawbison." To the day of his death in 1997,
Don Glen called that farm on the 4th "the Rawbison place."
(More on this in the 1893 diary)
24. The Smith’s lived to the south, on Lot 25, Con 3.
25. The Perdues lived just across the Bayfield River from the
MacFarlane’s, in Goderich Township. In addition to farming,
they did custom threshing and were the threshermen of choice
James MacFarlane, James and John Stewart.
26. The Rathwel1's were Protestant Trish settlers from County
Carlow, Ireland. John and Jane Rathwell were pioneers in
Goderich Township in the 1830's. They settled on the Bayfield
Concession in Goderich Township and most of the Rathwell's
to whom Eliza-Ann refers are children or grandchildren of
this prolific couple.
27. The Churchill'
s lived north-west from the MacFarlane’s, on
the 10th Line in Goderich Township. The diary entries suggest
that there was largely a business relationship between the two
households.
28. in late Victorian times, there were two standard sizes for
mounted studio photos, the small carte and the larger cabi
net photos. The elaborate, ornate albums with their thick
pages, had openings of both sizes cut in them and the photos
could be inserted or withdrawn very easily. The vast majority
of the photos were taken in local studios with exotic scenes
and plush appointments for background. Most newlyweds sat for
a "wedding photo" sometime in the first year of married life
and copies were given to siblings. Aunts and Uncles,
sweethearts or grandparents to adorn their albums. These
sturdy albums often as not occupied a place of honour in the
parlour and were able to survive a lot of handling. It was
acceptable for a young lady to sit close to a young gentleman
caller, to show him the pictures. Most of the photographs in
the MacFarlane-Glen-Fraser connection are in Glenfarm House,
and it is fairly safe to bet that the album and photos that
Lizzie Glen gave her Aunt E]iza MacFarlane are there. It's
also a safe bet that two of the photos would be the wedding
photo and one of Mary, the baby. The Glen wedding photo shows
Margaret Elizabeth Stewart and William Glen around a
simulated and overly-large exotic earthernware jar. William
Glen was small and slight in stature, but is well turned out.
Lizzie has a timeless beauty and would age gracefully. Lizzie
was the best-looking of the 6 daughters of John and Abigail
Stewart, although sister Lily (Mrs Cuming) was a very close
second.
29. Sarah Elizabeth Barkley (1859-1923) at age 10 or 11, lost her
father David when a steam engine in the sawmill where he
worked blew up. Mary his widow had several small children and
no income. She remarried almost immediately to John Hunter,
but was still experiencing difficulty. Mary, (Mrs James
Stewart) offered to take and raise one of the children, and
so Sarah lived the next 18 years in her Uncle James Stewart’s
home. The Hunter's lived north of Clinton in the vicinity of
Lucknow and Dungannon,and Sarah could see her biological mot
her frequently. But four or five years earlier, the Hunter’s
moved up to Algoma District (near Sault-Ste.-Marie). About
the time of this diary entry,James and Mary Stewart gave
their niece money to go and visit her mother on the new place
up north. Sarah never came back. She married Willie McBain,
a stone mason who had worked for Buchanan and had helped put
Malcolm McEwen’s stone house up earlier in 1888. Wille then
moved up to Algoma. The two knew each other from Stanley, and
eventually got married(Dec 1, 1890) The Stewart’s and
MacFarlane’
s received wedding photos which still survive.
30. John Butchart (Lot 27 Con 3) had a brother Dr James Butchart,
who was a medical missionary in China. Eliza-Ann is not ol^ar
25
�26
1
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
as whether Dr Butchart was home for a visit and spoke in per
son, or whether some Other preacher or lay speaker gave a de
tailed account of Dr Butchart's work[.] Fund-raising in sup
port: may have been part of the agenda.
George Stickley (Steckley?) was the hired man at John Stew-
wart's in this period. A veteran of the British army, he-was
cockney to the core[.J
. . » 1
,
, , # ■ ,
r
’
Mary Cuming is a cousin. As noted in Footnote 11, Mary Anna
Stewart came to Canada in 1833 with her Aunt and Uncle, Adam
and Ann Stewart. She married James Elliot and the couple
followed their Stewart relatives to Huron and settled in the
north of Hullet Township. One of their daughters married a
Nicholas Cuming. The Cumings kept in contact with their
Stewart cousins in Stanley. A son, John Cuming, worked for
John Stewart and in other places in the Baird's school com
munity. John would marrry Lillian Stewart (his second cousin,
once removed) in 1899. Ada, a daughter of James Stewart,
became close friends with Isabella, another Cuming daughter,
and tried unsuccessfully to matchmake Bella with her brother
Fenwick. When Eliza-Ann writes about walking Mary part way,
it's safe to assume she's staying nearby at James Stewart’s,
or, more likely, at John Stewart's.
John Thompson of Blake was a stone mason. Isabel and Don Glen
said that Thompson did the stonework on MacFarlane's house
and barn, and the foundatiion of Ned and Jane Glen's house
in 1902. One of his assistants did the foundation for Ned
Glen when he raised his barn in 1900.
Pearson hired Peter Campbell to build him a new frame house
in 1888, which still stands on lot 32, Con 3. This Nov 16th
entry would refer to the house-warming party.
Gregor McGregor farmed on Lot 26, Concession 3.
George Elliott over the river in Goderich Township was
nicknamed "Irish" Elliott. (I.P., E.J. & D.A. Glen)
The Woon and Wise farms front on the Bayfield River, in
Goderich Township, immediately to the north of MacFarlane'
s.
The Middleton's were "Old Country English gentlemen." Charles
Middleton settled in Goderich Township in 1834. The Middle
ton's had money and were able to prosper by lending it out in
mortgages at the high rates of interest prevalent in pioneer
days. Like MacFarlane's,
, Middleton’s raised pure bred stock
and cultivated fruit orchards scientifically. At the time
of this diary, Charles' sons were farming. John Middleton
had his farm on the 10th concession at the junction of the
Clinton-Bayfield Road. Since 1878, the Anglican parish of
St James, Anglican Church, Middleton, has flourished. George
Middleton's farm nearby consisted of several odd-sized lots
on the Bayfield Concession. The funeral alluded to by Eliza-
Ann is probably that of Mrs Charles Middleton.
This probably to do with Statute Labour. From pioneer days
until well into the 20th century, rural rate payers were
required to work so many days a year maintaining the gravel
roads. The more acres one owned, the more hours or days
required. A farmer with horses could do his work by using
his waons to haul gravel from the gravel pit to road repair
sites. If one did not do one's reqired service, a substitute
could be hired and the delinquent party billed for the wages.
The McEwen stone house was built in 1888. Instead of digging
a cellar on a flat site, the celllar floor and foundation
could be built at ground level and then earth and fill banked
up against the foundation walls. This had the visual effect
of making a house seem more imposing, perched on a hill.
The word "stove" is a guess as the writing is illegible. But
Jack Glen did tell me that when the MacFarlane stone house
was new, each bed room in winter was heated with a small wood
stove. There was a net work of stovepipe holes in the walls
and ceilings and enough chimneys to set up a network.
Probably Minnie Walker:see 1891 photo of the Master with his
former pupils. Minnie Walker is about Eliza-Ann's age.
The annual meeting of the rate payers of School Section #1,
Stanley, was held between Christmas and New Year's. The
�three trustees for the coming year would be elected. The
teacher would be formally installed for the coming year
and his (or her) salary was set. The Master was at this
school from January, 1861 to December, 1910. The school
house was the focus of the community. Everybody who grew
up in the school section had been taught by the Master.
The Sabbath School was held there every Sunday from Easter
to Thanksgiving. Many young people who graduated from the
school were destined to marry a class mate. The annual
meeting was serious business.
Isabel Glen, daughter of Jane MacFarlane & Ned Glen, used to
say (and the diary supports this) that James and Eliza Mac
Farlane and their 5 children went to Clinton far more fre
quently than most of their neighbours. There was no rural
mail delivery until 1912, and the people of S.S. #1 had to go
to the Clinton Post Office for their mail. MacFarlane's
would pick up the mail and what ever big city daily or weekly
newspaper their relatives, friends and neighbours subscribed
to. Mailed newspapers were stitched shut with cord, but
Isabel said that didn’
t stop the five children and their
parents from perusing the front page. Some of the people
for whom they performed this service told them to go ahead
and cut the cord and read the whole thing. At any rate,
I recall Isabel saying that her mother and Aunts were exposed
to the Toronto World, The Globe and The Mail & Empire and the
two London papers, the Free Press and the Advertiser. James
Stewart subscribed to The Hamilton Spectator until his death
in 1911. He was an avid reader and debater of public affairs
and read anything he could get his hands on (as long as it
was Tory.)
Municipal elections in Ontario were usually on December 31
or New Year's Day. Stanley Township was run by elected
councillors and a Reeve. The Township Hall was in Varna.
44.
45.
2 b
�both taken
September 22,1891
Top: "Maple Grove"
Farm house:
Jas. MacFarlane Prop.
Bottom George Baird
with past and present
ipupils,commenorating
30 years at S.S. #1
CNT.
KENT CO
DUART,
OUTSIDE ;WORK A SPECIALTY
Standing L to R. John MacFarlane, Jane MacFarlane ’
'Seated h t
R. James Mac Farlane, Agnes MacFarlane and Mrs James MacFarlane nde
. 1Eliza Stewart Absent Eliza Ann MacFarlane
Back Row, L to R: Frank Scott, Bill Scott, unknown, Frank
Butchart, Ida Stewart, Edith Whittingham, Lillian E. Stewart,
Master George Baird,Jane MacFarlane, Alex. McTavish, Annie
'"Nan" Stewart,Ada Stewart, William McTavish, Minnie Walker,and
standing apart. Bob Gilmour. Middle Group [standing beyween
the back row and the bench] L to R John innes,unknown, Byron
"Tim" Waldron, Alex D Baird,William McEwen,Peter Baird,unknown
Janet McLeod,Ella McEwen,william Baird[boy in front of him un
known], James Baird,[child in front of him unknown],Alex.McEwen,
Annie E. McEwen, Isabella May McEwen,Isabella R. McEwen.Bench
Row:Mary McEwen, Elizabeth McEwen, Mary Glen, ? Smith, Bertha
Whittingham, ? Jennison, Maude Scott, Tena Ross, Kate Ross,un
known, Bessie Smith, Anabel McEwen.Front Row on the grounds
Christena McEwen,Margaret McEwen,Annie Stewart,Christena Baird,
Agnes Butchart, Agnes MacFarlane, and Janet Gilmour.
TWO PHOTOGRAPHS
TO. C5. §ap©I(3^,
PHOTOGRAPHER,
�29
THE FIRST FULL YEAR;1889
This diary follows the format set in 1888, but
it is penned on blank paper. Eliza-Ann inserted all
the numbers and drew in all the lines. The original
is brittle and there are holes. Missing text will be
indicated by dots....
NOTES WEATHER EGGS
DATE
January
1st T . All at Uncle James.... Nice Day 5
2. W. 3
3. T . Killed heifer[.]John in Clintonf.]Asked
Wigginton's over tomorrow 4
44 P .
5. S.
Wigginton* s..Adam..Ned & George here[.J
Father & Mother in Clinton[.] Ag on
horseback asking Ada[.j
Finished knitting pleating on petti-
co[a]t[.] Father at Malcolms[.]
Nice Day 4
a little
soft after
dinner
8
6. S . Raining 5
7. M. Malcolm’s dance Junor & John Me [?]
asking [me] to dance[.] Nice day
5
8. T. Father away to London[Ontario.] Lizzie
here this afternoon[.] Softish 7
9. W . Father home to night; [He] fetched 3
lamps & my watch charmf.]1 Ned [Glen
here.]2(poured all day high winds snow
ing) [.]
Rained
16
10. T. John in Clinton[.] Stormy
Big drifts 5
11 . F . Father at Duncans[.] Snowed a very
little 10
12 . S . Father finished making pot-hole cup
board Ned fetched home his pigs[.] Nice Day 8
13 . S . Father, Mother, Jane and I [were] in
Church[. We went in the] sleigh. Tom &
George here[.]
Nice day 8
snowed a
very little
14. M. Sarah & Ida here & John at mill with
chop[.] Malcolm & Alex McDougal [here]. Nice day 10
15 . T . Duncan here[.] Nice day
cold wind
6
16 . W. Raining all day in showers[;] saw par
tial eclipse[.] 9
17 . .
18. F.
Father in Clinton[.] Fen[wick Stewart,]
Ned & Will[iam Glen] at barn[. I] fin
ished blue shirting wrapper[.]
Father at Dunkins for lambs (2) with
wagon[.]
Hard froze
snowing a
little to
night
Snowing to
night
10
8
19. S. Mother, Jane, John & I in Clinton[.] (poor
sleighing) 8
20 . S . Father, Mother, Jane & I at church.[.] storming 10
�January, 1889 30
21.
2 2 .
23 .
24 .
25 .
26.
27 .
28.
29.
30.
31.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6 .
7.
8 .
9.
1 0 .
11.
M. Jane & Agnes...& John at Finleys[.] stormy 8
T . Mr & Mrs [Nicholas Cuming] here to
night[.]
Nice day
10
W. [
Cuming's]& I at Glen’s &[at]C[linton.] Nice day 6
T. Mrs [Cuming] & Auntie drove up in cut
ter[.] Mr Wells & Mrs Lang here[.] Nice day 7
F . Ag at Wiggintonsf.]Auntie went home aft
er dinner[.]3 Duncan here in buggy[.] Nice day 8
S . Old Duncan [McGregor?] here.[] Nice day 5
s. Jane & I in church[.] snowing 12
M. John at Sandy Ross'es with Dewdrop[.] snowing a
little all day 11
T . Ag & Bella at Glens in evening[.] 5
W. [There was a dance at Bob] Pearson’s[.] snowing a
little all day 13
T . Torrance here[.] John in Clinton
(cutter)[.] Snowing &
stormy
10
February, 1889
F . John at Churchills[.] Dan Ross and Dan
McGregor here[.] Wises' [had a dance.] Snowed some
9
S . Father in Clinton[.] Ned & George
here[.]
9
S. Father,Mother,Jane & Agnes in church[.]
[They went in the] sleigh[.] Milligan
from Toronto preached[.] 11
M. Aunt Agnes,Adam Whiteford from Oak Lake snowing 9
[, Manitoba,]4...& Dan Ross of Dakota5..
__.here[.] John, Ag & Bella in Clin
ton[.} Father left for Montreal[.]
John took Aunty home [in the cutter.]
T. John & Jane [were] in Clinton in [the] stormy 1
morning [and they went again in the]
evening for Maggie[Cuming.]Ned & George
here[.]
W. Maggie [Cuming] & the rest at Glen's very stormy
to-night[.] Father came home[.] [5 degrees] 12
below zero
11
Stormy
6
some stor
my but mild
snowing 9
Nice day
8
Snowing 8
Stormy
T . Jane and Maggie at Uncle James' [in the
daytime and they were with] John, Ag &
Bella at Uncle John's at night[.]Father
& John in Clinton(sleigh)[.]
F. Sold Nancy to Tipling[.] Lizzie [Glen]
here[in the]afternoon and Charlie,Alice,
Annie,Adam [and]Fen[wick Stewart] & Ned
& George here at night[.]
S . John and Jane went to Clinton with Mag
gie in [the] sleigh[.j
S. Ma, John,Bella & I at church(Sleigh)[.]
Jim & Ned [here.]
M.
�12 .
13 .
14.
9
15 .
16.
17 .
18 .
19.
2 0.
21 .
22 .
23 .
24.
25 .
26.
27 .
28.
1st
31
T. John in Clinton[;] got up & down with Snowing
Ned in [the] cutter[.] Stormy 8
W . Johnny Gilmour & Tom selling tickets 4
here[.] Father & John in Clinton[;]
took sleigh[.] Finished knit-quilt
blocks[.]
T. Father, Mother and John in Clinton[.]
Bull(Arcgowan Nubicum) arrivedf.] Tor- Nice day
ranee. Sparrow & Ned here[.]
F. Father in Clinton[.] Nice day
cold east wind 5
S. Mr & Mrs [Nicho las] Cuming here[.] Fa
ther drove him to Wise’s [in the
sleigh.]Started knit-Quilt borderf.]
Thawing 5
S . Father at Uncle James's[.]
M . Started quilting Agnes' quilt - John
Junor...... Bella Ross & Finley McEwen
here[.]
6
Snowing
Stormy
T .
W.
T .
F .
S .
s .
John Junor here for [a] bag [of] pot
atoes; [ he took a bushel plus 10 Snowing 1
pounds.]
Junor's here[.] John started for [the]
mill with chop [but]turned back [when] Cold 3
he found the] concession blocked[.]
Lamey lambed one (Billy)[.] Finished
Ag['s] quilt and started wool com- clear day 8
fortables[.] drifting
Finished tacking2 wool comfortables[.] Snowing
Hector Junor's dance Stormy
Tacked 1 other comfortable[.The temper
ature was six degrees] below zero at 9 Snowing
o’cl[ock] A.M. [and nine degrees below stormy
zero] at barn time
11
8
Ned, Will & George [were] here [and
went with] John [to] Uncle John's[.] Sunny day 8
23 [degrees] below Zero
M . John out breaking road at mill with
chop p.m.[.] Tacked 4th comfortable[.] Sunny day 4
6 [degrees]below [zero]this morning[.]
T. Mother, Jane & John in Clinton[;] took
my watch up[-] mainspring broken[.Jim] Snowing a 4
Turner here[.]
W. Tacked 5th comfortable (Ag’s)[.] John
at Junor’s[.] John started hauling Nice day 3
manure[.] warm
T. Uncle John’s Annie [called] here [to
invite] us to Alice's wedding[.]Ag at
Malcolm’s[.] Jane in Clinton[; She] 1
went on Grey's back as far as Wiggin-
t[on's.]
March, 1889
.F. Father & Mother at Wells'[-they]bought
10 sheep[.] Wells brought some of them Nice day 6
home [for us.] soft
�2nd.S •
3rd. S
4. M.
5. T.
6 . W .
7 . T .
8. F .
9. S .
10. S.
11 . M.
12. T.
13 . W.
14 . T .
15. F.
16 . S .
Holland^here for dinner bargaining for
trade oats[.]Finley here to night-John
at foot-ball match[.I] finished cover
ing comfortables & binding Ag's
quilt[.}2nd.sheep lambed[-]2 ewe lambs
(long-faced old old country)[.]
. Mother, Jane, Agnes & John in church
(Nellie & Hector sleigh)[.JUncle James
here [-] John at Glen *s[.] Tame shear
ling had a nice lamb this morning[.]
Started feeding long-faced lambs[.]
Father in Clinton[.] Tipling & Hull
here[.] Old country shearling lambed 2
l[ambs.] (1 R[am] & 1 E[we.] Tom Wigg-
inton here(.]
Agnes went to Stonehouse'
s? on the
Grey[.] Jane mending bags[.]
Fellows here peddling Beacom's
fencef.] Joe Fisher8 & insurance man
here for dinner[.] John in Clinton [-J
got 2 teeth filled and one pulled[.]
John at Dan Ross1
es[.] Glen1s cutting
in the forenoon[;]Father there[.] Fa
ther [was] in Clinton [this] after-
noon[. He] came home by Wigg[inton1s.]
Father & John cleaning wheat[.The] Rev.
[Alex.] Stewart & wife here[.] Prayer
meeting at Malcolm1s[.] Father, John,
Jane & Agnes there[.]
Father and John in Clinton with a load
of wheat[.] Fetched home my watch from
J. Ross[.]9 Bella and I helped [Father
John] to clean another load[of wheat.]
Ned & George here[.]
Mild Snowed
Father,
Mother & John[were] in Clinton
[in the] afternoon[.] Father & John.,
[also made a trip to Clinton in the
morning and] finished taking up [the]
wheat[.] Lilie [Stewart was] her[e
this] afternoon[.]
Donald Smith & Dan Walker here[.]Hol
land here for his oats with chop[.]
Father & John in Clinton with pota
toes [.]To day was Alice Stewart's wed
ding [at Uncle John's. T]he 5 of us
[MacFarlane cousins were] there[*]
Father in Clinton[.] Started our 1888
mat - again[!]
Malcolm & Junor here [-]left bags for
potatoes[.]Ag out there for papers[.]
Father at Duncan'
s & Ross'
es[.] Scott
here & Glen’s weighing horses[.]
Wigginton's entertainment*o [-] Jim
& John here went to Wigginton1s[.]
Father & John in Clinton[.] Shipped
bull to Wingham(to Black)[.] Aches-
on here[.]
32
Nice day 5
soft
10
Nice day
soft
6
Nice Day
soft
Nice day 12
soft
Nice day 11
soft snow
ing a little
Nice day 21
North Wind
Snowing 25
Stormy
Snowing 26
Stormy
Nice day
a little 20
12
11
20
Nice day
Beautiful
28
23
25
Beautiful
day soft
Beautiful 26
day soft
�33
17 . S . Francis Hamilton at Glen’s [-] came
last evening!.] Nice day 23
soft
18. M. Sandy Ross here[.]Sarah here and Jane
at Glen’s a little while[.] Father in
Clinton[.] River over road (upper
bridge) off next morn[.] Nice day 20
soft
19 . T . Father & John in Clinton shipping
Nellie, Hector & Grey to Duncan[.]
John & Fenwick saw ducks when they
were coming home[.]..[Mr] Tuff..[the]
Assessor..here all night[.]John Junor
here[.]
29
Nice day
soft
20. W. Jim, John & Dave Junor & Johnny
McGregor here[;]Jim in the morning[.]
Smith here[.j Jane & I at mat bee at
John Junor’s[.]
Nice day 19
middling
21. T . Agnes finished 1888 mat at dinner
time[.] Uncle James & Mrs J.Pearson
here[.]John in Clinton[?] he got home
with Ned & Will(buggy)[.]
Nice day 30
22 . F. Jack Butchart,John Junor after potat
oes & Lizzie McEwen here[.]Dyed cott
on rags brown in cooler for carpet[.]
Bella went to Uncle James'to night[.]
Nice day 26
23 . S . Isabel & Lizzie McEwen here[.jUBelle
learning [how to] crochet-quilt[.]
Heard frogs & a pluverfsicj [;]spring
birds here long ago[.]
Beautiful 29
day
24. s . Lots of frogs singing all day[.]Grass
pretty green under the apple trees on
the lawn[.]
Beautiful 20
25. M. [I] Made 3 pillow cases and sewing
sheets[.]Went up the concession after
cows[.]
Beautiful; 28
Froze hard
last night
26. T . Jane & I at Grants[.] Jane went by
Clinton[.]
soft
Beautiful; 26
Hard froze;
coming home
27 . W. Mrs Glen Sr. at John Junor's[.]People 30
plowing all round to day[.] Beaut[iful]
snowing to night
28 . T . Mrs Wigginton...John Junor---[here.]
Agnes in Clinton[.] Nice day 32
29. F . Ag at Wigginton's hooking mat[.I]Fin
ished making 12 pillowcases[.]
Snowing; a 28
little
coldish
30. S . Jane in Clintonf.] Big ewe lambed 2
R[ams.] Stanbury, Duncan & Acheson
here[.]
Nice cold 25
raw
31. S . Stanley Beauty calved heifer[.] John
at Glen's[.]
Snowing; 36
ground well
covered
April, 1889
1. M. Wells... & John Butchart here[.] Nearly All the 24
fresh snow melted
2 . T . Acheson and Crooks here with chop for Snow & sleet;
oats[.] Jane washed 9 sheets,15 pil- Ground white
low cases and 4 towells (new). this morning;
all melted 19
Nice spring day
�The other Old Country shearling lamb
ed 1 R[am} & 1 E[we.}Bella at Glen’s
inviting them to R.Pearson's party[.]
Uncle James here[;] Father in Clint-
ton[.]Jane & Agnes at Missfionarjy
meeting[.] John and Waldie McEwen
here[.]
34
Raining; 30
snowed a
little
Nice Day 15
Worth wind
Hicks here with chop for oats[.] Ag
nes’s other sheep lambed & other long
tail[.]
North wind 23
drifted
stormy, snowing
all day; lots of snow
Uncle James here[„] Mother at Glen's Nice day; 21
this evening[.} a lot ofthe
snow melted
[I got my]1st Turkey egg[.]Last snow
snow not all gone yet[.} Frogs sinq-
freezing..
nice dav
19
34
Father & I planted out 5 trees [-]
Irish Juniper etc,[;]went to Clinton
[and] got cards about horse[.]Fenwick
here[.]
Beautiful
day
37
Sabbath School started[.] Jane, Bella
& I [were] there[.] Ag got [a]cold[.]
Sarah at school[.] Ned & Tom Elliot -
John & Ned had supper[-] Elliot
Nice day
22
Father at Varna[;] bought Stewart's po-
ny[.] Finished tapeing carpet rags[.]
Agnes started sewing[.] Ag at Glen’s[.j
Father had to go for the cows[.]
Nice day
cold wind
20
16
Alexander with chop for feed oats[.]
Ferny calved (heifer)[.] Father & Mother
out at Junors[•]
Nice day
cold wind 29
Father at Clinton to day helping Junors
to pack as Mrs Junor[is]leaving to mor-
row[.] Tipling here showing ponies[.]
Raining 26
Cleaned peas[.} Jane went to Clinton
[and] took my watch[•]
Nice day 26
coldish wind
Father through Goderich Township[.]
Johnny McTavish got a ride a piece[.]
Dull day
nice
33
Cantelon here[,] Coleman at Glen’
s for
noon[.]Father at Glens overnight[.I]Set
20 turkey eggs[.]
John shot [a] yellow hammer[•] Raining all day 33
Jane & I [were3 at S[abbath3 School[.3 Misty & rainy
John, Ned, George at Wigggintons[.3 27
Cantelon and 2 others here packing Snowing & 35
apples(10 barrels)[•]Herberson,J .Butch- rainy
art and 2 McLeods here[.] Horny heifer
calved[.3 (He[i]f[er 3)
Father & John at Malcolm’s with buggy Fine day 29
for scraper[.]12 Father & John scraping
in hill at [the] back of [the3house[.]
Thomas] Trick & [his son] Levi [were]
here for tea[.]
, 1889
Jane & I [went] in [the buggy to] Clin- Nice day 25
ton[.]Jim Snelli3 & Arch[ibald]Mc Doug- cold
*1 hpr<af .i Jnhn went to Uncle Jameses
3 . W.
4 . T .
5 . F .
6. S*
7 . S .
20. S.
21. S.
22 . M.
23 . T .
24 . W .
25 . T .
26. F .
27 . S .
28 . S .
29. M.
30. T.
May,
1
. W.
�35
6 . H.
7 . T .
8 . W .
9 . T .
10. F.
11 . S .
12 . S .
13 . H.
14. T.
15 . W.
16 . T .
Mother and I at Cartwrights[.] Agnes
washed 6 sheep with father[.] Young
black heifer calved(he[i]f[er])[.]Turn
ed out young cattle for good[.]
nice cool 36
wind
Donald Junor, Arch[ibald] McDougal,Mal- Nice day 14
colm. Jack McG[regor] & Tom Matheson
[here.]
Cleaned stove pipes[.] Mother &
Jane at Wiggintons[.]
Ag & I at Wiggintons for wire strecher
(sic) [.]14 Churchill & Anderson's
sons [here.] Jane cleaned up John's
stair[.] Took off any flannels[.]
Agnes & I planting patch of potatoes
out there[.] Jane & I in Clinton[;]got
John’s watch & left mine[.]
All winter clothing off & Comfort
ables off bed[.] Digging strip out to
little gate. Lizzie here[.]
Streaching (sic) wire round house &
digging garden[.] Washed sheep[.] John
hauling manure to shanty field [for
roots)[.]
Jane, Bell & I in Church[.]
from Hensal preaching[.]
Shore 6 sheep[.]Jack McGregor & F.Ket
tle here for tea[.] Finished our flow
er beds[.]Father at Malcolms[.]Ag & I
hauling apples out of cellar
Agnes & I cleaning out cellarf.} Mrs
Rathwell. .George...Annie....Curry—
John..Isabel & Lizzie here[.] Father &
Mother at Duncan's[.]
Father in Clinton[.] Jane finished
cleaning Ma's room[.] Agnes at Uncle
James’[.]
Jenison’s, Mitchel & Alexander here[.J
Jane cleaned parlor[.]
very warm 39
very warm 15
(heavy) 35
Thundering
Raining
very warm
Nice day 18
Acheson Nice day 40
raining 29
a little
Nice day 29
Nice day 31
raining all
evening
Nice day 33
17. F. Shearing sheep[.] Mother at Sarah
Wiggintons[.]
18. S. Finished shearing sheep (20)[.] Moth
er & Jane in Clinton[.]
19. S. Jane, Bella & I in Church[.j N[ed],
George, Adam & Tom [here.]
20. M. Agnes, Bella & I [planted 6 rows of
potatoes in the shanty field] after
dinner about 4 o’clock[.] Uncle John
in this morning[.] Annie here[.]
Bought fish fromm pedler[.]
21. T. Jane, Agnes & I [planted 8 rows of]
potatoes before dinner[.] Hunter &
Sandy Thompson here & J. Butchart &
Malcolm & Matheson fetched in
pigs[.] Put up stair rods[.]
22. W. Jane, Agnes & I finished planting 18
rows [of] potatoes before dinner[.]
Uncle James here[.]
Nice day 23
Nice Day 23
Nice cool 29
day rained
a little
Nice cool day
raining
25
Raining P.M.
19
Cold
raining
29
�20 .
21.
22 .
23 .
24.
25 .
26 .
27 .
28.
29 .
30.
1.
2 .
3.
4.
5 .
3&
S .
s.
H.
T .
Father & I planted out 5 trees [-]
Irish Juniper etc,[;]went to Clinton
[and] got cards about horse[.}Fenwick
here[.]
Sabbath School started[.] Jane, Bella
& I [were] there[.] Ag got [a]cold[.]
Sarah at school[.] Ned & Tom Elliot -
John & Ned had supper[.] Elliot
Beautiful 37
day
22
Nice day
Father at Varna[;] bought Stewart's po- Nice day
ny[.] Finished tapeing carpet rags[.] cold wind
Agnes started sewing[.] Ag at Glen'sf.]
Father had to go for the cows[.]
20
16
Alexander with chop for feed oats[.] Nice day
Ferny calved <heifer)[.] Father & Mother cold wind 29
out at Junors[*]
W. Father at Clinton to day helping Junors Raining 26
to pack as Mrs Junor[is]leaving to mor-
row[.] Tipling here showing ponies[.]
T .
F .
Cleaned peas[.] Jane went to Clinton Nice day 26
[and] took my watch[.] coldishwind
Father through Goderich Townshipf.} Dull day 33
Johnny McTavish got a ride a piece[.] nice
Cantelon here[.J Coleman at Glen's for
noon[.]Father at Glens overnight[.I]Set
20 turkey eggs[.]
S. John shot [a] yellow hammer[.] Raining all day 33
S. Jane & I [were] at S[abbath] School[.]
John, Ned, George at Wigggintons[.]
M . Cantelon and 2 others here packing
apples(10 barrels)[.]Herberson,J.Butch-
art and 2 McLeods here[.] Horny heifer
calved[.] (He[i]f[er])
T. Father & John at Malcolm's with buggy
for scraper[.]12 Father & John scraping
in hill at [the] back of [the]house[.]
Thomas] Trick & [his son] Levi [were]
here for tea[.]
May, 1889
W. Jane & I [went] in [the buggy to] Clin-
ton[.]Jim Snell*3 & Arch[ibald]Mc Doug-
al here[.] John went to Uncle James,s
to night[.]
T Sarah here[;]Jane went home with her[.]
Father at Jervitt's sale[.] Oiling kit
chen floor[.] Agnes at meeting[.]
F . Father & John in Clinton with apples[.
I] finished oiling [the] kitchenffloor
and] put up river fence[.] Planted one
flower bed[.] cabbage
S . Planted onions & a row of Lettuce[.]
Father & John digging post holes be
hind house[.] Some of the cattle out
all night[.] Steam Dunk here[.] Agnes
...one lamb...died[.]
S. Wiggintons at Glen's[;] Jessie here at
S[abbath] S[school.]Father & Mother at
church[.]
Misty & rainy
27
Snowing & 35
rainy
Fine day 29
Nice day 25
cold
A very little
rain 26
nice kind 26
of cold
Nice warmer
38
Nice day 30
�May, 1889 37
Donald Junor here[.]Agnes & I [were]
in Clinton[.] Lily Miller came out
with us[.]
Jennie Mustard^, Aggie Butchart,
George Stickle[y, Edward, William
and Ned Glen]... Coleman’s man....&
..2 Jenkins [here.]All of us [were]
at[the] river[.]lf
i
Father in Clinton[;]Lillian[Miller]
went home...Fen[wick] here[;J came
home from Clinton with father..Tree
Agent Mr Fallis....Mr & Mrs Duncan
...Margaret & Cordelia [here.]
Father & Mother in Church[.] Frost
last night & other night too[.]
Carrie [the] Heifer calved(steer
Jim Aikenhead here[.] John in Clin
ton[.] Jane & I streaching wire[.]
Malcolm McEwen here for dinner &
once before[.] Agnes & I streaching
wire[.] Malcolm McGregor here all
night[.]
Cows (milch) Horses & sheep in all
night[.]
[There were] 7 chickens killed last
night[. I was] in Clinton[.]Malcolm
McEwen here for tea[.As Pathmaster,
he is[let[t]ing jobs on the road[.]
, 1889
Jane & I [were] in Clinton[.]Butch-
hart & [son] Johnny & Lollie (tree
pedler) here[.]
Agnes & I at Sabbath School[.]
cold 20
Cold windy
24
Cold 22
Nice day 25
cool
Very windy
raining 26
Snowing 25
cold wind
15
Raining mostly
all P.Af.
Pouring rain
all day 18
Raining 15
all P.M.
Cold Dull 15
Raining nearly
all day 14
Glen here Nice day rain- 2_9
ing evening 11
Johnny Butchart here[.]Jane & Ag- Dullish 13
nes at Glens[.] Father at Wigentons sprinkling
(sic)[.]
Donald Junor,Tom & McEwen's here[.] Raining 13
Gobbler died last night[.]Sarah Is-
ard(sic) Bob Trick collecting for
picnic[.]
Agnes at the meeting[.] Father in Nice Day 26
Clinton[.]
Tom Wigginton in[.] Raining 13
pouring evening
Agnes at Uncle James'[.] I [was] Raining 20
round there asking [for] baskets[.]
John in Clintonf.] Finished puttng
on net wire[.]Wells sheeps(Philips)
other lamb died[.] John got his
watch.
23 . T .
24. F.
25. S .
26. S.
27 . M.
28. T.
29. W.
30. T.
31 . F .
June,
1. S .
2 . S .
3. H.
4. T .
5. W. ]
i
i
]
6. T.
(
7. F.
8 . S . 1
]
�June , 1889 38
9. S . Ned, George, Jack Elliot & Another
fellow here[,j
Raining 15
10. M. Malcolm C[ameron],Uncle James [and]
Mr & Mrs Duncan here[.]
Dull day 19
11. T . Mother & Jane in Clinton[.] John &
Father digging post holes along the
concession[.]McDonald[from]Porter’s
Hill & another fellow here[.]Glen's
after scraper
Nice day 21
12 . W. Agnes in Clinton[.]Let out calves[.]
French man here[.]Johnny Butchart(C)
Nice day 17
13 . T . Father in Clinton[.] Baking for Is-
ards picnic to-morrow[.] Lizzie
here[.]
Nice day 20
very warm
shower morning
14. F . All at Picnic but Mother & John[.]
Malcolm in, Charlie Mason here[.]
Nice day
warm
15
15 . S . Agnes in Brucefield and at Dun
cans [.] Currel & I.Isard looking at
horse[.]
Nice day
showers
30
16 . S • Jim...Fen[wick] & Adam.....here[.] Nice day
showers
18
17 . M. Jane at Stonehouse's(.] Nice day 15
18. T . Jane & I[were]at N[ed] Rathwells[.]
McDougal.....Alexander...McLeod...
..Wigginton...& Coleman [here.]
Nice day 23
19. W. John [with the wagon] in Clinton[.]
J. Butchart...D.Ross..Malcolm & Tom
..[here]
Nice day 26
t
o
o
.
T. Liz & Jane gone to Blyth [for Ellen
Elliot's wedding.]18 A.McQuire.....
Fen[wick]..John off collecting sold
cattle[.]Bella at Grants[.] Finished
[illegible.] Head ache*
Sultry day*
17
21. F. Fenfwick] stayed all night[.]J. But
chart [here.] John walked to Clinton
[and]stayed to [attend a] concert[.]
Rainy Morning
cool evening
18
22 . S . Charlie McDougal [came for eggs.] M.
McEwen, Ned, George & Ida camped
out[;] do not know when they will[be
back]
cold 17
23. S . Ag & Bell[a] went to churchf.] [Mr]
Beattie Esqi9. from London, Tom & D,
McEwen & Mr Ross, Mr Duncan & James
[here.]
cool 18
24. M. Jane [and Lizzie?] came home on the
4.25 train[.] Father at Snells, Dun
cans & Brucefield with Beattie[.]
Nice day
dull
13
25 . T . Alexander here for his horse[.] Nice day 36
26 . W. Father & Mother at McGregor's[.] Fa
ther in Brucefield with wool[.]
Nice day 17
27 . T . Father in Clinton with chop (bug-
gy)[-J
Raining
nice day
15
28. F . Agnes & Mother in Clinton[.] Agnes &
Father dipping lambs[.]
Nice day 17
�June, 1889 39
29. S. Father, Glens & Mac in Brucefield
with fat sheep to Jack Hunter (1
sheep ours)[.]Father took buggy[.]Fa
ther & Agnes dipping the rest of the
lambs[.] Father,Agnes & Bella finish
ed sowing turnips[.] Jane finished
Bell's slate dress[.]
very warm 17
30. S. Agnes, Bella & I [were] in Church[.]
[The Rev. Mr] Drumm preached[.]Uncle
James here[.]
Nice day 26
warm
July , 1889
1. H. All at [Dominion Day] picnic but mo
ther! .] Malcolm, Jim Aikenhead,Sandy
Campbell, Fred,George & Jim here for
tea[.]
Nice day 20
Raining P.M.
heavy thunder
sharp lightening
2 . T . Father & Agnes planting potatoes[.]
Agnes at Glens [this] evening for
mousetrap!.]
very 32
warm
3 . W Donald Junor here[.] Agnes & Father
scuffling roots with pony[.] Father
at Malcolms[.]
Very warm
pouring 22
rain
4. T. John in Clintonf; He] fetched home
[the] new wagon[.] Jane,Ag, Father &
I weeding mangols[.] Malcolm, McTav-
ish, Aunt Mary [Stewart] & Mrs[John]
Hunter^o (Sarah [Barkley1s] mother)
[here.]
22
Very warm
5. P. Finished weeding mangols before din
ner[.] Jane & Agnes hoeing potatoes
P.M.[.]Jane,Agnes & John seeing Sar
ah [Barkley]before her departure for
Algoma in the morning[. ]2l
Nice day 17
6. S . Father & Mother in Clinton. Started
mowingf•]
Nice day 20
7 . S . Jane,Bella & I[were]in Church (Stew-
art)[.]
Warm 18
Nice day
8. M. Hauled in all [the hay which] was
mowed [on] Sat[urday] -(5 loads)[.]
Very warm
Nice day 19
9. T . Hauled in[5 loads of hay.]Took Bella
up to try for 3rd class [teaching
certificate? Upper School?]
Very warm 14
10. W. Hauled in [5 loads of hay.]Took Bel
la & Jennie Mustard up[.]
Very warm 18
Raining
Evening
11 . T . Scattering hay Nice day 22
12 . P . Hauled in [8 loads of hay.] Currel
here[.]
Nice day 27
13 . S . Hauled in [5 loads of hay; a lamb
died and] Agnes & John skinned[it.]
Raining morn
Nice day
14 . S . Mr & Mrs Jessie [Wigginton]& Stella
& Uncle James [here.]
33
Raining P.M.
15 . M. Duncan & Miss Sftella] Wigginton
here[.J Hauled in [4 loads of hay.]
Nice day 11
cool wind
16. T. Hauled in [5 loads of hay.] I mowed Nice day 16
before dinner[and]finished the
first little field[.]
16
�July, 1889 40
16
17 . W.
18. T
19. F
20. S
21* S
22. M
23 . T
24. W
25 T
26. F
27 . S
28. S
29* M
30. T
. Hauled in[6 loads of hay.]J.Butch-
art (C) Mowed before dinner[.]Jane
SAgnes picking berries(1st)[; ber
ries scarce this year.]
. Hauled in [8 loads of hay-]all we
had cut[.jLizzie McTavish and Chri
stie McLeod passed[.]
. [I] finished mowing[.I]did not mow
the orchard[because] the sheep are
running in it[.] Father in Clin-
ton[;] got chop[.]
. Duncan, Beatie & Fox here[;]bought
lambs & Billy[.[Father drove Beat
ie & Fox to Snells[.] Jim Junor
here all night[.]Hauled in[3 loads
of hay.]
. Jane, Agnes & I in church (Stew
art )[.] Father at Uncle James'[.]
. Agnes, father & I hoeing mangols
all A.M.[.]Hauled in[l load of hay.
- the last.We took off 55 loads al
together. ] Agnes & I in Clinton
seeing if Fox's car was come[.]22
We were at Mrs Glen’s & McTavish-
es[.]
. Father[in the buggy]& John in[the]
wagon took up the Billy & the 10
lambs[.] Agnes, Bella & I hoeing
mangols[.] P.M. Agnes & John crad
led round wheat[.]23 Mrs Duncan
McEwen &[her daughter] Annie [Eva]
called on the way from Clinton[.]
. Heaping wheat[;]Agnes & I stook-
ing[.] Father & Bella hoeing man
gols [.] Mrs Duncan & Cordelia
here[.]
. Finished cutting wheat A.M.[.]Fa
ther & John hauling manure[.]Bella
& Agnes hoeing mangols P.M.[.] Mo
ther & Jane in Clinton[.]
. Mr & Mrs Dunkin here [this] even-
ing[.]Agnes,Bella & I hoeing tur
nips all day[.]
. Father walked to Clinton[and] got
home again with Scott[.I] finish
ed my muslin dress & cuffs[.] Ag
nes & Bella hoeing turnips all
day[.] I [was] hoeing A.M.[.]
. Father & Mother in church[.]Uncle
James here[;]Fen[wick] Tom Elliot
& George around[.}
. John S
t I hauled in 5 loads of
wheat[.[Father,Agnes & Bella hoe
ing turnips[.] Mr & Mrs Thomas
Dunkin here[.] Started quilt-mis
sionary quilt[.]
. J[ohn] hauled in 4 loads of
wheat[.] All of us-Father,Agnes &
Bella hoeing turnips[.] Ben Hig
gins [an in-surance agent and]Bob
Pearson (sow) here.
Nice day
Nice day 16
Dull day 25
a little rain
cold wind 24
Nice day 25
Nice day 16
coolish
sprinkled
Nice day 14
coolish
Nice day 20
coolish
Nice day 12
warm
Nice day 17
Nice day 18
warm
Nice day 12
Nice day 12
Nice Day 8
�31 . W. 26
2 .
3.
4.
5.
6 .
7 .
8.
9.
10 .
1 1.
12 .
13 .
14.
15.
July, 1889
Mr E. Glen Sr.& Mr Duncan here[.]
Father in Clinton with Duncan[.]
Lizzie here[.]I raked wheat stub
ble [.] Jane & Agnes skinned lamb
(another died)[.] Finished Mis-
[siona]ry quilt[.]
August, 1889
T. Hoeing turnips[.]John & I took in
the rakings [gleaned from the
wheatfield.] Tom McLean, Mr & Mrs
McEwen and Steam Dunks an[dj oth
ers here[.] Agnes at Miss[ionary]
meeting[.]
F. Father in Clinton[.] Agnes & I
[were] at Stomehouses seeing Aun
ty[.]Duncan & Jack McGregor[here.]
S. Father left for Old Country[.]K.J.
Dunkin Stepheson(sic)[:] Pump &
Cistern Maker here[.] John & I
[were] in Clinton[;] We took up 6
steers[.]
S. Purvis and [Isaac]Salkeld here[.]
M. [Aunt Agnes & I were] in Clinton
[to go to Mrs Weir's funeral[.]24
Started cutting peas[.]
T . Finished mowing peas
W . Reaping oats behind [the] barn[.]
Lizzie [was] over [in the] even-
ing[•]
T • Mother & John in Clinton [.Finis
hed cutting field oats[.] Turned
some peas[.] Jane & Agnes picking
brambles [in the] evening[.]
F . John & I finished turning peas
[and we] put off wheat raking and
cleared out old horse stable[.]Ag
nes & Jane [were] picking berries
[in the] morning[.]
S . Took in peas(3 loads)[.] Bella in
Clinton[; she]got card from(fath
er Vancouver went on)
S. Agnes,Bella & I in Church(Stewart)
M. Agnes, Bella, John & I reading hay
for oats[.] Mother & Jane at..Wig-
gintons & Jane picking berries[.]
T • At hay[; I] cut 2 rounds [a]round
the big field of oats[on the"Rath-
well place."] Bella & Agnes at Un
cle James 1[; ]Annie came up to stay
all night - to pick berries[.]
W . Reaping P.M.[.] Uncle James here[.]
Bella passed for 3rd class [. ]
T. John at Wiggintons threshing A.M.[;]
Reaping P.M.[.]John went to Macs for
divine[services.]Bella in Clinton[.]
Nice day
Nice day 10
shower evening
Nice day 11
Nice day 18
coolish
Nice day 19
coolish
Nice Day 14
Warm
Nice day 14
Nice day 6
Nice day 25
dull
Nice day 15
Nice day 25
cold
Nice day 16
sprinkled
Nice day 14
small shower
Raining 47
nearly all A.M.
Nice day 18
cold morning
1.
41
�16 . F
August, 1889 42
17 .
18 .
19.
20 .
2 1 .
22 .
23 .
24.
25.
26 .
27 .
28.
29.
30.
31.
S .
S .
M .
Reaping oats [on] the Rathwell place Nice day 16
all day[;]got ball [of binder] twine cool wind
from Glen,s[.] slight shower last night
John & Agnes in Clinton with Bob in Nice day 18
buggy for[more binder] twine[.] Fin
ished reaping[?] hauled in 4 loads
[of] oats from below [the] barn[.]
Aunt Agnes here[.]
John Junor, Tom Wigginton, Fen[wick] Nice day 18
& Adam here[.]
Hauled in 7 loads of oats from below 0
the barn[.] Bella May & Ella McEwen a small
here[.]25 shower [this] morning
T. [We] finished hauling in [oats from Nice day 23
the field] below the barn[.] We took all day
in 4 loads to-day- 15 alto-gether[.]
John at Finley's threshing[.]
W. Hauled in 5 loads from [the Rathwell Nice day 9
well place.] Mother picked [the ni- showers last night
cest little pail [of] berries [this]
evening[.]
T . Hauled in 6 loads[.] Christening[;]* Nice day 4
ing[;]*M.Bryden & Annie Stewart stay
ed the night[.]
♦possibly Mary Glen
F. Hauled in 5 loads[.] Jenkins here[.] Nice day 22
here[.]
S. Hauled in 5 loads[.] Fen[wick] & Adam Nice day 24
here[.] John in Clinton (Bob, buggy) warm
S. Jane,Bella & I in Church[.] Uncle James, Nice day 31
Mr & Mrs Wigginton & Jessie, Stella and
Miss Jessie Moir [here.]
M Hauled in 5 loads.[.]Started stack with Nice day 9
2nd load[.]26 Adam passed with his warm
gun[.]
T. [We]Hauled in 5 loads[and] put almost 6 Nice day 14
in [the] stack. Lizzie Thompson came
here[.]
W. [We] hauled in 1 load[-]the last [of] 32 Nice day 20
loads from[the Rathwell place.We had] 47 very warm
loads of oats altogether[.]Jane & Lizzie
at Uncle John'
s[.]
T. Mother & Agnes in Cinton. [We]were all at Nice day 26
[the] Glen's in [the] evening[.] Jane & very warm
Lizzie Thompson at Uncle James' P.M.
F. Bella in Clinton[;] Agnes & her at Wig- Nice day 13
gintons[.] Tom here[.] very warm
S. In Clinton with Lizzie Thompson[.] Nice day 22
very warm
September, 1889
. Agnes,Bella & I in church (Manning
preached)[.]
Nice day 22
very warm
cool in evenings
1. S
�September, 1889 43
2 . H. John in Clinton[.] Put Shrops[shire
sheep] down to hayfield[.] Glen here[.]
Ditto 24
3 . T . Jane & Agnes in Clinton[.J Roofed the
stack[.]
Nice day 16
heavy showers
4. W. Took off load of oats[.] Fixed my mus-
lin[.J
Nice day 16
windy
5 . T . Jane & John in Clintonf.]Mc & T.Mathes-
on (C)John & George at Uncle James 1[.]
Took lambs from sheep[.]
Rained a 12
little
very windy
6. F. John at Malcolm's threshing[.] Clothes-
bar peddler [here.] Jane at Sarah Wig-
gintons[.]
Nice day 21
7 . S . John in Clinton (Bobsbuggy)[.] nice day 21
8. S . Mother & I in church[.] Tom Wigg[inton]
& Adam [Stewart here.]
9. M. John & Jane in Clinton[.We]got a letter
from father[who is in the Old Country.]
Nice day 4
10. T. John finished putting in [fence] posts
[a]round [the] front yard[.] I [was mak
ing button-holes in Mothers silk bask[.j
Nice day 22
11 . W. John in Clinton[.] Lizzie at Wigginton's
(afternoon)[.]
Nice day 30
12 . T . John & Jane in Clinton[.] Ada [Stewart]
here[.I]fixed[the]lounge27 [and]Bound my
stripped(sic; flannel pettic[o]at[.]
Nice day 15
13 . F . John in Clinton[. I] changed band on 5
cent apron[.] Nice Day 13
14. S, Father came home P.M. Fen[wick] Father &
Jane went went to Clinton in [the] buggy
& John & Fen[wick in the]
wagon[.The]hor
ses ran away when they were starting and
broke [the] gate[.]
Nice day 0
15. S. Jane, Bella & I in Church(Stewart)[.]
Uncle James here[.]
Nice day 24
raining evening
16. M. Father, John, Jane & I in C1into[.Impor
ted] Stock arrived[;] 2 fillies & 10
sheep ours 11 Beattie's 12 Duncans &
horse[.]Uncle James,Malcolm,Tom Matheson
& Johnny here[.]
Nice day 9
17 . T. Finished Ma's Silk Dress, Cut bur[dock]s
in orchard. Fen[wick] here [in the]even-
ing[.]
Cold &
windy
4
18. W. Went to Clinton with father for Goderich
show[.] I [was] at J[ohn]Pearson'
s see
ing the baby[.]28
Nice day 9
19. T. In Clinton meeting father Cold raining
evening 11
20 . F . Agnes, Bella & Father cleaning wheat[.]
Jane & I reading trash(some event)[.]
Cold &
showery
21
w
«
CM
Father & Mother in Clinton[.]Duncan here Cold; 11
for his sheep[.] John sowed wheat[.] a few misty
showers
�September, 1889 44
22 .
23 .
24
25 .
26.
27 .
28.
29.
30 .
1.
2 .
3 .
4.
5.
6 .
S. Uncle James,Tom Beacom,01d Duncan & Beat- Cold 9
tie here[.] Beattie here all night[.] Ag
nes, Bella & I in Church(Stewart)[.]
M . Father & Beattie in Clinton A.M. [. 3 John Nice day 10
took up sheep & they crossed fields
P.M.[.]Agnes[W?]Mac & John for[outs?oats?]
Tene,Bill & John [McEwen] here [thisjeven-
ing[.]
T. The 5 kids of us [were] lifting potatoes[; Warm 4
We] lifted....18 rows altogether[.] Agnes Nice day
holding sheep for father after dinner[.]
W. Agnes, John & Bella at Clinton show[.] Warm Windy
Father, Jane & I finished lifting pota- Raining 18
toes A.M. Fen[wick Stewart was] here [in evening
the] evening[.]
T. Father,Jane,John & I [were] at[the]Clin- Cold Windy
ton show[.]Father got his leg hurt [when Raining 0
he was ] with[the ] bull in[the]
morn [ing.] evenibg
Old Duncan drove him home[.]
F . Jane & Agnes in Clinton[.] Johnny McTav- 30
ish called in to see [the] stock[.] John Cold Windy &
got a wagon jack[in trade]from [a]pedler Raining
for a coon skin[.]
S . Father & John in Clinton with wheat for Nice day 0
flour[.]
S. Jane, Bella & I in Church(Stewart)[.] 15
John Thompson[the stonemason,]Jim Junor, Nice day
Mr & Mrs & Stella Wigginton here[.] a littlecold
M. Father A.M.& John P.M. at Glen’s thresh- Showery 11
ing at Spear’s[.]29 Jessie Wigginton...
...John Gilmour & Cooper..[here.] Lillie
[Stewart was minding her niece so her
sister Lizzie could feed the threshers.
Lillie brought] Mary Glen over[.] John
started fall ploughing (at Rathwells big
field)[.]
October, 1889
T . Father up at Weir's to see about thresh- Showery 9
ing[.] Killed skiny(sic) lamb[.]Moore & Windy
son from London here in livery[rig.]Jane
& I at prayer meeting(Old Grah[a]m)
W. Jim Hearn here[.] Jane, Agnes Father & I Nice day 31
putting up hay above [the] old H[orse] Coldish
S[table.] Found guinea nest - 20 eggs.
T. Jane at Miss[ionary] Meetingf.] Agnes & 11
Bella fetched up pumpkins & squash & Fa- Raining A.M.
ther helped them pull the beans[.]Father Nice P.M.
& John making box for dorkings* to
night [.] *imported poultry See Dec 6 entry
F . Father, Jane & John at Bayfield show[.] Nice day 0
George went with John[.]
S. Willie McEwen (C) Gammel for dinner[;] 20
Jack McDonald with sheep[;] Johnson & Raining morning
Pollock buying sheep[.]Jane washed pias- nice day
ter up John’s stair[•]
S. Agnes & I in Church (Ramsey)[.] Tom Math- Very Cold 4
eson for tea[.] Snowed last night[.]
�October, 1889 45
7. M
8 . T .
9 . W .
10, T.
11. F .
12 . S .
13 . S .
14. M.
15 . T .
16. W.
17 . T .
Agnes finished making Lamberquins(sic) Very Cold 0
for John,s windows & put them up[.] Aunt
Agnes here[;]Jane drove her home[.] John
Wigg[inton here.]
Father at Wigg[inton’s]threshing[.]I[was] Nice day 15
in Clinton with Agnes[who was catching
the train] for [Blyth.]Lizzie....Scott..
..& Edwards here[.]
Jane & I at Benmiller [woolen mills ]with Nice day
wool for rolls[.]Mrs Perduefwas] here[to
tell us that the]threshers are coming[.]
Malcolm here tonight[.Fenwick,] Jim Per
due & Matt Shepherd here all night[.]
Bella at Nico Buts & Finleys[.]
Threshing all day[.] Matt Shepherd here Nice day
all night[.] Eliza-Ann Isard here[.] A
stack of straw out[. We]threshed the oat
stack to-day[. Mick] Diehl & [Bert]Whit-
tingham [were here] after threshers[.]30
[We]finished threshing at dinnertime[.Nice Day
We]went to Uncle James's P.M.and finish
ed him[.]Bob Pearson and Bill Craig[were
here] after threshers [. ]3iLizzie McTavish
here P.M.
John at Malcolm’s threshing[.] Father Nice day
went to Brucefield for cattle for Mal-
colm[.] Mother & I in Clinton[.] Scott
here[.]
29
Father & Mother in Church(Stewart)[.] Cold Wind
Bella & I pulling mangols A.M.& at fun- Nice day
eral P.M. (Gilour's baby)[. The Rev.Alex
Stewart took the]service[.]Mason here to
floorfthe] stable[.] Agnes came home from
Blyth this evening[.] At river P.M.get
ting stone [-] John & Father too[.]
Agnes,Bella & I pulling mangols all day[.Warm
We] hauled in 1 load in the sheep rack
Agnes,Bella & I pulling mangols all Nice day
day[.]McTavish’s here (C) Father at But- very warm
charts threshing[.] Jane in Brucefield
with mason’s tools[.]Called at Diehl's &
McGregor's
Agnes, Bella & I pulling mangols all day Nice day
[and we] finished them [.The Rev. Alex]
Stewart called[.]Mother,Jane, Bella & I
at [a] prayer-meeting [led by Mr] Stew
art [.] Old [Mr Edward] Glen here[.]
18. F. Carrie & Kitty McTavish here.Father at Nice day
Finley's threshingf.] Bella at Uncle
James’[.] Pearson’
s here (C)
19. S. Father [was] in Clinton [and he] fetched Nice day
home[a set of]Double Harness[.]We pulled
[the] apples off of 2 Spy trees[and got]
10 pails[.] Agnes,Bella, Father & I cut
ting corn[.] Bella Ross[was] here [this]
evening[.]
20. S. Jane & I at church[..The Rev.Mr Stewart] Nice day
preached on Thou shalt be missed for thy Frost at
seat shall be empty[.] nights
3
0
4
4
2
5
3
4
0
6
3
�October, 1889 46
2 1 .
2 2 .
23 .
24.
25 .
26.
27 .
28.
29.
30.
31.
1.
2 .
3 .
4.
M.
T .
W.
Agnes & I cutting corn all day[.] Father Nice day 3
[helped us] at it A.M.& [he was] helping
[the] mason P.M. Bella started schoolf.]
Agnes & I finished cutting corn & helped Cold Dull 1
fill 4 loads of mangols[.] Jane helped
John off with them[.]
Mother & I at Stonehouse’s seeing Auntie
[Agnes]32 [Edward] Glen....Mrs Ned Rath-
well & Jennie [Rathwell] here[.] Jennie
[stayed here.]Agnes & John took in [the]
last load of mangols[.]
Cold bright
day Hard 2
frost last
night
T. Jennie Rathwell at school with Bella[and Nice day 0
she] went home to-night[.]Helping put in coldish wind
straw P.M. Finished pulling apples[- We]
had about 12 pails altogether[.] John
started ploughing shanty field
F. I [was] in Clinton[.] Billy out on the Dull 2
road[.] Raining P.M.
S. Bella & I in Clinton at Church(Henderson Dull, rained
from Hensall)[.] Agnes walked to Stone- a little 0
house’s[.] Wiley[a]collecter[was]here[.]
s . Father & Mother & I in Church[.]Tom Wig- Nice day 7
[ginton] here[.] cool wind
lovely roads
M. Agnes washing [clothes.] I [was] at [the Beautiful 1
Bayfield]river[which fronts on our Rath- cool wind
well place,helping in] fixing [the]fence
with fatherf.]33 I [was] at Finley's P.M.
Dixon's man [was] here with 2 sheep[.]
Bella went to Grants to-night[.]
T. Finley[McEwen] was in[.]Steam Dunk,John- Nice dull 0
ny Besque, his father & Uncle & Wells day
here[.] I [was] at Finleys for peas [and]
got 2 bags (5 bus[hels]).Agnes & John
took in 2 loads [of] corn I helped put
[them] off[.]
W. I washed[.] John took the mason part way Cold wind 4
home P.M. Father plowing P.M. John took dull
up the 3rd & last load of corn
T. Ada [Stewart] & Jennie Grant here all 0
night[.] Ned..George ...Mr & Mrs Duncan3* Raining morn
& Amelia here[.] Father & Mother at Ned nice P.M.
Rathwell's[.]
November, 1889
F. Father,Agnes & I in Clinton with [Carrie Showery 2
the heifer for the butcher’s[.] Glen
here[.]
S . John hauling sand A.M. Sponged & ironed Raining 1
my brown & black dress [.] High winds
to night
S. Bella & I [were] in Church[ ?]Prof [essor] Nice day 0
Gregg preachedf.] Mrs, Jessie & Stella cold wind
Wigginton here from Glen'
s[.]
M. Mr & Mrs [?] & baby (May Louise)here for Nice day 3
dinner[.] Father & John hauling stones cold wind
for horse’s stall[.]3
3
�November, 1889
5. T
6. W
7 . T
8. F
9. S
10. S
11. M
12. T
13 . W
14 . T
15. F
16 . S ,
17 . S .
18 • M.
47
. Agnes & I [were] piling mangols in [the] Cold Wind 0
roothouse[.] Shepherd, Tompson(sic) & freezing
Cluff called on the way from J.Ross'es[.]
. McTavishes here (C)Johnny passed[by com- Nice day 3
ingj from his school when Agnes & I were
sawing wood[.] Father & Agnes in Clin-
ton[.]
. Thanksgiving day Examinations for Sab- Beautiful 3
bath School] Turnbull, Forrest & Cluff
[were the] examiners[.] Smillie & bro
ther here[.]
. Agnes & I pulling turnips[.]Agnes sawing Nice day 1
up a tree with father for wood at riv
er[.They] fetched it up on [a] load [of]
stones[being used in the building of the
stable floor.]
. I [was] at [.] Finley's for peas (5 bus- Mild dull 0
hels & 4 lbs.) Father took the mason to
Varna & paid the taxes[.] Jane walked to
Clintonf.] Agnes, Bella & I [were] pul
ling turnips[.]John & us took in 2 loads
in [the] wagon box just[.]
. Jane, Agnes & I in church[.] Jim Junor,
Tom Wigginton & his cousin McGregor
[here.]
. Father, Agnes & I finished pulling tur- Mild & 0
nips A.M.John & us finished taking[them] dull
in P.M.{3 loads)I twisted a ball of cot
ton for my quilt border[.]
. Father at mill with 5 bags of oats for Mild 0
chop (buggy)[.] Agnes & I helped clean Rain evening
them[.] Currell here[.] East here (for
dinner) with a load of brick for fur-
nace[.] Jim Inglis here[.] I helped John
up with a load of rails[.]Father & Moth
er at Wigginton's[;] Father went over in
[the] buggy before dark[.]
. Uncle James here[.] Killed pigs[.] Jane Drizzling 1
scrubbed her room & swept [the] empty a little
room[.]I[was] twisting cottonf.]
. [I] scrubbed my room & cleaned paint[.] Raining 3
Jane washed[the] plaster & floor of[the]
North west room[.] Mother making soap
yesterday[.] Duncan McEwan (C) Scott (C)
John [was] in Clinton [in the] evening
on Bob[; He] got home with Adam[.]
. Weighed pigs (187 lbs. each) Father at Nice day 1
Uncle James'killing pigs[.] Annie up for Froze hard
[news]papers[.] I took Jane back[.] Mal
colm here [this] morning[.] Mrs Cart
wright & Etta here[.] Finished twisting
[cotton] & washed it[.] E[liza] A[nn] I
...[ink smudge indecipherable]
► Father & John in Clinton for Furnace late Nice day 0
P.M. John plowing at Rathwell's these Froze hard
days[.]Jane cleaned Spare Bed room[.]Ag
nes at Glen's P.M.
Agnes, Bella & I [were] in Church (Stew— Nice day 4
art)[.] Jim Junor & Tom Matheson [here.]
Mother & Jane in Clinton[.] Father Milder 4
[worked]at postholes along[the]con[cess- Raining some
ion. ]
�November,1889 48
19.
20 .
2 1 .
22 .
23 .
24 .
25 .
26.
27 .
28 .
29 .
30.
1.
2 .
3 .
4 .
T. Davis & Jim Scott here putting up fur- Mild 1
nace[.]Alice [Parke] & Lillie Stewart in some rain P.Af.
[here] on [the] way from Glen's[.]
W. Father away to London[; I] took him to Mild 3
Brucefield[.] John finished plowing at Showery
Rathwell's
T. [Lottie?] drive down Haywood & Best- his Raining 1
labourer to build furnace brick[.] Davis
& Scott here P.M.[.] John went to Clin
ton for papers & to Brucefield for fath-
er[.]A fellow(01d Peacock)[was] in[this]
morn[ing] asking [the] way to Uncle
John *
s[.]
F. Scott here A.M. finishing putting in fur- Mild 1
nace[.] raining
S. John finished plowing [ the] shanty Dull 6
field[-]the last of[the] old plowing[.I]
Led Kute for John plowing [the] back
yard[.I t]ook down [the]wagon for[a]load
of wood[.]John & Father sawed it[.] [We]
moved machinery up to [the] barn[.j
S . Father, Mother & John cleaned old cow- Drizzling
stable & tied in the 4 calves last Morning 2
night[.] Nice day
M. Agnes at Stonehouse’s seeing Aunty[.]Fa- Nice day 3
ther & Mother at Dunkin's[.] Sold sheep a little
and lambs to Andrews' buyer[.]Dunk McEw- frost P.M.
en looking at lambs[.] John plowing sod hail
next Uncle John's at McEwen's bush[.]
T. Jane & I went to Thompson’s[.]Uncle John Nice day 1
[Stewart] gone to Denver, [Colorado]this
evening[.]36 John plowing
W. Jane & I at Lindsey's[;We] came home to-
night[.]Quite a bit of snow last night[.]
T. Holland here[.] Mother at Glen's[.]Char- 0
lie here[.] Snowing
lightly
F. Father at Uncle John's killing pigs & a
cow[. I ]cut points off my hair[.]McDon- Snowing 2
aid here for his sheep[.]Mother finished all day
spinning rolls tonight[.]
S . Father in Clinton in cutter for first Nice day
time this winter[.]
December, 1889
S. Jane & I in Church in cutter(Logie.)[.]
Jim Junor here[.] Nice day 3
M. Jane in Clinton in buggy[.] Father &
John at wood[.]I hauled up 3 loads[.]Mo- Mild 1
ther finished twisting yarn a little driz
T. Wells here for his sheep[;]Father bought Clear & 1
one[.] Johnny Scott here[;] C & Willie raw
at night[.] Willie Glen in on gig asking
to threshing[.] Agnes & Jane cleaning
oats[.]
W. Jim Hearn here[.] Agnes helping clean Cold east 0
wheat[.]John at mill for flour & chop[.] wind Frost
Dewdrop calved [but the] calf [was] dead
when John went to the barn[.]The veranda
thermometer read 18 degrees F.]
�5. T
6. F
7 . S
8. S
9. M
10. T.
11 .W.
12 .T.
13 .F .
14 .S .
15 .S .
16. H
17 . T ,
18. W.
19 T .
December, 1889 49
T. John at Glen's threshingf.]Father at Sy- Silver thaw
monds sale & Mother at Stonehouse's[.] drizz 1
F. Jane in Clinton[.] Miss Sarah Wigginton Nice day 1
here all night[.] Father & John in [the]
bush[.] Beast[last] night[;]Old Country
dorking hen killed[.]
S. Trontofsic)Smith here[;he]bought our fat Nice mild 0
heiferf.] Father at Bob Marshall's [and] day
bought 2 heifers[.] Moore from London
here[;] Father at A. Elliots with him[.]
Father at Wigginton's[.] Malcolm here[.]
Agnes drove Mrs Wigginton home[.] Bella
in Clinton[.] Bull out in field all day
with cows[.]
S . Father at Uncle James'[.] Raining 1
M. John plowing 2 weeks tomorrow since he Nice 1
quit[.] Father in Clinton with sheep[.] Mild
Father at Malcolm’s
T . Bob Marshall fetched heifers[.] Father at 0
Cameron's sale3? with Mefsicj[.] J[ohn] Raining P.M.
plowing A.M. Raining P.M. Jane & I got
ready to go to McTavish'es when it start
ed raining[.} Jane & Agnes at Glen's[.]
Dickson's man here for his 2 sheep[.] I Nice 1
[was] in Clinton with Father & John with cold wind
fat Heifer[.]John at the [illegible.]John
plowing A.M.
Jane & I at McTavish'
es[.] Mrs Scott 1
there[.] John plowing all day[.] Beautiful P.M.
Father helping to move up Campbell’s 0
house for [Malcolm McEwen’s wood shed.]38 Small showrs
John plowing[. ] Agnes at Clinton & Jane Snow
and her at Wiggintons[.]Jane took buggy[.]
Master J. Biggins39,a Mr Scott & Mr Thomp
son here[.]
1
. Father at [McEwen's]A.M.A Mr Taylor from 1
the other side of Londsboro(sic) [was A little
here] looking at black cattle[.] (He snow
thought we had Galloways)[.] Farrar &
Rattenbury40 here looking for Shrop[shire]
sheep for an American[.]
i
. Agnes & I[were]at Church[.] Old Barr pulled 1
us there in thebuggy[.] Jim [Barkley] here A little
[this] evening[.] Uncle James here. snow
M. Mother & Jane in Clinton[.I] finished sewing Raining 1
knit guilt blocks together[.]
T. William Snell here for Billy lamb[.]Fa- Warm 1
ther at Herbison's sale41 [where he] bought some rain
[a] Saddle[.] Glen here morning
W. Agnes at Uncle James’[. She went next door 1
to see] H[arry and Margaret] Diehl's Raining some
baby[.]42 Jim Junor here[.] Jane fixed our
old seal caps[.]
T. John finished plowing at dinnertime [. ] Dull Warm 0
Father in Clinton[.] Ned Glen here with
sore hand.John at Uncle James' with [news]
papers[.]
F. Jane trimmed Mother's bonnet[;](Mother cov- Raining 1
ered shape with old velvet[.]
20 .
�December,1889 5U
21. S. Jane in Clinton[.] Finley here[.] John in Nice day 1
Clinton to-night[.]
22. S . very windy 0
23. M. Ned & Mary [Rathwell] here[.]Father[walked Nice day 2
into] Clinton[this morning] on business[.]
Agnes [was] dying rags for foot stool
mat[.] John was in [the] bush & Father kil-
ledfthe] gander[ P.M].
24. T.
25. W.
26 . T .
27 . F .
John fetched up a load of furnace wood[.] 0
Killed turkey[.] Pouring rain,
thunder & lightning
All Uncle James’ children here [plus] Adam Beautiful 0
& George[.] Jim Junor..&..Ned [Glen] here warm Sun
for supper[.] shining,no snow
Jane & Agnes in Clinton [with] buggy[.]Fa- Windy 3
ther & John at wood[.JBeetiefsic) here all starting
night[;] Duncan fetched him[.] freezing
Father took Beetie to Dickson’s had dinner *Sea£orth
in C 1/4* & came back by Brucefield[.]Bel- Clear 1
la at Grants all night[.] (Jennie [is hav- sunshine
ing a] party[.] Froze hard
28. S. Finished my home jacket(Cheap wood) Clean- Nice day 3
ing oats A.M. with John[.]Father & John at Frost came
wood[.] back a little
29. S. Tom & George at barn[.] Raining a
little this
morning Very
high winds to
night
30. M. Father in Clinton with W[illiam] Glen for 3
salt[.] J.Cooper & J. Gilmour [were] here Hard froze
[this] evening[.] snowing a
little
31. T John at Glen’s with first chop there[.] Hard froze
I washed[.] east wind
Here is a fragment by Eliza-Ann MacFarlane found
in a little notebook she kept for recipes.
[It is] the last day of the year 1889 [and I am] feeling kind
of forlorn[.] Bella is washing the dishes[,] Agnes has just
finished walking in the wood[,J and Mother has just gone out
to catch fowl[.] (We are all intending to go to Uncle James*
tomorrow.) We are alone us three & are soberly wondering what
we will be doing a year from tonight. It seems as if there
was never anything new in this family, but there is lots of
newness. I hope we will all feel better Dec 31st 1890.
In one of the account books is a folded sheet of
newsprint, with the first nine days of January,
1890. They are given below. Eventually Eliza
settled for a Huron Expositor 1890 Almanac,
and transcribed an abridged version of what
follows.
January, 18901
1. W. The five of us [were] at Uncle James' all Pouring rain 2
day[.] John, Adam, Lillie, Ned & George
[were here.] John Allen was here all
night[.] Tom Wigginton [was here] asking
for [a]hand to cut to-morrow at night[.]
�51
2. T . Mrs Finley McEwen & children & Susie Nice warm 3
McFarlane called[.]I finished making [a]
case for [the] dinner knives[.]
3. F Father at Wiggintons all day cutting & Nice day 3
chopping[.] Jack McDonald here[.] Colts Ground frozen
away out all night[.]
4. S. Agnes & I [were] in Clintonf.We] took up Nice day 3
[the] parlor stove to Davis[.]* I got 2 frost back
teeth pulled[.]
* Davis put in the furnace in and this must be a trade-in of sorts.
5 . S . Ned & George here [in the ] evening [. ] Pouring rain 3
6. M. Father & John in bush at wood P.M. Jane Raining some 5
milked and did my chores P.M. Tom Mathe-
son at barn[.]
7. T. Father & John[are still] in [the]bush[.] Nice day 5
Agnes hooking her (cat's head) mat for hard froze
ottoman[.] Party at G ’s
8. W. Agnes finished her mat[.] Father & John Very windy 6
in [the] bush[;They]fetched up a load[.] flurries
Jane finished the riding basque [and I] evening
finished my knit quilt[.]
9, T. Uncle John's John & John Dunkin here[.]
Father & John in[the]bush[.This evening]
John went to Clinton on Bob for papers[.]1
1
. Isabel Glen told me in 1959 that her grandfather, James
MacFarlane, took great delight in buying gifts of jewellry
for his wife and daughters. Isabel was the only granddaughter
he knew and she also was the recipient of his generosity.
He died less than three months before Isabel’s 6th birthday,
but at the time of his death she had already received about
a dozen gifts of various sizes. I recall her saying that he
would go and sit alone in the living room and her mother
(Jane) or her grandmother or one of the Aunts would tell
her to go in and see her grandfather. After a brief chat,
�2
.
he would produce the jewell or bauble and beam with pleasure
when she put it on,
Isabel Fraser told me that Jane MacFarlane and Ned Glen be
came formally engaged during the time when Jane's parents
were in the "Old Country." The diary for 1888 says that both
James and Eliza went, and that is probably when it happened.
Eliza-Ann has not mentioned it so far, but one can assume
that Ned is now Jane's fiancd.
3
. Agnes Stewart (1836-1911) sister of Eliza MacFarlane, lived
in various locations. She lived with brother James, Eliza
and their parents. When James got married in 1867, she lived
in a log cabin on the 'back fifty" of lot 28 Con 4 and looked
after the old folks as long as they lived. We think the dad
(Adam) died about 1874 and the Mother (Ann Barkley) died
on March 10, 1879. When brother John acquired the Frazer
place (Lot 29 Con 5) Agnes (or "Nancy") moved into the cabin.
"Nancy's shack" was a few rods north of John Stewart’s and
a bit to the south-west of MacFarlane's. Don Glen told me
that Agnes had an understanding with a brother of James Mac
Farlane that they would marry. The old MacFarlane's in Perth
shire, Scotland, were too old to live alone and the brother
went back home to fetch them to Canada. They refused to leave
and the brother felt obliged to stay and look after them. So
Agnes never married, and spent her days helping siblings
James, John and Eliza, as needed. In 1898, her sister-in-law,
Mary died and she moved in with her widowed brother James,
temporarily she thought, to help the family adjust. The
MacFarlane's felt that Uncle James' family indulged in a
sort of opportunism. Fenwick got married and lived in a
house on the family farm. Annie married in 1900 and Ada and
Ida left home for the city to find work. Agnes kept house
for James for over 12 years, and the two died a couple of
days apart in 1911.
4
. James MacFarlane's brother William had left Stanley for Man-
toba some years earlier. It's not clear whether Whiteford
is a neighbour or relative, visiting in Ontario.
5
. in the 1870's and 1880's the neighbourhood experienced some
significant depopulation as people were driven by limited
opportunities and the high cost of farm land in eastern
Canada, to the Canadian north-west or to the American west.
People settling in the U.S. west could get a free homestead
(160 acres or 1/4 of a square mile) if they farmed it
successfully. The departed migrants were always welcomed
back in Stanley when they visited.
6
. The Hollands
7
. The Stonehouse's were "Old Country English" with money, who
pioneered in Goderich Township. One of the Stonehouse's who
farmed on the Bayfield Concession was cornered in the box
stall by his stallion and attacked. He died of his injuries
and his widow, with only small children, sold the farm. It
was bought by Eliza-Ann's Uncle John Stewart and he put his
son, John B. Stewart on the place.
8
. The Fishers were pioneers on the 4th of Stanley. Edward
Glen and James MacFarlane bought them out. Jack Glen told
me that Fisher's were involved in distilling and did them
selves in by sampling too much of the inventory. They did
remain in the Clinton area.
9
. J. Ross: a jeweller?watchmaker?
*
•
0
. This eliptical reference probably means that there was a par
ty at Wigginton's. For the better part of a century, up to
about World War II, people in the S.S. #1 Community, and
near neighbours across the river in Goderich Township took
turns providing week end entertainment. Friday night was
the preferred time:Saturday night turned into Sunday after
midnight. The family giving the party would clear out the
biggest room for dancing. The evening might begin with cards
(euchre) and those coming brought refreshments. The host had
a choice of fiddlers and pianists resident in the community.
James Stewart played the fiddle by ear and I believe John
could as well. Their sons, Fenwick and Adam, played the fid-
at local square dances most of their adult life. Jim Barkley
played the fiddle. Annie (daughter of John and Abigail)
Stewart could chord on the piano or parlour organ. Several
�* 3
generations of the McCowan family provided such musical
service right into the 1960's.
Isabella R. McEwen(1876-1964) and Elizabeth McEwen{1881-
1976). In 1889, Belle would be 12 and Lizzie would be 7.
Belle was destined to marry John 11 years.. Elizabeth McEwen
had a life-long problem with poor eyesight. The Clinton New
Era of this period has references to Malcolm McEwen taking
his daughter as far as Montreal to seek treatment from
medical specialists. At one point Lizzie was out of school
for a year. But she overcame her disability, qualified as a
teacher, and was the one who took over S.S. #1, in
January,1911, when George Baird retired after 50 years. At
the end of June, 1912, she resigned and married R.Y. McLaren,
and they farmed on the London Road just north of Hensall. The
Master was getting past it at age 68 and his instruction and
class management were getting somewhat frayed. My father
Harvey Stewart said he never would have made it to high
school had Elizabeth not come when she did. She restored
discipline and was demanding in her teaching. Her ungrateful
students in the senior class in 1912, all got their entrance.
Elizabeth had a daughter Margaret (Mrs Dorland Evans) who has
won distinction as an historian of Ontario politics.
The scraper was a primitive forbear of the bulldozer. It clo
sely ressembled a wheelbarrow without wheels or axle and
no sides on the tub. The forward part of the device had a
sharp edge. The driver would hitch a team up to the scraper
and grip the handles. When the team started up, the operator
would pull back on the handles as the team pulled forward.
Earth would be dislodged in clean lines and the loosened
clods could be shovelled by hand. Contractors building early
roads or rail road rights-of-way made extensive use of these
simple scrapers right into the early 20th century. I was
shown a scraper in 1957 by Cliff Stewart that had belonged
to James Stewart his grandfather (Uncle James). The London,
Huron & Bruce Railway, running from London through Clinton to
Wingham had been put through in 1875. When the job was done,
the contractor auctioned off used construction equipment to
local people, and James bought the scraper. It is quite possi
ble that Malcolm McEwen got his the same way.
The Snell's were Old Country English who pioneered in Hullett
Township. Like the Middleton’s in Goderich Township, they
people of means who raised pure bred livestock, cultivated
the best orchards and embraced innovations in agriculture.
The 1878 Atlas of Huron County has a detailed write-up about
Humphrey Snell, and engraved illustrations of Humphrey and
Mrs Snell, their farm buildings and even their prize-winning
sheep, horses and cattle. James MacFarlane and the Snells
had a great deal in common, moved in the same circles and
had business dealings with each other. There has been inter
marriage amongst their descendants.
Several times already in these journals Eliza-Ann has made
allusions about fences. In this period James MacFarlane was
replacing the cedar split rail fences of the pioneer era with
modern wire fences. Stretchers were needed to maximize the
tension and tightness of the fence wire. A huge cedar post,
one to two feet in diameter, and specially braced, served as
anchor post. The ends of the fence wire roll were securely
wrapped around the anchor post. Then the wire roll would be
unrolled. At about every 6th post, the stretchers would be
set up to stretch the fence to maximum tightness. Then sta
ples would be driven into the preceeding 5 posts. The process
would be repeated with the next 6 post, and so on, until the
fencer reached the next anchor post.
Jennie Mustard was the daughter of Margaret Mustard. Margaret
later Duncan McEwen (another Duncan who lived further south
on the 2nd. Jennie kept her Mustard surname. She grew up in
the community taught grade school, including at her alma
mater S.S. #10, and she coached drama productions. She never
married.
The 24th of May is the Queen's Birthday.
Steers are made, not born. Is Eliza-Ann showing Victorian
modesty in declining to write "male'' or "bull calf?" Or
is it more likely, in her cryptic fashion, that she is indi-
11.
1
2
.
1
3
.
1
4
.
15.
16.
1
7
.
�s +
eating that it has already been decided that the newborn's
destiny lies in the nutritional side rather than the proc
reative side of the MacFarlane cattle operation?
18. Ellen Elliot married
19. Beattie was from Westminster Township, south of London,
and was a prominent breeder of pure bred stock -esp
sheep.
20. see Footnote 30, 1888 diary.
21. See Footnote 30, 1888 diary.
22. From 1840 to about 1912, North Americans used the term "car"
when referring to railway freight or passenger cars. People
who shipped livestock relied heavilly on the railways and in
Clinton there were railway stockyards by a siding immediately
west from where the Stratford-Goderich crosses the London
road. It would be another 10 years before telephones were in
general use, so a stock raiser would have to check personally
to see if the expected shipment had arrived. Laws governing
treatment of animals were not nearly as strict as now, and
one did not want one's livestock to languish on a rail siding
a moment longer than necessary.
23. By 1889, most people used mechanical reaper or binder to cut
grain, but many "broke in" a field and cleared the outer per
imeter of the grain field by cradle to avoid tramping down
the grain under hooves and wheels. Subsequent generations
that didn't know or want to know how to use he cradle were not so
squeamish.
24. The Weirs lived nearby in Goderich Twsp.
25. The two girls are first cousins. Bella May is Duncan
McEwen’s daughter (destined to die in early woman
hood.) Ella is Finley McEwen's daughter.
26. When he couldn’
t get another sheaf into the barn, a farmer
might build uo stack. The sheaves were tossed to builders
who would make a waterproof pile. In round or square for
mation, sheaves would be lined close together, butts out.
The centre was kept high, and when the builder deemed it
high enough, he would top it off by using some sheaves for
a thatched roof.
27. For the better part of a century, nearly all farm kitchens
in this neighbourhood had some sort of serviceable couch
that all members of the household could flop on in their
work clothes. Generally the "lounge", as Eliza-Ann calls it,
did not have a back, but might be raised at one end. This
allowed the reclining party to participate in the conver
sation, if he or she were so inclined. The couch might be
upholstered with leather or horsehair, and protected by an
old blanket. Wood stoves have to be out three or four feet
from the wall or wainscotting,and the lounge could be
put beside or behind in what otherwise might be waste space.
28. Margaret Myrtle Pearson, born September 1, 1889 (Stanley Tow
nship Record Book)
29. The Spear's were pioneers in the community and Edward Glen
bought Lot 31-3 from them in 1876. They moved to Kent County
near Highgate. One of the boys, William, returned to court
Margaret McEwen, married her and took her back to Highgate.
30. The Whittinghams lived on Concession 4, south of James Stew
art for a generation. The Diehls, natives of Bavaria, came to
Canada from Germany via the U.S., and settled on Concession
5 (Lots 23-26) The two Diehl brothers, Valentine and Jacob,
settled here in the early 1850's and had large families. The
last Diehl (Carl E. Diehl:1893-1972) left the neighbourhood
in the early 1960's. Somebody in the John Stewart family
composed verses about their exotic neighbours
The Diehls live by the riverside
where trees grow'round so thick.
There's Jacob, George, Charley, Jack,
Henry Lou and Mick.
The Mick Diehl mentioned by Eliza-Ann was the son of Jacob,
and he farmed the ancestral acres -Lots 23 and 24.
In the days before the telephone, every farmer went through
31.
�s *
the ritual of going around in person to all the people he
traded work with to get help at threshing. One paid the
thresherman so much an hour for the use of his machine, and
all the rest of the labour was free. You gave your most im
mediate neighbours the same number of days they gave you.
How long it took depended on whether you put your crop in the
mow or stack, or whether you stook-threshed right from the
field. When the thresherman informed you he would be at your
farm on such-and-such a day, you then went around in person
to tell those committed to you that their services were re
quired. And they could command your presence when the machine
came to them. It was quite alright to go to someone else's
threshing to buttonhole your help - in fact it saved, steps
32. Eliza-Ann has a pronounced tendency to refer to homes and
farms by the names of the previous owner. John Stewart
bought the farm on the Bayfield Concession,Goderich Township,
from Stonehouse’s widow and put his son, John B. Stewart, on
it. In a few weeks time,early in 1890, John would wed Amelia
Graham, daughter of Wm. Graham, a prosperous neighbour. The
Graham1s had only recently bought Lot 19 and part of Lot 20,
Concession 3 and erected a substantial white brick farmhouse.
Agnes was probably keeping house for her nephew and helping
him with the cows and the hens, until he was joined by his
bride.
33. x worked for a Stanley Jackson for 4 summers (1958-61), whose
farm on Concession 2 also fronts on the Bayfield river.
The Bayfield River, in a very hot summer can be as dry
as a bone above where it is joined by Spring Creek. But in
spring, the ice breaking up and the torrential run-off
will sweep away any fence ever invented. A fence is necessary
to keep livestock from wandering away or being injured in
the boulder-strewn river bed. Stanley Jackson dealt with the
problem by sinking a huge anchor post that survived the
spring torrents. He attached a roll of fence wire to it and
unolled it and hooked it up to another anchor post at the
end. In between, the river fence was held up by wooden X's
which sat on the ground and were held up by tension. In the
Autumn, Stanley would dismantle the fence, roll up the wire
and carry the roll and the X's and store them in a spot
safely above the highwater mark. Eliza-Ann does not make
clear how MacFarlane’s dealt with the problem. But it is very
likely that they used rails. An old-fashioned snake or shad
fence could have been laid out every spring after the run
off, and before livestock were let outdoors. In the late
fall, they could dismantle the fence and pile the rails above
the high water mark.
34. Eliza-Ann plays fast and loose with surnames and given
names. When she refers to "Duncan" she might mean
McEwen, McGregor. But Duncan could also be a surname.
In Clinton newspaper files for the period, reports
about James MacFarlane and his purebred stock activities,
more than once mention a John Duncan of Brucefield, also
a purebred stock man.
35. The floor of a horse's stall was paved with stones about the
size of eggs or golf balls[.] Packed tightly together or set
in wet cement, the rounded stones were thought to be better
for the horse's hooves and to provide it with better traction
than would poured concrete or dressed stone. MacFarlane1s
and Glen’s had an ample supply of such stones from the gravel
pits on their properties.
36. Mary Emma Stewart (1857-1939) married Donald M. Ross(1850-99)
in 1887. In fact sisters Mary and Lizzie were married toget
her in a double wedding ceremony at home. The groom's father
Roderick Ross, farmed on Con 3, Lot 10. Mary & Dan Ross
went to Denver where he prospected for silver.
37. is this Malcolm Cameron who went to Dakota earlier in the
decade or another one?
38. in 1879, Donald Campbell of Lot 29, Con 3, Stanley, sold
his 100 acre farm to Malcolm McEwen, on lot 30. (See the
Clinton New Era,October 16, 1879. The "Campbell place as
McEwen‘s referred to it for the next 80 years had a frame
house and an unraised two-bay barn. Malcolm McEwen built
�* 6
the stone farmhouse on Lot 30 in 1888. (See The New Era,
Nov 11, 1887, March 9 and Sept 7, 1888) In 1889, the
Campbell house was moved north to lot 30, and placed
against the rear (west) wall of the new stone house,
to serve as woodshed, summer kitchen etc.
39. The Biggins farm was south of Clinton on Lot 33, Con 1.
James ("Squire") Biggins had just died on Oct 19, aged 82,
(New Era Oct 23,1889)
40. The founder and first settler of Clinton, in 1835 was a
Rattenbury. Rattenbury's remained prominent in the social
political and commercial life of Clinton for over a century.
41. Herbison’s lived in Goderich Township to the north-west of
MacFarlane'
s.
42. Born December 2, 1889, Annie Erma Diehl (1889-1972) -Mrs
Morris Durham The Clinton News-Record January 13,1972
�THE SECOND ALMANAC LOG BOOK
57 ~
1890
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane wrote this year’s diary on the
memoranda pages of The Huron Expositor ALMANAC For The Year
Of Our Lord:1890, McLean Bros. Seaforth,Ont.
January, 1890
, 1890
1. W. [The] 5 of us [were] at Uncle James['s.]
John Allen [was here] all night[.]
2
Pouring Rain
2. T. Made c ase for dinner knifes(sic)[.] Mrs
Finley [McEwen] & Susie [McFarlane]
called[.]
3
Nice, warm
3 . F . Father at Wigg[inton’s] cutting[.] Colts
Colts out all night[.]Jack McDonald[was]
[was] here[.]
3
Nice, froze
4. S. Agnes & I [were]in Clinton[with the]par
lor stove[.] I got 2 teeth pulled[.]
3
Frost back to
nice
5. S. Ned [Glen] and George [Steckley were] 2
here [this] evening[.] Pouring Rain
6. M. Jane milked and done my chores P.M. Tom
Matheson [was here] at [the] barn[.]
5
Raining some
7 . T . Agnes hooking Ottoman mat[.] Party at
G[len]’s[.] Father & John in the bush
these days[.]
5
Hard Froze
Nice
8. W. [I]finished my knot quilt,Jane her Rid- 6
ing Basque & Agnes her mat [. ] Very Warm
Flurries Evening
9. T. Cousin John [B. Stewart] and J. Dunkin
here[. My brother] John [went] to Clin
ton on Bob [this] evening[.]
6
Windy, Snowy
10 . F . Jane & Ag [were] in Clinton with D_
Stove[.]l Ag got [a] tooth pulled [by
Mr Bruce.] A[lex.] Innis & McLaughlin
[were] here[.]
5
Dull
11. S. Father [was] at Wells' sale[.]
S.
4
Thaw,nice P.M.
12 . S . Bella & I [were] in church(Stewart)[.]
Father at Uncle James' P.M.
9
Rain P.M.
13 . M. Grange Social2 Balderson's old house
blew down[.]
10
Very windy,
Snowed a little
14. T. Ma went to Mac's[and to]Wigg[inton's[.
]
Jane and Agnes [were at Finley McEw
en ’s.]
5
Nice day
hard Froze
15 . W. Agnes & I did barn work[.]Father & John
[were] in [the] bush[.]
7
Snowed a little
16. T. Agnes & I did [more] barn work[.]Father
& John [were again] in[the] bush[.]John
9
Snowing and
[wasJin Clinton on Bob this] evening[.] ???
17 . F. [
More barn work.]I washed[.]Father[
was]
in Clinton[.He got $350 from [JohnJDun-
can[.]
5
Snowing
�January, 1890 58
18. S. Agnes[is] sick[.]Jane [wentjin[to]Clin- 9
ton[in the] buggy[.]Father at Glen's[?] Nice day
I baked a little[.]
19. S. Jane & I [were] in Church[;We took the] 8
buggy(Stewart)[.] Nice day,rain
at night
20. M. Jim Heron here[.] Men made [a] fence at 7
the end of[the] H[orse] Stable[.]Mother Windy, frozen
[is] making [a] broom[out of] Iron Wood
Iron Wood for [the] barn[.]
21. T. Agnes & I [were] in Clinton[.]She got 4 4
teeth pulled[.] John Elliot & Carson Very windy
[were] here[.Brother] John [is] sick[.] Snowing
22. W. Agnes finis[hed] her Crochet-Quilt[.] 12
Uncle James[called]here on[his]way from Snowed some
Clinton[.] Father & I cleaned vats[.]
23. T. Annie Diehl & Uncl[e] James here kil- 6
ling heifer[.] Stormy
24. F. I was at U[ncle] James['s house] with 8
beef[.] Snell fetched back lamb[.]John Chilly
[was] in clinton[.]Adam[Stewart called]
in[.]
25. S. Father walked to Clinton[.] Bella & I 4
[are] sick[.] Foreboding
26. S. George Steckley* [was] herefor tea[.] 12
Misty &
Drizzly
♦George Steckley was John Stewart's
hired man. Cockney Englishman,
Imperial Army veteran, he was very
much one of the family and popular
in the community[.]
27. M.[I] Finished[the] Braided Chemise[.]Fa- 5
ther bought a steer at Elliott*s[•] Mr a little sun
Hanly fetched lambs[.] Drizzle
28. T. Adam here for John to help them cutting 5
to-day & to-morrow[.] Nice, freezing
some wind
29. W. Jane at Glen's, Agnes at Macs,* Father 5
at McGregor's & at Mason's sale[.]Elli- Rain evening
ot &[illegible] [were]here all night[.]
30. T. Jane & I [were] in Clinton[.]Jno. Chur- 4
chill Charlie & Tom Powell [were here.] Beautiful
[were here.]
31. F. Ab Knott and Uncle [James were] here[.]
J[ohn] Pearson [arrived] with [a] tele-
gram*for U[ncle]James[.]Ag went down[.]
John at Glen's with chop[.]
2
very heavy
stickey mud
very sunshiny
* probably ad
vising him of the death or impen
ding of Mrs James Elliott in Hullett
Elliott and his wife are buried
in the graveyard in Burns church.
�February, 1890 59
1. S. Agnes at Stonehousef's] John [was] in 3
Clinton on Bob[.] Aunt Jessie [MacFar- Hard Frozen
lane],Mr & Mrs [George] Chapman & their
two children [were Jhere[.]*
* probably Margaret McKenzie who mar
ried Geo.Chapman of Atwood.They had
two boys and two girls. The oldest
boy,Arthur(1887-1965) was raised by
Dunk and Mary McKenzie his grand
parents and Stanley pioneers,on Lot
24,Con 4. Arthur would have to be
one of the two children alluded to
by Eliza-Ann. This is her first re
ference to the McKenzie’s since the
diaries began.Margaret's older bro
ther Paul,was a hired man at MacFar-
lane's in his teens but he died ar
ound age 20 or 21.
2. S . Aunt Jessie & Ag in Church[.]Mother[was 6
off] seeing Mrs Wigginton[.] Cold Wind
3. M. Father [was] in Clinton[;] He got money 8
for Grey[. ]Fen[wick came] home with him Nice, dull
for tea[.]
4. T. Sprung, Govier, Mrs Ettie Cartwright & 5
Charles [were] here[.] Misty & soft
5. W. John,Jane & I [were]at[Cousin]J[ohn B.] 5
Stewart's wedding.* Frozen, snowed
a little
*He married Amelia Graham,daughter
of Wm. Graham, Lot 18,Con 3.
6. T. Jane [was] in Clinton[.] I [was] at Is- 11
ard's[.] Aunt Jessie & Ag [were] at Snowed a little
Glen’s[. We] sold [a] heifer[.]
7. F. Glen here[.] Aunty & Ag [were] at [the] 10
Graveyard & [at]U[ncle Jamesf's] Father Snowed a little
[was] at Wigg]inton]'s sale of Smith's
things[.]
8. S. John [was] in Clinton on Bob[.] Took up 13
a log for wood[.]
9. S. Tom Elliot and W. Elliot's son [were] 9
son[were] here[.] Hard Frozen
Snowed a little
10. M. John took[a] heifer to Clinton[.] Aunt 13
Jessie & Jane[were]at[Finley McEwen's.] Nice Day
11. T . John took Auntie to Johnson's[.] Father 14
[was]at Snell *s[.]Mother[was] in Clin- Nice, Soft
ton[.I] started [to] knit [a] mat [for]
the hall door[.]
12 . W . 15 hard
13. T.
14. F.
15. S.
J. Scruton & Sue Ketchen [were] here 8
for dinner[.] T. Matheson,Tene,John and Nice, soft
Will [McEwen] were here[.]John [was] in
Clinton [with Bob and the buggy.]
Mother & I [were] at Isard's[.] Uncle
James Sandy Thompson & a Dutchman [were
here.]
13
Raining & sleet
Jon took Auntie to Brucefield[.] Jane & 8
I in....Clinton Church[.]Charlie & Fen- Cold wind
[wick Stewart] here[.]
�60
February, 1890
16. S. Jane & I [were] in Church[.] 12
Soft P.M.
17. M. Aunt Agnes came here[.] 8
18. T. [I have] near[ly] finished [the] ging- 15
ham dress[.] Soft,Thaw; hard
froze at night
19. W. Geo[rge] Hanley here for dinner[.] 7
hail snow
20. T. [I] finished knit mat at [the] kitchen 12
hall door[.]John walk[ed] in[to] Clin- Snow & drifts
ton[.
]
21. F. John hauling up logs for wood[.] 18
Snowing & drift
ing a little
22. S. First lambs 2 E[we] yearlings (1 each) 11
Finished Old Cloud mat[♦]Cantelon here
here with chop[.] Father in Clinton[.] Nice day
23. S. Bella & I in Church(Principal Grant)[.]*
14
Snowed a little
*The Rev George Monro Grant, Prin
cipal of Queen’s University at King
ston 1877-1902
24. M. 2nd lambs E[we/R[am] Finis[hed] Fix- 12
in[g] new black skirt[. ] Elliot here Soft
here with chop[.]
25. T. John at Tricks with grist[.]Smith here 11
with Heifer[.] Jane at Isard's[.] Springlike
Raining
26. W. Aunt Agnes at Uncle John's &[at Uncle] 10
James[‘s.]Father at[Malcolm McEwen’s.] Froze a little
27. T. Father at Duncan McEwen's[.] Jane 18
[was] in Clinton[. I was over] seeing Soft
Aunt Abby [Stewart]...............
28. F. John at Jenkins 9
Raining, freez
ing & snowing
at night
March, 1890
1. S. Father walked to Clinton[.] Adam & 16
George [were] here [this] evening(.]
2. S. Fenwick here[.] Beetie shearling died 11
last night[.] Flaked a little
3. M. Wells’ shearling lambed-2- 1 each[.] 12
(added later) The Billy died on the Nice
llth[.]
4. T. Malcolm & Smith here[.] Father went 13
with Mac to Coleman’s sale[.] Snowing
5. W. [I] Finished making my black dress[.] 16
J.Matheson [was] at[the] bam[.] John Stormy, below
started [on the] manure[.J zero
6. T. Mother & Janefwent] in[to] Clinton in 12
[the] cutter[.] Clear & Windy
10 below 0
�7 . F .
8. S .
9. S.
10. H.
11. T.
12 . W.
13 . T .
14. F.
15. S.
16. S.
17 . H.
18. T.
19. W.
20. T.
21. F.
22 . S .
23. S.
24 . M.
25. T.
March, 1890 61
Smith here for J. Ross's Heifer[.] 17
Auntie & I [were] in Clinton [.We went 9
in the cutter with old Lamey. Cousin] Nice day
Mary Emma [is] home [from Denver.]
Uncle James here[.] Jane & Agnes [went 11
to] Church in [the] buggy[.](Stewart) Nice day
(Stewart)
Jane & Agnes [were over] seeing [Cous- 14
in] Mary[Ross this]evening[.] 3 sheep Sleet
lambed (Beetie 2 of each)[some indec
ipherable short hand]
Father & John[were] at Switzer’s [and] 14
soldfthe] buggy[.] The other B Country Drizzling
sheep lambed[.]
Johnny Barkley3 & Tom Ager [were] here 11
all night[.] Agnes started Welcome Soft, soft
mat[.]
Father with Ager at Mason’s, Duncan’s, 11
Elliot’s & U[ncle John. I finis[hed]
braiding [the] Night ____ collar.* a little frosty
at night
* Night gowns are "unmentionables."
John & Ager[were] in Clinton[.]McDer- 10
mid [came] home with them [and was] A little frost
here all night[.] at night
[The visiting] Folks went home [this] 13
morning[.]Agnes finis[hed her] mat[.] Snowing quite
a bit
Stormy,but all the snow blew off the 16
roads in drifts[.]
[Mr] Tough ( [the] Assessor) [was]
here all night[.]
14
Softened a
little
Jane & I[were]at Wells[.]Father[was] 18
at Churchill's & [in] Clinton[.]Last
year[’s] GC sheep lambed[.]
Father & John at D. McEwen's sale[.] 9
Jane[was ] at Isard’s[ .The] Ager Bro- Pretty soft
[ther]s [were] here all night[.]
T.Ager bought Glenappinf.] Fa[ther] 10
& John[were] in Clinton[.] J.B.Homes
Jessie & Stella [Wigginton],Ada [Ste
wart] & Sandy Gordon here[.]
Father & John, [driving the] buggy, 15
[were] at J.B.Homes[’s] & [in] Clin-
ton[.]
John walked to Clinton[.]Glen here(C) 24
12
Stormy
Smith here (C) Tom Wigginton fetched 19
John's Efuchre] Cards[.] Raw wind
W.H. Scott here[.I] Finis[hed]button 13
holeing [the] black dress[,] Wells Rain at night
[and Moffatts are off to Manitoba[,]
�March, 1890 62
26. W. Alex Inglis here(C) Jane & Ag [were]
at D. McEwan*s[.] Long faced lambed
(1-E[we])
13
Blustery
27 . T . I [drove the] buggy in[to]Clinton Mr
& Mrs James and Thomas Duncan here[.]
15
Very windy
28 . F . Agnes & I [were] at Lizzie's quilt
ing[.] Mr & Mrs Wigg[inton] [were]
here [in the] evening[.]
13
Stormy
29. S. Father in Clinton[.] 17
30. S. 16
Stormy, ongoing
31. M Lame ewe lambed (lamb dead)[.] 18
Nice
April, 1890
1. T . Jane & Agnes[were]in Clinton[and] got a
photo[of the] kids all at Mac's[.]4Aun
ty at both Uncles[.] Father at ufncle]
James['s.]
Nice 23
2. W. Mr & Mrs Dunkin here[.] John at Wise's Nice 12
forty[.]* Frogs [were]singing [for the]
1st time[.Big dry Ewe [gave birth to a
E[we lamb.]
♦Goderich Township farms are surveyed
in 80 & 40 acre parcels.
3. T. Jim Junor and Smith[were] here with [a]
heifer[.] Father was in Clinton[.]
19
Springlike rains
4. F. Jane & I [ at were] at Grant*s[.] John
[was] at Dunkin’s[.]Bella [was]at U[n-
cle] James's[.]
21
Misty, nice
5. S . The Mason,* Bella McEwen & Jack McDon
ald [were here.]
*
19
Misty, nice
Frost Sat night
Alex Thompson
of Blake.
6. S. Tom Wigginton [was] here for tea[.] 18
Raining
7. M. Father & John [were] at Dunkin's for
seed & at Wells' old place for beef[.]
Last year G.C. 2 lambs R[ams]
21
Beautiful
8. T. [I]finis[hed]braiding [the mat for the]
n[orth] door[.] Fa[ther was] in Clin
ton!.] Jane [was] at U[ncle] James['s]
all night.Aunty was at U[ncle James's.]
17
Some Rain
9. W. Agnes started [the] other door mat.Ash
ton [was here about.......the] Russell
fence.] [The] nice big G.C.[sheep had 1
lamb, a ewe.]
27
Rain & Sleet
10. T. John [rode] in[to] Clinton [on] horse
back[.JFemey calved[;it was a]big black
steer[.]
24
Snowing
11. F. John Churchill [was] here[.] Ag finis
hed her] door mat[.] Jessie the black
cow calved a small heifer.]
15
Nice, raw wind
�April, 1890 63
12. S.
13 . S .
Aunt Agnes [was] in Clinton with Uncle 27
John [Stewart.] I started.... [another] Beautiful,windy
...mat[. Jessie Wigg[inton is] back for
[indecipherable]
Uncle James here[.] Mother [was]over at 18
Glen’s [this] evening seeing Betsy[.]* Beautiful, very
warm
*Mrs Edward Glen Sr. nde Eliza
beth McQueen,mother of Wm & Ned
14. M. Churchill, both Mrs Glen's, Janey Bell,
John & Will McEwen [were] here[.]
31
Dull, cold
15 . T . Mother & Aunty at Isard's seeing Sarah
Wigginton[.]
38
nice, cold wind
16 . W. Father & John [were] at the Brucefield
show[. They went in the] buggy[.] Aunty
[was] down sweeping Frazier's[.]5
20
nice day
17. T. Ma & Jane [were] in Clinton[.] Father
[has]gone[to the]Lucknow show[.] Smith
& J.Pearson(C) & Mr & Mrs Finley [McEw
en],Dunk & Lizzie McTavish[were]here[.]
26
Nice day
18. F. Mary Emma [Ross was] here[. Her sister
Lillie came for her[.] Smith (C) Father
planting slips[.]
25
Cold wind,
clear
19. S . John [was] sowing peas [today and was]
in Clinton[this]evening[.]Lizzie [Glen]
left Mary here[.] I [did some] digging
[in the] garden[.]
19
Nice
20. S. Jane & Agnes [were] in church(Stewart.)
They took the] buggy[.]
36
Nice
21 . M. I was at Dunkin's for seed peas [this]
morning[.]61d turkey laid her lst[egg.j
20
Coldish
22. T. Mekin here (C) after the two colts[.]
Father & I [are] digging these days[.]
33
windy
23 . W. Killed & ate [the] gobbler[.] Mary Emma
[Ross], Finley [McEwen] & Jim Ross
29
raining
24. T. Jane & Agnes [were] in Clinton[.] John,
Bella & I [were] at U[ncle] John's[.]
26
25. F. Mary Emma [has] gone back to Denver[.]
Mrs Baird was here[;] I drove her
home[.] B. Churchill [here at] noon[.]
24
nice
26. S. Bella walked to Clinton[.]Fen[wick was]
here for [news]papers[.]
33
Rain
27 . S . Agnes & I [were] in Church{Stewart)[.] 28
Nice, cold wind
28. M. I [worked at] horse-raking stubble off
clover.Mrs Wigg[inton] & Stella [were]
here[.] [The] Black Heifer calved - Red
steer[.] Agnes helped shere(sic) 3
sheep[.]
32
nice,
white frost
29 . T . [I] saw swallows [.] Jane saw them
first[.] Mac called[.] Daisy
calved [a] heifer[.]
33
Rain, dull
30. W. Jane & I were at Stonehouse's[.]
Aunty went to Green's[.The] sick
sick lamb died[.]
22
Nice, rain in
evening
�May, 1890 64
1. T . Smith (C) Jane,Agnes & I [were] picking
A.M. Mother & I [were] in Clinton[.]
Dunkin* s walked here[.]
29
Cold Wind
2 . F. B. Churchill [was here at] noon[.] Jane
& I were at Wigginton’s P.M.
20
nice
3. S. Jane walked in[to] Clintonf.] Ag, Bella,
& John took 2 loads[of]stones off [the]
[the] clover[.]
32
rain
4. S. Young cattle [were] out last night[.] 20
Misty
5 • M. [I] Finished [the] Braided Night
Dress[.]Tom Wigg[inton]came]overin[his]
gig[.] Cattle all in[.]
11
Rain
6. T. Glen & Duncan [were] here for dinner[.]
I [was] at Aikenhead’s for pigs[.]
pigs[. The young cattle were all
out[.]
35
Snowing
7. W. Jane, Ag & I [were] picking stones all
day[.3
43
Nice, cold wind
8. T. [More] picking stones I [was]in Clin
ton P.M.with potatoes[.]
21
Nice, cold wind
9. F. [I] Ironed Braided set[.] John went
to Varna[.] Churchill [indecipherable]
Cattle all in[.}
25
Raining
10* S . John walked to Clinton[.]Dan Ross here
seeing Patent[rail fence.]6 Washed [?]
quilt[.]
40
Raining
11. S. Jane & Agnes in Church(Stewart)[.] 25
nice, cold wind
12 . M. Agnes & I [were] picking stones A.M.
planted 2 rows of potatoes P.M.
24
Raining
13 . T . John [was] digging [in the] garden all
day[.] Father [worked at] pruning [and]
I [worked at] picking stones off [the]
yard[.] The cattle were all out last
night[.]
32
Dull, nice
14. W. Ashton & 3 others[were] here fencing[.]
cing[.] D[an Ross [was here] for seed
potatoes[.John,Jane,Ag and I planted 11
rows of potatoes.]
17
Nice
15. T. Ag & I planted 3 3/4 rows[. Jane,Ag and
I were picking stones P.M.] Father[was]
in Clinton[. We got our first goose
egg.]
29
Nice
16. F. Father & Mother[were] in Clinton[.]Mr &
Mrs Duncan [were here. In the] even[ing
J. Beetie & B. Churchill [were here.]
Stanley Beautyf?] Jane’s [illegible 2
words]
24
nice, cold wind
17 . S. Isard, Ida [Stewart], Minnie & Dfuncan]
Walker, [the] Atlas peddler, James Dun-
kin & [illegible] peddler [were here.]
22
nice
18. S. Jane & l[were]in church[.] Uncle James
[was] here[.]
28
Raining
19. M. Ashton & 2 boys [worked on the]fence[.]
Finley[McEwen was] here[.] Father [was]
Dunkin's[.They] bought[Stanley Beauty.] ?
21
nice,
??
�May, 1890 65
20 . T.
wind
Ashton & 3 others [worked] all day[.]
Dunkin's boys fetched[rest of entry in-
decipherible J
26
Nice,cold
21. W. Father[took the] buggy in[to Clinton[.]
ton[.] Bella & I [were] planting tur
nips [.] Mac's boys (C [rest of entry
indecipherible]
22
Nice,rain in
evening
22. T. Ag & Lizzie [were] at J. Pearson'sf.]
John & I hauled 4 load[s] of stones[.]
[rest of entry indecipherible]
26
Nice, warm
23 . F. Jim Junor & for Howson [were here for
dinner[.] Ag was at Mac's for [news]-
papers[.]
22
Heavy rains
last night,
warm
24. S. Smith(C) Aunt Agnesfis] back[.] Bell[e]
Bell[e] McEwen,Wigginton and J.McGregor
[here.]
22
Nice, windy.
Pouring Rain
25. S.
26. M. Mr, Mrs & Maggie Dunkin [were] here[.]
Father [was] in Clinton............. ]
25
Rained
Nice, rained a
little
27 . T. Father [was] at Emerson's trying to buy
cattle[.]
24
nice, windy,
evening rain
28. W. Took Auntie........................
Father & Mother at Dunkin's[. I] washed
sheep[.]
21
Nice
29. T. Mother & Jane[were]in Clinton[.] Father
& I harrowed [the field at Smith's &
hauled 4 load[s] of stones[.]
24
Nice, warm
30. F. John [wasJin Clinton[.] Father dug &
planted some....cabbage[and]pumpkins[.]
kins[.]
21
Rain
31. S . Father [was] in Clintonf.] Mr Smith's
son & daughter [were here.] Smith (C)
I [was] in Clinton for [illegible]
18
Nice, warm
June, 1890
1. S. Father & Mother in Church[.] 10
Nice, warm
2. M. Fa[ther]& I hauled off 6 load[s of]
stones & shore 3 sheep[.] Straightened
B[ee] frames[.]
18
3. T. Fafther] & I[(and John a little)]finis-
[hed] shearing 8 [sheep.] J. & C. Eliot
here [to see the fence[.]
18
Thunder storms
4. W. Father[was] digging[in the] garden[and]
planted beans (Butter for string)[.] I
[was] at Aunty*s[.]
16
very warm
5. T. Smith (C) [There was a Liberal party]
election [contest in the] school[house
to pick a candidate for the impending
provincial election-] Bishop [versus
Homes[.]? Aunty [was] up [here.]Jane &
Bella [were] in Clinton[.]
16
Hard driving
rain
6. F. Dan Ross(C)I finished digging Ma's gar
den[.] Father [is] digging yet[.]
27
Nice, cooler
�June,.1980 66
7 . S. [I] Finis[hed] this side garden .Father
[was] in Clinton{.]Tene & Bell [McEwen]
& Bela Forsythe were here[.]
14
Nice,cold wind
8. S. Jane, Bella & I [were] in church(Stew-
tart]) [.]
20
Nice cool wind
9. M. I painted 2 B[ee] Boxes[.] Ag [was at]
Isard's[.] Aunty [was] up [here.]
18
Nice, warm
10. T. Glen here[.] Bella's turkeys coming
out[.]
32
Raining
11. W. Melia & Charlotte Duncan, Jim & Arm
strong with pictures) & U[ncle] James
[were here.]
12
12 . T. P. McGregor[was here for]dinner[.]J.& W.
McEwen (C) Beetie & Horton Varna T Aun
ty & I [were]in Clinton[.] Ag at [?] in
Toronto[.]
18
Nice, windy
13. F. Father[went to the mill for]chop[.]Aun-
ty[and]Bell McEwen[here]for eggs[. The]
Blind Peddler [was here.]
39
Nice day
14. S. Ag[was]in Clinton[.]Mac[is]letting jobs
on the road[.]*Jane finis[hed] Bella’s
Red-Stippled dress[.] *Statute Labour
14
Nice
15. S. Mother & Agnes in Church(Fletcher)[.] 16
Nice
16. M. Ag & I [worked] with Father hoeing yel-
lowweed[.] Aunty[was]up with [a]Ladie'
s
Slipper[.j*
20
Nice,very warm
* wild orchid
17 . T . Smith (C) Agnes walked [to] Clinton[.] 18
Line folks* [are]] hauling gravel from Nice
Glen's[.] *Residents of
Concessions 4 and 5 doing
Statute Labour for road
repairs
18. W. Father[was] at Bru[cefield] with wool &
[at]J. Cooper's & H[ugh] McGregor's[.]
19
Nice, a little
cold
19. T. Kate foaled [a filly.] Father [was] in
Clinton[.]
15
nice
20. F. The 5 of us [were] at a picnic in Is-
ard's bush[.] Jim [Barkley was] here[.]
7
nice
21. S. Father was at A Dunkin's[.] Mother & I
[were] in Clinton[.]
14
Rain last night
22. S. Jane & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.]
Uncle James [was] here[.]
20
Nice & Warm
23 . H. Father [was]in Clinton[.Today the bees
bees had the ] 1st swarm[.] J[ohn] & I
were at Mac'sf.] Mr Culbert [was] here
all night[.]
24
very warm
24. T. Fafther], Ag & I [worked at] roots and
planting turnips[.] Smith (C)
24
very warm
25. W. 2 Coopers & McRoberts [were] here[and]
[and] bought 4 sheep.......[2nd swarm
of bees]
19
very warm
�June, 1890 67
26 T. Father [was] in Clinton [and]got [the]
[the] other 2 B[ee]Boxes[.] F[ather,Ag
& I [were] hoeing potatoesf.]
15
nice
27 . F . Ag & I [were]weeding roots[.] J.Deeves
[was] here for Churchill[.]
14
nice
28. S. Mother & Jane [were] in Clinton [at a] 20
Church council [meeting.]Sold steers[.] mist, very
warm
29. S. Father, Mother & Jane [were] in church
(Stewart)[.]
9
very warm
30. H. [I] finis[hed] painting[the] 2nd[of] 2
B[ee]Boxes A.M. Father Agnes & I worked
at roots[.]
20
Rain evening
July, 1890
1. T. Father, Ag & I [worked] at roots[.] 19
Rained a little
2. W. Ag & I planted cabbagef.] Father[was in]
Clinton A.M. Ag & I were at Aunty's[. A]
garment pedler [was here.]
11
3. T. Jane & Aunty [were] in Clinton[.] F[ath-
er],A[g],Jo[hn] & I [worked] at Rootsf.]
J[ohn was] spreading hay after sup[per.]
14
nice,cold A.M.
4. F . Father [has] gone to London for 50.....
sheep[.]Ag & I [did] rootsf.] J.McDonald
& McPhail [were] here[.]
17
5. S. Father [got] home[.] Jim drove [the]
sheep up [in a] wagon[.] Ag & I finis
hed] colling hay [in the] Smith field[.]
13
Nice
6. S. Agnes, Bella & I [were] in Church(Stew
art )[.]
25
Nice
7. M. [We] Hauled in 6 loads [of hay from the
Smith's field.]
19
Nice, warm
8. T. [We] Hauled in 7 loads [from the Smith’s
field.] Up with & for Bella trying for
[her] 2nd class cert[ificate.8There were]
2 swarms [from the] white hive[.]
18.
9. W. Up with & for Bella[.] Geo[rge] Baird (C) 18
Cold Wind
10. T. Up with & for Bella[.] [The] White Hive
swarmed again[.]J.Thompson[
was here]
with
with 2 lambs[.]
21
Cool
11 . F . [Ag up with and for Bella.The]Brown Hive
[swarmed.We took in 7 load[s]of hay[from
the] field behind [the] barn[.]
11
12. S. [Ag up with and for Bella.We took]4[more]
loads[from the field behind the barn.The]
B[rown hive swarmed] again.....(the 1st
Box Hive)[.] Janey,Ag,John & Bella [were]
at 12th [of July celebrations] P.M.*
28
Rained a
little
*The Stewart's were strong Orange supporters.
13 . S . James Angus Fisher and Uncle James[were]
here[.] Father[was]at U[ncle] James’[s.]
26
�July, 1890 68
14. M. [X] Took honey from [the]White Hive(the
1st)[.]J[ane] & Ag picked[the]1st Rasp-
[berrie]s I [worked at] roots A.M. Jas.
Dunkin [here] P.M.
12
15. T. [I went] Up with Bella[.] [At home,we
home,we were] putting up hay all day!.]
all day[.]
16
Day was cool
16. W . [We used 8 loads of hay building a
stack.] Reid here[. Geordie McLeod [was
here] for tea[.]
19
Nice
17. T. Geofrge] Baird (C) [We] Hauled 8 loads
[of hay and] finished[the] field at[Mc-
Ewen's] bush[.] Parke [here.]
15
Showers A.M.
cool
18. F. John [manured]* the field next [to the]
watering place[.] Shipley[
was]here[and]
Father [was] in Clinton..............
13
nice
♦This is a
guess. The ink
blotted.
19. S. Father [was] in Clinton for Glenburn -
hauled 1 load[.]Jno. & Ifwere] in Clin
ton with steers[.] Mr & Mrs McEwen
[were] here[.]
4
cool evening
20. S. Jane, Bella & I [were] in Church[Stew
art)!.] Jim ]Barkley and] Jack Ellliot
[were here.]
34
Nice, cool
21. M. Father & Mother at Dunkin’s[.] Finis-
[hed]mowing & big stack[.]Ag & I pick
ing berries[.]
21
22 . T . Father [was] in Clinton[. We were] col
ling hay all day[.]
17
Nice, warm
23 . W. [We] Hauled 6 loads[of hay]to [the] 2nd
stack[.] Jane [was] at Dunkin *s[.]
Rained a little
24. T. Uncle James & Wigginton here[.I] scrub
bed my room & filled [the] tick[.]
35
Rain
25. F. Mother & Father [were] in Clinton[.]
Bella & Agnes picked [potato] bugs[.]
15
Showers
26 . S . [We] Cut and stooked[the]wheat in front
of[the] door[.]01d [Mr] Fisher* & [his]
nefewfsicj [were] here[.]
16
nice
27. S. Father & Mother [were in church][Reid,
Toronto)[.] Jim [Barkley was] here.
20
Nice, warm
28. M. [We] Hauled 4 loads [of hay][ 3 out of
the low field) [and Finis[hed the] 2nd
stack[.] Mac's (H) & [C)
29. T. [We]Hauled 5 loads of hay,finis[hed the]
last stack [and] Finished haying[.]
10
Nice
30. W. Andrew Dunkin & [his] wife [were] here
[for the] first time[.] Reading [the]
hay mows[.]
oo
mm
Raining
31. T. John [was] at Brucefield for [the] pea
harvester^.] Ag, Bella & I [were]
weeding [tur]nips P.M. & Even[ing[.]
18
Nice ,warm
�Hayloads
69
1. F.
2 • S •
3 . S .
4. M.
13 Smith’s [Rented field]
11 Behind barn
16 [By McEwen's] Bush
8 Watering Place
8 Last Field
56
August, 1890 loadikq iiat.
Agnes [was] in Clinton[.] The Smith boy 17
[was here]for eggs[.] Mr Wigginton, Mr Nice, Warm
& Mrs Dunkin,U[ncle] James & S. Switzer
[were here.We] hauled in 9 loads of
wheat[.]
[We] hauled in 5 loads of wheat(14 al- 15
together)[and] started cutting peas[.] Nice, warm
Jane & Agnes in Church(Reid)[.] 18
Nice,very warm
John[was] in Brucefield[.We were] Mov- 15
ing straw[.]* Ed Wise & Fenfwick were High winds,rain
[were here] for flour[.] evening
•
•
i
n
Moving straw A.M.* [Worked] at Peas P.M.
P.M. Cooper & McRoberts here[.] Nice
17
* The straw in the barn from last year’s
threshing has to be moved to make room
this year's sheaves.
for
6. W. [We] Finis[hed] cutting [the] peas A.M.
[and] started [the] oats[.] John [was]
in Brucefield [looking]for a spring in
[the] binder[.]
Nice
22
7. T. [We were] Reaping oats [on the] Rath-
well [place.]Bella [was] in Clinton[.] Nice
14
8. F. [We] Finis[hed reaping oats on the
Rathwell place and started] cutting [in
the] shanty field[.]
Warm
19
9. S. [We] Finis[hed]reaping [and]Hauled in 3
loads of peas[.] John walked to Bruce
field for [the] McIntosh bullock[.]
Nice
24
10. S. Jane & Agnes in Church[.] Jim [Barkley,
McIntosh & his student here[.] Nice
34
11. M. [We] Hauled in 7 loads [of] peas[.]
McIntosh, Ada [Stewart] & Woon [here] Nice,
23
windy
12. T. [We] Hauled in 4 loads of peas & 1 of
oats[.] Father[was]in Clinton P.M. Jim
Barkley [was here] all n[ight.]
Nice
19
13. W. [We] Hauled in 5 loads of oats[.] Fath
er [was] at Woon's threshing P.M. Nice,
52
dull
14 T. [We] Hauled in 6 loads of oats[.] McIn
tosh [was] here[.] Bella passed for 2nd
class [teaching certificate.]
19
15 . F . [We]Hauled in 7 loads of oats[.] Father
was at [Finley McEwen's] threshing P.M.
17
�August, 1890 70
16. S. McIntosh [here.We took in]the last load
& finis[hed the] harvest[.] Mother & Ag
[were] in Clinton[.]
20
Nice, warm
17 . S . 26
Raining
18. M. John[
was]hauling manure[.]Father was at
at Brucefield & [fetched] Mrs Maggie Mc-
McGregor[.]
16
Nice
19. T. Took Mrs Maggie McGregor home [in the]
evening[.]
19
Raining
20. W. [I worked]with Father clipping sheep
all day[.Ag, Jane & Bella were in Clin-
Clinton.]
12
nice
t
o
•
►
3
•
Mr Baird (the Teacher), Mr Thompson and
Elsie [were] here[.]
18
Raining
22 . F. Mr Cooper & McRoberts here all night[.]
Father & John and others[were] in Clin
ton[.] Dickson here and Bruce with
lambs[.]
20
Nice, cool
23 . S . Father walked to Clinton[.] 31
nice, cool
24. S. Bella & I [were]in Church(Gregg)[.] Un
cle James,Tom Beacom & Wigginton [were]
here[.]
10
cool
25 . M. Father was in Brucefield with wool[.]
Donald Ross & Jim Steep at Gates[.] Jim
[Barkley was here in the] evening[.]
14
Rained a little
26. T. Jane & Ag [were] in Clinton with......
....[3 bags of apples.) Mr & Mrs Dunkin
and U[ncle] James [were here.]
15
Nice
27. W. Father,Agnes & I [were] weeding & scuff
ling [tur]nips[.]
17
Sprinkled, cool
28 . T . Father [was] in Clinton with Dunkin &
Charlotte A.M. & at Wigg[inton's]thresh
ing P.M. Ma & Jane [were] in Clinton[.]
8
Beautiful
29. F. Father[has] gone to Montreal[.] Ag drove
drove him to Clinton[.]Apple buyers from
London [were] here[.]
17
Showery,windy
30. S. 24
Windy, cold,
Drizzling
31. S. Jane,Agnes & Bella [were] in Church(Ram
sey) [.] Jim [Barkley was here.]
25
Nice, cold
Loads
Hay 56
Wheat 14
Peas 14
Oats 20
104
SIlBR F-lK lK A BtftC.
�September, 1890 71
1.M. Father [got] back from Montreal[.] Bel- 14
la started Model School [and] Ag took Beautiful
her up[.] Aunty[is]back from Green's[.]
.'
»
r '
‘~ ’’ i 4 i
*
2. T. Mrs [Malcolm] McEwen & Mrs [Richard] 11
SpearS [were] here[.] Jane & I [were] Beautiful
at Andy Dunkin’
s[.]
* - * I ‘ . -I * • *
t
f
! I . •*
3. W. Father [was] at Wiggfinton*s] for oats 16
[and] at [the] mill for chop[.] Jane Beautiful
[was] in Clinton[.]
4. 3
?
. Father walked to Clinton[.] 13
Rain in evening
5. F. I walked to Clinton[.] 13
Nice
6. S. Mother & I [were] in Clinton[.] Aunty 15
[was] in too and] got her clock chains raining A.M.
her clock chainsfc [news]paper[.]
7. S. Jim [Barkley was] here[.] 12
very warm
8. M. I [was] in Clinton with Bella & at 22
Glen’
s A.M.Tom Wiggfinton was] here[.] Raining
here[.]
9. T. Ag walked to Clinton & [I] went up with 18
Father after[.] John sowed wheat[.] nice, dull
10. W. [Lord Dormid, our new Bull, arrived in 9
Clinton.] Mr Hirst [and] Melia Duncan Nice
Duncan[were] here[.] Ag & I[were] pick
ing grapes to-night[.]
11. T. Jane at Mac's P.M. Ag took Aunty down 21
bedding & sand[.] Dull, snowed a
little
12. F. John[was] in Clinton getting[the] horse 28
shod[.]Mr & Mrs Finley[McEwen were here Misty, Rained
this] evening[.] a little
13. S. Father & John in Clinton fixing car[.]* 8
Jane & Bella [were] picking grapes [and Nice, Windy
got] 2 baskets[.]Jane [was ] at U[ncle]
James[’s this] evening[.]
* Perhaps Eliza-Ann is referring to what later
generations called a ”dolly,” the device that
rolled back and forth on the wooden track inside
side the barn,and which was part of a more com
plicated apparattus involving ropes, block and
tackle. When properly hooked up, a team of draft
horses could pull on the rope, slingloads of hay
or sheaves would rise off the wagon on the b a m
floor.When the pulley hit the dolly, a slingload
would slide horizontally along the track.The hay
or sheaves could be dropped in either mow by
pulling on a long trip rope[.]
14. S. Fen[wick] & Tom [were]here all night[.] 12
Ag Bella & I were in Church(Stewart) [. ] Nice, cool
15. M. Father, John & Tom gone to Goderich[.] 20
Wigg[inton] & Fen[wick]took up sheep to dull
Clinton[.]*
♦Probably James MacFarlane was entering sheep
in the Goderich fall fair.
�September, 1890 72
16. T. 17
Rained a little
17 . W. [I] Took[the]divide boards out [of the]
bees'[boxes.] Fen[
wick] & Wigg[inton] &
[the] sheep [had to be] fetched home
[from] Goderich[.]
11
Nice
18 . T. [We were] Lifting potatoes & [will]fin-
i[sh] A.M. to-morrow[.]
13
Nice
19. F. Mr & Mrs Kyle,U[ncle] James & Aunt Mary
[were here.John] Duncan came here [with
a] load of sheep for Lon[don.]
15
Rainf Windy
20. S. Father & John [were] in Clinton with
Duncan’s sheep for London[.]
20
cool
21. S. Father & Mother[were]in Church[.] Aunty
[is] here[.]
9
Nice
22. M. Father,Mother,John, Aunty & I [were] in
Clinton[.] Churchill [was] here[.]
11
Nice, cool
23. T . Father [was] at Butchart's threshing[.]
Bella Ross & Ella McEwen [Aunt and niece] 8
[were] here [this] evening[.] Nice, windy
24. W . Father, Mother & Agnes [were] at London
fair
11
Nice
25. T. John [was] at Glen's threshing[.]
T. Frazer & [his] brother-in-
law * [were here.]
8
* Cameron?
26 . F . Father at Finley's threshing[.] Jane
walked to Clinton[.]
17
Raining
27 . S . John [was] at Glen’s threshing[.] Dunk-
in kids for father to take [illegible]
sheep[.]
10
cool wind
28. S. Jane, Agnes, Bella & I [were in] Church
(Stewart)[.]Mr & Mrs Wigg[inton]& Stel
la & Jim Junor [were here.]
8
nice, cool
29. M. [I] Killed a sick sheep[.]Father & John
[were working at fence[post] holes [us
ing] cones[.] Dunkin [was] here[.]
15
Nice, Frost at
nights
30. T.
October, 1890
12
nice, warm
1. W. Mac & Will here[.]Ag & I[were] at Clin
ton [delivering]things to the show[.] J.
Thompson[the stone] mason [was] here at
[at] night[.]
16
nice, warm
2. T • I [was] up with [the] Glen's,Ag & Bella
at [the] show & John was up with [our]
horse P.M. F. Brigham was
[was here] all night[.]
11
Rain morning
nice after
3. F. Father, John, Jane & I [were] at the
show[.] Bella Cuming [came] home with
home with us [.] Ross from.........
16
nice
4. S. [We] started pulling apples[.] Sturdy
[was] here[.] Ag [was] at Glen's[.] Nice
�October, 1890 73
5 . S
6. M
7. T
8. W
9. T
10. F
11 S
12. S
13. M
14. T,
15. W.
16. T.
17 . F.
Jane & I and Bella Cuming [were] at 8
Church(McMillain)[.] Raining
. Jane & Bella Cuming went [over] to U[n- 9
cle] John's[.Our brother] John [was] at
Trick’s seeing [the] Perdues[.]
. [I]drove Father &[Mr]Wigginton to Clin- 17
ton [to catch the train] for Guelph[.]
Ag & I were pulling feathers[.]
. Aunt Mary [is] sick [so] Jane [was] at 3
U[ncle]James'[s] baking for[his]thresh- Nice
ing[.Ag & I pulled more feathers.] A.
Dunkin [was] here[.]
Cattle buyers Billy Pearson & Johnson 17
[were here]
wanting pigeons[.] Un[cle's]
James & John [were] threshing[. ] T[om] Dull, east wind
Wigg[inton was held up at another thre
shing, so] Lizzie [was] late[.Ag was at
Macs today.]
U[ncle]John's threshing A.M.,us P.M.Stur
dy [was] here [and] bought 3 sheep[.] Rain in
morning
Threshing A.M. J.McDonald[was] here[.] I 13
[was] in Clinton with [five of Dunkin's] nice, dull
steers[.]
6
Raining
Agnes[was] helping at Mal[colm McEwenj’s 2
threshing[.] Aunt Agnes [is] back from [a High wind
stay at] Green's[.]* Father & John [get
ting?] Mother at U[ncle] James's[.]
James'
s.
*Bella Green had 4 children in 5 years-Edna, 1885,
Stewart 1887,Lulu,1888 and Abby, 1890.Nettie was born
in 1896 and George in 1899. It is probable that Agnes
went over to help her [probably] exhausted niece, with
whom she had a special relationship.
Father was at Mac's threshing & Ag [was 10
there for a second day.] John & I [were]
in Clinton for [the] Model Farm Calf[.]
Fatherfwas] pulling mangols[.] Jane [was 2
Stewart's]helping Ada[do the family]wash.* Windy
Ag & I pullfed] apples[.]
* Mary, Mrs James Stewart, had a weight problem and
eating disorder. Victorians called most digestive
complaints "Dyspepsia." Quietly efficient,it takes
illness to make her family realize how much of a load
the mothe carries. Jane helped her 17-year-old cousin
get on top of the washing.
Father,Ag & I[were] pulling mangols A.M. 8
Raining
Ida Isard and U[ncle Jame's (sic)Annie 2
[
were]here[.] Mother at S.Wigg[inton's] Cold Wind
P.M.
�18.
19.
2 0 .
21 .
22 .
23 .
24.
25.
26.
27 .
28.
29.
30.
31.
1.
2.
October, 1890 74
S. Father[was]in Clinton with W[illy] Glen 3
for barrens, (sic) Jane[was] at S[arah] nice
Wigg[inton’s P.M.]Bella[was] at U[ncle]
Ja[mes's.]
S . 11
Rain m o m .
M. Father [was] at[the] mill [with] 3 bags 0
of wheat [in the] buggy[.]Ag & I[were] Dull, cool
pulling mangols P.M.[Mother was at Sar
ah Wigginton's.
]
T. Father, Ag & I[were]pulling mangols all 5
day. Ada [Stewart came by at] noon [to] Nice
ask [for help with] thresh[ing.] Bfella
cameJ home to-night[.]
W. Apple packers came last night[.] Beetie 7
here al night[.Two Dunkin’s [were] here Nice.
T. Ag [was] pulling mangols A.M. Father 1
[was]at Blythe with Beetie[.] John took Rain P.M.
him to Dunkin’
s at night[.]
F. Ag was pulling mangols P.M. Mr & Mrs 6
[Nicholas] Cuming [arrived] P.M. [and] showery
stayed] all night[.] Father [was] at
Woon’s thresh[ing.
]
S. Jane & I [were] at church..John up with
the 2 loads [of] apples(.] Nice, showers
evening
S. Father,Mother,Jane & I [were] in church
(Stewart)[.]U[ncle] James & Wigg[inton] Nice, dull
were] here.Ma & Jane [were out]see[in]g
S[arah] Wigg[inton.]
M. Glen's pulling our mangols[-We] hauled 4
in 3 loads[.] Father was at Wigginton's Snow, showers
threshing A.M.
T. [We] hauled in 2 loads[of mangols.]John
walked to Clinton[.] Sarah Wigginton
died[.]
W. [We hauled in] 5 loads [of mangols and 3
had to put the] sides on] the wag[on.]
John is plowing these days with Jeso' &
Marco's colts[.]
T. [Father took in 1 load and Ag and I 1
took in 3 loads of mangols.] Father,Mo
ther & Jane[were]at Sarah Wigg[inton’s] Nice
funeral[.] Jane went to Clinton [Cemet
ery] with [the] Wigg[inton’s.] Dewdrop
calved[.]
F. Laid in cows & calves[.] Jennie Grant, 3
Ada [Stewart] & Duncan, Mrs & Melia Snowing
here[.]
November, 1890
S. [We] hauled in 3 quite full loads of 1
loads of mangols [on the] sheep rack[.] Snow, rain
John [was] in Clinton [this] even[ing]
in [the] cart[.]
S. [The last 4 loads of mangols were haul
ed in.] Jane [was] in Clinton[.]
2
�November, 1890 75
3 . H.
4. T.
5. W.
6. T.
7 . F *
8 • S.
9 . S .
10. M.
11. T.
12 . W.
13. T.
14. F.
15. S.
16 . S .
17 . M.
18. T.
19. W.
20. T.
Jim [Barkley] here[.] Father at U[ncle]
Jame’s[.] Cattle all in[.] Freezing
[I] Killed 10 turkeys[.] Mother & John 3
[were] in Clinton [in the] buggy[. ] Snowedlast
night
[We] killed pigs[.] Ag & I took in some 4
refuse apples[.] soft
Thanksgiving[: The] 4 of us [MacFarlane
lane sisters were] at [the] S[abbath] Nice
S[chool] Examinations[.]Father[was]pul
ling [turjnips & John [was] away shoot
ing! .]
Father, Ag & I [were] pulling [tur]nips
[and] John hauled [them] in[.We] pulled
carrots P.M. Jane [was] in Clinton[.]
Snow evening
Ag & I hauled in 1 load of[tur]nips & 2
loads of cabbage[.When that was] finis-
[hed* we] took in apples[.]
* Eliza-Ann made this
list at the bottom of
the November page
/HE >i,0U5K
Mangols
Turnips
Carrots
Cabbage
20 loads *
sides on
5 boxfulIs
1
2
Father [was] helping U[ncle] James kill 1
3 pigs [. ] Putting out cattle off wheat nice, cold
[stubble] & cleaning cellar[.] froze a little
Father,John & Jane[were]in Clinton with
14 live turkeys and 6 bags of refuse nice
apples[.]
Father[was] at Dunkin’s[in the]buggy[.] 1
John started[plowing] sod[.I worked at]
cleaning[the] cellar [while]Jane[clean- very nice
ed] upstairs[.]
Mother & I [were] in Clinton[.] Mrs Is-
sard [was] here[.] nice
[I] finis[hed] putting nips out of[the]
shed with father A.M. & scraping the Beautiful
cellar P.M.U[ncle]James[’s]Annie[here.]
[I] Took in cabbage & scraped [the]Milk
Room(. Hugh] McGregor & Crerar from Raining
Strat[ford here.]I drove[to] Clinton[.]
X walked to church(Stewart)[.] Tom &
Jessie Wigg[inton were] here[.] Nice
Levi Trick [wasJin looking for colts[.]
Started [indecipherable] carpet[.] Raining
Betty McGregor and Duncan McFarlane nice
from Aux Sables here[.]
Father walked to Clinton[.] Snow, hail,rain
Jane & I [took the] buggy in[to] Clin- nice, cold wind
ton[.] Agnes [was] cleaning [grain for]
grist & chop[.]
�November, 1890 76
21. F.
22 . S.
23. S.
24. M.
25. T.
26. W .
27. T.
28. F.
29. S.
30. S.
1. M.
2. T.
3. W.
4. T.
5. F.
6. S.
7. S .
Mother[was out]seeing[the] McEwen’s ba- Nice, Warm
by (Elizabeth)[.]^Father [was ]out[this ] Hard frost
even[ing.] last night
John [is] plowing sod still[. I] Washed
[the] double windows* & 3 milk room win- Clear,cold wind
dows[.]
* Eliza-Ann's terra for storm windows
I [was] in Church(Stewart)[.] Clear,cold wind
Mr Dunkin & Mr McCallum [were] here for
tea. Father [was] working at [the] con-
[cession] fence[.]T[om] Wigg[inton]here
for sheep[.]
John finis[hed] plowing[the] field next Snow
the [side]road & Mac's[.]* *the N/E corner
of Lot 30 Con 4
Ag [was]at Cairn’s & Scotts.Mother[was]
at Mac's[.]J[ohn] Dunkin[was] here with Nice,froze hard
a sheep[.]
Ag [was]in Clinton [and] got teeth pul-
led[.]Father [was] at Churchill's [and] Nice
Mother [was] at Wigg[inton]'s[.] Jane &
I [were]at a prayer meeting at D[uncan]
McEwen’s[.] J.
Mcdonald [was] here[.]
Sid Smith [was] here[.] John [is] plow
ing below [the] watering place[.] Nice, dull
[I] Finis[hed the] fork-cases* & sewed
up mac’s bolsters. Jane finis[hed] Bel- softened
la's black dress[.] *cutlery
Snowed a very
little
December, 1890
[Today] Sarah Barkley [was] married to
Win.McBain[,]Algoma[.] Ag finished Bel- Snowing, frosty
la’s night dress[. I] made [a]case for
for tea-knives[.The]Tree peddler [was]
here all night[.] Father & John [are]
making [a] Bee-box for packing[.]
Father & John making B[ee-]Box[.]
Father & I[were]finishing [the bee-box
box] in the house[.] Adam [Stewart was
here] in [the] evenfing.]
[We] Packed t he 5 hive [of] bees [in
the box for the winter.The]Tree pruner
called[.] Jane & John [were] at Wigg-
[inton]'s [this] evening[.]
John[is] hauling manure[on the] sleigh[. nice,18 degrees
Mr] Wiley[,the collector, was] here[.] frost
[I] cleaned [the kitchen stove pipes nice
and] Hung 1st pictures in [the] par-
lor[.]
Jane,Bella & I [were]in Church [we went
in the] cutter[. The Rev. Mr Stewart
took the service.]
Cold Wind
�December, 1890 77
8. M. Jane [was] in Clinton with Bella[. They
took the]cutter[. ][The] Stanbury's were
[were here] looking at heifers[.]
9. T. Jane washed kitchen plaster[- The Rev, 1
Mr Stewart, Mary & Robert were here[.]
[Wejkilled little lamey[.] Nice
10. W. Father walked to Clinton[.]Mother [was] 4
at Glen's[.]John [was] in the bush P.M. soft, sleighing
gone
11. T. Agnes [was] in Clinton[.She] got an im- 1
pression took[for falseteeth.] I [was] softr pelting
at Isard's[.] snow tonight
12. F. John [was]at Smith’s to get Will to cut 2
cut wood[.] Stormy
13. S. I [went]in[to]Clinton for Bella[.] John 1
& Will [were] at Smith*s[this]even[ing.] Cold Wind
14. S. Agnes & I[were] in Church(McLean,Blythe). Cold Wind
Father [was] at U[ncle] James* [looking 1
for a] missing animal[.]
15. M. [I] varnished picture frames[and] Bella 2
papered [a] book case[.] Nice
16. T [I] Papered [the] backs [of the frames] snowed a little
& Hung[them] up[.]Mekin called[.]Jennie
Grant [was here at] noon[.] Bella[is]in
Clinton at school[.]
17. W. Father [was] in Brucefieldf.] Bella[is] Nice, soft
in Clinton[.] G. Baird,John & Tom [were
in] Varna[.] Mac’
s kids [were] in{.]
18. T. Agnes & Bella [were] in Clinton [with] 2
butter[. They drove the] cutter[.] John
[was] at U[ncle] John's cutting [wood]
P.M. & [he will be there] tomorrow all
day[.]
19. F. [We] put down carpet in the dining room nice frosty
room [- the] 1st rug[.] J.Dunkin [was]
[was] here[.Cousin] J[ohn B.] Stewart's
baby born [today]* *William John
Stewart, 1890-1974
20. S. Bella [was] in Clinton[. I was] Hemming
carpet[.]
21. S. Adam [Stewart was here] P.M. 2
rain
22. M. Jane [was]in Clinton[.I was]sewing car- 2
pet[.] Windy, nice
23. T. I [wasjin Varna with Bella at [herjexam 2
& at Dunkin's[. We] Killed [the] year- Cold,Blustery
[lin]g heifer[.]
24. W. Father & I [were] in Clinton[. We] put 4
carpet down in Jane & Bell's room[.] Snow
25. T. Aunty [Agnes], Ada,Annie,Ida [and] Adam 3
[Stewart] & G[eorge] Steckley [were]
here[.]Jennie Grant[stayed]all night[.] Clear & cold
Some starlight
�December, X890 78
26. F.
27 . S .
28. S.
John[was]in Clinton[with the] gig[this] 3
evening[.]
John & Willie [Smith were] hauling up
[cord]
wood[.] Stormy
2
5
Snowing
29. M.
30. T.
31. W.
[I] made a linen cover for [the] easy
chair[.] 4
John [has been] hauling wood[.He took
[a] load down [to Aunty's[.] Ag & I
[were]in Clinton[-] good sleighing[.]
Father [was] in Clinton & [he was] at
the [S.S. #1 annual] school meeting[.
He] bought Bella's kiefor Trunk[.]
Agnes made B[ella] 2 aprons[.]I [was]
topsewing shirts[.]11
3
Soft
4
Thaw
1. Check the few entries for 1890 begun on the end of the
1889 sheets. Mr Davis the Clinton hardware and stove merchant
had installed a furnace in the MacFarlane house, and had made
some sort of trade-in or sale by consignment deal for the
wood stoves that had formerly heated the rooms. They brought
in the parlor stove on the 4th.
2. see more detail entry (date) and footnote #
3. John Barkley (1849-1921) was Jim's older brother. He
lived his whole life in Ashfield Township.
4. Perhaps this was the splendid photo of the five
MacFarlane siblings, by H. Foster Studios in Clinton.
5. Not sure if she refers to the house N. of John Stewart's,
where Agnes Stewart lived, or to the Fraser home on Con 3.
6. I'm guessing that she's referring to the patent rail fence.
One had to pay a fee to erect one.
7. The Legislative Assembly of Ontario was dissolved on April
26, 1890 and a general election took place on June 11. The
provincial Liberals held power without interruption from 1871
to 1905. With only a week to go, things have been left rather
late. Don Glen said that the disappointed candidate was fav
oured by the Liberals in that corner of the riding and he ran
as an independent. The Conservatives including Stewart’s and
MacFarlane's voted in sympathy for the independent. When
James and John Stewart and James MacFarlane met on the way to
vote, MacFarlane said in his Scots burr "We’
re all Grits
today1” Thomas Fraser is said to have feigned an attack of
lumbago to avoid working for Bishop. See 1897 P.G. & New Era
8. Isabella is taking a summer course, probably at the Clinton
Model School. The cryptic references suggest that her sisters
took turns driving her in, doing errands in town, and picking
her up. We are never told the hours, but in those days before
air conditioning, it was considered prudent (Isabel Glen told
me) to schedule summer classes of any sort early in the day
and end them by noon or 1 P.M. We find out on Aug 14 that she
passed.
9. The Spears were pioneers in the neighbourhood and then they
moved away to Highgate in Kent County. Malcolm McEwen's
daughter Margaret married Will Spear.
10. This is not Elizabeth McEwen (1881-1976) later Mrs R.Y.
MacLaren. That Elizabeth was the daughter of Malcolm McEwen.
The Elizabeth referred to here was
Don Glen told me that all shirts -particularly work shirts
were made by the women until well into the 20th Century.
n.
�79
1891
Pate
January, 1891
1. T . ...at Uncle James 6
Poured Rain
All Day
2 . F . Frozen 8
3. S . Bella walked to Varna today[;She] starts
teaching on the 5th.1
Clear 8
4. S . Shower
Snow
8
5 . M. Mother & Jane at Isards 6
6. T. Clear 9
7. W . 6
8. T . I [was] in Clinton [in the] buggy[. ]
Sold 2 cows to Sr. Smith[. ]
Beautiful 8
Weather
9. F. Went for Bella [in Varna]in[the]buggy[ . ]
Tom Wigg[inton] here all night[.]
7
10. S. Jane walked to Clinton[.] Agnes & I were Mild 11
down at Aunty's* [in the] evening [-]
moving [her] stove[. ]
* Aunt Agnes lived in a cabin
just north of the John Stewart house.
11 . S . Jane & Bella in Church[. ] Bella got 2
teeth pulled[. ] John took Bella to Varna
[in the] evening[. ]
Cold wind 7
Showers of snow
thawed
12. M, Father at Wigginton's cutting[. ] Mac at
[the] barn[. ]
Blustery 8
13 . T . Father at Smiths [in Buggy] A.M. John
at Glen's cutting[. ] Ada [Stewart here]
for dinner.Jane & Ag at Glen's quilting.
if
Snowing
9
14. W . Hooking [-] pegged border [of] mat[.] M
9
15 . T . John in Clinton [this] evening on Bob[. ]
[I worked] at [the] mat[.]
Warmer
Cloudy
10
16. F. Hugh Gilmour [here] all night[.] Bella
home.[.] [The] spotted heifer calved[. ]
[I] Finis[hed the] mat[. ]
Clear &
cold
4
17 . S .
18. S.
Francis Hamilton [here] P.M. for tea[.]
[I] started log cabin quilt again[.]
Agnes & I in Church (Edge Methodist)*
Augusta Diehl [rode] home with us[.]
Clear
& Milder
wh[ite]
Frost
Nice
7
2
* Eliza-Ann's shorthand for the clergy & his
affiliation.Today's preacher was probably the Rev.
Mr Edge, a Methodist.The regular Minister was the
Rev. Alex Stewart,who served at Willis Presbyterian
1878-1912.
�January, 1891 80
19.
2 0 .
2 1 .
2 2.
23 .
24.
25 .
26 .
27 .
28 .
29.
30.
31.
1.
2 .
3 .
4 .
5.
M. Father & John took up fat cows[.]I [went
to] Clinton [in the] buggy[.]
T . Mrs Finley [McEwen]........ Mrs Duncan
[McEwen]....baby Anna-Belle McEwen... &
Malcolm McEwen [here P.M.]
W. Father in Goderich[.] Agnes at Cairns
all night[.] Mother & I [took the buggy
into] clinton[.] Mrs innis asking [women
neighbours] to rag bee[.]
T. Jane fit I At Innis's bee[.] Father with
Mac at Walker's sale[.] John [was] in
Clinton [in the] cutter.
F. Carrie Grant here in sulky[.] Jane went
for Bella [in the] cutter[.]
S. Mr John Sr. & Jr. & Mr Hugh Sr.& Jr here
Jr. here for dinner[.]* Malcolm Taylor
here[.] Father in Clinton[.]
Silver Thaw
Nice, Soft
Blustery
Frozen a
little
Snowed 15
a little
Nice 5
♦probably McGregors or Junors
Jane & Bella [went to] Church [in the] 11
cutter[.]John drove Bella over[to Varna] Nice, warm
P.M.
M.
W.
T.
S.
H. Gilmour Sr.& Jr. [here] for dinner[;]
father [was] at G. Elliot's with them[.]
Good Sleighing[i]
Snowed 13
John & Jane went [to visit] the Cuming's, Soft
Elliot's and Brigham's on the]other side
[of] Blythe[in the] cutter [with] Bob[.]
Sandy Ross here[.]
8
John home at dinner.Took logs to Trick's
Tricks [sawmill] P.M. Taylor from Kippen
[here] for dinner[.] J. Rattenbury and
Varco from Carlow here[.]
Aunty came up to go to Clinton[and]stay
ed all night[.] John [was] at [the] mill
[and] fetched home [the] lumber [sawn
from the] logs[.]
Father walked in[to] Clinton.Bella walk
ed home [from Varna. We both were] in at
Aunty's[.]
Aunt Agnes & I were in Clintonfwith the]
buggy[.] Father walked to Dunkins[.]
W. Frost
Nice
Soft
Raining
8
Frozen 8
Softer P.M.
Raining
February, 1891
S. Agnes & I[were]in Church(Murry(sic) from
London [for the] Anniversary Church[ser
vice] ).
M. Agnes washed [clothes] & I cleaned [the]
hen house[.]
Soft, Flurries
Freezing
18
Flurries &
wind
T. I [was] down at Aunty’s P.M. Blustery 7
Rained at Mid-night
W. John went to Grange Social[.]2 (Stanley
Beauty's calf) Stormy 14
T. Agnes in Clinton (cutter scraping)[.]* Milder* 8
J[ohn] Dunkin here [in] sleigh[.] Cover
ed** kitchen lounge[.] ** upholstered?
7
7
9
7
3
6
iw
4
S .
T .
F .
�February, 1891 81
6. F . [I] went [to Varna] for Bella[.] Jane
came home [from Hullett and Morris Town
ships [.]
Mild
1
7 . S . Jane finis[hed] covering her shoe box[.] Mild 8
8. S . Jane & Bella [went to] Church in [the]
cutter[.]John took Bella over[to Varna.] Mild 8
Varna.
]
9. M. Bob Pearson (C) Thaw, then
frost
8
10. T . Agnes walked to Clinton (indecipherable) 12
11 . W
18. W.
19 . T .
20 . F .
21, S.
22 . S .
at Wigg[inton's] P.M. Jane & John at Frozen
Aunty*s[.] Dunkin here[.] James Gilmour Slippy
buried[.]*
♦Gilmour's (sometimes spelled Gilmore)
lived on Lot 22 Con III. The Hugh
Gilmour family had lived on Lot 23,
but had 10 years earlier gone to
the North-West (Moose Jaw) The John
Gilmour family remained. Three un
married children occupied the farm
for many years - Mary, Hugh and Bob.
12 . T .
13 . F .
14 . S .
15 . S .
16 . M.
17 . T .
H. Gilmour Jr.here[.] Willie Ross( C in
decipherable )
. Father went to London,
Glanworth, etc. Willie Glen went for K.
Eddicoffer(sic)[.]
R. Beacom & W. Cox here[.] Mother & Jane
in Clinton[with the] buggy[.]Father [re
turned] home[.]
Father [went] to Brucefield[;] I [went]to
McGregor*s[.] Jane & I [were] at Finley's
P.M.
Bessie Glen born [to Willie and Lizzie.]3
Bella [was] home at dinner [and] the 5 of
us [were] at Mac’s [this] evening[.]
Agnes & I[went to] Church in [the buggy.]
U[ncle] James here[.] John took Bella [to
Varna.]
10
Soft to Sun
16
10
15
Cold wind
Thawing
Aunt Agnes & I [were] in Clinton
on the Herbison's[.]
calling Thawing 13
Dunkin [McEwen] & Thomas [Fraser] here[.]
Jane & I [were] at Glen's[this] even[ing;
I] stayed all night[.] John at mill with
chop[.]
12
Frozen,Soft
very high
wind
John at mill for chop[.J Blustering 15
Aunt Mary [Stewart] here for dinner[.] Mo
ther at Glen's[.] Ida [Stewart was here]
for tea[.]Father[was] in Clinton[.] Bella
went to Exeter from Varna[.] Aunty [has]
gone to Green's[;]4 U[ncle] John[Stewart]
took her[.]
John & Jane
Bella[.]
went to Brucefield for 14
Pouring Rain
Jane & I [were] in Church(Henderson Bay-
field) [. ]Father at Coopers with MacLean[.
John H.] McEwen (Dunk's & C) here[.]
Jane & I in Church(Stewart) Hard froze
Blustering
22
6
�February, 1891 82
23 . M. 1st lambs E. & B. Hawkshaw here[;]
Mrs John Pearson here P.M.
Soft 17
24 . T . Yesterday 2nd Lambs 2 ewes 3rd Pouring
Rain
21
25. W. Mac in [here;]Father went to J.Gilmour's
with him [in the] even[ing.]John & Ned
went to hear Porter speak[.] Rathwell’s
bridge[has]a bentfsic; gone out of it[.]
Soft 18
Hard Froze
26 . T. 4th lambs 3 Blustery 16
27 . F . 5th - 1 -R[am] John at Glen's cutting[.]
Bella home[.] Tin peddler here[;] bought
3 pails
Cold 26
«
0
0
C
N
S . John in Clinton on Bob Snowy 13
March, 1891
1. S 6th Hawkshaw / big one / Near zero 19
2. M. 7th & 8th / had 2 & / died the others
was dead[.] Radcliffe & somebody bought
body bought 5 highland sheep[.]
Sunshiny
Cold
21
3. T . 9th 2 C. McTavish P.M. Snowing 23
4. W. 10th - 2 Bright 19
5. T . 11th - 2 / 12th Old Longface 2 /13th 15
- 2 / Father [went] with [the] Glen's
[in the] sleigh to vote[.]* John in Clin
ton [at] night[.]Beauty calved[.]
♦Dominion election:This was Sir
John A. Macdonald's last victory.
His death weeks later on June 6
went unnoted by E.A. McF.
6. F . I [went to] Clinton in [the] cutter[.] Snowing 16
& blowing
7. S . Hawkshaw 2 / 2 big ones Bella home A.M.
Tenie [and] K. Eddicoffer over [in the]
evening[.]
16
8. S . Sheep lambed [at] night [-] had another
[lamb] dead before morn[ing.] The 4th
Hawk - 2
Thawing 15
rain
snowed a little
9. M. Churchill, Mac & James Dunkin here[.]Fa
ther at Glen's [in the]evening[.]
Frozen 14
10. T . Finis[hed] covering parlor chairs. Ada
[was] in[this] evening on [her] way from
Glen'
s[.]
Thawed 18
a little
11 W. Lizzie & Ida Thompson here[.] Father
walked to Clinton[.] A sheep lambed 2
(m 68) I think[.]
18
Thawing
12 . T . Mother & I [went to] Clinton in[the bug
gy.] Tom Wigg[inton] here all night[. I
found the] 1st goose egg[.]
16
Nice Soft
13 . F. John in Londsboroughfsic) with Highland
sheep[.]
Stormy 15
14. S . Donald Ross['es]funeral5 Father went ov
er to Churchill’s[.]Bella walked home[.]
16
�March, 1891 83
John took Bella to[the B]ayfield road in Blustery 21
[the ] cutter[.] NoSnow
Started quilting Jane's old bias blocked 14
quilt[.] Reid from Maine here[.] Ag & I
at Glen’s [in the] even[ing.]
Finished [Jane’s quilt.]Beatie & Tough[
, 19
the] assessor[,] here allnight[.] Hawk-
shaw, Wigginton & Dunkin here[.] John
took [Hawkshaw] to Clinton[.]
Father & Beatie at Wigginton f
s & he Soft 15
drove them to Innis['s] & Dunkin’s[.] Snowing
Aunty back from Green’s[.] M[alcolm
McEwen & Peter Baird [were] here[.] I
[was]at school[.I]started quilting Ag's
finer quilt[.]
Churchill here with cow[.]Jane [went to] Nice 20
Clinton in [the] cutter[.]Big Ewe lambed cold wind
W[illiam]Scott here on horseback collect- Thaw 21
ing for missions[.I] finis[hed]Agnes['s]
quilt[.] Aunty [was] up [here.]
Fred Rathwell6 & Fenfwick here] in [the]
evenfing.] Bella home[; She] stayed all Thaw 17
night at Uncle James’[. ]
Jane took Bella a piece[.] Thaw 14
Father at Wigg[inton'
s.] Tom here [this]
even[ing; he took a pair of] hens to Thaw 20
take to Beatie[.] Started Bella's
quilt[.]
Jane at Wigg[inton’s] P.M. & all night[.] Nice 21
W. McQueen Sr. buried7 Slight frost
at night
Finis[hed] Bella’s quilt[.]Varcoe here[;
He] bought 2 pure bred heifers[.] John Nice 15
[took the] buggy [to the] mill for chop
& drove Varcoe[.] Hauled in load of hay
from stack to Clinton[.]
Father walked to Clinton[.]Jane went for Cold 21
Bella[.] east wind
Mac[was] in[.]Father went to[the] Far[m] 21
Insurance] Bu[reau] meeting [in] Bruce- Sleet & S Y
field with him[.] John went P.M.[.] Ag &
Bella went to Grants[.]Annie & Ida Stew
art here P.M. Finished making 4 shirting
petticoat [illegible .]
Hugh McGregor & Mrs McGinnis here[.] Bel 18
la & I[went to] Clinton in [the]buggy[.] Beautiful
Agnes & I [went to] Church in [the] bug- Nice 43
gy[,](Ramsay) Mr & Mrs Wigginton here[.]
Bessie calved[,] Jane & Bella said they
heard a frog[.
]
I went to McGregor's after Mary Grace[.] Clear 26
Bella went back to Varna[.]
Shore 1st sheep(the yearling billy) Last Rain
yearling lambed (dead) Making blue print
skirt of drapery[.]
0
15. S.
16 M.
17 . T .
18 . W.
19 . T .
20. F .
21. S .
22 . S .
23 . M .
24 . T .
25 . W.
26. T.
27 . F .
Good Friday
28 . S .
29 S.
30. M.
31. T.
�April, 1891 84
1 . w. Jane & I at Glen’s quilting[.] Father &
John at Holmesville with heifers[.]Ada &
Jessie here for dinner [and] Jessie all
night[.]
Nice 22
Showers
2 . T . Making sunbonnet[.] Agnes helping to
clean grist[.]
Nice 27
Showers
3 . F . John was at [the] mill in Clinton [with]
grist[.] Jno.Junor [just] back from the
0[ld] cfountry] walked home with John[.]
Bella home[.] Mending bags all day[.]
34
Snowing
4. S . Agnes in Clinton[-] got Stamp Patt's[.]
John [went] for grist[.] Jennie Grant
here P.M.Made Bee Mitts & cut out skir
ting [for] skirt[.]
Nice 26
cold wind
5. S. I walked [to] church (Stewart)[.]
McTaggart died[.] Frogs singing[.]
Frost 32
at night
6. H. Father in Clinton[.] U[ncle]John’s Annie
[here]P.M.Jane dyed factory lining quilt
shirting[.]
27
7 . T . Agnes cleaning oats A.M. Livery man
fetched telegram from Johnny about hor
ses [.] Jane, Agnes & John at Mac's [and]
Tom here all night[.]
16
Clear,cold
8. W. I [was] in Clinton[.] Jane & I [were] at
McTavish'es P.M. John at Holmesville[.]
Set geese(I think)[.] Ferny calved red[.]
Clear 14
Cool wind
9. T . John in Brucefield at Dunkin's & C in
cart[.] J[ohn was] in Clinton with [the]
horse getting [it] shod P.M. Beetie [the
peddler] from Varna called[.]
Dull 22
Raw
Rain night
10 . F . Finis[hed] ticking pettico[a]t[.] Agnes
went to Clinton to go to Thompson1s[.]
Warm 23
Showery
Sun shining
11. S . Bella & Mary Grace home[.]John & Mary in
Clinton P.M.
Raining 20
12 . S . Highland sheep lambed 2 R[ams.]John took
John took Bella part way on [the] gig[.]
Dull 18
13 . M. John [was] in Clinton[. He] went P.M. to
Dunkin's with horse[.] Agnes home A.M
Jane took Mary to McGregor's
45
very warm .
14 . T . Father & John [were] at [the] Spring Show
with Glenburn[.] Sprung & Askwith [were
at the show and were] here all night[.]
24
Heavy Rain
evening
•
•
i
n
f
-
i
Sprung & Askwith bought Glenburn[.] Fath
er in Clinton & John took up horse[.]
Started quilting Jane's shirting quilt
P.M.
Misty 33
16. T . Lifted Churchill corn[?] A.M. Mac [here]
P.M.[;] J. Dunkin [at] night[.] Janefwas]
at Mac's [in the] evening for the [news]-
papers[.]
Dull 23
17. F. Finis[hed] quilting[.] Sparrow here tak
ing[the 1891 Dominion]census [and stayed]
for dinner[.]Father & John hauling in hay
from stackf.] Bella home[.]
25
Beaut[iful]
warm
�April, 1891 85
18 . S . Beetie8(Sic) [of] Varna here[.
] Showery 25
19 . S . T. Wigginton & Bella Cuming & A[da] Stew
art9 called[.]
Nice
warm
26
20 . M. Mother & I [were] in Clinton[.] Mary Glen
[was]over[.]John plowing sod below water
ing-place P.M.
56
21 . T . Fencing A.M. Varnishing curtain Pole fix
tures P.M. Jane house-cleaning [John's
stairway.]Jane[house-cleaning in the]par
lor[.] I thought I heard swallows[.] D.
Ross (C)* I think today
*(C) may be Eliza-Ann's
for social calls paid her by interested
29
code
males.
22 . W. Agnes & I[were] in Clinton getting dress
& jacket cut[.] Mac's kids and their
[hired] man [here] in [the] eventing.]
John sowing peas[.]
Warm 23
23 . T . Aunty up [here] dyeing her dress[. I]
shore 3 shearlings [-] the 2nd shearing
this spring[.]Sprung & Askwith &[The Rev.
& Mrs]Stewart here[.]Jane, Ag & I [were]
at B[ob] Pearson’s [for the] prayer-meet
ing[.]
24
Cool wind
24 . F . Jane walked to Clinton for papers[.]
Wiley here [-] Peddling for Morrow [of]
Varna[.] Bella home Hang curtains
Clear 16
25 . S . Beetie peddler here[. I] shore big Bil-
iyt ■]
N.Wind 24
Beaut[iful]
26 . S . Jane & I [wereJin church (Henderson Bay-
field)[.] Jane, Agnes, Ada & I in Stab-
bath] School[.] Bella went back [in the]
even[ing.]
Cool, 28
nice wind
27 . M. Mrs Glen Sr.[and] Annie Stewart(James'
)
here[.]Mother at Mac's with Mrs Glen P.M.
Shore 2 sheep[.] Heard swallows[.]
Warm
windy
24
28 . T • Amelia Dunkin here[.] Lily[Stewart] over
from Glen's[.I] stitched [the] jacket[.]
30
29. W. [I] shore the 6th & last shearling & the
big ewe P.M. Aunty & Ma [were] at Glen's
[this] even[ing.]
32
30. T. Mother & I[were]in Clinton[.]Father[was]
at Finley McEwen's sale[.]l° Mother
got broadcloth dolman cut & fitted[.J
19
May, 1891
1. F. Father at Dunkin's all day shearing
sheepf.] Bella home P.M.Arbor Day*
22
warm, windy
* Students outdoors planting trees. Bella
got the afternoon off from teaching.
2 . S . Jane & Bella [were] in Clinton[.][Bella]
got [a] tooth pulledf.] Young cattle out
all night[.] Fafther] & John fixed river
fence [helpedby?] Cronyn[.]
Warm
Showery
28
3. S . Agnes & I [were] in Church[.]The 5 of us Cold 12
and Ada were in S[abbath] School [. ] Cows
all out[.]
N .W. Wind
�May, 1891 86
5. T .
6. W .
7 . T .
8. F .
9. S.
10. S .
11. M.
4 . M.
12 . T .
13. W.
14 . T •
15. F.
16. S.
17. S.
18 . M.
Bella went back[.] Old Lamey lambed & 16
dead[.]Jane & Agnes out at Scott's[this]
even[ing]with dorking eggs[.] Father & I
shore sheep[.] T. Wigginton over[.] Cows
all out[.]
Elizabeth McEwen here P.M. Mac over [at] 24
Glen's [in the] morning[.] John in Clin- Snowing
ton for grass seed P.M. Cattle all in[.]
Aunty [was] up getting [a] basque fitted 22
(the one she dyed)[.]John rolling[.]Year- Cold Wind
ling calf died (black heifer the one
that was sick & slobbering)[.] Just[the]
Milch [cows were kept] in [at night.]
John in Clinton[with the]gig[.] Father & 29
I shore 5 sheep[;] 2 [in the forenoon Warmer
and] 3[in the afternoon].Agnes finis[hed
her]black cashmere skirt[.]Cows[are] all
out[.]
Mr & Mrs Foster over in the even [ing] Windy 19
with Bellaii [I] shore 2 sheep A.M. Warm
Goslings clipping - 3 out - all there
is left
Started making vest 18
Jane, Agnes, Bella & I at [Sabbath] 18
School[.] U[ncle] James here[.] Showery
Jim Barkley [called] in on [the] way Nice 13
[and was] back for tea[.] Bella went
back[.] Fen[wick] up for Roller & sor-
rel[.]D.Ross (C) Horses out all night[.]
Father at Varna [to] get buggy fixed 14
[which cost] $3.00[. He also] bought po- N.W. Wind
tatoes from Beatty [and a] late Rose[.]
$1.00 Mac (C) Mother walked over to
Rathwell's[.JFather there P.M. Ja[ne] &
Ag picking starw[berries.....
Jane & Agnes finis[hed] picking straw- Rain
[berrie]s[.] D. Ross (C) Jane & Agnes Warm
[were] at Glen's [in the] even [ing.]
Fatfher], Ja[ne], Ag & I planted 17 rows
[of] potatoes[. There is] 1 row to plant
yet[,] Jane in Clinton[.] Mac's (C)
25
19
Tene, Bell[e] & Mrs Junor [were here Cooler 18
this] evening[.] Ag shearing 6 sheep[.] Cold rain
1 Sheep died to night (little Blackey's
mother)[.]
Father in Clinton[.] W. & J. Cooper Cold 29
here[.] Bella Cuming [was here in the] N. Wind
even[ing.] Finis[hed] Jacket[.]
Jane & Bella [were] in Church (Stewart) 16
& I [was] in S[abbath] School[. Bella
went back [to] Varna[.] Agnes [was] at
Glen's, U[ncle] James' & [Uncle] John's
with B[ella] Cuming[.] John drove [Bel
la home[.]
Ag, Father & I [were] sowing carrots & Warmer 14
onions A.M.(8 rows) John [sow]ed 24 rows
[of] Mangels[.] Shearing sheep (shore 4)
P.M.
�May, 1891 87
19 . T .
20. W.
21. T .
22 . F .
23 . S .
24 . S .
25 . M.
26. T.
27 . W .
28. T.
29. F.
30. S.
31. S .
1. M.
2. T .
[I] Took [3 loads of] stones off [the] Pretty
clover with Father A.M. John Finis[hed] Warm
sowing mangels[.] [In the evening] John
[was] in Clinton [and] Father & I shore
2 sheep[.]
Jim's shearing A.M. Shore 2 Sawed &
took down braces to concession fence P.M.
& took in a little hay[.] John sick[.]
[We] put up [the] parlor window shades
last evening and A.M. to day[.] Agnes Very
finished her flower beds[.] Fencing Warm
with father P.M. Lizzie over P.M.
23
47
18
Father in Clinton A.M. Bella
Fencing with father & John P.M.
Fencing with father & John A.M.
& I [were] in Clinton P.M.
home[.] Showery
cooler
Aunty & Cool
clear
N. wind
Father & Mother at Church[.] I [am] Warmer
Mac (C) John Thompson here[.] Agnes Nice
at Uncle James, [the] river & Uncle
John'
s[.] Ag mending bags A.M.
Teen here all night[.] Took Farmer down Cold
to draw out their grain[.] Father at
Cooper’s with Mac A.M.[and] at Dunkin’s
for dinner[.] Ag & I mending bags all
day[.]
Father & John hauled 2 loads of wheat
to Clinton[.] Set out Bees hives[.] I Warmer
[was] mending [for half a] day[.]
Father at Brucefield to see about wool[.]
John hauling up old rails[.] A. Dunkin &
Willie & Chester & Ada here[.]Jane went
home with Ada[.]
15
18
9
21
17
Father walked to Clinton[.]
hive (
White)[.]
Set out 5th Pretty
warm
Mother & I in Clinton took Jessie her
turkey[. We also] took a frame of honey
from the hive[. Mr] Scott [of] Brucefield
[was] here[.He] bought & took away [some]
wool[.]
Agnes & I [were] in Church (Gregg)[.Four]
of us [were in] S[abbath] School[.]Father
up at U[ncle] James' [in the] even[ing.]
Wilson here for eggs[.]
June, 1891
Father, Agnes & I [were] fencing between
Middfleton’s] A.M. [and were] draining an
outlet with W[illiam] Glen P.M. Lizzie
here & Dennison called [in the even[ing.]
Looked in all Bee’s [hives.]
24
15
18
9
14
Pretty warm
14
21
[Continued work on drain outlet] All
day[.] John in Brucefield with dark filly
Cleaned my room A.M.
Inserted in pencil is Mac’
d cP2)
Possibly it is a cryptic reference to the
Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. He
had suffered a stroke in May, and would
die the night of June 6. It was known
that he was dying days before the end.
The MacFarlane's were Conservatives.
�June, 1891 88
3. W. Father draining all day[.) John hauling
manure these days[.] Mr & Mr [& Miss]
Maud Scottl2 [were] here[this] evening[.]
Rain
cooler
11
4. T . Aunty & I [were] in Clinton[.] Father
finis[hed] draining A.M. Rain, cool
11
wind
5 . F . Father plowing Summer Fallow[;]John haul
ing manure[.]I took [news]papers down to
U[ncle] James* [in the] evening[.]
Cool wind
11
♦James Stewart was a fierce Conservative and
almost certainly devouring all the news he could get
about the dying Conservative leader.
was
6. S . Kate foaled (filly). Father & John at
Tricks for lumber[.]
16
7 . S . Jane & Bella in Church (Gregg) [Four of
us were] at S[abbath] School[.]
Warmer 13
8. M. Father plowing[?] John hauling manure[.]
I [was] fixing lining for [a] Gingham
dress[.] Bella got a ride over[to Varna]
with U[ncle] James[.]
Warm 13
9. T . Aunty up cutting her silk cape [and]
gingham[.] Jane [was] out at Mac’s[this]
even[ing.]
Very
Warm
14
10. W. Father & Jane at Varcoe’s[.] D. Ross,Mac
& Charlie (C)
Raining 13
11. T .
*»* *
'
r ( * i
Father digging garden[?] Agnes & picked
[the] 1st [potato] bugs[.] Jack McGregor
(C)
Very
Warm
12
12 . F . Father,Jane,Agnes & John at Isard's pic
nic A.M.Bella home[.]Father planted some
cabbage(I think to day)[.]
Pretty
warm
16
13 . S . Father at Spruogg’sf.] I [was] in Clin-
ton[.] Planted some beans & corn[.]
Very
warm
14
Kitchen’s letting jobs on road[.]* Mac’s
(C)
♦Kitchen is pathmaster and "letting
jobs" means assigning what tasks a
farmer or his son or hired help
must do in road repair and upkeep,
under the provisions of the Statute
Labour law. See below June 15 & 16.
14. S. Agnes & I [were] in Church (Stewart)[.] 9
4 S.S.* Mac's (C)
* This is Eliza-Ann's shorthand for "The 4 of us
were at Sabbath School (teaching)." The "four"
were the MacFarlane sisters:Eliza-Ann, Jane,
Agnes and Isabella MacFarlane. There is an un
breakable bond between these four exception
ally bright, hard-working and self-confident
women that would endure for the five decades
left to them.There was no aristocratic preten
tiousness or snobbery here. Their Christian
convictions guide them and they let their ac
complishments speak for themselves. When John
is also involved, Eliza-Ann speaks of "The of
15. M. Bella went back [to Varna].Father, Agnes 18
& I at potaoes all day{clearing)[.] John
at road work[.]
�June, 1891 89
16 . T . Father in Clinton A.M. [He] got 1 bee 14
box[.j Agnes & I hoeing potatoes all
day[.] John [was doing] road work A.M.
[He had] Adam [Stewart] helping him[.]
17 . W. Finis[hed potatoes & planted turnips A.M. Cooler 14
Aunty [was] up [here] fixing the collar
on her cape[.] Father & Agnes dipping
lambs P.M. Fen[wick] was here all
night[.]
18 . T. I [was]in Clinton & fetched home 2[more] Some 11
B[ee] Boxes[.] Father [was] digging [in rain
the] yard [and] planted cabbage[.] Caught
skunk[.]
19 . F . Father,Agnes & I[were] dipping lambs A.M. Cool 10
[16 lambs & 2 sheep were done. Father a little
planted more cabbage] &[was]over at Cro- rain
nyn's P.M. Jane went for Bella [and]took
Mary Glen [along for the ride.]Mrs Henry
Diehl & [her]2 children,[Erma and Fannie,
were] here [this] evening[.]
20. S. Jane & Bella walked into Clinton[.] John Rain 0
[went] in[the] cart[.]Father digging A.M.
Churchill[was] over with horse[.] Father
[was] at [a] sawing bee at Mac's P.M.[I]
painted 16 [Bee] boxes 1st koat(sic)[.j
21. S . Jane & Bella in Church[.] Jane & I in 13
S[abbath] S[chool].
22. M. Father finis[hed] digging [the] garden[.
We] planted beans,corn & cabbage[.]Pain
ted 3 B[ee] Boxes 2 coats[.] Agnes & I
were picking strawberries[;] It[was the]
1st picking [and we] got 4 1/2 lbs[.]
23 . T . John in Brucefield (filly)[.] Father Cool wind 12
scuffling potatoes A.M.
24. W. N[ed] Glen hauling manure[.] Jane & I Very Warm 0
[were] at Grant's P.M.[We took the] bug-
gy[-]
25 . T . John at Glen's[.]Father & I[were] clean- 22
ing potatoes all day & Ag helped P.M.
Jane & Agnes got 3 1/2 lbs [of] berries
A.M.
26 . F . Father in Clinton[.] Jim Junor & [his]
wife [were] here[this] evening[.] Fixing
muslin dress[.] Bella home....
27 . S . Mother, Jane & I [were] in Church(McMil- Warmer 12
len - Student Seaforth)[.]
28 . S . Father, Mother, Jane & I in Church(Stew- 10
art)[.]Jane[ was]down at Aunty's[in the]
evening[.J
29. M. Aunts Agnes & Abby & Mother [have] gone 9
to Smith's Fallsl3[.] Father took Mother Hot &
to Clinton[.] Bella went back[.] Finley very dry
[McEwen called. Today a W[hole] H[ive]
Swarmed[.The] 1st swarm came out 2 weeks
ago-fast[I]
30 . T . Jane went for Bella[; She is] home for 25
[the summer] holidays. Whittingham &
Jimmy Ross called[.]
�July, 1891 90
1 . w. Agnes, Mary & I picking strawberries[.]
Mac & Wiley here[.] Mac’s called in the
evening[.] John [was] in Clinton [with
the] cart[.] [I] pulled [a] pail [of]
gooseberries[.] [Ij washed & ironed the
"Roses" muslin dress pettico[a]t[.]Finis-
hed hauling manure[.]
17
Showers
Last night
hot
2. T . Pulled Gooseberries & Cherries[.]John in
Clinton A.M. and Mowing P.M.
Hot 15
3 . F . Pouring Rain All Day 15
4. S . I [was] in Clinton A.M. Father in Bruce-
field p.m. [and] got 15 lbs of yarn.
McGregor's and Dunkin's[here.]Jane [
was]
at [Uncle James' [this] evening[.] Ag &
Bella [were] at Glen's[.]
Cold Wind
Showery
23
1
5 . S . Agnes & I in Church (Livingston - Metho
dist. ) Jane stayed home from Sabbath
School[.] T. Wigginton was here and Fen-
[
wick][was here in the] even[ing].
Cool Wind 25
6. M. A[gnes] & I picked[potato] bugs A.M. Fa
ther & Agnes at roots P.M. John mowing
all day[.]
Showery 20
7 . T . U[ncle] James [was here] for dinner[.]
J. Scott (C)
Cold
even
17
8. W. John mowing at Smith's[?] Bella in Clin-
ton[. All 4 of us] pulling cherries A.M.
Coleing hay P.M.Thurs[day] A.M. Maggie's
1st boy died[.]*
Cool
windy
*?
21
9. T. Fa[ther] Ag & I weeding mangols A.M. A.
Dunkin [was] at Glen’s [this] morning[.]
John & us colering hay P.M.
Nice 17
10. F. Hauling in hay all day (8 loads)[.] Jane
in Clinton P.M. D. Ross (C)
Nice
warm
29
11. S. Hauled in 5 loads [of hay. We] Finished
the field in front of door &[the one at]
Smith's*[.] Bella finished her net
dress [. ] Bella Cuming came down with
Uncle John [Stewart] & J[im] Barkley[.]
Jane preserved jam [made from] yellow
Raspberrie]s[.]
♦rented field Lot 24 Con III
23
12 . S . Jane & Bella in Church(Stewart)[.] Bella
Cuming was in S[abbath] S[chool.]
Agnes &
Bella at home went to Varna[.]
Very warm 18
13 . M. Coleing hay A.M. [We] hauled in 4 loads
[from the shanty field[.] Bella picnick
ing at Bayfield[.]
Very 19
warm, slight
shower even-
[ing]
14. T. Bella,Agnes & I picked berries P.M.& ev
enting. 3
Raining 16
15. W. Mrs Foster & Mr & Mrs George Dunkin &
kid here ([and] at Glen's for cher
ries )[.]
Dull 16
drizzling P.M.
16 . T . [We] Hauled in 4 loads [of hay.] Jane &
Agnes picked berries[.] Father in Clin-
Nice
warm
14
ton for Mother*A.M. Bella & I took hon
ey from [the] 2 hives [that housed last
year'
s 1st swarms.]
* back from 2 weeks in Smith's Falls.
�18!f2-1918
Taught, at S .S . #1
Stanley
January 1861 to
December, 1910
Fifty continuous
Years
Right - an article
in the London Free
Press,Sat. Jan ,
1961 commemorating
the 100th anniversary
of the start of his
career.
Below a studio
portrait of his
family done by H.
Foster, Clinton.
Baird married
Janet Cameron in
1865 and they had
6 sons and a daugh
ter. The portrait
was probably done
in 1889, the year
John left for good
to live in Moose
Jaw.
.Reverse See the
30th anniversary
photograph taken
of the Master with
past and present
pupils. The major
ity of those in the
picture are mention
ed in the Diary.
Rear, Standing, L to R Alex D. (1882 - ?), Robert
(1873-196? ),John (1869-1964) and Peter(1870- ? ).
Front, seated William (1878-1958), Janet (Mrs Baird)
Christena Baird (1871-1959), George Baird and George
Thomas (1873-1963).
�o
o
o
c
c
c
�July, 1991 91
17 . F .
18 . S .
19. S.
20. M.
21. T.
22 . W.
23 . T .
24 . F .
25 . S .
26. S.
27 . M.
28 . T .
29. W.
30. T.
31. F .
1. S .
2 . S .
[We] hauled in 9 loads [of hay and are
finished in the fieldjbelow [the]barn[.]
Bella Cuming [was]here P.M.
Father [was] in Clinton for [binder]
twine[.] John finished mowing[.IJfinish-
ed making [my] gingham dress[.]
Agnes & I in Church (Stewart)[.]
Slight
Showers
16
16
Cool wind 19
slight
shower
Fine
Warm
12
Very warm 12
Jane in Brucefield[;] Dunkin’s & Gil-
mour’s with Bella Cuming[. We] finished
haying (hauled in 4 loads[.] D. Fred (C)
John,Agnes & I cutting wheat[.] Father
Jane & Bella weeding roots[.]B[ella]Cum-
ing, U[ncle] John’s & us down at Aun
ty ’s[. ] Aunty here[?] McRoberts was here
all night[.]
Jane, Agnes & I[were]stooking all day[.]
Father [had Mr] W.Snell &[his] wife here
[this] evening[.]
Agnes & I finis[hed] stooking [and then
worked at]weeding turnip A.M.& P.M. Bel
la & I [were] at Glen's [this evening;]
Dunkin & Mac[were here.]Beetie[was here]
all night
Jane & I [were]picking berries A.M. Took
[a] frame of honey from the w[est]
hive[.] Agnes & Bella [were] in Clin
ton [.] Father at Coopers A.M. & weeding
[turjnips P.M. D. McEwen (C)
Father, Ag & I [were] weeding mangols[.]
Jane & Bella [were]at U[ncle] James’ and
Ag & I [were] at Aunty's[.]
Jane & Bella [were] in Church(Stewart).] Slight
J. McGregor, T. Wigginton, [the] Scott shower cool
boys (C ) wind
Father,Agnes & I [finished] hoeing man- Nice
gols[.j Jo]hn] & I hauled in 1 load [of]
wheat[.]
15
17
Cool wind 10
16
8
10
Hauled in 6 loads [of] wheat[.]Mother & Nice
Jane in Clinton[.]
Raking A.M.Father & John at Glen's thres
hing P.M. I picked 5 lbs [of] berries[.] Rain
supper[.] Agnes
10
14
Hauled in 2 loads after
in Clinton[.]
Hauled in 4 loads[of sheaves] & 1 of ra-
kings[.] Bella Cuming & us down at
U[ncle] John's [in the] even[ing.]
August, 1891
Jane[was] at Wigg[inton's] & Bella [was]
in C1inton[,where she]got 4 teeth out[.]
John & Agnes by Brucefield at McGregor's
& J. Junor’s[.] Father & John[were] hel
ping Ned [Glen] to finish [the] wheat[.]
Father & Mother in Church (Straith)[.]
Mary Glen [
was] in S[abbath] s[chool.]
1 swarm [of bees] off (1st brown swarm
last year)[.]
Dullffine 10
Fine 10
Dull
Slight
shower
Cool
21
10
�3. M. Threshing P.M. I picked [a] little pail Fine 13
[of] rasp[berrie]s A.M.
4. T. Ag & I picked a pail of thimbles & 1/2 17
[of] a little one of rasp[berrie]s A.M.
John at Woon's threshing P.M. Father
Jane & Bella in Clinton P.M.
August, 1891 92
5. W.
6. T .
7. F .
8. S.
9. S.
Swarm off(sic) bees left (the one that
swarmed [on the] Sabbath)[.] Bella got 39
teeth _________ Father & John in Clin
ton with load of wheat A.M. & Father &
Bella with [me were back in Clinton] P.M.*
John at Ned's threshing P.M. * Is Bella
getting
dentures
. or a partial plate?
Swarm off [the] same hive again[.] Agnes Very Warm 12
& I picking berries A.M. I picked[half a
pail of] Rasp[berrie]s[.] They scuffled
some[.] John & they cleaning wheat[.] I
washed[.] D. McEwen 2(C)'s N. & J.
McGregor (C )
Cutting peas P.M. Father in Brucefield[.] Very Warm 19
John & Jane in Clinton with a load of
wheat[.] Jessie calved[.]
Finished making old yellow Aprons[.] Cut Showery 13
[a] road around oats[.] Bella & I picked Very Warm
berries [in the] evening[.]
Agnes & I in Church (Needham/Egmond- 13
ville)[.] U[ncle] James's girls & Lilly
[were here for tea[. Rain with hurricane
wind blew down the Russel[l]*fence[and a
lot of other fences.]
*a type of rail fence
10. M. Agnes & I stooking oats P.M. Jane & Bel
la picking brambles A.M.
Very warm 14
11. T. [We f]inis[hed] cutting [the] 1st field
[of] oats (next to U[ncle] John's) A.M
Cutting peas P.M.
*
11
12 . W. J. Butchart (C) Cutting peas all day[.]
John in Clinton A.M. getting [the] pea
machine mended[.]
Nice
cool
& 19
wind
13 . T . Cutting peas all day [-] Finis[hed.] Fa
ther at Wigg[inton *s.] J. Cooper & McRob-
erts here[.] Mrs Dunkin called[.] Bella
holding lambs for father[.]
Warm 16
14 . F . [Father & John were in Brucefield to del
iver 23 lambs to McRoberts.]*
Rain 17
*The entry is very confused -this is what she was
trying to say.Eliza-Ann was probably very tired.
•
C
O
•
i
n
r
H
Father in Clinton[.] Jane, Agnes & I
[were] stooking next to Mac’s bush
Warm, 16
Mist
Heavy dew
16 . S . Jane & Bella in Church (Sommerville)[.] Nice 13
Showers
17 . M. Took Bella to Varna[.]Stooking P.M. Jane
& Agnes [stooking] all day below water
ing place[.]
Nice
warm
17
�August, 1891 93
f
t
H
f
t
0
0
H
Finis[hed] cutting[.] [We] hauled in 2
loads [of] peas[.] Jane picked [a] pail
[of] berries [this] even[ing.]
Pretty
warm
18
19 . W. Hauled in 6 loads[of] peas[.] Father put
[the]horses[in]to Smith's cloverfield[.]
Jane [was] at [the] school house select
ing [books for the Sabbath School] lib
rary [.]14
Nice 16
20 . T . [We hauled in 4 loads of peas and are]
finis[hed.] Jane picked [a] little pail
[of] berries[.]
Very Warm 29
Rain Evening
21. F . Milked sheep[.] Aunty up back from
Green's[.] Bella home[.] Raining 17
22 . S . Agnes and Bella in Clinton. Macs and J
McEwen [called.] Father put shingles on
[the]barn[.] Father & Mother[went]visit
ing by Brucefield[.] John plowing P.M.
, Fine
Nice
17
23 . S . Agnes & I[were]in Church(Sommervilie)[.]
ville)[.]
Cool,Rain 11
in even[ing
& [at] night
24 . M. Killed Jessief.] N[eil] McGregor (C) Mac
here[.] John plowing[.]
Rain 10
25 . T . Jane & John in Clinton[.] Father & John
putting the manure on[the] pea land[.Fa
ther and John were] plowing[in the]even
ting. Uncle James’s] Annie [was] here[.]
Fine 22
26. W. Hauled in (4?)loads of oats P.M. Pulling
plumbs (sic) A.M. Jane in Clinton P.M.
Bella home[.]
17
27 . T . [Hauled in 10 loads of oats P.M.] Jane
gone to[Cousin Alice] Parke's with Bella
from school[.]
fDull 27
sprinkled
28 F. [I] started making father's vest[.] Jane
[came] back[;] John [was] in Clinton[.]
Raining 14
29. S. Father and u[ncle] James [were] at Wises
A.M. & [at] J. Middleton's[in the] even
ting] for seed wheat.15
Fine 14
30 . S .
* k
rV j f _* #
Sprinkled 15
31 . M. Hauled in 7 loads of oats[.] Teen [here]
for dinnerf.] Fine 20
September, 1891
1. T . Hauled in 2 loads[;]Finis[hed]Harvest[.]
Mother & I picking brambles[.]
Beautiful 14
2 . W. I [was] in Clinton A.M.and called on Mrs
Wilson[.]Took down drain troughs to Rath-
well’s P.M.[.]
Nice 13
Slight shower
3 . T . Father in Clinton[.] Father helping John
haul manure[.]Agnes at U[ncle] James'[.]
16
4. F. Bella home Nice
cool
18
5 . S . Teen helping at wheat land. Bella & I in
Clintonf; Bella] got a tooth pulled.
Raining 16
�September, 1891 94
6. S. Jane & I in Church[.] Fen[wick] was here
all night[.]
Cold wind 15
7 . M. I [was] in Clinton with Father[;He] left
for Quebec[.]U[ncle] James'Annie here[.]
Annie here[.]
15
8. T . Teen here[.] Puttyed window[.] Nice cool 13
night.Frost
9. W. Jane & Agnes [were] at Finley's P.M. &
[at] Mac's [in the] evening[.] Bella
home[.] Fen[wick was here] all day[.]
10. T. [Fenwick]at Beacom's threshing[.]U[ncle]
James [was] up [this] morn[ing.] I [was]
rolling A.M. [1] lengthened Johns Coat
Sleeves.[John was in Clinton.]Bella[was]
in Clinton [at a Teacher's Convention.]
John finished [the] Wheat [in the] even
ting. ]
Warm 28
11 . F . Washed[.] John & Fen[wick] shot 2 part
ridge [and were] in Clinton [in the]even
ting.]
Warm 31
12 . S .
V .
Father home with Balbougie Stamp chick
ens, [a] new [type, just]out[.] John & I
[were]in Clinton P.M. [Annie and Fenwick
Stewart],Jo[hn],Ag & Bel[l]a[were] pick
ing butternuts & grapes[.]
12
Very Warm
Showery
13 . S. More chickens [delivered today.] Agnes &
I [were] in Church[
; Clergy were] Hen
derson & Cripple [from] Bayfieldf.j
Nice 14
Warm
14. M. Father [went] in[to] Clinton [with] Jess
[in the] buggy[.] John [was] light plow
ing oat stubble[. At home we were] Clean
ing [the] Cellar[.Father was] at S[amuel]
Rathwell's1® seeing Wfilliam] Perdue[.]
Showery 15
15. T. Cleaned 2 1/2 bags of oats A.M. Father
took them to the mill P.M. Picking Pota
toes [six rows] P.M.
Heavy Rain
Fine 15
16. W. Picking potatoes all day (6 1 l/2rows)[.]
Father & Mother at the Mason's[;]* came
home by Parkes[.]**Will[ia]m Scott [came]
asking Ma to [a] quilting bee tomorrow[.]
Fine 15
Warm
* probably stone mason Alex. Thompson of Blake, on
the south boundary of Stanley. (See entry for
Oct 17.
** The Parke home place was on Lot 12 Con X
17 . T . We [were] [picking pota[toes] all day[and
finished the last six rows.]Jane in Clin
ton P.M.[Mother at Scott’s quilting bee.]
Very warm 0
18 . F . Agnes & I pulled 2 bags of apples[.]
I [was] in Clinton P.M. Mrs W igginton
here[.] Father pulling down old Hen
house[.] Russell fence blew down[;] They
[are] helping to put it up[.]
Heavy 24
Rain
19. S. Agnes hauling down old Hen-house with Fa
ther P.M. Bella in Clinton[.]
Fine 4
Very warm
20. S. Father & Mother in Church Fine 3
Very warm
21. M. Aunt [Agnes] & I went to Blythe to [visit
with the Cuming's.] T. Wigginton here.]
Fine 4
Very warm
�September, 1891 95
[Aunty and I visited at Brigham's, Wig- Fine 17
ginton's called here.To-day, W.G. Bare-Very warm
lay, a photographer,in honour of The
Master's impending 30th anniversary
as a teacher at S.S. #1 Stanley,took
his picture in front of the north
wall of the] school [with about 60
past and present students.Mother and
Father] got [Barclay to come here and
do our] house Photo[.]
[Aunty and I visited at Elliots.] Father, Fine 24
Jane & Jno. at London Show[.]* Agnes took Viery warm
them down [to the train station] & went
for them [on their return. She] took Mrs
Junor up with her[.]
♦London’s annual Western Fair
Aunty and I[were]at Fergueson's[.We came] Fine 13
home to night.[.The]Master*[was here]with very warm
sheep[.]
* SS #1 Teacher
George Baird
I [worked] at the Sabbath School quilt at Fine 13
Gilmour's P.M. A Mitchell here[.]T.Frazer Very warm
[here] with sheep[.] Bella home[.] Jane &
Agnes picked butternuts[.]Fa[ther] & Jno
in Clinton for lime[.]
Father in Clinton with Mac A.M. & [with]
Jane P.M. U[ncle James here[.] Father &
John fixing show sheep[.]
Jane & Bella in Church(Stewart)[.] Father
Father at Wigginton'
s[.]
Mother & I [were] in Clinton A.M. & John &
Fen[wick] at night[.] A. Dunkin [with wife
& child called in] here on [his] way from
Seaforth* Father & John fixing sheep for
fixing sheep for shows[.]
♦Eliza-Ann wrote C 1/4
Agnes [was]at [the] show [and I was up Showers 6
with John(showing horses.). A.Dunkin was last night
here[;] he bought 6 shearlings[.] John Cold wind
Thompson came [at] night[.]
Father, John, Aunty, Jane & I [were] at Cold Wind 4
[the]show[.] J.Dunkin [was] here[.] Old
Mr Dunkin & Herbert here for dinner
with sheep[.]
October, 1891
Father in Clinton for sheep[.] Mother Cold wind 18
sick[.] Miss Jennie McDougall here.Tene
McEwen here [in the] evening[.]
I [was] in Clinton A.M. Father [was] at Very warm 12
A. Dunkin's [and] bought 2 steers[.]
Bella home[.]
[Mr and Mrs Varcoe were]here all night. 7
[The stone] mason went home[.]
Raining 13
Fine 6
Very
warm
Fine 8
Very warm
Fine 9
Very
warm
22 . T .
23 . W.
24 . T .
25 . F .
26 . S .
27 . S .
28. H.
29 . T .
30. W.
1. T.
2 . F .
3 . S .
4. S.
�October, 1891 96
5. H.
6. T.
7 . W.
8 . T .
9. F.
10. S .
11. S.
12. H.
13. T.
14. W.
15. T.
Varcoe's left[.] Jane took Bella back[.] A few
Mason back P.M. William Snell [here] showers
for dinner[. ] dull
A. Dunkin [was] here for sheep[.] Jane & Dull
1 [were] at [a] prayer-meeting at D.cooler
McGregor's[.] John at Mac's threshing[.]
Bayfield Show John at Mac’s threshing[.] Raining
threshing[.]
12
11
22
[I] pulled some pears [.John was at Mac’s Fine
threshing]a little while[.]Bella home[,]
Mr Wise & Ned here & A. Dunkin with
sheep[.]
Father at Blythe show[;] Jane took [him] Fine 0
up[.] Agnes went for Bella[.] I was at
Rev. Stewart's at[a] Bee[.] John at But-
chart's threshing P.M.
Mason went home[.] Bella & I [were] in Fine 18
Clinton with pears[;]got mantle cut [and]
tooth filled[.]Bella at Grant's P.M. John
at Butchart’
s all day[.]
Agnes & I[were] in Church(Stewart) [.]Jane Cold wind 12
& I [were] in S[abbath] School.] Father
[was] at Ufncle] Jame's
Mason back[.]Jo[hn]in Clinton for lime[.] 6
Agnes & I finis[hed]pulling pears & star- Hard Frost
ted pulling apples[.] last night
Mother & I [were] in Clinton[. I] got 2 9
Goose-Eggs[.] John at U[ncle] Jame's till
2 0 C[lock] & U[ncle]John's after thresh
ing! -]
John at U[ncle]John's threshing all day[. Raining 6
The threshers - Bill, Ceaser(sic), and Hail
Ward Perdue were] here all night[.]
[We] finished threshing [in] the middle Rain 6
of the afternoon. John moved them to Evening
Scott's[.]Lizzie here for dinnner [l]fin-
ished knitting [the] mat[.]
16 .F . [Agnes & I were pulling apples for] a Fine
while before dinner[.]Jane[was]with us P.M. Dull
11
17 . S . [The] mason finis[hed the]Hen-house* and Fine 9
went home[.]Bella home[.]She stayed at
U[nclejJames'all night[.Mr Wigginton and
Tom, A. Dunkin, Fenwick,Annie and Uncle
James here.]
♦There is a picture of Eliza-Ann by Jennie
Grant in front of a splendid field stone
hen house.
18. S.
19 .M.
20 . T .
Jane & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.]
Jane took Bella over[.] Father and John
shingled some [of the henhouse roof. I]
washed my window[.]
Pulling apples A.M. Agnes & X [helped] a
little[.]John started to plow[.]Father &
Agnes started pulling Mangols.l pulled a
few[.]
Dull 6
14
Raining
Rain 3
Dull
9
�October, 1891 97
21. W.
22. T.
23 . F .
24. S .
25 . S .
26 .M.
27 . T .
28 .W .
29 . T .
30.F,
31. S.
Father, Agnes & I [were] pulling Mangols 14
[until it started to rain.] Mrs Brigham Rain P.M.
and Mrs Moore [were]here P.M. Jane,Agnes
& John [were] with them at U(ncle John’s
[in the]evening[.]
[The visiting cousins came for tea, and
were joined by Lizzie.When they left for
home,] Jane went with them as far as
Clinton.she] got a ride home with Cousin
John[ B. Stewart.]Finis[hed]pulling Man
gols .[.]
Agnes & I hauled in [all] 10 loads of Nice 14
Mangols[; The wagon had the] boards on Dull
[the]sides & [each load was]heaped up[.}
Bella home[.]
0
Cold wind
Father,Jane & I [went to church]in Clin- Nice 4
ton(Simpson)[.]
Father walked up to Church & Mother,Jane
& I rode [the buggy with Jess.] & I got
home with Finley [McEwen.]
John at Woon’s threshing all day[.]Fath- 7
er at Craig's sale on the....Mother & I Coldish winds
[were] in Clinton[. I]got[a]tooth filled
[,a] front leftside double one[.]
Gorel & Swarts, the apple packers [were] Nice 1
here. They packed 13 barrels [or] sacks. Cold Wind
Agnes & I carried the apples in[.] Fath
er [was] shingling [and] John[was] plow-
ing[.]
Father & Agnes [were]in Clinton with Ap
ples [.We]Finished pulling and taking in
Apples[.] Stanley & J.B. Harris [were
here] for dinner[.] Charles Stewart mar
ried Miss [Emma] Irwin[.]17
’
j » * )
*
>
m '
*
•
*
*
■
♦ , • 4 * ' I• '
*
*
* ’ •*
*
Father at Glen's threshing all day[.] I
pulled cabbages & put[them] in [thejcel-
lar[.] C.Grant and C.McTavish drove[over
here] P.M. Mother & Jane picking beech
nuts [.]
[Father was again at Glen’s threshing.] 9
Jane, Agnes & I pulled turnips A.M. [We]
hauled them in P.M. [-]3 1/2 loads[with]
double sides[on the wagon.]Bella home[.]
Ada [Stewart] & Jennie [Grant were] here
all night[.] Jessie [Wigginton] & Annie
Stewart [Uncle James' Annie] came over
from Glen's [in the] evening[.]
Jane & Bella in Clinton[.] Father at
Glen's threshing till P.M. and at Steeps
after.Jane Bella & I [indecipherable] at
Aunty’s & John, Adam, [George] Stickley,
Ada,Annie Ida & Lillie......
0
Very Windy
Rain A.M.
7
Nice, Warm
November, 1891
Jane, Agnes & I[were]in Sabbath-School[. Rain &
The] Horses & Milch Cows [were] in all Snowed 0
night [for] the ist.[time.]
1. s.
�
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Text
November, 1891 98
11
2. M.
3.T.
4. W.
5. T.
6. F.
7 . S .
8 . S .
9. M.
10 . T .
11. W.
12 . T .
13 . F.
14. S.
15. S .
Dewdrop calved in [the] Rathwell [place]
bush[.] Agnes took Bella back & [was] in
Brucefield looking for Rennet[.]* [She]
had dinner at Junor'
s[and]stayed to vis
it[.]I [worked]with Father all day pick
ing up round [the new] hen-house[.]
♦Tablets to make
Father,Agnes & I [worked]all day at [the
new] Hen-house[. We] hauled overboard
trash A.M. John plowing these days[.]
Gathered up chips[.] Father walked to
Clinton & Agnes went for him with Bob &
took Miss Wilson some apples[.]
Agnes & I [spent]all day at[the new]Hen
house puttying [the] windows right[.] A.
Dunkin & sons here for sheep[.] Mac &
Willie [stopped] in[.] Bella home[; She
is] going to Bayfield [to take an] exam
tomorrow[.]
[To-day we] Killed pigs[.]W[illiam Glen]
& Fen[wick Stewart were here] helping[.
We] finis[hed] puttying [the hen house]
windows & fixing [the] veranda ones[.]
[I worked all day] at[the]henhouse,help
ed by] Agnes A.M. John Allen here[.]
Agnes walked to Clinton [and] hurt [her]
toe[.]
Mr & Mrs,Jessie & Stella Wiggintonfwere]
ton [were] here[.] Agnes & Jessie [were]
at S[abbath] S[chool.] Agnes at Aunty's
A.M. Jane & Aunty took Bella back P.M.
Fine
milk custard
Fine 0
Dull
Fine 0
Soft
Snow
Fine 8
Dull
Nice 1
Nice 0
Sprinkled
6
Showery
Agnes[worked] with Father cleaning grist Warm 0
grist and chop stuff[.] Father at mill Nice
P.M. John plowing with Kate[. ]Fen[wick] Rain night
took Farmer[.]
Glen here[.] Jane cleaned hall[.] Peel- Raining
ing pears and put pane in milk room cor- Warm 4
ridor & changed hinges[.] windy
Peeling pears A.M.[;] Fixing cellar win- Windy
dows P.M. Father[was] at[the grist] mill Nice 2
[and came home with] 6 bags[of] flour[.]
Bella home & Miss McNaughton18 [here]
Thanksgiving Jane,Agnes & Bella at[an- Showery 15
nual Sabbath School] exam[.]Simpson &
Forest there. Father [was] in [the] bush
splitting and piling blocks[.]John finish
ed plowing[indecipherable]land[.]Mr McCul
ly's funeral [was held to-day.]19
Agnes took Miss McNaughton and Bella Colder 1
back[.] John started plowing sod[.] Jim Showers
Junor here for dinner[.J Bella home [in Hail
the] even[ing.]John in Clinton [and]Jane
at J[ohn] Pearson's[.]
Father,Jane & Agnes at J.McGregor’s fun- Dull 1
eral[.]Father Jane and Agnes hauled over Froze Hard
logs for wood[.] Bella[was] in Clinton
[and] I swept up [the] cellar[.]
Jane & Agnes [were] in Church(Henderson Dull 2
Bayfield) [.They rode the buggy with] Raining
Bob[.
]
�16. M.
November, 1891 99
* '
•* - t • ♦ I J i
.*
’ l
* * j 'j * * » *
* • {
*
•
Put in double windows[.]*Mac here[.]Mas- Raining 1
ter [George Baird]& son [were here]after
their sheep[.]
*storm windows
17. T. [The] Master [was here] in [the] even- 3
[ing.]Father &Mother at Mac's seeing Mrs snowing &
McDougall all even[ing.]John hauled fence blowing &
rails out of [the] river[.] T.Powell freezing
[was here] for dinner (I think)[.]
18. W. Jane & I put bees in and half packed Cold & 1
them[;] 5 hives[.] raw wind
19. T. Father in Clinton with Mac [. ]Fen[wick] & a little
Adamfwere here in the] even[ing[.]Washed warmer 2
& scoured yarn
20. F. Father at U[ncle] James killing pigs A.M. Snowy 2
& [at] Glen's P.M. [I] ironed P.M. Jane & Thawed some
Agnes at D. McEwen’s[►] rainy
21. S. Made slips for Mother's 2 bolaters[. I] Raining 1
finis [hed] ironing [in the] even[ing.]
22. S. U[ncle James Here & at Glen's[.] Green's Raining 0
at Glen's all night[.]
23 . M . Made a match stick holder and an apron Pouring 0
out of shirting wrapper[.] Jennie Fraz- all day
ier'
s funeral[.]20
24. T. Jane cleaned[the] pantry [.The Bayfield] Snowing 1
River [is running] very high[.]Made other Blowing
old apron[.] Agnes[was] at Glen’s[in the]
even[ing.]
25. W. Father walked to Clinton[.]Made saltbox & 1
pattern bag[.]Jane scrubbed John's stair[.]
26. T. Jane washed kitchen plaster[.]Agnes [was] Soft 0
in Clinton A.M.& at Wigg[inton’s] P.M.[I] fine
Changed cloths on bees & took covers off.
T. Frazer & Jimfwere here] after sheep[.]
John [was] in Clinton[this] even[ing] for
window sashes for[the]old horse stable.2i
Fen[wick was here this]even[ing]&[stayed]
all night[.]
27. F. Mother & I in Clinton with turkeys (6) Snowing 0
killed them to Mr Forsyth for dinner[.]*
took in 4 stable front boards[.] Bella
home from school[.]
*1 left this sentence as is.I could not repair it and
be sure I conveyed what the diarist intended: Ed.
28. S. Jack McDonald [was here] for dinner[.We] Cold 1
finis[hed]packing[the] bees[for winter.]
John hauled up a load of wood[.]John & I
[were] at Duncan Walker’s Funeral[.]
29 . S . Jane took Bella back[.] 0
30. M. Father & John [were] at [the Bayfield] Cold,raw 0
river bridge taking out rails A.M. and
hauling wood up P.M. Jane walked [to]
Clinton[.]
�December, 1891 100
2. W.
3. T.
4. F .
5. S .
6. S
7. M.
8. T.
9. W.
10 . T .
11. F .
12 . S .
13 . S .
14 .M.
15. T.
T. Wiggin[ton] [was here] asking [neigh- Fine 0
hours to come] to [his] threshing[.] Fa- Coolish wind
ther & Mother at Wigginton's P.M. Agnes
[was] helping father put paper on [the]
W[ood] S[hed.]*Annie Stewart(James)[was] here
P.M.[I] cemented my rubbers & a lot of dishes.
♦Read the last sentence in tomorrow's entry.
The two sisters are building a winter woodshed
privy.
Father & John [were] at Wiggin[ton]'s Fine,soft
threshing all day[.] Mother at Glen's & rain 0
Jane [was] at U[ncle] James’ P.M. Agnes
& I started building "Private."[We work
ed at it all day except when we did the
chores[.]
Father at Wigg[inton]'s threshing a while Warm 0
A.M. John [was] in Clinton [in thejeven-
ing[.] Mrs & E.A. Isard [were] here P.M.
[Alex.Thompson]the Mason, & his man [were] Pouring A.M.
[were] here for his sheep[-] (3 old ones & Windy,
& a lamb)[.] Agnes &I [Continued] build- colder 0
ing[.]
Jane walked in[to]Clinton[.]Father [was] 0
at.....Dunkin's for dinner[.] J. McDon- Frozen [A.M. ]
aid [was] here and bought 2 sheep[.] Ag- Fine [P.M.]
nes & I finis[hed our construction.]
Jane & I in Church (Stewart)[.] The Fine [then]
children's Anniversary Snowing 0
U[ncle] James' & U[ncle] John's [famil- 0
ies] & us (kids) & J[im] Barkley [were] First sleighing
at [John and Alice] Parkes's[.] John & Fine
I Hauled in 2 jags [of] hay P.M. East wind
John hauled 2 loads [of firewood] A.M. 0
[and another] load..... P.M. I threshed Cold, raw wind
out the beans* P.M. drifting
* by hand with a flail on the barn
floor.
John hauling wood[.] Father walked to 0
Clinton[. I went there in the afternoon Cold, Raw
in the] cutter[.] wind in
evening
Father & Mother at A. Dunkin's [in the] 0
buggy[.] John [was] hauling wood [with Soft, fine
the sleigh] A.M. Sleighing gone P.M. froze
Aunty & I [were] in Clinton[.] Agnes at frost 0
Wigg[inton's.]All[the]Wigginton's [were]
here [this] evening.John cut his foot.
Aunty went to [John and Bella] Green’s
[for the] night.
Bella home[.] Agnes & I choreing[.] Fen- Frozen 0
[wick Stewart was here in the] even
ing[.] Agnes & Bella [were] at Glen's
[this] evenfing. I]started ripping [a]
striped black dress[.]
Jane and Agnes in Church(Stewart)[.] Soft 0
Jane took Bella back[.] Agnes & I[seem to Raining 0
be] choreing all the time[.] Agnes & Fa
ther cleaned oats for chop[.]
John took oats to [the] mill[ .I]finis[li
ed] ripping and pressing [my] dress[.] Raining 0
1. T •
�16 .W
17. T.
18 . F .
19. S.
S.Jane
21. H.
22 . T .
23 .W.
24. T.
25. F.
December 1891 101
John went for chop[.] Jane & Agnes [were 1
at] Isard's trading [a] goose[.I] started Blustery
knitting [a pair of] black stockings[.]
a
[I was] in Clinton[.] Adam [Stewart was] 1
here in [the] evening[.] Father & John Snowed
took [the] barn pump out and fixed [the] Clear &
sucker[.]* Agnes cleaned her room[.] cold
*plunger
I [was] in Clinton all day getting [a] 1
dress cut[.] U[ncle] James' Annie [was] Clear & cold
here[.]
Mother & I [were] in Clinton[.] 0
Nice Sun Thaw20
Agnes [were] in Church[.] Nice Sun Thaw
Fen[wick Stewart],J[ohn] & W[ill] McEwen Soft 4
[were here this]evening[.]Fen[wick stay- Raining
ed all] night[.]
Jane & Agnes [were] at Bella's exam in Raining 3
Varna[.] Father & John in the bush these
days[.]
[Mr]Scott[was here) in[the] morning col- Dull 3
lecting for a present for Turnbull[.]22
Father [has] gone to Stratford[.] Jane 4
drove him to the cross-roads[.]Ned, Fen- Froze a little
[wick] & John [have] gone to Clinton[.] soft
sprinkled
Jane, Agnes, John & I [were] at U[ncle Soft 3
John's [Christmas party this even [ing]23
* That was some party. The acount
in The New Era's Stanley Township
news column is given directly below
"....On Christmas night River View, the residence of Mr John
Stewart, presented 4 festive appearance when all his relatives
living in Western Ontario and a number of invited guests assem
bled and spent an enjoyable time. At 6:30 dinner was served,
when the doors of the spacious dining room were thrown open,re
vealing the long tables artistically decorated and fairly
groaning under the weight of Jurabonian turkeys and an array
of choice delicacies............ The walls of the dining room
were hidden by evergreens, ferns and floral mottos and formed
a pleasing contrast to the glittering tables.......... dessert
consisting of native and tropical fruits and choice confection
ary was served,after which dancing was commenced and the light
fantastic was tripped until the wee sma’ hours, being indulged
in by the frisky hpad of the house, a sportive lad of over
three score, as by the younger members of the party. Mr George
H. Steckley, a gentleman formerly in Her Majesty's service,
London, Eng.,acted as floor manager,and received the thanks of
the assembled party for the efficient manner in which he dis
charged his duties. Mr F.J. Rathwell, S.C.B.C., of Stratford,
was the lion of the evening,and many were the admiring glances
bestowed upon him by the unmarried female portion of the party.
Mr J.L. Parke contributed largely to the amusement of the even
ing by the performance of several extremely interesting sleight
of hand tricks, while another gentleman sang several solos so
low as to be heard by only a small portion of his audience.Mrs
Chas. Stewart and Mr Jas. Barkley furnished the violin music
and Miss Annie Stewart presided at the organ. Mr and Mrs Stew
art were presented with a number of valuable presents by the
members of their family and received a vote of thanks from the
entire party for the manner in which they had made the evening
enjoyable..... "
�December, 1891 102
26. S. Jane went to Clinton to meet Father[.] I 5
was at [?] Junor's funeral[. ]24 Freezing
Cold wind
27. S. Fen[wick Stewart] & Ned [Glen were here 5
P.M. Father at U[ncle] James’ P.M Hard, frozen.
28. M. Jessie Wigg[inton was] here P.M. 6
Softened a
little, very
windy
29. T. The 4 [children] of U[ncle] James & 3 of 4
U[ncle] John's,* Jim Barkley, G[eorge] Rain & Sleet
Steckley, Mac & Maggie MacNaughton & D. [then] clear
Ross [canvassed the school section] col- & frozen
lecting [money] for a present for M[as-
te]r Baird.** Mary, Ned [Glen] & Jessie
Foster [were] here [this] even[ing.] *
*Fenwick, Ada, Ida and Annnie(McBrien) and Adam, Lily
and Annie(1867-96)
** The Master had
taught in the school section since January
1861, and in belated recognition of his 30 years
of service, a photo of past and present pupils
with the Master was taken at the school. (See Sept
22.) The New Era Jan 8 records that the community
presented Baird with a watch in gratit-
tude for 31 years service.He would go on to
serve a full 50 years.
30. W. Father [was] at the [annual] school meet
ing and got [our copies] of the school
pictures.* Aunty home[.]
♦Eleven decades later,many copies survive. (Ed.)
31. T. Fen[wick] & John shooting[.]
Ned fetched [the news] papers[.] Weather and egg count
torn off.
1
*
*
4
5
1. A teaching assistant? See MeAsh Varna in Review
2. The Grange (or Granger Movement) was American with feelers
into Canada. It tried to organize farmers politically and
economically against the big city political interests which
in turn were in bed with the banks and the corporations. It
also tried to encourage self-help, self-improvement and
social life.
3
. Elizabeth Glen 1891-1969, married to Francis Watkins "Frank"
How. She became a Jehovah's Witness. She has two sons,,Glen
and Maynard. Glen, a civil rights lawyer, has earned a
'
national and international reputation effectively fighting
for the legal rights of his co-religionists.
4 .
4
. Isabella Melvina Stewart (1858-1911), second child of John
& Abigail Stewart, married 1883 to John B. Green, son of
Goderich Township pioneer George Green. The Green's faimed
up on the Bayfield Concession. The log house of the John
Stewart family was over crowded, and Bella bunked in with
Aunt "Nancy” (Agnes) and kept her company as a surrogate
daughter. Bella's mother was a Tweedy and John's mother was
a Betensen, both of which were families with a serious
genetic weakness for tuberculosis. John and Bella Green had
5 children. John .Stewart Green (1887-1907), Abigail J. Green
(1890-1908) and John himself died from T.B. Lillian Louisa
(1888-1930) or "Lulu," (Mrs Norman Welsh), Janet or "Netty,”
(1896 - 1982 - Mrs Clayton Prouty) and George, (1899-1974)
did live to grow up.
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�I Oif
5. See obit in The New Era, March 20, 1891. Donald Ross died
March 12, 1891, aged 78. He settled on Lot 27 (2) Stanley,
about 1850, cleared it, and resided there until his death.
6
. The New Era for January 8, 1892, identifies as a Stewart
guest a Mr "F.J. Rathwell of Stratford.*' For many years I
wondered if he could be connected to Rathwell*s in Smith's
Falls.James Stewart's sister Anne was married to a William
Rathwell of Beckwith Township. This young man, however,
was the oldest son of Edward Rathwell (1841-1921) and his
wife, Jemima Thompson. Counting 2 stillborn*s,this couple had
14 children. Edward or Ned was born to pioneers John & Jane,
on the Bayfield Concession, and would live in Goderich Town
ship his whole life, except for a brief residence on the 4th
of Stanley. He sold his small holding to MacFarlane’s (hence
"Rathwell Place.") His farm was a triangle of 98 acres,north
of Varna and across the Bayfield River. McFarlane’s and
Rathwell's could cut across fields and the river and reach
each other’s house in minutes. According to notes by Rathwell
family historian Mrs Muriel Grigg, Fred Rathwell was born
December 6, 1870. We learn from the New Era that in December,
1891 that he was residing in Stratford and that at John
Stewart’s Christmas party, his good looks (according to the
writer of the local news column) were sending shock waves
through the ranks of eligible maidens and their mothers.
Perhaps this young man also had a lively personality. His
father was the only Rathwell of his generation who could /
match the Glen's,MacFarlane's and the combattive
Stewart’s in repartee and debate. (The Rathwell*s were J
f
certainly not humourless, but they were gentler.) My hunch is
that in the James MacFarlane, John and James Stewart
households, Fred may have been viewed as prime husband
material for a total of 9 still unmarried daughters. Eliza-
Ann's diary reveals that Fred died on May 19, 1892 and that
her parents went to his funeral on May 21st. The handwriting
is shaky for both entries as it would be when she recorded
her own father’s death in 1899 - the letters are larger and
she pressed harder. Though she "guards her feelings, by not
attending the funeral,she allows posterity to wonder if she
was too grief-stricken to attend.
7. McQueen's farmed Lots 22, Concessions 2 and 3. Mrs Edward
Glen, mother of Ned and Willie, was Elizabeth McQueen. Wm.
McQueen is probably her father - hence Eliza's interest
in his passing[.] ^
8. Beatty is the correct spelling. See Stanley:1836-1986 p. 380
for detailed account of the Beatty family. The Beatty's were
protestant Irish immigrants who settled on a farm in the
south-west corner of Varna in 1848. It's not clear yet which
Beatty Eliza-Ann is talking about. The Beatty's were like the
MacFarlane'
s - serious farmers strongly into pure bred stock-
raising. Beattys also did bee keeping and operated a general
store and farm impliment dealership for decades.
9. Mrs Edna A. Stewart of Hensall, daughter of Lillian Stewart
and John Cuming, told me that her Aunt Bella and Ada were
both cousins and good friends. Ada encouraged Bella to con
sider matrimony with her brother Fenwick and lent strong
moral support. Fenwick's marriage to Alice E. Rathwell on Dec
9, 1898 brought a sudden end to that project. Caught by sur
prise, Ada (always combative and outspoken) could not conceal
her disappointment and made the new bride's early weeks under
James Stewart household roof miserable, and enlisting her 2
sisters help. Their mother Mary would have been able to stop
this destructive pattern, but she had died earlier that year,
in April. Alice never really forgave Ada.
TO. Finley McEwen only had two daughters Anabel and Ella, and no
sons. Duncan's family included two sons - Alex, and John H.
He bought Finley out and put John H. on that place (Lot 28
Con. 3 and put Sandy on lot 28 Con 2. The auction sale
mentioned in the diary is Finley’s first step in the process
of disengagement from farming.
IT. Charles Foster had a small farm just west of Varna on the
south side of the Bayfield Road. Their daughter Margaret was
married to Henry Diehl and that couple lived out their whole
lives on Lot 25, Con. V.
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�1 2 .
/ O f ™
Maud Scott (Mrs Christie) outlived her first husband and re
married (as wife #3) to the nationally prominent Saskat
chewan politician, the Right Hon, James G. Gardener, a
federal Minister of Agriculture in the King and St Laurent
Governments 1935-57. He married Maud Scott Christie after
the war. Gardener came from Huron. His first wife was
Violet McEwen and he and Maud in the late forties and early
fifties visited at Sandy McEwen’s (son of Duncan) whenever
they passed through the vicinity. Maud is in the 1891 S.S.
#1 photo.
13. when the Stewart’s left Smith’
s Falls for Huron, in 1854,
three married sisters stayed behind: Mary (Mrs Robt. Tweedy),
of Lombardy, Isabella d. 1879 (Mrs Archibald Garvin) of
Smith's Falls and Ana or Anne, (widow of Wm. Rathwell, d
1879), of Beckwith Township. Abigail Stewart had numerous
siblings, nieces and nephews in the area. Eliza MacFarlane
and her daughters worked hard to keep in touch with these
relatives.
14. A large cross-section of books that were in the library and
books that were given out as prizes were found in the attic
at Glen Lyon on Glenfarm.
15 They planted fall or winter wheat in this neck of the
woods. It would be sown in late August or early September,
germinate and put down roots that would survive the winter
and get a head start in the spring.
16. Samuel Rathwell (1836-1912) was the son of pioneers John &
Jane Rathwell. He was born in Goderich and moved with his
parents to Lot 25, the Bayfield Concession and lived on it
his whole life. In 1862 he married Eiza Jane Chambers and
they had 9 children: Jane (Mrs Arthur Stephenson) 1863-1948,
Mary (Mrs George Sparling) 1865-1953, Annie (Mrs Wm. Beacom)
1866-1919, John, 1869-1945, Alice (Mrs Fenwick Stewart)*
1874-1958, Addie (Mrs John McKay) 1877-1924, Samuel Chambers
1878-1957, James Benjamin 1879-1964 and Effie (Mrs Perry
Plumsteel) 1880-1929.
17. Charles Stewart (1863-1943) was the second son of John and
Abigail Stewart. He married Emma Irwin of Bayfield. His
father set him up on a farm as he had done for John,but
Charley had the “itchy feet" of his Tweedy uncles. He sold
the farm and moved to London and then to Claresholm, Alberta,
where he operated a Massey dealership in farm machinery.
Charley & Em had one child - a boy - Frank Stewart M.D., who
died around 1945 in St Albert, Alta., leaving a widow and
one daughter.
18. McNaughton's lived on the Bayfield Road in
Stanley, near the junction with the 4th Concession.
19 Probably Joseph McCully who farmed lot 21, con 2, immediately
west of the Baird farm. His tombstone in Baird’
s cemetery
says he he died on Nov 11, 1891.
20. Jennie Fraser, youngest child of the late Donald Fraser, died
Nov 19, 1891, at the. home of her sister Mrs Young of Minto
Township aged 22 years 3 months. She had taught in Essex
county. The New Era, Nov 27, 1891
21. when the land was first cleared, bams were buiilt on the
ground, and were designed to house theubjat crop and the grain
sheaves awaiting threshing. Livestock were kept in separate
sheds. When the west opened up in the 1880's and 90*s, and
superceded sdouthern Ontario as the breadbasket, the farmers
near Ontario^ s growing industrial cities turned to mixed
farming to sell, meat, butter, eggs, fruits and vegetables.
Barns were raised on cement or stone foundations to make
space for cattle and other livestock, and generally included
a lane for horses. Sometimes the old horse stable or cowshed
might be knocked down, particularly if they were log
buildings,but sometimes they were converted to other uses. My
Uncle, the late Clifford J. Stewart farmed lot 27 Con 3. He
used "the old horse stable" to house his car and never called
it the garage.
22. Turnbull? Turnball? possibly a clergyman?
23. see The New Era, January 8, 1892
24. which Junor?
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�1892
The logbook of Eliza-Ann MacFarlane 107
continued
The entries for 1892 and 1893 are in a scribbler with
much more writing space than the Expositor Almanac had in 1890
January, 1892
1, F. The 5 of us [were] at Uncle Jame's[this]
evening[.]
Raining 4
2 . S . Lizzie [Glen] left [daughters] Mary &
Bessie here P.M.
4
3. S .
Stormy
8
4. M. Ja[ne,] Ag[nes,j Jno & Bella & U[ncle] Fine 3
James[’s] & U[ncle John's[families, Jim] snow
Barkley & Ned[Glen were]at[Charlie Stew- falling
art’s on the] sleigh[.] Father [was] in
Clinton[and] Hauled in 6 loads of hay[.]*
♦People in town with horses had to buy hay from farmers - often
with cash on the barrelhead. A farmer who needed cash could
drive in a load of hay to town and have a choice of custo
mers. In winter, when the weather was bad and roads were
blocked, fewer loads of hay came into town and the livery
stables and other citizens or businesses with horses to feed
would pay higher prices.
5. T I [am] sick[today. ]Tom & Jim Agar [were Heavy 5
here] all night[.] Ag & John hauled in W. Frost
[on the]wagon 2 loads of hay [from the] Fine
stack[.]**
*
*
*
*
* When a farmer had more loose hay than the mow
could hold, he built a stack outdoors and then
brought it in when livestock consumption and
sales opened up some room in the hay mow.
6. W. [The] Agars [were here] all day &
night[.] Snowed a
5
little
7 . T . [I was in]Clinton[yesterday and]fetch
ed the [news]papers[.] Stormy
5
8. F. John hauled 1 load of wood[.] Mr & Mrs
Foster [were here] for dinner & tea[.]
Stormy 8
9.’ S . [John & Alice] Parke's[
were] at Glen's
all night[.]
Cold 4
10. s .
5 degrees
3
above zero
11. M. [The] 4 kids* [were]at Stonehouse1s[this]
evenfing.]** Father & Jane [were]in Clin-
ton[.] Wearing Jewells Godey’s Feb 1861
8
Snowing,
E[ast] wind
& Method of testing lungs (May 1861) ***
* 4 MacFarlane sisters
** John B.Stewart lived on the former Stonehouse
farm on the Bayfield line,Goderich Twsp.he and
Amelia,6 days earlier had their first wedding
anniversary and the party was probably to celeb
rate it.
*** I don't understand the last three lines and
leave them as Eliza-Ann wrote them.
�January, 1892 108
12 . T . Mother & I [were] in Clinton [in the] Fine, 3
cutter[. There was] good sleighing[.] C[old] Wind
13 . W. [A]Fellow looking at horses[was here.] Snow 7
John [is] sick [and] I [have been] do- showers
ing his chores[.]
14 . T . Agnes & Bella [were] in Clinton [in the] 6
cutter[. I] finis[hed] making [a] Black
striped Skirt[.]
15 . F . Jane & I [were] in Clinton[.] Jane stay- 4
ed for church P.M. [I] got a ride home
with Ned [Glen.]i
16. S. [I was] choreing all day[.We] killed [a] 6
heiferf.] Mr Dunkin, Charlotte & Maggie Clear & fine
[were here this] even[ing.]Annie Stewart
[was here] P.M.
17 . S . Jane, Bella & I [went] in[the cutter[to] 3
Church (Stewart)[.]
18. M. Jno. Thompson (the stone) Mason,was here 5
for a lamb & highland sheep[. The] Geese Stormy
[have] paired off[.] I have got a cold &
so has (sic) Father, Mother & Agnes[.]
[I] Cleaned some cabbage refuse out of
the cellar[.]*
* possibly the result of making
a tub of sauerkraut.
19. T. [I] was trying knit patterns all day[.] 3
John [was] in Clinton with hide[.] Clear & Cold
20. W. [I was] knitting woollen lace for [the] 5
bottom of [a] petticoat[.] 7 below zero
21. T . Fen[wick was] up in[the] sleigh for but- drifted 6
ter[.] Father [was] at Glen's P.M. cut- a little,
ting [wood.] Tom [was] in at noon [and] fine
Jane & John [were] in Clinton[.]
22 . F . Jane helped John a little to clean 6
oats[.] Jane, John & Bella [were] at Fos- Snowed &
ter's[this] evening[. X] finis[hed] knit- Drifts a
ting [the] lace & sewed it on [the pet- little
ticoat.
]
23 . S . John [was] at the mill with chop [and he] 9
hung [a] new door on [the] old H[orse] Snowing
stablef.] I washed a few things[.] T[om]
Wig[ginton was] here asking [us] to their
dance[.]
24 . S . Soft 2
25. M. Agnes & Bella[were] at Issards[.]I wash- 5
ed [and I] shortened Father’s cordouroy Blustering
pants[.] even[ing]
26 . T . [I] Started making button-holes in [the] 9
Black Basquef.] A[gnes],Jo[h]n & B[ella Blustering
were ] down at Aunty's[. I was ] Tareing & Snowing
(sic) carpet rags at night[. I] Finis
hed] going to [the] barn before dark[.]
27 . W. [Father has] gone to Delaware below Lon- 5
don [to] Gibson’s sale[.] John drove Fa- Snowed, a
ther tofthe railway] station [this] mor- little colder
ning[.] Jo]h]n hauled a load of furnace
wood[.] Ag fetched Aunty up....
�January, 1892 109
28 . T .
29 F .
30. S.
31. S .
[Two] men here packed 6 barrels [of] 3
apples(Talman's)[.] Ja[ne] & Bella[were] Looks soft
at U[ncle] Ja[me]s['s in the] even[ing.]
Fen[wick was here] all night[.] Showing
Nips Wilson edging[.]Jane walked to Clin
ton P.M. John [went]up[to the station in
the] even[ing] for Father[.]
Fen[wick]& John[are] sawing[wood*]Father
& Agnes [were] in Clinton with [the]
Apples[.]A[gnes] stayed at McTavish's[.]
(sic) [Father] & Wigginton [were] at
Scott’s & Mac’s [and] Father had dinner
at Wigg[inton’]s[.]
Bob McMillen,Sprung & H____ [were] here Beautiful
for tea[.] Fen[wick] & John [are still]
sawing [wood.] I [was] in Clinton [and]
took milk up for Mrs [Elizabeth] Glen
from [Willie] Glen's[.]
Agnes & I [went to] Church [in the]cut- Frost
ter[.] Fen[wick was here] all nightf.]
5
Softish
February, 1892
1. M. John & Fen[wick] sawing [wood.] I [was] 10
down at Aunty's [in the] even[ing.] Thawing
2. T. [John and Fenwick were] in Clinton for 15
the 8 sheep father bought - 6 of them Snow
from Hawkshaw & 2 lambs from Wright[. ] Soft
3. W. John & Fen[wick] went to Jno. Cuming's 12
sale[.]* R.J. Eratt [was] here for
dinner [and] bought 2 sheep[.] Finley
[McEwen was] in collecting [for the]
Bible Society[.]
*Lot 22, Con 13
Hullett Twsp.
4. T. Rev. [Alex.] Stewart[,his] wife & [son] 16
Robbie [were] here P.M. Fen[wick] & John Fine
[arrived] home P.M.[First] lamb [born]
- one of Erratt’s sheep[.]
5. F. Mr & Mrs Thompson [were here]for dinner 16
& tea & at yarn for Amy[.]Smith &[Thomp- Cold win[d]
son were] here [and] bought [the] Bull
Argowan Nubian[.] I [was] in Clinton
with Lizzie [Glen.]
6. S. Father walked to Clinton A.M. Jane & X 30
[were] at [Jim] Junor’s P.M. Jane called
[on the] Dunkin’s & [the] McGre[gor’s.]
Wigginton & Tom [were] here A.M. Mac &
T[om] Frazer here P.M.Fen[wick]went home
to-night[.]
7. S. One of the 1888 sheep lambed [the] 2nd Snowing 12
lamb[.] S. Thaw, Rain
► i .:
-
| '
8. M. [I]Cleaned Lanterns & Hauled in a jag of 14
hay with John [and] Killed [the] gan- Snowing some,
der[.] Bob Churchill & Lillie[were] here Frozen a
[and bought a]cow[.]J. Scruton and Baker little
[were]here[and] bought Highland lambs[.]
9. T • Father & John [were] in Clinton A.M with 25
cow & lambs The] Erratt boys [were] here Blustering
for sheep[.]John hauled 1 load of wood[.] Fine Even[ing]
Jane,Ag & John [have]gone with[a]load to
Green’s[.I am]Making[a] Flannel petticoat[.]
�February, 1892 110
10. W. [I] Finis[hed the petticoat.]John hauled 12
wood A.M. Mr Potter[was]here to buy corn Cold Wind
that was sold[.]Agnes[was] helping Fath- Blustering
er to trim lambs awhile[.] Evenfing]
11. T . [We] Ate [the] Gander[.] Agnes went down 20
for Auntie[.] John was in Clinton P.M. I Snowing &
took[Auntie]Back when J[ohn]came home[.] Blustering
12. F. 15
Stormy
13. S. [Two]lambs(3rd ones) John [was]in Clin- 18
ton A.M.[with the]cutter to post cards[. Cold
John was] at [the] Mill with peas P.M. Calm wind
14. S. Jane & Agnes [were] in Church[.] (Pat- 17
terson,one of the High School teac[hers] Snow & drifted
preached.) [One] lamb[.] some P.M* &
night
15. M. Rob McMillen [was here] for dinner[.]Fa- 18
ther & Jane went by Wig[ginton’s] to Fine, Drifting
Clinton[.] [Two] lambs a little
16. T. [Two] sheep lambed - 1 the little ewe - 11
both doubles[.] Ned [Glen]fetched in[32 Dull
1/2 bushels of] Peas[.] John & I hauled
in 4 jags of hay[.]The 1st load upset[.]
17. W. Father [was] in Clinton & Agnes [was] at 18
U[ncle] Jame’s P.M. Clear & Fine
4 below zero[F]
18. T. [Two] lambs Mother & I [were] in Clin- 9
ton[.] J[ohn was]at[the] mill with grist Softish
& chop[.] Kizer2 & another [were] here Snow evening
[and] sold Father fanning mill fix
tures [. ]
19. F. John [was] in Clinton P.M. posting let- 17
ters[.]John took[a] load to Wigg[inton’s Snowing
this]evening. Jim Barkley came back with Soft
them [and stayed] all night[.]
20. S. [Two]lambs & 1 dead John [has been]haul- 31
ing lumber from Clinton for U[ncle]James Thawing
[Stewart’s new house.3 Jim] Barkley had Fine
sorrel[.]
21. S. Jane & Bella [were] in Church (Stew- 18
art)[.] 2 lambs A.M.
22. M. Helen & Aggie Butchart [were here] P.M.& 22
evening[. Their brother] Johnny came in
[the] evening for them[.] Father[was] at
[the] Mill for grist & chop[.]
23. T. Bella & Jane [were] in Clinton[.]Agnes & 26
John hauled in 2 jags [of] hay [which] I
helped take off[.] J. W. McDonald [was]
here [this] evening [and] fetched back
billyf.] [Today, in a by-election in the
Dominion riding of Huron West, the Hon.
James C.]Patterson[
was] Elected(Tory)[.]4
�24. W.
25 . T
26. F
27 . S
28 . S
29. M
X. T
2. W
3. T
4. F
5. S
6. S
7. M
8. T
February, 1892 111
. Churchill,J.B.Holmes & fanning mill men 17
[were] here[.] Aunt Abby & Alice [were]at
Glen's[.] Father[was] at Glen’s [in the]
evening[.] Lamb had 1 lamb sheep 3[.]
. [The] Glen's [were] in Clinton P.M. [and] Raining 15
left[their] children here[.] Auntie [was] Cooler
up [and] stitched her jacketf.J
[One]of the 5 lambs died[.I] cleaned cab
bage out of the cellar and looked [the]
barrel of apples over[.] Father walked to
Clinton[.] John [was] up [in the] evening
for Harness. [Three] lambs - 1 of them
dead[.]
31
Thaw to sun;
Freezing be
hind
. [Father walked to Clinton.]
Agnes [was] at 28
Mac's [this] eventing.The] Glen's [were] Cold,Easterly
in Clinton[and left their] kids here.Liz- wind
zie got her teeth[.]
. John[was] at Brucefield & Clinton[.]Stan- Clear
ley Beauty died[.]Blackal here[.] 1 lamb-
a big one[.]
. [John was] in Clinton with hide[. I] was Rain & Sleet
over at Glen's [this] even[ing.]
March, 1892
. John & I [were] in Clinton A.M. 1 lamb Cold N . 17
Wind, Clear
. Spotty calved [a] steer[.] Ida [Stewart], 27
Aunty, Mrs Finley & Mrs Duncan McEwen &
baby Lizzie & Scott[were]here for tea[.]
Peter Campbell's girls [were] married.5
. John[was]in Clinton on Bob[.]Father[was] 28
at [the] mill with chop[.I] helped [him] Warmer, clear
clean[the grain. I] finis[hed] stitching A.M., Dull
Aunty's cloak[.] 1 lamb P.M.
. Ag & Jo[hn] hauled in loads of hay[. Fa
ther walked to Clinton P.M. Jo[hn] went
down for the Stewarts & T.Wig[ginton]was
over[. Everyone then went to Malcolm
McEwen's in the evening.]
. Father walked to Clinton[this]Morning[.j
Lizzie & Maggie McEwen [were] here P.M. Cold
[I]finis[hed]making[the] Black Basque[.]
Father, John & Ned went to Seaforth with
Horses and 3 lambs for U[ncle Donald[Mac-
[MacFarlane] & a bull for R.McMillan[.]
. 29
Beautiful, Soft
. Father walked to Clinton to settle with 29
Churchill[.] Johnny Innis and Pete Baird Freezing at
[stopped] in with [a] letter for Father[. night
I] fixed[the]Jacket & put straps onfthej
vest &[a] skirt on[the]ganzie[.]* [First]
Goose Egg * possibly organdy?
• I walked to Clinton & got Jane's & Bel- 31
la's sunshines[.]* Jim Barkley [was here Snowed A.M.
this] even[ing. One] lamb I think[.] Soft
lamb I think[.] *a ladies' magazine?
25
Wind
40
Thawed quite
a bit to sun
�March, 1892 112
9. W. [One] lamb Jno. Beesley & Wigginton
[were here]for tea[.] Cutting out Water
proof [.] Maggie Elliot’s wedding (Gab's
Maggie)[.]
28
Soft
10 . T. Hawkshaw [was here] for dinner & bought
billy shearling[.] Father took him to
Dunkin's & [to the Brucefield train
station.] John hauled [a] load of wood
[and] went to Clinton [in the] even[ing]
on horseback[.
]
28
Snowing
11 . F . John [was] in[to] Clinton [in the] cut-
ter[.]
31
Drifting
12 . S . [John was in Clinton this morning in
the] sleigh expressing a lamb to Hawk-
shaw[.] Jane [was] in Clinton [in the]
cutter P.M. & at U[ncle] Jamesf's] with
John [in the] evening[.]
31
Drifting a
little, fine
13 . S . Agnes & I [were] in* Church(Stewart)[.]
[Messrs.] Walkinshaw, Jno. Lindsey, Pat
terson & Grant [were new] elders induct-
ed[.]
31
Snowing &
Drifting
14 . M. Started quilting (old cashmere "Irish
Chain")[.]John[has been] hauling wood[.]
24
15. T. Finis [hed quilting "Irish Chain1
'
] &
started "Old Swan Bill"[.John Tough,the]
Assessor [was] here all night[.]
29
Cold N. Wind
16. W. Mother & Jane[were] in Clinton [with Bob
in the] cutter[.] Aunty[was] up [here[.]
27
a little
warmer
17 . T. Aunty & I[were] in Clinton[.] Levi Trick
& Andrews [were] here for tea[.]Finished
"Swan Bill" a little after dinner[.]
15
Snow
Showers
18. F. Father walked to Clinton[.] Lizzie [Glen 44
went] in[to] Clinton [and] left [her]
children heref.]Started quilting[;] lin
ing[the]quilt [with the]hexagon centre[.]
19. S. John [was] in Clinton P.M. T[om] Wiggin-
ton[rode] home with him [and he] went to
U[ncle] Ja[mes']s [in the] even[ing.One]
chicken hatched[-] the lst[.] Finis[hed]
quilting [Hexagon Centre] a little after
dinner[.]
20. S. T[om] Wigginton [was here] all last 35
night[.] Stormy,cold
21. M. Jane & Agnes [were] in Clinton [in the] 24
cutter[.] Elsie Katleton6, Ella & Marg Warmer,fine
McEwen [were] here[.] Jno. shore 2
billy's (shearlings) [and] 2 lambs[.]
22. T. Jane [was] at D. McEwen's '*Mat Bee." John 27
[was] in Clinton seeing [the] Vet about Snowing
sheep[.] Shore the other shearling billy S. Thaw
too[.] Raining
23. W . [X was ] working Initials on [a] Hand- 2 9
kerchief[.] Bella made [a] White under- Frozen
skirt[.] Lizzie [Glen was] at J. Pear- flaw Wind
son'
s[.]
24. T. Father walked to Clinton[.] Ada[Stewart 22
here] P.M. & Fen[wick]for tea[.] Finis- Thawing
[hedj cutting Mac's wood[.] Sunshiny
35
Snowing P.M.
�March, 1892 113
25. F. John[was] in Clinton with horse in cart
getting him shod[.]Lizzie [was] at Fin
ley [McEwen's.
]
26. S. Finis[hed] binding quilt[. Two] lambs
37
30
27 . S . 33
28 . M.
‘l
i
t
First Turkey egg Mother & Agnes 33
tapped 6 trees[.] Tom[was here] in [the] Freezing
evening!. He had been] crushing* at behind sun
Glen's[.] *oats were rolled
or crushed in the barn for feed for
horses, cattle & sheep. The basic
mechanism consisted typically of two
grooved steel rollers six inches in
diameter driven by a pulley. The rollers
were mounted on 4 legs and surmounted
by a hopper. The pulley might be driven
by horse, wind or steam power. One man
would shovel the oats into the hopper, a
second might hold the burlap bag and a
third could shovel the crushed oats, as
they accumulated beneath the oilers, into
the bag. The popular form of motive power
in this period was the wind-drived power
mill, mounted on the barn roof.
29. T. Frogs singing[.I] Finis[hed] making Mo- 29
ther's pillows[.] B[ella] A[gnes] Fine
tapped 2 trees more[.I]helped clean oats Sunshiny & Warm
and haul in [a]load of hay[. ]
30. W. Making Buttonholes in [a] Waterproof[.] 33
Jane washed Mac's "Wreath & Roses "quilt Cold East Wind,
yesterday & ironed it today[.] No frost
31. T. Father walked to Clinton P.M. Smith [was
here] for tea[.] Mac’s, H. Steep & C.
Ross [were here in the] evening[.]
April, 1892
1. F. John [was] in Clinton [with the] buggy 34
A.M. [and] Plowing P.M. [We] cut lamb’s Pretty windy
tails [in the] even[ing.] but warm. Snow
went away alot.
2. S. Aunty went to Green’s.Alice filley foal
ed(dead) [.]John went tor Blackall[.] Red
Heifer calved(Heifer)[.] Fen[wick was
over in the] even[ing. Pedlars Wileym &
Beetie of Varna were] around[.]
42
Very Windy
Showers last
night Snow
3. S. Jane & Bella [were] in Church( Shil
ton -Methodist)[.] U[ncle] James [was]
here[. The] Crocus’s (Sic) & wildflowers
[are] out [and we have good] roads[.]
4. M. [Two] lambs [We] hauled in a load of
hay[.] U[ncle James's] Annie [came] up
[in the] even[ing] for [her] father[.]
Mother [was] picking potatoes over all
day[.
]
46
Windy, warm
rain at night
33
Rain A.M, Very
Fine & Warm
5. T. Father [was] in Clinton [with the] bug- 40
gy[.] Fen[wick] fetched Annie’s turkey High Wind
up [in the] even[ing. I [worked at] pick- Rain T[hunder]
ing beans[and] took out cellar windows[.] & lightfning]
* last night.6
6. W. [I worked at]Cleaning grass seed with Fa- 36
ther & cleaning at cellar[.I] took [the] Rain & Snow
flowers up[.] A.M, Fine P.M.
�April, 1892 114
7. T.
8 . F .
9. S .
10 . s .
11 . M.
12 . T .
13 . W.
14 . T .
15 . F .
16 . S .
17 . S .
18 . M.
19 . T .
20 . W.
21 . T .
22 . F .
23 . S .
24. S.
Bella & I were in Clinton[.] I washed mud 30
off[the] buggy & scrubbed milk shelves[.] Fine & Warm
Father [was] sowing grass seed[.]
Agnes & Lizzie [Glen][went in[to] Clinton 41
[with] Bob[.]I started quilting "Wreath & Fine A.M.
Roses" upstairs[.] Rain & Snow
44
Snowing
Soft Windy
Frost at night
29
Snow Showers
Tom Wfigginton] & Willie McEwen called[.] 35
A[gnes]& Jno.hauled in 2 loads[of] hay[.] Snowing A.M.
I lamb Fine P.M.
Daisy calvedf.] Father & Jno.[were] fen- 34
cing at [the] river[.] Fine Coldraw
N. Wind
John [was] harrowing P.M. John went to 41
Dunkins [in the] even[ing.] a little warmer
Jane walked to Clinton P.M. John went to 32
Dunkin[ 's]with[lie] horse [.John & Father] Windy
sowed peas & oats [in the] field out at Middling Warm
door[. I] Finis[hed] quilting border at
dinner about[.Tomorrow is] Good Friday[.]
Father [was] at [a livestock] Show. [He 32
went in the buggy with] Bob & John [went] Fine
with "Balenbogie Stamp[".] Wiley [was] Cold wind
here[.]Tene & Bell McEwen[were] in [here]
& at Glen's[;] Jane & Bella [were] with
them[.]
Father [stayed] in Clinton all day[. The] 27
Grey Heifer calved[.] I [was] sick P.M.
Jane & Agnes [were] in church(Stewart)[.] 38
Jane, Agnes & Bella [were] in Sfabbath]
School[.]
Father & John [are] harrowing[. The four 29
of] us [have been] quilting every day[.]
John [was] sowing oats[.] Willie McEwen 38
calling roundf.]
Jane walked to Clinton[.]Agnes [has been] 29
cleaning peas...... Sowing peas[.] a little warmer
P.M.
34
Raining Showery
Father [was] at Sprung's[.] John [was] at 33
the mill with chop[. I] got 1/2 Dozfen] Dull Rain
tea spoons with "Forest & Farm[quilt pat- night
tern.]
Father [was] in Clinton all day[.] 31
Fine High wind
[The Four of Us were] at S[abbath] 26
S [chool.] Fine Cold Wind
�115
April, 1892
25* M. Chickens coming out[.Jane walked to Clin- 29
ton A.M.[and] I [was]up P.M.getting [the]
buggy shaft mended[.]A[gnes] & Jno.[were]
hauling in hay[.] Jim Junor & T. Dunkin
[were here] for dinner[.]
26. T. Father & John[were]at Sprung's with Dick- 56
enson seizing [a]horse[. John was at] R. Warmer
Tompson's for dinner & tea[.]
27. W. Aunty [is] Home[.J Jno.walked in[to]Clin- 49
ton[.]Dave Kennedy’s son [was]here deliv- Windy
ering trees[-]2 peach & 1 cherry[.]Black-
all & Mac here P.M.
28. T. John [was] in Clinton [in the] buggy A.M. 31
[and] Father walked P.M. Mac [was] here Rain,Thunder &
[in the] morning[.] Lizzie McTavish [wasJ1[ightning]last
here P.M. night Nice
29. F. Aunty [was] up [here.] T[om] Wigginton 31
[was here] for tea[. The] Seaforth plow Dull A.M.Clear
peddlar [called in.] Cold wind
30. S. Finis[hed] quilting "Wreath & Roses"[.] 33
A[gnes] & Jno. hauled in [a] jag of hay Nice Middling
A.M. John was in Clinton P.M. [in the] warm
buggy[.]
May, 1892
1. S. Jane, Bella & I [were] in S[abbath] 36
S[chool.] Raining till
about 1/2 past
2
2. M. J.B. Holmes[was here]for dinner[.]Father 34
[was] in Clinton & Harperhay with him[.I Misty
am] Making a waterproof[.]
3. T. Father & Jno.[are] fencing at [the] Riv- 34
er[. I] Washed[. ] Raining A.M.
Fine Very
warm rain
4. W. Churchill [was here this] evening 28
Fine,Cold Wind
n$ .
. . ,
i -
1 *
-
-
■ ,
/ :
5* T. Dunkin Sa-here (sic) for Dinner & tea & 30
tea & McCartney & G. Hanley (sic) [here] Raining
for tea[.]
6. F. [I] Finis[hed] makirig [my] "Waterproof" 29
& hemmed the bottom^of Mother’s & [star- Raining A.M.
ted] Sewing up Father's old unglued Dull
one[.] I.McEwen called A.M. Bella scrub
bing school[.]
7. S. Jane & Agnes [were] in Clinton[.] Lizzie 25
[Glen] left her kids here[.]* Mary & Ella Fine,
McEwen [were] here P.M. [I] Finis[hed] C. Wind
sewing Father's Waterproof[.] *little tots,
Mary & Bessie
8. S. Jane & Bella [were] in Church(Shilton - 27
Methodist)[.]
9. M. [I]Washed plaster & Paint in my Bedroom & 39
filled [the] straw-tick[.] Agnes[
was]rak- Fine, warmer
ingfthe] lawn[.]Macs [called and] fetched
3 pigs $6.00[.] Aggie Butchart [was here]
P.M. [and] Mary McEwen [was here in the]
even[ing.* This was the first time the]
Young cattle [were] out [at] night[.]
�May, 1892 116
^Commentary If one looks back over the
five years Eliza-Ann has been keeping
this diary, it’s pretty obvious that the MacFarlane1s
were very hospitable, not only with adults, but also
with children. The four MacFarlane sisters had excellent
role models in their mother, her maiden sister Agnes
(Aunty), and their two aunts by marriage, Mary Barkley
and Abigail Tweedy. And, even a century after his death,
James MacFarlane's hospitality, kindness to children
and his willingness to treat his wife and daughters as
equal partners, reveal him to have been an exceptional
man. The four MacFarlane women remembered, after they
grew up, the enriching experience of various adult
relatives taking time out to get to know them and
listen. The Four MacFarlane sisters, working closely
with their father in the selective breeding of animals
and poultry and in improved strains of fruit trees and
crops, came to understand the implications for human
beings. An unspoken rule, observed for 2 generations,
required a MacFarlane woman to marry an exceptional man
or remain single. Jane and Isabella, and their niece,
Ann MacFarlane all married exceptional men - Ned Glen,
Thomas Fraser and Ken Taylor. Agnes Glen was married
only five years before her death from cancer, but her
husband, Donald Campbell was liked and respected by the
Glen/MacFarlane connection. Agnes and Eliza-Ann did not
marry and were very independent and self-sufficient all
their lives. They were profoundly influential with their
Glen and Fraser nieces and nephews and with John1s
daughter, Ann. One can see in the diary that Eliza-Ann
and her sisters are quick to take an interest in any
child who wants to befriend them. They got to know
virtually all the children, teaching in the local
Sunday school. Jane Glen and her unmarried children.
Jack, Don and Isabel, perpetuated for two more generat
ions the MacFarlane traditions of generous, unpreten
tious hospitality and being an extended family for
children of relatives and neighbours.
10. T.
11. W.
12 . T.
13 . F .
14 . S .
spacious vehicle. A
third child, Eddie,is due later in the year.
[I] scrubbed my bedroom & closet[.] Annie 24
[Stewart was] up for [a] turkey[.] We
cleaned[the] stove pipes & scrubbed [the] Raining
floor[.] J[ane] & A[gnes] cleaned Aunty’s P.M.
[stove] pipes[.] Mac's c[ailed.]
[I] washed A.M. [A] Gent called at dinner 30
asking the way to Pearson's[. The] Cattle Raining
weren't out since Monday[.]
Mac & T[homas] Frazer(sic)[were] here for 40
dinner & Mac & [Mrs McEwedbwere here in Fine
the] even[ing.]John and father[have been]
fixing[the]concession fence at Smith'
s[.]
Ja[ne] & Agnes [were] in Clinton[. The]
y[oung] cattle [were] out all night[.J
[The Four of] Us girls [were] picking 29
stones all day[.] Jno. [ha^ been] hauling Very Warm
gravel for U[ncle]James[.]* Cows [are]all * Jas.
out[.] Stewart's
new home is under construction.
[Agnes, Bella and I were picking stones] 33
A.M. Glen’s got home [a] new buggy &
[illegible] for [the] girl[s.]* Fen[wick]
Ag & .
1 [were] planting roots P.M. [We
planted] 14 rows [of] carrots and 4 [of]
mangolsf. We] planted [nearly 2 rows of *A growing fam-
onions and] covered 8[•] ily needs more
�May, 1892 117
15. S. Agnes & I [werejin Church(Stewart)[.] Jane 22
Jane & I [were] in S[abbath] S[chool.] Raining
P.M.
16. M. A[g],B[ella] & I were picking A.M. & Plan- 29
ting Mangols P.M. [We] sowed 15 rows[. For Fine
the first time this year the] Horses[were]
out all night[.]
17. T. [We] Finis[hed] picking stones about 9 23
0 ’
C[lock.We]Took 3 [bee]hives out of pack- Fine &
ing [-] dead ones[.] warm
18. W. [We] Sowed 15 rows (Turnips & Carrots mix- 26
ed)[.] Scott [was over in the] Even[ing] very Windy
for eggs[.] Washed A.M. I think the horses Sprinkled
were put in[.] some
cooler
19. T . Kate foaled [.] Fred Rathwell died[.]7 ' 25
Windy,
Showery
20. F. Jane & Bella [were] in Clinton[.] [I] 23
Planted rows Potatoes P.M. Dull, Fine
Cool
21. S. Father & Mother [were] at F[red] 30
Rathwell's funeral[.] Dull
Showery
22. S. John & Bella[were] in Church(Stewart)[.] 68
23. M. Agnes & John took stones off [the] clo- 31
ver[.] [I] set out 2 hives [of] Bees[.] Fine,Show-
Father & I shore 7 sheep[. ] D. Ross [and] ery, cool
Sid Smith (C) wind
24. T. [The Five of] Us [were] at Uncle Jno.’s 2 6
P.M.* Glen’s movedFisher's Barn[.]8 Dull
Showery
*The 24th of May
is the Queen's Birthday.
25. W. Father & John took[the]Bull to Clinton[.] 30
Agnes drove the buggy up. Mr & Mrs Fer- Fine A.M.
gueson [were] here P.M. Raining P.M.
26. T. Father & John [are] fencing [at Smith's 32
on the Concession road.] Moving barn [in Fine & Warm
the] evenfing.] Glen's split barn.
1 • ,
l 1
r , * 4
27. F. Jno. Elliot & J. McEwen [were here] A.M. 30
A & [J. Elliot were here all] night [.John Cold North
and] Willie McEwen[were here in the]even- Wind
[ing] changeing^sic) eggs[.] I[worked at]
raking [the] yard & scraping [the] cel
lar[.]Father & Jno.[
were]fencing[.]U[ncle]
Jafmejs & Fen[wick[were]in Clinton & fetch
ed [the news]papers[.]
28. S. Fafther] & Jno. shore 14 sheep[.] 32
McDougal of Porter’s Hill & 2 kids Fine &
[were] here for tea[.] Mother & I Warmcool
[were] in Clinton[. ] wind
29. S. Ja[ne]f Ag, Ada [Stewart] & I [were] 27
in S[abbath] Sfchool.] Father [was] Mist &
at U[ncle] Ja[mes’]s[.]* Rain A.M.
Warm
Cleared P.M.
♦probably to inspect the progress
of construction of the new home.
�30. M
Hay, 1892 118
Father, Ag & Jno. shore 5 sheep A.M.(All 31
[done]) Cut out waist (print Brown)[.] Very Warm
31. T. U[ncle] Ja[me]s[was] up at noon for some Very Warm 38
cut[seed) potatoes[.] Father & Jno*[are] Pouring
[are at a] banking conference these
days[.3
June, 1892
1 W. Mac[was] here [in the] morn[ing.]
Agnes & 24
I [were]at Rob Pearson’s baby's funeral[. Very Warm
His full name was) John Alex. Stewart Showery
[Pearson.]*
*named after the much
loved and respected
Rev. Stewart, and his
grandfather John.
2. T. Finis[hed] making Brown Print waist[.] 32
Jane, John, Ned [Glen],Lindy Shoemaker & Raining
I [were) at Mac's [this] even[ing.) Showery
3. F. Started Blue Print(.]Jno.McEwen (was) in 36
after umbrellas[.] Raining &
Windy
4. S. [We had] Wiggin[ton],Mac,Miss McNaughton 16
& Ed & Mr & Mrs Cooper for dinner & C*.]
Bella went home with [Miss McNaughton.]
Father & [Mr Cooper) went to Snell’s[.]
* &C has evolved to mean "for tea "
In 1888 and 1889 (C) seemed
to be a code for male callers
interested in Eliza-Ann.
5. S. Father & Jane [were] in Church(Stew- 15
art)[.] U[ncle] Ja[me]s & Glen [were] Warm
here[.] Adam [Stewart was here] for din- Showers
ner[.]
6. H. I [was at Malcolm McEwen's] P.M. 28
Fine,Foggy
& warm
\) f. i . 1.J I + > _J 11 t
r * f * , 4 1 4 »r *
. )
7. T. Mac, Biggins & Ormsby [were] here P.M. 28
John started at summerfallow[.] Fine
8. W. Ormsby A.M. Father took him out to 36
Snell's and back to Wigginton’s[.He is] Fine
Hunting [for] Advocate advertiz[ing.]* I
was Cleaning bee frames[.)
*probably a weekly: Exeter Advocate ?
9. T. Ag helped clean a few bags of oats[.] I 21
washed 2 bee boxes and a lot of Raining
frames[.] Scott [was] in [here] P.M. Heavy
10. F. Mr & Mrs [Nicholas] Cuming & Mr & Mrs & 24
Mary & Isie Elliot [were] here[.]Father, Fine,Warm
John & Agnes dipped 40 lambs[.]Jane & I
[were] in Clinton [at] church(J.A.McDon
ald,Varna)[.]1
1
11. S. Father & Agnes scuffled roots P.M .Fath- Fine & 18
er [was] at [the] Mill with chop[.] Very Warm
12. S. Father, Mother, Jane & I [were] in 10
church(Stewart) [. ] I walked up with Par- Very Very
ker and got [a] ride home with Adam Warm
[Stewart] &(€)[.] John [and I were back
# in church in the] even[ing](Shilton)[♦]
�June, 1892 119
13. M. Father walked to Clinton A.M. Ag & I 20
picked[the] 1st[potato] bugs [which are]
very plentiful[. I’
ve been] Making Ma’s More wind
Print dress & I cut out [a] Par[a]sol
covering[.] Dan & Mac McNaughton [were
here this]even[ing] showing [off]cart[.]
Mac [McEwen was in] too[.]
14. T. Jno. walked to Clinton[. I] Finis[hed]
making Mother's Print [dress]& covering
Parasol[.] Father & Mother left for Oak
Lake, Manitoba P.M.* Bessie Ross, Tene,
Bill & Liz & Lindy & Ned [were here in
the] even[ing.]
15. W. Agnes & I [drove] Jess in[to] Clintonf.] 24
Lizzie [Glen went] with us[.] I [was] at Misty Morn
U[ncle] Ja[mes']s with oats [and took Warmer
along little] Mary Glen[.]
16. T. Agnes & I [were] picking bugs A.M. &[the 30
two of]us & Bella planted 20 rows of tur- Very Warm
nips P.M. I. McEwen & Bessie Ross [were Morn Cool-
here] in [the] even[ing.] Mac's (C) er Wind P.M.
17. F. Jane, Bella, Agnes,John,Lindy & J.McEwen 18
[were]at [a]picnic P.M. Tom & Jenny Ages Poured
[were] here [in the] even [ing] & all rain,misty
night[.] Aunty [came] up & stayed all Fine
night[.]
18. S. I scraped [the] milk-room & [the] hall 26
[working] all day at it [.Aunty stayed Cloudy
here all] day[.] Jno.sowed rape[seed and Fine
was]in Clintonfin the] even[ing.] Willie
& Maud Scott [were] here[.]
29
Fine,cool
er wind
19 S. Bella & John [were] in Church [in the] 21
evening (Patterson High School)[.]Agnes Misty
& I [were] in Sfabbath] Sfchool.] Bees Drizling
swarmed out & returned [to the] W[est]
hive[.
]
20. M. Ag, Bella & I [hoed turnips] all day[.] Fine,a 2 5
John[was away] at road-work[.] Fen[
wick] little
[came] for tea[.] dull,coolish
21. T. [Ag,Bella & I hoed] mangols [all day.] 23
[We] Picked bus A.M. & I got dinner & C Showery
Jane [did the] washing[.] Mac's (C) evening
22. W. Jane, Lindy & Marie [were] in Clinton
A.M. Bees swarmed 1st [time from hive]
No. 3[.] Ag & Bella [were] hoeing roots
all dayf.J I [joined them P.M.
23. T. [Ag and Bella hoed roots all day. I did]
too all but got dinner from 1/2 after 11
& washed dinner dishes[.] Jane washed 6
blankets[.] Jno. hung [a] wire Clothes
line & [a] low gate[.] Jno.[was] in Clin
ton [in the] even[ing.]
24. F. [I] Picked bugs A.M. John [was] hauling Fine & 13
sand to barn-step[.] A[gnes]Jno & B[ella Warm, Dull
were] hoeing after till noon[.] Ag & I & cooler
Finis[hed] weeding Roots P.M.(through at
tea time)[.]
18
Fine,warm
Rain Even
ting]
18
Dull, Warm
Fine Cool
25. S. Agnes picked 1st Strawberries [and] Made Fine & 15
2 pies[.]Jno.[was] hauling sand to [the] Warm
barn step[.]I washed Mother’s Straw-tick
and Feather covers & (C) all day[.] D.
Ross [was] here[.]
�June, 1892 120
Jno. & Agnes [were] in Church (Patter- 24
son)[.]Jno. & Fen[wick were]up[to church Fine
in the] even[ing] (Patterson) [.] [Agnes,] Rain Even-
Bella & I [were] in S[abbathJ S[chool.] ing
T[om] Wigg[inton was] here[.] Fen[wick
was here] all night].]
[I] Scrubbed Mother’s Bed-room & ironed 12
ticks & washed [a] big quilt[.]Jane [was] Raining
in Clinton[.She] went by Wigg[inton’s] $
drove up with their horses[.]9Jno. mowed
[the] lawn[.]
[I] Scraped at [the] pump [in the] lane, 15
Filled Mother’
s Tick & aired the bed Raining in
clothes[.The] W[est] hive swarmed again[; Morn, Fine
the bees] stayed]out]2 hours & then went Raining
went back[.] Jane,Agnes & Majorie [were] Evening
at Junor’s & McGregor’s[. Uncle James's]
Annie [was] here P.M.
West hive swarmed again[- the] 1st that 14
stayed off[.1] finis[hed] scrubbing[the] Dull
cider barrel[.] Ja[ne was] quilting at Like Rain
Glen's P.M. Ag & X picked bugs A.M. &
finis[hed] P.M. & hoed 6 rows [of] pota
toes].] B[ella was] at Mac’s [in the]
even[ing.]
[I] Scraped out & filled holes in [the] 18
Milk-room & washed [the] Milk-R[oomj Rained at
doors[.] Jane & John[were] in Clinton]*] night,Dull
Baird & C. Ross [were] in at noon[.] Clear &
Fine
July, 1892
I [was] in Clinton A.M. to meet Father & 27
Mother[.]They came on the P.M.train [at]
2:28 o ’
c[lock.]John [was] hauling [more] Fine
sand to [the] barn steps[.] W[est hive] Cool Wind
swarmed 2nd [time.]
A.M. [we] scuffled some[.] We hoed a few 20
pot[atoes] P.M.before [the]rain[.J Bella Dull A.M.
& I [were] in Clinton A.M. Raining P.M.
None of us [were] in S[abbath] S[chool.] 17
John [was] in Church [in the] evening[.] C* Raining
* I think
this C is code
for ’
’
courting.”
It was quite respectable for
a Victorian young man to drive
a young lady to morning or
evening Sunday services and
drive her home again[.]
I picked [a] 1/2 q[uar]t [of] Strawber- 12
ries A.M. [Father,Agnes, Bella & I were Fine
Hoeing potatoes till tea time]. Father, showers
Jane & I were]putting labels in lambs[.]
Jno. [was over] at [Wm. Glen's [barn-]
raising [in the] even[ing.] W[est] Hive
Swarmed 3rd time A.M. [The North Hive
swarmed at 3 P.M. for the 2nd time.]
Jno.[was] mowing A.M. [and] raking P.M.I 17.
washed]. We) started coleing hay P.M. Fine
26. S .
27 . M.
28 . T.
29. W.
30 . T .
1. F .
2. S
3. S .
4. M.
5. T •
�July, 1892 121
6. W
7 . T.
8. F.
9. S.
10. S.
11. M.
[More mowing and raking A.M. and coleing 20
P.M.JBoth Hives Swarmed(doubled them)[.] *
* When bees swarm,
they cling together in a huge "bee
ball" to a tree branch (protecting
the queen) while scouts look for a
suitable place to build a new hive.
If spotted in time,a bee keeper can
cut the branch off and carry the
• swarm and drop it in a fresh hive
with some frames and cellwork. Al
most always the swarm will take the
hint and occupy the proffered hive.
Miss MacFarlane appears to have
nabbed both swarms today.
LOADING h a t .
Aunty [is] back from Gireen'sf. We]hauled
5 loads[of] Hay [and] Finis[hed] putting
up [the] Rathwell field[. I] Washed [an]
Old Brown B[ee] Box[.]
[We] Hauled in 7 loads [of] Hay[.]
& Aunty [were] in Clinton[.]
Jane
[We] Hauled in 4 loads [and] finis[hed]
is[hed the] Rathwell field[. I] took [a]
Frame[of] Honey from[the] W[est Hive.and
Hive] No.3[.] No. 3 Swarmed [but the
swarm was [very small.]
Jno. & I [were] in Church A.M. [and John
went again with] Jane (in the] even[ing]
(Mr Mitchell-a student)[.] Father [was
at] U[ncle] James's [and was] up [here
in the]even[ing] with him[.]
Jno.mowed A.M.[and] We put it up[in the]
even[ing.] Jno. scuffled [in the garden]
up to[the]potatoes & C Agnes & I picked
[the] 1st Raspp[berrie]s.[I] cleaned out
Private[.]* *winter toilet in
woodshed
12
warm
15
15
18
22
12. T. Agnes,John & Bella [were] in Bayfieldf.]*
Mr [Edward ] Glen Sr. [was here] P.M. &
[for] tea[.] Father was mowing [in the ]
even[ing and I followed] putting up
some[.] *probably to see the
Orange Walk
13'. W. [We] Hauled in 3 1/2 loads [of hay] &
• coled some[.] Jane & Agnes picked 7 lbs
[of] Rasp[berrie]s.
14. T. Jno.mowed[the] Shanty field[.]We finish
ed raking below [the] barn [and] Hauled
in 2 loads[.] Mother & Jane [were] in
Clinton[.]
15. F. [We] Hauled in 4 loads [and] Finis[hed]
that field[.] Agnes [was] sick today[.]
Jane & Ag picked Rasp[berrie]s [in the]
morning[and] traded with Lizzie[Glen]for
[some] B[lac]k currants[.]
16. S. [We] Hauled in 5 loads [from the] Shanty
field & Raked it all & coled most of
it[.] Bella walked to Clinton[.] Scott
[of] Brucefield & [Indecipherable were
here ] for tea & got some wool[.]
17. S. Agnes & John [were] in Church(Scott, the
lawyer's brother)[.]U[ncle] Ja[me]s[was]
here P.M.
22
22
19
20
Fine, Very
Windy Heavy
Showers even-
[ing]
23
Fine &
Very Windy
19
Fine, cool
�July, 1892 122
18. M. John Finis [hed] mowing [and We] Hauled in 26
three loads [-] all of [the] Shanty Fine, a
field[.] Agnes & I [were] picking Rasp- little war-
[berriejs A.M. & Weeded some nips P.M. mer.Breezy
19. T. [We] Hauled in 3 loads[.] Jane [drove] 21
Jess in[to] Clinton for Paris Green[.] Fine
20. W. [We] Hauled in 4 loads [of hay.This ]Morn- 21
[ing] Father Finis[hed] thinning Turnips Fine,Warm
[in the]morn[ing. Malcolm and Ann McEwen
were here] in [the] evening[.]
21. T. [We are] Finis[hed] haying[.We]Hauled in 14
1 load A.M. - the last [of] 42 loads[.]
Mac's (C) Agnes, Bella & I [were] Green
ing Potatoes P.M. Jno.[took the] Cart in-
[to] Clinton[.]
22. F. [The] 4 of us picked 27 lbs of Red Rasp- 14
[berrie]s & lbs. of B[lac]k Rasp[ber-
rie]s[.] I washed[ & I] took some honey
to cousins[.]
23. S. Jane pulled & cooked [both] yellow & 13
B[lac]k Rasp[berrie]s[.] Cutting Wheat[.]
Ag & I [were] stooking all day[,]Jane P.M.
[and] Father after tea[.]
24. S. Jane & John [were] in Church(Scott) [and 16
John went again in the] even[ing.The] Rev.Heavy Showers
[Mr] Stewart & wife are back[.] A lot light
ning Fine &
very warm
25. M. [We] Finis[hed] cutting wheat early [and] 27
Father,Ja[ne], Ag & I [were] stooking[.] Fine &
U[ncle] Ja[me]s called round on us[.]Tene Very Warm
& Bell McEwen [came] in [the] even[ing[.J
Ag & I [were] at Auntie's[.]
26. T. Jno. [was] hauling gravel to [the] barn 22
step[.]Agnes & 1 picked Rasp[berrie]s A.M. 90 [F]
Mother, Jane & I [were] in Clinton P.M.
27. W. [We] Hauled in 5 loads[of] Wheat at Rath- 12
well's[.]Cooked 1st apples Sauce .
& Pies[.] a little
cooler
28. T. [We hauled in 6 loads of wheat from the
Rathwell place.] Father walked [to] Clin-
ton[.]
8
Very Warm,
A little
cooler
29 . F .
30. S.
[I] Sorted Bee's Wax,Washed,Ironed,&[was] 26
at Glen's [in the] even[ing.] Agnes [was] Raining
at U[ncle] Jas. [this] even[ing.]
Cutting Peas P.M. Jno.[was] in Clinton . 36
[with the] Horse [and] Cart in[the] even- Fine,A lif
ting.] Edna Green, Mary Glen, Eliz[abeth] tie cooler
& Magfgie] McEwen came over P.M.*
*Four girls ranging
in age from 4 to 11.
31. S . Jno. & I [
were] in Church (Stewart)[. We 26
went again in the] even[ing](Earnest)[.]
Earnest [was here] all last night[.]
Cooler
�1. M • [We] Hauled in 7 loads[of] wheat [-] all
[done] but [the] Raking[.] Bella Green &
Rachel Hanley [were visiting] at Aun
tie 's[.] She went back with them[.]
2. T. Mother & I [were] in Clinton[.] Cutting
Peas near[ly] all day[.] Agnes[was] rak
ing till tea time[.] J. Dunkin [was]
here[.]
3. W. [We] Finis[hed the]wheat [and] Hauled in
[a] small load [of] Rakings[.] Cutting
Peas[- We] Finis[hed the] field at [the]
door & Hauled in 4 gags[.]Took lambs off
sheep[.]
4. T . [
We] Finis[hed] cutting Peas over next
Mac'
s bush & Hauled in 2 loads after
tea[.] Bella walked to Clinton[•] Hill,
the Brucefield butcher [was] around[.]
August, 1892 123
37 .
Rained
Some
24
Fine &
cool
28
28
5. F . Father & I turned some peas A.M. We cut 18
down a piece of oats beside [the] Dull A.M.
roots[.] Jane walked to Clinton[.] RainingP.M.
6. S. F[ather],Jo[hn], & I [were] sawing rails 36
for [the] thresher A.M.10 Ag turned Peas Fine
P.M. & hauled in [the] piece out at[the] Cool Wind
door.(3 1/2 loads) P. McGregor & McLeod
& J. McKenzie & Mac’s (C)
7. S. Jane & Agnes[were] in church(Stewart)[.] 25
John [went in the] even[ing.]
8. M. Father,John & I [were]in Brucefield with 26
3 steers to [deliver to] P.McGregor[.] Very Warm
Father,John,Agnes & I[were] cutting oats
P.M. Next Mac's bush[.]
9. T. [We were]Cutting oats all day[.We]Finis- 22
[hed] cut[t]ing[.] Jennie Grant [came] Very Warm
P.M. & [stayed] all night[.] Heavy Rain
even[ing]
10. W. Father [was] at Woon’s threshing all 2 4
day[.] Jno. hauled some manure[.] Ag & I Showers
milked sheep A.M. Jane & Bella [were] i
n
. all day
Clinton P.M. [I] cut out [a piece in the
newspaper about] making aprons[.]
11. T . Father,Ag & I Did Pea - [indecipherable] 21
& put off a load [of] Peas A.M. Father Dull,cooler
[was] at Mac's threshing P.M. I [was] in a little
Clinton[.] misty, rain
12. F. Father & I lifted stooks A.M. & turned 44
Peas P.M. Ag was turning Peas too[.]Liz- Fine,Cool
zie & Annie were in Seaforthf.We] Hauled
in 2 loads [of Peas] after tea[.] Aunty
[has returnedJ home[.]
13. S. Agnes & Bella [were] in Clinton & at R. 46
Thompson's[.] John drove Bella to [the]
Goderich train[. We] Hauled 5 loads [of]
oats & 1[of] Peas[.]
14 *
. S. Agnes & I [were] in Church(Stewart) [. We 31
drove to Clinton with]Jess[.]Father[was]
at U[ncle] Ja[mes]’s [and] fetched 2
kittens home[.] Jno.[wentJwith Ned [Glen
to church in the] evening[.]
15. M. [We] Hauled in 7 loads [of] oats[.] Jno. 22
Dunkin & [his] Wife[were here this] even-
ing[.]
�August, 1892 124
16. T .
17 . W.
18 . T.
19. F.
20 . S .
21 . S .
22 . M.
[We] Hauled[in 5 loads of oats] from next
Mac's bush[.]Father & Dunkin[were at]Wig-
[ginton's,] Salkelds &(C) Father bought 2
steers from Cantelon[.] Scott [was] here
[in the even[ing]& Mr Buchanan[,the] Live
Stock Advertizer, [was here] all night[.]
[We] Finis[hed] Harvest[.] Hauled in 4
loads [of] oats & 2 [of] peas[.We] made
a stack[of]oats yesterday[and] finis[hed]
it to day[.]Father & Jno.[were]at Scott’s
[in the] even[ing.] Jane walked [into]
Clinton[.]
[I’
ve been]Fixing Bella's B[lac]k-Spotted
skirt[.] Jane [was] at U[ncle] J[ames]’s
P.M. Jane & Ag [and the James Stewart
family were] at [John] Diehl’s [in the]
even[ing. The] Dunkin’s & Amelia [were]
here [this] even[ing.]
Jane & Agnes[were] in Clinton A.M.[I was]
Helping Jno.roof[the] stack A.M. Jane & I
[were] at Isard’s [in the] evening[.]
Father & J no.[have been]hauling manure[.]
Agnes [drove] Jeff [into Clinton.]
Mother & Jane [were] in Church(Stewart.)
[John went in the] even[ing.] Mrs Edward
Glen Sr [is] at Lizzie's[.J
[I] Finis[hed] fixing Bella's skirt &
mended Father's heavy pants. [We had] 2
Sturdey's (sic) for tea[.] Jno. went to
McTavish'es to see [Bill] Perdue [about
threshing our crop.] Jane & Ag [were] at
Mac'
s[.]
23. T. Agnes [was]at Butchart's P.M. & called at
Ross['es.] Jim Junor [was here P.M. [Mr]
P.Cantelon fetched steers[in the]even[ing
[and was here] for tea [with his] 2 sons
too[.]
24. W. Jane & I [were] at Grants P.M. [in the]
buggy [with] Bob[.] Charlie Mason [was
here] P.M.
25. T. Mother & I were] in Clinton P.M. [The]
Threshers came [in the] even[ing &] 2
[stayed] all night[.]
26. F. [We] Finis[hed]threshing[here]early [and]
Jno. had to move to Shepherd Aunty
[was] up at Glen's for tea[.]Ida Miller &
Laura & Frank Perdue [were here] P.M.
27. S. Agnes [was} at [the] Barn all day [and] I
[was there] P.M.helping to lift [the] pea
load off the [barn] floor[.]l put another
load off[.] I [was] in Clinton [in the]
even[ing.]
28. S. John & I [were] in Church(Stewart.) Jane
& I [were] in S[abbath] S[chool.] Jim &
Ettie Cartwright [were here] P.M.
29. M. Father [was] in Clinton getting Bob &
the Sorrel shod[.] Ernest West came to
work here[. I am] Making over B[ella]’s
B[lac]k dress these days[.]
35
Fine &
Very Warm
24
24
29
Fine and
Cooler
28
23
27
24
Fine, a
little
Warm
12
Dull,Warm
Rain even-
ling]
26
Showery
19
Dull,Fine
22
Clear &
Cool
•19
Fine &
Warm
38
Fine &
�August, 1892 125
[The] Boys [are] hauling manure these 26
days[.]Tom Wigg[inton was here] all last Very Warm
night.[The five of Us]Kids[were]down at Heavy Rain
U[ncle] Ja[me]s['s] with Mac’s kids last P.M.
night[.]
Weir, the Machine Agent & McPhail [were] 27
here trying to buy apples[.] Rain P.M.
& even[ing]
September, 1892
Stanley [the] apple buyer [was] here[.] 9
Father [walked into] Clinton[.j John Fine
[drove] Jess[into Clinton in the] even- Cold Wind
[ing.] Jane & I [were] at McTavish'es
P.M. [and we] called [on] Mac's [in the]
even[ing[.]
Jim Junor [was here] P.M. for dinner & 27
tea [
. ] Father at Woon's, Marshall'
s,[?] Fine,Warm
Wigg[inton’s,] Mac’s, McGregor’s & (C)
[We had a] Sturdy lamb for dinner & tea. 22
[We were] at Dunkin’s with [a] Billy & Very Warm
took 1 from Frazer’s[.] Jane & Agnes
[drove] Jess in[to] Clinton P.M.John[was
in] at noon [with] Bob[.
]
Agnes & Father [were] in Church (Render- 16
son)[.]Fen[wick]& John walked[to Church Dull,Warm
in the] even[ing.] Heavy Rain
even[ing]
I [was] at Jim Junor's for [a] pig[. Mr] 20
Weir [came] here [and] bought apples[.j Raining
Agnes & I pulled pears (about a bag)[.j Morn, Warm
G. Smith [was] here for dinner[.]
Sowing Wheat[.] John T[h]om[p]son [was 23
here] for dinner[. ] Jno. & Andy Dunkin Paining
[were] here[.] Jane & Agnes went to Fin- all night
ley's [this] even[ing.] Clear &
Cool P.M.
Jim Junor & Mac[came] here for Bob[.]Fa- 18
ther went with him to load [the rail] Fine &
car[.] I [was] at U[ncle] Ja[mes]'s with Warm
[a] pail [of] pears P.M. Mrs Jun[or] &
kid & Tene & Bell[were here in the]even
ting.]
Jim [Junor was] in for his team[.] Jane
and Agnes[werejin Clinton P.M. [and]sent Fine
Bella her clothes[.]
Father [was] with Mac at A. Dunkins A.M 30
T[om] Frazer fetched a sheep[.I]scrubbed Fine &
[thej cellar steps & out [thej door[.] Warm
I [was]helping] Jno.clean grist A.M.[and
was] sic[k] with it P.M.* A. Dunkin[was] *Inhaling too
here[.] too much fineI
*
*
*
*
&
grain dust can give one
a sick stomach (threshing
fever) or it can play
havoc with allergies.
I walked to Clinton P.M. Jno. & West 12
[were] up [this] even[ing with the] Dull
cart[.] West [wasj at [the] mill for
flour[.] Fa[ther & John] washed 3 Bil
lies [.] Pressed kettle pears[.] J.Dunkin
& James [were here forthe night[.]
30. T .
31 W.
1. T .
2. F .
3 S .
4. S .
5. M.
6. T .
7. W.
8. T .
9. F.
10. S.
�September, 1892 126
11. S. I walked to Church [in the] mom[ing.} 12
Jno. & Ja[ne went in the] evenfing. I] Fine,Windy
got a ride up with Trick* & [a ride]home heavy rain
with Alex.innis [.] even[ing]
♦Probably Bob Trick.
12. M. [I] Made factory drawers and sewed wire 32
on [an]old hat[.I] cut lining for[a]shop- Showery
ping bag[.] Agnes [was] at Glen’s [this] Raining
even[ing. we ] got a card from Bella[.
]
13. T [I] Stitched [the shopping bag,] gave the Raining 17
drawers to Jane* [and Started making an- all day
other pair[.]
*For her trousseau. Jane would marry
Ned Glen on Dec 28 and this is the
first intimation of it in the diary.
14. W. [X worked at] Trimming sheep all day with 16
Father[.]Window glass in the kitchenfwas] High Wind
broken last night[.] & Rain
Dull
15. T. [Another day of trimming sheep with Fa- 13
ther, including trimming a sheep’s horn Fine,Heavy
for] Mr G.Baird Sr.[I]Finis[hed the sec- -Rain even-
second pair of drawers [and I] Made 1 & fingi
mended 1 root mit[.] Ned fetched [the
news]papers[.]
16. F. [I've been] making [an] under-waist[. Mr
G. Baird Sr.was here] morn[ing] & evening
for tea & sand[wiches.] Father [was at
Scott's [and] had dinner there[.] Jno. &
West [are] hauling stones to pave the
C[ow]Stable these days[.]
12
Fine
Cold Wind
17. S.
18 . S .
19. M.
20. T.
[I] finis[hed] making a corset cover all 11
but [the] lace[.] Ag [was] in Clinton[.] Warmer
Wigg[inton] called [in the] morn[ing] &
Mac[in the] even[ing.Mr] Ferguson & [his]
wife [came in the] even[ing and] bought
"Old Jess"[.]
I walked to Church [in the] morn[ing] 11
(Stewart) [and] John [went in the] even- Fine,Windy
[ing[.]
Wigg[inton] & Tom* [came] for tea[.] They 12
took some lambs[.] Father & Ernest [went] Cool
with lambs [to] Brucefield[.] Ferguson &
2 girls [were] back with "Old Jess"[this]
even[ing. Three** MacFarlaneJKids & Mac's
[have]gone to U[ncle] Jno.'s[.I]Finis[hed
the]Shopping Bag and started [on the]
lace[.]
♦probably
Tom Fraser
** Eliza is
home working on Jane’s trousseau
and Bella is away teaching on
week days, so "Us” in this
instance does not equal 5 Mac-
Farlane siblings - just 3 -Ag,
Jane & John.[
I
]
[I] Finis[hed the] lace for 1 sleeve[.] 15
Father & Mother went for grapes [. I] Cool Wind
killed the last swarm of bees[.] Jno.
[was] in Clinton getting [the] horse
shod[.]
�September, 1892 127
21, W
22 . T
23 . F
24. S
25. S
26 . M
27 . T
28. W
29. T
30. F
1. S
2. S
3. M
4. T
. Father left for [the] London show[.]
Jno. & Ernest hauled in the end of [the]
Old [hay]Stack[. ]
. [John, Ernest,] Jane, Ag & I [dug] at
[the] potatoes [for] 15 rows[.] Father
[joined in digging] some at [the end[. ]
Nannie & her Aunt (Mrs Ferguson) [were]
here P.M.12 [We] sold Ferny to Hill[.]
. John took Ferny to Brucefield[.] [We]
Finis[hed the last] 8 rows [of] pota
toes^ ]T[om] & Jessie Wigg[inton], Nigo
Sheriff & Fen[wick were here this] even
ting.]
. [I] Finis[hed the] lace for [the] other
sleeve[.] Father,Mother & Jane [were] in
Clinton[.] Father was seeing Mr Scott[.]
. John [went in the] cart [to] church [in
the] morn[ing] (Simpson Brucefield) [and
also in the] even[ing.](Stewart.) Scott
died[.]Mrs isard & E. Ann Mac. P.M.
. Agnes, John & I [were] at Scott's [this]
evening[.] Ernest left[.]
. Agnes walked to Clinton A.M.[and was] at
[the] funeral[.] Father & Mother walked
[and]John drove to [the]funeral[.]Father
& Jno.[were] hauling manure[.]
. John [has] gone to[the] Goderich show[.]
Burns & ----- called to see horses [. A]
fellow [was] here to buy [a cow that is
already sold[.]
. Father walked to Clinton P,M.W[m.] Glen
went for Lindy[.] Agnes & I [were] at
the Master's P.M.
. I [am] making[a]Sunbonnet[.] Jane finis-
[hed] making Ticks[. I] Found [a] turkey
nestf.]
4 i
October, 1892
. [The] Rev [Mr] Stewart & [his] 2 sons
called[.] Aunty [is] back[.] J. Thomp
son [was] here with sheep[.] J .McKen
zie & wife [were] here[this]morn[ing]for
[the] heifers he bought[.] Father [was]
at McKenzie's [and] bought [a] Grey
horse[.] I [was] in Clinton getting [a]
shoe changed[.]
. Jane & Agnes [were] in Church (Lee from
Scotland-Mac's relation)[.] Jane & Agnes
& Lindy [were] in S[abbath] S[chool.]
Jno. & N[ed] walked [to] Church in [the]
even[ing.]
. Glen’s killing heifer[.] Morrow’s store
[in] Varna burned yester[day.]
[I] Finis[hed] making [the] Sunbonnet[.]
12
Warmer
14
Warm
24
Pretty
Warm
Very Warm
8
Rain P.M.
15
Fine
Windy
Fine,
Windy
30
15
Beautiful
11
8
Clear
Cold Wind
1
12
Warmer
Raining P.M.
6
Cold Wind
Showery
even[ing]
�October, 1892 128
5. W. Agnes & I started pulling Apples (Seeks).
Mother [was] at U[ncle] John's seeing
Mrs Ferguson[.] Lilly [was] up for [a]
Pattern[ .
J
6. T . Aunty & I [were] in Clinton with things
to show[.] John [was in with a] Horse[.]
Father, Ja[ne] [and] A[gnes were] at [a]
prayer-meeting[. The] Master [came] for
tea at Scott’
s[.]
7. F. Jane, Agnes & I [were] at [the] show[. Showery
We went in the] buggy[.] John & Ned went
up in [the] cart[.]
8. S. I [was] in Clinton to post [a] card to 16
Teaswater(sic)[.]Father & Jno.[are]haul- Misty,Rain
ing manure[. At night] Fa[ther] & I put
glass in by times [the broken] kitchen
window[.]
9. S, Jane & I [were] in Church [this] morn- 9
[ing](Stewart)[.] Jno.[went in the] even- Nice
[ing.] Mr & Mrs Wigg[inton]& Stella [were C[old]Wind
here] P.M.
Snowing
very Cold
Windy
12
Nice Cool
Wind, War
mer
10. M. [We were] pulling apples all day[.I] 6
Killed 2 Hives [of] Bees[. Fa[ther]start- Nice &
ed pulling Mangols[.] A[gnes] Jo[hn] & I Warm
[were] at U[ncle] John's seeing Miss
Fergueson13
11. T. Father & Mother went out to Elliot's[.I 6
went to Wigginton's [to stay] all night.
12. W. [TheA Blythe show [is on.] John was at 8
U[ncle] Jno's threshing P.M. Mrs Wiggin- Beautiful
ton & Stella & I[were]at[the] Ben Miller
Woolen Mill[.]
13. T. John[was]at U[ncle]Jno.'s threshing till 6
about 3 & then [to] U[ncle] Ja[me]s['s.] Warm
Ja[ne,]A[g] & I [were] at Mac's [this]
even[ing.] Copeland from Teeswater
[stayed] all night at Wig[ginton's] with
Father[.] Wigg[inton came] back with
them[.]
14* F. Jno.[was] at U[ncle] Ja[me]s['s] thresh- 5
ing till 2 P.M. Father & I[were] at[the] Very Warm
Bayfield show[.]Copeland bought[a]Shear
ling Billy & took him home[.] Mr Webber
called[.]
15. S. Edward Glen[was] born at noon [to Willie
and Lizzie.] 14 Jane & Lindy [were] in Rain Day
Clinton P.M. M. Snell & [a] friend from Nice night
Listowell called [in the] morn[ing.]
16. S. Agnes & I [were] in Church [in the]morn- 12
[ing] & John & Ned[went in the]even[ing] Fine,Dull
(Stewart)[.]
17. M. Ag & I [were] pulling apples all day[.j 9
Father & Jno.[were] pulling and hauling
in mangols[.] John Thompson arrived
[this] even[ing] to point[the] hen house
& (C)
18. T. Us pulling apples all day[.]Jno.[was] at 3
Butchart's threshing all day[.] Agnes Rain even
stayed at Glen’s all night[.] ing
6
�October,1892 129
19. W. John[was] at Butchart's threshing A.M. I
[was] with Father P.M. fetching stones
from [the] river[.] Aunt Mary called[.
]
Kate Pearson's Motheris [was here]P.M.
20. T. Father & Jno.finis[hed] pulling mangols
A.M. John [was] at D.McEwen's (Finley's)
P.M. [We were] pulling [apples] all
day[.]
4
Fine &
warm
5
Highish
Wind
21. F. John, Jane & I [were at] Church in Clin
ton (Hamilton)[.] walked home[.]
Fine &
Nice
22. S. John hauled in mangols A.M. [and was]
at Mac's threshing P.M. P. Campbell & J.
Dunkin [
were] her[e.] T[h3ompson & Lindy
went home[.] Jane [was] at Grant’s P.M.
23 . S .
24. M.
John & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] A.
Walker [was here] P.M. & even[ing.]
9
Raining
I washed [clothes and I also] washed out 10
a lot of old duck p[an]ts[.] Jane & Ag
pulled some apples P.M. The Mason & Lin
dy are back[.]
25. T. P[eter]Campbell & S[am]Cooper [are] here
to build[us a] Wood-shed[ *]Ag & I [were] Drizzley
pulling apples all day & at Glen’s [in
the even[ing.] Mac & ------ [were here]
from Wingham[.]
26. W. John[was]in Clinton A.M.for lumber & P.M. 17
A[g]& I [were] pulling apples all day[.]
27. T. Beetie [was] here[.] T[om] Wigginton
fetched him[.] Father took him to J.Dun- Dull
kin's P.M. A[g] & I finis[hed] pulling
apples[. The] Mason floored [the] cow-
stable [and] went home[.]
28. F. I took in our barrel of apples(all Spys.)
[Agnes, Ned, Jane & I hauled in] 2 loads S.W. Wind
[of] mangols all P.M. John was at Glen's Fine
threshing yesterday & to-day[.]Jane[was] Rain even-
in Clinton A.M. fingj
29. S. John [was] down early [in the] momfing] 6
at U[ncle] Ja[mes[’s] for lumber* & Raining&
[took the] cart [to] Clinton P.M. Cooper Snowall
[was] here & bought 2 shearling Bil- day
lys[.] I washed [the] kitchen & pant-
ry[.]
* probably left over from recent con
struction of the new farmhouse
30. S. John [went to] Church[this] even[ing] in 0
[the ]cart (
McDonald of Seaforth today)[. ] -Rain,some
snow Morn-
ing, Nice P.M.
31. M. [The] Carpenters [were] back (Dan Camp- 5
bell too) & [they] left at night[.] Fa- Fine,Dull
[ther],A[g] & I pulled 4 rows [of] car- Raining
rots[and] Jno. hauled in 2 loads[.] Fen- even[ing]
[wick]. Bell & Jno.McEwen,Mr Wigg[inton]
& Jessie, Ned & Lindy [were here] all
night[.]
�November, 1892
1. T . A[g is] sick[.] Jno. hauled in 3 loads
[of]carrots & I threw [them]off in [the]
barn[.] Father [was] pulling nips[.]
2. W. [John hauled in 4 loads of] carrots & 1
[load of] turnips[.]
Ag [was]at Wigg[int
on’s] P.M. Cooper was here & bought 3
more [sheep.]
3. T . Father [and Tom Wigginton were] at Coo
per's with [the] sheep[.] Ag & I pulled
some nips P.M. Jane [was] in Clinton P.M.
4. F. Jno. (Father helped fill) hauled in 5 5
loads [of]turnips P.M. Fa[ther],A[g] & I Dull A.M.
[were]pulling turnips A.M.Mrs & Jane Fer- .Rain P.M.
gueson [were] here[this] even[ing] & all snowing &
night[.] Freezing
5. S. [Father,Ag and I pulled turnips A.M.]be-
ween loads. Ferguesons left [at] noon[.] Dull
[With] F[ather] & Jno. filling nips & Frost at
Ag & I unloading[we]hauled in 7 loads[.] night
Ja[ne,]Ag & I put straw on[the]apples[.]
Fen[wick] was here] for dinner[.]
6. S. Jane & Agnes[were] in Church[this] morn- 17
[ing](Stewart) & Jno. & Fen[wick in the] Beautiful
even[ing. Today was the 1st day of the]
organ[.]
7. M. [We] Finis[hed the] Turnips A.M. 1 1/2
loads[. We] Killed 2 pigs P.M. & 12 Turk- Raining
eys [in the] even[ing.] High Wind
130
3
Dull
Dull
Drizzly
Rain P.M.
8. T. [We] killed 13 more] turk[ey]s this]morn-
ting.] Jane [was] in Clinton A.M. & P.M.
Father left for Toronto [on the] 1/2 past
1 train[.A] pedler(sic) [selling]trinkets
[was] here[.]
9. W. Father [got] home [at] night [and he has] 3
Bought Jane [a] watch(.]16 SoftenedSome
Snowed, Dull
10. T. Thanksgiving Jane,Agnes & I [were]at[the]
S[abbath] S[chool] examination[.] Sarah & Dull
Ida Isard [were] here P.M. & Even[ing.]
11. F. Agnes & I packed 5 hives [of] bees[.]Dick- 3
son's man fetched sheep[.] T. Frazer and Soft, Dull
The Master[were] here for their sheep [in Soft Snow
the] even[ing. ]A[g] & I shook the carpets evenfing]
[from]Ma’s & Ja[ne's]rooms[.The]Cows[are]
all in [the barn.]
12. S . [I] washed double windows and put in the 2
cellar ones P.M. I threw off a load of Snow Show-
turnips A.M. ers,Freez
ing some
13. S. Jane & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[. ] Froze hard
Soft1
4
14. M. Ja[ne] & I washed plaster & (C) * in Rainy
Ma's Bedroom[.]Jane washed 5 windo[w]s[.] Dull & Warm
Father[was away] seeing Apple-packers at
Scott’s P.M.I scrubbed spar[e]B[ed]-room
down & Ja[ne washed spare room and]stair
[windows.] * appearsalso
to mean "We had a good yak
while we worked.1
'
�November, 1892 131
15. T . [The apple-packers] Packed 51 barrels Dull & Warm
altogether[and stayed] here all night[.]
Sturdy [was here] for dinner[.J Jane & I
[were] filling refuse all day & Fa[ther
was]carrying [it] in[.]
16. W. [Jane, Ag & I were filling refuse all
day] & hauling [it] in with Farmer &
[the] stoneboat[.] Jane took Fafther] to
[the train] station A.M.for Teeswaterf.]
Jno. [went] up with [a] load[ of] apples
(17 bar[rels.])Kids & Stewarts [were at]
Mac's[. ]
45
Warm
Bees fly
ing
17. T. [Jane went to the train station] for[Fa- Raining
ther in the]even[ing.We] Finis[hed]haul- Fine
ing in refuse app[le]s [John was up Coolish
with another load of apples.]
18. F. Jno. [went] up with [the] last load [of] Snowing
apples & got salt^.] Father walked[.]
Raked up yard[.] Put down carpet in Ma's
room[.]Mac [
was here] in[the] even[ing.]
19. S. Father walked to Clinton to get ap[ple] 1
pay & [wasat U[ncle] J[ame]s['s] P.M.[I] Snow
put boards in[the] woodshed(out of [the] Showers
orchard) & put up platform at bees[.]
20. S. Dull
Bad Roads r
21. M. Tom Wfigginton] called[.] Jane [is] mak- Dull
ing Jno. [some] p[an]ts[.] Agnes cleaned Slight S.
[the] house pantry[.j Nailed cover for showers
sugar-barrel[.]
22. T. I walked to Clinton[.] Father [was] at
Glen's helping[to] kill beef. A[g] finis
hed the] pantry[.]
23. W. [First] Sleighing[to-day1 We]cleaned[the]
kitchen stove pipes & washed off [the]
floor[.] Tene McEwen & Kate McDougal[were
here P.M.
24. T. Mother & Jane[went into] Clinton in [the]
cutter[.]I washed[and]Ag cleaned up Jno's
stair[.]
25. F. Agnes[has been] washing kitchen plaster &
a little paint[.] Mr Glen* [was here] all
night[.]Jno.took chop to[the] mill &[was]
in Clinton[in the] even[ing.j Ja[ne] fin
is [hed the]p[an]ts -2 p[ai]r for Jno. & 1
for Father[. Now Jane is] cutting out [a]
dress[.] * probably Edward Glen Sr
26. S. Jno. was] in Clinton to see about [the] Dull
colt’s foot A.M. [He was] at Nile &
fetched [a]load[of] wood P.M.Jno.Thompson
[came] for sheep[.]Jimmy Dunkinfwas here]
for dinner[.] [We’
ve been] Cleaning [the]
Kitchen[.]
27. S. Jno. & Agnes [were] in Church(Stewart)[. ] softish
28. M. Mother & I[were] at Isard's P.M. [We had] softish
poor sleighing [in the] cutter & [we] got
turkeys[.] I [was] at U[ncle] Ja[me]s[’sj
for Wood-shed windows[.] Jno. [has been]
hauling up wood[.]
Snow
N. Wind
Snowing
1
Snowing
2
�November, 1892 132
29. T. Ag & I put things all out of [the] anty-*
room into[the] wood-shed stair[.]Jno.[is] softish
hauling wood[.] * ante: Latin
for "before"
30. W. A[g] & I finisfhed] cleaning [the] empty
room & [we] dusted and swept Jane's
room[.]Father[
was]at Wigg[inton's]thresh-
ing[•]
■ r:-'1.
. f, o
r
i ? \
o
i
,
December, 1892
1. T. Mother & Jane [went to] Clinton in [the] Softened
buggy[.] We put carpet down in Bella's
Room[.]
2. F. Father walked to Clinton [and] bought
Furniture from Chidley[.J I cleaned my
Room[.]
{-v-iqcis t
!
o b£ox .'Oir.?w
3. S. John [was]in Varna about Apples A.M.& in
Clinton P.M. Blackhall[came here this
even[ing to] see [a] colt[.] Powell &—
-------- fetched [the new] furniture A.M.
j . \ \ x I flfw e i i »
i • ■
'ai ’
n vH •- >
••
»
4. S. John [went to]Clinton in [the]cart[this]
morning for colt medicine[.] Aunty[came]
back from Green's[.]
5. M. John[was] in Varna[on the]sleigh with 20
bags of apples for cider[.We] borrowed a
barrel[. John] fetched [an] Apple-butter
Kettle too[.We have our own bar full
too[.]
*'x I •
•
;
bsr,*f •
*!.'. ‘ ; e 4( u
»j-*: ;■**?;.& j , *-n 1>
:
6. T. [Today We were] Making Apple-butter[and]
Bar-cider[.We also had]about 15 pails of
peeled apples[.]* John took [the] barrel
& Kettle back[.]
*In the days before refrigeratiion, the
standard way to keep apples over the
winter was to peel them and ream out
the core and dry them out. They could
be used simply by dropping them in boil-
water. Dried apples were an export as
well. They could be dried at home in a
small-scale operation or in a large-
factory operation with an "apple evapor
ator." The apple peeler was a simple
cast iron kitchen utensil that could be
clamped on a board or table. The operat
ing handle turned a large geared wheel
which,in turn, drove two different oper
ations. The operator impaled an apple on
three parallel rotating prongs.The drive
wheel also drove a second large wheel
which had 2 spring-driven devices. One
device closely ressembled a man's safety
razor. The spring pressed the razor-edge
against the apple's surface,the rotating
prongs spun the apple against the sharp
edge. As the bottom wheel rotated, the
apple would be peeled in three or 4 sec
onds. The rotation was complete when a
second spring-driven arm pushed the
peeled apple off the prongs. The oper
ator would crank the device at a steady
speed with one hand and with the other
hand would impale another apple on the
prongs. A tube-like knife which turned
like a key, removed the core. Peel
missed by the peeler would be removed
with a paring knife. The peeled apples
might dry out in the sun or in a dry
cellar corner near the furnace.
a little
Misty
Soft
1
Slight
snow
Showers
,£
�December, 1892 133
7. W. Elsie Thomson [was] here for turkeys[.]
Father [was] at Rutledge's sale[.] I
scoured up [an] old brass candlestick
& Ironed some[.] Blackall [was here] &
Adam [came in the]even[ing.]
8. T . I washed[.] Jane [was] in Clinton P.M Snow Flur
ries, Cold
Wind
9. F . Father & Agnes [were] at [the] School
Exam[.]
Dull, Raw
Wind
10. S . Father walked to Clinton[.] Agnes [was]
at U[ncle]Ja[me]s[’s]P.M.Mr & Mrs Ross &
Child over from Denver came last night[.]
11. s . Jno.walked to Church and got[more]medic
ine from Blackall[.]
Flakey
Raw
12. M. Jane walked to Clinton A.M. to get jacket Raw & Dull
lining fitted[.] Agnes washed[.]Jno [was]
in [at] night to see Blackall about[the]
colt[.] I washed some kitchen paint[.]
13, T. Fergueson & Jno. Kyle [were here]for din
ner[.]Ferguson, Elliot [were here] for
supper[.] Father [was] at Whittingham's1?
sale[.]J.McDonald[came]P.M. with sheep[.]
[I did some more of] Washing paint[.]
A Little
softer
sprinkled
14. W.
15 . T .
16. F.
g
f
t
17 . S.
18 . S .
f
19. M.
20. T.
4
21. W.
23 . F .
Fen[wick Stewart] & W[illiam] Glen [were] Rain,Soft
here all day[.We]killed 2 pigs &[a]heifer
& W[illiam]Glen‘s pig[.]John & Jane[were]
in Clinton[.] Jane walked home [and got a
ride with Wanless[<«]'
Mother & I [went to]Clinton in[the] buggy Hard Frozen
P.M. John [was] in Clinton for flour[.] Soft
Hard Frozen
I [was] at Varna with [a]hide to get tan
ned in [indecipherable.]
P[eter]Campbell & S[am] Cooper [are] fin
ishing [the] woodshed[.]* See P. 30
Jane & I [were] in Church(Student)[.The Hard Frozen
Rev. Alex.] Stewart [was] in church[.]
[The] Carpenters[are] back roofing [the] Snowed a
hen-house inside[.] [The] Colt died[.] little’
Jno.[went to] Clinton A.M. for lumber[.]
[This] even[ing we were] Over by Stone-
house's & (C)* *They made a
social call on cousin John B.
Stewart and his wife Amy.
The carpenters finished this evening[.]
Aunty [was] up & stayed all night[.]
[I] Drove Father [in the] buggy part way
to Brucefield[,He has] gone to [a]London
sale[.]Fen[wick was]up with[our news]pap
er A.M.
[I] Baked The Cakesr.1 Aunty [was] up
all day[.This] evening Agnes went[in the]
buggy to meet Father[.] John has gone to
Brucefield with Ned [Glen.]
. • ,
1 w * i - 1 1 • - ' . . r ■ . • , • 1 ►
’ I . t • t -v ‘
Father & Jno. [were] in Clinton for 5
sheep[.] Bella arrived home[.]
22. T.
H
�24. S
December, 1892 134
Snowing
25.
26.
27 .
28 .
29 .
30 .
31.
Jno. [was] in Clinton in the] cutter for
4 sheep P.M.& even[ing.] Mother & I [went
to] Clinton in [the] cutter P.M
S .
M. Jno. Steep fetched E.A. Isard over A.M.
([She is] making Bella's dress.) Ag &
Jno. [went] down to U[ncle] Jno.’s to
night[.] Killed 2 geese 2 turk[ey]s
& 3 roosters [also a] kitten
T. Jno. [was] in Clinton for Mr & Mrs R.L.
Lang from Oak Lake, Manitoba & [their] 3
children[.]l8
Stormy
Dull
Calm
Nice day
sunshiny
W. Jane's Wedding-day Sunshiny
with light snow
falling
Beautiful Moonlight
T. Bella & I [were] in Clintonf.] Mr & Mrs
Dunkin & the McTavish boys & a friend
(Stewart) [
were] here[.]
F. Miss McNaughton & Miss Foster [were]
here[.] Father & Mr Lang [were] in Clin
ton & at Biggins's[.]19
S. Maggie [Lang] & I [went] in [the] cutter Fine
to] Clinton A.M- Father & Robert [Lang Dullish
were] at Jno.Elliott'
s & the mill (in the
cutter) P.M.
The Woodshed and Other Odds and Ends
"...Mr Jas. Stewart has excavated the cellar for his new house;
Mr [Peter] Campbell has the contract for the woodwork and Mr
Arthur Cantelon the mason work and plastering:................
The New Bra May 6, 1892
"..Jas. MacFarlane recently added a wood shed ±o his commodious
house." The New Era November 4, 1892
while Eliza-Ann has several direct references to the building
of the new woodshed, not once does she mention that the James
Stewart family were finally replacing the log house with a mod
ern frame farmhouse. There are several indirect references to
Uncle James amassing building materials, and that's all.
The MacFarlane, James & John Stewart households were very
close, tied by blood and friendship, but there was also a heal
thy rivalry to have the best, crops, livestock, buildings, vehi
cles and impliraents.The rivalry also showed up in the give-and-
of sharp banter,and verbal jabs and,of course, noisy posturing.
In the privacy of the home, each household mercilessly analysed
the strengths and shortcomings of all members of the other two
households, told stories about them and mimicked them.
When John Stewart was building his stone house in 1878,
James came over to inspect. When asked what he thought, James
sniffed and said "They tell me that stone houses are only good
for fifty years." When James, some 12 or 13 years later began
to consider what kind of new house he might build, he took a
fancy to the Junor’s house on a triagular lot at the corner of
Goderich Township's 16th Concession and the Bayfield Road. It
was a compact "Ontario classic" - storey-and-a-half with peaked
gable and made of field stone. The story goes that the two bro
thers were going home from Clinton,and> as they passed the Junor
place, James confided to John that was what he like to build on
the fourth. (Fenwick was very probably riding with them.) John
cast a contemptuous look at the edifice and grumpily replied:"Go
cont. next page
�r*4 p*
■■
• io <
*
*
*x>
af vj j *
•
* •
t
i
aheadl Build yourself a nice little shithousei"
The two brothers regularly needled each other ,and the
MacFarlane's in front of the children - to put on a show. James
and Eliza MacFarlane took pleasure in the "game," while Abigail
and Mary, and maiden sister Agnes were quiet and kindly. At any
rate, James was sufficiently stung that he opted for a substant
ial L-shaped frame house, with sharp peaks, made even more impo
sing by putting it on an artificial mound, as Malcolm McEwen had
done, in later years,Fenwick’s wife Alices"I wish Fenwick's dad
had built a house like Junor's,- it would've been less work to
keep up."
When the house was being built, James MacFarlane came
over to inspect. *The front faced west and the kitchen window was
on the west side. South off the kitchen were 2 rooms, a bedroom
and a pantry. MacFarlane said "James, you're shutting the sun out
of the main room of the house! You’re making a terrible mistake!"
James insisted that Campbell knock down the studs and give the
kitchen a south window- Later that same year, James MacFarlane
put a wood-shed on the south face of his own house, much to the
bafflement of the James Stewart household.
1. The diarist’s antagonism, so obvious in 1887 and thereafter
appears to be subsiding. Jane and Ned would marry in
December[.]
2. The proper spelling is "Kaiser". Benjamin Kaiser of Bruce-
field is listed in the 1878 Atlas as a hotel keeper. In
the early 20th cent. Jack Kaiser ran a blacksmith shop in
Brucefield.
3. James Stewart was practically the last of the local pioneers
to replace his log house with a modern farmhouse. It was
built in 1892. Peter Campbell did the Carpentry and Arthur
Canteleon did the stonework. See The New Era quote above page
This is the first reference to the impending construction.
4. The nearby Dominion riding of Huron West was the preserve of
Malcolm Colin Cameron, a Goderich lawyer and Liberal. His
long service in the Commons (1867-98) was twice interrupted
when he lost his seat in disputed election proceeedings.
He won Huron West in the 1891 Dominion election but was
unseated December 26, 1891. James Colbrooke Patterson had
been the Conservative sitting member for Essex North since
1878. He lost his seat in 1891. The caretaker Abbott
government, that was formed after Macdonald's death was in
need of fresh blood and Patterson was sworn in as Secretary
of State January 25, 1892. He needed a seat and had already
been nominated to run against Cameron in the by-election.
Stanley Township Tories had fought Cameron (1867-78) as the
sitting member for Huron South. When extensive boundary
changes went into effect in the 1882 election, Cameron ran in
new Huron West riding. In the by-election on February 23,
1892, Patterson carried the seat by a mere 25 votes. Though
they could not vote in the contest, there is little doubt
that the Glen's, MacFarlane's and Stewart's, rejoiced at the
spectacle of Cameron getting his lumps. However, Patterson
left politics in 1895 to become Lieutenant -Governor of Mani
toba and Cameron was returned in a by-election, January 14,
1896. See CDP & 1912 PG
5. Peter Campbell (1843-94) was born in Drummond Twsp., Lanark
County and came to Stanley with his parents at an early age.
He lived in Clinton and then moved to Lot 22, Con 3 Stanley
in 1882. He had 4 sons and three daughters. Eliza-Ann's diary
doesn't make clear whether the wedding was a double or a
triple affair. One of the daughters, Christena, married John
Moffatt (New Era Jan 26, 1894) Campbell built the new SS #1
School house in 1875. He built the L-shaped farm houses on
Lot 27 (IV) -Jas. Stewart 1892, Lot 27 (III) - Butchart
1891 and Lot 32 (III) Pearson 1888.
(Ill) Pearson
6. "Kettleton" is the proper spelling of this name. There
were Kettleton children for some years in this period
enrolled at S.S. #1. Isabel Glen recalled in long retrospect
that the family lived in a house near the London road and she
was pretty sure the father was a section hand with the fail-
�* / 1
5C
road, A pectiofc Jj^nd had a certain section of track assigned
t
q
> gr several hundred yards) and he would go over
it daily looking for loose nuts, (which he would tighten),
missing 'SpIkfe^twhiCh he' would replacep arid he would' Earmark
ties or rails that needed replacing. It was a very low-pay^ing
job and a section hand was well-advised to rent a cheap house
near his designated section. Mr Kettleton had a section of
the old London, Huron & Bruce line of the Grand Trunk,
running near the western end of Stanley's Concession I. A-
farmer, who Isabel declined to name ,disowned his daughter
when she married a Kettleton boy against his wishes. "I
would as soon see her in her coffin as see her where she •
is now!" he is alleged to have said.
See diary entry for March 21, 1891 and footnote #6 1891. I
*
The
Possible explanation: It's raining. MacFarlane’s buggy ha^ a
a roof one can put up, while the Wigginton rig does not. In
return for her trouble taken to pick them up, Wigginton's
give MacFarlane horses a rest and hitch their team to the £
MacFarlane vehicle.
The fence rails of dry cedar made excellent kindling. The I
farmer who engaged the thresherman and his outfit was expec
ted to supply the firewood and water to -drive the steam
engine. <
i
t
w
rxi'The Belden Atlas'.(1878> -^shows four^different, -Sheppard famis
on both sides of the road on the Bayfield Concession in
Goderich Township,a couple of farms west of Rathwell's,
I
I
i
81
9.
;
*
10
12. "Nannie" is Annie Stewart, daughter of John and Abigail
Stewart. Abigail, daughter of Charles and Margaret Tweedy,
had a younger sister Mary(1837-96) who married John Ferguson,
a school teacher. They lived all their lives around Smith's
Falls. They had 3 sons, William, Thomas and Charles. John
Ferguson died while his sons were quite young, and the 3 sons
looked after the mother as long as she lived. Abigail Stewart
did not see a lot of her Tweedy relatives. The 250 miles
between Clinton and Smith's Falls, even with direct rail
connections, was by 19th century standards a very long dis
tance. Since Abigail and her sister-in-law Agnes Stewart were
born in S. Elmsley Township near Smith’s Falls, they tried to
keep in touch with Tweedy's and with the three Stewart sis
ters of Eliza who had married down there:Mary(Mrs Robert
Tweedy), Isabella(Mrs Archibald Garvin) and Ann(Mrs William
Rathwell). With the deaths of Agnes Stewart in 1911 and her
sisterr Eliza MacFarlane in 1912, commmunication between the
Smith’s Falls and Clinton^families lapsed. The four
MacFarlane sisters kept up contact for a while and they
preserved enough written and photographic evidence to allow
the writer to piece much of this pack together. But as long
as Abigail,Agnes and Eliza lived, there was continual keeping
in touch by mail and occasional visits back and forth. This
must have been happy occasion for Abigail to have her younger
sister Mary come to see her. (paper on Tweedy's edited
Stewart)
13. "Miss" should probably be "Mrs." Mary (Tweedy) Ferguson had
3 sons and no daughters.
14. Edward "C," Glen:1892-1962, lived all. his life on the origin
al Glen farm - Lot 30 Con IV. He married Mary MacLaren:1897-
1965 in 1917 and had two children - Robert:1920-86 and Alice
(Mrs Chester NeilIans of London.) Robert also spent his whole
life on his father's farm and inherited it when his mpther
died. Robert married Muriel Wise in 1948. Their son Gordon
liyes on the family acres - the 5th generation to do so.
15. Eliza-Ann says ""Kate Pearson's mother" because we have l}ere
an example of how many Scots settlers had the same names.
The lady she refers to is Margaret McDonald(1826-1915)
wife of pioneer Alex. McEwen, who lived on lot 15, Con 3,
15 farms south of his nephew Malcolm. Most of that family
werit west or to the U.S. John and Ann stayed on the home
place and Kate married John Pearson in 1887. With more than
one Duncan, Alex., John , Margaret and Catherine McEwen's, it v
is easy to get confused. To make it worse, they are all sort
of related.
16. The watch, the case and the guarantee are preserved in the
house at Glenfapn.
17. Whittingham's farmed on the 4th concession south of sideroad
25 and the James Stewart place. Will Potter, who took over
�the farm married a Whittingham girl.1
‘
One- of their c
f
e
u
g
t
t
j
^
e
i
^
p
'
.
Hazel, would marry Malcolm (or Mike) MacFarX&qe, son of' John,
and, Eliza-Ann's nephew.
18. Mrs Lang was the daughter of James MacFarlane’s brother
(Donald? William?) Check.
19. The Biggins family had the first farm south of Clinton on the
Stanley side of the London Road. They were English settlers
with means and the original Biggins was often referred to as
'•Squire” Biggins.
��ISABEL GLEN'S
1893
JANUARY,1893
YEAR
139
1. S .
2. M .
3. T.
4. W.
5. T.
6. F .
7 . S .
Maggie [Lang] & Agnes [were] in church Stormy
[this] morning & Jno.[in the] even[ing.]
Agnes [is] helping Jane to [
wallpaper[.]
E.A. Isard[was] here[.] Rob [Lang] & Jno.
[went to] Clinton in[the] Horse and cut
ter A.M.[The] Kids & the Mr & Mrs [were]
at U[ncle] Ja(me]s[’
s.]
Rob & Jno.[were] at Snell's,Fair’s etc.
;
Agnes washed [. ]
.
Lang's & Agnes [visited] at Jane's & Fine
Mac'sf.] Dan Ross (Denver)[was here] for
dinner[.] Mrs Finley & Bella Ross [were]
here[. I] took E.A Isard home[.]
Rob, Agnes & Bella [were] in Clinton[.] Stormy
Rob [was] at Biggins'[es] for dinnerf.]
Rob, Maggie & I [were] at U[ncle] Jno.’s
in the evening[.]
[Rob, Maggie] & [the] Baby [were] visit
ing Maggie's old neighbours[.] Tom & Jim
Agar [were]here for dinner [and]Jane was
in all day[.]
Willie Isard came for E.A.[in the] even- Snowing
ing[.] Father [was] in Clinton[. He]rode som[e]
"Sorrol" to & from Wigg[inton’s.]
8. S .
9. M.
10. T.
Rob, Maggie, Bella & I [were] in Church Stozmy
[this] morn[ing. John, Bella, Ned & Jane
went in the] even[ing.]
E.A. Isard [came] back [this] morning[.] Stormy
Maggie [Lang][.] washedf.]
Agnes melted snow[.]* I Over-easted Very Stormy
Bell's B[lac]k dress & B[lacjk wrapper & *the supply
[I] put pockets in the skirts[.] of rainwater
in the cistern or rain-
barrel had been used up
by a houseful of guests[.]
11. W.
12 . T .
13 . F.
14 . S .
[I] sewed hooks on [Bella's black dress Snowed some
and black wrapper.] Jane [was] in all
day[.] Folks [were] breaking [open the
snowed-in] roads to-day[.]
The 5 of us [were] in Clinton P.M. get
ting photos taken & Lang's, us & Mac's 2
girls[went to] Jane’
s[in the] even[ing.]
Jno.took E.A. Isard home this even[ing.]
Father & Rob [were] at Wise's & Middle-
ton 's[.]
Mr & Mrs Lang [were] in Clinton calling
on Mrs McLennon([at the] bakery)[.]Bella
[was] in Clinton with Ned[.]
15. S. Maggie & Agnes[were]in Church[this] mor
ning [and] Jno. [in the] even[ing.]
16. M. John & I [were] in Clinton (and we] took
Bella up to [the] station en-route for
Ottawa[.] Mr & Mrs Lang went with us to
Mac's going to Gilmour'
s[.]
Very Stormy
Very Cold
Wind
�January, 1893 140
Jno.drove Mr & Mrs Lang & Family to[the] Clear & Cold
station enroute for Hensall[.] Mother Sunshiny
[was] at U[ncle] John’s early this morn
ing. Mary's second son born[.]* *Donald Ross
1893-1981
Ag washed[.] I made [a] basting-thread
holder [and] sorted the dress-making re
mains etc. Father & Jno took the hind
quarter of beef to the cellar[.]
Cold & Raw
Some snow &
Drifts
Jno. was at Glen's cutting all day[.]
Finley called P.M. while the Mrs went to
U[ncle] Jno.’s[.] I [went to] Clinton in
[the] Cutter P.M.
Some warmer,
Bad Roads for
passing
Father [was] in Clinton[.] I took him to Warmer
Wigg[inton's] corner and met him at Sunshiny
Jane*s[.]Jno. Middleton[was] here P.M. &
even[ing. I] made [a] cord bag etc. for
the pantry[.]
D[an] Ross [came] for dinner[.] Ag & I Heavy W.
[were] at Jane's [this] evenfing. I] Frost
cleaned the Hen-House[.] Sunshiny
Eliza-Ann comments about the
temperatures for Jan 11-21"
"Jn the zero direction all
these nights."
Agnes & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[. ] Some Warmer
Snow
Father & Mother [were] in Varna at Fos
ter *s[.] Jno. Middleton's son was here
P.M. Jane called [while] Ned [was] down
at U[ncle] Jno.'s[.]
Jno. [is] working in [the] bush[.] Jane
[was] in here P.M. Agnes drove her down
to Aunty’s & then home[.]
Ned [was] at U[ncle] Jno.'s [and] bought Drifted some,
3 head of cattle - a fat heifer & the fine
others milkers[.] I washed[.]
Agnes [was] in Clintonf. She]got Jane to Dullish
go with her [and] bought a mantle[.]
Agnes & John,[using]
Adam's sleigh [went] Silver Snow
with [a] load to Thompson's [this] even
ting.]
I washed,cleaned[the] hen house, & swept Silver Thaw
out[the]veranda[.] Agnes scrubbed,black- Raining
ened [the] stove & carried in soft wat
er[.] Fa[ther] & Jno. shore 2 billy
lambs[.]
T. Wigg[inton at Glen's [and*] called
here[.]
[Father shore] the other lamb to day[.]
Windy
Freezing
Snowing a
little
Agnes & I [were] down at U[ncle] Jno.'s Drifting
& [at] Aunty's [this] even[ing.]
February, 1893
Jane [wasf in P.M.at Lizzie’s & her & I Mild, Cold
[were] at Aunty's [in the] evenfing. I] Stiff N . Wind
put [a] collar on [an] old gingham basque[.] even[ing]
17 . T .
18. W.
19. T.
20. F.
21. S.
22 . S .
23 . M.
24. T.
”
*
v 1
J
h
\ ’
25. W.
26. T.
27 . F .
28 . S .
29. S.
30. M.
31. T .
1
. W.
�standing, L. to R. Charles, Mary Emma, (Mrs Donald
R. Ross, and James Adam. Seated L to R. Alice
Louisa, (Mrs John L. Parke) Margaret Elizabeth,
(Mrs william Glen) Lillian Ellen, John Barkley,
Annie, and, Isabella Melvina (Mrs John B. Green.
FIRST COUSINS:THE JOHN STEWART FAMILY
while the date of this studio portrait is
unknown, the people in the picture appear
to be the right age for this to have been
taken in 1891. It was probably one of the
several presents given to John and Abig
ail Stewart by their children at the
house party on Christmas day, 1891.
NAMES
�February, 1893 141
2. T • Agnes [was] in Clinton P.M. Mrs [Finley
McEwen, Mrs Duncan McEwen] & Mrs Scott
[were] at Jane's[. I worked at] putting
[a] collar on [the] black-striped
dress{,]
S.Thaw, night
3 . F . Adam[Stewart was]here cutting wood with
John[. I] finished fixing [the] B[lac]k
Dress[.] 1st lambs 1 sheep in morning
1 dead & 1 living 2nd 2 lambs night
Stormy,Cold
4. S . Adam [was] with John all day[.) Agnes &
I [
were]out at Jane's [this] even[ing.]
D.M. Ross fetched our mail
Hard Drifts
Calm even[ing]
5. S. Cold 1
S.E Wind
6. M. Agnes washed & I accomplished nothing
visible[. I did the hen nests and fed
the boys[.]H.P. was over for [the]step-
ladder[. I] hunted up old books to see
how to make........
Silver Thaw 1
Raining
Snowing
evening
7 . T . Jane [was] in all day[.] Jno. took her
home & went to town[.] Fenwick fetched
our mail[.I] cut [a] black polinise off
into a basque[.)
Drifting 1
some & a
little snow
8. W. Ned [was] in sawing wood with Jno. P.M.
Ag [was] down at Aunty's P.M.
Cold Wind 1
some drifts
9. T . [Ned was in sawing wood with Jno. P.M.
I] Finis[hed] fixing the basque[.] Mr
Finley McEwen & [daughter] Anna Bell
[were here] for dinner[.]
Snowing & 2
Drifting P.M,
J) * f
X
/ . 4
#4
i
10 . F . Ned [was] in sawing P.M. Jane was in
too[.] They went down to U[ncle] Jno.'s
[in the] even[ing. I] Made [a] feed
trough for hens & 1 nest box[.]
Snowing & 2
Drifting A.M.
11. S . N[ed] sawing P.M. T[om] Frazier [was
here]for dinner. I]made 2 nest-boxes[.]
Agnes & Jane[were]in Clinton P.M. Aunty
[was] up P.M. (2 lambs-doubles)
Fine & 1
Nice
12 . S . Agnes & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.]
Good sleighing (2 lambs-doubles)
W. Frost 1
Beautiful
13 . M. Jane & I went to Nicholas Cuming's[.]
Jno. McKenzie [was] here [and] bought
[the] B[lac]k Heifer{.]
Nice 1
14. T. Jane & I went to Brigham's for dinner &
to old Mr Elliot’s P.M. Jane stayed at
Brigham's all night [and] I stayed at
Elliot's
a little 7
silver, rain
ing P.M.
15. W. Jane & I got home about 10 o'c[loc]k.
Lizzie & [the] children & Aunty [were]
here P.M. Father & Jno. took the heifer
to McKenzie’s[.]
Nice 3
16. T. Jno. [was] cutting wood with Ned[.] T.
Wigg[inton] & J. Dunkin & Charlotte
called[.] Father [was] out buying a cow
from Jno. Stewart & [was] at Jack McDon
ald 's for dinner
Cold Wind 1
Flakey
�17 . F .
18. S .
19. S.
20. M.
21. T.
22. W.
23. T.
24. F.
25 . S .
26. S.
27 . M.
t
28. T.
1. W.
2 . T .
3. F.
February, 1893 142
I [was] in Church P.M. (McQuarrie-Wing-
ham)[.] Jno. hauled home some wood[.] W.
Glen [is] cutting[.] Powell & Young
[were] here [this] even[ing.]Father went
to Dunkin's [this] even[ing] with Mac[.]
Fen[wick] & Jno. [have] gone to Wigg[in
ton's] dance[.]
John [was]sawing wood with Ned P.M. Jane
[was] in P.M. [and] Ag drove her home[.]
D.M. Ross, wife & family left for Den-
ver[.]
Agnes & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.]
Jno.,A[g] & I [were] at Mac’s [in the]
even[ing.T]he 4th con[cession] & [the]
2nd concession] folks [were] there[.]
Jno. [worked] with Ned P.M.
Mr & Mrs Lang & Luella [were] back for
dinner[.] Jno. [worked] with Ned P.M.
J.W. McDonald P.M. fetched oats[.]
Mr & Mrs Lang & Luella left after din-
ner[.] Jno.[was working]with Ned[Glen]
& Jno.Scott P.M. Agnes [was] at McTav-
ish’
es P.M. & her & I [were] at Jane’s
[in the] even[ing.]
Jno. [was] in Clinton P.M. Aunty [has]
gone to Green's[ We are] making Jno.'s
drawers[.]
Jno. [was] sawing with Ned P.M. [I]
Finis[hed the] drawers]. Out at Jane's
this even[ing] in cutter for [a] let-
ter[.]
I [was]out at Jane's morn[ing] & even
ting] for mail[. I was] at [the] barn
all P.M. Ned & Jane [were] in Clinton
sitting for photos[.]i
Agnes & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.]
At barn A.M. cleaning Pea-floor at hay
[I have been] Making Father's drawers[.
This] even[ing I was] pasting in scrap
books[. We] Had frozen eggs for tea[.]
March, 1893
A[g] & I [went to] Clinton in [the]
cutter A.M. & Jno. [went] P.M. with
"Sorrol" hitched with Fen[wick's.]
Willie, Lizzie & Edd [were] in Clin
ton [.]Wigg[inton],Fen[wick],Ida, Lilly,
Nannie & Bessie [were here] for din-
ner[.]
Agnes & I [were] out at Mac’s [this]
evening[.]I went to Jane's but she was
at Scott's[.]I swept out my room & put
Jane's [wedding] presents in there[.]
Father was at Charles Avery's2 sale[;
he] got a ride with U[ncle] Jno.[Stew
art.] "The load’
’
* [landed] at Stone-
house's Mac’s Girls & Boys too[.]
6
Cold East Wind
Stormy even-
[ing] & night
below zero
Snowing 8
& drifting
a little
Snowing 10
Very Stormy
11
Dull & Cold
10
Snowed some
Nice 9
10
Snowing &
some drifts
11
Fine, Sunshiny
19
Flakey,Sun
shiny
Nice 1
some drifts
Cold E. 9
Wind Some
Drifts
13
Raining, West
Wind, Colder
4
Cold W. Wind
Stormy P.M,
Sunny evening
Fine 9
Thaw to sun
12
Snowing P.M.
Fine even[ing]
Stormy
�March, 1893 143
* "The load” appears to be a new slang
term for the five MacFarlane siblings.
4. S . Father & W[illiam] Glen[were] in Clin
ton[at] Mclsa[a]c's farm sale(our cut
ter [Glen’s] horse)[.]
Stormy
6
5 . S . Agnes & I [went to] Church in [the]
cutter(Stewart)[.]
Fine,drift
ing P.M.
5
6/ M. A[g] washed kitchen window valences[.]
I was helping Jno. to haul in some hay
P.M.(from one barn to the other.)
Fine
C. Wind
8
7 . T . Agnes & I [were] at D. McEwen's [this]
even[ing] & Father out at Jane's went
with us[.]
Beautiful
Warm
7
&
8 . W. I Mended faher*s shirt & cleaned the
hen-house[. I]Have to help with chores
at night this long-time[.]
C. Wind
Real Thaw
10
9. T . Father shore 3 ewe lambs[.] I [was] in
Clinton P.M.[The Roads[are]very bad[.]
Spotty calved [this] morning[.] Ellie
Cairns [was here this] even[ing] & all
night[.]
4
Rain P.M.
Clear even[ing]
10. F . Father & I shore 3 ewe lambs[.] [Ellie
Cairns was here] all day[& all night.]
Fine 9
11. S . Father walked to Clinton[. He]got back
with W[illiam] Glen [who] turned back
about Pearson's[. I] Mended Father’s
pants & finished making his drawers[.]
Raining 8
1 x
12 . s . Ned was in P.M. for tea[.] Their 1st
cow calved to-night[.]
A little
soft snow
14
13 . M. I walked to Clinton A.M. to post [a]
letter to Bella[.] McTavish called[.]
Jno. [has] gone to Graham's[. I] drove
[to Clinton] P.M. to post a reply
card[.]
Froze
a little
E. Wind
12
14 . T . [I] Helped father shere(sic) all 3 ewe
lambs[.] Making button-holes in Moth
er's good basque[.] Dewdrop calved [a]
heifer[.] Jane was in P.M. I took her
home & her 12 hens[.]
Raining
Snowing
11
15 . W .
•
*
i*
♦j
Father walked to Clinton to get B.Mar
shall's writings done[.] Finished but
ton-holes, sewed buttons on old shoes
& sewed slippers[.]
Blustery 18
16 . T . I [was] in Clinton P.M. Fine
Cold Wind
13
17 . F . Willie Scott[was]in A.M. Ag & I [were]
at Jane's [this] evening.] Ned [was]
in town [and] fetched our mail[.]
14
Fine, frosty
Sun Thaw
18 . S . Ned [was]in all day sawing with John[.
I] Cleaned [the] Hen-House[.I] have to
help with the chores every night[.]
19
19. S . Agnes & I [were] in Church(
McDonald-
Seaforth)[.] John walked up [to church
in the] even[ing.] Charlie's son born
(1st)[.]*
16
Soft Snowing
♦Frank Stewart
♦Frank Stewart
1893-1945
�March, 1893 144
20. M. Ned [was] in [here] all day sawingf.]
Mother & I [drove to] Clinton in [the]
cutter[.1]started making bleached cotton
p[an]ts[.]
16
Cold Wind,Rain
ing Even[ing]
21. T . [Ned still here sawing. 1} Helped move
move some peas on straw[.]
20
Thawing, Dull
22 . W. Mother [was] out at Jane’s for dinner[.]
Uncle James’
s Annie was here & at Glen's
P.M. Jno. [was] with Ned sawing[.]
21
Some snow
C.E. Wind
23. T . I [went to] Clinton in [the] cutter[.]
[John & Ned still sawing.]
15
Soft
24. F . Kate & Lizzie McTavish [were] here P.M. 19
[John & Ned still sawing.] Ned & Jno. Thawing, A
[were] in Clinton [this] even[ing.] Shower at noon
River floods
25. S. [I] Finis[hed]making drawers[.]Jane[was] 18
in P.M.Adam fetched the mail[.]Ida Stew- Frozen a little
art [was] at Glen’s P.M. Father [was] Dull
there [this] even[ing] for a little
while[.]
26. S. Jno.[was] in Church[this] even[ing.J Fa- 23
ther [was] at U[ncle] James’s[.] Fine, Frost
at night
27. M . [I]Made 3 towells & sewed at Mother *s 22
dress [. ] Father[was ]out at Mac's[.] ’
’
The
load” [landed] at Jane’s to-night[.]
William Glen’s colt died[.]
28. T. Mrs Bob Pearson & Jane [were here P.M. 24
[Mr] Tough [the] Assessor [was] here all
night[.]
29. W. [I] Finis[hed] making mother's print 20
dress(Dutch Elm)[.] Ida called[.]
30. T. Ned [was] sawing up [the] old house with 20
Jno.P.M.I[visited]at U[ncle] Ja[me]s['s] Thawed a lot
P.M. Jane fetched in [the news]papers Frost at night
this morning[.] Aunty [was] back A.M.
31. F .
1. S .
2. S .
Good Friday Aunty was up[.] Ag took out
A[unt] & [the news]papers to Jane in the
Jane in the buggy[.] I washed[.] Maggie
Cuming died3......... .
28
Snow went a
lot, Frost at
night
April, 1893
I [drove] in[to] Clinton [in the] bug- 30
gy P.M...[I was] at Aunty's [this] even- Fine
[ing] & Ag [was] at Jane’
s[.] Frozen
Agnes & I [were] in church(Stewart)[.] Fine 42
Father heard frogs[.] Snow show
ers P.M.
3. M . Father went to Blythe to Maggie Cuming’s
funeral[.] I took him up [in the] morn-
[ning] & went for[him in the] even[ing.]
Rosy calved [this] morning & Fannie A.M.
Jno. & A[g were] at Isard’s dance[. I
heard the] Frogs singing[.]
4. T. [I was] With father A.M. measuring [a]
field[. I was] stitching [a] jacket[.]
Jane & Auntie [were] here P.M. & Tene &
Bell [in the] even[ing.] John is plowing
sod land
Rain A.M. 25
Fine, P.M.
warm showers
Thunder
H. Wind
Snow went
fast.
30
�April, 1893 145
5. W.
6 . T .
7 . F .
8 . S .
9. S .
Agnes walked to Clinton[.] Ed[ward] Glen
Sr.[was here] P.M. [I] Set 2 Varna geese
[on] 22 eggs [and] 1 hen [on] 15 eggs[.]
[I] Was just ready for Clinton when
Carrie & Kitty arrrived. [I have been
making Button holes in Mother’s lilac
[dress.] I got my] 1st Turkey egg[.]
Jno. [has been] plowing old sod [in the]
field beside [the] barn these days[.]
Jack Parke, Adam [Stewart] & Jno. [were]
at Mac's[.] Jane was in P.M. stitching
[the] jacketf.] Mr Jno. Dunkin & [his]
Father [were] here [in the] even[ing.]
Father [was] in Brucefield for McIntosh
A.M. ([The] Young bull [is] sick[. He]
came P.M. Jno. [was] at [the] mill for
chop A.M. & in Clinton P.M. getting
’
'horse” shod[.] I [was] in Clinton P.M.
24
Dull,coolish
C[old] 35
E[ast]
Wind
26
Dull A.M.
Warm P.M.
High
c[old]
wind
29
A[gnes]& I[were]in church A.M (Stewart.) C. Wind 29
Jno. [went in the] even[ing.] asprinkle
of snow
10. M.
11 . T .
12 . W.
13 . T .
14. F.
15 . S .
16 . S .
I [went] in[to] Clinton P.M. [for a]
"Rooster” [which came] on the [1:30] ex-
press[. I paid] $2.00 express charges
(minus) 70 [cents for picking it up in
person[.] Jno. [is] plowing[.] McIntosh
[came this] even[ing.]
[Eleven o ’
clock]when I got in this morn
ing & out early even[ing. I was] at
Aunty's [this] even[ing.]
[The] Glen’s had Mary at doctor for skin
disease[.] A[g] & I [were] at Jane's for
a little while [this] even[ing.]
30
Mother & Aunty [were] at Jane's
[was] in Clinton P.M.
P.M.
John [was] at[the] Brucefield Show [and]
got [a] 1st [prize] for horses. [I] set
[a] 2nd hen[.] Ja[ne],A[g] & I [were] at
the Debating Society's Entertainment
even[ing.]
[I] Stitched Mother's basques & mended
Fafther's] shirt[.I]Set[the]3rd goose[.]
A[g] & I [were] at Aunty's [this] even-
Dull
C. Wind
38
H.E. Wind
Dull
32
H.S.E. Wind
Rain at night
34
26
Dull & cold
Snowing....
[ing.]
Agnes & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.]
Jno. walked [to the] even[ing service.]
Jessie Wigginton [was] here P.M. I [was]
at S[abbath] School[.]
17. M. [Jane & I were] in Clinton P.M.
Snowed 36
A.M. 2 or 3
in[ches]
Thawed [in] sun
31
C. Wind
Raining
27
C. Wind
Clear & Fine
18. T. U[ncle] Ja[me]s [was here] P.M. & for
tea[.] Mr G[eorge] Baird [was here] for
tea also[.] Aunty [came] up[.] [I] Set 3
hens with turkeys[.] [I] Took [a] hive
out of packing[. All the bees were]
dead[.]
24
Clear & Fine
Sun Warm
I
�19. W
April, 1893 146
20 . T .
21. F .
22 . S .
23 . S .
24. M.
25 . T .
Winters,D.Ross & Harry Steep [were here]
for tea[.]Ross & [another manjwere after
potatoes[.] Agnes [was] at wigginton's
P.M. Jane [was] in P.M. at [the] bush
for flowers
[I] Finis[hed] Mother's lilac dress [The
heavy] wind blew [our] wood-shed about
2 1/2 [feet] aside & blew down [a] barn
door & [at] Ned’s place [it blew the]
roof off Robinson's* barnf.]
[I] Finis[hed]mother1s blue print basque
([the] 3rd one lately.) Fen[wick was] up
for[the]Gander[.] Jane fetched in[news]-
papers [this] morn[ing.] W[illiam] Glen
fetched more[in the] even[ing.] Ag [was]
at Glens P.M.
Father [was] at Mac's for dinner[.] With
Mac [he was] at the Martin's P.M. [and
they had tea at T[om] Frazer's[.]I [was]
at Aunty's P.M. Ned [stopped] in on his
way to [the Robertson] barn[.]
A[g] & I [were] in Church(Stewart.) [We]
lost [a] bolt out of [the] whiffeltree
coming home[.]
Fa[ther] & Jno. [are] putting [up] some
fences[.] Jno. [was] plowing P.M.I made
[a] print case for my comfortables[♦]
[I] Washed & Ironed[.] Agnes scrubbed
Jno.'s stair[.]Agnes & I [were]at Jane’s
[in the] even[ning.]
33
30
very very
windy, Rain
ing too
Windy, 27
Raining &
Snowing
23
Rain &
Snow
C. Wind 23
Some Snow
Dull 28
C. Wind 24
Fine
26 W. D. Ross [was] paying for potatoes[.] I H.C.Wind 14
[was] Mending an old smock for John[.] Raining
[I] Cleaned [the] Henhouse[.] A[g] swept
Mother’s room and hall[.]
27. T. [I] Cleaned wheat with Jno. A.M. Jno. in 24
Clinton P.M. for flour[.] We got Belle's H.C. Wind
photos & letterf.]
5 [I] set [a] hen [in
the] Hforse] Stable[. I was] at Aunty’s
[in the] even[ing.]
28 . F . Jane & I [were] in Clinton P.M. Mac(C) Windy 2 9
Aunty [was] up[.] Some Warmer
29. S. McTavishes [called] in for [the] scrap- C. Wind 19
er[.] Fa[ther] was over at Trick's [and] Fine
1 was at Ned’s[.]
30. S. A[g] & I [were] in Church(Mr Hunt-McDon- 20
aid's assistant [in] Seaforth.)Stayed at Warmer
Ned's [after church.] I got [ajsheep on Raining P,M.
her back. Ned[was here]in[the]even[ing.] evening
1. M.
2 . T .
May, 1893
[A] lamb died[.I] stitched Mother’s blue Warm & 28
& yellow skirt[.]Jane [was]in P.M. Harry Showery
[Diehl] & Jno. caught 4 suckers P.M. &
[Jno. caught 2 at night.] 1st ones [this
year.]
Fafther] & Jno. moved [the] wood-shed
back[. I] stitched mother's cashmere
skirt[.]
Colder 20
Dull....
�May, 1893 147
3. W. [I stitched Mother's] Basque etc. Fa- 17
ther mended [the] gate at [the] barn[.] Sunshiny &
Jno. [did the] 1st. sowing P.M. Mamie, Warm
Bessie & Eddy Glen [were] here A.M.
[while] Lizzie [was] in Clinton[.]
4. T. Jane took their sheep down & visited 22
Aunty P.M. I [was] in Clinton P.M. Mrs C. N. Wind
Glen Sr had a stroke[.] Ned & Jane were
up all night[.]
U[ncle] Ja[me]s's Annie [was here] P.M. 33
Nannie called [this] even[ing - She had
been] at Glen's helping Lizzie make over
[a] dress[.] Some of the cows [were]
away all night[.]
Father [went A.M. in the buggy] with 2 Clear 20
bags of grain for chop[. I] Took "Dolly"
out for Ned & Jane to go to his mo
ther’s[. I] finis[hed] Mother’s skirt[.]
7. S, A[g] & I [were] in church(Stewart)[.] 21
Jno. [went in the] even[ing.] Ada [was] Good Wind
at S[abbath] S[chool.] Beautiful
8. M. Father walked to Clinton [and] got 2 25
teeth filled[. I] Took Dolly out for Nice & Warm
Jane to go to Clinton [this] even[ing]
to stay all night[.]
9. T. Jno. went out for Doll for Father to go 22
to Blake to the mason's for grape- Beautiful &
vines[. He] bought 2 pigs[.] The cows Warm
[were] all out all night[.]
10. W. Father [was] in Clinton [with the] bug- 22
gy[. He] left the horse with Jane [up- Nice & Warm
on his return] to go to Clinton [at]
night[. I] finis[hed] Mother’s cashmere
dress, all but [the] overcasting[. I
was] cleaning oats P.M.
5. F .
6. S .
11. T . [The] Glen’s [were] in Clinton[;] Mary &
Bessie [stayed] here[. A] sheep lambed Rained
- [she] had, I think, [a] ewe[.] Mary little
foaled - [she had] (this is right) [a] little
filly[.] J[ane] & A[g] etc. [are] mak
ing a factory corset cover[.]*
30
a
a
cooler
*The 3 sisters have a production line making
"unmentionables" for Jane’s trousseau.
12. F. At sheep all P.M. dagging and feet[.] 21
A[g] & I washed [the] buggy at Smith's
river[.] Jno. & Ned [have] gone to look
for pigs by Varna[.] They got 4 - 2 for
Will[iam Glen.]
13. S. Jno. finis[hed] sowing [this] even[ing.] 27
[I]finis[hed the] waist, all but part of Rainy
[the] lace. Jno. got [a] fish last night
[at] Adam’sf.]
14. S.
15 . M.
A[g] & I [were] in Church(stewart)[.]Jno.
[went in the] even[ing.]Ada & Lily[Stew
art were] in S[abbath] S[chool.]
Fa[ther], Jno.,Ag & Mamie [were] washing
sheep [in the] river P.M. W[illiam] Glen
[was]at Ben Miller for[a] spruce tree[.]6
Mrs Dunkin [was] here P.M. A[g] & I[were]
out at Jane's [this] even[ing.]
Misty 21
Fine P.M.
Fine 2 6
C.N. Wind
�May, 1893 148
16. T. Fa[ther] A[g] & Jno.[were] picking stones Misty & 18
all day[.] I [joined them] P.M. Scruton & Cold,Wind
F. Carling [were] here trying to buy & Rain
lambs[. We kept the] milch cows in to
night[.]
17. W . [I was] Out at D[uncan] McEwen's to see 26
about getting oats[.] Fa[ther was] at Cold Wind
U[ncle] Ja[me]s's A.M.Jno. [was] at [the] & Rain
mill P.M. with chop [and] fetched [some]
lumber home[.]
18. T. Mac’s (C) Father [was] at[the] mill for 25
chop and got a long ladder[.]Jno.[was] at C.tf. Wind
Brucefield to see about oats[.The] Colts Fine
were out all night(I think)[.]Fitzsimmons
was here [and] bought lambs[.]
19. F. Father went to Clinton with Mac[this]mor- 21
ning[. I] Planted Onions, Beans & Corn[.] Fine &
Jno. Thompson [was here] for dinner [and] Warm
bought a billy[.]
20. S. Jane & I [were] in Clinton[. I] Got Dolly 25
shod[.] Jimmy Dunkin [came] for eggs [and
stayed] for dinner[.] Wiley [was] around
[in the] even[ing.]
21. S. A[g] & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] Jno. 16
up with Adam etc.
22. M. [I] Aired feather-ticks etc.A.M. Ned,Jane 23
& Mamie washed their sheep P.M........ I
planted 4 rows[of] potatoes[in the] even
ting.]
23 . T . A[g] & I planted 1 row [of] potatoes[.]
[Two] pedler[s] called[- one representing
the] Chatham Fanning-mill[Company and the
other]Home Comfort Steel Range[s.I] darn
ed socks [and I] hemmed Jane ’s print
frills & put one on r
a
y brown print[.]A[g]
ironed P.M. [and] I [did] some too[.]
18
Raining &
Windy
24. W. A[g] & I planted 8 rows [of] potatoes A.M. 28
[and] Fa[ther]& [planted 9 more] P.M.A[g] C. Wind
& Jane, Bell & Mag[gie] McEwen [were] at Fine
[the] river P.M..........
25. T. I planted 10 1/4 rows[of] Carrots and op- 20
ened one[.I planted] 4 l/4[rows of mangos C.tf. Wind
P.M. Fa[ther] & A[g] opened rows & cover- Threatening
ed[.] Jno.Diehl [came] here [this] even- Rain. Fine
[ing and] bought 3 shearlings[.]
26. F. Mother & I [were]in Clinton[. John Diehl 20
was here] for sheep [and] got 4[.]I plan- Some Rain
ted 16 rows [of] Mangols A.M. & opened a
little [and] Ag planted 3 3/4 [rows] P.M.
[Cousin] Ida [was] here P.M. & [The] Rev.
[Mr] Stewart called[.]
27. S. Father & I shore 10 sheep(Fa[ther] shore 26
2 of them alone)[.] Ag [was] at U[ncle] Dull, Misty
Ja[me]s’s P.M.
28. S. Ag & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] Jno.21
walked [to church in the] even[ing[.] C. Wind,Fine
29. M. Mary Glen started school[.] Fa[ther] & I
shore 10 sheep[.] Fa[ther] & Jno. & Mac Nice
[were] down[this] even[ing]with Ned[Glen] Rain
taking down [Robertson’s] shed[.]7
23
�30. T .
31. W.
1. T .
2. F .
3 . S .
4. S.
5 . H.
6 . T .
7. W.
8. T .
9. F.
10 . S .
11 . S .
12 . M.
May, 1893 14 9
[Father & Mac were back at the Robertson 29
place] with Ned [this] morning[. Father Fine & Nice
A.M. and I shore] 7[sheep] P.M.Jane [was]
in P.M.stitching [her] dress[.] Jno.[was]
in Clinton with 8 bags [of] potatoes[.]
Fa[ther] & I shore 7 sheep A.M.[and] l[in 21
the] evenfing and] finis[hed shearing.[.]
Mr & Mrs A.Dunkin & Pearl [were] here P.M.
I put away furs to-day & finis[hed] rak-
[the] door yard[.]
June, 1893
Fafther], A[g] & I Planted 13 rows [of] 21
turnips A.M.Fa[ther] & Jno.[were]fencing Warm
P.M. [at] Rathwell's bush fence[.] Mac's Showery P.M.
girls [were here] in [the] evenfing.]
Frank Shore[was]here about Advocate ads[.]8 * , 18
Ag S
t Janefwere] in Clinton P.M. [We moved Fine &
stoves and cleaned pipes-our's and] Aun- Warm
ty’s[.]Fa[ther] & Jno.[are]fencing below Showers
[the] old house at [the] road[.]
[I] Set 4 hives [of] Bees out of chaff & Very Warm 24.
washed 2 bee-boxes[.] & Fine. H. Rain
P.M. & even[ing.]
A[g] S
t I [were] in Church(Stewart)..... Fine &21
....Mrs Glen died[.]9 Warm, Dull P.M.
. *i v
t
j : . '
,
*
?-
*
■
• *
«
,
. r'
* m *
A[g] washed[.] I house-cleaned my room Dull, 22
[and]Bella’s & Cleaned[the]Hen-house[.] Very Warm
Father & Mother[were]at Mrs [Elizabeth]
Glen's funeral P.M. Bessie [Glen was]
here[.]
Buchanan [in connection with the] Stock
Journal ad came for tea & [stayed] all
night[.]Jno.& he [were] at Wigg[inton's
this] even[ing.] -Jno. [was] in Clinton
P.M.[attending] fair day[.]Fa[ther was]
harrowing summer-fallow[.]
Fine,dull 17
Cold evening
17
Fine, cold
I [was] helping Jane P.M. [to get ready 18
for the barn-]raising* [this] even[ing.]
Fa[ther was]at Dunkin's with Buchanan[.] Fine & Warm
Tene Baird & Tene McEwen [were here] P.M.
Albert Wise & wife & kid called [this]
even[ing.]
*1 think salvage from the Robertson barn
is being assembled and raised as a third
bay on the east end of Ned's barn on Lot 31-3.
Jane & I [were] in Clinton P.M. [The] 31
McQueen'
s1° [are] at Glen's[.] Fa[ther very Warm
was] harrowing and gang-ploughing P.M. & windy
Fa[ther] & Jno. [were] in Clinton with 18
[a] steer for Fitzsimons[.] Fa[ther] & I Heavy Rain
sowed all 5 rows of turnips P.M. Jno. all
[worked]at[the] fence P.M.[I] finis[hed] Saturday
cutting out [a] print dress[.]
Agnes & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] 31
Jno.[went in the] evenfing. J.C.Gilroy’s. Fine & Warm
J.W. Jarvis’s & Lawyer Scott's baby’s(sic)
[were] baptized[.]
Father started mowing[the] lawn[for the] 22
1st time [this year. It was pretty] near Fine,
hay[. The] Spys we kept [are] all going Very Warm
to rot[.] (We made jeus(sic) of some[.])
Wigg[inton was here] P.M, [The] two pump
men [stayed for tea[.] A[g] & I [were]
at the school[house] picking library
books [this] even[ing.]
�June, 1893 150
13. T . I washed, A[g] washed her print dress... 15
swept upstairs[.] Fine & Warm
14. W. Kitchen & Jim Swan [were here] for din- 15
ner[.] I washed P.M. A[g] & I were pick
ing [potato] bugs all A.M..... A[g was]
visiting Mrs Nott & Ellie Cairns P.M.
15. T. [Ag & I picked bugs A.M. ] Jane & Tene 17
[were here] in [the] evening[*] Mac's Fine &
fetched our papers[.] very warm
16. F. [X] Sewed the band on [a] skirt & made 3 16
frills[.] Fitzsimmons[came] after a lamb. Fine & very
(1st one)[.]Ag[and I] ironed[and I kill- warm A.M.
ed 2 roosters[.] Heavy Rain &
Hail P.M.
17 . S .
18 . S
Father went to Clinton to meet Bella(re
turning from Ottawa.) [Father] took wool
........ Jno. [was away] at road work[.]
13
Fine & Warm
19. M.
20. T.
Father & Mother [were] in Church(Smyth -
Methodist) [.]Jno. & Fen[wick went in the] Very Warm
even[ing](Houston - School Teacher.) Tom
Wigg[inton] & Ernest West[were here] P.M.
A[g] & I picked bugs A.M. & part of P.M.
Father [was away] at road-work all day
[and] Jno. [was] fencing[.]
8
[Father was at road work] A.M. Fa[ther &
Jno.[were] hauling manure P.M. I[was] in
Clinton P.M.
19
Very,Very Warm
21. W.
23 . F
24. S
[I worked] at [my] dress all day [and I] 17
finis[hed] putting frills on [the] rain last
skirt[.Father and John were hauling man- night & in
ure] all day[.] morning. Very
very warm in even-
[ing.]
22 . T . A[g] & I [were] picking bugs A.M.[Father
and John hauled manure all day.] Bella
[was] at school P.M. Kitchen [was] let
ting [roadwork] jobs [this] even[ing.]
Jane & I [were] in Church P.M.(Carriere-
Grand Bend)[.]Fa[ther] & Jno.[were]haul
ing manure all day[.]
10
Dull & cool
a little rain
Warmer
A[g] & I picked bugs P.M,
29
13
A little Dull,Warm
25. S. Fa[ther],Mother & I [were] in Church [in
the] morn[ing] (Proffessor] Gregg)[. I]
went with Ned & Jane, Jno. & Bella [in
the] evenfing.]
.
1 ’ "
■* ,f *v’
2 i - .‘ k *
•
* ■
*
''
*
«
. *.
26. M. [Father and I were]weeding roots all day
[and we] planted some cabbage[.] Jno.
scuffled all the roots & potatoes[.] Fa-
[ther] & Jno.[were] at[the] manure [for]
part A.M.
27. T. A[g] & I [worked] at [the] roots all day
[and] Fa[ther helped] P.M. [after] put
ting out manure A.M.
Fine & warm
a little
rain even[ing.]
25
Fine,
cool wind
Fine
28. W. [Two] Hives swarmed & returned[.]Fa[ther 8
was] at [the] mill P.M. A[g] worked at Cool Morn-
roots all day[.] Jane went to Clinton & [ing], Fine
I stayed there to get dinner ready[.]
7
9
9
�June, 1893 151
29. T . Fa[ther] & Ag dipped 35 Iambs [and] I 8
[worked] at[the] roots[.] Chickens [are] Fine & Warm
coming out [and] hives swarmed[.] Hearn
& a government man[were] here looking at
[the] bull[.]
30. F. Fa[ther], A[g] & I [worked] at roots[.] 9
(Fa[ther]just finis[hed] the potatoes{.]
July, 1893
1. S. Fa[ther] & A[g] finis[hed] dipping 8
lambs[.] Jno. [was] in Bayfield P.M. I Fine
stayed in all day & finished making[the]
print dress[.]
2. S. Jno. & A[g] [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] 7
Mac's (C) Fine & Warm
Pouring Rain [in] even[ing.]
3. M. I [worked] at roots with Fa[ther] all 14
day[.] Fitz[simmons was here]after lambs Cool & Fine
today (I think)[.] Mac's (C)
4. T. [Ag, Father and I worked all day at 9
roots[.] Father was in Clinton P.M. &
took Jane with him[. They] got Blankets,
etc. *
♦Jane by now is three months pregnant.
5. W. Fa[ther],A[g] & I finis[hed] weeding car- 12
rots A.M. & started on [turjnips & [were] a little rain
at them P.M.Jno.[was] in Clinton & Bruce-
field [in the] evenfing.]
6. T. At roots all day[.](I did not write these 14
days at the time so I might have made a A shower at
mistake)[.] noon
7. F. Fafther], A[g] & I [were] weeding turnips 13
A.M.[We started] at hay P^M. [and] hauled Fine
in 1 load[.] Jno. [is working] at summer-
fallow these days[.]
8. S. Fa[ther] & I [were] weeding nips all day 11
[and have] finis[hed]weeding roots[.]A[g] Very Warm
scrubbed A.M. & pulled & canned cherries Windy
at [the] old house P.M. cold even[ing]
9. S, A[g],Bella & I[were]in Church(Stewart)[.] 9
...... Bees swarmed[.] cold cold wind
hS ,ov: h i *£ 1 \ i.r t> •:
10. M. Jno. took off [the] load & hauled in all 12
day with [the] grey stallion [for the] 1st Fine,cool wind
time[.He] Hauled in 5 loads of hay[while]
I [did the] raking with "Old Kate"[. The]
w[est] hive swarmed[.]
11. T. [We hauled in 6 loads of hay.]Father[was] 13
in Brucefield to see if[the new hay] load- Fine & Warm
er came[.] Mac’s & Ag[were] at Glen’s [in
the] evenfing.J Jno. took Bella to Varna
[this] even[ing] for Bayfield tomorrow[.]
12. W. [We] Hauled in 7 loads[.] Jno. [was] in 8
Clinton this even[ing. The] Hive that Very,Very Warm
swarmed on [the] 9th swarmed [again.]
13. T. Ag & I went to Goderich [to the] Prebby- 7
Methodist Picnic[.We] left [the] horse in showers P.M.
Clinton[.]Aunty helped Mother[this] even- Heard Thunder
[ing.] Bella [came] home [in the] even
ting.]
�July, 1893 •iL 152
14. F .
15 . S .
16. S .
17 . M.
18 . T .
19. W.
20 . T .
21. F .
22 . S .
23 . S .
24. M.
25. T.
26. W.
[I] cut out [a] light delaine skirt with .
-
t r 14
flower[.]Jane [was] in P.M. [We were]put- Fine &
ting up hay after IV P;M. Parke's [are] very Warm
at Glen’s[.]
Aunty & I [were] in Clinton[. I Got Dolly 12
shod [and] I got 2 front teeth filled[. Heavy Rain
I was] putting up hay [in the] even[ing.] Fine & very
warm
£
?I VJ I
#
Bella & I [were] in Church(Stewart)][.] 14
Jno.[went in the] even[ing.] A[g] had [a]
sty & sore lip[.] 1 <
,i
! ; \ -
j i' - . ■
[We] Hauled in 7 loads [of hay. I] raked 13
it up with Kate[.] Fitz[simmons was here] Fine & Warm
for [a] lamb[.]
? M
[We hauled in 5 loads. I raked where the 12
windrows were[.] Swan [was] here telling a little
[us that the] loader [had] arrived[.] cooler
C
i ’
i
*
~ 1 •S v
.
r
.
o
r
.
i
n
.LP.;
:
: ' -
i [ j*;5b
Fa[ther was] in Clinton A.M. for twine 43
[from the] Central Prison[.] Mac went for
[the] loader & [it was] used P.M. Father
& Jno. moved to the shanty field *[and]
Hauled in 1 load [in the] even[ing. I
r
]
greened potatoes A.M. & P.M. [We]
jg \.
.
o■
»
; j .I v
?
o
. vd Oi.0«h
[We] Hauled 3 loads with [the hay] loader 17
1st shanty field P.M. Father [was] mow- Very Warm
ing A.M. [in the]field next shanty[.]S[am] even[ing]
Cooper [was here] all night to bore (sic)
1adder[.]
[Father] finis[hed] mowing in field next 12
shanty. We] Hauled in 4 loads [-] all of Fine & Warm
Shanty field[.] Jule [was] in for"Dolly."
Mother [was] in Clinton with Jane P.M.
. i -
■ j .v. i' . , x 1 ty-1/?6 * * 1
[We]finis[hed] hayingf.]Hauled in 7 loads 13
[including]all [the] last field & what was Very Windy
left in [the] Rathwell [place.] I raked A.M. Sprinkle
with Mary(imported)[.] of rain P.M.
rib e t.’-n y - mh *
, | • y i - Y - i -
P
-i * €, ,
A[g] & I [were] in Church(Bayfield Hen* 14
derson)[.] Jno. [went in the] even[ing.] Very3dusty
Old Innis died[today.]H The "Master"[is]
away at[the] Chicago World's Fair[.]* Fa-
[ther was] at Wigg[inton's.]
* It was a settled convention in the. neighbour
hood that George Baird would pen the obituaries
in*the. weekly New Era.The obituary for John’In-
nes,which would normally have appeared in the
New Era on July 27,appears a week later on Aug
ust 3. 1
( . ’:•
•.
‘
T, 1 iiv. d ~ l ,! v - / {v/
Father [was] in Clinton A.M. [We started] 9
Cutting wheat[.] Fa[ther] A[g] & I [were] Fine, Windy j
stooking P.M. A[g] picked our first Rasp- Slight Shower
[berrie]s A.M.
Father & I [were] at [the Innes] funeral 9
[and] went [in the procession] as far as Warm & Windy
Clinton[. We] finis[hed stooking the
wheat] A.M. * . 1
Hauled in 4 loads of wheat P.M. Rid barn 14
& took off [last] hay load before[.] Fa- Fine &
ther [was] hoeing roots[.] Mrs A. McMur- Very Windy
chie [was] here A.M. collecting [money]
for [the Rev. Mr] Stewart’s present[.]*
*Celebrating 15 years as Willis Church's minister.
�July, 1893 153
10
27. T. [We] Hauled in 9 loads of wheat(all but
the rakings)[.] Carrie & Jennie [Grant Fine
were] here [this] even[ing] for [the la
dy's side-]saddle.*Uncle Ja[me]s's girls
[were] at Jane's [this] even[ing.]
28. F. Fa[ther] & Jno. took [the] bull [to the] 14
station A.M. Fa[ther] brought [the] bug- Fine & Cool
gy[.] I raked [the] stubble A.M. & Jno. Rain evenfing]
& I hauled in[the gleanings] & put[them]
off etc. P.M.
29 . S .
30 . S .
Father [was] at [the] mill with chop for 9
pigs[.] Jno. & Fen[wick took] wheat[.] Fine
I washed & ironed[.]
[The] Rev. Robert Craig [was]at S[abbath] Fine & Warm
S[chool. The] Master [is] back [from
Chicago.]
31. M. Jno.hauled rails for machine A.M. I held16
them [while he sawed them] P.M. [We] put
in sheep to label lambs[.]
August, 1893
1. T. I [was] labelling lambs A.M.[and] making 43
at delaine dress P.M. Woon was here ask- Fine & Warm
ing [for] threshing hands[.]Jno. & Bella
[have] gone to Varna to [a] garden party
[this] even[ing.]
2. W. I [was] cleaning grist A.M. Jno., Mother 12
& I went to Clinton [in the] buggy with Nice cool
grist & wool P .M .[Everything was closed breeze
for] Civic Holiday [and we] had to re
turn[.]
3 . T . Father [took in the grist and the wool]
A.M. Jno. [was] at D[uncan] McEwen's
threshing all day[.]Mother & I [were] in
Clinton P.M. Jim Swan [was] here[.]
10
Very Warm
& dry
4. F. Jno. [was] at Woon’s threshing A.M. & 26
Mac’s P.M. Father[was] at Mac's P.M.till
Jno. came[.I was] out at Jane's [in the]
morn[ing]........ [and] made 2 jells P.M.
Wigg[inton] & Jno. Plewes* [came] for
dinner[.] Aunty went to Green's[.]
5 . S .
6. S .
* John Plewes was the first owner of Lot 31 (3).
He moved north to Goderich Township to a small
20-acre plot on the south-east corner of the
Bayfield Road and the 16th[.]
[We were] Threshing P.M. [We had] 15 men 11
for supper, our own included[. Perdue's] Rain even[ing]
Took [the] machine to the McTavish'esf.]
Fitz[simmon's] son [came] for [a] lamb
[in the] even[ing.]
A[g] & I [were]in Church[thisJ morn[ing] 27
(Stewart)[.] Jno. & Bella [went in the] Cold Wind
even[ing. The] Green's & Wigg[inton's
[were] at Glen’s[.]
7. M. [We were] Cutting peas all day in [the] 16
old sod field beside [the] barn[. Ned] Cool Wind
Glen [was here] for tea[.]
8. T. [We were cutting peas all day.] Ufncle] 23
Ja[me]s [came] for dinner[.]Mother[was] Warm
at [Uncle James’s] P.M.
�9. W.
10. T.
11. F.
12 . S .
13 . S .
14. H.
August, 1893 154
[We] finis[hed cutting peas] at 17
5 o'clock[.]
[We were] Cutting oats all day.A[g] & I 22
[were] stocking[.] Father has a boil on Very Warm
[the] back of [his] neck[.]
[We finis[hed] cutting [the] field of
oats & hauled in 3 loads of peas[.
We had] Jim Swan & [another] gent for
dinner[.] Bella went to Grant's P.M.
&
[We finished cutting the last two fields
of oats. The] Wind last night twisted &
threshed [the] peas badly[.] Fa[ther]
turned some peas & set up stooks[.]
A[g] & I[were]in Church[this] morn[ing] 26
(Acheson Kippen)[.] Jno. & [George] Cold Wind
Stickley [went in the] even[ing.] Ada
[Stewart] got [a] ride home with us.
([She]was all night at Whittingham’s[.]
[We] Hauled in 6 loads of peas[.] Cool Wind 16
23
Warm Rain
early even-
ling] Poured
H[igh] Wind
29
Cool Wind
15. T. [We hauled in 4 loads of peas and two 13
of oats[.] One of the oat-loads had a Nice
forkful of peas on[it.We are] Finis[hed
the] peas [-] 13 [loads of] peas & [a]
forkful altogether[.] Father [was] in
Clinton [this] even[ing.]
16. W.
17. T.
18. F .
[We] Hauled in 3 1/2 loads of oats[. Mr] 15
Sturdy [came] for dinner & Jack McDonald Dull Rain
for tea[.] Middle P.M. &
even[ing]
A[g] & Bella [were] in Clinton P.M. [I] 16
Cut out the Delaine Basque & Cleaned out Dullish, Nice
[the] Hen-House[.]
[We] Hauled in 2 loads of oats[. I] Basted' 24
[the] basque together and up[.] [A] Hedge- Heavy Rain
fence canvasser [stayed] for tea[.]* P.M. Fine
P.M. <
5 even[ing]
*Up until the 1820’s priests school
teachers of the poverty-stricken Catholic
majority of British-ruled Ireland kept Gaelic
alive by holding school in the shelter of
hedge rows. These schools were widely looked upon
as subversive of authority and of progress by
the Ulster Scots-Irish protestants and were alluded
to with contempt. The pro-British, anti-Catholic
viewpoint was sustained by the oral tradition in the
MacFarlane John Stewart and James Stewart households,
and was almost never alluded to in writing. It is not
clear just who the canvasser represented - a marginal
protestant sect or perhaps Roman - Catholic sep
arate school supporter seeking largesse from the
wider community.
19. S. Bella went to Bayfield with Ned, Jane & 19
Tene McE[wen for the] 2nd [Concession]’s Fine & Cool
picnic [.* I] Sawed wood with Jno., Rid
upstairs in [the] woodshed, made jelli-
cake etc. * The Baird’s School community spirit was such
that the tradition of having area picnics persist
ed right up to the late 1950’ The first one would
be on Dominion Day in Innes1s Grove or McGreg
or’s bush. The second one would be mid-August.
As transport became faster and cheaper, Bayfield
became the favourite site. I recall that the
1957 picnics were well attended. But in the next
10 years, rural de-population, closing the school
house and the move to larger capital-intensive
farms gradually killed off the tradition[.]
�August, 1893 155
20. S. A[g] & I [were] in Church [this] morn- 34
[ing] (Stewart) [. Jno. & Fen[wick went in Fine & Cool
the] even[ing[.] Showery P.M.
21. M. Father walked to Clinton[.] Ag washed[.]
[I] sewed hooks & eyes on [the] basque &
fittedf.] A[lex.] Innis & [John] Avery
[
were] here [this] even[ing.]*
*See footnote No. 4.
22 . T .
23 . W.
24 . T .
25 . F.
26. S.
27 . S .
28 . M.
29. T
30. W.
31. T.
1 . F.
2 . S .
[We] Hauled in 8 loads [of] oats[.] a little warmer 37
[We hauled in 3 loads of oats and]finis
hed the] Harvest[.] Father wentto
Brucefield [for] the new cultivator[.]
Jno. [has] gone [to a] party [at] S[am]
Rathwell’s[.]
[Father was] at [the] mill with chop[.]
[Father] & I milked sheep A.M. Jim Swan
[was here] for tea[.]
Ag & Bella went to [John Thompson’s]
(the mason). Father [was] in Clinton[.]
Father [went] for chop[. I hurt the] top
of my thumb poking at[a] dress thistle &
[I had a] tooth-ache P.M.
22
Very warm
23
24
A[g] & I [were]in Church(Stewart)[.] Jno. 21
[went in the] even[ing.] Rain Rain
Jno. [was] sowing wheat P.M. [I found it 15
a] nuisance working at [the] dress with Heavy Rain A.M.
[a sore] thumb[.] Bella [was] at [the]
school P.M. Tene & Jno.McEwen[came over]
in [the] even[ing.]
Father & I [were] in Clinton midday[. We
received the] 1st[lot of game bird] fea- Very cold
thers from ujncle] Jno. [MacFarlane] in N. Wind
Scotland[.]12 i ironed P.M. T[om] Wigg-
[inton is] helping Glen's paper spare
rooms[.]
Mother & I [were] in Clinton P.M. Sandy
Ross S
c Ada[Stewart came] for dinner[.I] Pleasant
Killed [the] 1st rooster for dinner[.]
Jennie Grant [came] P.M. & [stayed] all
night[.]
[I was] Working at [the] basque[.I]pre
served egg plumbs[.] (sic) [I] milked
sheep etc.[in the] even[ing.]Jane [was]
in P.M.stitching [her] blue print wrap
per[.]Annie & Ida [Stewart were] up [in
the] evenfing] with [a] gander[.]
September, 1893
Father & Mother[have]gone to Varcoe’s[.]
A[g] churned & I baked bread & buns Fine,
[ing]
Father & Mother [were] at Andrews [and]
returned [in the] even[ing.]Ag walked to
Clinton P.M.
46
21
22
33
Rain even-
& night
20
3. S. Father & Mother [were] in Church(Stew- 24
art)[.] Jno. & Adam [went in the even-
ing[.] Bella & I [were] in S[abbath] Cool & pleasant
S[chool.] Ag [has] boils on [her] face
these days[.]
�September, 1893 156
4. M.
5 . T .
6. W.
7 . T.
Bella & I [were] in Clinton[.] Bella
[was] getting dresses fixed[.] Father
started digging the foundation under
[the] wood-shed[.]
Father & Bella [were] in Clinton A.M. [I
was] making[a] frill for[the] delaine[.]
G[eorge] Sturdy ([who came] after [a]
Billy) & Cox[stayed] for dinner[.] Smith
[was here] for tea[.]
37
Fine & Warm
24
Jno. & Bella [were] in Clinton
even[ing] for [her] dressesf.]
[this] 20
Cold E. Wind
Jno. took Bella to [the] station enroute 27
for No. 5 S.S. Colborne[.]* [I]Made Bel- Rain H. Wind
la's shopping bag[.] A[g] made jelly Fine P.M.
(apples)[.]
* Bella’s first teaching job is in a
rural one-room school house, School Section #5,
Colborne Township. The township is directly north
of Goderich Township, the boundary being the
Maitland River.
8. F.
9. S .
10. S.
11. M.
[I] made [a] frill for [the] basque and
stitched the one on [the] skirt etc. Fa
ther walked to Clinton A.M. Jno. [was]
trimming a lamb P.M. & Fa[ther]plowed[.]
[X] finished[the] delaine dress & mended
Jno.’s shirt,P[an]ts & braces[.I] helped
Father fix sheeps' feet[.] Father [went]
to Clinton shipping a lamb to Jno. Junor.
21
Fine & Cool
30
Warmer
Jno. & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.]Jno. 23
[went again in the] even[ing.] Jno. & I Fine &
[were] in S[abbath] S[chool.] very warm
[I]pasted starch over comfortable & part- 22
ly scraped[the] cellar[.]* T. Dunkin [was Windy
here] for dinner[.] F[ather] & Jno. [have
been] plowing & putting some shingles on
[the] barn & [they] put [a] ring in [the]
bull etc.
12. T. A[g] & Ada[Stewart]went to Fergueson's[.] 22
I took them to Snell's corner[.] Jno. Windy & Warm
[Thompson* came] for tea[.He has] gone to
[William] Glen’s to floor [the] stable[.]
[I continued] scraping [the] cellar A.M.
* Stone mason John Thompson of Blake - he was the
MacFarlane's mason of choice and a good friend.
William Glen has raised his barn to put stables
under it. Ned would do the same 1899-1900.
13 . W.
14 . T .
[I] Finis[hed] scraping [the] cellar[.My]
tooth [is] aching[.] One Armed Armstrong
called(peddling fruit trees[.]
25
[I] Killed & picked 8 roosters A.M. I 20
[was]in Clintton P.M. with them[.]* Jno. Very Warm &
Thompson [was] over [in the] even[ing.] Windy
* to sell
15. F. I washed mine own & 5 pairs of socks[.] Very Warm 20
& Dull,Smokey
16. S. [I] Peeled apples for pies etc. j^.M. [I] 18
ironed,scrubbed, picked apples pears[.] Raining
[I gave Jno. Thomson [a] p[ai]r of chick- Showery
ens[.] Fa[ther was] in Clinton A.M. Jno. Very Windy
hauled [a] load of sand[.]
�September, 1893 157
17. S. Jno. & I [were] in Church(Hamilton 2 5
Londesboro)[.] Jno [went in the even[ing] Calm
with N[ed] & J[ane. John and I were in]
S[abbath] S[chool.]
18. M. [I] Washed kitchen windows, blacked [the] 20
stove etc. Father [was] in Clinton A.M. Raining Morn-
for lime & cement[.] Jno. [has been haul- [ing]f Fine
stones to [the] wood-shed[.]
19. T. I went over to Glen's P.M. with Aunty[.I] 19
Scalded [the] hen-house P.M. Ada & Ag re- Rain
turned P.M. Geo.0.Sturdy [was] here [and] Very Windy
bought 2 shearlings[.]
20. W. Father went to London Fair[. He] got [a] 19
ride to Bruce[field] with Mac'sf.] A[g] Fine
washed[and]Mother & Aunty[were] at Jane's Very Windy
P.M. I white-washed [the] hen-house[.]Jno.
went to Sturdy’s*for Goderich tomorrow[.]
♦Sturdy1s had a farm on the north
side of the Huron Road, between Clinton
and Goderich, near the junction of the
IX-X Concession Road, Goderich Township
21. T. Father walked to Clinton[.I] started cut- 18
ting out [a] dress[.] Jno [Thomson was Nice, Windy
here] all night[.] Sprinkled
22. F. Mother & I[were]in Clinton A.M. Jno.Thom- 10
son [is] here building under the wood- Beautiful
shed[.]
23. S. I walked to Clinton P.M. [John Thomson is 19
still working on the shed foundation.]
24. S. A[g] & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] 16
Cold Wind
25. M. I[was]in Clinton P.M. Mr & Mrs Levi Trick 45
& Miss Bertha Andrews [were here in the] Very C. Wind
even[ing.The] Master [was] in [at]noon[.]
Jno. [was] trimming sheep[.] Father made
[a] box [in which] to ship [a] lamb[.]
26. T . [I] Took Fa[ther]up to Coat1s road [this] 28
morn[ing. He] went as [a] judge to Exeter C. Wind
fair[.] Jno. went to town [in the] even- Fine & nice
[ing.]Mr Greaves([a] poultry judge),[was]
here all night[.]
27. W. Farther], Jno.,A[g] & I [were] at Clinton 33
fair[. We] took cattle,sheep & hens [and] Fine & pleas-
Ned took sheep up[.} ant
28. T. Fa[ther] & Jno. [were] at Wigg[inton's] 35
threshing P.M. Jessie [Wigginton was here Fine C. Wind
this] morn[ing.I] held[the] wood for[the] Light showers
machine[.]* I [was]in Clinton P.M. & sent even[ing]
father back to ship the lamb[*] W. Frost
♦Jessie Wigginton came over probably to
get a wagon-load of sawed up fence rails
to feed the steam threshing engine that
afternoon. Eliza held the rails while her
father or John or both sawed some up. (
July 31st entry above.
29. F. Fa[ther] & Jjio. [were] at Wigg[inton’s
threshing [tms] morn [ing.] Fa[ther was] Nice
in Clinton IKM. Jno. [was] at U[ncle
James’s] threshing P.M.
16]
�Sep[tember, 1893 158
30. S. [John was threshing at Uncle John’s A.M. 18
and Uncle James’s P.M.]I filled wheat A.M. Dull & Windy
& father carried itr to the other barn[.]
[We were] sawing wood P.M.
1. S .
2. M.
3 . T .
4. W.
5. T .
6. F.
7. S.
8 . S .
9. M.
10. T .
11 . W.
12 . T .
13 . F .
14 . S .
15 . S .
16. M.
October, 1893
A[g] & I[were]in Church(Gregg Toronto)[.] 16
[Ag and I were in] S[abbath] S[chool.]Jno.Beautiful
& Ernest [West were] in Varna[.]
[We were] Threshing from[10 o ’
clock] till
supertime[.] Father was in Clinton P.M. 6
to meet[the] Stratford train[.] I[was] in
Clinton [this] even[ing and] got [a] tele-
gram[.]
Jno. [was] at Mac’s threshing all day[.] Raining 10
[Jno. was at Mac's threshing A.M.[and] at 11
[the] Bayfield show in the east P.M. [I Fine & nice
was] at Jane’s P.M. Fa[ther] & A[gnes]
were at Bayfield [and Tom] and Jessie
Wigg[inton went with them[.] E[rnest]
harrowing[.]
Jno.& Ernest [were] at Ned’s threshing[.] 17
I [was] out helping Jane[.] Fa[ther was]
in Clinton P.M.
Fa[ther],A[g] & Ernest]lifted 9 rows [of] Dull A.M. 8
potatoes[.] Aunty & I [were] in Clinton Rain Shower
P.M. P.M.
Fafther], Jno., Ernest & I lifted 14 rows Fine 5
[of]potatoes[.]Jno.[was]away all night[.]
A[g] & 1 [were] in Church (McMillan Mimi- Beautiful 8
co - "Scotch” Gunn’s bro[ther]-in-law[.] & Warm, Windy
Jno., Ern[est] & Fa[ther have been] haul- 9
ing out manure[.]
[John, Ernest and Father were hauling out 2
manure.] Fa[ther was] in Clinton to meet
Mrs McMillan & daughter & Mrs Crearer,
Stratford[.]
I took Mrs Crearer to McTavish'es A.M.Jno.Beautiful 8
went to[the]Blythe(sic;show last nightf.] & very warm
The mason [was] here P.M. pointing [the]
chimney[.] Ernest [is] plowing[.]
Mrs & Annie McMillan, Ag & I[were]at Bay- Beautiful 6
field[. Ernest is plowing.] Jno. [was] at & very,
D[uncan] McEwen's threshing[.] very Warm
H. McGregor drove Mrs Crearer up here[.] 1
I took them to Clinton station [.]Ag walk- Dull & warm
ed up[.] Moore [was] here wanting to buy
[a] rooster[.]
[I] Fixed roosts in [the] Hen-house[.] Raining & 1
High,Cold Wind
Jno.[went to Church with Adam[Stewart The 6
minister was The Rev.Mr Henderson. Three] Raining,a
hens chilled dead last night[.] little warmer
[The] Boys[are]hauling out manure[.] A[g] 9
& I pulled all our apples [.We have] about Fine & Nice
12 bags,fallen included[.](just guessing)
[I] smothered [a] hive [of] bees[.]
�October, 1893 159
17. T. Fa[ther] & I pulled 10 rows[of]mangols[.] 2
Jno. & Er[nest] hauled them in P.M. - 4 Warm
loads on [the] sheep[ rack[. I] Smothered
the other Hive [of] bees[. ]
18. W. Fa[ther was] at Dunkin's sale[.I] Doubled 6
a hive[.] Jno. & I pulled 8 rows [of] man- Beautiful
gols[.] Jno. & Er[nest] hauled them in 3 very warm
loads[.]
19. T. [I] Killed 12 chickens A.M. Mother & I
[were] in Clinton P.M.[The]Men finis[hed] Cool Wind
in pulling & hauling mangols (7 Rows)[.]
20. F. A[g] & I[were] in Clinton at Mrs Wilson's 6
funeral[.] Jno.[was] away P.M.hunting for Nice &
Hunter[.] Alexander [was] here for din- Pleasant
ner[.] Dupee called [in the] mornfing.]
21. S. [I] Took in some apples and cut honey off 4
[of] frames, etc. A[g was] at Diehl's &
bought a gander[.] Earnest is] plowing[.]
Fa[ther [is] putting in roots to [the]
root house[.] Jno. is putting up [a fence
[that the] wind blew down[.]
22. S. Father & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] 1
Jno. & Er[nest went in the] even[ing.] Beaut[iful]
Good roads dust flying
23. M. [I] Took "Old Kate" and hauled in Apples 5
& Earth to fill holes* in[the]hen-house S
c Beautiful
fetched up [the] "cooler"** from [the]
shanty[. I] punched in [and]pounded earth
in [the hen-house] P.M.
♦Note the precipitate drop in
egg production. Predators (foxes, racoons, skunks)
must have dug under the stone walls and come up
through the dirt floor, in the hen house. Eliza-
Ann had to get more hens to replace the casual
ties, and, checking ahead, egg production resumed
in late January, two months later.
** slang for a sledge hammer
or wooden mallet.
24 . T .
25 . W .
26. T.
27 . F .
28 . S .
Jno. Alexander[
was] here [at] night[and] 4
had supper[.] [Brother John was] hauling Beautiful
rails with Kate[.] I rid wood-shed,Slight Shower
scraped bee-frames etc.,etc.Father [was]
pulling carrots[. The] boys hauled them
[this] evenfing] in 2 loads[.]
[I was] sorting apples...[and]....packed
4 hives[.]Mr & Mrs Calder[were] here all
night[. There were many callers this
evening from Mac 1s, Uncle James's, Uncle
Jno.'s plus Ned and Jane.]
Cool &
pleasant
[I] Finis[hed]sorting apples & made jel- C. E. Wind 2
ly etc. [The]Calder's left[at], night for Raining
[their] daughter's [home] in Clinton[.]
I [was] in Clintonf.] Jane [stayed] in Dull, 5
all day[. The] Men[started] at[the] tur- Rain Showers
nips[. I] peeled the first drying ap- P.M.
ples[.] T. Wigginfton] called peddling
tea[.]Fen[wick] was up for pears and ap-
p[les.]
[The] Men[have] finis[hed] pulling & ta- 7
king in roots[.] Er[nest was] plowing C.H. Wind
these days while they pull[ed] them[.] Snowing night
4
�October, 1893 160
29. S.
30. M.
31. T .
1
. W.
A[g] & I [were] in S[abbath] S[chool.] 5
Jno. & Ernfest were in]church[this]even-
[ing](Stewart)[.]
Ern[est]hauled up some wood and took out
manure with[the] sleigh[.] Jack McDonald
& Cooper [were] here for tea[.] Jack
traded a Ram[. I] peeled appfles in the]
even[ing.]
4
Snow Showers
2 or three in
morn[ing.]
Jane & I [were] in Clinton P.M. A[g] & Fine 3
I[
were over]at Auntie's [this]even[ing.] E. Wind
November, 1893
I washed[.] Er[nest is] plowing[.] Fa- 2
[ther has been] cleaning rubbish(the re- Nice & Dull
mains of U ’s* old house)[.]** Jno. was Indian Sum-
trimming lambs[.] mer~like
* colloquial and ungrammatical
substitute for "our." To my knowledge, there
was no family with a surname beginning with U,
associated with that corner of the community.
** MacFarlane's stone house was
put up 1878. The historical atlas of 1878 shows
the 2 houses as black square dots. The log house
appears to have been 50 to 100 yards south-west of
the stone house. Earlier references in this diary
suggest that the old house served as a laundering
station and a summer kitchen and bakery. In 1892
and 1893, there are references to its gradual
dismantling.
2 . T .
3. F .
4. S .
5. S .
6. M.
7 . T .
8. W.
Jane[stayed] in all day[.]* Father walk- Rain
ed to Clinton P.M. I ironed [and] sorted
rag [and] wool pickings etc. Mrs J[ohn]
Diehl and Ada [Stewart] [were here] P.M.
*Jane is in her 8th month of pregnancy.
Mother & I [were] in Clinton P.M. [at] Fine &
church(Musgrove from Walton)[.] Fafther] Nice
& Jno.[were] at W[illiam] Glen’s thresh- Cool Wind
ing[. They] started a little before
noon[.] Cooper[was] here [and] bought a
lamb[.]
[I] finis[hed] packing bees[.] Jno. went
to Jno .[Thomson1s] with [a] thoroughbred
heifer P.M.
Hard
Frost
Beautiful
and warm
Father,Mother & I [were] in Church(Stew- Nice
art)[.] Jno. [attended] even[ing] church
in Varna on[the] way home from Jno.Thomp
son '
s[. ]
[I] rid around[the]bees & my room & Moth- Sees out
er*s[.] a little
these days.
Mr Tom & Mr Baird came for dinner[.] Beautiful
Father [was] at [the] school[. I] worked
the ends of [a] p[ai]r [of] blankets[.]
A[g] & I [were] at Finley [McEwen's this]
even[ing. The] Butchart's [were] there[.]
McMillan ([from] below [Grand] Bend) [was
here] looking at P.A.
Father[was]splitting wood [and]piling[it] Beautiful
in[.] Jno. hauled up old rails[. I was] & Warm.
melting beeswax[.]Ned fetched in potatoes Bees fly-
& bar ashes[.] Agnes washed blankets[.] ing thick[.]
�November, 1893 161
9. T .
10 . F .
11 . S .
12 . S .
13 . M.
14 . T .
15 . W .
16 . T .
17 . F .
18 . S .
19. S.
[I] Took wax off [the] "cooler" & peeled Beautiful
apples etc.[The] Rev.[Mr] Stewart & [his] dull part•
wife called in on Jane[. I was] at Ned's ly
[in the] even[ing while] he[was] in Clin-
ton[.]
Aunty & Jane [were here] for dinner & P.M.
Jno. [was] helping Ned with [a] fence[.] Warmer
Fa[ther was] plowing with Ned *s team etc.,
below[the] watering place[.]There is fall
wheat in [the] field next [McEwen’
s] bush
at [the] road & they finis[hed] plowing
the other 4 fields to-day[.]
Mother & I [were] in
[was] making soap[.]
Clinton P.M. Mother
A[g] & I[were] in Church(Stewart)[.]
& ______ [went in the] even[ing.]
Jno. Very Misty
A.M. fDull
I [was]in Clinton P.M. Jos[eph]Gaard[was] Raining
here looking to get a fat sheep[.I Killed Showery
& picked 9 turkeys[.]Jno.[was]at Ned’sf.] Fine & Dull
Er[nest] started [plowing] sod[.] P.M,
Mother [worked] at her soap[.] I [was] Snowing
choring [and] melted white wax[.] Fa[ther Showers
worked] piling up wood in [the] bush[.] E. Wind
Jno. & Ernfest] [were] plowing sod above Freezing
[the] shanty field[.]
Ned helped father kill pigs[.] Boys[were]
plowing[.] I [worked] at melting wax[.]
[I melted more wax] A.M. Jane[
was]here[.] a little snow
I [was] in Clinton P.M. "The 4th con[ces- shower morn-
sion" [was] at [a] party at Mac’s[.] ing H. Frozen
I killed 3 Turk[ey]s A.M. [and was] in Softened
Clinton P.M. [I] peeled apples [in the] Nice, Windy
even[ing.] Fa[ther] & A[g][were] at Ned's
[and] killed their pigs & 5 turk[ey]s[.]
Melting wax[.] Mother salted pork[.] Er- C. Wind
[nest has been] hauling gravel since [he]
finis[hed] plowing[.] Er[nest's] sister &
brother [
were] down [this] morn[ing.]
A[g] & I [drove to] Church with[the] colt C. Wind
(McDonald Seaforth)[.] Jno. walked [to Snowing a
church in the] evenfing.] little
20. M. Ag Jno. [with the James and John Stewart C. Wind
families were] at[Charlie Stewart's this] Nice
even[ing. I] finis[hed] melting wax[.] Even[ing]
21. T .
22 . W .
23 . T .
Fa[ther was] at[William] Mustard's funer
al P.M.13 [The]Rev.[Mr]Stewart & F[inley]
McEwen called when retu rningf.] I washed,
cheese & wax rags too[.] Elsie Thomson
[was] here P.M. and all night (for lame
lamb)[.]
C. Wind
Snowing P.M.
Rain night
[I] Killed 2 geese[.] I [was] in Clinton C.C.S.W.
P.M. to meet Bella[.] Wind & Snow
& rain
Ned,Jane & Aunty [came] for dinner[. The]
Smith kids [came] with [a] cow[.]Thanks- C. Wind
giving[:]A[g], Ada & I [were] at [the] Snowing
S[abbath] S[chool]exam[.]Examiners [
were]
R. Irwin, Clinton [and] Forest [of] Bruce-
field[.]
�November, 1893 162
[I] Took Bella to [the train] station [in Snowing some
the] morn[ing and] washed[the] wax dishes C.C. Wind
P.M. Bella came to Jane's [this] even
ting.] Jno. [is] flooring [the] box stall
[in the] horse stable these days[.]
Ned took Bella back to [the] station [at]
noon[. I] washed my hair[.] Father walked
to Clinton[.] Aunty [has] gone [home.] I
went down [there] at night[.]
A[g] & I [were] in Church(Henderson Hen- C. Wind
sall)[.] [It was] Children's day[.] Jno.& Good roads
E[rnest went in the] even[ing.] H. Frozen
[I]Cleaned the hen-house A.M.,washed[the] Raining
double windows, & put in the cellar ones C. Wind
P.M. [I] Peeled Apples[in the] even[ing.]
Fafther] has been] mending bags[.]
Double windows [were] put inf. I] basted
hems on the 3 woolen sheets[.Father mend
ed more bags at [night.]
[I] Stitched the hems, worked on the] end Snowing
[of a] blanket[and] Cut out drawers[.]Jno. Gaining
[was] at Duncan McKenzie[Senior's] funer- Sleet
al P.M.14
A[g] & I [were]in Clinton P.M. [The] Boys
[were] in [the] bush [the] 1st. time[.]
Fa[ther was] at [the] mill with chop[. I]
Worked an end blanket & sewed buttons on
shoes[.] W[m.] Glen killed pigs[.] The
Boys [were] at [a] prohibition meeting in
[the] school [this] even[ing to hear the]
Rev. J.A. MacDonald, Pres[ident.]*
Stormy
Snowed a lot
just after
dark
*The Rev. J.A. MacDonald, age 31,
was a writer, editor and crusader for Liberal
causes. A native of Middlesex County, he was
ordained in 1891 and had a church in St Thomas.
He was destined to be the editor of the Toronto
Globe and fiercely supported Laurier and Reciprocity
in the 1911 Dominion election.
December, 1891
[I] Made [a] goose house [from] rails[.] Stormy
I [went to] Clinton in [the] cutter P.M.
Ern[est was] hauling up wood([we had]
good sleighing[.]
Fafther was] at "the Master’s" P.M. [I] some snow
Put [a] tail on[the] ganzie & made draw
er straps[.] Jno.& Efrnest were] in town
[this] even[ing.]
snowing
Jno. [drove the] sleigh in[to] Clinton Nice &
[for] grist[.] Fa[ther went to get [a] Sunshiny
tooth pulled but didn’t[.] Jane & Manie
[were here all day.] Jim Swan [was here]
for tea[.]
A[g was]housecleaning Jno.'s stair[.]Jno. Dull, drift-
[was] at Jno. Elliot's threshing[.] Jane, ing a little
Annie & Jim Fergueson, & Bell Taylor
were at U[ncle] Ja[me]s's [this] even-
[ing.] Jane & Bell stayed there[.]
24 . F .
25. S.
26. S .
27 . M.
28 . T.
29. W.
30. T.
1. F.
2. S.
3 . S .
4. M.
5 . T .
�December, 1893 163
6. W.
7 . T .
8 . F .
9. S .
10. S.
11 . M.
12 . T .
13. W.
14. T.
15 . F .
16. S.
17 . S .
18 . M.
19. T .
Ferg[ueson’s] went home P.M. Jno. [was]
in Clinton A.M. getting sucker of pump
fixed[. I] Started making Fa[ther [a]
smock[.] Jno.[ was] at [another] prohib
ition of alcohol meeting[atthe]school[.]
I [was] in Clinton P.M.[and] took up our
shawls for the "Young Women's Mission
Band" Scotch social[.]
A little
colder,dull
Snowed
Snowed a
Little
Agent Weir & gent called [in the] morn-
ing[.] John Thomson [was] here all
night[.] A[g],Jno.,Nannie* & Adam [have]
gone to Green's[. I] Finis[hed] father's
smock[.]**
*Adam's sister Annie, so-called to
distinguish her from her cousin Annie in the Jas.
Stewart family. The 4 first cousins are visiting
Bella Green and her family up on the Bayfield Line
in Goderich Township.
** A smock was a working garment
much Ike today’s jean jacket.
Father[was] at Hensall seeing about oat
dustf.J Sturdy [was] here P.M. [I] made
[a] chemise tail & worked [the] ends of
Jane's blankets [in the] even[ing.]
A[g] & I [were] in Church{Stewart)[. ]
Jane drove in P.M.[and] Ned[came in the]
even[ing. I] peeled app[le]s for pies[.]
McLeod in with heifer (no name)[. I]
Stamped [the] drawers & worked [the]ends
of [the] B[aby's] blankets etc.
[I] Worked on [the] bottom of p[an]ts[.]
A[g] is knocking down plaster in [the]
dining room[.]
[I] Cut out [the] basque lining & sleeve
part [this] even[ing.] A[g is] cleaning
[her] room[.] The Boys [are] hauling out
logs these days[.]
[The] Men killed W[m.] Glen's beef & our
cow[.] Jno.[was] in Clinton P.M.with [a]
hide[.] [He] fetched home some shawls[.]
E.A. & Ida lsard[were]at Jane’s[.] D[un
can McEwen's boys [Jack and Sandy came]
after[the] sheep rack box[.I was] clean
ing guts all P.M.
I stitched (hemmed) Jane's canton flan-
ell[.] Fa[ther made] out lamb pedigrees
all day[. The] Boys washed [the] single
harness[.]
I swept & dusted my 2 rooms[.] A[g] & I
[were] at Jane's [in the] even[ing.]Fa
ther went to] Clinton for tags in [the]
buggy[.The] Boys[
were]oiling harness[.]
Jno.& E[rnest] walked to C[hurch in the
even[ing J(
Musgrove.)
[The] Boys finis[hed] oiling harness[.]
Mac'
s & Adam [were] in[this] even[ing.]
Fafther & E[rnest were] sawing wood P.M.
Cutting out dress P.M.Jno.[was]in Clin
ton P.M. E.Glen Sr. [was here]P.M. A[g]
[was] washing kitchen plaster[.]
Dull & nice
A.M. Rain
ing P.M.
C. Wind
snowing P.M.
Snowing &
Drifting &
Wind
Snowing
Snowing some
S. thaw a
little Rain
ing all day
Freezing &
Snow
good sleigh
ing
Roads icy
Big Floods
Snowing
Snowing &
Drifting
�December,1893 164
20. W.
21 . T •
22 . F .
23 . S .
Fa[ther], Er[nest],& Ned & teams [were] Nice,Flakey
in Brucefield after a horsepower15 &
straw-cutter[.] A [g] & I went out with
Ned in the even[ing.] A[g was] washing
plaster [and] I washed [clothes.]
Jno.[was] at Wigg[inton's] wood-bee P.M Beautiful &.
I[was] in Clinton[.] E[rnest is] making Sunny
[a] salt trough [from a] big log[.] Ned
[is] fixing [the] Frazer bridge[.]
Jack McMann [was] here P.M. Jim Swan Thawing
[came] for dinner[.] Ned[was]here help- Raining
ing to cut [wood.]
[I] Killed [a] goose & a hen[.] Shore Beautiful
[from] London [came] for dinner[.] Teen Sleighing gone
called[.] Foster fetched [the] cow robe.
Fafther] went up to Goderich[.]Jno.went
up P.M. [in the] buggy to meet him &
Bella[.]
24. S.
25 . M.
26. T.
Raining
[This] morn[ing]Bella went out for Jane Raining
with[the]buggy[.] I took [her] home P.M. Beautiful
A[g], J[ohn], Bella,Er[nest] & I [were] Bees Flying
at U[ncle] Jno.'s this evenfing.]
Jane's D[aughte]r Isa[bella] Pearl Raw Wind
Glen [was] born[.] Bella & I[were] in Hard Frozen
Clinton P.M.
27. W. I [was] at Jane's[.] Jack McMann [was] Nice
here P.M.
28 . T .
29. F.
30. S.
31. S .
Bella & I[went to] Clinton P.M. in [the] .Raining
covered buggy[.] Ida [Stewart was] here
& her & Ag [went] out to see[the] kid[.]
I [was] at Jane's[.] Jno.went [at] night C[old] & Raw
to Jno.Thompson's with sheep & for Mein- Flakey
tosh[.]
Ben Tomlinson [was here] all day & Fine & H.
night[.] The white-faced mare died[.]Fa- Frozen
[ther] walked to Clinton[.]Bella got Ned
to take her up[.]
[Bella went back to Goderich.] I [came]
home P.M.
This is a reference to their wedding photo, taken by the H.
Foster studio in Clinton.
The Avery's farmed lots 27 and 28 on the Stanley side of the
London Road. John Avery's sister, Atlanta,was Mrs Alex.Innes.
Maggie Cuming was a Mrs Ballantyne.
This may be a reference to the very attractive studio por
trait Isabella had taken in Ottawa when she was at Normal
School. See p.
77"
2.
3.
4
5.
�6
7
.
8
.
9.
10.
13.
14.
The lane of the Glen farm in 1999 is still lined with spruce
trees. On the Huron Road, near Benmiller, Mr A. Taylor,a’
close relative of the Taylor's of Morris Township, ran a
greenhouse and nursery operation. Claire Taylor says he
was famous for developing an attractive strain of spruce
and it is possible that Wm. Glen bought the spruce trees for
Spruce Lane Farm from Taylor.
We know that the original 2-bay barn on Ned Glen's main
farm (Lot 31, Con III) was built in 1862. The year 1862
was drilled in auger holes over the south doorway. As we
saw in 1892, the barn on the Robertson place was badly
damaged in a wind storm. Jack Glen told me that his father
used the beams salvaged from the Robertson barn to build a
third bay on the east end of the barn on Lot 31.
Farmers' Advocate? The Exeter Advocate?
The New Era, June 9, 1893. Elizabeth, wife of E. Glen
died June 4, 1893, aged 65. [buried in Clinton cemetery.]
The late Mrs Glen was the former Elizabeth McQueen. Don
Glen told me that the McQueen brothers were prosperous
Stanley township farmers, who made a lot of money in the
mid-1850's, during the Crimean war (that "Rooshian war")
selling wheat to feed the British soldiers in the field.
The War Office paid in gold and this stimulated wheat
production in Ontario. The McQueen brothers (Mrs Glen's
siblings) squandered the gold on whiskey, became compulsive
alcoholics and ran their farms into the ground. The
MacFarlane’s were strong teetotallers, and the Glen children
were much closer to that side of the family. Elizabeth
probably encouraged the keeping of the McQueen relatives at
a distance. Don said that the McQueen's were held up
as an example not to follow. Relations with them were
respectful and correct and infrequent.
See Huron News-Record, July 26, 1893 and The New Era, August
4, 1893: John Innis, 1814-93, d. July 23, aged 89 years, 3
months. A Stanley pioneer, he emigrated from Banffshire,’
Scotland 1846 and lived in Zorra Twsp. for 7 years. He
came to Stanley in 1853 and cleared Kot 30 Con II (now
farmed by the Scott's.) He was the father of Alex. Innes
(Lot 32, Con II),of Mary (Mrs Duncan McEwen) and of Mrs W.H.
Scott He was a strong Liberal and was one of the first horse
importers in the area. Interment in Clinton Cemetery.
Survived by his widow Isabella [?].
James MacFarlane's father brother were heredetary game
keepers on a large estate in their native Perthshire[.]
They salvaged so many splendid plumages from pheasants and
other game birds that they could send generous consignments.
Isabel Glen still had some of the best specimens which she
showed me in the 1950's. My mother Verna Stewart urged her to
take them to a miliner and have them made into a lady's hat -
which she eventually did. The hat and unused feathers are
still in the Glen farmhouse[.] A photograph of Uncle John,
his wife, daughter and widowed father can be seen below at
the end of the footnotes. Don Glen told me that James 's
brother John came out to Canada with the other brothers
and was going to marry Agnes Stewart. However, when his
aging parents could no longer live alone, John went home
to Scotland to bring them here.They refused to budge and
John felt he could not leave them. Apparently Agnes was
quite charitable when he asked be released from his promise
to marry her. I don't know if John asked her to consider
coming to Scotland, but if he did, she refused. She was born
in Ontario and had no ties with Scotland. John married
eventually and carried on as the Game Keeper.
Check Stanley blue book
The New Era, December 1, 1893 Duncan McKenzie died
November 27, 1893, aged 77. He was a native of Ballachlish,
Inverness, Scotland. He emigrated to Canada in 1843 and
settled in Stanley in 1853. He pioneered on Lot 24, Con ,
IV Stanley, andlived there for the rest of his days. He
was survived by his wi'fe Mary, sons Duncan and Hugh and
a daughter Margaret (Mrs Chapman of Ethel in Perth Co.)
The obit does not mention a son Paul who died young.
In the 1871 Dominion census, Paul, aged 16, is listed as
living with James MacFarlane. Don Glen confirmed that
Paul was the hired man. The Mackenzie's were undisputably
the neighbourhood "characters" whose antics were recalled
and whose droll utterances were mimicked for 3 generations
11.
12.
�U c
in the community. They lived in primitve squalour but were
the sould of honour and integrity. Eliza-Ann totally
ignores the McKenzie's kin her diary save for one fleeting
reference to Margaret and this allusion to Duncan's death.
15. The horsepower was a device to supply motive power to pulley-
driven machinery. Steam and gasoline tractors 1900-20
made the horsepower obselete. "The motive power was
four teams of heavy draft horses,each hitched to a long
beam. The horsepower machine itself consisted of four long
beams,each placed at right angles to the other, and attached
to a central pivot. A large cast iron gear, about six feet
in diameter, was fastened to the underside of the beams.
This in turn engaged a small cog wheel attached to a steel
shaft. As the horses moved about a thirty-foot circle pulling
the beams, the steel shaft rotated and transmitted the motion
to the.... [threshing machine, buzz saw or straw cutter.]
from The Barefoot Boy From Francistown, by Robert Bruce
Walker, edited by K.F. Stewart, OISE Press, 1989, p.10.
The following wood-cut will innko tho principlo of the
threshing machine quite clear. At A are fluted iron
rollers between which tho unthreshed corn passes, at
ratkor n alow rato; 1
3 is tho cylinder or drum, contain-,
ing four projections or beaters. These are bars of wood
covered with iron, and revolve rapidly. Grain, chaff, and
stems, all pass over this cylinder, and aro thrown for
ward into the second compartment, where thoy aro acted
upon and shaken by lour rakes, placed on tho hollow
cylinder C, and moving rapidly in the direction of
tho arrow. Hero tho grain and chaff fall down '
-
’
-.rough
tho wire meshes into a winnowing machine, nnd tho
straw is carried forward to another cylinder D, whore it
is again shaken by rakes, and then thrown out at tho
ond of tho machine. Sometimes this last cylinder has
brushes fixed to it, which sweep back any of tho com or
chaff which may have fallen into the cavity at E.
lzstk k ’
s mraovBU ciMrr-ourrvR.
>
r
. •
c n A r r - c u T T i N O .
�ELIZA"ANN MACFARLANE'S LOGBOOK FOR
HER XXXTH YEAH
1894
January 1894 167
1. M. Jno. took B_
_ T___ to Brucefield[. I Cold Wind
[was] at Aunty's [in the]even[ing] & out
to Jane's[.]
2. T. Finley [McEwen was here this] even[ing.] Dull
Jno. took Bella to [the train] station] Softened
for Glencoe[.]* Farther was] at W[m. ] a little
Glen’
s cutting [wood.]
* Bella has changed schools.
Glencoe is a large village in Middlesex County,
south of London.
3. W.
4 . T .
Mo[ther [was] out to Jane’s & I [came] Fine & Sunny
home [this] morn[ing. Mother came] home L. Wind
& [I went] back [at] night[.]
Fa[ther] & A[gnes were] at Mrs Donald
Smith’s funeral[.]
Roads soft
Looking like
rain
5 . F .
6. S .
7 . S .
Fa[ther was]in Clinton[.] Ned [was] here Snowing
sawing [wood] P.M.
[Ned was here sawing wood] all day[.] I H. Frozen
[was] at Jane's[. I] B[aked] & W[ashed.]
Jno. & Adam[were] in church [this] even- C. N, W,
[ing.] I [went] home [this] morn[ing.] Wind
8. M. [I was] At Jane's all day [with] M[o-
ther[.] A[g was] in Clinton P.M. Ned was
here sawing [wood] all day[.]
Light Snow
C.N. [Wind]
9. T. [I] Came home[in the] morning & [was]out
P.M. with Ada [Stewart.I was] at Aunty’s
[in the] even[ing.] Duncan Smith [was]at
Ned'
s[.]
10. W. Mr & Mrs Dunkin called P.M.[Duncan Smith C.N.W. Wind
is still at Ned’s.] I w[ashed] & clean
ed [the] H[en-House[.] Fa[ther was] at
[the] mill with chop[.]
11. T .
12 . F .
13 . S .
[I was] at Jane's all day[.] Fa[ther] C. N. Stormy
walked to Clinton P.M. A[g was]at McTav- even[ing]
ish'es P.M. Jno.[was] sawing with Ned[.]
Jno. & E[rnest were] at Marshall's
dance[.]
Jno. made a Hen-House gate[;therefore I] Cleared even-
darned Jno's mitts, etc. [ing]
[I was] at Jane's all day[:] W[ashed] - Beautiful
S[ewed] & I[roned.* The] Stone-house cow Soft
calvedf.] Ned & Duncan [were] in all day
cutting [wood.] *Eliza-Ann has refined
her short forms by assigning
single capital letters to domestic chores.
So far B = baking 1= ironing S= sewed and
W = Washing. A = Agnes and M or Mo. = Mother.
14. S. A[g], M[other] & I [were]in Church(Stew- Softened
art)[.The] Boys [went in the] even[ing.]
15. M . [I was] At J[ane's] all day -B[aked]
,
W[ashed.] Fa[ther was] at Brucefieldf.]
Ned [was] at [Londesboro] with grist[.]
1
�January, 1894 168
16. T. Fa[ther] & Mo[ther[were in] Varna[visit- Dull & Warm
ing the] Dunkin's & [the] Fostersf. I]
Cleaned out P______ * & making at......
Jno. [has been] sawing [wood]at Ned’s[.]
*P may stand for "Private," or for privy -
the cold weather indoor toilet in the wood
shed, but the rest of the sentence is in
decipherable.
17 . W.
18. T.
19. F.
20 . S .
A[g] & I [were] at Grant’s P.M. Helen & Soft & Dull
A[gnes] Butchart & M.A. McGregor [were]
at Jane's[.]
[A] sheep died([the] Beetie Shearling.) Fr[oze at]
Jno. & Ned [were] in Clinton for salt[.] night
I [was] at Jane’s all day[and] W[ashed.]
Fa[ther] & Mo[ther were] in Clinton[and] Softened
went to D. McEwen’s (but they weren'
t at
home[.]
I [was] at Jane’s[in the evening.I] kil- Soft
led [the] last gosling[.] Jno. [was] in Rain
Brucefeld & Clinton[to]see Swan[.] Peter
Camp-bell died[.]i
21. S .
22 . M.
23 . T .
Jno. & E[rnest were] in Church [in the] Rain, Soft
even[ing.] A[gnes [was] at Ned’s[.]
I[was ] at Ned’s[.] E[rnest] A.M. & Jno. H. Frozen
P.M. [were] hauling in hay with Ned[.]
Fa[ther] &[the] boys [were] at a Patrons
of Industry meeting[in the]school [this]
even[ing.]
Fa[ther]& I [were] at P[eter] Campbell’s Softened a
funeral P.M. Jno. & Ned [went too. I] little. Sno[w]
C[leaned the] H[en-]House[.] Foster & M. [at] night.
Brigham & Mary Miller [were here in the]
even[ing and] at Jane's at night[.]
24. W. Jim Barkley [is] home[.] A[g was] with
visitors at Lizzie's for dinner & at
U[ncle] Ja[mes']s for tea & [the] even
ing. I]Finis [hed]Jno. 's p[an]ts & darned
socks[.]
9
Rain & Sleet
Snow
25. T. [I darned socks] & ganzies[.] Ned,Mac, & 15
Adam[were] here cutting[wood] P.M. [The] Cold, a
Kids* [were]at U[ncle] Ja[mes’]s [in the little snow.
even[ing.] * probably Eliza-Ann, Jane, Agnes &
John MacFarlane.
26. F.
27 . S .
28 . S .
[The]Men [are] cutting[wood]at Ned’s[.]
A[g] & I [were] in Clinton P.M. [The]
visitors [have] gone home[.]
6
Nice, Some
sleighing,
most buggies.
[I sewed & swept]for Jane A.M. [I] peel- 15
ed app[le]s at Aunty's [in the] even- Light Snow
[ing and did] Mending[.]
Fa[ther was] hauling logs to [the] 7
mill[.] I made [a] gate for [the] H[en- Snowing P.M.
house door & baked 2 kinds of cook-
ies[.l] wrote to U. Jm & Gertie[.]2 jno.
& I [were] in Church[;We took the] cut
ter up[.]
29. M.
Nice
13
�January, 1894 169
30. T.
31. W.
1. T .
[I worked] at making [a] serge skirt[.] Softish 14
Fa[ther was] hauling logs all day[.] Snowing &
Drifting
Mo[ther] carded wool & ewe lacked lamb 9
comfort night[.](sic) [I] cleaned [the] Light Snow
H[en]-H[ouse and] finis[hed] cutting out
[my] dress[.]
February, 1894
E.A. & Son [were] here P.M. Fa[ther has
been] mending bags[.] A[g] & [were] in Snowing
Clintonf.] Jno. [was] at Mac's sawing Heavy
[wood] P.M. [and] Helping Ned with logs Light
A.M.
13
2. F. Jno.& Ned [were] at Hensall for feed[.] 14
A[g] changed library books & [was] at Sunshiny
Ellie’s P.M. [I] W[ashed], dusted etc. Frosty
3. S. Fa[ther] walked to Clinton P.M. [and 13
the] boys [went in the] even[ing.] Some Milder
4. S. [A[g] & I [were] in Church (McMullen of 13
Woodstock[.] 5 above C.W.
5. M. Mr & Mrs Dunkin [came] for dinner[.] J. 18
& W. Cooper [came] for tea[.] Aunty[was] Warmer
at Jane's[.] Ned & Jane went to Sun, Thaw
McQueen's[.] Jno.[was] at [the] mill for
chop[.] Dewdrop calved[.]
6. T. Fa[ther] & Mo[ther were] at Rob Thomp- 17
son’s[. The] Boys etc. [are] on loa[n] 9 degrees
to Isard's [I was] working a little at
the skirt[.]
7. W. Jim Barkley [was here] for dinner[. I] 14
washed A.M. Jno. [was] in Clinton P.M. Thawing
[He drove horses,including] Ned's one[.]
Mrs Jim McQueen's3 funeral [was this af
ternoon .] A][g] & I [are] papering [the]
little B. roomf.]
8. T. [Ag and I] finis[hed papering the B 22
room.] Another lamb [born.] Mac & Fitch* Frozen
called.
*Probably "Fitz" misspelled (Fitzsimmons, the
Clinton butcher.)
9 . F .
10 . S .
Bk. Liz, Ger[tie],Hes[ter] & Bob Thomp
son & Lilly, Linsey & Annie Churchill &
Ned, Adam, & Tene & Jno. [McEwen were]
here [this] even[ing.] 2 lambs-one died
sabbath night[.]
Sleet, Rain
Thunder &
L[ightning
at] night.
A[g was] at Ned's P.M. & I [was] at Aun- 23
ty's [in the] even[ing.] Er[nest was] in Frozen
Clinton P.M............. Blustering
11. S. A[g] & I [went] in [the] buggy to]Church Light Snow 17
(Stewart)[.] Blustery, C. Wind
12. M. Jno.went to Blake for [a] heifer[.] A[g]
washed?I [was] mending sundries[.] Jno.
[McEwen] called[.]
Worse [in]
C. Wind 18
A.M. very
stormy P.M.
even[ing.]
13. T. [John McEwen] & young Wiley [called.]Jno.
[got] home [at] noon[. John] & [the]
rest [have] gone to Stone[house’s.]* Fa-
[ther was] at Ned's [this] even[ing & us
at Aunty’s[.]
22
Big Drifts
Roads bare
Fine
21
�February, 1894 170
14 . w .
15 . T .
16 F .
Fa[ther] walked to Clinton.[I] fixed [a] Fine 21
plant box for [the] hens[.] A[g] is mak
ing over [her] B[lac]k dress
A[g] & I [were] in Clinton & at D. McEw- Fine A.M. 6
en's[.] Mrs Stewart & sons(Rev.) [were] C. Wind,Snow-
here[this] even[ing.] Jno.[was] in Clin- ing, Stormy.
ton with Ned(lambs)[.]
Finley[McEwen] called A.M.(B.S.) [I was] Snowing 23
Making folds for [a] skirt[.] Aunty [was Clear
here] for dinner[.] Er[nest] finis[hed]
hauling wood [and] started [on the] man
ure[.]
17 . S .
18. S •
19. M.
[I] Finis[hed the] skirt all but [the]
pocketsf.] Jno.[was] in Clinton [in the]
sleigh [and he] sold "Sorrel." Mot[her
was] at Jane's[.]
Jno. & I [went to] Church in [the] cut
ter[.] 3 lambs triplets
[I] Finis[hed the] skirt. Made garters,
cleaned [the] H[en]-House [and] looked
over apples[.] Jno.[was] over on [the]
Parr [Line]* looking at "Jack"[.]
Rained a 17
little; soft
Rain.
C.W. 16
Frozen
a flurry 23
Nice
Concession
VI and VII,
Stanley Township - the road runs north and south,
from the Bayfield River, intersecting the Bayfield Road
in the centre of Varna, running south to the Hay Stanley
Town Line and beyond. Years ago I referred to the 6th of
Stanley and Don Glen said "You never hear it called the
6th - it's called the Parr Line!" The 1986 Sesquicen-
tennial history of Stanley says that John Parr was the
very first to file for a lease on that line, but he
allowed the application to lapse and never actually
lived on it. Looking at who lived on the line, the
name Wiley jumps out at the reader, as the probable
owner of "Jack."
20 . T .
21. W.
22 . T .
23 . F .
24. S.
[I was] At Jane's A.M. [while] they C. Wind 23
[were] in Clinton [getting] teeth fill- Snowing
ed[.] Mrs [Ned] Rathwell, Isaac & Win- even[ing]
nie [were here] P.M. & even[ing.] Fin
ley [McEwen] called[.] Fa[ther was in
Clinton[.]
A[g] & I [were] in Clinton P.M. at [a] C.W. 20
S[abbbath] S[chool] Convention[.] Jno. Fine
[was] in Clinton[.] Jno. & E[rnest were]
at Wigg[inton's] dance [in the]even[ing.]
Kate McTavish [was here] P.M. [I] Star- 3 above 20
ted hem-stitching [the] band[.] Fine, Drifty,
even[ing.]
[I] Drove Jno. to [Malcolm McEwen's] be- Stormy 22
fore diner[.] Farther] & Jno. were at
Finley’s & Dunk's P.M.
A[g] & 1 [were] in Clinton at Worthing- 4 degrees 17
ton's sale of [fancy goods.] at about 1/2
past 8, 6 degrees
at about XI P.M.
25. S. A[g], Jno, Erfnest], Jane & I [were] in Nice 17
Church [this] even[ing] (Miss McKay - Sunshiny
Formosa)[.]
. M. Fafther was helping W[illiam] Glen kill 21
a heifer A.M. [and was] in Clinton P.M. Very Nice
A[g] & I [were] at Ned's [this] even
ing.] Mrs Brigham & Nellie [are visit
ing [there.]
26
�February, 1894 171
27 . T.
28 . W.
A[g], Mrs
ton P.M.
home with
Br[igham] & I
[Mrs Brigham]
us ][.]
[were] in
& Nellie
Clin-
[came]
27
1. T •
2. F
3. S
[I] Went for Aunt A[gnes] [this] morn-
ting.] Jane & Ned [were here] P.M. Us
at Lizzie's this evenfing.]
March, 1894
[I] Took the Br[igham’s] to U[ncle John
Stewart's this] morn[ing.] Jno. & I Beautiful
[were] in Clinton P.M. L[izzie3 Thomp
son [came] home with me[.]
Lizzie & I [were] at Grant’s P.M. [in and
the] buggy[.] Mac, Ned, Willie & Adam
[were here] cutting [wood.]
23
15
23
4. S .
5. M.
Liz S
t I [were] at U[ncle James's] P.M. Mild 23
& [at] U[ncle John’s in the] even[ing.] Frosts at
[Lizzie, Mrs Brigham and Nellie came] Night
home with us[.]
Mrs Bfrigham] & Mot [her went] out to Beautiful 30
Ned’s P.M. Beauteous
Mrs B[righam was] at Ufncle James's]
A.M. [and she] crossed [the] creek[J]*
29
Springlike
Jno.took [the] B[righam's] to [the] stat
ion [in the] even[ing.] Jno.,Ned & Jane,
Lizzie & I [were] at McTavish'es [in
the] even[ing. (Lizzie and I were there
P.M.)]
* There was a well-worn and somewhat circu
itous path running from
MacFarlane's to the James
Stewart house. MacFar
lane's lived on Lot 30,
Con IV and James Stew
art 's farmhouse was on
the front 50 acres of lot
27 -IV south of MacFar
lane’s. Half the land
in the 3 intervening lots
was still bush. One went
out of MacFarlane *s back
door, over the fence into
"Uncle John’s back 50."
The front 50 acres of
Lot 29 was James MacFar
lane's bush. Cutting
through John Stewart's
back 50 is Wiltse Creek,
starting over in Tucker-
smith township and flow
ing south-west towards
the Bayfield River. It
runs for its final mile
and a half through Lots
29, Con II, III, IV and
V. While it was often dry
in mid-summer,melting
snow and rain in March
and April could turn it
into a torrent. Once ac-
cross the creek, one made for the south-west corner
to go around Finley and Duncan McEwen’s 50 acres of
bush on the east end of Lot 29 (IV). From the
South-west corner of the "back 50" one could aim
straight for James Stewart's house. Eliza-Ann is
impressed that Mrs Brigham rose early,walked the
route and forded the swollen creek.
�March, 1894 172
6. T. Fa[ther was] at Jno. Elliot1s,Marshel's Raining 34
(sic) & Wigg[inton’s. I] made a log cab- all day
in block[.]*
*"Log Cabin” pattern for quilts.
7. W, Liz & I [were] at Jane's & Mac’s P.M. & 22
even[ing. The] Master’s boys etc.[were] Beautiful
in at noon [showing off a] telescope[.] Cool Wind
1st Goose Egg
8. T. I [was] in Clinton P.M. with Lizzie 10
T[hompson.] Jno.[was working]with Ned[.]
9. F. Jno.,A[g] & I [were] at Dunkin’s [in 40
the] even[ing.] Fa[ther [got] some prun- Beauteous
ing done.......
10 . s .
11. s .
Jno.,E[rnest] & Fa[ther were] pruning[.] 36
Fa[ther was] at H[arry] Diehl’s & [had]
dinner at U[ncle] Ja[mes’]s[.] A[g] & I
[
were] at Aunty’s [in the] even[ing.]
A[g] S
t I [went in the] buggy [to] Church Cool Wind 33
(Stewart)[. ]
12. M. Ned [was] helping cut peas P.M. [and he 43
stayed]for tea[.Mr] Tough,[the Assessor,
[came for tea] & [stayed] all night[. I]
started hemmimg [a] 2nd-hand ________ &
cutting out browney[.] *
* an "unmentionable?"
13. T. Jno.[was] away getting [a]wheel for[the]
fanning mill[.] Jane fetched in [a] tur- Showery-
key [this] morn[ing.] Bob Marshell(sic) Snowing
called........
14 . W . Making Browny skirt[.]
W INHOWIHG-MACIilSE .
H. Frozen
Nice
15. T. I [was] in Clinton P.M. Snowing, C.W. 22
16. F. Er[nest was] at Glen's cutting [wood.] C.W. 53
[X worked] at making dresses[.] Sunshiny
17 . S .
18 . S .
Jno. [was] at [the] mill for chop[.] Fa- Raining 25
ther walked to Clinton [and] got a ride T[hunder] &
up with Adam[.] Lightning
A[g] S
t I [attended church in the] morn- Very 40
[ing](Hamilton - Londesboro)[.] Jno. Warm- Frogs
[went in the] e[vening.] singing wildly
19. M. Jim Swan called[.] A[g] & I [were] at Beautiful 34
Ned’
s [this] even[ing.]
20. T. [Ag and I were at] Aunty's [this even- 4 6
ing. I] Made cakes A.M. [I] Washed & C.E. Wind
C[leaned the] H[en-]House P.M. & rain
35
35
�March, 1894 173
Jno.,Er[nest] & I [were] at Ned's Crush- S.E.W. 25
ing & Cutting[.] a little rain
[I]Swept B[ella]’s room[.] Jennie [Grant 33
was here] all night......as School Exam Raining
all day[.] Jno.[was] at[the] station for
Bella [in the] even[ing. The] Stonehouse
Calf died[.]
Aunty, Ned & Jane [were here] for din- Very 34
ner[. I] made [a] muslin apron[.] stormy [this]
morning,Snowing
blow]ing,]
Fafther] & B[ella were] in Clinton A.M. Rain & 33
A[g],B[ella] & I [were] at Ned'sfin the] Sleet P.M.
even[ing.]
Fanny calved [in the] night[.] A[g] mind- 34
ed [the] baby for Ned & Jane A.M. Jno. & Cold & Stormy
E[rnest went to church in the]even[ing.]
Jno. took Bella in [the] cutter to [the] Snowing 43
station [in the] even[ing.]* Bessie all day
calved [in the] night[.] *end of Easter Weekend
[I was] Working at [a] Serge basque[.] Cold & 36
Wintery
Sleighing
Aunty & Ida [were] at Lizzie's[. A] ped- Light 34
lar called at Lizzie's [and stayed] all Snow P.M. &
night[.] A[g] & I [were] at Ned's[in the] even[ing.]
even[ing.]
Jane & I [went to] Clinton P.M. in [the] 37
buggy[.] A[g] minded [the] Kid[.]A[g] & I C.W.
[were] at Aunty's [this] even[ing.]Lizzie Softened
[Glen] is down home with [some illness?]
[The]Men[are] getting fence-binders these
days[.]
Aunty [has] gone to Green’s[.] Jno. [was] 30
at [the] mill[. I] Made button-holes in Milder
[the] basque[.]
Fa[ther] walked to Clinton[.I worked] at Milder 41
[the] basque[.] Snow all
gone. Rain
at night.
April, 1894
A[g] & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[. 31
Four new] Elders[were] ordained-J.Hous- C.N.W.
ton,McClarty, D. McEwen & D.McTavishf.] Dull
Smith stop[ped here] for tea[.] Ned,Jane 35
& Kate & Will McTavish [were] at U[ncle] H[ard] Frost
Jno's[. I worked] at [the] basque [and] A little
finis[hed it.I] knit cuffs [and added a] wanner.
ruffle[.][
I
]
[I] over-casted [the basque], washed & 29
made jell[y] cake[.] Ned called[.] Alex. H.F. C.W.
Smith [came] for eggs[.] Jno. Stewart raining
[has] gone to Denver[.]4
Sid[was here] looking at lambs[.] Fa[th- 34
er was] in Clinton[.] A[g was] at Wigg- C.C.W.
[inton's] P.M. [and I was] At Ned's [in P.M.
the] even[ing.]
21. W.
22 . T .
23 . F .
24 . S .
25 . S .
26. M.
27 . T .
28. W.
29. T.
30. F.
31. S .
1. S .
2. M.
3. T .
4. W.
�April, 1894 174
5. X • Jno. [was at Wigginton's] & A[g was] in 30
Clinton P.M. Jane's turkey laid 1st egg. Snow Showers
[A] Stonehouse cow [was wandering loose] C.W.
somewhere here[.]
6. F. John [was] at [the] Brucefield horse 38
show[.] A[g]& I [were] at Jane's[in the] Fine, C»W.
even[ing] quilting [a] cradle quilt[.]
Er[nest was] plowing P.M.
7. S. Jno. [was] in Clinton P.M. Fa[ther has 33
been] pruning by spells these days[.]
8. S. A[g] & X [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] 36
9. M. Kate died[.]* Jane & I[were]at Bob Pear- 30
son's P.M. Mrs Jessie & Stella Wigg[in
ton were] here P.M.
* a beloved old horse
10. T. [I'm] Still [working] at [the] basque[.] 37
1st Turkey Egg Snow & slush
11. W. [I have] Finis[hed the] basque all but 28
[the] watch-pockets[.I was] At Jane's in Dull, Warm
the] even[ing and] A[g was] at Mac's[.
Jane and I] Finis[hed]quilting[the]crad
le quilt[.]
12. T. A[g] & I [were] in Clinton P.M. Carrie 39
& Jennie [were] Jane's P.M. Beautiful
13. F. T[homas] Fair [the] Postmaster died[.]5 58
A[g was] in Clinton [this] morn[ing & I
[was] at Green's P.M. Jane [was] in P.M.
Mr & Mrs McEwen [called this] even[ing.]
Jno. speared 28 fish[.]
14. S. Jno. & E[rnest speared 3 fish[.The] con- 38
tract for a new Frazer bridge [has been]
let to Jno. Diehl [for] $175[.] Lumpy
Hodgins died[.]*
♦Possibly a member of the Hodgins
family in Clinton, well-known
grocers.
15 . S . Father & I [were] at Thos.Fair's funeral
P.M. A[g was] at Sabbath School[.] Jane
took my class[.]G[eorge]S[teckley]start
ed [at] U[ncle] Jno.['s]& Jno.Elliot['s]
P.M.
32
Beautiful
& warm
16. M.
17 . X .
18. W.
19. X
Fa[ther was]at Middleton's and Bill Per
due 1s to get grafts[. Father and John
were] grafting plums P.M. [I] started
cleaning [the] milk room[.]
34
Beautiful
& warm
[I] Finis[hed cleaning the milk room] & 33
some of other[.] Jno. started seeding
[with] Mary & Grey[.] Er[nest is] culti
vating
[I] Finis[hed] cleaning [the] cellar!.] 42
Jno. walked to Clinton A.M. [and] got Sprinkled
teeth filled!*} A[g was] at U[ncle]
Ja[mes']s P.M. [and] her & I [were] at
Ned's [this] even[ing.]
Jane [wasJin Clinton with Tena [McEwen.] 3 2
I [went] out for [the news]papers[.] Fa- Rained
[ther is]grafting these days[.I have been] Beautiful &
Mending socks[.] Warm
�April, 1894 175
20. F.
21 . S .
22 . S .
23 . M.
24 . T •
25. W.
26. T.
27 . F .
28 . S .
29. S.
30. M.
1. T .
2 . W.
3 . T .
4. F.
[IJTook over 2 barrows of manure for As- 35
pargus & [on] Sat[urday] morn[ing two] Slight Ap-
more[.] ril Showers
Fa[ther] walked to Clinton, going around 38
P.M. & even[ing] with [a] petition for W. A little cool-
Jackson for to be(sicJ Postmaster[.]6 ish, slight
showers.
A[g] & I[were]in Church(Stewart)[and in] 33
S[abbath] Sfchool with] Ada & Ida [Stew- Coolish,Fine
art[.] Isabella Pearl Glen [was] baptiz-
ed[.]
[Uncle James’s] Annie [was] up with[the] 29
petition[.] Fa[ther] walked to Clinton
[with the petition. We've] Finis[hed]
seeding[.]
[I] Planted some onions P.M. A[g] & I 36
[were] at Jane's[this] even[ing.]Er[nest Warmer
was] plowing[.]
A[g] & I gathered old metal & planted 32
onions[.]Fa[ther did] grafting [and the] Warm & Nice
Boys were taking stones off [the]
fields[. The] Red Heifer calved[.]
A[g] & I, Liz & [ ? were] in Clinton P.M. 30
[I] Got Dolly shod[.]
Sorting potatoes all day....A[g] making
closet &........ Men washed some sheep &
shore some[by the] river[.] Cows out all
night for good[.]
31
Very Warm
& pleasant
Jno. & I [were] sorting potfatoes] all 34
day[.] Ned [helped sort] part [of] P.M. Warm Rain
[We got] 3 bags altogether[.] Jno. Green Beautiful P.M.
fetched Ned’s and oue pigs[.] Aunty [is]
home[and] we[
were] down[this] even[ing.]
Jno.[Green went] horn[e in the]even[ing.]
[At Church](Stewart) Doll [went] lame[.] 27
Jn[o.] & Er[nest went to church in the] Beautiful
even[ing.]Ida[was]in S[abbath] S[chool.]
Ned & Jno. [were] in Clinton with potat
oes [.] Er[nest has been] hauling manure
these days[.]
30
Beautiful &
Warm
May, 1894
I sowed 14 1/2 rows [of]Carrots & 17 1/2
[of] Mangols[.] Farther] & Jno. [were]
opening, etc. Mac called [in the] morn-
ting.] Jno. [worked] at [the]river fence
A.M. Jim Swan & [an] agent called[.]
I sowed 19 rows [of] Mangols A.M. An
drew Scott called wanting potatoes & T.
Wig[ginton was] around selling gate
hinges[.] (I bought [a] p[ai]r.) Aunty
[was] at Jane's[.]
I[was] in Clinton P M.
in for pota[toes.]
Ned & Jane [were]
23
Beautiful &
Warm
37
colder
19
Warmer
Jno. [was] at [the] Mill [for] chop[.] 33
Fa[ther] & Er[nest] finis[hed] washing Rain, C.W.,
sheep (ewes)[.] I took out double win- [then] Warmer.
dows [.]
�May, 1894 176
5. S. [The] Boys sowed Tares & Tares & Oats[.] 18
Fa[ther was] in Clinton P.M. [for the] .Rain P.M. &
plum trees[.] Mag[gie] McEwen [was here] even[ing]
with my Lesson Book[.j One [of the] Hun- Warmer
ter’s called[.]
6. S. Mary foaledf.] A[g] & I [were] in 23
C[hurch.] Jno. [went in the] evenfing.] Fine A.M.
Mary & Bessie [Glen were] in S[abbath] Heavy Rain
S[chool: Bessie for the] 1st [time.]
7. M. Jno. Hunter [was] looking at [the] bull 27
[this] mornfing.] Twitchell [was here] H.W.
with trees (spruce,Wfeeping] Willow etc. C.H.W.
Jno., Er[nest] & I planted 12 rows [of]
potatoes[.] Jno. planted onions[.]
8. T. Jno., Er[nest] & I planted 22 rows [of] 24
pot[atoes.] Jno. Er[nest] & Fa[ther] cut Warmer
[seed] pota[toes] A.M. [I] Finis[hed
[the] Blouse (G. Print.)
9. W. [The] Boys [worked] at Rivfer] fencing 25
A.M.[and did] shearing P.M. Fa[ther] & Warmer,Fine
Ag [were] digging flower beds etc. [I]
washed, [and] sowed beets[.]
10. T. Mother & I [were] in Clinton P.M. T[om] 24
Wfigginton] called [this] morn[ing] for cool Wind
lend offsic) [our] adz[e.The] Boys[have] Warmer, Rain
finis[hed] shearing[.]
11. F. Ned & Jno.washed his sheep[.]Jane & Aun- 30
ty [were] here P.M. [The] Boys [were] Fine & C.W.
knocking down lane posts and made[a]bara Warmer
gate[. The] Last set of chickens coming
out[.]
12. S. Jno. [is] shingling [the] school[house.] 28
Fa[ther] & Er[nest are] fixing fences[.] Wanning & Fine
I washed [the] print racks & ironed[.]
13. S. Fa[ther] & I [were] in Church(Hamilton - 25
Londsboro)[.] Fine, C.W.
Warmer
14. M. [I] baked some cakes[.I] Took chaff from 56
round............................. full Rain, C.W.
of bees[.]
15. T. Mo[ther] & A[g] [were] in Clinton P.M. 32
Adam fetched up E red - finis[hed] morn- Fine
[ing.]fsic) [I] baked [a] shanty [cake] C.W. A.M.
& some C - Pies[.] Warmer
16. W. A[g] scrubbed up boys'stair[way.I] fixed 28
[the] serge basque[.] Heavy Rain
Thunder and Lightning
17. T. Aunty & I [were] in Clinton P.M. Fa[ther 28
had] walked to Clinton before [us. The] Very Warm
Boys [are] making [a] gravel box[.] Dull, Rain
18. F. [I was] sorting rooms[.] A[g] ironed[.] 26
E[rnest was] splitting wood[.] Rainy
19. S. Fa[ther was] at [the] mill A.M. & [in] 29
Brucefield P.M. [I] took[the]long-tailed Cold & Showery
off [the] striped B Basque[.]
20. S. Jno. [was] at C[hurch in the] evenfing] 31
(Shaw - Egmonfdville. ]) jRainy
�May, 1894 177
21. M.
7
22 . T .
Ned [was] here fencing[. To-[night Jno., 28
A[g] & I [were] at [a] Congregational Rainy, Cool
Meeting[.]
[Ned was here fencing.]Ned Sr.[came for] 30
dinner[. A] Machine Agent called[.] A[g Nice & warm
was] at Mac's & I [was] at Ned's [this]
even[ing.]
23. W. Fafther] & Mo[ther] [were] at Ben Miller 28
[and] came home by Clinton[.] Ned [was] slight showers
here [working] at fences[.]
24 . T .
25. F.
Fa[ther] & Mo[ther were] at N[ed] Rath- 2 7
well's for dinner & tea[.] Ned [worked] Beautiful
at fences A.M.[I] finis[hed] putting [a] & Warm
top in [a] straw tick[.
]
Jno. [was] at Ned's [and] Jane [was] in 32
[here] P.M. Fa[ther was] in Clinton [and
I was] Cleaning my rooms[.] [John B.]
Stewart & Graham*[have] gone to [the]Old
Country with cattle[.]7
*Goldie or William?
26. S. Fa[ther was] at U[ncle] Ja[me]s['s] A.M. 24
Jno.[was] at Ned's[.] N[ed] & Ja[ne were]
at J. McQueen's [barn] raising[.]*[I was]
cleaning my rooms[.]**
* John MacFarlane would do Ned's
chores while Jane & Ned went
to help McQueen relatives.
** As the eldest, and as a symbol
of her importance in the farm
ing operation, Eliza-Ann has
her own parlour.
27. S. I walked to Church(Henderson came.) 25
Fine, Warm,
Rain even[ing.]
28. M. N[ed] & Jno. [were] fencing at [the] riv- 31
er, I think [.] Fa[ther] went to Jno. El- Snow showers
liot’sf.]
29. T. Fa[ther was] in Clinton [at a] "Fair Dir- 32
ector's" meeting[. I was] at Jane's stay- Fine & Cold
ing with the baby A.M. McLean lecturing
in school[.]*
♦Probably M.Y. McLean, an active Liberal,
editor and owner of The Huron .Expositor
in Seaforth.
30. W. I spent all day in bed[. The] Men were 29
cleaning wheat etc.A[g was] cutting out a Raining & Hail
print dress[.] Higgins called[this] even
ing to talk] politics[.]
31. T. Aunty [was] at [Lizzie Glen's] & [the] 27
Green's came after her[.] Jno. [was] in Fine, C.W.
Clinton with [a] load of wheat P.M. [The]
Men put up the river fences again[.]* Mrs
Gabey E[lliot was] in with J. Reid[. I
washed a little[.]
* probably shaken up by high winds
and flash floods.
June, 1894
1. F. Jno. [was] in Clinton with [a] load [of] 25
w[heat.] A[g was] in Clinton A.M. [The] Warm, Fine
Advocate ads man called[.] C.W.
�June, 1894 178
2. S. A[g] & Jane [were] in Clinton P.M.[while] 24
X minded [the] baby[.] A[g] got her new Raining all
(J.)[.] day, clear
middle P.M. & even[ing.]
3. S. Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[hurch](Stewart).. 26
...............A[g] minded [the] kid for Warmer
N[ed] & J[ane[.] Rain P.M.
4. M. Ned here, men fencing between Reid[.] Er- 40
[nest was] hauling gravel to [the] barn a little cool-
steps[.] Ja[ne was] in P.M. er, sprinkle
[in] even[ing. ]
5. T. N[ed] & J[ohn were] fencing [at] Ned's[.] 27
Fa[ther] & Mo[ther]have gone to Hullet[.] Fine & cold
U[ncle]Jno.'s & Gilmour's & J[ohn] & Bell W[hite] Frost
[were] at Ned’s[.]
6. W. N[ed] & J[ohn were] fencing[.] U[ncle]Jas. 22
[was] at Mac's [this] even[ing.] Fine & Warm
Colder
7. T. Jno. Scott & Jno. McEwenfwere] here[this] 24
even[ing.] Jno. [has been] shearing with
Ned[.] 1st swarm about 6 o'clock(I think)
[from] O-W-Hive[.]
8. F. Scruton, [the] butcher & Jno Middleton 21
called[. I did some] Baking[.] Fafther] & Finefwarmer
Mo[ther] returned[.] N[ed] & J[ohn have
been] fencing[.]
9. S. [Ned & John were fencing.] Jane [was] in 25
to-day[.] A[g] & I[were] in Cfhurch] P.M.
10. S. A[g] & I [were] in Church(Stewart)[.] Jno. 26
& Fe [nwick went in the] e[
vening.] Fine & very
warm.
11. M. Watson & Jno.Middleton called[.I] churned 24
the first cfream] with Daisy[.]* N[ed] & Very Rainy
Jno. [were] fencing[.j I wrote to Maggie
Lang[. At] noon Y-W-H[ive] swarmed [and]
B-H[ive was] next[.]
*Eliza-Ann had one or more cows that were her’s to
milk and sell the butter their cream provided.
The sale of eggs and butter and dressed poultry
all contributed to Eliza-Ann’s income.
12 . T . [Ned and John were fencing.] Fa[ther] &
Jane [were] in Clintonf.] Mekin cfalled &
[a] man wanting to loan [? I] washed some
& baked some pies[.]
27
Heavy Rain &
Very Warm
13. W. Jno. [was] at Ned’s all night & A.M. Ned 26
[was] in helping [to] dip lambs[.] Howson Very Warm
[was here] for dinner[. The] other B[ee]
hive swarmed[.]
14. T. [I] put 1/2 oz.taps in bee frames[.I was] 27
planting....in drowned-out places nearly
all day[.] Aunty [is] home[.]
15. F. Colt foaled(filly) [.]Mo[ther] & A[g were] Rain A.M.31
in Clinton P.M. Fine & Warm
16. S. [We] Planted 14 rows of turnips A.M.[and] 37
plowed up 6 rows [of ] potatoes [. We were ] Very Warm
Planting beans and nips near[ly]all day...83 degrees [F]
..................McNaughton called[.He] at supper
called before on the 12th[.]
�June, 1894 179
17. S. Father,Mary[Glen] & A[g were in]C[hurch.] 27
(Stewart) J[ohn went in the] e[vening.j
18. M. Jno. & Er[nest were] at Road-work[.]Ned & Heavy 29
Harry Perdue came for dinner[. The] Rev.Rain- Warm,
[Mr]Stewart& Donald & M.Swallow called[.] Cool even[ing]
[I 'm cutting out gingham [for a blouse.]
19 . T . Fa[ther],Jno.& Er[nest worked]at roots[.] Rain 28
Jno. Allen [came] for dinner[.] Cool & Misty
20. W. Aunty & I [were] in Clinton P.M. [I got 3 9
some] teeth filled[and] my front ones re- Nice
filled[.] Fa[ther] & Mo[ther were]at Wig-
[ginton's this] even[ing.] J. Pearson
ca[lled.]
21. T .
22 . F .
Carrie and] Jen[nie Grant] & Liz McTavish 24
& Jane & [the] kid [were here] P.M. [The]
young W-hive swarmed [again.]
Fa[ther] & A[g] [have] gone [to see the] 23
Model Farm at Guelph [.]* I[was] in Church very warm
P.M.(Shaw)[.] Jim Dunkin [was here] all Rain, even-
night [.] Jno[was] meeting [the] train[to] [ing]
night[.]
*part of the fledgling Ontario Agricultural
College founded 1874.
23 . S .
24 . S .
Ned & Jane were in Bayfield & at Charlie 20
[Stewart's in the] even[ing.] A[g] & I Very Warm
milked their cows [this] even[ing. The]
Boys washed [the] buggy[.] W-l swarmed &
[then] returned[.]
Fa[ther] & Mother[were]in C[hurch](Stew- 19
art)[.] I went with Ned & Jane[. W -1 Very Warm
swarmed again and returned[.] Rain Even[ing]
25. M. Jno. [was] stretching wire with Ned[.] 28
Er[nest was] hauling earth to [the] barn
stepsf.]* [Mr]Scott[of] Brucefield Call
ed P.M. [I]washed some clothes P.M.[The]
Y[oung]- W [Hive] & the B next the W one
swarmed[.] A[g] got badly stung[.]
26. T. [There was]voting[today and] Father[was] 24
out at school all day[.]* Mo[ther,A[g] &
I washed[.] Erfnest is] plowing a piece
for rape[.]**
* Ontario provincial general election
** Canola - an oilseed crop
27 . W. [Ernest is still plowing.] Aunty[was] at
Jane's P.M. Er[nest]fetched home [a] new
bicycle[.] [The] B[ee] hive next W - 6
swarmed[. ]
24
Cool & Misty
very Warm
Cool
28. T. Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.] A[g] & Jno. 26
left[this] even[ing]for Brigham's picnic Warm & Windy
tomorrow[.] A[g] canned old house cher
ries & I picked bugs[.] 4-W swarmed[and]
doubled[.]
29. F. [I] Baked pies A.M.& scalded roost[ers.]
Mofther] churned & Fa[ther] finis[hed]
sowing rape[.] Er[nest's] hauling [more]
gravel to[the barn] steps[.]Willy (Crip
ple) Elliot [is] here with kids[.* Bee
Hive 6 doubled[.]
* William Elliot(1837-1912) was
the son of James Elliot and Mary Anna Stewart of Hullett Twsp.
�June, 1894 180
30. S. I swept out our rooms and Mother's. Jno.
[was]in town[this] even[ing]for Bella[.] Warm
24
1. S .
July, 1894
Fa][ther] & Mo[ther went to Jno. Thom- 29
son's[.] I [was] at Jane's[.] Very Very Warm
2. M.
3 . T .
4. W.
Jen[nie] Grant & Bella [were] at [the] 29
river[.] Fafther] took Willie [Elliot] Very Warm
down to U[ncle] Jno.’s[.] Jno. made [a]
screen door [for the] kitchen[.]
Jen[nie] & Bella [were] in Clinton[. I] 32
put Paris Green [on the] pot[atoes. We] A little
cut a little hay [this] even[ing- the] Cooler
lst[.]
Bella & Jane [were] in Clinton P.M.(Jane 27
dr[ove.I] darned 6 p[ai]r[of] socks with
A[g] & [We]washed winter clothes etc.P.M.
Er[nest was] mowing A.M.
5. T.
6 . F .
7 . S .
[The] Boys hauled in 1 load [of hay] A.M. 23
&,[with] Ned, hauled in 5 or 6 loads P.M. Cool W[ind]
Bella[was] making her blazer etc.I [was]
sorting wool with Fafther] near[ly] all
day[.]Mother & Willie[were] at Will’s[.]
Ada [Stewart was here in the] even[ing.]
Fafther] & N[ed were] in Brucefield with 25
wool[.] W[illiam] Eflliot] went out to Rain, Cool
Ned's back [?] P.M.
[I] Took Willie Eflliot] & son to Aun- 28
ty's[.] A[g] & Be[11a were] in Clinton Cool & W[indyf]
A.M. & Jane [was] in P.M. Fafther] & Jno. Fine
[were in Clinton] with [the] Bull, [the]
Shouragh Heifer & steers[. I] finis[hed
the] gingham blouse[.]
8. S. [IjMindedfthej kid[.]A[g] & B[ella were] 22
in Church[.] Jno. & B[ella] went[in the]
even[ing.] Fafther was] at U[ncle
James's.]
9. M. [I] Greened[the] potatoes[.The] Men haul- 26
ed in 6 loads [of] hay[.] I drove [the] Warmer
horses [on the hay] fork[.] Ned [was]
here[.]
10. T. [We] Finis[hed] mowing A.M. [and] hauled 18
in 4 loads[.] I[did the] raking P.M. Er-
[est went] in[to] Clinton P.M. for a pul
ley on [his] bicyclef.]
11. W. [We] Finis[hed] haying [this] even[ing.] 17
[We] Hauled in 1 [load] A.M. & 5 [loads] Warm
P.M. I did [the] raking P.M.[There were]
Just 4 [loads] in [the] Shanty field[.]
Jno. [was] in Bruce[field] for a pulley
A.M.
12 . T .
13 . F .
Jno. & Er[nest were] hauling in with Ned 24
all day[.] B[ella] & A[g were] at Wig- Pretty Warm
[ginton's] P.M. Jno.took B[ella] to[the]
station enroute for Godferich] etc. [She
caught the] late train[. I] cut out[the]
print dress[.]
Er[nest was] mowing with Ned[.] Fafther] 18
walked to Clinton P.M.
�July, 1894 181
14. S. Jno. & Er[nest were] hauling in with Ned 40
all day[.]A[g] churned & I made 8 cherry
pies P.M.
15. S. A[g] & I & Jane [were] in Church (Stewart.) Very 26
Warm & Dry
16 . M. [The] Boys [have been] cutting wheat[.]
Ja[ne] & A[g were] picking Ja[ne]'s
berries A.M. Bella [is] home........ [I]
took some honey fron No. 4[.]
25
Very Hot
& dry
17. T. [I] finished taking 4 bee frames [from 2 6
No. 4. and We have] finis[hed] cutting
wheat[.] I[was] in Clinton P.M. Sam Wil
son called[.]
18. W. Jno. [was] reaping for Ned[.I] was pull- 24
ing & preserving cherries[.] A[g] & I
picked berries P.M.
19. T. I [was] in Clinton P.M. Ellie P.M.& Ab & 23
Mr & Mrs A. Dunkin[were] at G[len]'s for
Cherries [in the]even[ing.] Jno. finis-
[hed] reaping [at] N[ed]’s A.M. Ned &
& Jno.[were] in C[linton] P.M.[with the]
Waggon(sic)[.j
20. F [We] hauled in 11 loads [of] wheat, ([I] 25
think.)[We] Pulled currants [and] finis- Rain even[ing]
[hed them.]
21 S. Jno. [was] in Brucefield A.M. & got 24
slings[.]8 N[ed was in Brucefield] P.M. Fine & Cool
[We] finis[hed the] wheat - 4 l[oads] &
[the] rakingsf.] I[was] raking after tea
until late[.]
22 . S .
23 . M.
24 . T .
Fa[ther & I [were] in C[hurch.] A[g] & I 33
minded the kid[.]
A[g] & I[did a] washing and Made[ginger]
snaps[.] Jno. & Er[nest] [were] hauling
with Ned[.]
25
Warmer, Show
ers [in] even«
[ing]
[John ] went to C[linton [.]Fa[ther] & Mo- Rain 2 5
[ther] went to W. Kyle'sf.] I washed & Fine & Warm
done some mending[.] Rain
25. W. Bella[was] at [Master George] Baird's[.] 28
[I] Mended Jno.'s p[an]ts[. I] Took some Fine & Warm
honey [from the beehives. I] Lost [the]
kid [at] noon[.]* Ned [was here] P.M. to
[work on the] steps[.]
*Jane reclaimed Isabel.
26. T.
27 . F .
28 . S .
29 . S .
Bella & I [were] at Ben Miller[.] Fa[th- 32
er] walked to C[linton. The] Boys [were]
hauling m[anure]with Ned[.] A[g] & Bella
[were] at[Lizzie Glen's this] even[ing.]
Jno. with A[g was at Lizzie Glen's this 40
evening.] Ja[ne was]at Lizzie's P.M. Ned 90 [degrees F]
[was] hauling gravel here P.M. [I] Made at tea time
jell[y]c[ake], ironed & washed under
skirts [.]
Ned[was] here[.] Jno. & Er[nest]cut some 10
peas [. ]Ja[ne] & I[were] in C[linton] P.M. Very Warm
[leaving] A[g] minding [the] kid[.]
A[g],Bella,Maimi & Jane[were]in C[hurch.] 20
�July, 1894 182
24
30. M. [I] Raked peas A.M. A[g] picked bramble
[berriejs A.M. U[ncle] J]ame]s, Aunty
Mary,& Mr & Mrs Armstrong[were here] A.M.9
Etc. Aunty & Jennie [were] here P.M. To
night [I] filled honey jars [and] churn-
ed[.] Adam [was here] P.M. [working] at
peas[.]
31. T . [I] Made 9 pies[.] [I was] looking in 26
[at the] bees P.M. Farther],A[g] & I, &
[the] Armstrongs [were] at Jane's [this]
even[ing.] Jno.& Mfother] & A[g were] in
C[linton] A.M. & Jno[went] again[in the]
even[ing.] Ned[was] hauling g[ravel] P.M.
Er[nest was] plowing[.]
1
. W.
2. T.
3 . F .
4. S.
5. S.
August, 1894
A[g] & Bella [were] in Clinton A.M. Ned 22
[was] helping [us] finis[h] hauling in Warm
peas A.M. Jno. & Er[nest helped with Ned
P.M.M[other & A[g went]down to Stewart’s
P.M. [Mr & Mrs Armstrong] & A[gnes] & Cool
B[ella were at Lizzie Glen's this] even
ting. ]
Ned [did] stooking [and] Jno. started 25
cutting oats[.]Fa[ther]&[the Armstrong'
s Warm
[were in C[linton] etc. P.M. Tene & Bell
[McEwen and] Nannie & Lilly [Stewart] Windy
[
were] here [this] even[ing.]
Erfnest filled in] for Ned at Scott's 31
threshing A.M. [and was] at Mac's P.M. Light Rains
[The]Arm[strong's]went to U[ncle James's
this] morn[ing. I] darned socks etc.
Er[nest was] plfowing] A.M.[and] cutting 20
Ned's peas P.M. Jno. [was] at Ned’sf.] Cool Wind
I [was] in C[linton] P.M. & Fine
A[g] & I [were in church](Stewart.) 19
6. M. [I] Cleaned [the] hen-house,milked sheep 24
etc., etc. [The] Boys [were] at Ned's & Warmer
Will's all day[.A ]Jew-pedler[came] in[.]
»
7. T. I [went in[to] Clinton [this] morn[ing] 20
for [binder]twine [and] made pies P.M.
Jno. [did the] reaping [while] Fa[ther]
& Er[nest did] stooking[. ]
8. W. [John reaped while Father] & Ned [did] 28
stooking[,] Er[nest,who was] at Woon’s Very Warm
threshing, [was] home at 2 o' clfock.I] Slight Showers
put [a] tail on a ganzie [and] done some
mending[.]
9. T .
10 . F .
I went to Stonehouse's with Lizzie to 26
pick bramble[berrie]s[. I drove] Lucy[.] Rain,
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton[. The] Men
[were] hauling in N[ed]'s peas[.] Stat- Fine & Nice
ion Agent A.G. Patterson &[his] son[were
here this]even[ing.]
A[gnes] & Bella [were] at Fergueson's[.] 26
Ned & F. Heywood [were] here [and] haul- Pleasant
ed in 12 lo[ads of] oats,(I think)[.I]
Sorted berries & Made pies etc.[A] Horse
lost a shoe[.]
�August, 1894 183
11. S .
12 - S .
13 . M.
14 . T .
15 . W.
16. T.
17 . F .
18 . S .
19. S.
20. M.
21. T.
22 . W.
23 . T .
24. F.
Ned [Glen] & Frank [Armstrong were] here
all day[.We] hauled in 17 loads & finis
hed the] oats[.] Frank & I [worked] in
[the] mow P.M. Mo[ther was] at Jane's
[in the] even[ing.j
Jno. & Er[nest] & Frank[were]hauling in
Ned’s oats[.] Fa[ther] & I[were]in Clin
ton P.M.[The] Armstrong's left[. I]kill
ed 7 roosters (The first [batch].)
Fa[ther was] at Andy Dunkin's [in] Varna
& [at] G[eorge]Baird’s[.The] Boys finis
hed] Ned’s [at] noon & [were] at Will's
P.M. Foster Andrews, [the] Nursery Ped-
ler, called[. I] Made 2 Jell[y] Cakes &
Hermits[.]
[The] Boys cut Rape & R[ye] and Oats P.M.
Bella [was] at Grants P.M. [and John &]
Adam [were] there [in the] even[ing. I]
baked pies, shanty cake & washed some[.]
Fa[ther] & I[were] in Clinton A.M. Mrs &
Jessie Wig[ginton were here] P.M.& [the]
Jas.[Stewart] girls were here in the ev
enting.] S, Reid called[this] evenfing.]
Us Kids etc.,[were] at[the]Bayfield pic
nic [.] Fa[ther] walked to C[linton[. A]
Tramp called [in on us.]
[We] Finis[hed the] Harvest [and have] 3
jags of Green feed[.] Ned & Will [Glen
were here] for tea[.] Jno. took Bella to
[the] station[in the] even[ing.] A. Dun-
kin [was here] for dinner[.]
A[g]& 1 [went to church in the]
morn[ing]
(McMillan-Gunn’s brother-in-law.) [John,
Fenwick,] Ned & Ja[ne went in the] even
ting while] I minded [the] Kid[.]
18
Warm
28
26
25
Warmer
Slight Showers
24
Slight Showers
Dull & Cool
21
Beautiful
& Cool
21
21
Warm
26
Sunshiny &
Pleasant
39
Jno. [was] at Jno. Cluff’s* seeing about
threshingf.] Jno., Ned & Ja[ne were] in
Clinton P.M.[and] left [the] kid here[.]
Tho[ma]s Frazer(sic) called [. I worked]
at making Fa[ther's] p[an]ts[.] *The 1878 Atlas
shows an R.J. Cluff
on part of Lot 18, the
Bayfield Con., Goderich
Township.
[I]Finis[hed] making Fa[ther]'s ducks[.] 20
The] Boys [are making a] Russell fence
next Mac’s bush and U[ncle] Jno.'s [back Cool
fifty. I] wrote to Mrs McMillan, Gertie
& Aunt Janet[.]
[I] Mended Er[nest]’
s shirts & Darned
socks[.] Ned [worked] at [the] fence P.M,
Beauti- 18
ful but very
dry
Mother & I[were] in Clinton P.M. N[ed] & 15
J[ohn were] fencingf. We] Killed[a]Shrop Hot Day
lamb[.]
N[ed] & J[ohn worked]at fences [and]Jane 20
was in all day[.] S. & Ida Isard [were
here] P.M. (went to Jane's 1st.) Erfnest
was] hauling stones[. I was] making [Jim
Barkley•s] woolen p[an]ts[.]
�August, 1894 184
25 . S .
26 . S .
27 . M.
[I] Made pies, biscuits & ironed [the] 20
wfhite] pett[icoat] etc. A[g] walked to
C[linton] P.M. (broke T)* Jno. [has been]
fencing with N[ed and] Er[nest has been]
hauling stones & rails[.]
A[g], Jane & I[went to church this] morn- 24
[ing](Henderson.) Jno. & A[gnes], Ned & Cooler but dry
Annie S[tewart went to the] even[ing ser
vice^] Aunty [is] home[.] Jane [was off]
seeing Aunty Ellen[.] A Billy died[.]
Ida [was] up for pears A.M. Er[nest],A[g] 21
& I [were] at Scott's [this] even[ing. I
worked] at making Fafther's p[an]ts[.] Warm & Dry
Lizziefis making] Mofther an] apron[.]Er-
[nest was]hauling stones[.]N[ed] & Ja[ne]
went to Stonehouse's[.]
28. T. [I] Washed[.] A[g] pulled & cooked plums- 16
3 3/6 q[uar]ts (Gems.)* A[g] & [our]cous-
ins [were] in[the] river[.] Fafther & Jno.
[were] trimming sheep[.]
*Gem glass sealers
29. W. [I]Killed 6 Roost[er]s[.] I[was] in Clin- 25
ton P.M. E[rnest was] hauling gravel to Slight Showers
[the] steps[. Ernest] bought a horse from Dull, Warm
W. Elliot[.]
30 T. [I] Baked Cup Cakes, Cookies & 3 Jell[y] 16
cakes- 1 [was] a failure - no soda[. I] Cool & Dullish
stitched Jno's present apron[.]* Jno.[has
been] asking hands for threshing[. I]
Killed [a] Shearling ewe[this] even[ing.]
* See Monday entry;John appears to have
enlisted the help of Lizzie Glen and
his sister Eliza to make an apron for
his mother.
31. F. [We began] threshing P.M. [I]made 13 pies Dull &15
(I think.) A[g was]in Clinton P.M.to post Smokey
letters to Fox[.]* *Possibly
Robert Fox, a Clinton cooper(barrel
maker)
September, 1894
1. S. [We had] 21 men for dinner[and]finis[hed] 13
threshing about 1/2 past 2 P.M. Jno.moved Warm, dry &
them over to W. Elliot's[.]Ned helped rid Smokey
nips[. I] made 5 pies A.M. The Advocate
ads man [ was here] for dinner[,] W.Isard
[was] killed [while riding] on [a] bi
cycle [.]
2. S. A[g] & I [were in church](a youth [named] 17
Cameron.)Jno.[went to church in the]even
ting.] Jno. Thomson[was] here[.] A[g] & I Very Warm
[were] at Isard's [this] even[ing.]
3. M [I] worked at making p[an]ts[.] Fafther], 7
Mofther] & Jno. [called] at Isard's[this]
even[ing.] Erfnest was] away [for the]
"Labor Day" celebration in Clinton[.]
4. T. Jno. [was] helping N[ed] take out stones 9
[from the] river[bed] A.M. Jno.& I [were]
at [the] funeral P.M.[.] Mr & Mrs A. Dun- Rain A.M.
kin called this even[ing.] Er[nest has Very Warm
been] hauling out manure[.]
�September, 1894 185
5. W. Fa[ther was] in Clinton for tile P.M.[.] 18
[I] Finis[hed the] p[an]ts, all but [the] Some Rain
pressing!.] Fa[ther has been]putting wood Fine & Warm
in [the] shed these days[.]
6. T. [I] Killed 10 Roosters[• I was] in Clint- 18
on P.M.[with] evaporator app[le]s [which] Fine
A[g] & I picked up P.M. Jno. [has been] Windy & Warm
draining the cellar[.]
7 . F ...............................[I] made pies 14
& pressed Fa[ther]'s p[an]ts[.] Slight Rain A.M.
Fine P.M. & Heavy
Rain, Tfhunder] &
L[ightning at night]
8. S . [I] Darned socks [and was] picking up Ap- 14
pies & limbs etc. [The] Boys [were] haul- Fine & Windy &
sand A.M. and plowing P.M. (I think.) Very Warm
9. S. Fa[ther] & I[were in Church](Geo.Law [of] 12
Stratford [who preached on] "Peter's Den- Very W[arm]
ial".) Adam [Stewart} & Jno. [went in the Thunderstorm
evening.]
10. M. [I] [was] picking a[pples] A.M. Jno.[was] 9
in Clinton P.M. [He] took A[g], who got a Thinder Shower
bar [ ? ] lime[.] Cook called [this ev- Then C.W. then
en[ing] to see Er[nest.] fine & Warm
11. T. A[gJ & I [were] at R. Thompson's[.]Finley 8
[McEwen] called [this] morn[ing.] C[old] Wind
12. W. [I] Took Fa[ther] & Jno. to C[linton] en- 15
route for Toronto Fair[.] Jessie Wigfgin- Cold & Fine
ton[was here] P.M. A[g was] at N[ed]Rath- C.W.
well's[.]Jennie [Rathwell came] back with
her[.] Mac [was here this] even[ing.]
13. T. Jennie[Rathwell] & A[gnes were] at Jane's 10
P.M. & [at] Mac's [in the] even[ing.] Mrs Heavy,Heavy
Isard & Mrs Cartwright [were] here P.M. Rain, Tfhund-
[I]] Met Fa[ther at [the] night train[.] er] & L[ight~
[He was feeling] sick[.]* ning]
*James MacFarlane died of
prostate cancer on October 1,
1899 at age 66. This may well
one of the early signs, five
years before.
14. F. [I] Stayed with [the] baby P.M. Ned took 6
our horse to a funeral[.]* A[g] & J[ane Fine & Warm
were] at U[ncle] Jno's [this] evenfing.]
Jno. came home [to]night with Adam[.] *She doesn’t
tell us who died.
15. S. J[ennie] R[athwell] went home[. I] Made 12
pies [and was] Picking Apples P.M. Cook R[ain] Shower
called[.] Jno. [was] in Clinton with Er- Fine
[nest.]
16. S. A[g] & I [were in Church] (G. Law.) Jno. 12
[and] Fen[wick went at night.] Nice & Pleasant
17. M. [I] Took Fafther] to the station enroute 17
for London[,I]was Sorting Apples near[ly]
all day[.] Er[nest] finish[ed] sowing
wheat[.]Jno.[was] trimming sheepf.]Finley
called[in the morning.]
18. T. Er[nest was] at Mac’s threshing!. I] Put
[a] tail on[the]gazie & turned[the]flan
nel pettic[oa]t[.]Aunty & Ja[ne were]here
P.M. Jno. [went] in [the] wagon with ap
ples to C[linton.] P.M. Fa[ther]home [in
the] even[ing.]
�September, 1894 186
19. W.
20. T.
21. F .
22 . S .
23 . S .
Fa[ther]drove A[g]& I to Brucefield[and] 11
Ned met us [in the] even[ing.We went to] Cool &
London [Fair.] Er[nest] & Jno. [were] at Pleasant
Mac’s threshingf.]Fa[ther was]in Clinton
[where he] expected[the arrival] of [Mr]
Hanna[.]10
Fa[ther was]in C[linton] A.M.to meet[Mr] 11
Hanna,[who he] took all round with him[.
The visitor spoke in the] Hall [at]night.
Jim Cooper and A. Dunkin calledf.] Er-
[nest was] at D[uncan] McEwen's thresh-
ing[.]
Fa[ther] took [Mr] H[anna] to[the] stat- 9
ion [this] morning[.I] Finis[hed]hemming
[a] 2nd hanky etc., etc.Jno.went up to J.
McDonald’s P.M.Er[nest was] at D[uncan]
McEwen's threshing[.]
Sturdy [was here] for dinner[.] Jno.went 10
back with[him] to another Sturdy's [and] Nice &
they fetched down [the] R[am] Jno.had Windy
bought[.].....Jno. pulled beans[.]
A[g]& I[were in Church](G. Law.)Ada[m] & 11
Ffenwick went at night.] "Judge not that Rain, cold &
ye be not judged[.]" In a blank space at very Windy
the bottom of the page Eliza-Ann continues
her train of thought: [I] Resolve...To take
[a] text (example "Judge not...etc...) &
think & practise continually till it is
part of us[.We should]Have our root with
in ourselves,not depending on outward
things, preachings, etc.
24. M.
27 . T.
28 . F .
29. S.
30 . S .
Mr & Mrs Earl Graham[came] for dinner[.] 12
for Ned[.The stone] Mason went home[.]
[I] Hemmed 1/4 handkerchief[.]
[I] Killed 10 R[oosters.]A[g] & I[were] 12
in C[linton] P.M. Jno. & Er[nest were] Warmer & Fine
threshing all day at W[illiam]Glen’s[.]
[I] Hemmed 1 side of [a] handkerchief 12
A.M. Er[nest was] threshing P.M.[while]
I [was] at Jane's[.] Threshers arrived Beautiful
[there] about 1/2 past 4 o'clock[.] Jno.
[was] in C[linton this] evenfing.]
[I was] at Jane's all day[.]
A[g],J[ane] & l[were] in C[hurch](G.Law,
Rev. Stewart back.) "Sower & seed" Any
one showing any desire to understand
teachings were alway gladly helped(Seek-
to know.)
11
10
Light showers
nice P.M.
H.W. & Cold
1. M.
2. T.
October, 1894
[I] Hemmed side 4 [of the handkerchief]
A.M. & Finis[hed] P.M. [I] Took honey
from[the] Bees A.M and fixed the B[ath]
Mat [in the] eventing. I] Hunted up Ap-
p[le]s[. The stone] Mason [came] back[at
noon[.]
10
Beautiful
Cool W[ind]
Jane & I [were] in C[linton] A.M.[with]
things to show[.] A[g] stayed with [the]
Kid[.] Jno. [was] up [in the] evenfing]
for a barrel of cement[.]
13
Dull, C[old]
W[ind]
�October, 1894 187
3. W. All but Mother [were] at Cflinton] 7
Fair[.] Jane left [the] Kid with Moth- Raining
er[. Some] Hens[have been] killed - 2 on Nice & Sunshiny
Tuesday[.]
4. T. [We] Started pulling App[le]s P.M. Adam 10
Elliot, Foster Brigham and Bella Cuming Dull,
called}.The] Men have been at the river Rain Even[ing]
getting stones for [the] cellar[.] Cook
called.
Eliza-Ann omits to mention the death to
day of Isabella, widow of Stanley pioneer John Innes.
See below Footnote # 11.
5 . F . A[g] & I[were] pulling a[pples] till af
ter 6 P.M. Fa[ther was] in C[linton]P.M.
for[news]papers[.]E[rnest was]plowing[.]
10
Showery
6. S. Jno. & I [were] at [Mrs Innes's] funeral 10
P.M.11 Jock went home[.] A[g] & I [were] C.W.
pulling app[le]s P.M. Fair
7 . S . Fa[ther] & I [were in Church](Stewart.)
Jno. [
went in the] even[ing.]
Fair 8
C.W.
8. M. A[g] & I [were] pulling Ap[ples] all
day[.] Er[nest was] plowing[. The] Mason
came back [at] noon[. We] Finis[hed the]
cellar[by] taking out[surplus]stones[.]
6
High Cold Wind
9. T . A[g] & I [were] pull[ing apples] all
day[. The] Mason & Fa[ther were] tak
ing stones out of [the] river[.J Thomson
took down[the] front steps to strengthen
[them and] went home [in the] even[ing.]
Cool 10
Wind A.M.,
10. W . Fa[ther] & Jno. & Er[nest were] at Bay-
field Fair[.] Jno. & Ned load[ed] the
sheep [being entered in the Fair[. They
called on Finley [McEwen], W[illiam Glen,
George Baird, Mr Copeland & Mr Barber[.]
A[g] & I[were] pulling app[le]s[.IJkil-
led 2 box hives [of] bees[.]
1
DullfCooler
11. T . A[g[ & I pull[ed apples] all day[.] G.
Baird [came] for tea[.] Cook called on
A[g] & 1 [in the] orchard[.]
C.H.W. 5
Very Dull
Pleasanter P.M.
12 . F . A[g did a] washing[. I was]in C[linton
P.M. Jno. [has been] making a potato bin,
etc.[I]cut the honey out of 1 hive box[.]
Pleasant 7
Dull, Raining
13 . S . I killed 8 Roosters [and was]in C[linton]
P.M. Fa[ther] & Jno. [were] taking stones
out of [the] river[.]
Raining 1
Showery
14 . s . A[g] & I[were in Church](Stewart.)"Christ
washing disciples' feet" Humility etc.
Dull 7
Snow, Hail
15. M. [The] Men [were] lifting potatoesf.] A[g]
& I [were] pulling ap[ples on the] 3 Spy
trees[.] Ad[am and] Jno. [were at church
[in the] evening.]
Fine 8
between Dull
& Bright
16. T . A[g] & I [were] pulling ap[ples] all
day[. The] Men [have] finis[hed] lifting
potfatoes.] Er[nest] & Fa[ther were] pul
ling Mangols P.M. John [was] in C[linton]
P.M. for [a] bar[.]
8
Nice & Warm
17 . W. A[g] & I[were]pulling ap[pies.]Jno.Thom
son came [this] morn[ing and was] fixing
[the] front steps[. The] Boys [are] pul
ling & hauling in Mangols[.] Jno[was] in
C[linton] for lime[.]
1
Beautiful
�October, 1894 188
18. T. A[g] & I [were] in C[linton] A.M. [and] 6
pulling a[pple]s P.M. Jno. T[homson]left
A.M. [and] fixed Mac's chimney[.]
19. F. A[g] washed [and] I[was]pulling[apples.] 5
Jno. shot [a] hawk[in the]orchard[. The]
Men finis[hed the] Mangols[.]
20. S. [The Men pulled] & hauled in Carrots[.] 4
A[g] & Ifhelped] A.M.[and] I [helped P.M.
Finley [McEwen] called[.]
21. S. Jno. & A[gnes were]in C[hurch](Stewart.) 5
Jno. & Ned [went in the evening.]
22. M. A[g] & I finis[hed] pulling a[pples] & 4
pears[.] Cantelon peddlers drove in [to Dull, Rain,
get] out of [the] rain[.] Apple packers Tfhunder] &
arrived[in the] even[ing.The] Men finis- L[ightning]
[hed the] carrots[.] Warm, Fine
23. T. Jno. & Erfnest were] at Wig]ginton's] 4
threshing till 2 o'clockf.] Lizzie & I Misty, Fine
[were] in C[linton] A.M. [I had to] post .Rain
[a] letter[. We] Packed 37 bar[rels and
have] finis[hed with apples.]
24. W. A[g] & I [were] picking culls all day[.] 18
Er[nest was] plowing[.]Fa[ther was] pul- Dull,
ling beets & house carrots[.]Cook called Fine, Warmer
etc.Bell May[McEwen came]after applesf.]
25. T. A[g] washed [while] I [was] sorting a[p- 4
pies.] Fafther was] in C[linton] P.M. Dull & Pleasant
26. F. I [was] in Church(McAllister.)[The] Cal- 3
der's came as Jno. was going[.The] Cal-
der's, Fafther], Mo[ther],Jno.,Adam, etc.,
[gathered] at Mac'
s [this] even[ing.]
Finley [was here this] morn[ing for ? ]
27. S. Jno.,[Ernest,]& Ned hauled out applesf.] 15
I [was] sorting a[pples] all day[.] Beautiful
28. S. Fa[ther],Mo[ther] & Ifwere] in C[hurch.]3
Ag minded B[ella-P[earl] & Lizzie’s
kids[.]
29. M. [I was]Sorting a[pples]A.M. Ned & Ja[ne] Warm 3
[were] in C[linton] for cider [and] took
up evap[orator] apples too[.]* J. Scott,
Adam & Mac’s [were] peeling [this] even
ting. ]**
* In this period, most towns in the area had a
small factory or mill where you could take
apples to be dried or made into cider.
** Usually bruised or pitted apples were made
into cider. Apples for drying were first
peeled and cored. While you could dry them
yourself over several days in the sun, it
was a lot speedier to take them to the
evaporator and fast-dry them in a warmimg
oven while you waited.
30. T • [We were] Making apple butter [and then] 4
Jno. took back the kettle[.]* Er[nest Raining
has] finis[ed for this year] & [is Jgone
to night with Jno. *rented from evaporator?
31. W. [I]Partly packed 4 hives[.]U[ncle] Jno’s,
Jno, & both Glen’s have gone to Green's
[this] even[ing. I] peeled some apples
this even[ing.]Ned had a runaway [horse].
�November, 1894 189
1. T. [I was] at Jane’s A.M. helping to 14
churn[.] Jno. [was] meeting Ned at Jno. Windy
Middleton's[this] morn[ing. I] loosened Beaut[iful]
frames in 2 bee boxes [that I'm getting]
ready to unite[.]
2. F. Fa[ther was]piling furnace wood in [the] 14
cellar[.] (yesterday too) Mo[ther & I
[were] in C[linton] P.M. [We] took pears
[and] app[le]s [to the] wigg[intons.]
Jno. [was] hauling out manure[.]
3. S. [I] Picked [a] goose,put bees together & 3
[was] bagging onions etc. Fa[ther] pul- Showery & Windy
led 4 rows [of] turnips [which] Jno.took
in[.]
4. S. A[g] & I [were in Church](Stewart.) Jno. 3
[went in the] even[ing.] Fine & Dull
5. M. Jos. Isard [was] here [this] morning[.] 18
[I] Finis[hed] packing [the] bees[.The]
Men [worked] at [tur]nips[.] Jno. [was] Fine
plowing A.M. [I] peeled apples [in the]
even[ing.]
6. T. [The] Men [have] finis[hed tur]nips[.]
[I was] Cleaning [the] hen housef.] A[g]
is building [a] goose house[.] Jno.[was]
in C[linton this] even[ing.] The Master
[was here] after sheep[.]
12
Light Snow
showers;
Ground White
7. W. Carrie & Jennie [Grant] called, hunting 3
[for] apples[.] Wiley [was] here & Jim Dull,Softish
Swan called[.I] Finis[hed]cleaning [the]
hen-house, sorted at onions, etc. [The]
Cows [were] in all night[.]
8. T. [I] Killed 3 Turk[ey]s[.]Fa[ther] walked 3
to C[linton] A.M. I [was] in C[linton] Cfold] E[ast]
P.M.[and brought Father] home with me[.] W[ind]
Finley [was here in the] evenfing.] Slight Flurries
9. F .
10 . S .
11 . S .
Fa[ther], Mac & Ned killed Ned's & our Stormy & 5
pigs[.] Jno. [was] in C[linton], B[ruce- Snowing
field] & Varna getting a barrel[. The]
Colts and all cattle[were]in to night[.j
[I was] cutting honey off frames this
even[ing.]
[I cut honey off of frames] all day[.]
Fa[ther was] at [the] mill for chop,1st]
[time with the] sleigh[.] A[g], Jno. & I
[were] at Glen's [this] even[ing.]
4
C[old] W[ind]
Snow Showers
A[g] & 1 [went to church] (Stewart)[in Fine 6
the] buggyf.] Jno. [went in the] even- Snowed a little
[ing.]
12 . M.
13 . T .
14. W.
[I] Churned[.] [We had] Callers-[The] Fine 1
Rev. Mr & Mrs Stewart[.] Dickson (Goder- Dullish
ich) bought the Shearl[in]g Ram[.] Nan
nie [and] Adam [Stewart] & B[ella] Cum
ing [were here this] even[ing.]
[I] Killed 6 Tu[rkey]s & 8 chickens[.]
[I was] in C[linton] P.M. Dickson’s man
[came] for[the] Ram [and] Greaves [came]
after his sheep[.] Jes[sie]Wigg[inton] &
her cousin McGregor [were here] P.M.
3
Softish
Snow Showers
[I] Washed[.] Jno. [has been] hauling
earth to the barn steps these days[. I
was] at Ned’s [this] even[ing.]
Snowed 3
Some, Softish,
Dull
�November, 1894 190
15. T. Mo[ther] & I[were] in C[linton] P.M.[-We
went in the] buggy[.] Fa[ther was] at
Dyke's sale[.]
Fine, Soft
16 . F . Jane [was] here[.] I [was] sorting honey
all day[.j A[g] [was] washing[the] k[it-
chen] windows[. The] Master [was here]in
[the] even[ing[.]
1
Fine, Dull
Slight Showers
17 . S . Washed hair(mine)[.] Fa[ther] walked to
C[linton] P.M. Jane went to C[linton] in
[the]cart P.M. A[g] washed kitchen plas-
ter[.]
1
Slight Snow
Showers, Fine,
Dull
18 . S . [The] Horse [is] minus a shoe[.]Jno.walk
ed [to church in the] even[ing.]
21(Rotting)
Snowing
19. M. [I] Made pies, mended p[an]ts etc., [and],
hemmed[a] p[ai]r[of] grey flannel sheets
[in the] even[ing.]
2
Snowing
20. T. I [was] in C[hurch] A.M. [We] Killed &
plucked 10 geese & 12 Turk[ey[s[.]
1
C[old] S.E.
Wind
21. W. [I was] in C[linton] A.M. Sturdy [came] Soft
for tea[. I] Killed and picked 2
geese[.]
22. T. Thanksgiving A[g] & Jessie & I [were] at 1
the [Sabbath School] examinations P.M.
Houston & Scott [were the] examiners[.]Mr Fine, Dull
& Mrs [Wigginton],Stella,& Jes[sie],Ned &
Jane [came for] dinner[.] Jane went [out]
for & returned with ufncle] J[ame]s &
Aunty Mary[.]
23 . F .
24. S .
Jno. & Ned [were] up at Porter's Hill etc. 1
A[g] & I[were]at Grant's P.M.& even[ing.] Dull but
Jno., Adam, Ned & Jane [were] at Grant's pleasant
[in the] even[ing.] Grainger [was] here
[and he] bought [thee] Grey cow[.] Aunty
[is] home[.]
Fa[ther] walked to Clinton[.] Aunty [was] Snowing
up[.I] Put [the] remainder of [the] hon
ey in jars[.]
25. S. A[g] & I [were in church] (Stewart.)..... 2
....Jno.[went in the] even[ing](Day-Tor- Frozen, a
onto.) S[abbath] S[chool] Anniversary* little C.W.
*My educated guess is
that this is the 20th
anniversary. The school
probably commenced at
Easter, 1874. Eliza
would have been 10 and
able clearly to recall
it.
26. M. Fa[ther] & I put in D[ouble]Windows [and 2
I] Cleaned[the] H[en]-H[ouse. I] took in C[old] W[ind]
some cabbage to [the Rev.] Mr S[tewart.]
27 . T . Aunty & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. A[g]
washed blankets[.]
7
C.CN. W.W.
Snow Flurries
28. W. [I] Darned Fa[ther’s] & Jno.'s mitts & Snow Flurries
Fafther’s] ”socks"[*.I] Washed [and] A[g] C[old] W[ind]
ironed[. The] G[len] kids[were] here P.M.
[while] Lizzie [was] in C[linton.] *euphemism for
long underwear?
�November, 1894 191
29 . T .
30. P.
1. S .
2. S .
3. M.
4. T .
5 . W .
6 . T .
7 . F .
8 . S .
9. S .
10. M.
11. T.
12 . W.
13 . T .
14 . F .
15 . S .
16 . S .
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. [I] Killed C[old] 1
4 geese & 7 Turkeys[.] E[ast] W[ind]
Blizzardy
A [g] & I [were] in Cflinton] P.M. & [at] Fine, 1
Wigg[inton's in the] even[ing.] Dull, Warm
December, 1894
Jno. [was] at Will's crushing P.M. Jane Fine, a little
[was] in P.M. Softish
A[g] & I [were in church](Stewart.) Jno.
[went to] C[hurch in the] even[ing.]
Ned [was] here A.M. fixing[the] arms [on
the]H[orse P[owe]r[
We]cleaned[the]H [en-]
H[ouse and then John went to] B[ruce-
field[.] Grainger & H. Parker calledf.]
A[gj & I & Mac's [were] at "Master's"[in
the] even[ing. I ] sewed steels on [the]
basque & put new pockets in Jno.'s over
coat[. ]
[I] Cleaned potato earth out of[the]cel
lar, swept it[and I] Washed P.M. A[g was
out helping J[ane] pick 5 Turk[ey]s[.]
Fa[ther was] at A . Dunkin's[.] A [g] & I
[were] at Ned's [this] even[ing] picking
7 turkeysf.] A. Dunkin & kid [were] here
[to-]night[.I worked]at making [a] stoc
king bag P.M.
[I] Finis[hed the stocking bag and spent
the] even[ing] a t Aunty's[. I was] in
C[linton] A.M. with Jane' s Turk[ey]s[.]
[I’
m]making Jno.’s woolen p[an]ts[.]A[g]
is washing kitchen paint these days[.]
Jno. [went to] B[rucefield.]
[The] Horse [has] lost [a] shoe[.] Jno.
[walked to church in the] even[ing.]
[I'm still] making p[anjts[.] A[g was]
at Mac's[and I was] at Ned's[this] even
ting. ]
[I] finis[hed the] p[an]ts[.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] with [the] grey
cow[. ] Fa[ther went]in[the] top buggy[,]
A[g] [was] cleaning [the] pantry[.]
[I] Cleaned [the] H[en-]H[ouse] P.M. [I]
Took Jane out 12 pullets and took in 2
turkeys[.I] Put new feathers[in] hats[.]
A[g] [has] gone to Ellie's (Mrs Nott's.)
[Agnes] came back [at] night[.] N[ed] &
Jno.[are] at[the] wood[.] Dewdrop calved
[a bull calf this] mornfing.]
Ned[was] here P.M. A[g was] in C[linton]
with Jane P.M.
Snowing
Wetting
Fine
Sunshiny
1
Beauteous
Raining P.M.
Rainy
Beautiful
Mild, but
cold E[ast]
W[ind], Rain.
Slight Showers
Raining, Sleet
& Snow
Fine
Dull
Slush
Beautiful
4
Beautiful
A[g] & 1 [were in church.] Ad[am] & Jno. C.W. 1
[went in the evening.] a little Rain P.M.
�December, 1894 192
17 . M.
18 . T .
19. W.
20. T .
21. F.
Janefwas] in C[linton] P.M. Mother [was] C.W. 4
out minding[the]baby[.]Sawed a little at Freezing
Uncle’s old house[.] Fa[ther was]helping
Will kill[a] heifer [this] morn[ing.]Jno.
[was helping] Mac’
s[with the]farriers[in
the] morning[.] Fa[ther was] at Wigg[in
ton’s this] evenfing.]
A[g is]housecleaning the upstairs[.]Aun- 2
ty & I [were] in C[linton.] Fa[ther was] Fine, Dull
at Avery’s[.] Ned [was] here.....
A[g is] cleaning [the] up-stair[s] hall 3
[and she] washed plaster[.] Cutting P.M.
Alex McDougall & Bride [are] at Mac's[.J Beautiful
[Our household was] at Mac’s for tea &
[for the] even[ing.
We] Baked ’
’
Christmas Cakes”r.1 A[g] & 2
Jno. [went to] Jno. Pearson's dance[.] Fine
Fa[ther was] at Wig[ginton]*s] etc.
Wylie [was] here with lambs[. I] swept
& scrubbed my room[.] A[g is] cleaning
down [the] hall [from my] room[.]
4
Slight Rain
Fine & Beauti
ful P.M.
22 . S . [I] Picked 2 geese etc.[I] Swept & dus- 3
ted B[ella's] room etc Beautiful
23. S. A[g] & X [were in Church]{Stewart.) Jno. 2
& B[ella went in the evening](McMillan.)
24. M. Ned [was] in dipping "hero lambs[.* I] 4
Swept [the] cellar & made [some] pies[.] Dull
Snow Even[ing]
* lambs born with the onset of
cold weather. Any that live
until spring will be "heroes.”
25 . T .
26. W.
27 . T •
28 . F .
29 . S .
[We had Ned & Jane & l[sabella] P[earl] 3
for dinner[.] A[g], Jane, & I [were] at Fine & Frozen
U[ncle] Jno.'s [in the] evenfing. We]
are] making Mo[ther*s]print dress[.] Jen.
Grant [was here] P.M. & all night[.]
[We] Washed P.M. [and] Cleaned chop[.] C.W. 4
[We were] Making Jno.’s print basque[.]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. [I] 3
finis[hed] Mo[ther]'s basque,mended[the] very
ganzie & bathed[.I was] at schoolfthis] C[old] W[ind]
even[ing.] May Bell, Annie, Mary & Ella
[McEwen* were] trying for catechism dip
lomas [.]
*The first three were daughters of Duncan
McEwen. Bella May and Annie died of TB
on July 27 and October 15, 1904. Mary
lived to a ripe old age, married Oscar
Paisley, and lived in Clinton all her life.
Ella was one of Finley’s 2 daughters. She
was later Mrs H. Alexander of Clinton[.]
J. Avery and Hunter called A.M.Jno.[was] 6
at Woon’s threshing A.M. [I’
m] Mending Snowing Some
[an] old b[lac]k dress[.]
[I finished mending the old black dress.] Snowing Some
[I] Picked[a] goose & [a] hen[and] darn- Cold
ed stockings[.] Jno. [was] in C[linton]
with Ned’s lambs[.]
�December, 1894
A[gnes]& I[went to church[in the buggy[.
Let him that standeth..etc,Jno.,& B[el-
la went in the evening,using the]cutter
[for the] 1st time [this season[.]
[I] Made pies, Cleaned [the] hen-house,
mended [a] coat &[a pair of p[an]ts etc
Fa[ther [went to] Hensall in [the] cut-
ter[.]
Editorial Meditations;
(HEliza- Ann: 1894
On January 23,1894, Eliza-Ann went to Peter
Campbell's funeral, helped entertain Brigham
relatives from Hullett and Morris townships,
and visited her sister Jane and 4-week-old
Isabel. Though she doesn’t mention it, Eliza-
Ann had also turned 30. Matrimony was not in
the cards. No suitors of the calibre of James
MacFarlane or Ned Glen were anywhere in sight.
Had she been willing to lower her sights a bit,
with her skills and her drive and prospects
for an inheritance,she could almost certainly
have had her pick of run-of-the-mill farm boys
for a husband.But at home, she was treated as
equal partner by an enlightened father,she was
able to make her own money from the sale of
eggs, butter,honey and dressed poultry and she
had all the friends and recreation she needed.
At 30, she had taught Sunday school for
many years, read the Bible thoroughly and had
internalized the best of many sermons. In 1894,
we see her using the diary to jot down quite
profound theological insights possibly for use
in her teaching but also for self-improvement.
There is also an entry this year where she has
a bath,washes her hair and puts on her best
clothes, just to suprvise four McEwen girls
writing an exam in catechism.
She would bear no children of her**4
”'
but she would rejoice in the friendship of
nieces, nephews and neighbours’ children. She
must have given spiritual inspiration to more
than a few of these young people. And with Is
abel,her first niece,there was immediate,life-
long rapport.___________________________________
(2) John:1894
Isabel Glen told me:"In later life. Grand
mother and her 4 daughters blamed themselves for
the way the only son and brother turned out. They
spoiled him!"But the problem was bigger than that.
Though intelligent and quick-witted, John was fun
damentally lazy,easily bored and prone to avoiding
work he did not find entertaining. The committment
to hard work and excellence,evident in his parents
and his sisters,fostered in him a stubborn contrar
iness. When forced to perform uninteresting tasks,
he tended to do a hasty and slipshod job.His family
valued education? he quit school as soon as he
could. His parents and sisters took religion seri
ously, he thought it a humbug. But had he stopped
going to church, it is quite possible that Mal
colm and Ann McEwen would oppose his courtship of
Bell. It might also have been the final straw for
his parents. He liked living at home and hoped to
end up owning the farm. In 1892 and 1893, we find
Eliza-Ann recording his church attendance. Face
is saved by accepting his going to evening ser
vices with friends his own age. As for work about
the farm, the diary reveals thatjj'was allowed to
drive wagons and impliments, go on the interest
ing errands.The arrangement worked short term.
193
] 1
Snow evening
1
Finef not
so cold
30. S.
31 . M.
�(31The House and Barn:1894
1894 194
i
Eliza-Ann informs us of a lot of comings
and goings of the mason, and the haauling of a
lot of stones from the river bed, without speci
fying what is going on. I think the barn ‘steps’
to which she refers are the two gangways that
would lead into the raised 4-bay barn. At the
house,I suspect moisture was seeping up through
the dirt floor in cellar.Weeping tiles went in
and stone and concrete floors were laid.
1. See
2. Gertie is Gertie Stewart, her first cousin in Missouri. I
can’
t imagine who ”U. Jm” would be. Perhaps she really
meant Uncle Sam Stewart, Gertie’s father. Sara lived at James
Stewart's 1854-66 before moving to Missouri for free land and
to be near his future bride, Jessie Campbell. Perhaps Eliza-
Ann wrote to tell him of Peter Campbell’s passing.I don'tknow
if the deceased was Jessie’s relative, but it is possible.
Jessie’s parents William and Ann Campbell ran a hotel in
Clinton [according to 1861 Canada Census] before moving to
Missouri. Roland Stewart, Sam,s son visited in the Clinton
area in 1909 and in 1938. Don Glen clearly recalled the
second visit and had a ’
’
very strong impression’
' that Roland
went off for a couple of days to visit his mother’s relatives
in the area.
3. James McQueen settled on Lot 17, Con I, the 3rd lot north of
Brucefield on the west side of the London Road. He would be
a brother of the late Elizabeth Glen so the deceased would be
Ned’s aunt by marriage.
4. It’s not clear which John Stewart she’s referring to. It's
probably her cousin John B. Stewart, but it might also be
her Uncle John. But I have yet in the diary to see a
reference to her Uncle as simply John. I perused the rest of
the entries for 1894 and found no reference to his return
from Denver. According to Isabel Glen, Dan Ross was in the
parlance of the 1990’’s, abusive. On one occcasion, she said.
Jack, Charley, and brother-in-law Willie Glen responded to a
distress call from Mary Ross and went to Denver ’
’
to calm
things down.” The whole matter was very hush hush,out of
sympathy for Mary Ross. Victorians were strong on
respectability and avoided getting "talked about." Being far
off in Denver, Mary could keep the lid on news of domestic
discord,as long as no one at home blabbed about it in Clinton
Dan Ross died in the autumn of 1899 in his 50th year. Mary
returned to Ontario with Stewart, Bessie and Donald and there
was a concensus by those in on the details not to speak ill
of the departed.
ton.
5. See History of Clinton:1875-1975, published 1975 by the
Clinton Centennial Executive. Assembled by the Historical
Committee: Mrs Doris Batkin, Chair: and Mrs C. Trott, Elgin
Thompson, Charles Cook, Homer Andrews, Gerald Fremlin and Mrs
Glen Lockhart pp. 160. See "Postal Service" pp. 102-03.
Thomas Fair was Clinton's Postmaster from January 1856 until
�March 13, 1894. He died one month later on April 13, 1894. t
He built a frame building on Victoria Street, north of the
hotel in 1866 and operated the post office there until his
death. For Eliza-Ann, the death of the only postmaster she
had ever known would mark the end of an era.
6. History of Clinton:1875-1975 p. 103. Robert Porter was
Thomas Fair's successor as postmaster and would hold the
post until 1901. On pp.84-5, we learn that Thomas Fair’s
sister was the first wife of Thomas Jackson, one of Clinton's
pioneer businessmen. The petition is asking the Dominion, in
effect to appoint the nephew of the late postmaster to the
post. In The New Era for January 26, 1911, there is a social
item recounting a visit and social evening. Mr & Mrs James
Fair and Mr Fred Jackson of Clinton visited Mr & Mrs Adam
Stewart and Fenwick Stewart and John MacFarlane "dropped
in." This suggests that the Stewart’s, MacFarlane’s and the
Malcolm McEwen family were old friends of the Fair's and the
Jackson's.
?. In the issues for August 7 and 14 and September 11, 1896
issues of The New Era is a continuing account of another
expedition to sell cattle in Scotland. Goldie Graham and
Malcolm McEwen took 150 head on steamer Laurentian, which
sailed for Liverpool on Aug 9. William Graham went as far as
Montreal and the cattle lost a lot of weight in the heatwave.
See Robert Bruce Walker, The Barefoot Boy From Francistown,
edited by Ken F. Stewart, M.A., O.I.S.E. Press, 1989.p. 123:
"When the sheaves were dry, they were loaded onto the hay
rack and built into a load on top of rope slings. There were
four slings to a load and the slings were hooked into the
same equipment and off-loaded into the other mow using the
same procedure we had for hay. The trip rope released the
ends of the slings and the quarter load fell where you
wanted it to go. We had to mow the sheaves, a practice
consisting of spreading them out in rows from front to rear
of the mow and then tramping them down. This insured that the
entire crop would fit in the mow and that the threshers would
have a much easier time forking them back out of the mow."
Mrs Armstrong was the former Nancy Barkley. In the Glenfarm
photo archives is a carte from the early 1870’s, taken in a
Seaforth studio. On it is a caption "Nancy Barkley - later
Mrs Armstrong." She appears to be 25 to 30. Also in the
collection is a cabinet photo from the late 1880’s or early
1890’s of a middle-aged woman from Wisconsin. Isabel Glen
said that all she knew for sure was that it was a "Mrs
Armstrong." The Armstrong's were Barkley relatives. From
time to time I stumble on an unknown Barkley name in Smith's
Falls or Huron county research. Ann Barkley Stewart and her
brother David had siblings back home. I think a few nieces
and nephews emigrated to Canada and stayed with Stewart's or
Barkley's on their arrival. The photo albums in Glenfarm and
my possession indicate this Armstrong branch in Wisconsin and
a Johnston branch in LeClaire, Scott County, Iowa. On a will
or a deed in Lanark county's registry office, a signature was
witnessed by one "James Barkley - Teacher." Contact appears
to have lapsed with these American cousins.
Probably the gentleman is W.J. Hanna, a 32-year-old Sarnia
lawyer, businessman and Conservative. He was an effective
speaker and a practical politician. He would unsuccessfully
contest a Lambton seat in the Commons in 1896 and 1900 and
then win the seat in the provincial legislature in 1902. He
would be one of the leading cabinet ministers in the powerful
provincial administration of Conservative Premier Sir James
Whitney, in office 1905-14. However, there is an outside pos
sibility that it could be the Rev. W.G. Hanna, who would be a
38-year-old Presbyterian minister, a native of Holmesville,
and since 1889, pastor in Uxbridge, Ontario. He was educated
in Clinton Collegiate, University of Toronto (B.A. 1881) and
Princeton Seminary, N.J. In his later career, he was
secretary of the Lord’s Day Alliance. See H.J. Morgan, ed.;
The Canadian Men and Women of the Time:A Handbook of Canadian
Biography of Living Characters, William Briggs,Toronto, 1912,
p. 497. Hanna the Conservative politician, is a better bet.
James MacFarlane was a prominent Conservative, educated, and
an ex-teacher.It would make sense for him to be given the
task of meeting the distinguished guest speaker and squiring
him around.
/fr
10.
9.
8.
�11
See the New Era, October 12, 1894; Isabella, born 1807, Banf-
shire, Scotland, emigrated with late husband, John Innes 1846
to Zorra Twsp. They came to Stanley in 1853 and pioneered on
Lot 30, Con II. She was the mother of Alex Innes, Mrs W.H.
Scott and Mary (Mrs Duncan McEwen.)
�
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Text
THE DIARY OF ELIZA-ANN MACFARLANE:1895
It's Showtime!
1 .
2.
3.
4.
5.
6 .
7.
8 .
9.
1 0 .
11 .
12 .
13 .
January, 1895
T. Ned & Jane & I[sabella] P[earl came]
for dinner[.I spent part of the day]
Ridding my drawers etc. [and I] Made
a patch bag[.
] Bella[was] at Grant's
P.M.
W. Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.] Ned &
J[ane were] in C[linton] P.M. Bella
kept house [for them. I] Washed P.M.
[and in the] even[ing I] put [a] lin
ing in Jno.'s coat sleeve[.]
T. Jno. & Bella [were] in Cflinton] for
corn[. I] Made a patch bag & faced
mo[ther]’
s skirt[.]Young Cooper came
for dinner[and] J. Pearson called[.
]
F. [I] Mended socks, Fa[ther]'s smock
& gaiters & Killed sheep[.]Jno.[was]
at J. Pearson's party[.I] Cut out &
partly made a p[ai]r of p[an]ts
[this] even[ing.
]
S. Jno. [was] at Snell's & B[ella]
[was] in C[linton. She] got [a] pic
ture framed[.] A[g] papered.......
S. A[g]&I[went to]Ch[urch in the]cutter
(Stewart.) Jno. [went in the] even
ting in the] cart[.] Adam [Stewart
was here this] even[ing, I] think[.]
M . [I] Hung 2 kitchen blinds, cleaned
the] H[en] H[ouse. and] finis[hed
the] p[ants[.] Mo[ther was] carding
wool P.M.Jno.[was] in C[linton] with
W[illiam] Glen's wagon [and] cargo &
[was] at[the]mill [withjchop corn[.
]
Aunty[is] home for a little [while.]
T. Killed Go &....... A[g] walked [to]
C[hurch.] Jno. [was] at Glen’
s cut
ting [wood.] Mo[ther was] card[ing
wool] P.M. [I] Made Bella’
s comfort
able [at] night[.]
W. U[ncle] Ja[me]s's, U[ncle] Jno.'s,
Mac's[and] Will's cut a little[wood]
P.M. J. Scott & Jessie [were] here
[this] even[ing.]
T. A[g went to] c[hurch] P.M. in [the]
buggy[
. There was] lots of sleighing
[in the] even[ing. I] Mended Jno.'s
p[an]ts etc. Jno.[was] at Neds’ all
day crushing[.]
F. [John was at Ned's all day] cutting
[wood.] Done some mending- [a] robe
etc.
S. Mac, Ned, Will & Adam [were] cutting
P.M. 2 lambs(1st) [I] made pies [and
did] mending etc.
S. A[g] & I [were in church] (Holmes,
Methodist.) [I was] At Aunty's P.M.
197
2
Nice, Dull
1
Nice, Sunny
2
Some Snow
not much snow
2
Rain
2
Fine & Softish
2
Nice
Flurries
Nice
3
BeautiJful
Stormy
2
Slight
Thaw, Nice
Nice
2
Snowing some.
Stormy
�January, 1895 198
14. M. [I] worked at] Mending all day[.]Jno.
& Bella & Ned & Jane [were] at [the]
"Grange Social." A[g] stayed with
[
the] baby[.]
>
15 . T . [I] Washed & [did] Mending and mind
ed the] Baby P.M. Calm & Dull
16. W. S. Dunbar & T. Baird1 [were here]P.M.
& even[ing.] Jno. [was] at Mac's saw
ing P.M. Jno.[was] at Stonehouse's &
stayed over with Will’s kids[
. I]
C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse] & darned
socks[.]
Pleasant
17. T. [I] Walked to C[linton P.M. [and]
Covered [some] bricks[.]2 Some Snow
Fine
18 . F . [I]Finis[hed covering bricks and am]
Making Fa[ther'’
s] drawers[.] Stormy
19 . S . [I] Made 11 pies & [a] turn over[.]
Mofther] & Jno.[went] [into] Clinton
with Ned in [the] sleigh[.]
Fine
20. S. Raining, Thaw
21 . M. Jno. [was] helping W[illiam] G[len]
clean Peas[. The] Stonehouse cow
calved [this] morn[ing. I] Finis[hed
a] p[ai]r [of] Fa[ther's] drawers[.]
Raining,
very Windy
22 . T . [I finished the] other [pair of Fath
er'
s drawers] & mended a p[ai]r etc.
A[g] & 1 [were] at Aunty1
s[this]even
ting. ]
Stormy &
big drifts
23 . W. Jno. went to C[linton. He] left [the]
horse at Scott’
s & walked[.] Fa[ther].
Mo[ther] & B[ella were] out at Ned's
A.M. & P.M. [I] Mended [a] p[ai]r[of]
Jno.’
s drawers etc.
Concession
blocked
24 . T . [I was] At Jane's A.M. "exchanging
shoes " [and at] Aunty's P.M. Jno.
walked to C[linton] with Adam[.I was]
Sewing at [a] quilt block[.]
Concession
blocked
25 . F . [I'm] Making [a] "coon" collar for
Jno.'s overcoat[.I C[leaned the]H[en]
H[ouse [and] mended [an] old w[asp]
waist.
Stormy
26. S. [I] Finis[hed the] "collar[.] Jno.
walked to C[linton] P.M. [I] Mended
drawers & stockings
Stormy
27 . S . Stormy
28 . M. [I] Made [a] button-hole in Jno.'s
basque [and I made] pies[
. I was] At
Aunty's P.M.etc. [Ned called in at
Aunty's] P.M.
Fine &
Frost
29. T. Jno. [was] hauling wood[.
] Fenfwick],
Adam, Annie & Lilly [were here this]
even[ing.
] Livery drove down Hammer &
Fine
5 [degrees]
Son[. The Hammers were here] all
night[.]
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
�January, 1895 199
30. W . Fa[therJ took H[ammerj to Mac'
s, [the]
2
Master1
s & Frazer'
s[.] McEwen'
s took
Hammer Jr. to C[linton] & to A. Dun- Some Stormy
kin's[.] Jno. [was] at Will’s P.M.[and
they took the Hammer'
s to the] stat
ion[. I] Finis[hed] Jno.’
s basque etc.
31. T . [I finished the]quilt b[locJk & [am]at
another[.] A[g was]in C[linton.I] kill-
ed [the] last small turkey[.] Jno
Elliot’
s brother [stayed] for dinner[
I] bathed, etc.
Fine
. about 0 [deg-
. rees this] mor
ning. ]
February, 1895
1. F . [I]
Made B[rea]k[fast.]Father walked to
C[linton. We had a] sleigh load]of vis
itors this] even[ing]-[the D.McEwen's,
& Mrs & Maud Scott[.]3
4
Light S[now]
, Showers, about
zero [degrees]
2 . S . [I]Made B[rea]k[fast] & pies[.]W[illy]
Glen's kids [were] here [while] they
were in town[
. I] Wrote Maggie[.]
3
Fine &
Sunshiny
3. S . B[ella] & I were in church this] morn-
[ing]{Stewart.
) Jno. [went in the even
ting]to Seaforth[to hear a guest speak
er from] China[.]
1
C[old] W[ind]
Some drifts
4. M. [I] Made Jell[y] & Drop cakes[.] Bella
started Crazy Stuff quilt[
. I] Wrote
Aunt Janet[.]
2
Fine & Cold
5. T . [I] Made B[rea]k[fast[. The] Master
[was here] for tea[.
]
1
Some Drifts
6. W. Fa[ther] sat up keeping [the] fire in
[the] root house[
. I] wrote Bessie[.]
2
22 [degrees]
[this] morn[ing]
7. T . A[g] & B[ella were] in C[linton.I was]
Making [a]comfortable[this] even[ing.]
Fa[ther was] at Wigg[inton’s.
]
2
10 [Degrees]
8 . F . [I] Finis[hed the] C[omfortable] A.M.
[and] finis[hed] doing one room etc.
3
Blizzard
9. S . [I] Washed a little[and] made pies[.]
A[g] & Is [were] at Aunty's[.]
1
Stormy,Warmer
10. S. I [was] down at Aunty’
s with Jane P.M. 4
Fine & Sunshiny
11 . M. Jno. walked to C[linton] P.M. A[g] &
B[ella were] at Wigg[inton’s.
] B[ella
& I washed[.]
3
12 . T . Ned [was] sawing [here] P.M. Fa[ther
[was] at Jane’
s[.] Jno. Allen [was
here] P.M. & [at] night[
. The] Kids
[have]gone to[Charlie Stewart's[this]
even[ing in] Adam's sleigh[.] A[g]
Washed[.I was]making Jno.'s Over Alls
[this] even[ing.
]
3
13 . W. Aunty [
was] up[.I Cleaned [the] H[
en]
H[ouse.] Jennie Grant [was here for
the] even[ing] & all night[.] Fa[ther
was]at Ned’s [in the]morn[ing] & [at]
Will's [in the] even[ing.]
9
Light
Snow showers
�14 . T .
15 . F .
16. S.
17 . S .
18 . M.
19. T.
20. W.
21. T .
22 . F .
23 . S .
24 . S .
25 . M.
26. T .
27 , W.
T .
February, 1895
Jno. walked to C[linton] P.M. Jno. &
B[ella were] at Jane's [in the] even
ting.I Finis[hed] Jno.'s 0[ver] A[lls
[andjhalf of[the]Log C[abin] quilt[.]
Jennie went home[this] morn[ing.]B[el-
la] & I[were] in Church P.M.Jim Heron
[was here in the] morn[ing.]
[I] Mended [a] pair of Fa[ther]’
s
P[an]ts & darned socks[.]Ned & J[ane
[were] at U[ncle] Jno.’
sfin the] even
ting. ]
A[g] & I [were in] C[hurch](Stewart)
[Ag] came home with Ned & Ja[ne.]
[I] Made [a] S. & G. cake & cookies
[and]Mended Jno.'s p[an]ts[.]Fa[ther]
killed [a] shearling[.]
. K[ate] McT[avish] & Carrie[were here]
P.M. [
Kate,Carrie],Don & Liz McT[av-]
ish], B[ella] & I [were] at U[ncle]
Ja]mes]'s [this] even[ing.] Wfilliam]
Glen went for Dr Gunn P.M. A[g was]at
Glen’
s all night[.]4 A. Dunkin, Hawk-
shaw & [a] Yankee [were here] for tea.
. [Ag was at Glen's all] day[.] I [was]
in C[linton] P.M. for a telegram[.
]
Jno. & Bfella have]gone to Varna[this
even[ing.
]
. Fafther] & Mac[were] in Brucefield[.
]
[I was] Doing B[ella’
s] chores all
day [and I] Cleaned[the]H[en]H[ouse.]
A[g was]at G[len’s]all day & Night[.]
. Jennie's birthday. A[g was] home[at]
night[
. I] Mended Fa[
ther'
s ducks[.]
1 lamb
. A[g was] at Gflen's] day & night[.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. [I] Mend
ed Fa[ther overcoat[.]
. Jno. sent Dr Gunn out to W[illiam]
Glen'
s[.] 2 lambs + I
. [The] Men & Ned [were] in Brucefield
shipping 20 shearlings[.] 2 lambs &
1 lost
. A. Dunkin, Hawkshaw, Coffland & Du-
sharme [were] here[.
] Fa[ther] took
the baby in[.] Jno.[was] in C[linton]
P.M. 2 sheep 1 thribble & 1 double
. Fa[ther was] at Wigg[inton'
s] & [in]
Clinton[.] Aunty [was] up P.M.
. T[om] Wigg]inton [was here] for din
ner[.]A[g] & B[ella were]at M ac’
s[.]
200
6
Fine
8
Beautiful
9
8
6
Snow, a
little sottish
12
Snowed
Fine
3
Snow, drifts,
C[old] Wind.
6
Snowing &
Drifting
1
Calm & Dull
8
13
5
Nice & Mild
13
Fine, not
quite so warm
1
5
Thawing
Thawing
28 . 12
�1. F .
2. S.
3. S .
4. M.
5. T .
6. W.
7. T .
8. F .
9. S .
10. S .
11 . M.
12 . T .
13. W.
14 . T .
15. F.
16 . S .
17 . S .
18. M.
March, 1895 201
Spotty calved[.] John Hunter[was here. 12
this] morn[ing.] Fa[ther] bought [a] N[orth]
ram at Avery’
s[. The] Kids [were] Tob- W[ind],Frozen,
boganning over at Will’
s[.I] Cleaned Flurries
[the] H[en H[ouse] & bathed etc.
Jno. walked to Cflinton] P.M. 16
Jno.walked[to church this] evenfing.] 19
Jno. walked to C[linton] P.M. Jno. T. 18
Graham[came] for sheep in a sleigh[.] Cold & Stormy
[I] Made some pies[.] A[g] & I [were] 24
at[a] prayer-meeting at McGregor'
s[.] Cold & Flurries
Graham called[.]
B[ella has] gone to Grant’
s [and] Jno. 24
[was] at [the] mill[. The] Master’
s Fine
Boys fetchedfa] pig [and]Hunter & J.W.
McDonald Called[.]
A[g]r J[ohn] & I [were] in C[linton] 15
with grist [in the] sleigh[.] I took
[the] baby in[.J Jno. [was] at [the] Beautiful
mill for chop[. The] Red cow calved.]
Mac, Ned, Will & Adam [were here] P.M.
cutting [wood.] Jane &[the] baby[were
here] P.M.[I] Made pies[.]Bella[came]
home P.M.
23
Soft, a lot
of snow
B[ella] papered [the] knife & spoon
boxes etc.
24
Colder,Stormy
Jno.[went to church in the]
even[ing.
] 23
Snowing, Fine
B. Marshall, Jno. Avery & kids, Adam 23
[Stewart],Mr & Mrs Finley & W[ill] Me-
E[wen] called P.M. Jno.[was] at Stone- Fine
house's with Adam [for] cattle[.]
Jno.[was] at Mac’
s cutting [wood] P.M. 18
A little
light snow
Fa[ther]walked to C[linton] A.M. B[el- 19
la] & I[went to Clinton] P.M.[in the] Fine
cutter[.]Jno.[went] P.M.in the]sleigh C[[old] W[ind]
for peas[.]Called Kitchen & Graham’s Blustering
with sleigh[.]
Old [Edward]Glen[was here] A.M. & for Fine 13
dinner[.] Below 0
Jno.[was]at Glen's cutting [wood] P.M. 15
Jessie Wigg[inton was] here[.]I [was] Cold & Fine
at Aunty's P.M. Kids[were] at U]ncle]
Jno.’
s [this] even[ing.]
Jno. [was]at Will's crushing P.M. [I] 18
C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse], washed, Fine, a little
sawed a little etc. Miekin called[
. warmer,
I] Made B[rea]k[fast.]
A[g], B[ella] & I [were] in C[hurch] 19
(Shaw Eghmondville.)
Jno.[went in the] Fine &
even[ing. The] Baby [was] in all day Sunshiny
Got 1st big goose egg(double yolk.)
Mr 17
Jim Heron called & Ned[got] 1 lamb[.] Thawed a lot &
Lizzie [was] in C[linton] - Kids were sun
here[.
]
�March, 1895 202
19. T. Fa[ther was] at Jno. & Sandy Thom
son'
s[.] Ada [was] here P.M.........
20. W. Jno.[was]at Mac'
s,butchering[.]Kitchen
en & T[om]Fraser called[.]Lizzie[Glen
is at Charlie]’
s Emma [is] sick [and
the] kids [are] here[.]
18
Fine, C[old]
W[ind]
21. T. B[ella] & I[were] in C[linton]P.M. Ned 15
& Jno. at logs[.] T[om] Frazer fetched
[the] billy [that] Fa[ther] bought[.]
22. F. [I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse] A.M. 22
[and] Made 2 gingham aprons P.M. Aunty Fine, a little
Kitty5 [was] At Lizzie’
s P.M. Lambs warmer
lamby[.
]
23. S. [I]Cut out mo[ther's] big sleeve[.]Jno. 25
[was] at [the] mill for chop [and at] Thawing, Windy
Ned's P.M. 1 sheep with 3 [lambs] & 1
with 2 [on the] Sabbath morn[.]
24. S. A[g] & B[ella]were at[the] river,-[by] 24
Ned's & [Spring] creek[.] Slight Frost
25. M. Jno. [was] at Ned's A.M. B[ella] made 29
[a] satteen cushion & a linen one [.] Sleet & S[now]
26 . T .
27 . W.
[John] Tough, [the assessor, was here] 31
all nightf.The three of] Us[were]clean- Coldish & light
ing off lath's [this] even[ing.] snows
[We] Papered [the] Dfining] room ceil- 34
ing with papersf.] Ned [was here] P.M. Soft, some snow
A[g]walked to Clinton P.M...3 lambs[.]
28 . T .
29. F.
30 . S .
[I]Beat[the] carpet etc. A.M.[and was]
in C[linton] P.M. for wall-paper[.]
[I]Put cotton on [the]ceiling [in the]
even[ing.
]
[We] Papered [the] ceiling[.
] Fa[ther]
[was] at Mac's Ned's & Will's[.]
32
H[igh] W[ind]
Fine
36
Dull & Fine
C[old] W[i.
[We] Finished papering [the] dining 21
room[.
] Fa[ther] walked to C[linton[.] Fair,Frost
Box 56*
* Probably James MacFarlane's Clinton post office
box number
31. S .
1. M.
[I] Walked top Church(
Stewart.
) Jno. 20
[went in the] even[ing.] Fine, Strong East
Wind; Rained
little.
April, 1895
Jno. [went to] C[linton] in [the] cut- 35
ter for [a] bag [of] oat-meal[.] B[el- Silver Thaw,
la scrubbe [her] room etc. 1 (1st Hei- Sunny
fer) calvedf.]
2. T. B[ella] & I Put down [the] dining
room carpet[
. I] Cleaned [the] H[en-]
H[ouse] P.M. A[g] washed[.
]
28
Ice still on
trees & sun
bright.
3. W. [W.] Brigham & Ned [were here]for din- 27
ner[. I] Washed P.M. Ned [was] in [in
the] even[ing] for [a] calf[.]
Fine
�April, 1895 203
4. T . [I] Washed milk shelves & swept etc. 25
A[g and] Fa[ther] walked [to] C[lin-
ton[.
] Jno. [was] in C[linton] [at]
night[in the] wagon[.] Ida & Fen[wick
Stewart and the] Wigg[inton’
s were]
here[*
]
5. F. Fa[ther] & A[g were] in C[linton with 34
the]wagon for sheep[
. I]Scrubbed[the]
milk-room[. The] 2nd heifer calved[.
] Fine, real
Liz[zie Glen was] at J. Pearson’
s[.j thawy
6. S . [I] Peeled apples [and did] Mending 25
etc. Bella cracked [?] A.M. Rain, More Thawy
7. S .
8. M.
9. T .
A lamb died about [a] w[ee]k old[.
] 30
Rainy
2 Turk[ey]s laid 1st eggs[.I Bathed[.] 28
J[ohn] McG[regor] & Will Mac [were] at Warm, Real
[the] barn[.] Frogs [are singing. It Warm,Springlike
[was the] 1st day that bees got to
really fly[.]
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton. I]scrub- 34
bed [syrup?] Pans[.].............. Dull,Fine,Frost
10. W. [I] Made[a] Jell[y] C[ake.] Ned [was]
in for [a] turkey(19 1/2 lbs meat[i])
39
only soft to
sun
11. T .
12 . F .
Jno. [was] in C[linton with the wag
on P.M. A[g] & B[ella went in the]bug-
gy[ •1
24
Fine, some war
mer.
[Today is] Good Friday[.] Bella's 30
quilting[.]Jennie G[rant was here] all Rain[in]g P.M.
night[.] Bessie calved[.] Jno. after
Miss Burrows[.]
13 . S . [We] Finis[hed the] quilt [this] even- 39
ing[.] Dull,some rain.
14 . S .
15 . M.
16 T .
Miss B[urrows], B[plla] & I [were in 31
Church at [the] Efaster service] (Stew
art.) Jno.[attended in the] even[ing.j Fine
M.Coffland[WAS] bere P.M. Fa[ther was] 39
in C[linfcpn tfjis] morn[ing and took] Dull, cool
Miss Bup?p«rei^&fcore[
.1 Jno. walked 32
sheep po BruOfcJfield] P.M.[and Father]
drove t....Pedlar called[
.]
Fa[ther was] at Biggins, Snell's etc., 37
with gents[.A]Spray pump pedler called[.] Dull
17 . W .
18 . T .
19. F .
A[g] & I [were] at Isard’
s P.M. Old El- 43
liot [was here in the] even[ing.] Fine & Springlike
Fa[ther] walked in[to] C[linton.] A[g] 30
& B[ella drove the] buggy in[to] C[lin- Fine
ton] P.M. Jno. [is] plowing sod[.
]
Ned [was] sowing grass seed here[.] Jno 40
A[g were] in C[linton] P.M. Fafther] & Beautiful
Jno.[were] cultivating & shearing sheep[.]
20. S. Jno. plowed[. I] Washed & c[leaned the] 35
h[en] h[ouse. I] Tore my left forefinger
with [a] board[.] A lamb died[.]
�April,1895 204
21. S. A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch] (Stew
art)[.] S[abbath] S[chool] start
ed^] B[ella and] I,Annie, Ida &
Mary [were there.]
31
slight rain
Eve[ning]
frost
22 . M. M.Meekin (.... fellow looking for
work.) [I] Made [a] screen for[the]
eiderdown bed spread[.] Jno. [was]
shearing & fa[ther was] cultivat-
ing[.]
36
Fine
Rain
23 . T . J. Cooper & daughter [were here]for
tea[.] Jno. [was] sowing [the] 1st
oats[. I was] Choring,cleaned up[a]
few oats [and was] ridding up [the]
wood shed etc.
36
Fine
C[old] Wind
24 . W . [I] Raked [the] chip yard [and was
[ridding the wood shed.] Bella [is]
at Jane's [because] Jane[is]sick[.]
Bessie & Eddie [Glen were] here[be
cause their parents were] in C[lin-
ton. I] Set [the] 1st 2 Hens[.]
36
Fine, Warm
H[igh] Wind
25 . T . [I] Finis[hed] ridding [the] wood
shed up stairs[.] Bella [came] home
[at night [I] set [a] hen[and]I saw
[the] 1st Swallowsf.j
44
Fine & Warm
26 . F . [I] Put away furs at Jane's [and I]
helped Fa[ther put wire around[his]
garden[.] U[ncle] Jno’s & [us] kids
[were] at Mac's [this] evenfing.]
26
27 . S . Fa[ther was]in C[linton & at Weir’
s
seeing spraying [.]6 Jno. caught 22
suckers [between] noon & 11 P.M.[In
the] even[ing] B[ella was]at Jane’s
& Jno. fish[ed.]
32
28 . S . A[g] & I [were] in c[hurch](Acheson
Kippen.)... Aunty [is] home[.]
60
29. M. [I] Churned, beat carpets, etc. Jno.
caught 6 fish P.M.[and] Bfella was]
cleaning her bed-room[.]
18
Lov[el]
y
30 . T . [Bella & A[g]put down[the bed-room]
carpets[.I was] darning [the] stair
carpet[.] Jno. Thomson [was here
with] gooseberry bushes[.]
36
Warm
May, 1895
1. W. Fa[ther] & I [were] in Cflinton P.M Fine & Warm 37
2. T . Nannie [Stewart] & Lizzie [Glen
were] in C[linton] P.M. kids [were
here[. I was] Darning [the] stair
carpet[.]
43
3. F. Mary foaled[a]filly[and the yfoung]
cattle were]out all night[.] B[ella
was] cleaning Jno.'s bed-room.]A[g]
washed B[ella] s and her own bed
room curtains[.]
30
Rainshower
Fine & Warm
4. S . [Ag washed the] hall lace [cur
tains] & Bfella ironed [them[.I]
finis[hed] darning [the] carpet &
mended [a] parasol[
. The] Cows &
[were] out all nightf.]
40
Fine & Very
Warm
�May, 1895
A[g], Nannie Stewart & I [were] in
c[hurch. John went in the evening.]
Jno. [went to] C[linton] P.M. for
chop[. I] Made a cover for shoe -
box & papers[.]A[g] & B[ella]clean-
ed the parlor, etc., P.M. [Bella &
I partly beat[the]carpet P.M. Alice
[is] sick[.]Mac & Fa[ther] went for
McIntosh [apples?]
[I] churned & laid on some patches.
A[g] & I finis[hed] beating [the
carpet P.M. [A]Jew pedlar[came] P.M.
& Ned & Jane [were here] P.M .pick
ing [up a] box [of] potatoes[.]
[I] Finis[hed the] top for[the] box
[and] washed a little[
. I] Sowed 12
rows [of] mangols[.] Fa[ther] & Jno.
[were] in C[linton] with"fat Rosy &
Ned & Jane[were in for more] potat
oes[
.]
Mrs Baird & [The] Rev. A. Stewart &
wife & children [called this] morn-
ting.I]sowed 11 rows[of] carrots A.M
& 12[of] mangols P.M . Jane & B[ella
were in Cflinton] P.M. Jno. [sorted]
4 bags [of] potatoes[.]
[I] Planted 8 rows apiece [of] car
rots A.M. [and] mangols P.M.[I] Pap
ered [the] parlor[. A] Sheep died
when A[g was] shearing^.]
A[g] & B[ella] put down [the] carpet
etc. [I] Mended socks etc.
Nannie, A[g] & I [were] at Sfabbath]
S[chool.] Jno. walked [to church in
the evening.
]
B. Marshel(sic) [was here this] morn
ing[. I] Cleaned stove pipes, A[g]
scrubbed[
. We] Done [a] little crazy
[quilting,] Mended sheets, etc.[The]
Milch cows, sheep etc, [were] in all
all night[.] Bush all red with frost,
etc.
[I] Mended gloves, sewed buttons on
[an] old basque [and] made[a] bottom
for[a] slip[.] B[ella] cleaned [the]
pantry [at the] house[.]
[I] Walked to C[linton and] got [a]
ride with Mac's[.] Shore [was here]
all night.
B[ella was] on[the] sickist list to
day & last night[
. She was] cutting
out[a] blouse[.]Jno.walked to C[lin-
ton in the] even[ing.]
[I] Done a little at [the] print
dress,[a little at the] crazy [quilt
and I] darned socks[.]Fa[ther]
walked
to Clinton[.]Aunty[is] at Jane's[.]
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M. [for]
grist & chop[. I was] Making [the]
print dress [and I] Pulled wool off
sheep [in the] even[ing.
]
205
35
31
26
Very Warm
Slight Shower
32
Nice & Warm
31
32
18
Rain, Cold
25
Frost & Snow
C[old] W[ind]
Heavy Frost.
Cold & Windy,
Rain
19
28
Cold Sleet &
Rainy
15
Fine, Cold Wind
23
Frost, Fine, a
little warmer
Raining
5. S .
6. M.
7. T .
8. W .
9. T .
10 . F .
11. S .
12 . S .
13. M.
14 .T.
15. W.
16. T.
17. F.
18 . S .
�19. S.
20 . M.
21. T .
22 . W.
23 . T .
24 . F .
25 . S .
26 . S .
27 . M.
28 . T .
29 . W .
30 . T .
31. F.
1. S .
2. S .
3. M.
May, 1895
. [I] Made button -holes in brother'
s
basque etc. Aunty & Jane [were] in
C[linton.]
. Working at my own.. dress[.]B[ella]
finis[hed her] blouse and fixed....
A[g] house-cleaned [the] veranda[.]
. [I] Cleaned out woodshed & yard[.
]
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton. B[ella
has] gone to Grant's [this] even
ting.]
. [Bella was in Clinton at a] Teach
ers’ Convention[.] A[g has] gone to
Stratford[.] Ned drove up[.] Ned &
Jane [were] at Thos. Fitzsimmon'
s
funeral[.]7 Jno. [was] in C[linton
this] even[ing.
]
. Jno.& B[ella have] gone to[a] party
[at] Brigham' s[.]........... these
dayfs.
]
. Fa[ther] walked to C[linton and I]
planted onions[
. A] Churn & washing
machine pedlar called[.]
. I [was] in c[hurch] with Jane (Mus-
grove)
. A[g arrived]home P.M.U[ncle]Ja[me]s
stayed for dinner[.] Jno. [was] in
C[linton] P.M. Making print dress
etc.
. [I was] in C[linton] with Jane get
ting [a] filling put back in [my]
front tooth[.] Fa[ther], Ned, Jno.
[and] I [were] shearing[.]
. [Today besides] Mending [a] parasol,
[I] churned & I lifted stones [and]
gravel out of [the] lane[.] A[g did
a] washing[.] Ned [was here] A.M.
shearing[.]
. [I worked] at dress A.M..........
Mr & Mrs Sturdy & kids [were here]
P.M. Jno [was] in C[linton] P.M.
. [I] Planted 24 rows [of] potatoes
........ Ned’
s [had a} dance[.]
June, 1895
[I worked] a little at [the] dress
[and] Made [a] cup cake P.M.& [was]
at Ned's [in the] even[ing.] Jno.
scrubbed [the] cellar[.]
I [was] in C[hurch] with Ned.....
[I] finis[hed the] print dress(only
a trifle.)Fa[ther] & Ned[have] gone
to Brucefield[.
] Jno.[has been]plow
ing sod [on the] Shanty field for
rape[seed.]
206
Dark....C[old]
W[ind.]
Dull, C[old]
W[ind.]
Fine, C[old]
W[ind.]
Fine, Warmer
Very Much
Warmer
Rainey P.M.
48
Fine & Cold
Warmer
28
Fine & Warm
39
Very Warm
24
Very Warm
30
22
�June, 1895 207
Dolly foaled[.I] took[the] wool off
[an] old dead sheep[
. A] haywagon
pedlar [was here and the] clock fix
er [was here] all night[.]
Tea pedlars [from] London called[.
I checked]combs & honey out of hive
No. 1 - almost dead, others rob
bing! .]
A[g was]at McTavishes P.M.[I]melted
some wax etc.
Ned,Jane & I [were]in C[linton] P.M.
J[ane] & I [were] in church[.] Jno.
[was] in C[linton] P.M. R. Pearson
c[ailed.]
Fa[ther] & Jno. finis[hed] sowing
rape[seed. I did] Mending etc. A[g]
& B[ella]washed [a]blanket & sheep
skin at [the] river P.M.
Fa[ther] & I [drove the] colt [to
Church](Stewart.
) Jno. [went in the
evening.] Jno. [was] in Brucefield
[with] Gray P.M.
[I was] Melting wax [and] washed
some[.] Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M.
with lumber[.] Jack Elliot, B[ob]
Trick & Alex.Elliot camefhere this]
mornfing.] J[ohn] Pearson c[ailed.]
McIntosh[was here] A.M. [about the]
colt[.]E.A. & Ida Isard [were here]
P.M. Another Makin called!.
]
A[g] & 1 [were] in C[linton] P.M.
[with] Dolly[.]Jane & Mother [were]
at Isard’
s P.M. [The] Boys cleaned
[the] well[on the] Rathwell[place.]
Roily Cook[was here this]evening[.]
Fa[ther]walked to Clinton[.I]finis-
[hed] making [a] denim apron[and I]
washed a little(quit for rain)[.]
[I] Washed A.M. "one arm” Armstrong
[was here] for dinner[.J Kids [are]
at[a] dance[at]U[ncle] Ja[me]s’
s[.]
Jno.,B[ella] & I,Adam & Lily [Stew
art] etc., [were] at [the] Experi
mental Farm [in] Guelph[.] A[g e s
corted us[.]Ned & Fa[ther were] in
C[linton] P.M. for salt[.]Mr Burch,
[of] Chicago, Editor of Sheep
Breeder, [was here] all night[.]
Jno. [went to] c[hurch in the]even
ting.]
Fa[ther] & Mr Burch [were] at Varna
[with] Mac's pony[. I] Washed wool
P.M. [in the] Bayfield river[
. I]
stayed with [the] baby [this] morn-
[ing while] Jane[was] in C[linton.]
Jennie [was over this] even[ing.]
24
Dull, Cooler,
Rain.
19
Fine, Colder
2 2
slight Frost
23
Fine, a little
warmer
22
22
Fine & pretty
warm
32
Fine & very
warm
21
Fine & Nice
24
Very Warm
Rain Even[ing.]
27
Dull
Rain late P.M.
14
Heavy dew
Fine & Nice
18
Beautiful
Pleasant,Warmer
Pleasant
4. T .
5. W.
6. T .
7. F .
8. S .
9. S .
10 . M.
11 . T .
12 . W.
13 . T.
14 . F .
15 . S .
16 . S .
17 . M.
�June, 1895 208
18. T . Jno at road-work[.I] Washed,etc.
Jack 17
[is] at Mangols these days[.] Finley Fine & Warm
[McEwen] called P.M. Bella & Jen[nie nice breeze
were] at [the] river[.] Wigfginton]
drove Fafther] & B[ella.]
19. W. Jane & I & baby[were] at Grant's P.M. 22
Keys's passed[.
] Mekin [here this]
even[ing.
]
20. T . Jno. walked to C[linton] P.M. Ned & 20
Ja[ne were] in Brucefield A.M..... DullfWarmf
[I] Ironed[.] Kids [were] at Mac’
s Cooler
[this] even[ing.
]
21 F. [I] Made [a] denim apron [and] 37
Churned[.] Mekin [called.] Very Warm
22. S. Ned & the rest [are] making a piece 18
crib for [his] house well[.]8 NedFine, Warm
sold [the] Billy horse[.] Fa[ther] & Sprinkles
I [were] inC[linton at] Donald Stew
art's funeral[.]9
23. S. A[g, B[ella] & I [drove] Dolly [to 18
church] (Rev. McDonald, Seaforth.) Fine, C[ool]
Jno. [went in the evening.] W[ind]
24. M. [The]Boys cleaned out house pumps[.] 17
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M.[and he] Warm Rain,
fetched J.Miller &[an] iron pump out. Fine
& took him back again[.]
25. T. [I] Finis[hed my]"Crazy"shoe box etc. 19
Baird's, Miss Dunbar, J. Scott, Fen- Fine
[wick] & Adam, A.Walker & Mac’
s[were
here this] even[ing.
]
26. W. Melting wax [today.] B[ella was] at 16
Grant's[.] Jno. [was] at Jno.Diehl's
[barn] raising[.]i° Jack [Elliot was] a little rainf
at Ned's [to help with] manure[.]... cleared
....pedlar....
27. T. [Jack was again at Ned's spreading 23
manure.] Jno.[was at Diehl's a[gain]
& [in] Clinton until Ten P.M. Mo- Fine & Cool
[ther] & A[g were] in C[linton] P.M.
Boys even[ing] asking to picnic[.]
June. 1895
28. F. [The]Men dipped lambs A.M. Jno.[was] 42
in Brucefield [this] evening[.l have Raining A.M.
been] melting wax,sorting wool pick- Fine P.M,
ings & [I] washed [the] cellar cup
board[.]
29. S. [I] Finis[hed the] wax,put[the] cup- 20
board in [the] cellar [and] Washed Cold
wool pickings[.] Fine, Warmer
30. S. A[g] & I[were in church(
Rev.
Stewart)] 39
Jno. [went in the evening.] Nice
July,1895
1. M. J[ack] Elliott away P.M. Jno.[was]in
C[linton in the]even[ing.I]swept [my] Fine & Cool
room & cleaned cracks[.]
�2. T .
3. W.
4. T .
5. P .
6. S .
7. S .
8. M .
9. T.
10 . W .
11.T.
12. F .
ese
13 . S .
14 . S .
15 . M.
16. T.
July, 1895 21
[I] Cleaned [my room] & filled [the]
tick[.
] A[g], Jno. & I[were]at Finley
[
McEwen]’s [this]
even[ing.
We] Started
mowing [hay.
]
Fa[ther was] in C[linton.] Ned [was]
here[.We] Hauled in 4 loads [of hay.]
Jennie[was here] P.M. [I] mended[the]
tick etc.
Mr & Mrs Jas. Reynolds [were here]all
day[.] Father[was]at[Malcolm McEwen1s
barn] raising[.We] Hauled 2 loads A.M.
A[g] & Jno....P.M. Jno.[was inJBruce-
field[this even[ing to see about the]
mower[
. I] puttied some cracks[.]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] Mid
day[
. I] Puttied some cracks in Bel
la's] floor[.]
[I]Washed a little A.M.[and was] hel
ping [with the] hay P.M. Jack mowed
1/2 A.M. Jno. raked[
. We] Hauled in 2
loads from [the Shanty and Rathwell
[fields.] Alice foaledf.
]
A[g] & B[ella] & Mamie [were] in
C[hurch](Stewart.)
Jno.[went in the ev
ening.] Jno. Diehl & wife [came] for
tea[.
]
Jno.[wasJin C[linton] A.M. with Ned's
cow[ and] P.M. with Doll for chop[.
]
Jack [was] mowing all day [and I did]
puttying[.]
[I did puttying and Jack [did] mowing
all day [and is] finis[hed.jJno.[wasj
raking all day[.
]
[We] Hauled 2 loads [in] A.M. [from
the] Rathwell [place] & 3[from] below
[the] watering place[
. That makes] 14
loads all togather(sic]. [We] finis-
[shed] haying P.M.
Jane,A[g],Jno. & B[ella] went to God
erich[.] Jno. walked to C[linton.] I
drove to [the] picnic[.] Fa[ther was]
at Mac's raising P.M. [I] sorted wool
pickings P.M.
[I]Finis[hed puttying all but 3 large
cracks[
. The] Boys [are] hauling in
etc. at Ned'
s[.]
Fa[ther was]in C[linton]with Ned[for]
grists[. Father sat for photo[.]
Jack [was] at Ned’
s P.M. helping fin-
is[h] hay[.]
Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[hurch.] (Rev.
Hamilton, Londsborough[sic].
) Jno.
[went in the evening.]
Aunty [is] home.
Jno.[wasJin C[linton] A.M. with W[ill-
iam] Glen A.M. [I was making quilt
blocks] & herding geese[.]A[g was] at
Ufncle] Ja[mes[’
s] P.M.
Minding geese etc. [today.] A[g] wash
ed[.]Fa[ther was at Wigg[inton's] etc.
Fine
24
24
26
Fine & Warmer
26
Fine, smokey.
Cool W[ind]
Fine & Warmer
30
very warm 87
[degrees F] at
noon veranda
[thermometer]
23
Shower
very warm
36
Very Cold &
Windy
24
Fine, a little
cool, nice.
34
Fine &
pleasant
22
Dull, Slight
Shower.
32
Dull & Cool
18
18
Rain P.M.
20
Fine & Pleasant
�July, 1895 210
17 . W.
18 . T .
19 . F .
Picking[potato] bugs near[ly] all day- 14
[I] did 8 rows & Fa[ther] 4[.A[g was]
[was]in Cflinton] with Jane P.M.& Bel- Fine & Windy
la too & at Grant‘
s[.The]Boys started
[cutting] wheat P.M.
[I] Greened* [the] 13 remaining rows
[of potatoes] A.M. [I was] in C[lint-
on] P.M. [We] Finis[hed] cutting
wheat[.]
*Paris Green(bug poison)
Minding geese etc. [today.] Magfgie]
McEwen [was here] P.M.
38
Fine & Cool
Warmer
24
Very Warm
20. S. [Minding geese etc. today.] Jno. Sak- 19
aid & son [were here] for tea[.] Jno. Fine & Pleasant
[was] in C[linton this] even[ing.]
21. S . A[g] & B[ella were] in C[hurch](Rev.
Stewart.) Jno. & A[g went in the even
ing. ]
21
Slight Showers,
Very Warm.
22. M. Herding,mending etc,[today.]Jno.,A[g]13
& Ada & Annie [were at] U[ncle Fine,
Ja[me]s’
s P.M.& at D[uncan]McKenzie'
s Cool Wind
[in the] even[ing.] Fa[ther was] in
C[linton] with Ned[and] the wagon for
sheep[.]
23 . T . Geo. Sturdy & Fa[ther were] at Coop
er’
s, Frazer's & Jameson's[.I]painted
1/2 [of a] bed-room floor [and]washed
P.M. Sturdy & Sam Reid [came] for
tea[.
]
15
Very Warm Morn
[ing,] Cool
rest of day.
24. W. [We] Hauled in 6 loads of wheat[
. I] 22
Mowed P.M.Aunty[was]at LizziefGlen]’
s Fine & Cool,
[where they were] threshing beans[.] Slight shower
[in] even[ing.]
James MacFarlane July 13, 1895
�July, 1895 211
25. T . Kids here - Lizzie in C[linton. We]
Finis[hed the last] 2 loads [of]
wheat[
« I was] Herding A.M. [and] mow
ing P.M.
26. F. [I was]in C[linton] A.M. [andjpainted
a little P.M. [The] Boys cut with
larg[e] sythesfsic;[.]
27. S. Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M.for chop[
I] Finis[hed the]first coat[of paint]
on[the] floor [and I] Washed & mended
spreads etc. Ned*s[were]at A.Jervis’
s
in the buggy [this] even[ing.]
28* S. A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch](Rev. Shaw,
Egmondville.) Jno. [went in the even
ing[.]
29. M. [I]Painted half[of the]second coat[.]
Courtree [was] here P.M.
30. T. Fafther] walked to Cflinton.The3 Boys
[are]cutting wood at[the] river these
days[.] A[g] & I [were] at Scotts [in
the] even[ing.
]
31. W. [I was] Raking[the]yard & herding A.M.
[I] Painted [the] other half (second
coat) P.M. Bella [is] at Grant’
s[.]
Malcolm McGregor[stayed]for dinner[.]
August, 1895
1. T. [I] Cleaned [the] Parlor A. [M.] &[the
H[en] H[ouse] P.M. Jno.[was] in Cflin
ton in the] even[ing.] Jack[has been]
hauling up furnace wood[.
]
2. F. [The] Boys[have been] log[g]ing & bur
ning[on the river] flat[s.They]hauled
1 loadfof]tares[.] Aunt Mary & Camp
bell(the well-digger) [were here] for
dinner[.
] Jno. [was] at Jane’s[. The]
Kids [were] at Mac's dance[this] ev[e-
ning.]
24
Fine & Cool
15
Fine,Very Warm,
Rained.
8
Rain Morning,
Fine P.M.
24
Beautiful,Cool
8
Dull, Rain
10
H[igh] W[ind, ]
C[ool.]
13
H[igh] W[ind, ]
a little warmer
10
Windy,Warmer
15
Fine & Calm
3. S . [I] Washed A.[M.]& Painted 1/2 of 3rd
coat [as well as] mending,herding etc.
13
Slight Shower,
Fine, Warm
4. S. B[ella] & I [were in Church](Rev. Me- 14
Millan, Mimico.) Maggie Aikenhead(Mrs Beautiful
Smith) [was] in C[hurch] & S[abbath]
S[chool.
]
5. M. Herding & [working] at guilt [today.] 43
Aunty [came] home[.] Beautiful,
very w[arm]
6. T. Hferding] etc. [today.] Jno. [was] in 17
C[linton] [He drove] Mary in [the] Slight Showers
buggy[.]
7. W. Jack McLaughlin & Jennie [Grant were 20
here] P.M. [The] Wigg[in]ton*s [were Fine,
here [this] evenfing.] Cool W[ind.]
8. T. [I] Finis[hed] painting[the] floorf.
] 21
Fa[ther]walked to C[linton.] A[g] & I Fine &
[were] at D[uncan] McEwen's [this] Very Warm
evenfing.]
Jno.started cutting oatsf.]
Jno. & B[ella were] in [V]arna[.]
�9.
1 0 .
11 .
1 2.
13 .
14 .
15 .
16 .
17 .
18 .
19 .
20.
21 .
22 .
23 .
24.
F. A.Dunkin drove Hawkshaw & Beetie[sic]
here this morn[ing. Fa[ther] & them
& A.Innis & Avery [had] dinner at Wig-
[ginton'
s and] tea[.]
S. A. Elliot, Mekin, [and] old Mekin
c[ailed this] morn[ing. The] Master &
T[om] Frazer[came] for dinner P.M.[Mr]
Smith bought 4 steers[.] Jno.Tomson
bought [and came] after [the] bull[.I]
[did] her[din]g, washed etc.
S. A[g] & I [were in Church](Rev. Graham,
Bayfield.) Jno. [went at night.]
August, 1895
M. At same daily work[. A] Clinton pedlar
called[.The] Boys [are] at the oats[.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton this] morn-
ting......... ]
T. [I] Washed & mended [a] dress, [did]
herd[ing] etc. [A] Horse (Colt) [was]
sick[.] McIntosh [wasjhere twice & for
dinner[.]Jno.[was]in Bruce[field this]
morn[ing.] Mac’
s girls[were here this]
even[ing.
]
W. [I was] in C[linton] A.M.[We’
re] Finis
[hed] cutting oats[.] U[ncle] Ja[me]s
[was] here[.]
T. [We] Started [the] peas[. Jno.,B[ella]
& Aunty at Swail (sic) & at U[ncle]
Ja[me]s‘
s[.] W. O’
Neill & wife called
[this] even[ing.
]
F. [We] Hauled in 6 loads[of] oats P.M.[I
was] helpingfwith the]mowing[.]U[ncle]
Ja[me]s's kids [were here this] even
ting. ]
S. [We] Hauled in 5 loads [of] oats- all
that’
s ready[.
] Jno. [was] in C[linton
this] even[ing.]
S. Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[hurch] (Rev,Wim.
Graham.)
M. [We're] cutting peas etc. Ned [stayed]
for dinner[. I] finis[hed] hemming one
pillow case etc. Fourth turkey nest
T. [We] Finis[hed] turning peas at tea
time[.] Alex [came] for tea[.
]
W. Smith & Willie Cudmore [came] for din-
ner[.
] Jennie [was here] P.M.[We]Finis-
[hed] hauling in oats P.M.- 6 loads[.]
Finis[hed the] lace & pillow-case[.
]
T. Mr & Mrs Foster [were here] P.M. Bella
went to Varna with them[
. WeJ Hauled in
Jno.’
s loads [of] peas[.]
F. Ned[was] helping Jno.[load peas.We are]
finis[hed] harvestf.] Bessie McGregor
[was here] P.M. & all night[.]
S. [I] Took Bessie home P.M. Jno. went to
Woon's threshing P.M.,[but they]did not
thresh[.
] Jno. went to C[linton] with
W[illiam] Glen[.]
212
20
Very Warm
Heavy Rains
21
Very Warm
Dull 23
Rainy Looking
Very Warm
27
Fine & Pleasant
21
18
Very Warm
17
32
Fine & Warm
Warm,
Rain P
.
Af.
Fine & Warm
Rain even[ing.]
Fine & Cool
Fine, cool
Rain, Frost
Fine & Cool
12
Fine & W[arm]
14
Fine & Very
W[arm], Rain
16
Raining
Fine
�August., 1895 213
25, S. A[g] & I[were in Church] (Rev.Muir,Bruce- 13
field) [preached about] Ruth & Naomi[.] Fine & Warm
Ada [Stewart] & Isabella Pearl[Glen were
here] all night[.]
26. M. A[g] & I went to Bay[field] with Tene
Mc[Ewen.]I got in with Mrs J.Pearson etc. Fine & Warm
Jno. [came] down P.M.
27. T. [I]Washed & made 9 pies P.M.Fa[ther was] 23
in C[linton this] even[ing.] Jno. [was]
at Mac's P.M. Mr Keys fetched B[ella] Very W[arm]
home [in the] evenfing. The] threshers**
[were here] all night[.]
28 . W .
29 T .
30 . F .
31. S .
1. S .
2. M.
[We] threshed [today and] Finis[hed at] 18
3 O'c[loc]k P.M. [We] gave [the] thresh- Fine & Very
ers [their] tea[.] Jno.[was]at W.Elliot's Warm
dance[.]
Mofther] S
t I[were] in C[linton] P.M. [The] 12
Boys [are] taking out manure[.] Laura Per- Raining
due [was here] P.M. Jno.took[the] machine Fine & Pleas-
to........B[ella] S
t Jennie [have] gone to ant.
the Master's[.
]
Choring-Churned etc.A[g] finis[hed] wash- 51
ing[.J B[ella came] home. a[g] & I [were]
at Ned['s this] even[ing.]
[I] Finis[hed] peeling, preserving making 14
pies etc. [out] of all the apples we have Fine & Cool
now[. I] Mended Fa[ther's duck's[.] Windy
September, 1895
Jno. S
t Fa[ther] & Jack............ 14
Fine, C[old]
W[ind]
[I] Mended Jno.’
s p[an]ts 14
Fine & Pleasant
3. T. Jane & I & Ifsabella] P[earl] [were] at Windy &
McTavishe's P,M. Ned [is] here plow- Very Warm
ing[.
]
4. W. Ned [was] plowing A.M. Raining P.M. [I]
Finis[hed] pieceing [the] log cabin
quilt[
. Edward] Glen Sr. [was here] for
tea[.
]
5. T. Fa[ther] walked to Cflinton.] I [was] up
at Craig'
s for strayed calves[.] Aggie
Butchart [was here] P.M. Jno. [was] sow
ing wheat[.]
6. F. [Jno] finis[hed sowing wheat and was] in
C[linton this] evenfing.] A[g] oiled [a]
half floor[
. I was] stitching [quilt]
blocks together[.]
7. S. [I]Finis[hed stitching blocks together.]
A[gJ fnis[hed] oiling [the] floor[.
] Jno.
sowed grass seed on [the] wheat [and]
Jack rolled[
. We] washed sheep [at the]
river[.]
8. S. Fa[ther] & I [were in Church](Rev. Stew
art.) [His sermon title was]"Covet earn
estly the best gifts[."]
46
Pleasant
Rain P.M.
21
Fine &
Warm
25
Fine &
Very Warm
18
Fine,
Cold,Windy
21
Pleasant
�September, 1895 214
9 . M.
10 . T .
Jno.trimming sheep[.] Jack [was] at[the]
mill [for] chop P.M. Jack plowing[
. I]
Finis[hed] pressing [the] quilt[.]
29
Slight Showers
Fine
B[ella] & I[were]in C[linton] mid-day[.
] Fine, 25
& Very Warm
11. W. A[g was]at Wigg[inton’
s P.M. B[ella was 17
in C[linton] P.M.[I]Cut out print shirt
waist[.]
12. T. [I]Pulled some corn A.[M.] & washed P.M.
[I was]at Ned's for Era & at Will’s [in
the] even[ing.]
17
H[igh] W[ind1
Slight R[ain]
Dull & Cooler
13. F. [I] Basted [a] blouse & fitted and stit 17
ched Mo[ther's basque[
. I peeled fell- Fine & Cold,
[ed] Talmans for sauce A.M. [The]girls Wind
[worked] at pies [this] evenfing.]
14. S. B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M.[to 29
get a bag of flour.]
15. S. A[g], B[ella] & I [were in church] (Rev. 21
Stewart.) "Sampson killed 600 Philis
tines with an ox goad[.]"
16. M ........ some of wheat fences[
.] Smith
called [about] cattle. I worked] at mak- Fine & Warm
ing Mo[ther]'s basque[.]
17. T. [I] Finis[hed Mother's basque and I]
minded geese etc. A[g] at Neds......
18. W. [I] Drove Fa[ther], Jno. & B[ella] to
Brucefield [station.] They went for an Storm, Dull
even[ing at] London Fair. Jennie [was Fine. Pleasant
here P.M. [I] Sold [a] p[ai]r [of] hens
to [the] Irwin Boys at [the] pump[. The
Hunter's [were there] for [a] drink[.]
19. T. [I] Sewed [the] quilt in [its] frame[.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. A[g was] Shower
sick[.
] Fine & Warm
20. F. Ned’s [have] gone to Hullett[Township.]
B[ella is] doing their chores[.] B[ella Fine & Very
was] at McTavish’
s P.M. quilting[
. I'm] Warm
Quilting [a] L[og] C[abin.]
21. S. [I] Finis[hed the Log Cabin at 1/2 16
past X P.M. Jno. walked to C[linton in
the] even[ing.
]
22. S. Fa[ther] & I [were in Church](Rev.Stew- 20
art.)........... .
23. M. [I] Bound[the] quilt[.] Fa[ther was] at 16
Moffat's funeral[. I] got roots etc. Fine,
ready[.] C[old] W[ind]
24 . T .
25. W.
A[g] & I[were]in C[linton taking]things
to [the] Fairf.
] Fa[ther was] judging
[today] at Exeter[.]Jno.[was in] C[lin-
ton at] night[.] Aunty [is] home[.]
18
Fine,
Cool W[ind.]
Fafther], Jno.,A[g], B[ella], Jack, Ned,
& I [were] at [Clinton] Fair[.] Auntie Fine & Warm
[was] at Ned's & Janet's] fighting
fires[.] Beetie & Will [were here] all
night[.]
�September, 1895 215
26. T. Fa[ther],Be[lla] & Wigg[inton's were]at 20
Cooper's[- I was] Peeling apples & H[eavy] Rain
pears[.] Fine & Warm
27. F. [I was] Peeling pears & ridding at yard 17
& cellar[.
] Fa[ther was] helping Ned
with[the] corn P.M. Jno.[was] in C[lin- C[old] W[imd]
ton] shipping Beetie’
s R[am]lamb[.
] A[g Fine
wasjat Ufncle] Ja[me]s['s]with pears[.]
B[ella was] at Aunty'
s[.]
28. S. The two Jno.'s,A[g], B[ella] & I lifted 12
potatoes!.] Fa[ther was] with Ned A.M. Dull, Cool,
Jno. [was] in Cflinton to]night[.] W[indy.]
29. S. Jno. [went to church in the] even[ing.] 20
Raining
30. M. [I was] Mending [and] Stuffing [the] 15
fence (for geese.) Finley [McEwen was Snowing,Hailing
here in the] even[ing.] 1st of the
season
1. T .
October, 1895
Jno. & B[ella] went to Sturdy'
s(
God- 26
erich Fair To-morrow.) [I] swept
wheat off[the]mow A.M. [I] Put 3 panes Fine,
in celler windows(M[ilk] room)& washed H[igh] W[ind,]
them P.M. Adam [Stewart],
Alice & Ethel
[
Parke were] at Ned'
s [this]even[ing.
]
2. W .
3. T .
A[g was] picking potatoes with Jane[.] 12
[I]Swept out the celler[.]Fa[ther was]
at Butchart's threshing A.M.& part P.M. Fine & Warm
Kids [stayed] home[.
]
Callers [today] - Glen, Aunty,Rev Stew- 13
art,wife & Robbie & Douglas[. I was] Beautiful
sewing rags[.] Ned & his Fa[ther] at
Seaforth P.M.
4. F. [I] Washed[.] Fa[ther was] at Andy Dun- 12
kin's[.] Alice & Ethel & Leonard Parke
called [here this] even[ing.] A[g] & I
[were] at U[ncle] Jno.'s [this] even
ting.]
5. S. [I] Cleanedfthe] hen-house A.M.,ironed 8
[and did] a little mending[.] Fafther
was]at U[ncle] Ja[me]s's A.M. A[g was]
in Cflinton] at Ellie's all night[.]
6. S. Aunty & I [were in] Cfhurch](Rev. Stew
art.) Jno. & Fen[wick went in the
evening.
]
7. M. Killed 8 chicks & a goose-the first[.]
A[g] & I [were] im C[linton] P.M. Raining,
C[ool] W[ind.]
8. T .
9. W.
I walked to C[linton with] post
cards[.] Fa[ther] started pulling Man-
gols[.] Jno.,A[g] &I [paid respects]
at Ross'esl2 [this] even[ing.]
16
Rainy, Hailing,
C[ool] W[ind],
Snowing
Fa[[ther] & I [were] at Dan Ross'es fu
neral P.M. [I was] Peeling pears &
apples A.M. Jennie[was here] P.M.& all
night[.]
8
Light Snowing,
Fine & Cold.
�October, 1895 216
10 T . Aunty, A[g] & I [were] at Bayfield[
We] called at Green's for Aunty[.]
Pedlar had lunch[
. The] Men[are] pul
ling & taking in Mangols[.]
8
Fine,
C[ool] W[ind.
11. F. Jno. & I [were] at Bayfield Fair P.M. Raining Morn-
ting] & even[ing,]
12 . S . [I] Found turkey nest [with] 14
eggs[.The] Men finis[hed] taking in
Mangols[.]
11
Fine
13 . S . Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[hurch](Rev.
Stewart.
)
4
C[ool] W[ind.]
14. M. [I] Killed 6 roosters[.]Jno.Thomson*
[was] blocking stones [down at the]
river P.M.Jane & I [drove] Queen in-
[to]C[linton] P.M. Jack[
was]at[the]
Wigg[inton's] threshing A.M.
5
Fine,
C[ool] Wind]
*The stone mason
15. T. [The]Boys[were]at U[ncle]Ja[me]s[*s]
threshing A.[M.]& [at]U[ncle]Jno.'
s
P.M. [We] pulled our pears &
apples[.] B[ella]& I [werejin C[lin-
ton] P.M. [for] flour[.
]
2
Fine
16. W. Fa[ther was]at Jas.Steep's sale P.M.
[I was] pulling peas[.The]
Boys[
were
at U[ncle] Jno’
s threshing A. [M.] &
W[illiam] Glen's P.M.
4
Showery
17. T. Fa[ther] & Jno. finis[hed] at Will’
s
[in the] morn[ing] & at Ned's [at]
1/2 past 4 O' c[loc]k[.]
3
Beautiful
Dan Ross in high
land regalia
�October, 1895 217
Jane & I[
were]in C[hurch](Rev. Hen
derson, Hensall.) Mrs & Jessie Wigg-
[inton were here] P.M. B[ella is]at
Grant's[P.M. I] Killed 4 Roosters
[and a] sheep[.]
Fa[ther]& I put furnace wood in[the] Hail &5
celler[.
] A[g] washed shirts etc. Snow Showers P.M.
Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[hurch(Rev.
Stewart.) Jno. & A[g were in Church
(Rev. Hamilton.)
[I] Put onions in[the] celler[.
] Fa- 4
[ther] walked to Clinton A.M. A[g] Snowing,
& I [were] building [a] goose-house Fine P.M.
P.M. B[ella] has quinsy[.]*
* an abscess between the tonsil and the pharynx
accompanied by severe sore throat and fever.
I [was] at Mrs Green's quilting[.]
Farther] & Jno. [were] pulling car-
ots[.
]
[Father & Jno.] Finis[hed pulling
carrots] & hauling [them] in[.I did
the] Churning & peeled app[le]s A.M.
[and] A[g] & I[were] building [the]
goose-h[ouse] P.M. A[g] boiling
mangols[.] Frank Keys called[.]
Mo[ther] & A[g were] in C[linton]
A[g] & I [worked] at [the] g[oose]-
h[ouse] A.M. [Ag did] ironing & I
did] washing P.M. Jno. [is] paving
[the] yard[.]
A[g] & I hauled barrels [of] water
from[the]well A.M. Shore dead sheep
& scrubbed P.M. Jane & kid [here]
P.M.
Fine & Nice
7
Fine, C[ool]
W[nd.]
3
Fine & Pleasant
Beautiful
A[g]&I[
were in Church](Houston,[an]
elder [and] Principal [of the]high Raining P.M.
school [preached]"Lamb in the midst
of the throne".) Jno. [went in the]
even[ing](Holmes, Methodist.
)
A[g] & I [spent] all day peeling
pears[
. I] Put in a little F[ire]
wood[.In the] even[ing I] mended Fa
ther's] p[an]ts & shirt & made 2
long & 3 short towels
Jack [was] plowing A.M.[He went in
to]Clinton on horse back[at]night[.]
Jno.[was]in C[linton]with grist P.M.
[We] put joists & T’
s in[the] goose-
house[.]A[g was]boiling for Jno.all
day[.] T -Killed[.] Horses & milch
cows[were] in[to]night(1st [time.])
3
Hail,Showers
3
Snowing
Killed goose & pigs P.M. Fa[ther
was] at Neds killing [pigs A.M. I Fine,a little milder
[was] in C[linton] P.M. Jno, Thom
son [was here] all night[.]
[I] Packed 4 hives [of]bees all but 2
some top chaff[.] Fa[ther] & [the]
mason [were] at[the] river[.] Mac’
s, Dull,Rain
Fen[
wick],Adam, J.Scott & us [were]
at Ned's [this] even[ing.]
18 . F .
19 . S .
20 . S .
21 . M.
22 . T .
23 . W.
24 . T .
25 . F .
26. S .
27 . S .
28 . M.
29. T.
30 W.
31 . T .
�November, 1895 218
Jno.[was] sawing [wood] with Mac[.]
Jack plowed some.... [I was] pick
ing up round[the] goose-h[ouse] etc.,
etc., [and] making [a] feed box[.
]
Carrie & Jennie[Grant] called[this]
even[ing.]
[I’
ve] almost finis[hed] making 2
feed boxes[.]Jno.[is] at Will's cut
ting [wood.] Jack [is] plowing etc.
[The] Mason went home [this] morn-
ting.] A[g] set up her stove [and]
boiled mangols etc.
A[g] & I [
were in Church.](Rev.Stew
art.) "Things which accompany sal
vation." Ada & Jno.[went at night.]
[I] c[leaned the] h[en] h[ouse],com-
pletedfthe] feed boxes etc.[I finis-
[hed] packing bees P.M. etc. Aunty
[came] home[.] Wiley around[.]Andy
Dunkin called[.]
Cleaned Bed-room, churned etc.[The]
Elliots [are] doing [a] road job
(gravelling.) Jno. Diehl calledf.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton this] even
ting. ]
[We]pulled & wheeled up cabbage P.M.
Jno.Cuming came to U[ncle]Jno.,s[.
]
[I was] in Cflinton] P.M. Mac’s,& D.
Campbell,U[ncle]Ja[me]s'
s & U[ncle]
Jno.'s, J. Scott etc., [were] here
[this] even[ing.]
1
1
Fine & Warmer
1
Very Warm
Rain
Rain
[I] Killed & dressed 5 geese [and I
was]in C[linton] P.M.[A]Glen* [was] Rainy
born [this] morn[ing.
]
^Abigail Glen, 1895-1979, youngest child of Wm. Glen
and Margaret Elizabeth Stewart. In 1913, she married
William Francis (Frank) Saunders(1884-1982) of Goder
ich[.]
[I] Peeled some Talmans([for]sauce),
Killed [a] hen[and] darnedsocks etc. Rainy,Snowing a
little.
A[g] & Ifwere in Church](Rev.McKay) Dull, a little snow.
"Rev[elation 22,Verse] 5 to end(The
great white throne etc.
"
Peeled some pears & churned A.M.Jno,
Allen called[in at] breakfast[.]Jno. Fine & Dull,etc.
Cuming [was] here[. I] Made a para
sol case [in the] even[ing.]
I[was]in Cflinton]in the]even[ing.
]
Jno. in C[linton, then] went to
U[ncle] Jno.’
s[. I] Killed 1 geese
& 5 gobs[.]
[I]Peeled kettle pears etc. Mrs Aik-
enhead & Mrs Mac [were here] P.M E[xtremely].
Magfgie came in the] even[ing.]B[el- H[igh} W[ind.]
la is]at Grant'
s[and the] Boys[are]
in [the] bush[.I] Picked 3 geese at
night[.]
1< p .
2. S.
3 . S .
4. M.
5. T .
6. W .
7. T .
8. F .
9. S.
10. S.
11, M.
12 . T .
13 . W.
�November, 1895 219
14. T. [I] Killed 7 turkeys[.] A[g] & I
[were] in C[linton] P.M. [The] Boys
[are] cutting wood these days[.]
15. P. Ridding wood-shed platform[. I] Put
in cellar windows & washed them[.
]
[I] washed two lard pails etc. A[g]
[did] ironing[.] Jane [was] at Aun
ty's P.M.
16. S. [I]Washed double windows, etc.Moth
er] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M.
Jack [went] home[.] Jno. [was] de
horning at U[ncle] Jno.’
s
17. S . Raining
A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch(Rev.Stew
art)Outline of Foreign Missions Jno.
[went in the evening.]
18. M. [I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse.]Ned
[was] in C[linton] & sold their 10
turkeys[.] Jack McGregor [is asking
people to come ] to [a] b[ee.I]kill-
4 geese[.]
19. T. [I killed]13 turkeys A.M. [I was]in
C[linton] P.M Jennie [was here] P.M.
& all night[.]Jack McGregor[had his]
bee & dance[.]
Rainy
Dull,
C[ool] W[ind. ]
Fine
Rain
Fine & Warm
Rain P
.AT. &
even[ing]
20. W . Mrs & Herb Dunkin called ( looking
for cattle.)[The] Elliots[came]here Snowing &
[and] took home Jack's sheep & Hard Frozen
calf[.]* Fa[ther] & Mo[ther were at
[a] singing p[ar]ty at Mac's [this]
even[ing.
]
*Jack Elliott appears to have taken
livestock as part payment for his hired
labour.
21. T. Jno. [was] hauling up wood [in the]
sleigh[.] Thanksgiving -I [was] at
[the annual Sabbath School] exam[.
] Snowing a little
Rev.Stewart & Lawyer Scott[did the]
examining[.] Rev. Smyth [of] Bruce-
field & Wife [were also] there[.]
Ned’
s[
were] here[for]
tea(
dinner)[.]
Aunty [was here] all night[.]
22. F. Mac's, D.Campbell, Ned's & Us[were]
at U[ncle] Jno.'s [at] night[.] Dull, Snow
23. S. Jno. [was] at Ned's cutting [wood.]
B[ellla] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Snowed a little.
[with the] cutter[♦]
24. S. A[g] & I [went to] Church [in the]
cutter(Rev. Stewart.)......... ...[I] Fine
stayed with I[sabella] P[earl this]
even[ing.
]
25. M. [I] Made Fa[ther]'s duck p[an]ts[.]
A[g]washed kitchen plaster[and]B[el-
la washed] paint[.]
26. T. [I] Cleaned H[en] & goose houses &
changed roosts[.]Beetle drove Mr Can-
telon out & had dinner[.] Fa[ther] &
[Cantelon were] at Innis's, Wigg[in
ton]'s[and in] C[linton. I worked on
a] basque [this] even[ing and] made
Button-holes & sewed buttons [for]
Jno.
Snow, Thaw,
Raining.
Freezing,
Snow Flurries.
�November, 1895 220
Fa[ther] & C[antelon, a] sheep buyer,
[were] at Cooper’
s, etc. [We] Washed
sheep[.] Aunty [is] at Ned’sf. Kenne
dy was] round buying turkeys[.I]made
Button-holes in [a] p[ai]r[of]
Jno.'s
cuffs[.]
Ja[ne] & A[g were] buying turkeys &
geese A.M.Fa[ther] & C[antelon[were]
at Dunkin’
s, etc. Jno.[was] at Mac’
s
threshing P.M. I [was] in C[linton]
P.M.[driving] Queeny[.]Kids at Mac's
party[.]
Fa[ther] & C[antelon][were] in C[lin-
ton, then] at Snell’s for dinner[.]
Hired a livery & went to Sturdy's
etc,.P.M.* Jno. [was]at Mac’s thresh-
A.M. [I] Churned & sewed[a] shoe P.M.
*The MacFarlane horse needed a rest
Fa[ther] & C[antelon were]at Diehl'
s,
[then] at Wigg[inton'
s]for dinner[.]
Jno. [went] c[ailing] in C[linton]
[this] even[ing.I was] at Jane’
s A.M.
for 2 hours[
. We] traded for pul-
lets[.] Will & Ned [were] in C[lin-
ton] moving out their fa[ther]’
s
stuff[.]
December, 1895
Mrs Jas.Elliotl^ [of]Hullett died[.
]
A[g] & I[went in the buggy to church
(Rev. Stewart) Ecc XI1-13-14 speci-
ally-The whole duty of man(
Admit,sub
mit, Commit, Transmit.
) Wigg[intons
came] for tea[.
]
Cantelon & Jno. [were] in Cflinton]
A.M.,at[the] Master’
s P.M. [and at]
Cooper's all night[.They drove]Mary
[in the cutter.]Foster Brigham[came]
P.M[and]Mother went back with him[.
]
S. Moffatt called & Andy Mekin with
him[.
] Aunty [was here] all night[
.
I] Washed [my] hair[.
]
Fa[ther] & C[antelon were] in C[lin-
ton] P.M. A[g] Washed[
. I was] mend
ing[an]old b[lac]k cashmere skirt[.]
Fa[ther] & C[antelon] went to C[lint-
on] to ship - Jno., Jack, & Ned took
up [the] sheep(20 Rams.)
I[was] in C[linton] P.M. Jno.[was]at
[the] mill P.M. [and at] W[illiam]
Beacom's [for] oats [in the] even-
[ing.]
Jno.[was]at Beacom's getting oats[.]
Jno. & J[a]ck [were] at [the] mill
P.M. [I] Cleaned[the] H[en] H[ouse.]
[Mr & Mrs] Brigham & Mother arrived
P.M. [The Brigham's] & Aunty [stayed
all] night[.] Jane[was over] in[the]
even[ing.
]
B[righam]’
s went home P.M. Jno.[was]
at Ned's cutting [wood] P.M. T[om]
Frazer(sic) called P.M.
Fine, sunshiny,
softened a very
little.
Fine, Softened
more.
Big Flake
Soft Snow P.M.
Fine, Dull
Drizzly, Snow
Snowing
Fine
Snowing
Fine,Flakey
Drizzley
Light Snow
27 . W.
28. T.
29. F .
30 . S .
1. S .
2. M.
3. T .
4. W.
5. T.
6. F .
7. S .
�December, 1895 221
Very Cold
Hands Freezing
A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch in the]
cutter{Rev. Stewart.) "And Saul eyed
David from that day and forward."Jno.
[went to church n the] even[ing.] I
stayed with I[sabella] Pfearl this]
evenfing.]
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton and] I
[was] in C[linton] P.M. Jno.[was] at
Ned's cutting [wood] A.M.
Dull, A
little warmer
[I] Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse. [Ed
ward] Glen Sr.*[was here] for tea[.
] Fine, Dull
Ned, Will & Adam [were] here cutting
wood.] Jack went home at U........
Jno.Tomson & Harry [were] at U[ncle]
Ja[me]s‘
s all night[after] taking[a]
bull to Clinton[.]
*Now a widower, he’
s moved in with
William & Lizzie across the road.
Fa[ther went to] Guelph[to] judge[in
the] Stock Show[. I] Drove [him] to
[the] station[.] B[ella] & I[were]in
C[linton] P.M. Bella[was] at Grant's
all night [and the] Boys [were there
in the] even[ing.]
Cold S. & W.
Slight Snow
Drift, E[ast]
W[ind.]
Jno.[was] at Will’
s cutting[.]I[was]
choringf.
] Bella Cuming[was] here[.]
Her, Adam, Lilly, A[g], Jno. & B[el-
la were] at Mac’
s [this] even[ing.]
Fa[ther arrived] home [at] night[.]
3 [degrees F]at night.
[I] Mended Jno.’
s vest & Fa[ther]'s
anorek & shirt[.] Jno. & Geo. Elliot
called [this] even[ing.]
8 [degrees F.]
at 9 A.M. 10
[degrees F] all
day in veranda.
a little warmer
[I] Put button-holes & buttons on Mo-
[ther]’
s basque[and I] Mended Jno.'s
shirt P.M.
A[g] & B[ella were in church.] Jno.
[went in the evening.{Rev.
Hamilton.
)
A[g],B[ella] & Aunty [were] in C[lin-
ton.] Ned & Jane[were]up moving Glen
Sr. into [the] Cantelon house[.* I]
Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse.] Geo.
Elliot called [in the] morningf.
]
Fine & Soft
Fine, E[ast]
W[ind.]
* I always understood from Isabel, Jack & Don
Glen that their grandfather Glen lived his
last six years (1895-1901) on the home place.
Ned & Will must have moved a small house onto
the home place to give the dad peace & privacy.
William & Lizzie’
s 4 children were all under 7.
Fa[ther was] at R. Marshell'
s(sic)
[and] bought 2 pigs[.] I cleaned kit
chen stove pipes A.M. Papering [the]
kitchen ceiling - [We’
re] 1/2 done &
more[.
] Jno.[was] at Will's, moving
[the] wood-shed[.
]
A. Marshell brought [us our] pigs[.]
Jno.helped kill [a] heifer & pigs[.}
[I continued] Papering[.]
[I] finis[hed papering [the] walls &
ar[ranged[a] box etc.Jno.& A[g were]
in C[linton]P.M. Jno.Cuming went out
with them to U[ncle3 Jno.’
s[.]Jennie
Grant[was here] all night[.]
Raining
Thawing & Fair
Raining
Raining
Raining
8 . S .
9. M .
10. T.
11. W.
12 . T .
13 . F.
14 . S .
15 . S .
16. M.
17 . T .
18 . W.
19 . T .
�December, 1895 222
The four children of William Glen & Lizzie
Stewart about 1897 or 981 The boy front-cen
tre is Edward C. (Eddie) Glen(1892-1962).The
girls left to right are:Mary (Mrs Gabe Elliott
1888-1972), Abbie 1895-1979 Mrs Frank Saunders)
and Bessie (1891-1969 Mrs Frank How.)
20 . F .
21. S .
22 . S .
23 . M.
24. T.
[I] Finis[hed] papering etc. Finley
[McEwen] called[.] Fa[ther was] at
U[ncle] Ja[me]s’
s
Fa[ther] & Mo[ther were] salting
meat[.I] Churned etc.B[ella] cleaned
[the] pantry & A[g cleaned] Jno.'s
stair[.]
Fen[wick Stewart was] here [in the]
even[ing.] Jno. & A[g went to church
at night.
]
Jno. & I[were] in C[linton]P.M. B[el-
la] made [a] Cake. Mince pies etc.
Raining
Fine £ Dull
Raining
Dull,Fine
Rain P.M.
Picked goose & wiped out B[ed]-room[.
]
Ned & I[sabella] P[earl][were]here[.
]
G[eorge]T[homas] Baird called[in the]
even[ing to issue a general invi- Raining P.M.
tation to Gilmore's p[ar]ty[.]* B[el-
la has] gone to Grant'
s[.]
* Two points: George Thomas Baird(1873-1963)
was the Master's 3rd son. He farmed his
whole life on the ancestral acres. Lot 21
Con II. Telephone service was still 14
Years in the future. It was standard procedure
pop a post card in the mail or call at house
holds personally to look for help in threshing
and other bees or to proffer hospitality.
Gilmore's, who lived on lot 24, Con III, 3 lots
north of Baird's, delegated the inviting to
22-year-old George Thomas.
�26 .
27 .
28 .
29.
30.
31 .
25.
1
2.
December, 1895 223
T .
F .
W. Ned & [the] Boys[were]lifting fences
A.M.* Ned, Jane & I[sabella] P[earl]
& Aunty [were here] all day[.I] star
ted Jno.'s p[an]ts[.] Jno.[was] at
Gilmore’
s party[.]
Making at [Jno.'s pants.] Fa[[ther]
at school meeting[•
]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. [for]
grist[. I] Cleaned[the] H[en] H[ouse
and was] Making p[an]ts[.]B[ella was
at Aunty's making Mo[ther]'s pres-
ent[.
]
S. [We] Finis[hed Jno.'s pants and Moth
er's present.] Jno.[was] in C[linton
at] night [a] Rooster [from]Beetie’
s
[in] London[.]
S. A[g] & I [went to church in the]
buggy[.](Rev. McDonald,Seaforth.)Jno,
[went to church and] I stayed with]
I[sabella] P[earl in the] even[ing.]
M. Jno. [was] at Wigg[inton’
s] moving
[the] barn[.
] Stonehouse calved[
. I]
Killed old Mary [the] Goat [and I]
Mended Cap & Erat[.]I[sabella]P[earl
[was] here [while] Ned[was] at [the]
Varna Nomonation [meting.]
Fine
Bees Flying
Snowing, Sottish
Fr[oze] a little
Snowed a little
evenfing]
Fine, a little
sottish.
Snowing
T . Geo. at home[.] Knit mit[.] Snowing & 4
Drifting, H[igh]
Probably Tena Baird 1870-1958. She was the Master's daughter,
younger,but near in age to Lib, Jane & Ag. She never married
and lived her whole life on the Baird home place. Con II, Lot
21.
In cold weather, a way to remove the damp and chill from bed
sheets was to wrap a brick or bricks in newspaper and heat
them in the oven of the wood stove and then insert them
between the sheets.Some warm bricks could be left at the foot
of the bed to keep one's feet warm. One could make things
more ritzy by putting knitted or cloth coverings on the
bricks. My late mother said she rather liked the pungent
smell of hot newsprint when she took hot bricks to bed.
Maud Scott Christie was the 3rd wife of the Rt. Hon.
James G. Gardiner, longtime federal Minister of Agriculture.
Mary Glen was seriously ill.
4.
4
litt
2
Lttl
5
3
3.
�5 .
fi.
Probably Mrs Finley McEwen, the former Catherine Ross,
and sister of Dan Ross, husband of Mary Emma Stewart.
Spraying of apple trees
Fitzsimmons was a butcher in Clinton.
Ned Glen tried for quite a while to dig a well
near the barn. He wanted to build a better farm
house nearer to the barns, but he held off until
he could be assured of aplentiful water supply.
Eventually he was forced to drill a well.
No relation to her mother's family of Stewart’
s
10
11.
12.
13.
*The 1890’
s and early 1900's are years of many
barn raisings. The growth of cities in Ontario
and the opening of the west, caused Ontario far
mers to switch to mixed farming to supply meat,
butter, eggs, poultry and prioduce to the city.
The pioneer barns were raised on stone or cement
foundations for cowstables. John Diehl farmed on
Lot 25 Con IV, five farms south of MacFarlane'
s.
The men who owned and operated the threshing mill
and steam engine. Probably Bill Perdue and sons.
By putting up the threshers for the night, they
could work late getting everything ready, so that
no time was lost getting started in the morning.
& , * • ! * * «**■ f i m k L
/tt^ A
c % ' >
Iqhrt f ' V I
I*;/-fd>
hv
G c c ^
/
f
t
,
Qr»fy,
J ) ^ \
6.
7 .
8
9.
22-^f
0
rd
e
. FJe*JU£k*
�THE DIARY OF ELIZA-ANN MACFARLANE:1896
The Year of Edward John Glen
January, 1896
225
1. W. Ned, Jane & Ifsabella] P[earl and] Jen- 8
nie G[rant were here] P.M. A[g], Jno., Flaky A.M.
B[ella] & Jennie [were] at Wise's par- Fine P.M.
ty[. The] girls drove [the] cutter[.]
George [was] back [at] night[.]*
*George Elliot, on probation
to become new hired man.
2. T. B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton.]
Jennie 2
[went] with us to [help clean at the] Snowing, a
school[house.Fa[ther was] at Avery's[. little windy
We] brought Geofrge] in[to the] house
P.M.
3. F .
4. S.
5. S.
[I] Finis[hed] [the] mitts[
. George]
went home[. The] Kids [were]at Aunty's Stormy &
8
P.M. Jane [was] in P.M. Hawkshaw & Dun-
kin called [at] night[.]
Snowing
Mending & darning[.]
Stormy &
Snowing
2
Jno. [took the] cutter [to church in 5
the] even[ing.
] 8 below [zero
in] even[ing]
6. M. Jno.hauled up [a] load of limbs[.] Mo- 2
[ther is] Cardingf.I] Started [a] mit Dull, low
& darned stockings [and] Made an hand- drifts.
kerchief[.]
7. T. [I]Made [a]
Comfortable for Geo[rge]’
s
bed,washed ganzies & [a] p[ai]r[of]
stockings [and] darned [one] p[ai]r
[of] stockings[.]
8. W. [I] Killed goose, gob & turkey hen[.]
Lizzie [Glen] took [the] goose[.] Jno.
& I [were] in C[linton] P.M. [in the]
cutterf.
] Jno., Will[iam] G[len] & Ad
am[were] in C[linton in the] even[ing
to hear] speakers{M.C. Cameron & [Sir
Richard] Cartwright, [federal Liber
als. ]
)
9. T. [I] Quilted Bella's "Crazy" Stuff
quilt[.] Fa[ther]walked to Cflinton.]
Lizzie McTavish [was here] P.M.
6
S[ome] more
snow,Fine P.M.
1
Some snow &
Cold Wind.
6
S[ome] Snow &
some drift
Warmer, Calm
10. F. Jas. Renolds' boys [stayed] for din-
ner[.They were here] buying horses[.]
Jessie Wigg[inton was here] P.M. Par
ty at W[illy] Glen's [to]night[.* I]
Cleaned[
the] hen-house[and] Bathed[.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] with Ned P.M.
[driving] colt [with] sleigh[.
]
*My late father
told me that in this period, in the S.S. #1-S.S #10
areas, the families arranged that somewhere every
Friday night, there was a house party. Cards (pro
gressive euchre) would be followed by a midnight
"lunch." The host would brew tea and coffee and the
sandwiches, cookies stc. were furnished by the
guests. Local fidddle players supplied music for
dancing which might go on till sunrise. By having it
on Friday night,the party would not violate the Sab
bath
2
Round W[hite]
Frost sticking
on things
�XX. s
12 . S
X3. M
X4 . T
15 . W
16 . T
17 . F
18 . S
19. S
20. M
21 . T
22 . W
23 . T
24. F
January, 1896
. [I] Put 2 panes [of] glass in [the]
frame & put it in [the] goose-h[ouse]
door & stuffed cracks with P[utty
and]straw[.j Jno.took up[a] load [of]
limbs P.M.
. [I have been] binding books[,]1 Jno. &
Ned G[len went to a]political meeting
in C[linton.]
. Binding [illegible]
. Bound[illegible] etc. [I] Melted snow
P.M. [I] Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse]
A.M. A[g] & B[e 11a were] at U[ncle]
Ja[mes]'s P.M. [I] Called on U[ncle]
Ja[me]s & Aunty [in the] even[ing.]
. A[g was] in Cflinton] P.M.Adam [came]
home with her[.
] Jno. [was] at Will's
crushing P.M. I washed A.M.
. Mending & bound S[abbath] Sfchool]
Times [in the even[ing[.] Jno. [was]
at Aikenhead’
s dance[.] Mr & Mrs W.
Cooper [came]for tea[.]
. Jno. [was] at W[m] Glen’
s cutting
wood[.
] Geo. Sturdy Sr. [was here]for
tea[.I cleaned the] H[en] H[ouse and]
Bound 2 vol[umes in the] even[ing.]
. A[g] & I [were in church](Rev. Stew
art.) Texts "The Widow’
s Mite." Jane
[went in the] even[ing and] I stayed
with B[ella]P[earl for the]even[ing.
]
. [I] Put [a] lining in Fa[ther]'s over
coat sleeves[
. I] Darned & faced
Jno.’
s mits etc. [in the] even[ing.
]
. [I] Washed a few flannells etc. A.M.
Dennison called on the sleigh P.M.
Lizzie [Glen was] here P.M.[Bella is]
at J. Pearson's dance-[Bill] McEwen
asking[.
] Jno.[was] at Ned's crushing
[and I was] binding etc.
. [John was at Ned’
s] Cutting [wood. I
did] Darning, mending etc. Sparrow at
barn J. McEwen [was]here [this] even
ting.]
. U[ncle] Ja[me]s [is] sick[.I was] at
Ned's [on an] errand[.
] Jno.[was] in
C[linton] P.M.
[I’
m] Knitting [a] quilt pattern
[L[og] C[abin] June ’94[.] Jno.Scott
called P.M. with pedegrees[. John]
Cuming [was] here[this] even[ing on
his way to "Aunty Maggie’s" dancef.
]
226
5
Raw Wind,Dull
2
Stormy P.M.
1
Some Snow
& storm
4
0
Fine
3
Fine
1
Dull
1
Soft Snow
2
light
snow falling
2
light snow
falling
1
Fine & Dull
4
Colder,
Cold E[ast]
Wind.
1
C[old] E[ast]
wind & rain.
.
2
c[old] E[ast]
wind, sleet,
Warmer,gone by
even[ing.]
�January, 1896 227
25. S. Ned & Will [were]here cutting[wood.] 4
W. McEwen [was here] P.M. [I] short- Calm,
e,ned five p[an]ts etc. Aunty [was] Snow Soft
here P.M. [I] Started Silence Cover
[this] even[ing.
]
26. S. A[g] & I [were in church] (Rev. Stew- Drifting a
art.) Text: "Our Birthrights.” Jno. & little, Fine.
Ad[am went in the] even[ing.
]
27. M. [I] Finis[hed] S[ilent]Cover[.1 Finis- 6
[
hed a pair of mitts].............
Fa[ther was] at U[ncle] Ja[mes]'s[. Beautiful
(He] drove[.]) Jno. [was] at [the]
mill [for] chop P.M.
28. T. J. Avery [was here this] morn[ing.] 2
Mac[came] P.M. A[g] & I went with him Fine, Dull
& Mr & Mrs Wiley, Gemmel Aikenhead &
M ac'
s[.We] went to see [the] poor-
house* & [then were] bac[k] for tea...
[We] Quit milking A[g]'s Heifer. [I]
Killed [an] old turkey[*]
*The Huron House of Refuge,aka
Huronview. Sam Cooper had erected a large white brick
main building just the previous year. It was the first
farm on the Tuckersmith side of the London Road, going
south out of Clinton. People without means or who were
unemployed lived austerely there at taxpayer's expense.
The able-bodied were required to work on the farm. A lot
of physically and mentally challenged people, lacking
family willing or able to care for them ended up there.
In 2001, there is a project to tend and restore the
graves of residents who died there. During Eliza-Ann's
lifetime, it was considered disgraceful for one to let
any blood relation end up in the "poor house."
29. W. [I] Washed A.M. Jno.[was] at Jack Me- 5
Donald’
s[.]*Geo.Sturdy & Miss Driver Fine, Warm
[arrived]A.M. [and she stayed] all
night[.] Annie & Lizzie [were here]
P.M. * Lot 19 Con I
30. T. A[g] drove Miss D[river] to Grant's 6
A.M. Mr & Mrs Rob.Thompson[came for]
dinner & tea[.
] A[g] & B[ella were] Middling Soft
in C[linton] P.M. Ned's [were]at U[n-
cle] Ja[mes]’
s...................
31. F. Kate Pearson, kids, & Jane [were] at 6
U[ncle] Jno.'s [I] Washed in [the]
celler A.M. W. Cudmore & Turnbull
9horse buyers) called P.M.
February, 1896
1. S. [I] Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse] & 4
Goose H[ouse[.] Jno. [was] in Bruce-
field with a load of Ned's lambs[.] Misty,Raining
B[ella] & Aunty [were over] seeing
U[ncle] Ja[me]s[.]
2. S. A[g] & I[were] in C[hurch] (Rev.McKay, Frozen, a
Toronto, Sec[retary] of Foreign Mis- little icy,
sions.)Text Romans XIII-12-14"Put ye Sun, thaw
on the Lord Jesus Christ[.]" Jno. 6
[went in the] even[ing.]
3. M. Nedfwas] here sawing wood[.X]sabella
P[earl was] here[.I’
ve been] mending Stormy
[my] own clothes etc.
6
�February, 1896
[I] Finis[hed] hemstitching bleached
cotton pillow-cases[.]Ned [was] here
[sawing wood and] he & Jno.[were] in
C[linton this] even[ing,going in]his
sleigh[.A] Tin pail pedler[was here]
P.M. Finleyfwas here this]even[ing.]
Fafther was] at Avery’
s for 5 lambs
& 1 shearling[.]
Ned [was] here[. A[g] & Jane [were]
in C[linton] mid-day[.] The Dennis
on’
s [were] at[the] barn[. I was]let
ting down [the] hem on [a] water
proof[
.]
[I worked some more on the water
proof's hem. I also was] making [a]
print apron (B[lac]k like [
my]
dress[.] Jno. & Mac [were] at Cald-
er’s [and] Ned [was here[.]
[John and Malcolm McEwen were at Cal-
der’
s and Ned was here.] Jane & I
[went to] church in C[linton.The]Rev.
[Mr Stewart's] Text: 2 Cor[inthians]
,
V[erse] 21: "For he hath made him to
be sin for us etc.” Aunty [was] here
[and] Jno. Green called[
. His daugh
ter] Abby [is] sick[.
]
[I] Finis[hed the] apron, mended [a]
waist,starched [a] collar [and]clean
ed [the] H[en] H[ouse. An]Apple tree
pedler [stayed] for dinner[
. We are]
getting cherries[.]
A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch](Rev.Stew
art.) Text: Col[ossians] III,v[erse]
3 "For ye are dead, and your life is
hid with Christ in God." Adam & Jno.
[went at night.]
Jno.[was] at Ned'
s [and the] Ram[is]
at Ned's this week[.
] Woon called[.]
Adam[came]after[a]horse power rod[.]
[I'm] Making a print blouse[.]
[I] Finifshed] all but the button
holes & but[tons on the blouse.I]fin
ished] the w[ool] mittensf.] Adam &
Jno. walked to C[linton.]
[I] Finis[hed the] blouse [but]
changed [the] collar. Jno. [was] at
U[ncle] Jno’
s cutting [wood.] [A]
Horse kicked a calf & stunned it[.]
Fa[ther was] at Ned’
s.] Dennison's
[were] here [and] bought [the] big
bull[.
]
Saved shoe[.]A[g] &[I were]at Jane's
P.M. Jno. [was] at[the]Mill A.M.fand
in] C[linton] P.M.
Jno.[and] B[ella were] at Ned’
s[and]
Jane’
s P.M. [I] lengthened Jno.’
s
sleeve [and] Washed a little[.][
I
]
[I] Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse and]
Ripped & cut [a] pattern off Jno.’
s
overalls[
. I] Bound [a] Book [in the
even[ing.] Jno. [was] with Ned [and]
Fa[ther was] hauling up wood[.]
228
4
Soft
light snow
6
Fine
6
4
6
Light Snow
5
Snow, Warmer
4
Stormy & Snowy
4
Stormy & Snowy
2
Stormy night
5
Stormy
1
Some Stormy,
Froze
3
Sottish
Warmer
4. T «
5. W.
6. T .
7. F .
8. S .
9. S .
10. M.
11. T.
12 . W.
13 . T .
14. F.
15 . S .
�February, 1896
A[g] & I [were]in C[hurch](Rev.Stew
art. )
[We were] at Ned's P.M.for flour[.
]
Jno........... walked the bull to
Dennison's [and] Fa[ther drove over
afterward[
. The] Alice horse [is]
sick[.
]
Jno. [was] at Ned's[. I’
m] Mending
Fa[ther]’s old brown coat........
...1st Lambs - a double
a thripple
a double lambs
B[ella] & I[were] in C[linton] A.M.
Jno.& I [were] at Jno. Ross[’
s] fu
neral P.M.2 I had tea at Ross’s[.]
Jno. walked to C[linton] P.M. Adam
[was here] for dinner [but] stayed
at Ned's P.M. Mending at coat[.
I] Bound a volume book [this] even
ting. ]
[I]Finis[hed mending the coat[and]
Made sticks for 2 books etc. Jno.
breaking road P.M.
[I] Bound 4 vol[ume]s & pasted 1,
which makes 18 this winter(I think.)
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. Ned
[was] in. [He] had[a] colt hitched
in [the] cutter[.] 2 lambs.
Jno. [went to church in the] even
ting.]
[I]Cleaned[the] H[en]H[ouse. I]
Mended [the] wrists of Jno.’
s coat
P.M. A[g] & I[were] at Ned’
s[this]
even[ing.]
Ned, Jane & Bella [were] in C[lin-
ton] P.M. I stayed with I[sabella]
P[earl. The] Rev.[Mr.] Stewart &
Mary called P.M. [I did some] Hem-
Stitching P.M. Bfella] stayed with
[the] baby [this] even[ing.] A[g,]
Jno., Geo[rge] & I [were] at [the]
prayer-meeting at Ross’
s[.]
[I]Washed a little A.M. Finley [Mc-
ewen] called A.M. collecting [for
The] Bible Society[.] B[ella] & I
[were] in C[linton] P.M.
Jno.[was]in C[linton] P.M. I clean-
ed [my] bed-room, etc, etc. Carrie
[Grant was] at Jane's P.M. [and]
here all night[.]
[I went] to C[linton] after dinner
with Will[iam] Glen[.I] finis[hed]
hemmming [the] pillow-case[.] 2
lambs died.[.]
B[ella] & I quilted (tacked) her
silk quilt P.M. Jno. [was]in C[lin-
ton] P.M. [for] grist[.] Fa[ther
was] at Wigg[inton’
s] A.M.
16. S.
17 . M.
18 . T .
19. W.
20. T.
21 . F .
22 . S .
23 . S .
24. M.
25 . T .
26. W.
27 . T.
28 . F .
29. S .
1
1
1
1
1
229
�March, 1896 230
1. s . A[g] & I [were in Church] Rev.Stew
ard.] Jno.[went in the]
even[ing.
]
12
C[old] N[ortherly]
W[ind], Stormy P.M.
2. M. [I] Mended Jno's p[an]ts & bound 3
vol[ume]s etc. Sheep died[.]
7
C[old] W[ind]
Drifty
3. T . [I] Bound [a] book[.
] I [was] at
Jno. Pearson's Ada & Annie [Stew
art [were here] P.M..... .......
14
C[old] N[orth]
W[ind], Fine,
Sunny
4. W. [I]C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse] A.M.
I [was] in C[linton] P.M. Fa[ther]
[was]in with [the] sleigh for [an]
old cutting box[.
]
13
5. T . I [was] at A[lex.] Innis’
s carpet-
rag bee P.M. [The] Red H[eifer]cow
calved[.] Cutting P.M. Adam's[.]*
*Probably corn
26
Fine
6. P . [I was] binding books & basting[.]
Fafther was] at [the] school. Jno.
[was] at Ned's[-]
16
Thaw, Rain
7. S . Jno.[was] hauling logs to[the saw]
mill with Ned[.
] Geo[rge] gone to
C[linton] P.M. [I] Finis[hed bind
ing books.
]
33
Snowed
Stormy P.M.
8. S. A[g] & I[were in Church](Rev. Stew
art.) [The] text [of his sermon was]
"Christ’
s genealogy." Jno. [went in
the] evenfing.] 1st 2 goose eggs
21
Stormy & Warm
9. M • [I was] Pasting Fa[ther]'s old dict
ionary etc.
, etc.
27
Sunshiny
10 . T . [I] C[leaned[the] H[en] H[ouse] A.M.
[and] finis[hed] pasting books &
mending P.M. Jno. [was] at[the]mill
[with] oats[for]chop A.M.& in C[lin-
tonj P.M.
20
Sunny
11 . W. Jno.[was] at [the] mill twice[.] Mr
Patterson of Bluevale [was here]all
night[.] I started knitting Andalus
ian mittens[.]
17
Very cold
E[ast] W[ind]
12. T. Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. 20
[Very cold] N[orth
Wind]
13 . F . [I] Washed[.] Jno. [was] at Ned's
cutting[.] B[ella] has gone to
Grant'
s[.]
14
14 . S . [Jno. was at Ned's] crushing[.]Geo
is gone[.] A[g] & I [were] in C[lin
ton] P.M.
C[old] N[orth]
- W[ind], Clear
14
15. S. A[g] & I [were in church](Rev.Aches-
on, Kippen.)
14
Warmer
16. M. [I] Finis[hed the] factory pillow- 12
slips[.] Jno. is hauling logs to
C[linton] with Mac (bee)[.Mr] Tough
[was here] all night[.]
Warmer
�March, 1896 231
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[linton in 13
the]
cutter A.M. B.Marshel[was here] Beautiful
P.M. & R. Newton called[.] Spotty
calved[.]
[I] Washed [a] pillow etc., etc., & 17
2 p[ai]r of old p[an]ts[.] A[g]
walked to C[linton.] Jno.[was] haul- Dull, Wanner
ing wood.
] Mr & Mrs Jno. McGregor
[were here this] even[ing.]
[I’
ve been] knitting[.] Jno.[was]at 23
Will's cutting[.
] Snowed, Stormy
Jno. [was] at Will's crushing P.M. 20
Jno.McNaughton[was]here P.M. I[was] Fine, Warmer
McTavish'es carpet rag bee P.M.
Knitting some A. & P.M. etc. H[igh] S[outh] 26
Wind & Thawing
Robert Newton* arrived [this] even- 35
[ing.] Jno. [went to church [this] Blustery
even[ing in the] cutter[.] *new hired man
[I was] knitting[.] Jno. [was] in 22
C[linton ] P.M. for salt etc.I [was] Fine, Dull,
at Will's [in the] even[ing.] Warmer
Jno.[was] at Couch’
s sale & B[ella] 28
[was] in Cflinton] P.M. [I] Washed Cold, Souther-
Fa[ther]’
s smock & p[an]ts P.M. ly Wind
A[g was] at Glen's [this even[ing.]
Mr & Mrs & Parkes...............
Jno.[was] in C[linton] A.M. shoeing 36
"Horse." Cooper & Robertson of St. Thawing P.M.
Mary's [were here] for dinner....
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M...... 35
Mrs Dunk[McEwen] & Bessie & Mrs Fin- Northerly
ley McEwen [were here] P.M. Blustering
Jno. & Ned[were] at W.Mustard’
s for 31
seed oats[.] I[went into] C[linton] Fine,
in [the] cutter P.M. C[old] W[ind]
Fafther] walked to Clinton[.I]Finis- 36
[hed the] mits & started [a] 2nd Thawing
pair[.
] Mac & D[uncan] McEwen [were Raining, C[old]
here this] even[ing.] W[ind.]
Dewdrop calved [a] heifer[.The]Rath- 29
well bridge (at Ned's) [is] part Raining, Thaw-
gone[ -]3........................ ing, Froze
Cutting P.M. Adam [was here] for Thawing 29
tea[.]........................ Frost
Overcasted B[ella]...cashmere skirt 51
P.M. Thawing,Warmer
April, 1896
Overcasted B[ella] waist Jno. walk- 33
ed to C[linton] P.M. A[g] [was]scrub- High E[ast]
bing [in the]school[house] P.M. W[ind]
Fa[ther] & A[g] & B[ella] & Ada etc. 41
[were] at [the Sabbath] school exam* Stormy &
P.M. [I]Ironed collars,pillow-cases. Snowing
etc. Us girls [were] at U[ncle]
[James's this] even[ing.]
17 . T .
18 . W.
19. T.
20 . F .
21 . S .
22 . S .
23 . M.
24. T.
25. W.
26 . T .
27 . F .
28 . S .
29. S.
30 . M.
31. T .
1. W.
2 . T .
�April, 1896
232
3. F .
4. S.
5. S .
6. M.
7. T.
8. W.
9. T .
R[obert] Nfewton was] in C[linton
P.M. Jno.[was] at McTavish'es look
ing for oats[.] Knitting
Jno. [was] at Mac’
s cutting P.M*
Castles [were here] for tea[.]
I [walked to church this] morn[ing]
(Rev. Stewart.) Jno. [went in the]
even[ing.] Jno. Elliot & H. Marshal
[were here] for dinner[.]
Knitting A.M. etc. I [was] in C[lin-
ton] P.M. Jno. was] in C[linton A.M.
[in the] wagon [with] Fen[wick.The]
Men killed sick sheep[.
]
[Knitting A.M. etc.and] button-hol
ed centre for doilly[.] Jno. [was]
at J. McQueen's etc. Jno. & Rob
ert[were] in[the] bush with Ned P.M.
Newton, A[g], Jno., B[ella] & Adam
[were] at Mac’
s [this] even[ing.]
Jno. [was] at Jno. McQueen's for
oats[which he] got chopped in Bruce-
field[.
] New[ton was] with Ned P.M.
Frogs[!]
Frozen
Cleared up P.M.
51
38
36
Fine, Sunshiny
30
Light Frost
38
Warmer, [then]
Frozen
33
Warm & Still
20
[John and Robert were] both [with
Ned] P.M. [for] a while. Fa[ther] Sleet & Rain P.M.
walked to C[linton.]
Jennie[was here C[old] E[ast] W[ind]
this] even[ing. I] Tore some rags,
knit etc.
10 . F .
11 . S .
12 . S .
13 . M.
14 . T .
15 . W.
16. T.
[
Robert] New[ton was here] P.
M.[and
so was] Hector Reid[. I] Finis[hed Dull,
the] 2nd mitt [and] am going to rip Rainy Night
[the] other thumb[.]
[I finished the] mitts[.] Ned [was]
here P.M. cutting poplars[
. I] shut Dull, Rain
in 20 hens etc. D. Cantelon [was
here A.M. Jno.[was] in C[linton]P.M.
& here [in the] even[ing.
]
S[abbath] S[
chool] started but we
were not aware of the fact[.
] Jno & Beautiful
Adam [went to church in the even
ing.]
Jno.[went]in[to] C[linton with the]
wagon for corn[. I was] at U[ncle]
Jno’
s P.M. after[the] turkeys stray
ed. Bessie calved[.
]
[I] Buttonholed [the] center for[a]
2nd doilly A.M. [and was] knitting
[a] cuff[.] Jno .started plowing
sod[.
]
[I] Took [the] "Old white Hive" out
dead[.
] A[g] set flowers in [the] Hot
veranda[.]
Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[linton]P.M.
Jack Elliot[was] here on the way to
C[linton.] Mrs Cuming* came [in the]
even[ing.] K. McTavish drove her
in[ •]
or, her in-laws Mr & Mrs John Cuming.
30
29
39
18
42
35
22
�Apr i1^1896 233
17. F. [I was] at [the] River A.M.with Jno., 39
^■[glrEthe] kids & Mrs Cuming[.] Jno.
[has been][.] cultivating. Jno[was] H[eavy] R[ain]
at the Bruce Show P.M. [I] Took out even[ing]
[the] double windows
18. S. [I] Partly raked [the] yard[.
] Mrs 38
C[uining & Mother [were] at U[ncle]
Jno.'s P.M. Ag went for them[. I] Very Warm
Scrubbed [the] Milk-room P.M. [The]
Young cattle [were] all out[.]
19. S. Mrs C[uining], A[g] & I [were] 44
in C[hurch](Rev. Stewart.) Mary Rain
G[len]& I[were]in Sabbath School[.]
Turkeys [are] gone[.]
20. M. A[g] got [some turkeys] down near 42
Ross‘
s[. I] finis[hed] raking [the]
chip yard, etc. Mrs C[uining] & Jno.
[were]at Aunty’
s for dinner & [at] Fine & Cooler
U[ncle Ja[me]s’
s P.M. Mrs C[uming]
stayed at U[ncle] Jno.'s all night
[and] a Jew called....
21 . T .
22 . W.
Jno.& Mrs C[uming were at W[illiam]
Glen’
s[.] Jno. [was] sowing oats[.]
The young cattle [were] in[.
]
Jno.& Mrs C[uming were at] Ned'
s[.]
Fa[ther] walked in[to] Cflinton P.M.
[I] Finis[hed the] 1st cuff[.]
C[old] W[ind],
Fine
Frost
37
39
23, T. A[g] & B[ella were]in Cflinton] A.M.
Jn & Mrs Cuming went home[
. I have
been feeling] sickish these days[.] Fine, Rain P.M.
Finis[hed the] cuffs[.] Jack Elliot
[was here this] morn[ing,]
42
24 . F . Trying lace pattern (
knit.
) Dull & Cool 29
25. S . Fa[ther was ] up through Goderich Cool, Fine 44
T[ownshi]p P.M.
26. S. A[g] & I[were] in C[hurch](Rev.Stew- 40
art) "He that is faithful in etc."
I[was] in S[abbath]S[chool and]took Fine, Warm
Isab[ella] Pearl[.]
27 . M. Jno. [was] at Varna with Dewdrop[.]
Fellow[came calling] ped[dling] fur
niture polish[.]Mr & Mrs Keys[were]
at [the] gate[.]
Rain
29
Beautiful
28. T. Father at Snell’s etc. A[g was] Fine 34
in C[linton.] S. Cantelon [was]
here with trees[.] Jane [was] here
P.M. [I] Washed[
. The] Milch cows
[were] out all night[.]
29. W. [I washed a]..... dress[
. Jane] &
Ned [were here P.M.............
[I] Put away [the] fur collar etc.
A[g[ & Tene & I [were] at Brits[in
the] even[ing.
]
30
N[orth]-E[ast]
Wind
30. T. Mrs Jno. & Mrs Alex. Elliot [were]
here[for] eggs[.] Mr & Mrs Swallow
called around delivering 3 cherry
trees[I was] at [the] school[this]
even[ing] sorting library books[.]
�May, 1896 234
1. F .
2. S .
3. S .
Fa[ther was]up in God[erich] T[own-
shi]p[.] Jno.[was]in Cflinton this Fine & Warm
even[ing.] Mr & Mrs Frank Keys
[were] here P.M.
Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[linton.]
[We were] Mowing & Fixing[the]lawn Slight Rain
P.M. Jack Elliot [was here in the] Warm
even[ing.
]
Fa[ther] & I [
were in church]{Rev. Cool,then
Stewart.)"John*s record of Christ." Warmer
31
28
36
4. M. B[ellaj cleaning A.B. etc. [I] Very Warm
Cleaned Roosters etc. [We werejmo- then
wing & fixing[the] yard[.]Jno.got cooler
to Varna on [a] bicycle[.]
5. T. I [was] in C[linton] P.M. Aunty Warm
went to Green1
s[.] Ida [Stewart]
came home with me[.] Jno. [was]in
C[linton] P.M. on [the] bike[.]
6. W. [I]Churned etc.A.M. & minded Abby
Glen etc,P.M. Jno.[was]up through Fine, Warm
G[oderich] T[ownshi]p P.M. [with
the] horse[.]
38
41
37
7. T .
8. F .
Jno.& I [were] in C[linton] A.M.
B[ella] & I washed [the] D[ining]
room carpet [in the] river P.M. Dull
Snell fetched sheep [and stayed]
for dinner[.] Fa[ther] bought 5
sheep.]
B[ella] Cleaned [the] Dining-room
Kids at Ned's for straw[.] Moore Very Warm
was here..... [I] Planted 14 rows 84 [degrees]
[of] carrots & 8 [of] Mangols P.M. P.M.
45
30
9. S .
10. S.
11 . M.
I sowed 14 rows of Mangols alto- 32
gether and 1 row of turnips[
. Mr]
Harrison [was here] for dinner &
[to look at] sheep[.]
A[g[ & B[ella were] in C[hurch]
(
Rev. Stewart.
) Lawyer Scott1
s
baby [was] baptized[.
]
B[ella] & I[were] in C[linton]A.M.
A[g]and Isa(sic)cut the door into
my B[ed]room P.M. [I] Killed a
Rooster P.M. I sowed 9 rows [of]
Mangols [in the] even[ing.]
35
Very Warm
42
slight shower
12. T. [I] Washed lime off[the walls of]
my [bed]room A.M. U[ncle] Ja[me]s
[was] here P.M.[We were] papering
Bella's bedroom P.M. John [was]
shearing[.]
13. W. Fa[ther] & Bob [were] picking
stones[.We were papering Bella's
room P.M.] Jno. [was] shearing[.]
Ned’
s [were] in C[linton.]
Fine A.M.
Some Rain
Cooler
30
29
14. T. Fa[ther was at Blake* [at] S.T.’s
for pigs[
. He bought 3 Tamworth's,
1 cross and 2 cross-[illegible.]
......... Geo. Elliot [was here]
all night[.]Ag’
s heifer calvedf.
]
30
♦Village south of
Varna on Hay-
Stanley boundary.
�May,1896 235
15 p
16 S .
I finis[hed]
Ag washed[.]
papering[the]
hall[.]
Fa[ther] &
ton] P.M.
S.P. & I[were]in C[lin-
Cut off P.M. A.M.
Fine & Cool
Fine & Warm
41
37
17 . S .
18 . M.
19. T.
20. W.
21. X .
22 . F .
23 . S .
24 . S .
25. M.
26 . T .
27 . W.
28 . T .
Fa[ther] & I [were in Church](Rev.
Musgrove.)"Jere.miah Building the
Wall" [John & Ned's went to church
in the evening.
] I took [the] baby
in and back[.
]
[I] Dug around roses [and] planted
Castor[.]B[ella]washed a littlef.]
Rfobert] N[ewton was]sick[?] Geo.
Elliot[was] here in his place[.]
A[g did a]washing[.I]planted a few
onions[.] Cassels called on B[ella
in the] even[ing.] Captain called
P.M. B[ella & I[were] in C[linton]
P.M. Geo. [has] gone home[.]
Fa[ther], A[g] &
[of] potatoes[.]
in C[linton.
]
I planted 23 rows
Jno. & A[g were]
Very Windy
22
23
Fine
Cold Wind
26
[I]Planted onions,some beans & [a]
row [of] corn[.
] Fa[ther] helped
[with the] corn[.] Jno. fixed...
...my door[.
]
[We] Washed [the] covered buggy at
[
the]
river[.]Fa[ther] & kids[
wereJ
there too[.We gave a tramp his]din-
ner[.I]
Cleaned [the] kitchen stove
& papers P,M.
I [was] in C[linton] for Jane A.M.
[driving] Ned's Horse & buggy[
. I]
Cleaned & oiled [the] buggy, etc.J.
Elliot fetched Fa[ther] some potat
oes[
.]
A[g], Mamie,Ned & Isabe[lla] Pearl
spent the] day at [the] river[
. A]
Rooster blooded[
the]
back of[John's]
hand with [its] spur[.
]
Jno. [is] plowing & Robert[is]haul
ing manure[.]Aunty [is] home [from
Green’
s. The] kids [were] at [the]
river* A.M.[I] Killed[the] rooster
[and] Tore some rags etc.
Working at door Jno. [took the]
buggy [in a] Brucefield direction
[this] even[ing.]
Jennie [Grant was
here] P.M. & [all] night[.]
B[ella]went home with Je[nnie.]Jno.
[is] plowing & R[obert [is] harrow
ing[.]Jno.[was] out with[the]horse
P.M.
Aunty & I [were] in C[linton] P.M.
Fanny,[the]Red cow calved[a]steer[.]
Slight Frost
Wanner
Fine & W[arm]
Sprinkled
Fine & Cool
29
21
23
28
33
Warm
Warmer, Rain
*Holiday-Queen'
s
Birthday
Raining
Fine
31
34
34
Dull,
Slight Shower
Cold, Cold &
Windy
29
�May, 1896 236
29. F . Jane, K[ate] Pearson, Tene,Bell,Jno.
[and] Will [McEwen], J. Scott & Fen-
[Wick were] here [this] even[ing.X]
Washed P.M. [and] A[g was] ironing
all day[.
]
28
30 . S . Mowing & Fixing lawn Cold wind 18
Rain even[ing]
31. S . Isa & I[were in church](Rev.Stewart.
I[sabella] P[earl was] in S[abbath]
S[chool.] Jno. & A[g went to church
in the] even[ing.]
)
Cold Wind
50
June, 1896
1. M. [I] Mended [John’
s]scuff p[an]]ts,
tore rags etc. A. Wise[was] here[in
the] morn[ing.
]
Fine & Cool
34
2 . T . Mac & Jno. Mc[Millan], M.P. [were]
here[this] morn[ing.]* Jno.[was] in
C[linton] A.M. getting [the] horse
shod[.
] A[g]walked up,took Mrs Nott
& Asa down[.I]Churned,Tore Rags etc.
30
3. W. Fa[ther],Jno. & Ned dipped 65 lambs
(Ned's & ours.)
4. T . [I] Mended gloves,etc.My heifer cow
calved[
. The] Kids[were] at U[ncle]
Jno.'s [this] even[ing.]
Fine & Very
W[arm]
27
5. F . Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[linton]P.M.
[at] Church[.] Ellie went home with
us[. ]
Very Warm
Heavy Rain
30
6. S . [I did] Mending & Jno. put in all
[the] door frames[
. I] Churned A.M.
36
Very Very Warm
7. s . Fa[ther] & I [were in Church](Rev.
Stewart.) Jack & David Elliot [were
here] for tea[.]
Heavy Rain
32
8 . M. Watching turkey A.M. & tore some
rags[.] Ned took [a] calf[.] A[g]
washed some blankets[.]
Fine, Misty
35
9. T . Jno. & I [were] in C[linton] A.M
[I] Fixed a little at [a] skirt[.]
A[g] washed[.] Finley & Douglas
called P.M.
Dull & Cool
25
10. W. A[g], B[ella] & Jas. P[earson were]
at Jno. Thomson’
s [for] strawber
ries[
. I] Planted 12 rows [of] tur
nips & churned A.M. etc.
Fine,W[indy]
,
Cool
34
11. T . [I] Done a little mending[.]Fa[ther
& Jno. labeled(sic) lambs P.M.
Fine 39
12. F . .... Ned Rathwell's A.M. Jane,John 36
& Will [McEwen], Adam....[were here
this] even[ing.] (Rapeseed etc con
cert) A[g] & I [were] at Scotts [in
the] even[ing.
]
13. S. [I]........ [did] a little mending 30
etc., P.M* Jno.[sowed] rapeseed[on
the north half of the Rathwell field.]
�June, 1896
14 . S .
15 . M.
16 . T .
17 . W.
18 . T .
19 . F .
20 • S .
21 . S .
J[ane]& B[ella] & Isa[bella] P[earl]
etc., [were in church](J.N. Holmes
Methodst....... Mac 1
s cow[.]
Jno. fin[ished] sow[ing] rape[seed]&
[he] re-sowed....................
light dress[.] Jno.Moffatt calledf.
]
J.A. Sturdy [was here] for dinner &
tea.Wigg[ington was here for] tea[.]
Ned drained(Jno[was] at roadwork)[.]
[I] Took another dead hive[.]
[Ned] & Bob grading hill A.M. Jno,
[was] away with [the] horse at Mof-
att's raising[.]Fa[ther was]in Bruce-
[field] A.M. I[sabella] P[earl was]
sick [and] Dr Gunn [was called.]
Jno. scuffling com etc. [I worked] a
little at [a] dress[.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. - grist
&..... potatoes[.] I [was] in C[lin-
ton] P.M.....Bees came off & return-
ed[.
] Fa[ther] & Rob hoeing corn[.
]
Ned & Fa[ther were] in Bruce[field]
A.M.[with] wool[.] Jno.[was in]C[lin-
ton in the] morn[ing to get a] wheel
[fixed.] Rob [was] away P.M.
Jno. & Adam [went to
even[ing.]
Church in the
22 . M.
23 . T .
24 . W
25 . T .
26 . F .
[I] Churned & [worked] in [the] cel-
ler all day budding & carrying out
buds[.] A[g] washed some more blan
kets
[The] Men [were]voting1 at [the] low
school[.]* Raking hay P.M. - very
...... [The men have] gone to town
[
this] even[ing. I] Mended fa[ther*s
p[an]ts & helped churn[.]
Raking most of P.M. [We] Hauled in 4
loads[of] hay off of [the] field[by]
the] big tree[. I] Pulled & cooked 6
gems* [of] cherries[.] A[g] & B[el-
la] pulled [some more in the] even
ing.]
Mo[ther] at Ned's & H. Hamners for
dinner (on wheel.) [I] Washed[.]
Jno. [was] mowing[.] Fa[ther was] in
Cflinton A.M.
27. S. [We were] Raking P.M. [We] Hauled in
3 loads [from the field by] Mac’
s
bush next [the side]road[. We hauled]
p[a]rt [of] 1 [load from the] Shanty
field[.
] A[g was] in C[hurch] A.M.
Rev. Rumball [was] peaching[.
]
28. S. A[g] B[ella were]in C[hurch[.]( Rev.
Rumball) Jno.& Ad[am went at night.]
29. M. [I] Churned[.] A[g] & B[ella were]
picking berries at Moffatt's[.] Jno.
[was] in C[linton for] chop[.
]
* Dominion Election-Laurier'
s Liberals defeated
Conservatives. "Low1 school probably means #10
237
36
28
Sprinkles
28
Fine & Warm
24
28
Very Warm
27
[High of]
90 [degrees F]
18
Raining A.M.
19
Fine &
Beautiful
39
27
23
Fine & Warm
Rain 26
Fine & Warm
39
Fine & Rain
26
Rain,Fine, Windy
25
Cold, H[igh]
W[inds]
the Tupper
21/2 miles below.
�June, 1896 238
30. T. Raking P.M.[It was] cold[I]
Jno.[was]
sowing A.M. by Mac's bush[.]
23
July, 1896
1. W • Raking etc., P.M.[I] Took frames out
of [an]other hive [which had] Just a
handful of bees[. The] Girls Hulled
cherries [A.M. and picked] gooseberr
ies etc.[at]Jane's P.M.* Fa[ther was]
at Cooper's [for] tea[.
] Eliz.McGreg
or [came] home with him[.]
*Jane is 6 1/2 months pregnant.
2. T. A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. [We were]
Raking all day[. We] Hauled in 12
[loads] yesterday....[and]..6 [loads
today and have] finis[hed] haying[.]
22
Very Warm
22
3. F .
4. S .
[I had a]Toothache all day & night[.] 23
A[g], B[ella] & I greened potatoes &
Jno. [was] in C[linton in the] even
ting.]
Finis[hed] fixing delaine dress[.My]
Cheek swelled[
. The Township is] Let
ting jobs on [the] road[.] A[g] took
E[lizabeth] McG[regor] home to Ned’s.*
31
Rain
Very Warm
Mist - cool
*Elizabeth McGregor is probably an old school friend
of the MacFarlane "
girls," It appears she's been
hired to help Jane with heavy summer work in the
later stages of pregnancy.
5. S. A[g]went with Ned[to church.]"Alice" 20
foaled[.] Cool - Mist
Fine
6. M. [The] Rev. [Mr] Stewart, [his] wife & 30
[family] calledf.]A[g] & B[ella were]
picking berries[.I was] picking honey Fine
off [of] frames[.]Fa[ther] & Mo[ther
were] at A. Dunkin's [this]even[ing.]
7. T. A[g] washed[.I] Melted honey [and wax 23
that I’
d picked off of frames.] Mrs J.
Pearson, Myrtle, Rennie, Jane & I[sab- Fine
ella] P[earl were here] P.M. Fa[ther] Cold Wind
& Mofther were] at Wigg[inton's this]
even[ing.
]
8. W. Jennie Grant [was] at[the] river[and] 31
[was here] all night[. I] Finisfhed]
cleaning [bee] frames, fixed and wash
ed wool pickings[.]
9. T. Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M. [I] cut 23
some weeds around [the] woodshed and] Dull, Cool
scraped stones off around W.H.*...... H[igh]W[inds]
* A coded reference to the outhouse?
10. F. I(was] in C[linton] mid-day[.] Mo[th- 21
er] & Lizzie[were] at U[ncle] Jno.’
s
P.M. Jno. started [cutting] wheat[.]
11. S. A[g] & B[ella [were] picking berries 18
for Jane[. Jno] & J[im] Barkley fin
is[hed] cutting wheat[
. I] Churned
etc.
Very Warm
�July, 1896 239
14
12. S. Fafther] & I [were in church] (Rev.
Stewart) Mallachi Jr. Jno.[went to
church at night.]
13. H. B[ella],A[g and] N[ed have] gone to 17
Goderich[.]* Jno [went too on his]
byke[. I] cut out a print dress[.]
*Probably to see the Orange Walk.
14. T. Jno.............in C[linton] P.M 18.
[on his]byke[.The] Men [were] nail
ing wire on [the] orchard fence[.]
15. W. [We] Hauled in 5 loads [of] wheat 16
[in] all[. X] helped mow 4 of Cool even[ing.]
them[. I] Washed[.]
16. T. [I] Raked wheat stubble[.] Jno mow- 19
ed green feed & [was] at[the] mill Cold Northerly
for chop P.M. W[est] wind
17. F. [I]Churned & finis[hed]cutting out 28
[the] dress[and the] raking[.] Fa
ther & N[ed dug]post holes at[the] Fine & Cool
corner[.] Jno. [was] making feed
boxes[.]
18. S. [I]Raked up green feed A.M. & nail- 19
boards on fence P.M. [The] Men put
posts in & coled feed[. Illegible]
out of sorts[
. I did] Mending etc.
19. S.
illegible
20
Slight R[ain] P.M.
20. M. [I have been] Making [a] print 20
blouse[.] B[ella did] baking[.]Ned
[was] here P.M. stretching wire[.] Fine & Warm
Fa[ther was] in C[linton] for wire
etc.
21. T,
22 . W.
23 . T .
A[g], B[ella] & I drove to [the] 21
Bayfield picnic & Jno.[went] on
[
the] byke[
. I] Wore [
the] new F[ine] & W[arm]
blouse[.]B[ella] stayed at Keyes’
s.
Rid room,[did] mending etc. [We] 30
Hauled in [a] load [of] green feed S[un] Showers, fine,
[in the] even[ing.] H[igh] Wind
A[g] & I[were] at Ben Miller[.]Jno 20.
[was] in C[linton on his] byke[. C[loudy],N[orth~]
The] Men[have]finis[hed] taking in W[est] W[ind.]
taking in G[reen] feed,Banking[the]
fence etc.
2 4.F . [I] Finis[hed] blouse preliminarys 23
& mending[.]Churned A.M.Keys drove Cool W[ind,]
B[ella] home [in the] even[ing.] Fine
25. S. I [was] in C[linton] A.M. U[ncle] 21
Ja[me]s [came] for dinner[.We star- Beautiful
ed] Cutting oats[.]
26. S. Fa[ther] & I [were in Church] Rev. 18
Henderson......... Warm, Rain P.M.
�July, 1896 240
27 . M. Fa[ther] planted out celery[
. I'm]
Making [a] print skirt. Jno. [was]
at Woon’s threshing P.M.
34
Very Warm
28 . T . [I] Finis[hed the print skirt] &
dress[.We] finis[hed] cutting[the]
oat field[. We were] at U[ncle]
[James's in the] even[ing.]
32
Very Dry, Warm
29. W. Washed[.] R__ budk-sawing etc. Rain P.M. 21
30. T. Fa[ther was]at U[ricle] Ja[mes]'s 36
[and] I [was] in C[linton] P.M.
[We started] Cutting Rathwell Beautiful
field oats[.]Mr & Mrs [Nicholas]
Cuming [came] for dinner &[stay
ed] all night[.They'
re here] see
ing Nannie[.]* •
*John & Abigail Stewart's Annie,
aged 29, is dying of T.B.
31. F . Civic holiday in town[tomorrow.
]
Jno.[was] at Mac's threshing P.M.
[I] Cleaned upstairs [in the]
woodshed[.]
36
Fine, Warmer
August, 1896
1. S . Fa[ther was] in C[linton] A.M
[He] got "Doll" shod - new shoes
[for her] hind feet[.] Churned,
mending etc. Brits son born[.
]
38
Fine, Rainy P.M.
2. S . A[g] & B[ella were in Church(Rev.
Hamilton.)
Beautiful 29
3. M. [I] Clipped wool off tan[n]ed
sheep-skins [whose] hides [had]
rotted [and I] Started melting
bees-wax P.M. Fa[ther] & Mo[ther
[were] at Mac's[this] evenfing.]
J
22
4. T . B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton.]
Ida Thompson and Lily Lindsey
[were here] P.M. We called at
U[ncle] Jno.'
s[.The] Boys hauled
in 3 loads [of] oats[.]
23
Like R[ain]
5. W. [I] Ripped velvet bands off[the]
skirt etc. Taylor delivered
tea[.] Jno. & A[g were] with Ned
cutting oats[.]
21
91 [degrees F.]
6. T. A[g] & B[ella] papered Jane’s
B[ed]room[.] Jno. [was] in C[lin-
ton] on [the] byke[
.I] Wiped out
[my] room [and] scrubbed......
cellar[.]
34
Very Warm
7. F. [We] Mowed 5 loads [of] oats[and]
hauled in 6[. We] finis[hed]Mac's
bush field[. I] Washed,Mended etc.
P.M.
17
8. S. Dewdrop heifer calved[
. We] mowed
3 loads [and] Hauled[3 loads from
the] Rathwell [field.] Finis[hed]
wax[.
]
17
Raining
9. S . Fa[ther] & I[were in church.](Rev.
Graham, Bayfield.) Jno. & Ag[went
at night.
]
20
Very, very warm
�August, 1896
\
A
r<
10. M . [
The] Boys [are] reaping Rath- 21
well’
s[.I] Helped [with the] work
P.M. [I] Pressed [
r
a
y
] serge skirt Very Warm
etc. Hector Reid was here] for
dinner[.]
11. T. A[g] & I [were] in Cflinton] P.M. 24
[for] flour[
. I] Cut out [a] para
sol covering[.] B[ella has] gone
to G[rant’
s this] evefning.]
12. W. Jno. & Adam & Rathwell & I [were] 22
in C[linton this] evenfing.]........ Warm&Fine
......Choreing etc. Cooler
13. T. A[g] & I built [a] pig-pen[in the] 25
old orchard[.We]Hauled in 4[loads] Fine
of oats[from the] Rathwell [field]
P.M. I mowed[.
]
14 . F .
15 . S .
16 . S .
Mrs & Jennie Rathwell [were] here
all day[.
] Choreing[.
] Jno.finis-
[hed] reaping Rathwell'
s[.]
Mother & I[were] in C[linton this]
even[ing.] Dennison called[.
] Jno. Fine & Hot
[has been] reaping[.] Rain
A[g] & B[ella were in church.] Ad
am & Jno. [went in the evening.] Pleasant
17. M. Jno. finis[hed] cutting!.We] haul
ed in 2 loads [this] evenfing.]
Mo[ther] & I [were] in C[linton]
P.M. Irwin boy P.M.(Hensall.)
18 . T . [We]Hauled in 4 loads [and] mowed Fall-[like]
ed 3[.] Chas. Reid Cold
19. W. [We] Hauled in[and mowed] 6 loads,
finis[hing] Rathwell's all but 1 Fine
small load[.
] Mrs Scott[was here]
P.M.
30
14
43
20
60
34
20 . T .
21. F.
22 . S .
[We] Hauled in 9 loads [and have] Fine
finis[hed]harvest all but rakings
of loose oats, and peas[.]....
Jno. McEwen asking............
[I] Raked[the] field at[the] barn
& [the] boys hauled in [the glean- Clear
ings in the] evenfing. The] Boys
helped Ned & Will finis[h.]
A[g], B[ella] & I [were] at Bay-
field S
t Jno.started [on his]wheel Beautiful
S
t went with Adam [and] Lily[.]
Aunty fetched[the]cows & milked[.]
23. S. Fafther] & I [were in Church](Rev. Rain
Stewart.) Rev[elation]s 11 Jno. Beautiful
S
t Adam [went in the evening. ]
24. M. [I was] Raking all day [with]
Doll[.The] Boys [were] plowingf.
]
Bridge man [was here in the] even
[ing.]
28
33
56
25
25. T. [I]Finis[hed]raking A.M. & milked 23
sheep[.] 4 young Baird's [were
here. I] Hauled in 12 bags [of]
rakings with Jno. P.M.........
. 7 L
i
jri.^
�August, 1896 242
26. W. Fa[ther] & A[g were] in C[linton] 24
P.M. [at the] Horticultural Show.
Jennie [Grant was here] all last Rain, Cleared
night[
. I] Washed out[the] room &
*
* I have a hunch that the illegible writing in the
above two entries is a camouflaged reference to the
indoor toilet.
27 . T .
28 . F .
29 . S .
30 . S .
Annie Stewart [was here] P.M. [I]
Washed [my] hair[.] Jno. [was] in
C[linton] & Jno. Cuming & H_____
S____ [
were here this]even[ing.
]
Mr & Mrs Ferguson [came] for din
ner & tea & 4 Junor'
s [came in
the] even[ing.] B[ella] & I[were]
at[the]Flower Show P.M. Jno.[was]
sowing wheat[.]
Fa[ther was] at Dickson's (I
think)[about] some roosters[.]Jno.
[has] gone to Cuming'
s [on his]
byke [this] even[ing.] Fa[ther] &
B[ella were in] Varna [about a]
heifer[. I [went] after them[.
]
A[g] & B[ella were in church.] Some Rain
Jno. [is] on his way home[.]
28
34
12
13
31. M. John [was] over at Currie’s [and
also seeing W[illiam] Perdue[.]*
Helped A[g] P.M. etc. [and] made
button holes & buttons [for] B[el-
la's] brown serge [dress.
]
*about threshing
September, 1896
1. T. [I] walked to Cflinton, and] got 23
[a] purse [and] visited Ellie[.]
R. [was] picking stones off the Beautiful
wheat [field. I] Washed[.
]
2. W. Choreing & mending - [I] ironed 33
[and picked more stones[.] A[g] & Dull, some rain
B[ella were]at[the]river for nuts
& grapes
3. T. Fa[ther] walked to Clinton[.]Kate 20
& Lizzie McTavish [came] for tea[. Beautiful
They were] seeing Nannie[.I] went
too[.
]
4. F. Fafther] & Mofther] & Isa[bella] 25
P[earl were]at the maason’s,Blake Beautiful
& Cooper, P.M. A[g] got crabs at
Mac'
s..........
5. S. [I] Churned,done some mending etc. 23.
R.A. jr picking stones off clover Dull, Rainy
[field.]
Jno.[was]
trimming sheep[.
]
6. S. A[g] & I [were in Church] (Rev, 12
Stewart) Ruth 11-12 The Lord ac- Rainy
omplishes thy work etc.
�September,1896 243.
7 . M. Fa[ther was] at Sturdy’s with Bil
ly Cooper[.] Steve Andrews call-
[ed. We had] threshers for tea &
all night[.
] 10 or so thresh[ed]
a little [in the] evenfing.]
Fine
38
8. T . [We] Finis[hed] threshing [at]
noon[
. The threshers were] at
U[ncle] J[ohn Stewart's] P.M. R.
sick...Geo. Cook had dinner after
three [o'clock.]
Beautiful
21
9. W. Jno.[was]at U[ncle] Jno.'s thresh
ing A.M. & U[ncle] J[ames Stew
art's] P.M. Grant’
s [were] at
U[ncle] Jno.’
s[.]B[ella at Jane’
s.
Threshers [
were] at Ned'
s [to]-
night[
. I] helped wash P.M.
17
10 . T . Jno. & R. [were] at Ned's thresh-
ing[.]A[g was]in C[linton.]I[was]
helping Jane[.]*
*Jane is 9 months
Very Warm,
pregnant.
fine
11 . F . [I] Killed 8 Roosters [and I was]
in Cflinton] P.M. [for] flour[.]
A[g] scrubbed for Jane P.M. Jno.
[was] at D[uncan] McEwen's thresh-
ing[.
]
29
12 . S . Picket fetched................
Fa[ther was] at [the] mill for]
chop [with] Doll[. I] Washed....
20
13 . S . Fa[ther]& B[ella were in church.]
Rev. Stewart Pleasant
35
14. M. [I] Helped wash[. I] Drove Jno.to
Bruce[field [to catch the train
[for] London[.
] Jessie [Wigginton
was by] asking [for] threshing
[help.]
Rainy 14
15 . T . Bella Cuming [is] visiting[. I]
Churned, ironed etc.preparing for
London [Fair.]................
Fine
84
16 . W. Fa[[ther], A[g] & I [were] in Lon
don[.] Jno. took [us] to Bruce-
field & back[.]
Beaut[iful] &
hot. Rain
17 . T . Edward John Glen [was] born[.]*
[The] Irwin boys [were here] for
dinner[
. I] Went to Brucefield [in
the] even[ing.] Fa[ther] came off
[at] Clinton[.]
26
Fine
* Though not yet 3
the day her brot-
ther Jack was born, Isabel Glen told me she vividly re
called it. The hired man at Ned’
s shot a skunk in the
woodpile, adding an olafactory dimension to her
recollection.
18. F. I[was]in C[linton] A.M.Jno.[was] 14
trimming sheep[and] Fa[ther was]
cutting corn[. The Finlay McEwen -Rain
family] moved to town[.
]
�September, 1896
19 . S
20. S
21. M
22 . T
23 . H
24 . T
25 . F
26. S
27 . S
28. M
29. T
30. W
1. T
2. F
3. S
. [I] Went down to Ned’
s [this]
morn[ing.j
. Fa[ther] & B[ella were in church
and] Adam & Ned [went at night.]
U[ncle] Jno.’s Annie died[.]i
. [I] Washed at Jane's[. At] night
[We were] at U[ncle] Jno.'s[.]
(Jno. & I [stayed] all night[.]
. Annie's funeral A[g], Jno. &
B[ella were there and] I[was] at
Ned's[.]Mrs Cuming S
t Mrs Brigham
[stayed here] all night[.]
. Fa[ther] walked to C[linton] en-
route to Goderich Fair[.]Jno.met
Fafther at the station in the]
even[ing. I was at Ned's.] Ida
[Stewart and] Ma [were at] Ned's
all night[.]
. At Ned’
s [all day.] Churned[.]
. [I was at Ned’
s] Apple packers
[were] here & Ned [came with]
lsa[bella] P[earl. We have] 6
bags [of apples]- 4 Snow & 2
Fall R[iver.]..............
. [I'm still at Ned’s. I] Baked,
washed, etc.
. B[ella] & I [were in church]
(Rev. Ford - Methodist.) Jon
[went at night.] Jno. S
t R.took
[a] heifer to Varna[.]
. At Ned’
s -[I] Churned & washed
some etc. [I went] home [in
the] even[ing.
]
. [I] took things to C[linton]
Fair A.M. [and] B[ella] stayed
with Jane[.I was]at Janes's P.M.
. B[ella], Fa[ther],Jno., Ned &[I
were] at C[linton] Fair[.I]stay
ed [at]Jane'
s[in the]even[ing.]
2ft
C[ool] W[ind],Rainy
27
Pleasant,
C[ool] Wind
12
Fine
C[ool] E[ast] W(ind]
39
Fine, Warm
Beautiful
Beautiful
36
Beautiful
Rain
Beautiful
C[ool] W[ind]
Beautiful
Dull
October,1896
Fa[ther was] in C[linton] A.M.
for [a] washing machine[
. I was]
at Jane's [and] washed[.]
Fa[ther was] at Bayfield Fair[.
He judged]Chickens & Jno.sheepf.
I was] at Jane's [and I] walked
[to] church in C[linton.] (Rev,
McLean Blythe)
[At Jane's, I] Washed shawl &
shirtf•
]
Heavy Frosts at
nights
Dull
Beautiful
42
�October,1896 245
4. S . Fa[ther] & Mo[ther] & Ned & I
[
were in church.](Rev. Stewart)
20
5. M. A[g] r
B[ella] & I [were] pulling
apples [and] Jno. [was] lift
ing potatoes[.] Mr Sturdy [was]
here[;]he & Fa[ther]went to Jno.
Thomson*
s[.]
5
6. T . Pulled a[pples] A.M. Fa[ther] &
Jno.[lifted] potatoes[.] R.[is]
plowing[
. I] Rid [
r
a
y
] room[.
]
R[ain] P.M.
8
7 . W. A[g] & B[ella] washed[.] Fa-
[ther] & Jno. took 4 steers to
C[linton.] At Jane’
s I washed
[and stayed] all night[
. John]
Drove to Blythe Fair[.]
Rain & Snow
8. T. Fa[ther was]at[the] potatoes[.]
Jno. took Roosters over [to]
Lizzie [Glen. I was] Pulling
leeks all day[.]
Dull, Cold
8
9. F. [I was pulling]apples[all day.] 30
10. S. Fa[ther] & Jno. finis[hed the]
potatoes[
. I] finis[hed the]
leeks and pulled Baldwins[.]Jno.
[was] in Cflinton in the] even
ting for] c[oal] oil[.]
Fine
C[ool] E[ast]
8
W[ind]
11 . S . A[g] & 1 [were in church](Rev.
Stewart.) Jno. & Ag [went at
night.] Aunty [came] home[this]
morn[ing.] Jno. Thomson [was]
here[.]
3
12 . M. [I] Finis[hed] pulling Baldwins
[and] pulled[the] barn tree &..
..Spy[.]Fa[ther was]at Sturdy’
s
A.M. with Jno. Thomsonf.] Fa[th-
er]& Jno.[are]pulling Mangosf.]
5
13 . T . [I] Pulled 2 Spys[.] Fa[ther] &
Jno. [are still] at [the] Mang
os[.] N [is] plowing[.
]
Fine
6
14 . W . [I was pulling] Spys[.] Beautiful 4
15 . T . [I] Finis[hed the]Spys & pulled
2 [Talman] Sweets[.] Fa[ther] &
Jno.finis[hed the]Mangos[.] Ned
took in his potatoes[.]
3
16. F. [We] Finis[hed] pulling [the]
packing app[le]s [at] noon[.] C[ool] W[ind]
Robin* to pull Greenings & Tal-
mans[.] Fa[ther was] in C[lin-
ton A.M.
*Eliza refers to this year's hired man only
by his initials R.A.N. Now we learn his first name is
Robin. Does this reticence signify like, dislike or in
difference? Note the cryptic reference Oct 19.
17 . S . McBryan & Snider [were] here
packing apples (45 barrels.) Snow & Rain
8
�October, 1896 246
18 . S . A[g] could not find Polly[.]Jno.
[went to church in the] even
ting.]
C[old] Showers
5
19 . M. R.A.N. left[.] Snider & Kemp
[were] here packing apples (40
bar[rels].
)
Beauti[ful]
20 . T . [Snider & Kemp] finis[hed pack
ing] A.M....................
A[g] washed Jane's clothes P.M.
C[ool] W[ind]
Beauti[ful]
7
21* W. Fa[ther was] at W[illiam] Glen's
threshing[.] Jno. [was] in C[lin-
ton] A.M. & P.M.with[a] load[of]
apples[.]
N[orth] C[ool] W[ind]
22 . T . Mrs & Jessie Wigg[inton came in
a] wagon for apples[.] Fa[ther
was] at Butchart's threshing[.]
Fine,Wanner
23 . F . Fa[ther] & Jno.[are] hauling in
corn[.]W[illiam] Glenfused] our
team & bar for [pressing apple]
cider[.] Couch bought 3 heif-
ers[.] A[g] & I washed,[then We
worked] P.M. at app[le cider.
]
Wfilliam] Glen making apple
butter[.]
24 . S . Jno.[was]in Cflinton.]A[g]scrub
bed for Jane & I [did] ours...
25 . S . Fa[ther]& I[were in church](Rev.
Stewart.)"Hitherto hath the Lord
helped us.............. "
Beautiful
C[ool] W[ind.]
26. M. A[g], B[ella], Aunty & I [worked]
at app[le]s hauled up with [the]
buggy[.] Fa[ther] & Jno.[were] in
C[linton] with heifers A.M.
2
27 . T . Aunty[worked]at apples with us[.]
W. Cooper fetched [the] Durham
[catttle beast this] even[ing.]
28. W. Fa[ther] drove to Dickson's, Dunk
in’
s,etc.A[g] & B[ella] washed[.]
[I] Hauled in [tur]nips with Jno.
29 . T . Fa[ther drove] to Sturdy'
s, Goder
ich, etc. Aunty [worked] with us
hauling app[le]s to[the]stable[.
]
Rained
30. F. Fa[ther drove to] Cflinton.....
...[We]
Finis[hed]
hauling app[le]s.
G[regor] McGregor, Abby Glen[and]
Efdward] John [Glen were] bap
tized[.]
31. S. [I] Killed [a] goose & 4 drakes[
.
I] Drove Fa[ther] A.M.to Hunter’
s
[and I] called [in at] Grant'
s[.
I] Helped Jno. a little with[the]
nips[.
]
2
�November, 1896 247
A[g]tI[sabella] P[earl] & I [were
in C[hurch] (Rev- Stewart.
)
[I] Killed 6 Roosters [and] Jno.
[was] trimming sheep[.] Jane & I
[were] in Cflinton] P.M. A[g]
scrubbed for Jane & stayed with
[the] baby[.]
Fa[ther & Jno.[were] in C[linton]
P.M. & [made a] 2nd trip [in the]
even[ing.]................. A.M.
Jno. & I [were] herding sheep A.M.
& hauling in nips P.M.
Fa[ther was] in C[linton]A.M.[and
was] pulling nips P.M. Jno. & I
[were] hauling in [the] nips[.]
Fa[ther] finis[hed] pulling [tur
nips. ]Jno. [took a] heifer[to] Var
na A.M. Bella went to Jane’
s[.]
Adam fetched [our] mail [in the]
even[ing.
]
Fa[ther was] in C[linton.] Dunham
back at Sturdy’
s etc., etc. [We]
Hauled in 3 loads [
of] nips[.]
Jno. [was] in Seaforth etc. [We]
Finis[hed the turnips A.M. Fa
ther] & D[unham were in] Kippen
etc.,etc.
Dunham [was] here[.]
Fafther], Jno.& Ned took sheep to
C[linton. The] Milch cows [were]
in all night[for the] 1st [time.]
Mrs Wig[inton came] for tea......
..A[g] & I[are] moving private[.]
Ned & Will helped here [to] kill
[and] scald our 4 and Ned’
s 2
pigs[. We moved private into] pos
ition [this] even[ing.]
A[g] & B[ella were] washing[.] Fa-
[ther had]dinner at U[ncle]Jas.'
s
[and] bought D[uncan] McKenzie’
s
cow[.
] Fins[hed] scrubbing.....
Jno.[was] plowing [today and] yes
terday[.] Calder [came] for din-
ner[.] Mo[ther] & I[were]in C[lin-
ton] P.M.
Fa[ther], Jno. & I [were]at Mac’
s
for tea [and the] even[ing. We
drove the] cutter [for the] 1st
[time this season.]
Beautiful
Beautiful,
Very Warm P.M.
Fine
Threatening
Heavy Rain P.M.
Warmer
4
2
Rain, Snow
Snow,C[old] W[ind.]
Snow, Hard Frost.
Hail & Rain
7
2
Warmer, Dull
Fine,
C[ool]W[ind. ]
Snowing
1. s .
2 . M.
3. T .
4. W.
5. T.
6. F .
7. S .
8. S.
9. M.
10 . T .
11 W,
12 . T .
13 . F .
�November, 1896 248
14. S . [I packed 2 hives[of bees and was] Fine
salting pork etc. Mac & Mrs Spear*
called P.M.
* In pioneer days, the Spear's
lived on the next farm north of McEwen's. They moved
away to Kent County, near Highgate, but remained good
friends with the McEwen's. The former neighbours visited
back and forth over the years and, eventually Malcolm's
daughter Margaret would marry William Spear.
15 . S .
16. M.
[Ag] & I [went to Church in the] Nice,
buggy[.] Jno. [went at night.]Fa- Thawing
[ther has a] boil on [his] arm[.
]
A[g], B[ella] & Auntie [were] in
C[linton] P,M.& Jno.[went in the] Fine
wagon [for] grist[.].........
Dickson's lambs arived.......
Dunkin'
s for Talman'
s
17. T. A[g] & B[ella]Washed[here and at]
Ned's too[.
] Jno. [was] at [the] Warm, Rain
Mill P.M. for chop[.]Choring-[We]
lifted [the] orchard lumber[pile
on the] stoneboat[.]
18. W. [I] Finis[hed] picking up & pil
ing [the rest of the lumber] etc. Fine, Rain
A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. Mrs
McDonald & Minnie Reynolds [were
here] P.M. & all night[.]
19. T. Fa[ther] walked to C[linton] A.M.
& A[g] went too[. Father] & Jno. Fine
[were] at Jas. Aikenhead's [this] C[ool] W[ind]
even[ing. I was] Choring[.] Stew- Frost
art’
s [were here] all night[.]
20. F. [Stewart’
s] went home A.M. A[g
was] in C[linton] P.M. B[ella is Fine,
visiting] Gfrant's.] Walker call- Thawed a little
ed [about]
buying [a ?. I] killed
3 tuk[et]s & 2 geese[.]
21. S. [I] Put veranda flowers in [the] 3
cellar etc. A[g] scrubbed & iron- Snow
ed[and I Baked jell[y]&cupcake[s]
P.M.
22. S. A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch](
Rev. 2
Stewart.)I stayed with [the]kids Fine
for Jane [in the] even[ing.]
23. M. Jane [came] for dinner[.]A[g was] 4
in C[linton] P.M. [I was]Clean
ing [the] H[en] H[ouse and] kill- Raining
ed [some] pullets[.]
24. T. [I] Finis[hed cleaning the hen 3
house] P.M.[and] Killed 4 G[eese] Fine
& 4 T[urkeys.
]
25. W. A[g was]in C[linton] A.M. Lizzie 2
[Glen] went with her[. I] Killed Pouring
2 geese to eat [in the]evening[.j Showers
�November, 1896 249
26 . T .
27 . F .
28 . S .
29. S.
30. M.
"Thanksgiving” B[ella] & I[were]
at [Sabbath School Exam P.M. [I]
made pies &...... U[ncle] Jas.,
Aunty & Ned’
s [were] here P.M.[I]
drove A[unt Agnes] home [with]
"Queen"[.]
A[g] & I washed[
. At] night [I]
ironed & mended Jno's p[an]ts[.]
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M.
& Jennie [Grant was here] all
night[.]
Fa[ther] walked [to Clinton] P.M.
Jno. [went in in the] Even[ing.]
Choring -[I] helped Ned a little
cutting corn P.M.
A[g] & I [were in church] (Rev.
Stewart.) "Queen of Sheba's
enquiry”
[I] Took down[the] furnace pipes
S
t cleaned [the] furnace[,] Chor
ing P.M. Dunham arrived [at]
noon[.
] Jno.went to Sturdy's P.M.
December, 1896
1. T. Fa[ther] & Dun[kin], Jno. & Ned
[were]in C[linton shipping lambs
& [the] big sow[. I was] Chor-
ing[.
]
2. W. A[g] & B[ella]washed[.1] cleaned
[the] H[en] H[ouse] & furnace
pipes[.]
3. T. [I] Killed 4 pullets[.] Alex.
Mitchell called [and] bought[the]
remaining gob[.
] A[g was]in C[lin-
ton] P.M. [and B[ella was] at
Jane'
s[.]
4. F. A[g] S
t B[ella were in C[linton]
A.M. [I] Killed a gob [and was]
Cutting[corn] P.M. [Ag and Bella]
& I & McT[avish were] at Grant’s]
part P.M. S
t even[ing.]
5. S. Jno. helped us put up [furnace]
pipes[.]I finis[hed]greasing the
business T.O..... B[ella] clean
ed [the] parlour, hall, S[pare]
Bfedroom etc.
6. S. A[g]& B[ella were in church](Rev.
Stewart.) Jno. [went at night.]
7. M. A[g] drove Fa[ther] to C[linton]
P.M. enroute for Danville[.] Bel
la] cleaned [the] veranda[.] Jno.
[was] helping Will kill pigs A.M.
[I cleaned the] H[en] H[ouse] &
G[oose] H[puse and was] choring
all day[.]
3
Beaut[ifulJ
Bees [were] out
Hard Frozen
6
Cfold] W[ind],
Light Snow
Very Cold
6
2
Snow Flurries
2
Snow Flurries
2
Rain
2
4
Soft, Snowed
�December, 1896 250
8. T.
9. W.
10. T.
11. F.
12 . S .
13 . S .
14. M.
15. T.
16. W.
17 . T .
18 . F .
[John was] in C[linton] to meet
McElesy[.] Jno & he [were] at
Frazer's etc. P.M. B[ella was]at
Elliot’s [this] evenfing.] J. El- Dull
liot [was] here[this] even[ing.]
Choring all day[.]
[I]Lifted cabbage & celery[.]Jno.
& Mc[Elesy were] at Sturdy's, Me- Nice
Donald's, etc. & Clinton[.]
Jno.& McE[lesy were] at Snell's
&[in] C[linton.]
Taylor[came for] Nice
tea [and stayed] for dinner[
. I]
Washed '[a] tick & [a] pillowf.
]
6
2
. Fa[ther] arrived home P.M. Ern- 1
est fetched word out [to us.]Jno.
& McE[lesy were] in C[linton]A.M. Beaut[iful]
[I] Washed yarn............. .
...Mr James MacFarlane has just returned from
Quebec province, where he bought a [box ]
car
load of thoroughbred Shropshire - down sheep.
Part of these he has since sold for export to
the United States, and some to Mr J.W. Sturdy,
Goderich Township........................
The New Era, December 18, 1896
Fa[ther] & McE[lesy] & Sturdy
[were] at Duncan's P.M. Choring,
[I] filled[the] tick[and] dye[d]
some indigo.....etc. J.W. & G.O.
Sturdy [were here] for dinner[.]
I[sabella] P[earl] & I [were] in
C[hurch] with Ned(Rev. Stewart.)
Sturdy[was here] for dinner([He]
fetched[a] ram for McE[lesy.]Jno.
& he[were] in C[linton this]even
ting. ]J[im] Barkley[was here]P.M.
Fafther] & McE[lesy] walked to
Cflinton. I did] some choring.]
Started Fa[ther]’
s smocks[.]A[g]
& B[ella] Washed[.]
[?], Ernest & [? were here] for
dinner[.] Jno. [drove the] wagon
in C[linton] with McE[lesy] & 5
sheep P.M.Fa[ther]
walked[.1 was]
choring P.M.
Ernest [was here.] B[ella] & I
[were]in C[linton] P.M. Courtice
[was here]A.M. & Mrs J.Isard[was
here] P.M. & even[ing.]
A[g] & B[ella]washed[.They visit
ed] at U[ncle] Jas's P.M. & [at]
Aunty1
s [in the] even[ing.
]
Beaut[iful] &
Warm
C[old] W[ind]
C[old] W[ind]
Sunshine
Snow
C[old] E[ast] W[ind]
Sun shining &
Calm
Dull
Snow,
Soft & Drifting
4
] &
2
nd]
2
nd]
4
i
s
t]
5
i
g &
3
5
�December, 1896 251[
I
]
Fafther],A[g] & I[sabella]P[earl 5
were] in C[linton] P.M. [I] part-
ley scrubbed[.] Ernest [was cut
ting at Will’
s P.M.[and was]home
[in the] even[ing. [Janet Lyla
(Nettie)] Green [was] born[.
]
Fine
A[g] & B[ella went to church in
the] buggy[.]Jno. went this even
ting in the] cutter[.]
3
Snowing
Jno. [was] at Will's cutting[.I]
Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse] etc.
7
Ernest drove W. [?] here [at]
noon[.]
Fine,
[a littleJ snow
[I] Killed 8 geese & 1 turk[ey.]
Jas. Ross & old Glen [were] here
[this]
morn[ing.]
Ned & Will[were]
10
Cold,
Light Snow
A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. [in
the]cutter[.I]killed [a]
goose[.]
9
Jno. & B[ella have] gone to Stur
dy's [for an] Exmas tree.
C[old] Easterly
W[ind]
Fa[ther was] in C[linton] with
Will’s sleigh[.] Eddie & Abby
8
[were] here P.M. Jno. & B[ella
arrived] home P.M. [I] wiped out
Snow, Cold
Ned's & Aunty[were] here[in the]
cutter[.] B[ella was] at Grant's
all night[.]
8
Fine
A[g] & Jno..... Fa[ther was] in
C[linton with] Ned [for] salt[.]
Jennie [Grant] drove B[ella]home
[in the] even[ing.
]
13
Fa[ther] & I [were in church[.]
Ad[am] & Jno. [went in the even
ing. I] stayed with Jane's kids
[in the] even[ing.
]
8
A[g] ironed[and I] cleaned[the]
H[en] H[ouse.] Ned & Farther
9
were] at [the] nomination meet
ing P.M. [in] Varna[.]
Slightly warm[er]
Torrance & consort called [in a]
buggy[.I] Killed 9 geese[.] Jess
ie & Stella[Wigginton]came after
10
Rain, Soft
butter[
.]*
*Eliza-Ann's principal source of income
was from selling butter, eggs and poultry. She seems
to have done a brisk business in the yuletide.
A[g] & I [were]in C[linton] A.M.
A[g]&B[ella were]at Wigginton's
9
carpet bag bee P.M...........
dinner[.]
Dull, Frost
[I] Washed [and the] M[en were
at Ned’
s cutting P.M.
19 . S .
20 . S .
21 . M.
22 . T .
23 . W.
24 . T .
25 . F .
26. S.
27 . S .
28. M.
29. T .
30 . W.
31 T .
�ELIZA-ANN 1S LOG BOOK
Anno Domine 1897
January, 1897 252
1. F . Aunty,Ned'
s & Mary Glen & May McEwen 9
[were] here[.The] Kids[were] at Mac’
s Mild, mild,
[in the] even[ing.] Some Sprinkles,
Rain
2. S . [I] Washed & helped Fa[ther] put in
D[ouble]windows[.] Jno.[was]at Ross’
s
sawing bee P.M. Jno. Diehl [called.]
15
Rain
3. S . A[g] & I [were] in c[hurch](Rev. Stew-
art.) ’
’
The lost sheep" Ad[am] & Jno.
[went at night.]
9
Mild, Mild,
Rain.
4 . M. Jno. [was] at Middleton’s & W. Elli
ot '
s[.] All were voting at [the]
school[.] Fen[wick] & Adam [Stewart
came for tea[.I] Cleaned [the] cellar
at[the] door [and] Pressed[a]dress[.]
9
Raining
5. T . FaftherJ & I [were] in C[linton] A.M.
[The] Boys [are] sawing [wood.] Jno.
[went to the [Mechanics'] Institute
Concert [in] Brucefield[.
]
18
Frozen, Snowing
6. W. [I] Washed[.] Jno.[was in] C[linton]
P.M., looking [for] oats, etc.
Some Snow 9
C[old] W[ind]
7. T . A[g] & B[ella were] in C[linton] P.M.
[I] Killed 2 Turk[ey]s [and] cleaned
[the] H[en] H[ouse.] Cutting [wood.]
P.M.
14
Dull
8. F . B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] & at
Lindsey's[-] A[g] scrubbed Jane’
s
floor[.]Jno.was at J. Pearson’
s [for
a] load [of] oats & [was] in C[lin-
ton] for chop[.]
22
Fine, Sunny,
C[old] E[ast]
W[ind.]
9. S. [I did some]Mending[.]Jno.[took]Ned's
lambs [to] C[linton] in[the] wagon[.
]
22
Softish,Dull
10 . S . Fa[ther] & I [were] in cfhurch.] Rev.
Stewart. Jno. [went at night. I]
Stayed with [Jane's] kids[in the]even
ting. ]
11
C[[old] W[ind]
& Fine.
11 . M. [I'm] at making [a] skirt[
. ] A[g] 16
ironed[.] Snowing & Storming
12 . T . [I worked further on the skirt.] A[g
was] in C[linton] A.M. B[ella is] mak
ing [an] Ottoman[.]
18
Fine & Cold
13. W. B[ella] stayed with [the] kids [while]
Jane [was] in Cflinton] P.M. B[ella]
helped [Jane] A.M. A[g] & I washed[.
]
13
Fine & Cold
14 . T . Howson & nephew [were here] for dinner
showing steam washer etc., etc. Mrs &
Miss Calder [were also here] for din-
ner[.
] E.A. & S. Isard [were here] P.M.
W. McEwen called P.M. Stewart’
s & A.
Cuming [came in the] even[ing.]
18
C[old] W[ind],
Sunny & Frosty
15. F. A[g was]at McTavish'es P.M. Jno.& B[el-
la were] at McGregor's (Tuckersmith)
sleigh-load[.]
10
Fine, C[old]
W[ind.]
�January, 1897 253
10
16 . S .
17 . S .
18 . M.
19 . T .
20. W.
21 . T .
22 . F .
23 . S .
24 . S .
25 . M.
26 . T .
27 . W.
28 . T .
29. F.
30 . S .
31. S .
1. M.
2. T .
[I] Finis[hed the] skirt, c[leaned the]
H[en] Hfouse and did some]mending[.]A[g]
& B[ella were]in C[linton] P.M.Ffenwickj Soft Snow
went home[.] Horney calved[.]
Jno. [went to church in the] even[ing.] 5
F[enwick came] home withhim[.] Raining, Poured
[inthe] even[ing.]
[I] Started waist, wiped out room, etc. 6
A[nnie] Cuming [was here] P.M. Jno.[was] H[igh] W[ind]
at U[ncle] Jno's[.] Some Snow
A[g] & I washedf.
] Ned [was]here[in our] 9
bush[. The] Dogfwas] poisinedfsic) Appar
ently!.] Bella & Annie [were] at Ned’
s Fine & Frosty
P.M. & at Will’
s[in the]
even[ing.]A[nnie]
went back with Lily [Stewart.]
[I] Done a little at waist[.] Ned [was] 4
here[.] A[g] & B[ellawere]in C[linton] C[old] W[ind]
P.M. Snowed
[I] Made shoe grease etc. Jno. [was] in 8
C[linton for] grist[in the] sleigh[.]All
[were] at U[ncle] Ja[me]s*s [this] even- C[old W[ind]
[ing in the] cutter([the] boys walked[.]
Mending old shoes, etc. Courtice called 7
P.M. Jno. [has been] hauling up wood[.] Stormy & Mild
Jno. [was in] Cflinton] P.M.[in the] cut
ter!.] Choreing,[I] Stitched[the] waist[
.
In the] even[ing Sewed skirt on ganzie
etc.
4
Very Stormy
& Frosty
9
Stormy
[I] Done a little to waist[.] A[g] & I 4
[were] at Aunty’
s [this] even[ing.] VeryStormy
[I]Cut a little P.M. J[ohn] Pfleweslwas] Snowed & 6
here[.
] Storm[ed] some.
A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. ([She] had to 4
go the 4th con[cession. ]
) Jno. & B[ella Snowed some
were]at Churchill’s wedding party[.I did
a little at the waist[.]
Jane here[.
] Cutting P.M. Fine & Warm 9
Snowed in Even[ing.]
[I] Killed [a] Pr[airie] Chick[en], [a] 5
Goose & [a] Turkey[.] A[g] & I [were] in Light Snow
C[linton] P.
M.[at](Church, Rev Atkinson.
)
[I] Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse.] A[g] 6
scrubbed Jane’
s [floors] A.M. & our’
s P.M.Nice (I think)
Jane & I & I[sabella] P[earl were] in 6
Cfhurch] (Rev. Stewart.) Jno., Ned & A[g Below 0 [F]
wennt in the] even[ing.] (Rev. Shaw, Eg- Sunny & Nice
mondville.)
February, 1897
Wise’
s [were] at [the] barn[.] Jno. [was]
at Mac’
s cutting P.M.[and at]Ned’
s A[M.]
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.] A[g] & I
6
Nice
6
�February, 1897 254
washed[.] W. F[luker* was] at Ned’
s cut-
ting[.]Mr & Mrs Sturdy & Miss Annie Driv
er [were] here P.M.T[homas]Frazer & [The]
Master [were here] for tea[.]
*This appears to be
the current hired man-see Feb 5 entry.
3. W. Jno. Scott & Lizzie Glen called A.M. 6
4. T . Mofther] & I [were in C[linton] P.M. Mr 5
McDougal from Tiverton[was here] for din-
ner[.
] Fa[ther] went with him to Wigg[in- Beautiful
ton's, and] A. Dunkin’
s[.]
5. F. Jno.[was] in C[linton] for corn etc. A[g] 8
& B[ella [were] at Scott’
s quilting & rag C[old] E[ast]
bee & Fluker [was] at [a] sawing bee P.M. W[ind,] Nice.
dinner
6. S. [I] Peeled A[pples and was] choring etc. 7
Jno. [was] shearing [sheep] P.M. Raining
7. S. Adam [was] here P.M. Jno. & he [went to 10
C[hurch this] even[ing.](Dr Jackson[from] Fine & Mild
Galt.)
8. M. Fa[ther] sick [yesterday and today. Jno. 10
[was] shearing A.M.[I worked]at basque[.]
Jno. [was] at Mac's P.M. - sawing mach- Fine & Dull
ine[.]* B[ella] finis[hedjmaking [a] slum- a little snow
ber robe[.]
* probably refers to the buzz saw
powered by the horse power.
9. T . Jno.[was] at Dfuncan] McKenzie’
s A.M.[and 9
in Clinton] P.M. [for a]load [of] bran[.]
A[g] & I washed A.M. Aunty & I [went to]
C[linton] in [the] cutter[.]
10. W. W. F[luker was]at Will's cutting P.M. Ada 12
& Annie [Stewart were] here P.M.[I]C[lean
ed the] H[en] H[ouse and] put in furnace
wood etc. A.M. [I] Basted sleeves [during
the cousins'] visit[.] Jno. & Ifsabella]
P[earl,B[ella] & I [were] at Ned's [this]
even[ing.
]
11. T. W F[luker [was] at Will's [cutting P.M.] 22
Jno.[was there also for a] little [time.] C[old] E[ast]
A. Wise [was] here P.M. [He] bought [a] W[ind],Snowy,
2 yr. old colt (Colby’
s.) Drifting all night
12 . F .
13 . S .
14. S.
15. M.
Jno.at Wise's with colt A.M.[and at]Mills 16
P.M. [I] Finis[hed the] waist (but[for] Fine P.M,
some hooks I have to get.
)
[I was] Mending[
. John was at Mills A.M. 21
and] in Clinton]] P.M. I went to see Mrs Fine P.M.
J. Pearson[.] (2 lambs 1st)
B[ella] & I [were] in C[hurch](Rev. Stew- 24
art.) A[g] stayed with[Edward John.] A[g]
& Jno. [went at night to the] English Thaw
g[hurch.
]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] A.M. Softish & 10
Light snow
�February, 1897 255
16. T. Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. with Ned[.] 23
A[g] & B[ella] washed[
. I was] in bed A.M.
sick [with a] cold[. I have been] making] Beautiful
Jno. blue dairy [aprons.]
17. W. [I made] Duck p[an]ts [for John.] B[ella] 23
scrubbed for Jane[.] Dew Drop calved [a] Nice
bull[.
]
18. T. A[lex] Innis, J, McLauughlin & W [were] 22
here A.M. [McLaughlin came in the] even
ing and] bought [a] horse[.] Jno. [was] Nice
shearing[. I] c[leaned the] h[en] h[ouse]
P.M.
19. F. [I] Finis[hed]Jno.'s Ducks [this] morn- 26
[ing.] B[ella] & I[were] in C[linton] P.M.L[ight] S[now]
[The men were] Cutting P.M. Adam [stayed] Beautiful
for tea[.
]
20. S. [I]Finis[hed] Jno.'s Dairys [&] mended[.] C[old] 21
Jno. [was] shearing[.] E[ast] W[ind]
Rain, etc.
21. S. A[g] & B[ella were] in C[hurch.](Rev.Stew- 18
art.)Jno.& Fa[ther went in the evening!.] Beautiful
[I] Stayed with [Jane's] kids [this] even- Very H[igh]
[ing.] Auntie [has] gone to Green's[.] Wind
22. M. [I]Made Fa[ther]'s Ducks[.]Mr [Green was] 20
here telling about Mrs Ferguson's Fa- Very H[igh]
[ther]’
s funeral[.] wind. S[ome]
S[now] & some
R[ain.]
23. T. A[g] & Jno.[were] at [the] funeral[.] A[g 26
went]home with Annie Stewart[.I worked at] Stormy, Not
appliaquing (sic)* wheels on [a] doiley[.
] much frost
* Eliza-Ann is trying to make a french noun,
applique into a verb.
24. W.
25 . T .
26 . F .
Finis[hed the doiley] A.M. & Made 2 Dairy a little 20
Aprons P.M. colder, some snow
A[lex.] Innis got [the] colt and took it 23
away[.
] Jno. [was] in C[linton.] A[g] & I
washed[.] Fa[ther was] at Will's A.[M.] &
Mac’
s [P.M.] Ned [stayed] for dinner P.M.
[I] Tore out sheets [in the] even[ing.*
]
Fa[ther] & Ned [were] at J. McDonald's*
sale P.M. Dunham & Woolcott arrived [at]
noon[.]Jno.[hitched] Queen [&] drove them
Frazer's[.I] Made [a] parasol cover[.]
28
Cold & a
little snow
27 . S . Dunham & Ffather were] at Wigg[nton's] &
Elliot’
s A. [M.] & A. Dunkin's P.M. Ned
[came]after 8 sheep bought yester[day. I]
Finis[hed the] sheets & tore out 3 pillow
cases [
.]
25
Very C[old]
W[ind], riw.
28. S. B[ella]& I[were in Church](Rev. Stewart.) 23
Jno.[went at night.I]Stayed with the kids Sunny
[in the] even[ing.]]
March, 1897
1. M. Jno. & D[unham were] in town A.M. I [was] 12
in C[linton] with Ned P.M. [for William] Light snow,
Pearson's funeral[.]2 Made 3 pillow Softish
cases[.]
�March, 1897 256
2. T .
3. W.
4. T .
5, F .
6. S .
7. S .
8. M.
9. T .
10. W.
11 . T .
12 . F .
13 . S .
14 . S .
15 . M.
[I made] 6 [pillow-cases]& 8 button-holes
(Jno.'s cuffs.) Cherry calved[. The] Men Frozen,
took 58 sheep to [the railway] station[.] Nice
11
15
A[g] & I washed[
. I] Mended Jno.'s shirt
etc.[The] Kids [were] slidingf.]Jno.[was] C[old]
shearing[.] Flfuker was] at Ned's crush- W[ind],
ing[.
] Some Strong
I [was] in C[linton] A.M. [and] Made pies Beautiful 7
P.M. etc. Sun, Thaw
Grainger [came] for dinner[.] Dennison
called P.M. Finis[hed]mending Jno.’
s draw
ers, washed cape (overcoat) etc. Jno. & Raining
Fl[uker were] at Ned's P.M. cutting[.]
17
10
Grainger [was] here [this] morn[ing and]
bought[the]fat heifer[•]Houston & McCorry Frosty
called & Dickson([of] Goderich) & Bates N[orth]~
called around even[ing.]Fa[ther]walked to W[est] W[ind]
Frazer's & [was] at [the] Master's P.M. Sunny
etc. Jno. & Fen[wick] walked to C[linton]
P.M.
A[g] & I [took the] cutter[to church](Rev. 16
Stewart - Parable of the sower.) Jno.[went Fine,C[old]
at night.] E[ast] W[ind]
[I]Mended[the] brown skirt, Jno.'s p[an]ts
& finis[hed the] brown waist....... Annie
Stewart[came this] norn[ing] for butter[.]
N[icholas] Cuming called [this] even[ing.]
Jno. [was] at Jane's[.] ifsabella] P[earl]
in [here by] herself[.]
17
Fine A.M.
Raining P.M.
Jno. [was] at Ned’
s yesterday & today[
. I] 17
wiped out [my] room, turned 6 sheets & but- Raining,
ton-holed some on [a] doiley[.] T[hunder] &
L[ightning at]
night[.]
21
Slightly
frozen,
Fine & Sunny
Jno. [was] in C[linton] A.M. with[the] fat
heifer [and] with Ned P.M. A[g] & Bfella]
washed in [the] veranda etc. A[g went] on
horseback for Jane's clothes [and she was]
at Mac's [in the] even[ing] for [a] bag of
flour Mac's fetched from town[.] B[ella
was] at U[ncle James's] P.M. & even[ing
and Ag was there in the] even[ing.].....
... meal from Jane[.]
Fa[ther was] at Jno. Elliot's for dinner & 27
walked to C[linton] P.M. [He] got I[sabel- Fine, Sun
la] P[earl [a] basket etc. [I was] working Showers,
at [a] doily fsic][.] 2nd goose egg Snowed
Jno.& Flfuker were] at Ned’
s P.M. Fenfwick 25
was] here P.M. Jno. [was] in C[linton at
night[.] A[g] & I[were] at Ned•
s[this]even- Freezing,
[ing. I Finis[hed the doiley [at] night[.] Stormy
30
Jno.[was]at Ned's & Fl[uker] P.M. Fa[ther]
walked to C[linton.] C. Middleton [was] Fine, Sun,
here [this] morn[ing. I] Started making[a]
crotchet picture frame[.]
Thaw
A[g] & B[ella drove to] C[hurch in the]cut- Mild, 36
ter[.](Rev. McDonald, Seaforth) [then] Stormy
Ned [was] here P.M. Jno.[went to Cflinton] Fine, 28
in [the] buggy[
. I worked]at [my] frame[.] L[ight]S[now]
�March, 1897 257
16 . T .
17 . W.
18 . T .
19 . F .
20. S .
21 . S .
22 . M.
23 . T .
24 . W.
25 . T .
26 . F .
27 . S .
28 . S .
. A[g has] gone to Copeland's in [the] 55
buggy & [she] took Fa[ther] to [the rail- Fine &
way]station in C[inton.I]Mended Mofther's] Frosty
ganzies & my shoes[.] R. Marshel(sic)[and]
Fen[wick], Adam & Ida [Stewart] called [in
the] even[ing[.]
. A[g] & I washed A.M. A[g was] in C[linton] 15
P.M. meeting Fa[ther] etc. {He] bought 9
sheep[.] Ned [was] here[.] Webber fetched Fine,
[the] sheep in [his] sleigh [and was here] Like Rain
all night[.I did] a little crochet[.]
. [Ned was here]] Jane & A[g were] in C[lin- 33
ton] P.M. I[sabella] P[earl] & Will's kids Springlike,
[were] P.M. Will's [were] in C[linton.] Misty, etc.
Tough [was here] all night[.]
• A[g] & I cleaned [the] kitchen stove pipes Dull, 37
etc. A.M. [I] Scrubbed [the] kitchen P.M. Springlike,
[and] A[g was]
washing[the] plaster[in the] Raining,
boy's stair[.] Ned [was] here[.] Jno.[was] H[igh] E[ast]
shearing for Ned[.
] W[ind.]
Ned [here] A.M. Jno. & Ned [were] in C[lin- 33
ton] P.M.[Jno.was shearing]Webber sheep[.]
N[eil] McGregor C[alled.]A[g] scrubbed for Dull &
Jane[. I] Finis[hed] making [a] hen box[. Windy
I saw some] Black birds[.]
Lilly [Stewart was] in on [her] way to 36
Glen’
s[.] Bees [were] flying P.M. Ad[am] & C[old] W[ind]
Jno. [went to church at night[.] Beautiful, P.M.
A[lex.] Innis [was] here [this] 34
morn[ing.] Jno. Thomson [was] Frozen a little,
here[.] Jane & [the] kids [were] Fine,Beautiful.
here P.M. [Ag, Bella & I are] pa
pering [the] boys' stair[way.]
Fl[uker was]at Will's crushing[.]
[The] Heifer calved[.
] A[g was] Frozen a little, 27
in cflinton] P.M. [for] wall[pap- Rain & Sleet P.M.
er. We were] Papering P.M.
[We]Finis[hed papering the stair- 43
way.] A[g] scrubbed it etc. Jno. Snowed,
[went into] Cflinton] in [the]wa- Soft-Stormy
gon [for] chop[.] B[ella] baked
cakes P.M.
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.] FI- 39
uker was] at Will's cutting[.]
Billy died (2 old sheep before.) Dull, Sfnowed] a
A[g]’
s (Heifer) cow calvedf.] little, slight t[haw.]
Ned [helped] us cutting P.M. [I] 37
Filled some floor cracks up Fine
Jno.s stair[.I] Sent home a Gob- Sun Thaw
[blerjwith Ned[.
] 2 p[ai]r [of]
lambs [born.]
[I filled some more cracks up 30
the stairway.] A[g was] Mending
P.M. Jno.walked to C[linton] P.M.
Lizzie[was]here P.M. for milk[.
]
1 p[ai]r [of] lambs [born.]
[At church] A.M. [Mr] Houston[of Frozen32
the] High School [and Mr] Lough,
[the] Pfublic] School Principal,
[conducted the service.] Jno.
[
went in the] even[ing.
]
�29. M.
30 . T .
March, 1897 258
Fa[ther] walked to Cflinton.] H. 40
Parker [was] at[the] barn[.I was]
Making Hen-roosts[.] 2 p[ai]r[of] Fine & Wanner
lambs [born.]
[I] Finis[hed making hen roosts.
] 30
Fl[uker was] in [the] bush with Beautiful
Ned[.] A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. Frogs
Jno. walked P.M.
31. W. [I] Drove Fa[ther] to [the] r[ail- 36
road bridge [this] morn[ing,] en
route for Owen Sound, [to] Mr Har- Bfast] W[ind]
rison’
s[.] Jane,Ifsabella] P[earl
& E[dward] J[ohn] came in with
me[. I was] Cleaning [the] H[en]
H[ouse] etc.
April, 1897
[I] Finis[hed]C[leaning the H[en]
Hfouse], helped wash & put up Din
ing Room, Jno.'s B[ed] R[oom] S
t
Spare-room blinds[.] Jno. [was]in
C[linton this] evenfing.] B[ella
was] baking etc.
39
Fine
E[ast] W[ind]
2. F. [John was in Clinton in the] morn- 28
[ing] & [with] Ned [in the] even
ting.] Jno. McEwen[was] here[this] Beautiful
even[ing.] U[ncle] J[ame]s’
s Annie
[was] at Will’
s to day too[.]Clean
ing [the] Milk room, I swept etc.,
& [got the] hall ready for mop[p]-
ing[.
]
3. S . Fa[ther] arrived [at] noon [and]
drove out of C[linton] with Mr
Pattison*s horse[.]A[g]&Jno.[were]
in Cflinton] P.M. for 4 Galloway
cross steers & dry cow & 28 sheep[
.
I] Scrubbed shelves [in the] milk
room etc.
33
Fine, H[igh]
E[ast]] W[ind]
4. S . A[g] & I[were]in Cfhurch](Rev.Muir,
Brucefield.) Rain P.M*
31
5. M. Jno. [was] in Brucefield P.M.[for] 36
clover Seed[.] F[luker was]plowing
A. [M.] S
t at Ned’
s crushing P.M. [I] Rain in P.M.
Fixed latches on the 3 celler-
doors[.]
6. T . A[g] & Jane [were]in C[linton] P.M. 56
Jno. stayed with [the] kids[.]B[el- Fine, C[old]
la was] bakingf.
] Cutting P.M. [I] E[ast] W[ind]
Cleaned [my] room etc.
7. W. Bfella] & I [were] at Grant’
s Rag- 34
bee P.M. Jno.[was]in C[linton] P.M. Dull, Slight
Hudie [was here in the] evenfing] drizzle.
looking at [a] Milch-cow[.]
8. T. Jno. [was]in C[linton]A.M. for corn Fine 44
[in the] wagon[.] Lizzie [went]
with him[. John was] at [the] Mill
P.M. with [corn.] [A[g] S
t I washed
[and I] Cleaned the Goose House[.]
9. F. [I] Drove Mo[ther] & Jane &[Edward Snowing 50
John] to Scott's Rag bee[.The] Cal-
der kid[came] for dinner [and help-
in] gatherng eggs[. I was] fixing
onions[.] B[ella was] puttying
cracks [on] Jno.'s stair[.]
1. T .
�April, 1897 259
10. S.
11. S .
12 . M.
13 . T .
14. W.
15 . T .
16 . F .
17 . S .
18 . S .
19. M.
20 . T .
[I] Finis[hed fixing onions.] Mac
called P.M. A[g] scrubbed for
Jane[.
]
B[ella] & I [werein church] (Rev,
Stewart.) Sfabbath] S[chool] start-
ed[[.] Fanny calved[.]
A[g]& B[ella were]in C[linton] P.M,
[and I was] Making [a] Rooster box
P.M. Jno. speared 16 suckers[.]
[I] Made a coop[.]A[g] washed & ir- Raining
onedf.]B[ella] got bush flowers[.]
Fine 42
C[old] E[ast]
W[ind]
Fine 36
C[old] W[ind]
Fine 39
C[old] W[ind]
evenfing.]
[I made a coop with] 3 nests[.]Jno.
McNaughton [was] here A.M. [and]
bought 2 last year colts[.] Jno. &
Fl[uker] took [the 2 horses] over
P.M. Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M.
34
29
Dull, Fine
Fa[ther was] at Sturdy's[
. I] Made
[a]feed box & a row of 6 nests for
[a] goose nest[.] Fen[wick came]af- Fine & Nice
ter oats [and stayed] for dinner[
.
The] boys cleaned oats[.] A[nnie]
& Ida [Stewart], J. Sparrow,Mac, &
McNaughton [were here this] even
ting. ]
30
Good Friday [I] Raked [the] chip 52
Showery
yard & picked up sticks around
[the] H[en] Hfouse.] Jno. [was] at
[the] Brucefield Show P.M.[The]Cal-
der kids [came] for dinner[.] Mag-
[gie] & Isabel [were here] P.M.
[I did] Mending[.] Fa[ther] walked
to C[linton] A.M. F[luker was] at Fine, Windy
Ned's [and] Will's crushing[.] A.
C. Mason & ____ were here looking
at [a] horse[.]
Fa[ther],I[sabella]
P[earl]&I[were]
in C[hurch](Rev.Stewart.
) [It was
the] Childrens' Anniversary^.
] Jno,
& Adam [went at night.] Ida & I
[
were] in S[abbbath]S[chool.
] B[el-
la was] at Jane's-[Jane has a]cold,
A[g] scrubbed at Jane'sf. I was]
puttying cracks on[Jno.’
s Stair[.]
My Heifer cow calved[.] J. Sparrow
& Mac McNaughton[came]for tea[and]
bought 2 colts[.] Jno. [went] with
them [in the] even[ing.j
G. 0. Sturdy fetched sheep [and
stayed] for dinner[.] Wigg[inton’
s
came by] P.M. with [wedding] invit
ations[.I]
Laid [a]platform in[the]
woodshed etc.
46
29
H[igh] W[ind],
Fine
40
Rain Showers
Snow Flurries etc.,
Hreezing, H[igh]
W[ind.]
42
H[igh] C[old]
W[ind,] Fine
21. W .
22 . T .
Jno[was]at Mac's Rag-Bee P.M. A[g], 33
Jno. &I [were] there [in the] even- H[igh] c[old]
[ing.] Acheson & wife [came] for W[ind,] Showery.
tea-(strangers.
)
Jno. [was] in C[linton]
A[g] & B[ella were] in
P.M. [I] Rid.....swept,
etc.
A. [M.] &
Cflinton]
.....yard
31
Beautiful &
Hot
�April, 1897 260
23 . F . Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.I was] Lots of Heavy 35
Mending etc. Rain & large Hail
storm P.M.
24 . S .
25 . S .
Fa[ther was] at Jno. Thomson *
s for Showery,
pigs[.
] Very Warmm.
A[g] & I [were in church](Rev.Stew- Rainy
art.
) Ad[am &] J[ohn went in the
evening.]
22
34
26. M.
27 . T .
Elsie Thomson [was] here for [a]
calf & [a] Roosterf.She is getting
teeth pulled[.Elsie,]A[g] & B[ella
wereJin Cflinton. I]Took out a lot
of rotten apples[.]
40
H[igh] C[old]
W[ind,] Shower,
Fine.
[A[g was]in Cflinton] P.M. B[ella] 33
& I [are] making [her a] dress[.] Sunny, Fine
28. W. Fa[ther]& Mo[ther were] at Jessie* 36
Wig[ginton's] Wedding [this] even- Fine, Like Rain
[ing.]....[I] finis[hed] Bfella’
s]
dress etc., etc.
*The groom was a Mr Hodgins
29. T. [I] Cleaned [the] H[ens’] Platform Fine 35
[and mended a] slipper[.] Fa[ther
is] grafting these days[.]
30. F. A[g] & I washed[.] Like R[ain,] Rainy. 34
May, 1897
1. S. [I] Finished mending[the] slippers Raining 30
[and] sewed [the] soles on[.
]
2. S. A[g] & B[ella were in church](Rich- 34
ardson, [a] graduate [student.])
3. M. B[ella)H[ouse] C[leaned the]pantry 21
[and] A[g] ironed[.] Mac [was here Dull, Misty
in the] morn[ing. The Calder kid
[came for] dinner[
. I did] sorting
[of] old letters etc.
4. T . Jno.[was]in C[linton]P.M. Flfuker] 32
& Jno. [were] in Varna [this] even
ting with] Dewdrop[.
] Fa[ther is]
grafting[. I S[orted more] old let
ters] etc.,etc.
5. W. [I] Washed[.]Jno.[worked at soap.] 18
A1 Wise[was here this] morn[ing[.] Fine
6. T. Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. Slight Shower 20
7. F. Fa[ther] & Mo[ther were] visiting Beautiful & 28
[in] Varna[.
] Jno.[went to] Bruce- Hot
field with wool[.]
8. S. [I did some] Mending[
. We] Sowed Beautiful 15
flax [at the] end [of the]Rathwell
bush[. The] Cows [were] out all
night[.]
�May, 1897 261
20
9. S. B[ella] & I & l[sabella] P[earl Nice,
were] in Cfhurch] (Rev. Stewart.) H[eavy] Rain,
Cows [were] in[.
] even[ing.]
10. M.
11 . T .
12 . W.
13 . T .
14 . F .
15 . S .
16 . S .
17 . M.
18 . T .
19. W.
[Jim] Barkley came for dinner & 20
U[ncle Jas.for tea[.] Adam brought
up [some] fish [this] mornfing.] Beautiful & Hot
B[ella] took up her B[ed] R[oom]
carpet etc.,etc. [I] Put away furs
etc. I[sabella] P[earl [was here]
all day[.
]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton.] A. 22
Wise & "Yes Missus"
A[g] & I washed A.M. I [was] with Fine, Hot, 18
Fafther] & [the] McGregor's in Bru- Heavy Showers
cefield P.M. Streaching (sic) B[el- Mornfing]
la]’s carpet [in the] even[ing.] Fine, cooler
Aunty came up to go to cflinton.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. Mary
Cuming[was] here P.M. [I]Put down
[the] S[pare] B[ed] Room carpet &
finis[hed the] other one etc.,tc.
Jno. C[uming] & I [were] at Ned's
P.M. [and at] Will's [in the]even
ting, along with A[g], Liley,& Ab
Nott[.]
[I] Hung [my] B[ed Room door on
[
the] other side & put on [a]
lock etc. Fa[ther was in C[lin-
ton.] [A] Jew called[in the] even
ting. ]
A[g] & B[ella] & Fluker [were] in
Church[.] A[g and] Jno.[went at
night.]
[I]Planted 18 rows[of]
mangoIs P.M.
G.Middleton & Irish Elliot [were]
here [in the] even[ing.
]
Fa[ther was] in Cflinton. I] Dug
around rose-bushes,[did] Mending, Fine
etc.Graham Herbison called[.]
17
Fine & Nice
Shower
Dull,Misty &
cold
29
21
Cool & Lovely
20
26
23
22
[I]Planted 9 rows mangols & 1 Red
carrot s & Beets[.] Jno. & I plan
ted 10 rows carrots[.] I helped like rain
churn A.M. Jno. & Fl[uker]shipped-
[a] Bull to Oak Lake, [Manitoba],*
P.M.
* William Mac Farlane had a farm there.
20 . T .
21 . F .
22 . S .
A[g] Ironed [and I did] Mending
etc. Rainy
26
Is & I[were] in C[linton. We] got
[the]hall carpet home[.] A[g] & I
[were] at Ned's[in the] even[ing]
for straw[.
]
27
Fine & C[old]
W[ind,] Frost.
[Ag, Bella & I put] down [the car
pet[.] Fa[ther was] in C[linton] Fine
[for] corn[.]
15
�May, 1897 262
23. S
24 . M .
25. T
26. W
27 . T
28. F
29. S
30. S
31 . M
1. T
2. W
3. T
4. F
. Is[abel Glen]& I[were]in C[hurch]
(Rev. Stewart.) Jno.[went in the
evening.]
. [I] Planted some onions[.] A[g
scrubbed for Jane[.] B[ella]wash-
ed her curtains & hall ones &
ironed[.]
. A[g] & Bella [were] at Jno. Thom
son's for pigs[.]
. Mr & Mrs Fluker [were here] for
dinner[
. I] Planted tomatoes &
onions
. A[g] & I washed[.] A[g] & B[ella
were] in C[1inton.
]
. Fl[uker] & I were in cfhurch]
(Rev. Bradley- Mitchell.) "This
is my beloved son in whom I am
well pleased.*
. Fa[ther was] in C[linton] with
Ned (horse & steers.) Ned[was]in
Seaforth in[the] cart with horse
Polly[.]
. Fa[ther],Jane, Ned, Fl[uker] & I
[were]in c[hurch] with our horse
in Ned's buggy[
.](
Rev. Stewart)
Jno. & A[g went at night.]
. Dunham & Woolcott[and] two horse
buyers[came]for dinner etc.[The]
Girls [are] making Fa[ther]'s
shirts[.] Started fringe for tap
estry mat[.
]
June, 1897
. [We] Shipped 68 sheep P.M. (some
had lambs[
. I] Mended [a] para-
sol[.]
. A[g] & I washed[.] A[g] & B[ella
were] in C[linton] P.M. Jno.,F[l-
uker] & I planted 12 rows of pot-
atoes[.] Fa[ther]planted as many
at [the] Rath[well field......E.
& W. at barn pump[.
]
. Fa[ther]walked to C[linton.] I s
abella] P[earl was]here P.M .Ned
& Jno.washed his sheep[.I worked]
at Fa[
ther]'s shirts[.]
. [I] Finis[hed the] button-holes
etc., [on] Fa[
ther]'s shirts[.I]
Sewed [the] facing on B[ella]'s
Br[own] dress etc. [I finished
the] mat fringe [at] night[.]Ned
[drove] Polly in[to] C[linton.
The] Rev., Mrs & Douglas Stewart
called P.M.
24
Rainy, Dull
24
Dull & Cold
24
Fine, C[old] W[ind]
24
Fine & warm
16
16
Drizzley & cool.
21
Fine & Cool
24
Raining Noon &
P.M.
24
Fine & Cold
25
Fine & Cool
22
Fine
33
Raining, Heavy
showers
22
Fine - Dull
C[old] W[ind]
�June, 1897 263
[I] Finisfhed] B[ella]’
s dress
& darned socks A.M. [Ned] & Jno.
[drove Polly]infto]C[linton this] Dull, Rain
mornfing.] Bfella] & I [were] in
Cflinton] P.M.
A[g] & Bfella] & Ffluker were]in
Cfhurch.] Raining P.M.
Flfuker was] at Ned's cleaning Raining
wheat[.] Jarvis & Mekin [were]
heref.] Fa[[ther], Jno. & Bfella
were] at Ned’
s for turkey din
ner[
. I] Made pies[and was] mend
ing bags[.]
Fafther] walked to Cflinton.]
Jno. Fine
[was]in Cflinton with a]loadfof]
wheat & Ned [went] with a load
too[.] Afg] churned etc. [I was]
Mending bags all dayf.]
18
18
29
28
Mother dyed socks brown etc. Jno. 21
[was] in C[linton om the]horse &
Ned & Flfuker] with loads [of]
wheat (ours & his)[.] Afg] & I
washed etc. [The] Foote* boys
[were] here [and] bought [a]
bullf.]U[ncle James was here]P.M.
Ned’
s & Fen[wick] & Adam [came
in the] evenfing.] * Foote s farmed on
the Bayfeld Road at Con IV.
I[was] in C[linton]with Fafther] 22
en route for Old Country ship
"Scotsman"[.] Mac[here this]morn-
ting.] Ned & Jno. [were]in C[lin-
ton] for salt etc. Foote's [came
after thhir] bfull at] noon[. I]
Mended Fl[uker]'s p[an]ts [this]
evenfing.]
[I was] in Cflinton at]noon with 31
Bfella] en route for Goderich(to
teach.) [I] Finisfhed] binding Rain A.M.
Bfella's skirt A.M. Mofther was] Dull Fine P.M.
at Lizzie's "rag-bee" P.M.
Ned, Jane & I[sabella] P[earl 23
were] in Cflinton] P.M.[driving]
Polly[.
] Jno.[was]at Scott’s for Fine & Hot
oats[.I]C[leaned the]H[en]H[ouse Rain
[and] put the rest of frames in
the unpacked hive[.]
Afg],Flfuker & I[were in church] Fine 26
(
Rev. Stewart.
) Bees swarmed out
[
and then] returned[.]
[I] Finis[hed] planting onions & 23
beans[.] G.O. Sturdy [came] for
dinner[.] Jno.[was] in Cflinton] Fine & Hot
P.M. [for] chopf.] 1st swarm of Slight Rain
bees [from the ] brown hive-only
about 1 q[uar]t[er of the] bees
stayed[.]
[John was in Clinton in the]even- 30
[ing.]FI[
uker was]in Varna[
with]
Dewdrop[.
] A[g] & I [were] at
Lizzie's P.M. sewing rags[.]
5 . S .
6. S .
7. M.
8. T .
9. W.
10 . T .
11 . F .
12 . S .
13 . S .
14. M.
15 . T .
�June, 1897 264
16. W. A[g] & I washedf.
] Jno. & Ned 30
[were] in C[lintonj P.M. &[were]
planting"nips'
*
[in the]
even[ing.]
Washed hair
17 . T .
18 . F .
19 . S .
20 . S .
21. M.
Ned [was] here planting turnips
with [the] boys[.] Sowed rape
too[.] A[g] scrubbed boys' stair
& churned[.] Jno. & I filled 6
bags [of] pot[atoes[.] I wheeled
out a half dozen barrowffuls of]
clay, buds & rotten ones[.]
[I] Helped iron[.] Jane & [the]
kids [were] here[.] Jno. finis Fine & cool
[hed] sowing tuirnips & [was] in
C[linton in the] even[ing.]...
..[The] Men[are] at road work[.]
Ned & Jno.[are] dipping lambs[.]
Will finis[hed] road work A.M. & Slight Rain
rolling P.M. I [was] in C[linton Fine & Warm
Mid-day[.]
27
32
A[g],F[luker] & I[were in]church FinefColdf 28
(Rev. Stewart.)
Thanksgiving serm- C[ool] W[ind]
on[in honour of]Queen Victoria’s
Diamond Jubilee[.]Jno. & A[dam]
went at night.
]
Cardiff’
s at Stewart’
s[.]F[luker] 30
scuffled mangols[.] Jno. &Ned was
hed buggies P.M. [I] took 3 bar- Cold
rows out of[the] cellar P.M. etc.
[I] C[leaned] H[en] Roosts - (I
think.)
22. T. Jubilee Celebrations Jno. &
A[g] & Ned [were]in C[linton]A.M.
F[luker went] up P.M. A[g] stay- Fine
ed[.
] Jno. went back[in the]even
ting. ]
23. W. [The]White[bee] box swarmed[when
I] 1st lifted it out of [the]
chaff[
. We are] Ma king cellar Hot
steps[.] Ned’
s, & Mrs [Ann],Bell,
& Mag[gie]McEwen[were here this]
even[ing.
]
17
22
24. T. A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. Jno. Cool & Dull
[was] at Ned’
s P.M. [I] Churned Hot[t]er
A.M.
18
25. F. A[g] & I washed[
.]F[luker’
s]
weed
ing roots these days[.] Bees
swarmed & [then] returned[.] Ned
[was]in B[rucefield[with]wool[.
]
26. S. Jno. & I [were] in Brucefield[.
]
Fl[uker] finis[hed] thinning man-
gols[. The bees swarmed in the]
2nd brown [hive.]
14
Coldish
N[orth] W[ind.]
C[old] W[ind]
nFine
27. S. Jane & I [were in church] (Rev.
Morrison[of]Toronto preaching to
"Masons’
’ P.M. Jno. & A[dam went
at night[.] Bees swarmed[in the]
3rd brown [hive.]
C[old] W[ind]
Fine
10
9
�June, 1897 265
28 . H.
29 . T .
30. W.
1. T .
[I] Washed 2 bee boxes[andC[lean
ed all [of] the H[en] H[ouse.]
FI[
uker] cleaned 10 rows car- Fine
rots[.] A[g did the] ironing[.]
Guelph excursion
Jno.[was]in C[linton] P.M.[for] Rain
flour etc. B[ee]'s [in the] 4th Very Warm
B[ox I] put in [the] 3rd[.
]
[This] morn[ing I] Churned,A[g] Misty
washed [and] Mo[ther] baked[.] Fine & Hot
Aunty & I [were]in C[linton]P.M.
Bella [came] home[.]
16
14
9
July, 1897
Fixing Cellar steps* Jno.[did]
1st mowing** [by] Mac’s bush &
U[ncle] Jno.'s[. I]Took 2frames
[of] honey from [the] old Brown
[hive.] A[g did the] ironing[.]
Stanbury & Craig [called here
[in the] even[ing.j
* John and Adam did a lot of
carpentry and small cement work for most of
their adult lives. **It used to be an
article of faith that one could not cut
hay before July 1st. A century later, most
the hay is off by then. Hay taken off in June
has more food value.
Fine & Hot
2. F .
3. S .
4. S .
A[g] & B[ella] & Ifsabella] 11
P[earl were] at Jno. Thom-
son’
s[.We are]Almost finisfhed
the] steps[.]Jno. [did] mowing
A.M.,[then] raked & coiled[.
]
Doubled hive swarmed out[.]
[We finished the steps.] White
hive swarmed[.] Raking hay A.M.,
[the]Boys coiled & hauled in 1
load[.] Jno. [was] in C[linton
in the] even[ing with the] fat
cow[.
]
Fl[uker], B[ella] &I [were] in 17
C[hurch](Rev. Richardson.) Jno.
[went at night.]
10
Very Hot
94 [degrees F.]
5. M. [I]C[leaned] Roost boards,made 11
[a] divide board [and a] hid
ing room etc.* [We were]mowing 99 [degrees F] P.M.
A.M. & part P.M. Fl[uker]scuf- SlightRain
fled corn[.The]Men hauled in 2
loads [of] hay [in the] even
ting. ]
*When laying hens get hatching notions, they
will stubbornly sit on their eggs and peck
any hand reaching under them. The hen is
locked up in a confined space until her
attitude changes[.]
6. T. [I was]Pulling mustard A.M.[The 9
Men hauled in 8 loads[and were]
Raking P.M. A[g was] in C[lin- Fine & Hot
P.M. for Mrs Nott & Aisie P.M.
Mrs[
Nicholas]
Cuming[
was]
here[.]
Jane [was off]seeing Aunt Abby
7
�July, 1897 266
7. W. [I] Washed out [my] room A.M
Jno.[was]
mowing A.M. [The]Boys
hauled in 6 loads [of] hay P.M.
[I raked and drove the team
with the hay]-loader[.]
8. T. [We hauled in] 6[loads,
etc.
Mrs
& Maggie McGregor arrived [in
the even[ing.]
Fowlie[was here]
all night[.]
9. F[luker] mowed [the] "big tree"
field[. We] Finis[hed] raking
[the]2nd field A.M.[and]hauled
in 2 loads P.M. Mrs Nott etc.,
[was up] at U[ncle] Jno.’
s[.]
Ab came up with them & stayed
all night[.]
10. S. I [was] raking [hay] etc.[We]
hauled in 6 loads..[of] hay[.j
A[g was in C[linton. She] took
Ellie home P.M. [and] took the
McGregor'
s home [in the even
ting. ]
11. S. Ffluker], A[g] & I [were in]
C[hurch](Rev. Richardson.) Jno.
& A[dam went at night.]
12. M. Fl[uker was] mowing [and] scuf
fled after tea[.]A[g]scrubbed[
I was]dusting potatoes all day
etc.at Rathwell’s[.]Jno.& Adam
at Bayfield [attending the Or
ange walk.]
13. T. A[g] & I washed etc. [I] Hoed
some onions [in the even[ing.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton in the]
even[ing.
]
14. W. A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. Fl[
uker [was] mowing[
. I [was] Ra
king P.M. S
t hauled in 2 loads
[in the] even[ing.I] Finis[hed
hoeing onions and] waxed beans
[and] greened 12 rows [of pota
toes.
] at [the] barn [in the]
even[ing.
]
8.
16
15
8
Misty, Slight
R[ain] P.M.
Fine & Cooler.
14
21
Light Shower
19
Fine & Cool
15 . T .
16 . F .
17 . S
Eliz[abeth] McGregor, Carrie &
Jennie Grant arrived [at]noon[.
I] Finis[hed]greening [the]Rat-
hwell pot[atoes this] morn-
ting.We]Hauled in 6 loads[and]
finis[hed the] Watering Place
field[.] Will* finis[hed] mow
ing [at] noon[.]
13
Fine & Cool
A[g]&B[
ella werejin C[linton.
]
I [did the] raking etc. [We]
Hauled in [a] stack(6 loads.)
[We hauled in] 5 [loads and]
finisfhed] haying[.
] A[g & Liz-
[zie were] in C[linton] P.M.
Ned,Adam & J[oe] Jacobs3 were]
here for dinner[.]
*wiU4.MA Flukerl
31
•'Fine & Warm
CooJ W[ind. ] 33
8
�July, 1897 267
18 . S .
19. M.
20 . T .
21 .
22 .
W.
T .
23. F.
24 . S .
25 . S .
B[ella],Liz[zie& Fl[uker[wereJ
in Cfhurch](
J.A. McDonald, Var
na. )
A[g] & I washed[
. I] cut out a
blouse P.M. Adam brought Fa
ther's] letter[.]
Jno.[was]in C[linton this]morn-
ting.] A[g] & B[ella were] in
Bayfield [at a] picnic[.] Jno.
[was]plowing sod P.M.[and]Will
[was] thinning nips
A[g was] in Cflinton] P.M.
Ned & Jane [were] in Cflinton]
P.M. [The] Kids[stayed]here[.
]
[I] Worked at [the].....dress
A.M. [I was] pulling & stoning
cherries P.M.
A[g was] ironing all day -3
w[ee]k's worth[.I worked at the
....dress] all day[.]Jno.[was]
reaping wheat P.M. U[ncle
James],Adam & Fen[wick] called
here P.M. Annie & Ida [came in
the] even[ing.
]
I[was] in C[linton] P.M. [and]
got Cabbage & TomatoM plants[.]
Plowing A.M & finis[hed] wheat
P.M.
F[luker],Liz[zie] & I [were]in
Cfhurch](Rev. Richardsson.)
P.M.
Fine
Rain P.M
Poured P.M.
Heavy shower P.M.
Poured P.M.
Like rain
but Fine
27
28
20
24
35
Heavy Rain A.M.
Fine P.M.
21
Misty, Fine
24
Fine & Warm
26. M. Liz. McGregor went home[.] A[g]
& Jane went [this] morn[ing]to
berry [at] McKenzie's[. I] plan
ted 158 celery plants etc.
T. A[g] washed & picked[.I was] in
C[lnton] P.M.
28
27 .
28 .
29.
30.
W. A[g] & I [went] picking berries
T .
Showery
Fine,
Misty Rain
F.
31. S .
P.M.(20 lbs.) Misty Rain,Fine,
Making muslin [curtains] A.M.,
[I] Washed p[an]ts [and] lace Fine
curtains P.M. etc
Jane & I picked 30 lbs [of]
Rasp[berrie]s[
. This] even[ing]
A[g], B[ella] & I [visited Jes
sie] Wigg[inton-now] Mrs Hod-
gins [.We] Hauled in 5 loads[of]
wheat P.M.
[We hauled in the remaining 5 Fine
loads of wheat] P.M. A[g]& F1[U-
ker were] in Cflinton thisjett&ji-*
[ing.]Mrs & Joe Reynolds faante]
for tea[.
]
26
18
42
27
Fine, Sprinkled
24
�August,1897 268
A[g],B[ella] & Fl[uker were] in
C[hurch[]
Adam & Jno. [went at
night
Will [was] scuffling rape & Jno.
[was] plowingf.]A[g] & I [were]
in [the] river (1st time [I] ev
er was[
. I] Greened potatoes[.]
Ida [Stewart was up on[her]byke
for sugar[.]
[I] Cleaned[my] room & hung cur
tains P.M. Jno. & A[g were] in
C[linton] P.M. [I] Raked [the]
wheat field A.M. [and] helped
take in [the gleanings.] P.M.
A[g] & I washed[. I] looked at
[the] bees A.M. Jno. [was] in
C[linton] P.M. [A] Rags & Dry
goods pedlar called [this] even
ting. ]
Fine 19
30
27
Hot
35
Fine, Slight
Driz[zle] P,M,
[I] Made nose bags, etc.
, [and]
lengthened Jno.’s p[an]ts[.]
A[g] iron[.]A[g] & B[ella[were] Fine
at U[ncle Jame’
s this] even
ting.] Mrs Alex, and Edna Innis4
[came this] even[ing] afteer[a]
turkey[.](It wasU[ncle Jame's.]
A[g] & I washed Blankets &
quilts & Fa[ther's p[an]ts etc.
A[g] scrubbed[.] Mrs Wigginton
& Jessie Hodgins called [this]
even[ing.
]
A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. Ned
[was] here cutting flax[.]
30
27
32
A[g], Ffluker], & I [were] in
C[hurch] (
Rev. Stewart*
)
Jno. started oats [in] Rath-
well’
s[I] Took [John and Will]
down their dinners[
. I] Melted
some wax etc. A[g]pulled & pre
serves (sic) peaches(not ripe
but rotting[.] Jennie G[rant]
[was] here P.M. A[g] & B[ella
were] at[The] Master's[in the]
even[ing.
]
34
36
Sprinkle, Rain
A[g] S
t Jane[were] in C[linton] 27
P.M. [I did] Mending etc.[The] H[eavy] R[ain] A.M.
Boys [were] cutting oats P.M. Fine P.M.
A[g] & I washed, [did] Mending,
etc. Isa[bella] went home with
Jennie[.}
[Isabella was] badk at noon in
C[linton.I worked] at Cleaning
[the] cellarf.
]
31
Fine & Cool
31
Raking “Green Feed" P.M. [The]
Boys finis[hed] cutting oats Warm
A.M.[and]Hauled in 3 loads[of]
G[reen] F[eed.]
27
1. s .
2 . M.
3« T .
4 . W.
5. T.
6. F .
7. S .
8. S.
9 . M.
10 . T .
11 . W.
12 . T *
13 . F .
�August, 1897 269
Raking, etc Fellow for tea
[We hauled in] 2 [loads of
green feed] A.M.[and] 2 [loads
of] Flax P.M.
Flfuker], B[ella] & I [were]in
C[hurch.](Rev. Stewart.
)
Jno. [was] in C[linton] [for]
wire[.] C. Reid called P.M. &
Sid Smith bought 7 steers [in
the] evenfing.]
A[g & B[ella were]in C[linton]
P.M. [The] Boys hauled in 1
load[of] oats[this] evenfing.]
Mrs Woon called P.M. [about
help for threshing[.]
A[g] washed[
. We] Hauled in 5
loads [of]oats[.j
[I] flelped churn, & wash 4[com
forters] ,F1[ [uker] ’
s quilt & 3
top quilts,etc,etc.[We] Hauled
in 2 loads[of] oats [this even-
[ing, and I Mended Fl[uker]'s
p[an]ts [at] night[.]
[We hauled in]4[loads of oats
and] Will[Fluker was]at Mac's
threshing P.M. A[g was] in
C[linton] P.M.
[We] Haujedd in all 7 [remain
ing] loads [of] oats[.] Woon.
kids called about threshing[.]
A[g], B[ellla] & F[luker were
in CChurch. I] Stayed with
[the] kids[.]
[I] Banked up celery[for the]
1st time,replanted[the] Calla
& put [the] Primrose in [a]
larger pot[.]
A[g] & I washed[.
] Will[Fluk-
er was] at Woon'
s threshing &
Jno. was helping Ned haul in
oats(.
]
[Will was] gang-ploughing[.]
A[g],B[ella] & I[were]at[the]
S[abbath] S[chool] & C[hris-
tian] E[ducation] Society Con
vention P.M.Jno[went to]C[lin
ton] on [his] byke[.]
A[g] ironedf. I] Plastered ar
ound [my] B[ed Room door etc.
Will [was] pulling peas[which
are] black [and] mouldy[.]Jno.
[was] in C[linton at] noon on
[
his] byke[.]
Mending,etc.A[g was] in C[lin
ton] P.M.
Rain,Even[ing]
Fine
Raining
Fine
Rain Even[ing]
Fine, Rain
Fine
Rain Even[ing]
Fine
14 . S .
15 . S .
16 . M.
17 . T .
18 W .
19. T.
20. F.
21. S.
22 S .
23 . M.
24 . T .
25 . W.
26 . T .
27 . F .
42
34
23
35
24
28
25
20
17
24
17
27
24
22
�August, 1897 270
28 . S .
29 . S .
30. H.
31. T.
Will finis[hed the] peas[. I]
Washed [the] hen-roosts with
Lttle's Sheep Dip A.M.,ironed
& [did] mending[.] Jno. [was]
at D[uncan]
McEwen's for wheat,
[which he] sowed[.]Will went
home[.
]
B[ellaj & I[were] in C[hurch] .Rain even[ing]
(
Rev. Stewart.
)
Mending etc.[The] Boys hauled Fine
in[the] 1st load[of] peas [in
the] even[ing.
]
[The Boys hauled in] 2 [loads
and] finisfhed the peas.] P.M.
[I]Banked some cele[ry and I]
Took B[ella] to [the] station
[en route to]Goderich[.J Jno.
& X [were] at Mrs Thomas
Fraser's funeral A.M.
September, 1897
19
18
26
1
. w.
2. T. *
3. F .
4. S .
5. S.
A[g] & I washed[.] Will [was] plow- Raining P.M. 19
ing [with the] gang* [plow A.M.
*A gang plow has a seat,
allowing the plowman to ride.
I [was] in C[linton] P.M.,at [the] Fine 19
Flower Show.] Jno. [came in the]
even[ing on his] byke[.]Annie Stew
art[was]here for pears[.] Fen[wick
stayed] for tea[.]
Jane & I [were] at Ben-Miller[.
] Beautiful 18
Lizzie McTavish [was here] P.M.
[I]Hilled up celery, [did] Mending 17
[and] washed[my]hair etc. Ida[was] Beautiful & Hot
here P.M. [The] Fat sheep died[.]
A[g, Flfuker] & I [were in church] 25
(Rev. Stewart.) Jno. & Ad[am went
in the] even[ing.] Aunt Mary got
kicked[.]*
*Mary (Barkley) Stewart, my Great-Grand
mother died 8 months after this, on April 26,1898,
fatally weakened by a "double whammy" -flu and
pneumonia. One wonders if this kick - by horse, cow
or other- we are not told, began her precipitate
decline in health? K.F.S.
6. M. [I] went to see Aunt Mary [in
the] morn [ing.] ......Fl[uker Very Warm
[was]helping Ned[.
]
26
7. T . Jno.,Adam & I [were] in C[linton]
P.M. at Ellie’
s & Finley's[.]
13
8. W. Mending Jno. & Fl[uker were] at
Wigg[inton’
s] threshing A.M. Jno.
& Adam[were] in C[linton this]ev
en[ing and stayed] at Ned's all
night[.] Ned, Will & Jno. Stewart
[are] at "Toronto Fair[.]"
23
�September, 1897 271
10 . F . Baking A[g] & F[luker were] in
C[linton this] even[ing.]
20
11 . S . Jno.,Ned,A[g],I[sabella] P[earl]
& Fluker [were] in C[linton] A.M.
meeting Fa[ther— home with 60
sheep & [a]horse[.]U[ncle James]
& U[ncle] Jno. [were] here P.M.
Rain Mom [ing],
Fine
14
12 . S. Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[hurch]
(Rev. Stewart.)
Fine 9
13 . M. Fl[uker was] with Ned [and] Jno. Fine 11
[was] washing sheep[*] I [was]in
C[linton] P.M. Mo[ther]churned &
made cheese[.] Fl[ukerj went to
Varna [to]night with Dewdrop,
[the]heifer cow[.]A[g] & I drove
for him[.
]
14. T. A[g] & I washed[.]Mo[ther was ba- Hot 11
king & made cheese[.]Fa[ther was
at Mac’
s A.M. & A. Dunlin's P.M.
15. W.
16. T.
17. F.
18 . S .
Fa[ther], Mo[ther] & I [were] in 24
London[.] Jno drove to & fro[m]
Brucefield[.
] R. Coats,*[an] Am
erican Gent & Lady & [the] Den
nisons called[.
]
Jane & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. 9
for Plums etc. A[g] fetched[the]
kids in here[. The] Sturdy men
[were here] for tea[.]P.
McGregor
called[.] Mr Wright from London
[was here] all night[.]
Jno. took [Mr] Wright to[the]mor- 17
ning train[.]Fa[ther]& Jno.[were]
at Jno. Thomson’s[.] A[g was]cook- Cold Wind,Fine
ing plums, baking bread,etc.A[g]
& Will churned [at] night[.]
Jno. [was] in Cflinton this]morn- 7
ing shipping "Old Billy’ to [Mr]
Wright[.] Farther] walked, [and Fine,C[old] W[ind]
went] home with Sturdy[.] I met
[Father in the] even[ing.We haul
ed in 3 loads [of] clover[.]
19. S. A[g],F[luker]&I[were]in C[hurch] 10
(Rev. Stewart.) Ida & I [were]
at Ned’’
s for dinner[.]Aunty[is]
home[.
]
20. M. [I] Cut out[a] cape[.] Ned [was] 12
[was] here & hauled in 2 loads
[of] clover[.]J.W.Sturdy brought
down[the] 9 lambs Fa[ther]
bought
[and stayed] here for dinner[.]
21. T. A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. & Ned 12
[came] home with her[.]Ned[was]
cutting corn P.M. Jno. left [at] a little warmer
night[with] Polly [for] Goderich
Fair tomorrow[.]
W. [Ned was here] all day stook-
ing[.
] A[g]& I washed[.
]
22 .
Fine & nice
12
�September, 1897 272
Fa[ther]walked to Cflinton -got]
home with Will[.]Jane & I [were]
at Scott’
s [this] even[ing.]
Perdue kids[here this]
morn[ing.]
Threshers [stayed] all night[.]
[I] Made 2 jell's. Drop Ginger &
7 pies[. I was] at Jane's P.M.
[and]made 6 b[
utton]-holes[in a]
smock[.]
[The men were] threshing [here]
all day [and] moved to Ned’
s [in
the] even[ing. I was] at Jane's
[at] noon for bread-[[baking.I]
made 5 tart & 3 turn-over apple
pies P.M.
Jane [is] sick[.] Fa[ther] & A[g C[old] W[ind]
[were in church [and] I [was] at
Jane’
s[.] Jno. & Fa[ther in the]
even[ing were] fightingfa] bush
fire started by coon-hunters[.]
Jno. & FI[uker were] at Ned'
s
threshing[.] A[g was] pulling Fine & cool
apples etc. T[om] Frazer [came]
for tea[.
]
Fa[
ther was]in C[linton.
] I[
was] Cool W[ind]
in C[lintonj with Fair stuff[.]
Jno.[was]
trimming[.]Fl[uker was]
at [?’
s] threshing for Mac[.]
Fa[ther] & Fl[uker]took 7 steers Fine
for Sid.Smith & Herd P.A.to Clin
ton Fair[.] Jno.& Ned each [had]
a wagon of sheep [and they] took
pigs too[.]Bella[came]
home[this]
morn[ing.] A[g]& B[ella came]P.M.
etc. Mr & Mrs Calder [were here]
for dinner & tea[.
]
G.O. Sturdy[was here] for dinner
& tea[.
] Jno.walked to Cflinton]
P.M. [to] post letters[.]Fa[ther Very dry & dusty
& he[were] at T[om] Frazer’
s P.M.
[and] bought sheep[
.] Jno.[went]
after some of them with [the]wag-
on[.]
October, 1897
Jno.[was] at Bayfield Fair [with
a]load of sheep[.]Fa[ther] & A[g
[rode in the] buggy [to Bayfield Fine & Cooler
Fair[. I] made pies[.Aunty, Jane
& the kids [were here] P.M.
A. Wise called [to retrieve his]
’
’
lost lamb’
’] Fa[ther] walked to
Cflinton.] Ned[was] here putting
in straw[.I was] Stoneing grapes
etc.
F[[luker], B[ella] & I [were] in
C[hurch](Rev. Stewart- Text’
Book
of Daniel’.
]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton.]
Jno. & F[luker are] hauling in Wanner
[the] hay stack[.* A] horse &
sheep buyer [came by] P.M.[and
23 . T .
24 . F .
25 . S .
26 . S .
27 . M.
28 . T .
29. W .
30. T.
1. F .
2. S .
3. S .
4. M .
11
8
9
11
19
5
5
7
7
7
�October, 1897 273
5. T .
6. W.
7. T .
8. F .
9. S .
10. S .
11 . M.
12 . T .
13 . W.
14 . T .
15 . F .
stayed] for dinner.] Mr Balls
called P.M. Jno.[was]at Jno.Thom
son's [at]night[.] Adam drove[.]
A[g] & I [were] washing at [the]
river[.] T[om] Frazer called[.]
[We] Finis[hed the] Haystack[.]
Parker[was here] for dinner with
lambs Fa[
ther]
bought[.]Weir[
was]
here [and] bought 2 pigs[.]
Slight Sprinkle
Rained
A[g] & I [were] washing at [the]
river- white clothes & 3 p[ai]rs
[of] old p[an]ts[.] Fl[uker was]
at Ned's P.M.[helping on the]saw
ing machine[.* The] Master [was
here at] noon[.
] Jno. McNaughton
[was here this] even[ing.] *buzz saw
Fa[ther was] in C[linton] P.M.
Weir [came] after [his] pigs[.I]
Got grapes from Lizzie [Glen.]
Fl[uker was] at Woon's thresh
ing P.M.I]Banked celery. Cleaned
[the] H[en]H[ouse]& our*room etc.
[I] Stayed with the kids [this]
even[ing.
]
*Ag & Lib turned a bedroom into a parlour.
A[g] & I [were] in C[linton at]
Church(Rev. Fletcher.) Flfuker
was] at Woon's till 4 O' c[loc]k.
Fa[ther] & Fl[uker worked] at
Rathwell[field] potatoes between
times[.]
A[g] & I [were] at [the] river
for [a] basketfof]grapes[.]&[we]
pulled [some] Smith apples A.M.
[The] Men [are] lifting potatoes
at [the] barn[.]
Fa[ther], Mo[ther], Flfuker & I
[
were]in C[hurch](Rev. Stewart.
)
[I] Made screens for [the] back
cellar windows A.M.[and I worked]
at [the]cape P.M. etc. [The] Men
finis[hed the potatoes[.]Fa[ther]
was pulling mangols & Fl[uker
was] hauling manure[.]
A[g], B[ella] & I [were] Pulling
1st apples[.]Fa[ther]&Jno.[were]
pulling mafngols.]Editor [Robt.]5
Holmes & kid & Rev. Riggs [of]
Blyth, called P.M.
[We] Pull[ed apples] all day[.]
Fa[ther]& Jno.[were pulling]Ma[n-
gols P.M. [with] Will hauling
[them] in[.]Ned's[were]at U[ncle
Jame]’
s [this] even[ing.]
[We pulled apples]till about 3 O'
c[loc]k[.] Ned [was] here[. The]
Men finis[hed the] mangols[.]
Will [was] hauling manure A.M.
Mrs Brigham & Mary Miller [were]
here P.M.
A[g] & I [did] washing[.Will was
hauling manure.] McTavish [was]
around[this] even[ing]asking[us]
to[a]
road-bee[
on]Isaac Street[.]
Slight Showers,
Wanner
Fine
Fine
Dull & Warmer
Slight showers
N[orth] W[ind],
Fine
Fine
22
Fine & Warm
15
Hot
9
i
3
X
3
1
4
3
3
�October, 1897 274
16. S. Fl[uker] & Jno. [were] at W[m. ]
Glen's threshing P.M. & A(g
[was] with Lizzie[Glen.] I [was]
in C[linton] P.M.
17. S. A[g], B[ella] & Fl[uker were in
church](Rev. Stewart.) Jno.[went
at night[.I]Stayed with Ed[ward]
Jno.
Cold Wind 3
1
Cold W[ind],Fine
18. M. A[g was] at Wills A.M. Mother & 1
Aunty [were] visiting there P.M. Fine,
[The] Boys [were at Will's A.M. Cool Wind
[and] at U[ncle] Jno.’
s P.M.
19. T. A[gJ & B[ella were]in C[linton] 1
P.M.[The] Boys[were] at U[ncle] Wanner
Jno.'s & U[ncle James's] thresh
ing!.]
20. W. [John and Will were at Uncle 1
James’
s threshing] A.M. [I] Men- Raining P.M.
ded dress & cape etc.
21. T. Fl[uker was]plowing[.]Jno.[was] 2
at Mac's threshing late P.M.
Fa[ther]pulled some carrots A.M. Dull, Misty
& he & A[g were]in C[lintonJP.M.
22. F. Jane & I [were] in C[linton]P.M. Fine 2
Jno.[is] at Mac’s threshing un
til noon to-morrow[.]
23. S. [I] Done a little at [the] cape 1
[and] Put away summer hats etc. Misty, Fine P.M.
A[g] & I pulled [the] house Spy
tree P.M.
24. S. Fl[uker],Is, & I[were]in church
(
Rev. Stewart.)"Text"
Gen.
X1VIIl
ls & 1st of 16[.] Jno.[went at
night.
]
25. M. [The] Calder’
s & U[ncle James
came] for dinner[.] Jno.[was]at
Butchart’
s threshing P.M.A[g] &
I finis[hed]pulling apples [and
I] Finished [the] cape [at]
night[.]
26. T. [The] Cantelon's [were] here[in
the] morn[ing[.We] P[acked] 5
bar[rels] D[uncan] McEwen [was
here] P.M. Aunty & A[g were] in
C[linton[.
]
Fine
Beautiful
2
1
1
27. W. McFarlane from Shakespeare[came] 1
for dinner &[stayed all night[.]
Fa[ther] & A[g were] in C[linton
with]apples [driving Ned’
s Team[.
We had] for dinner [this] even-
[ing] Ned’
s, Ned’
s Fa[
ther] & Mr
& Mrs McEwen
28. T. A[g] & Jane [were] in Cflinton] 2
P.M. Mo[ther] stayed with [the] Dull, Sprinkle
kids[.] Jno. [was] at D[uncan]
McEwen's threshing[.] A[g] & I
[were] at U[ncle James's [this]
even[ing.
]
�October, 1897 275
29 . F .
30. S.
31 . S .
G.O. Sturdy [came] for dinner[.]
A[gj & I washed[
. The] Men
finis[hed] carrots[.] Jim Ross
[
was] h[ere this] even[ing.
]
1
Snow Sprinkles
Dull & Cold
[I was] planning [a] water-proof 3
cape & made pies P.M. Annie, Ida,
Lily & us [were] at Aunty's for Pleasant P.M.
tea [and for the] even[ing.]
Fa[ther] & A[g were] in C[hurch] Dull 1
(Rev. Shaw, Methodist,Bayfield.) C[old] W[ind]
Ad[am] & Jno.[went at night.]
November, 1897
1. M. [I] worked at[the] cape[.We had] Fine 1
Mr Vanmeter [from] Ohio for din-
ner[.
] Fa[ther] drove [him] to
Frazer's & H. Reid’
s & left[him]
there[.]
2. T. A[g] & I washed [and] P.M. [did]
Mending etc.[The] Cows [were] in
all night[.]
«
3. W. . Fa[ther] & Jno.[are]pulling nips
these days & Fl[uker is] plow
ing[.
]
4. T. [The] Men finis[hed] turnips[.] 2
A[g wasJin C[linton] A.M.for[the
new]
cellar stove[.]Cleaning[the]
H[en] H[ouse]- sheep-dipped lice
& fllousing it[•]
1
Raining, Rainy
Beautiful 1
5. F .
6. S.
[I] Finis[hed the hen house. In Fine, A.M. 3
the] even[ing I] sewed hooks on Rain, P.M.
[the] cape etc.
Jno. & I [were]at [the] Thomfas]
Inglis funeral [at]Ross'
es[.]P.M. [Cold Wind]
Bella]] Cleaned [the] veranda[.] Hail,Sprinkles etc.
Jno.[was in C[linton in the even
ting.]
7. S. Flfuker], B[ella] & I [were] in Cool W[ind] 2
c[hurch](Rev. Stewart ""Covetous- Nice
ness.)Jno.& Ad[am went at night.]
8. M. [I was] Cleaning [the] wood-shed 3
[and] took onions to the cellar, Rainy
etc. Mo[ther is] at [the] soap
these days[.]
9. T. A[g] & I washed[.] Ned killed 1 1
pig[.] Turner, buying turk[ey]s,
etc.,called [this]even[ing.]Tene, Snowed -1st [time]
Will & Rob Baird,A.Walker & Tene
McEwen [were] here [to] night[.]
10. W. A[g]& I took in apples & I finis- Slight Snow- 4
[hed] sorting, etc.[at] night[.] Showers & Fine
Jane & [the] kids called[.] Jno.
[wasJin C[linton] P.M. with some
wheat & got [a] load[of] bran[.
]
11. T . [I]Finis[hed the] wood-shed,peel-
apples [in the] even[ing](1st for
drying), hung seives, etc. Jno.
[drove to]C[linton] in[the]buggy
for pig feed[.
]
3
Rain & Hail
Showers
H[igh] W[ind]
�November, 1897 276
12 . F .
13 . S .
14 . S .
15. M.
A[g] & I took in Celery & Cab- Hail, 1
bage[.] Cattle[were] all in[for] C[old] W[ind],
1st[time] etc.) [I] took flowers Froze
downstairs[.] Fl[uker was] plow
ing P.M. A[g] & B[ella were] at
Mac’
s [this] even[ing.]
[I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse],
helped A[g] put up her stove,
sawed wood etc., etc.Fl[uker is]
plowing[.] Jno.[was]in C[linton]
for another ton [of] bran[.]
4
Dull, a little
W[armer.]
Flfuker],A[g] & B[ella were] in Raining P.M.
C[hurch](Rev.
McDonald,Seaforth.
)
A[g] & Jane [were] in Cflinton]
P.M. [The] Case boys [were] here
[this] even[ing] with sheep[
. I] Misty & Warm
Washed and helped put in Double Pouring Rain
Windows[.] Doubled hive bees etc.
B[ella]started tearingC[leaning]
Rags[. I] Peeled Ap[ple]s [this]
even[ing.
]
1
2
16 . T . A[g] & I washed, et., etc. Jno. 3
[has been]hauling gravel to[the] Fine, C[old] Nforth]
barn[.
] E[ast] W[ind],Frozen
17. W. [I] Killed 2 Ge[ese]& 4 Turfkeys
& 2 D[uc]ks A.M. Jno.& A[g were]
in C[linton] P.M.
2
Fine,So[me] Snow
flurries.
18. T. A[g] washed [the] ticks & blan- Fine, Dull 2
kets off [the]boys'beds & filled
[ ? in the] even[ing. I] set in
& partly packed 6 hives[.]
19. F . [I] Finis[hed packing the bee- Warmer
hives.] A[g] ironed & filled
Jno.’s tick[.
]
20 . S .
21. S .
22. M.
[I] Cleaned up [the] Bee-yard & 8
H[en] H[ouse] & straw off [the]
barn floor(where[we]filled [the] Fine, Bees Flying
ticks[.] Bfella] & I [were] in
C[linton] P.M. [A] pedler called
[this]
morn[ing.] Fa[ther was] at
J[ohn] Dunkin's & Ufncle James's.
U[ncle J[ames was] here P.M.
B[ella], Fl[uker] & I [were in Like R[ain], 3
church](Rev. Stewart. Text Rev. C[old] W[ind.]
3-45+46 "Leprosy type of sin.)"
Sorting honey [and] Saved some Dull, 2
P.M. T[om] Frazer called [this] Snow Even[ing.]
morn[ing] & B[ella was] Cleaning
[the] kitchen[.]
23. T. [I] Killed 5 geese[.]A[g] & Jane Snowing 4
[were] in C[linton] P.M. [The]
Boys [are] threshing flax[. The]
Dunkin kid & Hawkshaw called P.M.
24. W. A[g] &I washed[.]B[ella was off] Dull & 2
cleaning [the] school [house.]* fine & cold
Wiltsie [was] here [this] morn-
ting.] Jno.Thomson [came]for din
ner [in his] cutter[.] D[ougall]
McTavish Jr. [was here] P.M. [in
a] buggy[.]
*Sabbath School examinations tomorrow on
Thanksgiving Day
�November, 1897 277
25. T. Thanksgiving Bfella],Fl[uker], Raining
& I [were] at [the] Exam[.
] Rev.
Muir & Mr Scott [were the] exam
iners[
.]
26. F. [I] Killed 2 G[eese] & 4 Turk- Pouring
[ey]s[.] A[g was] in Cflinton]
P.M.
3
2
27. S. [I] Killed 4 gob[bler]s & 3
geese [and] C[leaned the] H[en]
H[ouse etc. A[g was]in cflinton]
P.M* Jno. part-clipped Doll[.]
Flfuker] [was] plowing P.M.
28. S. A[g],Fl[uker3&I[were]in C[hurch]
{Rev.Stewart.) Jno. [went at
night.]
Frozenr Fine, 2
Snowed aa little.
3
29. M. W. Foote called [this]morning{.] 2
Fl[uker] hauled [in] some rails S[now] Showers &
[for kindling] wood[.
] Jno.[was] Blustery.
in Varna [paying] taxes A.M.
30. T. A[g] & I washed[.]A. Wise called 3
[this] mornfing.I] Killed 2 pigs C[ool] W[ind] &
& traded one with Ned[.
] Dull.
December, 1897
1. W. [I] Killed 5 Gob[bler]s [and I 1
was] sorting rags etc.,etc. A[g
was] in Cflinton] P.M. Fa[ther] Snowing & Stormy
cut up pork[.] Fl[uker was] at
Will’
s crushing[.]
2. T .
3. F .
T[om] Frazer called [to buy] but- 3
ter & Jno.Elliot[came]for tea[.]
A[g] & B[ella were] at U[ncle
James]'s [this] even[ing] & Jno.
drove the cutter 1st time[• The]
Boys finis[hed] threshing flax[.
I] Put hinges on [the] cellar
door[.
]
[I] Cut out flannel petticoat[.] Light Snow,Fine 3
4. S, [I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse], Raining 1
Peeled Apples, ironed, etc., etc.
5. S. A[g],Fl[uker]& B[ella drove the] Blustery 2
buggy [to church](Rev. Stewart.)
A[dam & Jno. went at night[.]
6 M. B[ella] & I [were] in Cflinton] Light Snow 5
P.M. & at Ned's [in the] cutter[
.
The] Boys [have been] hauling
earth to the barn approach[.]*
*It appears that
MacFarlane’
s are building a gangway at the
barn.
7. T. A[g & I washed[.] Mother & A[g] 1
were at Churchill's (Annie Fergu
son) P.M. Jno.[was]in Cflinton] Snowed soft snow,
P.M. [with] Ned[.] Aunty [has] Fine
gone to Green’
s[.] Fl[uker is]
hauling wood up[.
]
�December, 1897 27 8
8. W. B[ella [is] teaching for "Master" 5
[these days.] Jno. &A[g were] in
C[linton] P.M.[in the] cutter[.] Fine & Bright,
[I] Sewed door-mat into frame Sottish.
[and]cut rags [this] even[ing.]
9. T* Webber [was] here all night[with 3
his double cutter[.I cut rags
and] cut out [a] cap[in the]even- Misty & Thawing
[ing.]
10. F. [I] Made cap & [did] mending etc. Pouring 5
T[om] Frazer brought Mr Windland
[of] Iowa here [this] even[ing.]
11. S. [I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse], 4
Hooked a little, peeled apples, Slight Rain, Dull.
etc.etc.[Webber hitched into our
buggy & went home.
]
12. S. B[ella], Fl[uker] & I [were in 4
Church](Rev. Stewart.) A[g] took Dull,Slight Hail
in kid[.
] P.M.
13. M. A[g] scrubbed[.
] Bfella]dyed cot- 5
ton rags[. I] Hooked some [and]
finis[hed the] petticoat[.] Fa- Fine, Rained
[ther]& Jno.[were]at Sturdy’
s[.]
14. T. Fafther] & Win[dland[were]at Tom 5
Frazer's & [Tom] took [our visit- Rain
or] to A. Dunkin’
s[.]B[ella] & I
[were]in Cflinton] P.M. A[g] & I
washed A.M.
15. W. Jno.took W[indland] to[the] stat- Dull 3
ion [this] morn[ing] enroute for
Wingham[.I] Hooked a little [and
was] inC[linton] P.M. Mrs Green
[came] after [a] gander[.]
16. T.
17 . F.
18 . S .
19. S.
20. M.
[I hooked a little]A.M. Fa[ther] 6
walked to C[linton]P.M. Mr & Mrs Fine, Froze hard
E.A. Isard[were] here for dinner
& tea[.
]
Wm. Glen killed a pig P.M.[He] & 8
Ned were here cutting too[.I did
some] hookingf.The] Kids [were] Snowing & Blowing
at fa] party [
at] Mac’
s [to]-
night[.They]
got[
a]ride in Adam’
s
sleigh[.]
[More hooking], C[leaned] H[en] 4
H[ouse], Cleaned sheep insides
[and] Killed fat sheep P.M.
A[g] & Bfella were] in C[hurch] 7
(Rev Acheson, Kippen.) [The]cut- Fine,Snowed a little.
ter [was] scratchyf.
] Jno. & Ad-
[dam went at night[.]
[The] Sturdy boy fetched sheep 12
for Win[dland and stayed for din-
ner[.
] Webber [fetched a sheep C[old] W[ind,]
[and stayed] all night[.]Fa[ther Wanner, Snowed some
was] in Cflinton] A.M. Jno. & Wm.
[were] at Jno. Thomson's P.M.
21. T. A[g] & Bfella were] in C[linton] 8
P.M.[I]Finis[hed the]door mat[.]
Mrs & Maud Fluker & Maud [came]
for dinner[.] ’
’
Brit" & Fen[wick]
called P.M.
�9
December, 1897 279
22. W. [I] Killed 4 turk[ey]s[.] Mrs
Baird [was here this] mornfing]
trading[a]goose[.]“Billy” Foote Snowing
[was here] paying[.]* Will[Fluk-
er] went home [this] even[ing.
I] Cleaned[my] room[and in the]
even[ing, I] finis[hed] fixing
[the] waterproof[.] *settling accounts with
Eliza-Ann for past purchases
of butter, eggs and poultry on
credit?
23. T. Young Case [came] after sheep
[and stayed] for dinner[.] A[g]
& I washed[.I [did some] baking,
starched collars, etc.,[and,in
the] even[ing, I] Mended Jno.'s
p[an]ts[.
]
24* F. Ned & Jane [were] in C[linton]
[with the]sleigh P.M.[Mr]W[ind]-
land went] with them[.]A[g]stay
ed with [the] kids[.I] Killed &
picked [a] gander & turkey etc.,
[and] swept the cellar[.]
25. S. Ned's [were] here[. I] C[leaned
the] H[en] H[ouseJ etc., A.M.
26. S. A[g],I[sabella]P[earl]& I [were
in church](Rev. Stewart.) Jno.,
Ned, Jane & B[ella went in the]
even[ing. I] stayed with [the]
kids[.]
27. M. I[was]in Cflinton] A.M. Fa[ther
& Windland [were] at T[om] Fraz
er’
s & Brucefield P.M.
28. T. Fa[ther & Windland [were] in
Cflinton A.M. [I]Drove Bella to
Grant's P.M. [I] ripped [the]
binding off [my] good brown
skirt[.]
29. w . [
Bella]
walked home[from Grant’
s
[this] even[ing.] T[om] Frazer
[was here] P.M. & for tea[.]
Jno. & W__ [were] in C[linton]
P.M. fixing cars[.] A[g] washed
[and] I [
was] choring[.]
30. T. FI[uker],Ned & Will G[len] took
a load each of sheep up to
C[linton] P.M. & Fa[therJ went
in [the] cutter[.] Mr & Mrs Fin
lay McEwen [were] here P.M. &
even[ing.] Putting on binding
31, F. [We] Killed [a]heifer[.I]killed
[a]goose[.l] C[leaned the]H[en]
Hfouse] A..M. [and was]cleaning
guts P.M. A[g] ironed[.
] Mr &
Mrs Wiggintonfwere here]a while
P.M. & even[[ing.] Jno. & Will
[were] in C[linton with the]
colt [in the] cutter[.]
14
Snowing & Drifting
9
Snowed some
C[old] W[ind] 7
7
C[old] N[orth]-
W[est) W[ind]
Thick Snow 7
6
Sunshine &
Good sleighing
9
Snowing & Drifting
Soft
Fine,Freezing 5
6
Cold N[orth]
W[ind], Clear.
�223)0
THE DIARY OF ELIZA ANN MACFARLANE
1898
“Change and Decay, in All Around I See...
l. s .
2. S .
3. M .
4. T.
January, 1898
Ned's [were] here for dinner & P.M. 8
[I] Finis[hed] putting binding on Very Cold N[orth]
[the] skirt[.I did] Mending [this] Wfind] & Clear
even[ing•
]
[I was] in c[hurch] with N[ed] &
Jane[. A[g]stayed with the kids[.]
Jno. [went in the] even[ing. Doll
[is] lame[.]
Coldf 9
S[outh-]W[est W[ind]
& Stormy.
A[g was] in Cflinton] with Ned[.
] C[oid] 9
Jno.[was] at[the] mill for chop[.] N[orth] W[ind]
A[g] & I washed A.M. [I] Cut out
B[ella]'s old dress sleeves[.]
T[om] Frazer [was] at [our] barn &
[at] Ned's[.] B[ella]Cuming1 [was]
at Will's for dinner & the rest of
us & Ad[am] & Lily [were there in
the] even[ing.
]
8
Sunshiny & Warmer
5. W. A[g] & I[were] at Grant's P.M. [in Fine 9
the] cutter[.] Routledge[was here]
looking at [a] horse[.] Adam [was]
here[. We were] Cutting P.M.
6. T. [I] Put sleeves in B[ella’
s] dress, 13
etc. Will [Fluker was ]hauling up
some wood P.M. Jno. [went] after Softish &
threshers* [with the] colt[.] Light snow
*It was not unusual in this period
for farmers to thresh twice or in shifts. The
sheaves would stay dry in the mow or the stack,until one
needed more grain for feed or straw for bedding.
In MacFarlane’
s case, building the new gangway may
have made it impossible until now to get the threshing
machine into the barn.
�January, 1898 281
B[ella] I [were] in C[linton]P.M.
[The] threshers came at noon[.]
Ned & Will & [their] teams[were]
here[.
]
[We] Finis[hed] threshing at
noon [and were] at Will’s P.M.
[I'm] Making[a] flannel quilt[.]
Jno. [drove the] colt in [to]
C[linton for the] 2nd time[.]
A[g], B[ella] & Fl[uker were] in
C[hurch](Rev. Stewart.)Jno.& A[d-
am went at night](Rev. Hillyard-
Methodist.
)
Fa[ther & Jno. [were] at Will's
killing pigs[.]....Irwin... for
dinner[.] 2 men called[. I quil
ted A[g]'s flannel quilt Fa[ther
& Jno.[were]at D[uncan] McEwen's
P.M. & night[.]
A[g] & I washed[.] T[om] Frazer
Duncan McEwen & Neil McFarlane
& Bell's called, looking at
horses[.] Jno. [was] at Sturdy's
P.M. [with the] colt [in the]cut-
ter[.] W[ill]Fl[uker walked in
[to] C[linton]. P.M. [We] Sawed
wood P.M. Jno. Allen [was here]
all night[.]
Will[iam] Fl[uker was] at Will-
[iam Glen’
s]
cutting P.M.[I]
Press
ed & mended holes in [the] flan
nel quilt
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton] P.M.
A[g] & I[were]at McTavish'es P.M.
A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. Aunty
went to Jane's with A[g] & ret
urned with her[.I] Put up [the]
quilt [at] night[.]
[I] quilted and finis[hed]my old
flannel quilt[.] Fa[ther was] at
U[ncle James’
s.] Will [was] at
Ned's cutting P.M.
Fl[uker],B[ella] & I with Jane &
I[sabella]P[earl were in Church]
Rev. Stewart Isaiah 1st Chap-
[ter] Text ) Foster Brigham ar
rived here even[ing] P.M.
A[g was]at Wigg[inton's]P.M. Jno.
took [Foster Brigham]to[the rail
way]station[this]
even[ing.
] Will
[was] at Ned's crushing P.M.
A[g] & B[ella]washed[.
] A[lex.]
Innis called [at] noon[.] Mo[th-
er] started "Old Dress Goods
Quilt"!.]
I [was]with Jane & kids at Annie
Ross'[es] P.M. Fa[ther] walked
to C[linton] P.M. Flfuker was]at
Mac's cutting all day [and] walk
ed to C[linton in the]even[ing.]
9
Fine, sunshiny
& bakey
9
Fine
10
14
11
Fine & Duller
Raining a little
[in the] even]ing.]
Raining 15
Frozen & Dull 11
11
12
Light Snow,Softish.
18
L[ight] Snow,
Running off house
18
L[ight] S[now],
Frosty
15
Misty & W[hite]
F[rost.]
22
Fine & Bright
7. F .
8. S .
9. S .
10. M.
11 . T .
12 . W.
13 . T .
14 . F .
15 . S .
16 . S .
17 M.
18 . T .
19. W.
�January, 1898 282
20 . T .
21. F .
22 . S .
23. S.
24. M.
25 . T .
26. W.
27 . T .
28 . F .
29 . S .
30 . S .
31. M.
1. T .
2. W.
3. T.
A[g] ironed[.I] Mend[ed],brushed. Raining13
& pressed[an]old serge basquef.]
[I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse
and was] basting [the basque] &
stitching [an] old quilt[.
] A[g]
walked to C[lonton[.J D[uncan]
McEwen called P.M.
Jno. & Ad[am were] at Mrs Hill’s
sale, [the] other side [of] Clin
ton [and got] home [in the] even
ting.]
A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch] (Rev. Rained & 18
Stewart.) H[igh] W[ind, Stormy
& H[igh] W[ind] P.M.
21
Frozen,
Softened a little.
17
Fa[ther] left for Danville ,[Que- Faired & Dull
bee P,M. Ned went to C[linton]
with him[.I] sewed in mo[ther]'s
Gown comfortable,did Mending etc.
21
A[g] & I washed etc. [We]
rags [in the] even[ing.
]
sewed Fine Morn[ing.] 15
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[linton]
P.M. [I] quilted [the] Comfort-
table. ]
[I] Put up[a] pole on the pantry
door,etc.[and was] quilting[the]
flannel quilt P.M. Ned [was] in
P.M. helping Jno. make [a] horse
power arm[.
]
Jno., Jane & I [drove the] colt
[to]church in C[linton](Rev.Hill,
Belgrave.) Ned & Fluker [went in
the]even[ing with]Polly[.I Finis
hed the flannel quilt[.]
Jno.[was] in Cflinton] P.M.[and]
cut some corn P.M. [I did some]
Mending and C[leaned the] H[en]
H[ouse] - kind off.]
Bfella] Will & I [were]in Church
(Rev. Stewart.) Jno.[went in the]
even[ing.] Beautiful sleighing
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M. [ I
was] pressing patches etc
February, 1898
Snow Storms
2 2
17
Frosty
19
a little snow.
Fine.
16
C[old] W[ind],
6 below [F.] late
morning.
Very Stormy 10
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M.[I]
was Mending shirts and sewing
carpet rags[.] Eddy & AbbyfGlen] below zero [F],
[were] here P.M. [while] Will's Clear
[were] in C[linton.]
10
A[g] & I washed[.I was in] Cflin
ton] P.M. Rosey calved[this]even
ing. ]
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M. [I]
crocheted a little at [the]
frame[.]
11
a little warmer
& Stormy
10
6 below [F] morn-
[ing.] a little stormy.
9
�February, 1898 283
4. F . [I was] in C[linton] P.M. Aunty
[was] up P.M.
Wanner 9
5. S . Father [is] home [this] even[ing. 10
He sent [a] livery to Ned’s [to Heavy Soft Snow &
announce his return and to get]
Ned & Will helping [him] home[.j
3 heifers etc.
some drifts
6. S . A[g], Bella & FI[uker were] in
C[hurch](Rev. Stewart) "Anniver
sary" Ad[am] & Jno. [went at
night.] I staid(sic) with the
kids[.]
Fine 10
7. M. Jno.[was]at T[om]Frazer1
s[in the]
morn[ing.]Ned & FI[
uker]took down
a load each [of] sheep P.M. Den
nison called[.]Mo[ther]finis[hed]
pieceing my old dress quilt[.]
FinerSoftish 10
8. T . [I was] in C[linton] P.M. [for a] Rained a 10
bag [of] flour, etc. [We] cut a
little corn P.M. A. Wise called
P.M.
little,soft P.M.
9. W. [I] Finis[hed]pressing[the] quilt
& sewed in frames.... etc. [I]
C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse] A.M
Rained 12
Fa[ther was] at Ned’
s for "Lamb.
Mamie [Mary Glen was here] all
night[
. Her] Parents [are] at
Parke's etc.
t
l
10. T. Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. Ned
bought Fanny, [the] Red cow[.
]
Quilting
14
11 . F . [We] Finis[hed quilting[.] Jno.
[was]in CflintonJ P.M.[with]Polly
16
& Ned’
s cutter [for] chop[.I]stay
ed with [the] kids P.M.
Very Spring-like
12 . S . Bound quilt etc. Fa[ther was] at Slightly Frozen 12
mac'
s A.M. & Snowed a litle
13 . S . A[g] Will & I [were] in C[hurch Fine, 20
(Rev. Stewart. Jno. [ at night.] C[old] W[ind]
14. M. Fl[uker was]in C[linton this]eve- 16
n[ing hearing] "Premier" Hardy*
lecturing[. I] Finis[hed ajwhite
p[ai]r[of] stockings[and] stitch
ed up [an] old serge basque etc.
*Ontario Premier
Sir Oliver Mowatt was taken into Laurier’
s
Dominion cabinet in 1896. Arthur Hardy became
a "caretaker" premier until Sir Oliver formally
resigned the Ontario Liberal leader's position,
or returned to the premier's post. In 1898, Mowat
accepted the post of Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario
and resigned his Provincial leadership. A
convention picked Sir George Ross that same year
and Hardy resigned. Hardy was in office 1896-8.
At this time an election campaign vote March 1st
15. T. A[g] washed[.] FI[uker(
H.
B.)morn- 20
[ing.j Snowing & Stormy
16. W. A[g was]in Cflinton P.M.Will[is] 20
hauling manure these days[.] Fa-
[ther], A[g], Will & I [were] at Fine & Cold
[a]prayer meeting at Mac's[this] 7 [F] below
even[ing.
]
�February, 1898 284
17 . T .
18 . F •
19 . S .
20. S .
[We] Washed shrinking linens &
started hem-stitching for beaura
etc. Mr & Mrs Mac and Ned’
s came Cold W[ind],
for tea(oysters)[. Ned's [arriv Raining
ed with]"Chief"[on the cutter[.]
[I] hemfmed] almost all the] Freezing
beaura[.
] A[g] ironed[.] Lizzie
called P.M. Fa[ther was]at Wil's
[this] evening
Drew stand ready to hem& stamped
end of beaura mending etc. [I]
C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse] A.M.
19
17
13
Will & I [were] in Church[.] Jno. C[old] W[ind] 13
[went at night. ] Rain & then Snow & Stormy
21 . M.
22 . T .
[I] Washed serge sleeves[.] Mr & 12
Mrs McDougal, Hellen & A[gnes]
Butchart & Jno.McNaughton called
P.M.T[om] Frazer[came]for tea[.]
A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno. & Isa* 17
[were together] at [Cousin] Jno. Fine,Melting
[B.] Stewart’
s party [this] even off house.
[ing.]
*Isa is Eliza-Ann’
s shorthand for Isabella
Robertson McEwen(1875-1964). Now 23, Bell could
be courted by John MacFarlane[.
]
23. W. Isa & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Light Snow 8
[I] Made wood rings [this] even
ting for] embroidery frames[.]
Jno. [was] at Craig's sale on
Avery’
s farm[.
]
24. T. Cutting P.M. Isa & I [were]at Snowed & 9
Butchart’
s P.M. drifted some
25. F.
26. S .
27 . S .
28 . M.
Coffland & Cooper Jr.called [in Snowing
the] evening.Jno.[
was ] in
C[linton this] even[ing.]
[I] Made & covered frames A.M.
A[g], B[ella] & Will [were] Fine
Church( Rev. Stewart) Jno. went
in the evening.
Jno. & Will were at Ned’
s cut- Sun, Thaw
ting P.M.[I]Finis[hed the]Beaura
almost A.M. B[ella & I [were]
at Isard’
s P.M.
12
11
15
12
March, 1898
1. T. Election Day(Ontario) Bessie Fine 14
McGregor [was here] P.M. & all
A[g] & I washed[.]Jno.,Fen[wick,
& Ad[am were] in C[linton this
even[ing.]*
*The Liberals, provincially in power since
1871, won the general election, but the
Tories in Huron South won the seat with
Harry Eilber, a popular Hay Township
business man and municipal politician.
John, Fenwick and Adam probably went into
to be near the telegraph station as it
updated polling results,and to celebrate
Eilber1
s victory with local Conservatives.
�March, 1898 285
2. W . Mac & Jack McDougal called[this]
morn[ing.] Jno.[was] in C[linton
for a] bag [of] flour[
. I] Spent
P.M. in bed and I] took [Bessie
McGregor home in the even[ing.
]
Beautiful 12
3 . T . [I did some] Button holeing[.]Fa-
[ther] bought lambs at Jno. Thom
son’
s[.] Jno. [was] in C[linton]
P.M.
13
4. F. H. Parker fetched up P.M. [the 19
lambs from Thomson’s.]Rev.Rigsby,
& Millyard & the McBrien's* call-
ed[. The] Ayrshire heifer lost
calves[.] A[g] & B[ella were] at
Scott's [this] even[ing.] *Probably Jonathan &
Hannah McBrien, a
farming couple in Hullett Township, north of
Clinton. Their son, Harvey H. McBrien, a carpenter
was the future husband of Eliza-Ann's cousin
Annie Stewart[.]
5. S . [I] Cleaned [the] k[itchen stove
pipes[.] A.M. Will[iam]Glen[
was]
cutting[ I buttonholed [and did]
mending[
. ]
Maggie McEwen & Isa
bella] Pearl [were] here P.M.
19
6. S . Fa[ther, I[sabella] P[earl] & I
[
were] in C[hurch]{Rev.Stewart.
)
Jno.[went at night.I Stayed with
[the] kids [this] even[ing.]
Sun,Thaw 21
7 . M. Jno. & I [were] at Brigham’
s[.J
Adam Ballyntyne [is] sick[.
]
16
8. T . Jno.[was] in Brucefield [seeing]
McIntosh [about the] Ayr[shire]
heifer[.
] A[g] & I washed[.]
Softish 16
Bees flying thickly
9. W . [I]Finis[hed]button-holeing[the]
stand cover[.]Annie Stewart[was]
here P.M.Jno.[was]at a sale[the]
other side of Varna[.] buggy Red
Soft 27
10. T. Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.]...
p[an]ts[.] Will’
s [took the] cut
ter [to Clinton] P.M. [and left
the] kids here[.] B[ella was] at
Mrs H[enry] Diehl’
s carpet rags
Rainy 22
bee[.
]
11. F. Visiting Ned's P.M., [I] Mended
[a] p[ai]r [of] N[e]d's p[an]ts
& sewed backs of shoes etc.
24
12 . S . I[was] in Cflinton] P.M.[in the]
Red buggy[
. I] Mended [a] p[ai]r
[of] Will [Fluker ’
s] p[an]ts[.]
Some Rain 37
13 . S . Heavy Rain
Turned Cold P.M.,Frozen
39
14 . M. [I'm] Buttonholeing [the] splash-
erf.] Fa[ther & Will [are]sawing
poplars these days[.]
Fine 32
15 . T . A[g] & I washed[.] Ned[has been]
here sawing wood[.].......
Will's(Glen's)[were]in C[lin-
ton] getting kids' photo
[taken.]*
Raining
*See Page 222
27
�March, 1898 286
16. W. Finis[hed]......... splasher[.] Beautiful 26
Ned & I[sabella]P[earl were]here Bees flying like
P.M. Jno. [was] at [the] mill[.] swarms.
17 . T . Fa[ther] & I were] in C[linton]
A.M. Jno. [was] at [the] mill af
ter chop. Ab Nott & [his] father
called P.M. Mr & Mrs Sparrow
called [in the] even[ing[.].....
Fine. 25
18 . F . I [was] in C[linton.] Jno. [was]
with Ned at Weir's after [a]load
of Clover hay[.] Ned [was] here,
P.M.
Dullish, 25
Rain, even[ing.]
19 . S . Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.]Ned
[was] here[.] Etching
Rain,
Heavy showers.
38
20. S. A[g]& B[ella were in church](Rev.
Stewart.) Jno. [went at night.]
Fine 30
21 . M. Etching Ned P.M. Snow & Rain 30
22 . T . A[g] & I washed[.]Ned is plowing
[at the] Robertson...[Place]Tene
& Jno. McEwen [were] here [this]
even[ing.
]
Nice, Wanner 45
23. W. Jno. [was] in C[linton] getting
[ajhorse shod[.] Working leaves
on sp[lasher.]
Frozen, Fine 28
24 . T . Jno. McNaughton called A.M. B[el-
la] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M.
Daisy calved[.]
25
25 . F . Fa[ther] & I [were] at Jno.
Brigham's [for] Adam Ballan-
tyne's funeral[.]Fa[ther & I
were at Adam K.]Elliot's for
dinner[.]
Fine 40
26 . S . Jno. [was] in C[linton P.M. [I]
C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse.]
36
27 . S . Raining 33
28. M. [I] Cleaned out, scrubbed etc.
[the] Milk room[.]A[g] & B[ella
were] in C[linton] P.M.
Fine, Colder. 33
29. T. A[g] & I washed[and I] Scrubbed
[the] M[ilk] room shelves, etc.
Spotty calved[.] Ab Nott & E.
Glen Sr.[came] for tea[.
] Jno.
drove Ab to C[linton in the]eve
nting.] Jno. [was] in C[linton]
A.M. shoeing [a] horse[.]
C[old] W[ind,]
Fine
29
30. W, Jno. [was] at E. [Glen's] "Tea"
Taylor & a squaw called for
tea[.] 3 lambs Etching
C[old] W[ind]
Dullish
36
31 . T . Jane & I [were] in C[linton]
P.M. Jno.[was]at [the] mill[.]
Dewdrop calved[.]
33
�April, 1898 287
1. F . B[ella was] at McTavish’
es rag C[old] W[ind.]
bee P.M. Jno.[was] at [the] H[ard] Frost.
mill for chop[.] Etching
24
2. S . Flfuker] & I[were]in Cflinton]
P.M. [I spent the] even[ing]
Mending[.]
H[eavy] Frost
24
3 . S . Fl[uker], A[g] & B[eiia were]
in C[hurch](Rev. Stewart.)FI[u-
ker,B[ella] & I [were] in S[ab-
bath S[chool] 1st day[.]
Fair &
C[old] W[ind].
42
4. M . Etching Mending in even[ing]
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M. [A]
sheep at Ned's kicked Fa[t-
her’s eye[.]
H[eavy],
H[eavy] Frost
26
5. T . A[g] & I washed[.
] a little
et[ching]
37
6. W. Parker called [saying that a] 29
boy and girl[had come] withfa]
telegram[.] Jno. McMillan*
died[.] *John McMillan was a
prominent stock raiser who farmed in Perth
County near Shakespeare. In the next entry we
see James MacFarlane going to Shakespeare to
attend the funeral.
7, T. [I] Drove Fa[ther] to [the]
station for Shakespeare[this]
morn[ing.] B[ella] & I [were]
in C[linton]P.M. A[g]&I[were]
at Mac’s [this] even[ing.]
25
8. F. [I cleaned my bedroom and the Warm
hen house............ ] Jno.
Thomson [came] for dinner[.]
Ab Nott [stayed] for tea[.]Ab
& Jno. [had been to] Varna[.
]
& Sunshiny 45
9. S . A[g][was] in C[linton at]noon, Fine,
meeting Fa[ther. I did some]
Mending [and] took up carpet
rags [in the] dining room[.]
like rain 16
10 . S . A[g], Will & I [were] in Beautiful
]
C[hurch](Rev. Stewart.
)
33
11, H. [The] Boys started sowing[.I]
Dug half [of] Mo[ther]’
s gard-
en[.]
Hot 30
12 . T . A[g] washed[.] Jane & kids
[were] here this] morn[ing.
]
Bella] & I [were]in Cflinton]
P.M.
12
13 . W. [The] Boys finis[hed] sowing
[the] big field at Rathwell1
s
[and] Jno. & Will [were] in E[ast]
Cflinton in the] even[ing.]
W[ind,] Warm.
29
14 . T . D. McIntosh [came] for din
ner! .] A[g] & I[were]in C[lin- Fine & Hot
24
ton3 P.M. I [have been] learn
ing how to embroider[.]
15. F. [I] walked to Cflinton this] Fine,C[old] W[ina.] 31
morn[ing.
]
�April, 1898 288
16. 5. [The] House lamb died[. I]
Cleaned out [the] goose house.
Washed & ironed[an] Apron etc.
17 S. A[g], Fl[uker] & I [were] in
C[hurch]{Rev. Stewart.
) Jno.
[went at night.] Aunt Mary
[is] sick[ .]
Fine,
Dull past P.M.
31
26
Fine,
C[old] W[ind,]
Slight Rain even[ing. ]
18 . M.
19 . T .
20 .W .
2 1 . T .
22 . F .
23 . S .
24. S.
25. M,
26 . T .
27 . W.
Jno. [was] in C[linton] for Fine & Cool
Flu[ker] & [came] back with
him[.
] I went up with John[in
the] morn[ing.] Messrs McFar-
lane & Ellis [were] here all
night[.]
B[ella] & I[were]in C[linton]
P.M. [McFarlane] left P.M. Raining & blowy
[I] Went to C[linton at] noon
with Jno. [who was] meeting H[igh] Wind. Rain
young McFarlane[
. Jno. was]at & Sleet.
[the] Brucefield Show P.M.
[I] Went to C[linton in the Fine
morn[ing] with Jno. & McFar
lane [and I] Came home[in the
evcn[ing with Jno. Fafther],
Jno. & McFarlane took [a]
horse & rig[.] Fa[ther return
ed] with Mac
I [was]in C[linton] P.M.[and]
Got [an] Eaton box[.]
Fa[ther was] at Jno.Thomson *s Dull,Fine
for 4 pigs[.]Jno.[was]at[the]
mill for chop[.]Ab Nott[came]
for tea[.] Mrs Brigham & Jim
mie came on [the3 evening
train[.]
Mrs B[x’
igham], B[ella] & I Fine
[were] in C[hurch](Rev. Stew
art.) "Right foundation" Sam
Cooper [and his] workmen [were
right] there[.] Jno. went to
church in the] even[ing.]
24
26
25
27
H[eavy] Rain 20
35
31
Fa[ther]drove to C[linton] P.M.
& led [the]Bull, sending "West"
with Jim Steep[.]A[g] went to
U[ncle James]'s [this] morn-
[ing.]Jno,[drove]Mrs Brigham &
Jimm[ie to[the] station[in the]
even[ing.
]
Aunt Mary died Mother [was]
at U[ncle James]'s A.M.& Fa-
[ther]& Jane[went] P.M.B[el-
la] & I [went over in the
even[ing.]
Gurnesy (Sic) calved[.] A[g] Fine
came home [to]night[.] Fa[ther]
& Mo[ther were] at U[ncle
James]1s P.M.
Fine,
Sprinkled.
23
Fine, 30
C[ool] W[ind.]
27
�April, 1898 289
28. T. Aunt Mary’s funeral Mr & Fine 27
Mrs Fergueson & A[dam] Elliot
& wife & Mrs Brigham & Mary
Mills [were here]for dinner[.]
29. F. A[g]& Bfella wereJin Cflinton] 33
P.M. Wilfred Graham [was]here
A.M. Mrs Reid & Annie Stewart
[were] here P.M. McMichael
called P.M. [We had] Mr & Mrs
Cuming & Mrs Reid* & U[ncle
J[ame]s for dinner[.]
*Mrs James Reid of Dungan
non was the former
Elizabeth Barkley, Mary (Barkley) Stewart's only
surviving sister. Brothers John & James do not seem
to have been present. They probably hadn’
t returned
from the Michigan lumber woods[.]
30. S. Fa[ther was] at Jno. Elliot’
s 30
etc. [I] Fixed the wire around
Fl[uker'
s]bed etc. Ab Nott[was
here]for dinner[.The]Boys[are]
putting up [the] River fences[
.
The] Young cattle [were] out
all night[,]
Ill S tanley on T uesday, A pril 21lt.li, 1808,
Mary Barkley
wife of JAS STEW A RT, aired AS years and
0 months.
/vwvvs
- - - THE FUNERAL_ _ _ _ ,
Will take place from her late resilience, l«*t
27, eon. i, on
Thursday, April 28
a t2 o’clock, p. in., to Baird's cemetery.
^AAAAA
Friends ami aetpiainlances will filcsse
accept this intimation.
Stanley, April 2(1Lh, ISOS.
�
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dd561f86975a45c17811a8be4a74fcde
PDF Text
Text
May, 1898 290
1. s . A[g] & Bella & Fl[uker [werejin
C[hurch.] Jno. & A[dam went at
night[.]
Fine, Rain. 26
2. M. A[g] & I washed[.j Jno, [with]
horse,[has]gone with Ab Nottf.j Fine & Warmer
23
3. T . A[g wasjat U[ncle Jafmesj's P.M. Rain 20
4. W. Fa[ther] & Will cleaned [a]load
[of] wheat A.M. & took [it] to
C[linton] P.M.
Dull 25
5. T . Fa[ther] & W[ill werejin C[lint
on with a] load[this] morn[ing]
& another P.M. Kate & Lizzie
McTavish [were] here P.M.
Dull & Cold 23
6. F . [I] Took chaff out of hives &
stood frames in its placet.] Fa-
[ther & W[ill] planted some pot
atoes[.The]
Rev.
Mr.Stewart,[his]
wife & 2 boys calledf.
]
Fine & Warm 22
7. S . Jno. returned & Ab Nott[stayed]
for dinner[.] Fa[ther]walked to
Cflinton,] & A[g] & I planted
some onions
C[old] W[ind] 33
8. S . Fa[ther],Isafbel] P. & I [were]
in c[hurch] (Rev. Douglas Fraz
er.)Text "Lord,teach us to pray."
36
Fine, C[old] W[ind]
.
9. M. A[g] washed[.The] Men sowed car
rots P.M. I [was] in C[linton]
P.M.
Fine & Warm 6
10. T. [We] Laid[the] platform in[the]
w[ood]-shed, etc. A[g] & I plan
ted five rows[of]onions & I fin
is[hed] pi[anting] flower
seeds[.]
16
11. W. [I] Raked[the] chip yard,sorted
apples, etc., etc. A[g] cleaned
K[itchen and]bed-room & B[ella
cleaned the] pantry[.] Jno. &
Will[were] in C[linton this eve
nting. ]
18
Slight Rain Showers
12 . T . A[g] & B[ella] cleaned[the] kit
chen[. I] Took out [the] Double
Windows, peeled Ap[ple]s & made
pies[.]Fa[ther was]in C[linton]
P.M.[and got] Summer’
s seeds[.]
[The] Boys planted mangolsf.]
Fine 19
13 . F . A[g] & B[ella were] in C[lin-
ton[. A] Feather bed cleaner
called[.
] Fa[ther] planted cu
cumbers, beets, etc.[I] Planted
6 gladiolis (sic) etc. A[lex.]
Innis & D[uncan] McEwen [were
here this] evening] collecting
for manse repair[s.]
17
14 . S . Fa[ther was] at Brucefield etc.
Ab for noon [Father] planted
corn,beans etc.Will sowed field
corn[.I] Planted Morning Glorys
& peas[. I] Made pies [at]night
[in the] woodshed[.
]
Fine & Warm
18
�Hay, 1898 291
15. S.
16. M.
17 . T .
18 . W .
19 . T .
20 . F .
21. S.
22 . S .
23 . M.
24 . T .
Bfella] & I [were in church.]
Will walked early [to Clinton]&
came home P.M.Jno. & A[dam went
at night. The] Bees swarmed 1st
[time. Ag got badly] stung -her
arms & hands [are] badly swell-
ed[.]
Fa[ther] & I[were] in C[linton]
P.M.
A[g] & I washedf.
] Jno. [went]
fishing P.M.[and caught a] big
fish[.
]
A[g] ironedf.] Fa[ther] walked
to C[linton.]
Jno.[was]in C[linton this] mor
ning shipping [a] ram to Penn
sylvania.] A[g was] cleaning
[the] boys' room[.
] Will [was]
in Varna A.M.[with] Dewdropf.]
A[g] & B[ella] & Jno.[were] in
Cflinton] P.M.
A[g] scrubbed [and] wiped out
[her]room[.] 2 swarms came out
& returned[.] Harry & Tilly
Quaid [were] here P.M.[In the]
even[ing] Bella & them went to
T. Baird1
s[.]
2 or 3[swarms came out]& hived
together[.
^ Fa[ther was] in
C[linton this] morn[ing] for
eggs[.We] Planted 18 rows [of]
potatoes........ Q[uai]d left
P.M. Will went to Cflinton in
the] even[ing.
]
Fa[ther]& A[g were]in[church.]
Jno. & Ad[am went at night[.]
I [was] in Cflinton this] even
ting and shipped [bees]
wax[.]
16
Fine & Hot P.M.
Fine, Cool W[ind.]
25
24
Rain P.M. 26
Very W[arm] P.M. 21
22
Very W[arm] 27
21
31
Rain Showers P.M.
even[ing.]
26
Celebration in Clinton*Will Dull, Fine
[was] away P.M. & Jno. in the
evenfing.] Ned's washed sheep
P.M. [I] Papered Fafther's] &
Mo[ther's] Bed-room[.]
*The 24th of May, the Queen's
birthday,a public holiday, was special this
year. Queen Victoria was beginning her 80th
year of life, and, one year after the Diamond
Jubillee, she now had reigned the longest of
any British Monarch at 61 years- Her grand
father, George III (1760-1820) previously held
the record at 60 years. These are the probable
reasons why Clinton decided to have official
celebrations.
25. W. [I] C[leaned the] H[en]
Hfouse.] A[g] washed Moth
er’
s tick & tick cover[- The
Quaid's[were here] for dinner
& tea[.
]
27
Fine & Wfarm.J
&
�May, 1898 292
26. T. I [was] in Cflinton] P.M. and 25
fetched home 2 bee - boxes[.]
Swarmed [I] Wrote U[ncle]
J[ames.]*
*Eliza-Ann has chosen May 26r a month to the
day of her Aunt Mary's death, to write a letter of
condolence to her widowed Uncle. One wishes that
letter had survived[.]
27. F. A[g] & B[ella] cleaned [the]
cellar[.] Mo[ther is] making
soap these days[.] Fa[ther
was] in C[linton.He and the]
Snell's sent eggs to Dan
ville[.] [There was a] 2nd
swarm off [the] 1st one that
swarmed[.]
28. S. [I] Cut out green & white Sprinkled
print waist[
. I] Mended some
bee frames etc. Fa[ther has
been]killing black-birds[and]
digging post-holes[along the]
side of [the] orchard[.]
29. S. B[ella], Will & I [were] in
C[hurch](Rev. Stewart.) Jno.& Misty Rain
A[dam went at night.]
30. M. A[g]& I washed[.]Fa[ther was]
replanting some corn[.] Fine & Cool
31. T. B[ella] & I [were] in C[lint- Beautiful
ton A.M.
25
32
25
37
18
1. W.
June, 1898
Will got [a] bykef. The] Boys
dipped lambs[.] A[g] & B[ella
were] in C[linton] P.M. Fa-
[ther] & willl [are]restreadl
ing (sic) lane wire[.] 3rd to
N[orth hive] swarmed[
. I was]
fixing bee frames [and at]
nightfl] Mended 2 p[ai]rs[of]
p[an]ts[.
]
20
Very Warm,
T[hunder] & Lfightning)
& Rain.
2 . T .
3. F .
4. S .
[Father and Will continued Fine & Warm 21
the restretching of lane
wire and I fixed some more
bee frames.] Fa[ther] planted
some cabbage[.] Jno. [was] in
C[linton this] even[ing. The]
Girls [were] at U[ncle
James’
s.
]
Mo[ther] & I [were] in C[lint- Fine & Very Warm 15
on at] Church[.] (Mr Dickie-
Seaforth.)
[I] Fixed some frames & star- 35
ched collars etc. [The bees
swarmed again. The] Ayrshire
calved[.
] Will went home on
his "wheel.
"
5. S. Fa[ther], Jno. & I [were] in 22
C[hurch](Rev. Stewart.) Jno &
Ad[am went at night. More
bees] Swarmed[.]
�June, 1898 293
6. M.
7. T .
8. W.
9. T .
10 . F .
11. S.
12 . S .
13 . M.
14 . T .
15 . W.
A[g] & I washed[.]A[g] & B[el-
la were]in C[lintonj P.M. Ned
[was here] for dinner & shear
ing his sheep [on the Rob[ert-
son place.]
[I]Sewed some at[a] blouse[.]a[ther
Jno.[was]in Bruce[field [and]
McIntosh [came] for dinner[.j
Will [wasjin Varna [with] Dew-
drop[.]
A[g] ironedf.
] Jno. sowed tur
nips[
. I'm] Making [a] blouse
[and] Fa[ther is]picking bugs
these days[.] He & Will [are]
fixing lane fences[.]
[I did more work on the
blouse and] Made 10 but[ton]-
holes & starched & ironed
cuffs & collars etc.Jno. gone
to go with horse tomorrow for
Ab [Nott.]
[Mother & I]went to Guelph[.] Rainy, A.M.
A[g] drove Mofther] & I to
[the] station [in the] morn-
[ingj got [the] extractor &
came for us at night[
.
26
16
21
25
22
[I] Mended[my] print skirt[.]
Ab [Nott]took Polly & went to
Jno.[this] morn[ing.] Ab[was]
here for dinner & tea[.]Annie
Stewart & [her Uncle,R]obert]
Reid, [were] here P.M.[I] Set
3 hives forward [in the] even
ting.]
16
Poured, T[hunderJ &
L[ightning]
A[g], Will &
C[hurch] (
Rev.
ville.) Ad[am]
night[.]
I [were] in
Shaw, Egmond-
& Jno.[went at
21
A[g] & I washed[.
] Bella dyed
cotton P.M.
A[g]washed off[the]cellar A.M.
Howson,a pedler,called[.] We
extracted [honey] P.M., [the]
1st we ever done[.]
A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. [I
was]fixing honey [and I scrub
bed [the] Pari[our.] Carrie
[Grant was here] all night[.]
Like Rain,
Rain
Light Rain 23
12
Fine,
Cold, Misty.
Fine & Cool
16
16. T. Carrie [was here] all day[.] 17
Fa[therj & I[sabella] P[earlj Colder, Fine
[were] in Brucefield P.M.
Road -work*
*Eliza-Ann's shorthand for Statute Labour.
17 . F .
18 . S .
Will [has gone home] on his
wheel P.M.[The]road work[was]
finis[hed]A.M.[I jarred]honey
etc.
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[lin-
ton] A.M.[and]fetched home[a]
bag [of] flour, [the] Dining
Room carpet etc. Ab [Nott was
here] for dinner[.I] c[leaned
the] H[en] H[ouse.]
20
F[ine] & Warmer
26
�June, 1898 294
19 . S .
20. M.
21. T .
22 . W.
23 . T .
24 . F .
25 . S .
26 . S .
27 . M.
28 . T .
29. W.
A[g] & B[ella] & Ifsabella]
P[earl were] in C[hurch.] Jno.
[went in the evening.] Will Fine & Cold
came back [in the] even[ing.]
18
A[g]
P.M.
& I washedf *] Will gone Rain P.M.
Fa[ther was] in Brucefield
[with] I[sabella] P[earl] A.M.
Will [Fluker] came after his
trunk A.M.[Father]& A[g were]
in C[linton] P.M...........
[confused account of bee swarms]
12
15
Fine & Cool
[as above] Stitched waist
Fa[ther was] in C[linton] P.M.
[and] got harness mended[.]
Swarm bees(two to-gether.)Ada
[Stewart was] here P.M. Dew-
drop, [the] heifer cow,calved,
I think[.]
[I helped] pack wool[.] Ned &
Fa[ther] took [the] wool to
Brucefield[.
] Ab Nott [was
here]for dinner[.More swarms]
A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch]
(Rev. Millyard Methodist.)
Jno. & A[dam went at night[.]
17
16
11
Fine & High Winds
23
Heavy Rain, Fine
Fine, Cool Wind.
Ag & I washed[. The] Fellow Fine, Rain Showers
that was here with McFarlane
[stayed] for tea[.
] W. Cooper
& [an] American bought 7
sheep[.] Fa[ther was] at
Snell's [and] bought 3
sheep[*
]
20
18
16
Fa[ther was] scuffling etc. T.
Frazer [called] A.M. I [was]
in C[linton at] noon meeting Fine, Misty Rain P.M.
Mrs [John] McMillan & Annie
from Shakespeare*[.I]stitched
facings on [a] skirt[.]
*The 1878 Atlas for Perth
County shows a John McMillan on Lot 28,Con IV,
South Easthope Township, served by the Shake
speare Post Office.
[I was]extracting[honey.
] Mrs
McMillan [was] in bed P.M.
30 . T . 17
July, 1898
1. F. A[g], Mrs McM[illan] & Annie 36
[were] at McGregor’
s P.M * Very Hot.
Mag[gie] McEwen & Mamie were
here P.M. [I] Finis[hed the]
skirt[.] *The annual Dominion Day
community picnic held in Neil McGregor'
s
grove (Lot 26 Con III.)
2. S. Mrs McMillan, A[g], B[ella] 20
& I & kids [were] in [the]
river P.M. Ab [came] for din
ner! .] [I]Made sleeves & col-
lar[.
]
�July, 1898 295
3. S. Mrs McM[illan], A[nniej & I
[were] in c[hurch(Mr Daniels
from Chicago Syrian.
) Jno. &
A[dam went at night[.]
4. M. A[g] washed, Jno[was] mowing
[and I] greened 26 1/2 rows
[of] potatoes[.] B[ella] & I
[were] in C [linton] P.M.
5. T. Mrs McM[illan,Annie,A[g],Bel
lia] & I were]in Bayfield[.
]
Jno. [was] mowing, raking &
coleing hay[.]
6. W. [After]
Raking hay,[We]Hauled
in 6 loads[.] A[g] took[the]
McMillan's to [the train]
station P.M.
7. T. Jno. [was] mowing A.M. [We]
Hauled in 5 loads P.M. Fa-
[ther was] in C[linton] P.M.
buying a mower[.] Jno.[went]
after it [in the] even[ing.]
8. F. Jno.[was] mowing [and I did]
some raking A.M. [We] Hauled
in 7 loads P.M. Jennie Grant
[was here]all night & day[.
]
9. S. [I] Raked etc.[and we hauled
in] 4[loads.] Fa[ther] finis
hed] thinning nips[.]Ab for
noon[.]
31
20
Cold & Dull
Beautiful & Cool
Fine & Warm
22
20
15
Very hot even[ing.]
31
Sprinkled,
v[ery] h[hot] e[vening]
Windy & Cool 12
10. S.
11 . M.
12 . T .
Jno. & A[dam went to
in the evening.]
church
Frost
[I] Killed [the] 1st 2 ducks,
pulled cherries etc. A[g] &
pulled some for Jane[in the] Fine, Cool Wind
even[ing.]* I [was] in C[lin
ton] P.M. Jno.finis[hed] mow-
ing[.
] *Jane is nearly 8 months
pregnant.
[I]was raking nearly all day Fine
[and We]Hauled in 6 loads[.]
[There was a] Swarm in [the]
New box[.]
17
31
16
13 . W .
14 . T
15 . F
[I was raking nearly all day
and we hauled in 9 loads[.]
Adam & Fen[wick were] here
all day[. The swarm] left[.]
Ned[was here] a while P.M. &
for tea too[.
] Bella [has]
gone to Bayfield with [the]
Grant'
s[.]
Jno. [was] cutting wheat P.M
Fa[ther] & Ned [were] stook-
ing[.
] Mo[ther was] visiting
Jane[.] A[g] & I washed[.
]
Bella[
came] home[at] noon[.]
[I] extracted a little [in
the] even[ing.]
[We] Finis[hed cutting and
stooking] wheat[
. I was] in
C[linton this] morn[ing],
pul
ling cherries P.M. [and tend
ing] bees[in the] even[ing.]
Jno.gone to Varcoe’
s(heifer)
noon(walked.
17
Fine & Hot
13
14
- Cool Wind
�July, 1898 296
17 . S .
18. M.
[John] came back with Ab at
noon[.] Elsie Thomson fetch
ed b[lac]k currants and
stayed for dinner & tea[.]
[We] Hauled in 6 loads [of]
wheat P.M., all but [the]
rakings
Bella,I[sabella]P[earl] & I
[were in church](Rev. Stew- Rain Morn[ing,J
art.) Jno.fand Adam went at Very Hot,
night[.]
12
11
*Two of the four sentences in today's entry are so
ambiguous, that they are presented completely un
doctored.
Put off load,lifted end of Rain P.M, 35
barn [I] Raked [in the]
even[ing]etc. A[g] & B[ella
[were]in C[linton.](2 ducks)
Jno. even Baked even etc
19. T. [We] finis[hed]raking[this]
morn[ing] & hauled in [the
gleanings.] Then Jno. went Fine & Hot
[to] help Adam [with his]
wheat[.] A[g] & I washed &
B[ella] & I extracte[d in
the]even[ing.
] Fa[ther was]
hoeing with Ned[.
]
20. W. A[g] & B[ella were] at Jno.
Thomson’
s for goose— beri- Fine & Hot,
ies[.I]
Picked 2 3/4 lbs[of] Shower P.M.
berries at [the] fence[. I]
Made rubarb pies[.]
21. T. [I] Picked 4 1/4 lbs of Fine & Hot
berries at the fence on the]
Rathwell[
place[.I]
Helped put
off the rakings & take in[a]
jag[of]green feed[.I]greened
11 rows of potatoes [in the]
even[ing.
]
22. F . [I] Finis[hed greening the
potatoes this] even[ing.
]
[I Killed 6 ducks[.] A[g
was] in C[linton] P.M. Jno.
[hasbeen] hauling manure[.]
Jennie Grant [was here] all
night & to day[.]
23. S. A[g] & I pick[ed]27 lbs[of]
berries[
. Jno. was hauling
manure.] Ab [was here] for
dinner[.]
24. S. Fa[ther]& I [were in church
(Rev. Stewart.) [John & Ad- Fine & Very Hot
am went at night.
]
21
13
30
37
17
24
25. M. [I was]Mending dresses &[I] 23
pruned [the] front path[.]
Fa[ther] & Jno. [were] lab- Like rain, cooler.
elling lambs[.]Jno.[is]haul
ing manure these days[.]
26. T. [I]Cut out[a]blue dot print
dress skirt [and did some]
bee tinkering[.
] Fa[ther Fine & Cooler
was] in C[linton] A.M. A[g]
& I[were] in[the] river P.M.
19
16 . S .
�July, 1898 297
27. W. I [was] in C[linton this]
morn[ing.]A[g]washed[.
] Cut Fine & Hot
out moreen petticot(sic) &
part blouse[.]
28 . T .
29. F.
30 . S .
Took lambs from ewes herd- Slight shower
ing them at barn(clover)[I]
finis[hed]cutting out [the]
print dress etc.
Jno. [is] cutting oats[.]
herding even sundrys all day
[The] Bay mare foaled[.] Jno. Like Rain, Fine
[is] reaping & stooking[.]Fa
rther was] at Woon's thresh
ing all day[.]Herding hauled
some wood etc.
31. S. A[g] & B[ella were in church] Fine & Cool
(
Rev. Stewart.
)
August, 1898
1. M. Jno. Dunkin, Charlotte & Cor- Fine
delia[were here]for dinner[.]
Jno. & Fa[ther are] at [the]
oats[.] Herding taking....etc.
2. T. [A] Pedler [was here] for din- Fine & Hot
ner[. I] milked sheep......
horses etc. [We] finis[hed]
cutting & green feed[.
]
3. W. [We]Hauled in 2 loads oats at
[the]barn & 1 [load from the]
big Rathwell field P.M. B[el-
la] & I [were] in C[linton]
Noon time[.]
4. T. [We hauled in] 6[loads oats.] ClearfCool Wind.
5. F. [We hauled in] 6[loads oats.] Fine & Warm P.M.
Jane & [the] kids [were] here
P.M.
17
19
23
21
19
19
15
18
15
6. S. Fa[ther] & A[g were]mowing[.
] 8
[We hauled in] 6 [loads oats
and used slings today[for the]
1st [time.]
7. S. A[g]&B[ella werejin C[hurch.] Shower Rain 15
(Rev. Matheson supplying for
Muir Brucefield.)
8. M. Our Jew [came] for dinner[.
]
Bella went to Grant's[in the]
even[ing. We] Hauled in 1 1/2
[loads],all [that remained in
the large] Rathwell field & 3
1/2 oats & peas mixed [loads]
from [the] little Rath[well]
field
15
Misty & slight Rain
9. T. Women selling lace[called]etc. Fine & Warm 14
Jno. mowed oats [for] green
feed[.
] A[g] & I washed[
. I]
Mended Jno.'s P[an]ts P.M. Us
Kids [were] at [the] school-
[house this] even[ing]hearing
Dr.
Jas.Butchart from China[.]
�August, 1898 298
10 . W . [I mended] Fa[ther]'s [pants]
A.M.[We] Hauled in 1 load[of]
g[reen] f[eed] P.M.
Cool & Fine 16
11 . T . 13
12 . F . Jno.(on byke) & A[g], B[ella]
& I [were] at Bayfield[for a]
picnic[.] Jno. Elliiot's took
away cows Horney & Bessie[.]
Beautiful 13
13 . S . [I] Killed 6 ducks[.] Jno. &
A[g were] in C[linton] P.M.
Shower,
Fine & Cool
16
14 . S . A[g], I[sabella] P[earl] & I
[were] in c[hurch (Rev. Hamil
ton, Londesboro.)
Fine.
Shower [at] noon.
26
15 . M. ....cooked some[of] our early
peaches[.] Jno. Elliot [was
here] looking at steers[.]
Fine 21
16 . T . Cleaned room, bled horse, Cut
ting out print dress etc.
Sprinkle
Fine & Hot
18
17 . W. [I] Finis[hed cutting out the
print dress and] Peeled
app[le]s A.M. [I] Washed etc.
[and did the] shirt-waist[.]
W. Perdue [was here this]even-
ling. The men [were] pulling
peas[.]
Fine, Cooler. 21
18 . T . I [was]in Cflinton] P.M.[and]
was at[a]Women’
s Miss[ionary]
meeting too[.
] W. Cooper(book
store) [was] buried[
. I] Got
[an] Eaton box[.
]
Fine & Warm 14
19. F . Threshing Mrs Wigg[inton] &
Stella called[this]even[ing.]
14
20 . S . A[g was] in Cflinton. I] kill
ed [the] 1st 2 R[oosters] & 4
ducks P.M.Jno.[was]at U[ncle]
Jno.*
s threshing[.]
21
21. S . B[ella], Ifsabella] P[earl] &
I [were] in C[hurch](Rev.Stew
art. )
Fine & Hot 20
22. H. Jno. Elliot[was here] for din-
ner[.
] Carrie Grant & Miss K.
Henderson[came]for tea[.] Jno.
[was] at U[ncle] Jno.’
s &
U[ncle James's] threshing[.I]
Finis[hed....on the] p[rin]t
blouse.] B[ella] washed for
Jane, etc.
18
23 . T . [John was] at Mac's threshing
A.M. A[g was]in C[linton] P.M.
[I] Killed & dressed 6 roos- Severe Storm W[ith]
23
ters (which] Jane's fetched[
. T[hunder] & Light[ning]
I] sheep dipped [the] H[en] Raining, Hail (Large
H[ouse] P.M.A[lex.] Innis’
s stones.)
& [the] Graham* s barns
[were hit by lightning &]
burned[.]
�August, 1898 299
24. W. [I] Cleaned out [the] H[en] Dullish 14
H[ouse], scalded & white
washed it.* Jno.[was]in C[lin-
ton P.M. [and]plowing[in the]
even[ing.] *There must have been a
severe infestation of
chicken lice - see tomorrow's entry.
25 . T .
26 . F .
27 . S .
28 . S .
Fa[ther] walked to C[linton] Fine 20
A.M. A[g] & B[ella were] pap
ering at Ned's[.I] Washed[my]
lousy clothes A.M., mended a
belt etc.[and]worked a little
at [the] print blouse[.]
[I] Killed 5 ducks [and] Mend- Rain, Cold, 19
ed [a] dress[.] A[g was] in Fine P.M.
C[linton]P.M. H.Thomson & Mrs
Beatie called[this]
even[ing.
]
Aunty[is]home from Green'
s[.]
Fa[ther] & I [were] at Var- Fine, 39
coe's[.] Mrs D[uncan] McEwen Cool E[ast] Wind
called [and a] Manitoba gent
called[.]
A[g] & B[ella] & I[sabella] 15
P[
earl were in church.
] Jno. Fine
[went at night.]
29 M. A[g] & I washed[.]B[ella]wash-
ed & scrubbed at Jane'
s[.]Jno.
& I [were] at [a] plebescite
meeting [at]school,[addressed
by Messrs.] Scott & Houston[.]*A plebescite to be held
on the question of res
tricting the sale and
consumption of liquor in
Canada. A Dominion-wide
vote hade been called for
September 29. See below
30. T. A[g] & Bfella have] gone to Fine & Hot
Hullett to visit[.]Jno.[was]
at Mac’
s threshing A.M. Aun
ty [was here] all night[.]
31. W. [Aunty was here all] day &
[night.]
7
14
�September, 1898 300
1. T , A[g] & B[ella came home this]
even[ing.] McIntosh [came] for
tea[.
]
12
Fine & a little rain
2. F . Pickett fetched 50 apple bar
rels [and stayed] for dinner[.]
Jno. [was] sowing wheat P.M.
Very Hot 11
3. S . Fa[ther was] at Wigginton's P.M.
[John] finis[hed [sowing wheat]
A.M. [and was] Rolling P.M.
[Very Hot] 8
4. S . Fa[ther],I[sabella] P[earl] & I
[were] in c[hurch.] Jno. & Ad-
[am went in the] even[ing.] Jno.
& Adam left on bykes for Toron-
to[.]
[Very Hot] 12
5. M. A[g] & I washed[.
] Bella[was]at
Jane's washing & scrubbing[.]
Ned & I[sabella] P[earl stayed]
for tea[.Bella] mowed [the]lawn
[in the] even[ing.
]
Heavy Rain, 39
T[hunder] & L[ight-
ning], Fine P.M.
6. T . [I] Re-bound [a] flannel pett[i-
co[at] dress etc at Jane's P.M.
Fa[ther was] at Sturdy'
s[.]
Rain A.M.,
Fine P.M
15
7. W. [I] Finis[hed Jane's dress all
but[the] frills[.Father was at]
T[om] Frazer’
s A.M.[I] C[leaned
the] H[en] H[ouse and my] B[ed]
R[oom] A.M. Mrs [Ned] Rathwell,
Winnie,Cora & Aunty [were here]
P.M.William James Glen [was]
born[.]
Dullf Fine,
C[ool] W[ind.]
13
8. T . Ag [was] in Clinton[.] Windy 9
9. F . Mrs Ferguson & Churchill [were
here.
]
Frost, Cold
at Night.
10 . s . Uncle James called[.] Frost, Cool 25
11 . s . Polly [has a] sore foot[.]Aunty
[has] gone to Green's[.]
Fall[like] 11
12. M. Andy Duncan [and] Jno. Thomson Warm
[were here.] Mo[ther was] at
Ned'
s[.]*
*This entry and ones that follow suggest
that Jane was suffering from post-natal com
plications .
9
13 . T . Young Ervin [came] looking for
fowl [and stayed] for dinner[.]
Mo[ther was] at Ned's twice[.]
Warm 25
14 . W. A[g] & B[ella went] after but- Warm, Cloudy 4
ternuts*[and got]4+pailfulls[.]
*Butternuts and black walnuts are closely
related. The nut meat of the butternut is
tastier. Butternut trees grew in profusiuon
along the banks of the Bayfield and, if one
could beat the squirrels to the ripened nuts
scattered on the ground, one could lay away
a delicious winter treat.
�September, 1898 301
15 . T . John Thompson left this morn
ing^ ] Fa[ther has gone to Lon-
14
don[.
] Jno [was] at Mac's[.]Mo-
ther was at Ned's’ all week but
Thunder Showers
yesterday[.]
16. F . Ducks weighed: 3 lbs - 6 oz 22
3 " -14 "
4 " -10 "
A[g was] in C[linton.]
17 . S . Fraser called[.
] W. Snell & J
Wigginton [came] for dinner[.]
Fine 8
18 . S . A[g] & B[ella were] in C[hurch
(Shaw.)
Fine 9
19 . M. Chas. Avery [was here] for din
ner[. I was] Hunting [up] show
Windy 8
stuff[.]
20 . T . Lib*[was]in Clinton with "Truck." Fine 8
*Eliza-Ann appears to have done most of this month'
s
entries on the run and days later. She briefly tried
(like Caesar) referring to herself
reverted to her usual style.
in 3rd person and
t
o
•
W . Fair Lib [illegible]
22 . T . Rev.A.Stewart & wife called[.
] 35
Jno. [was] in town[.
] Dull & Rainy
23 . F . Chas. Middleton [came] for din-
ner[.]Jno.[was after pig peas[.] Rainy 9
24 . S . A[g] & B[ella went searching]
for butternuts[.] Jno.[was] at
Wigginton'
s threshing in after-
noon[.
]
Rainy, Dull 10
25 . S . A[g & Bella & Isabel,Ned & Lib
[were in church{
Hamilton.)
Fine 11
26. M. Ned [is] working at corn[.]Jno.
[was]at D[uncan]McEwen'
s thres
hing in afternoon[.]
Fine, Windy. 9
27 . T . A[g] & B[ella were] in Clin-
ton[.
] 10 chickens @ 40[cents]
a p[ai]r[.] Annie Stewart
called from Glen’
s[.]
Fine 9
28 . W . Beautiful 10
29 . T . Uncls James [was] here for 9
tea[.] [The] Plebescite vote
[was] taken[• ]
Warm, Hot
30. F . Hales, from Mt Sterling, Iowa,
came last night[.] Ada, A[g] &
B[ella [were] at Ned’
s [and]
pulled[snow apples.]Jno.[went]
after flour[.]
�October, 1898 302
1. s . Fa[ther] & [Mr] Hales [were]
away[.
] Ned’
s [were]threshing
[so] Ed[ward] J[ohn was sent]
back [here.]
1 8 - 7 spoiled
Very Wazm
2. S . Big flies coming in thick Warm 6
3. M • B[ella was] at Ned’
s thresh
ing [with the]kids here[.] Fa-
[ther] & Hales [were] at Wigg-
[intonj's, Clinton & A. Dunk
in's[.j Will Glen [is] thresh-
ing[.
] Wigg[inton] called at
noon[.
]
11
Boiling
4. T . Hales [was]in Clinton alone &
then [was] ordering out his
sheep[.
] Will Glen finished
[threshing] about 10 [A.M.] J.
McG[regor was] threshing P.M.
9
Hot
5. W. [I was]sick [in the] night[.]
Jack McGregor [was] threshing
A.M. Jno. & Ned took up loads
of sheep [to the station.] Fa-
[ther] & Hales went [in the]
buggy [this] morning[.]
Rainey
6. T. A[g] & B(ella were] pulling
Apples (Holland Pippins)[.]
Fine
7. F . Jno. [was] at Bayfield Fair
[with a] load [of] sheep & Fa
rther followed in the]
buggy[.]
Lizzie [Glen] got home with
him[.Jno.
] came home P.M.
Beautiful
8. S . [I] Washed some things for
Jane P.M. A[g] & B[ella were]
pulling a[pples.]
9. S . Fa[ther] & A[g were in church
(Crossley.)
10. M. Fafther was] in C[linton]& at
Sparling's[on the]Cut Line[.]
Elsie Thomson [was] here [in
the] morn[ing.] A[g] & B[ella
were] pulling a[pples.]
Fine & C[ool] Wfind.]
11 . T . A[g] washed[.
] T[om] Frazer
[came] for dinner[.]
Rained
12 . W. A[g], B[ella] & I [were] pul
ling Baldwins,Talman & Bailey
sweets[.]
Nice
13 . T . Fa[ther] & A[g were] in C[lin-
ton] A.M. Bella [was] washing
at Jane'sf.] J.J. Cook & Jim
Ferguson [were]packing apples
[this] even[ing.](18 Barrels)
Raining
14 . F . [Cook and Ferguson packed
more apples] A.M. [I] Pulled
Spys P.M. Ab & Ellie [Nott
were] here [this] even[ing.
]
Raining
15 . S . [I pulled spys] & Talmans P.M.
C.
Middleton[came]for dinner[.]
Raining
�October, 1898 303
16. S. [Ag and Bella,] Jno.& I[were]
in c[hurch this] even[ing to Nice
hear Hunter & Crossley[.]*
*The Rev. H.T. Crossley and The Rev J.E. Hunter
were Methodist clergymen who had exceptional skills as
Christian evangelists. "
Crossley & Hunter" held revival
meetings all over eastern Canada in the three decades before
World War I.
17. M. Fa[ther was] in C[linton in
with the]buggy A.M. & Jno.[fol
lowed with] 18 barrels [of]
Apples[
. I]
Pulled 2 trees of
Talmans & of Ben Davis[.] Fa-
[ther]& Jno.[were] lifting po
tatoes P.
M.
,[
doing] 5 rows[.]
T[homas] Frazer came here
this] evenfing.]
18. T. [I] Pulled the] other 2 B[en]
D[avis trees.
]
19. W. [I] Took Fa[ther] to[the rail
way] station [this] morn[ing]
enroute for Guelph [and the]
Model Farm sale[. He]bought a
calf[.] B[ella] & I [were] in
C[linton at an] even[ing]meet
ing[
. I] met Fa[ther] too[.
]
Case[was here] all night with
sheep[.I was] pulling[apples]
P.M.
20. T. Fa[ther was in C[linton]
A.[M.] & at[the]mill P.M.[We]
finis[hed] pulling app[lesj
A.M. [and the] packers [fin
ished] P.M. Jno.,A[g] B[ella]
& I lifted 8 rows [of] pota
toes P.M.
21. F. [The apple packers]went [off]
to the Glen's[.They were]here
all night. T[om] Frazer[came]
for dinner. Father & he went
to Sturdy's P.M. Jno., Bella
& I [were] in C[linton to-]
night[at a Crossley & Hunter]
meeting[.]
22. S. Fa[ther] walked to C[linton.]
Jno.[was] in C[linton with a]
load [of] apples (19 barrels)
[and he]fetched home the calf
& 8 more [barrels, which we]
packed[.] G.O. Sturdy [was
here] P.M. & J. McNaughton
bought a colt[.
]
23. S. Fa[ther] & A[g] & I[sabella]
P[earl] & Ned & Jane([her]1st
meeting) were in Cfhurch to
hear] Rev. Hunter[
. I] minded
[the] kids[.] Jno. & B[ella
went in the]even[ing to hear]
Crossley & H[unter.]
Fine
Raining
Rain A.M.
Fine
Raining,Pouring.
Raining
Fine,
C[ool] W[ind.]
�October, 1898 304
24, M. [I]Moved hives back to box[.]
A[g] scrubbed[.]B[ella]washed
at Jane'
s[.]Fa[ther]& I[were]
picking pot[atoes] P.M. [We]
Finis[hed] all but [the] har
rowing[.]Ad[am Stewart] & Jno.
C[uming came over this] even
ting on their] bykes[.]
25. T. A[g] & I washed[.]Mother[was]
at Jane'
sP.
M.Ida[Stewart was]
here P.M. B[ella] & I [were]
in Cflinton to-[night at a
Cfrossley] & Hfunter] meeting
[and the] Boys wheeled[.]
26. W. Fafther is] pulling nips-[He]
started yester[day.]
27. T. A[g] & I [were] in C[linton]
P.M.[I]Killed 10 roosters A.M.
& the 4 pigs P.M. Ned, Will &
Mac [were here] for tea[.]
28. F. Packers [were here] P.M. Jno.
[was] in C[linton with a]load
[of] app[les.] A[g] & I[were]
carrying in app[le]s P.M. Jno.
& Adam & Us Kids [were] in
C[linton to]-night[.]
29. S. [The packers were here]A.[M.]
& part of P.M. [We] Finis[hed
packing [with a] Total [of] 72
[barrels.] Jno. [was] in C[lin-
ton] A.M. [with a]load [of]app-
[les. We were] hauling in nips
P.M.
30. S. A[g] & Bella [were] in[church]
P.M. & even[ing](C[rossley] &
H[unter.])[They]had tea at Fin
ley'
s[.]
31. M. A[g was]in C[linton] with 450
lbs. of evap[orator apples.
]
Fine & Warm
Beautiful & [the]
roads dried up.
Raining
Snowed & Cold
Heavy Frost
Fine & Cold
Beautiful
November, 1898
1. T. [We worked at] picking & haul
ing in App[les and then] at C[ool] W[indf] Fine.
nips[.]A[g was]in Cflinton]A.M.
with 450 lbs.[of] evap[orator]
app[les.]
2. W. Carrie Grant's wedding day.l
[We were] Pulling nips all day
& Fa[ther] & Jno.[were]hauling Beautiful
them in[.j B[ella was] picking
evaporator apples at Ned'
s....
... A[g] & I (& Jno.[on his]
byke) [were] in C[linton at]
night [ttending a C[rossley &
H[unter] meeting [in] Ontario
St. C[hurch.]
�November, 1898
3. T. [
We]Finis[hed the]nips at noon,
all but [a] load to haul in[.]
A[g] & Bfella were] at Ned's
[helping with the] appfles.]
Jno.[was] in C[linton] P.M.[on
his] byke[. I] Picked up some
pears and straggling app[le]s
4. F. Fa[ther] & Mother[were] at Dun-
kin’s (Varna) P.M. A[g] washed
& I picked up boards etc. in
[the] orchard[.] A[g] B[ella &
I [were] In C[linton at] night
[attending] C[rossley] & H[un-
ter meetings [at the] Ratt[en-
bury Street][.] Church
5. S . [I] Helped clean 2 bags of
wheat[.] Fa[ther was] in C[lin-
ton.].........
6. S. Fa[ther was] at U[ncle James's
and then] U[ncle James came]
here[.I] went to C[1inton]
with
Ned P.M. [to hear] C[rossley]&
H[unter at] Ontario [Street]
C[hurch.
]
7. M. [I] Took Fa[ther this] morn-
ting] to Brucefield Station
enroute for Thorndale [and] J.
Dunkin's sale[.] A[g], B[ella]
& I [were] in C[linton this]
even[ing attending a C[ros-
ley] & H[unter meeting at the]
Ratt[enbury[Street] C[hurch[.]
8. T. Jno. [Bella and I were in Clin
ton this evening at Crossley &
Hunter's] farewell meeting[.]
Jno. [was] at Mac's threshing
P.M.
305
Beautiful
Raining
Showers
Fine
Fine
9. W. [John was at Mac's threshing]
all day[.]J. McNaughton [came]
after the colt he bought[
.
I was] Choreing[.]
10. T. Jno. Dunkin & J.Sparrow [came]
for tea[.
] Mother started to
twist yarn again[.]
11. F. Fa[ther] & A[g were] in C[lin-
ton.]
Jno. & Ned [were]in C[lin-
ton] with wagons [of]
evap[
orat
or] app[les. In the] even[ing]
after sheep...........
12. S. [I was]Killing bees all day[.
]
A[g] started for McT[avish]’
es
P.M.[but]stayed with kids[while]
Ned, Jane & I[sabella] P[earl
were] in C[linton.]
13. S. A[g] & I [were]in C[hurch](Rev.
Stewart.
)
14. M. A[g] washed [here and] B[ella
washed] for Jane.] C.Middleton
[came]after 3 heifers he bought
P.M. [I] Killed 4 hens[.]
Rain, Colder.
Snowing, wet...
Fine
Snowing, wet.
�November, 1898 306
15. T. [I'm] making [a] smock[.] Jno.
went[in]Ned's cart to Varcoe's
for [a] heifer.] Mo[ther has] C[ool] W[ind]
finis[hed] twiisting yarn[.
]
16. W. A[g] washed blanketsfquilts &
scoured yarn[.I]Packed bees[.] Frozen, Fine
17. T. Bfella] & I [were] in C[linton
this] evening [at the] Annual Fine, Bad roads
meeting[of the] W[omens'] Ffor
eign] Missionary] Sfociety.]
18. F. [I] Tryed (sic) to double 2nd Beautiful
to Nforth] hive & finis[hed]
killing bees[.J Fafther] &I
took in cabbage[s] to barn[.]
19. S. G.O.Sturdy brought [Mr] Wind-
land here for dinner & tea[.] Fine,Sprinkled P.M.
I put in double windows in
[the] kitchen etc.
20. S. B[ella] & I [were]in Cfhurch]
(Rev. Stewart.) Manassah's Fine, Roads drying up.
reign [was the] Sfabbath]
S[chool] lessonf.]A[dam]& Jno.
[went to church at night.]
21. M. Fa[ther] & Win[dland were at
Frazer'
s, [then they] drove
to Cooper’
s[and] Reids[.]B[el- Windy, fine
la] washed for Jane[.] A[g]
washed & went to McTavish'
s &
Innis['es looking] for a
drake[.]
22. T. A[g was] in C[linton]P.M.with
5 killed geese [and she] got Snowing
Doll's lame foot shod[.
]
23. W. Fa[ther]& W[indland]walked to
Varna[.] Andy [Dunkin] drove
them [back] over & stayed for Frozen, Fine
tea[.] A[g] & B[ella were] at
U[ncle James's] quilting P.M.
24. T. [We had] Turkey & Drake for
Thanksgiving[.] Ida, Aunty &
Ned's Wind[land]were here for Snowing
dinner & tea[.] Bfella], Isa
bella] PfearlJ & I [were] in
[Sabbath] School P.M. [Examin
ing were] Rev. Stewart, Muir,
Lawyer Scott & B. Higgins[.]*
B. Higgins was a harnessmaker in Varna
25. F. Fa[ther] & W[indland were] in
Cflinton] & at Sturdy'
s[. I] Fine, a little warmer.
cleaned [my room etc.
26. S. B[ella] & I [went to] C[lint-
on] in [the] buggy[
. We saw] Snow, Fine.
cutters going too[.
]
27. S. A[g] & B[ella were in church]
(Rev. Stewart.) Jno. & A[dam Fine
went to church at night[.]
A[g] stayed with [Jane's]kids
[in the] even[ing.]
�November, 1898 307
28. M. [I] Killed 4 geese[.
] A[g] &
B[ella went to] C[linton] P.M.
in [the] buggy[.] G.W. Sturdy
[came] for dinner [in his]cut
ter [and] bought a Ram[. Mr.]
Wfindland] went home with
him[.] T[om] Frazer [was here
in the] even[ing.
]
29. T. [Ag, Bella] & I pull[ed] old
paper off [the] kitchen & pap
ered [the] ceiling P.M. Alb-
[ert] Sturdy & Win[dland arr
ived for] dinner [on a] sleigh.
Jno.[was]at W[illiam] G[len]'s
P.M. cutting[.]
30. W. Papering almost finished
December, 1898
1. T. [I] Took Fa[ther] & W[indland
to [the] station [in the]morn-
[ing and] went[back] for[them
at] night[.] Case [came] for
dinner & [a] sheep[.] Irwin
[was here this] even[ing and]
bought [a] rooster[.We] Finis-
[hed] papering[.] A[g] scrub
bed etc.
2. F. Mo[ther] & I [went to] C[lint-
on] in [the] cutter[.](Church
Rev.Shaw Egmondville.)B[ella
went in the] even[ing] with
Ned's, Mac's Jno. & Adam
3. S. [I C[leaned the]H[en]H[ouse.]
Cutting a little P.M. Fa[th- Soft
er] & Mr W[indland were] in bare
C[linton this] even[ing.]
4. S. B[ella] & I[went to church in
the] cutter [and] Jno. [took
the] buggy[.] (Rev. Stewart.)
A[g] minded [the] kids[.]
5. M. Fa[ther] & Windland [were]in
C[linton] fixing [a railway] Snow,
car[.
]
6. T. W[indland has] gone. We sold
him] 49 [sheep.]Jno. took up
2 loads [to the station] &
W[m] G[len] took 1 load for
us[. I] Killed 6 geese[.]
7. w. B[ella was] teaching for
[The]Master [and] broke[the]
cutter[.] Ned took grist for
us to C[linton.] A[g was] in
C[linton] with him P.M. Jack
Elliot [was here] for tea[in
the] even[ing.]Jno [was] at
Fenwick's wedding[.]
8. T .
9. F. [I am]Making Fa[ther]2[pair
of] p[an]ts[.]
Snow, Warmer.
Fine, Snowing.
Beautiful
sleighing.
Stormy
�December, 1898 308
11. S .
12. M. A[g] & I washed[.] T[om]
Frazer bought [a] lamb[.]
J. McNaughton brought [the] People broke roads.
mare back[. I] Killed [a]
goose & Jane's duck[.]Aunty
[was here] all night[.]
WEDDING PHOTO
Fenwick Stewart & Alice Emmeline Rathwell
.... On Wednesday last, at the residence of the
bride's parents, by [the] Rev. Mr Shaw, Mr Fen
wick Stewart,of Stanley,was united in holy bonds
of matrimony to Miss Alice Rathwell of Goderich
Township. The groom was ably assisted by Mr Adam
Stewart,while Miss Addie,sister of the bride,per
formed the duties of bridesmaid. The bride was
made the recipient of a large number of valuable
and useful presents. We join with their many
friends in wishing them much happiness and pros
perity.
The New Era December 9, 1898
13. T . Jno. Cuming drove Kate up
[at] noon[.] [I am] Making
[the]2nd.p[ai]r [of]D[airy]
p[an]ts for Fa[ther.]
14 . W.
15. T. Cutting P.M. Adam [stayed]
for tea[.] B[ella] & K[ate]
C[uming were] gone[for the] Fine
even[ing] at Ned'
s[.] Jim
Barkley called [this] even
ting]on [the] way back from
Iowa[.]2Making under waists
darning[.]
�December, 1898 309
16 . F .
17 . S .
18 . S .
19 . M.
20 . T .
21. W.
22 . T .
23 . F .
24 . S .
25 . S .
26 . M .
27 . T .
. [I] Finis[hed] waists & men-
ding[.] Fa[ther] walked to
C[linton.]
. Fa[ther is] sick[.] Jno.
[was] at Ned’s P.M. Chop
ping[. I] Chored A.M. [and]
C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse]
P.M.
. A[g]stayed with[the]
kids[.]
Fine
Nice
Beautiful
. A[g was] in C[linton in]
Ned's cutter[.] Ned [was]
killing pigs[.]J.Isard call-
ed[.] Jno. [was] in C[lin
ton] P.M.[with a] load [of]
corn for Mac'
s[
.]
4
C[old] E[ast] W[ind]
Silver Thaw [in] even
[ing.]
. A[g] & I washed[.] B[ella] Raining
made [a]cake for Jane's P M.
Jno. [was] at Ned’
s cut
ting[.]
. [We]Killed 7 turk[ey]s &[a]
heifer[.](Ned & Will [were]
here[.]) A[g] & I cleaned C[ool] W[ind],
insides P.M. Ned [went to] Thawing Slightly.
C[linton] in [the] cutter
[with] Polly[.]
2
4
[I] Cleaned [the] kitchen
stove pipes [and A[g]scrub-
bed[.
] B[ella has] gone to Raining P.M.
Grant'
s [this] even[ing.
]
[I] Finis[hed] making...
...pett[icoat at] night[.]
3
T[om] McMillan* [was here]
for dinner[.]
*A Seaforth area
McMillan M.P.
Frozen 5
farmer and son of John
(
Huron s.)Ned'
s
[I] C[leaned the] H[en] Snow Flurries 3
H[ouse and] Killed [a]
goose[.] A[g] & Mary, Bess
ie & Mag[gie] McEwen [rode
to] C[linton with Ned's[on
the]sleigh[.]I stayed with
E[dward John] and baby
[James.
]
. I [was] in C[hurch] with C[old] W[ind] 4
Ned’s(Rev. Stewart.) A[g]
stayed with [the] kids[.]
B[ella] was] in cfhurch]
with [
the] Grant'
s
Ned’
s & Aunty [were here & 7
have]gone to Green’s* Chry-
stal wedding [this] even- C[old] W[ind]
[ing.]A[g]stayed with[the]
kids all night[.]
Fa[ther was] at [the] mill 7
P.M. for chop[.
] B[ella] &
Jennie arrived P.M.[I work- Stormy
ed on an]old country petti-
[coat.
]
�28. W.
December, 1898 310
11
29 .
30.
31.
[Bella and Jennie]went back
[
to Grant'
s in the] even
ting.] Fa[ther was at [the
annual] school meeting A.M. Snowed some
[I] Pasted up missed edges
on kitchen [wall]paper [and
I pasted]old Psalm books in
[the] even[ing.].........
T .
F .
S .
Mr & Mrs & [?] Sturdy [were Thawing 8
here for]dinner & tea[.]A[g]
washed[.J
A U INttU ~ L j w . w * * L jv.
[at] the school[.] Fa[ther
was] in C[linton for a] noon
meeting[.]Mr McGill from bey-
Guelph[was]at Frazer’
s[this]
even[ing.
]
Killed goose [and] Made pies
S[now] & C[old]
W[ind]
Very Cold,coldest
all year
The five households - those of James Stewart, John
Stewart, Ned Glen, James MacFarlane and William Glen- were
part of a very effective extended family. One has also to
mention the maiden Aunt, Agnes Stewart (called Aunt Nancy or
Aunty) who spent her whole life serving others and was in
turn sustained by her brothers and sister. This comfortable
and stable universe changed profoundly for Eliza-Ann in her
35th and 36th years. In 1898 Aunt Mary Stewart died and
within 2 years her 4 children had left home. Fenwick married
in 1898 and he and his bride lived in a cottage away from the
big house. He paid his father an annual rent and took over
the farm. Aunt Nancy came to live with James out of
compassion and agreed to keep house until James and the
family adjusted to the loss of Mary. But the arrangement
became permanent. Ada bailed out and went to be a housekeeper
in New York city. Ida left home and took a nursing course.
In June, 1900, Annie maried Harvey H. McBrien of Hullet
Township, a carpenter and employee in Clinton's Piano and
organ factory.
As we will see, in 1899, the Grim Reaper
carried off, a day apart, James MacFarlane and John Stewart.
In December, Adam Stewart would marry Christena, daughter of
Malcolm McEwen,and take over the John Stewart family farm.
In late 1900, John MacFarlane woultj marry
Isabella (or Bell), daughter of Malcolm McEwen. Eliza-Ann and
Agnes would gladly have taken their widowed mother and her
sister Agnes to live in Clinton. Agnes felt committed to
keeping house for brother James and Eliza was not going to
leave her sister alone on the IV th Concession. The
MacFarlane stone house was partitioned to accomodate two
households. John and Bell in one, and John's widowed mother
and maiden sisters in the other.
7
6
�311
THE DIARY OF ELIZA-ANN MACFARLANE:1899
FAREWELL TO MANY THINGS
January, 1899
1. S. A[g] & I [were] in C[hurchj(Rev, 6
Stewart.) Bella[came] home with Snow Flurries,
us[.] Very Cold.
2. M. Ned,I[sabella] P[earl],E[dward] 3
J[ohn] & Aunty [were] here for
dinner & a[fternoon]tea[.1]Done A little Milder
a few stitches at Embroy-sic[.
]
3. T. B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] 11
P.M.Doll[was]shod behind &[her]
right front [shoe was] rework- Sunshiny A.M.
ed[.] A[g] washed[.
] Mr & Mrs &
Stella Wigg[inton were] here[in Fine
the] even[ing.] Mr H. Barsantee
[was here] all night[.] Raining
4. W. [Mr Barsantee] & Fa[ther were] 9
at T[om] Frazer1
s[.] Jno.took T.
Cairns to C[linton & back] from Raining
Ned’
s cutter[
. I] C[leaned the]
H[en] H[ouse.]
5. T. Put yokeon (turned 0[ld] C[ount- 8
ry] Pett[icoat.] Jno. [was] at Slight Flurries,
Ned’
s P.M. [I] Started extract- Frozen & Fine.
ing P.M.
6. F. Jno. [was] at Ned's all day[.] Snowing 5
B[ella] & I [did extracting]all
day[.
]
7. S .
8. S .
9. M.
10 . T .
B[ella] & I [did extracting]all
day[.]
Snowing some.
Very Stormy.
9
Jno. [went to church at night.] Cold 10
A[g]& I washed[.]A[g] & I[visit-
ed] at U[ncle James’
s[this]even- Fine & Cold
10
[ing. We] called on the bride
too[.i*
*With Aunt Nancy now keeping house at
for James Stewart, the MacFarlane sisters and
their mother got accurate and detailed reports
about what was going on there. Fenwick was run
ning the farm, and in the spring, he and Harvey
Mc$rien would build a cottage for Alice and him
self. Until the snow went, Alice & Fenwick’s
first five months of married life were spent in
the farmhouse with Fenwick’
s father and 3 lis
ters. Aunt Nancy reported to the MacFarlane women
that Annie & Ida, but especially Ada w^rs wording
overtime to make Alice feel unwelcome, (^da had
nourished hopes of Fenwick marrying Bella Cuming,
with whom she was close friends.) One senses that
Agnes and Eliza made this visit .
t
o give Alice some
moral support. I expect they commandeered the front
parlour and made it clear they wished to have the
bride to themselves.
tl] Killed 7 turkey hens & 3
Roosters[and]
Got leg bands[.]
A[g was]in C[linton] P.M. G.O.
Sturdy [came] P.M. after the
sheep he bought[.]
6
Below [Zero F.]
Cle[ar]
C[old] W[ind].
�January, 1899 312
11. W.
12 . T .
Fa[ther was]at Jno. Elliot's
P.M. after [the] Dakota let
ter[. A] Tramp [was in our]
Dr[iving shed] all night[.]
A[g] went to [Ellie Nott's]
P.M. B[ella] & I finis[hed]
extracting [the] frame
boxes[.]
10
8 [degrees] below [F]
Clear & C[old] Efast]
W[ind.]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[lin- 7
ton] P.M. A[g came] home [in Dull & little wanner,
the] evenfing.] C[old] W[ind.]
13 . F .
14 . S .
Cutting honey out of box- Raining
hives[
.] MistyP.M.
[I]Dyed Black Mitts & yarn & Pouring R[ain]
Navy Blue Yarn P.M. & [I A.M., Sleet.
threw [a] p[ai]r [of] s tock- Frozen.
ing[s] in after[.I] C[leaned
the] H[en] H[ouse.]
12
7
15, S. [I] Walked to c[hurch.] {Rev. Fine & Soft
Stewart)
7
16 . M. A[g] & I washed[
. I] Cut out Thawing
a box [of] honey[.] Springlike
9
17 . T .
18 . W.
[I] Mended gloves, cut honey
out of a box etc. Jno. [is] Frozen,
helping W[illiam] Glen get Light snow.
his Wind-mill pole[.
]
Cutting P.M. I [was]in C[lin-
ton] P.M. [in the]cutter[.We
had] both rigs going on the Frozen
roads[.] I[sabella] Pfearl],
Mamie & Abby [Glen were]
here[.
]
16
11
19. T.
20. F.
21. S .
[I] Starched collars[.] Ann- Fine 10
ie Stewart [was] here P.M.
Making muslin apron[.] A[g] Snowing 16
& I[were]at McTavish'es P.M.
Jno.[was] at [the] mill for 7
chop P.M. Rosey calved A.M. Snowing & Drifting,
[I] Emb[roidered] a little Soft snow
P.M. etc.
22. S. A[g]& B[ella were in Church Fine
John & Adam went at night.
]
I stayed with Jane's kids
[and] Got from Jane 3 1/4
lbs [of] oatmeal[.]
23. M. A[g] washed[.I] cut out pan
honey[.] Jno.[was]at Will's
cutting P.M. Ned's kids Snowed, soft
[were] here[.]Fa[ther was]
in [the] house all day Raining
sick[.]Jno.went for[Dr.]
. Gunn [in the] even[ing.j
24. T. [John went] to C[linton]
P.M. [for Dr. Gunn.] Mac,
Jane & Will Glen [were] Fine
here [this] even[ing] to
see Fa[ther. I] C[leaned
the] H[en]H[ouse,I]think[.]
13.
9
11
�January, 1899 313
25 . W. U[ncle] Ja[me]s & Jno
Elliot [came] for din-
ner[ .
] I [was] in C[lin- Fine,
11
ton] P.M. [and] Got Adam
[Stewart] to bring [a]
chair* home [for me] in
[his] sleigh[.
]
C[old] W[ind]
* Probably an invalid's chair or com-
mode chair.
26 . T . Snow etc.,
Stormy P.M.
Near Zero.
9
27 . F . Jno[was] in C[linton this]
even[ing.
28 . S . [Doing] Embroi[dery] P.M. 6
t
o
v
o
9
S . A[g] & I [were in church 2 below 9
(Rev.) Stewart.) Jno & A[d- late morn[ing,]
am went at night[
.] Snowing a little & stormy,
30 . M. A[g]washed[.]I helped some[.]
[I] Wiped out [my] room P.M.
5 below 13
31. T . [I] Cut out pan honey[.] Mac
& D[uncan] McEwen [were here
this] even[ing.] S. Smith
2 below 6
bought 2 steers[.]
February, 1899
1. W. [I] Finis[hed] facing Ned's
mitts P.M. Ida [Stewart[was
5 below, Cold. 9
here] P.M. Jane [was] here
this] even[ing.]Adam took up
[the] steers with Jno.[this]
morn[ing.
]
2. T . The Master [was] in [at]
noon to see Fa[ther.] I
9
[was in] all day[.] A[g] & 7 below, Sunshiningt
f
B[ella were] in C[linton] P.M.
Ned (Jane & kids) P.M. saw
ing! •]
a little warmer.
3. F . U[ncle] Jno. & Jim Barkley
called[this] evening[.]A [g ]
& I drove down there* [in the]
even[ing.]
*"ThereM probably
means Riverview Farm ( Uncle John Stewart’
s.)
4. S . 1st Pair [of] lambs[from sheep Zero 9
#3 289[.]* Jno [was] in C[lint-
on] with Ned P.M.[for] salt[.
] *purebred registration
number
5. S. B[ella] & I [were in Church.] 8
(Rev. Stewart) Jere[miah] VI, Zero
16-"Thus saith the Lord, Stand
ye [in the ways, and see... ]
A[dam]& J[ohn went at night[.]
M. Cutting P.M. T[om] Frazer[was
here]for tea[.I] emb[roidered]
P.M.
6. 15 below 9
�7. T
314
10
8 . W.
February, 1899
[The]Master [called in at]
noon[.] Tene Baird & Sarah 15 below,
Dunbar [were here] P.M.Jno. Bright sunshiny
& Ned [were] in Seaforth P.M.
[I] Cut out pan honey
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[lint- Cold 4
on] P.M. [I] emb[roidered] P.M. Zero Direction
Jno.fwas] at [the] Dr's [this]
even[ing.]*
*John probably went in alone to hear
Dr Gunn's conclusions about his father's con-
condition. James MacFarlane had cancer of the
prostate gland. A century ago, this was untreatable
and always fatal. I expect that Dr Gunn told John
that James MacFarlane had at best 6 to 8 months to
live. About this time, MacFarlane's took aboard
another hired man. The only clue is Eliza-Ann's
resumption of "The Boys" in her entries.
9. T . [The] Boys [were] helping put
up W[illiam] Glenn1
s(sic) Wind
mill Mast* A.M. Adam went for
[news]papers[in the] even[ing.]**
Bfella was] at Jane's making
[herself a] dress[.I was]fixing
old slippers P.M.
10
13 below 0,
a sizzeler(sic)
wind.
*See Jan 17 entry. A long wooden
shaft connected the wind - driven drift shaft
with the water pump's plunger -converting circular
motion to vertical motion. One could save money by
fashioning one's own mast. Cedar poles gew in abun
dance along the Bayfield River. **The several
households had an aggreement to empty each other'
s
mail boxes and fetch all mail and daily and weekly
newspapers. MacFarlane's with their frequent forays
into Clinton, did most of the fetching.
10 . F . [I]em[broidered]about 2 h[ou]rs
P.M. Ned [came] for tea[.
] Dr.
Smith & lady called [this] even
ting.]
23 below 0 10
Bright, Sunshiny
11 . S . A[g was]in Cflinton] P.M. Mag &
I[sabella] Pfearl were]here P.M.
[I] em[broidered] P.M.[and have
been lining[the] old red & blue
horse-blanket etc.
8
31 below 0
12 . S . A[g] & B[ella were in Churchf.
]
(Rev. Stewart) 'Anniversary'[I]
Stayed with [the] kids[.] J[ohn
went to church at night.
]
8
32 [below 0]
13 . M. A[g] & I washed[.
] 31 [below 0] 7
14 . T . 1 lamb (2nd [from #]327 Bfella
was] at Jane's [a] half day[.]
"Yes Missus" [was here] for din
ner[. I] finis[hed] lining [the
8
15 below 0
old horse] blanket[.]
15. W. [I] cut out pan honey etc. Liz
zie [Glen was over this] even
ting.] Jno. [was] in Brucefield
with Ned [and] at [a] Tupper*
meeting [thisq even[ing in]Clin-
[ton.] *Sir Charles Tupper, the aging Father of
Confederation, now in his 70's, continued to
lead the federal Conservative party after his
defeat at the hands of Laurier. Tupper and
the Conservatives convinced themselves that
the Canadian electorate was eager to vote
them back in power and in 1899 and 1900 waged
a vigorous and spirited campaign throughout
the Dominion.
�February, 1899 315
16 . T .
17 . F .
18. S
19 . S .
20. H
21. T .
22 .
23 .
W.
T .
24 . F .
25. S
26. S
27 . M.
28 . T .
Ned & Jno.[were] at[a] Liberal* 7
meeting [this] even[ing.] Sunshiny & thawing
*her emphasis
Jno. [was] at [the] mill for
chop[.] Ned & Jane [were] in
C[linton.] A[g] stayed with
[the]kids[.1] em[broidered P.M,
U[ncle]Jno*[was here]P.M. & Ab
Nott & Mr & Mrs Andy Dunkin
[came] for tea[.] Jno.[went to
the] mill with chop[.I}em[broi-
dered] a little [and] C[leaned
the] H[en] H[
ouse[.]
Ned [went to hear The Rt. Rev.
Maurice S.] Baldwin,[Anglican]
Bishop [of Huron.]1 Jno.[went
to church in the] even[ing.]
Jno. [was] at U[ncle] Jno.'s
P.M.Mr & Mrs Foster[were here]
P.M. & even[ing.]
Will & Lizzie
[Glen were here also this]even
ting. ]
Bob Holmes[won the by-election
for the federal riding of Hur
on West[.I] em[broidered a[lit-
tle. Bfella] & I [were] at U[n-
cle] Jno’
s [this] even[ing.]
Fine & Soft
Sprinkling
Thawing
Snowing
Soft & Sunshiny
11
Kind of Misty
Raining
T[om] Frazer [came] for tea[.] Snowed,freezing 8
Rev. Stewart & Wife called.Jno.,
B[ella] & I [were] at [a] pray
er meeting [this] even[ing] at
Jno. McGregor's[.] W±ll[±am]
Ja[me]s Glen & Mary Smith
[were] baptized[.]
A[g]& I washed[.]Ned[drove to]
C[linton] P.M. [in the]cart[.]
Aunty [was] at Ned’
s P.M.
Jno. & Ab [were] out P.M. [I]
Mended p[an]ts & ironed etc.
U[ncle] Jno., Glen*, & Ab Nott
[were] here for dinner.]Ab[was
here] for tea too[.
]
Mamie[was here this]even[ing.
]
Mac [came this] even[ing.] Jno.
came after him[.
] Helen Butch-
art and her man [were]there[.]
A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. [A]
sick ewe [which] had lambs
died[. The] Master [called at]
noon, [Mr] Graham called P.M.,
[and] U[ncle] Jno[was] here af
ter dinner[.] Extracting
pieces of combs that I cut
white comb honey off[.]
] 14
Fine, C[old] W[ind.]
14
Fine & Dull
Slight melt to sun
20
23
Thaw,Light Rain.
24
Blustering & Snow
27
Snowed P.M.,
Sleet,
Frozen night.
6
6
6
7
�March, 1899 316
A[g]washed[.I]ext[racted] P.M.
Jno. [was] at [the] mill P.M.
for chop[.] Bob McMillan call- Fine
ed in[.
] E.& W.Wise[came] P.M.
looking at stock[.] H. Reid’s
[came] after[the]Billy [they]
bought[.] Ned [was here for
tea[.
]
26
[The] 3rd. lamb [from] ewe # 23
338 died[. The] shearling ewe
[from] Diehl['s] died[. I]
Washed[the]extractor P.M. Mrs
Mac,Jane and [the] kids [were
here] P.M. [and] U[ncle] Jno.*
[Stewart] called [in the]even
ting. ]
* John Stewart was a driven workaholic who
seldom went visitng and who put any company that
stayed more than half a day to work. His son Adam
had now taken over the operation of the home farm
and John himself knew he had heart disease. John
Stewart and James MacFarlane spent a lot of time
together in their last 6 months of life.
[The]Master[called in at]noon,
Aunty[was here] P.M. [and]Ned
[came for] tea[.I] embroider
ed a little.] Jno. hauled in
the last of [the] corn stooks
A.M.
22
Raining P.M.
Jno. & Ned [were] at Mrs Whit
ley’s sale[. I] Stamped [a]
Beaura mat[.
] Wigginton & Dr.
Gunn [were] here P.M. [and]
Jane [came in the] even[ing.]
20
Dull, Soft.
29
Snowing & Blowing;
Big drifts.
A[g] & I washedf.
] Jno. [was]
at Ned’
s P.M. Snowing some.
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[lint-
on] P.M. Ned & family [were] C[ool] W[ind.]
here A.M. (cutting a little.)
23
21
Jno. & Ned[were] in Cflinton] 28
P.M. [I] em[broidered] a lit-
tle[.]B[eHa] & i [were] at Sunshiney &
U[ncle] Jno.'s [in the] even- singey W[ind.]
[ing.] Ned's [were] at Fen-
[wickj's [and left the] kids
here[.
]
A[g] & Aunty [went into]C[lin- 19
ton] in [the] cutter[.
] Jno.
[was] at [the] mill[.] U[ncle Fine & Nice
Jno. [was here] P.M. & Ab,Wise
& [the] Stapleton gent [were
here] for tea too[.
] Jno.[was]
at [the] mill[.]
[I]C[leaned the] H[en]
H[ouse.
]
[Edward]Glen [Sr.was here] P.M.
& Aggie & Johnny Butchart[came
in the] even[ing. John was at
the mill for chop.]
Cherry calved[
. I was] scrap
ing out honey boxes
20
Raining a little.
Thawing,
Bees out
18
1
. w.
2. T .
3. F .
4* S.
5. S.
6. M.
7. T .
8. W.
9, T .
10 . F .
11. S .
�March, 1899 317
12. S. B[eila] & I [werein C[hurch]
(Rev. Rumball with Rev.]Stew
art there.
)
13. M. A[gJ washed [and I] scraped
some frames etc. [Mr] Tough,
[the tax assessor, was here]
all night[.
]
14. T. A[g] & Aunty [were] in Clin
ton] P.M. [The] Master [call
ed in at] noon[and T[om] Fra
zer [in the] evenfing.]
15. W. Nficholas] Cuming [was here]
for dinner[.] U[ncle] Jno.
[was here] P.M. [I] emfbroid-
ered and] Jno. [was] at Jno.
Avery's sale P.M. Jane fetch
ed her turkey in[at] noon[.]
16. T. Jno & Adam [were] in C[lin-
ton] P.M. [for] grist[and a]
p[ai]r [of]lambs[were born.]
Soft, Snowing 13
Stormy.
Frozen, 22
Dull & Cold
14
C[old] W[ind,]
Sunshiny
18
Raining, Showery,
Snowing.
22
C[old] W[ind],
light Flurries.
17 .F . Jno. [was] at Ned's P.M. cut
ting[.] Aunty [was] here P.M.
A[g]& I went to U[ncle]Jno's
[in the] evenfing.]
Blustery 21
C[old]] E[ast] W[ind.]
Snowing
18 .S .
19 .S .
Jno.Middleton [came by] cut
ter[and]bought 2 2-year-old
steers[. Ewe #] 378 [had] 3
lambs[.]
20
Raining,
S[un] Thaw
A[g] & I [went to church in Very H[igh] W[ind,] 30
the] buggy (Rev. Rumball.)C[old] N[orth]-W[est]
W[ind].
20. M. [I]em[
broidered]a little P.M.
21. T. A[g] washed[.
] Ab Nott [was 30
here) for dinner & tea[. Ab] Snowing & Very
& Jno.went over to W[illiam] Stormy.
Beacom’
s* sale- posponed [on
account of the weather.]
*William Beacom was
farming in Goderich Township, Lot 30 the
Bayfield Concession. He married Annie Rath-
well, sister of Alice (Mrs Fenwick Stewart)
in 1894. Bill Beacom was good friends with
Fenwick, Adam and John. Bill and Annie had
decided to quit farming and move into Clinton
where they would go into the grocery business
with Bill's father Thomas Beacom. The couple
had 2 children Elmer,b.1895 and Cela, b.1897.
William died in 1902 from pneumonia. He had
assisted in fighting a hotel fire in Clinton
in bitter cold weather. Cela Beacom and her
husband Fred Sloman operated as teachers in
a C.N.R. School-on-Wheels in northern Ontario,
1927-64. Alice and Fenwick took a special
interest in the Beacom niece and nephew.
22. W. Jack Elliot started work[.]* Misty, 24
Mr & Mrs Wigginton & Jessie's Raining, T[hunder]
kid [were here]for dinner[.Mr & L[ightning.]
& Mrs]Finley McEwen[came] P.M.
for tea[. I] filled [a] honey
pan[,
] *hired man
�March, 1899 318
23 .T . Dewdrop calved red calf &
Black cow[.](Sic) Jno. [was]
at [Beacom’s] sale P.M.
31
Snowed some,
C[old] W[ind.]
24 .F . A[g was] in C[linton] P.M.
[The] Buggy [made for] good
sleighing with shoeing off[of
the] cutterf.
] B[ella] & I
[were]at U[ncle]Jno.’
s [this]
even[ing.]
25
C[old] W[±nd],
Fine.
25. S. [I]C[leaned the]H[en]H[ouse.]
[The]Boys took steers to[the]
Middleton's P.M. [on] horse
back[
. I] emfbroiidered] a
little[.]
29
Stormy & Snowing,
S[outh]-E[ast] W[ind.]
26 .S . [I] Stayed with the kids A.M. Sunshiny 27
Sun Thaw
27 .H. A[g] & I washed[.
] 4 pairs
of lambs
Sunshiny 20
Sun Thaw
28 .T . [Ed] Glen [Sr. was here] for
tea [and] all P.M. Mr McFar-
lane [from] Shakespeare [was
here all night[.] A[g is] mak
ing white pett[ipoint]Crochet
Lace & Insert[.I]
Made sleeves
(puffs) smaller in old brown
waist & Set a piece in front
lining of B[ac]k (waists.)
32
Snowing, Drifting.
29. W. 21
30 .T . [I] Mended Jno.’s D[uc]ks &
his shirt [and] em[broidered]
P.M. Jno. [was] in C[linton]
with [the] horse[.]
25
Fine,
C[old] W[ind.]
31 .F . I [was] at Hunter's (Carrie
Grant's) P.M.[John] Woon[was]
here[.
]
23
April, 1899
1. S . A[g] & B[ella were] in C[lint-
on] P.M. [in] Ned's Cutter[.]
JNO. & [the] Glen’
s [went in]
Will G[len's] sleighf.
]
30
Snow Flurries,
C[old] W[ind.]
2. S. A[g] & B[ella went to church
in] Ned's cutter(Rev.McDonald,
Seaforth.)
Jno.[went at night.]
B[ella] & I [were] at U[ncle]
Jno.'s [this] even[ing.]
17
3.M. A[g] & I washed[.
] 26
4.X, U[ncle] Jno.[was here]P.M.[I]
em[broidered a] little[.]
Sun, N[orth] W[ind.]
5.W. Jno.Tomson[and] E[dward] Glen
Sr. [were here] for dinner &
Tea[.] A[g] & I [were] clean
ing [the] milk-room P.M. [We]
Put milk down [in the] even
ting.]
19
Sunshiny
�April, 1899 319
6. T . [Ag and I] scrubbed [the milk
room] A.M. [I] took pork to
[thejgranery (sic) and C[lean
ed the] H[en] H[ouse] A.M.
Milder & Dull
S[outh-] E[ast]
7.F . [I was] Mending [a] dress
[and] em[broidering.
]
Raining & a
little dull
8. S. Aunty [was] up [here.] A[g] &
X[were] at U[ncle] Jno.'s [in
tfe] evening.]
9.S. I [went in the] buggy [to]
C[tiurch](
Rev. Stewart.
) S[ab-
bat|r] S[chool] started[.]Bess
ie Orfeu & I [were] off this
Sun[.&jy. ]
Fine
10 .M. A[g] & I washed Fine
11 .T . A[g was] in Cflinton] P.M.[I]
Sent Eaton order[.] Pouring P.M.
12 .W. [I] Washed, Brushed & ironed
[ajblue serge skirt etc. Alex.
Elliot [was here this] even
ting. ]
Fine Snow
13 .T . [I]Cut out [a]skirt lining[.]
A[g] & I [were] at U[ncle]
Jno.'s [this] even[ing.]
Beautiful & hot
14 .F . [I] Basted [the] skfirt.]£[g]
& 33[ella were] in <}[linton]
P.M. Aunty went to G[oderich]
T[ownshi]p[.
]
Beautiful
15 .S . [I worked] at [the] skirt[.] Fine, Colder
16 .S . A[g] & B[ella were] in
c[hurch[.The] B[lac]k Heifer
Calved[.]
17 .M. A[g] & I washed[.
] Beautiful
18 .T .
'
H
19 .W. I finis[hed] serge skirt[.]
1 Eaton box arrived[.] Uncle
Samuel from Kansas arriv
ed at U[ncle] Jno.’s [in
the] even[ing.]
20 .T . [Uncle Sam] went to S[lin-
ton] with Jno. [The]other
Eaton [box arrived.] [Uncle
Sam] & Aunt Jessie drove
home[.] Jno.came with Adam
[and] fetched [the] Eaton
boxes home[.] Wilson Elliot
fetched in a sucker[.]
21 .F . Uncle Samuel & I [were]
in C[linton] A.M. Finley
[McEwen was here] for din-
ner[.
]
22. S. Mother & Aunt Jesie [&]
A[g were] at Lizzie's &
Jane's P.M. [1] Sent Jane
out [some] eggs[.] Fa[ther]
& U[ncle] S[am were at U[n-
cle James'es] for dinner &
21
W[ind]
21
32
18
31
19
SO
35
35
43
33
36
40
40
25
38
32
Slight Shower
�April, 1899 320
23•S .
24 •M *
25. T.
26 .W.
27 .T.
28 .F .
29 .S .
30 .S .
1. M.
2. T.
3. W.
4. T.
Aunty [Nancy was] up P.M.
[for] a short time[.] B[el-
la] & Aunt Jfessie went]
down [to] U[ncle] Jno.'s
[in the]even[ing.J
B[ella] & I [were] in C[hurch] 26
(Rev. Stewart.)
A[g] & I washed[.] 50
[Ag & I] Cleaning boys stair[.] 33
Aunt Jessie & I [were] at
Ross's for dinner & tea[.]*
*Lot 27-2
A[g] cleaned [the] boys room[. 39
and I]took out Double windows
[and] put down [the] platform
[in the] wood-sheci[. I] Raked
[the] y&rds, Flower beds etc.,
and helped fill [theJleech[r]*
* a large funnel-like
contraption made of wood, into which wood
ashes would be poured. Then water would be
poured through the ash to “leech*' out the
lye to make soap.
U[ncle] S[am] & Aunty went 32
to Wiglginton* s] to go visit
[the] House of Refuge[.] A[g]
ironed[
. We] Killed [the] lump-
jaw steer[.
] Lizzie McTavish [was]
here P.M.
Jno. & I took off tallow off [of 34
“Lump Jaw'*] A.M. A[g was] clean-
ing[while I]Half dug flower bed[.]
I [was] in C[linton] P.M. [and] 40
fetched [Edward] Glen [Sr.]home[.] Rained a little.
A[g] & B[ella were in Church](Rev. 40
Stewart.)U[ncle Sam] & Aunty
[were] back [this] even[ing[.]
May, 1899
A[g] S
t I washed[.] Jno. [was] away 27
with Ab [Nott[.j B[ella was] clean
ing her room,took up[the] carpet & Fine, Sprinkle.
put[it] down again etc. Aunty[was]
up P.M.
[Bella cleaned the] Dining [room, Fine 35
took up the carpet and put it down
again. The] Cows [were] out all
night[.]
B[ella was] cleaning Mother’
s & 22
A[g]'s B[ed]room[s] & [the] clos-
ets[. I] Churned A.M. [and was]Rid- H[igh] E[ast] W[ind]
[ding] at stairs, woodshed etc.P.M.
[This] Even[ing] R. Marshell (sic)
[called and] Jno. [came] home[.]
Jno. [was] home [this] even[ing] 23
working at[the] broken pump[. I]
sorted out old shoes etc.
�5. F .
6. S •
7. S.
8 .M.
9. T .
10 .W.
XI .T ,
12 .F .
13 .S .
14 .S .
15 .M.
16 .T .
17 .W .
18 .T .
19 F .
May, 1899 321
[I] Finis[hed]dig[ging the]big gar- 22
den[and]sowed sweet peas[.I] Finis- Rained
[hed] (in a way)[the] wood[shed] & Fine
[the] stairs[
.
Ellie & Asa [Nott] drove in P.M. Ab 19
[came in the] evenfing.)
A[g] & B[ella were]in C[hurch](Stew- 15
art- Rev. McDonald - Sesforth pro
claiming pulpit vacant.)
Jno. [was] in C[linton] A.M. A[g] & 18
I washed[.] Mekin [was here this]ev
enting] for potatoes[.] U[ncle]
Samuel & Aunty went to Hullet P.M.
from U[ncle James's, to visit at
Elliott's and Cuming's.]
[I] Put frames in for bees(ones [I] 14
took out [last] fall) etc.
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. 40
A[g] cleaned her kitchen..... [and] Rained heavy
B[ella] cleaned [the] pantry[.]
[We] Washed [the] buggy in [the] riv- 17
er [and I did some] mending[.] Mo[th-
er [worked] at soap[.]A[g]washed blan
kets etc.
A[g] & B[ella were] cleaning [the] kit- 34
chen[.
] Fa[ther] planted some pot....
[and I was] Melting bee's wax. G. Elliot
[was] here today in Jack's place[.] U[n-
cle] S[am] & Aunty [came] back [at]
night[.]
[Uncle Sam & Aunty] went to U[ncle] 31
Jno.'s [thhis] morn[ing and were]
back [at] night[.] Jno. sowed man-
gols[.I was]Cutting off frames A.M.[and]
put[a] navy band on[a] green sailor[hat]
etc.
B[ella, Jane & I [were] in C[hurch](Rev. 25
Stewart.
) Jno. by [night.
]
A[g[ & I washed [and I've been] melting 23
wax[.] Ufncle] S[am] & Aunty [have] Fine & Cool
gone to go to Ned Rathwell's and
Gabey's[.]
[I'm still melting wax.] Jno. [is pain- 20
ting [the] buggy these days[. Uncle Sam
& Aunty] came up from U[ncle] Jno's Raining,
with me [this] even[ing.] Showers.
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M. [with] Ned Rain & Cold
[and I worked] at wax most of [the] day.
[I worked t wax] all day[.] A[g was in Cold & Dull
Clinton P.M. with] Fenfwick.]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton]P.M.[at] 27
Church (Rev. Wade.) [Bella drove U[n-
cle Sam] & Aunt [Jessie] to Ross's
[in the] even[ing.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. with Ned[.
]
[I] lengthened sleeves & legs of Jno.'s
new suit etc.
20 .S . 14
�May, 1899 322
21. S ♦
22 .M.
23. T.
24 .W.
25 .T .
26 .F .
27 .S .
B[ella] & I [were] in C[hurch]-Jno. by 19
byke-(Rev. Stewart) "Lovest thou me"etc.
U[ncle Sam] & Aunt [Jessie]went to Fine,
U[ncle] Jno.‘s[this] morn[ing]& to C[ool] W[ind.]
Goderich T[ownshi]p [in the] even
ting.]
Jno. helped W[illiam] Glen to C[linton] 17
with cattle[.]Jno.left for Montreal P.M.
A[g] washed[.] I[was] at Mrs [Robert]
Coats‘funeral[.]
*Robert Coats was a grocer to
whom the MacFarlane's gave their business.
The Coats family lived in an ornate
Victorian white brick home, just outside town
limits in Goderich Township at the
corner of the Clinton-Bayfield Road and the
Telephone Road. The son, Robert Hamilton Coats
(1874-1960) was Canada's founding director of
the Dominion Bureau of Statistics (renamed
Statistics Canada) and is widely considered
to have established that agency's sterling
reputation for accuracy and analysis. Bella
MacFarlane would marry the widower Thomas
Fraser in 19Q6 and the couple were destined to
buy the Coats house when Thomas quit farming
and sold the Fraser home place. It was in the
possession of the Holland family when they
took posssession in 1919.
[I] Scooured & cleaned wax dishes etc. B[el- 10
la stopped] at Grants for [her] parasol[.]
Ned & Jane[were] in C[linton this]even[ing] Fine
for our peas etc. Mr & Mrs Brigham stay
ed] all night[.]
[Mr and Mrs Brigham] & Fa[ther] & Mo[t- 29
her]called at U[ncle] Jno.'s A.M. [The
Brigham's were] gone P.M. U[ncle Sam] &
Aunt [Jessie] called in [this]morn[ing]
to dress, on [their] way to C[linton.
I] fixed [Aunt Jessie's] hair[.] Ned[was]
hdre [this] morn[ing] sowing corn[.] Jack sow
ed green feed (peas & oats.) New Lamb
Fa[ther was] at U[ncle James's] P.M. Jack 14
[was] pcking stones [in the] clover[field.]
P.M.
Jack[Elliott] took [horse] Polly to Ab [Nott's 26
in] Holmesville [this] even[ing.I]Washed [the]
plaster [on my] B[ed]room [wall.]
[I washed my bedroom] floor[and] paint[ed the]
door[. We] planted 20 rows [of] potatoes -Jack
[did the] most[.]Jno.[was]home with[the] horse
for dinner[.] A[g],Aunty, & Jno.[were]in C[lin-
ton] P.M. Aunt Jessie arrived [home this]
even[ing.]* Uncle [Sam drove] in[to]C[lin-
tom] for her[.]
*1 understand that Jessie had numer
ous Campbell relatives in the wider Clinton.
It’
s probably safe to say that she went off to
visit these relatives while Sam and his sister
Agnes visited Stewart relatives[.]
�May, 1899 323
28. S. Fa[ther & U[ncle] S[am were] at Jno.Thom- 18
son’s[.] A[g] stayed with Ned’s kids A.M.
Aunt Jessie & I [were] in S[abbath] Heavy Rain
S[chool.] Fen[
wick]'s Kid [Harvey Adam
Stewart was ] born[.]
29. M. A[g] & I washed[
. Ag & I werejat Will's[this] 32
even[ing.] U[ncle Sam,] Aunt [Jessie & Fa- Rained a
[ther were] at Ned's all day[.] I drove little.
I[sabel] & Wfilliam] & E[dward] J[ohn]
to T[om] Frazer’s A.M.
30. T. U[ncle Sam] & Aunt [Jessie] went to Fen- 24
[wick's.] 1st Swarm P.M. Ned[was] in bid
ding & cutting potatoes[.]A[g]washed out[the] Fine
cellar again[
. I] Finis[hed] cleaning [in my]
B[ed]-Room & washed [the] curtains & [washed]
& refilled [the] tick[.
]
31. W . 5
In the immediate neigh
bourhood,the humbler farm dwellings
were seldom photographed.For ex-’
ample, Ned and Jane Glen1
s
frame house on”
Old House Hill,"
on the sideroad near the grav
el pit,in which they spent
the first 10 years of marri
life,was never photographed
and was torn down shortly
after the present imposing
farmhouse was finished in
1902.
In early 1899, as
soon as weather permitted,
Fenwick and Harve McBrien
worked almost around the
clock to get the cottage
built. Alice wanted to
get away from her in-laws,
and the couple were moved
in by the time the first
child was born on a rainy.
Sunday, May 28, 1899. He
was named Harvey,probably
in tribute to Harvey
McBrien'
s speedy construct
ion of the cottage. While
it was lived in, it was in
the field south of the lane.
When James Stewart and his
sistejr Agnes died in 1911, the
family moved in to big farm
house and the cottage became,and
remains a hen house.
Harvey Adam Stewart
1899-1971
This snapshot of
"The Henhouse" was taken by
me in July,1958. K.F.S.
�June, 1899 324
1. T. U[ncle] Samuel's called [in this] 27
morn[ing. They are] going to G[oder-
ich T[ownshi] to visit[.] Jno. [was] Fine
at Graham's P.M. [I] cut out most of a
print dress[.]
2. F. [Jno. was at Graham's barn] rsaising[.I] 29
Ironed bed-rom drapes etc.
3. S. U[ncle] Sam[uel’s]drove Polly [home 29
this] morn[ing.] Jno. [drove them]
down to stay with U[ncle] Jno. They-
Aunt Agnes etc.[are]going to Green's[.]
4. S. A[g] & B[ella were]in C[hurch](Rev.Stew-Fine & Hot 18
art.)
5.M. U[ncle] S[amuel]& Aunt[Jessie were]21
gone to Isard's A.M.[with] Polly[.]
A[g] & I washed[.] Elsie Thomson[came on
her] wheel[.] A[g] drove her to[the] Bab-
elyon line [this] even[ing.[We went] P.M.
[to] Jimmie Baird's funeral with U[ncle]
Jno.'s horse & N[ed] Rathwell's [rig.]
6.T. [Uncle Sam and Aunt Jessie have 23
gone to]Wigg[ihton's in]Clinton,[to]
A[lex] Innis1s for dinnner,tea here
[and are] at U[ncle James's] all
night[«] Fa[ther] & Jack [Elliott]took
[a] bull to Thomson's[.] Dewdrop
7.W. [1] Drove U[ncle Samuel] & Aunt[Jes- 18
sie]to C[linton]P.M. U[ncle]Ja[me]s Heavy Rain
& Aunt Agnes [were] here A.M.too[.] Fine
Jack [Elliott] went home sick[. I]Washed Heavy Rain
[my] hair[.]
8.T.
9.F.
10. S.
11 .S.
12 .M.
13 .T.
14 .W.
15 .T .
Jno. & A[[g were] in C[linton] see- 23
ing folks off [for Kansas. ]Jno. [rode Fine & Cool
his] byke[.]
B[lac]k heifer cow See below-June 15. 23
Geo. Elliot [was] here[.] 22
B[ella] & I [were] at C[hurch](Rev.Shaw
Egmondville) & [at] Mr Houston's Bible
class[.]
A[g]& I washed[.]G[eorge] Elfliott was] Sprinkled 15
here[.] Jno. sowed rape[seed.] Fine & Hot
Fa[ther] & I [were] in C[linton] A.M. 11
Aunty [is] at Lizzie's[.] Gfeorge] E[ll- Hot
iott] went home [this] even[ing.] A[g]& H[eavy] R[ain
B[ella were] at Elliot's [this] even- morning and
[ing.] evening.]
Adam [was] here for dinner[.
] Jno. & he Hot, 18
took [the] Horse-power down P.M. Abby [Heavy Rain]
G[len was here] all day[.
] Even[ing.]
Ned, Will & [his hired] Man, Fen[wick] 13
[and] Adam[were] here P.M.Friday sawing
wood[.
] Adam [came early] for dinner[.] Cold,
Jno. [today was] sowing at U[ncle] Slight Rains
Jno's[. I] Cut out most of Pique
blouse[.] Joe Isard & Fergueson [were]
here [at] noon seeingg a horse[.] Aunty
[was here] P.M. Mary foaled[.]
�16 .F .
June, 1899
Aunty Cold
325
18
17 .S .
18 .S .
19. M.
20 .T .
21. W.
22 .T .
23 .F .
24 .S .
26. M.
27, T.
28. W.
29 .T .
Jno. & A[g were] in C[linton.]
[was] at Jane'sf.]
3rd Swarm (a 2nd off 1st that swarmed 16
[X] Finis[hed the] blouse all but the
fastenings[.] I[sabella] P[earl] & E[d- little wanner
ward] J[ohn were] in [the] bush with Fa-
[ther picking] strawberries[.] Mac,D[un
can] McEwen, Neil McFarlane & [his] son-
in-law [came] for tea[.]
A[g] & B[ella were in church.] (Rev.Mun- 22
ro.) Mr Stewart's holidays begin [soon.
He was] in C[hurch this morning.
]
A[g] & I washed[.
] Road Work 3 swarms
lit to-gether - 2 lsts & 1 2nd[.
] The 2
Sturdy's [were here] for dinner[.] Jno. Hot
S
t Ned [were] in C[linton] P.M. Wiltse
[was] here[.]
[Mr]Howson,[a]pedler,[was here. Jack is 14
road work.] Jno. [was] at R[obert] Pear
son’
s shingling P.M. Cronyn's bull[was] Cool, Windy
in [our] stable last night[.]
Monday'
s 2nd swam same box again [I]
Starched print collars etc. Jno. [was]
with wool [A.M. and] U[ncle] Jno.'s P.M.
[I was] At Lime Light Views* in [the]
school [house this] even[ing. I] bought
[a] ticket from [Mary Glen.]
*Magic lantern show
[The same bee box swarmed]again[.] Jno.
[was] in C[linton. I] Finis[hed the]
Pique Waist,[all] but starch [and did]
Mending etc.
12
Cold [A.M,]
Warm P.M.
A[g] S
t B[ella were]in C[linton]P.M. [I] 27
Starched & ironed [the] waist etc.[and Fine, Hot
I was] Mending Jno's drawers P.M.
Mac’
s [went] picnicing (sic) in Bay- 16
field[. I] Fixed some [bee] boxes etc. Fine & Nice
[and] Wiped out [my] room[.
]
B[ella] I [were] in C[hurch] & Bible
Class{Rev.Wichart.) Mr St[ewart was]in
C[hurch.] Jno. [went at night.]
A[g] & I washed[.I was] extracting part 18
P.M. Jno. started mowing [hay and was] Fine & Warm
in C[lintom] P.M...
A[g] went out for Mrs Nott & Asa.[this] 16
even[ing. I was extracting A.M.[and] Ra
king P.M.
Rained all day heavy
Mrs [Janet} McGregor [was] here all day-
went home with T[om] Fraser[
. I] took
Ellie home... [and was] Raking hay etc.
P.M.
30. F. Different handwriting - possibly Ag’
s:14
A[g] took Lib & Bell to [the train]sta-
tiion [this] morning [enroute to] Mrs
McMillan’
s in Shakespeare[.We had] two
swarms of bees[.] Two men called[.] D.
McIntosh [stayed] for tea[.
]
25 .S .
�July, 1899 326
1. S .
2. S.
3. M.
4* T.
5. W.
6. T.
7. F •
8. S .
9. S .
10 .M.
11 .T .
12. W.
13 .F .
14 .S .
15 .S .
16 .S .
17 .M.
One Swarm [A] man [named] Marshall
called [this] even[ing.]
Eliza-Ann's handwriting. B[ella] & I]
came home [at] night[.] Jno. met us[.j
Jno. & Jack were] in C[linton for] salt
& flour[.] A[g, B[ella] & I [were] pull
ing cherries[.] Jennie Grant [was here]
P.M.
Fa[ther] & A[g were] in C[linton] (cher
ries 3 baskets & 10 [cents.I] Raked P.M.
(only got a little [hay] in.
)
A. & Mrs Dunkin [were here this] morn-
[ing.]A[g was]in C[linton and got2 bags
[of]pot[atoes.l]Fixed comb in frames[.]
Jno. [was] mowing[. I did the] Raking
P.M.[and we]Hauled in 4 loads(all [the]
Rathwell field- all but some rakings[.]
[I] Fixed comb in frames & part made [a
white] collar[.] Ned's [were in C[lint-
ton. ]
B[ella] & A[g were in Church.](Rev.Wich.
art supply.) Jno.Thomson [brought us]
t[w]o pail’
s black currants & U[ncle]
Ja[me]s [was here] for dinner[.
]
Fa[ther] drove A[g] to[the] berrie bush
& [later]went[back]for herf.She picked]
12 lbs.[. I was] Rak[ing] etc., P.M.
[I was raking etc P.M.] A[g was] preser
ving all day[.
]
A[g] washed [and I was] Raking etc. [We
have] finis[hed] haying[.]
Jno.[is]helping Adam finis[h his]hay[.]
Jack[was]at home all day[.
] A[g was] in
C[linton.] Harding from Wisconsin [was
here] all night[.] Cooper fetched him
[here at]night[.I did some]extracting[.]
Jno. took [Harding] to Biggin's [this]
morn[ing & to catch [the] early train[.]
A[g] helped [me] today [with] extract
ing[.
3
Jack[went]home P.M. Ab[Nott was here at]
noon[.] Fafther was] at Sturdy’s[.] Ned
was here] for tea [and] J[ohn] Butchart
[in the] even[ing.
]
B[ella] & I [were in church] & B[ible]
C[lass](Rev. W[ichart.]) [I] Stayed with
the kids [this] even[ing.] Alex Wheat
stook around edge[.]
A[g] & I washed[.]I picked 3 1/2 lbs[of]
berries [at the] Shanty fence A.M. A[g]
& I [picked] 7 lbs P.M. [at] McEwen’s
[fence.]
18
Rain storm,
T[hunder &
L[ightning.]
Fine
10
Rainey
8
32
Raining,
T[hunder] &
L[ightning. ]
12
Rainy
Fine, 11
Dry & Warm
26
Damp like rain
10
Fine
22
Rainy
�July, 1899 327
18 .T . A[g] & B[ella were] at Jno.
Thomson'
s for 18
gooseberries[
. I] picked 3 lbs [of ber
ries at the] Rathwell [fence and] Made 5 Fine
pies[. I] Washed [a] pa[ir of] ganzies
with wool soap* [for the] 1st [time.]
Aunty [was here this] even[ing.]
*probably soap made
from lanolin.
19 .W . Jno. [was] away all day[. I] Picked ber
ries [at the] Rathwell fence[and]finis[hed
with] 7 lbs & little more.
20 .T . [I] Washed [the] 2 blankets [which] came
with Bull & Horse from Quebec & Scot- Rained
land[.
] B[ella] & I[were] in C[linton]P.M.
Jno.wheeled[.] Ned's & Tene & Bell McEwen
[were here this] even[ing.]
21 .F . A[g] & I [were] picking berries [in the] 18
corner of D[uncan] McE[wen]'s bush next
ours A.M. [I]Greened [the] potatoes [with Fine
the] sprayer P.M. [and] Made 2 pies [in
even[ing] etc. Ned & Jno. fixed [the] dip
ping tank arrangement & dipped our lambs
& his & Will’
s [in the] even[ing.]
22 .S . Fa[ther] & Ned [in the] wagon & Jane & I 15
[in the] buggy [were] at Ben Miller[.]Ab Beautiful
noon last
23 .S . A[g] & I [were in Church]((Rev. Wichart.) 26
Fine & Hot
24 .M. A[g] & I washed[.
]
25 .T . [I] Raked wheat stubble[.]Insurance men & Dull & Cool,
Mr Peavey,[an]Am[erican]sheep-buyer,[were Sprinkle.
here] for dinner[.] Fa[ther] drove[Mr Pea
vey] to Jno. Thomson’
s etc. P.M.
26. W. [I was]in C[linton] A.M. Read returned[Mr 28
Peavey] P.M. Bull Horning etc. Jno...
wheeled to Blythe[.] A[g] & I picked ber- Fine & Hot
ries P.M. [I] Stayed with[the] kids[this] T[hunder]
evening [while Jane & Ned were] at Shower
27 .T .
Isard's[.
]
Jno. drove Mr Pfeavey] to [the train] sta- 21
tion [this]] morn[ing. Mr] Innis[was here
[this] mornfing.] Mr Case [was here] for Fine & Cool
dinner[.
] J. Swan called P.M. [I] Cleaned
[a] room & put Jane's things in a box[.]
Cut out p[rin]t aprons & petti[coat and
did] mending etc. P.M.
28 .F . [I was] in bed nearly all day[. The] Boys 16
washed lambs P.M. Aunty, Jno. Innis & Jno. Fine
Cuming [were here this] evening[.]
29 .S . [Jack Innis was back here this] morn[ing. 14
I] milked [the] Guernsey last time [and] Rained morn-
Finis[hed the] pett[icoat] & aprons[.] [ing,] Fine.
Fa[ther is] sick[.
] D[ougald] McTavish
[was here this] even[ing.]
30 .S . A[g] & Bella[were] in C[hurch.](I stayed
with [the] kids.
)
31 .M. A[g] & I washed[.I]Mended Jno.'s p[an]ts
[and in the] even[ing I] Made 3 Rhubarb
pies[.]
�August, 1899 328
1. T
2.W
3. T.
4. F .
5. S .
6. S.
7.M.
8. T.
9. W.
10 .T .
11 .F .
12 .S .
13 .S .
14. M.
Fa[therj & I [were] in Bayfield [with]
Ned’
s, Will’
s, Mac’
s & Dunk’
s[. We] cut
[the] 1st oats[.
]
24
Beautiful
Jennie Grant & Miss Henderson [of] Sea- 5
forth [were here] all day[. The] Master Heavy R[ain]ear-
[was here] for dinner[.
] budding ly mornfing.]
Tfhunder] &
L[ightning,] Big
hail.
Fine
A[g] & B[ella were in C[hurch]& B[ible] 9
C[lass] A.M. [I] finis[hed]mending blan- Fine & Warm
kets[.]
[I] Cleaned [up] chips[in the]wood-shed 10
[and] cut weeds etc.[in the] back yard[.
I cleaned the] potato buds etc. out of Fine
[the] cellar P.M. [I] Cut oout sleeeves
[of an] old blue serge[.]
B[ella]] & I [were in church] & B[ible]
C[lass] (Rev. W[ichart].) Mrs Smythe &
son (Maggie Aikenhead) [were] at Stab-
bath]] S[
chool.
]
A[g] & I washed[.
] Sarah Isard[is visit- 14
ingj at Jane's[.
]
[The] Boys [were] reaping & [we] Hauled 12
in oats P.M. A[g]. B[ella] & I [were] Cold Nights
at the "Masters’
* [this] even[ing.]
Jack [Elliott has been] gang-plowing[.]
Jno. [was] at Mac’
s threshing P.M. [We
had]2 Young men for dinner P.M.*S[arah]
I[sard was] here all night[.]
12
Rain,Wann
*Probably Jack
and Jimmy Glen,
A[g was] in C[linton] for Mrs Jno. Dunk- 25
in [coming from] London[.] Mr & Mrs Wig-
ginton [were here] P.M. Mrs D.McFarlane, Fine
Miss J. MCFarlane & Irene McFarlane &
Jennie Grant [were here] all night[.]
Ed Wineland [of] Awer, Wis[consin] ar
rived A.M. [He] & Fafther were] at Fraz
er's, A.Dunkin’s etc. P.M. [The] McF[ar-
lanej’
s left P.M.
A. Dunkin [was here this] mornfing.]Mrs
Jno.Dunkin went back with him. Fa[ther] Hot,
& W[ineland were] at Sturdy’s[.] Jennie Cold at nights
went home [this] even[ing.
]
A[9] & I [were in church] & B[ible]
class](Rev. W[ichart.]) Ed W[ineland
(going to Webber's) went to Town with
us[.] Ab, Ellie & Asa Nott [were here]
for tea & [for the] even[ing.]B[ella] &
I minded kids [this] even[ing.]
A[g] & I washed[
. The] Boys [were] cut
ting oats & green feed (oats & peas)P.M.
12
Fine &
Cool Nfights]
Fine & L6
Cool NfightSr]
9
�August, 1899 329
15. T. A[g] & B[ella werejin C[linton]P.M.[We] 8
Finis[hed]cutting oats & green feed[at]
noon[. We] Hauled in oats P.M. I [was]
mowing loads [of sheaves] with Jno.[.j
Aunty [has] gone to Green'
s[.] Jennie
[came this] even[ing[.]
16 .W. A[g was] in C[linton] P.M...... Carrie 10
[arrived] P.M. Gabe Elliot called[.]* Fine & Hot
*Mary Glen's future husband.
17 .T . Jennie[has]gone home by Clinton[on her] 18
wheel[.] B[ella has] gone to Grants[.]
U[ncle] Ja[me]s[came]for dinner[,]T[om]
Wigg[inton] called P.M. Wineland return
ed P.M. Hauling in oats P.M.- [I was]in
the] mow P.M.
18 .F . Win[eland] shipped sheep -(37 lambs & 2 9
billys [came] from us.) Bella[came]home
[and] Webber [was here] all night[.] Very Warm
Jack cut flax A.M. Hauling in part P.M.-
I [was] mowing[.]
19. S. [Webber] went A.M. [He] bought 3 ewes & 11
1 billy lamb[.
] Jack [Elliott]took home
14 lambs he bought for Geo[rge.]Hauling
in- [we] finis[hed the] little Rathwell
field & started [the] Shanty field[.]
20 .S . A[g] & B[ella were in Church ] & B[ible] 10
C[lass](Rev. Wich[art.]) I stayed with Very [Warm]
kids[.]
21 .M. Hauling in oats & green feed-I [was] now- 10
ing[.] Pickett fetched 60 apple barrels Slight Showers
[and stayed] for dinner[.]
22 .T . [I was in the mow. We hauled in] 2 loads 9
[of] oats & [the] flax [and] Finis[hed]
Harvest[.]* Jno & I milked sheep P.M.**
[We started]Pulling strawberry apples[.]
Mr & Mrs Ed. Rathwell [were here] P.M. &
even[ing.
]
* an expression meaning that the sheaves
were all in the barn awaiting the thres-
man and his outfit. **Lambs had been
weaned from the ewes.
23 .W. A[g] & I washed[.
] Packers [picked] 6 bar- 18
rels P.M. [I was] At Kate Pearson's with
Jane & kids [this] even[ing.]
24 .T . W[illiam] Glen & Jno. [were] in C[linton] 10
[and] took up our app[le]s[.] A[g] & I
[were] at U[ncle] Ja[mes's] & Fen[wick]'s
[this] even[ing.]
25 .F . A[g] & B[ella were in] C[linton] A.M. Jno. 16
[was] away wheeling[.
]
26. S . Mother, A[g]] & B[ella were] at [a] picnic 12
[in] Bayfield[
. John] returned [this] even
ting.]
27 .S . B[ella] & I[were in Church] & B[ible]Class 22
too(Rev. Wichart.) A[[g] stayed with [the]
kids[.]
28 .M. Chored [I]Finis[hed the] button holes in 19
[the] serge basque etc.
�August , 1899 330
29 .T .
30. W.
31. T .
1. F .
2. S .
3. S.
4.M.
5. T.
6.W .
7. T .
8. F.
B[ella] & A[g] [were] in C[linton.I] wiped 16
room, chored some, etc.
A[g worked] all day
Jane's crab apples[
.
of water to wash[.)
preserving Plums &
I hauled up a barrel Beautiful,
Rain all night.
A[g] & I washedf.
] Wilson [of] Seaforth
& [his] kid were here] looking at hens [.]
September, 1899
[I] Killed 4 ducks[.] A[g was] inC[linton] 18
P.M. Bessie McGregor & Ella[were] here P.M. Fine
Smith[on the] Parr Line [came] for tea[.
]
[I] Washed Jno.’
s sweater & hat [and] Iron- 18
ed pique waist 1st time etc. Afisty
A[g] & I [were in church](Rev. Murr[a]y, 11
Kincardine.
) Fine & Cool
Ned,Jno. & I went to Toronto[.]* A[g]drove
us in[to the station and]Jno.wheeled in.[.]
*to go to the Exhibitiion.
[Ned Jno. & I] Returned [
to]night[
. We]got Rain A.M.
to Cflinton]about 1/4 past 12 O’
c[loc]k[.] Hot, Fine.
A[g] & B[ella were] at [Ned] Rathwell*
s[.
] 30
Jennie returned with them[.] Fine
A[g] & Jennie [were] at Mac's [this] even- Rain
[ing.]
Fa[ther and] John went to Brucefield
with [the] horse [and have] gone to
London Fair[.]* [I] Picked 7 ducks[.]A[g Fine
[was] in Cflinton this] even[ing.] Mo[ther C[ool] W[ind]
was at U[ncle]Jno.'s P.M. Jennie went with
her [on the wayj home[.]
♦This is the last
reference to James MacFarlane in the diary
before his final illness. John MacFarlane passed
this recollection on to his son John, about
this period in 1899:
It was in 1899 that Adam Stewart made a buzz saw
(he had never seen one). My father had a 2 1/2
Gold Shaply and Muir gas engine (possibly my
grandfather bought it)
; when the make and break
ignition points wore down, he made new ones out
of a 2 1/2 inch nail. My grandfather and Adam’
s
father were sitting on Adam’
s veranda not too
long before they died,though neither would admit
the other was sick. When father and Adam got
the saw set up and cut the first block, the old
gentlemen jumped. One headed for the steps, the
other couldn’
t wait. He went over the side about
2 feet high. The other stopped and said, ”Haw,
there is nothing wrong with you or you couldn’
t
do that!” Thy both died shortly after. Adam said
the saw wasn't much good, but he soon made a bet
ter one.
John MacFarlane, MacFarlane History
and the Fourth, pp 9-10
as told to his grand daughter
Michelle.
�9. S .
September, 1899 331
10 .S .
11. M.
12 .T .
13 .W.
14 .T .
15 .F .
16 .S .
17 .S .
18 .M.
19 .T .
20. W.
21 .T .
22 .F .
23 .S .
24 .S .
A[g] half oiled [the] kite[hen] floor[.* 26
I did]some Ridding [in the] wood shed[.
]
*Glen's &
MacFarlanes preferred to oil the hardwood floors
in kitchens rather than varnish them. An oiled
maple floor had a sheen and it was waterproof,
allowing it to be scrubbed with soap and water
on a regular basis.
A[g] & B[ella were in church](Rev. Mur- 35
r[a]y.) [and] I minded [the] kids[.]
A[g] & I washed at U[ncle] Jno.s [this] 22
even[ing.] A[g] visited at Fen[wick's.] Shower
[I] Took Mo[ther] & B[ella] to Bruce- 24
field for London Fair [and I] went for Fine, S[ight]
[them i the] even[ing.] Shower.
[I] Cleaned [the] Hen House & sheep- dip- Fine 17
ped roosts etc. A[g] washed Blankets,Com- H[eavy] Rain
fortfer] & tick[.]
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. [I]
Took up [a] piece ]of the] pump to Jake
Miller[.]Gurnesy(sic) Calved,[I]think[.
]
I[was] in C[linton] P.M. [to pick up the
pump part.
]
[I] Spent P.M.& even[ing] in Bruce-
field waiting for Jno. from London[.]
T[om] Frazer [was here this] even[ing.]
B[ella] & I[were in church](Rev.Shaw[of]
Egmondville exchanged [with] Rev. Stew
art.) A[g] minded [the] kids[.]
[I was]Fixing potatoes etc. A[g]& Bella]
pulled app[le]s P.M.[to show at Clinton] Poured Rain.
Fair[.] Fa[ther is] sicker[.]
A[g]& I Took up things to Clinton Fair[.
]
U[ncle] Ja[me]s [came] for dinner[.]
All [of us] but Fa[ther] & Mo[ther
[were] at C[linton] Fair[.] B[ella]&
I went to Prayer meeting & Rev. Stew
art's Reception [to welcome him back]
after 3 mon]t[h]'s holidays[.] Jack
[Elliott] took us up & back[.]
A[g] & I washed[.] Aunty [was] up - [she] 16
came home [from Green's] yesterday[.]
2 in Fine,
C[linton] P.M. [I attended a] Women's F[or- C[ool]
eign] Missionary] meeting[.]Hector Reid & W[ind.]
a Yank [came] for tea[. I]Stayed with[the]
kids [this] evenfing.]
A[g] & X [were]at Mrs W[m.] Pearson's 14
funeral P.M.3 Jno. [was] at Charlie
Stewart's sale P.M.4 [i was at Jane's
A.M. picking 6 Roosters for [the Pear
son funeral.]Mr_ & Jake Miller[came]
for dinner[.] Rev.Stewart called P.M.
and Mac in the even[ing] to see Fa-
[ther.]
T[om] Frazer & other man [were here.] Dr_
[was here.] Carrie called for 2 lbs [of] Fine,
honey[.] C[ool] W[ind.]
A[g] & I [were in Church](Rev.Stewart’
s re- Raining P.M.
turned.) Poured Even[ing.]
�September, 1899 332
25 .M.
26 .T .
27 .W.
28 .T .
29 .F .
30. S.
A[g] & I washedf.
] T[om] Fraser [came] af
ter Billy[
. The] Master [came at] noon[.
]
[I] Worked ends on [a] p[ai]r [of] blan- 8
kets[.] A[g] [was] in C[linton.j C[harles]
Middleton called [and]Mrs Scott & Maud
called [in the] even[ing.]
[I worked the]end on 1[blanket and did] 6
knitting[.The]Dr.[came this morn[ing.] 2 spoiled
...... [The] Dr [came] late P.M. & Fin- 6
[McEwen] & Rev.Stewart[.Malcolm McEwen H[igh] Wind
[came] P.M.& [sat up] all night[.* We] C[old]
Moved Fa[ther] to [the] Dining-room[in
the] even[ing.]
*In this period, family
members and close friends sat up with a dying
person to keep him or her company as far as one could
on their last journey.
D[uncan] McEwen [sat up] all night[.] about 3
a day
Mac & The Master [sat up] all night[.] Heavy Snow
Rev.[Stewart] & Finley[McEwen and T[om] Storm -
Fraser [were here] P.M. & even[ing.] broke a
Uncle John [Stewart] died [this] even- lot of
[ing•
3
October,
trees.
1899
1. S .
2.M.
3. T .
4.T.
5. T .
6. F .
7.S .
8. S .
9. M.
10 .T .
Father died at 1/4 to IV 0'Clock[.A.M. ] Fine &
People here all day[.] Cold
Mr McTavish even[ing] etc etc etc.
Uncle John [was] buried P.M. Madames Fine
Brigham & Elliot [were here] all night
[and] Mrs McMilan [from] Shakespeare
came[.]
Mrs [Nicholas] Cuming & [son] Freddie Light Rainf
[were here] for dinner. Father buried Dull.
P.M.
Aunty [is] staying [with us.] A[g] & I Beautiful
washed & aired a lot of clothes etc.
Jno. took Mrs McMillan to [the train] 3 eggs
station P.M. Jack [Elliott was]at D[un- these days
can] McEwen*s threshing[[.]
[Jack was at Duncan McEwen's threshing[.]
A[g],B[ella]& I[were] pulling Apples(Seeks.
)
Jack [was] at Butchart’
s thresh[ing. We] fin
is[hed] pulling Seeks [and started pulling]
Baldwins & Bailey Sweet & Spiitz'
s[.]
A[g] & 1 [were in Church(
Rev.Stewart.
) I[was
in S[abbath] S[chool.] Charlie's at Ned’
s[.]
Pulling Apples[.]
B[ella] & I [visited] at Hunter's[this]
even[ing.]
Beautiful
& Hot
11. W. Ag & I washed[.]B[ella]baked cakes A.M. B[el- 8
la] & I pullled some apples P.M. [The] Boys
[were] at Fen[wick]’
s threshing[.]Ned’s took Slight Rain
in their potatoes[.] T[om] Frazer [was here
this ] even[ing.]
�October, 1899 333
12. T. [The] Boys [were] at Fen[wick's for an[hour 8
and then]at U[ncle]Jno.[s]*threshing[.] Bel
la[was] baking bread,buns & pies all day[.]**
Packer called[this] morn[ing and]Annie Stew- Beautiful
art [called] P.M. after peas[.We]Finis[hed] & Hot
pulling Talman'
s, Ben Davis......& started
Swarrs[.]
* She should have said "Adam’
s.”
** To feed the threshers tomorrow.
13 .T .
14 .F .
15 .S .
[The Boys were threshing at Adam's] A.M. &
part P.M. [Our] Threshing started about 4 O'
c[loc]k[. I] Killed 10 hens [which we] had
for supper & dinner - 1 left & lots more[.]
[We] finis[hed and the] threshers went to Cool
Willie Glen’s[.] B[ella] & I [were]in C[lin- W[ind]
ton. ]
A[g],Jane & I[sabella]P[earl were in church 6
(Rev. Ross Gunn’
s brother-in-law from [the]
old country.)
16 .M.
17 .T .
18 .W.
19. T .
20. F.
21. S .
22 .S .
23 .M.
24 .T .
[I] Pulled 2 Spys trees [and got a] sore 3
back[.
] Bella [was] at Ned's morn[ing]& P.M.
W[illiam] Glen finis[hed] early noon, [and Rained
threshers were] at Ned's P.M.
Threshers finis[hed] at Ned’
s [in the] morn- 3
[ing. I] Pulled a Swarr[.] Raining
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] A.M. [and 7
then were] Pulling Spys[.]A[g] washed 2 com- Fine
fortables etc.
Thanksgiving: S[abbath] S[chool] exams
[
Examiners were:
] Rev. & Mrs Stewart,Scott &
Henderson & Forest [of]Clinton & Higgins[of] Fine
Brucefield [I] Pulled Spys [and the] Boys
lifted pot[atoes] A.M.
[The] Cantelon lad & _[did] 20 barrels pack- 3
ing apples[. We] Finis[hed] pulling app[le]s Fine,C[ool]
all but some Rosshire Grimms etc. [The] Boys W[ind.J
[were] lifting potatoes[.]
JackfElliott] finis[hed lifting potatoes]P.M.
Jno.[was] in Cflinton] twice with 44 barrels Fine,Good
[of]
Apples[.] 3 packers packed 30 bar[rels.] roads.
Mother & A[g were] in Cflinton] A.M.
I [was] in S[abbath] S[chool.] 4
Raining
A[g] washed [and X] helped a little[.] Jack 5
[was]at Wigg[inton’
s]threshing [and]Jno.[was T[hunder] &
at] Mac's [threshing.] Hector Reid [was here Lfightning]
this] morn[ing.] Ab & Fred Nott fetched "Bal- Heavy Rain
bogie Stamp* home [this] even[ing.] Fine & Warm
P.M.
* probably a stallion,bull or
ram lent or rented out for
stud fees.
[The] 3 packers, Cantelon, Adams, & D. Liver
more packed 32 [barrels. I was] Sorting App-
[le]s[.] Jno [was] at Mac's threshing till Fine & Hot
past P.M. [At] night,Jno.borrowed Adam's rig
[and went]after[more] barrels-[he picked up]
5[-l
�October, 1899 334
25, W. A[g] & I[were sorting apples] P.M. Jno.[was]
in C[linton with a] 25-barrel load [of] App-
[le]s [and] got 6 more bar[rels.The] Packers Beautiful
packed the 7 bar[rels this] morn[ing] & came
back [this] evenfing] & packed 3 more[. We]
finis[h with a] Total [of] 92 barrels & 6
be[tte]r [than the] fall before[.] Rev.[Stew
art] & [his] wife called[.] Lily Stewart
married [John Cuming this evenfing.]
26. T. A[g] & I A.M. & B[ellaJ too P.M. [were] sort- 6
ing & taking in App[le]s[.] Rain
Evenfing.]
27. F. Ridding wood-shed A.M. A[g] & Bfella were]
in C[linton] P.M. Jno.[was] in C[linton] P.M. Light
with grist & 3 barrfels of] Apples[.] Rains
28 .S . Raining
29. S. B[ella] & I [were in Church](Rev. Stewart.) Fine,C[ool]
Wfind.]
30. M. [I] Walked to Ned's [this] morn[ing and] kil- 2
led 8 Roosters[. I] Washed Jno.*s & my Gan-
zie[s] P.M. & Sorted some app[le]s P.M.A[g]
S
t B[ella[were] in Cflinton] P.M. [in the] bug
gy & [at] Aunty's [at] night[.]
31. T. [The] Thorough-bred Varcoe Heifer Calved[.
]
November, 1899
1. W.
2. T . T[om] Frazer[was here this]evenfing.]
3. F . [I] Killed 8 Roosters[and the] 1st goose[.]
A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. Rainy
4. S. Aunty [was here]] for dinner [and then was]
gone to Green's[. I was] at Ned's A.M. to
see R[ooster]s[.
]
Fine
5. S. A[g] & B[ella were] in C[hurch.] Jno.[went
in the evening.
]
6. M. A[g] & I washed at Jane's P.M. Beautiful
Ned and Jane Glen lived in a nondescript frame
house over on the sideroad. The barn and other
outbuildings fronted on Concesssion III. Ned's
son E.J. "Jack" Glen told me that his father
put off building a farm house until he had a
a secure water supply. He tried to find water
with standard 10 to 20-foot dug wells,without
success. In desperation,he tried new technolgy-
a drilled well. Peterson,the contractor hit an
an underground river or stream at well over a
hundred feet. In 2004,this well is still going
strong in its 105th year. In 1900 Ned raised
the main barn and in 1902 built a substantial
white brick farm house.
�November, 1899 335
7.T .
8. W.
9. T .
10 .F .
11. S.
12 .S .
13 .M.
14 .T .
15 .W.
16 .T .
17 .F .
Jane & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. [I] Took
frames out of hives & some Sat[urday] (I Beautiful,
think.) B[ella] cleaned [the] veranda[.]Jno. C[ool]
[was]at Wfilliam] Gflen's] shingling[.] Mrs W[ind.]
Wig[ginton] & Mrs Hodgins & kids [came] for
tea[.] Peterson's 3 men & well borer
outfit arrived at Ned's-(1 man sleeps
here)[.]
Mo[ther] & A[g were]in C[hurch P.M.& B[ella]
& I [in the] even[ing, [to hear] F.H. Barron,
[a] Graduate [of] Knox College[.] Jno.[was]
at [a] shingling bee [at] Will[iam] Glen's
housef.] At Jane's [I] Killed 4 Roosters[.]
P[eterson] started boring at Ned’s P.M.
[I] Killed 5 geese[.]A[g],Mo[ther] & I pick- Beautiful
edfthe] feathers off[.] A[g was] in C[linton
this] even[ing.
]
Killing bees Doubled 2 Hives Rained
[I] finis[hed]] Killing bees, etc.,& carried
[the] boxes to [the] cellar A.M. & [was] at Fine
Jane's P.M. A[g] set up her stove[.]
Mofther],A[g] & B[ella were]in C[[hurch](Rev. Fine,
Stewart.) I went with Ned'sf.] Maggie McEwen C[ool]
minded [the] kids[.] W[ind.]
Borers struck the water [in] Ned’s well 1
[this] morn[ing.] Geo[rge] Elliot[came] in
Jack's place to-day[.]A[g] & I washed cows[.] Fine
Jno. [was] in C[linton on his] byke[.] G. Mid
dleton called[.
] Bella [was] at Hunter'
s(
Car
rie's) P.M.
Borers finis[hed] Ned's well after din
ner[
• I] Killed 5 geese[.] A[g was] in C[lin-Rainy A.M.
ton] P.M. Scott McMillan [was here] for din- Fine &
ner[.] Geo.[Elliott] Bought [a] Billy & 3 old Sunny P.M.
sheep from Jno. [George also] bought [sheep]
from Adam a few days ago[.
]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M.[for] Pig Feed[.
] 1
Jack finis[hed] plowing!. My] sick pet lamb Light
died[.
] Ridding up-stairs wood-shed[.] Rain
Jack[was] filling in Ned's well P.M.A[g] 1
B[ella] & I filled 15 bags [of] evap[orated]
app[le]s[.]] Jno. [was]in C[linton] P.M. with Fine,
them[and got] 25 [cents] a bag[.] Tene & Jane C[ool]
[were] here [this] morn[ing] for [a] tub [of] W[ind]
butter[
. We had] Mrs Cartwright & Martha & 3
kids for dinner[.]
Jno. Thomson [stayed for] dinner & tea[.]Jack Fine 1
[was] plowing at Ned’
s[. I] Finis[hed ridding H[igh]
the] wood-shed etc. W[ind]
Rain [at]] night.
18. S. [I] C[leaned the]H[en] H[ouse] A.M.[and] made &
7 pies P.M.Jno.& B[ella were] in C[linton]P.M.Beautiful
Jack [was] plowing at Ned's[.] & Warm,Bees
flyingl9.
S.A[g] & I [were in Church](Rev. Stewart.)(Kids 1
here.
) Showery
20. M. [The] Boys at Ned's finis[hed] filling 2
in [the] well etc.A[g] & I washed[.I also] Dull &
washed [the] extractor!.] Fine.
�November, 1899 336
21 . T .
22 . W .
23 . T .
24 . F .
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[linton] P.M. Mrs
Scott & Mrs McEwen [were here] P.M. for Beautiful
tea[.] Mr & Mrs lssard[called this] even
ting[.I was]Packing Bees[.]
[I]Finis[hed packing bees and]Washed wool- 1
ens etc. Fen[wick]& Adam & Ned P.M.[were]
sawing woodfen fence] rails[.I] Stayed at
Ned's all night [while] Mr & Mrs [were]at
a supper at Cfharlie] Stewart's[.] *
*Probably a farewell
supper. Charlie went to Exeter, then London
and finally Claresholm,Alberta as a Massey-
Harris impliment dealer.
[I was] Piling wood in [the]Wood-Shed[as] 1
Jack [was] hauling [it] in[.] B[ella] & I
[were]in C[linton] P.M.Annie Stewart[was]
here P.M.Jno.[was]at Ned’
s killing pigs[.]
[I] Raked up chips & wood around where 1
they sawed [and] put saw-dust in [the] Fine &
H[en] H[ouse.] I broke and took in a lot pleasant
of branches etc.
25. S. [I] Mended p[an]ts, shirts etc.[and] P.M. 1
Cleaned furnace into leech[.] Jno.[was]in Slight R[ain]
C[linton] P.M. [with] Adam [and] Jack[.
] & Frost, Fine.
26. S. B[ella]& I[were in church](Rev.Stewart.) 1
Jno & J[ac]k [went at night.]
27. M. A[g] & I washed[.] Jno. [was] in Varna 1
[paying the]Taxes & [fetching] gravel[.]
Jack [was] away on his own busi[ness.]
28 . T . Adam [Stewart was here]P.M. Crushing his
C[orn] & stuff & ours[. I] Lifted Gladi-
[oli] bulbs[.I]started extracting P.M.[;]
B[ella] helped[.We had] callers - D.Chur
chill & Jim Swan[.]
2
Fine,
Some W[ind.]
29. W. Jno.[was] at Ned's & Will's A.M. putting Fine, Beauti-
machinery away[.
] All in C[linton] P.M. ful Roads, No
J[a]ck [was] picking clover[field]stones. Frost.
30. T. Jno.[was]helping Fen[wick]& Adam to kill 3
their pigs[. I did some] Extracting[.] Rain.Fine.
J[ack] hauled 2 loads [of] gravel to the
barn pump[.
]
December, 1899
1. F .
2 . S .
[The] Boys[were in the] bush cutting fur- 2
nace wood[. I did some] Extracting. ] S[un], Rain.
[I] p[ac]k[ed bee]boxes all day[and was]
[extracting] P.M. Tene, Bell, Mag[gie Raining
McEwen,] & Jane[were over here this]even
ting. ]
�December, 1899 337
3. S. A[g] & I [were in church](Rev. Stewart.) 3
[We] Called at Alex Frazier's -Mary [is] Light Snow
dead[.]*
*In the 1861 Census, Alex & Mary
Fraser are listed as occupants of Lot 29 Con V, just
north of John Stewart's. They sold this small river
front lot to John Stewart and his sister Agnes (Aunty)
lived in the Fraser shanty until she went to keep
house for her widowed brother James in 1898.
4. M. Fen[wick], Adam & W[illiam] Glen [were]
here A.M. killing 3 pigs[.] Cattle[were]
all in [at] night 1st time[.] Old Billy
died [in the] night[.]McIntosh [was here
this] even[ing. I] Finis[hed] extracting
[and in the]even[ing I] Carried in a lot
[of] furnace wood etc.
4
Frozen,
Light Snow.
5. T . A[g] & I washed[.
] Stormy & 5
cold & snowy,
Windy.
6. W. Fixing Honey etc. Washed Ext[ractor in
the]even[ing] etc.
Snowed some 4
Fine [in]
even[ing.]
7 . T . A[g was] in C[linton.]
8. F .
9. S . Jno.S Bella [were] in C[linton] P.M. [I]
Made 7 pies P.M.
10 . S . Rainy, Fine,
Rainy
11. M. [I] Ceaned Bed-Room P.M. [The] Boys lift
ed [the] river fence[.]
- Pouring & 3
H[igh] Wind.
December, 1899
12 . T . A[g]& I washed & 2 Grey blankets in[the]
veranda[.] Adam & Ned [were] here crush
ing A.M.
1
• C[old] W[ind]
13 . W. I [was] in C[linton] P.M. & A [ g ] & I &
Jno. [were] at Adam's [this] even[ing.] C[old] W[ind]
14 . T . [I]Took Jno.to C[linton station enroute
for London [to attend the] Fat Stock
Show [and went] for [him in the] even
ting. ]
3
Fine, C[old]
W[ind]
15 . F . A[g] & I[were] at Mac's this] even[ing.]
J[a]ck [was] at Ned’
s[.]Adam[came] after
[the] horse-power[.]
Snowing & 2
Drifting,
Fine [in]
even[ing. ]
16. S . Mo[ther]& A[g],Ned & Jane[were] in C[lin-
ton] P.M. I stayed with[the] kids[.] Jno.
[was] at Adam's all day cutting etc.
3
Fine
17 . S . Mo[ther] & A[g were in Church](Rev. Stew
art.
) I stayed with Ned’
s kids[.]
�December, 1899 338
18. M. A[g] & I washed[.] Carrie Hunter[called] 3
P.M. Pouring R[ain]
even[ing,J
19. T . [I] Killed & picked 6 Turkeys (hens)
, 9 Fine 3
geese, & 4 Ducks & 1 Rooster[.]
20. W. A[g was] in C[linton.]....Ned [was] here Fine
cutting A.M.fand] T[om] Fraser[was here]
P.M...... Hens all out these days[.]
21. T. [Aunty is] Sick with [a] cold[.
] Scott 4
[was here] after sheep[
. I did some] Men- White H[ard]
ding[.
] Jno.[and] Ned[were] in C[linton] F[rozen]
P.M. B[ellaj & I [[were] at the Master's Fine
[this] evenfing.] Mrs Baird [is] sick[.
]
22. F. [I] Put away clothes in [bureau] drawers 5
[and did] mend[ing where I found] Moths Fine
in them[.
] J[a]ck hauled up furnace
wood[.
]
23. S. Ab Nott [came for] dinner[and then] he & 7
Jno. [went] away P.M. [I] Washed kitchen
windows & put up valences etc.J[a]ck & I Fine & Dull
put in furnace wood [in the] even[ing.]
24. S. Bfella] & I [drove to church in the] 5
buggy] (
Rev. Stewart.
) Slight Snow,
Stormy & Snowy P.M.
25. M. I [was] at Ned’
s for dinner [and] Ned's 8
[were] here for supper &[the] evenfing.]
J[a]ck [went] home P.M.
26. T. I [was] in C[linton] P.M. [with] Ned,[us- 4
ing] our hforse] & his sleigh[.
] Jno.
went with Adam & Alice Bought cutter &
sleighs[.] Jennie Grant came P.M.
27. W. Adam Stewart married [Christena Mc-
Ewen [this] eveningf.] A[g], Jno. & Fine & Dullish
B[ella were] at [the] wedding[•] I
stayed with Ned's kids[.]
28. T. A[g] & I washedf.
] B[ella has] gone home 6
with Jennie[.] Mac & Mrs Speare called
here [this] morn[ing.] Mrs H. McGregor &
Mrs W. McFarlane [were] here P.M.
29. F. Aunt Abby & Alice [were] here P.M.* Snowy, Cold. 6
♦Abigail Stewart is bunking in at
her daughter's (Alice Parke) to allow Adam
& Tene to have a honeymoon period in the
stone house. She lived with Adam and Tena
until her death December 15, 1908.
30. S. Jno. [was] in Brucefield & C[linton.] Mo[th- 5
er] & I picked our 2 "New Year" geese[
. I]
Made pies & bisc[uits] P.M.
31. S. A[g] & I [were] in C[hurch](Children's Ser- 4
vice - Rev. Stewart.) . Snowed,
Text "Be not proud" Face pride Stormy.
Place [pride]
Race [pride]
Grace [pride]
(or Religion)
�339
Mr & Mrs Adam Stewart
�THE
340 .
LOG BOOKS OF ELIZA-ANN MACFARLANE
1900:THE LAST FULL YEAR
January, 1900
1. M.
2. T.
Bill Elliott & Ned’
s [came] for dinner[.
] Snowing, Heavy
A[g] & Jno. >ere] at Adam's [this] even- D r i f t i n g ,
[ing] in Mac s sleigh? -4^- _
_ Piles of Snow.
3
Snow
3 . W .
4. T .
A[g] & I washed[.The] Boys[were] at [the]
bush P.M.[and] hauled up trees[.] B[ella]
[returned] home [this] evening[.]
2
Light Snow,
Fine.
A[g went to] C[linton] in [the] cutter & Fine 2
Jno.[took the] sleighffor] flour & J[a]ck
went too from home
5. F. Jno. [was in] Brucefield P.M. [at an] Ins
titute Meeting [with] C. Avery[.] J[a]ck Fine,Soft,
[was] at Ned's P.M. crushing[.]
6. S. Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M. & Aunty went
down to her house[.] Green’
s[were] at Liz
zie’s [this] evenfing.I] Picked [the]last
goose. Cleaned ashes out of [the] cellar,
[and] p[ar]t cleaned[the]H[en] H[ouse etc.
7 . S . Raining Morning
8. M. A[g] & I washed[.] Old[Edward] Glen [came] 1
for dinner [and we] Ate[the] last goose[.] Fine
Jack [Elliott was] away all day getting
teeth fixed[.]
9. T. Aunty* & A[g] drove down to U[ncle James's 2
P.M. [and] Annie & Ida [Stewart came] here Fine
[in the] even[ing.]
*An inter-generational conference
about what to do about Aunt Nancy ("Aunty”) appears to
be in progress.When she went in 1898 to keep house for
brother James, the arrangement was supposed to be
temporary. Now pressure from 3 different points forced
her to make a choice. Ada, Annie and Ida Stewart
were planning to "fly the coop" and wanted to be sure
their cantankerous 75-year-old father was looked after
and would eat properly. Fenwick and Alice were happy in
the new cottage. Alice detested her father-in-law and
was not moving into the big house to look after him.
Nancy and her brother got along well. If she stayed with
James she could be lady of the house, have her own cow,
and be in charge of the pantry. Adam wanted the
Fraser shanty for a hired man to live in. Isabel Glen
recalled that the first hired man Adam had was a young
man, Billy Atwood. "He had a wife and a young son and
they had a kitten tied to the table leg for the
child to maulI" Adam eventually demolished the decrepit
shanty. John MacFarlane was shortly to marry Bell McEwen
and his widowed mother Eliza was willing to buy a house
in Clinton and take her sister with her.
Nancy chose to stay with James. Her sister
Eliza refused to leave her sister "all alone on the
4th," and thereby hangs a tale......
10. W. A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. [The]Boys[were] Rained,Frozen
in [the] bush[.] Will & Lizzie [Glen were Fine,Flaking.
here this] even[ing.
]
�«#c
January, 1900
r » .ft .if*
Jno. [was] at Fen[wick's] Wood-beef.] A[g] Snov^n9
r
& Aunty took some of her stuff P.M.to
Ufncle] Jfames's.]
Ag[was] with Aunty moving [using] Fen-
[wick's] sleighf.]
Jno.[was]in C[linton using]Will’s sleigh[.] 2
Ned's[were] in C[linton] P.M. I stayed with
[the] kidsf.J
A[g], Jno. & B[ella were] in Church](Rev. 3
Stewart.) I stayed with [the] kids[.] Snowing
A[g] & I washed[.]Case came for dinner[and] Misty, Soft
bought 3 ewe lambs[
. I] Washed [my] hair[.
] snowingrSnow
Mo[ther has been] carding wool[.] on trees.
[Mother]Finis[hed carding wool for Ag's Com- 3
fortfer. We] tacked [the] comfort[er] P.M. Fine & Warm
Ned's here cutting P.M.[with] Will & [with]
Adam's team[. I] Fixed caps etc.
Jno. [was] at Will's cutting[.]
Jno. & I [were] in C[[linton] P.M.
H[igh] W[inds] 3
Slight Rain, 3
Soft & Warm.
[John was]in c[linton with]Will’s sleigh[.]
Jno.Middleton bought 2 steers[.]Aunty [was]
here P.M.
[The] Case boys [came with a] sleigh after
[their] lambs[.] Ned Marshall called[.
]
J[a]ck [was] at Neds cutting P.M.
B[ella] & I [were in Church (Rev. Acheson- 4
Kippen.) Jno. [went at night and] I stayed Fine,Windy
with [the] kids[.] Thaw
A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno. bought [a] heifer 2
[from] Fen[wick] & Ned's lambs[.] Jno.went FinefWindy
to Lily’s* [in the] even[ing.]
* John & Lily Cuming
lived on a rented farm in Goderich
Township before they bought a farm
north of Clinton in Morris Township near
Blyth.
A[g] ironed[.We]
Crushed [oats,using] Adam's
& Ned's teams [on the horse-power.] Jimmie
Ross called [this] evenfing.]
Aunty [is] here[. Edward] Glen [Sr was] at 3
U[ncle] J[ames’s.] Jno. [was] in C[linton]
ton] with Ned [for] salt[.] Kate & Lizzie Hard Frozen
McTavish [were here] P.M. Mo[ther [and] A[g
were] at Wigg[inton's[.]
Bell [McEwen] fetched [news]papers [from H[igh] 7
the post office.] C[old] W[ind]
[The] Boys took 2 steers to Jno.Middleton's 9
A.M. Jno.[was in] Cflinton this] evenfing Snowdy,
at] church(Rev. Larkin-Chatham.) [I] Mended Blizzardy &
bags, put top quilt on bed & [a] collar on
[a] barn-jacket
Jno. & Adam [were] at J.Reynolds [and they]
bought [a] bull[. I] Hemmed [the] facing on Cold
Mo[therj's skirt[.] W[ind]
6
11 . T .
12 - F .
13 . S .
14 . S .
15 . M.
16 . T .
17 . W.
18 . T .
19. F.
20 . S .
21 . S .
22 . M .
23 . T .
24 . W.
25 . T .
26 . F .
27 . S.
341
�w i t *
t
Janua^nr, 1$O0
Afg} & I went to morn[ing] cfhurch.... Rev.
».ijS^ewart[.] Jno. & I [went in the] even[ing
to] Rattenbury Stfreet] Methodist [Church]
H 3
\
>
Cold &
Snowing.
Below Zero.
29 . M. A[g was] in Cflinton] P.M. [The] Boys have
been] sawing wood at [the] house[.I was]Men
ding at [a] petfticoat] & [a] coat[.]
Below Zero
30. T. Ned [joined the Boys sawing wood at house[.]
Tene [was here this] even[ing while] Ad[am]&
10
Zero & Snow
31. W .
February, 1900
1. T .
2. F . Daisy calved [a] steer.......
3. S . Jno.S I [went to]C[linton] in [the cutter[.]
J[ajck [went] for corn [in the] sleigh[.
]
Snowing,
Milder.
4. S . 3rd Pair lambs 1 lamb hard teated ewe Snowing & 1
Stormy
5. M. A[g] & I washed[.]
6. T. [I was] in C[linton] P.M.[for] Honey[pails &
cans] etc. A[g] & I [were] at Adam’
s [this]
evenfing.]
4
Beautiful
7. W. [I was] at [The] Master's P.M. to see Mrs
Baird[.]
1
Raining
8. T . [I]C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse] etcetc.
Adam
[was] in C[linton on] horseback P.M.
Big 1
quick Thaw
9. F. Fen[wick] & Aunty [came] for dinner at Liz- 2
zie's[.] Fenwick fetched [the] heifer & they Fine,
killed her P.M. Sparrow & Mac McNaughton[called] C[ool]
P.M.Jno. sold Daisy's calf to Adam & he to W[ind.]
[
McNaughton.
]
10 . S . Jno.[was] at Adam's P.M. hauling in straw[.
]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] A.[M. in the] buggy
[with] hides[.]
6
11 . S . A[g] & I [were in church](Rev. Stewart -"An
niversary" )[We went in the] buggy;[the roads
were] very good[.
] Jack [Eliott] went home
sick[.
]
Fine
12 . M. A[g] & I washed[. I] Sawed some furnace wood E[ast]
P.M. etc. Jno. & I cut beef [at] night[.] N[ind,] Rain
13 . T . [I] Took [the beef] in [this] morn[ing.] 9
lambs today (4 p[ai]r)
Snowing &
Stormy
14 . W. 1 [lamb] dead A[g was] in C[linton] A.M.[in
the] buggy[.]Annie & Ida[Stewart] & Ag[were]
at Ned’
s [this] even[ing.
]
15 . T . 2nd Shearling(p[ai]r)
16. F. Sheep dead A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. 10 Below [F]
17. S. Mending dress
18 . S . A[g] & B[ella were in church](Rev. Ache- Fine, Snowed
son-Kippen.)A[g],B[ella]& I went in the a little.
eve[ning] with Ned (
Rev Grant,St.
Mary'
s,
[speaking about the] "Twentieth Century
Fund."
1
�February, 1900
19. M.
20 . T .
21 . W.
22 . T
23 . F .
24 . S .
25 . S .
26. M.
27 . T .
28 . W.
1. T .
2. F .
3. S .
4. S.
5. M.
6. T,
7. W
8. T.
9. F .
\ I
S
* >
*
■
343
F
♦ * ,
A[g] & I washed[.
] Arthur Mason call- " 9
ed [at the] Barn[.] 5 below [at]
mid-night.
Jane & kids [were here] P.M. Ned [is] 10
hauling stones[.]* Jack [Elliott], Ab C[old] W[ind].
Nott & brother-in-law C. Mason & [Arth- Fine.
ur Mason] called[.] 2 lambs died[.
]
* for raising the barn.
A[g] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Jack 4
Elliott [came] back [to work this] morn- Fine, Snowing,
[ning.] E[xtremely]
C[old] W[ind]
I [was] in C[linton] P.M. 11
[I was] Fixing front of B[lac]k Dress & 8
waist[.] A[g] & B[ella were] at U[nclle]
Ja[me]s's [this] even[ing.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M.......... Stormy & 10
Snowing
Very [Stormy 10
& Snowing]
[I] Finished waist & mended gloves[.] 5 below Zero 10
A[g] & I washedf.]Ab[Nott came]for tea[.] 9 [below]] 7
Jno. [was] hauling logs with Adam P.M. [I
wrote M[aggie] Lang [and cut] out cape[.]
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. [I] Darned Snowing 8
Jno'
s mitty[.] & Stormy
March, 1900
Big celebration in C[linton] 1/2 hoi- Stormy
iday etc. [to mark the] Surrender of
[Boer General] Cronjie & [the]Relief
of Ladysmith at Cape [Colony.] Lavis
brought [us] out [a news]paper.....
Will'
s[were]in C[linton] P.M.[by]sleigh[.
] Drifting 12
some yet.
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton.] Adam & 9
Will's [were] here cuttingf.] Fine
B[ella] & I [were in church](Rev.Stewart.) 9
Full consecration, "I beseech you... pres-
your bodies a living sacrifice etc." Stormy P.M.
A[g] washed[.] I got [a] cold [on] Sat[ur- Stormy, 12
day. I worked] at cape[.] Very Cold.
[I] Finis[hed] cape[. Today was] Mrs Hun- 15
ter's ([of the] London Road) funeral[.]Jno. Very Cold,
took a load [of] oats to [the] mill[.] then thaw,
Raining
[I was] Sewing sleeves in [an] old water- 8
proof again etc. Jack went for chop P.M. & Frozen,Fine.
took over another load [in the] even[ing.]
I [was] in C[linton] P.M. 1
Aunty[stayed here] all night[.I]finis[hed] 18
fix[ing the] water[proof.
] Jno. [
was] at Soft,Raining,
Will’s P.M. killing pigs[.] B[lac]k Cow even[ing]
Calved [a] purebred heifer[.
] W. Cooper &
Hamner Sr. called[.
]
�March, 1900 344
10. S. [I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse. The] Boys 15
[were] in [the] bush[.
] I[was]in C[linton] Fine
P.M. [and] Got [an] Eaton cat[alogue[, I
was at] Ned’
s P.M. awhile with Jane's kids
7 Mag[gie.]
11. S. &[g] & I [were in Church](Rev. Stewart"Lin- 19
nen Girdle") Jno. [went at night.I] Stayed Snowed Some,
with [the] kids[.] 5 Below.
12. M. A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno.[was] in C[linton.] 17
L. McConnell & J. Stewart* called looking Fine
[at] horses[.] I wrote Mrs McM[illan] &
Gertie [Stewart.] *probably "Bayfield Road John
Stewart” -no relation.
13. T. B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton.] Jno [was] 24
at Ned's cutting A.M. [and the] boys [were sleighs
in the] bush P.M. Aunty & B[ella were] at Fine
Ned's for [a] turkey dinner[.] D[uncan] Mc-
Ewen & D[ougall]McTavish called[about the]
Century Fund
14. W. [I] Started emb[roidering] a little P.M. 16
Jno. [was] at Sturdy's & [the] McCartney Fine, 9 [de-
[auction] sale[. John] Tough [stayed] all grees] bel-
night[.] ow z[ero] at
midnight.
15. T. Rosy calved [a] b[lac]k steer[. The] Boys 33
[were] in [the] bush P.
M.[I]
Emb[roidered] Fine,
a lit[tle] P.M.Rev, Stewart & wife, R. Mar- very Cold
shall & Bill Elliot calledf.
]
16. F. A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. [and got] Polly 27
shod[.] Jennie Grantfwas here]all night[.] Light Snowf
Jno. & Adam [were] killing pigs P.M. G.O. Cold Zero
Sturdy fetched Billy down P.M. Weather
17. S. [Jennie Grant] went home [this] eventing.] 25
Cleaned [my] room, [did] Darning etc.
18. S. A[g] & B[ella were in church;] Jno.went at Light Snow,
night[.] Fine, Wet
Snow
19. M . Jno. [was] in C[linton] A.M. A[g] & I wash- 34
ed[.
] Young Lavis[came] after old iron[and Raining A.M.
stayed]for dinner[.] L.McConnell & Cameron Snowed,Free-
[passed the] evenfing] at [the] barn[.] zingr
20. T.
21. W. 18
22. T . I [was] in C[linton]P.M. 20
23. F. I [was]at Hunter's P.M.[The] B[lac]k Heifer 22
Cow calved[.] Aunty [was here.] Jane [was] Sunshiny
at Mrs McGregor's Rag bee P.M. Jno. stayed
with [the] Kids[.]
24. S. [I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse.] Last sheep 22
lambed (71 total.) Jno. Thomson*, at Ned's
for dinner, [was here] for tea[.
]
*stone mason
25. S. A[g] & I [were in church] (Rev Howson, Meth- Fine 28
odist.) Jno. [went at night.] Sunny E[ast]
W[ind]]
�March, 1900 345
26. M. A[g] & I washed[,] Jno took [an] elm log off 18
Smith's flats to [the] mill[.] Light Snow.
Melting
27. T.Jno [was] at H. Beacom’s sale P.M. L.S.Dun- Sun 29
ham[was here at] night[.] Jno was]after lum- Thaw,[Cool]
ber A.M. [I] Finis[hed] duck p[an]ts for Jno. W[ind]
28. W. Minnie Isard's wedding Jno.took L.S.[Dunham 21
to]Frazer'
s,Reed's A.M.,Wigg[inton'
s & C[lin-
ton.] P.M. [I] em[broidered a] li[ttle.]
29. T. I [was] in C[linton] A.M. [and] fed polly at 25
Ned's[.] Jno. & Ned [were] at Tomlinson's
sale P.M.
30. F. Jno.went to C[linton] P.M.[for]Clover seed[. 23
I] em[broidered.] Aunty [was] here[.
]
31. S. Jack threshed flax[.
] Jno. [was] shearing 18
yearlings [at] Ned*s[.]
Got flour from Ned(March 30th)
118
119 {Bags included)
111
109 1/2
457 1/2
Got 100 lb bag before
100 Aug 4, 1900
100 Sept.7
April, 1900
1. S. [I]Walked to Cfhurch](Rev.StewartJer[emiah] 21
13 "Can the Eithiopian change his skin etc. Fine
and last verse of Chap[ter.]
2. M. W[illiam]Glen fetched Dr.to Abby[.]McNaught- 23
on's man C[ailed.] L. Cree drove Hanmer out Fine
to..... [I] Took soot out of [the] kitchen
chimney hole [and]Cut[the] head off[of the]
rot-crop hen[.]
3. T. A[g] & I washed[.] Cutting P.M. Adam [with] 20
Ned took [the horse[power home[.] Fine
4. W. [I] C[leaned the] H[en] H[ouse and]cut[the] 19
head[s] off 2 more hens[.]Jack[Elliott has]
gone home[.] Edna Green died[.J*
*Eliza-Ann's first cousin, Isabella M. Stewart mar
ried John B. Green of Goderich Township in 1883.It
was a happy marriage but medically ill-advised.The
mothers of both Mr and Mrs Green came from famil
ies (the Bettison's and the Tweedy's) with low re
sistance to TB. In genetic terms, the weakness for
TB was doubled in John and Bella Green’
s six chil
dren. Deaths:Edna 1900 Appendicitis 15
Stewart 1907 TB 20
Abigail 1908 TB 18
Mr Green 1908 TB 47
Mrs Green 1911 Heart Attack 53
Lulu Green 1930 TB 42
The two youngest Green children did live to an
old age Nettie 1896-1982 -85, and
George 1899-1974 -74,
�April, 1900 346
6. F .
7. S.
8. S
Jno. [was] at Adam’s cutting P.M. Hanmer 21
bought 24 shearling ewes[.] Rumball [was]
out here P.M. for Jno. to ans[wer] tele
phone[.]* Jno.& Fen[wick were] in C[linton
[this] even[ing.
]
* MacFarlane's and their neighbours did not get
telephones until 1909. Clinton had phone service
in the early 1890’
s. MacFarlane's may have had
an arrangement with Rumball to receive long dis
tance calls from livestock buyers and relay mess
ages and replies.
A[g] & I [were] at E[dna] Green's funeral 15
P.M. B[ella was] writing pedigrees[.] Light Showers
Choreing - [I] swept [the] milk-room etc.Ned 13
& Jno.[were] in C[linton] P.M. Cherry calved Beautiful
[this] morn[ing.] Cronyn steer
29
Windy
9. M. A[g] & I washed[
. I] Swept down [the] milk- 14
room etc. A[g] washed shelves etc. [We] put Sun Thaw,
milk in [the]cellar[this] even[ing.Not named] C[old]
bought [a] fat sheep & took [it] with him[.
] N[orth]
W[ind]
10. T. Jane & I [were] in C[linton] A.M. & P.M. [We] 23
Sent Eaton order[.
] Jno. stayed with [the] Light snow
kids[.] A[g] & B[ella visited] at Ufncle] Softened a
Ja[mes]’
s [this] even[ing.] a little,
C[old] N[orth W[ind]
11. W. Jno. [was] at Don[ald] Smith’s sale P.M. [I] 23
cut out p[ar]t [of a] skirt P.M. etc. C.N.E.W.
Icy snow
night
12. T. [I]Basted [the skirt. I] Took hens off Mother 18
hen. Jno.[wasJin Brucefield at night[.
] W[m.] Slight
Glen [has] bought Albert Wise's farm.* Bain
C.S.W. W.
*The Wise farmn was - in Goderich Twsp.
fronting on the Bayfield River, right ac
ross from the "Rathwell place."
13. F. Good Friday Mr Wigg[inton] & Jennie Grant 16
[came]for tea[.] Jno.[was] at [the] mill with
with chop P.M. & cleaned seed oats[.]
14. S. [John was at the mill]for[chop this] morn[ing. 23
That] McGregor fellow called P.M.* Jno.[was] C[old]
in Cflinton] P.M. Eaton goods shipped W[ind],
Beautiful P.M.
15. S. Jennie Grant & I [were in church] (Rev Gold- Fine,
smith, Seaforth,retired) [I was] in S[abbath] Bad Roads
S[chool the] 1st day[.
]
16. M. Ag & I washed[.] [Mr J.B. Hoover of] Clin- 29
ton Monuments [called.] Mo[ther] ordered Fine,
one[.
] Jennie [went] home P.M. Slight Rain
17. T . Mrs Woon & J Wigg[inton were here this] morn- 29
[ing. John... ] shipped 24 Shearling ewes to Fine,
Hamnerf. The]Livery drove Mr Draper from Iowa Pouring.
here [this] even[ing.] A[g] & B[ella were]
papering [the] kitchen at Jane’s[. I] Mended
[the] meat box & tacked panes in cellar win
dows[
.]
5. T .
�April, 1900 347
Jno. took Mr Dfraper] to Sturdy's A.M, & Fra2- 28
er’
s P.M. & Frazer took them to Varna[,] B[el-
la was] papering [at] Jane's[.] Woon[was here Fine
this] morn[ing] after seed[.
] Jack [arrived]
here P.M.
A[g] &B[ella were]
papering Jane's bed-room[.
]
Jno took Draper to Cflinton this] morn[ing.] Fine
Eaton goods arrived[.]
[I was] in C[linton] P.M. [and] fetched home Good roads
[the] Eaton box[.]
Jno [was] at Adam's P.M. a while [and was] in
C[linton this] even[ing.] Rainy even[ing]
A[g] & I [were in church] (Rev. Stewart.) Misty 38
Fine, Slight Rain
Young Lavis & Lindsey [of]Bayfield called for 25
J. Stewart's* clover seed[.] Beattie [from] Fine &
London & Wisconsin man,McKilvin, [arrived by] Warm
Brucefield livery[and were here] all night[.]
*See entry for March 12.
[Our visitors]bought 20 shearling billys[and] Fine 39
left [this] morn[ing.] Jno. started sowing[.]
Lavis[was here this] morn[ing.] A[g] & B[ella
were] in C[linton] A.M. Aunty[came] back from
Green’
s[.]
Jno. [was] sowig A.M. & [was] at [the] Bruce- 34
field show P.M. [I] Fixed shoes soles[.] B. Fine &
Marshall [called this] even[ing.] cooler
[I] Cut out....sleeves etc. J[ohn was] sowing 35
at Nott's [this] even[ing.] Jim Reynolds & a
McConnell [were here] A.M.
Jim Reynolds & Me[Connell were here] P.M. re 29
[the] colt bought last summer[.] B[ella went]
to Jennie's P.M. [I was] at U[ncle] Ja[mes]’
s
[this] even[ing.]
A[g] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. 35
A[g] & B[ella were] in church (Rev. Stewart.)
Jno.took 20 Shearling billys to Brucefield[.
]
A[g] went to C[linton]....... McGregor & Jno.
[were] out P.M. [and] here all night[.]
May,1900
James Elliott (Old Man Hullett) died[.
] 40
[I] Took out D[ouble] windows[*] A[g] & I A little
washed[,] Jno. & McG[regor were] out [this] Warmer
morn[ing;] Jno. [was] meeting R. Marshall in
C[linton] A.M,
Jno [was] at T[om] Frazer's[at] noon for seed 32
peas[. I] Hauled in some old boards & stuff Raining
from around[the] barn P.M. A[g] cleaned [the] even[ing],
boys' stairf.] T[hunder] & L[ightning.]
B[ella] papered wood-box. flour box etc.Fine,
Mc[Grefor was here] for dinnner[.
] A[g] did H[ard]
ir[oning.] A[g] & I [were] at Mac'
s[this]even- Frost,
[ing.] C[old] W[ind.]
18 . W.
19 . X .
20. F .
21. -
S
*
22 . S .
23 . M.
24 . T .
25 . W.
26 . T .
27 . F .
28 . S .
29 . S .
30. M.
1. T .
2. W .
3 . T .
�May, 1900 348
4. F . [McGregor was] in C[iinton A.M. getting [hisj 32
horse shod[.
} McGregor [was] gone P.M. t
* Jno.
[was]yetting bills pxiiiteuf .] A[y]& 5[eilaj
cleaned [Lhej kitchen[-j
b. S . l[wasJ in C[iinton] p.m. Mr M[aicoim] McEw- 34
left for[the] Ola Country with cattief.j A Lictle
j
v
a
x
i
i
i
e
x
6 . S . B[eiiaj & 1 [were in church] (Rev. Stewart.) Fine,
C.i
v
.
/. M . Milch cows [were] out 1st ail night[.J A[gj & Fine &
1 washea[.
] Alice Woon [was over this evening] Warmer
paying [lux the] ciovex seeu[.j B[eiia & I
[were]in C[1inLon this] even[ing]aL[Lhe]"Local Showery
Tl— J A , , ^ . f 1 #. TT— J-
unxui; nccuiiiy u u j _ u j _ y o r c m o uuuobun
O t i v» A n » ^ 4 - v * t * * r» l i A A / N r * D A « » U r~\*. a a
v / u x w u u i i u i j h_r i v w w n w v r u w i i
Onr Pnnnfr
*
t
r'
c Hlonr Harm.rol 1
w « — w w . . . . ' ----- J w — *
*
—-*
*
” —
8. T . [Ij Swept up [the] granary & carried out rotten 40
app[iejs[.I] Planted cabbage & lettuce seeed[.j
Jno. [was] in Cfiinton] P.M. Cuws(youny & ail) Fuuriny
[were] in all nighL[.
]
9. W . [Cows young and all were] out [all night.] Jno. 35
put up [the] river fence[.] C.W., Fine
10 . T . Sheep [#] 340 died[.
] Young cattle[were] put to 23
Smith's[.j Jno., Jno. McEwen & Aunty went to Fine,
Green's[.j Went to J.Stewart's raising P.M. [I] a lit-
Sowed morning-glorys,sweet-peas & 2 & 1 pasture tie
[and] swept [the] door y[ar]d etc. warmer
11 . F . Melting at wax these times[
. I] Finis[hed] hoe- 33
ing up Mo[ther's] gardenf.] [I] Pulled wool Raining.
off sheep P.M. Dull P.M.
12 . S . B[ellaj & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Rev. McDon- Fine &
aid [of] Seaforth [was] buried in Cflinton. I] some
Finis[hed the] wax-almost 5 lbs[.We had]McG[reg- Warmer.
or for tea,[and] Ab [Nott over this] even[ing.]
13 . S . A[g] & I [were] in C[hurchj (Rev. Stewart.) 40
Fine & Warm
14 . M. A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno. [has been] plowing Very W[arm]
these times[.] Adam & Tene [came this] even
ing but] had to go home for company[.]
15 . T . A[g] & Janefwere] in C[linton]P.M Mofther] Cool
stayed with [the] kids[. I rak[ed the] chip
y[ar]d [and] mowed grass at [the] Bee's box
es etc.
16 . W. [I] Raked off[the] garden & hoed up part of 29
xt[.] A[g] scrubbed [the] milk-room A. [M.] Colder &
& ironed P.M. [I] cleaned out [the] fur- Windy
nace[.
] Jno. sowed some rape[.] Ned & Jno.
[were] in Cflinton this] even[ing.]
17 . T . [John] Finis[hed sowing rape. I] finis[hed]
hoeing [the] garden[.]
18 . F . [I] Finis[hed] sowing[the] flower-garden[.] Showery
A[g was] in Cflinton] A.M. Jno. [was] haul
ing out manure [and he was] at Fen[
wick]'s
for oats[.]
19 . S . Jno. [has been] shearing[
. I] wiped off[my] Fine, 29
room[.] Jno & I planted 2 rows [of] pota- C.N.E.W.
toes & some onions[.]
19 .
�May, 1900 349
A[g] & B[ella were in church. [The]Ayrshire C.W.
calved[.j
A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno. [was] shearing[. I] 30
Planted some more onions, cucumbers & 2 or
3 [rows of] beans
[John] Finis[hed]shearing[.He helped] W[m.] 32
Glen [do] fencing P.M. [on the] river [at] Warm P.M.
Wise’
s [old place. I] Cleaned [the] wood
shed platform & fix[ed] bee-frames etc
A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. -Jno. [has] gone
to Kincardine[.] P.M. [she] took Jane &
Edward[
John]in[to Clinton.I] Planted onions,
chased sheep, etc. Jennie [came over this]
even[ing.
]
Jennie went home[in the] even[ing. We were] Rained
at Ned's for tea[. They're] washing their
sheep[.] 1st swarm left[.]
28
Very Warm
old McGregor stayed
B[ella] & I[were] in C[hurch](Rev.Stewart.
) Raining,
Cleared.
A[g] & I washed[.
] Dull
B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M.
Jno. & I [were] planting pot[atoes] P.M. Mo-
[ther] &B[ella were]cutting them[for seed.]
A[gnes] Butchart [came] visiting P.M.
[John planted potatoes and A[g cut seed[.
] Slight Show-
J[ohn] finis[hed] P.M. [with the] Rows in ers. Fine.
front of [the] house[.] Bella] & I [were]
in C[linton] P.M.(teeth.) Clinton [was] cel
ebrating the surrender of Pretoria[.]
June, 1900
Mo[ther] & A[g were in C[linton] P.M. [at] Poured P.M.
Church (Rev. Sawers, Brucefield.)
Jno [was] at Ned’s raising all day - 55
jacking up [the] barn[.] B[ella was] Misty, Fine
helping Jane[. I] took Polly out [to]
C[linton at] noon[.
]
Mother & Ag [were] in C[hurch] (Rev. Stew- Cool W[ind]
art) & Jno. [went] with Adam & Tene[ .
]*
*Tene is doing her bit to help enhance the image of her
future brother-in-law as a faithful churchgoer. Malcom
and Ann McEwen had watched John grow up and must have
had mental reservations about a union with their daugh
ter. He had an easy-going contempt for formal education,
organized religion and the Protestant work ethic. Eliza-
Ann appears to have been "keeping score" on John's
church going, to help her brother convince his would-be
lsws that he had changed for the better.
20. S.
21 . M.
22 . T .
23. W.
24 . T .
25. F.
26. S.
27 . S .
28. M.
29 . T .
30. W.
31 . T .
1. F .
2. S .
3. S .
*
�June, 1900 350
4. M. A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno. [was] at Ned’
s A.M. Fine
[for the] raising[.] B[ella] was at Ned’s
[and] I[was]in Cflinton] P.M. getting teeth
filled[.
] Jno. [was] in Brucefield [in the]
even[ing.
]
5. T. [I] got 1st [tooth] filed [with gold[.
] Jno. 22
dipped lambs[
. John ] & W[illy] Glen [were Warm
in Brucefield] P.M.[getting] 10 [cents a lb
for] wool[.
]
6. W. Jno. & W[m.] Glen [were] in C[linton A.M. Fine & Warm
for salt[. My] tooth that got filled ached S[light]Rain
all day & night[
. I] Mended Jno.’
s p[an]ts
& my Dress[.]
7. T. B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Very Warm
H[eavy] Rain.
8. F. [My] Face swelled & quit aching[
. I] clean
ed rotten app[le]s & some pot[ato] buds etc
out of [the] cellar[.
] B[ella has] gone to
Grants’
s.]Mrs Brigham cameffor the]night[.]
Fine
9* S .
10. S.
11. M.
12 . T .
13. W,
B[ella came] home [in the] even[ing. Mrs Fine &
Brigham] & A[g were at U[ncle] Ja[mes]’
s & C[ool]
Adam’
s & A[g] took [her] to [the] station Wind
[in the] even[ing.] Jno drilled up for nips
[and] Mac & Mrs [McEwen were here] in [the]
even[ing] awhile[.] [I] Packed part of[the]
wool for Ben Miller[.* My] Face [was]as bad
as ever
*A small community north and east of Goderich,
it had a water-powered blanket factory.
A[g] & B[ella
boil broke P.M.
were] in C[hurch, My] Gum
A[g] & I washed [and I] Finis[hed] putting
[the] wool in [a] sack[.] Flyn,Jane & Kids
& Belle & Mag[gie] & Manie[were here this]
even[ing.
]
[I] Cut out p[art of
& Tucked it[.] Jno.
the] even[ing.]
a] Sateen blouse
[was] in C[linton in
[I] Cut out sleeves etc........ 2nd swarm
Jane [was] shut in their sheep shed[.
]
Poured
14. T. Ned, Jno. & Will shore [the sheep[
. I] Car
ried a lot of earth out of[the] cellar etc.
[I] lifted[the] old stone-boat from beside
[the] gate [and] Washed [a] piece [of the]
cellar[.
]
15. F. B[ella] & I [were] in Cflinton] P.M.[I]got
[the] Extractor mended, sent wax away etc.
...3rd swarm....Jno.[is]doing road work[.
]
Lizzie [Glen] & Manie went to Guelph[.]
16. S. [I] Cleaned [the] Goose & H[en] H[ouses] &
picked bugs [off] 2 rows [of potatoes &
planted a few beans[
. I] Took [the] meat
block & boards out of [the] cellar[.] Car
rie & Jennie [came] for tea [and] McGregor
stayed over[.
]
17. S. Bfella] & I[were]in C[hurch](Rev.
Stewart.
) Fine &
Sprinkled
�June, 1900 351
18. M. A[g] & I (some) washed[
. I was] in Bruce- Cool
field[.
] Jno. [was] at Adam's sawing all
day[.I was] in Brucefield[.
] Jane & Mother
called at U[ncle] Ja[me]sf
s & had tea at
Adam's[.] Jno.[was] at Ho[l]mesville[this]
. even[ing.]
19. T. [We were] Sawing[
. We had] Adam for dinner
& [Will] Potter, W[ill] McEwen, Fen[wick & Fine
W[m.] Glen for tea[.] I [was] in C[linton
P.M..... treating[the tooth]....that was
filled[.I] Washed [a] piece of[the] cellar,
[the] extractor, etc. [and in] even[ing I]
planted a few beans[.]
20. W. [I] cleaned [my] room, etc. Aunty & An- Beautiful,
nie Stewart [were here] A.M. [Today Warm
was] Annie's Wedding[.]* Jno. A[g] &
B[ella were] at it[.]
*She married Harvey H.
McBrien, a Clinton carpenter. *
21 . T .
22 . F .
23 . S .
24 . S .
25 . M.
26 . T .
27 . W .
28 . T .
29 . F .
30 . S .
1. S .
2. M.
I [was] in C[linton] treating [my] t eeth[.
1 took] 3 bags [of] pot[atoes to] Cantel-
ons[.]
A[g] & B[ella were] at Jno. Thomson's[for] Slight Rain
2 pigs S
t strawberies[.]
Aunty[was here] P.M.
[I] Finis[hed]dusting down cellar & p[ar]t
swept[.]
Carried out[of cellar] some pot[atoes] & a Fine &
lot [of] buds & earth & [I] Finis[hed] Warm
sweeping & mop[p]ed p[ar]t[.]
A[j & B[ella were in church.]
I[was] in C[linton] P.M.- Got 2 front teeth Very Warm
filled (all gold.)
A[g] S
t I washed[.] Planted Cabbage[.] A[g], poured
B[ella] Jno. & I [were] at [a] Prayer meet
ing [at the] school[house with] Rev. Stew
ard .]
[I] Finis[hed] planting beans & hoed [a]row Rained
[of] onions A.M. [I worked] at [the] waist
P.M. Jno. Thomson & H. Parker called P.M.
[The] Road machine [is] on this road from
[the] corner up to here[.]
A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. [and] met Albert
Brigham at [the] station[
. I] made the] Sat- Cold,H.W.
een waist wearable[.] McGregor [has] gone
home on Jno.s wheel[.]*
*McGregor must be
the current hired man.
July,1900
Swarm B[ella & I [were in church] (Rev.
Stewart.) C.W.
Ida [Stewart]took A[lbert]Brigham to C[lin-Cool W.
ton.] Jennie arrived [this] morn[ing.J Jno.
started mowing[
. I took] sticks off bee
frames[.]
�July,1900 352
3. T .
4. W.
5. T .
[I] ext[racted] comb pieces etc. [I was]Ra- Very Warm
king P.M. [while] Jno. [was] mowing[
. We]
took in 1st load(what I raked in the after
noon[.]
Ag & I washed[.
] Jennie [has] gone home[.]
Jno. [was] mowing all day[. I] Put strings
for Morning Glorys etc.
, etc.
Shower
[I did] Raking & drove the team all day[.] Very, very
Jno. hauled in 3 loads [of] hay[.] warm
6. P.
7 . S .
8. S .
9 . M.
10 . T .
11 . W.
[I did raking & drove the team all day.Jno. Very Very
hauled in] 6 [loads of hay.] warm & H.W.
[I did raking & drove the team all day.Jno.
hauled in] 3 [loads of hay[.We] finis[hed]
middle P.M. McG[regor] wheeled home[. I]
Greened 5 rows[of]1st pota[toes with the]
sprayer[.]
A[g] & B[ella were in church](Rev.Stewart)
(
Rev. Robert Craig even[ing.])
Cool
A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno. [was] mowing all Rained
day[.] B[ella] & I [were] in Cflinton] P.M.
Jennie Came home with us[.]
B[ella] went home with [Jennie] A.M. [I]
....Greened all [the] Potatoes A.M. [We]
raked & hauled in 2 pretty green jags P.M.
B[ella [came] home[. We] Raked & [hauled]
3 loads,finis[hed the] big Rathwell field
[and in] even[ing] started raking [the]
shanty field[.]
Dull
12 . T.
13 . P .
14 . S .
15 . S .
16. M.
17 . T.
18. W.
[We]Finis[hed raking the Shanty field A.M. Dull & Cold
[and] Hauled in P.M. Jno. [was]mowing A.M.
[We hauled in] 6 1/2 loads - all[but the]
rakings[.]*
*gleanings
Jno. finis[hed] mowing A.M. [We]Hauled in
1 load [of] rakings & 2 others[.] Raking
A. & p[ar]t P.M.
Fine
Will McEwen [was] here A.M. [helping] at Fine,Poured
[the] hay[. We] Hauled in 4 loads...... P.M. a while.
MG] pulled [a] kettle of b[lac]k cur
rants[.] McGfregor] wheeled homef.j
[The Rev.] Mr Stewart’s [22nd] Anniv- Very Hot
ersary[.]
Jno.started [at the] wheat[
. We]Finis[hed
Haying [when I] Raked & took in [the] hay
rakings[.] A[g] & I washed[
. The]Youngest
Ayrshire's calf died[.] McG[regor] took
Polly[.]
A[g] & I finis[hed] pulling bl[ac]k cur
rants A.M. A[g was] at Wigg[inton]'
s P.M.
[to] see [about] b]erries for Jane[.]
[I] Pulled weeds out of 4 rows [of] potat
oes A.M. etc. Jno. finis[hed] cutting &
stooking wheat[.] A[g was] pulling goose-
beries & preserving[.I] Washed Flannels &
[my] Hair[.]
Heavy Rain
P.M.
Fine
�19 . T .
July, 1900 353
Jno.separated sheep & lambs A.M.[and was] Fine
At [Alex.Innis'
s raising* P.M. [I was] ex
tracting P.M. Aunty[stayed] all night[.]
Polly [is] home[.
]
20 . F . Aunty,Bella,and I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Very Hot,
Jane & Jimmy, Bell [McEwen] & Miss Robb Heavy Rain
[were] here [this] even[ing.] Jno. [has even[ing.]
been] thinning nips all [during] spare
times[.]
21 . S . [I] Finis[hed the] Satteen waist[.] Herd- Fine & Cool
ing* etc. McG[regor] finis[hed work [and]
went home[.
]
* Eliza-Ann'
s euphemism for the practical
procedures involved in getting animals to breed.
22 . S . B[ella] & I [were] in c[hurch] Rev. Stew
art's holidays (Rev. Laidlaw supply)
23 M. A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. Wilson Elliott Fine & Warm
[was] here P.M. & thinned the last 5 rows
of nips & done (sic) mowing[
. We] Hauled
in 8 loads of wheat
24 . T . [We hauled in ] 1 [load of wheat] all but Pouring P.M,
[the] rakings[. I worked] P.M. at making
[a] print dressfwith] polka dot b[ac]k[.]
25 . W. A[g]& I washed A.M. I greened 26 rows[of] Fine
potfatoes P.M. [and] Started raking wheat
stubble [in the] even[ing.
]
26 * T . [We] Finis[hed raking wheat stubble at] Fine & Cool W.
noon[. I] Changed [a] vent..in[the dress]
& sewed to waist etc.
27 . F . Jane, E[dward] Jfohn] & I [were] in C[lin- Fine & Warm
ton] P.M.
28 . S . Making at p[rin]t dress
29 . S . A[g] & I [were] in c[hurch] (Rev.Laidlaw.) Rained P.M.
30 . M. A[g] & I washed etc. Jno. [was] cutting Fine
green feed[.
] Bella Cuming [arrived here]
A.M. [Bella Cuming and Bella MacFarlane
were] at Jane’
s P.M.,at Lizzie’
s [in the]
even[ing] & Adam’
s at night[
. I] Cleaned
[my] room[.
] Young Irwin [was here this]
morn[ing.] McPhee called peddling wind
mills[.]
31 . T . [We] Raked green feed P.M.[and] hauled in
[a] jag [in the] even[ing.] Jno.[is]gang-
plowing where [the] wheat was[. I] Hemmed
towelIs.____
1. W.
August, 1900
Straightening rows A.M. Jno. finis[hed] Fine
cutting g[reen] feed A.M. [and we] Hauled
in 4 loads...P.M.
2 . T . [We] Hauled in 1 load[of] rakings A.M.[af
ter raking] them[this] morn[ing. We]Raked
[the] field below [the] watering place &
Hauled in 4 loads[.]
3. F. [We] Finis[hed] hauling in green feed[at]
noon (3 loads.) Jno.[was] at Mac’s thresh
ing P.M.
�August, 1900 354
4.
5.
6.
7 .
8 .
9.
10 .
11 .
12 .
13.
14.
15 .
16 .
17 .
18 .
19 .
20 .
2 1 .
S. A[g] & I[were]in C[linton] P.M. [This mor-
n[ing] Jno. started reaping oatsf.]
S. A[g] & B[ella were] in cfhurch.] A[g] & I Very hot
[were at a] school [house] meeting [this]
evenfing to hear] Dr Hugh Ross[.]
M. Jno.[did]reaping [and] A[g] & I washed[.
]
T. [John] Finisfhed reaping A.M. I [was] in
Cflinton] P.M.[and] got[a]tooth filled[.
]
W. [We were] Hauling in oats {5 loads.)
T. Jno.[was] at Woon's threshing A.M. [I was]
Ridding[the] mow etc. A.M. [We] hauled in
3 loads P.M.
F. [We hauled in] 2 [loads] A.M. & 3[in the]
even[ing. We] Finis[hed] harvest but
[must] take off [last] load[.
] Jno. [by]
byke & Jane,A[g], & I [by] horse[were] at
Gregor McGregor’
s* fineral P.M.
*Gregor McGregor pioneered on Lot 26 Con 3, a much-
respected longtime neighbour in the school section.
S. [We] took off [the] last load, mending Very Hot
hose etc. Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M.[on Raining
his] byke[.]
S. B[ella] & I[were] in church(Rev.Laidlaw.) Rain P.M.
M. A[g] & I washed[.
] Jno. [was] plowingf.I Misty, Rain.
was] fixing honey P.M. Uncle James & Geo.
Mitchell came for dinner[.]
T. A[g was] in Cflinton] A.M. [I worked at] Rained
Ridding [the] platform, mending Jno.'s
p[an]ts,[and I]cut burrs around[a]field[.
]
W. Finis[hed] fixing honey[.]Irwin’
s came for Rained
tea & bought [the] old Rooster[.
]
T. A[g] & Bfella were] in Cflinton] P.M. Jno.
[was] hauling out manure[.]
F. Carrie [Hunter] called A.M.[to get] 5 lbs
honey[.] B[ella] & I [were] at Ruby Rath-
well’
s funeral P.M. A[g was in Cflinton
[this] even[ing.
] Ada [and] Ida [Stewart
and] Miss Anderson [were here this] even
ting. ]
S. [I]Started cutting out skirt-lining,finis-
[hed a] tie [and] Mended a glove[.] Woon
kid [was around] asking [for] threshing
[help.]
S. A[g] & I [were in Church] (Rev. Laidlaw.) Rained P.M.
M. A[g] & I washedf.] Jane &[the] kids [were Fine,
here] P.M. Poured evening.
T. A[g] & B[ella were]in Cflinton] P.M. Em &
Frankie Stewart came out with them... Mr
Hoover [stayed] for dinner
�August, 1900 355
22. W. Lizzie & Em & I went to Ben-Miller with Beautiful
wool(10 [lbs] § 13 [cents].)A[g] & B[ella
have been] papering up Jno's stair[.] Mo
ther [was] at Ned's P.M. & all night-
William James is sick[.]*
*Jimmy had "Summer Complaint"- dysentery aggravated by very
hot summer weather. Described by the Oxford Dictionary as:
"a disease with inflammation of the intestines, causing sev
ere diarrhoea with blood and mucus.” There is no known pho
tograph of Jimmy, but his sister Isabel, going on 7 at the
time, told me he was a nice-looking child with normal in-
teligence.
23 . T
24 . F .
[I was at Jane's in the early hours.Fine,Sprinkled
William James]died 20 after XII [and
was] Buried 4 o'c[lo]ck P.M. Hoover
put up Father's Head-stone [and]
called[at the house this] even[ing.]
Lavis fetched out [our] new plow A.M. Two
Americans, Mr Wallace & Mr Maine, stayed
for dinnner[.]
[Ag & Bella]
Finis[hed papering[.]A[g was]
in C[linton] P.M. Jno. [has been] hauling
manure these days[.]
Fine
25 . S .
26 . S .
27 . M.
28 . T .
29 . W.
30 . T .
31 . F .
[I] Scrubbed P.M. Jno.fixed [the] leak in
[the] pump P.M. Granger called P.M.[and]
bought Jno.'s Glen-cow[.]
Very Hot
A[g] & B[ella were in church] (Rev. L[aid- Heavy Rain &
law.)Fenwick's 2nd boy [was]born [Ken-Severe Tfhun-
neth Barkley Stewart.] Jno. Thomson & der] & L[ight-
Ned [were] here for tea[.
] Mrs Scott's ning.]
house [was] struck [by lightning.]
B[ella] & I washed[.I] Scrubbed p[ar]t[of Streamed Rain
the] platform boards etc. A[g] & B[ella for a long
were] in C[linton] P.M. time near noon.
Jno. drove Agnes to [the railway] station
enroute to Manitoba[.]* At Skirt
*Agnes is going to
Oak Lake to visit MacFarlane Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Mrs Hugh McGregor Sr. [visited us.] Hugh Beautiful
drove here down here [this] morn[ing and]
B[ella] & I took [her] home [in the] even
ting. I] Made [an] apron out of [an] old
pelt[.
]
Jane & Edward Jno. [were here] A.M. after
Rhubarb & Pears[
. I] Mended [a] blouse
sleeve [and worked on the] skirt[.]
Jane & E[dward] J[ohn] & I [were] in C[lin-
ton] A.M. [I] Cleaned [my] room etc. [A]
Gent peddlingfstereoscopic]views[was here.]
September, 1900
1. S. [I] scrubbed, and cut some weeds [in the] Beautiful &
b[ac]k y[ar]d etc. Very Warm
2. S. B[ella] & I [were in church]](Rev.Stewart.
) Very Hot,
H.W. & Like rain
3. M. [Bella and I] washed[
. I] Helped clean seed- Rained a
wheat P.M.[and did]a little at[the]skirt[.] Little
�September, 1900 356
4. T. [I] put velvet binding on the skirt[.] Jno. Beautiful
[was] at W[m.] Glen's theshing- [the Wise
place] A.M. [and the home place] P.M.
5. W. [I] Skinned & buriedfa dead] lamb[.]B[ella] Warm
& I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Jno. went to
Toronto Fair [this] morn[ing.
]
6. T . [John] returned[in the] even[ing.]Jimmy Mun- Cooler
roe[was here] all night[-] Mary Emma[Stew
art Ross]and kids arrived at Adams from
Denver[.] *
*Mary Emma Stewart, eldest child of John and
Abigail Stewart, married Donald M. (Dan) Ross, son
a Brucefield area family, in 1887. Dan Ross was
a prospector in Denver Colorado, and he returned
there with his bride. In their 12 years of married
life, they had 4 children: Stewart b 1891, Donald
b. 1893, Hugh (d. in infancy) and Bessie, b. 1897.
Dan Ross and a partner operated a silver mine high
on a mountain. In September, 1899, if one believes
newspaper accounts, Dan Ross died in Denver of pneu
monia, a week or so after his father-in-law died
up in Stanley. Brown Stewart, Mary Emma's nephew,
days before his own death in 1978, told Rosalynd
Ross: "My dad told me that Uncle Dan was stabbed to
death in a bar room brawl. His partner made off
with the title to the claim and Aunt Mary was left
destitute." But her familly rallied around her.
She bought a house in Clinton , kept boarders and
educated her children. When Stewart, her oldest,
finished Upper School, and was accepted at U. of T.
in Engineering, Mary moved to Toronto and kept
boarders. Stewart earned his B.App.Sc.and went into
Education. He retired as chief co-ordinator of
Industrial Arts for the city of Windsor. Donald
went to U.. of T. earned his M. D. and was a medi
cal doctor in California.
7. F . Jno. drove J[immy] M[unroe] to [the train]
station[. I] washed flanelf.]
Fine
8. S.
9. S.
10. M.
11 . T.
12 . W.
13 . T .
[I] Finis[hed the] b[lac]k skirt-[all] but
[the] pressingf.] Jennie Grant arrived[at]
noon[.] Mary Emma and Bessie [Ross came
over] for tea[.]
B[ella] & I [were in church]{Rev.Stewart.
)
Jennie went home [in the] even[ing.]
A[g] & I washed[.
] Mrs McGinnis, Ella Very Warm
McGregor & Jessie McFarlane (Kate’
s girl), P.M.
[visited] P.M.
Ned & Jane [were] at London Fair[. I] Cut High Hot Wind
out waist lining & aprons[.] Two horse buy
ers [arrived] P.M.
I [was] in Clinton P.M. ["Bayfield Road"]
Jno. Stewart [was over this] even[ing and]
bought 4 yearling steers[.]
Jno. took cattle over to {Bayfield] John’
s,
up through Reid's A billy lamb died[-]
Jno. met Mr Wright this even
Fine
�September, 1900 357
14. F. Jno. expressed a lamb for Mr Wright & took [Fine] & Cool
him to [the] station [this] morn[ing.] Jno.
was at Mac’
s cutting corn all day[.In the]
even[ing he was] with Ned & Will [hearing]
Hon. Mr Fraser, Dr Johnson & [former M.P.
John] McMillan [speak] for Holmes[.]*
*A Dominion election was in the offing. Parliament would be
dissolved October 9 and Laurier's Liberals would win hand
ily a second term. The "Scotch Grit” vote in Huron County
made for 3 safe Liberal seats in the Commons. Dr. P. Mac
donald, Liberal M.P. for Huron East would be re-elected for
a 4th term in 1900.In Huron South(in which the MacFarlane'
s,
Glen’
s and Stewarts lived), longtime Liberal M.P. John
McMillan successfully campaigned for George McEwen, a Lib
eral successor. Robert Holmes, publisher of The New Era,
had retained the seat for the Liberals in a by-election
19 months earlier and would win a full term in 1900.
Ned, John & Will went to a Liberal rally in the adjacent
riding, out of general interest and probably to hear their
good friend Thomas Fraser speak. I’
m fairly certain that
Eliza-Ann was making a tongue-in-cheek comment on the heavy
involvement of her future brother-in-law in local Liberal
politics. She calls him "the Hon. Mr Fraser", implying
perhaps that he should be running. Fraser was not only
in the Huron South Liberal executive, he was self-educated
in the field of taxation. A cogent speech on the topic has
survived. Fraser actually did run as a Liberal in Huron
South in the 1904 election, and was narrowly defeated by
an otherwise undistinguished Conservative opponent named
B.B. Gunn..Fraser married Isabella MacFarlane in 1906 and
was not a candidate in the 1908 elections.
15. S. Jno. [worked] at Mac’
s corn all day[.J warm
16. S. B[ella] & I[were in church](Rev.
St[ewart].) Fine & Cool
17. M. B[ella] washed[.] Irwin A.M. bought[a] year-Raining some
ling Roost[[er] & [a] young Ro[oster & [a]
pullet[.]
18. T. Jno. [was] at Exeter Fair[;] W[m.] Glen Fine
drove to Brucefield[.
] Ab Nott & [a] cousin
called [in the] morn[ing and ] Ab [was back
in the] even[ing. A] Lame man selling writ
ing paper called [this] mornfing.J
19. W. Ab Nott & Jno. drove to "Goderich Fair.”Jno. Fine
bought all[of] G.O.Sturdy's sheep(29.)Ellie Raining
& Kids [were] here all day..... ......... Even[ing. ]
20. T. [I] Took nPolly”out for Jane to go to C[lin- Fine &
ton] & stayed & got dinner for [the] men[.
] Warmer
Sewed hooks on [the] waist[.]
21. F. [I] Took Polly out [at] noon[for Jane to go C
.
i
V
.
to Clinton[.]Cut out yoke & velet for waist,
etc. T[om] Frazer [came] for tea[. A] Fel
low from Brussels called[;he] thought there
was a C[linton] Fair to-day[.
]
22. S. [I] Scr[ubbed,] washed & took in Primroses Finne
from ver[andah] to house [[and] washed flan-
nels[.] Jno. wheeled to Sturdy’
s A.M. & to
C[linton in the] even[ing.]
23 . S . B[ella] & I [were] in C[
hurch(
Rev.
Stewart.
) Dull, Fine,
�September, 1900 358
24. M. [Bella & I] washed[.
] Geo. Harris from Dun-
gannon[was here] all night[.] Aunty[is]back
from Green's[.] A[lex] Innis,F[inley]McEwen, Fine
& W.Robison called P.M. Mother [had] tea at
U[ncle] JafmesJ's [and] was seeing the two
babys P.M.[.]* Mending bags P.M.
* Kenneth Barkley Stewart, born Aug 26 to Fenwick & Alice.
Annie Stewart, born Sep 12 to Adam & Tene
25 . T . [I was mending bags] all day[.] The 2 Stur•-Slight Rain,
dy's [were] here with loads of [the] sheep Fine
Jno. bought[
. I took Polly out to Jane [in
the] morn[ing.]
26. W. Aunty [was] up [here. We] Cleaned chips out Fine & Hot
[of the] wood-shed & B[ella] & I hauled in
4 big [stone]boat loads of [cordwood at]
night[.] Young Reid called P.M. Cut out
sleeve linings etc. P.M.
27 . T . H. Reid & Son [this] morn[ing] bought 1
B[illy] lamb & 5 2 yr old steers
28 . F . [I] Killed 8 R[oosters [and]I [was]in C[lin- Beautiful
ton] P.M. Jno. [was] at D[uncan] McEwen's
threshing[.] McIntosh [was here this] even
ting and] Jennie Gfrant] arrived[.]
29 . S . Scrubbed[.]* Cleaned milk-cellar etc. P.M. Raining
Jno. [was] at McEwen's threshing[.]
*In all respectable farm homes, the kitchen
floor had to be scrubbed of the week'
s build-up
of dirt, to be clean for Sunday.
30 . S . B[ella] & I [were in church](Rev. Stewart). Beautiful
Jennie went home [this] morn[ing.
1. M.
October, 1900
B[ella]& I washed[.]Jno,[was]at Butchart’s Beautiful
threshing[.] Jno.Thomson [is] paving Ned's
stable[.] T[om] Frazer [came] for tea[.]
2. T . [I] Took Polly out to Jane & helped clean
wheat A.M. Aunty [was] at Jane's P.M. [We]
Hauled in 4 boat loads[of sawed rails to-]
night[.]
3. W. [I] Helped clean [a] load [of] wheat A.M.
[I] was] at Ned’
s P.M. for [a] tick[. I]
swept[the] stair & made beds for threshers
etc.. Three threshers stayed all night[.]
Will Glen [was] at Bayfield Fair[.]
4. T . [We] Finis[hed] threshing P.M. At Adam's
threshing P.M. Aunty [was] up[. We] Fin
ished] hauling sawed rails [at] night
with 3 big [stone]boat loads[.]
5. F . Jno. [was] at Adam's threshing all day[.]
6. S . [John was at] Fen[wick’
s threshing] A.M.
[and he] took steers to Reid's P.M. [I]
scr[ubbed], mended shirts etc.
7 . S. Raining: warm- got
colder P.M.
8. M. B[ella] & I washed A.M. Aunty [was] up[.] C[ool] Wind,
I [was] out P.M. at Ned's threshing[.] Beautiful.
8 .
�October, 1900 359
9. T. B[ella] & Jane[were] in C[linton this]mor-
n[ing. I] Lifted 10 rows [of] pot[atoes
[and] Jno. lif[ted] 2[.]* [I] Took some
frames out of [the] hives[this] morn[ing]
& cleaned Ned’
s potatoes[.] Rev. Stewart
called A.M. [I] wrote Ag [in Manitoba.]
*In this diary entry we find a mathematically accurate
contrast. Eliza-Ann does most of the work,and supplies
most of the leadership, while John does what he feels
like.
10. W. Jno.[was]at Blyth Fair[.
] I[was] in C[lin-
ton this]even[ing delivering]5 Roosters[.]
11. T. Jno. [was] in Cflinton] A.M. [for] bran[.] Beautiful
Uncle James[was here] for dinner[.I]lifted
about 4 rows[of] potfatoes] P.M. B[ella] &
I [were] at Mac’
s [this] even[ing.]
12. F. [I lifted] 8 [rows of potatoes] P.M. Aunty
[was] in C[linton] with Ada [Stewart.] Ada
[was] here all night[.]*
*Bella, Jennie Grant and Ada
Stewart were the same age and were longtime friends.
13. S. Jno. [was] at Mac's threshing all day[.
]
Jane [was] in C[linton] A.M. [I] Scrubbed,
shook out rags & sorted P.M. [I] Cleaned
Jno.'s desk [at] night[.]
14. S. B[ella] & I [were in church](Rev. Stewart).
15. M. [Bella & I] Washed[
. I] Beat[the] Hall-Car
pet P.M. & [was] picking potatoes etc.,etc.
Jno. [was] at Mac’
s threshing A.& part P.M.
16. T. Jane, B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. H.C.W.
[I]Picked pot[atoes] A.M. B[ella] put down Slight Shower
[the] hall carpet[
. We are] Lifting [the] A.M.
dining-room carpets[.]
17. W. [We] Finis[hed the]potatoes A.M. B[ella] & H.C.W.
I [were] pulling & picking app[le]s P.M. Fine
Aunty [was] up all night[.]
18. T. Thanksgiving B[ella] & I [were] pulling Beautiful
app[le]s A.M.[and were] at [the] S[abbath]
S[chool] Examination P.M. McPhearson from
Glanworth [was here] for dinner[.]
19. F. [I] Took some frames out of hives [this] Beautiful,
morn[ing[.] B[ella] & I [were] pulling Heavy Frost
app[le]s[.] Aunty pulled P.M. E.A. & Mrs at nights.
Isard, Mrs Hayden & son, & Miss May Dunbar
[were here P.M. & for tea[.]
20. S. [I] Finis[hed] ridding desk, book case etc. Fine
B[ella] housecleaned[the] veranda[.
] Aunty
went home [in the] even[ing.
]
21. S. B[ella] & I [were in church]](Rev. Stewart)
"Making broad phylactrus etc."
22. M. B[ella] & I washed[.]Aunty & E[dward J[ohn Raining P.M.
came for a] goose dinner[.] Mrs [Lily] Cum
ing [was here] P.M.
23. T. [Lily Cuming] & Aunty [were at] Jane's A.M.
I drove Lily down to Adam's P.M. [I was] Rainy night
cleaning [the] cellar [and] B[ella was]
baking & ironing[.]
�October, 1900 360
24.
25 .
26.
27 .
28 .
29.
30 .
31.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6 .
F. B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton at] church
(
Rev.
Stewart.
) A[g]returned from Manitoba
[and] walked home at mid-night[.]
S Jno., B[ella] & I [were] in [Church]
(Rev. Stewart.)
M. B[ella] washed[.
] A[g] washed [the] kitch- Rain towards
en paint(all but [the] windows.) I [tended even[ing,]
to] sundries[.] T[om] Frazer [came] after
[a] Billy lamb[.] Fenfwick] & Ad[am were
here this] even[ing.
]
T . [I] Cleaned Jno.’
s stair etc., etc., A[g] Raining
cleaned out [the] parlor [and] B[ella did]
bakng[.] McDougal[of] Glanworth [came] for
dinner [and] bought 20 Shropshire sheep.]
W. B[ella] & I [were] in Cflinton] A.M. Mrs W. Raining A.M.
Perdue[was here] for dinner[.] A[g] helped Beautiful
her pick 6 bags [of] app[le]s[. Bella & I] P.M.
filled 2 ticks [and] A[g] scrubbed [the]
kitchen[
. We] Washed[the] K[itchen] window
[and] scrubbed [the] veranda etc., etc.
John married [Isabella R. McEwen at]
half-past six [in the] even[ing.]
November, 1900
T. [I] Cleaned [the] milk-cellar & [a] piece Rained some,
[of the] wood-shed floor etc. A[g] & B[el- Heavy Frost
la were] in C[linton] P.M. at nights.
F. Jno. shipped [a] lamb to McDougal[in]Glan
worth[.] Mo[ther] churned[
. I] Killed 2
geese[.] A[g], B[ella] & I hauled in
app[le]s[. I was] at Lizzie’
s P.M. Aunty
[came] for dinner [and] for all night[.]
S. A[g was] in C[linton] P.M. [for] flour[.
] Frost, Fine
[Aunty was here for] din[ner. I] Killed 5
hives of bees, hauled app[le]s & [in the]
even[ing] darned stockings[.]
S. Jno & Bell, A[g] & B[ella were in C.W.
church](Rev. Stewart.) Beautiful
M. A[g] & I washed[.
] Jane[was]here P.M. pick- Rain, Windy
ing up app[le]s[.] Webber [came] for din
ner & [stayed] all night[.]
T. [Webber] bought lambs[.I] Cleaned & Put up Fine,
again [the] furnace pipes[.] Pulled 30 Cold W.
pails Ben-Davis’
s P.M.* Mr & Mrs A.Dunkin
[came] for dinner[.]
*probably pails to hold honey she
sold to customers. See p.57 and 78. Davis sold stoves,
furnaces and probably did tinsmithing as well.
w .
T
F .
S .
�November, 1900 361
8 .
9.
1 0 .
11.
1 2.
13 .
14.
15.
16.
17 .
18.
19.
W. Bell* & I picked 2 geese[that] I killed[.
] Showery
[We] Moved our stove into [the] furnace
pipes[.]** A[g was in C[linton] P.M. [The]
Scott's[were here]looking at ewe lambs P.M.
Voting at School to-day(Laurier & Tup-
per)
* Bell is Isabella Robertson McEwen, John's
new bride. ** A process of partitioning the farmhouse
is underway. John and Bell get the
big farm kitchen* The MacFarlane sisters
will cook in the cellar in cold weather.
T. [I] cleaned [the] H[en] House and] Sheep-dip- Fine,Cold,
ped hen roosts[.] Snowed.
F. Aunty [was here] for dinner, etc.[I worked Snowing etc.
at a] jacket[.] B[ella] went to Grant’
s[.
We] Put cows in [all] night 1st [time.]
S. [I worked on the jacket.] Is[abel] & E[d- Snowed a few
ward]J[ohn were sent] after butcher knifes [flakes.]
(sic) [and stayed] for dinner[.]
S. S[abbath] S[chool is] closed for the sea
son[.] A[g] & I[were in church](Rev.Sawers,
Brucefield.) B[ella was] with Jennie [who]
drove[her] home[in the] even[ing.I] minded
[the] kids[.]
M. A[g] & I washed[.] A[g] & I picked 2 geese Snow,sleet.
[that] I killedf.
] Cattle[are] all in [for
the]1st [time.] Scott [was] here P,M.[and]
bought 2 ewe lambs[.] At Ned’
s [last] even-
[ing for] pork, I slept with I[sabel.]
T. Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P.M.
W. B[ella] & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Very Cold Windy
raw day,etc.,etc.
T .
F .
Kate Pearson & Jane [were] visiting Bell Blustery
P.M.A[g was at U[ncle]J[ames]'
s P.M. & all
night[
. I] made [a] mat for around [a] fur
nace pipe [and] fixed patches for shirts
[in the] even[ing.] J[ohn] & B[ell visited
at Adam'
s [this] even[ing.
]
[We] killed 2 pigs[.] [We] Washed double Some Milder,
windows & helped Jno.put[them] in[.] Aunty Thawed a
[was] up. The Girls cleaned out [a] room little.
for [their] parlor etc.
, etc Adam & Fred
Cuming [were here] P.M.
S. Jno. [was] in C[linton this] mom[ing] ship- light Rain,
ping [a]p[ai]r[of] lambs to Wright[.]Hiram Snow.
Hill drove Smith Rogers (Mich[igan]) here
A.M. Jno. & Yank[were] at Cooper’
s etc.P.M.
T[om] Frazer[was here in the] even[ing. I]
Finis[hed] fixing [the] jacket[.] A[g] &
B[ella] beat [the] parlor carpet & put [it
back] down upstairs [and] put [a] stove up
etc. etc.
S. B[ella] & I [were in church](Rev.Stewart.
) Raining P.M.
"Last verse 23rd Psalm"
M. A[g] & I washed[
. I] Hoed slush [and] mud Raining
away from[the] front[of the] H[en] H[ouse]
[this] morn[ing etc., etc. [and] Brushed &
put away summer hats[. I] Mended [a] shirt
[in the]even[ing.
]
17
7 .
�November, 1900 362
2 0 .
21.
22 .
23 .
24.
25 .
26.
27 .
28 .
29.
30.
T. A[g] & I washed [an] old bed [this] morn- High Wind,
[ing.]............... Poured
W. [Today I] Mended [a] ahirt, cleaned [our] Poured
parlor A.M.,cleaned [my] room P.M.etc. Mrs
McEwen called on us [this] even[ing.] Mr &
Jno. [were] in too[.]
T. [I] Carried in some app[le]s etc., [and] Fine,Dull
Started Jno.'s pants P.M. Jno. [was]] in
Bruce[field] P.M. McIntosh [came in the]
even[ing to see the] young mare[.
] Geo.
[went] after Mclnftosh a] 2nd time after
night & to Clinton for Blackal. Both [vets
were here] all night & for breakfast[.]
F. Isabel & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. [I] H.W.
Picked & carried in some App[le]s etc. Fine P.M.
McIntosh [was here] for supper[.
]
S. [The] Mare died [this] morn[ing. I] packed C.W. East
Bee's (6 hives.) Mo[ther is visiting at
Jane’
s[.
]
S. A[g] & B[ella], Jno. & Is.[were in church] C.W.
(Rev. Stewart.) Adam & Tene & baby [were
here] P.M. W.Elliott called at[the] stable
[this] even[ing.
]
M. A[g] & I washed (summer flannels too.) Jno. Fine,S[now]
was at Adam’
s killing pigs A.M. [I] worked part melted.
at p[an]ts [in the] even[ing.]
T . Jno. & Ned [were] in C[linton] A.M. [They]
hitched Ned'
s horse in our buggy[
. I was]
mending ganzies A.M [and worked at the
p[an]ts P.M. A[g] & B[ella[were]at Wigg[in-
ton]'s P.M. Ada & Ida[Stewart were here in
the] even[ing.
]
W. [I] Rid around [the] bees........... etc.
B[ella & I [were] in C[linton] P.M. Jno.
[was] at Adam's all day cutting [with] Per
due's engine[.]Marshall & Dave Elliott[are]
cutting wood[.
]
T . [Marshall & Dave Elliott are cutting Raining some
wood.] Jno. [was again at] A[dam's] all
day[.
] Is. [went] home,([her] Mo[ther is]
not very well.) A[g] gave [the] men their
meals*...Geo.went home....Jane [looked in]
P.M. [I worked] at p[an]
ts[.]
♦This is the first docu
mented occasion of Bell running off somewhere on the spur of
the moment and her sister's-in-law covering for her unasked.
Isabel Glen explained it this way. " Aunt Tene and Aunt Bell
both had 'social butterfly' tendencies.Uncle Adam nipped them
in the bud. Tene understood that housework came first and
that she had to generate housekeeping money from the sale
of eggs and creme. Adam was a fastidious man who would pull
his weight in the operation. He helped keep the place tidy,
was quick to do repairs, and to keep the wood shed full.
Uncle John was too casual and undisciplined to lay down the
law and Aunt Bell never learned how to be much of a manager."
Come to think of it, why bother to learn when the 3 single
sisters-in-law did these tasks so well?
F. [I] Mended gloves A.M. &[worked]at p[an]ts Fine
P.M.
�December,. 1900 363
1. s Jno. & Is [were] in C[inton] P.M. [The] Some Rain,
boys [were]cutting wood[.] Adam [was here] snow.
P.M. cutting [a] trap door[.
] T[om] Frazer
& Ned [were] at Jno.’
s [this] evenfing. I]
2. S . A[g] & I [were in church] (Dr Taylor New Chilly, W.
York.) "From henceforth expecting” Heb[-
brews] 10-13" Tene left baby [Annie] with
Is [this] morn[ing for the 1st tirae[.]
3. M. A[g] & I washed[
. I] drove Adam & Jno. P.M. Fine, Some
to C[linton] enroute for Chicago Fat Stock Bees out.
Show[.] Adam [was] up [this] morn[ing and Bad Roads.
put hinges and latch on [the] trap door[.
]
G. Middleton called[.] Mofther was] at
Will’
s P.M.[with his news]
paper[.We]washed
[a] p[ai]r [of] blankets & [a] guilt[.
]
4 . T . [I] Rid and washed off [the] floor in our Fine,Rained
cellar & carried hives in [and] washed out a little
[my] bed-room etc. D. McFarlane from Shake
speare [was here] all night[.] w. & Dave
Elliott, 2 Deeves,Connell & Billy Marshall
[were here] cutting [wood.]
5. W. Ab Nott called P.M. Put a front like dress Snow,Sleet.
in old basque[.]
6. T . Mo[ther] & A[g were] in C[linton] P.M. [I]
made sleeves smaller[.] Marshall & [a] Neg-
re [were] splitting wood...............
7. F . A[g] & I drove [to] McTavishes P.M. I met C.W.
Jno. at [the] 7 o' c[loc]k train[.]
8
. S
. [I] fixed new coat[.]Jane,[her] kids & Mag- Hard Frozen.
[gie were here] P.M. Geo.[has]gone home[.]
9. S . B[ella] & I [were in church](Rev.Stewart.
) Snowing &
Cold, Blowing.
10 . M. A[g] & I Washed[.]Is went to C[linton]P.M.
with her mo[ther.] Jane [came] in [the]
even[ing. I] Made [a] Galeta Pettic[oat.j
11. T . B[ella] & A[g] [were[ in C[linton] P.M. Snowing & Storm
ing
12 . W. Mending a little A.M. [and] Cut out Grey Cold
flannel P.M. [for] drawers
13. T . Finis[hed drawers, all] but buttons[.]...
14 . F . Finished working bottoms..............
Mo[ther was] at Ned’
s carding wool[.] Ned Cold,Crispy
came for her[.] Bell was home P.M. & even-
[ing.]
15. S. A[g] & B[ella are] helping [to] make [a]
comforter[.
] Jno [was] in C[linton] P.M.
[I] Cut out [the] other p[ai]r of drawers
P.M................
16. S. A[g] & B[ella went to church
gy[.] There is good sleighing
field road[.
]
in the] bug-
on [the]Bay-
•
a
•
f
-
r
l
A[g] & I washed[.
] Is & I [were]
ton] P.M... ...........
in C[lin- Fine
18 . T . Choreing some these times[
.
the] H[en] H[ouse] P.M......
I] C[leaned Soft
�December, 1900 364
Mending etc. [I was] at [the] school IV Beautiful
P.M. Bessie Glen*, Myrtle Pearson &
[? were] saying Catechism[.
]
Killed 4 geese
C[linton] P.M.
A[g] & Bfella were]in Frozen,Fine.
B[ella] & Is [were] at W. Baird's exam & Frozen
entertainment even[ing. I] made gathers
in [the] B[ac]k of [the] skirt & finis
hed] ............. it....
Jane & I, I[sabella] P[earl] & E[dward] Frozen,
J[ohn were] in C[linton] P.M. Tene[[went Beautiful
to] C[linton and] left [her] kid [with]
Is [.]
A[g] & I [were in church](Rev. Stewart.) Pouring
Jno. [was] sick P.M. Fine, Raining
even[ing.]
A[g] washed[.
] Is [was] at Tene’
s P.M. Colder
Jno.McE[wen was] hauling wood all day[.]
Jennie Grant came [this] evemfing.]
Jennie went home [in the] even[ing.] Hei- Colder &
fer calved [a] heifer[.]Ned‘
s & Magfgie] Blustery
McEwen [were here] for dinner[.] Jno. &
Is ]were] at Adam’
s [this] even[ing.]
Is, Jennie & Bella [were] at Aunty Mag-
ie's P.M. [Jennie] returned [this] morn-
[ing.]
A[g was] in C[linton P.M. & Is [went]
home[.] Jennie & B[ella] [were]at U[ncle]
Ja[ P.M.mes]’
s
Is had her Fa[ther] & Mr & Mrs (Hubert &
Kate) McDougal for dinner[.] Jno. & Is.
[
were] out [for the] even[ing.
]
I [was]in C[linton] P.M. Jno & Liz McEwen Fine,
[came] back with Is [this] even[ing.] Good Roads.
Is & I [were in church.](Rev. Stewart.) Started,
Snowing
A[g] & I washed.... Ned & T[om] Frazer Snowed,
[were at] Jno’
s [this] evenfing.] Softish.
19. W.
20. T.
21. F .
22 . S .
23 . S .
24. M.
25 . T .
26. W.
27. T.
28. F.
29. S.
30. S.
31. M.
�1. T .
2. W.
January,
'
» 1901
[I was a
t
]
' Ned’
s for dinner[.] Adam &
Will [were] here P.M. Killing [a] HetLf-
er[.]
Mr Stewart & [his] neighbour [from]
Mich[igan were]here[this]morn[ingjs for
dinner[
. They] bought lambs[.] Is[abe*l-
la] & A[g-were] in Church [this] even
ting] (McLeod.) Jno. went P.M. [with
our American visitors] to Chas.Mason,’
s
[and] A[g was] at Elliot’s P.M. after
Geo. [was] here.--- -
3. T. B]ella] & I[were in church]](Rev. Wade).
Jno. & Ned & T[om] F[raser] shipped
lambs(24 X think.)[They] walked them up
[to] Ned’
s[. He has a] sleigh with a
box[.
]
4. F. I [was] in C[linton] P.M. (got a ride
up from Ned’
s with Will [McEwen.I]visi
ted Mary Emma [Ross] p.M.Ag and I were]
in C[hurch thisleven[ing](Rev. Stewart)
.
5. S. Is[abella was] home all day[.] Gurnsey
calved [a] heifer[.]
6. S . [Ag, Isabella and Bella went to church
in the] buggy(Rev. Stewart.) I went in
Mac’s sleigh [and] came home in Ned’
s
buggy[.
] Is[abella came home] in [the]
sleigh[.]
7. M. Is[abella] & B[ella] in C[linton] R.M.
(cutter 1st time out.) A[g] & I wash-
ed[.
] Jno. [was] at Ab Nott’
s [this]
evening^] A[g] went with him[.I] men
ded [a] coat[.]
8. T. Is[abella was] at Tene’
s P.M.
9. W. Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. [I] Clean
ed [the] H[en] H[ouse.]
10 T . Is[abella was] at home P.M. & even[ing]
& Jno.[was home in the] even[ing.]T[om]
Frazer was here in the] even[ing. Jane
and I went to] C[linton] P.M. -
i
n [the]
buggy[.]A[g]came home[in the]
even[ing.
]
11. F. Jane & I [were] at Butchart’
s P.M. Mr &
Mrs McDougall & kid [were] there. Kids
[were] here[.]
12. S. Jno.& B[ella went to] C[linton] P.M.[in
the] buggy[
. They] Bought [a] new pump
for [the] barn well[.]
13. S. A[g] & B.[ella] walked to Ned’
s [to get
a ride to church in the] cutter[.I]men-
3 p[ai]rs [of] p[ain]ts[.]
14. M. A[g] & I washed [and] ch[umed] P.M. [I]
Mended [the] last p[ai]r [of pants.]Jno.
[was] in C[linton] P.M.[I was at] Ned’
s
A.M. [and] got E[dward] J[ohn’
s] Cap
r[ead]y[. I was also] at Ned’
s [in the]
even[ing.
]
365
Snowed
Soft
Raining
Big Wind
storm [at]
night,snow
etc.
Light Snow
Not cold,but
I felt cold.
Snowing,soft
�j !%
?
., u >
15 . T .
16. W.
t-
17 . T .
18 . F .
19. S.
m ; i
20. S.'
21. H.
January, 1901 , .
•
*
*
« ,' 3$«j ,
[I was] Scraping "Propoi&£!
| '
’
off;- bee ; Sbft, Dull
(making re^y to exjfapity )
,’ J <
•
'
* yr l ► *
! T 1 ' " t i '
1
was
frames
[I]
A[g]
P.M.
' ’
■M 'v j e
finis[hed [cleaning b$ejframes]
'
■A.M Vtery H[ighJ
.
& B[ella w
e
r
-
e
>
]at D[
uij&Ln]
(Wgffwen1
s | v
f
[ind] &
B[ella
i
u
l
i
v
i ; (
'
t ; >. ' 4 * I 31^*- *
4J.
Extracting all day[.] AMI h Bfellap (
1
[were] in C[lintqjh-] .
P
.
M
.
' | j
Extracting all, day.] j
.
f
f
j
'' ■ ' f
;
- • i\
Exftracting] Finisthed.]- war
{ind]
J [ J
j
^
L
g
h
t Snow
Ex[tractm g ] Finis[hed.]
•
713 f
m
B[ella] & I [went to churchman, the]cut—
'ter (Rev. Straith.) '
■
% U,
jj
U
t
r
*
' l
i ,
m f*
r •
A[g] & I washed[.] Ned
back A.M.(He & Jno.fixed
Ned
even!
stair
even[.
]
22 . T .
23 . W.
24 . T .
25 ‘F •
26 . S .
27 . S.
’
s & Mag[gie]McEwen[we^e here this]
n[ing.]
[I] Finis[hed] melting hdjpey -etd. etc.
Aunty [
was] here[*] Is[abeailaand] Jno.
[went] in[to] C[linton] w
d
j
j
j
h Her P.M.
, A . I "
[Aunt Agnes ] went to Clinton .[to Mary
Ross’
es] with Bfella] & I
*
'Y&PiM.*A
•Ah i
. .
.
.
Fixing honey[.] Jane [was.jjPhfer^all day
making Edward [John's] 0[{^egvat[. ]
[Jane was here]P.M.[makingthe cravat.]
- /Wf , t
Jno. [was] at Old Wise’s fifqteral P.M. [He
took the] colt [with theJ\&uggy[
.
.]Is[a-
bella] & I [were] in C[licfeon] P.M. [in
cutter to deliver] Honey[jr % finished
mending John's] ganziersf’
^
*■
’7 ■
.
*
A[g] & 1 [were in church.PRev. Stewart
[preached about] Jesus walking in Solo-
man’
s porch-’
What His thoughts would be.” j
H. Woodyard’
s baby [was] baptized[
.]
(cutter) '
■
* r -
* !
ery Cold
£jpft P.M,
,1* * f
*
i
.r
i-
1
.
Snow
28 . M.
29. T
30. W
31. T .
[The] Thoroughbred heifer\!$alved[. Her] Stormy
1st calf [was a] helferf*^ A[g] & I
washed[.] Jno.[was] at fFenwick’
s kil
ling pig's[.] -
Bell & I [were] in C[linfc£n] 1*.M. Aunty
went uptown with me[.] M$7& Mrs McEwen
[were here in the] even[i$g.]
"
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P^M. for corn[.i
[I] Darned stockings e t c [and the]holes
around the bottom of[my]k^!lac]k skirt[.] '
Is[abella was]at Adam's p
j
.
M
. Jane & [Ed- Stormy
ward] J[ohn were] at Carrie’
s P.M. Ned &
I[sabella] P[earl] went pgtfin the]even
ting.] 7 .
February, 1901
1. F .
2. S.
Is[abella is staying] at gene’s[.]
[was] at [the] mill[.]
Jno. Stormy &
Cold
[I] Walked tp Clinton $,M. [to attend]
Queen Victoria’
s funeral,
7sevice in our
Church[.] The town ministers[present in- Light Snow
eluded Revs. Stewart (Presb.) Smith(Eng
lish), Howson (Meth. Ratt[enbury] St).
Dr. Gifford & Son (Meth.!
Ont[ario] St.) )
�February, 1901 367
3 . S .
4. M.
5. T.
6. W .
7. T.
8. F .
9. S .
10. S .
11 . M.
12 . T .
13 . W.
14 . T .
15 . F .
16. S .
17 . S .
18 . H.
19 . T .
20. W.
21. T.
22 . F .
23 . S .
Dunlop(Papist),[and] Wade(
Retired.
) Jno.
[was] at [the] mill[.] Carnahon [came]
loooking for [aa] colt[.]
Polly [has gone] lame[.]
A[g] & I washed[.]Is[abella came] home
[in the] cutter [with the] colt[. I]
Washed [the] extractor etc., etc. Bezzo,
Ab Nott's boy,[was here] P.M. after hon-
ey[.]
Jno. & Bell [were] in Clinton P.M.
Anniversary 1st lamb (one)
A[g] & I washed[.
] Young Gibson & [the]
livery man called A.M. Jack McGregor
[was]at Jno’s for dinner & all night[.]
Aunty [is here] Jno. & she [went] call
ing P.M.
Fen[wick], Adam & Fred Cuming [were] up
[this] evening[.]
Aunty went home P.M.[.]
Bell & Is[abella were] in Clinton A.M.
[driving the] colt[.] B[ella was] out
home P.M.
A[g is] sick[.]Jane & I [drove]Polly in
[to] C[linton] P.M. ([her] first trip
since foal bealed) [and]Jno.stayed with
[the] kids[.]
Mo[ther] & I [
were in Church](Rev.Stew
art.
) "Thou art not far from the king
dom of heaven."
Jane & I [heard] Dr. Moffatt [of the]
Tract Society [this] evening[
. I] took
honey to 01
Neil[.]
I [was] in C[linton] P.M. Jno. [was] at
Ned's killing [the] lump jaw heifer[.]
Jno.fi Adam [were] in C[linton] P.M.(2nd
lambs) 1 p[ai]r [of] lambs
1 [was] in Clinton P.M..... ....[Lambs]
2 p[ai]r, I think.
[I] finis[hed a] bureau mat[.
] H. Reid
[was here this] morn[ing.]
[I] Knit ends for a tie[.] Jno.[was] in
C[linton] P.M. [with[] Mac's outfit[.
]
A[g] & Mrs [drove] Polly [to] Gordon's
looking up U[ncle] William[MacFarlane.]
Reid fetched [a] lamb up [this] even
ting.]Ida [Stewart was] here for tea[.]
Cold,
Stormy night
W[hite] F[rost]
Fair, Cold
W[hite] F[rost]
Cold
Fine
Fine
Softish
Colder
Stormy
Roads near
Blocked
Roads were
broken A
.
AT.
Very Cold
Very Cold
�368
February,1901
A[g] & I[were in church](Rev. Stewart.)
A[g] & I washed [and were] choreing[.]
Jno. [was]in C[linton] with lambs (15 +
1 [for] Reid's A.M. Ned [was] along [as
well.] Mr & Mrs McEwen [and] Mr & Mrs
Jas. Aikenhead [came in the] even[ing]
for tea at Jno.'sf.] Lamb [from] Lady
smith -this is the 8th lamb[.
]
Uncle William [MacFarlane] came in the
even[ing.]
Jane and E[dward] J[ohn were here] P.M.
Mac,Ned & Adam [were] at Will's killing
[a] pig[.] Jno. went to C[linton] with
Fred Cuming [in the] sleigh[.] A[g was]
at U[ncle] Ja[me]s's A.M. with U[ncle]
William[. They] called at Adam's too[.]
Jack McGregor [came] for dinner[and he]
& Jno. [were] out P.M. [I] Took Uncle
down to H[ugh] McGregor’
s P.M.[.]
Doz Sold
Dec 11 •
0
0
Jan 12 1/2 2.25
Feb 30 4.90
Mar 29 3.41
Apr 31 ' 3.33
May 51 5.09
March, 1901
Jno.[was] at [the] Mill P.M. Mrs &
B[ella were] in C[linton] P.M.
Jno. [was] in C[linton] P.M. Choreing
I [am] sick[.
]
[I am sick.]
Ag] & I washed[.] A[g was] in C[linton
P.M.
Jno.,A[g] & I[attended a] prayer-meet
ing at Scott's [this] even[ing.] Annie
Stewart (Adam's [baby daughter] & Jane
Nevin McGregor [were] Baptized[.]
Kate, Lizzie & Douglas McTavish [came]
for tea & [an] even[ing visit.]
Jno. & Mrs [are] at Jno. McEwen's par-
ty[.] T[om] Frazer drove U[ncle] Will
iam up [at] night[.] 3 lambs
[I] Drove Uncle over to [Baird's] Cem
etery P.M. [We] Fetched U[ncle James]
up with us[.] W[illiam] Glen,Fen[
wick]
,
Mrs & kid, Adam, Mrs & kid & Ned's
[were here this] evenfing.]
Ned [was] at [the] Mill[.] Uncle went
back with him for dinner. Jno.s [Uncle
were] in C[linton] P.M.
Ned took Uncle to Church [in] Bruce-
field[this] morn[ing] enroute for Gor
don '
s[
.]
Flurries
Milder
C[old] W[ind]
Singy E[ast]
W[ind]
, Sunny
Stormy, Soft
Frozen
Hard Frozen,
Very Cold N,
Wind. some
drift & snow
Softish, Dull,
Slight Snow
Rain,Thaw
24. S.
25. H.
26 . T .
27 . W.
28 . T .
1. F .
2. S .
3 . S .
4. M.
5. T.
6. W.
7 . T .
8 S .
9. S .
10 . S .
�369
March, 1901
11. M. A[g] & I washed[.] Stormy
12. T. Rev. & Mrs Stewart [came] visiting P.M. Nice
13. W. D. McTavish Sale Thaw,Stormy
The New Era, January 11, 1901
....The splendid 200 acre farm owned by D. McTavish, 2nd
Con., has been sold to Robt. Pearson of the 3rd, at the
valuation of $9000. Mr Pearson’
s farm of 100 acres is
taken in part exchange at a valuation of $6000.We under
stand that Mr McTavish Sr. has some notion of buying a
farm elsewhere,the Pearson farm to be managed by his
son.
14. T. I [was] in C[linton] P.M. [Mr] Tough
[was here] all nighht[.]Douglas called
to tell about the funeral[;] ([He had] Fine,Warm
had dinner at Scott'
s Dr Gunn has been
seeing Mary Glen for inflamatory rheu
matism[.]
15. F. A[g] & B[ella [were] at Jno.Thompson'
s
Mother's funeral [and] had tea at Fos- Cold Wind
ter'
s [in] Varna[
.] Aunty[
was here]P.
M. Fine
[I] Cleaned [the] H[en] H[ouse] A.M.
16. S. Jno.[was]in C[linton] P.M. [for] grist
& got corn[.] [He] took 2 bags [of]
App[le]s to 0'Neil[.]Mrs Finley McEwen
& Mary Emma & Bessie Ross [came]visit
ing P.M. [and had] tea with Mrs[.]
17. S. A[g] & B[ella were in Church] (Lucknow
minister.) [I] saw [a] Robin[.]
18. M. A[g] & I washed[.] I [was] in C[lin-
ton P.M [with] 2 bags of App[le]s. Mrs
[is] out home[.] Mr & Mrs Wigginton &
Stella [were] here P.M. & [for] tea[.]
Beautiful
Fine
Soft
19. T. Mrs W[illiam] Graham died[.
]Aunty[was]
up[.]
20. W. Jno. [was] at [the] Mill [this] morn-
ting.] I [was] in C[linton] P.M.[with]
2 1/8 bags [of] App[le]s[.]
21. T. Chr A.M. Jno. [was] at[ the] Mill
for chop P.M.
Thaw
Raining
Sleet
Chilly Wind
22. F. Jno. & I[were] at Mrs Graham's funeral
P.M. 1st goose eggs(I think). Jno. & Fine,
Mrs [are] out home [this] even[ing.] C[oldJ W[ind]
A[g] & I & Ned’
s [visited] at McTav
ishe's this evenfing.]
23 . S .
24. S
Aunty Maggie called & Mrs Neil McGregor Fine
& Katie [were] visiting Mrs P.M. Ned's
[were] in C[linton.]
Raining
25. M. A[g] & I washedf. I] Started lace for Fine
[a] collar
26 T Bees
Flying
27 . W.
28. T. Mrs & her Jno. [were] in C[linton] P.M.
�March, 1901 370
I [was]in C[linton] P.M. [I]took Polly
to Ned’
s & hitched in his cutter[.]Ad
am & bno. cut and fitted [a] door into
[the] parlor[.]* *probably refers
to the partition
wall.
Mrs [has returned] home[.] A[g] & I
[were] at Adam’
s [in the] even[ing.]
I walked [to Clinton for Church](Stew
art.
) [I] got home with Mac[.] Mary
Glen [was here] A.M.
April, 1901
A[g] & I washed & cleaned [the] celler
stairs, floor,etc. Bat[h] P.M.[In the]
even[ing I] washed [my] hair, 9 honey
Gems* & [a] crock[.] Adam [was here in
the]even[ing] puttingfa] latch on[the]
door[.
]
Mrs[is] out home sugaring[.]I [was] in
C[linton P.M. - [the] buggy's 1st out
ing. ] Fen[wick] & Adam [visited] at
Jno.'s [this] even[ing.]
Mrs [is back] home[.] Jno.Murdock,[the
Dominon] Census man [was here] P.M. [I
was]Choreing A.M.& pjarjt scraped[the]
H[en] H[ouse.] Jno. [was] in Cflinton]
P.M. shipping [a] Rooster & [a] p[ai]r
[of] hens to Whistleman [in] 0hio[.]
Mary Glen & Efdward] J[ohn were] here
P.M. [I] Finis[hed the] knit collar, &
ironed collars. Cleaned [my] room, etc.,
etc.
Fine,Sunny,
C[old] W[ind]
C[old] N[orth]
W[ind]
.
Frogs Croak
ing.
Dull,
Warmer
Jane, E[dward] J[ohn] and I went to Sunny, C[old]
Blythe(Sic) [to visit at N[icholas] w[ind]. Bad
dimming'
s[.]* Fred[Cuming] drove us up Road
[in the]buggy[.]I called at McTavish's
[in the] morn[ing.]
*Lot 22, Concession XIII, Hullett
Township. The proper spelling is Cuming. Nicho
las was the son of a Scots pioneer, John Cum
ing, and in time, took over the home place.
He married Isabella G. Elliott, daughter of
James Elliott and Mary Anna Stewart. Nicholas
and Isabella Cuming had a large family and
several of their children visited back and
with their Stewart and MacFarlane cousins.
Young John had married Lillian Stewart in 1899
and was living on a rented farm in Goderich
Township's Bayfield Concession.
[at Cuming'
s.
]
Mr C[umingjwent to B[lyth] after Polly
(Mrs Stewart & baby)[.]
Mrs Cuming, Jane & I walked to Blythe
Church[.We]
went[along the]
R[ail]
R[oad]
track[.]*
*The London, Huron & Bruce line of the Grand
Trunk Railway crossed the Xlllth of Hullett
a short walk west of the Cuming farm. Jt was
a handy shortcut for pedestrians. One could
follow the right-of-way north to Blyth or
south to Londesboro.
We walked to B[lyth this] mom [ing to
visit the] Brigham’
s in B[lyth.]
29 . F .
30 . S .
31. S .
1. M.
2 . T .
3. W.
4. T.
5. F.
6. S.
7 . S .
8. H.
�April, 1901 371
9- T .
10. W.
11 . T .
12 . F .
13 . S .
14. S
15 . M.
16. T.
17 . W.
18 . T .
19. F .
20 . S .
21 S .
We went down to Adam Elliott’
s [this]
morn[ing.We] went to Londsborough(
sic)
with them P.M. [to attend Walter] Rid- Roads Fine
dell’
s funeral[.* We went]Home[in the]
even[ing.]Jennie & B[ella] & Ned[were]
in C[linton] to meet [us.] A[g] walked
home[.
]
* An old neighbour on the XUIth of Hullett.
Riddell farmed Lot 14, James Elliott lot
16 and the Cuming's were on Lot 22. Accor-
to the 1879 Belden Historical Atlas of Huron
County, Riddell was born in Canada and
came to Huron County in 1851.
Jennie & I [were]in C[linton] P.M. Mo
ther [was] at Ned's[.] Jno. [is] plow
ing [at the] front of [the] house[
. I]
Raked the yards[.]
Jennie went home P.M.
[I C[leaned the] Hen] H[ouse] etc, etc.
Mrs set goose eggs [this] even[ing.]
B[ella] & I [were in Church](Rev.Stew
art.
) S[abbath] S[chool] started[.]
Cattle got leave to go to[the]field[.]
A[g] & I washed[.
] Mrs & I [were] in
C[linton] P.M. Jno. [was] sowing [the]
1st oats P.M.
A[g] & I [were] in C[linton] A.M. (I
[had] dinner at Mary’
s [after] getting
[a] tooth filled[.]) Jane & E[dward]
J[ohn]came to C[linton] P.M. [I picked
up some] Clover Seed[.] John [is] sow-
ing[.]
Choreing, etc,[I] Put in 2 celler-win-
dow panes & puttyed 3[.] Flynn & Rey
nolds [weree here] P.M. Jno. [is] sow-
ing[•]
[I] Brushed clothes[and]put away [the]
fur collar, etc.
Lily Cumming’
s kid[was] born[.]* B[el-
la] & I [were] in C[linton P.M.[I] got
clover seeds & seen about peas[.] Jno.
[is] at [the] Brucefield show(Chief.)
Fine
Fine & Hot
E[ast] W[ind]
Raining &
Snowing
Fine
* I am editing this passage on May 1st, 2001.
The "baby", Edna Alberta Cuming celebrated her 100th
birthday 12 days ago in excellent health. She married
Clifford James Stewart in 1925 and they farmed lot 27
Con III, Stanley, 1925-59. All five children are still
living and there are numerous descendants. She died
November 12, 2002 in her 102nd year.
[John was] in C[linton] P.M. for seed
peas[.They cost] 76 c[en]ts a bus[hel.
I] Had to go to[the]creek for sheep[.]
A[g] & I [were in Church]Rev.Stewart.)
[The] Master [is] sick[.He was] not at
S[abbath] S[chool.
]
Snowed heavy
P.M. & H[igh]
Wind.
Slight Showers
22. M. A[g] & I washed[
.]
�23 . T .
24 . W .
25 . T .
26. F
27 . S
28. S
29. M
30. T
1. W
2 . T
April, 1901
. [The] Master [is] sick [and a substi
tute teacher named] Ball [is] teaching
[the rest of the month[
. The] B[lac]k
Heifer Cow calved [a] b[lac]k steer[.]
I [was] in C[linton] P.M.meeting Mary
Stewart (Cuming) & [her] kid Robert[.]
. Jack McGregor [came here] P.M. [and]he
& Jno. [were] away P.M. M[ary] S[tew-
art] & I [were] at Adam’
s P.M.
. A[g was] at Jno. Cumming’s with M[ary]
S[tewart] & seeing baby [Edna.] Jno. &
Jack.................. .in C[linton.
I]Transplanted[a] Chestnut tree[.
] Mrs
& I hoed & planted onions[.]
• Jack walked to C[linton] A.M.[After]
getting [the] horse shod, [he came]
home P.M. Adam, Tene & kid called [in
at] noon on [
their] cart[.] Ada & Ida
[Stewart were here this] even[ing.
]
. [I] Mowed [the] lawn P.M.[for the] 1st
time[.
] Jno. [was] in Cflinton this]
even[ing.
]
. A[g] & B[ella were in church.The] Rev.
[Mr] Stewart preached on] "Love."[The
Oddfellows[were] in Cfhurch.The] Mas
ter [is] still sick[.]
. A[g] & I washed etc. Jno.S Adam [were]
spearing suckers [this] morn[ing [ and
got 15(1 think.)Bums came, [and while]
I went for Jno., his horse ran away &
smashed [his] buggy while here[.
] A[g]
Churnedf.] Jno. [drove] Young Grey in
[to] C[linton this] even[ing.]
. A[g]& E[dward] J[ohn were]at Jno.Thom
son's foor pigs[. The] Cows [were] out
all night[.I Dug p[ar]t [of the] flow
er-bed, Carried the] pot to [the] barn,
Carried [the] meat board & blocks out
side & packed the meat away[.
] Jno. at
Leach[.] Ned'
s, Mag & Tene & Adam & T.
Frazer called [this] even[ing.]
May, 1901
. A[g]inC[linton] P.M. B[ella]& I [were]
at [The] Master's [this] evening[.]
[I] Finis[hed] digging [the] flower
bed [and] Planted some onions[.] Mo-
[ther was]making soap[.]B[ella is sup
ply]teaching at[illegible] school this
week[.]Mr & Mrs [Malcolm Mac[Ewen were
here this] even[ing.
]
372
Beautiful &
Showery
Beautiful
Dullish & hot
Rain even[ing]
Fine
Rain & light
Showers
�May, 1901 373
3. F .
4. S.
5. S .
6. M .
[I] Finis[hed planting onions.
3 Holi
day P.M. (Aborday)* Ada[Stewart] came Fine
up P.M. Her & B[ella have] gone to C[old] W[ind]
Grant'
s[. Mrs & A[g were] in C[linton]
P.M.[I] stitched waist[of the basque.]
*George Baird made a ceremony out of planting a
tree, generally a hard maple, on school property every
spring. The outer perimeter is ringed with them to
this day.
B[ella] & Ada [came] home P.M. Jno. 9.
[was] in C[linton this] even[ing. I]
Mowed [the] lawn (I think.) A[g] & I Fine
took [the] stove down out of[the]par
lor[.
] Jane fetched in soap grease
this even[ing.]
A[g] & B[ella were in Church.]
Ag & I washed[.] Jack McGregor started
out with "Balboguie Stomp." Mrs Mof-
fatt died [today.] *
*The New Era, May 10, 1901,
Mrs Walter Moffatt died suddenly on May 6 of pleurisy
pneumonia aged 66.She was born Janet McKenzie in
Pus1inch Twsp, Weillington Co. 1835,married Walter
Moffatt 1861 and settled in Stanley 1862.
7 . T .
8. W. A[g] & Jane [were] at [the Moffatt]
funeral P.M. [They] called on Nott's
on [the] way down[.]
9. T. A[g was] in C[linton] P.M.........Mrs
Chas. Stewart came down to Glen's &
[brought] Frankie with her[.] Mrs Jno,
Cummings & kid [are] down home to
night [.They were]in C[1inton.I worked]
at [the] basque this week[.]
10. F. [I] Spent A.M. tacking up [the] back-
garden fence[.] Jno. [was] in Bruce-
[field] A.M. (Adam's outfit-night on
bike)A[g] & I[were] down seeing Lily's
kid[this] even[ing.]Mrs Chas.[Stewart]
& Lizzie [Glen were here this] even
ting.]
11. S.
12 . S .
13 . M.
14 . T .
A[g] mowed [the] lawn[.
] B[ella was]
baking[and I]
Made[
the] basque wearable[.]
A[g] & 1 [were] in C[hurch]Rev.Stewart
............ Jno.Tomson & Uncle James
[were] here[.]
Raining, Cold,
Heavy storm
while in
c[hurch] took
young leaves of trees etc.
A[g] & I washed[.We] Moved our stove &
took down [the] furnace pipes[
. We] Dull & Cold
Carried out some rotten app[le]s &
straightened that piece[of the] celler
etc.
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[linton.]
�May, 1901 374
15, W. A[g] washed blankets[.]
16. T. [I] finis[hed] fixing[the basque]
at [the] waist[
. I] Beat [the]
spare room carpet [in the] even
ting. ]
17. F. A[g],B[ella] & I [were] in Church
P.M. (Rev Stewart-expected Flet
cher.) I stayed at Ned's & went Slight Rains
back with them at night(Dr Gif-
ford,Methodist.) A[g] & B[ella]
put down carpets[.]
18 . S .
19. S.
[I] Put frames in behind all[the]
[.]Hives[.] Washed off room even- Hot,
[ing] [?] J[ack] McGregor went turned colder
home [in the] even[ing on] Jno's
byke[.]
Jno. & A[g were] in C[hurch](Rev. Raining Morn
Stewart.) I [was] with Ned's[.] [ing]
Mrs [was] down minding Tene’
s ba- Fine
by[.]
20. M. [I] Papered Bella's Bed-room[.] Raining Morn
[ing]
Fine
21. T. A[g] & B[ella were]in C[linton]
A[g] & I washed Mo[ther's] 2 H[igh] Wind
white spreads & print quilt
too[.
]
2 2. W . [I] Papered [the] parlor [and
in the] even[ing I] set out 4
hives[.]
23. T . [I set out] the other 2 [hives
in the] morn[ing. I] Beat [the]
parlor carpet & laid it down
A.M.[I] Put down [the] woodshed
platform P.M. [and was] fixing
B[ee] Boxes etc. Jennie Grant
[stayed all] night[.]
24. F. Mrs [went] out home[. I] Finis
hed fixing the bee boxes.]
25. S. A[g], B[ella] & Jennie [were]at
U[ncle] Ja[mes']s [this] even
ing. I]hoed onions some,Greened
goose-berry bushes [and] Plant
ed Gladi[oli.]
26. S. I [was] in C[hurch](
Rev. Stew
art.) I[sabella]Pearl went with
me[. John went to church in the
evening.] A[g has] Lumbago[.]
Jennie went home A.M.
27. M. Mo[ther at soap [this week.]
Fine
Heavy R[ain],
T[hunder] &
L[ightning at]
night[.]
C[old] H[igh]
W[ind], Showers.
Fine, Cold
Raining & Cold
all week
28. T. [I] Cleaned [the] milk celler
some day this week[.]
�May, 1901 375
Fixing waist
[I] Finis[hed] fixing [the]
waist[.] Jno. dipped Sheep &
Lambs & Ned helped[.]
June, 1901
Ned went for [the] D[octo]r for
his Fa[ther last] night[.]
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[hurch]
(Rev. Stewart.) [John went in
evening.] Aunty returned from
Green's[
.]
A[g] & I washed[.
] Jane [was]
helping Lizzie [with her wash
ing.] Mrs went down with Lizzie
to see Aunt Abby[.]
Jno., Mrs, A[g] & I planted po
tatoes (13 rows) P.M. back of
[the] barn[.] Fen[wick], Adam
Tene & kid [were here this]even
ting.] Bella [has been] helping
Lizzie[.]
A[g] & B[ella were] in C[linton]
P.M. Edward Glen Sr. died [.I]
took up a buggyload[of] wood off
[the] road[.]Auntie[
was]
up [and]
[Bella was helping Lizzie] A.M.&
even[ing.]
B[ella] at Lizzie's A.M.
All but Mrs [were] at Glen's fu
neral P.M. A[g] & B[ella]& Eddie
Glen went all the way(to Clinton
Cemetery.] Jno.was a [pall]bear-
er with [John B.] Stewart[.]
B[ella]& I [were in church.](Rev.
Stewart.
)
A[g] & I washed[.
] I [was] at
Hunter's P.M.
A[g]& B[ella were] washing paint
etc.
, etc.in [the] Dining room &
Mo[ther]'s B[ed]Room[.We] put up
muslin curtains [and were] mend
ing [the] spread[.
]
Raining
Fine
Warm,
Very Warm
C[old] W[ind]
Cold Wind
Looking like
rain P.M.
slight rain
29. W.
30. T.
31. F.
1. S .
2. S.
3. M.
4. T .
5. W.
6. T.
7 . F .
8. S .
9. S.
10. M.
11. T.
�iStaue, 1M3L
30. S. 2 Swarms A.M. Jennie went home P.M.
379
July, 1901
1. H. Jno. started mowingf.We] washed
off rooms in the even[ing.I]met
A[g]& B[ella at the]station at]
night[.]
2. T. [I was]raking P.M. [and we]haul
ed in 3 loads[of hay.]
Jno.[was]
in C[linton this] even[ing on
the] Byke[.]]
3. W. A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. look
ing for Car[.* She] got [a] bag Same nearly all
[of] flour & [a] screen door[.** the time
We] Hauled in 3 loads[.] Jno.
[was] in C[linton this]
even[ing
on the] Byke[.] * probably refers to a "dolly," the
device that rolls along the wooden track, high up in
the barn and which is the key device for off-loading
slingloads of hay and sheaves from the flat rack into
the mow. ** for their summer kitchen.
4. T. A[g was] in C[linton] A.M. for
[the] wagon wheels[.] "Billy”
Pearson here [this] morn[ing]
with Car[. We] Hauled in 4
loads[.] Jennie called [this]
even[ing. She came] alone on
[her] wheel
Rained
5. P . [I] raked & hauled in a jag Furious & Heavy
(ends etc.,)towards even[ing.
]
B[ella has] gone to Grant's
[this] even[ing.
]
Rain
6. S. "Huron Old Boys" Celebration
in Clinton [I] Washed extra
jars etc.
Fine
7. S.
8. M.
in 6 loads [from the] shanty-
field & from Ned's....[We]haul
ed in 6 loads[from]behind[the]
9. T . barn.... We took 2 from [the]
Shanty field (ends etc.)
10. W.
11. T.
12. F. [I] Extracted[.](I think this
is the day.) [I harvested] ab-
out 97 lbs. [of] honey[.] At
least 50 lbs is clear bass-
wood[.
]
13. S.
14. s . A[g] & I [were]in C[hurch{Rev.
Stewart.) A[g] & B[ella went
in the] even[ing](Dr. Robert
son,Manitoba. )
�June, 1901 377
B[ella] & I [were in Church-]
{
Rev. Hamilton,
Londesboro-)[We]
took [the] celler stove out to
our wood-shed[.]* Swarms
*Isabel Glen told me that
her grandmother and aunts had a summer kitchen
some distance from the house. Bell used to make a
point of walking through it going to and from the
garden or barn, even though it was out of the way.
TsaJbel said also this blatant intruding more than
anything else, caused the sisters' reservations about
their sister-in-law to harden into deep dislike.
Eliza-Ann does not tell us why she shortly thereafter
stopped keeping this diary. My cousin Norah Smith sug
gested that Eliza-Ann was probably afraid Bell would
read it. In fairness to Bell, she was mistress in a
partitioned household and the important decisions about
running the farm were made by John in consultation with
his mother and sisters. Bell's sister Tena, by contrast,
was definitely mistress in her own house. Tene had no
sisters-in-law on the premises and her aging mother-in-
law was quite passive and deferred to her daughter-in-
law.
A[g] & I washed[
. Our] W[ood-
shed is]finis[hed] but[for the]
doors[.]
Mr & Mrs went to [the] bush for
elm nuts Swarms
Swarm together 1st in square
boxes[
. Using the ] sheep-box
wagon, Mrs,A[g] & I hauled up 3
[loads of] wood from [the] Very Hot
flat[.] Jno. in Brucefield P.M.
Jno. [was] in Cflinton] P. M.in
[the] buggy[.]
[I] Extracted (I think) About
43 lbs[of] honey[.] Aunty [was]
up[.] Ned’
s & Alex Elliot call-
ed[.]
Jno. took A[g] & B[ella]to [the
railway]station Enroute for Tor-
onto[.] Jno. [was] in C[linton]
P.M. [He] took up wagon wheels
to q^t r
them] mace smaller[.]*
"Jennie arrived [in thej even-
[ing.]
* This was a common practice at the turn of
the century. In the late 19th century, hay and grain
racks were an obtuse v-shape to clear the large back
spoked wheels of the standard horse-drawn wagon.
This made for ungainly loads that tipped or fell apart
easily. Men and women on the ground had to pitch
higher. The solution involved putting the front wheels
on the rear axle, shortening the spokes of the big back
wheels, installing a much smaller rim, and putting them
on the front axle. The result was a lowslung job on
which a level platform or flat rack was mounted.
The hay or sheaves were contained by ladders at either
end,plus one in the centre if slings were being used.
These flat racks were still being used in the 1950's.
23 . S .
24. H.
25 . T .
26. W.
27 . T .
28 . F .
29. S.
�July.1901 379
Jane,A[g],Mrs,Aunty & I[were]
picking berriesf.] A[g] & I
[picked] 21 lbs. (I think.)
[I] Cleaned [the]H[en]H[ouse]
etc. A[g] preserving cherries.
A[g] & Mrs Washed[.] Jennie
arrived P.M. Mrs [was] home[.
She] picked 1 1/2 lbs berries
at [the line]fence [this]morn-
[ing.] Mo[ther] & A[g were]at
Ab Nott’
s* P.M.[I]Washed[my]
hair[.
] Jno. [was] at Adam’
s
hauling in wheat[.]
* Turn right (south) on
to the London road from Stanley sideroad 30,
Nott’
s farm was third on the left or Tuckersmith
side of the road.
Jane, A[g], Aunty & I [pick
ed] berries[
. We had 26 lbs.]
[John was at Adam Stewart's
hauling in wheat] A.M. Adam &
Jno. [were] in Bayfield P.M.
B[ella] went home with Jen
nie[
.]
A[g] went with Mac's to [the]
berry bush picking for Mrs[.]
Jno [was] in C[linton] P.M.[I
worked] fixing [the] sleeves
in[the] Pique-waist etc. B[el-
la [came] back P.M.
[I] Finis[hed] fixing [the]
sleeves & ironed[the]
waist[.I]
made sleeve protectors and bee-
mitts[.] A[g] & B[ella were]in
C[linton] P.M.
[Bella and I were in Church.]
Rev. Stewart [held the] Anniv
ersary[service] before leaving
[for his] holidays[.] "I seek
not your yours but you."
[I was]Mending dresses etc[and
I] helped put off [a] hay-load
[in the] even[ing.]
A[g[ & B[ella were] in C[lin-
ton and] A[g]got her new dress
home[.
] Jennie arrived[.] Jane
& Harry Patterson [were] pick
ing berries A.M.[
I
]
[I] Think X picked beries [at We have hadlots
the line] fence A.M. of rain.
Rained
Mother & A[g,Jane,Isabella
Pearl and Edward John were]
in C[linton] P.M. getting
photos taken[.]A[g] & I wast
i
ed[.]Bella Cuming called P.M.
Jno. cut[the] field of oats in
front of [the] door P.M.
15 . M.
16. T.
17 . W.
18 . T .
19 . F .
20. S .
21. S.
22 . H.
23. T.
24. W.
25 . T .
26 . F .
�July, 1901
[I] Picked Rasp[berrie]s at
[the] fence momfing] & even
ing*] Jennie went home[in the]
evenfing.]
A[g] & 1 [were in Church.](Bev
erly Kitchen.
)
[I spent time] Sorting old let
ters[.] Mr Wood [of] Sarnia ar
rived [at] noon[
• He is] look
ing at [a] horse[.] Jno. & he
[were] at Tiplady's P.M.
[John and Mr Wood were at Tip-
lady’
s] A.M* [and] Jno. took
[the] gent to[the] station P.M.
[I] Washed off [a] room[. I]
Stamped a toilet mat & worked
a littlefin the] even[ing.]Mrs
& B[ella went out home [this]
evenfing. Mrs]McDougal & [Mrs]
Speare [are] there[.]Jno.[was]
reaping oats [this] evenfing.]
380
Rained
Poured
Fine
[I] worked [some more at the
toilet mat[.] Mrs McDougal,Mrs
Speare & Mrs [Malcolm McEwen] Fine & Cool
[were here] visiting Mrs P.M. 16.
Jno. finis[hed] binding oats
[and was at] Woonf’
s] thresh-
ing[.
]
Mr John McFarlane
Lyon Cottage
Strathtay,
Tullypowrie, Perthshire
Scotland
August, 1901
I [was] mowing green feed A.M.
[while Jno. finis[hed] stock
ing[.] Jno. [mowed green feed Fine & Cool
P.M. & I raked it up in [the]
field next Mac's & Adam's
[and] at [the] 2nd field be
hind [the] barn next [the]pas
ture[
.]
Jno. quit mowing A.M. & haul
ed in 2 of the loads A.M.[We]
Hauled in 9 loads [from the]
fieldf.
]
Jno. finisfhed] mowing[
. We]
Hauled in 5 loads [of] green-
feed (I think.) Bfella] went
to McPhail's P.M. with Jen
nie Grant[.]
A[g] & I [were in Church (Kit
chen.) B[ella was] with [the]
Grant’
s[
; she came] home [in
the] evenfing.]
Frost
27 . S .
28 . S .
29. M.
30 . T .
31. W.
1. T .
2. P .
3. S .
4. S.
�August,1901 381
5. M. [We] Finis[hed the] last 4
loads[of] greenfeedf.We] haul
ed in 6 loads[of] oats [from]
in front of [the] house[.]
Harry Patterson[was here] P.M.
helping[.]Elford called [and]
H[arry] Diehl[was here in the]
even[ing]..................
6. T. Harry Diehl was[here] all day
& Ned P.M. [We] Hauled in 1
load[and] finis[hed the]other Fine
field next [the] road & bush-
[?] loads[
. We’
re] Finis[hed]
Harvest[.]
7. W. A[g] Washed[.
] B[ella], Mag-
[gie] McEwen & I [were] in
Cflinton] A.M. [We] hitched
Billy out of our field[.I]cut
out 5 p[ai]rs [of] Shaker
p[an]ts & 2 aprons etc. B[el-
la]went to Grant's [this]even
ting.]
8. T. [I cut out a] Latteen dress,
etc.
, & Tucked waists (I
think.) A[g is making p[an]ts.
9. F. [I] made some of[the]pa[nt]ts
dress etc.................
10. S. "[We] Finis[hed the] p[an]ts
(A[g] made the most of them)&
[I] washed them, - flannel,
pique waist etc.
The New Era for August , 1901, reveals that
Miss Eliza-Ann MacFarlane is going to Manitoba to see the
sights and visit MacFarlane relatives around Oak Lake.
11. s .
12. M. Bella's handwriting Lib get
ting ready............
13L T . Lib went away..........
Lib enjoyed her vacation. For whatever reasons, she
never again mustered the will to keep it up day after day.
In the final four months, there were barely a dozen entries.
There was no diary kept in 1902 or thereafter.
Tue. Sept 24 Started picking apples
Wed " 25 Seaforth Fair
Finished apples- Mrs Brigham & Albert [were
here.
]
Friday Oct 4
�382
Monday Oct 7 Brigham's went home
Thurs Oct 10 Apple packers came at 11:30 A.M.
Fri I
f 11 " " finished about
noon[.] Jno. hauled out all entire
loads. Aggie Butchart & Jen[nie] Grant
[were here.]
Sat. Raining
Sun. Oct 13 Jen[nie] went home [in the] evening[.]
Bell(scratched out) Mr & Mrs John [were]
in church [
this] morn[in]g[.]
Mon Oct 14 Picking potatoes after dinner
Packed Bees - Dec 27. 1901
3 frames out of 1st to n[orth] end chaff
box - took out [of] mow & filled with
chaff
2 fr[ames out of] 2nd etc.
4 [frames] out of all the rest
Tuesday, July 27,2004. Yesterday I finished
transcribing 1900 and to-day I integrated
what had already been done for 1901 with the
main manuscript. From September, 1998,it has
taken five years and ten months to complete
this initial transcribing.
K.F. Stewart
�
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
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane Diary Collection
Subject
The topic of the resource
19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Original in private possession. Copy of transcript in Huron County museum & Historic Gaol.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1887-1901
Table Of Contents
A list of subunits of the resource.
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane Diary, 1887-1901
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
19th and 20th Century, Huron County, Stanley Township, Ontario
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
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane Diary, 1887-1901
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
September 28, 1887
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Eliza-Ann MacFarlane Diary Collection
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Typed Transcription
UG
Transcription Progress
Scripto transcription progress
Done
transcribed