Duncan MacFarlane Diary & Transcription, 1888-1889

Duncan MacFarlane

Courtesy of Private Collection

19th Century, Wellington County, Puslinch Township, Ontario

1888

Duncan MacFarlane Diary Collection

Scanned Manuscript and Typed Transcription



Duncan MacFarlane (1818-1892)
1888-1889 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
1888
January 1 it snowed last night today it is soft rained in the forenoon then got very cold in the
evening
" 2 this is a fine day I went to Aberfoyle to the Election of Councilors we had Some of our
friends for New years Dinner
" 3 this is a fine day I went to Aberfoyle to Taylors and got the Mare Jess Shod
" 4 this day is mild snowed a little we went to Guelph with a load of Wheat 37 B 28 at home
37 B 30 lb at Goldies it weighed 59 lb to the Bushel got 81cts $30.38 I bought 500 lb flour
paid $2.10 per 100 lb $10.50 500 lb shorts paid $4.25
" 5 this is a fine clear day I sold 2 steers for $60 and 14 lambs for $60 to David King he paid
$100 he will pay $20 when he takes the lambs away the steers went away today the lambs
to go away next week Hector McCoag and Wife from Beverly was here today Duncan
Gilchrist and Annie came with them John Douglas paid Blacks rent $190
" 6 this is a fine mild day we were down to Christ Littles to a Diner it is his Birthday
1888
January 7 this is a fine day we went to Guelph and settled up Some of Blacks accounts
" 9 this is a fine day David King took away the Lambs 14 and an old Ewe sold them for $4 25
each
" 10 a fine morning got stormy and cold James Scott and Wiff was here John Little came
home from Sarnia Robert James Was at William Beatties Bee hauling turnips to Guelph 7
teams
" 11 this is a fine winter day frosty and clear
" 13 this is a fine mild forenoon a little thaw got windy and cold in the afternoon we up to D
Gilchrists Susan had a yong Daughter tonight at 9 oclock
" 14 this is a fine day I went up to Guelph and up to Robert Amos{small superscript} brought
Margaret down to wait on Susan for a week
" 16 this is a fine clear day Robert J went down with John Little to his Brother Joes he is
going to Toronto to the College
" 17 a fine clear morning but snowed some all afternoon out of the east I went to Guelph with
Lizzie we were at the Creamery metting in the Townhall I bought a new lace tooth 6 feet
cross cutt saw paid $5 for saw and handels
1888
Jan 18 this is a fine clear day Joseph Little and wife was here to see Susan
" 21 this is a cold frosty day 10 degrees below zero
" 22 very cold 20 below zero
" 23 a fine day but cold I went in to Guelph
" 24 this is a fine day I was at the Anual Meeting of the Puslinch M. I. Company I was chosen
President of the Company a little snow last night
" 25 Snowed a good deal I was at the Funeral of Mrs John H Doughty a very large funeral
" 26 this day is very cold and stormy
" 27 very cold about 10 below zero all day Robert James, Lizzie, George Grigor and Wife
went up to Margarets on a visit they were very cold
" 28 this is a clear cold day 10 below zero George Grigor and his Wife went over to Sandy
Flimings to stop all night they have ben here sinc Tuesday on a visit the first since they got
Married the roads are badly drifted in some places
" 29 a cold day they upset going to the Church
" 30 this is a fine mild day I was at a meeting at the Church about the Cemetry
" 31 a fine mild day Mr & Mrs Gilfillian was here
1888
Feb 1 this is a fine day I went in to the Guelph fair I bought 15 Bushels 45 lb of Peas at
James Hewers Paid 72 cts per B $11.34 12 Bushels Oats at 48 cts $5.76
" 4 this has ben a fine week I was at Aberfoyl
" 6 a clear cold day I was down to Aberfoyle
" 8 a fine clear day I paid James Watt $10 in Payment of two Mares put to his Horse Lord
Douglas I paid $1 at time of service have $9 to Pay when satisfied that Doll is in foal
" 9 this is a very cold day over 10 below zero
" 11 this is fine clear day I went to Guelph got a spring in my Watch at Pringles paid a Dollar
for it
" 13 this is a fine mild day I went down to Campblevile station with John Little he is going to
Toronto
" 14 this morning is mild snowed about noon the Boys started to haul ice from the Aberfoyle
dam hauled 4 loads with 2 teams 48 blocks it was hard hauling in some places the snow is
deep
" 15 this is a very cold day keen frost from 10 to 20 below zero Robert James got his nose
froze 4 times in one trip to Aberfoyle hauling ice got home 4 loads 46 blocks
1888
Feb 16 a fine day keen frost in the morning got milder Robert James went to Aberfoyle mill
for some Chop stuff 7 bags paid 6 cts per bag he took home 4 blocks of ice got it all home
now 95 blocks and a lot of small ones to pack John Foster and Christ McBeath got it cutt I
pay 2 1/2 cents per Block the young folks are down to Gilfillians
" 17 this is a fine day I went down to Moriston was at the Morrisons Sale bought a pair of
gate hinges paid 25 cts Paid Allan McIntyre $2.50 for fixing the Cutter and sharping saw
" 18 I went up to Guelph and R Amos{small superscript occurs} with Janet Amos bought a
Bushel of Clover Seed at Andersons paid $5.50 a bottle of Medicine for Edward $1.50
" 20 this day is soft rained some in the morning Robert J was up to Guelph with a load wood
for C Little he took up two loads and brock the sleigh runner
" 21 this a fine day but cold we went over to Galt and up to Mr Orrsin{?} Waterloo above
Doon Mills Mr and Mrs Amos went up with us
" 22 this is a fine mild day went down to Galt and stoped at Mr Amos all night
" 23 this is a fine day we went up to Janet Gilfillians at Preston for diner came home in the
Afternoon
1888
Feb 24 a fine clear day William Black from Kansas was here he came yesterday
" 25 this day is Soft it Snowed in the Morning then rained some light a fine afternoon the
Boys Shot the Dog Collie and skined him I went down to the Postoffice in the Afternoon
" 27 this day is very cold below zero
" 28 this is a very cold day
" 29 this is a fine mild day I went over to Blacks Saw Mill Robert James went up above
Guelph for a load of hay for Christ Little
March 1 this is a fine day got cold in the afternoon
" 2 this is a very cold day
" 3 this day is very cold and windy we went to Guelph with a load of Wheat 39 B 28 lb at
home 39 B 15 lb at Goldies it weighed 58 lb to the Bushel got 80 cts per B $31.40 Edward
went up to Robert Amos{small superscript occurs} for 10 Bushels of Barley I Bought for Seed
have to pay 55 cents
" 6 we have had very cold weather lately I went down to Moriston to get the team harnes
repaired paid $2
" 7 this is a fine day but cold we went in to Guelph Fair it is fine Sleighing
1888
March 8 this is a fine clear day not so cold Robert James went down to Milton Edward went
to Blacks Mill with some Peas to Chop but did not get it done
" 9 this is a fine clear day I went out to Mrs Blacks to measure her firewood Henry Kelcher
cutt and hauled 17 1/2 cords of stove would paid him 90 cents per cord to cutt and draw
$15 75 Edward went went to Blacks Mill for the chop Peas and a load of Sawdust Robert J
got home from Milton
" 10 this is a fine mild I went in to Guelph with Edward for a load of Oats but we did not gett
them
" 12 this day is cold yesterday it snowed and stormed Robert James went over to Joseph
Smiths for a load of Oats 52 B 13 lb paid 45 cts per B I made a bargan with Mr Davidson for
to put up a Wind Mill
" 13 this is a dreadfull cold stormy day the men cleaned up a load of fall Wheat
" 12 Donald Bell comenced to work cutting fire wood
" 14 a fine day went up to James Scotts on a visit
" 15 a fine day cool we went in to Guelph bought an Ax paid $1.40 for ax & handel then went
to Mr Buchanan
1888
March 17 this is a fine cleare day the sun is strong but very frosty every day I went to the
Post Office
" 18 this is a fine clear frosty day
" 19 this is a fine warm day the sleighing is done in town we went in to Guelph with a load of
wheat 39 B 44 lb at home 39 B 50 lb at Goldies got 82 cts per B it weighed 60 lb $32.66 got
500 lb of flour at $2 per pd 500 lb Bran paid $4 29
" 20 this morning is very soft some rain the snow went away very fast warm in the afternoon
" 21 this is a very stormy day it snowed all forenoon then got very cold and windy at night I
went to Aberfoyle got a shoe on farmer and a chain mendid
"22 this is a very cold day with high wind we went in to Guelph with the Buggy the sleighing
is very good it is the Easter fair I was at the Farmers institute in the Town Hall in the
afternoon
" 23 this day is very cold 10 Deg below zero it is cold all day we went in to Guelph for lumber
for the Derrick of a Wind Mill Fannie the Mare foaled yesterday morning she had two Dead
foals the one was very small it had ben Dead for a considerable time it was much decayed
1888
March 24 this day is clear calm and very cold away below zero in the morning the Boys are
getting home firewood I started to smock the hams
" 26 this morning is a raw east wind it has ben raining a little nearly all day and frezing it got
Soft at night thawing the Boys cleaned up some Barley
" 27 this day is mild it rained in the evening the snow is well off the fields lots of ice on the
roads in Some places the Boys were halling and splitting wood
" 31 this is a fine day I went in to Guelph with the Carrige John Little and Donald Bell went in
with me John Little is going to Preach up to Bells Corners and Donald is going to Milton he
left us he wanted $20 per month and I would not give it he helped the Boys to get the
firewood for the Summer
April 2 a fine day but frosty all day
" 4 very fine weather frosty at night
" 5 this forenoon is wett till near 11 Oclock then a fine day we cutt our firewood with the Saw
I went to the Post Office the roads are very bad in some places
" 7 this day is very cold we went in to Guelph for the wind mill but did not get it I sent away
$243 63 to Mrs Stewart to Port Huron by Express
1888
April 9 a very fine day got raw and cold near night I went up to Robert Amos{small
superscript occurs} with Mother John Little and Susan Robert and Me settled up he paid his
note $16 I paid him $5 50 for 10 Bushels Barley $2.97 for 8 1/2 Bushels Oats I paid 96 cts at
the Station for the freight on the Wind Mill from Galt when we came home one of the Cows
had Died she put out her calvebed she was alright when we left in the morning and had
calved
" 10 this day is soft it rained nearly all day
" 11 this day is cold Robert James went in to Guelph got the wind Mill home sold the cow
hide $1 30
" 12 this day is very cold and frosty Margaret & Robert was down he brought down 5 bags of
Potatoes to change for Seed I got 2 bags Beauty of hebron and 3 B Eliphonts Mr & Mrs
Lennie was over here on a visit
" 13 I went down to Morriston
" 14 I went in to Guelph to a Meeting of the Creamery committee
" 16 I went down to Aberfoyle to the Seed Show and I hired Bob Robertson to dig a drain and
Post hols
" 17 Bob Robertson comenced to dig the ditch
1888
April 18 the weather is cold I went up to Mr Davidsons and came home then went in to
Guelph for a load of piping 515 feet Dave Atkinsons raising
" 19 Mr Davidson & Mr Been comenced to wort at the wind Mill I went down to Aberfoyle in
the afternoon then I went down in the evening to hunt for a man to help to dig Post holes for
the wind Mill and dig a ditch I got Mr Davidson Taylors Father in Law for two days paid $2
" 20 we went to Peter Littles Funeral he Died very sudden on Tuesday night
" 21 the weather is very cold and frosty we raised the Derrick for the Wind Mill in the Morning
then I went in to Guelph to a Meeting of the Creamery Committee I was at the Colege for
Dinner
" 23 I went down to Aberfoyle got August Miller to Dig the Ditch it is hard frozen he
comenced afternoon the Sow piged had 7
" 24 the weather is very cold every day hard frost every night and very dry hard on the Wheat
we went down to McIntyrs Mill for a load of Sawdust paid 50 cents for it got the Gangplow
fixed
1888
April 24 I went in to Guelph for some piping in the evening after half past 4 Oclock
" 25 this is a fine day frosty in the Morning got fine and warm through the day Davidson
finished the wind mill we got all the ditch filled in we had August Miller 2 1/2 day paid $2.50
Edward is Gangploughing for Barley
" 26 this is a fine warm day but the weather is very dry we went to Guelph for a load of Salt
2415 lb at $4 50/100 per ton I drew $200 out of the Bank paid Mr Davidson $170 40/100 for
putting up a Wind Mill and pipping. Guelph horse Show
" 27 this day is very warm 85 Deg in the Shade I went over to the first Concession with
Professor Robertson of the Colege Creamery to try and get more patrons to give there
Cream
" 28 this day is terable hot for the Season we sowed Salt on the field at the end of the Barn
Robert comenced to Sow the Barley in the Afternoon
" 29 this day is very warm we had 3 day very hot
30 this is raw east wind finished Sowing Barley in the field at the end of the Barn rain in the
afternoon
1888
May 1 frost in the morning cold air all day Edward is Gangploughing in big flat field next the
Sideline back Robert rolling
" 2 a fine day but cool aire I went in to Guelph with Lizzie in the afternoon got some Peameal
for the Calvs 65 lb 89 cts tryed to get a leg for the Gangplough did not get it
" 3 a fine day cold East wind in the evening I sowed some Salt sowed the Barley in the big
flat field next the Sideline 10 Bushels Farmer horse is very lame a Sprain
" 4 this is a very fine day Some warmer Robert Sowed some Oats in the field with the Barley
Bob Roberson finished putting in 40 posts paid him 7 cents a post he dug parts of a ditch
and wrought 2 days I paid $6 50
" 5 this is a fine day I comenced the garden sowed some Seed Onions finished Sowing the
Barley 16 1/2 acrs
" 7 this is a fine day the Boys are Gangploughing and harrowing and rolling
" 8 this morning is raw and cold it comenced to rain after noon rained a little all afternoon Doll
the Mare foalled this morning a mare foal
" 9 this is a fine warm day I went in to Guelph got a leg for the Gang Plough at Tolton Br paid
$1.30 the 30 cts for freight got 16 lb timothy Seed paid $1.29
1888
May 9 Sowed 6 acrs of Peas in the field at the Windwill
" 10 a fine day Sowed Oats in the little field at the creek
" 11 a fine warm day I was at the grarden we sowed the Oats in the 2 fields at the
Concession
" 12 a fine day got cool at night sowed some Oats in field at the Railroad next the Sideroad
Dolls foal Died today we had 2 navies working today fixing fences paid them 50 cts each
" 13 this day is cold all day near frost in the morning
" 14 this day is cold Robert went to McIntyrs Mill for Some hemlock lumber for fencing they
started to gather the Cream for the Creamiry
" 16 very cold Robert is Sowing some peas 3 1/4 Bushels and Oats in the field next the
Orchard I went in to Guelph in the afternoon got some money out of the Bank $38 I bought a
Bushel of Corn for seed paid 85 cts
17 this day is cold Robert finished Seeding in the morning Oats 24 acres Barley 16 1/2 acres
Peas 7 1/2 Edward and Jack is hauling out Dung for the Potatoes I went down to get Farmer
and Doll Shod at Bickleys I paid 60 cts I paid Allan McIntyr $8 for fencing lumber
1888
May 17 I paid Mrs James Black $13
18 this day is very cold east wind it has ben very cold all this week frost every morning it
rained a little in the afternoon not much the Boys cleand out the Sheep house in the
afternoon
" 19 this is a fine but cool the Boys is hauling out Manure for the turnips Robert and me were
putting on the boards on the new fence out near the Swamp in the afternoon I planted Some
Potatoes in hills
" 21 this is a fine day it is warmer but very dry the boys are hauling out dung we put the
Boards on the new fence in the forenoon Robert ploughed the corn land in the afternoon I
Sold a bag of Potatoes to William Cussins for $1 30
" 19 John Smith got 4 bag of Potatoes he is to pay $1 30 per bag Sometime
" 22 this is a fine day we planted the Potatoes all but three rows 1 1/2 acrs we had Smiths
two Boys planting
" 24 the weather warm and dry the Boys and Lizzie was away I went to the Postoffice
" 25 this is a fine day were fixing fences back the Sideline I went to the Council meeting
1888
May 26 a fine day a little rain in the forenoon the Engin was up past here yesterday on the
Railroad the track is laide up to Murrays line fence
" 28 this is a fine warm day I wen in to Guelph with Susan and Lizzie to get some things ant
to meet John Little but he left Guelph before we got in I bought 5 lb of turnip Seed one Dolar
William Gilfillian and Wife was here on a visit
" 29 this is a fine warm day the Boys are Spreding dung and ploughing the turnip land
" 30 a fine day the Boy washed the Sheep finished ploughing the turnip land
" 31 a fine day a light Shower in the forenoon we went to the Church it is the fast day Jane is
very bad with a Sore leg Mother is down there
June 1 a fine day but cool and dry I went in to Guelph with John Little he is going up the
Country
" 2 we had a fine rain today it rained heavy for about two hours we were at the Church
" 3 a very fine day but a little cool we were at the Church it is the Sacriment Sabath
" 4 a fine day some frost in the morning some places I got Jennie the mare Shod at Taylors
1888
June 5 a very fine day I went down to Janes with Mother in the morning Jane has ben very
bad with the Milk leg for over a week She is a little better today we cliped the Sheep 12 our
flock is very Small this year Christ Little and Edward clipped them Robert J comenced to
ploug the Summerfallow the little field back next Archies
" 6 a fine day went went in to Guelph with a calf Sold it for three Dollars it was Small we
bought Some Salt and Plaster for the turnips
" 7 this morning is cold got warm in the afternoon we comenced to work Statute labour
" 8 very warm today finished the Statue labour
" 9 this day is very warm all day a little rain in the evening Mother and me went over to
Dumfries to William Beatties Funeral he was Burried in the Galt Cementry we got Dinner at
Mr Amoss got home at dark
" 10 we had a thunder storm it rained heavey for a good while it will do a deal of good it has
ben very this Spring
" 11 a very fine day cool in the Morning the Boys are ploughing the Summerfallow
1888
June 12 a fine day we cleaned up a load of Wheat I went down to Aberfoyle in the afternoon
and got the mare Jennie Shod at Taylors
" 13 a fine day warm we went in to Guelph with a load of Wheat 40 B 26 lb at home 40 B 30
lb at Goldies it weighed 60 lb to the Bushel got 95 cts per bushel $38.47 Bought 500 lb of
flour paid $2.40 per 100 lb $12.500 lb shorts paid $4.50 bought a dung fork paid 75 cts
" 14 a fine warm day had a fine rain last night
" 15 a fine warm day things are growing fine Robert comenced to Plough some Sod in the
back field for Summerfallow
" 16 a very warm day Robert J comenced to drill for the turnips and Sowed an acre I went
with Mother to Guelph we got our Picture taken
" 18 the weather is very warm they are drilling and Sowing turnips I comenced yesterday to
take Some Medicine I got for the Sciatica
" 19 this day is very dry and warm we finished Sowing the turnips 4 acres 7 1/2 lb
" 21 this is a very warm day we went down to Aberfoyle to McIntyres for a load of hemlock
lumber
1888
June 21 Paid McIntyre $7.61 for lumber 761 feet
" 23 a very warm day I went in to Guelph with some Wheat 12 B 45 lb it weighed 60 lb to the
Bushel got 75 cts per B $11.91 I bought 30 feet of Ash lumber dressed at Stewarts paid 70
cts a half bundle of cedar Shingles paid 85 cts a 100 lb of Oatmeal at Andersons paid $2.25
a barl of salt 90 cts a hoe 75 cts I got a lb of Paris green at Balls paid 35 cts a lb at Pettries
25 cts
" 24 we had a fine rain it was much needed it has ben very warm and dry all week
" 26 Robert James finished Ploughing the Summerfallow it is fine weather
" 27 a fine day but cool looks like rain out of the east
" 28 this is a very wett day it has rained all day out of the east it will do great good
" 29 this is a very fine growing day Robert Amos was down here he called with his two
Cussins Mr and Miss Turnbull from Scotland I went to Guelph in the afternoon for the wheel
of the sectiongrinder paid 80 cts for fixing it al Toltons it was the School picnick I went over to
Alexander Smiths
1888
July 2 this is fine warm weather I went up to Margarets with Mother Jane and Janet Amos we
went to the Picknic
" 3 I went down to Mrriston in the afternoon
" 4 I went in to Guelph with Lizzie and young John Little they went up to Wiarton on the train
to go to Keppel
" 5 this is fine warm weather I went to Rockwood wth the wool 72 1/2 lb at 21 cts half cash I
was docked 2 1/2 lb for cotts it came to $15.23 I got yarn and flannel Robert James
comenced to cutt the hay in the orchard
" 3 William Jones comenced to work about 10 Oclock we hired him for two months for $50
" 6 comenced to cutt the hay in the orchard
" 7 very dry and warm got in a load of hay
" 10 Will is scuffeling the turnips Robert cutting
" 13 the weather is very dry got the hay all in but a little raikins 13 load good loads the hay
was light but the quality is firstrate all timothy we put the Mare Doll to Watts Horse Lord
Douglas to pay half price
1888
July 14 very dry I went in to Guelph with Susan and to meet Lizzie She got home from
Keppel I bought 145 lb of Sugar from Peter Anderson paid $10 25/100
" 17 very dry the Boys are busy thinning the turnips I went down to Bicklys Shop took the
Waggon and the Carrage down to get the tires sett got the Carriage down and three shoes
sett
" 18 we have had a fine rain Several Showers it was much needid it will do a great amount of
good to the Country
" 20 finished thining the turnips
" 21 fine weather we started to cutt the wheat done a little
" 23 we had a fine rain this afternoon
" 24 the Boys are ploughing and hauling out manure
" 25 a fine day cutting wheat Robert brock a wheel of the Binder
" 26 I went up to Margrates with Susan She is to go up to Owen Sound on Saturday I went
down to Schaw Station for the wheel of the Binder it came from Woolstock I paid 25 cts for
freight
" 27 finished cutting the Wheat and some Barley
1888
July 28 a fine day Robert cutt the Barley in the field at the end of the Barn I went in to Guelph
and the Creamery to a meeting of the Committee
" 30 cutt the Barley in the field at the well and hauled in 3 loads of wheat
" 31 hauled in 3 large loads of Barley it comenced to rain about 11 Oclock I went down to
Taylors to get Jennie and Jess Shod
August 1 a fine day hauled in some wheat and Barley
" 2 got in all the Barley that is cutt and Some Wheat
" 3 a fine day Edward is at John Smiths with the team hauling in Wheat they are thrashing
Robert is cutting the Barley back in the Big flatt field 6 acres it rained in the evening
" 4 this morning is dull and very warm there was a great deal of thunder and lightning and
some rain last night the Boys are ploughing in the forenoon then finnished cutting the Barley
hauled in two loads of wheat
" 6 this is a very day finished hauling in the wheat
" 7 finished hauling in the Barley
" 8 a light Shower last night and one this afternoon we comenced to cutt the Oats cutt 7
acres
1888
August 9 a fine day they comenced to clear the turnips the turnips the Second time Robert
finished ploughing the Summerfallow the Second time
" 10 the Boys are ahe at the turnips
" 11 the Boys are at the turnips in the forenoon then pulled 1 1/2 acres of Peas in the
afternoon I was pulling weeds in the Potatoes
" 13 the Boys are pulling the Pease with the horse rake I was pulling weeds in the Potatoes
" 14 Robert cutt 3 acres of oats and hauled in Some
" 15 hauled in the oats in the flatt field {blank space} loads and 2 loads of Pease Will went
away about 4 Oclock to see his Sister She is Dying
" 16 it rained in the morning Robert cutt some oats in the afternoon
" 17 it rained in the morning it turned out a fine day cutt oats
" 18 Will came home last night he has ben away 2 1/4 days his Sister Died Robert finished
cutting the oats out at the Concession the Boys pulled the balance of the Peas then hauled
in 5 loads of Pease
" 20 fine weather hauled in 4 load of Pease
1888 {in blue ink: R J McFarlane}
August 21 hauled in oats in the forenoon at the Summerfallow in the afternoon very warm in
the forenoon Cathrin & Rebaca Horracks was here last night on a visit they went away today
" 22 this day is windy and cool Robert finished cutting the oats hauled in one load of oats
" 23 this forenoon is very cold and windy I went in to Guelph for the Ferier the black mare
Jennie is Sick She has ben Scouring very bad lately this is the Farmers Club Seed Show
there is a lott of very fine wheat
" 24 I went in to Guelph to tell the Ferrier how the mare is She is a good deal better
" 25 the weather is very dry and warm today it was very windy yesterday and today Robert is
at Murrays thrashing the other Boys are at the Summerfallow
" 29 this is a fine day we went in to Guelph with some Butter and eggs I paid the Ferrier $4
for one trip down to see the Mare Jennie she got all better now Mr & Mrs Gilfillian was here
on a visit when we got home
30 terable dry and hott gott in all the Oats
1888 {written twice in blue ink: R J McFarlane}
Aug 31 we had several showers we were thrashing had Peter Humes Stemmer we were
stoped Several times we thrashed all the Wheat fall 240 B Pease 165 B Oats 200 B
Sept 1 a fine day after the rain it rained a good deal through the night I went in to Guelph
with some Butter got 22 cts per lb Susan came home from Owen Sound She has ben away
for 5 weeks
" 3 this is a fine day cool in the morning the Boys are ploughing the fallow
" 4 a fine day comenced to Sow the fall wheat
" 5 finished Sowing the wheat in the field next Archies Sowed 13 1/2 Bushels on 7 acres with
the 12 cog pinion rather thick I went in to Guelph and to the Sale at the Coledge Mr Robert
Orr and Wife was here from Waterloo on a visit Robert Amos and Margaret was here also
" 6 a fine day but cool east wind Edward Sowed timothy Seed on the wheat next Archies
Sowed it with Donald Campbles Seed Barrow 33 lbs on 7 acres I went out to the Post office
for the Papers
1888
Sept 7 a fine day looks like rain in the evening Robert James finished Sowing the wheat
10 1/2 Bushels today on 6 acres with the 10 cog wheel 24 B in all on 13 acres
" 8 this morning is dull we had a heavy Showr in the evening I went in to Guelph with some
Butter then I went to a Meeting of the Creamery Committee
" 10 a fine warm day we cleaned up a load of wheat the Rev Mr Burns was here I subscribed
$5 for the endowment of Knox Coledge pay next December
" 11 a very warm day we went to Guelph with a load of Wheat 43 B 1lb at home 42 B 55 lb at
Goldies it weighed 61 lb to the B got $1.1/100 per B $43.35 bought 500 lb of flour at
$2.50/100 $12.50/100 500 lb of Bran at $14 per ton the trains started to run on the Railroad
today they are going to run reaguler now
" 13 fine weather but very dry Edward Sowed timothy and clover out in the field at the
Consession
" 15 Sowed timothy down near the Railroad on the flatt got it rolled we fixed the fence at the
back lott
" 16 a fine rain rained nearly all day
1888
Sept 17 a fine warm day we killed 5 pigs Christ Little helped us Edward was at
Laings Smiths thrashing
" 18 a fine warm day I went in to Guelph with the pigs 5 pigs weighed 597 lb at home 584 lb
at Guelph market scales docked 10 lb 574 lb at $7 50 per 100 lb came to $43.5 sold them to
McHardey Edward went down to the Toronto Show with Christ Robert was at Flimmings
thrashing Bob Barker was at Smiths thrashing for us
" 19 Robert James comenced to plough the Sod at the back field Edward got home from
Toronto
" 20 fine warm weather I went down to Morriston with some collers to Scotts to fix
" 24 very fine weather Mrs Flimming Died this Morning She has ben Sick for a long time
" 25 a fine day the boys are ploughing the Sod we had Bob Barker helping Edward to put up
a fence through a Swamp at the Back lott I was at Christ Littles Sale I bought the BobSleigh
for $14.40/100 cash
" 26 this day is cool we were at Mrs Flemmings Funerall Mrs Gage late Magaie Taylor from
Michigan came here last night
1888
Sept 27 this day is cold I went in to Guelph with Mrs Gage to the train to go home I went to
Aberfoyle got a shoe on Jennie at Taylors
" 28 this is a fine day we had Robert Barker Working he helped Edward to put a fence
through the Swamp I went to Christ Little Sale I bought the Bob Sleigh paid $14.40/100 cash
Mrs Gage from Michigan came here after dark with her Uncle John Smith she is a Daughter
of George Taylor
" 29 this day is raw and cold with a Shower in the afternoon we were at Mrs A Flimings
Funeral
" 28 a fine day we comenced to take up the potatoes we had Willie McKenzie and James
Smith helping
29 a fine morning at the Potatoes Some rain in the afternoon and got cold we put the old
Sow to fatten She has ben getting peas outside
" 21 Edward went to the Aberfoyle Mill with 13 bags to chop 7 of Peas 4 of Peas & oats and
2 of Oats we put up 6 pigs to fatten going to feed on chopp
" 30 this day is raw and cold Some rain we were at Church
Oct 1 rained some all forenoon the Boys cleaned up 23 B of the Oats we got from Gilfillan
and carried them over to the hay house put them in the Sleigh Box
1888
Oct 2 this day is cold and raw it rained and Snowed the most of the forenoon it cleared up
before noon the Boys were at the Potatoes had Robert Barker helping them in the Afternoon
" 3 this is a fine day we finished takeing up the Potatoes in the forenoon all but the land to
plough Edward went to the Aberfoyle Mill with 16 bags to chop
" 4 a fine day we were at the Puslinch Show we got the first prize for the yerling colt we did
not Show much some Apples and Beets
" 5 a fine day but dull we were thrashing Oats and Barley 200 Bushels of Oats 500 of Barley
" 6 a fine day we went to the Church then in to Guelph Barker was at W McKenzies thrashing
the filled 22 bags of Apples for cider
" 7 this day is some cold we were at the Curch it is the Sacrament Sabath
" 8 this day is very windy and cold Edward went up to Guelph to the Cider Mill with 22 bags
of Apples got a little over 2 barrels
" 9 a fine day but cold in the forenoon we started to pull the apples and harrow the Sod
1888
October 10 this is a fine day warmer pulling apples and boiling cider for Applejack we got a
little over two barrells of cider paid 10 cts per bag for making it I Sold 9 lambs to Mr Spence
for $4 each he took away 3 lambs
" 11 this is a fine day I went in to Guelph with the cider kettle to Mr Smiths we had it hired for
one day paid twenty-five cents the Boys cleaned up a load of Barley 23 bags
" 12 this morning was Soft it rained Some in the forenoon very light but rained a good deal in
the afternoon we went in to Guelph with a load of Barley 53 B 11 lbs in Guelph 53 B 24 at
home got 70 cts $37.26 Robert James went to the Milton Show
" 13 this Morning is Soft and Dull Robert is Ploughing we cleaned up a load of Barley
" 15 this is a fine day we were piking apples Robert James went to Guelph with a load for
Robert Beattie they moved in to Guelph for to live
" 16 this day is Soft several Showers we went to Guelph with a load of Barley 50 B 40 lb at
Guelph 51 B 26 lb at home got 68cts $34 50
1888
Oct 17 a fine day we were picking Apples Robert James is plowing
18 this is a fine day I went to Aberfoyle got the Mare Doll Shod and Jennies hind feet at
Taylors we killed a pig it weighed 168 lb for our own use
" 19 this forenoon is wett we cleaned up a load of Barley and was at the Apples in the
Afternoon
" 20 this day is cold and raw Showery at the apples
" 21 this day is cold and frosty
" 22 hard frost in the morning we went in to Guelph with a load of Barley 54 B 41 lb at home
54 B 13 lb at Pendeltons Guelph got 70 cts per B I bought 9 flour Barrels for Apples paid 30
cts each
" 23 this day is dull and misty a little light rain at the apples in the forenoon rained in the
evening there was a Tea Meetting at the Schoolhouse at nighh
" 24 this morning is raw and Showery in the forenoon turned out a fine day we were at the
apples Robert James is away with the team to move Christ Little down to Campbelvile he is
going to live there and Butcher I paid Peter Hume $19 for thrashing
1888
Oct 26 this is a fine morning till noon then it rained all afternoon at the apples in the forenoon
Mother and me went over to see William Gilfillian he is very bad just Dying very dark when
we got home we had Robert Jefferson and James Smith helping us with the apples
" 27 this day is wett it rained a good deal I went to Guelph
" 29 this day raw and cold some light Showrs I got the mare Fanney shod on the forefeet at
Bickleys
" 30 this is very fine day we comenced to top the turnips yesterday harrowed Some up today
busy at the apples I went over to Peter McKenzies Sale then went over to William Gilfillians
he Died today at half past two oclock
" 31 a very fine day we went to Guelph with a load of Barley 53 B 38 lb at home 53 B 31 lb at
Guelph got 60 cts per B $32 15 Robert started to harrow the Turnips bought Edward a pair of
Boots paid $3.10 flour Barels for Apples paid 30 cts each $3
Nov 1 a fine warm day busy hauling in the turnips we went down to William Gilfillans Funeral
at noon the Funeral was at 2 Oclock PM
1888
Nov 2 a fine day in the forenoon warm busy at the turnips I was filling Barels with Apples in
the forenoon but it got Showery in the Afternoon Robert James went down to Taylors to get
Jennie Shod in the forefeet got new Shoes on
" 3 this morning is cool but it turned out a fine day for the turnips got all the Sweds in 38 load
there is quit a lot of Greaystone to take in yet I went to Guelph with Mother with Chickens
and Butter
" 5 this is a very fine day warm Robert is Ploughing the Boys are at the turnips I was at the
Apples
" 6 this is a fine day warm got a little colder in the evening we killed 5 pigs in the forenoon we
had Duncan Gilchrist helping us ploughing and at the appls in the afternoon
" 7 a fine day a little frost in the morning we went to Guelph with two pigs one weighed 193 lb
160 lb got $7 per 100 lb $24 22 I paid George Henning $14 for 100 lb of binding twine that
we got in the harvest I was at the Lawer with Gilfillan
" 8 this is a wett stormy day and raw east wind
" 9 this day soft it rained all night heavy and this forenoon light and warm we put the ram to
the ews I bought him at the fair paid $7 to Mr Adamson Nassagaweya
1888
Nov 10 this morning is wett it cleared up about 10 Oclock Robert James went in to Guelph
after it cleared up with 20 bags of apples to make cider got about 100 Gallons he paid $2
Edward is at A McKenzies thrashing
" 12 this is a fine day I went in to Guelph for the bags Robert left on Saturday the Boys are
Ploughing
" 13 this is a beautifull day warm I went down to the Post Office they are boiling cider
" 14 this is a very fine warm day we went in to Guelph with a load of Barley 53 B 36 lb at
Guelph Slemans got 68 cts $36.55
" 15 this is a very fine warm day this is the Dominion thanksgiving day we were at Church
cleaned up a load of Barley and filled up some appls make cider
" 16 this is a rather cool day it rained some last night and a light drippel of snow this morning
we went to Guelph with a load of Barley 42 B 7 lb at home 41 B 42 lb at Slemans got 68 cts
$28 47 we had 6 bags of Apples for cider got a Small Barlel cider
" 17 the ground is white this morning cold all day the Boys are fixing up the stables and
getting the young cattle tyed in I went down to the Post Office in the afternoon
1888
Nov 19 the ground is covered with snow it snowed a little all night then rained some and
thawed all forenoon it got soft Robert James went down to Campbelvile with a load of
Potatoes for Crist Little I went to Rockwood and got the old horsecovers I left in the Summer
at the Factory I bought a pair of horsecovvers paid $4 for them some yarn and wincy
" 21 a fine day we went in to Guelph with a load of Barley 55 B 6 lb at home 54 B 43 lb at
Guelph got 68 cts $37.32 bought a pair of Boots for Robert paid $3 the frost is hard they
cannot plough
" 22 this day is raw and cold
" 24 this is a fine day warmer the roads are hard good wheeling I went to Guelph with Susan
and Lizzie I had two bags of apples for Duncan Graham I bought a quarter of Beff from Billy
Watson 127 lb paid $6 45
" 26 this morning is cold and stormy Robert James went to the Aberfoyle Mill with 15 bags to
chop 8 oats 7 mixed he did not get it home
" 27 this is a fine day we comenced to take the stones out of the well we are going to deepen
it the water is very low Mr Davidson is with us
1888
Nov 28 the weather is mild busy at the well
" 27 I had to go to Guelph for {2} rims for to make a curb for the well the Barns at the Model
farm was burned last night and all the crops
" 30 we have had fine weather all week a little soft sometims we got the well all stoned up
Dec 1 this day is a little colder got the well finished and the windmill started before noon
made a firstclas job of it 3 feet 3 in of water it is 22 feet deep got a new platform I paid Mr
Davidson $12 he paid $1 for 2 rims for a curb and I paid $1 for 2 rims we had Donald Bell
helping us we got 178 feet of lumber paid $1.78 it has cost $22 to fix the well
" 3 this is a fine day had a little drippel of snow last night Robert & Donald started to take in
the straw stack
" 4 this day is colder got stormy in the afternoon got in all the straw stack and got the
horsepower sett and fixed
" 5 a very fine day I went in to Guelph the fair day got a pair of felt Boots paid $2 for myself
1888
Dec 8 a fine day Mother and me went in to Guelph had some articals to the market to sell got
a card at the Postoffice for some frieght
" 10 this is a fine day went to Guelph with the wagon for 2 barls of Dried figs from California I
paid $5.20 for Duty 30 cts for filling papers $5.50 580 lb I bought 500 lb flour paid $2.65 per
100 lb $13.25 100 lb Oatmeal $2.50 a pair felt boots for myself $2
" 12 a fine day but a little cold I went down to Morriston got the Buggy wheel fixed at
Campbells part of a new rim and spoke
" 13 very cold I went in to Guelph Christmas fair I bought a gallon of paint
" 14 this is a cold cleare day Robert and Donald Bell went down to Campbellvile on the train
James McLaren was here on a visit from Drumbo
" 15 a clear cold day Donald Bell is hauling out Dung
" 16 Sunday it rained nearly all day not heavy
" 17 this day is soft Robert James went to the Aberfoyle Mill with 9 bags of Mixed to chopp
paid 7 cts he got Jess shod new shoes all round $1 20
1888
Dec 18 this morning is colder and stormy with a little snow Mother and me went down to
Campbelvile with the Carrs from Corwhin to visit Jane Little Robert James took us over to
Corwhin we came up in the evening with the train
" 19 this is a very cold day we went up to Margarets on a visit it was very cold going up the
Brockroad
" 21 this day is windy and cold I went to the postoffice
" 22 this day is cold and frosty John Little and Elizabeth went to Guelph with the Buggie
" 23 this is a fine day we went to the Church
" 24 this is a fine warm day we painted the Windmill
" 25 this day is Soft it rained all forenoon lightly Christ Little Jane and all there family came
up fom Campbellvil John Little Susan and there family were here to a Christmas Dinner
" 26 this day is very dull and soft misty and raw the Boys are fixing things about the place the
roads are very bad John and William Gilchrist went off on the evening train on the C.P.R. for
British Columbia
" 27 this day is colder the road are very rough I went to the Post Office and to old Mrs
Ellis{small superscript} Funeral She Died aged 74 years
1888
Dec 28 a fine cleare frosty day we were cutting straw in the forenoon had Archy and Donald
McKenzie this is Mothers Birth day
" 29 this is a fine cleare day we got a Cow hanged in the Stable She was dead when they
went out after Breckfast we skined her and took the Scin to Guelph got $2.12 $4 per 100 lb I
went to Guelph with Lizzie and Donald Bell I paid Donald $12 for a Months work
" 31 this is a fine mild day we had a very light Showr of Snow last night I went down to
Aberfoyle to the Nomination of Councilors I paid Falconbridge for the Globe Newspaper $1
and Witness 80 cts for a year
Jan 1889
" 1 this is a fine mild day we have very fine weather hardly any Snow this winter I Subscribed
for a book to the Rev Mr Cameron the price is $4 if he gets enough of Subscribers we were
over to John Littles to tea
" 2 this is a fine day mild
" 4 very fine weather mild and warm I went to Morriston got the harness mendid and a Sett
1889
Jan 4 of new britchin straps paid $1.80 paid Hugh Campbell $1 for fixing the Buggie wheel
" 5 this day is cold and raw looks like a storm Edward went to the Aberfoyl Mill with 12 bags
to chop 8 mixed and 4 Oats
" 8 this is a fine day we have a little Snow the Boys are getting out firewood Mother and me
went to Guelph with the Cutter I paid for the Mercury 4 copys for $4
" 9 this day wett cold rain got cold in the evening and very windy all night
" 10 this day is very stormy and very windy snowed a good deal but blowed all away
" 11 this is a fine day the sleighing is not good I went out to Jack Douglas{small superscript}
to try and get the rent James Scott Arkell and Duncan Graham was here on a visit
" 12 a fine day I went to Guelph and got $100 rent from John Douglas
" 14 a very fine cleare day I was back at J Barkers with his Brother William trying to make a
Settlement but failed Edward went to School
1889
Jan 15 this is a fine I was at the anual Meeting of the Puslinch Mutual fire Insurance
Company I was elected President
" 16 this is a fine morning till noon then it rained all afternoon we went up to James Scotts in
the Afternoon
" 15 I paid Mrs Black $10 and Blair Falconbridge his Account
" 17 frosty hard roads I was at Mrs George Duthies Funeral I paid James McLean $5 for my
Subscription the Knox Coledge fund
" 19 this is a very cold frosty day I went to Guelph bought 4 Galons Coal Oil at Balls and 2
bits and an inch chisel
" 20 this is a very cold day it snowed in the evening
" 21 this a very cold stormy day Snowed some last night got vey windy all day
" 23 this is very fine mild weather
" 24 a fine mild day Robert went to the Aberfoyle Mill with 12 bags to chopp 7 B mixed and 5
oats
" 25 a fine warm day the Sleinghing is about done I was on the Anual Meeting at the Church
1889
Jan 26 this is a fine day we went to Guelph with Buggie fine wheeling I had a hide in to Sell it
weighed 49 lb got 3 1/2 cents per lb very cheap it was a heiffer we killed last Wednesday the
23 the heiffer weghed hind qur 208 lb fore 162 lb
" 27 this day is foggie and raw snowed in the afternoon
" 28 it has ben stormy snowed a lot plenty of Snow to make sleighing we had to go with the
children to School
" 29 this day is cold I went up to Margarets with Susan and Lizzie
" 30 this is a fine day Mother and me went down to Campbelvile to See Jane and her Family
" 31 we went in to Guelph with a load of Barley 55 B 8 lb at home 54 B 28 lb at Pendeltons
got 54 cts per B $29 46 the Barley is very dull and low
Feb 1 this is a fine day went down got Jess shod at Bickleys
" 2 sort of stormy in the Morning snowing some we went to Guelph with 14 bags of Apples
got 50 cts for the Sps and 40 cts for the others
" 4 this is a fine mild day working in the Shop
1889
Feb 5 it snowed a lot last night we were up to Murrys last night Mother Susan and me it was
stormy comeing home Nicolas Norris and wife was here today on a visit it got very before
night down to zero
" 6 this is a dreadfull cold day Robert went in to Guelph fair with a Cow sold her for $25 50
cattle is very dull she was very cheap to was dreadfull cold going in Lizzie and me went in
with the Cutter I got my nose and Cheeks frozen John Douglas paid me $90 for rent for the
Black Farm
" 7 this day is cold but warmer than yesterday I went down to the Mill with 8 bags of Oats to
Chop but I did not get it home
" 8 this is a fine mild day filled some apples
" 9 this is a fine day we went in to Guelph with a load of Apples 15 bags got 50 cts for 7 bags
Sps 40 cts for 8 B sold 13 B to the Coledge
" 12 this day is very cold and windy the roads are very heavy I went to Mrs Dougald
Campbells Funeral She is a very old woman 82 years I was one of the pallbearers
1889
Feb 13 this is a fine day cold in the morning J Scott wife and Mrs D Graham was here on a
visit
" 12 Robert James went in to Guelph with a steere we sold to George Wakefield for $22 very
cheap
" 14 this is a fine day Edward was at John Philips bee with the team taking a load of wood to
Guelph Robert Margaret and all the Family were down here on a visit all night
" 16 this is a fine morning but it got Soft rained a little in the afternoon dull Scotch Mist we
were in Guelph we had 15 bags of Apple for the College got 50 cts for 11 Bags 40 cts for 4 B
$7.10 we Bought 1580 lbs of Bran at Goldies mill paid $9.25 $14 per ton Bran
" 17 a fine mild day they went to Guelph Curch
18 this day is quite stormy I wrote a letter to George
" 20 the weather is very cold I went down to Moriston to See Mrs Morrison and got the
harness fixed at Scotts
" 21 very cold Robert James went to the Aberfoyle Mill with eight bags of Mixed to chopp but
he did not get it home
" 22 this day is very Stormy and cold Robert went for the chopp to the mill but he only got
one bag something wrong with the mill
1889
Feb 23 this day is very cold the thermomiter 10 below zero it has ben very cold and Stormy
all week the roads are very bad drifted Robert went to the mill for the chop but he did not get
it the mill is out of order he had had hard work to gett through with the drifts
" 24 this is a very cold day 23 below zero
25 this morning is very cold 20 below zero turned out a fine clear day but cold near night I
went down to Aberfoyle got the chop from the mill got Farmer Shod at Bickleys
" 26 this is a fine clear morning got soft then rained snowed we went in to Guelph Mother
had Butter
" 27 a fine day the mildest day for a long time I went down to Johnstons Sale of stoves and
tinware
" 28 a fine day I was down to Aberfoyle to a meeting William Horrocks and Wife and Mrs
Gilfillan was here on a visit from Minto he Bought 10 Bushels 10 lb of Barley for Seed paid
56 cts per B 5.70 they stopped all night
March 2 a fine warm day the snow is melting we went to Guelph with 11 bags of Apples sold
them from 30 cts to 50 cts per Bag $4 25
1889
March 1 a fine warm day started to haul ice from Aberfoyl dam 10 blocks but the roads ar
Soft
" 3 this day is very warm the sun is strong the snow got soft we were at Mrs Bickleys Funeral
" 4 this day is clear and warm Edward is at Archies cutting firewood
" 5 this is a fine clear day we went down on a visit to John Macfarlanes Donald Monros and
Mrs Gilfillans
" 6 I went with Lizzie to Guelph put $75 in the Bank for the Black estate called to see Guthrie
& Watt Robert is hauling posts
" 7 this day is colder I was down to a meeting at the Church got 200 posts from James
McPherson 6 cts each
" 8 this day is cold and stormy
" 9 this day is very windy and stormy the roads are drifted we went in to Guelph with 13 bags
of apples got 50 cts for some 4 bags 35 cts in trage for the rest 9 bags bought 2 1/3 Bushels
clover $5 50 per B $12.86
" 11 this is a fine day the roads are badly Drifted
" 12 this is a fine warm day Bob little is helping Robert to haul ice from Aberfoyle dam
1889
March 12 got home 4 loads of ice 35 blocks August Miller cutt it but it is too warm for the ice
the Mare Fannie Sliped her foal she had two foals but one of them has ben dead for a long
time
" 13 this is a fine day the snow is going but it got cold in the evening I was at John Smiths
Sale I bought a wheelbarrow for $2.75 10 sapp pails 5 cts each
" 14 this is a fine day I went down to Mrs Gilfillans for 12 bushels of Peas paid 56 cts per
$6 72 took 4 bags of Oats to the Mill to chop paid Robert Little $1 50 for 3 day work
" 16 this day is very warm I went to Guelph with Lizzie the Sleighing is done about Guelph
and very deep Snow in some places in the country
" 17 warm the snow is going fast
" 18 warm the Boys are cutting wood in the bush
" 19 this day is warm and soft the sleighing is done Mother and me were up to See William
Hume he is very bad with droppesy and heartdisease
20 were at Peter McLarens Sale we bought 2 Ploughs for $6 58 the roads are very bad
1889
March 23 this is a very fine warm day we were in to Guelph today to meet Mrs Jane McCoag
from Keppell She came down on a visit I bought 4 gallons coal Oil at Petries paid 15 cts per
Gallon
" 24 frosty in the morning warm after were at Church
" 26 hard frost in the morning we were at William Humes Funeral David King was here and
Bought 2 Steers for $70 very cheap
" 27 this is a very fine day we cutt our firewood with the circular Saw
" 29 this is a fine day but cold we were out to Aberfoyle to the Mill with 12 bags of Oats to
chop we were at the Seed fair I bought 13 bushels of Oats paid 33 cts per Bushel $4 29 and
4 B 30 lb Peas paid 62 cts per B $2 79
" 31 it Snowed all day there is quite a fall of snow
April 1 this is a fine warm day I went to Guelph with the Buggey I was Setteling up with Mr
Bailey about his Mortgages he paid me up for the two Mortgages on the Stewart Farm I put
the money Stirtons Bank
" 2 this is a fine day Robert James went down to Mr Taws for a load of Oats 68 Bushels paid
33 cts per B $22.44
1889
April 2 Robert Amos and Margaret was down on a visit
" 4 this is a fine day I went over to Hector McCoag in Beverly with Mother and Aunt Jane
McCoag the road are very bad I called at the Town Hall Aberfoyle to vot on the repeal of the
Scott Act
" 5 we got home from Beverly we called at Mrs Gilfillans the roads are very bad the Sow
piged 4 all died
" 6 this is a fine warm day the road dried up someplaces we went to Guelph Bought 500 lb of
flour at James Hewers paid $2 62 1/2 per 100 lb $13 13 Galt flour Robert James Bought a
Suit of cloths at Williamsons paid $14 the price was $16
8 Robert went with the Sow to Kitchins Boar Mrs Gilfillan William and Janet came here with
Aunt Jane She was down there for a few days
" 9 a fine warm day Edward went in to Guelph with a load for John Little he is Moving up to
Keppel
8 Donald Bell comenced to work he is hired for 7 month at $17 per month
" 10 this is a fine warm day Robert comenced to plough I went in to Guelph with John Little
Susan and the children and Aunt Jane She went home and John is going up to Keppel to
preach for the summer
1889
April 11 a fine warm day the two teams are ploughing
" 12 this day is a little colder I went down to Aberfoyle got Fannie shod in the front feet at
Bickleys I was in to heare the court of Alex and John Smiths
" 13 this day is cold we went in to Guelph with 11 bags of Apples sold them for 35 cts per
Bag
" 15 this is a fine day Robert went with the Sow to Kitchins Boar the Same Sow that went to
the Boar last Monday I went down to Aberfoyle to Taylors and got Doll and Jennie Shod all
over that is got them removed
" 16 this is a fine day frosty at night I went down to the Church to a Meeting to appoint 2
trustees for the Cementry
" 17 Mother and me went in to Guelph I bought a pair of Shoes for Robert paid $1.25 a pair
of plough lines paid 30 cts a can tick destroyer 35
" 18 a very warm day I was in to Guelph on a scott Ack case and the horse show I went
down to Alexander Smiths for 4 Bushels 7 lb spring Wheat paid $1 15/100 $4 72
" 19 a fine warm day comenced to sow the Barley 5 1/2 acrs 10 Bushels
1889
April 20 this is a fine warm day I went in to Guelph with one horse and 5 bags of Appels sold
them for 40 cts per Bag I bought home 500 lb of Salt 30 cts per 100 lb $6 per ton
" 22 it is colder frost at night Sowed the Salt and 4 Bushels of Spring wheat and Some Barley
" 23 a fine day finished Sowing the Barley Sowed 11 B Sowed 21 B in all sowed with the 30
cog wheel 12 pinion
" 24 started to sow the oats in the big flat field till about 3 Oclock then we had a very heavy
storm of wind and rain the first rain of any amount this spring
" 25 this day is dull but a good day Robert comenced to plough the Sod in the field at the
creek for Peas we put tick destroyer on the sheep one of them a fine ewe with two lambs
drank some of the Stuff and Died in about 3 hours
" 26 this is a fine day I went down to Aberfoyle got the Colter fixed two of the ewes was dead
in the morning one drank Poison the other had a sore bag they were fine ewes and had 2
lambs each Robert finished the Oats in the big flat Field 26 Bushels
" 27 this day is wett it rained near all day not heavy I went to Guelph with 5 bag Apple got 50
cts per bag
1889
May 9 this day is very warm Donald is Ploughing Robert J is finished rolling then he started
to pick stones off the grass the Minister had a Prayer meeting here this afternoon
" 10 this is a fine morning I went down to Aberfoyle to the Mill with 6 bags of Oats to chopp
and the wheel of the old wagon to Taylors to fix paid $1 30 we had a fine rain it rained near 2
hours not heavy
" 11 this is fine growing weather warm I went in to Guelpt with 5 bags of appels got from 35
to 50 cts per bag had some eggs got 11 cts
" 13 this is a fine day cool in the morning the Boys got all the stones gathered off the gras
field I went down to Moriston then to Gilfillans
" 14 a fine day it rained a good bit in the Morning the things are growing fine warm the Boys
washed the Sheep 14 robert rolled some of the grass
" 15 this morning is a little cold got warm at noon then cold at night some rain at night we
went up to Robert Amos{small superscript} I bought a B of Suthern corn for Seed paid 90 cts
and a post spoon paid 65 cts
" 16 a fine day Donald is at the Dung for Turnips
1889
May 18 this is a fine warm day we went to Guelph with Butter and Eggs got 15 for B 11 for
eggs we had a load of wheat 37 B 55 lb got 95 ct per B $36 3 we bought 213 lb of Barb wire
paid $5 75 per 100 lb 10 lb spike nails 5 lb stepples $12.70
" 19 very warm in the forenoon a big showr at noon
" 20 a fine day Edward clipped 10 sheep
" 21 Some rain in the Morning got cold before night finished clipping the Sheep 15 Mr & Mrs
Amos was heare from Galt tonight
" 22 this day is quite cool Robert is Ploughing the land for corn got a lott of potatoes cut
got all the Dung all out for the turnips Mr & Mrs Amos and Maggie went away
" 23 very cold some frost Robert James Sowed two ackers of corn for feed then planted 13
rows of Beauty of Hebron Potatoes
" 24 this is a fine day cool night and Morning Robert and Donald Bell went to Milton I went
over to McKenzies paid $2 for Bull money in full
" 25 a fine day finished Planting Potatoes 13 Beauty of Hebron 3 Early rose remainder White
Eliphant 1 1/2 acres
1889
May 25 we went in to Guelph with Butter and Eggs I got 6 lb swed turnip 1 lb Purple top paid
$1 40 {blank space} lb Hungarrian grass Seed
" 27 working at the wire fence it rained all afternoon cleaned up a load of Wheat
" 28 this is a very cold day some snow flying we finished putting on the wire on the fence
" 29 this morning is very hard frost the ground is hard done a lott of damage in the
garden we we went to Guelph with a load of Wheat 40 B 26 lb at home 40 B 30 lb at Guelph
got 90 cts per B it weighed 60 lb to the B $36 45
" 30 this day very wett it comenced to rain yesterday afternoon it rained all night it is still
raining at noon cold rain out of the east on till 4 Oclock
" 31 this day is very dull it rained through the the night it has rained a great deal the land is
too soft to go on to it the boys are scrapeing and pruning the Appel trees I was mending
Shoes part of the day put the Mare Fannie to to the Horse
June 1 this is a fine day but cool we went in to Guelph then I went down to the Church
1889
June 2 a fine day but cold we were at the Church it is the Sacrament Sabeth
" 3 a fine day but dull finished ploughing the Turnip land Robert is fixing the board fence he
went down to Carr With Jennie mare to meet Grants Horse
" 4 this day is cool the Boys started to pull down the fence along the lane to the Railroad and
dig the Post holes for a wirefence
" 5 the Boys were fixing fence round the Pea field
6 this is the finest day for some time I went down to Taylors to get Jennie and Jess Shod we
putt the mare Doll to the horse
" 7 this was a fine morning till noon then it rained nearly all afternoon not heavy we cleaned
up a load of Wheat 40 B 11 lb finished putting the wire on the fence all but a little in the
forenoon
" 8 this is a fine day after the rain it rained nearly all night we went in to Guelph with butter
and eggs
" 10 this is a fine day I went down to morriston to the Sale of the Church lott Jennie got the
horse D Grants
1889 {title added through text editor}
June 11 this is a fine day we went in to Guelph with a load of Wheat 40 B 10 lb got 90 cts
$36 15 we bought 87 lb of barb wire 50 lb fence wire 2 1/2 lb fence steppels a keg of shingle
nails at $3 1/4 per 100 lb to return what we dont require paid for all $9.64 bought 100 lb Oat
meal at $2 25 20 cts castor oil 15 cts machine oil
" 13 this is fine warm day I went down to Aberfoyle got Farmer Shod at Bickleys the Boys
were at the Lake
" 11 we got one of the Cows killed on the Railroad skined it got $1 for its hides is very cheap
" 14 this day is very warm we went to Rockwood with the wool 44 1/2 lb of fine wool got 25
cts in trade 45 1/2 lb coarce at 22 cts $21 25
" 15 this day is very warm Showrs going round in Some places we had a big Shower after
dinner we were in Guelph with Butter and eggs
" 17 this is a fine day but we had a very heavy rain last night rained a great deal I went down
to Morriston and then to Mr McIntosh the Tailor with a Suit of cloths to make
" 18 this is a fine day comenced to drill for the Turnips and Sowed a quantity I went over to
John Kitchins paid him $2 for the two Sows to the Boar
1889
June 18 I warned out the men for the Statute labour for Friday the Boys are the fence along
the lane
" 19 this day is very wett it has rained all forenoon low ground is very wett it cleared up in the
afternoon
" 20 this is a fine day Robert was drilling and Sowing the turnips Lizzie Edward and Donald
went in to Guelph to see the Band Touriment
" 21 this has ben a weet forenoon some very heavy Showers the flatts are flooded with
watter we were to have started the road work but we could not do it with water
" 22 this is a fine day after rain we went to Guelph had 3 bags of Potatoes Sold them for 35
cts the first we sold this year we bought 500 lb flour at Goldies paid $2 40 per 100 lb $12 100
shorts 65 cts
" 23 this is a very fine day we were at Church
" 24 this is fine day finished Sowing the Turnips 7 lb of Seed we were working Statute labour
25 this is a fine day I went up to London to a Convention of Insurance Companys I went up
with the 2 50 train got in to London a little before 6 oclock
1889
June 26 I got home from London in the evening paid 1 1/3 fair for return $2 90
" 27 this was a fine forenoon very warm but we had a terable thunder Storm after noon it
rained in toronto, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 a b c d e f g h i j l m n o p q
July 1 this is a fine day Robert Scuffeled the Potatoes
" 2 the weather is very soft and dull the Boys started to put the posts in for a new fence from
the lane to the sideroad
" 3 this is a fine day I went in to Guelph Settled up in the Bank with all the Bank Books I
came home then went down to Aberfoyle to a Meeting of Reformers at the Hall at 7 Oc
" 4 I went down to Aberfoyle gave Mrs Black $10 Henry Helleder $5 paid Falconbridge
$21 74 Robert Scuffeled the corn
" 6 it is very warm we went in to Guelph with Butter I bought 2 lb Paris green 25 cts per lb
June 28 this is a very warm day this is the School picknick and Examination I went up to the
Agricultural Colege it was the closeing Examination ther was a great croud there
1889
July 8 this day is very warm Robert comenced to cut the hay I went down to a Committee
Meeting at the Hall Aberfoyle
" 9 this is a very warm day got in 3 loads of hay
" 10 this day is very warm got very Sultry then had thunder with a little rain afternoon then in
the evening had a big rain got in 3 load of hay
" 11 this is a fine warm day busy at the hay I went down to the Post office got Jennie Shod in
the front feet at Taylors
" 12 this is a fine day Robert finished cutting the hay it is very heavy in the field at the old
roothouse
" 13 a fine morning but we had a heavy Showr in the forenoon a fine afternoon at the hay we
went in to Guelph got coal oil a new three prong fork paid 50 cts
" 15 a fine day I went in to Guelph got a bag of Salt 130 lb paid 57 cts busy at the hay got in
5 lads got it all raiked
" 16 this is a fine day for the hay not too warm got in 8 loads
1889
July 17 this is a fine hay day got the most of the hay in the Barn
" 18 this is a fine day finished hauling in the hay a good crop one field a very fine heavy crop
2 loads Mother and me was down to Campbelvile
19 a very light Showr in the morning I went down to Aberfoyle paid my Seat rents to J
McLean $6 25 got Farmer & Doll Shod at Bickleys and left the old Buggy wheel to sett tyre
" 20 a fine day the Boys are at the turnips cleaning Mother and I went in to Guelph in the
afternoon with some Butter and eggs
22 a fine day the Boys at the turnips cleaned some wheat
23 a fine day cool had a great storm of rain and wind last night put the grain down bad we
went to Guelph with a load of wheat 36 B 30 lb got 93 cts per B $33.95 it weighed 60 lb we
bought 8 Squares of Shingles Second cllass fine for the Sheed roof paid $1 20 per square
$9.60
" 24 a fine day Robert James Started to cutt the Barley but he did not do much when he
brock Something had to go to Gulph to get it cast
1889
July 24 I got very bad this morning at 4 Oclock with Cholera Morbus I wa very bad till 3
Oclock when Doctor Orton came I was very weak by that time Robert James went out in the
evening to Tom Weirs for a new hay rack he paid $6 for it
" 25 Robert James went in to Gowides for the part of the Binder he got home at noon then he
started to cutt
" 26 finished cutting the Barly in the front field then went to the back field cutt Barley and
wheat
" 27 the weather is close and dull I have ben weake since I got bad but I must be thankfull I
am no worse Robert has cutt the Most of the Wheat
" 29 the finished cutting the Barley and Wheat the Wheat was a fine crop but it is badly
rusted the Barley is a very heavy heavy crop but it has got culered with rain
" 31 a fine day sarted to haule in the Barley some of it is not very fitt dull weather and heavy
hauled in 4 lads and two of Wheat
1889
Aberfoyle apples appels
Aug 1 a fine warm day busy hauling in Barley
"2 a fine day till near night then we had a terable storm of rain and wind
" 3 this is a fine day Robert started to shingle the Back sheed Edward started to scuffel the
turnips I went to Guelph to See the Doctor I am getting better
" 5 this is a fine harvest day we got in all the fall Wheat hauled in {blank space} loads we
went to the Funeral of Duncan Camerons Boy aged 9 years
{in margin: steers stiars}
" 6 fineshed hauling in the Barley
" 7 Edward & Donald is at the turnips Robert is Shinglins Mr & Mrs Amos from Galt was here
lady
" 8 this is a fine day Lizzie & Maggie Amos went down to Campbelvile with horse and Buggie
{in margin: Geas Jess}
" 9 a fine day but dull like rain we had several Showers after dark a fine rain the Boys are at
the turnips and Shingeling
" 10 a fine cool day we went to Guelph took Maggie Amos up she has ben down heare for
over two weeks we had Butter & eggs Robert Cutt the Spring wheat Donald is hauling out Du
ng to the fallow
1889
Aug 11 this is a fine cool day we were at the Church Doctor McKay our Minester preched his
last Sermon to us he is going to leave our Congregation he has ben here nearly 16 years
" 12 this is a fine day Robert cutt some ragweed out in the field at the Consession with the
mower it is very bad with it Donald started to plough the Summerfallow it is bad with thistel
" 13 this is a fine day I went down to Aberfoyle got a letter from George got Farmer Shod at
Bickleys
" 14 a fine day I went over to John Smiths the Boys are Ploughing the Summerfallow
" 15 Jane was up from Campbelvile went to Guelph I was down to Aberfoyle Sent away a
letter to George the Boys are Ploughing
" 16 this a fine day but cold and windy the Boys finished Pulling the Peas with the wooden
raike some of them is not good got killed out in June with out too much rain they were near
the creek low and level
" 17 a fine day we went in to Guelph with Butter the Boys hauled in 3 loads of Peas in the
afternoon the thrashing Machin came here in the evening
1889
Aug 19 this is a fine day warm we were thrashing in the forenoon half day Peter Humes
Machine we thrashed all the fall wheat 260 Bushels and 10 Bushels of Barley the wheat is
not first class William McKenzie and Fliming is thrashing in the afternoon
" 20 this day warm and dull in the morning we had thunder and a heavy shower through the
night the Boys are Ploughing and harrowing Edward is at Gilchrists thrashing
" 21 this is a fine day Edward is Atkinsons thrashing Robert comenced to cutt the Oats they
are heavy
" 22 Robert Brock a wheel of the Binder I went down to Morriston to try and get one but I
could not get one then I went to Guelph got one at Gowdies it the Guelph Sivick holiday we
got in the spring wheat 2 very large loads
" 23 got the Binder fixed is cutting the oats
24 finished cutting the Oats in the Field next the Orchard started the big flat back I went in to
Guelph to the Seed wheat show
26 the Sow piged yesterday morning She had 8 living and one dead cutting Oats
1889
Aug 27 very warm dry weather cutting Oats they are very hard to cut they are very heavy
and laid down very bad Donald was picking Stones in the forenoon at the Oats in the
afternoon
" 28 Robert James started ridge up the Summerfarlow they started to haule in the Oats
" 31 very dry warm weather the Boys got in all the Oats that are cutt they have ben very
heavy and laid down we have 4 acres to cutt the other sow piged she had 9 piges they are
doing well
Sept 2 it is very warm the Boys are ploughing for wheat
" 3 very hot and warm I went down to Bickley and got the Buggie tyres sett and a spoke paid
$2.5 Mary and George Orr and little Annie Andrew Orr and his Sister came here today from
California
" 4 very warm and dry we went to Guelph I bought a bushel of timothy Seed paid $2.50 the
Boys finished ploughing the field near the Barn for wheat
" 5 very warm and dry comenced to Sow the wheat I went over to John Smiths on buisness
6 finished sowing the fall wheat 8 1/2 acres sowed 16 1/2 bushels it is Summerfallow the Pea
land is too dry and hard to Plough cant make a good job
1889
Sept 6 we went up to Robert Amos{small superscript} with Mother Mary and George Orr I got
a Plough Shear and Slip Paid 80 cts
" 7 we went in Guelph with Butter and eggs sowed timothy
" 9 Robert James went up to Eramossa with a load of wood for Peter Beattie Edward
Kingesburry started to learn the Blacksmithing with Peter Beattie up in Aramossie Robert
Amos Margaret Mary and George Orr came downe here
" 10 George & Mary Orr went down to Campbelvile to See Jane Lizzie went with them
" 11 I went in to Guelph with Mary & George Orr George went away over to his Fathers in
Waterloo I bought a pair of Shoes for Robert paid $1 50
" 13 the weather has ben very warm and dry every thing is very dry we got all the Oats in we
have had a great crop
12 was at the Aberfoyle Mill with 9 B 54 lb of wheat it was poor weighed 53 lb to the Bushel
got 350 lb flour 35 lb to the B it was badly rusted
" 14 this is a fine day warm in the forenoon the folks are all away to the Sabath School
picknick to the Model Farm exept Mother and me I went down to Aberfoyle Postoffice a letter
from Duncan
1889
Sept 16 this day is cold it rained this morning a good bit Jane came up on Saturday night and
Donald went home with her last night it was very dark he came home this morning at 5
Oclock the Boys were stocking up some corn and fixing up the bridge at the creek
" 17 this is a fine day but dull the Boys started to Plough the back field where the wheat was
the ground is dry
" 18 this day is cold we went down to Mrs Gilfillans with Mary Mrs Bently ,, Grace Grigor from
Michigan came here today with her two Children on a visit
" 19 this day is cold a fine day for working the Boys are ploughing
" 20 this morning is dull it rained some last night
" 21 this day is cool we went in to Guelph with some Butter Robert went over to Waterloo to
Mr Orrs with Mary and little Annie we went down to Aberfoyle for Mrs Bently and her Children
" 23 this is a fine day I went up to Margarets with Mrs Bently and to the Galbreaths Edward
has left P Beattie he cant stand Blacksmithing he went up to Guelph with hides and tallow for
Christ he went up for his trunk to Beatties
1889
Sept 25 this is fine warm dry weather the Boys ar burning brush back in the Swamp and
clearing it up Robert is ploughing Lizzie and me went down to Shaw Station with Mrs Bently
and her Children they Started home for Michigan
" 26 this day is a little cool Mother and me went in to the Guelph Show and to meet Susan
and her children they came down on the 4 Oclock train from Wiarton She has ben up in
Keppel all Summer John has ben preaching there he has gone down to Toronto to the
Coledge Mary came over from Waterloo
" 27 this is a very cold day I went in to Guelph in the afternoon for Susans trunk Robert
finished ploughing in the Back field the ground is very dry
" 28 this is a fine cool day the Boys are clearing up the swamp George Orr came over last
evening from Waterloo
" 30 the Boys started to plough the Big flat field I went down to Taylors got Jennie the Mare
Shod in the front feet
Oct 1 this day is Showery in the forenoon Edward went down to George Amos{small
superscript} with George Orr Mary and Lizzie bur Mrs Amos is Sick then they went over to Mr
Robbies spent the afternoon he had the 2 year old colt with him it goes firstrate
1889
Oct 2 this is a fine day we went in to Guelph George Orr left here to go to his Fathers the
Boys started to take up the Potatoes got up the Beauty of hebrons nearly 2 wagon loads 13
drils they are in the middle bin on the right hand Side of the pasage
" 3 this morning is very dull it rained a good bit in the forenoon cleaned up Some wheat in the
afternoon
" 4 this day is cold we went in to Guelph with Mary She went down to Galt then She will start
home on Monday to California She has ben over here for 5 weeks Lizzie went down to Galt
with her this is the fast day
" 5 this forenoon is very wett it rained all forenoon and dull and cold all day
" 6 this is a fine day we were at church it is Sacrament Sabeth Mr Torrance Preached
" 7 this day is very cold the Boys are at the Potatoes got in 2 loads
" 8 a fine day we were at the Puslinch Show we showed Some Potatoes Cabage Beets and
the 2 year old colt
" 9 a fine day got the Potatoes up but to harrow and plough
1889
Oct 10 this is a fine day harrowing and ploughing the Potatoe land got all the apples
gathered in only about 2 little basketfulls there are very few apples in this part of the country
they got destroyed with frost on the 29th of May
" 11 this is a fine day we went to Guelph with a load of Wheat 13 bags 27 B 35 lb only got 70
cts per B it only weigh 54 lb to the Bushel $19.31 the wheat is poor got rusted
" 12 this is a fine day but a raw cold wind from the east finished ploughing and harrowing the
Potatoe land we had 7 wagon loads they were a fair crop I went up to Billey Watsons for a
quarter of Beef 100 lb paid $6 a front quarter the thrashing machin came here in the evening
Peter Humes
" 13 we were at Church John Little Preached
" 14 a fine warm day we are thrashing Oats & Barley I was over as a Judge at the
Nassagaweya Show
" 15 a fine warm day frost every morning we finished thrashing we had over 800 Bushels of
Oats 385 B Barley 33 Spring wheat 86 B Peas we thrashed the fall wheat in August 260
Bushels 1600 in all this is my birth day 71
16 Robert is Ploughing Donald is at Atkinsons thrashing
1889
Oct 16 Edward went to the Aberfoyle Mill with 13 Bags of Oats and some Peas to chop
Susan and her family went down to Toronto on the early train they are going to live in
Toronto John is going to the College
" 19 we have very fine weather very dry Robert and Donald is Ploughing Edward has ben at
A McKenzies thrashing the last three days
" 21 this is a fine day very dry frosty in the morning we are logging back in the Swamp
Robert is ploughing
" 22 this day is dull and cool clearing up a piece of new land back at the creek Robert is
ploughing we put up 3 pigs to fatten one of the old sows and 2 young pigs we bought from R
Beattie
" 23 this is a clear cold day is was very hard frost this morning the Boys could hardly plough
in the morning we cleaned up a load of Barley Lizzie and Annie Gilchrist went up to
Margarets
" 24 this is a fine Mother and me went in to Guelph to see about the price of Barley Edward
is topping turnips
25 the weather is dull we went in to Guelph with a load of Barley 47 B 19 lb at home 46 B 47
lb at Guelph got 48 cts per B $22 54
26 Barley 53 B 46 lb at home 53 B 30 lb at Guelph at 48 cts $25 74
1889
Oct 28 a fine day but cool started to harrow up the turnips and haule them in
" 29 a fine day busy at the turnips
" 30 a fine day for the turnips got all the Swede turnips hauled in 31 loads I went in to Guelph
I bought a pair of Boots for Donald paid $2 50
" 31 this day is dull Robert Jame went down to the Aberfoyle Mill with 16 bags of chop 10
bags of oats 6 of mixed he paid 6 cts per B 96 cts he got Doll shod at Taylors
Nov 1 this day is dull a little light rain in the afternoon the Boys are pulling the white turnips
and hauling them in Robert is Ploughing
" 2 this morning is very foggy and dark it rained a lot in the afternoon Robert was ploughing
in the forenoon the Boys got all the Graystone turnips hauled in 11 wagon load the cleaned
up some wheat
" 4 this is a fine clear day the Boys are Ploughing
" 6 this is a fine day I went with Lizzie to Guelph it is the fair I bought a pair of Boots for
Donald $2.50
" 7 fine weather frosty at night and dry this is thanksgiving day I was down at Aberfoyle
Townhall the Judge has a court for the final revision of the Dominion Voters list
1889
Nov 8 this a fine day cleaned a load of Barley we were up to James Scotts in the evening
" 9 a fine day we were in to Guelph with a load of Barley 54 B 32 lb at home 54 B 8 lb at
Slemans got 48 cts $26 bought a half Barel of Labradore {hearing} paid $3 75 Mother and
Robert went down to Campbelvile in the evening train
" 11 this is a very fine day Edward went up with the cow McGibbon we Sold her to Billey
Watson for $36 we are fixing up things about we put the ewes to the ram 14
" 12 this is a very fine day clearing up the new land and hauling rails started to cross plough
in the back field but it would not make a good job we stoped
" 13 rained some in the morning I went to Guelph bought a plow Shear Donald Bells time is
up he has ben here 7 months at $17 per Month $119 I paid him $19 he wants to leave a
$100 for a while with me we put the Sow to Robert Beatties Boar
" 14 Robert started to Ploughing Sod in the big flat field it is a fine warm day
" 15 cold and frosty Robert is ploughing
1889
Nov 16 a fine cleare day but very hard frost could not plough the Sod till the afternoon
Edward went up to the Arkell Mill with 16 bags to chop 9 oats 7 mixed paid 5 cts per bag
" 17 a very fine day we were at Church
" 18 a fine morning frosty changed and rained all afternoon Robert James went over to
Blacks Mill for a load Sawdust for to pack round the tank in the Shed we put in 4 cattle to
fatten an old cow and 3 steers they are small
" 19 this Morning is dull and Misty all forenoon Robert was ploughing but it rained all
afternoon the Boys were fixing round the big tank
" 20 this day is very dull and misty all day it is calm and mild Robert was Ploughing
" 21 this day very dull and soft sort of misty rain all day Robert is Ploughing I went in to
Guelph got 4 Gallons of coal Oil at Bonds 15 cts per Gallon
" 22 this day is soft light rain I went down to Morriston to the Rev Mr Meldrums Funeral he
was 83 years old he was the first we had in Puslinch he married us 48 years ago
23 was at Mrs Robert Cockburns Funeral
1889
Nov 23 this is a beoutifull day was at Church
" 25 this day is a little coolder some frost Robert is ploughing Edward went up to Arkell Mill
with a gris of Wheat 13 B 30 lb got 448 lb flour 33 lb flour to the B 227 lb Bran and Shorts
26 this is a very fine day Robert is at Smiths thrashing Edward was at Flimings thrashing
27 this is a terable Stormy day it Snowed a lott and blowed all day the Snow is drifted bad it
Started to rain in the afternon it is raining Steady now at 8 oclock the Boys are fixing up
about the stables
" 28 this day is not So Stormy it is colder there quite a lot of Snow
" 29 it is a fine day cold Murry thrashed in the afternoon we put 5 weather Lambs to feed we
have not many Lambs this year
30 this is a very fine day I went in to Guelph with Mother She had some chikens I paid taxes
$32 49
Dec 2 this is a fine day sort of soft and raw I got the Mares Doll & Jennie Shod at Taylors
" 3 this day is cold and windy it rained a lot last night got cold and Snowed Some
1889
Dec 4 this is a fine day very frosty in the morning down to zero Robert James went Guelph to
Slemans with a load of Barley 48 B 42 lb got 44 cts Per B $21.94 I went in with Lizzie with
the Buggy bought a barl of Salt paid $1 50 a keg of 3 in nails at Bonds $2 75 an Overcoat for
Edward $5 a pair of Shoes for Robert James $1 50
" 7 this is a fine day we went in to Guelph with the Buggie fine wheeling
" 9 I went down to Mrs James Black about Douglas
" 10 this is a fine morning but it changed got raw and cold wind from the east started to rain
after 3 Oclock Mother and Me went in to Guelph in the afternoon to Duncan Grahams Silver
Wedding it got to be a very wett night it started to rain when we got to the Brock road cold
rain from the east we went out to Margarets stoped all night
" 11 this turned out a fine day after it faired up the roads are very bad we got home in the
afternoon from Margarets
" 12 we went in to Guelph this is the Christmas fair the streets are very god in the morning it
freezed last night
1889
Dec 12 I went to the freight sation for some dried fruit we got from my Brother John from
California 3 barrells and a box dried figs and 3 boxes of dried Grapes one barrel figs and 20
lb grapes for Robert Orr Waterloo
" 13 a fine day Robert was Ploughing in the afternoon Edward at Watts thrashing I went to
the Postoffice
" 14 this is a very stormy forenoon out of the east but not much Snow Edward at Watts
thrashing in the forenoon
sow " 5 the Sow went to Beatties Boar the Second time
" 15 a fine day we were at the Church Turnbull preached
" 16 this day is dull it rained Some in the afternoon I went in to Guelph to See Guthrie with
regard to J Douglas
" 17 this day is very dull and misty rained some at night we killed 3 pigs one of the Sows and
two Spring pigs we bought from R Beattie Duncan Gilchrist helped us I went out in the
morning to See J Douglas
" 18 cutt up the pigs there weight was 308 lb 180 lb 170 lb it is very Soft foggy and light rain
1889
{written in header with blue ink : Mrs R. J. McFarlane}
Dec 19 this is a fine mild day dull Robert is Ploughing Sod in the flats I went to Aberfoyle got
the mare Jess shood in front feet at Taylors I paid Seate rents $6 25
" 20 this morning is dull and misty till 11 Oclock thent it rained very heavy all afternoon
Robert ploughed till near noon ground the Sausage
" 21 this is a fine day frost in the morning I went to Guelph with Lizzie and the Buggie I paid
Docter Orton $15 for 4 visits and medicin for me when I was Sick in July Edward at the Mill
with chop 11 B
" 22 it was very Stormy early this morning wind and rain and rain all forenoon and frezing
" 23 this is a very fine day frost in the morning Robert is Ploughing all day Edward went to
Murrays with a heiffer to the Bull
" 24 Robert Ploughed till 11 oclock it was raining a littel since 9 oclock but it was very weet
all day rained stedy all day and night
" 25 this is a fine warm day Some of the friends here for Dinner
" 26 this day is cool and a terible wind
27 I went in to Guelph on buisness
" 28 this is a fine warm day Duncan A Kingsbury was over to see us
1890
Dec 28 we went in to Guelph with a load of Barley 50 B 6 lb at home 49 B 38 lb at Slemans
got 44 cts per B $21.91 bought 500 lb of Bran at Goldies paid $2.75 Susan came up from
Toronto yesterday with her two Children
" 29 this is a wett forenoon
30 this is a fine day I was at Aberfoyle at the Nomination of Councilors
" 31 a fine day I went out to John Douglas then to Guelph got $95 as part of rent from
Douglas
1890
Jan 1 this is a very wett day it rained nearly all day Mother Susan and Me went up to
Margarets to Dinner
" 2 this day is soft it rained nearly all forenoon then cleared up the roads are terable Soft
Susan and her Children went down to Toronto this Morning Lizzie went to Campbelvile with
her and came home in the evening
" 3 it is cold and frosty the roads are hard
" 4 this is a fine day I went in to Guelph got all the books squared up at the Bank Sent $5 to
George to Bottineau got it regestered
For more information on Duncan MacFarlane, check out the ‘Meet the Diarists”
section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca


Done