40 10 551 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/34063cc811de193986eb9ffd51977385.pdf 85d9bd42843811a5a061891d99acbf7c PDF Text Text THE WRITINGS OF EBENEZER MUIR RICE © From Beverly Campbell 28 Greenhald Dr. Ajax, On L1S 7N6 �EBEN MUIR RICE DIARY VOLUME ONE FIRST BOOK only goes to Sept 1861. Book 2 part one, Sept 25 till Dec 30 / 1861 is included in this part. 1861 JAN. 1, 1861 To Dec.31/1861 WORD COUNT 34,075 THE WRITINGS OF REVEREND EBENEZER MUIR RICE© TRANSCRIBED BY Beverly Campbell 28 Greenhalf Dr. Ajax, On. L1S 7N6 This is an accurate and full transcription of the original diaries, mistakes and all. The transcriber’s annotation appears in italics. �RICE/CAMPBELL Volume One Jan, 1, 1861 1 Martinsburg N.Y. The beginning of another year. A year who’s course will be freighted with either joy or sorrow to me and my connections. My friends are not in as healthy a state as I could wish. Millie at the time I last heard was unwell, and feared that she was going into the Consumption. Annie was not well and my own darling Mary Ann at last account was just recovering from a very severe illness, but with the idea disease had settled upon her, now hastening her to her grave. Oh God in mercy grant that they may all have long and useful lives. My own health is good, my spiritual health not as I could wish it. I feel a coldness, a deadness I could wish done away with. May God bring my heart more in supplication to his, and make it a fit temple for the Holy Ghost. O Father, search me and try me and see if there be any wicked way in me. Make me useful in my day and generation. God has called me to become a minister of the gospel and I am going to College in May if the Lord prosper me. �RICE/CAMPBELL 2 Vol.1, Cont. Received a letter from Aunt Jane, the first since 1859. She makes abundant apologies for her long silence and as usual promised amusement. Mr. Belknap has been visiting his relatives at Leyton and I had to stay in the store all day. In this county, they keep the stores open everyday but Sunday, and some even on that day. Received a letter from Mary Ann telling me of Christmas festivities. She had a fine time, a good ride and plenty of teasing. Posted a letter to her telling of my Christmas and New Years doings. White spoke to me today telling me business was not doing very well, and he heard Belknap thought he could do the business alone. The long and short of it they have kept me on to suit their convenience and now wish to be rid of me. If they had given me proper notice, I would not have minded., but to treat me so vexes me. I was taken by surprise at such short notice, but I seems to be the custom in this country, and I shall not complain, I am sorry for it, for it has dashed all my hopes of saving enough to take me to College. But God is doing it for His own pleasure and I will trust Him though He slay me. �RICE/CAMPBELL Vol.1 cont. 3 Annie and Millie are his sisters in Montreal. They live with the Muir family. His mothers’ brother. Mary Anne Bailey is his first girlfriend, who worked at the Wanzer Sewing Machine Factory in Hamilton, they were engaged three years. He broke the engagement, then took her back, then she broke it. The he did, Then the Uncle in Drumbo threatened a Breach of Promise Suit. He married a class mate, an educated woman, Mary Keys Bland of Embro. Mr. Belknap, and Mr. White, Ruggles shop keepers in Tug Hill, Martinsburgh N.Y. Leyton, and Rodman are towns near Martinsburgh. Jan.7, 1861 Lent White and Belknap $40. on interest till wanted. Went down to Lowville to seek a situation but could not find one. If I had know ten days ago, I might have got a situation with Ruggles, but he has hired a clerk. Jan.9,1861 Answered Aunt Lizzie, gave her a pretty full account of my doings and intentions. * Aunt Elizabeth nee( Muir)Morton, married Andrew Morton of Brantford Starch Company. Jan.17, 1861 Wrote Mary Ann, received a letter from John Richards giving me an account of his New Year’s festivities. *John Richards of Hamilton, Eben’s friend. �RICE/CAMPBELL 4 Jan. 30, 1861 This is the anniversary of one of the most important acts of my life. Two years ago, I took possession of a follower of the Lamb of God. Well do I remember the Sabbath morn when I was baptized,the little church and the company assembled. The Lord has been very good to me, far better than I deserve, and I oh how careless I have been. I have done little or nothing for God. Feb. 2, Wrote to Mary Ann and Richards answering their letters telling of my doings. Feb.6, 1861 Uncle Frank went down to mill today and did not get back till evening. He brought me three letters one from Uncle James offering me a scholarship in Woodstock Institute. Another letter was from Aunt Jennie urging me to accept of Uncle James’ offer. All the folks in Montreal seem very kindly towards me. This appears to be a special providence of God to give we an education. I never expected any help from Muirs, and they seem with little exception to care nothing for me, but God has changed their minds towards me and mine towards them. The weather has been stormy all day. �RICE/CAMPBELL 5 Franklin Rice of Tug Hill, N.Y. The Woodstock Literary Institute was funded by Baptists,and McMaster of Hamilton. Director was Dr. Robert Fyfe of Bond Street Baptist Church, Toronto. McMaster funded the school. Eben had a falling out with is grandfather Muir, Eben ran away to Ingersoll when he was twelve where he worked for room and board and no pay at Uncle George Muir’s store with Muir Kneeshaw. Feb.7, 1861 The storm of snow and wind continued all day. Wrote a letter to Uncle James accepting his offer and asking when I am to leave for Woodstock. Answered Millie’s letter. Feb.8, 1861 Intended to go to the village to post a letter to Uncle James, but although the snow had ceased falling, the wind blew as stormy as ever and it was as cold as ever, and it was so cold that I was afraid to venture out that I might freeze to death. Wrote to cousin George that I intend to visit him soon. To T.T. Goodall countermanding my order for a Greek Lexicon. Also to Mary Ann and Uncle Ebenezer telling them of my intention of returning to Canada. �RICE/Campbell 6 T.T.Goodall, Books Uncle Ebenezer Rice, Aunt Anah Rice of Hamilton,On. Feb. 9, 1861 Went down to church meeting and obtained my letter of dismissal. We had a very good evening. Feb. 12, 1861 Answered Aunt Jennie’s letter and gave her an account of my feelings and intentions. Told her of my acceptance of Uncle‘s offer. We have had irregular weather and rain, snow and storm all in twelve hours. Feb. 16, 1961 At Aunt Mary’s house. She has been very kind to me since I have been here and has given me flannel shirts and stockings several times. Today she gave me three dollars, and a nice pair of stockings. She also gave me a very pretty gold ring for Annie and $2.00 to buy something for Millie. She has never seen either of them and it is very kind of her to give them such nice presents. *Sunny is probably the Morton's new baby Shirley in Brantford. Millie Rice is his sister who was visiting them. �RICE/CAMPBELL 7 Feb. 16, cont. Evening A year ago tonight. A time which will ever be remembered while I have reason. A night who’s events will cast an influence over all my future life. One year ago this evening the celebrated poet John G. Hay delivered a lecture in the city of Hamilton on “Roots and Poetry and Love.” There was a maiden whom I loved and wished to find an opportunity to declare my love, and therefore asked her to the lecture. While going home in the evening, none near to hear what we said, I found an opportunity and it proved” popped the question, but being a novice, the business was very clumsy, however it was done, and I was satisfied. I could not exhort a confession from her, but I felt That actions spoke louder enough, and rejoiced at the knowledge. I have never been sorry for my conduct on that evening nor have I ever had case to refund that I did love her. J. *J.G.Hay, Poet, writer was one of Lincoln’s personal Secretaries.In researching internet sometimes known as MILTON Hays. �RICE /CAMPBELL 8 Feb 17, 1861 A stormy Sabbath Snowed all day, and roads badly drifted. There being no meeting at our church, I went to hear the Presbyterian minister Mr. Wheelock. He is a good man and an excellent preacher. In the morning he preached from Matt. X, V: 25. Lord Help Me. The afternoon discourse from Isa. 1: V 6 “We all do fade as a leaf.” Was a beautiful and touching sermon. He spoke of the shortness and uncertainty of life, the certainty of death and judgment both for old and young. He feelingly exhorted the young to turn to the Savior now while in the full enjoyment of youthful vigor, and not trust to an uncertain future which might never come. The choir sang two beautiful hymns, “Rock of Ages,” and “ I will not always live.” Felt duly afraid for my going through the snow drifts. Received a letter enclosing a Valentine, both from Mary Ann. Dear God, may God bless her and prosper her. Learnt 30 verses in John 1st Chapter. �RICE/CAMPBELL Feb. 18, 1861 9 Martinsburg White and Belknap paid me the money I lent them Jan. 7th with interest to date. Mounted Long Hill though the snow was from one to three feet deep in the road. Had hard time and thought I should freeze. Feb. 19, 1861 Uncle and Henry went to town meeting. They brought back the long expected letter from Uncle James. He wished me to start as soon as possible. Has not sent me any letters of introduction, or papers of any kind, but says I will receive them when I reach Canada. Feb. 20, 1861 Left Uncle Frank’s perhaps forever. I feel very sorry to leave them for they are good kind hearted people and have been very kind to me. Went down to Lowville to make some purchases. Bought a Greek Lexicon $4.25, a Greek testament $1.25, had a cake, put on Mary Ann and Robb’s likeness, got my vest pin fixed and got money changed at the bank. �RICE/CAMPBELL 10 Feb.20, 1861, Cont. Returned to Martinsburg and bargained with Edwin Pilcher to take me to Watertown on Saturday. Met Uncle Frank with the baggage. We went to Aunt Mary’s farm. I was tired for I had walked twelve miles through the deep snow part of the way. In the evening I met Mary Ann and got into an argument about close communion, baptism , doctrines and conversion. I endevoured to convince her from scripture, but that would not own or achieve anything. She is a very smart woman, but she had a bad side to sustain. Cousin Mary Ann Rice,Tug Hill Feb. 21, 1861 Wrote to Aunt Mary Ann, and Uncle Ebenezer giving notice of my coming. Uncle Franklin and I stayed at Aunt Mary’s house all night. Feb. 22, 1861 Left Aunt Mary’s house this morning. I have now said goodbye to all my relatives I this town. I feel sorry to leave them. I have agreed to write to Uncle Frank and * Lucy. * Cousin Lucy �RICE/CAMPBELL 11 Feb 22, 1861, Cont. I shall not see these relatives for several years, perhaps forever. God in heaven bless them for their kindness to me. Give them such a sense unto Thy pleasure. Visited my grandparents grave & plucked a small twig of Locust bush which grows near their grave. The burying Ground is a very dismal looking place at this time of year. Nothing but snow, with here and there a tombstone peeping out from it’s fleecy covering. Rice's gravesite,Tug Hill,NY. Feb. 23, 1861 Well, here I am still in this little town of Martinsburg. Ed Pitcher is not going to Watertown because the weather looks stormy. He is a perfect Humbug. Feb. 24, 1861 Lowville Here I am started at last, and on a Sabbath too. When I got up this morning I did not expect to Leave Martinsburg until Monday, but I found that Pilcher was not going at all so rode down with Simmons the Teamster so as to take the stage tomorrow morning. �RICE/CAMPBELL 12 Feb.24 Cont. The day has been stormy and cold and I had great difficulty to keep from freezing coming from Martinsburg. But here I am safe and sound at Ruscoe’s Hotel ready to start tomorrow. Feb. 25 Was ever such luck. Here I must stay all day in this miserable place because the stage driver is too lazy to go today. Called on elder Wilbur and spent most of the day in his store. Took supper with him. Bought two quires of letter paper, two children’s books, one for Elsie the other for Herbert Morton, “ The Wedding Gift’ for Mary Ann, *The Bible and the Closet for Millie, *Bible Gems for Annie and Daily Food for self.  Popular religious books of 1861. Cousin Millie of Brantford,also sister,Millie Muir in Montreal. Feb. 26 Rodman I staged it from Lowville to Watertown N.Y. The going was very bad near Watertown but tolerable the rest of the way. Oh the misery of stage traveling, especially in winter. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL.ONE Feb. 26, 1861 Cont. 13 Rodman It is worse than purgatory, jolt, jolt bumpity bump, it’s the worst torture I have endured for many days. Found Wick Lorenzo at Watertown, rode home with him. I stopped at Uncle Wright’s for supper and gave them all the news. *Wick Lorenzo was station at Staten Island during Civil War Wright Rice, was Eben's father's brother,Watertown Feb 27 In the evening Uncle and I looked over his letters and papers in order to find a couple of C.F. Holden’s letters about father’s death could not find them, but we got a lot of father’s letters, sermons and papers and uncle gave them to me. Rev. William Henry Rice was a minister in Chicago, and New York at First Baptist Congregational, he died of cholera in 1842 along with Mrs. Rice, nee Muir from Quebec. C.F. Holden,was a lawyer. March 1,1861 Hamilton C.W. Left Rodman yesterday evening directly after breakfast and rode to Adam’s Corner. Took the cars shortly after eight o’clock and reached Rome about twelve o’clock Changed cars at Rome, and took the New York Central for the Suspension Bridge. Bought a ticket clear through to Hamilton. C.W is Canada West, or Upper Canada �VOL.ONE 14 March 1, Cont. We met with an accident at Conastoga, which delayed us half an hour. A spring somewhere about the locomotive broke and they had to replace it with a new one. I was well pleased with the roads and cars. The road is in first rate order, and the cars are tastefully and comfortably fitted up. There appears to be a double track nearly all the way to Rochester, and for some distance at the western end of the line. I saw many things and places that animated and pleased me. A great part of the way we were close to the Erie Canal and frequently crossed, once we went under it. The hotels both at Syracuse and Rochester are large and fine buildings. We came through Syracuse along one of the principal streets and I saw many fine buildings while passing. In Rochester we went part of the way through the streets and part of the way on a trestle work on a level with the lofts of the houses. It was a singular and exciting way to travel. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL.ONE 15 March 1 Cont. I was much pleased with the Genesee Falls although I got a very imperfect view of them. Arrived at the Suspension ridge at half past nine and had to wait till a quarter to twelve. Got into Hamilton about two o’clock this morning, came up to Uncle Ebenezer’s, went to bed and to sleep and thus ended my day of travel. In seventeen days I have traveled over two hundred miles at an expense of $8.50. Evening Mar. 1 Went up to the store after dinner and took Mr. Byrne and William by surprise. They were astonished to see me. Had a long talk with Mr. Hamilton about the state of feeling in the States in relation to slavery. About five o’clock went up to visit Mrs. Bailey. She did not know me till I spoke to her and enjoyed my visit. She is a pretty nice woman and very sensible, if she is old and homely. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL. ONE 16 March 1, Cont. That busy body Mrs. Gilbert came in and retailed all Mary Ann’s doings for my benefit. She might have spared herself the trouble for I knew it all before, but it is likely she wanted to make me jealous. If so she was disappointed. She is a meddling good for nothing busy body. She will be apt to catch a blessing if she does not cease interfering with my business. Mary Ann came in about seven and was very glad to see me. Uncle Ebenezer Muir or Rice?, Mr. Hamilton is an elderly gentleman acquaintance. Old Mrs. Bailey is Mary Ann Bailey’s grandmother. Mary Ann’s mother lived in Dumbro. Hamilton C.W. was Canada West now Ontario. Bailey’s lived near the Bay. Mary Ann worked at the Wanzer Sewing Machine Company, in a loft at King and James Street, Eben Rice wrote a lengthy poem entitled the Sewing Machine Girls. The third floor loft is where Jackson Square and formerly Victoria now Gore Park today. The Loft is still there. Wanzer had several factories, one farther down at Caroline Street and King, another one on Barton Street. They made small portable machines. Photos in Ham. Library Research Dept. She looked better than she has looked for a long time. Dear girl, God bless her. She is such a god girl. I could not help loving her if I should try. I staid till half past nine and we had a pleasant talk. My God I thank thee that thou hast preserved my darling, and again permitted her and me to meet each other in the world. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL. ONE 17 March 1, Cont. A few short months ago I never expected to see her till I met in that land where there is no parting. But God has granted me the privilege of again beholding her. I have heard today that there is some talk of locating then college here in Hamilton instead of Woodstock. It would be almost too good news to be true. If I really happens, I will have all that my heart can write for as far as earthly pleasure good. God grant it may be true. Mar.5 Four days have passed since last I wrote in this book And they have been pleasant days to me. On Saturday I went to call upon Mr. Catchpole to find out what Mr. Andrew’s said about me I his letter. Then went to dinner with Mr. Byrne. He has a very comfortable house and a nice wife. I almost envy him he seemed so comfortable. But my turn will come some day. After dinner I called on Richards. I never saw anyone so surprised. �RICE/CAMPBELL Mar. 5 VOL.ONE 18 Cont. He could hardy speak for a minute, but stood shaking my hand and looking at me. We had a long walk and spent the afternoon together. At six I met Mary Ann and walked home with her. Her grandmother sent her to the grocery and we went and had a long walk. She told me that some very bad lies had been told against her, and that Mrs. Gilbert had told them. She refused to tell who said it or what the stories were, but from what she said and hints I had received from Byrne and Mrs. Gilbert I suspect that it is against her character and mine. I wrote to Uncle James on Saturday morning. Sabbath morning was very wet, indeed there was a little rain at intervals all day. I called for Mary Ann and we went to church together and sat in the same seat. I went home with her to dinner and then up for Jane Robb, but she was sick and could not come. Went to Sunday School together and home again and to church in the evening. Jane Robb, a friend in Hamilton. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL. ONE 19 Mar. 5 Everybody that spoke to me seemed very glad to see me and hoped I was going to stay here. They have got the notion that I have come to take Mary Ann away. The girls all have been asking her if I am going to take her away. The girls all have been asking her if I am going to take her away. If they will only wait and see. Many of them thought I never meant to come back again and have been in insinuating as much, and it has taken them by surprise to see me. It will shut their slanderous mouths. I heard a little more about those reports against Mary Ann, but she persisted in refusing to give the name of those who told them. She does not want to tell me what the reports were, and I have not pressed her because it is indelicate to talk about. But I made up my mind to search out the whole matter. Monday I rose early and went to the store to have some private conversation with Bryne. He told me all he knew about the reports and gave Gallagher the Tailor as his authority. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL. ONE 20 Mar. 5, Cont After breakfast I met Richards and took a long walk with him. I questioned him closely, but he knew nothing of the matter. We had quite a walk and visited Mrs. Curtis for about a half hour. Then we went to see Mr. Gallagher to learn his authority for his report he has spread, but he was not home. We had another walk in the afternoon and called on Mr. Muir at Foster’s. I had made up my mind not to trouble myself any more to call upon Gallagher but just as Richards and I were standing in front of Uncle’s store, who should come along but the man himself. He stopped asked me how I got along, and shook my hands, but I said nothing till he asked if I had come back to stay. I told him no, the people of Hamilton did not like me well enough to have me stay. They lied about me. He wanted to know what I meant and I told him I had very bad reports and had traced them to him. He explained them to me and said Mrs. Gilbert had told his wife so. �RICE/CAMPBELL Mar. 5 VOL.ONE 21 Cont. I was very vexed enough when I had heard the whole story and if I had been ruled by impulse I should have made a fuss about it. It is too disagreeable a story to defile these pages. Suffice it to say that the story was that she was enciente ( fr.) pregnant by me and her grandmother suspected it , and was watching to see if it was true. Oh the wicked hypocricy of that being Mrs. Gilbert. She knew it was a double dyed lie, a pure invention of the Devil. My poor Mary Ann, to have such lies told about her. But her friends knew her too well to believe such stories. God will avenge her wrongs and punish her enemies. That detestable Mrs. Gilbert was caught in her own trap. She told Mary Ann that Mrs. Gallagher had told her and thus Mary Ann found out where the story originated, and also proved Mrs. Gilbert to be a liar. The old wretch hinted it to me and stirred up my curiosity, and thus the whole story has been revealed to me. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL.ONE, 1861 22 Mar. 5, Cont. Yesterday I bought a few things, a Greek book and a box of pills for myself, Baxter’s, Call to The Converted, for Richards, a scent bottle for Mrs. Bailey and some paper for Mary Ann. Today I am going visiting some of my friends. I did intend to o away today, but Uncle urged me to stay over tomorrow. March 6 Had a walk with Richards in the morning. Wrote a letter to Uncle George acknowledging his letter and thanking him for his kindness. Spent afternoon and evening with Mary Ann. Dear girl, how I love her. We had a pleasant time talking and reading our Bible and commenting on what we read. I went home at half past nine. Found a letter from Uncle James telling me about the parcel and money to be sent to me. The parcel will be sent in a few days, the money will be sent by his traveler when he passes through Woodstock and lamenting her own sinfulness. �RICE/CAMPBELL March 9 23 Brantford Here I am I Brantford, so far on my way towards my studies. I left Hamilton Thurs. the 7th. Spent part of the morning with Richards. Met Mary Ann at dinner time, went home with her, bid herself and grandmother goodbye. She did not feel so bad about my going away this time, because it is not so far. Richards came to the cars to see me off and came as far as the junction with me. Had an unpleasant journey for I felt somewhat unwell. Got to Brantford and astonished the folks, but to my sorrow found Annie off to Paris on a visit. Next day Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Herbert and I went to Paris after Annie. Staid at Mr. Capron’s to dinner and got home I time for tea. Poss. Hiram Capron family who manufactured, Plaster of Paris. Mortons made starch in Paris. Dinner is at 12 noon. Tea is 4, supper is later. This morning I began a letter to Mary Ann but had no time to finish it, as Annie and I went out to visit Mrs. Morton and Jeannie. My illness has changed into a cold, and I think it has settled in my lungs, at least it feels like it. Old Mrs. Morton, daughter cousin Jeanie �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL.ONE 24 March 9, Cont. I have a constant desire to cough, but dare not account of the racking pain in my chest. Went into town this evening and got a bottle of my prescription for colds. March 11 Woodstock I have at last arrived at my destination the Woodstock institute at Woodstock. Sabbath day I went to hear Mr. Alexander both times. Morning sermon was Amos V:1. Woe to them that were at ease in Zion, evening, Ps.X1X: 12, 13. Both discourses were excellent. This morning I finished my letter to Mary Ann but have not had a chance to post it,so shall add some more to it tonight. Annie and I left Brantford after dinner and rode to Paris and took the cars for Woodstock. *Annie Rice, his sister is visiting Brantford. As I was coming up from the depot I met two of the students and walked up with them to the Institute. One of them took me to Dr. Fyfe and I presented my papers. After he had read it he asked a few questions and gave me a room. �RICE/CAMPBELL 25 March 11, Cont. I room with Mr. McInnes, No. 28. So now I am settled down to college life. God make it profitable to me. I received a letter from Uncle James and answered it. Received a parcel of clothing from Uncle James. Mar. 16 I have not either time or inclination to write I this journal during the week. But now at it’s close I will endeavor to record the chief occurrences. On Tuesday I mailed letters to Uncle James, Mary Ann, Uncle Frank and Lucy. In the morning Mr. Stewart gave me a list of books I will require and in the evening I went down to the bookstore and bought them. Had nothing to do all day. Wed. Joined the Latin and Greek classes and received my first lessons. Thursday I joined the history and arithmetic classes, and recited my first Greek lessons. I am to have Greek everyday, so as to catch up with my class. �RICE/CAMPBELL VOL.ONE 26 Friday I recited my lessons, and went for a walk. While today I have done little or nothing. I have written one letter to Uncle Ebenezer, and part of another to Mary Ann, have translated two Latin exercises and a few such jobs. McInnes, my roommate has been sick and I have had to wait on him, but he is better now and can wait on himself. I have been troubled with a wretched toothache but I got it filled by the dentist and it does not hurt me now. Mar. 17 Went to the Baptist Chapel in the morning and heard Dr. Fyfe from John V111: 36. It was a fine sermon, but not as good as the one I heard from Mr. Ingles the United Presbyterian minister. It was from Matt V:8 and was a beautiful and deeply interesting sermon. In the evening, Mr. Peden preached in the Baptist church. �RICE/Campbell VOL. ONE 27 March 20 Again I sit down to record the events of life as they pass under my observation. On Monday, I studied hard all day, and was not out of the house for five minutes during the whole day. I wrote part of my composition, and in the evening wrote a little in letter to Mary Ann. It was the anniversary of that night on which I won from her the confession of her love. Never will I forget that Sabbath evening and our long and delightful walk, and the talk we had together. The memory is sacred and will ever remain unknown to profane minds. One year of great joy and great sorrow has passed since then, but I would not change my condition for what it was then on any account. Then I had no joy but the one of the love of a pure and holy being like Mary Ann, and hers I was not confident of possessing. I had but little love for the cause of Christ and was living in a cold dead state, but now have changed. �RICE/Campbell 28 March 20, Cont. I am doing my master’s will, living to his service and for the advancement of his kingdom and I am sure of the love of my dearest Mary Ann. Thank God for the great change. Yesterday I found time to finish my composition but was confined in doors nearly all day. Today I have been for a walk, and went to the dentist, but he was not in to get him to fix my tooth. The fellow is a humbug I verily believe, for my tooth has been worse than ever before. Mr. Sharer, Uncle James traveler called today while I was out and I did not see him. He left his card, and after supper I went down town to see him. Had a very pleasant talk with him., and received fifteen dollars from Grandma, Aunt Jennie and Aunt Jane. I must write to thank them as soon as possible. I had time today so went up to the store and back. The following is the doctors prescription which I copy here in order to preserve it. �RICE/Campbell 29 March 26 Six days have passed away and I have not had time to write a single word in this Diary. I think I must alter it’s name from Diary to “ weekly.” Nothing of any importance occurred till Friday the 22 on which evening I became a member of the Athenaeum Society.” I also joined the *Judson Missionary Society. Saturday I wrote to Millie answering her letter, and enclosed a note of thanks to Aunt Jane for her kindness. On Sunday attended the Baptist Church and Sabbath School. Today finished and mailed letters to Mary and John Richards. This week has been a very hard one, up late tonight studying, little or no exercise and plenty of hard lessons. I hope to be able to worry through till the holidays and keep up. If I cannot stand that long, how shall I do after three or four years close confinement to study? History of The Athenaeum Club/ Traditional London club The Athenaeum Club once brought together minds such as Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens. With so many brilliant minds in one place, conversation was never dull. John Wilson Croker, Sir Thomas Lawrence founded the Athenaeum in 1824 for gentlemen who were accomplished in Science, Literature and Art. �RICE/Campbell 30 There is a young man in the Institute now who has taken to bleeding with the lungs, mainly brought on by overwork. God help me to pass through my college life and come out at last with a good constitution and talent to improve it in his service. April 1, 1861 All-Fools Day, and the boys are fooling each other as fast as possible. I have not written in this book for nine days, partly because I and not time, partly because I had nothing particular to write. Last Thursday wrote to Aunt Jane and Aunt Lizzie giving them some account of my actions here. Thursday evening being church meeting, I sat up till half past two writing out my composition. Friday was a holiday, at least it was called one, but most of us studied a great part of the day. I wrote to Aunt Jennie and Uncle James in the morning. Mr. Stone asked me to write an essay for the missionary society two weeks from last Saturday. *Adoniram Judson, 1810, and seminary students established with Gen Asso. of Massachusettes Congregational, American Board of Commissions for Foreign Missions. �RICE/Campbell 31 April 1, 1861 I promised to do my best ad in the afternoon I sat down to write on the subject I had chosen. It is “The Bible” I wrote for some time then gave up and studied no more that day. Attended the Athenaeum Society in the evening, and spent the rest of the time in playing checkers. Saturday I did nothing particular. Sunday I heard Mr. Cooper in the morning, Dr. Fyfe in the evening. I had to lead the morning prayer meeting which was a hard task. April 9 More than a week since I last wrote in this journal. Since then I have received a letter from Mary Ann enclosing a beautiful bookmark made with her own hair, a letter from Uncle Frank and one from Annie. Last Wednesday I was taken with a dreadful pain through my chest so bad that I could not study. �RICE/Campbell 32 April 9,1861, Cont. Since then I have recited three lessons, as I was so bad I could not sit for than a few minutes at a time for I would get such a pain through my body that I could do nothing. I have staid till now expecting to get well, but I am no better and am going home. Last night I made all arrangements to go. I start for Brantford at noon. I was appointed to declaim on Saturday, but I will not be here. I also had to read my essay before the missionary society on Saturday night, but Mr. Montgomery promised to read it, if I would write it. I have done do and given it to him. On Friday night I was put on debate with Mr. Bryant for the first Friday in the term. Miss McKenzie and Northrup are the speakers on my side. April 10, 1861 Brantford I left Woodstock yesterday at noon and arrived here about three o’clock. Unfortunate fellow that I am I got here just in time to be late Annie went out to Paris, just s I got here. She is coming back tomorrow. �RICE/Campbell VOL. ONE April 10, Cont. 33 Brantford I studied out my Greek exercises this morning and went into town, and got a bottle of cough medicine and some pegging and sewing awls. Aunt Lizzie has promised to furnish me with all the bedding I require. She told me that Uncle George is going to help me pay for my board. I do not feel as well as usual today and have been troubled with bleeding at the nose. I hope to get over all that before long and I must do my best to get a good stock of health for next term. April 15, 1861 Hamilton Again as I sit down to enter my thoughts and action in this little book. For 5 days nothing has been entered in it, partly on account of traveling, partly ill health, and partly laziness. But to begin- I left off in the midst of my story about my health. It is but little better, in fact, I am afraid it is worse. My cough still remains, and trouble me more by it’s constant tickling than by it’s severity. �RICE/Campbell April 15 VOL. ONE Cont. 34 Hamilton The pain in my lungs has nearly gone, but it appears to have been transferred to my head. I am also now very subject to chills which go through my whole body. On Saturday evening I was out walking. I was taken with a very severe chill which almost threw me down. And again just before I went to bed. Indeed I thought that I should be sick, but when Sunday morning came I was well enough to go to church. I stood it well enough, until Sunday School was nearly over, then my head began to ache, and continual to ache with more or less violence all afternoon and evening, In the evening. In the morning I was too sick to pay any attention to the sermon. After church I went home with Jane Robb and Mary Ann. We went into Jane’s house and studied there till nine o’clock, then I saw Mary Ann home, and came home myself, and went directly to bed. My walk appears to have done me some good for I slept soundly until Uncle wakened me at a quarter to eight. �RICE/Campbell 35 April 15, 1861 Cont. Today my head does not trouble me so much, but I feel bad all over. It is surprising how week I am, I can do nothing without feeling completely exhausted. This afternoon I walked out to the “Cemetery ” and “ Suspension Bridge” and when I got home again I could hardly walk although I took nearly two hours to accomplish the journey. I feel wretched indeed. These discouraging facts and the bad news I have heard of my younger sister, Millie have had the tendency to depress my spirits, and to cause me to be very desponding and almost willing to give up without a struggle. There is but one thought that gives me hope and that has called me to be a minister of the Gospel, and I hardly think that he will cut my life short without my having done anything towards me and make me cling to this world. One is that I have done little or nothing for the course of Christ, and I would wish to do more ere I die. �RICE/Campbell 36 April 15, cont. The other is that I must part from Mary Ann and not so much on my own account do I give, as on hers. It would be a hard blow to her if I should die for she loves me better than all else, and if I die young I must leave her to struggle on in poverty and sorrow, while if I live I may be able to make her life one of joy and plenty. Oh if God would grant me life until I could do something for his cause, and until I could give to my loved one sufficient of this world’s goods to place her above poverty, due to place her in such a position that she need not work so hard. If these were granted, then could I die happy. But God help me to bow to his will and say from the heart 'The will,O God be done.” Oh the wretchedness of poverty. I am neither able to procure medicine to make me better, nor to take a long journey in search of health, nor to relive my poor Mary Ann from her hard labour. If I was only sick , how much good I could do with my money. �RICE/CAMPBELL 37 April 15, cont But I must submit my will to that of my God and be willing to live and die how, when and where he pleases. When I arrived here on Sunday evening the folks were surprised to see me for they did not expect me. Mary Ann was astonished and delighted. I went up to see her in the evening and spent a very pleasant evening with her. On Saturday, I called to see Richards, but he was at work on King St. East near the toll gate. I walked down there and had a talk with him. On my way home I bought a couple of school books for 5 York. I got a pair of shoulder braces for myself and another for Mr. Yoe my roommate and when I wanted to pay for them Uncle gave me mine and charged me a dollar for Mr. Yoe's, thus giving me 75 cents on them. He also gave me five dollars in money. It was very kind of him to give me so much. He is a good kind hearted man and has given me many things since I came here in 1855. �RICE/CAMPBELL 38 April 15, 1861, cont. We have had some hard feelings and sharp words during that time, but on the whole have got on well together. He has been very kind to me and I will never forget it. April 16 Yesterday I went out for a walk and bought a book. In the evening I went to prayer meeting with Mary Ann. We had a very good meeting. That fellow Goggins is a perfect nuisance, he is becoming unbearable with his insolence to Mary ann. She has told him as plain as possible that she does not like him, and cannot and will not have him, but he persists in his attentions. Last night he met her and was very impudent because she would not let him see her to and from prayer meeting. If I come across him I will tell plump and plain that he is not wanted and it would be best for him to let her alone. I have heard bad things about Millie. The doctor has ordered her to the salt water on account of ill health. I am afraid the poor child is going into the consumption. She has just the constitution of a consumptive person, and I very much fear that all three of us will die of consumption. �RICE/Campbell VOL ONE 39 April 16/Cont. I wrote to her yesterday and enclosed the two dollars from Aunt Mary Anne to her. I had always forgotten to send them before. I also sent her a little book as a birthday gift. Dear child, I hope she will recover, but I fear that she will never get entirely well. However she may live years after I am dead in the grave. I have a kind of presentement that my days are numbered and that my life here on earth will be short. The Lord only knows all the trouble I have to endure, and to him alone can I look for succor. May he fit me for life or death as suits him best. April 18,1861 No better, no better, and very little prospects of ever getting better. At last I have been to the doctor to have my chest examined. Tuesday Uncle gave me a note to Dr. MacKelcan telling him to give me a thorough examination and charge it to him. It was very kind of him to pay the expenses of the exmination. �RICE/CAMPBELL 40 April 18, Cont. Yesterday morning I went to the Dr's and he examined me very carefully. He sounded all over my chest and back and at last told me that my lungs were not diseased as yet, but they were very weak and predisposed to consumption. My heart is diseased considerably being much enlarged and very irregular in it's action. He says this climate is very bad for me, and recommended me to go to a warmer climate. But what nonsense for me to think of it. A poor youth with no money, dependent on my friends for everything; however am I to procure enough money to take me to a warmer climate. But what nonsense for me to think of it. The weather since I came down here has been very cold and changeable. On Tuesday evening I did not go out, not thinking it safe. Yesterday was a beautiful day; the sun was shining brightly, and but for the cold wind it would have been aa fine day a day could be wished for. I went to the doctors in the morning then up John st to the Mountain View Hotel and down James street. Then I went down to the railway wharf and watched them loading logs on board of the shipping and then came home for dinner. �RICE Campbell 41 April 18, 1861, Cont. In the afternoon I went down King Street to where Richards was working and talked to him till he was ready to come home and then walked home with him. After supper went to see Mary Ann. Mrs. Gilbert made a great bother about somethings I was charged with, telling Byrne, but I never said them at all. She declined saying anything against Mary Ann and I, and pretended that she had nothing to do with telling those abominable lies about us. She wasted more than an hour with her idle denials and explanations for I did not believe them and I guess she thought as much. I believe she is just as guilty as can be, and I had a great notion to tell her so. But for Mary Ann's sake I held my peace. Today it has snowed all day, but the snow does not appear to be very deep. It must melt nearly as fast as it falls. Oh how I wish it were fine weather, for I cannot go out in such weather as this. I have been out for a short �RICE/Campbell 42 April 18,1861, Cont. Rx Acid Nitriczi, Ac. Muriat zij. Tr Zlyoscy zp; Aqua ad ziv. Inisce. A teaspoon in half a tunbler of water, half an hour before each meal. To be taken for sometime, and then substitute Syrup Iodid of Irons, 70 drops three times daily. April 20, 1861 A gain has come around the Saturday evening, the last of the week, I have not been out tonight and I think the night air is not good for me. This is the third night this week I have staid at home. I was out to see Mary Ann last night. Had a very pleasant time with her, for we had a long confidential talk together about my going away to foreign lands as a missionary. She says if I go she will come with me, for she will not let me go alone. God bless her for the loving words. If I do go away from this country and indeed, I will at least have one true friend to go with me. Wrote to Uncle Frank, and cousin George telling them about my ill health and prospects. �RICE/Campbell April 22, 1861 43 Hamilton Yesterday was a beautiful warm day, and I felt well and in good spirits. I went out immediately after breakfast, called for Mary Ann and we went for a walk up to the cemetery. We got back just in time for church. Uncle was there. I guess the folks stared some to see Mary Ann and I walk in so independent and take a seat so near the front. Perhaps they will set us down as married. I saw some of them looking pretty at us. Margaret Jane was with Dryland. I really believe that she is married for she acts like it. I went home with Mary Ann to dinner and then we went to Sunday school. For a wonder we got no teasing. Our bible class was a very good one, and we received some instruction. Went home with Mary Ann to tea, and then to church and home with Jane Robb and then for a walk. I got home about half past nine. Today the doctor called. I asked what climate he recommended and he said Australia, or any place in the same latitude. Wrote to Mr. Yoe in regards to school matters. �RICE/Campbell 44 April 27, 1861, cont. Again have I reached this the scene of my studies, and I feel in good spirits, and health. It is several days since I have written in this book and the neglect has been occasioned by several reasons. I have been visiting and traveling and had not time. My last entry was on Monday in regards to what happened on Sunday. Present knowledge shows that I was right in thinking that we would be taken for a newly married couple. But I will tell what I have learnt in the proper place. After I had written to Mr. Yoe, I went down to the railroad to post the letters, and find out what time the cars left, then went onto the wharf and watched them loading vessels and then uptown to the store. I met Mary Ann at twelve and went for a walk as she waited to avoid one of her shop mates, who was coming to meet her to go to the shop. We walked round until one o'clock and then went home to dinner. �RICE/Campbell 45 April 27, cont. After dinner I called round for her and we went off for a walk. Somebody has been telling her Grandmother that we were married, and the woman appears to believe it. I thought they would say so and my sorrow is that it is not true. I wish we were married and I would be willing enough to have them talk about it. We went up to the cemetery and got a pleasant seat away from the tombs and had a good talk. We talked of many things, and among others of my going away. My health and my doctor's advice were spoken of and the prospect of my leaving this country for some warmer climate was discussed pretty thoroughly. God bless the girl. She shared my heart, by her words of love and devotion. My greatest grief has been the thoughts of my parting with her, and yet I did not think it proper to ask her to go with me, because I know that her love to me would lead her to comply with my request. �RICE/Campbell 46 April 27,1861, cont. While her sense of duty to her Grandmother would make her feel unwilling, and I did not wish to distress her so much as would be the consequence of my asking her to go with me. But the dear girl did not wait for me to propose it, but at once said that if I went, she would go with me, and her Grandmother would have to go to her son's. O' what a load it took of my mind. May God grant that it may be pleasing to his will to permit us, thus to-- and spend our united lives in his service in some land far distant from our native soil. When we were tired of sitting, we went out to the suspension Bridge and back and then down home. I staid to tea and then we went to see Jane Robb, found her away and so had our for our frames. We went to prayer meeting and then home, or rather we went for a walk and as it was a beautiful moonlight evening, and my last in Hamilton we prolonged our walk till a quarter to ten. It was hard to tear ourselves from each other, but it had to be done. �RICE/Campbell 47 April 27, 1861, cont. On Tuesday, I started for Brantford at a quarter past twelve. Uncle Ebenezer was still in bed, he has been ailing for some days, but would not lay up until he was forced to. He has been very kind to me, and has given me a great many things. First he gave me $5, and a pair of shoulder braces, and medicine and paid for my medical examination, and gave me two bottles of medicine and a bottle of pain killer, just before I came away, Aunt Anah, has also been very kind to me, and just before I came away she slipped a roll of bills in my hand, which on counting I found amount to to ten dollars. I found the folks in Brantford well. Wednesday,I had a walk with young Shenstone's and then went out to old Mrs. Morton's and stopped for dinner and tea. Thursday,I went to Shenstone's to dinner, and we visited Charley Hale. Friday, Aunt Lizzie gave me some sheets, pillow cases and towels, and would have given me lots more , but I would not take them. She also baked me a nice fruit cake to take with me. �RICE/Campbell 48 April 27, cont. I left Brantford at about one o'clock and arrived in Woodstock, all safe and sound. I visited amongst the students, and in the evening was on hand for the debate. Bryant was unwell, The speaking was pretty good, but the arguments were no great shakes. My private opinion's that the affirmative should have gained the question, but the society thought different. This morning I have been up and paid Dr. Fyfe for the first half of the first half of this term, have helped carry some books down to the Institute and have been for a ride with Mr. Yoe. Last Monday night I received a letter from Millie telling me of her sickness, and I intend to answer it today. May 2, 1961 Canadian Literary Institute What a strange country this is. Such was the impression I overheard this morning, as I was talking a walk, and truly the state of things justified the expression. �RICE/Campbell 49 May 2, Cont. The idea of ice forming on the night of May first. Yesterday was very cold, and we had a slight flurry of snow, and to cap the climax, this morning we discovered a coating of ice on the surface of every puddle. Truly this is a great country. This weather must surely be very bad for the farmers, for the ground is soaking with water, and they are not clear from frost. If the warm weather delays it's coming much longer it will be ruinous to the crops. My last entry was on Saturday morning. That afternoon I wrote to Millie and advised her the best I know how, I also told her about my sickness. On Sunday, I went to church twice and also to Sunday School. We had a very interesting discussion on some verses in the part of the tenth Chapter of the Gospel of John. Mr. Yoe has proposed to start a Sabbath School for coloured children, and I agreed to join him.I think Mr. Nott will join us also. After evening service I went with Mr. Yoe to his friends. �RICE/Campbell 50 Monday morning, I consulted Dr. Fyfe and he advised me to continue my studies at present and not leave my Latin as I was intending to do. He told me he wanted me to take a long walk everyday and to use every means to keep my health. I commenced my recitations on Monday. My lessons come in an order that I do not like very much but I cannot help it. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Greek comes third third hour in the morning and history the first. Latin the second and geometry the third hour in the afternoon. On Tuesday I have no lesson, but Arithmatic, on last hour in the afternoon, same on Thursday. On Tues, I received an answer from Uncle James, to my previous letters. I bought a Bible Dictionary down at the bookstore. I have not written to Hamilton or Brantford yet, and I don't know when I can get time. Yesterday morning, Mr. Stewart called me to him and questioned me about my age and place of residence. He said I must write to Montreal and get the scholarship sent up to me so that I can have it in and have it registered. �RICE/Campbell 51 I must write Uncle George as soon as possible and have him send it. Last night we had a meeting at the Excelsior and passed several good resolutions, the Doctrine of Succession was proposed , but was put down. We seemed almost certain of gaining the victory tomorrow night. Stone is not here and is not expected to stay here this term. Two or three more of their side are not come and there is every hope of our gaining the day. If we should we will speedily resind all those stupid rules of their and make decent ones. May 6, 1861 ELECTIONS Woodstock Again I do steal a few moments in order to enter my thoughts and actions in my diary. On Thursday, I wrote in this book about my hopes that our party would conquer in the election on Friday night evening, but alas we were beaten. We proposed to have the elections first but they were strongest and overruled us. They then proposed some more members, to the first we made no objection, but to the second, a young man named Murray we made such strong objection that they were forced to lay questions over till next night. �RICE/Campbell 52 May 6, Cont. Then we proceeded to election. They had no objection to our candidate Mr. Shrimpton but were pretty anxious to put him in so as to call him their President. They beat us and all our other officers and put in theirs, but only by a majority of one and two. On Saturday morning, the Excelsior had a meeting and unanimously resolved on Sucession. They have insulted us and have shown such disposition to ride over us that we will not submit any longer. We are to pretend that we have an article setting forth our reasons for Secession, and having our names signed to it, which is to be read next Friday evening and then we will leave the Society. We intend to form a society of our own and to go in opposition to them. They are afraid that we will succeed and they know that they could not sustain themselves without us. However, next Friday will know the true state of events. �RICE/Campbell 53 May 6, 1861 Cont. But they are anxious to find out our intentions, and are very vexed because they cannot do so. One of their men came over to our side just before elections, and now no name is too bad for them to call him. But enough of this and our doings. On Saturday night I wrote to Uncle George requesting him to send up the scholarship; as the Faculty desires to have it registered. Sunday morning, Mr. Yoe and I went to hold the first meeting of our coloured Sabbath school. I expected to find all children, but instead of that we found grown persons. We had a very pleasant time, and I was greatly dissapointed to find that I like it. Five of them could read, and Mr. Yoe asked me to teach them while he took the others. We read over the first 19 verses of first chapter of John's Gospel, and I explained and questioned as I knew how. Then I went to church. Heard a pretty good sermon from Elder Cooper. After I was invited into the church and received the Right Hand of Fellowship. �Rice/campbell 54 May 6, Cont. It being the 5th of May, Mary Ann's birthday, I did not go to Sabbath School, but spent the afternoon writing to her. Well do I remember one year ago this time. Then we were together and not separated. Then we were indeed happy in the society of each other. Much of sorrow have we passed through since then, but we would not exchange our present condition with that of a year and a half ago on any consideration. May 8 Yesterday was a very disagreeable day, cold and raining. It did not rain steadily, but by fits and starts. One hour the sun would be shining brightly, the next the rain fell like a deluge. I received a letter from Aunt Jennie yesterday. She writes a long affectionate letter, tells me of their sorrow of my sickness and that they will doubltless be willing to furnish me with some money to go away on a voyage if I desire it, that is to go in the fall and return in the spring. �RICE/Campbell 55 May 8, Cont. This is very kind of them, but does not suit my circumstances or prospects. First when I do go away, I wish to stay away and go about my work. This climate is a very bad one for me and I do not wish to return to it. Second if I go thus I must leave Mary Ann and I don't want to do that, for I would never expect to see her again. So I think it best for me not to go, but to stay through the winter and to go next summer. May 10, Wednesday evening the “Excelsior” had a meeting, and adopted and signed a protest a resignation from the Athenaeum. It is to be read tonight. Yesterday I wrote a long letter to Aunt Jennie and told her all my troubles and trials. We of the Sessessionals, have been anxiously awaiting for tonight,and now it is almost here. I expect to have quite a time. March 12 1861 Here I am again,commencing another week's work. Another week of mingled joy and pleasure. As I said we read our protest before the society Friday night, and some of there were mad enough, Ross especially. �RICE/Campbell 56 They tried to soft soap us, but we told them that we wished them to take action on the matter immediately. They then expected our resignation and we retired. Saturday morning after the exercises, we met and formed ourselves into a literary society called the Excelsiors. Our meetings are to held on Friday evenings in Mr. Hankinson's class. We have a paper and I am editor for the first month. The O'K' hardly speak to us now, and the change this affair has caused is indeed wonderful. On Saturday morning I received a letter from Uncle George enclosing the scholarship with the twenty dollars payment of his first installment on it. I intend to hand it in to Mr. Stuart and get Uncle's note this morning. Was at church twice yesterday and heard two good sermons. May 14/1861 Wrote to Richard's yesterday telling him when and where I would meet him on Queen's B-Day. I handed the scholarship to Mr. Stuart and the money: he said that he would get me the note. He registered the scholarship, and gave it back to me. �RICE/Campbell 57 May 14/cont. In the afternoon I went down to his and had a talk with him in regard to my studies. He said, he would speak to the faculty about it. This morning I wrote Uncle James and Uncle George, telling of my studies, hopes etc. May 16 On Monday, I wrote to Richard's in answer to his letter. Yesterday but little happened worth recording. Dr. Fyfe has been talking to Mr. Shrimpton and he desires us to united again with the Athenaeum on certain condition, viz. That the boys become members but have no vote. Some of our men are disposed to accept but we will split on that. I for one will not go back. This morning I wrote to Aunt Anah and Aunt Lizzie. May 20 The last that I wrote in this book was last Thursday. On Friday morning Mr. Stuart handed me Uncle George's note and at noon I registered it and the scholarship to him. �RICE/Campbell 58 May 20, Cont. In the afternoon the Excelsior had a meeting to decide what to do about writing with the Athenaeum. Our unanimous decision was that we would offer no terms and would accept of none of them. Our only concession was to propose to the doctor to let us have the room one week, they the others. We positively refused to unite with them. In the evening we met in Mrs. Hankinson's room and had a first rate meeting. After the Literary Exercises, Dr. Fyfe called the societies into the Chapel room and suspended them on account of their refusing to work together. We are suspended till he in his sovereign will sees fit to let us recommence. He has stopped what I fancy he will find hard work to start up again. He thinks if he lets us stew over a few weeks or months, that we will join together again, but that is unlikely. He has over stepped his authority and will see it someday. On Saturday, Excelsior had a meeting and resolved to hold together as a society till better times. Everything was satisfactorily settled. Yoe went away this morning to see his best beloved. �RICE /Campbell 59 May 20, 1861, Cont. I got a letter from Montgomery and he is well. On Saturday we had some rain. I went to church twice and heard good sermons. This morning I received a letter from cousin Lucy. All well. Yoe got back this evening. I am going to sit up all night with Diamond who is sick. May 21 Sat up all night with Diamond. I feel quite fresh this morning, but expect to feel the effects tonight. I wrote to Montgomery and mailed the letter this morning. I had a long walk and feel just ready for breakfast. This is my easy day and I am very glad of it, for I don't feel much inclined to work. May 27 Here I am back again after a few days fun and recreation. I did not have this book with me and so I could not enter things as they occurred from day to day. I must content myself with notes taken at the time. �RICE/Campbell 60 May 27, 1861, Cont. On the 22nd, the day before I left, I received an excuse from my arithmatic and also leave of absence from the building. On the morning of the 23rd, I went down to the post office and found a letter from Richards stating that Jane Robb was not coming but that he and Mary Ann would be in Brantford. I left Woodstock at 7:35 A.M. When I got to Paris there was no train for Brantford till Afternoon, so I started off on foot. I reached Brantford about half past ten. They were glad to see me. After dinner went into town. I saw Charley Hale, but did not see Shenston. May 24 Rained a very little in the morning. After breakfast I went down to meet Richards and Mary Ann. I walked out about two miles on the Hamilton Road and then sat down to wait for them. They came along about ten. Road into town with them and took them direct to Aunt Lizzie's. Dryland and Margaret Jane came up for company, but we lost sight of them till we were on our way home. After tea we all went into town/ we were late for the procession, but we went up into Mrs. Foster's and could see all that was going on. �RICE /Campbell 61 May 24th, Cont. Richards and I went to the bazaar and saw Shenston. We came across Mathieson with some girls. We had a good time generally; about five Richard and I went up to Uncle Andrew's. Got something to eat, and brought along the horse. Started for home about six. Met Margaret Jane and Dryland just outside Brantford and kept company all day. Just past the halfway house, our horse took a notion to kick. It kicked it's foot over the dashboard and stuck there. I jumped out and helped Mary Ann out and then helped Richards to set things right. Going through Ancaster our horse got scared by fireworks and started off at a pretty good pace. There was one very bad place on the hill where the horse nearly threw them coming up, but he could not shy he was held so tight going down. We got into Hamilton about half past ten. I saw Mary Ann home then went to Uncle Ebeneezer's Found them off to Toronto. I went to bed pretty soon. And thus ended my 24th of May. Reuben Shenston was the son of Shenston who started the Oxford Gazeteer in Brantford. �RICE/Campbell, VOL ONE 62 May 24, 1861 Cont. Very different it was from the same day in 1860. Then Mary Ann and I went to the “Falls” and spent a pleasant day all by ourselves. I think on the whole that I had more pleasure in 1860 that 1861, that is as far as I am concerned. May 25, 1861 Hamilton Went to see Richards about the buggy. Morrison would not charge us for the damage done. He wondered it was not worse. I had great difficulty making Richards take half the horse money from me. He wanted to pay all but I would not consent and I conquered. I searched all through the second hand book stores for a copy of “Williamson's Euclid.” I could not find one of any sort. At last I went to McLernand's and bought Chamber's Euclid for 621/2 cents. Went up and spent the evening with Mary Ann. We went out for a walk and she told me all her troubles. Her grandmother is getting crosser everyday and she has a hard time of it. �RICE/Campbell 63 From what I can see of the old woman, she is failing fast, and I do not think she will live long. So I do not urge Mary Ann to resent her treatment, as I would if she were well and in her right mind. She seems hardly accountable for her actions. Poor Mary Ann has had a hard time with her, and it will be a release to both when she dies, for she is a burden to herself, and a trail to all by whom she is surrounded. She gave Mary Ann terrible scolding about getting false teeth and laid it all to me. Mrs. Gilbert got hold of it, and reported that I gave them to Mary Ann. The old wretch kept out of my sight most of the time, and it is well for I was going to give her a good going over for her impudence to report lies. As for Mrs. Bailey, she can say what she pleases but the others had better keep quiet. May 26, Sabbath spent the whole day with M.A. In the morning went up to the cemetery and walked round till church time. Then home to dinner and back to Sabbath School, and then home. �RICE/Campbell 64 About half past five it commenced to rain but stopped for us to go to church. Rained a little during church time, but cleared up till we got home. It almost seemed as if God stopped it on purpose for people to go to church. I staid with Mary Ann till half past nine then went home. This morning, I left Hamilton at eleven and arrived here a little after one. Mr. Stuart excused me on account of my Greek class and I recited my other lessons all right. June 1 st Saturday has arrived and must enter something in my book or I will fall behind. Monday and Tuesday evening Craig and I went over to Deacon Burche's after supper. We got the girls cards, had a very pleasant time talking to them, and left about half past seven, went up to Kern's, traded cards and left there about eight, went to Ralston's and staid till after nine, and then home to the Institute. �RICE/Campbell 65 Thursday evening Montgomery and I went for a walk and I got home about eight. Last night I did not go out. Yoe went out and stayed out all night. I had a wretched tooth ache and did not sleep all night. I was up very early this morning and went out for a walk. We had quite a hard frost last night. I am afraid, it will hurt the crops. I had to speak this morning, and I got through it very well. Mr. Stuart said I did well. Mont. And I have made an appointment with Miss Sudborough and Bland to go for a walk this evening after prayers. I went to the dentist this morning for him to kill the nerve. He has done do but it hurts yet, I guess it is not quite dead. I have a dull aching pain and I can't do anything. I hope it will be over before tomorrow. I would like to hear from Montreal for I am almost out of money. I intended to write to cousin Lucy today. June 4th Woodstock Alas, alas, how sorely a student is driven by his studies. Here I am hard at work all day long, hardly ever leaving my studies and yet I can not find time to write letters or even in this book. But tonight I have a few minutes and I intend to improve them. �RICE/Campbell 66 June 4,1861, Cont. My last entry was on Saturday. I led prayers in the evening. After prayers Mont and I went over to Deacon Burtche's and waited till the girls were ready for a walk. Mont had Miss Bland, I Miss Sudborough. We had a nice long walk and very pleasant. Miss. T. is acquainted with Mary Ann and thinks here a very nice girl. Our walk lasted about an hour and then we went home. We came back arm in arm and passed several of our classmates door and saw us classmates. A number of them were standing at Ralston's and I stood talking to the others. Then we went down to the post office and then home. Sunday morning Mr. Stuart preached a first-rate sermon. In the afternoon, Cameron, Smith, Mont and I walked out about 4 miles to hear Ross preach. It rained and we got pretty wet coming back. Got home late for tea. Went to church heard a first rate sermon from Dr. Fyfe. Had a pleasant Sabbath. Monday nothing particular happened all day. Today I received a paper from Shenstone. I commenced my composition today and have about half finished it. �RICE/Campbell 67 June 7 Oh but I have some fun since I last wrote in this book. On Wednesday, I heard that Miss Fisher was going home next day and so after supper Mont and I went over to bid her goodbye. But we met Miss Bland and she said they were not at home, so we went back. After prayer we went over again, but Miss. Fisher was not in. We stayed till nine o'clock talking to Missis. Bland and Sudborough and then came home. But alas, Hankinson has seen us going and we have to go and give an account for ourselves. We said we went out, not intending to break the rules,or to stay long, but we wished to say goodbye to a fellow student. We had quite a long and pleasant talk, for he did not seem very angry, and he acted like a gentleman. He let us off this time, did it so kindly that he has put an effectual bar against us breaking the rules again. I respect him a great deal more since then than I ever did before. They have a new way now and he reads over the names immediately after prayers and we must answer to our names or be marked. * Hankinson is one of the teachers. �RICE/Campbell 68 Yesterday I finished my composition, finished a letter to Mary Ann, telling all the news, wrote to Richards, and learnt part of a piece for my next declaration. Chambers is sick and Mont and I sat up all night with him. I wrote to cousin Lucy and mailed the letter this morning. I went out for a walk this morning and met Miss. Sudborough and Fisher and took a walk with them. So I got a chance to bid her goodbye. June 8, 1861 And yet again some fun to record. Yesterday morning, at the opening of school Dr. Fyfe made reference to the fact some of the students were passing letters back and forth, and that some were visiting the young ladies, and some were going out during study hours. He was very severe in his denunciations of them, especially the first two, and threatened punishment to the offenders if they did not stop. Amongst the students Mont and I received the greatest share, but it is not so. (I have visited the girls and will do it again) and had been out during study hours, but I never passed letters with any of them. �RICE/Campbell 69 Either Dr. Fyfe or Mr. Hankinson seized letters coming to Miss. Northrup and opened it, and as the story goes, followed her to the post office, and took out her answer and read that too. It created quite an excitement when we heard the news. Some one went off and got a lot of cards printed warning to students to get all drop letters registered, so as to ensure safe delivery and when we got up this morning, we found one at every door. We cannot find out the perpetrator of the joke, but we intend to have fun about it. Several of us have stuck them upon the doors of our rooms. June 9, 1861 a very warm day, went to church twice. My clothes left in Brantford to be washed came up by express yesterday. There was not a scrap of writing which I think very strange. June 11, Nothing of importance happened yesterday. We are now receiving our Greek, and for tomorrow we have two lessons, and three reviews. In history, Miss Vining, gave us subjects to write essays upon. �RICE/Campbell 70 June 11, cont, My subject is *Alcibiades. It will take me all day nearly to put it in right shape and I have only today to do it. After supper last night, I had a walk with four of the girls for over half an hour. Thus I keep the rules. I wish that I might receive a letter containing some money for my pocket is empty. I have but three cents left and I owe the dentist for filling my teeth, and the express man for the parcel from Brantford. June 14 Friday night and again I enter something upon my book. Wednesday night I had a walk with the girls from the Old Institute and again last night. Yesterday, I received a letter from Mary Ann saying that Mrs. Byrne is dead. She does not say that her death was very sudden, nor does she mention what was the disease. I wrote to Annie last night. The preachers began to flock in today to the observation, and this morning it commenced. we had a holiday, (or rather half holiday )this afternoon so as to afford an opportunity to go to the association. * * Alcibiades: Greek orator, Athenian statesman. Disciple of Socrates in Pluto's Symposium. c 450-404 Mrs. Byrne, possibly mother or wife to Mr Bryne, Shopkeeper,Hamilton,On. �June 14, Cont. 71 We went in or perhaps a half an hour and then went up to Ralston's and had a pleasant chat with Misses R and B. Then I went up by the Old Institute and round home. After supper I went out to look for Elder Beardsoll, Davidson,and Alexander. I met the last just outside of the Institute and then went down to church and saw Elder Beardsoll and wife. At half past seven, Mont and I went to the Missionary meeting. I got Mont into a seat just behind Misses S. and B., a whole pew full of Institute girls on one side of us. We had a real good time, plenty of fun, plenty of good sound sense, plenty of music, and plenty of everything except money. Messers Alexander and Davidson with others spoke. After the meeting Mont and I walked home with the two girls and asked them to come for a walk tomorrow night, and made arrangements for the same. This morning I did a smart thing, at least I would have smarted had I been caught I was watching any chance to ask the two girls too come for a walk. Just before school met Miss B., but the Dr. was coming and I dared not ask. Davidson is the Baptist Superintendent Elder Beardsoll, is an old friend and mentor from Ingersoll, On. �Rice/Campbell 72 June 14, Cont. So right after prayers I asked Mr. Hankinson if I could get started, got to Ralston's, and stood there till Miss. S. came along, as I knew she would. Then made arrangement with her, went into Ralston's, got him to go to the post office, met Dr. Fyfe, he looked black, but said nothing, and I got safe back having accomplished my object. June 17, 1861 Woodstock On Saturday I attended church long enough to hear Mr. Alexander preach a magnificent sermon and then I spent the rest of the day as usual. In the morning early, it rained, but cleared up, and we had a beautiful day. After dinner Mont and I went down to the river and had a bathe. I wrote Millie and partly finished a letter to Aunt Anah which I finished this evening. After half past seven Mont and I went out to fulfill our engagement and have a walk. It looked rather rainy, and we hardly expected that the girls would come, but they did, and we had a very pleasant walk. Mont had Miss S. and I Miss B. We got them home just in time to avoid the rain which fell heavily later in the evening. �RICE/Campbell June 17, Cont. Sabbath 73 morning, Mont came to school with me and I resigned half of my class to him, and he seemed to be very much interested. Our church was crowded and as I did not wish to stay in such a crowded place, I went to hear Dr.Ingles. He preached a splendid sermon fromPs.cxxx1113. In the evening from 53rd of Isaiah latter part of the tenth verse. Today I have sent off a letter to Millie, finished one to Aunt Anah, and studied hard at my lessons. June 21 Nothing of moment has happened since last Monday. Miss. Vining has been away for a few days and Mr. Stuart is away now. We are getting on in our review first rate. I started to write to Mary Ann on Tuesday, and finished the letter yesterday. Fyfe is in town, he is engaged about building the new Institute. They commenced to build on Wednesday morning. I have not yet heard from Montreal nor have I received any money. I am getting quite discouraged about it, for here I am out of money and in debt. I got a paper from Mary Ann last night containing a notice of Mrs. Gallagher's death. �RICE/Campbell 74 June 22 Our exercises this morning were pretty good, but not equal to last Saturday. One of the girls broke down all together in reading. Ross was the first speaker. He had a good piece, a speech of Hannibal to the Army, but he murdered it. It was a wretched declamation. Ralston followed and was little better. Shrimpton did well, on Cassius encouraging Brutus to conspired against Caesar. McKenzie gave us a first rate speech in favour of smoking. Gold another good one, on the Deluge. Lapentiere, on Henry of Navarre. After the exercises Mr. Hankinson presented a beautiful copy of “Worsters's Dictionary ” to the Institute. A note of thanks was passed to be transmitted through Mr. Hankinson. After school, Mont and I went downtown, and while there a fire broke out. It was put out but not in time to save the building in which it originated. I have not yet received any money from Montreal and feel bad about it, for I do not dislike owing money to anyone. �RICE/Campbell 75 June 25 Sabbath afternoon Ini came in and took tea with me. We had Mr. Cooper in the morning, Dr. Fyfe at night. Mr. Stuart got back here on Monday morning. In the evening Mont and I went over and had a visit at Ralstons, and then went for a walk to the old Institute. Who should we meet but Misses S. and B. We had a good talk, and arranged for a walk on Saturday night. They had just got safely on their way home, when the Dr. came up. He did not say anything however. This morning he spoke about those who went to the circus and said he had not decided on the proper punishment for them. Now he restricts us so that we can't even go out on Saturday evenings without special permission. It is ridiculous, but one blessing only for three weeks. He gave out the opening exercise and permitted the students to chose their own speakers from each class. The middle Theological class chose stone, the Juniors, Gold. They accepted Theologus, Cameron. The University Class, Miss McKenzie, and the other class Northrup and Myself. �RICE/Campbell 76 June 25 I have written a piece for the occasion. It pretends to be a speech of Napoleon's on the field of Waterloo. I received a letter from Richards today. All well. JUNE 29 Saturday has come again, and that the last of the month. Since yesterday, but little has happened that is worth recording. I have broken some of the rules by talking to and visiting the girls. Last night, Mont and I were over at Ralstons for about an hour. We had a great time with Misses R.B. Such fun does one good once in a while. I have got up more than half of my speech for the Commencement exercises, two weeks from Tuesday. This mornings exercises were not of a very good quality. The compositions were very indistinctly read, and the declamations were too short. But there were no failures. I received back my composition on Early Associations today, and I feel proud of it. There was not a single correction in it, and at the end was the emphatic endorsement, in Stuart's writing, “ Good”. I come off for a declamation not next Saturday, as also Mont, and several others. �RICE/Campbell 77 June 29, Cont. Among the readers are Misses Bland and Sudborough Kilmaster, and other. Wrote a long letter to Annie Jane telling her of my despondency, and all my troubles. In the afternoon Mont and I went off with the intention of going in for a bathe, but I got busily engaged hunting for strawberries, and never got a bathe. I found a great many and had a feast. I picked nearly a pint and brought them home, but I went into Ralston's and gave them all away. While there Miss. Bland came in and as I came away she spoke to me about walk, she was afraid of the teachers but I argued her out of that. July 1st, 1861 Yesterday threatened rain, but we had nothing to speak of, just a few drops in the evening. Montgomery was some what sick today, and for a day or two back. I do not pity him because he will persist in studying. I have scolded him till I am tired. Mr. Cooper preached both times yesterday. �RICE/Campbell July 1/1861, Cont 78 After evening service, met Mont and Miss. B. I should think it about half past nine when we got home. There was a comet or something that was very like a *comet, visible to the north last night. It was very bright, a great deal brighter than a star, and appeared to have a tail. It appeared to move from west to east and I should think it moved very fast. It seems they are expecting a comet about this time, and this is probably the one. *Thatcher's Comet, seen as a bad omen. Since Civil War broke out, Fort Sumpter, etc. People believed it. July 2 Received a letter from cousin Lucy, last night. They are all well. I am now able to say both my declamations for Saturday and my speech for Tuesday and I have the greater part of my composition written. The comet is still visible, and appears to be getting brighter, probably it is coming nearer. Since Saturday I have been troubled with Diarrhea, which I lay to eating too many strawberries on Saturday. Mont could not recite yesterday, but is better today. I feel about half sick and am almost inclined to quit my lessons till I do feel better. I don't intend to get sick if I can help it. �RICE/Campbell 79 July 3 Have felt well in body today but not in mind. I received a letter from Annie Jane this morning and one from Millie this evening. They both write very affectionate letters but no money. Millie has already started for Cacuna.* She says, Aunt Jennie appears to have forgotten that she owns me a letter. Uncle James has been very busy, and Uncle George was out of town. They are all too busy to think of me, and poor I must stay here in poverty and be forgotten. If they have not time to write, they might at least send some money. I feel bad about it for I have no money to pay my debts, or my schooling, and have not even any to carry me away from this place. I am literally at my wit's end to find out what to do. I can do nothing. I must wait and see what the Lord will do for me. Oh, but I feel down hearted and cast down. I fear that I will not be able to come back next term, and if I don't come back then, I might as well stay away all together. �RICE/Campbell 80 July 6 Saturday again. Yesterday I wrote to Mr. Bowers saying that circumstances prevented going up today. I was sorry for it could not be helped. I had no money, and although I might have borrowed it, but would not do so. I had to borrow money to pay the letter. letter to Stark. I told him I must get something to do, for I could not afford to be idle. Last night we had a Missionary meeting and had essays by Miss. Cooper and Mr. stone, and a lecture by the Rev. Mr. Ingles, free church minister. This morning exercises were pretty good. Readers, Miss. Saunders on Flowers Misses Sudborough “Victory and the Grave.” and Miss. Kilmaster and Northrup. Speakers Deidrick, Yule, Mac Arthur on Napoleon, Mont, on America, myself the Pulpit Eloquence, and Meredith closed the list with a very funny piece of McKenzie's composition. I handed in my last composition, this morning. Next Saturday we who have to speak on Tuesday night have come before the Faculty on next Saturday morning. I have as yet got no money and almost despair of getting any. �RICE/Campbell 81 July 9 This morning I can sit down to write in this book with a good heart today for I have got no money. On Sunday morning Mr. Cooper gave me a very long and a very dry sermon. We were very glad when it was finished for we were about exhausted by the heat. In the afternoon there was a man lecturing in the town hall upon the Millenium. I did not go, but I heard that the lecture was the most arrant nonsense. In the evening Dr. Fyfe lectured on the same subject, and most effectively used the other man's up. I took notes of his discourse, of which the following are the most important. One argument was that two of the expounders of prophecy agree. Therefore all can not be right, but one must be right, and the others are wrong. Another in regard to the falsity of the principal that a day stands for a year, and as proof of its correctness the following passages were quoted, Gen.V1,3 Xv,13, V11,12 17. Jonah 111,4, Jer. xxv , 11,12& various others. Their principal proof of this made is Isaiah, x1v,24. A day for a year, and somewhat similar in Ezek. 1v,6, but God expressly said so in these cases and not in others. �RICE/Campbell 82 Dan,v11 “ Time,times and the diving of times.” They make this 1,260 years, but was exactly fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes.* He subdued 3 kings, waxed great, 168 B.C in May or June, he sent 2,200 troops who sacked Jerusalem, committed great slaughter defiles the temple by sacrificing swine, forced the priests to eat swine flesh, and in December 25th of the same year set up a statue of Jupiter in the temple. Exactly three years after to a day. Judas Maccabees cleansed the temple for exactly three years and a half. One of the Doctor's arguments was that God had always given a history of his people from the creation down to their destruction as a nation by Titus with the exception of about 400 years immediately preceeding the coming of Christ, but if we take Daniel's prophecies to refer to this, then the blank is filled up, and history shows that these events actually fulfilled the prophesies. Dr. Fyfe offers three objectives to their mode of interpretation. 1ST, it is not taught in the Bible, and where did they get it? Who told them they were to take a year for a day? *Antiochus Epiphanes was a Greek tyrant of the 2 nd century B.C. He was a vicious enemy of the Jewish people, outlawing Judaism. He was prophesied by Daniel. �RICE/Campbell 83 2nd the uncertainty of the science of chronology. As a proof of this he advanced the various opinions relative to Christ's first coming. Some say that Christ came as late as 6,984 years after the creation, others place it as low as 3,483, a trifling difference if only 3,501 years and there are no less than 300 different opinions ranging between these two. 3Rd, that the prophets themselves did not know the times when their prophecies were to be fulfilled. The events were clearly shown to them, but God, in most instances, withheld as to the truth of this, one only of which I will give. Zech 1X – 1-8, clearly refers to Christ. While the close refers to the Maccabees. He drew one striking simile and a very true one. That as we go out in a dark night and see the sky lighted up by the reflection of a large fire, we are led to think it very near, when in fact it is many miles away, but the darkness that is between hides the distance and it's light makes it appear near, so the which God clearly illuminated and made visible to the prophets appeared very near to them, both on account of this brightness and the darkness hiding all intervening objects and events. �RICE/Campbell 84 The principal of interpretation laid down by the Dr. was interpreted the prophetical parts of the scriptures as you would any other part; that it takes it literally, except when it would make it an absurdity. It was a very good discourse and I think produced a good effect. Yesterday we had a great deal of rain, which was very beneficial both to crops and human beings. After tea Mont and I went to Ralston's an had a pleasant visit. Then we went toward the old institute and met Misses B. and T. I asked them to go on a walk on Sabbath evening and I think they will. Mont and I translated the last exercise in our Greek book last night. Well do I remember the scene in the little sitting room, the many objections, their successful reputation, and at last the consent to the engagement. Never as long as I live will I forget that night. I spent part of the evening in writing to Mary Ann. Mont wanted me to go to the post office, but I didn't expect anything and I would not go. He came back, said there was a letter but the Postmaster would not let him have it as it appeared to contain money. �RICE/Campbell 85 This morning, I got excused and went down to the office for the letter. It was from Brantford and contained $10. Aunt Lizzie gave me a great scolding, and I did deserve a scolding that's a fact. I was very thankful for he money and I look upon it as an answer to my prayers, for I never expected any from Brantford. I went immediately and paid the dentist for filling my tooth, then went to the bookstore and purchased a book. 6:30 A.M., I have entered nothing in my book for three or four days because there was so much to do. On Thursday I had but one lesson, Arithmatic. Friday morning I received back my composition, and not a single blunder in it. I expect I will get three in composition. we did not recite any Greek, Latin or Geometry. The only lesson I had to say was History. This morning I have to speak before the faculty with the other students who take part in the Tuesday evening exercises. I expect a pretty severe criticism, but will give as good as I get. My examinations come off rather inconveniently. Monday from 81/2 to 10 ¾ to 11 ¾, Geometry. I would far rather have had Greek and History changed about, but it would not be. �RICE/Campbell 86 On Monday afternoon from 13/4 to 23/4 Latin. 23/4 arithmatic, and in the evening my speech at the public meeting. Afternoon We spoke before the faculty this morning, I got very little criticism, and that only in gesture. Montgomery brought me up two papers from Aunt Anah. After we got through with the speaking I went out, met Timpany, and we went berrying, all we wanted and reached home time for dinner. Then I read my papers and went downtown to see Stark. He said business was dull, and he had no work just now but when he had any he would be happy to let me have it. I got a letter from Aunt Anah. It came up last night, but by mistake was put in the wrong box, and I did not get it till this afternoon. Poor Aunt Anah is in trouble, her mother is very sick and is not expected to live. She has a very hard time of it what with watching and anxiety. Her letter enclosed one from Aunt Jennie written July 4th. It had been in Hamilton same day waiting for Aunt Anah to write. She is just going off to Cacouna and is busy. She sends five dollars from Grandma and she says she will send me five from Aunt Campbell in a week. �RICE/Campbell 87 July 9, Cont. The week is past and I ought to have the letter by this time. She thought that I was in Hamilton and so directed her letter there. The money has completely relieved me from all difficulty in regard to my debt. I have paid Dr. Fyfe the three dollars and a half for board and I am now free from debt and have some besides. I sent a paper to Shenstone today. I went out riding with Birch today. We had a ride of about six miles and got home at six. I lost my supper but that is nothing. I do not know how my examination is to pass for I do not know a word of my history, and not all of my Greek. Had a very good meeting in the evening. July 14th This morning bid my scholars goodbye for a time, perhaps forever. I never felt so bad leaving any Sunday School as I do this. Mont and I made a few remarks to the scholars before leaving. Mr. Cooper gave us a long and dry sermon. In the afternoon we had a very pleasant prayer meeting in the Chapel room. Dr. Fyfe presided. I engaged in prayer. It was a very affecting meeting and many tears were shed. �RICE/Campbell 88 July 14th, Cont. All seemed impressed with the solemn reality that we should all part tomorrow and perhaps never meet again. In the evening Mr. Stuart preached a very fine sermon from Matt. X1X: 20. “ All these things I kept from my youth up, what lack I yet?” The sermon was addressed to all who were moral and in all respects very promising persons, and yet had not given their hearts to Christ. The sermon was so good that I could not take notes except I took it all. I merely got the heads. 1. The assertion made. 11. The question asked. Under the second head the first subdivision was that” We lacked a proper knowledge of the requirements of God's holy law.” While speaking on this, and showing the many ways man had invented to come to God, or to please Him, the speaker made one beautiful remark. It was to this effect, God has, in all ages of the world, revealed two, and only two ways whereby by man can come near to Him. The first was “ Do and live,” the second, “Believe, and be saved,” the first, man in his primitive purity could do, he could in his fallen state obey it, but the second is all that he can do. Now he has fallen, and the utmost he can do is to believe and be saved. �RICE/Campbell 89 July 14, Cont. The second subdivision was that, He knew not the depravity of his own heart. The sermon closed with a strong appeal to all, especially the students in the institute, to turn to Christ. They were going to separate, going far away perhaps never to return, and would they still reject Christ, and would they separate before for time and eternity. In this appeal appeared another beautiful thought. “Christ the Saviour, now looks lovingly upon you, and invites you to come to Him, but how will Christ the Judge look upon you when you stand before him at the last day after having rejected him, and scorned his loving entreaties?” After service Mont and I had our walk with Misses Bland and Sudborough and got home about half past nine. Miss Sudborough is not going to be back next term, and we were all sorry for she is a very nice girl. July 15/1861 This morning I had not a word of my History studies, and my Greek only partially, but I passed my History examination very well, Greek as good as any, and my Geometry first rate. �RICE/Campbell July 15, cont. 90 I have written to Uncle Ebenezer and Aunt Anah. I have nothing to do this afternoon, and I expect to listen to some of the classes. Evening Went in and heard Xenophon and junior Latin classes this afternoon. After supper Mont and I went up to the Institute for a few minutes, and then into Deacon Burtche's. As we were going away the girls came in. Mont went over to the Institute, but I turned back, and went into the garden and had some fun. We were eating currants and throwing them to each other, and having a good time. They were Misses B.R.Y. And Misses R. Y. and myself. Near eight o'clock Mont came over and told me that the faculty wished to examine me. I went over and was in regards to my experience and call to the ministry. They expressed themselves satisfied, asked my intentions for the future. I said I hoped to study another year, and then go out as a missionary. They thought it rather short, but I gave my reason for desiring to do this; namely that my health would not permit me to live in this climate. �RICE/Campbell 91 They encouraged me to continue in my course and intention of studying for the ministry. Fitch was examined at the same time. July 16 The eventful day has come, and already is half past. I have written to Millie and part of a letter to Aunt Jenie. Have attended the English Literature class, and must declare it a credit to the school. I also attended the Botany class which was very good. This afternoon, my Caesar and Arithmatic came. I hope to pass but doubt it a little. Evening I passed my Caesar very well, as also my arithmatic. Before school was dismissed we met in the chapel room and dismissed we met in the chapel room and had our numbers read out. The highest is three, the lowest 0. I got three in all six of my studies. History, Greek Latin Geoemetry, Arithmatic, Composition. In history, all had three. In Greek,2 out of 5, in Latin,3 or 4 out of twelve. Geometry 4 or 5 out of 19. Arithmatic 4 or 5 out of 17 or 18. �Rice/Campbell July 16//1861, Cont. 92 Composition, less than a dozen out of the whole school. I guess very few got as many good marks as I did. After tea Mont and I went over to the Deacon's and staid nearly an hour. We got an introduction to Miss Bland's father and sister. We had a magnificent meeting tonight. The choir, conducted by Mr. Shrimpton furnished us with music. I led off with ”Napoleon” to his troops at Waterloo, Miss Sudborough followed with a fine then Miss Northrop, Benevolence, essay on “Flowers”, Miss Bland, “Gold”. Mr. Mckenzie,”Design of Character, Miss Kilmaster, “Uses of the beautiful, Cameron The King Of Spirits, a composition on Temperance, Miss Bodwell, Fashion Mr. Gold Necessity Aspire to action. Miss Ralston, “Memories”, Stone, “Trifles”. Miss Forsyth gave us a good piece on the piano. �Rice/Campbell 93 July 16, Cont. The meeting passed off well. After it broke up we had a sad time parting with friends. Some of them I bid goodbye to five or six times. After most all had gone away, Hall and I took a walk looking out for some of the girls but could find none. I have written pieces in albums belonging to Miss Kilmaster and Miss Haddock. July 18/1861 Brantford Again in Brantford after an absence of 8 weeks. Yesterday morning I did not go to bed until half past two, as I was writing to Aunt Jenie. Holmes woke us at four, and from then till six we had a time, all sorts of fun and carrying on. I packed my trunk before breakfast early, and at seven the first lot of students went east. On the way down to the station Miss Bland passed but did not give us time to do more than call out ”Goodbye.” Quite a number went away. Then I went up to the post office and posted a letter to Aunt Jenie containing one to Millie. I visited the Institute for the last time for two months, and then came back to the school. �Rice/Campbell 94 At half past seven, those students going West,left us. Nearly all the girls went by that train. I got Miss Ralston to promise to send me a copy of her essay, and on the cars, I obtained the same favor from Miss Sudborough. I intend to write to the others and try and procure their essays and speeches. At half past twelve, I too left Woodstock. We had some good fun on the cars. In the morning, I happened to say to Nott, that I heard he was going to have Harry Claxton in charge on the way down. He said, “Yes, and a young lady besides.” I knew who he meant, but I asked was it Miss Sudborough. He said, ‘yes.’ But it happened in our walk on Sabbath evening I had heard the girls laughing about his trying to get Miss Sudborough as a companion on the way down, and I saw that she did not like it, so Mont and I agreed to cut Nott out, but as luck would have it Mrs. Burtch had given Miss S. into Cunningham’s charge, purely for the fun of slipping Nott up. �Rice/Campbell 95 We got to the station, Mr. C. got her ticket and checks. Soon Nott along and was rather taken down to find that she had got them. When the cars came n he determined to escort her, but again failed. Cunningham went first, Miss S. nextNott next and I fourth. We got a double seat. Miss. S. and Cunningham, Nott and I in the other. Soon after we started, Nott left for a minute or two and Holmes took his seat so he had to take another. Pretty soon Holmes left and Mont took it and kept it down to Paris. We had a grand time. I received an invitation to call if ever I went to Toronto and I obtained a promised of a copy of her essay. At Paris we parted, and Mont, Yule, Cunningham, Holmes and I got out. The first two went out north and the others came down to Brantford. Mr. C. and I had a good deal of fun laughing at Nott’s discomfort, for he felt terribly put out. I took Aunt Lizzie and Annie by surprise, for they were not expecting me. It made me very sad to leave Woodstock; it felt like coming away from home. Today I have done but little. I weeded a little in the garden in the morning. I have not been able to get my trunk up till this afternoon and so could do nothing important. I expect to write a letter to Uncle James this afternoon. Both times. Yoe came down in the evening and I gave him the letter for McKenzie. This morning I wrote to Uncle Ebenezer, and mailed it enclosed in Mary Ann’s letter. Wrote to Misses Bland, Bodwell and Kilmaster requesting copies of their essays. I have now only to write to Cameron, Gold, Northrup and Stone. �RICE/Campbell 96 July 20/1861 Saturday, once again. Yesterday I wrote to Uncle James & George, but did not post the letter till this morning. Auntie and I went up to Mrs. Morton’s after tea last night, but did not stay too long. Annie Jane went into Mrs. Gould’s on Thursday evening and did not return till this morning. I have spent most of today helping Aunt Lizzie, shelling peas, picking berries, and such like. I wrote to McKenzie this morning asking for a copy of his Tuesday evening speech. I expect to send the letter by Yoe tomorrow. Evening Wrote to Mary Ann. July 22 Yesterday went to church twice. Heard Mr. Alexander �Rice/Campbell July 25 97 Nothing of importance has occurred since Monday. Yesterday, I wrote cousin Lucy, and in the evening, we went for a ride. This morning I have written to Northrup, Stone, Cunningham, thus leaving only Gold and I don’t know is address. July 27 Have been out riding for the last three nights. Yesterday we went up to Mrs. Morton’s, and had quite a feast of berries. I have about half finished my speech on Popular Prejudice. Time passes very pleasantly but lazily. I don’t do much and yet the days do by very quick.I have not yet received that letter from Aunt Jenie, and I wish she would send it along for I wish to use the money. But I suppose I must have patience, and when her week has long turned into three months I may get it. �Rice/Campbell 98 July 30 My last entry was on Saturday. Sunday morning drowned in the midst of a heavy rain and it continued to rain so hard that we could not go to church. I was sorry for I have not been absent from church, but twice before in two years. It cleared up about twelve, and we had a beautiful day. In the evening Mr. Alexander preached a fine sermon on the type of the cleansing of an unclean person who had touched a dead body, a grave or a bone, by means of the ashes of a red heifer. He applied it all to Christ in a very ingenious and at the same time instructive manner. One thought struck me as particularily beautiful. It was that the ancient type were the picture cards reading to their children in knowledge the things which we who are more advanced see clearly. The sermon, like all his sermons was brimful of interest. Yesterday morning, I wrote to Aunt Jennie, and posted a letter to Cameron. I read over a lot of father’s letters, kept those I thought worthy of preserving, and destroyed the rest. Shortly after four, Annie, Millie, Mary, Herbert and I went up to Mrs. Morton’s to pick currants. After we came home we took Millie into Selina’s. �Rice/Campbell 99 July.30 This morning I have done but little, dug potatoes for dinner and helped Henry mend the wagon. Received a letter from Mary Ann. Her grandmother has been very sick, but is getting better. Her mother is helping her but has just gone home. July 31 This is the anniversary of my father’s death. Just twelve years ago today, he took his flight from this world to a better; for twelve long years I have been an orphan and a hard life I have had of it. But these hard times are nearly over, and I can look forward to happier days. Evening Sent two papers to Mary Ann, or rather four in two envelopes. Received Miss Kilmaster’s essay, and short note. All the folks went to Van Amburgh’s Menagerie and left me all alone. I might have gone but I wouldn’t. Aug.1 This is Grandma’s birthday. She is 70 years old. Aunt Lizzie had some company, and I went into town and stayed till Uncle came home. *Grandma Muir, (nee Boa) �Rice./Campbell 100 Aug 2 Received a letter from Miss Bodwell containing her essay on, Fashions”. This weather is wretchedly warm. So warm we can do nothing. We have not heard from Hamilton yet, and we think it very strange. I am anxious to go to HA but there does not seem to be any prospects of doing so. Aug.5 On Saturday, I received a letter from Miss Bland enclosing her essay. She says she has heard from Miss Sudborough and had a full account of her journey. Yesterday I went to see the Baptism. It took place just below the dam in the river. There was a man and a woman baptized. The man was a big heavy man, and when Mr. Alexander dipped him, he struggled so that Mr. Alexander could not lift him, at the same time his foot slipped and both went under the water. I felt very sorry to see it and yet it was ridiculous. We had a splendid sermon on Soloman’s song 1:1.In the evening we had a fine sermon, but I have forgotten the text Evening Wrote to Mary Ann this afternoon. �RICE/Campbell Aug. 7 101 Yesterday two children were drowned in the river. They have found only one body as yet. This morning I have written to Miss Kilmaster, Miss Bodwell, and Miss Bland. Received a letter from Aunt Jenie containing five dollars from Aunt Campbell. Aunt Lizzie had a letter from Mr. Hamilton. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are going to Cacouna and Aunt Millie is to keep house for them, and Sandy is coming up here. Evening Wrote to Mr. Yoe enclosing fifty cents in postage stamps to pay my pew rent. Bought two blank books, and a few envelopes and I am going down Friday. Aug 7, Hamilton Here I am in Hamilton. On Thursday I worked hard all day writing and fixing my carpet bag. Yesterday morning I left Uncle Andrew’s at half past six, went to the store, woke Jim, and had to wait till nearly half past seven before he was ready to start for Paris. The way was dull and damp and I wore Uncle’s long heavy coat which was wet and it made me quite sick. We got to Paris about nine. I went up to see Mrs. Thompson and Millie. I got into Hamilton about half past two. I did not get my dinner till about three and then I ate heartily, and that with my previous headache made me quite ill. �RICE/Campbell 102 Aug 7/ cont. I went up to see Mary Ann in the evening and had a pleasant time. She did not expect me at all. I saw her Uncle William. I had quite a pleasant talk, and she told me lots of things that were said about her. Poor girl, I felt so mad that people can’t mind their own business. This morning I am well and intend to go visiting. Evening Received a letter from Mr. Northrup enclosing his speech, also a letter from Millie, she is still in Cacouna, and is getting better. I went up to see Aunt Millie at Mrs. Hamilton’s. She wanted me to stay to dinner, but I would not. I met her in the afternoon and told her why. After dinner I went to see Mr. Catchpole and I had a long talk with him. Then went to see Mr. Parnell, but found he was in Quebec. I had a talk with Woodley. Then I went to see Mary Ann, and arranged to go to the Falls next Friday. I gave her the papers I had brought down for her. Aug.11 Sunday Hamilton Went away in the morning without my breakfast. Mary Ann and I went up to the cemetery. Went to church in the morning and evening, but do not like Mr. Brown’s preaching. Saw a good many of my aquaintances. �Rice/Campbell 103 Aug 11/ cont. Went to Sunday School and had a pleasant time. Mr. William Booker taught the bible Class. I closed the school by prayer. Richards came home with Mary Ann and I. Bella Mc Donald was there and we had a pleasant time. Aunt Millie was at Uncle Ebenezer’s to tea, but I did not see her. Aug 13 Wrote exercises all morning. Sold a coat for which I had no use. I went down to see Richards but he turned up missing. He had gone to a funeral. In the evening I went down for Mary Ann to go to see Jane Robb, but she was busy and could not go. By and by Bella Mc Donald came in and we had quite a time. About half past eight we went for a walk. Aug. 15/1861 Eben’s Birthday age 21 My birthday. This morning I am twenty-one. I don’t care much about it since it has come, but it is a time I have looked forward to for years. I never expected to live to see the day that I should obtain my majority, but it has come, and God may spare many more years I have lived many years in the dishonor (Am. Sp.) of his name, perhaps I may live many more to spend them I his service. �Rice/Campbell 104 Aug 15, cont The last twenty-one years of my life have been chequered indeed, joy and sorrow, often mingled in one. I pray God the next twenty –one may be more peaceful. I was up early this morning and had a walk before breakfast. Mary Ann gave me a parcel last night and made me promise not to open it till this morning as it was a birthday gift. I found it to be a pair of slippers worked by herself. Dear girl. God bless her. I lay a long time thinking of her and her gift. She feared I would refuse it, but I won’t do any such thing. Dear Mary Ann, I think too much of her to reject her gifts. The rest of the folks have forgotten that it is my birthday, and I don’t choose to enlighten them. I wrote to grandma telling her that it was my birthday. The following is an extract: “Twenty-one years ago today I first saw the light in the town of Fort Covington. How many changes have happened since then. My dear parents have gone to their long home and friends have been scattered over the world, I myself have wondered here, there and everywhere, and my own dear native land, which was then peaceful and happy, has lost many of her best and most gifted sons and is now torn by fierce passions and civil strife. �RICE/CAMPBELL AUG 15 105 Evening This has been a rather dull birthday to me, even worse than last. I spent most of the morning in writing and the afternoon in the store. Uncle wanted me to go to the picnic, but did not like to leave the store, so I took his place. At tea time, I met Mary Ann and agreed to meet her on King Street in the morning. At the appointed time, I left the store and went up King as far as Caroline and downtown to the corner, but no sign of Mary Ann. Before I retraced my steps as far as Park. Then went back again to Caroline, and as I did not see her, I went along King. By this time I got tired of looking for her, so I came as far as Caroline and then home. I was an hour and ten minutes walking the streets trying to meet her. I warrant it won’t happen again. Aug.16 To Niagara Falls Was up at five o’clock. Left Uncle’s at seven and went uptown at half past seven went down to Mary Ann’s. She was not ready and said she did not feel inclined to go. She was vexed about last night, but it was her own fault. She forgot the arrangement she had to meet me on King St. and had gone another way. I soon made her see I had the most cause for anger, and she gave up her vexation. �RICE/CAMPBELL 106 AUG 16. Cont. NIAGARA We got down to the cars about a quarter past eight and found them fast filling up, so we went in and got a seat. Such crowds I never saw, it was a perfect jam. At nine, we started with 27 cars and everyone was crammed. We had to leave a great number behind and the Toronto train brought down seven car loads of Hamiltonians. Our trip was pleasant. At Jordan, four cars were left and we had to go back for them. We got to the bridge about half past twelve, and immediately started for the Falls, went down to the ferry and crossed the river. It was delightful. We walked up the steps and midway we met Mr. and Miss Owen, but had not time to talk. We went to the verge of the American Falls,then went up to and across the bridge to Goat Island. We walked all round the Island and out to the tower. The view from Terrafin Tower was Magnificent. We then went up the bank, viewed the rapids, round the head of the Island and back. Then we went to Niagara Falls Village, and after our curiosity was satisfied we went down to the suspension Bridge, crossed that and came back into the Village. We called on Mary Ann’s friends, the Gilmours, and stopped to tea. �RICE/CAMPBELL 107 AUG 16 Left there at half past six and went down to the station. Walked around till after seven and then got seats. There was a great deal of confusion and crowding. The Toronto train left at half past eight, 26 cars filled to overflowing. We did not leave till half past nine, then we had 28 cars, most of them crowded. Our passage home was quicker than when going, having taken nearly three hours and a half one way, and only two the other. We found the Toronto train in Hamilton awaiting us. It was half twelve before I got home, and by far the pleasantest excursion I ever went to. We enjoyed ourselves very well, saw a good many sights and lots of people. I found the folks all up when I got home, as the others had only got there about an hour before. When I came to count what the trip had cost I found it was only #2.27, little more than half of what I expected to spend. We saw all the sights we wanted to and had all we wanted. �RICE/CAMPBELL 108 Aug 18th Had a notion to write in this book all day yesterday. I was hard at working writing till twelve then I went out and met Mary Ann and Bella. I walked home with them and Bella showed me a likeness she had had taken. I put it in my pocket and teased her about it. I said I was going to keep it. I carried it off home, and she thinks I am going to keep it, and so I am. Hamilton I heard that Richards little brother died shortly after midnight last night. I was in the store putting up something for Aunt Lizzie. Richards came in about five and I went for Mary Ann and we went down to Richards. I agreed with him to sit up all night, and when I came home with Mary Ann, I went in and told Aunt Anah. I sat up all night with John and William Richards and Fanny Hatton. About twelve John and I came downtown, for the coffin, found it unfinished and the man drunk, but he promised that we should have it early in the morning. About half past one, John and I lay down to bed and slept for an hour or an hour and a half. At three we had a cup of tea and something to eat, and about five we went down again to see after the coffin. �RICE/CAMPBELL 109 They were all asleep, and the coffin untouched, but we routed them up to their work. About six, John and I went down to Mr. Byrne’s and got the key for the store of the store as we wanted to get some things. After that I went home, washed and changed my clothes, got my breakfast and went up to see if Aunt Millie was coming to church with me. She did not go to or church and I went with her and saw her home again. James Inglis of Detroit preached a splendid sermon from Colossians 3:1-4. I did not enjoy it much for I had a terrible headache. After dinner I called round for Mary Ann, walked with her to Sunday School, and then went to the funeral. I was one of the pall bearers. We left the house shortly after three Mr. Brown’s remarks and prayers at the grave were very good. *Poss. Buried in small cemetery beside St. Jame’s Anglican, on James Street I then came down to Mary Ann’s and staid to tea. We went to Mr. Burnett’s church in the evening. The heat started my nose bleeding and we had to come out. We went home and I staid till nine o’clock. I brought home one volume of my commentaries; and that copy of “The Language of Flowers, which I wrote for her last year. *Not sure if that is included in the book of “1861 Essays, Lectures and Poetry.” �RICE/CAMPBELL 110 AUG 18 I wish to take a copy of it, I forgot to mention that on Saturday, I received a letter from Uncle James in regard to my Boarding, arranging and ordering what clothing I required. Aug. 20 Yesterday I bought a little book about the Falls and a small blank book. I went down to the cars to see about a train to Brantford, and then I went and told Aunt Millie. I spent the afternoon in writing and in the evening went to see Mary Ann. *He still has Bella’s likeness. Sunday afternoon there was a baseball game between Burlington and Maple Leaf. Evening Today I spent the morning in writing, went out at twelve and met Miss and Mrs. McDonald. Had some fun about the likeness. After dinner I went to Milne’s to settle about the likeness, but Mrs. Milne didn’t charge me for it. Then I went up to see the match between Burlington and Maple Leaf clubs. I came away at the end of the sixth innings. The seventh denied the game in favour of Burlington by two runs. I went straight down to Mary Ann’s and went visiting at Jane Robb’s, staid there till nine. In the morning I finished a letter to Uncle James. �RICE/CAMPBELL 111 Aug.21 Wrote to Aunt Lizzie, enclosing Aunt Millie’s letter to her. Had some for fun teasing Miss Mc D. (Bella) At noon, after dinner, went down to the wharf and then down to the foot of Wellington Street to see Richard’s. Staid till six and then went uptown with him. After tea went to see Mary Ann. Read her the last of the essays. Brought home another of the commentaries. It commenced to rain very hard just after I started from Uncle’s and again soon after I got home. Aug.24 On Thursday I got my hair cut, the first time in two months. In the evening I went to prayer meeting. Uncle started for Detroit shortly after eleven o’clock at night. Yesterday I stayed in the store all day helping supply Uncle’s place. I got on well but do not like clerking. In the evening I went down to Mary Ann’s. Found Miss Goldie there, a girl who used to live in Montreal near us, but who has live for some years in Ayr. She is well acquainted with Mont and Peter and the other students who live near here. She is at present working at Hopkins and Aclands. Young McDonald was there and son came in. We had the greatest time laughing and cutting up, till nearly a quarter to ten. �RICE/CAMPBELL 112 I sold Bella by packing McD into her for I knew she did not like him. I saw Miss Goldie home and got woefully sold. She lived almost to the foot of Wellington St. Aug.25 On Saturday, did very little all day. Uncle Ebenezer got home about two o’clock that morning. The Burlington’s beat Detroit by three runs. Uncle felt wonderfully pleased over it. The Hamilton’s got home about noon, Aunt Millie left for Brantford about six in the evening. I went down to the cars and saw her off. In the evening I went up to see Mary Ann and caught her scrubbing. After she got through, we went for a walk. Sabbath morning the folks were lazy and did not get up till I left the house at nine o’clock without my breakfast. They did not get breakfast till ten, Mary Ann and I went up to the cemetery before church. Mr. Caldwell of Dundas preached in the morning. �Rice/Campbell Aug. 25/ 1861, Cont. 113 Aunt Anah promised to let me have my dinner at two, but it was not ready till a quarter past. I will know better next time to come to dinner on Sundays. We had a pretty good school. In the evening M.A. and I went to hear Dr. Irvine and heard a splendid sermon. Mr. Edwards was the traveling agent of the Grande Linge Mission preached in our church, and it was a regular begging sermon. On our way home we met Richards and he came along with us. I brought home another copy of my commentaries. There is but one left. Aug. 26 Met M.A. at seven o’clock, but did not get what she wanted to send to ???? Yarels, Tarlin, probably Sarah? Aug.26 After breakfast I went down to the depot and waited till the excursion train came in. I went through it but saw no sign of Sarah. There were two other trains passed afterwards, but I did not know of it till too late. In all 50 cars went down, all well filled. Went down to see Richards and staid with him till near twelve, then came uptown and met Mary Ann and Bella. �Rice/Campbell 114 Aug.26/Cont Walked home with them and then came home and wrote till five o’clock. Went up to the store and met Sandy Hamilton, who just came down from Brantford. He brought me a letter from McKenzie enclosing his speech. He did not receive my letter till 10th of Aug. I must find out what is the cause of it. I guess Yoe is to blame. After tea went down to see Mary Ann but she was out, and I sat talking to her grandmother. While waiting, Miss Patchen came in and about eight o’clock, Mary Ann got home. She had been down to the station and then Miss Goldie’s and was rather tired. She wanted to go to the depot again, and was so obstinate that we could not persuade her to give up the notion. She and I saw Miss Patchen home, and then went down to the cars. We stayed till they left but could see nothing of Sarah. It was ten o’clock when I got home and I came within an ace of being locked out. �Rice/Campbell Aug 27/1861 115 Sunday School Picnic Wrote to McKenzie in the morning. In the afternoon was the Sabbath School picnic. We had a very heavy shower about half past one and then it dried off and we had a very pleasant day. I went up there about three o’clock, but wished I had not gone till six. I went to get a boat and they had nothing but an old scow. Miss Patchen was there and Mary Ann left her alone most of the time, so I took her under my charge. It came on very cloudy in the evening and we broke up early and started for home. Mary Ann left me and took Richards arm, and I had to keep Miss Patchen. M.A. went along ahead full of fun and laugh but took no notice of us, so I determined to tell her, and we turned up another street. When they got to the corner expecting us till they found themselves solo. I had quite a long religious conversation on the way home. After leaving Miss Patchen I went up to see Mary Ann about the picnic. She was mad because I sold her, but I laughed at her, and showed her how unreasonable she was to get mad because I did not trail at her feet all the time. I staid talking to her till nearly ten o’clock. She had directed Richards what way to meet me, and poor fellow he got sold for I came another road. They both thought to sell me, and got sold worse themselves. I am very glad because it will teach them a lesson. �RICE/Campbell 116 Aug.28/1861 Went up to Mary Ann’s in the morning and found that Bella would not go without Miss Goldie, so she could not go at all. I got four of her and I on one plate, one for Jane Robb, one for Bella, one for herself and one for me. Bott P. 88 in original Afterwards I went up to invite Jane Robb to go to the boat ride, but they had gone to the Falls. I went down to see Richards and just as I got to the house it commenced to pour. I got into the porch, and had to wait there till the rain was over, for they had moved away and I could not get in. I went down to the new house and had a talk to him. Then I came home, got the fruit and went to M.A’s. Richards and his brother William came before two, but it rained and we did not start till three. When almost at the foot of James Street it began to rain and we had to wait till it was over. When we out to the wharf there were no boats to be got, so John and I went to LaVelle’s and even there we had to wait till a boat came in. It was four o’clock before we started from La Velle’s, we rowed round to the James St. Wharf, and took Mary Ann and William aboard, we also found Dryland and Margaret Jane and carried them across. We went to Oaklands, pleasant time of it. and had a �RICE/Campbell 117 Aug.28, Cont. Started for home shortly after six. Dryland was afraid I would not come. I went home with M.A. and staid till ten. Bella and Miss Goldie had to come home without any beau and it served them right. I received a letter from Lucy and Aunt Mary Ann enclosing two dollars, and also a letter from Mr. Yoe of Woodstock. Aug.31 This is the last day of the month. Ten days more will find me at Woodstock hard at work. I have not written anything in this book since Wednesday. On Thursday I did nothing particular. Friday afternoon Richards and I went down to the bay for a boat ride. We met Crawford Gore and he came with us. He steered and we rowed. It was very rough. When we got across we had a good bath and it was very pleasant. Coming back it was not so hard work. Crawford and I rowed, Richards steered. We saw the excursion from Detroit go by. There were 24 cars. I did not go to see Mary Ann last night for I expected she would be busy. This morning I went down to the cars to see Miss Owen off. �Rice/Campbell 118 Sept. 4/1861 Sunday I went to our own church in the morning, to Sabbath School in the afternoon and to hear Mr. Ormiston in the Evening. The sermon was about the mercy of God and was a very fine one. On Monday I wrote to Lucy, Aunt Mary Ann, White and to Mr. Yoe. In the evening Mary Ann and I went to the Union Prayer meeting in W.M? Chapel, John St. It was a very interesting meeting. Tuesday I went down to meet the excursion train from London and Woodstock expecting to meet Yoe, but he was on aboard. There were in all 50 cars so full that they had to put on four more here. Ino came down as far as Hamilton and stopped till tonight. The “Young Canadian baseball club of Woodstock came down to play with the Maple Leaf’s and beat them by two runs. Mary Ann and I were going for a boat ride, but it was too rough, so we went up to Jane Robb’s instead. I gave her the likeness and she was pleased with it. This morning I have written to Mr. Bowers about the church letter and have copied several pieces for Mary Ann. Sept 6 Brantford Here I am back n Brantford. Yesterday morning I packed my books in a box and took it up to the store and directed it. I told Uncle that I would write for it when I reached Woodstock. �RICE/Campbell 119 Mr. H. acted very cool and so I did the same. (Hamilton) Mrs. H. sent a package for me to take to Aunt Millie. It was rather bulky and I opened it to see if I could not make it a different shape. It contained one or two articles for Aunt Millie, and all the rest was for Ebenezer Hamilton. I thought it a mean trick for it took up half my carpet bag. Uncle Ebenezer( Rice)? Gave me $10. and told me not to apply it to the Society for Aid if I could possibly help it. I Promised that I would not, Aunt Anah gave me $4. I left the house shortly after six o’clock, but intentionally got left. I left my carpet bag in the luggage room and then went uptown to see Mary Ann. Poor girl, she felt bad to have me go. Richards came down about nine o’clock, and staid till it was time to go. He came down to the train and saw me off. I left Hamilton at 12 o’clock and got up to Paris till half past one. Top of 91, in original We had to wait at Paris till half past three waiting for the R.L H.R. train. We had to run to get on when it started or we would have been left. Reached Brantford at four and Aunt Lizzie about five. No one up, so I Lay down and slept for half an hour. Got in about six, had a short sleep and went to see the folks. We got a telegram saying that Mrs. Dudley died last night. It is very sudden, and to me seem hardly true. �RICE/Campbell 120 Sept. 11/1861 Woodstock Back again to school and glad of it. My last communication was on the 6th. Saturday doings were no more than ordinary. Sabbath morning, Mr. Alexander baptized three persons. The morning text was Phil.1.1, the evening has escaped my mind. Both sermons were exquisite. Would to God, I could preach as well. I saw Wm. Burtch at Woodstock, also Charlie Hale and Shenston. Aunt Lizzie and Aunt Millie went to church with me in the evening. Monday passed as usual. Uncle Eben came from Simcoe, and we did not get to bed till twelve. He prevailed on Auntie to let Annie go down with him. Tuesday morning we got up early as he was going at 7:10. I went down to the cars with them and we found we had nearly a half hour to spare so Uncle hired the busman? Tripman? to go for the trunks. I went too. We got back in twenty minutes. I saw them off and then went home, staid till half past ten, then went down to the store and up to the depot. I met Miss Ralston & Holmes and his sister on the train. We got to Woodstock about twenty past one. Went up to the Institute and found several students among others Miss Bland, Handfield (probably Canfield) and Mont, Nott, Timpany and others. I went to Mr. Gould’s and arranged for a room and then went back to the institute. �RICE/Campbell 121 Sept. 11 Cont. Cook and the students were put out that I was going to board out and tried hard to make me change my mind but they did not succeed. Went to the post office and found a letter from Uncle Frank, and papers from Byrne and Aunt? M? Mr. Higgins and Mr. German and Miss Canfield came during the day to board. Bev’s notes: John Higgins was adopted by a couple, from Chatham but seem to later have moved to Bronte as he came to Hamilton to preach in Wellington Square and had gone up to the folks in Bronte on the horse bus before he came to Hamilton to meet Eben. Mr. Higgins and I room together. The agreement is board, washing, all but light for $2 a week. We are to have a stove and all the fire we want, and we are to furnish our own lights. This morning school opened with about fourty students, about one half of the new students. My name comes third on the list, and I will be the second speaker. The junior theological class was formed of Mont,Chesney, Higgins, Larmont, Northrup,Nott, Rice, Timpany, Yoe, Yule with three or four more to enter. We commenced Logic and Paley’s Theology. I find I will require to have Greek, Latin, Logic, Payley’s, Algebra & Geometry. I received a letter from Mr. Bowers through Mr. Cooper telling me about the letter. The church granted it unanimously. Wrote to Uncle George for the scholarship and to Uncle James and to Uncle Eben for the box of books. Bought oil for lamp, paid my share on a gallon. Went to visit Mr. Gold and the Institute for a while. �RICE/Campbell 122 Sept. 14/1861 On Thursday the timetable was to be read but was not till Friday. The classes more organized and lessons appointed. We had nothing to do all day. Yoe paid me for my share of the bookcase and I bought Tower’s Algebra, and the Edinburgh Greek Rudiments. I also started to write to Mary Ann. Friday night my name stood 17th on the roll. But Mr. Stuart is going to make us speak according to an alphabetical roll which he has made out. The first eight have to speak next Saturday, and the last eight on the roll write compositions. I came in the latter class. At recess our Junior Theological class met in Mr. Stuart’s classroom to arrange the hour for Theology. It was appointed for ten and a half 11 ¼, three days in the week. That was the Geometry hour and so it was changed to Tuesday and Thursday from 9 ½ to 10 ¼. Our class consists of, Chesney, Clark, Fitch, Higgins, Ralston, Rice, Timpany, Yoe, Yule; 16 members all told, and there were two or three more here last term who intended to enter, but have not returned. As far as possible, we take the same lessons. Our classes are arranged as follows- Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10 ½ -11 ¼, Natural Theology; 2-2 ¾ Preparatory Algebra, 2 ¾-3 ½,2nd, Latin: Tuesday and Thursday 9 ½ -10 ¼, Senior Geometry; 10 ¼ 111/4 Logic 2-2 ¾, 2nd Greek. �RICE/Campbell 123 Sept. 14, Cont. Our Geometry hour being changed, we had no lesson. After dinner, I received a letter from Uncle George dated Sept. 11. Our Algebra came off at two. I don’t like it at all, it is a ridiculous study. Next hour our Latin came off. We did pretty well,in that. We are to have that old Arnold over again. We hoped that we were out of it but no, we must waste another term for nothing. Last night they had a meeting to form a new society. I did not attend for I am disgusted. Since the last was broken up I do not intend to join any society for a while at any rate. I have not heard what decision they came to, but I am told they had considerable discussion. Sept. 16 FIRE Saturday night we came near losing our institute and the lives of some of the students. Just before going to bed, Mr. Cook found that there was a fire in the house, and after long search discovered it in the little room off Mrs. Hankinson’s class room. It was soon put out not having made enough headway to do any harm, but had it happened a half hour later some of the students would have been burnt, it seems to have been designedly set on fire for no accident could happen in such a room. �RICE/Campbell 124 Sept. 16, Cont. They put a watch on all night and intended to keep on till all danger is past. They hope to find out who did it and I hope he will be discovered for such a fiendish attempt I never heard of. On Sunday Dr. Fyfe preached to the parents and teachers after Sabbath School and Mr. Cooper preached in the evening. Our own Sabbath School flourishes well. Mr. Yoe resigned the charge of it into my hands for this term. Today I finished and mailed a letter to Mary Ann and Richards. I recited one lesson in Theology, and Algebra & Latin. Tomorrow I am to have Logic and Greek, and do not know any of either. I took the letter I received to Mr. Cooper and he said it was sufficient. Sept. 19 My box of books has not come yet. I can’t conceive what delays it so. I received a letter from Uncle George enclosing the scholarship, but no money. I guess he has forgotten his promise. (End of page 94 in original) I have put on flannel shirts for the weather. Our rules are pretty strict and I have been out visiting but once since I came back. End of page 124… BOOK TWO Continue to page 125 SEPT. 23/1861 TO DEC 31 /1861 �SCROLL DOWN EBEN MUIR RICE FIRST BOOK STILL CONTINUES AS VOLUME ONE IN ANOTHER BOOK TWO *that starts Jan 1861 to 1864 SCROLL DOWN SCROLL DOWN CONTINUE…… to VOLUME ONE PART TWO �Rice/Campbell Sept 23/1861 Cont, Vol ONE PART TWO 125 RICE /Campbell Vol ONE/ PART 2 BOOK 2 Sept. 23/1861 NEW LITERARY GUILD DELPHINIUMS My box of books came on Saturday and I paid 35 cents freight on them. Mr. Gould made a book case large enough to hold all our books, free of cost. On Friday evening we had a meeting for the purpose of organizing a literary society. After a deal of controversy we got a good constitution and formed a society called the Delphinium Literary Society. There were three things that I battled against strongly and gained my point in each. One was a proposal to call it the “Athenceum, (He spells it Anthenceum, it is probably Atheneum) another to make the initiation fee twenty-five cents; and another to let members of the old Athenaceum in free. Then one to let the members of the old Athenceum in free. The initiation fee was reduced one half and everyone who signed the constitution had to pay. On Saturday evening we had a meeting of the Judson Missionary Society to elect officers. We also had an election on infidilty from Mr. Stuart sp. (Stewert). I received my subscription. This morning I paid Dr. Fyfe for Paley’s works and the book on Logic. Received a letter from Uncle James telling that he has sent me some clothes and shortly after I received the parcel itself. Sept. 24 Paid one weeks board. Wrote Miss Sudborough asking for her essay and enclosing a copy of my speech. Wrote to Uncle James in answer to his of the 18th and to Uncle George answering his of the 11th and 16th. Sept 26. Wrote to Uncle Ebenezer. Have studied hard all the week and feel glad that it is so near Saturday. I was visiting in Ralston’s tonight. Miss Bland was in here last night for quite a long time. I wrote a piece for the Budget yesterday and handed it into Mckenzie. Garham was up to London today. Mr. Gould was up yesterday. �Rice/Campbell 126 Sept. 30/1861 On Friday we had a splendid meeting of the Delphinium. It was a success. We signed the Constitution and our business meeting was a very good one, but we had a little fuss about recognizing our the speaker. On Saturday I received my composition back again without a mark. I received number three. The speaking was nearly a failure. Two broke down, and some of the others were but little better. I spent a great part of the afternoon in learning my orations for Friday night. I took my shoes down to the Blacksmith’s to have iron heels made for them. Yesterday morning Mr. Boozy came from the Union Sabbath School came to our school and made proposal for the two schools. We referred the matter to the scholars and they are to decide by next Sabbath. (Sabbath School for coloured children) I do not much think they will agree to it, but they can decide for themselves. Mr. Cooper preached from Luke XX111:33. It was a very good sermon. In the afternoon I attended the Dr’s. Bible Class. We had a very interesting time of it. After class I had a walk with Learmont & Ralston and when alone Ralston told me of his doubts and fears. He is tempted to doubt that he is called to the ministry. After church in the evening I had another talk with him and advised him as well as I could. Mr. Stewart preached in the evening from Heb.1v:12-The word of God is powerful. He preached an excellent sermon. Top of 97 Evening Went to the lecture on India. It was very interesting. The missionary has been labouring within a few miles of the great temple of the Juggernaut. He gave us a sad picture of the state of the inhabitants. Several idols, sacred stones, rosary’s and instruments of torture were shown during the evening. I went and came home with the Ralston’s. Got home about half past nine. Oct.2/1861 Anoter month has begun, soon to pass away and be numbered with those that are gone before. Yesterday I did nothing of any consequence. Today I received a letter from Aunt Jenie telling me of the joyful news that the family was going to pay my board so that I need not trouble myself about it. �RICE/Campbell 127 Oct.2,/1861 Cont. It was indeed a blessing from God for I little expected it and it was the very thing for me. She sent me five dollars as a present from Grandma and told me they are getting a parcel ready for me. The folks are all well and sister Millie is better than she has been. I feel very much pleased with the good news she said for it has taken quite a load off my mind. Poor Mont is badly troubled for money and is almost tempted to go home, but I advised him not to. He and I were over to Deacon’s last night and spent a pleasant hour. Bev’s note Deacon Burtche holds an evening fireside and young people. Oct. 3rd Wrote to Uncle Frank. Have got the heels of my boots finished and will be able to wear them in a day or two. Have done very little today in the way of study. Oct.4 Spent the morning writing essays for Dr. Have got three pages written. Evening Delphinium society. Had a splendid meeting. McArthur should have delivered an oration, but not being able to get it up, he recited declamation. Gold followed with an essay. Top of p.98 in original. Men may rise to higher things on stepping stones of their own dead selves.” Then the Oracle was read and it indeed was a rich treat. Then I followed with an oration on, “Language, and this closed the exercise. I had not got my routine very perfectly for it was very long, and it was very hard for me to speak. I was afraid that it would be tiresome but it was not. Went down to the post office…( top of 98 in orig.) after nine and got a letter from Richards. He never mentioned a word about Mary Ann. I can’t conceive what ails her that she don’t write. Oct.5 Finished my essay for Dr. Fyfe. Mont went home and I went down to the cars with him. Went to prayer meeting in the evening. Received a letter from Miss Sudborough enclosing her essay on, “Flowers”. She sent the last sprig of *Eniguonette, if not, the last rose of summer. (*Not found as a flower)or French spelling. �Rice/Campbell 128 Oct. 6/1861 Ralston brought the letter and stayed till after ten. I wrote to Aunt Lizzie and Aunt Jane and did not get to bed till about half past twelve. Ralston went with me to Sunday School. School opened by singing, and reading and prayer by Mr. Ralston? School was closed by prayer by Mr. Timpany. After school we asked the decision of the school about joining with the school in the town hall. They had decide to remain as they were and would not join with the others. I think it was the best thing they could do Got soaking wet going to church, dried off while there, and got soaked again on the way home. Cont. 11…….pick up here (top of 99 in original) Mr. Stewart taught the bible class in the afternoon. Dr. Fyfe being away from Home. We had our Presentation and I gave my opinion on it rather freely. In the evening Mr. Cooper preached from John X1V: 32-3-4. Then came the soldiers and broke the legs of the first of the other which was crucified with him, but when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, they broke not his legs.; but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came out there, blood and water. Oct.11 On Monday Mont came back again and is going to stay. I did not have to read my essay on Monday, but I will today. On Tuesday evening Miss Bland was over her and I walked down to prayer meeting with her. We ha d affine meeting. Yesterday Mr. Stewart was a way and I had neither Logic not Greek. I wrote to Aunt Jennie nearly all morning, Miss Finch came to dinner and after dinner I went into the parlor and talked to her till long after two. Then I went up to the Insititute and went to Mont’s room. First we got talking about death and then to telling stories. When I got into Geometry class my memory failed me, and I forgot how to do the simplest proposition. But fortunately I was not called on. After school I went down to the post office with B.R. Smith and then brought him home to tea. Mont came on while we were at tea and he and I went Over to Deacon Burtche’s He went away soon, but I staid till nearly half past seven. �RICE/Campbell 129 Oct.11, Cont. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston, & Mrs. Kern, McPhail, Cunningham and Miss Bland were there either part or the whole of the time. I had great fun, and it did me good. It cleared my brain and made me fit for work. After I came home I finished my letter to Aunt Jennie. Wrote to Aunt Millie, and wrote a piece for the Oracle. It was after twelve when I went off to bed. Evening Our society came off and it was a good meeting. I led off by a beautiful declamation, followed by a debate between Ralston and Clark, Ralston gaining, and a declamation by Higgins and a dialogue by Burtch and Kitchen. Before time for meeting I went over to Ralston’s and was nearly caught Mr. & Mrs. R. Miss B.,K and Thoh? Were laughing and enjoying ourselves when word came that Mrs. Faculty had gone to the Deacons. McKenzie came to the door and played on his fiddle until she went back to school, and so we escaped.  Was this a warning, a diversion to student when he played the fiddle that faculty were in the house?? Funny bit. Oct. 12 My name was read for a declamation for next Saturday. After school I went Beech nutting. We had a good time. I got three Large pocketsful. After dinner Miss. Holmes & Northrup came in and I was called downstairs. I brought down most of my nuts and we had a good time. I spent the afternoon talking to them. Mont came in near tea time, and they all stopped to rea. After tea I went downtown and then to prayer meeting. I received a letter from Mary Ann. She is well but hard worked and troubled. Oct. 15 Went to church twice on Sunday. Mr. Cooper preached in the morning and Dr. Fyfe in the evening. Yesterday I wrote a piece for the ‘Oracle’, and then went out for a walk. I went into Ralston’s and McKenzie’s and staid till half past eight. I was helping Ralston with his Greek, when Miss. Bland, Mabee, and Linch came in, and I had to go home with them. It was about ten when I got home. I sat up till half past eleven studying. Today I heard from Uncle Ebenezer and received twenty dollars to pay his note to the Institute. I handed the money to the Doctor and will receive the nota as soon as possible. �Rice/Campbell 130 Oct. 17/1861 Midnight On Wednesday I received Uncle Eben’s note and immediately wrote to him enclosing it. Today I have had a hard time getting my lessons but I guess I passed. Backhock, Garnham, Higgins and I have hired box 182 for the remainder of the term. I have written to Mary Ann and Richards , and to Miss Sudborough. Miss Bland was in after school and Miss Mabee tried to tease me, but I turned the tables on her. After tea Miss. Ralston & kern came in and afterwards, Timpany and Chesney & Munro. Last night Chambers and Warner watched at the Institute. Some of the guys tried to frighten them and about ten o’clock one of them dressed in a white sheet and having the appearance of fire in his mouth came into the passage. Chambers took after him with a poker and the ghost ran for his life. Chambers would have caught him but he slammed the doors and so gained time. Oct 17, Cont. The clatter woke all in the building and created quite a disturbance. The ghost was caged in the last room on the upper flat and was either Nott, Yule, or McArthur. Hankinson’s mad and intends to make a fuss about it. Much good might to him. Oct.18 Went over to Kern’s and spent half an hour tonight. Tonight was the night for the Delphinium. The exercises were an oration by Muir, another by Nott, an essay by Yule and the ‘Oracle’. The last ws brimful of fun and was the best that ever I saw. We had a splendid meeting. This afternoon I bought a set of vest buttons for 20 cents, and a half a box of pens for 17 cents. Oct.20 The morning exercises yesterday were pretty good. Miss Bland read a splendid composition. It was the best ever I heard her read. Ralston spoke a fine piece and I gave them my speech on “Popular Prejudice”. Stewart felt cut at least I should judge by his looks. They laughed so much that it about upset me. In the afternoon Mont, Northrup, Ralston and I got out our Logic exercises. This evening should have been the night for the Missionary Meeting, but it was forgotten till too late and was postponed for a week. I got a letter from Aunt Jennie enclosing six dollars as the amount of one month’s subscription for my board. From the amount sent I gather Grandpa refused to contribute. �RICE/Campbell 131 Oct. 20, Cont. Well I never have asked his assistance yet, and I have gotten along, and as long as God is faithful to his promises, I will not need to ask him. I sat till after twelve working. Today we had a good Sunday School, after which I attended prayer meeting and then church. In the afternoon, the Dr’s. Bible Class after which Ralston and I had a long walk and a pleasant talk. I walked to church with Miss Mabee, heard a pretty good sermon, and after church about a dozen of us had a conference meeting in Br. Nott’s room. It was a very good meeting and I believe the Lord was present. All professors present took part either in prayer or speaking. After meeting I made up my difficulty with Nott. I know not of any with any others, but if I have any I want to have them all forgiven. The meeting was a blessed one. May God bless it to our souls. Oct.21 Received a parcel from Montreal containing some shirts, flannel, a vest, some candles and several other things, among them a letter from Millie. Oct. 25 On Monday night went over to Deacon Burtches. Tuesday I wrote out a copy of my orations to send to Aunt Jenie. Thursday sent letter to Aunt Jenie, two papers to Mary Ann and one to Annie. Oct.25 Received a letter, and parcel from Annie, and a letter from Richards. Got a paper form Mary Ann. Today I have written to Uncle James and Millie. I got my overcoat fixed yesterday and need to pay for it today. Oct.28 Saturday I got my paper telling me that a friend from Hamilton would be up to church on Sunday. I suspect it was Richards, and yesterday morning I took my stand at the church door. Soon I saw three ladies coming but paid no attention to them till they got up to the steps. Then I happened to look at them and I saw that one was Bella McDonald and the other was Mary Ann. I was thunder stuck. They tell me I turned white as a sheet and trembled very much. I took them into my seat and such a time. Everyone I know stared. I shared my book with Mary Ann. After church I met Jas. Claxton of Montreal and had a few minutes talk. �Rice/Campbell Oct. 28/1861, Cont. 131 I walked home with the girls to Mrs. Chrires Cluires??, a way up past Dr.Fyfe’s. Dr. saw me walking with them. After dinner I came down town with them, went up to the new Institute, tore my patent leather boot, came down to visit Mrs. Gould, showed them into my room, and then took them to Sunday School. Then I went to Bible Class and afterwards went for a walk with Mont. and agreed about Night. After church I met them and took them into my pew again. Hankinson looked at us pretty sharply several time. After church I gave Mont and introduction and left Bella to his care, while I took Mary Ann and Miss Finch. We went down to Finche’s, staid there a while, came up again and stopped at the Montgomery House for their satchels settled their account and went up to Coluires?? We staid there till nearly ten o’clock and prevailed on them to stay till Wednesday. We got home just in time for Mont to get in. This morning I arranged with Mont to get excused tonight and go for a walk. After I came home from Theology class, Shrimpton came in bringing Mr. Elsworth, and his cousin. They had passed through town to Paris, and turned round and came back. He brought them to see me, so that they might find where the girls were. I took them down to Cox’s, but they were not there. I went down with them to the depot and had a talk with Elsworth. He wants me to give him Bella’s likeness but I would not do so. I told him how I got it, and I said I was not willing to let it go. He seemed satisfied and quit asking for it. After school Mont got excused till 8 o’clock, and we went down to Cox’s and had a pleasant time of it. I told the girls about Elesworth, and they laughed heartily. I staid till nearly ten o’clock. We had some good singing before I left. Oct. 29 The two girls were comimg up to see Mrs. Gould and myself, and I asked Miss. And Mrs. Ralston, Miss Bland and Mont to come over and spend the evening. I got out of school about half past three and found the girls at home. �Rice/Campbell 132 Oct. 29/1861, Cont. Soon Miss Mabee and Finch came in and Higgins, and then Mont. I got a letter from Uncle Ebenezer in the afternoon. After tea Miss Bland and the Ralstons came in and we had a good time. Miss Ralston and (Miss) prob. Mr. Higgins went to prayer meeting and came back afterwards. Mont and Miss. Bland went away about seven but the other stayed. We had a fortune teller and rigged brickhouse about the music stand. Then we played a game called Rickham, or (Rinkham) and had fun at the forfeits. I had the best for I kissed Miss Finch and Mary Ann and Bella kissed me. Then we got to talking and then to singing and speaking. Bella sang twice, Mary Ann three or four times& Finch twice, Brickhouse, or Buckhouse, spoke twice. Garnham once, Ralston twice, Higgins once, Mr. Gould once and myself three times. I gave “Pulpit Eloquence,” ‘Ivan the Czar’ and a stump speech on Matrimony. We had the grandest fun. About a quarter past nine we took the girls home. I went from the door with two for fear Higgins would get Bella. As soon as Higgins got Miss Ralston I gave up Bella to Ralston and we had a good walk. The girls got home just a ten. I studied very little after that. I gave Mary Ann a Bible Geography and Bella a book of general knowledge called Fireside Philosophy. Oct. 30 It rained a little during the day but providentially not enough to keep the girls from visiting their friends. At noon I got an excuse from Latin. Just before school commenced I got a telegram from Elsworth asking when they would be down and I answered 3:52. After Algebra I went to Cox’s and the girls were wondering tickled at the telegram. We started for the station and there just a little before the train came in. We saw them into a good seat and then left them just as the cars started and thus ended the little episode of pleasure. We came home and after school time went over to Ralston’s for a while. I couldn’t study at night so I played checkers for a while and went to bed about nine. �Rice/Campbell 133 Nov. 4/1861 On Friday we had a pretty good meeting of the Society. In The afternoon there was a special meeting to consider having open meetings. I heard that Dr. Fyfe was opposed to it, and I would not attend, for I knew it would not be carried to have them. Top of 106 in original. The Society decided to have open meetings only once a month. Saturday I expected to hear from M.A. but did not. Mont and I spent nearly an hour waiting on the post office. Tuesday evening we had a grand meeting. Everyone seemed to feel interested. Today is the anniversary of the most important event in my life. One year ago today I was called to the ministry. Well do I Remember the day. It was at Uncle Frank’s I had been down to the Martinsburg to Church and after I got home I lay down on the sofa to rest. While laying there it seemed as though someone came to me and asked me if I would be a minister. I was very unwilling for I saw that I would have to give Mary Ann up, and many other things besides. I offered scores of excuses, but all were overthrown, and the two passages of scripture rose to my mind Matt.X1X:29 x 37,30 One seemed to promise what I would receive if I obeyed, the other threatened if I refused. Such a terrible struggle I never wish to pass through again. I lay still and kept my grief to myself. None knew the bitterness of my soul and none knew my thoughts. So much was I agitated, that I could not repress an occasional groan, and at least Uncle Frank asked me what was the matter. I did not tell him plainly but passed it off. After tea I sat down and wrote to M.A., telling her of my trouble, asking advice, and offering her, her freedom if she wished it. Poor girl it had a great effect on her, and almost shook her faith in any truth, but God helped her decide aright. Nov.5 (Guy Fawkes Day… Bev’s note) 5 o’clock in the morning, I have just finished writing to Mary Ann and Bella, Annie, June and Uncle Ebenezer. Last night immediately after tea I went downtown to Mr. Cox’s to receive any message they might wish to send to Hamilton. I had a long talk with Mrs. Cox. Then I came up Ralston’s and had a talk with Miss. Ralston. She was all alone and I had a good talk. I found out all about her and Ross and I guess she knew about me and Mary Ann and Bella. �RICE/Campbell Nov. 5/1861, Cont. 134 I staid till nearly eight then came home and sat down to write. I wrote a long letter to Mary Ann and a short one to Bella, another pretty long one to Annie, and one to Uncle Ebenezer and now it is so early, that I don’t feel inclined to go to bed,at all. Nov.7 On Tuesday I did not so much also but study. Mont. wrote to Mary Ann, & Bella on Tuesday evening. Today I got a paper from Mary Ann. I sold McPhail my geometry for 75 cents, just 55 cents profit. Nov. 9 Last night we had a splendid debate and indeed a good meeting all through. Today I got a letter from Mary Ann, another from Lucy and another from Shenton. Mont says that Bella has consented to have Elsworth. I am sorry for it both for his sake and for her sake. I bought William’s Symbolic Geometry from Garnham for 50 cents. I will fix it and try to sell it. I pad Mr. Stewart my incidentals for this term. I have to write, composition for next Saturday. My speech is for the next time. I have to speak. Mont and I went to visit the Johnston’s. I went over to Dea. Bartel’s tonight and spent a short time. Our prayer meeting was a very good one. Nov. 10 A beautiful Sabbath. Our morning school was very interesting and I endevoued to press Christ upon my scholars. I spoke to them plointedly for I wish to win them. May God bless my words. Mr. Cooper. Top of 108 Preached from the last of Christ’s sayings on the cross. Luke XX111: 46 ‘Father into Thy hands I commit my spirit. Dr. Fyfe’s bible class was a very good one. Dr. Fyfe preached in the morning from Luke XV:2. This man receiveth kindness and earth? with them. After service we had our student conference meeting. It was well attended and was very interesting. Nott was away preaching today for the first time and many prayers were put up for him. God grant that I too may be blessed. �Rice/Campbell 135 Nov. 11/1861 Wrote a long letter to Mary Ann in answer to her’s of the 6th. Nov. 13 Last night I was over at Ralston’s helping him out with his lessons. I was explaining fractions to him. After a while he got so sleepy that I could not explain them to him, and then I sat talking to sister Ralston. We had a very good prayer meeting last night. I engaged in prayer but I felt very guilty. I am so cold and dead I feel almost as if my spark of life has almost gone out. I am feeling the dreadful sorrow of being under the tidings? Of God’s countenance. Nov. 13 He appears to be frowning on me and I am wretched. May he in mercy soon remove the cloud that hides him from me and reveal to me as in times past. Nov. 16 Only tree day shave passed since last I wrote I this, and yet what changes have taken place. On Friday Ralston paid me the our dollars he owed me for the encyclopedia he bought off me. And I paid Mrs. Gould for two weeks board. It was a great relief for me for I had been troubled for two weeks about my board. In the afternoon, a fire broke out in the stable of the building next to this and were for a time in doubt as whether the house would go or not, but fortune d favoured and it was saved. I had to write a composition for today and spent the greater part of the evening at it. I went to the Society meeting and then sat up to finish my composition. My subject was of Students, Joys, and Sorrows. I took the latter first, and spoke quite feelingly about his sorrows. It was nearly if not after two when I finished that part and as my composition was now six pages in length and my head was aching and I felt tired of left it so, saying that I would keep “A students joy” for another composition. I went to bed and almost fell into a deep and heavy sleep. About three a fire broke out in Mr. Stewart’s house and they only had time to flee for their lives. He lost everything. He says he is only worth thirty dollars in the world. The insurance was very light, only three hundred dollars. �RICE/Campbell Nov 16, Cont. 136 The students took up a subscription for him and got considerable, I do not know exactly how much. I heard nothing of the fire till morning. This morning I received a letter from Montreal $10. Aunt Jenie says she forgot to collect it all last time. I paid half a dollar to Clark for the Bullion’s Greek Grammar I bought from him, and gave $1. Towards the subscription for Mr. Stewart. Poor man I would willingly give him more but I could not afford it. Montgomery went down home this evening. We had a good prayer meeting. I bought Roget’s Thesaurus English words from Mont for a dollar to be paid when I can. He paid me the last 62 ½ cents he owed me, and I paid Garnham what I owed him for the Geometry. Nov.18 Yesterday was a fine day but cold. Our morning Sunday School was but poorly attended. Mr. Cooper’s sermons were not as interesting as they sometimes are, and in the evening I went to sleep over the sermon. Our students conference meeting was not as well attended as usual. It was a very interesting one. I had a walk with Ralston afterward. I do not feel right yet. I cannot feel the presence of God as I once could and I fee dull and wretched. I long for the return of his favour, but he seems to hide himself to me. I hope and pray that he will soon reveal himself to me for this state is misery. Top of 110 in original Nov. 19 Last night Miss. Bland was here, the first I have seen her to speak in this house. Since Mary Ann and Bella were here. Garnham’s father and sister were here, but went away today. I only saw the old man to speak to. As I was going down to tea my nose began to bleed and bled the whole time they were at tea. When I went down I found Miss Bland there, and sat and talked till seven o’clock, till she went home, then I played few games of checkers with Miss. Mabee and then came up to stud. By nine o’clock I was so sleepy that I had to go to bed. This morning I got a letter from Richards telling me some news and Bella. It seems she has had a quarrel with Elsworth already. Poor girl. I pity her. I got a letter from Uncle Ebenezer telling me that he was expecting to dissolve partnership with Mr. Hamilton for reasons therein contained. �Rice/Campbell 137 Nov. 20/1861 Last night wrote to Richards, Uncle Ebenezer and Aunt Jenie. I have just finished the last at about three o’clock and I must hasten to bed for a little sleep before today’s toil. Nov.21 Yesterday I wrote to Shenston, and to Lucy. I bought me a parcel of white envelopes. I would have written some more letters, but I was so sleepy I could not stay up. Higgins was over at Ralston’s till after twelve. This evening wrote to Uncle Frank and Annie Jane. Nov. 22 Kitchen spoke to me yesterday about helping him in his debate. Shrimpton and Reaks? Had promised to do so, but felt inclined to back out and he feared he would be left in the lurch. I promised to help him if he gave me sufficient time. This morning I wrote out part of a speech in case I should be called on. When the society meeting commenced I found that Shrimpton and Bates were going to speak. The meeting was wretched one. Pattens declaration was a poor thing. Parsons did very well. The dialogue between Bodwell & Coady was not half learned. The debate was pretty good. Smith and kitchen made poor speeches but Yule, Higgins, Reeks& Shrimpton did well. Ralston and I are on for a dialogue two weeks from tonight. Nov.23 Have done but little all day. Received back my composition with number three. Wrote a comic lecture on ‘Goses’, for the Oracle. Got my hair cut today. Ralston and I have picked out a dialogue to speak. Our Missionary meeting was pretty good. �RICE/Campbell 138 Nov.26/1861 On Sunday we had a pretty good sermon from Mr. Cooper and a real good one from Dr. Fyfe. Our Sunday School is not prospering as I would like to see it. The students conference meeting in the evening was a very good one. All seemed affected. Yesterday I was hard at work over my studies all day. I went down to Mrs. Cox’s for about an hour all evening, and then came home and wrote to Mary Ann and Bella. After writing the letter I copied out my Xenophon (Gr. Soldier, historian), read over my Logic and Geometry and went to bed. We heard yesterday that school would close a week before Christmas, and commence a week after New Years. Received a letter from Richards and another from Bella. Wrote a letter to Bella to send in Mont’s letter. Nov.27 Paid a visit to Deacon Burtche’s and saw all the folks. Staid till after nine o’clock. Nov.29 Last night we had our prayer meeting. It was good for God was there preached on Garnham and Patten to come in and I hope it did them good. God helped me to pray and speak for Jesus. I endeavoured to plead his cause. I hope we may be blessed in our effort. I got out of my dialogue. Elmer Patten and Garnham are going to take it. Today I have studied hard. Our prayer meeting tonight was crowded. God came down among us in every deed, may he in his mercy water our souls cause them to bud and blossom. Our society meeting was very good. I am engaged on a debate next Friday. Next Saturday I will have to declaim. Nott spoke to me today to prepare an essay for the Missionary Society for two weeks from tomorrow. I could not well refuse. Tonight I wrote to Richards and Mary Ann. Nov. 30 My name was read in the morning for a declamation next Saturday. I got out my Latin and Greek but did not do much else. I sent a Woodstock news to John Morton in fulfilment of a promise made last August. Our prayer meeting was very good, and I was able to take part in prayer. �Rice/Campbell 139 Dec.1/1861 Yoe and Mort proposed to me to give up our Sunday School for the winter. I was unwilling but they wished it and I consented. However I made arrangements to meet my class at Mr. Johnson’s so that they will not suffer from change. We had snow a good part of the day. Mr. Cooper’s sermons were good. In the bible class we had up that difficult passage in Hebrew’s V1 4-6. It caused quite a discussion. Our evening prayer meeting was held in Miss. King’s classroom and was well attended. The Holy Spirit was in our midst and I was enabled to warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come. Dec. 2 Received a paper from Lucy and sent it to Shenston. Mr. Hankinson was sick and we had no algebra lesson today. Our prayer meeting was very good and full of interest. Dec. 3 Bought a blank book for my exercises and compositions. Traded with Brickhouse, my Arnold and Caesars for his Virgil, and then traded with Mont for Roget’s Thesaurus Of English Words, and he is to make up the difference in money. Heard that Miss. Saunders & Miss. Kilmaster were under deep concern about their Souls, and that great hopes were entertained of Miss. Saunders went up to visit Iware this afternoon,( Mr. Ware?) Dec.5 Yesterday I received a letter from Mary Ann enclosing one to Mont. Today I received three papers from Aunt Jenie. I sat up very late night writing and may have to do so tonight. Ralston is sick and may not be with us in our lessons the rest of this term. Dec.6 Received letter from Annie Jane this morning. Wrote out a speech of ten pages for the debate tonight and did not use a great deal of it. I hardly got half through I had not a word when I got up this evening. Our meeting tonight was a good one on Col. Rankin. �RICE/Campbell 140 Dec.6/1861 The debate was a close one, and we only lost it by a majority of two. Some of the speeches were capital. Ralston being sick McKenzie took his place and gave us a quick medley. The dialogue between Garnham and Patten was capital. All were very good. At our business meeting the subject of the program was settled and each member received eight. They were well got up and are right credit to all conceived. I paid my ten cents tax. Dec.7 Poor Ralston was very bad last night being crazy a great part of the time, but now in the evening he is getting better. My declamation this morning created quite a laugh when I started for a walk across the floor as if in a deep soliloquy but before I was through they stopped their laughing and listening. Most everyone thought it to be a selection and not original, and some would hardly believe it when Mont assured them that it was original. I received a letter from Stone enclosing his speech on’ Trifles, and a paper from Uncle Ebenezer. I went into the Cox’s and spoke about those likenesses for Mary Ann and Bella. I sent a paper to Mary Ann containing one of our Programs. I was up to see Ralston about eleven and finding that he was very dull and did not appear to know anybody, Jane was keeping wet clothes on his forehead but she had no ice and did not know where to buy any.I started out and managed to find some and brought it in and she kept a cold cloth on his forehead Shortly after dinner time he began to recover and this evening was quite lively. Our prayer meeting was dull. After meeting Mont and I went to see a woman about boarding. She wanted a dollar each and we to furnish our own provisions and lights. So that ends that idea. I guess we will have to board ourselves after all, and that is just what I want. I spent nearly the whole afternoon at my essay for the Judson Missionary society for next Saturday evening. Dec.8 I had a very good class at Mr. Johnson’s in the morning Mr. Cooper preached both times. The afternoon bible class was well attended. In the evening before church I went into Ralston’s to stay with him and let Jane go to church, but Learmont was there first and I made him come along with me to church. Our evening prayer meeting was a very good one. Miss. Northrup and Paul Austie?? Stood up for prayers of the meeting. After the meeting an invitation was given to those who wished to converse about their souls to stay. Miss. M. McPhail, Bowen& �Austie stayed. Rice/Campbell Dec.9 /1861 141 I stayed with Ralston all night Mckenzie Came down about twelve and I had a couple of hours sleep. Ralston slept better during the night and was up today . I tried to get out of Latin for next class, but could not. I bought me a couple of catalogues. Our meeting tonight was good. Wait stood up for the prayers of the meeting. Dec.10 Got up this morning at for and wrote to Stone enclosing a copy of my oration delivered July 16th. Wrote to Annie enclosing a programme of our public meeting. Sent a catalogue. Of our school and two programmes to Aunt Jenie. Dec.12 Yesterday we had a good meeting and I think a powerful one. The night before I had a talk with McPhail and he was very serious and tonight he stood for the prayers of the meeting. After Sunday School Mont and I went over to the Deacons and bargained with the Deacon for the flat above Moore. We are to pay $2. A month which will be about a quarter dollar a piece. We staid till after five talking to Miss. Bland and McPhail. This morning we said our last geometry. I have finished my essay for the Missionary society on Saturday. The ladies had a good meeting on Tuesday night, and Miss. Holmes is said to have found peace. All of them were more or less affected. Our meeting last night was a great meeting. Elmore Patten has at last been touched and I have great hopes for him. Chute and Claxton were also affected. McPhail and Maggie Cook stood up for the prayers of the meeting. Dec.13 Received a registered letter from Aunt Jenie containing eight dollars. Also received three papers, and a parcel containing a comforter, half a box of pens, and a quantity of note paper. Wrote piece for Cunningham, the Literary Banner entitled, Be Forgiving.” Went to Moore’s to tea, and then to prayer meeting. When it was proposed to have a prayer meeting tomorrow night, Shrimpton apposed it but it was carried. I had a talk with McPhail after meeting and then came home and copied out my essay. Sold Ralston a small concordance for 25 cents and he is to pay when he gets ready. �Rice/Campbell 142 Dec.14/1861 No school today. We had a pretty good prayer meeting and a good Missionary meeting. Dr. Fyfe gave us a good lecture on the dispression? Of the children of men at the confusion of tongues. Miss Kilmaster read a biographical Watch of Mrs. Harriet Newell. I read a report of the Serenpose Mission from 1801 inclusive. My essay was well liked. Shrimpton spoke to me about it, and Ralston says Dr. was pleased with it. Dec.15 A Sabbath day long to be remember. I had a good time with my Sunday School and bid them farewell for a time. Mr. Cooper preached a good sermon from 1 Cor. XV:5,8. In the afternoon we had the bible class for half an hour and then a prayer meeting. The lecture room was crowded. Dr. Fyfe led the meeting and it was very interesting. Patten and McPhail were deeply affected. After meeting McPhail went up to Dr. and had some talk with him. Patten went off by himself and did not come back till church time. Mr. Stewart preached a very interesting sermon from Matt. X1:28. He preached without his papers and it was the best sermon I ever heard him preach. Our evening prayer was held in the lecture room and was well attended. I led the meeting. God was present with us, and we had a good time. After meeting I invited anyone who wished to converse about their souls to stay and we would talk to them. McPhail and Austie remained and Mr. Stewart. Higgins and myself talked to them. After that I went upstairs to Mont’s room and we staid till tan o’clock talking and advising Ellmore Patten. This day will never be forgotten by me for three years ago tonight I first sought the Lord. Three days I sought in vain, and then found him. The agony I suffered none can know nor can I describe it. But I found peace at last and now I can praise my God. I was enable to tell this to my friends last night, and to exhort them to be faithful in seeking and serving the Saviour. Dec. 17 Yesterday was the first morning of the examination. I spent nearly all the morning reading over my Greek testament. I went over to see Ralston’s folks at dinner time and paid my last visit to them. �RICE/Campbell 143 Dec.17,/1861 Cont. Our Greek came off the first hour in the afternoon and our Theology the second. Both passed well. We had two jokes in Theology that caused some amusement. Fitch in describing the difference between the arteries and veins, said that the blood in the arteries was more precious than that in the veins. He meant that it is required to be more carefully guarded as it was propelled with so much more force through the arteries. Timpany was describing the relation of animals to their different modes of procuring food. Contrasting the months of various animals, he said men had hands for procuring their food and therefore their mouths were flat and right in their face. He meant flat on it, not protruding as in a dog. Backhouse’s father and mother came up today, and really I don’t wonder that he is such a rough customer. Our prayer meeting was well attended, and was very interesting. At it’s close an invitation to those who had found peace during the meeting, and who were willing to make it known was extended in the form of a request to rise upon their feet. Miss. Holmes, Maggie Cook, Miss Sanders, and Northrup rose. Miss Saunders could not, she felt so weak and powerless among the gentlemen. Wait and Ellesmore Patten. I was glad to see Patten rise. He found peace the night before while lying in bed. McPhail was there or I think he would have been there another. I hear he had been acting very differently to what he did before. After meeting I spent a while in Mont’s room and then went over to the Deacon’s. I tried to get off from paying Mont for the three weeks of holidays but he would not let us off. However he has got to put locks onto one of the rooms so that we can put our things in it. I had a long talk with Miss. Mabee last night. I was too tired to study last night and went to bed around eleven. I got up about three this morning. Evening Eleven 50.P.M. The day has passed away as all things will, and all action with it. Our Logic lesson came off first and it was good, I missed one question. Between Logic and Geometry, I had a talk with Miss. Bland and agreed to come over and see her in the afternoon. Geometry was a miserable recitation at least to my mind. �Rice/Campbell 144 Dec.17/1761, Cont. After Geometry I met Miss. Bland and had quite a talk with her, and after dinner I went into the Deacon’s and sat for about an hour and a half. I had a very pleasant talk with Miss. B. Our Latin composition was good. They gave us no standing at all, because Mr. Stewart’s class books were burnt. I was read out in the list of one who had been regular in attendance. After school I went down to Cox’s and got those likenesses for the girls, and then carried some of my things over to my new rooms. Mid 119 in original journal After tea went over to prayer meeting and found that there was none. Our society meeting was grand. I got a seat right behind sisters, Ralston and Bland and we had a time. The essay, music dialogues, orations and papers were all very good. Three of my old pieces were in the papers two of them unaltered and the other greatly enlarged. They were Algebra, De Sun’ and a piece I wrote last term entitled, ‘Notice.’ They caused considerable amusement. After the meeting, Mont, Miss. B, and Miss. Kern and I went out for a walk the last of the term. In the meeting I wrote a couple of verses of farewell and gave to Miss. B. and I have written two more to give to her. Dec.19 Yesterday morning I went to bid Miss Bland goodbye and gave her my card with some poetry in it. I took all my things over to my room and my valise to the station. I walked down to the cars with Miss. Ralston and carried her shawl and parcel. On the way Mr. & Mrs. Hankinson passed in a carriage and they laughed to see us take it so cooly. As they passed we could see their heads together over it. At the depot I stood talking to Miss. Ralston for some time close beside Mr. & Mrs. H. and then I talked to them for a while. Our party left Woodstock at 1:14 P.M. and reached Brantford at about half past two. On the way to Paris I sat in front of miss. Holmes and talked to her, and between Paris and Brantford I sat beside her. We had some pleasant and profitable conversation. I met Annie at the cars. Today I wrote a long letter to Aunt Jenie. I also wrote to Uncle Ebenezer and Mary Ann. Dec. 2o,/1861 Annie’s birthday. It snowed some today. Went out to see Mrs. Morton’s folks. �Rice/Campbell 145 Dec.23/1861 Bought a little horse for Herbert & baby (Shirley?) Finished copying the essays and speeches of July 16th. Dec. 24 Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Herbert ^ Baby came down to Hamilton by buggy. Annie and I by car. Left B. at half past two, and had to wait in Paris till six. Went down to see Henrietta, Robert’s wife, and had tea there. Got to Hamilton about a quarter to eight, and drove up to Uncle Eben’s. Then I went to see Mary Ann. Just at the corner of York and Merrick Street, I saw a girl coming along York St. and I thought it was her, so I hung back until she passed, and then I caught up to her. In passing I looked in her face, and sure enough it was the very one. She was surprised so when I put my arm around her and kissed her. We had a walk and then I went home. Mrs. Bailey was surprised and delighted to see me. Mary Ann gave me a beautiful cap as a Christmas present, and when I got home I got a letter from Millie, containing a nice Magenta neck tie, and also some letters from Aunt Jenie. I got home shortly after nine, and found Aunt Lizzie, and the folks there. Dec.25th Christmas Day. Got breakfast about nine. Went with my Uncle’s to the gymnasium and spent an hour or more in exercising ourselves. I beat them at jumping, but they beat me at all else. We were to have dinner at shortly after two, but it was half past three before I got a bite of dinner, and half past four before they were through. Before dinner I was taking a walk when I met McArthur, and had a walk with him, and then I met Muir. After dinner I went to see Mary Ann, but she was out. However she came in about five along with Richards and after tea we went to see Bella, but she was out, then we went for Grace, Bella’s sister, but she could not come. Then we went down to see Mr. and Mrs. Richards and staid till half past eight, and then came home. Dec. 26 Spent most of the day in writing. Uncle Andrew went home today, but left Herbert and Annie. I met Richards at half past five, and we went up to see Mary Ann and Bella. We had a great time of it, and teased Mary Ann. We stayed till six, and then I went home with M.A. I went to take bile class in the evening, and did not like it at all. I won’t go again. �RICE/Campbell 146 Dec.27/1861 Met Mary Ann at noon, and walked home with her. After dinner I went up to see Jane Robb and stopped till after four, and then I came down town and my nose bled on the way. I went to see Alick Lawson, met Mary Ann at five and walked home with her. I came up About seven, and was first there. Then Jane Robb, and soon after Richards. He and I went over for Bella, Grace and Miss. Pensman. Alick came in about half past eight. We had a good time. I caught Bella and Miss. Pensman in a philophena, and Mary Ann caught me. We broke up about a quarter past ten, and I saw Bella home. I had a great deal of fun. Dec.30 1861 On Saturday I had a talk with Richards. Met Mary Ann at dinner and tea and walked home with her. We came as near to meeting Uncle and Aunt Anah and Aunt Lizzie and Annie as could be. I staid at home in the evening as it was a Saturday. Yesterday I went down to Mary Ann’s about ten o’clock and went down to church with her then home to dinner. Went to Sunday school in the afternoon and then went home with M.A. Went to Uncle Eben’s to tea and Annie, M.A and myself went to Dr. Irvine’s church, but were disappointed, as we did not hear him. Today I had a talk with Richards and Dryland and we decided to go to Brantford in a buggy. I went and saw Alick and he didn’t think he could go. At five Richards and I went and arranged the horses. At six I met Mary Ann and Bella, and walked home with them. I stopped to tea with Mary Ann, and then went to prayer meeting. M.A. did not go she was too busy. End of Journal Volume one, to page 153, pick up Volume one part two on page 154 JOURNAL ONE PART ONE OF THREE JOURNALS OF REV. EBEN MUIR RICE Jan 1/1861 to Dec 30 /1861 �� 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 Ebenezer Muir Rice Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ebenezer Muir Rice Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1870 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Oxford; Kent County, Blandford, West Oxford; Zone Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Eben M. Rice Diary, 1861 Eben M. Rice Diary, 1862 Eben M. Rice Diary, 1863 Eben M. Rice Diary, 1864 Eben M. Rice Diary, 1867 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 Eben M. Rice Diary, 1861 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1861 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Ebenezer Muir Rice Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5307a5538428be0de180266780eaac12.pdf 8333c75ba14401e5ed0e0a7521d1fab0 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/19dfc80fd248e5eb613a73800f7c55c1.pdf a320d12eb168c22f22e60c38c5d7e8e8 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a0d22f08eb6c755107cbffcd32330109.pdf 1cc26503a7900ca91a31b88bae8eaf83 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 William Jeremiah Shreve Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource William Jeremiah Shreve Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Dufferin County Museum and Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1907 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Kent County, Raleigh Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. William Jeremiah Shrive Diary & Transcription, 1907 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 William Jeremiah Shreve Diary & Transcription, 1907 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1907 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. William Jeremiah Shreve Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource William Jeremiah Shreve Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Dufferin County Museum & Archives Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Kent County, Raleigh Township, Ontario UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>[blank cover]</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>[front cover]</p> <p>[printed lsbel] CANADIAN SCRIBBLING DIARY</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>[PRINTED CALENDAR FOR 1907]</p> <p>PAPER MADE, PRINTED AND BOUND IN CANADA</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>[PRINTED ]</p> <p>CANADA [in maple leaf]</p> <p>SCRIBBLING DIARY for 1907</p> <p>TORONTO published by THE BROWN BROTHERS, LIMITED Manufacturing Stationers 51 and 53 Wellington Street West</p> <p>[handwritten notes]</p> <p>Mon July 1, 1907 Rev Edison hired</p> <p>Mon June 10, 1907 funeral of Rev. Drake</p> <p>May 19th 1907 closing of Union Rev. T J Henderson</p> <p>May 26, 1907 Rev. Penick Baptizing at Jeanette Creek Bridge</p> <pre> 625 375 </pre> <p>10.00</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>{mathematical calculations scribbled on the page with pencil}</p> <p>DAILY JOURNAL 1907</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span class="mw-headline">MEMORANDUM FROM 1906</span></h2> <p>{Scirbbled words and number on the page, written with pencil}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>== MEMORANDUM FROM 1906 == {Journal page header}</p> <p>284 Blocks Main part 130 front 414 Total</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY SATURDAY 5 (360) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY 6 (6-359)</span></h2> <p>Roads very muddy I went to Sunday school &amp; church fairly good turnout Late</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY 7 (7-358) 1907</span></h3> <p>Election day After voting I went to Bloomfield for the day Very muddy &amp; rainy I did not go to Town hall.</p> <p>Edgar Votes first time</p> <p></p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 8 (8-857)</span></h3> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January FRIDAY 11 (11-354) 1907</span></h3> <p>I took Ada to Chatham too late fr her lesson</p> <p>Bought this Diary &amp; memo</p> <p>Roads frozen &amp; rough.</p> <p>Brought out 300 lbs coal in Democrat</p> <p>3 mo note at Standad {1.50?}</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 12 (12-353)</span></h3> <p>At hme forenoon went to Fletchers in Afternoon with Chas. Shreve,</p> <p>Roads in bad condition for hauling or travel</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January SUNDAY 13 (13-352) 1907</span></h3> <p>I went as usual to Sunday School &amp; church.</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 14 (14-351)</span></h3> <p>I went to meet council at statutary meeting, nice session for the start with J. R. Irving Reeve</p> <p>I went by M. A. Drew's &amp; paid my taxes</p> <p>works referred to Comr of Div 2</p> <p>{illegible} of Wm. Khalaw, see Friday {illegible} weather mild</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January TUESDAY 15 (15-350) 1907</span></h3> <p>I took Ada to Chatham for her music got Minie shod behind. Paid S Stephenson for "Family herald" A. &amp; Jm Park $75.00 on interest. To get gas pipe not more than 3 3/4 c per ft. Met Mr. Coster he told me line was ready any time. I had my pipe</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 16 (16-349)</span></h3> <p>The boys &amp; myself gathered corn from lower place while Lizzie went to her father's for geese I went to N Buston in evening to church</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY THURSDAY 17 (17-348) 1907</span></h2> <p>Weather milder. Snow fall last night I went to Fletcher to see Mr {Mearn?} gas, D {B armstong?} re "{Deary dr"?} &amp; other matters of miner importence</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 18 (18-347)</span></h2> <p>Remember &amp; meet comittee in Chatham I went to Chatham &amp; met Cam &amp; A Biard re {Chunich?} drain report at J G Kerr's office. Reeve got advice on other matters, Reeve, Clerk &amp; myself went to Harrison hall, I got my 1906 statutis {status} from H D Smith C.P. Edgar got some coal 490 lbs &amp; Cinders for walk but could not get Pipe from Park Bros for gas, I saw Mr Woodruff who is to send word to me to deliver pipe</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY SATURDAY 19 (19-346) 1907</span></h2> <p>Weather very soft, frost nearly out I was home cleaning around barn got ready some chop for Monday cow we call Spot calved today Mr Moore came by on his road to chat now, I let Charlie Moore have Jack to take Mattie to Chatham Edgar on sick list today</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY 20 * (20-345)</span></h2> <p>Clarence &amp; I walked to Church Crust frozen &amp; a cold wind blowing</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY MONDAY 21 (21-344) 1907</span></h2> <p>weather Cold, Road frozen &amp; rough Edgar &amp; Clarence brought up some wood while I bagged up some Corn for Chop, Edgar took chop to Rhodes - mild in afternoon I went up on 7th Con</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 22 (22-343)</span></h2> <p>weather very cold &amp; stormy coldest this winter we brought some fodder from lower place &amp; did the chores was about all, Edgar &amp; Clarence went to church at night, Thermometer 10 below Zero &amp; evening clear</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY WEDNESDAY 23 (23-342) 1907</span></h2> <p>Very Cold but Clear Edgar &amp; I hauled balance of fodder from behind the barn &amp; working about home all day John came in evening for the night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 24 (24-341)</span></h2> <p>Very Stormy and cold I took Ada to N Buxton &amp; was over the Vilage {Village} re side walk Put away {festurning?} of Sunday school returned via Drake road to see bridge Con 8 Cooper drain &amp; {Kersey?} dr The boys went to church tonight</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY FRIDAY 25 (25-340) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was laid {asterisk above} up with {La?} gripp last night feel smart this morning &amp; took Ada to Chatham, Got Edgar rubbers Mackinans, an interview with S Stephenson re Card of thanks &amp; {cot?} put in papers though paid for money returned Went to church tonight preaching Rev Bradly II Chron 7c, 14v (If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves &amp; pray &amp; seek my face, &amp; turn from their wicked way, {then?} will I hear from heaven &amp; will forgive their sin &amp; will heal their land) weather cold, roads rough, cloudy</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 26 (26-339)</span></h2> <p>I was home Sent Edgar Fletcher to get Nell shod in front I went to Williams farm in after noon got a sample of, salt from 1300 ft down in Williams well I heard of the death of Mr R Allen today bright but cool</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY SUNDAY 27 (27-338) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to sunday school in Morn went to funeral of Richard Allen con 4 in afternoon weather cold but clear a nice winter day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 28 (28-337)</span></h2> <p>about home in forenoon In afternoon went to Church meeting via Bell drain bridge Con 6 stayed to church at night Edgar took a load of fodder to A G Prince</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY TUESDAY 29 (29-336) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home all day doing Chores, Clarence took Ada to Chatham while Edgar went to get a load of wood for the Church at Mr {Randlin?} con 12 weather stormy I took a run to the Williams well which is said to be a dry hole</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 30 (30-335)</span></h2> <p>I sent Edgar to help Mr Roszel to mover house from 10th con I helped Abie kill his beefs Geo Blackburn, brought out our piano today, I went in evening to Fletcher for medicine for Charlie &amp; Levant who are sick with Grip John went with me</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JANUARY THURSDAY 31 (31-334) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home all day sent Edgar to North Buxton with a load of fodder to Alf Prince he then helped Mr Roszel to move his house home Clarence took John to {Segui's?} Corner Weather warmer</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY FRIDAY 1 (32-333)</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with Ada Met Mr R. J. Morrison &amp; had conversation re Pike scheme, Sowdon road, &amp; other township matters</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY SATURDAY 2 (33-332) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with C, W, Moore on township Matters Weather mild in morning &amp; cloudy in afternoon clearer &amp; colder</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY 3 (34-331)</span></h2> <p>Went to Church this morning No Sunday school Weather very cold, severe wind</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY MONDAY 4 (35-330) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home laid up with {Sugreifs?} Myself &amp; Boys were getting wood from lower place forenoon Geo Bailey came in afternoon re 3rd con bridge</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 5 (36-329)</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with Ada</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 6 (37-328) 1907</span></h2> <p>Edgar &amp; I were getting up corn in forenoon, took a load of fodder to Dr Young in afternoon weather cold in morning to pleasant winter in afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 7 (38-327)</span></h2> <p>A visit from H Nelson this morning {&amp;..?} {&amp; gas?} I also sold him some corn (small crib) Edgar took over two loads come today weather mild</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY FRIDAY 8 (39-326) 1907</span></h2> <p>{at top of page - Note 4 hrs WEM?} I took Ada to Chatham while Edgar took over to Ringold three loads corn weather mild roads good</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 9 (40-325)</span></h2> <p>Edgar &amp; I were gathering corn from lower place Mr Henry's raising in forenoon Edgar took last load of corn to station 175 bu &amp; brought back cobs I got Mr Henry's wagon from Jebb's</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY SUNDAY 10 (41-324) 1907</span></h2> <p>Ada &amp; I went to Sunday school &amp; Church nice school this morning about 25 present</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 11 (42-323)</span></h2> <p>A regular meeting of Council at which I was present Bradley present asking damages to crops referred to Reeve &amp; Com (see Feb 19 Letter from Martin re Williams bridge &amp; Deputation re townhall, Edgar made his first trip to lake for gravel beach frozen over with ice he had to get sand from pit roads are hard &amp; good to day very severe although bright</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY TUESDAY 12 (43-322) 1907</span></h2> <p>weather a little milder today I took Ada to Chatham paid 20.00 Memo I went to see J M Pike re Syms &amp; cost by law as stated by Clerk but I failed He gave me a copy of the W.L. Morton by-law &amp; agreement Edgar &amp; George got in late with heavy loads sand, At the Standard bank I had a talk with Manager Shannon re due debentures to be brought up at next Council (of interest)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 13 (44-321)</span></h2> <p>I was about home Chorring &amp; Clarence started to school I got a load fodder from lower place E H Broadbent the Assessor was here Edgar went for sand</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY THURSDAY 14 (45-320) 1907</span></h2> <p>Very stormy in morning cold all day Boys did not go for sand Edgar &amp; I went for a load of corn at lower place Henry's raising I went to Fletchers in afternoon with Abie to see Robertson re pipe I went to school house to Church at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 15 (46-319)</span></h2> <p>I took Ada to Chatham saw J White re gas line to his house He asked me name of Council 1906 Weather milder with appearance of soft Edgar brought 4th load sand</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY SATURDAY 16 (47-318) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home boys &amp; self gathering corn from lower place &amp; work in general day fine &amp; warm</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY 17 (48-317)</span></h2> <p>Ada &amp; I went to sunday school &amp; Church Arthur Garh &amp; Andrew Enos joined Church, good school weather mild</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY MONDAY 18 (49-316) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham for coal 1920 lbs Sent {Kime?} out to Nell Roads softer on top good bottom Gave F Williams beet contract 3 A {acres} to be blocked &amp; thined {thinned} @ $6.00 per A {acre} Went in Evening to see Jule Crow re clover thrashing</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 19 (50-315)</span></h2> <p>Remember to go with sieve to Bradleys to day Edgar &amp; I went to lower place for fodder in morning, Mr Irving Reeve came &amp; we had to go to Chatham re overflow of the Thames River "met county committee the decision was for Com &amp; representatives from each township go to Toronto at a date furnished I went to N Buxton in evening after my return from Chatham got checq {cheque?} for oil lease $15.00 / mo weather mild</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 20 (51-314) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home in forenoon, weather clear started to snow about noon, In after noon Mr Irving &amp; I went to Pike scheme to see Bradley's beets for which he claims damage field covered with ice so you could see no beets south of G.T.R but north of {Ry?} about 5 rows or abut {about} 10 loads for a team, Reeve &amp; I went to Pump house to await the Com's Pump at work, water low, Bradley agrees to accept $75 in full of claim. many other farms damaged equal to Bradley came home via Townline to con 5 afternoon very stormy &amp; rough I did not get to N Buxton to lodge at night as intended would not answer {Rune?} why he did not take off beets at home first</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 21 (52-313)</span></h2> <p>I went to school house with Abie in morning then home at the chores &amp; in after noon I took Ada to N Buxton Geo Robbins showed me the new petition for townhall site Edgar Hauling manure from stable door Weather fine all day stormy in evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY FRIDAY 22 (53-312) 1907</span></h2> <p>very cold last night I took Ada to Chatham got insurance on Piano. from R C Murphy?}</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 23 (54-311)</span></h2> <p>Lizzie &amp; I went to Chatham after finding Reeve in Harrison hall we met J J Bradley on Market, Retired to office of McCoig &amp; Horny {had?} Mr T Brady sit behind me Bradley would listen to nothing but $75.00 in settlement Bradley still claims sugar Co would not allow him to draw his beets while roads were good &amp; field hard &amp; dry, Told us the Co would not let hime haul beets from home first even made him unload 1 load in field</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY SUNDAY 24 (55-310) 1907</span></h2> <p>Ada &amp; I went to sunday school &amp; Church. Ada is not well appearance of measles weather mild</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 25 (56-309)</span></h2> <p>I went to Fletcher for medicine for Ada &amp; Clarence in forenoon went to Church meeting in after noon C H Sharpe presented a bill for spikes for side walk since {1903?} * met Jas Ross who accost me re townhall &amp; petition re not building or at Buxton</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY TUESDAY 26 (57-308) 1907</span></h2> <p>Edgar &amp; I were about home all day got up load of fodder for horses &amp; a load for the cattle other chore work weather mild with East wind</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 27 (58-307)</span></h2> <p>I was about home all day went to N Buxton at night was at lodge meeting</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FEBRUARY THURSDAY 28 (59-306) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home all day choring Mrs Robbins brought {taxes? page torn} of Jas &amp; Wm Robbins I was repairing corn sheller to shell corn for chop &amp; other Chores In evening I went to C A Williams re Bradley vs Raleigh to get address of Mr Woodrick weather mild {...ary?} soft</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH FRIDAY 1 (60-305)</span></h2> <p>weather mild still I was at home myself &amp; boys working in barn &amp; at chores prepared chop for Monday {illegible?}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH SATURDAY 2 61-304) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham Sylvia went with me it was a busy day with much talk re Mud, Indian Creek &amp; Chinnick drain also townhall site, Bradley vs Raleigh &amp; other matters</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY 3 (62-303)</span></h2> <p>I went to sunday school alone this day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH MONDAY 4 (63-302) 1907</span></h2> <p>Council meeting. Full house &amp; much discussion re Indian &amp; Mud creeks and Chinnick drn {drain} &amp; townhall both laid over got from clerk agreement re gas, also bill of county clerk re House of Refuge to report on, I was appointed by council to go to Toronto on this 13th {..ish?} with Re River Thames cut-off weather fine but cool</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 5 (64-301)</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with Abie got Gas pipe at Park Bro's (891 ft of inch 72 ft - 3/4)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH WEDNESDAY 6 (65-300) 1907</span></h2> <p>About home all day doing chores Boys not well, weather raw</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 7 (66-299)</span></h2> <p>Home all forenoon choring Edgar is quite unwell, Clarence {Just?} holding out I went to N Buxton in afternoon, Weather very stormy a regular Blizzard Lizzie went as far as Albert Scotts wheel (R. Hind) came off 3 times the {buggy?} purchase of Gray &amp; sons chat</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH FRIDAY 8 (67-298) 1907</span></h2> <p>weather cold Boys are all bound in I have all chores to do</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 9 (68-297)</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham got overcoat, shoes &amp; {cash?} for trip to Toronto, left old buggy at Gray's &amp; got any jumpseat I went to Fletcher for doctor Young Got medicine for Edgar</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH SUNDAY 10 (69-296) 1907</span></h3> <p>I did not get off to Sunday-school this morning, because of sickness in family</p> <p>children all down with Measles {underline is in brown pencil, not ink}</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 11 (70-295)</span></h3> <p>I was about home all day getting wood &amp; other chores. day bright &amp; warm, very spring like</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>{Large asterisk in brown pencil}</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH TUESDAY 12 (71-294) 1907</span></h3> <p>{Portions of the following entry underlined in brown pencil}</p> <p>I went to Chatham with Charlie Shreve, got Charlie Moore to do chores for me while off to Toronto. Roads muddy on top but good bottom.</p> <p>We left Chatham for Toronto at 3:32 P.M. arriving in Toronto at 10 P.M. Took supper on train.</p> <p>Registered &amp; took room at the R{osan?} house Toronto</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 13 (72-293)</span></h3> <p>In Toronto had breakfast about 9 &amp; went to Parliament buildling but did not get a hearing until after noon Met H.S. Clements &amp; after deputation heard had dinner with H. S. C. Mp. in building saw parliament open at 3 P.M. after which I went to 250 Richmond at W. residence of F Simpson. Met Jms Montgomery Thurs. Met H. S. C. at the Palmer House by appointment &amp; spent pleasant evening with him &amp; his frineds when he left for Ottawa at 10 P.M.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH THURSDAY 14 (73-292) 1907</span></h2> <p>{brown pencil square after MARCH I was in Toronto After going to Parliament building to see {A W?} Campbell re road making I went to Osgood hall to see J Montgomery thence my hotel Mr Simpsons came about 1 P.M. we went to City hall &amp; Eton's {Eaton's} store thence to see W P Hubbard &amp; back to see Mr Lewis 138 Duke st &amp; the family of Ben Armstrong 132 Duke there met a young man from Jamaca {Jamaica} &amp; a prince from Capetown</p> <pre>south Africa I returned 2 home </pre> <p>on the 4:15 P.M. train arrived at Chatham about 10 P.M. after an enjoyable time</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY (74-291)</span></h2> <p>I went to church in Chatham last night Went out to Mr Kerseys to see John this morning Had my breakfast there, Started home about noon, walked to Bell drain where Charlie met me found children better except Levant who is sill {still} very sick weather very spring like with spring birds here</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH SATURDAY 16 (75-290) 1907</span></h2> <p>About home all day streightinning {straightening} up, went to Fletcher for medicine for Levant found Dr Young in bed</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY 17 (76-289)</span></h2> <p>I went to Church too late for sunday school the day beautiful &amp; warm for st Patrick with wind in north</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH MONDAY 18 (77-288) 1907</span></h2> <p>this morning bright &amp; cool I went to Chatham to see Dr Bray got some medicine for the baby weather very spring like</p> <p>== TUESDAY 19 (78-287) I was about home all forenoon went to Fletcher to phone Dr Bray &amp; get something, went Horseback Old white sow had 11 pigs last night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH WEDNESDAY 20 (79-286) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home all day weather warm &amp; spring like Helped Abie kill Pigs for his own use I got one from him 115 lbs {calculations below} 115 @ $8.25 825 115 4125 825 825 948.75</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 21 (80-285)</span></h2> <p>About home</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH SUNDAY 24 (83-282) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Sunday school &amp; Church with Ada roads drying up but spongey</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 25 (84-281)</span></h2> <p>Myself &amp; boys working at lower place letting off water&amp; {c?} Edgar was {plowing?} a little at lower farm weather warm &amp; dry roads getting quite dry on top</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MARCH TUESDAY 26 (85-280) 1907</span></h2> <p>I took Ada to Chatham roads dry to Lee's then on sand quite soft &amp; very bad day bright &amp; spring like I went to Shad's in evening to see Wellwod re Clover thrashing threatening rain at night store !, {in brown pencil}</p> <p>== WEDNESDAY 27 (86-279) Morning somewhat cloudy light rain last night Told Frank Kearns 7 bu Spring wheat {5.20 ?} went to school meeting at 10 A. M. Geo McFadden elected to replace G.F. Suter W.A. Shadd brought clover huller, Healey raise in Evening went to Abies to see about the gas</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>March Saturday 30 (89-276) 1907</p> <p>The boys and I finished siding house in morning they got busy in afternoon into eve boys went fishing. Joe {last name}came to mend {item} Weather clear and warm today</p> <p>March Sunday 31 (90-275) 1907</p> <p>Weather changed to cold I went to church in morning prayer { } Had dinner at my mothers Easter services in afternoon were very good. Nice crowd collection $7.00</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Easter Monday (Dominion) Monday 1 (91-274) 1907</p> <p>I went to council very long council Did not get home until 3 o'clock am Settled on Toronto city $15.00 expense</p> <p>April Tuesday 2 (92-773) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatam with Adam I know { } found C. Shreve setting clover mild im sure. Misses {last name} had gas line complete with meters regulation in place and gas turned on</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Wednesday 3 (93-272) 1907</p> <p>Thrashed clover in aftternoon only about 1 1/4 {amount} As Shreve thrashed his at same time boys to work with Edgar to McFaddens after dinner &amp; we were letting off water at lower place Edgar running furrows in cornfield</p> <p>April Thursday 4 (94-271) 1907</p> <p>We, Myself and boys were clearing wheat seeds in afternoon Edgar got drill &amp; tractor to sow spring wheat tomorrow. Blake came about before noon to lay gas pipe {name} helped in afternoon our first seeding today weather fair in forenoon cloudy afternoon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Friday 5 (95-270) 1907</p> <p>I was about home all day Blake came in afternoon and we finished piping house andv turned on gas Edgar &amp; {name} sow wheat</p> <p>April Saturday 6 (96-269) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatam with Clarke Shreve about noon. Came out with Preston Rolls. Paid Blake for piping house $15.00. Revisited from Mr John Heston on seel of cattle $3.07</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Sunday 7 (97-268) 1907</p> <p>Ada and I went to Sunday school &amp; I gave over school to Mr Hatchet who was appointed at church meeting Rev Peary has not yet resumed</p> <p>April Monday 8 (98-267) 1907</p> <p>I was husking corn in barn nearly all day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Tuesday 9 (99-266) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham Weather cold for time of year</p> <p><br /> April Wednesday 10 (100-265) 1907</p> <p>I was about home forenoon Cleaned 20 hays wheat somewhat stormy and cold. I went to sale of Mrs Suter in afternoon.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Thursday 11 (101-264) 1907</p> <p>About home husking corn &amp;choring all day Boys working at lower place clearing all water for oats Edgar plowing for wh</p> <p></p> <p>April Friday 12 (102-263) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham to we get barley got some for Peavy another garden seeds {name}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Saturday 13 (103-262) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham for medicine for "Jess". Reserved note at standard 2 mo.</p> <p></p> <p>April Saturday 14 (104-261)</p> <ul><li>standard</li> </ul><p>Went to Sunday school &amp; church. Preaching by Rev Peavy morning and evening. Shreve &amp; I went at night. I gave over the school to Bro Hatchet who was chosen superior intendant at last church meeting</p> <p>Weather very cool for time of year</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Monday 15 (105-260) 1907</p> <p>Last night very cold, a hard freezae I took spring wheat to Jo Scott 43 for the 50 bought back whe for Chas Moore and myself more to go in ditches of lower place John came out with me stargazed Sold Jack (horse) cart &amp; harness $60.00 Meoe Cromawel got 1 bag spring wheat</p> <p></p> <p>April Tuesday 16 (106-259) 1907</p> <p>I was about home all day went in evening to Mr Burton to teachers meeting at church Very cold wind from N.W.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>April Wednesday 17 (107-258) 1907</p> <p>At home nearly all day went to Hatcher &amp; back before noon</p> <p>Very cold yet with wind N. west</p> <p></p> <p>April Thursdsay 18 (108-257) 1907</p> <p>I was home all day. Weather a little milder and calmer &amp; sprinkled about 12 acres (spring wheat field) at lower place also took some measurement L. place (wants land 7 1/2 acres) width west of land gate 50 {measurement} "east"""36" 1 {measurement} total width 87 {measurement}</p> <p>Same suitor came for 1 bag of wheat 2 1/2 for $1.90. Finsihed sowing oats today also sowed the "odessa" barley got from the experimental farm Ottawa</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April Friday 19 (109-256) 1907</span></h2> <p>Went to Chatham with Ada</p> <p>Went to see Edgar took a load</p> <p>of corn {spring?} wheat to S.O Scott</p> <p>weather cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 20 (110-255)</span></h2> <p>I was home all day at work at</p> <p>lower place in forenoon &amp; about home</p> <p>after noon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April Sunday 21 (111-254) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Church Sunday school</p> <p>good school &amp; a good sermon by</p> <p>Rev Percy</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday 22 (112-253)</span></h2> <p>I went to mill in morning &amp; in evening</p> <p>went for barly &amp; out to {J.P Iving's} in</p> <p>township matters left withholden the</p> <p>agreement with sums and cost {illegible} gas &amp;</p> <p>other bill of Crown Guthridge</p> <p>Passed along corn {&amp;?} to see Jebb's bridge</p> <p>{illegible}</p> <p>warmer today &amp; spring like</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April Tuesday 23 (113-252) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham &amp; sent away the</p> <p>interest on home place $65.00 to HPE Loan Co</p> <p>{illegible} draft on standard draft order for</p> <p>side walk N. Buyton at {Pigott's?}</p> <p>Edgar went for barly &amp; began sowing</p> <p>{Scip} is helped kill 2 {jays} for own {illegible}</p> <p><br /> Weather cloudy but no rain cold towards</p> <p>evening with north wind</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 24 (114-251)</span></h2> <p>We finished sowing barly &amp; Edgar</p> <p>plowing on 3 acres in front of orchard</p> <p>while clarence &amp; I are working in</p> <p>garden warmer &amp; spring like</p> <p>with cool wind</p> <p>I went to give {Juno Travis?} an order</p> <p>for {hinges?} &amp; plank bridge</p> <p>in evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April Thursday 25 (115-250) 1907</span></h2> <p>About home in forenoon planked 4</p> <p>rows of early sunrise potatoes for the first</p> <p>in between barly rows &amp; other work in garden</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Friday 26 (116-249)</span></h2> <p>I was home all day Edgar &amp; I</p> <p>furrowed barly &amp; Edgar plowing in</p> <p>front of orchard but ground</p> <p>Misses J. Morris E.H. Broadbent &amp; Miss Hill</p> <p>to see me re townhall</p> <p>{Jaisman?} Williams here with "Sabor</p> <p>Contract" for pay as {illegible}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April {hand-drawn asterisk} Saturday 27 (117-218) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with Lizzie</p> <p>did little of importance as I did</p> <p>not get to see desired parties</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Sunday 28 (118-247)</span></h2> <p>I was to Sunday school &amp; Church</p> <p>in forenoon</p> <p>Song-service &amp; {Library?} exercises</p> <p>in afternoon &amp; general rally</p> <p>In evening Lizzie &amp; I went to</p> <p>church to hear the farewell of</p> <p>Rev A Peary which was able &amp; instructive</p> <p>{and?} raised about $34.00 all day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April Monday 20 (119-246) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Council meeting busy</p> <p>day &amp; to my surprise council rescinded</p> <p>resolution to build hall this year &amp;</p> <p>decided to vote or allow a vote in January</p> <p>1908 at the election</p> <p>Rainy this morning &amp; all day off &amp; on</p> <p>Except about noon when sky seemed quite</p> <p>clear</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 30 (120-245)</span></h2> <p>I was about home all</p> <p>day weather damp &amp; rainy, in afternoon</p> <p>{Mr Kas?} came to read meter and {borrowed?}</p> <p>{9000ft?}</p> <p>Edgar took team to help {Lehasli}</p> <p>Shreve set Engine &amp; press at Suter's</p> <p>straw stack</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May Wednesday 1 (121-244) 1907</span></h2> <p>This day fine over head ground wet</p> <p>Clarence &amp; I placed tile in ditches in lane</p> <p>lower place in forenoon about home</p> <p>in afternoon at chores &amp; odd jobs</p> <p>Edgar helping Clarence press straw {3/4?}</p> <p>in evening Edgar &amp; Clarence went to Buxton</p> <p>I was not feeling well &amp; could not go</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Thursday 2 (122-243)</span></h2> <p>Clarence &amp; I were planting potatoes</p> <p>in front of old house (S+P) varity</p> <p>Early sunrise I went to S. Suitors</p> <p>bridge in morning &amp; evening to {inspect?}</p> <p>Edgar helping Charlie {water?} about</p> <p>{2.30?) {hr?} then started to plow next Williams</p> <p>The boys put load of hay in the</p> <p>stall in morning</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May Friday 3 (123-242) 1907</span></h2> <p>This day also fine with appearance</p> <p>of rain I was {letting?} off water &amp; brought</p> <p>home load of fodder in forenoon</p> <p>Edgar helping Charlie finish straw</p> <p>about 2 oclock he was here sowing</p> <p>barley in wheat while Clarence &amp; I</p> <p>were in garden sowing Onion seed</p> <p>peas &amp; radish</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 4 (124-241)</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham to meet the</p> <p>Council at Pike's office re gas franchise</p> <p>which was granted on either meter system at</p> <p>15c per M. or flat-rate $1.50 for cook &amp; 2.50 for heater</p> <p>stove per month</p> <p>Sig. 5</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May Sunday 5 {handwritten X} (125-240) 1907</span></h2> <p>Ada and I went to Sunday school &amp;</p> <p>Church J.S. officers started to</p> <p>replace teachers, {asses?}, secretary, &amp; home</p> <p>treasurer who had gone away</p> <p>Those elected were Mary Jarl, Lottie</p> <p>Shreve, Bernie Harding &amp; Mrs Robins</p> <p>{see?}</p> <p>Bro Laurence McDowel spoken</p> <p>for us today</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday 6 (126-239)</span></h2> <p>I was about home all day</p> <p>&amp; in evening went to church</p> <p>meeting in evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May Tuesday 7 (127-238) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with Ada</p> <p>went to see Pike re gas by law but</p> <p>could get no satisfaction</p> <p>weather rainy in morning &amp; afternoon</p> <p>cleared up afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 8 (128-237)</span></h2> <p>I went to Fletcher in morning then to</p> <p>Praire Siding &amp; River road, got my {buck seed?}</p> <p>&amp; home for dinner sowing barley in</p> <p>wheat afternoon &amp; got a bag potatoes</p> <p>from {W See?} while inspecting</p> <p>R.P drain {train?} bridge 120/3 side road in</p> <p>evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>MAY ASCENSION DAY HOLY THURSDAY (QUEBEC) THURSDAY 9 (129-236) 1907</p> <p>Edgar finished planting barley today I was plowing for corn at {lower?} place weather very fine &amp; spring like</p> <p><br /> FRIDAY 10 (130-235)</p> <p>About home all forenoon Mrs {Austore?} came at noon for his {6?} cattle Edgar &amp; I were ditching along some lower place until about 5pm weather cool in forenoon (north wind) combed to snow about 4 o’clock which continued until ground was covered</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>MAY SATURDAY 11 (131-234) 1807</p> <p>I went to Chatham to meet the {Rolcannes} oil &amp; gas core pipeline met in office of Ward stanworth with {B.J.?} Dowd.</p> <p>SUNDAY 12 (132-233)</p> <p>Went to Sunday school {Thener?} to see Jas {Welliugod?} &amp; back in afternoon to B.M. church &amp; meet S.A.O. OF O.T</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>MAY MONDAY 13 (133-232) 1907</p> <p><br /> TUESDAY 14 (134-231)</p> <p>about home all day</p> <p>{uda?} went to Chatham with C Moore</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>MAY WEDNESDAY 15 (135-230) 1907</p> <p>Home all day, showery all day especially in afternoon I had sale in evening at Iron bridge 12 &amp; 13 side road</p> <p>THURSDAY 15 (136-229)</p> <p>About home all day finished plowing for corn lower place while Edgar was setting anchor ports for {them?} around pasture</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May Friday 17 (137-228) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham in morning and on business {multiple crossed out words}</p> <p>I left Edgar at work on beet ground with dise</p> <p>Weather fine and warm</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 18 (138-227)</span></h2> <p>Rain last night (heavy showers)</p> <p>I was about home all day</p> <p>Showery and warm</p> <p>Went to church with Charlie (Moores?)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>May {star in brown pencil} Sunday 19 (139-226) 1907</p> <p>Ada &amp; I urgent to sunday school</p> <p>preaching RVN Gordon {underline in brown pencil}at 11 AM</p> <p>preaching RSN R. S Bradley {underline in brown pencil} 3:30 PM</p> <p>Closing of Union {double underline in brown pencil}Riv T.J. Hrndisspr {underline in brown pencil}{intelligble}8 PM</p> <p></p> <p>Monday 20 (140-225)</p> <p>about home preparing for corn {intelligble}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>May Tuesday 21 (141-223) 1907</p> <p>I went to hatham with Ada</p> <p>Went to barn raising in Ferguson in after noon</p> <p><br /> Weather cool heavy frost last night</p> <p>Wednesday 22 (142-223)</p> <p>about home all day</p> <p>except a few minutes I went to Lee</p> <p>W Rhine re {unsure about these 3 words} lumber for legs R.P. Dr.</p> <p>12th 3 Rider Road</p> <p></p> <p>Weather a little warmer in {page folded over}evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>May 1st planting Thurday 23 (143-222) 1907</p> <p>I was home all day planting</p> <p>Corn about 9 acres or 10 acre</p> <p>West side next - Williams</p> <p>weather warming threatening in</p> <p>Monrning but no rain</p> <p></p> <p>Victoria Day (Dominion) Friday 24 (144-221)</p> <p>I was at home all day boy were</p> <p>working on lush {intelligble}ground</p> <p>at home</p> <p>weather warm springlike today</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>May {star in brown pencil} Saturday 25 (145-220) 1907</p> <p>was home got read for Chatham</p> <p>about noon but rain came</p> <p>on + I did not go I went to N. Buflor</p> <p>for groceries</p> <p>{cold + damp weather)</p> <p></p> <p>Sunday 26 (146-219)</p> <p>Ada &amp; I went to sunday service {word blotted out with ink}</p> <p>+ Church Preaching by Rev. Penick {underline in brown pencil} also</p> <p>Baptizing at Janeth Creek bridge {underline in brown pencil}</p> <p>Drake roast {unintelliglbe}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>May Monday 27 (147-218) 1907</p> <p>I went to council meeting court of revision assess must {unintelligible} roll we got through in good time (early close) weather cool + damp</p> <p></p> <p>Tuesday 28 (148-217)</p> <p>I went to Chatham in Uregon Got about 600 lbs wrice {rice?} + 20 robes woven Juice of Drewt the Callums for bowls + ac {line is untelligible} Clarence finished plowing for corn In evening I went to get M. Williams back planter but he wanted to use it next day (29th)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>May Wednesday 29 (149-216) 1907</p> <p>Edgar planted corn for Mr. Hirng</p> <p>in East corner of 70 acre place</p> <p>I was working at lower place</p> <p>setting posts + other work</p> <p>weather {next 2 words are unintelligible}</p> <p></p> <p>Thursday 30 (150-215)</p> <p>Lovent for but planter early</p> <p>+ planter bats in front two filled about</p> <p>7 1/2 acres Ground in fair</p> <p>shape</p> <p>Edgar finished planting corn next</p> <p>Thecker lower placed yellow corn</p> <p><br /> {corner folded over} {unintelligible word} came in Eve to attend Cr</p> <p>in calf</p> <p>weather warm + dry</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>May Friday 21 (151-214) 1907</p> <p>I was about home all day</p> <p>Edgar working ground in garden + back of barn for corn</p> <p>Clarence + Ada went to Chatham</p> <p>Clarence planted 10m sweet corn</p> <p>in after noon</p> <p></p> <p>June Saturday 1 (152-213)</p> <p>I went to Chatham to meet</p> <p>a committee from Roserwich {unintelligible}</p> <p>but they failed to appear</p> <p>Edgar went for posts at Blondies</p> <p>+ 20 yards of fence at Drew JM @ Cullison {place is untelligible}</p> <p>Commenced to rain about Eleven all day</p> <p>+ continued till night</p> <p>I came home with Prince Chase</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>June Sunday 2 (153-212) 1907</p> <p>Ada + I went to Chruch this Mron</p> <p>Preaching Rev Eddison of</p> <p>Lpssilanth</p> <p>weather inclements turmoil small</p> <p><br /> Monday 3 (154-22_</p> <p>Muddy this morning Edgar + I</p> <p>were working at fence a break</p> <p>thickest lower place,</p> <p>I went to Township clerk offce</p> <p>for specifications for townliner</p> <p>in farovement in Evening</p> <p>John was here when I got</p> <p>home</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>June Tuesday 4 (155-210) 1907</p> <p>I took Ada to Chatham while Edgar</p> <p>went to plant corn for MsHgmy at lower</p> <p>place Rain began at noon for thirty</p> <p>I was advertising townline work in Planet</p> <p>+ getting specifications {unintelliglible}</p> <p>of J. G. K SM</p> <p></p> <p>Wednesday 5 (156-209)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>June Thursday 6 (157-208) 1907</p> <p>I was about home all day</p> <p></p> <p>Friday 7 (158-207)</p> <p>I went to Chatham for specification</p> <p>of townline improvements at</p> <p>office of J G Kerr</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>June Saturday 8 (159-206) 1907</p> <p>I was about home all day went to</p> <p>inspect bridge 12173 sideroad,</p> <p>weather fine today</p> <p></p> <p>Sunday 9 (160-205)</p> <p>Went to sunday school for church</p> <p>Good morning but no preaching</p> <p>Childen service in afternoon</p> <p>A grand success Col about 800</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE MONDAY 10 (161-204) 1907</span></h2> <p>About home in {unknown word}. Planted 3 rows potatoes at top of sugar but field plowd balance of ground for ruts potatoes in {unknown word} went to funeral of Rev Drake in after noon.</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 11 (162-203)</span></h3> <p>I went to bridge 12173 Side road with Francis in morning Edgar {unclear name} planting corn {unknown word} next-Williams lower place I took Ada to Chatham to her exam in afternoon I went to meet our council &amp; Harwich council &amp; promoters of C.W. &amp; SE Ryre extention to Lake Erie which franchise was granted Cool East wind.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE WEDNESDAY 12 (163-202) 1907</span></h2> <p>home all fornoon shearing Sheep &amp; other Chores Clarence rolled oats Edgar finished replanting corn forenoon planted some manglis {unknown word} in afternoon I went to Fletcher to notify Mr Armstrong of cleaning {Deary?} drain branch. Paid Luo Robertson for fixing road {unknown word} Cool East wind threatening Rain</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 13 (164-201)</span></h3> <p>I sent Edgar with load Hogs 9 {unclear number} cut $103.62 Lizzie &amp; I went to Chatham in buggy wet &amp; Rainy</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE FRIDAY 14 (165-200) 1907</span></h2> <p>About home all day Edgar Harrowing corn in afternoon Cullivating potatoes in garden Clear &amp; warm today</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 15 (166-199)</span></h3> <p>Went to Chatham about the Pike drainage &amp; townline improvements Fine &amp; warm</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE SUNDAY 16 (167-198) 1907</span></h2> <p>Ada &amp; I went to Sunday school &amp; Church day warm &amp; Clear In afternoon we went to Children's service at Methodist Church</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 17 (168-197)</span></h3> <p>I went to Seamington to see Alex Baird re Pike drainage &amp; townline improvement was gone all day Edgar began working beets {unknown word} on my return found JJ Bradley here to repair our {unclear word}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE TUESDAY 18 (169-196) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with Ada &amp; Kenneth to 4 Paw {unclear word} show &amp; to get profile of work at Parks weather very warm</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 19 (170-195)</span></h3> <p>I was home could do little work save on in the shape of giving in-formation to those who came to see profile re of work I evening went to townline to go over ground of improvement weather warm clear</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE THURSDAY 20 (171-194) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was home all day I had give a sumber drop in re Pike drainage &amp; townline imp but I picked time to work potatoes at lower place Clarence in beets Edgar working corn for the first {evening?} Lizzie &amp; I went to our Church to see the Passion Play a religious moving picture play Sad accident today at Nelson Clark's barn raising Injured Sam Suntos {unclear} Scott weather fine &amp; warm</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 21 (172-193)</span></h3> <p>I was at home all day working in garden most of time The only ones that called about {unclear word} were ESDg re {unclear} Parks so I lost {unclear word} about 3 hours over work today Weather very warm</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE SATURDAY 22 (173-192) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham to receive {tinders?} of which I got quite a number Lizzie went with me Mr Bradley here on my return boys working beets Very warm today</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY 23 (174-191)</span></h3> <p>Ada &amp; I went to Sunday school Mr Hatchet not present to conduct reiview Good school</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE MONDAY 24 (175-190) 1907</span></h2> <p>Regular meeting of Council A long day close of Court revisions quite an amount of work done &amp; some left Rev Denholm &amp; Ms Gosnell {Bliahum?} down re {unclear word} franchise {L?}enders for work on townline opened I {unclear} had I lowest for grade aCC Rain in some places</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY 25 (176-189)</span></h3> <p>At home all day got in a fair days work in garden In evening went to to {Saven?} social of Household of Ruth good crowd nice night Rain about midnight</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE WEDNESDAY 26 (177-188) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to see Mr Barry re townline work Had dinner at Ms {unclear} B Crosby's Edgar in the corn Clarence hoing his {three words unclear} berries in forenoon was {unclear} coin afternoon. Went to lodge in evening via Albert Leolt's Weather turned cool this morning early with North wind</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY 27 (178-187)</span></h3> <p>home fornoon work generally In afternoon went to Lake Erie to meet coucil re Chas Pardo's {lye?} &amp; land to get Earth for filling Came back by &amp; had supper with Mr T {Doey?} 16th con</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">JUNE FRIDAY 28 (179-186) 1907</span></h2> <p>Went to Chatham. Returned tinder of Dredge Co {T?}arranged for work by the day. in aftern was about home took crate of berries to {WS?} young. in evening returned. sack of sugar to P.I. Murphy it was not clean weather fine</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY 29 (180-185)</span></h3> <p>was home all day at work generally In evening went to see Mr Scott came back by M Buxtons. returned to Fred Slade his check. Got 100 lbs sugar of Shupe</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>June Sunday 30 (181-184) 1907</p> <p>Ada and I went to sunday school and church preaching by Rev Edison of {Graselands?} morning and evening Lizzie and I went in evening. Weather very fine today.</p> <p>July Dominion Day (Dominion) Monday 1 (182-183)</p> <p>I went Williams in morning weather dull {illegible} No success in getting beet {block?} and went to lower place to pull mustard in afternoon. {Illegible} to Buxton to our Rev M Townline grade in evening. Took 1 crate of (illegible) to {C H hughes?} 1 Box short. I stopped to church meeting on my return. Rev Edison Hired Edgar working come afternoon in beets Blocked {thrice of a fierce love for (illegible)?}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July Tuesday 2 (183-182) 1907</span></h2> <p>I started Kenneth and Henry boys in beets but then went to Chatham.</p> <p>weather very cool for time of year</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wedensday 3 (184-181)</span></h2> <p>Frost last night (scribbled sideways on right side of paper)</p> <p>Working in sugar beets</p> <p>Swarm of bees came out {illegible}</p> <p>heavy white from last night cutting potatoes and other (tenders?) potatoes corn left in place but damage generally seems to be great</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>July Thursday 4 (185-180) 1907</p> <p>I was working sugar beets blocking and thining with the children weather very fine a little cool but {illegible} for work. {F?} Williams came at night and brought provisions for Belgium but {blockers} who are to be our {illegible}, Edgar and Clarence hauled the fresh hay of this season.</p> <p>Friday 5 (186-179)</p> <p>{Leaves?} in beets blocking things. Edgar and Clarence hauling hay field seems to be leaving off well hay nice so far.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>July Saturday 6 (187-178) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham re Pike drainage and {lowerline?} improvement. In evening I went to Fletcher re gas pipes laid by {Rothburgur?} {illegible} without franchise. Children finished beets except two headland rows. Williams came to see to beets and arrange to drain our {illegible} fame as 3 and 3/4 acres which was at best 1/2 acre too much by my measure. Weather very warm today.</p> <p>Sunday 7 (188-177)</p> <p>Ada and I went to sunday school and church preaching by Rev Edison.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>July - Monday 8 - (189-176) - 1907</p> <p>I was about home all forenoon working. After dinner went to meet Tilbury council re Pike drainage {illegible} improvement without success. Met Mr E {Arque?} at Fletcher re gas pipe line he was willing to apply for franchise at an early date. {Rev.?} Irving, Deputy Wellwood, and Engineer {Baird?} and myself came to merlin and arranged for me to inter view our solicitor Kerr report to Engineer at once re Pike works. Weather warm and dry.</p> <p>Tuesday 9 - (190-175)</p> <p>I was at home all day working in hay, East mow to or above beam, day bright and warm. Hay put-in in fine shape.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>July Wednesday 10 (191-174) 1907</p> <p>In forenoon we completed hauling first field of hay. Edgar and Clarence went to help Abie in afternoon. Suzzie and I went to Chatham in {illegible} met O'Keefe in {Auto?} and got the {Longue?} broker out of my {illegible} thereby failed to see {illegible} Kerr re {illeible} info and too late to get other things wanted. Weather fine roads very dry and dusty.</p> <p>Thursday 11 (192-173)</p> <p>I awoke this morning to find it raining a much needed rain which continued off and on all day to freshen crops. The boys and I went to farm to check hay and were doing odd jobs about.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>JULY FRIDAY 12 (193-172) 1907</p> <p>I was about home {mool?} of day in afternoon Edgar &amp; Clarence were helping Abie in his hay</p> <p>SATURDAY 13 (194-171)</p> <p>I went to Chatham in morning to see J &amp; {Kers?} other business Edgar &amp; Clarence about home in forenoon helping Abie in afternoon in hay got some oats of {illegible} (throughout grip for {Thos?} Campbell {Rin} to abies)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>JULY SUNDAY 14 (195-170) 1907</p> <p>MONDAY 15 (196-169)</p> <p>I went to Chatham via con 4 to get some plaster for patching in forenoon &amp; cutting hay in the afternoon while boys went helping abie sold 7 pegs to Bishop of Blenheim R</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>JULY TUESDAY 16 (197-108) 1907</p> <p>I went to Jas Ferguson’s for fence weaver in morning</p> <p>Abie came to rake hay brought in 2 loads very green</p> <p>WEDNESDAY 17 (198-167)</p> <p>I was about home all day in forenoon at finer afternoon hauling hay {illegible} for helping</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Thursday, July 18 (199-166) 1907</p> <p>I was working in hay forenoon (illegible) and George (illegible) (Illegible) came to measure beet grown west of lane 19 x 27 rods 3 a33 rods East of lane front of house yard 19 x 19 &amp; beside house 15 x 20 1/2 rods total 4a28 rods Total acres in beets 7a61 rods In afternoon I went to Buxton for Ms Baird to level deary drain which (illegible) Robinson did on 17th (Illegible) Mr Widrey application for 25.00 to pay help blocking 4 (illegible) field</p> <p><br /> Friday, July 19 (200-165)</p> <p>I was home all day working in hay Aba &amp; George came with teams to help We finished our hay about 4 o'clock (Illegible) to haul for Aba (Illegible) Clarence &amp; Kenneth went over with teams got in 4 loads</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Wednesday, July 24 (205-160) 1907</p> <p>Finished fence at lower pasture in morning. Was cultivating beets rest of day. Edgar, Clarence, (illegible) all day also Kenneth with (illegible) All went to town social at the Crom-mills at night (Illegible) of moon (?) from about 10 to 12 p.m., all shadow gone by 1 a.m.</p> <p><br /> Thursday, July 25 (206-159)</p> <p>I took load of (illegible) out today (morn). [Next line completely illegible]. I went to town in after noon to special (illegible) gas franchise of Barnard, (illegible) and gas co Edgar, Clarence &amp; Kenneth with (illegible).</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>JULY FRIDAY 26 (207-158) 1907</p> <p>Was home at work although to feeling well, day bright Edgar Clarence &amp; Kenneth at Abies in hay</p> <p>SATURDAY 27 (208-157)</p> <p>Lizzie &amp; I went to Chatham while the boys went to help Abie finish hay Ruve &amp; I went to see Mrs Wilson in re towline improvements arrange for applications to Railway commission re J.T Roy bridge</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Sunday, July 28 (209-156) 1907</p> <p>Ada and I went to church &amp; sunday school, very good school Preaching by Rev Edison Collection of 6.89 token up for (illegible) Scott</p> <p><br /> Monday, July 29 (210-155)</p> <p>(Illegible) to Chatham for the (illegible) of my Binder but it did not come Edgar &amp; Clarence helped Charlie (illegible) in his hay Clarences cultivating (illegible) home place</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Tuesday, July 30 (211-154) 1907</p> <p>About home all forenoon, Went in afternoon to sell jobs on con &amp; (illegible) 1st named to (illegible) last unsold Suzzie and I went to Merlin at night to town social at Dr. Bells Very large crowd, Pleasant time spent Edgar put Binder together (illegible) Barley field</p> <p><br /> Wednesday, July 31 (212-153)</p> <p>Home all day cutting Barley In evening, I went to Dick Moore's to get bridge at 3rd con repaired Weather fine &amp; a little cloudy</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Thursday, August 1 (213-152) 1907</p> <p>I was cutting Wheat &amp; Barley while the boys were setting up Light shower in evening</p> <p><br /> Friday, August 2 (214-151)</p> <p>I was home all day finished Barley went to lower place in evening (illegible) cut Timothy &amp; Odessa (illegible) shower stoped [sic] us</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Saturday, August 3 (215-150) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham Ada with me, boys finished Timothy Reed tooks Colts from Charlie Moor's to other place Wrote the Baird to meet me on (illegible) day 6 aug Cut the Odessa Barley at lower place</p> <p><br /> Sunday, August 4 (216-149)</p> <p>BLANK</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Monday, August 5 (217-148) 1907</p> <p>Went to Council meeting damp &amp; drisly [sic] all day Report (illegible) drain read, unfinished work carried out Edgar &amp; Clarence cultivating buds - when a light rain (illegible) them &amp; they cleaned barn (illegible) for (illegible) Mr Widrey here to day [sic]</p> <p><br /> Tuesday, August 6 (218-147)</p> <p>Met Mr Baird at (illegible) &amp; went to 3rd con got Bert Parker with his boat, to go to bridge (illegible) while Baird is drove, Came home for dinner in afternoon Went to Buxton for (illegible), to station Boys hauling (illegible)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Wednesday, August 7 (219-146) 1907</p> <p>I was about home all day hauling Manure Clarence helping me Edgar was helping Black's thrash</p> <p><br /> Thursday, August 8 (220-145)</p> <p>I was about home until evening I went to Fletcher to sell (illegible) branch E Collins got whole work I came back by Mr Cromwell's (illegible) Paid him balance between Barley &amp; spring wheat $9.64 Edgar at Black's in forenoon this afternoon hauling manure</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Friday, August 9 (221-144) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham in morning got back at noon (Illegible) Samson &amp; Caroline here Edgar went to cut (illegible) in afternoon Clarence to help Felix Thrash</p> <p>Saturday, August 10 (222-143)</p> <p>Edgar &amp; Clarence were Hauling Manure I was about home forenoon Went to Buxton in afternoon got som [sic] things for Thrashing</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Sunday, August 11 (223-142) 1907</p> <p>Suzzie and I went to Church I went to Sunday school Alice Cora went with us in morning Suzzie and I went for dinner to Bob Karding Edgar, Ada &amp; I went to church at night</p> <p>Monday, August 12 (224-141)</p> <p>I went to Chatham for (illegible) for thrashing got 1400 lbs also 12 bags of (illegible) Civic Holiday for Chatham Edgar &amp; Clarence went in evening about (illegible) to help thrash at (illegible) I went over for a (illegible) which</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Tuesday 13 (225-140) 1907</p> <p>Edgar Clarence and myself helping {illegible} all day thrash {illegible word writtin above a horizontal line} finished his job and moved to Our place in evening.</p> <p>Wednesday 14 (226-139)</p> <p>Thrashed wheat and barley today {80 bu?} in all. {Half} as follows, Ada and George Shreve with 2 teams {Chase?} and stand Black {my?} team {jno?} Shreve, Bert Robbins, jas {illegible}, Henry {illegible}, jas Harris, Herman Henry, G B. Shreves, Bob Willis (for a while). Got through about 5 P.M. and I should of started for Mr Moore {illegible} but got {hung?} in Rice drain bridge {con 6?}. I went over about 11 P.M.{may be 6?} and helped him out.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Thursday 15 (227-138) 1907</p> <p>I went in morning to {illegible} to measure bridge and get jas {illegible} to high {illegible}. Him was shocking oats balance of day. Clarence with me. Edgar cutting.</p> <p>Friday 16 (228-137)</p> <p>Shower of rain this morning. The boys and I were cleaning Barley in forenoon shocking oats after. Edgar cutting.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Saturday 17 (229-136) 1907</p> <p>Edgar took load of Barley to Chatham {I or &amp;} went in buggy, Barley to Scott {illegible} in evening Edgar finished cutting oats {and corn?} {illegible} cutting spring wheat. I sold a cow (spot) to Jack {McLeod?} to be taken to {Paine's} monday morn. Weather fine and warm.</p> <p>Sunday 18 (230-135)</p> <p>Ada and I went to sunday school {illegible symbol} in morning. In after noon went {bush?} meeting at {Patinson's?}.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August Monday 19 (23-134) 1907</span></h2> <p>I took corn to (Paynes?) in Morning then to Chatham &amp; back home</p> <p>not feeling well back was shocking</p> <p>wheat in afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 20 (232-133)</span></h2> <p>The Boys and I went to lower place</p> <p>Edgar cutting wheat Clarance &amp; I stocking</p> <p>Rains about eleven a.m.</p> <p>We went to barn to clean Barley</p> <p>Raining lightly nearly all afternoon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Wednesday 21 (233-132) 1907</p> <p>I {took?} load of barley to Scott 3135 {lbs?} and squared up with him $1.00 cut for the Barley.</p> <p>Edgar took a load of hay to Joe {Kime?} {1900 lbs?} at $9.00 per Ton. In afternoon Edgar finished cutting wheat Clarence went to help {Jas Jebbs?} thrash with team.</p> <p>Thursday 22 (234-131)</p> <p>Edgar and I finished shocking oats after taking calves to lower pasture and set {illegible} wheat in afternoon Clarence helping {Jebbs?} thrash. Slight frost last night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Friday 23 (235-130) 1907</p> <p>I took two loads hay to Chatham</p> <p>1800 lbs to Snook at 10{the price is 10 dollars but I don't know how to make the two underlined small zeros at the top} &amp; 970 lbs to Barnes at same price</p> <p>Got horses shod in morning</p> <p>August Saturday 24 (236-129)</p> <p>I went North Buxton in Morning about home the rest of day Edgar tried to plow a little Clarin er helping Mr Henry thrash hay very windy</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Sunday 25 (237-128) 1907</p> <p>I went to Sunday school in morning then to service at B.M.S church, Bush Meeting instead of service at Baptist church John &amp; Joe Cromwell came with their wives for dinner also Mrs. OBtrlsey{Not very legible} Lizzie and I went to Church at night</p> <p></p> <pre> Monday 26 (238-127) </pre> <p>The Boys &amp; I were hauling wheat from lower place I went to Church meeting at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Tuesday 27 (239-126) 1907</p> <p>Showers last night so the boys &amp; me cleaning barley this forenoon {illegible word}Edgar with them went to help Watts /thrash(1/2 day) afternoon</p> <p></p> <pre> Wednesday 28 (240-125) </pre> <p>Edgar helping Watts thrash with {illegible word}all day Clarence &amp; I stacking wheat I went to Buxton to prayer meeting in Evening.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>August Thursday 29 (241-124) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham with 2720 lbs Barley to {illegible word}Co {one dollar} ps Cut Edgar &amp; Clarence with team at Abie thrashing</p> <p></p> <pre> Friday 30 (242-123) </pre> <p>Edgar helping Abie Thrash with team I was about home all day or until done</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August Saturday 31 (243-122) 1907</span></h2> <p>Stacking Oats today 3 teams</p> <p>John {illegible} pitching in forenoon has {illegible} stacking</p> <p>{illegible} Fred helping with teams</p> <p>I went to Chatham in afternoon about 3 o'clock John and Ada with me</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Sunday 1 (244-121)</span></h2> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Laboor Day (Dominion) Monday 2 (245-120) 1907</span></h2> <p>Rain last night. I went to council, Court of Revision {illegible}</p> <p>quite long day late closing</p> <p>Edgar took team to help (Fisley thrasen?) in afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 3 (246-119)</span></h2> <p>Edgar and Clarence helping (Fisley Thrash?) got home about 4 p.m.</p> <p>Clarence racked wheat stable</p> <p>Edgar &amp; I got load for stack bottom</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Wednesday 4 (247-118) 1907</span></h2> <p>Boys &amp; I finished hauling Oats today ((fro?) R. Travis build bridge west of creek 3rd Con) {scratched words}</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Thursday 5 (248-117)</span></h2> <p>Rain last night I went to Prairie siding. Gave Mr. Johnston order for sidewalk home at noon</p> <p>in rain about home in afternoon</p> <p>Edgar plowing for wheat</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>September Friday 6 (249-116) 1907</p> <p>I was plowing for wheat {illegible} Edgar and Clarence helping Bert Robbins thrash. We cleaned load of wheat for market.</p> <p>Saturday 7 (250-115)</p> <p>Edgar and I went to Chatham with wheat 4500 lbs $39.87. Stoped to see R. S. {Border} in afternoon. Paid Herb Anderson for colt $10.00 sugar got a {illegible} of cloth from {Maymell?}.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Sunday 8 (251-114) 1907</span></h2> <p>(Blank Page)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday 9 (252-113)</span></h2> <p>I was plowing for wheat as Edgar went to hep John (place?) straw at (milk Kearns?)</p> <p>weather fine</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>September Tuesday 10 (253-112) 1907</p> <p>I was about home all day draning grain + odd jobs as it rained nearly continuously but light</p> <p>Wednesday 11 (254-111)</p> <p>I was about home in fornoon Ada + I went to wedding of A.W. Timbers + Rosa Morris in afternoon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Thursday 12 (255-110) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham in fornoon while boys are working on wheat ground</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Friday 13 (256-109)</span></h3> <p>I left the boys workiing wheat ground while gone to S.S. Convention ate Sandwich. I left Fletcher on accomodation and had a pleasant trip in company with {Gar?} Robbins to Essex centre. The strange feature of trip was the number of Engine being 88/3, train W/3 date 13th of month and first coach contained 13 passengers most of way. arrived in Windsor about noon {+?} went to sandwhich in time for convention session which was fare also fare program at night. helped lead {illegible} Exercise by appointment</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Saturday 14 (257-108) 1907</span></h2> <p>staid with Aunt Carolin in Windsor + went to sandwich forenoon returning Early in after noon to see A.B. Kersey + we went back to sandwich to evening service</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Sunday 15 (258-107)</span></h3> <p>I spent this date at Sandwich had a very good meeting. preaching in morning by Rev. Henderson. in after noon Renet Bradley. closing by Rev. E.E. Thompson of Toronto</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Money 16 (259-106) 1907</span></h2> <p>Arrived home from Windsor the A.M. to find letters from Mr. Swanson + check for $20.00 I had to return the {illegible} because of error in it. I took 2360 lbs of barley to {GC?} Scott in afternoon</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 17 (260-105)</span></h3> <p>Was about home {Illegible} went on con &amp; in afternoon to {illegble} Karsey drain. In forenoon fixed mower + began cutting down seed</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Wednesday 18 (261-104) 1907</span></h2> <p>Rain in forenoon. About home all forenoon jiggin. {Elaine?} went to Chatham fair in after noon. I went o to N. Buxton took Charlie Shreve, stayed to lodge at night. Edgar orking wheat ground.</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Thursday 19 (262-103)</span></h3> <p>Boyo hauling manure I took the girls to fair af after noon+ fireworks at night illegible {planters?}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Friday 20 (263-102) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with loaf of Hay 2140 lbs sold to Ms {name?} @ $14.00 per ton $14.98. Edgar + Clarence Hauling manure I paid Park Broo on interest $85.00</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 21 (264-101</span></h3> <p>Edgar took hay to Chatham to wagon works 2110 lbs @ 15.00 per ton. I went to prairie siding with Mr. Irving + Mr Doey {then?} to Chatham. Brought home 12 {splithooks?} + 6 {plowhooks?} for shed at cow yard</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Sunday 22 (265-100) 1907</span></h2> <p>Ada + I went to sunday school at church. In afternoon at 3 I walked to N Buxton + spoke at missionary service at B.M. Church.</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday 23 (266-99)</span></h3> <p>Edgar + Mr Harry went to Lake Erie for gravel I was working at cowshed while Clarence {disring?} for wheat</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September Tuesday 24 (267-98) 1907</span></h2> <p>I took load of hay to Chatham sold to Samuell Thomas 2260 lbs at 15.00 $16.95 {reck?} got lumber for sidewalk + piano box of A {Glanfore}</p> <h3><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 25 (268-97</span></h3> <p>Hauling down seed Clarence + I Edgar began cutting corn weather windy + cool but no frost In morning I went to see {Rev.?} Irving in Kersey dr. bridge Drake road</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 26 (269-96) 1907</span></h2> <p>Finished hauling clover and in fornoon working {at} shed in afternoon Edgar and {Clarence} working wheat ground</p> <p>Appearance of rain wind in East</p> <p></p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 27 (270-95)</span></h2> <p>boys working wheat ground {and sowing} wheat in afternoon</p> <p>{Someone} came along and sold him white calf for $6.00</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SEPTEMBER SATURDAY (271-94) 1907</span></h2> <p>Rain last night ground too wet to sow fornoon</p> <p>Edgar got 3 bags wheat from {illegible} 384 {lbs} commenced to sow after {draining} but rain came</p> <p>{rainy} afternoon so boys and I {illegible} some 8 bags {chop} {illegible} in barn</p> <p></p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY (272-93)</span></h2> <p>Roads heavy today Ada and I went to Church (Rally Sunday)</p> <p>{Morning preaching Rev Edison}</p> <p>Afternoon preaching Bradley of {Windsor}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>I went to Council. Edgar went to mill with chop then boys were shocking corn.</p> <p>Edgar finished sowing wheat. I went to Chathm with load of hay ( ) gog some lumber for stable. Geo B came brought tools and went to help Geo S in his corn. Mr Leach here to see one shed at Providence Church (to let him know).</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 2 (275-90) 1907</span></h2> <p>{Scribbled note on top left print} 1/2 dy for {illegible}</p> <p>Geo B came this morning to work</p> <p>we moved corn {crib} from {stable} to E end of shed, I went to Ferguson's and {illegible} for Jack's, {thence} to Fletcher</p> <p>In afternoon {Geo} went away and I went to {Meshin fair}</p> <p></p> <p>THURSDAY 3 (270-80)</p> <p>Edgar took Hay press to Chatham for John but rain prevented {gathering} of {Cement}</p> <p>{Clarence} and I got load of {blocking} from {illegible}, {raised} corn crib and furrowed wheat</p> <p>I also sowed some Timothy seed in morning early</p> <p>Raining afternoon so Edgar could not buy {cement}</p> <p></p> <p>{Scribbled at bottom of the page} 1/2 dy fr 2</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">OCTOBER FRIDAY 4 (277-88) 1907</span></h2> <p>{Written beside the date} 1 dy</p> <p>I and the boys together with {Geo} B</p> <p>were working at {stable} all day</p> <p>{raining} {same}</p> <p></p> <p>work on stable 4 m {alldy} = 4</p> <p></p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY (278-87)</span></h2> <p>{Written beside the date} 1 dy</p> <p>Cloudy and a little rain early. Nice after rain I went to Chatham for {Cement} got 6 {lbs} and 18 tile at {illegible} home about 3 P.M. George and the boys working at the stable</p> <p></p> <p>{stable} time 3 1/2 dys for {Slash}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">OCTOBER SUNDAY 6 (279-86) 1907</span></h2> <p>{Someone} and I went to church in the morning Ada and Edgar at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY 7 (280-85)</span></h2> <p>We were working at {stable} all day raised it full {height} and dug Trenches commenced felling wheat rain stopped us about 3 o'clock p.m</p> <p>all trenches full but N. W side</p> <p>George B with us,</p> <p></p> <p>Time at work at {stable} = about 3/4 dy for 4 or 3 dy</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">OCTOBER TUESDAY 8 (281-84) 1907</span></h2> <p>At the stable all day setting {cribing} and {raising} wall</p> <p>George B helped all day</p> <p>Jim {Leifer?} came at noon {self and boys} too</p> <p>Stable 4 1/2 m</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY 9 (282-83)</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham for 2 {lbs cement} 200 {ft cover?} siding {illegible} shingles for stable home by noon {illegible} and boys working at stable foundation all day</p> <p>Stable work 3 m itself 3 1/2 dys</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">OCTOBER THURSDAY 10 (283-82) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went with Mr {Shackledon} to survey River Road at Prairie Siding had dinner at Mr {Brusth's?}</p> <p>Home about 4 30 P.M. worked about 4 hours My self and boys at stable while I was away the boys hauled corn behind barn</p> <p>Stable work = 1 dy 2 {hrs} for {1 illegible}</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY 11 (284-81)</span></h2> <p>{Clarence} and I finished stable wall</p> <p>Rain stopped work in {evening} early</p> <p>Edgar gathered corn {first} cutting lower {illegible}</p> <p></p> <h2><span class="mw-headline">Sig. 10</span></h2> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Saturday 12 (285-80) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham re 3rd con</p> <p>bridge + other business got shoes for</p> <p>Ada, {Ernie + Kenneth?}, {illegible} came in</p> <p>evening to {illegible} pigs Paid him in full {illegible}</p> <p></p> <p>Sunday 13 (286-79)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">OCTOBER MONDAY 14 (287-78) 1907</span></h2> <p>I went to Chatham with Hay to {illegible} 1970 lbs @ $16 00 {illegible}</p> <p>Went in evening to measure ditch on {con 7} for {Chas nearby} 115 Rods a 13 {illegible}</p> <p>Geo B and boys working at stable removing cribbing {and building} frame</p> <p></p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY (288-77)</span></h2> <p>Geo, Clarence and I working at stable all day, Edgar cutting {illegible} (last piece)</p> <p>Boys took colt to {Wyke's} to wean it as it would not stay at other place</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Wednesday 16 (286-76) 1907</p> <p>George B {Clarince?}, + I working at</p> <p>stable all day.</p> <p></p> <p>Edgar finished cutting corn today</p> <p>Ms {Widrig?} here re {bats?}, to corn {feast?}</p> <p>of next week</p> <p></p> <p>Thursday 17 (290-75)</p> <p>Clarince + I were working at stable by ourselves</p> <p>Edgar {shocking?} corn</p> <p>Geo did not come</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Friday 18 (291-74) 1907</p> <p>Suzzie + I went to Chatham</p> <p>in morning I finished {shutring?} stable</p> <p>in afternoon + I went to Fletcher re</p> <p>sidewalk in evening,</p> <p>The boys {shocking?} corn</p> <p>I sent plan + specifications 3 con bridge</p> <p>by Bert Robbins to Park {Bros?}</p> <p></p> <p>Saturday 19 (292-73)</p> <p>I was cleaning up around stable</p> <p>+ working generally we killed a pig</p> <p>at noon weighing 84 lbs for home use</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Sunday 20 (293-72) 1907</p> <p>Cold Rain last night rainy {all for noon?}</p> <p>I did not go to church this morning</p> <p></p> <p>7378 - 1018 = 6360</p> <p>Monday 21 (294-71)</p> <p>I was working at stable while</p> <p>boys {handed?} 2 loads {Earth?} for</p> <p>{jobs in?} {illegible} {illegible} corn</p> <p>in {afterhours?}</p> <p></p> <p>1/2 {illegible} came after noon + we shingled</p> <p>west side stable</p> <p>J J Bradley came to see plans of</p> <p>3rd Concession bridge {illegible}</p> <p>Chatham at {Park's?}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Tuesday 22 (295-70) 1907</p> <p>I went to Chatham for noon</p> <p>{Got?} job {lot of?} flooring to floor {oar?} {bin?}</p> <p>gather {illegible}</p> <p>home early + worked in stables</p> <p>{Gro B?} working all day</p> <p></p> <p>Wednesday 23 (296-69)</p> <p>{Gro B?} + I working all day at stables +</p> <p>Grannary all day boys finished</p> <p>hauling Earth for floor of stable</p> <p>M F {Hatcher?} {husking?} corn</p> <p>Edgar took 25 {illegible} to Ms Hatchett</p> <p>in evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Thursday 24 (297-68) 1907</p> <p></p> <p>Friday 25 (298-67)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Saturday 26 (299-66) 1907</p> <p>Suzzie + I went to Chatham</p> <p>I received {tenders?} for 3rd Concession</p> <p>bridge day fine, received</p> <p>from {illegible} subpoena for</p> <p>D {Fletcher?} not feeling well so</p> <p>I did not go to Fletcher</p> <p></p> <p>Sunday 27 (300-65)</p> <p>Rain last night Ada + I</p> <p>went to church + school</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>October Monday 28 (301-64) 1907</p> <p>I went in morning to Mr Fletcher's with</p> <p>subpoena re {illegible} commission. Took Dick</p> <p>Newman's jackscrew home {illegible}</p> <p>for noon, special meeting of council</p> <p>re River road improvement {illegible}</p> <p>after noon I {illegible} tenders for 3rd</p> <p>Con bridge, instructed Mr {Whitebread?}</p> <p>to have {dredge?} sent to Prairie siding</p> <p></p> <p>Came home + went with Edgar to {illegible}</p> <p>M {Burton?} + took train for Chatham at 7 P.M.</p> <p>{illegible} car stranded through bursting of gas main</p> <p>about 3 miles southwest of Chatham we did not</p> <p>reach Chatham till 9.30 P.M. {illegible} Fletcher {illegible}</p> <p></p> <p>Tuesday 29 (302-63)</p> <p>I was too late to get train or ride home</p> <p>our case adjourned till {friday?} next Nov {illegible}</p> <p>I remained in city at Mrs {Kersey's?}</p> <p></p> <p>I went to Prairie siding</p> <p>at 8.30 A.M. to start dredge in</p> <p>company with Mr {Whitebread?}</p> <p>returned at noon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November Sunday 3 (307-58) 1907</span></h2> <p>Ada &amp; I went to church Morning service</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday 4 (308-57)</span></h2> <p>Council meeting court of revision on Murdock drains &amp; general business</p> <p>I went in early morning to dredge at river sent {illegible} Travis to place pipe at prairie (ending?), got 50 ft of pipe at Holidays</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>NOVEMBER THURSDAY 7 (311-540) 1907</p> <p>went to Tilbury with Will {Zebbo?} to court in case of Travis VS. Zebbo</p> <p>{Jas?} Zebbo drove me to Jeannetts creek {illegible} {stoole?} train at 1.30 for Prairie siding</p> <p>{Dredge?} finished her work about 3.30 o-clock Time 7 ½ or 7 ¾ {illegible}</p> <p>Edgar took a second load of wheat to Fletcher (2905 {illegible}) got check for both loads</p> <p>97 {illegible} 35 lbs @ 95c less bay chop 91.12</p> <p>Had {sati?} dinner at Gev Crows</p> <p>Mr Edwards &amp; men moving telephone poles at {siding?} when I got there</p> <p>Cooler aparntly clearing away</p> <p>FRIDAY 8 (312-53)</p> <p>{Sigzie?} &amp; I went to Chatham Via Prairie siding to meet Mr Soarie of Bell Telephone he was not there met him on road</p> <p>Got A Party to sign agreement {illegible} 3rd {illegible} bridge Paid gas bill {illegible} told them I should pay under protest</p> <p>Edgar did some plowing</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>NOVEMBER MONDAY 11 (315-50) 1907</p> <p>I was hauling beets today Edgar took his team to Fletcher to get shod</p> <p>quite a coat of snow last night</p> <p>cool all day</p> <p>TUESDAY 12 (316-49)</p> <p>Hauling beets with both teams</p> <p>weather cold, froze last night</p> <p>{AE?} Robinson came with by lans of River rd {imp?} &amp; {Fuce?} drain also notice of special meeting for Friday night re Electric Ry subway {charing?} {cioss?}</p> <p>Belgains did not come today as they promised</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 13 (317-48) 1907</p> <p>Hauling sugar beets all day</p> <p>weather very cold ice on ditches</p> <p>THURSDAY 14 (318-47)</p> <p>boys hauling beets I went to townhall {illegible} list {revision?} before Judge Bell</p> <p>went to see Belgains but could not {find?} {them?}</p> <p>Edgar went to Nelsons for Browns beet {plower?} in {evening?}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>NOVEMBER FRIDAY 15 (319-46) 1907</p> <p>Day fine slightly warmer</p> <p>we were hauling beets to station to date have only 41 tons ground too frozen for Belgains to work</p> <p>SATURDAY 16 (320-45)</p> <p>I did not go to Chatham today working in beets &amp; hauling same</p> <p>weather fine but cold</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>NOVEMBER SUNDAY 17 (321-44) 1907</p> <p>Ada &amp; I to sunday school in morning</p> <p>{Sizzie?} &amp; I to church at night</p> <p>MONDAY 18 (322-43)</p> <p>Sifting beets today to corner of house yard Oliver Baily here {re?} taxes, {Juno?} Travis went to Chatham for material for Pat Kearns bridge day fine &amp; warm</p> <p>Hauled no beets today all time in fields Day fine &amp; warm</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>NOVEMBER TUESDAY 19 (323-42) 1907</p> <p>Edgar &amp; I went to station early</p> <p>Belgains came early to {top?} beets</p> <p>Got {illegible} Travis {illegible} for afternoon Cars to load on after dinner</p> <p>Day fine and warm</p> <p>WEDNESDAY 20 (324-41)</p> <p>Edgar &amp; I were hauling beets to station day fine we put over 12 tons</p> <p>very much like rain all afternoon</p> <p>commenced to rain about 6 P.M.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>November THURSDAY 21 (325-40) 1907 I was working in {illegible} in forenoon in Potatoes {illegible} in afternoon Edgar finished lifting beds today weather dull &amp; misty</p> <p>FRIDAY 22 (326-39) Took 2 loads {illegible} to station working about home balance of day roads rather soft</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>November SATURDAY 23 (327-38) 1907 Took 2 loads {illegible} to station in morning I went to Chatham afternoon with {illegible} Edgar &amp; Clarence took 3 loads {illegible} siding &amp; other {illegible} came home about 7PM Did not get to {illegible} inspection meeting held today</p> <p><br /> SUNDAY 24 (328-37) Ada &amp; I went to Sunday school &amp; church forenoon {illegible} came in in evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>November MONDAY 25 (329-36) 1907 I went to Chatham in morning Paid {illegible} grain {illegible} got overalls for self &amp; Edgar smock Clarence &amp; other articles {illegible} Edgar &amp; Clarence hauling {illegible} Had {illegible} Lizzie &amp; I went to Chruch meeting at night I paid our {illegible} 200 a captain was not present</p> <p>TUESDAY 26 (330-35) I was home all day at {illegible cleaned corn {illegible} beets Edgar &amp; Clarence hauling {illegible} to station, all out {illegible} about 2 loads (Mr {illegible} Williams {illegible} in evening, at night James {illegible} to see {ilelgible} re township Treasurer will not commit myself</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 27 (331-34) 1907</p> <p>Edgar finished hauling beets today</p> <p>I went to Prairie siding to advertise River rd grading</p> <p>clarence plowing back of barn</p> <p>Belgains did not come to remeasure beet ground</p> <p><br /> THURSDAY 28 (332-33)</p> <p>I was home all day commenced husking corn back of barn</p> <p>Edgar &amp; Clarence plowing</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>November FRIDAY 29 (333-32) 1907 I was husking corn while boys were plowing back of barn In evening Edgar &amp; I put on load of hay for {illegible}</p> <p>SATURDAY 30 (334-31) Lizzie &amp; I went to Chatham Edgar took load of hay to {illegible} brought back some {illegible} of {illegible} of John for 200 one more pile to get</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>December SUNDAY 1 (355-30) 1907 A little late for school Weather cold</p> <p></p> <p>MONDAY 2 (336-29) I went to Council via Fletcher to get receipts of gas Large {illegible} &amp; heavy work adjustment of {illegible} left over to new {illegible}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>December TUESDAY 3 (337-28) 1907 about {illegible} forenoon had a sale of road grading {illegible} siding in afternoon forenoon snow stormy quite wintry</p> <p>Wednesday 4 (338-27) I went to Fletchers forenoon home afternoon flooring {illegible} brought calves from lower place cold {illegible}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>December THURSDAY 5 (339-26) 1907 {illegible} went to Chatham sent 1000 to {illegible} S.d. {illegible} {illegible} money I got attach {illegible} for gas met Mr {illegible} but he would not accept 15 c per ton boys plowing weather mild</p> <p>FRIDAY 6 I went to Chatham very early to change gas fitting home about eleven &amp; put gas in heater</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>DECEMBER SATURDAY 7 (341-24) 1907 About home all day finished stable while boys are plowing day fine &amp; warm Edgar did some ditching at lower {illegible}</p> <p><br /> Conception Day SUNDAY 8 (342-23) Ada &amp; I went to church Too late for Sunday school today</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>December MONDAY 9 (343-22) 1907 Was home in forenoon husking corn In afternoon went to funeral of Mr {illegible} to bridge over {illegible} drain Con 8 sold to {illegible} newby to {illegible} on Stopped to coffee drink at hall of {illegible} Edgar brought {illegible} to evening's entertainment Rainy at night</p> <p>TUESDAY 10 (344-21) Colder &amp; stormy Boys out husking corn all day when not too stormy</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>December WEDNESDAY 11 (345-20) 1907 I was about home not well JJ {illegible} came in afternoon to {illegible} Rev Jackson {illegible} weather cold roads rough</p> <p>THURSDAY 12 (346-19) home all day Bradley went to create locate 3rd {illegible} bridge. Rev Jackson. 11 {illegible} John came to prepare to press {illegible}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Wednesday 11 (345-20) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was about home not well JJ Bradley came in afternoon to (indecipherable) bridge (indecipherable) Rev Jackson of H B here (two lines scratched out in heavy pencil)</p> <p>Weather cold roads rough</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Thursday 12 (346-19)</span></h2> <p>Home all day Bradley $ I went to create 3rd corn bridge Rev Jackson N Buxton here John came to prepare to press straw</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Friday 13 (347-18) 1907</span></h2> <p>Sent Edgar to shups for Coal (scratched out) Were preparing to press (Presset?) about 4 tons F Harwoods engine W Moon Helping on stack</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 14 (348-17)</span></h2> <p>Suzzie (scribbled out) I went to Chatham Storms &amp; very disagreeable Mailed John Marshall (@ Porders?) 11.00 for accounts Of (corn?)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Sunday 15 (349-16) 1907</span></h2> <p>I was home today unwell Very severe cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday 16 (350-15)</span></h2> <p>I went to Council today Boys finished pressing straw and &amp; moved to Rivers</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Tuesday 17 (351-14) 1907</span></h2> <p>In morning I went to River Re River road grade John (Irques?) came to level grade &amp; I got him (indecipherable) starch on East end of Soudon Road I returned &amp; thrashed clover in afternoon about 6 bags</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Wednesday 18 (352-13)</span></h2> <p>Edgar took load of straw to A Jamison &amp; brought for John 3 coils of wire $4.19</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Thursday 19 (353-12) 1907</span></h2> <p>Mr. Huston brought (s-head?) of cattle to winter</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Friday 20 (354-11)</span></h2> <p>(grey pencil) We cleaned clover sud I took some to Chatham on last load straw amount of straw 6 tons Sud sold (of bw?) 26 the @ 9-50 (pu?) bw $70.61 to M Stunger C.P. Nortes (tpo?) (illegible) Marshall returned for better address I forwarded this date to Blen (hund?)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Saturday 21 (355-10) 1907</span></h2> <p>Suzzie &amp; I went to Chatham (MCL?) P.C. (Urdriq?) had talk us back &amp; delay in (rotation/rotatne?)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Sunday 22 (356-9)</span></h2> <p>(blank)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Monday 23 (357-8) 1907</span></h2> <p>Weather rainy &amp; dreary forenoon Lizzie &amp; I went to Chatham Ada &amp; I went to Xmas entertainiment at New England at night (God/sod?) gas fittings cut for (bas&amp;burn?)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Tuesday 24 (358-7)</span></h2> <p>Home forenoon placed gas fixtures in base burner front room Ada &amp; I went to entertainment B.M. E Church N Buxton at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Christmas Day (Dom) Wednesday 25 (358-6) 1907</span></h2> <p>Storms in morning I was about home till Noon I went for dinner to Father Moor’s The boys took tree from school house To Church N. Buxton for childrens concert</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Thursday 26 (360-5)</span></h2> <p>I went in morning to Fletcher &amp; back to school meetings S.School Was chairman(thence?) to Clarke’s office via Irvings to Collect information called to see (illegible) slade</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Friday 27 (361-4) 1907</span></h2> <p>(blank)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday 28 (362-3)</span></h2> <p>Went to Chatham</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Sunday 29 (363-2) 1907</span></h2> <p>(blank)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Monday 30 (364-1)</span></h2> <p>(blank)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December Tuesday 31 (365) 1907</span></h2> <p>(blank)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Blank new entry, No new date</span></h2> <p>Send (Oct?) 2nd Dec B (straight line, maybe partial exclamation point)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span class="mw-headline">Memoranda</span></h2> <p>Sabor in beets [beside "July" but excluded from table]</p> <table><tbody><tr><td></td> <td>July</td> <td>2nd</td> <td>3</td> <td>4</td> <td>5</td> <td>6</td> <td></td> <td></td> </tr><tr><td>Herman Henry</td> <td></td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>5 (dys?)</td> <td>6.00</td> </tr><tr><td>Charlis Henry</td> <td></td> <td>1</td> <td>½</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>4 1/2</td> <td>5.50</td> </tr><tr><td>Flora Henry</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>½</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>½</td> <td>6.0</td> </tr><tr><td>Hlsworth Henry</td> <td></td> <td>1</td> <td>½</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>1 ½</td> <td>1.00</td> </tr><tr><td>Sottie Shreve</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>4 pd</td> <td>5.00</td> </tr><tr><td>Earnest Moore</td> <td></td> <td></td> <td></td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>3 pd</td> <td>3.00</td> </tr><tr><td>Kenneth Shreve</td> <td></td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>5</td> <td>6.00</td> </tr><tr><td>N. J. Shreve</td> <td></td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>1</td> <td>(scribbled out)</td> <td>4—</td> <td>(blank)</td> </tr></tbody></table><h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Blank (bottom half of the memoranda page)</span></h2> <p>Moving coin crib 3.00</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span class="mw-headline">Memoranda</span></h2> <p>(full page blank)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span class="mw-headline">Memoranda</span></h2> <p>Baled straw of A Jamison</p> <table><tbody><tr><td>(Wer/Dec?)</td> <td>17</td> <td>2830</td> <td>12050 3 1/2</td> </tr><tr><td></td> <td>18</td> <td>2850</td> <td>3615</td> </tr><tr><td></td> <td>19</td> <td>3030</td> <td>602</td> </tr><tr><td></td> <td>20</td> <td>3340</td> <td>42.17</td> </tr><tr><td></td> <td></td> <td>(squiggle indicating connection to line below)</td> <td></td> </tr><tr><td></td> <td></td> <td>2050</td> <td></td> </tr></tbody></table><p>(bottom half of page blank)</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span class="mw-headline">MEMORANDA</span></h2> <p>weight per {illegible?}</p> <table><tbody><tr><td> <p>3940 {tare?}</p> <p>3470</p> <p>2880</p> <p>3000</p> <p>3580</p> <p>3550 x{sw?}bill</p> <p>2900</p> <p>3480</p> <p>3650</p> <p>2850</p> <p>3220</p> <p>2930</p> <p>2880</p> </td> <td> <p>5</p> <p>5</p> <p>5</p> <p>5</p> <p>6</p> <p>12</p> <p>6</p> <p>6</p> <p>7</p> <p>6</p> </td> <td> <p>Nov 12 –</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“-</p> <p>13-</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>11</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> </td> <td> <p>197</p> <p>173</p> <p>144</p> <p>150</p> <p>179</p> <p>178</p> <p>145</p> <p>209</p> <p>438</p> <p>171</p> <p>193</p> <p>205</p> <p>173</p> </td> <td> <p>3943</p> <p>329 7</p> <p>273 6</p> <p>2850</p> <p>34 0 1</p> <p>33 7 2</p> <p>27 9 5</p> <p>32 7 1</p> <p>32 1 2</p> <p>3679</p> <p>3027</p> <p>2725</p> <p>2707</p> </td> </tr><tr><td> <p>2720 tan 6% Nov 9 East of barn 163 2557</p> </td> </tr><tr><td> <p>3080 {Fare?}</p> <p>2800 -</p> <p>3850</p> <p>3000</p> <p>3880</p> <p>3850</p> <p>3010</p> <p>{first digit faded}8550</p> </td> <td> <p>6</p> <p>4</p> <p>5</p> <p>5</p> <p>5</p> <p>6</p> <p>5</p> </td> <td> <p>“ 9</p> <p>- “</p> <p>“</p> <p>Nov 14</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> </td> <td> <p>-185 west of barn</p> <p>-112</p> <p>-193</p> <p>-150</p> <p>-192</p> <p>-230</p> <p>-154</p> </td> <td> <p>2895</p> <p>2688</p> <p>3657</p> <p>2850</p> <p>3658</p> <p>3619</p> <p>2916</p> <p>65685</p> </td> </tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span class="mw-headline">MEMORANDA</span></h2> <p>{illegible writing over top}</p> <p>Nov 15 weight</p> <table><tbody><tr><td> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>16</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>19 -</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>20</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>“</p> <p>22</p> <p>23</p> <p>“</p> <p>25</p> </td> <td> <p>4000</p> <p>3180</p> <p>3120</p> <p>3560</p> <p>3200</p> <p>3170</p> <p>3470</p> <p>3370</p> <p>3660</p> <p>3350</p> <p>3450</p> <p>4250</p> <p>3850</p> <p>4630</p> <p>3800</p> <p>4340</p> <p>4340</p> <p>3760</p> <p>3530</p> <p>2920</p> <p>4080</p> <p>3190</p> <p>3960</p> <p>3040</p> <p>3100</p> <p>4030</p> <p>3270</p> <p>4080</p> <p>3050</p> <p>4120</p> <p>108870</p> </td> <td> <p>- 7</p> <p>- 8</p> <p>- 8</p> <p>- 6</p> <p>- 8</p> <p>- 7</p> <p>- 8</p> <p>- 6</p> <p>- 8</p> <p>- 8</p> <p>- 8</p> <p>6</p> <p>8</p> <p>6</p> <p>9</p> <p>9</p> <p>5</p> <p>5</p> <p>8</p> <p>8</p> <p>10</p> <p>16</p> <p>11</p> <p>11</p> <p>9</p> <p>9</p> <p>9</p> <p>9</p> <p>9</p> <p>9</p> </td> <td> <p>- 280</p> <p>254</p> <p>250</p> <p>212</p> <p>256</p> <p>222</p> <p>274</p> <p>202</p> <p>293</p> <p>268</p> <p>276</p> <p>255</p> <p>308</p> <p>278</p> <p>342</p> <p>391</p> <p>217</p> <p>188</p> <p>262</p> <p>233</p> <p>653</p> <p>510</p> <p>436</p> <p>334</p> <p>279</p> <p>363</p> <p>294</p> <p>367</p> <p>274</p> <p>371</p> <p>9142</p> </td> <td> <p> 3720</p> <p> 2926</p> <p> 2870</p> <p>3348</p> <p>2944</p> <p>2948</p> <p>3196</p> <p>3168</p> <p>3367</p> <p>3082</p> <p>3174</p> <p>3995</p> <p>3542</p> <p>4372</p> <p>3558</p> <p>3949</p> <p>4143</p> <p>3572</p> <p>3268</p> <p>2687</p> </td> </tr></tbody></table></div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>{illegible writing over third column; no defined grid lines on page}</p> <table><tbody><tr><td> <p>Nov 27-</p> </td> <td> <p> 3180</p> <p> 2530</p> </td> <td> <p>8</p> <p>8</p> </td> <td> <p>254</p> <p>202</p> </td> </tr><tr><td> <p> 5710</p> <p>456</p> </td> <td> <p>456</p> </td> </tr><tr><td> <p> 5254</p> <p>99728</p> </td> </tr><tr><td> <p>East of farm</p> <p>West “ ”</p> </td> <td> <p>104982</p> <p>65685</p> </td> <td> <p>52 tons</p> <p>32 -</p> </td> <td> <p>982 lbs</p> <p>1685</p> </td> </tr><tr><td> <p>170667</p> </td> <td> <p>or 85 tons</p> </td> <td> <p>667 lbs</p> </td> </tr></tbody></table></div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/77085690c84338f6f75e2b31ff5cf2a5.pdf 23c2ca8cc49d008e05cdde6323da87e2 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2474b2ea7afa1016f025e595282cfe6c.pdf e75dac2e165b739da76b8791ba812d34 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 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 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 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1891 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Photocopy of Manuscript UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Thursday the 1st January 1891 not much of anything for a while in the morning fixing at my turn lathe a little the rest of the day took dinner at home on New Year's took a colt over to Mr. Humphrey's barn the second off to the woods all day cutting wood warm in the morning but cold at night cut five cords of wood near through Desdemona Clevie and Etta and the baby out cutting wood all day today got near through cut five cord cold today below zero in the morning late when we got home Sunday the fourth to brethren Church in the morning took a walk over to Henry's in the afternoon to the Methodist Church at night Monday the 5th went out and finished cutting the rest of the wood this forenoon fixing up my colt stable over to Humphrey's barn the most of the afternoon not much of anything for a while in the morning fixing a little at my turn lathe this afternoon got a bag of oats for my colt to endeavour at night Wednesday the seven started school this morning first morning of the new teacher for me to school all day down to Frank solid tonight started to feed oats and bran to my colt tonight Thursday 8 to school all day today Desdemona, Stewart Mary and Melinda Scott and their cousin from Toronto down came near noon had a big time was down to the wagon shop Friday the 9th to school this forenoon home this afternoon trying to finish my turn lathe fetched it home put it in the back kitchen all done but the belt Saturday the 10th went over to Henry's after a belt for my turn lathe put the belt on click to at least fixing it a while this afternoon went skating this afternoon some girls out skating at night in all-day Sunday the 11th in all-day only do my chores of father and mother out to John's I went to church tonight snowing all day snowed enough for sleighing Monday the 12th turning all forenoon made to drawing knife handles fixing a little round the turn lay made my colt's manger higher and hung a door Tuesday the 13th went back with father to help dig a grave for Hayward Cornell's child turned a top for fence post went up with Henry to the other Church to rub off the frosting Wednesday the 14th turning a wrench handle help turning a rolling pin turned a top for fence done my chores for the night Thursday the 15th back to woods all day drawing out limbs got them all out fetched some cord wood home up to Uncle John's for a while tonight Friday the 16th tinkering around home trying to put a tread on my turn lay fixing some at my turn lay not much of anything all day Saturday the 17th fixing a tread on my turn lathe did not work very well got it on this forenoon took a walk hunting went down to Wat's and stayed there for supper Sunday the 18th to church in morning to the brethren to the Methodist Church at night Monday the 19th fixing a tread on my turn lathe did not work X-ray turning out a rolling pin but did not get it finished Tuesday the 20th not much of anything for a while in the morning made a wheel for a jigsaw on my turn lathe made two boxes for at and an iron for to go through put it on Wednesday the 21st went toGalt with John Keatchie Junior in the morning walked home at noon and up to Mr. Kinsey's Reanzie Sager's bee all afternoon Wednesday the 22nd working at a jig saw to put on my turn lathe all-day got a little done to the Methodist prayer meeting at night Friday the 23rd working at my jigsaw most of the all-day got it near done to the league at night down to Sheffield after the league Saturday the 24th took a load of wood to Galt for Bonds to Cranston's this forenoon took another load this afternoon down to Sheffield a while Sunday the 25th to the Methodist Church in the morning quarterly meeting to brethren church at night -Monday 26 not much of anything filing at a piece of iron for my jigsaw this forenoon not much of anything this forenoon Tuesday 27th filing at two pieces of iron for my jigsaw working at it a little all day to endeavour at night Wednesday 28 in bed all day today sick with a cold headache Thursday 29 in and out of bed a little of a little better in the bed the most Friday in the 30th sitting up a little all-day some better in the House all-day Saturday the 31st up all day sorting some of my papers and reading a little Sunday the first in all-day laying down some a little Elmira and Wat up at night fetched me up an apple Monday the second fixing a little at my saw but not much this forenoon not much of anything this afternoon Tuesday the third fixing a little at my saw and sitting around the house to endeavour at night Wednesday the fourth doing my chores and not much else turning for Henry a while in the afternoon Thursday the fifth not much of anything doing my chores fixing a little at my saw but it does not work well Friday the sixth took the saw off the turn lathe and straightening up the back of kitchen cleaned out my rat cages Saturday the seventh to Galt Truman and I left my watch in Galt this forenoon home this afternoon stormy this afternoon Sunday to the Methodist Church in the morning Bennett preached to the brethren church at night Monday the 9th turning a mallett this forenoon out to Branchton and to George Ricker's and leopards and then home Tuesday the 10th Truman and I to Galt this forenoon got my watch wrote a letter to Jacob Burley Wednesday the 11th down to Joseph Ricker's to see his stock Wat and Elmira up turning a rolling pin and stool Thursday the 12th not much of anything in the forenoon Albert and I up to Shearer's cutting wood in the afternoon Friday the 13th up to Shearer's cutting wood this forenoon turning a handle for John Steele up to Shearer's cutting wood in the forenoon Truman and I to Galt this afternoon Sunday the 15th to brethren Church in the morning Jirden and I to Galt to Knox Church drove his horse Monday the 16th not much of anything in the forenoon Albert and I setting traps down at the creek and around in the woods Tuesday the 17th over to see our traps turned two steel arms helping George Steele make a thumbscrew for my turn lathe over to Knox place digging out skunks Jirden Albert and I got three home at noon not much of anything Thursday the 19th Jirden and Albert and I went over to Green's dug out three skunks Jirden and I over this afternoon got two ground hogs Friday 20 over to see my traps put a patch on my boot and over to the stone quarry dug out two skunks Jirden Albert and I Saturday the 21st hunting this forenoon trying to track coons up to John Gerard's to get skunks got a rabbit had it for supper Sunday the 22nd to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethren church at night Wat and Almira up Monday the 23rd up to Shearer's cutting woodAlbert Pa and I all-day Tuesday 24th up to Shearer's cutting wood this forenoon fixing some of my books raining all afternoon Wednesday the 25th hired to Henry to work in the shop at $3.75 a month for a year Albert Jirden and I out hunting dug a rabbit out in the threshers Thursday 26 went to Galt this forenoon alone Albert Jirden and I digging out got one Friday the 27th Albert and I out hunting got one rabbit over at Frazer's turning a chisel handle this afternoon Saturday the 28 Albert Jirden and I out hunting got four rabbits all together filed Wat's saw cleaned the rabbits this afternoon Sunday the first to the brethren church in the morning quarterly meeting to the Methodist Church at night Monday the second George Steel and I hunting got nothing started to make a new kind of wind mill Thursday the 3rd working at my wind mill no good reading a little wrote a letter to Stoney Creek to Mr. GM McPherson to endeavour at night Wednesday the fourth started to work in the shop today for the first at 375 a month for a year working and working at bolster this afternoon this forenoon fixing at bandsaw sawing on a bandsaw this forenoon making some wheels and boxes for the bandsaw Friday the sixth bored a front bolster and chiseled out board out and chiseled tonguehounds planned a reach and lobster bored 4 holes through the wall Saturday the seventh working at a hind axle most of the forenoon painting most of the afternoon Sunday the eight to the Methodist Church in the morning to brethren church at night Elmira and Wat up Monday the 9th making a cross stick for the front hours painting a pair of shaves working on a front bolster getting out a Democrat box painting it and ripping painting some to Christian endeavour at night Wednesday the 11th fixing at two wheels putting them on the shaft putting plates on the end fixing them ready to turn down Thursday the 12th ripping out stakes for Democrat box turning down wheels sawing some put bottom in the Democrat for box to Galt for Henry got two hubs and spokes and got 50 spiles spikes Friday the 13th working at the Democrats box this forenoon moving band saw this afternoon Saturday the 14th sand papering Democrat box painting it planing down back on the seat not much of anything put some boxes and a little hub Sunday the 15th to brethren Church in the morning and the Methodist at night Elmira and Wat were up Truman and I hunting this forenoon I shot a rabbit working in the shop painted the gears for a Democrat fixing a sleigh runner Tuesday the 17th making sides for the Democrat seat painted sleigh runners staying in all-day not very well got the cold doing nothing laying around out and in bed Friday the 20th laying around all day doing nothing Saturday the 21st not much of anything laying around under the weather 22nd to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethren church at night Monday 23rd painting til near night driving box and in some wheels Tuesday the 24th putting sides on the Democrat seats fixing at the bandsaw</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Saturday the 21st not much of anything Land around under the weather 22nd to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethern church at night Monday the 23rd painted on near night driving box and in some wheels tasted the 24th putting aside on the Dow has seeds fixing at the bandsaw track to Christian endeavor at night fixing of the man's of the ready to saw flares in the 26 racing up the man's of fixing a belt for not much of anything this afternoon when over helped water bill and arch of went on over to Henry's rated 27 started to sob are bought its to the shop made a room for a wheel sowing does this afternoon Saturday the 28¢ favoring as trading on Democrat the years and bought all-day Albert and I had boiling tonight in George Main's woods on shares Sunday the 20th 20 night to brethern Church in the morning for a walk over and once this afternoon ot the Methodist Church at night Monday the 30th putting cutting and painting all-day Tuesday the 31st sand favoring it an painted the tongue putting it to cede to endeavor at night Wednesday the first Henry not hunt top off Monday and would an on maternally made an box from sell not much of anything this afternoon Thursdat the second win over to Henry's in the middle of the forenoon and back at noon started to sandpaper Monday and Fort away in home Friday is Church sandpaper Democrat and painted at finished cent favoring money pulling in box in wagon wheels Mawson's Saturday the fourth sandpaper to seek and painted them made a harrow deviltry Sunday fifth to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethern church at night Monday the sixth sign of months on a bandsaw made harrow doubletree Tuesday seventh started to make harme doubletrees painting a little Wednesday sent a print of the Democrat box meeting here on the Moultrie's the rest of the day made harrow doubletree putting til noon cent favoring and 18 until night Friday the 10th sand favorable all-day painting some seven 11th stating all-day rain today sounded tough to brethern Church in the morning turn and I down to church means to the Methodist Church at night Monday the 13th painting most of the forenoon seen this lot needs to spring bars painting some this afternoon put a spole at a piece of RAM on wheel put the shaft in a pair of shaves garnishing some to endeavor at night battles Tuesday</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1891 - Varley Bond &amp; I want to Galt got our pics taken. 1895 Feb 27 Ella Bend &amp; I to Galt got our pics taken. Sept 12 went to Paris &amp; Gutheries - worked on farms. Sick Sept 26 - Oct 8 fever had Dr. Jan 19 1893 Jerden &amp; I to John Harvies to work at Row stable 20, 21Jan. 23 to J. Harvies boarding front of cow stable. Feb 11 1893 Elle Bond &amp; I to Galt got pics taken. 1893 Love Aug 25 to Niagara Falls met Minnie Elgelheart 1894 Albert's Wedding Jan 31 1894 Mar 21 to M Harvie's box social July 5 to Mr. C. Tutton's raising July 19 Wilbert Sweets raising Sept 6. Varley &amp; I played mouth organ Sept 23 Annie &amp; I drove to Colt for church. Annie stayed there Oct 5. Father &amp; Mother went on the excursion to Uncle Dan Main's Nov 11. Went to John Harview's Mother's funeral. Nov 17 Bought s sewing machine Nov 20 Helped put Bell up in church 1895 Dedicated new church Jan 6 Mar 1. Tob main to Galt got our pics taken Apr 9 To Port Huron to learn the photograph business July 21 to Harview tonight July 24 Andy Pullin &amp; I to Mr. Harvies Aug 3 Andy Pullin &amp; I to Mr. Harvies Sept 6 to John Harvies</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Football boys to Galt to get pictures taken April 27 1897 Apr 28 1897 bought new bicycle at Brantford Dec 22 1897 stood up at Truman's wedding 1898 camera 9.00 Mar 27 1889 raising our barn</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Sept 11 1899 to Branchton taking pic of John MacDonald's house. Sept 13 1899. Fixing a thing on my wheel {?} to carry camera Sept 15. Miss Woodstock up to Naggs Lake taking pics Sept 17 Milinda Scott Dec. 18 to school taking pics</p> <p>1890 Sept 20 Maggie Melroy Sept 23 took Magg's home. Sept 24 Birthday Albert + Aggie All to Hamilton took pic Oct 15 Wedding Almira and Walter Smith Nov 5 Truman + I to Galt got our pictures taken. Got Beagle a have cathaw {?}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Jan 3 1900 Jim Keachie + I took Harvie girls to {can't make out word very well} + a party at night {?} Feb 20 down to Cornells taking pictures Feb 21-25 26 - Maggs Cairam mar 2 to Branchton to Mr Harvies mar 9 printing pics Ap 7 Walt Smith - Rafter for barn Barn raising apr 11 {this line has an arrow pointing to the line above in front of barn} Ap 13 powder + peepi{can't make out the rest of the word as the letter blur together} for mother.</p> <p>June 15 Geroge Rud. Barn raising. Out + Harvie's at night June 23 Took peas at factory June 29 to John Harvies</p> <p>{right page}</p> <p>Jan 1 1900 Jim Keachie + I out to Mr Harvie's at nigt Jan 3 Jim Keachie + I both Harvie gals &amp; Glemming {?} party at night. Jan 22. lens - for pictures Jan 14 Drove Maggie Cairam to{?} church Jan 26 Maggie + I down to Truman's Febr 2 took M Cairam {the next line is preceded by an arrow pointing down} Kirkhounds {?} party at night Feb 13 Helping Jonathon {?} to gra{?} for Dean Cormade{? middle of the word is hard to make out}</p> <p>Feb 19 printing pics</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>July 3 - helping put up selr{?} for Smith Buchana July 19 Lue Kennel + I out to Haimes Aug 11 to Mr Sweets to take pics</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">YARD SALE</span></h3> <p>Sat July 12.</p> <p>900 - 1.00 672 6697. July 13 Sheffield - Drgar Oct 16 to John Harvie making stops for lar{?} Oct 27 Uncle Henry {beneath Henry is hone} + I back to my grandfathers old place taking pictures Sun Nov 18 Melvin L Scott + Desta Stewart down all day. Dec 20. Mr Hunt + Branchton taking pictures Feb 23 to Valens getting a pic of the wood cutters Sat mar 4 Back to old mr Carters taking a picture Apr 3 Taking pics at Mr. Wedges</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1895 Oct 23 Andy + I to Harvies 1896 Feb 3. Box social at John Harvie's May 14. Father + Mother's 40th anniversary of the wedding Aug 5 to Mr Harvie 1896 Stood upfor Oscar + Roae's wedding. Jamie Sherrick (maid) Aug. 7 to Mr. Harvie's at night. Sept 17 trying my camera Oct 8 to Mr Sails Taking pics 1902 Feb 10 Party MrHarvie</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>{this entry looks like a previous attempt at transcribing Sylvester's haphazardly kept diary entries and is dated} March 21 2003</p> <p>1902 Mar Apr. 2 Tom Pearson's wedding at Port Robinson Apr3. Taking pics over the mountain with Jenny Pearson. 9 Serena married ts day. May 2 To Brethern personage. Tearing {?} paper &amp; plastering. 6" " " papering all day. 7 " " " " " " 13- Started to put a gothic in the home this afternoon. 14 Working at gothic all day. 24 planted potatoes. 28 Started to paint George Whetham's houses 29, 30, 31. June 9 Painting Mr W. Ro{?} 10, 11, 12 13, 14 18 Wed. To Dave Arthur's barn raising took some pictures 26 Lue Kemiell + I on do well when Josh Sanford was in July 2 - To Angus Scott's started to work at his barn</p> <table><tbody><tr><td>July 3</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td> $4 started shingling</td> </tr><tr><td>4</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>15 shingling</td> </tr><tr><td>5</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>16 shingling</td> </tr><tr><td>7</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>17 ""</td> </tr><tr><td>8</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> </tr><tr><td>10</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>19 worked at barn all day</td> </tr><tr><td>11</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> </tr><tr><td>12</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> </tr></tbody></table><p>22 Working at barn all day. 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, Aug 8 help father dig grave. To Uncle Wesley's funeral.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1901</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 Took pies for Marth Hammond + Lena Burchwell Jan Fri 4 Uncle David Main died Feb 10 reopening Kirkwall Church Feb 26 to Branchton to Harvie's at night Mar 23 taking pies at M. Pearsons Tues 26 Taken pies Wed 13 wet down + see Tommy Pearson b-day. Stayed till Thur 4 - went on train stayed at Branchton all night APR May 1 Started to make a little secret only for myself MAY 13 Started carpenting with Bill Wedge at George Whethams house June 19 Made a bed for the baby ? ? ? June 24. Jirden + I putting up silo For Stephen Moffatt June 29 Oscar + I to Toronto today. drove to Hamilton took the boat across. Got a new camera to-day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1901</span></h3> <p>July 15 Taking some pies for Varley Bond Dec 16 Louie and Thompson Ward came to visit To Branchton with them. taking pictures of their old home</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1902</span></h3> <p>Fri 10 over to Mr Harvie's for party. Mar Mar 2 Tom Pearson's wedding. Mar 9 Serena married today MAY 13 started to put a gothic in the house. May 14 all day. Fri 23. put ridge boards on our house June 18. Took pics of Dave Arthur's barn raising " {in reference to June} 26 Lukinnel + I over to well where Josh Sanford was in July 8 to Cornells raising this afternoon. Aug 4 Sheffield picnic at Idylwild park Sept 8 Started to dig out for a cellar to build a house 10 taking pies for Miss Clelland and McClures. 25 helped Rosa pack her stuff. shipped it to St Thomas. Oct 16 To Branchton taking some pics for Mr For Foster " {in reference to Oct} 23 Started to tear down the Free Methodist Church 24 Took pics of Myrtle and Jessie Nisbet 25 Taking roof off church Nov 8 Finished tearing down old church to-day</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1903</span></h3> <p>Jan 5 to John Harvie making a storm door. 8 Jim Main + I to Mr Harvie's at night 28 Grind oats all day with Bob Drowns machine Mar 9. At Harvies at Branchton making closet upstairs Apr 1 Up to Littles School to take some pictures June 30 Went up country to Calders barn raising wheeled in from Almira Aug 20 S.S. picnic at Idylwild Park Sept 11 Helping Billy Wedge at Kerniging House in Rockton. Dec 24. Started for Sarnia from Branchton this morning got there at 3 o'clock to Steve Barley's {Barley is written above Steve} went to Port Huron took electric car to Detroit + to Trenton to Mr. Shaver's 27. Charley + I went to quarrie + took some pics 31 to John Harvie cut hole for stove pipe - put up stove</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1904</p> <p>Jan 1. to Charley Tuttons took some pics</p> <p>Jan 23 Taking some winter scenes of pics down in woods</p> <p>31 - Looking after the church to-day. Father not very well</p> <p>Feb 9 Jim + I went up country on train walked to Alex Adams stayed all night</p> <p>24 Went to Harvies to put in dummy waiter</p> <p>Mar 5 Finished dummy waiter</p> <p>June 17 Raised barn after supper. - John McBeans</p> <p>24 Picnic in John MacDonald's orchard.</p> <p>25 to Guelph on the excursion to Guelph Madel farm 29 start shingling . all day 30 al da, July 1 July 2 all day</p> <p>July 6 fix Hugh Mulholands barn. 6,7,8,9,11,12 13 14 15 16</p> <p>25 shingling our barn 27 shingling Tom Whites all day.</p> <p>Aug 10 Ploughing all day. 11, 12, 13, .</p> <p>28 John Patricks funeral</p> <p>Sept 1 Back to James Hills pulling sleepers in driving shed</p> <p>3 to St Thomas on the noon train - vivit Oscar + Rosa - Mattie there We all went to Port Stanley on the train Martha there.</p> <p>20 Took pies up to Edith McBean at night</p> <p>Oct 12 Maggie Caldar + I taking some pics. - to Rockton Show.</p> <p>22 Mother sick in bed. Finally got a nurse Miss Frasen</p> <p>27 Putting in my road work.</p> <p>Dec 31 to Galt for coal stove fetched it home + put it up.</p> <p><br /> 1905</p> <p><br /> Apr. 21 Cleve Mac + I went to St Thomas to see Oscar + Rosa</p> <p>22. we all went for a walk around the city took pictures</p> <p>24 left-comet. Woodstook. stayed at Andy Pullins all night</p> <p>25. Andy drove us to Woodstook. Came home on noon train. To Galt bought a buggy - fetched Rosa's whed home from station</p> <p>May 1 Papering for Miss Watson.</p> <p>4 making a hen pen. 5 worked at pen all day.</p> <p>June 4 John Culham's funeral</p> <p>July 17 17 started work at Barnhardt barn</p> <p>Aug 18 started + raise</p> <p>Oct 22 Annie Harvie + I to Galt church at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Oct 1905</span></h3> <p>Thun 26 Went to Branchton Fetched Annie over t Sheffield 31 Down to see Annie at night Dec 3 Annie + I drove to the farm at night 10 Jim + I drove to Misses Harvies taking some pics 12 Annie + I drove down to Branchton. 17 Annie + I went for drive at night. seeing Annie 25, 26, 29, 31.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1906</span></h3> <p>Jan Tues 2 - had teeth fixed. - to see Annie Sat 6 To Galt got some pics taken. 7. Drove Annie home. Mar 28 Annie + I cutting wood all day. Apr. Cleved L to St Thomas outer north side of city taking some pics. May 14. Father + Mother's Wedding anniversary 26 Went to Galt to get a family group taken. June 20 Raising barn. ? July 16 - Went to Nelson's Culhants {?} raising. 19 Started to paint school ( cornish to-day) 20 Painting outside of windows Painted 4 more windows and doors. 23 Annie + I went to Galt after part of cream separator. Aug 3 Painting wood work inside school 4th Painting 6th window sesh. 14 Painting antiroom 15 iron on desks + seats. 16 window frames inside 17 Painted Platforms + oiling floor. 19 Annie + I out to woods taking pics. Sept. 16 took pics for Emma + Abbie Harvie Oct. 9 Went to Harvies to upholster some chairs 14 Annie + I taking some pics in afternoon. Nov 11. Annie Ella + I taking some pics 27. Bought a horse drove home Dec 6 Annie o l {marks on the page, could be letters, could just be orphaned strokes} took pics of husking corn. 16 " {meaning Annie} + I taking pics 25. Dinner at Harvies. All ha dinner at our place at night 31. Went to Harvie's to watch the old year out.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1907</span></h3> <p>Feb 7 party for Mother's Birthday 8 Cut ice on Walt Oliver's pond. MAR - 4th Cleve + Aggie married Apr 2 made set of quilting frames Aug 12 at Pine Grove school working at closets. " " " " 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Aug 19 - To Mm. Barnharts place on cedar creek road. shingling all {day is written in the margine above all} 23 Worked at Mr Hammonds. 24 {left blank}</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1908</span></h3> <p>jan 1. Father Mother + I down toTruman's for dinner 2 At Barnharts working in barn. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Finished 13 - ventilators 14, 18 28. Cutting wood 29. 30 31 - set traps. 10 Finished at Barnharts {ventilators was written above Barnharts} Feb. 25 to galt to see Barnhart to get some money. June 7. Annie + I drove back to the lake to-day 21 Annie + I went up to Hugh Ronalds on Cedar Creek road. Dec 6 Annie o l {could be + I but Slyvester didn't do the plus fully} went to Galt Church at night 13 " " " " " " " " 20 " " " " " " " " " 25 Oscar + Rosa to Aaron Mains I went to Harvies for dinner. 26 Annie went with me to Galt.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1909</span></h3> <p>Jan 10. Annie + I went for a drive 16 Drove Ella + Anna to Galt in sleigh 23 Annie drove me home at night 30 Albert's 50th Wedding anniversary Feb 21 Drove Milinda + Millie to church Mar 10 Drove Abbie to Galt 21 21 Mattie + I to church at night 28 mattie + I went to Cemetary church morning + evening Apr 3. Mattie came with me to Branchton. 5. Started to paint the church. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Painting seats 11 Mattie + I went to Knox church 12 Painting church 13. finished on 14th June 6 Annie + I went for a walk to day up the back road by old Cars old place.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1909</span></h3> <p>Aug 29. Irene + I went for a ride on bicycle back to Mother's old place. Oct 4 Mr Harvie died 5 Andy Pullin + I went to Galt to see about things for funeral 6 Delivered butter around got all stuff they wanted. 8 funeral this afternoon. to Galt Cemetary 28 Annie + I went up to Galt cemetary + down the river road home. 29 Annie + I out wood. I got a Xmas tree I put it up. Ella, Annie + I to Sheffield Xmas tree 25. Father, Mother Irene + Dorothy + I drove to Truman's today.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1910</span></h3> <p>Feb. 19 Annie went with me to Sheffield 22 Ella + Annie went with me to hear Knowks lecture Mar 27 Annie + I went to church. Apr. 13. Annie went up to Huntsville this morning. 30 Annie + I papering May 22 Down t Aaron Main to raising June 3. to Desy's at night to wedding anniversary 12 Annie + I went driving in the afternoon 18 Putting on siding took some pics of barn to-day. 29 To Milinda Scott's wedding. July August. 2 Shingling Pleasant Grove school today 3, 4, 5, Finished 6 Almria died at 6 o'clock to-night 8 Almira's funeral this afternoon. 20 - Mother Father got pictures taken. 28 Annie + I over to cemetary this afternoon 31 Started to make Book cupboard for Pleasant Grove school. Sept 2 Working at Book Cupboard for Pleasant Grove school. Oct. 23 Mattie + I went to Blue Lake to take some pictures Nov 27 Father + Mother + I to Brandford for dinner. Dec 24 to Cleves for xmas dinner</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1911</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 To Destamona for dinner. Father Mother Rosa Oscar + girls there 21 Annie + Ella + I to Galt today</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1911.</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 done 21 done Apr. 21 Father + Mother went to Hamilton with Rosa 23 Annie + I went driving in afternoon June 6 over to John Perrigans tearing down old barn 28 Went to Ella Harvie's wedding to day July 8 Went to Hamilton on my wheel came home at night 17 Went to Nellie McKenzies + David McQueen funeral. Aug 2 9 drove Millie Flemming + I back to old place this morning To Hamilton 21 Down at school started to fix the seats in shorthard Dept. 25 Putting seats legs on {?} got ready to varnish 26 Varnishing desk + seats. Sept. 3 Annie + I went to Forest Mills to day. 10 Annie + I went for a drive out to the river 17 Went down to Truman's. Mattie + I taking some pics. Oct 1 Annie + I drove down to Cleve's 5 Annie + I went to F{?}realtor show. GIving away the melon for Oscar 15 Annie + I went for a drive back to Scotts old place. 29 Irene + I to Cleve's for supper. Nov 5 Anne + I drove to Blue Lake took some pictures Dec. 4 Shingling wood shed at school, 5, 6, 30 Shingling at Charles Tutton.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1912</span></h3> <p>Feb 1 Went skating down to Dunn's 3 Skating at Rockton 6 Painting Buggy to day 12 To William Keachies making an ice house 20 Back to Grammotts papering 27 Papering at personage also 29 Mar 4 Aggie Cleve + I to haggies supper at Kirkwood 5 to Russel Henderson Harvie's for material 14 Papering at Oscar Roseburgh's 13th 16 to John Studiman's for some lumber</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1912</span></h3> <p>Mar. 29. Got word Father died this morning Went to Galt after cards. 31 Funeral at two o'clock. Apr. 9 Took papers at {left blank and underlined} lot sold it to Peter Humphrey 10 back to Jim Hills papering 13 To Galt to get papers fixed up from selling my 15. house and lot 15 Fixing top of horse stalls at Oscar Roseburghs 17 Shingling at George Whethams. Aunt Polly Main's funeral 19 At Nelson Culhmas to syrup social 23 Shingling Henry's barn, 24, 25, 26, got done 29 Wokring at Nelson Culhams - dummy waiter 30. May 1 May. 5 Got Medicine for Mother. 6 Plastering + papering at Nelson Culham 7 Papering at Mr Laymand 9 to John Perrigans working at barn 11 at Chas. Tutton patching barn roof 23 At Perrigans tearing down last part of farms {?} barn June 24 Shingling at Perrigan's and 25 26 Working at Alberts. 27, 28, 29, July 1 Working at Alberts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7 Went down to Truman's in the auto 8 Went to Hamilton with Oscar in the auto to Toronto on the boat Gordon McDonald got hurt. 9 Gordon died this morning 11 Gordon's funeral 12 To WIlliam Keachie working at barn 13, 15, 16, 17 18 19, 20 22 at Will Patricks levelling joice 23, 24, 25 26 27 29 Shingling at John Perigans 30 31 Aug 1 Shingling near done. 2 At Will on Bill B Keachie floor overshed 5 to John Perrigans fixing barn floor 6th 7 Alberts at barn. 8th. 9 Uncle John + I cutting {word is too small to really make out} 10 framing this afternoon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1912.</span></h3> <p>Aug 12 At Alberts working at barn. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 19, 20, 21 raisin barn this aft. 22. 23 Putting on sheeting all day. 25. Irene Annie + I went to river to day. 26 sheeting 27 29 Putting on roof boards all day. Sept 1 Irene + I out wheeling 2 part day at Alberts 3 Shingling all day 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Annie Irene + I went back to Forest Hill to day. 9 At Alberts barn. 10 12 Patched roof at Orne Mains house. 14 Stephen Moffat + I went Freeport to see stabler ? 15 Irene + I wheeled back to cemetery. 16 Worked at Will Patricks 17. 18, 19, 20, 21 22 Irene + I went up to Oliver's pond. 23 Worked at Will Patrick plastering 24, 25 26 27 28 29 Irene + I up to Harvie's 30 at Wm. Keachies putting in window stills Oct 1 Will Patricks getting ready to cement. 2, 3, 4, 5 7 " " {in reference to Will Patricks} cementing all day 8. got done 10 At Robert Arthurs levelling cow stabler, 11, 12, 14 Cement at Robert Arthurs 15, 16,17, 18, 19 20 Irene + I to Harvie's for dinner Went for a drive out to the river. 21 At Arthur's cementing all day. 22 23 finished in middle of morning. to John Perrigans working at root cellar 28 to Harry Roseburgh to put up drive shed. 21 Levelling + getting ready to cement Nov 1 2 at Perrigans Nov. 4 John Perrigan's cementing all day. 5 6. 7. 8. got done 11 to Wm. Keachie getting ready to cement 14. 15 16 17 Irene + I down to Truman's 18 At Will Keachies levelling and cementing 19 Cementing</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Nov. 20 Cementing 21 At Alberts started to put in stanchions Worked there 22. 23. 25 Worked at Albert's 26 at Stephen Moffats 27, 28, 29. Dec 3 to Stephen Moffats cementing all day. 4. 5. 6 laying floor in granary 7 Making bins 8 All went to Cleves in auto for dinner 9 to Wm Patricks - granary bins. 10, 11, 12 13 14 15 Irene + I wheeled up to Harvie's t-day. 16 At Will Patricks To Miss F Tutton's funeral. 17 To John Perrigan started to put in box stalls 18, 19, 20 21 23 Went to Hamilton in the auto back at night. 24 Took apples to Galt brough home lumber 26 Working at stoop at Peter Humphreys 27, 28. 29 church 31 working at cutter. up to Harvie's</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1913</span></h3> <p>Jan. 6 to John Peregrine worked there 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 13 14. 15 At Will Patricks started to put in cow manger 16 17, 18, 20, 21 22 23 24 25. Went to Hamilton on my wheel come up in the little auto at night 26 Irene + I went to Harvies on own wheels 27 At Will Patricks at barn. 28 29 30 31 root cellar Feb 1 At Harvies fixing root pulper - put handle m {?} are fixing barn doors 3 At Will Patricks to St George to see &amp; Kitchen 5 Back to Stephen Moffats started to put in cowmangers worked there 6, 7, 8, 10 Went up to look at Milroys farm 11. McKenzies sale 12 Working at S Moffatt 13. 14, 15 17 to George RIckers to see about place</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>{this page is written on a lined piece of paper that is titled with NOTES}</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1913</span></h3> <p>Feb 18 Down to Ray Humphrey sale. 20. to W. Keachies putting in cow manger 21 " " " " " " " " {in reference to 20} 22 Went to Galt with Annie 25 Went to George Fords to Alex Burnett sale 26 Wm Keachie work at horse stable. 27, 28, Mar. 1 Pulling in feed boxes 3- Box stall 4 put in steps 5 George Ronalds sale. 6 To Hamilton to paper for Rosa 7 home on night train walked to Harvies 8 Annie + I went to Galt. At Gordon Scotts sale. 10 to George Robb getting lease for farm. 11 Annie + I to Galt to Knox maner to get married 12 Cleared out farm 13 Annie + I tapped to day 14 got wood for kindling 15. gathered sap + boiling some. 19 boiling sap. 20, 22 Annie cleaning house. 26 moved a load of stuff to farm 27. Tearing off wall paper 31 boiling all day. Apr. 1 fixing fence 4 Fetched down stove 8 " {in reference to fetched} down the cows 14 to John Hammond shingling 15 16 17 18 21 plowing all day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>{written on the back of the lined paper from the last PDF} 22 To Ed Ellis's sale this afternoon 23 Papering at Nelson Culhams. 24 Disking for oats 25 Disking 26 harrowing 28 Got load of wood 29 Put log across creek 30 Fixing fence. fixing barn roof. MAY 1 Plastering at George Main. Put plank on cRreek log 2 Shingling all day. 3 shingling all day. 5 Shingling at John Hammonds 6, 7, got done. 8 fixing fence 9 {left blank} 10 New cross piece in summer kitchen. 12 Putting new roof on barn at John A Cornell's 13, 14 got done. 15 Working at horse stable. To Glenmorris Sale 16 " " " " {in reference to working at horse stable} 17 horse stall 18 Annie + I back to cemetary. 19 Went over to Jirden's after some (seed) potatoes 20 Went to misses Harvies after some apples 21 Planting potatoes 22 " " {in reference to planting potatoes} Papering ceiling John Mewhinneys 23 To Truman's for windows 24 Plowing for mangals 29 Plowing the lot at Sheffield. 31 to Flora Main's funeral this afternoon Jun 2 At John Studiman's shingling all day 3 same 4 Finished started hay shed. 5 4 Went to John Perrigans started to make barn doors. 6 Putting up ladders. 7 fixing fence. 9 At John Perrigans 10 At Truman's building wall for silo all day. 11. Puttin on big barn doors</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>June 16. to Elgin Patricks to shingle barn. 17, 18 got done 19 Working at Wm Patricks 20 21 23 24 25 26 raise this aft. 27. 28. 30 July 1 started to shingle 2 At John Studimans 3 At N. Halds working on cow stable 4 Shingling at W. Pat 5 Took bull up to Harvies 7. Scuffling 9 To W Keachie putting up track for dooer 11 Nellie Harvies funeral 14 Drawing in hay all day 17, 18, 19 coiling 21 Drawing in hay 22 23 Cutting wheat 30 to Smith Buchanans to thrash for Miss Harvie Aug 4 Broke Binder 11 to Galt to get part to cement mixer {written beneath mixer is "put under posts"} 12 DOwn to creek bridge at Sagers old place 13 To Hamilton to Britania park seeing them build a {house in a day is written above 'build a '} 14 Oscar went all around the Bay in auto we all went 15. To Stoney Creek in auto on mountain looking at lots 18 Painted Black Board at school 19 Went to Geo Rickers to paper. 25 Ploughing all day 26, 27, 28 finished 29 Disking for wheat. 30 Helping Henry thrash Sept 3 sewing wheat 4 to Lavenders sale 6 worked at cement mixed all day also 8th, 10 + 12th 15th 16 17 silo for Truman</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Sept. 22 Started to work on bridge on 7th concession back of Doctors. on bridge 23, 24 25 Fixing mixer 26 Working at Bridge 27. started to cement at Bridge 29th Oct. 2 Putting on cement Top. 3 Finished bridge 6 to M Haids to cement stables Digging potatoes. 9 cementing all day. 10 same 15. Digging potatoes + went to Rockton show 20 Papering, parlor at home. 21 cementing 22, 23 24 26. to Hamilton bought a tent come home in auto 27 Walt Smiths sale this afternoon 28 at Haids working at cow stable 29 McWhimey's sale this afternoon Nov. 4 At misses Harvies picking apples all day. 5 Robert Haliwel {?} sale 6 Shingling at Smith Buchananans 7 at Earl Bonds cementing 8 all day. 11 Maggie Mulhollands funeral 13 Fetched home load of planters went I and for another {?}. 15 Hortnie sale 18 fixing house rough at John MacDonalds 19 Dunner sale to day. 22 Went to Galt at night in the auto Dec 1 to John Studiman's fixing chimney to Sale this aft? 2,3,4 5 1/2 part roof on John Perrigans oils and 6 10, 11. working at oils 12 1/2 and 13 15 Cementing John Hammonds Stable 16, 17 finished Ellick sale 18 Working at W. Patricks - 19,20</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Dec 24 to swamp go tree. 25 Xmas tree at night 26 At W Patricks - pig pens 27 making window frames 31 Took Oscar Rosa + girls to Galt - going to St Thomas</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1914</span></h3> <p>2 At W. Patrick 3, 5, 6 door on pig pen 8 Worked at Haids 9 10 {left blank} 11 Anniversary services morning + night at Sheffield 12 At Haids - got horse shod 14 to Branchton for coal 17 Annie + I went to Galt 19 At W Patricks 20, 21, 22 23 24 27 Working at W Patricks 28 29 30 Feb 2. Went up to see about rent Wm Barn for the {?} 3 in aft working at W. Patricks 4, 5, 6, 10 to John Perigirnes 14 Annie + I went to Galt. 16 Odd Jobs 17, 18 19 20 21 25 to Hamilton for boxes at the college. 28 Mr Hendenson's SALE 2 Doing odd jobs 3 4 5 Bennets sale 6 7. To Branchton for coal, Annie + I cutting trees 9 Took logs to mill. 10 Making a yoke for sap 11, logs 12, 13 14 to Galt 16 Cleve MacDonald's sale 17 Tapping 19 Oscar Roseburghs sale 23. Chores 24 got colt. gathered sap. 25. Boiling 26 Boiling 27 Cleve's presentation at night 28 Irene + Dorothy up - Boiling. 29 To church. 30 Boiling sap 31 chores + odd jobs. Apr. 1 Walford's sale.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Apr 2 started to paint dinning room at Sheffield. 6 painting 8 Graining, 8 Varnishing 10 Papering dinning room. 13 At school house taking out the seats. Boiling sap. 15 Boiling 7. Taking up platform &amp; started to pat it down 20 fetched home wagon that I bought at Cleve's sale 23 started to plow 24 all day. 25 raining 27 plowing 29 to Menzies after staff bought at sal. May 4 raining 5 odd jobs 6 to Galt for load strips + hitched up colt 11 Back to Jim Hills all day papering. also 12th got done 18 Sewed oats - Worked on garden. 23 planted potatoes 25 Drawing out manure 26 27 28 plowing 30 sewing mangals + corn June 1 stretching wire fence across creek 2 Drawing out manure all day 3 4 5. cutting potatoes. 6 Papering parlor went to see Berteam Turnball 8 getting ready to put new roof on back Kitchen + woodshed. 9 Went to see house struck with lightening with Wm. McClure 10 To Elgin Patricks jacking up under barn 11 fixing sleepers barn floor 15 Worked at Elgin Patricks 16 planter corn + potatoes 17 Drawing grand on road. 18 At Elgin Patricks 19, 20, 22 got old fence from school to make a big yard. 23 At Albert's graining 24 At McClures plastering 25 To John Perrigans getting ready to make wall for house. 26. 27working {written above} at wall 29 At Perrigans making sistern in cellar 30 Worked at McClures all day. July 2 Papering parlor at Albert's 3-4 painting mower. 6 To George Fords making barn doors 7 cut hay 8, 9, 10 11 working at hay. Annie raking 13 got track for Will Patrick put it up. 15 16 17 18 haying 20 Cutting hay Annie raking me coiling 21 Drawing in hay all day. 24 Cutting wheat Annie shocking it up 27 I cutting hay + wheat 28, 29 30 31 Aug 3 scuffling hoeing fix fence paper Kitchen cut oats 4 5 6 7 8 10, 11 12 13 14 15 All odd jobs</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Aug 17 fixing fence drawing stone 18 cement box 19 plastering box 20 sharpen harrows 21 {left blank} 22 doing some paiting 24 plowing all day - 25. 26 27 went to Nickenson's sale on 7th 28 plowing 29 to school after wheel on bell to fix Sept. 1 odd jobs 3 At John Studiman's putting roof back on barn. 8 Got Nelson Culham's drill to sew wheat. 11 Digging potatoes. 14, 15, at John Peregrines 16 Patering at Methodist parsonare. Wm Cronins sale 17. 18. working at John Peregrines 21 thrashing 22 put in straw. got load wood. 23 stanchions to Andy 24 + 25 working at Peregrines. 28 Putting on siding at Peregrines 29, 30 went to Henry Thompson's sale. 2, 3 working at corn Oct. 3 Working at Peregrines 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 made gate put on 12 shingling 13 laying floor 14, 15, 16, 17 to Miss Hoods plastering 19 stairsteps 20 21, 22 {blank} 23 mixing morter 24 built chimney 26 lathing - 27 lathing 28 to Washburns sale at Glenmorris. 31 getting potatoes in to day Nov 2 finished potatoes Nov 3 at John Peregrine plastering 4, 5, got done 6 Work at John McDonalds 9 Work at Elgin Patricks 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 16 17 1/2 17 fixing calf pens 18 19. 20 cementing 21 finished 23 Working at John MacDonald 24 25 26 To Ella's funeral 27 At Elgin Patricks cementing 28 finished DEC 30 At John Peregrines put in windows - plastering up stairs</p> <p>DEC 1 plastered and coct upstairs 3 started downton 4 all day 5 Finished 7 At John Perigan send and cistern pump 8 Banister around stairs + cupboard in pantry.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1914</span></h3> <p>Dec 9. at Elgin Patricks working at home started 10 same 11 same 12 home stalls 14 working at grainery 16 finished grainery 17 to Galt for cheque 18 killing {?} chickens 21 - working at home 22, 23, 24 same 25. at Sheffield to day for Xmas. 26 to Galt for chore 28 Went to Rockton to pay takes 29 to Galt. 29 30. 31 at home all day.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1915</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 with sleigh + horses drove us all over to Branchton for dinner 2 to Galt for chop 4 rooted at Branchton roted at Sheffield 5 Worked at Elgin Patricks 6, 7. 8 Killing chickens 11 At Elgin Patricks. 12 Drawed 2 load woodhome 13 Drawing wood. Andy helping me cut wood. 14 Annie + I to business meeting meetin at church 15 chores 18. chores 19 worked at sleighs 20 same 21 Butchering calf 22 butchering pig 25 worked at sleigh 26 finished 28 Went to Branchton for load of coal 29 Butchered fat calf. Feb. 1 to Galt with meat for John MacDonald. 2 Put tar paper in house stalls 3 fixed turnip pulpan {?} 4 Went to look at Barnhardt's farm. 5 Annie + I went to look 8 fixing neck yoke. 9 Fix butter worker covering box for Annie 10 2 boxes for books painting a gate 11 getting ready to move 12 odd jobs 15 moved potatoes 16 to Galt to see about sale 17 got sale bills 18 Got bills put up around Galt 19 Bills up at Glenmorris 20 To Trumans with Bills March 1 got ready forenoon Sale afternoon 2 moving stuff 3 moved hay. 4 Cow to Sheffield + some hay 5 Andy helping move stuff + Sheffield 6 got done moving 8 2 loads wheat + Galt in 1 horse sleigh</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1915</span></h3> <p>March 9 - took 3 bags wheat in the cutter 10 Piling lumber behind barn 11 Down to Drew Nisbels to see about stoop. fixing pump 12 to Branchton on after paint put pump in well. 15 Trimming cedar hedge in front of house trim apple trees 16 Got pole for ladder from Frank Studimans 18 sawing wood + helping Uncle John saw his {blank space} splitsome 19 Splitting wood all day at Rome 22 to Wm Keachie's working at calf pen. 23, 24 25. 26 Annie + I moving lumber. splitting wood. 27 Went to Branchton for coal. 29 At Wm Keachie 30, 31 wheat to sale at McPhatons April 1 worked at Nelson Culham. Annie + I to Rockton to sale. 2 " " " " {in reference to April 1} 3 Helping Oscar put cow car to gather 6 We went to Branchton put glass in windows 7 Worked at Elgin Patricks 8 - 9. 10 to Galt to get teeth fixed To Billy Bonds to see about barn 12 Puting cow manger 12 13 14 15 Papering at Miss George Main 16 cement cistern 17 framing woodshed 19 Raising back Kitchen 20. 21 22 Papering at Orne Main and 23. 23 To George Fords to fix barn doors 23 " " " measuring - Digging garden 26 - Put on rafters 27 roof boards 28 29 shingling 30 Building chimney</p> <p><br /> May 1 finished shingling 3 - Laying floor 4 Putting the ceiling in back Kitchen 5 Put in potatoes made foundation for drive shed. 6 making doors 7 Put in doors 8 Put on ridge board 10 Working at barn 11. 12 Shafts 13, 14, 15 Made big wheel 17 At Elgin Patricks + Trumans 18 Started to make ladder 19 Finished 20 to John Perigrine 21 - 22 At Elgin Patrick making barn doors put on. 24 Working at John Peregrine 25, 26 27 28 at John Reids 29 Cementing sistern got done 31 - chimney at John Peregrines June 1 to Wm Bonds working at barn 2 - 3. Made screen door 4 Working Plates all day. 5 big beams 7 Working at W Bonds 9 At John MacDonald. Hewing out some beams. 10 getting foundation ready 11 - 12 doing mason work 14 same 15 same 16 17 At Wm Bonds framing 18 leveling foundation 19 got done 21 A Wm Bond making ladders 23 Working on siding 24 25 same 26 Put in Gable ends 28 Strawberry social 29 Root boards</p> <p>July 1 Shingling 2 Shinlging 3 Finished roof. Put on big barn door 5 To John MacDonald framing cutting braces 6 raising 7 put on outside boards 8 same 9 finished gable ends 10 finished roof 13 Putting down floor 14 Made coops + stairway 15 Started Milk House. 17 Made big barn door + put it on. 19. Putting window frame in milk house. 18 Working at Milkhouse 20 stair stops. 21 - 22 Putting on barn door 23 to Andy Pullins made chimney on back kitchen</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">July 1915</span></h3> <p>26 at MacDonald's working at stalls 27, 28. same 30 To Hamilton taking down partition in school 31 Took down glass partition.</p> <p>Aug 2 Worked at John MacDonalds 3 To Hamilton took down Bill Boards. 4 Put up office partition 5 Worked at school. 6, 7. Worked at school. 9 To Hamilton worked at school all day. 10, 11, 12, same 13 Went to Toronto on the boat 14 Took Annie + girls to Branchton tent out 16 Worked at school 17 moving down stair. 18 Fastening down seats. 19 Fastened seats put hooks in girls cloak room. 20 - 21 Taking down big {?} carryin them down stairs 23 To Nelson Culham to put roof on silo 24 inside silo 25 Myrtle Culham wedding. 26. 27 28 Working at silo 30,31, shingling put in gothic window Sept 1 roof - shingling</p> <p>Sept. 2 tear out wall for door. 3 cement walls 4 plastering 6 At Nelson Culham's working on silo. 7 silo 8 To Oran Main's to shingle house for miss Barnhardt 9 Started to shingle house 10 Shingling and 11, {blank, possibly because it was a Sunday and he didn't work} 13, shingling 14 Worked on chimney 15, 16, 17 18 making eve troughs making doors Sun 19 Walked to Scotts old farm. 20 At Oran Main's - home digging potatoes 21 - At Nelson Culham's plastering. 22 paint roof silo 23 shoot 24 worked at silo. 25. Sale R. Knowles 26 To Branchton in auto. 27 To John Reids working at cistern load of hay for George Main 28 At " " {in reference to John Reids} plastering + cementing cistern got done. 29 cement window sills 30 same got done.</p> <p>Oct. 1. at Culham sstarted to point - Rained Went to sale down 6th Concession 2 fixing my bicycle finished painting at Culham 4 At John Reids levelling for cementing 5, 6. 7. 8 same 9 To Hamilton to see about a horse but did not get one 11 to John Reid's working 12, 13, 14, 15 16 Papering ceiling in dining room. 18 Started cementing at John Reid's 19. 20. 21. 22. 23 25. 26 27 28 Working at Elgin Patricks, 29. {blank} 30 Went to Galt.</p> <p>Nov. 1 Worked at Elgin Patricks 2 Cement water Trough 3 cementing bought 2 pair of sleighs 5. Paint all day at church 6 same 8</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1915.</span></h3> <p>Nov. 8 Painting church today. 9 Made Trussels to Jeff Cornell's sale. 10 Painting 11. all day 12 all day. 13 Painting all day at church. 15, 16, 17. 18, 19 fixing cylinder + sucker for pump 22 - fixing cow stall. stall 23 to Wm Bond's getting ready to cemet. 24 put in sills {this line is starred} 27 Putting screen over tower window 28 Went to Trumans for dinner in auto 29 Painting 30 same</p> <p>Dec 1 Painting - put in water pipe 2 To Henrys + school - after dinner. 3 to W Bonds make and in house 4 Worked at home + barn window 7 At Wm Bonds put windows in barn. 8 Painting at church 9 same 10 painting at church got done. 11. Went to Hamilton stayed all night 12. To Albert's for dinner. 13 To Elgin Patricks working 14 same 15. made cement trough 16 Annie + I to Galt 16 continued Went up after my sleigh. 17 plastering trough 18 worked at doors 20 Got home shod to Branchton to Al Haines - (wood shed) 22 at woodshed 23 Annie + I to Galt. 24 At Al Haines shingling. 25. All the folks home to day 27 At Al Haines working. 28 A John Cornells 29 At John Cornell's all day 30 To Ed Kempie + Ed Cornells</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1916</span></h3> <p>Jan. 3 Put 2 new benches in back sleigh 4 To Henry's put box on sleigh 5 Went to Galt after furnace pipe for church. 6 put up pipe. Painted lawyer to pants {?} 7 made {?} for front doors of church + put in. 8 To George Ford's + Galt 10 made hooks for church doors + put on. 11 made shed {?} to take dirt out of cedar. Filling in well 12 To Henry's rods for pump 13 Fill in well, clearing out cellar got well done. 14 Down to Aaron Main making door there brick well 17 Put pump in well. 18 started to make storm windows for house - very cold. 19 worked at storm windows Annie + I went to Reids + Perrigans + MacDonalds 20 To Aaron Mains building a chimney.21 Plastering room {room has a small letter above it, it could say my} at Aaron Main's to day. 22 " {referring to plastering} familier 23 Drove moud over to Branchton to Pulling awhil awhile 24 Taking dirt out of cellar. Over to form where we wood live getting hay fork track 25 To Branchton working on John Cornells house shutting up door + window + started to sheet up a room up stairs 26. 27 same 28 Finished 28 congrational tea in church at night 29 Miss Harvie's Birthday party. 31 Working at John Cornell's house.</p> <p>Feb. 1. 2 finished for a while. 3 put partition Wm Patrick 4 cellar stops " " {in reference to Wm Patrick} 5 working at pantry " " {again referring to Wm Patrick}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1916</span></h3> <p>Feb 7 worked at church. Annie + I to Branchton 8 to Wm Patrick working at house all day, 9, 10, 11, 12 21 to Steve Moffatts to see drive shed.. Started doors for J A Cornell Bookcase 22. Working at doors 23. Take angles of democrat to Henrys {?} fit. 24 Annie + I to Branchton at night 25 Got wood at Layman's 28 Drawing wood from Layman's 29 Took Annie to Branchton to got to Hamilton drawing wood all day. Went after Annie at night</p> <p>Mar. 1 Drawing wood all day finished it. 2 To Elgin Patricks after load of cow 3 To Galt for lumber for home. 4 To Henry's to find chain 6 Got load corn from E. Patrick's Business meeing at church. 7 working at cellar. 8 To Branchton working at John Cornells home 9 painting today.10 Papering for John Whetham 13 Work at John Cornell graining secretary + I painting 14. Paint, to-day.15 Papering kitchen 16 papering big room today. 17 At Oran Main's papering. To J Cornell put on border. 18 To Galt for moulding + to Branchton put it on. 20 To John A Cornells painting upstairs all day got done 21 to Elgin Patricks to make cupboard in pantry 22 Made boxes for flour + wagon 23. Put in place. 24 Working at cupboard. 25 making drawers for cupboard. 27 Drawing old lumber from John Reids to Branchton house. 28 At Elgin Patricks finished cupboard. 29 Making doors 30 Finished Bookcase started work at Barn worked at barn.</p> <p>April 1. Sheeling stoop overhead. - grate over windows 3 steps in barn. graining bookcase 4 splitting wood. 5 A Trumans papering kitchen 6 To Elgin Patricks after cement mixer. Annie + I to Branchton at house. 7 Taking dirt out of cellar 8 - down to Jim {?} at night 9 Oscar's all up from Hamilton to day. 10 Work at Wm Bonds 11 12 13 14 15 17 To Wm Bond to put up woodshed 18 19 20 21 Papering at Layman's 22 Papering at Elgin Patricks 23 To Branchton for dinner 24 Papering parlor at Elgin Patricks got done 25. Papering all day at Peter Sech{?} Went to Hamilton with Oscar 26 Working at stoop papering ceiling upstairs 27 take plaster off Kitchen ceiling 28 Put cover over seem pond 29 enclosed back stoop came home at night 30 Annie + I drove down to Elgin Patricks around in White woods for flowers</p> <p>May. 1 roofing 2 ceiling on kitchen home with Oscar Roseburgh 3 Doing jobs at home 4 To Wm Bonds fixing truck 5 Plastering Kitchen 6 working at truck 8 working at jobs 9 same 10 Paperingg Andrew McClure - Miss Tutton 11 Bought lot from Tom Cooley 12 Plastering Kitchen Wm. Bond 13 Put ventilator + ridge Bd on barn</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">MAY 1916</span></h3> <p>15, 16, 17, 18 Cementing at W. Bond.</p> <p>19 graining dining room at Alberts</p> <p>20 Papering dining room at Alberts</p> <p>22 At J. MacDonalds moving partition</p> <p>23 lath + plastering in bathroom</p> <p>24 To Al Hanies building chimney on woodshed</p> <p>25 Shingle Kitchen 26 Finished</p> <p>27 Put glass on front door. At Hanies cut hole for stove pipe tear out chimney</p> <p>29 Odd jobs at Elgin Patricks</p> <p>30 Drew out manure on back lot.</p> <p>31 Plow + plant potatoes.</p> <p>June 1 plant potatoes all day got done</p> <p>2 Plowing white washed {potatoes?} helping plant tree at church.</p> <p>3 to Galt then harrowing.</p> <p>5 Sowing mangols</p> <p>6 Papering at Miss Drones</p> <p>7 Odd jobs at MacDonalds got done</p> <p>8 Started work at Wm Bonds at horse stalls, 9, 10 finished</p> <p>12 Jobs at Wm Bond. 13, 14.</p> <p>15 At Wm Patrricks started to shingle 16. 17, 19 got done</p> <p>20 Tob Oran Mains fixing wall for miss Barnhardt 21 Worked on road all day drawing gravel {gravel is written about drawing}</p> <p>22 To O. Main finished wall. At home papering upstairs 23 Papering upstairs got done</p> <p>26 Hoeing weeds out of mangels. 27 all day.</p> <p>28 To John A Cornell to put piece on barn. 29. 30 same.</p> <p>July 1 Roofing barn</p> <p>4 {4 is scribbled over 3} At John MacDonald. put up track for hay fork.</p> <p>5 {5 is scribbled over 4} To Stephen Moffall {the name "Moffall" is later spelled as "Moffatt"? Refer to July 5 on this page} to put shaft to run {there is a caret between the letters r and u; "r^un"} washing machine</p> <p>6 make big pulley 7 fixing washing machine + pumps to run with engine 8 hoing mangles 9 Baby born to-day.</p> <p>10 " " {in reference to "hoing mangles"} 11 To Miss Barnhardts painting barn roof. fix Hay Fork track (John Hammond) {John Hammond is arrowed in after Fork track}</p> <p>12 fixing waterpipes S. Moffatt.</p> <p>13 To Frank McKillagen to put up back kitchen 14 Worked at it all day</p> <p>17 A " " {in reference to 'Frank McKilligen'} 18 Shingling 19 cut door through 20 window frame</p> <p>21 hoing potatoes. 22 hoeing 24 cut hay at Pleasant Grove School brought home.</p> <p>25 Took berries to Galt 26 hoeing + picking berries 27 Took to Galt</p> <p>28 Shingling at Smith Buchanans 29 shingling all day.</p> <p>31 To John MacDonald drawing in wheat all day.</p> <p>Aug 1 Drawing in wheat all day. 2 same - got done</p> <p>3 at Smith Buchanans shingling all day. 4 same 5. finished</p> <p>7 Fixing Andy Pullins cistern</p> <p>8 To Elgin Patricks to put up drive shed 9. 10. 11. 12.</p> <p>14 Helping John MacDonald to draw in oats.</p> <p>15. At Elgin Patricks cutting rafters 16 17 18 19</p> <p>21 Take out pump at Nelson Culham put on new sillinder {sillinder = cylinder?}</p> <p>22 To Elgin Patricks work on barn. 23. 24</p> <p>25. At Baily Keachies to put up silo 26 put it up. got done.</p> <p>27 Went to Salem to see Miss Ray</p> <p>28 Elgin Patricks - at drive shed 29 30 31 Cement.</p> <p>Sept. 1 started fixed well. 2 same</p> <p>4 Picking pears scuffled potatoes. Miss Harvie's funeral</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Sept 1916</span></h3> <p>5 To St George at Clarence Harpers to raise barn 6 At Elgin Patricks to cement around well 7 Cementing + fixing pump. 8 Making water Trough. 9 plastering + cementin foundation for pump house 11. Putting up frame for pig pen 12 outside boards + roof. 13 working at pig pen.14 To George Henry's Sale. 15. cementing - pig pen. 16 same 18 At Johannie Hammonds shingling 19 shingling 20 At noon to Truman's shingling 21 shingling all day. 22 same. 23 same 25 To Lockie MacDonald. shingle drive barn. 26, 27. finished WorthSide 28 To Truman's to cement foundation in for stoop/ 29 Fixing lamp posts at church. To Bailey Keachies fixing wall. 30 At Culham papering dining room today.</p> <p>Oct. 2 A Smith Buchanans tearing out cow stalls 3. getting ready to cement 4 Cementing cow mangers 5, 6, 7. 8 A Pillins for dinner 9 Working at Smith Buchanans 10 finished 11 odd jobs at home 12 At Frank McKilligan doors 13 Bought acre of wood from Frank Brown 14 Got horse shed pulled mangles 15 At Trumans for dinner 16 worked at Frank McKilligans 17 Worked inside 18 Make wood box. 19 fix pump 20 Put in cupboard. 21 Odd jobs 23 Worked at Wm Bonds 24, 25, 26 27 28 30 Dig potatoes 31 got done</p> <p>Nov 11 A Smith Buchanan. 2, 3 got done 4 At Oran Mains 6 at Rob + Oliver 7 to Frank McKilligan - 8, 9, 10 11 taking in mangles. Turman ploughing 13 To Oran Main's 14, 15, 16 Got Truman's horses went for coal set up coal stove 17 At Wm Bonds 18 20 21 22 At Frank McKilligans plastering 23 same 25 To Fred Browns got some doors 27 To Truman's started to make pond 28 same 29, 0, Working at stoop</p> <p>Dec 1 At Johnnie Hammonds jacking up house 2 same got done 4 At home 5 Wm Dykeman's Sale. 6 At home 7 To John Perrigans then to Elgin Patrick started making pump houses 8 at E Patrick worked on pump house all day. 9. Storm all day 11 to Smith Buchanan after cow. 12 Took cow to Wm Binds sold her. 13. cellar all day 14 Andy Pullin helping work at cellar 15 same 16 same got done 18 Finishing pump house at Elgin Patricks 19 doors on stable at Wm Bonds 20 Went to Galt. 21 Took pigs to Galt. 22 at home 23 to Branchton for Oscar 25 The rest of them here for Christmas 26 To Hamilton on port train Working at college fastening down seats 27, 28, 29 All jobs at College 30 came home in auto 31. To church. home all day.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1917</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 Annie baby Mother + I over to MacDonalds for dinner 5 Went to Hamilton on wheel worked at College 8-13 odd jobs 15-20 odd jobs 22-27 odd jobs 29-31 working 1-3 odd jobs 5-10 working 12-17 working</p> <p>Feb. 19-24 odd jobs 26-28 {left blank}</p> <p>Mar 2 Mother over Rosa did not come 3-7 Helping - 8 to Galt for Miss Culham for mother 9-19 helping at home. 20 helping saw wood at church. 21 - helping about. 22 Annie + I went to Galt - got baby pictures taken. 23-24 drawing stone. 26-31 Working on cellar wall + cistern</p> <p>Apr 2-5 cement windows 6 started to make a crib for the baby and 7th 10-14 Working around home. Mother not so well. 15 Mother died to-day at noon. 16 went for cards. 17 Mother's funeral this afternoon 18 Splitting wood to 21</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1917 April</span></h3> <p>23-28 worked on cistern 26 Destamona McDonalds wedding 30- MAY 1 - 5 odd jobs 7-12- Oscar + I had my car out 14-19 odd jobs 21-26 Planting potatoes in back lot. cut grass at cemetery 28-31 odd jobs</p> <p>June 1-2 odd jobs 4-9 odd jobs. 10 Annie + I to Branchton in auto 11-16 shingling 3 days make doorway + plastering 18-23 working on Ed Kemkes barn 24 Andy Pullins here to-day to cemetery 25-30 working at barn</p> <p>July 2 Culham picnic in our car. 3-6 At Ed Kemkes barn 7 fixing baby buggy 9-10 11 12 13 14 cementing 16-19 cementing 20 Thinning turnips 23 working - John Peregrines 24, 25, 26 27 28. 30-31 odd jobs</p> <p>Aug 1 to Galt selling berries 2 cut hay 3 {blank} 4 odd jobs 5 To Branchton after Addie harvie + Billy {underlined section is written beneath To Branchton} 6-11 odd jobs + working at horse Stable for E Kemkes 13- Working at Frank McKilligan to 18th 20-25. Odd jobs 27-28-29-30-31 building chimney 10-11, 12, put up tent for garden party. 13-15 odd jobs including lathing</p> <p>Oct. 1-6 odd jobs 8-13 including plastering 15-20 odd jobs (plastering) 22-27 mostly plastering 29-31 Plastering</p> <p>Nov. - 1, 2 Plastering 3 taking out potatoes 5 odd jobs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 odd jobs 12, 13, shingling 14 15, 16, 17 odd jobs 19 Started drive shed at Steve Moffatlls. 20 21 22 on drive shed 22 23 24 working at home 26 27 28 framing</p> <p>Dec 1 working at home 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, worked at drive shed 8 Went to Galt 10 Making rocking horse for Harvie 11 Work at home 12 to Freelton to sale 13-14 At home 15 to Galt. 17 Fixing Harvie's rocking horse 18 Nelson Culham + I down to Will Smith's sale. 19 20 21 22 odd jobs 24 got load of coal 25 Went in auto to Hamilton Xmas dinner at Oscars 26 At school place to hang clothes. 27 finishing some pictures 28 29 odd 31 working at hand sleigh</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1918</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 Went in auto to MacDonalds for dinner 2-3-4-5 odd jobs 7- finished hand sleigh 8 Miseners sale 9 odd jobs 10 Walked to Branchton fetched Mr MorMcnells house horse home. 11-12 odd jobs 14, 15, 16,17 18 19 odd jobs 21-22-23. 24 25 26 odd jobs 28-31 odd jobs Making BookCase</p> <p>Feb. 1-2 work at Book Case 4 5 6 7 8 Worked at Book Case 9. To Galt 10. Cleve + Aggie out in afternoon. 11, 12- Book Case 13 Cairns Sale. Cleve + I went to Hamilton 14-16 odd jobs 18, 19, 20 21 22 varnished Bookcase Cleve + Aggie here 25 Elliots Sale 26, 27 28 Papering at R Martins</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Mar 1 working at one of Mr Bonds houses - dorman {?} window 4 Working in Galt at one of Mr Bonds houses. 5, 6, 7. done for a while {this line is starred, strating at 8} 8 Cut wood. 9 to Galt afeter a piano for ourselves. 11 odd jobs 12 To Allick Harvies Started to make a toy for democrat 13-14 democrat 15 odd jobs 16 To Swamp cutting wood 18-19 worked at democrat. 20-21 22 odd 25 to Kemps looking for a horse. 26 To Hamilton looking for a horse 27 also 28 Went to Branchton 29 Truman + I up to Mr Kenzie to see a horse. 31 Oscars up all day for Easter.</p> <p>April 1 Started to draw mail to Dundas. To Jirden for horse. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Drove mail 7 Andy + Hattie out. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Drove mail 15. mail. 16 painting bedroom 17 mail - finished painting bedroom 18 started to paper bedroom 19 same 20 same 22-23-24- drove mail odd jobs blow up tires on auto 25 mail Annie + I to Branchton 26-27. To Elgin Patricks papering dining room 29-30 Drove mail. Painting good bedroom.</p> <p>May. 1-2-3-4. drove mail odd jobs 5. Oscar's up this aft. 6 mail. dig garden/ 7 mail put in our garden 8 mail odd jobs 9.10.11 mail 13 drove mail 14 15 sold horse to Herb Buchanan. 16 mail 17 papering for Aggie at old parsonage. 18 drove mail 21- Helping put up store house at Condis store 22 23 24 25 Taking mail 27 mail. plow lot 30 sowing corn 31 planting beans</p> <p>June. 1 sowing turnips + mangels 3 mail plant potatoes. 4 mail plant corn. 5-6-7-8 mail 10,11,12,13,14,15 Drove mail worked at John Perrigan 17. 18 19 20 21 22 Drove mail " " " "' {in reference to worked at John Perrigan} 24 25 26 27 28 Aunt Elizae main funeral {funeral is written above Elize Main}</p> <p>July 2 Drove mail Helping Mr McClellan pack for moving. Strawberry Social at night 3, 4, 5, 6 drove mail. cementing + plastering 8-12 drove mail working at hay rack for John Perrigans 13 mail. {?}ffling potatoes. 14 up to Aunt Marrys in Oscar's car. 15-mail-John Studimans 18,19,20 mail working at veranda at Charlie Tuttons. 22. 23. 24. 25 26. mail - veranda 27- mail papering at Mrs Bonds. 29. 30, 31 mail odd jobs</p> <p>Aug. 1 mail SS picnic at Dundas. 2, 3, mail E Patrick chop box. 5 mail finished chop box 6 mail - shingling Henry's barn 7 mail John MacDonald's stoop. 8 mail cementing 9 same 10 mail finished cement. 12 mail to Galt to see old stoop at Imperial Hotel 13, 14 15 mail working at stoop. 16 17. mail {letters I can't make out} 10 would draw in spring wheat oats.19 mail Helping MacDonald's draw in oats 20 same 21 mail cement cellar 22 same 23. mail help Cleve to turn barn around 24 same 26 same 27 same 28 mail helping Cleve with barn. 29 mail Mr Martins stoop. 30 mail woodshed. 31 mail chimney</p> <p>Sept. 2. mail chimney 3 same 4 same 5 mail finished chimney 6 mail worked on chimney 7 mail washed auto Annie + I to Galt. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 mail odd jobs 16 mail cut corn 17 mail 18 mail Mrs Barnhardt roof. 19 mail Sam Truman's grainary 20 same 21 mail Branchton 23 mail working at Sam Truman's 24 same 25 mail odd jobs 26, 27 28 same 30 mail set up corn</p> <p>Oct. 1 tookmail worked at Ed Kemkes 2, 3, 4 mail at Kemkes 5 mail Went to Galt after Abbie + Lorne 7, 8 mail cementing 9 mail Annie + I went to Rockton show. 10, 11, mail cementing 12 mail - to Galt to buy chairs for Aaron Main 14, 15, 16 17 18, 19 Took mail and odd jobs 20 No Church on account of influenzie 21 mail. odd jobs - .. 26 got done 27 No Church to day 28 mail - Cleve's hen pen 29-30 same. 31 mail plast cellar</p> <p>Nov. 1 mail - Cleve hen pen 2 mail - Hamilton put in wondow 4 mail Smith Buchanan 5, 6, 7 8 mail odd jobs 9 mail Rosa pantry 11 Took mail odd jobs to 16 18, 19, 20. 21 22 mail. fixing platform for entertainment girls coming from Hamilton 23 mail Truman + I got load of wood. 24 Oscar's + ourselves to Cleve for dinner 25 26 27 28 29 30 took mail did odd jobs George Hammett sale</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1918</span></h3> <p>Dec 2 took mail 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Took mail did odd jobs 8 Oscar's up we all went to Desta's for dinner 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 14. took mail worked at Bridge 16. 17 18 19 20 21 mail. did odd jobs 23 24 mail odd jobs. 25. Cleves &amp; Kents here for dinner 26 mail. made ladder to {?} church pa{?} outside 27 mail odd jobs 28 same 30 and 31 same</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1919</span></h3> <p>Jan. 1 mail Irene + Dorothy here 2 At Drs fixing pipe for toilet 3 mail Sweets hay 4. mail put up coal stove 5 At Albert's for dinner Oscar up. 6 mail asked Truman for horses to draw hay. 8 mail got hay 9 mail. to Kirkwall - Mr Leckie away 10 mail to Kirkwall to get horse shod. 11. mail Annie + I to Branchton to see wreck 12 church to Alberts for dinner 13. 14, 15, 16 mail every dau worked at W Patricks garage 17 mail paid Mr Leckie 18 mail 20 mail down to Truman's to telephone 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 mail odd jobs 27 mail papering for Mary Culham 28 mail papering 29 30 mail odd jobs oyster supper at Nelson Culham 31 mail</p> <p>Feb 1 mail 3 4 5 6 7 8 mail fixing things (4 Took Colin Cross to Branchton) 10, 11, 12 13 14 15 mail odd jobs 17. 18. 19 20 21 22 mail odd jobs 24, 25. 26 27 28 took mail odd jobs</p> <p>March 1 mail odd jobs 3 mail making rocking horse for Harvie 4 mail papering at Johnnie Hammonds the dinning room 5, 6, same 7 mail took car to get engine cleaned. 8 mail odd jobs 10, 11 mail Smith Buchanan sale 12, 13 mail 14, 15 mail odd jobs 17, 18 mail Frank Laymods sale 19, 20 mail Hugh Ronald's sale 21. mail settled up with Wm Bond 22 mail Took Annie over to Hatties 24 mail To Tom Norman papering dinning room 25 mail finished 26 mail papering bedroom Mrs Charles Tutton. 27 mail fixing railing at Andy Pullins 28 mail finished papering 29 mail. Annie + I to Branchton taking stuff out of house 31 mail at Charles Tutton</p> <p>April 1 mail lathing + put on door 2 mail plaster 3 mail 2nd coat plaster 4 mail - Smith Buchanan 5 mail working at partition 7 mail - home doors + windows 9 mail fix furniture 10 mail plastering 11-12 mail at Smith Buchanas 14 mail plastering 15 mail clements sale 16 mail fix rocking chair 17 mail papering at old parsonage for cellar 18 same 19 mail to Galt for lumber for chin of platform 21, 22. 23 mail odd jobs 24 mail set out maple tees in front + back lot. 25. 26 mail + odd jobs 28 mail fix a couiple of bottle wagons for Haine + Wallace. 29 mail odd jobs 30 mail broke band on car.</p> <p>May 1 mail 2, 3 t oEglin Patricks papering 5 mail James Humphrey papering 8 mail to Galt + Preston. 7 mail dug out front walk to make cement the. 8 mail Sale at Clyde 9 mail odd jobs 10 mail Annie + I to Galt to sale 12 mail started to fix cahin platform. 13 mail at church 14 same 15, 16 Same 19 mail 20 21 mail working on drain. 22 mail to Russell Hatrick 23 24 same 26 mail 27. 28. 29 30 odd jobs 31 plowing odd jobs</p> <p>June 2. mail papering Mrs Hatrick 3 mail papering Robt. Garrock{?} 4 mail. Sale Walter Ferguson 5 mail papering Mrs J Haye 6 mail planted corn + Turnips 7 mail finished Mrs Hayes 8 To Brantford to see Uncle John. 9 mail work at church 10, 11. 12. mail work at church. 13 mail made tables for church. 14 mail painting at church 16 mail odd jobs. 17 same 18 mail papering at Wm Bonds 18 mail picnic at Guelph. 20 mail papering Jim Ellisis 21 mail papering at Jim Ellisis 23 mail painting at W Bonds 24 mail church platform 25 Took Annie + ladies to Millgrove to Convention 26 mail Len Raymen scuffling my corn potatoes 27 mail. hoeing garden 28 mail drawing in hayI got from George Whetham</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1919</span></h3> <p>30 mail painting at church</p> <p>July. 1 mail papering at Mrs Russel Hatricks 2 mail finished papering 3 mail fix hay fork had at John Studiman's 4 mail + 5 mail drawing in hay 7 mail 8 9 19 11 12 mail haying finished 14 mail fix binder 15, 16, 17, 18 mail odd jobs 19 mail picking berries 21 mail berries 22 mail worked at Cecil Culham 23 same 24 mail fit pump at Cecil's. 25 mail picked berries 26. mail. place for calf. scuffling 28 mail patching J. Perrigan's roof. 30 mail Building chimney at Wm Bonds 31 same</p> <p>Aug. 1 mail got horse shod. 2 mail finishing chimney. 4 mail serem for window for Mrs Hatrick 5 mail to Geo Tucker tearing down stone wall at corner of barn. 6 mail Buidling wall 7 mail - wall 8 mail - wall under barn 9 Annie, Harvie + I took to Puslinch lake. 11 mail finished barn walls 13 mail taring barn roof at Miss Bonds. 14 mail put pump in cistern 15 mail At disput cement top 16 mail at Discementing 18. mail finished cementing 19 mail - tents for social. Dorothy and another girl 20 mail getting ready for cement walk 21 same 22 to Galt with plums + pears 23. mail. Down to Port Dover Annie, Harvie + I. 25. mail working on well 26, 27. 28 29 mail + working on walk</p> <p>Sept 1 mail finished cementing 2 mail George Johnsons plating cement cistern 3 mail tap for cistern 4 mail 5 mail odd jobs 6 mail Annie, Harvie + I went to Mohawk park {Park is written above Mohawk} {this line is starred} 8 Drawing stone 9 Drawing gravel 10 Drawing sand. 11 Cementing walk in front of home 12. At Nelson Culhams at Elgin Patrick fix pump. 13 At Nelson Culham - walk 15 cementing all day 16 FINISHED sidewalk 17 levelling cellar. 18 At School worked at cement Foundation 19 to Hamilton surprise party for Rose's 20 Working at school 22 23 same 25 scuttling corn gathering hickory nuts 26, 27, worked at school 29 iron post in cellar. 30 putting up Bookracks.</p> <p>Oct. 1 Drawing gravel 2 started to cement 3 got done to Hamiton stayed all night 4 To Toronto + back 6 odd jobs + 7 - 8 picking pears - 9, 10, 11. odd jobs 13. {this line is starred} To Dundas to Aaron Mains golden wedding in Dundas park. 14 Painting 15 Digging Potatoe 16 to Galt with pears 17 Drawing corn from Andy Pullin for ourselves 18. Plastering 20. Working at Mr Tuckers - home to vote. 21 Cementing 22 Mr Tucker 23 new floor &amp; dining room {room is written above dining} 24 took mail for Mr Riddle 25 - Laying floor all day got done 27. Papering dinning room Mis H. Whethams. 28, 29. 30, odd jobs. 31 Papering parlor Miss H Whetham</p> <p>Nov. 1 Patching barn roof. 3 A George Robb's framing an implant bedg. 4. 5. 6. 7 Framing Picked 2 barrels of apples 10 At Geo. Robb. 11, 12, 13 14. working at barn. Miss Hood Sale_ 15 outside lumber. 17 Pulling Turnips 19 George Main's funeral. 20 21 21 worked at Barn. 24 25 26 27 28 worked at doors Plastering 28, 29 all day.</p> <p>Dec. 1 At Firman MARTINS Plastering all day. 2, 3. 4 5. odd jobs 8 At Mr Robb making wall in milk house 9 At Milk house 10 Henry died early this morning 11 odd jobs 12 Henry's funeral. 13 Went for straw 15 At Oran Main - stove pipes 16, 17. 18 19 papering 20 all day 22 papering to George Mains sale. 23 Took pipe to Branchton 24 At Xmas tree 26 At Oran Main's papering all day. 27 same 29, 30 papering At Oran Main's. 31 At school meeting</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1920</p> <p>Jan. 1. Making trussels for church to {illegible}</p> <p>2 At DranMain's - At Andy Pullin "bee" cutting wood.</p> <p>3 Oran Main's floor. 5. floor, coal + voting. 6 Andy's horse drawing coal</p> <p>7. Floor Oran Mains 8.9 same 12, 13, 14, 15. working at floor. 16 finishing</p> <p>17 Fixing shelves in closets 19 Take up parlon floor Dran Main 20 same</p> <p>21 put down floor 22.23-24 working at closet. 26, 27. odd jobs 30, 31 graining</p> <p>Feb. and varnishing - 2, 3 varnishing + fix pump at Nelson's {illegible} 5 made 2 benches</p> <p>6, 7 odd jobs 9 At Dran Main working in barn 10 Barn + house 11 Varnishing 12 At home 13. Door on panfry for MacDonalds 14 straw from MacDonalds. 16 skinning a rabbit.</p> <p>17 fixing + greasing harness 18 same 19 Broughtcoal + plastering 20 Cutting wood 21 same</p> <p>23 odd jobs 24 cutting wood 15 same 26 Got horse from Jirden 27, 28 Drew 2 loads wood.</p> <p>March 8 Odd jobs Dran Main 9 Papering at Cleve 10, 11, odd jobs. 12 to make little gard seed</p> <p>22 odd jobs 23 Elgin Patricks paperin, both room. 24 papering painting. 25 Barn roof at Garrocks 26, 27 shingling roof. 29, 30, 31. 1 2 3 odd jons 5.6 splitting wood 7 At Dran Main</p> <p>April graining floor papering bath room 8, 9 odd jobs. 10 finished trimminghedge. 12.13 odd jobs</p> <p>14 To Heny's babys Funeral. 15 odd jobs 16 papering at Shavers 17 same. 19 at Oran Mains and 20th 21 splitting cedar. 22 fiving doors. 23 At Firman Martin helpi, roof a house.</p> <p>24 some all day 26 roofin 27 gone done 28 Work, at Dran Main's 29 to Galt 9 at lumber?</p> <p>30 fixing front door Dran Main. 1 Odd jobs Dran Main 3 Willie Min's funeral 4 At Dran Main</p> <p>May 5 Cut door at hall. 6 Made door. 7 Planting early potatoes. 8 At Mr Brown' garage Foundation</p> <p>10, 11, 12 Painting at hall. 13 started platform fa (not sure) hall. 15. Cement floor for garage</p> <p>17, 18, 19 gardening. 20 AT Hall painting 21 fixing at hall. 22. putting up garage for Mr Brown</p> <p>June 31 making closet at hall 1,2,3,4 5 Working at hall. 7,8,9,10,11,12 working at hall all day.</p> <p>14 working at hall 15 shingling at hall. 16, 17 18 19 gardening, hoeing. 21 hoeing</p> <p>22 Working at Culhams 23 At Oran Main's 24 Hoeing 25 fixing scales scuffling 26 hoeing</p> <p>28 heoing cementing 29 At James Culham. 30, 1, 2, 3 Working at barn.</p> <p>July 4 (not sure) At James Culham barn. 6 same 7. At Cecil Culham. 8 Sale on market. 9 Culham's farm 10 also</p> <p>12 Culham's barn all day, 13 same 14 Barn then to Rockton 15 same 16 To Hamelton plastering part of ceiling upstairs. 17 At Hamilton 19, 20 working at (illegible) Dran Main</p> <p>21. Pina Grove School tear down woodshed 22, 23 working at wood shed.</p> <p>24 fixing my shoes. Cut gram at cemetary. 26. At John Perrigans shingling 27, 28,</p> <p>29 working at John Perrigan's 30, 31 same.</p> <p>Aug. 2 picking berries 3 Work at Parrigan's 4,5,6,7, same. 9 making couch for tent</p> <p>10 cement at school. 11 To Galt with berries 12, 13, 14 Working at stoop all day</p> <p>16 finished stoop at John Perrigan's 1617 To School at Littles Corners 18 To Rockton to work at drill hall. 19 Pla(illegible)s for cement 20 cementing 21 At School roof and shingling</p> <p>23 24 25 26 27 working at framing. 28 shingling at school 30, 31, cementing</p> <p>Sept. 1 Toschool, finishing cementing 2 To Will Thompson at OrKney to cut treed for (illegible)</p> <p>3 some framing 4 at Rosehton 6, 7 8 9 10 working at framing 13, 14 , 15, 16, 17 framing</p> <p>18 tightening braces 20. School Fair 21 odd jobs 22. 23. 24. 25. board in</p> <p>27, 28, 29, 20, finished Roof boards shingling</p> <p>Oct 1 Snowing all morning 2 shingled all day. 4 5 6 shingling got done 7 truas rods (not sure)</p> <p>8 Put in glass (not sure) painted (illegible). 9 (illegible) 11 door + window</p> <p>12 At Troy making cellar (illegible) for Gas. Robb. 13 Went + RocltonShow</p> <p>14 A Drill Hall 15 same. 16 pulling man gola (not sure) 18 Roof on hen pen</p> <p>19 Working at Rockton 20 21 22 same</p> <p>23 odd jobs</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1920</p> <p>25</p> <p>Nov. at George Robb's house shingling 26 Oddjobs 27, 28, 29, 30 Working at house all day</p> <p>1 odd jobs 2 To Branchton 3 Took pigs to Bronchton. 4 5 6 working at Geo Robbs house</p> <p>8, 9, 10 AtGeoRobbs 11 Wm. Cronins sale 12 homejons 13 drawing cornstalks</p> <p>15 At Troy working at house 16 same 17 Annie + I went to Nelson Culhan fix pump</p> <p>18 home jobs 19 working upstairs 20 Put on 2 doors 22-27 working at house.</p> <p>Dec 29-30 Dec 1-4 Shingling + working at house. 6, 11 working at house 133-17 At house</p> <p>18 To Galt. 20-23 At house 24 to Galt 25 Had Xmas din (not sure) at Albert's 27 to Rockton horseshod. 28, 29, 30 Down at George Robbs plastering</p> <p>1921 3 at Geo Robb plastering + put on 2nd coat 5 same 6 fix shelves 7 lathing</p> <p>Jan 8 fix stair put window in barn 10 Loolred at Harv Whetban's barn, getting ready for tea meeting. 11 Cleaning up at church 12. Geo Robb 2nd coat of plaster 13. barn</p> <p>14 finished at barn. put on doors. 15 put in window glass + fix catchoo 17 Put up Bannister</p> <p>18 Made book case . put in wall. 19 Working at bannister 20 same 21. lathing + plastering small room down stair 24 plater 25 fix mantle. 26 lathing in parler 27 same</p> <p>28 finished fixing our doorbell 29 Cement in frontof fire place 31 At Andy pulling making new barn doors 1 At Mr Kregors sale 2 to Rockton sale</p> <p>Feb. 3 to Hamilton 4 around all day. 5 Oscar fetchees me home 7 to A Pullin putting on barn doors 8. to Littlee Corners school sheeling inside 9 At school working</p> <p>10 To George Robb to put in dumb waiter 11 dumb waiter. 12 worked at pantry</p> <p>14 At Cupbeard. 15 Got load of hay. 16 Ad cupboard. 17 to Branchton to Geordie Mac Donald's funeral. 18 At Pantry 19 same 21. 22, 23, 24. 25, 26. worked at cupboard all day 28 Plastering parlor to day. 1 To Frank Mc Killigans sale 2 2nd coat plaster</p> <p>March 3 A Patren Sickles sale 4 Working at house all day. 7 to Roy Robbs gate 8 started to build back porch 9, 10 same 11 To balt to get horse shad. 12 woeking at home</p> <p>14. 15. 16 worked at porch 17 papering at Culhenes 18 Bushe's Sale 19 Plastering at Pine Grove school 22 Got some maple trees to set out an other lot 22 Got oats to Galt to chop.</p> <p>23 At Mr. Robbs papering 24 At Andy Pullins started trough in stable 25 worl(illegible) at trough.</p> <p>26 to Harve Whelban me (illegible) for barn (not sure) 28 Making wheels for dumb waiter</p> <p>29 Got straw to sale 30 Annie + Harvie + I went to Branohton 31. Fix house at John Kreagars</p> <p>April 1 working at house 2 working at house 4, 5, 6, Working at house. 7. to sale.</p> <p>8, 9. working at Mr Kreagars house all day. 11. 12 13 14 15 16 raised rool erc. 18 trim apple trees 19 to Will Ure Sale. 20 made 2 window frames 21. 22 working at house.</p> <p>25. 26. 27 28 working at house all day. 29 To Jim Hum phreus papering all day. 30 got done</p> <p>May. 2 Helping Ceeil Culhor put wheel on Wind Mill. 3, 4. 5, 6 working at wall finished</p> <p>9 framing Kitchen 10 plastering cistern 11 At Harve whetham 12 finished 13 Mr Kreager</p> <p>14 Drawing out Manure on our lot to day 16 started to plow 17 finished 18 At Mr Kreager</p> <p>19 At Baily Keachinpapering 20 same - got done 21 At Kreagors 23 Building chimines</p> <p>24 planting Potatoes 25. 26 27 28 shingling - got done 30, 31 Work at house</p> <p>June 1 lathing 2 3. 4 same 6 to Geo Robbs making screcing 7.8 9. lathing</p> <p>10. 11 Woring at house 13, 14 latheing. 15 16 17 18 plastering all day.</p> <p>20, 21 22 23 24 25 plastering all day 27 Our baby born to-day.</p> <p>July. 1 Plastering down cellar</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1921</p> <p>July</p> <p>June</p> <p>2 To Hamilton to beach 4 to John Perrigan fry hay fork Trook</p> <p>4 Hoeing potatoes 6 AT Kreagors plastering cellar. At Kreagars plastering Hoeing</p> <p>8 Work at home 9 raining again 11 Picking berries 12 fix J.Perrigans barn pick berries</p> <p>14 To Galt with berries At Cushrans. Take out parfition 15 Pick berries 16 Took to salt</p> <p>18 Picking berries 19 Pick in aft. 20 To J Perrigan To make backstoop 21, 22. same 23 Shingling 25. Worked P. 36 finished stopp. 27 Work at home 28 Work at Pleasant Grove school tear out platform put down floor 29 floor in 30 At School</p> <p>Aug.</p> <p>1,2,3,4,5,6 Working at school, 8 whitewash ceiling. 9,10,11,12 13 AtSchool. 15 At Mr Kreagorsat cupboard. 16 A Kreagor then to school 17 Plums to salt. Took Harvie to picnic. 18 Put Slateboards 19Work 20Paint piget school. 21 Harvieal thru Alberts old place. 22,23,24. Painting at school. 25 To Henry Blakes to fix barn roof. 25 Blakes finished at noon-swept school floor 27 Oil floor &amp; paint blackboards 29,30 working around school. 31 To Nelson Culham to fix stoop.</p> <p>Sept</p> <p>I Working at stoop 2. Same. 3 Working at school 5 worked at N. Culham. 6 worked at stoop 7 started to fix silo 8 to Geo Rott petting top on sister {Not so sure what it says for 8} 9. At N Culham Silo 10 To Galt. Atsole 12 Silo, sink at house. 13 Silo 14. Mt Kreagan-cellar window</p> <p>15,16. Work around house. 17 To Galt 19 To SMacDonald fixing silo 20 To Robb plastering 21 Work at stoop 22 Put up wall 23 Put cement cellar stygo outside done for awhile 24 Harvie &amp; I went to Hamilton on the wheel 26 dig potatoes. 27 Pick Pears took to Galt 28 Dig potato s 29 Pick pears took them to Galt 30 raining</p> <p>Oct</p> <p>1 Mrs McGreagor shingling on barn 3 Mrs McGreagors shinglins. A O.Main pig troughs 4 Worked of pig trough. Doan to Trumans after some earn. 5 At Harv Whethans getting ready cement 6 cementing 7 sweeping at churd 7 At H.Whethers cementing 10 Make wheel burrow to take wood rich urdon 12 Harvie &amp; I went to Rockton Show. 13 Working at H.Whetham's 14,15,1718,19, 20.21, Work at eowmangers. 22 finished 27 At J Perrigans making water tank higher 28 Working at Water tank 29 same 31 water tank</p> <p>Nov</p> <p>1 Fixing pump 2 At War Bonds putting in pipe 3 At Geo Robb. rained. 4 Put potatoes in cellar 5 At Geo Robb working at stoop 7. To Branch ton for coal. Started store 8 To Geo Robbs working of stoop-snowed. 9 Went for calves 10 RTChurch 11. To GeoFord's Sale 14 At GeoRobb 15,16 same 17 Putting glom 18 Making ladder for myself 19 Put sill in Window 21 Geo Robb puttin, onsiding 22,23 workins at stoop it around home 25 sweeping church Frank Cooper's Sale 29 At Dr Seeaton's 22,23 working at stoop 7. To Branchton for coal. Started stove. 8 To GeoRobb working at stoop-snowed. 9 Went for calves. 10 RTChurch 11. To GeoFord's Sale 14 At GeoRobb 15,16 same 17 Putting glom 18 Making ladder for myself. 19 Put sill in Window 21 At Geo Robb puttin, onsideing 22,23 working at stoop it around home 25 sweeping church Frank Cooper's Sale 29 At Dr.Seaton's making partition in Kitchen 29 At Nelson Culhams pipe in sink 30 At Geo Robb working on stoop.</p> <p><br /> Dec</p> <p>1 Working of John Perrigans 2 At Seaton's finishies job 3 Working at John Perrigans 5 At Rich Bonds 12 Ar N.Culhan odd jobs 13,14,15 Got done, 16 Got straw at Branchkton Taking wood in church. 19 Started to make a forge 20 ATRich Bond odd jobsn21,22 same 23 Taking wood in church 24 Sweeping at church. Oiling floor at Pleasant Grove school 26 Macdonalds &amp; Alberts here for Xmas 27 Working at Rich Bonds 28 same 29,30 Odd jobs at home</p> <p>{922 written in the left margin}</p> <p>Jan</p> <p>2. AT Desty's for dinner 3 Odd jobs at home 3 AT Rich Bonds ~</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1922</span></h3> <p>Feb. 15. Back at Woods all day 16 Odd jobs at home 17 Swamp. 18 Back at swamp 20 Bak at swamp. 21 John Whetham funeral 22 Work at home. To Oran Main fixing pipe. 23. To Howells Sale 24 odd jobs at home. 25 At swamp all day. 27 At Swamp. 18 odd jobs at home Piling wood at Culham farm.</p> <p>Mar 2 To Galt around home 3 Working around home. 4 Up at church in aft. 6 to Copetown with carpet then to Hamilton 7 Piling wood at Culham farm. 8 At Henry Hookers Sale 9 Down to Alberts cutting wood- At Cecil Culham 10 Putting inside closet 11 went to Galt on my wheel. 13 To Johnie Hammonds fixing cupboard in pantry. 14 cupboard all day. 15 same 16 finished cupboard. 17 Working at Cecil Culham 18 Painting at C Culham 20 At Nelson culham papering 21 Cecil Culham painting. Tearing floor out of vestry. 22 At Culham papering all day. 23 At Culham painting, some graining. got done 24 C Culham graining hall floor to Troy to Sale. 25 At church putting down new floors 27 To Branchton at Al Haney's making cool bin. 28 At Fred Brown's papering</p> <p>Apr. 1 papering all day got done 3 Oiling floor at Church 4 At Harve Whethams papering 5 Papering dinning room 6 Papering all day 7. got done papering 8 varnished floor at church fix working machine went to Galt. 10 To Oran Main trimming hedge. 11 To Miss Mewhenney papering 12 to Orton Roff papering 13 Making scr{letters too small to make out} 14 same all day. 15. To Hamilton with car. Colin Cross with us 17 Painting bedroom at home. 18 At Orton Robbs odd jobs. 19 Oran Main odd jobs 20 To Dundas to Miss Mains funeral. 21 Cutting wood fixing fence, pile wood. 22 To Trumans papering all day. 24 splitting wood. 25. To Mr Kreagars to make hen roost. 26 same all day. 27. 28 all day got done</p> <p>May. 1 to Jim Ellers wokring at pantry. Same 2, + 3, 4 to Mr James papering dining room 5 Painting + papering 10 papered bedroom got done. 11 To Jim Ellers working at pantry 12 got done middle of after noon - splitting wood. 13 splitting wood drawing out manure at home. 15 Papering bedroom upstairs for ourselves 16 Took cattle to pasture. 17 At Miss Bonds papering some ceilings. 18 At John Hammonds papering parlor. 19 At Dunk Passels papering set out straw Bering{?} plants 20 Splitting wood 22 Splitting wood sowing mangols. 23 getting corn ready. 24 sowing corn planting potatoes. 25 Went to Galt plastering while working papering 26 To Oran Main putting on screen doors 27 Went to Hamilton to day. 28 Annie went to church. 29 Papering at alberts 30 Finished) {bracket here because lines started to bleed into each other} papering for Miss Drone. 31 Making screens for Oran Main</p> <p>june 1 Back to Kirkwall to induction 2 Papering at Alberts Papering at H. Whetham 3 finished screens at Oran Main's 5 fixing Baby Buggy. 6 To N. Culham started to tear down shed. 7 Working on shed. 8 working on shed. 9 started wall 10 Working at wall. 12, 13 14. Working at wall finished 15 Put on foundation 16 getting ready to build 17 Building in joice 19, 20 21 22 23 24 framing 26 framing 27. Raising 28 started to put on siding 29 same 30 roof Boards</p> <p>July 1 To Hamilton to Culham picnic 3. Cleaning our barn 4 At N. Culham put on roof boards {'put on' is above 'roof boards' as it didn't fit on the page} 5 Shingling 6 shingling + working at barn. 7. 8 working at barn 10 To Hamilton went to circus. 11, 12, 13 Working at barn. 14 Drawing hay from Truman 15 Picking berrie took to Galt 17 Picking berries 18 Took berries to Galt. 18 Working at Mr Kreagar 19 to Mr Geo Robb odd jobs. 20 Ceiling on stoop 21 Pickd Berries 24 Pick berries took to Galt 25 26 Went to Guelph farm picnic</p> </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5138bbed3314e7635163f4e2778509cf.pdf 45d4347c20c7f67b4a7be4ba232815c0 PDF Text Text 1 1890 January the 1st 1890 Jesus with me I started this New year out. To Desdemona's all day January the 2nd not much of anything this forenoon and to Galt for Lang this afternoon January the 3rd drawing straw for Lang from Mr. McQueen's all day. filled 2 ticks last night. 4 fixing my Sunday shoes this forenoon not much of anything this afternoon. 5 to Sunday school in the morning to Methodist Church at night. the 6th fixing a little wagon for Clevie. Jirden and I to Galt got a Bible for myself. January the seventh out to Desdemona's all day making sausage. Truman and I organized a Christian endeavour society. 8th started to school today my first day to school January the ninth to school all day, today snowing at night. 10th to school all day the 11th making a little wagon for Etta made a lid for a pot took Dexter over to Henry's. the 12th to Sunday school in the morning to church at night to the brethren. 13th to school today snowing some this afternoon. special meetings started. a little under the weather laying around all day the 15th not much of anything today just lying around. 16th not much of anything today but put a strap on my rubber 17th fixed my overshoe this mark this forenoon. Sam, Albert Truman Pa and uncle Johnson over to Henry's he had a little wood bee I was over too the 18th to Galt this forenoon traded chickens with Charles Lang 19th to quarterly meeting this morning to the United brethren Church at night. The 20th to school all day today to church at night 21 to school to last recess came home fixing my hen roost to Church at night 22nd to school all day today, to church at night 23rd to school all day today to church at night 24th to school til first recess to church til noon to school in the afternoon and to Church at night January 25th to Galt this alone this forenoon Mott chores doing Mott's chores because he is sick January 26th to Sunday school in the morning to the United Brethren Church at night 27 to school all day today to church at night January 28th to school all day today to church tonight 29 to school all day today no church at night January the 30th to school all day today 31 to school this forenoon and down to Lang's this afternoon help unloading cheese the Methodist League at night. �2 February 1st Saturday Truman and I shooting this forenoon splitting wood down to Mott's this afternoon. February the 2nd to Sunday school and church this morning to Methodist Church in night February the 3rd to school all day today skating at night with some others the fourth to school all day to first Christian endeavour society the 5th to school this forenoon took a load of cheese to Branchton. The 6th to school all day the seventh to school all day today. The 8th fixing a wheel in my rat cage shooting some this afternoon February the ninth Sunday to Sunday School in the morning to the Brethren Church at night. 10th went down to Bonds in the middle of the forenoon there the rest of the day. The 11th drawing wood to Galt for bonds all day 12th to a load of wood to Galt for Bond this forenoon fetched a load of lumber for uncle Charles February the 13th to school all day, to church at night 14th home this forenoon to school this afternoon fifteenth to Galt this ffor morn for bonds went down to Aaron Main's tonight after Jirden The 16th to Sunday school and church in the morning to the Methodist Church at night 17th to school all day today started to get up an entertainment 18th to school all day today to the Christian endeavour tonight the 19th to school all day 20th to school all day today 21 no school today out to Branchton to prayer-meeting at night 22nd helping Mr. Cochrane get ready for moving, all day 23rd to Sunday school in the morning to the brethren Church at night 24th to school today wrote a letter to Jacob Burley 25th to school today to Christian endeavour at night white rat had six young ones 26 to school did all day did got a letter from Jacob Burley 27th to school all day today to the Methodist to prayer-meeting at night 28 to school all day today bought a pair of Sunday shoes March the 1st back to Tom Wedge's and James Montgomery this forenoon not much of anything this afternoon. �3 March the 2nd to Sunday School and Church in the morning to the Methodist at night 3 to school today practicing for the entertainment. 4 to school all day today to the Christian endeavour at night getting ready for the entertainment March the 5th to school all day practicing the dialogues after 4 March 6th to school today practicing dialogues after four. 7th to school all day our entertainment tonight the House was full I was in 2 dialogues "story telling" and "how she made him propose" a recitation "the old man in the Palace car" made $17.10 March the 8th helped straightening up the school house til 10 went back to the swamp to help Albert the rest of the day March 9th to Sunday school in the morning to United brethren Church at night. 10th back to the swamp this forenoon to Uncle Davey's bee this afternoon. March 11th in this forenoon rating back to the swamp fetched a load of home Albert did Joseph Henry Culham's here tonight. 12th fixing my rat cage some putting a man on top traded my Endfield gun to Thomas Wedge for an oil cloth coat got 50¢ to boot March the 13th went over through the woods with the gun to prayer reading at night March the 14th fixing some at my rat cage. 15th went up to the credit valley station to meet Mott started to make a gunstock March the 16th to Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night March 17th working at my gunstock finished it and painted it 18th to Hamilton all day with Truman drove Laing's team got a suit of clothes March the 19th went out to Branchton this afternoon stayed all night March 20th come home from Branchton this morning got a poultry catalogue 21 making a reel to put a cord on to sail a kite this forenoon to Mr. Humphrey's cleaned up a load of oats and pitched on a load of hay March 22nd went back to Tom Wedge's over the woods this afternoon Mr. Richter gave us his woods to tap for nothing I ask him March 23rd to Sunday school in the morning and brethren Church at night 24 packing up crocks this forenoon tap this afternoon about 40 trees 25th boiled all day alone sap running good all day and all night boiled all night stayed alone until 8:00 father came over and stayed until half past 10 Truman came over father went home Truman and I stayed all night and all next day boiled all day 26th Truman and I got home at 8 o'clock and had a little over three gals March 27th made a kite this forenoon over to the woods this afternoon Truman and I boiling stayed til 3:00 in the morning snowing and blowing most careful come home at 3 in the morning 28 snowing and blowing all day started to make a pair of water proof stockings I drug some boards for a shanty in the sugar bush 29 went over and made a shanty in the woods Truman and I 30 reorganized the Sunday school to the UB Church in the morning and the Methodist Church at night 31 Truman and I boiling all day over to the woods at last the last day Truman helped me boiling alone. �4 April 1st boiling alone this afternoon father came over this afternoon home at 5. 2 helping Henry cut straw til 4 gathered the sap tonight did not boil today 3 father and I boiled all-day 4 went over to the woods in the middle of forenoon Albert and I boiled til near night the fifth went down to Davie Smith's for Elmira's hymn book went over to the woods and gathered the sap fixed a different arch 6 no Sunday school this morning to the Methodist Church to the brethren church at night April 7th started to boil at 10:00 boiled all alone today got an 8 qt. pail near full. home about half past five. sap near stopped. eight went over to Ricker's helped split wood about 10:00. for the use of his wood to the Christian endeavour 9 split wood til 4 got through went to Branchton after Jirden. through to Mr. Rickers helped one-and-a-half days 10 not much of anything all day. went over to the woods gathered the sap 11 went over to the woods and boiled. boiled home at noon. taffy off this afternoon 12th Jirden and I went after barks for to boil. went over and gathered the sap 13th to Sunday School in the morning to the Methodist Church at night 14th boiled this forenoon gathered the crocks into the shanty this afternoon the sap getting raspy 15 fetched the crocks home this forenoon went back to the swamp. Albert fetched out a load of wood to Bonds. broke the tongue 16th helped Bonds cleanup some barley for Henry's seed in the morning. to Cooley's sale this afternoon 17 went fishing down the creek snared six nice ones home after dinner nothing the rest of the day went to Tom McB???igns drawing the disc harrow all-day stayed there all night 19 picking stones a while this morning driving the dish harrow until noon rolling this afternoon home tonight 20th to Sunday school in the morning and Church the United Brethren Church at night 21 laying around at Henry's this forenoon ploughing for him this afternoon 22 ploughing all-day Sage Johnson and I with two teams 23rd ploughed three rounds then sowed barley til noon with the drill ploughed this afternoon 24 ploughed til four-o'clock sowed with the drill until night 25 finished sowing and dragged some til noon dragged til 4 this afternoon ploughed until night 26 ploughed all day till four o'clock rain came rained came home then 27 to Sunday School and Church in the morning to the church at night 28 Henry and I took his sow to Sweets ploughing the rest of the day 29 ploughing til 8 rain stopped for a while finished near night dragged til night the 30th dragging til near night came home and took Desdemona home. Henry's mare had a colt last night. �5 May the 1st moving two stone piles filling up the well picking stones the rest of the day Sage Johnson and I. May the second drawing rails from Studiman's Sage Johnson and I for Henry the third drawed one load of rails and one of stones to put under fence Sage and I building fence May the fourth to Sunday school in the morning to the United brethren church at night the fifth to Albert Bonds drawed some manure ploughed his lot May the 6th helping Henry move out to the shop fetched one load out in the forenoon and one in the afternoon building fence all rest of the time May the 7th Elmira and I to Galt this forenoon over to Henry's this afternoon drawed a load of dirt moved some of his apple trees. May the eighth to Henry's today with Albert Bond bought me a double barrelled gun Friday the 9th took Jirden's horse went over to Henry's got his wagon and drawing manure on Cocker's place for potatoes May the 10th over to the wagon shop took the wagon home and Dexter 11 Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night 12 George Steel and I went shooting and fishing down the creek home near night 13 around the shop til near night helped Albert Bond put on a load of wood 14 to Galt for bonds this forenoon with wood fishing this afternoon with George Steel 15 out to Destes this forenoon ploughing for ourselves down on Cochran's place 16 Rosa and I down planting potatoes for a while down to the creek fishing and shooting shot a something and had on my water proof stockings 17th down to the wagon shop mother and I made a gun bag 18 to Sunday School in the morning and Church to the Methodist at night Orery preached 19th down to Albert Bonds digging out an apple tree this forenoon to Galt this afternoon. 20th not much of anything cleaned out my revolver getting ready for off. 21st got on the train for Thedford got there at 2:00 stayed all all night at Uncle John's 22 Wib and I went for a walk up the rail road track come to Fort Franks with the mail 23rd fishing to the lake all day did not catch very many 24th fishing until 4:00 to the lake fishing with hook and line along the River 25th Jacob and I took a walk to the big sand hill went over to Mr. Stubb's in the afternoon May 26th fishing all day to the lake with the same-a lot of people over to the beach May 27 not fishing today shot a wild duck and caught a big black bass shooting the rest of the day. 28 th fishing all day over to the lake with this thing May 29 fishing all day over to the lake with the seine shot a wild duck tonight the 30th fishing all day hauled three times today caught quite a lot of fish May the 31st fishing today to the lake made two hauls. �6 June 1st took a walk over to the beach David here went up the river with a piece with David June second-made one haul this fishing and hunting this afternoon June the 3rd fishing all day to the lake, caught a lot of herring got two golden slumbers June 4th cleaning fish and salting them Will Stubbs and I trolling the River the fifth made one haul planted two rows of corn hauled again sixth cleaning fish for a while come back cleaned and salted some more at night 7 to rough the fish went with uncle for the roses took my gun came back cleaned it up put up the duck tent The 8th over to Mr. Stubbs for dinner to the free Methodist Church in the afternoon back for night June the 9th fishing today to the lake made three hauls caught a lot of pickerel 10 planting corn and beans this forenoon made one half caught near nothing June 11 helped get two colts across the river this forenoon went with uncle down the river and back through the woods 12 1/2 this forenoon two til night 1 after dark home at 12 June the 13 made one haul cleaned the fish made another half cleaned all the fish 14 washed and salted some fish started to make a haul too rough the Boat swamped reeled up went up the beach miles for another boat walked half up all the way back 15 Aunt Jackie Miss Brown Miss Hazelwood and I went to Stoney Point took our dinner home at night 16th made one half Bill got sick packed half barrel of fish for me and packed up my clothes 17 I walked out to Thedford carried my gun got my dinner at Aunt Sally's went to Point Edward stayed to Stephen Burley's all night June the 18th looking around Port Edwards went to Sarnia, Port Huron and Fort granted and then back to Nelson Burley's all night 19 started for home this morning came to Branchton walked home tonight 20th took a walk over to Henry's got home to Jirden's horse went to Branchton after Mother and up to port league 21st fixing a screen on the front Albert and I fishing to the millpond June the 22nd to Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night Dougall's farewell June 23rd on the road working for Tom Cornell spreading gravel uncle Charles and I down by the elm trees 24 working on the roads spreading gravel got through June 25th over to Henry's sowing turnips and hoeing mangles this afternoon 26 over to Henry's this forenoon Hoeing mangles not much of anything this afternoon 27 hoeing thistles out of our potatoes on Cochran's farm fishing Clevey's father and I down to the millpond 28 made a frame for our window screen down to the mill pond for a swim 29 to Sunday school in the morning to the United brethren church at night the 30th to Albert Bonds in the forenoon hoeing potatoes and white washing hen roost to Peter Humphrey's hoeing potatoes. �7 July the first to Albert Bonds 3 quarters of a day shingling for a swim tonight July the 2nd to Peter Humphrey's hoeing potatoes all day to Clyde at night Varley Bond and I. July the third hoeing potatoes all day for Peter Humphrey. July the fourth hoeing potatoes got through Paris raining this afternoon. July the 5th scuffling potatoes til noon Paris grading a while scuffling the rest of the day the sixth to quarterly meeting in the morning to Sunday school convention in the afternoon to church tonight to the Methodist Church the seventh scuffling potatoes in the forenoon ploughing summer fallow this afternoon the 8th ploughing all day in the summer fallow. 9 ploughing this forenoon horse raking and cocking up fetched in one load the 10th ploughing this forenoon picking up hay this afternoon drawed in four loads 11 ploughing this forenoon brought in three loads, horse raking after supper the 12th pitching on all day drawed in seven loads 13th to the Sunday School in the morning to brethren Church at night 14 ploughing all day finished the summer fallow 15th cutting hay by hand around the fence horse raking a while drawing in some slept in the wagon shop 16 drawing all day today Simon and I slept in the wagon shop 17th drawing in this forenoon rain not much of anything mowing with the scythe and shook out some hay drawing in this afternoon drawing in this forenoon horse raking and drawing in 20th to Clyde Rosa and I to church to the Methodist Church at night 21 drawed in three loads Simon and I cutting around fence corners this afternoon 22nd horse raking and cocking up took in 1 load Walt Smith's helping drawed in three loads horse raking 23rd Walter Smith and drawing in all day loading and pitching off all day. 24 helped spooling some warm. rain some to Mr. Humphrey's drawing in this afternoon back to the cedar swamp picking up berries til 3:00. George Steele I and I over to the woods with their guns the 26 went down to Bonds at 9:00 shocking up all day 27 to Sunday school in the morning and Methodist Church and the brethren Church at night 28 back to the cedar swamp picking berries home at 3:00 29 to Albert Bond's shingling all day his hen roost 30th to Bonds til noon drawing in barley rained not much of anything 31 went to Bonds about nine o'clock there the rest of the day drawing in wheat. �8 August 1st over to Henry's drawing in all-day got in his barley, the second back to the swamp picking berries home at noon brought in some hay August the 3 rd to Sunday School and Church in the morning to the Methodist church at night August the 4th over to Henry's this forenoon drawing in wheat rain not much of anything August the 5th not much of anything went to Bond's ploughing this afternoon. August the 6th to bonds all day ploughing August the 7th to Bonds ploughing all day got through. 8 over to Henry's all day drawing in wheat 9 shocking up wheat this afternoon pitched on two loads of hay took one to Mr. Moore's. 10 to Sunday School to the brethren church at night 11th made a box for my rats to Mr. Humphrey's this afternoon drawing in wheat. August the 12th to Mr. Humphrey's all day horse raking drawed in two loads drawing in all afternoon the 13th thrashing to Mr. Humphrey's this forenoon out to Branchton on a bicycle 14 not much of anything put on some braid on my collar. 15 George Steele and I shooting all-day shot a rabbit 16 to Galt with Frank Bond got home at four o'clock 17 to Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night August 18th pitched a load of hay bound around a wheat field threshing to Uncle Dave's for Mr. Humphrey 19 to Uncle Dave's this forenoon thrashing to Will Coverdale's this afternoon thrashing for Mr. Humphrey 20th pitched on a load of hay shocking up til six pitched on another load 21 cleaning up wheat this forenoon rain wrote a letter to Lizzie Burley 22 down on the summer fallow dragging all-day 23rd to Smith Willard's George Tilney away cultivating til 3:00 rolling til night 24 to Sunday School to the brethren church at night. 25th down to David Smith drawed in three loads of oats and eight loads of peas pitched on a load of hay ploughing the rest of the day 26 pitching on a load of hay ploughing the rest of the day. 27 pitched on a load of hay over to Mr. Hattrick's thrashing drawing in oats this afternoon 28 pitched on a load of hay ploughing the rest of the day. 29 thrashing to Jack Gerard's this forenoon drawing in oats this afternoon. August the 30th sorry Witherspoon and I down to his place all-day. �9 September the 1st ploughing all day pitched on a load of hay 2 dragging til fouro'clock rolling the rest of the day. three finished rolling dragging until near night pitched on a load of hay 4 rolling til eleven dragging til near night pitched on a load of hay 5 digging and pitching up potatoes digging and picking up potatoes down to the summer fallow finished dragging pitching on a load of hay September the 6th to Albert Bonds painting fence all day. September the seventh to Sunday school in Methodist Church in the morning the brethren church at night September 8 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day. 9 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day to endeavour at night 10th to Mr. Lang's helping digging the well 11 rain today painted over my gunstock fixed my shot bag and fixed my shoe. 12th helping Walter Smith take down an old House. to Peter Humphrey's clean up wheat. 13 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day 14 to Sunday school and Brethren Church in the morning to church at night. 15 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day 16 to Albert bonds painting fence this forenoon. Rain. made a nail saw and flag-pole. 17 to Albert Bonds painting finished and fixed his pump. 18 down helping Walter Smith raise the house. 19 down to Walter Smith shingling til the middle of the afternoon come home fixed picnic wagons 20th to the picnic to the lake all-day hired a boat had Maggie Milroy for a girl she came home with me at night 21st to Sunday school in Methodist Church in the morning to church at night 22 down to Walter Smith's finished shingling putting on siding 23 over to Henry's for a walk took Elmira down to Rockton up to endeavour took Maggie Milroy home. 24 down to Hamilton show took Maggie Milroy down Albert and Aggie down to get our pictures taken had a good time was my birthday. 25 down to Smith Willard's drawing out manure this forenoon setting up buckwheat 26 drawing out manure all day came home with Maggie Milroy. 27drawing out the manure all day got it all out 28 to Sunday school to the Methodist Church at night come home with Maggie Milroy. 29 started to dig potatoes digging and picking up all day. 30 digging and picking up all day to endeavour at night with Ethers after come home with Maggie Milroy �10 October the first digging potatoes and picking up all day the second digging and picking up potatoes all day the third rain today not much of anything digging some potatoes to home 4 ploughing this forenoon digging and picking potatoes this afternoon October 5 to Sunday school in the morning and Church at night the 6th threshing this forenoon cutting bands. Rain. went down to Walter Smith's lathing this afternoon the seventh thrashing all-day cutting bands got through 8 tinkering around a little at home 9 started to make a box for show for chickens to Uncle Davie's threshing this afternoon 10 to Joseph Ricker's thrashing all-day October the 11th went to Galt with Frank Bond walked home fixing up show box for chickens this afternoon October 12th to quarterly meeting to the Methodist Church at night 13th fixing my rat cage went to George Ricker's to thrash for Henry October the 14th to Rockton Show all-day got one first prize on blacks Spanish 15 Albert and I to Galt got some presents for Elmira fixing tables for the wedding Elmira and Walter Smith got married about half past six had a good time I gave her a hanging lamp October the 13th, back to Freelton Show all-day had Len Smith lack rain in the afternoon had a good time 17th took Albert up near Branchton for work. washed Jirden's buggy took Henry home this afternoon put tin on the eaves-trough 18 to Galt this forenoon come home with John Ricker went out this afternoon with mother and Rosa 19 no Sunday school it rained to church in the afternoon no church at night 20 down to Walter Smith's mixing mortar and plastering all day 21 down to Walter Smith plastering got 1st coat on and part of next. to endeavour at night 22 to Bonds pulling mangles this forenoon drawing in this afternoon 23 finished drawing in mangles ploughing til noon. Rained. packing apples this afternoon 24 went to Rockton a horse back fixed my shoes put on a piece of bottom in the buggy down to W Smith for a ride 25 went to Bond's wagon in the morning down ploughing the rest of the day 26 to Sunday school was secretary. to church in the afternoon to the Methodist Church at night 27 not much of anything all day down to Walter Smith to see the plaster October 28th down to Bonds ploughing all day to endeavour at night 29 to Bonds husking corn this forenoon ploughing this afternoon October the 30th to Galt with Walter Smith after the stove went around by Branchton 31 down to Walter Smith's cleaning the House all-day �11 November the 1st thrashing for Walter Smith down to Mr. Sweet 2 to Sunday school in the morning to the brethren church at night 3 making moldings of made a picture frame wrote a letter to Lizzie Burley November 4 thrashing over to Henry's all day cutting bands to endeavour at night 5 threshing to Henry's a little while this morning Truman and I went to Galt got our pictures taken got beagle and mine taken. sixth shooting all day shot one pheasant the first one shot. seven down to Walter Smith's painting the house all day November the 8th to Galt show the middle of the afternoon bought and some tools for to go to the shop went down and finished painting 9 in all-day til night went to the Methodist Church November the 10th fixed a damper and a wood grate not much of anything this afternoon 11th went over to Henry's for the workbench put it up this forenoon working in the shop this afternoon boring out sleigh runners and mounting them 12th putting sleigh knees and benches together cutting tenons and knees slipping out raver by the band saw November the 13th plating raves this forenoon-to Mr. Humphrey's sale this afternoon 14 finished planing the raves fitting on the two raves 15th made a machine drawer plastering under the wood shed November the 16th to Sunday School in the morning was secretary the last Sunday of school to Methodist Church at night November the 17th making molding for picture frames made two picture frames 18 down to Witherspoon's sale Truman and I all-day 19 planing and marking out stakes shaving off the ends of pollsters 20th painting some spokes in the wheels planing and ripping out circle boards put a crosspiece in the back saw 21 ripping with the band saw this forenoon turning chisel handles 22 painted a sleigh and tongue this forenoon ripped out two reaches by hand and planed them 23 to the brethren church in the morning to the Methodist church at night. 24 planed a tongue this fornoon painted a tongue and two reaches 25 back to a sale near Clyde but did not buy anything to endeavour at night 26 pouring and chiseling out benches this forenoon to Galt for Walter some lathe home marley pouring benches and chiseling them 27 putting knees and benches together made a whippletree this afternoon 28 boring out and chiseling sleigh runners went down to Mott's but did not stay long boring and chiseling raves 29 made a hog trough this forenoon and painted one front bob sleigh 30th in all-day til night went to brethren church �12 December the first started to school today my first day to second to school all day today led the prayer meeting at night 3 to school today, then down after the cutter at night 4 to school all day practicing dialogues for the entertainment to the Methodist Church prayer meeting December 5th to Galt home about 2:00 went over in the bush to hunt but did not get anything got our pictures taken to Galt December the sixth fixing my little gun this forenoon hunting all afternoon December 7th to quarterly meeting in the morning to the Methodist Church at night December 8th to school all day making a turn lathe nights and mornings 9 to school all day to endeavour at night 10 to school all day fixing my turn lathe at night December the 11th took MacPherson's horse Varley and I went back to the swamp got a Christmas tree to school after in the afternoon December the 12th to school all-day examinations this afternoon to it up to league 13 fixing at my turn lathe all day 14 to Methodist Church in the morning to the brethren at night 15 to school all day today 16 out to Branchton this forenoon went out with Wat Smith gave me bills out for our entertainment. met entertainment Albert and I went out for a little hunt. to endeavour at night December 17th to school all day today practicing dialogues for the entertainment 18 Sally Dean Moore Olive Humphrey and Rosa and I to Galt to get the teacher a present got a rocking chair and album not much of anything this afternoon practicing dialogues at night December the 19th to Galt all of us to get our group taken to school tying on prizes and other stuff practicing dialogues entertainment tonight and Christian Christmas tree up on the platform all the time made $18.90 December the 20th helped cleaning out the school house after the entertainment fixing a little on my turn lathe 21st to the brethren church in the morning to the Methodist Church at night 22 out to Branchton bought a colt for $25 brought Mr. McPherson's cow down to take it to Stoney Creek 23rd took Mr. McPherson's cow to Stoney Creek started at 6:00 got to Hamilton at quarter to one got my dinner, got my picture taken left in two hours got to Stoney Creek about 5:00 got our supper at his wife's mother's and stayed all night. walked all the way 24 started from Stoney Creek at half past ten got our dinner at Bullock's Corners got home about 4 o'clock 25 Christmas today John and Desty and family Henry and Henry out too had turkey and pudding 26th Albert and I to the swamp to see if we could get it up to Hugh Mulholland to see his stock. to Henry Bonds to get a job cutting wood 27 cutting wood this forenoon. Pa Albert and I home this afternoon fixing at my turn lathe this afternoon 28 in all-day reading a little. to the brethren church at night. 29 went up to Henry's Bonds to cut wood up all day. 30 cutting wood all-day to endeavour at night 31st raining a little and foggy. frost all over the trees fixing at my turn lathe a little this forenoon cutting wood this afternoon. signed S. Sylvester Main Sheffield Ontario 1890 � 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 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 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 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1890 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2b721eeaa9f47eaedde0788aabbd998b.pdf 0eac19154f80a68a9faa32cd5066cf3b https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/e226fe56a8e0efd17b317277869f46f2.pdf 207de654fb05c98a8ea0e21b45b688bc 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 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 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 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1893 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> <div class="toc"> <div class="toctitle"> <h2>Contents</h2> <span class="toctogglespan"></span></div> <ul><li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#1893"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">1893</span></a> <ul><li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Jan"><span class="tocnumber">1.1</span> <span class="toctext">Jan</span></a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Feb"><span class="tocnumber">1.2</span> <span class="toctext">Feb</span></a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Mar"><span class="tocnumber">1.3</span> <span class="toctext">Mar</span></a></li> </ul></li> </ul></div> <h2><span class="mw-headline">1893</span></h2> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Jan</span></h3> <p>1. To Church in morning to Sunday School in afternoon Mr Hammonds for tea. Went to St George Church at night 2 We all went to John McDonald's for New Year's dinner 3 Cutting out same trimming for cutter to Mr Samuel Grummetts to track horses. To church at night 4 Working at Truman's cutter cushion stuffing it. To Church. 5 Trimming my cutter. To church at night 6 Working at mine &amp; Truman's cutters. Prowed down a load of hay 7 Truman and I drove to John Gerrards, Drove back to Samuel Grummetts. Traded horses with him. Got a sorl horse. 8 To Church in morning Truman &amp; I went for a drive with both horses. To Brethern church at night. 9 Started to school. Drove to Branchton for Ella Band after 4 o'clock. 10 To school all day. To church at night. 11 To school all day To church at night 12 To school till last recess. Drove my colt to church at night. 13. Back to swamp to help Albert. To church at night. 14 To Galt. Ella Bond went with me. hitched up my colt. 15 To church in morning to Methodist church at night. 16 Varnishing my cutter. To church at night. 17 Not much of anything 18 Drove to Troy to buy some wood did not get any. 19. Jirden &amp; I went to John Harvies to work at cow stable putting in manger plank 20 Putting in stalls and sleepers. 21 Laying stall floor near all day home at night 22 To church. Rosa &amp; I went to John Patricks this aft. 23 Went to Harvey's boarding up in front of cow stalls 24 finished got home near noon. 25 Went to the swamp with Truman all day 26 Drawing out wood for Truman 27 Not much this forenoon To George Main's bee this aft, Got two coons. 28 To Galt. Not much of anything 29 No church this morning to Methodist church at night 30 Back to swamp cutting wood for Smith Willard 31 To swamp all day.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Feb</span></h3> <p>1 To swamp all day cutting wood. 2 To swamp part of day got through 3 Truman and I to swamp cutting for ourselves 4 To Galt 5 To church morning and night 6 Stormed today. 7 Drawed a load of wood from swamp for Varley 8 Drawing wood for Varley all day. 9 Drawing wood all day 10 Stormed made a whip holder 11 Ella Bond and I to Galt got our pictures taken. 12 To church in morning to Methodist church at night 13 Bought some wood of Jack Jimeson. Wat, Truman, uncle John and I went back to cut wood 14 Drawing out of the swamp all day 15 Went to Smith Willards to try to get his sleighs 16 Drawed load out of swamp. fetched load home for Bonds 17 Fetched load home for Varley. To Walters bee this afternoon. 18 Went back and drawed the rest out of the swamp 19 To church in morning to Bond's this afternoon 20 Drove down to Charley Johnsons. Drove to Galt for Frank Bond. 21 Reading some to day Not much of anything. 22 Made a jaw for spring trap. made a key for stable lock. To church at night. 23 Helping unpack a crate of dishes. Down to Bonds. Went to Branchton at night. 24 Walter Smith and I drove down to Mr David Smith Wat bought a colt 25 Clipping my horses legs to trim them up. 26. To church in morning. Varley Bond &amp; I went to Galt church at night. 27. Not much of anything - stormed today 28 Helping Wat Smith draw some straw from Aron Mains. I got the lend of his team to draw my wood</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Mar</span></h3> <p>1 Drawing my wood to John Steel all day 2 Drawing my wood got it all done. 3 Truman &amp; I drawed some wood 4 Drove Jirdan to Preston then to Golt and home. 5 To Methodist church in morning. Varley Bond and I to Galt to hear conductor Snider. 6 Digging out implements for Bonds. 7 Splitting wood for uncle John to Trumans and Wats bee this aft. 8 Helping uncle John split wood all day. 9 Helping Truman &amp; Wat split wood 10 Went to split wood but did not get in swamp. 11 Took a little hunt but did not get anything. 12 To Brethern church in morning to Methodist church at night 13 Working at buggy wheels. to 14 Working at buggy wheels to Willie Mains bee 15 To Bonds working, To Branchton for Frank Bond 16 Got horse shod to Bond's Sale. 17 Sharpened saw for John Hammond.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <div class="toc"> <div class="toctitle"> <h2>Contents</h2> <span class="toctogglespan"></span></div> <ul><li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#1893"><span class="tocnumber">1</span> <span class="toctext">1893</span></a> <ul><li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Mar"><span class="tocnumber">1.1</span> <span class="toctext">Mar</span></a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Apr."><span class="tocnumber">1.2</span> <span class="toctext">Apr.</span></a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#May"><span class="tocnumber">1.3</span> <span class="toctext">May</span></a></li> </ul></li> </ul></div> <h2><span class="mw-headline">1893</span></h2> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Mar</span></h3> <p>Truman + I drawed a little load of hay. To Bond's bee 19 To church To Brethern church at night 20 Took Ella Bond to Branchton station she went to Brantford 21 Cutting wood for James Keachie all day Paw, Albert and I 22. Settling up with Albert Bond and Miss Bond Varley and I went up to Sam Hammels to see incubator. 23 Sand papering my buggy. fixed my halter Went to woods 24 Took Miss Bond to Branchton station. Piling wood. Went to cheese meeting. 25 To Galt. piling wood. 26. To church. Went for a horse back ride to church at night. 27. Sand papering buggy + painted it 28 Working at Mr Coopers buggy box and painted it. 29 Same. 30 Went to Point Edward. Truman drove me to Galt {circled} Train? Went to Stephen Burley's 31 Sizzie {scribble} + I went to Sarnia to Port Huron got our pictures taken.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Apr.</span></h3> <p>I went to Mary Burley's. Albert Potter +I got on an Engine and went down to the tunnel. To Stephen Burleys 2 Stephen Burley and I took a walk. Stayed Stephen Burely's a;; day. Sizzie andI went to church then went to Mary's. 3 Albert Potter + I went across the river and come through the tunnel. I come to Thedford, went to Uncle John's stayed all night{in cursive} 4 To Thedford. started for home got home at night. 5 Putting my buggy box sand papering some. 6 To Aaron Main's all day painting 7 Painting my buggy shafts and sandpapering some. 8. Truman + I drawing hay and straw. 9 To church. Truman + I went for a drive in aft. to Methodist church at night 10 Jirden and I went to Galt over to John Sager's to taffy off at night. 11 To Aron Main's painting all day. To Endeavor at night 12. sand papering. Painled ceiling in bedroom. 13 Went out after Destimona. Painted my buggy To John Steels sawing wood. Went down to David Smiths for taffy. 14 To Aron Main's took leather off shaves and painted them 15. Sand papered my buggy and painted it. Truman and I got some hay rom Henry - drawed it. 16 To Methodist church. Varely + I went to Galt Church at night. stopped to the Endeavor. 17 Pattying my buggy. Made a cover for the back of Mr Cooper's buggy 18 Took my buggy cushion to pieces. Went to Aron Main to paint. To Endeaver at night 19 Finished Mr Cooper's buggy. Made some grafting - wax father + I grafting some. helping Wat split some wood. 20 sand papering my buggy.Pulling in some glass for Albert Bond. 21 Fixing buggy cushion. Painting my buggy 22 Went to Galt. 23 Organized Sunday School. To Church. Drove up to Unlce Alicks for tea. Went to KNox church at night 24. Went to Galt with Varely fethced home a load of shingles. painted my buggy. 25. Took job shingling Bond's house shingled all day. 26 Shingled till noon - painted my buggy. 27 Went to Bine Bennetts sale then went to Aron Main's finished painting. 28 Fixing my buggy cushion. droveMisses Bond to Galt. 29 Making window frame for our house. Down to Aaron Main's to chair practice at night. 30 Varley Bond + I went to Brantford to-day come home at night. drove my horse.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">May</span></h3> <p>1 Painted my bugy. 2 Put a window in the end of our house- going to make two bedrooms. 3 Went to Galt after Frank Bond. To Aunt Rachel's funeral. 4 Out a door in our upstairs. moved one. 5 Studding up for partition through our upstairs for two bed rooms. 6. Shot Mr. Rickers dog. Lathing upstairs in our house. Father + I cutting some lath on Henry's bandsaw. 7 Etherlinda and I to Galt to Mr Bruces all day 8 Putting wash boards on upstairs Jirden and I went fishing down the creek. I snared 3 suckers and one pike. 9 Fitting a door for upstairs. Went down to Joseph Richers and then to John Carrains to see about pasture. 10 Hung a door on my bedroom upstairs. Went down to Smith Willards harrowing all afternoon. 11 Made my bedstead narrower. Fixing some wheels in Henry's shop 12 Went fishing home at night caught 116 fish 13 to Albert Bonds fixing over his horses. To William McClares raising. 14 To S.S + church in the morning SS in aft. to brethern church at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1893</span></h3> <p>May. 15. Started to work in the factory, Got out at 3 o'clock Will Frier + I went fishing. 16 In factory all day out at 3 o'clock. Painted my room at night 17, 18, 19 20 Worked in factory all day. 21. SS in aft. Varley and I went to Galt church 22 In Cheese factory all day made 11 cheeses 23 Got a lot at three o'clock made 8 cheeses to Endeavor at night. 24 factory all day got out at 5 o'clock. 25. Got out at 4 o'clock made 8 cheeses. made two drawers for a table in my room. 26, 27 In factory all day. 28. S.S. and Church. SS in aft. Brethern church at night. 29 In factory 30 In factory down at Watt Smith's at night 31 In factory all day.</p> <p>June. 1 In factory all day. 2 factory then SS choir practice at night. 3 In factory got out in good time 4. S.S. + Church in morning. to brickschool to Sabbeth School. To methodist church at night. 5 In factory all day made 15 cheeses to day. 6 in factory made 13 cheess. To Christian Endeavor at night. 7 In factory all day. kicking football at night. 8 In factory all day. Out in good time. 9 In the factory all day to S.S choir practice at night 10 In factory all day. 11 To SS and church in the morning SS in the aft. To Brethern Church at night. 12 In factory all day. Mr Humphrey helping us this aft. Made 16 cheeses. 13 In factory all day to Endeavor at night. 14 In factory all day. 15 In factory all day. Got a bicycle from Hamilton on trial. 16 In factory. Fixing my bicycle at night 17 In factory all day. 18 S.S in morning and chuch at night. 19. Made Seventeen cheeses had three vats 20 In factory all day to Christian Endeavor at night 21 In factory all day 22 In factory. Went up to Little Corners to Strawberry festival. - went on bicycle. 23 Factory all day. 24 Same 25 To S.S. Varley Bond and I went for a bicycle ride. 26. In factory - made sixteen cheese. 27 In factory to Christian Endeavor at night. 28, 29, 30, In factory all day</p> <p>July. 1 In factory all day. Did not go to picnic. Started to make a Trouth {can't quite make out the letters to this word} to pack eggs in. 2 SS and Brethern church. Mr Bell from Dayton preached. 3. Made seventeen cheese. Mr Humphrey helped up to Strawberry festival at night on Mr Green's lawn. 4 Got up early working at my troth this morning + night In the factory all day 5. made thirteen cheese 6 made twelve cheese. 7 In factory all day. 8 In factory. Went to Galt on bicycle. 9 To SS and church in morning. Drove down to SS in aft. To Brethern Church at night. 10 Made fifteen cheese and boxed 150 cheeses Over to Mr Moor's at night. A girl from Dundas was there 11. In factory. To Christian Endeavor at night. I was leader for to night. 12. In factory all day. Went over to Mr Moor's at night 13 In factory. packing eggs. went to prayer meeting. 14 in factory all day. To Alberts Bonds at night. Sarah Moore and Miss Korigan from Dundas was there. 15 In factory out in good time. Went back after our horses. 16 Varley + I got Billy Chambers bicycle. We went to Hamilton got home at night went to church. 17. In factory got the milk in two vats to day. 18 Factory all day to Endeavor at night. 19 Factory - mdade eleven cheeses to-day. 20 In factory all day . 21. In factory all day. To choir practice at night went to Mr Moore's after practice. 22 In factory all day 23 S.S + church in morning. To SS in aft. Took Sarah Moore Maggie Robinson, Minnie and Ida Engllheart and Etherlinda for a drive in afternoon. 24 In factory made thirteen cheeses. Helped shock up Mr Keachies wheat at night. 25 In factory all day. To Endeavor at night 26 In factory all day. Down to Aron Mains to see Oscar about going to Toronto. 27 In factory all day. Drove to Troy to see John Gerrard about working in the factory. 28 Factory all day. Choir practice at night in the church. 29 Oscar went on boat came back at night. 30 To church in morning SS in aft. To Methodist church at night 31 Made twelve cheeses.</p> <p>Aug 1 In factory to day to Endeavor at night. 2 In factory all day. Down to John Hammonds to practice for S.S. 3 In factory. Went over to Henry's to hoe some popatoes for him. 4 In factory choir practice at night. 5 At factory all day Wat's into at night Oscar and {seems to run out of space on the page}</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1893</span></h3> <p>Aug. 6. To S.S + church. To S.S in aft. Went to Aaron Mains for tea. Went to Brethern church at night. 7 In factory all day. Over to Henry's hoeing mangols 8. Factory all day Endeavor at night. 9 In factory all day To Henry's hoeing. 10 Factory all day. Working at buggy box at night . 11 factory all day. To Mrs' Patricks to practice for S.S. singing. 12 In factory all day. Oscar + I went to Galt We both hired a buggy for Sunday. 13 a quartely meeting in the Brethern chary. Oscar Truman Jirden and I drove down to the Sulphur Springs all had a girl. Sarah Jane Moore went with me. 14 Factory all day. Oscar + I took our buggies back to Galt tonight. 15 Factory to day to Endeavor at night. 16 Factory to day. Down to Aron Main's to practice singing. {17 is written in the margin and then arrowed in} Factortory. To Brethern church at night Mr. Bell preached. 18 Factory all day. choir practice at night. 19 factory. Mr. Frier went away. In aft. Father was helping me. 20 S.S. and to Methodist church. To S.S. convention in aft. to brick school house. Varely + I went to Galt church. 21Father + I running the factory. Mr. Frier got home near night. We made 10 cheeses. 22. factory to day Endeavor at night. 23 In factory all day. Drove down to Mr Patricks to get a Song Book. 24 factory all day to Methodist prayer meeting at night. 25 Varely Bond James Moffatt, James main and I went to the Falls to day. Went to Toronto on the train took the boat to Queenstan and electric railway to falls. Met Minnie Elgilheart cam home with her on the boat to Toronto 26. Factory all day. 27 Methodist church in the morning. James Moffatt + I went to Dundas this aft. 28 In factory all day rained aft. and night 29. Factory all day to Endeavor at night. 30 Factoryall day. Truman + I drawed a load of straw at night. 31 Factory all day Drove Destimona home at night.</p> <p>Sept. 1 In factory all day. To choir practice at night 2 Factory all day. Watr and I drove to Galt at night 3 S.S. in morning. To S.S. in aft.Varley + I went to Galt church at night. 4. Factory all day. Drove down to Troy to see Milford Chapman - bought a buggy from him. 5. Factory all day. Endeavor at night 6 Factory all day. Etherlinde and I went to Galt at night 7 Factory all day. Willie Ward Truman + I went after a buggy I bought down in Troy 8 Factoryto S.S. choir practice at night 9. Factory all day. Willie Ward + I to choir practice 10.. To S.S and church in morning. Varely and I went to Hamilton to Robinson's for tea met another young lady there. 11 In factory all day made then cheese to day. 12 In factory all day to Endeavor at night. 13 Factory all day to Galt at night 14 In factory all day out at four o'clock Took my buggy to pieces. 15 Factory all day got out at half past three. To S.S. choir practice. 16 Factory all day. To Wats to choir practice 17 S.S. and church in morning/ To S.S. in aft Varley Bond + I went to Galt church at night 18 Factory all day. To S.S. association of North Dumfries at night 19. Factory all day to Endeavor at night 20. Factory all day. Drawed a load of hay to night. 21 Factory all day To prayer meeting at night 22 Factory all day to S.S. choir practice at night 23 Factory all day. Pulling atop on my buggy. 24 To SS + church in the morning to S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at ngith 25 Factory. To Mr Greeen's to practice a piece for entertainment. 26 Factory. To Endeavor at night 27 Factory all Endeavor at night day. 28 Factory all day. Practicing for entertainment. 29 Factory all day. To entertainment in Brethern church got up by the S.S. choir Willie Ward went home to day. 30 Factory all day</p> <p>Oct. 1 S.S. a Methodist church in morning Varley and I to branchton church To Galt church at night Went home with Miss Elliot 2 In factory all day made eleven cheess. Wrote a letter to Maude Crumby. 3 Factory all day To Endeavor at night. 4 In factory all day. 5 Drove Miss Frier to Galt this forenoon in factory this afternoon. 6 Varley Bond + I went to Galt show today. 7 Factory all day 8 To S.S. and church in the morning Varley Bond and I went to Galt church 9 In factory all day. 10 Factor all day to Endeavor at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1893</span></h3> <p>Oct. 11 To Rockton Show today did not make cheese to-day 12 In factory all day. Oscar Main came here to night 13 oscar Main and i went to Freelton Show stayed all day. 14 Drove Oscar up to Waterloo - got my pictures take. Stayed at Mr Staffers all night. 15 Drove one of the girls to Berlin church this morning To Mr Staffers all day. Drove home at night came to Galt + stopped for church. 16 In factory all day - got out late. 17 In factory all day. 18. In factory all day made seven cheese. 19 20 21. In factory all day. 22 S.S. church in morning to S.S. in aft. to Galt church at night 23. In factory. Went to Keachies started to fix their organ 25 Fixing Mr keachies organ this forenoon got through. In factory this aft. Went down to Billy Friers at night. 26 In factory all day. 27 In factory all day. To literary society at night 28 Factory all day. 29. To church in morning. Drove to Galt church at night Varely Sarah jane Moore Rosa and I all went in buggy. 30. Fctory. Went to Galt to a lecture. Drove Miss Friers sister up. (Miss Smith) at night 31 William Frier and I hunting this forenoon. not much of anything this aft.</p> <p>Nov 1 In factory all day. My last day for this year. 2 Painting my buggy. Went to John's and to David Runnels and traded roosters. 3 Went down in bush with Mr Humphrey - took my gun 4 Went to Brantford came home at night. 5. S.S. + church in morning. Last Sunday of S.S. To S.S. in aft. Varley and I to Galt church at night 6 Moved window in horsestable this forenoon. Washed my bugg. To church at night 7. Took Uncle John's esiter out to put it deeper. Blasting rockout. James Main helping me. To church at night 8 Went with Jirdan to Hugh Whites to carpenter. Putting boards on the roof. 9 Putting on steel shingles ripping rest of day for slide doors. To church at night 10 Finished Uncle John's cistern. Plastering around Bond's chimneys 11. To Galt.Banking up around Unlce John's cistern this afternoon 12 Bible Clas in the morning To Methodist church to S.S. in aft. Varley + I to Galt church 13 Varnishing my buggy. fixing my hsoes. To shoes. To church at night 15. Painted a buggy box for Henry Made a little looking glass stand for myself started to fix my old ca{u is written above the a}tter 16 Reading some Down to George Mains this aft. 17 Albert and I hunting. 18 Took a job digging post holes for John Steel. Digging all day. 19. Bible Class Church in morning. Varley + I to Galt church and Christian Endeavor at night. 20 Digging postholes Went to Nelson Culhams for three pigs. Making Emery Sickles sale for a while help putting up fence for John Steele</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1893</span></h3> <p>Nov 23. Helping Varley pack some stuff for Port Dover. 24. Drove Oscar to Waterloo - with him to school all day. Stayed all night to Mr Stauffers with him. 25. Come home from Waterloo Oscar came with me. Get our dinner in Galt. 26 To quarterly meeting in Brethern church. Mr Macklin, the new elder preache to-day. 27 Not much of anything - reading some. 28 Drove Etherlinda Main to Galt to night 29. To Hamilton all day went down with Bond's 30 Not much of anything. Drove to Branchton this aft.</p> <p>Dec 1 Albert and I shooting - got one rabbit To church at night 2. Shooting - shot three rabbits 3. To Brethern church to Methodist church at ngith. 4 Drove to Branchton and bought a buggy box from Mr. Hunt for my cutter. 5 Working at my cutter all day 6 Working at cutter all day got done. 7 Took cutter to Branchton to get it fixed. To Miss Gambells funeral. Started to trim Mr Karsteds cutter. 8 Finished trimming. Father + I went to Smith Bucans to thrasht this aft. 9 Thrashing got through. Went to Branchton after my cutter - not done. 10 To Methodist church in morning to S.S. to Brick school this aft. Varley Boind and I to Galt church. 11 Made a whipletree for my cutter. Went to Branchton after my cutter. Painted it. 12 Pattied my cutter. To Endeavor at night 13 Made a frame for back of my cutter. Sand papered and painted it. To churhc at night.14 Painted my cutter twice - making a cushion + drop back. 15 Varnished my cutter. 16 Putting the trimming on cutter. Mr Karstedt and I drove to Mr Staffers near Waterloo stayed all night. 17 Mr Karstedt and I drove to Breslaw for dinner and had church there. Then drove home. Varley + I went to Galt church. 18 Putting some straps on my cutter. Drawed a load of straw and hay Wat helping me. 19 Went to Dundas with tha mail. Mr Moore was sick. 20 Drove mail for Mr Moore. 21 Drove mail - my last day. Mr Moore is better. 22 Drove Mr Karstedt to graveyard. mr Williams funeral. 23 made cushion for John Culhams cutter. Drove to S.S. in aft. Varley and I went to Galt church. 25. To Joseph Rickers for some oats. Wat + I gathered up provisions for tea meeting. To tea meeting at night. 26. Straightening up at hall. To social at night in hall. 27 Drove Maggie and Idie home to day got my buggy fixed 28 Went to temperance meeting in Methodist church at night 29. To Pleasant Grove School house to a temperance meeting Oscar was with me. 30 Got a sore throat. Oscar + I went to Galt this afternoon 31 S.S. in aft. To watch meeting at night in the Brethern church started at nine o'clock. Mr Karstedt preacher.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1894</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 made diary for this year. 2 Drove to Galt Oscar + I ggot our own heade road. Saw Oscar off on train to Berlin 3 Went to school all day. 4 To school all day. 5 To school all day. To literary society at night. 6 To Branchton. Put a reach in my buggy. Drove Aunt Liza down to Frank Dale's. 7 To Methodist church in morning. Varley and I went to Galt church at night. 8 Truman Jirden and I went digging out skunks, got one. 9 Fixing a little trunk putting a lock on it and painted it. To Christian Endeavor at night. Wrote a letter to Josie Brunt Michigan 10 Went to Branchton not much in afternoon. 11 Drove to Joseph Rickers to try to buy some hay. Made a little box this afternoon. 12 This afternoon went to tea at Mr John Gerrard's. To the literary society at night. 13 Truman and I drove to Brantford came home at night. 14 To Brethern church in morning Varley and I to Galt church at night 15 Straightoning my book and papers. 16 Finished straightening my books. Lined my chest and painted it To Endeavor Endeavor at night. 17 Finished making my diary. Put tin on the hall chimney. Cleared out pig pen. Went to temperance meeting. 18 Cutting wood in Uncle Dave's swamp Made a little box</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1894</span></h3> <p>Jan 19 Cutting wood in swamp all day for ourselves. I went to Galt at night all above to a concert. 20 Went skating this aft. 21. To Methodist church Varley Bond and I went to Galt church at night. 22 To swamp cutting wood. Went to Etta Ellerton's funeral. Bouthg a buggy pole from J. Hammond. 23 To Aaron Main's for oats. Put a pan on a trap for myself. To Endeavor at ngiht. 24 Cutting wood for Mr Moore. Truman + I wrote some latters. 25 Sarah Jane Moore and I went to Galt got our fortunes told. Put a new pole in the one we bought. 26 Truman + I got little hay from Mr Green made a whiffle tree for my self. Went to Nelson Culham's to a Box social had lots of beer. 27 Jirden + I went to Galt. Went down with Oscar for dinner. Oscar + I drove over to Mr Hammonds. Varley + I went to Galt to church. 29 Drove out to John's and got my horse shod. 30 Made a chair for a trap. To Endeavor at night 31. Washed my buggy Drove to Galt - got Rev {something in brackets is scratched out} jackson to Albert's wedding</p> <p>Feb. Feb 1 Got a leter from Miss Brunt to Rosa + I went to Branchton at night. 2 Went to a bee at Uncle Johns To literary society at night. 3 Finished making little chain. Mr Laing's oil house burnt down to-night. 4 To Methodist church Varley and I to Galt at night to Methodist church. 5 Fixed my organ stool. Started to make a turn-lay. 6 Worked at turn-lay. To Endeavor at night. 7 Finished turn-lay Turned four drawer knobs for ourselves. To Mr Rickers to a social at night 8 Helping Henry. Turned two chisel handles Varley and I up to Mr Rich Bonds for a party 9. Wrote a letter to Oscar. Made a thing to hang up pants. 10 Jirden and I got a load of wood. Turned some chisel handles. To Mr Keachies at night 11 James Keachie and I went to Galt church this morning to Methodist church in Sheffield at night 12 Truman + I got some hay at David Smiths. Turning chisel handles. 13 Turning legs for a foot-stool. Started to make a stand for Arthur Green. To Endeavor at night 14 Working at a little stand for Arthur Green got it done 15 Making a lille foot stool. Started to make a game of crocknole. 16 Working at my game. Went to Galt after Oscar and drove to box social at Mr. Brewin Cornells 17 Went with Jirden after a load of wood. Finished game 18 Went with James Keachie to Galt church this morning. Went to Galt church at night 19. Helping load stone all day for the church. Varley and I went to Galt to hear Dr Johnson lecture. 20 Helping loadstone all day for church. To Endeavor at night 21 Turning a potato masher for Henry's wife. 22 Making cherry stain. 23 To sand pit all day shovelling sand for the church. 24 Truman + I drawing 25 To Brethern church in morning. To Galt church at night 26 Made a potato smasher. Started to make a man to put on the barn. 27. Wat Smith + I cutting wood all day in Mr McClures swamp. Rosa, Sarah, Jane, and I went to Galt to Endeavor convention. 28 Finished making my little man. Father + I drawing wood.</p> <p>Mar 1 To Mr McClures swamp for a stick 2 Truman + I drawed a load of straw to Literary society at night 3 Truman + I went to Galt this aft. 4 Methodist church in the morning. Varley + I went to Galt church at night. 5 Washed my buggy. Over to Henry's boarded in the west end of his barn and helped tap his bush 6 Not much. Rained this aft. 7 To Aaron Main's for a bag of oats. Drove to Branchton for Frank Bond. Down to Mr McHollands to a social. 8 Drove Frank Bond to Branchton. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 9 Put a little man on barn. Went over to Studimans to quarry stones for the church. 10 To George Main's bulding a chimney on his arch. Over to Studimans quarry stones for the church. 11 To Brethern church in morning. To Methodist church at night 12 Put a balance wheel on my turnley. To Methodist meeting at night. 13 Helping Truman sand paper and paint his buggy. To meeting at night 14 Put new wheel on my turnley. To meeting at night 15 Snowed today. To meeting at night, 16 Truman and I went to Galt. Clipped my horses legs. To meeting at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1894</span></h3> <p>Mar. 17 Drove to Waterloo with Truman's cart. To Oscar's examination. Came home at night 18 To Methodist chruch in the morning. Varley + I went for a drive in the aft. To BRethern church at night. 19 put new pulley on my turnlay. Truman and I went to Branchton - got our houses shod. To church at night. 20. Drove the mail for Mr Moore to Dundas and to Galt. 21 Drove mail to Dundas and Galt. Went to Mr Harvie's to Box social. 22 Drove mail. Mr Moore came home to-night. 23. Aron Main's young folks at our place at night. 24 Drawed a load of hay 25. To Brethern church in the morning. VArley + I went to Galt to English church. 26 Father + I back to Harvie's cutting wood for Albert. 27 Painted Truman's buggy. splitting a little wood. Drove Etherlinda to Galt. To church at night. 28 Splitting wood Down to Aron Main's to cut some timber for the church. 29 Splitting wood home all day. To church at night. To 30 Turning some scratch all handles. Back to Fred Falkiners to wood cutting bee. 31 To Galt then Branchton then home. Over to Henry's woods got a drink of syrup.</p> <p>April 1 To Methodist in morning. Back to Alfred Main's in aft. Varley and I to Galt church at night. 2 Made the table on my turnlay longer. Started to tunr a swingin club 3 Started to put a top on my old buggy. To Endeavor At night4 Making side curtains for my buggy top. Finished turning my swinging club. 5 Painted side curtains for my buggy and covered my foot stool. To Methodist prayer meeting. 6. Not much of anything. 7. Drove to Galt took Oscar to Wrigley's Corners to an examination Fetched Ida Engleheart to Sheffield. Got a big dog in Galt. 8. To Brethern church in morning. To Methodist at night. Drove Ida Engleheart home to Galt after church. 9 Helped Father draw a load of hay this forenoon 10. To Branchton. Up to Mr Keachies a while at night. 11. Fixed my buggy wheel and made a collar for my big dog. Painted a clock for the church. Down to Aron Mains with Mr Keachies young folks 12 Not much. 13 Varnished the church clock. Mounted a small weasel. To Methodist prayer meeting at ngiht. 14. To Galt. Jirden came home with me. To creek fishing i snared four suckers. 17. Jirden and I went to Joseph Mewinny to put up a kitchen To Endeavor at night. 18 Sheeting up and shingling. To Box Social at Mr Ed Cornell's 19. Dave Rosa + Geordy McDonald down to Alberts to night 20. Drove to Waterloo - got an organ. Oscar came home with me at night 21 Oscar an I went down to his place. Drove Oscar to Galt this aft. 22 Brethern church. Methodist at ngiht. 23 Helping move old church back. Rubbed down Truman's buggy box. Mr Karsted and I to Galt to a meeting of chosen friends. 24 Drove to Fred Smiths shot a crow and a groundhog. To Endeavor 25 Mr Laings store burnt down this morning Stuffed a crow. Started to clean organ. 26 To Galt. Cleaning at the organ. 27 Varnished the organ Varley + I drove to Galt to Philarmanic Concert 27 Cleavy + I fishing. 29 To S.S. and Methodist church. Varley + I went to Galt church at night 30 Helping Mr Moore. Down to Aron Main's to trade buggys.</p> <p>May 1 Started to make a closet upstairs. Went to Branchton John + I went fishing Trout. I got mine 2 To Galt. Working at closet. 3 Working at clost. Went to Wat Smiths to cut a door through. To Methodist prayer meeting at night 4 To Wat Smiths working at door. George Whetham and I to Branchton shooting groundhogs 5. Hung door for Wat Cleavey + I went down to Alberts to cur his hair. Up to Mr Keachies at night. 6 To S.S. and Brethern church Varley + I went to Galt to the Evanglist meeting in Knox church. 8. Worked at clock frame. Drove to Aaron Main's and traded buggies. Varley and I went to Golf meeting. 9 Put a door on the closet and put some strips and hooks. Working at my clock frame. Got a load of hay from Aron Main. 10 Down to creek washed buggy. Feorge Whetham + I went to Branchton shooting groundhogs 11. Made a rat trap. Drove to Galt. Oscar came home with me. 12 Oscar and I drove to his place and got our tea. Drove to Mr. Hammonds at night. 13 quartlery? meeting in Brethern chruhc. Down to see Mr. Brewin Cornell. to see them baptize Varley + I went to Galt at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1894</span></h3> <p>May. 14 Started to work in factory. Went to Mr Keachies for a while to-night. 15 In factory all day Drove Nettie &amp; Gertie Keachie to Galt. 16 In factory all day - made eight cheese. Started to rain. Reading some. 17 In factory all day to Mr Moore's a while at night. 18 In factory today. Jim Keachie + I went to Galt to church at night. 19. In factory all day - got out in good time 20. S.S. + church in morning to Brethern. Varley + I to Galt at night. 21 In factory all day to Mr Keachies for a while. 22 In factory all day. To Endeavor at night. 23 In factory al day Reading at night. 25. In factory Reading at night. 26. Factory all day. Drove Almina and Rosa to Galt at night. 27 S.S. + Methodist church in morning To Pleasant Grove S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 28 In factory made eleven cheese. Kicking football at night 29 Factory all day. Endeavor at night. Wrote a letter to Oscar. 30 Factory all day kicking foot ball at night 31 In factory all day. Reading at night.</p> <p>June. 1 In factory till three o'clock. Went to Branchton got my horse shed. 2 In factory all day. Went to Clyde to see them play foot ball. 3 S.S. in morning. Auldon Hammill + I to S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night. 4 In factory all day. Got Willie Main to cut my hair. Playing crockee awhile. 5 In factory. Kicking foot ball a while at night 6 Factory all day. Reading at night. 7 Factory all day. To Mr Keachies a while at night. 8 Factory. Kicking fooball at night. 9 Factory. played foot ball with Pleasant Grove team To-night, Truman + I went to Freeport to see them baptise. To Brethern chruch at night 11 In factory all day Playing Football at night. 12. Factory. Down to creek for a swim. 13 Factory. playing foot ball. 14 Factory. Down to Mill Pond for a swim. 15. In factory all day 16 Factory. Playing foot ball at night. 17 S.S. + church in morning. S.S. in aft. Varley and I to Galt Church at night 18 In factory all day. Laid the cornerstone of the new church to-day. Playing football with Pleasant Grove. beat them two to none. 19 Factory all day. James Keachie and I went up the othersider of Galt to a lawn social. 20 In factory all day. Social in Shefield at night. 21 Factory all day. Kicking foot ball at night. 22 Factory all day. Reading at night. 23 Factory. Went to Kirkwall to see Sheffieloi play foot-ball. 24 S.S. and Methodist church in morning. SS in aft. To Breathern chruch at night. 25 Factory. Kicking foot ball at night 26 Factory. To Endeavor at night. I led the meeting. 27 In factory got out in good time. Went down to Smith Willards raising. 28 Factory all day. Reading at night 29 Factory. Up to Mr Keachies at night. 30 Factory all day</p> <p>July 1. S.S + Brethern in the morning. S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night 2 Factory all day. Reading at night 3 Factory. To Endeavor at night. 4 Factory Reading at night 5 Factory. Down to Mr C Tutton's to a raising at five o'clock. 6 Factory. James Keachie and I went to Freeport to lawn social. 7 Factory. Went to Branchton at night. 8 to S.S. + Methodist church in morning Varley and I went to Dundas this aft. to see James Moffat 9 Factory. Reading at night 10 Factory all day To Endeavor at night 11 Factory all day. To Mr Keachies a while at night 12. Same as eleven. 13 In factory all day To S.S. choir practice at night. 14 In factory all day. Kicking football at night. 15 No S.S. this morning. went to Brethern church to quarterly meetin. To Methodist church at night. 16 IN factory all day. 17 Factory. To Endeavor at night.18 Factory. Russel Mathers and I went to Galt at night 19 In factory till three o'clock. Went to Wilbert Sweets raising in the afternoon. {20 is arrowed in here} In factory. Fixing my harness at night. 21 Factory. Polishing my harness at night. 22 Went to S.S. + Methodist church. To S.S. in aft. Varley + I went to Galt church 23 Factory all day. Down to see Johanna Main she is very sick. 24 Factory all day. Down to see Johanna Main 25 Factory. Playing foot ball at night 26. Fatory. To Mr Green's to a lawn social at night. 27 Factory all day. 28 Factory. Played foot ball with Glenwood got one goal a piece. 29. S.S. + Brethern. S.S. in aft. To Mr Hammonds for tea to Methodist church at night. 30. Factory all day - made ten cheese. 31 Factory. To Endeavor at night led the meeting.</p> <p>Aug. 1 Factory all day. PLaying football at night. 2. Factory. Methodist prayer meeting at night. 3 " " " kicking foot ball at night. 4 Factory all day. Playing foot ball with St. George team 5 To S.S. and Methodist church in the morning. SS. in aft. Brethern Church at night. 6 In factory all day. 7 Factory. Endeavor at night 8 Factory. To Mr Moores to a party. 9 Factory. To Methodist prayer meeting 10 Factory all day. Oscar + I to Mr Hammond's at night. 11 Oscar + I went to Hamilton - got a new suit of clothes 12 To S.S. and Brethern church. Out to river to see them Baptize. To Methodist church at night. 13 Factory all day. 14 Factory all day. To Endeavor at night. 15 Varley and I went to Port Dover to day Went to Dundas and took the dummy to Hamilton and train from there to Port Dover. home at night 16 Factroy. Methodist prayer meeting at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1894</span></h3> <p>17 Factory. Had a little party at night at our place. 18 Factory all day. 19 To S.S. and Methodist church. S.S. in aft. Brethern church at night 20 Factory all day 21 Factory. Back to Sige McCrimmond to a lawn social 22 Factory. Down to brick school house to practice singing for S.S. 23 Factory to Methodist prayer meeting at night 24 Factory. Over to Mr Green's to a party. Billy Frier got his leg broke playing foot ball. 25 Factory. Mr Humphrey helping me make cheese to day. Went to St George to play foot ball. 26 To S.S. and Brethern church. To S.S. in aft. to Methodist Church at night 27 In factory all day. Mr Humphrey helping me make cheese. James Keachie and I to Westover to Social at night 28 In factory, got a new cheese maker to-day. 29 Factory all day. Rosa and I down to bush meeling in Smith Willards bush. 30 Factory Rosa + I to bush meeting 31 Factory. Rosa + I to bush meeting</p> <p>Sept. 1. Factory. Johnie Hammond Truman and I drove to Galt at night 2. To S.S. + Methodist church. S.S. in aft. Went down to Mr Hammond's for tea. stopped there at night 3 Factory. To Charlie Tuttons to a meeting 4 Factory all day. 5 Factory To Charlie Tutton's to a a meeting. 6 Factory. To Rocton to lawn social. Varley and I played mouth organ 7 Factory. Drove to Galt got David Main. he + I went to Waterloo stayed all night with Oscar. 8. Took a walk to Oscar's school house. Came as far as Berlin after dinner. Stopped there a while. Came toGalt + stopped a while then came home. 9. To S.S. and Brethern church in morning. To S.S. in 9Aft. To Methodist Church at night. 10 Factory all day. 11 Factory. Peter Humphrey helping me. Endeavor at night 12 Peter Humphrey + I in factory to - day alone. 13 In factory all day. Peter Humphrey + myself. To Methodist praryer meeting at night 14 In factory all day. 15 In factory this forenoon Went to Branchton then to Galt and home at night. 16 To S.S. + Methodist in morning S.S. in afternoon. Brethern Church at night. 17 Factory all day. To Galt on Mr Karstedt bicycle to Endeavor union 18 Factory. To a milk and honey social at Mr. Washburns. 19 Factory. A lillle party at our palce tonight. The choir gave Aurther Green a present. 20 Factory all day. Went with Mr Karstedt to George Robb to prayer meeting. 21 In factory all day 22 Factory this forenoon. Went back to Clyde to play foot ball this aft. 23 To Brethern church. Down to Mr Hammonds for tea. Annie + I drove to Galt for church. Annie stayed in Galt 24 Factory all day. 25 factory. To Endeavor at night 26 Factory al lday. To Uncle John's at night Ida Engleheart there. 27 Factory. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 28. Factory. Up to Uncle John's at night. 29 factory up to Uncle John's a while at night 30 To S.S. + Methodist church in the morning. To S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night Went over to Uncle John's with Ida Engleheart</p> <p>Oct. 1. Factory 2, 3 Factory. 4 Factory this forenoon. Aulden Hammel and I went to Preston to Galt show at night. 5. Factory. Father + Mother went on an excursion to Uncle Dan Main's. 6 Factory till middle of aft. Played foor ball with Clyde beat them two to nothing. 7. To S.S. and church in the morning to S.S. in the aft. Methodist church at night. 8 Factory all day 9 Factory all day. Christian Endeavor at night. 10 To Rockton show all day. Factory not running to day. 11 Factory all day. To Bible society meeting in the Methodist church at night 12 Thrashing to George Robbs in Truman;s place all day. 13 Factory all day. 14. S.S. and church in morning. SS in aft. To Brethern church at night. 15 Factory Varley, James Keachie and I went over to Branchton to a harvest home 16 Factory. Endeavor at night 17 Factory. 18 Factory. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 19 Factory all day. Down to Norman's to a box social at night. 20 Factory all day. 21 S.S. + Brethern church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 22 To factory all day. 23, 24, same and 25, 26, 27 in factory all day. Went to Galt with Karstedt's bicycle - got my haircut. 28 To methodist church in morning S.S. in afternoon Varley, James Keachie + I to Galt church at night 29 Factory all day. 30 Factory rained at night no Endeavor. 31 Got my time in the factory. Tob Main, James Keachie and I went to Branchton Endeavor at night.</p> <p>Nov. 1 Put some window panes in for Albert Bond . Tob Main + I went back to Nelson Cooper's school. Went to Methodist prayer meeting 2 Helped get a load of sand for the church, washed my buggy. Went to Branchton, Cleavie came home with me. 3 Working in factory to-day for Billy Frier. 4. S.S. last for this year. To Brethern church. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 5 Making a wood box for Misses George Main. Helping the plasters at the church.6 Went to Branchton - painting for Destimona, the two rooms up stairs and one back one. Stayed all night. 7 Painting to-day at Branchton. Went to a box social at Preston with a load.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1894</span></h3> <p>Nov 8. To Branchton painting. Fixing hen roast this aft. stayed all night. 9 Finished painting came home and went down after my horse. James Keachie and I to Freeport to a box social. 10 Went hunting but did not shoot anything Snowed about five inches last night. 11 To Methodist S.S. and church. Truman and I went to John Harvies mother's funeral this aft. Varley, James Keachie and I to Galt at night 12 Started to shovel gravel back in the pit, to put on the stone road. Shovelling all day. 13 Shovelling gravel all day. To Endeavor at night 14 Shovelling gravel all day. Down to John Studiman's to a box social. 15 Shovelling gravel all day. To Methodist church at night to special meetings 16 Got through shovelling gravel today To a meetin in the Methodist church. 17. To Galt. Bought a sewing machine today. 18 to the reorganization of S.S. + to Brethern church. To S.S. in aft. Varley James Keachie and I to Galt 19 Putting strips for hooks in the hall. To Albert Bond's fixing his horse stable To meeting in Methodist church at night. 20 Mary Keachie and I went to Galt today Fixing a little at my horse stable toward night. Helped put the bell up in the church. To Endeavor at night. 21 Varley Milt Whetham and I hunting this forenoon. I shot two black squirrels. To Miss Geo. Main's felting hen roost 22 Out to John McDonald's pulling turnips all day. To Methodist meeting at night. 23. Putting up hooks in the hall. To Misses Geo. Main's - put a shak on hen roost door. To Methodist meeting at night. 24 Uncle Ed and I went to Galt got home near night. Met Oscar in Galt. To a donation to Mr Karstead 25. Methodist chuch in morning. To S.S.in aft. Truman Tob Main and I drove to Sagers. Went to St George church at night 26 mr Karstedt + I went to Hamilton to hear Mr Moody preach. home at night. 27. To Bond's putting doors on collar this forenoon. Out to Branchton covering Destimona's sofa. 28. Truman + I went to a sale up near Hespeler. came home by Galt. To Methodist meeting at night 29 Turned a chalk line spool. Went down to Robert Hatricks to put up a little shanty. To Methodist meeting at night. 30 To Robert Hatricks this forenoon got through. Fixing a little at my buggy. To Methodist meeting at night.</p> <p>Dec 1. To Galt home by Branchton. Got my horse shod. Tob Main came with me. To Brethern S.S. and Church in morning To S.S. in afternoon. James Keachie, Varley and I went to Galt church and Endeavor. 3 Sewed a lining in my horse blanket. Milt Whetham and I went to Galt styed for night till Milt came home. 4 Wrote a letter to Oscar. Went to Galt this aft. Varley came up at night went skating on the dam in Galt. 5 Bought a bicycle today. Wrote a letter to Oscar. Got there at night to Mr Knorris. 8 Oscar Mr Martin and I drove to WIlmot Centre to an examination. Went through St Agatha, Petersburg, Baden and Shinglesettle. Went over to Mr. Martin's at night. 9. To Waterloo Church with Oscar went to Mennite S.S. in aft. then started for home. Stayed in Galt for church and Endeavor. 10 Fixing my horse stable a little. Helping fix up the church a little 11. Down to Aron Main's and got some oats. took them up to Ben Sager's and got them chopped. Drove Aunt Eliza back to Mr. Falkiners. 12 Helping Albert Bond clip his horses legs. Ripping out legs for a desk. Up to Mr Keachie a while. To Methodist church at night. 13 Turning out legs for a desk - got one done. Went to Galt. Tob came home with me. 14 Turned out one leg for desk. Went out to Branchton. Down to Mr Charlye Tuttons to a box social at night. 15. To Branchton to an examination to day. Tob was with me. 16 Brethern S.S. + church in morning to S.S. in aft. Went with Tob Main for tea. Tob and I went to St. George. Went home with Miss Greenfield 17 Took my old buggy to pieces and took the tires off. To Old Misses Grants funeral this aft. To Methodist meeting at night 18. Fixing some of my harness to Endeavor prayer meeting at night 19. Clipping James Keachie's horse to day. Tob Main + I went to Branchton Endeavor at night. 20. George Whetham + I went to Doon to a shooting match. To Methodist meeting at night 21.Back to school North of Sheffield to Miss Beamiches examination To meeting at night. 22 To Galt. Writing in diary for next year. To Bethern Church at night to hear elder preach. 23 To Quarterly meeting in Brethern Church this morning. To S.S. in aft. James Keachie and I to Galt at night. 24 Started to make a desk for myself. 25. Worked at desk Truman + I went to Branchton for dinner. Tob Main + I went to St George to concert in Baptist church. 26. Started to clean my harness. Working some at my desk. Tob Main + I to Branchton Endeavor at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1894</span></h3> <p>27 finished cleaning my harness. Working at desk To Methodist Church at night. 28 Working at desk. To Methodist meeting at night. 29. Oscar Truman Rosa Jammie and Annie Hammond and my self went to Hamitton, home at night. 30. To S.S. and Brethern church in morning. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist at night. 31. Working at my desk. Helping saw wood in Uncle Dave's woods. Tob Main and I to Galt skating at night.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1895</span></h3> <p>Jan 1 Maggie Ida, Johonie out to our place. Annie Hammond and I went to St. George to a tea meeting at night. 2. Cutting wood for ourselves. Truman + I drove down to Chamber to buy some hay. Tob Main + I went to Branchton Endeavor. 3 Covering the doors to the church near all day. George Whetham and I went back to Stewarts to sell my gun. 4. Truman and I drawed a load of hay from chambers for myself. Pitched one load of hay for B.H. Green. To Pioneer Banquet in the new church. 5 To the pioneer banquet to-day in the new church. Drove to Galt after Oscar. 6 To church morning and night in the new Brethern church dedicated it to-day. Bishop Kepheart preached. Text in morning Matt 16.18. Text at night Job 22-21. 7. Truman + I drove ack Kirkwall to buy somewood. Working at my desk this aft. To a social in new Brethern church. 8 Truman and I cutting wood for ourselves near Kirkwall in Dickson's swamp 9. Truman and I cutting wood all day for our selves. Tob Main and I to Branchton getting our horses shod. Working at my desk. 13 To S.S. in new church Brethern church in morning. Free Methodist in aft. Tob Main + I to Galt church at night. 14 Fixing a place for straw up to the barn. Working at my desk. 15 Finished working at desk. Went to Galt this aft. To Endeavor at night. 16 To Ella Rosebough's funeral. Drove to Studiman for Karstadt. Truman and went Studimans. stopped all night home in morning 17. Truman and I went to Fred Studiman's funeral. 18 Cutting wood back in swamp all day for ourselves. 19 Uncle John and I drove over to Studiman's to buy some wood. Truman and I drawed a load of straw this aft. 20 SS and Methodist Church. To Free Methodist in aft. Tob Main and I to Galt Church at night. 21 Puttying my desk. 24. Finished lock. To a bee for Arthur Knox. Down to Aron Main's at night. 25. Maggie Mulholand and I went to an "at home" in Methodist Church 26 Mr Humphrey and I turned two pair of swing clubs. Varnished my desk 27 To S.S. + Brethern church. To Methodist church at night. Over to Mr Moor's a while at night. 28 Shovelling snow on the road this forenoon. made a whiple tree 29 Went to Galt. Over to St George to a nigger show at night. 30 Went to Sidney Misner's bee to Branchton Endeavor at night. 31. Went to Galt. To a lecture in the Methodist church at night.</p> <p>Feb. 1. Making a frame for a lamp shade. Glueing an old accordian and writing some. 2 Finished writing out my Diary this forenoon. Went to Galt. 3 To S.S. + Methodist. To Free Methodist in aft. To Brethern at night. 4 Made a lamp shade frame and a box for my crockeno blocks. Took my buggy apart this aft. 5 Doing a little writing. Maggie Mcholland and I went to Hesepler to Young People's meeting at night. 6 sand papering my buggy. Took Maggie home. Went to Endeavor in Branchton. 7. Helping Uncle John all day at his wood. 8 Painted my buggy. At night down to Almir's taffy off. 9. Worked on buggy up to William Frier up to our place at night. 10 S.S + Brethern Church. Varley Bond and I to Galt church at night. 11 Puttying my buggy. Went with Truman back to Bily Bond to see about renting place. Drove to Branchton. 12 Sand papered and painted my buggy. Took the rims off and put on new tenents on my other buggy wheels. To Endeavor at night.13 sand papering my other buggy wheels. To Thomas Cornell's bee. Up to Gerrards for a while. 14 Made a wooden chair. Went to Galt then to Branchton. Maggie Mulholland came out with me. Up to Gerrard's at night. 15. Painted my buggy. Went to Mary Gerrard's funeral. To Henry Tuttons to a box social 16 Riming my wheels. 17 To S.S. + Methodist. Maggie Mulhollana and I to Free Methodist in the aft. to Brethern Church at night. 18. Out to John McDonald's cutting wood all day To Brethern Church at night. 19. Painted my new buggy wheels and fixed my cutter. Went to Galt. Up to Mr. Sam Hammills at night. 20 Out to John's cutting wood all day. To Endeavor Social at night. 21 Painted my buggy. Went to Galt. Went to Branchton to an "At home" + Mr Alick Buchanin a load. 22 Made a thing for enlarging small pictures. 23 Putting some partitions in my desk drawers. 24 Drove out after Maggie for church then to Branchton. 25 Put a shaft in John Hammond's cutter. Started to make new gear for my buggy. To Epworth League and then to the Brethern. 26. Working at the gear for my buggy till three o'clock. Drove to Brancthon and got Maggie. Drove to Hespeler to Young People's meeting 27 Father + I out to John's cutting wood all day. To Brethern Church at night. 28. Started to put my buggy together to Brethern Church at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1895.</span></h3> <p>Mar</p> <p>1. Made a reach for my buggy. Tob Main + I drove to Galt and got our pictures taken. Drove to Branchton for Rosa and Maggie Mulholland and went to Kirkwell at night. 2 Drove Maggie and Rosa to Galt. 3 To S.S. and Methodist Church in the morning. Maggie + I drove to Free Methodist and then to Hammond's for tea. To Brethern church at night Drove Maggie home 4 Made two spring. ors for new buggy. Writing some fellers. To Brethern church at night. 5 Painted my new buggy. To church at night. 6 maggie Mulholland and I to Brantford went on train. To Endeavor at night in Branchton. 7 Painted my buggy then drove to Galt. Took Rose and Maggie up. Drove Maggie home at night. 8 Painting this forenoon Doing some writing this aft. Nettie Keachie, Rosie, Varley Bond and I went to Branchton at night. 9. Working at my buggy this forenoon. Truman + I went to Galt this aft. 10 S.S. and Brethern church. Rosie and I drove to Branchton this aft. Rosie Maggie and I went to Galt church at night. 11 Drove down to Aaron Mains + cutting wood in Uncle Davies swamp this aft. To Brethern church at night. 12 Working at my buggy box this forenoon. TO John Keachie to a wood bee this aft. To Brethern church at night. 13. Working at my buggy. Went to Galt. Tob and I to Branchton Endeavor at night. 14 Working at my buggy painting. To church at night. 15 Painting my buggies. Went up to Mr Em Cornells in Galt with a load. 16 Painting till middle of aft. Went up to Hammills skating aft and night. 17 To Quarterly meeting in Brethern church. Down to Free Methodist in aft. To Brethern at night. 18 Painting and sand papering. To League in Methodist + meeting in Brethern church. Then to Mr Keachies at night. 19 Painting this forenoon Fixing Truman's cart wheels this aft. Went to Hespeler to Young People's meeting. 20 Painting. To Mr Robert Hatricks to a bee. 21 Painting a little. Drove to Branchton. To Brethern church at night. 22 To Brethern church at night. 23 Annie Hammond and I up to Oscar Main's Examination. Came home at night. 24. To S.S. + Brethern Church To Rockton to a temperance meeting. To Methodist church at night . 25 up to Mr.Culps to a wood bee. Helping Truman draw some straw and hay. To Methodist League at night to Mr Keachies 26. To Brancthon drove Maggie McDonald home. Endeavor at night 27 Rosa + I to Galt 28. Working in shop a little. 29 Getting buggy ready - Varnished it George Whetham and I down to George Main's at night 30 To Galt with Truman. James Keachie and I up to Ny Mo C 8 {?} at night 31 S.S. + Methodist church in morning. To Free Methodist in aft. Tob and I to Hespeler to church at night</p> <p>April.</p> <p>1 To Brancthon got my horse shod. To League then to Mr. Keachies. 2 Went to Hespeler to try to get a job. To Endeavor at night then to Mr Samuel Hammills 3. Truman and i drove to Hespeler then to Pushlinch to see a farm. 4 Varnishing my buggy. To Methodist prayer meeting Then to Alberts for a game of crochino {symbol or punctuation I don't recognize} 5. To Galt with Albert Bond. To examination in Sheffield. To entertainment in Sheffield School house at night. 6 Helping clean out the school houses. james Keachie and I drove up to Aulden Hammills. 7. to S,S, and Brethern church. To Methodist S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night 8 To Brancthon. Sold my horse to George Whetham 9 To Port Huron to learn the photograph business {his first real mention of his photography passion, Insteresting to see how important his work will become} with Mr barron/ 10 Printing pictures nearly all day. Down town for a walk at night. 11 Spothing pictures this forenoon. burnishing them this aft. 12 Not much of anything 13 made my first picture to-day. 14 To Methodist church and S.S. in morning. for a walk in aft. To Methodist church at night. 15. Retouching some to-day, not very busy. Came over the river this forenoon got dinner. To Stephen Burley's To Mary Burley's for tea. and stayed all night. 17 Seth Albridge and I to the tunnel this forenoon. Went out to the Indian Reserve to buy a team of ponies 18. Seth and I around town looking for horses. Across the river this aft. 19 Walking around Sarnia. To Scottish Concert in Sarnia with Miss Oke. 20 Went across the river this morning and then to Pt. Edwards stayed all night. 21. Lizzie and I went for {'a' is arrowed in} walk down to the beach. Came to Sarnia this aft. Miss Oke and I went to church at night 22 Seth + I walking around looking at a little pony. 23 Went over to Port Huron this aft forenoon. To Sarnia this aft. 24 Went over to Port Huron then to Pt.Edwards for dinner to Sarnia this aft. 25. Up to the point this forenoon. Over to Port Huron this aft. 26 In Sarnia to-day Seth was in. 27 To Mary Burley's this aft forenoon Started home this aft. got home at night. 28 Morning Methodist To Free Methodist in aft. to Brethern church at night. 29 Went fishing this aft. down in Stadiman's creel. 30. Writing some letters. George Whetham and I went shooting ground hogs. To Endeavor at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1895</span></h3> <p>May</p> <p>1. Painting some screen windows 2. George Whetham and I shooting ground hogs. To Prayer Meeting at night 3 Down to John See's carpentering with Jirden. 4 To Galt to-day with james Hay. 5 S.S. + Brethern church in morning. To brick school house to S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 6 Drove to Miss George Mains taking down a partitiion. To League and to church in Brethern. Went down with Floss Tutton. 7 Down to Albert's grafting. Down to creek fishing. Tob Main + I went to Kirkwall. To Endeavor when we came home. 8 Fixing a squrrel cage all day. 9 Planting some potatoes. George Whetham and I out hunting and fishing. 10 To Miss George Main's doing some plastering 11 Not much of anything. 12 S.S. + Methodist church in morngin. To S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 13 To Branchton doing work for Destimona. To Methodist League at night. 14 Put a new bow in my buggy. 15 To Branchton all day painting. To Branchton Endeavor 16 To Brantford to get my bicycle fixed stayed all night. 17 Came home from Brantford. Putting my bicycle together. 18 Went to Galt on my bicycle. Down to Albert's and to aron Mains near night. 19 To S.S. Varley and I went to Galt on our bicycles. stopped at Mr Hammills for tea at night. 20 Went down to the mill on my bicycle .21 Took my wheel to Branchton and sent it to Brantford. 22. Down to Alberts. Went back to Kirkwall after my shoes. To Brancthon this aft. Went to Brancthon Endeavor at night. 23 To Branchton this forenoon Down to Aron Mains this aft. 24 Went bck to Pushlinch Lake to picnic. 25. To Brethern church at night. 26. to Quarterly meeting in Brethern church. At night at Brethern. Went down with Annie Hammond. 27. Fixing my slippers. To Epworth League. 28. George Whetham and I shooting ground hogs. To Endeavor at night 29 To Galt bicycle. To Sam Hammills planting corn. Tob and I down to Charley Tuttons. 30 Putting a new back in my buggy. To Methodist Prayer meeting. 31 Working at my buggy top Varley + I to Troy at night on our bicycles</p> <p>June</p> <p>1. James Keachie and I fishing. Over to St Geroge playing football 2 Varley and I to Hamilton on our bicycles. 3 To Branchton putting up curtain pole. To Epworth League. 4 To Sam Hammills building fences to Endeavor. 5. Rained. To Mr Sam Hammills building fences this aft. 6 To Sam Hammill to carry butter in. Building fence in aft. 8 In the factory today. the cheese maker sick. 9S.S. morning SS in aft. Tob Main and I to Galt church at night. 10 To factory to-day. To Mr Rickers lawn social at night. 11 In factory all day. Endeavor at night 12 In factory. Tob Main James Keachie and I to Branchton Endeavor at night. 13 In factory all day. To Methodist Prayer Meeting at night 14 In factory all day. To Epworth League open meeting at night. Branchton Endeavor over. 15. In factory all day. Down to Westover to play football. 16 To S.S. and church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 17 UP to Sam Hammills building fence all day. To Methodist League at night. 18 To Hammills building fence. Played foot ball with Clyde. To Brethern Social at night. 19 Building fence all day. Aulden and I went to Branchton Endeavor at night. 20 Started to work at 5am Hammill's barn. To Methodist prayer meeting. 21 Working at the barn all day. 22 Working at barn. Went to Valens to play football this aft. 23 To S.S. + Methodist church in morning. To S,S, in aft. Tob + I to Galt Church at night. 24. Working at 5am Hammill's barn all day. To Methodist League at night. 25 Working at barn all day. Endeavor at night. 26 Not much of anything 27. Same 28 Out to Donald McDonald taking down a small barn. Tob + I up to Little Corner's to a social. 29. Pulling up barn down to Will Cronins. Went to play foot ball with Lynden score 1-4 in favor of Sheffield. 30 To Children's meeting in Brethern Church. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night.</p> <p>July 1. Home all day. Tob Main and I went St Geroge at night. 2 Working at McDonald's all day. Puting on roof + shingling. To Endeavor at night. 3 Went to Branchton-took my bicycle wheel cover to send to Brantford. 4 Truman + I down to Mill Pond looking at job. To Methodist Prayer meeting. 5 Truman and I to Tom (?) McQueen's blasting stone. 6 Took my buggy down to creek and washed it. Down to Mr Hatricks playing crokues? 7. To S.S. + Methodist Church .S.S. in aft. To Brethern Church at night. Went down with Annie Hammond. 8 Truman + I went to Galt then to Branchton. 9 George Whetham and i out hunting. To Endeavor then to Westover to lawn social. 10 Truman george Whetham + I went to Hamilton. To Literary meeting of Methodist League at night 11 Put my bicycle together. Tob Main + I to Galt to a social at night 12 Made a little screw driver. Down to Mr Brewin Cornells to a social at night. 13 To Mr Aron Main's all day helping Oscar to paper. We (Oscar and I) to Galt at night. 14 Varley Tob and I started for Port Dove but came back. To SS in aft. To Methodist church at night. 15 Not much of anything. 16 Fixing my bicycle. Went to Clyde this aft. Led Endeavor meeting tonight</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1895</span></h3> <p>July</p> <p>17. Down to Alberts most of the forenoon. To Branchton Endeavor at Night. 18 To Brantford to Barnum Circus went down on the train 19 Not much of anything - 20. Went to Galt this aft. Down to Mr Hammond's - Oscar + I at night. 21. S.S. + Methodist Church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Brethern Church at night. Went up to Harvie's at night 22. Down to Cronin's - got an old cutter. Took it to Henry's. To Opworth League at night. 23. Over to Henry's working on my cutter. Andy Pullin Tob Main and I to Hespeler at night. 24. Working at my cutter. Andy Pullin + I went to Branchton at night - then to Mr Harvie's. 25 To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 26. To Galt wrtk Albert Bond. 27. Working in the factory this aft. Andy + I went down to Tutton's at night. 28. Varley and I to Hespeler Church in morning. Went to Pleasant Grove S.S. in the aft. To Methodist church at night. 29. Over to Henry's - started to make a desk Down to parsonage helping papering all day. Andy and I to Mr Charley Tuttons at night. 30. Down to parsonage helping papering all day. To Endeavor at night 31. To the parsonage all day helping paper. Out to Branchton Endeavor at night.</p> <p>aug. 1 Helping paper dining room at parsenage. To Methodist prayer Meeting at night. 2 To Mr. Ron Sagers thrashing this forenoon To Kirks thrashing this aft. For Mr Sam Hammill. 3 To Galt Football boys out + play Branchton tonight. Andy Pullin + I went to Harvie's at night. 4 To S.S. + Methodist church. Varley + I went to Galt in aft. To Brethern church at night. 5 Down helping Oscar paper all day. To Methodist league at night. 6 In factory all day in Andy Pullin's place. To Endeavor at night. 7 In factory all day. To Galt. To Brick School practing singing for S.S. convention. 8 To Branchton in aft. To Methodist Prayer Meeting at night 9 Drove mail for Mr Moore today to Dundas. Down to Mr George Main's at night to a party. 10 Went up to Aulden Hammills this forenoon. Working in the factory this aft. To Rockton at night. Refereed a football match. 11 To S.S. and quarterly meeting in morning. S.S&gt; in aft. to Brethern church at night. 12 Truman and I to Galt. up to Sam Hammills help pulling peas To Methodist League at night. 13 Up to Sam Hammill's drawing in peas all day. To Endeavor at night. 14 To Sam Hammill's drawing in peas. Went to Branchton at night. 15 Jirden + I to swamp picking berries. Arthur Green + I went to St George. To a party at Aron Main's at night. 16 Played football with St. George this aft. To foot ball entertainment at night. 17 To Galt. Up to M. Culps sawing some wood this aft. 18. To S.S. + Methodist church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night 19 Tob Main + I to Galt to get bills for honey social. To League at nihgt 20 Taking bills around for the social. To Endeavor at night. 21 Down to see Tob this aft. To Galt + around by Branchton stopped for Endeavor. 22 Up to Mr Culps sawing some wood. To Branchton this aft. Practicing singing for social at night. 23 Getting Mr. Green's lawn ready for the social. Played football wilt Branchton team Lawn social at night. 24. Made a luggage carrier for my bicycle. In factory this aft. in Andy Pullen's place. To Galt at night. 25. S.S. + church (Brethern). Mr Karstedt + I started for Bradford this aft. stopped at Miss Jamieson at night. 26 Misses Jamieson's this forenoon. Started to Buffalo this aft. went down Chippawa on the boat. stayed in Buffalo all night. 27. Started from Buffalo this morning got as far as Sime Stone and stayed all night sit miles from Bradford. 28 To Conference today and night Stopped with Misses Vandike for tea and stayed all night at her place. 29 To Conference this morning. Got our dinner at the Willard Hotel. To Conference this aft. and night. 31. Went around and saw the city this aft. To Conference at night</p> <p>Sept. 1 Left Bradford this morning on excursion for Jamestown. To Lakewood in the aft. and stayed all night. 2. Left Lakewood this morning on boat for Mayville then wheeled to Buffalo and stayed all night. 3 Left Buffalo for Chipawa this morng + wheeled to Misses Jamiesons + stayed there. Out to the Falls at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1895</span></h3> <p>Sept</p> <p>4 Drove out to the falls this aft. forenoon. Visiting with Mr Karstedt this afternoon over the river. 5 Started this morning for home got our dinner in Hamilton came home in aft. Played a game of foot-ball 6. Went up to Mr. John Harvie's to an "AT HOME" at night. 7. Thrashing all day at Mr Green's cutting bands. 8 S.S. + Church in morning to S.S. in the afternoon. To Methodist Church at night. 9. Thrashing this morning at Mr Green's. Then went to Mr. Robert Hatricks thrashing there. Carrying bushels all day. 10 Mr Tommy Pearson and myself started for Toronto got our dinners in Hamilton. 11 Went to the Opery? in Toronto at night. 13. Drove to Toronto with Tommy Pearson's - grip and then started for Uncle Henry Munns. got there at noon and stayed all night 14. At Uncle Henry Munn's this forenoon. Started for Hamilton after dinner. Stayed all night with Tob Main. 15. In Hamilton this forenoon got my dinner there. Then started for home To Methodist League at night 17 Went to Galt this aft. Andy Pullin and I went to Branchton at night. 19 Helping Mr Green cut corn to day. 20 Cutting corn for Mr Green, 21, Went to Galt this forenoon. Playing a little football for practice 22 To Brethern church in morning. S.S. in the aft. To Methodist Church at night. 23. Went down to the Mill Pond to help with rock to-day To Epworth League at night. 24 Helping with the rock this forenoon. In the cheese factory this afternoon. To Endeavor at night. 25 Helping with the rock down to the mill pond. Andy Pullin and I out to Branchton to Endeavor at night. 26. To Methodist Prayer Meeting at night. 27. Not much today. 28 To Galt this forenoon. not much of anything. 29. To Methodist Church in morning. To Branchton in the afternoon To Brethern Church at night. 30. To Branchton putting up a little barn for Mr C. Reeks with Jirden and Truman. To League at night</p> <p>Oct</p> <p>1 To Branchton working at barn all day. James Keachie Andy Pullin and i to Galt at night 2 To Branchton at night to Endeavor. 3. To John MacDonald building fence all day. 4 To Branchton building fence all day Truman and myself. 5. Andy Pullin and I to Hamilton, drove to Dundas and then took dummy to Hamilton. 6 Brethern church in morning Went to Galt church at night. Drove around for Maggie McDonald 7 To John McDonald building a fence all day with Truman. To League at night Then to Mr Keachies. 8 Down to Rockton to try the ring(?) To Endeavor in Brethern church. 9 Rockton Show Day. Got second prize for bicycle race. To Branchton Endeavor at night 10 Went up to with Oscar to Waterloo on my bicycle 11 Oscar + I to the teacher's association in Berlin to day. 12 Stayed with Oscar today. Walked out to town this aft. 13. Oscar and I came to Sheffield about noon. Andy Pullin + I to S.S. in the aft. To Brethern church at night. 14 Down to Uncle Dave's thrashing part of afternoon. To conference in Brethern church 15. Help finish thrashing at Uncle Dave's this morning. Andy Pullin and I hunting this aft. I shot four black squirrels. To conference at night. 16 Wakening some plant stretches to day. To Brethern Conference at night. 17 Andy Pullin and I out hunting today. To Conference at night. 18 To Galt this aft. To Conference at night. 19 To Galt in morning. Working in the factory this aft. To Conference at night. 20 To Brethern church in morning To S.S. Convention in aft. in Brethern church. To Brethern Church at night. 21. Working at a pair of pant stretchers. League at night. 22 Andy Pullin + I out hunting all day. I shot two squirrels and a pheasant. To Endeavor at night. 23. Drove mail to Dundas for Mr Moore. To Branchton To Endeavor at night. Andy and I went up to Hamilton 24. Jirden Truman + I to Galt shingling. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 25. Drove the mail for Mr Moore to-day. To a literary meeting of the league in the Methodist church. 26 Drove the mail for Mr Moore. 27 To S.S. and Methodist Church in morning to Brethern church at night. 28 To Galt shingling this forenoon. Making a pair of pant stretchers. To League at night 29 Went with Jirden after a load of straw to Mr Ellises. Andy + I out hunting. To Endeavor at night 30 Not much today. To Branchton Endeavor at night 31 To Branchton all day pulling turnips.</p> <p>Nov</p> <p>1 To Henry's making pant stretchers this forenoon Chris Andy Pullin and myself hunting this afternoon. Shot a pheasant and a grey squirrel 2. Cleve McDonald and I went hunting this forenoon. Went out to Branchton to pull turnips but did not. 3 To S.S. + Branchton Church on the morning. Varley Bond and I to Branchton Church in the aft. To Methodist at night. 4 Chris + Andy Pullin + I hunting all day. Shot two Black squirrels and one pheasant To league at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1895</span></h3> <p>5 Out to Branchton Pulling turnips. Fixing my bicycle this aft. Endeavor at night. 6 To Galt shingling all day. To Branchton Endeavor at night. 7 Came home from Branchton this morning. Andy + I hunting this aft. 8 Down to the factory today. 9 Fixing my accordian this afternoon 10 To S.S. and Methodist Church in the morning. to Brethern Church at night 11 Helping Mr Pullin tear down his barn and load his stuff. Stuffing a grey squirrel this aft. Up + fixed Mr Keachies organ. To League at night. 12 Running the factory all along to-day. Mr Pullin left. To Endeavor at night 13 Over to Henry's this forenoon, Fixing a lantern on my bicycle. Up to Mr Keachies to a party at night. 14 Stuffing a black squirrel Thrashing at Albert Derby's this aft. 15. In factory alone all day. 16 Went to Galt this fore noon. Oscar came home with me. Down to Washburns this aft. 17 To S.S. + Brethern. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night. 18 Started to make a crockonole board for Mr Moore. Down to mill for some lumber. To League at night in methodist Church. 19 In the factory all day alone made five cheese. No Endeavor to-night. Drove 20 Drove mail for Mr Moore. 21. To Branchton. Down to Rockton to Endeavor at night. 22 In factory all day made three cheese. the last day. Football boys oyster supper at night at Walter Smiths 23 Working at crockinole board to day. 24 To S.S. and Methodist Church in morning. To Free Methodist in aft. Tob Main + I to Branchton at night. 25. Making some staining liquid this forenoon. Writing some letters this aft. 26 Making some striping brushes. Back on the ninth concession to auction sale. To Endeavor. 27 Not much in forenoon. To sale neat St George in the aft. To Branchton Endeavor at night 28 To Henry's helping him cut straw. Working at my cutter. To Methodist Prayer meeting 29. Thrashing at Mr Garrocks all day. carrying bushels 30 Thrashing all day carrying bushels.</p> <p>Dec</p> <p>1 S.S. + Brethern Church Free Methodist in aft. to Methodist church at night. 2 Went with Truman after saw dust. Helping fix his stable a little. Down to Mrs Charley Tutton s china wedding at night. 3 Down to Rockton court all day To Endeavor at night. 4 To Branchton - help making sausage. 5 Went to Galt. Shot a horse for James Moffatt. To Galt at night to hear Conductor Snider lecture. 6 Down to Mr Patrick's helping Truman blast some stone. Practicing singing for Christmas tree at night 7 Over to Henry's all day working at my cutter. 8 To S.S. + Methodist Church in morning. Brethern church at night. 9 To Henry's working at cutter. To Galt at night to hear Mr Crews speak. 10 To Henry's all day working at cutter. To Endeavor at night. 11 At Henry's all day working at cutter. 12. Out to Branchton today. 13 Making shafts for my cutter 14 To Galt. Over to Henry's fixing shafts. Took cutter to Branchton. 15 to S.S. and Brethern. to S.S. in aft. to Methodist church at night. 16 Working at Dictionary stool. To singing practice at night. 17. Made some crocknole blocks. Making iron for dictionary stand To Endeavor at night. 18 Working at stoand and a little bureau today 19 Over to Henry this aft. forenoon. Working at stand this aft. 20 Finished stand. To Mr Karstelt bee cutting wood. 21. To Oscar Main's examination today stayed all night. 22 Home from Waterloo to-day To Brethern church at night 23 Clevie and I went over to Henry's this aft Not much of anything 24 Started for Exeter got there about seven o'clock. 25. Spent Christmas in Exeter at Mr. Okes 26 At Mr Oke's all day. 27. Andrew Oke + I out driving to day. 28 Went up town. Not much this aft. 29 Opening a new church in Exeter to day. To church at night Went for a walk after. 30 Came home to day stayed in London six hours. Stayed in Branchton all night 31 Home this morning To Endeavor at night.</p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1896</span></h3> <p>Jan</p> <p>1 Home all day. had a New Years dinner. To Mr Young's a party at night. 2 Truman and I went to Branchton after my cutter. 3 Started to paint my cutter to day. 4 Puttying my cutter. George Whetham and I down to George Main's at night. 5. S.S. + Church. Brethern church at night 6 Doing some writing this forenoon. Sand papering and painting my cutter. To Methodist League at niht 7 Helping Tob Main gather provisions this aft. To tea meating in Brethern church at night 8 To Woodstock to-day to the dairy man's convention. Stopped with Andy Pullin at night. 9 To the convention in forenoon + afternoon today. To firehall at night. 10 Andy + I to Waterworks this forenoon. To jail and skating rink this aft. To Knox Church at night. 11. Went to Andy's cousin for dinner. Andy + I hunting in aft. 12 Methodist Church in morning. S.S. in aft. taught a class to C.E. at four o'clock to church at night. 13 Got home from Woodstock to day. Went over to Henry's. To Methodist League at night. 14. Truman and I went to Galt and to Branchton for dinner. To Sam Hammills to a bee this aft. To Endeavor at night. 15 Cutting wood all day in John Maleom's swamp for ourselves. Down to Stephen Moffats at night. 16 Painting my cutter. To Mr John Keachies to a bee in aft. To George Mains at night 17 Cutting wood all day for ourselves in John Maleom's swamp 18 Cutting wood all day for ourselves got through today. 19 To Methodist Church S.S. in aft. Brethern Church at night. 20 Painted my cutter. Over to Henry's making a cutter box for Avidan Hammill. To League in Methodist church at night. 21 Andy Pullin + I went hunting this aft. Got one rabbit. To Endeavor at night 22 Working at Aulden Hammills cutting box. To James Montgomery bee. Aulden and I to Branchton at night. 23 Working at cutter box. George Whetham and I down {?} to Geoge Mains at ngiht. 24 Finished cutter box. Painted my cutter.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1896</span></h3> <p>25. To Henry's. Killed a pig. Washed my buggy. 26 S.S. and Brethern Church in morning. Methodist S.S. in aft. Methodist church at night. 27 Varnished cutter. Over to Henry's started to make a crockinole board. To League at night. 28 Over to Henry;s working at crockinole board. To Mr Ben Hammill's bee. To Endeavor at night. 29 Working at Crockinole board and {space left blank} Varnished my cutter. Aulden Hammell and I to Branchton Endeavor at night. 30. To Galt with George Whetham. Making a cushion for my cutter. To church practicing singing. 31 Working at crockinole board. Trimming my cutter. Rockton + Sheffield Endeavors at night.</p> <p>Feb.</p> <p>1 Drawing wood out of swamp. Had a bee drawing it home. 2 To Methodist church in morning. To Brethern church at night. 3 To Branchton. Making an apron for back of my cutter. To John Harvie's box social at night. 4 Took Sanford Munsans horse home. To Uncle John's bee. To Endeavor at night. 5 Truman + I to Mr Brewin Cornells cutting wood all day To Branchton Endeavor at night. 6 Drove mail for mr Moore. To Revival meeting in Brethern church at night. 7 made a box for an auto harp. To Meeting at night. 8 Working at crockinole board all day. 9. To Brethern Church in morning and Methodist church at night 10 To Henry's. Went to St George to try to hire with Mr Richardson to make cheese. To meeting at night. 11 Over to Henry's working at organ stool and crockinole board. To Endeavor at night. 12 To Mr P.H Greene cutting wood all day 13 To Henry's working at organ stool and crockinole board 14 To Mr Green's cutting wood all day. 15 Working at my crockinole board. Turning some blocks. 16 Methodist church + Methodist S.S. in aft. to brethern Church at night. 17 Doing some writing. Down to Mr Brewon Cornells cutting wood this aft. To church at night. 18 To Mr Samuel Hammills cutting wood all day. To Endeavor at night. 19 Stufffing a squirrel. Put a blade in a knife handle and turned some hatrack pins. To church at night 20 To Henry's - made a hat rack and finished my crockinole board. To meeting at night. 21 Doing some staining. To Church at night. 22. To Mr Sammuel Hammill's cutting wood all day. 23. To Brethern church in morning to Methodist Church at night. 24. Turning legs for auto man. To Henry's making a sawset. To meeting at night. 25. Making an automan. to church at night. 26 To Mr Samuel Hammills cutting wood all day. To Mr Gerrards at night. 27 Cutting wood all day for Sam Hammill. 28. Cutting wood all day and logs. 29. To Galt with Audlen Hammill. {EVENTS is written in the middle of the page splitting the line so that the end of the line is the 15th of March. Bellow EVENTS is a large space. The events Sylvester could be referring to are important moments of the month} 15 Miss Cornells funeral</p> <p>Mar 1. Methodist Church morning to S.S. {across gap} 23 Aulden Hammills wood bee {left side} in aft. Brethern church at night {across gap} 24 Sam Munson's wood bee {left side}2. Trimming organ stool - doing {across gap} 25 Leap year Social in Brethern Church {left side} some writing. church at night 3 To Galt. doing chores for Aulden {across gap} 31 Charleys Johnon's wife funeral {left side, gap is ended} Hammill. To church at night. 4 Aulden Hammill + I to Galt. Drawed a load of lumber from the mill. 5 To Mr. B. Cornells this morning went to Preston this afternoon with Aulden. 6 To mill this forenoon To Preston this aft. 7. Cutting wood and doing chores. 8 To church morning and night. 9 To the mill forenoon aft. 10 To Preston - cutting some wood. 11 Not much. - cutting wood. 12 Cutting logs this aft. 13 To Preston this forenoon. Piling some lumber this aft. 14 To Preston and Galt. Took sow up to Mr Fords. Cutting some wood 15. Helping father dig a grave. To Miss Cornells funeral. To Brethern Church at night. 16 Doing chores. Cutting a little wood. 17. Aulden and i went to Galt. Took a load of logs to the saw mill htis aft. To Endeavor at night. 18 To saw mill with a load of logs to shop getting sleigh fixed. Aulden + I walked to Branchton at night. 19 Cleaning up some peas cutting some wood. 20. Finished cleaning peas. Cutting a little wood came home at night. 21. To Galt all day with Tob 22. To church morning and night. 23 Fixing my rubbers. To Aulden Hammill bes this aft. 24 Cutting ice this forenoon. To Sam Munsons bee this aft. To Rockton at night to Plastows {?}. 25 Drawing ice. To the saw mill for saw dust. To social at Brethern at night. 26 Took sap buckets to bush. To mill this aft. Took load of lumber to Henry's. 27 Took two loads of lumber to Henry's Piling some lumber this aft. 28. Piling lumber at Henry's Went up done chores for Aulden Hammill at night. To Branchton at night. 29 To Methodist church in morning to Brethern Church at night. 30 Truman + I to St George this forenoon up to Hammills started to put up a banister. 31 To Hammils working on banister all day. To Endeavor at night.</p> <p>Apr 1 Finished banister. Went home. 2 Truman + I drove down to Will Mains and Mr Clures. Up to Mr S. Hammills this aft. 3. Drove up above Preston to see horse power wheel. Went to Sheffield this aft. 4 Started to make a horse power wheel for Sam Hammills 5. Church in morning Methodist S.S. Church at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1896</span></h3> <p>Apr 6 Went to Galt to get some sawing done. Working at horse power wheel. 7. Working at wheel all day. To Endeavor at night. 8 Working at wheel. Tob Main and I over to visit Annie Hammonds school. To Branchton at night. 9 Working at wheel all day. 10 Finished the wheel to-day. Out to Branchton for Taffy off. 11 Helping cut a little feed. 12 Methodist church in morning To Brethern church at night. 13 Down to William McClares all day for Wat Smith cutting wood. 14 Over to Henry's piling lumber for myself. Up to Ben and Sam Hammills this aft. To Endeavor at night. 15 Sam Hammill and I drove to Hespeler got home in the aft. EVENTS {maybe the events section is an attempt at organizing imporant ideas better. This events section splits the page vertically insted of centrally} May 8. Sold my bicycle to Tob Main May 9 Went to Brantford and got a new bicycle. 11th. Started to work in cheese factory near Hespeler. June 6 Went to Bloomingdale on my wheel stayed all night. {end of events section} 16 George Whetham + I went down the creek shooting pike. finished my crockinole board this aft. {17 is written in the margin and arrowed in here} up to Mr. Samuel Hammills sawing wood all day. Dr. Main's house burnt. 18 To Mr S Hammill sawing and splitting wood all day. 19. To Brethern S.S. + Church. To Methodist S.S. in aft. church at night 20 To John MacDonald building fence. To Sam Hammill's graftin. 21. Dragging this forenoon, plowing this aft. 23 Plowing this forenoon sowing some this aft. 24 Rained put some new planks in the stable Cleaned some barley. Came home this aft. To "At Home" in Methodist League. 25. To Galt. not much of anything. 26. Church in morning. S.S. in brick school. Brethern Church at night. 27 To John McDonald's all day. harrowing and sowing. Home at night. 28 Down to Hamilton with George Whetham 29. Over to Sam Munsons for his horse. Up to Hespeler to see factory. 30. Went out to dairy factory near Brantford with George Whetham. Went to Brantford at night. stayed with Sanford Main.</p> <p>May</p> <p>1. To Brantford came home in aft. To box social at Aaron Main's. 2. Made a picture frame this forenoon. Went to Galt with Jamie Montgomery 3. To S.S. and Brethern church. To Methodist church at night 4 George Whethm and I to Kirkwall to shoemaker. Went out to river fishing in aft. 5 Down to Varley Bond Fixing up a little bit. Over to Henry's and put bicycle together. 6 Finished putting bicycle together. Went to Galt. 7 Came up to the factory at Hespeler - cleaning up some - putting things together. Went home at night 8 Up to the factory this forenoon cleaning up some. Went home in afternoon. 9 Went to Brantford on train bought a bicycle and rode it home. Sold mine to David T Main. 10 To the Methodist church. To Brethern church at night. 11 Started to make cheese near Hespeler. Started to board at Mr Ellis. 12. Not running factory to-day. Made a sink this forenoon. Went home this aft. Led the Endeavor at night 13. Making cheese. made four. 14 In factory all day. Made three cheese; Went home for Father + Mother's fortieth wedding anniversary 15 In factory all day. 16 In factory all day. Truman + Rosa fetched up my trunk at night. 19 Working in factory. To Hespeler Y.P. Meeting at night. 20 In factory all day To Galt at night. Rode Oscar's bicycle home to Hespeler. 21. In factory all day To Galt at night. 22 Working in factory all day. Went down to Galt + rode Oscar's bicycle back. 23. In factory all day. Tob was up all day with me. Came home at night. 24 S.S. + Methodist church in morning To Odd Fellows sermon in aft to Brethern church at night. 25 Went up to factory in morning Working all day got through in goodtime. Went to Preston at night. 26 In factory all day To Hespeler at night. 27 In factory all day. To Galt at night. 28 In factory all day. 29 Working in factory all day. To Menninite meeting at night 30 In factory all day Went home at night. 31 S.S. and quarterly meeting in Brethern church in morning. To Brethern church at night</p> <p>June</p> <p>1 In factory all day made six cheese 2 In factory all day. Went home at night to Lawn Social at Mr Rickers at night. 3 In factory all day. 4 In factory all day To Hespeler at night on my wheel. 5 In factory all day. Up to Hespeler on my wheel. 6 In factory all day. Went to Bloomingdale at night. Stayed at Mr Reichert all night Oscar came up. 7. To quarterly meeting in Bloomdale. Oscar + I came home in aft. to Brethern church at night. 8 In factory all day. Went over to Mr Cooks to change apareel at night. 9 In factory all day rained at night. 10 In factory all day. 11 In factory all day To Hespeler at night 12 In factory a;; day. Tob Main up at night To Hespeler and then to park at night. 13. In factory all day Went home at night. 14 Went to Berlin Camp meeting today. To Brethern church at night. 15 In factory all day made six cheese. 16 In factory all day. To Hespeler Epworth League at night 17 In factory all day Company at night Miss Casick from Guelph. Went to lespeler at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1896</span></h3> <p>June</p> <p>18 In factory all day. To Hespeler at night with Mr Ellis. 19 In factory all day. Went down to Uncle Alick Scotts at night and then to Hespeler 20 In factory all day. Went home at night. 21 Down to Aaron Main's. To Pleasant Grove S.S. in aft. To Branchton at night with tub. 22 In factory all day. 23. In factory all day to Hespeler at night. 24 In factory all day to day. 25. In factory all day 26 In factory all day. Went to Hespeler at night. 27 In factory till afternoon. Aulden Hammill and I went to English Church at night and then started for home. Got home at three o'clock. 29. In factory all day. Went home at night. 30. In factory all day. To Epworth League at night in Methodist Church Hespeler.</p> <p>July</p> <p>1 In factory all day To Preston at night. 2 In factory all day. To Galt at night. 3 In facotry all day To Galt at night. 4 In factory all day. Went home at night. Played foot ball against Rockton. 5. To Methodist church in morning To Sam Hammills in aft. 6 In factory all day went up to see Anson Groh at night. 7 In the factory all day To Young People's meeting in Methodist Church at night in Hespeller. 8 In factory all day. To Hespeler in the evening. 11 In factory all day. Went home at night 12 To Brethern church in morning. Aulden Hammill down to our place. To Methodist Church at night. 13 In factory all day. To Hespeler at night. 14 In factory all day To UNION Meeting in Presbyterian church at night Aulden Hammill was up. 15 In factory all day. came home to Lawn Social at Mr P. H. green's at night. 16 Helping draw away the cheese this forenoon. Cleaning up this aft. To Hespeler + Park at night. 17 Went down to the Lake fishing some come home at night 18 Not much. Went to Galt, and Hespeler to tirn the cheese. 19. Varley and I went to Galt Church this morning. Went down to Rockton to Plastows this aft. To Brethern Church at night. 20 Back to swamp picking berries to day. Went up to turn cheese at night. 21 Over to Henry's and down to the mill this forenoon. Up to turn cheese in aft. 22. Out to Branchton. To Galt and turn cheese this afernoon. 23 Over to Henry's. Went on the moon-light excursion to Hamilton. 24 Went up to turn the cheese this forenoon up + Hammills a while this afternoon. 25. Oscar + I went to Toronto. 26 to Sam Hammills Went to Hamilton and took the boat. came home at night 27. Back to swamp picking berries. Went up to tirn cheese. 28 Fixing Methodist Church organs. Went to Hamilton with albert Bond. 29. To Hamilton with Albert Bond all day. 30 Went up to turn cheese. Down to Rockton at night. 31. Over to Henry's made a screwdriver.</p> <p>Aug</p> <p>1 Up to turn cheese and to Galt. Playing baseball this aft. 2. S.S. in morning. Aulden Hammill and I to Hespeler at night. 3 cleayCleavy and I went up after my trunk to-day. 4 Making a man for Cleavy. Pulling tills in my tool chest. To Endeavor at night. 5 Working at my tool chest. Fixing my bicycle. To Branchton Endeavor at night and to Mr. Harvies. 6 Up to turn cheese. Over to Henry's working at tool chest. 7 Over to Henry's painting tool chest. Fixed my shoes this aft. 8 Up to Hespeler boxed the rest of the cheese and sent them away. Alden Hammill + I went to Winino to night 9 To Mr Henry's this forenoon. Aulden + I went to Grimsby park. Stayed at Mr Carpenters all night. 10 Started for home. this forenoon got our dinner in Hamilton. came home this aft. 11. Not much of anything To Endeavor at night. 12.Drove the mail for Mr Moore. 13 to Hespeler this forenoon settled up with the factory business. Thrashing at Moffats for Mr. W. McClure. 14 Thrashing this forenoon helping W. McClure drawin oats this aft 15 To galt. fixing my bicycle this aft. 16 To Quarterly meeting in Brethern church. To Brethern church at night. 17 Working at my dresser. To bush meeting at night 18 Down to Aaron Main's painting buggy. Aulden Hammill and i to Hespeler at night. 19 Down to sawmill after some lumber. over to Henry's working on my dresser. 20 Down to Mr Robert Hatricks pulling peas this forenoon. drawing in this aft. 21 Over to Henry's worlking at dresser. Over to bush meeting at night. 22 To Galt. Down to Aaron Main's varnishing buggy. 23 Miss james miss Squires Varley and I went to Grimbsy to day. Stayed all night at Grimbsy Park 24 Varley and I came home this morning. Working at my dresser this aft. 25 Finished my dresser to day. Put a lid on a chest for myself. Up to Mr S Hammills at night 26 Up to hammills for some lumber. Out to Branchton Endeavor at night. 27. Not much of anything 28 Fixing my bicycle some. 29. To galt. 30 Varley Milt Whetham and I to Troy church. To galt in aft. To Brethern church at night. 31 Started to make a horse power for culling straw</p> <p>Sept.</p> <p>1. Working at horse power today to Endeavor at night. 2. In the factory to day. 3 Over to Henry's working at horse power. 4. Paw and I up fixing a culvert on the road. 5 To Galt with Aulden Hammill.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1896</span></h3> <p>Sept.</p> <p>6 Brethern Church in morning. Up to Hammills in the aft. To Methodist church at night 7 To Aulden Hammills taking in some straw. Over to Branchton to picnic this aft. to Galt at night. 8 Over to Henry's working at power and sharpened my saws. 9 Up to Mr Thomas Moffatts helping Jorden pat in a silo 10 Helping with silo today - got through. home at night. 11 Uncle Alicks Young people to our place. 12. To Galt. Aulden Hammill and I to Idlewild Pak to a picnic this aft. 13. To Methodist church this morning. Went to Galt this aft. To Baptist. church at night. 14. Working at horse power this forenoon. Down to Albert's putting a back in buggy top. 15. Working at horse power. To Endeavor at night. 16 Working at horse power. Up to Galt this aft. To Young Peoples convention in Methodist church 17 To Thos. Moffatt putting hoops on silos. To Galt at night. 18 To Hammills making a corn cutter. Cutting corn this aft. 19 To Galt this forenoon with Truman. Reading this aft. 20 varley + I to Galt church this morning. To Rockton this aft. To Galt at night. 21 To Sam Hammills cutting corn. Aulden and I to Galt League at night. 22 To Henry's this forenoon to Sam Hammills cutting corn this aft. James Keachie, Aulden + I up to Mr Harvie's at night. 23. Cutting corn. Over to St. George playing football this aft. 24 To Galt with Aulden. Cutting corn this aft. 25 Home all day with a sore foot. Reading to-day. 26. Home, reading, Stephen Burley and wife came down this aft. Thos. Pearson came to night. 27. To Methodist Church in the morning To Brethern Church at night. Mr Karstedt farewell. 28 Visiting Thos Pearson. Down to Mr {29 is written next to this line with an arrow pointed up next to it}Karstdls farewell at night. {another small arrow pointed up wards, this is probably the start of 29} Took Mrs Jamieson and Thos Peerson to the station. Helping Aulden cut corn. Rained in aft. 30 Over to Henry's fixing my bicycle.</p> <p>Oct</p> <p>1 Helping Aulden cut corn all day. To Galt opere at night. 2 Helping cut corn all day and drawing some in. 3. Out to Branchton all day with Jirden helping at Mr Chapmans house. 4. Varley + I to Galt Church both morning and night. 5 Helping Aulden drawing corn all day. To Branchton at night to an "At Home " entertainment 6. Thrashing at Kurks all day for Aulden. 7 To Galt with Mr S. Hammill. To Troy and Rockton with children. 8 Fixing my bicycle. 9 Out to Mr Chapmans in Branchton. Digging Mr. Stewarts potatoes this aft. 10 Digging our own potatoes this aft. forenoon. Went to Galt with Aulden Hammill this aft. 11 Varley + I went to Guelph this morning came back to Galt stopped at Chris Pullin's for tea. To Methodist church at night. 12 Gathering some hickory nuts this forenoon shelling them this afternoon. 13 To Branchton. Not much of anything this aft. 14 To Rockton Show all day. 15 Started for conference, got as far as Misses Jamiesen stayed all night. 16 Went with Tommy Pearson after some barrels. 17 Started for conference this forenoon. To conference this aft. stayed at Mr Knoxals all night. 18 To conference this morning. Went with Norman Sherrick for dinner. WEnt to Crystal beach this aft. To Church at night. Stayed t at David Shericks all night. 19 Thos Pearson and I started for Misses Jamieson this forenoon. I went out hunting got one grey squirrel. To party at night. 20 Helping Tommy pick apples to day. Tommy and I went to Meriton with load of spokes (?) 22 Came home to day. Got dinner at Stoney Creek got home half past four. 23 Helping Jirden with his house all day. 24 To Galt this forenoon Down to Smith Willards looking at some turnips. 25 To Methodist Church. Went to Galt at night. 26 In factory all day. To Galt at night. 27 Truman + I pulling turnips all day for Smith Willard 28 Helping Aaron Main pack apples all day 29. Truman + I finished ulling turnips to day. 30 Not much of anything 31. Over to Henry's this forenoon. Over to Bill Cronin's pulling turnips this aft.</p> <p>Nov</p> <p>1 To Hespeler church this forenoon. To Methodist Church in Sheffield at night. 2 Over to Henry's working at horse power. Drove up to Sam's Hammills after a board. 3 Helping Mr Shipman fix a culvert up on the seventh concession. Down helping Jirden with his house. To Endeavor at night. 4 Helping Jirden at his house. 5 Over to Henry's this forenoon. Down helping Jirden at his house. 6 Helping Jirden all day. 7 To Galt. 8 Methodist church in the morning. Up to Hammills in the aft. To Brethern church at night. 9 Over to Henry's working at horse power. 10 Down to Jirden's helping him with his house. To Endeavor at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3><span class="mw-headline">1896</span></h3> <p>Nov</p> <p>11 Over to Henry's working at horse power. To pie social in Brethern Church. 12. Over to Henry's working on cutter box. To Methodist League at night. 13 To Henry's working at cutter box. 14. To Galt. 15 To Brethern Church in morning To Rockton in aft. to Galt at night 16 Working at Cutter box today 17. Down to Jirden's making table for Mr. Grant. To Mr Culps bee this aft. 18 To Henry's all day. 19 Down to Jirden's this forenoon over to Henry's this aft. 20 Over to Henry all day 21 To Henry's all day. 22 To Church in morning and at night. 23. To Henry's in morning. Went up to Hammills the rest of the day. 24 To hammills all day To Endeavor at night. 25. Reading this forenoon up to Hammills in the aft. 26. To Henry's in forenoon To Malcoms Sale in aft Aulden Hammills and I to Hespeler at night. 27 To Henry's working at cutter To Robert Hatricks this aft. 28 To Mr Hatricks all day working at hen roost. 29 To Brethern church in morning to Methodist church at night. 30 To Mr Hatricks all day working at hen roost.</p> <p>Dec.</p> <p>1 To Mr Hatricks all day To Endeavor at night. 2 Andy Pullin + I to Tuttons at night. 3 Turning a potato masher for Etherlinda Main. Andy + I to Galt. To League at night. 4. Over to Henry's working at Cutter all day. 5 To Galt. Over to Henry's working at cutter this afternoon. 6 To Brethern Church in morning To Methodist church at night. 7 Down to Mr Hatricks finishing hen roost. To Henry's fixing buggy wheel this aft. Aulden Hammill and I to Galt at night. 8 Set the tire on buggy wheel and put tire bolts in it. To Endeavor at night. 9 Started to make a cutter to day for Joe Plastow. 10 Tob + I to Hamilton. To Methodist league at night. 11 Working at cutter all day. Up to Hammills at night. 12 Working at cutter box this forenoon. Making a crockinole board for Aulden Hammill. 13 To Methodist Church morning and night. 14. Working at cutter to-day 15 Working at cutter all day. To Endeavor at night 16 Working at cutter all day. Aulden Hammill + I to Rockton at night. 17 Putting irons on cutter to-day. 18 Same. 19 Working at cutter. Making Shafts this aft. 20 To Church morning and night. 21. Over to Henry's. Went to Dundas this aft. Jennie Sherrick came to day. 22 Back to swamp for cedars this forenoon fixing the arch this aft. and night. 23. Went to Galt for Mr Cowling this forenoon. Stood up for Oscar and Rosa's wedding with Jennie Sherrick. 24 Not much. Taking down the arch in the church. 25. Down to Mr Aaron Main's with Oscar Roas + Jennie Sherrick. 26 Rosa, Oscar, Jennie Sherrick and I to Galt to-day. 27 To Brethern Church in the morning to Methodist Church at night. 28 Made a back for my cutter. 29 Took Jennie Sherrick to Harrisburg station this afternoon. Went to Brantford. 30 Over to Henry's all day putting some irons on cutter and started to make a pair of shafts. 31. Out to Branchton station for Thos. Pearson this aft. forenoon To galt this aft.</p> </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5a1383b671eac714b03911990d7b6589.pdf b264b7ef8ce0693f1cacec0af46f8ad6 PDF Text Text ������ https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f985e62d9f6284133b6a2b6f89f3e6f6.pdf 2d410531bf27b8763ecc22898406d03e PDF Text Text Stephen “Sylvester” Main (1872 – 1937) 1889 Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers 1889 Jan 1. Out to Destys all day with D.H. Burleys and Mirah 2. Skating all day with Cary Bond and some others 3. Skating with Ella and Cary Bond and Varley Bond Up to our place at night. 4 Skating with Gary & Ella Bond Shooting with Varley Bond in afternoon. 5 Tend to my chickens and down to Office. 6. To Free Methodist in aft. noon. Up to Methodist at night to hear Voden. 7 Not much. Down to shop 8 Feed my chickens, one of Truman's died. Desty and Cleavy {blank} out here. 9. Made a rat traps. Down to Uncle Daves cleaning oats. 10 Big wind storm shovelled snow out of hen roost fixed place for Trumans. 11. Albert Bond. Put a window in the hen roost got a letter for D.H. Burley 12. Helping Uncle Daves draw straw. Made a slat door for my hen roost. Truman Almira Maggie Steel D H Burley came home from Uncle Alex Wining. 13 D H Burley here. To church at night. 14 Taffy off. D H. Burley here helping Uncle Dave clean up oats. To Free Methodist at night 15 David H Burley went home to-day Down to Free Methodist at night 16 Started to school, rain all afternoon. 17 To school all day. Tea meeting here tonight but not to it. 18 To school all day Social at night but not to it. To Free Methodist. 19 fixing my gun. Shooting and skating in aft. 20 Reading. To Methodist church at night. 21 To school all day. Tacked some pictures up in my hen roost. 22 To school all day. J. Ricker V Bond S Jane Moore here at night. 23 To school all day down to free Methodist at night. 24 To school in the forenoon. Ear ache in afternoon to Free Methodist at night. 25 To school today organize the debate to lecture and free Methodist at night. 26 Maggie Idia and Lorn out here this afternoon. Varley Bond and I shooting sparrows. Hens laid today for the first. 27. Snowing all day to Brethern church at night. 28 To school today 29 To school today 30 To school today. Truman to Hamilton with Albert Bond. 31 To school to day. Fixing my hand sleigh black rooster died. Feb 1 Took two loads of wood to Galt for Albert Bond. 2 Fixing my squirrel cage. Over to Henry's cutting straw. Down to a show at night to the hotel the man had spotted rats wanted to trade me a pair for my flying squirrels. 3 John & Desty. Cleavy & Frank Bond here. To church at night. 4 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond. Snowing hard. 5 To school today, fixing the carpet holder. Varley and I over to Sarah Moors. Sent some papers to Jacob Burley 6 To school today got a pair of over shoes & felt stockings 7 To school today. Got my Northern Messenger. 8 To school today. Dance in hall tonight but not to it. 9. Fixed my Sunday shoes. Seth Aldredge came down tonight. 10 To Church in morning up to Methodist church at night. Started to shave 11 To school. Bought seven hens from Truman. Got a bag of oats from Henry. Church started in the U B church 12 To School. Down to Varley Bonds all night. All away but Varley & I put some shoes in Ella and Gennies bed. 13 To �school - fixing my hen roost. 14 To school down at Bond's at night. 15 To school. Put a window in my hen roost. Paw sick tonight. 16 Bee today drawing wood. 17 To church morning & afternoon. At night to Brethern Church John & Desty out. 18 To school today. To church Brethern at night. 19 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. 20 Back to the woods all day. Brought three logs home. 21 Uncle John & Beagle & I over to Henry's. Got him to come & fix sewing machine. no school to day. 22 Back to woods all day snowing & blowing. No school to day. 23 To woods all day sawing. - Cold below Zero. 24 In all day to church at night Mr Manard preached. 25 To school today. sleigh riding at night (dog) beagle two years old 26 Back to the woods all day. Snowing this afternoon. 27 To school - a very nice day. Train run off the track at St. George 28 To school. John Ricker Elroy Kymers and myself back to Kirkwall to a lecture Chiniguy. Elroy Kymers horse & my cutter. MAR. 1 Back to woods all day. Snowing to-night. 2 Very warm - cleaning out my hen roost got a new thought. 3 Very warm. Sun shinning all day. to church at night. 4 Back to the woods. Thawing a lot. 1889 MAR 5 To school to-day. Very nice day thawing a lot 6 To school. traded a brown leg horne rooster for a white leg horn rooster & a plymoth rock hen with John Wedge 7 To school. Very nice day 8 To school thawing a lot to day 9 To the woods all day cold Jirden & I drawing out wood - got my Farm & Home. 10 John Desty and Cleavy out here. Desty gave me her cap for this winter. To church at night. 11 To school. Started to make an incubator. Gave 25 cents - Missionary. 12 Drawing wood, William Coverdale and I from the woods along by the school house. got a catalogue 13 To school. Sent for catalogues and a letter to Hannal Woltzen 14 To school. skating tonight. A new shoemaker came t Sheffield to-day 15 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. One of my hens died. Got a catalogue. 16 Skating this forenoon put a patch on each side of my boot. Bought a basket with a lid on. 17 Around home. Over to th woods to see how the sap run. To Methodist church at night. 18 To school. fixed my basket. Got a poultry catalogue. 19 To school. Got an incubator catalogue and a letter from some place. 20 Home this forenoon. To a bee at Bond's this aft. Oyster supper at night. Got two poultry catalogues 21 To school. fixed my climbing spurs. 22 Chisling out posts for the barn a very nice day. 23. Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills this afternoon. 24 Varley Bond & I over to Woods for a walk. To church at night. 25. Took two loads of wood to Galt for Bonds. 26 Around home. Started to make an incubator. 27 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's. Raising our barn this afternoon. I was helping set a hen to-night. 28 To Hamilton all day with Albert Bond home at night 29 Helping Albert scaffle lumber for barn. snowing and colder. 30 Helping scafling lumber. Made a nest for my hens 31. In all day. To church at night snowing a lot - about a foot deep. Apr. 1 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's on sleigh. 2 Help put the roof on the barn - up to loom shop making hen roost. 3 Finished making my incubator. Helping Peter Humphrey clean up oats in �the aft. 4 Over to Henry's cutting wood till three o'clock. To Methodist church. 5 Not much of any thing. snowing 6 Helping draw stones for the barn. Got some of our own hay down to Joseph Ricker. Took horses over to Henry's help Mr Ricker carry his syrup. Got my supper over there. Henry came out to Sheffield at night. Broke two cans - a two quart and a one quart, lost the syrup. 7 Varley Bond and I for a walk over in the woods to church at night 8 Albert & I over to the creek shooting pike. I shot one forteen and a half inches long. First fish I ever shot. 9 Laying floor in the barn all day. 10 Went up to Freeport to lead Mr Mott's cow down. Walked all the way. He moved down to Sheffield. 11 To Mr Laing's all day circle sawing wood. 12 Sawing wood down to cheese factory in the morning down to Mr Mott's 13 Put a nest in my hen roost shingle some on the hen roost. 14 Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills for a walk. To church at night 15 Went out to Destemony's for a selling of duck eggs set them under a hen. Took them under my hens up to the other place. Got a bag of oats from Henry 16 Hired to Peter Humphrey for a month for $13 a month. Started work to day harrowing all day. 17 Harrowing till half past four o'clock, cultivating the rest of the day. 18 Dragging all day. Hen came out with 12 chickens out of 13 eggs. 19 gang ploughing and harrowing all day. rain to night. 20 Fixing fence this forenoon dragging this afternoon. 21. In all day - seven eggs. To church at night. 22 Picking stones till eleven o'clock. Drawed a load of pine roots for thrashing. Dragging till noon. rolling till four o'clock. Ella Bond and Elusci Gerrard ridding with me. gang ploughing the rest of the day. 23 Gang ploughing till 10 o'clock dragging till noon, rolling this afternoon 24 rolling till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. gang ploughing till rain. Went up to Elroy Hyman Till half past four. Went around the outside fence. 25. Digging a drain by the house. Peter Humphrey layed the tile at noon. covered it up in afternoon. 26 Gang ploughing till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. dragging all the afternoon. 1889 April 27 Cleaning out colts stable cleaning out the stalls, over to the house. P. Humphrey got four pigs from Henry. Him & I went over after them. Took two back to McMillins to the bore! 28 Up to organize S.S. to the Medots Church at night 29 P. Humphrey and I building fence all day 30 Drawing dirt this forenoon. Drawing apple limbs this afternoon. Drawed a load of hay on the wagon for Galt. May 1 Carring brush and digging out post holes till ten o clock. dragging till noon. 2 Cleaning up the garden & digging some. Cleaning up oats this afternoon. 3 Digging garden this forenoon, plowing summer fallow this afternoon. 4 Plowing all day Beagle (my dog) and I killed a ground hog. Beagle got it up a fence stake. 5 Sunday School. Went out to Desties. Home at night to church. 6 Cultivating till three gragging till five rolling till night. 7 Rolling till eight, gang plowing till night. Set my hen on seventeen eggs. 8 Dragging this forenoon rolling till half past three dragging till night 9 Plowing all day in the summer fallow 10 Plowing till ten rain till noon. Plowing all afternoon with Peter Humphrey. 11 Peter Humphrey and I finished the summer fallow at five o'clock came up to the barn. Dragging till �night. 12 To S.S. in morning to church at night 13 gang plowing till ten o'clock. dragging and rolling till noon. Drawing out manure in afternoon. Hen had nine ducks. 14 Fixed a fence for the hens. Peter & I drawing out manure. Planting potatoes this afternoon. 15. plowing and dragging till noon, rolling and planting corn this afternoon. Time out to Peter Humphrey. 16 Fixed a pen for my ducks. Down to Elroy Hymers, set two hens for Mr Mott. 17 Went over to Henry's for horses to plow lots. Paw & I plowed them. 18 Dragged the other lot over twice. Took horses over to Henry's. Made a pen for my ducks. Marked out rows up to the other lot. 19 To S.S. in morning To church at night M. Plowman preached. 20 Planting corn and potatoes all day. up to other lot. 21 Down to Smith Willards Albert Mc Cormack and I planted potatoes & covering them. Got a poultry book 22 Cutting some burdocks up to the other lot. One of my little ducks died. 23 Cutting down burdocks. over to Henry's to get the horse but did not. 24 Varley Bond & James Main and I shooting this forenoon. shooting in Bond's lane this aft. 25 Almira and I to Galt Ella and Olive Humphrey up playing crockey 26 To S.S. Desty & John out to Methodist church at night. 27 Out to Desty's all day. Set a hen on light brahma eggs. Mr Mott brought the eggs from Port Colborn. He gave me the hen to set them under. Set another plymouth rock hen on thirteen eggs. 28 Made a nest box. Started to fix my shoes. snowed some to- day. 29 White hen came off this morning with sixteen chicks out of seventeen eggs. Went back to John Wedge after setting hen but did not get any. Heavy frost last night 30 Finished fixing my shoe. Made a chicken catcher. 31. Down to Brice Culhams to see about a pig. Got my Farm and Home paper. June 1 Elroy Hymers & I back to John Wedge. I tried to get a setting hen 2 S.S. in morning to Brethern church at night, 3 up to other place digging - put in some beans. John Wedge fetched me out a setting hen. Set her. 4 Walked out to meet Desty but she came in the buggy. Went over to Henry's got the horse 5. Almira and Maw away. Rosa & I home. Made a cart. 6 Put Dexter on my cart - took two bags of rags up to the other lot. Took Dexter over to Henry's. 7 Uncle Thomas and Aunt Melvina down here. Elroy Hymers and I back to John Wedge. I got some scunk went Elroy got some turnips. We carried them home. 8 Elroy Hymers and I to Galt. Elroy took up some iron and oats. 9 S.S. in the morning to church (Methodist) at night. 10 Bought a pig from Elroy Hymers. Him and I up to Watty Barns for a setting of hen eggs. Got a setting hen from Moffats. 11 Down to Old David Mains got a setting hen. Got a setting of turkey eggs from Kent Sager. 12 Set my turkey eggs under plymouth Rock hen. Got a Post Card. 13. Made a pig pen up to the other place - over to Henry's 14 Almira and I and Cleavy up to Galt - got my eggs. 15 Over to Mr Rickers hoeing corn & potatoes all day. Desty has been out here four days. 16 S.S. in morning Church at night. 17 Elroy Hymers and I back for a swim. Went back to salt two colts in the afternoon. Ram chased us. 18 Took two hens up to other place. On the roads this afternoon on the sixth concession 19 Set a brown leghorn on hoden eggs 20 for a bath down to the mill pond. Albert got his bicycle. 21 My pig died. �Not much of anything. Caught a rat last night. Got two more chickens. 22 Put a screen door on the front on the {bic}. 23 To S.S. in morning To Methodist Church at night. 24 Cultivating both lots of potatoes. Hoeing corn this afternoon. 25 hoeing corn and potatoes till near night Went out to Destys stayed all night 26 Came from Destys this morning found a snapping turtle. To Peter Humphreys pulling building fence. 27 Working on the roads all day. 1889 28 On the roads this forenoon to Peter Humphrey building fence and cocking hay. 29 Cutting thistles this forenoon cocking up hay. Drawed in two loads 30. S.S. in the morning. John & Desty out but no church at night - Mr Mott away. July 1 To Galt all day 2 hoeing corn and potatoes awile this morning. chock up some hay. Drawing in this afternoon. 3 Peter Humphrey and I hoeing potatoes in morning. Shock out some hay. Drawed in this afternoon. 4 Sick all day laying in. Rosy & Elmira & Cleavy went to Galt. 5 Laying around this forenoon. To Peter Humphries - horse raking and cocking up. drawed in one load. 6 Drawing in hay. Paris greened the potatoes at noon. Horse raked till supper time drawed in two loads. 7 S.S. in morning & church at night. 8 gang plowing this forenoon, drawing in hay this afternoon horse raking a little. 9 Gang plowing this forenoon drawing in and horse raking. 10 Gang plowing this forenoon and turning some hay. horse raking & cocking. Drawed in one load. 11. dragging this forenoon. shook out some hay drawing in this afternoon. 12 dragging and drawing in one load this forenoon horse raking and drawing in 13 horse raking fetched in the rakings. horse raking and cocking up. 14. S.S. in the morning S.S. convension to church at night. 15 Gang plowing this forenoon. Simon and I drawing in horse raking a little. 16 Drawing and horse raking. Simon McGanzie helping us started to make a stack. 17 Horse raking M.F. Cochern helping cocking up. 18 Cocking up and horse raking. 19 Picking berries this forenoon - not much of anything. 20 gang plowing and horse raking drawing in and horse raking 21. to S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 22 Picking berries this forenoon to Humphries drawing in. 23 Horse raking for ourselves in Mr Keachies field cocking it up. 24 Picking berries Destimony out and went with us. Drawing in hay. 25 Picking berries this forenoon. Took Desty and Cleavy home. 26 Drawed in some hay for ourselves. Made a net to put on the horse 27. Almira and I to Galt this forenoon. Down to see them play bassball. 28 To S.S. in morning to quarterly up to the Methodist. To the Brethern church at night 29. Picking berries this forenoon. Took a ride on the Bicycle. 30 Charles Laing and I to Hamilton today Took a load of cheese down brought a small load back. 31 Cleaned out Mr. Mott's sistern. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay. Aug 1 Took a load of cheese to Galt for Mr Laing. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay - pulling peas 2 Fixed the fence up to the other lot. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas fr Mr Humphrey. 3 Cleaning out my turkey pen. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas 4 S.S. in morning to free Methodist in the afternoon to Methodist church at night 5 Picking berries this forenoon. Pitched on a load of �hay. pulling peas. 6 hoeing weeds out of my potatoes pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 7 Hoeing weeds out of my potatoes. Pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 8 taking the weeds off my potatoes. Drawing in some hay. Cultivating my potatoes. 9 shocking up oats all day. Smith Willard cutting them. 10 To Galt this forenoon. Cultivating father's potatoes billing them up. 11 To S.S. Truman & I out to Desty's on the bicycle. To church at night. 12 Cutting thistles on the sixth concession. Picked up some wood on the road. Washed the buggy. 13 Drawing in peas all day. 14 Drawing in peas this forenoon, riding on the bicycle. 15. drawed in two loads of peas and two of oats this forenoon. Shocking up this afternoon. Smith Willard cutting. 16 shocking up oats all day alone. keep up to the binder Smith Willard cutting. 17 To Galt this forenoon. Took up some chickens and ducks - sold them all. To Branchton this aft. on the bicycle to a picnic. 18 S.S. in morning. Church at night 19 To Peter Humphrey's drawing in oats all day 20. Helped John Steel set four tires. Drawing in oats picked up a load of hay 21. Took hen up to the other place. Drawed in two loads of oats, loaded a load of hay. 22 loaded a load of hay this forenoon and out to Branchton. Drawed in oats. Pitched on a load of hay. 23 gang ploughing till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 24. Went out to the Branchton at daylight Destamona & I went to Galt with ducks. Came home as soon as I got back pitched on a load of hay drawed a barrel of water. 25. S.S. in morning church at night. 26. Took Albert & Almira out near Branchton for the station. Gangplowing till near night. Pitched on a load of hay 27 Gang plowing this forenoon pitched on a load of hay at noon gang plowing this afternoon. 28. Pitched on a load of hay. Helped John Steel set four tires this afternoon forenoon thrashing at Robert Hatricks for Peter Humphrey this aft. 29 Thrashing at Robert Hatricks till near night Thrashing at Henry after supper. 30 Thrashing over at Henry's this forenoon to Peter Humphreys thrashing this afternoon. Aug 31. Thrashing till near noon. drawed a load of hay out of the stack. Drawing in oats this afternoon. Sept. 1. To S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 2 Drawing in oats till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 3. To Branchton after elderberries got a basketfull. Pitched on a load of hay. 4 George Steel and I out shooting till near night. Pitched on a load of hay. 5. To Mr. Hymers thrashing for Peter Humphrey this forenoon. Dug a bag of potatoes up to the other lot 6 To Mr Hymers thrashing till near noon. Picking chickens Got the lend of a democrat for market day 7 To Galt Market with chickens this forenoon Drawed a barrell of water took the horse to pasture. 8. S.S. To Brethern Church at night 9 Dug a row of potatoes. Help Mr Humphrey pitch on a load of hay. Help butchering pigs to the factory. 10 Dug a row of potatoes up to the other place digging potatoes up to Uncle John's. Went over to Henry to fix my hen roost window. 11. Went over to Henry's to get the match plains for Jirden. To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this afternoon. 12 To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this �forenoon. fixed a place for my Wyandotts 13 Picking chickens for market. Went down for the horse. 14 Almira and I to Galt with chickens Out to Branchton on the bicycle this afternoon Rose brought a pair of banties from London 15 S.S. in morning Downey preached. to the Methodist Church at night. 16 Fixed a place for my chickens up to the other place. Down to the picnic at Aaron Main's 17. Took some chickens up to the other lot. 18 Helped John Steel set tires this forenoon Helped butchering to Laings this aft. 19 Took Alberts Bicycle over to shop, dug a row of potatoes. cut some corn. 20. Not much of anything this forenoon cut the rest of my corn. 21 Digging potatoes this forenoon got a new cooking stove. Drawed down two bags of my potatoes. Shooting till night. 22 S.S. in the morning John & Desty out to Methodist church at night. 23. Went down to Bond's in the middle of the forenoon. Butchering pigs till near night. Went over to Henry's got horse went out to John's got his buggy. 24 Out to Desty's - my birthday today. had duck for dinner. Seventeen years old. My weight 135 pounds 5 feet 8 inches tall. 25 To Hamilton show all day. John & Desty down to ___ Branchton all night 26 In the cheese factory all day in Henry Laing's place. 27 Picking my beans - up to the other lot. Took a little bicycle ride. 28. Out to John's to get Jirdens horse shod and the axle on the buggy fixed 29 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 30 Fixed a box down cellar for my potatoes, fixed the floor in the woodshed. Put new sleepers in. Oct 1. Started to paint doors and windows of the barn, some of them painted - rained. 2 finished painting barn, put up stove. Up to the other place help killing pigs. To the factory 3 Killed a pig for Smith Willard this forenoon digging some potatoes this aft. 4 To Galt this forenoon. Digging potatoes this aft. 5. Not much this forenoon. Albert & I shooting. I shot a Kingfisher on the fly. Jirden & I skinned it. 6 S.S. in morning to Brethern Church at night. 7 Scraping the meat off Kingfisher hide. Over to Henry's took the gun. Killing pigs. to the factory. 8 To Rickers thrashing all day for Mr. Ricker. 9 To Rickers thrashing all day. 10 THRASHING all day at Rickers got done. 11 At Smith Willards thrashing all day. 12 To Smith Willards thrashing till three o'clock. Jirden and I stuffed our bird. 13 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 14 To Galt in the morning with Henry. Over to Henry's after the horse. Got his Black Spanish Rooster. 15 To Rockton Show all day. Took down a pair of Games and Black Spanish. Got first on them. Both pair. Got nine prizes all together four firsts and five seconds. 16 To Smith Willards thrashing all day 17 Almira, Rosa, Maggie Steel and I back to Freelton show all day. Bought me a watch. 18 Down t Smith Willards all day picking up potatoes. 19 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon digging and picking up this afternoon. 20 S.S. in morning to Methodist S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 21 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon. to Mr Laing killing pigs. 22 Over to Henry's trying to put a different gun barrel on my stock. 23 Carried some water to clean the church. Over to Henry's got the lend of his gun. 24 Down to Rockton got Jirden's horse. Shooting this aft. 25. Took Hymers cultivator home bought three barrels from Elroy fetched them home. Got a barrell of road dust. 26. Took Jirden's horse to Rockton �walked home. Digging some out from under the wood shed. 27 To SS in aft. To church at night 28. To Mr Rickers pulling turnips this forenoon. To the factory butchering this afternoon. To Church at night. 29 Pulling turnips at Rickers this forenoon. Help on loading this afternoon to church at night. 30 To Henrys plowing all day to church at night. 31 To Aunt Elizies - made a cupboard and lathed some. To church at night Nov 1 to Henry's plowing this forenoon rain this aft. To Church at night. Nov. 2 Painted my cage, brought down my Brahma chickens from the other lot. 3. Dressed up this forenoon. To SS this afternoon to church at night. (Methodist) 4 To Henry's plowing this forenoon to the factory killing pigs. To Church at night 5 Shot a hen hawk this morning. Painted a cane and fixed my boots. To church at night 6 To Smith Willards helping with the turnips all day. To church at night. 7 To Smith Willards drawing in turnips this forenoon. Shooting this afternoon - out to Branchton 8. Butchering at the factory this forenoon. To Hymers Sale this aft. 9 To Galt this forenoon. Shooting down the creek this afternoon. 10. S.S. in afternoon to Methodist church at night. 11 Up to Uncle John blasting out a cellar. Set some traps down the creek. 12 Albert & I killed a pig this morning. Up to Uncle John blasting out the cellar 13 To Ben Hammils thrashing for Smith Willard. All day conference started to-night 14 To Hammills thrashing for Smith Willard got through to conference at night. 15 Took Dr Booth over to Harrisburg Station. Caught two musk rats. To conference at night. 16 Over to see my traps. Down to the blacksmith shop. Help fix Albert's bicycle. To conference at night. 17 Sunday. To conference this morning to S.S. convension. To conference at night 18 Fixed my braces this forenoon. Put a post in under the woodshed for to fix my hen roost. 19 Over to Henry's this forenoon. Put a post in my hen roost. 20 Fixing in my hen roost till near night. Down to see my traps. 21 Made a window frame for a my hen roost. Down to my traps. 22 Tore the wall down for a door made a door frame. Put the window and door frame in. 23 Building the wall up in my hen roost. 24 To S.S. in the aft. To Methodist church at night. 25 Went over to Henry's got the horse took Desty home. killing pigs this afternoon. 26 Up to Uncle Johns helping building wall. Down t see my traps. 27. Went down to Cuerdale to thrash but did not. The factory got on fire. Down there till middle of the afternoon. 28. To William Coverdales thrashing all day. 29. Not much. Jirden & I to Galt this afternoon bought some lumber. 30 Fixing a feed box in my hen roost. Down to Uncle Daves drawing straw. Dec 1. To S.S. in aft. to Brethern church at night 2. Fixing my hen roost. Put the door on. 3. fixing at my hen roost boarding up and belting. To church at night. 4 Tinkering around cleaned out my gun. bought an overcoat. To church at night. 5 Sold my hens and chickens to Sam Hammill. Almira & I making sausage all afternoon. To church at night. 6 Went down to Jerme Cornels to thrash but did not. Came home fixed my braces. Went down at noon but did not. fixing my feed box. To church at �night. 7 Took Jirdens horse out to Branchton to get shod. Made soap for Destamona. Came home at noon. Went down to Mr Mott cutting wood. Went back to Harvies after Jirden 8 To S.S. in afternoon To church at night 9. Put hinges on my feed box and the clasp for a lock. To Mr Motts sawing wood this afternoon. To Church at night. 10 Put boards through my feed box. Put part of my door frame on my hen roost and a clasp. To church at night. 11 Fixing a place for my hens that I bring down from the other place. 12 Drawing straw from Uncle Daves up home. Put a half sole on my boot. Went up to Aunt {Minrums} To church at night. 13 Fetched my chickens down from the other place. To examination this afternoon. 14 Made a window sash put it in not much of anything 15 To S.S. in morning to Free Methodist this aft. To Brethern church at night. 16 fixed some fence up to the other lot where shop was moved. Moved my chickens box for fixing it. 17 Fixing around my chicken coop. Shooting with Jirden's rifle at a target. 18 Went down to Siles Cornells sale. Helped George Johnson drive some pigs part of the way home from the sale. 19 Took my Murket over to George Johnson's to sell. Down in bush with John Steel shooting at a mark this afternoon. 20 Help Albert clean and paint his bicycle. Sold a pair of chickens. Truman and I went out to Branchton to Charley Laing. Took our guns. 22 To S.S. in morning and church. To Methodist Church. Got converted. 23. Wheeled down some stones from Uncle Johns - put in the lane. cleaned out my gun. Albert & I went shooting away down south all the afternoon. 24 Not much of anything this forenoon. Went over to George Johnson to see him. He was away. Started to make a little bureau. 25 Put a bottom in a four quart measure. Working at a bureau. Playing around - had a Christmas tree. John MacDonald and his family. Mr Mott and family. Henry and family was here. 26. Working at bureau all day. 27 Working at a little bureau this forenoon. Fixing a slat potition in my hen roost 28 Made a dust box for my chickens this forenoon. Went over to Johnson's fixed a box for to put mounted birds in. 29 To S.S. in the morning and church. To the W.B church at night. 30. Went back north asking for Mr Motts bee. Went over to Henry's after oats with Jirdins horse 31. Skating with Carry Bond this afternoon forenoon sewing Destimona slipper this afternoon. To prayer meeting at night. For more information on Stephen “Sylvester” Main, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 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 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1889 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Photocopy of Manuscript & Typed Transcription Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Private Donor Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1889 Jan 1. Out to Destys all day with D.H. Burleys and Mirah 2. Skating all day with Cary Bond and some others 3. Skating with Ella and Cary Bond and Varley Bond Up to our place at night. 4 Skating with Gary &amp; Ella Bond Shooting with Varley Bond in afternoon. 5 Tend to my chickens and down to Office. 6. To Free Methodist in aft. noon. Up to Methodist at night to hear Voden. 7 Not much. Down to shop 8 Feed my chickens, one of Truman's died. Desty and Cleavy {blank} out here. 9. Made a rat traps. Down to Uncle Daves cleaning oats. 10 Big wind storm shovelled snow out of hen roost fixed place for Trumans. 11. Albert Bond. Put a window in the hen roost got a letter for D.H. Burley 12. Helping Uncle Daves draw straw. Made a slat door for my hen roost. Truman Almira Maggie Steel D H Burley came home from Uncle Alex Wining. 13 D H Burley here. To church at night 14 Taffy off. D H. Burley here helping Uncle Dave clean up oats. To Free Methodist at night 15 David H Burley went home to-day Down to Free Methodist at night 16 Started to school, rained all afternoon. 17 To school all day. Tea meeting here tonight but not to it. 18 To school all day Social at night but not to it. To Free Methodist. 19 Fixing my gun. Shooting and skating in aft. 20 Reading. To Methodist church at night. 21 To school all day. Tacked some pictures up in my hen roost. 22 To school all day. J. Ricker V Bond S Jane Moore here at night. 23 To school all day donn to Free Methodist at night. 24 To school in the forenoon. Ear ache in afternoon to Free Methodist at night. 25 To school today organize the debate to lecture and Free Methodist at night. 26 Maggie Idia and Lorn out here this afternoon. Varley Bond and I shooting sparrows. Hens laid today for the first. 27. Snowing all day to Brethern church at night. 28 To school today 29 To school today 30 To school today. Truman to Hamilton with Albert Bond. 31 To school to day. Fixing my hand sleigh black rooster died.</p> <p>Feb 1 Took two loads of wood to Galt for Albert Bond. 2 Fixing my squirrel cage. Over to Henry's cutting straw. Down to a show at night to the hotel the man had spotted rats wanted to trade me a pair for my flying squirrels. 3 John &amp; Desty. Cleavy &amp; Frank Bond here. To church at night. 4 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond. Snowing hard. 5 To school to day. Fixing the carpet holder. Varley and I over to Sarah Moors. Sent some papers to Jacob Burley 6 To school to day got a pair of over shoes &amp; felt stockings 7 To school today. Got my Morthern Messenger. 8 To school today. Dance in hall to night but not to it. 9. Fixed my Sunday shoes. Seth Aldredge came down to night. 10 To Church in morning Up to Methodist church at night. Started to shave 11 To school. Bought seven hens from Truman. Got a bag of oats from Henry. Church started in the U B church 12 To School. Down to Varley Bonds all night. All away but Varley &amp; I put some shoes in Ella and Gennies bed. 13 To school - fixing my hen roost. 14 To school down at Bond's at night. 15 To school. Put a window in my hen roost. Paw sick tonight. 16 Bee today drawing wood. 17 To church morning &amp; afternoon. At night to Brethern Church John &amp; Desty out. 18 To school today. To church Brethern at night. 19 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. 20 Back to the woods all day. Brought three logs home. 21 Uncle John &amp; Beagle &amp; I over to Henry's. Got him to come &amp; fix sewing machine. no school to day. 22 Back to woods all day snowing &amp; blowing. No school to day. 23 To woods all day sawing. - Cold below Zero. 24 In all day to church at night Mr Manard preached. 25 To school to day. sleigh riding at night (dog) beagle two years old 26 Back to the woods all day. Snowing this afternoon. 27 To school - a very nice day. Train run off the track at St. George 28 To school. John Ricker Elroy Kymers and myself back to Kirkwall to a lecture Chiniguy. Elroy Kymers horse &amp; my cutter.</p> <p>MAR. 1 Back to woods all day. Snowing to-night. 2 Very warm - cleaning out my hen roost got a new thought. 3 Very warm. Sun shinning all day. to church at night. 4 Back to the woods. Thawing a lot.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1889 MAR 5 To school to-day. very nice day thawing a lot 6 To school. traded a brown leg horne rooster for a white leg horn rooster &amp; a plymouth rock hen with John Wedge 7 To school. Very nice day 8 To school &amp; thawing a lot to day 9 To the woods all day cold Jirden &amp; I drawing out wood - got my Farm &amp; Home. 10 John Desty and Cleary out here. Desty gave me her cap for this winter. To church at night. 11 To school. Started to make an incubator. Gave 25 cents - Missionary. 12 Drawing wood, William Coverdale and I from the woods along by the school house. got a catalogue 13 To school. Sent for catalogues and a letter to Hannal Woltzen 14 To school. skating tonight. A new shoemaker came t Sheffield to-day 15 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. One of my hens died. Got a catalogue. 16 Skating this forenoon put a patch on each side of my boot. Bought a basket with a lid on. 17 Around home. Over to th woods to see how the sap run. To Methodist church at night. 18 To school. fixed my basket. Got a poultry catalogue. 19 To school. Got an incubator catalogue and a letter from some place. 20 Home this forenoon. To a bee at Bond's this aft. Oyster supper at night. Got two poultry catalogues 21 To school. fixed my climbing spurs. 22 Chisling out posts for the barn a very nice day. 23. Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills this afternoon. 24 Varley Bond &amp; I over to woods for a walk. To church at night. 25. Took two loads of wood to Galt for Bonds. 26 Around home. Started to make an incubator. 27 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's. Raising our barn this afternoon. I was helping set a hen to-night. 28 To Hamilton all day and colder. 30 Helping scafling lumber. Made a nest for my hens 31. In all day. To church at night snowing a lot - about a foot deep.</p> <p>Apr. 1 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's on sleigh. 2 Help put the roof on the barn - up to loom shop making hen roost. 3 Finished cutting wood till three o'clock. To Methodist church. 5 Not much of any thing. snowing 6 Helping draw stones for the barn. Got some of our own hay down to Joseph Ricker. Took horses over to Henry's help Mr Ricker carry his syrup. Got my supper over there. Henry came out to Sheffield at night. Broke two cans - a two quart and a one quart, lost the syrup. over to the creek shooting pike. I shot one forteen and a half inches long. First fish I ever shot. 9 Laying floor in the barn all day. 10 Went up to Freeport to lead Mr Mott's cow down. Walked all the way. He moved down to Sheffield. 11 To Mr Laing's all day circle sawing wood. 12 Sawing wood down to cheese factory in the morning down to Mr Mott's 13 Put a nest in my hen roost shingle some on the hen roost. 14 Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills for a walk. To church at night 15 Went out to Destemony's for a selling of duck eggs set them under a hen. Took them under my hens up to the other place. Got a bag of oats from Henry 16 Hired to Peter Humphrey for a month for $13 a month. Started work to day harrowing all day. 17 Harrowing till half past four o'clock, cultivating the rest of the day. 18 Dragging all day. Hen came out with 12 chickens out of 13 eggs. 19 gang ploughing and harrowing all day. rain to night. 20 Fixing fence this forenoon dragging this afternoon. 21. In all day - seven eggs. To church at night. 22 Picking stones till eleven o'clock. Drawed a load of pine roots for thrashing. Dragging till noon. rolling till four o'clock. Ella Bond and Elusci Gerrard ridding with me gang ploughing the rest of the day. 23 Gang ploughing till 10 o'clock dragging till noon, rolling this afternoon 24 rolling till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. gang ploughing till rain. Went up to Elroy Hyman Till half past four. Went around the outside fence. 25. Digging a drain by the house. Peter Humphrey layed the tile at noon. covered it up in the afternoon. 26 Gang ploughing till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. dragging all the afternoon.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1889 April 27 Cleaning out colts stable cleaning out the stalls, over to the house. P. Humphrey got four pigs from Henry. Him &amp; I went over after them. Took 1 {we} back to McMillins to the bore! 28 Up to organize S.S. to the Medots Church at night 29 P Humphrey and I building fence all day 30 Drawing dirt this forenoon. Drawing apple limbs this afternoon. Drawed a load of hay on the wagon for Galt. May 1 Carring brush and digging out post holes till ten o clock. dragging till noon. 2 Cleaning up the garden &amp; digging some. Cleaning up oats this afternoon. 3 Digging garden this forenoon, plowing summer fallow this afternoon. 4 Plowing all day Beagle (my dog) and I killed a ground hog. Beagle got it up a fence stake. 5 Sunday School. Went out to Desties. Home at night to church. 6 Cultivating till three dragging till five rolling till night. 7 Rolling till eight, gang plowing till night. Set my hen on seventeen eggs. 8 Dragging this forenoon rolling till half past three dragging till night 9 Plowing all day in the summer fallow 10 Plowing till ten rain till noon. Plowing all afternoon wth Peter Humphrey. 11 Peter Humphrey and I finished the summer fallow at five o'clock came up to the barn. Dragging till night. 12 To S.S. in morning to church at night 13 gang plowing till ten o'clock. dragging and rolling till noon. Drawing out manure in afternoon. Hen had nine ducks. 14 Fixed a fence for the hens. Peter &amp; I drawing out manure. Planting potatoes this afternoon. 15. plowing and dragging till noon, rolling and planting corn this afternoon. Time out to Peter Humphrey. 16 Fixed a pen for my ducks. Down to Elroy Hymers, set two hens for Mr Mott. 17 Went over to Henry's for horses to plow lots. Paw &amp; I plowed them. 18 Dragged the other lot twice. Took horses over to Henry's. Made a pen for my ducks. Marked out rows up to the other lot. 19 To S.S. in morning To church at night M. Plowman preached. 20 Planting corn and potatoes all day. up to other lot. 21 Down to Smith Willards Albert McCormack and I planted potatoes &amp; covering them. Got a poultry book 22 Cutting some burdocks up to the other lot. One of my little ducks died. 23 Cutting down burdocks. over to Henry's to get the horse but did not. 24 Varley Bond &amp; James Main and I shooting this forenoon. shooting in Bond's lane this aft. 25 Almira and I to Galt Ella and Olive Humphrey up playing crockey 26 To S.S. Desty &amp; John out to Methodist church at night. 27 Out to Desty's all day. Set a hen on light brahma eggs. Mr Mott brought the eggs from Port Colborn. He gave me the hen to set them under. Set another plymouth rock hen on thirteen eggs. 28 Made a nest box. Started to fix my shoes. snowed some today. 29 White hen came off this morning with sixteen chicks out of seventeen eggs. Went back to John Wedge after setting hen but did not get any. Heavy frost last night 30 Finished fixing my shoe. Made a chicken catcher. 31. Down to Brice Culhams to see about a pig. Got my Farm and Home paper. June 1 Elroy Nymers &amp; I back to John Wedge. I tried to get a setting hen 2 S.S. in morning to Brethern church at night, 3 up to other place digging - put in some beans. John Wedge fetched me out a setting hen. Set her. 4 Walked out to meet Desty but she came in the buggy. Went over to Henry's got the horse 5. Almira and Maw away. Rosa &amp; I home. Made a cart. 6 Put Dexter on my cart - took two bags of rags up to the other lot. Took Dexter over to Henry's. 7 Uncle Thomas and Aunt Melvina down here. Elroy Hymers and I back to John Wedge. I got some scunk went Elroy got some turnips. We carried them home. 8 Elroy Hymers and I to Galt. Elroy took up some iron and oats. 9 S.S. in the morning to church (Methodist) at night. 10 Bought a pig from Elroy Hymers. Him and I up to Watty Barns for a setting of hen eggs. Got a setting hen from Moffats. 11 Down to Old David Mains got a setting hen. Got a setting of turkey eggs from Kent Sager. 12 Set my turkey eggs under plymouth rock hen. Got a Post Card. 13. Made a pig pen up to the other place - over to Henry's 14 Almira and I and {George} up to Galt - got my eggs. 15 Over to Mr Rickers hoeing corn &amp; potatoes all day. Desty has been out here four days. 16 S.S. in morning Church at night. 17 Elroy Hymers and I back for a swim. Went back to salt two colts in the afternoon. Ram chased us. 18 Took two hens up to other place. On the roads this afternoon on the sixth concession 19 Set a brown leghorn on hoden eggs 20 for a bath down to the mill pond. Albert got his bicycle. 21 My pig died. Not much of anything. Caught a rat last night. Got two more chickens. 22 Put a screen door on the front on the bie. 23 To S.S. in morning To Methodist Church at night. 24 Cultivating both lots of potatoes. Hoeing corn this afternoon. 25 hoeing corn and potatoes till near night Went out to Destys stayed all night 26 Came from Destys this morning found a snapping turtle. To Peter Humphreys pulling building fence. 27 Working on the roads all day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>1889 28 On the roads this forenoon to Peter Humphrey building fence and cocking hay. 29 Cutting thistles this forenoon cocking up hay. Drawed in two loads 30. S.S. in the morning. John &amp; Desty out but no church at night - Mr Mott away. July 1 To Galt all day 2 hoeing corn and potatoes awile this morning. chock up some hay. Drawing in this afternoon. 3 Peter Humphrey and I hoeing potatoes in morning. Shock out some hay. Drawed in this afternoon. 4 Sick all day laying in. Rosy &amp; Elmira &amp; Cleavy went to Galt. 5 Laying around this forenoon. To Peter Humphries - horse raking and cocking up drawed in one load. 6 Drawing in hay. Paris greened the potatoes at noon. Horse raked till supper time drawed in two loads. 7 S.S. in morning &amp; church at night. 8 gang plowing this forenoon, drawing in hay this afternoon horse raking a little. 9 Gang plowing this forenoon drawing in and horse raking. 10 Gang plowing this forenoon and turning some hay. horse raking &amp; cocking. Drawed in one load. 11. dragging this forenoon. shock out some hay drawing in this afternoon. 12 dragging and drawing in one load this forenoon horse raking and drawing in 13 horse raking fetched in the rakings. horse raking and cocking up. 14. S.S. in the morning S.S. convension to church at night. 15 Gang plowing this forenoon. Simon and I drawing in horse raking a little. 16 Drawing and horse raking. Simon McGanzie helping us started to make a stack. 17 Horse raking M.F. Cochern helping cocking up. 18 Cocking up and horse raking. 19 Picking berries this forenoon - not much of anything. 20 gang plowing and horse raking drawing in and horse raking 21. to S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 22 Picking berries this forenoon to Humphries drawing in. 23 Horse raking for ourselves in Mr Keachies field cocking it up. 24 Picking berries Destimony out Cleavy home. 26 Drawed in some hay for ourselves. Made a net to put on the horse 27. Almira and I to Galt this forenoon. Down to see them play bassball. 28 To S.S. in morning to quarterly up to the Methodist. To the Brethern church at night 29. Picking berries this forenoon. Took a ride on the Bicycle. 20 Charles Laing and I to Hamilton today Took a load of cheese down brought a small load back. 31 Cleaned out Mr. Mott's sistern. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay. Aug 1 Took a load of cheese to Galt for Mr Laing. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay - pulling peas 2 Fixed the fence up to the other lot. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas fr Mr Humphrey. 3 Cleaning out my turkey pen. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas 4 S.S. in morning to free Methodist in the afternoon to Methodist church at night 5 Picking berries this forenoon. Pitched on a load of hay. pulling peas. 6 hoeing weeds out of my potatoes pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 7 Hoeing weeds out of my potatoes. Pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 8 taking the weeds off my potatoes. Drawing in some hay. Cultivating my potatoes. 9 shocking up oats all day. Smith Willard cutting them. 10 To Galt this forenoon. Cultivating father's potatoes billing them up. 11 To S.S. Truman &amp; I out to Desty's on the bicycle. To church at night. 12 Cutting thistles on the sixth concession. Picked up some wood on the road. Washed the buggy. 13 Drawing in peas all day. 14 Drawing in peas this forenoon, riding on the bicycle. 15. drawed in two loads of peas and two of oats this forenoon. Shocking up this afternoon. Smith Willard cutting. 16 shocking up oats all day alone. keep up to the binder Smith Willard cutting. 17 To Galt this forenoon. Took up some chickens and ducks - sold them all. To Branchton this aft. on the bicycle to a picnic. 18 S.S. in morning. Church at night 19 To Peter Humphrey's drawing in oats all day 20. Helped John Steel set four tires. Drawing in oats picked up a load of hay 21. Took hen up to the other place. Drawed in two loads of oats, loaded a load of hay. 22 loaded a load of hay this forenoon and out to Branchton. Drawed in oats. Pitched on a load of hay. 23 gang ploughing till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 24. Went out to the Branchton at daylight Destamona &amp; I went to Galt with ducks. Came home as soon as I got back pitched one load of hay drawed a barrel of water. 25. S.S. in morning church at night. 26. Took Albert &amp; Almira out near Branchton for the station. Gangplowing till near night. Pitched on a load of hay 27 Gang plowing this forenoon pitched on a load of hay at noon gang plowing this afternoon. 28. Pitched on a load of hay. Helped John Steel set four tires this afternoon forenoon thrashing at Robert Hatricks for Peter Humphrey this aft. 29 Thrashing at Robert Hatricks till near night Thrashing at Henry after supper. 30 Thrashing over at Henry's this forenoon to Peter Humphreys thrashing this afternoon.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Aug 31. Thrashing till near noon. drawed a load of hay out of the stack. Drawing in oats this afternoon. Sept. 1. To S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 2 Drawing in oats till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 3. To Branchton after elderberries got a basket full. Pitched on a load of hay. 4 George Steel and I out shooting till near night. Pitched on a load of hay. 5. To Mr. Hymers thrashing for Peter Humphrey this forenoon. Dug a bag of potatoes up to the other lot 6 To Mr Hymers thrashing till near noon. Picking chickens Got the lend of a democrat for market day 7 To Galt Market with chickens this forenoon Drawed a barrell of water took the horse to pasture. 8. S.S. To Brethern Church at night 9 Dug a row of potatoes. Help Mr Humphrey pitch on a load of hay. Help butchering pigs to the factory. 10 Dug a row of potatoes up to the other place digging potatoes up to Uncle John's. Went over to Henry to fix my hen roost window. 11. Went over to Henry's to get the match plains for Jirden. To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this afternoon. 12 To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this forenoon. fixed a place for my Wyandotts 13 Picking chickens for market. Went down for the horse. 14 Almira and I to Galt with chickens Out to Branchton on the bicycle this afternoon Rose brought a pair of banties from London 15 S.S. in morning Downey preached. to the Methodist Church at night. 16 Fixed a place for my chickens up to the other place. Down to the picnic at Aaron Main's 17. Took some chickens up to the other lot. 18 Helped John Steel set tires this forenoon Helped butchering to Laings this aft. 19 Took Alberts Bicycle over to shop, dug a row of potatoes. cut some corn. 20. Not much of anything this forenoon cut the rest of my corn. 21 Digging potatoes this forenoon got a new cooking stove. Drawed down two bags of my potatoes. Shooting till night. 22 S.S. in the morning John &amp; Desty out to Methodist church at night. 23. Went down to Bond's in the middle of the forenoon. Butchering pigs till near night. Went over to Henry's got horse went out to John's got his buggy. 24 Out to Desty's - my birthday today. had duck for dinner. Seventeen years old. My weight 135 pounds 5 feet 8 inches tall. 25 To Hamilton show all day. John &amp; Desty down to ___ Branchton all night 26 In the cheese factory all day in Henry Laing's place. 27 Picking my beans - up to the other lot. Took a little bicycle ride. 28. Out to John's to get Jirdens horse shod and the axle on the buggy fixed 29 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 30 Fixed a box down cellar for my potatoes, fixed the floor in the woodshed. Put new sleepers in. Oct 1. Started to paint doors and windows of the barn, some of them painted - rained. 2 finished painting barn, put up stove. Up to the other place help killing pigs. To the factory 3 Killed a pig for Smith Willard this forenoon digging some potatoes this aft. 4 To Galt this forenoon. Digging potatoes this aft. 5. Not much this forenoon. Albert &amp; I shooting. I shot a Kingfisher on the fly. Jirden &amp; I skinned it. 6 S.S. in morning to Brethern Church at night. 7 Scraping the meat off Kingfisher hide. Over to Henry's took the gun. Killing pigs. to the factory. 8 To Rickers thrashing all day for Mr. Ricker. 9 To Rickers thrashing all day. 10 THRASHING all day at Rickers got done. 11 At Smith Willards thrashing all day. 12 To Smith Willards thrashing till three o'clock. Jirden and I stuffed our bird. 13 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 14 To Galt in the morning with Henry. Over to Henry's after the horse. Got his Black Spanish Rooster. 15 To Rockton Show all day. Took down a pair of Games and Black Spanish. Got first on them. Both pair. Got nine prizes all together four firsts and five seconds. 16 To Smith Willards thrashing all day 17 Almira, Rosa, Maggie Steel and I back to Freelton show all day. Bought me a watch. 18 Down t Smith Willards all day picking up potatoes. 19 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon digging and picking up this afternoon. 20 S.S. in morning to Methodist S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 21 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon. to Mr laing killing pigs. 22 Over to Henry's trying to put a different gun barrel on my stock. 23 Carried some water to clean the church. Over to Henry's got the lend of his gun. 24 Down to Rockton got Jirden's horse. Shooting this aft. 25. Took Hymers cultivator home bought three barrels from Elroy fetched them home. Got a barrell of road dust. 26. Took Jirden's horse to Rockton waked home. Digging some out from under the wood shed. 27 To SS in aft. To church at night 28. To Mr Rickers pulling turnips this forenoon. To the factory butchering this afternoon. To Church at night. 29 Pulling turnips at Rickers this forenoon. Help on loading this afternoon to church at night. 30 To Henrys plowing all day to church at night. 31 To Aunt Elizies - made a cupboard and lathed some. To church at night Nov 1 to Henry's plowing this forenoon rain this aft. To Church at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Nov. 2 Painted my cage. brought down my Brahma chickens from the other lot. 3. Dressed up this forenoon. To SS this afternoon to church at night. (Methodist) 4 To Henry's plowing this forenoon to the factory kiling pigs. To Church at night 5 Shot a hen hawk this morning. Painted a cane and fixed my boots. To church at night 6 To Smith Willards helping with the turnips all day. To church at night. 7 To Smith Willards drawing in turnips this forenoon. Shooting this afternoon - out to Branchton 8. Butchering at the factory this forenoon. To Hymers Sale this aft. 9 To Galt this forenoon. Shooting down the creek this afternoon. 10. S.S. in afternoon to Methodist church at night. 11 Up to Uncle John blasting out a cellar. Set some traps down the creek. 12 Albert &amp; I killed a pig this morning. Up to Uncle John blasting out the cellar 13 To Ben Hammils thrashing for Smith Willard. All day conference started to-night 14 To Hammills thrashing for Smith Willard got through to conference at night. 15 Took Dr Booth over to Harrisburg Station. Caught two musk rats. To conference at night. 16 Over to see my traps. Down to the blacksmith shop. Help fix Albert's bicycle. To conference at night. 17 Sunday. To conference this morning to S.S. convension. To conference at night 18 Fixed my braces this forenoon. Put a post in under the woodshed for to fix my hen roost. 19 Over to Henry's this forenoon. Put a post in my hen roost. 20 Fixing in my hen roost till near night. Down to see my traps. 21 Made a window frame for a my hen roost. Down to my traps. 22 Tore the wall down for a door made a door frame. Put the window and door frame in. 23 Building the wall up in my hen roost. 24 To S.S. in the aft. To Methodist church at night. 25 Went over to Henry's got the horse took Desty home. killing pigs this afternoon. 26 Up to Uncle Johns helping building wall. Down t see my traps. 27. Went down to Cuerdale to thrash but did not. The factory got on fire. Down there till middle of the afternoon. 28. To William Coverdales thrashing all day. 29. Not much. Jirden &amp; I to Galt this afternoon bought some lumber. 30 Fixing a feed box in my hen roost. Down to Uncle Daves drawing straw. Dec 1. To S.S. in aft. to Brethern church at night 2. Fixing my hen roost. Put the door on. 3. fixing at my hen roost boarding up and belting. To church at night. 4 Tinkering around cleaned out my gun. bought an overcoat. To church at night. 5 Sold my hens and chickens to Sam Hammill. Almira &amp; I making sausage all afternoon. To church at night. 6 Went down to Jerme Cornels to thrash but did not. Came home fixed my braces. Went down at noon but did not. fixing my feed box. To church at night. 7 Took Jirdens horse out to Branchton to get shod. Made soap for Destamona. Came home at noon. Went down to Mr Mott cutting wood. Went back to Harvies after Jirden 8 To S.S. in afternoon To church at night 9. Put hinges on my feed box and the clasp for a lock. To Mr Motts sawing wood this afternoon. To Church at night. 10 Put boards through my feed box. Put part of my door frame on my hen roost and a clasp. To church at night. 11 Fixing a place for my hens that I bring down from the other place. 12 Drawing straw from Uncle Daves up home. Put a half sole on my boot. Went up to Aunt Minrums To church at night. 13 Fetched my chickens down from the other place. To examination this afternoon. 14 Made a window sash put it in not much of anything 15 To S.S. in morning to Free Methodist this aft. To Brethern church at night. 16 fixed some fence up to the other lot where shop was moved. Moved my chickens box for fixing it. 17 Fixed around my chicken coop. Shooting with Jirden's rifle at a target. 18 Went down to Siles Cornells sale. Helped George Johnson drive some pigs part of the way home from the sale. 19 Took my Market over to George Johnson's to sell. Down in bush with John Steel shooting at a mark this afternoon. 20 Help Albert clean and paint his bicycle. Sold a pair of chickens. Truman and I went out to Branchton to Charley Laing. Took our guns. 22 To S.S. in morning and church. To Methodist Church. Got converted. 23. Wheeled down some stones from Uncle Johns - put in the lane. cleaned out my gun. Albert &amp; I went shooting away down south all the afternoon. 24 Not much of anything this forenoon. Went over to George Johnson to see him. He was away. Started to make a little bureau. 25 Put a bottom in a four quart measure. Working at a bureau. Playing around - had a Christmas tree. John MacDonald and his family. Mr Mott and family. Henry and family was here. 26. Working at bureau all day. 27 Working at a little bureau this forenoon. Fixing a slat potition in my hen roost 28 Made a dust box for my chickens this forenoon. Went over to Johnson's fixed a box for to put mounted birds in. 29 To S.S. in the morning and church. To the W.B church at night. 30. Went back north asking for Mr Motts bee. Went over to Henry's after oats with Jirdins horse 31. Skating with Carry Bond this afternoon forenoon sewing Destimona slipper this afternoon. To prayer meeting at night.</p> </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/af6eaf3d2c8f764da78f62de0b4623a1.pdf 88a25bd4d3cfaaacb886ba0552c9ea86 PDF Text Text ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f567f353ec76853b03719d70ff358ad5.pdf 16acfb30063cfdfd4320f3bfb6c5772c PDF Text Text Garrison Shadd (1839-1892) 1881-1885 Diary Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers {Abbreviations used throughout the diary are: bu - bushel; doz - dozen; ac - acres; No - number; lbs - pounds; evg - evening; Con - Concession; Z - Zero; mo - month; Tem - temperature; and c - &c.} The following are random notations on the inside cover. The page number refers to a page in the diary. [left side of page on inside cover] * p 180 Wm to town to see my engine *tried p 222 Wm's machine p 1 Rev HL. Simpson's death in Savannah Ga. Mar 9/81 Bloss Calf May 15th Rose Calf June 13th Fletcher Calf June 13th Flower Calf July July 20th * p 223 Wm's engine brought home p 38 - $71 to Omaha Nebraska - for land - a section (also p 71) p 39 - Grandmother's Estate Dr. Lindsay Box 569, Xenia, Ohio p 40 - Grandmother Shadd very sick * p 226 Chas. left for Grenville, Miss. p 239 Brother Chas died at Windsor May 27/89 p. 246 - Alf started school on plains 271 - Eliz W. Shreve death Aug. 11/1890 282 - John Thomas death. March 11/ 1891 p 206 - Death of Aunt Eunice Lindsay Jan. 1888 p 71 Draft to Nebraska for payment on Land 69.15 �Josiah Henson's funeral - Dresden p 168 - May 24 - Moved to upper place p 168 - May 26 - Father changed title to his name * Feb 11/91 -- Johnnie Thomas dead p 282 p 31 - Louis Johnson & Susie Wallace were married p 32 - Wm Chandler's funeral Oct 29 1884 B.M.E. Church p 121 - Aunt Salina's death in Greenville, Miss p 16 - Aunt Mary Ann lectured on John Brown at Buxton, Aug 18 - 1887 p 87 - Grandmother Shadd died in Xenia, Ohio* Sat Nov 3rd 1883 Eunice & Emaline brought body home p 27 - yr. end school business (Father & E S Dyke) p 259 - Jefferson Webb died Feb 12 1890 Asthma mixture 34064 34064 p. 32 - A.D. Shadd - died - aged 81 yr 11 mos. 9 dy Aunt Eunice from Aunt Sarah Xenia p 34 - "Mother" fell in cattle guards at Drake Rd & severely hurt (walking going to church) p 36 - Mother went to town again. Asthma mixture 34064 p 46 - Elder SD.W. Smith baptized 19 p 37 - joined BME on probation (Monday) p 38 Elder Smith visited again p 73 p 42 - Martha Ellen Kersey's funeral (Lizzie Moore) 239 East 37th St p 168 & 169 - Move to upper place* �Percy Houghton 52 Ontario Place Vancouver BC [right side of page on inside cover] Mrs Dredgston president of home Mrs Gregsten president of prodestant home 431 Colbern st London Ont Mrs. Mary Dorsey 187 Clinton St Detroit Mich. p 159 Traction engine ordered 1886 Jan. 30 Beets Goads 1939 small 2 large 1 p 162 Shadd Homestead [left side, vertical, on inside cover] p 51 - Mr Carter's funeral Sept 4 1882 Several people contribute to the diary entries that follow. It is likely that the first several entries are written by Garrison as he mentions his sons William, Charles and Joe and his wife Harriet. {Page} 1 1881 March 1881 March 1st Tues Tuesday March 1st Clear Tem 13 Billy and I cut timber for the Barn all day George Charleston came here about 2 Oclock I ordered 3 Early Crawford peach trees and an hundred Col Cheney strawberries for one dollar Wednesday 2nd Clear Tem 16 William and I hauled out timber and cut some and made roads broke the crotch got all the large timber out but the sills and one plate Thursday 3 Commenced to hail and sleet about nine Oclock and stormed and blew all day turned to snow about 1 Oclock very stormy I went up to Fathers got a bu apples took them a doz eggs done nothing all day Friday 4 Snowy Billy and I cut and hauled up drags of wood for the house Saturday 5 �Cloudy snowy but soft Billy Harriet and I went to town got 2 bu 12 lb clover seed paid $4.75 per bu came to $10.65 bag and all {Given the handwriting and the people mentioned in the entries below, it would seem that William, son of Garrison, now becomes the regular diarist for the family} Monday 7th Clear Father and Uncle Mack hauled ice from the reservoir at Fletcher 3 loads, and 1 load of sawdust. Jobe Pierce and I cut and helped them load Tuesday 8th Clear warm Father went to town fo with Horace Bond to attend on the Miller law case, I hauled sawdust 3 loads for the ice) Wednesday 9th Clear and warm Father finished packing the ice and shelled 10 bu. of Corn, I took Joe to town to the Doctor he lanced his side roads were very slushy but solid, telegram came of Uncle *Henry Simpsons death in, Savannah, Ga Thursday 10th Clear, warm Father went down to G. Stingers & L. Dragoes to see some horses I took 6 bu of Corn and 10 bu of Corn and oats to Merlin to Grind, Friday 11th Clear warm Father cut and salted 1 pig and then went out to S Dykes to see a horse I helped with the meat and {page torn} {Page} 2 March Saturday 12th 1881 Very stormy snow and sleet Father went to town on horseback for medicine I cut wood and fed the things Monday 14th Clear and warm Father and I cut and hauled out some timber but it was too wet so we quit he then went to Old Mr Coopers to see a horse and I went to Buxton Tuesday 15 Cloudy I made a head and filled the large maul rings William made a handle and cut wood Mr Bond was here for a while Wednesday 15 �Variable I went to Fletcher on horseback William sawed two cord of Wood at the schoolhouse I sowed clover seed this morning on part of No 8 Thursday 17 Variable I went to Tom Rices sale awhile sister Emma arrived at Buxton with Elders Corpse I then went over to Fathers and helped prepare the Hall to put him in Elders Brother came with Mr Shreve Mr Bogart is here organising the Funeral to take place on Sunday at the cemetry Chatham Friday 18 Variable I sowed clover seed on No 1 while the frost was on Billy cutting wood have got seed on No 8 No 4 and putting it on No 1 the frost and snow is going away gradually saw the first Geese yesterday Saturday 19 Rained a bad easterly rain all day very disagreeable day I was up to Fathers part of the day Sunday 20 Cloudy *Harriet William and I went to Bro H L Simpsons Funeral we left Fathers place near 10 Oclock went to Chatham and then to the cemetry drove Mac Coipers mare and a little horse I bought of Lenover we got home about 8 Oclock Mac Coiper was with us Monday 21 Cloudy damn disagreeable weather roads bad we done nothing much all day Tuesday 22 Cloudy rained some last night Hariet went to town with Mac Coiper I went up to Fathers and got an hundred Dollars for my Barn Billy took Eggs to Fletcher and I went to Buxton paid Coleridge for mares to horse $14 in presence {page torn} {Page} 3 April M M March 1873 Harriett Shadd purchased 50 acres for Emmaline Simpson $1000.00 March Wednesday 23 1881 Clear Father went to town to be sworn in as sencus taker I cut some wood in the wood pile I went to Buxton to hunt a Kitchen Girl and washed the Buggy Thursday 24th Father went to the plains on horseback I cleaned and fixed the tool house up for the chickens and took out the apples Friday 25th �Clear warm Father went to Buxton I hauled out some manure over to the old garden with the Ponies Saturday 26th Clear but a cold wind Father and I went to town on the Ponies I got a lesson and Father attended Census school Monday 28 March. Clear & cool Tem 30° Father and Mother went up to Mr Haringtons for a girl I took the fence away from the hay stack Tuesday 29th Cloudy Father and I hauled half of the hay stack and put it in the mow Father got 5 fish for 50¢ from the fish man Wednesday 30th windy and snowing all day I cleaned some harness and Father studied his Census rool Tem 30° Thursday 31st Snowing all day Tem from 30° to 38° Father and I cleaned and greased harness Mother sick with her (Back) Friday April 1st Blustry and stormy Father went to town with the ponies on the front pi bob and got his Census papers and some groceries Saturday 2nd Clear I went down to Grandmothers and got Susy to come up and help Mother some in the house Father went to Tom Clarks and then up to the post office on the Bob Monday 4th Clear mostly I took Father out to Thos Drews to begin taking the Census Charley and I hauled up some {page torn} {Page} 4 April Tuesday 5th 1881 Clear Father is out taking Sencus Charley and I started to haul hay but it was too windy we hauled some manure up on the garden and cut some wood Wednesday 6th �Clear & windy Tem 22° Father sent John Charleston up with some medicine for Joe & I went down and took his boots and somethings, and then I mended some harness Thursday 7 Clear Mother and I went to town in the light wagon I got a lesson and mother got some things for Joe I had a chill coming home Friday 8th Clear and warm Father came home this evening I was not well Charley went up to Buxton on horse back Saturday 9th Clear and warm very muddy Father went to town with Uncle Mack in our Buggie Charley and I cut wood Monday 11th Clear warm I took Father up to the 10th Concession to his sencus work and came and brought Agnus Martin home with me and then went and got 2 bu of potatoes from Horace Black. Tuesday 12 Cloudy snowed some last night I fixed up the fences and cut some drags of wood in the woods to haul Wednesday 13 Cloudy this morning I hauled up some wood and took Kate and Bet to I. Watkinses and had their shoes took off John Kersy came with 3 men to hew timber this afternoon Thursday 14th Clear Charley and I hauled over some fodder and sawed some wood and I started ploughing afternoon John Kersy, John Kersy Jr, Watson {G---}, Prince Chaise, Denis Kersey, and Bill Mathews, were hewing all day {Page} 5 April Friday 15 1881 Clear I ploughed all day in No 5 John Kersey had 5 men besides himself hewing timber Father came home done this evening Saturday 16th Clear Father and Mother went to town in the buggie Father got 5 bags of brand I ploughed all day, in No 4 �Monday 18 Lenover sow had 8 pigs yesterday Cloudy rained some last night we did not do much I trimmed some of the grapevines Father let off water off of No 1 Tuesday 19th Clear Father went to town on horse back I hung up some meat spread some manure on the potatoe patch and ploughed some afternoon in No 4 J.W. Kersey had with 4 men were at work Wednesday 20th Clear Father, Charley and I hauled the hay out of No 4 and put it in the mow except a half ton which J.W. Kersey Sr. sent after Father then hauled the rails away and I ploughed Thursday 21st Clear most of the day Father, Mother Joe & Charlie went to town in the buggie Father and Joe started from Chatham on the 4 Oclock train for the Seminary in Anarbour Michigan. I ploughed all day in No 4 Father finished sowing Clover seed Friday 22nd Clear I ploughed all day in No 4 Charley moved the garden fences with the ponies. Very warm tem 72° Saturday 23rd Clear Charley and I hauled the fence from between Nos 3 & 4 and I ploughed some in No 4 Joe came up from Detroit and Grandmother brought him out home from town Monday 25th Clear all day commenced showering this evening I shelled 8 bu of corn this morning and then tried the ponies on the + {cross} plough they went all right I ploughed the garden {Page} 6 April Tuesday 25 26th 1881 Showered some this morning clear after I ploughed the potatoe patch with the Ponies and took a grist 6 bu of wheat 4 bu corn and 10 bu corn and oats to get ground Old Kate had a Colt this after running 11 mo and 12 days Wednesday 27th Clear all day showered this evening I finished ploughing the potatoe patch and ploughed some in No 6 Charley and I harrowed the garden and potatoe patch and planted 4 rows of potatoes Thursday 28th �Mostly cloudy Mother commenced gardening yesterday I ploughed some in No 6 J.W. Kersey was at work today with 2 men Geo. Kersey and P. Chase Charley and I went to Merlin and got a grist 13 bags Friday 29 Cloudy I ploughed all day in No 6 J.W. Kersey and 2 men were at work on the barn timber Saturday 30th Clear Mother went to town with Horace Bond I finished ploughing in No 6 May Monday 2nd 1881 Clear I commenced sowing oats this morning in No 6 Charley harrowed them in Mother and I went up to Buxton and got 8 peach trees and 50 strawberry plants of Charleston for $2.00 Bet had her first Colt & running 11 mo 4 days Tuesday 3 Clear I finished sowing in No 6 sowed 12½ bu Charley harrowed and then I ploughed the strawberry bed and prepared the waggon for the plains J.W. Kersey and 2 men at work Rev. B. Stewart was here Wednesday 4 Clear I went to the plains and commenced ploughing for oats J.W. Kersey and 2 men at work {Page} 7 May Thursday 5th 1881 Cloudy and misty all day I run out some furrows in No 6 but worked most of the day at Bets Colt and then it died Kersey and 2 men at work Friday 6th Cloudy I ploughed at the plains Grandfathers raised his stable Charley shoveled the oats furrow Kersey, and 2 men at work Saturday 7th Clear I ploughed at the plains with the ponies Mother went to town with Uncle Mack in our Buggie Monday 9th Tolerable clear, very warm I got Lenover shod this morning by Watkins and then Charley and I went to the plains with both teams to plough Crawford came and set out 9 peach trees 3 Early Crawford, 5 late Crawford, 1 Waterloo Mother set out 100 strawberries �Tuesday 10 Clear Charley and I ploughed all day at the plains Kersey and 2 men at work Agnis Martin left Wednesday 11th Clear Charley and I ploughed all day at the plains Elizabeth Moore came Thursday 12th Clear I sowed 12 bu of oats and Charley and Alf harrowed them in Friday 13th Clear I sowed 8 bu of oats at the plains and Charley and Alf harrowed and then we ploughed some Saturday 14th Cloudy and very heavy wind and rain storm blowed fences in every direction Mother went to town with Uncle Mack in the buggie Father came home Aunt Emma also came I finished sowing oats sowed 25 bu {Page} 8 Monday 16th 1881 Clear I went down to the plains and finished my furrows and brought the roller home then Charley and I harrowed the sod at home Tuesday 17th Clear Charley and I cross harrowed the sod and harrowed and rooled the wheat in No 5 Wednesday 18th Cloudy Charley and I moved some fence back of the stable then I sowed some clover seed on No 1 and Charley and I commenced finished harrowing and rolling wheat in No 1. Polin [Poland] China sow had 9 pigs Thursday 19 Cloudy we finished harrowing the wheat and hauled 2 loads of stone for the barn Friday 20 Clear Charley and I commenced ploughing in the plains for corn Saturday 21 Clear very warm Chas and I ploughed at the plains Father went to town with Horace Bond. �Monday 23rd Clear and hot I marked off and planted the corn at home in No 4 Charley cross marked it Tuesday 24 Clear and hot Charley and I ploughed and harrowed at the plains for corn Wednesday 25th Clear I planted 20 rows finishing No 4 and then we ploughed at the plains for corn Thursday 26th Clear and hot Mother and I took Joe and Father took the depot, Chatham they started for detroit I then came and marked off for Grandmother {Page} 8 May Friday 27 1881 Clear and warm we finished ploughing and harrowing at the plains for corn Saturday 28th Clear and warm until Noon then it poured down rain for a half hour we marked off our ground one way Mother went to town with Uncle Mack Monday 30th Clear Chas & Alf went to the river with H. Bond to wash sheep I planted some corn this afternoon and Put Bet to Robinhood at Jarvises Tuesday 31 Signs but no rain Father and Joe came home last night from Detroit Joe Garrol and I planted 12½ ac for us and Grandmother planted 2 bu on 10 ac Wednesday 1st June 1881 Cloudy rained most of the day we hauled 3 loads of sand out of the Big ditch for the Barn Thursday 2nd Tolerable Clear Chas and I hauled one load of sand I ploughed up front of the house Cultivated the potatoes and turnip patch Father finished planting potatoes and Chas and I mulched some of the Currant and berry bushes Friday 3rd �Rained nearly all day we fanned the rest of the oats up and baged up 30 bu put Kate to the Robinhood Saturday 4th Tolerable clear Father went and took 30 bu of oats to town got 40¢ Chas went along I hauled stones for the barn Monday 6th Clear I went and got a load of sand hauled some stone Chas and Mother went out and got Ambros Timbers to dig the holes for the barn Father went to town afternoon and got the lime he also laid out the {Page} 10 June Tuesday 7th 1881 Rained all day commenced last night Chas and I shelled 11½ bu of corn Geo Charleston was here Wednesday 8 Rained all day we done nothing I made a wheel barn Thursday 9 Tolerable clear very wet Father and I let off water from around the stack yard and Mother and he went to town after noon I let of water Friday 10th Clear Jobe Pierce thrashed our beans Father went to see the corn at the plains and then went to Merlin with Grist Jobe and I piled some manure Saturday 11th Clear Father and Mother went to market I replanted corn in No 4 Monday 13th Clear Father went to town and brought out Mr Brannen to lay the foundation Chas and I replanted Fletcher had a Calf Tuesday 14th Clear Chas and I finished replanting Mr Brannen commenced laying the foundation Jobe Pierce helped Chas and I hauled stones Wednesday 15th �Clear Mr Brannen finished Jobe helped Father took him to town this evening Joe and Mother went along Thursday 16 Clear Chas and I planted the beans in No 4 Uncle Mack sheared the sheep Friday 17 Cloudy Chas and I went and Ploughed 2 acres at the plains for beans and corn Saturday 18 Clear Father and Mother went to town Uncle Mack took a load of hay for Father got Paper too Chas and I harrowed the buck wheat and planted beans and corn at the Plains {Page} 11 June Monday 20th 1881 Tolerable clear Chas went and rooled the beans and some corn at the plains I cultivated the gardens and some corn at home Father hoed potatoes I took the mares to Jarvises this Evening Bet took the horse Robinhood Tuesday 21 Clear & Cool I cultivated all day in No 4 Father and Chas & Alf hoed potatoes Father went to Buxton this evening to see after his logs Wednesday 22 Clear I cultivated all day in No 4 Father and Mother went to town took some Oats Pork & strawberries Thursday 23 Clear Chas and Father done road work I cultivated beans in No 4 Friday 24th Clear I took Joe and Father out to Crows dock where they took the boat for Detroit then Chas and I hoed corn in the garden and No 4 Saturday 25th Cloudy rained some Mother and I went to town Father went up to Buxton to see after his logs 'Twas 2 oclock when we got home from the river last night Monday 27th �Rained until noon then we hauled up the barn sills up with both teams then Father went to buxton we hauled up some chips Tuesday 28 Clear we went to the plains I cultivated and Chas I.D [I.D is his little brother Isaac] & Father hoed Wednesday 29 Clear I cultivated and Chas Alf I.D & Father hoed corn Thursday 30th Clear Chas Alf I.D & I hoed corn Father went to town for medicine for Joe {Page} 12 July Friday 1st 1881 Clear we hoed corn at the plains Joe was very sick this evening Saturday 2nd Clear Father and Mother went to town the rest of us hoed corn at the plains Monday 4th Clear we finished hoeing corn and I cultivated the beans and harrowed the white flint corn at the plains Tuesday 5th Clear very hot Tem 95° Father mowed clover at home in No 7 Chas I.D. & I finished hoeing beans at the plains J.W. Kersey and 2 men at work Spot cow calfed Wednesday 6th Clear I finished mowing No 7 and we put some of it up in cocks Father took Alf to Chatham this evening to the examination J.W. Kersey & 2 men at work Thursday 7th Clear mostly but rained this after noon we hauled a load of hay and hauled out some timbers for the barn Kersey and 2 men at work Friday 8 Clear we hauled hay out of No 7 and hoed some corn in No 4 Kersey and 3 men at work Saturday 9 �Clear Father and Mother went to town I cultivated some and cut clover in No 3 it was very hot Tem at Noon 104° Monday 11th Clear very warm we hoed corn until noon and then raked up the hay in No 4 and cocked some Father went to merlin afternoon to mill Tuesday 12th Clear we hoed until noon then hauled in some hay into the mow father went up and hauled bark off so as to get his logs sawed {Page} 13 July Wednesday 13 1881 Clear and very warm Father went up this morning and got some logs put in at the mill we hoed some and Father cut some wheat for Uncle Mack Fa we went up this evening and got 2 loads of lumber small load Kersey & 3 men Thursday 14 Clear we went up and got 2 loads of lumber this morning finished cutting around trees in the orchard and fence corners and cocked them up Father helped Kersey put one bent together for the barn Friday 15 Clear we helped Kersey put 2 more bents together and hauled out timber Saturday 16 Clear rained afternoon Father and Mother went to town I finished cultivating beans and helped Kersey with 3 {bents} Monday 18 Clear we helped Kersey raise the barn the first bent fell making a delay of a half day Geo Crummell Dens Kersey & J. Shreve helped us Chas, Alf & D hoed beans Tuesday 19 Clear we finished raising the barn J Shreves Ds Kersey & Louis Johnson helped us Uncle mack drew up the bents with his team Yesterday & today Chas Alf & D hoed Wednesday 20th Clear we cut and bound in No 5 Father cut some for Uncle Mack Thursday 21st �Clear Father went to town this morning to get an iron for the reaper and then cut some for Uncle Mack and finished cutting in No 5 I went to Buxton and got a load of lumber from the mill Friday 22 Rained this morning but cleared off about noon Father and I got 3 small loads of lumber Geo Crummell got 2 bu of wheat and we bound wheat after noon finished No 5 and cradled around No 1 {Page} 14 July Saturday 23 1881 Clear we cut bound and shocked up 91 doz of wheat in No 1 Father cut Chas and I bound mostly and Alf and D raked bun{dles} I took Mother to the plains and she went to town with Grandmother Monday 25 Kersey & 3 men at work Clear heavy shower last night we mowed and some fence corners and then went into the wheat Father cut some for Uncle Mack we bound at home broke the rake head and got Lenovers reaper to finish Tuesday 26 Clear Father broke the reaper this morning and got Lenovers to quit finish Kersey & 3 men at work Wednesday 27 Clear Father went up to Buxton and got the rest of the barn lumber and went to town for some pine for the barn and machine head got medicine from Kirgar Chas and I finished binding wheat Thursday 28 Clear we put the rest of the hay in the Barn and covered it up Kersey and 2 men at work Friday 29 Clear we went to the plains and worked in the corn and beans Kersey and 3 men at work Killed a veal this evening Saturday 30th Clear Father and Mother went to town Chas D & I went to the plains Kersey and 3 men at work Monday 1st of August 1881 Clear warm Mother and Father went to town Mother was going to Detroit but did not go the Cars were so filthy Father got some lumber to finish the barn Chas & I hauled up some chips and set up the wheat shocks we had a terrible rain and hail storm yesterday which dispelled the drouth Tuesday 2nd �Clear Father, Chas, Alf D, and I, we went to the plains to work in the corn it looks well but very late just begining to tassel beans dont look very well {Page} 15 August Wednesday 3rd 1881 Clear we went down and worked in the corn at the plains Geo & J.W Kersey worked until noon Thursday 4th Clear very warm Tem 100° at noon Father cut ½ of the oats in No 6 the rest of us hoed corn at the plains Kersey and 6 men came to shingle on the barn Friday 5th Clear & Excessively hot Tem 100° Father worked at home in the oats Alf, D, & I went to the plains Chas went but got sick Kersey & 6 men shingling Saturday 6th Showered until noon Mother went to town with Uncle Mack in our Buggie Father and I put a gangway to the barn Monday 8th Clear & cool we finished binding the cut oats in No 6 and Father finished cutting Chas and Alf went to Merlin to mill Tuesday 9th Clear we hauled up the sills for the east mow and hauled out wheat out of No 5 this afternoon Wednesday 10th Clear we hauled some wheat out of No 1 and finished binding oats in No 6 Thursday 11th hot Tem 98° Clear we fixed the mow bottom in the east mow finished binding, hauling wheat out of oats in No 6 & hauled some out of No 1 Friday 12th Clear & hot Tem 100° we finished hauling wheat out of No 1 Chas raked it and we hauled them in and hauled some oats out of No 6 Kersey finished the barn at last. Saturday 13th �Clear and cool Chas and Mother went to town Flavious [little brother aged 6}] went along Father Alf, D, & I went to the plains Father cut around the oats we hoed in the corn {Page} 16 August Monday 15th 1881 Clear we went down and commenced cutting the oats they were down and had to be cut from one side Tuesday 16 Clear Father cut at the oats we raked bundles Wednesday 17 Clear Father finished cutting oats and cut a small piece for Mr Jones and then bound some we bound all day Thursday 18 Cloudy we bound until noon when it became too damp and we came home and made a fence between Nos 4 & 5 and Father, Mother Alf, & I went to hear Aunt Mary Ann lecture at North Buxton on John Brown. [This was the famous Mary Ann Shadd anti-slavery activist, journalist, publisher, teacher and lawyer. She was the first black woman publisher in North America and the first woman publisher in Canada.] we went in the Buggie Friday 19th Clear we bound until evening and came home and killed a veal for market it weighed 87 lbs Saturday 20th Clear Mother and Father went to market got $4.72 for the veal the rest of us bound oats at the plains yearland calf got in the well this evening Monday 22 Clear & warm Father cut Uncle Macks oats on Moreheads place this forenoon we finished binding at the plains Tuesday 23rd Clear Uncle Mack stacked Grandmothers share of the oats for us we run two waggons Father pitched in the field, I at the stack and Chas loaded there is very heavy straw on that 7¾ ac being 329 doz of sheaves Wednesday 24 Clear we hauled 6 loads of oats home from the plains and 2 last night �Thursday 25 Clear we finished hauling oats from the plains have 13 loads total of our share {Page} 17 Friday 26th 1881 Clear Chas raked the stubble of No 5 I ploughed some Killed a veal this evening Saturday 27th Clear Father and Mother went town I ploughed in No 5 Monday 29th Clear I took Father and Mother Joe & Eunice [his sister] to the dock this morning they went to detroit I came back I & Chas ploughed in No 5 Tuesday 30th Clear Chas and I ploughed all day in No 5 Tem 100° Wednesday 31 Clear hot Tem 100° Chas and I ploughed in No 5 at noon I went to the river to meet them they came home we stoped at Grandma Poindexters and burned the stubbles off Chas set stubbles at home and burned some fence Thursday 1st September 1881 Showered some this morning Chas and I ploughed Father put up the fence which burned it rained quite heavy yesterday Friday 2nd Clear Chas and I ploughed in No 5 Father worked in the bush Saturday 3rd Clear and warm Mother and Father went to town took the fore wheels of the wagon to get filled I finished ploughing No 5 and went to Merlin to mill after noon Monday 5 Clear Chas and I went to the plains and commenced ploughing for wheat have to haul water for the Horses Tuesday �Chas & I ploughed at the plains Father came down to see the ground he then burned in the bush {Page} 18 September Wednesday 7th 1881 Clear Chas and I ploughed at the plains Father burned in the bush Thursday 8th Clear and warm Chas and I ploughed at the plains Father burned in the bush ground very dry Friday 9th Cloudy Chas and I ploughed at the plains it rained some about noon Father came down to see the {ground} Saturday 10 Cloudy Mother and Father went to town took the No 2 plow to get repaired and brought out the waggon front wheels I finished ploughing at the plains, butter is 30¢ Monday 12 Clear Chas and I harrowed the ground in No 5 for wheat Father worked in the woods Tuesday 13 Clear I went for a load of water then Chas and I.D. harrowed and I cut corn Father cleaning out the bush well Wednesday 14 Clear Chas and I.D. harrowed I cut corn in No 4 I went for water this evening Thursday 15 Cloudy and very windy Chas and D harrowed at the plains I went down and cut some corn went for water this evening Friday 16 Began to rain last night and rained until about 12 Oclock tonight Father was at Coopers and Mooreheads near all day Saturday 17 Cloudy Father and Mother went to market got back at ½ past 9 Oclock Butter 30¢ per lb Chas and I cut hauled and put logs into the bush well building it 4 logs higher all round �Monday 19 Clear Chas rooled the wheat ground at home I.D. & I went to the plains he harrowed & I cut corn Father got 16 bu of {wh} wheat from P.W. Martin {Page} 19 Sept Tuesday 20 1881 Clear Father went and helped Geo Crummell thrash Mother Chas and I went to Chatham to the fair Wednesday 21st Clear we went and commenced sowing and ploughing in wheat on the plains took the rooler and Chas roolled some Thursday 22nd Clear we sowed and ploughed in wheat at the plains Friday 23 Clear we ploughed in {arrow pointing to above entry - plains} until noon Grand Father [this would likely be Abraham Dorcas Shadd] commenced to thrash after noon and Father & I went to help him Chas ploughed on Saturday 24 Clear Grand Father finished thrashing this morning Chas ploughed I ploughed after noon Mother and Grand Mother went to town in their buggie Monday 26 Clear Father Chas and I went to the plains to plough in wheat Tuesday 27 Cloudy we went to the plains and finished putting in wheat and brought the ploughs and roller home Wednesday 28 Cloudy rained very heavy last night Chas and I went and got the harrows and stoped and got 16 bu of wheat from Coopers for seed came home and fanned it then I went to Merlin but got no grist Father hurt his spine Thursday 29 Clear we commenced to plough in wheat in No 5 �Friday 30 Clear until evening we ploughed in and harrowed in No 5 it was too windy to sow Father went to Uncle George Shreves for timothy seed {Page} 20 October Saturday 1st 1881 Drizzelled rain all day Father and Mother went to town to market Monday 3rd Cloudy rained all day yesterday Father went to Joneses to see some cattle Chas and I leveled too sleepers hewed I hauled a log for the back gangway and cut 18 shocks of corn this evening Father hewed some stringers Tuesday 4th Cloudy & cool we cut the clover for seed in No 3 and altered some pigs and commenced too wean Kates Colt Bob this evg Wednesday 5th Clear and cool Tem 40° we Father sowed and Chas and I ploughed in wheat in No 5 Thursday 6th Clear heavy frost last night Chas and I ploughed and harrowed all day in No 5 Father sowed some and then went to see about the machine Friday 7th Cloudy we ploughed in No 5 Father sowed damp Saturday 8th Cloudy rained a little at noon I finished ploughing harrowing and running out furrows in No 5 Father and Mother went to town to Market got a set of dishes Chas piled some wood for thrashing Monday 10th Clear cool and windy we thrashed today had 213 bu of wheat and 310 bu of Oats D. Bions, Ambros Timbers, Edd & Father Poindexter, Uncle Mack, John Brown Alex Scott, H. Wilson, Norman Cooper, Wm Steel & Wm Martin helped us Tuesday 11th Clear I got Coopers furrow plough and Father and I cleaned out the furrows and hauled in the clover this afternoon Chas ID and Flavious finished pulling beans this morning {Page} 21 �Oct Wednesday 12th 1881 Rained all night we did not do much cleaned up some wheat this evening Thursday 13 Very wet rained some I went out shooting we did not much Chas raked up some clover I took H Bonds Bags and crotch [a kind of garden fork] home and got the craper Friday 14 Cloudy Father took 32 bu of wheat to town got $1.26 Chas and I turned the beans and cut some corn Saturday 15 Cloudy and warm rained some this evening Father took 34 bu of wheat to town Mother and I went in in the buggie Elizabeth and Aunt Mary went along Monday 17 Cloudy Father and Joe went to Detroit I took them to the boat I then came and Chas and I took Felixs Engine over to Dennie Hickeys with both teams it was a very heavy lug We then went and got Joe Father went on to Chatham Tuesday 18 Rained some this morning I went and got 761 ft of maple plank at Buxton in two load Chas dug potatoes Father came home this evg Wednesday 19 Cleared off this afternoon Chas and I cut corn in No 4 Father shook and turned beans and clover and sowed some timothy on No 5 Thursday 20 Rained some this morning Chas and I finished cutting corn in No 4 and then Mother Chas and I went to the plains Father sowed some timothy and then went to the plains to cut Buckwheat Friday 21st Clear Father and I went to the plains to cut Buckwheat I came home at noon and Mother Joe and I went to Harvey Kerseys Funeral Chas hauled up squashes and chips Father came home and shook up clover and finished sowing timothy in No 5 {Page} 22 Oct Saturday 22nd 1881 �Clear Mother and Father went to market Chas and I hauled in the clover and beans Alf cut stalks and helped Monday 24th Cloudy misted rain some we straightened up the Crib Father went to to Merlin to mill Tuesday 25th Clear Father took a load 32 bu of wheat to town got $1.26 Chas, D, & I went and husked white flint at the plains Wednesday 26 Clear Father took 36 bu of wheat to town got $1.-6 {number smudged} Chas, D, & I husked at the plains Thursday 27 Clear Chas ID and I went down and finished husking white flint corn and brought our share 34 bu home Father went to the sale Allen Coopers Friday 28 Cloudy Chas D and I went and husked some Father unloaded and went to the Wm Wilson trial at Forhans Wilson had 8½ $ to pay Saturday 29 Rained this morning Father and Mother went to town we hauled up wood and filled ticks Monday 31 Cloudy Father, Chas, I.D and I husked at the plains and brought home 20 bu Tuesday 1st November 1881 Clear we husked and cut corn at the plains Wednesday 2nd Cloudy Father took 48 bu of Oats to to town it weighed 51 bu 15 lbs got 39¢ Chas, D, & I husked corn at the plains Thursday 3rd Cloudy windy & a snow squall we husked some and brought home 30 bu of corn from the plains {Page} 23 �November Friday 4th 1881 rained some this morning snowed ½ inch last night we put in the stable floor pitted in potatoes &c Saturday 5th Cloudy & windy Mother, Father, Alf, & Aunt Sarah Ann went to town to market, Butter 25¢ per lb Monday 7th Cloudy we cleaned up the red wheat and were down to help Uncle Mack thrash but they didn't thrash Tuesday 8th Clear Father and Mother and Lizzie went to town took 20 bu of wheat and the wool and 2 bu of Hicory nuts Wednesday 9th Clear we loaded one load of the clover and took it over to Forhans to get thrashed and left it Thursday 10 Clear we went over got Forhans waggon took the rest of the clover over got it all thrashed had 4 bu Friday 11th Cloudy rained this evening we went to the plains to husk corn husked some but the rain [came] Saturday 12th Rained all night and some this morning Mother & Father went to market got a hand seed drill $7.00 & sold young pink cow I let out some water and Alf & I went down & got 22 bu of corn Grandpap got 16 bu Monday 14th Tolerable clear we husked off the stalk at the plains all day Tuesday 15 Clear we husked all day Dan Bions came and traded wagons Father is to give him 20$ between his new & our old waggon {Page} 24 November Wednesday 16th 1881 �Tolerable clear we finished husking off the stalk and brought home 30 32 bu of corn with both teams on Thursday 17th Cloudy windy & showery we husked 50 shocks completing the husking at the plains Friday 18th Cloudy snowed some this afternoon Chas & I got the rest of the plains corn 27½ bu Father culled some and fastened up the pigs to fatten Saturday 19th Cloudy snowed some Father went to town on horseback bought a pair of bobs at Auction for $2.50 & paid D Bions $20.00 difference between the waggons Monday 21st Cloudy Father and I went up to Wards on the 11th to a sale Dock Brown the painter came back Tuesday 22nd Cloudy Windy and cool Father and I Blaized the line to chop by and cut some rail cuts Wednesday 23rd Cloudy Father and Dock went to merlin to mill got some more paint Chas D & I husked corn in No 4 Thursday 24th Cloudy & Windy Tem 22 Father & I cut rail cuts & Chas hauled them out Friday 25th Cloudy Windy Tem 22° Chas & I hauled in the corn and fodder we husked Wednesday Father helped Uncle Mack kill a 2 pigs and we Killed a sheep this evg Saturday 26 Cloudy Father & Mother went to town took the mutton got 6¢ per lb I choped wood in the wood pile {Page} 25 Monday 28th 1881 Clear Wm Brannum commenced work @ 9$ per month he and Father husked in No 4 Chas & I hauled 2 loads of fodder from the plains Tuesday 29th �Clear Father and Brannum husked corn in No 4 Chas & I hauled the remainder 2 loads from plains Wednesday 30th Clear Chas, Brannm & I hauled some corn and fodder out of No 4 & Father & Brannum husked some Thursday 1st December Cloudy we finished husking corn altogether Friday 2nd Cloudy Father went for medicine for Joe to Chat [ham] Chas & I finished hauling corn Brannum chopped some & helped us some with the corn Saturday 3rd Clear Father & Mother went to town to market we finished hauling fodder banked the school house and hauled up some wood Monday 5th Cloudy I ploughed the garden Brannum dug some by the railroad gate this afternoon we hauled 2 loads of fodder from Coppers C Flemming brought out a Wheeler & Wilson Sewing machine Father bought it gaave his old machine in part pay Tuesday 6th Clear we went and got another load of fodder and then went back and repaired the line fence and Bill [William Brannum] split 100 rails this afternoon Wednesday 7th Cloudy I ploughed all day in No 4 with Kate & Bet Father went to Travises for an axe handle and him and Bill sawed some logs Coleman James commenced chopping wood {Page} 26 Dec Thursday 8th 1881 Clear & cold we scraped and ploughed the line ditch across No 4 I ploughed Friday 9th Clear Father took Mother to town she went to Detroit to see the Dr. about Joe Bill and I scraped in the ditch until noon then I ploughed and Bill chopped wood Saturday 10 Clear & cold Tem 19° Mother and Father went to town I chopped some rail cuts �Monday 12th Rained most of the day Father went to the Council Brannum and I fenced the stack cut some rail cuts and shod one jumper Tuesday 13th Rained nearly all day we ground the axes choped some & fanned some Oats Coley dog was killed by a falling tree Wednesday 14 Clear Coleman James & two men chopping Brannum & Father chopped some and made roads I hauled out rail cuts & wood Chas hauled out wood Thursday 15 Clear Tem 16° this morning Brannum split 150 rails & Chopped some Father & I chopped & sawed Chas hauled wood & rails 3 Jameses sawing Connors finished sawing logs Friday 16th Clear we bushed out wood until noon then we cut Rail timber P.T. Barry's men commenced making roads & skidding logs Saturday 17th Clear Father & Mother went to town I hauled out an wood & Rail cuts with Kate & Bet Brannum Chopped & made roads {Page} 27 Dec Monday 19 1881 Clear Brannum & Father cut Rail cuts & Chas & I hauled them out Tuesday 20 Cloudy misted rain some Father was out most of the day posting school notices Brannum split rails I hauled out Rails wood and split some rails too Wednesday 21 Rained most of the day Brannum & I made some heading Bolts of Basswood & thrashed some beans Father put A handle in my axe Coleman & his boy chopping Thursday 22nd Rained all day I went out to take the census of the school section Brannum went to south Buxton Father stayed home Brannum & I went to the concert this evening �Friday 23rd Very wet Father went to the Examination Brannum and I made baswood heading Bolts Saturday 24th Cool & clear Mother and Father went town Brannum and I cut Basswood heading Saturday 26th Monday 26 Cloudy rained some this morning I went out taking Census Brannum hauled wood & chopped rail cuts Tuesday 27th Cloudy Brannum & I made heading bolts Father setteling up school business E.S Dyke & Chas Lenover Audited the secretarys Books Wednesday 28 Clear & very muddy Father & I attended the school meeting E.S. Dyke was Elected trustee in Father's place Brannum chopped in the bush Thursday 29th Clear Father Brannum and I made heading bolts Coleman Jameses three boys sawed a little Mother Lizzie Elizabeth Chas Brannum & I went to the Concert this Evg {Page} 28 Friday 30th Cold windy and snowing some Father studying his papers for the Election to come off on Monday Brannum & I washed out wood until noon with both teams and then cut some heading bolts Mother & I went down to GrandMother Poindexters this evg Saturday 31st Cold windy & snowing some Tem 24° Father, Mother and Mr Bond went to town in our Buggie Brannum & I cut wood made roads & hauled out three loads for the house January Monday 1st 1882 Cloudy & cool Tem 24° Brannum and I built a cow shed & pig scaffold, hauled wood for killing pigs Municipal Election was held today Father was Deputy Returning officer for our division, returns as follows. Williams 158, White 415, Irwin 350, Gould 339, Drew 373, Dillon 183, Kennedy 200, Dolson 292, Crowe 242, Tooley 217, Charleston 143 Tuesday 2nd �Cloudy snowed some Tem 20°, Father killed the pigs he got from Mr Copper & 1 other Making 5 H.D. Kersey, Alex Scott, Wm Moore, & Obod Kersey helped us and then Brannum & I helped them kill 8 Father went up and then took the ballot Box down to Stewarts Wednesday 3rd Cloudy Tem 6° Father and I shelled some corn I took 4 bu of corn & 4 of wheat to Merlin to mill Father went to Mr Bond's Sale Brannum chopped some hicory wood Thursday 4th Cloudy & cold Tem 10° Brannum & I made Basswood heading Father took the Coopper pork to town & one small one of ours they weighed 283, 278, 255, 180 lbs & 159 at home Friday 5 Cloudy Tem 30° Father, Brannum & I made Basswood Bolts [Bolts are pieces of a log which have been cut to lengths generally less than 8 feet. They were further split and used for shingles, clapboards, pegs and sometimes firewood (fuel).] {Page} 29 Jan Saturday 7th 1882 Cloudy thawing Mother and Father went to town I hauled two cords of dry soft wood to the school house hauled up some wood &c Brannum & Chas chopped in the woods Father settled with Brannum leaving 92¢ unpaid Monday 9th Cloudy cool Tem 32 Father helped us make bolts awhile and then went to Forhans Brannum & I made bolts Brannum commenced work this morning at $7.00 per month Polin [Poland] China Sow had 9 pigs yesterday Tuesday 10th Cloudy about 6 inches of show fell last night thawing this morning Brannum & I put 1 cord of dry beech, and 1 cord of dry hicory in the school yard and some green hicory & Brannum bushed out some Bolts Father helped & sewed some for Mother Tuesday 10th Cloudy Brannum & I corded Wintermutes axe handle timber and then made Bolts Father helped commenced snowing this evg Wednesday 11th Cloudy Tem 32° Brannum & I hauled 2 cords of dry Beech & Hicory & some green Hicory to the school house Brannum Bushed out some Bolts �Thursday 12th Clear Tem 34° Brannum & I tried to bush out Bolts but could not keep them on the Jumper so we went to chopping hicory wood Father went out on the plains Friday 13th Cloudy misting rain Brannum did not work I took some green hicory to the school house Father sawed some and then we put a runner in the jumper and baged up 45 bu of oats Saturday 14th Cleared off Windy Brannum helped me fence the stack haul some straw to the stable & chopped some wood I finished hauling the school wood & made a jumper runner Mother & Father went to town with Kate & Bet in the heavy waggon took a load of oats {Page} 30 Jan Monday 16 1882 Clear Tem 26° Father and I commenced making wood rack Brannum commenced bushing out Bolts at noon he lost a ½ day E.S. Dyke & A. Shreves measured the school wood Tuesday 17th Clear Cold & Windy Tem 18° I took Joe & Father to Chatham They went to Detroit on the 8 Oclock train Brannum chopped until noon, I was home at 10 Oclock A.M. then Brannum and I bushed out some bolts with Kate & Bet in the afternoon Wednesday 18th Cloudy Cold Tem 14° I hauled two loads of Bolts to N Buxton on the waggon with Kate & Bet Brannum bushed out Bolts Thursday 19 Tolerable Clear I went to town after Joe and Father they came up at 11 Oclock Alf went along Brannum chopped hicory tops Friday 20th Clear Tem 28° I hauled 3 loads of Bolts to Buxton took about 1 cord at a load Brannum finished bushing Bolts and some wood & chopped some Saturday 21 Cloudy & raining some Father and Mother went to town took 43 bu of Oats they weighed 48 bu 28 lbs got 42¢ per bu. Brannum and I corded some of Wintermutes hicory & White ash Brannum Chopped some maple tops & I hauled up some fire wood this Evg �Monday 23rd Cloudy & Cold Tem 7° I hauled 2 loads of Bolts to Buxton Brannum sawed some wood at the school house & helped me load Father went down to Fletcher Tuesday 24th Cold Tem 2° I hauled 2 loads of Bolts Brannum took ½ Cord on the jumper it Broke down and had to Bring it back on the wagon Father was in the bush {Page} 31 Jan Wednesday 25 1881 {1882} Warm rained all the afternoon Father went up to Buxton {Wiler} measured the Bolts there was 9¾ cords Brannum & I hauled one load of straw to the stable shelled 6 bu of corn & fanned the beans Father went to mill took 6 bu of corn Thursday 26 Warm rained all day Father went to Fletcher Brannum did not work & I did not doo much Friday 27 Father went to Tilburry on Jim [horse] Brannum and I sawed 3 cords of wood at the school house Saturday 28th Cloudy warm Tem 30° Brannum and I finished sawing the school wood Father & Mother went to town in the Buggie Monday 30th Clear Cool Father went to Tilburry to see about some Bolts Brannum & I made bolts Tuesday 31st Cloudy & Cool we Butchered 7 hogs this forenoon Alex Scott & H.D. Kersey helped Brannum did not work afternoon the sow weighed 375 lbs the others 209, 200, 200, 198, 189, 187 Father Wednesday 32 1st Feb Cloudy Cold Tem 30° Father went to town took the sow & two pigs they weighed 717 lbs Brannum & I made Bolts Louis Johnson & Susie Wallace were married last night Father Mother & I were there Thursday 2nd Clear Brannum & I hauled 4 loads of ice from Webs Creek Father sawed it Friday 3rd �Cloudy Father went to tilburry Brannum cut some wood in the woods I hauled one load of saw dust and then Brannum & I hauled up wood with Both teams Saturday 4th Clear Mother and Father went to town Brannum split rails I hauled 2 loads of saw dust & made a few rails {Page} 32* Feb Monday 6 1882 Clear Brannum and I made bolts Father went to town to attend Wm. Chandler's Funeral Tuesday 7 Tolerable clear Father Brannum and I made Bolts and wood Wednesday 8 Clear Brannum & I hauled 2 loads of straw & 1 of hay from the Barn to the stable this forenoon after noon Brannum did not work I went and got a load of sawdust Thursday 9 Clear Father helped us make Bolts until noon & cut up the Pork after noon Brannum & I made Bolts Friday 10th Clear & cool Father Brannum & I went to tilburry to skin Bolts until noon then went to Fletcher & got three salt Barrels to salt the Pork in & Father salted the Pork Father measured & paid Pierces for making 13 cords of Bolts Saturday 11th M Clear Mother & Father went to town came back early Brannum made rails I bushed out Bolts with Kate & Bet *A.D. Shadd (My Grandfather) died this evg at 5.55 Oclock aged 81 yrs 11 mo & 9dys Sunday 12 Clear Father. Aunt Emma & Uncle Geo. Shreves went to Chatham in our democrat Monday 13 Clear Mother & I went to town to the store Father was at Grand Fathers Brannum did not work Tuesday 14 Clear Father went to Buxton twice for Aunt Eunice Aunt Sarah & Mary A. Morgan who came this evg from Xenia Brannum did not work �{Page} 33 Mr Alfred Shadd Kinistino [written in a different ink] Feb Wednesday 15 1882 Clear & very muddy Grand Father's funeral took place today left the house at 11 Oclock, we took Both teams he was Burried in the cemetry Chatham Brannum did not work Thursday 16th Rained some last night cloudy Father went to Grand Fathers Brannum chopped some Friday 17th Clear Brannum & I sawed some maple & Piled some Elm Brush Aunt's Eunice & Sarah were down at our house Father Brought them in the Buggie Saturday 18 Clear & windy Tem 26° Father & Mother went to town Brannum did not work I hauled out 4 loads of manure cut the wheat By the barn Monday 20 Cloudy commenced raining this evg Father was at Grand Fathers all day Brannum & I made Bolts Aunt's Eunice & Sarah, & Mary Morgan went Back home in the evg Tuesday 21 Rained all day Brannum & I Finished thrashing wheat the beans Wednesday 22 Mr. Shadd [written in different hand and ink] Cloudy & windy Brannum & I we bushed out the most of the Bolts this forenoon and sawed some stove wood afternoon very wet in the Bush Father helped. Thursday 23 Cloudy Brannum did not work Father & I shelled some corn for a grist Colerich was here looking after the mares Friday 24 Clear Father took 6 bu of corn & 6 bu of wheat to Merlin to mill Brannum worked a ½ day sawing Beech wood I sawed {wood} Saturday 25 �Clear Cold last night Tem 18° Father & Mother went to town Brannum did not work I hauled up some wood and moved the stack fence {Page} 34 Feb Monday 27 1882 Clear & warm very muddy Father Brannum & I sawed & chopped stove wood & hicory cordwood Tuesday 28 Rained after noon very muddy Father went to town on horseback Brannum & I worked until noon fixing up the fences and scouring the lane ditch Wm Martin got 2 bu of his wheat Wednesday, March the 1st Clear Brannum split rails Father & I put a runner in the jumper & let of some water Brannum worked 30½ dys [Brannum's total work days are written in different ink.] Thursday 2nd Clear Father salted the meat & trimmed some fruit trees Brannum and I chopped wood & piled brush in the wood Friday 3rd Clear & very muddy Father Brannum and I went to tilburry to Bark bolts Saturday 4 Clear Father and Mother went town Brannum & I Sawed some hicory stove wood a half day Uncle Mack got 2 bu of Wm Martins Wheat Monday 6 Cloudy Father Brannum & I fixed the front Barn doors then Brannum & I hauled two loads of hay to the stable on the waggon Brannum worked a ½ day Tuesday 7 Cloudy Father Brannum & I worked in the woods most of the day Mother & Father started to Church this Evg and Mother fell in the cattle guard at the drake road and was severely hurt Wednesday 8 Clear & warm Brannum & I worked in the woods Father tended on Mother {Page} 35 March Thursday 9th 1882 �Rained all last night and all day today Brannum & I shelled corn 3 bu for homney Friday 10th Cloudy & rained some Brannum & I cut up wood in the wood pile ½ day Saturday 11th Cloudy snowed a little this evg warm and muddy Brannum did not work Father went to town (this evg) I scoured the upper lane ditches & took Grand Mother home [The next two entries are not written by William but most likely by his Father, Garrison, given the names mentioned and the breakdown of work.] Monday 13 Cloudy Tem 28 I sowed clover seed on 12 lands in No 5 William and Brannum hauled straw to the stable until noon afternoon Brannum split rail Willy hauled some wood up Tuesday 14 Clear snowed about an inch last night I sowed 6 land of clover in the wheat in No 5 William and Brannum chopped until noon afternoon William and Brannum ditched in the lane [William now resumes writing the diary entries] Wednesday 15 snowed about an inch last night Brannum & I fanned and picked beans until noon then we sawed some elm wood on pattersons line Father finished sowing clover on No 5 Thursday 16th Cloudy Brannum & I hauled up wood until noon with the ponies then we sawed elm on the line Father sowed some clover on No 1 Friday 17th Cloudy Brannum and I chopped and sawed in the woods Father went to Buxton afternoon Saturday 18th Rained last night and showered all day thundered & light{ed} Brannum choped in the woodpile until noon Father went to town on Jim [Following single entry written by Garrison] Monday 20 �Variable Wind East I went to the plains and let water off of the wheat Billy and Brannum cut wood along the line Brannum has put in 47 days this Evening {Page} 36 March Tuesday 21st 1882 Rained last night very windy and occasional snow squalls today Brannum did not work Father went to Fletcher Wednesday 22nd Tolerable clear & warm very muddy Brannum was not here we did not do much Thursday 23rd Cloudy Brannum was not here We finished shoeing the jumper ditched in the lane and chopped down one of the Poplars in No 4 Friday 24th Cloudy & windy Brannum & I chopped and sawed up the poplar Saturday 25 Cloudy snowed about 2 inches this evg Father & Mother went to town Brannum & I went cut the other poplar along the fence below the house in No 4 Monday 27th Cloudy Brannum & I finished working up the poplar and then went to work (cutting wood) down the line next to Pattersons Father went to the plains Tuesday 28 Clear, & windy afternoon, Brannum & I hauled in 4 loads of straw and then went and cut a couple of ashes and a big maple and made some wood of them Father went to Rues Wednesday 29th Tolerable clear Brannum, Father and I cut a small maple hewed two Bridge pieces & spread some dirt on the line ditch {B----- B-----} Thursday 30th Clear and windy Brannum chopped some hicory along the line & I rooled some in No 1 but got sick and had to quit Father went to Fletcher Rone died & Father & Brannum skined her Friday 31st �Clear frosty last night I rooled some after noon in No 1 Brannum has quit work Father hung up the pork {Page} 37 April Saturday 1st 1882 Clear Father and Mother went to town & I finished rolling No 1 & rooled the orchard & dug around some trees Monday 3rd Clear & warm Father Chas & I hauled manure on the garden spread It and I ploughed some of it in and they cultivated a ridge for onions Tuesday 4th Clear and warm I ploughed the garden Chas harrowed & rolled the onion bed and hauled some Poplar wood out of the field Father planted onions with his new hand drill by the lane in No 1 and harrowed and rooled wheat in No 4 Wednesday 5 Rained most of the day I shelled 12 bu of corn for mill Father helped me shell cobs Thursday 6 Showered some about noon Father and I prepared a Grist consisting of 20 bu of corn & oats for horse feed 4 bu of corn & 2 bu of false wheat I took out the potatoes this afternoon Father went to Merlin to Mill Chas hauled out some wood Friday 7th Tolerable clear Father went down to A. Paterson's & got 5 Brooms Mother went to Church I ploughed in the lot No 2 Saturday 8th Clear Father & Mother went to town I rooled a little wheat but is was too wet finished ploughing the 3 cornered lot & took Kate and Bets shoes off Monday 10th * Cloudy windy and cool Chas and I ploughed in No 4 all day with Both teams Father chopped some in the woods I became a member of the B.M.E. Church on probation yesterday Temperature 30 at Noon Tuesday 11 Cold cloudy & Windy Tem 26 Chas & I ploughed all day in No 4 Father went to Buxton afternoon �Wednesday 12 Cloudy Tem 30° I finished ploughing No 4 except the lower headland Chas hauled out wood Father went to Fletcher after noon we hauled up wood {Page} 38* April Thursday 13 1882 Cloudy I ploughed all day in No 6 Chas ploughed until noon & then him and Father went to fletcher took some lard to Barry & got a piece of white ash sawed into double two Friday 14 Cloudy Father planted some onions Chas and I ploughed all day in No 6 Saturday 15th Clear Mother and Father went to town Chas ploughed most of the day I fixed the stable & ploughed a little Wm Martin got 8 bu of wheat Monday 17 Clear I took Father Joe & Grandmother to Crows dock they took the Boat & went to Detroit I went to meet them this Evg but they did not come Chas ploughed all day I cultivated some in No 4 Tuesday 18 Clear I finished cultivating in No 4 & ploughed some Chas ploughed all day in No 6 Wednesday 19 Showery all day Chas & I ploughed a little Elder S.D.W. Smith was here Thursday 20 Cloudy & rained all the afternoon Chas ploughed until noon I went to chatham after Joe and Father Father came out with me Joe went out with GrandMother Friday 21 Clear Father and Chas went down to GrandMother P's [Poindexters] for Joe I finished ploughing No 4 after noon Father planted some onions I harrowed & rolled the garden Chas went to Buxton Saturday 22 Clear I scraped the road from the townline to the Drake road Father and Mother went to town Bought a draft for $71 15/100 [$71.15] to send to Omaha as payment on the qr [quarter] section of land in Dawson Co �Monday 24 Clear I harrowed & rooled the gardens twice harrowed the potatoe patch No 2 Father sowed some Garden peas Chas was not well {Page} 39 April Tuesday 25 1882 Clear & warm Father sowed some white side oats in No 4 Chas & I harrowed them in with Both teams Deacon M. Botter was at our house to dinner he was out on business with Grand Mother Concerning her Estate Wednesday 26 Clear Father finished sowing oats in No 4 Chas & I harrowed them in then I run out the furrows & Chas & I harrowed & rooled wheat in No 5 Father sowed some peas & other Garden seed Thursday 27 Clear Chas & I finished harrowing & rooling the wheat in No 5 after noon Father went to Merlin took 6 bu of wheat Mother went with him Chas & I hauled out 5 loads of manure out to No 2 potatoe patch Friday 28 Clear rained last night Father went to Buxton Chas & I spread the manure on No 2 cultivated it in & I run out some potatoe rows & Father planted some potatoes Chas & I rolled, & shoveled the oats furrows Saturday 29 Clear Mother & Father went to town got 1 Barrel of salt and got 1 Bartlet P pare tree & 100 great american straw Berries Chas & I finished rolling the oats shoveled the furrows hauled up some chips & fanned some oats chaff Monday 1st Quite showery afternoon I ploughed the strawberry bed in front of the house Chas hauled up some chips Tuesday 2nd Cold heavy frost last night Chas & I hauled the red oak off of the clearing above No 6 preparatory to ploughing it in with No 6 for ploughing corn loged some & harrowed the garden & Father & I planted 50 Great American strawberries {Page} 40 May Wednesday 3rd 1882 �Clear we finished planting the strawberries and then logged some in the clearing Father helped & hoed the straw Berries Thursday 4th Cloudy rained a little last night we planted potatoes Mother planted some strawberries Father planted some sage & radishes Grand Mother Poindexter got her 12 bu of oats Friday 5 Cloudy we finished loging the clearing & gathering the trash Saturday 6th Cloudy Father & Mother went to town Chas & I hauled of some of the fence & commenced laying it along the Back Monday 8th Showery Chas and I finished hauling off the fence between No 5 & the clearing preparatory to extending No 5 to Lacocq's line Mother planted strawberries I planted the Bartlett pear tree by the milch house Tuesday 9th Cloudy & damp Chas and I ploughed a little in No 5 in the new ground after noon we planted potatoes in No 2 Father not well Wednesday 10th Rained most of the day we started to plant potatoes but had to stop we fanned the oats up after noon Thursday 11th Rained near all forenoon after noon we ploughed some in No 5 Friday 12th Rained most of the day we did not do much Saturday 13th Cloudy commenced raining afternoon Father went to town on Kate I let off water Monday 15th* Clear Father and I let water off of the garden and afternoon we made a log heap in the clearing Grand Mother Shadd is very sick * �{Page} 41 May Tuesday 16th 1882 Clear Chas and I ploughed in No 5 in the new ground with both teams Wednesday 17th Clear Father went to town to a liberal conservative convention Chas & I ploughed all day in No 5 Thursday 18 Clear Tem 70° Chas & I finished ploughing No 5 and moved some fence back of the barn I planted Minnisota sweet corn in potatoe patch Friday 19th Clear & warm Chas and I Ploughed a patch back of the barn & harrowed some in No 5 Saturday 20th Clear Father and Mother went to town I planted sweet corn back of barn and Chas & I harrowed with Kate & Bet Monday 22nd * Cloudy & showery Chas & I harrowed a little in No 5 Father went to Fletcher I went to Buxton on old Kate Came back and shot some squirrels Tuesday 23rd Clear Chas & I harrowed in No 5 with Kate on small harrow & Ponies on large harrows Father packed the pork in ashes & went to the plains Wednesday 24th Clear Chas & I Cross harrowed in No 5 Father Alf, & D piled some Brush Father and I went to A Concert in the B.M.E. Church at N. Buxton this Evg Thursday 25 Clear I marked off with Kate and Bet Chas finished harrowing Father worked in the garden Friday 26th Clear I planted corn in No 5 Chas marked off Father went to Merlin to mill took 6 bu of corn & 4 bu of wheat A Meeting was held in the school house this evg to appoint 4 delegates to the Liberal Conservative Convention to meet tomorrow in Chatham {Page} 42 �May Saturday 27 1882 Rained all day Father and Mother went to town I did not do much the convention nominated Henry Smith for Conservative Candidate Monday 29 Tolerable Clear Chas & I piled manure all day Tuesday 30 Clear Father Chas & I piled manure in the Barnyard Wednesday 31st Father scraped on the road until noon Chas marked off & I planted corn in No 5 until noon rained all the afternoon June Thursday 1st Tolerable Clear Father, Mother, Lizzie Chas & I went to Martha Ellen Kersey's funeral Friday 2nd Tolerable Clear Chas marked off & I planted corn in No 5 Father went to Merlin afternoon with 5 bags of corn and oats to get ground for horse feed Saturday 3rd Rained almost all day and last night Father & Mother went to town I let off some water Bet had a Colt at night after running 11 mo & 13 dys Monday 5 Clear & muddy we hauled up chipps until noon and then commenced cuting a ditch back of No 5 Tuesday 6 Clear Chas and I ditched in No 5 Father attended the sale of Grand Fathers stock & impliments I went to south Buxton to a political metting this evg put Kate to Marshalls Lois Duke of Argyle today Wednesday 7 Clear Chas and I ditched all day in No 5 Father then went to N. Buxton on George {Page} 43 June Thursday 8 1882 �Clear Chas marked off & I planted in No 5 Father took Mother out to Uncle Horace Black's Barn raising he worked in the garden & took went to a Conservative Comittee Meeting in the schoolhouse Friday 9th Clear Chas & I finished marking & planting in No 5 & cultivated the potatoes finished planting potatoes Father worked in the garden he took Bet to Merlin this morning Saturday 10 Father and Mother went to town Alf planted squashes I.D. hoed onions Chas & I fixed the lane fence & piled manure Monday 12th Clear I replanted corn in No 5 Chas, D, & Father hoed in the garden Father brought down the old mower and we took it apart Tuesday 13 Clear Father took the old mower to town & sold it for old iron got $7.00 for it I replanted until noon put Bet to Duke of Argyle Wednesday 14 Clear I ploughed some ground for beans in No. 3 fo with the ponies it was very hard Chas harrowed it with Kate Father worked some in the garden Thursday 15 Showered last night I hauled 3 loads of of basswood bolts to Fletcher with the ponies Chas finished harrowing & replanted corn some in No 5 Father worked some in the garden Friday 16 Clear & warm I hauled 3 loads of Bolts making the total of what we had at home to Fletcher 6¼ cords Chas replanted corn Father worked in the garden {Page} 44 June Saturday 17 1882 Clear Father & Mother went to town Chas harrowed the bean f ground and then worked in the garden I cultivated the potatoes &c Monday 19 Clear I went down & got Walkers drill & drilled in the beans & rooled the bean ground Chas replanted in afternoon Chas & I finished replanting corn & I took Henry Parsons planter home �Tuesday 20th Clear & warm the Dominion Elections were held today Father acted as Deputy returning officer in our division Henry Smith was elected for this County by a majority of 162 over James Samsom M.D., Father, Chas, Alf, & I went to Chatham this evg to the demonstration, I went to tilburry to haul bolts but did not haul it was too wet so I & the boys hoed some potatoes Wednesday 21 Clear & warm Chas & I cultivated Corn in No 5 Father hoed some in the garden Alf & D uncovered corn Thursday 22nd Clear & warm Tem 89° Chas & I cultivated corn in No 5 Father hoed some D & Flav uncovered corn Friday 23rd Clear & warm Tem 90° Chas and I cross cultivated in No 5 Father in the garden Saturday 24th Very warm Tem 90° we had a heavy wind and rain storm this afternoon Father and Mother went to town Chas & I finished Cross Cultivating, and hoed some potatotes Alf planted some pumpkins in the corn Monday 26th Clear Tem 86° Chas, I.D. Father and I hoed in the potatoe patch & Garden Tuesday 27 Clear Chas I.D & I finished hoeing the potatoes Father hoed in the garden {Page} 45 June July Wednesday 28th 1882 Clear Father Chas I.D. & I hoed Carrots in the Garden Thursday 29th Clear Father and I went to tilburry he skined Bolts & helped me to load & I hauled 4 loads Dow Pierce & Ed Poindexter hauled 4 loads Friday 30 Rained we bushed out some hicory wood afternoon I whitewashed some Saturday 1st July �Tolerable Clear Father and Mother went to town Chas and I finished bushing out the hicory wood and hoed some onions and cultivated the potatoes and hilled so Monday 3rd Clear we hoed in the garden Father and Joe went to Detroit on the boat I took them to the river and went after them this evg Tuesday 4th Clear Father and Chas I.D & I hoed in the garden Wednesday 5 Clear Father went to town on horse Back Chas & I cultivated Corn Thursday 6th Clear Father went to tilburry and hauled Basswood Bolts to Fletcher Chas & I cultivated corn until noon and then I mowed some in No 1 with the machine Friday 7 showered some Father and I cut some fence corners & I mowed some more Father sold 8 cords of hicory for $2.25 per cord in the clearing Saturday 8 Showered until noon Mother and Father went to town Alf came out from his Examination * Chas and I cultivated corn after noon {Page} 46 July Sunday 9th 1882 Clear & warm Mother and I went to Chatham to the Baptising Elder S.D.W. Smith Baptised 19 persons Monday 10th Cloudy rained about noon clear after Father Chas and I cultivated corn with 3 horses until noon then we fixed the mow and raked & cocked some hay Tuesday 11th Clear we raked up hay and hauled in 4 loads afternoon & cultivated some corn in the morning Young Sow had 7 Pigs Wednesday 12 �Clear we hauled in 11 loads of hay with 2 waggons Thursday 13 Showered some this evg I cut hay Father mowed fence corners we cultivated corn until the dew was off I went to a lecture by Rev R.O. Smith at N Buxton Father went to Fletcher Friday 14 Clear Mother Chas, Alf I.D. and Lizzie went out on the river after cherries I finished cutting hay in No 1 after noon we raked up and cocked some Saturday 15 Clear Father and Mother went to town Chas Alf D and I went to raked up and cocked some in No 1 & cultivated some corn afternoon Father came home and we hauled in 3 loads & finished cocking in No 1 Monday 17th Clear and warm I Chas and I finished cultivating corn then I mowed the orchard Father mowed fence corners afternoon we hauled in 5 loads of hay Tuesday 18 Clear and windy we finished hauling hay out of No 1 and mowed between the trees {Page} 47 July Wednesday 19th 1882 Showery until noon after shaking and re shaking we succeeded in getting the hay nearly all in out of the orchard Thursday 20 Clear we cultivated some beans this morning then hauled in the rest of the hay and afternoon Father and I went and cut around the wheat at the plains Friday 21st We cradeled around the home wheat in No 4 and set up the reaper and Father cut some then he went down and cut for Uncle Mack Chas, Alf, D, and I bound at home Saturday 22nd Clear and warm Mother Father and I.D went to town Chas and Alf bound for Uncle Mack until noon I finished cutting Uncle Mack's wheat brought the machine home and cut some afternoon Father came and cut some more and we bound and set it up �Monday 24th Clear and warm we finished Cutting, Binding & shocking our home wheat and took the machine to the plains this evg and cut some Tuesday 25th Clear we cut and bound at the plains Uncle Mack helped us to bind Wednesday 26 Clear and warm Tem 92° we finished cutting and binding at the plains Father cut some for Solmn. Jones after noon Chas, Alf, D and I Shocked up some Thursday 27 Clear and warm Father went down and finished cutting Jones'es wheat and took 6 bu of wheat & 2 of corn to Merlin after noon. Chas, Alf, D, and I went and finished shocking wheat and then hauled in 5 loads of the home wheat into the barn Friday 28 Clear we finished hauling in the home wheat out of No 4 Father cut fence corners and helped us to unload {Page} 48 July Saturday 29th 1882 Clear. Father, Mother, and Chas, went to town in the Buggie I went, in the heavy waggon got Bet shod and three of the tires cut and set Father bought a cutting box and Paid Uncle Mack $10.00 on his Colt and is to pay a note for $25.00 more Monday 31st Clear until noon when it began to rain Father Chas and I helped Uncle Mack to stack his wheat afternoon it was wet so we did not do much Tuesday 1st Aug Rained last night and this morning we did not do much Father went to Fletcher we did not do much Wednesday 2nd Very wet Cloudy & some rain we wed some onions and mashed the tops over & cut some fence corners Robt Hughes Came up on the Excursion yesterday and came over to our place today Thursday 3rd �Cloudy and some rain we cut some fence corners and Father Robert and I went down set up the wheat and on the plains and then went up to O.S Dykes & H Black. Friday 4th Showery all day Father went to Fletcher I did not do much Saturday 5 Tolerable Clear Mother and Father went to town I cut some fence corners Chas, Alf and I.D cocked them up and hoed some beans Monday 7. Clear one shower at noon Father went to cut Morchand oats but did not cut we shook out the fence Father Alf Uncle Mack and I went down and stacked Grandmothers share of the wheat and brought home two loads {Page} 49 Aug Tuesday 8 1882 Rained last night Father and I cut the fence corners and I went to the plains to see about the wheat this eve Wednesday 9th Clear one shower at noon Father went to cut Martins oats but did not cut them we shook out the fence corner hay but it got wet again Thursday 10th Clear we took the fence corners in and then went down and hauled two loads of wheat from the plains Friday 11th Showery we did not do much Saturday 12th Clear shower this evg Father Mother and Alf went to town I cut Uncle Mack's oats this morning and then Chas. D. & I hauled a load of wheat from the plains Monday 14th Clear Father cut Mr Thomsons oats and helped us to haul 5 loads of wheat from the plains Tuesday 15 �Clear we went and got the last two loads of wheat and commenced cutting the oats at home Wednesday 16 Cloudy and showery all afternoon Father Mother and Eunice went to Detroit on the Boat I took them out to Crows Dock Mr Hughes and Aunt Maria Black went along Thursday 17 Cleared off about noon I dug out and cleaned out the trunk at the end of the lane and cut some oats after noon Chas Alf and D cut thistles in the clearing Friday 18 Clear I finished cutting oats Chas & D. went to the Dock and Brought Mother Mrs Black Mr Hughes home Father did not Come Uncle Mack impounded one gray mare & 1 bay mare and Mr peterson took them out {Page} 50 Aug Saturday 19 1882 Clear Mother Mr Hughes and D went to town in the Buggie Father came home Chas. Alf & I Bound some oats Monday 21 Clear Father went to cut Uncle Macks oats but did not cut we turned and bound some Tuesday 22nd Clear I we turned and bound oats all day Wednesday 23rd Rained very heavy last night damp this morning I set up some of the oats that were blown down Father cut some weeds Chas and I bushed out some wood Thursday 24th Clear Father cut Uncle Macks oats we turned the rest of our oats Friday 25th Clear we bound up the oats at home Saturday 26th Rained this morning Mother Father & alf went to town Chas and I logged some out in the Clearing �Monday 28th Clear Father and I went to tilburry and hauled the rest of the Bolts Pierce hauled one load we hauled 2 Tuesday 29th Clear Mother and Father went to town in the Buggie took the wooden plough to get Fixed Chas Alf D and I hauled in 3 loads of oats they were wet so we had to turn them out and then Bind them up Wednesday 30th Tolerable Clear Father helped Horace Bond to thrash Chas Alf, D. and I turned out and hauled in the rest of our oats sih six loads completing the harvest after a long season of suspence Thursday 31st Clear Chas hel raked the oats stubble I ploughed afternoon, we fixed the fence around the garden and got the rakings in then we helped Horace thrash {Page} 51 September Friday 1st 1882 Clear Father went to Fletcher this morning Chas harrowed and gathered some weeds and burned them I ploughed all day in No 3 Saturday 2 rained after noon Father Mother and D went to town I ploughed until noon in No 3 with Kate & Bet Monday 4 Clear Chas and Father hauled out 4 loads of manure and Father brought Hannah Brown down to sew for mother I ploughed in No 3 with Kate & Bet Father, Mother, Chas and I went up to Old Mr Carters funeral yesterday Tuesday 5 Clear Father and Chas went hauled out some manure I ploughed in No 3 ground very hard Wednesday 6 Clear Father and Chas hauled out some manure I ploughed in No 3 Thursday 7th Clear I finished hauling out m ploughing in No 3 Chas and F. hauled out some manure Mother Father went out to the plains this evg Friday 8th �(Clear Father and Chas hauled out some manure I went to town took 8 bu of corn to Holmeses Mill and got 1 Cwt of flour and also got a music lesson) Saturday 9 Clear Father and Mother and Chas went to town to Market and V.A. Shreveses wife came out to stay a while on a visit I.D and I ploughed the strawberry bed & hauled out 9 loads of manure and I took Hannah Brown home this evg Monday 11th Clear we hauled out manure with the ponies in the waggon and Old Kate in lenovers cart Tuesday 12 Clear we hauled out manure all day {Page} 52 Sept Wednesday 13 1882 Clear we hauled manure all day with old Kate in the cart & Ponies in the waggon Thursday 14 Clear Father put up a slide gate at the end of the lane this morning Chas and I hauled out manure all day Friday 15 Clear Father and I went to town this morning took Cousin Georgie in I did not get a lesson as Carrie was gone to town to Father seen the Dr Saturday 16th Clear Mother Father and Chas went to town Father went to Detroit & did not come Back I hauled out the rest of the manure back of the stable ploughed, Harrowed & rooled a bed front of the & ploughed & scraped some by the Barn Monday 18 Clear Father came back this evg Chas and I ploughed and scraped by some dirt into the Barnyard Tuesday 19 Clear Father Chas and I ploughed and scraped a ditch up at the East end of the Barn Wednesday 20th Tolerable Clear Father Mother Alf I.D. and I went to the Fair in Chatham Mamie Cooper went along Thursday 21st �Cloudy and drissled rain after noon this morning Chas Father and I hauled up some wood this forenoon Afternoon Father and Mother went out to Uncle Horace Black's and got 12 bu of Wheat and 10 of oats I ploughed the headlands of No 3 for wheat Uncle Mack brought the Colt up and we weaned both Colts Friday 22nd Clear Rained all night Father sowed wheat and Chas and I.D. harrowed it in I cut corn he sowed scott wheat on No 3 Saturday 23 Clear Father and Mother went to town Chas harrowed in No 3 I cut corn I.D pulled beans {Page} 53* Sept Monday 25 1882 Clear Mother and Father took Joe up to Chatham and Dr Springer and he* lanced his leg a little below the hip Chas. D. and Flave pulled the beans and Chas helped me cut some corn Frost this morning Tuesday 26 Clear Father Chas and I cut corn all day Wednesday 27 Cloudy we harrowed and rolled the Barn yard hauled in the beans Father and Chas cut some corn and I run out the furrows in the wheat & ploughed some of the bean ground Thursday 28 Cloudy we finished ploughing and pulling in the wheat Friday 29 Clear we shoveled out the furrows in the wheat this forenoon afternoon Father went to fletcher Chas cut some corn Saturday 30 Clear Father and Mother went to market Alf went along Chas cut come corn I was not well Monday 2nd Clear Chas and I ploughed at Grand Fathers for wheat Father cut some corn at home Tuesday 3rd �Clear Chas and I ploughed up at Grand Fathers Father went to town with Aunt Emma in her team Wednesday 4 Clear we finished ploughing Father and Mother went to town this evg to the Dr for Joe Father cut some corn Thursday 5 Clear Father and E.S. Dyke measured some ground at Grand Fathers Chas and I cut corn Friday 6th Clear Chas and I cut corn Father cut corn until Noon when he went with E.S. Dyke to measure ground {Page} 54 Saturday 7th Clear Father and Mother went to market Chas and I cut corn Monday 9th Clear we cut corn afternoon Father Mother & Chas went to help Grand Mother Poindexter thrash but she did not thrash Tuesday 10th Rained this evg I finished cutting corn Father and Chas helped Grand Father thrash Annie helped Grandmother Wednesday 11th Clear & cool Father and Mother went to town took 7½ bu of corn to town and Exchanged it for 187 lbs of flour Chas and I helped Grand Father until Noon afternoon we put up the fence between No 3 & 4 Thursday 12 Clear Father & D. went to Fletcher, Merlin & Buxton to post some notices &c Chas & I hauled up wood with Kate & Bet until 5 Oclock when I went to town and got some medicine for Joe Friday 13 Cloudy & Rainid after Noon Father & I.D went out on The river to post the notices of Grand Fathers Real Estate sale Chas and I helped Mr Walker thrash until 2 Oclock when the rain Stoped them Saturday 14 Clear Father and Mother went to town to market Chas and I helped Walker thrash �Monday 16 Clear Father went to Fletcher and got a Scraper then him and Mother went up to Carters sale Chas and I ditched some by the barn and tramped out the beans with Kate and Bet Tuesday 17 Cloudy rained last night Father Chas and I logged all day with Kate and Bet Wednesday 18 Clear we finished the ditch by the barn and went to Fletcher to see about the bolts there was no Car Father sold them to {Page} 55 Oct Thursday 19 1882 Clear, heavy frost last night tem 30° we culled the potatoes & piled the good ones up and put the culls in the wood house afternoon we commenced ditching on the line between us and Paterson Friday 20 Clear, frost this morning we ditched on the line all day Father and I pitted the potatoes at noon Saturday 21 Clear, frost this morning Father Mother and Aunt Emma went to town in the buggie I ditched on the line with Kate and Bet Chas Cleared up some trash husked some corn and C Monday 23rd Clear Father Dug a hole for a cistern by the house I started to ditch but Dow Pierce came and I had to go Fletcher to help load a car with Bolts Chas helped after noon Father came down this evg Chas went over to Mr Thompsons and got 10 bu of Oats Tuesday 24 Clear frost last night Father went to Chatham and got Mr Branton to cement the cistern he also got some sand, Brick, lime & cement I scraped on the line ditch with Kate & Bet Chas wheeled out some dirt from the cistern Wednesday 25 Clear we finished loading the Bolts this fore noon afternoon Mother and Father went to town took Mr Branton back got Kate & Bet shod and got some dry goods I ditched with the ponies Chas wheeled out dirt Thursday 26th �Clear Father Chas and I finished the line ditch Father sold the Bull for $22.00 Friday 27 Clear we finished the line ditch before noon afternoon we went down on the Kersey drain and commenced work Saturday 28 Cloudy Father Chas and I worked on the Kersey drain back of Aunt Emma's all day {Page} 56 Oct Monday 30th 1882 Clear Father worked at the Cistern Chas and I toped and pitted the Onions beets and table carrots Tuesday 31 Clear and Cool Chas Father and I worked on the ditch with both teams Nov Wednesday 1 1882 Clear & Cool Father Chas and I worked on the ditch with both t{eams} Thursday 2nd Clear & Cool Tem 32° we worked on the ditch with Both teams Friday 3rd Clear Tem 32° we worked on the ditch with both teams Henry Parsons helped us with his team today @ $3.25 Saturday 4th Clear & Cool Mother went to town with Aunt Emma Father Chas and I worked on the ditch with both teams Henry Parsons worked with his team also Monday 6th Cloudy rained this evg Father went out to Thomas Russels to get some sheep got 3 lambs Henry Parsons Chas & I worked on the ditch Tuesday 7 Clear Father, Henry, Parsons, Chas & I worked on the ditch Henry worked afternoon Wednesday 8th �Clear Father Henry, Parsons, Chas & I worked on the ditch Thursday 9th Cloudy rained after noon Thanksgiving day we husked some corn Friday 10th Cloudy Father, Henry, Chas and I worked on the ditch Saturday 11 Rained this morning Father & Mother went to town Chas & I dug the carrots Monday 13 Sudden change from warm to cold slight fall of snow last night very disagreeable underfoot We toped and piled the carrots Father went up to Buxton & then down on the Kersey drain he received took the Contract of ditching Section 10 from Commissioner Fooley (for $120.00) {Page} 57 Nov Tuesday 14th 1882 Cloudy and damp Chas and I cleaned out the shed back of the stable I was not well he helped us straighten it up Wednesday 15 Cleared off about noon Father, Henry, Chas and I worked on the ditch very muddy and wet in the ditch we finished our own job Thursday 16 Cloudy Tem 22° Father Henry Chas and I commenced working on the Dunbrook Job very muddy Working Friday 17 Cold & wet Father Henry Chas and I worked on the Dunbrook Job Saturday 18 Cold Tem 22 Henrys horse was very sick last night Father & Mother went to town Chas and I finished the Dunbrook Job Monday 20th Clear Father and I went to town drove Kate & Bet and got a set of harness for them from Hooper Chas husked corn �Tuesday 21st Father fastened up the pigs (12) in number Clear Chas and I hauled up some wood with Kate & Bet and then husked corn, Bill, Moore, Bill Scott & Bill Mathews Came and hewed timber for the shed Father helped them, Bill Crawford, & Alex Walker husked corn Wednesday 22nd Cloudy & warm Wm Moore, Scot & Mathews hewed timber Father helped Chas and I hauled in (Crawford & Walkers Corn = 33 bu) and then husked some Thursday 23rd Cloudy and Windy Wm Moore, Scott, & Mathews finished this forenoon Chas and I husked corn until noon after noon Twas so Cold and damp that we did not husked Friday 24th Cloudy and very windy Chas and I hauled in three loads of fodder and Fixed the logs around the Cistern Father went to Buxton this forenoon Aunt Eunice was here this afternoon Saturday 25 Clear Father and Mother went to town to market Chas, Alf I,D and I husked corn 35 bu and hauled it in Flave husked one shock {Page} 58 Nov Monday 27 1882 Clear & Cool I hauled out some of the timber for the shed Father & Chas measured the Lacocq line afternoon Father went away with Aunt Eunice in our buggie Chas and I helped Uncle Mack thrash his millet Tuesday 28 Clear Father & Chas helped Uncle Mack thrash I hauled out the rest of the shed timber afternoon I went down and brought the separator up with Kate & bet They brought the engine with Ponies & Uncle Macks team Wednesday 29th Cloudy & Cool We commenced to thrash about 10 Oclock Uncle Mack, Norman Cooper, Laurenza Pierce Bill Brannum, Horace bond, John Cribs, Wm Morehead, Louis Grandison, Henry Morton, & Grand Father Poindexter helped us I got don{e} the wheat had 275 bu Thursday 30 Cold tem 16° we got done thrashing about 11 Oclock help same as yesterday we hauled the Separator out to Wm Dostons Friday 1st Dec �Cloudy & Cool we hauled up wood this forenoon with both teams after noon we husked corn Father sold 4½ cords of dry soft wood to J. Lee for $1.25 per cord Saturday 2nd Commenced drizzeling about 10 Oclock we commenced we commenced husking corn but had to quit Monday 4th Tolerable Clear Father Chas and I cleaned and baged up and hauled to Fletcher one load of wheat 44 bu got 80¢ Tuesday 5 Commenced half raining {--} afternoon we hauled two loads of wheat to Fletcher had to leave the second in Barry's shed Wednesday 6 Cloudy Father and I went down to fletcher and hauled our load of wheat over to the Cars Chas hauled out some wood After noon we did not do much {Page} 59 Dec Thursday 7 1882 Cold & very windy Tem 2° snowed some last night Father went to town in the sleigh drove Kate & Bet got them shod Chas and I hauled out some wood Friday 8 Tolerable Clear & Windy Tem 6° Father Chas & I hauled sawed some maple logs for the sheds Albert Smith & Albert Daymon, came out to saw wood Father went up and got them a saw this evg Saturday 9 Cloudy Tem 12° Father Mother and Chas went town in the buggie Father paid his Taxes I hauled 3 loads of manure on to the potatoe pit and hauled in some corn into the Barn to husk Daymon & Smith sawed wood Monday 11 Cloudy and cold Tem 26 Smith and Daymon sawed wood Chas Father and I sawed wood some maple logs Tuesday 12 My 19th birth day Tolerable Clear & windy Father took Joe to town in the sleigh Smith & Daymon sawed Chas D sawed some logs Spot Cow had a calf �Wednesday 13 Rained this forenoon froze up this evg Chas and I hauled in some corn this afternoon 51 shocks Smith & Daymon sawed Thursday 14 Cloudy & windy Tem 26° Chas and I husked corn f in the Barn Father Smith & Daymon sawed Friday 15 Cloudy & windy Father Chas and I husked until Noon afternoon Chas and I hauled 50 shocks into the Barn Smith & Daymon sawed Saturday 16 Cloudy & windy snowed some Father went to town in the sleigh Chas and I husked corn and hauled some corn to the crib Daymon & Smith sawed until noon and then took thire saw up to Buxton and got it sharpened Monday 18 Cloudy Rained some this morning after noon Chas and I husked in the barn smith and daymon sawed wood Walker got a load of wood {Page] 60 Dec Tuesday 19th 1882 Cloudy Father and Mother went down to the Examination Chas and I husked some and hauled up some Smith and Daymon cut wood afternoon Father measured their wood this morning they had 18 cords Wednesday 20th Cloudy Father went up to the town hall to the Council Chas and I hauled in 30 shocks it rained all afternoon we husked some Daymon & smith sawed until Noon Thomas Paterson came out Thursday 21st Cloudy Chas and I husked until Noon Afternoon we hauled in 31 shocks Father was out in the woods Smith, Daymon & Patterson sawed after noon rained this forenoon Tem 36 Friday 22 Cloudy & warm Chas and I hauled in 42 shocks after noon we husked corn Father went out to the Town hall to the nomination Smith & Daymon went to town this afternoon Saturday 23rd �Father & Mother went to town to market Chas, Alf D & I husked corn in the barn Sund Monday 25 Warm Tem 36° Xmas day we went to Church & down to the plains Tuesday 26 Cloudy & warm Father went to town We finished husking what Corn was in and then culled and hauled up the good corn Wednesday 27 Cloudy and Warm we school Meetting day we did not do much Thursday 28 Cloudy & Cool Tem 32 Chas Alf D and I finished husking some corn that was in the barn and culled and hauled Cloudy and Warm Chas and I hauled in 56 shocks and husked 15 after noon Friday 29 Chas, Alf D. and I hauled in 5 loads of hay from the barn to the stable {Page} 61 Jan Saturday 30th 1882 Cloudy & Cool Tem 26° Father and I went to town in the waggon Chas Alf & D husked some in the Barn Jan Monday 1st 1883 Cloudy & Cool The Muncipal Election was held to day Father acted as Deputy Returning officer and I acted as Poll Clerk for polling subdivision No 2 the poll stood at our Polling place as follows. Dillon 36, White 53, Dolson 24 Irwin 66, Goulet 16 Williams 59; Charleston 52, Drew 27, Tolley 32 Tuesday 2nd Cloudy and warm we finished husking what corn was in the barn and then culled and hauled up what corn was here Wednesday 3rd Cloudy and Cool Chas and I hauled in 52 shocks of corn Thursday 4th Cloudy Father went to town in the heavy waggon and brought out a pair of bob sleighs he had ordered of Pat Shreves price $23.00 Chas and I hauled in 40 shocks of corn snowed some this evg �Friday 5th Cloudy Father Chas and I hauled 4 maple logs down to Barrys mill Saturday 6 Cloudy Mother went to town with Uncle Mack Father Chas and I hauled 5 logs down to Barrys Mill Monday 8th Snowed some this forenoon Father went to town with Uncle Mack Chas and I hauled 5 logs down to Fletcher Tuesday 9th Cloudy & Cold tem 6° below Z{ero} Father and I took 2 hickory & two red oak logs and started to town the shoe came off the front Bob and he had to throw his load off we took the hickorys on in Wednesday 10 Cloudy & Cold Chas and I sawed 4 saw logs and Father helped us load them on the sleigh to go to town {Page} 62 Jan Thursday 26 1883 Cloudy Tem 4° Chas and I took 1 red oak and two black ash into Chatham and got 3 logs off of the road Daymon & Harrison sawing Friday 27 Chas and I cut two maples and hauled 3 logs to Fletcher Daymon & Harrison sawing Saturday 28 Cloudy and warm tem 40° Mother and I went to town in the waggon took 20 bu of wheat got 83¢ per bu D & H did not saw but were here Monday 30 Cloudy and warm Chas and I husked corn Daymon and Harrison still here sawing Tuesday 31 Tolerable Clear and windy I took Mother to town to the 8 Oclock train she started for Detroit Daymon & Harrison here Wednesday 1st Feb Feb Cloudy & Windy snowed a little last night I went to Buxton this morning came back went to Fletcher took two maple logs and Brought two loads of lumber with Kate and Bet �Thursday 2nd Cold and windy Chas and I went and hauled 4 loads of lumber from Fletcher Daymon & Harrison here but did not saw Friday 3rd Cloudy Commenced snowing after noon Chas and I hauled two large loads with Kate and Bet from Fletcher and took one 12 ft log down Saturday 4th Tem 34° rained all day Mother came home last night I took Grandmother home rained so that we did not do much Daymon & Harrison here Monday 6th Cold & Clear Father came home this evg by the C.S.R. I took two red oak logs to town with Kate and Bet got $8 & $10 per 1000 ft Tuesday 7th Clear and Cold I took two red oak logs to town with K & B got $12 per 1000 ft brought the old bobs home Ben Talbot & V A Shreves put new runners on the front Bob and new shoes on the hind bob Cost 3.00 & 2.25 {Page} 64 Feb Wednesday 8th 1883 Clear & Cool Tem 20. Chas and I took 6 logs 5 red oak and one black ash into Chatham got $8, $10 & $12 per 1000 ft Thursday 9th Clear & windy Tem 6° Chas and I hauled up some wood and cut a large white oak tree for sawlogs Friday 10th Clear and Cold Chas and I took two white oak logs to Chatham they measured 1140 ft got $15.00 per 1000 ft Saturday 11th Clear and Cold Tem 2° below Z{ero} Chas and I took two white oak logs to Chatham Father helped us load they measured 973 ft got $12 & $15 per 1000 ft Monday 13th �Chas and Mother went to hunt help to kill pigs then we hauled up some wood, Mr Potter was out, and Joe Walker got a load of green wood Tuesday 14th Clear and pleasant Tem 24° we killed Hogs and after noon sawed 8 hicory sawlogs Ambros, Timbers, Eddy Poindexter Louis Granderson Alex Scott & Jobe Pierce Sr helped us Jobe stayed and helped us to weigh them Hogs the seven large ones weighed, 273, 291, 269, 221, 245, 287, & 268 lbs respectively Wednesday 15th Rained nearly all day Chas and I husked corn until about noon then I took 5 hicory logs which we loaded last night to Chatham measured 539 ft Thursday 16th Cloudy Tem 34° Father took the pork to town 7 hogs weighed 1841 lbs sold to Murray & Co got $7.67 per 100 lbs I took 5 hicory logs to Vanallen got $4.15¢ Friday 17 Warm and rained some Tem 60° water is very high Father Chas and I went to Fletcher after ice but could not get any so we got a load of sawdust to cover what we had then I went back and got the rest of our lumber then we commenced linking the Pork {Page} 65 Feb Saturday 18th 1883 Cloudy and Cool Tem 30° very windy we hauled a load of hay from the barn to the stable and finished cutting and salting the pork both sows had pigs yesterday Monday 19 Cloudy and warm Tem 26° we ground the axes this forenoon and Chas and I hauled up some wood after noon, Father went down to Aunt Emma's the assessor was here this evg Tuesday 20th Clear and Cool Chas and I hauled in some corn Father and Aunt Emma went to town in our buggie Wednesday 21st Clear Chas and I finished hauling in the corn Father went to Aunt Emmas Thursday 22 Clear and Cool Chas and Father & I made a wood rack and Chas & I bushed out some wood afternoon this evg I went to Pierces for some buckwheat but did not get it �Friday 23 Clear Cool and windy Chas and I finished hauling in the fodder and cut some wood in the woods Father took the saw down to H Morton to get it sharpened Saturday 24 Rained all afternoon Father and Mother went to town in the Buggie Chas and I sawed until Noon Monday 26 Cloudy windy and snowed some Father and Mother went out to F Blacks Father went to R Rosses sale and bought a heavy waggon for $34.50 Chas and I did not do much Tuesday 27 Cloudy Windy and snowed some Provincal Election day Father acted as D.R.O at our polling place 91 votes polled giving Clancy a majority of 27 Wednesday 28 * Tolerable Clear Father and I went to town Father took the Ballot box I got the first lesson on another quarter paid $5.00 {Page} 66 1883 Friday 2nd March Tolerable Clear Chas Father and I worked in the bush until noon after which Father went to Felixes & Chas and I husked corn Thursday 1st Cloudy Chas and I moved some hay in the barn and hauled a load in Father and Chas went down to Fletcher and then out to R Rosses after the waggon be bought at the sale price $34.50 thermometer 50° at noon Saturday 3rd Clear Father Chas and I worked in the woods all day Monday 5 Snowed some this morning we bushed out wood with both teams all day Tuesday 6th Snowed this forenoon warm we did not do much Wednesday 7th �Clear and windy Tem 1° Father and I went to town I got a lesson Thursday 8 Clear Tem 2° Father Chas and I hauled two loads of Ice from Fletcher and packed it in the wood house Jobe Pierces sawed it Father sold 4 steers coming 3 yrs old to J houston for $105.00 Friday 9th Clear & windy I hauled two loads of sawdust and put them in the wood house on the ice Chas & Father chopped some before noon Saturday 10th Windy and snowed most of the day Father went to town Chas and I husked corn in the barn until noon afternoon I went down to Fletcher and got a load of sawdust Monday 12th Cloudy Cool and windy Father Chas and I hauled out manure from the stable and put spread it on the wheat {Page} 67 March Tuesday 13th 1883 Clear and warm Chas and I took 4 loads of manure out of the Colts shed and put it on the wheat Wednesday 14 Clear Father and I went to town took Joe in to see the Dr I got a lesson I went to south Buxton this evg to a consert Thursday 15 Clear but windy Father Chas & I worked in the woods Friday 16 Cloudy & Windy Chas and I hauled out 4 loads of manure & shelled 3 bags of corn Father went to Buxton this afternoon Saturday 17th Clear & windy Father went to town Chas and I worked in the woods most of the day Father took 6 bu of corn to get ground Monday 19 �Snowed most all day very windy we did not do much but finished cleaning up the wheat about 8 inches of snow fell Tuesday 20 Clear and Cold Tem 8° below Z{ero} we bushed out wood with both teams all day Wednesday 21 Clear & Cold Tem 6° below Z{ero} we bushed out wood with both teams Thursday 22 Flower Cow had a calf Clear & Cold Tem 2° below Z{ero} Father Aunt Emma & I went to town I got a lesson Father sowed the lot back of the Barn in clover seed this morning Friday 23 Blustery & snowing some we cut and hauled some wood out of the woods Tem this morning 2° below Z{ero} Saturday 24 Clear and warm we cut and hauled a 16 & a twelve foot maple log down to Barrys Mill to get sawed and hauled out some logs to saw up into stove wood on the ridge back of the barn Tem 10° this Morning {Page} 68 March Monday 26th 1883 Clear Father and I went down to Fletcher and got the lumber 640 ft got Kates front shoes put back on after noon Chas Father and I bushed out wood with both teams Tuesday 27th Clear we bushed out wood with both teams this evg we hauled in a load of hay Wednesday 28th Clear we cut down some trees in the bush Chas hauled out some logs for wood. Very wet in the bush Thursday 29th Clear Tem 24 Father Alf and I went to town in the buggie I got a lesson Alf got some medicine for his knees Friday 30th �Clear & warm Father took the short Cross Cut saw over and got Henry Morton to sharpen it Chas and I piled lumber until noon after noon we all three worked in the Bush Tem 28° this morning Saturday 31st Clear and Warm Tem 22° in the morning Father Chas and I slashing timber in the bush all day April Monday 2nd 1882 {should be 1883} Clear and Warm Tem 24° Father Chas and I worked in the Bush Tuesday 3rd Clear Tem 36° Father trimmed some trees Chas and I husked corn hauled in a load of hay and Opened the potatoe pitt J.W Kersey brought his tools down to Commence on our sheds Wednesday 4 Tolerable Clear Tem 36° J.W Kersey George Kersey and Father Commenced Work framing the sheds today Chas and I moved some timber for them with the ponies and then husked corn Thursday 5 Rained nearly all day Tem 48° Chas and I husked corn in the Barn all day Father let off some water &c {Page} 69 April Friday 6th 1883 Cloudy Tem 34° rained some this evg Father, J W Kersey & Geo Kersey worked on the shed frame. Chas and I husked corn in the Barn Saturday 7th Cloudy rained and snowed some last night Tem 32° Father and Chas went to town took 4 bu of wheat to get ground roads very muddy I.D & I finished husking corn Monday 9th Clear and Warm Tem 42° in the Morning J.W. Kersey George Kersey & Father worked on the shed frame Chas and I hauled and Culled Corn & put it in the Crib Tuesday 10th Clear & warm Tem 40° J.W. Geo & Father Worked on the shed Chas and I hauled up the last load of corn and Father and Chas haule sawed the shed blocks and I hauled them up Wednesday 11th �Clear and warm Tem 40° in the morning JW Kersey & Geo finished framing the shed Father Chas and I dug post holes &c Thursday 12 Clear & warm we got ready and raised the shed at the East end of the Barn J.W. Sr & Geo Kersey and Uncle Mack Cooper helped Friday 13th Clear J.W Geo and Father put the rafters on this forenoon, Chas and {I} took out some Carrots, Onions, and potatoes Saturday 14th Clear and warm tem 46° Father and I went to town in the Buggie Father got a keg of 100 nails paid 3¼¢ per lb and rented Pattersons bush for pasture for 5 mo to begin on 15th of May for $20.00 Monday 16th Clear F and warm Father hung up the meat Chas and I spread the manure in the garden and took out the potatoes and rest of carrots also took up the parsnips Father went to hunt a girl brought Adaline Burns home Tuesday 17th Clear and warm Father and Mother went to town I rolled the meadow No 5 Chas spread manure in the garden Mamie Morgan was here Alex Robinson's wife washed for mother {Page} 70 April Wednesday 18 1883 Tolerable Clear We hauled some manure on to the garden and commenced spreading some of the manure out in No 1 Father was trimming trees Thursday 19 Clear & Cool Chas and I hauled out and spread manure on No 1 until noon after noon Chas Father took Grand Mother and Uncle Horace blacks oats home Chas and I took 2 bags of onions & 3 bu of parsnips down to J Stewarts got $2.00 for onions & 75 for parsnips for the lot Friday 20 Clear & Cool Father trimmed trees Chas ploughed the garden I manured the potatoe patch Saturday 21 Clear Chas and I ploughed a half day in No 5 Chas went up to Felixes and got the harrows and harrowed the garden this evg we hauled a load of hay from the Barn Father went to hunt a girl �Monday 23nd Chas and I ploughed in No 5 Cool all day and windy ice covered the well last night Chas rooled the garden and Father fixed up too Broken slide gates and planted a row of potatoes this evg in the garden Cooper Cow had a Calf Tuesday 24rd Cold Tem 28° snowed some Chas and I ploughed all in No 5 Father planted some onions in the garden Wednesday 25th Cool Tem 40° Chas and I finished ploughing the East part of No 5 by Noon and ploughed No 2 for potatoes after noon, Father planted some beets, letus, carrots and potatoes in the garden Thursday 26 Rained this afternoon Tem 40° Father sowed white side oats until noon in No 5 but had to quit Chas and I harrowed then in Friday 27th Cloudy showery afternoon Father and Mother went to Fletcher I planted 3 crab apple trees afternoon we cleaned up the oats 66 bu {Page} 71* April May Saturday 28 1883 Clear & Cool Father and I went to town I got a lesson Father sent draft to *Nebraska for Payment on land $69.75 Monday 30 Clear & Warm we finished putting in oats in No 5 and harrowed the potatoe patch Willard altered Bob & Mack Colts this afternoon Tuesday 1st May Chas and I run out the furrows in the oats planted 6 rows of potatoes and went down to Zebzes and commenced ploughing for oats Father went along Wednesday 2nd Clear and Warm Chas and I ploughed at Zebzes all day Father took the harrow teeth to get sharpened and planted some turnips Thursday 3rd �Showery Father Chas and I trimmed the grape vines & Black Berries and nailed some sideing on the shed Friday 4th Cloudy Father went to Buxton and got 3 mulberry trees Chas and I planted a few potatoes and spread some manure in No 1 after noon we went down and finished ploughing front field at Zebzes Saturday 5th Cloudy and Cool we started to harrow and rool the wheat but it was too wet Father and Mother went to Fletcher Chas and I planted 12 cherry trees along the lane in No 5 after noon Father sowed & Chas and I harrowed in the oats in front field at Zebzes sowed 9 bu Sunday 6th Clear Kate had a Colt running 11 mo exactly Monday 7th Cloudy rained some last night Father Chas and I worked on the shed some Father went to N Buxton after noon Tuesday 8th Cloudy Father went to dresden to attend Josiah Huson's * Funeral I went to Chatham got a lesson Wednesday 9th Cloudy rained some last night We finished sideing the shed at the East end of the Barn {Page} 72 May Thursday 10th 1883 Showery all the afternoon we went Father Chas and I down to the Zebs place to plough and burn of fodder &c got caught in the rain and came home after noon Bet had a Colt after running 10 mo 27 days Friday 11th Clear & pleasant we sawed wood until noon after noon I ploughed in the sod No 1 with the ponies Father and Chas sawed some stove wood Saturday 12th Clear but Cool Father and Mother went to town Chas and I sawed stove wood most of the day �Monday 14 Cloudy & Cool rained very heavy this evg we sawed some stove wood Tuesday 15th Eliza Jane Done came here this morning to work Cleared off this forenoon Chas and I let off some water and sawed stove wood Father went to Buxton & helped us some Wednesday 16th Clear Father Chas and I took 3 Calfs Over to Chas Done's to pasture went around and let the water off of the oats at Zebzes then came home and hauled out manure and spread it in No 1 afternoon Father went to Fletcher Thursday 17th Clear Father went out on the plains Chas and I hauled out and spread manure in No 1 all day Friday 18th Clear Father put Kate and Bet to the Clydesdale stallion Young Wonder at Stewarts this morning Chas and I harrowed and rolled the wheat with both teams Chas planted some potatoes Saturday 19 Rained some last night heavy wind & rain storm this evg Tolerable Clear all day Father went to town took 6 bu of wheat to get ground I ploughed sod in No 1 Chas planted potatoes {Page} 73 May Monday 21st 1883* Rained all day long Chas and I took the straw off of the hay in the barn and hauled a load of hay and put it in the stable Tuesday 22nd Cloudy & showered some Father went to Fletcher Chas and I put a Bridge over the line ditch between us and Patterson for the cattle and horses to go over to the Pasture Wednesday 23rd Tolerable Clear Father Chas and I scoured out the ditch back of the barn along No 4 Thursday 24 Clear Father went to Fletcher Chas and I ploughed in No 1, took a young sow too Henery Parsonses Pig this morning �Friday 25 Clear Chas and I finished spreading manure on No1 and ploughed some afternoon Father sold a Calf to the Butchers this evg for $4.00 Saturday 26 Rained most all day Father Mother Grand Mother and I went to town in the Buggie I got a lesson Monday 28 Rained some yesterday We finished ploughing the sod in No 1 and let off some water Rained some this Evening Tuesday 29 Cloudy Chas and I nailed the sheeting on the shed Father put on some shingles Wednesday 30 Rained all the afternoon Father went to town and got a 7000 load of Cedar shingles for the shed paid $3.00 per thousand Chas and I shingled until Noon & shelled some corn Thursday 31 Clear Father Chas and I out shingles on the shed all day Friday 1st June Clear Father Chas and I finished shingling the shed Elder Smith was here* {Page} 74 June Saturday 2nd 1883 Clear Father and Grand Mother Poindexter went to town in our Buggie I ploughed until Noon in No 5 for corn afternoon I hauled up timber &c Monday 4 Tolerable clear rained last night I finished hauling up the timber for the stable father went to meet Elliot and lacocq on the line ditch Tuesday 5 Rained after noon Father went to town took 26½ bu of wheat Yearling Colt commenced bleeding from being altered I went to town on old Kate and and told Father of it he got better after dark Wednesday 6 �Rained after noon Chas and I piled lumber until noon afternoon we worked in the garden I planted some sweet corn in the potatoe patch Thursday 7 Clear we planted some potatoes in the potatoe patch after noon Chas and I dug a ditch into the garden Father went to Buxton after noon Friday 8 Clear and warm Father Alf and I.D. worked in the garden Chas and I ploughed in upper part of No 5 with both teams I took Kate & bet to the Horse Bet took the Horse Saturday 9 Rained some this morning Father went to town in the Buggie Chas and I harrowed marked off and planted 20 rows of corn in No 5 Americus Cooper finished souring oats today yesterday at felixes Monday 11 Cleared off this Morning Windy Chas and I finished piling lumber Cut the stack away for the shed and piled some manure {Page} 75 Tuesday 12th June 1883 Showery afternoon Chas and I ploughed in No 5 for corn Father worked in the garden Wednesday 13 Clear Chas and I finished ploughing in No 5 this forenoon and planted some after noon father in Garden working Thursday 14 Clear Chas and I plo finished planting corn in No 5 this forenoon after noon we ploughed at Zebzes with both teams Friday 15 Tolerable Clear Chas and I ploughed in No at Zebzes with both teams Father worked in the garden Saturday 16 Very hot this forenoon showery after noon Father went to town took 8 pieces Ham, Shoulder, and flitches, got 14¢ for Ham and flitch & 13 for Shoulder I ploughed at Zebzes Sunday 17* �Father went to town for the Dr for Mother she is very sick* Monday 18 Rained last night Father went to town after a road scraper Dr springer came out to see Mother Chas and I ground the Cythes and done some Jobs &c Tuesday 19 We hauled up some wood &c. afternoon Chas and I ploughed at Zebzes Father attended on the line the Surveyor was on the line ditch between us and Lacocq Wednesday 20 Cloudy Chas and I ploughed at Zebzes Father packed up the meat and went to see Uncle Mack ditch sheep that were killed by dogs Thursday 21 Clear Chas and I.D. harrowed and marked off the corn ground at Zebzes and I planted some corn with the planter {Page} 76 June Friday 22nd 1883 Clear I finished planting corn at Zebzes Chas and ID finished Harrowed sod in No 1 Father worked in the garden Saturday 23 Clear Father went town took some pork got 14¢ for Ham I harrowed until noon then I went to town on Old Kate for the Dr for Mother Sunday 24 Dr Springer came out to see Mother this morning Monday 25 Cloudy Chas harrowed and I cultivated sod with Kate and bet Tuesday 26 Cloudy Cleared off afternoon Chas and I Harrowed and Cultiva{ted} sod Father worked in the garden Wednesday 27 Cloudy & showery we took the cultivator home and got Mr Walkers drill to drill in beans but it was too wet to drill after noon I ploughed the potatoe patch up with one horse Thursday 28 �Cloudy Father Chas, I.D, Alf and I hoed potatoes after noon Alf and ID picked strawberries and Father shot squirrels Friday 29 Clear I drilled in the beans Chas rolled with the ponies Father in the garden after he took Grandmother home and I rolled the most of the corn in No 5 Saturday 30 Clear Father went to town us boys hoed potatoes all day Monday 2nd Clear Father went to town on George Horse I ploughed at Zebzes very hot Chas Alf & D pulled the mustard out of the oats Tuesday 3 Clear & Hot Chas and I ploughed at Zebzes Father Alf and I.D. Hoed in the garden Wednesday 4 Clear and Hot Chas and I ploughed until noon after noon Father sowed some Buck Wheat and we commenced Harrowing it in but the rain stoped us {Page} 77 June Thursday 5 1883 Chas and I cultivated corn and potatoes at home until noon afternoon we went down Chas rooled corn and I finished harrowing in the buckwheat Father sowed it & hoed some Friday 6 Clear and Hot I finished rolling corn and Buckwheat Chas harrowed corn and Father Hoed corn I.D. uncovered Saturday 7 Showered a all the afternoon Father went to town Chas and I cultivated a little Monday 9 Clear and Cool Chas and I finished cultivating the home corn this forenoon and then we all hoed corn the rest of the day Rose Cow had a calf last night Tuesday 10 �Clear and Cool Chas and I cultivated corn at Zebzes Alf and I.D uncovered Father hoed in the garden Wednesday 11 Clear Chas and I finished cultivating corn at Zebzes Thursday 12 Rained this evg I cut the grass in the Orchard this forenoon with the machine Father mowed with the Cythe Boys Hoed beans some this morning Friday 13 Rained this evg we hoed some beans and shook up some hay but it got wet Saturday 14 Father went town this forenoon we hoed beans afternoon we hauled in one load of hay it was damp Monday 16 Clear we hoed some beans I cut hay afternoon in No 1 Tuesday 17 I finished cutting in No 1 after noon we hauled in some with Both teams {Page} 78 July Wednesday 18th 1883 Clear & windy we hauled the hay in out of No 1 & worked some beans in the morning Temperature pleasant Thursday 19th Clear & pleasant we put up the reaper this morning Uncle Mack Cooper got it to cut wheat we hauled in the hay out of the orchard Alf sulkey raked No 1 and we hauled in the rakings afternoon we hoed in the beans Father went down to cut after noon but broke the machine Friday 20th Clear in the morning Father cut some for Uncle Mack we hoed beans all day Father hoed afternoon Saturday 21 Drizzled rain this morning until after 10 Oclock Father went to town Chas Alf I.D. and I hoed beans Monday 23 �Showery and wet poured down rain nearly all night last night I ploughed and harrowed up some beds front of the house for strawberries and cultivated some beans and we hoed some Tuesday 24 Raining this morning very muddie Father went over to Martin Dillons on horse back I hauled up some wood with George we cut around the wheat this evg Wednesday 25 Clear Father and Mother went to town to the Dr Chas and I mowed fence corners Alf and D cocked them up turned Loucast Lacocqs bull in among our cattle Thursday 26 Clear Father cut our most of our wheat and we boys bound Friday 27 Clear we finished cutting and binding our wheat this forenoon afternoon we shocked it up and hauled in the fence corners Saturday 28 Clear Father, Chas and Alf went to town to see barnum's show I did not do much finished cultivating the beans this evg {Page} 79 Aug Monday 30 1883 Clear Chas and I cultivated ½ of the corn at Zebzes afternoon we worked in the hay Father cut hay before noon in No 4 Tuesday 31 Clear and Cool Father cut some more meadow Chas and I cultivated somemore of the corn and worked in the hay afternoon Wednesday 1st Aug Clear we hauled in 13 loads of hay into the barn out of No 4 with both teams finished cutting this morning Thursday 2 Clear heavy shower this evening we hauled in hay out of No 4 finished Friday 3 �Clear Father helped Abe Patterson this morning Chas and I cut fence corners Alf sulkey raked stubble afternoon we hauled in hay Saturday 4 Clear Mother and Father went to town Chas Alf ID and I hauled in the wheat and a load of fence corner hay out of No 4 Monday 6 Clear we finished hauling in the hay and rakings this forenoon and finished working the Zebs corn this afternoon took Uncle macks rake hay rack home and brought the roller home from Zebzes Tuesday 7 Clear Chas and I ploughed all day with both teams in the wheat stubble No 4 Father commenced clearing up the ground for the ditch Wednesday 8 Clear we all logged and burned on the line between us and Lacocq Thursday 9 Clear we logged and burned on the line between us and Lococq all day Friday 10 Clear we finished loging and burning on the line (and we grubed some) after noon Father went to Grand Mothers I shelled 10 bu of corn {Page] 80 Aug Saturday 11 1883 Clear Father and Mother went to town Chas alf ID and I grubbed some stumps on the line Monday 13 Clear we commenced ditching on the line between us and Lacocq Tuesday 14 we ditched on the line between us and Lacocq Wednesday 15 Clear we worked on the ditch between us and lacocq Thursday 16th �Clear we worked on the line ditch between us and Lacocq Friday 17 Clear we worked on the Ditch all day very warm Saturday 18 Clear Father went to town I commenced cutting oats in No 5 and bound some on the ridge Monday 20 Clear Rained some yesterday we worked some on the Ditch after noon we ditched a little Bound Oats in No 5 Tuesday 21 Clear We finished binding what oats were cut and I finished cutting the oats in No 5 Father went to the Tilburry Wednesday 22 Clear we bound some in No 5 Rained some this evg Thursday 23 Clear Father went out to the river and got Patience Scott and brought Mother home too after noon Father went down and took cradled around the oats I took the machine down and cut them Friday 24 Clear we ditched until noon afternoon we went down and bound some oats at Zebzes {Page} 81 Aug Saturday 25 1883 Clear Father went to town we hauled in 3 loads of Oats out of No 5 and went down and finished binding at Zebzes Monday 27 Clear We finished hauling in our Oats also them at Zebzes Tuesday 28 drizzled rain this Drizzled rain this forenoon after noon we worked some on the ditch Between lots 4 and 5 Wednesday 29 �Clear we worked on the Ditch all day with both teams Father Mother Joe and I went down to Aunt Emmas to Mamie and Johns wedding Thursday 30 Clear Cool nights Father and Mother went to town Chas and I worked on the ditch with Kate & Bet Father took 12 bu of wheat to town got $1.10 per bu Friday 31 Clear we finished the lower part of the ditch as deep as we could scrape it after noon Chas and I ploughed some in No 4 Saturday 1st Clear Chas and I ploughed all day in No 4 ground very hard Father spaded out some of the Bottom Monday 3rd Rained some yesterday morning Chas ploughed all day in No 4 I ploughed until noon Old Kate got sick and I had to quit Father spaded on the ditch Tuesday 4 Clear and Cool I went to town on old Bet got McKerrisher Vetrinary Surgeon to come out to see Old Kate Chas ploughed in No 4 with Ponies Father Ditched Wednesday 5 Clear Father and I Ditched on the line with the spade throwing out the Bottom of the ditch Chas ploughed with Ponies {Page} 82 Sept August Saturday 11 1883 Clear Father and Mother went to town took 10 bu of corn in the buggie got 56¢ per bu Chas Alf and I grubbed out some stumps on the line Monday 13 Thursday 6 Clear Father went to town in the buggie took 6 bu of wheat to get ground Chas and I ditched on the line with the spade Friday 7 Cloudy rained some this afternoon, we finished bottoming the lower part of the ditch Father went too the Kersey drain to see some ditching sold out �Saturday 8 Clear we hauled the dirt back from the ditch which was thrown out with the spade with both teams after noon Father went down to Zebzes to see the corn & buck wheat Chas and I hauled out manure on to No 6 Sunday Monday 9 frost last night Monday 10 Clear heavy frost last night Chas hauled up wood and hauled out manure with Kate & Bet Father grubed at a stump on the ditch I helped Dow Pierce to haul his oats from Felixes place down to Fletcher Tuesday 11th Clear & Cool Chas and I hauled out manure with both teams Wednesday 12 Clear and Tolerable Cool Father finished grubbing out the elm stump on the ditch Chas and I hauled out manure with both teams Thursday 13 Clear Father burned in the bush Chas and I hauled out manure Friday 14 Clear Father helped Uncle Mack Thrash this morning Chas and I hauled some manure and cut the Buckwheat at Zebzes with the reaper {Page} 83 Saturday 15 Father and I went to town got the horses front feet shod I brought out a load of brick 500 Monday 17 Clear Father went to town in the buggie Chas and I spread manure after noon we tried to harrowed in some wheat but it was too dry Tuesday 18 Clear and Cool we Commenced working on the Kersey drain up back of Joe Robinses with both teams & henry parsons helped with his team Wednesday 19 �Cloudy we worked on the Kersey drain with all three teams ours and Henery Parsonses my scraper bail broke this morning and Chas took it to the shop Thursday 20 Rained some Father and Mother went to town after noon, Chas and I spread some manure and helped Horace Bond thrash some Friday 21st Cloudy this morning rained some last night Father sowed Clawson wheat (seed last years growing) in No 4 and Chas and I harrowed it in with Both teams ground very hard Saturday 22nd Tolerable Clear Father finished sowing wheat in No 4 Chas and I finished harrowing it in and I ploughed the headlands ploughed the wheat in on the lower headland Monday 24 Cloudy and showery all day Father and Chas went and got the plow and got the f off of the ditch and got it fixed and started to help Horace Bond thrash but it rained I run the water furrows in No 4 and started ploughing in No 6 Tuesday 25 Cloudy and Cool Father shot some squirrels spread some manure and sold all of the cordwood we had to the dredge Captain, E.T. Martin Chas and I ploughed all day in No 6 {Page} 84 Sept Wednesday 26 1883 Clear Father and Chas helped Horace Bond to thrash I went to town and got the horse doctor to come out and see pat Colt he said he had the spasmodic colic after noon I shook out manure alf and ID harrowed Thursday 27 Clear Father and Chas helped Horace Bond finish thrash after noon Father stood up the buckwheat Chas and I ploughed in No 6 Friday 28 Clear We finished ploughing and spreading manure in No 6 Alf and I.D. pulled beans Saturday 29 Cloudy Rained some this evg Father and Mother went to town I finished harrowing No 6, and Chas and I hauled up a load of buck wheat from Zebzes �Monday, October 1st 1883 Clear and Cool frost last night Father went and got 8 bu of Democrat Wheat paid $1.25 per bu Chas and I finished out the wood piles to be measured after noon we drilled in Democrat Wheat in No 6 with Chas Lenovers drill Tuesday 2nd Rained almost all last night very wet We picked the seed wheat afternoon Chas and I hauled up the thrashing wood and cleaned some seed wheat for Grandmother Wednesday 3rd Clear and Cool we finished drilling in the democrat wheat in No 6 and harrowed it over and afternoon I run the furrows out and shoveled them Father and Chas got a load of buck wheat home Thursday 4 Clear Chas and I got some barrels and went and hauled a load of water for the thrashing Father started a well behind the barn afternoon I went out to John Kearnses and got the separator Father and Chas went and got the rest of the buckwheat {Page} 85 Oct Friday 5 1883 Clear got up steam to thrash but the skum valve blew out and could not thrash I.D. and I got a load of water we hauled in some beans and pulled some Father bought the County right to a steam washing machine Saturday 6 Cloudy and damp Father and Mother went to town in the heavy waggon and got a set of harness for the ponies also a barrel of salt and some boards to make a waggon box Chas and I throwed manure away from the barn door Alf and .D. finished pulling the beans Monday 8 Clear we thrashed with Johnson and Done's machine John Brown, Robert Harden, Norman Cooper, Grand Father Poindexter, Americus Cooper, Horace Bond, and John Cribbs helped us we had 57 bu of scott wheat 40 bu of Buck wheat and 260 bu of oats Tuesday 9 Clear shower in the evening I hauled the engine down to Grand Mothers and Chas and I got a load of water Father dug in the well back of the barn after noon we hauled in the beans Wednesday 10 �Cloudy and damp we recommenced sou work on the Kersey drain back of Robinses Henry parsons helped us Thursday 11 Tolerable Clear We worked on the ditch with our teams and Henry Parsons'es Friday 12 Clear We worked on the ditch with all three teams Ours and Henry's Tollie came this evg and gave Father an order for $45.00 on the ditch Saturday 13th Cloudy and rained this evg Father and Mother went to town Chas and I grubbed out an oak tree on the ditch & cut some corn out of the way of the ditch {Page} 86 Oct Monday 15 15 1883 Clear and cool heavy frost last night Father Chas and I finished our part of the line ditch between us and Lacocq Henry helped us until noon with his team Tuesday 16 Clear We worked on the ditch with all three teams all day Wednesday 17 Clear We worked on the ditch with all three teams Henrys and ours Thursday 18 Cloudy rained a little we worked on the ditch all day Friday 19 Cloudy showery we worked on the ditch all day Saturday 19 20 Cloudy we worked on the ditch all day with all three teams Monday 22 Cloudy and Cool we worked on the ditch all day Tuesday 23 �Cloudy and Cool we finished our job on the Kersey drain this afternoon Wednesday 24 Cloudy Father took the ploughs to town to get them fixed we skined a heiffer one of the heiffer calves we got from Aunt Emma Chas and I pitted the potatoes Thursday 25 Cloudy rained some this evg Father Chas and I cut a flat ditch through East half of No 1 with the teams Friday 26 Rained some this morning we plained and cut out the Boards for a waggon box and fanned up the buckwheat had 21 bu clean Saturday 27 Clear Father went to town with the ponies in the buggie Aunt Emma went along I went in with Kate and Bet and got a load of Brick, 500 Chas alf and D pulled some beans {Page} 87* Monday 29th 1883 Father and mother went to town in the buggie after some things Father brought out Aunt Maria Blacks coffin, Chas and I hauled up some wood &c Tuesday 30th Clear & windy Father, Mother, Chas, Alf and I went to Aunt Maria's funeral today this evg I finished putting the waggon box together Wednesday 31st Clear Cool and Windy Father and I went to town with both teams after brick got the new waggon box ironed and got 1100 brick Mother went to Windsor this evg Thursday 1st November Cloudy blowing a little snow we hauled the water out of the well back of the barn Father commenced digging Chas and I hauled the dirt away and pitted the carrots Friday 2nd Tolerable clear and cool Father went to the ditch sale on the 4 Con we pitted the apples and scraped another flat outlet ditch in No 1 Saturday 3 �Cloudy Father went to town in the buggie Chas and I pitted the turnips hauled ½ barrel of water to the hogs and hauled 2 loads of stone for the stable foundation and one load of sand Sunday 4th Clear and warm Father and Chas took Aunt Emma to Charing Cross to meet the Express bound for Xenia for Grandmothers body Monday 5 Clear Father went to town in the buggie chas and I dug in the well back of the barn Mother came home from Windsor this evg Tuesday 6 Clear and Cool Aunts Emma and Eunice arrived at Buxton* with Grand Mother Shadds Body she died in Xenia Ohio Saturday evg 3rd of November {Page} 88 Nov Wednesday 7th 1883 Clear we attended Grand Mother Shadds funeral today she was 76 yrs old and was Burried in the Cemetry in Chatham Mother was not able to attend Thursday 8 Clear and warm Father dug some in the well behind the barn Chas Alf I.D and I husked some corn this afternoon Friday 9th Clear except one shower we finished digging the well behind the barn Father walled it up Saturday 10th Rained some Father went to town in the buggie I took a grist to Merlin 6 bu of wheat and 6 bu of corn and hauled in a waggon box of corn in out of the field 20 bu Monday 12th Very windy & cool tem 30° Z Father dug out a hole for a cistern Chas went down and brought the pigs up from the Zebs place I hauled out some manure from the barn onto the meadow by the barn Tuesday 13 Cloudy windy and cool Tem 28° Z Father went to Chatham and brought out Mr Branton to cement the cistern I went down to Grandmothers logging bee Chas Alf and D. cut some corn Wednesday 14 �Cloudy and windy Tem 27° Mr Branton patched the house and cemented the cistern we tended on him Thursday 15 Windy and Cold Tem 20° Father went up to Felixes with Aunts Emma and Eunice and Old Man Potter Chas and I hauled up some wood Friday 16 Tolerable Clear winday and Cold Tem 16° Father took the Butter down to grand Mothers and worked some at the cistern Chas and I husked corn {Page} 89* Nov Saturday 17 1883 Clear Tolerable Windy Tem 27° in the Morning 42° this Evg Father went to town Chas went along I hauled in some fodder and corn and cleaned up the barn floor Monday 19th Clear and pleasant Father Aunt Emma and Aunt Eunice went to town in our buggie Father got some dry good for winter Chas Alf, I.D, & I husked corn in No 8 all day Tuesday 20th Cloudy and showery Father Aunts Eunice and Emma went *up to Grand Fathers place to take an inventory of goods Chas Alf ID and I husked corn Wednesday 21 Cloudy and showery Father went to town for the Dr for Mother we poy boys husked some in the barn and cleaned up the floor Thursday 22 Cloudy and damp Tem 50° Father went to town and sent Dr Ligh out to see Mother I let off some water andc {&c} Friday 23rd Cloudy and damp Tem 45° Father went over down to fletcher before noon afternoon he went over to meet Toolie on the ditch Chas alf ID. and I started to scrape a ditch between us and Lacocq across the front field Saturday 24 Tolerable Clear very muddy I went to town on horseback to get the Dr for Mother who is very sick afternoon we scraped out the rest of the ditch between us and Lacocq in No 1 �Monday 26 Rained all night and some today Father went to town in the buggie very muddy forenoon Loucast Lacocq and I cleaned out the railroad ditches from the line ditch to the culvert and back Tuesday 27 Clear and Cold Tem 26° Chas and I scraped a flat ditch across the upper part of No 1 Father sowing on the machine {Page} 90 Nov Wednesday 28 1883 Clear Tem 28° Father went to Fletcher after noon he hewed the pieces for the well curb and went to trustee metting this evg, Chas Alf ID and I logged until noon afternoon I fixed the well curb Thursday 29 Clear and Cool Tem 34° Father Chas and I dug a ditch and graded the dirt up around the school house after noon Father pumped out the school house well and cleaned it out we boys finished husking corn Friday 30th Cloudy and cool Tem 42° Chas and I hauled in the fodder Father and I measured off the line for the ditch and fence for the back of the clearing Father painted the waggon box and Chas and I put the frame down for the well curb behind the barn Saturday 1st December Clear one shower before noon Father went to town we put the mower and sulky rake overhead in the shed by the barn afternoon we logged some Monday 3rd Clear but Cool Tem 28° Chas and I hauled up wood Father went to town Tuesday 4 Tolerable clear Father and Aunt Emma went down to Gerrits in our buggie Chas Alf ID and I logged some in the clearing after noon Father Chas and I started to dig a ditch from pattersons line accross back of the clearing towards Lacocqs Wednesday 5 Clear Chas I.D. and I ditched on the clearing ditch Father went up to Merry Glen as Mr Potter came out to divide the things furniture Thursday 6 �Clear and pleasant Father went up as Mr Potter was to divide the p Library I hauled a load of hay for Mrs White from Rosses place on the 6th concession Chas hauled some things down from Merry Glen {Page} 91 December Friday 7th 1883 Cloudy rained some last night and this morning we did not do much I.D. and I went to town this evg in our buggie for some things for Aunt Emma as Horace is very sick Old Mrs Bond came out with us Saturday 8th Cloudy Father went to town roads very muddy Chas and I ditched a little Chas Alf and D. hauled a load of hay from the barn to the stable I went down to Aunt Emmas this evg Father went down tonight to see Horace Monday 10 Tolerable clear and pleasant we ditched some in the clearing Horace Bond died today about 11 Oclock he had been sick about 8 days Tuesday 11 Clear we did not do much put a curb on the well Wednesday 12 Clear and pleasant Father, Chas, Alf, Flavious and I went to Horace Bonds funeral he was burried in the Cemetry in Chatham Thursday 13 Clear and pleasant Father Chas Alf and I.D. logged in the clearing I was not well and done nothing Friday 14 Clear and windy Turned cold this evg we finished the ditch back of the clearing and put up a log pile Saturday 15 Cloudy and Cold Tem 17° Father went to town we covered the potatoes and carrots pits with manure and hauled a load of hay from the barn to the stable Monday 17 Father Chas and I killed 8 pigs they weighed 72, 74, 78, 80, 85, 90, 100, & 107 respectively Tuesday 18 Father went down to Fletcher after noon, Chas and I hitched Bob up, hauled up some wood with Kate and Bet &c Cold Tem 17° snowed some last night Wednesday 19 Tolerable Clear Tem 20° Father went to town in the buggie got some groceries & 2 bu of corn to feed the pigs paid 80¢ per bu Chas and I cut some wood Thursday 20 Clear Tem 12° Father went to the Council I took a grist to Merlin to Mill 6 bu corn 4 bu of wheat and 8 bu of buckwheat but could not get the buck wheat ground {Page} 92 Friday 21 December 1883 Clear and cold Tem 12° Father went to the school house to help fill out reports Chas and I sawed a few 4 Elm sawlogs and hitched Bob up and drove him �Saturday 22 Clear and Cold Tem 8° Father went to town in the buggie we hauled in two loads of hay from the barn to the stable and drove Bob and bet up to Charlestons Monday 24 Cold Tem 10° Father went to town Chas and I hauled cut some elm logs and done the chores up Tuesday 25 Clear and Cool Tem 10° Sandy Coutts shod Kate and bet this Morning Father Chas Joe and I went up to Church Wednesday 26 Clear School Metting was held today Chas Lenover was Elected Trustee in place of Forhan Father went bought the Contract for putting in the wood. 3 Cords green soft wood @ 165¢ per cord and 3 Cords green hard wood @ $2.70¢ per Cord also putting in a bridge accross the ditch @ $13.50¢ to be done right off Thursday 27 snowed all the forenoon Dow pierce and I took our too teams and hauled too loads of hay for aunt Emma also hauled up some lumber to Friday 28 Clear Father went to Fletcher Chas and I sawed some logs this afternoon Saturday 29 Clear Father went to town in the sleigh took 8 bu of buckwheat to get ground Chas and I sawed some logs Monday 31 Cloudy & warm Tem 36° Father and I went out to the Town hall to the Nomination There were 17 Candidates Nominated {Page} 93 Tuesday January 1st 1884 Cloudy Tem 26° Father Chas and I hewed timber for the schoolhouse bridge Wednesday 2 Very windy snowing all day Tem 22° we tramped out some beans on the barn floor with the Ponies Thursday 3 Very windy Cold and blustry the lane drifted full of snow I baged Henry parsonses oats up, we did not do much. Tem 7° Friday 4 Cold and windy Tem 3° below Z{ero} We finished hewing the timber for the school house bridge and hauled them down J.G. Stewart brought the ballot box up Saturday 5 Clear and Cold Tem 7° below Z{ero} Father went to town in the sleigh I hauled up some wood hauled in a load of hay to the stable and took Henrys, oats home Monday 7 Clear Tem Zero this morning Municipal Election was held today polls stood at our polling place as follows (Dillon 21 for reve, Goulet 26, Kennedy 3, Morrison 29) for first Deputy Dolson 18, Irwin 53, Tooley 11,) for 2nd Deputy Crow 34, Drew 20, Councillors, Dyke 70, Foxton 8 Slade 0, Taylor 5, Ward 0, Williams 27, White 5, Tuesday 8 snowing all day Father went to town in the sleigh he took 2 pigs down to J.G. Stewarts this morning got 7¢ per lb Dow Pierce and I sawed Elm logs all day. Dow commenced work for 3 mo. �Wednesday 9 snowed some Tem 22° Father and Chas hauled some Elm logs to Buxton Dow and I sawed some afternoon Dow worked ½ day Thursday 10 Clear Tem 12° Father and Chas hauled two loads of logs Dow and I cut some logs we also killed 3 pigs they weighed 114 lbs, 126 lbs & 184 lbs Friday 11 Clear Tem 22° Father and Dow Pierce went with the ponies to help haul Aunt Emmas stable frame home I hauled 3 loads of Elm logs up to Kerseys (mill) 500 ft, 770 ft & 572 ft respectively {Page} 94 Saturday 12 January 1884 Cloudy snowed some Father and Joe went to town in the slaegh sleigh Dow choped some cord wood I hauled 3 loads of logs to Kerseys mill measuring 824 ft, 649 ft, & 1064 ft respectively, docked 1064 to 700 Monday 14 Clear and Cool Tem 22 Father and I hauled logs to Buxton 3 loads each Dow cut roads and wood Tuesday 15 Clear Tem 8° Father and Chas hauled logs to Buxton with both teams 2 loads each Dow Pierce and I cut some logs and helped them load Wednesday 16 Clear and Cool Tem 10° Father and Chas hauled two loads of logs each Dow and I cut some &c Thursday 17 Clear and Cool Father and Chas hauled three loads of logs each Dow and I cut & helped them load Friday 18 Clear and Cool Tem 22° Father and Chas hauled 3 loads each to Buxton Dow and I cutting Saturday 19 snowy Tem 24° Father went in to town in the sleigh Dow cut and I hauled up wood we also hauled in a load of hay & straw Monday 21 Clear and Cold Tem 6° Father and Chas hauled two loads each Dow and I sawed 12 logs Tuesday 22 Clear and Cool Tem 18° Father and Chas hauled two loads each Dow worked afternoon we sawed 2 large logs Wednesday 23 Cloudy and windy Father and Chas hauled logs Dow and I cut eleven logs Thursday 24 Cold and Windy Tem 10° Father and Chas hauled one load each and Father went to Hattie Bond sale Father bought the mounted horsepower $11½ Dow and I cut 8 logs �Friday 25 Clear and Cold Tem 12° below Zero Father went to town in the sleigh for the Dr for Mother I hauled 3 loads of logs Dow & Chas cut 2 logs Dow cutting wood {Page} 95 Saturday 26 January 1884 Clear and Cold Tem 10° Father and Chas hauled 3 loads of logs each Dow and I cut 6 logs Monday 28 Cloudy and Cool Father took too Elm logs to Kerseys & I took one this evg Dow and I cut them Tuesday 29 Cloudy and Cool The Reelection of Smith for M.P for this County took place today our polls stood smith 51, Samson 43, Father acted as Deputy returning officer and I acted as Constable for Div No 2 Raleigh Dow did not work Wednesday 30 Warm Tem 38° showery Father went to town in the Buggie I took 2 logs up to kerseys mill after noon Dow and I cut some red oak Cord wood Chas helped us Thursday 31 Cloudy and warm Dow Chas and I cutting Cord wood hicory Father went up to Buxton Friday 1st Clear and pleasant Tem 34° Dow Chas and I cutting hicory Father went to Buxton Dow set in this morning to work two 2 months for $10.00 per mo Saturday 2 Clear Tem 32° Father and Dow went to town in the buggie Chas & I cleaned up some beans &c Monday 4 Cloudy and Cool Tem 32° Dow, Chas, and I cut hicory Cord wood Father took a piece of hicory and went to Travises to get some axe handles Tuesday 5 Cloudy and Drizzeling rain and sleety Tem 28 Dow did not work Chas and I took the teams up to Kerseys for lumber stayed all day and only got one load got 4 axe handles Father went to buxton Wednesday 6 Cloudy Father went to Fletcher Chas and I went to Buxton got 20 bu of corn @ 75¢ per bu it was shipped from Columbus Neb, to Charleston & Co, Dow cut wood in the wood pile afternoon we thrashed beans in the barn Thursday 7 Chas and I finished thrashing the beans and cleaned them up Cloudy Tem 30° Dow cut wood in the woods we had 18 bu altogether Friday 8 Cloudy Tem 30 Dow Pierce Chas and I cut hicory Cord wood all day {Page} 96 Saturday 9 February 1884 Cloudy Tem 28° Father went to Buxton Dow cut wood in the woods I cut up the remainder of the pork 6 pigs �Monday 10 Cloudy & misty Tem 26° Dow cut wood in the woods Chas and I hauled up the rest of our dry Cord wood Tuesday 12 Cloudy and warm Tem 30 rained some last night Dow Chas and I cut hicory Cord wood all day Wednesday 13 Cloudy Tem 30° Dow Chas and I cut Cord wood all day wet in the bush Father not well Thursday 14 Clear and Cool Tem 20° very windy Dow and I cut hicory Cord wood Chas helped Father salt the pork Friday 15 Clear Tem 26° Dow Chas and I cut hicory all day Father went up to Buxton Saturday 16 Clear and pleasant U Tem 22° Father went to town in Buggie Dow Chas and I cutting hicory wood Monday 18 Clear and pleasant Tem 36° Dow Chas and I cutting wood in the woods Father went to Buxton Tuesday 19 Clear and pleasant Tem 40° 7.30 Express going west one car left the track Dow Chas and I cutting hicory wood Wednesday 20 Cold and windy Tem 20° Dow did not work we picked beans until noon afternoon Father went to Buxton Father Chas and I sawed some wood Thursday 21 Clear and Windy Tem 26° Father and Chas sawed down some Elm and ash trees Dow and I sawed hicory wood Father settled up with Dow this evening Friday 22 Cloudy Tem 20° Father went to Buxton Chas and I hauled in 3 loads of hay fixed up some fence &c Alf and D cut some corn stalks off in No 5 clearing Saturday 23 Cloudy Father and Ch went to Chatham Chas and I bushed out some wood but the but the horses broke through the ice in the bush so that we quit and cut some red oak {Page} 97 Feb 1884 Monday 25 Snowed some windy Tem 20 Chas and I bushed out wood all day Tuesday 26 Cloudy Tem 36° snowed some we hauled 3 loads about 2 Cords of hicory over to the Choolhous {schoolhouse} and bushed out hicory Father helped us to make some roads Wednesday 27 Snowing Tem 36° Father went to town with Gerrit and Chas harris Chas and I finished bushing out the hicory wood had 17 cords Thursday 28 Cloudy and windy Tem 4° Chas and I cut some small hicorys before noon after dinner Father went and got a load of Gerrits furniture things from Felixs and took them down to Harrises �Friday 29 Cold and Windy Tem 7° below Z{ero} Father went to Chatham to Gerrits trial Felix paid Costs, Chas and I did not do much Saturday 1 Clear and Cold Tem 4° below Z{ero} Father took Aunt Emma and Mr Crawford and his wife to Chatham I took a load of hay sold the load for $5.00 brought 4 Pieces of pine home to make hay rack side pieces they cost $1.30 Sunday 2 Clear and Cold Tem 4° below Z{ero} Father and I went to the funeral of Nelson Robinson's Daughter Nancie Monday 3 Clear and Cold Tem 4° below Z{ero} we cut and hauled 4 Elm logs to kerseys mill they measured 530 ft we also cut some Cord wood Alf & D picking beans Tuesday 4 Clear & Cool Tem 16° Chas and I sawed black ash Cord wood for the school house all day Father was not well Wednesday 5 Clear Tem 4° Chas and I hauled the remainder of the school house wood over today Father went to Buxton Thursday 6 Clear Tem 22°, 36° Father Chas and I hauled 4 wagon loads of Ice from Fletcher Friday 7 Cloudy Tem 24° Father went to Buxton Chas and I packed the ice and hauled 2 loads of sawdust from Fletcher Saturday 8 Cloudy snowed some last night Tem 20° Father went to town in the sleigh Chas shoveled sawdust into the ice house I hauled up some wood hauled one load of sawdust and we hauled in a load of hay, {Page} 98 Monday 10 March 1884 Clear Tem 24° & 36° we shelled 6 bu of corn and cleaned it and 6 bu of wheat up and Father took it to Merlin for a grist paid 15¢ per bag for grinding corn Tuesday 11 Showery and windy lightening and thundering this morning Tem 38° & 44° Father let of water Chas and I washed and oiled Kate and Bets Harness Wednesday 12 Clear and Cool Tem 34 Very windy Father Chas and I choped down trees all day in the clearing Thursday 13 Clear Tem 34° & 48 Chas and I worked in the woods all day Father and mother went to Grandmothers after noon Friday 14 Clear Tem 32° & 40° Father went to Fletcher afternoon he helped us in the woods Chas and I in the woods all day Saturday 15 Clear Tem 22° & 40° Father and Mother went to town in the buggie we Boys hauled 5 loads of hay from the barn into the stable I cut up 5 hogs heads �Monday 17 Cloudy & drizzeled rain some Tem 45° Father went up to Charlestons and got 2 bu of clover seed $5.00 per bu Chas and I sawed some hicory wood and c [&c} Tuesday 18 Cloudy Tem 30° Chas and I sawed stove wood all day Father and Henry Parsons went over in Tilbury with the washing machine Wednesday 19 Cloudy and showery Tem 36° Father Chas and I scoured the ditch back of No 7 and cleaned out the school stove pipe &c Oliver Higate got the horse power $16 Thursday 20 Cloudy Father Chas and I scoured ditches all day Friday 21 Clear Father Chas and I finished scouring the ditch from pattersons line up to the house and commenced the western ditch Dogs killed our sheep (3) this morning or last night H Parsons and Elliot valued them at $7.00 Each Saturday 22 Cloudy & warm We sheared 2 of the sheep and skined one and then worked in the lane ditch {Page} 99 Monday 24 March 1884 Father and Mother went down to Grand Mothers Chas and I finished scouring the western lane ditch and split up some hicory Cord wood &c Clear Tem 38° Tuesday 25 Cloudy Tem 36 showery Father Chas and I loged in the clearing Alf and D helped a little Wednesday 26 Rained all night last night and all day today Father Chas and I commenced to build two hay racks Father sold Bob Colt to Thos Knot for $100. Thursday 27 Clear and warm we worked all day at the Hay racks Father went to Fletcher to get the irons made Friday 28 Clear and Cool Tem 28° Father went to uncle Macks and then went down to Fletcher for the hay rack irons Uncle Mack got 350 lbs of Hay $4.00 per ton Chas and I sawed wood at the school house Saturday 29 Cool and windy Tem 36° & 30° Father went to town Chas alf Id and I finished cutting the school wood Monday 31 Tolerable Clear Tem 26° McFadden got 2 loads of hay 1542 & 1700 lbs @ $8.00 per ton Father went to fletcher and had it weighed on Barry's skales Father got a hay knife $1.50 Chas and I put in the school house bridge and helped load the hay & sawed some wood Tuesday April 1st 1884 Rained all day Father went to Lenovers and to Buxton Chas and I worked on the hay racks �Wednesday 2 Cold Tem 26° & 34° snowed and rained Father went to Fletcher Chas and I worked on the racks Thursday 3 Clear Tem 30° Father went to Buxton Chas and I sawed some stove wood after noon Father Chas and I finished the schoolhouse Bridge & hung the gate &c Friday 4 Clear Tem 36° & 45° Father and Mother went to town I commenced ploughing sod in No 1 Chas cut some carrots &c Saturday 5 Clear frost this morning Tem 34° Father repickled the meat and went to Fletcher to see some hay weighed Chas and I ploughed sod in No 1 all day with both teams {Page} 100 Monday 7 April 1884 Clear Tem 26° this Morning Father took the little plow cutter and point to the shop Chas took Cl Mother to Grand Mothers I ploughed some garden, we ploughed sod Tuesday 8 Cloudy Hattie Bond, Died last Night between 12 & 1 Oclock *Father went to Chatham to make arrangements for her funeral Chas and I fixed the fence between us and Patterson Wednesday 9 Cloudy about too inches of snow fell last night Tem 36° we did not do much but clean up clothes &c Thursday 10 Tolerable Clear Cool Father, Mother, Chas, I.D, & I went to Hattie Bond's funeral she was burried in Maple leaf Cemetry Friday 11 Clear and Cool Tem 36° Chas and I ploughed sod in No 1 Father grubed at a stump in No 1 Saturday 12 Clear and Cool Tem 38° Chas and I finished ploughing sod in No 1 Father Monday 14 Clear Tem 40° & 58° Father & Old Mr Elliot went to the Council with the ponies I ploughed in No 1 all day Chas took out some potatoes & apples Tuesday 15 Cloudy Showering all day I went down to see Grand Father and took the front shoes off Jim & George also took shoes off Aunt Emma's horses Chas and I curbed the house well Wednesday 16 Showering all day snowed some I painted furrow plough &c Father went down to do some writing for Mr Muirhead Thursday 17 Cloudy Kate had a Colt last night running 2 days short of 11 mo I painted the ploughs & Chas and I trimmed trees &c Father took Mother down to Grandmothers Katt Kate had Colic tonight Friday 18 Tolerable Clear Tem 54° Father went to town sent Hall the T Vetrinary surgeon out to see Old Kate he said she was all right �Saturday 19 Tolerable Clear Father went to Fletcher got some hog rings & sent his draft to Nebraska for his payment on land * Chas ploughed in No 1 I trimmed trees Grand Father Poindexter Died today Father went down there in the buggie this evg {Page} 101 Monday 21 April 1884 Clear but Cool Tem 34° & 45 Father Mother Chas Alf and I went to Grand Father Poindexters Funeral we {rung} the pigs and hauled in a load of hay this evg Tuesday 22 I trimmed trees Chas ploughed in No 1 with the ponies Father went to Fletcher and trimmed grapevines Wednesday 23 Clear Chas ploughed in No 1 Father and I weighed out ½ ton of hay to Joe Rice after noon Father sowed Clover seed in No 7 I hauled 6 loads of manure on to the garden yesterday McFadden got 1,7.30 lbs of hay @ $8.00 per ton Thursday 24 Clear Father sowed Clover seed in No 7 & 4 Chas harrowed wheat with ponies I rolled it with Kate and Bet Friday 25 Clear Tem 34° & 72° Father finished sowing Clover seed Chas and I finished Harrowing and rolling the wheat and put in some Oats in No 1 ground very hard Saturday 26 Clear & warm Tem 34° this morning Father and I went to (took 4 bu wheat) town to the spring fair Chas took out the potatoes &c Monday 28 Clear Father finished sowing oats in No 1 Chas and I hauled them in Tem 47° this morning 68° at Noon Lewllyn Pierce got ½ ton of hay this morning Tuesday 29 Clear I run out furrows in No 1 harrowed garden &c Chas ploughed garden &c afternoon Chas and I ploughed in No 5 for oats Father sowed some Clover seed on wheat in No 5 Wednesday 30 Clear & Cool Chas and I ploughed in no 5 Father planted the Onions, Letus & spring wheat in the garden Cooper Cow had a Calf Thursday May 1st Cloudy but warm I finished ploughing headlands in No 5 Father sowed the Oats and Chas and I harrowed them in had a shower this Evening after which the wind {rose} Father planted peas & potatoes in the garden Friday 2 Cloudy & windy Father planted parsnips Letus & potatoes Chas and I set out currant bushes James Harris finished trimming trees Saturday 3 Clear Father went and appraised Elliots sheep and then him & Mother went to town in the Buggie Chas and I finished the currants and set out some Great American straw Berries {Page} 102 �Monday May 5 1884 Cloudy and damp Father and Chas loged an Ellm tree that fell out of the line ditch into Lacocq and I set out 5 Cherry trees along the lane then we loged some in the clearing and got a maple roller log from Elliot Tuesday 6 Cloudy Father got Wilson Albany strawberries from Grandma's we set them out McFadden got 15.00 of hay Afternoon ID harrowed some sod in No 1 after which we loged in clearing Wednesday 7 Cloudy & misty Bet had a Colt this morning short 2 days of 11 Mo, Lacocq got ½ ton hay Mack Cooper got 584 lbs hay We loged some Alf and I went for Hall to come and see Bet's Colt Thursday 8 Cloudy Hall came to see Bets Colt said it was ruptured We cut some wood in the wood pile Alf harrowed sod Friday 9 Clear but Cool ID and Alf harrowed sod in No 1 Chas and I sawed wood finished sawing the logs in the yard Father sawed trimmed the roller log & Dug around the Black Currants &c Saturday 10 Clear but Cool Father went to town took 6 bu of wheat to get ground Chas Alf and I put up fence around clearing Monday 12 Tolerable Clear Alf & D harrowed some in No 1 sod Chas and I hauled mulch on to the strawberries Father hoed strawberries &c Tuesday 13 Showery Chas and I went and got Aunt Emma's cow from D Fletchers this morning after which we hauled out some mulch, & loged some in the clearing Wednesday 14 Cloudy ID and I hauled manure on to No 2 potatoe patch Chas Alf and Father loged in the clearing Dow Pierce commenced working on the line ditch between us and Paterson at noon spading it out Thursday 15 Clear *Father went to the school metting the people voted to build two school houses in the section Chas ploughed the potatoe patch Alf. D. and I loged Dow on the ditch (white Heiffer Bloss had a calf 16 May) Friday 16 Clear Father planted some potatoes in the patch Dows ditching Chas and I loged some Alf & D harrowed sod &c Saturday 17 Clear Tem 45° Alf finished Cross harrowing sod in No 1 Father Mother Joe Eunice & Eliza went to town this afternoon Chas D and I loged all day Dow Ditching on the line {Page} 103 May Monday 19 1884 Cloudy & showery Father planted some potatoes Dow ditched after noon Chas D and I finished laying the worm off the fence around the clearing and cut white Oak blocks & put under Tuesday 20 Flower Cow had a Calf �Clear Father worked in the garden Chas Alf D and I put up fence around Cornfield after noon Chas and I ploughed in the Clearing with both teams Dow Ditched on the line Wednesday 21 Clear and warm we planted some potatoes in No 2 then Father worked in the garden Chas and I ploughed in the Clearing Alf and ID put up some fence &c Dow Ditching Thursday 22 Tolerable Clear Chas and I ploughed in the clearing Father worked in the garden Alf & D put up fence and Dow ditching Friday 23 Clear Chas and I ploughed in the Clearing ID and Alf put up some rails Father gardened Dow Ditched Saturday 24 Tolerable Clear We loged in the clearing some Lewllyn Pierce got 560 lbs of hay for Dow this evg Monday 26 Clear Father Chas Alf & I loged some ID harrowed Father went out to the Council with Mr Elliot Court Revision Tuesday 27 planted Cucumber hills 6 Clear Father Chas Alf ID and I loged in the clearing Wednesday 28 Cloudy & Cool We all loged in the Clearing Both teams Thursday 29 Clear Bets colt had stoppage of water this morning Father went to town in the buggie took 6 bu of wheat to get ground we finished the loging with Aunt Emmas team Friday 30th Clear and warm Chas and I ploughed all day in the Clearing with both teams Father rolled Oats with Aunt Emmas team put Kate to Longworths Bank of England horse {Page} 104 June Saturday 31st May 1884 �Clear Father finished rolling the oats with Aunt Emmas team Chas and I ploughed all day in the Clearing Both teams Monday 2nd Clear very warm Chas and I ploughed all day with both teams D. harrowed with Aunt Emmas team Father went out to the Council with Mr Elliot Tuesday 3rd Clear and warm Father went to town with Ponies took plow points and cutters to get laid & sharpened Chas worked in garden ID harrowed with Aunt Emmas team I hauled out some rail cuts D rolled some in the clearing Wednesday 4 Clear and Warm Chas and I ploughed all day in the Clearing ID harrowed Father worked in the garden Thursday 5 Clear and warm Chas and I ploughed most of the day in the Clearing Father spread ashes &c I.D. Harrowed Betman Crosby split 182 rails & 6 Oak posts today for Father Friday 6 Clear & warm Mother Joe Chas & Aunt Emma went to town in our light wagon & Aunt Emmas team to see the Doctor Father marked off with the chain and I planted corn in the clearing ID planted squashes Saturday 7 Clear and warm Father and Mother went to town in the buggie Chas rolled in the clearing and I put up fence &c Monday 9 Clear and warm but rained this evening Father marked off and Chas and I planted corn D planted squashes Tuesday 10 Rained all day Chas and I painted the other rack Bottom &c Father went down to Moreheads &c Wednesday 11 Cloudy we finished ploughing harrowing Rolling & planted some corn in the clearing {Page} 105 �Thursday 12 Clear & warm we finishing planting corn in the clearing & planted some mellons I got Lacocq's double cultivator & commenced cultivating the ground for beans No 1 Father & Boys in garden Friday 13 Clear but Cool Chas got Walkers cultivator & we cultivated in No 1 with both teams Father D & Flave in the garden Father warned out the men to do road work Saturday 14 Clear and Cool Father Mother and Aunt Emma went to town with her team and our Buggie we finished putting in the beans in No 1 Cultivated it 3 times over Harrowed it drilled in the beans with Lenovers drill & rolled it drilled in an acre of white flint Corn & planted 4 rows of indian Corn in No 1 Monday 16 Clear and warm Chas and I fixed up the lane fence around wheatfield & Cornfield Father in the garden hoing Tuesday 17 rained in Tilbury Clear Father went to Merlin took 8 bu of wheat to get ground Chas and I Collected stone Wm Needum came and got a calf he had Bought, Father sold him a white heiffer & 2 calves $27.00 Wednesday 18 Tolerable Clear Tem 90 Father and Mother went to town Chas and I got Lacocq's trucks and took 2 baswood logs up and had them sawed into inch boards at Kersey's Thursday 19 Clear and warm Tem 90 Father on the road Chas and I hauled out rail cuts until Noon for Betman Crosby to split after noon I went and got a load of sand Friday 20 Clear I throwed up some manure & hoed some potatoes Chas hoed some &c Father in the garden Saturday 21 Tem 95 Father & Mother went to town I cultivated the potatoe patch and then we hoed Put Bet to longworth's horse {Page} 106 June Monday 23 1884 �Clear 90 & warm Father Chas & D went and got two Heiffers. he got from Buttler $40 I dug holes for the stable foundation spot Cow had a calf Tuesday 24 Father and Mother went to town Tem 95 we worked in the potatoes rained after noon Wednesday 25 Cloudy & Cool Father went to the Council Chas and I turned Lacocqs Bull among our Cows and worked on the hay racks in the barn Thursday 26 Cloudy & Cool I cultivated corn all day Chas & D hoed Father hoed strawberries Friday 27 Clear & Cool I cultivated corn all day Father went & throwed up a load of sand & hoed some Chas & D hoed corn Saturday 28 Clear and warm Father and Mother went to town ID went along I got a load of sand Hived a swarm of bees & Cultivated some Monday 30 Clear Father went to the Council I finished cultivating corn in the clearing Chas hoed Tuesday 1 July Clear & warm Father hoed strawberries I cultivated beans in No 1 Chas & Alf hoed corn &c Wednesday 2nd Clear I cultivated beans until noon afternoon I Father went to town and brought out Mr Branton Thursday 3 Clear Mr Branton put down stone for the stable foundation we helped him Friday 4 Rained this forenoon Mr Branton finished the stable foundation and Cistern whitewashed some we helped him {Page} 107 July Saturday 5 1884 �rained this morning Father and Mother went to town took Mr Branton Chas & I repacked the ice finished the hay racks and got a load of sawdust for the ice & took down the mower & sulky rake Monday 7 Clear I cultivated beans all day and mowed some in the orchard this evg Chas & ID hoed potatoes Tuesday 8 Clear I cultivated some beans and finished mowing the Orchard this evg we cocked it up Wednesday 9 Clear I cultivated beans this morning and we hauled in the hay out of the Orchard 2 loads into the stable Thursday 10 Clear & Cool I finished cultivating beans Chas ID Flave and I hoed some this afternoon Friday 11 Clear we cut hay in No 4 this forenoon raked and cocked it up this afternoon Saturday 12 Rained this morning Father and Mother went to town Chas D and I hoed some beans and cleaned out the barn for hay &c Monday 14 Clear we finished cutting hay in No 4 & raked and cocked some up Tuesday 15 Clear we hauled in hay out of No 4 with both teams all day Wednesday 16 Cloudy damp this morning we finished hauling in hay out of No 4 Father took Rev S DW. Smith and family to town this afternoon Thursday 17 Clear we hauled in the rakings out of No 4 and cut some wheat in No 5 & bound it up {Page} 108 Friday 18 �Clear we cut and bound wheat in No 5 all day Saturday 19 Clear & warm Father and Mother went to town Chas Alf D and I finished binding some and cut fence corners around No 5 Monday 21 Clear we finished cutting in No 5 & binding and cut some for Aunt Emma this evening Father took Aunt E to town for the doctor for the baby Tuesday 22 Clear we finished binding for aunt Emma' and cut and bound some at home in No 3 Father took 8 bu of wheat to Merlin to get ground Wednesday 23 Clear we cut and bound all day in No 3 Father not well Thursday 24 Clear we finished cutting wheat this morning and bound some rained this evening Friday 25 Rained some this morning I mowed some fence corners this and we shocked what wheat was down Saturday 26 Rained heavily this forenoon Father and Mother went to town Monday 28 Clear Father went to town to prepare for the funeral of Latties babie which died this morning Chas Alf D. & I hauled in wheat Tuesday 29 Clear Father, Mother and Aunt Salina went to the funeral of Latties Babie we finished hauling in wheat {Page} 109 Aug Wednesday 30th July 1884 Rained this evg we cut some fence corners and hauled them in and raked up some wheat rakings Thursday 31 �Cloudy and rained some we cut some weeds and C [&c] Friday 1 Cleared off we finished raking and hauling in rakings &c Aunt Salina and Mother went over to Mr Thompsons this evg Saturday 2 showered after noon Father and Aunt Salina went to town we turned out Aunt Emma's wheat to dry and had to shock it up again Monday 4 raining and wet Father and Chas went over to Wm Drews I piled some rails finished the hay racks &c Tuesday 5 Cloudy & showery I took Father to Chatham to go to Anarbour for to see some doctors we hoed some in the garden &c Wednesday 6 Clear we hoed some weeds in the garden cleaned up the lane and C [&c] Thursday 7 Cloudy Alf and D cut thistles in the clearing Chas and I mowed fence corner weeds until noon after noon we all went down and helped stack Aunt Emmas wheat {Mr peel?} Friday 8 Clear we cut some oats in No 1 and bound some Saturday 9 Clear Mother Eliza Done and I went to town in our Buggie Mamie Cooper went along Father went to came back from Anarbour Chas bound oats Alf & D cut thistles Monday 11 Clear we finished cutting oats in No 1 & bound some {Page} 110 Tuesday 12 Clear Father Mother and Chas went to town in the Buggie Aunt Mary Ann Cary Came out with them Alf ID & I bound oats in No 1 �Wednesday 13 Clear we finished binding oats in No 1 & cut some in No 5 Thursday 14 Clear and Warm Tem 90° we piled some in the clearing and tramped out some rakings & cleaned up the barn floor Friday 15 Clear and warm Father went to town with Aunt Emma we hauled in oats out of No 1, raked the stubble Saturday 16 Clear & warm tem 95 Chas & Father went to town Alf D and I turned & bound oats in No 5 Monday 18 Clear and warm we bound up some oats in No 5 & finished cutting Father went to town Tuesday 19 Clear and warm tem 95 we ploughed in No 1 some after noon I helped Abe Patterson & Walker thrash Chas ploughed Wednesday 20 (Aug) Clear and warm Tem 95 we turned oats in No 5 and hauled in some Father Mother and Alf went to town Chas Eliza & I went out to Shrieveses lawn social this evg Thursday 21 Clear and warm Tem 98° we finished binding oats & shocking Friday 22 Clear & Cool Tem 80 we ploughed and harrowed in No 1 with both teams {Page} 111 Saturday 23 Clear and Cool Father Mamie Cooper and I went to town in our buggie Chas ploughed with Kate and Bet Monday 25 �Clear and Cool shower after noon we finished ploughing harrowing and rooling in No 1 and ploughed some in No 5 I took Iron plow & points down to sansburrys to fix Tuesday 26 Clear Chas and I ploughed all day in No 5 with both teams Wednesday 27 Clear we finished ploughing harrowing and rolling oats stubble in No 5 I took Joe to town and a box for Aunt Amelia this afternoon in the buggie Thursday 28 Cloudy rained all the afternoon, we hauled out some manure this forenoon on No 1 Friday 29 Clear we hauled the wood out of the clearing afternoon we hauled out some manure Saturday 30 Clear we Mother Father and Chas went to town Alf D, Flave and I hauled out manure on to No 1 Monday 1st September Clear & Cool Chas Alf D. & I hauled out manure on to No 1 Tuesday 2nd Clear and warm Father Mother Alf, & D & Eliza Jane Done went to the show Chas and I hauled out manure and piled it on the garden Wednesday 3rd Clear Chas Alf D and I finished hauling manure out of the barnyard on to the garden Clear very Thursday 4th Clear & very warm Tem 95° Father & Mother went to town Alf & D pulled some beans Chas and I fixed up the barn gangway &c {Page} 112 September Friday 5 1884 Clear & warm Tem 94 Chas Alf D & I pulled beans all day in No 1 Saturday 6 �Clear and warm Tem 95° Father and Mother went to town Chas Alf D and I pulled beans Sunday 7 Clear & warm Father Mother Grand Mother and I went to Chatham to the general conference, Bishop Campbell & {El--} Thomas preached Monday 8 Clear Tem 88° Father went to Town took Ross wagon to get tires set Chas Alf D Flave & I pulled Beans in No 1 Tuesday 9 Clear and Cool Chas Alf D and I pulled beans Wednesday 10 Clear we pulled beans until noon and then hauled some in Thursday 11 Clear we Alf D and Flave finished pulling beans Chas and I hauled in beans Father and Mother went to town Friday 12 Clear we hauled in beans I went for the Thrashing machine this evening but did not get it Saturday 13 Clear we finished hauling in beans burnt some in the clearing and I went and got the machine this evg Father went to Chatham Monday 15 Clear we commenced to thrash boiler foamed and we had to haul water Rube Miriam, Cash Rhue, James Travis, Walter Dean, Jim harris, Robt Harden, Wm Scott Charlie Simpson helped us Tuesday 16 We finished thrashing had 250 bu wheat 280 bu oats {Page} 113 Sept Wednesday 17 1884 Clear Father and Chas helped Aunt Emma thrash I took the machine out to Uncle Horace Blacks and then ploughed some in the after noon �Thursday 18 Cloudy and Cool Father and Mother went to town Father Borrowed $350 from Henry Allinor I ploughed all day in No 5 Chas cut some corn Friday 19 Clear and Cool Chas and I ploughed in No 5 Mr Branton re coated the cistern with cement this forenoon Saturday 20 Cloudy and Cool Father and Mother went to town with Aunt Emma Chas D and I finished ploughing harrowing and I drilled 3⅓ bushels of Clawson wheat in upper part of No 5 Monday 22 Cloudy shower about Noon we hauled the corn off the upper part of No 1 and moved the garden fence L. Lacocq got 4 bu red wheat Tuesday 23 Cloudy and windy Chas and I ploughed in No 1 for wheat second ploughing Alf and D diging potatoes Wednesday 24 Cloudy heavy rain this evg Chas and I finished ploughing ID harrowed & rooled some and I commenced drilling red wheat in No 1 Thursday 25 Clear damp this morning Father Alf and D took flower Cow to stocktons Bull this Morning we finished putting in wheat in part of No 1 tried to plow in No 1 corn stubble but it was too dry Friday 26 Clear We cleaned up 42 bu of Clawson wheat and baged it up for market after noon Chas and I cut corn {Page} 114 Oct Saturday 27 Rained this morning Father and Mother went to town I put a bottom in the old wagon box &c after noon Chas and I cut corn Monday 29 �Cloudy Chas and I ploughed some in No 1 upper half with both teams Edd Poindexter got 10 bu of Clawson wheat to sow Father Mother Chas and I went to a metting held in the B.M.E. Church North Buxton Concerning the Union with {AM-} Tuesday 30 rained a little this morning Chas and I ploughed most of the day in No 1 with both teams Wednesday 3 1 Cloudy Chas and I ploughed most of the day in No 1 with both teams Alf and ID diging potatoes Thursday 2 Rained all the fore noon we put up Chaff off of the Barn floor and took Reaper Mower and Sulky rake down and put them up overhead in the shed by the Barn Friday 3 Clear and warm Tem 76 Chas and I finished Ploughing in No 1 Alf and D harrowed some in the evg afternoon Chas and I cut corn Saturday 4 Clear Father and Mother went to town in the Buggie I took in a load weighed 36 bu 20 lbs got 70¢ per bu Monday 6 Clear Alf and D harrowed until noon after noon D harrowed alone as ponies had to go to take Mother and Eliza Done to meet the Cars at Chatham Mother going down to Windsor Father got 1 doz bags for grain @ $2.75 Tuesday 7 Clear Chas & I finished harrowing and I drilled about 4½ acres of No 1 in Democrat Wheat 1¼ bu per acre Mary Hace {Page} 115 Wednesday 8 Rained most of the day we Cleaned up wheat & oats most of the day baged up 72 bu for town had 250 bu in all Thursday 9 �Clear heavy frost this morning Tem 34° I finished drilling wheat in No 1 and then Father and I took 2 loads of wheat to town got 70¢ for white & 74¢ for red wheat Friday 10 Clear D finished harrowing No 1 after drill and I run out the furrows Chas and I cut some corn & took 20 squashes to B.E Harrises $1.00 Saturday 11th Clear Father went to town in the Buggie got his Ticket to Columbus Neb & return for $34 Chas and I shoveled out the furrows in No 1 & then we cut corn Monday 13 Clear and Cool Chas D and I cut corn Mrs Washington washed for us Grand Mother Cooked luncheon for Father he started for Nebraska this evg from Fletcher Tuesday 14 Clear we cut corn all day frost last night Wednesday 15 Clear and Cool I took 4 bu corn to Chatham to grind got $100 from Felix & $100 from B.E. Harris came back and hauled up 2 wagon loads of squashes and 2 of Pumpkin Thursday 16 Clear and Cool Chas D and I finished hauling up Squashes had 6 loads and 9 loads of Pumpkins Friday 17 Clear Chas D and I finished husking the white flint Corn and and hauled it in had 30 bu Saturday 18 Clear and Cool D and I went to town in the Buggie took 18 squashes got $1.50 for the lot Chas husked some corn {Page} 116 Oct Monday 20 1884 Clear & Cool I took Joe to Chatham to the doctor this morning after noon we graded up the Crossing Tuesday 21 Clear we finished the Crossing this forenoon after noon we commenced husking corn �Wednesday 22 Rained last night Cool and windy we husked corn most of the day turned horses and cattle into Pattersons woods for one month for $5.00 from yesterday Thursday 23 Cold Snow squalls Tem 38° Chas I.D. and I husking corn Friday 24 Cold Cloudy and windy we husked some corn Saturday 25 Clear & Cool Tem 42° Joe and Chas went to town in the Buggie I hauled in 50 bu of corn cleaned cribs hauled water I.D & Flave dug some potatoes Chas got 1.00 from Ambros Timbers for squash Monday 27 Cloudy Tem 42° we had to take the horses out of Pattersons pasture so Chas and I fixed the wheat field fence until noon commenced weaning the colts afternoon we husked some corn Tuesday 28 Cloudy but warm Chas and I made two polks for the colts & husked some corn Wednesday 29 Clear but cool I.D. cut and Chas and I husked corn Thursday 30 Clear and warm I had to go to Chatham after Mother and Mrs Hughes Chas and I.D cut and husked Friday 31 Rained all day I fixed the wooden spring waggon seat and culled some corn out of the crib &c {Page} 117 November Saturday 1 1884 Rained all the afternoon I went to town R Grandmother went along took some squashes got 6¢ & 8¢ a piece for them got a quarter of beef $2.10 Monday 3 Rained Cloudy all day We fixed the troughs in the stable hauled over some staves from Marcuses pitted 45 Bu of Potatoes �Tuesday 4 Rained all afternoon we hauled over some staves got out some Oak pieces for pig pen sills and I went up and got 158 ft of Maple lumber at Kerseys Mill @ $9.00 per 1000 ft Wednesday 5 Cloudy & Cool we hauled out some pumpkins and C Chas and I took two sows over to pattersons boar this evg Thursday 6 Cloudy & Cool Tem 28° Chas and I moved all the old pig pen and put down the bottom for a new one and brought the sows home this evg Friday 7 Tolerable clear we finished The pig pen and built a cull crib on top of the old pig pen Saturday 8 Clear we fastened the pigs up this morning 12 small ones in the old pen & 3 sows in the new one Mother and Chas went to town I.D and I hauled in 55 bu of corn and some pumpkins &c Monday 9 we f Clear and warm Chas D and I hauled in 125 bu of corn took a sow over to pattersons Boar this morning finished pitting potatoes and beets today Tuesday 11 Cloudy and warm Chas and I husked corn all day I.D cut {Page} 118 Wednesday 12 Clear but cool Chas Alf Mother and I went to town took 4 bu wheat got changed at Beaver mills took 18 lbs wool got $1.95 for it got a suit of clothes for each of us boys for $15.00 $10.00 & $7.00 Thursday 13 Clear Alf and I went to town we hauled a load of water from Fletcher gathered some squashes from garden hauled some hay to stable & gathered the rest of the Pumpkins 2½ loads to Barn & pig pen Friday 14 Clear Alf and I went to town took 25 bu wheat got 71¢ got 1500 Brick from Cornhill in north Chatham Saturday 15 �Clear I took in 40 squashes got $2.00 for them Mother Chas & Grandmother went in together we got 1500 brick @ $5.00 with Both teams Reeves shod Jim & George in front Monday 17 Cloudy and Cool Thorps husked corn for us at 3½¢ per bu Chas and I unloaded Brick hauled a load of water hauled up old rails &c and finished roofing cull corn crib fastened Old bute & spot cows up to feed this evg Tuesday 18 Cloudy and Cool tem 28 this morning Chas and I hauled up some old rails &c for wood hauled in a load of fodder on the hayrack hauled a load of hay to the stable and hauled in a load of corn 40 bu making 260 bu of our own husking in the crib Thorps husked today Wednesday 19 Clear Cool Tem 26° this Morning Father came home on the mail train Chas and I dug and pitted ½ the carrots &c & got a load of water this evg Thursday 20 Clear we hauled in 60 bu of thorps husking took a sow to Pattersons Boar this morning Robinses sale today Grandmother bought a house $93.00 {Page} 119 Friday 21 Clear and pleasant we hauled in 40 bu of thorps husking hauled water &c Saturday 22 Clear and pleasant we hauled in 51 bu of Thorps husking dug some carrots hauled up backlogs hauled a load of water &c Father went to town in the buggie Monday 24 Cool and wet we fixed up the stable some for Colts &c Tuesday 25 About 2 inches of snow fell last night snowed a little all day we hauled up some wood &c Wednesday 26 Windy and Cool Tem 24° we packed a barrel of squash for Cousin Minty to take home she went to Fletcher & took the mail for Windsor this evg Thursday 27 �Cloudy misting snow most of the day we hauled 2 loads of hay into the stable hauled some water &c Friday 28 Cloudy & Cold Tem 26° we hauled up some logs for wood with the teams hauled water Saturday 29 Cloudy Tem 22° & 26° Chas and I hauled in 3 loads of fodder &c Mother & Father and went to town bought quarter beef 3 cts per lb Monday December 1 Clear and Cold Tem 6° We commenced to dig a well along the fence on East side of the Barnyard this morning Tuesday 2 Father and Mother went up to Stones & Simses in Buggie Chas and I digging in the well got it 7 ft deep {Page} 120 December Wednesday 3 1884 Clear and warm Tem 32° Father went to town got 3 pairs of felt boots from Mr Murray for 2.25 per pair Chas and I digging in the well Chas and D hauled in 14 bu of thorps husking Thursday 4 Clear and warm Chas and I digging Father took a doz squashes up to Charlestons & Chas Johnsons Friday 5 Clear and warm we dug some in the well and hauled a load of water Saturday 6 Rained all day Father went to town we did not do much but fix rails for well digging &c Monday 8 Cloudy and windy 24° we commenced walling up the well the first section 12 ft deep & 68 in wide Tuesday 9 Cloudy Tem 36 we finished walling & dug some Father sold old Beaut Cow to Johny {Larck} for $20.50 Wednesday 10 �Cloudy Tem 24° we husked corn 36 shocks Chas Father ID and I Thursday 11 Cloudy Tem 38° we husked 51 shocks of Corn *Friday 12 Cloudy & cool we husked 36 shocks of corn My 21st Birth day (Wm A Shadd) Saturday 13 Cloudy Tem 24° Father and Mother went to town Chas and I hauled in 2 loads of corn & a load of hay into the stable {Page} 121 December Monday 15 1884 Cloudy and cool we hauled in the rest of the corn that we had husked 135 bu Tuesday 16 Cloud Cool and blustry Tem 22 we did not do much Wednesday 17 Cold snowed some last night about 4 inches we got 4½ bu of corn from Uncle Mack shelled fand and baged it up for a grist Tem 16 Thursday 18 Clear and cold Tem 4° Chas and I hauled in 2 loads of hay and one load of oats straw to the stable hauled some backlogs &c Friday 19 Clear and Cold Tem 9 below Z{ero} Chas and I covered the potatoe pits with manure Father took a grist 6 bu of corn to Merlin to mill paid 30¢ for grinding Saturday 20 Cloudy Tem 2° south wind turning warm Commenced snowing this evening Father and Mother went to town in the sleigh. Chas and I cut wood in the wood pile got dry goods of J Wall $23.80 paid $10.00 Monday 22 Clear and Cold Father went out to the townhall for the school monies I took Kate and bet down and got Sandy Coutts to shoe them Came back and hauled up some wood I made a wood rack �Tuesday 23 Clear and pleasant we killed 2 of the small pigs they weighed 166 & 171 lbs & hauled some water from up the railroad Aunt Emma brought news of the death of Aunt Salina in Greenville, Miss. * Wednesday 24 Cloudy snowed most of the day Father went to town Mother Chas Alf and I went to the Consert this evg {Page} 122 December Wednesday 3 1884 Clear and moderate Tem 32° Father went to town got 3 pairs felt Boots of Mr Murray $2.25 per pair Chas and I digging Chas & ID hauled in 14 bu of thorps husking Thursday 4 Clear and warm muddy we dug some in the well Father took some s Thursday 25 Clear and pleasant Xmas Tem 16° Friday 26. Clear and Cold Tem 2° Chas and I Commenced to haul our hicory wood to Buxton made 3 trips with both teams Saturday 27 Cloudy Tem 2° Raining this evg Chas and I finished hauling our dry hicory wood to Buxton had 17 Cords Father picked his chance into town Monday 29th Cloudy and warm rained some last night the lower part of the new well we dug caving so we had to draw the water out of it and dig it out and wall it up leaving it 14 ft deep Tuesday 30 Cloudy and warm very muddy Mother and Father went up to Melson Robinsons for a girl did not get her Chas took some potatoes out I salted up two pigs Wednesday 31 Windy turning cold annual school metting held today ES Dyke & B Woods Elected school trustees Chas and I hauled in a load of hay and a load of straw �Thursday 1 {Page} 123 January Thursday 1st 1885 Cool and windy Tem 22 Father went to Buxton Chas and I hauled up some wood Friday 2nd Cloudy and Cold Chas and I hauled up some wood for the fires with the teams Saturday 3 Cloudy and Cool ground very rough frozen Father went to town Chas and I hauled in a load of fodder &c Monday 5 Municipal Elections held today Father acted as D.R.O. at th No 2 polling place I acted as poll Clerk polls stood Crow 49, Morrison 47, Drew 25 Goulet 28, Williams 33, Bennet 8, Dyke 69, Foxton 13 Marshall 9, Tooley 13 White 14, at this poll Tuesday 6 Rained some this morning muddy Chas and I husked 15 shocks of corn and hauled it in Wednesday 7 Cloudy and muddy Chas and I hauled in a load of hay and husked 10 shocks of corn Father not well Thursday 8 Clear and pleasant Father Chas, D. and I husked 54 shocks of corn Friday 9 Cloudy Father Chas D and I husked 36 shocks being the remainder of what we had to husk Saturday 10 Clear & cool Father went to town in the buggie Chas and I hauled in 100 bu of corn Monday 12 Cloudy and Cool Chas and I took a sow over to Pattersons Boar this morning Father went to Fletcher afternoon we hauled two loads of hay into the stable {Page} 124 �Tuesday 13 Cloudy and Cold we finished hauling in our corn 50 bu and brought the sow home this evg Wednesday 14 Cloudy & Cool Roads very rough Father and I went to Merlin to Division Court Father, P Walker, two Kearnses J Donnohew sat on the Jury on the Dillon & Oneil horse suit Thursday 15 snowed about 4 inches last night Tem 26° scott act Election held today Father as scrutineer against the act at this pooling place Chas and I Commenced bushing out Basswood Bolts Friday 16 Cold Tem 10° windy also snowed some more Chas and I bushed out some p bolts Saturday 17 C Blustry all day we bushed out some p bolts Monday 19 Clear and Cold Tem 8 below Z{ero} Father went to town with Aunt Emma Chas and I hauled 2 loads of boalts to Buxton with both teams Tuesday 20 Clear and Cold Tem 8 below Z{ero} Chas and I hauled 3 loads each of bolts to Buxton Wednesday 21 Clear and Cold Tem 4° Chas and I hauled 2 loads of bolts each Father went to town with Aunt Emma Thursday 22 Clear and Cold Tem 6° below Z{ero} Chas and I hauled two loads each of Basswood bolts Friday 23 Clear Chas and I hauled 2 loads each and I hauled the last load by my self making about 37 Cords of basswood Bolts Father recd $50.00 on Bolts {Page} 125 Jan Saturday 24 1885 �Snowed some this morning Tem 26° Father and Mother went to town in the sleigh I took 1½ Cords of soft maple and red oak wood in with Kate and Bet got $3.37¢ for it Monday 26 Snowing Windy and Cold we did not do much Tuesday 27 Windy Tem 4° I took 1 cord of soft maple and red oak up to Chas Johnsons bushed out ½ cord hicory hauled up some hicory Cat sticks and hauled in some Cornfodder Wednesday 28 Cold Tem 18° below Z{ero} We hauled 3 elm logs down to Barrys mill they measured 590, 590 & 460 ft and I hauled one white oak log up to Kerseys mill Thursday 29 Clear and Cold Tem 12° below Z{ero} Chas and I hauled 2 white oak logs up to Buxton and got ready to kill hogs Thursday Friday 30 Cleared off snowed some this morning Tem 4 & 32 we killed hogs Issac Williams and his son Chas Williams and Louis Granderson helped us the three Big sows weighed 408, 355, & 300 Saturday 31 Tem at Z{ero} foggy and trees covered with frost Father and I took the pork to town got 5.90¢ per cwt I W.A. Shadd hereby resign the keeping of the Diary on this 31st Jan 1885 * For more information on Garrison Shadd, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Garrison Shadd Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Garrison Shadd Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1881-1889 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Kent County, Raleigh Township Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Shadd Diary & Transcription, 1881-1889: William, 1881-1885 Shadd Diary & Transcription, 1881-1889: Charles & William, 1885-1887 Shadd Diary & Transcription, 1881-1889: Alfred, Charles, & Isaac, 1887-1888 Bibliographic Citation A bibliographic reference for the resource. Recommended practice is to include sufficient bibliographic detail to identify the resource as unambiguously as possible. Garrison Shadd Diary Collection, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. 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 Shadd Diary & Transcription, 1881-1889: William, 1881-1885 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Garrison William Shadd Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Buxton National Historic Site & Museum Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Kent County, Raleigh Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1881 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Garrison Shadd Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c4a80fe93bdd0cc4ec2d2406b662e04d.pdf 3ad9bc3d17e4d9dda736d1cb00ab73f8 PDF Text Text 1 Memorandum and Diary for the years 1876-1900 of Robert Russell Proton Township, Grey Co., Ontario Transcribed and edited by Delbert Russell Preface Robert Russell (born 17 Jan. 1836, Raphoe, Co. Donegal, Ireland, died 11 March 1900, Proton Town- ship, Grey Co., Ontario) was the eldest of the seven children of James and Anne Russell. He was fifteen when the family immigrated to Ontario in June 1851. When Robert Russell retired from teaching in December 1875 because of ill health, just before his fortieth birthday, he had completed seventeen and a half years as a school teacher in Melancthon Township, while also farming in Proton and Melancthon Townships. Perhaps it was turning forty, and intimations of mortality caused by his heart disease, that inspired him to begin a diary, which he faithfully kept for twenty-five years, with very few missed daily entries. The diaries provide an insight into rural life in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, centred on the village of Dundalk and Proton Township (Grey County), as well as Melancthon Township (first Grey, then Dufferin County). The entries record events in family, social and political life, as well as the changes in farming methods, and the migrations of family members seeking better circumstances else- where. As well as farming, Robert was Treasurer for Proton Township from 1882 until his death, plac- ing him at the centre of municipal politics. Before becoming Proton Township Treasurer, he had been Secretary Treasurer of the SS No. 5 Melancthon school board, as well as Treasurer for one year for the Mayburn Grange. In the last decades of his life he was also Secretary Treasurer of the Dundalk Cheese Factory, a task which he sometimes found onerous. He also frequently wrote letters, or prepared leases and wills for neighbours. At the time Robert begins writing his diary, January 1876, he lives on his farm, Lots 215 and 216, Con. 1 SW, Proton (purchased in 1862), and he also owns Lot 220 Melancthon, Con. 1 NE, just north of Dundalk on the Gravel (or Toronto-Sydenham) Road, later Highway 10, from Toronto to Owen Sound. He is turning 40 years of age, his wife Nancy is 35, their children are Jim (12), John (10), Clark (8), Eliza (or Ida, 6) and Willie (4). Nancy’s parents, and her brother John Agnew and his wife, farm the adjacent Lots 217, 218, 219, Con. 1 NE, Proton, just to the south. Two miles east of Robert’s house is the farm of Robert’s parents, James and Anne (Lot 37, Con 4 NE, Melancthon), and on the next lot to the east, the farm of his brother Sam (age 28) and wife Phoebe (Lot 37, Con. 5 NE, Melancthon). Lot 37, Con. 5 is later farmed for a few years by Robert’s sister Margaret (age 31) and husband, William Lonsway. Robert lives about 2½ miles (north and east) of the train station in Dundalk. His brother John Russell (age 35), married to Nancy’s sister Elizabeth Agnew, has a farm on the east side of the Gravel Road (Lot 236, Con. 1, Melancthon) about ½ mile south of the Dundalk corner. Robert’s sister Sarah (age c. 33), married to Allen Thompson, a farmer, lives in impoverished circumstances somewhere close to Dundalk, but her family later moves repeatedly, living finally in British Columbia. �2 In the following transcription I have assumed the reader has a basic knowledge of farming prac- tices, such as ploughing or harrowing, and harvesting. For more arcane details of rural life I have pro- vided notes, with the detail marked by *, and the note, prefaced by *, inside square brackets at the end of the daily entry. Names of family members, or other persons mentioned, are identified also by notes, when possible. Slightly longer contextual details are given in Appendices at the end of Volume 5. Ap- pendix 1 gives Russell family relationships, and the names and ages of a sampling of neighbours, based on 1871 and 1881 Census data. Appendix 2 gives details on Teaching Qualifications and School Inspec- tors. Appendix 3 is a brief history of the Grange, and other, related rural political and social movements. See also the separate Material Description of the diaries for the provenance, and the collation and physi- cal dimensions of the volumes. Editorial Conventions and Establishment of the Text The prose in diary entries is usually in telegraph style. The text has been transcribed as written. Spelling varies, often merely the doubling of single, or reduction of double, consonants (e.g. accross, barell), or the insertion of glide vowels between consonants (e.g. greately, slightely) or vowel substitu- tion (e.g. dissipated, dissapated). When a spelling is isolated, or might lead to confusion, the standard form is added in square brackets (e.g. Esther [=Easter]). The following are typical examples of this var- iation: cedar, ceder; celler, cellar; choring, choreing; cradle, craddle, cradelled [oats, wheat, cut with scythe and cradle]; diptheria [=diphtheria]; dissapear, dissappear, disappear; evening, eavning, eaven- ing; evidentally [=evidently]; extravagence; fallow, follow; gentelly [=gently]; medecine [=medicine]; misshap; occassionally, occasionally; occured; passibly [=passably]; pease [=peas]; ploughing, plow- ing; preceeding [=preceding]; prepaired; preparetory [=preparatory]; rappidly, rapidly; sett [=set]; shore [past tense of shear]; sowing [=sewing, or sowing]; swail, swale; tendancy [=tendency]; thresh- ing, thrashing; unprincipalled [=unprincipled]; visably; volumn [=volume]; wagon, waggon; wed [past tense of weed]. Proper and place names are also variable: Cederville [=Cedarville], Conners, Connor, Faucett, Fawcett, Hewitt, Hewett, Irvin, Irwin, Mulmer [=Mulmur], Nethercut, Neithercut; Trugon [=Trudgeon]. Robert’s son Clark is written Clark, Clarke, although the final -e may just be an ending flourish of the letter k; his son John is referred to as John, Johney, Johnny; the name of his sister-in-law Phoebe is fre- quently written Phebe. Robert uses parentheses occasionally, and several standard Latin abbreviations: these include the still current “+ c.” (=etc.), and “viz.” ( =namely), as well as the now archaic “inst.” [for instante mense] and “ultimo” [for ultimo mense] referring to days of a month (“10th inst.” means “10th of the current month”, and “29th ultimo” means “29th of last month”). Robert’s syntax shows some distinctive usag- es: something functions as an adverb, meaning slightly, somewhat. For the preposition until he prefers till, and sometimes to. His vocabulary is often formal and erudite (particularly noting weather, e.g. the prevailing character of the day, or ameliorated, etc.), but in describing daily activities he lapses into vernacular usage frequently in verb tenses, such as using done, seen as the past tense, rather than did and saw, respectively, or using gave as the past participle of give. On occasion he uses a singular verb fol- lowing a compound plural subject (e.g. “John and Clark is working there”), and these have been left unaltered. The scribal hand is variable: the large, clear, cursive script used for titles and the beginning of en- tries, is sometimes reduced to very small, and often shortened, forms at the end of entries. At times it is difficult to distinguish between a and o, and between e and i, and because of compressed writing of low- ercase letters, words such as there, then, them are often indistinguishable. �3 Editorial changes made to the text are as follows. Square brackets [ ] enclose editorial additions (replacing missing letters or words), or rejected MS readings following a correction (e.g. “wets [MS weets]”, “tidied [MS tieded]”), or to indicate unintentional scribal repetitions (dittographies), e.g. “When he came home [dittog.: when he came home]”; or editorial comments, such as notes, referenced by an asterisk. The diarist’s idiosyncratic use of capital letters on words mid-sentence is usually preserved in the transcript at the beginning of a word, but not at the end (e.g., BoB, DundalK, O’clocK become Bob, Dundalk, O'clock). Punctuation is modernized editorially, commas and full stops are added for clarity, and an uppercase letter added on the first word after a full stop. Word division is normalized (e.g., cordwood, firewood, sawmill, today, tonight). Waterloo, Ontario Fall 2018 Delbert Russell, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, French Studies, University of Waterloo, is the great- grandson of Robert Russell. Born in 1944 in Flesherton (to parents Glenn and Marian Russell), he grew up on the Russell farm at Shrigley, attended the local one-room elementary school, then Dundalk Dis- trict High School, and the University of Toronto (B.A. Mod. Langs., M.A., Ph.D. French). He married Ruth Weber in 1970, and they have two daughters, Susan K. Russell (spouse, Yves Filion), and Jocelyn M. Russell (spouse, Owen Rees), and four grandchildren, Samuel and Thomas Filion, Fiona and Max- well Russell-Rees. Select Bibliography of Printed Works Cited Corporation of the Village of Dundalk. A History of Dundalk. Printed by Stan Brown Printers Ltd., Owen Sound, 1987. Dodds, Ernest H. The History of Education in Dufferin County, 1834-1983. Grand Valley: Star and Vidette Printing Ltd., 1983. Illustrated Historical Atlas of Counties of Grey and Bruce. H. Belden & Co., Toronto, 1880; rpt. Cumming Atlas Reprints, Port Elgin, 1975. Leitch, Adelaide. Into the High County: the Story of Dufferin, the Last 12,000 Years to 1974. Corporation of the County of Dufferin, 1975. Raphoe Guild of the Irish Countrywoman’s Association. About Raphoe. Browne (Printers) Ltd., Letterkenny, 1998; rpt. 2000. Sawden, Stephen. History of Dufferin County. n. d., n. p. [c. 1939, since the author notes in his Preface that Dufferin County (formed in 1880) “has been in existence for approximately sixty years.”] Wood, Louis Aubrey. A History of Farmers’Movements in Canada. Toronto: Ryerson, 1924; rpt., with intro. by Foster J. K. Griezic, Toronto and Buffalo: University of Toronto Press, 1975. Online sources used are cited within the text. Volume 1 �4 21 January 1876—31 Dec. 1883 The foliation of the three Quires comprising the first Volume is supplied inside angle brackets (e. g. <Q3 folio 2 recto>), indicating front (recto) and back side (verso) of each folio. A running title is centred on each diary page. The Quires are foliated separately, the numbering restarting again at 1 for each (Quire 1 has 96 folios, Quires 2 and 3 each have 72 folios). Digital images of each diary page may also be consulted in the relevant subdirectory. <Quire 1> <Q1 folio 1 missing> <Q1 folio 2 recto> January 1876 21st Snowed a little today, wind pretty strong, pretty sharp freeze. Paid stranger at noon today, did not want to keep him as he showed some aberration of mind. Underbrushing on Lot 216, Proton. Calm and very cold 8.40 P.M. 22 Still snowing but blowing so strong that the snow does not lie on the road. Split some wood in the forenoon. Joseph Malowney came here looking [for] work, did not obtain it. I went to the Station (Dundalk) in the afternoon and purchased a dozen grain bags at $4.50. The wind is pret- ty strong at present 7.57 P.M. 23 Sabbath. A little sleet in the morning. Stopped at home all day. Mrs. Russell went to her broth- er John’s in the afternoon. Brother John and his two men and John Agnew paid us a visit during the evening. 24 Kept snowing a little during the day, calm and moderate now, 9 P.M. Son Jim and I were chop- ping cordwood on Lot 216 today. 25 Snow fell all day, wind blowing strong, especially in the eavning. Engaged a man to chop seven- ty-five cords of wood at sixty cents per cord, he to take the note I hold against Anthony Trugon for $45. for his pay. I was chopping cordword today on Lot 216 Proton. <Q1 folio 2 verso> January 1876 26th No snow fell today, rather mild and the sky cleared off about noon. Was chopping today on lot 216. Wind rising while I write (8.40 P.M.). Mrs. Russell visited Brother John’s (Melancthon) today. 27 The weather mild and indications of a thaw. Helped John Agnew to clean a load of oats and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John Agnew made me an axe handle at night. 28 Slight rain falling through the day and getting heavier now (9.45 P.M.). Was chopping cordword on Lot 216 today. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. Lonsway at night, had ourselves weighed there. Mrs. R. weighed 141 pounds and I weighed the same. 29 Stormy all day, high winds and snow falling incessantly, very cold now (9.10 P.M.). Was chop- ping cordwood today on Lot 216. 30 Sabbath. Cold stormy day, keen freeze. Stopped at home all day. John Agnew paid us a visit dur- ing the eavening. 31 Cold in the morning but ameliorated during the day, sun shone out bright, mild now (9.50). Was chopping firewood on lot 216. Posted two letters in the afternoon, one for Public School Inspec- tor, the other for Mrs. Campbell, Carder. Mrs. Russell and I attended [MS.: attendended] prayer meeting at night. <Q1 folio 3 recto> �5 February 1876 1st Mild morning, began to snow about ten O’clock. Kept falling heavier throughout the day, heavy fall at night, wind rising (8.40 PM). Went to Mr. Shepherd’s Grist mill, Skeffington Bell and I with waggon. One horse slipped coming up hill from mill and fell, struck me on the ankle when rising with his front foot, hurt me, but not badly. I purchased a plow from Mr. Corbett of Shel- burne. The plow is the Wilkinson No. 11, wrought iron beam, and for said plow I gave my note for $20.00 payable First March 1877 without interest. 2 Extremely cold day. Blowing, Freezing and snowing. Done no work, only fed the cattle and split a little stove wood at the house. 3 Not so cold as yesterday. Snow falling and lying pretty good. Sleighing improved rapidly. Calm at present (8.30 P. M.). Chopping firewood on lot 216 Proton. Brother John came out to the bush during the afternoon. 4 Cold stormy day, wind very high and snow drifting. Was sawing stove wood with brother John on Lot 216 today. I and Mrs. Russell visited John Agnew at night. 5 Not so cold as yesterday, neither so high wind. Split some stove wood on Lot 216 and John and James hauled it home. Father came to see us today. <Q1 folio 3 verso> February 1876 Sabbath. 6th Very mild day. Went to see Father and Mother. Mrs. Russell and the three eldest boys went to meeting in the afternoon. 7 Mild, the sun shining and the snow thawing. Was working with Bother John helping to make a sleigh road to his wood. 8 Mild and thawing, cloudy part of the day, indications of a change of weather. Was helping Brother John to kill pigs and make a wood rack for the sleigh. 9 Snowing a little in the morning and turned to sleet during the afternoon. Son James and I were hauling cordwood to the house today from Lot 216 Proton. 10 A little sleet falling throughout the day, commenced raining at dark, with some lightening at in- tervals. Heavy rain falling now (10.7 P.M.) Was hauling cordwood to house with oxen off lot 216 Proton. Mrs. Russell and I went to Protracted meeting at night held in Zion W. M. Church. 11 Raining in the morning and continued so to noon, clear in the afternoon. Snow most all gone, spring birds coming round. Went to Rich[ard] Campbell, Blacksmith, got two iron bolts made for Bobsleighs. Came home and I and Anthony Fak[a]y fitted them in their place. Brother John came here in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 4 recto> February 1876 12 Bright sunny morning and continued clear and warm all day. Freezing now (9.23) P.M. but not very cold—chopped a road in the forenoon into the cordwood on Lot 216 and in the afternoon got brother Sam to assist me in putting wooden shoeing on Brother John’s Bobsleighs 13 Sabbath. Fine mild day, sun shining most of the time. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. James Mills in the afternoon. 14 Mild during the day although a sleet and rain-storm had prevailed during the previous night, very warm during the day and the tree toads calling in the eavening. Was at brother John’s cutting wood today. 15 Mild morning, a little frosty rind on the trees, commenced snowing about 11 O’clock A.M., snowed a little all day, but the wind was so strong that it did not lie on the roads. Brother John �6 and I were sawing stove wood today on lot 216 Proton. Went to a trustee meeting to Mr. May’s Hotel at night. 16 Snowing in the morning and the wind blowing very strong, continued all day. Was helping to saw cordwood on lot 216 Proton. Was also called upon to draw Mr. Richard Millsop’s Will and a Quit Claim deed from Mr. Henry Johnson to him. The township assessor was here today and assessed me $1100.00 for Real and $130.00 for personal property. Brother John called in the af- ternoon. <Q1 folio 4 verso> February 1876 17 Pretty mild day, snowed some during the afternoon. Was hauling cordwood out of the bush for Brother John with the oxen today. James A. Fakay came to Board at my place today. 18 Mild day, freezing in the afternoon, snowed some towards night. Was hauling cordwood out of the Bush with my oxen for Brother John. 19 Cold morning with a very high wind prevailing in the afternoon. Was hauling cordwood with oxen for Brother John today 20 Sabbath. Mild, Snowed a little but not of sufficient quantity to cover the roads. Was at home all day. Sister Margaret and her husband* called during the afternoon, also had Mrs. Agnew Snr. and Mrs. Agnew Jnr. [*William Lonsway, son of Andrew and Hannah; the Mrs. Agnews are Nancy’s mother and sister-in-law.] 21 Snowed a little in the forenoon, got soft and mild towards evening, then turned to snow, a great amount of soft snow falling at present (9.20 P.M.) and the wind very high. Was hauling cord- wood out of the Bush on Lot 216 with the oxen, did not get along very well as the oxen were wild and not handy today. Broke the wood rack fetching a load to the house. It’s wet, rough, hard work swamping green cordwood. Mr. Andrew Lonsway visited us at night and I wrote a letter for him to Mr. James Henry, Aurora P. O. <Q1 folio 5 recto> February 1876 22 Remarkably storm day, snowing, blowing and freezing. Mended wood rack in the forenoon and swamped cordwood out of the bush in the afternoon. Brother John was here in the eavening. Skeffington Bell brought me the remainder of my flour from Mr. Shepherd’s mill. 23 Very cold, stormy day, high wind prevailing all day. Keen freeze, and snow drifting. Was swamping out cordwood today with the oxen. This is a very sickly season and several children have died in the neighbourhood from diptheria, also typhoid fever has been bad lately. 24 Sharp cold morning, not snowing any however, got mild in the eavening, freezing keenly at pre- sent (9.40 P.M.). Was swamping out cordwood with the oxen today on Lot 216 Proton. 25 Cold morning and freezing keenly but turned out mild in the afternoon. Brother John and I were swamping out cordwood with the oxen on lot 216 Proton. 26 Cold raw morning with a South-Easterly wind blowing, continued cold all day with indications of snow now (10 P.M.). Swamping out wood today with oxen on lot 216. Went to Post Office and store in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 5 verso> February 1876 27 Sabbath. Cold day, keen freeze, wind coming from the South-East. Went to John Agnew’s in the forenoon. 28 Very cold morning. Sleet and snow falling and a South-East wind blowing. Stormed nearly all day. Fixed stall for the young mare in the afternoon, was at John Agnew’s in the forenoon. �7 29 Not so cold as yesterday, no snow falling, pretty good sleighing just now. Bought some hay from Mr. Skeffington Bell and he and I hauled it home. First load 2900 pounds gross, second load 3170 gross, weighed Bobsleighs and driver, their weight was 1100 pounds, which leaves 3870 pounds net weight of hay, @ the rate of $10 per ton comes to $19.35, Said sum to be re- duced out of the note I hold against him. <Q1 folio 6 recto> March 1876 1st Mild day, sun shone a little in the afternoon. Was hauling wood out of the Bush with Brother John. 2 Very sharp morning with a Bright clear sky. Sun shone bright and warm in the afternoon, wind in the North-West. Was swamping out cordwood with a team of oxen, Good sleighing snow. 3 Moderately mild morning, got warmer during the day, sun came out bright and warm, thawed a little during the afternoon. Wind in the North-East. Was swamping out cordwood with a team of Oxen. Mr. R. Trimble, Collector, called this afternoon and I paid him the balance of my account. 4 Bright clear day, thawing and the maple trees running sap. Wind in the South-West. Was haul- ing firewood home today assisted by James, John and Clark. Harnessed up the young mare Ger- ty (three years old) in the afternoon for the first time, drove her, along with the old mare, back and forth to accustom her to the harness. She went quietly and gentelly enough. Did not draw anything with the team. 5 Sab. Very mild day. Raining some of the time, a complete thaw. Brother John and wife visited us today and also John Agnew. <Q1 folio 6 verso> March 1876 6th Still thawing, most of the snow has disappeared. Raining part of the forenoon. Wind in the South. Was making sap troughs assisted by James Anthony Fack[a]y in the afternoon. 7 Raining all forenoon incessantly, cleared off during [the afternoon]. Was preparing material for a stone boat* and helping also to cut down some large maple trees. [*Stone boat, a flat, sturdy wooden dragging platform (typically with a surface area about 3’ x 6’), on which heavy loads are placed to be dragged along the ground by horses.] 8 Very stormy morning, High winds and snow prevailing. Went to the station with brother John in the forenoon, met in with Andrew Lonsway at Dundalk, got a little broth –O be jovial*— Returned home about (7 AM)[=P.M.?] all (O.K.). Mrs. Marshall was buried today. [*seems to refer to a having a friendly drink with someone; see also “O. B. Jovial” 11 Mar. 1879.] 9 Mild day, sun shone out bright in the afternoon, melting most of the snow that fell yesterday. Was helping brother Samuel to saw some Hemlock logs. 10 Mild day, thawing in the afternoon. Brother Sam and I were making stow trough. 11 Very wet sleety morning, rained during the forenoon. Made spiles* in the afternoon. [*Spile (or spoil), small spout inserted into hole drilled into maple tree trunk, through which sap drips into the stow trough, mentioned in previous entry; all part of making maple syrup. Wooden spiles are hand made (see 6 Apr. 1877, 22 Mar. 1880), but later are replaced by iron ones, pur- chased 19 Mar. 1881.] 12 Sabbath. Rainy morning, began to snow in the afternoon and continued snowing through the night. <Q1 folio 7 recto> March 1876 �8 13 Very cold stormy morning, snow falling fast. Continued snowing and blowing all day, freezing keenly now (10-45 P.M). Was skidding saw logs at Brother Sam’s in the forenoon and helping Brother John in the afternoon to make a place to pile his cordwood. 14 Very sharp morning but the sun came out bright and clear and kept shining all day. Was helping J. A. Fakay saw cordwood on Lot 216 Proton. Brother John, Joseph Bowler and Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this evening. 15 Very cold morning with a piercing wind, continued very cold all day. Went to Mr. John Lud- low’s today to buy a cow from him. 16 Cold day and very high wind prevailing. Began snowing about noon and continued snowing all day. Was at a bee today helping brother John to swamp out cordwood. 17 Cold stormy day, snowed and blowed most of the time. 18 Bitterly cold and wind blowing strong. Hauled a stow trough to the sugar bush in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 7 verso> March 1876 19 Sabbath. Very cold day, but the sun shone out bright and clear, causing a warmth in the sheltered sides of buildings, etc. Mrs. Russell and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. 20 Cold morning with an easterly wind prevailing. Got colder on through the day, began snowing early in the forenoon, kept coming down heavier. At this hour (8.10 P.M) it is still blowing and snowing. Went to the blacksmith’s in the forenoon, got sleighs fixed and pot mended. Brother John came in the afternoon and took his Bobsleighs home. 21 Pretty cold morning but got milder during the afternoon. Was breaking in a filly assisted by John Agnew. Jos[e]ph Malowny was here. 22 Rather milder today than yesterday. Sun broke out bright and clear in the eavening. Went to see about seed pease in the forenoon. Broke down jumper[?]. In the afternoon hitched up filly and drove her in as far as Father’s. 23 Bright sunny morning, got brighter and warmer as the day advanced, snow melting on the roads, and sleighing vanishing. Went in the forenoon to Dundalk to look about pease. In the afternoon hitched up the filly and Nancy and I went to Dundalk. <Q1 folio 8 recto> March 1876 24 Bright morning, the sun shone out clear and warm, causing the snow to melt. Sleighing is nearly gone again. The wind is in the East at present (9.10) P.M. Hitched up the filly in the forenoon. Nancy, Eliza, William and I went in to Brother John’s. Mr. John Abbott came with some seed pease I had purchased off him, in the afternoon. 25 Stormy morning with snow falling and the snow kept increasing through the day and is still snowing a little now (11 P.M.). Wind blowing from the East. Mr. John Talbot’s little girl, four years old, was buried today and old Mr. Millsop died yesterday. 26 Sabbath. Mild day with a little snow falling. Hitched up the filly this afternoon and drove Mrs. Rus- sell and the family to William Lonsway’s. 27 Pretty mild day, a little snow fell in the morning, good sleighing on the roads. Got a letter from Brother William today, he was thrown from a waggon and ran over, dislocating his shoulder, but is reported out of danger. Was swamping out cordwood today. <Q1 folio 8 verso> March 1876 28 Mild morning and partly a thaw wind. The wind veered around from North-to-East after noon, began snowing about Two O’clock P.M. The storm kept increasing in violence and at this hour �9 10:5 P.M. the amount of snow that’s falling is something terrific. Was hauling cordwood out of the bush today. 29 Snowy morning and continued snowing all day. Went to the Post Office this afternoon. Done nothing of any worth today. Mrs. John Agnew gave birth to a daughter* tonight and Mr. Skeff- ington Bell was married to Miss Sarah Robinson today. [*Nancy, who dies 20 May, 1892.] 30 Snowing all day moderately, did not do any work. 31 Mild, the snow turning soft, indications of a thaw. Hauled a load of straw from John Agnew’s in the forenoon and James, John and I were swamping out cordwood in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 9 recto> April 1876 1 Beautiful sunshiny day, clear and bright all day long. The snow thawed considerably today. Was swamping out cordwood, assisted by James. 2 Sabbath. Mild day, the snow getting soft. John Russell and his wife and two of his children were at our house today. 3 Mild day, the snow disappearing. Sleighing getting bad. Mrs. Russell and I went along with brother Samuel to the funeral of Alice McDowell, daughter of Mr. John McDowell. The child died of diptheria. 4 Mild day, the air balmy, the snow still thawing, bad sleighing. The boys and I were sawing logs and skidding them. 5th Pretty mild day to the afternoon, when the wind arose and some snow fell, the wind blowing from the south-west. Brother Samuel and I were hauling saw logs to the mill. We hauled nine logs. The sleighing gone from the gravel to the mill generally. 6 Sharp morning, but the sun rose bright and continued so all day, a strong wind blowing from the South-West causing a thaw. Was swamping out cordwood today. <Q1 folio 9 verso> April 1876 7th Very stormy morning, the wind pretty high and snow falling very thick. The heaviest fall of snow in the same time for the season. The wind from the South-West. It cleared up about noon and the snow had fell on the level about twelve inches. Swamped out cordwood in the afternoon. Paid up James Anthony Fakay, the man I had chopping cordwood. He had not finished his con- tract but I paid him in full for what he had done. Fakay, I rather think, is not his name, he has told that it is Campbell. He is a man of about thirty years of age, rough featured and brown in colour, about Five feet seven inches in height, weight about one hundred and fifty-five pounds, talks with a Scotch accent, says he was born in Belfast (Ireland) and raised in Glasgow (Scot- land). I think he is an unprincipalled scamp as he went away and left unpaid to Mr. Bowler Six dollars of a board bill. 8 Bright morning and the sun out strong and warm, thawing off the snow rappidly, wind from the South-West. Was hauling cordwood out of the bush. Helped Brothers Samuel and John in the side road with two loads of hay in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 10 recto> April 1876 9 Sabbath. Bright clear day, the sun shining strong and warm, snow melting rappidly. I and family took a sleigh ride into Melancthon. 10 Very warm day, the sun clear and bright, the wind in the North-West. Was tapping trees today in the sugar bush. Saw a robin today, being the first seen by me this spring. Sold Mr. Andrew Lon- sway a single sett of old harness. �10 11 Sun very strong and the day very warm, the warmest I think for so far in the season. Attended Mr. Frederick Hessey’s sale of stock and farming implements—all things went very high—one cow six years old at thirty-one dollars, one heifer with calf at foot $28., nine month’s credit. 12 Rainy morning and continued so to noon. In the afternoon was getting some firewood for the sugar camp. Mr. John McDowell’s son Adam died yesterday with diptheria. 13 Foggy morning and the sky overcast, began a light mizzle of rain about ten o’clock A.M., con- tinued getting heavier to the afternoon, cleared up a little during the eavning. Chopped a little cordwood in the forenoon and fixed the floor of stable in the afternoon. Mrs. Russell and I paid a visit to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. <Q1 folio 10 verso> April 1876 14th Rainy morning and continued so till about noon, cleared up in the afternoon and the wind rose and is blowing very strong now (8:45 P.M.). Was moving some hay in the barn assisted by John Agnew in order to make a sheep pen. In the afternoon assisted John Agnew to butcher two pigs. 15 Cloudy morning and continued so all day. Was making rack for the filly to feed from. Went to Dundalk in the evening to see about getting my cordwood insured. A cow of mine calved this morning. 16 Sabbath. Cloudy morning and a snow storm came on about 11 O’clock A.M., covering the ground. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife and sons, William and Henry, were here a short time in the afternoon. John Agnew visited us at night. 17 Pretty cold cloudy morning with a slight shower of snow now and then through the day. Was cutting firewood into drags and son James was hauling them with oxen. 18 Cloudy cold morning and the sun did not shine out clear at any time today. Was chopping cord- wood on Lot 216 Proton, assisted by Mr. A. Lonsway while my sons* James and John also were chopping on their own account in order to obtain the price of Boots for them. [*James 12 yrs., John 10 yrs old] <Q1 folio 11 recto> April 1876 19th Bright sunny morning and continued clear and pleasant with warm sunshine all day. Went and hired Joseph Malowny at Fourteen dollars per month in the forenoon. Split cordwood in the af- ternoon. First lamb came this afternoon. Mrs. Russell making molasses* today. [*maple syrup] 20 Sun rose clear and bright but got cloudy soon and continued so all day. Very high wind prevail- ing now (10:10 P.M.). Sap ran very well this afternoon. Was chopping cordwood today. John Agnew came here in the afternoon. 21 Cloudy morning and continued pretty much so all day. Plowing has not commenced yet in this neighbourhood and the spring is rather backward. Was chopping cordwood today on Lot 216 Proton. 22 Cloudy morning but the sun shone out about ten O’clock A.M. then shortly clouded over again. Was chopping cordwood in the forenoon. Went in the afternoon to Dundalk station taking along with me James, John and Clark, got them Sunday boots, also a pair for Eliza. The boys had earned said boots by chopping me cordwood and I to haul it to the station and sell it for them next winter. Mrs. Russell, assisted by her mother, was in the sugar bush making molasses. They boiled down after gathering Eighty pails yesterday and Seventy-five today. <Q1 folio 11 verso> April 1876 �11 23rd Sabbath. Sun shone out bright in the morning. The whole day was about the warmest which has come yet this spring. One sheep lambed this night. 24 Bright sunny morning, but the sky got a little overcast during the afternoon. Tried to plow in the forenoon but had to quit it on account of the frost on the ground and the softness of the land. The boys and I gathered stones in the afternoon. Bought one ton of hay from Mr. Wakely at Eleven dollars delivered. He brought me half a ton this evening. 25 Clear morning, the sun shining brightly, the day mild and warm. Was gathering stones today assisted by the boys. Mr. Wak[e]ly brought me one half ton of hay. Two ewes lambed today. 26 Clear morning, but the sun became a little overcast during the day, pretty warm all day. Was gathering stones assisted by the boys in the forenoon. Was ploughing in the afternoon. One ewe lambed today. 27 Dull cloudy morning, began to rain about Six O’clock A.M. and continued so for about one hour. Went in the forenoon & hired up Joseph Malowny. In the afternoon prepared the plow for work and sowed some cabbage seed. <Q1 folio 12 recto> April 1876 28th Misty morning and a little rain fell about Seven O’clock but soon cleared off and continued fine the remainder of the day with a drying wind. Was plowing with the old mare and the filly. Filly went very well, it being the first day in the plow. 29 Bright morning but a pretty hard frost, causing the ploughing to be delayed a little in the fore- noon. But the day was a little chilly. Went to the Blacksmith in the morning and got colter t[o]ughed[?].* Plowed with the horse team in the afternoon. One cow calved today. [*perhaps tempered, i.e. hardened in the forge] 30 Sabbath. Slight snow storm this morning and continued snowing till about ten O’clock. Cold wind blowing and a sharp frost prevailing. Visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 12 verso> May 1876 1st Very hard frost this morning, retarding plowing till the afternoon. Joseph Malowny and I hauled rails in the forenoon and ploughed in the afternoon. Mr. William Robinson died this morning. 2 A little cloudy this morning with a pretty hard frost which delayed plowing till about nine O’clock. Joseph Malowny and I were both plowing from this hour and the women were making molasses. Went to meet the Trustees of No. 5 at the School House at Six O’clock. Nancy and I went at night to Mr. Robinson’s wake. There were two lambs came this morning. 3 Bright sunny morning with a little frost on the ground. Joseph Malowny and I were plowing all day and the women were making molasses. The day continued fine throughout. There were three lambs came today. 4 Rainy morning but cleared off about Seven A.M. Started to plow with the oxen but changed with Joseph Malowny for the horse team. Borrowed Mr. Lonsway’s wagon in the evening and sent Joseph to Mr. Skeffington Bell’s for nine bushels of seed wheat. One lamb came this morn- ing. <Q1 folio 13 recto> May 1876 5th Rainy morning and continued wet all day with a heavy rain just now (8:40) P.M. Joseph Malowny made me a rack for the horses to feed out of and I went to the station in the evening and bought some clover and grass seed, the former at Eighteen cents per pound and the latter at Four dollars per bushel. One lamb came this morning. �12 6 Misty morning with a slight rain falling, cleared off soon and the remainder of the day was fair. Joseph Malowny was plowing on Lot 215 Proton and I was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon. Mrs. Russell went to the station and bought the boys hats. 7 Sabbath. Rainy morning but cleared off during the day. The ground very wet. 8 Very wet morning, but cleared off about 1 O’clock. Went to Lot 220 Melancthon to plow but could not on account of the ground being so very wet. Went then to John Agnew’s and took the share of his Mo[l]dland plow to the blacksmith’s to be fixed. Brought it home and put it on the plow, tried to work it but could not on account of the dip in the share. I and Joseph Malowny plowed in the afternoon in the sod with my own ploughs. The ground is so uncommonly saturat- ed with rain that the horses sank one foot and a half in the highest part one time. Sold 17 bushels barl[e]y at 50¢ per bushel. Seen the first swallow today. <Q1 folio 13 verso> May 1876 9th Cloudy morning and a mizzling rain falling, continued slightly wet all day at intervals. Joseph Malowny and I were plowing sod but the ground is so wet we can only plow on the highest of it. 10 Very wet morning and continued raining less or more all day. Cleaned up about Sixty bushels of barley in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. 11 Clear bright morning and the sun shining, kept clear to about noon then the sky got overcast and every appearance of rain. There was a pretty heavy frost on the ground in the morning. Ploughed in the forenoon and sowed some wheat in the eavening, being the first grain I sowed this season. Went to Dundalk station in the eavning and got the waggon I had previously or- dered. 12 Dull morning and a slight mizzle of rain, cleared off however, and the day held up. Finished sowing wheat today. Had one team plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon. 13 Rather cloudy morning but cleared of[f] and the day remained dry. There was a slight frost in the morning. Had both teams plowing today on the Melancthon lot. 14 Sabbath. Very severe frost this morning. The sky got overcast early in the day and even indications of rain appeared. <Q1 folio 14 recto> May 1876 15th Rainy morning, but slacked off a little towards 7 O’clock. Went to Melancthon Lot to sow pease and Harrow and plow. The day became very wet and after sowing about four bushels the teams and I had to come home, thoroughly wetted. Went to John Agnew’s in the afternoon, helped him to clean and weigh 38 Bushels of oats that I had bought from him. Came home and after tea throwed the manure out of some old buildings on Lot 216 Proton. The day continued rainy less or more from morning till night. 16 Rather misty morning but no rain fell till the afternoon, when a little sprinkle came. It is raining some just now (8:55) P.M. with indications of a wet night. Was plowing at home today. In the afternoon put one team to plow in the garden. It is a very late wet spring so far and most of [the] people cannot get their seeding done on account of the wetness of their farms. Hay is also scarce in the neighbourhood, but not dear, selling from ten to twelve dollars per ton. 17 Rainy morning with thunder and lightening, the ground is a perfect sea of wet. Cleared off about 8 O’clock A.M. Gathered some stones off a potatoe patch and put a fence around it. There is lightening just now (9:35 P.M.) and some indications of a thunder storm. It is a question with many whether they can get their grain sown. <Q1 folio 14 verso> �13 May 1876 18th Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out bright about 9 O’clock. The day was very [dry] and fine through[ou]t—in fact the only spring day of the season as yet. Sowed some pease on Melanc- thon Lot in the forenoon and in the afternoon washed the sheep in the gravel pit in front of the house. There was about 2 feet water, and it was quite warm. 19 Clear morning and the day got very sultry and hot, and kept so. Was plowing in Melancthon and the oxen almost gave up on account of the heat and the softness of the land. John Agnew hauled me the thirty bushels of oats I bought. 20 Sun rose bright but clouded over in a very short time, rain came on about 7 O’clock, accompa- nied with thunder and lightening. The day cleared about 9 O’clock and remained dry for the re- mainder of it. There is a good deal of lightening and a little thunder at present (9:45) P.M. Was working on Melancthon lot today. One team plowing and the other harrowing. Sowed the re- mainder of the pease today and have got them once harrowed. Never seen such a time of wet, the harrows were swimming, sometimes, in water. It is very fatiguing [MS fatuiging] on the teams and they are dragged out, nearly, tonight. 21 Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and clear day but a great storm of thunder, lightening and rain oc- cured the night before. Continued from 11 to 2 O’clock A.M. Brother John and wife visited us today. <Q1 folio 15 recto> May 1876 22nd Very sharp frost this morning and ice on the water about an inch thick. The sun came out bright and the day continued fine. I was plowing a potatoe patch and James was harrowing the sod, breaking it in before sowing the oats. Nancy shore the sheep. I went to the station in the after- noon and brought home twenty-seven apple trees that I had purchased from Mr. R. J. Doyle. The ground on which I sowed twenty-five bushels of pease is so wet that I could only get them har- rowed once. 23 Rather misty morning and some appearance of rain but the mist rose and the sun got out and the day continued fine. Sowed ten bushels of oats today for the first. James was harrowing and Jo- seph Malowny was planting out the fruit trees. 24 Clear Sunny morning and the day kept fine all through. Was sowing oats today, had one team plowing and the other harrowing. Brother John came here in the afternoon and turned his ram into a weather [=wether, castrated ram]. 25 Fine day all through, the sun obscured by clouds in the morning but soon the[y] dissipated. Staked fruit trees in the forenoon and planted potatoes in the afternoon. Had one team plowing and the other Harrowing. 26 Fine day with a very slight frost in the morning. Sowed oats in the forenoon and planted pota- toes in the afternoon, had one team plowing and the other harrowing. Sold 7½ Bushels oats at 30¢ per Bushel and 5 of Barl[e]y @ .50¢ <Q1 folio 15 verso> May 1876 27th Bright unclouded morning, the sun strong and warm, and the day very fine. I finished sowing oats today and planted some potatoes in the afternoon. Had one team harrowing and the other hauling manure. The heifer calved in the morning and the mare colted at night. 28 Sabbath. Bright morning and fine dry day. Nancy and I visited Melancthon folks today. �14 29 Cloudy morning and appeared somewhat like rain. Was plowing for Barley today. Paid Joseph Malowny His wages. Went to [stricken letters] Dundalk in the eavning and bought 8 Bags of early Rose potatoes at .70 per Bag. The day was fine and dry all through. 30 Very sharp frost this morning. Went to the station in the forenoon for potatoes and ploughed in the afternoon, the day was cool but dry. Found one very old ewe dead in the field today, also Brother John’s Ram that he had casterated on the 24th inst. Think the ewe died from age. 31 Fine day and very warm. Was plowing today, the boys fixing fences in forenoon and went to Melancthon in the afternoon. Nancy was at Mrs. May’s picking wool. Boys finished potatoe planting yesterday. <Q1 folio 16 recto> June 1876 1st Fine day with a very slight shower of rain in the morning. Was plowing in the forenoon and in the afternoon sowed three acres of barley. 2 Cloudy in the morning with a few drops of rain, but the day cleared up and was fine. Sowed three acres of grass & clover seed. James Harrowed barley ground. Brother John bought four bushels of barley from me at fifty cents per bushel. Black flies and mosquitoes have been perfect pests these last three days, bit my face all over till, with the swelling they caused, I could scarce- ly see out of my eyes. 3 Cloudy morning and came on rain about 9 O’clock A.M. Kept raining less or more till about 5 O’clock P.M. Was replanting some potatoes which had not sprouted and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Sold 10 bush[els] 13 lbs of barley to William Henders @ 60¢ per Bushel. 4th Sabbath. Rather cloudy cool day. Stopped in the house mostly all day and was very tired. 5 Cold cloudy morning and continued so all day. Went to Dundalk with old mare in the morning to see Sir W. Walace.* Plowed some ground and planted some potatoes in the afternoon. Sold George Morrow 13 Bushels of oats at .35¢ per Bushel, if not paid within two weeks, and 9 Bush- els & 8 pounds of barley at .70 per bushel, if not paid in the same time. Respectively, to be .30 & .50¢ per bushel if paid within two weeks. [*a stud horse] <Q1 folio 16 verso> June 1876 6th Fair day with the exception of a slight shower about one O’clock. Sold Richard Bamby 12 Bushels of barl[e]y at .70 per bushel to be paid in Six months. Purchased one cow at $29.00 and one heifer at $19.00 from John Little of Artemesia. The cow he said had calved about three weeks and the heifer would calve in about ten days. He lied to me most abominably, and my opinion of him is that he [is] both a liar and cheat and swindler. Had great trouble in fetching the cows home and it kept me days [=this bothered me for days?]. 7 Very fine day, but exceedingly hot. James, John and I brought one of the cows from Little’s. Helped John Agnew in the afternoon to wash some of his sheep & Got colt casterated [sic] by Mr. Sloan of Eugenia Falls. Mr. Sloan stopped all night. 8 Heavy Rain fall in the morning, continuing about three hours, the day fine afterwards, with a splendid growth. Done no work today as I felt so tired I could not. 9 Rainy morning, very heavy shower. Put up fence beyond the Swale in the afternoon. 10 Bright sunny morning and continued fine all day. Went to Shelburne and obtained Drs. Barr & Norton’s medical Certificate of inability to teach School.* [*this was required each year, in or- der to qualify for his superannuation pension of $101.] <Q1 folio 17 recto> �15 June 1876 Sabbath. 11th Warm day and without rain. Brother John paid us a visit. 12 Remarkably warm day, the hottest I think that has come yet so far this summer. Cleaned up my oats and took a load of them in the eavning to Dundalk station. Sold Four bushels and twelve pounds of them at .30¢ per bushel and the remainder of them (51) bushels to M[ess]rs. Thomas and Beam at 24½ ¢ per bushel. Could scarcely sell them at all as they had heated and were very musty. Had to hire the Section boss and pay him one dollar to take them to the above named gentleman on the lorry. 13th Bagged up the remainder of oats. Sold 30 bushels of them to Mr. John McDowell for .25¢ per bushel, I to deliver them. The day was very hot till about 10 O’clock A.M. when there came on a heavy rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening and there was a great hail storm at the same time about Four miles North-West of this. I and Nancy visited at Mr. Lonsway’s this eavning. 14 Rained part of the day. Hauled McDowell his oats. He acted mean with me and took 1 bushel off me for a few thistle tops being in them. Hauled Messrs Thomas and Beam 60 Bushels of oats in the eavning. 15 A great deal of rain fell today, especially in the afternoon. One heifer calved this morning. <Q1 folio 17 verso> June 1876 16th Rather cloudy day with some rain falling now and then. The boys and I were preparing a piece of ground in the forenoon for mixed feed and in the afternoon I went to Mr. David Farrier’s Rais- ing of a Frame Barn. Sold Mr. Kenneth McAulay 4 bushels Barley at 50¢ p. B. 17 Cloudy day with frequent showers. Was preparing a piece of ground on Lot 216 for mixed feed. 18 Sabbath. No rain today. Visited the folks in Melancthon. 19th Very cool morning but no frost. A little rain fell today. Was plowing on Lot 216. Mr. George Rutherford came in the afternoon and insured Two thirds of Eighty cords of hardwood for me in the Stadacona Company for one year for the Sum of three dollars. 20 Cold cloudy day for this season of the year. Some rain fell through the day. Was plowing till 5 O’clock P.M. Sowed some mixed oats, pease and Barley for green fodder. Joined the Sons of Temperance at night. [“Around 1848, the Sons of Temperance lodge, a fraternal and prohibition- ist society, reached Canada from the United States.” http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/temperance-movement. Accessed 11/7/2017] 21 Cold cloudy day. Was doing statute labor in Melancthon under James Mills. My James was harrowing. 22 Bright sunny day and pretty warm. Sowed some Grass and clover seed in the morning. Done statute labor. Went in the eavning and got paid for oats. [“The Statute Labour Act has its origins in the earliest days of British settlement in Ontario. In colonial times, many local roads received no government funding and male residents were forced to work on roads and bridges for as much as 12 days a year. Eventually, the number of work days required came to be tied to the assessed value of a settler's property. Landowners had the option to pay the municipality to hire someone to work on the roads in their place. Refusal to perform statute labour or pay for its value was punishable by up to six days in prison” (Bob Aaron, “Property Law”, Toronto Star, Sat. 7 Dec. 2007). <Q1 folio 18 recto> June 1876 �16 23rd Bright Sunny day without any rain. Was doing Statute labor for Melancthon Lot. Nancy took the wool to Flesherton to be oiled[*], Carded and spun [*after de-greasing, a special spinning oil is added to the wool before carding: see “Steps in Processing Wool into Yarn” at https://www.blackberry-ridge.com/prosdscr.htm. Accessed 11/7/2017.] 24 Bright Sunny day and pretty breezy. Took five bags of barley to Dundalk Mill to get chopped. Went to see a game of ball when at the station. Dundalk boys beat Shelburne boys. Bought two coal oil barrels at fifty cents each. There was horse racing at Bowler’s Side road this afternoon. 25th Sabbath. Cloudy day but no rain. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. Gerty, a three year old mare, colted this morning. Time she took: Eleven months less five days. 26 Bright Sunny day and very warm. A thunder storm during the night with very heavy rain. Was turning manure. 27 Cloudy day without rain, only a slight skiff in the morning and evening. Done two days statute labor with oxen and self for Lot 216 Proton. 28 Rather cloudy day, but no rain. Was ridding out barn to fit it up for a stable. Boys were hoeing potatoes. 29 Warm day, a little cloudy but no rain. Was getting posts and beams for stable. Boys were hoeing potatoes. Nancy was at picking bee at Sam’s. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway & John Agnew visited us this evening. <Q1 folio 18 verso> June 1876 30th Bright warm day and for a wonder there has been no frost in this section of country during this month. Was cutting logs for beams and posts to fix stable and also hauled them out of swamp. Boys were hoeing potatoes. Nancy was at a picking bee at her brother John’s. July 1876 1st Dry day till about 6 O’clock P.M. when it commenced raining slightly and is raining now (11 P.M.). Was helping Brother John to fix a milk house. Nancy and family were at Sunday School pick nick at Dundalk.* Nancy and I visited John Agnew this night. A stranger was there bring- ing a lot of land promotion. [*celebrating Dominion Day, July 1, Canada’s national holiday.] 2nd Sabbath. Wet Morning and continued wet mostly all day. Andrew Lonsway and Mrs. Lonsway, William Lonsway and Mrs. Lonsway and Henry Lonsway visited us this evening. 3 Rainy morning and continued so till about 9 O’clock A.M. Was at Mr. James Mills’ helping him to raise a log stable. 4 Clear morning but began to rain about 10 A.M. and continued slightly so till 12, noon. Cleared off and was fair in the evening. Was at Skeffington Bell’s logging be[e] with the oxen. Nancy went to Flesherton for her dress. John Agnew was here this eavning. <Q1 folio 19 recto> July 1876 5th Cloudy morning and with frequent showers through the day. My Boys and I were [dittography: were] hoeing potatoes for John Agnew. 6 Bright morning and the sun shone all day, clear and strong. Was doing Road work in Proton as- sisted by John Agnew and his team. Boys were hoeing potatoes. 7 Cloudy morning, with some thunder and lightening accompanied by a heavy shower of rain about 10 A.M. Very hot in the afternoon. The boys and I were hoeing potatoes for John Agnew. Nancy was at a Quilting Bee at Mrs. Lonsway’s. �17 8 Bright sunny day and very hot. Was putting in posts and beams in old Barn, fixing it up for a stable, assisted by John Agnew and Andrew Lonsway. 9th Sabbath. Very hot day. Nancy visited in Melancthon today. 10th Bright morning and very hot through the day. The sky got overcast in the eavning and rain be- gan falling about 7 P.M. Raining pretty sharply now (9:10) P.M. Was hoeing potatoes at John Agnew’s today. Boys were hoeing at brother John’s. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s this afternoon. Road men repaired the gravel opposite my lot today. <Q1 folio 19 verso> July 1876 11th Very warm day and a great growth. Was helping John Agnew to hoe potatoes. The boys were hoeing in at Brother John’s. 12 Warm day but a little cloudy. Nancy and the family went to a pick-nick, or gathering of the friends*, at brother John’s. I went to Dundalk. The day appeared to me dull and spiritless. Bought a horse poke* at .90¢ and a whetstone at .11¢ [*Northern Irish Protestants celebrate 12 July as the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, 1690, a victory for Protestant William of Or- ange over Catholic James II, both claiming the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland. John Russell was a charter member of Loyal Orange Lodge No. 797; see A History of Dundalk, p. 168. *Horse poke: a device hung on the neck of a horse, with a hinged, hanging bar that allows grazing, but discourages jumping fences.] 13 Pretty hot day. John Agnew and I were providing material for a hay rack. The boys were hoeing potatoes at brother Sam’s. 14 Warm day. John Agnew made me a hay rack. I put up a cook house. The boys were hoeing potatoes at Sam’s. 15 A little cooler than yesterday. I fitted up some rakes, put the grass Scythe in order, cut some poles for stable loft. The boys were bugging potatoes. 16 Sabbath. The day a little cloudy, with a nice breeze of wind. Brother Sam and wife, Brother John and wife & John Agnew and wife were here today. 17 Dry day with a breeze of wind. Began mowing today for the first on Melancthon Lot. 18 Rather cloudy morning and commenced raining about 10 A.M., cleared off about 11:30 A.M. Was mowing today, went in the evening to get William Henders to help me. Nancy was at a sowing bee at Eliza’s. <Q1 folio 20 recto> July 1876 19th Bright sunny day, and pretty hot. Some cloud arose at night, indicating rain. Mr. William Hen- ders and I were mowing on Melancthon Lot. Nancy and the boys were making hay. 20 Cool morning and a little cloudy, rained some about 9 A.M. Rained a little again at noon, cleared off and was dry and windy in the afternoon. Very cold just now (9:40) P.M. and there is an ap- pearance of frost. Had Mr. Henders mowing for me in Melancthon. The boys and I Hauled in two loads of hay from Melancthon in the forenoon. Cut a pitch hole in the stable and shook out some hay in the eavning. 21 Cloudy morning but the clouds dispersed and the sun came out and the day continued dry. The boys and I hauled five loads of hay from Melancthon Lot and Nancy and Clark were raking in the field while Eliza and William H. minded the gap at home. 22 A very heavy dew this morning but no frost, the sky clouded over. Went to Melancthon Lot and raked up some hay. Rain came on about 9:30 A.M., not very heavy, but it kept rain[in]g a light rain all day and is doing so now (9:54) P.M. �18 23rd Sabbath. A pretty cool, cloudy day, but without rain. <Q1 folio 20 verso> July 1876 24th Cool, cloudy morning. Nancy and the boys and I went to Melancthon Lot and raked up some hay and put on a load. It began to rain slightly, but enough to prevent us hauling in any but the one load. I mowed in the afternoon. Sold ten lambs to Mr. William Acheson at $2.50 each. Subscribed for Northern Messenger. 25 A very dense fog this morning. Mowed a little in the morning. Nancy raked up some hay, the boys and I hauled in three loads. I mowed some after tea. There was a little rain fell today. 26 A slight frost this morning but there was a very heavy fog which came down like fine rain, pre- venting the frost from doing injury. The day was cool but cloudy. Nancy and the boys raked hay to 5 P.M. and I mowed. Then I hauled in a load. 27 Cool morning and cloudy, but the day kept dry to about 4 P.M., then there was a slight rain which increased to a pretty heavy shower about 7 P.M. It is now rain[in]g slightly and has the appear- ance of a wet night. I mowed in the forenoon, hauled in one load of hay in the afternoon and mowed again in the eavning. Nancy and the boys raked up and helped with the load. 28 Cloudy morning and a very cool day, with a slight mizzle of rain occasionally. Was mowing on Lot 220 Melancthon, assisted by Jim. <Q1 folio 21 recto> July 1876 29th Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine and pretty hot. Was mowing on Lot 220 Melancthon, assisted by Brother John. Nancy and the boys were raking hay. Mr. W. Acheson took away the lambs which he had bought from me. 30th Sabbath. Bright warm day, and pretty warm. Nancy went to Meeting in the forenoon and She and I went to Meeting in the afternoon. 31 Clear, bright day and pretty hot. Nancy and the boys and I raked hay on Lot 220 Melancthon. ___________________ August 1876 1st Bright sunny morning and continued clear and hot all day. Had John Agnew helping me haul hay with his team from Lot 220 Melancthon. Finished haying today. Mother, Brother John and wife, and Sister Margaret were here today. The weather has been pretty favorable for haying and I have all mine saved in good order. 2 Bright morning and continued hot and fine all day. The boys and I were fixing pasture field fence today. 3 Rather cloudy morning and very sultry. The day was warm and dry but clouded over in the eavning with indications of rain. Was helping brother John to do his Statute Labor in Melanc- thon. <Q1 folio 21 verso> August 1876 4th Bright sunny morning and the day dry and very hot. I felt more oppressed by the heat this day than [dittography: than] any other time for so far this summer. Brother John and I pulled down the old driving shed on Lot 220 Melancthon and split some rails out of the cedar logs and James and John hauled rails with the oxen to fence in the meadow on said Lot. 5 Warm day, but not quite so hot as yesterday. A very heavy rain storm passed over Dundalk about 6 P.M. A rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening is here at this time (9:53 P. M). I was hauling rails today with the oxen on Lot 220 Melancthon. Brother John was splitting rails �19 and putting up fence for me on said Lot. The boys, James, John and Clark, were picking huckle- berries. 6th Sabbath. Fair day till the afternoon when there was a smart shower. It cleared off then began rain- ing at night. Nancy went to Melancthon Meeting in the forenoon. 7 Smart shower in the morning; it cleared off and remained fine all day. I was digging a well to water the cattle on Lot 220 Melancthon. Brother John assisted me, and the boys hauled some rails for the fence on said Lot. 8 Dry day and pretty warm. Was bugging potatoes till 5 P.M., then went to the Post Office. Also went to the Division and requested my name to be taken off. Sent a letter to Brother William. <Q1 folio 22 recto> August 1876 9th Dry day and pretty hot. Went to pick huckleberries today. There were four of us, viz. Nancy, James, John A. and I. There were four of Mr. Lonsway’s, two of Mr. Trugon’s, six of Mr. Mills’, three of Brother John’s and Brother Samuel. The berries were plentiful and we all filled our ves- sels. The road was very rough coming out of the marsh, and carrying the berries as far as the wagon tired us pretty well. We gathered about four paten pails full for ourselves. [Paten’ pails held 10 or 12 quarts, according to Joshua Fraser, Shanty, Forest and River Life in the Backwoods of Canada (Montreal: Lovell and Son, 1883), p. 308] 10 Dry and very hot. Was mowing a piece of grass for brother John, the boys were bugging pota- toes. Heard yesterday that Mr. Robert Bell had died at Bracebridge. 11 Very sultry day and oppressively hot in the forenoon. Tried to prepare some stuff for chinking the barn but became so fatigued that I had to give it up. There was pretty heavy rain accompa- nied with lightening and thunder about 7 P.M. 12 Rainy morning but cleared off about 7 A.M. and continued fine and pretty hot all day after. Was helping Brother Sam at a Manure Bee today. 13th Sabbath. Warm and dry day. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning. <Q1 folio 22 verso> August 1876 14th Very warm day although somewhat cloudy. Lightening at night and indications of rain. Went to the sawmill in the morning and hauled nine logs, about seventy rods[*] on a crotch, to the gang- way. Got them sawn and brought home two loads of lumber with oxen. The day was so very hot that I had to let the oxen crawl along the road. [* units of measurement: 1 chain = 66 feet long (20.1168 meters) = 4 rods; 1 chain = 100 links; 1 rod = 5½ yds. (5.0292 m)] 15 Misty morning and a slight sprinkling of rain fell, but the day cleared up and remained dry. It was pretty cool in the eavning, as if indicating frost. Brother John was helping me to saw some Hemlock logs in order to prepare lumber for a frame barn. We sawed 15 from 10.30 A.M. to 6.30 P.M. Mr. Lonsway hauled me some lumber from the mill that I left there yesterday. 16 Very cool morning but no frost. The day rather cloudy and cool without rain. Brother John and I were cutting saw logs. We cut 18 to 4 P.M. and then went to a ra[i]sing of a frame barn on lot 240 Melancthon, belonging to Mr. Stephens. I then went from there to Dundalk and bought a grain cradle and blade from Mr. Graham for $3.50. P. S. John Bennett, Sawyer for John McDowell, had his hand cut off today with the mill saw. 17 Rather cloudy morning but the day was dry. Brother John and I were sawing Hemlock logs. We sawed 15 then went and cleaned out the well on the hill. James assisted us to limb the trees. <Q1 folio 23 recto> August 1876 �20 18th Cool morning and a little cloudy, with a sharp shower about [stricken text: 5 A.M. the remainder of the day was dry. The eavning pretty chilly and cold at night indicating] 6 P.M. and continued raining some through the night. Brother John was helping me to saw logs. We sawed 16. 19 Shower of rain in the morning, but cleared off and the day remained dry. Very cool in the eavning and a frosty look with it. Brother John was helping me with the saw logs. We sawed 16. John and James went to Mrs. McCoy’s with the Cotton Warp. 20th Sabbath. A very cool morning and continues so all day. There was a very sharp frost this night, and apparently it done a great deal of harm. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us this eavning. 21 A very cool morning but the sun rose bright and clear, the frost lay on the ground pretty heavy. The day kept dry and warm. Was at Brother John’s helping him to mow barley. Slept at Father’s all night. There was a slight frost this night. 22 Clear sunny morning and continued dry all day with some appearance of rain towards eavning. Was helping Brother John with his barley today. Slept at Father’s all night. <Q1 folio 23 verso> August 1876 23rd Fine morning, a little cloudy but the day dry and pretty warm. Was helping Brother John with his barley. He sent me in the afternoon to help Brother Sam put in oats. Slept at Father’s to- night. 24 Rather misty morning and the day was cloudy but very warm, especially in the afternoon. There was a slight shower of rain accompanied by thunder about 4. P.M. Was with Brother John help- ing him to haul in barley. Mr. Mich[a]el Boucher’s* barn was burned today. Slept at home this night. [*Michael Boucher was a trustee in 1860 for S. S. No. 5 Melancthon, where Robert taught for 17½ years] 25 A slight shower of rain this morning but the day cleared up and remained dry. Went in the morn- ing to Mr. A. Lonsway’s to apprize damages done by J. Trugon’s horses. Employed Samuel Rich to harvest at $1.25 per day for cradling and $1.00 per day for other work throughout the harvest. There was a pretty high wind this afternoon. Was helping Brother John today with wheat and barley. Slept at Father’s this night. 26 A slight frost this morning, the day was cool, cloudy and windy. Was helping Brother John with his wheat today. Came home this night. 27th Sabbath. A severe frost this morning, doing injury to most grain that had escaped the preceding frosts. The day dry and fine. Mrs. Russell, James and Eliza went to sister Margaret’s. <Q1 folio 24 recto> August 1876 28th Fine morning and the day dry and warm. Brother John was helping me to harvest. Got some wheat cradled, being the first I had cut of wheat this season. I raked and bound. 29 A fine bright harvest day. Got some wheat and also oats cut today. I bound, Nancy helped me at night. The straw was so brittle that binding through the heat of the day was impossible. 30 Morning a little cloudy but soon cleared off and the day remained dry and warm, with some clouds towards night. Nancy and I bound a little through the day, then hunted up the oxen, then bound a while at night. Had a man cradling oats. 31 Misty morning but the sun soon shone out and the day was dry and pretty hot, with some lighten- ing in the eavning. The boys, Nancy and I were hauling in wheat. Sam Rich was cradling oats for me. It has now been pretty dry for quite a spell and water is getting scarce. <Q1 folio 24 verso> �21 September 1876 1st A cool damp morning after the shower of rain last night. Could not haul in any today, it was too damp. Fixed up a hen house in the forenoon. Nancy, the boys and I bound oats in the afternoon. Sam Rich cradelled. Mr. Lonsway and wife and William Lonsway visited us this night. 2 A little rain very early in the morning, but the day cleared off and got breezy with a very stiff gale blowing in the afternoon. The boys, Nancy and I put in the barley and the remainder of the wheat. It has been very favorable harvest weather so far, and people in general are well ad- vanced. The crops are ripe about four weeks earlier than they were last year. 3rd Sabbath. A slight shower fell this afternoon. There was frost in the morning but the day was gener- ally fine. Brother John and wife visited us this eavning. 4 A little rain this morning but nothing to retard work. The day held up dry and pretty breezy in the eavning. John, James, Nancy and I were binding oats. Samuel Rich was craddling. 5 Damp morning, but soon dried off. The boys, Nancy and I were binding. Sam Rich was craddling. Mr. Johnson, Presbyterian Student, visited us today. Paid Sam rich $11.00 for 9 days’ work. <Q1 folio 25 recto> September 1876 6th Very sharp frost this morning and ice on the water. The forenoon dry but the afternoon was a little damp. Was helping Brother Sam to harvest. The boys and Nancy were binding oats at home. 7 Misty morning, but the forenoon cleared up. Towards night there was a slight mizzle of rain. John Agnew and team, Brother Samuel and team, and Brother John were helping me to haul in pease from Melancthon lot. Mr. Lonsway helped me in the afternoon to build the stack. Mr. Lonsway met with a loss this eavning as his mare died, through the effects of eating, it is thought, too much soft clover. The two teams hauled in 16 loads of peas, clearing a ten acre field. 8 A little rain fell this morning, but the wind rose and the day became dry. Brother John helped me to top off the pea stack and cover it with boards that he loaned me. 9 Damp morning, but soon became dry and continued so all day. The boys, Nancy and I were binding oats. 10th Sabbath. A very cool day for this time of the year, but dry. Nancy and Eliza and James went to Meeting. 11 Cool morning and a slight mizzle of rain. Was helping Brother Sam to harvest. His oats were so poor with both frost and rust that we had to mow them. Scarcely any grain in them. <Q1 folio 25 verso> September 1876 12th A bright clear morning, and continued very fine all day. Brother Sam and team, John Agnew and team, I and the ox team, Brother John, Andrew Lonsway and James Mills, Jun[io]r, were all hauling in oats for me today. We cleared of[f] 15 acres. The straw was a good crop, but the grain appears very light on account of the frost and rust. This day finishes my harvest. 13 Morning a little misty, but the sun shone out clear after some time and the day remained fine. James, John and I were helping brother Sam at his harvest. 14 Rather cloudy morning but the day kept dry till about 4 O’clock P.M. when there was a pretty sharp rain which continued till about dark. James, John, and I were helping brother Samuel to harvest. �22 15 Bright clear morning, and continued a fine day. Posted a letter to the Dep[u]t[y] Minister of Ed- ucation and another to the Manager, Bank [of] Montreal. Bought a ram lamb from Mr. James May at $3.00, and went to employ a thrashing machine. 16 Fine day, clear and dry. Went to Mr. Mills’ thrashing. His grain turned out very poorly also. The machine done very little work. 17th Sabbath. Rather cloudy day, but no rain fell till night, when it rained pretty much all night long. William Lonsway and wife, and brother John and wife visited us today. <Q1 folio 26 recto> September 1876 18th Rainy morning and continued a mizzle during the forenoon. Went to James Mills’ thrashing but he did not begin on account of the rain. Sold a spring colt to Andrew Lonsway for one milch cow and a note of hand for $13., payable in 15 months. Sold another spring colt to Thomas Fos- ter for one yonge[sic] cow, 2 years old, coming 3, in calf, and $11. payable in one year. 19 Cool morning with a slight rain. Faired up during the forenoon and remained dry. Went to a manure bee to William Lonsway[’s]. 20 Rather cloudy morning but the day was dry and warm in the afternoon. Went to the voting on the Dundalk Bill and voted against it. 21 Rather misty morning but the day was dry. Was hauling out manure today. 22 Misty morning but the day broke up dry and warm. Was hauling out manure today. Nancy and Jim went with John Agnew’s team to Flesherton for the yarn. Did not get all, only part. Went to the Post Office in the afternoon. 23 Misty morning with a slight mizzle of rain, but soon cleared off and the day remained dry. Jim and I were putting out manure. Johney & Clark were helping their uncle John to take up pota- toes. <Q1 folio 26 verso> September 1876 24th Sabbath. Misty, cloudy day but without rain. Stopped at home. 25 Misty morning but the day remained dry till the afternoon, when it commenced raining, which it did through all the night. Was hauling out manure, the boys were raking up some mixed feed. 26 Rainy morning and continued showery all day and is raining and blowing pretty strong now (8.40) P.M. Done nothing today, did not feel well. 27 Cold, raw day, but no rain of any account. Was spreading manure. James, John and Clark went to the station and left their measures for boots. 28 Wet morning and continued showery most of the day. There was a very heavy rain in the after- noon. Was digging potatoes in the forenoon. James was plowing with the oxen in the forenoon. 29 Cool morning and a little rain fell through the day. Mr. May sent me the ram lamb I bought from him. James and John were plowing, Clark and I were digging potatoes. Mr. and Mrs. A. Lon- sway visited us tonight. 30 Chilly morning and continued cold all day with frequent showers. Sold 208 pounds butter to Mr. D. Davidson* of Dundalk @ .20¢ per pound. Jim put the brand on ram today. [*Davidson’s is a general merchandise store in Dundalk, and in later entries Robert frequently mentions D. Da- vidson and his clerks; see History of Dundalk, p. 101, list of businesses in 1877]. <Q1 folio 27 recto> October 1876 1st Sabbath. Cold morning and continued cold and show[e]ry all day. Nancy went to Sister Sarah’s. �23 2 Cool morning but the day remained dry with a pretty strong wind at night. Was fixing stable for the mares today. Took the colts from the mares and delivered them to Mr. Foster & Lonsway. Sow pigged this morning, had nine. Borrowed six bags of oats from Mr. Lonsway as I had not thrashed yet and want to start plowing. James and John went for the oats with the oxen and waggon. 3 Cool morning but dry, soon commenced raining and continued showery all day with pretty heavy rain at night. Henry Lonsway came to work today. I have him hired for one month at $8.00. We were hauling in some mixed feed this forenoon. The last of it was pretty wet. I had to go to Mr. Foster’s and borrow back the colt which I had sold him because its mother had so much milk that she had swelled up to such an enormous extent in her bag that she would have certainly have [sic] died if I had not brought the colt to suck her again. Father and Sister Sarah were here today. I bought some lime from John Charters for white-washing purposes. James & John went for it. 4 Cool morning and continued cold all day with frequent showers of sleet and hail. Was plowing with oxen and John drove them. Henry Lonsway and my Jim were chinking the stable. <Q1 folio 27 verso> October 1876 5th Cold day with some showers. Was plowing with the oxen. Henry Lonsway was fixing stable. 6 Very chilly, cold day and the afternoon from about 1:30 P.M. was very wet. Plowed with the oxen till the rain prevented me. Henry Lonsway was fixing stable. Bought a cow from Thomas Buchanon for a note against A. Lonsway for $13.00 and $6. cash. 7 Cold day with frequent showers of sleet and snow. Snowed considerable during the night and the ground was covered with snow before morning. Was plowing with the oxen, Jim was driv- ing. Henry Lonsway was fixing stable. 8th Sabbath. Bleak wintry morning, the ground covered with snow. Was a chilly, cold day. Brother John came out today. 9 Ground covered with snow this morning but it went away pretty much all before night. Henry and the boys were fetching in potatoes in the forenoon and plowing in the afternoon. I was in search of a thrashing machine. Very windy night. 10 Cold morning and remained cold but dry all day. Henry and Jim were plowing today with oxen. [“Good” written in left margin, rotated 90◦ right. Following entries have the letter Y {= yes?} in left margin, similarly rotated, at every entry to 24 Oct, then no rotation to 24 Nov; then Y anno- tation is sporadic, ending on 6 Dec.] 11 Cold morning, sharp frost and the ground covered with snow. The day broke up fine and the snow mostly all left. Hitched up the mares and started plowing with them. The young mare was weak from suckling her colt, had to unhitch them and plow with the oxen. <Q1 folio 28 recto> October 1876 12th Cold morning and a great deal of frost in the ground. It thawed out a little during the day. Was plowing in the forenoon. Henry and the boys were putting potatoes in the cellar in the forenoon. Was preparing for the thrashing machine in the afternoon. Traded a sheep to Kenneth Perry for one hundred of beef, and gave him .50¢ to boot. The thrashers are here tonight ready for work when tomorrow comes. 13 No rain today although it was cloudy most part of it. Was thrashing wheat and pease. The wheat and [barley: stricken] turned out poorly. The pease were good but very wet as the stack had tak- en the rain. �24 14 Snowing this morning and continued so mostly all day. The men and teams gathered to thrash but could not on account of the stormy, snowy day. 15th Sabbath. The ground covered with snow and a cold day all through. 16 A cloudy morning but no rain or snow fell. A pretty high wind. Was thrashing the remainder of the pease, the barley stack and the oat stack. Barley and oats turned out poorly, not half a crop, oats light as chaff almost, stack very wet. I have lost as much as $40. on account of having no barn to put my grain in. Times are getting a little hard on me as my crop will do scarcely any- thing for me this season. Mr. James Allen of Artemesia thrashed for me, his charge was $14.00. <Q1 folio 28 verso> October 1876 17th A dry day with sun shining pretty nicely in the afternoon. The boys and I were cleaning up the barnyard in the forenoon and in the afternoon were putting potatoes in pits for the winter. Nancy took some yarn to the weavers in the afternoon. 18 Fine sunny morning and continued so all day. Went to the station with some pease in the fore- noon. Sold them @ .61 per bushel. Mr. Hunter asked me to haul nine bunches of lathe for him from the Freight House to his house. I done so, but had to fetch the lathe back again to the Freight house as Hunter had not paid the Freight on them. I consider it was mean of him to ask me to move anything from the freight house when he had not discharged all dues against it. Was plowing in the afternoon. The boys were fixing up the barn yard and hauling some potatoes to gather [sic]. 19 Very hard frost this morning, but the sun came out strong and the day continued fine. Was plow- ing in the forenoon and James, John and I were at brother John’s thrashing in the afternoon. His wheat and barley turned out moderately well. 20 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine. The boys and I were at Brother Sam’s thrash- ing. His grain turned out very poorly. 21 Heavy rain this morning about 1 o’clock but the day was dry and very sultry. Was at Sam’s in the forenoon and plowing at home in the afternoon. The eavning was so warm that the oxen put out their Tongues. <Q1 folio 29 recto> October 1876 22nd Sabbath. Cloudy day, but dry and very warm for this time of the year. Brother John was here this eavning. 23 Rainy morning, commenced long before daylight and continued a perfect pour most of the day. It is still raining 7:30 P.M. Was fixing the horse stable in the forenoon and in the afternoon went in to Proton to see about a school to teach next year as I am getting tired of farming. 24 Rather cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain throughout the day. Went to Mr. Thos. Fos- ter’s in the forenoon and put some fencing round the straw stack in the afternoon. Clark and I went to Mr. May’s and brought home the muly[*] cow which I had previously purchased from him. James, John and Henry Lonsway were at Mr. Lonsway’s thrashing. [*muly, or muley are naturally polled cows, i.e. without horns, typical of certain breeds such as Black or Red Angus] 25 Rainy morning and turned to sleet and snow in the afternoon. Was choring around today and went to Mr. John Ludlow’s to see about selling him a yoke of working oxen. He came and seen the oxen and bought them at $110.00 on a year’s credit. The boys were at Lonsway’s thrashing. �25 26 Snowy morning and continued so pretty much all day. I and John were at John Agnew’s thrash- ing. James and Henry Lonsway were at Mr. Lonsway’s till 11 A.M. Henry then went to Mr. Mills’ thrashing and James hitched up the horse and plowed. <Q1 folio 29 verso> October 1876 27th Dull cloudy morning with a little snow on the ground, but no rain or snow fell through the day. John and I were at John Agnew’s thrashing. James was plowing. 28 Snowed some last night, the ground white with snow this morning, but some fell during the day. Done nothing this forenoon. Went in the afternoon to a Trustee meeting of No. 5 Melancthon, then went to Dundalk and bought a pair of boots for Eliza at $1.25 29th Sabbath. Cloudy day, rather cold and some snow on the ground. 30 Cloudy morning, but cleared up a little through the day, and became mild and warm in the after- noon. Piled some cordwood in the bush in the forenoon and in the afternoon done some writing as Sec. Treasurer of School Sect. 5 Melancthon. Also sent a letter to the Educational Depart- ment. James plowed today. 31 Dull morning, but it did not rain any through the day. Henry Lonsway and I were chopping logs for a barn in the bush. Jim was plowing. November 1876 1st Cloudy morning and commenced raining about 10 A.M. and continued a pretty sharp rain for about one hour. The remainder of the day was misty with a slight rain towards night. Jim was plowing, Henry and I were chopping logs. <Q1 folio 30 recto> November 1876 2nd Rather cloudy morning, but no rain fell to about 3 O’clock P.M., when there was a pretty sharp and continued shower. It became windy in the eavning and is now (11:45) P.M. blowing a very stiff gale. I was chopping some barn logs in the forenoon and in the afternoon was choring around. Jim was plowing. Henry Lonsway’s month was up this morning and I paid him his wages, $8.00. I also paid his brother William for him $4.00, for which Henry is to haul out of the bush with William’s oxen as many logs as will build me an end to my Barn of the size of 24 feet Square of a mow and 12 feet of a thrash floor. I must get up a Barn through some means be- cause I am continually loosing [sic] my grain by stacking. I have lost this year as much as would put up a mow to the one I have. Besides, my straw is always so badly stacked at thrashing that the one third is wasted on me. I had thought that I could manage a Frame Barn for next summer, but I cannot, as my grain turned out so poorly it is not half a crop. Things are beginning to look squally with me financially. Still, I think I will be able to tide over my difficulties. I must pay off my debts if possible and be very careful in future not to incur any more if I can possibly avoid it. It is a very bad thing to get in debt here, depending on the crops to pay it off, because they seldom do well here. It appears to be a frosty, barren, cold, wet, poor and unproductive part of the world. [this entry covers the entire page] <Q1 folio 30 verso> November 1876 3rd Cloudy morning but the day continued dry with the exception of a slight mizzle of rain in the forenoon. Was cutting roads in the bush in the forenoon to get out barn logs. In the afternoon, �26 John and I went to K. Perry’s thrashing. Did not thrash as something went wrong with the horse power. Came home and went to cutting roads again. 4 Misty morning but the day continued dry. John and I went to Kenneth Perry’s thrashing. Jim chored [MS:shred] around at home. Kenneth got done thrashing about 4 O’clock P.M. John and I came home and chored around. Mrs. Lonsway and husband were here tonight. 5th Sabbath. Rather cloudy morning but no rain fell during the day. Visited Father this day. 6 Dark, misty morning and began to rain and sleet about 10 O’clock A.M. and continued so with- out intermission up to the present hour, 8:45 P.M. The boys and I went to the woods in the fore- noon to take out rafters, but the rain coming on so soon we had to give up the work. I began to teach my children tonight. 7 Dull morning with a slight mizzle of rain through the day. The boys and I were taking out rafters in the bush to 4 O’clock P.M., then I went into William Lonsway’s to get him to haul out logs for the barn. <Q1 folio 31 recto> November 1876 8th Misty morning and a [second “a” stricken] good deal of sleet and rain fell during the day. The ground is remarkably wet at present and the roads are so bad that very few venture on them with waggons. Such a wet fall has not been known for a long time. William Lonsway was hauling out Barn logs with his oxen and I was cutting roads, &c. 9 Cloudy morning but there was no rain through the day. Had W. Lonsway with his oxen in the forenoon hauling out barn logs. In the afternoon I went to Mr. May’s and then to Dundalk and bought an axe at $1.50 and a helve* at .15¢. [*axe handle]. 10 Misty morning, but there was no rain through the day. Was taking out rafters in the forenoon and in the afternoon turned over some oats in the barn as they were getting warm. The boys, Jim and John, were cutting stove wood in the bush. Brother John is stopping here tonight. 11 Pretty clear morning with frost on the ground, enough just to keep one from sinking into the mud. Went with Nancy in the forenoon to Dundalk to get her tooth drawn. In the afternoon chored around. Boys were chopping stove wood in the afternoon. 12th Sabbath. A very fine day for this time of the year. Brother John was here today. <Q1 folio 31 verso> November 1876 13th Beautiful day for this season of the year. Very warm and the sun out bright and clear, but there is some appearance of rain just now (8:30) P.M. Gave John Agnew four pigs six weeks old and he is to winter on straw four head of cattle for me. I was hauling out beams and rafters for the barn with the mare. The boys, Jim and John, were chopping. 14 A little snow on the ground this morning but it soon disappeared. The day was dry and favoura- ble for working out of doors. John and I were getting out the remainder of the rafters and beams for the barn. James went to help his uncle John Russell to bank his house. Mrs. Russell is very much pained this eavning with an inflamed eye. 15 A little foggy this morning but the day brightened up and remained very fine. Went to Dundalk and got some medecine for Mrs. Russell’s inflamed eye, as it is very painful. Then went to Mrs. McCoy’s for our cloth. It was not woven. Came home and fixed a beetle* [*maul, large wooden sledge hammer; see also 13 Dec. 1881, 20 Aug. 1883]. 16 Misty morning, but the day held up well. There was a very slight little sprinkle of snow in the morning. Went to William Lonsway’s and helped him to crosscut stove wood, as he claimed a day of me for one I had him at the thrashing machine. Stopped at Father’s this night. �27 7 Cloudy day without sun, every appearance of rain tonight. Nancy’s eye is a good deal better. Tried to burn the logs of the old house on Lot 220 but they were too wet to burn. <Q1 folio 32 recto> November 1876 18th Misty morning and a good deal like rain. The day kept dry till the afternoon when there was a slight mizzle of rain. John and James were chopping stove wood in the bush. I was splitting rails. 19th Sabbath. Warm, misty day but without rain. Brother John visited us today. I went to John Ag- new’s in the eavning, my dog followed me. John had two sheep killed a few days before by ei- ther dogs or wolves. He said he would get some strichnine and put on the remains of the sheep. Afterwards he said that he had got none. I and the dog passed the remains of one sheep in his bush. The dog ate some of it but I, believing there was no poison on it, did not mind it. When I came home Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s, the dog with us. While there he took convul- sions and swelled up. I got melted butter and poured into him, he seemed to get a little better. After some time we came home, poor dog could only come part of the way, took another fit and fell into the water. I lifted him out and carried him home, put some more melted butter into him, but he died about 11 O’clock that night. John still asserts that he did not put poison out, but the fact remains that after eating of the sheep, poor dog died, and I think that his death was caused by poison, and I also think that it was a very treacherous proceeding on the part of John Agnew. 20 Foggy day with a slight mizzle of rain occassionaly. Helped Mr. Lonsway to kill some pigs in the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned up some pease. Jim and John were chopping fire- wood. <Q1 folio 32 verso> November 1876 21st Misty morning with a very slight mizzle of rain through the day. Cloudy and without sunshine all day, but pleasant and warm, nonetheless. It is remarkably mild weather for this season of the year and most people are busy plowing. I was splitting rails today, John and James were cutting stove wood in [the] bush. 22 Sleet and rain this morning and continued so mostly all day. Went to split rails but gave it up, the day was so wet. 23 Snow on the ground this morning and some fell during the day. Did not work any today, only done the chores, as I was not well, having caught a cold. Visited Mr. Lonsway in company with Mrs. Russell in the eavning. 24 Rather a cool morning and indications of winter as the snow is falling. Went to Dundalk in the eavning with Mrs. Russell. She sold six pairs of mitts at 50¢ per pair. I went to Mr. Freeland’s in Melancthon and got from them a little dog which I fetched home. 25 Rather cloudy morning and still some snow on the ground. In the afternoon it thawed some and at night some more snow fell. Got the BobSleighs put to rights. Nancy plucked eleven geese in the forenoon and we took them and two bags of beets to Dundalk in the afternoon. She got 15¢ per pound for five of them which were undrawn, and 16½¢ per pound for six of them that were drawn. They were very fat for young geese and weighed about ten pounds each (the undrawn ones). Nancy bought herself a sett of dishes. Sold the beets at 50¢ per bushel. <Q1 folio 33 recto> November 1876 26th Sabbath. Some snow fell this morning and the day was rather foggy and inclined to be soft. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. John McQuarrie at Dundalk. �28 27 Misty morning with a very slight fall of snow through the day. The roads are very rough, there is a little sleighing of a poor kind. Fixed a place in the stable for the cows and cleaned up some barley for market. 28 Several little skiffs of snow fell through the day, but it was inclined to melt. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon with 15 Bushels & 35 lbs Barley and only got 40¢ per Bushel. It was frozen and poor stuff and was all I had off 2½ acres sown. In the afternoon went to Dundalk with Fourteen bags of oats—they only weighed 23 Bushels and 13 lbs. Got 37¢ per Bushel. The oats are very light and very little of them to an acre. The sleighing is very bad and I would not have gone, on- ly my grain is in my way where I mean to stable my cattle. Gave my James the price of two bushels of Barley as he said he had sown the ground that produced that quantity. 29 A little more snow on the ground this morning and continued coming down some more. Hauled out some oats today and got 37¢ per Bushel. Oats very light: 28 bags well filled only weighed 47 Bushels and 15 lbs. 30 Real cold morning and continued a very sharp freeze all day with some snow falling. Andrew Lonsway helped me to kill two pigs and a three year old steer. The pigs weighed 502 pounds net. This is the first cold day there has been this winter. <Q1 folio 33 verso> December 1876 1st Very cold morning and continued freezing and snowing all day, a regular stinger of a day. The boys and I cleaned and bagged the wheat—had about 40 Bushels from Six acres sown. 2 Not quite so cold as yesterday, though cold enough to be very uncomfortable. The boys and I cleaned up and put away 17 Bushels of pease for feed in the forenoon and in the afternoon built a pen of rails for the sheep. The co[l]ts were playing this eavning and Rodney, a two-year old, sprained his leg or bruised his foot on some of the frozen lumps that are thick around the barn- yard. He is very lame. Also the old mare, on going to water, came into the shed where we had butchered a steer two days ago, and she smelled the blood. It seemed to make her sick, as she lay down several times and seemed as if she were going to slip her colt. I put her into the stable and gave her about a quart of spring wheat. She now (9 O’clock P.M.) seems all right. 3rd Sabbath. Mild day with a nice bit of sleighing. Mrs. and Mr. Lonsway visited us this eavning and Brother John and wife at night. 4 Rather mild day with pretty high, clear sky. The sleighing is passibly [=passably] good. Cleaned up 1425 pounds pease and took them to Dundalk. Sold them for .60¢ per bushel. The highest price for other pease than mine was .58¢, but mine were a pure white pea and no thistle tops nor oats in them. Sold a steer hide for .15¢ per pound. It weighed 70 pounds. <Q1 folio 34 recto> December 1876 5th Mild winter’s day, got a little cold in the eavning. Sleighing pretty good, especially on the gravel road. Cleaned up some pease (15 Bags) and took them to Dundalk. Got .60¢ per Bushel for them. Settled with Mr. Thos. Hanbury, and paid him out in full for Boots and shoes & mending done by him during the year. Gave him a note in my favor on Mr. Barnaby of $8.40, another note on W. Henders for $4.16, a steer’s hide at $3.75 and 10.00 in cash. 6 Pretty cold morning, but got milder through the day. Passibly good sleighing now. The wind pretty strong tonight. Was helping John Agnew to saw wood. 7 Rather mild morning and not very cold. Began snowing in the eavning and continued so for about two hours. Was helping John Agnew at sawing machine in the forenoon. In the afternoon Mrs. Russell and I joined the Mayburn Grange. �29 8 Cold stormy morning and continued very cold all day. The boys and I were cleaning and putting away oats. 9 Very cold morning and windy, piercing freeze, continued cold all day, it is freezing at present (8:35) P.M. as it has not froze this winter. I believe this is the coldest day that has came for this winter. Finished cleaning oats today and fixed a place in the barn for the horses and calves. <Q1 folio 34 verso> December 1876 10th Sabbath. Pretty cold. Wind in the South-East. Snowed a trifle during the day. 11th A little milder this morning, but the wind is rising and it is snowing now (10. P.M.). Went to Melancthon with some oats I had borrowed from W. Lonsway. Brother Sam and I then got some stakes for wood rack and put them in. Came home, went to the back field where I had some wood corded up. Put on about a quarter of a cord and came home and finished my load, ready for the station tomorrow. Ground terribly rough in the back plowed field. Wind in the S. E. 12 Rather mild day and passibly good sleighing. Was hauling cordwood to Station. Got Gerty, a three-year old filly, shod on the front feet for the first time. Also got two shoes on the old mare. 13 Mild day and seemed almost like a thaw in the forenoon, then there was a slight shower of snow in the afternoon. Was hauling dry cordwood to Dundalk Station. 14 Mild day on to about 5 P.M. when there arose a very severe wind and snow storm which contin- ued through the forepart of the night. Was hauling cordwood to Station. Went in the eavning to R. Cam[p]bell’s, Blacksmith, had two hind shoes put on old mare and a piece cut off sleigh tongue. 15 Sharp stormy morning, snow falling and drifting, the storm increasing in the eavning, the roads terribly heavy. Was hauling wood today to Station. Young mare pulled remarkably well through heavy drift[s]. <Q1 folio 35 recto> December 1876 16th A very cold, stormy morning. Snowing, blowing and freezing at an awful rate, and continued so all day. The stormiest day which has came this winter. Only seen one sleigh on the road today. Too stormy to take out the team to work, only done the necessary, the chores. 17th Sabbath. Very cold stormy day, snowing, blowing and freezing. 18 Cold day and storming high wind, snow drifting. Hauled wood from the back field to the front. Very hard work on the team. 19 Stormy, cold day, snowing, blowing and freezing. Did not take the team out today. 20 Pretty cold day. Keen freeze, but no snow fell. Was to a wood bee at brother John’s. 21 Rather mild day, snow pretty deep and not much packed. Sleighs cut off the track very easy, not so easy getting them on again. Was hauling wood to Station today. 22 Mild day. Was hauling wood to Station. 23 Mild day. Was hauling wood to Station. 24th Sabbath. Pretty sharp freeze. I went to Father’s. 25th Christmas. Rather cold day, keen east wind. Went to Mr. Foster’s in the forenoon to see him about hauling logs. Nancy and I dined at Mr. Lonsway’s. Nancy and the three boys went to the A[n]niversary at night. <Q1 folio 35 verso> December 1876 26th Rather mild day and very good sleighing. Hauled wood to Station. �30 27 Rather cold day, wind in the north-west. Snowed a little during the day. Went to a Grange Meet- ing at Mayburn, Mrs. Russell and I. Hauled wood to the station today. 28 Mild day, almost a thaw, a little snow fell during the afternoon. Was at a wood bee at Br. Sam’s. 29 A pretty cold day and turned out very stormy in the eavning, snowing and blowing, and is still continuing so at present, 8:45 A.M. [sic]. Was hauling wood to Station. 30 A Stormy morning, cold and blowing. The snow drifted during the night, making the roads very heavy. Was hauling wood to Station. 31 A little milder than yesterday, but still a sharp freeze. Brother John visited us today. <Q1 folio 36 recto> January 1877 1st Rather sharp morning and continued so with increasing cold towards night. Hauled wood to Dundalk today. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway spent part of the eavning with us. 2 Not so cold as yesterday, pretty good sleighing. Was hauling wood to Station. 3 Very sharp morning and continued extremely cold all day, not much blow but a piercing freeze. Was hauling wood to Station. 4 Rather cold this morning but got somewhat milder towards eavning. Was hauling wood to Dun- dalk today. 5 Pretty mild day, capital sleighing! Was hauling wood to Dundalk. 6 Very pleasant day, sun came out strong and warm, causing the snow to melt where not exposed to the north. Was hauling wood to Dundalk. 7th Sabbath. Not a very cold day, rather mild in the morning. Nancy and I went to the back line today. 8 Rather cold day, keen frost. Was hauling wood to Station. 9 Very cold day all through, piercing frost and cold wind, felt more chilly today than any day so far this winter. John Agnew drove me to Priceville to the Inspector’s. I tried for a permit to teach, did not succeed. Think perhaps that I will get one [later?] <Q1 folio 36 verso> January 1877 10th Rather cold day but not so much as yesterday. Attended the Annual School Meeting of No. 5 Melancthon. Sold 12 cords of dry hard wood to Mr. Stephenson at $1.80 per cord. Bought 4 Bushels Manitoba wheat from him at $2.00 per bushel and .30¢ for each bag, and .23¢ freight on each bag. 11 Cold morning and a pretty sharp snow storm in the eavning. Was hauling wood to Station. 12 Very cold morning and [dittog.: and] continued extremely so all day. Went to the station and sold my dry wood to Mr. Stephenson at $1.75 per cord, car measure. 13 Very cold morning and continued so all day. Got windy in the afternoon and the snow began to drift, filling in the track, causing bad sleighing. It is now (9. P.M.) blowing very fiercely and the snow rattling against the house and windows. Was hauling wood to the Station today. 14th Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through, the roads very heavy on account of the big blow last night. Mr. and Mrs. McQuarry visited us today. 15 Pretty cold morning, the roads still heavy. Hauled one load wood in the afternoon to Station. A pretty large snow storm came on at night filling up the roads. 16 Bright, sunny morning but roads very heavy. Went in the afternoon with a load of wood to Sta- tion. Old mare got badly corked in turning off to let a loaded team pass. <Q1 folio 37 recto> �31 January 1877 17th Bright, sunny morning and continued a very fine winter’s day all through. Hitched up Rodney, a two-year old colt, for the first time and went to Dundalk. He went well. Bought a bottle of Saunderson’s Infallable oil @.50¢. 18 Pretty mild day and fair sleighing. Boys went to the bush and chopped stove wood. 19 Rather a soft day, and foggy, indications of a thaw. The trees all coated over with frost rind. A young man came along and hired with the trustees of Sch[ool] Sect[ion] 5 Melancthon @ 330. per annum. 20 [date number is opposite last line of previous entry] Very Stormy morning, snowing and blowing like Greenland, and continued a raging storm all day, not a piercing freeze, but an awful heavy blow and the snow came down very heavy. Went to Dundalk and bought a box of Abernathy’s worm candy. 21st Sabbath. Stormy day, snow drifting, filling the road. 22 Cold stormy day. Went to the station and piled up some culls, bought some worm candies, and spirits of turpentine and coal [MS: coil] oil. John Russell’s wife had a son* tonight, which caused Nancy to be away all night. [*William Henry Russell; see 28 Nov. 1880, which records his death from diphther.] 23 Very cold stormy morning and continued getting worse all day. It is snowing and blowing at a lively rate at present (9:30) P.M. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us today. <Q1 folio 37 verso> January 1877 24th Very Stormy day all through, snowing, blowing and freezing. Thomas Buchannon got married to Miss Myles today. Helped John Agnew work at his horse stable. 25 Not much of an improvement on yesterday, scarcely so cold, nor so heavy a blow. Mrs. Tyggart [=(Mc)Taggart?] died yesterday at Dundalk. Was helping John Agnew till noon today, then went to Dundalk, bought three Copy Books, a clothes line, 3 doz. Clothes pins, and borrowed a sy- ringe. 26 Rather milder than for some days back, the day calmer, not such a sharp frost, nor any snow fall- ing. Was helping John Agnew at his horse stable. 27 Pretty mild day, sleighing is improving, the drifts on the roads are getting packed down with the amount of sleighs going over. Was working at John Agnew’s. 28th Sabbath. Very fine sunshiny day, and mild. Went in to Melancthon and brought out Brother Sam and wife, took them home in the afternoon. 29th Beautiful day, the sun shone bright and warm, causing the snow to melt in favorable situations. Went to the School in Melancthon in the forenoon and from there to the Station. Went at night to Mr. Lonsway’s. 30 Very beautiful day, sun warm and bright. Young mare sick this morning, lying down and rising repeatedly. Was either cholic or gravel. Went to Station and got some medecine for her. I put also a little table salt in her water channel and she urinated and got relief immediately. <Q1 folio 38 recto> January 1877 31st Sky red in the east at sunrise, began to darken and looked stormy about 9 O’clock. A little rain fell during the forenoon, a thaw is evidentally in contemplation. Split a little wood at Father’s. Wrote some copies at night for Mr. Lonsway’s Children. The wind is rising now (9:15) P.M. February [1877] �32 1st Rather mild day and inclined to thaw. Roads getting pretty well cut up. Nancy and I attended Grange meeting this eavning. 2nd Mild day, slight sprinkling of rain. Went to see Mr. Stephens [sic, earlier Stephenson, Jan. 10, 12] to get paid for the wood I sold him. Hunted up and down through Dundalk for him. John Charters told me he was in Mrs. Stinson’s. I went to there and while rapping on the door, heard Stephens talking inside. I went in but he had evidentally hid as he was invisable [sic] and the widow said he was not there. Seen him about 10. O’clock at night at Mr. May’s hotel. Asked him for the money. Said he would give me an order for $30.00 on Mr. Brown. Asked him when he would give me the balance, said he did not know. I then refused taking the order. 3 Mild day and pleasant throughout. Went to Dundalk to see Mr. Stephens, did not see him. 4th Very pleasant suns[h]iny day. Fetched Father and Mother out, drove them home in the eavning. <Q1 folio 38 verso> February 1877 5th Mild and rather inclined to be soft in the morning, got foggy in the afternoon and a frosty rind covered the trees. It is blowing a little now (9:15) P.M. and snowing some. Took in a small load of cordwood to the Station. Got the hind shoes taken off the old mare. Saw Step[h]ens, asked him for my money. He gave me an order on Mr. Brown for $30.00, says he will not give me any more as he paid me $20. before. He never paid me $20.00 and he is trying to cheat me out of my hard-earned money. Don’t know what to do about it. Told him I would sue him. I am thinking, though, that when he’s rogue enough to cheat me, he would swear a lie to carry out his roguery. I never got cheated before, nor never had any difference with any person about money matters. I and Mrs. Russell visited Mr. Lonsway’s tonight. 6 Rather colder than yesterday, but not so much as to be unpleasant. Wind blowing a little and soft this eavning, a small quantity of snow falling. Was hauling cordwood to Station. Sleighing pret- ty good. Mr. Kenneth Perry was here this eavning. 7 Mild day and a very slight mizzle of rain fell. Was hauling wood to Station. John Agnew was here this night. <Q1 folio 39 recto> February 1877 8th Very fine day, sun shone pretty strong in the forenoon. Was hauling wood to Dundalk. 9 Bright, sunny morning and the day continued warm. Bad sleighing in some parts. Was hauling wood to Station. Got the goods the Grange had sent for. 10 Fine morning, sun bright and warm, the day fine throughout. Hauled one load of wood to Station in the forenoon. Sold a ten cord pile to Mr. H. Graham* for $1.75 per cord. He said there would be about a cord of culls in it, for which he allowed me .50¢. I got a bolt put in the runner of the sleigh. Settled my account with Mr. Graham ($3.50), he gave me .50¢ worth sugar and a due bill for $12.25, being the balance due me on wood. [*H. Graham’s, Staple & fancy dry goods, 1877 list of businesses, History of Dundalk, p. 101.] 11th Sabbath. Mild day. Sun shone bright, thaw wind in the eavning. Nancy and Jim went to Melanc- thon. 12 Very windy morning and snow falling, continued stormy and cold all day. 13 Bright, sunny morning, but piercingly cold. The day ameliorated as the sun got up in the sky. Went to Mr. Agnew’s in the eavning and Witnessed a Deed and Lease. Skeffington Bell was there also and witnessed the same documents. <Q1 folio 39 verso> February 1877 �33 14th Mild morning and the day continued fine all through. Attended Council Meeting in Proton. Ap- plied to be assessor, did not get the office. Middleton went back on me. 15th Bright, sunny morning, the day continued fine all through. Went to Mr. May’s in the eavning. Sent off the amount of invoice for goods Grange obtained. 16 Rather fine morning, but there came on a snow storm with strong wind about 10. O’clock A.M. Soon cleared off. Nancy and I went to James Murphy’s.* Paid $10.00 at Shelburne on the note due 1st March next for a plow. Did not get the note. Mr. Corbett said the note was in his own house. Took a new note for $10.00 with 10 per cent interest. Gave me a receipt for the $10.00 paid and said he would send me the old note. [*Mrs. Mary Murphy is a cousin of Robert’s— probably the sister of his cousin William Russell who wrote him from Ireland; they live in Simcoe County, near Rosemont, just west of Alliston. Robert and Nancy pass through Shelburne on their way to the Murphy’s.] 17 Rather cold morning and continued blowing pretty strong all day, with a very sharp wind. 18 Sabbath. Snowing in the morning and continued so all day. Left James Murphy’s and came home, the roads pretty heavy. 19 Very sharp morning but the day ameliorated considerably. Went to Dundalk this afternoon. <Q1 folio 40 recto> February 1877 20th Sharp cold morning and continued pretty cold most of the day. The snow drifted, making the sleighing bad in the eavning. Took 19 Bushels and 20 lbs of wheat to Speeton Mills*, Artemesia. Got 720 pounds flour. Entered a case in Division Court against Mr. John Stephenson. [*Located within 1.5 miles of Flesherton—advertised for rent in Nov. 1885; see imag- es.ourontario.ca/Partners/GreyHighlands /GHPL002485236pf_0632.pdf Accessed 12 July 2017] 21 Very fine sunshiny day. Hunted up the colts in the forenoon and Mrs. Russell and I went to the Grange in the afternoon. 22 Beautiful day, sun warm and bright. Sun melted the snow so that it ran off the road in streams of water. Took 17 Bushels and 20 lbs of wheat to Speeton Mills, Artemesia. Got 680 pounds of flour. 23 Fine mild day, without either snow or rain. Did not do any work today. 24 Fine mild day all through, thaw wind, snow melting. Went to Mayburn and sent off for some goods for the Grange. Went at Night to John Ludlow’s. 25th Sabbath. Mild morning, but the day got rather chilly in the afternoon. Went to Melancthon and visited Brothers John and Sam, Father, Mother and Sister Margaret. <Q1 folio 40 verso> February 1877 26th Fine mild morning and the day continued pleasant. Went in the forenoon to Mrs. McCoy’s and settled with her for weaving done for us there. Was $1.40 remaining of last year’s account and $4.10 due for this year. I gave her a due bill which I held against Mr. Graham for wood I sold him. The amount remaining unpaid on the due bill is $7.25 which overpaid Mrs. McCoy $1.75 and this sum is to go towards next year’s weaving. The assessor was here today and assessed Lot 215 at $750, and Lot 216 @ $200. and my personal property at $140. Sum total $1090. The muly cow calved today. 27 Clear day, the sun bright and warm, continued fine all day. Went to Mr. Thomas Ross’ and pur- chased 2 Bushels Redchaff wheat at $2.00 per bushel. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us this eavning. �34 28 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine, although the wind was pretty sharp. Got Mr. John Ludlow’s note discounted by Mr. May: Note $110, Cash received $100. Paid my note for wagon to Mr. Norval of $50.00. March 1877 1st Very beautiful day, the sun clear and bright. Mrs. Russell and I went to see old Mrs. Talbot, who is very ill, this eavning. Mrs. Agnew was here today, also Anthony Trugon. The first hens’ eggs of the season obtained today. <Q1 folio 41 recto> March 1877 2nd Wet morning, rain and snow combined with a pretty strong wind, and continued a wet slushy day all through. The rain changed to snow in the eavning. Mr. James May’s Hotel, dwelling house and Post Office were totally destroyed by fire this morning about 7 O’clock. The fire originated, it is supposed, in one of the stove pipes. A good deal of household effects were saved, but a con- siderable portion of them was burned. The loss is very heavy on him as there was no insurance. 3 Snowy morning and continued so all day. The snow is pretty soft, does not appear as if it would last long. Went to the Station today for some dry apples. 4th Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Brother John and wife visited us this afternoon. 5 Cold, stormy morning and continued cold all day with snow falling. Went to Dundalk for the goods for Grange and distributed them to the members in the eavning, then sent away the price of them. 6 Very cold morning with Snow falling and the day got colder and stormier all through, snow fall- ing and the wind piling it up in heaps. Was around with a subscription list for Mr. J. May, got en- tered on the list $109.00 and $20.00 of this was paid in cash. I do not approve of the undertak- ing, as I think it will sting him afterwards. <Q1 folio 41 verso> March 1877 7th Cold stormy morning, the roads drifted up with snow. The storm abated as the day advanced and the sun shone out about noon. Was working in the bush helping to load saw logs for Mr. May, who had a bee. He had thirteen horse teams hauling logs to the mill and two yoke of oxen work- ing in the bush. 8 Very stormy morning, snowing and blowing. The snow came down very thick about 4 O’clock P.M. The snow has got to be a great depth again. 9 Very stormy morning and continued snowing and blowing all day. John Agnew and Robert Nes- bit visited us today. 10 Cold day but not so stormy as yesterday. The snow is a great depth at present. Not much traffic of any kind on the road today. Went in the eavning to the Post Office. 11th Sabbath. The storm is somewhat abated, the day, however, is pretty cold, the roads heavy. 12 Something milder this morning and the day was not unpleasant although the snow is deep. Went to the Grange and got some meal (corn) and two patented pails. 13 Bright, sunny morning and the day continued clear and fine all through, wind in the S.-E. Was helping brother John to load and unload cordwood. Mrs. Agnew Snr. and Alexander Patterson were here today. <Q1 folio 42 recto> March 1877 �35 14th Inclined to be a little stormy in the morning, some snow falling which was mixed with a little rain, the wind pretty strong. The day kept getting rougher and the storm increased till now (8) P.M. it is blowing and snowing at a furious rate. The roads are drifted full and the wind is whis- tling outside at no small rate. Was helping Brother John in the forenoon to haul wood with his team to the Station. He had to give up in the afternoon on account of the storm and also because he took a very severe sore throat. William Lonsway and wife were here today. 15 Pretty stormy morning and continued cold and blowing all day. Went to see Br. John. 16 Some improvement on yesterday, neither so cold nor stormy. Went in to see Brother John and Father and Mother. Brother Sam and wife and John’s wife came out here. Sam and I and John’s wife went to Dundalk. I sold a calf’s skin for .40¢ (in trade) and I bought 2 Bushels of Redchaff wheat at $1.35 per Bushel. 17 Bright morning, clear sky, but very sharp air. The day continued cold and clear all through. Helped John Agnew to clean grain in the forenoon. Went to the Post Office in the eavning. Mr. Chambers died. 18th Sabbath. Bright warm morning, sun shone, the day fine. Mrs. Russell, her brother John and I went to the wake of Mr. Chambers in the forenoon. In the afternoon Nancy went to Mr. Lonsway’s. <Q1 folio 42 verso> March 1877 19th Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine all through, inclined to be a little cold in the eavning. Was helping Brother John at his cordwood. 20 Clear bright sunny morning, sun shone all day. Capital sleighing at present! Was helping Broth- er John at his wood in the forenoon. Did not feel well in the eavning and stopped at home. 21 Windy and snowing in the forenoon. The afternoon was sunny and fine. Was helping brother John with cordwood in the eavning. Mrs. McCoy was here. 22 Mild morning with a rather soft wind blowing, the day continued fine all through. Was helping brother John at his wood. Mrs. Russell was at Mrs. McCoy’s quilting bee. 23 Bright sunny morning and continued fine all day. Was helping brother John with his wood. Sent to Clerk of Division Court for two summonses for witnesses. 24 Morning rather dull and overcast, sun shone a little about noon. Was getting out some Saw logs on Lot 36 Melancthon, assisted by brothers John & Sam. Slept at Father’s at night. 25 A little drizzle of sleet this morning and the day showed signs of a thaw. 26 Raining and sleeting alternately all day. Attended the Sch. Examination at Melancthon. The teacher is a bass wood one [?]. Went in the eavning and seen Br. John Express $50.00 to Rolf & Rolf[?], Toronto. <Q1 folio 43 recto> March 1877 27th Stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the roads heavy and the Snow soft underneath on ac- count of the thaw yesterday. The wind is very strong now (8:20) P.M. and the snow drifting. Went with Jim in the morning to School Sect. No. 2 Proton and in the eavning went to Mr. Hen- rick Lemcke’s sale. 28 Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing. The storm kept increasing all day and at this hour (10 P.M.) it is furious. Went to the Grange this eavning with John Agnew, did not stop any length of time as there was no likeliness of a meeting on account of the storm. Posted a letter to Brother William today. �36 29 Pretty sharp, cold morning, but the storm abated since last night. The sun shone out bright but the wind was pretty strong and sharp. The day got calmer towards night. Mr. James Wilson of Melancthon and Mrs. Agnew, Mr. A. Lonsway and Mrs. Lonsway were here today. 30 Bright sunny day and a pretty good thaw in the afternoon. Went to Dundalk in the eavning and bought a barrel of cornmeal @ $4.25 31 Morning inclined to be soft, a snow storm came on about one o’clock P.M. and continued for about two hours. Went to Mr. James Robinson of Osprey and bought Twenty-three bushels of oats at forty-two cents per bushel. Bought three pounds of nails at five cents per pound and paid four dollars on my Blacksmith’s bill. Went in the eavning to the Post Office. <Q1 folio 43 verso> April 1877 1st Sabbath. Bright, sunny morning, Sun remarkably strong and warm. Sky became overcast after dinner. Pretty sharp shower of rain near night, some lightening, quite a storm. Mrs. Russell, James, Eliza and I visited the folks in Melancthon. 2 Sharp morning, the wind cold, did not thaw much today. Bought one ton of hay today from Mr. Duggan @ $8.00. Went in the eavning to Silver Star Grange Meeting, accompanied by Mr. May. 3 Pleasant day, although the wind was chilly. Sun shone out all day long. Went to the back line, Melancthon. 4 Fine, mild morning, sun shone bright, the day fine all through, the snow thawed considerably. Brother John helped me fetch one ton of hay from Mr. Dug[g]an’s. I brought home the young cow, Violet, from John Agnew’s. Attended our Grange at night. 5 Snow falling this morning, thick and soft, cleared off about 8 O’clock A.M. Went to Mr. Robin- son’s, Osprey, for seed oats. Mr. John Conners hauled them home for me. Went in the eavning to brother John’s and helped him castrate his hog. John Agnew was here this eavning. 6 Nice sunny day, snow thawed a good deal. Was making spoils [=spiles]* for putting in the maple trees. Went to Mr. Fothergall’s [=Fothergill’s] and asked liberty to tap in his bush; leave granted. [*See 11 Mar. 1876.] <Q1 folio 44 recto> April 1877 7th Frosty morning but the sun shone out bright and clear, and the day became pretty warm. The boys, Mrs. Russell and I tapped some maple trees today. [in margin] First trees tapped. 8th Sabbath. Mild sunny day, the sun pretty warm, the day continued fine and thawing. Mrs. Agnew visited us today. 9 Bright sunny morning, although the wind was rather sharp. As the day advanced it got warm, the snow is melting away, but slowly. We were all working in the sugar bush. I went in to Melanc- thon with the team in the eavning. John Agnew and Kenneth Perry were here this eavning. 10 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued warm and fine, snow melting rapidly. Served summonses on three witnesses in the case which I have against John Stephens. The roads very bad, had to walk through water a good part of the way to one of their places. Mrs. Russell and the boys were in the sugar bush. Was summoned this eavning to attend Magistrates court at Flesherton to give evidence against Mr. May for selling liquor without license. Kenneth Perry was at our house this eavning. Seen five Robins today, being the first seen by me this spring. [in margin] Spotty & Violet calved. 11 A beautiful day, sun warm and bright. Attended court at Flesherton, was sworn whether Mr. May sold liquor on the 4th inst., or within thirty days of that time, in Proton, he having no licence for �37 that township. I had to tell the truth and Mr. May was fined $20.00 and costs. The informer, whoever he is, must be a mean, low skunk. John Agnew & K. Perry were here this eavning. <Q1 folio 44 verso> April 1877 12th Beautiful spring day, warm and bright, the sky blue and clear. Nancy and I were working in the sugar bush. The sap does not run well for so far. 13 Very lovely spring morning and the day continued fine all through. Nancy and I were working in the sugar bush till noon. In the afternoon went to Mr. Gallaher’s in Melancthon. The boys start- ed for school today, but could not get there on account of the roads being flooded over. Went to John Agnew’s at night and stopped there for about two hours. 14th Bright sunny morning and the day continued very fine all through, beautiful weather for this time of the year. Mr. Gallaher was here looking at some stock I had to dispose of. I traded him a colt two off [=not yet two?], four spring calves and an ewe for a first-class buggy and a sett of double and single harness. 15th Sabbath. Very beautiful day, the air mild and balmy, spring weather entirely! 16 Sky a little overcast this morning, and continued cloudy all day, a few drops of rain fell. Went to the sugar bush in the morning, and helped to start the fires and hang our kettles. Came home and hauled some rails and lumber off the ground I wanted to plow. Mr. Gallaher brought the buggy in the afternoon and took away his stock. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Wife and boys in the sugar bush. <Q1 folio 45 recto> April 1877 17th Beautiful spring day all through, sun warm and bright, got a little cloudy just at night. The boys and I gathered some rails from around the barn in the forenoon, and in the afternoon started to plow. The ground plowed nicely, no frost to an[n]oy one. Spring has commenced a great deal earlier this year than last. Two cows calved and one ewe lambed. [in margin] first plowing 18 Rather a cloudy cool day, with indications of rain. It kept fair to about 5 O’clock P.M. when it commenced raining, the eavning decidedly chilly. Was plowing today. One ewe lambed this morning. John Agnew was here this afternoon. 19 Cold, cloudy morning, with a raw wind. A slight sprinkle of rain fell in the forenoon, and in the afternoon there was a good deal of rain. Was plowing to noon, when it became too wet to con- tinue at it any longer. The ground is very wet today and plowing don’t go good. Was at John Agnew’s in the eavning. 20 Cold raw morning, but the day cleared off and got pretty fine and dry. Attended Division Court at Flesherton, settled my case with Stephenson, took his due bill for $17.50. The amount he owed me for wood was $20.00, but I wished to be done with law and so settled. 21 Warm, sunny morning and the day continued fine all through. Went to Dundalk and presented the due bill to Stephenson. He would not pay so I suppose I will have to sue him again. (What trouble!) <Q1 folio 45 verso> April 1877 22nd Sabbath. Beautiful day all through, sun warm and bright. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. James Trugon in the eavning. Brother John was here this eavning. 23 Very nice morning and a beautiful spring day all through. Sowed wheat and Jim harrowed. Mrs. Russell was in the sugar bush. Old Mr. Gott got his arm broke by one of his cows striking it when he was untying her. [in margin] first wheat sown �38 24 Very beautiful morning and the day continued charming all through. Finished sowing wheat (Eight bushels). Went to the Post Office in the eavning. 25 Beautiful day all through, the air mild and balmy, very spring-like. Sowed some pease. Mrs. Russell and I went to the Grange in the eavning. Seen two swallows today. [in margin] first pease sown; seen swallows 26 Rather sharp frost this morning, sun came out bright and warm, the day fine but the sky clouded over in the eavning. Finished sowing pease (15 bushels), Jim harrowed. Mrs. Russell, the boys and [I] sorted over the potatoes. They had kept pretty well in pits through the winter, about one twentieth of them was spoiled. 27 Fine day, although a little cool. Jim finished harrowing the pease in the forenoon, and plowed in the afternoon. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk in the eavning, and at night I drew up Mr. C. Bell’s will. 28 Very cool day and a cold rain at night. Was plowing today. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway visited us this eavning. <Q1 folio 46 recto> April 1877 29th Sabbath. Cool day but fair on till the eavning when there was some rain. A good deal of rain mixed with snow fell through the night. Mrs. Russell and I were in Melancthon today. 30 Cool day but varied occassionally by a shower of snow. Was plowing today. Brought the sugar kettles and barells out of the bush. May 1877 1st Cool morning and the day continued rather chilly all through. Was plowing. James made anoth- er start to attend School today. One of the cows did not come home with the rest and it gave us considerable [MS: of] trouble hunting her up. 2 Cool morning with a slight frost, but nothing to retard work. The day was clear but cool all through. Was plowing today. 3 Cool clear day all through till the eavning when the sky got clouded, and there was a slight fall of snow at night. Was plowing in the forenoon. Skidded up some logs which were in my road in the afternoon. 4 Cool clear day with some snow laying on the ground in the morning, which soon melted. Was plowing today. 5 Cool morning. The day got warmer and kept fine and dry. Sowed about 20 Bushels oats. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon to get Stephenson [to] pay due bill. Did not see him. Planted four nice plum trees which Mother had bestowed me. [in margin] first oats sown <Q1 folio 46 verso> May 1877 6th Sabbath. Fine day, clear and dry with a bright sun. Visited at Father’s. 7 Fine Spring day, warm and bright, ground dry and moldy, harrowed splendid! Was picking up roots in the forenoon. Harrowed some in the afternoon. John Charters was here wanting to buy a milch cow. 8 Cool day and a little cloudy. Harrowed in the forenoon, plowed some in the afternoon and sowed a bag of oats. 9 Cool cloudy day, plowed to 4:30 P.M. The old mare, being very heavy with colt, got tired and I unhitched for the day. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon, sent away for some Grange goods. �39 10 Cool, cloudy day with quite a sharp frost in the morning. It has been a very favorable spring for so far for seeding, but there is no growth on account of the coldness of the weather. Was plow- ing today and the three eldest boys were at school. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us this eavning. 11 Cool day but favorable for working. Finished plowing for oats and sowed and harrowed them. [in margin] finished sowing oats 12 Warmer than yesterday, sun pretty strong. Was plowing for potatoes. Went to see Mr. Stephen- son in the afternoon. Did not get my money from him. He offered me $8.00, would not accept it. He said he would fetch all of it to me next week. [in margin] first potatoes planted <Q1 folio 47 recto> May 1877 13th Sabbath. Very fine warm day. Brother John was here in the eavning. Mr. Jenkins’ little boy, aged about Eleven years, was buried today. He died of diptheria. 14 Warm sunshiny day. Was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon. The ground plows nice and mellow. 15 Rather cool morning, the sun shone out for a little, then clouded over. A slight mizzle of rain fell in the afternoon. Was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon. The four eldest were at school. 16 Sultry day, but a little cloudy. Was fencing. Brother John’s wife and Nancy shore the sheep. The four eldest were at school. 17 Sultry morning and cloudy, came on to rain about 10 A.M., a beautiful warm rain making vegeta- tion rapidly. The rain ceased about 2. P.M. Was plowing on Lot 220 till the rain stopped me. Harrowed a potatoe patch at home in the eavning. Mrs. Russell and I went to see old Mr. Gott at night. 18 Warm dry day with rather a strong wind. Good growth today. Was plowing at Lot 220. 19 Very warm day all through. Sowed five bags of mixed grain on Lot 220. Jim harrowed with Lotty, a two-year old filly, and Gerty. I came home and planted potatoes, and when finished went to Dundalk. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes <Q1 folio 47 verso> May 1877 20th Sabbath. Pretty warm day, got cloudy in the afternoon and a slight shower of rain fell. Went to see the folks in Melancthon. 21 A pretty sharp rain this morning before day. It cleared off and the day was dry all through. Plowed in the forenoon with the two young mares, plowed in the afternoon with the two oldest. Went to Mr. Lonsway’s tonight, got two bushels of pease from him at one dollar per bushel. 22 Cloudy cool morning. It came on to rain early in the morning, then cleared off. It was show[e]ry till about 2 P.M., cold rain and the night extremely cold. Was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon. 23 Very cold morning and frequent showers of snow through the day. It is cold enough now, (9:5) P.M., almost, for the month of February. There is snow sufficient to make a score of snowballs laying at the end of the milk house. Was at a Logging Bee at brother John’s. 24 Very cool day and continued cool and cloudy all through, sharp frost this morning. Finished sowing and harrowing mixed cattle feed (oats & pease). This winds up my seeding for the sea- son. The boys went a-fishing! 25 Cool day and cloudy, with frost in the morning. Turned over the potatoes. Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Mills and I went to Dundalk. Got some milk pans and boots and slippers. Fixed the milk house in the eavning and attended a Trustee Meeting at night. <Q1 folio 48 recto> May 1877 �40 26th Cool day, frost in the morning. Was repairing a fence today. 27 Sabbath. Very warm, dry day. Was hoping for some rain but it still seems to shift off. Old mare colted this night. 28 Very warm, dry day. Was helping brother John to rid up his bush fallow. 29 Dry, sultry day, and very hot. Was helping brother John at his fallow. 30 Sky a little overcast, no rain fell, dry and warm throughout the day. Was helping John in his fol- low. 31st Cloudy but dry and warm. Was helping John in his follow [=fallow]. June 1877 1st Dry and warm, but a little indication of rain. None came, however, through the day. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought a cow bell for .45¢ and a bell strap for .40¢. Brother Sam hauled me a barrel of Cornmeal I had obtained through the Grange. I took it back in the eavning as it was very inferior. Bought another Barrel at Station for $4.50 cash. 2 Slight shower of rain this morning, doing no more than mearly [=merely] wetting the leaves. Was helping Brother John today. <Q1 folio 48 verso> June1877 3rd Sabbath. Dry sultry forenoon. Got a little cooler in the eavning. Brother John and wife and Mrs. Samuel Russell were here this eavning. Rosey, a young cow, calved today. 4 Dry day with pretty strong wind. Was helping Brother John with his new fallow. 5 Dry day and pretty warm. Was at Joseph Bowler’s logging bee, putting in time for brother John. 6 Dry day and very warm. Was choreing around home today. A young heifer (Elly) calved today. 7 Dry day and very hot in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon was quite cool. Was at a raising at James Patterson’s of a hewed log dwelling house. 8 Pretty warm day all through. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, took two bags of Early Rose potatoes, sold them to Mr. May at $1.25 per Bag. 9 A slight rain fell this morning and the day continued showery to about 6 P.M. when the rain came down in right down [sic] earnest and continued raining most of the night. The ground was very dry and the grain and grass had much need of rain. Nancy and I took our wool to Flesherton to be carded. 10 Very cool morning and continued cold all day, with a slight shower or two of rain. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. James Dane [Daw?]. (Gerty) a young mare sprained her leg when going along the road and is lame. <centrefold Quire 1> <Q1 folio 49 recto> June1877 11th Quite cool and cloudy this morning and continued so all day. Jim, John, and I were picking up stones in Lot 220 Melancthon. 12 Cool cloudy morning with a pretty high wind in the forenoon. Slight thunder and heavy rain in the afternoon about 4 P.M. Mrs. John Agnew was very sick this night and I went to Dundalk to get some medecine for her. 13 Cloudy morning and the day not very warm. Was doing Statute labor for Lot 215 Proton. The boys made a start at plowing the summer fallow, but they did not succeed very well. 14 Clear sunny morning and the day very warm and dry. I was doing Statute labor for Lot 215 Pro- ton. Jim was plowing on Lot 220 Melancthon with brother Sam’s team. �41 15 Fine morning, heavy dew, sun rose bright and warm. Got very hot about 1 P.M., then followed a heavy shower or two accompanied by some thunder and lightening. Was doing Statu[t]e labor. Jim was plowing on Lot 220 with Sam’s horses. 16 Heavy dew this morning and a little cloudy. There was a slight mizzle of rain about 8 A.M., the day continued fair though dark. Jim was plowing on Lot 220, John, Clark and I were picking up stones which I consider pretty hard work. Still, the bible says “Man shall earn his bread by the sweat of his brow.” <Q1 folio 49 verso> June1877 17th Sabbath. Fine dry day and pretty warm. 18 Warm dry day, inclined to be a little cool towards sunset. Was helping brother Sam. 19 Cool cloudy day with a pretty sharp wind, got cold towards sunset. Was helping brother Sam. 20 Warm morning, the sun was bright and clear, the day remained dry although cool towards night. Chored around in the forenoon. In the afternoon Mrs. Russell and I went to Grange. 21 Rainy morning, but cleared off about 9 A.M., the day continued cloudy and cool. The boys and I fixed a fence in the forenoon. Took part of brother John’s lumber home to him in the afternoon. 22 Bright sunny morning, although cool and remained so mostly all day. Very cold just now, 11:45 P.M., and every indication of a frost. Was fixing stone boat and making bars[?] today. 23 Bright sunny morning, in fact too much sun as there was a very severe frost last night wilting down the potatoes to the very ground and injuring grain and grass. Jim, John and I were picking stones on Lot 220. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. I posted a letter to Broth- er William. 24th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and a pretty warm day. Mrs. Russell and I went to the funeral of old Mrs. Thomas Talbot. <Q1 folio 50 recto> June 1877 25th Rather cloudy day but dry all through. Was plowing in summer fallow on Lot 220. Went in the eavning to Post Office. Heard wolves howl tonight. 26 Cool morning and the day not very warm, a slight shower of rain about noon. Was helping brother Samuel today. 27 Bright sunny morning, although the sun clouded over during the day, but it was very warm with indications of a thunder storm. I was at a logging bee at John Agnew’s. Mrs. Russell and family were at a Pick-Nick of the Sabbath School Scholars on Lot 220 Melancthon. 28 Bright morning, the sun shone out strong and warm. Was doing Statute labor today. 29 Slight shower of rain this morning, just enough to lay the dust for a little while. I was doing stat- ute labor today. 30 Cloudy warm morning and continued so to about 10 A.M., when there came on a very nice rain which continued about one hour. There were spells of very warm sunshine through the eavning and I got the benefit of it as I was in John’s clearing, on the edges of his bush, helping him to put a fence round his barley. This night is very cloudy and black, with a pretty high wind. The air is close and very warm. <Q1 folio 50 verso> July 1877 1st Sabbath. Some slight showers of rain fell during the day. A fine growing day. 2 Pretty warm day all through. Was helping Brother Samuel to log. I slept at Father’s. �42 3 Cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain fell during the day, wetting the ground pretty well. Was at a logging bee at John Mills’ lot in 5th Range, Melancthon. 4 A very warm morning and the heat kept increasing to about 2 O’clock P.M. It was almost un- bearable. I felt more oppressed with the heat today than I did any other day so far this summer. Brother John was making me a gate. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I traded my buggy to Mr. John Hanbury for seventy-five dollars worth of work to consist of lathing, plastering and mason work. Brother John stopped here tonight. 5 A pretty warm day but not so hot as yesterday. Brother John finished the gate and gate posts. We hung the gate and I fixed the fence to it. 6 Clear warm day, although a little cloudy, a few drops of rain fell during the forepart of the night and it looks like more. Was fixing fences today. Jim was plowing. Went to Dundalk in the eavning. <Q1 folio 51 recto> July 1877 8th Sabbath. Pretty warm day with indications of thunder and rain in the south, though none of the lat- ter fell here. 9 Warm day with a little wind. It got quite cool in the eavning. I was hoeing potatoes, assisted by John. Jim was plowing. The crops are doing well for so far but the frost has consid[e]rably in- jured the potatoes. The hay crop will be very light on account of the dry spring. 10 Pretty warm day although cloudy with a rather brisk wind. The eavning got chilly, almost cold enough for frost, but happily there was none. I was at Samuel McDowell’s logging bee. Jim was plowing, John and Clark were hoeing potatoes. 11 A very fine day, a little cloudy with a little wind, not quite so cold this eavning as it was yester- day eavning. I and John were hoeing potatoes, Jim and Clark were plowing. 12 Fine, pleasant day, a little cloudy but dry and warm. I and all the family went to a pick-nick at brother John’s. [The Glorious 12th! John Russell was charter member, John Agnew first Master, of Loyal Orange Lodge No. 797, Proton District; History of Dundalk, p. 168] 13 Pretty warm day, the roads remarkably dry and dusty. John and I were hoeing potatoes. Jim and Clark were plowing. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 14 Dry morning, sun bright and warm, tokens of rain about noon, small shower fell about one O’clock. Sowed five acres of turnip seed, hand cast on a piece of old land I had summer fal- lowed. <Q1 folio 51 verso> July 1877 15th Sabbath. Warm day, the sun a little obscured with clouds. 16 Very warm in the forenoon, the afternoon was somewhat cooler, the sun got overcast and rain fell slightly. Was mowing on Lot 220. Miss Mary Trugon disappeared yesterday eavning from her home. Her parents are very anxious about her and are looking everywhere for her. [in mar- gin] First mowing 17 A pretty nice shower very early this morning, but it soon cleared off. The day was fine and breezy. Was mowing today. Jim helped mow some. Nancy and John raked hay in the after- noon. My hay crop is very light, I think not more than between seven or eight hundred weight to an acre. The hay crop in general is light on account of the exceedingly dry time which we have had. Mr. Trugon got intelligence of his daughter today: she is west[w]ard bound, going through Proton in search of employment. �43 18 Rained very early this morning, but cleared off a little after daylight. Came on to rain again about 9 O’clock A.M. It stopped raining after a little. The afternoon was showery and it is now, (8:40) P.M., raining pretty briskly. I and Jim were mowing today. Mrs. Abbott came along in the eavning to enquire about the money for some goods she had sent through the Grange to To- ronto. <Q1 folio 52 recto> July 1877 19th Wet morning, but cleared off soon. Went in to the back line this forenoon, mowed on Lot 220 in the afternoon. The boys raked hay in the eavning. 20 Slight showers of rain fell all through the day. I mowed and the boys chored around at home. 21 Bright sunny morning and a fine breeze of wind drying the hay nicely. I helped Brother Sam to rake hay in the forenoon and in the afternoon I helped him to haul in. Nancy and the boys were raking hay on Lot 220. Sabbath 22 Very warm forenoon, but a slight shower fell during the afternoon, cooling the air considerably. William Lonsway was here a short time today. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway. 23 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm. I was hauling in hay, assisted by Brother Sam with his team. Nancy and the boys were raking. We hauled home five loads and stacked it. 24 Bright sunny morning and the day continued pretty hot all through. Was mowing on Lot 220, the boys were making [sic=raking?] hay in the afternoon. 25 Very fine day but extremely hot, especially about one o’clock P.M. The sun went down under a bank of clouds, indicating rain soon. I was mowing today and the boys were raking hay. <Q1 folio 52 verso> July 1877 26th A pretty sharp shower about 6 o’clock this morning. Was mowing on Lot 220, the boys were raking in the afternoon. Mrs. William Lonsway gave birth to a daughter* on this day [“this day” stricken, “yesterday” written above line]. This day excessively sultry and hot. [*Annie, daugh- ter of Robert’s sister Margaret.] 27 Cloudy morning, with thunder and lightening very early. There was a pretty brisk rain about 9 A.M. The day was cloudy all through. Was mowing on Lot 220 Jim also mowed some, and he and his mother raked hay after supper. 28 Bright sunny morning but the sky got overcast and was cloudy, the day was very sultry all through. I finished mowing today. Nancy and the boys raked and put in hand shaking.* [*making by hand small mounds of hay, called cocks, with a lateral hole in the middle to allow drying, and a smooth top to repel rain. About ten pounds of hay are picked up by hand and light- ly shaken, then shaped into cocks. See The Belfast Monthly Magazine 7 (1811), 139.] 29th Sabbath. Warm day with a shower of rain in the morning. Went to Father’s and stopped all night there. 30 Bright sunny morning, although the day got a little cloudy, there was no rain. Brother Sam hauled hay for me today. I forked on and built the stack. Nancy and the boys raked up about an acre and a half in the forenoon. 31 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine and very hot. Was helping Brother Sam at his hay. The boys, James and John, were helping Brother John. <Q1 folio 53 recto> August 1877 �44 1st Bright sunny morning and the day very warm. Was helping Brother Sam at his hay. The boys were helping Brother John. 2 Clear morning and the day continued fine. Was helping Brother John to haul the hay, the boys also were helping him. 3 Clear cool morning, almost cold enough for frost. The day was pretty windy. Was helping Brother John to haul in hay. He has a remarkably good crop, about 15 tons on 12 acres. 4 Very cool morning. I think there was a slight frost this morning but I was not up early enough to see. The day got pretty warm. It is cool at present (10. P.M.). I went to Dundalk today, got my boot fixed, seen about some lumber. There was quite a bit of excitement at Dundalk on account of the fire burning so close to the village, the wind being strong and everything so dry. The boys had this for a play day. Sabbath 5 Bright morning and a dry warm day. Nancy went to see Mrs. W. Lonsway. 6 Dry day, and pretty warm, wind in the N. W. Brothers John and Sam helped me to take out some barn timber. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway were here this [“morn” stricken] Eavning. 7 Foggy morning, but sun soon dispersed the fog, dry and warm with some wind in the N. W. Sold four Lambs at $2.50 each. Nancy drove them to Station. Brothers John and Sam helped me to take out barn timber. <Q1 folio 53 verso> August 1877 <insert><Letter inserted between pages 53 verso, 54 recto> “ Shelburne P. O. / Aug. 6th 1877 / Robert Russell / Dear Sir / By all means go up to Dr. Christoe for examination and comply with every request from the Department as the more strict they are, the more likely you are to succeed if Dr. Christoe reports favourable / Yours truly / John Barr Md” [See above, 6 June 1876; Dr. Barr was later MPP, then MP, for Dufferin; see Adelaide Leitch, Into the High Country, pp. 211, 222, 262-4; Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 42.] <end of inserted letter></insert> 8th Very misty morning, caused, I think, by the great number of fires around, which are filling the air with smoke. The vapor cleared off about 8 A.M., the day was pretty hot, wind in the N. W. John and Samuel were helping me to get out barn timber. Albert Bowler, a young man of about 20 years of age, who has been deranged in his mind for some time back, was sent to the Asylum to- day. 9 The morning a little cloudy, wind from N. W., dry day with a very slight shower about one P.M. Was helping Brother Sam to do road work today. 10 Quite a cool morning, with a heavy fog. Nancy and I went to Flesherton. I had a medical Exam- ination passed on me by Dr. Christoe. He said I had an enlargement of the heart. While I was at Flesherton I purchased a small spirit level for .25¢ and a mink trap for .30. When we came home I went to Dundalk and purchased a manure fork for $1.10. Brother John stopped here tonight. 11 Very misty morning, almost like rain. The day kept dry and pretty windy, wind in the N. W. Went to Archie McAulay’s raising in the morning. Helped John who was working at a barn for me in the eavning. Mr. Lonsway was here a few hours tonight. Sabbath 12th Rain very early this morning, but faired up pretty soon. Brother John’s wife was here this eavning. I went to Mr. Clements Bell’s in the eavning. [Clements Bell is father of Skeffington Bell] <Q1 folio 54 recto> August 1877 �45 13th Misty morning, but no rain fell during the day. Jim, John and I were pulling pease. Brother John was working at a post Barn for me. [in margin] First pease pulled 14 Wet morning and had rained a good deal through the night. There were some slight showers through the day. I was throwing out manure where the foundation of new barn is. Brother John was working at Barn, the boys were choring around. 15 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry, although the sky got overcast early in the day. There were dark, heavy clouds to the South and east and thunder rolling in the distance. Wind in the East. Jim, John and I were pulling pease. Pease are very light and full of thistles, I think, on account of me having the ground plowed the fall before and not plowing it again in the spring. Nancy took the team and the three youngest of the family and went to Proton to Widow Swee- ny’s for her yarn which she had left to be spun for her. 16 A little wet this morning and the day got very show[e]ry. I and Johny were pulling pease part of the time. Jim was helping Brother Sam. Brother John was helping at the Barn. 17 Dark morning, but no rain fell, the afternoon was dry and very warm. Was helping at the barn. Made a bee and put on the plates, long girts* and rafters in the afternoon. Messrs. Lonsway, Mills, Russell, Trugon, Russell, MacAulay, Agnew and Self composed the gang. [*plate, girt and rafter are technical terms for members of a frame building: plates are long beams going end to end of the building, to support the base of the rafters, which rise up to the peak and support the roof; girts are long beams (on top of the posts) that go from side to side across the end of the barn] 18 Bright, Sunny day. Helped at the barn. Jim helped Sam. <Q1 folio 54 verso> August 1877 Sabbath 19th Warm sunny day. Mrs. Russell went [to Church of] E[ngland] Church. 20 Bright sunny morning, the day very hot. I went in the morning to Kenneth Perry’s and employed him to cradle oats for me at .50¢ per acre. Then went to Brother Sam’s and borrowed his horses to haul lumber for me. I hauled three loads from McDowell’s mill. 21 Warm day, in fact, hot. Hauled one load of lumber today. I bargained with McDowell that he would lend me the logs to winter and I would pay him for the sawing. When I came to settle with him, he charged me $8.00 per thousand for the lumber, took $3.00 per thousand for the saw- ing, and says I must put in logs in the winter for the other $5.00 per thousand. He went back on his bargain and served me very mean. I got 2700 feet from him. I was pulling pease in the after- noon. Brother John was working at the barn, Jim was helping Brother Samuel. 22 Bright morning but the sky got overcast in the N. W. and threatened rain. Pulled pease in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped John at Barn. Jim helped Samuel. K. Perry began to craddle for me this morning. 23 Bright sunny morning, and the day continue[d] fine. Was helping brother John at my barn in the forenoon. Hauled in some pease in the afternoon but the horses were all wild and unmanageable. In fact I think some of them were baulky, did not come much speed, broke the hames.* Got Kenneth Perry’s oxen at night. They hauled in two loads. [*hames, part of horse harness, at- tached to the collar, and to which tugs are attached.] 24 Bright morning, but there came on a very heavy rain about 6 P.M. K. Perry was cutting my wheat. Nancy and I were binding, assisted by John and James. <Q1 folio 55 recto> August 1877 �46 25th Rather misty forenoon with a sprinkling of rain occassionally. Was cleaning out the barn this forenoon, in the afternoon Nancy and I bound some wheat. Bargained with Kenneth Perry: I gave him a black Ewe, valued at $5.00 and he cut me three acres of wheat and is to make me enough shingles to cover a building 20 x 16 in the clear, I to help saw the shingle stuff and to board him. I also further bargained with him: I gave him two spring calves for which he is to make me ten thousand of shingles sixteen inches long, I to help saw the timber and board him. The former shingles to be made any time this fall, the latter to be made some time through the winter. Sabbath 26th Bright morning but the day was rather cool and windy. Nancy and I went to Zion church. 27 Bright warm day, but rather windy to about 5 P.M. K. Perry finished cutting oats for me today. Borrowed Brother Sam’s horses, hauled in a stack of hay out of the yard. The boys finished the hauling in the afternoon. Nancy and I bound oats in the afternoon. John & James went to the back line. The water is got very scarce and the cattle are suffering some. One of our cows did not come home last night and when she came this morning she was in very great pain. Her body was all covered over with lumps as large as marbles. She appeared to be choking and would uri- nate or try to continually. We thought she had been poisoned, she swelled a great deal. We mixed about a tablespoon full of mustard in a cup of cold water and poured it into her. She got better soon after and appears to be all right now. <Q1 folio 55 verso> August 1877 28th Bright morning but the sky got overcast towards noon. There were [sic] some thunder and light- ening accompanied by rain about one o’clock. Was helping brother John to harvest his barl[e]y in the forenoon, Jim and John were also helping. Helped him in the afternoon to make a road to the barl[e]y through the bush to haul in. 29 Wet morning, the grain too damp to bind. Cleared off. Nancy and I bound oats in the afternoon, assisted by Jim. 30 [Bright stricken] Very misty morning, the grain quite wet. Kenneth Perry cut the remainder of the wheat. Nancy and I bound it. James, John and Clark were hauling in wheat with Mr. Perry’s steers. 31 Very wet morning and the day continued show[e]ry. Done no work today, did not feel well. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning. September 1877 1st Damp morning, the grain not fit to tie to about 11 O’clock. We were all binding and stooking from this hour till night, at oats. It has commenced raining again (8:50 P.M.). Sabbath 2nd Cool day, but no rain fell. Brother John visited us today. 3 Showery in the forenoon, fair in the afternoon to about 6 O’clock, then rain. Nancy and the boys bound oats in the afternoon, I was logging at Mr. A. Lonsway’s <Q1 folio 56 recto> September 1877 4th Rather dull morning but the day broke up fine. Nancy and the boys bound oats in the forenoon, I logged at Mr. A. Lonsway’s till noon. Then he came with his team and finished hauling in my wheat and also hauled in some oats. 5 Misty morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell. Mr. A. Lonsway hauled in oats for me during the forenoon. This finished my harvest, except some cattle feed that I have still to cut. Brother John came here in the afternoon, was preparing to put in a thrashing floor in the barn. He hitched up �47 Gerty to pull some sleepers. The mare was wild and he beat her which made her worse and at last she would not pull any for him. I think he done wrong. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. 6 Rather misty morning, but no rain through the day. Was helping Brother John to harvest his bar- ley. The boys were pileing [sic] up some manure at home. 7 Misty, rainy-like morning, several little skiffs fell during the day. Was helping brother John to haul in his barley. John and Jim also helped. 8 Very fine, bright morning, the sun shone out fine and clear, the day warm and dry all through. Brothers John and Sam were helping me mow some mixed feed. John got sick in the forenoon and had to go home. The boys, Jim and John, were hauling in a hay stack with Sam’s team. 9th Sabbath Very pleasant day, dry and the sun bright and warm. Went in the afternoon to see old Mr. Clements Bell who is very sick. Father visited me today. <Q1 folio 56 verso> September 1877 10th Rather misty morning but the sun soon got out and the day was dry and warm. Wind in the S. E. Brother John was helping me to mow some mixed feed. The three boys were raking it up. Water is very scarce now, not near enough to wash, water cattle, and scarcely enough to make the meals. The night is cloudy with signs of rain. I hope there will be a good shower. 11 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Was helping A. Lonsway to log, Boys raking mixed feed. 12 Misty morning and very heavy dew. Sun got out strong and warm. A. Lonsway with team helped me haul in mixed feed. Boys raked up. 13 Bright sunny morning, and a very sultry day. Scarcely done anything as I was not well. The boys and wife were at Mother’s for plums, then they drove to Dundalk. 14 Dry day and pretty hot. Nancy and I went with a headstone and placed it over Baby’s grave* in Armstrong’s Grave Yard. We went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Old Mr. Clements Bell died this day. [*the grave of their first child, Robert Clark Russell, who died in infancy, b. 7 June 1862, d. 10 Sept. 1862, buried Inistoge Cemetery.] 15 Bright sunny day and warm. Nancy and I went to Mr. Bell’s wake in the afternoon. The boys raised potatoes. 16 Sabbath. A very slight shower this morning. Nancy, James and I went to Mr. Bell’s funeral. 17 Misty morning, and there was a nice shower in the eavning. Nancy and I went in the afternoon to an Apple paring at Mr. A. Lonsway’s. The boys were raising potatoes. <Q1 folio 57 recto> September 1877 18th Fine morning, but there came on a little sprinkling of rain about 10 A.M. John and I were help- ing Brother John in the forenoon and Brother Sam in the afternoon to thrash. James had the team to J. Mills’ thrashing. 19 Very fine dry day. I went to help Sam to thrash, was not able to on account of sickness. John helped him. James had the team at J. Mills’. 20 Fine morning. Nancy and I went with the team to Shelburne to see Dr. Barr.* He said I had a little heart disease and that my body was weakened down to nothing. He gave me some mede- cine and said I was not to work any till I got strong. It began to rain in the afternoon and rained quite sharp in the beginning of the night. Brother John was here all night. [*See above, 10 June 1876, and letter, 6 Aug. 1877.] �48 21 Dry sunny morning. Went to Brother Sam’s and the boys and John cleaned nine bushels of wheat. I took it to the mill in the afternoon. The boys helped John to put in his straw. 22 Dry sunny morning. Nancy and the boys took the team and went to Dundalk for the grist left there yesterday. The boys left their measure for a pair of boots each. They hauled some stove wood in the afternoon. 23rd Sabbath. Dry day and pretty warm, everything is scorched up with the excessively dry weather. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning. <Q1 folio 57 verso> September 1877 24 Very fine morning, dry day and windy. The boys were raising potatoes. 25 Dry day, hot and windy all through. Boys were fixing up the potatoes. In the afternoon we lit up some brush and logs around the swamp. 26 Dry day and warm. Boys were digging for water. 27 Dry, hot day. I went in the forenoon to get help to thresh. In the afternoon the machine came, threshed about four hours, then had to go to blacksmith’s to get some part of the machine fixed. 29 Dry, hot day. Thrashed till about 2 P.M., when they got done. Pease turned out poorly, oats and wheat turned out well. The boys and team helped Mr. Lonsway to thrash in the eavning. 30th Sabbath. Very hot and warm. October 1877 1st Dry day and very hot. Went with Brother John to Melancthon Council and became one of his sureties for the collection of Township rates. The boys and team were with Mr. Lonsway. 2 Dry, hot day. The boys and Nancy were putting the straw into the barn. I helped a little. 3 Dry, hot day all through. Water remarkably scarce. Had to drive the cows to John Foster’s spring for a drink. The boys, Nancy and I put in straw. Brother John dug me a hole to get water but it caved in at once. <Q1 folio 58 recto> October 1877 4th Rain this morning and pretty heavy. Kept coming a little through the day, cleared off in the af- ternoon. Cold this eavning. Went to the Station in the afternoon. Seen Sir John A McDonald on his way to Owen Sound. 5 Cool morning and a pretty heavy rain in the afternoon. Nancy and I went to Owen Sound on the Excursion to hear Sir J. A. McDonald. 6 Cool day, with some rain. 7th Sabbath. Cold day and show[e]ry. 8 Cool day and a little show[e]ry all through the day. Went in to Melancthon today. Mrs. Agnew* died this night at about 10 O’clock P.M. of Cancer in the Stomach. [*Mother of Nancy Agnew Russell, wife of Robert Russell.] 9 Showery cold day all through. 10 Cold day and raining. 11 Cold wet morning and the rain came down incessantly. Mrs. Agnew was buried today. [Buried in Gravel Road cemetery, Melancthon, Lot 295, Con. 1 ETSR, adjacent to 156407 Highway 10; now inactive, 64 monuments preserved; see https://brucegrey.ogs.on.ca/wp- content/uploads/sites/7/2017/09/Melancthon-Cemeteries.pdf] 12 Fair day, but cold. Took 5 Bushels and 15 lbs of wheat to the mill today. �49 13 Fair day and moderately warm. Pitted up the potatoes for the winter. They are a very poor crop. The boys fitted up an old house for a pig pen and we put the hogs up to fat. <Q1 folio 58 verso> October 1877 14th Sabbath. Dry, warm day all through. 15 Dry day with the exception of a slight shower at noon. James started to plow today, being the first this fall. 16 Cool day, but dry. The boys plowed till noon, then went to the show fair at Dundalk in the after- noon. Nancy and I took in 526½ pounds of butter and sold it for .17¢ per pound. There was a great gathering at the show fair and so far as I could judge from appearances it was financially successful. 17 Cool day, but dry. Jim was plowing in Melancthon. 18 Cool day and show[e]ry. Jim plowed till noon then took some yarn to the weavers. I went to the mill for a grist that I had there. 19 Showery morning and a good deal of rain had fallen through the night. I plowed in Melancthon today, being the first day’s work I have done for a long while on account of being weak and not fit. John was at Mr. Trugon’s threshing. Jim was choreing around home. 20 Rather cool day and a slight rain in the morning. Was plowing in the forenoon and in the after- noon attended a trustee meeting. 21st Sabbath. Cool day but dry. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to hear Mrs. Agnew’s funeral sermon preached by Mr. Williamson. <Q1 folio 59 recto> October 1877 22nd Cool forenoon but dry all day. Was plowing . The boys were choring around home. 23 Very fine day all through, resembling Indian Summer. Was plowing, the boys were choreing around home getting wood. Nancy went to Dundalk. 24 Very fine warm day and dry. Got a little foggy towards eavning. There was a slight rain at night. I was plowing, the boys were choring around home. 25 Cool day and a slight mizzle of rain in the afternoon. I was plowing. The boys were choring around home. 26 Cold morning with a pretty hard frost early in the morning. I was plowing today. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us this eavning. Bother John had one of his lambs killed on my lot this morn- ing. His sheep are pasturing with me and some animal, most likely a lynx, killed the lamb. 27 A slight frost this morning, but the sun shone out strong and the day was very pleasant. I was plowing today. The boys cleaned up some pease and Jim went to the Weaver’s for the full cloth in the afternoon. 28th Sabbath. Misty morning, the day dry but close and sultry. Mrs. Russell and I went to Sister Mar- garet’s. 29 A little cool this morning, no frost, dry and cool. Was plowing. Phebe was here today. The boys were cleaning off some rubbish of wood where the old stable was on Lot 220. <Q1 folio 59 verso> October 1877 30th Very fine day, the sun shone out bright in the eavning. Was plowing today, and a very nice day it was for the work! 31 Dull morning, with a very slight rain. Went to plow but there came on a pretty wetting shower of snow and rain. I plowed for about two hours, then unhitched. The day continued showery all �50 through. I fixed the pen for the fattening pigs in the eavning. James and John are helping Broth- ers John and Sam. Nancy was at Mrs. Mills’ sowing [=sewing] bee. November 1877 1st The ground covered with snow this morning, but about noon it had all disappeared. The after- noon was foggy and warm. I was fixing at a pig pen in the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned a grist for the mill. James at his uncle Sam’s. Nancy in at Eliza['s] getting her dress cut out. 2 Very rainy morning and continued a wet day all throug[h], Snow and rain mixed pretty well in the afternoon. I was choring around home. 3 Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing, which it continued doing all day. There is now, 7 P.M., about three inches of snow on the level and it is still increasing. I only done the necessary chores today. 4th Sabbath. Snowy day, the snow about one foot deep. One of our cows eat[sic] too many turnips in the field today, and with the cold and turnips she swelled up so that I had to kill her. Mr. Lon- sway and Henry helped me to Skin her. <Q1 folio 60 recto> November 1877 5th Very stormy all day, snowing like fun and blowing strong. Went to Dundalk with three quarters of beef and the cow’s hide. Got six cents per pound for the hide and Four cents for some of the Beef per pound and five cents for some. 6 Cold day and pretty stormy. Was fixing the stables. 7 Bright sunny morning, and a very pleasant day, snow going fast before the sun. Took one bag of Red River wheat to Dundalk mill. It turned out well, more than forty pounds per bushel. James and John hauled some rails in the eavning. 8 A slight rain in the morning, which increased to a heavy rain, and kept at [it] all day long. It is raining steady now (8 P.M.) and the snow is going fast. The boys hauled a load of rails from the back field to the garden. James Mills brought me ten bushels and forty-nine pounds of pease which I had purchased from him yesterday at Fifty-five cents per bushel. 9 Cold morning, with some snow falling, the day pretty cold all through. I fixed the garden fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon. The boys were hauling wood. 10 Fine sunny morning, and the day continued fine all through. I took the number and dimensions of some saw logs which I had cut and went to Dundalk in the eavning to see Mr. Cross, Builder, about putting me up a house. I exchanged four pounds of tea with Mr. Brown which I had pur- chased from him. It was bad and the tea he gave me is no better. The boys were hauling wood. <Q1 folio 60 verso> November 1877 11th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued mild and warm, causing the snow to thaw. The old mare got at a quantity of pease I had fed to the fatt[e]ning pigs. She ate a quantity of them, the[y] caused her to swell. I thought she would have died. We poured about a pound of melted butter in her and I walked her around for about three hours, when she got better. 12 Very mild morning and the day continued mild and thawing . Helped brother Sam to put some hay out of a stack into his stable lofts. 13 Nice mild morning, the snow still thawing, the day fine all through. Butchered some hogs (8), assisted by Brothers John and Samuel. 14 Very fine, mild morning and the day was warm and bright all through. Butchered three hogs this morning, assisted by Brother Samuel. Took them to Dundalk in the afternoon. They weighed �51 Ten hundred and thirty-four pounds net. I got Four dollars and Eighty-seven and a half cents per hundred for them, making $50.40. I purchased a throat latch for $0.20 and a breast strap snap for .05¢. 15 Wet morning and continued very showery all day. Went to Flesherton with a Grist, 9 Bushels and 20 pounds Red River wheat, got 390 pounds flour. Also took some cloth to the mill to be fulled. Brought home Mr. Lonsway’s cloth. Nancy and Clark were at Flesherton also. She trad- ed off some butter, only got 16¢ per lb for it in trade. Better markets at Dundalk. <Q1 folio 61 recto> November 1877 16th Very fine dry morning and the day was mild and warm for this season of the year. John, Jim and I were helping Brother John to settle up his turnips and potatoes. 17 Pretty nice morning, although no sunshine. All the frost and snow have disappeared. The eavning got cool and there was a shower of rain, also some pretty large hail stones. The wind is very high now (8) P.M. I finished my fall plowing today: it was sod and it ploughed very well. [in margin] Plowing 18th Sabbath. Very cold day, the ground frozen quite hard and a piercing wind blowing. Visited Mr. Lonsway’s. 19 Cold morning but on towards noon the day ameliorated and was quite pleasant in the eavning. Went to W. Henders to see about getting him to skid Saw logs for me. Then went to Dundalk, then came home and from thence went to Joseph Lepard’s. [Surname Lepard (but not Joseph L.) is in index of History of Dundalk]. 20 Bright sunny morning and the day continued very fine for this season of the year. The boys and I were cutting some shingle timber in the bush. It was very hard to get. The bush has been culled and we did not come much speed. Mrs. Lonsway visited us today, so also did Mrs. Skeffington Bell and Miss Sarah Bell. 21 Cold raw morning, sharp frosty wind. The day got a little milder towards noon. The boys and I were getting out shingle timber. I attended a Trustee meeting at Mr. May’s this night. <Q1 folio 61 verso> November 1877 22nd Rather misty morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell once and again through the day. The boys and I were getting out Shingle timber. Mr. William Henders bought the spring colt from me for $27.00 to be paid in a year. [in margin] Sold spring colt 23 Misty morning but a very mild day for this season of the year, dry and rather sultry. The boys and I were taking out Shingle timber. Nancy went to Dundalk this eavning. 24 Very Rainy morning and the day continued showery. Sold a cow and three spring pigs to Mr. John McDowell. I asked $25.00 for the cow, he offered me $20.00. He said he would give me $1.00 each for the pigs. I told him they were worth about .75¢ each. He finally gave me $25.00 for the cow and I bestowed him the pigs. Mr. Lonsway was here this afternoon and Nancy and I went to his house at night. We all had ourselves weighed there. I weighed 147 pounds and Nan- cy 132—the lightest she has been since I re[me]mber. Must eat more and fatten up. It won’t do for her to go round being so light the wind might lift her and carry her off! [in margin] Sold cow 25th Sabbath. Misty morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell all through the day. Visited Mrs. Clements Bell, Nancy and I. 26 Rather dull, misty day all through with a little rain. The boys and I were getting out Shingle tim- ber. <Q1 folio 62 recto> �52 November 1877 27th Rainy morning, but dried off so that the boys and I went and cut some logs for Joice [=joists]. John Agnew came here this eavning. 28 Pretty cold morning, quite a hard frost with a slight sprinkling of snow on the ground. The day remained cold and freezing all through. Still, there were a good many plowing. I went in the forenoon and helped John Agnew to saw three cherry logs that were in his way of plowing, and in the afternoon went in to Brother Sam’s. William Henders came here today and said he had heard that the colt he purchased from me was ruptured and spavined. I told him that if it was ruptured, and that he would get Mr. Sloan of Eugenia to casterate it in the summer, and the colt died through the effects of the rupture, that I would return him his note. I slept at Father’s to- night. 29 Very cold, freezing morning and the day remained cold all through. Helped Brother Samuel to Butcher six pigs. Jim took Mr. Henders his colt today. 30 Very cold morning and the day continued so with some snow falling. It is now snowing at 9 P.M. Was choring around home today. Brother John is stopping here to night. <Q1 folio 62 verso> December 1877 1st Very cold morning, sharp frosty wind, the day ameliorated a little in the afternoon. Helped Mr. A. Lonsway to kill a beef in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and my brother Sam helped to kill and dress one for me. I went to Dundalk with the hide, got 6½ ¢ per pound for it, and it brought me $5.35. 2nd Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was pretty sharp all through. 3 Cold morning, but the day got a little milder in the afternoon. Chored around home. Sent Mr. J. McDowell the three pigs he had purchased from me. Mr. Isaac Coote, an old Settler on Lot 36— 4th Range, New Survey, Melancthon, with his wife and family left here for the State of Michigan where he intends settling. 4 Misty morning and wet afternoon. Mr. W. Henders was skidding saw logs for me today with his oxen, at $1.50 per day. He came at 8:40 in the morning. James, John & I collect the logs. We skidded 41. 5 Misty morning and the snow all gone. Commenced to rain about 8 A.M. and rained on till about 11. The sun then came out for a while, but the afternoon was cloudy and cold. Mr. Henders was skidding logs, worked to about 8, then took shelter from the rain in the bush. Came home after a while, it was then 9:10. Had an early dinner, started to work about 11, finished 2:30 P.M. Put up 35 logs. Mr. A. Lonsway helped me from morning, and John Agnew from 11 O’clock. <Q1 folio 63 recto> December 1877 6th Cold morning and a little snow on the ground, the day passibly mild. The boys and I were cut- ting roads in the bush. 7 Cold morning, with a little more snow, the day cold all through. The boys and I were cutting roads in the bush in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Mr. W. Henders brought two Sheep here today to let them stop with the ram for a few days. 8 Cold morning and the day was rather chilly, with several showers of snow, drifting fiercely. Got home the sheep from John Agnew that I had got from him some time ago for a sett of second hand harness. Jim and I hauled some shingle timber out of the bush home in the afternoon. �53 Sleighing very bad and the bush very rough. Johney went to Dundalk to get his boots mended. Mrs. Russell and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s tonight. 9th Sabbath. Rather cold morning and the day was chilly all through. Hitched up the team and Nancy and I went to Melancthon. I heard today that John Patterson, a former pupil of mine, and now about 28 years of age and a Miller working in Orangeville, was severely injured by the explosion of the boiler of the Mill. His leg had to be amputated. 10 Rather milder this morning than yesterday, a little snow falling now and then, but very bad sleighing. Nancy and I went to Melancthon. I helped brother John to kill a beef. <Q1 folio 63 verso> December 1877 11th Nice mild morning and the day continued soft and thawing. Sleighing nearly all gone. Went to Dundalk and contracted with Mr. Cross to do the carpenter work of a new house, 21 X 27 feet and 16 feet high, he to do all the carpenter work and to provide the pine lumber that would be re- quired, and to board himself, I to provide the Hemlock lumber and shingles. His price for it is $142.50, I to pay him $82.00 when the work is completed and the balance the following January. And he is to do all his work in a workmanlike manner, and not slight any portion of it. This was fair day in Dundalk. Cattle sold cheap, good fat cows that would weigh about 500 lbs dressed meat at from $20. to $18. 12 Very nice morning and the sun shone out for a while, almost like Indian Summer. The day was beautiful all through. The boys and I were helping John Agnew at his threshing. Nancy was helping to cook. 13 Rather mild day for this season of the year, with rather a high wind in the eavning. Was choring around today, did not feel well. 14 Sharp, frosty morning, although the sun shone out bright in the forenoon. Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk in the forenoon and at night she and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s. 14 Mild morning, and the day got pretty warm with a soft wind. The snow has disappeared, and cattle are out in the fields grazing. Went to Dundalk. The boys sawed some posts. Brother John was here this eavning. <Q1 folio 64 recto> December 1877 16th Sabbath. Very fine day, mild and warm, the sun hazy, giving one the impression of Indian Sum- mer. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here. 17 Very nice morning and the sun shone out bright and clear. The day was beautiful all through. Mrs. Russell and the boys took some beets to Flesherton, but they only succeeded in selling .60 cts worth, no sale for beets. 18 Cold morning and the day continued very cold with a sharp frosty wind. The ground as hard as a brick. It commenced raining at night. 19 Rainy morning, the day misty all through, the roads quite soft. I went to a Grange meeting but there was not a quorum. Nancy went to Mr. Bell’s. 20 Soft morning, the snow all gone, roads bad and the ice coming out. Started to haul shingle tim- ber to the mill. Took two small loads. The roads very bad. 21 A slight sleety rain fell this morning. The day was foggy and mild all through, the roads in a fearful state with mud. I have heard that some people are plowing today. 22 Nice mild day, like a day in Spring, foggy, close and warm. Went to Dundalk to Settle the plan and kind of house Mr. Cross is to build for me, and also got some shingles sawed at the Mill. The boys were gathering stones today. I saw a man plowing. Brother John is here this eavning. �54 <Q1 folio 64 verso> December 1877 23rd Sabbath. Very fine mild day, but a little misty. Brother Sam and wife and children were here to- day. 24 Rather misty morning, but the sun shone out about 10 A.M. The day was mild and balmy, like to any day in spring. Took four bushels and thirteen pounds of Red chaff wheat to Dundalk Mills, got 150 pounds of flour. The roads are so bad that the empty wagon is enough for a team to haul. 25 Christmas, and such Christmas weather I never seen in Canada, not a particle of snow to be seen in the fields or on the roads, the day close and warm with a slight sprinkling of rain now and then. Mrs. Russell and I, with William and Eliza, spent our Christmas at Mr. A. Lonsway’s. Jim, John and Clark went to the Sabbath School social at Dundalk. 26 Mild day with rather a close mist prevailing most of the time. Mr. A. Lonsway helped me to butcher two pigs in the forenoon and in the afternoon he hauled one of them to Dundalk for me. I had sold it to Mr. Cross, Builder, for $5.00 /100 per cwt. It weighed 253 pounds. I attended [MS attendended] a meeting of the Grangers, when they chose another secretary in my place. The Grange, I honestly believe, is a fraud and for all practical purposes I have disconnected my- self with them The boys were picking stones of[f] the field today. 27 A very fine day all through, a little misty. The boys and I were hauling out manure with the wagon. <Q1 folio 65 recto> December 1877 28th A remarkably fine morning and the day continued bright and warm. The sun shone out clear and strong. The boys and I were hauling out manure with the wagon. George Kirby was here today. 29 A fine mild day all through, this weather surpasses anything for mildness that the oldest inhabit- ant has ever seen. Mrs. Sweeny was here today. The boys and I were hauling out manure with the wagon. 30th Sabbath. Cold raw day, freezing a great deal. Mrs. Bell and Skeffington and wife were here. 31 Cold day and some snow falling. Went to James Kinnear’s, Lot 35 Melancthon and drew up his Will for him. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk. January 1878 1st Cold day, snowing a little and freezing a great deal. Went in to Melancthon in the forenoon. Mr. Lonsway and Wife and Henry were here at night. 2 Very cold morning and some snow falling, the day extremely cold all day, the coldest this winter for so far. Went to R. Campbell’s, Blacksmith, paid him $10. 00/100 on Act., purchased 10½ pounds of Binding chain from him at 10¢ per pound. He to put a ring on one end at 12¢ and a grab hook on other at 25¢. 3 Cold day all through, with a little snow falling. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. <Q1 folio 65 verso> January 1878 4th Cold morning and the day continued so. Went to Mrs. Sweeny’s and paid her $3.50 for [weaving stricken, above:] spinning. The three eldest boys were at School today. 5 Cold morning, the day cold all through, a little more snow on the ground. The boys and I were hauling out manure with the sleigh. Nancy and two of the boys and I attended a prayer meeting at night at Mr. Clipperd’s. �55 6th Sabbath. Cold day all through, with a little snow falling. Nancy and Eliza went to Melancthon. 7 Very cold morning and the day continued so. Went to the Voting in Melancthon and Proton and voted. The boys at school today. 8 Rather cold day all through. Prepared my vouchers for the Auditors. The boys at school today. 9 Mild morning, the snow soft[e]ning, the day mild all through. Drove Nancy in to brother John’s. He and I then went to the Annual Meeting, from thence I went to Mr. Kinnear’s, fixed his Will. Then I took the team and went with John to Shrigley Post Office where some money awaited him as Collector of Township taxes. Came from there to John’s, then home. 10 Mild day, the snow disappearing fast off the road. Went to Dundalk, Nancy and I. Bought ½ Brl flour, took it to Sister Sarah’s. John sent her a bag of potatoes. Poor Sarah, she has the most miserable and poverty-stricken life imaginable. <Q1 folio 66 recto> January 1878 11th Mild morning, although there fell a pretty brisk shower of snow during the night. The day was fine all through. Jim is sick with something like a cold. Isabella Montgomery, a young woman about six miles from here, died with diptheria today. 12 Fine mild morning, the day pleasant all through. Went to Brother Sam’s to a wood bee. Jim and his mother went to the weaver’s. 13th Sabbath. Cold blustering day, with a slight mizzle of sleet. I and Nancy went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. 14 Rather mild day, with a little sleighing as some snow had fell during the night. Took in some shingle timber to the Mill, about ¾ cord. Brought away some shingles which I had got cut (11 half squares). Went to Mr. R. Cam[p]bell’s, blacksmith, and got him [to] cut the Lampers* in my colt’s mouth. [*a lump or ridge in a horse’s palate, related to the eruption of teeth; sometimes causes difficulty in eating; often treated by burning or cutting; see Burney James Kendall, A Treatise on the Horse and his Diseases (Claremont, N. H., 1878, p. 22); and http://equimed.com/diseases-and-conditions/reference/lampas (accessed 18/7/2017).] 15 Cool day, but not so cold, sleighing something better. Went to the Sawmill in the morning, put one log on the gangway. In the afternoon fetched three logs out of the bush as far as the house. Nancy helped me. 16 Fine mild day, sleighing pretty good. Was hauling saw Logs to the mill. George Hanbury of Dundalk died today. 17 Rather sharp morning. The day got warmer towards noon. Was hauling logs to Mill. Nancy helped me to load them. 18 Mild morning and the day pleasant all through. Was hauling saw Logs to Mill. Posted a letter to Brother William today. <Q1 folio 66 verso> January 1878 19th Mild morning and the sun came out bright and strong about noon, causing the snow to melt and run down the roads. Sleighing completely gone. Hauled 3 Logs from the bush and 2 to the Mill. 20th Sabbath. Soft day all through. Some soft snow fell in the afternoon. Mr. John Mills, an aged man and a mason and plasterer, working at Mr. James May’s, died today. 21 Mild morning and the day continued soft all through. What little snow was on the roads was so soft that the Sleighs cut through when the[y] went on it. Brother Sam helped me fix my barn doors [“(doors” written at end of previous line]. �56 22 Mild day to about noon, when it commenced snowing and blowing, which increased as the day advanced, till the storm rose to a fearful pitch at night. Was helping Brother Sam to cut fire- wood. Stopped at Father’s all night. 23 Fearful cold morning and the day all through continued freezing something like Greenland. The coldest day for so far that has came this winter. 24 Not near as cold a day as yesterday. The wind rather soft and indications of a thaw. Our youths have all went to the Sabbath School Social. 25 Mild morning, but some soft snow falling through the day. Asked some help for a Bee to haul saw logs. 26 A Good deal of Snow fell through last night and today. The wind pretty strong in the eavning. Boys and I fixed some skids. Took some wheat to Mill in eavning. Went from there to a trustee meeting. <Q1 folio 67 recto> January 1878 27th Sabbath. Rather a mild day, inclining to be a little soft. Brother Sam’s wife had a male child this morning. 28 Cold stormy morning, the wind piercing sharp, the day very cold all through. I had a bee today, hauling saw Logs from the bush to the house. There were Skeffington Bell and team, Brother Sam and team, John Agnew and team and my own team. Of rollers there were James Patterson, Brother John, Andrew Lonsway, Joseph Jackson and Mr. May’s man. Mrs. Agnew and Mrs. Lonsway were helping in the house. We got 63 Logs hauled and skidded at the house. 29 Cold morning, but the day ameliorated towards noon, and became pleasant in the eavning. Was hauling logs to Sawmill. 30 A very cold morning and the day was piercing cold towards night. Hauled logs to Mill in the forenoon. Brother Sam’s Baby of [dittog.: of] three days old died this morning and was buried in Father’s garden between the second and third poplar trees at the South-East end. Nancy and I were at the burial. 31 Very cold morning, cold noon and cold eavning. Sleighing pretty well gone on the hill sides. Was hauling logs to Mill and also hauled one load of wood to house from the bush. The wind is rising at present, 8 A.M. [sic=P.M.?]. Sold a firkin* of butter to R. Cross, Builder, for (.18¢) Eighteen cents per pound. The gross weight was 59 pounds. [*a firkin is ¼ barrel] <Q1 folio 67 verso> February 1878 1st Very Stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the storm abated about noon. Was hauling logs to Mill in the afternoon. 2 Not near so cold as yesterday, the sun came out bright and strong. The sleighing is excellent. Was hauling logs to the mill and also hauled some lumber home. Mr. J. Agnew is here tonight. 3rd Sabbath. Very nice, mild morning, the sun shone out bright and strong about 10 A.M., the day fine all through. Brother John was here this day. 4 Nice mild morning with a mist which soon dissapated, the sun shone out clear and warm, melting the snow and causing bad sleighing on the hills. The snow is very light for this season of the year and the days are a great deal like spring. I think the snow is not more than seven inches deep in the bush. I was hauling logs to the mill. 5 Mild day, although somewhat colder than yesterday. The snow wasted a little today. I was haul- ing logs to the mill. I put in old mare in order to rest the colt. She done pretty well. �57 6 Pretty sharp morning, but the sun came out strong about noon and the snow was so light on the slopes of the hills that it soon melted away. The water was running down the hills on the road in the afternoon, and in many places the roads were bare of snow. I hauled logs to 2 O’clock A. M [sic=must be P.M.], then drove in to Dundalk. 7 Splendid morning, the sun rose strong and bright and shone all day, the snow melted very rapid- ly. I hauled some firewood from the bush. J. Jackson and J. Patterson were here this eavning asking for subscription for C. Minister. <Q1 folio 68 recto> February 1878 8th Very mild morning, the sun out and the snow disappearing, with quite a strong wind, the day very mild all through, in fact, like a spring day. I was chopping logs to make battons [=battens] of. W. Lonsway and family and wife, with Mr. A. Lonsway and wife, were here today. 9 Very cold morning, the wind in the north, in fact we are transported from the tropics to the polar region in the Single space of one night! The day did not improve any and as night drew in apace one got closer to the stove. Ah!, what comfort there is in a red-hot stove a night like this. It commenced snowing about 5 P.M. and is now indulging in the same gai[e]ty, with a rather sharp wind blowing. I was at Brother Sam’s and Father’s today. Mrs. Russell went to the weaver’s for cloth. 10th Sabbath. Cold, freezing day, pretty sharp wind with snow falling most of the day, but drifting so that it done the roads little good. Brother John was here today. 11 Very sharp morning and the day continued cold all through. Sleighing bad, roads rough, and the frozen lumps sticking up. I was hauling logs to the mill. 12 Mild morning and the day continued fine all through. Sleighing getting a little thin on the roads. Dundalk cattle fair was held today, no buying worth mentioning. I was hauling saw logs to the mill. 13 Very mild morning, indications of rain, the sun shone out very bright and warm about 11:15 A.M. Brother Sam helped me fix my wood rack. He and I then took a load each of cordwood to Dundalk from his place. Sleighing all gone at C. McConell’s hill. My co[l]ts could not pull the load at this place on account of no shoes on them. Sam took me up. All the family but myself are at the C. of E. Sabbath School Social tonight at Gott’s O.[range] Lodge. [in margin] John Gott married to Miss Glazier [?too miniscule to read] <Q1 folio 68 verso> February 1878 14th Mild morning and the sun shone out clear and warm about 10 O’clock in the forenoon. The day continued fine all through. Was helping Brother Sam to swamp out Cordwood. Went to Skeff- ington Bell’s at night. 15 Very fine morning, the sun shining like a day in Spring. The day beautiful and clear all through. It is remarkably pleasant weather. I was helping Brother Sam to swamp out cordwood. 16 The sun rose bright and warm this morning, but clouded over after a little. The clouds disap- peared about 10 O’clock A.M., when the day became very pleasant. I was helping Brother Sam- uel to swam[p] wood. The Assessor for the Township of Proton was here today and assessed Lot 216 [sic:= 215?] at $450 and Lot 216 at $100. He also assessed my personal property at $120., Sum total $670, and put 4 days of Statute labor on me. 17th Sabbath. Mild day all through. 18 Sharp, frosty morning and continued cold to about 10 A.M., when the Sun shone out. I was get- ting some saw logs off brother John’s place, assisted by Brother Samuel. �58 19 Sharp, cold morning, but the day ameliorated about 10 A.M., and became mild and warm. There was a snow storm at night. I was getting out saw logs off Brother John’s lot, assisted by Brother Sam. Mrs. Samuel Russell was at our place today. Skidding logs is pretty heavy work, as my bones ached in a manner that was not pleasant. <Q1 folio 69 recto> February 1878 20th A little more snow on the ground this morning, but the sun shone out in the afternoon, melting it off the roads. Very strange winter, very mild and delightful weather for cattle, or men working, good for all purposes except teaming, and there has been scarcely any sleighing worth [doing?] during the winter. Locomotion is performed by both sleighs and wagons. The back liners use sleighs on their roads, the Gravel road people mostly waggons, while those who live south, when they visit this locality invariably fetch their wagons along. I went with Brother Samuel today to Mr. Doyle’s mill to see if the roads through the fields were passible, or if the mill was sawing, or would saw. 21 Very dull, dark morning, sky lowring. Rain came on slightly about 10 A.M. and continued all day. Hauled two loads of Saw logs for Brother Sam to Doyle’s mill. 22 Wet morning and very stormy night before, wind high. The day continued wet all through, rained without ceasing. Brother John stopped here tonight. 23 Snow falling this morning, although very soft, not much account for sleighing. It kept snowing less or more all day. The boys and I Cleaned up about 20 Bushels of wheat for the mill. Mr. Best of Artemesia was here today wanting to buy my young mare. He offered me $80., I wanted $100. John Agnew traded off his farm of 218 acres in Proton to a Mr. Tho[ma]s Arnold for 100 acres, improved farm with good buildings, in Essa.* Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s this eavning. [*Essa Township, Simcoe County, just west and north of Alliston, ON.] <Q1 folio 69 verso> February 1878 24th Sabbath. A little snow fell now and then through the day, but it was rather Soft and not of much use to help the sleighing. 25 A slight skiff of snow in the morning and continued snowing some all day. Hauled a load of Saw logs for Brother Sam in the afternoon. 26 A bright, sunny morning and as the sun rose in the sky, the snow began to dissapear, not much sleighing at night on the travelled roads. Took 21 Bushels and 52 lbs of wheat to Feversham mill. Nancy went with me, I only got 787 pounds of flour, but the miller said that the bolt had went wrong and that he would make it up, 40 pounds of flour to the bushel, which he did al- though I told him that I thought my wheat would not make 40 pounds to the bushel. I lost a bag at the mill through some means. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. 27 Fine bright sunny morning and the day was one of spring-like aspect. Hauled a load of saw logs for brother Sam in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, Sam and Mr. A. Lonsway and I made a sleigh track through Mr. Adams’ bush, coming out on the Gravel at Mr. Kenneth McAulay’s bars [=type of gate?]. Sleighing is all gone on the roads so we had to try this expedient! Maple sap ran in a proper streem [sic] today. 28 A little cooler this morning, but the Sun soon got out strong. Sam and I hauled some saw logs today. We got through the bush very well, but in crossing E. Noble’s lot at the beaver meadow the horses broke down through the ice. We were trying to get to the mill this way, but the road is very bad and dangerous, we will have to give it up. A credit sale of stock at John Conners’ this day. �59 <Q1 folio 70 recto> March 1878 1st Cold, raw morning and there was mostly a chilliness in the air all day. Snow is completely gone off all the leading roads. Took my waggon in to Sam’s and left it for him. Helped Brother John to haul in some turnips, he gave me about half a sleigh load home with me. One ewe lambed. 2nd Close, damp-like morning, rain came on about 11 AM and continued for about two hours. It then cleared off, but late in the eavning it commenced raining again. Went to Dundalk today and put my lands into the hands of Mr. A. G. Hunter* to sell for me. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. [*A. G. Hunter, Commissioner in the Queen’s Bench, listed in 1877 Dundalk Guide, as well as Rutherford & Hunter, General Agents, land, loan and insurance; see History of Dundalk, p. 101. George Rutherford is mentioned frequently as insurance and mortgage agent: see 19 June 1876, 2 Mar., 5 Apr., 22 May, 30 Aug., 24 Sept. 1878, 10 June, 3 Sept. 1881, 19 July 1882.] 3rd Sabbath. A Slight drizzle of rain this morning and continued so to the afternoon when it turned to snow, which it continued on to night. Nancy and I went to Melancthon. I went to see John Pat- terson at his Brother James’. 4 Snow falling very slightly this morning, but the wind so high that it is blown off the roads. A Strong wind and a little snow all day. Was at John Agnew’s helping him clean up grain. Sarah Nethercut, a girl of about 15 years of age, daughter of William Nethercut, died this afternoon of Billious fever.* [*Common diagnosis in 18th & 19th C. for fever accompanied by nausea. Bili- ous fever is often stated as cause of death (e.g. A. Lincoln’s son, Willie, died of bilious fever); it covers a wide range of conditions and diseases, including viral hepatitis and bacterial septice- mia.] 5 A little sharp this morning, but the sun soon came out, accompanied by a thaw wind which took the little mite of snow off the roads. Pretty high wind in the eavning. Jim and I took the team and went to the Sawmill early in the morning, as I was to get this day’s sawing. But the shaft of the machinery had got broken the eavning before and the Mill was not working. The boys and I took out some logs for joice [=joists] in the eavning. <Q1 folio 70 verso> March 1878 6th A fine bright sunny morning. The day continued clear and beautiful to the afternoon, when signs of rain began to appear. Rain fell after dark in a copious shower. The boys and I were hauling home some sleepers for the proposed new house. Mrs. Russell went to Sarah Nethercut’s funer- al. Brother John stopped here all night. 7 Rather cloudy this morning. The day was sultry all through. The roads are almost impassible on account of the mud. The snow has almost dissappeared from the fields, and spring-like weather to all appearances is on us. No open winter like this has occured in my memory in this part of Ontario. 8 Bright sunny morning, the day continued fine and bright all through, such warm weather as might be expected in the middle of April. We tapped 70 Maple trees today. Sap ran pretty well. All hands were in the bush with the exception of Clark who was at school. [in margin] First ma- ple trees tapped 9 Dull misty morning, but the sun came out after a little and the day got pretty hot. I was helping in the Sugar bush to about 3. P.M., then went to Dundalk. 10th Sabbath. A very fine morning and the sun shone out very strong and warm. In fact, the day had more of the warmth of June than March about it. �60 11 A little cool and misty in the morning, and got colder towards night, neither rain nor snow but a cold wind. I helped John Agnew to clean grain. <Q1 folio 71 recto> March 1878 12th Misty morning, but the sun got out from behind the clouds now and then through the day. Close and sultry towards noon. Misty, with a slight mizzle of rain at night. Pretty high wind after dark. The snow is all gone from the roads, fields and bush, a little may be seen in the fence corners and swamps. The ground is almost fit to plow. James and I were gathering stones and hauling them in heaps. John and the others, except Clark (who was at school), were in the sugar bush. 13 Rain pretty steady all through the day. Boys went and got their boots mended. Nancy [wen stricken, written above:] was at her brother John’s sowing. Brother John was here today. 14 Snow falling, morning, noon and night. The boys went to School today. Nancy was at her brother John’s today. Mrs. John Agnew slept here this night. 15 Pretty deep snow on the ground this morning, but very soft and slushy. John Agnew and family moved away today to the Township of Essa. I took home Brother Sam’s sleighs and brought back my waggon. Mr. Thomas Arnold, that has got John Agnew’s place, stopped here this night. 16 Mild morning and the snow has pretty much disappeared, the roads are extremely bad. A slight rain fell for about three hours during the day. I hauled a load of furniture from the Station to Mr. Arnold’s. There were seven teams. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here this afternoon. All the family but myself were in the Sugar bush. <Q1 folio 71 verso> March 1878 17th Sabbath. Mild morning and the sun shone all through the day, causing it to be pleasant and warm. 18 Rather hard frost this morning, but the sun soon got out, me[l]ting it. The day was very warm about noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon I borrowed 274½ feet of lumber from Mr. Lonsway. Jim and John were making molasses. 19 The ground covered with snow this morning, to the depth of about three inches. It melted away, however, through the day and had entirely disappeared at night. There is, however, more snow falling now (9:15 P[written on top of A]. M.). I was helping Brother Sam to clean oats. The boys were making molasses. 20 Cold morning, but after the sun got up pretty high it became warm, especially in the sunshine. The day was clear and pleasant all through. I was helping Brother Sam in the forenoon to clean up oats, and in the afternoon, he came and made two grain boxes for me. 21 Dark morning, and the day continued dark and muggy all through. Cleaned up oats at home in the forenoon and in the afternoon made a grain box. There is some snow falling this night. 22 The ground covered with snow this morning, but after the sun was up some time the snow gradu- ally disappeared. The day was pleasant and fair all through. The boys and I cleaned up oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon I made a grain box. I have about 240 bushels of oats. We fin- ished cleaning them today. <Q1 folio 72 recto> March 1878 23rd Mild morning and the day continued warm all through. Maple sap ran well today. Jim and his mother were in the Sugar bush. The others and I were cleaning up wheat. The Melancthon as- sessor was with me today, and assessed my 50 acre Lot, $550.* I went to William Lonsway’s this night and sat up with him, attending to him as he has the Diptheria. [*Lot 220 Melancthon.] �61 24th Sabbath. Very cold morning, with a slight, sharp snow falling, blowing strong and freezing fierce. About as cold a day as came all winter. 25 A Sharp, cold morning, snowing and freezing. The Snow, however, don’t amount to much, as the wind blows it into the fence corners about as soon as it falls. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here this eavning. 26 Cold morning, but the sun got out and the snow disappeared about noon. There came on quite a wind and snow storm about 9. P.M. I went to Dundalk today and purchased three pairs of gaiter boots for the boys from Mr. Hanbury at $1.75 a pair. He is to take three cords of cordwood for them next winter. Mrs. Russell and I were at Mr. Arnold’s this eavning. John Agnew and his daughter, Annie, were here tonight. 27 About three inches of snow on the ground this morning. The sun got out and melted the snow all away before noon. The boys and I were hauling cordwood out of the bush. John Agnew and Annie here tonight. 28 Snow on the ground all day, after the snow storm last night. It is soft and not any good for sleighing, the day mild. John Agnew went away today. I brought up his cupboard and put it into our house. We had to cut some off it. <Q1 folio 72 verso> March 1878 29th Some snow on the ground this morning and the day continued a little cool, although the sun melted some of the snow. I and Clark were in the sugar bush. Nancy was to see Mrs. Arnold in the forenoon and in the afternoon came to the bush. Mrs. Mary Murphy* came here about 11 O’clock tonight. [in margin] First robbin [sic] seen / Canadian Bond / out. [*a cousin of Rob- ert’s, visiting from Simcoe County.] 30 Cool morning, some snow still remains on the ground. There was a pretty sharp, cold wind blowing mostly all day. I went to Dundalk and purchased 12½ bushels of barley at .40¢ per bushel, the merchant to take oats for the barley and allow me .30¢ per bushel for them. The boys were in the Sugar bush today. 31st Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, although a little sharp. The day continued fine all through. Nan- cy and I went to Mr. Arnold’s and from thence in to Melancthon. Mrs. Mary Murphy here to- night. April 1878 1st Very beautiful morning, and the day was clear and warm all through, quite balmy and Spring- like. A great many of the neighbours have started plowing. Mrs. Murphy left for home this morning. Nancy and I were in the sugar bush, Jim and John were gathering stones. I went after night to sit up with W. Lonsway’s sick*, but they had no need of me so I came home. [*see above, 23 March. William Lonsway’s diphtheria may have been passed on to his wife Margaret (Robert’s sister) or their children.] 2 Bright sunny morning and the day continued one of sunshine and warmth. Nancy and I were in the sugar bush. Jim and John were gathering stones, and in the evening they went with the team to Mr. May’s and bought two bushels of lime at 15¢ per B. <Q1 folio 73 recto> April 1878 3rd Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm all through. The boys were gathering stones on Lot [216 stricken] 220. I went to transact some business up the road in the forenoon �62 and in the afternoon pickled and limed 12 Bushels of wheat for seed. [in margin] One lamb to- day 4 Bright sunny morning, and the day was beautiful all through. I sowed 12 bushels of wheat on Lot 220, Jim harrowed. Nancy and John were in the sugar bush, and Clark at school. [in mar- gin] First wheat sown 5 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued dry and warm all through. I sowed 8 bushels of wheat today on Lot 220, which finishes my sowing of wheat for this season. Jim harrowed and John & Clark gathered stones. The ground does not mould any with the harrows, as it is sod which was plowed last fall, and the frost at nights wets [MS: weets] it so that it does not dry soon. Mr. George Rutherford* was here in the eavning and transacted some business for me with Mr. A. H. Hope of Hamilton. [*probably connected with the sale of land; see 2 March 1878, above.] I lost the best of my ewes [the stricken, insert] last night through her drinking a lot of salt and water in which I had pickled the Seed wheat. I put the Sheep all into the barn and accidentally I forgot to remove the brine. They all drank it and one of them died. The others are sick enough, but very dry. I am keeping them shut up and giving them a little water occassionally. 6 Sharp frost this morning, and the day continued pretty cool all through, especially so in the eavning. I went in the morning to Dundalk and purchased three bags of barley. I then went to Archy McAulay’s Raising of a log barn. Jim was harrowing, and John gathering stones. <Q1 folio 73 verso> April 1878 7th Sabbath. Frost this morning, but the sun rose bright and clear, and the day continued fine all through. 8 Frost this morning, but the sun rose bright and clear, the day got very warm about 10 A M. In the eavning it got rather cloudy and chilly. Jim finished harrowing the wheat ground today. John and I were gathering stones. Nancy in the bush. 9 Cloudy morning, the sky overcast and lowring, a slight rain came on about 10 AM, which in- creased towards noon. It then faired up for a little and began again and kept at it pretty steady tonight. It is now raining some (8:15) P.M. and all indications of a wet night. Jim was plowing this forenoon, John and I were gathering stones. This was the first plowing we done this spring, although the ground was fit to plow ten days ago, but we were busy putting in some wheat on ground we had plowed last fall. The neighbours in general are all commenced seeding. It has been splendid weather for so far, nothing at all to equal it for an early spring in my recollection. Henry and James Lonsway were here this eavning. Nancy is Sick with Sore throat and pain in her bones. [in margin] First plowing 10 Rather wet this morning, but the rain somewhat faired off about nine O’clock. There was a slight mizzle throughout the day. Jim was plowing from about 9 AM., John and I were gathering stones. Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Lonsway were here a short time this eavning. <Q1 folio 74 recto> April 1878 11th Quite a cool morning and rather breezy throughout the day. A fine day for a team to work. Jim was plowing, John and I were gathering stones. The ground is drying nicely. 12 A slight frost this morning and the day was quite cool all through. Jim was plowing, John and I were gathering stones to about 5.0 P.M., when we started to look for a stray lamb, but we did not find it. Mrs. Russell, in company with Mrs. [Lonsway stricken, inserted above] Arnold, visited Mrs. Lonsway this eavning. James Patton and James Kinnear were with me this eavning for me �63 to sign a petition addressed to the Judge, asking him to be as lenient as possible in passing sen- tence on Mr. James May. Poor May was convicted of perjury. His enemies have prevailed at last against him. I am morally certain that he is not guilty of perjury, but his enemies, after years of watching and annoying him in every shape, have at last entangled him in the meshes of the law. 13 Cold morning, with a slight sprinkle of rain. The day continued cool all through, with pretty high wind in the afternoon. Jim was plowing, John and I were gathering stones. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here a short time this eavning. Another lamb was take[n] today, I think by the wild cats, as I found fresh blood leading in to the swamp immediately after missing the lamb. 14th Sabbath. Rather cool morning, the day cool and dry. Mrs. S. Russell and Brother John and wife and John Jackson were here and Mr. Arnold and his Father, and Brother John’s two boys. [in margin] First cow calved <Q1 folio 74 verso> April 1878 15th Rather cool morning and the day continued cool and dry. Jim was plowing, John and I were gathering stones. 16 Cool morning, but the day warmed up beautifully and was splendid all through. I went to the Station and bought a ¾ inch auger for .40¢, coming home I also bought from a man who was go- ing to Dundalk 7½ bushels of Early Rose potatoes at .35¢ per B., and 6 bushels of White caps* for .30¢ per B. Jim was plowing. I was helping Mr. Arnold to put up a back Kitchen in the af- ternoon. [* white caps are split peas with seedcoat attached; see http://www.spokaneseed.com/ corefiles spokaneseed/products/SSCO_Product_Specification_for_SPLIT_PEAS.pdf] 17 Fine cool morning, but the day got warmer and continued very pleasant throughout. I shore [=sheared] a ram and yearling lamb in the forenoon and John and I sorted our seed potatoes in the afternoon. The ram’s fleece weighed 11 pounds and the lamb’s 6½. Jim was plowing. 18 Cool morning, dry sunny day with a moderate wind. Went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the morning for 6 Bushels of pease that I bought of him at .60¢ per Bushel. Brought them home and sowed them. Jim was harrowing. John and I were picking stones in the eavning. The sky is overcast this eavning and there are indications of rain. [in margin] First pease sown / Full moon yesterday morning 19 Rain early this morning, but it soon faired up and the day became dry with a good growth, the eavning got a little cool. Jim was plowing today, John and I were gathering stones in the fore- noon and in the afternoon I went [to] help raise a frame barn at Mr. John Ludlow’s. One of the men (Mr. William Gallaher) got badly hurt at it. He was on a plate pulling up rafters. He got one drawn up partly then pulled and threw his weight on it to brake it, it broke, but did not catch on the purline, as the purline was spliced, and the splices were not met. He fell and struck on a log inside: his head, leg and body seem to be pretty bad. <Q1 folio 75 recto> April 1878 20th A wet morning, and a great pour of rain last night with thunder and lightening. The day cleared up about 8 AM. and was dry and sultry to about noon. It then became cool with a very high wind in the afternoon. The sky is overcast and the wind raising at present (9:55 P.M.). I went in the morning to See Mr. Gallaher. He is scarcely any better. I was plowing in the afternoon, the boys were choring around. I sent John to the Blacksmith’s for a wrench and bo[l]t for plow point. He got me a monkey wrench, price .85¢. �64 21st Sabbath. Very cool morning and cloudy. The day continued cool all through. A man crippled with rheumatism and who gave his name as John Patterson asked for to get stopping all night and we kept him. Mr. Arnold was here this eavning. I went in to Melancthon this eavning. [in margin] Esther [=Easter] 22 Dull cloudy morning and quite cold, rain commenced about 9 A.M. and stopped about 2 P.M. It clouded up near night and a slight mizzle is now (8:30) falling. Jim was plowing in the dry part of the day, John and I were picking stones. 23 Rather cold morning and cloudy with showers through the day. Sent Jim in the morning to the blacksmith’s to get a bolt for plow share. Jim was plowing after that and John and I picking stones. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s at night. [in margin] Seen 3 swallows. 24 Cloudy morning with some rain falling. It cleared off, then came on about 11 A.M., cleared off, then began about 2 P.M., when it rained very heavy to about 4. Jim was plowing in the dry spells. I went to Dundalk in the eavning, bought a pick for $1.30, ½ bushel clover seed for $2.80, got a parcel in the Express Office, marked $258. Brother Sam got 11 Bags oats from me in trade for other oats. <Q1 folio 75 verso> April 1878 25th Dull cloudy morning, the sky overcast and every sign of rain. There were frequent showers through the day. Jim was plowing, John and I were putting up fences and choring around gener- ally. 26 Very showery day all through, and pretty heavy rain in the afternoon. Nancy and I went to Dun- dalk after tea. Jim was plowing in the dry spells through the day. I paid Mr. Thos. Hanbury, Shoemaker, balance of his ac[coun]t for 1877. 27 Misty morning and frequent showers through the day. Jim was plowing in the forenoon, and I went to Mr. R. Campbell’s and paid him the balance of my blacksmith’s Bill for 1877. I went to Brother John’s in the afternoon and got 800 pounds of hay from him at the rate of $12 per ton. John Agnew stopped here tonight. Sabbath 28th Cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain through the day. John Agnew left here today. Brother John and wife were here in the afternoon. 29 Cloudy morning and frequent showers of rain through the day. Jim was plowing in the afternoon to tea time, then he went to the blacksmith’s to get a bolt for co[l]ter. [in margin] Nelly calved 30 Misty morning and a little rain fell during the day. The boys and I were hauling out manure to about 5. p.m., then Jim commenced plowing. <Q1 folio 76 recto> May 1878 1st Rather misty morning and a little rain through the day. Jim was plowing. John and I were gath- ering stones and choring around. Mrs. Russell and I went to Mr. Arnold’s in the eavning. A clock fixer repaired our clock today. 2 Very heavy rain this morning and it kept wet during most of the forenoon. I went in the after- noon to Dundalk and posted some letters and renewed my subscription to the weekly Mail, price $1.14 per annum. Jim was plowing in the afternoon. It came on to rain about 6:30 p.M., accom- panied with thunder and lightening and it has poured down from then to now (9 P.M.) and is still at it. �65 3 Very wet morning, but no rain fell during the day. Jim was plowing to noon. In the afternoon he and I took the team and tried to open up some water furrows to carry off the water on a field that I wish to Sow with oats. Four men came here this eavning, a-landbuying. One of them wanted to purchase Lot 220 Melancthon from me. We could not come to terms. This has been a very wet time for the past two weeks, the ground is completely water-soaked. Most people are obliged to stop work on their farms, as a great many of them are so wet they cannot be plowed. There is, however, a splendid growth: grass is about three weeks in advance of this time last year. Nancy and all the family but me are at Tunkar [=Tunker*] Meeting at Mr. Clippard’s to- night. [*the Tunker Church was a fundamentalist sect with German Baptist origins; see H. R. Holsinger, Holsinger’s History of the Tunkers and The Brethern Church (Oakland, Calif., 1901), at : https://archive.org/details/holsingershistor00hols] <Q1 folio 76 verso> May 1878 5th Sabbath. Very cool day all through but no rain. So cold, indeed, that it almost froze. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mr. Arnold’s in the eavning. 6 Cool morning but the day was dry all through with a fine drying wind, indications of rain to- night. Sowed about six bags of oats today, being the first oats I sowed this season. Jim har- rowed. The ground was very wet and did not mould. Brother John was here this eavning. Nan- cy was to Dundalk. [in margin] First oats sown 7 Heavy rain this morning, but cleared off about 8 AM, the day was dry but cloudy from that on. I plowed in the dry part of the day. Jim took Lotty (a filly) to the blacksmith’s and got the lampers cut in her mouth. Also got a wolf’s tooth knocked out of her. There were some holes of water so deep where I was plowing that the[y] covered the mould board. Mrs. Russell was at Mrs. Ar- nold’s. 8 Cool morning, but the day kept dry to about 4 P.M., when there came on a very heavy rain. I sowed about 5 acres of oats today and Jim harrowed them, but did not get them finished. [in margin] Elly calved. 9 The morning cloudy, but the day kept dry to about 6 P.M., when there was a pretty sharp shower. Jim plowed the garden in the afternoon and harrowed from tea time till night. An old man named Sam Allen is stopping here for charity tonight. He is a great talker, his tongue is going now like a tuck mill* so that I can hardly write for the chatter he is keeping up! [* a tuck mill, or fulling mill, was a water mill used to cleanse woolen cloth of oils and impurities, making it thicker. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulling#Fulling_mills] <Q1 folio 77 recto> May 1878 10th Cold morning and a little rain through the day and exceedingly cold in the eavning. I sowed three bags of oats in the afternoon, Jim was harrowing all day. I went to see George Kirby [this stricken, above:] yesterday afternoon. 11 Very cold morning and the ground white with snow. It melted off in a little while but the day was cloudy, cold, and windy. I sowed two bags of oats in the forenoon, and planted about a bushel of potatoes in the afternoon. Jim harrowed. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s at night. [in margin] Mare colted. First potatoes planted. Snow this morning. 12th Sabbath. Cold morning with a little snow on the ground. The day was very cold and cloudy. Nancy and I visited in Melancthon. 13 Cold morning, with ice on the rain barrel half an inch thick. The day was cold all through. Jim was plowing. Nancy and I went to Dundalk. �66 14 Cold morning, with a heavy frost, the day cold all through. I sowed three bags of oats. Jim har- rowed. I and Nancy were at Mr. Arnold’s. 15 Hard frost this morning, the plowed ground almost as hard as a brick. The sun came out thawing the frost, the day dry. I sowed two bags of oats. Jim harrowed and then went in the eavning and plowed on Lot 220 Melancthon. I sold 62 Bushels of oats to Mr. Bradan of Mono for .31¢ per Bushel. [in margin] Finished sowing oats. 16 Frost this morning, the sun got out strong, the day dry and warm. Jim plowing, I choring around, John harrowing at Sam’s. Nancy at Mrs. Lonsway’s picking bee. <Q1 folio 77 verso> May 1878 19th Bright sunny morning and the day continued fair and warm all through. The ground is drying up pretty rapidly. Jim was plowing on Lot 220, I was clipping sheep. Nancy clipped two for me. Mr. Arnold came up in the afternoon and ground his axe. Mr. Lonsway and William John Arnold were here this eavning. Mr. Lonsway borrowed 7 Bags from me. John is helping Brother Samu- el. I hear that the frost which done so much harm here was also bad in other parts about 30 miles east of this. 18 Fine morning and the day continued dry and warm all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and purchased 10 Bushels of barley @ 35¢ per Bushel and ½ Bushel of clover seed @ 4.70 per Bush[el] and 30 pounds of Timothy seed @ $2.25 per Bushel. Also bought 2 Butter tubs @ .40¢ each. Mr. Lonsway hauled the articles home. In the afternoon Clark and I planted about 2 Bush- els of potatoes on Lot 220. Jim finished plowing for grain today. [in margin] Posted letter to Bro. William. 19th Sabbath. Rainy morning and the day continued showery all through. Visited George Kirby in the eavning. Mr. Arnold was at our place in the afternoon. 20 Cloudy morning, but warm, with a good growth. Went in the forenoon to Father’s, in the after- noon I helped Jim to haul out manure into a potatoe patch. Mr. Cross came here and leveled the posts for the new house. A heavy rain came on about noon, then cleared off. Came on again and was very show[e]ry all afternoon. [in margin] old man Hunk don[?] indecipherable—these notes are normally about deaths.] 21 Cool morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell frequently during the forenoon, the afternoon was dry. The boys were hauling out manure. I fitted a handle to the pick in the forenoon and was digging a cellar in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 78 recto> May 1878 22nd White frost this morning, but did not see any ice on the water. The day was dry and warm all through. I sowed about 4¾ acres of Barley in the forenoon and in the afternoon dug in the cellar. Jim was harrowing, John and Clark were planting potatoes. [in margin] Finished sowing grain. G. Rutherford married. 23 White frost this morning, doing little harm. Fine day, dry and warm all through. Sowed 30 pounds of grass seed and 30 pounds of clover seed on about 4½ acres. Harrowed the ground twice then sowed the Seeds, and harrowed them. I was digging celler [=cellar] in the afternoon. 24 Very heavy shower this morning about daylight, cleared off about 5 O’clock A.M. I went to help Brother Sam to haul out manure. The boys went fishing. They were not very successful, fish did not bite. �67 25 Fine morning, cloudy but dry all day and warm, good growth. I was digging celler. Jim and Clark were hauling out manure. John was helping William Lonsway plant potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 26th Sabbath. Very cool morning and the day continued dry and cold. Nancy and I visited William Lonsway’s. 27 Frost this morning, the day continued cold and dry. I was digging cellar, Jim and John were hauling manure. <Q1 folio 78 verso> May 1878 28th Frost this morning, the sky overcast and some appearance of rain. The sun shone out after a while, the day dry but very cold. I was digging cellar, finished it. Jim was plowing and harrow- ing potatoe patch. Mrs. Arnold visited us this afternoon, also William Lonsway was here, and al- so a man taking orders for the London Herald newspaper. 20 White frost on the ground this morning, the sun got out bright and soon melted it. The day was dry but chilly all through. I was around with a petition addressed to the Governor General of Canada, in order to obtain signatures to it, to get him to pardon Mr. James May, who was sen- tenced at the assizes to one year in gaol.* The boys were making a brush fence. [*see above, 12 April 1878, reference to guilty conviction for perjury.] 30 Fine morning, and the day was dry and warm all through. Was digging at Cellar drain in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went round with petition. Obtained 43 signatures in both days. Boys were working at fence. 31 Very fine warm morning, the day hot and dry. I was cutting seed potatoes, the boys were making Brush fence. <Q1 folio 79 recto> June 1878 1st Very warm sunny morning, the day continued dry and hot all through. Went to Flesherton and Priceville today to See the Doctor and the Inspector.* The boys were helping Br. Sam to plant potatoes. [*to qualify for his annual pension.] 2nd Sabbath. Dry warm day all through. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s. 3 Thunder and lightening this morning, accompanied by heavy rain. It cleared off about 8 AM. All hands were planting potatoes. This has been the hottest day of the season for so far. 4 Cool cloudy morning, and the day continued quite cool all through. There came on a slight miz- zle of rain about 6 P.M. and it is still raining now (10:10). We finished planting potatoes today. I planted one potatoe: having first cut it into 19 pieces, I put one piece in a hill, till I planted all the pieces. I did so for experience, to See how much I could grow from a single potatoe. The varie- ty was Early Rose. We have planted in all about 16 Bushels this year. Mrs. May was here this eavning. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes 5 Cool morning, but the sun got out and the day kept dry, though decidedly cool. I got Brother Sam’s horse and put him along with one of mine and took 586 pounds of wheat to the Grist mill. I got 390 pounds of flour. I hauled some shingle timber I had in the mill yard forward to the saw. Bought a barell of salt. Mr. John Arnold and his brother Thomas were here tonight to make a trade with me for his lot of land in Essa. Jim was [working stricken, above:] stopping at his uncle John’s tonight. <Q1 folio 79 verso> June 1878 �68 6th Cold morning and the ground covered with a white frost, ice on the water in some places. The sun got out bright and strong, the day dry but not warm. I and Jim were at Brother John’s. [in margin] Frost this morning. 7 Cool morning with a little rain falling, which increased during the day, which was wet all through. Was on the back line to noon, then John and I went to Dundalk. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway were here this morning. Nancy and I went at night to Mrs. Arnold’s. 8 Cool morning, and the day cool to about noon, dry all day. Was getting timber cut at the [mill] today, assisted by Brothers John and Sam. Had William Henders and his oxen hauling in logs. Sabbath 9 Cool morning, frost on the ground, the day got warmer as it advanced. William Lonsway and wife were here today. [in margin] Frost. 10 Cool morning, frost on the ground. The sun got out pretty strong about 9 A.M., the day got cloudy and a slight rain fell. I was at the Sawmill getting logs sawed, assisted by Brother Sam and my Johney. Jim’s nose commenced to bleed today at his uncle John’s and bled several times. In the eavning when he came home it started to blood again. We put wet cloths on the back of his head and af- ter a good while the blood stopped. Jim appeared quite white and weak. Jim must be careful of himself and not work nor exercise himself till he gets stronger, for fear that it might injure him. <Q1 folio 80 recto> June 1878 11th Bright sunny morning, but there came on some rain about noon. Went to See John Agnew in the Township of Essa, also to see about exchanging any Lands for Mr. John Arnold’s of that Town- ship. I did not like the place, so I did not trade. 12 Bright sunny morning and the day continued warm. John Agnew drove me up in his buggy, about 14 miles. I got home tonight. 13 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine. Warned out the men to do statute labor. 14 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and very warm. Was hauling lumber from the mill. 15 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm Was hauling lumber from the mill. A big thunder and lightening storm accompanied by rain this night. 16th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning , the day dry but cool. 17 Warm sunny morning, the day hot with a good growth. Was overseeing statute labor in Melanc- thon. 18 Very warm morning, the day continued hot and dry. Was overseeing statute labor in Melancthon. 19 Warm sunny morning, the day hot and dry. Was at a logging bee at Mr. A. Jacksons’s. [in mar- gin] Frost. 20 Pretty warm morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon a little wet with every appearance of it being a wet night because the rain has now come on while I am writing. I and Johney were haul- ing lumber from the mill. <Q1 folio 80 verso> June 1878 21st Misty morning, and the day was warm and showery all through. A very fine growing day. Johney and I were hauling lumber from the Sawmill home. I got my cheque for superannuated pension of $101.00* today. [*The amount is always $101., not an even $100.00 as one might expect.] 22 Misty morning and a good deal of rain fell during the afternoon, and through the night. I was hauling lumber and shingles from the mill. Settled with John McDowell for sawing and making �69 shingles, paid him $30. cash. I did not like the settlement. I brought home a butter firkin this eavning. John Agnew and Brother John stopped here this night. Mr. Kirby was here a while this night. 23rd Sabbath. Misty morning, and a slight mizzle of a rain fell during most of the day. Mr. Arnold and his two sons were here today. 24 Misty morning, but the day cleared off and was dry and warm. Spent the forenoon at Mr. Ar- nold’s, in the afternoon worked in the garden. Went to Mr. Lonsway’s, Nancy and I, in the eavning. Then I went to Ge[o]rge Kirby’s to do some writing for him. 25 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and purchased a pair of gaitars [=gaiters]. In the afternoon went with Mr. Sloan to W. Henders to get a colt casterated. John Agnew is stopping here tonight. 26 Warm day all through. I and Nancy and Brother John and wife and Brother Sam’s wife went to Essa. <Q1 folio 81 recto> June 1878 27th Bright sunny morning, the day exceedingly hot. Gave 150 acres of land in Melancthon and $230.00 in money and value to John Arnold of Essa* for 109 acres there, being the west ½ of Lot 6 on the 6th Con. He, the said Arnold, to put me in 16 acres of fall wheat in good time and in good order, and to find the seed, and I to summer fallow 5 acres here for him. [*see above, 23 February 1878, for John Agnew’s trade with Thomas Arnold of Essa.] 28 Very sultry day, melting hot. I stopped at John Agnew’s to the eavning, then came to Alliston and finished up the writing. From thence I went to James Murphy’s* and stopped there all night. The rest of our company had left John Agnew’s for home in the morning, calling at James Mur- phy’s. [*Mary Russell Murphy, wife of James Murphy, is Robert’s cousin, as noted above, 16 Feb. 1877.] 29 Very warm day all through, the sun poring down hot. Left James Murphy’s and came home this eavning. 30th Sabbath. Very hot day all through. I went to see father and mother. July 1878 1st Very hot day all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, did not do anything in the after- noon. 2 Warm morning and the day continued fair till the afternoon, when there came on a very heavy rain, accompanied with thunder and lightening. I went to back line in the eavning. Nancy had some women helping pick wool. <Q1 folio 81 verso> July 1878 3rd Wet morning, but faired up about 9 A.M. Drove brother Sam and William Lonsway in the wag- on, on their way to Muscoka [=Muskoka*], to within 9 miles of Collingwood. Also took the wool to the Carding mill and got home the rolls with me. [*Muskoka is a region of lakes just east of Georgian Bay, about 150 km north of Toronto, now cottage country for the urbanized area around Lake Ontario]. 4 Very hot morning and the day continued dry and warm. Hoed potatoes till 5. O’clock, then went to Dundalk. Brother John was plowing for me on Lot 220. �70 5 Very warm morning, the day dry and hot all through, with a very fine growth. In fact, the pota- toes are growing so rapidly that I cannot get them hoed quick enough. I was at Mrs. Gott’s plow- ing bee. 6 Very warm dry day from morning till night. Was hoeing potatoes along with the boys. Went to Dundalk in the eavning. 7th Sabbath. Very warm dry day all through. 8 Cloudy morning, looked a little like rain. A few drops fell through the day, but did not amount to much. I was doeing [=doing] Statute labor for Proton Lots. 9 Very warm morning and the day continued hot all through. The sky clouded over towards night, but no rain fell. I was doeing statute labor. 10 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty warm with rather strong wind. Got a little chilly at night. The boys and I were hoeing potatoes. <Q1 folio 82 recto> July 1878 11th Showery day but very fine growing weather, heavy rain during the night. The boys and I were hoeing potatoes, finished them. 12 Rainy morning, but cleared off in the forenoon. Roads very muddy. Nancy and the rest of the family went to Melancthon. I stopped at home. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 13 Bright sunny morning, the day continued dry and hot with a great growth. I never remember such splendid growing weather, the grain crop and the root crop for so far cannot be excelled. If the frost don’t come, there will be a bountiful harvest! Clark and I were bugging potatoes and pulling mustard. 14th Sabbath. Fine warm day all through. Nancy went to Mrs. William Talbot’s. 15 Dry day all through. Brother John came to help me with the celler, but had to go to Dundalk. I done a day’s statute labor. [in margin] St. Swithin’s day. [According to traditional folklore, the weather that comes on St. Swithin’s day (15 July) will continue for 40 days and nights.] 16 Dry, hot day from morning to night. Brother John and I were planking celler, and in the after- noon put some Paris Green*on the potatoes that are on Lot 220. Nancy and the children took the team and went to sister Sarah’s with the wool to be spun. [*Paris green, a poisonous inorganic compound (copper arsenite and copper acetate), emerald green in colour, was used as an insecti- cide, particularly on potatoes; see https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/paris- green]. 17 Very hot day. Brother John and I were taking out square timber. <Q1 folio 82 verso> July 1878 18th Cloudy morning and then came on a very heavy rain, accompanied by thunder and lightening about 9 A.M. It cleared off in about two hours. Brothers Sam and John were helping me to take out sleepers and sills for the new house. Very hot this day. 19 Very warm in the morning and got hotter through the day. Brother John was helping me to take out sleepers for the house. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 20 Very hot morning, although a little cloudy, the day dry. A big storm of thunder and lightening with rain about 10 P.M. The boys and I hauled the four sills today. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lon- sway’s this eavning. 21st Sabbath. Cool morning with a pretty high wind. The day kept getting chillier all evening and there were evident signs of frost, but happily there was none. �71 22 Cool morning, the day cold and dry all through, with a very high wind. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some Paris Green to put on the potatoes as I cannot keep the bugs off them. Sprinkled those on Lot 220 in the afternoon. The boys were pulling mustard today on Lot 220. 23 Cool day all through, but dry. I was mowing grass. Jim was harrowing the summer fallow. [in margin] First mowing. <Q1 folio 83 recto> July 1878 24th Cool morning and the day continued rather cool all through, pleasant enough for working. I was mowing, the boys were making hay. 25 Cool morning, the day got overcast in the forenoon and rain began to fall about 2:30 P.M. Nancy and Jim and Clark hauled in four loads of hay. Before the rain came on I was mowing. John was helping his uncle Sam to make hay. It has been a pretty steady afternoon’s rain. 26 Rainy morning and continued wet all day to about 3 P.M., being about 24 hours steady rain. Done nothing today, went in to Melancthon in the afternoon. 27 Cloudy morning, but no rain fell during the day. I was mowing to 4 P.M. Jim tried to cross plow the summer fallow in Melancthon, but could not on account of the thistles not being rotted. Nancy and I went to Dundalk this eavning. 28th Cool morning, but the day kept clear and dry, the eavning very cool with signs of frost, but there was none. Nancy and I visited at Father’s today. 29 Cool cloudy morning, but no rain came on to the afternoon, when there was a slight sprinkling. I mowed in the forenoon. Nancy and the boys raked. I hauled in in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 83 verso> July 1878 30th Rainy morning, but cleared off in the forenoon about 10 O’clock. I went to the Station in the afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here today. 31st Bright sunny morning, but the day got overcast in the afternoon, and there came on a very heavy rain storm about 6 P.M. I was putting Paris Green on the potatoes, the boys were making hay. I went to the Station in the eavning. August [1878] 1st Dry morning, but there came on a slight shower in the forenoon, and several showers in the mid- dle of the day. A heavy rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening is passing over now (9) P.M., some hail is also mixed with the rain. I finished mowing today, except the fence cor- ners. The boys were taking bugs off the potatoes. 2 Dry day all through, rather breezy in the afternoon, drying the hay good. I worked for Brother Sam in the afternoon at hay making, the boys made hay at home. 3 Fine dry morning, the sun [dittog.: the sun] warm and bright all day. Jim, Clark and I helped Sam at his hay. Nancy and Johney raked up some hay at home and hauled in three loads, which was famous work, for the help which was at it! <Q1 folio 84 recto> August 1878 4th Sabbath. Fine day with a heavy thunder shower about noon. 5th Fine dry day. Was helping Brother Sam at hay-making. Slept at Father’s. 6th Heavy thunder, lightening and rain storm commenced about 3 A.M., continued for about three hours. Was helping Brother Sam at his hay. Slept at Father’s. 7 Dry day all through. I was helping Brother Sam at his hay. �72 8 Dry day. I was helping Sam at his hay [heavy rain....early this, i.e. first lines of next entry, stricken]. 9 Very heavy thunder and rain storm with some hail early this morning. I came home and went to Dundalk. 10 Fine dry day all through. I and the boys were helping Sam at his hay. 11th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued dry all through. William Lonsway, his wife and family, were here today. 12 Fine morning, the day dry and warm all through. I was helping brother Sam at his hay. 13 Dry morning and the day dry and fine all through. I was helping Sam at his hay. <Q1 folio 84 verso> August 1878 14th Cloudy morning, but the day kept dry to about noon, when there came on a very heavy rain and wind storm, accompanied with some thunder. I and the boys were helping Brother Sam at his hay to the rain came on. 15 Bright morning and the day dry and warm all through. I was helping Mr. Lonsway to pile ma- nure with the waggons. The boys finished pulling pease. [in margin] Finished pease pulling. 16 Cloudy morning and a rain and thunder storm came on about 9 A.M. It then cleared off and was fine to about 3 P.M., when there came on a terrific rain storm, thunder and lightening and hail, or more properly speaking, pieces of ice. In shape these pieces were circular like a little wheel with a groove in the rim. Frequent showers throughout the afternoon. Thunder and lightening now, so much that the cows could not be milked. I was helping Brother Sam today to bind some wheat. Jim was plowing some between showers. The lightening was so sharp that it killed nine sheep on Mr. William Millsop, about one mile and a quarter from here. 17 Dry day all through. Jim cut a swath with the scythe round the wheat and raked it up. In the afternoon he went to Mr. Clippert’s and bound wheat. I did not work at anything as I had a se- vere pain in my knee and side. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. <Q1 folio 85 recto> August 1878 18th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day was dry all through. Nancy went to church. I went to see Mr. James May in the afternoon. 19 A little rain fell this morning, but the day soon got dry and breezy. I was mowing wheat, assisted by Brother Sam and W. Lonsway. The boys and their mother hauled in about 2½ acres of pease. 20 Fine morning and the day continued warm and breezy all through. I mowed wheat in the fore- noon and helped to haul in in the afternoon. Nancy and the boys raked in the forenoon and helped me haul in in the afternoon. The wheat is a very poor crop with me this year. I had sown 20 Bushels and I will not have much more than my seed that I sowed off it. I think that it must have been the rust that injured it in the first place, cutting the enamel off the straw. Then some very heavy rains came on and washed the rust off, but the harm had been done: the wheat fell down and the heads did not fill. Plenty of wheat is in the Same condition. This has been a very singular summer for great heat and frequent storms of thunder and lightening, also great hail and rain storms, the like I cannot remember. A great deal of harm has been done to the standing crops in several parts of Ontario. This neighborhood has escaped the devastation. 21 Fine morning, sun out bright and warm, dry day all through. I was mowing in the forenoon. Nancy and the boys were raking and in the afternoon we hauled in. The Stuff is light and not much good. <Q1 folio 85 verso> �73 August 1878 22nd Dry, very hot. I was cutting wheat in the forenoon, Nancy and the boys raking. We were draw- ing in in the afternoon. 23 Dry day, not so warm as yesterday. The sun got overcast in the eavning. I was mowing wheat all day, except for part of the afternoon while I was forking on the wagon. Nancy and the boys were raking up and hauling in. We finished cutting and hauling in our wheat today, and a very miserable crop it is. [in margin] Finished wheat. 24 Rain this morning, and the day continued slightly wet all through. I and the boys done nothing today, as the grain was not fit to work. I went to Sam’s in the eavning. 25th Sabbath. Dry day all through. Mrs. Russell visited Mrs. Arnold. 26 Fine dry day, warm and breezy. I was paying William Lonsway the day I owed him. Jim and John were mowing barley. The three boys, Jim, John & Clark, went to Mr. Clippart’s at night to help put in his wheat, as he is laid up with a sore foot. 27 Dry day all through. Jim and I were mowing barley. Nancy and the others were raking it. We finished cutting it today. 28 Dry to about noon when there came on a very slight shower. We were hauling in Barley to the rain prevented us. <Q1 folio 86 recto> August 1878 29 Dry warm day all through. We finished raking Barley and hauling it in. Jim cradled today. 30 Hot day all through. Brother Sam and William Adams and my Jim were craddling oats today. They are a good crop, but very thistly. Nancy and I were binding and Johney was stooking. Mr. George Rutherford, Agent, came here today and I signed a mortgage on the Essa lot for $2100. The conditions of said mortgage are that it is due in twenty years from the first of August 1878. The interest is 8½ per cent per annum, payable yearly. The first payment of interest to be due on the first of March 1879, and each payment of interest after to be one year from that date. Any part of the loan to be paid off at any time the borrower chooses, by giving the company three month’s notice. The company is the North of Scotland. The mortgage is dated the 28th of Au- gust 1878 and binds the borrower to keep the buildings insured in at least $700. 31 Rather cloudy morning and it commenced raining a little about noon, but increased as the after- noon wore on, to at present (7:20) P.M. when it is coming down pretty brisk. Jim was craddling. John and Clark hauled in a little load of hay, then stooked up some oats. Nancy and I bound, so long as the rain would let us. <Q1 folio 86 verso> September 1878 1st Sabbath. Rainy all forenoon, faired up in the afternoon, when Nancy and I went to William Lon- sway’s. 2 Rather dull morning, and the day was damp till the afternoon, when there came on some pretty heavy rain, with thunder and lightening. William Adams and John Russell were craddling oats. Nancy and I and the boys were binding. 3 Damp harvest morning, a great deal of wet on the grain. It could not be craddled, well to the afternoon. John Russell and William Adams were craddling. Nancy, the boys and I were bind- ing. 4 Wet in the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. The men were craddling in the afternoon. Nancy and I were binding. �74 5 Very heavy dew in the morning, and misty most of the day. John Russell was craddling. Nancy and I were binding. Jim was helping his uncle Sam. 6 Very heavy dew this morning. John Russell craddling, Nancy and I binding in the forenoon, and hauling in, in the afternoon. Jim at his uncle Sam’s. 7 Very heavy dew this morning, but the sun got out and was warm. We had to open out about 100 stooks of oats. Brother John was craddling. Nancy, Jim and I and Johney hauled the oats in in the afternoon. <Q1 folio 87 recto> September 1878 8th Sabbath. Dry day all through. Brother Sam and wife paid us a visit today. 9 Dry breezy day all through. We were all hauling in oats, they were fine and dry. We got in about 250 Stooks. 10 Misty morning with heavy clouds passing. We hauled in two small loads of oats, then bound about 10 Stooks, when it commenced raining, slight at first, but it soon came down heavy enough, and stopped our harvesting. The boys hauled a little jag of wood home, they then went for the plow, and Jim plowed some in the afternoon, but he had to give up with the rain. [in mar- gin] Nomination for the House of Commons. 11 Rainy morning and continued so all day. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 4½ Bushels of fall wheat from Mr. Charles McCormak at $1.05 per Bushel. 12 Rainy morning and continued so all day. 13 Rainy morning and continued so all day. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s helping pare ap- ples. Mr. Lonsway went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I went with him. I brought home the wheat I had bought. Also I bought and fetched home a barell of flour: price $5.00. 14 Rainy forenoon, it cleared up in the afternoon. I went to Alexander Patterson’s logging bee on William Lonsway’s Lot. I slept at Father’s this night. <Q1 folio 87 verso> September 1878 15th Sabbath. Dry sunny morning and the day continued fine and dry all through. [in margin] Frost. 16 Dry morning and the day continued dry and breezy. I was plowing for fall wheat in the fore- noon, and in the afternoon Nancy and I bound and the boys hauled in some oats. 17 Fine dry morning and the day continued dry and breezy all through. Cloudy towards night, with a pretty high wind, thunder clouds and lightening. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and voted for an M. P. then came home and the boys, Nancy, and I worked at getting in our oats. Visited at Mr. Lonsway’s this night. When I came home I wrote a letter for Josua Chambers (who is here) to John Agnew. 18 Dry morning and the day continued dry and breezy. We finished harvesting today and I went in the afternoon to see about a thrashing machine. [in margin] Finished Harvesting. 19 Wind and rain storm about 8 O’clock this morning. Jim plowed till noon after the rain was over. Jim and Johney went to help Sam in the afternoon, and I plowed. There was a very violent wind and rain storm at night. 20 Fair morning, but some rain fell before noon. There was a violent wind and rain storm about 4 O’clock in the eavning. I plowed in the forenoon and Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. 21 The day pretty dry. I sowed 4½ bushels fall wheat. Johney harrowed it. We pared some apples at night. [in margin] Sowed Wheat. <Q1 folio 88 recto> �75 September 1878 22nd Sabbath. Fine dry day with a pretty heavy frost this morning. Nancy and I visited at Father’s today. 23 Dry morning, with a heavy frost, the day continued dry and breezy. I and the boys and Nancy took up potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Date of cheque for Essa mort- gage. 24 A little rain fell this morning before day. Nancy and Johney went to sister Sarah’s for the yarn which she had spun. Brother John is here tonight. George Rutherford was here. 25 Dry morning, but there came on a heavy rain towards night. Nancy and I went to Dundalk. 26 A little rain fell this morning, but the day soon got dry. Nancy and I went to Toronto. I done some business there and Nancy and I went out as far as Mr. Robert Moore’s, No. 1 York Town- ship, and stopped there all night. 27 Very fine morning and the day continued dry. Mr. Moore drove us in to the city. I got some more business done, but not in time to go to the exhibition. 28 Fine morning and the day continued fine all through. Nancy had an opperation performed on her eyes by Dr. Reeve this morning. I left in the one o’clock train for home. Nancy stopped behind. I got to Dundalk about 8:20 P.M. 29th Sabbath. Fine dry day. <Q1 folio 88 verso> September 1878 30th Dry morning and the day continued dry. Went to the Station in the afternoon for Nancy, who got home from Toronto, where she had been to get her eyes operated on. October 1st Dry morning and the day continued dry. The boys were raising potatoes. I went to see about getting a thrashing machine to thrash. Father was here this eavning. 2 Dry morning and the day was charming, a few drops of rain fell about 11 A.M. I was plowing today, the children were helping their Grandfather to raise potatoes. Brother John went to Essa to begin his fall plowing. 4 Bright, Sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm all through. Jim was plowing, Johney and I were burning stumps. 5 White frost this morning and a slight shower came on about 3 P.M. I went in the afternoon to get hands for to attend the thrashing. Also I went to Dundalk and purchased a ticket for $1.00 for the Show Fair. Jim was plowing today. 6th Sabbath. Very fine morning and the day continued fine but cool. Jim went with the wagon for Father and Mother and they stopped till the afternoon. <Q1 folio 89 recto> October 1878 7th Fine morning and the day continued dry, though cool and cloudy. All of us went to the Union Agricultural Show Fair at Dundalk. We showed a Spring colt, Two rolls of butter, six cabbages, and six beets. We took first prize for cabbages. It was a very fine show, a great many people, and a great deal of Stuff shown. The horses, especially the colts, were excellent. The day passed off very pleasantly, without any misshaps of a serious nature. Some few tipsy lads created a dis- turbance at night, but the melee did not amount to much. 8 Cool morning and the day continued dry and cool. It is raining now, 7:50 P.M., with every ap- pearance of a wet night. Jim was plowing today. John and I were burning stumps in the fore- noon and in the afternoon I went to engage a thrashing machine. �76 9 Very windy morning and frequent showers throughout the day. The wind was so strong that it blowed the tops off several stacks in the neighbourhood. I went in the forenoon to Mr. W. Ache- son’s and traded off four ram lambs for 4 Ewe lambs. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk. 10 Calm, cool morning and the day continued fair, dry and sunny. I levelled the earth I have thrown out of the celler, and brought the sills and sleepers to their places. Jim was plowing. 11 Dry morning, but rain fell about 10 A.M. and the afternoon was pretty wet. Jim and the team were at Mr. Mills’ thrashing. Johney and I were at Brother Sam’s thrashing. [in margin] Posted letter to Bro. W. [? unclear, written very small.] <Q1 folio 89 verso> October 1878 12th [Sabbath stricken] Very fine sunshiny day all through. Johney and I were at Sam’s thrashing, Jim was at James Mills’ thrashing. I stoppped at Sam’s all night. 13th Sabbath. Very fine day all through. 14 Fine dry, warm day all through. Johney and Jim with the team were at Mr. Lonsway’s thrashing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 15 Very heavy rain last night, the morning dry and the day dry, cloudy and very sultry. John and Jim were at Mr. Lonsway’s thrashing. I was preparing for thrashing at home. [in margin] Colt weaned. 16 Fine dry day all through. Jim was with Mr. Lonsway in the forenoon. In the afternoon the thrashing machine was with us. 17 Mizzly morning and the day kept getting wetter. We thrashed for about two hours this forenoon and then had to [keep stricken] quit on account of the rain. 18 Slight mizzle of rain this morning and kept getting worse to about 10 A.M. We thrashed all day. 19 Snow this morning, then rain and the forenoon was very wet for thrashing. We thrashed, howev- er, all day, the afternoon being dry. I had two oat stacks pretty damp. The thrashers were poor muddlers, lazy in the morning, and would not get started before 8. Things were going wrong with them all the time, and they were very slow in putting them to rights. In fact, they were the very worst thrashers ever I had, and they wanted $20. for their work. I offered $18. <Q1 folio 90 recto> October 1878 The grain yield was good, except the wheat, which was very poor. From 10 acres of wheat I have about 65 Bushels or 6½ Bushels to the acre, and very poor, shrivelled up wheat at that! Pease, about 25 Bushels to the acre, or 55 bushels in all. Barl[e]y, about 10 Bushels to the acre, or 50 Bushels in all, the grain dark and small. Oats, about 40 Bushels to the acre, or about 720 Bushels in all, the grain well filled and good. There was a great waste with me in the grain this year on account of having to stack a good deal, and getting wet weather on the days of thrashing. 20th Sabbath. Fine dry day all through. Mr. Kirby and woman were here today. 21 Lovely day all through, the sun bright and warm, Sky hazy like Indian summer. Jim and John were at Mr. Clippart’s thrashing. I and Nancy went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some nails and dye stuff. In the afternoon I went to the Sawmill and bought 3 pieces of joice, 2 x 10 – 22 feet long: cost me $1.00 cash. 22 Beautiful day (Indian summer), I think. The two eldest boys and I went with the team to Mr. W. Kirby’s thrashing. 23 Wet day from morning to night. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. �77 24 Dry morning and the day continued dry all through. Jim and John, with the team, to Mr. Kirby’s thrashing, finished at noon. Then they took two bags of wheat to the Mill and hauled a small load of wood home in the afternoon. I was at Mr. Nickle’s thrashing. J. Agnew here tonight. <Q1 folio 90 verso> October 1878 25th Dry morning and the day continued dry and windy. I was at Mr. Nickle’s thrashing to 2:40 P.M., then Jim came and took my place. The boys had cleaned up 13 bags of Barley which I hauled to Dundalk in the afternoon and got .50 per Bushel. It was dark Barkley. It commenced raining to- night. 26 Rather drizzly morning, and it commenced raining pretty sharply about noon, and continued wet all day. It is now (9 P.M.) snowing. Jim and I cleaned 5 Bags of Barl[e]y and 10 Bags of oats. I took them to Dundalk, I got 45¢ per Bushel for the Barl[e]y and .20¢ for the oats. I bought and fetched home 20 Bushels of first class fall wheat at .75¢ per Bushel. The market is very dull, a poor price for all kinds of grain. The Americans have rushed in their grain while they have the chance of putting it in duty free and glutted up the Markets. But we look forward to better times when Sir J. A. McDonald, Premier of Canada, takes hold of the reins of government and puts on a protective duty which will keep the American Stuff out of our Market, or, if send it they must, we will have the benefit of the duty they will have to pay. 27th Sabbath. Cold day all through, with frequent showers of snow. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lon- sway’s this eavning. John Agnew slept here this night. 28 Cold wintry morning, snow on the ground about four inches deep and plenty more falling. The boys and I tid[i]ed up the barn and put in some chaff. The three eldest are at Mr. Lonsway’s along with their mother. [in margin] Snow <Q1 folio 91 recto> October 1878 29th Snow on the ground this morning and a very hard frost last night The day continued pretty cold all through. Andrew Lonsway Junior died yesterday eavning. John Agnew slept here [this night and stricken] last night. Nancy and I stopped up all night at the wake. 30 Misty morning and rain came on about 11 AM and continued showery through the eavning. Nancy, John, Jim and I went to the funeral and when we came home, Johney and I went to Dun- dalk for some pine lumber for the new house. 31 Cold stormy morning, plenty of snow and slush on the ground, the wind piercing cold and freez- ing, and kept so all day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for load of flooring, in the afternoon Johney and I went to the bush for a load of firewood. We put on about ¼ cord, and the ground was so very soft that it almost beat the horses to draw it home. November 1st Chilly morning, but the day ameliorated and the sun shone out in the afternoon, melting the snow. The boys and I fetched in about 12 Bushels of potatoes. James went to the Post Office for me in the afternoon. Our family is all suffering from a severe cold, hard racking cough and head ache. Some of them have also a sore throat. It seems to be a sickly time, especially with the young. I think it must be on account of the sudden changes of weather from heat to cold. A great many of the children of the neighbourhood are ailing. [in margin] Letter received from Br. William <Q1 folio 91 verso> November 1878 �78 2nd Cold rain[y] morning, the day got something warmer towards noon. In the afternoon there was some rain fell. I went in to Father’s in the forenoon, and in the afternoon fixed up a place for the pigs to fatten. 3rd Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning. 4 The ground covered with snow this morning, very sharp freeze and continued cold all day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and purchased some nails, matches, indigo and Magenta. In the afternoon, the boys and I made a stable door, put it on and hauled out some half-rotted straw and covered our potatoe pits, as we have not been able to get our potatoes sorted and put away for the winter yet. Gave Mr. T. Hanbury the note which I held on W. Hend[e]rs for $23.00, to be applied on my account. 5 Pretty cold morning, with a very hard frost. The day got something warmer in the afternoon and some snow fell. We took up our cabbages today and pitted them. There were two carpenters working at the new house. Mr. A. Lonsway was here and Eliza Russell also. Nancy went to the back line in the afternoon. 6 Very wintry morning, snow on the ground about six inches deep. The day got mild towards eavning, and the snow melted some. The boys and I were hauling firewood home out of the bush. [in margin] First sleighing. 7 Cold morning, snowing and blowing and such was the state of the day throughout. I cleaned a small grist and took it to the mill in the afternoon. Josua J. Chalmbers [sic] took the chop[p]ing of 20 acres culled bush from me at $3 per acre, and board. <Q1 folio 92 recto> November 1878 8th Mild morning and the day continued fine all through. Sleighing is passibly good on the Gravel Road. We took to Dundalk 226 pounds of Butter and sold it to Mr. D. Davidson for .13¢ per LB. We had formerly sold 53 Lbs @ .15 per pound. We have not made much Butter this season as three of our cows were farrow*. I brought home from the Mill the grist: there were 313 Lbs of flour from 7½ Bushels of wheat. [*farrow, adj. (applying to cows only) not producing young in a given year] 9 Mild morning and the day continued soft and inclined to thaw. There was a slight mizzle of questionable Rain towards night. I was sent for by Mr. Andrew Lonsway in the morning to draw his Will, which I done. The boys went in the forenoon to Dundalk and brought home the win- dow frames for the new house. And in the afternoon they went to the Sawmill and hauled home two loads of Sawdust which we intend putting in the new house between the outside and inside boards. 10th Sabbath. Mild morning and the day continued pleasant with the snow disappearing fast. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway's this eavning. 11 Misty morning, with a slight mizzle of rain, which increased to a pretty heavy rain in the after- noon, which was decidedly wet. The snow is mostly gone and the roads are getting very sloppy. Josua J. Chambers commenced his job of chopping this morning. He broke his new axe in a hemlock tree. I was helping Mr. Lonsway to butcher pigs in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Johney and Jim were hauling home Sawdust in the forenoon. <Q1 folio 92 verso> November 1878 12th Misty morning and the day continued thawing to most of the snow disappeared. A very heavy snow fall at night. I banked up the house today and took our beets out of the ground. �79 13 The ground covered pretty heavy with soft snow this morning. The sun shone out bright several times during the forenoon, and in the afternoon there were frequent showers of snow. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon chored around. The boys set up the Sap troughs in the bush and gathered the spiles. 14 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine all through, with the snow melting. I attended a Trustee meeting in No. 5 Melancthon. The boys were getting some logs for a pig pen. 15 Rather cloudy morning with a thaw wind through the day. The day was mild in the afternoon. In the forenoon I cut some logs for the pig pen and in the afternoon the boys and I sorted some potatoes and put them into pits for the winter. 16 Cloudy morning and the day showed some signs of rain. There was a thaw wind to about 3 P.M., when it commenced to freeze and became pretty cold in the eavning. Brothers John and Sam were helping me to raise a hog pen. 17th Sabbath. Cloudy morning and the day remained rather damp. 18 Misty morning and there was slight showers all day. The day was close and warm. I had Josua J. Chambers helping me at the Hog pen. Jim and John were helping Joe Bowler thrash. <Q1 folio 93 recto> November 1878 19th Misty morning, but there was no rain through [dittog.: through] the day. The weather is fine and open but shocking bad roads. Some people were plowing today. Johney was helping Joe Bowler thrash in the forenoon. Josua Chalmbers [sic] was helping me at the Hog pen to noon. Jim and I were working at it all day. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here today. 20 Misty morning, the sky lowering. It cleared up a little towards noon, got overcast in the after- noon, and began to rain about 4 P.M., and continued so to about 6. The boys and I were working at the hog pen. Nancy went to Mr. Trugon's in the eavning. 21 Misty morning, but the fog soon cleared of[f] and the sun shone out a kind of hazy [sic]. The day was very pleasant, resembling Indian Summer. John and I worked at the pig pen. Jim was at James Mills' thrashing. 22 Wet morning and the day continued dripping all through, the rain turned to Snow during the af- ternoon. The boys and I were chinking the pig pen. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here in the eavning. 23 Snowy morning and the ground covered about eight inches deep. Snow fell incessantly all day, a pretty strong breeze of wind blowing. The boys started with the team and sleigh for to haul saw- dust, but the sleigh cut down so deep that they had to turn back. The boys fetched out the colt in the eavning from Sam's. 24th Sabbath. Snowy morning with a good deal on the ground and some fell during the day. The day was mild. John and Eliza were here today. <Q1 folio 93 verso> November 1878 25th Snow falling this morning and continued so most of the day. The air not very cold, but began to freeze towards night. Jim went to Dundalk in the forenoon. I chored around at different things. 26 Mild morning and the day continued soft and inclined to thaw. Jim and John went to Dundalk in the forenoon for window sashes, and in the afternoon they mudded the pig pen. Clark and I were putting sawdust between the boards in the new house. Nancy was at Mrs. Kirby’s in the eavning. 27 Cold raw morning with a very hard frost. It began to sleet about 12 noon and the wind rose pret- ty strong. The sleet has turned to snow now, 8 P.M., with wind still strong. The boys were shooting today and were not successful. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some door �80 latches changed for locks and knobs for the doors of the new house. I also bought Clark a pair of boots at $1.15. 28 Misty morning, the day rather inclined to thaw with a slight fall of snow at night. Nancy took her geese to Dundalk in the eavning and sold them at 5½ cents per pound. 29 Mild morning with a tendency to thaw. The day continued soft and a little snow fell at night. I took two small logs to the Sawmill to get some battens. 30 A little more snow this morning, but it soon thawed off the road. The day was pretty mild all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for pine lumber for the house and in the afternoon I went to the Sawmill for some battens. <Q1 folio 94 recto> December 1878 1st Sabbath. A mild day, but very bad roads. I went to Father’s. 2 Wet morning. Soon the rain turned to soft snow and it kept at it all day. We Butchered two pigs and a cow. 3 Mild morning and it kept thawing slight all day. It is now (10 P.M.) snowing. I went to Dundalk this afternoon for some door casings. Sleighing is played out and mudding is the order of the day. 4 Cold morning with a little more snow on the ground. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for doors for the new house and some other fixings. The boys were sawing rail timber. We visited Mr. Lonsway’s. 5 Snow fell last [night], and there is some better sleighing this morning. The day was pretty cold all through. The boys were sawing rail timber and I was splitting. 6 Pretty mild morning and the day continued fine. Poor sleighing. The boys were hauling rails and I was fencing the straw stack and sheep yard. There was a man named Roos here selling French coverlets for beds. Very beautiful goods. They were $8.00 each. I went to Dundalk in the eavning for some pine lumber for the new house and Nancy went with me as far as Mrs. C. Bell’s. 7 Mild morning, but got colder in the afternoon and there was a little snow fell. I went to Dundalk with a log and got it cut into battens. My horses ran away from Mr. McGregor’s Sawmill. They ran as far as D. Davidson’s store. Done no harm, the whistle started them. John Voden*, one of the carpenters at the house, slipped on the upper floor and hurt his hip pretty bad. [*John Vodden is listed as carriage maker in 1888 directory of Dundalk, History of Dundalk, p. 5] <Q1 folio 94 verso> December 1878 8th Sabbath. Mild morning, but the afternoon got rather stormy and commenced snowing. The boys and Nancy went to prayer meeting at Mr. Nickel’s. 9 Stormy, snowy morning, and the snow continued to about 10 A.M., when it commenced to rain, gradually at first, then increasing to the present hour (8 P.M.), when it is coming down pretty brisk. I was boarding up the petitions [=partitions] in the new house. Josua Chambers helped me in the afternoon. The boys, with their team, helped their uncle John to thrash. 10 Mild day, with the snow very soft and slushy. I and Nancy went to Flesherton and purchased a new stove called the New Forest Beauty from Mr. William Strain for Twenty-seven dollars, pay- able one year from the 31st of the present month, interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, to be paid on the last six months of the note. �81 11 Pretty cold morning, with snow falling. The day kept getting colder and stormy. Nancy and I went to Dundalk and purchased 19 Stove pipes, 2 elboes [=elbows], 1 pipe with two flanges on [MS: “ont” with final “t” crossed] it to fit the roof, and one cruck for the pipes to go through, at .15¢, .20¢, .35¢, and .20¢ each, respectively. 12 Pretty cold day all through. Nancy and I cleaned the rust off the stove. Jim made a wood box. 13 Pretty cold day, but good sleighing. I was splitting some stove wood in the bush. The boys hauled it home. 14 Pretty sharp morning and the day kept getting colder towards eavning. I and the two eldest boys and the three horses were at John Irvin’s thrashing. The machine was very hard on the horses. Although the day was cold, all the teams were ringing wet with sweat. <Q1 folio 95 recto> December 1878 15th Sabbath. Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all through. 16 Cold morning, but the day got a little warmer towards eavning. Capital sleighing on the roads now! I went to the back line in the forenoon and in the afternoon I took 5 Bushels and 8 pounds of wheat to the grist mill. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway here at night. [in margin] Posted a letter to Ire- land. 17 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all through. I sold a sow, 14 months old, to Brother Samuel for one ton of hay. I also took Mother in a little pig seven weeks old. The boys were chopping wood in the bush. 18 Pretty cold morning and snow fell during the day. I chored around and put up a platform at the back door of the new house. The boys were chopping in the bush. 19 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold with some snow falling. I chored around home in the forenoon and in the afternoon attended a trustee meeting. The boys were hauling logs in the bush. 20 Cold morning and the day continued cold all through. The boys and I were hauling home wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon I fixed the wood rack. John Agnew was here today. 21 Cold snowy morning and the snow kept coming down faster as the day wore on. There was a very heavy fall of snow, the storm coming from the East. The storm is still going on (9:15) P.M. I was helping Brother Sam to haul in a stack of hay today. The boys were chopping stove wood at the house. <Q1 folio 95 verso> December 1878 22nd Sabbath. Rather a fine winter’s morning, but the afternoon got cold and a little stormy. 23 Very cold day and the wind high, a sharp freeze and a regular stinger at night. In the forenoon I was fixing up a Board fence between the new house and the milk house to brake the north west wind from the back door of the house. The boys were hauling manure, partly rotted, to bank the house. In the afternoon Nancy and I went to Dundalk and She purchased a bedstead for $3.25 cash. 24 Very cold stormy day all through, from morning till night, the wind drifting the snow as high as the fences. We moved into our new house this morning. Mr. Man of Artemesia and a fellow called Philips of Dundalk came here at night, asking lodgings for themselves and horse as they could not get through the drifts. We kept them. They acted Shabby enough, especially Philips. Got oats & hay for their horse, and supper, bed and breakfast for themselves, and gave the chil- dren .20 cents. �82 25 Christmas, and a cold stormy day all through. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here to dinner today. I was to go for Father and Mother, but the drifts were so deep that I could not. Our boys were at Mr. Lonsway’s in the forenoon, and their boys are now here and they and ours are amusing themselves in the old house now (6:30) P.M. <Q1 folio 96 recto> December 1878 [Fragment, recto of last folio, left half of the folio next to binding edge is torn off] [26] day, Snowing, blowing ..ds are impassible man or animal on Such a storm as there ..ys would be hard I were choring around [27] day continued cold showers of snow terrible storm has been [28] storm has somewhat abated day, Sharp freeze in the afternoon I cleaned up 65 Bushels and 19 lbs took them to Dundalk and got .22¢ shel for them. [29] Sabbath. Very cold morning and the day ...ued sharp all through. Nancy and I visited on line today. [30] ...orning with a little snow falling through ..ay bitterly cold all through. I and up 100 Bushels of Oats and I took ...k and sold three for .22¢ per bushel wife were here today. [31] and the day continued cold and I cleaned up 100 ...l took them to the Station ...2¢ per Bushel oats and weighed �83 2¾ bushels each with you. <Q1 folio 96 verso is blank> <end of Quire 1> <Quire 2> <Q2 folio 1 recto><Title page> Memorandum and Diary Book Begun January 1st 1879 by Robert Russell of the Township of Proton County of Grey and Province of Ontario [bottom half of page has three recipes for cures:] Cure for Consumption Common mullein leaves steeped strong and sweetened with sugar and drunk freely. The leaves should be gathered before the end of July if convenient. The leaves of young or old plants are good dried in the shade and kept in clean paper bags. The medecine must be continued from three to six months. Cure for stammering of your speech Read aloud for two hours daily with your teeth shut but keep your lips moving, do it two or three times a week. Take care to read slowly and distinctly and without spray. Do not get excited but take your time. Cure for small pox or preventing it One ounce cream of tartar dissolved in a pint of boi[ling; paper torn off] water to be drunk when cold at short intervals It can be taken at any time. <end of Title page> <Q2 folio 1 verso> January 1879 1st Very fine morning and the sun shone out through the day, causing a pleasant feeling to the most of us after having experienced so much cold, stormy weather. The boys and I cleaned up oats and I went to Dundalk with two loads (100 Bushels) and sold them for .22¢ per Bushel. Mr. Kirby and Misses [=Mrs., phonetic spelling?] George and the children were here tonight �84 and took tea with us. All of our children were spending the eavning with Mr. Lonsway’s chil- dren. 2 Very stormy morning and the day continued cold and stormy all through. The boys and I cleaned up about 100 Bushels of oats. We put 50 upstairs and bagged up 50 ready for market. 3 Fearfully cold stormy morning and the day continued blowing, snowing and freezing. Nothing like it has come this winter, although we have experienced some very cold weather. The boys and I chored around today. Josua J. Chalmbers quit chopping with me for the present. Mr. Christopher Johnson was here tonight and I helped him make out his school returns to send to the Inspector. [4] Another stormy cold morning, but not quite so bad as yesterday. Blowing and freezing pretty keenly all day. The boys and I were cleaning grain today. [5]th Sabbath. Cold stormy day all through. <Q2 folio 2 recto> January 1879 6th Cold morning and the day continued snowing, blowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon with a load of oats and in the afternoon I took 28 Bushels and 30 pounds of wheat to get gristed to Dundalk Mills. 7th Very cold day, the snow very deep. Hard work to get firewood. The boys chopped up an elm log that was in front of the house into stove wood. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. I brought home the grist. I had not good yield, only about 39 pounds to the bushel. The wheat was part fall [wheat] and remarkably good, the Spring wheat was also well cleaned. [in margin] Mr. James Penny / died this morning. 8 Another cold day, snowing and freezing. I attended an annual School meeting in No. 5 Melanc- thon, of which I am Sect. Treasurer. I intended resigning on account of being no longer a rate- payer, but the people at the meeting all insisted on my retaining the office. They gave me a vote of thanks for the way I had kept the books of the Section, and also made me a present of $1.43, the balance in my hands, besides paying me my salary $5.00. In the afternoon Nancy and I went to Mr. Penny’s wake and stopped most of the night. 9 Another cold day, snow to no end. I went to John McDowell’s Mill with four bags of mixed [grain] to get chopped. I almost traded horses to a [gap, paper torn off] but finally backed out. 10 Another cold day, snowing and freezing, th[paper torn off: e boys] hauled up some wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon we changed sleighs with brother Sam, as our family is going to Essa tomorrow. I also got home the chopped stuff and got paid for the oats I sold last week 358 bushels and 20 lbs @ .22¢ per bushel. <Q2 folio 2 verso> January 1879 11 Pretty cold morning, but the day got something milder. All the family, myself excepted, went to Essa. I went to the station in the afternoon and had a O. B. Jovial with Mr. D. Davidson’s Clerks.* Home now, early on Sunday morning. I guess the clock has stopped, I cannot tell the time. [*D. Davidson’s clerks are named in later entries, see 2 May 1879, 22 Dec. 1879, 18 Sept. 1880. “O. B. Jovial” =social drink; see also “O be jovial” on 8 Mar. 1876.] 12th Sabbath. Very fine sunny day all through. I am all alone today. Folks all in Essa. The clock fixer that righted our clock last spring came here today, wanted to get stopping all night, said he would clean the clock next morning. Did not keep him. 13 Rather stormy morning and the day continued cold and blowing. I am house keeper and chorer today. The folks are all gone. Mr. Andrew Lonsway came here a while at night. �85 14 Mild day, from morning to the afternoon, when it commenced freezing pretty keenly. The folks came home about 5:40 PM. Mr. Kirby borrowed the old mare today to take a grist to Dundalk. [in margin] Daddy Johnson died today. 15 Cold, stormy morning, and the day continued blowing and freezing all through. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s this afternoon. Jim brought his colt home from brother Sam’s. 16 Pretty cold morning but the day got somewhat warmer towards noon. I was choring around. The boys commenced going to school. 17 Rather cold morning, but the day got somewhat milder towards noon. The afternoon was pretty moderate. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Jim went to brother Sam’s to do the chores for him and to go to school. <Q2 folio 3 recto> Jan[uary] 1879 18th Mild morning and the day continued rather mild all through. Plenty of snow falling now 8:30 PM. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. I was chopping firewood in the bush, Johney hauled it in the afternoon. The snow is very deep, I had to shovel it away from the log I was cutting before I could saw it. Had also to shovel a way for the team to get into the bush. Never seen such deep snow at this time of the year. 19th Sabbath. Cold morning and the day continued so. 20 Cold morning, but the day ameliorated towards noon. In the afternoon it was quite mild. I was taking the top off a straw stack and choring. Nancy and I went to Mr. Kirby’s at night. 21 Cold stormy morning and the day continued snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and posted a letter to John Agnew. Mr. Kirby was here at noon to look at the young mare’s mouth, thinking she had a wolf’s tooth. He could see none. Brother John was here at night. 22 Mild morning and the day continued very moderate. I went to the Bush in the afternoon to cut firewood. I only got one large maple cut down. The snow is something fearful to get through, sinking up to the middle in some cases.––I read in the newspaper of the death of Mr. Robert Moore, a farmer of the second concession of West York. He was threshing and fell off the mow in his barn on the 10th inst. and was killed. I think that it is the same Mr. Moore I worked for about the years 1853—54 & ’55, and a better man there could not exist. I liked him as I would a brother, even when away from him my thoughts were continually on him. But he has gone to a better world. He leaves a wife and eight children to mourn his loss. Ah, if I do not see him any more in this world, I hope we shall meet in heaven! <Q2 folio 3 verso> January 1879 23rd Rather mild morning and the day continued fine for winter. Was chopping firewood in the bush. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s at night. 24 Mild morning and the day was pretty moderate with rather a high wind causing the snow to drift. I was chopping stove wood in the bush. 25 Pretty moderate morning, but the day as it advanced got exceedingly rough and windy. Johney and I were sawing stove wood in the bush in the forenoon and we were glad to leave the woods on account of the high wind and snow drifting in on us. We were in great danger of falling tim- ber, the wind was so strong. On our way home we could scarcely see the right way to go, the snow was raised with the wind and blowing against us in blinding masses. The stormiest day that has come for a long time. [in margin] Got a letter from Ireland. �86 26th Sabbath. Fine sunny morning, and the day continued mild to the afternoon, when it began to freeze pretty sharply. I went with the sleigh to the back line in the morning and fetched Father and Mother out. In the afternoon I took them home again. 27 Windy morning with sleet and rain, the day continued pretty windy all through and raining. It seems that a thaw has set in. And I split stove wood in the bush in the forenoon and in the af- ternoon hauled it home. Eliza Russell was here today. [in margin] Thaw. 28 Very fine morning, and the day continued sunny with a thaw wind. Nancy and I fetched in a small pit of potatoes in the forenoon. There was a good many of them frozen. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk and purchased an axe handle and some writing paper. Mrs. and Mr. Lon- sway were here this eavning. <Q2 folio 4 recto> January 1879 29th Bright sunny morning, and the day continued splendid all through. Done nothing, only chores. 30 Bright sunny morning and the day continued fine to the afternoon, when it got overcast and a pretty hard freeze set in. I was chopping stove wood in the bush. 31 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all day and pretty windy in the afternoon. I was chopping stove wood in the bush. <double line dividing sections> February [1879] 1st Cold, blustery morning and snow fell during the forenoon, the afternoon windy and excessively cold. It is now (7:20) P.M. Freezing like Greenland. Johney and I were sawing stove wood in the bush. 2nd Sabbath. Cold day all through. 3 Pretty mild day, the sun came out pretty warm about 10 A.M. I was chopping firewood in the bush. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. 4 Nice morning, the sun shone out strong and bright, the day kept fine all through. I was hauling firewood from the bush in the forenoon, and in the afternoon drove in to brother John’s for Nancy and the two youngest, who had been there all day. Brother John borrowed my bay mare, Gerty, to go to the township of Essa on tomorrow. 5 Rather cold morning, and the day continued pretty cold all through. I was chopping firewood in the bush today. <Q2 folio 4 verso> February 1879 6th Pretty cold day, and I was chopping firewood in the bush. 7 Rather colder than yesterday, with frequent showers of snow. Done nothing today, only my chores. 8 Rather cold this morning, but the day ameliorated and was sunny and pleasant towards noon. Johney and I sawed stove wood in the bush till noon, and in the afternoon I took the harrows and the plow colter to the blacksmith’s shop to get repaired. I also paid Richard Campbell, blacksmith, his account in full. 9th Sabbath. Pretty cold day and very stormy, the wind blowing and drifting the snow greately [=greatly]. 10 Moderate weather this day, the snow inclined to be a little soft. I was cutting wood in the bush. �87 11 Mild morning with a good deal of soft snow falling. The snow kept coming down mostly all day. I done no chopping today as it was wetting being outside. William Lonsway was here to- day. 12 Very cold stormy day, from morning to night, the wind blowing and drifting the snow at a great rate. 13 Sharp morning, very big freeze. It kept cold all day, and toward eavning the wind rose and drifted the snow. I was at William Lonsway's bee with the team hauling cordwood to the sta- tion. Miss Sarah Bell visited us today. 14 Very cold morning, and the day continued cold all through. There arose a wind and snow storm about 6. PM, the fiercest snow storm I ever was out in. Nancy was at the back line. <Q2 folio 5 recto> February 1879 15th Very sharp cold morning, and the day continued piercing cold of all through. Johney, Clark, and I cleaned up a grist and some wheat for seed. 16th Sabbath. Not quite so cold as yesterday, still there was a sharp enough freeze all day long. 17 Cold morning, but the day got something warmer towards noon. I took to the gristmill 26 bushels [of] wheat. 18 Cold morning, but the day got bright and sunny and was very fine from about 10 A.M. I was hauling some firewood home from the bush. Mrs. Abraham Jackson* visited us this afternoon. [*mother of Phoebe Jackson Russell.] 19 Very cold morning, and the day continued cold all day, and blowing with some snow falling. I went to the back line, and also I went to the mill for a grist I had left there. Rev. Mr. Ward*, C. [of E.] Minister, called here today. [*Rev. James Ward (Church of England), of Markdale, con- ducted services every second Sunday at Dundalk, 1877-1880; see History of Dundalk, pp. 142- 43.] 20 Very cold morning, and the day continued cold and stormy all through, very sharp cold wind and some snow falling. This night was the coldest that has came this winter. Mrs. Clements Bell visited us today. [in margin] coldest night. 21 Sunshiny morning, and the day was nice and fine all through, with a bright sun. The eavning was rather sharp. Nancy and two youngest and I went to Dundalk. 22 Rather sharp morning, and the wind continued getting up towards eavning, when it blew pretty brisk and cold. Johney and I were hauling some hay which I had at W. Lonsway’s. It was clo- ver hay, and being in a stack, was pretty badly musted. <Q2 folio 5 verso> February 1879 23rd Sabbath. Cold stormy day all through. The boys, John and Clark, took Jim in to Sam’s in the afternoon in the sleigh. 24 Cold stormy day all through, blowing, snowing, and freezing. 25 Very cold stormy day, the wind blowing, and snow falling, and freezing. Johney and I hauled two little loads of hay from W. Lonsway’s. 26 A very cold and stormy morning and the day continued very cold and stormy all through. Johney and I hauled the last of our hay from the back line. Old Mr. Kirby was here a while this afternoon. [in margin] First lamb came tonight. 27 Another snapping cold day, blowing, snowing and freezing. Nancy and I went to Mr. Kirby’s this eavning. �88 28 Another very cold day, snowing, blowing, and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the eavning and posted six letters. [in margin] Letter sent to Brother William. March 1st, 1879 1st Brisk wind this morning, and snow fall, but with a tending to softness. The wind continued pretty strong, but soft, all day. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. I paid John Nor- vall, Jnr., $25.00 to be placed to my credit and put on the note which he holds against me for his brother Tom. Said note being $50, with 0.2 per cent per annum interest. In the afternoon, I opened a potato pit and brought in a Barell full, there was an odd one of them frozen. 2nd. Sabbath. Rather cold day, windy and freezing in the forenoon, the afternoon pretty mild and the sun was fine. Nancy, Eliza, and I visited at Mr. James A. Mulholland’s. <Q2 folio 6 recto> March 1879 3rd Pretty cold in the morning, but the sun shone out about 10 AM, the day was nice and fine af- terwards. Nancy and I went to the back line. I met brothers John and Sam coming to the mill with saw logs. I turned and went back with them. James Murphy stopped here this night. 4 Soft-like morning with the wind pretty high. There came a [sic; delete] on quite a snow storm of large soft snowflakes. This cleared off after a while, and the day was rather milder. Nancy’s father was here. 5 Very fine morning, sun bright and warm. I and the family went to the back line to help brother John to pack up his goods and furniture. James Murphy stopped here tonight. 6 Cold, raw morning, the roads were very heavy on account of the snow which had fallen last night and drifted. The day got finer about noon, when the sun came out. Brother John moved away this morning to the township of Essa, where he is going to live on a farm, 109 acres which he and I have jointly. I sent my team, drive[n] by Jim, also I sent Johney to help drive his cattle. This changing of places is at the best very troublesome. I hope he will do well in his new home. He has done very badly in his old home. The wind is getting very strong tonight, and whistling around the house at a pretty brisk rate. 7 Fine morning, and the day continued very fine all through, with quite a bright sun. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 8 Moderately mild morning, sky overcast in the afternoon, thunder, lightening and some rain in the eavning. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s a while at night. [in margin] Thunder. <Q2 folio 6 verso> March 1879 9th Sabbath. Beautiful morning, the sun bright and warm, the day continued very fine all through till night, when there came on a rain storm accompanied with pretty heavy thunder and a great deal of lightening. The snow melted away today pretty rapidly. Mr. and Mrs. James A. Mul- holland and two of their children visited us today. 10 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued beautiful all through, the sun extremely hot. The sky got overcast at night and the wind rose. Nancy, I, Eliza and Willy went to the back line about noon. Edward Thompson is stopping here tonight. 11 Cold, raw morning and the day continued very windy and cold all through. I went to Dundalk, it being fair day. Cattle were very cheap, some milk cows fetching as little as $12.00. �89 12 Cold in the morning, but as the day advanced the sun shone out bright, making the day more pleasant. The sky got overcast towards night and there fell quite a nice little bit of snow after dark. Nancy and I visited J. Trugon's at night. 13 Blowing, stormy morning, snow falling at first, which turned to something like rain soon, the wind very strong. In the afternoon a pretty sharp freeze set in. Nancy, I, Eliza and Willy were at Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. 14 Blustering day all through, snowing, blowing, and freezing from morning till night. Chopped a little stove wood in the bush this afternoon. 15 Cold, raw morning, and the day continued very cold all through. I shovelled a way through the snow in the forenoon in to some stove wood in the bush, and in the afternoon Johney and I hauled it. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. <Q2 folio 7 recto> March1879 16th Sabbath. Storm and sunshine alternately. Snow showers falling frequently throughout the day, pretty cold in general. Brother Sam and his wife, with their three children, were here this after- noon. Most of the company, myself excepted, went to protracted meeting at Dundalk at night. 17th Patrick's Day in the morning. Showers of snow accompanied by a pretty strong breeze, oc- cassionally sunshine now and then, were the prevailing features of the day. J. Chalmbers here today. 18 Much the same kind of weather as yesterday, blowing and snowing occasionally, with a little sunshine now and then. Mrs. R. went to meeting tonight. 19 Pretty cold in the morning, then a little warmer as the sun got out. Some showers of snow through the day, wind moderate. Brother John was here a while in the afternoon. Brother Sam and wife also came here in the eavning on their way to Dundalk. Mrs. R. is off to the meetings tonight again. 20 A little cold in the morning, but the sun came out during the forenoon, and the day was pleas- ant. I was helping brother John cut saw logs. 21 Sunshiny day, the snow melting, although not rapidly. I was helping brother John cut saw logs. 22 Hard frost this morning, the day got mild about 10 AM. Snow began to fall and kept snowing mostly all day. I was helping brother John with the saw logs today. <Q2 folio 7 verso> March 1879 23rd Sabbath. Rather stormy day, snowing and blowing, the snow somewhat soft. 24 Fine in the morning, but soon the day changed and blowing and snowing commenced and con- tinued without intermission throughout the day. I sent Jim and the team to help brother John cut his logs. 25 Sunny morning and the day was pleasant and fine all through, the snow melting considerably. Jim was helping brother John with the saw logs. 26 Cold, raw morning for some time, then the sun shone out and the day was pleasant till after dark, then some sleety rain fell. Jim was helping brother Sam in the afternoon to haul stove wood to the school house. I was chopping stove wood in the bush. 27 Rather fine day, given to thaw in the afternoon. Jim was helping brother Sam to haul wood with the team. 28 Mild morning and the day continued soft all through. Rain commenced at night. The spring thaw appears to have set in. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. �90 29 Misty morning, the snow melting rappidly, a shower of sleet fell about noon. The afternoon soft and misty. Johney and I went to brother Sam’s in the eavning for some hay. 30th Sabbath. Cold, stormy day all through. 31 Cold in the morning, but got warmer and the snow melted some towards noon. I and Johney hauled two small loads of hay from the back line. I went to Dundalk at night and paid John McDowell $25.00 for sawing 10,000 feet lumber. Brother John was here this eavning and took away three bags of his own wheat. <Q2 folio 8 recto> April 1879 1st Cold in the morning, but got much warmer as the day advanced. It was pretty warm about noon, and the sun shone out bright. Brother Sam came here in the morning, about 2 O'clock in the morning, with his team and a small load of grain for brother John. I got my horses har- nessed and sent Jim and John with Sam’s load to Shelburne. Brother John being along with the waggon, they put both loads on the waggon at Shelburne and then John started for Essa, as the sleighing had all gone from Shelburne down. I was helping Sam at a wood bee. There were 12 men at the bee and he got about 13 cords of the stove wood cut and split. Mr. James Jack, as- sessor, stopped here this night. He assessed me for real and personal property at $910.00. 2 Cold, stormy morning, blowing and snowing. It continued so all day with a pretty sharp freeze. John and Jim were chopping stove wood in the bush. 3 Very cold morning, and the day kept getting colder all through, snowing, blowing, and freezing. I went to brother Sam’s in the forenoon with the team and got John’s sugar kettle. The boys were cutting stove wood in the bush in the forenoon. The afternoon was too stormy for them to work. Mrs. Gott, Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here today. 4 Cold, stormy day all through, but not quite so much of a blow as was yesterday, snow falling mostly all day, although in no great quantities. The boys were cutting stove wood in the bush. 5 Pretty cold morning, but the sun broke out at about noon, and the day was pleasant after. The boys were chopping and I was hauling wood home, and in the eavning I brought in some pota- toes out of the pit. John Agnew is stopping here tonight. <Q2 folio 8 verso> April 1879 6th Sabbath. Rather fine in the morning and the sun kept getting stronger and warmer as the day advanced. The snow melted considerably. John Agnew was here to the afternoon. 7 Rather cool this morning and the wind blew coldly all day, although the sun shone out pretty bright. The boys went in to brother Sam's for our bobsleighs, and took his long sleigh in to him in the forenoon. They chopped stove wood in the bush in the afternoon. Father came out with the boys and stopped all night with us. 8 Bright sunny morning, and the day was warm and fine all through, with plenty of sunshine. Fa- ther went home this morning. Jim took him in in the sleigh. We tapped trees today for the first this season. I made the cuts in the tree and Nancy put in the spiles and set the troughs. We done 101 in the afternoon. I heard a Robin singing for the first this season. [in margin] First trees tapped / First robin heard 9 Very fine bright morning, the Sun shone out strong all day and the day was quite pleasant. We gathered and boiled down sap today. We made about ¾ of a pail of molasses. �91 10 Rainy morning which soon turned to sleet, then to snow, and the day was a tough one all through. The ground was covered pretty well with snow towards night. [in margin] First cow / calved. 11 The sun shone out this morning, but there was a very cold wind all day, everything outside cov- ered with sleet and looking very dreary. The boys cut some stove wood. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <Q2 folio 9 recto> April 1879 12th Bright sunny morning, and the day was pretty fine, though rather cold. The boys were cutting stove wood in the bush. I sowed 30 pounds (9 of clover & 21 of grass) seed on 3 acres of ground. Henry Lonsway was here a while this afternoon. I went to John Irvin’s at night and helped him carry in two pigs which he had butchered. The gravel road in front of this place is now passible. It has been blocked up with snow since Christmas to about four days ago, when some teams passed through. There is four feet of snow in some of the fence corners yet. 13 Pretty mild morning and the day was rather soft, with a snow shower. Mrs. Russell and I visit- ed at Mrs. C. Bell’s. We had a five year old cow got her neck broke in the stable tonight. She was near her calving. Loss, about $20.00. 14 Rather chilly this morning, but the sun shone out after some time and the day got nice and warm. Mr. Lonsway came over in the forenoon and helped me skin the cow. I sent the hide in to Mr. Hanbury’s, it weighed 54 lbs gross and was only worth .03¢ per pound. One cow calved today. Nancy and I gathered 33 pails of sap in about an hour in the afternoon. Jim was helping Henry Lonsway. 15 Rather sharp morning, but the sun got out in the afternoon. We were in the sugar bush in the af- ternoon. I went in the eavning to Dundalk to hear Mr. Lauder, M.P.P.* [Abraham William Lauder, MPP for Grey East, 3 Sept. 1867-8 Dec. 1871, 18 Jan. 1872-20 Feb. 1884. See http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_detail.do?locale=en&ID=720]. 16 Rather chilly morning, the afternoon fine. Were in the sugar bush in the eavning. 17 Cold in the forenoon, the afternoon fine. The boys swamped out wood. Nancy and I were in the sugar bush in the afternoon. <Q2 folio 9 verso> April 1879 18th Frosty morning, the sun got out bright, and the sunshine strong in the evening. The boys swamped out wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon gathered sap. I went to Flesherton, to Division court, had no case. Wanted to see John Agnew. Owen Cassidy and Kenny Perry stopped here tonight. 19 Frosty morning, and pretty chilly through the day, although the sun was shining. I went to Mr. Hughes in the afternoon. Nancy and the boys were in the sugar bush. At night we went to Mr. Lonsway’s. 20th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, and the day was pleasant and fine all through. One of the cows got sick this afternoon, apparently a stoppage in her urine. I sent to Dundalk and got some spirits of sweet nitre. I gave her about one half ounce at a dose; it seemed to relieve her. [in margin] Heard frogs. 21 Hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out strong, and the day was pleasant and warm. Nancy gathered some sap in the morning. Jim started the pease today. The frost is not suffi- �92 ciently out of the ground for good plowing. The ground is also soft. Johney and I were picking over a potatoe pit, there were a great many damaged ones among them. They had rotted, about the one third of them, I think. I ought to have covered them in the fall with plenty of good dry straw. In place of that I have put on fox tail and other stuff that I got amongst the potatoe hills whilst digging them. The potatoes were all scabbed when I put them into the pit. The others that I had covered with straw were sufficiently sound. [in the margin:] First plowing. 22nd Very fine morning and the day continued exceedingly hot for this season of the year, in fact it was hazy, almost like Indian summer. Jim was plowing, John and I cleaned up about 23 bush- els of pease. Bob Irvin was here today to see about buying an old stove from me. I sold him one for $2.00. <Q2 folio 10 recto> April 1879 23rd Pretty mild morning with scarcely any frost, the day got clouded over with indications of rain, although there was none fell. Jim was plowing, Johney and I cleaned up 110 bushels of oats. Nancy and I went to Mr. Kirby’s at night. Mr. Kirby offered me two cows for a brood mare. I declined. 24 Sharp frost this morning, the day got overcast, and was cool. The evening quite cloudy and rainy like. The ground has dried up splendidly these last few days, plowing goes very well now. Jim was plowing. A Frenchman named Roos, and a boy which was along with him, sell- ing counterpanes, arrived and fed their horses here. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this af- ternoon. 25 Misty morning and the day kept getting cloudier. A little rain fell in the forenoon, and a slight mizzle kept up to about 3 PM, when it began to rain heavier and wound up with a wet afternoon and raining now (9:30) P.M. Jim was plowing so long as the day was fair. I sifted some seed wheat in order to take wild mustard seed out of it. Mrs. Hannah Bowler was here this eavning. Henry and Mariah Lonsway were here a while at night. 26 Rather cloudy morning, but the rain did not fall till about 6 P.M. Jim was plowing. I sifted some seed wheat. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 27th Sabbath. Cool morning and the day continued rather cool all through. I went to see Father and Mother today. [in margin] seen Swallow 28 Cool morning, although the sun shone out bright. The day was fair but cool. I plowed, and Jim made a stone boat. <Q2 folio 10 verso> April 1879 29th Rather misty morning, and a slight rain fell throughout the day, but not enough to stop work. I was plowing in the forenoon, Jim plowed in the afternoon. 30 Cold, raw morning and the day continued cold all through. Fine snow began to fall about 5 PM and continued falling till after dark. It is freezing now pretty hard, the ground is quite stiff (9.) P.M. Jim was plowing, I was sorting some potatoes. The ground where Jim was plowing was very wet. ___________________________________________________________________ May 1st Cold morning, frost and snow, the ground frozen very hard, no harrowing this morning and but little plowing. Jim and John went to Mr. Jackson for ½ ton of hay, which I had purchased @ �93 the rate of $8. per ton. ½ ton is a pretty small load. We plowed the garden and the patch be- tween the two houses in the eavning. Mr. W. Kirby came down in the afternoon and I wrote him two letters. 2 Sharp frost this morning, the ground so hard that it would not harrow in the forenoon. I sowed four bags of wheat in the eavning. Jim plowed in the forenoon and harrowed in the afternoon. I then went to Dundalk, was late of getting through with my business. Mr. D. Davidson’s Clerks* asked me to stop all night with them. I done so. [in margin] first wheat sowen. [*See below, Neil Strachan and John Stubbings, two of Davidson’s clerks, visited the Russells, 22 Dec. 1879] 3 Bright sunny morning, and the day continued fine all through. I brought home six apple trees which I had ordered from Chase Brothers & Bo[w]man, Rochester, and planted them. They cost me twenty-five cents each. I also finished sowing wheat and Jim finished harrowing the wheat. [in margin] planted fruit trees <Q2 folio 11 recto> May 1879 4th Sabbath. Rather misty morning, and some rain began to fall pretty early in the day and the day continued pretty wet all through. Brother Samuel and wife and baby were here today. 5 Cold, wet morning, and continued wet to about 9 AM when it cleared off, and continued dry to about 4 P.M. when it commenced to mizzle and was rather wet and cold at night. Jim plowed from 9 AM till night. I chored around and staked the apple trees. The trees are planted and named as follows: The Row contains 6 trees and is the third row of trees or 24 steps from the boundary line between lots 214 and 215. The first tree in the row, counting from the Gravel Road is named Rhode Island Greening, the second tree, 13½ feet from the first is a Baldwin. The third, 13½ feet from the second, is a Red Astrachan. The fourth, 13½ feet from the third, is a Talman Sweet. The fifth, 13½ feet from the fourth, is a Fameuse. The sixth, 13½ feet from the fifth, is a Wagner. The first I’ll give to James, the second to John, the third to Clark, the fourth to Eliza, the 5th to William, and 6th to their mother and me, between us. 6 Cold damp morning and there was a slight shower of snow about 10 AM, then a slight mizzle of rain. The afternoon was a little more favorable. I sowed fifteen bushels of pease today. Jim harrowed them. Nancy and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. [in margin] Sowed pease / Full moon in / the morning. 7 Sunshiny morning, and the day continued dry, although cool. Jim finished harrowing the pease in the forenoon, and went to plowing sod in the afternoon. John and I picked up stones and roots [dittog: and stones] where Jim was plowing. Eliza’s little lamb met its death this morning by some of the animals laying upon it. Mr. Hanbury came here in the afternoon to lathe [=lath; i.e. to put up lath prior to plastering the walls]. <Q2 folio 11 verso> May 1879 8th Cold morning, with frost on the ground. The day got warmer. Jim plowed, I and John picked stones and roots. I helped Nancy plant some onions in the afternoon. I went in to the back line in the afternoon. 9 Pleasant sunny morning, and the day continued warm all through. Jim plowed, Johny picked up and gathered stones. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I then attended a trus- tee meeting. �94 10 A little chilly this morning, but the sun got out bright and warm, and the day was dry and warm all through. I sowed two bags of oats in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to buy some cows: did not get any, the cows did not please me. Johney harrowed. [in margin] First oats sown. 11th Sabbath. Very fine morning, and the day continued dry and warm all through. 12th Fine morning, and the day was very warm all through. I plowed today, John and Jim picked up roots and stones. Mr. William Middleton stopped here at noon with his horse. Mr. Cross came here in the afternoon to fix the windows. 13 Fine morning, and the day continued very close and warm, with some appearance of a thunder storm in the eavning. There was some lightening. I plowed mostly all day. The ground is vey dry and hard and it is very heavy work on the team. 14 Very warm morning and the day continued hot to about 4 P.M. when it got cloudy, then shortly after there was lightening, thunder and rain. I was plowing, Jim and Johney were picking stones. Brother Sam got the lend of the old mare to work, as his has colted. We planted some potatoes this eavning. [in margin] First potatoes planted. <Q2 folio 12 recto> May 1879 15th Fine growing morning, the day cool and misty all through. I was plowing to noon, then I sowed some oats. Jim harrowed. Nancy shore the sheep. John Hanbury and his two men were working at the plastering of the house. 16 Fine morning, and the day continued dry all through. Jim was harrowing in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and I hauled off stones and jerked out stumps from the ground we were going to fallow. 17 Slight frost this morning, but did not hurt. I plowed to tea time, then I went to Dundalk. Called at Mr. May’s old place to hear Dr. Barr* address the Electors. Jim and Johney were picking up. [* MP for Grey, and later MPP; see above, 10 June 1876, 7 Aug. 1877, 20 Sept. 1877, re. med- ical report to qualify for pension.] 18th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day continued warm and dry. I and wife went to Brother Samuel’s today. 19 Very warm morning and the day continued hot all through. Jim was plowing. I and Johney were choring around, picking potatoes, planting them and doing other jobs. 20 Very fine morning and a beautiful day, sunshine all through. Jim was plowing, John was gath- ering stones. I went to a Chattle [=chattel] Mortgage Sale at Mr. George Mann’s in the Town- ship of Artemesia. I bought one cow for $19. and another for $22.50. They are both good cows, one eight and the other seven years old. They are calved some time. 21 Fine day all through. Jim was plowing. Johney and I planted potatoes and gathered stones. Nancy was at a picking bee at Mr. Lonsway’s. She and I went to Dundalk at night to Mr. Thomas Talbot’s wake. There was a sharp frost this night. [in margin] Old T. Talbot /died. <Q2 folio 12 verso> May 1879 22nd Bright sunny morning, and the day continued dry but cool and windy. Jim harrowed, I sowed oats and Johney and I gathered stones in the afternoon. Quite a frost this night. [in margin] Finished sowing oats. �95 23 Fine morning, but quite cool, the day dry and pleasant all through. Jim plowed, I and Johney planted some potatoes in the forenoon and cleaned some barley in the afternoon. Mr. Lonsway and Mr. William Silk were here this afternoon. Mr. John Hanbury finished plastering the house. 24 Fine morning, and the day continued dry and breezy with clouds in the afternoon. The three eldest boys went to see the sports at Dundalk.* Johney ran in the boys race and took first prize (.75¢). Eliza and Willie went fishing and caught four fish 2½ inches long, big Sport for them. Nancy went to Dundalk in the afternoon to do some shopping. I stopped at home all day and plowed. [*Victoria Day holiday, 24th of May, celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday.] 25th Sabbath. Cool, clear morning and the day continued cool and dry all through. [in margin] Frost. 26 Cold morning, with quite a frost, ice on the water. The day was cold and clear all through. Jim was plowing, John was gathering stones. I sifted some Barley for seed. Brother Sam was here at noon. [in margin] Frost. / Lamb come. 27 Cool morning, the day continued cool and bright. Quite a frost this morning. I sowed 4½ acres of Barley. Johney harrowed it. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 18 pounds of Timothy seed at 5 cents per pound, and 10 pounds Clover seed at 7½ cents per lb. [in mar- gin] Frost / Finished sowing Barley. 28 Frost this morning, the day was clear and warm. John and I picked stones in the forenoon and I sowed the clover seed in the afternoon, and Johney harrowed. The ground is remarkably dry and hard. Water is getting scarce. No spring so dry in my memory. [in margin] Frost. <Q2 folio 13 recto> May 1879 29th Bright warm morning, and the day continued dry and warm. Johney was plowing a potatoe patch, I was cutting seed potatoes. Mrs. Gott was helping Nancy pick wool. 30 Bright sunny morning, the day continued warm and very windy. There was a slight shower of rain in the forenoon. Johney and I were hauling out manure. I went to a meeting at night of a political nature at Mr. Atcheson’s School House. 31 Dry warm morning, the sun bright and hot. I went to Flesherton to see Dr. Christoe and from thence to Priceville to see Mr. Ferguson.* P.S. I took the train at Flesherton Station coming home and about that time 3 P.M. there came on a rain and wind storm which increased in vio- lence as we came near Dundalk to nearly a tornado. The fences blew down in all directions. Buildings were unroofed, the water poured in through the passanger [sic] car, the wind almost blew the cars off the track. The rain ceased at about 6 P.M., the ground thoroughly wet, hail stones fell in places. [in margin] Violent Storm. [*William Ferguson was Superintendant of Schools (or Public School Inspector) for Grey South (which included Melancthon, Proton, Ar- temesia and Osprey); see Belden, Historical Atlas of Counties of Grey and Bruce; Sawden, His- tory of Dufferin County, 88, 124-25. In this entry, RR is taking a medical certificate from Dr. Christoe to W. Ferguson in order to qualify for his annual pension.] June 1st Sabbath Rather misty morning, but the rain only came on in the eavning. 2 Misty morning and pretty cool. The day continued dry. Jim was plowing, Johney and I were fixing up fences in the forenoon and in the afternoon were cleaning up the door yard. 3 Cloudy morning, the day continued fair during the forenoon. About 2 in the afternoon the rain began to come down, at first slowly, then it increased in quantity till it got perfectly wetting. It kept raining all afternoon and is at it still (9:30) P.M. We were planting potatoes in the dry part �96 of the day. Planted about 5 bags full. We put them in with the plow, plowed the ground in as flat as if for grain. Mrs. Kirby was helping Nancy to pick wool. Wesley Lonsway was helping to drop potatoes. <Q2 folio 13 verso> June 1879 4th Showery, cool day all through. Jim plowed, I cut some potatoes for seed. 5 Cool morning, but the day was dry from morning to night. Jim plowed. Mr. Lonsway fixed the stove pipes on the roof of our house. I went to the Elections for M.P.P. at Dundalk. Mr. Lauder (Conservative) member for East Grey re-elected. [in margin] Elections 6 Very cold morning, mizzling rain falling through the forenoon and pretty windy. Jim finished plowing in the forenoon and in the afternoon we planted the remainder of our potatoes. [in margin] Finished planting / potatoes. 7 Bright, sunny morning, with a very hard frost, ice on the water as thick as a penny. The day continued cool and clear all through. I sowed 4 1/4 acres mixed oats and pease, John harrowed them. Jim and Clark helped brother Sam plant potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and from thence to Father’s. [in margin] Hard frost. 8th Sabbath. Fine clear morning and the day continued nice and dry. Henry Lonsway and Joseph Jackson were here today. 9 Clear, bright morning, the day very warm in the afternoon. The boys were hauling rails today. I got 60 pounds of hay from Mr. Lonsway. He would not take any pay for it. Henry Lonsway and Joseph Jackson started for Nippising [=Nipissing].* I was to accompany them on a land hunting excursion, but I backed down, can’t say whether it was right or wrong. [*the major city in Nipissing District is now North Bay, about 250 km north of Toronto; see, below, details of later trip to Parry Sound, an area slighty south of Nipissing, and east of Georgian Bay, 19-24 June 1879]. 10 Bright, sunny morning and the day was bright and pretty hot all through. I put up a fence. Jim and John hauled rails. Jim went at noon to the blacksmith’s to get a hook put on one of the tugs*, the former one being broken. [*synonym for “traces”, part of the horse harness, attach- ing to the whiffletree, a pivoted crosspiece attached to the tongue of the wagon, allowing the pulling forces to be distributed evenly.] <Q2 folio 14 recto> June 1879 11th Fine clear morning, and the day was pretty warm about noon. It got cloudy towards sunset and the wind blew pretty strong after dark for about 30 minutes, with some rain. I was repairing fences, Jim and John were hauling rails. Mrs. Samuel Russell and her sister Hannah were here this afternoon. 12 Bright sunny morning and the day continued clear but cool in the afternoon. I was repairing fences, the boys were hauling rails and cleaning up the ground where an old fence had been. 13 Fine morning, clear but a little cool. The day kept fine all through. I was repairing fences. Jim plowed, and sowed some oats and pease (mixed) for sheep feed. John harrowed. Jim left with T. J. Arnold for Essa this eavning. 14 Cool morning, and dry to about 3 P.M., when it commenced raining and is now (10) still rain- ing. I cut some rail timber in the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned oats: 19 19/34* Bush- �97 els, & took them to Dundalk and sold them for .3¢ per bushel. [* a bushel normally has 32 quarts, but here seems to have 34, hence the fraction 19/34] 15th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, but the day got overcast and foggy with a slight sprinkling of rain occassionally. Brother Sam was here today. 16 Cool, clear morning, the sky high and the day clear but cool, and very chilly towards night, with signs of frost. I put up a shed for the waggon today. Hanlin* of Toronto beat Elliot of England in England, at rowing a Race. [*Of Irish descent, born in Toronto, Ned Hanlan was a famous Canadian rowing athlete, winning the English title in 1879, beating William Elliot by 11 lengths on a course of 5.76 km, on the Tyne at Newcastle; he earlier won the American champi- onship, and was world champion in 1880, and continued a professional career in rowing for many years; see http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ned-hanlan/.] 17 Cool and bright morning, the day fair all through. Fixed [up a place for the wagon: stricken] up fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. <Q2 folio 14 verso> June 1879 18th A slight frost this morning, but did not do any harm. The day was clear and cool all through. Johney and I fixed fence today. Mother and brother Samuel were out here. Jim got home from Essa, he is pretty sick and was very sick while away with a cold. He was laid up in bed for one day or more. I start for Parry Sound District tonight, accompanied by brother Samuel, William Lonsway and his brother Henry. Mr. Andrew Lonsway drives my team out as far as Singhamp- ton and brings them home again. Hope he will take care of them, he is but a poor teamster, and don’t hold his lines eaven [=even]. My object in going to Parry Sound is to get farms for my sons. [in margin] Frost. 19th to 24th [June]. Frost this morning. Went to Parry Sound in company with Skeffington Bell, Sam Russell, H. Lonsway, and W. Lonsway. Went about forty miles up the country: it is a wilderness of Rock and Black lakes, never can become a farming country. We took up no land. Going through the country was like passing through some horrible nightmare dream. There is now a Blank in this Journal, as my son Jim was at the point of death almost, when I came home. Dr. McWilliams visited him seven times and By God’s Mercy and the Dr.’s skill Jim was saved. Inflamation on one lung and pleuresy [=pleurisy] was the sickness. [This blank period is, then, three weeks, from 25 June to 16 July, when Robert returns to his daily record.] <Q2 folio 15 recto> July 1879 16th Cool morning and the day continued dry but cool with a pretty strong breeze toward eavning. I was at Mr. Nicoll’s raising of a frame barn this afternoon. The boys, Johney and Clark, were hoeing potatoes. 17 Clear cool morning and the day fair all through. Spread some manure for Sam. 18 Clear cool day, without rain. Nancy took the rolls of wool to be spun today. [in margin] First mail [double underline] 19 Clear cool day, no rain. I went to Dundalk on some business today. 20th Sabbath. Clear cool day all through. �98 21 Cloudy morning with some indications of rain, pretty warm about 2 P.M., a little thunder, no rain. I was helping Brother Sam to mow, the boys Paris greened the potatoes and hauled home some stove wood. 22 Cloudy morning and rain began to fall about 11 AM. The afternoon was showery all through. It is now (9:15) P.M. raining. I was helping Sam at his hay in the forenoon. 23 Clear day in the afternoon, although there was a slight mizzle of rain early in the morning. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon with a Ram I had sold for $5.00, also posted a letter to A. W. Lauder, M.P.P., Toronto, and in the afternoon mowed for Sam. 24 Dry morning and the day continued dry and fine all through. I was helping Sam at his hay, the boys helped in the afternoon. 25 Clear in the morning, but the afternoon became cloudy, no rain. The boys and I were helping Sam at his hay today. <Q2 folio 15 verso> July 1879 26 Cloudy morning and looked very much like rain in the forenoon. The sun shone out in the af- ternoon and the evening was dry and warm. I was helping Sam today and the boys were help- ing him in the forenoon. Nancy drove the horses in for me at night. 27 Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued dry all through. Mrs. John Gott and Husband were here today. 28 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun shone out soon and the day got warm and bright to about noon, when the sky began to get cloudy. A slight rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening came on about 6 PM. I was helping Sam at his hay, Johney was helping Mr. Kirby to haul in hay. 29 Rather misty this morning, but the sun shone out soon and the day was pretty hot. I was mow- ing at Sam's, the two boys were making hay with him in the afternoon. 30 Fine morning, the day clear and warm, beautiful hay weather. I and the two boys were helping Sam. 31 Fine morning and the day very warm, dry all day. I and Jim and the team were doing statute labor. I went to Mr. John McDowell’s raising of a frame barn in the afternoon. Johnny went to do road work in my place. <Q2 folio 16 recto> August 1879 1st Bright morning, the day dry and very warm all through, with pretty high wind. I helped Sam at his hay. John and Jim with the team were doing statute labor. 2 Fine morning, dry to about 5 PM when there came on a slight rain, accompanied by thunder and lightening. I mowed some fence corners and Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 3rd Sabbath. Pretty nice day, dry, clear and moderately warm. Nancy and I visited Mr. S. Bell. 4 Fine morning, the day continued dry and warm with the exception of a few drops of rain that fell about 2 PM. I was mowing fence corners. 5 Fine dry morning and the day continued dry, and a little breezy with signs of rain, but none fell. We and Mr. Lonsway’s went a-Berrying to the Huckleberry marsh in Osprey. Did not get many, as there is a poor crop of berries this year. 6 Bright morning and the day was warm and dry though cloudy in the afternoon. I was mowing some in forenoon and in the afternoon attended a trustee meeting. �99 7 Bright sunny morning, the day fine to the afternoon. There was some thunder in the evening with a slight shower of rain. I and the boys were making hay. 8 Fine dry day, but pretty windy. The boys and I were haying. 9 Dry morning, the day dry, the boys berrying, I choring. Nancy and I visited Mr. Lonsway’s this eavning. Great signs of frost now(11 PM). Northern lights and stars shooting.* [*No doubt the Perseid meteors, which are seen every August; see https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/meteor-shower/perseid.html] <Q2 folio 16 verso> August 1879 10th Sabbath. Dry morning and the day was dry during the forenoon, in the afternoon there was a slight shower. Nancy and I visited J. Trugon’s. There was a frost this morning but it done us no harm. [in margin] Frost. 11 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm. I was cutting rail cuts, the boys were picking stones. Nancy went with the team after dinner to Dundalk. 12 Fine morning and the day warm and hot all through. I took two cows to Dundalk fair, but did not sell either, as they were milch cows and dry. Cattle or beef was what was wanted. There was a vote of the ratepayers in Melancthon taken today to see if they would separate the town- ship from the county of Grey and unite with others forming the County of Dufferin. 13 Rainy morning to about 7 A.M., when it cleared off and was dry to the afternoon when there was a pretty heavy rain till night. The boys were picking stones and I was cutting rail timber. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. 14th Cloudy morning, the day cloudy but dry and cool. I was chopping rail cuts, the boys were pick- ing stones. 15 Cloudy morning and the day continued cloudy though dry. I was chopping rail timber, the boys were picking stones. 16 Dark morning, the day dark, cool and dry. I was cutting roads to the rail timber in the forenoon and in the afternoon the boys and I were hauling them out with the horses. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here a while this night. <Q2 folio 17 recto> August 1879 17th Sabbath. Foggy morning but the sun soon shone out and the day was bright and warm. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife and brother Sam and wife were here 18 Clear morning, the day dry and pretty warm. The boys and I were pulling pease. [in margin] First / Harvesting. 19 Dry, hazy morning, the sun bright to the afternoon, when it clouded over. The boys and I were pulling pease. Alexander Irvin bargained with me to do 15 acres of chopping, fit for logging, on lot 216, beginning at the back fence of lot 215 and chopping 40 rods across the breadth of the lot and running towards the Gravel Road 60 rods. 5 acres of this to be done in time for me to log it and put in Barley. The remainder to be finished during the month of May 1880. The price of the work is $28 in cash, when I get money made of the crop in 1880, and the cow called Reddy, valued at $22. The cow to be given any time we like this coming fall. 20 Hazy morning, but the sun rose bright and dispelled the clouds, the day was breezy, dry and warm. Got clouded towards night and the sun went down under a bank of clouds. I was pull- �100 ing pease, Jim was craddling barley. Nancy and Johnny were binding. Mr. Lonsway had the team, yesterday and this afternoon, working at his summer fallow. 21 Cloudy morning, the sun just showed at rising then went under the clouds. Rain came on about 6 AM and was a little wet during all forenoon. The afternoon was dry to about 8 PM when there came on a rain storm with thunder and a great deal of lightening. Jim was craddling in the afternoon, mother and Johnny were binding. I was pulling pease. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s a while in the forenoon. <Q2 folio 17 verso> August 1879 22nd Cloudy morning but the sun got out and the forenoon was dry, there was a slight shower about 4 PM and since there was a very heavy rain, accompanied with thunder and lightening, and a very high wind from 6 PM to about 9. The boys were harvesting barley, Jim craddling, Johney and mother binding. I was pulling pease. 24th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Mr. A. Lonsway and Henry and Mrs. Bowler were here this af- ternoon. 25 Left home this morning, Nancy and I with the team, at 12:30* for Owen Sound. Got to that place at 12 O'clock noon. Transacted some business, then drove out as far as Chatsworth and stopped at Mr. A. Morrow’s hotel. The day was cloudy and cool all through. The boys cut some wheat at home today. [in margin] First wheat cut. [*the distance is slightly more than 40 miles, and travelling at night would be slow.] 26 Bright sunny morning and the day fine all through. Left A. Morrow’s at 8 AM and was home at 4:20 PM. The boys borrowed their uncle Sam's team and hauled in the barley. 27 Bright sunny morning, and the day was clear, cool and bright. Got Mr. Kirby's horse and the boys and I hauled in pease. John Gott was craddling some oats and some wheat in the fore- noon. I only got half a day cutting done as the grain was not ripe enough. <Q2 folio 18 recto> August 1879 28th Cloudy morning, and the day was rather cloudy all through, but dry. Some thunder in the dis- tance. We got Mr. Lonsway’s mare and the boys and I finished hauling in our pease. We had 15 loads. I bound some wheat after supper. 29 Rather cloudy morning but sun burst through the clouds and the day was pretty warm and dry. The boys and I gathered stones in the forenoon, and the boys hauled out manure on the pea ground in the afternoon. Nancy and I tied oats in the afternoon. 30 Hazy morning, but the sun got out strong and bright and the day was very warm. John Gott was craddling wheat for us and Nancy and I were binding. John and Jim were hauling out ma- nure. 31st Sabbath. Rather misty morning, but the sun got out and the day was warm and dry. Nancy and I went to Father’s in the afternoon. September 1879 1st Cloudy morning but the sun shone out and the day was dry and pretty warm. John Gott was craddling wheat to 4 P.M., after that he was cutting oats. Nancy and I were binding, the boys, John and Jim, were hauling out manure. �101 2 Cloudy morning and an appearance of rain, but the day was dry with the exception of a few drops. The boys and I hauled in grain to 4 P.M., then Jim plowed. John Gott was craddling. I hunted up some seed wheat, got it at Mr. Duncan’s of Proton. 7 Bushels of Seneca at $1.00 per bushel. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. <Q2 folio 18 verso> September 1879 3rd Rather cloudy this morning and there was a shower or two in the afternoon. Nancy and I were binding oats in the forenoon. Jim was plowing and he went for the seed wheat in the eavning. 4 Wet, windy morning, and the day continued windy and showery all through. Jim was plowing, and Henry Lonsway was helping him with his team in the afternoon. Jim, Mother & I were at Mr. Lonsway’s paring* tonight. [*An apple paring bee, presumably.] 5 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and breezy. Jim was plowing to 4 P.M., when he finished the piece for fall wheat. I sowed some fall wheat (Seneca) in the afternoon. Nancy went in the eavning to Sister Sarah’s to see about the yarn she is spinning for us. I sold 3 R[am] lambs to Mr. W. Acheson this eavning at $2.33 each. [in margin] Sowed fall wheat. 6 Bright morning, but the sun clouded over immediately after rising, then some rain fell and it was showery generally through the forenoon, and also some came on after 8 P.M. I sowed the remainder of the fall wheat. John harrowed. Clark picked stones with the old mare hitched to the stone boat. Jim took a very long sleep this forenoon. I expect he was tired. I did not wake him, he slept to about 10 A.M., then he worked at hanging a gate and putting in posts to tea time. After that we all got to work, Mother and us, and put in the remainder of our wheat.* It rained on us at the last load but we did not mind it. [*Put the wheat, cut by John Gott 5 days earier, into the barn, finishing just as the rain begins.] 7th Sabbath. Mizzly morning and the day was cloudy with a slight sprinkling of rain. 8 Dark cloudy morning and the day was showery all through. I took 3 Lambs to Mr. Acheson’s which he had bought of me. Came home and split a few rails. Jim was fixing up a gate. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. <Q2 folio 19 recto> September 1879 9th Dark cloudy morning and a slight rain fell during the morning. I went with a fat cow to Dun- dalk fair. Did not sell her, was only offered $20. The boys were hauling stove wood and in the eavning they took a load of shingle timber to the mill. The frost killed every thing that was green this night, except Canadian thistles. 10 Fine sunny morning and a very hard white frost, quite a thick ice on the water. The day dry and sunny all through. I was helping Brother Sam to harvest. The boys were binding oats at home. [in margin] Frost / Hard. 11 Fine sunny morning and the day bright and warm all through. A sharp frost this morning. I was helping Brother Sam to harvest. Jim was also helping in the afternoon. Jim cradaled [sic] some at home in the forenoon. [in margin] Frost. 12 White frost this morning, the sun rose bright and clear, the day began to get cloudy about noon. Rain began to fall about 5:30 P.M. and is raining now, 7:30 P.M., quite lively. Brother Sam craddled the remainder of my oats today. The boys and I hauled in oats to 4 P.M. Nancy bound oats. The boys then took the team and went in with Sam to help him. [in margin] Frost. �102 13 Cloudy morning and the day got quite overcast about 2 P.M. It began to rain about 5:30 P.M. and continued pouring down for a while. I was cutting mixed pease and oats for part of the forenoon. The boys were helping their uncle Sam to harvest. 14th Sabbath. Rainy morning and the forenoon was hot. Nancy and Eliza and Willie went to Grand- father’s. 15 Frost this morning. Cloudy, but dry till 6:30 P.M. when it commenced raining and kept at it for a good while. I was splitting rails, the boys, Jim and John, were cutting mixed feed. Clark was tramping out pease with the old mare. John Agnew slept here this night. <Q2 folio 19 verso> September 1879 16th Cloudy morning and the day was dark and lowering all through. Rain commenced about 6 P.M. and is now (9 P.M.) raining steady. Jim and John hunted up the calves (which had gone astray) in the forenoon and mowed in the afternoon. Clark thrashed pease and I split rails. 17 Cloudy morning and raining occassionally during the forenoon. The afternoon was dry. The three eldest boys were helping Mr. Lonsway to thrash. Nancy was helping to cook. I cleaned up some pease in the forenoon, and in the afternoon cut some oats. 18 Rainy morning and the day continued show[e]ry during the forenoon, the afternoon was gener- ally dry. The three eldest boys were at A. Lonsway’s thrashing to 5 P.M. I cut some oats in the dry spells in the forenoon and in the afternoon fixed at making a place to hold the grain in the barn. Nancy and Jim took the team and went to Dundalk in the eavning. 19 Dark morning and the day was gloomy-like all through, though without rain. I cut some oats, Jim went for a R. Lamb and four young pigs to John Irvin’s in the forenoon. John was at Mr. Kirby’s thrashing in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and Jim helped John Irvin to bind. John Agnew was here all night. 20 Sunny morning, the day dry. Jim and I cut oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim and Johney hauled in . The thrashers brought their machine here this eavning. Nancy and I went to A. Lonsway’s a while this eavning. [in margin] Finished / cutting / grain. <Q2 folio 20 recto> September 1879 21st Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry all through. 22 Rather dark morning, but the sun got out dispelling the clouds. The forenoon was dry and clear, the afternoon got cloudy and rain began to fall about 5 P.M. At 6 P.M. there was a very heavy shower. We thrashed today. Andrew Stewart’s machine. 23 Cloudy morning, but no rain fell during the day. Finished thrashing at noon. $7.00 per day was the cost of the machine. The grain yielded pretty fair: Spring Wheat about 20 bushels per acre and a good sample. Barley about 19 Bushels per acre, very dark in colour. Pease about 23 Bushels per acre, good sample. Oats about 30 Bushels per acre, good sample. We put what straw we had out of doors into the barn in the afternoon. Brother Sam and Wesley Lonsway helped us. 24 Cloudy day all through, with alternate showers of rain and a few peeps of the sun now and then. Nancy and Jim went to Sister Sarah’s to get the yarn she spun. John went and left his measure for a pair of boots. Clark and I bearded the Barley and cleaned up about a load. 25 Very hard frost this morning. The sun got out pretty bright and the day got middling warm. I took in to Dundalk 33 Bushels of Barley in the forenoon. Could not sell it, because it was very �103 dark. I left it in the grain house. The weigher said he could sell it for me. I sold a cow today for $20., got $5.00 of earnest. Johney was helping John Irvin to harvest. Jim and Clark and I raked up 1 1/4 acres of mixed feed and hauled it in this afternoon. <Q2 folio 20 verso> September 1879 26th Beautiful morning, the sun a little hazy, the day almost like Indian Summer. Jim, Clark and I raked up mixed feed in the forenoon and hauled it in in the afternoon. Nancy was quilting at mother’s. Johney was at Skeffington Bell’s thrashing. 27 Cloudy morning, but the day kept dry and breezy till about 5:30 P.M. when there was a small sprinkling of rain. We were hauling in mixed feed today. Johney at Sam’s, thrashing. [in mar- gin] Finished / harvesting. 28th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and warm. 29 Cloudy morning, but the day continued breezy and dry, pretty warm with a little sunshine now and then. I and Clark took the cow which I had sold into Dundalk in the forenoon. In the af- ternoon I split rails. Jim and John hauled rails. 30 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty windy. I was making fence, Jim was plowing. Nancy went in to the back line in the afternoon and helped mother to quilt a pet[t]icoat. October 1879 1st Fine dry morning, the day dry all through, but cloudy in the afternoon. I was putting up fence in the forenoon, assisted by John and Clark. In the afternoon I went to old Mr. Gott’s raising. Jim was plowing. 2 Cloudy morning, and rain began to fall about 3 P.M. and was pretty wet during the balance of the day. Jim was plowing. Clark, Johney and I were logging and stumping. Nancy and I, with John and William, were at Mr. Lonsway’s helping pare apples this night. <Q2 folio 21 recto> October 1879 3rd Very fine morning, and the day was beautiful, dry and sunny. Jim was plowing. Clark, Johney and I were logging and picking up. 4 Dry sunny morning, and the day was beautiful and dry all through. I was at James Trugon’s thrashing. Johney was plowing. Clark and Jim were burning and picking up. Brother Sam fetched his colt here to be weaned. 5th Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day dry and very warm. Nancy and I were in at Father’s. 6 Dry, sunny morning, and the day was beautiful all through. Jim and the team were at Mr. Clip- part’s thrashing. Johney, Clark and I were picking up, stumping and logging. I got home the calves which I had traded with Johney Irvin. 7 Beautiful morning, and the day was dry and hazy all through and very sultry. We all went to the Show Fair at Dundalk. There was not such an exhibit this year as last. I sold 32 Bushels of Barley at .30¢ per B. 8 Nice dry morning, and the day dry and warm. There came on a slight shower about dark. The boys and I were raising potatoes, except Jim, who was with Mr. Clippert helping him to thrash. 9 Dry morning, the day dry and sultry all through. Jim was plowing. Johney was at Mr. Mill’s thrashing. I and Clark were raising potatoes. �104 10 Dry morning, the day dry and very hot. Jim was plowing, Johney was at Mr. Mill’s thrashing. I and Clark were taking up potatoes. <Q2 folio 21 verso> October 1879 11th Very fine morning and the day was dry, sunny and warm. Clark and I were raising potatoes. Jim was plowing and Johney was helping James Mills to thrash. 12th Sabbath. Beautiful morning and the day was dry, sunny and very sultry. William Lonsway and wife and Samuel Russell, wife and family, were here today. 13 Beautiful day, dry and sunny. Johney and I, with Clark, were raising potatoes. Jim was plow- ing. Mr. W. Lonsway and wife were here this afternoon. 14 Very beautiful day all through, warm enough for summer. I was taking up potatoes, Clark was gathering [stumps], Jim was plowing. 15 Very beautiful day, remarkably so for this season of the year. Jim was plowing, Clark was burning stumps. I and Johney were taking up potatoes. 16 Beautiful day, the sun a little hazy, but the day very hot. I finished the potatoes this forenoon and went to see about some bricks in the afternoon for building two chimneys. Jim was plow- ing. 17 Cloudy morning and a slight sprinkling of rain fell about 11 A.M., the day dry and breezy af- terwards. Jim and I went in the forenoon for a load of Bricks, $7. per M., and in the afternoon I chopped a few logs where I was about to log. Nancy and I went at night to Mr. Lonsway’s. 18 Cool dark day, and windy. We logged today, had G. Johnston and his oxen. Jim did not work today, had a cold. Nancy and I went at night to see Jimmy Irvin who is sick with, I think, rheumatic fever. Johney & Clark got their new Boots. <Q2 folio 22 recto> October 1879 19th Sabbath. Very cool morning, and the day was cool but dry all through. Nancy, Eliza and I vis- ited at Mr. W. Lonsway’s today. 20 Dry morning, the day cool, dry and breezy. I plowed sod in the forenoon, and quit it then on account of the ground being so dry and hard. Johney plowed stubble in the afternoon. I then went with John Irvin to Dundalk. John’s niece, Jane Eliza Irvin, daughter to Robert Irvin, aged 11 years and three months, died this afternoon of Bilious fever* after a sickness of about eight days. [in margin] Jane E Irvin / died. [*See 4 Mar., 1878.] 21 Dry day, cool, cloudy and breezy. I went in the forenoon with J. Irvin to Dundalk [dittography stricken: in the forenoon; “to Dundalk” repeated, but not stricken] and hauled home the coffin for his niece. In the afternoon we went to the funeral. 22 Dry day but cool [stricken: first snow fell this afternoon very hard frost this eavning] I [strick- en: digging a drain] was trying [to] burn brush this afternoon. [Jim stricken, John written above] John was plowing. [stricken: John and Clark were picking stones] Jim went to Fever- sham for the full cloth. 23 Cold morning and the day was dry but cool. There fell a shower of snow this afternoon. I was digging a drain this afternoon, Jim was plowing, John and Clark were gathering stones. [in margin] First / snow fall. 24 Very cold morning, quite white with snow, the day cold all through. John was plowing, Jim and Clark were fixing barn doors. I was digging a cellar drain. �105 25 Very hard frosty morning, the sun got out and the day got milder. John was plowing, Jim and Clark were fixing Barn doors and cleaning wheat. I was digging drain. Wife and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. <Q2 folio 22 verso> October 1879 26th Sabbath. Fine, dry, breezy day, the sun bright and clear. 27 Bright sunny morning, and the day dry and warm. Jim was plowing, John and Clark banking the house. I was digging a drain. Nancy and I went to Archy McAuly’s to bid them goodby[e] as they are going to Red River. 28 Rainy morning, but cleared off, but the day was generally showery with a good deal of rain to- wards night. I went to Dundalk in the morning for the carpenter, Mr. Cross. Took him home again in the afternoon with the team. He was putting up stands for chimneys, I was digging a drain part of the day. Poor Jim is laid up sick with a cold. Johney was with Johney Irvin thrashing, Clark was banking the house, hauling clay with the stone boat and one horse. 29 Cold, raw morning, the day cool and windy all through. Mr. McMaster (stone mason) was building chimneys for me. John at J. Irvin’s thrashing. Jim sick, poor boy. I and Clark were working at the drain, hauling stones to it and putting in a pipe. Nancy took up her cabbages. 30 Showery forenoon, the afternoon a little snow fell. I and Clark were fixing at the drain. John at J. Irvin’s th[rashing]. 31 Cold, stormy morning, snow falling and continued so all day. John, Clark and I were working at drain. Mr. Lonsway and wife, Maria and James, were here to supper, it being Hallow eve. <division line> [stricken September] November 1st Not quite so stormy as yesterday, but some snow fell. We were fixing our stables to put the an- imals in. Delivered the old mare to Mr. Cross. I had sold her to him on last Tuesday for $40.00, $30. to be taken in furniture. <Q2 folio 23 recto> November 1879 2nd Sabbath. Cloudy morning and a little snow fell during the day. I was in at the back line. 3 Cold, stormy morning and the day continued windy and cold with frequent showers of snow. Johney, Clark and I were hauling clay and banking the house. 4 Pretty cold morning, but the day got milder towards noon, there is some sleighing, but bad. I and the boys were hauling clay to bank the house. Alexander Irvin began the chopping of his 15 acres, which he had taken. [in margin] A. Irvin / commenced / chopping. 5 Mild morning and the day continued so all through, with a shower of snow at night. I helped Mr. Lonsway to kill pigs in the forenoon. The boys were banking the house. 6 Mild day all through. I gave the Boys a holiday. Jim went to the back line and fetched out his uncle John’s old sleigh. John and Clark went shooting, got one partridge. Nancy went to help Mother pluck some geese. I worked at the cellar and put in the cabbages. 7 Mild morning, and quite a thaw wind, snow going away today rappidly. We took in our butter to Dundalk and sold it to Mr. D. Davidson (406 pounds) at .17½ ¢ per pound. 8 Very mild morning, the [snow] entirely gone from the fields, the cattle out grazing like in sum- mer, the day mild and balmy. Johney was plowing, I chored around. 9th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Fields clear of snow. �106 10 Mild day, no rain, the weather just like spring. I hauled Mr. J. J. Middleton a load of Bricks from Proton Station to Dundalk. Johney was helping Mr. Kirby to haul manure. <Q2 folio 23 verso> November 1879 11th Wet morning, but cleared off about 9:30 A.M., was showery till eavning, came on a regular pour at dark, is now, (7:15) P.M., raining quite lively. Johney was plowing during the fair part of the day. I was fixing up potatoe pits for the winter. 12 Dark morning, and the day was pretty wet all through, with very heavy rain towards night. Johney plowed in the dry part of the day. 13 Cloudy morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell during most of the day. Johney plowed in the afternoon, in the forenoon I hewed some sticks [perhaps for building a manger?] for a cow sta- ble, and in the afternoon attended a trustee meeting in No. 5 Melancthon. 14 Misty dark morning, and rain came on about 10 A.M. and poured down pretty constantly to about 2 P.M. Jim and I were hewing logs in the dry part of the day. John was plowing. I [stricken: attended a tr] went to Skeffington Bell’s at night and helped him to fill Township Col- lector’s Receipts. Alexander Patterson was at our house during the rain. 15 Rather misty morning, but the day held up dry. James Mills was score hacking [?] with us to- day. Skeffington Bell came here tonight and I helped him to make out some Receipts. 16th Sabbath. Showery day all through. 17 Misty morning, but no rain fell through the day. Jim went to School. John plowed. I hewed timber. Skeffington Bell was here tonight. I helped him to fill Receipts. <Q2 folio 24 recto> November 1879 18th Sharp frosty morning, very cold, freezing all day. Jim and Clark went to school. John tried to plow but the ground was too hard, had to stop. I was sawing and hewing timber for a cow sta- ble. 19 Cold, stormy day all through. I was doing nothing, did not feel like working. 20 Very cold, stormy morning, and the day kept snowing, blowing and freezing. We were butcher- ing hogs, assisted by Mr. Lonsway in the afternoon. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs. 21 Sharp freezing morning, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Some snow fell during the day. We were choring around, the boys cleaned up a small grist in the afternoon, and I took it to the mill, also took some barley to be chopped. We took in some cabbages to Dundalk and sold them for .40¢ per doz. 22 Cold, stormy day, strong wind and some snow falling. I and Johney and Clark were cutting some firewood in the bush. Jim was helping his mother to cut up the porkers. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here a while tonight. A man on crutches, having had his feet frozen ten years ago, had driven here today. 23 Sabbath. Quite blustery this morning, the day cold and stormy all through, with some snow falling. Brother Sam and his family were here this afternoon. 24 Pretty sharp morning, but not so keen a freeze as yesterday. Johney, Clark and I were hauling home firewood. Jim was at school. 25 Mild this morning, but a heavy snow storm came on about 8 AM. Soon cleared off and the day was fine. Johney and Clark started this morning for Essa, a distance of about 40 miles, with 6 head of cattle to get wintered, as we are scarce of feed. �107 <Q2 folio 24 verso> November 1879 26th Nice mild morning, and the snow melting. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I brought home 4½ squares of shingles from the mill. The sawing of them cost me .90¢ per square, the timber was my own. 27 Mild morning, soft like, some rain in the forenoon and a good deal fell during the afternoon. 28 Some rain fell this morning, then it cleared off a little, there came on more about 11 AM. The afternoon was quite showery. 29 Sharp frosty morning, cold wind and the roads very hard and rough. Went with the waggon to Primrose, a distance of 18 miles, to meet the boys who were returning from Essa after leaving the cattle there. Mr. James Murphy and Mr. John Russell were here tonight. 30th Sabbath. Cold, raw morning, and the day was pretty chilly all through. Nancy and I visited at the Back line today. December 1st Pretty mild morning, with some snow on the ground, the day was rather mild all through. I left home this morning and went to the Township of Essa, stopped at J. Agnew’s. 2 Mild morning, thawing and most of the snow went. Snowed some at night. I stopped at John Russell’s at night. 3 Ground covered with snow, but pretty soft and bad walking. Left John Russell’s this morning, had dinner at John Agnew’s and stopped at James Murphy’s in Tossorontio [=Tosorontio] Township this night. <Q2 folio 25 recto> December 1879 4th Rather soft morning, but a nice quantity of snow on the ground. I felt tired today and stopped all day and night at James Murphy’s. 5 Mild morning, and the day got warmish towards noon, and in the afternoon there was quite a thaw. I left James Murphy’s this morning and arrived home about 9 P.M. 6 Soft morning, and rain fell through the day, a general thaw in progress. John and James were at John Irvin’s thrashing to about 2 P.M. 7th Sabbath. Soft morning and the day continued so all through, with a little snow fall. 8 Rather mild this morning, and the day showed some appearance of rain, something like a mist fell occassionally. I and Johney were at John Irvin’s thrashing to about 2 P.M. when the ma- chine broke. 9 Pretty sharp cold morning, the ground froze hard, the wind pretty high, the day cold and very windy all through. There was a regular downpour of rain sett [=set] in about 9 P.M. and lasted nearly all through the night. Johney and I were helping J. Irvin to thrash. 10 Wet morning, and the day was windy and showery all through. There is a regular deluge of wa- ter on the ground now, and it is still raining, 8:45 P.M. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lonsway were here this afternoon. 11 Cold morning, and hard frost, the ground hard. Cold wind all day. I was taking the School census today, stopped at Father’s all night. Dined at Mr. William Nethercot’s [=Neithercut’s]. <Q2 folio 25 verso> �108 December 1879 12th Cold morning, with some snow on the ground, but not enough to make sleighing. I was taking the School Census today. 13 Pretty cold day, the roads rough, no sleighing or waggoning either, of any account. Sister Sarah stopped here tonight. 14th Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was cold all through, with a snowfall of about four inches at night. 15 The ground covered with snow this morning, bad sleighing and bad waggoning. I and Nancy started for Essa this morning and got to John Agnew’s at night. 16 Pretty cold morning, the day milder from about 10 AM. I sold the Essa farm today to Mr. Abraham Hussey of Barrie for $(4200.00) Four thousand and two hundred dollars (subject to a mortgage of $2100[)]. This leaves Brother John and I $2100 to be divided between us, which we have done, I getting Mr. Hussey’s notes for $1000., $400 to be paid me 16th Feb. 1881, and $600 to be paid me 16th Feb. 1882. John getting $1100 to be paid as follows: Feb 16th 1880, $500.; Feb. 16th 1881, $400. and 16th Feb. 1882, $200. This transaction and sale arose out of a former transaction and sale or trade of lands made by Brother John and I to John Arnold of Es- sa, Viz. in June 1877 John put in his farm of 100 acres in Melancthon, valued at $3000. and I put in my farm of 50 acres in the same township*, valued at $2000., against Arnold’s farm of 109 acres in Essa, valued at $5000. I paid Arnold $175. over and above my lot and John done work on my 2/5ths of the place and otherwise, to about the same amount of money, which left John and I about equal, viz. 2/5ths and 3/5ths shares in the place —continued <Q2 folio 26 recto> December 1879 continued— After the trade was made I mortgaged the Essa Lot for $2100, of this sum John got to pay off the mortgage on his Melancthon farm $1153, and $400 in cash to himself, and I got $408. to pay off a mortgage which was on my lot in Melancthon and $25 in cash. In all, John got out of the $2100 borrowed $1553 and I got $433. The remaining $114 was consumed in paying $77. of interest in advance and $37 for insuring the buildings and expenses of the loan. Nancy and I stopped at Brother John’s this night. [*the lands in question: in June 1877 Robert Russell sells Lot 220, Con. 1, Melancthon (50 acres), John Russell sells Lot 236, Con. 1 Melancthon (100 acres), in exchange for west ½ of Lot 6 on the 6th Con. Essa (109 acres), which Robert and John share, with John living on the Essa farm. This Essa farm is now sold to Abraham Hussey.] 17 Pretty cold morning, snow on the ground and nice sleighing. John drove us in the sleigh to Shelburne. There we took the cars [=train] and got home about 10 O’clock this night. 18 Mild morning. Nancy and I went to Father’s 19 Sharp, frosty morning. Jim and I went to Brother Sam to help him as he had the sawing ma- chine. The old machine kept breaking all through the day, and made its final break the first cut it attempted to take off after dinner. 20 Pretty mild morning, and the day was rather nice all through. The boys and I cleaned up 41 B[ushels]: 20 lbs oats and sold them in Dundalk for 30½ ¢ per Bushel. 21st Sabbath. Very cold morning, and the day kept getting colder as it advanced. The eavning was something fearful, several people got nipped with the frost, and no wonder. [in margin] Very cold. �109 22 Not near as cold as yesterday. The boys and I cleaned up 1635 pounds of pease and sold them in Dundalk for 60¢ p. Bushel. Messrs Neil Strachan and John Stubbings, clerks* in Mr. D. Da- vidson’s, and Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here, and spent most of the night with us. [*Neil Strachan, John Stubbings, clerks in Davidson’s general merchandise store, Dundalk, are friends of Robert, with whom he stayed overnight on 2 May 1879, and are mentioned in 11 Jan. 1879 “O. B. Jovial” entry.] <Q2 folio 26 verso> December 1879 23rd Rather mild morning, the day pretty mild all through, capital sleighing now! The boys and I cleaned up 1630 pounds of pease and sold them in Dundalk for 62¢ per Bushel in the afternoon. Jim took the team to Mr. George Johns[t]on’s thrashing, but the thrashers did not come. Mr. John Abbott was here today, canvassing me for to support him as Deputy Reeve. Jim took 2 saw logs to the mill. 24 Mild morning, and the day was very moderate all through, with a little sleet. Johney and I went to Sam’s to help him at the sawing machine. The old thing worked middling, but he only sawed about 5 hours for the day’s work. Jim went to G. Johnston’s with the team to thrash. 25 Rather sharp morning and the day was pretty cold all through. Willie, Eliza, Nancy, Jim and I spent the most of the day at Mr. A. Lonsway’s. Jimmy, Johney and Clark went in the eavning to Dundalk to a tea meeting. 26 Very sharp morning and the day was cold all through, with a little snow falling now and then. Jim and Johney were hauling saw logs in the forenoon and in the afternoon they took some grain to the mill to be chopped. Clark and I were cleaning up pease and bagging oats. Sam McBratteny (a thrasher) was here for dinner. Mrs. Russell visited Mrs. Bell. 27 Sharp morning, but the day got somewhat milder. Jim and Johney were hauling saw logs. Clark and I were cleaning and putting away our seed oats. 28th Pretty mild morning and the day was soft and nice all through. Father and Mother were here today. 29 Soft morning and a little rain falling, it kept thawing all through the day. Jim and John were hauling saw logs. Clark and I were cleaning up wheat. Brother Sam was here a little while this eavning. <between 26 verso and 27 recto, inserted half-page, with words to a song > Come all you pretty maidens, for you know my tale is true That never since my wedding-day have I made love to you. The kisses and the blisses it was once our joy to win Can never charm our married life, for it would be a sin. They say that stolen fruit is sweet, but sour the grapes may grow, As all who tread the sinful path of changing love may know, Then all should heed the warning, and each gossip low defy And never kiss another when your wife stands by. Chorus- Then be a little careful, if you are a flirting man, For you know that better half of yours will catch you if she can. If stolen fruit is sweetest, why just taste it on the sly, And never kiss another when your wife stands by! You will find that it is better for to be a little meek �110 Than rashly, when your wife is near, a pretty maiden seek. For if you live a quiet life and long for pleasure too, Don’t let your dear one see the maid in converse sweet with you. You cannot be too careful, she will catch you if she can And then in bitter truth you’ll know that you’re a married man. If you are sorely tempted, why just meet her on the sly, But never kiss another when your wife stands by. — chorus. You need not get in trouble if the right way you pursue And leave alone the pretty girls who once were sweet on you For if your love is pure and true, all jealous strife will cease, And though you sigh for bygone bliss, your heart will be at ease. Oh then be strong if you should meet the tempter in the way And do not from the fold of bliss to sin and sorrow stray. But if you want to flirt just once, why do it on the sly, And never kiss another when your wife stands by! <end of song> <Q2 folio 27 recto> December 1879 30th Sharp morning and the day was pretty cold all through. Jim and Clark went with a small grist to Osprey Mill. I went to Dundalk to transact some business. 31 Very sharp morning, wind in the east and some snow falling. The wind veered around to the north-west in the afternoon and there was a heavy fall of snow. I attended the annual School meeting at S.S. 5 Melancthon in the forenoon and in the afternoon visited Mr. Henry Hewett who is in bed, sick of pleuresy and inflamation. Jim and Johney hauled saw logs to the mill. January 1880 1st Not very cold this morning, the day was bright and sunny till the afternoon, when it clouded over and got pretty windy towards eavning. Nancy, Jim, and Eliza visited at W. Lonsway’s. Johney helped Brother Sam to clean grain. Clark and I cleaned and put away our seed wheat. [in margin] Borrowed Sam’s / T. Sheep [read R=ram?] 2 Mild morning, but very heavy sleighing as the snow had drifted through the night. The day was fine all through. I visited Miss S. Jackson and Mr. H. Hewett in the forenoon, as they are sick. In the afternoon I took 9 B[ushels]: 17 pounds of spring wheat to Dundalk and exchanged it for the same amount of fall wheat, paying .05 a bushel difference. The boys hauled a load of saw logs to the Mill in the forenoon. 3 Some sleet falling this morning, which kept increasing through the day and on at night, the rain came pouring down. Jim and Johney went to the Sawmill in the forenoon with logs. Clark and I cleaned up some oats and bagged them fit for market. [in margin] Rain. <Q2 folio 27 verso> January 1880 4th Sabbath. Soft morning, but the wind got pretty strong and cold in the afternoon, and was rather cold at night. �111 5 Fine, mild morning and the day was pretty warm and sunny all through till night, when the wind rose and was very cold and blustery. I took in 10 Bags of oats to Dundalk and sold them for .30¢ per bushel. They weighed 28 bushels less 10 pounds. 6 Mild morning, the snow going away. The day pretty mild all through. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 23 pounds of tea @ .45¢ per lb. [in margin] Posted / Letter to / William / (Dickson P.O.) 7 Hard morning, the roads very slippery. It got soft about noon, the sun came out pretty strong. Mrs. Russell and I visited Miss Sarah Jackson (who is sick) in the forenoon, and in the after- noon Jim and his mother went to Dundalk. Skeffington Bell was here this eavning and traded me 1½ tons of hay for three spring calves. 8 Soft morning, the snow going away rapidly, some rain in the afternoon. Willie and I took the calves to Skeffington Bell in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to the back line and Sam and I inspected a Bush Lot that I have some notion of purchasing. [This is Con. 4, Melancthon; see below, 12 Jan. entry] 9 Misty morning, the thaw still continues, rain in the afternoon and pretty wet at night. I walked to Flesherton to see William Strain on some business. 10 Soft morning and the day mild, like spring, colder towards night. Clark and I brought in a pota- to pit. Jim and John cut firewood in the bush. Jim cut his great toe. I went to Dundalk towards night. <Q2 folio 28 recto> January 1880 11th Sabbath. Mild morning, thawing in the forenoon. Raining in the afternoon. 12 Mild morning although the ground is hard with the frost. Sleighing all gone, the day pretty mild all through. I went to Dundalk and saw Mr. Thos. McKee, who is up from Sandhill. I tried to bargain with him for 100 acres of Bush land which he has on the 4 Con. Melancthon. I could not do it: he asked $1000 in five equal annual payments with 6 per cent per annum inter- est. I offered him 5½ per cent, therefore there was no bargain between us. 13 Hard morning, sharp frost, a showery snow fell, did not amount to much, no sleighing. Nancy and I went to Dundalk, took back our tea which we had got. It was bad, price .45¢ per pound. Exchanged it for some at .70¢ per pound, pretty good tea this time. Saw McKee in the after- noon. He opened the Bargain again, but nothing came of it. 14 Hard, cold morning, the ground pretty bare of snow, except in the fence corners. The day got milder about 10 AM. I was chopping firewood in the bush, broke my axe handle just at night. Jim is in at his uncle Sam’s tonight. 15 Mild morning, and the day very fine and warm all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought an axe handle for .20¢. Went to see brother Sam in the afternoon, he is sick of Quinsy.* Went from his place to Dundalk for some medecine. Slept at Father’s this night. [*complication of tonsillitis—peritonsillar abscess—infection between tonsil and wall of throat.] <Q2 folio 28 verso> January 1880 16th Mild morning and the day soft all through. Went to the Doctor’s today for medicine for Sam. Went at night to a Surprise party* held at Mr. Skeffington Bell’s. [This must be a surprise �112 birthday party for Robert, who is 44 the next day. He has helped Skeffington Bell numerous times with his township rolls and receipts.] 17 Rainy morning and the day continued showery all through. I was at Brother Sam’s most of the day. This is my 44th Birthday. [in margin] Birthday. 18 Sabbath. Soft morning and the day continued mild. 19 Very mild morning and the day was one of remarkable fineness, like a day in April. I went to Dundalk today. 20 Snow on the ground again, but poor sleighing. I went to see Brother Sam in the forenoon, chored around home in the eavning. 21 Rather cold this morning, but the day got milder. I went in the forenoon to see Mr. W. Henders’ son who is very sick, and in the afternoon Nancy and I went to Dundalk. 22 Fine morning, and the day continued fine all through. Nancy and I went to Melancthon in the afternoon. 23 A little cool in the morning, but the day got milder as it advanced. I hauled some drags of wood from the swail* in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Brother Sam and his family were here. [* “Swail”, or more fequently “swale” = low lying or marshy land, which Robert is clearing for cultivation. See 29 July 1880, 9, 10, 16 Aug. 1880, and repeatedly in June, July, Aug. 1881.] 24 Very fine day all through. I cut some wood in the Bush and Johney and Clark hauled it in the forenoon, and in the afternoon they took 2 Bags of potatoes to John Morrow’s and brought home the grist which was at the mill. <Q2 folio 29 recto> January 1880 25th Sabbath. Very fine day all through. The sun came out bright like a day in spring. Nancy and I were a while at Mr. Lonsway’s. 26 Beautiful day all through, the snow is pretty much gone off the roads and the waggons are run- ning. I was chopping firewood in the bush to about 4 P.M., when I took a pair of boots (miss- fits) which I had got and returned them. I stopped at Skeffington Bell’s coming home and helped him with his Roll. 27 Beautiful day all through. I was cutting firewood in the Bush. 28 Very fine day all through. I did not work today. 29 Chilly morning, but the day got milder towards noon. I went in the forenoon with the team for Mrs. C. Bell. She stopped with us till about 4 P.M. I then took her home. The night was very cold and stormy. 30 Rather milder this morning, and about noon it began to rain. Ceased raining before night and began to freeze. The night was very cold. [in margin] Got letter / from / William. 31 Quite a cold morning, storming, freezing and snowing. The day was cold and freezing all through. I chopped some firewood in the bush in the afternoon. <Q2 folio 29 verso> February 1880 1st Sabbath. Very cold morning and the day was extremely cold all through. [in margin] Very cold. 2 Cold morning, and the day was sharp and freezing all through, with a strong wind. I was chop- ping firewood in the bush. �113 3 Snowing, blowing, and freezing all day long. I was chopping firewood in the bush. William Henders’ son, of about 14 years of age, was buried today. 4 Very cold day all through, freezing and snowing. I was chopping firewood in the Bush. 5 Cold, stormy day all through, snowing and freezing. I hauled home about 2500 pounds of hay from Skeffington Bell’s, which I had got from him in trade for two calves. Skeffington helped me. 6 Cold morning and the day was pretty cold all through. I made a way in the forenoon through the bush to the wood which I had cut, and in the afternoon Nancy and I went to Sam’s, and from thence to Dundalk. 7 Very stormy morning, and the day continued blowing and freezing. Johney and I hauled fire- wood. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here a while today. Sabbath 8 Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing, drifting a good deal all through the day. Mrs. Russell and I visited Mrs. C. Bell. 9 Cold morning, and the day pretty sharp all through. I took some barley to the mill in the after- noon to get chopped. <Q2 folio 30 recto> February 1880 10th Stormy morning and the day continued cold to about noon, when it ameliorated. There was snow fell in the morning. I was hauling saw logs for James Patterson today, and I stopped at his place all night. 11 Very fine morning, and the day continued fine all through. The snow melted considerably in the afternoon. I was hauling saw logs for James Patterson today. 12 Soft morning and the day continued thawing all through. I went to the Back Line. I met Mr. Thomas Norvall when I was coming home. 13 Fine morning, the day continued soft and mild. Brought Jim home from Sam’s today, as he is not well. 14 Mild morning and the day continued pretty fine all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to see Mr. Hanbury, Bootmaker, who had made a number of mistakes in my Boot Bill. I also posted two papers to Brother William. In the afternoon I chopped some firewood in the bush. Brother Sam and William Lonsway were here today, so also were Mr. Andrew Lonsway and wife. 15th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued fine, though cloudy. Brother Sam and family were here. 16 Fine mild morning and the day continued fine with sunshine just like spring. The snow is pret- ty much gone off the gravel and the waggons are running. I was cutting firewood in the bush to about 4 P.M., then Jim and I took the wagon to the mill for some chopped barley. It was not done for us. <Q2 folio 30 verso> February 1880 17th Very fine morning and the day continued soft, with sunshine mostly all day. I was cutting fire- wood. �114 18 Rain this morning, then it faired off for a while, and came on again. After the rain there was frequent showers of snow, with pretty hard frost in the afternoon. It is blowing, snowing and freezing now (8 P.M.). I was cutting firewood in the bush today. 19 Very cold morning, blowing, freezing and snowing. The day continued remarkably cold all through. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon with the waggon and some wheat to get gristed and some barley to be chopped. The roads were fearfully rough. Brother Sam was here a while this night. 20 Another cold morning, freezing, the day was quite cold all through. I was cutting firewood in the Bush. 21 Stormy morning and the day was one of alternate snow showers with strong wind. I was chop- ping firewood. 22nd Sabbath. Rather mild day all through, sunshine some of the time. Nancy and I were in at Fa- ther’s. 23 Cold, stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing were the principal features of the day. I was cutting firewood. 24 Rather mild morning and the day was pretty fine to the afternoon, when there came on several showers of sleet and rain. Very heavy rain at about 8:30 P.M. I took 23 Bushels and 15 pounds of wheat, partly fall and spring, to Mr. Wright’s Mill, Osprey. I only got 35 pounds of flour to the Bushel, the smallest return I ever got at any mill, and the wheat was very good. I guess I won’t go back! [in margin] Went to Mill. <Q2 folio 31 recto> February 1880 25th Wet morning and the day continued showe[r]y all through. I done nothing of work-kind today. 26 Fine morning, and the day was like a day in spring, sunshiny and mild. We took in a pit of po- tatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. 27 Rather wet early in the morning, but the day got fine soon and was pleasant and mild. Jim and I cut roads to some firewood in the Bush and hewed some stable logs. [in margin] Good / Reso- lutions 28 Rather wet this morning and the day continued slightly damp. Jim and I were hewing stable logs. I went at night to Skeffington Bell’s to help him with his roll. Severe wind storm this night. 29th Sabbath. Frosty morning, snowing and blowing, very cold all day long. March [1880] 1st Sunny this morning, which it kept up at intervals all through the day. Jim and I were hauling home stove wood, the ground is very soft and the sleigh sinks deep in the mud. There is only a slight sprinkling of snow on the ground. 2 Snow this morning, a nice quantity on the ground and more falling, but it did not last long, as the day came out soft and warm, and in the afternoon the sleighing was gone. Jim and I, with the team, helped Brother Sam to haul 38 saw logs from Mr. Doyle’s Sawmill to Mr. McGreg- or’s. He had them there for two years and more. 3 Mild morning, but the sky got overcast and rain came on about 1:30 P.M. The eavning was wet. Johney and Jim hauled some stable logs. Mother and I tapped some trees but the sap did not run. I was subpeaned [=subpoenaed] to attend an arbitration on tomorrow between Robert �115 Patterson and John McDowell. William Lonsway and family were here today. [in margin] First / tapping. <Q2 folio 31 verso> March 1880 4th Slight mizzle of rain this morning, but finally the day became dry and continued so. I attended an arbitration between John McDowell and Robert Patterson relating to a grist mill which R. Patterson had rented from J. McDowell. I was a witness in the case but did not stop to see how the case ended. Brother John is stopping here tonight. Brother Sam brought a load of hay to me this eavning. 5 Stormy morning, raining and blowing. The rain turned to snow in the afternoon, with a strong freezing wind. Brother Sam brought a load of hay to me this forenoon, making in all, I think, about 2500 pounds which he gave me for helping him some in this last haying. I went to Dun- dalk in the eavning, paid the Blacksmith in full and also one sho[e]-maker. Also gave a new note to J. Norval for $34.72 , with 12 per cent interest, the old one was for $31.00*. Also paid up interest $6.60 to D. Davidson, Esq., on a note which he holds against me. Lifted the old note and gave a new one. This note is now of my true indebitness [=indebtedness] as I gave it to return another. [*$31.00 + 12% = $34.72] 6 Rather sharp morning, but the day got milder as it advanced. The boys and I were getting out stable logs. John Agnew was here tonight. 7th Sabbath. Sharp morning, and the day was pretty cold all through. John Agnew stopped here tonight and so did Brother John. 8 Sharp, cold morning and the day was pretty chilly all along, although the sun shone out bright. Brother John and John Agnew left here this morning for Essa. Miss Cherry and Miss Nicol were here this forenoon. Brother Sam was here a while at night. The boys and I were getting out sleepers and beams for the cow stable. <Q2 folio 32 recto> March 1880 9th Very cold morning and the day continued cold with a slight snow fall. I was helping brother Sam to saw stove wood. Jim and Johney were getting rafters. I slept at Father’s this night. Nancy was at Mrs. Bell’s. 10 Very sharp morning, and the day very cold from morning to night. Brother Sam was helping us to lay the foundation of a cow stable. 11 Cold day from morning to night, sharp frost and cold south wind. Scarcely any snow on the ground, although a very little fell today. The boys were swamping out firewood. I was prepar- ing Bulls [clearly written, but meaning?], Skids and overlays for the cow stable. 12 Very cold morning, but towards noon the sun shone out clear and the day was warmer in the af- ternoon. I was asking hands for the Raising of Stable. 13 Cold, raw morning, wind in the South East, the day very cold from morning to night. I raised a log stable, 20 x 16 in the clear [meaning?]. The corner men were Samuel Russell, William Lonsway, Alexander Patterson and Joseph Bowler. The others were William Kirby, John Irvin, Andrew Lonsway, James Trugon and William John Arnold. 14th Sabbath. Sharp morning, keen freeze, the day cold all through. �116 15 Sharp morning, but the day got milder as the sun got higher. The afternoon was pretty mild. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, in the forenoon Jim and John swamped out wood. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here a while this night. <Q2 folio 32 verso> March 1880 16th Mild morning with a pretty heavy snow fall, and the snow kept coming down pretty lively all day. I was chinking a goose house. The boys were chopping wood in the bush in the forenoon and in the afternoon they hauled stove wood to the house. 17th Patrick’s day in the morning, and a very cold morning at that! The day kept chilly, a little sleighing. Jim went in the forenoon to James Patterson’s for six hundred of hay which I had earned with him. I got the hay but it was poor, dirty rubbish! I was helping brother Sam to cut stove wood and I slept at Father’s all night. Poor Father and Mother are both pretty sick with a severe cold. 18 A little milder this morning, and the day got a good deal warmer after dinner. The boys were chopping. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A. Lonsway went with us. I pur- chased 4 Barrels of salt to sow again [in] spring on the wheat. I am told that it is excellent thing for grain of any kind. I purchased [it] for $1.10 per Barell. 19 Mild morning and the day was sunny and warm in the afternoon. Mrs. Nickel was here visiting today. Johney and I took out some flooring for cow stable. Jim was helping A. Irvin to chop. 20 Some snow fell this morning and kept increasing in quantity to now, when it is a pretty severe storm, and continued at it, Blowing and snowing incessantly to near night. Jim was helping A. Irvin to chop in the forenoon. Johney and I were hewing logs for flooring cow stable. 21st Sabbath. Mild morning, and the day was pretty genial all through. Nancy and I went with the sleigh to Melancthon to see Father and Mother. <Q2 folio 33 recto> March1880 22nd The ground covered with snow this morning, which fell last night. The sun came out strong, melting the snow all off the roads about noon. Some little sleighing in the morning. Jim, Johney and I were getting saw logs out of the bush to the gravel [=the gravel road, now High- way 10] in the forenoon. In the afternoon I tapped 62 trees. Nancy put in the spiles, then Jim and I made some troughs for catching the sap. We all took a hand at whittling out some spiles after night. [in margin] First trees tapped / which ran. 23 Rather fine morning, but there were some snow [flakes] in the forenoon and in the afternoon there were frequent showers of snow with heavy wind. It is at present (7:20) P.M. snowing and blowing. The boys were making sap troughs. [in margin] Coldest / night this / winter. 24 Very sharp, cold morning, the previous night was the coldest, I think, which has came this win- ter. The day continued cold all through. Nancy and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s a while this eavning. 25 Bright sunny morning, though a sharp freeze. The day got milder in the afternoon, and was pretty pleasant and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought 2 Hats and 2 pair of Gaiters for the Boys. In the afternoon I hauled some sap troughs to the sugar Bush. Jim and Johny chopped stove wood in the bush. 26 Rather chilly this morning, but the day got fine in the afternoon, and continued fine. I was placing troughs at the trees in the forenoon. In the afternoon I helped the boys to chop stove �117 wood. The boys went after tea to Dundalk and Jim got Johney’s hat at $1.00 changed for a soft one at .75. I’ll make him take it back, as I do not like it. Mrs. Clippert was here this afternoon. 27 A slight mizzle of rain this morning, which turned to snow in the afternoon, with a very strong wind. It is snowing and blowing now, 8 P.M., like fury. Jim an[d] I were notching stove wood. We lost an old Ewe today. She was crossing a deep furrow with ice on the water. She broke through the ice, breaking her leg and could not struggle out of the water, as she was very heavy with lamb. [in margin] one sheep / lost. <Q2 folio 33 verso> March 1880 28th Sabbath. Nice quantity of snow on the ground this morning, and the air was quite chilly. The day remained cool, or rather, cold, all through, although the sun shone out bright. I went to Fa- ther’s. Brother Sam and family came here in the afternoon. [in margin] Easther [=Easter]. 29 Rather cold morning, and the day was sunny though chilly. The boys and I were cutting stove wood. 30 Cool this morning, the sun shone out all day, yet the air was keen and bracing, but the day was chilly throughout. The boys and I were cutting stove wood in the bush. [in the margin:] First Robbin / seen. 31 Beautiful morning, the sun out warm and bright, the day most pleasant of any for so far this season. Nancy, Eliza and I attended a Quarterly Examination in Sch. Sect. 5 Melancthon. Jim and John were cutting stove wood in the bush. [in margin] First lamb / came. April [1880] 1st Fine morning, the day pleasant all through, the sun shone out bright most of the day. We tapped some trees today and made about a gallon of molasses, Mrs. Russell helping in the bush. Jim notched wood in the forenoon. Eliza climbed a sapling in the bush, it broke with her, she fell about eight feet and got badly shaken. 2 Fine morning and the day was dry to about noon, when there came on a slight mizzle of rain, which increased to a regular Rain storm at night. Johney and I were hauling wood to the camp in the forenoon, in the afternoon we gathered what sap there was. Jim was at J. Arnold’s saw- ing. 3 Wet morning and the day was dry in the middle and wet at both ends. Nancy and I went to James Trugon’s about 3 P.M. and stopped to about 7. P.M. <Promissory note inserted between pages 33 verso and 34 recto> Proton April 3rd 1880 I the undersigned Alexander Irvin agree and bargain to finish the ten acres of chopping which I am working at for Robert Russell by the 30th of the present month. I to underbrush and cut all snags and small timber of four inches in diameter level with the ground, to pile up all the Brush in a tidy manner, to cut all the laying logs on the said ten acres, except those which the said Robert Russell may reserve for saw logs, or Rail timber. The saw logs to be pointed out to me by the said R. Russell and I to cut them off at the root of the trees and at the top where said R. Russell may show me. The said cuts to be butted or put in straight next the saw log. The laying rail timber to be cut off at the root . And I to re- ceive the sum of $33.33 [Fifty is stricken; $33.33 written above line] dollars for the job completed, a cow valued at $22.00 last fall, and $11.33 in January 1881. And in default of completing the job, or piling up the Brush on any part of the acres in suitable manner fit to burn, I agree to forfeit the $11.33 �118 Balance, and also to pay over to the said Robert Russell anything more it may take to finish the job. And I agree further that he may either finish the job himself, or employ another, if I fail in doing it. his Alexander X Irwin mark <end of promissory note> <Q2 folio 34 recto> April 1880 Sabbath. 4th. Muggy day all through. Roads dreadful heavy. [in margin] First cow calved / Vio- let 5 Cloudy morning, but the day brightened up and was dry all through. Jim and Johney started for the Township of Essa this morning, to bring home the cattle which we had wintering there. I was cutting stove wood. 6 Snowing this morning and continued snowing a little all through the day. I was cutting stove wood. [in margin] A. McAuley’s / lot Sale. 7 Pretty cold morning, sharp, raw wind all day, though the sun shone out bright in the afternoon. 8 Cold morning, wind sharp, the ground froze [=frozen] very hard, the day somewhat milder in the afternoon. I cut some stove wood at the house in the forenoon, and in the afternoon boiled down some sap. [in margin] T. Talbot and / Miss Leach / married. 9 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the day got milder towards 10 A.M. and was soft and mild in the afternoon. I went to J. McDowell’s Sawmill in the forenoon, and traded him a hemlock log 16 feet long scaling 359 feet for two smaller ones 16 feet 5 inches long and scaling 325, the dif- ference of 34 feet I allowed him for hauling the logs forward to the gangway. In the afternoon I went with the team for it, the roads were very heavy and the horses had to pull hard. The boys got home tonight with the 5 head of cattle we had wintering in Essa. They came from Sister- ville, a distance of about 30 Miles and were home about 11:30 P.M. 10 Beautiful morning, the sun shone out warm and strong, the air balmy like a morning in June. The day got cooler about 11 A.M. At 1 P.M. some snow began to fall, which kept increasing, also the wind rose till finally a fearful snow was raging, and it is still (7:45), blowing and snow- ing at a terrific rate. The snow is blowing into every crevice in the outbuildings, rendering them very uncomfortable for the cattle. [in margin] Great snow storm. <Q2 folio 34 verso> April 1880 11th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, the wind blowing and drifting strongly, the day pretty chilly all through. 12 Quite cold morning, but the day got somewhat warmer towards noon, with a little softening of the ground towards eavning. The boys were cutting wood. 13 Fine morning, the sun warm and bright, the day sunny from morning to night. Johney and I sawed wood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I helped in the sugar Bush. 14 Bright sunny morning, the day warm and clear all through. We were working in the sugar Bush and putting up stove pipes today. Splendid sap day, the best we have had for the season. One of the cows got down in the stable last night. We had some trouble in getting her up. We had to get A. Lonsway and his son James to help us. [in margin] Heard frogs. �119 15 Bright sunny morning, high wind, the day dry and warm all through. The boys sawed stove wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim started to plow. It turned over well, scarcely any frost in the ground. It was stubble ground we were plowing. I was working at the Sugar camp in the forenoon and in the afternoon I was letting water off the low places in the fields. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here this night for a while. Mrs. Russell boiled down 60 pails of sap into molasses today. [in margin] First plowing / First in 1879 April 21st 16 Hard frost this morning, the day changed about 10 AM. There was some sleet and in the after- noon considerable [quantity] of rain. Johney was helping Mr. Kirby to log in the dry part of the day. <two documents between folio 34 verso and 35 recto> <one is a detailed sketch of the human brain, divided into 43 faculties, with detailed description of each faculty, and combinations of faculties, as either large or small: e.g. “A man with large Re- ligious organs and small intellectual organs is inclined to be devotional, but cares nothing for Philosophy and Science. The largest organs form the strongest elements of Character. The larger the organ the more it influences the other organs. Leading traits of Character Result from large organs….”> <the second is a detailed bill from R. Cross for the balances due on two accounts, one, the account for 1878 for building the house, the second, for 1880, for plastering, building steps, partitions: total due: $4.97> Account of 1878 with R. Russell Esq. Contract for Building house 137.00 glazing sash 2.00 Extra work on cornices 1.50 Extra pins $2.00 3.50 cutting glass .35¢. paint .30¢ lights of glass 60 1.25 6 lights of glass 96 paper of brads 25 pulls 5 1.26 145.01 Received on the above 143.14 143.14 Balance 1.87 Account of 1880 Plastering by J. Hanbury 35.35 Building steps for front doors .75 Building partitions upstairs 2.00 38.10 Received on the above account 35.00 Ballance 3.10 1.87 Total $4.97 Mr. Russell Please Oblige me by letting me have this small ballance as soon as possible, as I have some money to make up, by so doeing you will greatly Oblige Yours Respectfully R. Cross �120 <end of bill> <Q2 folio 35 recto> April 1880 17th Snow this morning, and pretty high wind drifting the snow as it fell. The forenoon pretty stormy, the afternoon somewhat milder. The snow mostly all melted away. The boys were chopping stove wood at the house in the afternoon. [in margin] Molly calved. 18th Sabbath. Rather chilly morning, but the day broke out fine and was pleasant in the afternoon. Thunder and lightening and a little rain at night. 19 A little frost this morning, but it soon thawed. The wind rose about 10 A.M. and increased in violence till it was something fearful. Great Black Clouds gathered in the west towards night, but not much snow fell. We gathered 55 pails of Sap in the forenoon and started to boil but the wind storm was so great, blowing down the limbs, so that Mrs. Russell got frightened and left the bush. She and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Jim was plowing all day. 20 Fine morning, with a slight bit of frost. The day was very breezy, drying up the roads and ground considerably. Mrs. Russell boiled down 60 pails of sap. I opened out some water courses. Jim was plowing. There was a man named Anderson from Markdale, moving down to Melancthon, called and left off part of his load, as the roads were so bad the team could not haul it. [in margin] Saw swallow / 1879: on the 26th. 21 Fine mild morning, the sun out bright and warm, the day breezy and drying all through. Johney and I were terracing around the house, Jim was plowing. 22 Cloudy morning, with a slight shower about 10 AM. The boys and I hauled a ton of hay from Skeffington Bell’s, which I had bought at $7.00 . Poor enough hay at any money, musty and a great deal of wild grass with it. <Q2 folio 35 verso> April 1880 23rd Hard frost this morning, the ground softened after 9 AM., so that the plow worked. The day was chilly all through. Mr. Vandusen* paid me a visit today, the first visit of the kind that was ever paid to me before. [*J. F. VanDusen had a jewellery store, and was a town councilor 1906- 11; History of Dundalk, pp.17, 19, 95. The purpose of this mysterious visit is unclear.] 24 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out bright and the day was pleasant and pretty warm all through. Jim was plowing. Johney and I sorted potatoes in the cellar in the forenoon. We had just 33 Bushels. In the afternoon we terraced one end of the house, and sowed some cabbage seed. [in margin] Sowed cabbage / seed / out doors. 25 Sabbath. Slight rain this morning and the day continued mizzling all through. 26 Cloudy morning, but the sun got a little out in the forenoon. There was rain for about two hours in the afternoon. Some snow among the rain. There was two beautiful Rainbows ap- peared this eavning. Jim was plowing. Johney and I split some stove wood and cleared a tree top out of our way and took out some stumps. 27 Some snow on the ground this morning, but it soon went off and the day continued breezy and dry. I sowed some pease in the forenoon and in the afternoon went on business to Flesherton. Jim harrowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon he sowed the remainder of the pease. [in margin] First grain sown / pease / 2 days after full moon. 28 Fine morning, although a little chilly. The day kept dry and pretty breezy in the afternoon. Jim was harrowing [plowing stricken, “harrowing” written above] in the forenoon and plowing in �121 the afternoon. I was letting off some water in the afternoon. Johney was picking up. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here a while this eavning. <Q2 folio 36 recto> April 1880 29th Rather cloudy this morning and the sun kept shady all day. The clouds gathered up to about 11 AM when the[y] burst, and the afternoon was wet, a steady come-down all the time. I sowed Six Bushels of wheat in the afternoon. Jim harrowed and Johney sowed salt on the harrowed ground at about the rate of a Barell to three acres. I am trying salt this year on the wheat, think- ing perhaps that it will be beneficial. [in margin] First wheat sown. 30 Wet morning, then snow, which continued during the forenoon. The afternoon was fair. I split some stove wood in the Bush in the afternoon and Jim plowed. Heavy snow at night. May [1880] 1st Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling. Snow and rain alternated during the forenoon. The afternoon was dry. Brother Sam took away 28 Bushels of seed oats which he had purchased from me some time ago. Jim and John split some wood in the afternoon and Jim plowed some, from 3 P.M. I digged around the apple trees. [in margin] Snow. 2nd Sabbath. Fine morning, the sun out bright and clear, the day warm all through. Mrs. R. & I went to Father’s. 3 Cloudy morning and the day had little sunshine, except from 1 to 4 P.M. The afternoon Breezy and very warm. I sowed near 6 Bushels of wheat. Jim harrowed it. Also he finished harrowing the wheat that was sown on last Thursday. Miss Emma Bowler was here this eavning. 4 Fine morning, a very heavy dew on the grass, the sun out strong in the middle of the day and in the afternoon the day very warm and a fine growth. I was hunting up hay in the forenoon and in the afternoon I sowed some wheat and placed a sett of steps at the front door. I borrowed Brother Sam’s 2 year old colt and Jim harrowed with his own and him [i.e. the colt] part of the day. <Q2 folio 36 verso> May 1880 5th Fine day all through, great growth, very warm. I sowed some wheat. Jim harrowed, John sowed salt. Got ½ ton hay from Mr. A. Jackson in the afternoon: price $4.00. 6 Nice morning, but a trifle cool. Got warmer towards noon, the day rather cloudy. I finished sowing wheat. Jim harrowed and John sowed salt and picked up roots. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I brought home 7 cherry trees: price $1.40 (One of them an English cherry, price .40) and 13 Apple trees, price $2.00. The cherry trees are poor ones, very dry, like as if they had been raised last fall. [in margin] Finished sowing wheat. 7 Thunder, lightening and heavy Rain this morning, about 2 A.M. The day continued showery all through, with more thunder and lightening about 11 A.M. The ground is soaking with wet and it is impossible to get on the low lands to work. Jim harrowed a little between showers. I planted some of the cherry trees. John chored around. I up all night to watch the mares.* [*Waiting for them to foal.] 8 Fine morning and the day continued very warm and dry, fine growth. I finished planting the fruit trees. Jim finished harrowing the wheat. In the afternoon he took Sam’s colt home. I up all night to watch the mares. �122 9th Sabbath. Fine morning, the sun shone out bright in the middle of the day, nice growing day. I up all night to watch the mares. 10 Rain, heavy in the morning, rain light in the eavning, fair in the middle of the day. I sowed the first oats for the season today. The ground is very wet, we can only harrow the spots here and there through[ou]t the field. Nancy up all night to watch the mares. [in margin] First oats /sown. 11 Fine morning, sun out bright and clear, the day fine all through, dry and breezy. I sowed some oats. Jim harrowed, then he and Johney picked up stones when he was done harrowing. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. It is very slow work with us putting in our crops. Our team is very heavy with foals and our ground is very wet and we have to work them very care- fully and easy, in order not to hurt them. <centrefold of Quire 2> <Q2 folio 37 recto> May 1880 12th Dry cool morning and the [day] continued dry, cool and breezy. Jim plowed, I let water off the low places on Lot 216. I sat up at night watching the mares that have to colt. 13 Cool in the morning and cool all day, sun shone out clear but there was a cold wind. There was frost early this morning. I planted a Bushel of Early Rose potatoes this afternoon, Willie dropped them. Jim plowed in the forenoon and hauled out manure in the afternoon on the pota- toe patch. John harrowed for W. J. Arnold. Mrs. Bowler and Mrs. Lonsway were here this eavning. I sat up all night watching the mares. [in margin] Frost this morning. First potatos [sic] planted. 14 Dry cool morning, the day dry, breezy and cool. I slept in the forenoon and in the afternoon raised some hop roots from around the old house and planted them around the milk house. Jim and Johney were hauling out manure part of the day and plowing in the afternoon. I sat up all night. [in margin] Frost. 15 Cool morning, the sun came out bright, the day dry and cool all through. I sowed some oats to- day. Jim harrowed with his two year old colt and Gerty. Johny picked up roots, stones and sticks. Mr. G. Anderson, the man that left his furniture here about four weeks ago, took it away today. [in margin] Frost. 16th Sabbath. Fine morning, bright, sunshiny, the day clear, warm and dry. Brother Sam and family were here today. I was up all night. 17 Sunny morning, pretty warm about noon, sultry in the afternoon. I sowed two bags of oats, Jim harrowed, John picked up. Wife and daughter were at Dundalk a-shopping in the eavning. <Q2 folio 37 verso> May 1880 18th Heavy shower this morning before daylight, another shower about 6 A.M., the remainder of the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim was harrowing and plowing. I sowed two bags of oats. Johny picked up roots and stones. Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I sat up all night watching the mares. I bought 500 pounds of hay from J. Irwin at $8.00 per ton. [in mar- gin] Washed sheep. 19 Fine morning, dry and warm, heavy clouds began to appear in the West and north about 10 A.M. At 11 there came on a very heavy rain with some hail stones, thunder and lightening. More rain again in the afternoon. Jim was plowing, sowing, and harrowing some in the fore- �123 noon. [He] hewed the plates* of the stable in the afternoon, then went to Dundalk and changed his $1.25 hat for a .75¢ one. Widdow [sic] Armstrong was here this afternoon. Gerty, a seven year old mare, colted this eavning about 7:30. Time she took: Eleven months and seventeen days. Mare colt. Sire Young Lord Haddon, owner William Middleton. [in margin] Gerty colted. [*Plates are square-hewed timbers, the length of the stable building, placed on the top of posts. The bottoms of rafters are held on the plates.] 20 Fine morning, dry and warm with a splendid growth. Thunder clouds began to gather about 10 A.M. and a pretty sharp rain storm came on about 11, accompanied with thunder and lighten- ing. The afternoon pretty showery. Jim and John fastened the plates on the stable in the fore- noon. I went to Dundalk in the morning, got some Castor Oil for the colt and some clover and grass seed to sow a calves park which I done in the afternoon. Jim sat up this night. 21 Rainy this morning but cleared off soon and was dry to about 3 P.M. when it began to rain which it done pretty steadily and is still (8:00) at it. I turned the potatoes in the forenoon and Nancy and I clipped the sheep in the afternoon. Miss Sarah Bell was here a while this after- noon, I sat up all night watching the mares. I[t] rained incessantly all night. <Q2 folio 38 recto> May 1880 22nd Rainy morning and continued so for most of the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon was dry. The boys hauled some rails with Jim’s colt in the dry part of the day and put up a small bit of fence. I was up all night watching mares. 23 Sabbath Fine morning, the day nice and growing. W. J. Arnold and wife were here today. I was up all night watching the mare. 24 Shower of rain this morning, but the day was warm and cloudy afterwards. Great growing day. Jim plowed, Johney and Clark chopped rail cuts. A. Lonsway’s boys were over after tea and mine and theirs played ball to dark. I was up all night. 25 Fine morning and the day continued dry and warm. Jim was plowing. John and I made fence. I was up all night watching the mare. She colted about 12 O’clock night. Mare colt. Time she took: Eleven months and twenty-four days. Sire of the colt: Lord Haddon. 26 Fine morning and the day was cloudy though pretty breezy, dry and warm. Jim plowed, then harrowed after he was done plowing. I finished sowing grain (oats and pease mixed). John built fence. [in margin] Finished sowing grain. 27 Cool, breezy morning and the day continued cloudy, dry and breezy. Jim finished harrowing, then hauled out some manure on the potatoe patch and ploughed it under. John helped haul out manure and spread it. Mrs. John Gott was here today. I sowed some Grass seed on a piece of low land. Some old bummer stopped here and had his supper. Lots of tramps spunging [sic] around. <Q2 folio 38 verso> May 1880 28 Fine morning, the day continued dry and cool. Jim and John helped Mr. Lonsway plant pota- toes in the afternoon. Nancy and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Got papers from Toronto. 29 Fine morning, the day dry but very cool in the afternoon. The three boys went a-fishing along with Mr. Lonsway’s boys. They caught a quantity of small fry, varying from 2 to 8 inches in length. Eliza and Willie also went a-fishing. They were not very successful. I went in the af- ternoon to Mr. John Duncan’s Barn Raising. 30 Cool morning with a slight rain, the middle of the day dry. A big rain fall about 5 P.M. Nancy and I were in at Father’s. �124 31 Cool, dark morning, the day dry to about 6 P.M. when it began to rain and kept it up for about an hour. Jim and Johney chopped in the swail. I cut seed potatoes, we planted out about 150 cabbage plants and some cucumbers in the afternoon. [in margin] put out some cabbage plants. June [1880] 1st Fine morning, and the day continued dry but chilly. I was cutting seed potaotes. John and Jim were chopping in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim harrowed and picked stones. 2 Bright sunny morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon pretty wet. We were planting our pota- toes, assisted by Wesl[e]y and James Lonsway. In the afternoon we planted about 16 Bushels with the hoes. Sister Sarah was here this afternoon and all night. [in margin] Finished First planting of potatoes. <Q2 folio 39 recto> June 1880 3rd Bright sunny morning, and the day continued dry and fine all through. Jim and Johney went to help their uncle Samuel to plant potatoes. 4 Rainy morning, but soon got dry. The day was cloudy and cool afterwards. John and Jim were helping Sam to plant potatoes. I was helping Mr. H. Clippert raise an end to his log barn in the afternoon. 5 Fine morning but the day got very rainy about 10 A.M. and continued so for about two hours. I went to Flesherton. Jim and John were helping their uncle Sam to plant potatoes. 6th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued dry. Brother Sam and wife were here. 7 Wet morning but cleared up about 8 A.M., the day dry after. The boys and I were pulling down the old house which had sheltered us for many a day. It is hard to remove old landmarks. [in margin] Resolved forever. 8 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and cool. The boys and I pulling down old hous[e] and hauling logs away. [in margin] Frost. 9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. I was cleaning up the ground of the old house. The boys were putting up horse stable with the logs that were in the room. Mrs. W. Bowler was here this eavning. 10 Rather cloudy morning but the day kept dry to the afternoon when there came on a thunder storm. Brother Sam framed the rafters and raised them on the cow stable for us. <Q2 folio 39 verso> June 1880 11th Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry, showery in the afernoon, some thunder and lightening. Brother Sam was helping us to put the old room roof on a little building for a horse stable. 12 Fine morning and the day continued dry though cool and cloudy. The boys were sheeting the stable. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 13th Sabbath. Quite a cold morning and the day was chilly from morning to night. Nancy and Jim visited on the back line. 14 Cool cloudy morning and the day cool and cloudy all through. I was cleaning out cellar. The boys were working at the cow stable, sheeting it. Nancy and I set out some cabbage plants in the afternoon. 15 Fine morning, the day dry but cool. Jim and John were shingling, I was weeding in the garden. 16 Sunshiny morning, the day hot and dry. The boys were shingling, I was working in the garden. 17 Nice bright morning, the day was very fine and hot. The boys were shingling, I was working in garden. �125 18 Fine morning, the day very warm and dry. Vegetation is progressing very rapidly under the stimulant of the hot weather. Johney and I were chinking [correction/overwritten]. Jim and his mother took the team in the afternoon and went to Dundalk. F. T. Carr, Apple tree agent, was here this afternoon. I did not order any trees. 19 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm to about 2 P.M. when there came on a pretty sharp shower. John and I were chinking. Brother Sam takes our wool and cloth to Feversham Mills today. <Q2 folio 40 recto> June 1880 20th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day was warm and dry. I with the family went to Church. After that Mrs. Russell and [I] went to John Gott’s. 21 Fine morning, and the day was pretty warm and cloudy in the afternoon. I hoed some potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon chinked the horse stable. 22 Fine morning, though cloudy, the day was dry and warm with the exception of a shower about noon. We all attended a C. E. Sunday School picknick held on the rear end of Lot 211, 1st Range, Proton. A very pleasant day was spent. The crowd was not large but social, the tables were spread with everything good, and the day passed pleasantly. 23 Cloudy morning, the day dry and a little breezy in the afternoon. Warm all through. Two of Mr. Crosses men were here from 9 A.M. fixing the studding upstairs for the plasterers. Jim, John and I were working at the stables. 24 Cloudy morning and the day was one of alternately sunshine and shade, being also remarkably warm. Jim and John were working at fixing the stables. I was hoeing thistles from among the potatotes. 25 Sunny morning and the day was bright till the afternoon when there came on a copious rain. The boys were working at the stables. I was hoeing thistles from among the potatoes in the dry part of the day. In the eavning I warned out the men in my beat to do statute labor. <Q2 folio 40 verso> June 1880 26th Bright sunny morning, the day was a little cloudy but dry and very warm. Jim and his mother were at Dundalk in the forenoon and traded off some old castings. Johney and I were fixing fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon were cutting thistles out of the potatoes. 27th Sabbath. Showery during the forenoon, most of the afternoon was dry. I went to Father’s in the eavning. 28 Dry in the morning to about 10 O’clock when there came on rain and was very showery the re- mainder of the day. Johney and I were cutting thistles out of the potatoes. Jim was working at stable. 29 Fine morning, the day dry, cloudy and cool. Jim and John were helping their uncle Sam to put some logs on his stable. I was cutting thistles. James Trugon and wife were here this eavning. 30 Fine day all through. Jim was helping his uncle Sam, Johney and I were hoeing potatoes. I at- tended a trustee meeting in the eavning. July [1880] 1st Cloudy morning with a very slight shower during the day. I and the family went to see the sports at Dundalk. 2 Fine morning, the day cool, breezy and dry. I was overseeing the men doing statute labor in this beat. �126 3 Fine breezy morning, the day warm and clear all through. I was overseeing the men doing stat- ute labor. John Hanbury brought the lath and sand here to fix the upstairs. <Q2 folio 41 recto> July 1880 4th Beautiful morning, the day fine and dry all through. Mr. W. Robinson and Miss S. Bell were here today. 5 Rainy morning for about two hours, then cleared off and the day was dry. I was doing work on the road, had two teams and two shovellers under me. Mr. John Agnew and wife and child were here this night. 6 Fine morning and the day continued dry and pretty warm all through. I was helping brother Sam to saw stove wood in the afternoon. 7 Fine morning, the day very hot. Nancy and I went with Skeffington Bell and his wife to Tosso- rontio and stopped all night at brother John’s. The plasterers were working at our place today. 8 Beautiful morning, the day exceedingly warm. Left John’s this morning and went to John Ag- new’s in Essa. The Fall wheat crops in Essa look splendid, so does the meadows. Their spring crops are a little earlier but not much better than in Proton. Stopped at John Agnew’s all night. 9 Warm, dry morning, the sky clear till the afternoon when some thunder clouds came up. There was only a sprinkling of rain with some sharp thunder and a little lightening. We left John Ag- new’s this morning and came home. 10 Warm day and dry all through. Went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got my cheque for $101. Mr. D. Davidson cashed it. Came home and the boys and I repaired a culvert. Nancy and I went to Dundalk after 6 P.M. and transacted some business. <Q2 folio 41 verso> July 1880 11th Sabbath. Dry morning and the day continued cloudy, dry and exceedingly hot. Mr. John Gott, wife and child were here today. 12th Cloudy morning, the day was cloudy with frequent light showers. We all attended a picknick at William Lonsway’s. 13 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry. I went to Dundalk on business in the fore- noon and in the afternoon wheeled some manure out of the old Barn. The boys made pokes for the horses in the forenoon and mowed in the afternoon. [in margin] commenced mowing. 14 Cloudy morning and some clouds during the day, but the heat was very great. I think the hot- test day during the summer for so far. I was mowing. Jim fixed the waggon, Clark and John wheeled manure. 15th Dry day and very hot with considerable [gathering] of clouds. There was a heavy thunder storm in the forepart of the night. I was mowing. 16 Wet morning and the forenoon was showery, the afternoon was dry and very chilly, almost like frost. Wife and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and purchased a bedstead at $2.25 and also some painting material. [in margin] Mail paper received. 17 Cloudy morning but the clouds disappated [=dissipated] about noon and the afternoon was breezy and dry. I was mowing in the afternoon. Jim was dressing some timber for upstairs. John & Clark were hoeing potatoes. 18th. Sabbath. Clear day without any rain. Mrs. James Mills was here this eavning <Q2 folio 42 recto> July 1880 �127 19th Cloudy morning and a very heavy dew on the ground. Rain come on about 9 A.M. and there were frequent showers through the day. I mowed some in the forenoon. Nancy and I painted some in the afternoon and I went to Dundalk for some paint after 5 P.M. Jim mowed some in the afternoon. 20 Cloudy morning, the day was pretty showery all through. Nancy and I painted the kitchen in part. Jim went with his uncle Sam in the afternoon to help load saw logs. 21 Dry morning, though cloudy, a slight rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and breezy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for some oil for painting and hauled in hay in the afternoon. The boys raked up hay in the forenoon. 22 Dry morning, but cool and cloudy, the day dry but rain at night. I helped paint the kitchen floor in the forenoon and hauled in hay in the afternoon. Jim mowed all day. Johney and Clark raked up hay in the forenoon and helped to haul in in the afternoon. 23 Rainy morning but not very heavy, it cleared up about 7 A.M. and the remainder of the day was dry, cool and cloudy. Jim mowed, I painted floor, assisted by Nancy in the forenoon. John and Clark picked berries assisted by Eliza and William. I mowed in the eavning. John Gott’s wife is sick tonight. Jim and his mother are gone to see her. 24 Dry sunny morning and very warm during the forenoon, the afternoon was rather breezy, the day dry throughout. We raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in during the afternoon. 25th Sabbath. Rather cloudy this morning, the day hot about noon. A thunder storm in the eavning. Mrs. Russell and I were in at Brother Sam’s. <Q2 folio 42 verso> July 1880 26th Wet morning, it cleared off about 9 A.M. and was dry the remainder of the day. I was helping Brother Sam at his hay and slept at Father’s that night. The boys were picking huckleberries in the marsh. 27 A slight mizzle early this morning, dry and breezy the remainder of the day. I was helping Sam at haying, the boys were choring around home. I slept at Father’s. 28 Fine dry morning, the day hot all through. I was helping Sam to haul in hay. Jim was helping Skeffington Bell. 29 Dry morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. I was straightening up school accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon attended a trustee’s meeting in No. 5 Melancthon. Jim and John were chopping in the swale. 30 Dry morning, the day dry and hot. I cut some stake timber for the hay rack and ground the cra- dle scythe in the forenoon. In the afternoon the boys and I commenced to cut our fall wheat. It is a pretty fair crop, slightly rusted, nothing scarcely to hurt. It is the Seneca or Clawson varie- ty. We have four acres and I think it will yield about 20 bushels per acre. I sowed it on the 5th of last September on a piece of pea ground slightly manured. Some of it got winter killed but it is a great deal better than any Spring wheat I have. Jim craddled. Johney and I bound. [in margin] First wheat cut. 31st Fine morning, dry and warm, the day dry and hot. We were cutting wheat. Jim craddling, Johney and I binding. Clark sold his calve [=calf] for $1.25. It is just a month old. <Q2 folio 43 recto> August 1880 1st Sabbath. Rather dark cloudy morning, but the day continued dry. Father and mother, Samuel and Phoebe were here today. �128 2 Cloudy morning. It came on to rain about 9 A.M. and was slightly showery from that to night. We cut wheat in the dry part of the day. In the afternoon Jim made a rake for raking the stub- ble. I fixed the waggon rack. 3 Damp, cold morning, with considerable wet on the grain. It dried off about 8 A.M. and contin- ued fine the remainder of the day. We finished cutting fall wheat, then took some shingle tim- ber to the mill and brought home half a square of shingles. 4 Bright sunny morning, the day [dry] all through although there were some signs of rain in the afternoon. We were choring round. Jim fixed the roof of the cow stable. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Some people say there was a frost this morning. I did not see any signs of one. [in margin] Frost. 5 Very fine morning and the day continued dry, breezy and warm. Johney and I were chopping and burning on Lot 216. Jim went in the eavning to the picknick at Dundalk. Mrs. C. Bell vis- ited us today. Mr. John Hanbury measured the part of the upstairs which he had lathed and plastered. There were 143 4/9 square yards at .25¢ per yard which is $35.87. Mrs. Jane Westacote passed along here today. This eavning is chilly enough for frost. [in margin] slight frost. 6 Beautiful morning, the day [dry] and warm. The boys and I were picking up and burning in the forenoon, in the afternoon we hauled in wheat. [in margin] Posted a letter to John Stubbings 7 Dry, warm morning, the day dry and hot, but cloudy towards night. We finished hauling in wheat in the forenoon. In the afternoon Johny raked the stubble. Jim and Clark fixed fence. I threshed wheat with the flail. <Q2 folio 43 verso> August 1880 8th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry, hot and breezy. 9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, warm and pretty breezy. Jim and Clark went with a small grist (4¾ Bushels) to Wright’s Mill, Osprey. It was excellent fall wheat without a particle of any dirt in it and the[y] only got 34 pounds of flour to the bushel. Either Wright or his mill is a fraud. Johney and I were picking up and burning in the swale. Mrs. H. Bowler and Mrs. James Reid were here today. 10 Dry morning, although rather cloudy, the day dry and breezy, with a good many clouds towards eavning. The boys and I were picking up and burning in the swale, good time for it. 11 Very heavy rain this morning before daylight, also thunder and lightening. Through the day it was dry and cloudy. The boys and I were getting logs sawed at John McDowell’s mill. John McDowell’s boy with his horses hauled the logs to the gangway and for d[ump]ing[?]. I and my Johney helped him to roll the logs on the car and I tail sawed. Jim hauled home the lumber: there were cut of mine today 2130 feet. 12 A little cloudy this morning, the day dry and cool. Jim went to the mill for a load of lumber in the forenoon, in the afternoon the boys and I pulled pease. There was a quilting here today. The quilters were Mrs. C. Bell, Mrs. S. Bell, Mrs. J. Gott, Mrs. Nickle, Miss Kate Johnson, Miss Jane Johnson, Miss Sarah Bell and Miss Maria Lonsway. 13 Breezy dry day all through, although cloudy in the afternoon. The boys and I were pulling pease. 14 Black letter day. Cloudy, breezy and dry. We finished pea pulling today. <Q2 folio 44 recto> August 1880 �129 15th Sabbath. Rain very early this morning, the day afterwards dry and pretty warm till the afternoon when it got very chilly. 16 Bright sunny morning, but a frost all over the ground killling the potatoes and doing other inju- ry. The heaviest summer frost that has come this long time. The day was dry and the sun bright, doing all the more injury after the frost. The boys, Jim and John,were helping their un- cle Sam to pull pease. I was picking up and burning in the swale. [in margin] very heavy frost. 17 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry and breezy to about 6 P.M. when there came on a slight mizzle of rain, but it did not amount to much. The boys and I were hauling in pease. We hauled in nine loads out of the back field. [in margin] Finished Hauling in pease. 18 Cloudy this morning, the day dry and breezy, the afternoon pretty much like rain. Jim, Clark and I were picking stones to 3 P.M. when Jim and I went to little Johney Irwin’s Raising. Johney was helping his uncle Sam to haul in pease. 19 Fierce wind storm accompanied by a little rain very early this morning before day. The day breezy and cloudy and dry. Johney was helping his uncle Sam to [i.e. until] noon. Jim and I were taking off stones. Jim craddled some oats in the afternoon but he gave it up as they were scarcely ripe enough. [in margin] First oats cut. 20 Sunny morning, the day very warm all through. John and Jim were hauling out manure in the forenoon, in the afternoon they were helping their uncle Sam thresh. I was hauling out manure in the afternoon. 21 Sharp shower very early this morning, the day dry after sunrise and moderately warm. I bor- rowed Sam’s waggon. In the morning John and Clark were hauling out manure, Jim craddled wheat, I bound. So rolls round the time. [in margin] First spring wheat cut. <Q2 folio 44 verso> August 1880 22nd Sabbath. Dry cloudy morning. Soon the sun broke through the clouds dispelling them, the day dry, warm and breezy. 23 Bright morning at sunrise, then cloudy for a while. Sunshine and cloud throughout the day, ex- cessively hot for about 15 minutes at or near 10 A.M. Jim was craddling wheat, I was binding, Johney was binding oats. 24 Bright morning, the day got cloudy towards noon, there was a slight mizzle of rain about 1 P.M., then cleared off and was fair to 8 P.M., when it began to thunder and rain slightly with every appearance of a wet night. Jim was craddling oats. Johney and I cleaned out a drinking place for the cattle in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I threshed some fall wheat for seed. 25 Cloudy morning and a slight mizzle of rain fell. It soon got dry and the afternoon was fine and breezy. Jim started the plow in the morning but broke the share, then he got one from Skeffing- ton Bell, but it did not fit. Johney hauled out manure. I threshed some seed wheat in the fore- noon, and in the afternoon Jim cut wheat and I bound. 26 Sun rose clear, but clouded over, no rain during the forenoon, but pretty breezy and dry. A slight rain came on in the afternoon about 5 P.M. Jim cut wheat. Nancy and I tied it. Johney hauled out manure. 27 Dry morning, and the day remained dry to about 3 P.M. when there came on a thunder shower. The remainder of the day was dry with excessive lightening at night, and very heavy rain through the night. Jim craddled in the forenoon, and hauled out manure in the afternoon. Johney hauled out manure in the forenoon and craddled in the afternoon. Mother and I bound. �130 <inserted letter> <letterhead> Toronto Grey & Bruce Railways</letterhead> Toronto 31st Mch 1881 Robert Russell Esq. Dundalk Dear Sir, In reply to your letter of the 29th inst. I would say that I will give you 18¢ for these ties, subject to inspection. Should you accept this please sign the Enclosed, and return to me, when I will give our Inspec- tor instructions to inspect them. Yours truly, Edmund Wragge* [under letterhead 15 | 417, 31 | 283, presumably meaning 15th of month delivered 417 ties, 30th of month delivered 283 ] [*Edmund Wragge was chief engineer of the Toronto Grey & Bruce Railway, and was general man- ager in 1875; see Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 77.] </inserted letter> <Q2 folio 45 recto> August 1880 28 Dry morning, the day dry, cloudy and sultry. Jim and Clark went with the team to Maxwell to get the cloth that had been left at the fulling mill, also to get two plow points. They got 2 at for- ty cents each. Johney craddled oats today. I mowed some thistley wheat. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 29th Sabbath. Misty morning and there came on a slight rain about 10 A.M. It continued to about 2 P.M., not very heavy though, the afternoon was dry. Nancy and I went to Brother Sam’s in the eavning. 30 Fine morning, the day continued dry and cool. I borrowed 5 1/6 Bushels of fall wheat from Brother Sam. Johney went after it and took it to the Reid Mill, Dundalk. It made 200 pounds flour. Jim was cutting oats in the forenoon, his mother was binding. I threshed seed wheat in the forenoon, in the afternoon Jim cut wheat, his mother and I bound. 31 Dark morning, the day was cloudy but dry. Jim and Johney were cutting oats in the forenoon and wheat in the afternoon. Nancy and I tied. September [1880] 1st Dark morning and there was a slight shower about noon. The afternoon was dry and very sul- try. Johney and Jim cut wheat to tea time, when they finished it. Johney then cut oats. I bound all day. Nancy helped from noon. I sold one dry Ewe for four dollars and a half. 2 Dry morning, but there came on a slight shower about noon and very heavy rain about 4 P.M. It faired off later in the eavning. Johney, Clark and I hauled in wheat in the dry part of the day, and I took in a sheep I had sold in the eavning. Nancy was at Mrs. Nickle’s quilting. <Q2 folio 45 verso> September 1880 3rd Rainy morning but there was not a great deal fell. The afternoon was dry. I was rigging up my plow for work in the forenoon and in the afternoon I was plowing. I had very hard work to get a share to fit the plow. John was spreading manure in the afternoon. Jim is laid up sick. I think he has been working too hard craddling, as there came a pain in his back at first. �131 4 Murky morning and thunder in the distance, a little rain fell but not much, the afternoon was dry. I plowed in the forenoon with Jim’s two year old colt and one of the mares. In the after- noon Nancy and I tied oats. Johney is sick today, they have all been sick in their turn, pains in their heads and stomachs and shifting pains in their backs and sides. It is rather a trying time. Jim seems the worst and is the longest of recovering. We had to put a mustard blister to him tonight. 5th Sabbath. Dry morning and the day was dry and breezy. Jim had still sever[e] pains today, some- thing like inflamation. We put another mustard blister to him, he is easier this afternoon. 6 Dry breezy morning and the day continued dry and breezy all through. Jim still continues mending, his pains are pretty much all gone. I think he will get over it this time without the doctor. Johney, Clark and I were hauling in wheat. John and Clark built and I forked the sheaves. Nancy helped us in the mow. We hauled in nine loads. The wheat is a miserably poor crop with me this year. I mean the spring wheat. It first rusted, then midged, lastly, the frost hit it hard. It will not yield, I think, six bushels to the acre of the most miserable stuff. Poor country this for growing wheat, and I had venture[d] sowing twenty-two bushels of such. I think this crop has taught me a lesson, that is not to sow much more wheat in future on this lot. I think the soil is not calculated for wheat. <Q2 folio 46 recto> September 1880 7th Dark morning with a very heavy dew. The clouds scattered after a while and the day was dry till dark when there came on a slight mizzle of rain. We hauled in grain. John and Clark built the loads, I forked on. Nancy helped us to noon. We hauled two loads of tied wheat and two loads of loose wheat, also six loads of oats. 8 Cloudy morning, the day dry, breezy and cool. Nancy and I bound some oats from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Johney and Clark hauled them in. We helped to mow them. Johney was rather unwell in the forenoon, pain in his head. [in margin] Frost. 9 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry, breezy and cool. Johney craddled oats, I tied and we hauled them off the ground, all that were cut to noon, this leaving the field for the cattle to get in. Jim raked and hauled in some loose wheat in the forenoon. In the afternoon he plowed. I had John Gott craddling. I went in the afternoon and engaged John Brinkman to thrash for me this day week. I then went to Dundalk and sold our butter for .20¢ per pound and a cent a pound extra to be paid in tobacco. 10 Cool cloudy morning with a heavy frost on the ground. The day was dry, breezy and cool. Nancy and I bound grain to 4 P.M., then we took our butter to Dundalk and delivered it to Mr. D. Davidson. Jim plowed, Johney craddled, and Clark went to Mr. Lonsway’s threshing. [in margin] Frost. Finished cutting grain. 11 Sunny morning, the day was breezy and dry. John plowed in the forenoon. Nancy and I bound oats in the forenoon. After dinner we all, except Clark, went and lit the 10 acres of fallow which I got chopped last winter. We got a splendid burn, never seen better. After supper Johney, Jim and I hauled in two loads of oats. Clark was at Lonsway’s thrashing. <Q2 folio 46 verso> September 1880 12th Sabbath. Dry breezy morning, the day was dry and pretty windy to about 6 P.M. when there came on a sharp rain. �132 13 Dry morning, the day dry and cool all through, the rain fell at no great distance as we could see the showers a piece off. Jim was asking hands for the thrashing for Thursday. Johney was cut- ting logs for a straw pen. I plowed and Willie drove the horses. 14 Fine dry morning, the day continued dry and sunny all through. Johney was at Clippert’s threshing, Jim and Willie picked stones, I sowed about six acres of Seneca fall wheat, Clark harrowed. [in margin] Sowed wheat 2nd quarter of moon. 15 Fine morning and the day continued dry all through with a slight mizzle of rain in the forepart of the night. We finished harrowing the wheat, Johney was at Clippert’s thrashing to about 3 P.M. The threshers came here tonight with their machine. 16 Fine dry morning and the day dry, although cloudy. In the afternoon there was a very slight mizzle but nothing to hurt. We threshed today but did not finish. The threshers are stopping here tonight. [stricken text and dates corrected.] 17th Misty morning, but the mist soon cleared off and the sun came out bright and warm. There was some thunder and lightening about 7:30 P.M., also a very sharp shower. We finished threshing at 8:40 A.M.. The wheat turned out very poorly. Fall wheat about 12 Bushels per acre (Sene- ca), first class sample. Spring wheat about 8 Bushels per acre, very poor sample. The rust first affected it, then the midge and lastly the frost. Pease about 25 Bushels per acre, good sample, and oats 40 or near to it per acre, good sample. The threshers (Brinkmans) done good work and threshed clean and charged me $8.00 for their time, which I think was reaasonable enough. We put the straw into the mow in the afternoon, tramping it with Jim’s colt. We also hauled in four loads of oats, thus finishing harvesting. [in margin] Finished harvesting. Thrashed. <Q2 folio 47 recto> Sept[ember] 1880 18th [date corrected from 19th in margin] Misty morning, but the day was dry and pretty warm. I dug a hole in the forenoon to get water for the cattle and in the afternoon chored around. Jim helped his uncle Sam to plow. Johney was with Skeffington Bell threshing. [in margin] Weaned colts. Got letter from J. Stubbings.* [*Clerk at Davidson’s store, Dundalk]. 19th [20th stricken] Sabbath. Damp morning, the day continued cool and cloudy with a little rain falling now and then. 20 [21 stricken] Slight rain this morning, but cleared off about 9 A.M., the remainder of the day was dry and cool and breezy. Jim was at J. Mills’ threshing. Johney was helping Sam to plow. I was choring around. I borrowed Brother Sam’s ram, also I got two sucking [sic] pigs from him. [in margin] Borrowed ram. 21 [22 stricken] Showery morning and the day was one of alternate rain and shine with pretty high wind. I was fixing up some grain in the granary. Clark was helping me, Johney was at J. Mills’ threshing. Jim was helping J. Irvin to haul in oats. 22 [23 stricken] Fine morning and the day continued dry, cloudy and very cool. Clark was at J. Mills’ threshing, Jim, John and I packed straw in the mow. We put Jim’s two year old colt on it and made him tramp it. 23 [24 stricken] Fine morning, dry and warm, the day sunny and warm. We put in the remainder of the straw, then cleaned up a small grist. I took it to the mill in the afternoon, the boys raised about five bushels of their potatoes after 5 P.M. Ch. Mills was helping us today. Wife and son Jim left for Tossorontio & Essa this morning, they went with Father and brother Sam who are going to see John. 24 [25 stricken] Bright sunny morning and the day was dry and pretty warm. John, Clark and I were fencing the fall wheat. We hauled the rails and built about 52 rods, some five and some six rails �133 high. Eliza and Willie were keeping house. [Notes at bottom of page on 4 bank drafts (1x1, 1x1, 1x2, 1x4=8$) posted to manager, Bank of Montreal at Toronto, Sept. 25th 1880] <Q2 folio 47 verso> September 1880 25th [26th stricken] A little cloudy this morning, but the clouds dispersed and the sun shone out bright for some time. The sky got overcast towards noon and there was a sharp shower at noon. Johney, Clark, Willie and I were raising potatoes which belonged to them. We took them to Dundalk in the afternoon and sold them (17½) Bushels to T. Hanbury at .42¢ per Bag. Also sold two Bushels to G.R. Middleton for .45¢ per Bag, cash. The boys and Eliza took boots from Mr. Hanbury for theirs. 26th [27th stricken] Sabbath. Dull morning with an appearance of rain which came on pretty sharply in the afternoon. All of us, with the exception of Jim and Clark, were on the Back line at Fa- ther’s. 27th [28 stricken] Rather misty morning and there was a slight mizzle of rain now and then through the day. Jim and I were cutting logs in the follow. John was at Arnold’s threshing. 28 Rainy morning to about 9 O’clock, then cleared off, the day was dark and cloudy all through. Jim was at Jim Trugon’s threshing. Johney and I cut logs in the fallow. 29 Rainy morning and the day continued showery all through. Jim and I were asking hands for a logging bee. Johney was at James Trugon’s thrashing to noon. In the afternoon he and Eliza and William gathered the apples on (two) 2 trees, there were (Sixteen) 16 bushels of splendid apples. In the afternoon Nancy, Jim, John and I went to Father’s to a paring bee. I stopped there all night. 30 Very cold morning and several showers of snow fell during the forenoon. The afternoon was dry but cold. I cut some handspikes* in the forenoon in C. McDow[e]ll’s Bush. Jim brought some hay from Sam’s, also the handspikes. John cut logs in the fallow, I asked some more hands in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow. [*handspikes were wooden rods used as crowbars, could have metal points on tips, like pikes] <Q2 folio 48 recto> October 1880 1st Dark morning and the day continued cool and cloudy. Jim and I were cutting logs in the fol- low. Johney butchered a sheep, raised some potatoes and dressed some handspikes. 2 Rather cloudy morning but the sun got out about 9 A.M. and the day was warm afterwards. I had a logging bee today. We got about seven acres logged. There were four horse teams and an ox team. The hands at the bee were: Sam McDowell and horses, Skeffington Bell and hors- es, Johney Irvin and horses, —- Buyer and horses. Rollers were: James Mulholland, W. J. Ar- nold, John Irvin, Mr. Nickle, John Gott, Henry Johnson, Joseph Jackson, James Atcheson, Wil- liam Talbot, —- —- Curtin, —-Sauder, John Allen and Thomas Carson. Also Tom Mills and his oxen. Also Mrs. Russell had a quilting today. [blanks are in original- missing first names]. [in margin] Logging Bee. 3rd Sabbath. Rainy morning and the day very wet all through. 4 Wet morning and pretty showery during the forenoon. The afternoon was dry. We fixed at the horse stable and put our hogs up to fat. All the family with the exception of Jim and John went this night to a paring bee at brother Sam’s. Got home at 2:30 in the morning. [in margin] Hogs put up. �134 5 Dry morning, the sun shone out for a while, pretty breezy and dry during most of the day. There came on a thunder storm accompanied by lightening and heavy rain about 5:30 P.M. The night is wet and windy. We were logging with our horses. 6 Bright, sunny morning for a short spell, then showers of cold rain throughout the day. I took in some pease and sold them for .50¢ per Bushel, also I took 470 pounds small [?] wheat to the mill to be chopped. We all attended show fair, the day was very much against it, very sloppy, bad roads etc. I bought three sucking [sic] pigs from T. Hanbury at $2.50 for the three. <Q2 folio 48 verso> October 1880 7th Fine dry morning, and the day was dry and pretty warm, with a very heavy frost at night. Brother Sam was helping us to log with his horses. Jim traded his colt (2½ years old) for a splendid looking new democrat waggon (platform spring) which had been shown at Dundalk show fair the day previous. We had a paring bee this night. 8th Beautiful dry sunny day all through. I was at W. J. Arnold’s logging bee. The boys were pick- ing up in the fallow. 9 Beautiful day from morning to night, just like Indian Summer. I hired Mr. Goodfellow and his oxen to log for me today at $1.50 for his day’s work. He is a good smart worker and so is his oxen. 10th Sabbath. Dry day, Nancy and family drove in to the back line. 11 Dry morning, the day dry, breezy and warm. We kindled log heaps and picked up in the fallow. 12th Rain this morning before daylight, the day was dry and cold with a pretty stiff breeze. We were lighting log heap[s], branding, etc. in the fallow. 13 Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and fine. We were working in the new fallow, Branding, burning, etc. 14 Very fine morning and the day was dry to about 3:30 P.M. when it began to rain and continued showery to about 9. Clark and I were working in the new fallow, Jim and John were helping their uncle Sam to thresh. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and became one of Skeffington Bell’s sureties for collecting the municipal tax of Proton. <Q2 folio 49 recto> October 1880 15th Dry, sunny morning, the day dry and warm all through. Jim was plowing, the rest of us were taking up ’tatoes. 16 Rainy morning and continued so to about noon. Jim was plowing in the afternoon, Johney and Willie were raising potatoes, Clark and I cleaned up wheat. I took a sample of it to Dundalk in the eavning, the quality was so poor they would not purchase. 17th [18th stricken] Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was cold all through, with showers of snow occasionally. Snowed steady towards night. 18 [19 stricken] Ground covered with snow and plenty more falling. Continued snowing all day long, the snow is about four or five inches deep on the level, the heaviest snow storm that I re- member for so early in the season. We worked at putting in a floor in the new cow stable. Got the floor in and the cows housed quite comfortable like, the first time they have been in for the season. [in margin] Big snow storm. 19 Cold morning, some snow fell, the day rather cool throughout. Jim and Clark were hauling rails and putting a fence round part of the garden in the forenoon, in the afternoon we were [cut- ting] posts etc. for a cow shed. �135 20 Rather milder this morning, but plenty of snow on the ground. The sun shone out a little in the afternoon. John Agnew was here today. We cleaned up some oats and pease for chopping, also two bags of wheat for gristing and Jim took it to the mill in the afternoon. In the forenoon we were working at the shed. 21 Soft morning, the snow going away, the sun got out and the day was pretty mild. We worked at the shed till the eavning then Jim went for the stuff to the mill. Mr. Neil Strachan and Willie Shaw were here a while tonight. [in margin] Sent letter to N. McAulay. <Q2 folio 49 verso> October 1880 22nd Mild morning, the snow mostly all gone. Then it began snowing about noon and continued so all day and night. Jim was plowing in the forenoon, John, Clark and I were pulling down and burning the old house on Lot 216. In the afternoon Nancy, Eliza and I went with the yarn to be woven to Mrs. Montgomerie’s in Proton. 23 Sunny morning and very soft. Continued sunny all day. We were binding in the shed, fixing the pig pen, etc. 24th Sabbath. Quite a quantity of snow on the ground, the roads very bad, the day rather cold. 25 Snow on the ground this morning, but kept melting, rain came on about noon. Very heavy rain about 5 P.M., rainy night. We borrowed John Irvin’s cutting [box. It] Broke. Jim took it to the Blacksmith’s to be repaired. Johney and I got some timber in the bush in the forenoon for flooring for a colt stable. In the afternoon Jim, Johney and Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk. I went to Father’s and slept there all night. 26 Rainy morning and the day continued pretty wet all through, with a change from rain to snow in the night. Jim tried the plow for a short spell. Johny and Clark raised some potatoes when it was partly dry. In the afternoon we cut some oat sheaves. Jim fixed a feeding place in the horses’ manger for them to eat their oats out of. 27 A nice quantity of snow on the ground this morning, but the sun shone out and the snow pretty much all vanished before night. We were taking up the remainder of our potatoes (25) Bushels. 28 Cold raw morning, and the day very chilly all through. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark were mudding the horse stable. I attended K. McAulay’s sale of stock and farming implements. Things went very high. I thought to purchase some hay but it sold too high. <Q2 folio 50 recto> October 1880 29th Very fine morning, the day continued sunny, mild and dry. Jim was plowing, Johny was at A. Patterson’s bee, Clark chinked and plastered the goose pen. I let off some water of one of the fields. 30 Mizzly morning and the day was a slight mizzle from morning to night. The boys butchered our hog, then piled some stove wood in the bush. I took a load of wheat to Flesherton, could not sell it as it was frozen and a good many oats in it. Left the bags with Mr. Sproul. Am to go back next Friday and clean it. 31st Mild, fair day. Wife and I went to the back line. November [1880] 1st Pretty cold morning and some snow on the ground. I was fixing a bridge on Bowler’s side line. Jim was plowing, the other two were plast[er]ing the cow stable. [Stricken passage: piling wood and lifting troughs]. The day was blustry and snowey. �136 2 A little chilly this morning, but the day got pretty mild and was very fine in the afternoon. I was working at the bridge, and also carried in some potatoes in the afternoon, then went to Dundalk at night. Jim plowed. 3 Fine morning, and the day beautiful all through, like Indian Summer. I worked a little at a Cel- lar drain, also went to A. Patterson’s and purchased one ton of hay at $5.00 cash, he to haul it. Jim was plowing, John and Clark were at Johney Irvin’s thrashing. Nancy and the two young- est were at Mother’s helping to pluck geese. 4 Fine morning, and pretty warm. The day changed about 3 P.M. and rain came on. It is still (7:30) raining. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark were at Johney Irvin’s thrashing. I went in the forenoon and helped A. Patterson to weigh ½ ton of hay, he hauled it for me. In the after- noon I done a small job on the road and worked at the drain from cellar. Mrs. W. Bowler was here since noon and is stopping here tonight. <Q2 folio 50 verso> Novermber 1880 5th Misty morning, and the day was a little showery all through. I and Clark took the team and went to Flesherton and cleaned over again with Mr. Sproul’s mill a load of wheat which I had left there the Saturday previous. We got a good many oats taken out and sold the wheat for . 91¢ per Bushel. It was poor wheat and frozen. Jim kept Guy Fawk[e]’s day.* Johney helped his uncle Sam to butcher some swine. [*Traditional Protestant celebration in England, with bonfires and fireworks on 5 Nov. to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot of 1605; Guy Fawkes was executed for his part in the thwarted plot by Catholics to blow up the Parliament at West- minster.] 6 Rainy morning and the day was very wet all through and a continual pour at night. We butch- ered our hogs today. Brother Sam helped us, he also brought out his sheep to his ram which is here with mine. 7th Sabbath. Stormy day with a good deal of snow falling. Jim went to Dundalk for a gargle for his uncle Sam who has a bad turn of the Quinsey.* [*Tonsilitis] 8 Nice mild day, the snow disappearing, the air balmy. Mr. Skeffington Bell came for me this morning. I went with him and assisted him to make out Collector’s Receipts for Collecting. In the eavning I went to Dundalk and got a gargle from the Doctor for Brother Sam. I went in with it and stopped at Father’s all night. 9 Mild morning, the day sunny, the air balmy, just like Spring. I split some wood for Sam in the forenoon, in the afternoon I went to the doctor’s and got another gargle for Sam. I took it in and stopped all night with him, kept fires on, and woke him for his gargle. 10 Rather nice morning, dry and mild. It kept getting breezy and cool till the afternoon when there came on a sleeting cold rain. It kept at it all the afternoon. Jim was opening water furrows in the dry part of the day. Johney went to Sam’s in the afternoon. Mrs. J. Mills and Miss Cham- bers were here a while this afternoon. <Q2 folio 51 recto> November 1880 11th Showery day all through, cold rain at that. Jim and I were putting up a colt stable. John was at his uncle Sam’s. 12 The ground covered with snow this morning and it kept snowing and blowing all day. Jim and I were working at the colt stable. 13 Fine morning, but a little chilly. Snow on the ground, pretty sharp frost, sun shone out during the day, no snow fell today. Jim and I were fixing stables. John is in at his uncle Sam’s. �137 14th Sabbath. Rather cool morning, snow on the ground and more falling. I went to the Back line. 15 Cold morning, some snow fell during the day, pretty cold all through the day. Mrs. Russell and Eliza, Jim and I were at Miss Hannah Mills’ wed[d]ing. She was married to Mr. Hector McKay. [in margin] Hannah Mills married. 16th Pretty cool morning, and snow kept falling during most of the day. I went to Dundalk and bought a pair of boots for Johny at $3.50, also some awls, needles, thread, tacks etc., for mend- ing harness. Also got the Blacksmith to make me some hasps and staples for doors. 17 Cold morning, and the day was pretty cold all through, with some snow falling. We cleaned up two bags of wheat and Jim took that and two bags of mixed grain for chopping to the mill. 18 Very sharp morning and the day was cold all through with some snow falling. Jim went to Dundalk for the grist and chop. Mrs. Russell visited Mrs. C. Bell, and I banked the stables. <Q2 folio 51 verso> November 1880 19th Rather cold this morning and the day all through was cold wth a little snow falling. Jim and I got some saw logs cut and in the afternoon Jim took a load to the mill. 20 Another chilly morning, a little milder towards noon, with increasing cold towards night, very sharp at night, with very high blustering wind. Jim was hauling saw logs. 21th Sabbath. Very cold stormy morning and the day continued snowing, blowing and freezing like Greenland. 22 Sharp morning, very hard freeze, a good deal of snow fell in the eavning and during the night. I went to Dundalk to get some lumber sawn, but the mill was not in running order. Jim and Johny were cutting some oat sheaves for the horses. 23 Another sharp morning, but not quite so cold as yesterday, a little milder towards noon, but colder in the eavning. Johny and I cut some saw logs in the forenoon, and Jim got a handle for the broad ax and put it in. In the afternoon I took two cherry logs to John McDowell’s mill and brought home 788 feet of hemlock lumber. 24 Cold morning with some snow falling, the day pretty cold all through, snow coming down rap- idly now (7 P.M.) and also drifting. Jim was putting up a porch to the house. John was chop- ping some cordwood for himself to pay for his boots. 25 Cold morning and the day was pretty chilly with a little snow falling. Jim was putting up the stoop. John chopping cordwood, I helped Jim for a while and attended a Railroad meeting in Dundalk at night. 26 Mild morning, the day sunny and fine. I was driving Mr. D. Davidson around to gain voters for the R. Road bonus. Jim was fixing stoop, Johny chopping wood. <Q2 folio 52 recto> November 1880 27th Rather cold morning, but the day got somewhat milder in the afternoon. We were getting some dry cedar for Melancthon School. 28th Sabbath. Very mild morning, and the day was soft-like till night when there came on a snow storm. Nancy and I went to the back line to see the folks, then I had to drive out for Mrs. C. Bell on behalf of Mrs. Samuel Russell who needed her assistance. My wife stopped there all night. We heard very bad news this eavning, viz. that one of brother John’s little ones* had died of diptheria and that his wife and most all the rest were ailing with it. Hard, very hard on John. [*William Henry Russell, b. 23 Jan. 1877.] 29 Moderate morning and the day was rather mild with a sharp shower of snow in the eavning. Jim hauled some dry cedar to Melancthon School in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped �138 Johney and I to cut some shingle timber. Mr. John H. Palmer was here tonight and I gave him his agreement made between the trustees of S.S. 5 Melancthon and himself. 30 Rather cold morning and the day was cold all through with an increasing freeze towards five O’clock. Jim and Johney were getting out shingle timber. I attended the voting for the bonus. [in margin] Bonus voting. December [1880] 1st Quite a heavy fall of snow this morning, but it cleared off about 10 A.M. The day was mild af- terwards. Jim and Johney cut some oat sheaves in the forenoon. I took Mrs. Russell in to the back line. In the afternoon the boys and I got some shingle timber and took [it to] Mr. McDow- ell. 2 Mild morning with a good depth of snow that had fallen during the night. The day was mild with a sharp blow a while in the eavning. Jim, John and I cut two cords of dry cedar (stove wood) and Jim took it in to Mr. D. Davidson’s in the afternoon. <Q2 folio 52 verso> December 1880 3rd Mild morning and the day was soft like a thaw. Jim was hauling cordwood for his uncle Sam. Johney and I cut cordwood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I attended a trustee meeting at No. 5 Melancthon. 4 Mild morning and the day continued soft and balmy all through. Brother Sam was helping to make me a barn door. Jim hauled a load of cordwood for him with our team to Dundalk. Clark and I cleaned up a grist of about 35 Bushels. Johny hauled out about 2 cords of green wood that he had cut. 5th Sabbath. Mild morning with a drizzle of rain falling during the forenoon. The afernoon was very windy and [a] sharp freeze. 6 A little snow falling this morning, and less or more snow fell all through the day, pretty sharp freeze at night. I was helping Brother Sam to saw stove wood, Jim and John at J. Irvin’s thrash- ing. 7 Cold stormy morning, and the day kept snowing, blowing and freezing. Jim fixed the barn doors, Johney and I ground the knives of the cutting box in the forenoon and cut some feed. Nancy and I went to Dundalk in the eavning and I sold some dry cedar 2 feet long at $1.00 per cord. 8 Cold stormy day from morning till night, wind high, snow falling and a very keen freeze. We were getting out some dry cedar. Sold one cord to James Reid of Dundalk for $2.00. We took it out in the afternoon. Miss S. Bell was here today. 9 Very cold, stormy morning, the day exceedingly cold all through. The boys and I cut dry cedar to noon and then gave up on account of the cold. 10 Very sharp morning, keen freeze, the day pretty cold all through. Johney and I took a grist to Hornings Mills, Jim chored at home. It was 9:30 P.M when we got home. <Q2 folio 53 recto> December 1880 11th Cold morning and the day pretty chilly all through. We cut 2 cords of dry cedar 2 feet long and I took it to Mr. G. R. Middleton, Dundalk. He gave me $1.00 per cord for it. 12th Sabbath. Mild day with a very slight mizzle of rain. Mrs. R. and I were at Mrs. C. Bell’s this af- ternoon. 13 Mild morning, the day was pretty mild all through, with the exception of a strong blow now and then. Eliza, Willie, and I cleaned wheat. Jim and Johney were at Dan Boyer’s sawing timber. �139 14 Rather stormy morning, a good deal of soft snow falling and drifting, and continued in this manner most all day. Jim, Johney and I were cutting dry cedar. 15 Stormy morning, the day very cold, snowing, blowing and freezing. The roads badly drifted. Clark and I took 30 bushels of wheat to Huxtable’s Mills (Melancthon) to be gristed. We got about 38½ pounds pretty good flour to the bushel. Jim and John cut some dry cedar. 16 Cold stormy morning, and the day continued cold and snowy all through. The boys and I were cutting dry cedar. 17 Cold stormy morning, the day cold and snowing all through. The boys and I cut dry cedar. Jim took in a load of 2 feet wood, 2 cords, and sold it to the [druggist, stricken: above] John Con- ners for $2.00. 18 Another cold stormy day from morning to night. Jim took in 2 cords of dry cedar in the fore- noon and sold it to the druggist for $2.00 cash. I took in 2 cords in the afternoon and sold it to Mr. Nixon for one half cash and one half trade. Nancy went to Dundalk this afternoon. John and Clark took home Sam’s sheep. [in margin] Returned Sam’s Ram. <Q2 folio 53 verso> December 1880 19th Sabbath. Very mild morning, the day pleasant all through. Nancy, Eliza and I visited at W. Lon- sway’s. 20 Mild morning, the day pretty foggy, but soft. In the forenoon I helped J. Mills to weigh a load of hay. He hauled it for me. I bought 5 tons from him at $6.00 per ton. The boys, Jim and John, cut a cord of dry cedar 2 feet long, took it to Dundalk and sold it for $1.00 cash for Christmas money. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, tried around to sell posts, ties or tele- graph poles. Helped to put up two bents* of J. Hanbury’s skating rink. Had tea at Mr. Donald McAulay’s. Attended a meeting at the Orange hall. Messrs. Middleton, Nelson, Doyle and McMillin were the speakers on Municipal Matters. I was chosen chairman. It was a pretty rough meeting. [*a bent or section of the hoarding around the rink.] 21 Mild morning, the day mild all through, good sleighing, snow about a foot deep in the bush. I took to Dundalk 6½ bushels Splendid fall wheat and sold it for $1.03 per bushel. In the after- noon I sp[l]it a cord of dry cedar which Jim and John had cut in the forenoon. Jim then took it to Dundalk and sold it to Mr. T. Hanbury for $1.00. Jim and John went to a tea meeting in the English Church, Dundalk, at night. 22 Mild morning, with a very heavy hoar frost on the bushes, the day pretty mild all through. Jim went to a bee to W. Lonsway to haul saw logs. John and I cleaned up five bags of mixed grain to get chopped. We then cut some oat sheaves for the horses. 23 Mild morning and the day mild all through, good sleighing. Jim took five bags of chop to the mill in the forenoon, and swamped out wood in the afternoon, assisted by John. The remainder of us were at an Examination in No. 5 Melancthon, D. McAulay teacher. It was a grand day. I paid for the tea and sugar $1.10. The scholars brought splendid baskets filled with delicacies. They also answered their questions readily and accurately. R. C. Russell got first prize for writ- ing and also another prize. There were prizes in all amounting to $12.00. [This entry ends with very cramped writing at bottom of page] <Q2 folio 54 recto> December 1880 24th Pleasant morning and the day mild all through. First class sleighing. I attended an Examina- tion of Proton School No. 2. The pupils are not near so well posted on some of the branches as the scholars in Melancthon. I dined at Mr. William Talbot’s on the Master Given’s invitation. �140 Jim was hauling in stove wood to Dundalk. Mr. D. McAulay, teacher, was here at night. I paid him part of his salary, viz. $150. 25 Mild morning, the day pleasant. Jim went in the forenoon for a sleigh ride with Tom Arnold, and in the afternoon he and Johney and Clark went to a tea meeting at Dundalk. Brother Sam and family were here today and William Lonsway and family in the afternoon. 26th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Nancy and Eliza were at J. Trugon’s. 27 Rough morning, snowing and blowing, the wind and snow kept increasing all through the day, and it was very stormy at night. I attended the nomination [MS nimination] for the Melancthon Municipal Council at the town hall and got $190. School moneys from John Mills, treasurer. 28 Very cold morning and the day kept getting colder all through, a terribly sharp freeze with a strong wind. The coldest day that has come, I think, during the winter. I went to Dundalk and from thence to the School House of No. 5 Melancthon and left the books and vouchers before the S[chool] auditors, I being S[chool] treasurer. John went to a sawing at Mr. Clippert’s, they only sawed part of the day on account of the cold, as most of the men were getting some part of them frozen. [in margin] Cold. <Q2 folio 54 verso> December 1880 29th Very cold morning and the cold kept increasing to about two O’clock in the afternoon, when it was fearful, a strong wind, the snow drifting and the air fairly hissing with frost. This night al- so was fearfully cold, the water froze in the house (which is pretty warm at most times) about half an inch thick. I attended an annual meeting of S.S. 5 Melancthon, the trustees appointed another in my place as Sect. Treasurer, the other offered to transact the business for nothing. I was getting Eight dollars per annum. I delivered up to the new treasurer (R. Oliver) $208.22, being the full amount of Cash in my hands belonging to the Section. Also I gave him the Mi- nute Book and Sect. treasurer’s Book. Jim was driving Sam’s team at a bee for Jim Patterson, hauling saw logs. John and Clark cut some oat sheaves. Sister Margaret gave birth to a child this morning, it died in the afternoon. [in margin] Remarkably cold day [double underline]. 30 Another cold morning, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Still, it was a very sharp day all through. Nancy and I went in the afternoon to W. Lonsway’s. The boys chored around. 31 Another cold day, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Sharp freeze all day long. John and I cut cordwood in the bush. [Stricken: and in the afternoon I went with Nancy to Dundalk]. Jim hauled stovewood. The old year is gone with its joys and sorrows and who amongst us can tell whether [MS whither] we will see the end of the next or not. Taking it on the whole, we have nothing to complain of, we have all had our health, sickness has not visited our home, accidents have not befallen us, neither have we had any pecuniary losses. So that we have more reason to rejoice than to complain. <Q2 folio 55 recto> January 1881 1st Another cold day, very sharp frost all day through. Jim, John and I cut cordwood in the bush and in the afternoon Nancy and I went to Dundalk. 2nd Sabbath. Rather milder than yesterday. Brother John came here about 10 A.M. We went with him after dinner to see the folks in Melancthon. He stopped here at night. 3 Pretty mild morning. Brother John left for home this morning. The boys and I chopped cord- wood in the bush in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, I went to the Municipal Elections at Dundalk and voted for J. J. Middleton. �141 4 Pretty chilly this morning, and the day continued cold. I had Mr. D. Davidson’s horse and cut- ter and was around collecting for said gentleman. John Agnew of Essa was here with his wife and two children and stopped all night. He brought us up a barrel of flour, thinking ours was frozen, and made a present of it to us. It was kind, but not needed. 5 Rather milder than yesterday, the day pleasant. I was out collecting for D. Davidson, Esq. Jim was helping brother Sam, Johny was swamping out cordwood. John Agnew and wife and chil- dren went away this morning. 6 Pretty chilly this morning, but the day got somewhat milder towards noon. Jim was helping Sam, I was out collecting for D. Davidson. 7 Rather stormy morning, and the day continued cold all through. I was helping weigh hay which James Mills hauled to me. Johney fell out of bed last night in his sleep and blackened and bruised his face rather badly. Jim was helping Brother Sam today. <Q2 folio 55 verso> January 1881 8th Rather chilly this morning, but not so cold as yesterday, the day got pretty mild about noon. We were weighing and stowing away hay today. Jim was at Jona[h] Sauder’s hauling saw logs for him. He had a bee some time ago and I could not send him a hand so I sent Jim today. Old Mr. Patrick Conners died this morning, aged, it is said, about 93 years. [in margin] Patrick Conners died 9th. Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, but the day got milder towards noon. 10 Rather chilly this morning, but the afternoon was a little milder. Nancy, James and I attended the funeral of Mr. Conners. I then went into Melancthon on Mr. D. Davidson’s business. 11 Fine sunny morning and the day was bright and clear, though sharp frost in the afternoon. I went to Hornings Mills on Mr. D. Davidson’s business. Jim and John were chopping. 12 Fine morning and the forenoon was sunny, the afternoon cloudy with a snow storm at night. Jim and John chopped. I went for Mrs. C. Bell in the forenoon and in the afternoon took her home. Also I drove down to Widow Mulholland’s. James Mills brought home the balance (700) of the five tons of hay which I had purchased from him some time ago at $6.00 per ton. 13 A cold morning and the day was cold all through with a snow storm at night. Jim and Johney were chopping. 14 Very cold morning and the day was exceedingly sharp and frosty. Jim and John chopped dur- ing the forenoon. I was out collecting for Mr. D. Davidson. [in margin] Very cold. <Q2 folio 56 recto> January 1881 15th Pretty sharp morning and the day continued cold all through. Jim went to the blacksmith’s to get a little fixing done to a sleigh, Johney cut Sam some stove wood at the house. 16th Sabbath. Pretty mild morning and the day was fine. Nancy and I were at Brother Sam’s. 17 Mild day all through, snow pretty deep, bad passing teams on the road. I was collecting for Mr. Davidson, the boys were chopping. [in margin] This is my 45th birthday. 18 Beautiful morning and the day was very pleasant, the sun shone out bright, the sky was clear and blue. I was collecting, the boys were chopping. I slept at Mr. Davidson’s this night. 19 Beautiful day all through, from morning to night. Clear sky and bright sun. I was collecting, Jim and John were chopping. 20 Beautiful day all through from morning to night. I was collecting for Mr. Davidson and slept at his place all night. Jim was at Skeffington Bell’s sawing. �142 21 Stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the day clearing off somewhat towards noon, but the snow began to come down again. The day was a stormy one all through. I was collecting for Mr. Davidson during the forenoon. The boys were swamping wood. 22 Pretty stormy day all through, snowing and blowing. Jim and John chopped during the fore- noon. I done nothing. 23rd Sabbath. Pretty chilly day all through, deep snow and nothing but cold weather. <Q2 folio 56 verso> January 1881 24th Not so cold as yesterday, yet cold enough to be disagreeable. I attended a council meeting of Proton Council held in Mr. S. McCulough’s. [in margin] Sent letter to William / Dickson P.O. / Tenn. 25 Very sharp morning and the day continued cold all through. I was collecting for D. D., Esq. I slept at Mr. Davidson’s this night. 26 Another cold day, blowing and snowing. I was collecting and slept at night at Mr. Davidson’s. 27 Very sharp morning and the day continued, blowing and freezing. I collected in Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to W. Egerton’s Sale and collected there. I slept this night at Mr. Davidson’s. 28 Cold again but not so cold as yesterday. Sun shone out a little while today. I was collecting and slept at Mr. Davidson’s at night. 29 Something milder than the previous days. About 5 P.M., however, it started snowing and blow- ing and continued so most of the night. I was collecting and came home this night. 30th Sabbath. Quite cold this morning and the roads very heavy, the day cold all through. Nancy and Eliza hitched up the team and drove in to Melancthon to Sam’s. 31st Roads heavy this morning and the day cold from morning to night. Mr. Skeffington Bell, his wife and sister, came here in the afternoon and I helped him at his collector’s Roll. <Q2 folio 57 recto> February 1881 1st Extremely sharp morning and the day was one of intense coldness, from morning to night. Nancy and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] very cold 2 Extrremely cold morning and the day was piercing cold from morning to night. I was collect- ing. [in margin] very cold 3 Not quite so cold as yesterday, still the freeze was quite sharp. I was collecting. [in margin] cold. 4 Bright sunny morning and the day continued clear and sunny all through. I was collecting. 5 Very pleasant day, sun out bright and strong from morning to night. I was collecting. 6th Sabbath. Mild morning, but the day was cloudy and not so pleasant as yesterday, the eavning was quite sharp. Brother Sam and William Lonsway with their wives were here. Nancy and I visit- ed Mr. S. Bell’s at night. 7 Pretty chilly morning and the day was cold all through. Mrs. Hannah Bowler was here today. 8 Mizzle of rain falling this morning and a thaw on a small scale has set in. Slightly raining all day. Jim went this morning to drive his aunt Phoebe to Mulmur. Johny and I cleaned up some pease. 9 Soft morning, a little rain falling throughout the day and a general thaw in progress. I took two bags of pease to Dundalk. �143 10 Soft morning and the day kept thawing all through till night when it began to freeze. The boys were cutting some stove wood. The children went at night to a Sunday School tea meeting held in the Orange hall on Lot 211 Gravel Road. <Q2 folio 57 verso> February 1881 11th Still soft, and the day kept thawing a little on to the eavning, when there fell a little snow, also the wind rose and blew a strong gale at night. Jim and John were cutting stove wood in the bush. 12 Blustery morning, a mixture of rain and snow falling and blowing a strong gale. This was the general character of the day. I started for Essa this morning but was too late for the train and had to come home again. I moved some grain in the afternoon which was getting wet in the bin, the snow had drifted in above it and was melting and coming down. Jim and John cut stove wood during the forenoon. Miss Sarah Bell was here this afternoon. 13th Sabbath. Very cold stormy day all through. 14 Milder this morning and the day got bright and warm, very pleasant in the afternoon. I started for Essa this morning to get $400.00 due me on a farm I sold, this last December was a year. I took the car at Dundalk for Shelburne, from there I went to James Murphy’s, Tossorontio, and stopped there all night. 15 Very fine morning and the day was one of sunshine and mild weather. The waggons are run- ning in this part of the country. I left Mr. Murphy’s in the morning and went to Brother John’s, had dinner there. I then walked to John Agnew’s in Essa and stopped there all night. 16 Fine morning and the day continued fine all through. I stopped at John’s and he drove me over to Mr. Hussay’s in the afternoon to get my money. Mr. Hussay was not at home. John then drove me to a farm which he wanted me to buy. I do not like the farm, it is hilly and swampy. I stopped at John’s this night. <Q2 folio 58 recto> February 1881 17th Fine morning but cold, the day continued chilly all through but clear. The Messrs Hussay came to John Agnew’s this afternoon and paid me the $400.00 which they owed me. I stopped this night at John Agnew’s. 18 Quite a fall of snow on the ground this morning and it kept snowing all day. John Agnew drove me to John Russell’s, then John Russell drove me to Primrose. John Agnew came along in the sleigh. I got a ride from there to Shelburne, took the cars for Dundalk. Nancy and John met me at the station with the team and so I got home. 19 Fine day all through, cold, clear and bracing. James and Henry Lonsway were helping my boys to chop in the bush, as they helped them yesterday. I and Nancy went to Mr. Mark Dawson’s in the afternoon. I bargained with him to winter some cattle for me at .50¢ per month. 20th Sabbath. Mild day all through. We visited W. Lonsway. 21 Mild day, sunshiny and inclined to be soft. I went to Dundalk and settled some bills. Jim hauled a cord of wood to J. Hanbury. We took four head of cattle to Mr. Dawson’s to be board- ed at .50¢ p. head a month. 22 Mild morning and the day continued mild all through with a thaw wind. I went and viewed Modland’s farm, assisted by Thomas Carson, as I had a notion of purchasing said farm. I did not like it. Jim hauled in some wood to Dundalk. �144 23 Very cold morning and the day continued extremely cold from morning to night. Johny hauled cordwood to Dundalk. Jim was helping Joseph Jackson to make ties. [in margin] Extremely cold day. <Q2 folio 58 verso> February 1881 24th Something milder than yesterday, not near so sharp a freeze, still cold enough to suit any per- son. Johney hauled wood to Dundalk. Brother Sam and I made ties in my swamp in the after- noon. We made twenty. 25 Pretty sharp frost in the morning, but the day got somewhat milder in the afternoon. Sam and I were making ties. We made twenty-three. Johny hauled wood. 26 Pretty cold morning, warm about noon, chilly at night. Sam and I made 17 ties. Johny hauled wood. 27th Sabbath. Rain pour this morning, faired up about ten O’clock A.M. then began to rain about 5:30 P.M. Nancy visited Father’s. 28 Cold morning, freezing, the roads very icy. Johny and I hauled the remainder of the cordwood to Dundalk. It was extremely hard to get along as the horses had no shoes on. I sold the wood, it being green, to Thos. Hanbury, ten cords nearly, at $1.85 per cord. Heavy fall of snow at night. March 1881 1st Very cold stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing. Mrs. Russell, Eliza and I visited Mr. John Ludlow. 2 More moderate today than yesterday, not much wind, the freeze not so great, milder generally. Brother John was here for a while this forenoon. 3 Rather breezy this morning, and some snow falling. The wind kept increasing all through the day and in the afternoon especially. At night it blew almost a hurricane. Johney and I made Fourteen ties today. <Q2 folio 59 recto> March 1881 4th Snow falling this morning and it kept increasing in density all through the day. The snow was very soft and wetting, and there was a pretty strong wind. Johny and I made five ties in the forenoon. Mr. Boyd, Township assessor, was here and valued as follows: Real Property Lot 215 Assessment $600., Lot 216 ditto $150, Personal property $130, [total] $830. No. of days Statue Labor 4. [in margin] Assessor here. 5 Rather windy this morning, with some snow falling, there was a little snow fell also during the day and about 4 P.M. there was quite a snow storm. Johney and I made ties. Jim helped us in the afternoon: we made 20. 6th Sabbath. Fine mild day from morning to night. I went to Father’s. 7 Beautiful morning, the sun rose bright and clear, the day was one of sunshine and warmth, the sap ran out of the maples. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon I cut roads to the ties in the swamp. Nancy was helping mother to sow [=sew]. I got a letter from Brother William. His Post Office is Batson’s Store, Dickson County, St. of Tennessee. [in margin] W. Russell / Sawmill and lumberman/ Batson’s Store P. O. / Dickson Co. Tenn. 8 Beautiful morning and the sun shone out bright and clear all day long. Clark and I were sawing ties in the bush and Johney was hauling stove wood from the bush. [in margin] First lamb came �145 9 Very beautiful morning, sunshiny and warm, the day warm all through, the snow thawing rapid- ly. Spring weather to all appearances, the day could not be nicer. Brother Sam brought his horse out and swamped ties for us. We just swamped out one hundred. <Q2 folio 59 verso> March 1881 10th Rather fine day all through. Clark, Johny and I were sawing ties and piling them up. 11 Very cold raw morning and the day was sharp and a keen freeze all through. Jim and Johney were hauling ties. I was making roads for them, they hauled 60 ties. 12 Another cold morning and the day was chilly all through with a heavy snow storm in the eavning which continued all through the night. Jim and Johney finished hauling ties, they hauled 40. I went in the forenoon to look at a lot of land in Melancthon and in the afternoon I helped brother Sam to make ties. I slept at Father’s all night. 13th Sabbath. Pretty deep snow this morning, and the day cold in the forenoon, something milder in the afternoon. Mrs. Bowler and her son Giles were here this eavning. 14 Hazy morning, but not very cold, the day got pretty warm in the afternoon. Jim, Clark and I were making ties. Johny was laid up with a cold. We made 25. 15 Bright morning, the sun rose clear and beautiful, the snow melted during the day, the sun was so hot. Johny, Clark and I were making ties. We made 18. Jim was at Alexander Patterson’s making ties. 16 Fine morning and the day continued mild all through, cloudy and sunshine, just like the life of man. I went to Dundalk to attend an auction sale of land. I did not purchase as I thought it went too high. I sold 200 ties to Mr. C. Johnston for .16 1/4 ¢ per tie. The boys were making ties. They made 20. Mrs. R. was at Mr. Mark Dawson’s. Their little boy of about four years of age died this morning. [in margin] Sent a letter to Br. William <Q2 folio 60 recto> March 1881 17th Fine mild morning, the day mild and balmy all through, the snow going away fast. The boys and I made ties. We made 43. Miss Jane Johnson was here this afternoon. 18 Mild morning, the sun came out pretty strong and warm and the day was warm. The boys and I swamped out ties. We hauled out 81 and piled and sawed them. 19 Soft, mild morning and a storm of slushy snow came on in the afternoon and continued all evening. The boys and I hauled out ties in the forenoon, and in the afternoon they hauled to the track. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 106 sheet iron spiles for the maple trees @ $1.15 20th Sabbath. Rather mild morning, but frequent showers of snow throughout the day. 21 Snowing this morning and the day was very unpleasant with a good deal of soft snow falling. The boys were hauling ties to the track. I helped Br. Sam to saw some ties. 22 Cold stormy morning, blowing and snowing which it varied through the day by freezing at night. The boys were making ties in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon got Skeffington Bell to haul me home a ton of hay which I purchased from him for Eight dollars. 23 Pretty cold frosty morning and the day continued chilly all through, although the sun shone out brightly most of the time. Jim was helping his uncle Sam with the team to haul ties to Dundalk. Johney, Clark and I were making ties: we made 20. Miss Sarah Bell was here today, so also were Miss Sarah Jackson and her brother Sam. Jim with the team is stopping at his uncle Sam’s during this night. �146 <Q2 folio 60 verso> March 1881 24th Rather sharp cold morning, the sun shone out through the day, making it rather pleasanter, still, the wind was raw. Keen freeze at dark. Johny, Clark and I were making ties: we made 20. Jim was helping Sam to haul ties to Dundalk. Mrs. Mark Dawson was here this afternoon. 25 Clear morning, but chilly and the day was cold but clear all through. We were making ties to- day, assisted by Brother Sam and William John Arnold. We made 66. I went to Mr. Skeffing- ton Bell’s at night and T. Hanbury and I calculated up his Collector’s Roll. 26 Clear cold day from morning to night. Sun shone out bright. We were swamping out ties. We swamped out 69. Old Mr. Kirby was here a while tonight. 27th Sabbath. Cold clear day all through. Mr. Mark Dawson and family visited us today. 28 Clear and cold all day, in fact very cold. We finished swamping ties (41) and the boys then took a load (14) to the track. Mrs. Russell and I paid old Mr. W. Kirby a visit this night as he is leaving the neighbourhood tomorrow and moving to Owen Sound. He was a good neighbour and I believe a truthful, honest man. 29 Cold and clear all the day. The boys and I finished hauling ties today. They hauled six loads at Sixteen in each load, that is 96. This makes 300 ties that we have made. 30 Cold morning, freezing like fun, the day kept chilly all through. Jim took home Sam’s Ewe and Borrowed his sugar kettle and barrel. Phoebe came in the eavning. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. <Q2 folio 61 recto> March 1881 31st Another cold morning and the day was chilly all through, with snow in the afternoon. The boys hauled stove wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon made sap troughs. April 1881 1st Very cold morning and the day was cold all through with some snow falling. Jim and John were making sap troughs. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s. 2 Pretty cold morning, although the sun rose bright and clear, the day was clear and cold all through. Mr. Skeffington Bell and I went to look at a farm in Proton which I had some thoughts of purchasing. We travelled around the lot. I do not like it well, therefore I think I will not buy it. Jim and John were helping their uncle Sam. 3rd Sabbath. Cold morning and the day was chilly all through. 4 Very cold morning and the day kept getting colder all through. The afternoon was piercing cold. Jim and John hauled some sap troughs they had made to the sugar bush. The[y] also took out the barrels and kettles. In the afternoon they made a place to boil. I went to Mr. Brattings sale to buy a logging chain. There was none sold. [in margin] very cold. 5 Cold morning, and the day kept getting colder all through, with a strong wind accompanied by a snow storm. I think this has been one of the coldest days that we have had during the winter. Jim was helping W. J. Arnold to saw wood. The others of us done nothing. [in margin] Ex- tremely cold. 6 Another cold stormy day with some snow falling, the day got somewhat milder towards night. Jim and Johney went with the team to Dundalk in the forenoon and got three Barells of salt at $1.20 per Barell, and a Lance-tooth saw* at $6.00. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here a while at night. [in margin] Posted a letter to Ireland. [*type of cross-cut saw, usually for soft- wood] �147 7 Milder day than yesterday, the sun shone out pretty strong in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim and John helped their uncle Sam. <Q2 folio 61 verso> April 1881 8th Bright sunny morning and the day continued warm and bright. The boys and I were in the sug- ar bush tapping trees. We tapped and put the spiles in 105, and in the evening we went for a heifer we had boarding at Mr. Dawson’s and brought her home as she is rather weak. [in mar- gin] First trees tapped. 9 Bright sunny morning and the day continued very fine all through with a bright warm sun. Jim, Clark and I were in the sugar bush. We tapped and put the spiles in 31 trees. We then hauled some logs with the horses forward to the camp. After that we gathered about 10 pails of sap. The snow is very deep in the bush, almost 2 feet on an average and so soft in the afternoon that we would sink to the bottom every step. Very tiresome work. Johney was at a wood sawing at Jim Trugon’s. [in margin] Heard first robin. 10th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day continued nice. Mrs. R. and I went to Father’s. 11 Fine morning and the day continued sunny and bright. We tapped some trees, gathered sap, and boiled down 30 pails. Jim went for two Bushels of white winter wheat for seed. Got it from Mr. Dover of Melancthon at $1.20 per bushel. Then in the afternoon he went to Dundalk for the harrows which were getting repaired. 12 A little chilly this morning and the day got somewhat warmer about noon. Johney was in the sugar bush working. Jim is laid up with a sprained hand. I went to look about purchasing a lot of land in the 5th Range Melancthon. From thence I went to Dundalk. Mr. Dawson came here about the middle of the night and told us that a two year old heifer of ours which was wintering with him had got cast at the straw stack. Johney and Clark and I hitched up the horses, went for her and brought her home in the sleigh. Her neck seems to have got twisted. 13 Fine morning, although a little chilly, the day got warmer towards noon. Mrs. R., Johney and I were in the sugar bush. Mrs. R. boiled down fifty pails of sap from Eleven O’clock A.M. <Q2 folio 62 recto> April 1881 14th Beautiful morning, and the day continued sunny and fair but with a cold wind towards night. Johny and I gathered sap. 15 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun shone out after a while and the day was pretty mild. There is plenty of snow to be melted yet before plowing commences. Mrs. R., Johny and Clark were making sugar. They boiled into syrup sixty pails of sap. 16 Hard frost this morning and the forenoon was pretty chilly, but the afternoon was warmer wth a bright sun and thaw wind. Johny and Clark were gathering sap. Mrs. R. sugared off the syrup of 110 pails of sap. There were 52 pounds of sugar. It was rather soft as it has been her first venture in sugaring off. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and posted a letter to William Clark, Springville P.O., Ontario. The letter was asking him if he would sell Lot 34, Con. 4 Melanc- thon. [in margin] Posted a letter to William Clark/ Springville P.O., Ont. 17th Esther Sabbath. Mild morning and the day continued sunny and springlike all through. [in margin] 1st cow calved. Heard Frogs. 18 Fine morning and the day was pretty warm all through with a bright sun shining. Mrs. R., Johney and I were in the sugar bush. We boiled down 52 pails of sap, part of which was gath- ered on Saturday previous. Jim started the plow. There was some frost in the ground. Brother �148 Sam was here tonight a spell. In 1879 first plowing April 21st, in 1880 —April 15th [in mar- gin] First plowing / Saw first Robbin. 19 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun got out bright after a little and the day was pretty warm about noon. Cloudy in the afternoon with some signs of rain. Jim was plowing, Johney was helping at his uncle Sam’s to saw wood. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and when we came home I went to the bush and gathered 25 pails of sap from 3:30 P.M. <Q2 folio 62 verso> April 1881 20th Beautiful morning, the day sunshiny and warm all through. People have nearly all started plowing. There is plenty of snow in the fence corners yet and also plenty in some of the woods, on the edges of swamp. The roads are drying up fast. In the field in which Jim is plowing there is banks of snow almost three feet deep in the corners of the Northwest fence. Still, the ground plows well. Johney and I were cleaning our seed wheat. We put it twice through the separa- tors, still there are a great many oats in it yet. We went out after tea and gathered eleven pails of sap. There was very little sap in the troughs. Mrs. or Miss Perce, a religious fanatic, stopped here over night. The impression on me about her is one of deep disgust. 21 Another fine morning, and the day was one of sunshine and mildness. Jim was plowing. Mrs. R. boiled down into syrup 36 pails of sap. Done it all alone without any help. Rolled the back log. Rolled in the front Log. Put up the crotches. Swung the sugar kettles on the fire. She is as strong as horse, especially when mad, and the fit was on her today. Johney and I cut out snags and small stumps in the new fallow and Johney gathered 10 pails of sap in the eavning. 22 Frosty morning, but nothing to stop plowing. The day was cloudy and rather cool. Jim was plowing. Johney, Clark and I were picking up in the new fallow. 23 A little frost this morning, but the ground soon got thawed out, the day was pretty warm and a little cloudy in the afternoon. I sowed about nine bushels of pease and two of wheat. Jim har- rowed to about 3 P.M. when one of the team (Gerty) took sick with belly ache or stop[p]age of the urine. We gave her ginger and a spoonful of spirits of sweet nitre. She seemed something better after, but she is not real well yet. Jim and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] First wheat sown / First pease sown / 5 days before new moon. <Q2 folio 63 recto> April 1881 24th Sabbath. Pretty warm day, quite hazy in the afternoon, like summer. James Trugon and wife and Brother Sam were here ths eavning. 25 Cloudy morning and a slight rain in the forenoon, also a heavier shower in the afternoon. Cloudy at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon I and Johny cut snags. Jim was harrowing and plowing. [in margin] Saw first swallow. 26 Slight rain early this morning, which increased as the day advanced, and became pretty heavy about 8:30 A.M. It faired off before noon and the afternoon was dry. Jim was plowing during the dry part of the day. Johney yoked up his steers and he and I picked Rocks. 27 White frost this morning and the day got cloudy but kept dry to about 5 P.M. when there came on a pretty sharp shower of rain and kept raining less or more to about 8 P.M. Jim was plow- ing, Johney and I were picking stones. Mrs. R. boiled into vinegar [?-MS: vinengar] Syrup 13 pails of Sap. 28 A little frost this morning and the day was cloudy all through. There came on some rain about 5 P.M. and continued slightly raining to near dark. I sowed about six bushels of wheat. Jim �149 harrowed and Johny sowed salt on the ground. He sowed two barrels on four acres. John Ab- bott, Dominion Census taker, was here today. 29 Cold frosty morning and the day was chilly but dry all through. Jim, Johney and I branded up in the forenoon and in the afternoon we attempted to plow the new fallow, but broke the land- side* off our plow. I then went to W. Lonway’s and bought an old plow from him for $1.00. It is not much of a plow, still it may root over the fallow for us. [*bottom plate, part of a plow, helps stabilize, resists sideways pressure of mouldboard] <Q2 folio 63 verso> April 1881 30th Very hard frost this morning and the day was very cold from morning to night. Jim plowed, Johney took his steers and the stone boat and went to W. Lonsway’s for the plow which I bought from him yesterday. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. There was some old tramp stopped here all night. [in margin] Posted a letter to / Matthew Knox / South Dum- mer. May [1881] 1st. Sabbath. Very cold frosty morning and the day was dark and cold all through. 2 Frosty morning and the day was cloudy and cold. Jim plowed, Johney picked stones. I went in the forenoon to W. Lonsway’s to get the colter of the plow. When I came home I helped Johney to gather stones. After tea John and I cleaned up ten bags of oats. 3 Hard frost this morning, so hard that we could not harrow early in the morning. The day was cool all through and dry. I sowed about 12½ bushels of oats. Johney harrowed, Jim made a merry-go-round to hang clothes on. In the afternoon I went to the blacksmith’s to get some bolts made. [in margin] First oats sown 4 Frost this morning and the morning was cloudy but the sun got out after some time and the day was pretty warm. Jim and Johney plowed in the new fallow. I picked over a pit of potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon I picked sticks and roots in the fallow. I also went to Mr. Dawson’s at night to see about some hay. 5 Frost this morning and the air pretty chilly. The afternoon was cloudy and cool. The boys and I were working in the fallow. Jim plowing, Johney driving and I picking up. 6 Slight shower of rain early this morning, soon cleared off and the day was remarkably fine, splendid growth. The boys plowed and I levelled several knolls with the spade and chopped down some scrubby trees. <Q2 folio 64 recto> May 1881 7th Slight frost this morning, the day dry and warm with a good growth. The boys finished plow- ing in the new fallow. I took out some small stumps and levelled some [k]nolls. Clark took the spoils out of the trees after supper, and Jim and I went to Mr. Dawson’s for some hay. 8th Sabbath. Sultry morning and the day was warm, dry and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I visited Mr. M. Dawson’s. 9 Cloudy morning and the day warm, there was a shower of rain about 6 P.M., then another big shower between 8 and 10 P.M., also thunder and lightening. Mr. Skeffington Bell came here this eavning and changed seven bags of white oats with me for seven bags of Black ones which he wanted for seed. Jim plowed today. Johney dug knolls in the new fallow. I planted some potatoes. [in margin] First potatoes planted. 10 Cloudy morning and there were frequent showers throughout the day. Jim plowed to noon then he fixed the V-drag. Johney and I cleaned oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon I sowed and Johney harrowed. �150 11 Dry morning, but the day was cloudy and showery, especially the afternoon, when there was pretty heavy thunder and rain. I sowed oats in the new fallow. Jim harrowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon made a drag. Johney picked up in the forenoon and harrowed in the after- noon. I got the three apple trees which I had ordered from the Georgetown nursery. They are poor, dry, scrubby trees. It’s only a fraud dealing there. [in margin] Got fruit trees. 12 Fine morning, very hot and dry through the day with a good deal of clouds. Jim harrowed, John picked up. I sowed grass and clover seed in the forenoon and went to Dundalk after din- ner. Got half a bushel more of clover seed at 5.50 per Bushel. Sowed some when I got home. Then washed 12 sheep. I purchased 18 Apple trees, 3 plum trees and got a present of a cherry tree, all to be delivered next spring from Chase Brothers and Bowman, Rochester. Full price $6.80. [in margin] Ordered trees. <Q2 folio 64 verso> May 1881 13th Very fine morning, though cloudy, the day was dry, cloudy and warm with a very fine growth. Jim harrowed, Johney made slash fence*, I sowed grass and clover seed. Also sowed about five bags of oats. Johney and his mother went to Dundalk after supper. They have not got home yet (9 O’clock). [*slash fence: made with unlimbed trees and brush, over rough terrain; not a rail fence; called a brush fence, 3 days later] 14 Cloudy morning and pretty heavy rain in the forenoon. It cleared off about 9 A.M. and contin- ued fair to 7 P.M. when there came on thunder and lightening with more rain. Jim harrowed, John clipped the sheep, and I sowed grass seed in the forenoon, and in the afternoon let off some water on a new sown field. Johney drove his mother to the graveyard* ten miles down the gravel from 4 O’clock. She planted a weeping willow, which her brother John Agnew had purchased and sent to Dundalk, at her mother’s grave. [in margin] Shore sheep. [*See above, 11 Oct. 1877.] 15th Sabbath. Cloudy morning and the day was showery in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 16 Cloudy, cold morning with some rain very early. The day dry afterwards and pretty chilly. Jim plowed and harrowed a potatoe patch, John made a Brush fence, I cut seed potatoes. 17 Cool morning and the day was dry, cool and cloudy. I sorted potatoes in the cellar in the fore- noon. Jim and John hauled out manure. Clark spread it, and in the afternoon we all planted ten bushels of potatoes. We put them in with the plow. Plowed them in, dropped the sets in every third furrow. Raked in the manure first with a rake, then dropped the set on top. 18 Cloudy, cool morning and the day was cool, cloudy and dry. Jim was plowing, Johney and I were cutting poles to fence a calf park. Mrs. William Bowler was here today. 19 Cool, cloudy and dry from morning to night. Jim was plowing, Johney and I were getting poles to make a calf park. <Q2 folio 65 recto> May 1881 20th Cool, cloudy morning and the day was dry and cool all through. Johney was pulling rail cuts off the fallow with his steers. Jim was plowing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for some nails and in the afternoon made part of [the fence] of the calf park. 21 Cool, cloudy day all through. I sowed five bags of oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon ti- died up the door yard. Jim finished fencing calf park and Johney harrowed the oats which I had sown. �151 22nd Sabbath. Very fine sunshiny day all through. William John Arnold and his wife and Mother were here today. 23 Fine morning, bright and sunny, the day warm, clear and pleasant. The boys and I were brand- ing.* [*branding=burning brush or scrub wood on recently logged land] 24 Fine morning, sun bright and warm, the day clear, warm and dry. Good growing weather. The boys and I were picking up and branding. 25 Warm morning, sun shone out clear and strong. The boys, Jim and John, hauled rails and I built them in a fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went with a Mr. Knox to look at his Lot No. 31, 5th Con., Melancthon. He offered it to me for $1450. I offered him $1300. The Lot is a pretty good one and I think perhaps I will yet buy it. 26 Hazy morning, the sun red and fiery like, the day was hot. Jim plowed and harrowed some- thing more than an acre, which I had sown with fall wheat. The wheat is a failure. I sowed it in oats. I was putting up fence most of the day. Johney and Clark were picking up. <Q2 folio 65 verso> May 1881 27th Hazy morning, the sun came out quite red and hot like. The day was very warm in the fore- noon. It got pretty windy in the afternoon and there was a very stiff gale about 5 P.M. There came on a slight shower and the wind ceased. I sowed some oats and grass seed on the new fal- low. Jim harrowed and Johney picked up. Mrs. John Gott was here spending part of the day. 28 Dry very early in the morning, but there came on rain about 9 A.M. and rained all forenoon, and a great deal of the afternoon. I and Jim and Brother Sam went to Lot 31, 5 Con. Melancthon and took a good look at it. The Lot is a good one. I purchased it this Eavning from the owner, Mr. Mathew Knox (South Dummer) for $1300., $200 down, $200 1st of next March and $200 yearly to the principal is all paid, with interest at the rate of six per cent per annum on each payment as it becomes due. Jim went to Mr. White’s Raising in the afternoon. John harrowed and Clark picked up. [in margin] Got papers from Toronto. 29th Sabbath. A little cloudy this morning, but the sun soon shone out bright and warm. The day was sultry. Brother Sam and wife were here today. 30 Warm sunny morning, the day got cloudy about 10 A.M. and was cool and cloudy to dark. I went to meet Mr. Knox in the forenoon and paid him $200 on the land I had bought. In the af- ternoon I picked up in the fallow. Jim sowed the remainder of the oats. Johny harrowed, Clark and Willie were helping Grandfather plant potatoes. [in margin] Finished sowing. 31 A little cool this morning, the day cloudy in the afternoon. Jim harrowed, Johney and I built fences. <Q2 folio 66 recto> June 1881 1st Dry cool morning, the day rather cool all through, with but a little sunshine. Jim and Johney hauled out manure. I cut seed potatoes. 2 Very chilly morning, so much so that a good many people said there was a frost. The day was cool, dry and cloudy. We were planting potatoes. We planted about ten bushels. I went to Dundalk after dinner and got a pair of leather lines, price $2.75. After supper Mrs. Russell and I with the three youngest went to look at lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon, which I have bought. The lot pleased well. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes 3 Cool, cloudy morning and the day continued cloudy and cold all through. Pretty chilly at night. The three eldest boys went a-fishing. I washed and oiled the harness. �152 4 Pretty cool this morning, but the sun shone out bright, the day was rather cool but sunny all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Priceville. When we came home I went to Dundalk. 5th Sabbath. Cool morning and the day was very chilly, especially in the eavning. Father and Moth- er and Miss S. Bell were here. 6 Cold morning and a tremendous frost, good thick ice on the water, the potatoes above ground all killed, a great many pease bleached white, the clover and grass badly hurt. I have some oats on new land. They were about four inches high; they are flattened down to the ground. Almost every thing has suffered. I don’t remember of ever seeing such a frost this time of the year. I went to Dundalk in the morning to Gordon’s* with the Black mare. When I came home I and the boys made a brush fence. [in margin] Very hard frost. [*butcher shop in Dundalk, History of Dundalk, p. 101] <Q2 folio 66 verso> June 1881 7th Cool morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry. Jim, Johney and I were making brush fence. Mr. Clippert was here. 8 Cool cloudy morning and the day cool and cloudy all through. Jim and I were chopping in the swale. Johney cleaned up a piece of ground in the bush and planted some potatoes for himself. W. Lonsway and family were here. 9 Cool dark morning, the day cool and dark all through. Jim, Johney and I were chopping in the swale. 10 Hazy morning, the day pretty warm in the afternoon. The sun red, indicating heat. Jim, Johney and I were chopping and sawing in the swale. We intend cleaning it up this summer. Mr. Geo. Rutherford was here this eavning transacting business. 11 Hazy morning, but the sun soon dissipated the mist and came out bright. The day was pretty warm all through. Mrs. Russell, Jim, John, and Eliza left home this morning to pay their rela- tions in Tossorontio and Essa a visit. Miss Sarah Bell accompanied them. Clark and I put up a Sett [sic] of Bars to the pasture field. 12th Sabbath. Pretty warm and windy all through, a very slight shower at dark. 13 Cloudy morning, with indications of rain. A few drops fell about 10 A.M. The afternoon was pretty breezy. About 7 P.M. there came on a pretty sharp wind storm. The sky also darkened all over. There was thunder and lightening, hail and rain. The wind blew pretty violent for a while, but was not of long duration. Some of the hail stones were as large as small marbles. I was fixing fence, cleaning out cellar and choring around generally. The absentees were to be home this night, but have not come yet (10 P.M.). [in margin] Hail <Q2 folio 67 recto> June 1881 14th Cool morning, although the sun shone out bright, the day was cool, dry and breezy and very chilly in the afternoon. We were chopping in the swale. The folks got home last night. 15 Cool morning, the day dry and cool, with a tendancy to frost in the night. We were chopping in the swale. 16 Cool morning, the day dry, cool and breezy and very chilly in the afternoon. Jim, John and I were chopping in the swale. There was quite a rain fall this night. 17 Slight mizzle of rain this morning, the day was cloudy with an occassional [sic] sprinkling of rain to about 6 P.M. when the sun came out. Jim was hauling ties to Dundalk for his uncle Sam. Johney and I were chopping in swale. �153 18 Rather cloudy morning, but the sun got out and there was no rain during the day. There was a small quantity fell at night. Jim was helping Sam to haul ties. Johney and I were chopping in the swale to noon. In the afternoon we cut some thistles out of the wheat. I went to Dundalk after tea. 19th Sabbath. Cool dry day. Mrs. R. and I went to Father’s. 20 Cool, dry day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 21 Cold, dry day. I went to Tossorontio, thence to Alliston, stopped at Brother John’s all night. Very hard frost this night. [in margin ] Frost. 22 Cool, dry day. Left brother John’s this morning and came home. 23 Cool, cloudy and dry. The children went to the Sunday School picknick. <Q2 folio 67 verso> June 1881 24th Cool morning, the day cloudy, cold and dry. We had a logging bee in the swale. There were three teams and fourteen rollers. [in margin] Frost. 25 Cool morning, the day cloudy and cool with a slight rain in the eavning. The boys and I were fencing. 26th Sabbath. Cool, cloudy day. I visited at Father’s. 27 Pretty cool morning, the day got overcast towards 11 A.M. and it began to rain. The afternoon was wet, with thunder and lightening. I was bossing the Statue labor on my beat. The boys were picking up in the swale. 28 Cloudy morning, but the sun got out, and the day was pretty warm during part of the forenoon. There came on some rain about noon. I was taskmaster today. The boys were picking up in the swale. 29 Bright, sunny morning with a slight sprinkling of rain towards noon, the afternoon dry and breezy. Jim was picking up in the swale, Johney was logging at J. Mills’. I was bossing the Statute labor. 30 Bright, sunny morning, the day dry, cool and breezy. Jim and Johney with the team were doing four day’s statute labor for Lot 31, Con. 5 Melancthon. I was fixing fences, pulling mustard, etc. Mrs. Abraham Jackson* and her daughter, Mrs. H. Galaugher, were here this afternoon. This has been a remarkably cold month. There has been very heavy frosts many times through the month, which done a great deal of injury, in this and other places of Ontario. All my grain, grass and potatoes have been froze, less or more, which has retarded their growth. Some of the oats were froze so badly that they never sprouted again. The crops in general are very back- ward. There are some blossoms on my pease. [in margin] Pease Blossomed. [*mother of Phoebe Jackson Russell.] <Q2 folio 68 recto> July 1881 1st Bright morning and the day was sunny and warm all through. The boys and I picked up in the swale in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R. and Phoebe, Willliam Lonsway and I and Clark went to see the Melancthon Lot [31, Con. 5]. Jim and John went to Dundalk. John Westacott stopped here this night. 2 Bright warm morning, the day was dry and pretty warm with the exception of a few drops of rain that fell about 3 P.M. Jim and John were hoeing thistles out of the potatoes. Clark and I were picking up in the swale. 3rd Sabbath. Bright morning, but the sun clouded over in the afternoon. �154 4 Bright morning, the day very warm, although a little cloudy now and then. I picked up in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Jim and John were cutting this- tles out of the potatoes. 5 Bright sunny morning, the day very hot although there was a breeze occasionally. Mrs. R. and I took our wool to Feversham Mills to be carded. We then met with Mr. Walter Bell and wife. We went home with them and stopped to the eavning. Jim started to mow today. John Agnew stopped here all night. 6 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot. Jim was mowing, John mowed some in the after- noon. I cut tops off thistles in the afternoon. Brother John and his daughter Nancy were here a while today. He is rather embarassed financially. I gave him a note of hand, made by A. Hus- say [MS Hussy] in my favor for $200.00 in order for him to get it discounted so that it might help him out of his difficulties. Brother John gave me in lieu thereof a note on himself for $200.00 paybable in three days from this date. <Q2 folio 68 verso> July 1881 7th Cloudy morning, and it commenced raining about 9 A.M. and continued raining pretty steadily all through the day. The boys and I straightened up things in the barn. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 8 Cloudy morning and the forenoon was overcast, the sun came out in the afternoon, very hot. I was logging at Skeffington Bell’s. Jim and John were mowing, Clark was hoeing cabbage. 9 Bright sunny morning, and the day was dry and very hot. Jim and I mowed in the forenoon. I topped thistles in the afternoon and went to Dundalk. John and Clark hoed thistles out of the potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon raked hay. 10th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a shower of rain in the afternoon. Mr. Dawson and wife and Jo- seph Jackson were here in the afternoon. 11 Dry cloudy day, not much sunshine. We tore up the old crossway in the swale, and hauled in two loads of hay. 12 Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry and vey warm, a pretty sharp shower in the afternoon. Jim, John, and Clark went to Shelburne. The remainder of us went to Dundalk. [Orange Lodge cel- ebrations for 12th of July.] 13 Dry forenoon, the afternoon dry, cool and breezy, cold at night. We sawed some stove wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Sam McDowell’s raising. The boys hoed potatoes in the afternoon. 14 Dry day, cloudy and cool. We molded up the potatoes and worked among them. Old Mr. Kirby was here a while this eavning. 15 Cloudy morning and a slight shower of rain, the remainder of the day dry and breezy. We were cutting stove wood in the swale. 16 Cool dry forenoon, the afternoon cold, dry and breezy. We cut stove wood to tea time then Mrs. R., Jim and I went to Dundalk. Subscribed, or renewed my subscription rather, for the Mail.* [*Toronto newspaper, now Globe & Mail] <Q2 folio 69 recto> July 1881 17th Sabbath. Cool, breezy morning, the day very cool and windy, cold, in fact, in the eavning. We visited at Sam’s. 18 Cool morning, the day cool and very windy. Jim mowed, John and I sawed in the swale. Clark hoed potatoes. Mr. Gowan (teacher) was here trying to sell me a Reaper. �155 19 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and breezy. Jim, Johney and I with the team were helping Brother Sam to do a road job. 20 Rainy morning, cleared off about 8 A.M., the day dry and pretty cool afterwards. Rain in the afternoon from 5:30. Johney and I were cutting stove wood, Jim was hauling stove wood from the swale. 21 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and clear to the afternoon when it clouded over. Jim went in the forenoon to Dundalk and got his boots sowed [=sewed]. John and I cut stove wood in the swale. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk after supper. The boys raked up some hay. 22 Cloudy morning, the forenoon cloudy, the afternoon clear and bright. We hauled in some hay in the forenoon, also hauled home some stove wood, and logged in the afternoon. 23 Bright sunny morning, the day clear, sunny and pretty warm. We finished logging in the swale. 24th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning and the day continued dry and warm. Brother Sam and wife were here today. 25 Rather cloudy this morning. Jim, John and I started for Tossorontio township to help brother John to harvest. We got a pretty good shower on our journey. We arrived at 5 P.M. and helped him to bind some wheat. <Q2 folio 69 verso> July 1881 26th Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and warm. We were helping Brother John to harvest wheat. 27 Some clouds this morning, the day dry all through. We helped Br. John to harvest. 28 A little foggy this morning, but the day was very hot. John took the boys and helped Mr. Sar- gent to harvest. I went to James Murphy’s after supper. 29 Misty morning, but scorching hot through the day. We helped Brother John to harvest. 30 Bright sunny morning, the sun very strong today, lots of showers going round at a distance, none came near us. We were harvesting. 31st Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the boys with John’s wife and son and I went to John Agnew’s to Es- sa. There was a heavy rain there. August 1881 1st Bright sunny morning, the boys and I left Brother John’s and came home. There was a tremen- dous heavy rain came on when we were about six miles from home. There were creeks of wa- ter running on the sides of the road when the rain was over. [in margin] Very heavy rain. 2 Sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Jim hauled rail cuts from among the log heap. John and Clark sawed rail cuts. I went to see about a ram, also to let the clearing and fencing of part of lot 31 Melancthon. I did not succeed. [in margin] Letter from Ireland. 3 Bright morning, the middle of the day very hot. The boys and I were helping Brother Sam at his hay. 4 Hazy morning, and the day extremely hot. John and Jim were picking stones a part of the day. [in margin] Very hot. <Q2 folio 70 recto> August 1881 5th Close, warm morning, and the day very sultry all through. There was a very strong gale of wind in the afternoon about 6 O’clock, then a little after that the clouds got very black and there was terrific thunder and lightening, and a very heavy rain during most of the night. The boys and I were picking stones. Mrs. C. Bell was here. �156 6 Rainy morning, thunder and lightening also, the forenoon wet and part of the afternoon. The boys picked stones a little while in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. 7th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, but the day was dry. Very chilly in the afternoon, seemed very much like frost. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here in the eavning. 8 Clear cool morning, the day dry and cool all through, although very cloudy towards night. Jim and John were pulling pease. I and Mr. J. J. Middleton, Reeve of Proton, went on business* to Priceville. [in margin] First pease pulled. [*Middleton visited W. Ferguson, School Inspector, Priveville, to lobby in favour of Robert’s pension, which was granted later that year. See L18.8 in Letters.Documents; and below, 24 Nov. 1881.] 9 Dark cloudy morning, and some slight rain fell. The day was generally dry, cloudy and cool. Jim, John and I were pulling pease. Clark was hunting up some lost sheep. 10 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry but cool. The boys and I were pulling pease. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought two pairs of Binding Gloves @ .45¢ per pair. 11 Cloudy this morning, and pretty cloudy all through the day, and warm, no rain, but strong signs of it towards night. Jim was craddling fall wheat. John and I were binding. It is a very poor crop on account of being winter killed. 12th Rainy morning to about 8 A.M., from that on the day was dry and cloudy and very sultry in the afternoon. Jim, John and I were raising stones in the dry part of the forenoon. In the afternoon we finished cutting our fall wheat. Nancy and Jim with the team went to Dundalk in the after- noon. <Q2 folio 70 verso> August 1881 13th Dark cloudy morning, but there was only a slight shower in the forenoon. The afternoon was dry and windy to about dark, when there came on some rain. Johney craddled oats in the fore- noon, and in the afternoon he and Clark and I hauled in pease. Jim was helping Skeffington Bell to pull pease. [in margin] First oats cut 14th Sabbath. Clear cool day. 15 Clear and cool all through the day, with tendancy to frost at night. Johney, Clark and I hauled in pease in the forenoon. In the afternoon we bound some spring wheat. I then went to Dun- dalk and bought a craddle blade for $1.00. Jim cut wheat in the afternoon and oats in the fore- noon. [in margin] First spring wheat cut. 16 Cool clear day with a clouding over of the sun towards night. Jim craddled oats, Johney and I bound oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon, Johney, Clark and I hauled in fall wheat. 17 Sunny morning and the day was dry and pretty warm, the sky got overcast in the afternoon, threatening rain. Jim fixed his craddle in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped A. Lonsway to bind grain. Johney and I tied oats today. 18 Bright sunny morning and the day was dry and breezy. Jim was helping A. Lonsway. Johney and I tied oats in the forenoon, and in the afternoon we hauled oats in. 19 Bright warm morning and the day dry and breezy. Johney and Clark helped their uncle Sam to harvest. Jim craddled oats in the forenoon, in the afternoon he helped me to burn log heaps in the swale. 20 Bright sunny morning and the day was dry but sometimes cloudy. Jim and I branded in the forenoon, and in the afternoon we hauled in some wheat and oats. Mrs. R. and I went to Dun- dalk after tea. Johney and Clark were helping their uncle Sam. <Q2 folio 71 recto> �157 August 1881 21st Sabbath. Cool, clear morning, the day cool and bright. 22 Misty morning, but the sun shone out scattering the fog. The day was bright, cool and dry. Jim craddled wheat, Johney and I tied up. 23 Rather misty morning, but the sun got out strong and the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim fin- ished cutting spring wheat in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he cut oats. Johney and I tied the wheat, then we branded up some log heaps. I bought a barell of flour from Mr. Wright for $5.50. [in margin] Finished cutting spring wheat. 24 Hazy morning, the day beautiful, bright and warm. Jim craddled oats, John and I punched* up log heaps. [Pushed outer-edge unburned ends of logs into the centre of the fire?] 25 Hazy morning, the day bright and hot. James Lonsway was here helping Jim to craddle oats. I bound. Johney was helping Alexander Patterson to bind wheat. 26 Misty morning, and the day was hazy all through and pretty sultry. There was a slight mizzle of rain about 5 P.M. Johney was helping his uncle Sam. Jim and Clark hauled in wheat and oats. I bound oats between loads. Jim and Clark hitched [Gerty?] to the Democrat and went to Dundalk in the eavning. 27 Cloudy morning and a few drops of rain fell, the day was dry and very sultry. The boys and I tied oats. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mother, who is a[i]ling with neuralgia, in the eavning. 28th Sabbath. Hazy morning and the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. S. Bell’s in the af- ternoon. 29 Hazy morning, the sun shone out bright and the day was extremely hot. I went with mother to Dr. Norton’s at Hornings Mills. Jim helped W. J. Arnold to bind. John helped his uncle Sam to harvest. <Q2 folio 71 verso> August 1881 30th Hazy morning and the sun shone out bright, the day was very hot and dry. Johney, Clark and I hauled in oats. Jim craddled oats in the afternoon, assisted by James Lonsway. 31st Hazy morning, but the sun soon got out and was bright and warm. Johney, Clark and I bound oats. Jim was at W. J. Arnold’s threshing. September [1881] 1st Hazy morning, but the sun got out and the day was pretty sultry. There was some thunder and lightening and a good deal of rain from about 3:30 P.M. Jim craddled oats in the dry part of the day. Johney, Clark and I hauled in some oats and tied some. 2 Cloudy morning and the day was dark, pretty much all through. Jim craddled oats, Johney, Clark and I picked stones. We tried binding after dinner but the grain was damp. 3 Dark morning and the forenoon was pretty damp although no rain fell. The afternoon was something dour [MS duir]. Jim cut oats, Clark and I tied in the afternoon. Johney was at Mr. Mark Dawson’s threshing. 4th Sabbath. Hazy morning and the day was dry and warm all through. Mrs. R., Jim, John and Eliza went to the funeral of Charles Abbott, a young man of 28 years of age who got killed by being thrown off a waggon while going home from Dundalk on Friday night. I went to see W. Bow- ler who got his leg broke some days ago. 5 Hazy morning, and the day dry all through. The sky assumed a peculiar appearance about 3 P.M. It first got very dark, then assumed a bright copper colour and it alternated between these colours till dark. It was so dark that people had to light their lamps at four o’clock in the after- �158 noon. There was a great quantity of ashes fell. I think there must have been a great fire. Jim craddled, John, Clark and I bound and hauled in. [in margin] Phenomenon. <Q2 folio 72 recto> September 1881 6th Hazy, d[r]y hot day all through. Jim cut oats, John, Clark and I hauled in. 7 Misty morning, but the day clouded up soon and was dry and fine, with a tendancy of coldness towards night. Johney craddled a piece of oats in the forenoon, and helped Clark and I to bind in the afternoon. Jim helped his uncle Sam to haul in some, and then went to Dundalk. 8 Dark morning, the day continued cloudy to about 9 A.M., then cleared off, and was sunny and warm. We bound and hauled in oats today. We put away about 43 dozen sheaves for the cows in the spring. 9 Hazy morning, but the day cleared off and the sun got out and was bright and warm. The boys hauled out manure. I gave Mr. Clippert a ram lamb and $2.25 cash in exchange for a young ram of sixteen months of […. right edge of bottom half of the page is torn off, leaving incom- plete lines of text] a good one with splendid wool. We put up a pig [… torn] 10 Some clouds this morning but there was no ra[in … torn] kept fine to night came on when there was […torn] for a while some rain also some thunder and […torn] Brother Sam, Alexander Pat- terson and Jim[…torn] for me, Johney, Clark and I were hauling […torn] the lend of Sam’s waggon. I went in the […torn] Skeffington Bell’s Bail Bonds for $16.00 […torn] for 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway […torn] boys have gone to help Alexander Patterson. 11th Sabbath. Rather cloudy this morning, but there was no rain [..torn] Mrs. R., Eliza and I went in to father’s. 12 Cloudy morning, and the day was cloudy all through with some rain […torn] in the afternoon Jim and Bill Brinkman finished cutting oats. Johney, Clark and I bound in the dry part of the day. Jim started the plow this afternoon. W. Brinkman and I raised some stones. There was a frost this morning. [in margin] Frost / Finished cutting grain. <Q2 folio 72 verso> September 1881 [covered in black deposit (from oil cloth?), and has a series of recipes, noted in material description of diaries….] <end of Quire 2> <Quire 3> <Q3 folio 1 recto> September 1881 13th Rather dark morning with a very heavy dew, but the sun shone out about 9 A.M., and the day was dry and fine. John and I spread some manure in the morning, and then tied oats from that to night. Jim plowed to noon, and then helped us to bind. Mr. George Rutherford was here in the afternoon and insured the dwelling house and contents and the outbuildings and contents for the sum of $1100.00. The insurance premium is $9.90 and agents fees .90¢. The company is the Victoria Mutual. 14 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun soon got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim, Johney and I finished binding oats in the afternoon, and then the boys hauled in three loads. There was a slight frost this morning. [in margin] Frost. 15 Cloudy morning and very windy through the day. Rain came on about 6 P.M. There was not a great quantity fell. We finished hauling in oats at about 1:30 P.M. Jim drove the team, Johney and �159 Clark built and I forked on. It was a new fallow we were hauling from. After we finished Jim asked hands for the threshing. Mrs. R. and I went with the yarn to the weavers. [in margin] Fin- ished harvesting 16 Dark morning and the day cloudy and pretty windy. Jim plowed, Johney spread manure. There was rain in the afternoon. 17 Cloudy morning, and the day kept dark with a slight mizzle of rain all through. We built a straw pen in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Jim plowed, and John spread manure. 18th Sabbath. Clear and fine all day. 19 A little cloudy this morning, and some frost. The sun shone out and the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim was at W. Bowler’s manure bee. Johney plowed. I spread manure. The two eldest went to Dundalk in the eavning and left their measures for boots. <Q3 folio 1 verso> September 1881 20th Fine morning, the day fine all through. Jim was at Mr. Clippert’s threshing. Johney and I tidied [MS tieded] up things at home for the thrashing. The thrashers came here tonight. 21 Rather cloudy this morning, but the day was dry and windy. We thrashed today. Had a bad he[a]d wind. 22 Rather gloomy this morning and there was a smart shower in the forenoon. We finished thrashing in the forenoon. Some of the new land oats did not yield well. They were rusted and did not fill. My oats yielded about 30 bushels to the acre, pretty good sample, wheat about 10 B. p. acre, good sample, and pease about 16 B. p. acre, good sample. The thrashers done good work. Charged ten dollars. Sam helped us put in straw in the eavning. Jim went to Lonswa[y]’s threshing in the af- ternoon. 23 Pretty fine morning, the day fine all through. Jim was at Lonsway’s thrashing in the forenoon and at Nickle’s in the afternoon. Johney, Clark and I put in straw in the forenoon, and I took in a load of oats to Dundalk in the afternoon, 55 Bushels, got thirty-five cents per Bushel. 24 Heavy rain this morning before daylight. The day dry afterwards. I took in two loads of oats: first load 21 Bushels 26 pounds at 34½ ¢ per Bushel, the second 64 Bushels 12 lbs @ 34½ ¢ per Bush- el. The boys at home cleaned oats. Put up some of the pigs to fat, and separated the rams from the sheep. [in margin] Parted rams from sheep. 25th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. Mrs. R. and I went to Osprey to see Mrs. Walter Fletcher, daughter to Mrs. C. Bell. She is pretty sick, almost dangerously ill, with Rheu- matic pains and fever. I think, though, that she has the worst of it over. She has been ill for three weeks. 26 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a few drops of rain about noon. I hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk. Got 34½ cts per bushel. Jim and John chored around home, helped me to bag and load. <insert>[between folios 1 verso and 2 recto] Harbaugh the Peerless Ventriloquist ticket, Friday night Jan 2 at S.S. no 5 Melancthon</insert> <Q3 folio 2 recto> September 1881 27th Rather cloudy morning, and there was a sharp shower about 1 P.M. The afternoon was dry. I took in two loads of oats and three hundred and fourteen pounds of butter to Dundalk. I got 20¢ per pound for the butter and 34½ + 35 ¢ for the oats. Jim and John helped at filling oats and raised potatoes in the afternoon. Clark was helping W. J. Arnold take up potatoes. �160 28 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm with a tendancy to frost in the afternoon. I hauled in a load of oats in the forenoon (72 B: 11 pounds), got 35¢ per bushel, and in the afternoon Jim took in the potatoes belonging to the juveniles (21 bags and 50 pounds) and sold them for 55¢ per bag. Johney and Clark were helping Sam to take up potatoes. 29 Fine day all through, dry and very pleasant. The boys, Jim and John, took up their potatoes (18 bags) and sold them in Dundalk for 60¢ per bag, cash. Clark was helping Father raise his potatoes. 30 Fine morning and the day dry and fine to about 5 P.M. when there came on a very heavy rain and kept raining most of the night. Some of us were raising potatoes and others of us were moving some oat sheaves from the shed to the barn. Miss S. Bell and Mrs. Scott (a Chicago lady) were here this afternoon. Oct. 1881 1 Rather dark this morning, but the day was dry although cloudy. We took in 27 bags of potatoes and sold them for .65¢ per bag. Jim hauled some rails to fence the cabbage when he came home, then he plowed till night. 2nd Sabbath. Dry day, but cool and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I visited Mrs. C. Bell in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 2 verso> October 1881 3rd Quite cloudy and dark this morning, still there was no rain through the day. We were raising pota- toes, we got up 66 Bushels. Jim plowed after he was done plowing out the potatoes. Mrs. Clip- pert was here in the afternoon. Mr. Samuel McDowell brought home our democrat which he had borrowed Eleven days ago. He took a pretty long loan of it and broke one of the springs, but he got a new spring put in. I think it will be some time [f]or I lend it again. 4 Cloudy cold day from morning to night. We were raising potatoes. Jim plowed them out of the rows and we then dug them and gathered them. Mrs. R., Jim, Eliza and Willie went to Dundalk in the eavning with some cabbage. We took up 43 Bushels. 5 Very hard frost this morning, quite a crust on the ground. The day was mostly clear, but very chil- ly all through. We were raising potatoes, we took up about 40 Bushels. This finished our potatoe raising. They were an exceedingly good crop with us this year, large and dry and a good many in the ground. The boys first sold about 22 bags belonging to the Co. 5 [all five of the children?], then Jim and John sold 19 Bags belonging to themselves. I then sold for the general good 27 Bags, in all for so far we have sold 68 Bags, or 102 Bushels. I have about 150 Bushels left. I think I can sell about 20 of these. I put 15 Bushels in the cellar, the rest I have pitted in the field where I will let them remain for about two weeks to they steam.* I had about 200 Bushels or a lit- tle more to the acre. [in margin] Hard frost / Finished digging potatoes. [*=until they steam, i.e. until they cool off in the pit?] 6 Dry, chilly morning, the day dry, cool and clear. The boys were branding* up in the swale. I had a sore back and had to quit work. Mrs. Sam Russell and Mrs. John Gott were here today. [*burning off brush wood; swale = low-lying, marshy land; see <Q3 folio 3 recto> October 1881 7th Dark morning, and the day cloudy and showery. Jim and Clark went to the show fair at Flesh- erton. John went to Mr. Dawson’s threshing. Mrs. R. went to help Mrs. D. I stopped at home and sold pigs. In the afternoon I went to Mr. R. Oliver’s and from thence to Dundalk. 8 Very heavy rain early this morning, and the day was dark and showery. Brother Sam helped us to Brand up in the swale. 9th Sabbath. Cool and cloudy all day. �161 10 Raw cold morning, with snow falling. There were several showers of snow during the forenoon. The afternoon was dry. We cleaned a small grist and Jim took it to the mill in the forenoon. In the afternoon we picked stones. [in margin] First snow. 11 Very hard frost this morning, the sun, however, got out and softened the ground. We were picking stones in the forenoon. Jim plowed in the afternoon. The others of us gathered stones. 12 Mizzly morning and the day continued wet all through, a fine close rain falling, not a heavy show- er. We tried plowing and picking stones after dinner, but there was too much wet. Mr. Christo- pher Johnson came here in the forenoon and took away a ram lamb which had strayed into my flock during the summer. I told him the lamb was not mine and that it belonged to him, he could take it. Mr. Walter Morrow, a former pupil of mine who went to Cleaveland, St. of Ohio, some sixteen years ago, and who is now practicing law in that City, called in to see us as he was passing. Clark went to help his uncle Sam to raise potatotes after dinner. 13 Cool dark morning, with a slight rain. The remainder of the day dry. Jim was plowing, Johney and I were picking stones. Clark was helping Sam to take up potatotes. <Q3 folio 3 verso> October 1881 14th Rather chilly this morning, with a pretty hard frost, the sun got out and made things more agreea- ble. The day was bright. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark and I were picking stones. Jim burst the colter board and I took it to the shop and got a new one made after a different pattern. I think it is better than the old one. Johney, Clark, Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the eavning and the boys bought some clothing for themselves. 15 Rainy morning, the day showery all through. Jim was plowing in the dry part of the day. Clark and I were picking up stones. John was at Lonsway’s threshing. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. W. J. Ar- nold’s to sew a shirt on her machine. 16th Sabbath. Fine morning and the day clear and fine to the afternoon about 4 P.M. when there came on a slight shower of rain, and rained most of the night. Mrs. R. and I were at Father’s. 17 Rainy morning and the day showery all through, very unpleasant. Johney was at Lonsway’s threshing. Mrs. R. and family caught and plucked sixty chickens and hens and took them to Dun- dalk and solf them for .25¢ per pair. 18 A little rain in the forenoon and a good deal in the after part of the day. Jim plowed. Clark and I went in the afternoon to help Sam to thrash. I took Sam’s place at Jim Patterson’s thrashing while he prepared his barn. John was helping A. Lonsway to thresh. 19 Fine morning, with a hard frost. Clark and I were helping Sam to thrash. Jim plowed. Johny was at J. Trugon’s threshing. 20 Fine morning, the day dry. Clark and I helped Sam a little while in the morning to put in straw then we came and worked at home. Johny was at Jim Trugon’s thrashing to noon. Jim plowed. <Q3 folio 4 recto> October 1881 21st Fine morning, the day dry and fine all through. Jim plowed, Johny, Clark and I took out stumps and roots. Mrs. R. went to the carding mill at Feversham. Phoebe and she took Sam’s team and W. Lonsway’s wagon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Got letter from Ireland. 22 Fine morning, the day dry till about 3 P.M. when there was a slight rian. Jim plowed. John and Clark picked stones. I went to Tossorontio Township. 23rd Sabbath. Misty morning, the day inclined to rain. I was stopping at brother John’s. �162 24 Inclined to rain this morning, the middle of the day dry, the afternoon a little wet. Jim plowed, Johny was at Mr. W. Bowler’s [MS Boweler’s] threshing. I went to John Agnew’s in the eavning and stopped there all night. 25 Rather nice morning, the day dry till about 3 P.M. when there came on a slight rian. Jim plowed, John was at Bowler’s threshing till noon. I stopped at Brother John’s. 26 Very hard frost this morning, but the sun soon got out and the day was fine. I stopped at Brother John’s and picked eleven bags of apples, assisted by his little ones. Jim plowed, John and Clark picked stones. 27 Fine morning, the day sunny and warm. I left John’s and came home. Jim plowed. Johny and Clark picked stones. 28 Very fine morning, the day beautiful, dry and warm. Jim plowed. Johny, Clark and I brought in 75 bags of potatoes and put them in the Cellar. 29th Rainy morning, the day cleared up about 10 A.M. We butchered a swine in the forenoon. In the afternoon Jim plowed, Johny and Clark picked stones. I went to Dundalk after 3 P.M. <Q3 folio 4 verso> October 1881 30th Sabbath. Rather misty this morning, but the day was dry and mild. Brother Sam and Phoebe, also Mark Dawson and wife, were here. 31 A little misty this morning, with a very slight mizzle of rain. The day afterwards dry. Jim was plowing in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he took eight bags of potatoes, one tub of butter and five dead geese to Dundalk. Sold them for .55¢ per bag, .20¢ per pound for the butter and .06¢ per pound for the geese. Mrs. R. went along. I went to a raising in the afternoon in Dundalk (Mr. Dean’s stone house). Jim bought himself a coat at $6.50. Mrs. R., Jim and I had supper at Mr. S. Bell’s. November [1881] 1st Fine morning, the day nice and mild with sunshine in the afternoon. Jim plowed. John and Clark picked stones. 2 Fine morning and the day fine all through. Jim plowed, Johney and Clark picked stones. 3 Fine morning, but the day got overcast about noon and snow began to fall about 4:30 P.M. Jim plowed. Johney and Clark picked stones. I helped. 4 Snow on the ground this morning and more falling. Jim opened up some water furrows in the forenoon, and in the afternoon plowed and harrowed some in front of the house. We brought in the remainder of our potatoes this afternoon and I banked up the house. 5th Stormy morning, blowing and snowing, which it kept up incessantly till the afternoon, when it varied the snow for rain. The three eldest boys went with the Orangemen to Caswell’s.* When they came home they fixed up the cow stable and put the cows in, being the first night the cattle have been stabled for the winter. I went to Father’s in the afternoon. A. Patterson brought 3½ bushels of pease here for 3 sucking pigs which I had sold him. [*Guy Fawke’s day, seen by Or- angemen as Protestant celebration.] <Q3 folio 5 recto> November 1881 Sabbath. 6th Snow on the ground this morning, but the sun melted a good deal of it off before night. The day was rather chilly, the eavning nice and sunny. 7 Not much frost or snow this morning, the snow nearly all disappeared about noon, the eavning pretty mild with a slight mizzle of rain. The three boys, Jim, John and Clark, started for Tossoron- tio this morning with the team and two yoke of steers. One yoke belonged to Brother Sam. The �163 steers to be wintered at Brother John’s, the team to haul up some apples which I had picked at John’s two weeks ago. 8 Mild day, but rather dark, little sunshine but no rain. Willie and I took to Dundalk fair a small mully* cow, three years old and with calve, and a two year old heifer. We sold the cow to Mr. Philips for ($17.) seventeen dollars. [*for “mully” see 24 Oct. 1876.] 9 Rather fine for this season of the year, a little sun now and then through the day, and the day mild. I sowed some grass seed in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Lot 31 Melancthon. The boys got home this eavning. They had eleven bags of apples with them. Skeffington Bell was here at night. [in margin] Anthony Trugon married. 10 Rather rough day, cold generally. Johney has a sore throat, contracted on his journey to Tossoron- tio. Jim went to Dundalk and posted a card to his uncle John. 11 Fine morning and the day was generally fine all through. We fitted some handles in some axes and ground the axes in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Jim, Clark and I chopped. Mrs. Skeff- ington Bell was here today. 12 Very stormy morning, the storm came on long before day, blowing, sleeting, freezing, raining, sending the storm in through the cracks and crannies. It kept it up till noon then subsided. The af- ternoon was pretty dry but very windy. <Q3 folio 5 verso> November 1881 13th Sabbath. Rather sloppy cold day. 14 Raining some early this morning, but it cleared off about 9 A.M. We butchered two pigs in the forenoon and in the afternoon borrowed Johney Irvin’s cutting box and cut some oat sheaves. Mr. William Bowler, aged 71, and a resident of this neighbourhood for about 33 years died this morn- ing. Mrs. R. and I went to the wake this night. There was a very heavy snow storm this night. [in margin] W. Bowler died. 15 Ground covered with snow almost a foot deep. Snow drifted in every crevice of the buildings. We tried to cut some sheaves this morning, but broke one of the bolts that holds the knives. Had to send to Dundalk for another bolt. 16 The snow melting this morning and the day soft all through. The boys were cutting sheaves as- sisted by Johney Irvin. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Bowler’s funeral in the afternoon. They buried him on the rear end of one of his own lots in Proton. 17 A good deal of rain fell this forenoon, also the afternoon was wet. The two boys, John and Clark, chopped with me in the bush in the forenoon. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Jim borrowed some lumber from his uncle Sam and fixed the horse stable. 18 Cloudy day all through, with chilly weather towards night. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. The boys were fixing at the stables. Mrs. R. was sewing at Mrs. S. Bell’s. 19 Snowy morning, and the day continued snowy all through. We were putting handles in a couple of axes, grinding some axes and fixing the stables for the animals. 20th Sabbath. Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through. Some snow on the ground and some more falling. <Q3 folio 6 recto> November 1881 21st Cold morning, the day pretty wintery like, but the snow got a little soft in the afternoon. Jim was fixing stables, Johney, Clark and I chopping. 22 Sharp frosty morning, the day beautiful with plenty of sunshine. Keen freeze towards night. We were chopping a follow on lot 216 Proton. �164 23 Rather cloudy this morning, and little sunshine through the day, but there was a thaw wind. John was at Mr. Nickle’s thrashing, Jim, Clark and I were chopping fallow on Lot 216 Proton. Mr. Thos. Hanbury sent a new sewing machine (Wanzer C)* here about 2 P.M. He came after night and set it a-going. We will pay him $28.00 or $30.00 cash for the machine if we like it after trial. [*R. M. Wanzer Co., Hamilton, was the most successful sewing machine manufacturer in Ontario. Active 1860-90, it exported machines around the world, and was awarded many prizes. The Wan- zer C, a deluxe model, was the last produced, introduced 1877-81. Overproduction and drop in demand led to the demise of the company. See Brent, Martha. “A Stitch in Time: Sewing Machine Industry of Ontario, 1860-1897,” Material Culture Review / Revue de la culture matérielle [Online], 10 (1980): n. pag. Web. 21 Feb. 2018.] 24 Sharp cold morning, with some snow falling, the day was cold all through. Jim was at Mr. Nick- le’s threshing during the forenoon, in the afternoon the three boys chopped at a fallow on Lot 216. Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and I went to Dundalk. I paid Mr. Hanbury $29.00 for the sewing machine. I also received my cheque for $101.00 supperannuated pension, [which] I believe I would not have got, only for the influence and perseverance of J. J. Middleton, Esq., Reeve of Proton, who went to the Education Office four times in my behalf. The money ought to have been paid me in July. Miss Sarah Bell stopped here this night. 25 Stormy morning, the day cold and stormy all through. We only done the chores today. 26 Windy this morning and some snow falling through the day. We chopped in the fallow, all but Jim, who has a slight cold and I wouldn’t let him work in the bush. He done the chores at home. <Q3 folio 6 verso> November 1881 27th Sabbath. Cold morning, blowing pretty strong and snowing some. Mrs. R. and I went to Father’s. 28 Bright sunny morning, the day was fine all through. We butchered two pigs in the forenoon, and in the afternoon chopped in the fallow. I went at night to John Gott’s and bargained with him to put me up a first-class frame barn, 40 x 60 feet for the sum of ($85.00) Eight[y]-five dollars. In the barn there is to be a granary, a horse stable and a feed room. The barn to be up in time for my hay and grain in 1882. 29 Soft thawing morning, the day continued soft all through, with a thaw wind and a slight rain in the afternoon. We were chopping fallow. We put the pump in the well at noon. 30 Damp morning, the day continued soft, a slight mizzle of rain falling now and then. The snow has almost disappeared, except in the fence corners. Jim was at W. J. Arnold’s threshing. The rest of us were chopping fallow. December [1881] 1st Windy morning, then a little snow towards noon. A pretty sharp frost and strong wind in the eavning. Jim was at W. J. Arnold’s thrashing to about 10 A.M. After that he and the other two boys were chopping. Mrs. John Gott was here today. 2 Mild morning, although the ground is pretty hard with frost. The day was mild all through. The boys were cutting a road through the swamp on lot 216 to where there is some timber that will an- swer for the barn. I went to Dundalk and bargained with John McDowell to saw for me 20,000 feet hemlock lumber at 2.50 per M. and to make me 32 squares of shingles at .90 per square. He to take any plank I do not need and pay me at the rate of $3.00 per M. and not charge for the saw- ing of it. Mrs. R. was at Mrs. C. Bell’s. <Q3 folio 7 recto> December 1881 �165 3rd Soft morning, although the ground is frozen pretty hard. The day mild, with a little snow falling. The boys were chopping a sleigh road in the swamp. I was hunting up cattle feed and buying stove for keeping shanty in the bush. 4th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day continued very mild all through. Henry Hewett, Junior, was here. 5 The ground hard with frost this morning, but the day was pretty mild for this season of the year. Cloudy, and a slight skiff of snow in the morning. John went to Widow Bowler’s thrashing. I went to Mr. McGurr’s and agreed with him to board five head of cattle for me for three months: one cow at .75¢ per month, one two year old heifer at .62½ ¢ per month, and three yearlings at .50¢ each per month. If he ties the yearlings in at nights I am to give him .62½¢ each per month. Jim and Clark were putting straw out of the bottom of a stack in the barn. Wesley Lonsway helped them. I also helped them in the afternoon. I heard today that Mr. George R. Middleton’s store and Post Office had been burned yesterday morning at 2 A.M. [in margin] Dundalk P.O. Burned. 6 Soft morning, the day continued soft with a little snow falling now and then. We sent four head of cattle to Mr. McGurr’s this afternoon. The boys and I chopped in the follow. 7 Rain very early this morning, then from rain to snow. Very high winds prevailed through the day, accompanied by a blinding snow storm. Jim, John, and I went to Lot 31 Melancthon and cut about 31 logs for a house. 8 Pretty cold morning and the day continued cold all through. Jim, John and I were cutting stable logs on lot 31 Melancthon. <Q3 folio 7 verso> December 1881 9th Sharp morning, pretty keen freeze most of the day, with smart showers of snow. John was at John Irvin’s thrashing. Jim off work on accont of a cold. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the team. 10 Pretty sharp morning, but the day got milder, a little sunshine now and then, just like the life of man. Pretty chilly in the afternoon. We raised our shanty on lot 31 Melancthon. Brother Sam helped us. John Gott and wife were here this night. He gave me a bill of the lumber required for my barn, it is 19,137 feet. 11th Sabbath. Mild morning and the day continued soft. 12 Soft morning, inclined to [dittog.: to] rain which came on about 9 A.M. The day was showery, the sleighing is gone. The boys cut a road in the forenoon to some post timber in the swamp and in the afternoon they got the lend of some lumber from Brother Sam (42 Boards) and hauled them to the shanty on Lot 31. I went in the forenoon to Mr. Duncan’s to hire him to cut some oats with his cutting box. 13 Rain this morning. Rain at noon. Rain at night, in fact, a perfectly wet day! I filed the saw in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. The boys made a Beetle* [*=maul, or large wooden hammer, similar to a sledge hammer]. 14 Rather sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. Jim, John and I were at Brother Sam’s wood bee. I slept at father’s at night. 15 Another pretty cold morning, the ground white with snow again. We went to our shanty, put on the floor and roof and cut out the door and window. 16 Sharp morning, the day sharp all through, cold wind. We were chinking the shanty and plastering it. We borrowed 4 boards from Sam. <Q3 folio 8 recto> December 1881 17th Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through, the snow disappearing, the waggons running. Jim went and fixed at the shanty, the rest of us cleaned wheat. There was a gentleman named Garrett �166 here seeing to get patrons to engage to supply him with milk for a cheese factory that he contem- plates building 4 miles north of here. 18th Sabbath. Cold wind this morning, sharp frost. Scarcely any snow, even in the fence corners. 19 Hard frost this morning, the day got milder towards noon, the afternoon sunshiny and balmy. I went in the morning to Dundalk with a small grist to the mill. Bought some nails, hinges, came home about 10 A.M. Then Mr. John Duncan cut feed for us till night. He made an excellent piece of cutting, and only charged $3.00. 20 Mild morning, misty, the day soft and balmy. We raised our horse stable on lot 31. Brother Sam helped us. 21 Rather mild morning and the day pleasant. We borrowed 42 Boards from Sam and fixed our sta- ble. 22 Rainy morning, the day cleared off about 10 A.M. The boys went to Melancthon and worked at the stable. I stopped at home and split knots. 23 Pretty hard frosty morning, the day chilly all through, very cold, cutting wind. We were fixing at the stable. Sam Lonsway got his face badly cut by Henry Hewett’s axe glancing. They were mak- ing ties for H. Hewett. I bought an old stove from W. Lonsway for $1.25 and took it to the shanty. 24 Cold morning, and the day was pretty chilly, although the sun shone out bright all day long. The boys cut stove wood at home. Jim went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mr. Lonsway’s family were here this eavning. <Q3 folio 8 verso> December 1881 25th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day very fine, almost like Indian summer. W. Lonsway and family were here today. 26 Mild morning, the day pleasant and mild all through, not much sunshine but a soft air. I went to Dundalk to the Township nomination. Jim and John hauled our bed clothes, etc., to the shanty in the forenoon. All the family, with the exception of the old woman and I, are now (8:15 P.M.) at the tea party in Dundalk. 27 Mild through the day, although there was a sharp frost and a cold wind this morning. We moved to the Melancthon Lot and commenced cutting saw logs for Barn. Mr. Kirby and Mr. A. Lonsway were here a while this night. 28 Mild day all through, in fact more like a day in April than in the middle of winter. John, Jim and I were cutting saw logs. Clark is cook in the shanty. 29 Mild balmy morning, the day continued misty and mild all through, with a change to the freeze at night. We were cutting saw logs today. Nancy brought us a supply of bread. 30 Cold morning with a slight shower of snow. The ground very hard frozen, the day cold all through. I went to Mr. Glazier’s and bought six bushels of Lost Nation wheat for seed at $1.20 per bushel. The boys were cutting saw logs. I slept at the shanty this night. 31 Sharp morning, a good deal of snow fell through the night, and it kept snowing all day and was also pretty cold. I and the boys were cutting saw logs in Melancthon. The old year is passing, almost past, and in casting a retrospective glance, I have nothing to com- plain of, but many things to be thankful for. We have had good health. Good crops and good prices. Hoping that the New Year will be as favorable as the old has been, I bring my story to an end. <Q3 folio 9 recto> January 1882 1st Sabbath. Sharp cold day from morning to night. �167 2nd Cold morning, the day sharp, but a little sunshine now and then. The boys hauled some stove wood home in the forenoon, and in the afternoon took 52 Bushels of wheat, less 4 pounds, to Mr. Cloughly’s grist mill, Dundalk. I went to the Township voting at Dundalk in the afternoon. 3 Very cold morning, snowing, blowing and freezing, which was the prevailing character of the day. I took a drive through Proton to see the newly elected council on business. 4 Another cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through. I helped Sam to skid logs in the afternoon. The boys worked at plastering the horse stable in Melancthon. 5 Not quite so cold as yesterday, still sharp enough to suit. Sam built a log boat for us in the bush. The rest of us made skidways. 6 Something milder this morning, and there was some snow fell in the afternoon. William John Ar- nold, with his team, skidded 58 saw logs for us on the Melancthon lot. 7 Mild morning and the day was pretty soft all through. W. J. Arnold skidded 31 saw logs and was done at about 2 P.M. I hired him for $1.50 per dime [=diem], and board. He hauled in the old stove to Dundalk and hauled me home part of my grist. 8th Sabbath. Soft morning and the day continued thawing, scarcely leaving any snow. Mr. A. Lonsway was here this forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went [to] his house in the afternoon. 9 Sunny morning and snow fell pretty steadily through the day. Pretty good sleighing in the after- noon. Jim brought home the remainder of the grist in the forenoon. John took a cord of dry cedar to Dundalk and sold it for $1.50. We went to the Melancthon lot in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 9 verso> January 1882 10th Some snow fell this morning, and it kept falling a little during the day. We fixed the bunks in our sleigh then went to Melancthon and made a start at hauling our saw logs to the mill. 11 Snowing some today, pretty mild, almost like a thaw. Jim was hauling saw logs. John and I were helping him to load, cutting roads, sawing logs, etc. 12 Slight snow fall, the day mild throughout the day. Very good sleighing. Jim hauled logs, John and I worked in the bush. 13 Some snow fall this morning, and also a little during the day, with a slight shower of rain in the eavning. Jim hauled logs, John and I worked in the bush. 14 Snow fall this morning, snowing through the day. The snow is now about eight inches deep. Jim hauled logs, John and I cut down trees that were in close proximity to our shanty. John Russell, John Agnew and son were here tonight. 15th Sabbath. Cold stormy morning, the day was pretty chilly all through. The folks went to the funeral of James Kinnear’s daughter. John Agnew stopped here tonight. 16 Cold morning, snow falling, the day cold, some snow fell. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, thought I would have a chance to get the Office of Township Clerk, but did not. The boys and their uncle John were going to cut me some oat sheaves. Could not get the fixings up for the horse power, therefore did not cut. Johnny went to W. J. Arnold’s sawing in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 10 recto> January 1882 17th Cold morning, the day cold all through. Johney was at W. J. Arnold’s sawing. Jim hauled saw logs. I helped load and cut roads. 18 Fine morning and the day was pleasant, with grand sleighing. Jim hauled logs. John and I worked in the bush. 19 Fine morning, but the afternoon was sharp, good sleighing. Jim hauled logs. John and I worked in the bush. �168 20 Fine day all through, grand sleighing. Jim hauled logs. John and I finished cutting saw logs. We have now cut over twenty-one thousand feet, which is two thousand more than the framer’s bill calls for. 21 Snow falling very thick this morning, and it kept coming down pretty close all day. Jim hauled logs. John and I worked in the bush, cutting roads, helping to load, and cutting stove wood. 22nd Sabbath. Snow storm, pretty high wind at night. 23 Extremely cold morning, blowing and freezing. The afternoon and especially the night is said to be the coldest for a great number of years past. Mr. John McDowell lay out all night about five miles from home and was badly frozen, his hands, feet and face. We went to Lot 31 Melancthon this afternoon, but done nothing, the cold was so extreme. [in margin] John McDowell froze. 24 Extremely cold morning, the day cold all through. We skidded saw logs in the afternoon. 25 Something milder than yesterday, the roads are badly drifted, especially those running North and South. Jim hauled logs. Johney chopped stove wood. I, with some others, shovelled a passage through the drifts on Side Line 230, Melancthon. <Q3 folio 10 verso> January 1882 26th Very mild morning, the day warm with strong sunshine about noon, rain in the afternoon and very high wind at night. Jim hauled logs. I fixed some pitch holes in the road. Johney stopped in the bush. The boys left the shanty at night and went to their uncle Sam’s. The wind rose very strong about 11 P.M. I got afraid that it would blow down some trees on the horse stable, so I took them out and came home. I got home at 2:10 A.M. Mother fell today and broke one of her ribs. [in margin] Mother fell and broke one of her ribs. 27 Started this morning with the horses for the shanty. Stopped at Mother’s this eavning. Jim went to Mr. Oliver’s [MS Olliver’s] bee. Johney and Jim went to the spree at night. 28 A little soft this forenoon, the afternoon got colder and the wind rose at night. Jim was hauling logs, John, Sam and I made cedar ties. 29th Sabbath. Cold stormy day. I sat up with Mother all night. Poor mother is badly hurt. 30 Blowing considerable in the forenoon and cold, the afternoon milder. Jim was at Mr. Oliver’s hauling cedar logs. I and Johney were working in the bush. 31 Mild day all through, sun strong and warm. John and I were working in the bush. Jim hauled saw logs. I went to a supper in Dundalk in honor of Mr. H. Graham*. [*Member of first Board of Managers for Erskine Presbyterian Church, 1878; History of Dundalk, p. 139.] <Q3 folio 11 recto> February 1882 1st Pretty mild day all through, the sleighing is very bad. Jim was hauling logs. John worked in the bush. I was at mother’s this night. Poor mother is suffering badly. 2nd Pretty mild morning, and the day mild. Jim was hauling logs. Sam telegraphed to Brother John Mother’s condition this morn[in]g. John and his wife got to mother’s in the afternoon. I was at mother’s all night. 3 Stormy morning, blowing and snowing some. Jim was hauling logs. Johney worked at Brother Sam’s, hauled him some wood. I was at mother’s all night. The last night I ever had a mother on earth—poor dear, dear mother died about ten minutes after midnight. She departed calm[l]y as a baby going to sleep, not a quiver, not a groan. She died so easy that we scarce could tell when the spirit took its flight. She was quite sensible all through her sickness and could speak some words, though low, till within about thirty minutes of her death. She died as doth the just and good, with her trust and hope in Jesus Christ the Saviour of mankind. Poor dear darling mother, how I will �169 miss the dear old form and the kindly look that always welcomed me. Ah mother, mother, mother, may thy loving spirit guide me to the Saviour’s side. [in margin] Mother died this night. 4 Blowing in the morning. Blowing and snowing in the afternoon. Poor father is stopping with me this night. <Q3 folio 11 verso> February 1882 5th Sabbath. A little snow fell this morning, the wind pretty high. We buried Mother about Four O’clock this afternoon in the church yard of the Union Church on rear end of Lot 36, 4 Range, N.E. Toronto and Sydenham Road, Township of Melancthon, Co. Grey, Ontario. There was a large funeral, about 150 persons I think. Mr. Potter, W. Methodist minister, preached the funeral sermon. 6 Mild morning, the day mild all through, the sun melting the snow in the afternoon. Father went down with brother John to Tossorontio to stop a while. I sent Johney with the sleigh with him as John had a wagon up. Johney only got as far as Primrose when the sleighing gave out and he had to return. John then took father on the wagon home. 7 Mild day, with some rain in the afternoon. The sleighing is almost gone. Jim hauled two loads of logs to the mill. 8 A little skiff of snow fell last night, but not enough to be of any service to the sleighing. Jim and I skidded 17 saw logs and he hauled one to the mill in the afternoon. Johney was helping his uncle Sam to pick potatoes. 9 Sunny morning, the day mild and balmy all through. We cut some stove wood in the forenoon. Jim hauled the moving home out of the shanty and hauled the wood in the afternoon. John helped his uncle Sam at the potatoes. Mr. Kirby stopped here this night. 10 Cold raw day all through, blowing and freezing. I done nothing today, did not feel well, got a cold. The boys chored around, split wood, etc. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon for some flour. I took the cross-cut to John Gott’s and got her sharp[en]ed and sett. 11 Cold morning, the day chilly all through. Sleighing gone on the leading roads. Wagons are run- ning. John, Clark and I cut shingle timber on the Melancthon lot. Jim was helping Henry Lon- sway to make ties. <Q3 folio 12 recto> February 1882 12th Sabbath. Fine sunny day, spring-like and mild. Mrs. C. Bell and W. Lonsway, wife and family were here. 13 Mild soft morning, raining early in the morning but cleared off about 8 A.M. Johney went to W. McKay’s to help him hew ties. Jim went to Dundalk to get his boots made [? last word minutely written] 14 Frost this morning, but the sun shone out bright and warm and the day was very pleasant and spring-like. The snow is pretty much gone out of the fields and the sheep and cattle are out nib- bling the grass. Jim is helping H. Lonsway to make ties, Johney is helping W. McKay. I sent a letter to Brother William. Mrs. R. and I were in Dundalk, I twice. [in margin] W. Russell/ Sawmill and lumber man / Batson’s Store P.O / Dickson Co. / St. of Tennessee 15 Mild morning, the day soft and mild all through. I went to Brother John’s to Tossorontio. Jim was helping H. Lonsway make ties. John was helping W. McKay make ties. 16 Pretty sharp morning. Rain in the afternoon, snow at night. John and I went to John Agnew’s. Mr. Hussay paid me on the road near Alliston, $400.00. Land payment. John and I stopped all night at John Agnew’s �170 17 Very cold morning, the day cold all through. I stopped at Brother John’s all night. Father was there. Poor father is quite lonesome. 18 Very cold raw morning, the day piercing cold all through, and colder still at night, the wind pierc- ing cold at night. Poor father would have liked [to] come home with me this morning, but I had no team with me. 19th Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through. Mrs. R., John, Clark and I went to church on Lot 36, 4th Range, Melancthon. <Q3 folio 12 verso> February 1882 20th Sharp morning, the day pretty chilly all through. We were taking out barn timber. 21 Plenty of sleet and snow falling this morning and continued snowing all day. We were taking out barn timber. I was unable to work with a cold. 22 A little snow fell this morning, there is pretty fair sleighing. We were taking out barn timber. 23 Fine day, but growing softer. We were taking out barn timber. I was unable to work. 24 Soft day all through. We were taking out barn timber. I am unable to work. 25 Pretty cold morning and the forenoon was chilly all through. We went to the Melancthon lot and finished taking out square timber. I cooked for the men in the shanty. 26th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Mrs. Sam Russell and family were here today. 27 Soft morning, the snow melting fast, sleighing nearly all gone off the roads. Jim and Johney were swamping out Barn timber. Nancy and I went to Dundalk. I sent Mr. Mathew Knox (South Dummer) $209.00, being a payment on the lot of land which I bought from him on 28th of last May. I sent Post Office money orders for that amount and they cost me $1.05. 28 Soft morning, a complete thaw set in, the snow almost all dissappeared. Jim, John and Clark swamping out Barn timber. They finished all but one beam of our make in Proton. The swamps have broke up. <insert>[loose note, between folios 12 verso, 13 recto] Eden Grove the 8th Mar 1882 To Mr John McAulay and Mother. Please Pay the bearer, James Russell, My claim for Horse $7. and $2. for Interest making $9. And oblige yours truly John Agnew </insert> <Q3 folio 13 recto> March 1882 1st Wet morning and most of the day was rainy. Jim went to Dundalk to get his boots fixed. 2 Very fine morning, with a little frost in the morning, the day sunshiny all through, just like spring. The boys and I took the team and went to the Melancthon lot and hauled out four sticks of timber, 2 sills 60 feet long, 1 sill 40 feet and a splice tr??? sill 37. 3 A fine morning, the day fine all through, but a little cold, very windy in the afternoon. Jim and Johney were cutting sleepers at home, did not get many. 4 Hard frost this morning, the day pretty chilly, although the sun shone out bright. Jim and John were cutting sleepers on the Melancthon lot. 5th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, but the afternoon was soft and thawing. Mrs. R. and family were at church. [in margin] First lamb came. �171 6 Hard frost this morning, and pretty cold through the day. There was a slight snow fall about 5 P.M. Jim and John were cutting sleepers on the Melancthon Lot. 7 Snow this morning, although not enough to make sleighing. The sun shone out in the afternoon and melted most of it. Jim hauled two sticks of timber from Lot 31 Melancthon. Johney cut roads in the bush. Jim hauled the timber on the Log Boat. It was very hard work with the last log and wore the runner of the boat down. 8 Cold raw morning, the day pretty chilly all through. Jim and John were swamping out Barn sleep- ers on Lot 31 Melancthon. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Dundalk. Miss Johnson and Miss Jackson were here this eavning. 9 Snow fell this morning and the day was snowey [=snowy] all through. The boys were swamping out sleepers and Jim hauled home the two 60 feet sills. <Q3 folio 13 verso> March 1882 10th Nice quantity of snow on the ground and the sleighing was pretty good in the afternoon. Jim was hauling logs to the mill. Johny was helping in the bush. 11 Dark morning and there were several showers of snow fell during the day. Jim was hauling logs to the mill. Johny and Clark helped in the bush. 12th Sabbath. Nice quantity of snow on the ground this morning and there were several snow showers throughout the day. 13 Very heavy snow storm this morning and a good deal of snow fell through the day. There is good sleighing. Jim was hauling sleepers from the Melancthon lot. Johney helped in the bush. [in margin] Heavy snow. 14 Sunny morning, but sharp frost. The day was pretty cold in the shade. There is capital sleighing now, the boys were hauling sleepers from Melancthon. They are gone tonight to H. Hewitt’s spree. Father came home from Tossorontio last night. 15 Pretty chilly morning, but the day got milder towards noon. Pretty cold again towards night. We were cutting and hauling sleepers from the Melancthon lot 16 Nice sunny morning, the day continued bright and pretty warm, the snow melted some. We cut some sleepers at home in the forenoon, and in the afternoon cut some spruce for Barn doors and hauled it to the mill. 17 Fine sunny morning, but the afternoon got overcast and very cold and windy. Johney gathered troughs in the bush and Jim hauled them (150) to Lot 31 Melancthon. Father came out here this afternoon. 18 Very windy, cold morning, some sleet in the forenoon, rain in the afternoon, some thunder and lightening at night. Jim hauled the remainder of the square timber in the forenoon. Johney chopped firewood. Jim hauled it in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 14 recto> March 1882 19th Sabbath. Pretty fine day all through, the forenoon had some sunshine. Mrs. R., some of the family and I went to meeting. 20 Mild, but cloudy through the day, frost at night. The boys and I were tapping trees on the Melanc- thon Lot. [in margin] First trees tapped. 21 Stormy morning, blowing and snowing, very high winds, the day one of wind and snow, too stormy to do any outside work. 22 Some snow this morning, pretty cold all day. The boys were cutting shingle timber on Lot 31 Melancthon. �172 23 Pretty sharp morning, the day got sunny towards noon. The boys were cutting shingle timber on Lot 31 Melancthon. 24 Bright sunny morning, the day clouded over and the afternoon was stormy snow and wind. I was helping the boys to cut shingle timber on Lot 31. 25 Nice sunny morning, the day pretty warm, but chilly [in the afternoon]. The boys were getting shingle timber. I went to Dundalk and gave my bond for $10,000.00 as treasurer for the Township of Proton. My sureties are Samuel Russell, Skeffington Bell, John Irwin and Thomas Carson. 26th Sabbath. Soft morning and the day mild, a pretty sharp rain came on about 6 P.M. 27 Wet morning, the day showery all through, cold after dark and freezing pretty sharp. The day was too wet for outdoor work. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 28 Pretty cold morning, the afternoon milder. The boys were hauling out shingle timber out of the swamp. <Q3 folio 14 verso> March 1882 29th Cold but fair in the forenoon, the afternoon rainy. The boys were hauling shingle timber. Proton assessor stopped here this night. 30 Cold windy morning, the ground frozen hard. Johney went to Tossorontio for his steers. The as- sessor assessed me for Lot 215 $650.00, Lot 216 $150.00, Personal property $140.00, five days statute labor. Jim brought two of the cattle home from Mr. McGurr’s. [in margin] assessor here / John went for his steers. 31 Pretty cold morning, very hard frost, the afternoon something milder with some sunshine. Jim and I went in the morning to Dundalk and got 500 pounds of Bran at $.85 per cwt. Jim then got some shoes put on the horses and I went to the examination in School Section 5, Melancthon. April [1882] 1st Very fine mild morning, the day sunny and warm, very springlike, remarkably balmy in the after- noon. Clark and I ground the axes in the forenoon, and Jim went to Melancthon Lot for an axe we had left at the shanty. Jim and I made a stick of timber for the barn (a girt that we had broke). In the eavning I then went to Dundalk and bought Johney a pair of Sunday lace boots for $2.75. [in margin] Seen the first / Robin for this season. 2 Bright sunny day from morning till night, fine springlike weather. <Q3 folio 15 recto> April 1882 3rd Pretty hard frost this morning, the sun soon got out and the day was warm and springlike after- wards. John Gott hewed the sleepers (38, 20 feet long) and overlays (13, 23 feet long). Mrs. R. and Willie went to the Melancthon Lot and fixed the troughs at the maple trees. [in margin] Johney got home / the steers. 4 Dark morning and it began to rain about 9 A.M. and continued pretty wet throughout the day. I attended a Council meeting at Cedarville, about 18 miles from here. I went on horseback and got completely soaked through with the rain. I left Cedarville about dark and came as far as Hopeville where I stopped all night. The country approaching Cedarville from here is a miserably swampy spot and also very stoney. It is a poor section of country. The boys were in the sugar bush gather- ing sap. 5 Pretty hard frost this morning, but at about 10 A.M. the sun began to appear and the frozen roads got softened. The afternoon was chilly, and frosty at night. I left Hopeville Hotel this morning and came as far as Mr. Cavanaugh’s, Township clerk. Stopped there on business till about 2:30 P.M. then came home. The boys (John and Clark) were in the sugar bush a while in the forenoon. �173 They then came home and Mrs. Russell, Eliza, Jim and John went to Miss Maria Lonsway’s wed- ding. I also went to the wedding when I got home about 8 P.M. A fine industrious girl is Maria, and Mr. Broughton got a prize in the lottery of marriage when he got her. [in margin] Miss Maria Lonsway married to Mr. Broughton. <Q3 folio 15 verso> April 1882 6th Sleety morning and most of the day was very unpleasant and wet. Jim was at William Lonsway's wood bee. Mrs. Skeffington Bell was here. 7 Dark misty morning, the day dark and mizzling, the roads fearfully bad. Jim helped James Lon- sway make ties. Johnny and Clark boiled down sap. 8 Rather misty morning, but the sun got out and the day got very warm about noon. I took the team and went to Mr. Cavanagh’s, late treasurer of Proton, and got the Books, papers, etc. belonging to his Office. Jim was at Joseph Jackson’s raising. Mrs. R. and Johney were in the Sugar bush. [in margin] heard lizzards. 9th Sabbath. Cold this morning, but the day got something warmer. Changed to very cold in the eavning. Mrs. Russell and I visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s. 10th Very cold morning, hard frost, the roads as rough as can be imagined. Frequent showers of snow through the day and snowing all night, piercing cold day all through. We were getting our barn lumber sawn. 11 Cold raw morning, snow on the ground and some now falling. Freezing through the day, the roads very rough. We were getting lumber cut at the mill. 12 Sharp morning with a sprinkling of snow on the ground. The day chilly, and more snow fell at night. I was piling lumber at the mill. The boys were getting some firewood. [in margin] First cow calved / Lady. 13 Cold morning with a nice sprinkling of snow which melted about 12 noon. Jim and I were hauling lumber from the saw. Johney was helping his uncle Sam to saw stove wood. <Q3 folio 16 recto> April 1882 14th Hard morning with plenty of frost, the forenoon pretty chilly. The afternoon something milder, with frost again at night. We were piling lumber at the mill. 15 Hard frost this morning, the roads very rough. The sun shone out soon, the day got mild and very nice. We (Jim and I) were at the sawmill in the forenoon. We only got about 600 feet sawn, then they began to grind. Johney and Clark were in the sugar bush. 16th Sabbath. Nice bright morning, the sun clear all day, very springlike. Mrs. R and family were at church. 17 Bright sunny morning, the day warm, dry and beautiful. Jim and I were at the sawmill. Johney was gathering sap in the Sugar bush. 18[=19] Wet morning, but the day got dry about 10 A.M. and was fair to about 6 P.M. when it com- menced raining and was very wet. Jim started to plow this afternoon. There was no frost, but the ground was very wet. I attended a Council meeting Dundalk in the evening. [in margin] First plowing / Muly heifer came home. [written different script, left slanted, at end of entry] The above entry belongs to the 19th day of the month. 18 Very fine morning, the day beautiful and bright, very springlike. Jim and I hauled lumber from the saw. John and Clark were in the S[ugar] bush. [This entry is written in same left-leaning hand as preceding note. Other entries are in normal hand, slanted right.] �174 20 Kind of wet morning, but it got dry for a while, then came on wet again and finally turned to snow. Jim was plowing, the others chored around, mostly doing nothing. I was studying out the Town- ship Treasurer’s Books from morning till night. 21 Ground covered with snow this morning, cold and wintry-like. Snow melted soon and the after- noon was milder. Jim and John went to the shanty for some molasses with the wagon. Then Johney thrashed some oats in the eavning. <Q3 folio 16 verso> April 1882 22nd Hard frosty morning, the day milder, though rather cold wind. Jim plowed part of the day. Johnny and Clark went to the Sugar bush and gathered sap. I went to J. J. Middleton's sale. Things sold very dear. 23rd Sabbath. Frosty morning, but the day turned out nice and warm in the afternoon. 24 Sharp frosty morning, but the day got warm and Springlike. Johney and I repiled about 5000 feet of lumber at the mill. Then I went to the Sugar bush where Mrs. R. was boiling down sap. Jim plowed. Johnny thrashed some oats in the afternoon. 25 Frost this morning, but the sun got out and the day got warmer. Johney chored around, Jim plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I got the 22 fruit trees which I had ordered from the Rochester nursery. 26 Frosty morning, the air chilly all day, freezing again at night. Jim plowed, Johney and I planted out the fruit trees. Mrs. R. and Clark went to the Sugar bush in Melancthon. [in margin] Planted Fruit trees. 27 Frost this morning, but not very hard. Plowing soon commenced and the day was pretty fine. Jim plowed, Johney split rails, Clark went to the sugar bush and boiled down sap. I chored around fix- ing trees, etc. 28 Raw cold morning, the day chilly all through, although the sun shone out. There was a slight rain about noon. Jim plowed, Johney split rails, Clark went to Mr. Ros[e]borough’s for some plum trees which he had promised me. They were a very poor sample that he sent. <Q3 folio 17 recto> April 1882 29th Hard white frost this morning, the ground so white that it appeared almost like snow. The day had a chilly air all through, although the sun shone out clear. I sold about 7 bushels of wheat. Jim har- rowed, Johney split rails. Mrs. R went to Dundalk in the afternoon. She and I went to Mr. Lon- sway’s at night. I borrowed Skeffington Bell’s gangplow this afternoon. W. John Arnold brought home the fanning mill which he had the loan of. Brother Sam borrowed some bags of me. [in margin] First Grain Sown / Wheat. 30th Sabbath. Cold, Raw morning with a slight shower of snow. The day was chilly all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Melancthon. May [1882] 1st Cold morning, frost on the ground. There was some rain in the afternoon, then it turned to snow, and a fierce snow storm took place, covering the ground with a white mantle. Jim was ganging till it got too wet for him. Johney was splitting rails. Clark and I cleaned grain. Eliza and Willie were at school. Jim took home Skeffington Bell’s gangplow. [in margin] Snow storm. 2 Cold morning, frost and snow on the ground. The day very wintry-like. The snow melted on in the day. Jim and John went to Melancthon and brought home three pails of molasses, also the sugar kettles, barrels, pots, etc. Made a general sweep and finished sugar making. It has been a poor year with us for the business. We are too far from the bush and could not attend at all times. I went to Dundalk and transacted some business. �175 <Q3 folio 17 verso> May 1882 3rd Hard frost this morning, but the sun came out and the frost dissappeared. The day was cool and sunny. I sowed the remainder of the wheat, about five bushels. Jim plowed till noon and Johney split rails. Johney harrowed in the afternoon and Jim went to the blacksmith’s to get a bolt for the mouldboard of the plow. [in margin] Finished sowing wheat / Seen first swallow. 4 Nice morning, sun bright and warm, beautiful day all through. Things growing nicely. I sowed about 14 bushels of pease. Jim harrowed in the afternoon and split rails in the forenoon. Johney harrowed in the forenoon and split rails in the afternoon. Clark went to his uncle Sam's and har- rowed for him. [in margin] Sowed pease / full moon / yesterday. 5 Hard frost this morning, but not hard enough to prevent plowing. The day was chilly all through, but the sun shone out bright. Jim harrowed in the forenoon and sowed oats in the afternoon. Johney and I cleaned some oats in the forenoon, then John split rails till dinner time, and harrowed in the afternoon. I picked potatoes in the cellar, and I went to Dundalk after tea time. [in margin] First oats sown. 6 Hard frost this morning, the day clear and cold. Very little growth at present. Jim harrowed till noon. Then he and I took in 8 bags of potatoes to Dundalk and sold them for $1.00 per bag. We also got 1200 pounds of hay from Skeffington Bell for $6.00. Johney split rails, Clark chored around. 7th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day was sunny but chilly. Father and Sam and Phoebe were here. We took father up to the teacher doctor* to see what he would say about his sore foot. He said the bone of the big toe was [diseased? writing unclear]. [*No doubt Dr. Thomas Norton, who was first a teacher at Hornings Mills, then studied medicine at McGill, returning to a joint medical practice with Dr. Barr at Hornings Mills and Shelburne; see S. Sawden, History of Dufferin Coun- ty, n. d. [1939], n. p. [Orangeville or Toronto], pp. 139-40; and above, 10 June 1876, 29 August 1881.] <Q3 folio 18 recto> May 1882 8th Frost this morning, but not very hard, the day pretty warm, the afternoon cloudy with a slight sprinkling of rain, and a heavier shower at night fall. John harrowed some, then plowed the re- mainder of the day. Johney yoked up his steers and tried to harrow some but did not succeed. Clark took a sow pig to the back line. I went in the forenoon to Lot 31 to let the chopping and clearing of some bush to a man. He is to tell me tomorrow whether or not he will take the job. It is about 10 acres of culled bush with a good deal of underbrush in some parts of it, and I offered him $50.00/00 to clear it and leave it ready for plowing. Also he is to rid up all the timber on the old clearing, so as to form a twenty acre field. The whole work to be done for the said fifty dol- lars. 9 Fine morning, warm day, sunny, with a good growth, the evening cloudy with indications of rain. I went to Dundalk and purchased the nails and hinges for the frame barn. I paid $3.00 per hundred for the cut nails and eight cents per pound for the wrought nails. The small hinges were eight cents per pound, and the large, six cents per pound. Jim plowed. Johney split rails. 10 Cold morning, the forenoon cloudy and cold, the afternoon cold and wet. Jim plowed till tea time. Johney split rails. The eavning was very cold and wet, the night pouring wet and cold. [in mar- gin] Wet. �176 11 Cold, raw morning, a drizzling rain falling, cold as winter almost. It kept showery all day, a mis- erably cold day all through. Jim plowed a little after dinner. There wasn't much work of any kind done here today. [in margin] Wet. <Q3 folio 18 verso> May 1882 12th Wet morning, wet at noon, wet at night, nothing but rain all day, and very cold sleety rain at that. There has been three days rain almost without intermission. A fearful wet time. Jim and John went to Skeffington Bell’s to get a load of hay, but it was so windy and wet they could not weigh it. Nothing doing at home, so wet. [in margin] Very wet. 13 Mizzle of rain this morning, and the day was rather damp and cold. I went to Dundalk. Jim plowed. Johney split wood. Mrs. R went to Dundalk in the eavning. Miss Sarah Bell was here a while. 14th Sabbath. Cold, clear morning, the day clear and cold all through. Father and Sam were here, Sam took father up to the doctor to have his foot seen to. 15th Frost this morning, the day clear and cold. Jim plowed, Johney cut wood. Jim and John went in the forenoon to Skeffington Bell’s for a load of hay. Mrs. R. and I went to the auction sale at Nel- son’s in Dundalk this evening. [in margin] Frost. 16 Frost this morning, the day clear and cold. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Jim plowed. Johnny split rails. Jim broke his plow pretty badly, the head is split in two. [in margin] Frost 17 Frost this morning, the day cool, clear and dry. Sowed oats in the afternoon. Johney plowed in the forenoon and harrowed in the afternoon. Jim helped William John Arnold to sow oats. [in margin] Frost. 18 Clear, cool morning, the day cool but dry. Jim harrowed after he had hauled out some manure and plowed it under for some early potatoes. Johney planted the potatoes. Mrs. R. helped Mrs. Nickle to cook for her raising. [in margin] Frost / First potatoes planted. <Q3 folio 19 recto> May 1882 19th Frost this morning, the day cool but dry. Jim harrowed, Johnny clipped the sheep. I went to a raising of a barn at Mr. Nickle’s in the afternoon. Mrs. R. was helping Mrs. Nickle to cook. I sowed oats in the forenoon. 20 Frost this morning, but the day got pretty warm. I was letting water off the low places in the fore- noon, and in the afternoon went to Lot 31 Melancthon. Johnny finished clipping sheep. 21st Sabbath. Clear morning, the day fine and pretty warm. I had the doctor call in to see Johney who has a severe pain in his side. 22 Cloudy morning, the forenoon overcast, the afternoon rainy. I went to John Irvin's and bought 14 bushels of oats at .40¢ per bushel. Jim hauled them home at noon. Jim sowed oats. Clark har- rowed. Johney is on the sick list. I helped Mrs. R. to clean out the milk house. 23 Pretty chilly morning, and the day cloudy and cold all through. Jim harrowed, Clark picked up, I fixed fences. Mrs. R. and I went to John Gott’s a while tonight. W. McMurdo of Proton came here today and offered $100.00 dollars apiece for a span of two years old colts. [in margin] Frost. 24 Hard frost this morning, ice on the water in the sugar kettle, more than half an inch thick. [In] the [forenoon] Jim plowed some and sowed some. Clark harrowed some. I did a drain in the swale to let off the water so that I could get it sown. The boys went in for father but he did not come out with them. [in margin] Frost. <Q3 folio 19 verso> �177 May 1882 25th Cool, dry morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and I were gathering stones in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Jim was plowing. 26 Dry, cool morning, the day cool and clear. Jim was plowing a potato patch in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he sowed a bag of oats, being the last of the seeding of grain for this season. Clark harrowed with one of the mares, as the ground was so soft we could not put the mare that’s near foaling on it. [in margin] Finished sowing grain (oats) / Got papers from Toronto. 27 Cloudy but cool this morning, the forenoon dry, but rain came on in the afternoon. There was not a great deal fell, although it kept at it a good while. Johney finished harrowing in the forenoon. Clark picked up roots and sticks. Jim split rails. I shoveled out a ditch through the low part of the last sown grain. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the team in the afternoon. We had a splendid ewe die this eavning, I think from the effects of the cold rains on her, she being shorn. She acted as if she had cramps. 28th Sabbath. Cool morning, the day cool and clear and cold in the afternoon. W. John Arnold and wife visited us today. 29 Frost this morning, the day bright and warm. Jim, John and I went to the Melancthon lot and got out 20 rafters, 25 feet long, 4 inches at the top end. We peeled them and hauled them home. It was a very heavy load, especially as one of our mares is very near the foaling. [in margin] Frost. <Q3 folio 20 recto> May 1882 30th Dry sunny morning, the day pretty warm all through. Jim harrowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon borrowed his uncle Sam’s horse and skidded timber here for the framers who have come to work this afternoon. I cut rafters in the forenoon. Johney cut rafters all day. 31st Cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, with frequent showers and pretty sharp rain about dark. The framers were working here today. Jim hauled two loads of lumber from the mill. Johney cut rafters. I sent the cattle (5) to John Gott’s to be pastured at .50 cents each per month. June [1882] 1st Cold morning, drizzling rain falling, something like a genuine Scotch mist, very cold, so much so that the framers had to keep on their mittens while at work during the forenoon. The afternoon cleared off and was something milder. Jim and John hauled rafters. Jim fetched home a load of lumber in the afternoon and Johney and I cut stove wood in the bush. Clark is on the sick list. 2 Frost this morning, then a little shower of rain. The day cleared up and was dry till about 12 noon, the afternoon very wet. Jim hauled two loads of lumber in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he hauled some stove wood home. I went to a Council meeting at Dundalk. [in margin] Frost. 3 Rainy morning, rainy at noon, rainy at night, a complete wet day all through. I went in the morn- ing to R. Mil[l]’s and bought a 60 foot sill from him at 2.50. Hired D. Reid to haul it home for 1.50. Then I went to Priceville and from thence home. <Q3 folio 20 verso> June 1882 4th Sabbath. Rainy day, except in the afternoon, which was moderately dry. 5 Dry this morning, but the day was chilly all through. The sun shone out most of the time. I went to the Court of Revision at Melancthon. Brother Sam helped to haul posts with his horses, then him and the boys planted potatoes. 6 Fine morning, dry and pretty warm, the day dry all through, and some vegetation. Jim was asking hands for the raising on next Thursday evening. Johny and [I] took down the old shed and dug post holes in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent colts to pasture. �178 7 Fine morning, though a little cloudy, the day was dry and warm but very windy in the afternoon. John was asking hands for the raising. John and I were sawing off posts and placing them in posi- tion. I went to Dundalk after supper and posted my papers to the Dep. Minister of Education. [in margin] Sent papers to D. M. of Education. 8 Cloudy morning, very like a thunder storm, the day cloudy, warm and threatening for rain, but there fell none, very fortunately for me, I think, as I had a Barn raising. There were about sixty- four men present: the five framers, and ourselves, three. The Barn is 40 x 60 feet. It went together well and the men were done about 5:30 P.M. Mrs. R. had a wool picking bee of women. [in mar- gin, double underline, Gothic script] Barn Raised. 9 Very fine morning, the day dry and warm all through. Jim was hauling lumber with one of our own mares and one of W. J. Arnold’s. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon chored around. Johney was helping W. J. Arnold to plant potatoes. Willie also helped. Old Mrs. Johnson, Henry Johnson’s mother, was buried today. <Q3 folio 21 recto> June 1882 10th Wet morning to about 7 O’clock, then the rain ceased and the remainder of the day was dry and warm. Brother Sam and Jim were hauling lumber. Johney was helping Mr. McGurr to haul out manure. I sold 16 lambs to Mr. James Best for $2.70 per lamb. He paid me $20.00 on them, and is to pay me the full price when he takes them away. 11th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day fine and warm with a good deal of sunshine. [in margin] Frost. 12 Frost this morning, the day pretty warm and bright. Jim borrowed his uncle Sam’s horse and hauled out manure with him and one of our own. Johney helped him. I piled the loose lumber that was laying round the Barn. I also attended a political meeting at Dundalk at night. The meeting was called by Dr. Sproul, M.P. for East Grey. [in margin] Frost. 13 Fine morning, the day warm and bright. Cloudy at night. We were hauling out manure in the forenoon, and planting potatoes in the afternoon. We finished planting. We planted 12½ bushels this afternoon and we had planted before 7 bushels, making in all 19½ bushels. [in margin] Fin- ished planting potatoes. 14 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, dry and warm, every indication of a rain storm at night. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk and got some S[wede] turnip seed. In the afternoon I sowed some of them. Jim and John were preparing the ground. <Q3 folio 21 verso> June 1882 15th Very rainy morning and the forenoon was pretty wet. The afternoon was [MS a] kind of mizzly. Jim hauled a load of lumber in the afternoon. Johney planted some potatoes for himself. Clark and I sowed some Swede turnip seed. 16 Fine morning, the day dry, warm and very fine growth. Jim borrowed W. J. Arnold’s waggon and rack and hauled shingle timber to the mill, and lumber from it. Johney is laid up sick today, very feverish and a pain over his left eye. Very bad, he was, this morning, quite delirious for a while. Is a good deal better at night. I and Clark planted some potatoes for Jim as he was working the team and could not attend to it. 17 Nice morning, but cloudy. The clouds soon dispersed before the sun and the day was dry and warm. Jim hauled a load of shingle timber and a load of lumber in the forenoon. In the afternoon he made some drills and we sowed some turnip seed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk after tea and met with a slight accident going. We were riding in Henry Lonsway’s waggon: the iron came off �179 the end of the neck yoke, the horses started to run. Henry tried to hold them. I caught a line and was helping. The lines broke, the horses ran into the shed of the tavern on Lot 230 Gravel Road, Melancthon. The horses turned so short that the three of us who sat in the Spring Seat were pitched out, falling pretty hard on the ground. Mrs. R. had 7 dozen of eggs with her, they were smashed to smithereens. We were not hurt seriously, but all of us were pretty badly jar[r]ed. [in margin] Sent letter to Brother William / Batson’s Store P. O. Dickson Co. / Tenn. US. 18th Sabbath. Morning bright and fine, the afternoon cloudy and windy with a rain storm accompanied by thunder and lightening. <Q3 folio 22 recto> June 1882 19th Cool, cloudy morning, the forenoon a little wet, the afternoon cold but dry. I was at a Bee for Skeffington Bell’s, helping haul out manure. Jim hauled a load of shingle timber to the mill in the forenoon, and also a load of lumber home. He went in the afternoon to Mr. Christopher Johnson’s Raising. Johney went to the Dr.’s to see to get some relief for his eye which is exceedingly pain- ful. 20 Fine morning, the day fine all through, pretty warm and dry. I went in the forenoon and helped Jim load a load of shingle timber in Melancthon. In the afternoon I went to the poll at Dundalk and polled my vote for Dr. Sproul, the Conservative Candidate. The state of the poll in Dundalk was Dr. Sproul 63, Mr. Christie 48. Majority for the Dr. 15. Jim hauled three loads of shingle timber to the mill and one load of lumber home. [in margin] Frost this morning / Frost the night of the 21st June 1881 / Dominion Elections. 21 Fine morning, the day dry and warm, pretty hot in the afternoon. I hauled two loads of lumber from the mill: 1000 feet on each load. We borrowed W. J. Arnold’s team and John drove them do- ing Statute Labor. Jim shoveled on the road. 22 Fine morning, the day clear, bright and warm. Jim was hauling lumber. I was doing S[tatute]. Labor. 23 [F stricken] Cloudy morning, some thunder and a little rain, the day was cloudy generally, but very close and warm, and a fine growth. Jim hauled home thirty-six bunches of shingles. Mrs. McGurr came here in the afternoon and I wrote two letters for her, one to a son of hers in Winnipeg, the other to her granddaughter in Toronto. <Q3 folio 22 verso> June 1882 24th Bright morning, sun rose clear, the day was rather cloudy but very sultry, the afternoon clouded over, some thunder and a little shower of rain. Jim hauled two loads of lumber, and after tea took the team to Sam’s to haul some firewood for him. 25th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm. 26 Fine morning, the day dry and very sultry. Jim hauled shingles and lumber, also some rails to mend a fence. 27 Dry morning, the day a little cloudy, but dry and sultry with a slight sprinkling of rain at near night. Jim hauled lumber. Henry Hewitt brought one load of shingles. 28 Dry morning, the day dry though cloudy, also pretty sultry. Jim brought home one barrel of salt and seven bunches of shingles in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he harrowed the potatoes. Then he took home his uncle Sam’s horse. We have had the loan of him quite a while, hauled all our lumber, nearly, with him. Johney and I put up fence. �180 29 Fine morning, but chilly, the day dry and middling warm, good growth. Jim was helping his uncle Sam to log. Johney and I built fence. Gerty colted, time: Eleven months and sixteen days. Horse colt, very feeble on its legs, cannot stand. 30 Dark morning, a slight rain in the forenoon and heavier in the afternoon. I went to see father who is sick. Jim helped Sam to drive a yoke of steers to Dundalk. Johney put some locks on the fence in the dry part of the day. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. <insert>[between folio 22 verso and 23 recto, now item L.12 in Letters.Documents directory] Letter from George Hodgins, Dep. Minister of Education, Education Department Ontario, May 20,1879. [States rules re. pension]: “if under sixty years of age, one must present a medical report each year, and present himself to County or City Inspector, who will report….. before pension will be paid.” [handwritten on back of official letter:] “Heart disease causing extreme palpitations at the slightest exertion, also fits of vertigo, and renders concentration of thought for public school teaching very difficult, if not impossible. It first manifested itself during extreme study about 12 years ago.”] </insert> <Q3 folio 23 recto> July 1882 1st Rainy morning, not very heavy, but just a mizzle that was the prevailing feature of the day. All the family, except Mrs. R. and I, went to Dundalk to see the sports.* [*Dominion Day festivities.] 2nd Sabbath. Fine day all through. I went to Melancthon to see poor father who is sick. 3 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. I went with Brother Sam to a Council Meeting in Melanc- thon. Came home and went to Father’s, sat up all night with him. He is very sick. Mrs. Eliza Russell* is up here. [*wife of John Russell, sister of Nancy Agnew Russell and John Agnew] 4 Fine day all through, dry and warm. 5 Dry morning, the day dry, and fine growth. Brother John came up tonight. He and I were at Fa- ther’s. Poor father is worse. 6 Dry morning, the day dry and fine all through. My dear old Father died just as the clock struck 12 at midnight. The doctor said his disease was pleuresy. Darling Father only lived 3 months and 3 days after mother. Oh, the agony of parting from a beloved parent. My Father was the best of Fa- thers, no kinder could have been. Father was about 71 years of age. [in margin, double underline] Father died. 7 Dry warm day all through, rain at night. 8 Cloudy morning, appearance of rain, a little sprinkling fell. We buried poor Father about 3 O’Clock this afternoon alongside of Mother in the Graveyard on Lot 36, 4th Range Melancthon. Mr. Snowdon, W. Minister, preached the funeral. <Q3 folio 23 verso> July 1882 9th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Brother John stopped here today. John Agnew was here a while. 10 Cloudy morning and a little rain fell through the day. Jim and John with the team were doing Statute Labor for Lot 31 Melancthon. I pulled some mustard in the afternoon. Brother John left for home in the morning. 11 Fine morning, the day fine all through. John took his steers in the forenoon to the fair. Did not sell them. In the afternoon he and Clark cut thistles from among the potatoes. 12 Cloudy morning, and pretty windy, the day cloudy and windy all through, with a very slight sprin- kling of rain a little after 12 noon. Jim went to Horning’s Mills, Melancthon, to play the fife for the Orangemen there. John beat the drum for Irwin’s lodge, Proton. Clark, Willie and Eliza went �181 to Dundalk to witness the gathering. Even Mrs. R. hurried off after dinner to join the pageant. Stopped at home alone, as being more consistent with my feelings. 13 Cloudy, windy and cool, all through the day. Jim came home about 10 A.M. from Horning’s Mills. In the afternoon he re-drilled some turnip ground. I went to Dundalk after dinner. Clark hoed potatoes at John Gott’s. 14 Dry, cloudy morning, the day dry and pretty windy, especially in the afternoon. Clark, Willie and I re-sowed some turnip seed which the flies had eaten, before John and Jim went to work on the drains under their uncle Sam. <Q3 folio 24 recto> July 1882 15th Warm day all through, and a little breezy. There was frost this morning, done little harm to ap- pearance. Jim and John were on the drains with Sam. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and done some Township business. [in margin] Frost. 16th Sabbath. Cloudy and cool this morning, the day dry and windy, but threatening rain, which came after night. Mrs. R., W. J. Arnold and Mrs. Arnold, and I took my team and went to Mulmer. 17 Dry morning, but showed signs of rain. The day dry all through. Mrs. R. and the whole caboodle went to a picknick or tea party on Lot 36–4th Range Melancthon. My family are all wild geese, run-run-run for evermore. No stop at home. Some of them has arrived now 10 P.M., others are on the scoot. 18 Rather misty morning, the forenoon got overcast and there was a heavy rain with some hail and a little thunder in the afternoon. The framers have started work again at the Barn. Mrs. R. took the team and she and Willie went to Feversham with the wool. Jim was at Mr. Hewitt’s logging bee. Johney and I dug drains. [in margin] 76¾ lbs Gross / 65¾ net. [weight of wool.] 19 Very heavy dew this morning, the day got overcast and there was a shower about 11 A.M. The afternoon was fine. I was digging drain, Jim was with Sam on his drain. Johney was doing Stat- ute Labor for Sam. Mr. George Rutherford was here this afternoon and I got the new Barn insured in the Western for $380.00 and Contents $120.00. I also had the insurance $100., and part of the Contents $250., in all $350., taken off the old buildings which are in the Victoria Mutual, and placed on the new. Sum total $850.00 on building and contents. <Q3 folio 24 verso> July 1882 20th Cool, cloudy morning, the forenoon cold, the afternoon warmer. Jim was working on the drains. Johney was doing Statute Labor for Sam. I went to the back line in the forenoon and in the after- noon I dug a piece more of the drain where I intend for a lane. 21 Cool morning, the forenoon cool, the afternoon warmer. John and Jim were working with Sam on the drains. I cut the way to the overlays and W. J. Arnold hauled them out with one horse. 22 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty warm all through. I dug at the ditch for lane. Jim and John worked at the drains with Sam. Christopher Johnson bought a yoke of small two year old steers from me for $32.50. 23rd Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through. 24 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got 15 lbs. spikes for the Barn, also a bottle of medecine from the doctor for the cough. Jim and John helped John Gott at the Barn. Clark and Willie took home the steers to Mr. Johnson. 25 Dry, sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm, with rather a strong wind. John and I ditched. Jim and Clark took the mares to “Justice”* in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Lot 31 Melancthon and brought home the Bobsleighs. [*stud horse.] �182 26 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty hot, with a stiff breeze. Jim and Johney were taking out logs to make an approach to the barn. I was ditching. <Q3 folio 25 recto> July 1882 27th Fine morning, the day dry to about noon, then there was some rain with thunder. There was more rain about 2 P.M. with heavy wind, then a heavy rain about 9:30 P.M. The boys were making an approach to the frame barn. I was ditching. Mr. & Mrs. Lonsway here at night. 28 Dark, cloudy morning, the day cloudy, cool and windy, the eavning chilly. Johney and I put in a culvert and levelled a waggon track for hauling hay, grain, etc. Jim finished the approach to the barn, then he repaired the hay rack to haul in. 29 Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. Jim finished the waggon rack, then he went with W. J. Ar- nold, who borrowed my waggon, to Mulmer. Johney drilled up the potatoes and hoed his own patch in the afternoon. I looked over the Township Books and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited $100.00 @ 6 percent in Mr. Lucas’ Bank. I had deposited $100.00 in the beginning of the month. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought some paints and oils. [in margin] Renewed subscription to Mail. 30th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day hot mostly, and pretty breezy. Mrs. R. and I went to brother Sam’s. The place where poor Father and Mother lived is quite lonesome. Their dear old faces are no more there to welcome me, their voices are hushed forever, sad is the recollection! 31 Cloudy morning, the day cool and cloudy. Jim and John started mowing. The grass is pretty tall but very thin, it being the first seeding-down on new ground. I was picking around. <Q3 folio 25 verso> August 1882 1st Mizzly morning, the day a little wet all through. Jim and Johney mowed till noon. They went to Dundalk after tea. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went to Osprey woolen Mills for the yarn. 2 Misty morning, and the day was cloudy all through and cool. Jim, John and I went to Lot 31 Melancthon and made and brought home some overlays. 3 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and cool all through. Jim and John were mowing. W. J. Arnold helped them. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon on business. In the afternoon Clark and I raked and put up some hay. 4 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and very sultry. Jim and John mowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon hauled in four small loads. Clark and I raked. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, post- ed and Registered the following letters: one to Miss West of Orangeville containing $33.00, one to Miss Rogers of Mount Forest containing $29.00, one to W. Ferguson, Esq., Inspector of P. S., con- taining money order for $4.00, one to the Manager of the Merchants Bank, Toronto, Receipt for $24.00 Coupon. Came home and raked hay after that. 5 Cloudy morning, the day several times appeared like rain, still, none fell. The afternoon especially appear[ed] like thunder, the day was pretty sultry. Jim went to W. J. Arnold to help him at his hay. We raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in, in the afternoon. Mrs. R. also raked. We hauled in six small loads. We had to load small, the ground was so rough and stumpy and knolly. Miss Sa- rah Bell was here a short while this eavning. 6th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry but a good deal of rain fell in the afternoon. Brother Sam and family were here today. <Q3 folio 26 recto> August 1882 �183 7th Dark morning, the day cloudy pretty much all through. Jim and Johney were digging on the drain. I mowed part of the day, and in the afternoon I went to John Brinkman's and bought a small pig, about ten pounds weight, from him for $2.00. 8 Rather cloudy morning, the day dark generally. There was a slight rain, both in the forenoon and afternoon. Jim and John worked on the drain for lane. I mowed in the forenoon and in the after- noon worked at the Township books. 9 Cold morning, the day chilly, mostly, and cloudy. There was quite a rain accompanied with thun- der and lightening in the eavning. I was working on Sam's drain till about 4 P.M., when the rain prevented us working any longer. Jim and John went this morning on an excursion to Owen Sound. Mrs. C. Bell was here today. [in margin] Boys on an excursion. 10 Dark, cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, with every appearance of rain, but scarcely any fell in this neighborhood. The two boys were with Sam on the drain. Clark was with A. Patterson on his drain. A sad calamity happened yesterday in Osprey. At a picknick six boys went out in a small boat to have a sail. The boat upset and four of the boys were drowned. Two of the boys were sons of Mr. Mills of Osprey. I was cleaning out the cellar in the forenoon and in the after- noon I went to Dundalk. 11 Bright morning, the day dry all through. Mrs. R. and I raked hay in the forenoon and hauled it home in the afternoon. Jim and John were at Sam's on the drain. Clark was on A. Patterson’s drain. 12 Wet morning, the day showery all through. I made out the half yearly statement of the finances of the Township in the forenoon, and in the afternoon all of us, with the exception of the two eldest, went to Dundalk. Jim and John worked half a day on the drain. Clark worked the same time. <Q3 folio 26 verso> August 1882 13th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, though not wet. Skeffington Bell and wife were here this afternoon. 14 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy with every appearance of rain, but none fell. Jim was ½ day at drain, John nearly full day. Clark with A. Patterson. Mrs. R., Eliza and I Paris greened our pota- toes. 15 Cloudy day all through, with a slight shower of rain in the afternoon. I mowed a little in the fore- noon. Jim and John were on the drains, Clark was with A. Patterson. 16 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and wet-like. I mowed some in the afternoon. There was a quite a shower of rain in the forenoon. Jim and John were on the drains. 17 Misty morning, a slight rain falling, which continued most of the forenoon. The afternoon was dry. I attended council meeting at Dundalk. Jim and John were working on the drain with Sam. Clark was part of the day with Alex Patterson. 18 Fine morning, the day dry all through. I cut some swale grass in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to inspect the cleaning of Lot 31 Melancthon. From thence I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R., Eli- za and I had tea at Mrs. Joseph Neithercut’s. The boys were on the drains. There was a pretty stiff frost this morning but no harm can be seen yet in this part. [in margin] Frost. 19 Sunny morning, the day clear and bright. I wed [=weeded] turnips in the forenoon. The boys worked on the drains in the forenoon. There was a very heavy frost this morning but I can't see any damage done, except some pumpkin leaves wilted. [in margin] Frost. <Q3 folio 27 recto> August 1882 20th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day fine all through. Mrs. R., Eliza and I visited at Mr. W. Lonsway’s. �184 21 Cloudy morning, the day dry till about 2:30 PM when there came on a thunder and rain storm. The afternoon was pretty showery. It is now (7:45) raining pretty sharp. Jim and John were work- ing at Sam's. Clark was with A. Patterson full day, less half an hour, on drains. I put up some hay in the swale in the forenoon and in the afternoon wed among the turnips in the dry spells. 22 Showery morning, the day showery all through, with a perfect rain pour during the night. Jim and his mother went to Flesherton. John was with Sam on the drain. Clark was with A. Patterson. 23 Fine morning, and the day fine all through. Jim was in at Sam's pulling pease. John was on the drain. Clark made ¾ day with A. Patterson. I was weeding turnips. [in margin] First new pota- toes. 24 Misty morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. I was ditching at home, Jim and John were with Sam. Clark was at A. Patterson’s. 25 Fine morning, the day dry and excessively hot. I pulled pease in the forenoon and went to a Coun- cil meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. The boys were on the drains. [in margin] First harvest- ing. 26 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Johney, Clark and I pulled pease. Jim was at Sam’s. <Q3 folio 27 verso> August 1882 27th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day was generally cloudy, but no rain fell. 28 Rather misty morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. The three boys and I were pulling pease. John Gott was working at the barn. 29 Fine morning, the day dry and very warm. I was helping brother Sam at his pease. Jim hauled a load of bricks from Flesherton for Mister Thomas Hanbury to Dundalk. Then he hauled another load of bricks for John Irwin from Skeffington Bell’s. Clark and Johney pulled pease. 30 Dry warm day all through. C[l]oudy in the afternoon. Jim craddled oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and Johney and Willie hauled in pease. I pulled pease. Clark was helping Sam at his pease. [in margin] First oats cut. 31 Misty morning, and a very slight skiff of rain fell. The day cleared off about 9 AM and it was dry afterwards. We put in a load of pease, then Jim and John craddled oats. I fixed the road a little and went to Dundalk after supper. September [1882] 1st Cloudy morning, with the appearance of rain. We worked in the turnip patch during the forenoon. In the afternoon the boys cut and tied some wheat. I hoed turnips. [in margin] First wheat cut. 2 Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out once in a while. The day was dry till about 5:40 PM when there came on rain, accompanied by thunder and lightening. The boys hauled in the remainder of the pease in the forenooon, and cut wheat in the afternoon. I hoed turnips in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Melancthon and measured Faucet’s job. It lacked more than ¾ of an acre in measurement, also there was raking and cutting of snags to be done. Mrs. R. gathered spoils. [writing cramped] <Q3 folio 28 recto> September 1882 3rd Sabbath. Misty morning but no rain fell during the day. There was some rain at night. 4 Dark morning, very like rain, but none fell. The day was dry all through. Jim and I took 16 lambs in the forenoon to the man that had bought them (James Best). In the afternoon Jim craddled, John and Clark bound. I hoed turnips and went to Dundalk after tea. �185 5 Fine morning, the day dry all through, but an exceedingly heavy dew this morning which kept the grain wet and unfit for handling quite a while. I raked up oats, the three boys craddled and bound wheat. 6 Fine morning, the day dry all through. Jim cut wheat in the forenoon. His mother and John tied. And in the afternoon we hauled in five loads of loose oats. Clark was working with W. Lonsway for $1.00. 7 Misty morning, and a very heavy dew. The sun shone out after some time and the day was dry and fine, but got cloudy towards night with indications of rain. Jim and John were craddling oats. Clark and I hauled in five loads of wheat in the afternoon. 8 Cloudy morning, and the day appeared very much like rain, but none fell. The sun got out and the day was dry. I helped Sam to bind and haul in. Jim and Johney cradled oats at home. Clark raked together some oats into sheaves. 9 Very fine morning, the day dry and fine all through, and very warm about 2 PM. Clark and I hauled in two loads of oats in the forenoon, and three loads of wheat in the afternoon. Jim and Johney craddled oats. <Q3 folio 28 verso> Sept. 1882 10th Sabbath. Misty morning, but the day was dry all through. Miss Sarah Bell was here. Mrs. R. went to see Mrs. G. Broughton in the afternoon. 11 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty windy. Jim craddled oats. Mrs. R., Johney and I hauled in in the forenoon. In the afternoon Mrs. R. and I visited at S. Bell’s. 12 Dry morning, and some frost, but apparently it done no harm. The day dry. Jim craddled, Mrs. R., John and I hauled in. 13 Cloudy morning, and very much like rain, which came on about 12:30 after noon, and was consid- erably wet during the afternoon. Jim, Johney and Willie went to help Sam harvest in the morning. I had to go to Dundalk in the morning for nails. I then went with the team to Sam's and we all helped him. The rain stopped us. Sam has out about two loads of grain. 14 Wet morning, the forenoon showery, the day very wind[y] from morning to night, especially so in the afternoon. There was some hail during the forenoon. The boys tried to craddle some oats but it was too windy. We tied a load of oats in the afternoon and hauled them in. We also hauled in some swale grass that I had stacked up. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. W. J. Arnold bor- rowed the democrat. [in margin] Very high wind. 15 Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out and the day was dry and breezy. Jim and John craddled oats. Mrs. R., Clark and I tied oats. 16 Very heavy dew this morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and pretty warm. Brother Sam helped us to harvest oats. Jim mowed them but they were greatly broken down. John and Clark hauled in ten loads. Mrs. R and I bound oats. <Q3 folio 29 recto> Sept. 1882 17th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through, thunder and lightening with a slight sprin- kling rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R and I were at Mr. Lonsway’s. 18 Cloudy morning, but the sun got out about 11 AM. The day was dry and breezy. We hauled in five loads of oats in the forenoon and this wound up our harvest. Will we all live to see another harvest finished? Who can tell? We fired our fallow in the afternoon, got a very poor burn. Jim went to the mill in the afternoon for some plank to finish the horse stable. Did not get any. Will get them tomorrow morning. [in margin, double underline] Finished Harvesting. �186 19th Rather misty morning, the day cloudy in the forenoon and a pretty sharp shower of rain. The af- ternoon was dry. The boys were picking up in the fallow in the afternoon. Jim went to the mill in the forenoon and got some plank to finish the horse stable. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some hinges. Miss S. Bell was here a while today. 20 Misty morning, but the day was dry but cloudy. Jim, John and I picked up in the fallow. Jim went to see Henry Gallaher in the afternoon, as he wished to get him and his oxen to log. 21 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool all through. John was piling brush in the fallow, Jim and his Uncle Sam were making door casings for the upstairs. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon for staples and bolts, in the afternoon I piled brush. 22 Rainy morning, and the forenoon was showery, the afternoon dry. Jim fixed some door casings. John went with the team to Mr. H. Hewitt's thrashing. John Gott finished the Barn. Price paid $90.00. He was 34 days and his men were 57 days of a single man. [in margin] J. Gott / finished / the Barn / Frost. <Q3 folio 29 verso> September 1882 23rd Misty morning, the day dry but cool. Frost this morning. John Gott got the lend of the team and democrat to take his wife to Maxwell to the doctor. We were piling brush in the fallow. Mr. Lon- sway and wife were here this afternoon. [in margin] Frost. 24th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry but rather chilly. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam's in the afternoon. 25 Frost this morning, but the day was dry and breezy. The boys and I were working in the wood fal- low piling brush, etc. James Mills borrowed the democrat to take his daughter Hannah to the doc- tor at Shelburne. [in margin] Frost. 26 Frost this morning, the day dry but very chilly. The boys working on the chopping. Mrs. R. and I went to the funeral of Mr. Robert Oliver’s infant in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Flesherton and purchased a Wilkinson's plow (1 no. 3, Stiff) for $13.00 cash and our old plow val- ued at $4.00. Mrs. R. bought herself a new bureau for $11.00 cash and a mirror for $4.00. [in margin] Frost 27 Frost this morning, the day rather warm and dry. Jim, with the team, was at Mr. Lonsway’s thresh- ing. Johney, Clark and I chopped in the fallow. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 28 Not quite so chilly this morning, the day pretty warm with a few drops of rain about noon. Johney is at Mr. Lonsway’s threshing, Jim and Clark worked in the fallow. I went to a Council meeting at Hopeville. I took my team and drove the Reeve (Peter McGregor) out. They had a very long meeting and it was two O’clock in the morning when I got home. <Q3 folio 30 recto> Sept[ember]1882 29th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm all through. We were logging with the horses in the fallow. 30 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm all through. We were logging with the horses in the fallow. W. J. Arnold helped us to roll. Mr. Muir bought a span of colts, both mares sired by Lord Haddon and twenty-eight months old, from me for Two hundred and five dollars cash. [in margin] Sold colts. October [1882] 1st Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day dry and hot all through. W. Lonsway and family were here to- day. 2 Dry morning, but misty, the day remained cloudy all through and rather cool. We were logging today. Henry Galllaher had his oxen with us, and W. J. Arnold helped to roll. �187 3 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty warm all through. We had Henry Gallaher and his oxen, and Brother Sam, logging. 4 Dry morning, the day dry all through, but cloudy in the afternoon. Johney and I fired the log heaps and kept them punched up. Jim and Clark helped their uncle Sam to raise potatoes. Mrs. R. and Johney went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. Muir took his colts [MS coalts] away today. 5 Fine morning, but the day got cloudy, although there was no rain fell. We punched up the log heaps in the morning and went to the Show Fair in Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a fine turnout at the fair, a very large crowd. James White of Melancthon got badly hurt by R. Mont- gomerie’s bull. <Q3 folio 30 verso> Oct[ober] 1882 6th Fine morning, the day dry and very warm. We were picking up and branding. I went to Dundalk to Council meeting in the afternoon. 7 Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. We were picking up and firing heaps in the fallow. Mrs. Lonsway and husband were here a while at night. 8th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry all through and very windy. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. Lon- sway’s. 9th Rather cloudy this morning, and the day chilly all through. There were several slight showers of rain. We were taking up potatoes. Mrs. R. and I went to Mrs. Montgomerie’s with the woolen yarn to be woven. There were 72 skeins and 2 more to send, or about 41½ lbs. 10 Cool morning, the day rather chilly all through. We finished raising potatoes. They were a very poor crop in comparison with last year. The ground was too dry in the part of the season when they ought to be growing. The potatoes were large enough, but very few in the ground. We had about 80 bushels off an acre of ground. Mrs. W. John Arnold and baby were here a while this af- ternoon. Yesterday I settled with J. Gardiner* and paid him the balance which Mrs. R. owed him. I gave him one sheep skin @ .60¢ and returned one horse poke @ .70¢, 14½ pounds shingle nails @ .03¼ ¢ per pound, and .25¢ worth of screw nails. I gave him .10¢ cash to straighten the account between us. [in margin] Finished raising potatoes. [*John Gardiner, hardware store in Dundalk.] 11 Cool morning, the day pretty chilly but dry. I chored around, the boys put out manure. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to see Mrs. Sam Russell, who has been mourning her family. 12 Fine dry day all through, but rather chilly. Jim and I put out manure. We borrowed Mr. Lon- sway’s waggon. John, Clark and William helped Brother Sam to take up potatoes. <Q3 folio 31 recto> Oct[ober] 1882 13th Fine morning, and the day was dry till the afternoon, when there came on a slight rain which in- creased in volume till it was a terrible heavy shower just at dark. Jim and I hauled home some firewood in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. John was helping Henry Gal- laher to clean grain. Clark and William helped Mr. Lonsway raise potatoes. [in margin] Posted letter to / William Russell / Sawmill and lumber man / Batson’s Store P.O. / Dickson Co. / Tenn. 14 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and dry all through. I worked at the Township books. Jim hauled grain (2 loads) to Dundalk for H. Gallaher. John and Clark hauled stones with the steers. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here a while tonight. 15th Sabbath. Cool day, but nice and dry and sunny. 16 Dry morning, the day dry and fine all through. Jim plowed, John and Clark hauled stones with steers. �188 17 Dry morning, the day dry and fine, like Indian Summer. Jim plowed, John and Clark picked stones. I went to Dundalk in the eavning on Business, was about to purchase Mr. Thos. Lakin[g]s’* house, but did not. [*Thos. Lakings is listed on Collector’s Roll, 1886, as proptery owner; see History of Dundalk, p. 269.] 18 Dry morning, the day dry and fine all through. Jim plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon took 224 pounds of Butter to Dundalk and sold it for .18¢ [per lb.] on account. We also took in 2½ bags of potatoes for Eliza and sold them for .65¢ per bag. Jim got a suit of clothes, to be made, at $19.00. John bought himself an overcoat for $7.00, and a coat, vest and hat for $9.00. Clark was shingling with John Gott. <Q3 folio 31 verso> October 1882 19th Cold, chilly day all through. Jim was plowing, Johney was making a stone boat. Clark and I helped brother Sam put in straw. 20 Very hard frost this morning, the day very chilly all through. We were logging. Henry Gallaher helped us with his oxen. Brother John and his wife came here this eavning. 21 Very fine morning, the day dry and mild. The day, generally speaking, was one of idleness: except paring some apples and asking hands for the threshing, there was nothing done. The thrashers came here this afternoon and set up their machine. 22nd Sabbath. Fine day, cool, clear and dry. The Misses Neitherut, brother John and wife, were here today. 23 Misty morning, and the general appearance of the day was wet, but scarcely any fell. We were threshing today. Brother John and wife were here today. 24th Bright morning when threshing began. The day was cool and clear. We finished threshing at 9:30 A.M. The grain did not turn out well. As near as I can estimate, I had about 25 Bushels of oats per acre, 14 bushels of pease and 10 bushels of wheat. Some of the oats are light, must have been froze by the summer frost. The wheat shrunk, some a little froze, the pease a good enough sample, but very wormy. John and wife and my wife left for home this afternoon. Mrs. R. is going to see her father. [in margin] Thrashed. 25 Fine frosty morning, the day dry but chilly. Jim was plowing, John was at Dan Reid’s working, Clark and I worked among the log heaps. 26 Fine frosty morning, the day dry all through. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark were picking stones. <Q3 folio 32 recto> October 1882 27th Fine morning, the day dry and remarkably beautiful for this season of the year. Jim was plowing, John and Clark were picking stones. I was picking up in the fallow. John Agnew and Dr. Madill were here at noon. 28 Frosty morning, but the sun soon got out and the day was dry and fine, though rather cool and pretty windy, with a slight mizzle of rain falling after night. Nancy came home at noon after being gone since Tuesday noon. Jim was plowing, Johney and Clark picked stones. I picked up in the fallow and fired heaps and set fire to some stumps in the afternoon. 29th Sabbath. Cloudy, dry day but very cold. 30 Quite chilly this morning and the day was cool, cloudy and dry. Jim plowed, John and Clark picked stones. I went to Melancthon and hunted up Faucet who had been doing some chopping and clearing for me during the summer. I paid him his full contract price, less three dollars. The �189 contract was not near completed but I paid him to get rid of him. [in margin]. Henry Lonsway married to Miss Brou[g]hton. 31 A slight shower of rain this morning, but the day cleared off soon and was fine and mild all through. Jim plowed, Johney and Clark picked stones and I dug a drain in the field to carry off the water. There were here a while this eavning Mrs. C. Bell, Mis S. Bell, and Mrs. Skeffington Bell, also Walter Bell and his brother Skeffington. Jim is at, I think, Mr. Joseph Neithercut’s, as there came a messenger from them to Jim while he was plowing. Halloweve is now about over, will we all see another? All that were here, I mean, that’s the question. <Q3 folio 32 verso> November 1882 1st Remarkably fine morning, the day beautiful and sunny all through. Jim plowed, John and Clark picked stones. I dug a ditch. 2 A very slight skiff of snow this morning, just barely distinguishable. The day was pretty cold, but fair. Jim plowed, John and Clark branded and picked up. I helped in the forenooon and in the af- ternoon I dug a ditch. 3 Very hard frost this morning, and the air was chilly and cold all day. It kept freezing in the shade all through the day. Jim plowed, John was at W. J. Arnold’s threshing. I finished my digging of a drain in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Clark and I cleaned a small grist and sawed some hem- lock logs. Mrs. M. Broughton called to see us this eavning. 4 Very cold raw morning, the ground froze very hard. John and Clark picked up and branded. Jim took two bags of wheat to Dundalk mill, did not get it ground. Then he got some repairs done at the blacksmith’s and harnessmaker’s. I went to Mr. Duncan’s to get him [to] cut some oat sheaves for us, then I went to Dundalk and from thence to C. Fry’s to see a span of colts [MS coalts] that he had to sell. I did not like them, made him no bid for them. Mrs. R., Eliza and I dined with Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway in Dundalk. I got a letter from Brother William. [in margin] Got a letter from Brother William. 5th Sabbath. Fine sunshiney morning, the day pretty mild for this season of the year. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon meeting. Brother Sam and Phoebe came out with her and stopped to about 9 P.M. John Agnew stopped here this night. <Q3 folio 33 recto> November 1882 6th Rather chilly this morning, and the day was cold all through, hard frost in the morning. Jim plowed, John was at D. Reid’s threshing. Clark and I took up turnips. 7 Mild morning, with a slight mizzle of rain. The day was dark all through, with appearance of rain towards night. Jim plowed to about 3 P.M. when he broke his plow point, and had to go to Dun- dalk for a new one. John was at D. Reid’s threshing, Clark worked at the turnips. I fixed a little in the barn, preparing for getting some sheave oats cut tomorrow. 8 Misty morning and the day was lowering all through, but mild. We were cutting oat sheaves. We had Mr. John Duncan, his cutting box, and horse power, and himself and son. They had two span of horses. They cut from about 10 A.M. till 5:30 P.M. He cut about 95 dozen large bind [sheaves], and charged $3.50. He done good work and his charge was reasonable. 9 Mild misty morning, the day a little dark all through, with a slight mizzle of rain at night. Jim plowed in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went with the team to Dundalk for some wheat I had bought. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk and purchased Twenty-five Bushels and sixty -nine pounds of prime fall wheat at .85¢ per Bushel. John and Clark were working at turnips. �190 10 A very fine, mild morning, the day beautiful for this season of the year. I helped brother Sam to butcher a young cow. Jim went to the grist mill. John and Clark put potatotes into the cellar. <Q3 folio 33 verso> November 1882 11th Dark mizzly morning, and the day continued slightly wet. Jim plowed, John and Clark took six head of cattle for us, and one for brother Sam, to Brother John’s in Tossorontio Township to be wintered there. I chored around and went to Dundalk to transact Township business. [in margin] Took cattle to Tossorontio. 12th Sabbath. Very fine day, dry and mild. 13 Quite a change in the weather this morning, snow on the ground and a little fell throughout the day. Pretty cold and stormy towards night. Jim plowed, I worked at the Township Books. Stabled up the cattle this eavning for the first [time] this season. [in margin] First snow / Stabled cattle. 14 Sharp frosty morning, snow on the ground and a pretty keen freeze. The day pretty cold all through, a little glimmer of sunshine about 4 P.M. Jim plowed part of the day. Boys got home from Tossorontio. 15 Sharp cold morning, the day chilly all through. Mrs. R. and Jim went with the team and some geese to Dundalk. She sold the geese alive to Mrs. Lamon*for .60¢ each. [*James Lamon was a lawyer in Dundalk, History of Dundalk, p. 93.] 16 Cold morning, the day got milder and the afternoon was a little wet, and finally turned to snow at night. The boys were fixing around the buildings. I went to Dundalk in the morning to see Mr. Hewetson.* He wished me to collect his store accounts for him and offered to provide a rig for me and pay me $2.00 per day. I did not take the job as I thought it would be too fatiguing on account of the bad roads and bad weather. The roads are breaking up now and the winter coming on, con- sequently the job would be very cold. [*Hewetson and Smith ran “London House”, a general store on Main St., Dundalk; see History of Dundalk, p. 3]. <Q3 folio 34 recto> November 1882 17 Pretty heavy fall of snow on the ground this morning, very wintery-like. The boys fixed up the buildings, preparetory [sic] to the winter. 18 Fine bright morning, the day sunny and thawing. The boys hauled some firewood and cut some stove wood, and ground their axes. 19th Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, the day cool all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Melancthon. 20 Cool in the morning, milder towards noon, with a sharp freeze at night. Johney cut some stove wood at the house. Mrs. Russell and I went to Dundalk and transacted some business. I deeded Lot 31, fifth Con. Melancthon to Jim, and Lot 215 + 216, first Con., Proton to Mrs. Russell. Life is uncertain, and if anything happened to me (I being troubled with heart disease) this would an- swer for a will and be better. 21 Cold morning, the day pretty cool all through, with indications of snow at night. Jim, Clark and I were fixing our shanty. John helped his uncle Sam to make Sq[uare] timber. 22 Some snow fell this morning, and the day was soft in a general way, with frequent showers of soft snow. The boys and I were fixing shanty. [in margin] Mrs. McCulloch* died. [*S. McCulloch was proprietor of the Anglo-American Hotel in 1877, Hist. of Dundalk, p. 101.] 23 Soft morning, thawing. The day was soft with frequent showers of snow. It is now, (8:30) P.M., snowing. Jim and Clark were at the shanty. Johney was helping his uncle Sam put in a culvert. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Miss S. Bell is stopping here tonight. <Q3 folio 34 verso> �191 November 1882 24th Stormy morning, blowing and snowing, and continued so all day. Jim and Clark went to the shan- ty in the afternoon. John helped Sam. 25 Rather more moderate than yesterday, but some snow fell occassionally [sic] through the day. The snow is now about six inches deep on the level. In the fence corners it is drifted about two feet deep. Jim was helping W. J. Arnold to chop. Clark was at H. Hewitt’s threshing. Johney and I fixed up part of the old barn for a shed. 26th Sabbath. Snowing this morning, snowing at noon, and snowing at night. Soft air. 27 A little sharp this morning, but the day got milder towards noon, with a sharp freeze at night. We were roofing our shanty in Melancthon. 28 Pretty sharp morning, the day cool, and decidedly cold at night. Very fine sleighing now. We were fixing our shanty on Lot 31 Melancthon. Mrs. S. Bell and her sister Miss M. Robinson were here today. [in margin] P. Conner’s child died of diptheria. 29 Very sharp morning, and pretty cold till the afternoon, when the day became somewhat milder, and snow began falling towards night. The boys and I were fixing the shanty. Mrs. James L. Johnson died last night. [in margin] Mrs. Johnson died. 30 Rather stormy this morning, the day kept getting worse, the afternoon was blowing and snowing very strong. The boys were at the shanty. Mrs. R., Willie, Eliza and I went in the afternoon to Mrs. Johnson’s funeral. <insert> [Between folio 34 verso, 35 recto, scrap of paper with measurements for rooms of house, not clear the purpose.] </insert> <Q3 folio 35 recto> December 1882 1st A little snow fell this morning and the day got softer towards evening, with indications of a thaw. The boys chored around home. I attended a Council meeting in Dundalk in the eavning. [in mar- gin] Sent letter to William / Yellow Creek P. O. / Houston Co. / Tenn. 2 Cold blustery morning, snow falling thick. There was a good deal fell during the day. Jim and Clark went to Melancthon lot, split some firewood and brought home a load at night. John went to W. J. Arnold’s sawing. Brother John’s Robert came here this eavning. 3rd Sabbath. Rather rough this morning, blowing and snowing, which was the prevailing features [sic] of the day. All the family went to Melancthon Church. 4 Stormy morning, blowing and snowing. The day cleared off a little towards noon, then came on more snow and wind, harder than ever. It was a pretty big storm when night came on. I had one Ewe died today. Cause: something in her head. The boys moved their bedding, etc., to the shan- ty. 5 Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through, with some snow falling at night. The snow is pretty deep now, about fifteen inches, I think, on the level. The boys are at the shanty. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk, sold an old stove for $1.90, and a sheep skin for .75¢. W. Lonsway was here to- night while I made up for him the amount of timber w[h]ich measure was in the culverts which he built for the section. H. Lonsway and wife were here a while. 6 Snow falling this morning, and a little fell through the day. The boys are chopping cordwood. I went accross [sic] today and brought home a small load of wood. <Q3 folio 35 verso> �192 [writing switches to blue/purple pencil from black ink] December 1882 7th Extremely stormy morning, snowing and blowing a regular tornado or tempest. The storm kept raging furiously all day. I did not see a solitary person on the road today. The storm was so vio- lent that I could not find my way to the watering place, consequently all the horned animals had to go without. I melted snow for the horses. Brother John’s Bob intended on going home this morn- ing, but he has got stormstaid and cannot. Johney came home from the shanty at night. [in mar- gin] Violent storm. 8 Another stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing. The storm did not abate any through the day. The cold was more intense than yesterday. I made my way to the watering place and shov- eled out the snow. Then we drove the cattle, and a hard job it was. I got both my ears froze stiff as bricks while doing so. This is the longest storm I ever re[me]mber of. 9 Sharp morning, but the wind not near so strong as yesterday. Some sleighs appeared on the road today, but they had to take the fields in a good many places. The roads are blowed up at a terrible rate. Jim was at the shanty part of the day. In the afternoon he went to Dundalk and bought an axe, the former one being so hard that it is breaking continually. Eliza showed signs of having diptheria today, her throat being filled with white matter. We are gargling it repeatedly, and blow- ing sulphur in it. It appears to be getting a little better. John’s Bob went to brother Sam’s when we found Eliza had diptheria. Jim is stopping with H. Lonsway tonight. [in margin] Eliza took diptheria. <Q3 folio recto 36> December 1882 10th Sabbath. Pretty stormy day, cold, blowing and snowing. Jim, Clark and Willie went to the shanty this afternoon. Did not like to let them stop in the house where diptheria is. Eliza is getting better. We keep gargling her throat with salt and water about every hour. Also blowing sulfur with a quill into her throat. Also we have put on two mustard blisters to her throat. 11 Somewhat calmer than the former days, not blowing nor near so cold. Some snow falling now and then. John went to Walter Nickle’s threshing. Jim came home this afternoon from the shanty with a sore throat. Hope it is not diptheria. Eliza is still keeping gaining, perhaps Jim will not have it very bad. [in margin] Jim got diptheria. 12 Calm, cold morning, the day got windier in the afternoon, and colder, with some snow falling. Johny went to the shanty for some wood. Clark came home today, thinks he has diptheria. Jim is getting better. [writing in purple pencil ends] 13 Quite stormy this morning, snowing some through the day, a perfect hurricane at night. I went with Mr. McGregor, Reeve, to Council meeting at Cedarville, had to stop there all night. 14 Another stormy morning, the day stormy all through. Came home, the roads impassible in places, had to take the fields. Mr. McGregor’s mare could scarcely draw the cutter in places. 15 Sharp freeze this morning, but not so much storm as the other days. The snow is an immense depth. 16 Calmer but quite cold, a little snow fell through the day. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Brother John is here tonight. <Q3 folio 36 verso> December 1882 17th Sabbath. Something milder this morning and not so much snow fell. Brother John went to brother Sam's and came back at night. �193 18 Quite mild this morning, the day mild all through, the trees covered with hoar frost. Johney took one cord of Cedar to Dundalk and sold it for $1.25. 20 Rather windy this morning, the snow drifting, with a tendancy to rain at night. I went to Dundalk to the council meeting in the afternoon. 21 Mild day, with a slight rain falling most of the time. Johney took a cord of dry Cedar to Dr. McWilli[a]m’s* in the forenoon, and in the afternoon drove his mother to Dundalk. I was in Dun- dalk in the afternoon, and posted and registered cheque to manager of Merchants Bank, also cheque to Manager, Bank of Commerce, Toronto, $24.00, $28.00 coupons S. Sections, Proton. [* Dr. James A. McWilliam, Medical Officer of Dundalk, 1888-1903, see History of Dundalk, p. 33.] 22 Mild morning, thawing till the afternoon, when towards night it began snowing. It is now (8:45) snowing pretty briskly. Johney and Clark went to Melancthon Lot and cut a small load of wood and brought it home. I stopped at home and done the chores. [in margin] Watson Ballard / (col- oured) died. 23 A soft snow falling this morning, something between a rain and snowfall during most of the day. There has been a thaw, but of short duration, not much water as yet, and the snow very little gone. John and Clark brought home a little stove wood today. Jim and I cleaned peas (60 Bushels), 13 Split + 47 Whole. <centrefold Quire 3> <Q3 folio 37 recto> December 1882 24th Sabbath. Mild day all through, a slight quantity of snow fell. 25 Mild morning, the day very mild, a slight softening of the snow. John and Clark took a sow to the hog in the forenoon, and in the afternoon all the boys went to a Social at Dundalk. Mrs. R., Eliza and I visited Mrs. C. Bell after dinner. [in margin, double underline] James Lonsway / married / to Miss Chambers. 26 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with a slight snow fall. Jim hauled to Dundalk two cords (short wood) dry cedar to Mr. Thomas Hanbury at $1.25 per cord. John and Clark cut a cord at home. 27 Rather sharp morning, the day pretty cold. The boys went to Melancthon to work. John brought home a small load of firewood. In the eavning I went to the Trustees Annual Meeting in S. S. 2 Proton and paid the school rates to the trustees, $330.00. Coming home I dined with Mr. Christo- pher Johnson. 28 Pretty sharp morning and a keen freeze all day. I took the boys out some bed clothes and some bread to the shanty. Brother Sam has commenced his job of taking me out rails. Mrs. R and I went over to H. Lonsway’s a while tonight. 29 Not very cold this morning, almost inclined to thaw, the wind pretty strong throughout all day. The three boys are shantying. Mrs. R. took some bread to them. <Q3 folio 37 verso> December 1882 30th Rather mild this morning, the day mild all through. Willie and I cleaned up a small grist in the forenoon. Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Posted letter to Ireland. 31st Sabbath. Blowing and snowing a good deal this morning, and a good deal of blow throughout the day. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to brother Sam’s, and from thence to the Union Church in the after- noon. �194 The old year has just about passed away and alas, the dearest and kindest of parents have been called away during the year. Poor Father, Darling Mother, both gone to their everlasting [MS ling] homes. Who can tell how soon another one of us may go? Perhaps another year may cause a blank in some of our families. January 1883 1st Cold this morning, the day cold all through. The boys started for the shanty this morning. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and polled my vote. 2 Cold morning, the day cold all through. I went to the Bank at Dundalk and deposited $1012.54, Township moneys. 3 Cold stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, which was the prevailing features of the day. Mrs. R. took the boys in some eatibles [=edibles] in the eavning. 4 Cold morning, the day cold all through. The boys are at the shanty. Mrs. Kirby is stopping here tonight. One of our calves took bad with a swelling, the urine seems to be stopped. I am afraid I will lose [MS loose] the calf. <Q3 folio 38 recto> January 1883 5th Very sharp cold morning, the day very cold all through, I think the coldest day that has come through the winter. I took a small grist to John McDowell’s Mill (7½ Bushels). 6 Cold morning, the day cold all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and straightened up the Township affairs with the banker. In the afternoon I got a grist from Mr. McDowell’s. Calf died, too much food in stomach, could not digest it. 7th Sabbath. Not quite so cold as yesterday, another fall of snow today. 8 Rather milder this morning. Killed a swine in the forenoon. In the afternoon took the calf’s skin to Dundalk, got .06¢ per pound [for] it. It weighed 33 pounds. Then took some provisions for the boys to the shanty. Brought home some firewood. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here a while at night. 9 Pretty cold day all through. 10 Keen freeze this morning, the day very cold. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went in the afternoon with provisions to shanty. 11 Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through, but not near so cold as yesterday. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. Two Miss Neithercuts and Miss Oliver were here today. 12 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny but sharp. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in [the] eavning. 13 Very stormy this morning, the wind kept getting fiercer and some snow fell. This was the windiest day [that] has come, I think, this winter. <Q3 folio 38 verso> January 1883 14th Sabbath. Stormy, snowey day, the roads are drifting up pretty full, especially those which run North West and South East. Brother Sam and his family were here today. 15 Calmer this morning, and the sun shone out pretty strong. The day was very cold. I went to a Council meeting at Hopeville. 16 Bright sunny morning, and the day pleasant all through. Mrs. R. and I visited Mr. Skeffington Bell in the eavning. 17th Blowing and snowing this morning, and the day was one of storm all through. The snow came down very thick. Mrs. R. took some provisions to the boys at the shanty. I have entered on my 48th year of existance today. Will I see another Birthday? Poor Father and Mother were both alive this time last year. Alas, both are now gone. �195 18 Pretty sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. James L. Reid of Dundalk died today. 19 Very blustery morning, and the day stormy all through, blowing, snowing and freezing. Mrs. R. went to William Lonsway’s. Mrs. Lonsway gave birth to a boy.* [in margin] Mrs. W. Lonsway gave birth to a boy. [*William, d. Feb. 1960, buried in Alliston in family plot.] 20 Something softer this morning, and towards night there was a slight rain or sleet for about two hours or a little more, when it cleared and there fell some snow. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon and made a Township deposit in the Bank. <Q3 folio 39 recto> January 1883 Sabbath. 21st Cold blustery morning, and the day was one of storm, blowing and freezing. The boys came home about noon. 22 Extremely cold day from morning till night. The sharpest frost this winter, nothing like it. Jim and John went to Lot 31 Melancthon for some firewood. [in margin] Very cold. 23 Very cold morning, the day extremely cold all through. We chored around home today. [in mar- gin] Very cold. 24 Another stormy cold morning, but not quite so bad as yesterday. The day was very cold all through, and the wind high. The wind increased towards night. We butchered a swine. Jim made a wood rack, Clark and I cleaned up a grist for the mill. 25 Sharp morning, the day piercing cold. The boys took the team and started for Lot 31 Melancthon to swamp out some cordwood. 26 Very cold morning, but the sun got out soon, and the day was rather pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Henry Lonsway and wife were here a while at night. 27 Something milder and almost like a thaw. Still, I think the thaw is a good while coming. Jim was trying to haul cordwood to Dundalk. Could not get along well, the roads were so filled up with snow and the sleighs kept cutting off. It's poor business. I was at Dundalk in the eavning. <Q3 folio 39 verso> January 1883 28th Sabbath. Another cold stormy day. 29 Blowing and snowing, mostly, all through the day. John and Clark went to Lot 31 Melancthon for some firewood. Brought home about an eighth of a cord. Got a telegram from John Agnew say- ing his father was dead. 30 Very mild morning, the day soft all through, the snow melting and in some parts on the road, al- most watery. Mrs. R. went to her father's funeral. Johnny and Willie went also. Clark and I took a grist to the little mill. Jim is at home laid up with a cold. Eliza is keeping house. 31 Very stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing, the day was fearfully stormy all through. February [1883] 1st Another stormy morning, the day stormy all through from morning till night. 2 Bright morning, the day rather milder than yesterday, with a good deal of sunshine. 3 Pretty stormy morning, the day rough all through, with a sleet fall towards night. Jim and John went to Lot 31 Melancthon for some firewood. 4th Sabbath. Another stormy day from morning till night. 5 Another stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing all day long. Jim went to help his uncle Sam haul logs to the mill. Got along badly. Horses crowded. Broke his harness. Broke his clevis.* Did not get a solitary log to the mill. Came home with one horse hitched to the sleigh, the other behind. [*Clevis: u-shaped metal connector, with a pin or bolt through the ends of the U, used to hitch a chain to the harness, to tow logs.] �196 <Q3 folio 40 recto> February 1883 6th Another stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing. The boys were cutting stove wood in the bush at home. Joseph Jackson of Melancthon was married to Miss Johnson of Artemesia today. [in margin] Joseph Jackson married. 7 Another day of storm. Blowing, snowing and freezing. The boys were cutting stove wood. 8 Another stormy day from morning till night, blowing, snowing and freezing. The boys cut stove wood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon tried to get some home. First, John took his steers and broke the road to the Bush, Jim shoveled out the snow in the gaps. Then Jim hitched up the horses and went back. He could only fetch a few sticks. The sleigh was almost load enough for the hors- es. There had been no road to the Bush any time this winter, so that every foot of it was bursting through Snow from 2 to 5 feet deep. He succeeded in getting home a few sticks. 9 Very stormy morning and the day continued extremely cold and blustering all through. Blowing, snowing and freezing were the prevailing characters of the day. Jim went to Dundalk. It kept him three hours coming home. 10 Sunshiney morning, the [day] clear, bright and calm, but a sharp freeze. The boys were in the bush cutting stove wood. Jim butchered a swine in the afternoon. I had her up three months fat- tening, and still she was poor enough. Henry Lonsway and wife, and James Lonsway and wife are here this night for a while. Miss Sarah Bell was here in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 40 verso> February 1883 11th Sabbath. A sharp cold day all through, but not so much of a blow as some of the days past. 12 Sunshiny morning, the day bright and pretty warm, the snow melting on the sunny side of the buildings. Jim hauled home stove wood, John and Clark manufactured it in the bush. 13 Sunshiny day all through. The boys, assisted by Henry Lonsway, were in the bush cutting fire- wood. 14 Stormy day, snowing and blowing. Jim helped Henry Lonsway saw wood. Clark and Johney were in the Bush in the forenoon. In the afternoon Johney took John Gott to Flesherton. Clark went for his boot to the shanty, took it to Dundalk. 15 A little inclined to be soft this morning, the day tending to softness all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk on some business. 16 Raining this morning. Raining at noon, and raining at night. I went to Toronto, took a ticket for there and back, Price $3.80. Got the mixed train at Dundalk, rode to Orangeville and waited there to the eavning train. Went on board, train delayed at Woodbridge, freight train off the track at Weston, got to Toronto at 12 night. [in margin] Thaw. 17 The morning blowing and cold. Cleared up about noon, the afternoon sunny. Seen lawyer S. H. Blake, consulted him about the Essa Lot Mortgage. Took the train 4:25 P.M. and got home to Dundalk at 10 P.M. <Q3 folio 41 recto> February 1883 18th Sabbath. Pretty cold stormy day, the roads very bad, almost impassable. 19 Pretty chilly in the morning and all through the day, although there was a little sunshine. Jim tried to haul some stove wood from the bush. Only hauled one small load, the horses crowded so. In the afternoon I went to Clippert’s sale thinking to buy a steer calve, but his calves were heifers. Johney cut some wood in the bush. 20 Another stormy day, blowing and snowing. I attended a Council meeting at Dundalk. �197 21 Cold stormy morning, the day was very windy all through, drifting snow. The boys started for Lot 31 Melancthon. 22 Cold day all through. 23 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty mild, sun shining all day. Brother Sam came here about to 11 A.M. He and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk in Mr. Nick- le’s sleigh. 24 Blowing pretty strong all day, the afternoon sleeting, or more like cold rain falling. The boys are at the shanty. 25th Sabbath. Blowing, snowing and freezing. Brother Sam and Phoebe, and Miss Maxwell were here in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 41 verso> February 1883 26th Snowing, blowing and freezing from morning till night, a regular NorWester Blizzard. Willie, Eliza and I cleaned up a load of oats in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk on some business. 27 Calm morning, but the day turned out very rough and windy, with a raging snow storm at dark. Brother Sam hauled out two loads of oats for me today (57 Bushels 15 lbs + 69 Bushels + 18 lbs). Sold them for .40¢ per bushel. I could not put my horses on the road because they crowd so much. 28 Nice mild morning, the day bright, sunny and warm. Very pleasant after so much cold weather. Brother Sam hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk for me. Sold at .40¢ per bushel. March [1883] 1st Bright sunny morning, the day mild and a thaw wind with a hot sun. The snow is settling down and melting. [in margin] Thaw. 2 Very fine morning about sunrise, but the day got overcast and was pretty cold in the afternoon, with a slight snow fall. [in margin] Got letter / from Ireland. 3 Rather cold this morning, and the day was chilly all through, with a rather strong wind and a slight snow fall occassionally. 4 Sabbath. Cold morning, the day chilly all through, very sharp. 5 Another cold morning, the day cold all through, with a pretty bright sun. Keen frost though. [in margin] First lambs came. <Q3 folio 42 recto> March 1883 6th Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through, with some snow falling in the afternoon, and an ex- ceedingly heavy wind storm at night. 7 Stormy morning, the wind blowing fiercely, the cold very intense. The wind kept raging furiously all day, but fell at night. 8 Pretty chilly this morning, and the day sharp all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. 9 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with a slight thaw wind. 10 Soft snow falling this morning and a good deal like a thaw through the day, with frequent showers of snow now and then. Mrs. R., Willie and Eliza took the team and went to the shanty with provi- sions for the boys. I went to Dundalk and sent a draft for $701.50, County rates to the Co. Treas- urer, Owen Sound. [in margin] Posted letter / and three newspapers / to W. Russell, Ireland. 11th Sabbath. Rough stormy day from morning till night. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to brother Sam’s. We had hard work getting the horses through the snow banks. 12 Stormy morning, stormy at noon, stormy at night, the wind blowing fiercely, snow fallling oc- cassionally and a bitter freeze at night. �198 13 Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through. Bright sun and a little thaw on the south side of the buildings. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mrs. W. J. Arnold was here. W. J. Arnold brought home the ram. <Q3 folio 42 verso> March 1883 14th Soft wind blowing this morning, and continued soft all day with a bright sun towards the middle of the day, causing a slight thaw. Mrs. R. took some provisions to the boys. I went to Dundalk. Elizabeth Lonsway, a helpless invalid that has been confined to her bed for more than twelve years, died today. [in margin] Elizabeth Lonsway / died. 15 Cold stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing. The day continued stormy and cold. 16 Stormy cold morning, the day cold, blowing, freezing and snowing. We went to Elizabeth Lon- sway’s funeral in the afternoon. 17 A little milder this morning than yesterday. The day appeared to get softer, almost like a thaw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 18th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day got remarkably stormy, blowing, snowing and freezing all day long. Mrs. R. and I went to William Lonsway’s. 19 Very sharp morning, the forenoon piercingly cold and snowing, the afternoon not much better. Mrs. R. took the boys to the shanty, then went to a quilting at Phoebe’s. 20 Sharp morning, but the day was sunny and bright. Mr. Thos. Hanbury and ____ Walker, Township auditors, were here today and commenced their audit. 21 Sharp cold morning, the day pretty cold all through, but a bright sun shining. Capital sleighing now, the snow storm of Sabbath having filled up the inequalities of the road. <Q3 folio 43 recto> March 1883 22nd Bright cold morning, the day chilly all through, although the sun shone out bright. 23 Pretty nice morning, the day sunny and bright. The auditors finished their audit today. [in mar- gin] Mr. Nickle’s / Baby died. 24 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through, but rather chilly. 25 Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day pretty nice and warm. Brother Sam and wife, and Josiah Sauder* were here and they and our family went to the funeral of Mr. Walter Nickle’s baby in the afternoon. Brother John, Eliza and two of their boys came here at night. [in margin] Mr. W. Gal- laher’s / child died. / Esther [=Easter]. [*Josiah Sauder, no. 33 in picture, History of Dundalk, pp. 312-13. Jim is groom’s man for Sauder, 8 August 1883.] 26 Pretty fine morning, the day sunny but sharp. Brother John and Eliza went to Brother Sam’s. Jim and I hauled a ton of hay from James Ros[e]borough’s lot on the gravel. The ton cost $13.00. Hay and cattle feed of all kinds are very scarce and can scarcely be obtained. Jim hauled a couple of loads of moving for Skeffington Bell in to Dundalk in the afternoon. 27 Sharp morning, the day very cold but clear. I took Jim to the shanty, then I went to Dundalk. Brother John left for home today. 28 Bright morning, the day cold and clear. 29 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and cold. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 43 verso> March 1883 30th Beautiful morning, the sun shone out very bright and warm. The afternoon got cooler, and at night it was quite sharp. All the family, with the exception of myself, went to the Examination of School Section No. 5 Melancthon. �199 31 Bright sunny morning, the day clear all through but pretty chilly, especially in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk, and Skeffington Bell, Collector, and I settled collector’s Roll and he returned it. April [1883] 1st. Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day clear and cold. 2nd Bright morning, the sun shone out strong, the day was pretty mild, but the snow did not melt much. Mrs. C. Bell was here today. 3rd Rather cloudy morning, but the sun got out soon and the day was rather inclined to be soft. There was a brisk wind for a short time in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk and posted a letter to Mr. Mathew Knox, South Dummer Post Office, containing a Draft for $221.00, Land payment and in- terest on Lot 31, Con. 5, Township of Melancthon. Miss Martha Neithercut was here today. 4 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, and there was something of a thaw. 5 Slight rain falling this morning, and throughout the day there were frequently small showers. Mrs. Russell and Willie took some provisions on the mare’s back to the boys. <Q3 folio 44 recto> April 1883 6th Rather cloudy morning, the day was overcast several times, sunshine and clouds alternating, not much thaw today. Sharp frost at night. 7th A fresh fall of snow this morning, and a little fell through the day, but the afternoon was mild, a[nd] there was a slight thaw. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 8th. Sabbath. Mild morning, the day pretty fine all through, the snow melting a little. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the eavning. 9 A little chilly this morning, and a pretty strong wind, but the sun soon got out and the day became warm, and from a cold wind it turned to a thaw wind. The snow disappeared more today than any day this spring. I heard a Robbin today. Willliam Boyd, Township assessor, was here and as- sessed Lot 215 $900.00, Lot 216 $200.00, 1 span horses $100, 5 cows $75, + 8 sheep $15.00 = $190, Total Assessment: $1290.00. I gave in 35 acres cleared on Lot 215, and one acre of bad land, 10 acres cleared on Lot 216 and 40 acres bad land. There are 7 days St[atute] Labor. I was at Dundalk this afternoon. [in margin] Heard first / Robbin. 10 Cloudy morning and rather chilly, the wind middling strong. There was not much of a thaw today. 11 Pretty windy morning, the day was inclined to thaw some, the wind got very strong in the after- noon. The snow is disappearing, though very slowly. There is a great scarcity of cattle provender in the neighbourhood. <Q3 folio 44 verso> April 1883 12th Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful all through, the snow melted a great deal. Jim came from the shanty and took the Bay mare with him. He is going to get his uncle Sam’s horse and try to swamp out some rail cuts. Mrs. Daniel Reid was here this afternoon. 13 Mild day, with a strong thaw wind, the snow melted a good deal today. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. Henry Lonsway was here this afternoon. [in margin] Seen first / Robbin of the / season. 14 Warm morning, the day very sultry, the snow disappearing very fast. The air close and warm, a thunder storm is evidentally indicated. The boys got home from the Melancthon Lot, John and Jim were swamping out rail cuts. They did not succeed well, as the mare was too firey. They broke a couple of their tugs. Clark was at a wood Bee at his uncle Sam’s. 15th Sabbath. Very fine day, sultry and the snow melting rapidly. Rain in the afternoon. 16 Dark morning, but the sun shone out once and again through the day. The boys went to Lot 31 Melancthon in the forenoon. Willie took the Black Mare to the blacksmith’s and got two shoes on. �200 Jim came home in the eavning and made preparations for starting the plow tomorrow. I took in 20 Bushels turnips out of a pit, there was one bushel spoiled ones. 17 Frost this morning, the day was mild but cloudy. Jim took the team, and John, and started for Lot 31 Melancthon to begin plowing. The snow has disappeared as if by magic this last week and plowing has, in general, commenced. We began on the 19th last year. Mrs. Daniel Reid and Baby were here today. Fire in Dundalk last night. [in margin, formal printing script] Plowing com- menced. <Q3 folio 45 recto> April 1883 [“april” in formal lower case gothic script] 18 Rather cloudy morning, and the day was chang[e]able, being dry and warm in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, wet and chilly. The four boys are on the Melancthon Lot, some plowing, some chopping, and some making molasses. 19 Rainy morning, a slight mizzle, mostly all day. I went with Clark and carried some bread to the boys. I then went to Dundalk. 20 Fine morning, sun bright and warm, the day generally fine, with a tendancy to frost in the after- noon. Was in Dundalk in the eavning at a cheese factory meeting. 21 Fine morning, the day bright and clear. I went to Priceville to see Inspector Ferguson. 22 Sabbath. Pretty fine morning, the day generally warm. W. Lonsway and family were here in the eavning. 23 Pretty hard frost this morning, the day chilly all through, although the sun shone out bright. I plowed on Lot 31 Melancthon, Johney also plowed. Jim went to Jos. Neithercut’s raising. Clark and Willie made molasses. 24 Very sharp morning frost, and [MS to and, with “a” overwritten] snow falling occassionally through the day, and the wind cold and raw. Very sharp frost all day long. I and Mrs. Russell went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 25 Very hard frost this morning, and the day was cold all through and freezing. Johney went to Dun- dalk in the forenoon and thence to Lot 31 Melancthon to chop rail cuts. <Q3 folio 45 verso> April 1883 26th Misty morning, a slight rain in the forenoon, something heavier in the afternoon. Then it turned to snow and there was, for the space of about an hour, a very heavy snow fall, immensely large, soft flakes. It cleared off just at dark. 27 Ground covered with snow this morning, but about 3 P.M. it had disappeared. The ground is very sloppy. Jim came from the shanty for some horse feed. He then went to Mr. Roseborough’s for half a ton of hay. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 28 Hard frost this morning and a little snow on the ground, the day cold all through. The boys got done plowing in Melancthon. They have plowed about 18 acres. I attended a meeting of the cheese factory at Dundalk. 29th Sabbath. Rather chilly day all through, a hard frost in the morning. 30 Frost this morning, but the ground was fit to plow. The afternoon was a little wet on towards night. Jim plowed with the horses. Johney and I started to pick stones with the steers. The stone boat soon gave out, then we hitched to a plow. The steers plowed pretty well, it being their first time. They hauled* a little during the forenoon, but we tied their heads together and that broke them partly off it. We first tied their tails together, but this was no use. Mrs. R., Clark and Willie �201 went to Melancthon to boil down some sap. Clark came home at night. [*i.e. they did not pull to- gether in tandem as a team.] May [1883] 1st Ground covered with snow this morning, quite wintry-like. The snow had all disappeared at noon. The afternoon was fine and drying. The boys plowed. Jim and Willie went after supper to Melancthon to fetch home the syrup and utensils. [in margin] Snow. <Q3 folio 46 recto> May 1883 2nd Misty morning, the day overcast, a slight rain came on about noon, and got heavier about 4 P.M. The afternoon was unpleasant and wet. Jim plowed, Johney, Clark and I picked stones. A tramp called and had his dinner. 4 Dark morning, the sky overcast and a slight mizzle of rain falling. The day was generally gloomy and unpleasant, the ground is very wet, scarcely any [MS: and] low fields can be got on to be worked. Jim and Johney plowed. Clark and I cleaned wheat. The Misses Neithercut were here this afternoon. 5 [entry is in purple pencil] Misty morning, the day mizzling all through. Jim sowed five acres of pease. Johney plowed and Clark harrowed. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] First grain / sown (pease) / one day before / new moon. [end of pencil, reverts to black ink] 6th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day sunny till the afternoon, when it clouded over. Mrs. R. and I went in to Brother Sam’s. 7 Wet morning, the forenoon pretty showery, the afernoon dry, but dark. The boys plowed. Clark chored around in the afternoon. Dan Byer[s] was here and paid $5.00 com[m]utation of Statute Labor for his father’s Lot for 1882. 8 Dry morning, the day continued dry but cloudy. Jim plowed to noon, when the large clevis of his plow broke. He went in the afternoon to Dundalk, got another 2 coal oil barrels at .75¢ each + 3 barrels of salt at $1.50 each. John, Clark and I gathered stones in the forenoon and he [Jim? John?] plowed in the afternoon. [“when the large clevis of his plow broke” is likely an error, since it is reported as happening the next day.] <Q3 folio 46 verso> May 1883 9th Dark cool morning, the day chilly all through, a sharp shower of sleet about 2 P.M. The eavning very much like a snow storm. Jim plowed for a while in the forenoon, when his large clevis broke. He went to the blacksmith’s and got one made, price .75¢. Clark plowed in the afternoon. John plowed all day. I picked the seed potatoes. 10 Dark morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon very wet. It rained incessantly from about 1 P.M. till dark. I sowed 4½ acres wheat. Jim got it partly harrowed, then had to stop on account of the rain. John plowed during the dry part of the day. Clark sowed some salt on the wheat ground. [in margin] Sowed first wheat / Seen first swallow. 11 Very cold morning, the day cold all through, a very heavy frost this morning. We sowed 2½ acres of wheat on Lot 31 Melancthon. Johney plowed at home. [in margin] Frost. 12 Hard frost this morning, the day very cold all through, but dry. We sowed the remainder of the wheat, also some oats, and some oats and vetches. John plowed. Clark harrowed at Sam’s. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid Mr. G. R. Middleton for 3 Barrels of salt which Jim had got this week. The salt was $1.50 per barrel. I gave him a $5.00 bill and he returned me 0.55¢. Mr. Fred Nixon and ____ Ketchum* were present. Ketchum said the dearness of the salt came from �202 the national policy. I said after paying so much for it, that I throwed the salt on the ground. Mr. Nixon remarked that it made good manure. [in margin] Frost. Finished sowing wheat. / First oats sown / Sowed some vetches. [*first name is blank in MS; Jesse Ketchum had a tannery in Dun- dalk, and was band master in 1870s; see History of Dundalk, pp. 91, 104, 225] <Q3 folio 47 recto> May 1883 13th Sabbath. Cold day, dark and chilly. [in margin] Frost. 14 Frost this morning, the forenoon dry, snow after dinner and raw afternoon. A very unpleasant day. We sowed five acres pease. Could scarcely get them harrowed, the ground was so wet. Johney picked stones in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk after tea. [in mar- gin] Finished sowing pease / Moon a week old / Frost / Got letter from Willie 15 Fine dry morning, the day breezy and sunny, drying the ground well. Jim and Clark started to Melancthon to prepare the ground for sowing oats. Johney plowed at home. I went to Dundalk af- ter tea. [in margin] Sent letter to / Brother William / Yellow Creek P. O. / Houston Co. / St. of Tenn. / US 16 Dry clear morning, the day sunny and breezy. John plowed at home. Jim and Clark came home at noon from Melancthon and took away seventeen bags of oats to sow. Willie harrowed at his uncle Sam’s. 17 Beautiful morning, the sun shone strong and warm all day, the first really spring day has came. Johney plowed, Jim and Clark sowed and harrowed in Melancthon. Willie was at Sam’s. 18 Rather cloudy this morning, the day pretty windy but dry, with the exception of a few drops of rain near night. Appears like a thunder storm. Jim and Clark worked in Melancthon, John plowed at home. I went to the back line after supper. 19 Wet morning for a while, a thunder shower at noon. Quite a thunder storm with a rain pour at night. Clark went to Tossorontio for the cattle. Jim harrowed in Melancthon. John plowed and picked stones at home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 47 verso> May 1883 20th Sabbath. Dark gloomy day, cold and raw. 21 Very cold morning, freezing hard through the forenoon, as cold as some days in the winter. Jim harrowed in the forenoon in Melancthon, and plowed at home in the afternoon. Johney pulled some brands off the fallow and harrowed afterwards. I sowed oats. The afternoon was wet all through, a very cold rain at that. Sent first milk to factory. [in margin] Frost. / Brought cattle home / First milk sent to factory 22 Cold morning, very cold rain came on and kept raining for most of the day. The boys plowed most of the dry part of the day. I attended Council meeting in Hopeville. 23 Cold raw morning, the forenoon cold and gloomy, the afternoon some sunshine. Jim plowed, Johney and Clark picked stones and dragged. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 24 Fine morning, the day sunny generally, except a while in the afternoon when it clouded over. Jim plowed, John harrowed. I sowed about five acres of grass and clover seed. 25 The day dry and sultry, becoming overcast in the afternoon. Jim sowed oats, Clark harrowed, Johny harrowed. I went to Dundalk in the morning, thence to Lot 31 Melancthon, and from thence to brother Sam’s. I harrowed a while in the afternoon for him. 26 Dry early in the morning, but the rain soon came on and the day was very wet till 3 PM. Jim har- rowed some and plowed some. Johney and Clark picked stones. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. �203 <Q3 folio 48 recto> May June 1883 27th Sabbath. Dry day in part, but rather cold. 28 Dry morning, the day dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a pretty sharp, cold rain. The after part of the day was cold and wet. I attended a Council meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim went to Mr. Oliver’s to log. John and Clark went to Lot 31 Melancthon to cut roads to rails that are split. I took seven head of cattle to John Gott’s to pasture. I am to pay 0.50¢ each per month for them. [in margin] Took cattle to / John Gott’s. 29 Dry morning, the day dry all through. I sowed some mixed oats and pease. Willie harrowed. Jim is at Mr. Oliver’s. John and Clark are trying to get out rails with the oxen, 30 Dry morning, dry in the forenoon, the afternoon very wet. I sowed some oats. Willie harrowed with one mare. Jim is at Mr. Oliver’s. John and Clark are getting out rails. 31 Dark morning, a slight mizzle of rain fell during the forenoon. The afternoon partly dry. Jim was working at Oliver’s. John and Clark are taking out rails. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. C. Bell’s in the af- ternoon. I went to Dundalk. June [1883] 1st Bright morning, sun out clear, frost on the ground, the day dry and cloudy in the afternoon. I sowed some oats, Willie harrowed. The boys are working in Melancthon. [in margin] Frost. 2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Cloudy in the eavning. I sowed some oats. Willie harrowed, the other boys were swamping out rails in Melancthon. This has been the wet[t]est spring I ever remember. The grain is only puddled in. [in margin] Finished / Seeding. <Q3 folio 48 verso> June 1883 Working in Melancthon for a week. Kept no record. 10th Sabbath. Dry day generally. 11 Showery morning, the day showery all through. I helped Sam cut potatoes. The boys were getting out rails in Melancthon. 12 Wet morning, with frequent showers through the day. The boys were getting out rails. 13 Dark morning, the day dry and breezy in the afternoon. I sowed some grass seed in the forenoon and Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. The boys were getting out rails. I got $101.00 Sup[erannuation] pension. 14 Frost this morning, the day fine and dry all through. I went to Lot 31 Melancthon to help the boys to get out rails. [in margin] Frost. 15 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm. The boys and I were fencing. Jim came home in the afternoon and prepared some chop to mill. 16 Beautiful morning, the day very hot all through. John, Clark and I were fencing. Jim took to be chopped 536 pounds gross, and in the afternoon went to Tom Talbot’s raising. 17th Sabbath. Very warm day, with a sharp shower in the eavning. 18 Rain in the morning, rain in the eavning, dry in the middle of the day. John, Clark and I were get- ting out stakes. Jim is at home, choring around. Tried to drill up some for turnips but found it too wet. <Q3 folio 49 recto> June 1883 �204 19th Dry early in the morning, then dry and wet alternately through the day. John, Clark and I were getting out stakes for a fence in Melancthon. Jim and Willie went to the mill with a grist. We are having the loan of one of Brother Sam’s horses as one of our mares has colted. Poor little Hannah McKay, formerly Hannah Mills, died this morning after suffering in her mind and body for the past eight or nine months. Took the wheat to Speighton Mills,* ____ Campain, Miller. Got very poor return, had 32½ bushels, only got 34 pounds to the bushel and a very small portion of bran. [in margin] Mrs. Hannah McKay / died [* Perhaps also called Speeton Mills, 1.5 miles from Flesherton; Robert took grist there in 1877.] 20 Misty morning, there was a little rain fell through the day. We were getting out stakes in Melanc- thon. 21 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and the afternoon sunny. The boys were getting out stakes. Mrs. R., Willie, Eliza and I were at Mrs. Hannah McKay’s funeral. 22 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and hot. We were making fence in Melancthon. 23 Sunny day, dry and very warm. John, Clark and I were fencing. Jim went to the mill for some chop. Also went to the harness makers and got a sett of harness, price: thirty-six dollars. 24th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry till near night, when it commenced raining. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here today. <Q3 folio 49 verso> June 1883 25th Some rain fell this morning, then cleared off till about 10 A.M. when it commenced again and kept pouring for quite a while. Brother Sam and I started to see a farm in Eldersley Township.* We got as far as Chesley village this day. The country from Hanover to Chesley appears to be a good farming section. The fall wheat however, is a failure. Pease, grain and clover appear excellent. [*Elderslie Township, Bruce County.] 26 Rain this morning, but cleared off about 8 A.M. We left Chesley and drove to the place. Did not like it: too flat and very much cut up with a creek running through it, winding in and out. The bridge swept away so that we could not get the team into the farm. A good deal of the farm cov- ered with pine stumps, the bush consists of a good deal of black ash, swales and hemlock. Alto- gether, the farm is a very poor one. Left the place at noon, came through the Township of Sullivan to Desboro, 10 miles, thence to Williamsford village 8 miles, thence to Williamsford Station 3 miles, thence to Markdale 9 miles. Stopped there in Breen’s Tavern all night. 27 Fine morning, the day dry all the forenoon. The latter part of the afternoon rainy. Left Markdale this morning, got home about noon. 28 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Done some Township writing and other chores. The boys are making slash fence in Melancthon. 29 Bright sunny morning, the day dry. Jim and Clark were underbrushing. 30 Fine morning, the day dry. Jim and Clark were underbrushing. Johney chored around. I was in Dundalk in the afternoon, collecting cheese money. <Q3 folio 50 recto> July 1883 1st Sabbath. Dry day with the exception of a slight shower in the afternoon. Brother Sam and family were here, also Mr. R. Montgomery and wife. 2 Dry with the exception of a slight shower at noon. We all went to see the pastime at Dundalk. 3 Dry morning, a slight shower in the forenoon, a terrific thunder and lightening storm about 9 P.M., accompanied with heavy rain and high wind. I was coming from Council Meeting at Cedarville �205 with Mr. McGregor, Reeve, and we were out in most of the storm. It was the dreadfulest thunder and lightening I ever witnessed. It was perfectly appalling. [in margin] Terrific Storm 4 Fine morning, wet, the afternoon dry, the ground is fairly saturated with wet. The crops on the low ground are drowned out, cannot be any good. Jim is spreading manure. John was helpin[g] Sam. 5 Pretty fair day till eavning, when there came on a rain storm. Jim was working at home. John is helping his uncle Sam. 6 Fine morning, the day fine till about noon, when there came on a rain pour. The afternoon was dry. Jim was plowing. John was helping his uncle Sam. Mrs. Abraham Jackson visited us. 7 Very rainy morning, the forenoon wet all through, the afternoon dry but a little misty. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim and John were helping Sam. 8th Sabbath. Dry all all through. Mrs. R. and some of the family drove to Lot 31 Melancthon. <Q3 folio 50 verso> July 1883 9th Dry day all through. I was bossing on the Statute Labor. Jim sowed turnip seed in Melancthon. Clark harrowed, John worked at Sam’s. [in margin] Sowed turnip seed. 10 Dry day all through. I bossed the Statute Labor. Jim and Clark underbrushed. John helped his uncle Sam. 11 Dry warm day all through. Jim and Clark underbrushed. John helped Sam. I sowed some turnip seed in the afternoon. [in margin] Sowed turnip seed. 12 Dry morning, but very cloudy and indications of rain, although a heavy dew lay on the grass. There came on a rain storm in the afternoon. The three eldest boys went to Maxell with the young Britons* of Dundalk. Jim fifed for them. They are not yet (9. P.M.) home. [*Loyal Orange Young Britons Association, youth wing of the Loyal Orange Lodge.] 13 Misty morning, the day dry but cool. John helped Sam. [in margin] Cattle to J. Lonsway. 14 Fine morning, the day dry and very warm in the afternoon. The boys hoed amongst the potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 15th Sabbath. Dry in the morning, showery in the afternoon. 16 Dry throughout the day, a thunder storm threatening at present (9:6) P.M. I took the three boys to the shanty in the morning and in the afternoon I hoed some potatoes. 17 Dark morning, the day dry, cloudy and windy. The boys are working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 51 recto> July 1883 18th Dark morning, a little rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon was dry. The boys are underbrush- ing. I helped brother Sam to hoe potatoes. 19 Fine morning, the day dry with the exception of a slight shower in the afternoon. The boys were underbrushing in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. Nickle & Miss Sarah Bell were here in the afternoon. 20 Fine morning, the day dry all through, dark and cloudy in the afternoon, every appearance of rain. The boys were underbrushing. I cut the tops of thistles. 21 Fine morning, dry throughout the day and extremely hot in the afternoon. Heavy thunder and lightening at night, accompanied with a rain pour. The Misses Neithercut came here this eavning. The boys were working in Melancthon. 22nd Sabbath. Dry day all through. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. 23 Dry morning, the day dry all through. The boys were working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and cut the tops of thistles in the afternoon. �206 24 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through, but dry, not much sun. I was cutting thistles. The boys were swamping cordwood in Melancthon. 25 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm and dry all through. Jim and Clark were swamping wood. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and Willie and I hoed potatoes in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 51 verso> July 1883 26th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. A slight shower of rain after night fell with indications of more. Jim and Clark were swamping wood. Johney, Willie and I worked at mould- ing potatoes. 27 Heavy rain last night, this day cloudy but dry, with a little thunder in the afternoon. Jim and Clark were swamping wood. I atttended some business in Dundalk. 28 Dry morning, slight rain in the middle of the day, the afternoon dry and cool. Mrs. R., Eliza, Clark and I went to Tossorontio. Clark hired with his uncle John Russell, 1 month for $20.00. 29th Sabbath. Dry day all through. We went from John Russell’s to John Agnew’s. 30 Dry morning, the day dry but cool. In the morning I got a tongue put in the democrat, as the other had got broken on Saturday night. We left Brother John’s at 2. P.M. and got home at 7:35 P.M. Jim commenced making a hay rack. John commenced mowing. [in margin] Commenced haying. 31 Dry morning, the day dry but cool all through. Johney went to his uncle John Agnew’s in Essa this morning. He is going to work a month for him for $30.00. Jim finished his hay rack. I raked and put up some hay in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 52 recto> August 1883 1st Cloudy morning, with quite a heavy rain last night. The day dry but cloudy and cool. Jim and I were mowing. 2 Cool and cloudy all day. Jim and Willie took to Dundalk in the forenoon 8 lambs which I had sold yesterday to E. Ross for $3.12½ each. In the afternoon they raked hay and hauled in. I mowed. 3 Cool cloudy morning, with quite a rainfall last night, enough to prevent the hay from being hauled in today. The day was very chilly all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and in the after- noon Jim and I mowed. [in margin] Subscribed / for Mail. 4 Cold cloudy morning, with a slight mizzle of rain. There had fallen some rain through the night. The day was cloudy, cool and windy. We raked some hay in the afternoon and hauled it in. It was pretty green and damp, still we thought it would be best in the barn. 5th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry all through. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Melancthon. 6 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and bright. I mowed and helped to load hay. Jim and the rest of the family worked at raking and hauling in. 7 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and dry. Mrs. R. and Willie went with the team to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim and I mowed. Willie and Eliza raked after dinner. <Q3 folio 52 verso> August 1883 8th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. We brought in two loads of hay in the morn- ing. I mowed the remainder of the day. Jim went in the afternoon with Josiah Sauder and Miss Eliza Neithercut to Shelburne and acted Groom’s man for him. [in margin] J. Sauder and E. Nei- thercut married. 9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and sunny. We raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in in the afternoon. Finished hauling in hay today, except what we have to cut around the fences. [in mar- gin] finished / Haying. �207 10 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. I went to a Council meeting of Melancthon to try to get paid for building a line fence between my Lot and the Municipality. Jim hauled a load of lum- ber for John Gott from Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon he mowed. 11 Sunny morning, the day dry and hot, with thunder clouds in the afternoon. I helped brother Sam rake hay. Jim mowed at home. 12 Sabbath. Bright morning, the day dry and very warm till the afternoon, when there came on a slight shower of rain. Johney Norval* was here. [*blacksmith in Dundalk]. 13 Mizzle of rain this morning, the day dark all through, but scarcely any rain fell. Jim went to Dun- dalk in the forenoon to get his boots fixed. He and I mowed in the afternoon. Miss Carson & Miss Sarah Bell were here making a dress. I brought the young cattle home from James Lon- sway’s. 14 Pretty sharp frost this morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and Willie Paris Greened the potatoes. Mrs. Sam Russell and [Mrs. R.] took our wool to the carding mill. [in margin] Frost. <Q3 folio 53 recto> August 1883 15th Bright sunny morning, the day dry. Jim and I mowed fence corners in the forenoon and in the afternoon we bunched up hay. There was a frost this morning. 16 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very hot by spel[l]s. Every appearance of a thunder storm in the afternoon, but the clouds cleared off about night. Jim and I hauled in the hay that was in the fence corners and some swale grass in the forenoon. In the afternoon I went to a raising at Mr. Ol- iver’s, and Jim and his mother finished the hay. Willie went to the Berry marsh. 17 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, dry and warm. Jim went to N. B. Allen’s, Melancthon, to get our monkey Wrench. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk and had our Photographs taken. 18 A little rain this morning, and more fell during the day. At night there was a slight thunder storm. Jim hauled rails for a fence. 19th Sabbath. The day a little cloudy, but very hot in the afternoon. Mrs. R and I went to Lot 31 Melancthon. 20 Cloudy, but very warm. Jim hauled rails in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon for the Beetle & Wedge* and saw. I worked at the Township Books and also went to Dundalk. [*Beetle, or maul (large wooden hammer, bigger than an axe), used with a wedge, to split wood.] 21 Very fine morning, the day dry and very warm. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Jim split rails, then helped J. Gott to swing barn doors. 22 Bright morning, but the sun got overcast and there was a thunder storm about 9 A.M. and another about 6 P.M. Heavy rain. Jim put up a piece of fence in the forenoon, and he hauled some stove wood home in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 53 verso> August 1883 23 Bright morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and I were putting up fence. [in margin] cattle home / from J. Gott’s. 24 Frost this morning, but I think it done no harm. The day was clear and cool. Jim split some wood in the forenoon and I entered some orders in L[edge]r Book. In the afternoon we went to Dundalk to get some pictures taken. [in margin] Frost. 25 Fine morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and I were thinning turnips on Lot 31 Melancthon. Hen- ry Lonsway and wife were here this evening. [in margin] Frost. 26th Sabbath. Bright cool day all through, frost in the morning. Phoebe and Sam were here today. 27 Frost this morning, the day cold and clear. Jim and I were thinning out turnips. �208 28 Cool morning, the day dark and cool. Jim and I were swamping out cordwood with the oxen. 29 Bright warm day. Jim and I were swamping cordwood. 30 Bright warm morning, the day dry and very hot, especially in the afternoon. Jim and I were swamping cordwood. 31 Very warm day in the forenoon. The latter part of the afternoon was a little wet. Jim and I swamped cordwood. [Six lines of text crossed out: Brother William who had been away for sev- enteen years in the States paid us a visit accompanied with his wife. We were all very much sur- prised and agreeably so. Time has worked a great change in his personal appearance and voice. I scarcely recognized him.] <Q3 folio 54 recto> September 1883 1st Pretty warm day, a slight shower of rain in the afternoon. Jim and I swamped out cordwood. Brother William accompanied by his wife paid us a long expected visit. He has been away in the States for seventeen years. I would scarcely have known either his personal appearance or voice, time has changed him so much! 2nd Sabbath The forenoon dry, the afternoon wet. Brother William, with his wife, and Nancy and I visited Sam’s. 3 Dry day but cool. Jim got home from Tossorontio. He had went away yesterday for John. Johney came with him. Willie and I went to Dundalk. Hard frost in the middle of the night, none in the morning. [in margin] Frost. 4 Very cold morning, the day cold all through. The afternoon showery. We visited at W. Lonsway’s. 5 Cool day. We visited at Sam’s. Very wet in the afternoon. 6 Dry day all through. Brother William and wife & I and Nancy visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the af- ternoon. [in margin] First pease / pulled / first / harvesting. 7 Dark morning, a little rain in the morning, very showery through the day, and especially so in the afternoon. We went to Dundalk to have our likenesses taken, but the artist had not all his imple- ments with him so we were disappointed. 8 Cold, rain all through, very nasty day. 9th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day cold all through. Brother John brought up son Clark, who had been working for him. <Q3 folio 54 verso> September 1883 10th Very severe frost this morning, never seen the like at this time of the year. All kinds of grain ap- pear to be injured, don’t see well how how anything could escape. The crops are very green on account of the wet spring and summer. It’s deplorable to contemplate the harm that one night’s frost can do! Jim and Johney, with team, done three day’s Statute Labor for their uncle John Ag- new in Dundalk. Brothers William, John and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. We had a small party here this night on Brother William’s account, who is leaving tomorrow for Brother John’s. There were Mrs. C. Bell and her daughter Sarah, Mr. Walter Bell and wife, Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife, Mr. William Lonsway and wife, and brother Samuel and wife, also brother John. [in margin] Fearful frost. 11 Another frost this morning, the day bright and warm. Brother John and Brother William and wife, Clark, Nancy and I went to Brother John’s today. The boys pulled pease at home. [in margin] Frost 12 Fine morning, the day clear and bright all through. Brother John & wife, Brother William & wife, Cousin May Murphy, Nancy and I went to Alliston and had our likenesses taken in a group. �209 13 Dry morning, but the afternoon was rainy. Brother John loaded up his reaper, after putting it in working order, for me to fetch home. 14 Dry morning, the day dry and very hot. We bade farewell to Brother William and wife and started for home. It may be a long farewell, perhaps a last farewell, but I hope not. <Q3 folio 55 recto> September 1883 15th Dry morning, the day very hot and dry. Jim & John put the reaper together this morning, assisted by John Agnew, who came here last evening. They then hitched the horses to it. They done passi- bly well, it being their first time on a reaper. Jim cut about six acres of grain. 16th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon a little wet. John Agnew and his daugher Annie left for home about 1 P.M. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. 17 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Jim and I bound oats and wheat. I helped Henry Lonsway in the afternoon. Johney craddled at Jim Lonsway’s. Clark came home from Brother John’s and reports that Brother William and his wife left Alliston for Tennessee this morning. 18 Fine dry morning, but another frost. However, things are past being injured as any grain that could be frozen was frozen on the night of the tenth inst. The day was very dry. Johney craddled. Clark and I tied wheat in the forenoon, and Jim reaped. We hauled pease into the Barn in the afternoon. 19 Dry morning, the day dry all through, but cloudy. Jim reaped. John and Clark and I hauled in pease. Also hauled in three loads of oats at night. We had brother Sam’s team all day. 20 Cloudy morning, the day dark and lowering. A slight rain fell about noon and a good deal heavier rain came on about 5:30 P.M. The boys and I helped Brother Sam to harvest. <folo 55 verso September 1883> 21st Cloudy morning and the day threatened rain, but none of any account fell. Jim was reaping at Sam’s. Sam was hauling in for us. Some of us hauled in, and some of us mowed some oats that were down. 22 Fine morning, the day dry, clear and warm. Jim reaped till tea time, then hauled in. Johney, Clark and Willie hauled in with the oxen from morning till tea time. I tied oats & wheat. 23rd Sabbath. Cloudy day, but dry all through. 24 A slight sprinkling of rain fell this morning early, the sky was lowering all through the forenoon. A slight rain about 2 P.M., which increased to a regular pour about 5 P.M. The boys were hauling in wheat and oats to the Barn during the dry time of the day. When it came on rain they hauled in some oats from the back end of one of the fields to the Barn yard, and stooked them up there, the object being to clear the field for the cattle. I was binding oats. 25 Dark rainy morning, the day generally showery. The boys hauled in some oats from the back field and stooked them around the Barn. In the afternoon Jim took the reaper to Melancthon. I worked at the Treasurer’s Books. Johney hauled a few drags of wood for J. Gott with his oxen. 26 Dry morning, and the day continued dry but cloudy. We were reaping oats on the Melancthon place. They are very badly straw broken and lodged, the worst lodged of any grain I ever seen, and it is almost impossible to cut them. Johney craddled some wheat. Both oats and wheat are badly frozen. <Q3 folio 56 recto> September 1883 27th Dry morning, but indications of rain. The afternoon pretty windy and rain began falling about 5:30 P.M. Johney, Willie and I hauled in loose oats. They were rather damp, but we wanted the field cleared for the cattle. We had brother Sam’s team. Jim and Clark are reaping in Melancthon. �210 I bought a colt from Brother Sam for $40.00. It is about three months and a half old. Mrs. Emma Reid was helping Mrs. R. to quilt a fancy quilt. [in margin] Bought Sam’s colt. 28 Dark morning and quite cold, a shower of sleet fell about 9:90 A.M. The afternoon was dry. Mrs. R. and I tied wheat. Willie and Eliza shocked it. The other boys were harvesting on the Melanc- thon Lot. 29 Heavy frost this morning, a shower of sleet came on about 10 A.M., then it turned to a fine rain and kept steadily to it during the remainder of the day. John, Willie and I hauled in two loads of oats and two of wheat during the dry time of the day. John and Clark were working in Melanc- thon. 30th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day cold but dry. October [1883] 1st Dry morning, the day dry and clear, but cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon. Johney reaped, Jim craddled. Clark and I tied. Mrs. R. helped to tie some. 2 Wet morning, the afternoon dry. I shocked up oats in the forenoon and bound a little in the after- noon. Johney finished reaping our field. Jim and the other two went to Melancthon to harvest in the afternoon. Eliza Russell, Bob* & horses came here this eavning. [*brother John’s wife, Eliza Agnew Russell, and their son Bob (Robert A.); horses is not clearly written, but later reference is made to his team of horses. ] <Q3 folio 56 verso> October 1883 3rd Chilly morning, the day cold and the afternoon windy. There was a shower of snow in the fore- noon which whitened the ground. Mrs. R. and I tied oats. The boys mowed oats in Melancthon. 4 Very heavy frost this morning, the ground perfectly hard. We were binding oats and some of us hauling in. Brother John’s Bob helped us. There was so much frost on the sheaves that our rakes were coated over as with snow. Mrs. R. went to the Agricultural Show Fair, Dundalk, and placed on exhibit a fancy Quilt, [a] Peck Potatoe[s], Onions, Five pounds Buttter, and a loaf of bread. 5 Heavy frost this morning, but the sun got out bright, and the day was pleasant, though cool. We hauled in twelve loads of oats in the forenoon, two teams, John’s Bob helped with his, this finished harvesting in Proton. In the afternoon we all went to the Show Fair. Mrs. R.’s Fancy Quilt and onions took first prizes. 6 Fine morning, the day dry all through. The three eldest boys harvested in Melancthon. Bob and his mother went home. 7th Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day beautiful, almost like Indian Summer. 8 Dry morning, but dark, the forenoon fair, the afternoon a little wet. We were tieing oats in Melancthon. Mrs. R., Phoebe, & Willie went to the carding mill for the yarn. 9 Dry morning, the day splendid till night, when there came on a rain storm with some thunder and lightening. We started to haul in, in the afternoon, to a stack. Got twelve loads in, then the rain put a stop to [MS: till] the work. <Q3 folio 57 recto> October 1883 10th Wet morning, the forenoon pretty wet, and slightly showery in the afternoon. The boys finished mowing the tangled oats in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 11 Dark morning, but no rain, the sun got out about 10 A.M. and the day was dry. We took up 43 Bags of potatoes and put them in the cellar. 12 Rainy, generally, throughout the day. John was at Walter Bell’s threshing in the afternoon. �211 13 Cloudy morning, the afternoon very wet. John was at Walter Bell’s threshing in the forenoon. Mr. & Mrs. Campbell from Bentinck Township were here today and stopped all night. Jim went with him to hunt up six head of cattle that had strayed out of the tavern keeper’s field where he had put them. 14th Sabbath. Wet forenoon, the afternoon dry. Campbell and wife left here about nine in the forenoon, and on their way up the road they got their cattle in Jim Best’s field. 15 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Jim was plowing, John and Clark were picking stones. I was threshing. 16 Very hard frost this morning. I attended Council meeting at Dundalk. The boys were harvesting in Melancthon. 17 Hard frost in the morning, the day dry. We were hauling in oats in Melancthon, putting them in stack. Two teams in the forenoon, and three teams in the afternoon. <Q3 folio 57 verso> October 1883 18th Dry morning, the day [dry] till near night, when it began to rain and continued so doing during the most of the night. We were stacking oats in Melancthon. Just finished harvesting today. A long, tough job we had at it. Began about the 4th of September. The grain in Melancthon was badly broken down, and had to mow good deal of it. [in margin] finished harvesting. 19 Wet in the early morning, the afternoon dark and lowering, the afternoon dry. Jim went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon, the others hauled Jim and Willie’s potatoes into the cellar. I thrashed pease in the afternoon. 20 Dry morning, the day chilly all through. Jim and Johney plowed with the horses and oxen. Clark and I cleaned pease in the forenoon, then Clark chored around, and I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. [in margin] Ground white with snow. 21st Sabbath. Rather chilly morning, the day pretty cold all through. Brother Sam and wife and family were here today. 22 Hard frost this morning, the day cold. Jim and John plowed. Jim went to Dundalk at night and got a shoe put on the black mare. Thos. Mitchel[l] and Mrs. John Gott were here. Clark and Willie picked potatoes out of pit at Sam’s. 23 Dark morning, but the day was dry though cool. John was with the team at James Lonsway’s thrashing. Clark [stricken text: and Willie sorted potatoes at] plowed some, and hauled some rub- bish off the street.* Jim went to Thos. Mitchel[l] to pay back time. [*clearly written street, but meaning unclear.] <insert> [Between folios 57 verso and 58 recto, two leaves (3 pages written, one blank) of an account ledger, Payment and Receipts, May through December 1883. Includes personal expenses, cloth- ing, salaries, bank payments of interest, newspaper subscriptions, cheese payments, etc.] </insert> <Q3 folio 58 recto> October 1883 24th Dark morning, the day fine and mild, but no sunshine. Jim was at Tom Mitchel[l]’s, Johney at Jim Lonsway’s, with the team, threshing. Clark plowed. I worked at the Township books. An old woman, phemale* tramp, stopped here tonight. [*not clearly written=female?] 25 Dark morning, the day dry, but chilly in the afternoon. John and Clark were at H. Lonsway’s threshing. I worked at the cheese Book in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. I purchased 59 pounds of cheese at 10½ ¢ per lb.*, and one barell of flour @ $5.00 per brl. [*the flour shows up in ledger, noted above, but no entry for cheese; cost of cheese must be deducted from payment due from factory.] �212 26 Fine morning, the day beautiful all through. I think it must be Indian summer. John and Clark were at Henry Lonsway’s thrashing. Jim was paying back time to John Oliver. I opened up some water furrows. W. Lonsway slept here this night. 27 Beautiful morning, the sky hazy like Indian summer, the day fine all through. Jim opened some water furrows in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to John Gott’s threshing with the team. John and Clark were at H. Lonsway’s threshing in the forenoon, and Johney was at John Gott’s in the afternoon. I went to Melancthon Lot to see how the stacks were keeping. Came home and ti- died up the barn preparatory to threshing. The threshing machine came here at night. We sent our last milk to the cheese factory for the season this day. [in margin] Threshers came / Factory milk stopped. 28th Sabbath. Fine day all through, dry and pretty mild. 29 Slight mizzle of rain this morning, which kept increasing, and the day, especially the afternoon, was very wet. We commenced threshing but had to quit at noon on account of the rain. <Q3 folio 58 verso> October 1883 30th Wet showery forenoon, high wind, the afternoon dry and very windy. Headwind against us at threshing. We hitched some of the horses on in the morning, but took them off again on account of the rain. We threshed in the afternoon. 31 A slight shower of sleet in the morning, but the forenoon was dry, and pretty windy during the afternoon. There were frequent showers of snow. We finished threshing at noon. Jim Johnson and Henry Nichol stopped in the afternoon and helped to put in straw. I had a very poor yield of grain, and that of the most inferior quality, frozen and dam[p], except the pease which were dry and not frozen. I think it will be about 11 bushels of wheat to the acre, the worst froze wheat I have ever seen in my life. There will be about 25 bushels of oats to the acre, frozen badly, and about 10 bushels pease to the acre. A poor yield, poor quality, and bad in every way. Another year’s such miserable crop would parch the corns pretty hard. [parch and corns are not clearly legible; meaning?] November [1883] 1st Ground covered with snow eight inches deep, and more snow falling, a regular winter’s day. The boys put straw in during the forenoon. In the afternoon I attended a Council meeting. 2nd Sloppy, nasty day. John and Clark put straw into the barn, and then chored around. Jim was at T. Mi[t]chel[l]’s chopping Bee. 3 Sloppy, nasty day again! The snow melting and rain falling sometimes. John was at Mr. Nichol’s threshing. Clark was at D. Reid’s threshing. Jim chored around. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. <Q3 folio 59 recto> November 1883 4th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway visited us today. 5 Dry in the forenoon, and wet in the afternoon. Clark was at Dan Reid’s threshing. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing. Jim and I cleaned some grain. I put the hogs up to fat. [in the margin] Hogs put up to fat. 6 Fine day all through. The boys cleaned up oats, ground their axes, etc. 7 Fine day all through. The boys are working in Melancthon, piling wood. I worked at the Town- ship Books. 8 Mild day, but very sloppy. The boys were working in Melancthon. I chored around home and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. �213 9 Very wet forenoon, the afternoon showery also. The boys were working in Melancthon. 10 Fine mild day all through. The boys were working in Melancthon. Willie and I took to Dundalk 655 Gross of frozen wheat to get chopped. I butchered a spring pig in the afternoon, and at night went to Walter Bell’s and drew a Lease between him and Peter Doner. 11th Sabbath. Beautiful day from morning till night. At dark there came on a heavy wind and snow storm. 12 Stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, the day rough and cold all through. Jim went to William Lonsway’s threshing. The others stopped at home and tended the cattle. <Q3 folio 59 verso> November 1883 13th Very stormy day all through. Snowing, blowing and freezing. Jim was at W. Lonsway’s threshing. John and Clark were at home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 14 Another stormy morning, the day blowing and snowing. John and Clark started for the shanty. Willie drove them out. I fixed up things a little at home. Miss Sarah Bell is stopping here tonight. 15 Cold morning, the day cold all through. Snowing in the afternoon and blowing a terrific gale at 10 P.M. The boys were underbrushing. I was at H. Johnson’s threshing[? writing very cramped] 16 Cold stormy day all through. The boys were underbrushing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 17 Pretty chilly morning, the day cold on till night, when it got milder. The boys were underbrushing. I worked at the factory books in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid the patrons.* Mrs. Broughton & husband were here at night. [*cheese factory patrons] 18th Sabbath. Mild day. Mrs. R. and I went to Br. Sam’s. 19 Another mild day, the snow dissappearing, sleighing about gone. Jim took the boys’ oats to Dun- dalk and sold them for .29 & .28¢ per bushel. There were 87 Bushels in the two loads which he took in. They had 13 Bushels left and I bought them at the same price. 20 Still thawing, sleighing gone, raw through the day. Jim & John went with their mother to Dundalk and purchased clothes with their oat money. Clark was at Brother Sam’s threshing. <Q3 folio 60 recto> November 1883 21st Raining in the forenoon, a little showery in the afternoon. Jim and John went to the shanty. Clark was at Sam’s threshing. This night was very windy and on towards morning it blew a regular hur- ricane. 22 Dry morning, the day dry all through. The boys were working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 23 Mild day all through. The snow has disappeared and the roads are in a fearful state of mud. The boys were underbrushing. 24 Mild morning, the snow all gone except a little in the fence corners. Willie and I put out some manure on the garden, and then plowed it under. The boys were working in Melancthon. 25th Sabbath. Pretty mild day all through. John Irvin’s ram and ours had a battle yesterday, and ours killed him. 26 Wet morning, the day very wet all through. The boys cleaned some pease, and Jim took the cross- cut saw to John Gott’s in the eavning to be fixed. 27 Cold frosty morning, the ground hard and very rough. The day was pretty chilly, with a little sun- shine. Willie took the boys to the shanty and brought home a little stove wood. In the afternoon he took the oxen and hauled wood for J. Gott. 28 Cold day all through, strong wind and freezing. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I got two teeth drawn and Mrs. R. got one filled. �214 <Q3 folio 60 verso> November 1883 29 Pretty chilly morning, but not so cold as yesterday. Snow came on about dark, and it is now, (10:20) P.M., snowing pretty briskly. Willie and I ground our axe at H. Lonsway’s in the morning, and in the afternoon Willie yoked up the oxen and hauled home drags of wood. Mrs. Nichol & daughter, and Mrs. Lonsway, were here in the afternoon, and Mr. Nichol came about dark. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mrs. C. Bell, who is sick, at night. The boys are working in Melancthon. 30 Cold day all through. A slight snow falling most of the day. The boys are chopping in Melanc- thon. December [1883] 1st Milder than yesterday, a little snow fell in the forenoon. The afternoon was soft, like another thaw. The boys were chopping cordwood. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went with the team to Dun- dalk in the forenoon, and I went in the afternoon on foot. 2nd Sabbath. Some snow fell during the day, pretty cold weather. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mrs. C. Bell in the afternoon. 3 Pretty sharp morning, the day generally cold. Willie took the boys and their provisions to the shanty in the morning. In the afternoon he and I cleaned up some wheat. 4 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with some snow falling at night. The boys are chopping cordwood. Willie and Eliza visited at Mr. Nichol’s. There is a feeble old man named William Conners or O’Conners stopping here tonight. Says he came from Durham and is on his way to some township near Madoc. I hardly think he will ever reach it, he is so feeble. Seems also to be wandering in his mind. <Q3 folio 61 recto> December 1883 5th Mild morning, the day mild all through. The sleighing about gone, pretty good waggoning. I went to Dundalk and got a shoe on one of the mares, then transacted some other business. The boys are cutting cordwood. Jim came home this eavning to go to the grist mill tomorrow. 6 Very mild morning, and the day extremely fine. Jim took eight bushels of very bad frozen spring wheat to Speighton mills. Got only 215 pounds flour, could not expect any more. The worst fro- zen wheat I ever raised. John and Clark are cutting cordwood. 7 Wet morning, the day rainy all through. Mrs. R. took Jim and some provisions to Melancthon, then went to Dundalk and bought a barrrel of flour at $5.25. 8 Pretty cold morning, the day chilly, with a slight snow fall in the afternoon. The boys were chop- ping cordwood. Brother John is here tonight, came about 10 P.M. I went to see Mr. J Duncan about cutting some oat sheaves. From thence I went to Dundalk and done some Township busi- ness. At night Mrs. R and I went to see A. Lonsway, who is suffering through a fall. 9th Sabbath. Pretty chilly day all through. A little snow falling now and then. 10 Raw cold morning, the day windy. The roads are extremely rough and hard. The boys are at the shanty. Brother John is stopping here tonight. 11 Pretty chilly morning, high wind and snow storm in the afternoon. The boys are working in Melancthon. Brother John left for home early this morning. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. <Q3 folio 61 verso> December 1883 12th Pretty cold day all through, wind strong and cold. The boys came home this eavning. Mrs. R. took the team for them. �215 13 Mild morning, the day mild all through, but pretty windy in the afternoon. We butchered four hogs. Clark took in a cord of two feet, dry cedar to Dundalk and sold it for $1.50. He then bought a coat and vest for $7.25. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here this afternoon. 14 Cold morning, some snow fell during the day, strong wind and a very keen freeze towards night. Jim was at Mr. T. Carson’s wood bee. John and Clark cut stove wood in the Sugar bush. They came on two racoons and captured them. 15 Very cold morning, the day piercing sharp all through. Mr. John Duncan cut oat sheaves for us in the afternoon. He was cutting about two hours. 16th Sabbath. Cold day all through. Mrs. R. and I visited at William Lonsway’s. 17 Cold day, a little snow fell now and then. The boys were getting out dry cedar and Jim hauled some to Dundalk. 18 Another cold day, blowing and snowing, especially in the afternoon. John and Clark were cutting stove wood. Jim hauled two loads to Dundalk. 19 Sharp morning, the afternoon something milder. Mr. John Duncan was cutting oat sheaves for us. Cut about six hours today, and two hours on Saturday and charged four dollars. <Q3 folio 62 recto> December 1883 20th Cold morning, the day pretty cold all through. Jim took a cord of short hardwood to Dundalk and sold it to Dr. Griffin for $1.50. In the afternoon he took a cord and [a] quarter of dry cedar to J. J. Middleton, and put it in on Willie’s clothes, and paid for a cap for him. John took in a cord of dry cedar (short wood) and sold it to Dr. Griffin for $1.50. Clark hauled to the house with the oxen some stove wood. I worked at the Township accounts. 21 Pretty chilly morning, the day cold all through. Jim took in two loads of saw logs to the mill. John and Clark split some firewood at the house. 22 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold from morning till night. Jim hauled the lumber (620) feet to Lot 31 Melancthon. John and Clark skidded up some logs. I went to Dundalk and done some business. 23rd Sabbath. Extremely cold morning, the day very windy and freezing quite sharp. 24 Milder than the preceeding days, rather inclined to a softness. The sleighing pretty fair. The boys went to Melancthon and fixed a place for the straw when it is threshed. The rest of us went to Dundalk. Took in 53 pounds butter and sold it on account to J. J. Middleton at .18¢ per pound, making $9.54. 25 Mild morning, the day mild all through. The snow soft, almost like a thaw. Jim went in the early part of the day to Mr. J. Neithercut's party. The others of the family, old and young, except myself, went to Dundalk after dinner. I went at night to see sister Margaret and her little ones. They have diptheria, but are getting better. John Irvin and nephew dined with us today. <Q3 folio 62 verso> December 1883 26th Mild morning, the day mild all through. Jim was at Joseph Neithercut’s Bee with the team. John and Clark went to Melancthon to chop cordwood. John Gott came here tonight and got me to make him out a Bill of lumber for Patrick Conner’s Barn. 27 Soft morning, some snow falling in the forenoon. Blowing and snowing in the afternoon, very cold at night. The boys were working in Melancthon. I bagged up twelve bags of frozen wheat, took it to the Mill, and got it chopped. Paid ten cents a bag for chopping. Sold the chop to Mr. Morgan for a cent a pound. The worth of it out in flour at $5.40 per barrel. �216 28 Very sharp morning, the forenoon generally pretty cold, the afternoon something milder. The boys are working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to see sister Margaret who has diptheria. I went to Dundalk. 29 Pretty mild morning, the day not very cold. The boys were working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk on Township business. 30th Sabbath. Snow falling this morning, and a good deal fell through the day. The afternoon was mild. Brother Sam and wife were here. 31st Mild day, good sleighing, a little snow falling through the day. Jim started to haul cordwood to Dundalk. John was at Walter Bell’s sawing. I went to Dundalk, purchased three small swine for $3.00. Transacted some Township business. The old year is drawing to a close and so also are the most of us. Our crops have been rather poor this year, owing to the frost. It is a hard like winter for the majority farmers. We have had our health. Who will live to see another year close? <end of Quire 3> �217 Volume 2 1 Jan. 1884-31 Oct. 1887 See the Preface to Volume 1 for editorial conventions, and a list of variant spellings. Modern foliation of the 120 folios in volume 2 (added in 2018) is noted in this transcription inside angle brackets (e.g.<folio 2 recto>) preceding the running title found on each manuscript page. For details on front and back matter (pasted-in excerpts, sketches, recipes), and physical description of the volume, see the material description of the diaries, circulated separately. <folio 1 recto> <tipped-in sketch of orchard> North of map Diagram of Fruit Trees planted on Lot 215 Proton May 5th 1887 Toronto + Sydenham Road <end of tipped-in sketch> <title> Robert Russell’s Diary Proton Township Co. Grey, Ontario January 1 st 1884 </title> <pasted-in poem from newspaper column on upper right corner> <folio 1 verso> <pasted-in, 3 columns of poetry from newspaper> <folio 2 recto> January 1884 [first entry obscured by pasted-in part-column of newspaper poem] [1st. . .]ning, the day generally fine, the afternoon [. . .] sharp frost. Jim was hauling cordwood [. . . Dunda]lk, Clark was cooking for him, Johney, [. . .] I butchered two hogs. In the afternoon Willie took the oxen and sleigh and brought home three swine. 2 Cold morning, the day pretty stormy, especially in the afternoon, blowing, snowing, and freezing. The boys were working in Melancthon. Clark came home this afternoon to go to school tomor- row. Chris. Johnson was here this eavning. 3 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold all through, snowing, Blowing, and freezing. The wind very high. John and Jim are in Melancthon. Clark started to school. Willie and Eliza inte[n]ded going but it was too cold. [in margin] Very cold. 4 Fearfully cold this morning, the day a regular sneezer all through, high wind and a piercing frost, would almost chill the marrow of one’s bones. Jim and John are in Melancthon, Clark was at school. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Cold. �218 5 Cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through, but not so cold as yesterday, not much wind. Jim was hauling wood to Dundalk. John was chopping. Clark was choring around home. I was work- ing at the Treasurer’s Books. [in margin] Cold. 6th Sabbath. Another very cold day, keen freeze from morning till night. [in margin] cold. <folio 2 verso> January 1884 7th Sharp morning, keen freeze, the day very cold from morning till night. John was hauling wood. I went to Dundalk to the Municipal Election. [in margin] Cold. 8 Another cold day, blowing, snowing and freezing. A good deal of snow fell in the afternoon. Jim was hauling wood. Clark was at school. Johney is chopping & cooking on Lot 31 Melanc[thon]. [in margin] Cold. 9 Blowing, snowing and freezing this morning, the day very rough all through. Jim and Johney are working in Melancthon. Clark is at Daniel Reid’s threshing. Willie and Eliza are at school. [in margin] Stormy. 10 Sharp morning, the day cold all through and pretty windy. Jim and John were at the shanty. Clark was at Daniel Reid’s threshing. Willie and Eliza were at school. 11 Another cold morning, the day cold, snowing, blowing and freezing. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. Clark and Willie were at school. [in margin] Stormy 12 Cold morning, the day pretty cold all through, a little snow falling occassionally. Jim and John were working at cordwood. Clark was at John Irvin’s threshing. Willie yoked up the oxen and went to Melancthon for a load of stove wood. [in margin] cold. <folio 3 recto> January 1884 13th Sabbath. Rather milder today, a good deal of snow fell and a few drops of rain at night. Mrs. Robert Oliver of Melancthon died this afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. R. Oliver died. 14 Snowing this morning, and a good deal fell through the day. Not such a keen frost as some of the days past. Jim and John were in Melancthon at the cordwood, the other three were at school. I helped John Irvin put in straw. 15 Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through and a very sharp freeze at night. Mrs. R., Jim, John, Eliza and I were at Mrs. Oliver’s funeral. 16 Cold day all through, snowing and blowing. I went to Dundalk and sold the cordwood at $2 75/100 per cord. The boys were in Melancthon preparing for threshing. 17 Another cold morning, but not so sharp as yesterday. We were threshing in Melancthon, two teams were hauling home the grain. [in margin] Birthday. 18 Cold stormy morning, the roads very badly drifted, almost impassible, the day blowing and snow- ing some. We finished threshing in Melancthon, the grain is of a very poor quality, frozen when growing, wet and dried a dozen or more times before [dittog.: before] stacked, wet and frozen in the stacks. There is not a bushel of it merchantibel [=merchantible] at the present. There are about 500 bushels oats and 30 bushels wheat. 19 Something milder this morning, the day got sharp towards night. Sam and the boys fetched two loads of oats from Melancthon. Mrs. George Broughten & Husband were here a little time at night. [in margin] R. Montgomery of Proton died. <folio 3 verso> January 1884 20th Sabbath. Cold day all through. �219 21 Sharp morning, a very keen freeze through the day. Exceedingly cold at night. I attended a coun- cil meeting at Dundalk. Jim hauled two loads of oats from Melancthon. Brother John and his son Robert with their team came to help us haul wood. A. G. Hunter of Dundalk offered to act as treasurer of Proton for $50.00 per year. The council refused him and retained me at $75. per an- num. 22 Sharp morning, but the day was not so cold as yesterday, the wind pretty strong. Some snow fell and there was a good deal of drifting, the roads are in some places impassible. The boys with their uncle John is fixing a place in Melancthon for their team. Jim hauled a load of oats home in the afternoon. 23 Snowing, Blowing, and freezing all through the day. The Boys are fixing a stable in Melancthon. 24 Very cold morning, the day cold all through, exceedingly so. The boys and Brother John were working in Melancthon. [in margin] Cold. 25 Sharp morning, the day cold from morning till night. The boys and John were working in Melanc- thon. 26 Sharp morning, the middle of the day not very cold. The roads very heavy. John and Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 27th Sabbath. Pretty chilly day all through. Brother John & Bob, Willie Lonsway and family were here. <folio 4 recto> January 1884 28th Pretty sharp morning, the roads very heavy this morning, the day somewhat milder in the after- noon. The Boys and Brother John with his son Robert is getting out wood in Melancthon. Clark was at Nichol’s threshing. Mrs. R. visited Mrs. C. Bell. 29 Mild morning, the day mild all through, some indications of a thaw. All the force, with the excep- tion of the three youngest, are in Melancthon. 30 Thaw this morning, rain falling and the day was wet all through. The boys and John and Bob are in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Thaw. 31 Cold, raw wind in the morning, the day cold all through with a slight snow fall. Brother John came here and stopped all night. Mrs. John Gott and family were here in the afternoon. The boys were working at the cordwood. February 1 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold but a good deal of sunshine. John left for home this forenoon. The boys are working at the cordwood. 2 Rather mild this morning, but the wind arose and it commenced to snow and drift, making the roads very heavy. I went to Melancthon and helped cut some stove wood. I stopped there all night. The boys were hauling wood to the station, and Johney was swamping out with the oxen. <folio 4 verso> February 1884 3rd Sabbath. Heavy snow fall this morning. It cleared off about 10 A.M. I stopped at the shanty till 2 P.M. then came to Sam’s and from there home. Josiah Sauder and wife and two Miss Neithercuts were here. 4 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold all through. The boys are working at the cordwood. They took Eight head of young cattle to Melancthon to eat the straw there. 5 Milder this forenoon, the afternoon a little sharp. The boys are working at the wood. 6 Mild forenoon, the day generally mild. The boys are working at the wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. �220 7 Another mild morning, the day pleasant till the afternoon, when it got sharper. Mrs. R. and I paid a visit to Mr. Walter Nichol at night. Boys are working at the wood. 8 Very mild morning, the day pleasant all through with a decided tendancy to a thaw. The Boys are working at the wood. 9 Mild morning, the day mild all through with a slight fall of snow. The boys were hauling wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Posted letter to Br. William 10th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. Walter Bell’s. <folio 5 recto> February 1884 11th Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through. Johney and Bob went to Melancthon to swamp wood with the oxen. Jim is laid up with a cold. 12 Mild forenoon, but the afternoon was windy with a good fall of sleet which turned to rain towards morning. The two boys are swamping wood. The Township auditors (T. Hanbury & J. Binkley) audited my books. 13 Rain falling early this morning, a shower of snow about 10 A.M., the afternoon fine. Jim took the teams to Melancthon, he and Bob and Brother Sam hauled cordwood to Dundalk. Mrs. R. was at a quilting at Mrs. Lonsway’s [minutely written]. 14 Very stormy morning, the day snowing, blowing and freezing all through. The boys are hauling cordwood. Mrs. R. helped Sister Margaret to quilt. 15 Mild day all through, quite a change from yesterday. The boys were at the cordwood. I went to Dundalk and done some business. 16 Pretty sharp morning, the day got milder as it advanced, the afternoon was rather softly inclined. The boys finished hauling cordwood. There are 77 cords. The double pile is 154 feet long and 8 feet hight [sic]. I was in Dundalk [MS dundalk]. [in margin] Finished hauling c. wood. 17th Sabbath. Mild day all through, fall of snow at night. 18 A quantity of soft snow this morning, the day soft, like a thaw. Got the wood measured. Was cut 2 cords the measurement and 2 cords for culls. Got pay for 73 cords. Jim helped Sam today. Brother John came here at night. Mr. Lonsway & wife were here this afternoon. <folio 5 verso> February 1884 19th Soft morning, the day soft all through, with high wind and rain at about 8:30 P.M. We cleaned up 57 20/34 bushels of oats. Jim took them to Dundalk, got .28 1/2 p. Bushel. They were very wet, having been saved in a stack. I went to Peter Doner’s sale in the afternoon. 20 Extremely stormy morning, the rain that was falling last night turned to snow, the wind rose to a violent gale, and the cold was intense. The day all through was one of the stormiest and coldest that came this winter. We cleaned and took to Dundalk 117 Bushels of oats, sold them for .27¢, the first load, and .25¢ for the second. The oats are very wet and we can’t sell any more of them to we get them dried. Brother John came here this afternoon from Sam’s. A lamb came today, being the first of the season. It is a big strong Ewe lamb. [in margin] First lamb. 21 Pretty cold stormy morning, the storm increased as the day advanced, till at last it blew a perfect hurricane. The storm of wind and snow was so grate [sic] that I could not take the cattle to water. The first day this winter that they went without. Brother John started for home this morning. His son Robert went to W. Lonsway’s to put on a load of moving for him and take it down. Jim and John went to Melancthon. 22 A little milder this morning, but the afternoon got stormy and rough. Jim and John were at the shanty taking out saw logs. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning. �221 <folio 6 recto> February 1884 23rd Stormy morning, the [day] windy, and a very sharp freeze in the afternoon. The boys were in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk, bought some grain bags at $3.40 per dozen, drawing knife at $1.00 & a spokeshave at .40¢. 24th Sabbath. Rather milder this morning than yesterday, the day pretty mild all through. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. Stopped there a while, then Sam, Phoebe & we went to William Lonsway’s. 25 Mild morning, the day inclined to softness. Snow came on in the afternoon, and continued snow- ing pretty steadily till after night. Jim went in the forenoon to Melancthon for the sleigh. John and I cleaned a load of Oats. Jim took them to Dundalk in the afternoon, did not succeed well in sell- ing them as they were damp. Peddled them around a good deal, finally succeeded in getting .26¢ p. B. 26 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, snow fell during the afternoon. Jim and John went to Melancthon in the morning, their mother drove them there with the team. 27 Mild morning, the day mild but without sunshine. A good deal of snow fell. Jim and John are taking out saw logs in Melancthon. I took them some bread in the forenoon, then I went to Dun- dalk and bought 1 Brl. salt for $1.40. Miss Sarah Bell was here today. 28 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and freezing, the afternoon worse than the forenoon, terribly cold. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. [in margin] very cold. <folio 6 verso> February 1884 29th A very cold morning, the day cold all through, Blowing, drifting and freezing like Greenland. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. [in margin] Very cold. March [1884] 1st Pretty sharp morning, but the sun got out and the day was pretty fine, with a keen freeze in the afternoon. The boys were in Melancthon. I attended a cheese meeting in Dundalk. 2nd Sabbath. Pretty keen freeze all day, the sun shone some. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the eavning. 3 Keen frost this morning, some sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon very cold and the wind high. Jim took 61 11/34 Bushels of oats to Dundalk in the forenoon, got .25¢ p. B. They were wet. He then went with the team to William Lonsway’s and got on his load of moving. Johney and his mother also went in to help pack up. Brother John came here at 5 P.M. and he and I went to W. Lonsway’s. He is going to haul a load. 4 Bitterly cold morning, the day very cold all through. I think last night was the coldest came this winter. W. Lonsway, Sister Margaret and family left their old home in Melancthon for their new home in Essa. I wish them God Speed. There were six teams at the moving. Jim, John, and their mother went with them. 5 Pretty sharp morning, the sun shone out a good deal through the day, but the air was cold. There are only the two youngest and I at home now, the others are gone to Essa. Skeffington Bell was here in the afternoon. <folio 7 recto> February 1884 [March written above] 6th Sharp morning, rather hazy, but the sun shone out clear and bright during the forenoon. The after- noon was overcast and snow is falling now (9:45) P.M. I went to see Walter Bell’s boy who is pretty sick with pleuresy. �222 7 Pretty chilly this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was pleasant. First class sleighing now. The folks got home this eavning. 8 Snowing, blowing, and drifting this morning, the day pretty cold all through. Jim left home this morning with his uncle Johney’s Reaper and six bags of seed oats which we are changing. John, Willie and I cleaned up some seed oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 9th Sabbath. Pretty mild day all through. 10 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow inclined to soften a little. John brought home twelve sticks of wood with his oxen from Melancthon. Then he and I moved about 150 Bushels of oats out of the bins into the chaff house. Jim has not got home yet (7:12 P.M.). Mrs. A. Lonsway was here this afternoon. 11 Rain this morning, sleeting and raining all through the day, also a pretty hig[h] wind. Jim and John went to Melancthon. [in margin] Thaw. 12 High wind this morning and the day was very windy, with an occasional shower of snow. Jim and John are getting saw logs to the mill. <folio 7 verso> F March 1884 13th Bright sunny morning and the sun shone all day. There was a thaw wind and the snow softened considerably. Jim and John are working in Melancthon getting saw logs out. W. Lonsway called here this morning on his way to Essa. Mrs Walter Nichol and Mrs. Maria Broughton was here part of the day. 14 Middling sharp morning, but the Sun shone out about 9 A.M. and the day was pretty mild, the snow melted a little. The boys were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. was to see Mrs. C. Bell in the afternoon. Two strange Ladies driving along here this afternoon got off the track. Their horse got down in the Snow and broke a shaft of their cutter. I spliced it best I could. I think they Said they lived near Walkerton. 15 Rind on the trees this morning, the sun shone out after a while and the day was thawing till about 3 P.M., when it began to freeze. Then about 5 P.M. snow began to fall and it is now 10:40 P.M. snowing and Blowing fiercely. Jim and John were at the saw logs. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon with Mrs. R. 16th Sabbath. Nice mild day, but the eavning was chilly 17 Rain very early this morning, then turned to snow about daylight, and kept snowing to about 9 A.M. The afternoon was cold but fair. I went to a council meeting at Cederville. J. J. Middleton gave me a ride. We stopped all night at Mr. S. Rogers’. The boys worked in Melancthon. <folio 8 recto> March 1884 18th Bright sunny morning, the day fine and sunny all through. I came home from Cederville. Stopped in Dundalk and voted for our M. P. P. The boys worked at the logs. I wrote Andrew Lonsway’s Will this night. 19 Dark morning, no sun out today. Rain came on about 11 A.M., and continued slightly during most of the afternoon. I went to Melancthon and brought the team home in the afternoon. 20 Fine morning, the sun shone out through the day, and the weather was quite pleasant. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to see Phoebe. The assessor, John McMurdo, was here and assessed Lot 215 @ $700., & Lot 216 @ $350., and personal property @ $150., with 6 days statute labor. 21 Beautiful day, bright, warm sun from morning till night, the snow disappearing fast. The boys were working in Melancthon. �223 22 Bright sunny day from morning till night, the water running on the road, the birds out singing. The boys worked in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 23rd Sabbath. Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon fair. Brother Sam and family were here. 24 Dark morning, the day generally dark, a little sun now and then. Snow melting fast. Mrs. R. took some provisions to the Melancthon Lot. <folio 8 verso> March 1884 25th Fine sunny morning, the day nice and bright till about 2 P.M., when it clouded over. The after- noon cold, with a slight sprinkling of rain. Jim and John were chopping. I went to Dundalk in the eavning [last word is miniscule]. 26 Wet morning till about 9 A.M. when it cleared off a little, the remainder of the day was showery. The boys are in Melancthon. I was at D. Reid’s wood bee. G. Broughton and wife, and H. Lon- sway and wife, were here at night. 27 Fine morning, the day fine all through, with a good deal of sunshine. The boys are chopping in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. 28 Fine morning, the day very nice, sunshine prevailing all day. The birds singing merrily. Robins out for more than a week, though I have not seen any of them yet. Mrs. R., Clark, Eliza and Willie went to the School Examination in No. 5 Melancthon. I stopped at home. There were six lambs came today. 29 Cool in the morning, the wind rose and the day got very cold. Very high wind in the afternoon, freezing hard. I went to Dundalk and S. Bell and I worked at making out the Defaulters List. Clark fetched two heifers from Melancthon. [in margin] Saw first Robin. 30th Sabbath. Bleak, cold day, piercing wind. 31 Cold morning, a little sunshine through the day. The day was generally cold. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. The boys were cutting wood. <folio 9 recto> April 1884 1st Cold morning, no sunshine through the day. The day was very cold. Some snow fell. The boys are cutting cordwood. Mrs. R. went to H. Johnson’s. 2 Sharp morning, the day dark, cold and windy. Some snow fell. The boys are cutting wood. 3 Dark, cold day all through. Very strong wind blowing the cattle feed all through the Barn Yard. The boys are chopping. [in margin] Got letter from Br. William. 4 Dark, cold morning, the day chilly all through, and very little sunshine. Keen frost in the after- noon. The boys are cutting cordwood. 5 Cold, raw morning. Keen freeze throughout the day, no sunshine. I was in Dundalk in the fore- noon. The boys were cutting cordwood. W. McKay, who is helping them, is stopping here to- night. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here a while at night. [in margin] Posted letter to William. 6th Sabbath. Sunny morning, but a sharp wind, the day pretty clear but cool. 7 Bright sunny morning, sunshine all day, the snow melting. Mrs. R. took the team and some prov- ender to the boys in the forenoon. In the afternoon I took fourteen bags of cut feed to the Shanty. 8 Rather chilly morning, a little sunshine in the forenoon, and a fine snow storm in the afternoon. The boys are cutting wood in Melancthon. <folio 9 verso> April 1884 9th Quite cool this morning, a little sunshine in the middle of the day, the afternoon cold. I took 27 1/3 Bushels of pease to Dundalk and sold them for .63 ¢ per Bushel. I bought 10 Bushels of Seed �224 back at .50 ¢ per Bushel. The boys were chopping. Jim got his head cut. He and the others had their axes fastened into a tree which they thought would fall the wrong way. They were trying to pull it. The tree fell, Jim ran, and his hat fell over his face, and he struck his head against the edge of William McKay’s axe. The cut, I think, will not be serious. 10 A little cold in the forenoon, some sunshine in the middle of the day, the afternoon rather cold. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to make some molasses. The Sap did not run well and she came home at night. I hauled from Melancthon 1/2 cord short wood to Mr. Parson’s of Dundalk. The roads are extremely bad. Jim came home this eavning. The Assessor (R. Mooney) assessed the Melancthon Lot for $850. [in margin] Assessed Melancthon. 11 Pretty sharp morning, a little sunshine in the afternoon, cold at night. All the boys but Jim are working in Melancthon. 12 Fine morning, the day generally mild, with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and I cleaned some oats and weak wheat, to get chopped. Eliza was in the sugar bush, along with Clark and Willie. Jim went in the afternoon & got a shoe put on the mare. [in margin] heard 1st Frog. <folio 10 recto> April 1884 13th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. 14 Mild morning, the middle of the day a little warm with some sunshine, the afternoon cloudy. Jim and John started the plows in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought a half bushel of Alsac[e] clover seed, paid $5.10 for it. [in margin] First plowing. 15 Cloudy morning, rain came on about 8 A.M. and continued most of the day. I borrowed Brother Sam’s mare and [dittog.: and] took her and one of my own to [Cederville stricken] Hopeville. I drove the Reeve to a council meeting. The roads were very bad coming home, and the night as black as pitch. 16 Wet morning, the day mostly wet. There is no getting around on account of the state of the roads. John and Willie are in Melancthon. Jim is at home. 17 Rather cold this morning, the day damp and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. Jim took the team and some provender and went to Melancthon. 18 A little finer this morning, some sunshine through the day. The boys, with the horses and oxen, are plowing in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Miss Ann Irvin’s and got some plum trees to plant. <folio 10 verso> April 1884 19th Fine morning, the day mild, with a good deal of sunshine. The boys are plowing in Melancthon. Mrs. R. planted out her fruit trees. I went to a cheese meeting in Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] planted / fruit trees. 20th Sabbath. Cool morning, the day cold all through, no sunshine. Hard frost at night, with a shower of snow. 21 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Bright sun, but sharp cold wind. Mrs. R. went with Johney to Melancthon to work in the sugar bush. John and Jim are plowing. Willie is cook in the shanty. 22 Bright, sunny morning, the day bright and clear all through, but the air a little chilly. Mrs. R. came home from Melancthon from making molasses. Johney brought the oxen and a wagon for wheat. 23 Fine morning, sunshine all through the day. The air pretty warm, nice day all through. Jim is at Melancthon. Johney started from home this morning with nine bags of seed wheat to Sow in Melancthon. Mrs. R. has started gardening [in margin] First wheat / sown. �225 24 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and warm, fine springlike weather. The boys are working in Melancthon. I digged around the apple trees. 25 Fine morning, the day beautiful. The boys finished putting in wheat. Mrs. R. and I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. Gerty colted on her way home. Colt weak; won’t live. Did not <folio 11 recto> April 1884 come to its time. Mrs. R.and I went to brother Sam’s where Jim had left the colt. We did what we could for it, stopped up all night and attended to it. 26 Beautiful morning, the day splendid, very warm, in fact, hot. Mrs. R. and I stopped all day at Sam’s. We hauled the colt out in Sam’s light waggon at night. The boys were picking stones at home. 27th Sabbath. Something cooler this morning, the middle of the day sunny, the afternoon cloudy, a heavy shower of Rain, accompanied with thunder and lightening at night. The little colt died this night. 28 Cold morning, the day cold and clear. Jim and John plowed. 29 Very hard frost this morning, the ground would scarcely turn over, the forenoon pretty cold with but little sunshine, the afternoon milder but overcast towards night. Jim and John plowing. 30 Slight frost this morning, a little sunny through the day, but pretty cool, cloudy in the eavning. We sowed five acres of pease. John plowed. [in margin: Sowed pease / moon week old] May [1884] 1st Bright sunny morning, very sultry in the forenoon, a heavy shower about noon, some thunder, Raining at night. Jim ganged,* John plowed, I swam Barley in pickle* to get some wild oats out of it. Clark hunted up three steers that had strayed from Melancthon. [*ganged=plowed with a gang plow, i.e. a plow with two or more shares, capable of turning more than one furrow at a time. Swimming barley in a pickle (a salt and water solution thought to be a natural weed killer; see 3, 5 April 1878 entries) causes the lighter grains of wild oats to float to the top to be removed.] <folio 11 verso> May 1884 2nd Cold morning, frequent showers of cold rain during the forenoon, high wind also. There was quite a brisk shower of snow in the eavening. John and Jim plowed in the dry part of the day. I went to Dundalk. 3 Hard frost this morning, the sun got out and the frost gradually thawed out, the afternoon was pret- ty fine. I sowed five acres of Barley in the forenoon, but we only could get it harrowed once on account of the ground being so soft from the frost thawing out, will have to let it stand till it dries. Jim made a stone Boat, John plowed, and Clark harrowed. We took two calves into Dundalk in the eavening, only got .50¢ each for them. James Mulholland was here and Bought four bags pease at .63¢ p. Bushel. [in margin] sowed Barley. 4th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, cloudy in the afternoon and rain at night. 5 Cloudy this morning, the sun shone out bright about the middle of the day, the afternoon cloudy. Jim and Johney were plowing. I loosened some stones and plowed with John’s team a while in the afternoon, he having got a stiff neck. 6 Dark morning with a very heavy dew, the forenoon overcast, but dry, a little sunshine. During the afternoon I sowed the remainder of the barley, then went to Dundalk, got home at noon, raised some stumps till tea time then Clark and I picked stones. Jim plowed in the forenoon, harrowed to �226 tea time, then plowed. Clark plowed to tea time, then gathered stones. John is laid up with a stiff neck. Mr. Ferris got a calf here from us. We started to put the milk into the factory today. [in margin] Seen Swallow / Milk to / the factory 72 pounds. <folio 12 recto> May 1884 7 Dark cloudy morning, the wind strong and a slight drizzle of rain. The day from morning till night was overcast and a scotch mist falling all the time. Jim plowed. Johney plowed and gathered stones. I loosened stumps. 8 Dark muggy morning, the day misty all through, a slight mizzle of rain falling now and then. I sowed Thirty pounds of Alsike clover seed. Jim and Johney plowed. Jim took a load of stove wood to Dundalk to Mr. Parsons from Melancthon after tea time. [in margin] Alsike / Sown. 9 Dark morning, slight rain falling, which increased about 10 A.M. to a real good shower. It was slightly showery in the afternoon and a very heavy rain at night. The boys plowed during the dry part of the day and while it was raining they helped J. Brinkman to clean 25 Bushels of oats which I bought from him @ .33 per Bushel. 10 Misty morning, the forenoon overcast, the afternoon, dry and windy. John, Clark and Willie gath- ered stones in the forenoon, and John plowed in the afternoon. Jim plowed all day. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Got Sup[erinten]d[ent]. / Blanks / from Toronto. 11th Sabbath. The day generally cloudy and pretty cool, a slight frost at night. <folio 12 verso> May 1884 12th Frost this morning, and cloudy, the day cleared and no rain fell. Jim sowed ten acres of oats. Wil- lie harrowed. John plowed, I routed [=rooted] out some stumps and chored around. [in margin] First oats / sown. 13 Dark overcast morning, a slight rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon very wet, and rain falling now (8:30) P.M. Jim finished harrowing the oats he sowed yesterday. John plowed, finished plowing the old pasture field. Mr. T. Mitchel came here to sell me a reaper. 14 Cold morning and cloudy, the day was very windy and drying. Jim and John started with the teams for the Melancthon Lot to plow, as the ground is to[o] wet at home to sow. I dug out stumps and roots in the old pasture field. 15 Cold morning, the day dry till about one o’clock, when there came on a thunder and lightening storm accompanied with hail, rain and wind. A great deal of rain fell. The afternoon extremely cold and a snow storm came on at dark. The Boys were plowing in Melancthon. I took out roots in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost 16 Snow, Snow, Snow, the ground covered about l ½ inch, strange at this time of the year! It had all disappeared at noon. The afternoon was windy and dry. The boys are plowing in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Snow. <folio 13 recto> May 1884 17th Bright sunny morning, the day clear but cool. I went to Flesherton, thence to Priceville, then came home by Dundalk. The boys finished plowing in Melancthon. [in margin] Went to / Priceville. 18th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day balmy and springlike. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 19 Cloudy morning, the day generally overcast. A slight shower about 6:45 A.M., a little sprinkling now and then through the day. Jim and Willie are putting in oats in Melancthon. I sowed some oats at home, John harrowed. �227 20 Rainy morning, rain during all the forenoon, the afterpart of the afternoon dry. No work going on at home today on account of the wet. Jim and Willie are in Melancthon. 21 Fine morning, the sun shone out bright, the day was sultry, with a good growth. John and I cut seed potatoes. Jim and Willie are seeding in Melancthon. 22 Fair morning, the day dry during the forenoon, a little rain in the afternoon. Jim finished putting in oats in Melancthon. John and I cut potatoes. 23 Dry morning, the day dry and very sultry till about 6 P.M., when the sky got overcast and it began to rain. There is now, 9:10 P.M., a perfect pour, also thunder and lightening. The three boys were hauling manure. I was letting water off the field. <folio 13 verso> May 1884 24 Dark cloudy morning, the day cloudy and a slight mizzle of rain now and then. Jim and John went to Shelburne to celebrate the day.* I let water off a piece of low land in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [* 24 May is Victoria Day holiday] 25th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day cloudy but dry. 26 Misty morning, the day warm but cloudy, with considerable of sunshine now and then. We planted potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim and I went to J. Brinkman’s at night, I bought 11 Bushels of oats from him at .35¢ per Bushel. I sent the milk cows to pasture at John Gott’s. [in margin]: First / Potatoes / planted. 27 Cloudy morning, the middle of the day bright and sunny, the afternoon very cold, hard frost at night. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Got a ride there and back with Mr. T. Hanbury. The boys planted potatoes on a piece of sod, just plowed the sod down on them. The Misses Nei- thercut were here. 28 Very sharp frost this morning, ice on the water, the ground as hard as a board. The day cold all through, but drying. Freezing tonight. Jim harrowed at Walter Bell’s. John helped John Gott pile manure. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hard frost. 29 Clear, cold and windy. Jim took 960 pounds of mixed grain (oats, pease & wheat) and got it chopped for the pigs and calves. John worked at putting up a fence round a calf park. [in margin] Frost. <folio 14 recto> May 1884 30th Snow on the ground this morning, and more falling. It had all disappeared before noon. Jim went to Melancthon for a load of wood in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he and John went to Melancthon to mend a brush fence. I went to Dundalk and Exchanged a 20 gallon milk can for another of the same size, the first being rusty. Mr. Brinkman was here looking for a lost calve. [in margin] Snow. 31 Mild morning, the day pretty warm all through, good growth. Jim and John are fencing in Melancthon. I sowed about three and a half acres of white oats at home. Willie harrowed. Clark with the oxen hauled stones off the ground. I helped when I had finished sowing. We are now done sowing grain, but from the appearance of things I think some of the oats will have to be sowen over again. The seed was poor, on account of the frost last harvest, and the ground was cold for a long time this spring. The two causes combined is tilting badly for the crops, almost every person around here has to sow their oats over again. [in margin] Finished / seeding. <folio 14 verso> June 1884 �228 1st Sabbath. Nice growing day. Mrs. R and I went to Melancthon and stopped at Brother Sam’s on our way home. 2 Dry morning, and very warm. Got some shoes on the horses. Jim and I started for Tossorontio to buy seed oats, as our own had missed. Got as far as Rosemont when there came on a very heavy rain storm, with some thunder and lightening. We went to brother John’s. Johney shore the sheep at home. [in margin] Shore sheep. 3 Very sultry day all through, the sun extremely hot. Bought 25 Bushels oats @.35¢ per Bushel and changed them with John for his as I think they are the best seed. 4 Dry warm day all through. Jim and I got home from Tossorontio about 7 P.M. Johney was pick- ing stones at home. 5 Dry warm day. Jim ganged, John and I hauled stones off with the oxen. 6 Dry warm day. I sowed oats. John hauled with the oxen in the forenoon. Jim and Walter Bell ganged till they finished the field, then they harrowed till quitting time. This is the second sowing of oats this season on this field. [in margin] Finished seeding. 7 Very hot day. Jim finished harrowing oats. John and Clark put out manure in the forenoon on the potatoe patch. Jim helped at the planting in the afternoon. [Stricken Mrs. R. and ] I went to Dundalk. <folio 15 recto> June 1884 8th Sabbath. Bright sunny day all through. 9 Slight rain early this morning. It cleared off, then came on again about noon. There was heavy cold rain in the afternoon. The boys finished planting potatoes at home then they went to Melanc- thon in the afternoon to plant two bags for Jim. They could not get it done, as the rain came on. Jim stopped in Melancthon all night. 10 Cool morning, the day cool, windy and dry. John was repairing Brush fence, Jim finished plant- ing potatoes, then came home and drove his mother to Dundalk. I worked at the Township and Cheese accounts. William Lonsway and Wesley were here this night. 11 Rather cool this morning but the day got warmer towards noon, the afternoon was pretty warm. Jim went with the team to help his uncle Sam haul square timber. Johney and I fixed fences in the forenoon and in the afternoon he went to Pat Conner’s raising. The oats which I sowed on last Friday are appearing above the ground already. They are only sown five clear days. 12 Bright morning, the day clear, cool and breezy. Jim helped Sam, John and I picked stones. I went to Dundalk after tea time. 13 Cool and cloudy. We gathered stones on the summer fallow. <folio 15 verso> June 1884 14th Cloudy and cool in the forenoon, bright and cool in the afternoon. Jim gang plowed, Johney, Clark and I took stones off the summer fallow. After tea I warned out the workers of statute labor. Mrs. R. and I stopped a while at night at Mrs. C. Bell’s. 15th Sabbath. Clear and sunny most of the day, the afternoon cloudy. Mrs. C. Bell, and Brother John, Pho[e]be, and children were here. 16 Bright sunny day all through, very warm in the afternoon. John and I hauled stones together. Jim plowed. Miss McLaughlin, dressmaker, here. 17 Bright, sunny all through, and hot. There were some clouds after sunset. Jim plowed, John hauled stones into piles. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mr. Langley opperated on two yearling colts �229 of mine. Sam & Wesley Lonsway were here a while in the eavning. Miss McLaughlin left at noon, having finished her work sci[e]ntifically [=sufficiently?]. 18 Fine morning, dry and warm. Very heavy clouds came up about 3 P.M., there were some thunder and lightening, a little rain and very strong wind. I was Overseeing statute labor. Jim plowed in the fallow and John gathered stones. 19 Cloudy morning, the sun soon shone out, the day was extremely sultry. In the afternoon I was overseeing statute labor. John gathered stones, Jim plowed in the summer fallow. <folio 16 recto> June 1884 20 Bright sunny morning, the day very hot. I finished statute labor. Jim helped his uncle Sam, John gathered stones. [in margin] Hot. 21 Warm morning, the afternoon exceedingly hot. Jim made a jumper, assisted by his uncle Sam. John and Clark picked stones and prepared a cabbage plot. I worked at township business in the forenoon and attended council meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot / Got pension / $101.00/xx. 22nd Sabbath. Dry, warm day, cloudy in the afternoon, a little thunder and a few drops of rain. 23 Dry morning and pretty warm in the forenoon. There was a nice shower in the afternoon. Jim and John went with the oxen to Melancthon to swamp out cordwood. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 24 Dark morning and a very slight shower of rain. The remainder of the day was cloudy, sultry and dry. Jim and John are swamping wood. We planted out at home 307 cabbage plants. Mrs. R. & I went to Mr. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. Mr. Snoden, W. M. Minister, was here a while in the eavening. 25 Cloudy, cold morning, the day dark and cold. Jim and John are swamping wood. Mrs. R. and I took them provisions, then I went to Dundalk and paid cheese money. 26 Cold morning, Bright and clear and cool through the day. The boys were swamping wood. I worked at account Book. Patrick Shaw, Councilor, and Mr. Ken[n]edy were here. <folio 16 verso> June 1884 27th Bright sunny morning, the day warm, clear and dry. Jim and John were swamping wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 28 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. Jim and John were chopping in Melancthon. Clark harrowed in the summer fallow. I hoed among the carrots and fixed fences. 29th Sabbath. Dry, warm day all through. 30 Bright morning, the day dry and hot. We were at Brother Sam’s Barn raising. July 1884 1st Bright morning, the day very warm, got cloudy in the afternoon, and a few drops of rain fell. We all went to Dundalk to see the sports. 2 Bright morning, the day sunny and breezy. The Boys swamped wood. Mrs. R. and I took them some provisions in the morning, then drove to Dundalk and in the afternoon took the wool to the swale and washed it. 3 Bright sunny morning, the day oppressively sultry. I worked at the township books. Mrs. R. took out provisions for the boys who are working swamping wood in Melancthon. 4 Rather cool and cloudy this morning, a very slight shower in the middle of the day. The boys are swamping C[ord]Wood. I worked at the Books. Took three steers to pasture at John Gott’s. [in margin] Steers to J. Gott’s. �230 <folio 17 recto> July 1884 5th Cool day, cloudy in the afternoon and a pretty strong wind. I hoed carrots in the forenoon and went to a council meeting at Dundalk in the afternoon. The Boys were swamping wood. Brother John and Wife came here this afternoon 6th Sabbath. Raining this morning, a drizzling cold rain all through the day. John and wife, Mrs. R., Jim and I went to Sam’s. 7 Cool this morning, the day pretty cool all through. The three Boys left for Melancthon this morn- ing. Jim to oversee statute labor, and John and Clark to swamp wood. I hoed potatoes at home. 8 Bright cool morning, the day clear and cool. The Boys were swamping wood and doing R[oad] Work. I hoed among the potatoes and carrots. Miss Sarah A. Bell was here in the afternoon. [in margin] Slight frost / this morning. 9 Fine morning, the day dry and clear. I was hoeing potatoes, Clark and Willie hauled out manure. Jim and Johney swamped wood. 10 Fine morning, the day dry and clear, the afternoon a little cloudy. Jim and John swamped wood. Clark and Willie hauled manure. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <folio 17 verso> July 1884 11th Beautiful morning, sun shone bright and warm, the day dry and clear, with the exception of a slight shower of rain about 2 P.M. Jim and John finished swamping cordwood and came home at night. Clark and Willie hauled manure. I hoed thistles among the potatoes. Mrs. R., Phoebe, and Miss S. Bell started this morning to make the grand tour. They are to do W. Lonsway, John Ag- new and John Russell. Happy trio, won’t they feel jolly climbing the hills of Mulmer and de- scending the glades of Mono, taking in the majestic beauties of Tossorontio, and the beautiful scenery of Essa. Long, oh long will their trip be remembered, and cherished in their heart as something never to be forgotten! 12 Slight rain this morning, then cleared off and was fine to about 10:30 A.M., when there was anoth- er shower. Cleared off again and the remainder of the day was dry. Mrs. R. absent, the three eld- est boys not yet returned from Shelburne (9:30) P.M. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and sent to Steel Bros. & Co., Toronto, for 6 pounds turnip seed, 2 of White Globe, 2 of Grey Stone, & 2 of Yellow Aberdeen. 13th Sabbath. Cool cloudy morning, the day cold and windy. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. 14 Cool morning, the day cold, cloudy and windy. The boys were working at the summer fallow, some hauling out manure, and some plowing. I hoed the thistles in the potatoes. <folio 18 recto> July 1884 15th Cloudy, dry morning, the day cool, cloudy and breezy. The boys were putting out manure and plowing. I cut some thistles in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Poebe got home this eavning. 16 Cold, misty morning, the fog cleared off and the day was dry and cold. The boys were working at the summer fallow. I cut thistles, then some wood in the afternoon. Mrs. Thos. Hanbury was here in the eavning. 17 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool. John plowed, Jim hoed potatoes in Melancthon. Clark spread manure, Willie wed carrots and hunted up the sheep. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 18 Pretty warm morning, the day dry and warm, with a good deal of sunshine. It clouded over about sunset and is now (8:40) P.M., Raining quite a nice rain, and it is very much needed. Everything �231 seems parched with the excessive dry weather. Jim and Clark are working in Melancthon. John and I worked at home at the summer fallow. Willie is laid up sick. Over Exerted himself yester- day hunting for the sheep. I rented a field of Grass today from Joshua Brinkman for six dollars. Part of the field is sown with oats, but they missed. Part of it is seeded down, but a poor catch. However, the field will make a splendid pasture. I brought Twelve head of cattle from J. Gott’s pasture. [in margin] Brought / cattle / from J. Gott’s. <folio 18 verso> July 1884 19th Splendid mizzle of rain during the forenoon, the afternoon dry, cloudy, cool and windy. I plowed a little in the morning, then sowed about Eight acres of turnips on a summer fallow. They will probably do for a run for the cattle in the fall. I sowed two pounds of White Globe, two pounds of Grey Stone and two pounds of Yellow Aberdeen. Purchased the seed from Steel Bros. & Co., To- ronto at .20¢ per pound, paid .25¢ freight on the parcel. John harrowed them in one stroke with the iron harrows. Clark and Jim are working in Melancthon. 20th Sabbath. Cool day, mostly clear, decidedly cold about sunset. Mrs. R. was at Mr. Joseph Jackson’s. 21 Cloudy cool morning, the day dry and cool. Jim took a load of stove wood to Dundalk. The oth- ers worked at weeding carrots. I fixed a fence to let the cattle get to a spring at J. Brinkman’s. 22 Bright sunny day all through, dry and warm. Clark started for Tossorontio this morning. Jim and John helped Sam to Shingle his Barn. I cut thistles. [in margin] Clark / went to /Tossorontio 23 Slight rainfall this forenoon, the afternoon dry. I cut thistles. Jim and John helped Sam to Shingle his Barn. <folio 19 recto> July 1884 24 Cloudy this morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Jim helped Sam at his barn. The rest of the family picked berries. I cut thistles in the forenoon and went to Dund[alk] in the afternoon. 25 Fine morning, the day [dry] and pretty breezy. Jim and John went to Dundalk in the forenoon for a new Reaper which I had bought. It is called the “New Brantford”. Price, $82 50/xx, cash. They commenced mowing in the afternoon. I chored around generally. [in margin] Started / Mowing / Got Reaper home. 26 Fine dry morning, the day dry, clear and pretty warm. Jim and John mowed. I went to Dundalk Cheese factory and helped to Box and weigh a quantity of cheese. Mrs. R. and I went a while to G. Broughton’s this night. 27th Sabbath. Rather dark in the morning, a slight rain, only a mizzle, through the day. 28 Fine morning, beautiful day, dry and clear. The boys mowed. I went to a council meeting at Cederville. 29 Fine morning, the day dry and clear. Jim and John mowed. I brought the grindstone from the Shanty in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Willie and I raked some hay and put it up in hand shakings. <folio 19 verso> July 1884 30th Fine morning, the day dry till about 1 P.M. when there came on a splendid rain. There was some thunder and lightening. Another rain about 7:30 P.M. It will do a vast amount of good, although it may wet the hay. Jim and John mowed in the morning while the dew was on the grass. Then they and I raked hay and hauled in just one load, when the rain came on. The boys mowed in the eavning. I cut thistles in the turnips. Miss Kate Johnson was here in the eavning. �232 31 Wet day generally, from morning till night. I went to the cheese factory in the afternoon and helped to make up the accounts. August [1884] 1st A little mizzle in the morning, the afternoon dry. Jim borrowed his Uncle Sam’s sulky Rake, and raked about two acres. 2 The grass very wet with a heavy dew this morning. Clear and dry in the afternoon. Jim raked some in the forenoon with the Sulky. John, Willie, and I hand raked. Jim took home the rake in the afternoon, then hauled in. I went to Dundalk and paid the Patrons of Cheese factory. 3rd Sabbath. Cloudy morning, and some sharp showers of rain through the day. Mr. George Glazier took shelter here a while in the afternoon from the rain. <folio 20 recto> August [1884] 4th Cloudy morning, the day dandy all through with a very slight sprinkling of rain. Jim and John mowed. I worked in the carrot patch. Mrs. R. and I went to H. Lonsway’s at night. 5 Dark, cloudy morning, the forenoon dry, a slight shower of rain came on about 5 P.M. John and Jim were mowing. Willie and I raked hay from noon till tea time. We thought to get some hauled in, but the rain prevented us. Johney took a very severe turn of cramps in his stomach after tea. He had eat [sic] a large quantity of gooseberries and I think they were the cause. We bathed his feet in hot water, put hot salt to his stomach and gave him some pain killer. He is now [dittog.: he is now], (9:35) P.M., convalescent. 6 Pretty cool day, dark, not much sunshine. Jim and I mowed and hauled in some. 7 Another dark, cool day. Jim and I mowed. Johney helped us in the afternoon. This finished our mowing. 8 A little cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. We hauled in till tea time, then helped Br. Sam. [in margin] Frost. 9 A slight frost this morning, the day fine and dry. Raked hay in the forenoon and hauled in in the afternoon. Finished haying. Mrs. R., Jim & I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Frost. <folio 20 verso> August 1884 10th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Lot 31 Melancthon, and also to see Mr. William Neithercut. [in margin] Frost / at night. 11 A slight frost this morning, the day dry but cool. Mr. Skeffington Bell came here and set up the reaper which I had bought from him. We then cut some barley. The reaper worked well. Willie cut with it for about two hours. John, Jim and I tied and stooked. [in margin] Commenced / Har- vesting. 12 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm, especially in the afternoon. We finished cutting Bar- ley. Jim and John went to Melancthon in the afternoon. They intend chopping some large timber to get sawed into stove wood. 13 Fine morning, the day dry and hot with some clouds in the afternoon. Jim and John are chopping on the Melancthon Lot. I worked at Twp. Books. [in margin] Annie Middleton / died at 8 P.M. 14 Fine morning, the day hot and dry. Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and Phoebe went to the carding mill beyond Maxwell with the wool. There were 38 1/2 pounds gross weight. Jim and John were cut- ting timber for the sawing machine. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot. �233 15 Sultry morning, the day very hot. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went to the funeral of Mr. J. J. Middleton’s little Annie. She was buried about 8 miles down the Gravel Road. Jim and John are working in Melancthon. [in margin] Hot. <folio 21 recto> August 1884 16th Very fine day, but extremely warm, the sky a kind of hazy in the afternoon. Mrs. R., Eliza and I put in five acres of Barley, then I drove to Melancthon for the boys who were chopping. [in mar- gin] Hot 17th Sabbath. Extremely warm in the forenoon, a smart shower of rain in the afternoon, some thunder and lightening. Brother Sam got the Democrat to go to John Jackson’s. [in margin] Hot 18 Warm morning, a little cloudy through the day, but pretty warm. Jim and I dug for water for the cattle in the swale. John went to Dundalk in the forenoon & got his boot repaired, and bought a new pair. Then he pulled pease after he came home. [in margin] First / pease / pulled 19 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy but very sultry. I pulled pease. John and Jim went to work in Melancthon. 20 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and a gentle breeze occassionally, but the air was close and warm when the breeze did not blow. The boys are working in Melancthon. I pulled pease at home. Sold Eight Lambs this eavning at $2.50 each. 21 Very sultry forenoon, a slight sprinkling of rain about 11 A.M., the afternoon cool and breezy. I took the lambs to Dundalk. Henry Lonsway hauled them. Pulled pease when I came home. Jim is skidding logs. Johney was at S. McDowell’s logging bee with his team. <folio 21 verso> August 1884 22nd Cool, cloudy morning, the day cool all through, no sunshine. The Boys were sawing in Melanc- thon. I pulled pease at home. 23 Quite cool this morning, the day decidedly cold, scarcely any sunshine. A slight rainfall twice through the day, a little about 7 A.M., and a few drops about noon. There are some indications of frost this night, the air is exceedingly cold. If there comes a frost now, grain of all kinds in this vi- cinity will suffer. The boys finished sawing at noon today. They think they have about seventy- five cords of short wood. I think sixty cords will be nearer the mark. I pulled pease at home, there are a great many thistles in them, making them very hard to pull. I Expect Clark home tonight from his uncle John Russell’s. He has been away a full month, helping him to Harvest. 24th Sabbath. Cool day, dry and cloudy. 25 Cool morning, the day cloudy, cool and windy, with a slight sprinkling of rain about noon. I was pulling pease. John was helping his Uncle Sam. Jim with the team was at Mr. Elliott’s sawing. 26 Cool morning, the day dry, cool and windy. John helpd his Uncle Sam. Jim and I pulled pease at home. Miss Sarah Bell was here a while today. John is not home yet (8:30) from Sam’s. <folio 22 recto> August 1884 27th Ground covered with a white frost this morning. A slight mist arose with the sun, the day clear and pretty warm in the afternoon. The frost, I think, done little harm, although there was an ice on the water. Jim and John hauled in pease. I pulled pease, and finished the job. Clark came home this afternoon from his uncle John Russell’s. The four boys went to Dundalk after tea to get them- selves boots. [in margin] Frost, Ice / Finished / pulling pease. �234 28 Clear morning, the sun came out but the day got cloudy after a little, the afternoon pretty black, and rain came on at night. Jim and John worked in Melancthon. I went there in the forenoon for a load of stove wood. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. was helping Emma Reid to quilt. 29 Rainy morning, the day wet till about 2 P.M. John and Jim were working in Melancthon. I worked at the cheese accounts. 30 Cloudy morning, but the sun shone out about 9 A.M. and the day was dry till the latter part of the afternoon, when there came on a slight mizzle of rain. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Clark, Willie and I hauled in the remainder of the pease. I sent a letter and two newspapers to Ireland. We brought home the heifer which was at W. Bell’s. [in margin] Sent / letter to / Ireland. <folio 22 verso> August 1884 31st Sabbath. Dry day. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. September [1884] 1st Cool morning, the day dry and breezy. We went to Melancthon to cut wheat with the cradles. Jim came home at night for the Reaper. Eliza is sick with the measels. 2 Bright morning, the day dry and very windy in the afternoon. We cut wheat with the reaper in the forenoon. In the afternoon the wind was so strong that we had to quit Reaping and cradle. 3 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty windy in the afternoon. The Reaper is not giving good satis- faction, had to get the agent to see it. Did not improve it any. Took it across to Brother Sam’s to cut some for him. Had hard work getting it through the Swamps. 4 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty hot. Johney finished the wheat with the cradle. Clark and I tied, then we all stooked. Jim was reaping at Sam’s. 5 Beautiful day, dry and warm, in fact hot. We reaped some oats. Skeffington Bell came and fixed up the Reaper. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. 6 Dry, warm day. We craddled some oats and tied some. Clark tramped out pease with the horses. Jim took a load of wood to Parson’s in the eavning. <folio 23 recto> September 1884 7th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon windy, cloudy, some thunder and lightening and rain. Dundalk came near being burned from swamp fires. 8 Some rain this morning, the day dry from about 9 A.M. Jim and John stoned* till noon, then Jim took the team with a load of stove wood to Dundalk. I paid the patrons of cheese factory in the af- ternoon. [*stone, verb to pick stones from a ploughed field.] 9 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun got out and the day was very sultry. Jim cradled oats in Melancthon. John and I made a culvert in Melancthon in the forenoon, and tied oats in the after- noon. Miss Mary Dane and Miss Sarah Bell, Mrs. A. Lonsway, Mr. G. Broughton and wife were here in the eavning. 10 Fine morning, the sun came out bright and clear, and the forenoon was very sultry. There came on a thunder storm and heavy rain about noon. We started to haul wheat home from Melancthon. Jim got caught in the rain with the second load and took shelter in John Neithercut’s Barn. Broth- er Sam and Alex Patterson just got into the barn at home when the rain came on. Clark helped Walter Bell. 11 Drizzly morning, the forenoon dark and gloomy, the afternoon dry, sunny and windy. John cra- dled and tied some oats. Jim went to Melancthon for the grindstone, and chored around. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. �235 <folio 23 verso> September 1884 12th Cool, cloudy morning, the day cool but dry. Jim Reaped for Sam. John was at John Neithercut’s threshing part of the day, the remainder he cradled for Sam. I entered orders in the Township Treasurer’s Book in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped Brother Sam to haul in. [in margin] Frost 13 White frost this morning, the sun got out and scattered the frost, the morning then clouded over, and there was signs of rain, but the clouds passed over and no rain fell. We were hauling in wheat from Melancthon. Finished the wheat and hauled in about 50 dozen of oats at home, also a load of oats from Melancthon. We had Walter Bell and his team, also Brother Sam and his team. [in margin] Frost 14th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day pretty cool and dry. 15 Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry. Rain came on about 5:30 P.M. There has not fallen much as yet (8:30 P.M.). Jim reaped some oats, John craddled some. In the afternoon I drove them out to Melancthon to cut some oats there. 16 Cloudy morning, the forenoon overcast but dry, the afternoon also dry and very windy. I worked at Cheese accounts in the forenoon, and in the afternoon helped Sam to harvest. Jim and John are cutting oats in Melancthon. 17 Cloudy morning, the day dry and windy. I helped Sam to haul in oats. Jim and John cradled the remainder of the oats in Melancthon. Got done about 3:30 P.M. <folio 24 recto> September 1884 18th Slight rain this morning, but it soon cleared off, the afternoon was dry. John Reaped oats from 10 A.M. till about 3 P.M. Jim tied some that had been cut before. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon, and after tea we tied oats and hauled in four small loads. 19 Great frost this morning, quite a heavy ice on the water, the day dry till about 4 P.M., when there was a slight rain fall. Brother Sam and I, Jim and Johney tied oats in Melancthon during the dry part of the day. Clark tied oats at home and his Mother and he hauled in two loads in the after- noon. I stopped at Sam’s all night. [in margin] Frost 20 A little rain fell early this morning, the remainder of the day was dry and breezy. I stooked oats in Melancthon till about 1:30 P.M., then tied and stooked till night. I stopped in the Melancthon cab- in all night. John finished Reaping oats at home. Clark and Jim picked stones. Heavy frost this night. [in margin] Finished / Reaping 21st Sabbath. More frost this morning, the day dry but pretty chilly. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Frost 22 Wet morning, the day showery all through. I worked at the Township Books. Jim made a sett of steps for the cellar. John chored around. Mrs. R. went to Decorate Dundalk Eng. Church. 23 Slightly wet this morning, the afternoon dry. The boys brought a load of wood from Melancthon in the afternoon, and picked stones in the forenoon. I attended Council meeting. <folio 24 verso> September 1884 24th Wet morning, the day generally showery, especially in the afternoon. I took Mrs. R. to Dr. Grif- fin*, Dundalk. She is ailing with something like dispepsia. Jim and John gathered stones during the dry part of the day. [*W.S. Griffin, Physician, is only listed in 1887 Dundalk Directory; see History of Dundalk, pp. 104, 126.] �236 25 Dry morning, but cloudy, the afternoon dry, sunny and breezy. We picked stones till tea time, then turned oat sheafes in the field. 26 Frost this morning, the day sunny and pretty breezy in the afternoon. Jim went in the forenoon to Melancthon to see if the oats were dry enough to haul in (they were not). When he came home [dittog.: when he came home], we hauled in oats at home in the afternoon. They were pretty damp, but we thought it best to draw them in. 27 Very wet morning, the day showery from morning till night. No work doing today, Except Clark who threshed out some wheat to take to the Show fair at Dundalk. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. Nichol’s this eavning. 28th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day overcast and frequent showers, with a very heavy rain just as night came on. Brother Sam, Pho[e]be and family were here. 29 Bright morning, the sun shone all day and was pretty drying. Willie and I kept working among the oat sheaves all day, spreading them out, then turning them over. John and Jim hauled rails to put up a fence. <folio 25 recto> September 1884 30 Cloudy, overcast morning, the sun got out after a little and it appeared as if the day might be dry. We hitched up the horses and started for the field to haul in oats, but the old saying (there is many a slip “twixt* the cup and the lips) came true, for we had scarcely got into the field when there came on a violent rain, and so put a stop to our hauling. It rained for about an hour. The afternoon was dry. Jim and John built a rail fence. I threshed some pease for Willie, who is going to take them to the show fair on the 7th of next month. [*Robert uses a double quotation mark (not the modern apostrophe), indicating a supposedly missing prefix be- in betwixt] October [1884] 1st Cloudy morning, the day generally overcast, though pretty drying. In the forenoon Jim and John went for a load of oats to Melancthon. They were so wet we had to stand them up outside the barn. Willie and I turned sheaves at home in the forenoon, and in the afternoon all hands hauled in. Brother Sam with his team came and helped us. We finished hauling in at home. The last ten acres which we put in are very damp, some of them growing in the field, but there did not seem any chance of getting them dry, as every other day for these last twelve days has been wet, and so soon as we got them a little dry, they would be wet again. It has been a tough time getting them in the barn. <folio 25 verso> October 1884 2nd Cloudy, overcast morning and [rain] began to fall about 9:30 A.M., and increased in volumn [=volume] till noon, when there was a pretty steady afternoon’s rain, and it is still (6:45) P.M. Raining! We started this morning for Melancthon to haul in oats. There was Brother Sam, Dan Reid, and Jim. They fetched a load each. The oats were pretty wet when they got home. There are about two loads still remaining in the field. 3 Slight mizzle of rain early this morning. The day cleared off soon, the afternoon was very bright and warm. I chored around in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and got en- trance tickets for the animals and articles which I mean to show at the fair in Dundalk on the 7th and 8th inst. Jim opened out oat stooks in Melancthon. John helped Brother Sam at his house. 4 Dry morning, but clouds soon began to appear. There was a slight sprinkling of rain in the fore- noon and a continuous light rain in the afternoon. We hauled oats from Melancthon, the first two �237 loads we put in the Barn, the last two loads we stood up outside the Barn as they were very wet. Brother Sam and Johney Oliver helped us. 5th Sabbath. Clear, sunshiney day all through. <folio 26 recto> October 1884 6th Bright morning, the sun shone all day. Jim helped Walter Bell to finish his harvest this afternoon. We put in the last of our oats very early this morning. It has been a tough harvest. Began on the 11th of August. Johney and Willie took up potatoes. I thrashed some grain with the flail for the Show fair. [in margin] Finished / Harvesting 7 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I took in some things and placed them in the show grounds. Jim and John raised potatoes. Brother John’s Bob and Nancy came here this afternoon. 8 Cold, wet morning, faired off a little about noon. More cold rain in the afternoon. Very unpleas- ant day. All went to the show fair. Mrs. R. got first prize for Star quilt (patch), [stricken second] third prize for fancy quilt, first for coucumbers [=cucumbers], and first for tidy [?]. Jim and John got second prizes for White and Black oats. 9 Fair day all through, but a little chilly. The Boys raised potatoes. I went to Dundalk and calculat- ed the cheese dividends. 10 Fine sunshiney day all through. I took Mrs. R., who is sick, to Dr. Barr of Hornings Mills. Jim and John were at Mr. Oliver’s logging Bee. James Patterson of Melancthon got very badly hurt at the bee by a stubb* falling on him. The shock caused concussion of the brain. He also has his col- lar Bone broken. Poor James, it will go hard with him. [*presumably a short log, falling off a load.] <folio 26 verso> October 1884 11th Bright morning, the day pleasant and dry, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to see James Patterson in the forenoon. He is very low, still, there is a slight hope of his recovery (I trust God will spare him to his family). In the afternoon I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of the factory their cheese dividends. The boys raised potatoes at home. 12th Sabbath. Fine sunny day all through. Mrs. R. and I went to see James Patterson. He is no better. John Patterson came home with us and stopped all night. 13 Cold, raw morning, the day cloudy and chilly all through. Mrs. R. and Phoebe went with Sam’s team to the carding mill. I took John Patterson to see his brother James, then I drove him to Dun- dalk station. The boys were at the potatoes. 14 Dry day. I asked hands for the threshing in the forenoon. John was logging at M. Neithercut’s Bee. Jim had the Horses helping H. Hewitt to thresh. The driver asked Jim to drive a while for him, and when he stepped on the horse power* to do so, his foot got caught. He jumped, but his foot is badly torn. The sole is torn open the breadth of the entire foot and half the length of it, also very deep. Patrick Conners and Brother Sam brought him home. Dan McDowell went for Dr. McWilliams. He came, washed, dressed and sowed it together. It’s a terrible tear. [in margin] Jim got / Foot crushed [*the horse power is the mechanism which converts the motion of the radi- al arm pulled by horses walking in a circle, through a system of gears, to power the threshing ma- chine.] <folio 27 recto> October 1884 �238 15th Fine day, till about 5 P.M. when there was some rain. Bob Mills is threshing here. Jim’s foot is pretty painful. 16 Fine day. Finished threshing: pretty fair yield, about 23 Bushels of Oats per acre, 14 of Wheat, 12 of pease and 14 of Barley. The wheat is a very good sample. The machine ground the pease into dust and blowed them away. I lost in this manner about 40 Bushels. I have 140 Bushels Wheat, 60 of pease, 70 of Barley, and near 700 B. of oats, or perhaps 730 B. of Oats, close to 1000 Bush- els in all of grain. Jim’s foot is progressing favorably. The Dr. came and dressed it this afternoon. 17 Cool, dry day. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing and Clark was at W. Bell’s threshing. Willie and I tidied up the granary and Barn. I went to Dundalk at night. 18 Quite a shower of snow fell this morning, the day was cool all through. John and Clark were at H. Lonsway’s threshing. Willie and I chored around home. Brother John and Wife came on a visit here this afternoon. [in margin] First snow 19th Sabbath. Fine day all through, but windy. Quite a number of persons came here to see how Jim’s foot was doing. Dr. McWilliams came and took the stitches out. <folio 27 verso> October 1884 20th Beautiful day from morning till night. Brother John and wife went to Brother Sam’s. Clark and John, with the team, are at D. Reid’s threshing. Willie and I put back straw in the barn. [in mar- gin] Indian / Summer 21 Dry morning, but cloudy, the day was dry. We were putting back straw in the barn. Brother John and Eliza were here at night. Very heavy rain storm at night. [in margin] Notice of sale / Essa. [*see below; attempt to sell the farm owned jointly by John and Robert Russell in Essa] 22 Wet morning, the day showery and cold. Brother John and wife left for home. John and Willie were at J. Gott’s threshing in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I sat up this night with James Patterson at R. Oliver’s. 23 Ground covered with snow and plenty more falling this morning. Snow falling all through the day. There is now (7:30) P.M. Six or 7 inches of snow and more falling. I came home from Mr. Oliver’s, called at Brother Sam’s and bought a cow from him for $2300/XX. [in margin] Snow 24 Heavy coating of snow on the ground, and more falling, the day generally wintry-like with fre- quent showers of snow. John cut some firewood and hauled it home. I went to Dundalk. 25 Wintry morning, cold, and snow on the ground, the day pretty cold except where the sun shone. John took 285 pounds wheat and 460 [pounds] mixed grain to the mill. He used the sleigh. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Doctor / Here 4th / time <folio 28 recto> October 1884 26th Sabbath. Snow and slop, very disagreeable day, snow melting at night. 27 Rain this morning, and mostly all through the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon dry. John and Willie cleaned pease. I went to Dundalk. Jim’s foot is mending slowly. It causes him con- siderable of pain sometimes. 28 Snow, pretty much all gone, the day a little chilly, but not very cold. John and I took up turnips and carrots. Willie drove his mother to Dr. Barr’s. 29 Very nice day all through, dry, mild and breezy. John and I with the team were at Brother Sam’s threshing. Doctor here to see Jim’s foot, 5th time. Jim’s foot is mending slowly, still, it is mend- ing, for which we may be thankful. 30 Nice mild day all through, a little snow still remains in the bush, waiting on the next to come. John and Willie were taking up potatoes in Melancthon. The Scott act* was voted on in Dufferin �239 and carried by over 500 of a majority. Two of the Brinkman boys were here tonight to see Jim. One of our cows swelled up this night after coming off the turnips. She was dead this morning when Clark went to fetch the cattle home. [*The Canadian Temperance Act (known as the Scott Act, since its major sponsor was Sir Richard Scott), passed in 1878 by the Canadian Parliament, allowed communities or counties to vote separately on the question of prohibition. Dufferin is “dry” as a result of this vote, but is Dundalk, in Grey County? See http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prohibition/] 31 Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. John brought home a cow from Brother Sam’s. I bought her for $2300/xx, intend fatttening her. Then he went to H. Hewitt’s threshing. I took a cowhide to Dundalk, brought $3.85. <folio 28 verso> November 1884 1st Dark morning, and in the afternoon snow fell to a considerable extent, the snow pretty soft. John was at H. Hewitt’s threshing in the forenoon. We put in some straw, gathered up some turnips, then I went to Dundalk at night. 2nd Sabbath. Dark day all through, the snow again dissapearing. Miss Hannah Neithercut and her sister Minnie were here. 3 Dark morning, the day generally cloudy, a small bit of sunshine once. The snow is mostly all gone. Jim’s foot is improving. Miss Minnie Neithercut and her sister Hannah are here. John and I brought in our potatoes, and some of our carrots into the cellar. I had the smallest yield of pota- toes this year that I ever had, about 40 bushels on an acre and a half. 4 Cloudy morning, quite a quantity of soft snow fell during the day, the afternoon was soft, almost like a thaw. We were choring around today. 5 Very cold, stormy morning, the day blust[e]ry all through. Quite a severe snow storm. John took Miss Minnie Neithercut and her sister home, and brought the cattle from Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <folio 29 recto> November 1884 6th Plenty of snow on the ground this morning, the day pretty mild, a good deal of snow melted. Went to Shelburne in the cars*, walked from there to Brother John’s in Tossorontio. [*in the cars = on the train; in the absence of passenger cars, travellers sat on plank benches installed in box- cars (see History of Dundalk, p. 36). Robert’s walk from Shelburne to John’s was about twenty miles (from Shelburne to close to Alliston).] 7 Snow still disappearing, not much here, the day pretty mild all through. I went in the eavning with Brother John to Alliston, seen John Agnew, then went home with him and stopped there all night. 8 Mild day all through, little or no snow here, sun shining a good deal. John Agnew, John Russell and I attended the advertised sale of the Essa farm. It was not sold. The Hussay’s paid up all the interest due to the first of the present month, being one year and eight months interest, also all the costs. They further agreed [MS:agreead] to give a new mortgage on the farm, to run Five years from first of the present month, the mortgage to carry seven per cent per annum interest. They signed an agreement to this affect [=effect], the writing to be completed in ten days. [in margin] Attended / Sale of / Essa Lot 9th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day mild all through. John Agnew drove me to William Lonsway’s near Clover Hill. We stopped a while there and then came back to John’s. 10 Another fine morning, the day fine all through. John’s son, J. T., drove me up to Brother John’s in the forenoon. I stopped at John’s that afternoon and night. �240 <folio 29 verso> November 1884 11th Fine morning, the day mild all through. Brother John’s Jim drove me up six concessions on my way home. I then turned him back and footed it to Shelburne, took the cars from there home. Johney attended the fair at Dundalk today and sold a pair of three and a half year old steers for Sixty dollars. 12 Mild in the forenoon, but chilly in the afternoon. Johney chopped wood in the afternoon and went to Mr. Nichol’s threshing in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. 13 Mild morning, the day dry and breezy in the afternoon. Johney and Willie with the oxen went to Melancthon to stump and stone. I stopped at home and done the chores. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 14 The ground covered with white frost, the sun shone out and the day was beautiful, almost like In- dian Summer. Johney and Willie are working in Melancthon. I took care of the animals at home. Miss M. Hewitt was here. 15 Mild day, the sun shone out bright and clear most of the day. John and Willie worked in Melanc- thon. I was in Dundalk on cheese business. 16th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day beautiful all through. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. <folio 30 recto> November 1884 17th Cold, raw morning, the day cold all through. Johney and Willie went to Melancthon to work. 18 Pretty chilly morning, the day cold. John and Willie are working in Melancthon. 19 The ground very hard frozen this morning, a chilly air, generally, all day. John and Willie worked in Melancthon. I went to R. Cornell’s to help make out the milk accounts. Came home about 2 O’clock [at] Night. 20 Cool morning, the day dry, cool and breezy. I worked at home till 3 P.M. at the milk accounts, then I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of factory for their cheese. 21 Rather milder this morning, the air was soft through the day and the ground thawed some. The boys worked in Melancthon. 22 Pretty sharp frost this morning, the day cold all through. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Brother Sam brought home the Democrat Waggon at night. He had been away since last Tuesday through the Townships of Mulmer, Nottawaysaga and Collinwood [=Nottawasaga, Collingwood] trying to get a farm to rent. He did not succeed. 23rd Sabbath. Rain in the morning, rain at noon with a strong wind. The rain turned to snow at night. Two Miss Johnson[s], H. Hewitt & Richard Neithercut were here. <folio 30 verso> November 1884 24th Very cold morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, and continued so all day. We butchered nine pigs. Henry Lonsway helped us. 25 Stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing all day. Willie and I took four fat pigs butchered to Dundalk, sold them for $5.20 per cwt. John went to Walter Bell’s threshing. He did not thresh. 26 Cold stormy morning, snowing, blowing and freezing all day. Johney and Willie went to Mr. Wright’s grist mill, they took 15 Bush[els] & 48 pounds wheat, got near to 40 p. per Bushel. 27 Mild morning, a softness in the air, day almost like a thaw, the day pleasant all through. John was at W. Bell’s threshing. Mrs. Bowler, Mrs. Neithercut and her daughter, Martha, were here. I went to Mrs. Bowler’s at night. �241 28 Mild morning, the day mild and foggy, like a fall of rain or more snow. John underbrushed* in Melancthon. I got a ton of hay of [sic] Dan Reid for $7.00. He hauled it home, then he helped me drive a yoke of steers from Brother Sam’s home. Mrs. C. Bell was here today, also Jim Nic[h]ol and three of his sisters were here a while at night. [*cut underbrush on lot that has been logged, or about to be logged] <folio 31 recto> November 1884 29th Mild morning, a little snow fell during the day and the afternoon got chilly. John was underbrush- ing. Clark took Four head of our young cattle and two of Brother Sam’s to Tossorontio to Brother John’s to feed them for the winter. Mr. D. Reid and wife were here a while tonight. [in margin] Cattle / sent to / John’s. 30th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, a little sunshine now and then. I was at Brother Sam’s at night, also to see J. Patterson. He is improving rapidly. December [1884] 1st Mild morning, the day generally mild, not much sunshine. John and Willie took the team and went to Melancthon to repair the Horse stable. Willie brought home a load of stove wood in the afternoon. Mrs. Widow Broughton and her daughter, Mrs. Lonsway, were here this eavning. Clark got home this eavning. 2 Mild day but cloudy, and without any sunshine, the sky greately[sic] overcast at night, indicating snow. A moderate wind prevailed during the day. John is working in Melancthon. Jim’s foot is mending very slowly. 3 Misty day from norning till night, a slight thaw, strong winds in the morning. John is at the Shan- ty. 4 Beautiful day, bright sun, the snow disappearing rapidly. Mrs. R. took Jim in to Sam’s in the sleigh. John is working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to William / Omega, Tenn [i.e. his brother William] <folio 31 verso> December 1884 5th Misty morning, the sun shone out after a while, and the forenoon was beautiful, the afternoon was rainy. John is working in Melancthon. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R. and I took Jim to Dundalk for the Doctor to see his foot. 6 Cloudy morning, a general thaw has sett in. Wet afternoon, Raining now (8:00 P.M.), the wind pretty brisk. John was working in Melancthon. Brother Sam and I went to Melancthon, he helped me to make a wood rack. 7th Sabbath. Very wet day from morning till night, the rain turned to snow at night. 8 Blowing and snowing this morning, the day windy and snow fell during most of the day. John is working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got a payment from Collector of Tax- es, also paid Dr. McWilliam* for his services to Jim’s crushed foot. [*Previously treated Jim, “at point of death” in late June, early July 1879. Dr. McWilliam began medical practice in Dundalk upon graduation from Trinity Medical College in Toronto in 1876, selling his practice in 1921; see History of Dundalk, p. 128; and 21 Dec. 1882, above.] 9 Blowing and snowing this morning, a good deal of snow fell during the day, but the wind blew it off the roads. No sleighing worth anything. John is working in Melancthon. 10 Pretty cool morning, the middle of the day a little sunny, the afternoon cooler, the day calm. Mrs. D. Reid and Miss S. Bell helped Mrs. R. to quilt. I paid Melancthon tax, Valuation $850, Co. Rate �242 3 mills (2.55), Township R. 2 ½ (2.13), Railroad R. 3. (2.55), drainage $6.89, Trustee tax $3.83, total $17.95. [amounts we give in parentheses are written as superscript, underscored]. [in mar- gin] Paid / Melancthon / Tax <folio 32 recto> December 1884 11th Pretty sharp morning, the day very variable, snow and sunshine, storm and calm. John is working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. took some provisions to him and brought home the Bobsleighs which were there. 12 Pretty sharp morning, the day chilly all through. John is working in Melancthon. Miss J. Neither- cut came here this afternoon. 13 Cold morning, the afternoon rather milder, not any sun, the day cloudy all through. No sleighing and very bad wagoning. Miss Neithercut was here making a dress for Eliza. John was working in Melancthon. Willie, Clark and I moved some straw in the mow in order to get at the hay. Clark and I then went to Dundalk in the afternoon, he bought himself an overcoat at $10.50. Willie took Jim in the sleigh to Johney Neithercut’s. He is going to stop there tonight. Mr. Thos. Middleton, Teacher of this Sch. Sect. Was here tonight. I paid him his order $333.00. 14th Sabbath. Cold, raw wind, the day dark, without any sunshine. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. 15 Lots of snow falling this morning, and plenty of snow fell during the day. Pretty good sleighing now. John hauled stove wood home from Melancthon. I attended council meeting in Dundalk. Frank Millsop died this morning. [in margin] Sleighing <folio 32 verso> 16th Cold stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing. The day cold and stormy all through. We Butchered a fat cow. Dan Reid was chief Executioner, John Gott helped to skin her. I had bought her about 45 days ago for $25.00. I have been fattening her since then, she is in good order. 17 Sharp morning, the day cold all through, a little snow fell occasionally. John helped Walter Bell at his wood bee. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 18 Cold morning, the day extremely cold, a little snow fell occasionally. John started to haul cord- wood to Dundalk. Henry Lonsway is helping him, the sleighing is good. [in margin] Hauled first / wood to / Station / this winter. 19 Extremely cold morning, a sharp freeze all day. Some sunshine through the day, no wind, the day calm. Mrs. Skeffington Bell was here. I was sawing up a cow today and a mighty hard job it was. She was frozen as hard as [a] stick. [in margin] Cold. 20 Extremely cold day from morning till night. Good sleighing, a little snow falling at night. John was hauling cordwood. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] very cold 21st Sabbath. A little milder this morning, the middle of the day fine, the afternoon cold. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. <folio 33 recto> December 1884 22nd Very stormy morning, the day stormy all through, blowing and snow drifting very badly in the afternoon. John hauled wood to Dundalk. 23 Sharp morning, the day pretty chilly all through, no wind, but calm. I worked at the township Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John Agnew was here all night. 24 Pretty cold day, not any blow but a sharp freeze. John hauled wood. I worked at the Township Books. John Agnew left for home this forenoon. �243 25 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold all through. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here a while in the afternoon. William Agnew and wife and wife’s sister came here in the afternoon. Clark got home from O. S.* Examination. [*Owen Sound was a venue for Teacher Qualification examinations; Clark is aged 17.] 26 Bright sun pretty much all day, but rather sharp freeze, the day pleasant. John hauled wood. Clark hauled home a load of stove wood. 27 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly, the day overcast, no sunshine. John hauled cordwood. I and Clark fixed a place to fat a sow in. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, bought 10 Bushels pease at .56¢ per Bushel. 28 Sabbath. Mild day, like a thaw, especially in the eavning. 29 Soft forenoon, the afternoon raining. A thaw has set in. John hauled wood to Dundalk. I went to the nomination.* Mrs. R. went to a Quilting at Phoebe’s. Jim also went to Brother Sam’s. [*It is unclear which level of government the nominations are for. It is likely for township council (for which Robert and two eldest sons vote on 5 Jan. 1884); for provincial government, Robert votes for M. P. P (Member of Provincial Parliament) on 18 March 1884.] <folio 33 verso> December 1884 30th Thawing all day, Raining in the afternoon. The boys are in Melancthon. Jim is at Sam’s. Willie brought the horses home from Melancthon in the afternoon. T. Hanbury, John Neithercut and Tom Mitchel[l] were here. [in margin] Thaw. 31 Rain in the morning, a little sunshine towards noon, strong cold wind in the afternoon. Freezing at night. Clark was at J. Patterson’s wood bee. Jim is stopping at Brother Sam’s. Johney is working in Melancthon. Willie came home from Melancthon for the oxen. The old year is again passing away and will soon be ended. We have had pretty fair fortune during its continuance, no sickness which is something to be thankful for. Pretty fair crops and good health. The only drawback was the accident to Jim’s foot, but I think that time will eventually restore it to its proper use. Good by[e], Old Year, and may your successor prove a Beneficial One. <folio 34 recto> January 1885 1st Cold morning, the day cold all through, sharp cutting wind, freezing keenly. The boys are work- ing in Melancthon. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s. Jim is at Brother Sam’s. 2 Very cold morning, cold noon and cold afternoon. Sharp air, freezing keen. The boys are in Melancthon. Jim got home from Sam’s. His Mother went after him with the Sleigh. The sleigh- ing is gone, though. 3 Sharp cold morning, the day pretty breezy, the wind very cutting, scarcely any sunshine. John, Clark and Willie were working in Melancthon. 4th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, some sunshine. 5 Pretty mild day all through. Jim, John and I went to Proton and voted*, then John and Jim went and voted in Melancthon. [*Jim and John are aged 21 and 19, respectively. As property owners and residents in both townships, they vote in both Proton and Melancthon municipal elections.] 6 A little sharp this morning, the afternoon mild. John is working in Melancthon. Jim is stopping somewhere, there. Clark & Eliza started for school. 7 Windy, generally, through the day, with several flurrys of snow, the day inclined to be soft. Willie started for school. John is working in Melancthon. �244 8 Rather mild morning, the day mild. John was working in Melancthon. We took Jim to Dundalk in the afternoon, to the Doctor’s. Mr. R. Oliver got his Barn, some grain, implements, and some stock burned this morning about 5 A.M. [in margin] R. Oliver’s Barn / Burned. <folio 34 verso> January 1885 9th Mild in the forenoon, cold and a little snow in the afternoon, very strong wind at night with a blinding snow storm. The wind kept very high all night, making the house quiver. John went to Mr. Oliver’s bee to haul lumber. George Rutherford came here at night and Insured the outbuild- ings for $500.00 and contents for $800.00, total $1,300.00, paid $13.00 for insurance and $1.00 for fees. The insurance to last for 3 years from date. [in margin] Insured / in Western. 10 Pretty sharp morning, strong wind the middle of the day, and afternoon was mild. John and Clark went to Melancthon and finished making wood rack. 11th Sabbath. Mild day with a slight snowfall in the afternoon, the afternoon also pretty windy. I went to Brother Sam’s, Mr. Joseph Jackson and wife, and Miss S. Jackson was at our place. 12 Sharp morning, high wind and snow, the day was very windy, with frequent showers of drifting snow. John left with the team to swamp out short wood in Melancthon. Mr. H. Lonsway and wife were here at night. 13 Very cold morning, the day sharp all through. John was hauling wood from Melancthon to Dun- dalk. 14 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. Rather strong wind. I went in the forenoon to Mr. Oliver’s Raising, then accompanied brother Sam to Dundalk. John was hauling short wood to Dundalk. <folio 35 recto> 1885 January 15 Rather cold morning, the afternoon something milder. Pretty good sleighing on account of a slight snow fall last night. John was hauling short wood to Dundalk. Jim went to John Arnold’s in the eavning, then he went with Joseph Jackson to his place. I went to Dundalk. 16 Pretty chilly morning and quite a snowfall in the forenoon, very cold towards night and a very strong wind. Miss Sarah Bell visited us in the afternoon and Miss Gen* Neithercut came here in the eavening to make up a coat, cloak or something else for Eliza. John was hauling wood to Dundalk. [*Short for Jennie?, whose older sister married Josiah Saudier, both are daughters of Jo- seph Neithercut; History of Dundalk, p. 360.] 17 Extremely cold, stormy morning, the day one of storm all through. High wind, piercing cold, drifting show. Miss Neithercut is here. John took one load of wood to Dundalk and brought an- other home in the eavning. Clark helped Sam Lonsway 1/2 day at his sawing. I am Forty-nine years of age. [in margin] Birthday. 18th Sabbath. Cold stormy day, Blowing and snowing. [in margin] Cold. 19 Very cold all through the day, Blowing and freezing, the coldest day, I think, [that has] come this winter. I hired a horse and cutter from G. R. Phillips* for $1.50, went to Hopeville to a council meeting. I am retained again as Township Treasurer, Salary $75.00 per annum. [in margin] In- tensely Cold. [*G.R. Phillips, livery stable, 1887 business directory; History of Dundalk, p. 104.] <folio 35 verso> 20th Cold morning, the day very sharp all through, a stormy wind and freezing keenly, no sun, the day cloudy. John is hauling wood to Dundalk, Jim is stopping in Melancthon. [in margin] Cold. �245 21 Cold stormy day from morning till night, Blowing and snowing with an intense freeze. John is working with the team in Melancthon. Miss Sarah Bell of Proton was married today to a Mr. Pat- terson of Egremont. [in margin] Miss Bell / married. 22 Bright sunny morning, the sky got overcast towards noon, the afternoon was cold. John is work- ing at the cordwood. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 23 Pretty sharp morning, the day generally cold. John was hauling cordwood to Dundalk 24 Milder this morning, the day inclined to be soft, almost like a thaw. John and Brother Sam were hauling cordwood to Dundalk. 25th Sunday. A little colder than yesterday, quite a quantity of snow fell. Mrs. R. and I went to Br. Sam’s. I then went to meeting. 26 Stormy morning, blowing and drifting, the day one of storm and cold. John hauled one load to Dundalk and one home. A. Lonsway and his son James were here. <folio 36 recto> January 1885 27th Quite a keen freeze this morning, the day very cold all through. John went to Melancthon to haul wood. Minnie Neithercut went home this morning with John. I have just got the Township Books audited and my accounts are straight as possible. 28 Very cold morning, hard freezing, especially in the forenoon, the afternoon a little milder with some sunshine. John and Brother Sam were hauling wood to Dundalk. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 29 Cold morning, the day cold all through, very little sunshine. Sharp freeze. John was hauling cordwood to Dundalk. Brother John and wife, and cousin Mary Murphy, came here this eavning. 30 Not so cold as yesterday, the day considerably warmer in the afternoon. Johney was hauling cordwood to Dundalk. Brother John, his wife and daughter Minnie, and cousin Mary Murphy, are here. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 31 Mild morning, the day pleasant, with considerable of sunshine now and then. Brother John went to Brother Sam’s. Johney was hauling cordwood. Clark left home this morning to go to School in Alliston.* Willie and I cleaned up a small grist. [*Clark is attempting to qualify as a teacher; he plans to attend middle school.] <folio 36 verso> February 1885 1st Sabbath. Considerable of snow fell in the forenoon, the day pretty chilly. John and Mrs. R. went with the team to Brother Sam’s for John and the others. 2 Cold this morning but the day got milder and the afternoon was pretty nice. John finished hauling long wood to Dundalk. Brother John and his company went home. Mrs. Thos. Robinson was bur- ied today. [in margin] Finished / Hauling / longwood. 3 Mild morning, the day mild all through, with a little snowfall in the afternoon. John went to the mill with a small grist. I chored around. Mr. Nichol called in the eavening. 4 Pretty mild day, scarcely any sunshine but the air soft, the trees covered over with a very heavy hoar frost. John was hauling logs for Henry Lonsway. 5 Sharp morning, Keen frost, the middle of the day something milder, but the afternoon, especially about nightfall, extremely cold. I posted a letter to Brother William “Omega P. O., Houston Co , St. of Tennessee”, also another to Sister Sarah “Sunnidale Corners P. 0.”* [in margin] Posted / let- ter / to Br. William. [*Sunnidale Corners is in Simcoe County, near New Lowell.] �246 6 Very cold morning, terrible frost, the middle of the day and afternoon was milder with quite a bit of sunshine. John was hauling short wood to Dundalk. Mr. Walter Nichols and Wife were here a while at night. <folio 37 recto> February 1885 7 Not near so cold a morning as yesterday, the afternoon, especially, was quite sunny, but on about dark there was a severe frost again. John hauled one load of short wood to Dundalk in the fore- noon, then he went to Wright’s mill in the afternoon. He had left to be gristed Eleven Bushels and Fourteen pounds, and he got Four hundred and forty five pounds of flour or almost Forty pounds to the bushel. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 8th Sabbath. Cold and windy, some snow fell in the afternoon, and drifted at night 9 Cold, Blustering morning, the day very stormy all through, snowing and blowing. Johney brought a load of firewood in the forenoon from Melancthon. He hurt his finger pretty badly while load- ing, struck his finger between the load and the stick he was throwing up. Clark got home from Al- liston where he had went to School. No Room for him in the school, more money wasted, fitting him out, cost me about $20.00, all for nothing, humbug from beginning to end of the drama. First lamb came this morning. Ewe had two, one of them was dead when found. [in margin] First Lamb. 10 Very cold morning, Blowing and freezing, the day extremely cold all through. I went to Dundalk to try to sell my cordwood, did not get a bid for it, the first class wood in the yard was selling for $1.75 per cord. James Murphey was here, I met with him in Dundalk. [in margin] Very cold. <folio 37 verso> February 1885 11th Very cold morning, intense frost, the day cold all through. James Murphey stopped here all day. [in margin] cold. 12th Another cold morning but not quite so sharp as yesterday. John went to Melancthon to haul some short wood to Dundalk. James Murphy went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] cold. 13 Another cold morning, the day a little milder in the afternoon. John brought a small load wood home. [in margin] cold. 14 A little milder this morning, the sun shone out and made things look cheery, the afternoon was rather mild. We Butchered a fat pig in the forenoon and took her to Dundalk in the afternoon. Sold her for $5.50 per hundred pounds. She weighed 319 pounds. I sold my cordwood to a Mr. Higgins for $1.60 per cord and $2.00 more added to the sum total of price. It is very little for it. I got $2.75 per cord last year. 15th Sabbath. Sharp cold day all through. 16 Very cold morning, the day Blowing and freezing and Extremely cold. John and Jim went to Dundalk and measured the wood, there were 74 cords. In the afternoon John and I hauled two saw logs from the field. I got 2 Tons of Hay from Mrs. Bowler at $8.00 per ton. 17 Another cold day, very sharp frost. John went with the saw logs to the mill in the forenoon, and in the afternoon [brought] 8 saw logs home. <folio 38 recto> February 1885 18th Something milder than yesterday, still there was a pretty sharp frost. John hauled logs to the saw mill. Mrs. H. Bowler was here. 19 Pretty cold in the forenoon, sharp frost, the afternoon something milder. John hauled a load of stove wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, seen brother Sam there. He came near �247 loosing [=losing] about $400.00. In getting into the sleigh at home he put the money in his wife’s satchal and left the satchel on the wood pile, right on the edge of the travelled road, while he placed the child in its mother’s arms. He drove to Dundalk without the satchel, missed his money, then turned and came home. Luckily he found it on the wood pile where he left it. 20 Cold morning, the middle of the day something milder, the afternoon cold with a sharp frost. John hauled a load of wood to Dundalk and another home. He and Jim went to a flare-up* held in Mr. John Duncan’s at night, under the patronage of W. Acheson’s Boys. I went to Dundalk, sent a cheque to the Manager Bank of Commerce for $577.85 to Redeem the second Drainage Debenture of School Section No. 1 Proton, also Deposited Near $500.00 in the Dundalk Bank. [*obviously some sort of party; perhaps an outdoor bonfire?] 21 Sharp morning, the day cold all through. John brought a load of wood home, and a little hay that he had left at John Neithercut’s. Mrs. R. visited Mrs. C. Bell in the eavening. <folio 38 verso> February 1885 22nd Sabbath. Pretty chilly in the forenoon, the sun shone out about 10 A.M., the afternoon was pleas- ant. Mrs. R. and I went to H. Lonsway’s in the afternoon. 23 Bright beautiful morning, the sun shone out strong all day, the day mild. John and Jim started for Melancthon to work stove wood. This is the first day that Jim attempted work since the 14th of last October, when he got his foot badly crushed and mangled in the Horse power of a threshing machine. The foot is far from being well yet. The Township auditors, Messrs. F. Nixon and T. Fennell were auditing my books here as Treasurer of the Township. [in margin] Jim / tried / work. 24 Rather hazy this morning, the forenoon without sunshine, the afternoon sunny and mild. Jim and John worked in Melancthon. Eliza went from school to Joseph Ne[i]thercut’s, little Joe Neithercut came to our place with Clark and Willie. 25 Beautiful morning, the sun shone out clear all day, the day very pleasant. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s last night. His Baby Boy is sick nigh unto death with inflamation on the lungs. I came home this morning, Mrs. R. stopped till this afternoon. The baby is something better. Jim is in Melancthon. John is at Mr. Hewett’s wood bee. <folio 39 recto> February 1885 26th Beautiful Day all through. John and Jim are in Melancthon working. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 27 Another fine day, almost like a thaw, the air soft and the snow inclined to melt. John and Jim worked in Melancthon. Mrs. Pierce, a religious crank stopped here all night. 28 Pretty mild morning, the day soft all through, not freezing much. Jim worked in Melancthon, cut- ting stove wood. John hauled home two loads of stove wood. I cleaned oats in the forenoon, as- sisted by Clark and Willie. They cleaned in the afternoon themselves and I went to Dundalk to at- tend a meeting of the Patrons of the cheese Factory. At night Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s and sat up all night with his Baby. March [1885] 1st Sabbath. Mild morning, but some snow falling, the day was something colder in the eavening. Brother Sam brought Mrs. R. and I home. The child is something better. 2 Mild in the forenoon, with some sunshine, the afternoon was cold and blowing. Jim took the team to Melancthon to haul stove wood to Dundalk. John cut cedar posts at home, I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Got letter / from Br. / William. �248 3 Dark, lowering day without sunshine, but not cold. Jim hauled stove wood to Dundalk, John cut posts. I worked at the Township accounts. <folio 39 verso> March 1885 4th Dark day all through, with some snow falling now and then, not cold, rather inclined to be soft. John hauled posts out of the Swamp in the forenoon with the oxen, in the afternoon he went to Dundalk. Jim was at Mont[gomery] Neithercut’s sawing. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I went to see about a letter of mine which I posted on the 20th of last month to the manager, Bank of Commerce, Toronto, containing a cheque for $577.85 to retire Debenture No. 2, Drainage of School Sect. No. 1 Proton. Said letter has went wrong somehow, although I Regis- tered it. I wrote to the manager respecting it on the 2nd inst. but I have got no reply. 5 Mild morning, but cloudy, the day cloudy all through. John hauled posts out of the swamp. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, sold my oats to Sam McCullough for .34 3/4 ¢ per Bushel. 6 Beautiful morning, the day splendid, delicious Sunshine all day long. I attended Council Meeting at Cederville. John hitched up the colts. 7 Pretty fine day, but not near so pleasant as yesterday. There was a good deal of sunshine, but pret- ty sharp frost. John, Clark and Willie cleaned oats. Jim is somewhere, not at home. <folio 40 recto> March 1885 8th Sabbath. Pretty mild in the forenoon, the afternoon a little rough and windy. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 9 Mild in the morning, it began getting rough about 10 A.M., and the wind arose very high, accom- panied with snow late in the afternoon, and through the forepart of the night the storm was bad. Phoebe came here in the forenoon and in the afternoon Sam came. We took a load of oats to Dun- dalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Big Blow. 10 Pretty cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through. Sam was here a while about noon. Jim and Johney started for Melancthon to cut stove wood. They left in the eavning. 11 Milder this morning, the day cloudy but not cold. Jim and John are working in Melancthon. Mr. Abraham Jackson was here on his rounds, trying to raise money to wipe out the debt for the build- ing of the English Church in Dundalk. 12 Pretty sharp in the morning, the afternoon milder, with a little sunshine. Jim and John are cutting stove wood. I took a load of oats to Dundalk. 13 Very cold morning, the sky hazy with a cutting wind, a snow storm in the afternoon. Jim and John are in Melancthon. I took two loads of oats to Dundalk. 14 Cold, stormy day. I took a load of oats to Dundalk and hauled Sam a load of firewood in the af- ternoon. <folio 40 verso> March 1885 15th Sabbath. Very stormy day, blowing, snowing and freezing, the roads drifting up badly. [in mar- gin] Storm. 16 Very cold morning, no traffic on the roads, they are filled up with snow, the afternoon piercing cold. Jim and John started to cut cordwood in Melancthon. Brother Sam came here and he and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. He bought a Black horse, rising Eight years old, from Kenneth McAulay for $120.00 on ten months’ time. I went in the note with him. [in margin] Sam’s / note due / January / 16th 1886. �249 17 Cold morning, a sharp frost all day long. Jim and John are working in Melancthon. 18 Cold morning, the day cold all through. The Boys are at Melancthon, working at the cordwood. I clerked at Kenneth McAulay’s sale. 19 Very sharp morning, the day piercing cold all through. Jim and John are at Melancthon. I hitched up the horses in the afternoon and drove to Dundalk for the mail matter, then I went to Mr. H. Johnson’s for Mrs. R. who was at a Quilting. Mrs. Sarah Patterson, Walter Bell, Mr. Patterson and Mrs. W. Bell were here at night. [in margin] Mrs. S. Patterson here. 20 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Jim and John are in Melancthon. 21 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Jim and John are in Melancthon. Jim got a laced boot made for his crushed foot, the first since it was hurt. [in margin] Sent letter to Sister Sarah. <folio 41 recto> March 1885 22nd Sabbath. Clear cold day all through, sunshine, but sharp frost. Mr. Skeffington Bell and wife were here. 23 Cold morning, the day pretty sharp all through, a good deal of sunshine but cold wind. John and I started for the Grist mill with Five Bags of wheat. When we got part of the way the mares began to crowd each other off the track. We had to Borrow a one horse sleigh and put our wheat on it and go to the mill with the one mare. The snow is very deep on the roads, being drifted. Our mares are very heavy with foal and our Journey was very risky. Slightly worked one of them. 24 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing at a fearful rate. The day was one of storm all through. John and Jim left for Melancthon to cut cordwood. 25 Pretty sharp morning, the day had a little sunshine about noon, the afternoon mild. 26 Soft wind this morning, the sun shone out in the forenoon, melting the snow. A big snow storm came on in the afternoon, the snow very soft, inclined to turn to Rain. I went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon, posted a letter to Brother William, Houston Co., Omega P. O., St. of Tennessee, U.S. Miss Mariah Maxwell and Mrs. Maria Broughten were here. 27 Soft in the forenoon, thaw wind and bright sunshine. The afternoon pretty sharp frost. I was at Dundalk in the afternoon. <folio 41 verso> March 1885 28th Hard morning, the roads stiffened up well with the frost last night. There was some sunshine in the middle of the day and through the afternoon. I got Daniel Reid to go to the mill with his team on account of my team crowding. 29th Sabbath. Bright sunny day but a cool air. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s with the team. We had to go three miles out of our way on account of Side Road 220 being filled with snow. When we got within 40 Rods of Sam’s House our horses crowded so that we had to take them off the sleigh. 30 Dark morning, but mild, quite a snow storm came on in the afternoon, and it is now (9 P. M.) snowing thick. John and Willie started for Melancthon this morning. John to chop and Willie to cook. David Kinnear came to chop, have hired him for 1/2 month at $7 1/2. Jim hauled 2 loads of stove wood home from Melancthon. Clark and I cleaned some Barley in the eavening to get chopped. 31 Stormy in the afternoon, snowing very heavily. Jim hauled wood in the afternoon. Jim also took 7 bags of Barley and Oats to the mill to be chopped. <folio 42 recto> April 1885 �250 1st Blustery day, storming a good deal. Jim is in Melancthon, though not chopping. He has a pain in his Breast. John is chopping. Willie is cooking. 2 Another blustery day, storming. John is chopping cordwood in Melancthon. Jim is on the sick list. Mrs. R. and I visited at A. Lonsway’s tonight. 3 Not so cold as yesterday, a good deal of sunshine during the day. I went to Dundalk for the chop. A. Lonsway went with me. Jim came home this afternoon. 4 Pretty sharp morning, the day pretty chilly although there was a good deal of sunshine , the after- noon pretty chilly. I helped D. Reid in the afternoon to draw in two loads of Hay. Clark, who had went to the shanty on Friday morning, came home sick this afternoon. 5th Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, quite a bit of Bland [MS:Blank?] sunshine in the forenoon, with showers of sleet. [in margin] Easther. 6 Rather pleasant all through the day, genuine sunshine most part of the time. The snow took a start towards the rivers and Lakes. John and Clark went to Melancthon to chop. Willie went to cook. Jim hauled a load of stove wood home in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk. 7 Cloudy day all through, with a little rain now and then, the snow melting. I attended a special meeting of Council at Hopeville. S. Bell provided horse and cutter. [in margin] Thaw. <folio 42 verso> April 1885 8th Cold stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing. The snow stopped after a little, but the wind increased, the afternoon was piercing cold. The wind was so strong and the roads so icy that it was with difficulty any person could walk without falling. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and posted a Draft to the Manager of Molsons Bank, Owen Sound, for $1440.00, Sinking funds of School Sections, to remain on deposit. In the afternoon I again went to Dundalk for the veterinary surgeon to attend Mr. A. Lonsway’s mare. [in margin] First / cow /calved. 9 Bright sunny morning, the day pleasant, the snow melting, quite springlike. John is chopping. John Agnew stopped here this night. 10 Cloudy mostly all day, the snow melting a little, going away very slowly. John is chopping. 11 Quite a change from yesterday, snowing and blowing mostly all day. John & Clarke were chop- ping. [in margin] 2nd Cow calved 12th Sabbath. Pretty cold day all through, the snow melted a little in the sunny side of the buildings in the afternoon. 13 Cold morning, the day stormy all through, snowing and blowing, a regular winter’s day. Jim start- ed for the shanty with Willie to cook and John to chop. Mrs. R visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the af- ternoon. 14 Fine morning, the day sunny and the snow melting some. The Boys are chopping in Melancthon. I bought a ton of Hay from J. Roseborough for $10.00. He hauled it home for me. [in margin] 3rd Cow calved <folio 43 recto> April 1885 15th Rather fine morning, the snow melted some through the day, a little sunshine. The Boys are chop- ping in Melancthon. 16 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny all through, the snow melting in the sunny side of the Build- ings. The Boys are chopping. I went to Dundalk in the eavening. Mrs. Lonsway & Wife were here at night. �251 17 Mild morning, a little sunshine in the forenoon and a good deal in the afternoon, the snow melted considerably and I think spring is approaching. The Boys are chopping. Clark went to Melancthon this afternoon with Bread. I helped Dan Reid to saw stove wood. 18 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny all through. The snow melted a good deal but it is a great depth yet on the Roads and in the fields along the fences. The Boys were chopping in Melanc- thon. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife and H. Lonsway and Wife were here at night. [in margin] 4th Cow calved 19th Sabbath. Bright sunny day all through, the snow disappearing fast. Brother Sam & Phoebe were here. 20 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm, the snow going rapidly. John & John Neithercut are chopping. I went in the morning to Walter Bell’s sawing. The Horse walk* got so soft he could only saw for about an Hour. [in margin] Heard / Robins / sing. [*the circular path followed by horses, pulling a radial arm, to power the saw.] 21 Dark morning, a little sprinkle of Rain, the day cleared, strong sunshine. The Boys are working in Melancthon. <folio 43 verso> April 1885 22nd Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm, the snow going very rapidly, the ground will soon all be bare. The boys are working in Melancthon. [in margin] Seen first / Robin. 23 Fine morning, the day sunny and very warm. The Boys were chopping. Johnney cut his toe, not a very bad cut, but bad enough to lay him up for a little while. I was at Ch[arle]s. McConnell’s Rais- ing in the afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here at night. [in margin] John / cut his / toe. 24 Dark morning, the day cloudy, a slight mizzle of rain, the day quite cool. I had the oxen at John Gott’s logging. I Rolled, J. Gott teamed. Jim is working in Melancthon. 25 Cloudy morning and cold, the day dark and cold. Rain came on at night and turned to sleet to- wards morning. Jim chopped, Clark moved fence. I attended meeting of Directors of C. Factory in the eavning. 26th. Sabbath. Ground covered white with sleet this morning, quite cold. The sleet had disappeared before noon. The day dark and cold. Brother Sam was here in the afternoon. 27 Quite cold this morning, the day pretty cool, not much sunshine. Jim tried to plow where we in- tend sowing wheat: it was too wet. We then tried another field, it was something drier, still the ground is very wet. We had the Horses & the Oxen plowing in the afternoon. [in margin] First Plowing. <folio 44 recto> April 1885 28th The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling. It snowed most of the forenoon, the [snow] was about Four inches deep on the level. Mrs. R. and I went to A. Lonsway’s at night. 29 Ground covered with snow this morning, but the sun shone out bright and most of the snow had disappeared at night. We cleaned about seventy Bushels of wheat. John Made an Ox Yoke out of cedar to plow with. 30 Chilly morning, the day clear but cold. Jim and John plowed. I chored around and went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. Mr. McLean & W. Maxwell were here at night on Factory business. May [1885] 1st Bright morning, the sun shone out all day but the air was chilly. Jim and John plowed. Jim put in Rock, a two year old colt, in the afternoon along with one of the mares, he went well. �252 2 Clear but cool morning, the day rather dark, very cold air, especially in the afternoon, sharp frost at night. Jim, John & Clark were plowing, Clark only in the afternoon. I borrowed Dan Reid’s plow for him. I also had John Gott’s man and team plowing. We have finished plowing for wheat, if the ground only dries fit for the seed. A. Lonsway & Wife and Wesley were here at night. Johney put the two year old Bay colt along with the Bay mare and plowed [with] them in the afternoon. The little fellow is pretty tired, the ground being so soft. 3rd Sabbath. Dark cool morning, the day overcast and chilly. Mrs. R. & Eliza went to Brother Sam’s. <folio 44 verso> May 1885 4th Snow on the Ground this morning and quite wintry-like. The snow had all disappeared about noon, the afternoon was pretty sunny but quite cool. Jim plowed in the forenoon and sowed pease in the afternoon. John plowed all day. I harrowed in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow / First Grain / Sown, pease. 5 Wet morning, the rain cleared off. We plowed some in the garden in the forenoon, and hauled manure on it. In the afternoon we started for Melancthon with the three teams. The land at home is too wet to work. Melancthon Lot is dryer. 6 Wet morning, the day wet all through. We had just got the teams started to plow when the rain came on and we had to stop. There fell so much rain that the stables leaked and we had to take one of the teams to another stable. 7 Rain early in the morning, but it cleared off about 8 A.M. and the day was dry. The three of us plowed, Jim & John with the horses and I with the oxen. I came home this night and brought the oxen with me. I intend sowing wheat tomorrow. 8 Dark morning, quite a frost on the ground. The day was gloomy all through, with a slight rain in the eavening. I sowed wheat, I think about 13 Bushels. The Ground is very wet, I never sowed grain on such wet ground, but the season for sowing wheat is about past, so I could not wait for the ground drying. Willie harrowed with the oxen. [in margin] Sowed Wheat. <folio 45 recto> May 1885 9th The Ground covered with snow this morning to the depth of about 2 inches, and more falling. There were several showers of snow through the day. Jim, John & Clark were in Melancthon. They did not work the teams. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Snow 10th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day dark, cold & dreary, plenty of snow around the fence comers. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here. 11 Hard frost this morning, very cold for this time of the year, the day milder a little while in the af- ternoon. I bought 1/2 ton hay and got it home, price $5.00. I then bought another 1/2 ton for same money, and Willie and I brought it home. John took the Bay team to Melancthon to plow. 12 Hard frost this morning, the sun shone out, frost disappeared, the day fine in the afternoon. Willie harrowed a little in the wheat ground. He and I took the oxen some hay & oats and went to Melancthon in the afternoon. John & Jim are plowing there. [in margin] Seen / first / swallow. 13 Splendid, dry warm day. We were plowing in Melancthon. 14 Splendid day. We had three teams plowing in Melancthon. 15 Very warm day. We finished plowing in Melancthon. 16 Beautiful day, very breezy and drying. Willie harrowed with the colts in Melancthon. I fired stumps and picked up. John & Jim plowed at home. Clark started this morning for Tossorontio for the cattle. <folio 45 verso> �253 May 1885 17th Sabbath. Bright sunny day from morning till night. [dates 17-22 May have been corrected, from initial numbers 18-23.] 18 Bright morning, the day fine all through. Willie & I were working in Melancthon. John & Jim worked at home. 19 Fine morning, the day clear & warm, great growth. I sowed oats in Melancthon. Willie harrowed, the other two worked at home. [in margin] First oats / plowed 20 Beautiful morning, the day very fine. I sowed oats. Willie Harrowed. John & Jim worked at home. [in margin] Got cattle / home 21 Beautiful day, splendid growth, lovely weather. Willie & I worked in Melancthon. John & Jim worked at home. [in margin] Got pension / papers 22 Sky a ltttle overcast this morning, the day sultry, a few drops of Rain late in the afternoon. Willie & I worked putting in Oats in Melancthon. John & Jim at home. [in margin] Both mares / colted. 23 A little cloudy this morning, but the day cleared off and was fine. Willie finished harrowing in Melancthon, having harrowed 20 acres in about a week, giving it three harrowings with a span of two year old colts. Willie & I came home in the afternoon. He then harrowed about five acres. 24th Sabbath. Bright morning, but the day got overcast. There was a little thunder and lightening with a shower in the afternoon. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. 25 Bright morning, but clouds gathered and there was a pretty heavy shower in the afternoon. We were plowing, Harrowing, sowing oats and stone picking. I went in the afternoon to Mr. G. Glazi- er’s, and bought a Bag of pease from him at .65¢ per Bushel. <folio 46 recto> May 1885 26 Bright morning, fine growth, the day fine, dry and warm. I sowed some pease and oats, mixed, also some vetches. Jim and John plowed and Harrowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in after- noon. 27 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through. I attended a council Meeting at Hopeville, the boys finished putting in grain at home. [in margin] Finished / seeding. 28 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all through. The boys put out manure. 29 Fine day all through, the boys put out manure and plowed a potatoe patch. Willie and I went in the afternoon to Melancthon with the colts for Eight Bags of potatoes I had bought. 30 Fine morning but cool, the day got overcast and there was some rain about 11 O’clock A.M. I went to Priceville. The Boys planted potatoes, the[y] finished all but a Bushel. 31 Cool morning, the day dry but cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s, then to church. [in mar- gin] Sabbath <folio 46 verso> June 1885 1st Cool morning, the day pretty cool, but dry and clear. The Boys made a brush fence, Washed the sheep and finished planting potatoes. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Frost. 2 Dry day, but quite cool. The boys fixed Brush fence in the forenoon and went to Mr. Carson’s raising in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books. 3 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, cool and clear. Jim and I went to Melancthon with the Horses and Waggon and gathered stones off the oats which we had sown. John clipped sheep. There was some rain this night. �254 4 A little foggy this morning, but the sun got out after a little and the day was dry. Jim and I were gathering stones. John finished clipping sheep, and came to help us in the afternoon. It rained al- most the whole of this night. 5 Misty morning, with some rain very early, the forenoon was cloudy. In the afternoon the sun shone out and the day was fine. We finished picking stones in Melancthon. 6 Bright sunny morning, a little frost on the ground, the forenoon cloudless, the afternoon overcast and a little like rain. We ploughed up about 2 1/2 acres of wheat that the wire worm had cut out, and we sowed it in Barley. Jim fixed up a Roller at Walter Bell’s in the afternoon, and I went to Dundalk. <folio 47 recto> June 1885 7th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the forenoon clear and pretty warm, the afternoon cloudy and windy at night. A little rain at night. 8 Rather cloudy this forenoon, and very cold all through the day, with a very stormy wind in the afternoon. John gathered stones of[f] the grain in the forenoon. I helped and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Jim Rolled the Grain. 9 Cold, Breezy morning, a pretty chilly air all through the day, considerable of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I drove out to Mr. J. Cavanagh’s, Township Clerk. I had to get him [to] make out R. J. Doyle’s Default. Jim finished Rolling at home. John hauled Rails. 10 Bright morning, the day dry and warm. Jim rolled oats in Melancthon. I burned pick up heaps and stumps. John fixed fences at home. 11 Bright sunny morning, the day clear bright and warm. Jim Rolled in Melancthon, I burned stumps, John fixed fences at home, 12 Bright morning, the day very dry and hot. John and Jim fenced. Clark, Willie and I cleaned some Barley, 815 lbs., and I took it to the mill in the afternoon to be chopped for the pigs and calves. 13 Bright morning, the afternoon cloudy and a pretty nice shower of Rain about 6 P.M. A pretty strong wind through the day. The boys and I were logging on Lot 216 Proton. <folio 47 verso> June 1885 14th Sabbath. Fine dry day, all through. 15 A little cloudy in the morning, a pretty sharp rain came on about 11 A.M., the afternoon was dry. Jim, John and I were swamping out cordwood in Melancthon. The clerk of Proton Township (Mr. Cavanagh) paid me a visit on Township business. 16 Fine morning, the day cool but pleasant. We were swamping out cordwood. 17 Fine morning, the day fine. We were swamping out cordwood. I came home at night to go to W. Bell’s sawing. 18 Fine dry day, sunny and warm. Jim and John were swamping out wood. I was at Walter Bell’s sawing. Walter got his finger badly bruised. 19 Fine morning, the day pretty warm. Clark took the oxen which had come home last night back to the boys to swamp out wood. I took the horses and Democrat and went to Dundalk to the mill for chop which I had there. Mrs. R. went with me. 20 Morning cloudy, the day cloudy and a little cool, slight shower at night. Jim took the Democrat and went to J. Sauder’s. John & Clark swamped wood. I hoed potatoes. <folio 48 recto> June 1885 21st Sabbath. Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, heavy Rain in the afternoon. �255 22 Cold morning, the day bitterly cold for this season of the year. Jim and John were doing statute labor for Melancthon. I attended Council Meeting at Dundalk. 23 Cool morning, the day pretty cool with some sunshine. I Bossed the statute labor in this Beat. Jim & John, with the Oxen, logged at Sam’s. 24 Cool bright morning, the afternoon Rather warmer and sunny. Jim and John were swamping wood in Melancthon. I Bossed the Statute labor in this Beat. Miss Kate Johnson was here making Dress for Eliza. 25 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty hot. Jim and John were swamping out wood, I went to Mr. Glazier’s Barn Raising. 26 Warm morning, the day hot all through. Jim and John were swamping wood. Mrs. R. and the three youngest went to a pick-nick at S. Sect. 5, Melancthon. I worked at the Township Books. 27 Bright morning, the day dry and very warm, Cloudy in the afternoon. I went in the forenoon with H. Lonsway to Melancthon to settle with him for Extra timber he took. Jim was at the shanty, sick, and came home. John and Oxen at Mr. Maxwell’s. <folio 48 verso> June 1885 28th Sabbath. Extremely warm forenoon, some thunder in the distance, the afternoon got hazy, and a thick mist kept blowing around. Extremely cold at night. Mrs. R. and I dined with Mr. A. Lon- sway. 29 Cold morning, the day very chilly all through, threatening frost in the eavening. Jim, John and [I] Made crossway* in the swale between Lots 215 & 216 Proton. [*a causeway, or corduroy road through the marshy swale?] 30 Bright morning, the day cool and dry. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. [in margin] Got pension. July [1885] 1st Cool morning, the afternoon very cold and cloudy. All of us went to Dundalk to see the sports. 2 Misty morning, the day overcast, the afternoon wet. John with the oxen was logging at a Bee of Alx. McKee’s in Melancthon. Jim was in Melancthon. 3 Very fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm, fine growth. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Jim and John chopped in Melancthon. 4 Sultry morning, the day dry and warm, a little cloudy in the afternoon. I worked at the Milk Books in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. John and Jim worked in Melancthon. Clark went to the Teacher’s Examination,* Owen Sound. [*qualifying exams for teaching certificate; held over three days.] <folio 49 recto> July 1885 5th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day dry and very warm. Brother Sam & Phoebe were here. 6 Sultry morning, the day very warm but dry, cloudy in the afternoon with a little thunder. Raining now (11:00 P.M.). The Boys are working in Melancthon. Clark is at Owen Sound. Mr. Lonsway and wife & Wesley were here at night. 7 Warm morning, the day fine and dry, with rather a strong wind. Jim and John are working in Melancthon. I worked at the Milk Books part of the day, and hoed potatoes the remainder. 8 Sultry forenoon, the afternoon still warmer. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Melancthon with provisions for the boys. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid pa- trons of Factory their dividend. It was small to each as our cheese are selling very cheap this sea- son. �256 9 A little cloudy this morning, and a slight rain in the forenoon, also a good heavy shower with some thunder and lightening a little before sunset. I hoed potatoes in spells through the day. Jim was at M. Neithercut’s logging Bee. John was chopping in Melancthon. Willie came for the oxen this af- ternoon to go to Samuel McDowell’s logging Bee tomorrow. <folio 49 verso> July 1885 10th Dry day all through and pretty warm. John is at S. McDowell’s Bee with his oxen. Jim is chop- ping in Melancthon. I was hoeing potatoes. 11 Cool morning, but the day got pretty hot and breezy. The boys were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. and I went to Shelburne. 12th Sabbath. Pretty fine day with a little rain in the afternoon, or rather, at night. 13 Misty morning with some rain in the forenoon and a good deal in the afternoon, in general a very wet day. The family went to Dundalk early in the day. Mrs. R. and I went at about 3 P.M. when the Rain had ceased. Brother John and Wife came here in the eavning. 14 Fine day, but a little cool, especially in the afternoon. Brother John and We went to Melancthon Lot, then he went to Brother Sam’s and stopped there all night. 15 Bright sunny morning and the day was pretty hot. The boys, Jim, John & Willie, are working in Melancthon. Clark cut thistles at home. I hoed potatoes and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 16 Bright sunny morming, windy and hot through the day, the afternoon cloudy. Mrs. R. & Clark drove in to Proton, the others worked in Melancthon. <folio 50 recto> July 1885 17th Bright morning, the day got a little overcast and pretty breezy. Clark went with some provisions to the boys in Melancthon and brought home a load of stove wood. Jim & John went to Mr. Oli- ver’s raising in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and moulded in the afternoon with the plow. Mr. Lonsway and wife were here in the eavning. 18 Bright, sunny morning, the day dry and very warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and chored around in the afternoon. Clark worked among the potatoes. Jim and John worked in Melancthon. Clark went for them with the team at night. [in margin] Hot 19th Sabbath. Rather cloudy day, but pretty hot. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie went to Church In Dundalk. John Gott and family came here in the eavening. 20 Sunny morning, the day very sultry, but cloudy in the afternoon. The Boys took the oxen and went to Melancthon to work. I mowed in the forenoon and Paris Greened* the potatoes in the af- ternoon. Mrs. Nichols and her daughter Mariah were here a while in the afternoon. [in margin] Commenced mowing [*Insecticide; see earlier entries in vol. 1] 21 Heavy Rain, thunder and lightening last night. Misty this forenoon, dry in the afternoon. The Boys worked in Melancthon. I mowed some and Paris Greened potatoes. <folio 50 verso> July 1885 22 Pretty sultry this morning and the afternoon was decidedly hot. Jim & John are working in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon Clark and I Greened potatoes and raked up hay. 23 Cloudy in the morning, the day generally overcast but very sultry in the afternoon. I mowed in the forenoon and helped D. Reid in the afternoon to draw in hay. The boys were working in Melanc- thon. �257 24 Dark morning, the day rather dark but sultry, a slight sprinkling of rain at night. D. Reid cut grass for me with his mower in the forenoon. John mowed fence corners in the forenoon, he and I mowed in the afternoon. Jim worked in Melancthon. Clark helped Walter Bell at his meadow in the afternoon. 25 Hot, dry day all through. D. Reid cut grass for us with his mower in the forenoon. Jim and John cut with the scythes in the forenoon and hauled in, in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon and paid the milk patrons their dividends. 26th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. & I went to Brother Sam’s. 27 Dry day and pretty warm. Jim and John fixed broken fence in Melancthon in the forenoon, then came home and worked at the hay. Clark helped W. Bell at his hay. <folio 51 recto> July 1885 28th Clear morning, the day cloudy but dry and pretty breezy in the afternoon. We worked at Hay making at home in the forenoon and went to Melancthon in the afternoon and burned the Brush on 15 acres of a wood fallow.* We got a good burn on about 10, the fire did not run good on the other 5 as there were too many Berry bushes growing. [*land recently logged, once the brush is burned off it will be plowed the next year.] 29 Bright morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I finished mowing. Jim and Clark worked in Melancthon, John helped D. Reid. 30 Extremely sultry morning, the heat increased till about 3 P.M., when it became almost unbearable. Willie and I Raked hay and put in same. In the afternoon our load upset, which caused us a good deal of bother. Miss McKee, (dress maker), is working here to day. Jim and Clark are working in Melancthon. John is helping Brother Sam. 31 Bright sunny morning, the day fine all [through], not near so hot as yesterday. Quite a cool air in the eavning. Willie and I hauled in the last of our hay in the forenoon. We branded and burned heaps in the afternoon. Jim and Clark worked in Melancthon at the wood fallow. John helped Br. Sam at his hay. We put away about 3 tons of hay in the big mow for the spring work. We have about 5 tons more for the other animals. Miss Mckee is here. <folio 51 verso> August 1885 1st Some clouds this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was dry and pleasant. The afternoon showed some signs of Rain. John and I helped Br. Sam at his hay. Jim and Clark worked at the log fallow in Melancthon. Miss McKee left here this afternoon. 2nd Sabbath. Fine dry day, all. through. 3 Raining this morning with a strong wind blowing, the rain increased as the day advanced and the afternoon was very wet. Jim took 24 bushels of wheat to Mr. Wright’s mill, got only about 35 pounds to the bushel. The wheat was good, but a great deal of oats in it. I went to Dundalk in the Eavning. 4 Slight rain this morning, and contined a little showery through the day. I went to a Council Meet- ing at Cederville, took Mrs. R. along, drove out with the colts. The night was so dark coming home that we stopped at Hopeville. The Boys worked in Melancthon. 5 Dry morning, the day dry all through. Came home this morning. Went to Melancthon in the af- ternoon for a load of wood. Jim and Clark worked at the fallow. John helped Mr. Oliver to haul in hay. 6 Frost this morning. I think it done no harm. I helped D. Reid to haul in hay, the Boys worked at the fallow, the day was dry. [in margin] Frost. �258 <folio 52 recto> August 1885 7th Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, cool and dry. The boys worked in Melancthon, I worked at the milk books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 8 Cloudy, cool and dry, with quite a Brisk wind. John helped his uncle Sam at his hay, the others worked in Melancthon. I worked at the Township Books. Mr. R. Cornett, Cheese Manufacturer, was here in the afternoon. 9th Sabbath. The day overcast and cloudy, slight rain fell occasionally through the day. Mrs. R. and I were at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the afternoon. 10 Cloudy morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry. The Boys worked in Melancthon. I entered Or- ders. 11 Misty morning, but the sun dissipated the mist and the day was bright and very warm. I tried to get the young cattle which were in the bush to take to the fair. I did not succeed. John went to an Excursion to Owen Sound. Jim and Clark worked in Melancthon. 12 Cloudy morning, the day dry, pretty warm in the afternoon with appearance of rain, but none fell. I Butchered a sheep in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon and made some hand spikes. The Boys worked in Melancthon. 13 Dry morning, heavy rain about 3 P.M. Had logging Bee in Melancthon, got about 10 acres logged, had 6 teams and about 30 men. [in margin] Logging Bee <folio 52 verso> August 1885 14th Misty morning, a slight rain fell during the forenoon, the afternoon dry but cold. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon, the boys logged in Melancthon. 15 Frost this morning, but I think done no harm, the day was dry and pretty warm. We were logging in Melancthon. Sold my lambs (6) to S. Little for $ 2.50 Each. [in margin] Frost. / Sold Lambs 16th Sabbath. Bright morning, the day fine and dry. 17 A little cloudy this morning, the day dry but having an appearance of rain in the afternoon. Jim, Clark and Willie worked in Melancthon. John was at E. Noble’s Manure Bee. I made some Horse pokes. 18 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty hot. We had the sawing machine working in Melancthon, got about 45 cords of short wood cut. 19 Dry morning, the day dry but a little chilly. Jim and I fenced the calves from the oats, and took the lambs to Dundalk. John, Clark & Willie picked up. 20 Fine morning, the day dry and sunny. We were all picking up in Melancthon. R. Cornett dined with us. 21 Wet forenoon, the afternoon dry. The Boys helped H. Lonsway at his sawing. Willie & I picked up. 22 Dry day, plenty of sunshine, three of the Boys picked up. John helped M. Neithercut to saw in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. <folio 53 recto> August 1885 23rd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry all through. Brother Sam & Phoebe visited us. 24 Wet morning. Raining during the forenoon, a slight rain in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. �259 25 Dry cool morning, the sky overcast but the sun shone out and the day was dry. Very chilly about sunset, indications of frost. We pulled pease, this is our first harvesting. [in margin] First Har- vesting 26 Wet morning, the forenoon pretty damp. We pulled pease in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Dundalk. 27 Chilly morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. We finished pulling pease in the forenoon, then Willie took Jim and John to Melancthon and brought home a load of stove wood. Mrs. Sam Rus- sell and Mrs. J. Maxwell were helping Mrs. R. to quilt. Willie drove them home in the eavning. [in margin] Finished / pulling / pease. 28 Dark morning and cool, a slight rain came on about noon, the afternoon was a little damp. The Boys were working in Melancthon. I cut a road back to the pease. 29 Frost this morning, but I think it done no harm. A little sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R., Phoebe and I went to the Carding Mill at Maxwell. We traded off our wool, 112 pounds @ 20¢ per lb., for cloth. We hauled in two loads of pease when we came home. <folio 53 verso> August 1885 30th Sabbath. Misty morning, slight mizzle of rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Walter Bell, his mother & Wife, were here in the eavning. 31 Very heavy dew this morning, the day cloudy but dry. Jim cut wheat and hauled in pease after supper. I went to Dundalk after dinner, bought a craddle finger and had it put in. [in margin] First / Wheat cut. September 1885 1st Quite cool this morning with a very heavy dew. Rain about 10 A.M., then dry for a spell, then more Rain in the afternoon, and very cold rain at that. A very unpleasant day. We bound some wheat and cut some mixed feed in the dry part of the day. There was Hail and some snow fell in some parts around here. George Scott (Councilman of Melancthon) and R. Henderson were here in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost / snow. 2 Ground covered with frost this morning. Ice half an inch thick or nearly so, the day dry and the frost does not seem to have done much harm, it blackened a few potatoe leaves, that is all that is discernable as yet. I think that on account of the ground and the crops being so wet, the frost had little effect, for harm. We were Reaping and binding and finished hauling in pease. [in margin] Ice / Finished / hauling in / pease. 3 Dry morning, a little rain about noon, the day windy. Jim & John went to Melancthon to burn log heaps. I tied Wheat in the forenoon and went to Dundalk after. <folio 54 recto> September 1885 4th Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and cool. The Boys are working in Melancthon. I threshed pease with the flail. 5 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy and cool, with a slight sprinkling of rain in the afternoon. The Boys worked in Melancthon. I threshed with flail. 6th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. Mrs. R., Phoebe and I went to Melanc- thon. In the afternoon the family went to church. [in margin] Frost. 7 Frost this morning, the day dry with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and John branded in Melanc- thon. Mrs. R., Clark and I tied Mixed feed at home. [in margin] Frost. �260 8 Frost this morning, the day cloudy but dry till noon, the afternoon wet. Clark, Willie and I hauled in the mixed feed in the forenoon. Jim & John worked in Melancthon. There were 145 dozen of mixed feed. [in margin] Frost. 9 Wet morning, the day wet all through. John and Jim came home this morning. I attended a Coun- cil Meeting at Dundalk. 10 Foggy morning, the day dry and cool. Jim Reaped oats in the afternoon. John and I tied some. Mrs. R. & I went with Br. Sam and Phoebe to Salvation Army. 11 Frost. Ice, this morning, everything caught it, great damage done. Jim Reaped oats & Barley, Johney and I went to Melancthon and done some Branding. [in margin] Frost, Ice. <folio 54 verso> September 1885 12th A little hazy this morning but the sun shone out and the day was warm and dry. Just as night fell there was some Rain, and a good deal after dark. Jim and CIerk hauled in wheat and mixed feed at home. John and I Branded. I stopped in the Melancthon Cabin alone all night. 13th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day showery throughout. I came home at night. 14 Dark morning, the day dry but cloudy and threatening Rain. Jim and John took the Reaper and went to Melancthon to cut oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 15 Misty morning, the day dry. We were harvesting in Melancthon. 16 Heavy dew this morning, the day dry with a fine breeze. We were harvesting in Melancthon. 17 Fine morning, the day dry and sunny. The Boys hauled in at home, five acres of loose oats and Two of Barley. I stopped in Melancthon and tied oats. There was some thunder and lightening and a shower of Rain about 9 P.M. 18 The morning fine and sunny, the day dry and warm. We harvested in Melancthon. P. Sauder helped us. 19 Bright sunny morning, the day fine. Jim Reaped at home, finished Reaping (oats). The rest of us worked at harvesting in Melancthon till about 2 P.M., then we helped Sam. <folio 55 recto> September 1885 20th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and beautiful. All the family went to Zion Church to hear the Gospel Ar- my. 21 Fine morning, the day dry. Henry Lonsway, Johney and Clark tied oats at home. Jim Reaped for his uncle Sam. Willie and I light [=lit, set alight] log heaps in Melancthon. When Jim came home at night, they went to work and hauled in what they had tied through the day. There were Fourteen loads. 22 Bright morning, the day dry all through. Willie and I Worked at the burning in Melancthon till noon, When the boys came out with some teams and hauled some of the oats home. 23 Cold morning, the ground covered with snow, the snow melted and the day got fine. We were hauling in oats from Melancthon. 24 Beautiful day, dry and Warm. We finished hauling in oats this forenoon from Melancthon, there were Eighteen loads in all. This finished our harvesting this year. We have got the grain in pretty dry, and all in the barn. I took the horses in the afternoon to get shod. Clark and Jim helped Sam to tie oats. John was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. [in margin] Finished harvesting. 25 Beautiful day all through, like Indian Summer, the sky hazy and the air balmy. Jim and John started for Melancthon to plow, they also drove the young cattle there. Clarke tied oats at Sam’s. <folio 55 verso> September 1885 �261 26th Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful, the atmosphere hazy like Indian Summer. Jim and John worked in Melancthon preparing the ground for fall wheat. Clark helped Sam to harvest. I threshed some oats for the Horses and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Miss Matilda Hewitt was here and got her Father’s Milk money, $6.00. 27th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, delightful weather. 28 Dark morning, the sun shone [MS shine] out and the day was lovely. Jim and John worked at the new fallow in Melancthon, getting it ready for wheat. Clark helped Walter Bell to haul in oats. I went hunting seed wheat, got some, 15 Bushels, from Mr. Wright of Osprey at $15.00. 29 Beautiful day. Warm, balmy and clear. Sowed wheat, Jim Harrowed, Johney plowed. Clark was helping H. Lonsway to thresh. 30 Lovely day, Balmy, dry and warm. We were putting in the wheat. Walter Bell helped us with his team, harrowing. Jim harrowed with spring tooth harrows, price $ 28.00, warranted not to break. They are badly broken in the woodwork nevertheless. But they are just the thing for new land, providing they withstand the Rack. Clark was with H. Lons[way] ½ day, then he came to Melancthon in the afternoon and cut snags and Brush out of the new fallow. John broke the point of his plow. I had to get a new one. <folio 56 recto> October 1885 1st Charming day, as fine as a man could desire. Clear, warm and dry. We worked at putting in the wheat, plowing, harrowing, sowing, cutting snags & picking up. 2 Nice day, dry and Warm. I finished spring Wheat this forenoon. The wheat is called the Roger variety, it is not a large wheat, not near so large as the Clawson, neither is it white in colour, it is of an amber tint. The boys worked at the fallow. I came home this afternoon. 3 Fine morning, but a little cooler than yesterday, the foorenoon dry, the afternoon Raining from about 3 O’clock, and a perfect pour about 5 P.M. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and collected some $80.00 due the cheese factory from the merchants for cheese which they had bought. The boys came home from Melancthon. 4th Sabbath. Chilly morning, occasional showers of Rain through the day. Mrs. R and I went to Brother Sam’s. 5th Ground covered with snow this morning, the day cold all through. Mrs. R. placed some things in the show fair. Jim hauled wood home. John threshed some pease. 6th Pretty chilly day all through, but dry. We all attended the Agricultural show at Dundalk. <folio 56 verso> October 1885 7th Pretty cool in the morning, the afternoon mild. John was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Jim Raised some potatoes in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and threshed some oats with the flail in the afternoon. Mrs. R., Phoebe & Willie went to the carding mill. 8 Rather milder than yesterday, the day dry and a little sunshine. Jim and John were at W. Bell’s threshing in the forenoon. Then they came home and raised some potatoes. 9 Dark morning, but the sun shone out and the clouds scattered. The air was rather chilly. We Raised potatoes, they are a good crop. [in margin] Finished / Raising / potatoes. 10 Beautiful day all through, dry and sunny. We finished Raising our potatoes this forenoon. From about an acre of Ground we have 145 Bushels, besides all we have used during the summer. In the afternoon, Jim went to Eufrasia [=Euphrasia]*. I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of cheese factory over $1000.00. [*Euphrasia Township (with villages of Kimberley and Heathcote), Grey Co., is immediately north of Artemesia Township (of which Flesherton is the major town).] �262 11th Sabbath. Beautiful, bright sunny day. Sky hazy like Indian summer. Mrs. R. & I went to the U[nion]. church. 12 Chilly morning, the forenoon pretty cold, the afternoon milder. We picked our potatoes and put them in the cellar, about 120 Bushels, choice potatoes. I have about 27 bushels of small ones for the hogs. Jim went to Wright’s Grist mill with l250 pounds good old wheat, and only got 727 pounds of flour. The Bran and shorts won’t make up the weight. John is at J. Gott’s threshing. <folio 57 recto> October 1885 13th Wet morning, the day wet and chilly from morning till night, no work doing here to day. Brother Sam got the Democrat to go to Collingwood. 14 Wet morning, the day Rainy all through. Jim threshed oats, John helped D. Reid Fix his stables. I worked at the Factory and Township Books. Mr. and Mrs. Lonsway were here. [in margin] Sta- bled / the cows / 1st night / this season. 15 Dry morning, the day, dry and pleasant. John went to J. Gott’s threshing. I built an arch for the Sugar Kettle and boiled some potatoes for the pigs. Then Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. Jim hauled some manure on the garden, then plowed it and put up the fence. Bought 60 pounds of cheese at the factory price, 9 1/2 p. pound. 16 Fine morning, the day clear, warm and dry. John, Jim and I log[g]ed in Melancthon. 17 Bright morning, the day dry and pleasant, the afternoon got cloudy, very dark and a little rain fell at night. We were logging in Melancthon. Jim left in the afternoon and went to Mr. William Acheson’s and bought four small pigs, four weeks old, at $1.06 each. Miss Minnie Nethercut is here tonight. [in margin] got swine. 18th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day dry. Brother Sam & Phoebe were here. <folio 57 verso> October 1885 19th Dark morning, the day cloudy but dry. We were logging in Melancthon. 20 Wet morning, the forenoon generally wet, the afternoon dry. We were logging. 21 Ground covered with snow this morning, the day dry but cold. We were logging in Melancthon. Bob Morin* helped us. [Later spelled Morn, both perhaps phonetic spellings for Moran, the sur- name of Clark’s wife, Maria.] 22 Cool morning, the day cloudy, cool and dry. We were logging in Melancthon. 23 Cloudy cool day, with a fine afternoon. I filled* manure in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim hauled out manure. John was at D. Reid’s threshing. [*Loaded the wagons, which Jim hauled out and spread?] 24 Bright sunny morning, but a very hard frost, the day pleasant and dry. I started this morning to see Sister Sarah. I had not seen her for three years. She lives in the township of Sunnydale, near New Lowell, about 28 miles from here. I went to Bageroes [=Badjeros], thence to Maple Valley, thence to Dunedin, then to Cre[e]more, thence to Cash Corners and from there to her place. She was in middling health, but she and her family are in very straightened* circumstances. [*Sarah’s poverty is frequently alluded to when she is mentioned, but no causes for the poverty are ever giv- en.] 25th Sabbath. Fine day all through, warm and dry. 26 Rainy this morning, but soon got dry. Left Sarah’s and came home. <folio 58 recto> October 1885 �263 27th Fine morning, the day dry and pleasant. Jim was helping his Uncle Sam to thresh. John was help- ing Henry Johnson. Strange dog worried one of my sheep. 28 Dry morning, the day dry and pleasant till the afternoon, when it clouded over, and some rain fell at night. Jim and I were putting out manure. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing. Mr. J. Abbott and wife were here 29 Wet morning, the day pretty wet all through. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing. I worked at the milk books. 30 Ground covered with snow this morning, and pretty chilly air. There was a little sun during the afternoon. Jim went for a load of firewood to Melancthon, then plowed when he came home. John threshed cattle feed and hauled out some manure in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books. Mrs. R. & Willie went to Dundalk to Sell Geese. Miss Minnie Neithercut, Who has been on a visit here for about two weeks, went home today. 31 Ground covered with snow and a very hard frost. Jim spread manure in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. Clark and Johney hauled out manure. I thrashed cattle feed in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Willie and his mother took some dead Geese to Dundalk in the afternoon and sold them at from 50¢ to 65¢ each. <folio 58 verso> November 1885 1st Sabbath. Wet, sloppy morning, Rain mixed with snow. It finally turned to rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. 2 Some snow on the ground this morning, but the frost had worked pretty well out, there were sever- al showers of soft snow through the day. Jim plowed, John spread manure and I threshed with the flail. The youngsters were gone to H. Lonsway’s [MS Lounsway’s] apple paring* tonight. [*Paring bee, to make dried apples.] 3 Pretty cold morning, the ground frozen [MS frize] pretty stiff. There were some showers of snow through the day. Jim plowed, John spread manure in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Melancthon for a load of stove wood. I threshed cattle feed. 4 Dark morning, the day dark, without sunshine, thawing a little, slight rain now and then. Jim plowed, so also did John. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon, in the afternoon fixed a hog pen. 5 Dark morning, the day cloudy and Rain in the afternoon. Jim water-furrowed.* John was at S. McDowell’s threshing. I Chored around and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to hear the sermon, and how Guy Fawks was blowed up in England a long time ago. Wonderful enchanting entertainment, and all for Twenty five cents! [*Cut furrows to let off wa- ter.] <folio 59 recto> November 1885 6th Dark morning, the day dark all through with an occasional shower [MS showers] of Rain. Jim and Willie started for Melancthon to plaster the shanty. John was at S. McD[owell’s] threshing. 7 Dark morning, the day gloomy all through, with showers in the afternoon. John was at S. McDowell’s threshing. Jim and Willie worked at plastering the shanty. The threshers came here tonight. [in margin] threshers / came. 8th Sabbath. Dark morning, a little clearer about noon. Rain at night. 9 Wet morning, it cleared off about 9 A.M. Rather an unpleasant day for threshing. Some snow showers in the afternoon. We threshed all day. �264 10 Rough morning, but cleared off soon, the afternoon, especially, was very fine. We finished thresh- ing today. Some of the grain turned out very poorly. Wheat about 5 Bushels to the acre, small and miserable at that. Barley 15 Bushels, very dark and small. Peas about 12 Bushels to the acre, good sample and Oats, about 27 Bushels to the acre, good sample. We threshed 14 hours in the two days and I paid them $1l.00. I had about 2 acres barley, 6 of wheat, 5 of pease and 27 of oats. l1 Very fine day, warm, with a good deal of sunshine. We put in our straw. Wesley Lonsway helped us and Jim Johnson helped us half a day. <folio 59 verso> November 1885 12th Dark morning. Sunshine from about 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Raining in the afternoon. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and drew $1000. out of the Bank, and paid patrons of Factory. Jim was plowing for Mr. Smith of Melancthon. John & Clarke were cutting stove wood at home. 13 Wet morning, the day sloppy and wet with showers of snow. Jim plowed at Mr. Smith’s. John hauled home firewood and went in the afternoon to Mr. Brinkman’s for two small swine that I had purchased. I worked at the milk books. Mr. J. Roseborough was here for his milk money. [in margin] Got 2 swine / 7 Weeks old 14 The ground covered with snow and more falling, the day dark, without sunshine. John and Clark cleaned some pease and chored around. Jim plowed at Smith’s for 1/2 day, then came home. I made some entries in the milk books. 15th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow and more falling, the day very slushy and dark. 16 Dark morning, the day dark and no sunshine. A mizzle once in a while of Rain. John plastered the cow stable. Jim went to Dundalk for a pair of boots. When he came home, he went to Mr. John Duncan’s to get him [to] cut feed for the horses. Willie and I cleaned seed pease. 17 Sloppy sort of a day, fine above, but very slushy travelling. Jim and John underbrushed on Lot 216, Proton. <folio 60 recto> November 1885 18th Dark morning, the day dark all through, the afternoon wet, very wet. John was at Mr. Nichol’s threshing. Jim went in the afternoon for Mr. J. J. Duncan’s cutting Box. He is to be here tomor- row cutting oat sheaves. I sold A. Lonsway a cow today for $20.00. The cow is about 7 years old. He pays in a year. 19 Freezing this morning, the day pretty mild with a good deal of sunshine. John Neithercut, for Sam McDowell, came to help us cut Horse feed, and as the cutter did not come, he and the Boys under- brushed. Mr. Duncan came with his horse power in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent a / letter to Bro. / William / Paris P. O. / Lamor Co. / Texas, U.S. 20 Hard frost this morning, the ground very rough, the day dark, but without rain, a slight sprinkling of wet at night. Clark was at Mr. Nichol’s threshing. Mr. Duncan was cutting oat sheaves for us. The machine did not work well, the little soft leaves of the straw kept turning Round the Rollers. 21 Some snow on the Ground this morning, a little more fell during the day, the day generally dark, without sunshine. John was at A. Lonsway’s with his oxen skidding logs. We finished cutting oat sheaves this afternoon. I think we cut about 150 dozen. I paid Mr. Duncan $4.50 for the cutting of them. 22nd Sabbath. Cloudy morning, the day dark, without sunshine, the Roads very rough. A little snow on the ground, but not enough to make sleighing. <folio 60 verso> �265 November 1885 23rd Chilly morning, the wind in the east, a little soft snow falling, the day dark, without sunshine. Jim and John were underbrushing on Lot 216. Willie and I mixed the cut feed in the Barn. Mr. John Abbott, collector of Proton, was here and paid to me, as Township Treasurer, $1601.00. 24 Cloudy morning, the day dark, without sunshine, but not cold. Jim, John & Wesley Lonsway were underbrushing on Lot 216 Proton. 25 Dark morning, the day rather mild, but no sunshine. Jim, John & Wesley Lonsway were under- brushing. I attended a meeting of the Directors of Cheese factory in Dundalk. 26 Dark morning, but the sun shone out after a while and the day was pleasant. Jim, John and Wesley Lonsway were underbrushing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 27 Fine morning, the day one of sunshine and very pleasant. Jim and John went to Melancthon to saw some logs. Jim stopped all night. 28 Dark morning, but the sun got out after some time and the day was pleasant. Jim is in Melancthon splitting some culled Blocks of wood. John hauled two loads of stove wood home. Clark chopped short wood for himself. Mrs. R. purchased a Dinner Bell from S. McDowell for $8.00. <folio 61 recto> November 1885 29th Sabbath. Dark morning, a good deal of soft snow fell during the day. It soon melted. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Abraham Jackson’s. 30 Fine, mild day, a little sunshine now and then. Jim and John Rigged up a dinner Bell on a post about 18 feet high. Then we Butchered a fat swine in the afternoon. December [1885] 1st Mild day, the Ground getting soft, a little soft snow falling now and then. Jim went to Mr. Joseph Neithercut’s Raising. John and I cleaned some Barley and he took it to the mill in the afternoon to be chopped. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 2 Pretty cold morning, and a shower of snow about 10 A.M. Jim and John were chopping on Lot 216 Proton. 3 Rather chilly this forenoon, the afternoon something milder. Jim and John were chopping on Lot 216. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and wrote and posted 65 cards to the patrons of cheese factory, telling them when pay day would be. 4 Chilly in the morning, the afternoon something warmer. Jim and John went to the saw mill and got some Logs sawn. I worked at the milk books. 5 Sharp morning, the day storming. John went to D. Reid’s sawing. He did not saw. John Agnew came here this eavning. T. Hanbury drove him out. <folio 61 verso> December 1885 6th Sabbath. Very cold, stormy morning, the day stormy all through. John Agnew is here. 7 Sharp, keen morning, but the sun shone out fine, the forenoon was moderate, the afternoon was very cold. John Agnew left for home this morning. Jim and John went to D. Reid’s sawing. 8 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly all through, with a shower of snow in the afternoon. John took some animals to Dundalk fair, did not sell any. Jim hauled a load of stove wood home in the fore- noon. We Butchered Hogs in the afternoon. Mr. A. Lonsway helped us. 9 Raining this morning, the day wet all through, the snow disappearing. Mrs. R. and I cut up the pork and salted it. Jim and John oiled the Harness. John Gott was here and I made him out a Bill for Barn lumber. [in margin] Thaw. [writing switches to purple pencil] �266 10 Sharp morning, the day cold all through. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of the cheese factory the Balance in full of their money. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. John was at home choring around. I gave Mr. T. Hanbury $2.00, Two year’s subscription for the Weekly mail* in advance, a prize Book (Sp. of the Rebellion) is a Book to come with the papers. [in mar- gin] payday / Subscription / Renewed for / W. Mail. [*Toronto newspaper the Mail later joins the Globe, origin of the current Globe and Mail, which sees itself as “Canada’s newspaper”.] 11 A little milder in the forenoon, but pretty rough in the afternoon. Jim hauled wood, John was at Walter Bell’s threshing. <folio 62 recto> December 1885 12 Pretty sharp morning, a little snow fell, the afternoon was milder. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. John chored around. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. [in margin, switching back to black ink] Took 6 / cattle to the B. [=butcher?] 13th Sabbath. Cold in the forenoon, something milder in the afternoon. Sam & Phoebe were here. 14 Moderate day, a little snow fell, the sleighing is pretty good. Jim hauled a load of lumber from the Mill in the forenoon, and went to Melancthon in the afternoon to haul a load of stove wood to Dundalk. John fixed a Horse manger in the forenoon and went to a church opening at Corbetton in the afternoon. 15 Pretty cold morning, the day chilly all through, a little snow fell. I borrowed John Gott’s Cutter, and John drove me out with the colts to a council meeting at Hopeville. Jim hauled wood. 16 Mild morning, the day mild all through. I was fixing up my Orders, which I had got at the Council meeting yesterday, and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. 17 Mild morning, the day mild all through, a hoar frost gathering on the Bushes, something like a thaw. John and Jim were in the wood business. Jim broke the Roller out of his sleighs going across [MS accross] H. Lonsway’s field. Jim made a sheep Rack in the afternoon. <folio 62 verso> December 1885 18th Mild morning, the day soft all through, almost like a thaw. The trees are covered with a drapary [=drapery] of frost. Mrs. R., Jim and Willie started for a visiting tour among their friends in Tossorontio & Essa. John was at Mr. Oliver’s sawing, he came home about nine O’clock at night and took his oxen away to skid logs for Oliver tomorrow. 19 Stormy morning, very high wind accompanied with a snowfall. The wind prevailed all day, al- most amounting to a Blizzard, except that there was no great cold. John with his oxen was at R. Oliver’s sawing. Clark took the sleighs which had the Roller broke to the shop to get fixed. 20th Sabbath. Cold day, and pretty windy, the snow is drifting at a great rate. 21 Another stormy morning, snowing and blowing, also pretty cold, the afternoon milder. John hauled two loads of stove wood home. 22 Soft this morning, continued getting softer all day, a thaw has sett in. John hauled two loads of stove wood home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark chored around. 23 Rain all day from morning till night. Clark & I went to Hopeville, took the colts and John Gott’s cutter. Mrs. R., Jim and Willie got home. Bob and Nancy came up. <folio 63 recto> December 1885 24th Sharp morning, the day cold, the roads very bad, sleighing badly used up. 25 Something milder than yesterday, the day calm, but sharp in the afternoon. �267 26 Pretty cold morning, the day cold but no wind. John split some firewood, Jim went to Melancthon for his axe and also for to make an axe handle. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and done some Township business. 27th Sabbath. Soft morning, the day mild all through. 28 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, the snow still disappearing. John and Clark are cutting down some swam[p] on Lot 216 Proton. Jim and Willie went to swamp cordwood in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 29 Another mild day, the snow is disappearing fast. The wheels are going on the roads. Jim and Wil- lie are in Melancthon. John and Clark are cutting the swamp. I worked at the Township books. 30 Soft day, thawing. Jim & Willie are in Melancthon, John and Clark are chopping at home. I worked at Twp. Books. 31 Soft morning, the day soft, with snow in the afternoon. Jim & Willie are in Melancthon. John and Clark are chopping. I worked at the Township Books. Nancy and Bob started for home this morning. They left their cutter and took my democrat. I sent $40.00 with Bob to purchase wheat from his father at .80¢ p. Bushel. Good By[e], Old Year. Which of us all will see the end of your successor? <folio 63 verso> January 1886 1st Mild morning, the day mild all through, the sheep and cattle in some places out picking in the fields. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John and Clark were chopping. Jim and Willie worked at swamping wood in Melancthon. 2 Dark morning, the day rather chilly, cold wind, some sleet falling at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. A. Lonsway’s at night. Jim and Willie came home from Melancthon. John and Clark were chopping. 3rd Sabbath. Dark morning, the day wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. Mrs. John Agnew was here this night. [in margin] Rain. 4 Wet morning, the day wet from morning till night, the Roads Busting up. We went to the voting in Proton in the forenoon, then Jim and John went to vote in Melancthon. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s. 5 Pretty mild morning, freezing good, snow came on about noon and kept falling till night, and after. John and Jim chopped. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. 6 Very sharp morning, strong wind and keen frost. The day got colder towards evening and at night the cold was piercing. John and Jim started with the team for Melancthon at noon. [in margin] Cold. 7 Very cold day, intense frost and keen wind. Jim & John are swamping cordwood in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk and sent by Express to sister Sarah a new dress. [in margin] Very cold. <folio 64 recto> January 1886 8th Very cold morning, the day intensely cold, but a good deal of sunshine. Jim and John are swamp- ing cordwood in Melancthon. Clark started for Dundalk village school today. [in margin] very cold. 9 Cold, windy morning, the day very sharp, with a strong wind. Some snow fell in the afternoon, but the wind was so strong it blew it off the Roads, so that it did not help the sleighing any. John was at H. Hewitt’s sawing. Jim swamped wood in Melancthon. Clark, Willie and [I] cleaned Grain. [in margin] Very cold. �268 10th Sabbath. Cold day, and windy, very keen freeze. Some snow fell but the wind swept it off the roads. [in margin] Very cold. 11 Sharp morning, but the sun rose bright. It got clouded over in about an hour, then shone some in the afternoon. The day was intensely cold. Jim and John went to Melancthon to swamp out cord- wood. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and bargained with John Vodden*, Waggon Maker, for a sett of new bobsleighs, knee benches, three benches in each Bob, Box on sleighs and shelving on Box. The sleighs to be finished in first class style, and to be strong enough to haul a load of Logs or wood, price $45.00. Also a new cutter (Portland style), first class finish, with Both pole and shafts, price $45.00. I pay $30.00 cash, give a farrow cow, value $20.00, a note of hand which I hold on a neighbour for $20.00 more, and deliver him 10 cords of dry hardwood, 4 feet long, again next winter. [*John Vodden and A.S. McArthur, were carriage makers in 1888; see History of Dundalk, p. 5.] <folio 64 verso> January 1886 12th Sharp morning, a little sunshine, the middle of the day a little milder than yesterday, the afternoon pretty cold. Jim and John were swamping wood in Melancthon. [in margin] cold. 13 A slight amelioration in the weather from yesterday, not quite so cold, the sun shone out a good while of the day, and was pleasant. Jim and John were swamping cordwood. I went to Brother Sam’s in the forenoon. In the afternoon Miss Martha May (formerly a scholar of mine), accompa- nied by Miss Ellen McCullough and Miss ___ Keys visited us. [name is blank]. 14 Pretty sharp morning, the day got milder and there was a good deal of sunshine, the afternoon was pleasant. The Boys finished swamping out wood and came home. Mr. Abbott (Township Collec- tor), Mrs. Lonsway and Mrs. Nicholas* were here. I worked at the Township Books at intervals. [*Mrs. Walter Nicholas visits on 3 May 1886.] 15 Mild morning, the day soft like a thaw. Jim went to Mr. Wright’s mill with Six Bushels of wheat, got only 21 pounds of flour to the Bushel. The wheat was very poor. 16 Soft morning, the day dark and thawing, with Rain in the afternon which turned to snow at night. Clark helped Walter Bell in the forenoon to take out ties. John helped Sam at taking out posts. Jim made an axe handle in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon for a cutter. [in margin] Rain. <folio 65 recto> January 1886 17th Sabbath. Rather stormy day, strong wind and snowfall. Sam and Phoebe were here. [in margin] Birthday. 18 Mild morning and pretty moderate till about 3 P.M., when it began to blow and turned very cold at night. I went to a council meeting at Hopeville. Willie drove me out with the colts. Jim was help- ing Walter Bell to take out ties. John was helping Sam to take out posts. 19 Pretty rough morning, some snow falling. The wind rose in the afternoon and the snow drifted, there was a good deal of snow fell. Jim hauled a load of short wood home in the forenoon, and in the afternoon cut some posts in the swamp. John helped Sam to take out posts. 20 Rather stormy this morning, a good deal of snow fell during the day, and the sleighing is pretty fair. Jim and John took out posts in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim hauled wood for Tom Mills to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 21 Blowing and snowing a good deal during the day, not very cold though. Jim & Johney were swamping out posts. 22 Snowing and Blowing the General character of the day. Jim & John were sawing posts. �269 <folio 65 verso> January 1886 23rd Cold, Stormy day. Very sharp frost all day. John and Jim worked at getting posts in the forenoon. In the afternoon Jim went to Dundalk and brought home a new cutter which I had bought for $45.00. John drove John Gott with the colts to Osprey. Clark and I sawed posts in the afternoon. [in margin] Got / cutter home. 24th Sabbath. Rough day, cold and stormy. 25 Pretty cold in the forenoon, a little snow fell, the afternoon milder. Jim hauled cordwood to Dund[alk]. John hauled a load of Grain to Dundalk for J. Gott, then he hauled a load of lumber home in the afternoon. Brother John’s Wife, and sons Bob and Jim, came here in the afternoon. [in margin] Started / to haul / Cordwood. 26 Rather milder today, not so cold as yesterday. Jim hauled C.[ord]wood. John hauled lumber. Mrs. R., Eliza R., Bob R., & Jim R. went to Br. Sam’s. 27 Mild day, a heavy Rime on the trees, almost indicating a thaw. Jim was hauling C. Wood. John hauled lumber. Eliza and Jim went home. 28 Rather mild all day, but foggy with a great Rime on the trees. Jim was hauling cordwood. (Mrs. R.)[=striken] John was hauling stove wood home. 29 Dark day but mild, almost like a thaw. Jim was hauling wood. Mrs. R. and I went to Mrs. R. Cor- nett’s funeral. She was buried at Flesherton. [in margin] Mrs. R. Cornett / Buried. <folio 66 recto> January 1886 30th A little colder than yesterday, still not unpleasant. Jim was hauling wood, John and I cleaned up some wheat and filled four Bags of Barley to be chopped. We took the wheat to Dundalk and only got .65 per Bushel for it, it was very poor, and worth no more. We took the Barley to McDowell’s mill to be chopped, there were 378 pounds of it. I Renewed my subscription to Weekly Globe. My first paper will be Friday Feb. 5th. [in margin] Subscribed / for Globe. 31st Sabbath. Mild day. Mrs. C. Bell was here. February [1886] 1st Pretty cold in the morning, milder about noon, and cold in the afternoon. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. John hauled wood home. I worked at the Township Books. Clark Brought home the young cattle from W. Bell’s. [in margin] Brought / cattle home. 2 Cold, stormy morning, snowing and blowing, the day pretty cold, without sunshine, the Roads filling up badly. Jim was hauling wood to Dundalk. John was hauling wood home. [in margin] Cold. 3 Very cold, nipping frost. Good sleighing. Jim was hauling wood. Johney hauled stove wood home. [in margin] Cold. 4 Very cold morning, the afternoon something milder. John stopped working the colts, they have a cold, or the vet says, the distemper. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. [in margin] Very cold. <folio 66 verso> February 1886 5th [stricken, 6th written several lines lower, opposite middle of entry, so order of entries reversed, with 6th preceding the 5th] Not quite so cold this morning as yesterday. Some snow fell in the after- noon. Jim hauled wood to Dundalk. Clark to[ok] the cow to Mr. Vodden which I had sold him some time ago. John took the young horses to Dundalk to the Vet. He pronounced them as having the distemper. �270 5[th] Quite cold this morning. It is the general opinion that this forenoon was the sharpest of the season for so far. The afternoon was not quite so cold, but it might suit anyone for coldness. I went to Dundalk at night. Jim Hauled wood. John’s team is laid up with a cold. 7th Sabbath. Rather mild day all through. 8 Bright sunny morning, the day lovely, sunshine all through, a sunny thaw. Jim was hauling wood. John went after dinner to Melancthon to chop stove wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and sold my cordwood (about 170 cords) to Mr. Higgins for $1.75 per cord, he paid me $10.00 on the Bargain for which I gave him a Receipt. Miss Mary Trugon was to be married today. [in margin] Miss / Trugon’s / Wedding day. 9 Bright sunny morning, the day fine. Jim was hauling wood. John was working in Melancthon. The Township auditors were here auditing my Township Books. 10 Warm day, the wind thawing the snow, the sleighing is going. Jim is hauling wood. John is work- ing in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Eliza and cousin Bob went at night to C. Johnson’s party. <folio 67 recto> February 1886 11th Soft morning, no frost last night, the snow melted away fast today, a slight mizzle of Rain in the eavning. Jim is hauling wood. John is working in Melancthon. James Dane called here this fore- noon on his way home. Walter Bell was with him. Mrs. R. went to Brother Sam’s in the after- noon. [in margin] Thaw. 12 Soft morning, the day milder all through. Sleighing gone off a good deal of the Roads. Jim came home this afternoon with the team. He took them away again for fear of them getting the Distem- per from the young horses. John is working in Melancthon. 13 Rain this morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night. Jim and John are in Melancthon. Clark Bor- rowed W. Bell’s sleigh and with the oxen took from Melancthon in the afternoon to Dundalk a Cord of Dry Cedar. Sold it to Mr. Deans for $1.00. [in margin] Rain. 14th Sabbath. Snowing all day long. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. C. Bell’s. 15 A Good deal of snow fell during the day, but the air was mild, the afternoon turned cold and very Windy at night. Jim and John are in Melancthon working at something. <folio 67 verso> 1886 February 16th Stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, the day was one of storm all through. Jim and John are in Melancthon working. 17 Stormy morning, the day stormy all through, Snowing, blowing and drifting. Jim is in Melanc- thon, John is at home. An Ewe lambed this eavning, had three Ewe lambs at a Birth. [in margin] Sent letter / to Br. William / First lambs. 18 Roads drifted pretty badly this morning, the day mild. The wind rose in the afternoon and the Roads are filling up again. Jim is working in Melancthon hauling wood. John went with the oxen to Walter Bell this afternoon to Swamp logs. 19 Snowing this morning, but mild. The snow continued coming down all day, but got colder at night. Jim was in Melancthon. 20 Very sharp morning, the Roads badly drifted, the day very cold all through. Jim was in Melanc- thon, Johney at home. I attended a meeting of the Cheese factory patrons in Dundalk. [in margin] Very cold. 21st Sabbath. Blowing, Snowing and Drifting all day. 22 Roads Badly drifted, Snow falling and strong wind. Jim is hauling wood. I went to Dundalk. �271 23 Another stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Jim is hauling wood. Johney is choring at home. <folio 68 recto> February 1886 24th Strong wind this morning, the wind generally strong all day, the roads filling up, pretty sharp frost at night. John hitched up the young horses for the first time in about three weeks and drove his mother to Dundalk. Jim is hauling wood. 25 Raining this morning, and continued Showery through the day. Very windy at night and turned to Snow and freeze. Jim is working in Melancthon. John went to Mr. McKay’s to See about seed oats (Black Diamond). Got none. [in margin] Rain. 26 Piercing cold morning, snowing, Blowing and freezing. The day was very cold with a strond wind. Jim is working in Melancthon hauling wood. John took him some provisions and stopped there. [in margin] Cold. 27 Bitterly cold morning, sunshiny through the day, but piercingly sharp. Jim and John were working in Melancthon. They all came home tonight as Jim had finished hauling cordwood (70 cords) which I had sold at $1.75 per cord. Jim got the wood measured and got paid. He brought a sett of new Bobsleighs home from Norvall & Vodden’s*, Dundalk, price $45.00 complete. [in margin] Finished / Hauling / C.Wood. [*John Norval, blacksmith, and John Vodden, carriage-maker; the purchase is detailed on 11 Jan. 1886; see History of Dundalk, pp. 5, 101, 104.] 28th Sabbath. Very cold morning, the day very sharp all through, bitterly cold at night. [in margin] Very cold. <folio 68 verso> March 1886 1st Cold sunny morning, the day intensely cold from morning till night. Bright sun but piercing air. I went to Dundalk and purchased three post Office money orders, value $257.00, and sent the same to A. P. Poussette, Esq., Barrister, Peterborough, instalment $200.00 & Interest, $57.00, on pur- chas[e] money of Lot 31*, Con 5, Township of Melancthon. John was helping John Gott to take out ties. Jim was hauling logs for Mr. Oliver. [in margin] Extremely / cold. [*Seems to be written Lot 34, but probably is Lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon, bought in May 1881, with payments on 1st of March until principal is paid off; $57. interest at 6% means principal was still $950; see 28 May 1881.] 2 Very cold morning, cold at noon and stormy and cold at night. We cleaned about 200 Bushels of Oats, then Jim took the new sleighs to Dundalk to get some alterations in them. Mr. Jas. Cavanagh, Township Clerk, was here a while this afternoon. He wished to get a little money in advance on his salary and I advanced him $20.00. [in margin] cold. 3 A little milder this morning, but the wind was pretty strong and the afternoon was cold. Jim start- ed for Brother John’s to get some wheat that I had bought for milling. H. Lonsway went with him to See his Brother William. Johney and I cleaned oats in the forenoon, and he took his oxen to John Foster’s sale in the afternoon, but he did not sell them. 4 Mild day, the sun shone strong. Jim is gone for wheat. John hauled oats to Dundalk. <folio 69 recto> March 1886 5th Bright sunny morning, the day clear and mild. Jim is not home yet. John hauled Oats to Dundalk. 6 Mild morning, the day soft and balmy, snow melting. Jim got home from the mill this afternoon. William Lonsway and Margaret and their son William were here tonight. John was hauling oats to Dundalk. �272 7th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Brother Sam and Phoebe, Mr. A. Jackson and Misses Jackson were here. 8 Mild morning, snow came on in the afternoon, quite soft like. Jim went in the morning to Melanc- thon with the team to work. John hauled oats to Dundalk. 9 Mild morning, a little snow falling, the day pretty mild. Jim is working in Melancthon. John hauled oats to Dundalk in the afternoon. In the forenoon he took his oxen to the fair in Dundalk, sold them for $90.00, Cash. Sam Lonsway came here tonight to bid us good-by. He is going to the St. of Nebraska tomorrow. [in margin] John Sold his / Oxen / S. Lonsway / going off / States 10 Mild day, some snow fell, during the afternoon it cleared off. John took some grain to the mill to be chopped. Jim was hauling logs to the mill. 11 Mild day, but quite a quantity of snow fell. John and Jim were working with the teams in Melanc- thon. <folio 69 verso> March 1886 12th Mild day all through, but the roads very heavy. John and Jim were hauling logs to the mill. 13 Mild morning, the day mild all through, but a good deal of soft snow fell. Jim was at Sandy McAulay’s Bee, hauling square timber. John hauled saw logs to the mill. Jim Thompson is here tonight. Mr. H. Lonsway and wife came here at night. The Proton assessor was here and assessed Lot 215 at $700.00, Lot 216 at $315.00 and the personal property at $150.00, Total $1200.00. 14th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, almost like a thaw. Miss Minnie Neithercut & Jim Thompson were here. 15 Mild morning, some snow fell during the day. Jim and John went to Melancthon to work at get- ting out saw logs. I went to Dundalk. 16 Mild day, with a heavy fall of snow at night. Jim came home from Melancthon for to get his team to take to Melancthon tomorrow. John is working in Melancthon. 17 Foggy morning, the sun shone out after some time and the day was exceeding warm, the snow melting and running in streams on the streets. Jim and Johney were hauling logs to the mill. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Brother John came here this afternoon. 18 Soft day all through. The boys are hauling logs. Brother John and I went to Melancthon, thence to Sam’s, then home. [in margin] Sam’s / baby /born. <folio 70 recto> March 1886 19th Wet Morning, the day cleared off about noon, then it rained some in the afternoon. The day was very unpleasant, there was quite a lot of thunder and lightening after night. Jim and John were hauling saw logs. Brother John went to Dundalk and bought seed oats. Jim came home from Melancthon this afternoon. I Clerked at Jas. Mulholland’s sale. [in margin] Thunder / Jas. Mulholland’s / Sale. 20 Dark morning, the ground covered with sleety snow, the forenoon dry, quite a sharp rain at night. Mrs. R. was at Brother Sam’s. Brother John and she came out in the afternoon. Jim went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon to get some seed oats changed. Johney and Willie were in Melancthon. Johney hauled logs to the Saw mill. 21st Sabbath. Soft snow fell most of the day. Towards night it began to rain and rained quite a bit. 22 Dark morning, the day generally cloudy, a snow storm sett in at night, with a strong wind. Johney went to Melancthon to haul logs. Brother John started for home this morning with some seed oats which he had bought. My Jim went with him. [in margin] Jim / went with / Bro. John. 23 Roads very heavy this morning, the day quite cold. John is hauling logs. I attended C. Meeting in Dundalk. �273 24 Dark day all through, but pretty mild, the snow melting. Johney is working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. was at a quilting in Mr. H. Lonsway’s. <folio 70 verso> 25th Bright sunny day, the snow disappearing rapidly. John was hauling logs to the mill from Melanc- thon. Mr. John Abbott, Collector of Rates for the Township of Proton, was here and made out his Defaulters’ List and returned his Collector’s Roll. 26 Fine day, but a little chilly in the afternoon, snow melted quite a bit in the forenoon. John was hauling Logs for S. McDowell. Clark went to Dundalk with the Team when he came from School and brought home 33 22/34 Bushels of Black Diamond oats which I had Bought from John R. Montgomery at .33¢ per Bushel. Mrs. R. also went to the village. 27 Sunny morning, but the air was rather chilly through the day. The sun thawed the snow a little. John was hauling logs. Clark hauled one load with the colts. Mrs. R. went to See Phoebe this af- ternoon. Mr. Thos. Arnold and Wife, and Mrs. John Arnold, were here a while in the forenoon. Mr. H. Johnson’s son and three of his daughters and Mr. Andrew Lonsway and wife were here at night. 28th Sabbath. Rather cool wind today, although the snow melted some. Mr. Skeffington Bell and Wife, and Miss Carson, were here. <folio 71 recto> March 1886 29th Rain in the morning and Rain the afternoon, a cold sleety Rain, sticking like ice on the trees and ground. John left in the afternoon to get some Blacksmithing done and then to go to Melancthon. Sold John a yoke of steers, coming 3 years old, for $35.00 cash. 30 Some Rain fell in the forenoon and a little in the afternoon. The day dark and drizzly. John is in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon with H. Lonsway, done some Business and bought 110 lbs of Timothy seed at Rate of $3.00 per Bush[el]. 31 A slight rain this morning, the day generally showery, the snow is fast disappearing. There is a mist or steam-like rising off the ground. John is in Melancthon. Mrs. R. took the colts and sleigh and drove the children to school, then she went to Melancthon Lot. Mrs. H. Lonsway and Baby were here. Our first cow calved this season. [in margin] 1st calve April [1886] 1st Windy morning, and some snow falling, the wind increased till about 2 P.M., when it was very strong. There was quite a snowfall through the day. Mrs. R. drove Eliza to School. John is in Melancthon. Walter Bell here at night. 2 A little snow fell occasionally through the day. John is working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. drove Eliza to School, then went in the afternoon to a quilting at Mrs. D. Reid’s. <folio 71 verso> April 1886 3rd Fine morning, bright and sunny, the day was pretty mild and the snow melting some. John and Clark were hauling logs to the saw mill. I helped W. Bell to put in a stack of hay 4th Sabbath. A good deal of sunshine through the day. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 5 Stormy morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, the afternoon chilly. I went to R. Cor- nett’s sale. John was hauling wood home. 6 Very strong wind this forenoon and pretty cold, the wind stronger in the afternoon, especially to- wards night, also a violent snow storm sett in. John was hauling wood home. Mrs. R. visited in the afternoon at Mr. John Arnold’s. [in margin] Big Blow / & Snow / Storm. �274 7 Sunny morning, the day pleasant, but a chilliness in the air in the afternoon. John split stove wood at home. Mrs. R. & I went to Mr. Lonsway’s at night. 8 Bright sunny morning, the day one of sunshine and thaw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid for 112 lbs of Timothy seed which I had bought at $3.00 per Bushel. I also bought and paid for one peck of Red Clover seed, 2.00, and a peck of Large Late Clover seed, 2.25. Then I purhased a Draft payable to the Molsons Bank, Owen Sound, for $235.00, Sinking funds of Four S[chool] sections, and mailed & Registered it, to the Manager Molsons Bank, Owen Sound. <folio 72 recto> April 1886 9th Bright sunny morning, the day fine and the snow melting rapidly. All the family, Except Jim (who is from home), went to an Examination in School Section No. 5 Melancthon. I kept home. [in margin] heard & / seen / first / Robin. 10 Bright morning, the day one of sunshine, the snow is on its liquid journey to the Lakes (more speed to it). John went to Walter Bell’s to chop. Clark Split wood at home. I chored around. The Melancthon Assessor was here and assessed Lot 31, 5th Con. at $800.00. That is $58.00 less than in 1885. [in margin] Melancthon / Assessor. 11th Sabbath. Chilly in the morning, a thaw wind in the afternoon and the snow melting. Mr. A. Lon- sway and Wife were here in the Eavning. 12 Rain in the forenoon, Rain in a slight degree in the afternoon, the roads breaking up and becoming as muddy as possible. [in margin] 2nd Cow Calved. 13 Dark in the morning, with a slight mizzle of rain, the afternoon fine, but hazy. Mrs. R. started for Tossorontio this morning to bring home Jim. Johny skinned a yearling calve which had got hurt by some of the cattle and died. He took the hide to Dundalk, got only .75¢ for it. 14 Misty morning, the afternoon sunny and warm, quite spring-like. A lot of little songsters are out trilling. John and I sowed 10 acres of timothy and clover on Lot 31 Melancthon. <folio 72 verso> April 1886 15th Bright sunny morning, the day pleasant and warm all through. Johney made Five mauls*, then took the Black mare in the eavning and went to meet his mother and Jim who came in the train. [in margin] Jim / came / Home. [*wooden sledge hammers; see vol. 1] 16 Beautiful morning, the day splendid, a warm bright sun. Johney and Willie cleaned some seed Oats. Jim and Johney took the team and went to Melancthon in the eavning. Mrs. H. Johnson was here this afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. Lonsways [written as a very small squiggle]. [in margin] Heard / Frogs. 17 Beautiful morning, the day fine. Splendid weather. John and Jim went to Melancthon to make sap troughs. 20 Beautiful day, …. etc., [3 lines in total, stricken, which are entered below in proper place.] 18th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day fine all through. 19 Beautiful morning, the day lovely. Jim, John & I were sinking post holes. [in margin] 3rd Cow calved. 20 Beautiful morning, the day warm and balmy, no such spring weather has occured this many a year. We were sinking post holes. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the eavning. 21 Lovely sunny morning, the day Bright and warm. The Boys started for Melancthon with the teams to plow. I dug post holes. [in margin] Commenced / plowing. <folio 73 recto> April 1886 �275 22nd Sunny morning, the day very pleasant and dry, the sky bright, without a cloud. Jim and John were plowing in Melancthon. I dug post holes. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here at night. 23 Splendid morning, Beautiful and bright, the day fine till about 6 P.M., when there arose a thunder storm and some Rain. Clark pruned some apple trees in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Melancthon. Jim and John are plowing. I sunk some post holes. 24 Rainy morning, dry for about three hours in the middle of the day, the afternoon wet. John and Clark plowed during the dry part of the day in Melancthon. Jim made a Vdrag* at home. John Neithercut and T. Mitchel were here. [*V drag, or v-shaped hitch for a harrow, dragged behind the horses; often the name given to the harrow itself, which could be made of a series of chains at- tached together to make a quilt-like blanket, which when dragged over a plowed field, broke up remaining clods of soil, creating a smoother surface for seeding. Harrows here are wooden frames, with protruding wooden teeth, or pins; he later tries new iron harrows.] 25th Sabbath. Dry morning, wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Br. Sam’s. [in margin] Esther. 26 Ground very wet this morning on account of the heavy rain last night. The day was dry but cloudy. We put in some posts for making lane from the Road to the Barn. 27 Dry in the forenoon, dry and breezy in the afternoon. We turned potatoes in the cellar and hunted up the young cattle. The boys went with the teams to Melancthon in the afternoon. [in margin] 4th cow calved. 28 Fine dry day. The boys are plowing in Melancthon. I went there to see the fall wheat. We con- cluded not to Re-sow. [in margin] W. Neithercut / died. <folio 73 verso> April 1886 29 Fine dry, Breezy morning and the day was dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a heavy rain with some hail stones. Mrs. R. and I went to W. Neithercut’s funeral. He was buried in the Grave Yard at the Union Church. The funeral was pretty large. Jim sowed pease. John plowed and Wil- lie harrowed. [in margin] First grain / (pease) sowen. 30 Dark morning and a little showery in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. The boys were working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. was House cleaning. Mr. A. Lonsway and Wife were here at night. May 1886 1st Bright sunny morning, the day pretty drying, with sunshine most of the time. The Boys were plowing and harrowing in Melancthon, and came home tonight. 2nd Sabbath. Fine morning, the forenoon clear, the afternoon cloudy, but no rain. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. 3 Fine morning, the day dry and breezy till about 3 P.M. when it got overcast and there was a slight Rain about dark. John went to Melancthon to plow. Jim sowed about 4 acres of wheat at home. Willie harrowed. I swam* the wheat and bagged up some seed oats. Mrs. Walter Nicholas was here in the afternoon. [*see above, pickling barley, 1 May 1884; before seeding, seed grain is im- mersed in brine, thought to prevent weeds.] <folio 74 recto> May 1886 4th Dark morning, Rain came on and there was quite a lot fell. Jim started for Melancthon and took 25 Bushels of Seed oats (Black Tartar) to Sow. John is working in Melancthon. 5th Cool morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine and dry. John and Jim were plowing in Melancthon. We finished plowing there and John brought the team home to plow. I plowed a few hours in the afternoon. �276 6 Fine, warm, dry day all through. Jim sowed 10 acres of oats in Melancthon. Willie harrowed. I sowed 10 acres in Grass seed. John plowed at home. [in margin] First oats / sown. 7 Fine day all through. Willie finished harrowing in Melancthon. John plowed at home. I attended cheese meeting in D[undalk]. [in margin] Seen first / swallow. 8 Fine dry day. John and Wille plowed. I went to Dundalk and bought a new Wilkinson plow No. 4 for $15.00 cash, from S. Bell. I also Bought 8 Bgs. potatoes from C. Johnson for 40¢ p. Bg., cash. I also took John Vo[d]den 5 Bgs. potatoes. 9th Sabbath. Dry day, but very much like rain. 10 Wet day all through. John and I plowed in the forenoon. Jim dug post holes when dry. <folio 74 verso> May 1886 11th Dry but cool morning, the day was cloudy till about 3 P.M. when the sun shone out. John and Jim were plowing. The Ground is pretty wet after yesterday’s Rain. 12 Fine morning, the day breezy and sunny. John and I plowed. Jim dug post holes. 13 Fine morning, but cloudy, the day was dry till about 5 P.M., when there was quite a shower. It is again Raining (8 P.M.). Jim sowed 9 Bags tartar oats and three of Black Diamond. Willie har- rowed. John dug post holes and I plowed. [in margin] 5th cow / calved. 14 Cloudy morning, not much sunshine through the day, but there was a fine growth, the day was pretty sultry. Jim was working at the Barnyard fence, assisted by Willie. John harrowed. I plowed. Patrick Langly casterated two yearling colts for me. [in margin] Casterated / colts. 15 Rainy morning, Exceedingly so, and a great deal of Rain had fallen during the night. All forenoon was slightly wet. A little mizzle fell during the afternoon. John and Clark plowed in the after- noon. Jim and Willie worked at the Board fence. I chored around. [changes to purple pencil] 16th Sabbath. Cool cloudy day, chilly, especially at night. There was a frost this morning. [in margin] Frost. <folio 75 recto> May 1886 17th Frost this morning, Ice on the water as thick as a 50 cent piece. The day cloudy, cool and dry. John and I plowed. Jim worked at the fence. In the afternoon he went to Dundalk and bought 10 12/60 Bushels pease at 56¢ per Bushel. He also bought a keg of nails and a Roll of Barbed wire. John Agnew stopped here this night. [in margin] Frost / [in ink] Factory / opened. [back to purple pencil] 18 Cloudy but dry and pretty warm. John and I plowed. Jim worked at the fence. An old man named Wright came here in J. Agnew’s Buggy and is stopping here this night. We had a cow calved today, after taking a full month past her time. [writing changes back to ink] John Agnew stopped here this night. [in margin, in purple pencil] 6th cow / calved. 19 Fine morning, the day Breezy, dry and warm, the eavning about sunset was cloudy like a thunder storm. I sowed about 9 1/2 acres of Black Diamond oats. Willie harrowed. John plowed. Jim worked at the fence. 20 Fine morning, the day dry and cool, cloudy towards night. I helped Jim in the forenoon at the fence and in the afternoon I sowed some mixed pease and oats for cattle feed. John plowed and Willie harrowed. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here at night. [in margin] 7th cow calved / Got papers / from / Toronto. <folio 75 verso> May 1886 �277 21st Fine morning and warm, the afternoon was a little showery. I plowed in the forenoon and helped Jim at the fence in the afternoon. John sowed oats in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. Willie harrowed. We finished seeding, have got about 58 acres spring grain and 10 of Fall Wheat. This is about the first time, so far as I can Remember, that we finished so early. [in margin] Fin- ished / Seeding. 22 Fine morning, dry and warm, the day was lovely all through. Jim went to Mr. McGregor’s mill in the forenoon and got 535 feet of lumber sawn. In the afternoon he worked at the fence. Johney and Clark hauled out manure and planted about a Bushel of potatoes in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the morning with Jim. [in margin] 8th Cow / calved / First potatoes / planted. 23rd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and mild. Miss Sarah Jackson and her Brother Sam were here. 24 Fine morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy and very cold at night. Jim worked at the fence. Johney harrowed with his team at Walter Bell’s. Clark and Willie went a-fishing. Eliza went to the Garden party at Mr. Hame’s. Mrs. R. went to Brother Sam’s. I helped Jim a little at the fence and chored around. <folio 76 recto> May 1886 25th Very cold morning, the day cold all through. I went to Council meeting at Hopeville. Jim worked at the fence. John at Walter Bell’s. 26 Another cold morning, and cold, windy day. I went to Brother Sam’s in the forenoon and to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. John put out manure in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to C. John- son’s for some Beauty of Hebron potatoes which I had bought. Jim worked at the Board fence. 27 Cool morning and Raining. The rain soon abated and the day was dry and cool. Jim went to Dun- dalk for material to make gates, and made most of one when he came home. John was laid up with sore throat and dizziness. I cut seed potatoes. Walter Bell got our Black mare this afternoon to put along with one of his own and go to Egremont for seed potatoes. 28 Fine morning, the day dry but a little cool in the forenoon, the afternoon warm and cloudy. We planted potatoes, about Eight Bushels of Early Rose and Seven of Beauty of Hebron. Wesley Lonsway helped us from noon. Jim worked at a gate. [in margin] Frost / Finished / planting / po- tatoes. 29 Fine day, but very windy. Mrs. R. and I went to Priceville. I borrowed D. Reid’s Buggy. Jim worked at the fence in the forenoon and went to Mr. Nichol’s Raising in the afternoon. John washed the sheep. <folio 76 verso> May 1886 30th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Mrs. R. and her Sister Eliza went to Brother Sam’s. 31 Bright sunny day. John helped his uncle Sam to plow. Jim worked at the fence. Eliza and Bob went home. I went to Melancthon and paid T. Mitchell for 46 1/8 c. wood. [in margin] clipped sheep. June [1886] 1st Mild morning, the day pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I clipped the Sheep. John helped his uncle Sam to plow. Jim plowed up the lane and levelled it. 2 Dark morning, a slight rain fell during the forenoon, the afternoon cool and cloudy, with an ap- pearance of Rain at night. John and I picked stones in the afternoon. Jim went to Melancthon and mended Brush fences. 3 Very chilly morning, the day cold all through, and a slight frost at night. Jim was working at the Lane fence. John and I picked stones in Melancthon. �278 4 Cool and Breezy, a little sunshine through the day. Jim was working at the fence. H. Lonsway helped him. John and I picked stones at home and hauled them off the Grain. 5 Cool and cloudy. Jim worked at making Gates. John went to Tossorontio for flour. Clark and Willie planted potatoes in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <folio 77 recto> June 1886 6th Sabbath. Cool and clear. Mr. Joseph Jackson, wife and child, were here, and also Miss Mariah Maxwell. 7 Cool and cloudy. Jim worked at the Gates. I fixed calve park. William Lonsway and his two lit- tle girls, with Irma Silk, were here at noon. The little ones are stopping here this night. 8 A little cool in the morning, but the afternoon was warmer. John got home with the flour from Tossorontio. Jim finished the lane fences and gates in the forenoon and went to Steve Broughton’s Raising in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. 9 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty breezy and dry. It got cloudy and a few drops of Rain fell in the afternoon. We were picking Stones all day. 10 Cool morning, the middle of the day warm, the afternoon cool, clear and dry. John hauled lumber for Joseph Jackson. Jim Rolled in Melancthon. Mrs. R. & I went to Dundalk. 11 Cool morning, a slight hoar frost, the day sunny and dry. Jane Ludlow Lock Jawed this morning. Her father came for one of my boys to go for the Doctor. Willie went. The Dr. got the Jaw in. Jim was painting gate in the forenoon and chopping in the afternoon. John was Rolling in the forenoon and working for H. Lonsway in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost. <folio 77 verso> June 1886 12th Bright morning, the day rather cloudy and a trifle Breezy, the sun overcast about setting time, quite Rainy like. Jim was at Joseph Jackson’s Barn Raising all day, Johney in the afternoon, and splitting rails with H. Lonsway in the forenoon. Clark Rolled in the forenoon and chopped in the afternoon. Willie drove his mother to Dundalk in the forenoon and Rolled in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books, Ent[ering] orders. 13th Sabbath. The day dry and pretty warm. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. 14 Bright morning, the day very hot. We were taking out square timber for a Lintle* to the Barn. Walter Bell helped us, we got the timber on his Lot. [*Lintle seems to mean an addition built on to the existing barn, using post and beam construction, as in the original barn.] <insert><inserted half page> <recto> Work* At Lintle [*This lists the schedule of work, and payments owed for the construction] 1886. June 13th. 4 men at Sq. timber 14. 6 men Ditto 15 6 men “ 17 5 men “ 18 Team + 3 men 19 Team + 2 men 21 Team + 2 men 1/2 day 23 4 teams “ 1 team 1/2 day “ 1 man - - 24 2 teams 25 Hauling sleepers 1 team �279 26 Hauling sleepers 1 team 28 Cutting + Hauling posts July 16th John Gott + C. Maxwell “ Jim, John + Clark 17 John Gott + C. Maxwell “ Jim, John + Clark 19 John Gott + Ch. Maxwell “ Jim, John + Clark 20 John Gott + C. Maxwell “ 18 Men 1/2 day Raising <verso> Aug. 5th J. Gott [stricken: + C. Maxwell] “ Jim Russell 6 John Gott 1/2 day “ Jim + John 7 John Gott, Jim + John Russell 9 John Gott, Jim + John Russell 16 Jim + John Russell 1/2 day 17 Jim + John Russell 1/2 day 25 John Gott + Jim Russell 26 Jim 30 Jim + John 1/2 day Sept. 10th John Gott 1/2 day. Oct 2. John Gott 1/2 day [Oct.] Clark 1/2 dy 7 John Gott + Self 8 John Gott. 9th J. Gott 1/2 day 11 John Gott. 12th John Gott Clark 14 John Gott Nov. 19 John Gott + Norman Schell 1/2 day Six months after Date I promise to pay. </insert> 15 Dry, hot day with a slight thunder in the eavning and signs of Rain. We were taking out square timber in Melancthon. W. Bell, H. Lonsway and Wesley Lonsway helped us. 16 Beautiful, shower of Rain this morning, the day pretty warm and a fine growth. We were making square timber. H. Lonsway, W. Bell and Brother Sam helped us. Jim was the Hewer. <folio 78 recto> June 1886 17th A little more rain this morning, the day cloudy and very cold at night. We were making lintle tim- ber. Brother Sam and W. Bell helped us. 18 Cool morning, the day cool and cloudy. We were getting out Rafters and swamping timber. 19 Frost this morning, the day pretty warm and dry. Clark and I fixed a Brush fence at home. John swamped square timber. Bob Morn* cut roads for him. Jim helped Mr. Morn with the Black Mare to swamp T[elegraph]. Poles. [*see 21 Oct. 1885] 20th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day fine. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. A. Lonsway’s. �280 21 Cloudy morning, a slight mizzle of rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Jim and John cut and swamped sleepers for the lintle. I chored around. Jim went with the team to Dundalk in the eavning. 22 Slight rain throughout the day, with indications of a heavier rain at night. John with his team was at John Arnold’s sawing. Jim and I fixed Brush fence in Melancthon. 23 Slight Rains all through the day. We were hauling home the timber for the lintle. Brother Sam, John Arnold & D. Reid helped us with their teams. 24 Dark cloudy day, but pretty sultry. We were hauling home the timber for the lintle. <folio 78 verso> June 1886 25th Rainy morning, but cleared off about 10 A.M., the afterpart of the day was fine. John was at M. Neithercut’s sawing. Jim hauled sleepers home. 26 Rainy morning, but soon cleared off, the afternoon was dry. John went to M. Neithercut’s sawing. Jim and Clark Hewed sleepers till noon, then Jim went to John Brinkman’s Frame Raising. 27th Sabbath. Beautiful day, dry, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. 28 Sunny morning, the day warm and bright. Jim was at Jos. Neithercut’s sawing. John and I cut posts for the Lintle and hauled them home in the forenoon. In the afternoon he mended Brush fence. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland. 29 Fine morning, the day fine all through. I went to C. Meeting at Cederville, took Jim along. Mrs. R. also went as far as Mr. John Abbott’s. It was daylight when we got home next morning. John Agnew & C. Johnson, Councilmen, were with us. 30 Fine dry day, sunny, bright and warm. John Hunted the Bush and fields for two [stricken spring c ]yearling calves which had gone astray, could not get them. John Irwin got them same day along with his about 4 miles from here in Osprey. <folio 79 recto> July 1886 1st Beautiful morning, the day dry, sunny and hot. We all, with the exception of Willie, went to Dun- dalk to see the sports. 2 Bright morning, the day very warm. John and Jim with the team were at the saw mill hauling logs forward to be sawn. I warned out hands for the statute labor in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the Township Books. 3 Bright morning, the day dry and very warm. Jim and John were at the saw mill getting logs sawn. I turned potatoes in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to the letting of some R[oad] Jobs in Melancthon. Miss Minn[i]e Neithercut came here this eavning. [in margin] hot. 4th Sabbath. Very hot day. 5 Scorching, dry, hot day. I was Bossing St. Labor. Jim hauled lumber home from the mill. John worked on the Road for D. Reid. Josh. Brinkman came here at night. Mrs. R. took Eliza to Shel- burne to the Entrance Examination. Clark took the train for Owen Sound to stand his Examination for a third Class Certificate to teach. [in margin] hot. 6 Dry, warm day. I Bossed on the Roads. Jim & John hauled Lumber. We had the team of D. Reid’s Waggon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon & paid Factory patrons. [in margin] hot. <folio 79 verso> July 1886 7th Bright sunny day. Jim and [I] done Statute labor for Melancthon lot. John was at Walter Bell’s logging Bee. 8 Bright sunny day. Jim and John cut shingle timber in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk. �281 9 Bright sunny day. Jim was at S. McDowell’s logging Bee. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some paint. John washed and gave the Waggon one coat of paint. There was a small shower of Rain at night. [in margin] Rain. 10 Bright sunny day, with considerable of wind. John and Jim cut shingle timber in Melancthon. I worked all day, nearly, at the Milk Books. Willie painted the Waggon the second coat, also the plow and the little gate. Eliza painted the chair [?ink smeared]. 11th Sabbath. Pretty warm day, dry and dusty. Mrs. R. & family went to hear Mr. Murphy, Church of England Minister, preach. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. 12 Dry and dusty with considerable of a Breeze. All hands went to Dundalk. Mrs. R., Eliza and I went in the afternoon. Clark got home from O. Sound. He thinks his chances for a certificate are very slim. I think so also. [in margin] Frost this / morning. <folio 80 recto> July 1886 13th Dry but cool this morning, the day was dry, cool and cloudy. We fixed fence. Jim went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon for a pair of Boots. Clark was at W. Hender’s logging Bee. 14 Heavy rain early this morning, and a general wet day from morning till night. Every Kind of crop was in great need it. The grass is very short and scarcely worth mowing, the Rains are too long of coming to benefit it. The Grain and potatoes crops will be vastly improved by the splendid wet- ting which they are now im??inging. Oats are shooting out scarcely six inches in length. I guess this rain will stretch them. The potatoes are turning yellow in the leaf, and the Rain will cause them to put on a Green foliage again. In fact, all nature in the vegeatable [sic] and animal King- dom will be vastly improved. John Gott and his man came here today to Start on building a lintle to the Barn. He just drew out the plan and then went home, the day was so wet he could not work. Johney went to W. Watson’s Barn Raising this afternoon. I don’t think, however, that Watson will put up his Barn this eavning because it has rained incessantly since morning. [in margin] Rain. <folio 80 verso> July 1886 15th Misty morning and a slight mizzle of Rain kept coming down all day. The Boys were fixing fence and choring around, generally. Johney cut his knee slightly with a Broad axe. 16 Cloudy morning, a little sunshine in the middle of the day, cloudy at night. John Gott and C. Maxwell were here framing, my three boys helped. I cut thistles out of the potatoes. Got cheque for pension. [in margin] Got cheque / for pension. 17 Mild day, a little cool in the eavning. The Boys worked at the lintle. Clark went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie and I moulded potatoes. [in margin] Sent a letter / to Br. William. 18th Sabbath. Pretty mild forenoon, the afternoon chilly, almost like Rain. [in margin, written very small] Mrs. Ferris of / Melancthon died. 19 Fine, dry day, very like Rain after dinner. A slight Rain fell just at dark. Jim & John worked with J. Gott at the Lintle. Mrs. R. and I went in the forenoon to Mrs. John Ferris’ funeral. 20 Quite cool this forenoon, the afternoon very much like Rain, but none fell. The [men] worked at framing in the forenoon and Raised the lintle in the afternoon. There were 14 Men Besides our- selves Raising it. It kept us pretty late getting done. <folio 81 recto> July 1886 J. 21st Cool morning, the day cool, and a sharp shower of Rain fell in the afternoon. Jim and John are with D. Reid helping him at his haying. I tried to work but could not, was sick. Then I worked at the Milk Accounts. �282 22 Frost this morning, the day sunny, dry and warm. I put Paris Green on the potatoes. John mowed grass. Jim worked at making gate for J. Mills. [in margin] Frost. 23 Fine morning, the day dry and warm, splendid hay day. John mowed grass. Jim finished making J. Mills’ Gate, then helped D. Reid in the afternoon at his hay. Willie and Eliza Raked up some hay and I put it in hand shakings. 24 Fine morning, the day splendid, close and muggy at night with a slight sprinkling of Rain. Jim, John & Willie with the Black Mare helped D. Reid at his hay. Mrs. R., E. & I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I paid cheese money. 25th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day fine, a very slight sprinkling of rain at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. <folio 81 verso> July 1886 26th A very slight sprinkling of Rain this morning, the day dry till about 5 P.M. when there came on a pretty heavy rain. Jim was swamping out shingle timber. John and I hauled in a little hay in the forenoon and in the afternoon John went to Brother Sam’s to help him. 27 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and pretty warm. John swamped out some shingle timber in Melancthon. Jim hauled it to the mill. Mrs. R. and I took the wool to Dundalk Woolen Mills in the afternoon and traded some of it for cloth, and left some to be carded and spun for stocking yarn. We got .21¢ per pound for it in trade, and gave .35¢ per yard for shirting. 28 Dark morning, the day clouded over several times and a few drops of Rain fell. Jim, John, Willie and I with three of our horses were helping D. Reid at his hay. 29 A little Rain early this morning, but soon got dry, the day was dry and Breezy. Jim, John & Willie were working at D. Reid’s. 30 Dry morning, the day dry. Jim, John and Willie were working on their own account at D. Reid’s. D. Reid and Johney hauled four small loads of hay from there for 12 day’s work we gave him. We cut & made our own share.* [in margin] 4 Small loads / about 3 tons / put away / for spring. [*they cut their own share of the hay on Reid’s farm, as payment for the 12 day’s work.] <folio 82 recto> July 1886 31st Misty morning, but the day cleared off and was fine and dry, and very hot about 1 P.M. I helped Brother Sam at his hay. Dan Reid cut some grass for us at home. Jim and John mowed fence cor- ners and Raked up hay. August 1886 1st Sabbath. Pretty cool, dry day. 2 Cloudy this morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry, very high wind in the afternoon. John and Willie hauled in some hay in the forenoon and John went and worked for D. Reid in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim went to Melancthon and mowed some fence corners, then helped Mr. Morn. 3 Very cold morning, the day very cold, strong wind. I worked at the Township Books. Jim helped H. Lonsway to fence. John and Willie with the Bay mare helped D. Reid to finish his hay. 4 Very cold morning, and a Frost, the day dry. John & Willie helped their uncle Sam at his hay. Jim & I Brought home the fence corners’ hay from Melancthon. [in margin] Frost. 5 Frost this morning, the day dry. John helped H. Lonsway at his fences. Jim and John Gott worked at the lintle. I chored around. [in margin] Frost. <folio 82 verso> August 1886 �283 6th Bright morning, the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Tossorontio. Jim, John and John Gott worked at lintle. 7 Warm day, very dusty. Mrs. R. and I went from Brother John’s to W. Lonsway’s, then to John Agnew’s. The Boys and J. Gott worked at lintle. 8th Sabbath. Bright warm day. We left J. Agnew’s and came to Br. John’s in the eavning. 9 Fine morning, the day dry but not so warm as yesterday. We came home, got home about 2 P.M., did not stop to feed on the way. John, Jim & J. Gott worked at the lintle. We got word in the eavning that the fire had got on to the Melancthon lot. We went there. About 120 Rods of Brush fence had been burned and the fire was just at the gate and the rail fence as we got there. We burned some of the Brush around the Shanty at night in order to Save it. 10 Dry but Breezy day. Jim & John are watching the Melancthon lot from the fire. 11 Dry, hot, windy day. Jim and Johney are watching fires in Melancthon. I attended C[ouncil] Meeting. 12 Dry and warm. I watched fires in Melancthon. John worked for T. Mitchel[l]. Jim went to Dun- dalk and bought himself a craddle. <folio 83 recto> August 1886 13 Dry morning, the day got overcast and there was considerable of thunder in the forenoon, scarcely any Rain, the wind was very high in the afternoon. Jim and John are in Melancthon, they are watching the Bush fires and also to come[n]ce the fall wheat. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie have gone to a Berry party at Osprey. Owen Cassidy, an old Resident of Melancthon that had been in Michi- gan, came here this eavning and stopped all night. There was a slight thunder storm with some Rain at night. [in margin] Commenced / Harvesting / Fall wheat. 14 A little cloudy this morning but the sun got out and dispersed the clouds, the day was dry. Jim and John are working in Melancthon. Mrs. R. and Willie took them out some provisions. 15th Sabbath. Dry, warm day. Mr. John Abbott and Wife, Mr. W. Clark & Wife, and Brother Sam & Phoebe were here. 16 Cloudy morning. Rain came on about 9 A.M., and rained to about 2 P.M. We went to Melanc- thon to work, but came home again. The Boys went for shingles. I got the Brush hook and stopped all night in Melancthon. 17 Cool day, with a slight mizzle of Rain. The Boys are shingling the lintle. I cut Berry Bushes in Melancthon. <folio 83 verso> August 1886 18th Cool morning, the day dry. I was cutting Berry Bushes in Melancthon. The Boys were shingling the lintle. There was a frost this night. 19 Sharp frost this morning, the day dry. Jim cut Fall wheat, I tied. John cut Bushes. 20 Pretty warm day and cloudy . The boys harvested in Melancthon. Willie cooked. I was at home and went to Dundalk. 21 Cloudy day all through. The boys harvested. I worked at the tedious Milk Books. 22nd Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, and wet in the afternoon. 23 A Slight Rain in the forenoon, something heavier in the afternoon. The boys put some Shingles on the Lintle. Jim brought a load of shingles from the mill. He traded horse teams with D. Reid and gave $60.00 to [MS of] Boot. He gained a Black mare rising 12 years old and a Black horse rising 4 years for a Big stallion, rising 6 years and an Iron Grey horse Rising 5 years old. �284 24 A little cool this morning, there was also a slight Rain in the morning. The Boys finished shin- gling the lintle. I cleaned out the manure that it was built on. 25 Dry day. John Gott and Jim worked at the lintle. Johney & I cut and tied fall wheat in Melanc- thon. <folio 84 recto> August 1886 26 Very hot, dry day. John and I harvested in Melancthon. Jim finished the horse’s stall then he fixed up the Reaper. [in margin] Hot. 27 Dry, hot day. We harvested our spring wheat. [in margin] Hot. 28 Dry and hot in the forenoon, a little thunder and Rain in the afternoon. Jim and John went for a load each of fall wheat. They just got into the Barn when the Rain came. I tied and stooked wheat till it was time to go to Dundalk to pay the milk Patrons. Clark came home. He was away from 14th July. 29th Sabbath. Very close, sultry forenoon, the afternoon also warm and cloudy. Mrs. R. and I were in at Br. Sam’s. [in margin] Hot. 30 Wet morning, and considerable of Rain had fallen during the night. The forenoon wet, the after- noon dry. The boys worked at the lintle in the afternoon. Jim craddled some Roads. 31 Rather dull morning, quite misty-like although no rain fell. The eavning was cloudy also, with a few drops of rain. John, Clark and Willie went to Melancthon to pull pease. Jim reaped at home. Broke a guard and had to go to Dundalk for a new one. I tied oats. Sold 9 Lambs at 2 60/100 to be delivered in one month. [in margin] First oats / cut. / Black / Diamonds / Sold Lambs <folio 84 verso> September 1886 1 Misty morning, but the day cleared up and was dry with a bright sun in the afternoon. Jim hauled two loads of fall wheat from Melancthon. The other boys were pulling pease. I tied oats. 2 Frost this morning and ice in some places on the water. The sun shone out and the day was bright and fine. Jim hauled in the remainder of the fall wheat. He borrowed a waggon from Mr. Oliver and Willie brought one load and he the other. Jim then ground the Sickle and went to Melancthon to reap. Johney and Clark were pulling pease. I tied oats. Mrs. John Arnold was here. 3 Rather cloudy this morning but the day was dry, the sun shone occasionally. Willie and I stood up some oat sheaves in the morning till the dew got off the wheat, then we hauled the wheat (5 loads) in. Mrs. R. and Eliza helped. Then we hauled what rails made thirteen Rods of a fence. Put the fence up and turned our milk cows into the field. Jim, John & Clark harvested in Melancthon. 4 Cloudy morning, the day dry all through, but quite cloudy. Willie and I stooked up about 2 1/2 acres of oats in the forenoon, then we took the team and went to Melancthon and helped the other boys to pull pease. <folio 85 recto> September 1886 5th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. 6 Dry sunny day, pretty hot in the afternoon. Jim went to Walter Bell in place of Clark. Johney, Clark, Willie and I went to Melancthon and harvested there. 7 Dry sunny day, pretty hot. Jim was at Walter Bell’s for Clark. The others of us all were in Melancthon harvesting. 8 Dry morning, the forenoon clear and sunny, the afternoon cloudy and like rain. I finished binding oats in Melancthon, came home and tied oats. Jim and Willie hauled in oats. Johney Reaped. Clark was at Walter Bell’s. �285 9 Wet morning, had rained through the night, the afternoon dry. We tied some oats in the morning, but gave it up for a bad job. Mrs. R. and Jim went to Dundalk. I worked at the M. Books. 10 Wet again this morning, the afternoon dry. Jim went to the mill for a load of lumber in the fore- noon. In the afternoon we reaped and Bound oats. John Gott worked 1/2 day at the lintle. 11 Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. We cut and tied about 10 acres of oats. Willie and Mrs. R. stooked them. John and Clark are gone tonight to W. Bell’s Binding Bee. Jim has went to Mr. Moran’s to go with him to Mulmer tomorrow. <folio 85 verso> September 1886 12th Sabbath. Cool and cloudy with rain late in the eavning. James Lonsway was here. 13 Dry in the forenoon, Rain after 4 P.M. We were reaping and binding oats. 14 Misty morning but not wet, the afternoon Breezy and drying. The boys were harvesting. Finished Reaping. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Melancthon and turned ten acres of pease. [in margin] Finished Reaping 15 Fine Breezy, drying day. We hauled together ten acres of pease in Melancthon and stacked them, Mr. Jas. Maxwell built it. When we came home from Melancthon we hauled in Ten acres of oats. Got done about Two O’clock in the morning. 16 Slight mizzle of Rain in the morning, but it soon dried off. We hauled in Eight acres of oats from about One O’clock in the afternoon till 4 O’clock. D. Reid helped us with his team. The after- noon was wet. 17 Dry day, breezy in the afternoon. Clark and I went to Melancthon and stood up some Oat sheaves that were down. Jim and John craddled at John Gott’s. 18 Dry morning, the day dry and sunny. We hauled in Oats from Melancthon. D. Reid with his team helped. There were six loads, or 222 dozen [sheaves]. This finished drawing from Mel[ancthon]. John hauled in a load of mixed feed at home. <folio 86 recto> September 1886 19th Sabbath. Cold and showery. 20 Cold morning, a shower about 2 P.M. A heavy rain set in about dark and lasted for an hour. John and Clark were Binding oats at John Gott’s. Jim and I took the young cattle to Melancthon, fenced the pea stack and made a way for the cattle to drink. 21 Damp, dreary day but no Rain fell. Jim and John with one team helped D. Reid to haul out ma- nure. Clark and Willie chopped in the swamp. 22 Cloudy day all through, a slight shower at noon, another at night. Jim went in the morning to see about the thrashing machine, then came home and helped us turn sheaves, then went to Dundalk to get Whiffletrees* fixed, also to get his horse’s heels doctored. Came home, then went to the Brit- tons’ lodge.* John & Clark with the team helped D. Reid. [*Whiffletree: device attached to tongue of wagon, and to traces on horse harness; see 10 June 1879. The Young Brittons, the Youth branch of the Loyal Orange Lodge]. 23 Grain of all kinds very wet this morning from the heavy Rains last night. The day dry and sunny. Jim and Clark got out some flatted ceder [=cedar] pieces for to lay the lintle floor on. John with the team was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. S. Patterson & her Father-in- Law were here this afternoon. <folio 86 verso> September 1886 �286 24 Dry morning, the day dry till night when there came on a Rainstorm. We threshed about 10 acres of pease in Melancthon. They were in a stack and a good many were wet. 25 Rain very early in the morning, the day dry. John and I brought the remainder of the threshed pease home. Jim and Clark stopped in Melancthon. John went to the Vet with a horse in the af- ternoon. The Vet said there were wolf teeth in him. He broke them. 26 Sabbath. A little Rain through the day. 27 Misty morning, the forenoon dry, a slight rain in the afternoon. Dan Reid with his team helped us to haul Grain in the afternoon. It was pretty wet, still I did not like to leave it out any longer, as the weather is so showery. Jim struck out for Melancthon this morning. He goes to live on his own Lot*, and do the best he can. He is 23 years of age. I hope he will succeed in life. [in mar- gin] Finished / Harvesting / Jim / went to his / Farm. [*Robert deeded Lot 31, Con. 5, Melanc- thon to Jim in Nov. 1882, and Jim is now formally taking possession of it as his own farm.] 28 Showery during the day and quite a Rain pour during the night. John was helping J. Maxwell to Log. Clark is helping Jim. 29 Bright morning, the day sunny and very breezy. I threshed some oats in the forenoon with the flail. Made up milk accounts in the afternoon. John spread peas on the Barn floor in the forenoon and went in the afternoon to Collingwood Show Fair. More money gone and waste of time, sink- ing me deeper & deeper. <folio 87 recto> September 1886 29th Continued —— after a little while longer, things must be swept from me as I cannot hold out against the Extravagence that is eating the very inside out of all I am worth. Always buy, buy, go in debt in the stores, get every thing that is needed, no thought where the money is to come from that is to pay it. Bought 27 fruit trees for self and same no. and varieties for Jim from Mr. Carr of the Galt nurseries on the 28th, or yesterday. The names of the trees are as follows. Apples:18 Duchess of Oldenburgh, 3 Man, 2 Walbridge, & 2 Wealthy. Crabs: 1 Transcendent. Plums: 1 Glasse & seedling. Price: $12.00 for the 54 trees. [in margin] Fruit trees / on 28th inst. 30 Fine dry morning, the day dry and breezy till about 5 P.M. when it commenced raining and the rain turned to snow during the night. John was at Collingwood Show Fair. Clark was helping Jim in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the milk patrons. October [1886] 1st Ground covered with snow this morning and very cold, frequent showers of snow through the day. John and Clark cut some logs in the eavning. [in margin] First / snow. 2 Dry morning, but cold with some snow on the ground, the day cold all through. John plowed, Clark helped J. Gott at the lintle in the afternoon. I worked at the Twp. Books. Brother Sam’s Madella is stopping here tonight. <folio 87 verso> October 1886 3rd Sabbath. Dry day. Brother Sam’s Madella was here to the afternoon, then went home. 4 Wet this morning, cleared off about 10 A.M., a slight mizzle in the afternoon. The Boys, John and Clark, started to help Walter Bell this morning to haul in, but the rain came on and they [re]turned home. John plowed. Clark and I drove the Lambs (9) to Dundalk to Mr. Rundle who had bought them one month ago at $2.60 each. I bargained with Mr. Tedford*, harness maker, for a sett of new harness, less collars and Briddles [=bridles]. In lieu of Briddles I am to have halters with bibs attached. I pay him $20.00 cash and deliver him Eight cords of 22 inch green wood any time dur- �287 ing the winter. [*James Tedford, harness & hardware, in 1906 Dundalk business directory; see History of Dundalk, p. 105.] 5 Damp morning, quite misty, the day not wet, still not drying. John and Clark were moving fence in the forenoon. In the afternoon John went to Melancthon for some lumber I had there. I built fence. 6 Quite misty this morning, the fog cleared off about 10 A.M., the rest of the day was dry and sunny. John and Clark moved fence and stone piles. I worked at Township Books. John & I took the team and went to Dundalk for the new harness. 7 Beautiful day, like Indian Summer. Clark helped W. Bell to harvest. John & Team helped D. Reid to thresh. John Gott & I worked at the lintle. Mrs. R. quilted [miniscule]. <folio 88 recto> October 1886 8th Beautiful day all through, sunny and bright. John Gott worked at the lintle. John, Clark, [and] Eliza Raised potatoes and put them in the cellar (41 Bags). They are large and dry but not many at a stalk [illegible]. 9 Beautiful morning, the day very fine. We finished taking up potatoes. We have about 80 Bushels of splendid ones. Had about 140 last year in the same ground. Jim and Willie came home tonight. John Gott was working at the lintle. 10th Sabbath. Beautiful day, Warm and balmy. Brother Sam & Phoebe were here. 11 Fine morning, the day hazy almost like Indian Summer. Jim and Willie left for Melancthon. John and Clark moved stone pile and chips. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped the Boys. John Gott worked at Lintle. 12 Wet morning, but the day cleared off. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. John took a yoke of three year old steers of his own and one two year old of mine to the fair, and sold them for $40.00 and $11.00. Clark helped John Gott at the Lintle. 13 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry and moderately warm. All hands attended the show fair at Dundalk. [in margin] Show / Fair. <folio 88 verso> October 1886 14th Dry forenoon but the afternoon was very wet and very windy. The wind is now (8 P.M.) a team- ing gale. Clark went for J. Gott to John Rutherford’s threshing. I put out manure in the forenoon and chored around in the afternoon. John Gott worked at the lintle. Son Johney left this morning. He and I had an altercation. [in margin] Johney / Left home. 15 Drizzly wet morning with a high wind. A great many of the fences on the farm are blown down with the heavy wind last night. The day was cold and showery, some snow mixed with the Rain. Clark took the team and went to Brother Sam’s threshing. I chored around. Johney came home this forenoon. I am glad that he is back again, could not bear to part with him at all, would feel miserable without him, although we quarrel now and then. Hope there will be no more partings. [in margin] Johney / came / home / Stabled / cattle for / the first time. 16 Cold morning, snow on the Ground and more falling, the day cold all through. John and the team were at Br. Sam’s threshing till noon, then he came home and hauled manure. I and Clark chored around in the forenoon. Clark helped Johney in the afternoon and I went to Dundalk. Mr. A. Lon- sway and wife were here at night. <folio 89 recto> October 1886 �288 17th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling. A soft snow fell most of the day. Mrs. R. and I went to Jim’s in Melancthon. 18 Ground covered with snow this morning, but the day was mild and the snow mostly disappeared. Johney was getting some firewood. I was at W. Bell’s threshing. John and his mother and Eliza are at Mr. A. Lonsway’s pearing [=paring] Bee. 19 Beautiful morning, the day very fine. I was at W. Bell’s threshing. Johney hauled out manure. 20 Fine morning, the day dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on some rain. It cleared off, then began Raining again. It is now (8:40 P.M.) Raining quite Briskly. John and I were hauling out manure. Clark got home from Collingwood where he had went on last Monday. T. W. John & W. Robinson were here at night. 21 Cold raw morning, the day dry but pretty chilly. John and I were putting out manure. Clark was at John Gott’s threshing. Mrs. R. visited Mrs. Abraham Jackson. 22 Splendid day, dry and hazy. I think it is Indian Summer. John plowed. He and I gathered stones in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark was at H. Lonsway’s threshing. Mr. R. Cornett* was here. [*Robert Cornett was member of first provisional town council in 1886; see History of Dundalk, p. 5.] <folio 89 verso> October 1886 23rd Fine morning, the day Splendid, dry and mild. Clark was at H. Lonsway’s threshing in the fore- noon. He and I cleaned pease in the afternoon. John plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and his mother went to Dundalk. 24th Sabbath. Quite cool morning, the afternoon cloudy, and wet at night. 25 Showery this morning and quite a sharp mizzle of Rain fell mostly all day, and turned to snow in the eavning. The ground is now (7 P.M.) white with snow. We tid[i]ed up the Barn for the thrash- ing, Butchered a Sheep and picked some stones. The thrashers came here this eavning. 26 Hard [frost this] morning and cool, the day dry and cool. We threshed all day. John Brinkman’s machine. [in margin] Thrashed 27 Hard frost this morning, the day dry and cool. We finished threshing at noon. The Grain turned out well, Except the wheat which was poor in quantity but good in quality. We had about 112 Bushels of wheat or 8 Bushels to the acre. 900 Bushels of Oats, or 30 Bushels to the acre, and about 170 Bushels of pease which we had threshed about three weeks ago, or 17 Bushels to the acre. [in margin] Jim Oldfield / & M. Maxwell / Married. <folio 90 recto> October 1886 28 Dark morning, the day showery. Clark went to H. Hewett’s threshing for Brother Sam. John and I chored around home in the forenoon and in the afternoon John went to John Oliver’s wedding [MS weeding], I to Dundalk. I saw several strawberry blossoms in the fields. [in margin] J. Oliver & / J. Neithercut / Married. 29 Rainy morning, the day generally showery. John was plowing in the afternoon. Clark was at H. Hewett’s threshing for Br. Sam. I was getting information out of the old collector’s Rolls for the Township Clerk. 30 Fine morning, the day dry, bright and sunny. William McKay with his oxen logged for us on Lot 216, Proton. 31st Sabbath. Beautiful day, dry, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. November 1886 �289 1st Dry day, sunny and pleasant. John went in the forenoon with a grist to the mill. In the afternoon he plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I chored around in the afternoon. 2 Dry day, sunny and bright. John plowed. I spread manure. 3 Cool, Breezy and dry. John plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to the mill for the grist. Miss Minnie Neithercut came here this eavning. I was seeking the Two yearling colts which had strayed away. Mrs. R. got them about 3/4 of a mile from home. <folio 90 verso> November 1886 4th Quite cold this morning, a shower of snow through the day, cold and windy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. started for Tossorontio this morning. Miss Neithercut went home this afternoon. John was at D. Reid’s plowing Bee with the team. I worked at the Factory Books. 5th Cold, Raw morning, the day very windy but dry, with considerable of sunshine. John was plow- ing. I was Raising stones. Mrs. D. Reid was here in the eavning. John went to Dundalk at night. I seen strawberry Blossoms in the field. [in margin] Seen / Straw Berry / Blossoms. 6 Rather mild morning, the day cool, dry, and some sunshine. John and I picked stones in the fore- noon, then I went to Dundalk and he went for a load of wood to Melancthon. I took a Racoon skin to the Tannery to be tanned. [in margin] Coon skin / to be tanned. 7th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow. Sharp frost, strong wind and cold day. 8 Hard frost this morning, and some snow falling. The day was very cold and a little snow fell. John and I moved straw out of the lintle in the forenoon and in the afternoon he went for a load of wood. 9 Pretty chilly in the morning, milder towards noon, a little rain in the afternoon which turned to snow at night. John and I moved some straw in the forenoon. He took Jim’s Horse to Dundalk in the afternoon, got a wolf tooth Extracted. Mrs. R. came home. <folio 91 recto> November 1886 10th Snow on the ground this morning and some more fell. The day got mild and the snow pretty much all melted. John went for a load of wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon plowed. 11 Cold, cloudy morning, the day pretty cold with a hard frost setting in in the eavning. John plowed. I spread manure in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. was helping Mrs. C. Bell make Rag carpet. 12 Very sharp morning, the day cold and freezing, the Roads very rough, no snow on the ground. John chored around. I went to Melancthon with a curry comb* & Brush. [*Horse grooming tool.] 13 Sharp morning, the day very cold, raw wind, the Roads very rough. John & I butchered a fat hog in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to W. Gallagher’s funeral. Mr. and Mrs. A. Lonsway were here at night. Jim and Ch. Maxwell came here at night. [in margin] W. Gallaher / died. 14th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day pretty windy, a little soft towards eavning. Willie drove Jim & Clark to Melancthon. 15 Pretty sharp morning, Bleak wind and cold. John hauled some clay in the waggon and Banked the house with it. I Journalized and Ledgerized about $950.00 worth of Township orders. Mrs. John Gott was here. <folio 91 verso> November 1886 16th Pretty mild morning, the day had a good deal of sunshine and was nice weather for this time of the year. John A[gnew Russell], who is exactly 21 years of age today, was at H. Johnson’s thresh- �290 ing. I chored around and went to Mr. Duncan’s in the eavning to get him [to] cut horse feed. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. [in margin] John’s / Birthday. 17 Rather soft in the forenoon, the afternoon was sleet and Rain. John was at H. Johnson’s threshing. C. Johnson’s was here in the afternoon. 18 Very Windy morning, the day stormy, strong piercing wind and snow falling. John and [I] tid[i]ed up the Barn for cutting on tomorrow. John went in the afternoon for the cutting Box to J. Dun- can’s. I went to Dundalk on Cheese Business in the afternoon. Mr. W. Nichols & Wife were here at night. 19 Very Blustery morning, Blowing, snowing and freezing. It was so stormy that Mr. Duncan could not come to cut Horse feed. The day was one of storm. John Gott and Norman Schell were here in the forenoon and finished the lintle. We then put our cattle in. [in margin] cattle put / in the new / Stable. 20 A little snow now and then through the day, still, the day was not unpleasant. Mr. John Duncan cut sheaves for us. He cut about 100 doz. & charged $3.00. W. Lonsway & Team helped us. [in margin] Old Sam / McDowell / Buryed. <folio 92 recto> November 1886 21st Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, the day chilly. Jim came from Melancthon and returned in the afternoon. 22 Rather fine morning, the day cool but pleasant. John was at Mr. Lonsway’s with the team helping them cut oat sheaves. I worked at the milk accounts. 23 Pretty sharp morning, the day windy. John split some stove wood. I took the Milk Books to Dun- dalk to the auditors. The Township collector made a payment to me. 24 Raining this morning, the day generally wet. Mrs. R. took John and some provisions to Melanc- thon. William took Jim’s Grey Horse to the Blacksmith’s to be shod, then took him to Melanc- thon. [in margin] Thaw. 25 Pretty sharp morning, the Roads very rough. I went to Dundalk to See the Cheese auditors. Had to stop with them till near 5 O’clock. John is cutting firewood in Melancthon. 26 Hard morning, the day pretty chilly, a little snow fell. John with the team was helping his uncle Sam to thresh. 27 Pretty Sharp morning, the day chilly all through, the ground Rough & hard. John was cutting firewood in Melancthon. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and paid Milk Patrons their last pay- ment, over $1600.00. <folio 92 verso> November 1886 28th Sabbath. Pretty sharp morning, the day Rather cold, with some snow. 29 Snow falling this morning and an occasional snow shower through the day. We Butchered hogs. Dan Reid helped us. We killed 4 hogs and they weighed Ten hundred less Twenty pounds. 30 Pretty fine day, a little chillier than yesterday. Sleighing is improving, a little snow fell last night. John went to Mr. Wright’s Mill with [dittog.: with] 1.000 pounds of wheat. He got, of yield, 600 pounds of flour. December [1886] 1st Mild morning, the day pretty mild, with considerable of a snow fall in the afternoon. John hauled two small loads of firewood from Melancthon, and returned there at night to chop. Jim came home with his team and got the Old Bobsleighs which I had gave him. He took some cut feed to Melancthon. Mrs. R. and I were in Dundalk in the forenoon, �291 2 Pretty sharp day, a little snow fell. John is chopping in Melancthon at firewood. 3 Very cold day, from morning till night. Eliza took Clark and some provisions to Melancthon and brought home Willie. John is cutting firewood there. <folio 93 recto> December 1886 4th Very cold morning, the day cold all through. Mrs. R., Eliza and Willie took some chickens and a duck to Dundalk. Willie then went to Melancthon. Jim came home this eavning and is stopping all night. John is cutting firewood in Melancthon. 5th Sabbath. Pretty mild day. Jim stopped here till afternoon, then went to Melancthon. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. 6 Very fine morning, the day beautiful sunshine all through. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to John R. Montgomerie’s with an Order to be Endorsed by the School Marm of No. 10. John is chopping firewood in Melancthon. Jim is here this night. 7 Fine morning, the day pretty mild. Jim took the Bay team and Bobsleighs and four Bags of oats to Melancthon, to Saw log[s]. 8 Mild morning, the day fine, Rather inclined to be a little soft. I was at John Johnson’s wood be[e]. He is sick with inflamation of the lungs. Jim, John, Clark and Willie are working in Melancthon. John is hauling Logs to the mill for Jim. 9 Softish morning, the day mild with a good deal of sunshine in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. John was helping Jim saw log[s]. 10 Soft day, thawing. John took the Sow to Hopeville to the Hog. Had his journey for nothing. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Nichol’s at night. <folio 93 verso> December 1886 11th A slight mizzle of Rain this morning, and continued misty all day. The snow is fast disappearing. People have taken to the wheels again. John, with the team, went to Melancthon. He put some boards on the horse stable. Clark came home at night with a pain in his side. [in margin] Thaw. 12th Sabbath. Dark day and thawing. Mrs. R. drove Clark to Melancthon, then went to Sam’s. 13 Drizzly morning with a pretty heavy shower about 10 A.M. Clark is in Melancthon. John started with the team to go to Collin[g]wood Town to See Mr. Abraham Horner to buy from him Lot 30, Con. 4, Township of Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and Deposited in Bank $1666.00, Township moneys. Snow storm in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw. 14 Pretty Rough day all through, snowing and Blowing, with considerable of a Freeze. John got home from Collingwood, did not succeed in purchasing from Mr. Horner. The old Goose of a Dutchman had wrote us that he would sell the Lot for $1500.00. Now he says he meant $2500.00. It’s too much for it, so the Bargain is off. I went to Brother Sam’s this afternoon. 15 Pretty cold day, blowing, snowing & Freezing. John is working in Melancthon. I went to Meeting in Dundalk of Mr. Blythe, M.P.P. James L. Johnson, a Resident of Melancthon, got killed by a Burch [=birch] limb falling on him. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. W. / Paris P. O. / Lamar Co. / St of Tex. <folio 94 recto> December 1886 16th Pretty Rough day all through, Snowing and Blowing. John & Clark are working in Melancthon. I went there in the afternoon. Mr. McConnell, Collector, deposited with me this eavning over $1100.00. �292 17 Pretty cold day, strong wind and freezing, the sleighing is very poor. Some snow fell at night. John and Clark were working in Melancthon. Jim and his team came home this eavning from the Funeral of James L. Johnson. John came home at night. 18 Snowing some this morning and kept snowing a little during the day. Jim and his mother started with his team for Tossorontio this morning. He wants to see the Farrier at Rosemont to get him to prescribe for his Extra [?] Horse which has the scratches. John hauled two loads of stove wood from Melancthon. He is now gone to some kind of a show at Dundalk. Willie came home from Melancthon at night. 19th Sabbath. Mild day from morning till night. 20 Sharp, cold day all through. I attended a council meeting at Dundalk. John was hauling wood home. 21 Mild day, almost like a thaw. John Hauled wood. Mr. S. Rogers, Reeve of Proton, came here this morning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Folks came home tonight. <folio 94 verso> December 1886 22 Mild morning, the day mild all through. John hauled firewood home. I worked at the Township Books till about 4 P.M., then I went to Brother Sam’s to see his baby which is very sick. 23 Mild morning, the day mild all through. John split wood for the stove at the house till about 3 O’clock, then he dressed and away to Neithercut’s spree. 24 Mild day. John was fixing the horse stable in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk and bought a copper Boiler for $4.00. 25 Christmas. Roads pretty heavy this morning on account of the snow fall last night. The day cold enough. Johney got the team and cutter and went a-girling. The other boys after dinner went to the Christmas festival at Dund[alk]. 26th Sabbath. Sharp cold day. Clark and I left with the team (Jim’s) and went to Melancthon in the afternoon. 27 Cold day with quite a snow fall. Clark and I were cutting stove wood in Melancthon. John was swamping cordwood in Melancthon. I came home at night. 28 Another cold stormy day. I went to the voting for M.P.P. Voted for Blythe (Conservative). John is swamping wood in Melancthon. Broke his harness, came home for the new ones. <folio 95 recto> December 1886 29th Cold day with some snow falling. I and Clark cut stove wood in Melancthon. John swamped out cordwood. I came home at night, don’t like shantying. 30 Another cold day, freezing keenly. Willie left home for Melancthon to cook for the Boys. I done the chores at home. John was to Start [to] haul cordwood to Dundalk. [in margin] Started / haul- ing / C. W. to Dund. 31 Cold day, snowing and blowing. John was hauling cordwood to Dundalk. One of the horses took sick with something like a belly ache in Dundalk, had to put him in to the tavern stable and fetch the vet to see him. Took the horse home that night but he was very sick. Jim was hauling with his horses from Melancthon. Got his horses down coming over a bridge crossing a drain: the planks slipped, and let his horses through. One of them got badly lamed. Clark was cutting stove wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. The old year is passing. It has been an uneventful one. Which of us will do the best during the coming year? Time will tell. <folio 95 verso> �293 January 1887 1st Cold day, blowing and snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk and sent $1350.00 to Co. Treas- urer. Clark was cutting stove wood. 2nd Sabbath. Very cold day, the Roads very heavy. 3 Sharp day, but not so cold as yesterday. John and I went to the voting in Proton, then John took the team and went to Melancthon to haul wood tomorrow. John Agnew’s Annie & John Thos. with Brother John’s Minnie came here tonight. 4 Cold day, some snow fell. John was hauling cordwood to Dundalk. John’s Agnew’s folks went a- visiting to Proton & Melancthon, came home at night. John Agnew also came here at night. 5 Fine morning, some sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon snowing. John Agnew and folks left for home this morning. 6 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold. John was hauling cordwood. John Agnew came here about 9 A.M. and left for home in about an hour. A traveller named McLaug[h]lin, on his way from Co. Peel to Kincardine, got his load of moving upset opposite my place tonight. He and his team and a man that was with him stopped here all night. [in margin] Old Mr. McCullough / Died. 7 Another pretty chilly morning, the afternoon something finer. John was hauling cordwood. Clark started for the Collin[g]wood high school this afternoon. Wesley Noble gave him a Ride and hauled his Traps. C. Johnson was here at night. [in margin] Clark went / to Collingwood. <folio 96 recto> January 1887 8th Pretty sharp morning, the day cold and Frosty. John is hauling cordwood. Brodie, Clock Cleaner, was here and cleaned our clock. I paid him .50¢ for doing so. 9th Sabbath. Cold stormy morning, the day very cold and rough, Snow falling in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Very cold. 10 Sharp morning, the day cold and Blusterous, quite a snow fall and drift in the afternoon. [in mar- gin] Cold. 11 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold and stormy, the wind high and the snow drifting. The Boys are all in Melancthon with the exception of Clark. [in margin] very cold. 12 Milder day than yesterday, a good deal of snow fell, the snow very deep on the Roads. Parties had to take down the fence of H. Lonsway’s field to let the teams through that way. The Boys are in Melancthon. John Gott was here and I made him out a Bill of Lumber for E. Ross’ Barn. 13 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold, all the Roads badly drifted. The wind arose in the eavning, very high, and the cold was intense. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. The Boys are in Melancthon Hauling wood. [in margin] Very / Cold. 14 Fearful morning, with a snow blockade, Roads impassible for a sleigh. Seen one man taking his team home, had to leave his sleigh two miles East of here, and fetch his horses singly along. The Boys are in Melancthon. <folio 96 verso> January 1887 15 Pretty cold morning, the day not so bad as yesterday, some snow fell. Jim was here last night and left for Melancthon this morning. He had to carry some provisions as the Roads are so badly drift- ed he could not fetch his team. John & Willie are in Melancthon. 16th Sabbath. Cold, stormy day all through. 17 Very stormy Rough day, snowing and Blowing badly, fearfully rough in the afternoon. I went to a council Meeting at Hopeville with C. Johnson. I was unwell and Johney came out to Mr. John- �294 son’s that night to meet me. But as the night was so rough Mr. Johnson & I stopped at Hopeville. [in margin] Cold. / Birthday / 51 years old. 18 Sharp, cold morning, intensely cold day, Freezing and Blowing. Mr. Johnson and I came home from Hopeville. Mr. Johnson got part of his nose frozen slightly. [in margin] Very cold. 19 Another cold morning, the day a little milder than yesterday, the roads are impassible in a good many parts. I am unwell these days, cannot even do the chores. Johney sold the cordwood (50 Cords) on last Saturday at $1.95 per cord. He got $10.00 on it. 20 Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft and thawing in the afternoon. John came home with the team in the afternoon. Mrs. R. & Eliza were at Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Slight thaw. <folio 97 recto> January 1887 21st Pretty hard morning, the snow greately crusted. The day was moderate. John went to Melancthon to haul cordwood. 22 Rain during the greater part of the day and pouring down now (6:15) P.M. The Boys are in Melancthon. I started for Dundalk this afternoon but had to turn back, was so weak and sick I could not go. Don’t know what is wrong with me, have been bad for a week, no pains, just weak- ened down so that I can scarcely walk. Mrs. A. Lonsway was here this eavning. [in margin] Big / thaw. 23 Sabbath. Rain mostly all day. Brother Sam, H. Lonsway, Wife & family were here. 24 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, the roads very Bad. I went to Dundalk. 25 Raw morning, the day rather chilly. The auditors of Township accounts (Mr. McDonald & Mr. McPherson) came here to audit my Books. 26 Quite cold this morning, the day cold. The auditors were at work today and finished at night. The Boys are in Melancthon. 27 Milder this morning, the day pretty mild. The auditors left for home this forenoon, also Willie left for to cook in Melancthon. Mr. C. Johnson was here for Clark’s long Boots to take the[m] to him in Collingwood. <folio 97 verso> January 1887 28 Quite a strong wind this morning, and a pretty good Breeze through the day, with a snowfall in the afternoon. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. C. Bell’s in the afternoon. John is hauling C. Wood. Jim came home this eavning and went to John Gott’s at night to see him about building a Barn. 29 Mild day, a little snow at night. John was in Melancthon and came home in the eavning to go with a grist to the mill. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 30th Sabbath. Pretty Rough day all through. Mr. & Mrs. A. Lonsway were here at night. 31 Cold morning, the day a little milder. John took 13 1/2 B. Wheat to Mr. Wright’s mill and got 505 pounds of flour from it. He went to Melancthon at night. February [1887] 1st Mild morning, the day pretty mild, the afternoon a little windy. The Boys are in Melancthon. H. Lonsway changed sleighs with me till he came home from his Brother William’s in Simcoe. 2 Wild stormy morning, the day one of storm. The snow is piled as high as the gate tops in the Barnyard, very few sleighs on the Road. The Boys are in Melancthon. <folio 98 recto> February 1887 3rd Milder morning than yesterday, still cold enough, the trees covered with rhime, indicating a thaw. Brother Sam was here in the eavning. �295 4 Pretty cold day, sharp wind, and cutting. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to straighten things in the shanty. 5 Sharp morning, the day pretty cool, good sleighing. I attended a political meeting and also a cheese factory meeting in Dundalk this afternoon. Mrs. John Russell came here this eavning. 6th Sabbath. Mild day. Jim and Willie and Charley Maxwell was home from Melancthon. We went to see John Trugon, he is sick with inflamation. 7 Snowing and Blowing, the day one of storm. Sleet in the afternoon, which turned to rain at night. John with the team started for Melancthon in the afternoon. Mr. C. Johnson’s son and three daughters, with John Agnew’s son Bob, were here at night. I went with Walter Bell to Widow Mulholland’s and bargained with W. McKee regarding the price of timber which he is getting from the Widow. 8 Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night, a particularly Wet day. Boys are all in Melancthon. [in margin] Rain. 9 Sharp morning, the forenoon pretty cold, the afternoon milder. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R went with her sister Eliza to Br. Sam’s. The Boys are in Melancthon. <folio 98 verso> Feb[ruary] 1887 10th Soft morning, the day soft and a thaw wind, the snow disappearing. John Agnew’s Bob is here tonight. The Boys are in Melancthon. I went to See John Trugon this eavning. [in margin] Thaw. 11 Stormy day, snowing and Blowing with a pretty heavy drift on hand. The Boys are working in Melancthon. 12 Fine forenoon, a good deal of sunshine, the afternoon cold and rather windy. The Boys came home from Melancthon. The Township collector made me a payment. Eliza Russell went home this morning. 13th Sabbath. Fine sunny day. Sam & Phoebe, Mr. W. Bell and wife and Mrs. C. Bell were here. 14 Fine day, the sleighing good. The Boys are in Melancthon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. 15 Very heavy Roads this morning, snow had fallen to a great depth during the night. I went with Mr. C. Johnson to a council meeting at Cederville. We stopped all night with Mr. Rogers, the Reeve. The Boys are working in Melancthon. 16 Mild morning, the day mild. Came home from Council Meeting. Brother John came here this eavning. The Boys are in Melancthon. Mr. T. Arnold and his daughter Elley visited us at night. <folio 99 recto> February 1887 17 Mild day, almost like a thaw. Brother John drove Mrs. R. and I to Dundalk. He went from there to Jim’s place, then to Brother Sam’s and stopped there all night. Mrs. R. brought his team home. My John was at S. McDowell’s wood Bee. I got my dry cordwood measured and paid for. I only had 40 cords and I had paid T. Mitchell and _____ Smith .75¢ a cord for chopping 48 cords less 1/8 cord. They must have cheated me in the measure of the piles in the Bush. [in margin] Price of / wood $1.95 / per Cord. 18 Soft morning, a slight mizzle of Rain which increased till it was quite wetting at some times. Brother John came here from Sam’s in the afternoon. The Boys are working in Melancthon. 19 Snowing and blowing, quite a wild day, yet not very cold, but a good deal of snow falling. Broth- er John is here, could not go home, day to[o] stormy. The Boys are in Melancthon. 20th Sabbath. Mild day all through. Mrs. R., Brother John, Ida* and I went to Jim’s in Melancthon, and at night we went to Mr. A. Lonsway’s. [*This is the first time Robert refers to his daughter Eliza �296 as Ida, the name which she used as an adult. The change is probably to distinguish her from her aunt Eliza Agnew Russell.] 21 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow inclining to soften. The Boys are working in Melancthon. Brother John started for home this morning. Ida went with him on a visit for a week. <folio 99 verso> February 1887 22nd Mild day, capital sleighing. Johney hauled a load of stove wood from Melancthon, then got his harness mended and swamped out some to top off with. I went to the voting for M.P. at G. Ache- son’s. [in margin] Dominion / Elections. 23 Fine mild day, good sleighing. John and Jim were at Mr. R. Oliver’s wood Bee. I went to Dun- dalk. 24 Rough, stormy day, Blowing and snowing, the Roads running North & South filling up fast. John came home with the team from Melancthon. 25 Mild morning, the day mild but the roads badly drifted. John took his mother to Dundalk. 26 The sky overcast this morning, some sleet fell through the day and it began raining at night. John went to Melancthon to swamp out stove wood. He came home at night. Clark came home from Collin[g]wood High School to See us. I think he was homesick. [in margin] Clark / came Home. 27th Sabbath. Very stormy day, Blowing and snowing from morning till after night. [in margin] Big Storm. 28 Roads almost impassible, especially the Roads running north and south. I went to Dundalk. John cut some stove wood at home. I was at Walter Bell’s at night for a while, squaring accounts be- tween him and Mrs. Jas. Mulholland. <folio 100 recto> March 1887 1st Rather milder this morning, the day pretty fine. John cut some stove wood at the house. I piled it. [in margin] Clark left / for Collingwood. 2 Fine day, sunshiny and warm. John cut some wood at the house and in the afternoon drove to Dundalk for his mother. Brother John’s Bob brought Ida home this eavning. 3 Fine day, a good deal of sunshine, cold in the afternoon. John hauled stove wood home from Melancthon. I went to Dundalk and settled with Mr. Tedford about some wood (8 cords) which I had put in to him on a sett of new harness. He complained of it not being sound wood and also be- ing badly piled. He asked a cord of wood more, or a dollar. I gave him $1.00. 4 Pretty mild day, the sleighing is pretty good, the drifts have got beatten down. John hauled two loads of stove wood home. I split it. John and Bob went to Mr. C. Johnson’s at night. 5 Rough morning and very cold, the wind rose and the storm increased, also the air got intensely cold and snow began to fall and drift. It is now (7 P.M.) quite a brisk blow and a very cold night. John hauled one load of stove wood from Melancthon, that finishes it. Bob left for home at Elev- en A.M. Charley Maxwell came here with Jim’s team tonight. [in margin] Cold. <folio 100 verso> March 1887 6th Sabbath. Sleet in the morning, which turned to rain about 10 A.M. and continued Raining all day. A young man, a traveller with a Horse and cutter, stopped a while from the rain. 7 Mild morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, quite a thaw. I went to Brother Sam’s. John chored around home. Miss Maria Maxwell was here in the afternoon. 8 Bright sunny day, the snow disappearing fast. I went to Dundalk. John chored at home. �297 9 Dark morning, the sky overcast. Rain came on about noon, but did not last long here. In Melanc- thon it Rained a great deal more, which made it very unpleasant for Jim’s wood Bee. He had about 20 teams hauling cordwood to Dundalk, and got close on 40 Cords hauled. [in margin] Jim’s / Bee. 10 Nice, Bright day, plenty of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the morning, did not get home till after night. John chored around at home, and put a two year old colt for the first time into harness, and drew him along with one of the old team in an empty sleigh. I sold 40 cords of Green wood today to John D. Morgan for $1.90 per cord. He paid me $25.00, the Balance I am to get next week. I had formerly sold the same wood to W. Morrow, but he could not pay me so I Resold. 11 Bright sunny day, but sharp wind. John and I went in the forenoon and looked over Lot 36, 3rd Range, Melancthon. I think of Buying it. John went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <folio 101 recto> March 1887 12th Fine morning, the day mild. John was cutting stove wood in Melancthon. The Township collector Returned his Roll to me. I helped him make out his defaulters’ list. Miss Johnson and Miss Nicholls, missionary collectors, were here in the afternoon. 13th Sabbath. Nice mild day. Jim came home and stopped all night. 14 Pretty chilly morning, the day cool all through. Johney and I cleaned up 22 Bushels of Wheat in the forenoon and he went to Mr. Wright’s mill in the afternoon. There was about 1 1/2 Bushels of small wheat taken out of it by the smut machine in the mill, and the Balance, 20 1/2 Bushels, yielded 830 pounds flour. That would be about 40 1/2 pounds to the Bushel. Mr. S. Rogers, Reeve of this Township, & J. Cavanagh*, Esq. came here at night and stopped over. [*Township Clerk, mentioned earlier, 9, 15 June 1885, 2 Mar. 1886.] 15 Cold day all through. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk. John chored around home. Very late council meeting, near morning when I got home. Next meeting of Council will be in Hope- ville on the 5th April. 16 Sharp morning, cold, Raw wind through the day. John took me to Dundalk in the forenoon, then he went for the Grist in the afternoon. Mr. John Arnold & Wife and Johney Maxwell were here at night. <folio 101 verso> March 1887 17th Sharp morning, the day very cold, a slight shower of snow in the afternoon. Johney and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon John took some oats to Mr. Oliver & Mr. Neithercut, which were borrowed from them. 18 Sharp morning, cold, raw wind generally through the day. Mr. Hutchinson brought me a ton of Hay which I had bought from him for $10.00. Johney, Willie and I cleaned oats, about 380 Bush- els. 19 Raw morning, the day chilly all through, although the snow melted in some favoured spots. John, Willie & I were cleaning oats and pease, and a pretty dusty job it was. Two young men came here in the afternoon with a Beveled Grindstone & sickle holder attached to Stone for the purpose of Grinding my Knife. They were taking orders for some price, $6.00. It appears to be a good ar- rangement, but I did not purchase. 20th Sabbath. Pretty mild day. Mrs. R. went in the forenoon with the team to Melancthon with some provisions for Jim, and in the afternoon she and I visited Walter Bell’s. 21 Mild morning, the day mild. John took a load of Oats (53 18/34 Bushels) to Dundalk. Sold them for 27¢ per Bushel. �298 <folio 102 recto> March 1887 22 Cold morning, with snow falling mostly all day, very cold wind prevailed through the day. John took Two loads of oats, 67 4/34 & 65 32/34 Bushels, to Dundalk. I went to Melancthon in the af- ternoon to hunt up a lost axe, did not find it. 23 Mild in the morning, and the day was pretty fine. John hauled Two loads of oats to Dundalk. 24 Pretty mild in the morning, and in the afternoon there fell some Rain, which soon turned to snow. At night there was a fierce snow storm Blowing. John hauled Two loads of Grain to Dundalk, then went from there to Mr. Jas. Roseborough’s for some things of Clark’s which he had sent from Collin[g]wood with him. John McMurdo, Assessor, stopped here all night and assessed me, viz. Lot 215 $700.00, Lot 216. $300.00, Personal Prop. $150.00, [total] $1150.00, With six days stat- ute labor. [in margin] Assessor. 25 Very cold day, some snow falling in the morning, Blowing and freezing like fun. John hauled one load of grain to Dundalk in the afternoon. We had taken out 399 Bushels of oats at .27¢, and 59 57/60 B. of Pease at 47 1/2¢. I got the money, $136.20 for the grain. Mrs. R. & I were in Dun- dalk. <folio 102 verso> March 1887 26th Rather sharp morning and a pretty cold air during the day, pretty good sleighing just now. John is working in Melancthon. [in margin] Mrs. G. Glazier / Died. 27th Sabbath. Stormy morning, the day stormy throughout, high wind and snow falling. Clark came home from Collingwood this afternoon. He had come with Mr. J. Roseborough yesterday as far as his place and stopped there all night. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here this eavning. W. Lon- sway, wife & Son came here at night and stopped. [in margin] Storm. 28 Another Stormy morning, the day Blowing & Snowing. John left about 11 A.M. for Melancthon to work. Clark took the cutter and drove Mrs. R. to Mrs. Glazier’s funeral. [in margin] Stormy. 29 Stormy day from morning till night, Blowing, snowing and drifting. John is working in Melanc- thon. Jim came home tonight. Clark went with the Sleighs to Mr. Ros[e]borough’s for some of his fixings which were there, then he drove Mrs. R. to Melancthon in the cutter. Mr. W. Lonsway was here on his way to Henry’s this eavning. [in margin] Stormy. 30 Calmer morning than yesterday, the day not so bad. Jim left for Melancthon this morning, John and Clark is working there. W. Lonsway and wife gave us a call on their way home this morning. 31 Beautiful sunny morning, the day Bright and nice all through. John and Clark were working in Melancthon. John hauled Saw logs to Mr. McGregor’s Mill. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Got a pair of Coonskin mitts which T. Hanbury made me. [in margin] Got letter / from Hauty*/ Russell. [*wife of brother William, now in Texas] <folio 103 recto> April 1887 1st Bright, sunny morning, the day very fine, lots of sunshine. John and Clark are in Melancthon. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. Abraham Jackson’s. 2 Fine, mild morning, the day spring-like, although a little cloudy sometimes, the snow melting pret- ty Rapidly. John was hauling saw Logs (920 feet) to John McDowell. This pays all that I owe him and also he had Logs to the amount of 300 feet Lumber off me, which I paid him for last summer, but which he denies. Clark was working in Melancthon. [in margin] Took / McDowell / his Logs. �299 3rd Sabbath. Very mild day, the snow disappearing rapidly. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. [in margin] D. Bell’s / Horses found. 4 Mild morning, the forenoon thawing, the afternoon got cold and turned to snow. I went to C. Johnson’s in the afternoon. Mr. J. Trugon was here at night and paid his Brother’s Tax. John hauled wood to John Vo[d]den.* He has put in about 2 1/2 cords and I still owe him 1/2 cord. [*Carriage-maker; see 11 Jan. 1886.] 5 Very cold, stormy morning, snowing and blowing and piercing cold during most of the day. I went to Hopeville to a council meeting, took the cutter and gave Mr. C. Johnson, Councilman, a Ride. John and Clark were at Brother Sam’s wood bee. A very singular event happened in this vicinity. A Team of Horses, a Bay and a Grey, one Seven and the other Four years old, belonging to Mr. Donald Bell of Cederville, Ran away when on their way home from Dundalk on the night of the 15th, last March. They upsett the cutter and got clear of all Fixings. [in margin] Bell’s Horses / Escapade. <folio 103 verso> April 1887 5th continued—Except the neck yoke and harness, they got entirely away and Mr. Bell looked for them till he gave up all hopes of ever finding them. On the 3rd of this present month they were found in the Bush about a mile and a half out of Dundalk, their Lines holding them, being frozen in the ice which had formed during some fine days and frosty nights while they were in the woods. The horses were alive and able to go to a stable in the vicinity after being nineteen clear days fastened in the bush in one spot, and during that time there were some exceedingly cold days. The animals had nothing to eat or drink, Except Knawing Bark off the trees and licking snow, and one of them even could not do that as he was Reined up, and with the efforts which he made, the Bits had cut into his mouth about two inches. Such a case of animal life being sustained so long under such circumstances is unparalleled in this section of the Country. I know the man, Mr. Bell, seen and talked with him when he was looking for his horses, and seen his horses yesterday and talked with Mr. Bell after he had found them. 6th Pretty cold day in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. John hauled a load of wood to J. Vo[d]den. I worked at the Defaulters’ Roll. 7 A little sharp in the morning, the afternoon mild and thawing. John and Clark worked at home in the bush, making stove wood. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I worked at the Township Books. Jim came home and stopped all night. [in margin] Seen first / Robin. <folio 104 recto> April 1887 8 Mild morning, the day fine and warm, the snow melting rapidly. John and Clark worked at home getting stove wood. 9 Mild morning, the day soft and Balmy, snow melting Rapidly. John went to Melancthon to chop for himself some cordwood. I and Clark made some stove wood at home. Mrs. R. Took the team and Democrat and went in the afternoon to Melancthon with some provisions. Jim came home with her. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland. /First Wheeling. 10th Sabbath. Fine mild morning, the day Balmy, the snow melting Rapidly. Jim went to Melancthon. [in margin] Esther. 11 Mild morning, the thaw still continues, the snow disappearing quickly. Mrs. R. went to Melanc- thon this morning to commence making molasses, did not succeed as the Sap did not run. Came �300 home in the afternoon. Clark started this eavning for School in Collin[g]wood, intends going as far as Jim’s in Melancthon and stopping overnight. 12 Cold morning, freezing, a shower of Rain about noon, which turned to Sleet in the afternoon. John is cutting wood for himself in Melancthon. Willie cut his foot this afternoon. I was in Dundalk. [in margin] Subscribed / for Globe. 13 Cool morning, the afternoon rather milder, inclined to thaw a little. John is cutting wood for him- self in Melancthon. Miss Sarah Jackson was here. Jim was here for an hour or so in the afternoon. <folio 104 verso> April 1887 14th Cold, Raw morning, the afternoon milder and thawing. John is working in Melancthon. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 15 Mild morning, the day very changeable, rain in the forenoon, then sunshine, a hail storm, thunder and lightening in the afternoon. John was working in Melancthon. 16 Cold morning, the day pretty sharp, the afternoon especially cold. I went to Dundalk with Mr. A. Lonsway in the forenoon. I got an order on him from John McDowell for $10.51 and his wife gave me .10 cents in silver, in all $10.61, this money paid on Jim Russell’s account, as Mr. McDowell owed him that amount and Jim gave me an order for that. John worked in Melancthon. [in margin] First cow / calved. 17th Sabbath. Pretty cool most of the day. 18 Raw morning, hard frost in the morning, a cold wind most of the day. I went to G. Glazier’s sale in the afternoon, did not buy anything. Jim came home and stopped all night. John is in Melanc- thon. [in margin] First lamb. 19 Hard frost this morning and pretty cold air all day long. I went in the morning and bought two sucking pigs from H. Pate for $5.00. Its a big price but they are a good Breed. They are now only two weeks old but he is to keep them for me to the second day of May. John is working in Melancthon. Mrs. R., Willie and the team and Jim went this morning to Melancthon. [in margin] Bought / Two pigs. <folio 105 recto> April 1887 20th Quite cool this morning, and a hard frost. It melted away gradually and some people are plowing but my ground is so soft that I cannot start yet. There was quite a sharp shower at dark. John and I were cutting stove wood. 21 Dark morning and very much like Rain. There fell a slight shower about 7:30 A.M., then cleared off, the afternoon was dry and warm. John and I cut stove wood. [in margin] 2nd Cow / Calved. / Heard frogs. 22 Mild morning, the day got quite cool in the afternoon and a slight Rain came on at dark. John let some water off with the plow and he and Ida went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I split wood in the Bush in the forenoon and jobbed around in the evening. 23 Pretty wet morning, but the rain ceased about 8 A.M., the day after that was cool and very windy in the eavning, with frost at night. John was piling wood in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the eavning. 24th Sabbath. Rather cool, Generally, through the day with a tendancy to snow at night. 25 Snow, Snow, the ground covered with snow and several showers of snow during the forenoon, the afternoon clear and the snow melted. John and I picked a few stones in the garden, then he plowed for about two hours in the afternoon. [in margin] First / plowing. �301 26 Hard frost in the morning, chilly all day, freezing at night. I was plowing. John went to John Gott. Mrs. Em Reid was here. [in margin] 3rd C. Calved / John went to J. G. <folio 105 verso> April 1887 27th Hard frost this morning, the Ground froze so stiff that I could not start the plow till 8 A.M. The Ground where I am plowing is very wet, and sometimes great cakes of Ice turn up with the plow. The day was dry and cool. Jim came here with the team and got his seed oats and peas. 28 White frost this morning, but the ground soft enough to plow. Rain came on about 1 P.M. and continued all afternoon. It is Raining now (9:15 P.M.). I was plowing while the day was dry. Mrs. R. and Eliza went to Dundalk. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here at night. 29 Wet morning, the forenoon pretty showery, the afternoon dry. The ground is thoroughly soaked with wet and it has put a stop to the plowing with most of the people. 30 Frost this morning, but the ground not hard, the day was cool and dry. I went to let off some water with the plow and plowed also some in the forenoon. It was very wet. I also plowed in the after- noon, the Ground was not much dryer. Late spring it is now, the last of April, and no plowing of any consequence done yet. <folio 106 recto> May 1887 1st Sabbath. Slight rain this morning, then cloudy, the afternoon Breezy with a good deal of sunshine. Mr. H. Lonsway and wife were here. 2 Dry morning, the day dry and very sultry, cloudy in the afternoon and some thunder in the dis- tance. I was plowing. 3 Fine morning, the day dry and Breezy, but cloudy in the afternoon. I went to H. Pate’s in the morning for Two very small swine I had bought from him at $2.50 Each. They are only about four weeks old. Willie came home from Melancthon. I plowed most of the day. Willie plowed a little. 4 A Slight frost this morning, but the day was in general Breezy, dry and sunny. I went in the fore- noon to Dundalk for some fruit trees which I had bought, Twenty-seven in number. Got the same number for Jim and took them to him, then fitted up some ground for them in the afternoon. Wil- lie plowed mostly all day. 5 Fine morning, the day dry and pleasant. Willie was plowing. I dug holes and planted out Twenty seven Fruit trees. [in margin] planted / potatoes [? not trees?] 6 Fine morning, the day dry and Breezy, the afternoon cloudy and like thunder. Willie plowed till tea time, then Harrowed. I sowed about Fifteen Bushels of pease. [in margin] First / Sowing (pease). <folio 106 verso> May 1887 7th Fine morning, the day fine all through and very warm. I sowed about 7 1/2 Bushels of oats, plant- ed some potatoes and went to Dundalk. Willie harrowed. [in margin] First oats / Sown. 8th Sabbath. Fine day and pretty warm. 9 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm, Great Growth. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and borrowed some Horse collars and a Whiffletree. I intend breaking in my two, two year old colts, on tomorrow. I plowed in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the forenoon. [in margin] Seen first / Swallow / of the season. 10 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm. Splendid growing weather. I sowed Oats and Grass seed. Johney Broke in a span of Two year old colts. He plowed one at a time with one of the old �302 team for a while, then plowed Both of them together towards night. Willie drove the colts for a while, then harrowed with the old team. [in margin] John / Broke in / the colts. 11 Beautiful morning, but not so hot as yesterday, the day dry and pleasant, the afternoon warm. Jim came here in the eavning and got four bags of oats. Johney took them in the Democrat as far as S. McDowell’s for him. Johney was harrowing part of the day with the colts, and plowing part of the day with the old team. I was plowing part of the day. 12 Splendid day, warm and bright, splendid spring weather. I plowed till 3:30 P.M., then sowed oats. Willie cyphered [?] around with the colts and stone boat in the forenoon, then plowed while I sowed. [miniscule writing in last lines] <folio 107 recto> 13th Dry, hot day, fine seeding weather, nothing like it for a long time. I sowed a Bag of oats in the morning, then plowed. Willie harrowed for about an hour with the old team, then he harrowed with the colts. Jim was here at noon. Tommy Neithercut came here at night with Jim’s Grey Horse for Jim’s provisions. [in margin] Mrs. R. / clipped / sheep. 14 Dry, hot day. I was plowing, Willie chored around. 15th Sabbath. Beautiful day, Bright and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Jim’s in Melancthon. 16 Fine morning, the day clear, cloudless and warm. I plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon sowed oats. Willie picked stones in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. Mr. A. Lonsway and wife were here at night. 17 Cloudy this morning, the day generally overcast. A slight sprinkling of Rain kept falling during the afternoon. I plowed. Willie harrowed with the colts. Mrs. Jas. Roseborough was here in the evening. 18 Fine morning, but a little cool, the day splendid for working. I plowed. Willie chored around. Jim came here in the eavning with his horse and is stopping tonight. 19 Fine morning, the day hazy and warm. Jim Sowed nine Bags of Grain for me. He stopped here all night. I plowed and Willie harrowed. <folio 107 verso> May 1887 20th Hazy morning, the day sunny and warm, the mosquitoes very bad in the eavning. Yesterday even- ing they were so bad that one of the horses lay down in the plow and tried to roll them off him. I plowed, Willie harrowed. Jim is stopping here this night. 21 Dry day, and the afternoon very hot. I sowed some oats, plowed a head Land, and harrowed in the afternoon. Willie harrowed all day. We finished seeding, only had a day and a half of broken weather from beginning to end, never remember of seeing so dry a seed time. H. Lonsway and wife were here in the eavning. [in margin] Finished / Seeding/. Got papers / from Toronto. 22nd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day fine and warm, with a glorious rain in the eavning, accompanied by thunder and lightening. Mrs. R. and I went to see Joseph Jackson who is sick. 23 Fine day, with another Grand shower about noon, with thunder and lightening, some hail stones with the rain. Willie and I moved potatoes out of cellar. 24 Dry, rather cloudy and cool with a sprinkling of Rain. Willie and I cut potatoes and planted some in the afternoon. 25 Fine day and dry, a little cool in the eavning. Willie and I finished planting potatoes. We have in about 14 Bushels. [in margin] Finished / planting / potatoes. <folio 108 recto> May 1887 �303 26 Fine day, but cool. We prepared the ground for a patch of turnip and put them in in the forenoon. Willie and I went to Mr. Lonsway’s Raising in the afternoon. Jim stopped here all night. [in mar- gin] Sowed / S. Turnips. 27 Cloudy morning, Rain came on Early in the forenoon, and the day was Generally wet. Jim left with his horse about 7:30 A.M. Willie and I bagged and weighed 25 Bushels of oats and took them to John Gott’s. He had bought and paid me for them last March. 28 Fine dry morning, the day dry and cool. Willie and I cut some seed potatoes for Jim in the fore- noon, and in the afternoon We took some pease and oats to Mr. McGregor’s mill in Dundalk and got them chopped. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. The three Miss Nichols and Willie Nichols are here a while this eavning. 29th Sabbath. Fine dry day, a little cool. 30 Fine morning, the day cloudy and the afternoon very windy. Willie and I hauled Rails and laid them along where we intend Building fence and making lane on Lot 216. [in margin] Last cow / calved. 31 Dark, cool morning, Raining in the afternoon and at nightfall, quite cool at night. Willie and I took out three Bags of potatoes to Jim. We hauled out manure for him in the forenoon and planted Jim’s potatoes (about a quarter of an acre) for him in the afternoon. <folio 108 verso> June 1887 1st Dark morning and quite cool, there fell a slight cold rain during most of the forenoon, the after- noon was cloudy, cool and dry. Willie and I were making lane fence in the afternoon. J. Well- wood came here to see about sinking me a well. He offered to dig a well in the Barn-yard, Thirty- five feet deep, for a yoke of three year old steers which I have valued at $45.00. And if he could not get water at that depth, to dig on till water was obtained, I to pay him $1.50 per foot for each foot over the first thirty-five. I to haul the stones for well and he to finish the well and Board him- self and to dig the well six feet in diameter. The work to be commenced after harvest. 2 Cloudy morning, the afternoon Rainy. Willie and I worked at the fence forming the Lane. Jim is stopping here tonight. 4 Cloudy morning, the day dry, the afternoon warm. Willie and I picked stones. Jim came here at night. 5th Sabbath. Slight Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Jim is here. <folio 109 recto> 6th Wet forenoon, the afternoon dry. We chored around. Willie took one of the Horses to the Black- smith’s to get two shoes on. 7 Fine, dry day, and very warm. Willie helped his mother to wash the wool. I mended Brush fence in front of Lot 216. Jim stopped here this night. 8 Dry and warm. I chored around in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and drew $500.00 out of the Bank to meet current Expenses of the Township tomorrow. Willie went in the afternoon with some provisions to Jim in Melancthon. 9 Misty morning and quite cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain, the afternoon clear and dry. I attended a council meeting at Cederville. The Boys were at J. Mills’ Barn Raising. [in margin] J. Mills / Raised / Barn. 10 Bright, sunny morning, the day clear and warm. I went to Flesherton in the forenoon to see Dr. Christoe. Came home and went to Dundalk. Borrowed Mr. Abraham Jackson’s Buggie to go to Durham on tomorrow. �304 11 Bright, sunny morning, the day pretty warm. I drove to Durham to see the Inspector of Schools (Mr. N. W. Campbell) and took Mrs. R. with me. <folio 109 verso> June 1887 12th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here in the after- noon. Our mare, Gerty, colted this forenoon and a mighty struggle she had. I had to get Mr. F. J. Nixon*, the Vet Surg[e]on to her. The colt was coming wrong, head bent under and legs bent back [dittog.: back]. Dan Reid was here helping. The mare was in great pain and for a long time. The colt was alive, but it is very weak on its front legs, cannot get up. The mare had gone Eleven months and Seventeen days. [*Frederick Nixon, veterinary surgeon is listed in directories of 1887 and 1905; see History of Dundalk, pp. 104-5.] 13 Fine, dry, warm day. Johney, Willie and I cut crossway Logs. 14 Dry, hot day. Johney, Willie and I laid Crossway.* Walter Nichol and Mr. J. Arnold were here. [*a corduroy road, or causeway; earlier it is in the swale, see above 29 June 1885.] 15 Fine morning, the day warm and clear. Johney, Willie and I worked at making crossway. In the afternoon Johney hitched up one of the colts along with one of Jim’s horses and Took his mother and Ida and Mrs. John Gott to Dundalk. He also took the wool to the carding mill. 16 Fine morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. Johney and I fixed fences in the forenoon, in the afternoon he piled wood in the Bush and I wrote some letters and went to Dundalk. Jim came here with his horse at night. <folio 110 recto> June 1887 17th Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool. Slight thunder and lightening in the afternoon, accompa- nied with a little Rain. We planted some cabbage plants. Willie planted some potatoes. Johney chopped some logs on Lot 215. I worked at the Township Books. Jim is stopping here this night. 18 Dark morning, the day dark and cool, a slight mizzle of Rain fell in the afternoon. Johney, Willie and I were cutting logs on Lot 216. 19th Sabbath. Rain early in the morning with some thunder and lightening. The day was dry from about 7 A.M. and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 20 Dry, warm day, pretty hot about 3 P.M. I was overseeing Statute labor. John worked for D. Reid on the Road. Willie cut thistles. 21 Dry morning, heavy rain about 11 A.M., the afternoon dry. I was overseeing Statute labor in the forenoon. In the afternoon all the family, myself excepted, went to Melancthon p.nick. [in mar- gin] shot colt to / put it out of pain. / It could not live, / no power in its legs, / getting worse. 9 days old. 22 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon wet with thunder and lightening. I was overseeing R[oad]. work till 2:30 P.M. when the rain stopped us. John was chopping. 23 Dark day, but dry. John was at Mr. Oliver’s Sawing. I finished St. Labor work. Jim came home this [afternoon], sick with a cold from a severe wetting he got on 21st inst. <folio 110 verso> June 1887 24th Dark morning, the day cloudy and a very slight mizzle of Rain. Jim is laid up and has got D. Reid to go with his horse for him. Miss Minnie Neithercut came here yesterday and is stopping here to- night. I was at Dundalk this eavning and sold to W. Rundle nine lambs at $2.70 each, and one lamb at $2.50. He to take them away the first week in Sept. He paid me on them $2.00. [in mar- gin] Sold Lambs. �305 25 Dark cool morning, the forenoon slightly misty, the afternoon dry, cool and clear. John is laid up with a sore hand. I was at J. Burns’ Raising (Log Stable). 26th Sabbath. Cool morning, the day dry. Miss Minnie Neithercut is here. 27 Cool morning, the afternoon very hot. We were weeding turnips. Mrs. R. went to Mr. C. John- son’s. Miss Neithercut went home. 28 Fine morning, the day dry, clear and warm. I hoed potatoes. John is laid up with a sore hand. 29 Bright sunny day. Extremely hot in the afternoon. I wrote some letters in the forenoon and posted them in the afternoon. 30 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty hot. Johney and I with the team were at Brother Sam’s sawing. He did not get a good day’s sawing done, as there was a Brake [=break] in the af- ternoon, only about 30 Cords cut. <folio 111 recto> July 1887 1st Bright sunny day and pretty warm with a few clouds in the afternoon and some lightening. The family went to see the sports in Dundalk. 2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm with the exception of a few drops of Rain in the af- ternoon. John was at Sam’s Sawing. In the eavning I went to Dundalk. 3rd Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and clear. Mr. Clark and wife were here. 4 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a stiff breeze of wind, a slight shower of Rain after night. I attended H. Jackson’s sawing and went at night to watch the fires which are around Jim’s shanty. John and Willie cleaned up a Grist and took the horses to be shod, also took the colts to D. Reid’s to pasture. [in margin] Colts to / pasture. 5 Cloudy, dark morning, Rain came on about 10 A.M., and there was heavy rain at intervals all through the day. John took the Democrat Waggon to Dundalk to be painted, also a Barrel of salt to Mr. Morgan’s* which we had got in a mistake, it being fine salt put up in little bags. [*M. A. Morgan, groceries, 1887 directory of businesses; see History of Dundalk, p. 104.] 6 Fine morning, the day cloudy and cool with a few drops of Rain. John went to Priceville Rolling Mills with a Grist of 22 Bushels of wheat. He got about [dittog.: he got about] 36 pounds to the Bushel. Mrs. R. went to Flesherton. The oats are coming out in head, the pease are well in Blos- som. [in margin] Oats coming / in head / pease out / in Blossom. <folio 111 verso> July 1887 7th Bright sunny morning, the day very warm, especially the afternoon. Johney took out some posts from the Bush to the Road on Lot 216, then he and Ida went to a Garden party at Mr. C. Johnson’s in the eavning. I went to Dundalk. Jim and his horse came here tonight. 8 Beautiful morning, the day fine and very hot. John went to Dundalk in the forenoon with a load of ceder [=cedar] posts, Round, 8 feet long. I have sold them for five cents per post. John and Willie moulded potatoes in the afternoon. Jim is stopping here this night. 9 Fine morning, the forenoon dry and warm, heavy Rain in the afternoon. John hauled posts to Dundalk. Willie and I moulded up potatoes. 10th Sabbath. Very cool day all through. 11 Cool morning, the afternoon warm. John hauled posts to Dundalk. I P. Greened the potatoes in the forenoon, and went to a Raising of Frame Barn at T. Allan’s in the afternoon. They only got one Bent* Raised. [*one section of the frame] 12 Clear, hot day. All the family, Except Mrs. R. and [I], gone to Shelburne to celebrate the 12th. �306 13 Fine morning, the day warm and pleasant. John hauled a load of posts to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to D. Reid to commence a month’s work for him. Willie and I wed tur- nips in the forenoon and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Got pension. <folio 112 recto> July 1887 14th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. I helped Jim to mow in Melancthon. 15 Dry in the morning, but rain came on about 9 A.M., and continued for about two hours. I was mowing in Melancthon. [in margin] T. Johnson / Buried 16 Fine morning, the day dry and hot. I mowed in Melancthon till 5 P.M. then went to Dundalk. Heavy thunder and rain storm at night. 17. Sabb[ath]. Dry day but cloudy. W. Lonsway was here in the afternoon. 18 Bright sunny morning, the day warm and dry. Willie and I went with Jim in the afternoon to Melancthon. I mowed fence corners. Clark borrowed H. Lonsway’s Democrat and went to Mr. J. Wright’s, Flesherton, for his clothes which he had sent there from Collingwood. 19 Bright morning, the day dry and warm with a few clouds in the afternoon. Clark came to Melanc- thon in the forenoon and helped Jim and I to Paris Green the potatoes, then Willie sulkey Raked* Hay. Jim went to work at Mr. Morn’s and Clark to Mr. Ferris’s in the afternoon. I Raked fence corners and went to Dundalk. [*sulky rake: a riding-rake drawn byhorses, with raked hay dumped by hand by the rider. This replaced hand raking; see 1Aug. 1884.] 20 Clear sunny morning, the day warm and pretty hot in the afternoon. We worked in Melancthon hay making. Put about ten tons in a stack. Mr. J. Maxwell Built it. <folio 112 verso> July 1887 21st Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry, Rain from noon till two P.M., the remainder of the day dry and very sultry. Jim was mowing at Mr. Maxwell’s. Willie Sulkey Raked. Clark and I mowed and the sweat poured out of us. 22 Cloudy, cool and dry. Jim, Clark and I mowed and after supper Jim and Willie took home a load of Rakings. 23 Bright and clear all day. We were mowing and gathering up hay. I came home at night. 24th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, not hot, but pleasant. 25 Dry day, but cloudy, it cleared up and the sky got bright in the afternoon. I went from home to Dundalk in the forenoon, then went to Melancthon and helped to hay. [in margin] Hot. 26 Bright sunny day. We put up a hay stack for Jim in Melancthon with about 7 tons in it. J. Max- well built it. I went to Dundalk after tea. [in margin] Hot. 27 Dry day and pretty hot. Jim, Clark and I were mowing in Melancthon. P. Sauder helped us. [in margin] Hot. 28 A slight rain this morning, only a few drops. Jim, Clark and Willie helped Mr. Morn haul in hay. I finished Jim’s mowing and gathered hay in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot. 29 Very heavy dew in the morning. We hauled hay into a stack. Mr. Morn was the architect. <folio 113 recto> July 1887 30 Dry morning, but some slight showers fell during the day. We finished Jim’s stack. Jim took a load of hay home. We all came home at night. [in margin] Hot. 31st Sabbath. Dry and hot. Mr. S. Bell and wife were here. August [1887] �307 1st Dry and very hot. I worked at the Township Books and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie oiled the harness. [in margin] very hot 2 Dry, hot day. Mrs. R., Mr. C. Johnson and Wife and I went to Cederville, a council meeting being held there. We left there at 12 O’clock night and travelled all night to avoid travelling in the Ex- cessive heat of the day. [in margin] Hot. 3 Very Warm day. I spent most of the day in Bed, having got home at daylight. [in margin] Hot. 4 Dry, hot day. We cleaned out the well in the forenoon and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Hot. 5 Dry and hot, Extremely so. Jim and Willie started for Melancthon to pull pease. There was a splendid rain about 6 P.M. Dan Reid & Wife and John Russell were here at night. [in margin] Very Hot / First harvesting. 6 Cool day, and cloudy. Jim came from Melancthon where he was pulling pease. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <folio 113 verso> August 1887 7th Sabbath. Dry and warm. S. Russell and Phebe were here. 8th Dry and hot. Clark, Willie and I were pulling pease. 9 Dry and hot. We were pulling pease. 10 Dry and very hot. We were pulling pease. I went to Dundalk after tea. 11 Cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon Sunny and warm. Jim Reaped oats in the afternoon for me. Clark, Willie and I finished pulling pease. [in margin] cut first oats. 12 Dry and hot. Jim Reaped oats in the forenoon and went to Melancthon in the afternoon. Clark, Willie and I hauled in our pease. We put in nine loads in the afternoon. [in margin] Finished / drawing pease. 13 A slight frost this morning, the day warm and dry. Clark and Willie went to Melancthon to help Jim. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and tied oats in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost. 14th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Mrs. John Agnew and son came here. 15 Dry and warm. I went to Boulton to consult Dr. Bonner. Got home in the eavning. 16 Dry and warm. John, Willie and I hauled in oats. 17 Dry and warm. Mrs. R., Eliza, Willie and I hauled in oats. Mist at night. [in margin] Frost. <folio 114 recto> August 1887 18th Fine morning, the day dry till about 6 P.M., when there fell a very slight shower. I cut Roads for the Reaper. 19 Very heavy dew this morning, the day dry but cloudy and cool. Jim Reaped, cut about ten acres in pretty rough ground and did not begin till 9 A.M. Willie and I tied. 20 Dry and cool and Bright. Jim Reaped for me in the forenoon, then went to Melancthon and cut oats with the cradle in the afternoon. I and Willie with the team helped Sam to haul in, in the af- ternoon. 21st Sabbath. Rain in the morning, but cleared off, the afternoon misty and threatening. 22 Misty morning, the day dark. Jim brought a load of firewood home in the forenoon and in the af- ternoon Reaped. I worked at the Township Books. 23 Misty morning, no sunshine all day, quite dull. Jim went to his uncle Sam’s to Reap. I pulled some pease that the Reaper had slid over when cutting the mixed feed, and tied some oats in the afternoon. Willie helped. �308 24 A Slight rain falling this morning, and a good deal fell through the night. The grain which is cut and in sheave[s] is quite wet. The afternoon was dry. Willie and I worked among the grain, Bind- ing some and turning some. The Miss Nicholls are here. <folio 114 verso> August 1887 25 Misty morning, not much drying, the afternoon was dry and Breezy. We turned sheaves in the forenoon, and hauled in oats after tea. 26 Cool morning, and quite damp, the afternoon was sunny and dry. We started to haul in oats about 9 A.M. Johney helped. Jim Reaped in the afternoon. 27 Quite a frost this morning, the afternoon sunny and dry. We were hauling in for Jim in Melanc- thon. Dan Reid helped us. We hauled in 12 loads of loose oats, and so finished Jim’s harvest. [in margin] Frost. 28th Sabbath. Quite cool morning, sunny and pleasant through the day. 29 Frost this morning, mostly sunshine through the day. Jim finished Reaping. Willie and I hauled in during the afternoon. Mrs. R. helped us. [in margin] Frost. 30 Dry and pretty warm. Jim, Willie and I hauled in oats. [in margin] Frost. 31 Frost this morning, the day dry and splendid for Harvesting. Jim, Willie and I hauled in. Mrs. R. helped us to mow away. We finished today. It has been a splendid Harvest and the very earliest that I ever remember. The weather has Just been Splendid. [in margin] Frost. / Finished / Har- vesting. <folio 115 recto> September 1887 1st Rather cloudy morning, not any sunshine during the day, a sprinkling of rain in the afternoon, and a wet night. Jim and I with the team helped Sam to haul in the remainder of his oats. This fin- ished his harvest. [in margin] Colts / Home. 2 Dark morning, the day cool and dark. Mrs. R., Jim and I went to Brother John’s in Tossorontio. Mrs. Bowler went with us to Primrose. 3 Morning cool and dry, the middle of the day and afternoon pretty warm. Brother John and Wife, with his team, went with us to J. Agnew’s. 4th Sabbath. Very misty morning, the mist cleared away and the sun came out hot. We went to Sister Margaret’s in the afternoon, then came back to Brother John’s. 5 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty warm. Brother John and I went to Dr. Madill’s, Alliston. He examined me and gave me some medicine, charged me Four dollars. We went to J. Murphy’s in the eavning. 6 Misty morning, a slight Rain, the day pretty cloudy and cool. We left Brother John’s about Ten A.M. and got home about 7 P.M., after stopping about three hours in Shelburne. Brother John’s daughter, Nancy, came up with us. 7 Cool morning, the day dark and cool with a very strong wind in the afternoon and a slight Rain. The day was cool and Bleak, very autumn like. <folio 115 verso> September 1887 8th Cool and Breezy. Jim and my team was at H. Lonsway’s threshing. I went to Dundalk. 9 Cool and windy. I fired some stumps in the forenoon, and went to see about a threshing machine in the afternoon. Willie with my team was at H. Lonsway’s threshing. 10 Cool day and quite a stiff breeze of wind. We fired a piece of slashing* on the Rear end of Lot 216. It burned pretty good. Jim and Willie with my team was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. �309 [*Slash-and-burn is a technique used since prehistoric times to convert woodland to pasture or cul- tivated land; here the woodland has been cut (slashed), then when dry, burned.] 11th Sabbath. Dry day and pretty Breezy. Mr. Nichols’ young folks and Mr. H. Johnson’s were here. 12 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. I attended a council Meeting in Dundalk. Jim was threshing his grain in Melancthon. The machine Broke and he did not finish. 13 Dark morning, the day dark and windy. Jim went this morning to thresh in Melancthon. He is not home yet (7:45) P.M. Mr. A. Lonsway & Wife were here at night. 14 Dry morning, the day dry and very breezy. I burned stumps. Jim hauled a load of oats from Melancthon. Dan Reid hauled one also for him. 15 A Slight Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim went to Melancthon for a load of his oats. Phoebe came here tonight to be ready for Toronto early in the morning. <folio 116 recto> September 1887 16th Fine day although the morning looked something squally and was threatening for Rain. Mrs. R., Phoebe and I went to the Toronto Industrial Exhibition. It was a splendid sight but our time was so limited that we could not see much of it. Phoebe stopped in Toronto all night with her Brother John. Mrs. R. and I came home. John Agnew came up with us. 17 Fine, dry day, like Indian summer. I helped Jim to clean up a load of oats. 18th Sabbath. Dry sunny day, quite hazy. John Agnew and Jim Russell went to C. Johnson’s. Johney, Ida and Nancy went to H. Johnson’s 19 Dry morning, the day dry and Breezy. Clark and I deepened a well for the cattle and in the after- noon we, with others, watched the fire which was in close proximity to W. Clark’s buildings. It was so near that the Roof of his dwelling house caught fire and Blazed. We carried water on top of the Barn and sprinkled it over the Roof. We also washed water between the cracks of the siding Boards outside to dampen the straw and hay so that a spark would not ignite it, as that is where the most damage was. <folio 116 verso> September 1887 20th Fine, dry day and sunny. We threshed Grain. Jim Patton, owner of the machine, threshed about 800 Bushels of oats. There were six spans of Horses on the machine. [in margin] Threshed. 21 Fine morning, the day fine all through. We finished threshing in the forenoon. Did not do so good work as yesterday, only threshed about 100 Bushels of pease to 11 A.M. The Grain this season turned out pretty fairly. Had about 30 Bushels of oats per acre, and about 16 of pease. Did not have any other Kind of Grain growing. Have about 40 Bushels of old wheat in the Granary. I took Clark to Priceville in the forenoon. He will go from there to Durham by Stage. He is going to attend the Middle School for three months. 22 Dry, cool day. Jim took the Lambs for me to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and I burned stumps. Peter Sauder Bought a colt from me for $110.00 Cash. The colt is Two years old on last May. 23 Cold morning, the day chilly and quite a Shower of snow at night. I was at J. Arnold’s threshing. [in margin] Snow. 24 Cool morning, the day cool but bright and sunny. I tidied up the Granary in the forenoon and Went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A man named Gibson hired with Jim for 1/2 month for $6.00. <folio 117 recto> September 1887 �310 25th Sabbath. Dry day. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. 26 Dry and Breezy. Jim’s man left this morning. Jim and I burned stumps and in the afternoon got 1/2 ton of hay from D. Reid. [in margin] Frost. 27 Frost this morning, the day cool, cloudy and dry. I went to Melancthon in the forenoon and brought home the Bay team for Jim who plowed with them in the afternoon. The Rev. Mr. Ross, Presbyterian Minister, paid us a short visit in the eavning. 28 Frost this morning, the day dry and breezy. I went to Mr. W. Clark’s threshing. Jim plowed. 29 Dry, sunny day. I went to Mr. James Trugon’s threshing. Jim and Willie with the Bay team went to Mr. D. Reid’s threshing. The Misses Achesons were here this eavning. Jim and the Girls went with them to the Division* at night. [*The meaning of the Division is unkown to me, but it clearly refers to some sort of social venue, presumably for dancing.] 30 Rain early in the morning. Cloudy and dry till about 5 P.M., then a slight shower. Jim was at W. Bell’s threshing. I was at James Trugon’s threshing. Willie plowed. <folio 117 verso> October 1887 1st Dry morning, the day dry and fine till about 4 P.M. when there came on a Rain and hail storm, accompanied by some thunder and lightening. I was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Jim was at J. Trugon’s threshing in the forenoon. Willie plowed. 2nd Sabbath. Dry day, but cloudy. Master Bob Acheson and his sister were here in the eavning. 3 Rainy morning, the day wet all through, especially so in the afternoon. Very high wind in the eavning also. It will be very rough for any vessels on the lakes. I went to W. Bell’s threshing but they did not start. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got the pick pointed.*. [*pointed probably means he got the end of the pick (used for digging the well) tempered and shaped.] 4 Misty forenoon, the afternoon dry. I was at W. Bell’s threshing till about 2 P.M., then went to W. Armstrong’s. 5 Very heavy Rain early this morning, then it cleared off with an occasional Scotch Mist through the day. I was at W. Armstrong’s threshing till about 4 P.M. when the gearing of the machine broke. 6 Misty day. Occassional showers. I was choring at home. Miss Johnson (C. Johnson’s daughter), Miss Oliver, my boys and Ida, also Brother John’s Nancy, went to the Division this night. 7 Some Rain this morning, the afternoon dry. We all went to Dundalk Show Fair. Mrs. R. took first prize for Tomatoes, missed on her Quilt. [in margin] Show fair. <folio 118 recto> October 1887 8th Dry most of the day, but misty and lowering. John and I Brought a load of wood from the Bush home. Jim and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Bought up the well-digger’s fixings,* then Bought 1/2 ton of hay from D. Reid. Willie was at W. Armstrong’s threshing. Dr. Bonner’s two daughters and J. Trugon’s young folk were here. [*i.e, bought the materials to be used in digging and making the crib for the well.] 9th Sabbath. Dark day but dry. I wrote W. Gott’s will. [in margin] W. Gott’s / Will. 10 Showery all through the day. Jos. Essex, well-digger, came here, commenced a well, 4 feet 10 in. in diameter, threw out without any help 9 feet 2 inches. He is to get .50 cents a foot, Board, and attendence* at the well. He to make also the crib and put it in. [*i.e., a helper.] 11 Dry in the morning, snow about 4 A.M., the afternoon very cold. I took a yoke of steers, 3 1/2 years old, to Dundalk Fair, sold them for $52.50. Willie helping D. Reid at potatoes. The Miss Bonners were here at night a while. [in margin] Put up pigs / to fat. �311 12 Cold Rain this morning. Jim and the well-digger have got 18 feet and some water. They are crib- bing at that. I was at the Township Books. Mr. W. Nichol’s two daughters are here at night. 13 Rainy morning and cold, frequent showers of sleet through the day. I went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon. The well-digger finished his job, sank the well 18 feet and cribbed it in four days. Made $9.00. Jim helped him. 14 Cold day but dry. Jim, Willie and I Raised 33 Bags of potatoes. Ida is very sick, something like Biliousness. <folio 118 verso> October 1887 15th Very hard frost this morning, the sun came out bright and strong, the day was fine though cool. Jim took Ida to the Doctor in the forenoon. He pronounced her sickness Biliousness and gave her some medicine. Willie and I cleaned up a grist of about 21 Bushels in the forenoon, in the after- noon Jim, he and I took up 24 Bags of potatoes. Mrs. R. and I went to W. Nichol’s at night. Johney came home with the team at night. 16th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, a good deal of sunshine. 17 Fine morning, the day mild and sunny. Willie and I finished Raising potatoes. I have in all 66 Bags, or about 100 Bushels. Willie has 10 Bags. The potatoes are a good size and dry, and a very good crop. We have this quantity in about 5/8 of an acre besides what we used all summer. John took a grist of nine Bags of good wheat to Priceville Rolling Mills. It only weighed 19 8/60 Bush- els. I think he did not get fair weight. He got 733 pounds of flour, or something like 38 lbs to the Bushel. Ida is something better today and Miss Jennie Nichols is here making her a dress. Jim was plowing. I went in the afternoon and helped A. Lonsway put crib in well. [in margin] Fin- ished / Raising / potatoes. / Sent Grist / to Mill. 18 Fine morning, the day remarkably fine, plenty of sunshine. Jim went to help John Gott to shingle. Willie plowed. Johney hauled home a load of wood from the bush in the morning, then took the team to Melancthon. I chored around. Jennie Nichol went home this eavning. <folio 119 recto> October 1887 19th Fine dry day. Jim plowed. I chored around. 20 Nice morning, the day fine till the afternoon when it showed like Rain, which came on at dark with thunder and lightening. Jim and John were hauling hay from Melancthon with two teams. The storm caught them with the two last loads. My cow, Violet, died this afternoon from the Ef- fects of a severe dogging which she got by John Irwin on the 30th of last month. The cow was on- ly in the rear end of his lot 214 and in no harm whatever. But the old Rascal Killed her on me nevertheless. He has no fence on the rear end of his lot, and my fence got burned so the cattle strayed on him. She was the Best and gentlest cow I ever owned. [in margin] Violet / died. 21 Cold, Raw morning, the day cold all through, with a Big Snow Storm in the afternoon. The Boys hauled two loads of hay home and one to Dundalk. I helped to grout the house and build the hay. [in margin] Cows stabled. 22 Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling, the day cold all through. We skinned Violet in the forenoon and in the afternoon Willie took the hide to Dundalk and 835 pounds of po- tatoes for himself. Sold the hide which weighed 58 lbs at .06¢ per pound, and the potatoes for .55¢ per Bag. 23rd Sabbath. Snow in the morning and Rain in the afternoon. A very Big wind storm at night. Shook the house from bottom to top. Blew down fences too. [miniscule writing] <folio 119 verso> �312 October 1887 24th Cold, Raw morning and snowing, the day cold although the snow melted some. Jim went to Br. Sam’s threshing. 25 Quite a cold frosty morning, the day chilly with a little sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Brother John’s Bob came here this eavning, also Clark came from Durham. 26 Bright morning, but a very hard frost, the day pretty fine with a good deal of sunshine. My son John, who will be 22 years of age on the 16th of next month, got married today to Miss Thomasina Oliver, daughter of Mr. Robert Oliver of Lot 31, 4th Range Melancthon. The Rev. Dr. Strongman, Methodist Minister, officiated. After dinner the married couple, with their cousins Bob & Nancy, went to Brother John’s, Tossorontio. [in margin] John / Married. 27 Hard frost this morning, the day chilly except a while in the afternoon. Jim plowed part of the day, and went after dinner to W. Acheson’s for Two small swine which I had bought for $1.25 each. I went to Dundalk. 28 Hard frost this morning, the forenoon rather cool, the afternoon warmer. I worked at the Town- ship Books. Jim plowed in the afternoon. 29 Rain in the morning, snow and hard freezing in the afternoon. Jim went with the team to Melanc- thon and set up a stove for Johney. 30th Sabbath. Cold, frosty day with some sunshine. 31 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny all through. Jim and I were helping James Johnson to thresh. <folio 120 recto> <see Material Description for end matter, copied on folio 120 recto and verso, and on endpaper of back cover> <end of volume 2> �313 Volume 3 November 1st 1887-28 May 1892 Editorial Note: Volume 3 is the first to have printed pagination (flyleaf + 278 pp. + endleaf). In this transcription manuscript diary page numbers are noted inside angle brackets (<p. 1>), preceding the running title found on each page of the manuscript. Insertions and pasted-in items are indicated by an- notations inside tags enclosed in angle brackets, e.g. <insert> text of insert </insert>. For examples of the variable spelling and syntax, and for the editorial conventions used, see the Preface to Volume 1. —————————— <volume 3> <p. i (flyleaf)> <title page recto> [Inside front cover, and top and bottom of title page have pasted-in clippings, and written annotations. These probably obscure the word “Diary of” from his official written title; see Material Description, ciruculated separately, for details on the front and back matter of this volume.] Robert Russell Township of Proton, Co. Grey, Ontario November 1st 1887 <annotation in purple pencil> Came to Ontario June 1851 From Raphoe County Donegal, Ireland <end of annotation> <title page verso> [see Material Description for handwritten recipes on this page] <p. 1> November 1887 1st Bright sunny morning, the day bright and clear, without a cloud. Jim and I were at Jas. Johnson’s threshing. He finished at noon. We came home and raised turnips in the afternoon and Jim made a pigs’ trough. Miss M. Neithercut is here tonight. [in margin] Indian Summer. 2 Beautiful morning, the day sunny and mild. Jim was hauling out manure. He had Henry Lon- sway’s waggon and his own. Jim Johnson filled the loads. Jim drove the team and I spread the manure. I think this is Indian Summer. Miss Neithercut went home this afternoon. Mrs. E. Reid was here. [in margin] Indian Summer. 3 Mild day but cloudy in the afternoon. We were putting out manure. James Johnson hauled with his team and I filled the waggons. Jim Russell went to see Mr. T. Arnold of Mulmer to see about renting his farm in Proton. �314 4 Cool morning, and a shower of snow now and then. The afternoon cold, with quite a freeze. John came home from his wedding tour, then went to his own home in Melancthon. Jim is not got back from Mr. Arnold’s yet (7:20 P.M.). I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 5 The Ground covered with snow this morning, several showers of snow during the day. Willie and I cleaned some pease in the forenoon. He and Ida went to Dundalk in the afternoon. She had a tooth Extracted. I spread some manure and chored around. Jim got home from Mulmer. C. John- son was here this eavning. Old W. Gott, a Resident of these parts for over thirty years, died this afternoon. [in margin] Mr. W. Gott died. 6th Sabbath. Fine Balmy day, plenty of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s and in the after- noon we went a while to Mr. Gott’s wake. <p. 2> 1887 November 7th Beautiful morning, the day hazy and the sun in colour like Indian summer. We butchered two spring pigs, seven months old. The best of them weighed Two hundred pounds, less four. I gave the other one to Johney. It might weigh about 150 lbs. I had given H. Pate $5.00 for them when four weeks old. We went to Mr. Gott’s funeral and Jim plowed when we came home. [in margin] Indian Summer. 8 Fine, mild morning, the day fine and sunny, the afternoon turned to freeze and was cold. Jim plowed. I chored around. [in margin] Steers put / up to fatten 9 Very hard frost this morning, the day cold, with a strong sharp wind. Jim and I moved the timber off where I intend digging a drain from the Gravel Road down through Lot 216. Mrs. C. Johnson was here in the afternoon and Mr. C. Johnson a while at night. There is sleet and Rain falling now (9:) P.M. 10 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and several showers through the day. Jim hauled a load of cheese for Enniskillen factory. 11th Jim’s Birthday. He is Twenty-four years of age. He went to help his Brother John Raise a horse stable. This day has been very stormy, high winds and snowing. The most wintry day that has come for this season. 12 Milder this morning, the day inclined to thaw. Jim was helping John at his horse stable. Willie and I cleaned up about 80 Bushels of pease. 13th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, but it melted a good deal during the day. Brother Sam and Phebe and Johney and his wife were here. <p. 3> November 1887 14th Mild morning, the day pretty mild all throug[h]. Jim and I made a start with the plow and scraper in making a drain on Lot 216. In the afternoon Jim took twelve geese to Dundalk for his mother and a bag of pease for me to be chopped. The geese weighed 118 pounds and sold for Five cents per pound. He could not get the pease chopped. 15 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering, the snow melting. Jim and I were working on the drain, he plowing and scraping and I digging. Mr. Bentley of Boulton came here to sell me Lot 213 Melancthon, 50 acres, all swamp. He asked $500.00. I did not make him an offer. D. Reid and Emmna were here this eavning. 16 Dark morning, the day dark and soft. Jim plowed and scraped on the drain in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went with some pease to Dundalk to get chopped. I worked on the drain. [in margin an arrow drawn, pointing up] �315 17 Cold morning, the day blowing and snowing. Jim with his team worked for John Gott. I worked on the drain. Clark came home from Durham school for a few holidays. J. Ros[e]borough Jnr. was here. 18 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly. Jim hauled two loads of stove wood home in the forenoon and in the afternoon H. Lonsway helped him to haul out manure. I worked at the drain. 19 A little chilly in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. Jim hauled out manure. I worked at the drain. Miss C. Acheson and her sister Rachel, and Josiah Roseborough are here this afternoon. <p. 4> November 1887 20th Sabbath. Rough, Stormy day, Blowing and Snowing. Jim drove Clark as far as Priceville with the cutter on his way to Durham School. The Misses Acheson also went along as far as their place. 21 Pretty cold morning, the afternoon milder. I staked out the swamp part of the drain and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim helped John Gott. Mrs. James Oldfied, daughter to Mr. James Maxwell, died this afternoon about Eight O’clock. She was a young woman very much esteemed by all who knew her, and she had the good will of almost every person. She had only been mar- ried to Mr. Oldfield on the 27th of Oct. 1886, cut off in her youth and almost in her health. Her death has caused a greater shock in Dundalk and the neighbourhood than any death which has ever taken place here. Poor, sprightly, innocent little Maggie. I hope you are in Heaven. [in margin] Mrs. James Oldfield died. 22 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow softening. I dug on the drain. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk, Ida went to her Brother John’s. Jim helped John Gott at his stable. T. Arnold, Jnr., stopped here this night. 23 Mild day, something like a thaw. We went to the funeral of Mrs. James Oldfield. She was buried in the Union Church Yard. T. Arnold was here this night and I wrote out a Lease between his fa- ther and J. Russell. 24 Mild morning, but the day got stormy and there was quite a snow storm. I was digging on the drain. Jim worked with Pete Sauder. 25 Mild morning, the day thawing. We Butchered hogs. P. Sauder helped us and his wife was along. He made sausage, about 50 lbs. We killed 3 pigs, they would weigh about Eight hundred & fifty pounds. <p. 5> November 1887 26th Dark morning, with a slight mizzle of rain, the afternoon wet. I dug on the drain in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and got paid for the milk which we had sent to the factory during the summer. We sent 13503 pounds and received in all for it $93.82, or about Six cents and nine mills for every ten pounds of milk. Jim went to Melancthon to notch stove wood. 27th Sabbath. Raining in the morning, raining at noon and Raining at night, but at last the rain turned to Snow and the ground was soon covered. [in margin] Thaw. 28 Plenty of snow this morning, and more falling, the roads are in a bad state, a foot deep with snow and slush. Jim helped H. Lonsway to saw stove wood. 29 Pretty chilly most of the day. Jim went to Melancthon to work. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I bought a pair of short Boots, lined, for $1.90 and a Barrel of Salt for $1.00. I also sent $15.00 By post office money order to Clark in Durham. 30 Milder this forenoon, the afternoon pretty cold. Jim worked in Melancthon. H. Lonsway helped him. December [1887] �316 1st Sharp morning, the day cold all through. Jim worked in Melancthon. John Gott helped him. Mrs. Skeffington Bell was here this afternoon. 2nd Pretty mild day with a fall of snow in the afternoon. Jim and his mother went to Melancthon, Jim to skid Logs. 3 Mild day, thawing, the snow rapidly disappearing. Rain at night. Jim hauled firewood from the rear end of Lot. I went to Dundalk at night. <p. 6> December 1887 4th Sabbath. Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night, a very wet day. [in margin] Thaw. 5 Sharp morning, freezing and Blowing, the day pretty cold with a little flurry of snow. Jim was helping D. Reid to saw stove wood. 6 Fine morning, the day fine all through, with a good deal of sunshine. The snow is all gone off the roads, the waggons are running again. Jim helped D. Reid. Brother John came here in the eavning. G. McConnell, Collector, stopped overnight. 7 Mild morning, the day mild with a snowfall in the afternoon. Jim was helping D. Reid. Brother John went in the afternoon to Brother Sam’s. 8 Mild day, but the roads rough. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted a money order letter to Clark. Jim was taking a tally of his logs which is at the saw mill. Brother John came here at night, also Johney and his wife. 9 Mild day, but without sunshine. Brother John left for home this morning. Jim with his team skid- ded logs in Melancthon. D. Reid helped with his team. 10 Wet morning, the day generally wet, the Roads are breaking up. I worked at the Township Books. 11th Sabbath. Dark morning, and a slight rain fell pretty steadily all day. Jim came home this night. He had been stopping with J. Oldfield since Saturday night, keeping him company. <p. 7> December 1887 12th Snow on the ground this morning and more falling, the day was pretty cold and windy. Jim and I skidded Fourteen saw logs on Lot 216 in the afternoon, then he went to Mr. Hately’s to get him [to] saw for him with his machine. Ida came home from Johney’s this afternoon. 13 Dark morning, the day cloudy and pretty cold, the Roads are hard and very rough. I went to Johney’s in Melancthon. Mr. John Arnold and wife, with Johney Maxwell, were here at night. 14 Dark morning, the day milder than yesterday, almost inclined to thaw. Not bad waggoning, but rather rough. Jim went to Melancthon and fixed a stable for his team. I worked at a Government Return regarding the Finances of the Township. Mr. G. Rutherford was here this afternoon and done some Business for me, Transferring lands, etc. 15 Mild morning, the day generally mild. Jim went to Melancthon to prepare for sawing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to meet the Twp. collector. Clark came home from Durham. 16 Mild day all through, the roads are smoothing down nicely. Jim had Mr. Hately with his sawing machine cutting stove wood. He thinks he has got about 30 cords cut. 17 Mild morning, the day mild all through. Jim took his mother and some chickens to Dundalk. I went to C. Johnson’s at night. 18th Sabbath. The day dark and mild. I went to Brother Sam’s. Johney and Ina came here with the team. <p. 8> December 1887 �317 19th Mild morning, the day pretty mild, a little snow fell during the eavning, but not enough to make sleighing. There is very good wheeling just now, the roads being quite hard. Jim and Clark were sawing stove wood in Melancthon. They brought the Bay team home at night for me to go to Council Meeting at Cederville. 20 Mild morning, the day mild. I took the Bay team and democrat waggon and went to a council meeting at Cedarville. C. Johnson, Councilman, went with me. We stopped all night at Mr. S. Roger’s, Reeve of the Township. Jim butchered a Two year old steer for me. He weighed 375 pounds. Henry Lonsway helped him. 21 Something colder than yesterday, still, it is nice weather for this time of the year. There was a slight snow fall last night, which has made a little sleighing. Mr. Johnson and I came home from Cedarville. Mr. John Abbott was here. 22 Pretty cold morning, the middle of the day warmer, cold again in the afternoon. I sorted my Township orders and money, went to Dundalk in the afternoon and sent $500.00, Co[unty]. Rates, to Co[unty] Tr[easurer]. Willie McKay stopped all night. 23 A little colder this morning, the day pretty cold all through. I made places for the young catt[l]e, which were out, to be tied inside. Jim started for the first time this season to haul wood to Dun- dalk. Mr. W. Clark was here and left his Taxes with me. [in margin] First wood / hauled to / Dundalk. 24 Quite cold most of the day. I worked at the Township Books. Jim hauled wood. <p. 9> December 1887 25th Sabbath. Mild morning, a little snow falling, the day mild. Mrs. R. and I went to Br[other] Sam’s. I then went to Johney’s to see his mare (Gerty) which had got very badly corked and bled so much that she lay down in the stable and went to sleep. 26 Mild morning with a slight fall of snow, the day pretty mild. The young folks went in the after- noon to a social at Dundalk. Mrs. R. and I went after night to Mr. A. Lonsway’s for a while. 27 Mild day, pretty fair sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid up my store Bills. 28 Quite a snowfall this morning, the day pretty rough. Jim left for Melancthon to haul cordwood to Dundalk. 29 Very stormy morning, snowing, Blowing and freezing, which it kept up all day long. The snow is banked ever so high along the fences running north and south. Clark left to visit in Tossorontio. [in margin] Stormy. 30 The storm has calmed this morning, but the day was pretty cold with a good deal of sunshine. Ida, Willie, and I cleaned up oats, about 240 Bushels. 31 Stormy day from morning till night, Blowing and snowing. Willie, Ida & I cleaned up some oats in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim hauled cordwood to Dundalk. The old year is going out, and on the whole I cannot complain. No sickness, no death, and one marriage in the family. So good by[e] old year. <p. 10> January 1888 1st Sabbath. Blowing and snowing in the forenoon, and in the afternoon it turned to Rain, which settled the snow down. The Rain cleared off and it started to freeze at about dark. 2 Quite a sharp morning, freezing good, the day generally cold. Johney and I went [to] John Allen’s and polled our votes. We had to go round by Dundalk to get to the poll on account of the sideline being drifted. John Brought Gerty home till she would get better of a bad cork. �318 3 Milder than yesterday and a slight shower of snow fell in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and sent a Draft to the County Treasurer for $1242.00, Cash, Co. Rates for 1887. 4 Snowfall this forenoon, the day mild. Johney drove here in the afternoon and dressed Gerty’s sore foot. A poor little long haired old tramp came here at noon. Clark started to teach school for the first time in his life today. [in margin] Clark Began / School Teaching. 5 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and clear, the afternoon a little cloudy. Mrs. R. went in the eavning to Brother Sam’s. Ida went to Mrs. John Arnold’s. 6 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, the snow turned to sleet in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books. Johney and wife were here in the afternoon, and they, with the others, went to D. Division. 7 Mild morning, the day mild. John Agnew and some of his family, and Brother John’s wife and son Jim, came here this afternoon. <p. 11> January 1888 8th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day mild all through. Miss Minnie Neithercut and Miss Davidson were here. 9 Mild morning, the day pretty mild all through. John brought home my colt which I had loaned him about a week ago. The colt is pretty sick, don’t know what is wrong with him. 10 Very stormy morning, the day Snowing, Blowing and freezing, a regular Blizzard. John Agnew and his folks came here at two O’clock in the night from John’s* in Melancthon. [in margin] Storm. [*i.e. Robert’s son John, or Johney.] 11 Sharp, cold morning, a very hard freeze, the day very cold all through. The visitors started this morning for their homes. 12 Very cold morning, the afternoon a keener freeze than the forenoon. Blowing, Snowing and freez- ing, the coldest night of the season so far. 13 Sharp morning, but not near so cold as yesterday, a very keen freeze mostly all day. Mr. John Ar- nold came here at night to get me [to] do some calculation for him. 14 Pretty cold this morning, but the sun shone out Bright which made the day have a warm look about it. I went to Dundalk. 15th Sabbath. Pretty chilly day, a little sunshine occassionally. John and his wife were here and stopped all night. <p. 12> January 1888 16th Very sharp morning, the forenoon very cold, the afternoon a little milder. I went to a council meeting at Hopeville. John bagged up and weighed 24 Bushels of oats. I am to get from him market price for them. He and his wife were here all night. Jim is hauling C[ord]wood. [in mar- gin] Ida went / visiting to / Tossorontio. 17 Not quite as cold as yesterday, still it is cold enough to suit anyone. John went home this morning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and Deposited $700.00 Township funds in Bank. Jim is haul- ing cordwood. This is my Birthday. I am now 52 years of age. I sold my oats to S. McCullough, Grain buyer, for Forty cents per Bushel, rise or fall, to be delivered next week. [in margin] My Birthday. 18 Milder than the preceeding days. I chored around and worked at auditing the Township Books. Jim hauled cordwood. 19 Rather fine day, a little snow fell but it did not drift any. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Abraham Jack- son’s. Jim is hauling c[ord]wood. I worked at Township audit. �319 20 Bright sunny morning, the day very fine and sunny. Jim was at Joseph Jackson’s Cordwood Bee. I worked at the audit of Township accounts. Mrs. James Trugon and her daughter were here this afternoon. 21st Very sharp morning, the day piercing cold, calm, but the keenest freeze that has come this winter. Jim hauled cordwood and came home this eavning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A man named Lany, a resident of Osprey, dropped dead in a hotel in Dundalk yesterday. [in margin] Very cold. <p. 13> January 1888 22nd Sabbath. Pretty cold morning, the Day cold. Brother Sam and Phoebe were here. 23 Another very cold day, especially the afternoon, which commenced Blowing and snowing. Jim hauled Two loads of oats for me to Dundalk. There were 212 Bushels in the Two loads. I sold them for $0.40* per Bushel. Mr. F. Bellamy and R. Ferris, Township Auditors, came here to Au- dit my Books as Township Treasurer. [in margin] Township auditors here / 67 pages filled. [*the initial “0” is not clearly written, but price is mentioned earlier as Forty cents.] 24 Sharp morning, very hard freeze. The auditors left this morning. I assisted them in their work so that they had no delay. Jim hauled Two loads of oats for me to Dundalk. There were [sentence left unfinished]. 25 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing, the day very stormy all through, a little milder when night came on. Jim took a load of Grain (oats & pease) to Dundalk for me in the forenoon. Mrs. R. went with him. He had 72 1/2 Bushels oats, & 12 1/2 of pease. This was his Fifth load. The aggregate weight was 17238 pounds, average weight of each, 3447 pounds. The oats I sold for .40¢ per Bushel and the pease @ .60¢ per Bushel. Total cash $202.03. I am selling about 100 Bushels more of oats to Jim for the same price, also 25 Bushels of pease and 50 Bushels of oats to Johney. [in margin]. E. B. Grey / Died. 26 Very Rough Stormy day from morning till night. I went to Dundalk and got pay for the Grain Jim had delivered. I got the advance on price which gave me $4.17 more, or a total of $206.20. Jim is hauling wood. E. B. Grey* died yesterday. [*Elias B. Grey “claimed Crown land in Proton in 1849 and is credited for naming our village ‘Dundalk’ after his home town in Ireland” (see http://www.southgate.ca/content/dundalk).] <p. 14> January 1888 27th Very cold morning, Blowing and Freezing. The cold increased as the day advanced and at dark it was something fearful, such a piercing day has not been this winter. The cattle could hardly stop outside long enough to be watered. [in margin] Very cold. 28 Extremely cold this morning and the day was piercingly sharp. Yesterday was cold enough but this day is much colder. John got the point of his nose froze this afternoon fetching home a load of wood from Melancthon. [in margin] Extremely cold. 29 Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day mild compared with yesterday. Mr. Abraham Jackson and wife, Mr. Joseph Jackson and wife and two children, Mr. Andrew Lonsway and wife, and son Johney and Wife were here. 30 Mild day, cloudy, calm and soft in the air, very much like a snowfall. Jim went out collecting Horse money.* Was not very successful. I went to Dundalk and posted five letters. [*stud fees.] 31 Mild morning, the day mild, almost like a thaw. Jim is working in Melancthon. I worked at the Municipal Books, entering orders, etc. <p. 15> �320 February 1888 1st Mild morning, a very slight mist of Rain fell during the forenoon. The sleighing is very good on the Roads except where the pitch holes are. John Gott was here at night and fixed a place in the stable for a cow’s tying. 2 Mild morning, the day pretty mild. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 3 Mild day all through, something almost like a thaw. I went to Dundalk. [in margin]. Brother /Sam’s Baby / Born. 4 Mild day, especially in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books, entering orders, etc. Brother John and James Murphy came here this eavning. 5th Sabbath. Quite cold today, especially in the afternoon. Brother John, Mrs. R., Jim and J. Murphy went to Sam’s. 6 Cold this morning, the day pretty cold all through. Brother John and Jas. Murphy went to Johney’s in Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. T. and T. Arnold and their daughter Elly were here. [in margin] Sam’s Baby / Abraham, died. 7 Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through with quite a snowfall in the night. James Murphy and Brother John started for home this morning, but hearing that Sam’s baby was dead they went to the funeral. I had to go to Dundalk to meet two members of council and did not know that the baby was dead to I got home after five O’clock, and at that time Baby was buried. Mrs. R. was at Sam’s. John and J. Murphy stopped here at night. 8 Very sharp morning, the Roads heavy with the snowfall last night. The day very cold, especially in the eavning. John and J. Murphy left for home this morning. <p. 16> February 1888 9th Very cold morning, the day piercing cold from morning till night, sharp freeze and strong wind. Jim came home this evening from Melancthon. His Grey Horse is laid up, seems to be done out with hard work. [in margin] Very cold. 10 Anopther cold morning, keen frost, the day very cold and snowing at night. I posted a letter and Four newspapers to Brother William (Paris P. O., Lamar Co., St. of Tex., U. S.). I have not had a letter from him for two years. [in margin] Sent letter / to Br. William 11 Bright sunny morning, the [day] fine and sunshiny, although a sharp air prevailed. Still, the day was agreeable. Mr. Walter Bell and M. Donner came here in the forenoon to look at a Lease which I had written for them about Four years ago. Jim hitched up my Bay colt, Jack, and drove him in the cutter to Johney’s and home again. 12th Sabbath. Fine, mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. A. Jackson’s 13 Fine mild morning, the day mild with a good deal of Bright sun, a slight thaw today. Helped a man out with a load of Flour which had got off the track. Shovelled him out. He went about 30 Rods and got off again. He came for the scoop shovel, asked me to let him take it with him to Dundalk and that he would return it this eavning or tomorrow. I let him have it. He has not left it back yet (7:25 P.M.). He was a young, fair of face, man, about 25 years of age, stout and pretty tall. One of his horses was white, the other a kind of dirty Black in the outside hair, underneath white. He had on 35 Bags, was hauling it for Mr. Ford of Markdale. <p.17> February 1888 14th Snowing all forenoon, the afternoon windy and a pretty sharp frost. Jim went to Melancthon to Shovel away snow from the wood which he has to haul. The collector with his niece was here at night. �321 15 Sharp morning, the day piercing cold from morning till night. Jim had a wood Bee, hauling short and long wood to Dundalk. He had ten teams and got about six cords of long and Eighteen of short hauled. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to cook for the teamsters. Miss Jenny Mills and Mr. Don Grummett were married today. [in margin] J. Mills & / D. Grummett married. / Extremely cold day. 16 Pretty sharp morning, the day not so cold as yesterday, rather mild in the afternoon. Jim was straightening up his wood pile in Dundalk and fixing his hay stack. 17 Mild morning, the day mild and quite a bit of sunshine. It is looking and feeling almost like a thaw. I went up to Mr. A. Lonsway’s a while at night. 18 Mild morning, the day pretty mild. I went to Dundalk to do some Township Business and see F. V. Bellamy, one of the Township auditors. I got a little Oh, Be Jovial. It was not right. I’ll have to refrain from it in future. 19th Sabbath. Pretty stormy morning, strong wind, the day Blusterous but not cold. Son Johney and his wife paid us a visit. 20 Rain this morning and occasional showers through the day, quite a thaw. Jim went in the after- noon to Dundalk to try to sell his wood. [in margin] Thaw. <p. 18> February 1888 21st Blowing and snowing this morning, the day pretty rough, a strong wind all day. Mrs. R. and Wil- lie took the colt and cutter and started for Tossorontio to bring Ida home. She has been away since the 16th of February.* Jim was at Joseph Neithercut’s wood Bee. [*mistake for January; see entry for 24th Feb., below, and 16th Jan., above. ] 22 Fine, mild morning, the day sunny and the snow melting. Jim got Joseph Jackson with his team to draw a load of hay home from Melancthon and another load to Dundalk. 23 Fine morning, the day sunny and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim was in Dun- dalk trying to Sell his cordwood. Did not succeed as he could not see the buyer. John Agnew stopped here all night. 24 Fine morning, the day fine and mild, with a tendancy to get colder at night. Mrs. R. came home this eavning with Ida who had been visiting in Tossorontio since the 16th of January. John’s Bob came up also. 25 Blowing and snowing this morning, the snow turned to Rain about noon, then the Rain turned to snow before night, when it became pretty stormy. R. Cornett, cheese maker, and his man Mr. McCabe were here a while. Mr. T. Hanbury and W. Rundle, Reeve & Clerk of Dundalk, were here looking in[to] some old Collector’s Rolls Regarding the drainage Tax. G. McConnell, Town- ship Collector, was here at night and made a payment to me. I got a letter from Brother William. [in margin] Wm. Russell / Arthur City P. O. / Lamar Co., St. of Texas / U. S. <p. 19> February 1888 26th Sabbath. Very stormy morning, the day Blowing, snowing and Freezing. 27 Cold, stormy morning, the day very cold with a strong wind, the snow is piling up pretty heavy, the Roads are getting bad. Jim and Bob, with Bob’s horse, went collecting. 28 Fine morning, but sharp. Sunny day, pleasant about noon, cold in the eavning. I attended a Coun- cil Meeting at Dundalk. The next meeting of the Council is to be in Hopeville on the 6th of June. John’s Bob left for home this morning. 29 Pretty heavy Roads this morning after the Blow, the day not cold, but rather pleasant. I went to Melancthon to see a sick horse of John’s. He is bad with the distemper, but getting better. �322 March [1888] 1st Fine, mild morning, the day nice till about noon, when it began to Blow and snow, and the after- noon was very rough. I was in Dundalk in the afternoon at the annual meeting of the Patrons of the Cheese Factory. They made me Sect. Treasurer. Jim went to Dundalk to sell his wood. Did not succeed. [in margin] Stormy afternoon. 2 Stormy morning, the day stormy throughout, Blowing and Freezing. Messrs. C. Johnson, J. Nich- ols, H. Lonsway and W. Lonsway were here at night to Organize a milk route. [in margin] Stormy. 3 Very stormy morning, the whole day one of storm, Blowing and Freezing fiercely. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon. This is as stormy a day as has come through the winter. [in margin] Very stormy. <p. 20> March 1888 4th Sabbath. Cold stormy day from morning till night. Mr. W. Fawcett amd wife were here. 5 Another stormy, cold day. Jim went to Melancthon for a load of hay. There were some persons here at night to form a milk route to Enniskillen cheese factory. 6 Another cold stormy day, Blowing and freezing. Jim went to Dundalk to Sell his cordwood. Did not succeed. Cordwood is a drag. 7 Sharp cold morning, the day pretty cold all through, the wind pretty high. Jim and D. Reid brought a load of hay each from Melancthon. 8 Pretty cold day all through, wind pretty high. Jim hauled a load of hay for Henry Gallaher from where he was living in Melancthon to a place he has rented in Proton. I went to Dundalk, met with R. Cornett, Cheese Maker. He was very abusive to me on the open street because I would not send my milk to his cheese factory. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. William / Arthur City P. O. / St. of Tex., U. S. 9 Bright sunny morning, the day fine, the snow melting. Jim hauled a load of hay home and another to the Lot he has rented. The Township Collector was here at night and settled up his Roll. 10 Mild morning, the day soft all through, looks like a thaw. Jim was helping Joseph Jackson to Saw for John Gott. Johney, with Jim’s team, Brought some hay home & Clark brought a Load of wood home in the afternoon. <p. 21> March 1888 11th Sabbath. Rough stormy morning, the day cold and Blusterous, Snowing, Blowing & Freezing. 12 Cold morning, the sun shone out through part of the day, the afternoon stormy and cold. Jim was helping Henry Lonsway to chop. 13 Stormy morning, the day Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a regular Blizzard, nothing like it this winter. The storm was so great that the trains on the C. P. R. are Blocked up in this section of the country. [in margin] Violent / Storm. 14 The storm has spent its fury, the day is calm and the sun bright. Jim helped H. Lonsway to make posts. 15 Pretty mild day, a good deal of sunshine, the snow softening a little in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Gave up to Mr. T. Hanbury the note which I held against him. Note: $75.00, interest $7.00. Also settled with him for 4 cords of cordwood that he had got in the fall, price $7.00, Total $89.00. I have agreed to keep the organ which he left here in July and he wants $5.00 Cash, and call clear. I guess I will have to give it him. Jim was helping H. Lonsway in the Bush. [in margin] Bargained for Organ. �323 16 Bright sunny morning, the day fine but a little sharp. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim helped H. Lonsway: chopped in the forenoon, Hauled in the afternoon a Couple of loads of tele- graph poles to Dundalk. <p. 22> March 1888 17th Sharp morning, but the day was pretty fine with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and Clark were at Johney’s wood Bee. He got about 29 cords of cordwood hauled to Dundalk. I worked at copying the defaulters off Defaulters’ List into the Defaulters’ Book. 18th Sabbath. Sharp in the morning, mild about noon, the afternoon fine. [in margin] Clark left to / Board at Johney’s 19 A few drops of Rain this morning, a soft wind prevailed through the day with strong sunshine causing the snow to melt rapidly. Jim took my two year old colt and his Grey Horse and went to Flesherton Rolling Mills. Willie went with him. He had nine Bags of wheat, not at all well filled. They weighed 20 Bushels & 50 pounds. The wheat tested 59 lbs to the Bushel. He got 38 pounds of flour to the Bushel. In all, 790 lbs flour, 83 shorts, and 225 lbs of Bran. Not bad yield. John had taken 9 Bags tightly filled to Priceville Roller Mills on the 17th of last October of just the same wheat and they only weighed 107 Bushels and a few pounds. He got only 733 pounds of flour. Evidently he got cheated as his Bags were well filled and Jim’s were slack. [in margin] Blew Hurricane this morning before Breakfast / Jim took Grist to Flesherton Mill. / Thaw. 20 Rain in the morning, Rain at noon, and Rain at night. In fact, a wet day, particularly good thaw. In one respect I am not sorry for it, as the water in the Barnyard well is very low. Jim went col- lecting Horse money. Did not be very successful, only got $8.00. <p. 23> March 1888 21st Big snow storm this morning with a high wind. The snow kept coming down both thick and fast. It quit snowing about 1 O’clock P.M., the wind still kept strong till night. I think there fell more snow during the time it was at it than any previous time this winter. Jim took some lumber to John Gott’s to get some doors made for the Rooms upstairs. [in margin] Snow Storm. 22 Cold morning, Blowing and Freezing, a pretty stiff shower of snow about 2 P.M., the afternoon cold and Freezing. Jim brought two loads of firewood home from Melancthon. 23 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, keen freeze most of the time. Jim went to Shelburne in the forenoon and entered a case in the Division Court against a man for Service of horse. In the after- noon he sold his cordwood at something under $2.00 p. cord. 24 Sharp morning, the day very cold, very keen cutting air, pretty good sleighing just now. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. The printer who is printing the Township auditor’s Report had sent for me. There was an error of three cents between the sum of the addends and the different items making these addends in Road Work account of Division No. 1. I took in my Ledger. We traced up the error: it occured by the auditors entering a Road Job $5.75 in place of $5.78. Jim hauled two loads of stove wood to Dundalk. H. Lonsway hauled two loads also for him, in all 6 1/2 cords. Miss Davidson of Osprey is stopping here this night. Jim drove out for her in the cutter. Looks like an attachment. <p. 24> March 1888 25th Sabbath. Clear frosty morning, Bright and sunny, but a sharp air, the afternoon was very keen and with sunshine. I went to Sam’s. �324 26 High wind this morning, accompanied with snow which finally turned to sleet and then to Rain in the afternoon. Jim brought home a load of stove wood from Melancthon. 27 Mild morning, the forenoon quite mild, the afternoon Wet. Jim went to John Middleton’s sale. [in margin] Rain. 28 Snow this morning, and it kept at it most of the forenoon, the afternoon was fair. H. Lonsway helped Jim to fix two doors upstairs. Mrs. Isaac Traynor was here and paid some Taxes. [in mar- gin] First cow / (Speck) calved. 29 Bright sunny morning, the forenoon clear, the afternoon cloudy with a snowfall at dark. Jim and H. Lonsway were sawing stove wood. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John McMurdo (Township assessor) was here and assessed Lot 215 @ $750.00, & Lot 216 @ $350.00, personal property @ $120.00. 50 acres clear, some on both Lots. Total Assessment $1220.00. Jim’s As- sessment: Real property $1350.00, no personal. Total clearing 60 acres. 30 Snow this forenoon and very heavy snow which turned to rain in the afternoon. Jim and Willie with H. Lonsway were getting firewood. Willie hauled home 5 small loads from T. Arnold’s Lot, about 4 1/2 cords. The roads were [starting] to break [MS breake] through the snow, therefore the loads were small. 31 Fine, mild morning, the day pretty mild. Jim had H. Lonsway in the forenoon cutting stove wood. Missionary collectors, Miss Moore and Miss Nicholls were here in the eavning. <p. 25> April 1888 1st Easter Sabbath. Mild forenoon, the afternoon cold with a strong wind. Sam & Phoebe, John, Clark and Ina were here. 2 Mild in the forenoon, cloudy most of the day, the afternoon a little sharp. Jim went collecting Horse money. Dan Reid and H. Lonsway with their teams hauled Two loads of Hay each for Jim from Melancthon. Mrs. R. was in Dundalk and Bought Willie a pair of Sunday boots in John Gra- ham’s for $2.25. 3 Fine sunny morning, the day bright and pleasant, the snow thawing. Jim and H. Lonsway hauled home the remainder of the hay from Melancthon, all but about one good load, the butt of the stack which he traded off for as much time as he had at one load. Willie took in his boots which were too small for him to Mr. Graham’s and Exchanged them for a larger pair at same price. [in mar- gin] Exchange of Boots. 4 Cloudy in the forenoon but mild, the afternoon Bright and sunny. Jim got married this afternoon to Miss Mary Eliza Davidson of Osprey Township. The Rev. Dr. Strongman, Methodist Minister of Dundalk, Officiated. Miss Davidson is nineteen and Jim Twenty-Four years of age. I seen a few Robins today for the first this spring. [in margin] Jim Married / Seen Robins. 5 Dark morning, Rain, thunder and lightening in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon sun- shiney and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark, Ida & Willie with the team went to Mr. McLaughlin’s*, Osprey. [*Mary Davidson’s father died in 1874; in 1877 her mother, née Anne Jane Wallace (with four young children), married Alexander McLachlan a widower with six children. Mary’s sister Susan Davidson married Willie in Nov. 1895. The name is spelled McLaughlin in the 1881 census, McLaughlan in cemetery markers.] <p.26> April 1888 6th Raw, cold wind this morning, the day very windy, the snow did not melt much today. Jim brought home his Bride, a pleasant little girl that I think will make him a happy Wife. [in margin] Jim Brought / his Bride / Home. �325 7 Sharp morning, keen wind all day, hard Freeze in the afternoon. Jim and H. Lonsway were cutting stove wood in Mr. Arnold’s Lot. Willie hauled it home, there were five loads, about five cords, I think. The Sleighing is about gone on the Gravel Road, the horses could scarcely pull the last load. Jim went to Dundalk in the afternoon and I sawed wood in his place. 8th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day fine, the snow melting. 9 Bright sunny morning, a good deal of sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with appear- ance of Rain. Jim went to Buy a Horse, did not succeed. I split stove wood at the house. 10 Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and Rain at night, a very wet day. Wesley Lonsway came here at night. [in margin] Rain / 3rd cow calved. 11 Snow on the ground this morning, but it had all vanished about noon. The day was mild with a good deal of sunshine. Jim helped H. Lonsway to saw firewood at his own home. I split some stove wood at home. Mary & Ida were at H. Lonsway’s in the eavning. <p. 27> April 1888 12th Sharp morning, the day clear and cold, a good deal of sunshine but a very cold wind. Jim helped H. Lonsway in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to E. Noble’s sale. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. C. Johnson was here a while at night. [in margin] Last Mail / paper received. 13 Pretty stiff Frost this morning, the ground quite hard. The sun shone out and the Ground softened. In the eavning there was a very heavy snow shower. Jim helped H. Lonsway. C. Johnson was here about one O’clock. Clark stopped here last night and went to School this morning. 14 The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling during all the forenoon, quite win- tery like again. The afternoon was something milder, and the snow melted a little. Jim went to Joseph Jackson’s to help him Saw firewood. He bought a horse from Joe and brought him home with him. Willie went with the team and brought Mary’s two sisters here. They are stopping here all night. 15th Sabbath. Fine mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. [in margin] First / Lamb / came. 16 Fine morning, the day fine and sunny. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. Mrs. Jim and Jim went with her two sisters to Osprey. Something seems to have gone wrong in the sheep Business with me, as I had to skin three of them today. Two of them died through old age, they were valu[e]less. The third, which was a splendid young Black Ewe, died in lambing. <p. 28> April 1888 17th Pretty mild forenoon, with quite a bit of sunshine, the afternoon cloudy with quite a snowfall. H. Lonsway and his Brother Wesley were here a while at night. 18 Cold, Raw morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, but a very cold wind. Jim and H. Lonsway went in the forenoon to chop some trees in Osprey for a day’s sawing, but when they got to Brother Sam’s he had let the piece to W. Cherry. They then came home and Jim worked with Henry in the afternoon. Willie drove his mother to Dundalk in the forenoon. 19 Rather chilly in the forenoon, the afternoon milder with a good deal of sunshine. Jim chopped in the forenoon and in the afternoon took his horses to be shod. I split wood in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I signed a joint note for $37.25 in favor of E. Noble, given by Johney for a cow and two old plows, due in 6 months and payable at Mr. Lucas Bank in Dundalk. They voted in Co. Dufferin today and in Eight other Counties in Ontario for Repeal of the Scott Act.* In School Sect. No. 5, Melancthon, the Repealers were 8 Majority. [in margin] John’s note �326 of $37.25 due / 12th Feb. 1889 / 4th cow calved. [*allowing plebiscite vote on prohibition, here it is repealed in Melancthon; see entry for 30 Nov. 1884.] 20 Cold morning, the day cold, especially in the afternoon when there was a very sharp frost. H. Lonsway was helping Jim to cut firewood in the afternoon. 21 Cold morning, the forenoon cold, the latter part of the afternoon milder. Jim was cutting stove [wood] in the forenoon, and in the afternoon helped H. Lonsway to fix Land Roller. <p. 29> April 1888 22nd Sabbath. Hard morning, the Ground softened in towards noon, some sunshine, but a very cold wind. Mrs. R. and I, with Jim and his wife, were visiting at Mr. Skeffington Bell’s. 23 Bright sunny morning, the day pretty sunny but a chilly wind. Jim took the two Miss Davidsons, who were here over night, to the station this morning, then he and Willie hauled Rails on T. Ar- nold’s place. I split some wood. [in margin] 5th cow calved. 24 Clear cold day, a good deal of sunsine, quite a quantity of snow in the fence corners and in the Roads running North & South. Jim and Willie hauled Rails in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim went to A. Lonsway’s Raising of a shed. I made stove wood at the house. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mrs. D. Reid at night. [in margin] 6th cow calved 25th Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful, the only spring-like day which has come during this spring. Jim and Willie hauled Rails in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he tried to plow, but there was too much Frost in the Ground. Jim took his horse to Dundalk in the eavning to be shod. 26 Beautiful day all through, Bright and sunny, splendid spring day, nothing like it for so far. Jim and [stricken: John] Willie picked stones. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark is at home tonight. <p.30> April 1888 27th Beautiful spring-like day, a genial warm sun and air, the snow is rapidly disappearing out of the fence corners. The Canadian Band and Whipper Wills are in full swing. Jim and Willie put up fences in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to the Horse Show in Dundalk. [in margin] 7th cow calved / Canadian / Band playing 28 Beautiful day all through, from morning till night, but excessively warm. Jim took his Horse on a round. Willie started the plow. The ground is pretty soft but there is not much frost in it. The snow out of the fence corners has disappeared very rapidly today. I nailed boards around the un- der part of the Barn to keep the hens from getting underneath. H. Lonsway and wife and children were here at night. [in margin] First plowing. 29th Sabbath. Clear sunny morning, the day fine but chilly towards night. 30 Dark cold forenoon, the afternoon Wet. Jim and Willie plowed on Mr. Arnolds place in the fore- noon. The Ground was in pretty good order. We cleaned oats a while in the afternoon. Phoebe came here and brought some maple Molasses. She would get wet going home as it Rained nearly all afternoon. May [1888] 1st The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling, quite a change since Saturday. The afternoon was fair and the snow melted. Johny was here with the team. Ida went home with him. Jim & Willie plowed in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow. <p. 31> May 1888 �327 2nd Hard frost this morning, but the sun got out and the Frost disappeared, the day was fine but a little cool. Jim and Willie plowed. I chored around home. The Ground is pretty wet. It will be quite a few days before it is dry enough at home to plow. The spring is quite late. 3 Quite cool morning, the day cold all through, with a sprinkling of sleet in the afternoon, also a high wind. Jim and Willie plowed on Lot 218. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the Ea[ning]. [in margin] Subscribed / for W. Globe / Sent letter / to Ireland 4 Dark cloudy day, with a sprinkling of Rain at noon and at night. Jim and Willie plowed on Lot 218. I sorted potatoes in the cellar. I picked 60 Bushels. Jim and I helped H. Lonsway with his sick cow at noon. 5 Dark morning and cold, the day dark and lowring, with a slight rain now and then. Jim borrowed H. Lonsway’s Gangplow and Ganged. Willie plowed with the narrow plow. Both worked at home. Ida came home from Johney’s this eavning. Ina was with her. Johney called for Ina on his way home. [in margin] Sowed / cabbage seed. 6th Sabbath. Quite cool most of the day, some sunshine. H. Lonsway & Wife and Miss Sarah Brough- ton were here. 7 Cool in the forenoon, a little milder in the afternoon, a little sunshine. I sowed Eight Bags of pease for Jim. Ida harrowed with one horse. Willie plowed. Jim took his Stud on a round, nearly fixed him, one of his hind legs is swelled up badly. He is not able to work, very lame. I went to Dundalk after six O’clock. [in margin]. First Grain / sown (pease). <p. 32> May 1888 8th Dark morning, the afternoon Wet all the time. Jim sowed two Bags of pease in the forenoon and I harrowed with one horse. Willie plowed. Jim hired a colt from Mrs. Bowler, as his own horse is not able to work on account of his sore leg. 9 Foggy morning, the day dry and very sultry. Jim finished harrowing the pease, Willie plowed. Willie and I took in 8 2/3 Bags of potatoes to Dundalk and sold them for .80¢ p. Bag. [in margin] Seen first / swallow. 10 Fine dry day and good growth. I worked in the garden in the forenoon, harrowed wheat for two hours in the afternoon, then went to Dundalk. Jim harrowed and plowed in the afternoon. He also sowed 3 1/2 Bushels of wheat. It is very late for sowing wheat. [in margin] Sowed wheat. 11 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a splendid growth. Jim sowed Six Bags of Oats. Willie plowed, I harrowed. [in margin] First set out / our tomatoes / sown peanuts. 12 Rather cloudy this morning, a shower of Rain about 11 A.M. then faired up and was dry during the afternoon. I Registered and posted a letter containing $20.00 to James Cavanagh, Clerk of Proton. I harrowed in the forenoon. Jim sowed oats. Willie plowed. 13th Sabbath. Dark, cold day, Roads very sloppy. Mrs. R. & Mrs. R., Sam & Phoebe, Jim and Ida went to Dundalk to hear Mr. Kilburn, Church of England Minister, from Jamaica, and Brother to Mrs. A. Jackson, Preach. Mr. Walter Bell was here in the eavning. <p. 33> May 1888 14th Dark, cloudy day and cool, with a snowfall at night. Jim plowed in the forenoon and went out through Melancthon in the afternoon. I fixed fences in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon. Willie plowed all day. We commenced sending our milk to Inniskillen cheese factory, had ninety- four pounds in the can this morning. Willie McKay is here tonight, stopping, bidding us good-by before he goes to Michigan State. [in margin] 8th cow calved / Milk (94 lbs) sent to / Cheese Fac- tory. �328 15 Snow on the ground this morning and some more fell during the day, especially in the afternoon. The day was very chilly. Willie and I plowed. Jim attended Division Court at Shelburne. He had a man sued for Horse money. He got judgement in the case. [in margin] Snow. 16 Cold morning, the day cold with some snow showers. Jim and Willie plowed. I planted out Twelve apple trees in the forenoon and in the afternoon hunted up two yearling calves which had strayed away on last Sabbath. I got one at Mr. J. Roseborough’s and the other at Johney Irvin’s. Mrs. R. came along while I was at Mr. Roseborough’s and helped me drive the calves home. [in margin] Planted apple / Trees. 17 Hard frost this morning, the harrows fairly Rattled over the ground in the morning. The sun got strong and the Ground thawed and dried. Jim sowed ten acres of oats. I harrowed till he got done, then went to Dundalk and Jim harrowed. Willie plowed. [in margin] Hard frost. <p. 34> May 1888 18th Dark cloudy morning, the sky overcast towards afternoon and a slight rain came on in the eavning. Jim finished harrowing the field of oats which he had sown yesterday, then went to Dundalk and Bought some seed Barley. Willie plowed. I fixed fences. Mrs. D. Reid was here. 19 Bleak, chilly morning, the day cold all through, every indication of Rain. Jim sowed five Bags of oats in the forenoon, then went to Dundalk for a plow point. Got none to fit, came home and sowed near Eight Bags more of oats. I harrowed it all once and some of it twice. Willie plowed. 20th Sabbath. Fine dry day, sunny but cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. Jim and Mary went to her Uncle R. Davidson’s. 21 Dry cool day. Jim took his stud on his rounds. I harrowed and Willie plowed. 22 Bright sunny day, and pretty warm. Jim Gangplowed in the afternoon and also went to Dundalk for a new stove which he had got from John Gardner in trade for an old horse. He sowed three Bags of oats in the forenoon. I harrowed in the forenoon. Willie Gangplowed in Jim’s absence. [in margin] Got papers / from Toronto. 23 Fine dry day and pretty warm. Jim and Willie Ganged and plowed*. I fixed the fence around the calves park. [*i.e. Jim gangplowed, Willie plowed with the single plow.] <p. 35> May 1888 24th Cloudy morning, But the sun Burst through and the day was dry and pretty warm. Jim sowed about Eleven acres of oats. I harrowed till noon and a while in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the forenoon and harrowed in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s after tea and is stopping over- night. 25 Fine day and pretty warm except towards night when it got cool. Jim and I picked a few stones in the morning, then we plowed. Willie plowed all day. I had John’s team. 26 Fine morning, the day dry except a very slight mizzle of rain in the forenoon, the afternoon pretty warm. Jim, Willie and I plowed. The mosquitoes were bad this afternoon. 27th Sabbath. Fine dry day and pretty warm. W. Faucett & Wife, Johny Russell & Wife, were here. 28 Dry this morning and the day pretty warm. The afternoon got overcast and there was quite a rain about 5 P.M. and also at dark. Jim took his horse on his rounds. Johney came with his team and he and Willie plowed on Lot 218. I sowed about Twenty Bushels mixed Grain (oats and pease), then went to Dundalk. Sold my lambs, nine in number, to George Dale for three dollars each and Fifty-cents more on the bunch. I to keep them till the first Sept. next., and he to take them all away at the one time. He paid me Five dollars on the Bargain. <p. 36> �329 May 1888 29th Cool cloudy morning, the forenoon generally cold, the afternoon something warmer. Jim helped Johney to log. Ida harrowed for me in the forenoon. I sowed about three and a half pounds of tur- nip seed on Five acres which I had sown in oats. I sowed the turnip seed after I had harrowed the oats once. Then I harrowed on top of the turnip seed. I done this as an experiment. I had previ- ously seen in the papers an account of a man doing so and having a good crop of each. Willie plowed. I harrowed in the afternoon and sowed a bag of oats. Clark harrowed for me about two hours. He is stopping here this night. [in margin] Sowed turnip seed. 30 Quite cool this morning, the day cool all thorugh, but dry. I sowed some oats and cut some seed potatoes. Jim got H. Lonsway’s horse and put along wth one of his own and Henry plowed about 1/2 an acre of stiff sod for him as one of his own horse’s shoulders were so sore he did not want to work him. Willie harrowed. Jim finished sowing oats and beans [last work unclear]. [in margin] Finished sowing oats / Lamb came. 31 Showery generally through the day and a pretty sharp shower in the afternoon. Jim and Willie plowed for potatoes in the forenoon and I cut potatoes. In the afternoon Jim sowed Barley and I sowed Grass seed, while Willie harrowed. This finished seeding as far as sowing grain is con- cerned, and a pretty long, stiff seeding it has been. There is in, however, close on Eight acres of Grain. <p. 37> June 1888 1st Cold morning, the day cool with a good deal of sunshine. A shower of Rain at dark. Jim got D. Reid’s mare and put along with one of his own horses, and H. Lonsway hauled out manure for him in the afternoon. Willie harrowed. I sowed Grass seed in the forenoon and cut potatoes in the af- ternoon. [in margin] Frost / Finished seeding 2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, the forenoon warm, the afternoon cold. We planted potatoes, about 15 Bushels. Miss Davidson and Brother Sam’s Madella are stopping here tonight. [in mar- gin] Planted / Potatoes 3rd Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day dry but chilly. There was a heavy frost this morning, ice on the water. Mrs. R. and I went to church in Dundalk to hear Mr. Kilburn preach. [in margin] Ice 4 Cool morning, a slight frost, the day dry, sunny and Breezy. Jim took his horse on his Rounds. Johney was here and got five Bags of seed potatoes. I cut a Bushel of seed potatoes, made the holes, dropped and covered two Bushels with the hoe in the forenoon. In the afternoon I sowed Eleven acres of Grass seed, sowed about ten of these from Five O’clock. Just kept me jumping! Willie and Wesley Lonsway picked stones. [in margin] Finished planting / potatotes. / Got letter from Ireland. 5 Dry day, sunny and pretty warm with a very stiff Breeze. I washed and oiled the Democrat in the forenoon, also entered some Township accounts and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Willie Rolled. Jim picked stones and Washed the sheep. <p. 38> June 1888 6th Cool dry morning, heavy Rain and hail in some parts about 9:30 A.M., the afternoon dry but very cool towards night. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville and stopped there all night. Willie picked stones and Jim and Mr. T. Arnold fixed fences. �330 7 Very cold morning, the forenon cool, the afternoon sunny and warmer. I came home from Hope- ville and took Johney’s horses home to him. Jim was out with his horse in the afternoon. Willie and Wesley Lonsway picked stones. 8 Frost this morning, the day pretty warm and the sun bright. I worked at entering orders in the Township Books. Jim went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and he and Willie picked stones in the af- ternoon. Mrs. R. clipped the sheep, 14 in number. I gave her Five cents each for so doing. [in margin] Frost / clipped sheep 9 Fine morning, the day dry and very warm in the afternoon, with indications of a thunder storm. I went to see Dr. Christoe at Flesherton. Jim and Willie hauled Rails in the forenoon. Willie rolled in the afternoon and Jim went to Abraham Jackson’s Raising. 10th Sabbath. Cloudy morning, dry till the afternoon, then quite a heavy rainfall. Johney and his wife came here and they, with Jim and his wife, and Ida, went to William Fawcett’s. [in margin] 10th cow calved 11 Cold morning, the day dry and sunny in the afternoon. I fixed fences. Jim took out his horse. Willie went to school. The women went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Will / in school. <p. 39> June 1888 12th Dry morning, the day dry and breezy. Jim and I made log fence and fixed rail fence. Mr. A. Lon- sway and wife were here. 13 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon showery till about 3 P.M. Jim and I fixed and made a fence on the rear end of Lot. 14 Dry morning and warm, the day dry till the afternoon, when there came on a pretty heavy Rain accompanied by some thunder and lightening. Jim and I fixed fence in the forenoon, in the after- noon he took his horse out, and I went to Dundalk. Seen Mr. Campbell, School Inspector, in Dun- dalk. He came and stopped with me at night. [in margin] Sent letter to Ireland / Sch. Insp. here 15 Dry morning, the day dry and warm. Jim went to Shelburne to get from the Clerk of Division Court some money on a judgement he had obtained. 16 Dry morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and Willie worked at digging Cellar for the house which I intend building.* I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [*First mention of the new house to be built on an acre of Lot 220, purchased from Widow Bowler.] 17th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and Wife, Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 18 Dry, warm day, in fact hot. Jim took out his horse. I fixed Brush fence. Sister Margaret came here, also Clark. Willie Lonsway* had came up yesterday and went to Holland today. [*husband of Margaret, Robert’s sister. He probably went to what is now called Holland Landing, on High- way 400, ca. 40 miles north of Toronto.] <p. 40> June 1888 19th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and Hot. Jim and I looked in the forenoon for H. Lonsway’s colt which had got lost from his own place. In the afternoon I dug a cabbage plot. Margaret and Willie are here. [in margin] Hot / Mary’s cow / brought home* [*i.e. Jim and Mary are living with Robert and Nancy.] 20 Cloudy morning, but soon the sun burst through and the day became very hot. No work of any account doing today. John Agnew’s son, Nassau, and Brother John’s Minnie are here. Minnie came up with W. Lonsway. [in margin] Hot 21 Very hot all day and dry. Jim took out his horse. I harrowed the potatoes after gathering the Bugs off them. Sister Margaret and her husband started for Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Hot �331 22 Warm morning, the day dry and Excessively hot, nothing like it in heat past for a long while. Jim and I hauled out manure. [in margin] very / Hot 23 Cloudy morning, a few drops of Rain fell, also a slight sprinkle of Rain about noon, not half enough to lay the dust. We were hauling out manure. I went to Dundalk in the eavning, after Ida and I had sett out about 200 cabbage plants. [in margin] Hot / planted / c. plants. 24th Sabbath. Not so hot as yesterday. H. Lonsway and wife were here. 25 Cool, cloudy day, looking like rain towards night. Jim took his horse on his rounds. I hauled out manure, Eleven loads. <p. 41> June 1888 26th Dry morning, the day dry but quite cool at night. Jim fixed fences, I went to W. Armstrong’s log- ging Bee. 27 Quite cold this morning, so much so that mitts felt comfortable while going for the cows. The day was cool, cloudy and breezy. We done statute labor. Jim went to H. Pate’s Raising in the after- noon and I went to Dundalk. 28 Slight Rain this morning, the day was cloudy and cool, with a very light mizzle of Rain occassion- ally. No work going on today. I made some Township calculations. Jim, his wife, and Ida went with the team to Sam’s. 29 Morning cool and cloudy, the sun got out and the afternoon was warm and bright. I worked with the team doing Statute labor. Jim worked on the Road in the forenoon and took his horse out in the afternoon. 30 Quite cool in the morning, the day dry and the afternoon pretty warm. Jim and Willie hauled out manure. I Fixed up some Township Business and took it to the Post Office. Mrs. R. got home about noon after being away since the 22nd. <p. 42> July 1888 1st Sabbath. Cool morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Mr. Dan Reid and Wife were here in the af- ternoon. 2 Dry, dusty day and pretty warm in the afternoon. We hauled out manure in the forenoon and went in the afternoon to Dundalk to See the Sports. Clark Ran a foot Race of half a mile and won it. There were three others ran against him. 3 Dry day, pretty Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon. Jim took out his horse. I chored around and took some potatoes and Wool to Dundalk in the afternoon. Sold the wool for about .19 1/2¢ cash and the potatoes for .65¢ cash per Bag. 4 Rather cloudy this morning, no dew on the Grass, quite a bit like Rain, Still there was none. Jim plowed, I spread manure. Mrs. Caswell from Medonta Township was here. 5 Bright warm morning, the day pretty warm with a strong wind in the afternoon. Jim plowed. I went to Dundalk. Clark came here from School. 6 Bright morning, the day pretty dry, cloudy in the afternoon, but no Rain fell. Jim plowed. I spread manure in the forenoon. 7 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and warm. Jim went to Joseph Jackson’s Logging Bee. I worked at the Township Books. <p. 43> July 1888 8th Sabbath. Dry day, cloudy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. �332 9 Dry, warm day. I spread manure in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim plowed, Willie helped Johney. 10 Dry day with a few drops of rain in the afternoon. I attended council meeting at Cedarville. Jim was at Sam’s sawing. Willie was at W. Bell’s sawing. I stopped at Cederville all night with the Reeve. 11 Dry morning, the Roads exceedingly dusty. Left for home this morning, got here about one O’clock. Rain in the afternoon. Jim and Willie worked in the potatoe patch. 12 Dry, cool, and Breezy. All the youngsters went to Dundalk, Mrs. R. and I stopped at home. Brother Sam and Phoebe and five children were here. [in margin] J. Trugon / married 13 Dry sunny day. Jim went to help Joseph Jackson to Saw. Willie helped at John Arnold’s sawing. I hoed potatoes. Mr. Elliot of Melancthon took away the Reaper which Jim had traded to S. Bell in part pay for a new Binder. I have had the Reaper for about Four years. It cost me $82.50, Cash, and was a good one. 14 Frost this morning, the day dry and cool. I and Willie worked in the potatoes moulding, etc. Jim is on the sick list with a Bad stomach. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, Got pension $101.00. J. W. Agnew came here this eavning. [in margin] Frost / Got pension <p. 44> July 1888 15th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Joseph W. Agnew, W. Fa[w]cett and wife were here. 16 Dry and warm. Jim spread manure. Willie plowed. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Came home and fixed a trough for the cows to drink out of as the water is all dried up in the pools, then went to Enniskillen cheese Factory and drew my first milk divi- dend $57.00. 17 Cloudy, cool and dry. Jim mowed fence corners. I hoed potatoes. Willie plowed. Mrs. McLaughlin was here. I Bought Brother Sam’s farm, the old Homestead 100 acre Lot 37, 5th Range, Melancthon, for $1500. I paid him today $389.00 Cash. [in margin] Jim began / mowing. 18 Dry, warm and Breezy. I finished hoeing potatoes. Jim mowed. Willie harrowd fallow. Rain about midnight, also thunder and Lightening. 19 Dry and cool. I cleaned out watering place for the cattle on Lot 218. Got plenty of water, it came Boiling up. Jim cut Grass in the afternoon. Willie Raked fence corners. 20 Dry and cool. I Paris Greened the potatoes. Jim cut Grass. Willie mowed around the stumps and also in the fence corners. 21 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm, a slight frost this morning. Jim and Willie worked at Hay making. I wrote some business letters in the forenoon and posted them in the af- ternoon, then helped to put some hay together when I came home. [in margin] Frost <p. 45> July 1888 22nd Sabbath. Rain in the morning, dry in the middle of the day, a shower in the afternoon. 23 Fine morning, the day dry till about 6 P.M., when there came on a slight Rain. I was at Mr. Jas. Roseborough’s Raising of a Frame Barn. 60 X 64 on stone foundation, containing stables under- neath. It was long after night before it was got up. Jim hauled in some hay, Willie helped. 24 Fine morning, the day fine and dry. I helped Jim to haul in hay from Mr. Arnold’s Lot. Willie sulki[=sulky] Raked. 25 Fine morning, the day dry all through. Jim finished mowing. I cut thistle tops in the forenoon and went to [stricken: Dundalk] Johney’s in the afternoon. �333 26 Misty morning. Rain came on about noon, then cleared off and came on again in the afternoon. I helped Johnie to mow in the dry part of the day and went to Dundalk in the eavning. 27 Fine morning, the day dry and cool. I fixed Brush fence in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon, then Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. 28 Dry morning, the day dry but cloudy in the afternoon. I helped John haul in hay and stack it. Jim finished haying at home. 29th Sabbath. Dry day and pretty warm. Jim & Wife, with Ida, went to Mr. McLaughlin’s. <p. 46> July 1888 30th Fine morning, the day dry and the afternoon very sultry and cloudy. Jim and Willie went to Melancthon to help John with his hay. I worked at Township Business in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and drew $500.00 out of the Bank to take with me to Council Meeting tomorrow. I then went to Johney’s and got his horses, took them to the Blacksmith’s and got two shoes sett. 31st A little cloudy in the morning, a few drops of Rain fell about noon, the afternoon dry and warm. I attended a council meeting at Hopeville. S. Rogers, Esq., Reeve of the Township, got his Steam Saw mill burned. I stopped at Hopeville all night. Mrs. R., who had went with me as far as Mr. John Abbott’s, stopped there at night. [in margin] S. Rogers’ S. Mill / Burned August [1888] 1st Bright sunny morning, the day pretty hot. I got home about 10 A.M., took John’s horse then went to Dundalk and deposited $345.00 in Bank. This money I had left after paying all orders presented at the Council meeting yesterday. Mr. George Glazier, an old Resident of Osprey Township, died this night of inflamation of the lungs. [in margin] G. Glazier died 2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I chored around. Jim and Willie are helping Johney in Melancthon at his hay. George Rutherford, Insurance agent, was here and insured the outbuildings for $500.00, & Contents $700.00 for three years in the British America Insurance Company. Premium $12.00. [in margin] Insurance / Barn $500.00, Con. $700.00 <p.47> August 1888 3rd Cloudy morning, a pretty stiff shower came on about noon, and a very heavy rain after night came on. Mrs. R. and I went to George Glazier’s funeral. I went to Dundalk when I came home. Jim and Willie are helping John with his hay. 4 Dark, cloudy morning, the day cloudy all through. Jim and Willie came home from John’s. He got caught in the rain with his haystack. Jim went in the afternoon to help H. Lonsway make a watering trough. Willie and Ida, with their mother, went to Dundalk. I worked at the Township Books. 5th Sabbath. Dry day, and pretty warm 6 Rather cloudy this morning, the day dry but dark, and without much sunshine, a few drops of Rain at night. I helped Brother Sam finish his hay. Jim and Willie helped Johney finish his. 7 Cloudy morning, the day cloudy, warm and dry. I went to Dundalk. Jim and Willie hauled some drags of wood out of the bush to be ready for the sawing machine. 8 Fine morning, the day [dry] and pretty warm. Jim and Willie picked stones in the forenoon and I fixed Brush fence. Jim and I went to Sam McDowell’s Raising in the afternoon. 9 Cool morning, the day cool and dry. Willie and I Bugged potatoes. Jim went to help Joseph Jack- son to Saw. We had a very fine calf got sick with cramps, gave it Laudnum, Spirits of Nitri, Salts, Sp. tinp. [?] & mustard. Also put hot cloths to its Belly. It is something easier. �334 <p. 48> August 1888 10th Frost this morning, though not of much account, did not do much harm. The day dry, cloudy and cool. Jim and I pulled pease. This is our first harvesting and is five days later than last year. [in margin] First Harvesting / Frost 11 Dark morning and cool, the day cool and cloudy with a little sprinkle of rain aabout 3:20 A.M. P.M. Jim had Joseph Jackson with his sawing machine working in the afternoon. He cut about 12 cords of stove wood. I pulled some pease in the forenoon. 12th Sabbath. Cool dry day, cloudy in the afternoon. John and Ina and two Miss Morans were here. 13 Morning dry and cool, a little sunshine through the day. Jim and Willie were jerking out stumps. I put paris green on the potatoes for the second time. 14 Dry morning, the day cool, dry and Breezy. I mended log fence on Lot 219. Jim and Willie were at the saw mill getting some lumber sawn for me. William Armstrong hauled three loads of it to Lot 220. I have bought an acre off the N.E. corner of this Lot from Mrs. W. Bowler. I intend building. 15 Morning wet, the middle of the day dry. Rain at night. Jim and Willie were getting Lumber at the Mill & hauling it. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s, stopped all night. 16 Morning wet, dry and Breezy in the afternoon. Jim & I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and he took his Binder in the afternoon to W. Armstrong’s to cut for him. Heavy rain mixed with large pieces of ice, also thunder in the afternoon. <p. 49> August 1888 17th Rain in the morning, slightly wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and cold towards sunset. Jim jerked some stumps in the afternoon, then went to Dundalk. Willie went to Johney’s to help him saw shingle timber. 18 Dry morning, the day dry and cool. Jim went to finish cutting W. Armstrong’s wheat. I went with G. Rutherford in to Brother Sam’s to get some writings signed. I turned pease when I came home. 19th Sabbath. Dry and cool all day. Mr. McLaughlin and wife, with Mrs. Rose of Toronto, were here. 20 Dry cool day, and quite pleasant. Jim, Willie and I pulled pease. Jim and Willie took a Ram which I had sold to Jim Best for $5.25 up to him in the eavning. 21 Dry and cool. Jim, Willie and I pulled pease. 22 Cool, Breezy and dry. We pulled pease. 23 Cool and cloudy. Jim & Willie pulled pease. I pulled till noon, then went to Shelburne, drew the value of my Post Office Savings Bank cheque, $109.22. 24 Cool and dry. Jim and I finished pea pulling at noon. Willie jerked stumps. 25 Dryu and Warm. Willie, Jim and I hauled in pease. Eight loads, finished all but about 2 Loads. <p. 50> August 1888 26th Sabbath. Warm, Sunny day with a few Rolls of thunder in the eavning. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 27 Cool dry morning, the day cool and Breezy. Jim cut oats with his Binder. A stranger, taking or- ders for Books, whose name was Everett, came across to where Jim was cutting and showed him some things in his Binder which he had not seen. Willie helped D. Reid to haul in his pease, then they hauled in two loads of Jim’s. This finished drawing in pease. I stooked oats. [in margin] Finished hauling in pease. / First Oats cut �335 28 Quite a frost this morning, but done no harm that I could see. I was helping Sam to harvest pease. Jim craddled Barley. Willie went to D. Reid for a month for $13.50. 29 Bright morning, the day fine and dry, pretty warm in the afternoon. Jim craddled Barley and cut roads through the oats for his Binder. Joseph Neithercut was here this afternoon and is going to Build me a house and take a cow in the Spring for his work. 30 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Willie and I raked Barley into sheaves in the afternoon. Jim cut oats. 31 Rain, thunder, and Lightening this morning, the afternoon dry but cloudy. Jim cut oats in the af- ternoon. He used three horses together on the Binder. He had Borrowed one from his uncle Sam. John Montgomery and wife, G. Rutherford and Mrs. Bowler were here. Mrs. Norman McAulay of Proton, aged 88, died this night. [in margin]. Mrs. Norman McAulay / died. <p. 51> September 1888 1st Dry morning, the day dry all through and quite stormy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and stooked oats in the afternoon. Jim cut oats with his Binder. 2nd Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day dry and fine. Joseph Jackson and wife, and Andrew Roe and wife were here. 3 Frost this morning, it done some harm, I think, especially to the late oats. Jim Reaped on T. Ar- nold’s Lot till about 3 P.M., then he went and Reaped for W. Armstrong. W. Armstrong, Mrs. R., Ida and I hauled in Four loads of loose Barley and Raked part of it out of the Swath. We also hauled in Four loads of Bound oats. 4 Dry morning, a slight Rain about 3 P.M., the afternoon dry, cool and windy. Jim Reaped for W. Armstrong till 10 A.M., then came home, craddled roads after dinner and Reaped after tea. Mrs. R. and I stooked till tea. I then cut Roads and tied. Miss _____ Lindsay, Mrs. C. Bell’s grand- daughter from Cannington, was here a while in the afternoon. 5 Cool morning with quite a frost, the day cool, clear and dry. Jim reaped. I cut roads, tied, and stooked up. [in margin] Frost 6 Fine Breezy day, dry. Jim Reaped. I stooked up. [in margin] Frost 7 Dry morning, the day dry and fine. Jim Reaped. I cut Roads. John Jackson came here this eavning and stopped all night. <p. 52> Sept[ember] 1888 8th A Slight Rain fell this morning, and the forenoon was too damp to handle grain in any form. The afternoon was dry. John Jackson stopped till noon. Jim reaped oats for about two hours in the af- ternoon. I stooked up. Mrs. R. helped. [in margin] Big fire in Dundalk / this night 9th Sabbath. Dry and sunny. Sam and Phoebe called here on their way to Henry Gallagher’s. Jim and wife went with them. 10 A slight frost this morning, the day dry and sunny, a good harvest day. Jim and I with one team hauled in about sixt[e]en acres of oats on T. Arnold’s place. The oats were light. We had only sixteen loads. John Oliver came for Mrs. R. this morning before sunrise and took her to see Mrs. Johney Russell in Melancthon. [in margin] Frost / John’s first child / Born, a Girl 11 A slight frost this morning on the low ground, the day sunny and very drying. Jim and I took in the lambs which I had sold to George [Rutherford?]. There were 9 of them and splendid ones. I got $3.50 each. When we came home Jim cut oats with his Binder and W. Armstrong with his team and I hauled in two loads of wheat and three of oats. [in margin] Frost �336 12 Hazy morning, the day cloudy, windy and dry. Jim cut oats with his Binder. W. Armstrong and I hauled in nine loads of oats. Clark helped when he came from school. 13 Windy, cloudy, cool and dry. We hauled in Eight loads of oats with W. Armstrong’s team. H. Lonsway helped Ida and I with seven of them. Jim cut oats with his Binder for W. Armstrong. <p. 53> Sept[ember] 1888 14th Bright, Sunny morning, the day clear and dry, quite a frost in the morning. Jim finished cutting grain for W. Armstrong about 3 P.M. He then came home and cut from tea time. Mr. G. Ruther- ford was here and insured us in the London Mutual Company. House, Barns, outbuildings and contents for $1600. at .90¢ on the dollar. $14.40 premium of insurance. I gathered up some grain on T. Arnold’s place and stooked at home after tea. [in margin] Frost 15 Bright sunny morning, the day beautiful all through, the sun shining bright and the atmosphere hazy. Jim cut some grain (oats and pease) with his binder. I stooked till noon, then went to Dun- dalk and sent away a cheque for $37.75, in letter [?writing unclear] two coupons of School Sec- tions. Came home and shocked up [=stooked] till about sunset, then Jim and I took the team and went and gathered the craddled grain on his rented farm. It kept us till ten O’clock. 16th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day pretty showery. 17 Dry morning, the day dry but cloudy. We finished cutting grain (oats). I stooked after tea. Josua Brinkman and wife and D. Reid and wife were here at night. 18 Dry morning, the day dry and cloudy. Jim and I worked among the grain, Binding and shocking. [in margin] H. Lonsway’s / third Baby / Born. <p. 54> Sept[ember] 1888 19th Dark morning, the day cloudy with a small sprinkling of rain at night. Jim and I hauled some rails and fenced the cabbage plot. Then he plowed till noon, then went to Dundalk. Came home and he and I put in two loads of oats off Mr. Arnold’s place. This finished harvesting on that Farm. 20 Cloudy morning, the day not very drying, Still, some people were hauling in in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I pulled apples in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. Came home and helped Jim to haul in three loads of oats. 21 Cloudy morning, the day alternate clouds and sunshine, not much of a harvest day. I went to Dun- dalk in the morning and sent a telegram to Andrew Russell, 278 Farley Avenue, Toronto, telling him I would meet him at the station on Saturday. Came home and raked and Bound some swaths of oats. Jim and I hauled in one load of oats. We thought the grain to[o] wet. Jim plowed throughout the day. 22 Misty morning, but the mist cleared off about 9 A.M. and the day was sunny and Breezy. I helped to haul [MS haule] in a load of Grain in the forenoon, then went to Dundalk to meet Andrew Rus- sell, who came up on the noon train from Toronto. We hauled in Oats and pease mixed in th af- ternoon. Nine loads in all, it being the produce of about six acres. <p. 55> Sept[ember] 1888 23rd Sabbath. Dry sunny day. We went to Johney’s. 24 Beautiful morning, the day dry and warm, the sky quite hazy, almost like Indian summer. I went in the morning to Dundalk to see Mr. Traynor, the surveyor, came home and Jim and I hauled in three loads of oats. This finished the harvest and a long one it was. Began on the 10th of August. The weather was pretty favourable all through, but we did not come speed.* There were 75 Loads of all kinds of Grain. Jim and wife, Clark and Ida and Andrew Russell drove to Dundalk after tea. �337 [in margin] Finished Harvesting. [*= but even with good weather, we did not finish the season’s work quickly.] 25 Dark morning, the day dry with the exception of a slight shower of Rain about 5 P.M. Jim went to John Gott’s threshing. I Broke Ground for the house on Lot 220 Proton, dug three post holes. Andrew left for Toronto on the 5 O’clock afternoon train. [in margin] Andrew / left for Toronto 26 Misty morning, the day cloudy, a slight sprinkling of Rain occasionally. I finished digging post holes. Jim is sick with a cold. 27 Wet morning, the day showery and cold. I wrote some letters in the forenoon and took them to the post office in the afternoon. I went from there to Enniskillen cheese factory and got my Second milk payment ($62.00). Jim was at W. Armstrong’s threshing in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent letters to / W. Russell, Ireland / & W. Russell / Arthur City P.O. / St. of Texas. <p. 56> Sept[ember] 1888 28th Quite cold this morning, with a very hard frost, the day cool all through, a little snow fell about one P.M. Jim helped me in the forenoon to put in five posts in the new house on Lot 220, then he went to W. Armstrong’s threshing and took Willie’s place, who came home and went to plowing in the afternoon and in the afternoon drove his mother to Dundalk. I was digging out the cellar. 29 Cold, raw morning, the day chilly all through, quite a shower of snow about 4 P.M. It fell thick and fast and covered the ground well. I bought a ram lamb from Mr. John Arnold for $3.50. Clark Willie traded steers with D. Reid and gave him $5.00 difference. Clark and I were digging cellar. Willie was plowing and Jim was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Mrs. Rose of Toronto and Jo- seph W. Agnew are here. [in margin] Snow 30th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, and some more fell during the forenoon, the afternoon seen the most of it gone, it is quite wintery-like. Sam and Phoebe came here in the af- ternoon. Mrs. Rose and child are here. [in margin] Snow <p. 57> October 1888 1st Wet morning, the forenoon showery, the afternoon dry. Jim went to Walter Bell’s threshing in the forenoon. I finished digging the cellar in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the afternoon and drove Mrs. Rose to Mr. McLaughlin’s at night. 2nd Cold morning, the day very chilly and a fall of snow at night. I attended a council meeting in Dundalk. Willie plowed. 3 Ground covered with snow this morning. It melted some through the day, still, the day was very wintery-like. Joseph Neithercut came here and we started in the afternoon to take out timber for the foundation of a house I am about to build. [in margin] Snow / J. Neithercut / came to work / Mrs. Yourex[?] committed suicide 4 Cold, Raw morning, the day chilly all through. Jim, Mr. Neithercut and I worked at getting out timber and hauling it to the place. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Went S. Bell’s Bailsman for $500. He is collector of taxes for the village of Dundalk. [in margin] Snow 5 Another cold wintery-like morning. We were working at laying the foundation of the House and digging drain from cellar. Willie plowed. 6 Sharp frost this morning, the day pretty fine with a good deal of sunshine. Jim and I with Joseph Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed with the exception of the time he was hauling a load of lumber from the Saw Mill. <p. 58> October 1888 �338 7th Sabbath. Rain in the morning but it cleared up and the afterboon was dry with the exception of a very slight mizzle. Johney and wife and daughter and Henry Lonsway & Wife were here. 8 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and cold. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the new house. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked half a day at it. 9 Cold morning, the day chilly all through. Mr. Neithercut was working at the house. Jim was at H. Jackson’s sawing. Willie plowed. I was on the Sick list, Billiousness, I think. 10 Sharp frost this morning, but the Sun got out and the day was fine. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon and contracted for some flooring at $18.00 p[er] thousand (Burch[=birch] dressed), Window Sash @ .65 each, panel door $2.50, Battin doors, 5 at $1.25 each. I paid John McDowell Balance of his account in full for sawing ($9.15). I had paid him $10.00 before this. In the afternoon I helped raise potatoes. Mr. Neithercut was helping. We took up about 70 Bushels. They are not so good a crop as last year. I also entered some things for the show fair. [in margin] Clark went to Board / at Johney’s 11 Fine morning, the day dry and pleasant. We worked at the house. Willie plowed. 12 Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed. In the afternoon all of us but Mr. Neithercut, went to Dundalk Sh[ow]. fair. <p. 59> October 1888 13th Wet morning, the forenoon pretty wet, the afternoon dry. I went in the forenoon to Johney’s to see about some shingles. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed. 14th Sabbath. Cool and dry. Mrs. T. Carson and her son James were here. 15 Quite a hard frost this morning, the day dry, cool and cloudy. I raised six bags of potatoes. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked at the house. Willied ploughed. 16 Wet morning, the day cloudy and slightly wet. Mr. Neithercut and I worked at the house. Willie plowed. Jim went to the Sale of the late G. Glazier. 17 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering with several showers. Willie plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to the farm of the late G. Glazier for some things that Jim had bought. Mr. Neithercut, Jim and I worked at the house. 18 Dark morning, the day dark but dry. Jim went to J. Patterson’s plowing Bee. Willie tried to plow in the forenoon, and helped at the House in the afternoon. J. Neithercut & I worked at house. 19 Wet morning, wet at noon and cold and damp in the afternoon. I went along with S. Bell to judge some plowing in Melancthon. There were Eleven competed. Prize a Ewe Lamb. Jim won it. James Patterson gave it. <p. 60> October 1888 20th Ground covered with snow this morning, the day was one of alternate showers of snow, Rain and sunshine. It finally wound up with snow and a sharp frost. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and settled some accounts for hardware and lumber. Came home and went to J. Mills’ threshing in the afternoon. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. & Ida pulled ap- ples in the forenoon and Mrs. R. went with Johney in the afternoon to see his Baby who is sick. [in margin] John’s Baby Girl died / at night 21st Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, pretty cold day all through. We went to the Burial of Son John’s little Baby Girl. She was only about Six weeks old when she died. She was buried in the church yard of the Union Church. 22 Pretty hard frost this morning, and the morning chilly. The sun got out and the day was milder in the afternoon, looking almost like Rain at night. I was at J. Mills’ threshing. Willie plowed. Jim �339 and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Mrs. Jas. Maxwell fell out of her waggon on her way to Dundalk and broke her leg. [in margin] Mrs. Maxwell / Broke her leg. 23 Dark, misty morning, the day dark and a slight mizzle of Rain fell during the afternoon. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked at the House. I went to J. Mills’ threshing in the forenoon and to D. Reid’s in the afternoon. Willie ploughed in the forenoon and went to the threshing in the afternoon. <p. 61> October 1888 24th Dark morning, the day dark and showery and cold. I was at Dan Reid’s threshing in the forenoon and chored around home in the afternoon. Jim and Joseph Neithercut worked at the house. 25 Beautiful day all through, mild and sunny. I and J. Neithercut shingled. Jim had the threshing machine this afternoon. [in margin] threshed 26 Dry morning, but the sky got overcast and the day was slightly wet. J. Neithercut worked at the house. Jim finished threshing at home. He has about 780 Bushels of oats or 26 Bushels to the acre, and 20 of wheat or 10 Bushels to the acre. Both oats and wheat are good. He kept about 2 1/2 acres of oats in the sheaf to cut for his horses. I had six acres mixed oats and pease. Threshed all but one load, have about 180 Bushels. Andrew Lonsway was at the threshing and got a very bad fall. He slid from the scaffold to the top of the chaff house and fell from there to the Barn floor. He struck on his head and Breast and broke his breast bone. He was in Excruciating agony for about two hours till the Doctor came and injected something (I think morphine) into his arm. [in margin] A. Lonsway / got hurt. / Got letter from / Mrs. W. Russell / Arthur City P.O. / Texas 27 Wet morning, the day showery till about 3:30 P.M. when it cleared off. Jim was threshing at Mr. Arnold’s. His grain there did not turn out well. He has only about 400 Bushels of oats, or 20 to the acre. 50 Bushels of Barley or 8 to the acre, 120 Bushels of pease, or 12 to the acre. The grain is good, but not much of it. [in margin] Pigs put up / to fat <p. 62> October 1888 28th Sabbath. Changeable day. Rain and Shine alternately. 29 Showery and sunshine, snow falling at night. Jim and Willie with three Horses at H. Lonsway’s threshing. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Mr. Neithercut worked at the house. 30 Rather dark morning and considerable of snow on the ground. The sun got out and the day was pretty fine. Jim and Mr. N[eithercut] worked at the house. Willie ploughed. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. I sat up all night with Andrew Lonsway. 31 Fine morning, the day particularly fine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with some Rain. Willie ploughed in the forenoon and went to Johney’s in the afternoon for some shingles. I slept in the forenoon and Raised the Balance of our potaotes (4 Bags) in the afternoon. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked at the house. November [1888] 1st Fine morning, the day unusually mild, just balmy enough to be about the middle of May. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. I Raised beets and banked the house. Willie ploughed. [in margin] Heard / Frogs 2 Fine morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon overcast. Jim and J. N. worked at the house. I dug drain in the dry part of the day, nailed on Boards on the inside in the wet. Willie ploughed. <p. 63> November 1888 �340 3rd Squally morning, the afternoon pretty fine, with a clear sky at night. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie ploughed. I dug cellar drain in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon. 4th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day very mild. 5 Mild, moderate day, dry and warm. Willie ploughed. Mrs. R. went to see Mrs. W. Fawcet. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. I dug cellar drain. 6 Cloudy morning, the day [warm?] but watery-like. The afternoon a little bright. I dug drain in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Sam’s. From there to the School House, then Clark and I went to Dundalk. Willie ploughed. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. [in margin] Got a letter / from Bell’s Robert. 7 Fine morning, the [day] fine, dry and Balmy. I finished drain digging in the forenoon, went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Clark and I attended* at a land Sale. Clark has bought a Lot of 100 acres of Good Bush Land for [dittography: for] $625.00. $200. to be paid in Cash in thirty days, the Balance in yearly instalments of $50.00 with interest at the rate of 6 1/2 per cent per annum. (Lot 29, Con 4, Township of Melancthon N.E.). Willie and I Brought home the Glass, Window Sash & doors for House. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at house. I paid $2.50 for a panel door, $1.25 a piece for five Batten doors & .65 a sash for 9 window sashes, $4.40 for felt paper, or 2 1/2 ¢ per pound, and $6.35 for Glass putty, and Lock, hinges, door Latches, screw nails, etc. [*attended at = were present at.] <p. 64> November 1888 8th Snowing this morning, then it turned to rain and continued coming down all evening. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed in the forenoon, and papered house in the after- noon. [in margin] Cattle stabled / 1st time this fall 9 Slight mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for a pair of Boots, some glass & Hinges. In the afternoon I covered in drain. Willie plowed. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the House. Rev. R. Gordon, W. Lonsway and daugher Annie, and R. Da- vison were here. [* W. Lonsway is brother-in-law, husband of Margaret Russell; Richard Davison is uncle of Mary Davidson Russell, Robert’s daughter-in-law.] 10 Wet morning, slightly wet in the forenoon and a little Rain in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the forenoon. I worked at covering drain. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. 11th Sabbath. Pretty cold day, the Roads very muddy. Johney and Ina were here. 12 The Ground covered with snow this morning. Several showers of snow during the forenoon, the afternoon finer. Willie plowed in the forenoon. I finished covering in House drain. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the House. 13 Quit a bit of snow on the Ground this morning, But the sun got out and the most of the snow had disappeared about 3 P.M. Willie plowed. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. I worked at the Township Books. <p. 65> November 1888 14th Mild morning, the day Balmy and dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and lifted Clark’s note of $150.00 which he gave to Robert Duncan about two hours previous. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie plowed. D. Reid helped with his team. Skeffington Bell was here. 15 Fine day, mild and nice. Jim hauled a load of cheese from Enniskil[l]en to Dundalk in the fore- noon and worked at the house with Mr. Neithercut in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I put on felt pa- per. Willie plowed in the afternoon. �341 16 The ground covered with snow this morning, the day cold. Mrs. R. and I put paper on the inside of the house. Jim got some lumber from Dundalk. J. Neithercut worked at the house. Willie ploughed. 17 Wintery-like morning, the afternoon mild. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie went to Mr. Nicholes’ threshing. Jim and J. Neithercut worked at the house. 18th Sabbath. Cold day, a little snow fell in the afternoon. Sam and Phoebe were here. I left at one O’clock and walked to Hopeville, stopped all night. 19 Soft morning, a little rain, the day mild, with a sharp frost at night. Jim and Mr. Neithercut worked at the house, I went from Hopeville to Cederville to Council meeting and stopped with Mr. Rogers (Reeve) all night. G. Johnson also stopped. <p. 66> November 1888 20th Cold morning, the day very sharp although the sun shone out bright. G. Johnson and I left Cederville this morning and came to his place, we got there about 1:30 P.M. I had dinner there and then walked home. 21 Another sharp morning, the day pretty cold, Freezing all the time. I went to Mr. C. Johnson’s in the forenoon and got $48.25, the last payment for milk. We had put in to his factory 23655 pounds, and got for that $161.25. Paid H. Lonsway for hauling milk to factory $13.75, which only left $147.50, or 6¢ 2 m[ills] per gal. of ten pounds of milk. 22 Cold morning, the afternoon warmer. Jim and Willie went to the mill for lumber. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon to meet the collector, got $1525.00 from him and deposited it in the Bank there. 23 Pretty sharp morning, the afternoon finer with a good deal of sunshine. I chored around. Willie helped his mother to put felt paper on the house. Jim was at J. Brinkman’s threshing. [in margin] Steer put up / cattle took / to Arnold’s 24 Mild morning, the day almost like a thaw, a slight fall of snow in the afternoon. Jim was at J. Brinkman’s threshing. Willie was at Walter Bell’s threshing. Johney & wife were here. I went to Brother Sam’s. 25th Sabbath. Pretty cold morning, the afternoon milder. <p. 67> November 1888 26th Cold morning with some snow falling during most of the day. Keen freeze. Jim worked at the House. I done chores. Willie hauled a load of hay to Dundalk for H. Lonsway. 27 Mild morning with a tendancy to thaw, the afternoon soft and the snow melting. Jim worked at the house. Willie hauled firewood home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 28 Soft morning, the day mild, the snow disappearing. Jim and I worked at the House. Willie at A. Lons[way]’s threshing. 29 Soft morning, the day soft with a slight fall of Rain. Jim and I worked at the House. Willie was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. 30 Soft morning, the day mild with a snowfall in the afternoon. Jim finished working at the House. I helped. Willie was at Mr. Lonsway’s threshing in the forenoon, and in the afternoon drove Mrs. R., Ida & Mary to Dundalk. December [1888] 1st Sharp morning, the day rather cold. I went to Dundalk. Jim helped J. Jackson to saw at J. John- son’s. Willie helped John Arnold to cut feed. 2nd Sabbath. Rather milder than yesterday, considerably softer in the afternoon. �342 3 Mild day with snow falling at night. We butchered Hogs, 4 in number, two of Jim’s and two of mine. W. Lonsway helped. Johney was here. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs <p. 68> December 1888 4th Mild day with a little snow. Jim cut oat sheaves with Mr. John Arnold’s cutting Box. Mr. Arnold helped him. 5 Mild day. Jim finished cutting and took home the Box and Horsepower.* Johney was here and took home his two sucking pigs which he had left here to get fed up a little for him. I traded a three year old horse to him for his Mare, Gerty (16 years old again this spring), an even trade if the mare is with foal. I worked at the Township Books in the afternoon. [*the cutting box, for chop- ping oat sheaves (both straw and grain) for animal feed, is powered by a gear mechanism, driven by radial arm pulled in a circle by horses.] 6 Mild morning, the day pretty mild, but cloudy. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Ida papered the new house. Willie chored around. 7 Mild morning, the day mild but cloudy. Jim went to John Irvin’s threshing. I fixed a Bin in the cellar for potatoes in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Willie and I picked them out of the pit and hauled them to the cellar. There were 23 Bags. Mrs. R. & Ida finished papering the house. Mary helped. 8 Fine morning, the day mild. Jim went to the Grist Mill with wheat. Willie helped W. Lonsway put straw in the Barn in the afternoon. Clark wrote out the receipts and payments, also assets and Liabilities, of the Township of Proton from the 1st of January (till the 15th Dec., inclusive). [in margin] Phoebe & Sam / here in the afternoon <p. 69> December 1888 9th Sabbath. Very fine morning, the day fine. Mrs. R. and Ida went to T. Carson’s. Jim and Mary went to Johney’s. 10 Beautiful day, mild and balmy, the sun shone out pleasantly in the afternoon. We moved from Lot 215, Where we had lived for about 26 years to a House which I got Built on an acre of Land which I purchased from Widow Bowler on the North-West* corner of Lot 220, Gravel Road, Township of Proton. Jim has purchased the old Homestead, 100 acres for $2500.00. I bestow him $900.00 of purchase money and he pays me $100.00 a year without interest for 16 years, then he is done paying. I hope he will do well. [in margin] Moved to the / New house. [*a slip: it is the North- East side of Lot 220, as noted earlier, 14 August 1888. Only the east side of Lot 220 Proton is on the Gravel Road; since the road runs diagonally NW-SE, it is possible that Robert is seeing his acre lot as north-west, relative to the other corner (SE) of the lot on the Gravel Road.] 11 Mild day all through, the sleighing very poor on some parts of the Roads. I went to Dundalk and got a draft for the full amount of Co[unty] Rates and sent it to the Co[unty] Treasurer. 12 Quite cold this morning, the day cold, Blowing and snowing, especially at night. The snow came down fast and furious. Mrs. D. Reid and little ones visited us in our new house. I fixed the shed on T. Arnold’s place to make it warmer for my cattle. Jim came and fixed a little Jessamine Bow- er [?is this for a cow?]. 13 Cold stormy morning, the day Blowing and Freezing. Willie is going to do my chores and Jim’s through the winter. He is stopping at Jim’s as most of my stock is there. <p. 70> December 1888 �343 14th Rough stormy morning, the day decidedly cold and stormy till near night, when it moderated. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim’s Mary came down a while at night. 15 Mild morning, the day softening and some rain fell in the afternoon. Quite a thaw through the night. I took the Mare, Gerty, and went to a council meeting at Hopeville. The mare showed signs of sickness on the way, kept looking at her left side and was quite dull. I put her into the stable at Hopeville and Blanketed her. In about half an hour she was wet with sweat. When council meet- ing was over at about 11 P.M. I gave her about an ounce of spirits of sweet nitre in some warm water. She seemed to get something better but I thought it best to stop all night. [in margin] Rain 16th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day generally wet. I left Hopeville about 9 O’clock and got home about 1 P.M. We gave the mare about a quart of spring wheat, this, I think, done her good. I be- lieve her sickness was brought on by smelling Blood where we had been Butchering hogs previous to going to Hopeville. Mary and Jim were here this eavning. [in margin] Rain 17 Still thawing, but the day turned colder in the afternoon, and snow began falling. The roads are in a glare of ice. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited $1500.00 township funds in the Bank. Mary was here this eavning. <p. 71> December 1888 18th Cold stormy day, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I only done the feeding of the cattle in the Rented Farm. Clark was here all night. 19 Cold morning, Blowing, Snowing and freezing till after dinner, when the wind abated something. The afternoon was cold without the high wind. I done the chores for Willie as he was chopping. Mrs. R. and Ida went to Dundalk in D. Reid’s sleigh. 20 Windy morning, the day pretty chilly with a very high wind at night. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and returned a suit of clothes to Mr. F. Nixon, they did not fit. I got another suit from him for the same price, $12.50. Johney and Ina called this eavning. 21 Cold stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing, the afternoon was intensely cold, piercing frost. I brought three of the cows from Jim’s place to T. Arnold’s farm as I think that will equalize the fodder. Jim took two Bags of Grain (oats and pease) to the mills in Dundalk to be chopped for me. He did not get it done, as the mills were not working. Gilbert McConnel[l], Collector of Tax- es, was here this night and paid over the Balance of Collection. [in margin] Very cold 22 Sharp morning, the forenoon very cold, the afternoon milder. I went with the Collector in a Buggy to a council meeting at Hopeville in the afternoon. He drove me half the way home at night and I walked the rest of the Road. Got home about midnight. <p. 72> December 1888 23rd Sabbath. Mild morning, the day mild and the snow melting, thaw wind. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Thaw 24 Mild morning, the snow disappearing, the day was soft all through. Jim fixed up the small house a little for me. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night. [in margin] Thaw 25 Wet morning, the day slightly showery and rather unpleasant for outdoor sports. We had with us for the day Brother Sam and Phoebe and their children, except Willie and Madella, also Jim and his Wife, John and his wife, and Clark and Willie. Mrs. R. and all our family went at night to the Christmas anniversary in Dundalk. Dan Reid and his wife also went and left their three little girls in my keeping till they would come back. Johney gave me a Christmas present of a handsome pair of slippers and Ina gave Mrs. R. a present of another pair. [in margin] Christmas / Rain �344 26 Soft morning, the thaw still continues, the Roads are getting decidedly sloppy. The afternoon a slight mizzle of Rain. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to get the printer to correct an error which he had made in the Proton accounts. He promised to correct it in tomorrow’s paper. 27 Frost has set in this morning and some snow with it. There fell a little snow during the day, there was also a cold wind. I fixed a way in T. Arnold’s Barn to feed the cattle without throwing the feed out of the Barn doors. <p. 73> December 1888 28th Sharp frost this morning, the day cold, the Roads very rough. Some go with waggons and some with sleighs. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 29 Dark, mild morning, the day dark but not cold. Jim and wife and Willie were here at night and they with Ida and Mrs. R. went to Dan Reid’s at night. 30th Sabbath. Soft morning, the day mild. Mrs. R., Ida and I went to Jim’s in the eavning. 31st Another change this morning, snow falling and the air pretty cold. The snow ceased about 11 A.M., the afternoon was pretty mild. Jim took the team and Democrat waggon and we went to Hopeville to the Nomination. There was quite a stormy time there for a while. Candidates telling all what they would do for the good of the Township if Electetd, other candidates trying to find fault with the doings of the old Council. Jim and I left about 5:30 P.M. and came home. The Old Year is going out quickly and while taking a Retrospective glance I find that We have nothing to regret but many things to be thankful for. We have all had our health which is a great Blessing, in fact the greatest blessing in store for mankind. I hope and trust the new Year may be as kind to us as the old. <p. 74> January 1889 1st A little sharp this morning, the middle of the day and the afternoon milder. Scarcely any sleigh- ing, a little snow on the roads but not enough. The waggons are running. I and Willie hauled two loads of wood home, then I fed the cattle and chored around. 2 Pretty nice morning, the day mild but not much sunshine. I went to Dundalk. Jim, Mary & Willie were here a while at night. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland 3 Beautiful morning, the sun rose clear, the day was one of sunshine and mildness. I helped Jim cut a sleigh Road in the swamp. [in margin] Letter from / Hauty 4 Beautiful morning, mild and Balmy, just like a lovely Spring day all through. I helped D. Reid clean up two loads of oats, and worked at Twp. Books for about two Hours. 5 Not quite so nice a day as yesterday, there was a fog, with a cold Raw wind prevailing all day. I helped Jim in the forenoon to cut a Road in the swamp and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk. [in magin] 12 Sheep took / to D. Reid’s 6th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day soft, with a snow storm in the eavning which lasted long enough to make good sleighing. Johney and Ina were here. 7 Calm, mild day and very fair sleighing. I went to the Municipal Election held on Lot 220, third Range. I voted then went to Dundalk and done some Business. Came back to the poll and stopped to help count the Ballots. <p. 75> January 1889 8th Mild morning, the day mild, the snow softening. Jim and Henry Lonsway Butchered a fat steer for me in the forenoon. I took the hide which weighed 75 pounds to Dundalk and sold it for Four cents per pound. �345 9 Soft morning, with a tendancy to Rain, which came on about 11 A.M. and continued Raining till about 4 P.M., when it turned to a severe snow storm with a very high wind. I went to Mr. James Kinnear’s Lot 35, fifth Con., Melancthon, to write out his last Will. He is 72 years of age and pretty bad with Rheumatism in the region of the heart. Jim was out in Melancthon preparing for the S[awing] Machine. Clark came here from School this eavning. [in margin] Wrote out / James Kinnear’s / Will 10 Very stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, very high wind. The Roads are filling up badly, great banks of snow accumulating. The day from morning till night was a regular Blizzard. [in margin] Big storm 11 Another stormy day, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing from morning till night, great drifts in the fence corners and on the Roads. I enlarged the shed for the cattle on T. Arnold’s place, and helped Jim to clean a load of pease in the afternoon. D. Reid and Wife were here a while at night. 12 Pretty fine morning, the sun rose bright and clear, the day was a little sharp, but pleasant. There is now good sleighing except where the snow banks have not been broke through. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon, and when I came home helped Willie haul some wood. <p. 76> January 1889 13th Sabbath. Pretty mild day all through. Mrs. R., Ida and Willie were visiting at Mr. T. Carson’s. J. Ella Arnold was here at night. 14 Beautiful morning, the sun rose clear and mild, the day was one of sunshine. Jim and Johny were sawing with the machine on Johney’s Lot. 15 Another fine morning, the day mild and pleasant. Jim and Johney were sawing on John’s Lot. 16 Soft-like morning. Rain came on about 11 A.M. and the afternoon was decidedly wet. I got my sheep (12) from D. Reid’s place. I had them there for nine days. Jim hauled a load of 12 foot Ce- dar logs for his uncle Sam to Dundalk. [in margin] Rain / Thaw 17 Sharp morning, the snow in a great measure gone, the Ground tightening up again with frost. The wind rose in the afternoon and there also was a little snow fell. [in margin] My Birth day / 53 years of age 18 Rather chilly this morning, the afternoon milder, a little snow falling occasionally. Very cold at night, the Roads are in a sheet of ice. I went to Dundalk. D. Reid was here a while at night. 19 Very sharp morning, the day freezing although the sun shone most of the time. Jim and Willie went to H. Lonsway’s sawing. I chored around and done Jim’s chores. <p. 77> January 1889 20th Sabbath. Very Stormy day. High wind, Frost and snow. 21 Blowing, snowing and freezing all day. I got Jim’s Grey horse and went to a Council Meeting at Hopeville. I stopped all night. 22 Milder morning than yesterday, the middle of the day and afternoon mild and sunny. I left Hope- ville and got home at noon. 23 Rather soft in the morning, and decidedly so before night. Bright sun and soft wind. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 24 Mild day all through, the sleighing is getting quite thin. 25 Bright sunny morning, the day lovely, sunshine all through, the snow disappearing. Jim hauled me a load of stove wood from Melancthon in the forenoon, and Willie hauled me one in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. �346 26 Beautiful, sunny morning, the day one of sunshine and also a mild, balmy air. I helped Jim in the swamp to cut some cedar [MS ceadar] posts. 27th Sabbath. The Bushes covered this morning with hoar frost. Like a thaw, but snow came on about noon and snowed all day. I went to see Mr. Kinnear who is sick. <p. 78> January 1889 28th Snow falling this morning and kept snowing all day. I worked at the Township Books. 29 A little snow fell during the forenoon, the afternoon without snow and pretty frosty. I helped Jim to cut cedar posts. 30 Quite a keen frost this morning, the day sharp all through, with a snow storm at night. I helped Jim cut posts. 31 The Roads very heavy this morning, the day cold and stormy, especially at eavning. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Brother John and wife, with cousin Mary Murphy, came here this eavning. The women stopped all night, John stopped at Jim’s. February [1889] 1st Very sharp morning, the day cold. Johney came down about noon then he and the women went to H. Lonsway’s after dinner. Thos. McKee’s son, Thos., died yesterday of Typhus fever. He is to be buried this afternoon. Jim is now gone to the funeral. He was a young Britton and the Brittons therefore bury him. Brother John stopped here all night. [in margin] Thos. McKee / Junior Buried 2 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and freezing, which was the general features [MS feautures] of the day. John went to Son Jim’s and in the afternoon to John’s. The Township auditors, Alex Gillespie and Thos. Laughlin, were auditing my Books as Township Treasurer. [in margin] Audi- tors / here <p. 79> February 1889 3rd Sabbath. Mild day with a slight snowfall. Mrs. R. and I went to Br. Sam’s at night. 4 Mild morning, almost like a thaw, the day soft till the afternoon when there came on a snow storm with pretty high wind. John and Wife went to the Faucet’s. Phoebe and Mary Murphy were here. 5 Snow falling this morning, and the day very cold, intense frost, the Roads so heavy that the folks could not get home. [in margin] Cold 6 Another sharp morning, Freezing like Greenland, and snow falling, the weather so rough that the folks could not get home. I stopped at Jim’s last night. We brought seven head of the cattle from T. Arnold’s as the feed at that Barn is getting short. [in margin] Very cold 7 Another very sharp morning, snowing, Blowing and Freezing, the Roads very heavy, as no teams have ventured out lately. The folks are still storm Bound. [in margin] Cold 8 Something milder this morning, the day pretty calm, the storm seems to be abated. John and wife, with Mrs. Mary Murphy, left this morning for home. Jim helped me fix the stove pip[e]s which were smoking Badly. 9 Mild morning, but quite a lot of snow fell during the night. The day quite mild all through. <p.80> February 1889 10th Sabbath. Rather milder this morning than yesterday, some snow fell. Mrs. R., Ida and Willie went to hear the Salvation Army at Maxwell [? tiny script] �347 11 Another snowfall during the day and the afternoon snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a very stormy afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. Mrs. John Gott was here in the afternoon. I worked at copy- ing the defaulters from Collector’s list into Defaulters’ Book. 12 A very sharp morning, with quite a snowfall during the night. A very keen freeze about noon. The people passing on the Road seem scarcely able to keep themselves from Freezing. I finished copying defaulters. 13 Rather cold this morning, but the sun got out and shone for quite a while. I helped D. Reid to put on a load of hay. 14 Bright, sunny morning and the day was clear and sunny. More sunshine today than has been for the last ten days all put together. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. McLaughlin was here. 15 Sharp cold morning, the day sunny but cold. Mrs. R. got Gerty and the cutter and started for Johney’s this morning. I worked at the Township Books. 16 Dark morning, the atmosphere heavy, the wind high and indications of a thaw. The wind pretty high all day. I went to Dundalk after helping D. Reid to put on a jag of hay. [in margin] Sent / let- ters to R. Clark / & R. Clark [*perhaps his son R. Clark, and an Irish relative of his mother, Anne Clark Russell; see May 16, 1889] <p. 81> February 1889 17th Sabbath. Mild morning, thawing a little. It rained last night. Jim's wife gave birth to a baby last night, or very early this morning. It's a girl. [in margin] Jim’s first / Baby born. 18 Quite a sharp morning, the day pretty cold, a snow storm came on about noon, and continued all afternoon and night. I went to see James Kinnear who is very sick. 19 Cold snowy morning, the snow kept falling till after noon when it cleared off. The afternoon stormy, but a sharp frost. 20 Stormy morning, blowing, snowing and freezing, the day generally cold with a strong wind and occasionally a snow shower. Phoebe was here a while. I went to see Sam, where he was taking out Barn timber on the rear end of his Lot for Walter Bell. The road was drifted badly and it was a tiresome walk. [in margin] Cold and / stormy 21 Cold, stormy morning, the middle of the day milder. A very strong wind at night, accompanied with snow. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in the margin] Cold 22 Cold morning, the day extremely cold, blowing and freezing with a slight snowfall. The roads are almost impassible. Johney came this way on his way to the grist Mill, but he had to leave his wheat at Jim's, the roads being so bad he could not get through. [in margin] Cold 23 Another very cold morning, the middle of the day cold, and cold at night, blowing, snowing, & freezing. A piercing cold day. D. Pate was here. [in margin] very cold <p. 82> February 1889 24th Sabbath. Sharp morning, and the day cold but not stormy. I went to James Kinnear’s and added a codicile to his Will. I stopped a while at Brother Sam's coming home. 25 Bright sunny morning, the day sunny and sharp, but not near as cold as yesterday. Johney hauled me a load of firewood from Melancthon. The roads are so bad he upset several times, and had to leave part of the load about a mile from here. He brought the part he had left off to me in the af- ternoon. I split and piled it at the house. 26 Pretty sharp morning, the day generally cold, with a snowfall in the afternoon. I attended a meet- ing of Proton council held in Dundalk. It was midnight when they adjourned. The roads were very heavy and I was pretty tired when I got home. �348 27 Fine, mild morning, the day mild with a good deal of sunshine. I helped D. Reid to put on two loads of hay, and to put off one load in Dundalk. 28 Beautiful morning, the day soft and with a Balmy air, feels good after so many very cold days. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, called at W. Bell’s coming home. Mrs. R. and I had tea there. <p. 83> March 1889 1st Fine morning, the day mild, the eavning like spring. Mrs. John Arnold was here. Mrs. R. and I went to her house a while at night. 2 Beautiful sunny morning, the day springlike and warm. Bright sun all day. Mrs. R. brought her geese home this eavning. 3rd Sabbath. Beautiful sunny day. Mrs. R. and Ida went to James Kinnear’s. 4 Fine morning, the day fine all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and got examined by Dr. McWilliams for a cold. He gave me a prescription to be filled by Mr. Parsons, druggist. The examination and medicine cost me $1.15. I went to Brother Sam's in the afternoon. Mrs. Ja[me]s Maxwell and Mrs. John Arnold were here. 5 The weather has changed today, it's colder and Blowing a good deal. I went to Jim’s and Willie and I cleaned up about 150 bushels of Grain. Ja[me]s Kinnear died this night. 6 A pretty sharp day, with some snow falling. 7 Quite a cold morning, the day cold and windy. Mrs. R. and I went with Mr. Arnold to the funeral of James Kinnear. [in margin] Letter from / Willi[am] / Keeter P. O.* / Wise Co. / St. of Tex. / U. S. [*Keeter is about 30 miles NW of Fort Worth, Tx.] 8 Cold, windy morning, the day blowing, snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk and Mr. J Ar- nold and I, who are appointed Executors for the late James Kinnear, consulted James Lamon [MS Laymon], lawyer, regarding our manner of procedure under the Will. <p. 84> March 1889 9th Stormy morning, the day very stormy all through, Snowing and Blowing. 10th Sabbath. Not quite so cold or stormy as yesterday. Sam’s Madella was here all night. 11 Bright sunny morning, the day had a good deal of sunshine and the snow melted considerably. I went with Mr. Arnold in the afternoon to the late J. Kinnear’s and took an inventory of his chat- tels. 12 Fine morning, the day fine all through. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 13 Pretty mild morning, the day mild, and the snow melting. I helped Jim to clean up some oats for market. 14 Something colder than yesterday. Still, there was a little thaw. I helped Jim to clean up some grain in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought one barrel salt for $1.25. 15 Cold morning, but the afternoon milder, and the snow thawed some. I helped Jim to clean up Grain. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night. 16 Fine morning, the day soft and the snow thawing, a great many parts of the road are quite bare. Mrs. R. and I helped Jim to clean up grain. He had about 480 B[ushels] Oats, 64 of Barley, &110 of pease on J. Arnold’s place, or 640 in all. On his own place, about 752 of oats, and 16 of wheat, total 768. Total for Both, 1422 bushels. Sold oats @ $.30 per Bushel. <p. 85> March 1889 17th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day sunny and warm. Jim and Johney and their wives were here. �349 18 Fine morning, the day one of sunshine, the snow melting rapidly. I helped Jim to clean up some barley, then went to Dundalk, and helped Jim to clean up some oats at night. 19 Fine morning, the day pretty warm till the afternoon, when it became chilly, and at night it was pretty cold. Miss Sarah Jackson and Mrs. H. Lonsway were here. The snow is gone off a good deal of the Road, and the waggons are running. 20 Rather a sharp, raw, wind this morning. Still, the snow melted some and the afternoon was milder. I went to brother Sam’s and traded him for cows in calve for a mare coming three years old. She is a serviceable beast except for legs being spavined,* which diminishes her value quite a bit. [*spavin: bony growth on lower hock joint of horse, caused by osteoarthritis; results in lameness] 21 Mild morning, the day mild all through, waggons running. Brother John came up and stopped at Sam's all night. I posted a letter to brother William today containing $20.00, did not register it as I thought it would be safer without. Spring must be coming as I seen Robins. [in margin] Sent let- ter / to Br. William / Keeter P. O. / Wise Co. / Texas [MS Taxes] 22 Bright sunny day, and the snow disappearing. Brother John came out here and he and I went to John Ludlow’s sale. We did not buy anything. He stopped all night with me. [in margin] Saw / Robbin. <p. 86> March 1889 23rd Bright sunny morning, the day fine and warm. I was helping Jim in T. Arnold’s woods to cut some firewood. [in margin] 1st cow / calved / Bossy. 24th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, quite springlike. 25 Cold morning, and the day pretty chilly, but a bright clear sky and plenty of sunshine. I chopped some firewood in T. Arnold’s Bush. 26 Sharp morning, the day mild in the afternoon with a good deal of sunshine. John Agnew came here from Jim’s in the forenoon. We worked in the eavning in the Bush preparing for the sawing machine. There were here at night John Agnew, D. Reid and Wife, John Arnold and Wife, Jim and Mary, Willie, and Johney Maxwell and his sister Maria. 27 Cold morning, the ground froze pretty hard, the afternoon milder and the snow thawing. John Ag- new left for home this morning. I helped Jim in the bush. Joseph Jackson brought his sawing ma- chine to the Bush and set it up this afternoon. I divided the sheep with Jim and gave him four, at $4.00 apiece for three of them, and $5.00 for the other. I brought mine, Eight in number, over to the rented place. I think I can see to them best myself, and dear [k]nows, they need to be cared for! 28 Ground covered with snow this morning, the day cold. I was laid up sick. Jim sawed in the bush with Joe Jackson's machine. He estimates he got about 20 cords cut. The track was bad, had to quit before night. <p. 87> March 1889 29 Cold morning, the day cold all through. Snowing a little, Blowing some, and Freezing a good deal. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 30 Cold morning, the day chilly, with a good deal of sunshine. Clark came here in the afternoon, and is going to stop all night. 31st Sabbath. Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling, but the Fresh snow had all disappeared before night. Mrs. R and Ida went to church in Dundalk. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here in the eavning. April [1889] �350 1st Quite cool this morning, but after the sun got fairly started, the day became warmer and the after- noon was bright. I went to Johney's in Melancthon. He paid me $50.00 as a land payment for the Lot which he lives on. I Expected more, but I guess he found it hard enough to get what he gave me. Only I needed it pretty badly, I would not have asked it of him. I called in to the schoolhouse in which I taught thirteen years ago. The faces of the pupils are all strange. I wrote a few copies but my eyesight said plainly enough, “you are getting old.” 2 Hard frost this morning, and the forenoon rather chilly, the afternoon milder and the roads pretty sloppy. Jim went to the Grist mill for some flour for me. Did not get it as they had none. <p. 88> April 1889 3rd Big snow storm this morning, and plenty more falling. The snow kept coming down till about 3 P.M. I think it fell about 6 inches. Jim hauled three loads of wood in the afternoon with the sleigh. [in margin] Snow storm 4th Sleighing this morning, quite a good deal of snow on the ground, but when the sun got out the sleighing got pretty thin. I attended in the afternoon the auction sale of the deceased J. Kinnear. 5 Mild morning, but quite a good deal of snow on the ground, and a little fell during the day. The roads are getting pretty bad. The snow which fell is turning soft, and the roads are therefore get- ting very muddy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim went to the mill for me and brought Four barells of flour at Five dollars per Brl. He took the sleigh. The first of our lambs came to- day. [in margin] First Lamb 6 Fine morning, the sun shone out strong and the snow disappeared a good deal. The roads got re- markably slushy in the afternoon. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie hauled me six loads of wood out of Jim’s day’s sawing. He had hauled me two very small loads before, and D. Reid hauled me one. About nine, or perhaps nine and a half cords in all I have got from Jim. I posted and registered a letter containing $15 to brother William, Keeter P. O., Wise Co., Texas. $5 of this was given by Sam and $10.00 by John. I had sent $20.00 to Brother William in an unregistered letter on the 21st of last month. I am afraid he did not get it, as he has not replied yet. [in margin] Sent letter to Brother William / Keeter P. O., Wise Co. / St. of Texas, U. S. <p. 89> April 1889 7th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, but quite a hard frost in the morning. W. McKay was here at night. 8 A little cloudy in the morning, and the sun did not shine so much today as yesterday. Still, the day was warm. I split stove wood at the house. 9 Fine morning, the day mild and springlike. I went to Dundalk. Got a letter from brother William, Keeter P.O., Wise Co., St. of Texas, U.S. [in margin] Letter from / Br. William 10 Fine sunny morning, the day beautiful and mild. I split stove wood. 11 Fine morning, sunny and mild, the afternoon cloudy and like Rain. I split wood in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in afternoon. I wrote out a Lease for D. Reid at night, then Mrs. R., Ida and I went to Mr. John Arnold’s and eat* taffy. Got the colt from Sam. [*eat is a spelling for the Irish pronunciation of the past tense of eat (pronounced like et in et cetera), as opposed to current Ca- nadian ate] 12 A little colder this morning, the middle of the day fine, the afternoon chilly. I split stove wood. Proton Assessor (Duncan McKenzie) was here and stopped all night. Assessment on Lot 215 40 acres cleared $750.00 “ 216 10 “ “ $200.00 pt 220* 1 “ “ $50.00 �351 5 days statute labor Lot 217 10 “ “ $300.00 “ 218 35 “ “ $650.00 “ 219 15 “ “ $450.00 7 days statute labor. [*the one acre lot bought from Widow Bowler, site of the new house.] <p. 90> April 1889 13th Very hard frost this morning, the day chilly although the sun shone out Bright. The assessor left this morning. I worked at the Township Books. 14th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, the day nice and sunny. Jim & Mary were here. 15 Hard frost this morning, but the sun got out strong and warm and the day was fine. Mr. John Ar- nold and I went to Melancthon to See about leasing some of the Kinnear farm to Jean Crique. Jim went to Dundalk in the eavning for a new plow and Iron Harrows for me which I had bought from S. Bell, price $14.00 Each. 16 Beautiful morning, the day very fine, warm sun all through, very drying. Jim started plowing. He plowed on the acre on Lot 220 for me. Willie started to plow in the afternoon on the Arnold Farm. The ground turned over nice and dry, never seen it in such fine order so early in the season. Wil- lie’s three year old colt was rather skittish at first, would throw [MS through] herself on the ground, then jump up and kick, but she soon quit that and walked off quietly enough. John McMurdo was here this afternoon to Sell me a Seeder, offered me a first class one for $55.00, But I did not buy. D. Reid and I measured off the acre which I bought from Mrs. Bowler and we put up posts. [in margin] First plowing <p. 91> April 1889 17th Fine morning, the day dry, sunny and warm, the latter part of the afternoon cloudy. Jim’s team plowed for me today. I plowed with them in the afternoon. Willie plowed for me with our own team. Sam got away his three cows from here. 18 A little cloudy in the morning, but the sun shone out during the greater part of the day. The day was pleasant and warm. Willie plowed on the Arnold Farm. I sowed about an acre of mixed grain (pease & oats) for early cattle feed when the grass gets dry and thin. Jim harrowed it. I don’t like my new harrows: they track one pin in the track of the other, therefore I will return them. I went to the horse show in Dundalk in the afternoon. Joseph Neithercut took his cow home. [in margin] First Grain sowen [=sown] 19 Dry morning, the forenoon dry and warm, the Rain came on about 5 P.M., slightly at first, then cleared off and came on again about dark, heavy, with thunder and lightening. I planted about 1 1/2 Bushels of potatoes. This is the Earliest planting that I ever remember of doing. Willie plowed on the Arnold Lot. [in margin] First potatoes / planted. / 2nd Cow calved 20 Fine morning, the day dry and warm with a good deal of sunshine, great growth. I took in a pair of Collars in the forenoon and got two others instead. In the afternoon I picked up some rubbish on the Arnold farm and planted about two pails’ full of potatoes for Jim. Widow Kinnear came here and got the Crique Lease from me. <p. 92> April 1889 21st Sabbath. Hard frost this morning but the afternoon was sunny and pleasant. [in margin] Easter 22 Hard frost in the morning, but the sun got out and thawed it so that the plowing was not stopped. The afternoon was pleasant. Willie plowed on the Arnold farm. I worked at the Township Books, �352 preparing an abstract of Receipts & Expenditure for Bursar of Industries.* [*First indication of re- porting for government statistics as part of Treasurer’s job.] 23 Frost this morning but not enough to stop the plow. The day was cloudy and cool with a stiff Breeze of wind and not much sunshine. Willie worked at plowing on the Arnold farm. I sowed three bags of pease after tea time. Mrs. R. is out at son Johney’s. The cow which J. Neithercut got from me came home yesterday and they took her back this morning. 24 Dark morning, the forenoon dry and pretty warm. Rain came on about one P.M., accompanied by thunder and lightening. The rain was pretty heavy and continued a good while. I sowed three bags of pease. Willie harrowed in the forenoon and plowed from about 5 P.M. Clark is stopping here this night. [in margin] 3[rd] cow calved / (Mary[’s] cow) 25 Dark morning, the day cloudy and a little rain fell. I went to Dundalk. Willie plowed on the Ar- nold Lot. Mr. John Arnold and wife, John Maxwell and his sister Maria, Clark and Willie were here at night, eating taffy. The taffy eating is rather tough work on bad teeth, and I had to make a small quantity do me. [in margin] letter from Brother / William / Keeter P. O. / Texas [MS Taxas] <p. 93> April 1889 26th Dark morning, the day rather cloudy but dry. I plowed for Jim in the forenoon, and in the after- noon planted out six fruit trees which Jim bought for me. There are one Ben Davis, four Man[n]’s, and an early Richmond cherry tree. They are planted on the south west side of the acre in the order named. I then sowed two bags of pease for Jim and two bags of oats for myself. Mrs. Hewitt was here this evening. [in margin] Finished sowing pease / First oats sown 27 Misty morning, a slight rain fell, then cleared off, and came on again about 10 A.M., and cleared off about 1 P.M. There was also a drizzling rain most of the afternoon. Willie plowed on the Ar- nold Lot during the dry part of the day, and I sowed oats (4 Bags) in the afternoon. John McDow- ell and his son Charles came here about 10 A.M. John borrowed $40 from me to be paid in a week. He was very anxious that I should lend him the money, said he could not get it anyplace and that he had two cars of shingles in Toronto and they were on deminage [?charge per diem for storage?]. I gave him a cheque on the Bank in Dundalk for the amount. 28th Sabbath. Dark chilly day from morning till night. Jim and wife, Johnny and his wife, were here. 29 Very cold morning, sleet falling, the day was cloudy, cold and windy, Several showers of sleet. I got Johney's team. He is gone on the jury to Orangeville. I plowed [with] them in the forenoon. Mrs. R. Harrowed with them in the afternoon. I sowed 4 1/2 bags of oats in the afternoon. Willie plowed all day on the Arnold Lot. <p. 94> April 1889 30th Cold morning, the ground covered with snow and more fell during the day. The day cloudy and cold. Last night was so cold ice formed pretty thick on the water in a pail in the dwelling house. I plowed with Johney's team in the forenoon, and Mrs. R. harrowed with them in the afternoon. In the afternoon I sowed 3 1/2 bags of oats. Willie plowed on the Arnold Lot. May [1889] 1st Very hard frost this morning and a little snow on the ground also. The day was chilly all through. I plowed with John's team in the forenoon, and sowed near 6 Bags of oats in the afternoon. Mrs. R. Harrowed with Johney's horses. In the afternoon Willie plowed all day on the Arnold Lot. Bob Mills was here at noon. I paid him $4.00 for 10 cords of stove wood that he cut me in John’s Bush. Johney stopped here all night. �353 2 Sharp morning, a little snow on the ground, the forenoon cold, the afternoon warmer with a trifle of sunshine. Johney took his team home this morning. Willie plowed in the forenoon and Har- rowed in the afternoon on the Arnold Farm. I filled the hole which was intended for cellar on Jim's Lot. Mrs. R. and I were at John Arnold’s at night. 3 Bright morning, but the day got overcast and cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and sowed two Bags of oats for D. Reid in the afternoon. Willie plowed and Harrowed on the Arnold Lot. <p. 95> May 1889 4th Fine morning, the day dry, breezy and pleasant. Willie plowed on the Arnold Farm with the ex- ception of about two Hours when he was planting Early potatoes for himself. Then I plowed for him. 5th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Seen / First / Swallow 6 Sunny morning, the day dry, Breezy and warm. Fine growth. I sowed 5 Bags of oats. Willied plowed and harrowed on the Arnold Farm. Mrs. R. traded off some old irons for a strainer pail. Bob Johnson was here at tea. 7 A little cloudy this morning, but the sun got out and the day was dry and hot. Willie plowed and Harrowed. I sowed about 5 Bags of oats. Ida harrowed for Jim. 8 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, clear and sultry. Willie harrowed on the Arnold Farm. I picked up for Jim in the forenoon and harrowed for him till 6 P.M., then I picked stones on the Ar- nold Lot. Jim, his mother, and Willie went to Dundalk after 6 P.M. [in margin] Got Harness / home 9 Bright sunny morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. Excellent growing weather. I got my new harness home last night from Mr. Tedford, price $35.00, all complete except Bri[t]chen*, which I do not need. The harness appears good and I think they will wear pretty well. Willie and I picked stones, jerked out stumps, hauled away fence into another place and plowed about half an acre on the Arnold Farm. [*harness strap that goes around the rear-end of the horse.] <p. 96> May 1889 10th Dry morning, the day dry and pretty warm about 7 P.M. when there fell a slight shower of Rain. I harrowed for Jim in the forenoon, and sowed some 3 Bags of mixed grain (pease and oats) in the afternoon on the Arnold Lot. Jim sowed on his own Lot in the forenoon and Ganged for me in the afternoon. Willie was plowing and harrowing for Jim. [in margin] Fourth cow Gerty calved / The fruit trees are out in / leaf 11 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Jim Ganged three acres for me on the Arnold Lot. Willie plowed for Jim. I sowed 2 Bags of Mixed Grain, this finished our seeding of Grain. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, paid $30.00 for the Harness which I had got. Renewed my Subscrip- tion for Globe. Jim Harrowed for me in the afternoon. This has been the earliest finish of seeding for me that I rememnber of. [in margin] Finished seeding / Subscribed for Globe 12th Sabbath. Very fine day, dry, sunny and Breezy. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. [in margin] Sam’s Baby / (a Girl) / Born 13 Clear and Bright in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with a slight shower of rain at night. I fixed up fences and chored around. Clark stopped here all night. Ned Mills was here a while with his concertina. W[illie] plowed for Jim. �354 14 Bright morning, the day dry and a good deal of sunshine. I fixed up a milk stand, made a pig trough, and Willie and I went for a pair of sucking pigs to John Duncan’s. I gave $5.00 for them. Willie plowed for Jim. Johney also plowed. Mrs. R. went to Phoebe’s to mind her Baby tonight. <p. 97> May 1889 15th A little cloudy in the morning and cold, the day was generally cool with some thunder and lighten- ing about 7:30 P.M., and a pretty heavy rain. I built fence. Mrs. R. is at Brother Sam’s. Willie plowed for Jim. 16 Warm, cloudy morning, not much sunshine through the day, but very sultry. A splendid growth. I sowed some oats in the forenoon for Jim and went to Dundalk in the afternoon, Mr. John Arnold and I, and got some Sale notes (Re. Kinnear Estate) discounted and paid off the liabilities so far as due. Willie worked the team for Jim. [in margin] Sent letter / to R. Clark / Ireland 17 Fine morning, the day dry, warm and windy, not much sun, the afternoon cloudy. Jim finished sowing grain. Willie harrowed with my team for him. I fixed bars for the cows to come through and then cut some seed potatoes. 18 Bright sunny morning, the day sultry and cloudy in the afternoon. Willie and I hauled out manure and picked stones on the Arnold farm. 19th Sabbath. Sunny morning, the day dry and warm till about 4 P.M., when there came up a Rain and Wind Storm. The wind was very strong while it lasted, but it only blew for a short time. It lev- elled a good many fences and also trees. Jim and Mary, with Baby, were here. <p. 98> May 1889 20th Dry morning, the day continued dry till about 6 P.M., when there came up a Rain storm, light at first, but increased in volumn [=volume] till it was a downright pour. There was some thunder and lightening. We planted our potatoes, about 1/2 acre, on the T. Arnold Lot. Widow Kinnear was here in the afternoon and got from me as Executor of her husband, $30.00 to purchase a cow. [in margin] Finished planting / potatoes 21 Rain early this morning and the day showery, generally, cold and bleak. I went to Dundalk, fixed fence when came home. 22 Another wet cold day, the rain was mixed sometimes with snow flakes. The day was very cold, necessitating the wearing of mitts. I travelled round to get some young pigs, but I did not succeed. I worked at the Township Books in the afternoon. [in margin] Snow / Got papers from / Toronto 23 Frost this morning, ice formed on the water, the ground quite hard, the day was cloudy and cool. I helped Jim to plant 7 Bags of potatoes. [in margin] Frost 24 Chilly morning, the day cloudy and cool, with a very slight mizzle of rain, no sunshine throughout the day. I helped Jim finish planting his potatoes, then he and I fixed fences on the Arnold Farm and [dittog: and] then put seven head of Jim’s young cattle to pasture on the enclosed place. Wil- lie went to Shelburne to see the sports. [in margin] Andrew Russell / here <p. 99> May 1889 25th Chilly morning, the day rather cool all through, a little sunshine. I fixed fences in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 26th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, the day pretty chilly with some sunshine. John and Wife, Jim and wife and Baby, Miss McLaughlin, Miss Susan Davidson, Clark Russell, Andrew Russell, Mrs. John Arnold, Mrs. J. Maxwell, Walter Bell, Miss Eliza Mor[a]n, Miss Maria Mor[a]n*, James �355 Mills and wife and daughter Margaret were here. [in margin] Frost [*Maria Moran and Clark Russell are married 15 Oct. 1890] 27 Cold morning, the forenoon dry, Rain in the afternoon. I attended a council meeting at Hopeville, stopped there all night. 28 Wet morning, and the Rain mixed pretty well with snow. Several showers of sleet and snow through the day. The day is extremely cold and the snow is lying on the west side of the Buildings at night. [in margin] Snow 29 Very hard frost this morning, ice a quarter of an inch thick. The day was dry till about 5 P.M., when it began to rain and is now (9:15 P.M.) Raining pretty smartly. I helped Jim in the forenoon to make a Brush fence. Then Willie and I cleaned up some tailings. I went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon and got Mr. S. Bell to Send for seven Road scrapers for the Township, price $9.25 each, delivered at Dundalk. Sold Six lambs to James Best at $3.13 (Three 13/100 dollars) each. He paid me $2.00 on the bargain. The lambs to be delivered the first week in September. [in margin] Hard frost / Ice / Sold Lambs $3.13 each <p. 100> May 1889 30th Wet morning, Rain at noon, Rain at night, a steady wet day, and has been Raining incessantly from 5 P.M. yesterday till now (9:09 P.M.), without the least sign of ceasing. Such a steady downpour I never remember. Gerty, my 16 year old mare, colted this morning. [in margin] Gerty colted 31 Misty morning, the day dark and lowering, a slight rain in the afternoon. I went to Flesherton, seen Dr. Christoe and Mr. Campbell, School Inspector. Posted a letter this morning for Brother William (Keeter P.O., Wise Co., St. of Texas, U. S.). [in margin] Sent letter / to Br. William June [1889] 1st Rain early in the morning, then cleared off, the remainder of the day was dry, cloudy and cool. I fenced in a Barn Yard on T. Arnold’s Lot and put up a sett of Bars. Willie went with D. Reid to below Primrose. He is helping Dan to take a Kicking horse down. [in margin] 5th cow / calved 2nd Sabbath. Dark morning, the day overcast, with a Scotch mist. Mrs. R., Jim and wife and Eliza & I went to Sam’s. 3 Another dark day with scarcely a blink of sunshine. I worked at the Township Books. Mrs. R. went to W. Fa[u]cett’s. 4 Dark morning, the day cloudy, with sunshine. Willie and I moved the fence in front of the acre out on the Road so that we could dig the post holes for the Board fence, then trimmed off some trees. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night. <p. 101> June 1889 5th Wet morning, the day dark and drizzly with a sharp Rain at present (9:30 P.M.). Everything is soaking wet, any flat land is in a perfect swim. I never remember such a time of incessant Rains. The result must be very bad on the crops. I let off water in some of Jim’s fields. Willie trimmed out some shade trees on the acre Lot. 6 Dark morning, the day dry with some sunshine in the afternoon, cloudy again at night. Willie and I staked out some post holes and chored around. I got a sucking pig from Ned Mills and another from Josiah Sauder at $2.00 each. Sauder’s is a very poor one. [in margin] Got 2 little / pigs 7 Rain early this morning, then cleared off for a while, came on again and the day was wet. It is now (10 P.M.) pouring down. Willie helped Johney to Log. �356 8 Cloudy morning, mizzle of Rain. Sharp Rain in the afternoon and a heavy rain after night set in. Willie and I fixed fences. Jim, Willie and I washed our sheep in the afternoon. We were at Mr. J. Arnold’s at night. [in margin] Dr. Griffin / died. / Washed / sheep 9th S[abbath]. Another Rainy day. Thunder & lightening in the afternoon. 10 Dark morning, the day not wet, but a little mizzle. Willie and I picked stones off the meadow ground. Mr. J. Arnold and Wife and J. Maxwell were here at night. <p. 102> June 1889 11th A little brighter this morning, the day dry with the exception of a slight mizzle of Rain in the af- ternoon. I went to the fair in the forenoon to buy a milk cow, but did not get one. In the afternoon I went to the funeral of Dr. Griffin in Dundalk. I also attended a meeting of the patrons of Dun- dalk cheese factory. I was appointed Sect. Treasurer for the season, pay $15.00. 12 Dry morning, the day dry. I totted up the milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon went a- horseback with Jim’s Bay horse to Mr. Patrick Shaw’s and stopped with him all night. 13 Dry morning, but cloudy, the day dry and pretty warm. I went with Mr. Shaw in the Rig to a Council meeting at Cederville. Came home at night with him and stopped all night. 14 Dry morning and pretty sultry, the day dry and warm. I came home in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid Dr. McWilliams a Township order of $4.00, then collected some cheese money. 15 Heavy Rain, with thunder early in the morning, then the day cleared and was dry till night. Willie dug some post holes. I made up the milk accounts in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid patrons. <p. 103> June 1889 16th Sabbath. Dry day, but cloudy. Mrs. R. and Johney & wife, & Sam & wife, were at Jim’s. 17 Dry morning, the day sunny and warm. I worked at the cheese Books in the forenoon. Willie went to a Raising of a Frame Barn at Mr. Curtin’s. Jim also was there. 18 Cloudy but without rain, the afternoon got very dark an appeared like a thunderstorm. Quite cool in the eavning. Willie and I put in posts. Some we drove in and some we placed in holes which had been dug for them. Jim helped us. Clark is stopping here this night. 19 Rain in the morning, the forenoon wet, the middle of the day dry, the afterpart of the day wet. A big thunder shower at about Seven P.M. Windy at night. In the afternoon Willie and I hauled a load of posts from Jim’s place and then we moved a hemlock tree which had blown down with the wind on the oats. 20 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty sultry. We drove in some fence posts in the forenoon. Jim helped us. In the afternoon Jim took his team and got 1350 feet of lumber Sawn for me at McDowell’s mill. Mrs. R., Willie, Ida & I were at Mr. J. Arnold’s. 21 Rain in the forenoon, dry but cloudy in the afternoon. Willie and I went for some lumber to the mill. The load we got yesterday with the load today measured 1350 feet. <p. 104> June 1889 22nd Dry morning, the day dry with a little sunshine. Very cold in the afternoon, every indication of frost. Willie and I cut some timber on Jim’s lot, preparing it for logging. 23rd Sabbath. Dry all day, and some sunshine. �357 24 Dry morning, the day dry and a little warm, the sun quite hazy. Jim helped at the Board and wire fence. Willie worked for Jim at John Gott’s Scraping out for his new frame Barn. 25 Dry and pretty warm. Jim, Willie and I worked at the Board fence. Miss Solan, a Dress maker, is here working for Mrs. R. 26 Dry and warm. Willie and I worked at the Board Fence. 27 A slight shower of Rain in the morning, the remainder of the day dry and pretty sultry. Willie worked at the fence in the forenoon, and Jim in the afternoon. I worked at it all day except while I went to Dundalk and back. 28 Fine morning, the day sunny, warm and fine growth. Willie and I fixed at Board fence in the fore- noon, in the afternoon he went to J. Gott’s raising and I went to Dundalk. 29 Dry and hot. The folks, with the exception of Ida and I, went to Tossorontio. Jim took my mare along to the farrier’s. I worked at Board fence. <p. 105> June 1889 30th Sabbath. Dry and Hot. July 1st Dry, hot day, cloudy in the afternoon, with some thunder in the distance, also some Rain fell not far off. Ida and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to see the sports. Clark ran two foot Races, the first a half-mile and the second, one hundred yards. He won each Race, also he had run a half- mile race in Toronto on the 29th Ultimo* at a Reform Demonstration. He was second in the race and won a silver Goblet. There is a fine growth now. I measured the growth of a stalk of oats and from last Saturday at 7 P.M. till this Monday at the same hour, or Forty-Eight hours in all, it grew Four and a quarter inches. [*for Latin ultimo mense, in the preceding, or last, month.] 2 Dry morning, the day dry and sultry. Some thunder in the distance in the afternoon. I worked at the milk books in the forenoon and in the afternoon hoed potatoes, cut Burdocks, etc. 3 Dry morning and the day sultry with a strong wind, the afternoon cloudy with a very heavy rain about 6 O’clock. I chored around, did not feel well. Clark is here tonight. 4 Dry day, and moderately warm. I and Willie worked at the Board fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of the Factory their money. <p. 106> July 1889 5th Bright sunny morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. I chored around at several jobs. Willie helped Jim. I gave one order to Robt. St. Johnson, Tree agent, for 18 apple trees, 2 plum trees, 2 crab apple trees, and one cherry tree, to be delivered next spring from the Nursery of Caver Bros.*, Galt, price $6.80. To be delivered last of April or First of May 1890. [*Chase Bros., Galt, are given as source of trees on the list at the end of this volume.]. [in margin] ordered Fruit trees 6 Dry day, sunny and warm. Willie and I hoed potatoes. 7th Sabbath. Dry day and pretty warm. 8 Dry and hot. Ina was out here till the afternoon when Johney came for her. Nancy and she had come here in the morning. I worked at the Township and Milk Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie had Jim’s team putting in statute labor for me. I had five days to do. 9 Dry and hot. I chored around. Willie done statute labor for me with the team and went to Johney’s in the afternoon for his team. The plasterer, Mr. Freeman, commenced work for me to- �358 day. He is to lath and plaster and rough cast my house for me for Eight cents a yard, and if we help him he pays $1.25 per day to us. [in margin] Plasterer came <p. 107> July 1889 10th Dry and hot all forenoon, a slight shower of Rain about 7 P.M. Willie, with Johney’s horses, and Jim, and John Arnold hauled me two loads each of sand from William Graham’s Lot. Cost of sand, .25¢ per load. I chored around. The plasterer was here. 11 Cooler this morning, the day sunny and bright. Jim and Willie went for two loads of lime for me to Shrigley. Did not get it as it was not burned. They then went to A. Irwin’s and got one load. I went to Dundalk. The plasterer is working here. 12 Bright warm day, and pretty hot. Jim, Willie, Ida and Johney’s Nancy* went to the Celebrations at Shelburne. I chored around at home all day. [*daughter of John and Eliza Russell, Robert’s niece. Celebrations are by Orangemen on the glorious 12th!] 13 Fine morning, but the day got cloudy and there was some thunder, lightening and Rain. The after- noon was dry. The plasterer run off the lime. Willie hauled the water from D. Reid’s. I got Jim’s horses to do so. 14th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. 15 Fine day, cool, clear and dry. Willie and I hoed potatoes. Jim put up Scantling* for me in the new hous[e], the plasterer lathed. [*probably wall studs prior to lathing; or scaffolding to do the lath- ing] 16 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. Jim and I went twice to Dundalk with his team for Brick, Lumber, &c. I paid cash for all my purchases. The plasterer is here working. <p. 108> July 1889 17th Bright morning, the day dry but cloudy at night. I chored around and moulded up Jim’s potatoes in the afternoon. Willie put out manure for him. The plasterer is working here. 18 Warm and dry. Willie and I hauled out manure for Jim. Jim worked at Carpentery in the new house. The plasterer is off today. 19 A Misty morning, slight Rain in the forenoon. Willie and I were hauling out manure for Jim on this day in place of yesterday.* Also the plasterer was off work today in place of yesterday. [*a correction in the order of diary facts] 20 Misty morning, a very slight rain, but the day cleared off and was cool and dry. Willie and I helped Jim to haul out manure, also D. Reid was there with his team. The plasterer worked here. 21st Sabbath. Bright sunny day, but cool in the morning. Sam and Phebe, Johney and Ina were here. 22 Bright morning, the day cool and clear. Jim worked at the new house. Willie hauled some water for the plasterers and hauled some of the household goods into T. Arnold’s house. I Paris Greened the potatoes, Jim’s and mine. There was rain in the afternoon. The plasterer and his man were working at the house. Willie put clay on the crossing in the afternoon. Nancy left for home this morning. [in margin] Nancy went home <p. 109> July 1889 23rd Bright morning, the day cool and clear. Willie and I hauled out manure for Jim. Jim worked at the house. Willie hauled water in the afternoon. The plasterer and his man were here. �359 24 Cool, clear day. Willie finished claying the crossing on the Rented Lot. Then he went to help Uncle Sam at his hay. Jim worked at the house in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the after- noon. I put in culvert on crossing. The plasterer and his man were here. 25 Fine morning, the day dry and pretty hot. Willie worked at Sam’s. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. The plasterers were here in the afternoon. 26 Fine morning, the day dry and Breezy with some appearance of Rain in the afternoon. There was some thunder after night. The plasterers were here. Jim put Baseboards on the house. Willie worked at Johney’s. 27 Dry morning, but misty. The fog cleared off, the day was dry and warm. I hauled water for the plasterers in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim worked at the house. The plasterers were here. Willie worked at Johney’s. 28th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry, a great rain last night. Mrs. R. & I were at Sam’s. <p. 110> July 1889 29th Rather cloudy this morning, and a heavy Rain about daylight, also there was quite a sharp shower about 4 P.M. Brother Sam was cutting grass with his mower for me. I chored aournd and added up the milk sheets. Willie mowed fence corners and around stumps. [in margin] Began haying 30 Dark cloudy forenoon, the afternoon bright but cloudy at night, with a shower of rain. Jim fin- ished cutting grass for me. I had the use of a Somer mower. Willie helped Mr. J. Arnold to haul in in the afternoon. The Misses Trugon and Miss Biner were here at night. 31 The grass quite wet this morning. We got the use of Mr. Arnold’s Sulky Rake and I Raked, Jim and [stricken: Johney ]Willie hauled in. The afternoon was fine and dry. August [1889] 1st Bright morning, the day fine, dry and warm. We hauled in hay. Jim helped us. This finished hay- ing. The plasterer was here. [in margin] Finished haying 2 Dark morning and slightely wet, with a Rain before daylight. We all went to Walter Bell’s Rais- ing. It was a very piece of work, as there were a great deal of misfits. 3 Dry morning, the day dry but cool. I worked at the Milk books in the forenoon and in the after- noon went to Dundalk and paid the patrons. Willie mowed fence corners. <p. 111> August 1889 4th Sabbath. Cool day all through, but dry and sunny. Mrs. R. and Ida went to Johney’s. 5 Cool morning and cloudy. The mist cleared off and the sun got out. The afternoon was cool but clear. Willie mowed around in the fence corners, also hauled some water for washing out the house in the afternoon. We were cleaning up things in and around the new house. The buyer took the lambs away. [in margin] Lambs delivered 6 Fine morning, bright and sunny, but quite a white frost on the ground. The day was cool, clear and pleasant. Willie and I took his two three-year old steers to Dundalk and delivered them to the Buyer, price $58.00. Then he went to help his uncle Sam to haul in hay. I Raked hay out of the fence corners in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost / Steers delivered 7 Bright sunny morning, the day [dry] and Breezy. Willie helped Johney at his hay. I went to Sam’s and then to Johney’s, thinking they would want some help to haul in, but they were cutting grass. I then came home and helped Jim to gather in the hay out of his fence corners. 8 Fine morning, but cloudy in the afternoon, with every appearance of rain. There was a little show- er at dark. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon gathered up the hay in some �360 fence corners. Jim hauled it in. Willie is helping Johney. Ida and her mother are painting the new house inside. They have just got it washed. I posted and Registered $150.00 to S. Rogers, Esq., Reeve of Proton, to pay for some Road jobs he had let. <p. 112> August 1889 9th Dark morning, the day overcast and a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. Jim went to help Johney haul in hay. Willie is also helping him. Ida and her mother painted in the new house. I worked at the Township Books. 10 Bright morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy. Jim went with his team to Dundalk for two doors for me. Then he put the doors on the Rooms. Willie is helping Johney. Ida and her mother paint- ed at the house. I worked at making out statement for the Township Council for next Tuesday. 11th Sabbath. Cool, Bright day, chilly in the afternoon. We went to Jim’s. John and Ina also were there. 12 Dry morning, the day dry and cool, except a slight shower of Rain about 10 A.M. The plasterer came here and finally measured his work. I paid him the Balance of his money, $5.00. I worked a little while at the milk Books and then spread manure for Jim from 4 P.M. The women folks worked at the House. Willie worked at Sam’s. 13 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering, a great Rain in the afternoon. I attended a council meet- ing in Dundalk. 14 Wet morning, the afternoon dry. I helped Jim at sawing. Joseph Jackson sawed for him. <p. 113> August 1889 15th Dry morning, but cloudy, the day dry, cool and Breezy. I went over the Township vouchers which I had got on Tuesday, then went to Dundalk and got the Cheese Bills. I called to see Mr. S. Bell who is very sick with disentry [=dysentery] which has got rather much of a head with him. When I came home I made out a pay sheet for the Milk Patrons for next Saturday. Mr. E. Lucas, Banker, of Dundalk handed me over a five dollar Bill which I had paid him too much in paying him some Township orders on last Tuesday. He asked me when I went to his office today how my accounts came out after paying the Township orders on Tuesday last (as I had paid close on $900.00 in or- ders). I told him I was short $5.00 and that I had not the least idea how the shortage came. He immediately without any hesitation said that I had paid him $5.00 too much and handed me over a $5.00 Bill. This is the first mistake to my knowledge that has happened to me in finance since I got to be treasurer of Proton, some Eight years ago. 16 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cold with a slight rain occasional[l]y. I helped Jim a little while to log on the knowl [=knoll]. Willie helped all day. 17 Dark morning, the mist disappeared and the sun shone out, the day was warm but cloudy in the afternoon. I helped Jim log in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid milk patrons. <p. 114> August 1889 18th Sabbath. Cool, cloudy and dry. 19th Dry day all through. Willie cut some mixed oats and pease. This is our first harvesting. I worked entering orders in Township Books. [in margin] Began / Harvesting 20 Dry and fine all day. I Posted some milk accounts, then went to Dundalk. Willie moved the flit- ting [?fittings] over to the new house. �361 21 Dry but cloudy, with a good deal of wind. Jim tried to pull pease with the tumbling Rake. The ground was too Rough, stoney and soddy. He had to give it up and take the scythes. I went to a council meeting at Hopeville in the afternoon. Mr. T. Hanbury took his horse and Buggy. 22 Dry morning, the day dry but cool. Willie, Jim and I were pulling pease. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 23 Dry and pretty warm. Willie, Jim and I were pulling pease. Jim left after tea and went for Johney’s Buggy. He is going to Tossorontio tomorrow. 24 Dry and warm. Jim and Willie worked making drain from gravel pit till the afternoon when Jim took his horse and went to Tossorontio for my mare who has been under the vet’s care since 1st July. I finished pea pulling. [in margin] Finished / pea pulling <p. 115> August 1889 25th Sabbath. Dry and warm. 26 Fine day, dry and warm, hot in the afternoon. Willie and I hauled in pease. Jim helped us when he came home after supper. He had gone to Tossorontio for the mare which I had at Brother John’s undergoing treatment with the vet, for spavined* legs. He put on several Blisters and there are two more to go on yet. We hauled in Six loads in the afternoon. [*see 20 March 1889] 27 Cloudy but the sun got out and dissipated the mist. The day was sultry. Willie and I finished hauling in the pease at noon. There were 7 loads of mine and 3 of Jim’s. They were a fair crop. We took our wool to Dundalk in the afternoon. There were 46 pounds from Eight sheep of washed wool. We traded off $6.00 worth of it at .21¢ per pound for a pair of Horse Blankets. The remainder of it we left to be carded. [in margin] Finished hauling / in pease 28 Dry day and very warm in the afternoon. Jim started to cut oats for me with his Binder. He start- ed about 10.30 A.M., cut around 20 acres twice before dinner, with two horses. In the afternoon he put on three horses. In all he cut about 6 acres. The Binder worked splendid. Willie craddled around the apple trees, and stooked some. I fired up some log heaps for Jim in the afternoon. [in margin] cut first oats <p. 116> August 1889 29th Hazy morning, the day sunny and hot. Jim was cutting oats for me. Willie and I stooked. Phoebe was here in the afternoon. 30th Dry day and pretty warm. Jim cut oats for me with his Binder. I craddled around the field a swath, Bound it up, then stooked up. Willie also stooked. 31st Dry day all through, warm in the afternoon. Jim finished Reaping for me about 5 P.M. Willie and I shocked.* This finished the cutting of our grain. We then went to Jim’s and he[l]ped him till night. [in margin] Finished / cutting oats. [*synonym for stooked, stand sheaves on end, in bunches of 5 sheaves, one in the centre, four around the outside.] September [1889] 1st Sabbath. Hazy morning, but the sun shone out bright and the day was dry and warm. Mr. Thos. Carson and wife were here. Brother Sam and Phoebe and Johney and Ina were here. 2 Dry and very hot. Jim cut some oats for John Gott, then cut some at home. Willie and I helped Jim to harvest. 3 Hazy morning, but the sun shone out bright and dissipated the clouds. The day was pretty warm with a few drops of Rain in the afternoon, hazy clouds and thunder in the distance. Willie and I �362 tied oats for Jim. He, John Gott and C. Mills craddled them. They were on new land sod, white oats, a good crop but badly rusted. <p. 117> September 1889 4th Very misty morning, but the sun shone out and the forenoon was bright, the afternoon was cloudy, breezy and warm. Willie and I tied oats for Jim. He craddled and we bound. Mrs. R. and Ida helped to Bind and stook. 5 Dark morning, Rain came on about 7.20 A.M., then cleared off. The afternoon was showery. Willie and I put off a load of pease which we had on the waggon in the Barn. Helped Jim harvest in the dry part of the afternoon. The Rain got so heavy that we had to quit. I went to Dundalk af- ter 5 P.M. Mrs. R. went with Johney this eavning to Melancthon. Hope she will stop there a few days for the Good of her health. 6 Misty morning, the grain pretty damp from the Rain which had fallen yesterday eavning and last night. There was no rain fell today, the afternoon dry, Breezy and sunny. Jim Reaped on his own Lot. Willie and I stooked up. I tied some which he had craddled and also stooked it up. 7 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Beautiful harvest weather. Jim hauled in for me. He, Willie and I brought in Eighteen loads of oats, but we worked till 9 P.M. 8th Sabbath. Fine day, sunny and hot. Mr. J. Arnold and wife and Mrs. Mills were here a while in the afternoon. <p. 118> September 1889 9th Very slight sprinkling of Rain this morning, the sky cloudy and overcast, but the sun got out and the day was dry. We hauled in the remainder of our oats. There were 13 loads. I had the loan of Mr. J. Arnold’s mare. Willie and I and Mrs. R. and Ida worked at the Grain. This finished our harvesting. Our harvest consisted of 32 loads of oats and 7 of pease. [in margin] Finished Har- vesting 10 Beautiful day, dry and warm, splendid Harvest weather. Willie, Ida and I helped Jim. We hauled in 7 loads of oats and then stooked up from tea time. 11 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. We helped Jim at his harvest. Johney also, with his team, also helped. I forked on, Johney built and hauled in the loads to the Barn. He had two wag- ons, one was unloading in the Barn while the other was loading in the field. Mrs. R., Ida and Wil- lie mowed. Jim cut with his Binder. Ina was along. We got in 11 loads, the field was very rough, the first load upset. 12 Bright morning, the day dry and hot. Jim finished cutting grain at noon. Willie and I helped har- vest. In the afternoon I went to the funeral of John Norval, Senior, Blacksmith of Dundalk. He died on the night of the 10th inst., age 74 years. He has been in this neighbourhood for about 25 years. [in margin] John Norval / Buried / Jim finished / Reaping <p. 119> Sept[ember] 1889 13th Dry cool morning, the day cool, dry and Breezy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and [dittog.: and] posted & Registered Deposit Receipts amounting to $1284.00 to the Molsons Bank, Owen Sound, asking in return a draft for $1250.00, payable to the Bank of Toronto and a new deposit Receipt for the Balance, $34.00, this money to Retire two debentures of School Sections in this Township. When I came home I helped Jim to haul in Oats. I pitched on in the field from after dinner 20 reasonable sized loads and had the last load on before 7 P.M. Jim had H. Lonsway and �363 his team and J. Boman helping and Willie drove Jim’s team. They just got in 26 loads today. [in margin] Jim’s Baby Sick / John McDowell’s Barn & two horses / Burned last night 14 Dry day, but cloudy and threatening Rain. We helped Jim to haul in. He finished his harvest to- day. We brought in 14 loads of oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon on Township Business. [in margin] Jim finished / Harvesting 15th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon. Windy and wet at night. 16 Cold morning, the day cold and cloudy. John Agnew called here at night. Hannah Maria Lon- sway was here today, went up to Jim’s to stop there all night. I worked at the Township and Cheese Factory Books. <p. 120> September 1889 17th Dark, chilly morning, the day cold all through and Raining at dark. Willie hauled Rails and built the fence on the rear end of the acre. I worked at the Township and Factory Books till W. Lon- sway came here about 11 A.M. He and I and Mrs. R. went to Sam’s in the afternoon. 18 Dark morning, the day chilly and show[e]ry. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie Ganged for Jim as he has gone to Toronto Industrial Exhibition. Bob Russell gave us a call on his way to Johney’s. 19 Cold morning and wet. The day showery all through. No work a-doing on account of the Rain. John’s Bob came here in the forenoon and is stopping all night. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. 20 Showery day from morning till night. Jim got home from the Toronto Industrial Exhibition at noon. I took up a few potatoes in the afternoon. John Agnew, with carriage and part of family, came here in the afternoon and stopped all night. 21 Showery morning, the day showery all through and pretty chilly. John Agnew and his folks went to son John in the afternoon. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and paid the patrons of the facto- ry their milk dividends for the month of August. 22 Sabbath. Cold and a little rain in the morning. Jim and Mary were here in the eavning. <p. 121> September 1889 23 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and cool with clouds in the afternoon. I took up some potatoes, not many as I was alone. 24 Beautiful morning, the day sunny and dry. Jim threshed with the Steamer. It got out of order in the afternoon and they had to send the Engine to Toronto. Willie was at the threshing. I was there in the afternoon. 25 Fair, cloudy morning, the wind very strong in the afternoon, a slight rain about 6 P.M. We fin- ished raising potatoes. They were a very poor crop, less than 50 Bushels on 1/2 an acre of ground. Willie was at William Armstrong’s threshing. [in margin] Finished / Raising potatoes 26 Cold cloudy morning, the day chilly all through, with a slight Rain about 5 P.M. I harrowed the potatoe patch twice and picked them, hauled Rails and fenced the pits. 27 Rainy morning with some snow among it. The day was showery and cold. I was at J. Trugon’s threshing. Willie was at Jim’s threshing. 28 Cold morning, the day cold, cloudy and dry. I hunted up a lost yearling for Jim in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie was at J. Trugon’s threshing. 29th Sabbath. Bright morning, the sun shone out clear and nice, the day fine but cloudy in the after- noon. John, Ina, Sam & Phoebe were here. �364 <p. 122> September 1889 30th Dark cloudy morning, the day rather showery, not any sunshine. I went to Dundalk on Township Business, came home and doctored a sick pig. Willie is at Mr. Farden’s threshing. October [1889] 1st Rainy morning, the day showery from morning till night. Mrs. R. took in some articles to the Show Fair in Dundalk. I helped Jim to take up his potatoes. Willie helped in the afternoon, little Jim Bell picked. We finished his potatoes. They were a very poor crop, not more than about 30 Bushels on 1/2 an acre. He had a few drills of White Elephants which were pretty good. 2 Cold rainy morning, a little Rain but soon cleared off, the afternoon fine, dry, cool and Breezy. We attended the show fair of Dundalk. It was a pretty fair show, there [MS their] must have been about 800 persons that entered the grounds as they took in at the gate $120.00. The tickets for admission were 15¢ each. Mrs. R. took 3 prizes. [in margin] Dundalk / show fair 3 Wet day from morning till night, no cessation [MS cessation with inserted extra sa above line, insertion mark before t]. 4 Showery all through the day, the Rain mixed with snow. We hauled out manure on the Arnold Lot (20 Loads). Jim helped us. 4 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and plenty more falling, a Regular snow storm, last- ed nearly all day. It changed to Rain in the afternoon, is now (8 P.M.) Raining. [in margin] Snow / Storm <p. 123> October 1889 6th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow, cold wintry-like day from morning till night. [in margin] snow 7 A Good quantity of snow still on the Ground and most of it remained during the day. We hauled out 15 loads of manure on the Acre. Jim helped us in the afternoon. [in margin] snow 8 Chilly morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk fair to Sell a fat cow. I asked $30.00 for her but got no bid. When I came home in the afternoon I hauled out 7 Loads of manure on the acre. Mrs. R. was visiting at Mrs. A. Jackson’s. Mr. ——- Irwin came here in the afternoon to see about arrears of Taxes on Lot 27, Con. 4. Willie was at Mr. J. Maxwell’s threshing. 9 Fine morning, the day dry and mild, the afternoon warm. I sent J. Trugon to Henry Lonsway’s threshing. Willie was at his uncle Sam’s threshing. I looked over some nine Collector’s Rolls to find out a statement of Mr. Irwin’s taxes to Show the council. Then I fixed up the Granary. 10 Beautiful morning, the day fine but cloudy in the afternoon. Willie and I got up some wood for the steamer* in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk and withdrew out of the Bank $550.00 to take with me to Council meeting at Cederville tomorrow. Willie went to Johney’s and Borrowed his horse and Buggy for me. [*for the steam engine for threshing] <p. 124> October 1889 11th Fine morning, the day lovely, just like Indian summer. I attended Council Meeting at Cederville. Willie was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. I stopped at Mr. Rogers (Reeve of Township) all night. 12 Murkey morning, the day overcast and chilly, a slight mizzle of Rain falling now and then. I left Cederville about 9 A.M. and got home about 1:20 P.M. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted two letters, one for F. Bellamy and the other for Co. Treasurer. �365 13th Sabbath. Very fine, dry, sunny day. Mrs. R. and I were at Brother Sam’s. 14 Dry morning, the day Beautiful and Bright. I had the steam threshing machine (Mr. Jack Mitchell, owner). They threshed me about 900 Bushels of Grain in 8 hours: charge, $8.00. The pease turned out about 16 Bushels to the acre and the oats about 26. Both the grain of pease and oats are good. [in margin] Thrashed 15 Bright morning, the day dry and pleasant. Willie was at Mr. John Arnold’s threshing. I tidied up the Barn, sold a cow to W. Faucett for $25.00. She was a large farrow cow, about 13 years of age. 16 Fine [MS Hin] morning, the day Bright and sunny. Mr. Arnold and I went to Mr. Crique’s to see about collecting Rent from him. Willie was helping Jim. I worked at the Township Books in the afternoon. <p. 125> October 1889 17 Dry day, with lots of sunshine. I spread manure in the forenoon and in the afternoon looked over the old collector’s Rolls. Willie helped Jim to plow with our team. 18 Dry morning, the day dry and pleasant. I done nothing in the forenoon, was not well, tried to spread manure in the afternoon, it was a failure. Willie plowed at Jim’s. 19 Dry, frosty morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy. Willie and I plowed at Jim’s while he went to J. Mills’ threshing for me. Ida took a trip East to see her friends. Her mother drove her to Dun- dalk in the morning. [in margin] Ida went / visiting East 20th Sabbath. Dry day, sunny and Bright. Jim, Mary and Arlie were here. 21 Dry, cool morning, the day cool and clear. I went with S. Rogers, Reeve of Proton, to Owen Sound on Township Business. Willie plowed the acre. 22 The Ground covered with snow and more falling this morning. The snow kept coming down till the afternoon. I left Owen Sound this morning and got to Dundalk at 7:30 A.M. [mistake for P.M.?] 23 Very hard frost this morning, the day clear and Bright. I, along with Mr. John Arnold, went to J. Crique and got one year’s Rent for the Kinnear farm from him ($115.00). Gave $45.00 to the heirs, intending to put the Balance in the Savings Bank to meet the mortgage on estate. Could not do it, as Mr. Hanbury will not have that department till next January. Willie plowed in the after- noon. [in margin] G. Johnson Died <p. 126> October 1889 24th Hard morning, ground froze so that there could be no plowing in the forenoon. We worked at the horse stable. Willie plowed in the afternoon. 25 Mild morning, the day mild and a slight rain fell in the latter part of the afternoon. Willie plowed. I worked at the stable. 26 Mild morning, the day mild and misty. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought some nails and in the afternoon I made and put in two oat boxes for the Horses to feed out of. Willie plowed. 27th Sabbath. Dark morning, the day cloudy, cool and dry. Jim and family, Johney and Ina were here. 28 Dark morning, the day dark and lowering, but without rain. Willie plowed. I patched up the Horse stable. 29 Very fine day all through, mild and dry. Willie and I picked stones on the Arnold Lot. 30 Dark morning and frosty, the day was overcast and chilly. I worked all day long and well into the night at the milk accounts. Willie plowed. Mrs. A. Jackson came here but did not stop. �366 31 Cloudy morning, the day dark with a slight Rain most of the forenoon. The afternoon dry. W. McKee came here in the eavning, wanted me as the third arbitrater between him & John Conners. I declined. Willie plowed in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. William / Keeter P.O., Wise Co. / St of Texas, U.S. <p. 127> November 1889 1st Dry mild day, but dark and without sunshine. Willie and I hauled in the potatoes to the celler out of the pits. We had about 34 Bushels. Mrs. D. Reid was here. I went to Johney’s in the eavning on my way to Sister Sarah’s. There was some Rain at night. 2 Murkey morning, the day dark and lowering. Rain for about two hours in the middle of the day. I got John’s horse and Buggy and went to Sarah’s in the township of Sunnydale, within about 3 miles of New Lowell. Had dinner and fed horse at Cash Corners. [in margin] Went to / Sarah’s 3 Sabbath. Dark morning, but the day cleared up and the afternoon was clear and cold. I left Sarah’s at 12 O’clock noon and came home. 4 Dry morning, but cold, snow came on in the afternoon and there was a Brisk snowfall towards night. I went to John Crique’s in Melancthon, and bought two small swine from him at $1.25 each. I then went to Widow Kinnear’s and gave her $50.00 as Executor. Then I went to Johney’s, had supper and he sent home with me a nice piece of fresh pork. [in margin] Bought pigs / Got Single Harness 5 Ground covered with snow this morning, the day pretty cold and the snow did not melt any. I sent Willie with the Democrat for the pigs that I bought yesterday. He plowed when he came home. I chored around. G. McConnell, Collector, was here for the first of the season and paid me $375.00 Township Taxes. [in margin] 1st collection / By Tax Gatherer <p. 128> November 1889 6th Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out and the ground softened so that it was fit to plow about 10 A.M. The afternoon was dry and Breezy. Willie plowed. I helped Jim to Butcher three swine in the forenoon. In the afternoon I made a pig pen and put three pigs in it to fatten. [in margin] Pigs put up / to fat 7 Frost this morning, but it soon thawed out fit for plowing, the day was dry and pretty mild. I chored around, fixed up the Horse Stable on the Rented farm, etc. Willie plowed. 8 Dark morning, the day dark and dry. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon, in the afternoon I chored around. 9 Beautiful day, almost like Indian Summer, sunshine and clear, hazy Sky. Mrs. R. and Willie start- ed out for Tossorontio for Ida, & I began fixing a pig pen. Rather hard job with scant material. 10th Sabbath. Dry day, but misty. Clark stopped at night. 11 Dry morning, the day dark, but without Rain. Mrs. R., Ida and Willie got home at night from Tossorontio. They had five Bags of apples with them. I worked at the Building of the pig pen. 12 Dry forenoon, but cloudy and close. Rain came on about 8 P.M. and there was a pretty Brisk shower. Willie plowed for about two hours. I worked at the pig pen and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 129> November 1889 �367 13th Dark morning, and a very slight mizzle of Rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon also dark and a litle Rain at night. Willie plowed in the afternoon. I worked at the pig House fixing. Miss Mariah Morne [=Moran] was here a while at night. 14 Rather dreary morning, misty and wet, the afternoon was dry till night. I worked from nine O’clock in the morning till three O’clock next morning at the milk accounts, making them up for a final settlement. It’s the last time I will act as Sect. Treasurer for any milk Factory. Willie plowed in the afternoon. Miss Mariah Morn was here in the evening. [in outer margin] No plowing / Snow storm 15 Pretty sharp morning, very wintry-like. I did not get out of bed till noon, was very fatigued after so much mental work. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and delivered up the milk Books to the auditors, then collected some cheese money. Willie chored around. 16 Very hard frost this morning, so hard that I could not send the team to plow for Clark, who was to have a plowing bee. Willie brought home a little jag of wood in the afternoon. I nailed up some boards in front of the shed. 17th Sabbath. Dry day, but dark and lowering. Johney and Ina were here. <p. 130> November 1889 18th Misty morning, a slight rain at night. Willie and I cut some stove wood. 19 Dark, misty morning, with a slight mizzle of Rain. The afternoon decidedly wet. Willie helped Jim to jerk stumps. I chored around home in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and collected Balance of cheese money. 20 Rainy morning, the forenoon pretty wet, the afternoon dry, but rain came on at night. I worked at Posting orders in the Township Books. Willie was looking for two yearlings of Johney’s which strayed away from Jim’s two day since. He did not find them. He bought a spring colt from John Ferris for $37.50, Cash. Mrs Hannah Bowler was here. 21 Wet morning, the day dark and lowering. Willie got home his colt in the forenoon and plowed part of the afternoon. Clark is stopping here this night. I Banked up part of the Board fence. 22 Dark morning, the day dark and show[e]ry in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the dry part of the day. I worked at fixing feed Boxes & mangers in the horse stable. 23 Showery day all through, the rain was mixed with snow. Willie took the team and went to Clark’s plowing bee. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and made the final payment to the patrons of the cheese Factory. The[y] were generally satisfied. <p. 131> November 1889 24th Sabbath. A slight Rain in the morning. The remainder of the day dry and cloudy. Mrs. R. & I went to Brother Sam’s. 25 Pretty hard frost this morning, the sun shone out through the day and the Frost thawed out so that people plowed. Willie and I chored around. G. McConnel[l], Collector of Taxes, was here. 26 Mild day, a little softening of the frost in the afternoon. Willie made a trap hole in the Barn to put down feed for the Horses. I put a little window in the Horse stable as it was without any light and quite dark. We brought our spring colt down from Jim’s, put the halter on him and tied him up for the first time. He was pretty wild and threw himself several times. Mr. J. Arnold & wife & John Maxwell were here. 27 Big snow storm this morning, snowing and Blowing all day long, wind very high. [in margin] A Rattling snow storm �368 28 Snowing and Blowing in the morning, the wind abated in the afternoon but the snow still kept coming down. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited $640.00 in the Bank, Township moneys. Willie helped Jim cut feed in the afternoon. 29 Snow falling this morning and quite a quantity now on the Ground. I think there must be Eighteen inches on the level. It stopped snowing about 10. A.M. We helped Jim to cut Horsefeed. <p. 132> November 1889 30th Bright morning, the sun shone out during the day and imparted more pleasantness than was in the last three day which were dark and stormy. Willie and I went to Melancthon and put up a pole and Brush Bridge across the drain to the firewood. He hauled home two small loads. The loads were small on account of us only having the wagon box on the sleighs. December [1889] 1st Sabbath. Pretty chilly sort of day, a little sunshine. Mary and Baby were here in the afternoon. 2 Soft morning, the snow melting and every indication of a thaw. A little rain fell in the afternoon, but the rain turned to snow at night. Willie hauled stove wood from Melancthon. He and I cleaned up at night Four bags of oats and pease to be chopped. 3 Quite a fall of snow last night which has renovated the Sleighing and it was splendid this after- noon. There was a good deal of sunshine through the day. I chored around. Willie went with the chop to the mill. Did not get it home, will [go] again on Friday. He hauled a load of wood from Melancthon in the afternoon. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night. <p. 133> December 1889 4th Sharp morning, the day a little sunny but cold, capital sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and deposited $1209.00 Township money in the Bank. Willie cut Roads to the stove wood in the forenoon and hauled a load of wood home in the afternoon. 5 Morning a little soft, the day inclined to thaw some, but hardened up at night. Willie hauled one load of wood from Melancthon in the forenoon, Then he and Ida went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 6 Pretty sharp morning, but the day got mild and was pleasant. Willie was at Jim’s manure Bee. I chored around home. 7 Soft morning, the day thawing, the snow going with a thaw wind. We Butchered three hogs in the forenoon, they weighed respectively 145, 170 & 184. Spring pigs they were. W. Armstrong’s man, Tom, helped us. Willie went in the afternoon to the mill for chop. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs 8th Sabbath. Dark day and quite showery. 9 Dry morning, the day dry but gloomy-like. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Nesbit’s Funeral. I worked at the Twp. books. Willie chored. 10 Showery throughout the day, with a sweeping rain at night. Willie chored, I worked at the Twp. Books. 11 Rain and snow mixed this morning, falling, the day was very unpleasant. Willie chored, I finished working at the Books. <p. 134> December 1889 12th Quite hard frost this morning, but the day got mild and the Ground softened quite a bit. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and sent the the Co. Treasurer the Co. Rates for this Township. Willie helped Jim in Osprey. Mr. Tho[ma]s Hanbury was here in the eavning. �369 13 Quite a chilly morning, the day generally cold. I chored around. Willie helped Jim. G. McConnell came here at night and paid over Taxes he had collected. 14 Cold morning, with a very slight snow falling, the day was cold and windy. I went to Dundalk on Township business. Willie chored. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. J. Arnold’s at night. 15th Sabbath. Mild day, and inclined to be wet, very misty, what you might call a Scotch mist. Mrs. C. Bell was here, also Jim, Mary and Baby. 16 Dark day all through, with Rain in the afternoon. I went to a Council Meeting of the Township held in John Conner’s New Hotel, Dundalk. The council did not get through with their business till about 2 O’clock next morning, then most of them stopped till daylight as the night was very dark. 17 Another misty day, and quite wet in the afternoon, the snow is disappearing fast, no sleighing now, the wheels are out. <p. 135> December 1889 18th Dark morning, the day overcast and rain came on in the afternoon. It is now (7:15 P.M.) Raining. I counted the amount of the orders I had paid on last Monday and Balanced the Cash. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and deposited the money I had in the Bank. Mrs. R. and Jim’s wife drove to Dundalk in the Democrat. [in margin] Rain 19 Dark morning, the day dull and a slight mizzle of Rain occassional[l]y. I chored around. 20 Rain in the forenoon and a good deal of Rain also in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon. [in margin] Rain 21 Snow in the forenoon, then Rain, the day was very unpleasant. Mr. Arnold and Wife and Johney Maxwell were here a while at night. 22nd Sabbath. Very Rough day, snowing and Blowing, the snow very soft, almost turned to Rain. 23 Rather a change in the weather this morning, the sky pretty clear, sleighing is once more started. The day was pleasant and dry. Mrs. R., Ida and I with the team went to Dund[al]k. 24 Dark morning, the day exceedingly wet, a little thunder and lightening in the afternoon [&] at night. [in margin] Rain / Thunder <p. 136> December 1889 25th Christmas morning, the day cloudy and without sunshine. Brother Sam and Phoebe, Madella and Mary Patterson, Johney and Ina, Jim and Mary and Arlie were here. Willie and his mother and Ida and Phoebe went at night to Dundalk. 26 Very stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, the day was one of storm from morning till night. Willie and I dug about 24 feet of an underground drain from the door of the Horse stable on the Arnold Farm to let the water out, as the floor was floating. I got a moat of some kind in my eye while working which has caused me great pain, the eye is all inflamed. 27 Clear day and without Rain or snow. I took my sow up to Jim’s and put her with his sow, as the place I had at home for her was too small. Mrs. R. and Ma[r]y with the Baby went to Dundalk to have Baby’s picture taken. Willie went in the afternoon to the Bush to help Jim at the wood. Tommy St. John is here. 28 Mild day and the Roads softening. I went to Dundalk to see Dr. McWilliam regarding my eye which is still very sore. He looked into the eye, could not see anything and dropped some kind of a liquid into it. It eased me a little, still, there appears something in the eye by the feel of it. Tom St. John went from here in the forenoon. �370 <p. 137> December 1889 29th Sabbath. Wet morning, the day generally wet with a strong wind Blowing. [in margin] Rain 30 Strong wind throughout the day with an occasional shower of snow. [in margin] Rain 31 Clear and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon also cold, freezing very hard at present 7:15 P.M., also the wind Blowing Briskly. The old year is passing away and the new will soon be ushered in. When looking Back, I find nothing to regret, but several things to be thankful for. January 1890 1st Wet morning, the day very Rainy and the night, an incessant Rain. [in margin] Rain 2 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry with considerable of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. [in margin] Rain 3 Dry morning, the day dry and the afternoon mild. D. Reid and wife and Jim’s Mary and Arlie were here. 5th Sabbath. Dark cloudy morning and a slight Rain in the forenoon, heavier at night and it Rained all night. Mrs. R. and I went to Jim’s. J. Arnold and Wife and Johney Maxwell were here a while at night. [in margin] Rain 4th Saturday. Mild day. I worked at Fixing Shed [the order of last two entries has been corrected, by correcting the dates, with 5th written over 4, 4th written over a 5] <p. 138> January 1890 6th Heavy Rain this morning, some thunder and lightening, the forenoon wet, the afternoon dry. I went in the afternoon to the voting in Division 5, Held in John Allen’s Lot 220, third Range, Pro- ton. Stopped till the poll was over and helped count the Ballots. The Roads are fearfully soft, the snow has nearly all disappeared except some in the fence corners. [in margin] Rain. 7 Frosty morning, the Ground exceedingly hard. Sharp Frosty day from morning till night. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. She got a tooth Extracted. John Arnold, D. Reid, Mrs. A. Lonsway and Wesley were here a while at night. 8 Stormy morning, snowing and Blowing, a regular snow storm all through the day. I worked at entering orders in the Twp. Books 9 Snowing this morning, but no so much of a blow as yesterday. Snow came down all through the day. I worked at the Township Books till noon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s in the afternoon. 10 Cold sleety day, the cold air seemed to pierce right through, strong wind. 11 Cold sleety morning, the wind very high about noon and Blowing from the East. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. <p. 139> January 1890 12th Sabbath. Quite a thaw this morning, and the day kept getting softer, Rain in torrents at night. Johney and Ina, Jim, Mary and Baby were here. Mary and Baby stopped all night. [in margin] Rain 13 Very strong wind this morning, the wind heavy all through the day, slightely calmer at nigtfall. I thought it would almost blow the building down in the morning. [in margin] High / wind 14 Bright morning, the sun shone for a very little while, the day was calm, without any snow or Rain. I fixed a little in the stable. 15 Dark day, a slight fall of snow occasionally. �371 16 A Slight snowfall during most of the day, the afternoon cold. 17 A very little snow fell now and then, the day rather of the mild type. The Widow Bowler was here most of the day. This is my 54th Birth-day. [in margin] 54th / Birth-day 18 Very mild morning, the day Bright and sunny. The snow thawed some on the Ground and as there was so little the sle[i]ghing is gone again. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. J. Arnold was here a while at night, Mary & Baby through the day. 19 Sabbat. Mild day, the little snow going fast. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. T. Carson’s, we went with the cutter, but the sleighing was very Bad. <p. 140> January 1890 20th Fierce wind and snow storm this morning, and kept it up all day. I went with Jim’s team and my Democrat Waggon to a Council meeting at Hopeville. I stopped there all night. The next meeting of Council is on the 13th Feb. 21 Another stormy day, snowing and blowing. I came home from Hopeville this morning, the wind was in my back and I did not suffer. 22 Pretty sharp morning, very hard frost last night. The day cold and some very light snow falling. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. and Ida went to Br. Sam’s & Mr. Jackson’s. 23 Snowing and blowing this morning, quite a bit of snow fell today. I think it has come to stay. Mary and Arley were here. Mrs. R. and Ida went to a Prayer Meeting at McIn[tyre? writing re- duced]. 24 Snow falling most of the day, the sleighing got pretty good. I am laid up sick with La Grippe, I think it must be, came on me last night with a headache and a high fever, with a burning heat, pulse very rapid, then cold chills, slight pains in the back, arms and legs. I took some hot ginger tea, bathed my feet and legs in hot water, and went to bed. I sweat most of the night, and the fever had abated in the morning. [in margin] La Grippe / caught me. 25 Mild day, strong wind in the forenoon. I am still on the sick list, feel very weak and exhausted. <half-page insert, between pp. 140-1> <recto> Table of deposits to Reeve, Dp. Reeve, and Councillors, 1889 1890 [for Proton Township /elsewhere as well for comparison?] Reeve: McLaughlin. & Rogers for 1889, McMillan & Rogers for 1890 Dp. Reeve: Agnew & McMillan for 1889, Shaw & Abbott for 1890 Councillors: Black, Corbett, McArdle, McKee, Shaw for 1889, Black, Corbett, McArdle, Vance, Lux- ton, Cooper for 1890. 6 entries for each, totals at bottom of six entries for each. <verso> tabulation of payments to cheese factory patrons. R. Cornett Manufactory [details are largely inscrutable] <end of inserted half-page> <p. 141> January 1890 26th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow softening. Brother Sam came out to see me. Johney and Ina also were here. 27 Fine, mild morning, soft air. Willie has got the Grippe. I had a relaps[e] in [dittog.: in] the after- noon, got very bad. The Doctor was sent for, gave me some powders to allay the fever. �372 28 Another mild day, the sleighing getting bad. I am still suffering. Jim and his little Girl, Arlie, have the Grippe. 29 Snow is going rapidly, the day fine. I am stilll in bed with Grippe. Willie is pretty sick also. The collector came here in the eavning and made a deposit. Johney and Ina, A. Lonsway and wife were here. 30 Another mild day, the sleighing is done. I ventured out of bed, but kep indoors. Ida is down with the Grippe. 31 Dark, cloudy day, and thawing. Ida and Willie are pretty well. I am also picking up, so is Jim and Arlie. Brother Sam and Phoebe came out to see the sick people. It is a very trying time and there is scarcely any person missing this disease. The heavy muggy weather has a good deal to do with the continuance of the malady. There are some deaths, but not in this neighbourhood. <p. 142> February 1890 1st Pretty chilly morning, the day generally cold, pretty hard freeze. The Township Auditors, Alex- ander Gillespie and George Watson, were here and audited the Twp. Books. The Grippe won’t let me go. 2nd Sabbath. Fine mild day, the sleighing gone. 3 Rather Rough this morning, the afternoon fine. Jim took his sheep home this forenoon. 4 Cold, raw morning, pretty strong wind and a fall of sleet, not a pleasant day. 5 Strong wind this forenoon, but inclined to thaw. The wind lowered in the afternoon, but there was a pretty sharp frost at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. 6 Pretty sharp, cold wind all day. I went in the afternoon to Mr. A. Lonsway’s. Miss Vera Silk was here in the afternoon, Wesley Lonsway at night. 7 Strong cold wind prevailing all day, cold also. I went in the forenoon to Walter Bell’s with a peti- tion for School Separation which I had wrote for him. 8 Snow falling this morning, the day not very cold. Mrs. R. made a Bee to make sap troughs on Clark’s Lot. Jim, Willie and Henry Lonsway went from here. John and Clark will join in the bush. The Grippe has still a hold of me, guess it will let go sometime. 9th Sabbath. Rather mild day, with a little snow falling now and then. Jim, Mary & Arlie were here, also Ina, Johney called at night. Thos. J. Arnold, wife and Baby were here at night, also T. Arnold & wife. <p. 143> February 1890 10th Rather dark day, not much sunshine, a little snowfall. Willie hauled some sap troughs through the Bush. I entered in Book Receipts and payments Re. Kinnear Estate. Thos. J. Arnold called for his Father’s Rent, $120.00. I gave him a cheque on the Bank for this amount. [in margin] Paid Rent 11 Fine day, a good deal of sunsine, the snow softening. Willie hauled two loads of stove wood home from Melancthon. He also got two new shoes put on Queeny and one old one on Gerty, price paid, .60¢ and .10¢. Tiller Hewitt was here this afternoon. Clark is stopping here tonight. 12 Pretty mild day, the little bit of snow softening. Willie hauled wood for Jim. 13 Mild morning, the day had sunshine and the snow wasted away. I took Gerty and the cutter and went to a Council Meeting at Hopeville. I got home the same night which don’t often happen, but the Council let me away early on account of me having La Grippe. �373 14 Mild morning, the sky overcast and Rain began falling about 10 A.M., a decidedly wet day. Jim started to haul wood and Willie to help, but had to quit. The folks went to a surprise party at T. Carson’s. 15 Sharp morning, the day rather chilly, a little snow fell last night, which allowed some sleighing. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. W. Armstrong was here at night. I wrote a petition for him. <p. 144> February 1890 16th Sabbath. Pretty mild morning, the day mild with some sleighing in spots. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. 17 Sharp morning, the day had a cold, raw air, a little skiff of snow fell once, the sleighing is almost gone. Mrs. Abraham Jackson was here. 18 Mild in the forenoon, cold and raw in the afternoon, with a particularly sharp night. Mrs. H. Lon- sway was here in the eavning. John Agnew and wife here at night. 19 Bright sunny morning, the afternoon overcast with a wind and snow storm at night. Brother John’s Jim stopped here at night. Jim, Mary and Arlie were here a little at night. Clark stopped all night. 20 Very stormy morning, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, a particularly cold day all through. John’s Jim left for home this morning. I worked at the defaulters’ list in the afternoon. [in margin] Very Stormy 21 Snowing less or more all through the day, pretty cold, very fair sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. There is quite a party at Jim’s tonight, but Willie and I stopped at home, the others went. [in margin] Jim’s / party 22 Pretty cold morning, the day cold with a slight snowfall. I copied the defaulters’ names and amounts from the returns made me by collector. <p. 145> February 1890 23rd Sab[bath]. Fine morning, the afternoon had a pretty big snow storm. Gerty got a bad kick. 24 Mild day, the snow melting rapidly. I attended Jas. Hately Sale, did not want to buy anything, other business took me. 25 Mild day, in fact almost like spring. The sleighing is gone again. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. 26 Mild morning, the day quite mild, the sleighing is about gone. 27 Mild day all through, there are as many Waggons Running as sleighs. Mr. John Connor and wife paid us a visit this afternoon. There came on a sharp rain about 10 P.M. and continued Raining all night. [in margin] Rain 28 Rain in the forenoon and a little in the afternoon, turning to snow at night, pretty strong wind blowing. John came in the afternoon and took away a two-year old steer of his which was winter- ing here. March [1890] 1st Sharp morning, the day cold and clear, with a good deal of sunshine. 2nd Sabbath. Cold, clear day, mostly, a very little snow fell once. John and Ina were here a while, then went to Jim’s. <p. 146> March 1890 3rd Quite cold this morning, the day cold and cloudy. I went to Dundalk. �374 4 Cold and stormy this morning, snowing and blowing, which was the general character of the day. Willie and his mother took the cutter and went to Melancthon to place the sap troughs at the trees. She is stopping at Johney’s all night. 5 Sharp, Bright morning, the day cold and clear. Pretty hard frost. I went to an auction Sale at Jim Trugon’s. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here at night. 6 Bright morning, the day sunny and cold. Brother John and Eliza, his wife, came here. 7 Bright sunny day, but very cold. Brother John and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. In the af- ternoon they went to Brother Sam’s. Mrs. R. and I went in there at night. 8 Bright morning, the day sunny and sharp. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to see the Exhibition Cars of products from Manatoba [=Manitoba], the North West and British Colum- bia. There were some fine specimens of Grain, especially Wheat and Barley. J. Arnold & Wife were here. 9th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Brother John & Wife, Son John & Wife, Brother Sam & Wife, Ida, Mrs. R. and I were at John Arnold’s for Dinner and tea. <p. 147> March 1890 10th Cloudy morning, snow came on about noon and covered the ground over pretty well. Brother John and Eliza left for home. 11 Dark morning and slightely wet, the day wet all through. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk, and in the afternoon fixed shed. 12 Dark morning, the day cloudy with a slight rain, the sleighing is entirely gone. Clark came here at night and is stopping. 13 Fine mild morning, the day sunny and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mrs. John Gott visited Mrs. R. today. 14 Mild morning, the forenoon sunny and fine, several showers of snow in the afternoon, Sharp frost towards sunset. Mrs. R. started for the sugar bush in Melancthon (Lot 39, 4th Range), Clark’s Lot. Willie took her and the traps out with Jim’s team. John Arnold was here at night. Mrs. H. Lon- sway & Mrs. Jim Russell and Arlie were here in the afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. R. went / sugar- ing 15 Snow falling this morning and throughout the day generally, pretty sharp frost at night. John Ar- nold and I went to Dundalk in the eavning and Deposited $83.00 with E. G. Lucas & Co., Bankers, the amount we have of cash on hand from the Kinnear Estate, as Executors thereof. We then went to James Lamon, Barrister, the lawyer we had employed in this Business to get a settlement from him. He is a notorious fraud. <p. 148> March 1890 16th Sabbath. Dark morning, and pretty cold, the day was chilly all through with a strong wind, sharp frost at night. 17 Cloudy and a shower of snow now and then, not so sharp a frost as yesterday. Phoebe and Baby were here in the eavning. Mrs. R. and I were at Mr. Arnold’s at night. 18 Sharp morning, the Ground very hard, the middle of the day mild and the Ground softened, sharp Frost at night. I attended Council Meeting held in Dundalk. The next will be 27 of May in Hope- ville. �375 19 Raw, cold morning, the day got milder in the afternoon, the snow melted some, the day cloudy, sharp Frost towards sunset. I worked at Entering orders in the Township Books. Mary and Arlie were here in the afternoon. 20 Hard frost this morning, cloudy all day with a tendancy to thaw, a little snow fell about noon, then it turned soft. I went to Dundalk. 21 Wet morning, and a continual rain through the previous night, the day dark and without sunshine. The Roads very sloppy and breaking up. Willie took the young mare and went to the sap troughs in Melancthon and gathered the sap. Jim has got Gerty at his place to dress her wound as I cannot, she is so restless. 22 Hard morning, but the ground got soft about 10 A.M., the Roads are quite sloppy, the day was cloudy. Mrs. R. and Willie went to the sugar bush this morning. Brought home at night about a Gal[lon] of molasses. <p. 149> March 1890 23rd Sabbath. Very sharp cold morning, the day cold and cloudy. Jas. Carson and his sister were here. Mary & Arlie here all night. 24 Cold, cloudy morning, the day rather cold and without sunshine. Johney hauled me two loads of oats (83 23/34 & 81 26/34 Bushels) to Dundalk. I have sold them for .27¢ per Bushel to S. Bell. Jim, Willie and I cleaned the oats. Mary & Arlie were here, also Ina. I did not like the weight of the last load, just the same number of Bags as the first load, and yet I was short two Bushels, docked me this much for thistle tops, and many in them. [in margin] Oats sold 25 Dark morning, Rain came on about 10 A.M., the afternoon was pretty wet, the Rain turned to snow about 8 P.M. Willie and his mother helped me to clean oats. Jim hauled out two loads to Dundalk; there were 30 Bags, weighed 80 Bushels net in his first load, and on the second load there were 31 Bags, weight 82 22/34 Bushels, price .27¢ per Bushel. There seems to be something very strange about the weight as yesterday John’s first load had exactly the same 30 Bags out of the same oats, and they weighed 83 23/34 Bushels, while one bag more today only weighed 82 22/34 Bushels. John Trugon and his wife and Father, Robert Irwin and family, and two sons of Mr. J. Fletcher left Dundalk for the North West. [in margin] Folks went to the / North West <p. 150> March 1890 26th Dark morning and snow came on about daylight, quite a little snow storm, the day was windy and rough. Jim hauled out the remainder of my grain: Two loads of oats, 54 14/34 and 76 26/34 Bush- els, and one load of pease, 22 3/60 was mine, and 9 49/60 was his. We got .52¢ per Bushel for the pease. I have now sold in all 459 Bushels of oats and 31 of pease. I had about 23 Bushels of oats to the acre and 15 of pease. 27 Mild day, the forenoon cloudy, the afternoon Bright with a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon and sent by Express $202.00 to W. B. Bridgeman Simpson, Commisions Trust and Loan Company of Canada, for the purpose of paying off the Mortgage in full on Lot 215 Proton. The mortgage has been on for upwards of 20 years and I have paid in that time on the $200.00 Loan, upwards of $310.00 interest, and the costs of the loan in the first place was about $30.00. I paid 8 percent per annum half yearly for the first 15 years, then 7 percent per annum half yearly afterwards. I Borrowed $400.00 in the first place to purchase a Lot of land in the Township of Mulmur and did not get the land, therefore I returned the company $200.00 and kept the other $200.00 and bought milk cows with it. I consider it a wrong idea to mortgage, as the interest in most cases is very oppressive and crushes the Borrower so that he seldom recovers. �376 <p. 151> March 1890 28th Very stormy morning, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. The wind very high all day and snow falling most of the time, a particularly stormy day. [in margin] Stormy / 1st cow Violet / calved 29 Not so cold or stormy as yesterday, the sun shone out in the afternoon and there was a little soften- ing of the ground. I went to Dundalk. The Township Assessor came here and remained over night. 30th Sabbath. Rather mild, the sun shone out sometimes. Michael Oldfield, an old Resident of Melanc- thon, now living in Dundalk, Died, age 64 years. The Assessor, Mr. D. McKenzie is stopping here. [in margin] Mich[a]el Oldfield / Died 31 Hazy morning, a good deal of Rhime on the trees. The sun shone out, disappating the mist and the day was pleasant. I worked at Copying the defaulters’ out of Book, preparing them to Send to Co. Treasurer. Assessor left. April 1890 1st Bright sunny morning, the day clear but somewhat chilly. Mrs. R. went to Melancthon to make molasses. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and Received the papers Re. Loan 4474. They ap- pear to be all correct, the company did not charge me the $2.00 which they asked for drawing dis- charge, but returned it to me. That was something strange. 2 Bright morning and sunny day, but rather cold. I went to Brother Sam’s. <p. 152> 3rd Bright sunny forenoon and very warm, the afternoon cloudy and wet. Willie took the young mare and went to Melancthon to gather sap. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. 4 Dark morning, the forenoon wet and in the afternoon, the Rain turned to snow. There was a pretty strong wind. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Melancthon to Boil down. Gerty lost her colt last night, cause unknown. She was only about four months from colting time. The second cow (Dark Eye) calved last night. [in margin] Gerty lost her colt / 2nd cow calved 5 Bright sunny morning, but rather a cold wind, the afternoon warmer. Willie and Johney each brought me a load of stove wood from Melancthon. Willie had Jim’s team. I went with the young mare in the afternoon for Mrs. R. who has a turn of billiousness. [in margin] Seen first / Robin of the / season 6th Sabbath. Dark morning, the forenoon overcast. Rain came on in the afternoon, near night, and was very heavy for a while. Jim, his wife and Baby, were here in the afternoon. We went to John Ar- nold’s at night. [in margin] Esther [=Easter] 7 Snow falling this morning and the ground was covered. The afternoon was sunny and warm. Ida and Willie are in the sugar Bush. I went to Dundalk. 8 Fine sunny morning, but rain came on and the forenoon and most of the afternoon was wet. Willie went to the sugar camp in the morning. [in margin] First / Lamb <p. 153> April 1890 9th Dark morning, thunder in the forenoon and Rain accompanied with hail. Showery and dark in the afternoon, strong wind also. I went to Sam’s to bring out a cow which I had bought from him, concluded to let her be till after calving. Jim put Flax seed meal poultices to the mare’s feet as she is very stiff on her front legs. The veterinary advised so doing, he said she was foundered from loosing [MS lossing] her foal. �377 10 Sharp morning, the Ground covered with snow and frequent showers through the day, the after- noon cold. I sawed at Jim’s wood be[e] for the afternoon. 11 Hard frost this morning and the Ground covered with snow, the forenoon cold, the afternoon pretty mild, the Roads very bad. G. Rutherford was here this afternoon and insured the House and con- tents for $700.00 in the London Mutual. I gave a promiss[ary] note for $9.10, not more than sixty per cent of this note to be collected, the first and only payment to be made in Eighteen months. [in margin] House insured 12 Beautiful morning, the day just lovely, the air mild and Balmy. Quite a warm sun most of the day. The afterpart of the afternoon cloudy and something like Rain. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I became a member of the Mechanic’s Institute, admission one dollar per annum. We get free Reading of all the Books in the institute for one Year for this sum. I sowed three acres of Grass seed in the forenoon. [in margin] Hard Frost <p. 154> April 1890 13th Beautiful Sabbath morning, the day mild and very spring-like, the sun shone out strong. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. Mr. John Arnold and wife, Johney Maxwell and his mother, were here a while at night. 14 Rain in the morning, the day dark and cold with a slight Scotch mist in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and Willie went to the sugar bush in the early morning. Ida came home about 10 A.M. 15 Fine morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. I chopped some firewood in the bush. Mrs. R. is in the sugar bush in Melancthon. Willie came home in the afternoon. 16 Frost in the morning, the day bright, sunny and warm. I cut firewood in the bush. Mrs. R. was in the sugar bush. D. Reid and wife were here at night. 17 Beautiful morning with a slight frost. The sun rose clear and warm, the day pleasant. I helped Jim to make part of an line fence from his Barn across his Lot. Willie went to the sugar Bush. [in margin] Sam fetched / cow Home 18 Cold morning, but the sun shone out bright most of the day, with a very cold wind. I helped Jim in the afternoon to haul Rails. Mrs. R. came home from the sugar Bush in the afternoon. Made about Six pails’ full of Molasses. <p. 155> April 1890 19th Hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine, though with a chilly air. I bought some cow hay from D. Reid for $1.25. He hauled it to me. I then went to Dundalk and got the Co. Treasurer’s cheque for $17.95, my commission on School moneys. I also took in the col- ter to the Blacksmith’s and got it fixed. Willie is rigging up the plow harness and plow for work- ing. 20th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day sunny with a chilly air. Jim and Mary & Arlie here in eavning. 21 Fine morning with a slight frost, the day was bright and breezy. Jim got the use of A. Row’s mare for me as my own is not fit to work on account of a kick she got. Jim and Willie plowed for me on the Arnold farm. The ground is passibly dry. Mrs. R. went to the sugar bush. Arlie was here all day. I worked in the afternoon at Filling up financial Statement of the Township for the Bureau of Industries. [in margin] First plowing / this season 22 Bright morning, the day sunny and warm with a fine growth. Jim and Willie plowed. I went to George Wright’s mill and bought from him 3 1/2 Brls flour for $15.50 cash. �378 23 Cool morning, the day dry and cool. Willie plowed, except a while in the forenoon when it rained. 24 Frost this morning, the day dry and sunny. Willie and Jim plowed. Ida and I cleaned oats. Miss Carry McLean was here in the afternoon. <p. 156> April 1890 25th Hard frost this morning, the day clear and cool. Willie plowed, I went in the afternoon to the Horse show in Dundalk. Also paid for 23 Fruit trees, $6.80. 26 Pretty cool forenoon, frost in the morning, the day cool and cloudy. Rain came on about 7 P.M. I helped Jim in the forenoon to put out manure, and planted four fruit trees for him. In the afternoon I planted out 23 Fruit trees for myself on the acre. [in margin] Planted / Fruit trees 27th Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and cool. Jim and family, John and Ina, Walter Bell, —— Ivay, and A. Row were here. 28 Pretty sharp frost this morning, but the sun soon thawed it soft, the day was cool and dry. I sowed six Bags of pease. This is my first sowing of grain this spring. Willie plowed. We hitched up Gerty for the first time since the 23rd of last February. She got a very severe kick then, on her leg and it is not near well yet, but the work must be done. [in margin] First Grain / pease sown 29 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon had a slight Scotch mist. Willie plowed in the afternoon, I also plowed with Jim’s team for about two hours in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to help fix my Father and Mother’s Graves and plant a W[eeping] Willow. 30 Dry, cloudy forenoon, Rain came on in the afternoon about 4 O’clock, faired off a little then came on heavier. Raining now (7:30 ) pretty hard. Jim plowed in the forenoon and harrowed pease in the afternoon. Willie plowed all day. <p. 157> May 1890 1st Hard Frost this morning, cloudy and cold in the forenoon, Bright and cold in the afternoon. Willie plowed, Jim worked for me plowing and Ganging. 2 Hard frost this morning, the day dry, cool and windy. Willie Ganged with three horses. Jiim sowed Seven bags of oats for me with his seeder. I chored around. [in margin] First oats / sown 3 Bright morning, the day dry and breezy till about 4 P.M. when there came on a Rain which in- creased and after some time there was quite a thunder storm. Jim sowed oats for me with his seeder. Willie Ganged some and harrowed some, using the three mares at both harrows and Gang. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought some clover @ 8¢ per lb. and Timothy seed @ 5¢, also some carrot and parsnip seed. In the afternoon I sowed some Grass and clover seeds. [in margin] Heavy Rain / Thunder & Lightening 4th Sabbath. Slightely wet in the forenoon and a Scotch mist in the afternoon. A. Row and J. Bower- man were here. 5 Dark morning, the forenoon dry, the afternoon Slightely wet. I sowed some Grass and Clover seed in the forenoon and in the afternoon filled up some stone holes for Jim. Willie harrowed in the forenoon and plowed for Jim in the dry part of the afternoon. The Ground is very wet and more Rain falling. <p. 158> May 1890 6th Slight snow this morning, the day cold and cloudy. I filled up some stone holes for Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon plowed for him while he made a stone boat. Willie also plowed �379 with his team for Jim, so did Johney. Very Rough plowing it was, knolly, wet and stoney. [in margin] Snow 7 Ground pretty white with snow this morning and a small quantity fell most of the forenoon. The afternoon was milder, with some sunshine. I Ganged at Jim’s in the afternoon with John’s team. Willie and Johney plowed in the forenoon and in the afternoon picked stones. Mrs. R. commenced her Garden. [in margin] Snow / Mrs. R. Gardening 8 Hard frost this morning, the day cold and cloudy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked in the garden. Willie helped Jim with team. 9 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through and Raining in the afternoon. The Ground is very soft, so much so that is is impossible to get the seed put in on anything like low land. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon to see about some hay for Jim, and in the afternoon Willie and I picked stones for Jim, and Willie hauled half a ton of hay home from Sam’s. In the forenoon he Ganged. Jim sowed Seven bags oats with his seeder for me. [in margin] Seen first swallows <p. 159> May 1890 10th Dark cold morning, the day chilly and a little sleet fell. Willie harrowed at home with three hors- es. Jim sowed for me with his seeder. This finished my sowing of Grain for this season, but there is nine acres to harrow yet. I sowed some carrots and parsnip seed in Garden. [in margin] Fin- ished sowing / sowed carrot & / parsnip seed 11th Sabbath. Very hard frost this morning, the sun got out clear, the day was clear and cool. Mrs. Wil- liam Faucett was here. 12 Cloudy and cool in the forenoon. Rain came on about 4:30 P.M., slightely at first, then heavier and is now, 9 P.M., Raining. Willie finished harrowing the oats. Then went and helped Jim with the team in the afternoon. I harrowed for Jim with his team while he sowed oats. 13 Dark, cold day, but no Rain. Willie helped Jim with the team. Thomas Arnold, Snr. was here a while in the eavning. Queeny, a four year old mare, colted this night. She took Eleven months less nine days. The colt is all right, smart, strong and able to suck. The mare had been working hard all day ganging, was tied up with the other horses in the stable at night. The stable has two half doors on it (under and upper), both being fastened. In the morning when Jim went out he found the colt running round in the Barn yard and the mother tied in the stable. It had oppened [=opened] the under door by some means, and got out. <p. 160> May 1890 14th Clear day, a good deal of sunshine, pretty warm, mostly. I and Willie with the team hauled out manure for Jim. He sowed ten acres oats for himself at home. T. Arnold, J. Arnold & Mrs. Ar- nold here in the eavning. 15 Cloudy, cool day, very much like rain and cold enough at night for snow. Willie with his team helped Jim. I also spread 15 loads of manure for him in the forenoon and in the afternoon I made drills with the hoe to the amount of 70 Rods in length. Prepared them for the seed, sowed carrots in them, and was done at 7 P.M. Johney and Ina were here about an hour at night. 16 Dark, cold day with a shower of snow in the forenoon, a[nd] a Rain shower at noon. Willie plowed and Harrowed the Garden. [in margin] Last cow / Verty calved 17 Cold, Sleety morning, the day Rainy and sleety with a strong wind, very unpleasant day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent letter / to Ireland 18th Sabbath. Cold day with quite a Rain about noon. Sam and Phoebe were here. �380 19 Dark, cloudy morning, the day a little sultry in the afternoon. Willie went in the morning to Johney’s for some hay, and in the afternoon he took John’s team to the Mill with Seven Bags of chop and to get 3 1/2 Brls of Flour which I had bought. Had to come home without, will get it to- morrow. I hauled Rails for calve pasture and cut and planted two pails of potatoes. [in margin] First potatoes / planted. / Factory opened <p. 161> May 1890 20th Dry morning, though dark, the day dry and cool. I put up fence round calve park, fetched Mare and colt, the sow with her pigs, from Jim’s. Willie with his team hauled stones off the field for Jim in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Harrowed with Jim’s team, while he went to the mill for chop and flour for me. This is the first day for the calves on grass. I have rented half an acre pas- ture for them from D. Reid @ $3.00. 21 Frost this morning, the day dry and clear till the afternoon, when it got cloudy like Rain again. I fixed Fences in the forenoon, and then cut, made spots, dropped and covered 1 1/2 Bushels of po- tatoes. Willie helped Jim. [in margin] A. Row’s / mare took / Home 22 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool but dry. I planted 2 Bushels of potatoes. Willie helped Jim, had the team working with him in the afternoon. 23 Cloudy and slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and warm. I cut seed potaotes, and went to Dundalk in the eavning to a political meeting held for Mr. Blythe, Conservative M.P.P. and Mr. Moffat, Warden of Grey. Willie helped Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and Mrs. R. went for the camp fixings. 24 Cloudy, warm and dry. Willie, Mrs. R. and I finished potatoe planting. We plowed in 7 Bushels and I had hilled in 3 Bushels, so we can tell which way of planting will do best. [in margin] Fin- ished potatoe / planting <p. 162> May 1890 25th Sabbath. Wet morning, and a great deal of Rain had fallen during the night. Jim, Mary and Arlie were here. 26 Clear morning, the day dry and pretty warm although cloudy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie with his team was hauling out manure for Jim. [in margin] Sent n[ews]papers / to R. Clark Snr / Ireland / Got papers from Toronto 27 Cloudy morning, but the day was dry with sunshine in the afternoon. I went to Council Meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night. I had Mr. A. Row’s horse and buggy. Willie helped Jim. 28 Frost this morning but the sun rose bright and strong. The day was warm and pleasant. I came home from Hopeville. Willie picked stones. 29 Bright morning, the day warm, sunny and dry. Willy and I picked stones. Ina was here. 30 Dry morning, the day cloudy, not any sunshine. I turned some manure. Willy harrowed for Jim while he sowed barley. This finished Jim's sowing of grain. 31 Bright sunny morning, the day bright and warm. I made some drills and sowed some turnip seed. Jim and I washed our sheep in the afternoon. Willie helped Jim during the day. [in margin]. Sowed turnips / Washed sheep <p. 163> June 1890 1st Sabbath. Fine dry day, warm with a good deal sunshine. Mrs. R and I were at brother Sam’s. 2 Dry and hot. Willie and I helped Jim to plant potatoes. �381 3 Dry morning, Rain came on about 4 P.M., slightely at first, then gradually increased, when about 7:30 PM there was heavy Rain, thunder and lightening. I helped Jim build some fence part of the day. Willie helped to swamp out some of Clark's cordwood in Melancthon, Johney used his team at it. Mrs. R clipped nine sheep, paid her .45¢. [in margin]. Clipped sheep 4 Dry in the forenoon, a very severe thunderstorm in the afternoon, sharp and incessant lightening. Rain and some hail during the night. The thunderstorm came on about 5 P.M. and lasted till 4 o'clock next morning. We got one of our best cows killed by the lightening. She was in the pas- ture and standing under a large elm tree. The tree was struck and the bark slivered off it. There was no mark on the cow. She swelled up to an immense size. Willie worked at Jim’s. [in margin] Cow (Blackie) Killed / By Lightening 5 Dry morning, the forenoon dry and warm, a rainstorm with some thunder and lightening in the afternoon. Willie worked at Jim’s. I went to the Ont[ario] Elections. I got Walter Bell, W. Arm- strong and D. Reid to view the dead cow. [in margin] Ontario / Elections <p. 164> June 1890 6th Cloudy morning, the forenoon dry and sultry, the latter part of the afternoon showery with some thunder. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and posted a letter to Brother William. [in margin]. Letter to brother William / Keeter P. O. / Wise Co. / Tex. U. S 7 Dark morning with a slight mizzle of rain, the day cold and drizzly except a while late in the after- noon when the sun shone out. Mrs. R and I went to Flesherton with Jim's team. I wished to see Dr. Christo[e], but he was at Conference. Willie helped Jim. 8 [Sabbath]. Frost this morning but did not do any harm. There was ice on the water. The day was fine and dry. [in margin] Sabbath / Frost 9 Fine dry morning, very sultry in the forenoon, the afternoon also pretty warm. I went on the hunt of the cow to buy, but did not get any. Willie helped Jim. 10 Dark morning, rain came on about 9 AM, the day was drizzly and wet. I went to the Dundalk fair to buy a cow but did not succeed. Willie helped Jim. 11 Dark morning and showery during the forenoon, a very heavy rain about 2:40 in the afternoon. I went on the hunt of a cow. Mrs. R. went with me. I bought one, seven years old, which had calved seven weeks, a good size & good like cow, from John Crique of Melancthon for $27.50, cash. Willie helped Jim. <p. 165> June 1890 12th Dry day and very sultry. I went to Flesherton to see Dr. Christoe, also to enter in Court for collec- tion a promissory note. Got down part of the way with Charles McConnell. Willie was at Jim’s. 13 Dark morning, the day slightely wet. I fixed a poke* for Gerty and then worked at the Township Books. Willie helped Jim. [*Wooden apparatus, attached to horse’s neck, from which hangs a hinged wooden bar that allows grazing, but makes jumping fences difficult; see 12 July 1876, and 24, 28 Aug. 1891] 14 Dark morning, the day dark with a very slight mizzle of rain. I went to Dundalk and filled up and sent away claim papers for the cow which I got killed by lightening on the 4th inst. I also bought 200 cabbage plants from T. Hagan for .35¢, the plants are very small. Willie helped Jim. Brother John’s Minnie came here on a visit. She and Ida went to Johney's in the afternoon. 15th Sabbath. Dry day and moderately warm. �382 16 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, made up the milk sheets in the forenoon. Willie had Jim’s team and hauled rails for Clark. I got Johney’s horse and buggy to go to a Council meeting at Cederville tomorrow. 17 Dry day till about 6 PM when there came in a very heavy shower of rain. Mrs. R. and I went to Cederville, stopped all night at Mr. Rogers’. <p. 166> June 1890 18th Bright morning. We left Cederville about 9 A.M. and got to Johney's @ 1 PM. 19 Bright morning, the day fine and crops are growing nicely. I looked over the orders which I had got at the Council. Harrowed the potatoes and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie was at John Arnold’s sawing. Mrs. R. was helping Phoebe. 20 Broight morning, the day dry and fine. I worked at the milk accounts, making out the pay for the patrons. 21 Bright sunny morning, the day very warm. I went in the cars at 11:40 AM to Flesherton, then by stage to Priceville. Walked from there to Durham, ten miles. Seen Mr. Campbell, School Inspec- tor. Walked back to Priceville that afternoon, got there at 9:30. 22 Sabbath. Heavy shower of rain this morning. I left Priceville at 9 AM and walked home. Got here at 2:30 PM. John and Ina are here. 23 Very sultry day, dry and hot. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and picked bugs off the potatoes in the afternoon. Mrs. R. lost thirteen goslings last night. Some wild animal mangled and killed her entire flock. They were scattered over twenty Rods, some with their heads eat off and some with their entrails torn out. It was on Lot 218 Proton. Big devastation in one night, not any left out of all her number. [in margin]. Hot / Mrs. R. lost her goslings <p. 167> June 1890 24th Sunny morning, the day dry, warm and breezy. I worked at the Township Books and milk ac- counts. Jim and Willie are getting out timber for stable. 25 Fine morning, the day dry and breezy, pretty warm. Jim and Willie worked at the stable timber in the forenoon. In the afternoon Jim went to John Conner’s Barn Raising. I hoed potatoes. 26 Bright sunny day and hot. Jim and Willie worked at the stable timber till tea time, then they took two of Jim’s Cattle to pasture at D. Pate’s. I hoed potatoes and Bugged. 27 Fine dry morning and the sun shone out very hot during the length of the day. I was hoeing and weeding carrots for Jim. Willie and Jim worked at stable timber. 28 Beautiful Rain very early this morning and the crops all needed it. The Rain was heavy as there were pools of water on the Road. Jim, Willie and D. Reid worked at the stable. They layed the foundation. I went to Dundalk. 29th Sabbath. Very warm day, bright sun. 30 Hot and sultry. Jim, Willie, John Gott, D. Reid and I worked at the putting together of the new stable. <p. 168> July 1890 1st Rain early in the morning and several showers during the forenoon. Thunder and lightening and a heavy Rain in the afternoon. Willie went Fishing, caught a few about four or five inches long, a failure. The others of us went to see the sports in Dundalk. They were mostly a failure also. �383 2 Sun shone out this morning, but there was a shower of Rain in the forenoon, also a slight shower in the afternoon. Jim and Willie worked at the stable. 3 Dry morning, the day dry. Jim went to Toronto on business for the young Britons. Willie hauled home a load of lumber, then wed Jim’s carrots. I went to Dundalk. 4 Dry day. Jim and Willie worked at the stable. I worked at hoeing potatoes. 5 Cool clear morning, the forenoon cool, the afternoon warm[e]r. Willie [stricken: hauled] worked at the stable. Jim hauled a load of saw logs to McDowell’s Mill. I hoed among the potatoes. 6th Sabbath. Dry day. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. We had Mr. J. Arnold’s Buggy. 7 Cloudy morning, the day dry and very warm in the afternoon. Jim and Willie were at D. Reid’s sawing in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes. <p. 169> July 1890 8th Dry in the forenoon, rain in the afternoon, a pretty high wind. I finished hoeing potatoes. Willie with Jim's team hauled a load of shingles and two loads of lumber for me. The females went to Clark's picknick. 9 Cool clear morning, the day cold and clear. Willie and Jim worked at the stable. I worked at the milk sheets. Dan and Emma Reid were here. 10 Pretty warm day. Willie, Jim, D. Reid and Clark worked at the stable. I attended Council meeting in Dundalk. 11 Pretty hot day. Jim and Willie worked at the stable. I Paris Greened the potatoes. 12 Dry morning, a slight shower before noon, the afternoon breezy and dry. Jim, Johney and Clark went with the Britons to Flesherton. Willie went to Orangeville. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon to collect some cheese money. [in margin]. Got a letter from / Br. William / Antlers P. O. / Ind. Territory / US 13th Sabbath. Dry morning, the day dry and hot. Sam and Phoebe were here in the afternoon. 14 Dry morning, the forenoon dry and very warm. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid the Patrons. Their money came to $856.00. That was three weeks milk. Willie with the team done statute labor. There was a very heavy rain about 6 P.M. with thunder and lightening. <p. 170> July 1890 15th Sunny morning, the day bright and warm. I entered the payments in the Milk Books in the fore- noon and in the afternoon mended the fence. Willie with the team done statute labor. 16 Bright morning, the day dry, but cloudy in the afternoon. I worked at posting orders in the Town- ship Books. Willie molded Jim’s potatoes. 17 Pretty cool morning, the day generally cool, some rain about 1 PM, and a little thunder, the after- noon cloudy and cool. Got home mower, Price $50.00, 10 & 20 & 20 the payments. [in margin]. Got home / Mower 18 Cool and cloudy with a tendency to frost at the night. Jim and Willie shingled Stable. J. Arnold helped in the afternoon. 19 Quite cold this morning, the day cool and cloudy. Jim and Willie finished shingling stable. I went to Clark’s place in the forenoon for a few bunches of shingles to finish the roof. I have got in all from him 24 small bunches, viz.16 the first time, and 8 this time. 18 of these bunches were first class. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 20th Sabbath. Dry day, cool and clear. �384 21 Clear and cool morning, the middle of the day warm. Willie took Minnie to Dundalk in the morn- ing and laid the upper floor on the stable in the afternoon. I cut some stove wood in the bush. <p. 171> July 1890 22nd Cloudy morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Willie took Gerty to the blacksmith and got two shoes on. Then he hauled a load of wood for Jim and two for me. 23 Fine morning, dry and sunny, the day warm and Breezy. I split some stove wood. Willie helped Jim at the hay. The afternoon cloudy and like a storm. 24 Very heavy Rain, thunder and lightening early this morning, the remainder of the day dry, cloudy and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie was at Jim’s in the afternoon. 25 Dark cloudy morning, the day dry till about 7 PM when there was a thunderstorm with lightening and heavy rain. Willie was at Jim’s. 26 Clear morning, the day cool and cloudy with some sunshine in the afternoon. Willie was at Jim’s. Johney Norval, Blacksmith of Dundalk, died this eavning of Dierehea [=diarrhea], after a sickness of about Thirty hours. He was about 32 years of age. [in margin] Johney Norval / Died 27th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s and then to meeting. 28 Bright morning, the day dry, and the afternoon hot. I helped Jim in the forenoon at his hay, and in the afternoon we went to J. Norval’s funeral. Willie helped Jim. <p. 172> July 1890 29th Bright morning, the day dry and warm. I worked at the milk books in the forenoon, and helped Jim in the afternoon to mow away some hay in the barn. Willie worked at Jim’s. 30 Dry morning, but Rain came on in the forenoon and although not much, yet it stopped hauling in. The afternoon was cloudy and damp. Jim cut some with the mower, and Willie Raked while it was dry in the forenoon. 31 Dry forenoon, rain about noon, with some thunder and lightening, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, bought 1 1/2 lbs of Paris green, came home and put it on the potatoes. This is the second time this season that I have put 1 1/2 pounds on. There is a little over 1/2 an acre of potatoes. Willie helped Jim at his hay. [in margin] Sent letter to / the Minister of Public / Instruction August [1890] 1st Very heavy dew this morning, almost as much wet on the grass as if rain had fallen. All the day dry and warm. I went to Johney's in the morning to help him at his hay, but he had finished the eavning before. I then came home and helped Jim at his hay in the afternoon. Willie helped Jim. 2 Bright sunny day, dry and warm. Willie and I helped Jim to haul in hay. Ida also helped to mow. H. Lonsway’s boy & team were there. [in margin] Got pension / $101.00. <p. 173> August 1890 3rd Sabbath. Dry day till about 7 PM, when there came on a Rain storm with thunder and lightening. The day was Exceedingly sultry. Brother Sam and Phoebe, Johney and Ina were here. [in margin] very hot 4 Dry morning, the day dry till about 1 P.M. when there came on a tremendous Rain storm with thunder and lightening. More rain fell in the same time than I ever remember. Another Rain, Thunder and lightening from 5 to 7 PM. Willie mowed at home with Jim’s team when dry. [in margin] Heavy Rain / commenced / Haying �385 5 Wet morning, but it cleared off and the day was dry, breezy and cool. Willie mowed at home with the mares. I mowed with the scythe. John Trugon and wife got home from Red River. They had been away since April. Thought to farm out there but they could not succeed, therefore [dittog.: therefore] they sold their horses, cattle and implements and left. [in margin] J. Trugon / got home 6 Dry day, cloudy and breezy. Willie mowed fence corners in the forenooon, and in the afternoon sulky Raked and hauled in. Jim helped us with his team. We put in five loads in the afternoon on the loft of the new stable. 7 Fine day, dry and Breezy. Jim, Willie and I worked at Haying. Willie Raked in the afternoon and mowed in the forenoon. Jim and I hauled in Four loads in the afternoon. <p. 174> August 1890 8th Dry day, cloudy and Breezy with sunshine. We finished haying at this place. Four loads with some Rakings. [in margin] Finished / Haying 9 Cool morning with quite a dampness on the ground, the day was cool, cloudy and breezy. Mrs. R. with Willie and the team went to Dundalk in the forenoon. In the afternoon Willie helped Jim to pick up the remainder of his hay Rakings. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Sent let- ter to Willie / Antlers P.O. / Ind. Territory / U.S. 10th Sabbath. Cold and cloudy, the eavning very cold. W. Agnew, Wife and Two children came here this eavning. 11 Very chilly morning, the day sunny and warm in the afternoon. I was at a Council meeting in Hopeville. Willie helped D. Reid mend brush fence. 12 Bright sunny morning, the day hot in the afternoon. I took Johney's Horse and Buggy, which I had borrowed, home. Then went to Dundalk and collected cheese money. Willie and Ida with J. Bowerman and sister went to the Berry Marsh. 13 Cool and clear, a little sultry about noon. I worked at the milk Books and went to Brother Sam's in the afternoon to see a sick colt. 14 Dry day and breezy. I posted the Township orders in the forenoon, and helped Jim stook some Barley in the afternoon. Willie helped all day. 15 Dry day. Willie and I helped Jim move [MS vove] straw out of the new Barn to the old, till the waggon tongue broke. <p. 175> August 1890 16th Dry morning and cool, the middle of the day warm, the afternoon dry. I paid the Patrons of the C[heese] Factory in the afternoon. [in margin] $20 — 1st Feb. 1892, $20 —1st Feb. 1893, $10 — 1st Feb. 1891 —[total] $50. Mower 17th Sabbath. Rain in the morning. Fair and cool from about 10 AM, the afternoon very cold, slight frost at night. 18 Cool morning, but the sun shone out Bright and the day was pleasant. Willie helped Jim to move straw. I posted the milk payments and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 25 lbs B[lack] Turnips for $3.50. 19 Dry in the morning, but a slight mizzle of rain came on about 9 AM and the day was wet all through. 20 Dry, cool morning, the day dry and sunny. Willie and I made a Road of stones to the spring on T. Arnold's Lot. All the family but Clark [MS Clare] are at J. Maxwell’s party this night. I was there but came home. �386 21 Rainy forenoon, the afternoon dry, cool & cloudy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 22 Cool and cloudy in the morning, the day cool and slightly wet. We tried cutting pease with the mower, but it would not do, on account of the wetness of the grain. Then Jim cradled roads around the oats, and Willie and I pulled in his pease with the scythes. [in margin] First Harvesting / pease cut <p. 177> August 1890 23rd Dark morning, cool, and the ground very wet with rain, which had fallen during the night. Willie helped Jim to pull pease. The afternoon was cold and clear, very much like frost. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 24th Sabbath. Cool and clear. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s with Henry Lonsway. 25 Dry morning, the day dry till about 4:30 P.M. when there came on a slight rain which continued till dark. Jim, Willie and I cut pease on the Arnold place. Jim mowed them, I Raked them out, and Willie throwed the bunches back. Clark stopped here all night. 26 Damp morning, though not Raining. Rain came on early in the afternoon and was slightely wet during all the afternoon. Willie helped Jim pull his pease with the scythe. I skinned a sheep which had got hooked by one of the cows and died. I tied some oats also which had been craddled. 27 Dark morning, the day cloudy and a slight rain at noon. We finished cutting pease, both at Jim’s and at home. Jim also cut his wheat. My pease are a very poor crop, not any more than one third of a crop on account of the spring being so wet and the lands plowed so ve[ry l]ate [? words un- clear]. [in margin] Finished cutting / pease <p. 177> August 1890 28th Dry, cool morning, the day dry. Jim reaped for me with his Binder. Willie stooked. I tied up some craddled grain. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon, and after tea Willie and I hauled in Bar- ley for Jim, which he had on the knoll. [in margin] First oats cut 29 Wet morning, a geat deal of Rain fell early in the day, the afternoon from about 3 O’clock dry. Jim cut oats for me with his Binder from about 4 P.M. Willie stooked. I stood up some that were cut yesterday. 30 Wet forenoon, the afternoon mizz[l]ing, cloudy and cold. No harvesting done today, only a few shooks stood up. 31st Sabbath. Dry and cool. Johney and Ina were here. Sept[ember] 1890 1st Very heavy frost this morning, the day Bright and sunny. Jim cut oats for me with his binder. Willie stooked up. I tied oats at Jim’s. J. Gott and boy craddled them. I Raked and bound about one thousand sheaves from 9 A.M. [in margin] Frost 2 Dry and fine, quite sunny, a good Harvest day. Willie stooked in the forenoon. He and I and Mrs. R. hauled in pease in the afternoon. Jim finished cutting oats for me. I tied oats for Jim in the forenoon. [in margin] Finished / cutting oats <p. 178> September 1890 3rd Dry and pretty warm, especially in the afternoon. I tied oats till 6 P.M. for Jim. John Gott craddled them. Willie, his mother and Ida hauled two loads of pease in the forenoon. This fin- ished our pea harvest. Willie then stooked up till 6 P.M., when he, I and Mrs. R. helped Jim to haul in his wheat. [in margin] Finished pease �387 4 Cloudy and breezy, with a sharp shower about 6 P.M. I had John Gott and his team hauling in oats, 7 loads. Then when we finished the field and went to haul in pease for Jim, Rain came on and we only got one load in. 5 Every thing steeping in rain this morning, the forenoon cloudy, the aftenoon dry and sunny. I worked at the Milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon tied some oats for Jim. Willie worked at Jim’s. John Arnold and Wife and Johney Maxwell and Miss Morin [=Moran] were here a while at night. 6 Wet morning again, the rain ceased about 8 A.M. I then went to Jim’s and stooked up 2000* oat sheaves for him. Willie also worked at Jim’s. [*or 400 stooks; seems like a lot for one day, even if both Robert and Willie did it. Probably should be 200.] 7th Sabbath. Dry day, cloudy in the afternoon and a heavy rain came on about 10:30 P.M. Mrs. Max- well was here in the afternoon. <p. 179> September 1890 8th Rain early in the morning, then a little sunshine, but the day was generally cloudy and cool. Willie and I pulled some apples in the forenoon and helped Jim Bind oats in the afternoon. Johney and Ina called at night. Clark is stopping here this night. 9 Dry dark morning, the day dry and cool, not much sunshine. I turned Jim’s pease in the forenoon, and Willie craddled some oats for him in the afternoon. From tea time we hauled them all in. There were ten loads. John Gott with his team and man helped. The pease were very damp. 10 Dry cloudy morning, the day dry and cloudy. Willie and I hauled in eight loads of oats. The un- der parts of the sheaves were very wet, and some of them growing. Ida helped in the mow. Willie with the team went to help John Gott to haul in after six O’clock. 11 Dark morning, with a Scotch mist, the day mizzly till about 4 P.M., dry after, with a very slight bit of sunshine. Willie and I hauled in two loads of oats in the morning, [stopped] when they got too wet. I then posted the Milk sheets and went to Dundalk in the eavning. 12 Dark morning, very misty, which soon cumulated in a heavy shower of rain. After that the day was dry though not drying. Willie and I helped Jim after tea. [in margin] Colt / weaned <p. 180> September 1890 13th Dry early in the morning, Rain came on about 8 A.M. and continued for about an hour, then cleared off, a Brisk wind and dry afternoon. Willie and I hauled in two loads of oats in the after- noon. Ida helped in the mow. Brother John and Wife came here in the eavning. 14th Sabbath. Dry day from morning till night. 15 Dry morning, but a very heavy dew. We upsett the stooks and Willie and I hauled in Eight loads of oats. This finished our harvest. Jim and Ida helped us. This made 28 loads of oats in all and 7 loads of pease. The grain is put in very wet. We went to Jim’[s] in the afternoon and helped him haul in. Brother John helped us, we put in 10 loads. [in margin] Finished / Harvesting 16 Dry day from morning till night. We helped Jim haul in and finished his harvest. 17 Dry morning, a very heavy dew, the day dry. Jim, Willie, Brother John and I helped Sam to haul in. Johney helped after dinner. This finished Sam’s harvest. 18 Very Fine morning, sunshine without stint, the day remarkably fine. Brother John and wife left for home about 11. A.M. We separated our lambs from the ewes, parted the colts from the horses. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. �388 19 Dry morning, the day dry till noon, the afternoon showery. I picked some apples off the trees in the forenoon. Willie and Clark are laid up, Willie with a cold and Clark, I think, with pleuresy. Johney and Ina were here a short time. <p. 181> September 1890 20 Drizzly morning, the day generally damp. I went in the morning for Dr. McWilliam’s for Clark who has the measels [=measles]. When I came home I worked at the milk books. Mr. John Ar- nold and wife were here a while. 21st Sabbath. Dark day and dry. I went to tell Dr. McWilliam in the afternoon how Clark was. 22 Dry day but cool. I went in the morning to J. Best’s with D. Reid who took him seven lambs. I bought one of D. Reid’s Ram lambs from Mr. Best for $4.00 and one ewe lamb from Mr. Best for $3.50. In the afternoon I worked at making out the Township estimates. 23 Dry day, but cool, a slight sprinkle of Rain at night. John Agnew was here. I worked at Township Books. 24 Fine morning with a slight Frost, the day dry, cool and sunny. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk and collected some cheese money, also I drew out of the Bank $600.00 to take to Council meeting. 25 Fine morning, the day dry and warm. I attended council meeting at Hopeville. 26 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry but chilly. I settled up township orders. 27 Cold morning, the day cold with a slight snowfall. I worked at the Milk accounts in the forenoon and went to Dundalk, and paid in the afternoon. [in margin] 1st Snow <p. 182> Sept[ember] 1890 28th Sabbath. Fine, Bright sunny morning, the day Beautiful. Sam and Phoebe were here. 29 Dry morning, the day dry, clear and warm. I took up potatoes, dug and gathered them myself, 13 Bushels in five hours. 30 Beautiful morning, the day dry, the sun hazy and warm, without a cloud. I dug potatoes. Ida gathered in the afternoon. We took up 20 Bushels. Ina came here after dinner. Johney came for her at night with the Buggy. Willie who is ailing went to Dr. McWilliam. He said he had Bronchi- tus, told him to keep mustard to his breast and gave him a bottle of medicine to be taken every Four hours. October [1890] 1st Dry sunny morning and the day Fine, cloudy somewhat in the afternoon. I was at W. Armstrong’s threshing. 2 Bright, sunny morning, the day Beautiful and very warm in the afternoon. I was at W. Arm- strong’s threshing in the forenoon and Henry Lonsway’s in the afternoon. 3 Wet morning, a great deal of rain fell during the night. The afternoon was dry with an occasional shower. I was at Henry Lonsway’s threshing in the afternoon. <p. 183> October 1890 4th Dry and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and clear. I pulled Four Bags of apples in the afternoon and Fixed up the grannary [=granary] in the Forenoon for the thres[h]ing. Ina was here. Willie is still very unwell, does not seem to be gaining strength. Arlie is stopping here tonight. 5th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, wet at night. 6 Drizzly wet day. I went to Jim’s threshing in the afternoon and attended a Council Meeting of Dundalk at night. �389 7 Missling [=mizzling] all day. I was at J. Arnold’s threshing. 8 Dry morning and the sun shone out during the day. Mrs. R. showed some things at the Fair. Got nothing. I went in after 3 P.M. 9 Misty morning but the day cleared off and was dry. I Raised 13 Bushels of potatoes. Also I Bar- gained with George Grummett for a sucking gilt*, he to keep it two weeks and wean it and not to let it down in flesh and at the end of that time if I like it I am to pay him $40.00 for it. [*young female pig] 10 Mizzly in the forenoon, the afternoon misty and dry. I was at J. Mills’ threshing in the forenoon. The machine broke and work stopped. I took up potatoes, (14) Bushels, in the afternoon. <p. 184> October 1890 11th Misty morning, the day dry but without Rain. I took up potatoes about (33 Bushels), thus making in all about 80 Bushels of First class potatoes. Willie and Ida gathered, and I throwed them on with a stable fork. [in margin] Finished / Raising / Potatoes 12th Sabbath. Dry day, but cold. 13 Rainy throughout the day. I was at J. Mills’ threshing. 14 Showery and cold. I was at J. Mills’ threshing. Four of Brother John’s family came up to attend Clark’s weddding [MS: weeding], viz. Bob, Jim, Nancy & Minnie. G. McConnell, Collector of Proton, was here and deposited his Bond with me. [in margin] Collector /Deposited / Bond 15 Fine day, dry and without Rain. Robert Clark Russell, age 23, my third son, was married to Mari- ah Moran, daughter of John Moran of Melancthon. He and his Bride, together with Brother John’s boys and girls, left after the Ceremony and Services for Tossorontio on a visit. T. Arnold Snr. was here at night. [in margin] Clark married 16 Dark morning, Rain in the forenoon and a continous Rain at night. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon and in the afternoon prepaired for threshing. The threshers came here at night. <p. 185> October 1890 17th Dry morning, the day dry. We threshed. The grain was pretty good, but the yield small, about 500 Bushels of oats, or 17 Bushels to the acre and about 60 Bushels of pease, or 10 Bushels per acre. The[y] finished threshing but were quite a while after dark, and light was obtained from the threshers’ lamps. It was J. Brinkman and D. Reid who threshed. [in margin] Threshed 18 Dry morning, the day dry and a good deal of sunshine. I was at Walter Bell’s threshing. 19th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, Rain came on at night. Joe Bowerman stopped here all night. 20 Dark morning, a misty kind of day all through. I made a place to put the pigs which I intend fat- ting. Mrs. R., Willie and the team went to Dundalk and got some fixings for Clark and placed them in his house. Ida has been teaching for him till his return. [in margin] Pigs put / up to fat 21 Fine day, mild and a good deal of sunshine. I chored around. Willie hauled home two loads of firewood from Jim’s Bush. 22 Dark, cloudy day, but dry and mild. I worked at entering Twps. orders in the forenoon, and split some stove wood in the afternoon. Willie, with the team, hauled out manure for Jim. <p. 186> October 1890 23rd Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. Willie, with the team, helped Jim haul manure. I worked at the Milk accounts. �390 24 Dark morning, a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. Jim and Willie with my team hauled 16 loads of manure for me. I worked at the Milk accounts. 25 Dark morning, the day dark. I straightened up some apples in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Jim and Willie hauled out 17 loads of manure for me. 26th Sabbath. Dark day, but without Rain. Joe Bowerman was here. 27 Dark day and cold. I went to G. Grummett’s to see about a colt which I had bought. Willie started to plow some sod. G. McConnell, collector, stopped here all night. [in margin] Collector 28 Pretty hard Frost this morning and a little snow on the ground. The day was dark with a flurry of snow in the afternoon. I worked at the milk books in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and deposited in Bank $324.00 of Township moneys. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s in the forenoon. 29 Dark morning, the afternoon sunny and fine. Willie plowed. I fetched some potatoes into the cel- lar. G. Grummett brought home the cold I bought of him. <p. 187> October 1890 30th Ground covered with snow this morning, and several showers fell during the day. Willie plowed part of the day. I worked at the milk accounts. Mrs. John Gott came here with a Halloweve goose as a present. Mrs. R. got home from Clark’s. 31 Snow on the ground this morning, but it got off after a while. The afternoon was mild. Willie plowed in the forenoon and some in the after part of the afternoon. He helped us to bring in out of the pits 64 Bushels of potatoes. This makes 75 Bushels potatoes in the cellar. They are good, choice potatoes, with the small ones picked out. Jim, Mary and Arley were here for their Hallow- eve Supper. November [1890] 1st The ground covered with snow this morning and quite wintry-like. It softened and thawed till about noon when there came on a very heavy snow storm. It is now (7:30 P.M.) Snowing and Blowing. Willie plowed in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Big snow / storm 2nd Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow and quite a quantity fell during the day. 3 Bright, sunny forenoon, the afternoon overcast and quite a quantity of snow fell. Willie split some wood in the forenoon. I chored around. The Roads are very sloppy, snow and mud. It is almost impossible to Travel them. <p. 188> November 1890 4th Snow on the ground this morning, and plenty more falling. It ceased about noon. Jim, Willie and I cut some stove wood in the bush on lot 219. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here at night. 5 Bright sunny morning, the day bright and mostly without a cloud, almost like Indian summer. Willie helped Jim in the forenoon, and in the afternoon he and I sawed stove wood in the Bush. He is stopping tonight at Jim’s. 6 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through. Willie helped Jim. I took up turnips and carrots. Joe Bowerman stopped here all night. 7 Dark morning, the day cloudy but pleasant, the snow has all disappeared. Willie plowed. I took up carrots and Beets and put them in the cellar. Jim and Wife and Mrs. R. went to a funeral of Sam McDowell’s child. Arlie is stopping here tonight. Water has come into the well in cellar. [in margin] Water in / Well �391 8 Mild day till the afternoon when it got cold and began to freeze. Willie rain-furrowed in the field to carry off the water in the spring. Jim helped me Butcher a pig which I had up fatting for 19 days. Pig weighed 270 pounds. 9th Sabbath. A Regular downpour of Rain this morning, dry in the afternoon. J. Bowerman stopped here all night. <p. 189> November 1890 10th Pretty hard frost this morning, but it softened after a little, the day dry with a little sunshine in the afternoon. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk and sent a Post Office money order of $9.50 to T. Woodhouse, Dry Goods Merchant, Toronto, for a Dress for Ida. Sent pattern of Goods in the let- ter. 11 Hard frost this morning, the day cloudy and warm in the afternoon. Willie plowed. I worked at Posting Township orders in the forenoon, and in the afternoon banked the stable. G. McConnell, collector, stopped all night. 12 Very hard frost this morning, but the ground softened after a little. The afternoon cloudy and mild. Willie plowed till noon, finished the sod. In the afternoon he hauled two small loads of hay, about a ton, from Jim’s to the Barn on T. Arnold’s Lot. I Banked the stable and spread manure part of the afternoon. 13 Fine, mild day, bright sun, almost like Indian Summer. I went to Dundalk and deposited in the Bank $621.00, Township Funds. Came home and cut some timber down. Willie water-furrowed. 14 Splendid day, Bright sun, the atmosphere Hazy like Indian Summer. I cut down trees for fire- wood. Willie helped Jim to Butcher. [in margin] Beautiful / Day <p. 190> November 1890 15th Slightely wet this morning, the day Showery. Willie and I sawed stove wood. 16th Sabbath. Fine day, so much so that the little Birds were out singing. 17 Wet day from morning till night. Willie took his Mother and Ida to Dundalk and Brought out Miss Lever to make a dress for Ida. 18 Dry but cloudy. Willie hauled some stove wood home in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and I sawed stove wood in the Bush. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and collected cheese money. I worked from 6 P.M. to 3 A.M. at the milk sheets. 19 Snow falling in the morning and quite a few showers of it through the day. Willie and I sawed stove wood in the bush. Miss Lever is helping on the wonderful dress.* [*this will be Ida’s wed- ding dress] 20 Hard frost this morning and still freezing through the day, with occasional showers of snow. I worked at the milk sheets till 2:30 P.M., then went to Dundalk and left the Books at Mr. Morgan’s to be audited by Clark and him. I then drew out of the Bank $1709.68, cheese money. I intend paying on Saturday. Willie was at D. Reid’s threshing. Miss Lever is working still at the dress. 21 Snow in the morning, but it mostly disappeared during the day. The day was mild. I packed En- velopes with the patron’s money. Willie split wood. <p. 191> November 1890 22nd Quite a quantity of snow on the Ground this morning and a frequent shower of it during the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of Cheese Factory their [MS: theire] final �392 payment for the season. Pretty close on $1800.00. They appeared all pretty well satisfied. Willie was at A. Lonsway’s threshing. 23rd Sabbath. Rather chilly in the morning, the afternoon was fine. Mrs. R. & I went to Brother Sam’s. 24 Sharp morning, but the sun got out and the day was mild and soft. John Arnold and I went to John Crique’s. He paid us the Rent ($115.00) of the Kinnear Farm. We gave to the Widow Kinnear $29.00, to Sydney $27.50, & to child $27.50. 25 Mild day, but with some showers of snow. I fixed around the Barn on the Arnold farm. Willie cut Roads to some stove wood. 26 Sharp Frost this morning, the day cold. I chopped down some trees for firewood. Willie hauled some stove wood home out of the Bush with the waggon. 27 Very sharp day. Freezing keenly all day. I worked in the Bush trimming up and cutting down trees. Willie was at John Brinkman’s threshing. 28 Mild day in the afternoon, but cold in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and depos- ited $20.00 in Bank to the credit of the Kinnear Estate. <p. 192> November 1890 29th Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft. We Butchered a pig which I had up 38 days. It weighed 300. Willie went to Clark’s in the afternoon with some things for hm. I chored around. 30th Sabbath. Cold day, sharp, raw wind. J. Bowerman stopped all night. December [1890] 1st Snow falling this forenoon. Cold day, especially near night. Willie and I hauled home two loads of hay from Jim’s, about a ton. Johney Irwin left his Taxes here. 2 Cold morning, the day very cold all through. Willie drove his mother to Dundalk in the afternoon. I chored around home. 3 Stormy morning, the day stormy, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Ida was married today to Jo- seph T. Bowerman, Blacksmith, of Dundalk. The officiationg minister was Rev. Hudson of the Presbyterian Church, Dundalk. The guests were Jim and Wife and daugher Arley, John and Wife, Clark and Wife, Brother Sam and Phoebe and their son William and daughter Madella. Abe Bow- erman and Brother and Sister, & Brother of the Groom, G. Scott and Miss Jessie Mitchell, Mr. Marshall, Wife & Baby, W. H. Russell, Brother of the Bride, and the Father and mother of the Bride, R. Russell and N. Russell. The married couple left for Johney’s at night. The[y] went next morning, along with John & Wife, to Tossorontio and Essa Townships to see their Relations. <p. 193> December 1890 4th Cold morning, the day cold all through, Blowing, Snowing some, and Freezing a good deal. Mrs. R. with horse and cutter went to Clark’s. I done the morning chores then went to Dundalk. 5 Fine morning, the day mild, the Roads getting smoothe. Willie is at Johney’s. I done chores and went to Dundalk after 5 P.M. 6 Quite a covering of hoar frost on the Bushes all day, the day pretty mild with a slight fall of snow towards night. I chored around. G. McConnell was here at night and made a payment 7th Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Clark & Maria here. 8 Fine day, mild and calm with some sunshine. Joe & Ida got home from their wedding tour. Willie & I sawed wood. �393 9 Fine morning, the day mild all through. Mr. D. McMillen, Reeve of Proton, was here. Willie with the team took Ida’s Organ*, Bed & Bedding & Bedstead to her home in Dundalk. [*purchased from T. Hanbury for $5.00, received in July 1888] 10 Fine morning, the day fine and mild except a little while in the afternoon when it got rather cold. I worked at making out Statement at night. Willie and I sawed stove wood in the forenoon. 11 Mild day, snow fell in the afternoon. Willie & I saw[ed] in the forenoon. He split in the afternoon and I went to Dundalk. <p. 194> December 1890 12th Cold, stormy day. I worked at making out Financial statement for the Council. Finished it today. Willie hauled home stove wood. 13 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold till near night, when it got milder. Willie hauled home wood. I chored around. 14th Sabbath. Mild day. Willie went to Dundalk for Joe and Ida, and took them home at night. 15 Mild morning, the day mild. I attended a Council meeting at Dundalk. Willie split stove wood. 16 Mild day, the sleighing is very thin, the wheels are running as well as the sleighs. I worked all day at making out Financial statement for the Township. J. Cavanagh, Clerk, came here in the after- noon. 17 Mild day, a little snow fell last night. I finished statement about 2 P.M., then wrote some letters and took Statement to printer. Mrs. R., Williie and the team went to Dundalk. He got a pair of whiffletrees* and put the irons which he had with him on. He hauled a load of stove wood from Melancthon in the forenoon. [*device attaching wagon tongue and horse harness; see 22 Sept. 1886, 10 June 1879] <p. 195> December 1890 18th Fine, clear day with a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled two saw logs in the afternoon to Mr. McGregor’s mill. I chored. 19 Bright morning, the day clear and cold with a keen freeze at night. Willie hauled 8 Logs from Melancthon to the mill. I split stove wood at the house. 20 Bright morning, the day clear and cold, with quite a sharp frost the night before. Willie hauled 4 logs to the mill. I chored at home. Mr. J. Arnold and Wife and J. Maxwell were here at night. 21st Sabbath. Mild day with a very slight rain which turned to snow in the afternoon. It did not amount to much. John and Ina were here. 22 Bright day, with a thaw wind in the afternoon, the sleighing is very thin and the waggons are run- ning. I went to Sam’s and he hauled me out about 1200 lbs of hay @ $6.00 a ton. Willie went and got 4 shoes on the horses then he drew logs forward at the mill to where the carriage could get them. He hauled two loads of Lumber home. Jim and his mother went to the Funeral of Mrs. John Mitchell at Maple Valley*, about 13 miles from here. The young woman was a sister to J. Bow- erman* and died in the prime of life. She was a splendid specimen of womanhood, strong, well- formed and robust. But death claimed her and she had to go. [*Maple Valley is on Highway 24, close to the townline between Melancthon and Osprey townships. J. Bowerman is the son-in-law of Robert, married to Ida.] <p. 196> December 1890 �394 23rd High wind with some snow falling this morning. The wind and snow increased and at night it was almost a Blizzard. Willie hauled a load of lumber from the mill. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s School Examinations. I went in the afternoon. The pupils presented him with a gold-headed cane. He is leaving the school after having been in it three years. When I came home Mr. McMillen, Reeve of Proton, was here. I went with him to Dundalk to attend a meeting of the two councils to settle a money question. We did not succeed. 24 The storm has abated, snow is still falling mildly, the sleighing is pretty good, the day calm. Wil- lie hauled six logs to the mill. I helped Jim clean a load of oats. 25 Christmas—very sharp morning, the day cold but pleasant. Sleighing fair. Jim & Wife and Arlie, Clark and Wife, Ida and J. Bowerman, were here. All and Mrs. R. went to the entertainment at Dundalk at night. I stopped at home and took care of Arlie. 26 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly. Willie hauled six logs to the mill. Jim came in the afternoon to work at the stable. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Johney called this eavning. Ina was here for about three hours at night. <p. 197> December 1890 27th Fine morning, the day fine till the afternoon when there came on a snow storm with very high winds and a sharp frost. I attended a council meeting at Hopeville and came home at night. It was almost 12 O’clock at night when I got home. Willie worked at the horse stable. 28th Sabbath. Very sharp morning, the day Frosty and cold. Joe & Ida came here in the afternoon and stopped all night. 29 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. I went to Dundalk and done some business. Wil- lie hauled 6 Logs to the mill and a Load of Lumber home. Jim worked at the stable part of the af- ternoon. 30 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold. Jim worked at the Stable. Willie hauled the remainder of the Lumber from the mill. Brother John, his Wife, and Daughter, Vina [=Lavina], came here in the eavning. 31 Sunny, almost like a thaw, quite a Rhime on the Bushes, the day foggy. William Lonsway and Wife came here in the Eavning. Brother Sam brought me a Load of hay, about 1600 lbs @ $6.00 per ton. Jim worked at the Stable. I helped him. Willie with the team hauled wood for Jim to Dundalk. The old Year is now out and the New Year is come in. We have had two marriages and no deaths in the family. Hope the new year will deal kindly with us. <p. 198> January 1891 1st Rain this morning, though slightly intermixed with sleet. Good soft Rain in the afternoon, a regu- lar thaw. Brother John is at Sam’s. W. Lonsway and Sister Margaret is at A. Lonsway’s. Willie hauled one load of wood for Jim to Dundalk. I nailed up some boards in the stable. [in margin] Rain 2 Blowing, Snowing and freezing all day. Brother John, Wife and Vina came here from Sam’s and then Mrs. R. and them went to W. Faucet’s, then to Ida’s in Dundalk, and came home about 10 P.M. 3 Calm morning but a very sharp frost, I think the hardest freeze this winter, but the sun shone out, the day was cold and clear. John left for home about 11 A.M., took his brood sow, which he had bought from me for $10.00 some time ago, home with him. He brought me up two bags of pease for what she had eat of mine. Jim, Willie and I worked at the stable. �395 4th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, sharp frost. Mrs. R. and I walked to Brother Sam’s at night. Stopped till about 10 O’clock. Sister Margaret and W. Lonsway was there. 5 Sharp morning, the day cold and without sunshine. Jim worked at the stable, except the time he went to poll his vote. I worked at the stable in the forenoon, and went to the voting in the after- noon. I then went to Dundalk, stopped about an hour and came home with Mrs. Reid and Dan. <p. 199> January 1891 6th Cold day, sharp frost, the day dark, several Flurries of snow fell. Jim and I worked at the stable. I Borrowed D. Reid’s Ram for a while and took him to Jim’s. Joe Bowerman and Ida called at night on their way to Andrew Lonsway’s. [in margin] Borrowed / D. Reid’s / Ram 7 Fine morning, a good deal of sunshine through the day, but a sharp frost. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s. I brought home the four calves which had been at Jim’s for some time. I also brought the Crique cow over from the barn to the new stable. She fell on the ice and could not get up, for it was all ice around her. I got Dan Reid to help. We had to chop the ice so as to make it rough for her. We got her up at last. 8 Fine day, bright and sunny, sharp frost in the morning. I worked at the stable. Brought down a weak calve from Jim’s, am going to make it strong if possible. D. Reid and Emma were here a while at night. 9 Beautiful Day from morning till night, plenty of sunshine, the air bracing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Got $15.19 from J. W. Armstrong, Clerk of D[ivision] Court. Posted & Registered $4.00 of this to James Patton, Lot 37, Con[cession] 13, Proton. Came home and done my chores. Felt tired and did not go to Mr. Arnold’s with Mrs. R. 10 Very fine day, Bright and sunny all through. Willie went to Shelburne for some coal for J. Bow- erman. I worked at laying floor in Horse stalls. <p. 200> January 1891 11th Sabbath. Mild day, almost like a thaw. A slight mizzle of rain fell in the afternoon, which soon turned to snow. 12 Real Blustery morning, snowing, blowing and Freezing, the day very cold. Willie hauled wood for Jim. I chored around. Jim fixed the Drive House door of the stable. 13 Dark morning, a little snow fell during the day, but not of any account. Willie was hauling for Jim. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 14 Stormy day, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Willie hauled wood for Jim. I chored at home & Worked at Balancing the Township Books. 15 Another sharp morning. The day cold but not much snow fell. Willie hauled wood for Jim. I chored around home and helped D. Reid to put on a load of hay. [in margin] [arrow pointing to outer margin, of indeterminate meaning.] 16 Pretty cold morning, the day very cold but with a bright sun in the forenoon. Willie hauled wood for Jim. Mrs. R. went to Son John’s. John Agnew stopped in on his way up to Jim’s. G. McConnell, Collector, made his final Return of cash, and Roll this eavening. Lawyer Lamon and his client, S. Irwin, was here looking over the past Collector’s Rolls. I worked in the eavening at Balancing the Township Books and making out 1/2 yearly Financial Report for Township council. [in margin] [dot with circle around it, indeterminated meaning.] �396 17 Quite a Hoar frost on the Bushes, the day mild, almost like a thaw. John Agnew here at noon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, helped D. Reid put on a load of hay before I went. [Does not mention his birthday!] <p. 201> 18th Sabbath. Mild day, almost like a thaw. Ida and Joe were here in the afternoon, also J. T. Agnew. 19 Mild day but the air full of moisture, a slight mizzle of Rain in the afternoon. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, left at 8 and got home at 11 P.M., the night mild. Willie hauled a load of wood for Jim. 20 Mild morning, the day soft, a little sunshine in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of wood and another of oats with Jim’s team for him to Dundalk. I settled up yesterday’s accounts, then wrote some letters, went to Dundalk and posted them. 21 Mild day, inclined to thaw, with a shower of snow in the afternoon. I helped Jim bag up a load of oats, then Willie and I brought a little jag of straw for bedding. Then Willie took the team to Dun- dalk and got the sorell [=sorrel] mare’s shoes sharped [=sharpened]. J. McArdle left some taxes here, I to Receive the money and send away Receipt. 22 Mild day, some snow fell. Willie with the team went to Henry Lonsway’s and wood Bee. I went to Dundalk. 23 Mild day all through, some snow falling. Willie with the team went to Clark’s Bee drawing Logs to the mill. Mr. John Morin, Senior,* unfortunately got his leg broken. I worked at home copying off the Defaulters’ Roll with my Defaulters’ Book. [in margin] T. Arnold / here / Mr. Morin’s / Leg broke [*John Moran, Father of Clark’s wife, Mariah Moran; see 15 Oct. 1890.] <p. 202> January 1891 24th A little rough in the forenoon, wind and snow, the afternoon calm and mild. Willie hauled Jim’s Barley home to him from the Arnold’s Barn in the forenoon, and in the afternoon I attended a meeting of the Patrons of Dundalk Cheese Factory, held in Dundalk. 25th Sabbath. Mild day, good sleighing. Johney and Ina, Joseph & Ida were here a while at night. 26 A little snow fell in the forenoon, but ceased in the afternoon. Willie hauled 55 ties for Brother Sam to Dundalk. I chored around. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. 27 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing. The afternoon mild, almost like a thaw, quite warm. Wil- lie hauled ties for Sam. He and J. Patterson drawed 120 at 4 loads. I went to Dundalk. 28 Mild morning, the day fine, Snow getting soft. Willie hauled 55 ties for Sam. I brought Arlie down in the forenoon and made a grain box in the afternoon. Mrs. and Mr. John Arnold and Johney Maxwell were here at night. [change in ink colour for next entry, from black to blue- black] 29 Fine morning, the day soft in the afternoon and some rain fell in the afternoon. Willie was at Jim’s cordwood be[e], he got near 30 cords hauled to Dundalk. The Township auditors, G. Watson and A. Gillespie, were here auditing the Books. Said Books came out square, as they should. [in mar- gin] Twp auditors here / Jim’s / Wood Bee <p. 203> January 1891 30th Quite a raw, chilly morning with a flurry of snow now and then, the afternoon finer. Willie and I cleaned oats, Jim Patterson helped us in the afternoon. [ink changes back to black for next entry] �397 31 Dark morning, the day cloudy with several showers of snow, a little rain in the afternoon. Willie and I cleaned grain. Jim Patterson helped us in the afternoon. G. McConnell called to see me in regard to Taxes. February [1891] 1st Sabbath. Rather mild day, a little snow fell sometimes. Brother Sam and Phebe, Jim, Mary and Arlie, Clark, Maria, and Evans, Mr. Brinkman, W. J. Arnold, Wife and child were here. 2 A little stormy this morning, the day pretty cold and some snow fell especially in the afternoon. Willie was making ties with Brother Sam. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got some School vouchers out of the Bank. Came home and worked at School accounts. Got finished with these and packed them in an envelope addressed to Co[unty] Auditors. 3 Very stormy morning, snowing and Blowing. Quite a Rainfall the previous night. Roads are fill- ing up pretty fast with snow. Willie is helping Sam to make ties. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon, posted 36 Sch[ool] Vouchers to Co[unty] Auditors. Sold my oats to Skeffington Bell for .39 1/2 ¢, to be delivered any time next week. Came home and worked at making out statement for Council on 7th inst. 4 Very cold morning, the day freezing and cold. John Agnew was here. I bought 2 Barrels of flour from him at $5.00 per Brl. <p. 204> February 1891 5th Sharp morning, the day milder towards the afternoon, the roads drifting up very heavy. I attended a meeting of Patrons of the Cheese Factory held at Jim’s this night. The drawing of the milk was let to R. Cornett* at 7 1/2 mills per Gallon. [*Robert Cornett, who was a member of the first elected town council in 1888, owned the Dundalk Cheese Factory, situated on the southwest edge of the village; see History of Dundalk, pp. 13, 93.] 6 Mild morning, the day dark but soft, inclined to thaw. The roads are pretty bad in some places, on account of the big snow drifts. The Patent Lady has her nose in the air this afternoon and is trying to whistle the Rakes of Mallow.* [The meaning of this allusion remains unclear. The “Rakes of Mallow” is a traditional Irish folk song, Mallow is an Irish spa town, and the lyrics include these lines depicting loose living: “Beauing, belling, dancing, drinking, / Breaking windows, damning, sinking, / Ever raking, never thinking / Like the rakes of Mallow”; see https://www.libraryireland.com/social-history/popular-rhymes/rakes-mallow.php] 7 The morning mild but the afternoon colder with quite a sharp snowfall at night, also the wind is Blowing pretty strong which will cause drifted Roads. 8th Sabbath. Mild day with a little snow. 9 Soft morning, a slight mizzle of Rain falling. The day got a little wetter, and towards night there was a pretty fair thaw. Willie hauled 52 B[shels] & 22 lbs of oats in the forenoon and 75 bushels less 10 pounds in the afternoon to Dundalk, sold them for .40¢ per Bushel. Jim helped us fill up 19 more Bags for market and 14 Bushels for Clark. 10 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The day was one of storm and cold. Willie hauled 48 B[ushels] & 08 pounds of oats to market, all told 175 20/34 Bushels. Miserable poor crop, only about 14 B[ushels] per acre. I sent $120.00 Rent to T. Arnold by Bank cheque. At- tended Magistrates Court in the afternoon, McArdle v[ersus] Cavanagh. <p. 205> February 1891 �398 10th Continued—This was an action Brought by McArdle against the Clerk because he would not per- mit him to take the declaration of office at the meeting of Township council on 19th of last Janu- ary. Cavanagh was fined $10.00 and costs, in all $35.00. I also posted and Registered a cheque to Joseph Gourley, Monck P. O.* for $31.50, School moneys, and another to Robert Gordon for $52 78/100 to Kenilworth P. O.*, also School moneys. In the afternoon Willie hauled 25 ties to Dun[dalk]. [*Monck P. O. is in Luther Township, 9 miles from Arthur. Kenilworth is in Arthur Township, midway between Arthur and Mount Forest. Both are in Wellington County. Robert Russell is sending money to pay for students from Proton Township who have to go elsewhere to attend Catholic schools; see below, 29 Sept. 1891.] 11 Fine sunny morning, the day mild and a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled 60 ties at two loads to Dundalk. Jim went this morning to Toronto to try to Sell his cordwood. Ida was here in the eavning. Sent $9.00 in a Registered letter to D. Alexander, Egerton.* This is a Municipal Grant to their school. [*in Derby township, Grey County, south-west of Owen Sound; probably another payment for Catholic schooling of Proton township students.] 12 Beautiful morning, the day one of sunsine, the snow softening, the sky hazy. I went in the after- noon to John Crique’s and Refunded him $2.06 which he had paid in taxes in excess of his just proportion. Willie hauled two loads (60) of ties to Dund[alk]. Phoebe was here, also Mary and Arlie. 13 Dark morning, the trees covered with hoar Frost, the day medium in temperature, with pretty sharp frost at night. I chored around. Willie was at Charley Mills’ Bee. 14 Sharp morning, cold, but the sun shone out and the day was fine. I split wood at the house and wrote 10 letters at night to cheese Factories. Willie hauled 60 ties to Dundalk. <p. 206> February 1891 15th Sabbath. Soft day with a very high wind in the eavning. Johney, Clark and Joe Bowerman and their wives were here. 16 Quite a thaw most of the day, but it turned to snow in the afternoon and kept at it most of the night. Willie hauled a load of ties for Sam in the afternoon. Mr. J. Arnold & Wife, & J. Maxwell were here. 17 Roads pretty well filled up with snow and more falling, quite a quantity fell today. I attended Pro- ton Council meeting held in Dundalk. Mrs. R. took me to town in the cutter. 18 Heavy snow showers all day. Willie hauled Saw Logs for Clark from his lot in Melancthon. 19 Soft morning, the day mild, the Roads very good in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s and stopped there most of the day. 20 Stormy morning, Blowing and snowing. The day turned soft in the afternoon and at night rain began to fall. Willie oiled the harness. Jim sold his wood (117 cords) to Mr. Granery at $1.90 per cord and $2.50 more on the whole quantity. He has been trying for the last month to sell, also went to Toronto for that purpose. 21 Mild morning, the snow pretty soft, but the day changed in the afternoon and at night there was a pretty sharp Freeze. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie was breaking in his colt. J. Max- well helped him. <p. 207> Feb[ruary] 1891 22nd Sabbath. Quite stormy most of the day. �399 23 Dark morning, the day a little inclined to be soft, the snow settling down. I worked at the Town- ship Books in the Forenoon. Willie took 7 pieces of meat to John Crique’s to be smoked for me, then he hauled a load of saw logs for Clark. 24 Dark morning, the snow soft and inclined to thaw. The afternoon Rainey [=rainy] and a complete thaw. Willie helped Dan Reid to clean up oats. [in margin] Rain 25 Rain this morning, a steady Rain through all the previous night. Kept raining till about 10 A.M., then cleared off, and a steady freeze set in. The roads are very slippery, nothing but glare ice eve- rywhere, from here to the Barn on Arnold’s place nothing but a sheet of ice. Willie and I cleaned up some oats out of some seeds in the forenoon. He went to Dundalk with D. Reid in the after- noon. [in margin] Vesuvius / Bursted* [*eruptions happen almost continuously at Vesuvius, and this must have been a minor one; the severe eruptions closest to 1891 were in 1872, then 1906.] 26 Dark morning and pretty cold. Snow began to fall in the afternoon and a few heavy showers was the result. I think that before morning there will be a decent quantity of snow on the iciest part of the Roads. Nothing doing here today, either by man, boy or Horse. 27 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The day was cold and stormy all through. Wil- lie went to a wood cutting bee, made by Ned Mills. 28 Very stormy day, Blowing, Snowing, and Freezing. I went to Dundalk and sent $84.50 interest to N[orth] of S[cotland] L[oan] company. I then went to Clark’s but he was not at home. <p. 208> March 1891 1st Sabbath. Clear and very cold. 2 Clear in the morning, overcast in the afternoon, and a shower of snow at night. The day very cold all through. Willie helped Jim in the afternoon to get in a load of logs. [in margin] Very cold 3 Cold morning, the day dark and cold, especially in the afternoon which was extremely cold. A shower of snow fell towards night. Willie helped Jim load a load of logs in the forenoon, and he went to the mill for him in the afternoon and got some chopping done. They put a Blister of Bro- mide of Mercury and Hog’s lard on the two year old colt’s leg. There is a lump on it at the joint, something like a spavin.* [in margin] Very cold [*bone spur; see 20 Mar. 1889] 4 Stormy morning, stormy at noon, stormy at night, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing all day long. Willie, Jim and D. Reid started with the team for Clark’s bush to cut logs for sawing machine. They cut only about 32, I think, and came home. [in margin] Stormy 5 Sharp morning, the day very cold all through, Freezing quite sharply, especially towards night. I went to the polling place at Mr. Acheson[’s] and voted. Mr. D. Reid and wife were here at night. [in margin] Dominion / Election* [*Conservative Party, under John A. Macdonald, remained in power after a close election; main issue was protective tariffs against US, vs. Liberal Party pro- posal for free trade. Macdonald died 6 June 1891. Thomas Sproule (1843-1917), farmer and phy- sician of Markdale, was Conservative MP for Grey East (1878–1911), then Senator (1911-17).] 6 Sharp morning, the day clear and cold. Willie with Jim and D. Reid were cutting firewood. 7 Clear and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. Willie, Jim and D. Reid were cutting fire- wood in Clark’s Bush. It is a good distance from home, still, firewood must be got. <p. 209> March 1891 8th Cold, Raw wind in the morning, changed to almost Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Johney’s. [in margin] Mrs. Gott / died �400 9 Wet morning, but soon cleared off, turned to snow in the afternoon. Willie, Jim and D. Reid were skidding logs for the saw. 10 Mild morning, the day generally mild with a tendancy to thaw in the afternoon. They set the saw- ing machine in the bush. I went to Dundalk, attended a meeting of Officials from the neighbour- ing Cheese Factories. The object of the meeting was to form a Board of Sale of cheese. Mrs. R. went to the Funeral of Mrs. Gott. D. McKenzie, assessor, stopped here at night. Our assessment is as follows: Lot 217 10 acres cleared, valuation $300.00 “ 218 35 “ “ “ 700.00 “ 219 15 “ “ “ 450.00 “ 215 40 “ “ “ 800.00 “ 216 10 “ “ “ 200.00 N. W. pt. 220. 1 “ “ “ 50.00 11 Soft morning, the day sunny and quite a thaw. Willie, Jim and D. Reid had John Brinkman sawing stove wood in Melanthon. One of the yearling calves fell head first in the old leach* and got drowned. [*leach box, filled with water, leaching through ashes, to make lye.] 12 Very fine morning, the day lovely, almost like a day in spring, bright sun, balmy air and the snow melting rapidly. Willie hauled two loads (about 4 1/2 cords) of firewood from Melancthon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 210> March 1891 13th Very stormy morning, Blowing and snowing, which was the general feature [MS feauture] of the whole day. Quite a big storm, the Roads filling up rapidly. Willie drove me to John’s in the cutter to see about buying a spring colt. I did not like the colt, therefore did not buy. Coming home I walked about a mile while Willie went to Dundalk. Could scarcely get home, the snow was so deep and the storm so strong. [in margin] Big storm 14 Another morning of snow and wind, the day one of storm, Blowing and snowing. Did not see any team on the Road and only two men. It has now been snowing and Blowing incessantly for about Forty-Eight hours. The snow is mountains high in some parts, neither is the storm any what abat- ed as yet (7:40 P.M.). In the morning when I went to feed the cattle I had to shovel the snow away from the stable door and the mouth of the shed in order to let the animals out. Jim paid me this af- ternoon his land payment of One Hundred Dollars. [in margin] Big Storm 15th Sabbath. Very stormy day from morning till night, Blowing and snowing. Did not see eiether man or beast on the Road today. [in margin] Big Storm 16 Stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The storm ceased in the afternoon and a calm set in with a sharp freeze. D. Reid and his little girl, Hannah, came here a while at night. This has been the longest storm that I remember. Commenced early on Thursday night and only ceased this afternoon. The Roads are impassible. [in margin] Storm <p. 211> March 1891 17th Calmer this morning and continued so till the afternoon, when it began to snow and Blow about as bad as before. Willie shovelled snow drifts on the Road part of the day. [in margin] First / lamb 18 Snowing this morning and quite a snowfall the previous night. The snow ceased about noon. Wil- lie shovelled the snow drifts in Jim’s lane. There has come five lambs, three of them died for the want of milk. �401 19 Bright sunny morning, the day bright and cold. Jim, Willie and I cleaned about 50 Bushels of my seed oats in the Forenoon. Then Jim took the fanning mill* to his place and Willie and he cleaned his. [*fanning mill: used to clean seed grain, by blowing off the lighter seeds as they are passed through sieves.] 20 Foggy morning, a little sleet falling which turned to rain in the afternoon. I brought the sheep home from Jim’s. Willie then went to Mr. Jean Crique’s for the pork which he had smoked for me. 21 Mild morning, the Bushes covered over with quite a hoar Frost, the day mild and the snow melt- ing. I went to Mr. Crique’s and wrote a letter for him, then drove to Dundalk and seen John Morin [=Moran] who has been to the Hospital and got his chin cut entirely out. He appears dreadful. D. Reid and John Maxwell were [MS where] here quite a while at night. 22nd Sabbath. Mild day, the snow melting. Joe and Ida were here. <p. 212> March 1891 23rd Dark morning, the day generally dark, warm air, the snow getting very soft. Andrew Russell came here. I went to Dundalk, got a letter from Mrs. W. Russell, Antler’s P. O., I[ndian]. T[erritory], United States. [in margin] Andrew Russell here / Letter from Mrs. R. 24 Sharp morning, quite a Frost, the day pretty mild, the snow softening in the afternoon. I got a ride out to Council meeting at Hopeville with Mr. T. Hanbury. We came home the same night. Willie hauled a Load of stove wood home in the afternoon. 25 Bright, sunny morning, the day clear and cool, the snow softened a little in the afternoon. Willie hauled two loads of stove wood home from Melancthon. 26 Bright morning, sunny day, clear and cold. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie hauled two loads of short wood from Melancthon. 27 Cold morning, the day dark and cold. Sharp, Raw wind, very unpleasant. Willie hauled a load of firewood for Jim. Andrew is gone to a party this night at Clark’s. 28 Bright sunny morning, the day warm, the snow melting. We brought down 40 Bushels of seed oats from Jim’s which I had exchanged for, then Willie took two Barells out to Clark’s to hold sap for him. I went with a man from Toronto across [MS accross] the Arnold property to show it to him. He said if he got it it would cost him the Mortgage and $500. in the trade he proposed mak- ing of town property. <p. 213> March 1891 29th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day one of sunshine. Willie took the cutter and went to Clark’s for Andrew. 30 Bright morning, the day one of sunshine. Willie went to help Clark make molasses. Andrew left for Toronto this morning. Jim hauled me a ton of Hay which I had bought from him. 31 Dark morning, the forenoon cold and lowering, a pretty brisk snow storm came on about noon, and it is still (8:55) snowing and Blowing. I hauled three loads of manure on the Garden in the Fore- noon. Phoebe and Sam called in the afternoon. April [1891] 1st Dark morning but mild, the day soft with a slight sprinkling of Rain in the afternoon. I took the team and went to Sam’s. He with his team Brought me about 1500 lbs hay and I with mine brought about 500 lbs. Johney, Ina and Ida were here in the eavning. �402 2 Showery generally throughout the day. I made a Box to pack pork in. Willie came home from Clark’s at night. [in margin] Heard / Robins 3 Snowing this morning, and continued so all day. Drifting and Blowing in the afternoon. Quite a sharp Frost at night. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and in the afternoon hauled out 3 Loads of manure. Willie went to the Sugar Bush. [in margin] Sow Farrowed / 11 in number* [i.e. a litter of 11 piglets] <p. 214> April 1891 4th Very stormy morning, blowing and snowing all day, nearly, with a short intermission in the after- noon. Willie came home this morning. 5th Sabbath. Sharp morning, the day cold, quite a quantity of snow fell yesterday. 6 Bright sunny morning, the day bright but cold. Willie went to the sugar bush. I hauled out seven loads of manure. Phoebe was here in the afternoon. 7 Bright morning, the sun shone out most of the day, but the wind was cold and the snow did not melt much. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. She stopped at Ida’s. I came home and attended the animals. [in margin] Seen two / Robbins 8 Bright sunny morning, the day clear and pretty spring-like. Sharp frost toward night. Mrs. R. went on hoss Back [=horseback] to John’s. I chored around at home. 9 Bright morning, the sun shone out most of the Day, the snow melting Rapidly. On towards night the sky got overcast and some signs of Rain appeared. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Sold my potatoes for Eighty Seven and a half cents per Bag. Johny sold his horses For $255.00, cash, to James Acheson. 10 Snowfall early this morning, Rain through the day. Jim & I took in 17 1/3 Bags of my potatoes. <p. 215> April 1891 11th Rain in the morning, Rain at noon and snow at night, a very unpleasant day. Not much chance of any work being done. 12th Sabbath. Mild day. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s and came home with Ina. John Agnew stopped here at night. 13 Fine Forenoon, sunny and nice, the afternoon cloudy and some Rain fell. I went to Sam’s and bought a ton of hay from him. I also Bought 1/2 ton of hay from E. Mills @ $5. p[er] t[on]. 14 Dry, but cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon showery. E. Mills hauled me home the hay (1300 lbs). [in margin] C. Maxwell / & Miss S. Jackson / married 15 Dark day all through from morning till night. I felt sick and weak, something like the Grip. Mrs. R. Went on a visit to Mrs. C. Bell. 16 Fine morning, the day beautiful, quite spring-like. I went to Dundalk, consulted Dr. McWilliam. He gave me a bottle of medicine, price .75 cents. 17 Quite spring-like this morning, the day fine all through. Willie took the sorrell [=sorrel] Mare, aged 5 years, to Brother Sam’s and traded her to him for a three year old colt and gave $5.00 to boot. 18 Rainy morning, the forenoon wet, the afternoon dry and warm. I got a load of hay from Jim, about 1700 pounds, will return him the same amount when I get it from Sam. Willie spread some ma- nure. Clark and Mariah is here tonight. <p. 216> April 1891 �403 19th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Clark and Mariah, Jim, Mary and Arlie, Joe and Ida here. [in margin] Heard Frogs 20 Dry morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. Jim started the plow for me in the afternoon. The Gound was too soft and he had to quit. Willie split some stove wood at the house. Clark and Ma- riah are here. [in margin] First / plowing 21 Fine day, dry and warm and springlike. We all went to Dundalk and had a Group [MS Groupe] picture of the family taken. 22 Beautiful morning, the day fine. Willie hitched up the three year old colt [MS cold] which I got from Sam and started the plow. The colt went well. I am confined to the house with a severe cold. 23 Fine day, springlike and bright. Willie plowed. Brother Sam came to see me. 24 Frost this morning, the day fine. Willie plowed. 25 Hard frost this morning, the day fine. I am feeling something better but very weak. Willie plowed. [in margin] First cow / calved 26 Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Mr. Bowerman and wife, Joe and Ida, were here. 27 Very fine day, sunny and dry, quite springlike, every vestage [=vestige] of snow has disappeared from the Fence corners. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk and bought a sweat pad for the co[l]t’s collar. 28 Hard frost this morning, the day cool but dry. Willie plowed. <p. 217> April 1891 29 Fine day all through, very drying. Willie plowed. 30 Fine morning, the day dry and fine. Willie plowed and hitched up his two year old colt in the af- ternoon. The animal went well enough but he is rather light for plowing. May [1891] 1st Beautiful day, but a little chilly in the afternoon. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. [in margin] Planted / Fruit trees 2 Mild day and pretty warm in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and a slight rain from about noon till 3 P.M. Willie harrowed the pea ground in the forenoon and plowed in the dry part of the after- noon. I mixed the seed oats (Black Diamond & White clusters) and put away the seed. Clark and Mariah is here. 3 Sabbath. Snow on the Ground this morning, the day quite chilly. Jim, Mary & Arlie, John and Ina, Clark and Mariah and Miss E. Morin*, Joe Bowerman and Eliza*, Brother Sam and Phoebe, John Mitchel and —— Davis were here. [in margin] Snow. [*i.e. Joe and Ida; for Morin, see next en- try] 4 Snow on the Ground this morning, the day windy and very cold. We all went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and sat for a Group [MS Groupe] picture. Willie sowed pease in the afternoon with Jim’s seeder. Clark and Mariah, with Miss E. Morin, left for Michigan*. [in margin] Snow / Clark went / to Michigan [*Clark, Mariah, and her sister E. Moran, go to Hillman, Michigan, where John Moran and wife (parents of Mariah) had moved earlier from Melancthon. Robert of- ten spells the name Moran as Morin.] 5 Very hard frost. Willie tried to plow & could not. Tried to work the seeder & could not for the frost. Went to Sam’s for 1/2 ton of hay. Snowing all eavning, ground covered. Joe and Ida were here. [in margin] Snow <p. 218> �404 May 1891 6th A very wintry-like morning, snowing and Blowing. The snow had disappeared about noon, the sun shone out in the afternoon, but there was a strong cold wind. Willie plowed from 9 O’clock A.M. till noon, then Drilled in the remainder of the pease and plowed after he had finished Drill- ing. [in margin] Snow / Finished sowing / pease 7 Frost this morning, the day dry. Willie plowed. J. Bowerman took home the cow which I had gave Ida. I went to Dundalk. 8 Dry day and windy, cloudy in the afternoon. Jim sowed about 15 Bushels of oats with his seeder for me. Willie helped at his place while he done it 9 Dry, warm and very windy. Willie finished harrowing 5 1/2 acres of oats, then plowed. I made a pole gate and put up fences, helped Jim take out some young cattle to John’s in the afternoon and stopped there all night. 10th Sabbath. Dry and Breezy. Joe and Ida called this afternoon. [in margin] Seen First / swallows 11 Dry and windy. Willie plowed. I chored around. 12 Dry, sunny and Breezy. Willie sowed oats with Jim’s seeder. F. Myles was here at noon. Rented Clark’s Lot. Will sign the agreement when he consults his spouse. 13 Dry and warm. Willie sowed oats till noon, then harrowed. Took the seeder home at night and got 10 Bushels of oats from Jim which he owed us. <p. 219> May 1891 14th Bright sunny day, dry, Breezy and warm. Willie harrowed in the forenoon and plowed in the af- ternoon, using his own two year old colt from noon till 4 P.M. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 15 Bright sunny day, dry, Breezy and warm. Willie plowed using his two year old colt from noon till tea time. I chored around. 16 Frost this morning, ice on the water almost till noon, a very cold forenoon. Sharp wind and a slight mizzle falling. The afternoon a little milder. Willie plowed From ten O’clock, thought it was too cold for the colts (which have the distemper) to plow early in the day. 17th Sabbath. Dry and Breezy. Sam and Phoebe, Johney and Ina were here. 18 Dry and Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon. Willie plowed. I chored around. Fixed yard for little pigs, etc. 19 Dry and windy. Johney gave me a day’s plowing with his colts. Ina was here. 20 Dry and windy. Jim plowed with his team for me. Willie plowed. This finished our plowing. One of Willie’s team got sick after tea, rolled around and appeared in pain. We gave him a table- spoon full of soda mixed with an ounce of sp[irit] of sweet nitre. In an hour gave 26 drops tincture of aconite, in 20 minutes more gave 20 drops aconite, in another hour gave one ounce sp[irit] sweet nitre. Sent for F. Nixon, V[eterinary] S[urgeon], But the colt was better when he came. <p. 220> May 1891 21st Pretty cold morning, the day dry and pretty Breezy, also sultry in the afternoon. Willie Harrowed. Jim sowed oats for me with his seeder. 22 Cool in the forenoon and pretty cool in the afternoon, the day dry. Jim sowed with his seeder till 9 A.M., then Willie, after he had finished harrowing, hitched his team on to the seeder and Finished about noon. Went to Johney’s in the afternoon for a Land Roller. This day finished our seeding, so far as sowing seed, harrowing grain went. We have about 30 acres of oats and 6 of pease in. �405 Our horses have the distemper which has made it very hard on them. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Finished seeding / Got letter From Clark / Got letter From Ireland / Got Sch[ool] papers From Toronto 23 Frost this morning, ice on the water, the day dry and sunny. Jim, Johney, Willie and Some others went a-fishing. 24th Sabbath. Dry, warm and Breezy. Brother Sam and Phebe were here. 25 Dry, Breezy and warm, Cloudy in the afternoon and very much like rain. Willie Rolled, having [?put] in his two year old colt. I cut potatoes. A little Rain at night. 26 Very cold morning, the day chilly all through. I walked to a council meeting at Hopeville. Got a ride home with Mr. Traynor.* Willie picked stones. [*Isaac Traynor, land surveyor, also sur- veyed the one acre section of Lot 220, Proton (24 Sept. 1888); see History of Dundalk, lists of businesses from 1877 to 1906, pp. 101, 104, 105.] <p. 221> May 1891 27 Frost, ice on the water. Willie Rolled. Gerty Foaled. Time: 11 months & 20 days. 28 Dry and Breezy. Willie finished Rolling. I cut seed potatoes. Willie hauled out manure in the afternoon. 29 Very hot. Willie and I finished potatoe planting at noon. Then he Rolled them. There is a few more to put in with the hoe around the apple trees when we will have finished. Finished planting, then Willie went for the loan of Sam’s Buggie for me, and I hunted up the young cattle in the Bush. [in margin] Finished / planting / potatoes 31st Sabbath. Dry and Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon. Johney & Ina, Joe & Ida were here. June [1891] 1st Dry and warm. Cloudy in the afternoon. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Got through early and came home that eavning. Willie helped Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon they washed the sheep. [in margin] Washed / Sheep 2 Rain early this morning and very much needed it was. The day cloudy and indications of more soon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited in Bank $150.00, Township moneys. Wil- lie helped Jim. [in margin] Sent letter / to Br. William / & to C[ousin] William* [*William from Raphoe in Ireland, from whom Robert received a letter dated March 1, 1864, signed “I Remain your affectionate cousin to death William Rupell [or RuSsell] 3 A good deal of Rain fell through the day. Willie helped Jim. <p. 222> June 1891 June 4th Clear and cool, almost a Frost at night. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie helped J. Bowerman plant potatoes at Jim’s. 5 Bright morning, the day clear and pretty warm. Willie clipped the sheep. I fixed fences. [in mar- gin] Clipped sheep 6 Bright, sunny day, dry and warm. I went to Flesherton and seen Dr. Christoe. Willie with the team brought home from Melancthon Clark’s sugar making utensils. 7th Sabbath. Bright, sunny and warm. 8 Bright morning, the day sunny and warm. Willie and I picked stones off the clover in the fore- noon, and in the afternoon he and his mother took the 13 Fleeces of wool, about 75 pounds, to Dundalk. I chored around. 9 Bright, sunny day, warm and dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie made a pole gate. �406 10 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon had quite a heavy rain, with a little thunder and lightening. Willie and I put up sheep pen and made two pole gates. 11 Cloudy, with a slight mizzle of rain in the middle of the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, heard three preachers speak Regarding Sir J. A. MacDonald.* Willie chored around home. [*Macdonald died 6 June 1891, just three months after winning the election on 5 March 1891, above; also, copy of his Will is pasted-in on p. 276, below.] <p. 223> June 1891 12 Fine morning, the day sunny and warm, fine growth. Willie plowed for Jim while he helped me. Mr. Reddick and son were here and operated on two yearling colts. I went to the School Inspector in Dundalk. [in margin] Seen School / Inspector 13 Fine day, sunny and hot. Jim made a gate for me. Willie plowed for him. I went to Johney’s in the afternoon and stopped all night. 14th Sabbath [pasted-in clipping, presumably from Dundalk Herald, obscuring the entries of 14-16 June]<clipping> Accident. A serious accident occurred on Wednesday of last week at the raising of Mr. Henry Lonsway’s barn. Mr. Jas Russell was climbing the frame, and caught hold of a pin, partly driven in, in order to pull himself up. Feeling the pin beginning to draw, he gave a spring to enable him to reach the plate, when the pin pulled out and he fell to the ground, a distance of about twenty-seven feet. The socket of his thigh bone was broken, and other serious injuries received. We sincerely hope no permanent disability may ensue, but that the injured man may recover fully. He is an active young man, especially willing and useful at such gatherings, and a general favorite. At present he is rather easier, but it must evidently be a long time before he will be himself again. <end of clipping> Joe and Ida were here. 15 Dry, su [obscured] Willie was at W. Bell’s Logging [obscured] the Township Books. 16 Dry s[obscured] Jim finished the gate. [obscured] -rrowed for him. I went to [obscured] the after- noon. 17 Dry in the Forenoon, wet in the afternoon. Fatal day for me, my poor son Jim Fell off Henry Lon- sway’s Barn while Raising and got badly, almost fatal[l]y Broken up. The Barn was raised. Jim was on the floor, having done his work. C. Maxwell was trying to put in a collar joice [=joist], could not do it. Jim called to J. Trugon who was captain, to assist Charlie. Trugon failed in get- ting to him. Then Jim sprang up the post on the outside. There was a pin holding the post to the beam. The pin was only in part of the way. Jim tried his weight on it. It seemed all right, but alas, when he got himself up even [in margin] Black Day / Jim Hurt <p. 224> June 1891 with it, it came out in his hand and he fell a distance of about 25 feet, striking on his left hip, Breaking a number of Bones and jarring the whole body. Dr. McWilliams came, examined him, said he could not tell the amount of the injuries, but for sure that the socket which the hip bone works in was broken. He put a long splint on the outside of the leg, reaching from the armpit to the heel, laid him on his bed and left him. His mother and I with others watched him all night. 18 Jim is in severe pain this morning, the Bowells are swollen and painful. The Dr. came in the af- ternoon. W. Armstrong and others watched all night. Nancy Russell came up. 19 Jim still in pain. The Dr. came in the afternoon and gave him a powder (morphine), and left others for him. Tom Blakely and John Spicer and I watched all night. �407 20 Jim pained severely, slept in short spells through the previous night. Brother John and wife, John Agnew and wife, Brother John’s Son John & I watched all night. Jim slept through the night. The Dr. says he is improving. 21Sabb[ath]. Jim still pained. Gave him according to Dr.’s directions 3 spoonfulls of caster oil and 30 drops of Sp[irit] of Turpentine. Had a motion of the bowels. Can urinate passibly well. Dr. says he is doing <p. 225> June 1891 splendid. I hope so. Son John and Willie with Joseph Bowerman watched Jim all night. 22 Jim appears quite a bit better this morning, was easy-like through the forenoon. Did not need to take any morphine for these last 48 Hours. Was able to eat a biscuit and drink a cup of tea. His principal drink is water with a dash of Brandy, or pure water alone he would prefer. I believe he is getting better. Dr. said yesterday that he was doing so well there was no occasion for him coming again before Wednesday. Quite a source of pain to Jim is the moving of him to get a bedpan un- der. Brother John cut a portion of the Bed clothes and stretcher Boards from under him, thus forming a vacancy right under him of about 3 inches square. If it works it will save Jim great pain. John Agnew and wife came here about 10 AM. and left for home about 1 P.M. Brother John and wife also left at the same time. The neighbours and others visited pour Jim in great numbers and he has the sympathy of the entire community. God send that he may recover and also that he be not lame. A. Rowe and J. Blakely stopped all night. 23 Jim is no worse, still holding his own. Is not deppressed in spirits, though suffering acute pain sometimes. W. Lonsway & Margaret went home this afternoon. Johney, Dick Neithercut & J. Neithercut watched all night. <p. 226> June 1891 24 Jim is still holding up good, slept pretty well last night, eat some toast for Breakfast and feels nice- ly. The day is very warm but we got the cook stove moved last night in to the cook house out of the kitchen, causing the house to be much cooler. Sam sat up this night. The Dr. says that he is doing well. 25 Jim is keeping well, slept pretty well last night. We eased him yesterday eavning while the Dr. was here by putting Eight ply of a soft cotton quilt under the sore part of his back. His mother sowed the folded up quilt to the edge of a towell which was put under his back previously. Then Jim raised his shoulders as much as he could. The Dr. and I lifted gently, and his mother then pulled the other end of the towell. This brought the quilt through under him. I and his mother watched him all night. J. Bowerman and Ida, Johney and Ina were here. 26 Jim had a poor night last night, kept shifing his best leg while in his sleep. Suffered quite a bit. Got easier in the morning, eat some Breakfast and went to sleep, pretty well all through the day, not very much pain. This day is cool and he is not so feaverish [?not clear] as yesterday. W. Bell and W. Armstrong watched all night. 27 Jim has a slight cough this morning, but we got a bottle of medicine from the Dr. and also put a mustard plaster on his Breast. With this exception he is gaining. H. Lonsway and J. Russell watched all night. <p. 227> June 1891 �408 28th Sabbath. Jim is, I think, improving. His cough is not so bad. I hope he will finally get rid of it. Slept pretty well last night, But had to send Willie to the Dr.’s for more Cough medicine. Ned Wellwood and —— Fawcett watched all night. 29 The cough still troubling Jim, with this exception he is doing well. Ned Mills and J. Patterson watched all night. 30 Jim is pretty well and is doing as well as could be expected. The Dr. was with him this afternoon. John Morrow and Johney Russell watched at night. July [1891] 1st Jim is still improving. The weather is nice for Dominion Day. W. Armstrong and Willie watched all night. 2 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. Willie and I with Jim’s team done Statute labor, D. Reid Pathmaster.* Jim is still getting better. ——- Johnson & —— Broderick sat up at night. [*Pathmaster = superintendant of road works done by statute laborers?] 3 Pretty heavy Rain this morning, which is much needed, the grain and grass will feel the effects of it. Jim holds his own. 4 Showery through the day. Jim is still keeping strong. I went to Dundalk in the morning. H. Jack- son and Johney Maxwell stoppped with Jim all night. 5 Sabbath. Dark and some Rain fell. Jim is no worse. W. McDonald & —Heney [=Haney?] stopped all night. <p. 228> July 1891 6th [stricken Sabbath] Dark morning, the day slightly wet. Jim is getting along well. Walter McKosh and Hugh —- watched this night. 7 Showery morning, the day dark and slightly wet. Dr. Mac[William] came and took the long splint off Jim’s leg. Worked the leg with his hand, caught it by the foot and knee, turned the leg slightly in, then turned it out, repeated this several times. Said he was getting along nicely and that the leg should be moved in the same way twice daily, giving it more motion as the patient could bear it. Jim Coote and Willie Russell watched at night. 8 Clear and cool, quite a lot of sunshine. Jim’s Leg was rather sorer after the splint was taken off. Otherwise he is about the same. 9 Clear and sunny. Jim is pretty well. I went to Council meeting at Cederville. Slept at Mr. Rog- er’s. Kept team at Smith’s. 10 Dry and pretty warm. I got home about noon. Jim is mending. Jim Patterson stopped with him all night. 11 Bright sunny day, pretty warm. Willie with Jim’s team is at Johney’s Logging. Jim is getting along well. [in margin] $27. Oct. 11th 12th Sabbath. Bright day and warm. Jim is much the same as yesterday. 13 Jim is about the same as yesterday. Willie went to the Eugenia Falls. Heavy rain, thunder & lightening at night. <p. 229> July 1891 14th Rain, thunder and lightening this morning, the same in the afternoon. I worked at the milk ac- counts. Jim is still doing very well. 15 Dark day and cool, with a slight sprinkling of Rain now and then. Jim is still mending. �409 16 Rather Brighter this morning, the day clear and pretty warm. I hoed poatotes. Jim is still improv- ing. J. Patterson stopped all night with him. 17 Bright, sunny morning, the day clear, cool and dry. Jim is still mending. R. J. Davidson (Jim’s Boy) helped me hoe potatoes. The Dr. was to see Jim. 18 Cloudy and cool with an appearance of Rain at night. Jim is still mending. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid milk patrons. [in margin] Got / Pension 19 Sabbath. Cool and clear. Jim is gaining. 20 Cool and cloudy. We started Jim’s hay. Jim is gaining, though slowly. [in margin] Started / Jim’s haying 21 Dry, Breezy day, quite warm in the afternoon. Jim is still improving. [Stricken We raked up and hauled in to the Barn Seven loads of hay for him.] 22 Fine dry day. Willie [stricken mowed about 5 acres for Jim. I wrote some business letters & post- ed them ][written above line]& I & Bob raked and hauled in seven loads of hay. Jim is gaining, although slowly. <p. 230> July 1891 23rd Dry morning, the day dry. Willie mowed about 5 acres for Jim. I wrote some business letters and posted them. Jim is still mending. A very heavy rain with thunder and lightening commenced about 10 P.M. Nancy* went home. [*Robert’s niece, daughter of John and Eliza Russell] 24 Dark, cool day. Willie hunted up some of Jim’s young cattle which had strayed out of the pasture. Bob, with the team, clayed the crossway on the Arnold Lot. I hoed the remander of the potatoes and put Paris Green on them. Jim is about the same. 25 Dark morning, not very good hay weather in the forenoon. The afternoon dry and breezy. We Raked and hauled in Five large loads of hay for Jim. Johney and Ina are at Jim’s this night. Jim is about the same as yesterday, not much change. It is now (11:20 P.M.) Raining. 26th Sabbath. Dry day, but cool. Jim is about the same, slow in mending but I think gaining a little. 27 Dry and breezy, sunny in the afternoon. Willie cut the remainder of Jim’s grass. I worked at the milk accounts and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted some letters. 28 Dry morning, cloudy in the afternoon. Willie cut grass at home in the forenoon and in the after- noon finished hauling in For Jim (5 Loads). This makes him 17 Loads in all. Jim is about the same. [in margin] Finished Jim’s Hay / commenced / our own / Hay <p. 231> July 1891 29th Bright, sunny day and warm. Willie mowed at home, finished cutting. The afternoon cloudy with some thunder and a little lightening. The Dr. called to See Jim and said he was getting along splendid. 30 Slightely wet this morning, the forenoon cloudy. We chored around. Jim got up today out of bed for the first time in six weeks. He had been in bed since the 17th of June. John Arnold and Dan Reid helped him. He slid out over the Bed edge into a Rocking chair. Willie held up the Broken leg. Dan and Mr. Arnold carried the chair with him in it to the kitchen. He sat up from about 2 P.M. till 10. I think he is doing well. [in margin, double underline] Jim got / out of Bed 31 Frost this morning, done no harm, the forenoon damp, the afternoon dry. We hauled in seven small loads of hay. Jim is a little sick and weak today. August [1891] �410 1st Cloudy in the Forenoon. Rain at noon, the afternoon mizzling. We Raked up and hauled in one load of hay in the forenoon and another in the afternoon. Jim is slightely sick. 2nd Sabbath. Cool and Cloudy. Jim was easier in the afternoon. 3 Cloudy in the morning, but cleared off about 9 A.M. Willie and Bob finished hauling in hay for me. It’s a poor crop. Jim is gaining. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Finished / Haying <p. 232> August 1891 4th Bright sunny morning, the day warm and Bright. I worked From 8 A.M. till 5 P.M. at Posting orders in the Township Books. I posted, I think, 134 Reeve’s orders. Willie went with the team to help Johney. His mother went with him. 5 Bright morning, the day sunny and warm. Willie helped Jim. I worked at the Township Books. Jim is about the same as yesterday. 6 Hazy morning, the day general[l]y hazy and hot. Willie worked at Jim’s. I worked at Milk ac- counts. Mrs. R. went to Clark’s Lot to pick berries. 7 Bright sunny day and very warm. I cleaned out a watering place for the cattle. Willie worked at Jim’s. Jim managed to get up and walked to the Barn and around on crutches. [in margin] Jim / walked / on crutches 8 Dark, sultry morning, the day pretty warm, with a slight sprinkling of Rain. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. Heavy Rains about 7 P.M. Jim is still mending. 9th Sabbath. Dry in the morning, heavy clouds through the day, a very heavy Rain and wind storm with some thunder and lightening in the afternoon. The rain came down in torrents for a while. Jim is till improving. [in margin] Heavy Rain / and wind 10 Dry morning, the day dry but cloudy in the afternoon, the afternoon very sultry. I attended council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. Jim is still improving, came down to my barn today. [in margin] Hot <p. 233> 11th Dry and pretty warm. Left Hopeville this morning and got home about 10:12 A.M. Jim is here today, went home at night. 12 Dry and Breezy. Went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. Came home, then went again in the after- noon, seen the Britons march. Jim went with them, played for them. He stopped at J. Bower- man’s all night. [in margin] Jim went / to Dundalk / J. Bowerman /drove him in 13 Fine morning, the day cool and clear. Jim is scarcely so well as he was yesterday, cramped some in the morning and a slight touch of Diereah [=diarrhea]. Will be home in the eavning. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and worked at the milk sheets in the afternoon. 14 Dry and fine. I worked at the Township accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon at the Milk Books. Jim is gaining. 15 Dry, Cool and Cloudy. I worked at the milk accounts in the Forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid patrons $1103.00 for 21 days milk. Jim is improving. 16th Sabbath. Clear part of the day, Cloudy in the afternoon. Jim went to Johney’s in Johney’s Buggy. Brother Sam was here a while in the afternoon. 17 Dry but cloudy, a slight Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went with Sam and Phoebe on an excur- sion to Niagara. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie helped Jim. Jim is gaining but has a cough. <p. 234> August 1891 �411 18th Cloudy in the Forenoon, clear in the afternoon, Dry all day. Mrs. R. got home at 5 A.M. From her Niagara Excursion. Willie is helping Jim. Jim is improving. 19 Dry and pretty warm. Misses Manton, a woman from Toronto, sister to Mrs. H. Lonsway,* who had come on a visit to H. Lonsway, died at his place of Malaria fever this morning, after an illness of about ten days. Her people took her remains in the train this afternoon to the City for interment. Jim and I went with them to Dundalk. [in margin] Misses Manton / Died. [*Mrs. H. Lonsway was nee Broughton; see 30 Oct. 1882. The use of “Misses” here is unique: is it phonetic spelling for “Mrs.”, since Manton is likely her married name.] 20 Dry and breezy, hot in the afternoon and cloudy with a sight sprinkling of Rain in the eavning, and a pretty heavy rain at night. Jim went to Brother Sam’s in the Buggy in the Forenoon, and from there to Dundalk in the afternoon. Bought a new Top Buggy From Joe Bowerman for $60.00 cash, and a yoke of Two and a half year old steers, valued at $40.00 21 Wet early in the morning, cloudy and cool in the middle of the day. Bright and sunny about 6 P.M. Jim is pretty well. Willie is working for him. 22 Dark morning, the day dry but cloudy. Willie cut Jim’s Barley. This is the first harvesting. [in margin] Barley / cut <p. 235> August 1891 23rd Sabbath. Dark day and quite cool. Sam and Phoebe were here. Rain at night. 24 Wet morning, the day dark and showery. We spent all forenoon making some pokes* For the colts. When we had them made and put one on, the colt jumped over a good fence with it, so we have to keep them stabled up till we get a field of grain in the Barn so we can turn them in. Willie and Bob Davidson put Battens* on the stable. Jim is gaining. [*poke: device hung around ani- mal’s neck, allows grazing, inhibits jumping;see 13 June 1890, 28 Aug. 1891. *Batten: board and batten construction—a narrow board nailed on top of joints of siding boards, sealing the joints.] 25 Dark morning, the Forenoon cloudy, the afternoon clear and dry. Rain last night. Willie and Bob finished battening the stable in the forenoon. Jim, Mary and Arlie were here. Jim walked, arm on a stave [=staff? arm on unclear] 26 Dry morning, the day dry and pretty sultry in the afternoon. We started to pull Jim’s pease in the afternoon. Willie cut with the mower. Bob raked them with the sulky and I forked out the Bunch- es. Mr. J. Arnold and wife were here at night. [in margin] First / Harvesting / pease 27 Cloudy, close and sultry. We finished cutting Jim’s pease about 4 P.M., then Bob and I pulled with the scythes in mine till sunsett. 28 Rainy morning, the day showery and unpleasant. Had to stable up three of my colts. They have got in several times to the grain. No pokes* nor tie-downs will keep them out. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [*see above, 24 Aug. 1891] <p. 236> August 1891 29th Dry Day. Bob Davis and I pulled pease. Willie pulled pease at John Gott’s. 30th Sabbath. Dry and cloudy. J. Bowerman and Ida were here. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon. 31 Dry in the morning, a slight rain about 9 A.M., great rain in the distance. Dry afternoon. We [stricken fenes] pulled pease. Sept[ember 1891] �412 1st Dry and warm. We finished pulling pease and started the Binder to cut oats in the afternoon. Jim came to the field and seen that all parts were in working order. [in margin] Finished pulling pease / First oats cut 2 Dry, cloudy in the afternoon and very much like Rain. Willie cut oats with the Binder. Bob Davis stooked. I tied some craddled oats. Jim drove a few rounds. He is greatly improved, nevertheless it hurts his back to sit on the Binder. 3 Bright morning, but the day clouded over, a little Rain in the afternoon. We cut oats at home till tea time, then hauled in two Loads of Barl[e]y for Jim. J. Cavanagh, Clerk of T[ownship], was here. 4 Cloudy and cool. Willie Reaped till 2 P.M. I cut Roads and tied. Bob stooked. After 2. we hauled in 3 Loads of pease for Jim. <p. 237> Sept[ember] 1891 5th Dark morning, but a very heavy dew, the day lowering. Rain came on about noon and continued mostly all evening. We Reaped oats till 10 A.M., then hauled in a Load of pease for Jim. The Rain prevented us doing any more harvesting this day. 6th Sabbath. A little Rain in the morning, Dry after. Sister Margaret and Husband came to See Mrs. Lonsway who is ill. 7 Dry day. Willie Reaped oats for Jim. I craddled Roads and tied what I cut. 8 Dry day. Willie Reaped oats for Jim in the forenoon and we finished hauling in Jim’s pease in the afternoon. In the Forenoon I cut Roads through some oats of mine. 9 Dry day, hard Frost in the morning. We hauled in pease, had ten loads, finished at tea time, then drew in the oats for Jim off the Knoll. 10 Dry, sunny day. We finished Reaping at home. I tied some craddled swaths around stone piles in the forenoon, and in the afternoon tried to find a lost yearling steer. Did not succeed. G. Ruther- ford, Insurance agent, was here and insured the contents of Barn for $300.00, the stable on Lot 220 for $100.00, contents for $400.00, total $800.00. Gave due Bill payable 1st of next December for $7.20. The Risk is in the London Mutual, .90 c[ent]s in [the] $. The Insurance is to be re-arranged in 18 mont[h]s, so that I will not be paying for what I have not. [in margin] Finished cutting of grain / Insured for $800.00 / From 14th inst. for 3 years <p. 238> September 1891 11th Dry day, and pretty hot. Willie, Rob* and I hauled in 13 loads of oats, about 40 stooks to the Load. [*Rob Davidson, Jim’s hired boy.] 12 Dry day till about 5 P.M., when there came on a heavy rain, and kept at it for nearly two hours. We put off a load of oats, then hauled in one and after that went to Jim’s and Reaped till the Rain came on. The piece was very rough. 13th Sabbath. Dry and cloudy, not any Rain. Jim & Mary with Arlie, were here. Joe & Ida and Sam Jackson were here. 14 Dark morning, the day cloudy but without rain. Willie Reaped for Jim in the afternoon. I cut Roads and tied it. 15 Wet morning, the day dark, not much rain fell in the afternoon. Willie drove his mother to Dun- dalk in the morning, then Reaped at Jim’s. He finished Jim’s cutting. I craddled around stumps and tied it. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Finished / cutting Grain / at Jim’s �413 16 Dark in the morning, the afternoon clear, dry and sunny. I worked at the Township Books. Willie left this morning with Jim Paterson, Jun[io]r, For the Industrial Fair, Toronto. Jim also went, took some cattle.* [*for sale, or for showing? This seems to be precursor of the Royal Winter Fair, or of the Canadian National Exhibition, both held annually in Toronto in the 20th century.] 17 Dry day, sunny and hot. I worked at the milk accounts. <p. 239> Sept[ember] 1891 18th Dry in the Forenoon, quite a heavy rain in the afternoon, with some thunder and lightening. Rob and I hauled in Four loads of oats for cut feed in the dry part of the day. Willie got home at noon and helped. 19 Bright sunny day, quite sultry and hot. Willie tried to find a lost steer, did not succeed. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the Patrons of Factory* Four hundred and ninety-Four dollars. [*Cheese Factory.] 20th Sabbath. Bright sunny day, quite Drying. 21 Bright sunny day. I attended a council meeting at Hopeville. Got home about 10 P.M. Willie hauled in oats at Jim’s. 22 Bright sunny day. We hauled in oats at Jim’s. Jim went to get some cattle to Dundalk. 23 Bright sunny day. We finished hauling in oats at Jim’s in the forenoon and then hauled in seven loads of oats at home. This made 24 Loads of oats in all, and Ten of pease in all. Total, 34 loads of Grain. This finished our Harvesting. [in margin] Finished / Harvesting 24 Bright sunny day. Willie and I put up some scaffold poles and unloaded a bag of oats on them, pulled some apples off the trees. He then hunted up a lost steer and found him. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 240> Sept[ember] 1891 25th Bright sunny day. Willie went to Johney’s threshing with the team. I worked at the Milk Books. 26 Bright sunny day. Willie went to W. Bell’s threshing. I worked at the Township Books. Sabbath [written betwen entries] 27 Bright sunny day and very warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. 28 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm with quite a breeze of wind. I helped Jim drive the young cattle from Johney’s. Willie was at W. Bell’s threshing in the Forenoon and W. Arm- strong’s in the afternoon. 29 Breezy, cool day with a sharp frost at night. I hired two Livery Buggies in Dundalk and took the Hon. T. W. Anglin* and E. Irving, Q.C., of Toronto, to Hopeville to investigate about certain moneys said to be due Proton. Miss N. Agnew, Mrs. H. Faucett and two children were here all night. [*Timothy W. Anglin (1822-96), who emigrated from Ireland in 1849, was a prominent journalist and politician (Liberal MP from 1867-82) and defender of Irish Catholic interests. He moved from New Brunswick to Toronto in 1883. Here he presumably is speaking on provincial financial support of Separate Schools; moneys paid by Proton to schools in other townships was for Catholic students who had to go out of Proton for schooling; see above, 10 Feb. 1891. Anglin features in a satirical poem, one of the newspaper clippings, pasted on fol. 120r in vol.2: “not quite a traitor, but a very representative Grit.” See https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/timothy-anglin/ ] 30 Fine day, cool and dry with a pretty stiff Breeze. Jim and Mary went to Essa. October [1891] �414 1st Dry and Breezy. I entered some Township orders in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon. Willie was at W. Lonsway’s threshing. 2 Dry, hot and Breezy. We picked apples off the trees (8 Bags) and brought them to the house. Phoebe and Mrs. John Arnold were here in the afternoon. Dr. McWilliam opperated on me for Hydroseal [=hydrocele].* It was pretty sharp and painful and I may have to suffer a long time. [*retention of liquid, and swelling of the inguinal region or scrotum; related problems include in- guinal hernias. In layman’s terms, he had a hernia operation.] <p. 241> October 1891 3rd The Forenoon dry, the afternoon wet. I suffered intense agony last night till after midnight, when the pains partly ceased. Sam came to see me. 4th Sabbath. Pretty cool Day. The Dr. was to see me. 5 Wet and cold. I am still in pain. 6 Dry. Willie dug some at a well which he began yesterday. Went with the team to Dundalk in the afternoon. I am still confined to Bed. 7 Dark, cloudy day. Rain in the afternoon. Johney and Willie worked at the well in the dry part of the day. 8 Dry day. Willie and Johney worked at the well. Jim’s Boy* helped. [*R. J. (Rob) Davidson see above, 17 July 1891, below, 4 Nov. 1891.] 9 Dry and cool. Mrs. R. went to the Show Fair in Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie is going to the concert at night. 10 Dry day, but cool. Johney and Willie worked at the well. Ina was here. 11th Sabbath. Dry and cool. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Johney’s. 12 Dry and cold. Willie went to the mill for lumber to curb* the well, and in the afternoon tried to get two of the colts which had strayed off last night. I hunted around for them this forenoon. [*curb=crib, build side walls; see 23 Oct. 1891.] <p. 242> October 1891 13th Dry, sunny and cool, with a very hard Frost in the morning. We took up potatoes, about 20 Bush- els. Brother Sam’s Edith and John Henry* helped us. [*Sam’s son, John Henry (Jack) Russell.] 14 Dry and fine in the forenoon. Wet in the afternoon. Willie was at J. Arnold’s threshing. 15 Showery all day. Willie was at H. Lonsway’s threshing. I fixed the Granary at home. 16 Dry and cool, quite cloudy. Willie with the team was at H. Lonsway’s threshing in the forenoon, and at Jim’s in the afternoon. 17 Dry and sunny. Jim threshed in the Forenoon. 18 Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, wet in the latter part of the afternoon. 19 Misty morning, cloudy and heavy all day, a slight mizzle of rain in the afternoon. I thrashed. The oats were pretty badly heated but they had cooled off. The yield was only middling, about 25 Bushels of oats and 20 of pease to the acre, in all about 500 of oats and 100 of pease. I kept un- threshed about 150 dozen oat sheaves to cut for the horses. [in margin] Threshed 20 Dry but cloudy and threat[en]ing Rain, quite dull-like day. <p. 243> October 1891 21st Cloudy all day, with a slight sprinkling of Rain now and then. We finished Raising potatoes, poor crop, in all only about 30 Bushels. Had 100 on the same ground last year. Mrs. Peter Sauder �415 and husband were here. I wrote out her Will. [in margin] Wrote out / Mrs. P. Sauder’s / Will / Finished Raising / Potatoes 22 Cloudy and cold, with the ground covered with snow in the Forenoon. I worked at the Milk ac- counts. [in margin] Snow 23 Very hard frost this morning, the day cloudy and cold, not much sunshine. I worked at the milk Books. Jim and John Gott made the crib for the well in the afternoon and put it in. 24 Dull in the morning, the afternoon fine and sunny. Willie worked at John Gott’s in the afternoon for Jim. I Banked around the well crib. 25th Sabbath. Fine day, pretty mild. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Ida’s. 26 Dry and mild with a strong wind at night. Willie Lonsway and his daughter Annie stopped here about two hours in the afternoon on their way home. W. R.* was harrowing some old meadow land. I worked at the Township Books and Rolls, hunting up some papers I wanted to get Re. Ir- vin’s Taxes. [*Willie] <p. 244> October 1891 27th Ground covered with snow this morning, and pretty cold, the day cold all through. Willie and I fixed up the calve stable on Lot 219, and he hauled out manure on the meadow in the afternoon. [in margin] Vesuvius* / Burst [*see above, 25 Feb. 1891.] 28 Pretty hard frost this morning, but the sun shone out and the day was fine. We hauled out manure. 29 The sky overcast this morning, but gradually the sun got out and the clouds scattered. The day assumed almost the appearance of Indian Summer. Willia[m] and I hauled manure. 30 Dull in the morning but the sun shone out and the day was very pleasant, the atmosphere hazy. Indian Summer, I think. We were hauling out manure. Jim Patterson and his cousin Dave from Toronto were here a while at night. [in margin] Indian / Summer 31 Wet morning, the day wet till about noon, the afternoon dry, with a little sunshine. We hauled out manure in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I had supper at Jim’s. November [1891] 1st Sabbath. Chilly Day, not any sunshine. Johney and Ina were here, 2 Hard frost this morning, a little sunshine through the day, but in general the air was cold. We hauled out manure in the forenoon and in the afternoon Willie went to Jas. Trugon’s thres[h]ing. G. McConnell, Collector of Rates, was here. <p. 245> 3rd Frost this morning, the afternoon was cloudy but mild. Willie was at J. Trugon’s threshing in the forenoon and in the afternoon he and I finished hauling out manure. 62 Loads From first to last. We spread it all on about 5 acres of Meadow Land which is pretty well run out. Perhaps the hay will grow better. 4 Hard frost this morning, the afternoon mild. Willie helped Rob Davidson take out some cattle of Jim’s to Dick Davidson and went with his mother to Dundalk in the afternoon. Bob Russell came here this eavning. 5 The ground covered with snow this Forenoon, but the sun in the afternoon melted most of it. Mrs. R. killed 14 young geese, took them to Dundalk. The[y] weighed on the Halyards [??=halyard scale? as a bunch tied together with a halliard?] 123 pounds. 6 Beautiful day, mild and pleasant. I attended Council meeting at Dundalk. Willie dug Drains for Johney. [in margin] Mrs. D. Grummett / Died 7 Fine morning, the day dry and fine. Willie dug on the drain for Johney. I went to Dundalk. �416 8th Sabbath. Wet morning, shower in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Willie & his mother went to the Funeral of Mrs. Dan Grummett. She was buried at Maxwell. 9 Dry and fine all day. Willie plowed the potatoe patch and took the young horse to Mr. F. Nixon, V. S., who punctured the swellings on his shoulders, and the hollow on one of them to be sweeney.* I straightened up the orders & cash I had at Council meeting. [*sweeney: muscular at- rophy in horse’s shoulder; see www.horsedvm.com/disease/sweeny/. Robert writes out a recipe for “Cure for Sweeney” on p. 275, below.] <p. 246> November 1891 10th Wet morning, the day showery. Willie went to Dan Reid’s threshing. I chored around. Jim’s Mary & Arlie, and Sam’s Madel[l]a were here. Very wet in the afternoon. [in margin] one swine / put up to / Fat 11 Dry morning, the day dry and windy. Willie was at D. Reid’s threshing till noon. In the afternoon he hauled some logs for a cattle Rack. I worked at fixing the pig pen in the forenoon and in the af- ternoon cut some logs for a cattle Rack. 12 Fine day, although a little wet in the morning. Jim and Willie went to J. Jackson’s for the cutting Box and Joe’s Horse power. I fixed feeding place for the cattle. 13 Quite a fall of snow on the ground this morning, did not melt much through the day. Rather chilly in the afternoon. I wrote some letters in the Forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Bought a Kangeroo Fur Overcoat from F. Nixon for Twenty Dollars, cash. He bestowed me a pound of tobacco. Willie plowed sod for Jim. 14 Very hard Frost this morning, the day pretty chilly, not much softening. I closed in the shed on the Arnold Farm and chored around. Willie plowed at Jim’s. 15th Sabbath. Dry and cold in the Forenoon, very wet at night. Joe & Ida stopped all night. <p. 247> November 1891 16th Wet day From morning till night. Fixed up and addressed some notification Cards, telling the pa- trons of Factory when payday would be. 17 The ground covered with mud and slush, but the Rain which was falling soon turned to snow. The wind also got up and the afternoon was very stormy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and post- ed notification of payment to the patrons of cheese Factory. 18 The Ground covered with snow. I think it is about six inches deep and more Falling. I Fixed at the cow shed on Arnold’s Farm most of the day. Brought home the sheep which were out in the fields all through the storm, and housed them. Willie took three Lambs out to W. Faucett’s for Jim. Jim brought home the old mare and her colt to me From Johney’s where they had been pas- turing for about Five weeks. Willie took the Lambs in a Box on the Stone Boat. 19 The morning a little milder than yesterday, the day mild, quite a bit of sleighing. I went to Dun- dalk on cheese Business. 20 Mild morning. Raining in the afternoon. I went this morning to Dundalk on cheese business: seen Mr. Cornett, collected some money in Dundalk, came home and worked all night at the milk ac- counts. <p. 248> November 1891 �417 21st Dark morning, slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon Rainy. Worked at the milk accounts till 2.30 P.M., then went to Dundalk and paid Patrons, something over $2100.00 For their last and final payment of the season. The majority of them were well satisfied. 22nd Sabbath. Misty morning, a kind of scotch mist, quite co[l]d in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s, then went to church. 23 Misty early in the morning, then turned to Rain. The day was very wet from about 11 A.M. till after night. We Butchered two pigs in the Forenoon. D. Reid helped us. We intended killing four but the Rain stopped us. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs 24 Blowing and snowing all day, from morning till night. We Butchered two pigs. D. Reid helped. 25 Blowing and snowing all day long, pretty cold at night. I worked at finishing up the milk ac- counts. Willie done the chores. 26 Quite a mild day, dark and soft. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 27 Dark, snowey [=snowy] day all through. I worked at posting Township orders. Willie done the chores. Hauled a jag of wood from the S[ide]Road for Jim. <p. 249> November 1891 28th Pretty chilly day, cold, raw wind. Willie was at J. Mills’ threshing. I went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon. 29th Sabbath. Cold, dark day. Roads very Rough. Johney and Ina were here. 30 Another sharp morning, the day chilly and dark. We cut about 50 dozen oat sheaves in the after- noon. Jim and John Arnold helped us. December [1891] 1st Mild day, the little snow there is softening. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, changed a Bottle of medicine for Brother Sam. Took it to him at night. G. McConnell, Collector, stopped all night. [in margin] Sent letter to / Br. Willie / Antlers P. O. / Ind. Territory / U. S. 2 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow thawing. This day has done up the sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon, then went to Son John’s in the afternoon. Willie chored around. 3 Mild day, the snow disappearing, Roads very bad. I worked at making out statement for the Township Council. 4 Rainy morning, the day wet all through. I finished Statement. 5 Dry morning, the day fine, cool and very windy. I went to Brother Sam’s threshing. Went in the eavning with John Crique home, he gave me $50.00, part of his Rent. I gave it immediately to the widow Kinnear. <p. 250> December 1891 6th Sabbath. Cloudy day, cold in the Forenoon, quite a snowfall towards night and at night. I went after night to see Brother Sam. 7 Quite a nice bit of snow on the ground this morning, and some more fell during the day. Sleighing is getting started again. Joe and Ida were here at night. 8 Cold, Raw wind this morning, pretty fair sleighing except where the Road was badly cut up. The wind high in the afternoon and the snow drifting. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. [in margin] Willie went / chopping 9 Fine morning, but rather windy, very heavy wind last night, the day given to thaw. We, Mrs. R. and I, went to Sam’s in the Forenoon. I thought he was going to Butcher pigs and I wanted to help him. He put off the job till Friday. G. McConnell and his Brother were here at dark. �418 10 Fine morning, the day mild, a good deal of sunshine, the sleighing all gone again. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. 11 Fine morning, the day fine, sunny and warm. I helped Brother Sam Butcher 5 Hogs. Mr. James Maxwell also assisted. 12 Fine morning, the day fine. I went to Dundalk and sent the Co[unty] Treasurer $1296.08, Co[unty] Rates. <p. 251> Dec[ember] 1891 13th Sabbath. Fine day, spring-like, the cattle out in the fields picking. Johney, Ina, Pat Conners, Joe and Ida, also Mary and Arlie here. 14 Rain in the morning, which turned to snow pretty early in the day. It is now, 5:40 P.M., Snowing and Blowing. I went to Dundalk. 15 Soft snow falling this morning. Sleet and snow mostly all day. I attended C[ouncil] Meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night, did not go to bed, late session. 16 Big Snow storm this morning. Snowed nearly all Forenoon. Cleared off in the afternoon. I left Hopeville about daylight and came home. 17 Rather mild morning, the day pretty Fine. I worked at the Township Financial Statement in the forenoon and in the afternoon took it to Dundalk to the printers. 18 Soft in the morning, mild day all through. I butchered a pig. She was 2 years old and weighed 310 pounds. Took her to Dundalk in the afternoon. Sold @ $5. per hundred. Jim R. and John Arnold helped. 19 Mild morning, the day mild, the sleighing gettng very bad. Mrs. R. and I brought some horse bed- ding from the Barn, then we took Four yearling cattle to Brother Sam’s, who is going to winter them for me. Came home and went to Dundalk, got home about 6 P.M. [in margin] Cattle to / Sam’s <p. 252> December 1891 20th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow disappearing. Brother John and wife came here in the Forenoon. 21 Another mild day. I entered orders in the Township Books. Brother John and Jim went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. John’s wife stopped here at night. 22 The snow has almost all gone, the fields and Roads Bare, the cattle out picking, but not much grass for them. John and wife left for home this morning. Borrowed the Buggy and left his cutter. 23 Mild day, the wheels have taken the place of the runners, quite spring-like. I helped Jim this after- noon to cut Horse feed. 24 Mild morning, though a little colder than yesterday. Helped Jim cut feed for about an hour this morning. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 25 Christmas. Mild morning, the day misty and like a fall of something. A Christmas gathering was here, consisting of Brother Sam, Phoebe, Madela, Willie and Alma,* Jim and his wife and Arlie (and Willie Watt), John and Ina, Joe Bowerman and Ida. [*Madella, Willie and Alma are children of Sam and Phoebe—Anne Elizabeth Madella (b. 9 Mar. 1875) the eldest, Phoebe Alma (b. 13 May 1889) the youngest of their nine surviving children.] 26 Mild in the morning and in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon very windy. Freezing and snowing, very, very cold. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Vesuvius / Erupted / this morning �419 27th Sabbath. Sharp morning, the day cold, sharp wind, a little snow Falling now and then, but of no account. <p. 253> Dec[ember] 1891 28th Sharp morning, the day very sharp, the Roads very Rough, poor wheeling and no sleighing. 29 Soft morning, the day soft with several Showers of soft snow. It turned cold toward night. 30 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, a little snow falling now and then. 31 Very sharp morning, the day cold, piercing East wind. Roads hard and rough. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. January 1892 1st Mild morning, the day soft and what little snow there was disappeared. The Roads are sloppy. Rain at night. 2 Dark morning, the day dark and overcast, a fall of sleet in the afternoon which turned to snow at night. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon, and in the afternoon John Arnold and I went to John Crique’s and got the Rent from him. 3rd Sabbath. Cold day. Dark and a Raw wind. 4 Mild morning, the day mild, the snow which was on the Ground melting. I went to the Election.* [*i.e. for Proton Township Council] 5 Rather colder this morning, but the sun shone out and the middle of the day was pleasant. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 254> January 1892 6th Cold day all through, a little fine snow Falling, mostly, all through the day. Ida was here a while at night. 7 Pretty chilly day all through, a little snow falling through the day. 8 Cold morning, the day cold, quite a keen Frost. A good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk and stopped a while at Division Court. 9 Cold morning, clear and Frosty, the day very sharp all through. Phoebe and Mrs. R. started for Essa & Tossorontio, took Brother John’s cutter. They intend Bringing home my Buggy from John’s. 10th Sabbath. Very cold day, Freezing keen. 11 Sharp morning, the day dark and cold with a snowfall at night. 12 Mild morning, the day mild. Snow fell last night which has improved the sleighing. I helped Jim to cut Seven small cherry logs in the bush and load them on the sleigh. He hauled them to Dun- dalk and is selling them at $10.00 per thousand. Willie and Johney swamped out cordwood in Melancthon. 13 Mild day with some snow falling. Willie started to haul cordwood to Dundalk. <p. 255> January 1892 14th Pretty sharp morning, the day cold all through. Willie hauled Cordwood to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk, done some business. 15 Mild morning, the day pretty mild with a good deal of sunshine. Phoebe and Mrs. R. got home this eavning. 16 Sharp, Frosty morning, the day cold with a very keen Frost. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. Willie started at noon for a load of wood. �420 17th Sabbath. Mild day, almost like rain. Willie went with the Horse and cutter to Johney’s. [in mar- gin] my Birth day 18 Snow falling this morning, and quite a snowfall through the day. I went to a Council meeting at Hopeville. Took Jim’s Bay Horse for the day and gave him mine. Willie helped him to clean a load of pease. 19 Very cold day, Freezing like Greenland From morning till night. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. Willie hauled Cordwood. [in margin] Cold 20 Sharp morning, the day cold all through with a snow storm at night. Willie hauled saw logs for Jim Patterson, sent by Jim Russell. Fire in Dundalk, Hunter & Rundle’s* Stores burned. [in mar- gin] very cold. [*Hunter was a loans, and land agent; Rundle was a butcher; see History of Dun- dalk, pp. 91, 101, 104.] 21 Another cold day, the roads very heavy on account of the blow. Snowing this forenoon and Blow- ing very strong in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of cordwood to Dundalk in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Cold <p. 256> January 1892 22nd Blowing and storming badly this morning. Stormy also in the afternoon. Willie went with the team to S. McDowell’s wood Bee, hauling cordwood From Melancthon to Dundalk. Jim’s First son* born this morning. Quite a cold stormy day For the youngster to make his appearance. [in margin] Jim’s First / son Born [*Vern Russell.] 23 Pretty sharp morning, the day cold generally, except a while in the afternoon. I went to Sam’s in the eavning. Willie hauled wood. 24th Sabbath. Mild morning, the day inclined to be soft, quite like a thaw. 25 Mild morning, but the day got very changeable and frequent wind and snow storms occured during the afternoon. I posted a letter for Clark. 26 Extremely cold day, Blowing and Freezing. I went a little while to D. Reid’s sale. The articles went very cheap. [in margin] very cold 27 Another cold day, but not so very cold as yesterday, calm in the forenoon and stormy in the after- noon. Mrs. Patterson and two children, W. Bell and wife here. [in margin] Mrs. /Patterson / here 28 Milder and almost like a thaw, a little mizzle of Rain in the afternoon. Willie hauled wood. I went to Dundalk. Patrick Conners was here. 29 Mild day, almost like a thaw. Willie hauled one load of wood and a Telegraph pole to Dundalk. <p. 257> January 1892 30th Another mild morning, the day mild, the snow softening. James Reid and his brother Dan were here. Dan borrowed the cutter and harness to go to Dundalk. Willie is laid up with a cold. Etna* showed strong signs of Eruption. [*still strong interest in Mt. Vesuvius.] 31st Sabbath. Very mild day. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. Joe and Ida were here in the eavning. Sandy McAuley’s Dwelling House was Burned about 11 P.M. He has a small insurance of about $300.00 on the house and contents. The fire caught they think from a spark on the Roof as they were burning [T??? ad] wood. [in margin] Sandy McAulay’s / House Burned Feb[ruary 1892] 1st Very mild day, the snow softening, very like a thaw. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Bought a Draft for $120.15, payable to Thos. Arnold of Creemore and sent it to him for his Rent. Willie hauled Cordwood. �421 2 Stormy day, a huge snow storm Raging. Willie started this morning to haul wood and hauled one load in the afternoon. The snow fell about 12 inches in 24 Hours. 3 Mild day all through, a little sunshine soon came on in the afternoon, and is now, 8:15 P.M., snow- ing. Willie hauled one load of wood in the afternoon. The sleighing is heavy. <p. 258> February 1892 4th Sharp morning, the day pretty sharp. The Township auditors were here during the day. G. McConnell, Collector, Returned his Roll and stopped all night. [in margin] Township / auditors / here 5 Pretty cold morning, the day cold all through. Brother Sam and I left for to See Sister Margaret who is sick, almost unto death. We got as far as Brother John’s and stopped there all night. 6 Another cold day, snow deep. Sam and I left John’s and went to Margaret’s. Poor Sister! Life appears almost gone. She is wasted away so much that I would not know her. Dr. McCullough said her complaint was Malaria Fever and Dr. Armstrong said it was Lung Fever. We came from Margaret’s in the eavning and stopped at Brother John’s. 7 Sabbath. Some snow falling in the forenoon, some Rain at night, a little [stricken th] lightening. I prevailed on Sam to return home this morning as he is suffering from Bronchitis. I went to Marga- ret’s. John’s son John drove me there. I sat up with Margaret all night. Poor Sister, she seemed to be about dead. 8 Pretty chilly day, a good deal of snow on the ground. I left Margaret this morning and came as far as Brother John’s. I am doubtful whether I will ever see my poor Sister alive again or not. <p. 259> Feb[ruary] 1892 9th Pretty Rough day, especially in the afternoon. Snow drifted considerably on the Roads. I left John’s this day at about 11:30 A.M and came home. Bob drove me as far as Shelburne, then I took the Train. Brother John is suffering with Bronchitis. 10 A little milder this forenoon, the afternoon Blowing. Nancy and Phebe left this morning to go and nurse Margaret. If good nursing and careful, kindly attention will save her life, She will now ob- tain it. She has had nothing but negligence, want of care and improper treatment From her Hus- band and Daughters, thus in a manner, killing her as surely as if they took a club and beat her brains out. May a just God punish them For their cruelty. 11 Moderate in the Forenon, the afternoon blowing and rough. Willie hauled cordwood to Dundalk. Extremely rough in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. 12 Very cold morning, the day bitterly cold, especially in the afternoon. The Roads are very badly drifted. I think it is the coldest day which has come this winter. Willie started in the afternoon to haul wood. Got part of the way and had to come back on account of the drifts. Adam Traynor was here this eavning to See about arrears of Land Taxes. [in margin] Very cold 13 Sharp, cold day, but calm. Roads very bad. I attended council meeting at Dundalk. <p. 260> Feb. 1892 14th Sabbath. Cold and stormy. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing/ 15 Sharp morning, the day cold, especially in the afternoon, the snow drifting. The Roads running N.E & S.W. are almost impassible. I went to Dundalk. 16 Pretty cold day, Freezing and blowing some. Mrs. R. and Phebe got home from Sister Margaret’s. She is not any better. �422 17 A little milder than yesterday, yet still cold enough. The roads are very much drifted, and few teams are on them. 18 Mild morning, the day overcast and very much like a thaw. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Willie and Johney worked in Melancthon getting out stove wood. [in margin] Mrs. / Sandy McAulay / Died 19 Stormy, Rough day, Blowing and snowing, especially in the afternoon. Wille hauled wood. Wal- ter Bell was here a while in the Day. 20 Mild day, the snow getting soft, the air soft and hazy. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs. Sandy McAulay, an old Lady of 76 who has lived in Proton for the past 42 years. She was buried in Melancthon at the Gravel Road Church Burying Ground. We went in James Mills’ sleigh. <p. 261> Feb. 1892 21st Sabbath. Mild day, close atmosphere, the snow sinking and melting. Jim and his wife and two Babies, John and wife, Ida and husband and Miss Susan Davidson were here. [in margin] Thaw 22 Mild day all through, a good deal of sunshine. Willie went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got his wood measured. He and Johney had 61 cords. They began chopping it on the 8th of last Decem- ber, also had a man helping for about half a month. Sold the wood for $2.00 per cord. They made about .76 cents per day and Boarded themselves and teams out of this. [in margin] Thaw 23 Beautiful morning, the sun Bright and warm all day, just like a day in spring. I went to Sam’s to see about some hay. Willie started for Melancthon this morning to cut some trees along with Johney, for to saw with the machine for firewood. His mother took him out in the cutter. All are gone this night to Dundalk to the Britton’s Concert. I am Bird alone. [in margin] Sun[?Pm?] / 23 [unclear what this marginal note is] 24 Mild day, the snow softening, quite a good deal of sunshine. Willie and I cleaned oats. 25 Very fine day, sunny in the morning. The sky got overcast, and there was a very small quantity of Rain in the afternoon. Willie and I cleaned oats. <p. 262> Feb 1892 26 Something colder than yesterday, a sharp Frost in the eavning. Willie and I Finished cleaning oats and pease. 27 Very sharp, Bright sunny day, a piercing Frost all through the day. Willie helped Sam’s Willie to haul a load of hay, 1500 pounds, home. [change of ink colour, black to blue-black, writing smaller] 28th Sabbath. Very sharp morning, the afternoon milder. 29 Mild day, the snow melting some in the sunny spots. A snowfall in the afternoon when it turned cold, and was a pretty cold night with a strong wind. Willie went to Melancthon to cut stove wood. I went to Dundalk. March [1892] 1st Pretty sharp morning, the day Bright, sunny and cold. Phoebe and Sam were here a while in the afternoon. I was in Dundalk in the forenoon, also went again at night to get J. Bowerman to come and take the front shoes off a horse which is badly Foundered From the effects of a hard drive by Willie who drove him to Bill Faucett’s one night, then left him standing in a Log Barn till their party broke up. It’s pretty hard for me to keep a sound horse while the same Willie has anything to do with him, will not take proper care of him. 2 Brsight sunny morning, the day clear and fine. I worked a little at the Township accounts. �423 <p. 263> [ink colour changes to black] March 1892 3rd Beautiful day, clear and sunny. Sister Margaret died today. We got a telegram to that effect this afternoon from her husband. Poor Margaret has been ailing for about two months. One doctor said her ailment [MS aliement] was Maleria fever, another Said it was Lung Fever. My poor Sis- ter is gone, the first break in the family of Seven. Poor, kind Margaret. I hope she is in Heaven where there is no more suffering, nor unkindness. Poor Margaret was about Forty-seven years of age. Father, Mother and Sister are now gone. Who will be the next, Ah, who? [in margin] Sister Margaret Died [ink colour changes to blue-black] 4 Fine morning, the day Sunny and warm. Mrs. R., Jim and I left home this morning for Sister Mar- garet’s Funeral. Johney and Ina, Joseph Bowerman and Ida also went. J. Bowerman drove them down. They stopped at John Agnew’s at night. Brother Sam, who had went down on Thursday with Phoebe, went with me to James Murphey’s and we stopped all night there. The others stopped at Brother John’s. Also Sister Sarah who had waited on Margaret for ten days stopped at night at John’s. [last five words in outer margin] 5 Fine day, but a little cold in the morning. We all went this morning to Margaret’s Funeral with the exception of Jim and Brother John’s wife, Eliza, both being sick. Margaret is buried at Thompson- ville, Township of Tecumseth [=Tecumseh], about Four miles from Alliston. There were Thirty- Five Teams, between single and double. Poor Sister lies in lonesome grave away from her people. <p. 264> March 1892 6th Sabbath. Fine Day, sunny and bright. We left John Agnew’s this morning and came home. Sam and Phoebe came with us in their own rig from Brother John’s. We got home about 3:45 P.M. 7 Beautiful morning, sunny and clear. Johney Brought me a load of wood with his team, then bor- rowed my sleighs and is going to Brother John’s for potatoes. 8 Dark morning, the day dark and Lowering, getting a little soft in the afternoon, with a slight sprin- kling of snow. I went to Dundalk. Bought Draft for $262.22, sent it to Bank of Toronto, Toronto, to Retire Debenture No. 7, Township of Proton. 9 Fine day, Bright and sunny in the afternoon. Quite spring-like. 10 A little cold in the morning, but the middle of the day and afternoon was pleasant. I fixed a place for a cow in the stable at home, and put her in at night, as she is near calving. 11 Very cold morning, Blowing and Freezing, the day cold and Blowing from morning till night. [in margin] Cold / Vesuvius / Burst 12 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, with a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. Peter Sauder bought a Bay horse colt from me, rising three years old, for $80.00, on Twelve months credit. He took the colt home. [in margin] Sold colt / For $80.00 <p. 265> 13th Sabbath. Very cold day, Blowing and Freezing with a little snow falling. [in margin] cold 14 Very cold day, Blowing and Freezing, the sharpest day for a long time. [in margin] cold 15 Pretty sharp day, but not so cold as yesterday. Some snow fell during the day. 16 Fine day, but a little cold in the forenoon, a good deal of sunshine throughout the day. Willie hauled two small loads of Oats to Dundalk, 52 27/34 & 54 20/34 Bushels. Sold at .27¢ per Bushel to Mr. Skeffington Bell. Jim’s wife was here a while today. �424 17 Fine day, Sunny and Bright, the snow melting in some places. Willie hauled three loads of oats to Dundalk, about 164 Bushels. J. T. Agnew was here at noon, went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and Willie went at night to Dundalk to hear the Rev. Mr. Hudson, Presbyterian Minister, give a discourse on the Reformation in Scotland. 18 Mild in the forenoon, some snow fell in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of oats in the forenoon and 24 Bushels of pease in the afternoon to Dundalk. W. Bell was here at night 19 The morning pretty cold with quite a snowfall. The Assessor and Collector were here. I hauled the Remainder of the oats to Dundalk, 328 1/2 Bushels oats at .27¢ p[er] B[ushel], 24 Bushel pease @ .58 p[er] Bushel. <p. 266> March 1892 20th Sabbath. Rather cold, especially in the morning. 21 Pretty cold in the morning, the afternoon something warmer, Bright Sun. Jim got home his sheep and brought our two colts home from his place. Vesuvius, Etna, Heckla, and other infernal places all combined and had a dreadful eruption.* I worked at the Township Books in the afternoon. [*return to volcanic interests] 22 Dark morning, snow falling occassionally through the day, turning to sleet in the afternoon, almost like rain. Willie started to haul saw logs to the mill. I guess he is putting in a good part of the day in Dundalk. Well, I cannot control him any longer, all I can do with him is of no avail.* I was copying off the Defaulters to Send to County Treasurer. [*conflict and complaints about son Wil- lie, aged 20] 23 Pretty Rough morning, snowing and Blowing, the day generally was the same kind, the afternoon a little worse. Willie was hauling Logs to the Mill. 24 Mild day, the snow softening a good deal, especially in the sunny side of Buildings. Willie hauled Logs to the Mill and a load of Lumber home at night. I went to Dundalk. 25 Mild day, Sunny and warm. Willie hauled Logs to the Mill and a load of Lumber home. 26 Bright, sunny morning, the sky hazy, the snow disappearing rapidly. Willie sold his 3 year old colt to J. Hudd for $80.00 on 9 months’ time. Took a chattle [=chattel] mortgage. Cost of mort- gage & Register $1.00 & 5¢. <p. 267> March 1892 27th Sabbath. Bright sunny morning, the day Fine, the latter part of the afternoon rather chilly. Johney and Ina called here on their way to H. Lonsway’s. 28 Fine day, quite mild, a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled a load of Lumber home. 29 Sunny day, but a cold wind. The snow is going, however. We hauled a ton of hay from Jim’s, price $8.00, then hauled about 1 3/4 loads short wood From Jim’s Bush. I went to see Henry Johnson (who is suffering with Siatica) in the afternoon. 30 Very sharp morning, the day cold and Raw all through. Willie went to the mill in the forenoon for a load of w[ood] Sawdust For Bedding of the horses, and in the afternoon he split some stove wood. I worked at getting some Taxes arrainged [=arranged] in order on a sheet of paper so the Lawyer could investigate without much delay. 31 Sharp, cloudy day, yet the snow melted some. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie hauled out manure on the Garden. April [1892] �425 1st Fine day, cloud in the afternoon, snow melting Rapidly, a Rain and wind storm at night. Willie went to Dundalk, helped Jim with his horses. [in margin] Seen First / Robin 2 Dark morning, with some Rain, and windy through the day. We went to See Jim off with his horses to Souris, Man[itoba]. He left about 11 A.M. William Faucett and he took out Fourteen. [in margin] Jim Shipped / Horses <p. 268> April 1892 3rd Sabbath. Dark, warm day, the snow going fast. Johney, Ina & Pat Conners, Jim Patterson, Mrs. Jim Russell, Arlie, Baby Boy & Miss Susan Davidson, Mrs. Annie Faucett & two children were here. 4 Dark morning, with a Rainfall. The day was cloudy, with something like a Scotch mist most of the time. Willie went to Johney’s to cut timber for the sawing machine, but came home again without cutting any. Dan Reid and wife were here at night for a while. The snow is goint rapidly and there is every appearnce of an early spring. If the weather keep[s] on this way people will be ploughing in about a week from now, I think. I never remember the snow to go away so rapidly, less than a week ago there was sleighing enough for us to haul a ton of Hay From Jim’s home, at one load. Now nothing but bare ground wherever you go. Something very strange, almost incred- ible that it should have disappeared so rapidly in so short a time. A good deal of lightening and some thunder about 10 P.M. 5 Dry and very windy, with several showers of Rain through the day, warm and spring-like. I went to Dundalk and got Gerty measured for a collar. Mrs. R. also went to Dundalk. [in margin] Heard Frogs / Seen / Butterfly 6 Sharp morning, the day pretty mild and spring-like. Jim got home this afternoon, only having went as far as North Bay with the horses, William Faucett agreeing to take charge of them from that place on. [in margin] Jim got / Home <p. 269> April 1892 7th Fine morning, the day fine all through, quite spring-like, the birds out singing. Jim has started plowing, the ground turns up well, no Frost in it. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s this eavning. 8 Fine morning, the sun shone out bright and the forenoon was pleasant, a slight mizzle of rain fell about noon, which soon turned to snow and the afternoon was disagre[e]able. Willie commenced plowing in the forenoon but did not go at it in the afternoon, the ground is without frost but rather wet. It is stubble land, if sod it would have plowed well. This is certainly an early spring and people will, I think, get through their work a good deal sooner than last year. [in margin] Com- menced / plowing 9 Snow falling this morning, Freezing and Snowing most of the day, quite wintry-like. It has stopped the plowing for sure. We did not do anything today. 10th Sabbath. Quite wintry-like all day. 11 Sharp morning, the day cold all through. Willie and I turned over some potatoes in the cellar. I went in the afternoon to Sam’s to see a sick colt. 12 Sharp this morning, the sun shone out through the day, melting the snow, but the wind was very cold. We have a sick colt at home, something wrong, I think, with its urine. We gave it two doses of sweet nitre and rubbed spleen on Back. 13 Sharp morning, the day raw and cold all through, a good deal of sunshine. Willie is cutting stove logs at Johney’s. <p. 270> �426 April 1892 14th Sharp morning, very hard frost, the ground did not thaw out all day long. Keen North-East wind. I went to Dundalk. 15 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, but a good deal of sunshine. The ground softened some in the afternoon. 16 Hard frost this morning. Stormy, Windy and chilly all day. I got home one Ton of hay from H. Lonsway. He hauled it. I paid him nine dollars for it. 17 Sabbath. Hard Frost this morning, the day cold and Sunny. Sam & Phoebe, Jim, Mary & Arlie, Joe Bowerman & Ida, with Miss S. Davis were here. 18 Sharp morning, hard Frost, the day bright and cold. We took the team and went to Dundalk, got some shopping done. Bought 4 Barells Flour at $4.31 per Brl. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon, stopped all night, helped him to put a sick phillie [=filly] of his in a sling. Willie plowed in the af- ternoon. [in margin] Tried plowing / again 19 Hard Frost this morning, the day sunny and cold. Came home from Sam’s at noon. Willie plowed. Brother Sam left Dundalk on the 5:15 train this afternoon, destination Pense, Assini- boia,* North-west. Distance, about 1737 miles, Fare $27.85. Hope he will return safe. [in mar- gin] Sam left / For the N. West. [*Pense is a village, Assiniboia a territory, in the North-West Ter- ritories; both are now in southern Saskatchewan. The C.P.R. went through Pense in 1882; the vil- lage was named after the editor of the Kingston Whig, present when the line was laid through Pense; see http://www.pense.ca/hom_AP_history.htm] 20 Dark cold day, threatening Rain or snow, pretty high wind. Willie plowed. I sowed some cabbage seed. [in margin] Sowed / Cabbage / Seed <p. 271> April 1892 21st Dark, cold morning, the day cloudy with a cold Rain and Scotch mist in the afternoon. I helped Jim to clean up some oats and a bag of pease. Willie plowed to noon. 22 Dark, damp morning, the day dry, but cool, cloudy and windy. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk, came home and went to Brother Sam’s. 23 Bright sunny day, dry, clear and cool. I put up some fences which had been blown down, then chored around. Willie plowed. Mr. Rogers, Reeve, stopped all night. 24th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, the day clear and cold. Mr. Rogers Left at 12. noon. [in margin] First / Lambs 25 Hard Frost, the day sunny and cool. I went to Sam’s to help with his colt. We got her out of the slings, took her out of doors, walked her around a while. She lay down. We let her lay a while, got her up and took her to the stable. Willie plowed from about 10 A.M. 26 Pretty sharp Frost in the morning, the day sunny and warm from about 9 A.M. Willie plowed in the forenoon & in the afternoon went to the Show of Horses at Dundalk. I got some Fruit Trees. 27 Dark morning, quite a heavy Rain during the night, very strong wind also at night. Willie plowed. I went to Brother Sam’s after setting out a Bradshaw plum, 4 Snow apple tree[s], & one Princess Louisa. 28 Dry and very windy with Rain during the preceeding night. Willie plowed. I chored around and went to Dundalk. <p. 272> April 1892 �427 29th Hard Frost this morning, the day cool, dry and sunny. Willie plowed. I chored around. J.B. Lu- cas, Barrister, was here this eavning Re. Irvin’s Suit against Township of Proton. 30 Very hard Frost this morning, the ground so hard that the plow could scarcely pull through it. Willie plowed in the forenoon, Harrowed in the afternoon and sowed some pease. I went to Dun- dalk in the eavning. [in margin] First Grain / Sown / (pease) May 1892 1st Sabbath. Cool and Dry, a little cloudy. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 2 Dark morning, the day dark and Lowering, something like a Scotch mist falling all day. Willie plowed. I filled up some Township papers. Mrs. R. gathered some sap in Jim’s Bush in the after- noon. 3 Dark Day, a misty rain in the forenoon, a sharp shower in the afternoon, Some thunder, warm at night. Willie plowed. I spread manure and hunted up the colts in the eavning. 4 Cold morning, Frost. The day pretty chilly, a very little Sunshine. Willie plowed. I chored around. 5 Dark, cold forenoon, the afternoon wet, a sleety rain. Willie plowed in the dry part of the day. I mended fences. 6 Wet morning, Rain till about 10 A.M., then dry, but the day was cold and dark. Willie took me and 10 years Collector’s Rolls in to Division court in Dundalk, then plowed when he came home. <p. 273> May 1892 7th Cool, dry day, Sunny, but not warm. Willie plowed with his team for Jim. I chored around. 8th Sabbath. Very hard Frost this morning. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon. 9 Pretty cool morning but the sun shone through the day. The day was dry, breezy & Sunny. Willie finished sowing pease, then sowed oats. [in margin] Finished / sowing pease / First oats / Sown 10 Fine morning, the day dry till about 4:30 P.M, when there came on a slight Rain. Willie harrowed in the Forenoon and Rolled some in the afternoon. I went to Phoebe’s in the forenoon and bagged up some oats at Jim’s in the afternoon. 11 Dark, Rainy morning, the Rain ceased about 8 A.M., then came on again about 5 P.M. Willie plowed in the dry part of the day. I chored around. 12 Dry day, but quite cool. Wille plowed. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and sowed three bags of oats in the afternoon. 13 Dry Day, a good deal of sunshine. Willie Sowed oats with Jim’s Seeder. I chored around. 14 Misty morning, the afternoon cloudy also. Willie harrowed over the oats which were sown. I pitched some manure from the Back to the Front of the shed. 15th Sabbath. Rather Dark and cool, with quite a Rainfall at night. 16 Fine, dry day. Willie sowed oats. I plowed for Jim in the afternoon. <p. 274> May 1892 17th Bright sunny morning, the day dry and warm. I plowed For Jim. He helped Willie to haul out manure on the Arnold Lot. They hauled out 23 Loads. [in margin] Calves / home From / J. Mills 18 Fine dry day. Willie and I hauled out manure, (17) Loads. [in margin] Richard / Ludlow Died 19 Dry and Windy in the forenoon, the afternoon Wet and windy. Willie plowed in the forenoon and I spread manure. [in margin] Nancy Agnew* / Died. [*Nancy Agnew Russell’s niece (b. 29 Mar. 1876), daughter of John and Margaret Agnew; the spate of deaths this week is unexplained—no doubt it was part of the flu pandemic, known as Russian flu. It began in 1889-90 in St. Petersburg, �428 Russia, spread through the Northern Hemisphere, with recurrences in March-June 1891, Nov. 1891-June 1892. It killed about 1 million people worldwide. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1889%E2%80%9390_flu_pandemic] 20 Dry day. Willie plowed. I spread manure in the forenoon and sowed oats for Sam in the after- noon. 21 Misty, damp day. I sowed three Bags of oats in the forenon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie worked for Jim. Mrs. R. and Jim went to Nancy Agnew’s Funeral. [in margin] Got papers from Toronto / Robert Gordon died / Finished sowing oats 22nd Sabbath. Dark, cool day. 23 Misty day, some Rain. Willie plowed in the Forenoon, Harrowed in the afternoon. I sowed [one]* Bag Barley. [in margin] Finished / Seeding. [*amount not specified; singular Bag suggests one only, or less.] 24 Misty day, Rain in the afternoon. Willie went to the sports at Shelburne. I sowed Barley and oats for Sam. 25 Misty day. Willie plowed the Garden. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. C. Bell is very ill, got a par[a]lytic stroke. Very wet afternoon, also thunder and lightening [this should precede the previ- ous sentence.] Died this evening. She was highly respected, a kind and benevolent woman, al- ways doing good.* [in margin] Mrs. Bell / Died. [*She was the first teacher in the area, establish- ing a school in her home in 1851 (on the farm half a mile south of Robert’s Lot 220, Proton), be- fore Proton School Section 1 school was established in Dundalk village; she also was a midwife; see History of Dundalk, p. 282] 26 Slightely wet this morning, the day cold. I went to [stricken Cede ] Hopeville. 27 Cold day, but dry. I went to Mrs. Bell’s Funeral. [in margin] Sam got / Home 28 Frost in the morning, the day dry. Willie hauled out manure. I cut seed potatoes. <p. 275> [two recipes for cures; see Material Description, Front and Back Matter] Cure For Sweeney, etc Raw Linseed oil 7 oz Oil of Terebinth [=turpentine, in French] 7 oz Aq. Ammon[ia] Fort 1 oz Olenum Oregannum [oil of oregano?] 1 oz in all a unit pint Cure for Stoppage of Urine in a horse: 2 Tablespoonfulls of Saltpetre, 2 Tablespoonfulls of Spirits of Turpentine, 2 Tablespoonfulls of Baking Soda, 2 Teaspoonfulls of cut smoking Tobacco, made into a tea. All these ingredients dissolved and mixed and given at one dose if the caase is severe. This has been tried and proved good. April 23 /92 <p. 276> [pasted-in newspaper columns, including John Macdonald’s Will] <p. 277> [pasted-in newspaper clippings, handwritten cures] <p. 278> [Handwritten recipes and cures, one pasted-in small clipping] <p. [279]> [endleaf, recto, ruled by hand, unpaginated] Names of Fruit Trees planted on acre plot on Lot �429 220 Proton April 1890 Trees form Chase Bros. Galt Nursery [Detailed list of trees, by number, and by row, with label on tree cited, if present; see Material Descrip- tion, circulated separately.] <p. [280]> [endleaf, verso, unpaginated; nine handwritten cures and recipes, each separated by line drawn across the page; see Material Description.] <inside back cover> [Handwritten cures and recipes, and pasted-in newpaper clipping. Bottom part of page has details on assessments of Proton and Melancthon property, 1889; see Material Description.] <end of volume 3> �430 Volume 4 29 May 1892–23 May 1898 Editorial Note: Volume 4, like Volume 3, has printed pagination (flyleaf + 292 pp. + endleaf); in this transcription manuscript diary page numbers are noted inside angle brackets (<p. 1>), preceding the running title found on each page of the manuscript. Insertions and pasted-in items are indicated by an- notations inside tags enclosed in angle brackets, e.g. <insert> text of insert </insert>. For examples of the variable spelling and syntax, and for the editorial conventions used, see the Preface to Volume 1. <flyleaf, recto> [Title page, unpaginated; the title is obscured with many clippings pasted over the writing. Includes additional handwritten notes on title page, only one of which, the record of the money sent Brother Wil- liam, is noted below.] [Diary of] Rob[ert Rus]sell Proton [Twp] Co. Grey Ont. May 29th 1892 ____________________________________ [Notes written in bottom right quadrant, currently obscured by clipping:] 1 x 20 = $20 series of 1880 A.3006.690 1 x 20 = 20 D[itt]o A.2036.888 1 x 10 = 10 Silver Dollars. B1202g.72B $50.00 sent to Br. William / Elzey P. O. / Ind. Ter. / Texas / U. S. / Dec. 19, 1889 Same Bills sent again / February 16th [corrected to 14th], 1893 / Elzey P. O. / Indian Territory / U. S. <flyleaf, verso> [Pasted-in poem, from newspaper: The Bivouac of the Dead, 12 8-line stanzas] [Pasted-in newspaper column: How Old Are You?] [Hand-written recipe:] For cuts, wounds or Blood poisoning: a poultice of Brown Muscovady sugar is said to be excellent. <line> March 27, 1893 <p. 1> May 29 1892 29th Dry day and a little windy. Mrs. R and I went to Brother Sam’s. 30 Dry and windy, also pretty warm. I helped Willie haul out manure in the forenoon, I then spread it and he went to Sam’s and got two bags of potatoes called Ninety-Nines. In the afternoon we planted them, Mrs. R. helped. 31 Warm and dry with a slight rain and some thunder and lightening at night. We finished planting potatoes, all but a few among the apple trees. Willie went to H. Gallagher’s Raising in the after- noon and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Finished planting potatoes �431 June [1892] 1st Warm day. Willie and I picked stones in the forenoon, he rolled in the afternoon and washed the sheep. I planted some potatoes. Miss Graham from Township of Essa was here. [in margin] Washed sheep 2Dark in the Forenoon, a little like rain but the day was dry. Willie rolled, I planted some pota- toes among the apple trees, and fixed Brush Fence. 3Quite cold morning, the day chilly and dark. Willie finished Rolling in the forenoon, I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. Helped to Casterate Jim’s colt and ours in the afternoon. <p. 2> June 1892 4th Cool, dark morning, the afternoon a little brighter and a good deal warmer. Brother John and Wife who came here last night, went to Johney’s in the afternoon. Willie hauled home half ton of hay from Willie Ludlow’s. Poor miserable wild grass. I paid him $4.50 for the ½ ton, he had told me before I sent for it that the hay was good. I fixed Brush Fence in the afternoon 5th Sabbath. Cloudy in the Forenoon, a regular downpour of Rain in the afternoon, some thunder and lightening. Brother Sam and Phebe, Brother John and Eliza were here. 6 Bright, Sunny day and pretty sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, and hunted up some stray cattle when I came home. Willie clipped a Few sheep. Brother John and wife left for home this afternoon. [in margin] Sheep clipped 7 Dry morning, the day dry and cool. I went to a Council Meeting at Cederville, got home at 1:30 next morning. J. P. Cowan was with me. 8 Dry in the forenoon, and pretty warm, a very heavy rain in the afternoon with some thunder and lightening. I went to Dundalk. Willie cut some timber for the wood shed. [in margin] Seen In- spector 9 Dark forenoon, the afternoon clear. Willie cut timber. I was unwell and had to keep in bed. <p. 3> June 1892 10th Dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I went with the Buggy and Jim’s horse to Flesherton. I seen Dr. Christoe. Willie cut some timber for wood shed. 11 Fine, dry day, warm and sunny, fine growth. Willie pulled down the old porch and dug some post holes. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 12th Sabbath. Dry and very warm. 13 Dry, cloudy and warm, with a prolonged Thunder, Lightening, and Rain storm about 6 P.M. Willie and I got some sills and sleepers for the Kitchen. 14 A little cooler this morning, the afternoon clear and warm. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and Bought 3 ½ thousand shingles, 5 pieces of joice [=joists], nails and hinges, &c. for· the kitchen. In the afternoon, Willie and I made some timber. Brother Sam came along, and helped us 15 Dry and hot, Willie hauled sand for Jim. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. I worked at the Books. 16 Dry and very hot, a sharp thunder, lightening and Rain storm at night. Willie hauled a load of sand for Jim, then hauled the timber for the Kitchen, and harrowed the potatoes. I took out a sill. Jane Russell* and her Brother Andrew came here from Toronto. Jane has just come From Ireland. They are cousins of mine. [*How Jane (nicknamed Jenny) and Andrew Russell are cousins is un- known—presumably children of a son of James’ brother William, since Jane and Andrew seem to be of the generation of Robert’s children. Jenny Russell later lived with Mary and James Murphey (or Murphy) in Tossorontio and later died of consumption. My thanks to Reta Lancaster for these details. Mary Murphey is likely the daughter of William Russell, niece of James and Anne, and �432 first cousin of Robert; see also 16 Feb. 1877; 29, 31 March, 1st April 1878; 12 Sept. 1883; 29,30 Jan. 1885; 31 Jan., 4, 8 Feb. 1889; 4 Mar. 1892.] 17 Dark day, and cool. Brother Sam and Son Jim helped us at the framing of the Building. <p. 4> June 1892 18th Dark and cool. Sam helped us at the Building. Andrew left this eavning for Toronto. 19 Sabbath. Dark day with quite a heavy Rain. Mrs. R., Willie and Jenny Russell went to Johney’s. 20 Dark muggy day, pretty warm in the afternoon. We worked at the Kitchen. Jim helped us. 21 Dark, cloudy, day and pretty warm. We worked at the Kitchen. Jim helped in the Forenoon. 22 Dark day, not much sunshine. Willie and I worked at the Kitchen. 23 Dark in the forenoon, clear in the afternoon. Willie, Jim and I worked at the House. 24 The day cloudy except a little while towards sunsett, a slight sprinkling of Rain in the afternoon. We worked at the House. Jim helped us. Willie went to Mr. Fry's Raising in the afternoon. Ida drove Jenny home here in the afternoon in the Buggy. 25 Cool dark morning, sunny and sultry in the afternoon. Willie and I made a slash fence on the rear of Mr. Arnold's Lot. 26 Sabbath. Dry and warm. Cloudy in the afternoon, a little rain at night. I went to Sam's in the eavning. <p. 5> June 1892 27th The day showery and wet. We worked at the Kitchen, Jim helped. Sam and Pho[e]be came out in the afternoon and took Jenny in to their place. 28 Dry day. Breezy and sunny in the afternoon. Willie made a door. I worked at posting Reeve’ Orders in the forenoon and from 8 P.M. helped to Box and weigh at the Factory 130 cheese. It was midnight when I got home. 29 Quite showery early in the morning, the afternoon dry Except a few Showers. I dug a cabbage plot and set out some plants. Willie worked at the Kitchen. In the eavning I went to Dundalk and helped to Box 120 Cheese. 30 Fine, dry and Breezy, quite cold. I went to Dundalk and took the tally of the cheese, 249 Boxes, Weight 15240 pounds, price 8½ cents per pound. Sold to McBrill, got his cheque for $1295.40. Willie was at H. Jackson's Raising. July [1892] 1st Dry and Breezy, cloudy. Willie, with some other young people, went a-fishing to Feversham. I worked at the Milk accounts. 2 Dry in the forenoon, very wet the latter part of the afternoon. Made Brush fence in the forenoon & paid out cheese money in the afternoon. <p. 6> <paste-in columns from newspaper, on the sinking of the Asia in Georgian Bay; a recipe against cholera; a verse of poetry handwritten.> <p. 7> <newpaper clippings, page completely given to this; and one recipe for a Good Tonic. Political cartoon on prohibition, involving Oliver Mowatt and George Matter—Ontario License System, Liquor Traffic is a wasp’s nest.> <p. 8.> July 1892 �433 3rd Sabbath. Dark Rainy day from morning till night. Clark and Mariah came home from Hillman, St[ate] of Michigan. [in margin] Clark & Mariah / came home 4 Dry day and a good deal of sunshine. I worked at making a new milk Book as the one which was purchased for me is not suitable. The Folks all went to Dundalk Except Jenny and I. I put two very much given to jum[p] colts to pasture at Mr. Hudd's at a dollar each per month. [in margin] Colts put to pasture 5 Dry day and pretty warm. Willie with the team done statute labor. I worked entering the weights of milk and part of the day I hoed thistles out of the potatoes. 6 Dry and hot. Willie done statute labor with the team. I worked at hoeing thistles and also went to Dundalk, got $300. Township Funds out of Bank to take to Council meeting on the 8th inst. 7 Dry day and hot. Willie cut some trees along side of the Road in the swamp for statute labor. I Balanced the Township Books and made out Half-yearly Financial statement. 8 Very fine day, dry and hot. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, got home at 4 A.M. next morning. <p. 9> July 1892 9 Dry and warm, slept till noon. Got up, settled up the orders and went to Dundalk. 10 Sabbath. Dry and hot. Mrs. R., Clark and Mariah and I went to Sam’s. 11 Very sultry day with a sharp bit of thunder about 2 P.M. and a little rain. I made brush fence in the forenoon and went to John Irwin's Raising in the afternoon. 12 Hot day, the sun came pouring down in rays of heat. We celebrated the day* in Dundalk. John Agnew stopped here at night. [*Orangemen’s celebrations for 12th of July, commemoration of Battle of the Boyne.] 13 Cool, compared with yesterday, dry and breezy with a clouded atmosphere. We moulded up our potatoes. 14 Pretty hot day, strong sun, some wind. Jenny, C1ark & Mariah & Willie drove down to Tossoron- tio. Jim and I weighed, Boxed and shipped 117 Boxes cheese. 15 Pretty warm Forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and very windy with a great Rain storm, thunder and lightening about 4 P.M. I worked among the potatoes in the Forenoon. [in margin] St. Swithan’s Day 16 Very cold morning, the day dry, cool and Breezy, very like Frost at night. 17th Sabbath. Dry and cool. <p. 10> July 1892 18 Cool in the morning. Breezy and sunny through the day. I mended Brush Fence and Entered Township orders in Book. 19 Cool dark morning, some rain fell in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and sunny. I am laid up with sore throat. 20 Cool in the morning, Warm in the afternoon with quite a bright sunshine. Willie Paris-Greened the potatoes, John Wesley Armstrong Noble got married this afternoon to Miss Jackson of the Town- ship of Holland. [in margin] J.W.Armstrong Noble / Married 21 Very hot day. Clark left this morning for William Moran’s, going to sell Michigan in that part of the country. I was sick in bed, got up about noon and went to Dundalk, done some business and came home. Willie is helping Jim at his hay. 22 Dry and cloudy, hot spells occassionally, a good hay day. Willie helped Jim at his hay. I also helped him in the afternoon. �434 23 Hot day. I think the hottest of the Season. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, helped Jim at his hay in the afternoon. Willie helped all day. Rain this night. [in margin] Hot 24th Sabbath. Cloudy and very sultry. 25 Hot day and breezy. Willie and I helped Jim. There was a terrific Rain storm at night accompa- nied with thunder and Lightening. <p. 11> July 1892 26 A fine dry day all through and pretty warm. I went to Johney’s, Willie helped Jim. 27 Dry and very hot, a slight shower about sunset, a good deal of thunder and lightening. I helped Jim to haul in in the afternoon. Willie helped Jim. [in margin] Sent letter to / Fletcher 28 Very hot day, especially in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. Willie helped Jim. 29 Cool and showery, no hay making today. I worked at making out the Estimates for Township Council which meets at Hopeville on the 2nd of August. 30 Dry and sunny, pretty warm. Willie and I cut some stove wood in the Bush in the Forenoon, he helped Jim at his hay in the afternoon. I Paris-Greened potatoes 31st Sabbath. Dry, cool and Breezy. [August 1892] Aug. 1st Dry and cloudy with the exception of a Slight Shower in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, took the weight of the cheese, 140 Boxes, got them shipped and got paid for them. Came home and mowed a little with the Scythe. Willie mowed all day with the mower. Rained quite heavily this night. [in margin] Commenced Haying 2 Dry cool day. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville 3 Dry day, Willie mowed a little at home in the morning, then helped Jim to finish his haying. [in margin] Jim Finished / Haying <p. 12> August 1892 4 Fine day, dry and Breezy. Willie, Jim and I worked at our hay. We got in seven loads, well saved. Willie also finished mowing, except a little corner of wild grass. [in margin] Brought / colts Home / From pasture 5 Dark day all through, a slight Rain about 4 P.M. Willie cut grass in the fence corners with the scythe in the forenoon, in the afternoon Raked up a load of good hay and brought it to the stable, then raked over the ground. Clark came home this eavning. 6 Dry and fine, the afternoon good hay weather. I worked at Milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid patrons. Willie Raked and put in hand shakings, 60 in the afternoon. Mrs. William Henders, wife of William Henders, Lot 230, 2nd Range Melancthon, got accidentally killed this afternoon. She was standing in a waggon pouring water into a Barrel, when the colt that was hitched took fright, ran away, she fell out and the Barrel fell on her. She only lived about 30 minutes. She was about 56 years of age and a Resident of Melancthon for about 30 years. [in margin] Mrs. Henders / accidentally Killed 7th Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. Johney, Ina and Clark were here. 8 Fine and dry, although looking like rain most of the day. We got in three loads of good hay in the stable loft and a couple of loads of poor hay into the Barn. Clark helped. Mrs. R and I went to Mrs. Henders Funeral in the afternoon. She was buried in Dundalk Cemetery. <p. 13> August 1892 �435 9th Exceeding heavy wind, Rain, Thunder and Lightening, From 1 to about 3 this morning. The light- ening was something dreadful. The day very sultry and drying. Willie and Clark started last night about 7 O'clock for Tossorontio. I guess they would catch a wetting. I worked at the Milk Books today. Another sharp thunder, Lightening and Rain storm this night. [in margin]. Great / Thunder & Lightening 10 Cloudy and sultry with a good deal of Rain through the day, and some thunder and Lightening. I mowed some fence corners. 11 Dark morning, the day cloudy all through with a little rain falling now and then. Phoebe was here in the afternoon. Willie mowed fence corners. 12 Cool, dry and Breezy, quite a bit of sunshine. Clark and Jim took in the Owen Sound Excursion. Sam’s Madella, Ida, Mariah R., Mrs. R. and Willie went picking berries. Old Mr. Sauder and wife came here to get some change made in their will. I worked at the Township Books and Estimates. 13 Dry, cool and cloudy. I helped Jim at his cellar till 2 P.M. then went to Dundalk. Willie gathered up some hay rakings and drew them in, this finished our haying. 14th Sabbath. Dry, sunny and warm. Jim and Family and Susan Davidson were here. I went to Sam’s after Tea. <p. 14> August 1892 15th Dry, hot and sunny. I worked at W. Armstrong’s. Forked hay and Fall wheat to the loaders. Wil- lie with the team helped John at R[oad] Jobs. 16 Dry and pretty warm. Willie helped Johney with a Road job 17 Dry and hot, Bright sunshine. I mowed an acre of Barley, poor crop. Willie helped Johney Skid Logs. Jenney came here last night. [in margin] First / Harvesting 18 Dry and hot. I helped Mr. Hood mow some grass in the forenoon, then went to Dundalk. A Mr. Yourex Bought Clark's Farm for $1300.00, Cash. 19 Fine day, dry and warm. Willie helped Johney Skid logs for Sawing. I was in Dundalk and took the weight of cheese shipped. 20 Cool in the morning, pretty warm through the day. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk. Wil- lie Raked up and hauled in an acre of Barley. 21st Sabbath. Dry and Fine. Mrs. R and I visited at Mr. John Conners. 22 Dry and warm. I started to pull pease. Willie went to Dundalk and got two new shoes on one of the horses, also a new bolster in waggon. [in margin] First / pease / pulled 23 Dry and pretty warm, cloudy in the afternoon. Willie pulled pease, I was sick. <p. 15> August 1892 24th Dry in the forenoon, but cloudy. Rain came on about 3:30 P.M., Some thunder. Willie and I pulled pease in the dry part of the day. Clark went to Dundalk in the afternoon to get the writings executed for the sale of his Farm, did not get it done, there is a hitch somewhere. Purchaser says the title is not good. Rained nearly all night. 25 Rainy morning, Rainy at noon, Rainy at night, a very wet day. I went in to Dundalk. Clark got paid the full amount of his bargain for his Lot, viz, $1300.00, less the interest for 9 months on principal of $275, and the $275 also less the taxes due to date. 26 Cloudy and cool, dry all but a very slight mizzle of Rain. Willie and I pulled pease. 27 Dry morning, the day dry and quite a bit of sunshine. Willie and I pulled pease. 28th Sabbath. Dry and cool. Johney and wife, Joe Bowerman and wife were here. 29 Dry and pretty warm. We finished pulling pease, went to Dundalk in the afternoon with the team. �436 30 Dry and windy till about 4 P.M. when there came on a heavy rain, some thunder and lightening. We hauled in 7 Loads pease. <p. 16> August 1892 31st Rainy morning, the day dark and Showery. Willie and I helped Jim in the afternoon to open up his cellar drain which had become choked up. Sept[ember 1892] 1st Dark morning, the forenoon hazy and Foggy, the afternoon dry. Willie and I helped Jim at his drain in the forenoon, and in the afternoon harvested for him. 2 Dry morning, the day dry and fine. Willie hauled a load (6 B[ags]) of lime for Jim in the Fore- noon and in the afternoon took Clark and Mariah to Dundalk on their way to Michigan. I helped Jim in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Clark and / Mariah went / to Michigan 3 Fine morning, Sunny and dry, the day splendid harvest weather. Willie cut at Jim’s Grain with the mower all day. I cut with the scythe around stone piles in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and deposited ($1,000) one thousand Dollars of R. C. Russell’s money in Bank. 4th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and sunny. 5 Wet in the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. Willie cut grain for Jim in the afternoon. I posted Township orders in the forenoon and cut a way for the Binder in the afternoon. 6 Wet in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and cut a way for the Binder in the afternoon. Willie worked the Binder from 4 P.M. This is our first cut- ting of oats at home. Jim left for Manitoba [MS Minatoba]. [in margin] First oats cut / Jim left for / Minatoba <p. 17> September [MS August] 1892 7th Bright morning but the day became cloudy and there was quite a shower in the afternoon. Willie cut Oats in the dry part of the day. I stooked up. 8 Pretty fine day. Willie cut oats. I stooked. 9 Very heavy dew this morning. Willie cut Oats, I stooked in the afternoon went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and got the weight of the cheese shipped. Sat up to one O'clock in the night making out the Patrons’ Bills. 10 A little wet this morning as quite a shower had fallen early in the morning. Willie and I stooked up till noon. Willie cut oats in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the pa- trons of Cheese Factory for Six weeks milk, about $2,000.00. 11th Sabbath. Fine dry day, Bright and sunny. Joe & Ida and Miss May——, Mary and Susan, Arlie & Baby were here. 12 Wet in the early morning, Showery in the Forenoon, dry in the afternoon. Willie and I stooked in the forenoon, and I in the afternoon. Willie cut oats in the afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. R / went to /Toronto / Finished / cutting oats 13 Wet morning, the day very wet all through. I worked at the milk Books. 14 Rain in the morning, dry the remainder of the day. I went to Toronto, took in the Exhibition, did not think a great deal of it. Went out Yonge Street as far as Eglinton for a bed at night. <p. 18> September 1892 15th Dry morning, the day dry and pretty warm. Went to Toronto, tried to sell Township Debenture of $900.00 bearing interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum, interest payable yearly, Debenture �437 payable at the end of 15 years. Sold the Debenture at last after a good deal of trying, at par. Came home at night. 16 Dry day. Willie tried in the afternoon to cut some of Jim’s oats with the Binder. Could not do it as the ground was so very soft. 17 Dry morning, the day dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. We opened out Four loads of stooks in the early part of the afternoon, then hauled them in, besides 2 little loads pease. 18th Sabbath. Bright, clear and dry, a very nice day. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon. 19 Scotch mist this morning, enough of wet to prevent the grain from going in early. Willie and I hauled in 11 loads of oats from about 10 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. 20 Fine morning, the day sunny and dry. We hauled in oats, W. Armstrong with his team helped us in the afternoon, also WaIter Bell’s two boys. 21 Hazy morning, the day dry and the afternoon Cloudy. We finished hauling in grain. D. Reid and Jim Bell helped. Willie was at Jim's trying to cut some oats with the Binder. Our oats are in the Barn, but they will certainly heat. This has been the wettest harvest for a long time. [in margin] Finished / Harvesting <p. 19> Sept[ember] 1892 22nd Dark morning. Rain in the early morning, the day cloudy all through. D. Reid and I mowed oats with the scythes at Jim’s. Willie cut with the Binder after tea time, the ground was very wet. This finished Jim’s cutting grain. [in margin] Finished / cutting / Jim’s Grain 23 Cloudy morning, the day dark and not much sunshine, very poor harvest day. I totted up the milk Sheets, and went to Dundalk afterwards. [in margin] Sent letter / to Jim / Jim got Home 24 Bright morning, the day dry and very sultry. We helped haul in some loose oats for Jim. Jim came home last night from Manitoba. Typhoid fever is very bad where he was, so he thought it best to come home. 25th Sabbath. Cloudy day with a good deal of Rain in the afternoon. Johney and wife, Jim and wife and Arlie were here. 26 Bright morning, the day clear, sunny and windy. Brother Sam was here. Willie was at H. Lon- sway’s threshing. 27 Fine morning, the day sunny, dry and warm with a good stiff breeze. Willie and I were at Jim’s threshing in the afternoon. Jim got in the remainder of his grain. The threshed grain was pretty damp and I think it will heat in the Bins. 28 Fine morning, the day fine dry and sunny. Willie was at W. Armstrong's threshing and went out this night to Johney's. Brother John's wife Eliza came here this eavning. <p. 20> Sept[ember] 1892 29th Dry and sunny, a pleasant Harvest day. Willie is at Johney’s threshing. I went to Dundalk. 30 Dry and sunny. Willie and I hauled Rails and fenced some apple trees on Lot 218. October [1892] 1st Clear, cool and dry. Jenny Russell and John's wife Eliza went from here this morning, the one to her Aunt Mary's the other home. I attended a meeting of the Directors of Cheese Factory this eavning to discuss the penalties to be inflicted on a patron which has been skimming his milk. 2nd Sabbath. Fine day, but a little cool, a shower of rain at night. 3 Dry in the forenoon, cloudy and close, a slight rain in the afternoon. Willie and I hauled two loads of hay from the Barn and put them on the stable loft. Then we put up two pigs to fat, plowed out a few rows of potatoes and picked them. [in margin] pigs put up / to fat �438 4 Dry and cool in the forenoon, cool and showery in the afternoon, quite a shower of sleet at night. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and exchanged a spade for a spade, came home and Willie and I raised potatoes. We had the loan of W. Armstrong's potatoe digger. The 2/3 of our potatoes are rotten, a good crop but badly spoiled. Edward Mills is to be married this eavning to Miss —— Thompson of Melancthon. I say, success to the pair . [in margin] Ed. Mills / married / To Miss Thompson <p. 21> October 1892 5 Ground covered with snow this morning and plenty more falling. Showers of snow fell mostly all day. Willie was at J. Mills’ threshing in the afternoon. [in margin] First snow / Vesuvius / Burst 6 Cold, Raw morning, some snow still on the ground, the day pretty chilly. Willie was at Mr. Mills’ threshing. I went to Dundalk, then chored around at home. 7 A little warmer this morning, a pretty heavy shower of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon was also Showery. Willie and I got some stove wood in the forenoon, and went to the Agriculture Show fair in Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Dundalk / Show Fair 8 Dark morning, the day cloudy and cool. Willie was at Walter Bell’s threshing. I went to Dundalk and Drew out of Bank $500.00 to take to Council Meeting on Monday, the 10th inst. 9th Sabbath. Dry, but cool and cloudy. J. Bowerman & Ida were here. 10 Dry and sunny. I went to a Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. Willie was at W. Bell's threshing in the Forenoon. 11 Dry, sunny and warm. I came home in the forenoon. Willie and I took up potatoes. I went to Dundalk after 4 P.M. 12 Dry and hot, the sun hazy like Indian Summer. We finished taking up potatoes. <p. 22> October 1892 13th Beautiful day, warm, dry and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, in the afternoon cov- ered up potatoe pits and went to Sam’s. Willie chored around. 14 Fine morning, the day very Beautiful. The threshers came and got to work at noon. 15 Splendid Forenoon, the afternoon slightly Showery. We finished threshing at noon. The grain did not turn out well, only about 5 bushels of pease and 20 of oats to the acre. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie went to J. Trugon's threshing. 16th Sabbath. Dry Day, but a little cool. Ida was here. 17 Dry, cool and cloudy. I brought 20 bushels of potatoes out of the drive house and put them in the cellar. Willie was at J. Trugon’s threshing in the forenoon, and took 5 Bags of apples to Dundalk in the afternoon. 18 Fine morning, the day dry. I was at J. Trugon’s threshing in the forenoon. Willie picked apples. 19 Dry and fine. Willie was at Ned Mills’ threshing in the forenoon, and I in the afternoon. 20 Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk and from thence to Widow Kinnear’s. Willie was at Ned Mills’ threshing in the Forenoon, and digging ditch in the afternoon. <p. 23> Oct. 1892 21st Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk, took the weight of cheese shipped. Willie put in Box drain. Mr. Hood helped him. 22 Dry and fine. I filled some earth on Box drain in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the after- noon. Willie picked stones. Mr. Hood helped. 23rd Sabbath. Dry and cool. �439 24 Dry and cool. I carried out about 200 Bushels of oats out of the Granary, and spread them on the Barn Floor. They were heating. Willie plowed in the forenoon, and helped Mr. Hood thresh in the afternoon with the horses. 25 Some snow on the ground this morning, but it soon melted, the day was slightely showery. I cut some firewood in the Bush. Willie and I sawed it, then hauled it home. Willie was at Mr. Hood’s threshing in the forenoon and left here to stop at Johney's all night, and go in the morning to T. Arnold’s in Creemore. 26 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and the day was sloppy and wet. I took two yearling pigs to Dundalk. D. McAulay helped me. I had them sold for Twenty Dollars to W. Faucett. Came home and split a little wood. 27 Cold and slightely wet. Willie got home at noon from Creemore. He took his mother with some dead geese to Dundalk in the afternoon. I covered in Box drain. <p. 24> Oct. 1892 28th Cloudy and cool. Willie plowed, I worked at the milk accounts. 29 Dark cool morning, some Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon Rain, then snow, which is still (9 P.M.) coming down, the wind rising. Willie plowed in the forenoon and blocked out a sett of Whiffletrees* in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid over $1300.00 to Milk Patrons. [*a device connecting a vehicle to horse harness; see 17 Dec., 1890] 30th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow this morning, blowing and snowing all day mostly. 31 The ground covered with snow, but the most of it had disappeared before night, the day Sloppy. Willie plowed. I put back the oats into the Bin which I had spread on Barn floor. G. McConnell, collector, paid me $341.00, stopped all night here. Nov[ember 1892] 1st Dark morning, the day dark and drizzly. I worked at the milk accounts, Willie plowed. 2 Sleety morning, the ground covered with a crust of sleety ice, and more falling till about 11 A.M., the afternoon dark and misty. Willie plowed in the afternoon, I worked at Milk ac[coun]ts. 3 Dark and cold with several showers of rain. I went to Dundalk, Willie plowed. 4 Dark morning, and snow came on about noon. It kept snowing and blowing all the afternoon. I was at Sam’s threshing in the afternoon. Willie plowed in the forenoon. [in margin] Snow Storm. <p. 25> Nov. 1892 5th The ground covered with snow this morning and the day was dark and wintry. Mud and snow on the Roads. Willie was at Brother Sam’s threshing with the team. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon and in the afternoon chored around home. 6th Sabbath. The ground covered with snow, but thawing, the day dark and gloomy. 7 Dark morning, a slight mizzle of rain falling, heavier at noon. Dark day all through. Willie fin- ished plowing over the creek. He and I sawed some stove wood at noon. I split it and put it on the waggon while he was plowing. I fixed at the shed in the forenoon. 8 Cold morning, Blowing and freezing. The day very cold, Blowing, Freezing and snowing some. Willie plowed. 9 Very hard frost this morning, and the day was pretty cold, no sunshine. Willie plowed. I fixed at the shed on T. Arnold’s Lot. 10 Dark day and pretty cold, blowing and Freezing. I went to Dundalk. The Roads are very bad and I was pretty well tuckered out when I got home. I am so weak. Cannot tell what is wrong with me. I am not sick, but so weak I can scarcely walk. �440 11 Dark day, inclined to thaw. Sleighs and waggons are running, not good any way. Willie and I cleaned up some oats for the horses, then he went with his mother, and dead turkeys, to Dundalk. <p.26> Nov. 1892 12th Quite wintry this morning, a quantity of snow on the ground, the sleighs running, the day dark and without any sunshine. Willie put manure on the potatoe pits. I fixed the shed on the Arnold Lot. G. McConnell called [ink blurred] at night. 13th Sabbath. Dark day, a little Rain, the snow going. Sam and Phoebe, Joe & Ida were here. 14 Dark morning, the day dark and slightely wet. Willie plowed. I went to Dundalk, deposited Township money in Bank, also drew out of Bank $123.00 of Clark’s money, loaned $122.40 to Jim at 10 per cent. 15 Dark morning, a little rain falling sometimes, the day cleared off, the snow has almost disap- peared. Willie plowed. I took up the Beets and put them in the cellar, also made a Box for an ash leech.* [*box to percolate water through hardwood ashes, to make lye for soap; see also 22 May 1897] 16 Mild day, some sunshine in the afternoon, the day was almost like spring. Willie plowed, I washed the mud off the Buggy in the forenoon, and a tiresome job it was! In the afternoon I fetched a small pit of potatoes into the cellar. 17 Dark day, mild, and most of the snow has disappeared. Willie plowed, I split some stove wood, and then went to Dundalk. l8 Mild day, a little sunshine, the roads very sloppy. Willie finished plowing sod. [in margin] Plow- ing. 19 The Ground covered with snow, the day snow showers. Willie and I got some stove wood and I went to Dundalk. <p. 27> Nov. 1892 20th Sabbath. A few flurries of snow this morning, the day a little cold. Jim Patterson here at night. 21 Pretty hard frost this morning, the day pretty cold with occasional showers of snow. Willie and I cleaned oats. 22 Quite a wintry morning, cold and raw, the day cold. Willie and I cleaned oats. Mr. Hudd got the Crique* cow from me this morning. He is to feed her for her milk, to give her to me when I make the sale, and if I do not sell her, he then gets her back and keeps her till she can get her living off the pasture in the spring. Johney and Pat Conners were here in the eavning. [*a cow from John (Jean) Crique, who rents Widow Kinnear’s farm] 23 Rather stormy, Blowing and snowing most of the day. Willie and I cleaned grain. 24 Cold morning, the day quite wintry-like. We done the chores and went to Dundalk in the after- noon. 25 Pretty mild day, very much like a thaw. Willie and I Butchered two spring pigs. One weighed 230 and the other 196 pounds. They were about 7 ½ months old. 26 Mild morning, the day mild, the trees covered with hoar Frost. Willie went to J. Jackson’s to move the sawing machine to the Bush. I cut up the pigs and salted them. <p. 28> Nov. 1892 27th Sabbath. Cloudy, dark day, but mild. Johney & Ina, Ida and Arlie were here. 28 Mild day but without sunshine, the Bushes covered with Rhime, indicating a thaw. Willie and I cut and brought home some stove wood. Gilbert McConnell was here a while at night and paid in- �441 to Treasury over $1500.00, Between Cash and School Trustees orders. Willie went to Johney’s to tell him when we will saw. 29 Rather mild day, but dark and without sunshine. Willie was at Jim’s threshing with the Dawe horse. I transfered township accounts From Day Book to Ledger. 30 Mild, Foggy day. I was in Dundalk all day expecting to ship the Dundalk cheese, But neither the Buyer nor Car came for them so we did not move them out of the Factory. The Ventry man brought in their cheese and had to store them in the Elevator warehouse. In the forenoon I collect- ed cheese money from the Dundalk purchasers, about $140.00. Willie went with the sleigh to E. Norval’s for two small pigs which I had bought from him @ .75 cents each. December [1892] 1st Rather colder this morning, the afternoon milder, the weather very foggy. Willie and Johney had Joseph Jackson in sawing stove wood. Did not get along well, sawed about 20 cords. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to meet Collector. 2 Dark day and rather mild. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and helped ship 142 Boxes Dundalk cheese. <p. 29> Dec. 3, 1892 3rd Dark morning, pretty cold, several showers of snow through the day, cold at night. I was working at the Final payment of the milk Books For the Season, and a very hard job it was. 4th Sabbath. Misty day, but mild. Brother Sam was here in the afternoon. 5 Sleety and unpleasant most of the day. I finished the milk accounts. [Stricken: Willie and his mother went to Dundalk in the eav 6 Dark day, sleet and Rain in the afternoon. Willie and his mother went to Dundalk in the eavning. John Agnew, Johney and Ina were here in the eavning. 7 Dark day and some Rain. Willie went to Johney’s at night and stopped till morning. 8 Dark day, but mild. I worked at the milk accounts in the eavning. Willie helped me count the money and put it in the respective envelopes. I had went to Dundalk and got the money out of the Bank. 9 Dark, mild day. I went to Dundalk and paid the Milk Patrons their last dividend, $1116.24 in all. Willie went to Melancthon for a load of stove wood. 10 Rather cold, and snowing most of the day. I worked at straightening up the milk accounts and entering payments. Willie docked his colts’ tails. D. Reid helped. Mrs. R. is going to the Debate and then to Johney’s. <p. 30> December 1892 11th Sabbath. Dark day, not cold but mild. D. Reid and wife were here at night. 12 Dark, Rather inclined to be soft. G. McConnell, collector, was here. Willie made a wood rack for the sleighs. I worked at making out Financial statement for Twp. council. 13 Misty morning, the day overcast, sleet, Rain and snow at night, heavy wind. I worked at the Fi- nancial statement. Willie was at a wood bee at Mr. Hewett’s. 14 Dark morning, the afternoon seemed like rain, but it soon turned to snow. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie worked at making wood rack. 15 Mild day, good sleighing. I went to Hopeville to a Council meeting, stopped all night. 16 Mild morning, the day mild. I got home at one O’clock. Willie was helping Jim to saw stove wood. �442 17 Mild day, lovely sleighing. I worked all day making out Financial statement for Township. Went to Dundalk to meet Mr. Cavanagh, the Clerk. He did not come. Came home, got at the statement again and finished it at ten O’clock night. I got a letter from Brother William, Elzey P. O., Ind. Territory, Texas. U.S., Containing $50.00. I intend making a present of the money to him. Willie helped Sam to Saw. [in margin] Letter From / Brother Willie <insert> <between pp. 30-31> [a special two-page letter by Joseph McArdle “To the Municipal Electors of Proton” regarding a dispute about road construction in Proton Township, and an earlier accusation by Pat Shaw that the writer of the present had done certain things, which the present letter refutes.] [second short financial note] 500 from Bank, 10 notes, 51 Bills, 3.05 silver, .25 copper— total $564.30 to C. Meeting Aug. 14/97 <p. 31> December 1892 18th Sabbath. Mild day, good sleighing. 19 Quite a snowfall last night. I went in to Dundalk this morning with the Township Financial Report to the Printer. Came home and straightened up Township orders. Willie hauled a load of stove wood, about 1½ cords. [in margin] Sent letter to Brother William / Elzey P. O. / Ind. Terr. / St. of Texas/ U.S. 20 Pretty cold day, some snow falling and a sharp frost. I split wood. Willie went to J. Rosebor- oug[h]’s sale. 21 Cold day all through, snowing and Blowing. I wrote a number of Business letters and split some wood. Willie hauled a load of hay From Jim’s. 22 Pretty cold morning, the day sharp, without sun. Frost. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Wil- lie hauled home a load of wood. 23 Very sharp morning, the day very cold From morning till night. Willie with the team was helping Brother Sam to saw. I split and piled the wood which Willie had brought home and done the chores. [in margin] Very cold 24 Very sharp, Frosty day. This morning was about the coldest which has come this winter. I went to Dundalk after Dinner. Had an appointment with some of the Councilmen. Gave P. Shaw $38.50 and J. Corbett $5.00 in advance to pay for Road jobs, they to get me Reeve’s orders for this amount. The auditors of milk accounts (John McGrath & Jim Russell) were in my Books in the afternoon. [in margin] Cold / $7.10 / for .5 months / Remember <p. 32> December 1892 25th Sabbath. Christmas. Cold day all through. 26 A little milder than yesterday, not quite so sharp Frost. Jim and Family, Johney and wife, Sam, Phebe, Madella, Willie and Alma, Ida and Joe spent the Day with us. 27 Bright sunny morning, the day fine and sunny all through. Miss Mariah and Annie Lonsway were here in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of stove wood home. I put up a goose pen. 28 Pretty mild day. I worked again at the plaguey Milk Books. Willie hauled a load of wood. 29 Pretty mild day. Willie hauled a load of wood. I wrote some Business letters in the forenoon, went to Dundalk in the afternoon, posted them, and sent by Express to Manager, Standard Bank, Durham, $190.50, Sch[ool] Debentures. Sent Cash to Retire it. 30 Pretty mild day. I worked at posting Township orders. Got all of them entered in the day Book. Willie hauled the last of the wood. �443 31st Fine, mild day, a little snow fell. John McGrath and Jim Russell were here auditing the milk ac- counts. did not quite finish. Willie hitched up his colts & Broke them in to go in the sleigh. Good by, Old Year. <p. 33> January 1893 1st Sabbath. Snowing from morning till night, not a very cold day. Mrs. R. and I spent our day at Brother Sam’s. 2 Very cold day, snowing, blowing and Freezing. The Roads Running north and south are badly filled up. We, that is Willie and I, went to the municipal Election and polled our votes. I also put in to the printer our sale bill of Stock and Farming Implements. I intend having the Sale on the 18th inst. 3 Very sharp day, freezing keenly. Willie was breaking in his colts. I chored around. 4 Another very cold day. Willie was breaking in his colts. Johney was here at noon. I posted some Township accounts in the Ledger and chored around. 5 Cold day, snowed some. Willie was breaking in his colts. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 6 Very sharp morning, the day cold all through. Willie was at a Bee at Johney’s with the team, help- ing haul saw logs to the mill. I was Balancing the Township Books. 7 Another cold day. Sharp Frost, a little snow in the morning. I wrote some business letters in the forenoon and posted them in the afternoon. I also sent one to Brother William, Elzey P. O., Indian Territory, U. S. Willie was breaking in his colts. [in margin] Sent letter to Willie. <p. 34> January 1893 8th Sabbath. Very cold day. 9 Sharp morning, the day cold. Willie hauled two loads of hay from Jim’s. 10 Extremely cold all day, but especially in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of hay from Jim’s. [in margin] Very cold 11 Another cold day, but not quite so cold as yesterday. Willie hauled a load of oats to Dundalk. 12 Pretty sharp day, but coldest in the afternoon. Willie hauled a load of oats to Dundalk. I also went to Dundalk. Willie had to take Back his young horse from J. Hudd which he had sold him for 81.00 dollars in the spring, and had taken a chattle mortgage on him. He also, under the power of the mortgage, took a mare of Mr. Hudd’s along with the horse in order to secure himself from loss on the horse. This was legal according to the terms of the mortgage. However, at night Willie thought better of it and returned Mr. Hudd’s mare to him, keeping just the horse which he had sold him, and which Mr. Hudd could not pay for. 13 A little milder with some snow in the afternoon. Willie hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk. Mr. Rogers, Reeve of Proton, was here at noon. Mrs. R. was at [MS in] Ida’s. [in margin] Wrote out / Andrew Lonsway’s / Will <insert> <recto, between pp. 34-35> Sale, January 18, 1893 R. Russell Name Article Price Mike Mulligan (did not get) Cow 28.00 S. Rogers “ 3 Steers. $54.00 54.00 William Kyles (did not get) 1 Heifer 17.00 C. Fawcett 1 Farrow Cow 15.00 J. McGrath 1 Cow 28.00 �444 D. Reid 1 Cow 25.20 27.00 Thos. Ludlow 1 old Mare 13.00 George Ludlow 1 Yearling Heifer 10.50 “ “ D[itt]o D[itt]o 9.50 C. Fawcett 1 Grey Heifer 9.00 “ “ 1 Yearling Bull 9.00 M. Mulligan Did not give 2 Sheep No. 1 & 7 12.00 E. Jns Hulbert 2 sheep 9 & 11 10.00 A. McAulay Did not take 2 sheep 2& 8 8.00 W. Kyles Did not give 2 sheep 14 & 15 9.00 259.00 <insert><verso> R. Acheson 2 Sheep No. 10 & 12 13.00 D. Reid 2 Sheep 16 & 17 12.25 C. Fawcett D[itt]o 4 & 5 7.50 D[itt]o D[itt]o D[itt]o 3 & 13 8.50 W. Kyles Did not give 1 sheep 6 6.50 $306.75 </insert> <p. 35> January 1893 14th Very sharp morning, the day cold, especially towards night. Willie took a load of oats to Dundalk in the afternoon. I also went in. 15th Sharp day all through. 16 Very cold day. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. 17 A little milder than yesterday. I left Hopeville this morning, got home at 12. noon. 18 Fine in the Forenoon, the afternoon Slightely stormy. I had a sale of Stock. The Cattle and sheep sold pretty well. No sale for horses. I only sold the old mare, Gerty, for $13.00. I have 4 good young horses left and could not get a bid for them. The sale came to $306.75, But I had to keep $80.50 worth of this as the sureties were not good and I would not let the stock go. 19 Fine in the Forenoon, the afternoon cold and storming. I went to Dundalk. Willie and J. Bower- man went to Hornings Mills with the team, thinking to Sell one of them. Did not succeed. 20 Pretty sharp day, hard freeze. I was squaring up the Township Books, preparing for the auditors. <p. 36> January 1893 21st Bright sunny morning, the day clear and pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie went to John McGrath’s, Melancthon, for 100 Bushels of American Banner [?] oats which I had bought from him at .28 cents per Bushel. [in margin] Sent letter / to Dead letter / Office, Washington / U. S. Sabbath 22nd Mild day. Jim’s Baby is sick. I am also feeling unwell. 23 Quite mild, almost like a thaw. Willie started to haul cordwood for Brother Sam, From Lot 32, 5th Range Melancthon, to Dundalk at .80¢ per cord. The roads are very bad with pitch holes and he will have it very difficult. [in margin] Willie started / to haul wood / For Sam 24 Rather mild in the forenoon, the afternoon produced a snow storm and the snow fell nearly all night. Willie went to Dundalk in the morning to get his horses shod and sleighs fixed. He did not get any wood hauled today. �445 25 Snowing mostly all day, the Roads very much filled up. Willie is hauling cordwood. 26 Dark morning, the day lowering, a little snow falling occassionally, the wind rising and the snow drifting. Willie is hauling wood. 27 Mild day, the sky overcast in the afternoon with a snowstorm at night. Willie was hauling cord- wood. <p. 37> January 1893 28 Blowing this morning, the Road very heavy, something like a thaw in the air, sleet falling now and then. Willie was hauling cordwood. 29th Sabbath. Raining this morning but it turned to snow in the afternoon, the eavning was very stormy. [in margin] Thaw 30 Milder, the snow greately crusted, a snow storm at night. Willie is hauling cordwood. 31 The Roads very heavy this morning, a cold East wind Blowing, a Big storm of Snow and wind towards night. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Willie was hauling cordwood. February [1893] 1st Milder, but getting cold in the afternoon. The night was pretty sharp, Blowing and Freezing. 2 Very cold day, piercing cold wind From the east, the afternoon stormy, and very stormy at night. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to P.O. / Inspector / Barrie 3 Very stormy morning, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. The wind and snow increased as the eavning came on till it blew a Blizzard. [in margin] Big / Storm 4 Bright, sunny morning, but quite a sharp frost, the day was bright and calm. The most of the Roads are blocked up on account of the raging snow storm last night. <p. 38> February 1893 5th Sabbath. Very sharp, cold day, an Easterly wind which seemed to pierce through. Ida called in at night. 6 Slightely Raining this forenoon, the afternoon decidedly wet. Willie got over from the Barn some Bedding and oats. Mr. Russnell [sic] and D. Reid were here in the morning. Mrs. Samuel McDowell and her son Johney were here in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw 7 Sharp, cold day, blowing and Freezing. Willie was hauling wood. I went to Brother Sam’s, the Road was very bad. 8 Very sharp day. Bitterly cold most of the time. Willie is at Johney’s with the Horses, helping him. 9 Milder this morning, but there was quite a change in the afternoon when it commenced snowing and Blowing, a regular out and out storm. [stricken Joh] Willie with the team is at John’s. I got the money, $50.00, which I had sent to Brother William on the 19th of last December returned me today through the Dead Letter Office, Ottawa. I had put the wrong address on Willie’s letter. [in margin] Money Returned / to me 10 Stormy day all through, the Roads are filled up. The Township auditors audited the Books. 11 Bright sunny morning, the day very fine. G. McConnell, Collector, paid in the Balance of Collec- tion of Township Taxes. Brother John’s three young people and Jenny Russell came up. <p. 39> Feb[ruary] 1893 12th Sabbath. Rather mild when compared with the past cold days. Jenny and Vina Russell were here part of the day. �446 13 Mild day. Willie started in the afternoon to get to Melancthon to haul wood. Brother John’s Jim went with his team to Brother Sam’s this afternoon. 14 Mild day, the afternoon slightely wet, strong indications of a thaw. Willie is out in Melancthon. 15 Mild day, a little chilly in the eavning. Willie was in Melancthon. There was a gathering of young people here at night, having amusements. 16 Quite a Blustering morning, the afternoon Calmer, wind and snow in the Forenoon. I went to Dundalk and got paid for the oats which I had sold some time ago. There were 365 25/34 Bushels @ 29¢ per Bushel. Willie is in Melancthon. 17 Rather calm in the morning, the afternoon very windy with sharp Frost and snow. I went to Dun- dalk in the Forenoon, also Willie and Johney, thinking to sell a Horse, did not succeed. [in mar- gin] Very cold / and stormy 18 Milder than yesterday, but cold enough. Jenny and the others started for home this Forenoon. Willie was hauling wood. I attended a meeting of the Cheese patrons in Dundalk. Was appointed Sect. Treasurer at a salary of $50.00, hard earned money. [in margin] Jenny / Left <p. 40> Feb[ruary] 1893 19th Sabbath. Stormy, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a perfect Hurricane in the afternoon. No Such Fierce Blows this winter. [in margin] Furious / Storm 20 Calmer this morning, But a sharp Frost, the day cold, the Roads so very heavy that I seen no teams on them all day, Except our own. Willie left in the afternoon For Melancthon to haul wood. 21 Pretty cold day all through, the Roads heavy. Willie is in Melancthon. 22 Sharp morning, the day cold, the Roads heavy. Wille is in Melancthon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s 23 Roads very heavy this morning, the day mild, quite a snowfall in the afternoon. Mr. A. Jack, the assessor of Proton, stopped here all night. [in margin] Assessor / Here 24 Bright sunny morning. The day got overcast towards noon, the afternoon cloudy with a snowfall. 25 Very fine Day, Bright and sunny, the air a little sharp but pleasant. Willie is in Melancthon work- ing at Cordwood. 26 Pretty sharp morning, the day rather cold, a little sunshine. John & Ina, Joe & Ida and P. Conners were here. Jim’s Baby is very sick, had to have the Doctor. [in margin] Sabbath <p. 41> Feb[ruary] 1893 27th The forenoon pretty mild, the afternoon cold and windy. Wesley Lonsway’s Baby was buried today. Sold a horse today to E. Potts & Son of Osprey for $76.00 on seven month’s time. The horse is rising 4 years old. [in margin] Very strong / wind at night 28 Pretty cold this morning, the Roads very heavy on account of the Big Blow last night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Sam was with me. March [1893] [1st] Very strong wind all day and pretty sharp frost. Jim’s Baby is about all right again. D. Reid moved from the Farm to Dundalk where he is going to keep hotel, having rented S. McCullough’s. [in margin] D. Reid / moved to Dundalk 2 Very fine day, sunny and Bright. I went to Dundalk. Ida was here in the afternoon. 3 Snowing this morning and quite a bit of snow fell during the day, the wind rose and quite a bit of a snowstorm graced the afternoon. 4 Quite windy and stormy, the afternoon very cold. I attended a meeting of the Cheese Factory pa- trons in Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Willie / Finished / Hauling cord / wood. 5th Sabbath. Very stormy all day, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. �447 6 Not quite so stormy as yesterday, still, bad enough. I am laid up with a cold. <p. 42> March 1893 7th Sunny day, the storm seems [MS seames] to be over. I am very weak, have coughed so much that there is very little strength in me. 8 Bright sunny day, the snow softening, the sky hazy, very much like a thaw. Willie hitched up his Black colts and drove them around. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to help Ida to quilt a quilt. 9 Rainy morning, quite a thaw, the afternoon dry but cloudy, turned to freeze towards night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 10 Fine, Bright sunny day, the snow softening quite a good deal. Several of the fields showing bare spots. Willie split some stove wood at home, ground his axe and put in handle in it, preparetory to helping Johney to take out square timber for a Barn. Mrs. Henry Lonsway visited here in the af- ternoon. 11 Soft morning, the day wet from about noon. I attended a Council Meeting held in Dundalk, and stopped all night at J. Bowerman’s. 12th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow softening. J. Bowerman drove me home in his cutter then went back and brought Ida. 13 Dark day, the Bushes covered with hoar Frost. The snow is still keeping soft. Willie went to help John Make Barn Timber. 14 Slightely wet this morning, the [forenoon] dark and a little snow falling in the afternoon. Willie is helping Johney. <p. 43> March 1893 15th Cold, stormy day, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Willie is helping Johney. 16 Bright and sunny, with a sharp air, the sleighing is good, the Roads hard. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mary and the two little ones are here. P. Sauder came this afternoon and paid me $50.00 on the $80.00 note which he owed me. I gave up the old note and took a new one for $30.00, payable in 11 months with 10 per cent per annum interest. Face of note $32.75. 17 Bright sunny day, the air a little sharp, not so keen as yesterday. Jim has a very sore hand and arm and is gone to the Dr. this afternoon with it. On the 11th inst. he was putting a physic ball into one of his colts. He had to put his hand in the mouth of the colt, which shut his mouth on his hand, breaking the skin in several places. The wound became irritated and the hand and arm are pretty sore. Willie is at Johney’s. 18 Bright and sunny, the snow softening. Willie got home from helping Johney make timber. He has it all made. Jim’s hand is not any better. I went to see the Dr. regarding it this afternoon. He was not at home. His arm is giving him great pain and seems worse than the hand. <p. 44> March 1893 19th Sabbath. Mild day but not much wearing away of the snow. 20 Pretty Bright day, with a strong wind in the afternoon. Jim’s hand and arm is no better. Willie is helping at his place, so also is Joe Bowerman. 21 Rather dark, not much sunshine, still, the wind is soft and the snow thawing a little. Jim’s hand is about the same, scarcely any change. 22 Quite a raw wind and pretty cold, the snow is a little bit softening, not very much. Willie is help- ing Jim, his hand and arm are still painful. �448 23 Stormy morning, Blowing and a little snow falling. The day cold and stormy all through. Willie helped Jim to take his pigs to Dundalk. Henry Lonsway hauled them with some of his own. Jim’s hand does not appear any better. Thaw began this afternoon about 3 P.M., some lightening after dark. [in margin] Lightening 24 Great thaw this forenoon, the wind and sun both cutting off the snow. It melted at a rapid rate. The temperature changed in the afternoon and a sharp Frost sett in at night. There was some thun- der and a rain storm about 1 P.M. Jim’s arm slightely better. [in margin] Thunder 25 Cold day. Quite sharp Frost, the Roads have got hard again. Jim’s arm, I think, is improving. Willie is at P. Conner’s Bee. <p. 45> March 1893 26th Sabbath. Pretty mild day, but not much of a thaw. Jim and Family, Johney and Ina, Joe, Ida & Ben were here. [in margin] First / Lambs 27 Bright sunny day, the snow melting some. I drove Jim to the Dr. But he did not see him. His hand is getting better. Willie is at H. Lonsway’s sawing bee. [in margin] Saw First / Robins 28 Beautiful morning, the sun shone clear, the day was fine, the snow thawing in the afternoon. Wil- lie and I hauled two loads of hay (2 tons) From Jim’s home. Then we brought over some bedding from the Barn. After that Willie hauled some fixings out to Jim’s Bush, prepairing [=preparing] for sugar making. Jim’s arm is, I think, improving. 29 Fine morning, the afternoon mild and the sun out, causing the snow to melt. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night. 30 Pretty mild, a little snow had fallen in the previous night, giving some sleighing on the Bare spots. The afternoon mild and cloudy. I came home from Hopeville in the Forenoon and copied off a list of Tax Defaulters in the afternoon. 31 Mild day with a thaw wind. The snow going away rapidly in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and posted to the Co. Treasurer a list of Defaulters of Township Taxes. Willie is at W. Armstrong’s bee. <p. 46> April 1893 1st Dark in the forenoon, with a soft thaw wind, the afternoon windy, with quite a bit of sunshine, thawing. I worked at entering Township orders. 2nd Sabbath. Mild day, with a thaw wind in the afternoon. [in margin] Esther 3 Cloudy and warm, with a thaw wind, the snow is disappearing pretty fast. Willie and I chopped down some trees, making them ready for the cross-cut [saw]. Going to have sawing bee, preparing some firewood. 4 Windy in the morning, Windy at noon, and Windy at night, a very Windy day. Willie cut trees down in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to ask hands for the sawing Bee on next Saturday. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and borrowed an axe. Heavy thaw, snow disappearing fast. [in margin] Brought the / cow I got from / Black Home / From Johney’s 5 Mild day and a good deal of sunshine in the Forenoon, the snow disappearing. The afternoon turned cold and there was quite a snow shower about 6 P.M. Willie and I were cutting trees down for sawing. 6 The ground covered with snow this morning, but the sun got out and the snow disappeared before night. Willie was at Sam Jackson’s wood Bee. I went to Dundalk. 7 Very peculiar kind of day, everything outdoors glued fast with a coating of sleet, which had fallen during the night and morning. Willie and I kept indoors. �449 <p. 47> April 1893 8th The Sleet all washed off this morning with the Rain that came last night. There was also thunder and lightening during the night, the day was balmy with quite a spring air. We had a wood bee, sawing firewood in the Bush. There were Henry Lonsway, Jim Russell, Billy Armstrong, Willie Russell, Sam Jackson, James Patterson, Willie and I. Johney came at noon but did not work, he having a Boil on his arm. Also W. Armstrong had to go home early in the Forenoon on account of his wife being sick. Also Jim Russell had to go in the afternoon to Dundalk to attend to Some business. Andrew Russell came here at noon. We got, I think, about Eight cords of stove wood sawn. I split a little. 9th Sabbath. Fine day, with a thaw wind. 10 Fine morning, the day pretty mild, not much sunshine. Willie split wood. 11 Pretty mild day, with a good deal of sunshine. Willie hauled rails. I went to Orangeville and con- sulted Solicitor Walsh re. the responsibilities of Executors in the Kinnear Estate. 12 Very high wind this Forenoon, then some rain, the afternoon dry but cloudy. Willie hauled rails in the afternoon. 13 Very windy day, but dry. Heavy rain last night. Willie started plowing, the ground turned over well, no Frost in it. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] First plowing / Sent letter / to Ireland <p. 48> April 1893 14th Very hard Frost this morning, still, Willie commenced plowing. The ground turned over very cak- ey. The day was dark and cold. 15 The Ground covered with snow this morning to the depth of about 3 inches and snow kept falling till the middle of the afternoon, changing the appearance of the fields to a great extent. Willie hauled rails after dinner. The latter part of the afternoon sunny, Snow melting. Joe and Ida were here all night. [in margin] Big snow / Storm 16th Sabbath. Mild most of the day, the sun shone out and the snow melted some. [in margin] Heard first Frogs 17 Dark day, inclined to rain. Willie got some oats down from Jim’s and plowed in the afternoon. The afternoon was fine, with a good deal of sunshine. Gilbert McConnell was here. Polling in Dundalk contested Election. The Reeve, Mr. Thos. Hanbury, Unseated by Mr. Peter McGregor on account of bad votes being polled at the January Election. Each candidate deposited $20.00 on Nomination day to defray the costs of present election, the losing man’s money to pay the Expens- es. Mr. Hanbury carried the contest by 22 majority. [in margin] Dundalk contested / Election polled 18 Hard Frost this morning, but after some time the ground softened so that Willie plowed. The day was pretty cool, not much sunshine till near 7 P.M. when the sun came out for a while. I chored around, cleaned out calf stable, etc. <p. 49> April 1893 19th Hard Frost this morning, but the ground softened after a short time so that the plow worked. The day pretty fine, with a good deal of sunshine in the afternoon. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. visited in Melancthon. �450 20 Very Windy day, the morning was windy, windy at noon, and Windy at night. Sleet and snow drifting with the wind and piling up in the fence corners, a particularly Blusterous day. Johney was here and left for home about 3 P.M. Very Rough on him. [in margin] Very Stormy 21 Snow falling this morning and Blowing pretty strong, the ground covered to about the depth of Four inches. The afternoon rather calmer. Willie hauled three loads of stove wood with the sleigh from the Bush in the Forenoon, in the afternoon he took one Bob [sleigh] and drove me to Dun- dalk. [in margin] Snow / Storm 22 Snowing and Blowing this morning, the day very disagreeable, a little snow falling now and then, the wind driving it into the eyes when facing the storm, very sharp on the eyes. I went to see H. Lonsway who is very bad with swollen tongue and matter forming in his ear. He is in great pain. I then went to Dundalk For some medicine for him. Willie is going to sit up all night with him. [in margin] H. Lonsway / Sick 23rd Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow, a small kind of thaw, the day mild. Johney and Ina were here. <p. 50> April 1893 24th Mild morning, the day mild with quite a bit of sunshine, the snow disappearing. We took some trees off the clearance where they had blown down in the storm of last week. A heavy snow storm raging at 7 P.M. [in margin] Snow / Storm 25 The Ground covered with snow this morning to quite a depth, But the sun shone out and some of the snow melted. The day was mild. Willie went in the afternoon to the Horse show at Dundalk. [in margin] Dundalk / Horse show 26 Hard frost this morning, the ground softened a little in the afternoon, the wind got strong and cold towards night. Willie tried to plow about 10 A.M., there was too much snow on the ground and it was too hard. Had to quit it. I split some wood in the wood shed. 27 Cold, dreary morning, quite a Rain last night. High wind through the day, cloudy. Willie plowed in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. 28 A little frost this morning, but not hard enough to stop the plow. The day was fine with a good deal of sunshine, the afternoon rather cloudy. Willie plowed. [in margin] First cow / calved 29 Fine morning, the day fine and mild, rather warmer than yesterday, a good deal of sunshine. Wil- lie plowed. I & Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 30th Sabbath. Dark day, with Rain in the afternoon. <p. 51> May 1893 1st Dark day with a Scotch mist all day long, not very wetting, but not pleasant to be out in. Mrs. A. Lonsway was here in the afternoon. Willie plowed. [in margin] Mrs. T. Hutchinson / of Arteme- sia / Died 2 Dark morning, the day dark and a slight mist of Rain falling once and again. Willie plowed, I chored. 3 Dark day, slightely warm, a trifle spring-like. Willie and his mother went to the Funeral of Mrs. T. Hutchinson. Willie plowed in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [poem, written as lines] Haste to the House of mourning, Show your respect for the dead, But quick be your returning, �451 [stricken Before] Ere the corpse in the ground is laid. Bah— 4 Dark morning, the Forenoon dry, but the afternoon steady rain. I sowed about Six bushels of pease for Willie. He did not get them harrowed. [in margin] First Grain / Sown / pease 5 Dark morning, the day dark and wet-like. A great deal of Rain fell last night. Willie Harrowed pease in the Forenoon and ploughed in the afternoon. Jim plowed with him in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Seen Laurence / Breen, a Minesotta / man, Formerly / a Resident of / Melancthon 6 Cold dark day, very much like snow, especially towards night. I split some stove wood in the bush. Willie and Jim plowed on the Thos. Arnold Farm, as Jim’s Land at home is too wet. <p. 52> [two newspaper clippings glued over top 2/3 of page, no running title] [first clipping: one column, down left edge of page]: True Philanthropy To the Editor: Please inform your readers that I will mail free to all sufferers the means by which I was restored to health and manly vigor after years of suffering from Nervous Weakness [….]. Mr. Edward Martin (teacher) P. O. Box 143, Detroit, Mich. A Cholera Remedy [a lengthy description of treatment, from] “Mr. Lane, an Eastern traveler and Orien- talist.” [right side of page, large ad for Drs. Kennedy & Kergan, Detroit, whose special treatment is for “Weak, Nervous and Diseased Men”]. Testimonials from three men, one even cured of syphilis; the cure restores mental and sexual vitality, lost, it suggests, from masturbation. [Handwritten comment] French surgeons beat the world / they will take a man to pieces and if / they do not lose any of the pieces, they will put / him together again. He will run and / keep good time, but the dickens of it is / that they like to operate too well and / regard man too much in the light of a machine. / Dec. 19, 1894. <p. 53> [one clipping from Dundalk Herald] Report on Annual meeting of the Dundalk Cheese Factory, 1st January 1895. James Russell and John McGrath auditors. Samuel McDowell re-elected as President and Salesman, salary $15.00. Robert Russell re-elected Sec. Treasurer, salary $50. Auditors for 1895: John McGrath, W. H. Jackson, salary $2.50 each. Agreed that the Babcock Tester be used, patrons to be paid according to Butter Fat contained in their milk. Details on quantities and amounts: 631,453 pounds of milk, 60476 pounds of cheese, total cash for cheese $5907.08. [on most of the page, a handwritten receipt] A hog medicine, made from charcoal, wood ash, and cop- peras* dissolved in salt water. It “keeps the animal free from intestinal worms, free from cough and we are not troubled with hog cholera, owing, as we believe, to the effect of this medicine and the moveable pen […] May 22 1895”]. [*known from antiquity as copperas or green vitriol, a fer- rous sulfate; see https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copperas: Definition of copperas: a green hydrated ferrous sulfate FeSO4·7H2O] <p. 54> May 1893 7th Sabbath. Fine, dry, sunny day. I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Seen swallows 8 Fine, dry day, mostly sunshine, though some clouds appeared. Willie plowed in the Forenoon & Sowed oats in the afternoon. [in margin] First oats sown 9 Bright sunny morning, the day warm and Bright. I picked potatoes out of the pit (28 Bushels) and carried them into the stable. Willie Sowed oats with Jim’s seeder. [in margin] 2nd / Cow calved �452 10 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. Willie Sowed oats. I pulled clay off roots. 11 Bright sunny day, fine growth. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. John Gott was here. Willie harrowed. 12 Cloudy morning, dark day and slightely wet. Willie harrowed. I chored around. 13 Misty morning, the day cloudy with a very slight rain. Willie plowed. 14th Sabbath. Cloudy but without rain. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. 15 Fine day, good growth, dry and warm. Willie and I picked off roots in the forenoon, in the after- noon he Harrowed, and I sowed some oats by hand. <p. 55> May 1893 16th Drizzly, dark morning, the afternoon wet. Willie plowed in the Forenoon. 17 Drizzly, wet day from morning till night. Nothing a-doing on account of the rain. 18 Dry, Windy and sunny. Willie plowed. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in mar- gin] Sent letter / to / Jas. Fletcher / Pense* [*near Regina, Sask.; see 19 April 1892, details of Sam Russell’s trip to Pense.] 19 Hard Frost this morning, the day sunny and clear. Willie finished plowing for spring grain about tea time, then Harrowed. I sowed Five Bags of oats in the forenoon. 20 Beautiful day, Sunny and warm, a few rolls of thunder about noon, but no rain. Willie Harrowed. I cleaned out the Barn Floor. The sheep had wintered in it for two seasons and their droppings were pasted to the floor, tight as wax, hard cleaning it out. 21st Sabbath. Fine day all through. Joe and Ida were here. 22 Dry and warm, pretty Breezy. Willie sowed oats. I sowed some carrot and parsnip seed in the Garden. Mrs. John Arnold was here. 23 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon, very high wind at noon. Willie finished sow- ing oats. I cut potatoes. [in margin] Finished sowing oats <p. 56> May 1893 24th Dry and cool, with sunshine occasionally. Willie went to Shelburne to the sports. Ida was here helping her mother to paper the kitchen. I cut potatoes. [in margin] 3rd & 4th / Cows calved 25 Cool and dry. Willie harrowed in oats. I fixed fences and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Got papers / From Toronto 26 Cool and dry, cloudy. Willie finished Harrowing oats. I cut some potatoes for Jim. 27 Dark and cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain, both in the forenoon and afternoon. Willie plowed and harrowed the Garden. I picked up potatoes after him. Got about Four Bushels. 28th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and sunny. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon. 29 Fine morning, sunny and Bright through the day. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Came home that night, 12:30 when I got home. There is a marked difference in the advance of vegetation at Hopeville compared with here, plainly seen by the size of the leaves on the trees. Willie put out nine loads of manure on the potatoe patch and spread it. <p. 57> May 1893 30th Cool morning, the day dry and a good deal of sunshine. We planted our potatoes (Ten Bushels). I plowed them in. Willie and Jim’s Boy, Jim, dropped and Raked in the manure. [in margin] Plant- ed / potatoes 31 Bright, sunny morning, the day warm and pleasant. Willie picked stones. I chored around. June [1893] �453 1st Cloudy with a slight sprinkling of rain. Mrs. R. and Willie went to Johney’s to help prepare for the Raising tomorrow. I chored around home and went to Dundalk in the eavning. [in margin] Sent letter / to Willie 2 Cloudy. Rain in the morning, windy, a slight shower in the afternoon. Johney Raised his Barn. He had about 10 [?] men. All went well, no accident. 3 Cloudy and warm, a shower about 4 P.M. Willie washed his sheep, I helped. We tied a sheep to a stake at the watering place and I poured the water on his back. 4th Sabbath. Very fine day, dry and warm. Sam and Phoebe with Baby were here. 5 Fine warm growing day, dry in the forenoon, quite a shower in the afternoon. Willie built fence. I put up a small gate. 6 Fine, dry day, sunny and warm. Willie sheared his 5 sheep, then took the wool to Dundalk. I worked at the milk Book. <p. 58> June 1893 7th Fine morning, the day sunny and Bright. I worked in the Forenoon at the milk Books, and in the afternoon mended fence. Willie helped J. Bowerman shingle. 8 Fine day, cloudy and cool and windy. Willie Rolled. I went to Dundalk. 9 Fine dry day. Breezy with a good deal of sunshine, Cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Sam’s new farm. William Rolled. 10 Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer. Mrs. Russell and I drove to Flesherton, we went in about one hour with Fred horse.* [*Fred is the name of the horse; later sold to G. McConnell, see 13 Nov. 1894.] 11 Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Joe, Ida and Medalla [=Madella] were here. 12 Beautiful morning, the day sunny and warm. I attended a Council meeting at Proton Station. Came home at night. 13 Fine morning, the day dry, sunny and warm. I posted Township orders in the Forenoon and in the afternoon worked on the milk accounts. 14 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie lathed for Joe Bowerman. 15 Dry, cloudy and warm, with a little thunder, Lightening and Rain at night. I seen Inspector Camp- bell in Dundalk in the afternoon. He is making his official School visits on a Bicycle. [in margin] Seen / Inspector <p. 59> June 1893 15th Continued. Extended thunder, Lightening and Rain storm. Continued all night long, no cessation to daylight. 16 Dry, warm morning, a thunder storm came on about 3 P.M., heavy Rain also. Willie was helping Joe Bowerman lathe his house. 17 Fine morning, the day a little cloudy in the afternoon, quite sultry. I helped Jim at Fence. Willie made [sic] milk house.* [*it is unclear whether Willie actually made a milk house (where: at the Bowerman’s? at Jim’s? at Robert’s?), or did something to the milk house, such as make it ready.] 18 Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. 19 Dry, sunny and hot. I helped Jim at putting up a fence. Willie harrowed the potatoes. [in margin] Hot 20 Dry, sunny and hot. I worked in the Garden after Dinner. Willie with his team worked for Joe Bowerman. Mrs. Hannah Bowler is stopping here this night. [in margin] Hot 21 Very sultry and showery in the afternoon. I worked at the milk Books. Willie helped Jim at fence. �454 22 Cool, showery and Windy. Willie helped Jim. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and worked at Milk accounts a while in the afternoon. 23 Clear and cool. Willie and I helped Jim fence. 24 Dry and hot in the forenoon, the afternoon showery with thunder and lightening at night. Willie & I helped Jim at fence. Insured in London M[utual]. Gave premium note due in 18 months for $8.00. House $400.00, Contents $200. Only 60 p.c. to be collected on note. [in margin] Insured <p. 60> June 1893 25 Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. Clark came home from Michigan. Joe & Ida, Johny & Ina, & Sam Jackson were here. 26 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy, with a slight sprinkling of Rain. I wed some carrots in the afternoon. 27 Dry in the Forenoon, but cloudy, the latter part of the afternoon wet with some thunder and light- ening. I worked at the milk sheets. Willie and Clark went with the horse and Buggy six miles be- yond Durham to see a Mr. Ray whom Clark wishes to buy a Forty acres lot of land in Michigan From. [in margin] Got letter / From Jas. Fletcher / Pense P. O. / N. W. T. 28 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes. 29 Dry and hot in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with a very slight sprinkling of Rain. I hoed potates in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk to take the tally of the cheese shipped. Phoebe was here. Sam’s Edith stopped here all night. 30 Dry and hot. I hoed potatoes and worked at the milk account, spell about, want to pay the Patrons on the First Tuesday. So endeth the chronicles for this month. <p. 61> July 1893 1st Dry, cloudy and hot. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went in the afternoon to Dundalk. 2 Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a slight shower in the afternoon. 3 Showery early in the morning, the afternoon dry. I worked at the Milk Books. Willie clayed crossway. 4 Fine morning, but there was a slight frost in some places. I chored around in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the Milk patrons. Willie with the team done statute la- bor. 5 Wet near[l]y all forenoon, the afternoon dry. Willie with the team done statute labor in the after- noon. I worked at the milk Books. 6 Fine morning, the day fine, dry and warm, but cloudy. Brother John’s wife came here this eavning. Willie hauled one load of Gravel for the Roads in the forenoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 7 Dry morning, the day dry all through, sultry and cloudy mostly. I made out Half-yearly Financial Statement for the Township in the forenoon and hoed potatoes in the afternoon. Eliza went this eavning to William Faucett’s. <p. 62> July 1893 8th Dry and sultry, cloudy, a few drops of Rain fell in the afternoon, a little windy. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Came home at night. 9th Sabbath. Dry with the exception of a very slight shower about noon. 10 Cloudy, cool and dry. I hoed potatoes. Willie with his team helped Joe Bowerman. �455 11 Cloudy and cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain at night. I finished hoeing potatoes. Willie hauled home some firewood. 12 Wet morning, but the day cleared up and was dry and Breezy from about 9 A.M. I worked at the Milk Sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon, in the Garden. Phoebe and Baby were here. 13 Clear and sunny in the morning, the day got overcast about 9 A.M., thunder Clouds obscured the skyes and Rain came on about noon. Some thunder and lightening, the afternoon wet. I Paris- greened the potatoes partly in the Forenoon. I might as well have been sleeping, as the rain washed it off. John’s wife Eliza left for home. 14 Cloudy in the forenoon, sunny and hot in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and Paris-Greened the potatoes in the afternoon. Willie plowed. <p. 63> July 1893 15th Cloudy mostly all day, but quite sultry and every appearance of a thunder storm at night. I went to Johney’s and then to Sam’s. Came home this eavning as Mr. Cavanaugh, Clerk of Proton, wanted to see me on Business. Jim got home from Cookstown with Vern, had to leave Arley at Brother John’s, also Mary to Care for her, had measels. 16th Sabbath. Fine day, pretty warm in the afternoon. John and Ina, Jim and Vern, Joe and Ida, Clark, P. Conners and Miss McLaughlin were here. 17 Pretty warm day, but cloudy and dry. I Entered Township orders. Willie plowed. Jim com- menced Haying. Johney was here in the morning and got the loan of the mower. Clark started on his Medicine peddling this morning. 18 Bright sunny morning, the day dry and breezy. I fixed some drainage accounts, then in the after- noon mowed a few hours on the knoll for Jim. Willie plowed. Jim’s Vern is pretty sick here with the measels. 19 Bright, Sunny day with a little cool wind. Vern is still sick here with the measels. Willie plowed, I worked at the milk Sheets. 20 Bright, Sunny and Hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and am now (6 P.M.) going to Johney’s who I heard got his hand hurt at a Frame Raising yesterday. Willie plowed. <p. 64> July 1893 21st Bright morning, the day fine and dry. I helped Sam to put up a Stack of hay, came home at night. Willie plowed. John had not got his hand hurt, it was another man. 22 Fine morning, cloudy towards noon with a few drops of Rain, the afternoon breezy and dry. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie fin- ished plowing his summer fallow. 23rd Sabbath. Fine, dry day and pleasant weather. Widdow [=widow] Bowler and a Grand-daughter stopped here at night. 24 A slight Frost this morning, the day cool, dry and Breezy. I worked at the milk accounts till 4 P.M., when I got as far as I could go till I get the weights tomorrow. Willie is helping Jim at his hay this afternoon. P[ublic] School Inspector Campbell called in on his way from Durham to Beeton this eavning. He had made the distance from Durham to here, about 28 miles, in three hours. He left here at about 7 P.M. and intends going to Beeton (32 miles) this night. I guess he’ll be pretty tired but he seems a vigorous, tough man, good grit and not easily tired. 25 Cool in the morning and windy, the day windy and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got the weight of cheese shipped today. Came home and worked at the Books. Willie cut hay. [in margin] Got pension �456 <p. 65> July 1893 26th Slightly damp in the morning, and cloudy, the sun got out and the wind arose. The afternoon was very windy. I worked close all day at the milk accounts. I have them all ready for payment on next Saturday. Willie was working at the hay. Willie had a lamb killed this eavning by Ned Mills’ dog. Our pup was in company with him, so the pup will die for being in bad company. 27 Beautiful day, dry, breezy and warm. We put in Willie’s hay (7 loads), good hay and in good or- der. Clark Raked in the afternoon. Killed the pup for being worthless and keeping Bad company. [in margin] Willie / Finished / Haying. 28 Dry morning, the day [dry] but cloudy till about Four P.M. when the Rain commenced and from then till night it was wet. Willie and I helped Jim at his hay. He raked and put in seven loads. 29 Dry day, especially in the afternoon which was sunny and breezy. Willie helped Jim at his hay. I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of Cheese factory in the afternoon. 30 Sabbath. Fine morning, the day dry and warm. Jim and family and Miss McLaughlin, Johny & Ina, & Miss McDowell, Sam and Phebe, Joe and Ida & young Mrs. Mitchel[l] and Clark were here. 31 Fine and dry most of the day, a shower of rain in the morning. Clark left for Michigan this morn- ing. Forgot his Lunch at the station which his mother had put up with care. [in margin] Clark / left for Michigan <p. 66> August 1893 1st A little wet this morning, the afternoon Breezy and dry. I worked at the weekly milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon mowed some grass in fence corners. Willie helped S. McDowell at his hay in the afternoon. 2 Beautiful morning, the day dry and sunny. I mowed some swale grass with the scythe. Willie hauled in some piecings[?] up in the afternoon. 3 Fine dry morning, the day [dry] and warm. Jim and I went to Sam’s and helped him at his hay. I stopped there all night. 4 Another fine hay day. Jim and I helped Sam. Jim stopped all night. I came home. Willie hauled in hay for S. McDowell. 5 Dry in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon slightely wet. Willie and I hauled in a small load of swale grass hay in the forenoon, in the afternoon he hauled a load of stones for a well, also some water from the spring. I made out the Yearly estimates for the Township Council on next Tuesday. 6th Sabbath. Fine day, but cool, the afternoon slightely wet. Mrs. R. went to church. 7 Dry, sunny day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the milk sheets. Willie hauled stones for the well in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went with Mr. Bell’s party to the Berry marsh. <p. 67> August 1893 8th Fine, dry sunny day, pretty hot in the afternoon. I attended the Council meeting at Cederville. Willie hauled stones for the well. The crops towards Cederville are good and a little earlier than around Dundalk. But the fall wheat is pretty badly rusted. I stopped with Mr. Rogers, the Reeve, all night. 9 Dry and very warm. I left Cederville about 8 A.M., and got to Dundalk 11:30 A.M., stopped a while there, then came home. Helped to haul some water from the spring, then Balanced the or- ders which I had paid with the money I took with me. Came out correct. I [had] 70 orders �457 amounting to $747.47. Willie and his mother picked berries in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 10 Very hot and dry. Willie began digging a well. I worked at the milk books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 11 Dry and hot in the forenoon, quite a shower of Rain in the afternoon, with some thunder and light- ening. Willie and I worked at the well. 12 Dry and fine. Willie and I worked at the well in the forenoon and I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. Engaged Elias Grey at $1.50 a day with his windless [=windlass] to help me at the well. <p. 68> August 1893 13th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. 14 Dry and pretty warm. Willie went to Dundalk and got Elias Grey’s windlass to dig the well. We put it in place in the forenoon and Jim and I dug in the afternoon. 15 Dry and warm. E. Grey came this morning and he and I dug at the well, also an old Sailor pen- sioner named Dunn came along. I hired him to help, he kept at the windless. Elias and I spelled each other, time about, in the well. We put it from 9 feet 10 inches to 14 feet. The well is 6 feet in diameter. The Balance of the family went in the afternoon to a Patron picknick. I picked, they picknicked—so is life. 16 Dry but cloudy, not much sunshine, Rain at dark. We worked at the well. Dug it in all Fifteen feet. Commenced stoning about 2 P.M., got about six feet of stone in it. Mr. Dunn left this morn- ing, would not work because I said he was not worth a dollar per day. Anthony Trugon worked. I gave him a dollar. [in margin] Big Fire in / Dundalk. <p. 69> August 1893 17th Slightely wet this morning, but the day was dry but cloudy. I was at a logging bee at Brother Sam’s on Lot 32, 6th Conc., Melancthon. 18 Dry and pretty warm. We worked at the well. Anthony Trugon placed the stones, he put in about ten feet. Willie and I let them down. 19 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. Willie went in the forenoon to Dundalk for some Lumber for a platform for the well, also took home E. B. Grey’s Bucket and windlass. In the afternoon he and I finished topping the well. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon. 20th Sabbath. Cool and showery. Joe and Ida called in the eavning. 21 Cool and cloudy, almost like frost at night. I helped at Jim’s sawing. Willie Fixed fence to keep the cattle out of his grain. 22 Bright, cool morning, the day sunny and hot. We worked at putting up platform and covering in the well. I also took a turn at the milk sheets after tea. Vern and Arlie were here in the eavning. 23 Fine day, dry and warm. I pulled pease. Willie was Building a Hay & Grain Rack. [in margin] First / Harvesting 24 Warm day all through, cloudy in the afternoon. I pulled pease and went to Dundalk. Willie also pulled. E. B. Grey put in a new pump, 16 feet long, at .20¢ per foot, & $4.00 for the head. <p. 70> August 1893 25th Fine day, dry and warm. We finished pulling pease. Willie cut grain for Jim in the afternoon. I worked at the Milk b[oo]ks. �458 26 Fine morning with an exceedingly heavy dew, the grain was not dry enough to cut till near noon. Willie and I craddled oats around the Trees, stone piles and fences, making ready for the Binder, then we hauled in two loads of pease at eavning. 27th Sabbath. Dark and a slight rain. [in margin] H?ll / Loose 28 Dark morning, the day generally dark and slightely wet at noon. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon and cut Roads for the Binder in the afternoon. Willie cut at Jim’s in the forenoon and at home after tea time. 29 Wet, cold morning. I went to a Council Meeting at Hopeville, got there at noon, came home that night. Got home at 12 midnight. The afternoon was dry and sunny, the night was bright moon- light and very cold. 30 Dark in the morning, slight mist. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, came home and chored around. Willie started cutting oats with Jim’s Binder in the afternoon. The Day was clear, cool and dry. [in margin] First / Oats cut. 31 Heavy mist or dew this morning, the day fine and dry. Willie cut oats with Jim’s Binder. Jim and I hauled in Willie’s pease in the afternoon. Jim’s boy, Jim, stooked up after the Binder. <p. 71> Sept[ember] 1893 1st Misty morning, the day dry to about 6 P.M. when Rain came on. I helped Jim to haul in oats (7 loads). Willie cut at home with the Binder. Jim’s boy stooked after him. 2 Very cold morning, the day chilly, but sunny and breezy. I was on the milk accounts in the fore- noon and in the afternoon helped Willie to haul in oats (4 Loads). Jim and his boy also helped. Willie cut with the Binder in the forenoon. 3 Sabbath. Dry and fine. Ida was here in the afternoon and stopped all night. Mrs. Walter Bell also called in. 4 Fine morning, the day rather cloudy till the afternoon when the sky became clear and sunset gave indications of dry. We hauled in oats (9 Loads) at Jim’s. Willie cut Jim’s oats in the afternoon, in the forenoon he hauled in. 5 Fine morning, the day dry and sunny. Willie and I hauled in Eight loads of his oats. 6 Cold morning, quite a frost, the day cool and dry. Willie and I hauled in oats (3 loads) in the fore- noon. Joe Bowerman and he drew in 2 loads in the afternoon. Jim cut about 3 acres for Willie in the eavning when he had finished at home. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 7 Rain this morning, dried off after a while. Rain then came on at noon, dried off a while in the af- ternoon. Willie cut with Jim’s Binder in the dry part of the day. Jim craddled Roads, little Jim stooked. I worked at making up the cheese patrons’ money. <p. 72> Sept[ember] 1893 8th Dry and fine, a good deal of sunshine. I worked at the Milk accounts in the Forenoon. Helped Jim a while in the afternoon, then helped Willie. He was cutting with the Binder all day. 9 Frost this morning, the sun shone out bright, the day was very fine. Willie cut oats till about 2 P. M. when a bolt broke. Then he went and helped Jim to haul in. I helped Willie in the forenoon and went in the afternoon to Dundalk and paid the patrons of Ch[eese] Factory. 10th Sabbath. Fine, dry day. Mary, Arlie and Vern were here in the eavning. 11 Dry and fine. Willie cut oats till tea time, I rolled out stones. Then he took some pigs for Jim to Dundalk. Jim hauled in for him and cut [dittog.: cut] oats in the afternoon. 12 Fine and dry. Willie finished cutting oats at noon. We hauled in from the morning and made a clean finish of all. Put some of them in just as they were cut. The oats themselves were perfectly �459 dry and hard but there were some thistles’ green. Johney McDowell and H. Davis, Sam and Wil- lie, Jim and Jim with their teams helped. We got done about 5 P.M. Phebe and Baby were here. [in margin] Finished cutting grain / Finished Harvesting in / Grain 13 Dry, cool and cloudy with eavery[=every] appearance of Rain soon. I worked all day at the milk accounts as I had got behind in my work during Harvest. I have them squared up now to date. <p. 73> Sept[ember] 1893 14th Dry, cloudy, windy and sultry, with the exception of a very slight shower early in the morning, I went to Dundalk after writing some letters. Posted them, came home and cleaned out the watering place for the cattle. Willie hauled home a load of stove wood and plowed in the eavning. 15 Hazy sky, the day sultry, cloudy in the afternoon, heavy Rain at night. I worked all day at posting Township accounts as I had got far behind, not having done anything to the Books Since Haying or Harvest. Also having the milk accounts in hand kept me busy. I went to Dundalk at night to see Mr. Skeffington Bell who is very low. Did not see him, only heard from him. 16 Wet, Showery and windy all through. Just finished entering the Township orders. Moved the stove into the Kitchen from the Back Kitchen. 17 Sabbath. Cool and cloudy but no rain. Johney and Ina were here in the afternoon. 18 Rain in small quantities most of the forenoon, the afternoon dry and sultry, the sky quite hazy. Jim threshed, Willie helped him with his colts. 19 Misty morning and a very slight mizzle of rain, the afternoon dry and sultry. Willie helped Jim finish his threshing in the forenoon. I fixed Brush Fences. <p. 74> Sept[ember]1893 20th Dry and warm. I piled wood in the Bush which had been cut in the spring. Willie plowed. 21 Dry morning, the day fine till about 4 P.M. when there came on a slight Rain. I chored around and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie plowed till the rain came on. 22 Wet morning, the afternoon dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon with the milk can to be mended and in the afternoon helped Jim to raise potatoes. Willie hauled oats for Sam from the threshing machine to Johney’s Barn. 23 Dry and fine. I attended a Council meeting in Dundalk. Willie plowed. 24th Sabbath. Heavy frost this morning, the day dry. Richard Davison & Family, Jim Russell and Fam- ily, Madella Russell and Mary Patterson, Joe Bowerman and wife and Miss Bowerman were here. 25 Cold Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon cold and dry. I Raised potatoes in the dry part of the day. I digged, picked and put in pit 10 Bushels. Willie was helping Johney at his threshing. 26 Pretty cool day, but dry. I digged, picked and put in pit 13 Bushels, not much help to raise them. Help enough to eat them. Willie went with Jim to the show fair at Durham. <p. 75> Sept[ember] 1893 27th Cool and dry. I Raised and picked 13 Bushels potatoes to 4 P.M. William Faucett and wife, John Agnew and wife were here in the afternoon. 28 Very Cold day, cloudy and sharp. Willie got home from Durham at 2 O’clock this morning. He says Jim’s horses took Second for carriage team. He plowed out potatoes in the afternoon. I had raised 4 Bushels in the forenoon. We took up 16 in the afternoon, that is 20 in all. 29 Fine day, dry and warm. I went in the Forenoon to Dundalk and in the afternoon Willie and I took up 24 Bushels of potatoes. �460 30 Dry, cool and cloudy. I went to W. Armstrong’s threshing for Willie, who has a cold and could not go. October [1893] 1st Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and Willie drove to Johney’s. 2 Frost this morning, quite cool day, fine, dry and sunny. Willie and I finished taking up the pota- toes. We raised and put in the cellar 19 Bushels, this makes 100 Bushels, less one, which growed on 5/8 of an acre, Besides what we used from the commencement of the season. They are dry and large and well flavoured. Willie with his team and plow went to help Johney for a few days. [in margin] Finished Raising / Potatoes <p. 76> Sept 1893 October [1893] 3rd Fine day, dry and warm. I helped Jim in the afternoon with his Road Job. 4 Raining in the morning and had been a very wet night, the afternoon dry and sunny. I posted Township orders in the forenoon and Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 5 Fine day, hot and sunny like Indian Summer. I worked at the milk accounts and Township orders in the forenoon and went to Johney’s in the afternoon. 6 Slightely damp early in the morning, a good deal of Rain in the afternoon. I worked at the Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie is working at Johney’s. 7 Wet Forenoon, dry in the afternoon. I helped Jim at his Road Job in the forenoon and worked at the milk Books after. Willie is at Johney’s. 8th Sabbath. Fine, dry day. Johney, Ina, Willie, Newt. Oliver and Ida were here. 9th Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I with Jim and Mary went to the funeral of E. Mills’ Baby in the fore- noon and in the afternoon helped Jim finish his R[oad] Job. 10 Very fine day, sunny, bright and warm. I cut some logs in the bush for Firewood. Willie is at Johney’s. <p. 77> October 1893 11th Fine day, dry and warm, hazy atmosphere, just like Indian Summer. I cut logs in the Bush in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to S. McDowell’s threshing. Willie is at Johney’s. 12 Fine day, hot and sunny. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie is at Johney’s. 13 Dry, cool and cloudy through the day, wet at night. We attended the Dundalk show fair. There was an immense crowd of people, but a poor show of animals, Roots, grain or vegetables. Mrs. R. stopped in Ida’s all night as the night was both dark and wet. Johney and Ina came out in their Buggy and when stopped on the Road at Mr. McDowell’s, waiting for me and Willie and Newt Oliver to catch up, was run into by T. McMannaman in his buggy and the wheel of Johney’s bug- gy smashed on account of the darkness of the night. [in margin] Cheese Factory closed 14 Wet Day from morning till night. J. Neithercut drove Mrs. R. home this morning. At night the Rain turned to snow and came down pretty fast. [in margin] First Snow 15th Sabbath. Dreary, snowey day from morning till night. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s. Willie came home from Johney’s. 16 The Ground covered with snow about two inches deep, but the sun got out and nearly all the snow had gone before dark. I put up the pigs to fat in the forenoon and in the afternoon cut Sawing ma- chine logs in the Bush. [in margin] Hogs put up / to fat <p. 78> October 1893 �461 18th17th Fine morning, the day fine all through, sunny and warm, just like Indian Summer. Mrs. R. and I filled up a load of potatoes (25 Bags) in the forenoon. Willie and I took them to Dundalk in the afternoon when he came from J. Arnold’s threshing. I sold them for 40¢ per Bag. Bought 600 pounds of Shorts* at 80¢ per hundred. [*type, or size, of grain; not top quality] 18 Fine day, sunny and dry. Willie and I picked over the pit of potatoes, placed them in another and put a heavier cover on them. 19 Beautiful day, Sunny and bright. Willie and I with the team and scraper moved the stuff that come out of the well and filled up the hollow on the Road side with it. 20 Very fine day, Bright and sunny. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. A. Lonsway and Ida were here. Willie hauled out manure. 21 Bright, sunny day, Sky hazy, the air balmy, just like Indian Summer. Willie and I were hauling out manure. 22nd Sabbath. Bright and Sunny. Jim and family, Joe and Ida were here. 23 Fine day but cloudy like rain towards evening. Willie met with what might have been a fatal acci- dent. He was at Johney’s and he and Newt. Oliver went out shooting. Willie’s gun went off just as he had rammed the charge home while the butt of the gun was resting on the ground <p. 79> October 1893 and the muzzle pointing upwards in a line with his body. The charge caught in his Braces, took part of it off, cut a button off his pants, tore and Burnt his shirts into holes, passed along his left side, tearing up the skin and made quite a hole where it first caught him. The wound is at its wid- est place about three inches accross [=across] and about seven inches long. One grain of shot struck his left arm near the wrist, sloped along it and made a scar of three fourths of an inch. Dr. Mitchell dressed the wound, probed for shot, but did not find any. It was a very narrow escape for Willie’s life. 24 Dry day, mostly, but a slight mizzle of rain in the eavning. Willie is doing very well, his mother is stopping with him. I went to Dundalk, done some Cheese Business, then went to See Willie, then came home. Willie was sitting up in a chair when I seen him at about 5:30 P.M. 25 Dry but quite cool. Willie’s wound is improving though sore enough yet. I was at Brother Sam’s threshing. 26 Quite a frost this morning. Rain of a very cold kind came on about 11 A.M. and the afternoon was unpleasantly wet. I went to Dundlak and bought some beef for the threshing. 27 Rather dark and misty, slightely wet sometimes. Willie got his threshing done by J. Brinkman & H. Lonsway. He has about 800 Bushels of oats and 40 of pease, about 23 Bushels of oats to the acre and 15 of pease. [in margin] Threshed <p. 80> October 1893 28th Dark and cool, a slight mizzle of rain fell. I am laid up sick on account of the dust at the threshing. Mrs. R. took the team and went to see Willie, came back and we both went and stopped all night at Johney’s. 29th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling too. Brought Willie home this forenoon, the Dr. came and dressed his wound. Says it is healing all right. S. Jackson, Jim Patterson, Sam & Phoebe, Jim and family, Joe Bowerman and Ida, Johney & Ina were here to see Willie. 30 Wintry day, the ground covered with snow and more falling, dark and gloomy most of the day. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie’s wound is mending. �462 31 Snow on the ground but it disappeared mostly before night. I worked at the milk accounts. Willie cut bands* at Jim’s while they were cutting feed. Johney and Ina & Newt. Oliver stopped here all night. [*cut bands on the oat sheaves, before feeding the loose oats into the cutting box] November [1893] 1st Mild day, people are plowing. I took up some roots in the garden, 2 pails parsnips, 12 pails car- rots, about 6 Bushels swede turnips and a quantity of Cabbage. Willie went this morning with Johney home. Jim went to Toronto to consult some first class physician regarding Willie. Mrs. R. killed her geese, 86 lbs. & turkeys, 116 pounds. [in margin] Jim went to Toronto / Mrs. R. killed / her Fowl <p. 81> Nov[ember] October 1893 2nd Mild day, some sunshine, pleasant. Mrs. R. took her Fowl to Dundalk, sold the geese for 5¢ per lb., & turkeys for 8¢ p. lb. Bought a mattress for Willie to Sleep on at $4.00, took it to Johney’s, where he is. He is improving some. 3 Mild day, air soft and Balmy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of the Cheese factory the amount of their money. 4 Sharp frost this morning, the day fine. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville and stopped there all night. 5 Sabbath. Frost in the morning, the roads rough, the day fine. I got home from Hopeville. 6 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I hauled some stove wood from the Bush, also brought some Bedding From the Barn for the Horses. 7 Beautiful Day, sunny and mild. I worked at entering Township orders and Cheese accounts. 8 Fine day all through. Jim and Joe Brown Butchered two pigs for me. They would weigh about 230 pounds each. [in margin] Butchered / pigs 9 Dark, misty morning, the day dry but dark. I went to Dundalk and consulted Dr. McWilliams for my health. He gave me a bottle as a tonic and a Box of pills. He said I was sick enough to be in Bed in place of walking around. <p. 82> November 1893 10th Dark morning, the day dark and gloomy like. I am keeping close in the house. Mrs. R. went with the team to Johney’s to See Willie. 11 Beautiful day from morning till night. Bright and sunny, the air mild and Balmy. Ida was here in the afternoon. I fixed the pig pen to keep out the cold. 12th Sabbath. Fine day though dark and misty. Mr. Abraham Jackson of Melancthon died this night. He was about 60 years of age and had lived in Melancthon for about 35 years, I think. He was a quiet innofensive [=inoffensive] man and minded his own Business, did not meddle with others. He died of inflamation of the Lungs after about two weeks’ sickness. [in margin] A. Jackson / Died 13 Fine day, but not much sunshine. I only chored around and Balanced the Milk patrons accounts so that the Books are now ready for the auditors. Johney and Willie called here this eavning. 14 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling. The sun shone out for a little while and melted some of it. The day had rather a wintry cast. Mrs. R. & Jim went to Mr. Jack- son’s Funeral. I would have went but I was afraid of a renewal of the cold as I have been laid up about three weeks with a cold. It seems to cling to me very strongly. [in margin] A. Jackson / Buried <p. 83> �463 November 1893 15th Quite a snow storm, mostly all day, pretty rough in the afternoon, snowing and Blowing. G. McConnell, Collector, stopped here all night. 16 Wintry day, the ground covered with snow and some more falling. The snow is about six inches deep on a level. G. McConnell left here this morning. T. Oliver came down from Jim’s and fed the cattle at the Barn for me. 17 Fine mild day, sunny and balmy, the snow [MS sun] is fast disappearing. I am trying the efficacy of hot cloths to my Breast today to remove the tightness. 18 Rather sharp morning, the day pretty cold, the roads very slippery, the sky overcast and some slight flurries of snow. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. 19th Sabbath. Very wintry like day. Snowing a good deal of the time. Ida was here. 20 Quite wintry like, there is about seven inches of snow and the appearance of more snow. I tried choring around but I am so weak that it is pretty hard. Jim piled away his Binder in the Barn on the Arnold Lot. T. Oliver and I helped. 21 Mild, but a little snow fell now and then. Jim cut oat sheaves for Willie with his cutting Box. John Agnew & his daughter Annie, Ida, Jim’s wife & family, Johny, Newt. Oliver, Clem Bell, Tom Oliver & W. Russell were here. <p. 84> Nov[ember] 1893 22nd Blowing and snowing mostly all day, but the snow is soft, almost indicating a thaw. Mrs. R. and I put the Waggon and Buggy in the Barn on the Arnold Lot. Johney & Willie came here in the eavning and took away Jim’s cutting Box to cut with it. 23 Blowing and snowing all day mostly, not a sharp freeze, the snow piling up in great drifts. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Notified T. Arnold that Willie resigned tenancy. [in margin] Notified / T. Arnold 24 Blowing and snowing, also pretty sharp Frost. I Chored around, but am pretty weak. 25 Snowing and Blowing mostly all day. The snow is now pretty deep. Willie and Johney came here with the team and hauled me out of the Bush about 5 ½ Cords of short wood. Ina came with them. G. McConnell was here. 26th Sabbath. Mild day but dark and lowering. Mr. S. Rogers, Reeve, and his Lady came here in the eavning and stopped all night. 27 Slightely wet this morning, the day inclined to thaw. Mr. Rogers handed me over $1100.00 de- benture money, under Township By Law No. 32, Proton. I put it in the Bank in the afternoon. Mr. Rogers left this forenoon for Owen Sound. His Missis went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. went in the eavning to Sam’s. [in margin] Slight / thaw <p. 85> November 1893 28th Snowing and Blowing from morning till night. I worked at the Twp. Books. 29 Snowing all day but not blowing or drifting, the snow is very deep for this time of the year but is quite soft. Mrs. R. was at Dundalk. 30 Snowing and blowing from morning till night, a very stormy day. H. Gallagher left his Proton taxes here. December [1893] 1 Blowing and snowing mostly all day. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the team in the after- noon. She then drove out to Johney’s and returned for me about 5 P.M. I had an appointment with the Collector. [in margin] Widow Mulholland / an old resident of 35 years / Died �464 2 Dark day, a little snow fell now and then. I was entering Township orders. Joe took Willie’s team and hauled a load of wood from Jim’s home. 3rd Sabbath. Blowing and snowing, a very rough stormy day. Mrs. R and Jim went to the Widow Mul- holland’s Funeral. 4 Bright, sunny day from morning till night. I chored around. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s along with Phoebe. 5 Blowing and drifting, the day dark and almost like a thaw. I was making out Financial statement for Council on the 15th of this month. <p. 86> Dec[ember] 1893 6th Blowing and snowing, a very stormy day. Mrs. R. with the team went to Dundalk. John McGrath, auditor of Milk accounts, was here auditing books. 7 Dark day and pretty cold. Mrs. R. went to Widow Jackson’s. I finished Financial statement for Township. 8 Dark day mostly, pretty cold in the Forenoon but milder in the afternoon. I attended an annual meeting of the Dundalk Cheese Factory held in Dundalk and was re-elected Sect. Tr. at $50.00 Salary. 9 Soft day, the snow inclined to thaw, still, no actual thaw, sometimes a snowfall through the day. Mrs. R. and I hauled a load of Bedding From the Barn. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk at night. I am therefore alone tonight. 10th Sabbath. Very stormy day, Blowing and Snowing. 11 Sharp frost this morning, the day pretty cold, Some showers of snow through the day. [in margin] Very stormy 12 Cold day, but calm. Last night was a terrific Blow, piling the snow very high. 13 Sharp, cold day, appearantly [=apparently] the hard Freeze has sett in. The snow is very deep. 14 Pretty Rough, stormy day, snowing and drifting. I went to Dundalk and mailed Bal. of Co. Rates, $531.13, to Co. Treasurer, also drew $2000.00 out of Bank for tomorrow. <p. 87> December 1893 15th Snowing in the forenoon and Raining in the afternoon. I attended a Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. [in margin] Thaw 16 Cloudy in the forenoon, heavy wind and snow storm in the afternoon. Left Hopeville this morn- ing, got to Dundalk at 11 A.M, done some Business then, and came home. 17th Sabbath. Rough in the forenoon, Calmer in the afternoon. Willie and Ida came here, Joe came with the cutter for them at night. Susan Dav[id]s[on] here. 18 Pretty cold day, snowing and blowing. I finished the entries in the Township Financial Statement, worked hard at it all day and took it to the printer’s at night. 19 Pretty stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Johney came here at night. 20 Pretty cold day, I think the hardest Frost for so far. Mrs. R. went with the team to Dundalk. Great Blizzard of snow storm this night. 21 Softening of the snow, the Roads are very heavy. I went to Dundalk, never was so tired in going the same distance. 22 Soft morning, a thaw came on at noon, the afternoon a little wet. Rain at night. [in margin] Thaw <p. 88> December 1893 �465 23rd Still thawing this morning, the sun came out strong in the afternoon, the first sunshine we have had for a long time. H. Hanbury & wife here at night. [in margin] Rain 24th Sabbath. Raining mostly all day, but not very heavy. Joe, Ida & Willie stop[p]ed at night. [in margin] Rain 25 Wet day, heavy showers in the afternoon, turned to snow at night. Cold, Blowing and snowing about 10 P.M. Jim & family & Susan Dav[id]s[on], Johney, Ina and Newt. Oliver, Joe, Ida & Wil- lie spent their Christmas with us. [in margin] Rain 26 Snowing a little and blowing a good deal. The thaw is over, the Roads are very bad. The snow has gone from the middle of the fields but there is plenty at the sides and on the Roads. 27 Snowing and Blowing mostly all day. 28 Soft in the forenoon, like a thaw. Snowing in the afternoon and at night. Mrs. R. and I attended John Maxwell’s party. 29 A little snow fell in the forenoon, the afternoon clear and cold. We cut some oat sheaves in the forenoon, Jim, John Arnold, Willie, Tom Oliver and I. Phoebe was here in the eavning. [in mar- gin] Cut / Feed 30 Very sharp morning, the coldest that has come this winter. The day clear and cold till about 2 P.M., when the sky got overcast and snow began to fall. I went to Dundalk. Brother Sam was here at night. Willie helped J. Arnold to cut feed. <p. 89> December 1893 31st Sabbath. Fine morning, clear and without snow, the afternoon showers of snow. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. Johney drove us home in his sleigh. January 1894 1st Pretty sharp morning, the afternoon milder and some sunshine. I went to the voting at John Al- len’s. The new Year has come in and the old one gone out, not without some trouble for us. Poor Wil- lie has been badly shaken up and his mind is rather unbalanced. Hope that his recovery may be soon. 2 Soft morning, the day mild, with a thaw wind, the snow softening. Mrs. R. and I with the team went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 3 Fine day, soft and mild with quite a Rainfall at night. Mrs. Walter Bell was here. Robt. Marshall, a very old Resident of Proton, 83 years of age, died today. [in margin] R. Marshall / Died / Rain 4 Raining this morning but cleared off about 9 A.M., the afterpart of the day fine. Willie who had come home from Dundalk went to John Irwin’s threshing. 5 Snowing mostly all day, quite a heavy fall which will help the Roads. 6 Dark morning, the day overcast and a good deal of snow fell. It will help the Roads very much as they had got bad during the thaw. <p. 90> January 1894 7th Sabbath. Pretty Rough day, blowing and Snowing. Ida, Willie & T. Oliver were here. 8 Sharp Frost, Blowing and snowing alternately all day. Mrs. R. is on the go between here and Jim’s, Rabbit hunting. 9 Fine day mostly, especially in the afternoon. Jim’s wife gave him a Baby Boy* early this morn- ing. Dr. Mirchell was in attendance. [in margin] Jim’s Baby / his third one / Born [*Delbert] 10 Misty day all through, damp [indecipherable? wind?? air?], sleighing very good. Looks almost like a thaw. �466 11 Snowing and blowing in the forenoon, the tracks getting filled up, sleighing very heavy. The wind very strong in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. 12 Sharp morning, very strong Blow mostly all day. The roads consequently are very heavy. 13 Dark overcast day, not cold, almost like a thaw. Mrs. R. and I hauled over some bedding in the afternoon, one little load only. 14th Sabbath. Bright sunny day. Johney and Ina, Willie, Joe and Ida were here. 15 Raining this morning and slightely wet through the day. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night. 16 Dark day, inclined to turn cold. The sleighing is gone in a good many places. Left Hopeville this morning, got home about 1 P.M. <p. 91> January 1894 17th Pretty mild day with a very strong wind. Willie and I cleaned grain. This is my 58th Birthday. [in margin] Birth / Day 18 Rain and strong wind. I wrote 11 letters containing money on Township Business, also 8 on my own business. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted them. [in margin] Rain 19 Mild day but pretty strong wind, a good deal of sunshine. We cleaned oats. 20 Dark, overcast day and somewhat cold. We cleaned oats. 21st Sabbath. Pretty cold and cloudy. Joe, Ida & J. McLeod were here, also Sam and Phoebe were here at night. 22 Pretty cold day. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon and Willie and I cleaned oats in the afternoon. 23 Mild day all through. Willie and I finished cleaning oats in the forenoon. We went to Dundalk in the afternoon. He got his horses shod. 24 Snow falling thick and fast in the forenoon, very heavy fall and quite soft. It cleared off about 3 P.M. Willie and I Bagged up 30 Bags of oats in the forenoon and he took them to Dundalk in the afternoon. They are white and he gets .30¢ per Bushel. There were 70 20/34 Bushels. This night is stormy. [in margin] Stormy <p. 92> January 1894 25th Sharp morning, the day pretty cold, very good sleighing from the fall of snow yesterday. Willie went to Jim’s wood bee. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 26 Dark sky mostly all day, with a sharp Frost. Willie hauled two loads (69 B[ushels] 19/34 & 71 B[ushels] 15/34) to Dundalk. — McLeod came home with him at night, then they went to Dun- dalk. 27 Pretty cold day, a little snow fell now and then. Willie hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk (70 15/34 B[ushels] & 70 19/34 B[ushels]). I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 28th Sabbath. Pretty sharp frost, cold and without sunshine, a pretty dull day. 29 Fine day generally, some snow in the afternoon. Willie hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk, 72 12/34 & 73 13/34 Bushels. After he came home he and Steve Conners drove to Johney’s. 30 Sharp morning, the day pretty cold with a fall of snow in the afternoon. Jim Lonsway came home with Willie about noon and stopped here all night. 31 Fine morning, most of the day bright and sunny, good sleighing. Willie hauled two loads of oats to Dundalk (73 13/34 & 71 16/34) Bushels. James Lonsway helped us Fill up the loads and left in the afternoon. [changes to red ink] �467 February [1894] 1st Fine morning, the afternoon stormy, wind and snow. Willie got home in the afternoon. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. T. Arnold came here at night, also A. Gillespie, Township auditor. [back to black ink] <p. 93> Feb[ruary] 1894 2nd Pretty cold morning, the Roads filling up with snow, Blowing and freezing. John A. Cooper came here and he and Mr. Gillespie audited the Books of the Township and found them correct. Willie and I took out 29 24/30 Bushles of his oats. This has made 671 Bushels, some sold at .30½¢, some at .30 and the last load today at .31 cents p. B. The money he got was $204.45. [in margin] Auditors here 3 Fine and mild. Willie and I went to Brother John’s in Adjala Township. The sleighing was heavy till we got about 6 miles then it was good, some bare ground near Johney’s. We got to Shelburne at 11 A.M., fed them and left at 12.30, got to John’s at 3.30 P.M. The distance is about 30 miles. Johney is suffering from Rheumatism. 4th Sabbath. Bright and sunny most of the day, but very cold. 5 Cold day all through. John’s son Jim drove me up about 7 miles. I then walked to Shelburne, took the train and came home. Willie is stopping for a few days. 6 Fine sunny day, but pretty sharp. I am choring around, straightening things up. 7 Fine day, Bright and sunny. I worked at the Township Books posting orders. John Ferris of Melancthon came here in the afternoon and bought a Cow, carrying her 2nd Calve, for $26.00 to be paid in January 1895. <p. 94> February 1894 8th Fine day all through, almost like a day in April, very strong sun, the water running on the streets in Town. I chored around and went to Dundalk. 9 Very stormy in the forenoon, Blowing and Snowing. The storm abated somewhat in the after- noon, the wind not so strong and less snow falling. John Ferris and his son came in the afternoon, gave me his note for $26.00 payable in Eleven months for the cow which he had bought and took her away. A little thunder and lightening with some Rain at night. [in margin] Thunder, Lighten- ing / and Rain at night 10 Very stormy, Snowing and blowing fiercely From morning till night, no hold up. Willie got home this eavning from Brother John’s. He and I had went down on this day week. John’s daughter Nancy came up with him. [in margin] Wind and storm / of Snow 11th Sabbath. Rather cold, especially in the afternoon. Joe and Ida stopped all night. [in margin] Mrs. William Bowler / aged about 75 / Died 12 Very cold morning, strong wind and keen Freeze. The cold got more intense as the day advanced, the afternoon was bitterly cold, Sharp Frost and high wind. Willie and Nancy drove to Dundalk and had to stop all night. [in margin] Very Cold 13 Sharp frost this morning, the day pretty cold, Roads badly drifted. Willie could only get with the horse as far as Walter Bell’s, had to wait till night when the Roads got tracked some. <p. 95> February 1894 14th Very sharp morning, the day cold from morning till night, dark with a little snow falling now and then. I fixed up some Township business. �468 15 Cold morning, the day cold with a snowfall in the afternoon. Willie was hauling hay to Dundalk for Jim. 16 Bitterly cold morning, the day very cold all through, keen burning frost. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] very cold 17 Cold and quite Blustry, especially in the afternoon, the Roads drifted up badly. 18th Sabbath. Cold, the Roads badly Drifted. Sam and Phoebe were here at night. 19 Sharp Frost all day. I attended a meeting of the Township Council held in Dundalk. Mr. Skeffing- ton Bell gave each member of the Council and each official a Free ticket to the Entertainment in the Victoria Hall at night by Sara Lord Bailie.* I failed to appreciate anything entertaining about her. D. Reid drove me home. [*From the Waterloo Advertiser, Nov. 16, 1894, in column “Locals and Other Items”: “Miss Sara Lord Bailey, styled the queen of elocution, is a remarkably hand- some and scintillating young woman and her stage presence usually captivates the male portion of her audience before she has uttered a word.” Born in 1856 in England, Miss Lord grew up in the Boston area, graduating from the Boston School of Oratory. She married Elbridge Bailey, and lived variously in Kansas and Massachusetts, and gave elocution lessons and toured giving dra- matic readings. See https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Woman_of_the_Century/Sarah_Lord_Bailey.] 20 Cold all day, the Roads very heavy. Hannah Mariah Lonsway was here a while today. She and Mrs. R. went with H. Lonsway to Johney’s. [in margin] cold 21 Very cold day from morning till night, exceedingly sharp frost, the day dark without sunshine. [in margin] cold 22 Very cold day, a little snow falling occassional[l]y. I helped Jim clean up a load of oats in the afternoon. [in margin] cold <p. 96> February 1894 23rd Piercing cold day, incessant Freeze from morning till night, one of the coldest days of the season. I helped Jim clean up a load of oats in the forenoon, then went with him to Dundalk. Willie and Stephen Conners were cutting me stove wood. [in margin] Very Cold 24 Extremely cold morning, the day cold all through. I and Mr. John Arnold went to Dundalk in the afternoon to see about the Executorship of the late Widow Bowler’s Will. Brother John’s son John came here this afternoon. [in margin] Very cold 25th Sabbath. Cold morning, the day cold all through, Bright Sunshine in the afternoon. Visitors at the Russell house today: Miss Nancy Russell, Miss Susie Davis [=Davidson], Miss Abe Bowermn, Mr. James Patterson, John Russell Jnr, John Russell Snr and wife, Ina, Mr. Robt. Oliver & Mr. Steve Conner. 26 Bright sunny day, very pleasant compared with the preceeding days. Willie hauled part of a load of stove wood which he had left off his load on last Saturday. Then he and I hauled two small loads of hay home from the Arnold Barn. 27 Quite cold in the morning, but became warmer through the day, the sky overcast and very like a thaw. Willie with his team went to J. Bowerman’s wood Bee. I worked at entering the Defaulters’ names in the Defaulters Book. 28 Fine day, mild, the snow softening. Sold a 7 months old pig for $11.00. Willie hauled it to Dun- dalk. Mrs. R. and I went to a pie social at Mr. S. Bell’s at night. <p. 97> March 1894 1st Quite soft, a thaw wind, the snow melting. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and Expressed Five hundred & Eighty Five dollars to Messrs Osler and Hammond, 18 King St. West, Toronto. �469 2 Soft day, thawing a little, cloudy mostly. I sold 9 sheep to Brother John for $27.00, 4 Good ewes, 3 ewe lambs, 1 Ram lamb and 1 two year old ram. His son Johny took them to his place in a sleigh. Willie and I butchered a 7 months old pig in the forenoon. It dressed 220 pounds. Willie went for a load of firewood in the afternoon. 3 Bright sunny day from morning till night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Willie hauled two loads of firewood home. [in margin] Thaw 4th Sabbath. Fine mild day, almost like April, the snow melting fast. Mrs. R. and I drove to Johney’s. [in margin] Thaw 5 Bright sunny day from morning till night, a complete thaw. I salted down a pig, piled some wood in the shed, and copied off the Defaulters’ for County Treasurer. [in margin] Thaw 6 Dark morning, Rain commenced falling early in the day, a regular downpour in the afternoon. Walter Bell came here to see if I would act as arbitrator between the part of the Township Proton in Union S. S. No 1 and the village of Dundalk. Abb[i]e Bowerman came here to make a dress for Mrs. R. Willie is out at Johney’s. [in margin] Big Thaw / one of Jim Trugon’s / Daughters died 7 Hard frost in the morning, the sun shone out and the ground softened, the day mild. I cleaned off the Barn floor and a pretty hard job it was as the sheep [have] been penned on it all winter. <p. 98> March 1894 8th Fine day all through, quite springlike, the sun bright and the air balmy. The fields are pretty much bare of snow, the Roads also are stripped of snow in some places. Mrs. R. and I went to the Fu- neral of James Trugon’s Daughter, aged about 30, I think. She was buried in Inistioge Burying ground. 9 Fine morning, the day fine, quite springlike. I went to Dundalk and sent a Draft of $261.56 to Bank [of] Toronto, Toronto, to Retire the 9th School Debenture of S.S. No. 1 Proton. Mrs. Annie Faucett was here this eavning. 10 Fine day all through, quite springlike. I was Regulating the account Between the Rural and Vil- lage of Union S. S. No. 1 Proton. D. Stuart* of Shrigley was assisting. [*David Stewart, hired as a teacher for the new school building at Shrigley, built in 1875, taught at Shrigley for 21 years; see also entry for 23 April 1895, announcing his sudden death. See historical pamphlet, History Committee, marking the closing of Shrigley School, S.S. No. 8 Melancthon, 1 July 1967, for de- tails on his teaching. He was also a frequent contributor to the Shelburne Free Press and the Dun- dalk Herald; see Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 137.] 11 Sabbath. Frost this morning, but the day fine, but very windy. Visitors at the Russell House: John Russell and Wife, Miss Bowerman, Mr. Bowerman, Miss [dittog.: Miss] Nancy Russell, Miss Susie Davidson and Mr. J. Patterson. 12 Frost this morning, but the day was fine, the fields pretty much all bare. I split some wood and ground the axe. [in margin] Saw / First / Robin 13 Dark morning and snow falling. Snow fell mostly all day, sometimes very heavy, quite large soft flakes, the air not cold. Still, it has quite a wintry appearance after so much fine weather. <p. 99> March 1894 14th The ground covered with snow and the sleighs running. Pretty chilly most of the day. Miss Mary Patterson was here in the afternoon. 15 Very stormy day, snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Willie is out at Johney’s getting some stove wood. I wrote out a Lease in Duplicate this eavning between Thos. Arnold and James Russell. �470 16 Bright sunny day, the snow thawing fast. But there are a good many sleighs on the Road. I think tomorrow will finish the sleighing for this brush of snow. 17 Patrick’s day in the morning. Dark and without sunshine, a slight sprinkling of sleet in the after- noon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Thunder at night. [in margin] Thunder 18th Sabbath. Very mild day, the air soft and Balmy as in the end of April. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 19 Quite springlike all day, the snow is nearly all gone again, nothing running on the Roads but wheels. I think plowing will soon start. 20 Chilly most of the day, yet snow melted quite a bit, the afternoon quite lowering and rain began to fall about night. I went to Dundalk. Willie brought home a load of wood from Johney’s, then took back the wagon and brought home the Democrat. 21 Springlike all day. W. Brinkman brought his moving to T. Arnold’s Barn last night, though Jim had the place rented before he came, but he did not know. <p. 100> March 1894 22nd Dark, gloomy day with quite a fall of sleety Rain from about 10 A.M. Everything outside is iced over. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, attended the Proton meeting in Victoria Hall for a while. Heard the speakers. Am not very favourably [MS favourable] impressed with Mr. [Mc stricken] Curry, think he is too frothy and anything but sincere. Mr. Dynes, the Patron Candidate* for Duf- ferin, is more to my liking. [*Patrons of Industry, a conservative political party supporting farm- ers] 23 Cold wintery day, Snowing and Blowing. The sun shone out a while in the afternoon and dis- placed a good deal of the snow. 24 Dark day, cold and the ground hard with frost in the morning, in the afternoon very stormy, Snow- ing and blowing. The Township Assessor, Mr. C. Johnson, was here, raised the Assessment on Lot 215 & 216 with this now[?] to $1100.00, being $50.00 more than heretofore. [in margin] Very Stormy / Assessor here 25th Sabbath. Cold wintry like day. Willie took the Buggy and drove Miss Susie Davidson to Johney’s. Jim Patterson also drove Miss N. Russell out there. [in margin] Esther 26 Very cold and wintry, some sleighs and some wagons on the road. The Roads very Rough. Willie brought me a load of stove wood from Jim’s. Brother Sam was here in the afternoon. Jim’s wife Mary was here in the afternoon. 27 Very wintry day, extreme cold. I went with Sam in the afternoon to Dundalk and witnessed some drawings which he was going to Send to the patent office at Ottawa. They are called the Russell Pendulum Motion. <p. 101> March 1894 28th Quite stormy morning, the snow falling thick and heavy, but the day was rather milder than yes- terday. I worked at writing out some papers, Letters, etc. 29 Pretty chilly day although the sun shone bright and clear. The snow melted some in the middle of the day. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. and Nancy went to Sam’s. 30 A little softer, quite mild in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and Nancy went to Dundalk in the eavning, stopped all night. 31 Quite a thaw wind all day, the Sun also strong. The snow has almost all disappeared. Springlike Breezes blowing, the atmosphere hazy and soft. April [1894] �471 1st Sabbath. Cold day, the Roads bad. Sam and Phoebe were here in the afternoon. 2 Very hard frost this morning, the air sharp, Bright Sunshine through the day. Joseph Neithercut, Senior, was here, just merely called in while passing to See us. 3 Very hard frost this morning, cold all through the day, the roads very rough and hard, a strong wind mostly all day. 4 Mild day, thawing, the ground softening. Rain in the afternoon. I fixed up a statement for the Bureau of Industries. Edgar Duncan took away his cattle. <p. 102> April 1894 5th Frost this morning but the sun got out and the day was pretty fine. Jim commenced plowing on the Arnold farm. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] First plowing 6 Cold day, very hard frost, no plowing today. I chored around. 7 Pretty hard frost this morning and a chilly cold air all day. I entered Township orders in the fore- noon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk to a Cheese patron meeting, the object of the meeting being to buy the Factory from Mr. Cornett and to form it into a joint Stock company factory. He offered the Factory and plant for $800.00 as it stood, or for $1000.00 and put in the necessary re- pairs. Mr. Johnson of Laurel was present and addressed the meeting, sharing the workings of the Laurel Factory as a joint Stock affair. None of the patrons would become stock holders, so it re- mains the way it formerly ran. 8th Sabbath. Very cold day from morning till night. I went to Johney’s, stopped all night. Mr. Kenneth McAulay, a Resident of Melancthon for about 46 years, age 82, died this afternoon on Lot which he had lived on for the past 46 years. He was a good neighbour and a quiet innofensive [=inoffensive] man. [in margin] Kenneth McAulay / Died 9 Fine day, bright sunshine, the air a little sharp in the afternoon. I was at Brother Sam’s sawing bee. He got about 25 Cords short wood cut. 10 Very cold day, high wind a-raging, wind and snow storm in the afternoon. John with his Demo- crat waggon drove H. Jackson, H. Lonsway, himself and me to Mr. McAulay’s Funeral at Melanc- thon burying ground. [in margin] Heavy Winds <p. 103> April 1894 11th Very wintry like morning, the ground covered with snow, and in the fence corners it is about three feet deep on account of the big blow last night. But the sun got out and the most of it vanished. 12 Fine day, Bright and sunny. The snow almost all melted. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Heard Frogs / 1st this season 13 Bright and sunny all day, the first real spring day of the season, very warm. I split some wood in the wood shed. Ida was here. The plowing has fairly commenced. Mr. Riley brought me two spring pigs which I had bought from him for $2.00 each. They were about five weeks old, pretty healthy little pigs. 14 Cloudy in the forenoon, bright and sunny in the afternoon, a nice pleaseant day. I plowed for Jim while he went to Dundalk and done some business. The ground was dry and fine. [in margin] sowed / Cabbage / Seed 15th Sabbath. Very fine day, sunny and warm. 16 Cloudy and warm with a slight shower of Rain about 6:30 P.M. I plowed about an hour for Jim in the forenoon and split some wood at home in the afternoon. 17 Fine morning, the day fine all through, sunny and bright. The ground is in excellent order for plowing. I split some wood at the house. [in margin] Mrs. G. Hutchinson’s / Funeral �472 18 Cloudy mostly all day, a little sunshine now and then, the day warm. I cut timber in the Bush for the sawing machine. Jim sowed his first grain (oats). His Black team Ran away from him. A tree fell in the Bush near where they were. Jim was a short distance off. The[y] went 40 Rods with the seeder, done no harm. [in margin] Jim’s first / sowing / this season <p. 104> April 1894 19th Cloudy and sultry. Clouds banked up at night, an appearance of a thunder storm. I cut down some trees in the bush in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in red ink] Big Blow in the morning. [in margin] W. Hutchinson, a Resident / of Artemesia, dropped / dead off his horse / yesterday in Dundalk 20 Cloudy and sultry in the forenoon. Rain in the afternoon, moderately, for about two hours. I cut down some trees in the Bush in the forenoon. 21 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon a good deal of Rain. I cut some trees down in the Bush for firewood. 22nd Sabbath. Dark and without sunshine although dry. Joe and Ida were here. 23 Slight mizzle of rain in the morning, the day misty and threatening rain, still, scarcely any fell. I cut some logs in the Bush for the sawing machine. I think I have about 70 in number but a good many of them are small. I guess I’ll saw what I have cut. I seen some violets in bloom in the open air. [in margin] Seen flowers / in the open air 24 Bright sunny day, but quite cool. I plowed for Jim. He was sowing some rough land by hand. 25 Splendid day, sunny and warm. I helped Jim move fence and harrowed for him a while in the af- ternoon while he sowed. 26 Beautiful day, dry, sunny and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a special meeting of the Proton Council I attended. <p. 105> April 1894 27th Very fine day, dry and warm. I sowed two Bags of oats for Jim and helped at home to put in some garden stuff. 28 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and warm. [in margin, unknown meaning, written in red] P. B. D. / 38. 29th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Johney & Ina here. Sam and Phoebe were here in the afternoon. 30 Bright and warm, splendid growing day. Maud Russell brought some onions out. May [1894] 1st Bright, dry, hot day, cloudy in the afternoon and an indication of a thunder storm. I found a May flower in blossom today, being the first that I ever remember to have found so early in the season. 2 Dark and overcast, quite cool, a slight sprinkling of Rain fell in the afternoon, the day quite breezy. I put up some fences for Jim, also fired some stumps on the Arnold place. 3 Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer and a little sunshine. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] T. Arnold died / Seen first / Swallow 4 Clear and cool with a good deal of sunshine. I hoed among the apple trees. [in margin] First / cow /calved 5 Frost this morning, the forenoon dry. Rain came on about 5 P.M. I took the potatoes in out of the pit. They had kept remarkably well, there was about 40 Bushels. There was less than two pails full of Bad ones among them all. Phoebe was here in the afternoon. <p. 106> May 1894 �473 6th Sabbath. Dark day mostly, a sharp shower of Rain at night. Willie & Susan here a while at night. 7 Cool, clear and windy in the afternoon, the Forenoon Cloudy, windy and cool with a slight sprin- kling of Rain. I mended up Brush fence in the Arnold Lot alongside of the road. 8 Clear, cool and bright with a pretty strong wind most of the day. I planted a few hills of early po- tatoes and washed the stems of the field trees with soft soap suds. [in margin] planted / potatoes 9 Bright, cool day. I went to Brother Sam’s. 10 Cloudy and cool, pretty high wind. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Brother John from Adjala Township came here this afternoon about 5 P.M. [in margin] Brother John / came here 11 Bright and sunny but cool. I went with Brother John to Dundalk in the forenoon. He and his daughter Nancy went to Son John’s in Melancthon from Dundalk in the afternoon and I came home. [in margin] 2nd Cow / Calved 12 Bright sunny day, a trifle cool in the Forenoon, pretty strong wind in the afternoon. I harrowed for Jim in the afternoon. 13th Sabbath. Dry, but cloudy and cool. Brother John & daughter Nancy, Joe Bowerman and wife, John Russell and wife, Jim Russell, wife and three children, Brother Sam and Phoebe and Baby, Willie and Miss S. Davidson, Jim Patterson and Tom Oliver, Eighteen in all, were visitors at the Russell house today. <p. 107> May 1894 14th Cloudy and cool with a slight sprinkling of Rain, mostly all day. Brother John and Son Jim went to Walter Bell’s after tea. I sowed two Bags of oats for Jim. 15 Cold in the morning, quite a Frost, ice on the water. Brother John and his daughter Nancy left for home about 10 A.M. I fixed fences in the afternoon. 16 Cool day, a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. I cut nine Bushels of seed potatoes (called ninety-nines). 17 Quite cool in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer, pretty sharp thunder and lightening with heavy rain about 7 P.M. I attended Division Court as a spectator in Dundalk. 18 Cold, raw day, slightely wet most of the time, a good deal of Rain fell last night. 19 Very cold morning, the trees, fences, etc., covered with icicles and ice on the water. Slightely wet in the forenoon, a good deal of cold rain in the afternoon, quite a disagreeable day. [in margin] Frost 20 Sabbath. Cold Rain mostly all day. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. 21 Showery all through the day and cold. The land has become saturated with wet and the grain sow- en [=sown] on the lowlands must be suffering with the amount of wet on it. [in margin] Got pa- pers / From Toronto 22 Dark, misty day, but not much of a rainfall, the afternoon something warmer. I think the weather is going to take up and be fine again. <p. 108> May 1894 23rd Dark morning, the day dark and slightely wet in the afternoon. I took a horse to Josiah Sauder’s to pasture for a few months. His charge is $1.00 per month. Jim had put him there on the 18th but he jumped out and came home. Just as well as the days and nights have been very cold and wet snow. I put a poke on him today, hoping it will keep him in. The pasture is very poor but he told me that he was going to open another fresh field. [in margin] Horse put to pasture 24 Dark, misty day with a slight sprinkling of rain. Ida, Willie, Susan and Mary were here. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim got three sheep worried by dogs on the Arnold place. One of them �474 is still living, the other two are dead. The dogs are said to be Fawcett’s and McGregor’s of Dun- dalk. E. Mills seen them at the sheep. Ida saw the dogs afterwards. Said she knew them as be- longing to McGregor and Faucett. [in margin] Jims Sheep Killed / by dogs / [written in red above and below this:] Sent letter to Br[other] William Elzey P.O. / Ind. Terr. / U.S. / Sent letter to Ire- land 25 Fine dry, sunny day, warm and a good growth. I went to Flesherton and saw Dr. Christoe. Sam and Phoebe called here this afternoon. Jim went to see Faucett about his dogs which had killed his sheep. Faucett shot his two dogs. 26 Fine dry forenoon, pretty warm. I spread manure and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. A pretty heavy shower of rain with some hail, thunder and lightening in the eavning about 4 P.M. 27 Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, heavy Rain in the eavning and at night thunder and Lightening. <p. 109> May 1894 28th Very cold morning, quite a frost, shower of rain mixed with snow through the day. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville and the political speech at night in Dundalk. The day was so very cold I had to wear a heavy fur overcoat going to Hopeville. [in margin] Miss Johnson / Daughter of / H. Johnson died / Snow & Frost 29 Cold, dark day, showery in the afternoon, hard frost in the morning, ice on the water. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon. At night Mrs. R. and I went to Miss Johnson’s wake. [in margin] Snow / & Frost 30 Cold dark day, Showery in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Miss Johnson’s Funeral. She was buried at Dundalk and the funeral was very large. I think there must have been about half a mile in length of vehicles. [in margin] Frost 31 Dark, Cloudy day, slightely wet in the afternoon, Frost in the morning. We planted potatoes (nine- ty-nines), about nine Bushels, in the afternoon. Willie plowed them in, Jim dropped, also two of Neil McAulay’s girls helped us. We put in the nine Bushels in about three hours. I then went to Dundalk for my mail. [in margin] Planted potatoes / Frost June 1894 1st Dark, Cloudy cold day, with frequent slight showers of Rain. I helped with Jim and Willie to mend fences on the Arnold Lot. [in margin] Frost 2 Wet morning and Rained most of last night. The rain kept coming down till noon, then ceased, the afternoon dry and cool. I made a Book for the Cheese Business in the forenoon and in the after- noon went to Dundalk. [in margin] Sent letter / to Inspector / Rain <p. 110> June 1894 3rd Sabbath. Dark, cool day, dry in the Forenoon. Showery in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost 4 Dry in the forenoon, wet from about Eight P.M. I fixed Brush fences. Mrs. R. and I had a hard job getting Jim’s colts out of his grain. They followed the horse that I took out of the pasture. [in margin] Rain 5 Wet all through the day. Rain mixed with Snow and sleet. I attended a Council Meeting at Hope- ville. Stopped there all night. [in margin] Rain 6 Frost this morning, the sun shone out bright for about two hours, then became clouded. The after- noon was cloudy and cool. I came home through Dundalk. Mr. R. Cornett told me to tell Jim Russell that he could get W. Armstrong’s milk and that he would be responsible to Mr. Armstrong for it. Mrs. Andrew Lonsway was here a while this eavning. [in margin] Frost �475 7 Dry day, sunny and warm in the afternoon. I fixed Brush fences and went to Dundalk in the after- noon. 8 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. I mended brush fence in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Seen the Lacross game played between Dundalk and Durham, a very rough game it is. Durham won. 9 Dry, sunny and hot. Made Brush fences in the Forenoon & went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 111> June 1894 10th Sabbath. Dry and hot. Mr. John Conners & Wife, John Russell & wife, Joe Bowerman & Wife, Willie and Miss S. Davi[d]s[on] were here, also Mr. W. Bell & wife here at night. 11 Dry, warm day. I made Brush fence. 12 Dry and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and cool towards night. I fixed Brush Fences most of the day. 13 Sunny, Dry and hot, the warmest day for the season as yet. I made Brush fences in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot 14 Dry, Sunny and hot. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot 15 Dry, sunny and hot. I entered some Township orders in the Books in the forenoon and in the af- ternoon done nothing, as I was fatigued. [in margin] Hot 16 Dry and hot. I went to Johney’s, then to Brother Sam’s Lot, then to Dundalk and bought a horse poke. Came home and went to the political speech making in No. 5 School house, Melancthon. 17th Sabbathg. Pretty warm and cloudy with a slight rain in the afternoon and a heavy rain at night. Mrs. John Arnold of Melancthon died this afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. / Arnold /Died 18 Showery and warm. I went to Dundalk. Ida came here this afternoon. <p. 112> June 1894 19th Dry and cloudy. We attended the Funeral of Mrs. John Arnold. She was buried in Maple Ceme- try, Dundalk. The funeral was very large, about 77 vehicles. The pall bearers were Th. Hanbury, James Patterson, Samuel Russell, Frederick Neilson, —- Skeffington[?] and myself. 20 Fine morning, the day dry, cloudy and cool, except the afterpart of it which was clear and warm. I worked at the Milk accounts. Got a letter from Brother William (Kosoma, I. T., U. S). [in mar- gin] Got / letter from / Bro. William 21 Bright and sunny, very hot in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning 22 Very sultry, dry day, cloudy in the afternoon, dark and lowering at night with a few drops of rain. I worked at entering Township accounts and making out ½ yearly Financial statement. 23 Sultry most of the day, cloudy with a Shower of Rain, some thunder and lightening. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 24th Sabbath. Cloudy and very showery, especially in the afternoon when there was extremely heavy rain with thunder and lightening, some hail and a pretty sharp wind. 25 Cloudy and sultry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped Jim to get out some rafters. 26 Cloudy, sultry and windy. I went to the Provincial Elections. McNichol (Patrons)* polled 74, McKechnie (Reformers) 14 in Div. No. 5. [in margin] Provincial Elections / Got cheque $101.00. [*Patrons of Industry, a political party modelled on the Michigan Patrons of Industry founded in 1889, to protect farmers’ rights and way of life. The Ont. Liberals won the election with support from 12 Liberal-Patrons candidates, Oliver Mowatt winning his eighth consecutive mandate. The �476 Patrons of Industry won 3 seats independently. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_general_election,_1894 ] <p. 113> June 1894 27th Dry, cloudy, and cool. I worked at the milk accounts. 28 Dry, Cloudy, windy and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon for the purpose of loading cheese but the[y] were not shipped, will be next Saturday. 29 Clear, Bright and warm. I calculated on the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to a Raising of a Frame Barn at William Armstrong’s in the afternoon. Clark got home from Michigan. [in mar- gin] Clark / got Home / From Michigan 30 Clear, Bright and hot. I went to Dundalk, helped to ship cheese. Collected for cheese sold in Dundalk, then came home. July[1894] 1st Sabbath. Cloudy, dry and warm. Jim and family, Johney & wife, Willie and Miss Susan Davidson were here. 2 Cloudy and dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon with some thunder and lightening. I made up the milk accounts ready for payment. 3 Cool and cloudy. I attended Township Council meeting at Proton Station. Jim drove me home at night with his blacks. 4 Cool and windy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the milk patrons. 5 Cool and clear. Was pretty sick last night and today. Took a chill when going to bed, am pretty shaky still. <p. 114> July 1894 6th Cloudy and cool with frequent showers in the afternoon. I worked at the Milk accounts. 7 Cool day, Cloudy and a little sunshine now and then. Jim scuffled the potatoes for me. Clark stopped here last night. 8th Sabbath. Cool and cloudy. Joe and Ida were here in the afternoon. 9 Cool in the forenoon, warm, clear and sunny in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes. 10 Cool and Cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon pretty warm with a very slight Rain, some thunder and Lightening. Miss Madella Russell was here making a dress for Mrs. R. I hoed potatoes. 11 Dry and cloudy with the Exception of a very slight shower of Rain in the forenoon. I finished hoe- ing potatoes for the first going over, wed out some carrot drills, and thinned them. Phoebe was here in the afternoon. Clark stoppped all night. 12 Cloudy generally throughout the day with a stiff Breeze. Pretty warm in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to a picknick at Maple Valley. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a pretty good gathering.* [*for the Orange celebrations on the glorious 12th] 13 Fine morning, the day fine, dry and warm. I worked at the milk sheets. Clark is here at night. 14 Fine day, dry and warm. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 114> July 1894 15th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Fine day. 16 Dry, cloudy and warm. I was posting Township orders most of the day. 17 Dry and hot. I paris-greened the potatoes in the forenoon, put on about 3/4 pound to 3/4 of an acre. Hoed a while in the afternoon at Jim’s turnips. Sold a five year old dry fat cow to the �477 Butcher for $25.00, also gave him the use of a horse for two months for $5.00. Bob Agnew and Willie Russell stopped here at night. Sam and Clark, along with Jim, fetched up their pendulum Motion Machine from the Dundalk Foundery [=foundry] (where they had got it cast) to Jim’s Barn. They are for putting it up there to try it. 18 Very hot day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the milk sheets. [in margin] Very hot 19 Warm day, but not so scorching hot as yesterday, sky clear and bright. I helped hoe at Jim’s tur- nips and paris-greened some of his potatoes. Sam, Clark and Jim tried the pendulum motion ma- chine in Jim’s Barn. It’s not a success, the castings are not true, they are very rough, neither can the machine be set true. 20 Pretty strong breeze this forenoon, the day middling hot. I hoed some potatoes, went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. and Clark went to Johney’s. Willie commenced cutting hay for Jim. [in margin] Began / Haying <p. 116> July 1894 21st Dry and fine. I went to a Council meeting at Cedarville, stopped all night with Mr. Rogers (Reeve). 22nd Sabbath. Pretty warm and sunny. Came home, got here 2:30 P.M. John and Ina, Willie and Su- san, Clark and Ida were here. 23 Bright, sunny day and hot. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon, and in the afternoon helped Willie to haul in Jim’s hay. There was a heavy Rain this night, all the crops needed it. [in margin] Rain 24 Rain till about 11 A.M., then dry mostly, and cloudy. I worked at the milk Books in the forenoon and in the afternoon hoed potatoes. A heavy rainfall during the night. [in margin] Rain 25 Fine morning, the day dry, clear and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to help ship the cheese. The Buyer had not come for them so they did not get [MS be] shipped. Came home and got Willie with Jim’s scuffler to mould some of the potaotes. I had moulded about the half of them before with the hoe. Then I paris-greened them, put about 3/4 of a tablespoon full of green to a pail of water. Had greened them before but made it too weak, only put about ½ spoonful to a pail of water. Mrs. R. left on a tour to Adjala Township to see her sister Eliza. Is to be gone till the next Monday. Ida goes with her tomorrow morning from Dundalk. Clark also went to Dun- dalk this afternoon. He is to come back to Jim’s tonight. He leaves tomorrow morning for his home in Michigan. He and Brother Sam has been working on a machine drive[n] by pendulum motion. It is not a success so far. <p. 117> July 1894 26th Bright and sunny most of the day, also pretty warm, a few clouds gathered in the eavning. I helped Jim with his hay till 4 P.M., then went to Dundalk. Clark left here this morning for Michi- gan. I wish he resided here. [in margin] Clark left / For Michigan 27 Cloudy in the morning, and like rain. But the clouds cleared off and the day was dry and hot. I worked on the milk accounts mostly all day. [in margin] Hot 28 Pretty warm day, with a stiff breeze of wind. Cloudy in the eavning, almost like a thunder storm. I Raked with the hand rake a little corner of hay for Jim in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 29th Sabbath. Dry, hot day, but cloudy. I went to Br. Sam’s in the afternoon. 30 Dry and hot. I worked at the Township Books. Mrs. R. got home this afternoon. �478 31 Cool in the morning and eavning, warm in the middle of the day. I fixed a yard to keep the cows at night while [dittog.: while] they would eat some green feed I intend cutting for them. Also I mowed around the fence corners of the acre. Miss Elly Arnold and J. Maxwell were here at night. August [1894] 1 Fine day, breezy, dry and warm. I fixed a gate for the cow pen and raked up and carried in the fence corners’ hay which I had cut yesterday. <p. 118> [two pages with verse ballad written out] Willy Reilly O Rise up Willy Reilly and come along with me I mean for to go with you from this counterie To leave my father’s dwelling, his houses and freelands And away goes Willy Reilly and his dear Coleen Bawn* [*although written Bawn, it must be pronounced Bann] They go by hills and mountains and by yon lonesome plain Through shady groves and valleys, all dangers to refrain But her father followed after with a well-armed chosen band And taken was poor Reilly and his dear Coleen Bawn Its home then she was taken and in her closet bound Poor Reilly all in Sligo jail lay on the stoney ground Till at the Bar of Justice before the Judge he’d stand For nothing but the stealing of his dear Coleen Bawn Now in the cold, cold iron my hands and feet are bound I’m handcuffed like a murderer and tied into the ground But all this toil and slavery I’m willing for to stand Still hoping to be succoured by my dear Coleen Bawn The jailer’s son to Reilly goes and this to him did say, O, get up Willy Reilly, you must appear this day For great squire Folliard’s anger you never can withstand, I’m feared you’ll suffer sorely for your dear Coleen Bawn This is the news, young Reilly, last night that I did hear The lady’s oath will hang you, or else will set you clear If that be so, says Reilly, her pleasure I will stand Still hoping to be succoured by my dear Coleen Bawn. Now Willy’s drest from top to toe all in a suit of green His hair hangs on his shoulders, most glorious to be seen. He’s tall and straight and comely as any could be found He’s fit for Folliard’s daughter were she heiress to a crown. <p. 119> Willy Reilly �479 The judge he said this lady, being in her tender youth If Reilly has deluded her she will declare the truth Then like a morning beauty bright before him she did stand Your welcome there my heart’s delight and dear Coleen Bawn O gentlemen, squire Folliard said, with pity look on me This vilain came amongst us to disgrace our family And by his base contrivances this villany has planned If I don’t get satisfaction I’ll quit this Irish land. The lady with a tear began and thus replied she The fault is none of Reilly’s, the blame lies all on me I forced him for to leave his place and come along with me I loved him out of measure which has wrought our destiny. Then outspoke the noble Fox, at the table he stood by O gentlemen consider in this extremity Many a man for love is murder[ed] you may see So spare the life of Reilly, let him leave this countrie Good my Lord, he stole from her her diamonds and her rings Gold watch and silver buckles and many precious things Which cost me in bright guineas more than Five hundred pounds I will have the life of Reilly should I loose ten thousand pounds.* [*following stanzas written as one long stanza] Good my Lord, I gave them him as tokens of true love And when we are aparting I will them all remove If you have got them Reilly, pray send them home to me They’re poor compared to that true heart which I have given to thee There is a ring among them I allow yourself to wear With thirty locket diamonds well set in silver fair And as a true love token wear it on your right hand That you may think on my broken heart while in a foreign land Then out spoke noble Fox. You may let the prisoner go The Lady’s oath has cleared him as the jury all may know She has relased her own true love, she has renewed his name May her honor bright gain high estate and her offspring rise to fame. <p. 120> August 1894 2nd Fine day, dry and Breezy. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the milk Books. 3 Dark, cold day, several showers of Rain. I worked all day at the milk books. �480 4 Clear and cool. I worked at making Brush fence in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the after- noon and paid the patrons of Cheese factory $1194.00 for Four weeks milk. 5th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Johney and Ina were here, also Phoebe and Sam with the two youngest in the afternoon. 6 Sunny and bright, very dry, hot day with Banks of clouds in the west about Sunset. I made out the Township Estimates in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and drew out of the Bank $600.00 to take with me to the Council Meeting on tomorrow. 7 Cloudy and close in the forenoon, the afternoon hot and clear. I attended a Township Council meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night. 8 Cloudy and close in the morning, very much like a thunder storm the latter part of the afternoon, also cloudy with a little thunder in the distance. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon on some busi- ness. 9 Cloudy early in the morning, bright, clear and Breezy afterwards. I worked at comparing orders paid with the money I took to Council, then worked at the Milk sheets. The family is all gone to the Patron Picknick. <insert> Clipping from order paper, with Brown Brothers Co., Continental Nurseries, 2 dwarf pears, 1 plum tree, $5.00, August 16, 1894 </insert> <p. 121> August 1894 10th Cold morning, the day bright and sunny. I worked at the milk sheets and T[ownship] Orders. There was said to be a frost this morning. [in margin] Frost 11 Fine morning, the atmosphere hazy, the day dry and warm. I worked at Township Books and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. From there to Johney’s and stopped all night. 12th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Came home this afternoon, called at Brother Sam’s. 13 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon added up the milk sheets of last week. Got the Butter fat calculated and entered. Jim commenced harvesting on the Arnold place. Cut some Barley at home first, then Willie and the Binder got cutting oats. [in margin] Jim began / Harvesting 14 Dry fine day till about 4 P.M. when there came on a slight rain. It cleared off about sundown, then came on heavier at 10, with thunder and lightening. I cut some oats with the scythe among the ap- ple trees, then after night went to prevent a fire getting into the line fence between Jim’s rented place and Johney Irwin’s. Only for the rain the fire would spread. 15 Slightely wet most of the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. I worked all day tinkering up an old slash fence on the Arnold farm. 16 Fine day all through, dry and pretty warm. I cut some grain around stone piles in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Ordered 2 Pear trees / and 1 plum tree, Mr. Hare agent / price .50 each / Brown Bros. Nursery <p. 122> August 1894 17th Bright, sunny morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I cut some oats around stone piles in the forenoon and helped Jim haul in five loads of loose Barley in the afternoon. Phebe was helping Mrs. R. to quilt. 18 Dry and warm. I cut grain around the stone piles in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon. [in margin] Sent letters / to Sister Sarah / Stayner �481 19th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Miss Sue Davi[d]s[on] was here. 20 Dry and fine. I helped Jim harvest. Cut around some piles and stumps, then helped him to haul in oats. Grand harvest weather for so far, very dry and hot. The oats and pease have ripened a little too fast without filling up properly. Mr. Joseph Essex, Drain Contractor, was here this morning with an authority from Samuel Rogers, Esq., Reeve of Proton, telling me to pay him for work on drains, $150.00, and that he the Reeve would give me a legal order at next Council meeting on the 6th of September. I gave him a cheque on the Bank. 21 Bright and sunny, but cool mostly. I helped Jim to haul in oats on the Arnold farm. Tom Oliver built the loads and I forked on. The grain is pretty light. We stripped about 15 acres and did not have many Loads. 22 Bright, sunny day, dry and fine. I helped Jim to harvest. Cut around stone piles in the forenoon. I[n] the afternoon he craddled and I Raked into sheaves. 23 Dry and warm. I helped Jim harvest on the Arnold Lot. He craddled, I raked, we were troubled with the fire getting into the line fence at the edge of his oats where we were working. <p. 123> August 1894 24th Dry and warm, the sky quite hazy on account of the summer’s Bush fires which are burning around. It is a great time for burning and clearing off land. The swamps are getting a scorching. I helped Jim harvest in the forenoon and in the afternoon fixed a road to haul in oats. 25 Dry and warm. I helped Sam on Lot 31 To haul in some oats to the centre of his clearing and to keep back the Bush fires. I stopped at Johney’s all night. 26 Sabbath. Dry and warm. Came home in the eavning. 27 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, done some Township business. Came home and went to Sam’s to help him. Stopped all night at Johney’s. 28 Dry and warm. Helped Jim to haul in oats in the afternoon and at night helped to keep the fires from burning Albert Roseborough’s cordwood. 29 Wet in the morning, slightely wet in the forenoon and a good heavy Rain in the afternoon. I worked at the milk accounts most all day. [in margin] Rain 30 Dry day with a vapory atmosphere. I worked at the milk Books and also at making up a burned down fence in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 31 Dry and fine. I helped Jim to harvest. Willie, N. Oliver and I hauled in. Jim was cutting for John. <p. 124> September 1894 1st Dry and windy. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. I helped him haul in Some loose oats. Mrs. R. set fire to the swamp. We had to watch and keep the fire from spreading. Sam has some wood in danger on Lot 33, 6th Con., Melancthon. 2nd Sabbath. Dry and warm. I went to Sam’s and watched some Bush fires. 3 Dry and hot. I helped Sam to haul in oats. 4 Dry in the forenoon, and pretty warm. It rained a little at noon. I helped Sam to draw in oats in the Forenoon. Came home in the afternoon. 5 Dry and warm. I helped Brother Sam to haul in oats in the afternoon. He is almost done harvest- ing, having only about 2 acres of pease to pull and 4 acres of oats to Draw in. 6 Dry and warm, pretty windy. I attended a Council Meeting at Dundalk. 7 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I tied oats in the dry part of the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. �482 8 Heavy Rain about 2 A.M., also thunder and Lightening. The day dry and Breezy. Jim and I stooked what we had tied yesterday. Mrs. R. and I tied some more oats in the afternoon. [in mar- gin] Rain 9th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. went see Joe Bowerman who is sick. <insert> Order sheet from Nusery for 1 cherry tree; directions for planting. Nursery is New England Nurseries, Rochester, N.Y. and Colborne, Ont. </insert> <p. 125> September 1894 10th Heavy Rain very early this morning, accompanied by thunder and lightening. Dry from about 5 A.M., the afternoon very windy. Mrs. R. and I tied and stooked the remainder of Jim’s oats, about 21 dozen in the eavning. [in margin] Rain 11 Dry and cool. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, attended the shipping of cheese. Came home and helped Jim to haul in the remainder of his oats. Went to Sam’s at night to see sick baby. 12 Dry in the forenoon, some Rain in the afternoon. Worked all day at making out the amount of Cash to pay each patron in Factory. 13 Dry and cool. Worked in the forenoon on the Factory accounts and in the afternoon went to Dun- dalk and paid patrons for Four weeks milk $1261.28 14 Very fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. I worked at the Factory books. 15 Dry and fine in the forenoon, the afternoon Showery. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and in the afternoon worked at Milk books. 16th Sabbath. Dark and cloudy but dry. 17 Cloudy and sultry. I entered some Township accounts from Day Book to Ledger. 18 Dry and warm, bright sun. I helped Jim in the afternoon to pick up in his wood fallow. 19 Dry and warm. Jim threshed. The grain is good but the quantity little. I think not more than 15 Bushels oats to the acre. <p. 126> September 1894 20th Slightely wet in the morning, the rest of the day dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and mailed Chas. Foster, paid note of $49.00 to him, to Toronto. Came home and picked up some wood for firing. 21 Dry and fine, pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I picked up some firewood on the Arnold [Lot] and hauled it home, pieces of old stumps, hemlock knots, etc., etc. 22 Dry and very windy till about 4 P.M. when it began to rain. I helped Jim to pick up in his wood fallow and burn. The Rain put a damper on the Burning part of the work. 23rd Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Rain at night. 24 Cold morning, Rain early in the morning, the middle of the day fine, a severe Hail storm in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and brought the Fred Horse home from McCabe the Butcher. I had hired him two months ago to him. He was to take good care of him, to use him in his business. The horse was in good order when he got him, now he is as poor as a crow. McCabe is not much [good at keeping horses?] 25 Sharp morning, the day pretty chilly all through. Mrs. R.and I picked some apples for Jim on the Arnold Lot in the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to Dundalk and helped ship the cheese. 26 Cold and cloudy. I worked all day and to 2 O’clock next morning at the milk Books, as I am go- ing to pay next Saturday. �483 <p. 127> September 1894 27 Very fine day, clear and sunny. I worked at the milk accounts till I finished them at noon. Then I went to Dundalk. 28 Very fine day, dry and warm. I hunted around after some lost cattle of Joe Bowerman’s. Did not find them. 29 Exceedingly fine day. Bright, sunny and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and pad the Patrons of the cheese factory for Five weeks milk, over $1000.00 30th Sabbath. Cool and Cloudy. Jim and family, Joe & Ida, Miss McConnell & Miss M. McD. were here. October [1894] 1st Cool clear and dry, with a high wind in the afternoon. I helped Jim to pick up in his wood fallow in the eavning. In the forenoon I entered the payments made the cheese patrons on last Saturday. Mr. Pocock, an artist in Fruit Tree pruning, stopped here all night. 2 Dry, cloudy and cool. I went to Johney’s to see what I had best do with a piece of Hardwood Bush which had got burned down with the fire. It is a pretty bad mess to handle in any shape. 3 Wet morning, showery mostly all forenoon, the afternoon dry. Mrs. R. and I helped Jim to pick his apples on the Arnold place in the afternoon. There were Six Barells. He gave us two and took four home. 4 Cloudy, showery day, quite cold also. I went to Dundalk and anxiously awaited a telegram from a Toronto Bank to which we had shipped $1115.00 worth cheese. <p. 128> October 1894 5th Showery mostly through the day. I worked at the Township Books, also added up the milk sheets for last week, and after nightfall went to Andrew Lonsway’s and wrote out his Will. I think this is the third will I have written out for him. 6 Dry, cool and cloudy. I helped Jim to pick up and log some on Lot 216, 1st Range, Township of Proton. 7th Sabbath. Cool and Cloudy. Johney & Ina were here. 8 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the day cold and windy. Jim helped me to Butcher a six months old pig. It weighed 153 pounds. I sold it in Dundalk to Mr. Rundle the Butcher for $5.50 per 100 lbs. Jim hauled it in. 9 Fine day, dry and warm. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home at night. 10 Fine day, dry and mild with a slight mizzle of rain at night. I plowed out 11 rows of potatoes with one horse from 11 A.M. and picked and carried into the cellar 18 Bushels splendid potatoes. [in margin] First raising / of potatoes 11 Wet morning, the day cold and raw. I compared orders with cash payments which I had made on last Tuesday, came out square. Went to Dundalk, came home, took up three Bushels of potatoes. Phebe was here. 12 Dark, Cloudy day, pretty cold in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to the show fair at Dundalk. [in margin] Dundalk / Show fair <p. 129> October 1894 13 Slightely wet in the morning, the afternoon dry with a little sunshine, but pretty cold. Sam’s three children, John H., Bob, and Maud came out to pick potatoes for me but I thought the day too cold and therefore did not raise any. I worked at the milk sheets. �484 14th Sabbath. The Ground covered with snow this morning, about two inches deep and a little more fell during the day. Very high, cold wind, the day quite wintry. [in margin] First / Snow 15 Cold morning, the day pretty cold although the sun melted some of the snow. Quite a bit of it re- mains still. Brother Sam brought me as a present two sucking pigs about five weeks old. They are nice ones. 16 Pretty cold in the forenoon, the afternoon warmer. Son Johney & Newt. Oliver helped me take up potatoes in the afternoon. I worked at Jim’s in the forenoon. G. McKinnell collected $20.00, stopped here. 17 Pretty mild day, But cloudy. Johney, Jim and N. Oliver helped me raise potatoes. We took up and put in the pit 60 Bushels. First class potatoes. Total: 106 Bushels. [in margin] Finished / potatoe / raising 18 Frost this morning, the day sunny but cool. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 19 Beautiful day, sunny and warm, clear sky, a few drops of Rain at night. I was helping Jim. Mrs. Samuel McDowell was here. 20 Very fine day, warm, sunny and bright. I was helping Jim at his new pig pen. 21 Sabbath. Fine day all through. John & Ina were here a while at night. Arlie and Vern were here. <p. 130> October 1894 22nd Beautiful day, warm and Bright. I helped Jim at his pig pen. 23 Fine day and warm, with Rain at night. I helped Jim at his pig pen. 24 Slightely wet this morning, the day overcast and cool. I worked at entering Township orders in the afternoon and in the forenoon worked at the Milk books. 25 Dark day with the exception of a little while in the middle of the day when the sun came out. Mild, but looks like rain. I went to Dundalk, came home and worked at the milk sheets. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s. 26 Dark morning, the day overcast and pretty cool. I worked at the Milk Books in the Forenoon and in the afternoon helped cut oat sheaves. 27 Very fine day, mild like a day in spring, the mosquitoes are out, a-humming. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon worked at the Milk Books. 28 Sabbath. Fine day, almost like Indian Summer. Mrs. Widow Faucett, Annie Faucett, Jim Patterson & Ida & Sam Russell were here. 29 Fine day, mild and Balmy. I Butchered two spring pigs. Willie helped. One weighed 186 and the other 192 lbs. Mrs. W. Talbot and Mrs. Joe Jackson were here. I cut roads in the afternoon to some logs to swam[p] them. [in margin] Butchered / Pigs 30 Wet morning, the day Rainy. Cut up the pigs and salted them. Worked at the Township Books in the afternoon. Mrs. R. helped cut up porkers. <p. 131> October 1894 31st Dark forenoon, the afternoon sunny and mild. I took up some carrots in the forenoon and in the afternoon cut roads to some logs which I have in the bush. Nov[ember 1894] 1st Dark day, slightely wet. Willie and I skidded or rather swamped out some firewood logs which I had cut on Lot 217. 2 Hard Frost this morning, the day dry and pleasant. Willie and I cut up with the crosscut Saw a large Elm tree into stove wood. Jim Conners was here all night. �485 3 Slightely wet this morning, the day generally dripping. I went in the morning to Dundalk. Shipped the last of the cheese, then collected cheese money through the Town. Jim Conners was here all day. 4th Sabbath. Dark and cold, the Roads are getting bad. 5 Pretty cold day, a trifle of snow fell about one O’clock and more after night. Willie and I went Six Miles into Proton in the forenoon to See a colt of G. McConnell’s which we are thinking of trading a horse for, and in the afternoon we went to See the plowing Match in Melancthon. The prize winners were Jim Russell 1st, $3.50, Joseph Neithercut 2nd, $2.50, James Patterson 3rd, $1.50. The Bays[?] were —Neithercut 1st, $3.50, Jim Bell 2nd, $2.50, & —Hammond 3rd, $1.50. Mrs. R. and I went to the plowman’s supper. [in margin] Plowing match 6 The Ground covered with snow and more falling. I worked all day & most of the night at the Milk accounts. Willie hauled out all the manure on the garden. [in margin] Snow <p. 132> November 1894 7th Quite cold most of the day except a little while in the afternoon. Willie is on the sick list with a cold. I split wood in the wood shed. John Arnold & Joseph Bowler were here a while in the after- noon. 8 Cold mostly all day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon looked over milk sheets. Brother John & wife Eliza came here. 9 Cold day, strong east wind. I covered up my potatoe pit, heaped on earth, then put manure on. 10 The ground covered with snow and more falling, a regular snow storm all day. I went to Dundalk and atttended a meeting of the cheese patrons, then paid them their last payment for this season. 11th Sabbath. Cold and wintry, snow falling all day. 12 Wintry and cold, pretty fair sleighing. I entered some orders in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon to See Joe Bowerman who is sick. Mrs. R. went with the cutter and Willie for the colt which I had got from G. McConnell. John’s wife Eliza went with son John at night to his place. Mrs. R. went to see Joe. 13 Pretty mild day with some snow in the afternoon. I attended a meeting of Twp. Council at Hope- ville and stopped all night. Took out the horse (Fred) which G. McConnell got from me and de- livered him. 14 Mild day, capital sleighing. Got home at noon. Balanced the orders which I had paid and com- pared orders with money from them. Correct. <p. 133> November 1894 15th Mild day, a thaw wind, the snow going fast, Sleighing is very thin. I worked at fixing the shed on the Arnold Lot in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Stopped a while with Joe Bowerman who is very sick. Brother John’s son [John: stricken] Jim came up from Adjala. 16 Slight mizzle of Rain falling now and then. I finished the fixing of the shed in the forenoon and went to Jim’s in the afternoon. John’s wife Eliza with her son [Johney: stricken] Jim left Jim’s to [go] around and see the people. 17 Pretty cold day, the thaw has ceased and more snow fell last night. I helped Jim to take up turnips. We took up and pitted about 800 Bushels. They are frozen a good deal and chewed by the cattle. If they do not rot it will be a wonder. 18th Sabbath. Pretty cold day, snowing towards night. Eliza and Jim left for home at 11:45 A.M. �486 19 Very cold day, Freezing very hard. Mrs. R. and Willie went to See Joe in the afternoon. I worked at the Township Books most all day. Brother Sam’s Willie brought me a load of hay this eavning. There might be about 15 hundred [lbs]. 20 Cold morning, the afterpart of the day something milder. Jim thrashed on the Arnold Lot. Joseph Bowerman is a little better this eavning. 21 Milder this morning, almost like a thaw. Jim finished threshing in about an hour and a half this morning. He has, I think, about 900 Bushels oats from about 53 acres. <p. 134> November 1894 22nd Quite mild all day, the snow melting and the sleighing disappearing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and helpd Willie cut Oat sheaves in the afternoon. Jim and Johney also helped. Phebe was here. [in margin] Cut Feed 23 Soft morning, slightely wet, the day mild. I chored around. G. McConnell was here. 24 Mild forenoon, open and nice. Some people were plowing here in the forepart of the day. A big snow storm came on about 1:30 P.M. and the snow is now (11 P.M.) falling. I chored around and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 25th Sabbath. Pretty cold all day, bad sleighing. 26 Quite a bit of snow on the ground this morning and a trifle snow fell during the day. I had Joseph Jackson with his sawing machine cutting stove wood for me on the Arnold Lot. He cut, I think, about 15 cords. The machinery was in bad working order and there was a brake [=break] in the forenoon. Also the timber was very small which was against Joe making a good day’s work. My help was Brother Sam, Sons Jim, John & Willie with Newt. Oliver. [in margin] Cut wood 27 A little snow early in the forenoon, then it came on heavier. A fierce snow storm, with high wind, was the prevailing features of the day. I split wood in the Bush in the forenoon and in the after- noon split wood in the wood house. Willie hauled it, also hauled home some bedding for his hors- es, then went to John Conners for his sleigh Bunks. <p. 135> November 1894 28 Very cold morning, a little snow fell during the day, the day cold, freezing. I split wood in the Bush. Mr. J. Arnold and Miss M. Maxwell were here a while at night. Willie went this morning to cut some timber in Melancthon, he & Johney. [in margin] Willie went / to chop 29 Pretty Sharp morning, the day cold. I split Stove wood in the Bush. 30 Milder, almost like a thaw. I chored around, felt rather tired to work in the Bush. R. Cornett, Cheese maker, called here in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to J. Arnold’s at night. December [1894] 1st Mild morning, the day mild all through, some indications of a thaw. I wrote some letters in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and posted them, also waited on the Township Col- lector and received from him the proceeds of his collection. 2nd Sabbath. Mild day, the snow feeling soft under the feet. 3 Mild day but nothing of a thaw. Dark and without Sunshine. I had Joe Bowerman helping me to Saw wood in the bush. 4 Mild day, dark and without sunshine. I helped Jim to cut feed. Mrs. R. went with Willie to Johney’s as Ina is sick. 5 Mild day, the snow feeing soft to the foot. I worked at the Financial Statement for the Township. Mr. R. W. Fowler, S[chool] Tr[ustee] of S. S. No. 5 was here for his school money, $270.00. I paid him. �487 6 Bright, Sunny day. I split about 3 cords of stove wood in the Bush and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <pp. 136-37> [blank; missed writing on this opening] <p. 138> December 1894 7th Dark morning, the day dark and misty with a little rain falling towards night. Mrs. R. and I hauled Six loads of Stove wood about (a cord each) From the Arnold Lot. 8 Damp morning, the day inclined to be wet. On about 2 P.M. sleet began to fall, mixed with some rain. Mr. J. McGrath and Jim Russell were here auditing the Dundalk Cheese Factory accounts. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to See Joe in the afternoon. [in margin] Cheese factory / auditors / here 9th Sabbath. Dark day, inclined to thaw. 10 Dark day with a cold East wind, a mixture of sleet and rain fell during the eavning. I split wood in the wood house and worked at making [MS make] out the Township statement at night. Mrs. R. went this morning to Johney’s as Ina is sick. 11 Dark day, a little sleety rain falling. I chored around, went to Dundalk in the afternoon, sent the Co. Treasurer the Co. Rates. 12 Rain this Forenoon, in the afternoon it turned to snow which came down in a regular storm. Mrs. R. got home. [in margin] Rain 13 The Ground pretty well covered with snow this morning and some more fell during the day. Sleighs and cutters are running. I split wood in the wood shed. 14 Fine day, the snow disappearing, a good many sleighs running and some waggons. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon and drew $900.00 Township money. <p. 139> December 1894 15th Fine day, the snow thawing. I left home this morning with the cutter and went to a Council meet- ing at Hopeville. Stopped all night. 16th Sabbath. Mild day, the snow nearly all gone off the Roads. I had to walk nearly all the way from Hopeville home. Got home at 1:30 P.M. 17 Ground hard with frost this morning, high wind and snow in the afternoon. I balanced the paid orders which I got at the Council Meeting and the money which I had left. Found they came out right. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 18 Pretty mild day, the roads hard and pretty fair wheeling. I worked all day and part of the night in making out the Financial Statement For the Township of Proton. 19 Fine day, mild mostly. I went to Dundalk early this morning to the printers with the statement. Came home and chored around. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s, Willie drove her out in John’s Buggy. Johney is gone down to Brother John’s in Adjala Township to get his daughter Nancy to come up and stop at his place as his wife is sick. 20 Bright and sunny, like a day in spring, the cattle and sheep out in the fields picking. Mrs. R. is at Johney’s. I chored around home. Mathew Leach brought me a load of hay, first class, at $6.50 per ton. 21 Pretty windy this morning and cloudy. There was a slight shower of rain about noon, the after- noon dry, clear and sunny. M. Leach brought Two loads of hay for Willie @ 6 ½ p[er] t[on]. <p. 140> December 1894 �488 22nd Chilly day but a good deal of Sunshine. I went to Dundalk, transacted Some business. The Bow- ler Estate was sold, under Mortgage of $1000.00 and two years interest, for ($2710) Twenty seven hundred and ten dollars. Joseph Bowler was the purchaser. 23rd Sabbath. Cold, raw wind, chilly day. 24 High wind this Forenoon, the sky overcast. Snow began falling in the afternoon and contineud snowing all evening. Willie and I sawed some stove wood in the bush in the forenoon. I split and piled it in the afternoon. 25 Christmas—Cold day. Keen cold wind. Mrs. R. and I had dinner with Jim. Willie went to Dun- dalk, spent most of the day in the skating rink. 26 Very cold day, the sharpest freeze of any this winter. I hauled out two loads of Horse manure from the stable door and put on a potatoe pit. Willie went to Jim’s to make Bunks for his sleigh. [in margin] Very cold 27 Extremely cold morning, cold at noon and cold at night. A slight snow falling and a sissiling [=sizzling] Frost, enough to Skin a fairy if there were such. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Very cold 28 Very cold day, but a good deal of sunshine, almost as cold as yesterday. Willie hauled Eight loads of stove wood home. Miss Ellen Arnold and Miss Maria Maxwell were here. [in margin] Cold <p. 141> December 1894 29 Cold morning, the day very cold all through, dark and without Sunshine. I helped Brother Sam at his wood sawing. He got a good day’s cutting done, I think about 40 cords. Willie, Jim & Johney were there. 30 Sabbath. Pretty cold day, but not so cold as yesterday. Some snow fell last night, also some during the day. 31 Pretty cold mostly all day, a trifle of snow fell. Willie hauled over some bedding and then he went to Dundalk to get his sleighs fitted for hauling logs to the mill. I also went to Dundalk and done some business. The Old Year is now about passed away (7:30 P.M.) and the new one will soon be ushered in. We have had many things to be thankful for and very few things to regret in 1894. 1895 January 1st Mild day, but a little rough in the afternoon. I attended a meeting of the Cheese Board and was chosen Sect. Treasurer at a salary of $50.00. Willie hauled four loads of stove wood home. 2 Pretty mild day. Willie hauled five loads of stove wood home in the forenoon and in the afternoon hauled a load of logs to the saw mill. Mrs. R. and I attend[ed] a party at Mr. H. Hewitt’s in Melancthon. The company presented him with an arm chair, Mrs. Hewitt with an easy chair, Miss Hewitt with a lamp and Miss Bird with Silk Handkerchief. They are going to move to Artemesia Township. 3 Pretty mild with some snow falling in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk and done some business. <p. 142> January 1895 4th Cold day, a little snow fell now and then, sharp frost. Willie was hauling saw logs to the mill. I split wood in the wood House. 5 Cold day, snowning occassionally and blowing some. Willie hauled saw logs to the mill. I split wood in the wood shed. 6th Sabbath. Mild, almost like a thaw. Jim’s little family were here. �489 7 Mild day, Cloudy and like a softness. I went to the Municipal voting in the afternoon at Johney Allen’s House. Willie hauled Saw lags to the mill. Phoebe was here. 8 Stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Willie hauled Logs to the mill. 9 Bright, sunny day, pretty sharp frost. I split some wood in the wood house. Willie was at Dick Neithercut’s wood bee in the afternoon. 10 Very stormy day, Blowing and snowing. Willie and I helped Jim at the sawing machine. 11 Roads heavy this morning, something like sleet falling. The day not cold, dark, without sunshine. I worked at the Township Books. Willie hauled Logs to mill. 12 Dark day but mild, plenty of snow. Willie hauled home some bedding in the forenoon, then start- ed hauling Sam’s Mill logs in the afternoon. I attended a meeting of the Cheese factory in the af- ternoon. <p. 143> January 1895 13th Sabbath. Cold and stormy, Blowing, Snowing and freezing. Jim Patterson, Jnr., was here a while in the afternoon. 14 Stormy, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I worked at the Finances of the Township. Mr. John Arnold and Miss Maxwell were here a while at night. 15 Cold day, Blowing some and snowing some, Freezing all day. Willie was hauling logs to mill. 16 Milder than yesterday, quite a fall of snow, the Roads are very heavy. Willie was hauling logs. 17 Mild in the morning, pretty mild most of the day. I went to Dundalk. Willie hauled logs. This is my Birthday. I am now 59 years of age. Time speeds quickly, shall I? [in margin] Birth / Day 18 Dark day with a heavy snowfall, not a keen frost, but mild. Willie hauled logs. 19 Roads filled up with snow, and a heavy blow in the forenoon, the afternoon calm. Mr. David Pat- terson, 82 years of age, and a resident of this part of Melancthon for about 40 years, died this af- ternoon. He was a peaceful, innofencive [=inoffensive], good man. [in margin] D. Patterson / Died 20th Sabbath. Roads heavy but the day calm and not very cold. Johney and Ina were here. 21 Rain this morning and rain throughout the day. The roads got very soft towards night. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville and stopped there all night. <p. 144> January 1895 22nd Stormy morning, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing. Left Hopeville this morning, got home at about 11 A.M. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. D. Patterson’s funeral in the afternoon. He was buried in Zion Churchyard burying ground. Willie was hauling saw logs. 23 Stormy day, snowing and Freezing, the Roads badly filled up. I worked at the Twp. Books. 24 Snow on the ground to a great depth, not much driving, everyone is waiting to the roads get bro- ken. Willie went last night to a spree a John Conners’, Melancthon. Is not home yet (4 P.M.). I worked at the Township Books most all day. I have got them ready for the Township Auditors. 25 Fine day, mild with a good deal of sunshine till the latter part of the afternoon, when there came on a fierce wind and snow storm which lasted all through the night. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon. Mr. John Patterson and wife of Toronto and Mrs. James Patterson of Melancthon were here in eavning. [in margin] Storm 26 Very stormy day from morning till night, Snowing and blowing. I attended a Council Meeting held in Dundalk, stopped all night in Joe’s. J. T. Agnew and Sister Anne are here. [in margin] Violent / Storm �490 27th Sabbath. Wild, stormy morning, the day one of Storm all through. The train due in Dundalk at noon yesterday only got as far as Dundalk at noon today. I started for home, took to the fields at S. McDowell’s, got lost in the clearings. After wandering up and down, came out at W. Henders. Left there and finally got home at night. [in margin] Violent / Storm <p. 145> January 1895 28th A lull in the storm but the roads are all blocked up, no person on them, traffic all stopped, the folks are still here. [in margin] Cold 29 Cold day, some people have been shovelling on the roads and some teams have passed through. [in margin] cold 30 Quite sharp this forenoon, keen frost and a slight snowfall, quite a few teams are getting out today, the afternoon fine. [in margin] cold 31 Sharp day, Freezing keen. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, done some business. Willied hauled a load of logs. [in margin] cold Feb[ruary 1895] 1st Very sharp morning, the day pretty cold all through. Last night was a very Sharp frost, nothing like it this winter. Willie hauled logs. The folks left for home this morning. I went to Dundalk. 2 Sharp, cold day from morning till night. Willie hauled saw logs. [in margin] cold 3rd Sabbath. Cold and drifting some. A stranger stopped here all night, said his name was Smith and that he was above Owen Sound, looking [for] work in the lumber shanties, and could not get any. Said he was going back again to his home in Fergus. Was about 29 years of age, 135 lbs. in weight, about 5 ft. 8 in. high. Brown hair, grey eyes, wore a moustash. [in margin] cold 4 Cold day, drifting some. Willie hauled logs. The Township Auditors, Neil McDonald & Alex Gillespie, audited my Books. Found them correct. [in margin] cold / Township auditors here <p. 146> February 1895 5th Extremely Sharp day all through. Willie hauled logs. Mrs. R. went in the morning to Johney’s. Mr. R. N. Henderson of Flesherton called in the eavning on Business. [in margin] Very cold 6 Extremely cold day from morning till night. Willie went in the afternoon to haul a load of saw logs. Mrs. R. went to Joe’s in the afternoon. R. Arnold called at night. [in margin] Very cold 7 Very cold day, hard Freeze and strong wind. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. [in margin] Very cold 8 Very cold day, strong wind and sharp Frost. I think the coldest day for season. [in margin] Very cold 9 Very cold day, strong wind in the afternoon and keen freeze all day. [in margin] Very cold 10 Sabbath. Something milder but cold enough yet. 11 Mild but a great quantity of snow on the roads. The C.P.R. has been blocked up since the 8th inst. One train went south on that day and I heard another going north today. Jim went to Toronto on the 5th. We have not heard from him yet. I must go this afternoon and find out if possible why he has not come home. 12 Milder than yesterday, still, cold enough. Quite a quantity of snow on the ground. Jim came home yesterday. Had been storm bound with snow drifts on the Railway between here and Toron- to. Delayed him three days past his time. [in margin] Willie cut feed / Hay <p. 147> February 1895 13 Rather mild compared with the past days. Colder in the afternoon, quite sharp at night. �491 14 Pretty mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Willie went to To- ronto. 15 Mild day, sunshine all day long. Mrs. R. and I went to Mr. Arnold’s at night. 16 Bright and sunny most of the day, water on the streets of Dundalk where the sun shone. I attended a Council meeting held in Dundalk. 17th Sabbath. Dark day, but not very cold. Johney and Ina, Mr. S[keffington] Bell and wife were here. 18 Dark day, a little snow fell, the wind strong and the snow drifting some. Neil McAulay came here and renewed his note. Snow storm in the afternoon, Blowing & drifting. 19 Some snow through the day, cloudy and pretty mild. Willie and I hauled three loads of straw for bedding from the Arnold Lot. 20 Pretty fine day until the afternoon when there came on a fierce wind and snow storm. Big blow all through the night, the Roads have drifted very badly, filled right up. Jim paid Rob. Arnold his rent of $120.00 21 Stormy day, snowing and Blowing at a great rate. Only seen one team on the road this afternoon. J. Agnew and A. Walker are here, storm bound, their teams are at Jim’s. Lucky, is it not? <p. 148> February 1895 22nd Mild day but the roads are very heavy and drifted full. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and sent to the Canadian Bank of Commerce, Toronto, $597.85, being the 12th drainage Deb[en]t[ure] of School Section 1. In the forenoon Willie and I hauled a very small load of straw from the Arnold Lot. 23 Dark day and pretty cold, a little snow fell now and then. Willie helped Jim to clean oats on the Arnold place in the forenoon and went to the Skating Rink in Dundalk in the afternoon. Johney Newman also helped him at his oats. 24th Sabbath. Fine in the forenoon, the afternoon stormy and very stormy at night. Blowing and Snow- ing, the Roads filled right up. I went to Brother Sam’s. Willie Brought Brother John’s Nancy here from Son Johney’s. Jim Patterson, Jnr. was here. 25 A little calmer in the forenoon, the afternoon Stormy, Blowing and snowing. Jim’s wife has diptheria. Dr. Mitchell was to see her. The three children are here to avoid taking it. 26 Fine morning but a little cold. I copied a list of Defaulters from Collector’s List into the Default- ers book. 27 Fine, mild day, sunny in the forenoon and slightely wet in the afternoon. I went to Johney’s and then to Sam’s new lot. Sam and his son Johney are hauling stove wood to the Melancthon School at .70¢ per cord. <p. 149> February 1895 28th Slightely wet this morning, the day inclined to thaw, though not very rapidly. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and sent by Registered letter $42.00 to Osler & Hammond, Toronto. I helped Jim to clean oats in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw March [1895] 1st Thawing this forenoon, but the thaw ceased about noon, and it then began to freeze. The latter part of the afternoon was Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I helped Jim clean oats on the Arnold place and also fixed up the tailings for him in the afternoon. The cleaners on about 500 Bushels choked up the Riddles so that a great part of the good oats ran over and the tailings will all have to be cleaned over. [in margin] Thaw / Rough / Storm in the afternoon �492 2 Pretty cold mostly all day. I helped Jim clean oats in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Brother John and wife came here this afternoon. Jim bought A. Trugon’s Lot 221, 1st Con., Melancthon, 50 acres* for $616.00. [in margin] Brother John / & wife here. [*across the road (Gravel) from, and close to, Robert’s house on NW corner of Lot 220, and Jim’s Lots 215, 215, and rented 217, 218, and 219, 1st. Con., Proton] 3 Sabbath. Pretty rough all day. Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Sam and Phebe came here in the af- ternoon. J. Patterson, Jnr., also was here. John and wife left with Sam. [in margin] Sam & / Phe- be here /[written above this, in red] Phebe’s / last visit here* [*a retrospective editorial note, writ- ten after Phoebe’s death; see 10 June 1895] 4 Pretty rough morning, the day very stormy and increased in cold and violence towards evening. Willie and I finished cleaning up Jim’s oats on the Arnold Lot. Got out of the tailings about 100 Bushels. [in margin] Stormy 5 A little milder than yesterday, but the afternoon was rough, snowing and Blowing. I helped Jim fill up two loads of oats. Willie was at P. Conners’ wood Bee. <p. 150> March 1895 6th Cold day all through, snowing some and Blowing with a very sharp, keen freeze. Brother John and wife started for home this morning. Willie went to Melancthon to begin operations on the lot which he has got from Brother Sam in trade. The trade stands thus: Sam values his Farm at $1800.00 and Willie his lot 37 on the 4th at $1500. and gets the difference in money. [in margin] Jim’s boy Vern / has got diptheria 7 Pretty rough in the forenoon, the afternoon milder. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 8 Snowing and Blowing some, the snow of a soft consistency, almost like a thaw. I helped Jim to fill up the Balance of his oats on the Arnold Lot. He has 907 Bushels and is getting .31 cents per Bushel for them in Dundalk. 9 Sharp morning, but calm, with a clear sky and Bright sun. The day got overcast and quite a snow storm with a big blow came on. Willie and I hauled home about 80 Bushels of tailings in the fore- noon for cow feed. Then he went to a wood bee at his uncle Sam’s. The diptheria has got worse on Jim’s Vern and he went to Dundalk about four hours ago to get Dr. McWilliams. I think he was not at home as I seen Dr. Martin go towards Jim’s. 10th Sabbath. Fine day. Bright and sunny, but the Roads are very heavy. <p. 151> March 1895 11th Fine, Bright, sunny day with a rather sharp air, pleasant enough, though. 12 Fine day, mild and without storm. I went to Dundalk, came home, then went to Sam’s. 13 Mild day, quite soft like all day till night came on, when it began to Storm and freeze. A very cold night. 14 Very cold day, quite a severe frost this morning. Was as cold, I think, as any during winter. I went to Dundalk, went to see Joe Bowerman who is quite sick, dangerous ill, I think. [in margin] Very cold 15 Fine day, mild and without storm. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon to see Johney who is sick with Bronchitis and La grippe. 16 Pretty cold morning, the day sharp all through. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Got home at 10 P.M. �493 17th Sabbath. Sharp morning, the day cold although a good deal of Sunshine. Kept Jim’s two children while their Grandmother went to Dundalk to See Joe Bowerman. I went to See Brother Sam’s Johney, who has got Inflamation of the lungs, in the eavning. 18 Bright and sunny, but a very sharp cold day. I went to Sam’s and sat up all night with Johney, his 13 year old son who is very sick with Inflamation of the lungs. 19 Bright and cold. Came home this morning, Slept most all day. <p. 152> March 1895 20th Fine sunny day but a sharp air. I went to Brother Sam’s, sat up all night with Johney. I think he is mending as he slept well. 21 Bright sunny morning, the day fine but sharp. Slept a while in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon to See Joe, who is very low, I think. 22 Bright and Sunny, quite spring like, a very pleasant day. I helped Willie put on a load of hay then went in the afternoon to Dundalk on some business. 23 Fine day with a rather strong, cold wind. Mrs. R. has went to Dundalk with cutter. I wrote out my Will. It’s not witnessed yet. [in margin] Made / Will 24th Sabbath. Fine day, Sunny and warm. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to see Joe. Johney, Ina and P. Conners here. 25 Fine day, a little cool in the morning, the afternoon sunny, the snow softening. Willie took Clark’s stove out to his shanty. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to See Joe. 26 Quite a change in the weather this day, stormy, snowing, Blowing and pretty cold. Willie made a move for his new home. [in margin] Willie / moved / From here 27 Rough in the forenoon, Blowing and snowing, the afternoon milder, calm and sunny about 6 P.M. Willie was here with a trunk for some of his clothes. 28 Pretty cold forenoon, the afternoon milder with some sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. <p. 153> March 1895 29 Pretty fine, some sunshine, the afternoon a little cold. John Arnold, Miss Maria Maxwell and Bob Maxwell were here at night. 30 Mild day with sunshine, the snow melted some. I took the two pigs which I had to Jim’s in his sleigh and Johney Newman and I Butchered them there. They were seven months old less one week. One weighed 119 lbs and the other 126 lbs. They cost me for shots and pease alone $10.35 besides a good quantity of potatoes which I fed them. Got the pigs when they were 5 weeks old as a present from brother Sam. Sold one to Bob Arnold for $5.75 per 100 lbs. No profit in them. Willie and Ina were here this afternoon. 31st Sabbath. Pretty cold with a sleet and snowfall at night. Mrs. R. went to See Joe. April [1895] 1st Snowing this forenoon, the snow ceased and the afternoon was mild and cloudy. 2 Fine, sunny day, but a chilly air. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought some postage, cards, etc. 3 Pretty mild day, slightely thawing. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. I was alone all night. 4 A very slight wasting of the snow but in Dundalk there was water on the streets. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. <p. 154> April 1895 �494 5th Mild day, thawing quite a bit with a slight shower of Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went tonight to sit up with Joe Bowerman. 6 Raining this morning, continued slightely wet during the forenoon, the afternoon dry, cloudy and cold with a strong wind. The Proton Assessor (Tom McAulay) was here and assessed Jim and I as joint owners for Lots 215, 216 & pt Lot 220. 215 50 acres, 44 cleared Value $800.00 216 50 acres, 10 cleared Value $150.00 N.W. pt. 220 1 acre Value $100.00 $1050.00 I was to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Rain / Assessor here 7th Sabbath. Slightely wet all day. [in margin] Rain 8 Rain during most of the day, the snow is going pretty well, but slowly. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I fixed the feeding manger for the cows in the forenoon. [in margin] Rain 9 Fine morning, the day mild and the [snow] thawing rapidly. The afternoon got cold and there was quite a frost at night. Mrs. R. and I went a while at night to Mr. J. Arnold’s. 10 Cold morning, the day pretty chilly. The sun shone out in the afternoon and the snow softened some. I went to Sam’s in the afternoon and from there to Davidson’s Lot. Walked there and home again. Pretty tired as the roads are bad. 11 Cold in the forenoon, the afternoon a little milder, the snow melted a little. In the afternoon I went to Dundalk. <p. 155> April 1895 12th Cool and Cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Jim sold his Black horses for $160.00. They were a matched span, 4 years old. Fine, lofty driving horses. 13 Dark and Cloudy but the snow is going, though slowly. I worked at the Township Accounts. 14th Sabbath. Cold wind, still, the snow melted some. R. Arnold and wife and wife’s sister were here, also Mrs. Jim Russell and her Mother Mrs. McLaughlin. Mrs. McLaughlin stopped all night. 15 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling, but what fell had all gone about noon. Mrs. McLauglin and her son Samuel are here. 16 Cloudy, cool day, the snow is going, but slowly. Jim Bought a span of horses for $70.00, one horse 6 years old, the other 10 years. They are good like horses. Thos. McCauley, Township as- sessor was here. I gave him an order on the Dundalk Bank for $35.00, part pay as assessor. 17 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. I went to Sam’s to the Davidson farm, helped him cut about a cord of stove wood. [in margin] Seen Robin / Heard Frogs 18 Fine day, sunny, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. John Maxwell and his sister Mariah was here a while at night. <p. 156> April 1895 19th Dry, sunny and warm, very spring like day, the snow is disappearing fast. I split some stove wood at the house. 20 Dry, Bright and warm. I split stove wood at the house. Jim’s Arlie and the Baby were brought here today as his boy Vern has taken diptheria again. 21st Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. 22 A Slight frost this morning, the day bright in the forenoon, cloudy in the afternoon with rain about 7 P.M. I split stove wood at the house, finished my pile, I think there was about seven cords. I wrote out a lease between Mrs. Ida Bowerman and James Lack on Lots 298, 299 & 230,* Second �495 Con., Melancthon, rent & taxes. Rent $75.00, taxes as levied. Jim Russell started plowing. Quite a shower of snow this night. [in margin] Jim began / plowing. [*slightly blurred, and blotting, ink, but clearly 230; it likely should be Lot 250, since Ida’s address is later referred to as Cor- betton; Lot 230 would be in Dundalk village, while Lots 250, 298, 299 are on the Backline, and Lot 250 is north of Corbetton, while Lots 298, 299 are south of the Melancthon village crossroad, close to Shelburne.] 23 Cool morning, the day cool, clear and windy. I took the manure off the potatoe pit and opened it. The[y] seem to be sound and safe. [in margin] David Stewart, 52 y[ears of] age / School Teacher for about / 37 years died at his / Home Shrigley* / Found him dead in Bed in the morning. [*see 10 March 1894] 24 Cool in the forenoon and cloudy with a pretty strong wind, the afternoon sunny and warm. I fixed around the cows’ enclosure and sowed two papers of Cabbage seed. Mary took the children home. The snow has all disappeared except a little in some fence corners. [in margin] Sowed Cabbage / Seed 25 Fine day all through, Sunny, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, started to do some digging in the garden in the afternoon. Jim sowed oats. <p. 157> April 1895 26th Very fine springlike day, Sunny and warm. I held the plow for Jim in the forenoon and in the af- ternoon dug in the garden at home. 27 A little cool this morning, but the day got warm towards noon, a fine day for plowing. I dug in the garden all day and very hard work it is. 28th Sabbath. Beautiful day, warm and fine. [in margin, meaning unknown] P. B. D. 39 29 Very fine day, mild and Balmy. I dug in the garden in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s to plant some onions for Willie. 30 Fine day. I worked some in the garden. [in margin] Sowed garden / seed May [1895] 1st Splendid day, beautiful and Bright. I planted Some potatoes (a pail full) in the garden, also sowed carrot, parsnip, Radish and Beet seed. 2 Very nice sunny day, pretty hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 3 Fine day all through, very slight shower of rain in the forenoon. I got three fruit trees From Brown Brothers Continental Nurseries, paid $2.00 for them: 1 Bartlett pear, 1 Clapps Favourite, & 1 Yel- low Egg Plum. Mr. Kenneth of Proton delivered them. I planted them out at the S. E. end of the dwelling house. The plum tree in the middle. Walter Bell and wife were here in the afternoon. He Bought Eight Bags and 46 pounds of Potatoes from me at .50 Cents per Bag. The potatoes were splendid and named ninety-nines. [in margin] Set out / Fruit trees <p. 158> May 1895 4th Dry and very warm. I took out the two year old colt to Johney’s to pasture. It lead very well. Then I went to Dundalk in the afternoon to get a suit of clothes fitted. Willie and S. Davi[d]s[on] were here all night. [in margin] 1st cow calved / Blackey / Seen swallows 5th Sabbath. Very warm day. Johney and Ina were here, also Miss S. Davi[d]s[on] & Willie. 6 Sultry day with considerable thunder and lightening going around, a slight rain here about 5 P.M. 7 Very fine day with a little thunder and Lightening and Rain in the afternoon. 8 Cool and Cloudy in the morning, the afternoon Bright and warm. Mrs. R. and I were at the Mar- riage of Miss Ellie Arnold to Mr. James Oliver Newton of Creemore. The wedding took place on �496 Lot 218, Gravel Road, Proton. Rev. —Harrison, Presbyterian Minister, officiated. [in margin] Miss E. Arnold / Married 9 Fine day, very warm, the sky a little cloudy but the sun very strong. I done some Township writ- ing in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot 10 Very warm and sultry, oppresively so. [in margin] Hot 11 Cloudy and cooler, slightely wet in the forenoon. Thunder and lightening and pretty heavy Rain in the afternoon. Splendid growth, nothing like it any spring that I remember. <p. 159> May 1895 12th Sabbath. The Ground covered with Snow, and quite hard with Frost, a very cold day, freezing all the time, the leaves on the trees are quite Black, killed with the frost. The grass and clover appear to be killed, nothing like it for this time of the year that I remember. [in margin] Frost and / Snow 13 The Ground so hard Frozen that stubble land could not be plowed till about noon. The day very cold, every kind of vegetation has suffered with the frost. I plowed in a piece of sod for Jim a while in the afternoon. [in margin] Hard Frost 14 The Ground white with snow, and snow fell during most of the day and there is snow now (7 P.M.) lying in the fence corners and around the north of Buildings. I went to help Sam hunt up six head of young cattle which he had lost. He got them himself about three miles from home. This is a very cold, dark wintry day. [in margin] Snow 15 Cold morning, hard frost, the day chilly, freezing now (7 P.M.). Got two spring pigs from J. Brinkman, 4 weeks old at $2.00 each. They got out of the pen in the afternoon and we had a big chase to capture them. John Arnold, Miss Mariah Maxwell, Mrs. R., Johny Moore and I were all after them. Mrs. R. Arnold was here in the afternoon. [in margin] Hard Frost / this morning 16 Hard frost this morning, the day sunny, cold and Bright. I went to Dundalk, Bought a Horse poke* for .70¢, took it out to Johney’s to put on my colt. Ina drove Mrs. R. and I home in the Buggy. [in margin] Frost [*device to prevent a horse jumping fences] 17 Frost this morning, the day cold and cloudy. Bleak and drear like. [in margin] Frost <p. 160> May 1895 18th Drizzling Rain this forenoon, pretty heavy rain during the afternoon, cold and disagreeable. [in margin] Frost 19th Sabbath. Cloudy and cold all day. Frost this morning, with a shower of snow at night. I went to Brother Sam’s in Osprey. It’s a long walk. Phoebe is not well. I went to the Methodist Church with Sam. [in margin] Frost 20 Hard Frost this morning and the ground covered with snow, the day cold and cloudy. Mrs. R. went to See Phoebe. [in margin] Frost / and snow 21 Very hard Frost this morning, the day cold but clear. Ice kept on the water in a tub beside the house all day. Such extremely Frosty weather I have never seen at this Season of the year. The crops must be badly injured, the grain that was up looks as if a Fire had passed over it, the leaves on the Fruit trees and on other trees are blackened and scorched like. The ground was so hard this morning that it could hardly be plowed. I Ruled off a Book For Keeping the milk accounts in. George Rutherford was here a while at night. [in margin] Hard Frost / [in red] Red letter day 22 Fine day, bright and sunny. I washed and oiled the light harness and after I was done I carried in to the drive house Eleven Bushels of potatoes out of the pit. �497 23 Bright and warm. I Brought in the remainder of the potatoes out of the pit. I had put away 60 Bushels in the fall and I took out about the same. There was none spoiled. I cut three Bushels for seed. [in margin] cows to R. Arnold’s / pasture in the / afternoon <p. 161> May 1895 24th Dry and warm, Bright sun and fine day. I cut six Bushels of seed potatoes in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] got paper / From / Toronto 25 Fine day, dry and warm. I went to Flesherton to see Dr. Christoe, got a ride with Robt. Faucett most of the way there and back. Got home about 2 P.M., then walked to Dundalk and back. Got home at 5 P.M. 26 Sabbath. Cool and dark with heavy rains, some thunder and lightening last night and this night. 27 Cold mizzly sort of day. I helped to look up a colt of Johney’s that had strayed from Jim’s. Jim got it back in the Bush. Willie got Seven Bags of potatoes from me, two of them were for Johney. 28 Fine day, dry and warm. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home that night. 29 Fine day, very sultry. I cut potatoes for Jim in the forenoon and went to Johney’s in the afternoon. 30 Fine day, dry and sultry with every appearance of a thunder Storm, but it passed over. Planted potatoes (9 Bushels of ninety-nines). Willie and Johney helped me. They put out three loads of manure, then we started to plant. Willie plowed them in, Johney and I dropped. Just turned the ground over on the seed without having it plowed before. Gave them one stroke of the Harrows after planting. Began at about 10 A.M. and finished about 6 P.M. Ina and Miss Bowerman were here. [in margin] planted potatoes <p. 162> May 1895 31st Bright, Sunny day and very warm. I helped to weigh with the stockyards ½ ton of hay which I bought from Jas. Mills @ $7.00 per ton. Went to Dundalk after and got home in time to help in with the hay. June [1895] 1st Bright sunny day and hot. I worked all day at the Milk sheets and Balancing the accounts with the money which I paid out at last C[heese] Meeting. Brother Sam called in the afternoon. 2nd Sabbath. Bright sunny day and very warm. I walked out to Brother Sam’s in Osprey. Sam’s wife Phoebe is sick. Poor Phoebe. I hope she will soon get well again. Her little family would badly miss her. 3 Dry and pretty warm. I entered Township orders in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon, intending to visit the show. I did not get in. Mrs. R. went in. [in margin] our first milk / sent to Factory 4 Dry, warm and windy. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. Stopped till the evening. Ina Brought us home in the Buggy. 5 Cool and cloudy, a slight sprinkling of Rain fell during the forenoon. I fixed pig yard in the fore- noon and in the afternoon worked at the milk accounts. 6 Dry but very cold. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon attended a meeting of the patrons of Cheese factory in Dundalk. Also sent a post office money order on Al- pen to Clark, to Hillman P. O. for $100.00. [in margin] letter to Clark <p. 163> June 1895 7th Bright and sunny, pretty warm. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Wesley Lonsway’s Raising of a Barn. [in margin] Frost this morning �498 8 Bright sunny day and pretty hot, especially in the afternoon. The sky is very hazy towards the horizon indicating great heat. 9th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Joe and Ina were here. 10 Dry and hot but a day ever to be remembered with sorrow and grief, Because on this day one of the best of mothers and kindest of wives passed away. Poor Phebe, Brother Sam’s wife died today about 11 O’clock A.M. She had been ailing since winter with a cold which she contracted while nursing and caring for two of her family who were down sick with inflamation of the lungs. It gave her considerable trouble and when she moved to her new home in Osprey the cough still clung to her but the Docter gave her some medicine which helped her and she thought that after her confinement she would be well again. She gave birth to a male child but only lived about half an hour after, when she breathed her last. The Docter was with her a few minutes after the child was born but could not help her. Darling Phebe was a Queen among women, a Better wife or mother could not be found. Poor Brother Sam and his little Family are distracted with grief. Alas, Alas, how we will miss her kindly smile and gentle words in our journey through life. [in margin] Darling Phebe / Died <p. 164> June 1895 11th Dry, hot and very dusty. We Buried Phebe in Maple Grove Cemetary, Dundalk, today at 3 O’clock P.M. The funeral left her late residence in the Township of Osprey and with sad and tear- stained faces, the Friends and neighbours accompanied the remains of the Beautiful and true wom- an to Dundalk Cemetary where she now rests to the dread trumpet calls the departed to life. The immortal soul of Phebe is with the Angels in Heaven. We may weep for her but all our sorrow will avail nothing. She is lost to the world and to us. She had a very large Funeral, I think about a mile in length. Phebe was the Daughter of Abraham and Hannah Jackson of the Township of Melancthon, was 39 Years of age, married my Brother Sam when she was about 18 years of age. She was the mother of Ten living children, Six Boys and Four Girls. The eldest, a girl, Madella, is about 19 years of age, the youngest is the Baby. May God Bless and comfort poor Brother Sam and his family in this their hour of dark distress. <p. 165> June 1895 12th Fine day, warm and mostly dry, some showers going around. I went to Dundalk and helped to ship our cheese. 13 Dry and warm. Brother John and wife who were up at the funeral went home. I went to Sam’s and stopped with him till the evening. 14 Dry and warm. I worked all day at making up milk accounts to pay the patrons their portions of money. 15 Dry and pretty warm. I worked at the milk Books till noon, when I had them in shape for pay- ment. Wrote some letters in the afternoon then went to Dundalk and posted them. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. William / Elzey P. O. Ind. Territory / U. S. / Letter to Sarah / New Lowell 16th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Jim and I went to Sam’s. 17 Dry and hot. I attended Council meeting at Proton Station. 18 Dry and hot. I worked at the milk accounts. 19 Dry, cloudy and warm. I entered Township vouchers in the Cash Book, then added up the milk sheets and entered them in Book. Ida came here this afternoon. 20 Dry, dusty and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of Cheese Factory. �499 21 Very warm, dusty and dry. I entered cheese accounts in the Forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Posted & Registered for Sam a letter containing two postage money orders $100.00 & $1.25 to Casper Wideman, Gormley P. O.* [* now in York Region, south of Aurora, Newmarket, north of Toronto] <p. 166> June 1895 22nd Fine morning, the day dry till about 3 P.M. when there were a few showers of Rain passed around. I went to Sam’s. Willie Brought me two sucking pigs to raise a while for him. The rain must have done a great deal of good as it was much needed. 23rd Sabbath. Pretty warm and dry. We went in the afternoon to the Union Church to hear Phebe’s Funeral sermon preached. The Church was crowded. The Rev. Mr. Campbell, Methodist minis- ter, officiated. So endeth the last Chapter in the ceremoneys of the best of women, Phebe Russell. 24 Slightely wet [in] the forenoon, the afternoon dry and warm. I went with Sam in the afternoon to Dundalk. [in margin] Set out / cabbage / plants 25 Dry and hot. I done Statute labor. 26 Dry, Cloudy and hot in the forenoon, Thunder Storm about 2:30 P.M., heavy rain and terrific wind while it lasted. The Rain ran in torrents down the slopes, the wind blew down lots of fences and a Hotel Driving Shed in Dundalk. Upset Eighty Rods of new Straight fence which Jim had put up on Lot 221, First Range, Melancthon. The Rain was badly needed, but not the wind. [in margin] Rain and / wind storm 27 Dry and Cool. I helped Jim to put up his Fence in Melancthon Lot which had been blown down with the wind. I was in Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 167> June 1895 28th Dry in the morning, a pretty good rain came on about 10 A.M.. I worked at the Factory accounts and helped Jim in the afternoon with his blown down fence. 29 Dry and pretty warm. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and went to Sam’s in the af- ternoon. 30th Sabbath. Dry and cool. I was at Sam’s. July [1895] 1st Dry and cool. I hoed potatoes. 2 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk to ship Cheese. The Buyer did not show up so they were not shipped. Came home and hoed potatoes. [in margin] Got pension 3 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes. 4 Dry and hot. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 5 Dry and hot, cloudy in the afternoon, very much like a thunder storm but there was none. I worked at the milk sheets. 6 Dry and hot. I worked at the Townhip Books in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the after- noon to attend a meeting of the Board of Cheese Factory to investigate some complaints against the Milk Drawers. 7th Sabbath. Very hot and sultry, cloudy in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot 8 Hot, with a slight rain in the eavning. I hoed potatoes. Second time. [in margin] Hot <p. 168> July 1895 9th Very cold this morning, a trifle warmer through the day. I hoed potatoes till about 4 P.M. when Bob Agnew, Teacher, came here. He stopped till night then went home with Jim. �500 10 Chilly morning, but the sun shone out bright, the day dry, clear and warm. A frost last night that injured some potatoes. I made out ½ yearly financial statement for the Township. Finished hoe- ing potatoes and went to Br. Sam’s in the eavning. He drove me home. [in margin] Frost 11 Frost this morning, doing some harm to the potatoes. I added up the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and helped to ship 143 Boxes of Cheese which we sold for .7 3/8 ct. per pound. 12 A slight rain in the morning, gentle showers during the day. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and went to the celebration in Dundalk in the afternoon.* [*Orange parade, etc.] 13 Cool and cloudy. I cleaned out watering place for the cattle in the forenoon, went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Came home and paris-greened the potatoes. Put about a heaped teaspoon full to a pail of water. [in margin] Greened / potatoes 14th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. 15 Dry and cool in the forenoon, a shower of rain in the afternoon. I attended Council meeting at Bell’s Corners. 16 Dry and sultry. Left Bell’s Corners in the morning, came to Johney’s with his horse and buggie which I had borrowed. Got there at 12:30 P.M., then came home. <p. 169> July 1895 17th Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got the milk can fixed. 18 Dry and pretty warm. I worked all day at posting Twp orders, then went in the eavning to Dun- dalk for my mail. 19 Cloudy and sultry with a few drops of Rain. I worked all day and to 11 O’clock at night making out the milk accounts For payment on tomorrow. 20 Dry and hot, cloudy, almost like a thunder storm. I worked at making out the pay sheets in the Forenoon. Also Paris-greened the potatoes in the forenoon, and went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the Patrons. 21st Sabbath. Grand Rain mostly all day. It [dittog.: it] will do an immense amount of good as the grain and grass are scorched up on account of the exceedingly dry weather which has prevailed for near- ly two months. 22 Dry and warm. I entered the payments which I had made last Saturday to the patrons. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon, helped to Ship 160 Boxes of cheese which we had sold for 7 3/4 cents per pound. 23 Dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, deposited the cheese money in the Bank. Came home and cut some grass on Jim’s Lot and also picked some on this acre with the scythe. The grass is so poor that plenty of the ground can’t be mowed. <p. 170> July 1895 24th Dry and warm till about 7 P.M. when there came on a slight rain. I helped Jim to haul in some hay. The hay is a very poor crop. On about 2½ acres on his Melancthon Lot he had only one good big load, about 25 hundred, I would think. 25 Dry till about 1:50 P.M. when there came on a slight rain with some hail, thunder and lightening. I worked at the milk accounts. 26 Dry and fine, I worked this forenoon at the milk accounts and in the afternoon went to Dundalk, renewed my subscription for the Weekly Globe. Mrs. Bowerman was here. Johney and Jim went to Markdale and bought some cattle (17). Two year olds for five dollars, cows for $12.00 each. The feed up there is so scarce that the owners were obliged to sell. [in margin] Renewed / Globe �501 27 Wet morning. Rain fell most of the night, much needed. The day dry and cool. Brother Sam called here on his way to Dundalk. 28th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and pretty warm. 29 Fine most of the day. Rain came on about 3 P.M. and there was a good deal fell also during the night. I went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon and stopped all night. 30 Very cold, raw day, cloudy. I entered some accounts. 31 Cold, raw day, windy. Rain in the afternoon. I entered some Township accounts. Madella came here in the afternoon and Willie called for her on his way home. <p. 171> August 1895 1st Cool day with a slight rain at night. I went to Dundalk to ship cheese. Did not send them off, only Boxed them. 2 Cool day. Went in the forenoon to ship cheese. Did not send them away as the purchaser did not send us the price of them. 3 Fine day, pretty sultry in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and in the af- ternoon went to Dundalk and shipped cheese. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. 4th Sabbath. Dry, with Rain on the previous night. 5 Dry mostly all day. I prepaired the milk accounts for payment. 6 Showery, mostly dry. I prepared the milk accounts for Wednesday payment. 7 Showery. Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of the Cheese factory for 4 W[ee]ks milk. 8 Dry day. I went to Dundalk both morning and eavning. Deposited in Bank $119.25, Stock hold- ers’ money. Also sent $5.00 and $28.00 to Trs. of Sch. Sect. 9 Union and School Sect. No. 9. 9 Dry and very sultry in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets. 10 Dry and sultry, very heavy Rain previous night with thunder and Lightening. The ground seems to be dampened pretty well at present. <p. 172> August 1895 11th Sabbath. Dry and sultry. Ida, Joe, Johney and Ina called in the afternoon. 12 Dry and warm with quite a brisk wind in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s. 13 Dry and fine. I went in the forenoon to Dundalk to consult the Docter. I have Malaria Fever, summer complaint and Billiousness. I am pretty sick. 14 Dry and fine. I am still ailing with the complicated sickness. The Docter was to see me this after- noon. 15 Dry and fine. The Sickness is not quite so Bad. Dr. Martin was to see me. 16 Dry and fine. I am better mostly but so very weak that I can scarcely walk. The Dr. was to see me, also Mr. John Arnold called to see me. [in margin] E. Blakely / Died 17 Fine day. During the afternoon, dry and pretty warm. The latter part of the afternoon was wet with thunder and lightening, quite a downfall of Rain. Ephraim Blakely, a young man of about 28 years of age, Brother to John Blakely, Blacksmith of Dundalk, died yesterday in John Blakely’s of Cancer. He had been ailing for quite a long time. His remains were taken this afternoon to Flesh- erton Burying Ground. There were I think about 40 Rigs passed here. The young, the old, all must go at the call of the Grim Room[?] of terrors. <p. 173> August 1895 �502 18th Sabbath. Dry and Cloudy, cool in the afternoon. Joe and Ida were here, had been overnight. Johney and Ina, Willie and Johney McDowell and Jim’s two children were here. Brother Sam was here in the afternoon to see me. 19 Cool and cloudy. I went in the forenoon with Jim to Dundalk. Took out of the Bank $500.00 to defray Expenses of Council Meeting tomorrow. In the afternoon I worked at the milk sheets. 20 Cool morning, Frost in some places. Did not do much harm. Showery in the afternoon. I attend- ed Council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. 21 Cool this morning, the day Bright but chilly. Got home about 11 A.M. Settled up the orders which I had paid yesterday. Came out all right. 22 Cool and cloudy most of the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and shipped 97 Boxes of cheese @ 7 ½ ¢ per pound. 23 Dry and sultry till about 7 P.M. when there came on Rain with some thunder and Lightening. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got paid for the cheese. 24 Cloudy mostly all day, sultry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Came home with Sam and went to his place. Stopped all night. <p. 174> August 1895 25th Sabbath. Very misty morning but the sun shone out and the day was Bright and Clear. I was at Sam’s. 26 Fine day, dry and warm. I added up the milk sheets. Jim cut a small field of oats, this being his first harvesting this season. [in margin] Jim / cut / oats 27 Dry and warm. I wrote some letters on Township Business in the forenoon. 28 Dry and sultry, cloudy a good part of the day, looking very much like rain. 29 Slight shower early this morning, the rest of the day dry and pretty warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 30 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. I worked at the milk accounts. 31 A slight rain this forenoon, nothing of much account, cool and windy in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Sept[ember 1895] 1st Sabbath. Cool and dry, cold in the eavning. John & Ina, Joe & Ida, Mary & Arlie and Walter Bell were here a while in the eavning. 2 Frost this morning, the day dry and pretty warm. I helped Jim a while at his harvest, craddled around stone piles and tied up some. Made me tired. 3 Dry and Fine. Sam’s little Baby Boy of less than three months old died this forenoon. Little Baby is gone to meet its mother in Heaven. [in margin] Sam’s Baby / Died <p. 175> September 1895 4th Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. We were at the Burial of Broher Sam’s Baby, who was interred in Dundalk Cemetery. 5 Fine dry day, and warm. I entered Township orders in the Day Book and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 6 Dry and fine, sultry, cloudy in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets. 7 Dry and fine, cloudy in the afternoon. I helped Jim to haul in oats. Mr. James Cavanaugh, Town- ship Clerk of Proton, was here this afternoon. 8th Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry and fine. Joe and Ida were here. �503 9 Slightely wet both Forenoon and afternoon, not enough of rain to prevent people from hauling in in the middle of the day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [10 is missed, but 13 is repeated on p.176, so this should be 10, 11, 12] 11 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, helped load cheese, 105 boxes. 12 Fine day and very sultry. I went to Toronto on Township business. 13 A little cooler this morning. Thunder storm early in the morning, quite a rainfall. Visited the Ex- hibition in the afternoon, came home at night. The cars were filled full of passengers. Could scarcely get up the Caladon [=Caledon] mountain. There were two Engines drawing the train. <p. 176> September 1895 13th Cool morning, the day pretty cool. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 14 Cool, sunny and dry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and attended a meeting of the Cheese Factory. 15th Sabbath. Cool, Cloudy and dry. Jim and Family, Jim Patterson and his sister Mary and W. Russell were here. 16 Dry and fine. I worked at the milk sheets. 17 Dry and fine, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 18 Rain in the morning and through the night, the day was overcast and misty, a very fine Rain fall- ing. I worked at the milk accounts preparing for paying on next Saturday afternoon. 19 Slightely damp in the early part of the day. I worked at the milk accounts and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 20 Fine day, dry and very warm. I helped Brother Sam a little in the afternoon, Havesting on the Da- vidson place. 21 Very warm. I went to Dundalk and paid the Cheese factory people. 22 Sabbath. Very warm. Johney McDowell and Wm. H. Russell* were here in the afternoon. [*i.e. son Willie] <p. 177> September 1895 23rd Quite cool and very windy. I took the two year old colt which I had kept in the stable more than two months out to Willie’s to pasture. [in margin] Took colt / to Willie’s 24 Dry, clear and cool. I worked all day at posting up the payments to the factory which I had made on last Saturday, and a wearisome job it was. 25 Dry and cool, clear most of the day, but cloudy in the afternoon with heavy Rain. Thunder and Lightening about midnight. I entered milk statement and went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got two teeth drawn. Ida & Miss May Fields were here in the eavning. 26 Dry mostly all day, a slight shower of Rain late in the afternoon. Very strong wind. Mrs. R. went with Johney and took out provisions for Willie’s threshing on tomorrow. 27 Dry, cool morning, slightely wet about 1 P.M. The afterpart of the day dry. Mrs. R. is at Willie’s threshing and stopping all night. Jim’s boy milked our cows in the morning and Miss Mariah Maxwell milked them at night. 28 Very heavy frost this morning, the day dark and cold with a slight rain at night. Miss Maxwell milked our cows this morning. Mrs. R. got home in the eavning. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon. 29th Sabbath. Dry and cool. 30 Heavy frost in the morning, the day dry but chilly. <p. 178> �504 October 1895 1st Snow on the ground this morning, but soon disappeared, the day cold. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Jim threshed / Snow 2 Chilly morning, the day fine and dry with a good deal of sunshine. I helped Bob Arnold in the afternoon to Fire his fallow, which he had chopped. 3 Very fine day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 4 Beautiful day. We raised potaotes, 65 Bushels. Mrs. R. and I gathered most of them in the after- noon. Jim plowed them out, the[y] are a good crop. [in margin] Raised potatoes 5 Beautiful day. I covered the potatoe pits and gathered up 2 Bushels & Cleaned out the cellar. 6th Sabbath. Beautiful Day, Sunny and dry. 7 Lovely morning, the day got overcast about 10 A.M. Rain came on about noon, a little showery in the afternoon. Jim plowed out the remainder (23) rows of my potatoes. His Boy, George, helped me pick them up. We had about 55 Bushels, I think. This makes 120 in all, besides what we used since they were fit for raising. A good crop on about ½ an acre. Mr. Christopher Johnson was here at noon. [in margin] Finished Raising potatoes 8 Very cold morning, snowing some and freezing a good deal. Frequent skiffs of snow through the day, the day very cold, quite a change from the past fine days. 9 Cold and raw, but dry. I went to Brother Sam’s to see Madella who is sick with Maleria. 10 Cold and raw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 179> October 1895 11th Wet morning, the day showery, bad for Dundalk Show Fair. Jim’s wife is sick, under medical care. Something better in the afternoon. The Show at Dundalk was small on account of the wet. A good display of Grain, Roots, Fruit, etc. Small show of animals. Few people on the grounds. [in margin] Dundalk / Show Fair 12 Dark forenoon, a slight mizzle of Rain fell, the afternoon clear, windy and cold. I worked at the milk sheets. 13th Sabbath. Fine day, but a little cold. Willie, Johney, Ina, Ida, Joe & Miss Bowerman were here. 14 Dry and fine, but quite cold. I went to see Madella. She is getting better. Mrs. R. went with horse and buggy in afternoon. 15 Cold in the morning, the afternoon pretty warm with a good deal of sunshine. I picked and carried out of the pit 43 Bushels of potatoes, put them in cellar. 16 Wet through the day, [especially] in the afternoon. Mrs. Walter Bell was here in the eavning. 17 Cold and dry in the afternoon. Several showers of snow in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I stabled in the cows tonight for the first time this fall. [in margin] Cows / Stabled 18 Dry, cool and cloudy. G. McKennall [=McConnell?], Collector, was here and paid me as Twp. Treasurer $15.00. I went with Jim to Dundalk at night for to see the Doctor for him as he has been subject lately to spasms of pains or gripes, which sits hard on him. The Dr. gave him some medi- cine, & said it was indigestion. <p. 180> Oct[ober] 1895 19th Cold morning but dry. A snow storm came on about noon, frequent showers of snow in the after- noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to ship the cheese. They were not shipped. 20th Sabbath. Snow, Snow, nothing but Snow. The ground covered and plenty more falling. Very win- try like weather. [in margin] Snow �505 21 Cold this morning, the ground covered with snow and more falling, the day cold. 22 Milder this morning, the day mild. I went to Dundalk, helped ship the cheese, 333 Boxes, 23589 lbs., price 7 ½ & 8 cts. Total: $1840.63 23 Mild in comparison, the day fine. I put some more clay on my potatoe pits. 24 Something milder today, the sun shone out a good while. I was working at the milk accounts. 25 Mild day. I took up some carrots. 26 Mild day. I took up the cabbages and Beets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon to a meeting of the Trustees of the Cheese factory. 27th Sabbath. Fine in the Forenoon, the afternoon was wet. John & Ina, Joe & Ida, Nancy Russell and Miss A. Bowerman were here. 28 Stormy day from morning till night, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. I worked all day preparing the Cheese accounts for payment. Hard work it is. <p. 181> October 1895 29th Quite a wintry day, the ground covered with snow. I attended Proton Council meeting held in Dundalk. 30 Still wintry enough, the ground is snowed under. I was working at the milk accounts. 31 Quite wintry like, showers of snow in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the milk patrons their last cheese money for the season, all costs amounting to over $1855.00 Nov[ember 1895] 1st Cold day and dark. I was all day fixing up the paid accounts of patrons. 2 Fine day, snow melting, some of the Roads quite sloppy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 3rd Sabbath. Quite a bit of snow on the ground this morning, but melted through the day. I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Indian / Summer 4 Very fine day, just like Indian Summer. I picked and carried in to the cellar a pit of potatoes con- taining 40 Bushels. [in margin] Ind. Summer 5 Splendid day. Indian Summer to my way of thinking. I chored around in the forenoon and helped Jim a little while in the afternoon at his turnips. The snow is all gone. People are plowing or tak- ing up roots. [in margin] Indian / Summer 6 Fine day, dry and warm. I helped Jim at his turnips till about 3:30 P.M. when Reeve Corbett came for me to go with him to Dundalk to meet the Township Clerk to fix up some Debentures of S. Sect. No. 14. <p. 182> November 1895 7th Wet in the morning, dry and fine through the day. I went to Toronto on Township Business and stopped all night up Yonge Street at Bronskill’s Hotel. 8 Wet in the morning, dry in the middle of the day, and wet in the afternoon. I went this morning from the Hotel to see Mr. George Christopher Moore, a gentleman that I formerly knew. Stopped and had dinner with him, then left about 2 P.M. for the City and came home. Got to Dundalk about 10 P.M. The night was as dark as pitch. Borrowed a lamp from Mr. Thos. Lakings and came home. 9 Raining and sleeting all day, a very unpleasant day. I sent T. Laking’s lamp to him with John Gott. 10th Sabbath. Ground covered with snow, cold day. Joe and Ida were here. 11 Pretty mild, the snow melting. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and handed over to the Trustees of School Sect. No. 14, $700.00, amount of their debenture which I had sold for them in Toronto. �506 12 Mild day. Several people are plowing. I went to Johney’s and he hauled me home a load of stove wood. 13 Mild day. We put up a sett of new stove pipes. 14 Pretty mild, the snow all gone. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 183> November 1895 15th Mild day. I digged an open drain alongside of the garden to the Road to carry off the water in the spring. Ida was here. Willie also brought me a load of straw from his place. 16 Mild spring like day, especially in the afternoon. I put some mulching of rotted chips around the apple trees. G. McConnell, Collector was here and left me $247.00 17th Sabbath. Rather mild, with rain at night. 18 Fine day, especially in the afternoon. I went to R. J. Cornett’s* in the forenoon. [*owner, or for- mer owner, of the Cheese factory] 19 Mild day, a snow storm came on at night. 20 The Ground covered with snow this morning and more falling. A very stormy day, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing. I entered Township orders. Brother Sam was here at noon. 21 Cold wintry day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Met Son Clark, his wife with their girl Ba- by, coming home [from] the State of Michigan where the[y] had been for about three years. Joe & Ida were here this night. [in margin] Clark / & Mariah / came home 22 Pretty mild, a good deal of sunshine. I put in most of the day on the Cheese makers accounts, Straightening them out. 23 Mild day with quite a fall of snow in the afternoon. We Butchered two spring pigs. Jim and Clark helped. [in margin] Butchered / Hogs <p. 184> November 1895 24th Sabbath. Pretty mild day with quite a bit of snow on the ground. Johney and Ina called here. Wil- lie was here. 25 Snowing this morning, the snow turned to rain in the afternoon. The night was wet and very windy, blowing down a great deal of Fencing. Johney hauled me a load of firewood. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon cut up one of the pigs. 26 Very wild morning, the wind raging high, the snow has gone, a great deal of it thawed till after- noon when it began to Freeze. I cut up the other pig and salted both. G. McConnell was here and paid of Twp. Taxes $320.00 27 Mild day, the sun shone out Bright and melted the snow. I wrote out some pages of Twp. Finan- cial statement. [in margin] Willie married 28 Fine day, Bright and sunny. I wrote out some pages of Financial Statement, went to Dundalk in the afternoon and settled accounts with J. G. Patterson, Cheese Maker of Dundalk C[heese] Facto- ry. Willie with his Bride got home this night from Toronto where he had gone to be married to Miss Susan Davidson, a former resident of the Township of Osprey, daughter of William Da- vidson, deceased. There were present in our house this night Willie and his Bride, Johney and Ina, Jim and Mary, Clark and Mariah & their Baby, James Patterson and Brother John’s Nancy and Tom Oliver. 29 Very fine day, the snow melting but there came on a storm of snow at night. I did not do any writ- ing today. Had inflamed eye. 30 Fine day, fair sleighing. Worked at the Township Financial Statement. <p. 185> �507 December 1895 1st Sabbath. Pretty Fine day. Mrs. R. and [I] dined at Jim’s. 2 Stormy, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. I worked at the Financial Statement in the Forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. Came home from Johney’s. She had gone there on Sabbath night. 3 Pretty cold day, sharp frost. I worked at the Financial Statement. 4 Very cold day, Freezing very sharply. I finished The Financial Report for the Township untill after the 16th inst. when there will have to be some more entries. 5 Sharp day, Freezing keen in the forenoon, a little milder in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 6 A Cold day, sharp Frost. Fine sleighing at the present time. Willie and Sue called here. Mrs. R. went with them to Johney’s & stopped all night. 7 Softer, inclined to Rain in the afternoon. John McGrath and W. H. Jackson, auditors of Milk Books, officiated here and found my accounts correct. 8th Sabbath. Very sharp, cold day, Freezing keenly. 9 Very sharp day, cold but good sleighing. 10 Milder than yesterday. Johny brought me a small load of wood. Willie also hauled me a load of straw from his place. [in margin] load of / straw / & wood 11 Pretty mild day. Willie and Susan came for his potatoes, 27 Bushels, which I had in a pit for him. He also took home a cow which Jim had gave Sue. <p. 186> December 1895 12th Very cold day, the coldest by far which has been this winter. Brother John’s Nancy was here working on a dress for Mrs. R. She and Madella went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Very cold 13 Very cold morning, the day sharp all through. Jim, Johney & Willie hauled [dittog.: hauled] me two loads each of stove wood From Lot 31 Melancthon, about Eleven cords I think. I took into the cellar about 100 heads of Cabbage and 5 Bushels of carrots which I had in pits. [in margin] Got wood / Home 14 Milder than yesterday though cold enough. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got from Twp. Collector $1578.83 15th Sabbath. Fine day, mild. Willie and Susan were here. Mrs. R. went home with them. 16 Mild day, the snow softening. Mrs. R. Brought me Willie’s horse and Clark’s cutter. I went to Hopeville on Township Business. Got $2534.90 from Collector. Had taken $1810.10 out with me. I paid out $3628.91. Stopped at Hopeville all night. Came home next day. [in margin] Thaw 17 Mild day, the sun and wind chasing away the snow. It is going rapidly. I got home about 1:00 P.M. Straightened up my orders and cash, found I was light. [in margin] Thaw 18 Soft day, thaw wind, sleighing is about gone. I worked all day at the Financial Statement. First posted my orders in Twp. Books. [in margin] Thaw <p. 187> December 1895 19th Raining, the snow pretty much gone, the wheels are once more on the roads. I worked all day at the Financial Statement. Got finished in full at night. [in margin] Thaw 20 Mild day, quite sultry in the afternoon. I took the Finanical Statement to Dundalk to the printers. He said it was first class copy. The snow is all gone except in the fence corners where there is a little. The cattle are out in the fields picking what they can get. �508 21 Mild day, Raining in the afternoon, the cattle and sheep out in the fields. 22nd Sabbath. Quite mild, sultry in the afternoon. A slight mizzle of Rain in the eavning. 23 A little frost this morning, snow came on about 11 A.M. and is still (3.40 P.M.) falling. I split some stove wood. Clark helped. 24 Dark morning, a fall of sleety rain came on about noon. It is still falling. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 25 Fine mild day, the snow all gone, quite a bit of sunshine in the afternoon, very balmy. I seen sev- eral Dandelion Flowers today on the roadside opposite Brother Sam’s Lot in Osprey. I spent the day with Sam. Jim and Family, Johney and Ina, Clark and Family, Willie and Sue were here and Joe and Ida for a little while. The Roads are very Bad, mud to no end. <p. 188> December 1895 26th Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, a very cold day, exceeding Bad roads. I made out a Financial Statement for Dundalk Cheese Factory Annual Meeting. 27 Dark morning, the day dark but not cold, the roads very rough, mostly sleighs going, wheeling very bad. Mrs. R. went to Corbetton.* I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [*to visit Ida] 28 Bright day, sunny but sharp and cold, roads are still very rough. Mrs. R. got home from Cor- betton. 29th Sabbath. Mild day with some snow in the afternoon. 30 Snowing slightely all day, mild atmosphere. I went to Hopevlle to the nomination of Township Council. Came home that night. It was midnight when I got home. S. Rogers, Ex-Reeve, who is now running for the Reeveship, was very insulting in his address to the people, Blaming the pre- sent Council and officials for Bad management. Their management was good and Rogers told any amount of falsehoods. 31 Very stormy all day long, Blowing fiercely and snowing. The fiercest storm which has come dur- ing this winter, the Roads filling up. Drifts of snow piling up everywhere. There will be no get- ting along for some time till the Roads are shovelled out, which will not be of any road until the storm is over. The old year is going out and the new one is coming in. It has been a terrible year of sorrow. Phoebe the best of women, has gone to her loving home* and her family is desolate without her. [in margin] Stormy [[?=gone to her eternal home] <p. 189> January 1896 1st Stormy day, blowing and snowing. I fixed up some papers and accounts. [in margin] Stormy 2 Stormy, Blowing and snowing, Roads very badly drifted. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Stormy 3 Snowing and blowing, the roads badly blocked. This is the Fourth day of stormy weather in suc- cession. [in margin] Stormy 4 Very cold day, hard freezing. I think the coldest day which has come this winter. Bright sun in the afternoon. Willie came here this afternoon with his team, then he went to Jim’s for some things. [in margin] very cold 5th Sabbath. Extremely cold day, the keenest Frost of any day during the winter. [in margin] very cold 6 Very cold day all through. I went in the afternoon to the voting at John Allen’s. Stopped to help count the Ballots at the close of the poll. The two who ran for (Reeve), Mr. J. Corbett and Mr. S. Rogers were ties. The Twp. Clerk, Mr. Cavanaugh, who has the casting vote, I believe will give it for Mr. Corbett. [in margin] very cold �509 7 Cold day, sharp Frost. I attended the annual meeting of the Dundalk Cheese Factory in the after- noon. Was re-engaged as Sect. Treasurer, at $50.00 salary. [in margin] J. & W. / Hauled me / a load of / Straw 8 Cold hard Frost, sharp day. I done some writing for Cheese Factory to be printed. 9 Milder than yesterday, quite a pleasant day, a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 190> January 1896 10th Fine day, mild, quite a good bit of sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy and like a snow- fall. Joe and Ida called here going to Jim’s. I prepared my Books for the Twp. Auditors. 11 Fine day, mild but dark, without any sunshine. I made out Half-Yearly Financial Statement for next Council Meeting. G. McConnell, Collector of Rates, was here tonight and paid me $584.40, less $5.00. This $5.00 was a mistake in counting a five dollar bill as a ten. I have written to him, he will make it right. 12th Sabbath. Stormy, Blowing, Snowing & Freezing. 13 Pretty cold, Snowing some and Freezing. I went to Dundalk. 14 Mild day, not blowing or snowing, dark and Frosty. 15 Fine day, mild and without storm, pretty good sleighing, the roads being packed. 16 Mild day, almost like a thaw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Sent Letter / to Ireland 17 Fine day, mild, almost like a thaw. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. This is my 60th Birth-day. [in margin] My 60th Birthday 18 Fine day, mild, dark with a snowfall in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s at night. She will stop till tomorrow eavning. <p. 191> January 1896 19th Sabbath. Mild day. Roads very heavy. 20 Mild day, but a cold, damp, raw wind. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. 21 Mild day, dark and a heavy, cold atmosphere. I got home from Hopeville about 11 A.M. Straightened up my accounts in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went out to Willie’s with his horse which I had borrowed to go to Hopeville. 22 Mild day, but dark, with a thick, damp air. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. John Arnold of Lot 220 Melancthon & Miss Mariah Maxwell, his deceased wife’s sister’s daughter, were married this afternoon. Clark went to Attwood.* [in margin] J. Arnold / Married [*Perth County, ON, near Listowel and Elmira.] 23 Dark day, the Bushes and Rails covered over with Rhime. Rain and sleet in the afternoon. Willie and his wife came here in the afternoon. 24 Blowing and snowing all day, from morning till night. Mrs. R. went to a quilting at H. Lonsway’s. 25 Mild day, some snow fell. I helped Jim in the forenoon to Butcher six pigs and in the afternoon I entered Township orders. 26th Sabbath. Mild day, quite soft like. 27 Mild day, a very heavy hoar frost on the Bushes. Ida was here. Ina and Johney also. I split stove wood in the wood House. <p. 192> January 1896 �510 28th Quite mild all day. The auditors of Township accounts (Mr. John A. Cooper and Mr. Thos. Fen- nell) were here and audited my Books and vouchers and found them correct. 29 Dark day, the trees and Bushes thick with hoar Frost. A slight sprinkling of Rain or sleet in the afternoon. I split some stove wood. 30 Mild day but dark and lowering. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 31 Dark day, heavy hoar frost on the Bushish [=bushes], Fences, etc. I went to Sam’s in the morning and his Willie hauled me a load of straw. I then went to Dundalk to enquire of [MS off] Dr. Mar- tin how Ida was (she is laid up with Diptheria). He said she was getting better. Met with G. McConnell, Collector. Stopped a while. [in margin] Ida has / Diptheria Feb. 1st Dark, misty morning, the day damp and slightely wet. I went to Dundalk to hear Dr. Martin’s Report of Ida. He says she is improving. [in margin] Thaw 2nd Sabbath. Fine day with a good deal of Sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Corbetton to see Ida. 3 Stormy, rough day, keen freeze, blowing and snowing. I was twice to Dundalk. 4 Pretty cold, rough day. I went in the afternoon to see Ida. She is getting better. I came up with Dr. Martin as far as S. McDowell’s. Clark and Mariah with Baby left before I came home. Went to Johney’s, afraid I would sa??? him ??? ???? [words illegible] <p. 193> February 1896 5th Fine day, especially in the afternoon. I went to Sam’s in the eavning. His Willie and he loaded up a load of straw for me and hauled it home. This is the second load I have got from him. He would not take pay. [in margin] Got second / load of straw / from Sam 6 Rough, stormy day. Blowing and snowing. I stopped at home all day. Two insurance men came here this afternoon, wanted to insure my life for $1000, I to pay $70.00 per annum. I declined their offer with thanks. 7 Rough stormy day, Blowing and snowing, the Roads very heavy. Mrs. R. got home this eavning. 8 Calmer, the storm has abated, the day pretty mild. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. She is mending. 9th Sabbath. Pretty mild day. Roads heavy. 10 Quite rough, the day cold, the eavning rough, the night Blowing, snowing and drifting. 11 Very stormy day. Snowing, Blowing and Freezing, the stormiest day, I think, that has occured during this winter. Neither horse nor man did I see on the road today. [in margin] Big Storm 12 Calm and mild, the roads badly filled with snow. I got from R. Arnold 20 Bushels of oats at .25 cents per Bushel and 2½ of pease @ .50 c. p. B. Mr. Arnold hauled them home to me. 13 Cold and stormy, snowing, Blowing and Drifting. The Roads greately filled up, scarcely any one moving around. [in margin] Stormy <p. 194> February 1896 14th Stormy day from morning till night, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, no person visible to be seen on the road. [in margin] Very Stormy 15 Quite rough, Snowing and Blowing. I went to Dundalk. 16th Sabbath. Extremely cold day. 17 Bright and sunny, but a very sharp frost. In Dundalk it was said to be 20º below zero this morn- ing. The day was pleasant enough on account of the fine sunshine. Mrs. R. Arnold and baby was here a little while at noon. Joe Bowerman took Mrs. R. to Corbetton. She is going to wash for Ida. Willie was here at noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. [in margin] Cold / 30º Below zero / in Dundalk �511 18 Dark day with a little snow falling now and then, a penetrating frost all day. All kinds of fluids in the pantry were iced over and continued so all day. I was alone today, nice and quite, eh? 19 Another cold day, but not so stinging as yesterday, quite a snowfall. I am alone and at peace. 20 Very cold day, pretty strong wind and a sharp frost. Very few teams on the road. Mrs. R. got home this afternoon from Corbetton. [in margin] Very cold 21 Cold day, very sharp frost, the snow on the roads a great depth. I went to Dundalk. [in margin] cold 22 A little milder than yesterday, quite a while of sunshine, pleasant compared with the past days. Johney & Ina were here. Mariah came home with them. <p. 195> February 1896 23rd Sabbath. Mild and very much like a thaw, the snow softening and a slight mizzle of rain fell. Ida and Joe were here in the afternoon. 24 Quite a change from yesterday, strong wind, Snowing occasionally and sharp frost. I fixed up some accounts satisfactor[i]ly. 25 Very nice sunny day, mostly all through. The sky got overcast late in the afternoon and it turned cold and began to blow. I went to Willie’s for my colt [MS: cold] which he had Boarding. Stopped in his house all night. 26 Blowing and drifting this morning, pretty cold facing the wind. Willie hitched up the colt to my cutter. He drove it home for me. He had been Breaking it in and it goes pretty well. [in margin, almost illegible] got colt / Home 27 A little blustrey [=blustery] this morning, the snow drifting, the air began to get soft about noon, the afternoon quite mild and a thaw has sett in. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Bought a Barell of Salt for $1.00, 4 Bushels of Barley at .35¢ per Bushel. [in margin] Got Letter / From Ire- land 28 Mild day, quite a thaw wind, a slight shower of Rain about 1 P.M. The snow is settling down. Jim went to Shelburne to deliver a span of horses which he had sold yesterday for $120.00 to Rock. [=Robt?] Mains[?]. [in margin] Thaw 29 Pretty sharp day but with a good deal of sunshine. The thaw is evidentally over for the present. I wrote a number of letters. <p. 196> March 1896 1st Sabbath. Rough day. Blowing and Snowing and Freezing. 2 Cold and Rough, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, very cold. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and bought a draft of $180.81, sent it to the Molsons Bank, Owen Sound, along with three deposit Receipts which I held against the Bank. These are Sinking funds belonging to the Township of Proton, for which I must secure the Bank’s Receipts, and enter in Township Books. Willie came here at noon, left me his land payment, $144.00, which I must send away for him as soon as possi- ble. 3 Extremely cold day, sharp frost and strong wind. Was glad enough to stop in the house. [in mar- gin] very cold 4 Very sharp day but the sun shone out clear and bright. Wind pretty strong. Both last night and the previous night the Frost was great, got into the cellar and Froze some of the potatoes. [in margin] Cold 5 Moderately fine, sunshiney day, quite pleasant. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Bought a draft for $144.00, paid .20 cents commission on the draft, sent said draft by registered letter to �512 Caspar Wideman*, Gormley P. O., it being a payment made by Willie on the Mortgage which Mr. Wideman holds against Willie’s farm. [*see 21 June 1895, where Sam pays earlier amounts] 6 Mild day, pretty much like a thaw, still, there came none. Jim’s little ones, Arlie, Vern and Eric* were here this night. Their parents had gone to Johney’s. [*?, the third child is Delbert] <p. 197> March 1896 7th A very rough day, snowing and Blowing but not a hard freeze, the Roads filling up rapidly. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Stormy 8th Sabbath. Pretty rough day, Snowing and Blowing. Mr. R. Arnold , wife and Baby were here. 9 Fine day, rather milder than yesterday with a good deal of sunshine. The snow is very deep, espe- cially on the Roads. I entered some vouchers, done the chores, etc. 10 Clear day with a good deal of Sunshine. But a pretty sharp, keen Air. Robt. Arnold, a neighbour who came on his farm, Lots 217, 18 & 19, Proton about a year ago, had a sale today and is moving away tomorrow. Jim Russell has bought his three Lots, 150 acres, for $1875.00. 11 Very sharp day. Easterly winds penetrating. I bought 10 Bushels Oats @ .22¢, 6 Bushels chopped oats @ 24¢ per Bushel and .70¢’s worth of pease from R. Arnold. He moved off his farm today. Jim’s man hauled the Oats I got, and some that Clark bought, home for us. 12 Cold, severe day. Frost very sharp, few people on the Road, cold, Bright & Sunny. 13 Fine day, a good deal of sunshine, pretty sharp Frost after sunset. Brother Sam called here. 14 Pretty sharp day, but still a good bit of sunshine. Mrs. R. left this morning for Adjala. I attended a meeting of the patrons of D[undalk] C[heese] Factory. G. McConnell, Collector of Taxes, re- turned his Roll. <p. 198> March 1896 15th Sabbath. Fine day, quite a good bit of sunshine, Ina and Johney were here in the afternoon. 16 Fine day, the sun warm and strong, the snow softening. Willie Brought me a load of straw. Sam’s daughter Madella was here a while. [in margin] Got a / Load of straw 17 Misty morning, Hoar frost on the Bushes. The sun shone out about 9 O’clock and the day was fine till the afternoon, when the sky clouded over and snow began to fall in the afternoon. 18 Fine, mild day, the sun bright and warm. I wrote out six agreements for the milk drawers of Dun- dalk Cheese Factory, also copied into my Defaulters Book a list of those who were returned in de- fault of taxes by the Collector of 1895. Jim got 12 of his cattle dehorned by Mr. F. Nixon, V. S. 19 Wild, Blustery day. Blowing and snowing, also pretty sharp frost. I started for Jim’s this after- noon, got almost 80 Rods, had to turn back as the wind and snow were cutting my face off. Ina was here. [in margin] Very Stormy 20 Clear and cold, immense snow drifts are piled up in all directions on account of the heavy snow and wind storm which prevailed yesterday and last night. There are no persons on the Road today, and before any traffick [=traffic] is resumed they will have to be shovelled out. Jim, H. Lonsway, & Tom Oliver were here a while. 21 Bright sunny day with a strong wind in the afternoon. People got through the roads with great difficulty. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 22 Sabbath. Pretty mild day, a few people on the Roads. <p. 199> March 1896 23 Bright, sunny day. I attended a Council meeting held in Dundalk. Clark drove me in and out. �513 24 Fine morning, the forenoon pretty fine, the afternoon got overcast and began to blow and drift. I wrote some letters on Township Business in the forenoon. [in margin] Poor little Pelo* / very sick / Had Dr. Martin [*must be a baby-talk name for Pearl, Clark and Mariah’s daughter; see 16 Jan. 1897] 25 Dark day, very windy in the afternoon, thaw wind all day, a slight sprinkling of Rain in the after- noon. Mrs. R. got home this afternoon From Alliston, A[d]jala, etc. Been away since Saturday the 14th inst. 26 Cold, stormy day, especially the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon and bought some shorts and Bran. Jim’s wife is here. [in margin] Pelo better 27 Sunny and bright but with a sharp Frosty wind. I entered Township orders. 28 Bright and sunny, but with a high wind, the snow softening some under the influence of the wind. I moped around, done nothing, only the imperative chores, an every day occurence. 29th Sabbath. Fine day, sunny and warm, the snow melting at a great rate. I went to Brother Sam’s. 30 Fine day, sunny and Bright, the snow disappearing fast. I made out a statement for the Bureau of Industries of the Receipts & Payments, Assets and Liabilities of Proton for 1895. 31 Very fine day, Sunny and warm. The snow disappearing fast. Changed in the afternoon to cold and raw. Willie and Susan was here a while in the afternoon. <p. 200> April 1896 1st Cold and windy, the day changed and became cloudy with a strong thaw wind. Sam called in the afternoon. Old Mr. Sauder of Melancthon died early this morning. Showery sleet and Rain mixed at night. [in margin] Mr. Sauder / Died 2 Very squally day, Fierce storms of snow came on now and then. I went to Dundalk in the Fore- noon, rode in with Clark, walked home, the Roads are very bad. [in margin] Sent News- / paper and auditors Report / to Ireland 3 Pretty rough, Stormy day, Blowing, Snowing and Freezing. The Township Assessor (Thos. McAulay) was here and assessed this house and acre at $100.00. Jim’s Assessment for his 250 acres is $2400.00. Total of Both $2500.00. We are all on as joint owners. 4 Pretty rough day, squally and cold, flurries of snow. I went to Dundalk and bought 2½ Bushels Best grade Manitoba Flour at $4.60 per Brl. and ½ Barell Ontario @ 3.90 per Brl., From John Sin- clair. Jim hauled it home. [in margin] Miss Fry / Died 5th Sabbath. Milder than yesterday, but cold enough. Very little if any thaw. Johney and Ina, Willie and Susan, Miss A. Davidson and Jim’s Arlie and Vern were here. 6 Cold, rough day, Blowing and snowing most of the time. I went to Jim’s in the forenoon and to Dundalk in the afternoon. Brother Sam was here. Clark started to sell more medicine. 7 Fine, a slight sun, thaw. I helped Jim cut some oat sheaves, then went to Dundalk, bought 30 B[ushels] Oats for 21¢ p. B. for cattle feed. Took them to get chopped. <p. 201> April 1896 8th Very fine day, quite spring like. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Clark started out towards Orangeville to Sell medicine. 9 Pretty chilly day with a slight thaw wind, in the afternoon dark, and a snowfall came on at night. Jim with his team brought home the chop (1024 lbs) from the mill. Mr. Thomas McKee, a resi- dent of Proton for about 43 years, died this morning From a cold contracted last fall. [in margin] Mr. Thos. McKee / Died 10 Dark day, mild and quite spring like. Clark got home from Selling medicine. �514 11 Rain early in the morning, the remainder of the day dark, spring like air. Mrs. R. and I went to Thos. McKee’s furneral. He was buried in Dundalk Cemetary. The Roads were very bad and quite a number of people attending were on foot. 12th Sabbath. Very fine day, the snow thawing rapidly. 13 Very warm day, quite spring like, the air hazy and Balmy. I pruned some apple trees, the snow had broke them considerably. First of our cows calved this morning. [in margin] Cow Calved / 1st Lizzard heard 14 Fine day, but not so bright sun as yesterday. The snow mostly out of the fields except in the fence corners. Wheels and sleighs both on the Roads. I moved and parted some gooseberrie bushes. Ida was here. [in margin] Seen / First / Robbin 15 Very fine day, sunny and hot, the snow is nearly all gone out of the fields. I made an enclosure to keep the cattle so that they would not injure the fruit trees. <p. 202> April 1896 16th Bright sunny day, very warm, both horses and men working an’ sweating with the extreme heat. I went to Dundalk, got a pair of Laced Boots for which I had left my measure from Mr. Syming- ton.* Cost of the Boots, $3.50. They appear good. Scarcely a pick of snow visable from the house. [in margin] very warm. [*W. J. Symington (b. 1847, d. 1931) bought the boot and shoe business of Thomas Hanbury ca. 1883. He is listed in the business directories of 1887 and 1906; see History of Dundalk, pp. 104-5, 387.] 17 Heavy thunder, lightening and some Rain about 4 A.M. The middle of the day dry and sultry. Rain in the afternoon. I attended G. Leache’s Sale in the afternoon, Clarked [=clerked] for him. 18 Sultry and close. Sowed cabbage plants and got home some cut feed from Jim. Clark hauled it with Jim’s team. [in margin] Sowed / Cabbage / Seed 19th Sabbath. Cloudy and sultry, with a slight sprinkling of rain through the day. Jim’s children were here, their parents had gone to J. Bowerman’s 20 Sunny and warm in the afternoon, the afternoon cloudy and sultry. I wrote out James Mills’ Will for him, according to his dictation. Jim Russell started two plows on the new place. [in margin] Wrote out / J. Mills’ Snr / Will / J. R. /Started plows 21 Fine morning, but a little cool, the day rather windy with quite a cold turn in the afternoon. Mrs. John McLean was here. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, got a Liniment to put on the cow’s legs. She is quite lame from an overflow of milk which settled in her Bag. Clark started to Sell medicine. <p. 203> April 1896 22 The Ground covered with snow this morning, a[nd] quite a frost, but the sun rose bright and warm and the snow soon disappeared. Mrs. A. Lonsway called this afternoon. [in margin] Snow / Frost. 23 Fine day, a trifle cool, still, very pleasant, the roads good, the ground dry and all the Farmers busy plowing. Splendid weather. I went to Mr. Andrew Lonsway’s this eavning and wrote out his Will for him. This is I think about the fourth time I have wrote out a similar Document for him. [in margin] wrote out / Andrew Lonsway’s / Will 24 Dark, cold day, with a very slight sprinkling of Rain now and then. I am doing nothing in the shape of work, only [dittog.: only] attending the cattle. But for the Pains that has me almost lame I would be chopping some firewood in the bush. �515 25 Fine day, a trifle cold early in the morning, dry and pleasant. I went to Dundalk and bought a chopping axe for 50¢ and handle for .15¢. Mrs. Richard Ludlow, a resident of Proton for about 48 years, and aged about 81, died today. [in margin] Mrs. Rich[ard] Ludlow / Died 26 Sabbath. Fine day, good growth, Bright and sunny, a little cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Brother Sam’s. He drove me home at night. 27 Fine day in the forenoon, the afternoon slightely wet. I went to Dundalk, bought a shirt @ .50¢ and a neck tie at .25[¢], also a pair of Baby Boots for little Pelo at .75¢s. I think of going tomor- row to Stouffville to see D. Boyers to get him to remove a species of cancer which is on my face. Mrs. Gott & Mrs. A. Lonsway were here. <p. 204> April 1896 28th Fine day, pretty warm. I left home this morning, took the cars and went to Stouffville. Came back from Stou[ff]ville to Markham. Seen Mr. Byers. Put plasters on cancers. I stopped with him all night. 29 Fine day. Still at Mr. Byers, under his treatment. Pretty tired of the spot. 30 Fine day, a little cool. Left this morning for home with one cancer burned out, the other with a burning plaster on. Both cancers on my face, a pretty picture I no [MS now] doubt looked, with my face plastered over and eyes discoloured from the swelling caused by the pain of my face. Got home about 10.30 P.M., completely used up. I don’t like Mr. Byers’ place to stop in. [May 1896] May 1st Fine day, great growing weather. My face is Burning and sore, my head aching Badly. Took some physic at night. 2 Fine day, a little cloudy and windy. My face is pretty badly swollen. Mrs. Robert Arnold called. Mr. G. Douglas called and got a receipt for his taxes of 1895 being paid. 3rd Sabbath. Fine dry day. Brother Sam, Willie and wife, Johney and wife were here. 4 Fine day, dry and warm. Clark set out some Fruit trees, which I had got, for me. [in margin] planted / out Fruit trees <p. 205> May 1896 5th Dry and fine. People very busy seeding. The trees are getting out in leaf and there is great vege- taton. Clark & Mariah at Jim’s. 6 Fine day, splendid weather. One of the spots on my face has burned into quite a hole, the other spot, although Burned white, has not as yet sunk any. Pretty sore face and head I have. Clark, Mariah and the Baby started for Willie’s this afternoon. 7 Bright sunny day, dry, Breezy and warm. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. I kept house. 8 Fine day, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk, got some fastenings for to keep colt in field, also two straps for milk cow. 9th Bright and sunny. I fixed up a runway for the pigs from their pen so that they can get on the road when they please. 10th Sabbath. Dry and hot. John and wife, Willie and wife were here. Clark and Mariah went to Church at Hog Back. 11 Dry and hot with an occasional puff of wind. I Banked up some Six apple & plum trees which Clark had planted for me and I also staked them. Jim plowed the Garden and hauled out two loads of manure. [in margin] Seen first / swallow 12 Fine day, but dark in the forenoon. Clark, Mariah and little Peelo left for Attwood. They had been stopping here since 21st of last November when they came from Michigan. �516 <p. 206> May 1896 13th Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I took to Willie and Susan a yearling heifer calve, made a present of it to Sue. 14 Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. [R.] and I planted some garden seeds. Some thunder and lightening with a small sprinkling of Rain about 10 P.M. 15 Fine day, a trifle cool. I picked over some potatoes in the cellar. 16 Fine day, pretty Breezy. I chored around. A slight rain late at night. [in margin] H. H. Hunter / of Dundalk / Died 17th Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. H. H. Hunter was Buried today in Dundalk Cemetry. Very high wind, especially at night. 18 Dry and windy. I fixed some fences for Jim which were blown down. Then gathered some sheep sorrel in the afternoon to drink the juice of, as it is said to be a Blood purifier. 19 Dry but very cool in the afternoon. There was a pretty sharp frost this night. Done some harm, though not much. [in margin] Frost 20 Dry and sunny most of the day. I helped Jim’s man fill 3 Loads of manure. 21 Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. There was a slight shower of Rain about 4 P.M. and more rain during the night. [in margin] Got papers from / Toronto <p. 207> May 1896 22nd Cool and dry, cloudy in the afternoon. I went in the afternoon to Dundalk to hear Dr. Sproul[e],* M.P. for E. Grey make a political speech. His opponent was no good. [*Conservative MP 1878- 1911; see 5 March 1891; and http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/sproule_thomas_simpson_14E.html] 23 Dry, clear and Breezy. I made and Ruled a Book for to keep the milk accounts in for the season of 1896. 24th Sabbath. Dry and warm, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Brother Sam’s. [in margin, but strick- en] Slight / Frost 25 Rain early this morning and it was very much needed, the ground being so dry that the grass and grain was beginning to wilt and then Brown. The day cloudy and windy. Shower at night and a good heavy rain after dark with plenty of Lightening and thunder. [in margin] Rain 26 Cool and cloudy with a very strong wind, quite cold at sunset. Joe Bowerman got a heifer calve of six days old from here. Mrs. R. and I were at Willie’s. 27 Very cool morning, but the sun got out and the forenoon was warm. A pretty sharp shower of Rain and hail about noon, the afternoon warm. Wm. Lonsway called this afternoon. Sam’s Bob brought out a horse for me to take me to the Council meeting. I cut potatoes & went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. helped. 28 Wet in the forenoon, showery through the day, high winds. I attended C[ouncil] Meeting at Hope- ville. Came home at night. <p. 208> May 1896 29th Showery and cold all day, with quite a strong wind. I took home Sam’s mare which I had bor- rowed. 30 Dry, cool and Breezy with quite a bit of sunshine. I planted potatoes, about 9 Bushels. Willie with his team, Johney and Sam’s Johney and Bob helped. We hauled out and spread 13 loads of Manure, then planted the potatoes under. We were done about 4:30 P.M. Planted about 5/8 of an acre. Did not harrow them. [in margin] potatoes / planted �517 31st Sabbath. Frost this morning, the day dry, but cool and cloudy. Walter Bell was here a while in the forenoon. [June 1896] June 1 Cloudy in the forenoon, clear and cold in the afternoon. I took the three year old filly to Brother Sam’s to pasture. [in margin] Took / colt / to Sam’s 2 Dry day but cool, Frost this morning. I was pretty sick last night with a cold. Mrs. R. put hot stove lids to me and caused me to sweat which relieved me greately. [in margin] Frost 3 Quite a frost this morning, the day dry and warm. I only could walk around a little. [in margin] Frost 4 Dry and hot. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I Consulted Dr. Martin. He exam- ined and prescribed for me. I am weak and [a] considerable bit of pain, no appetite, no spring to me. 5 Fine day, dry and warm. Cloudy and some thunder and lightening at night. Mrs. A. Jackson and Mrs. Walter Bell called here collecting for the church. We moved the stove into the Back Kitchen. <p. 209> June 1896 6th Dry and very warm. I cut some seed potatoes for Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon sowed some turnip seed for table use. 7th Sabbath. Dry and warm in the forenoon, some thunder and lightening and a splendid Rain in the afternoon. 8 Pretty fine day, great growth. Some Rain in the afternoon. I worked at the milk sheets and mend- ed Brush fence in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. 9 Dark morning, the day showery, something like a scotch mist, especially in the afternoon. I chored around. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s & Johney’s. 10 Fine day all through, a little cold in the afternoon. I fixed Brush fence on the T. Arnold farm. Poor Phebe died a year ago. 11 Frost this morning, but I think it done no harm. I made a piece of a pole fence in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. I sent a letter to Br[other] William. [in margin] Sent letter to Br. William ℅ / Kosima P. O. / I. T. / U. S. 12 Fine dry day, pretty warm. Also I finished pole fence. Mrs. R. helped me. Mr. G. Rutherford was here today and insured me in The Queen Insurance Co. of America, For 36 months, Dating from the 16th inst. on dwelling house $400.00, Contents $150.00, on wearing apparel $50.00, on Stable $70.00, Contents $30.00, on northerly corner of Lot 220, 1st Con., Proton, Total $700.00. Premi- um to be paid in one month—$6.40. That is .90¢ on the $100.00 for house & Contents and $1.00 on the $100.00 for stable and contents. [in margin] Insured <p. 210> June 1896 13th Dry and fine, a little cool towards night. I worked at the Township Books and at the Milk sheets. Ordered English B. C. Tree, price .50¢ 14th Sabbath. Dry and cool. Mrs. J. Grummett and husband and Miss Mills were here at night for a while. 15 Fine day, dry and pretty warm, a little thunder in the distance in the afternoon. I washed two swine with water and soft soap, then put some green copperas* in water and washed them with that, the pigs having vermin on them. [*see insert before entry for 7 May 1893.] 16 Dry, sunny and fine. I harrowed the potatoes. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Jackson’s Garden party. �518 17 Dry, sunny and warm. I went to Sam’s but did not get all the way as I met him. Joe and Ida called here this afternoon. 18 Dry, sunny and hot. Mrs. R. and I went Berry picking. I left the Berry patch in the afternoon and went to Dundalk, thinking to see the School Inspector. Did not see him. I got a Bottle of medicine and some pills From Dr. Martin for my stomach which is out of order. 19 Dry and hot, some thunder clouds showing in the afternoon, but no rain fell. I went to Sam’s. 20 Fine day, dry till the afternoon when there came on a pretty nice rain. I worked at the milk Books. <p. 211> June 1896 21st Sabbath. Fine day, dry but a little cool. Joe and Ida were here. 22 Dry and cool. I went to Johney’s and Willie’s. Tried to burn some Brush in the fire slashing but failed. 23 Fine day but a slight frost this morning. Dry and dusty. I went to the Dominion Election polling at G. Acheson’s. Willie drove me out. [in margin] Frost 24 Dry and sunny, Breezy. I fixed Brush Fence for Jim. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s Logging Bee to Help Susan. I would have helped log but was afraid of getting the cicatrice on my face, which is yet tender, switched with brush. 25 Fine day, dry and warm with a good rain at night. I attended Council meeting at Proton Station. Stopped all night. 26 Dry and warm. Clark, Mariah, Pelow and Miss Maggie Moran came here. 27 Dry and hot. I fixed at pole fence and compared vouchers with the cash which I paid out on the 25th. Came out right. 28th Sabbath. Fine Rain early this morning and rained during most of the forenoon. Willie and Sue called here. 29 Pretty cool day, but dry. I helped ship Dundalk Cheese. 30 Dry and a little cool. I worked all day at the milk accounts to have them ready to pay the patrons on next Thursday. <p. 212> July 1896 1st Very hot day. I was doing Statute Labor. Mr. R. Oliver called here in the afternoon. 2 Hot and dry. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and paid the patrons. [in margin] Got cheque / For pension 3 Hot and sultry in the forenoon, a grand shower of Rain fell about 4:30 P.M., accompanied with some thunder and lightening. 4 Cloudy in the forenoon. I entered some milk receipts. The afternoon delightfully wet. I worked at the milk Books. [in margin] Grand / Rain 5th Sabbath. Fine day with a small sprinkle of Rain. Mrs. R. and I went to A. Lonsway’s in the eavning. 6 A scotch mist fell during the day. I entered Township orders in the forenoon and in the afternoon hoed potatoes. W. Faucett called here. 7 Cool and cloudy. I hoed potatoes for the first going over. Hard work as the ground was wet and stuck to the hoe. 8 Dry day, fine and warm. I finished hoeing potatoes for the first going over. 9 Dry in the forenoon. Slightely wet in the afternoon, warm. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 213> �519 July 1896 10th Showery, especially in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to J. Bowerman’s. I worked at the milk sheets. I ordered some small Fruit plants and Bushes From J. R. Medaugh, agent, at Proton Sta- tion, for Stone and Wellington, 49 Wellington St. E., Toronto, nurseries Fonthill, Ont., to be deliv- ered by agent April 1897. Currants, 1 Moore Rubie (Black) .50¢, 3 prince Albert (Black) .50¢ , 3 White Grape .50¢; Gooseberries, 6 Smith’s improved .75 ¢, 3 New American .50¢; Strawberries 25 Cresent .50¢, 25 Sharples $1.50; Raspberries 3 Tayler’s .50¢ (Black), 3 Sniders (Black) .50¢, 1 Columbian Free. Total money, $5.75. [in margin] Ordered Fruit plants 11 Fine Bright, sunny day and warm. I Balanced the Township Books and wrote out ½ Yearly Fi- nancial Statement to present to Council on the 15th inst. 12th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. 13 Beautiful shower of rain in the morning, cleared off about 9 A.M., the remainder of the day dry and warm. I went to Dundalk and helped ship 100 Boxes Cheese, sold for 6 13/16¢ 14 Pretty warm all day, but cloudy. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and put Paris Green on them in the afternoon at the rate of one heaped teasponfull to a pail of water. 15 Rain early this morning. I left home about 8:30 A.M., went to a Council meeting at Bell’s Cor- ners, about 20 miles from here. Stopped all night at the Hotel (Mathew Bulger). <p. 214> July 1896 16th Clear and cool all day. I left Bell’s Corners about 8:30 A.M., came home by Dundalk. Stopped there for about an hour, got home at 2 P.M. Balanced my cash and orders, found them correct. 17 Dry and pretty warm in the afternoon. I hoed and Paris-greened potatoes in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 18 Cloudy and cool. I hoed potatoes to 4 P.M., then went to Dundalk. 19th Sabbath. Dry, except a slight mizzle of Rain in the morning. 20 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I posted Reeve’s orders and milk accounts till 4 P. M., then hoed potatoes. 21 Fine dry day and very hot. I helpd Mac [?] grind the mower knife then hoed potaotes. 22 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the latter part of the afternoon. I finished hoeing potatoes for the second time, then cut a little grass around the house and Mrs. R. and I went with Brother Sam to Dundalk in the afternoon, to help place a monument at the Grave of his lost Phebe. Poor Phebe, more than a year departed. The monument* is a good one and cost one hundred and sixty dollars. [in margin] helped place / monument at / Phebe’s Grave. [*the monument is a red granite pillar about 3 meters tall.] 23 Fine day, but very much like rain. I finished gathering up the little hay I had, then went to Dun- dalk. Ida came here in the afternoon. <p. 215> July 1896 24th Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry with quite a bit of sunshine. I worked at the milk sheets in the forenoon and in the afternoon mowed some swale grass. 25 Dry day. I went with Jas. Watson to let him the chopping of firewood in Melancthon. I let him 20 Cords 2 feet stove wood at .40¢ per cord. I then went to Johney’s and Willie’s. John drove me home. 26th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a little wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. 27 Fine day, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and cut swale grass in the afternoon. �520 28 Hot day, cloudy and very much like a thunder storm in the afternoon. I cut some grass in the fence corners in the forenoon and in the afternoon cleaned out the spring for the cattle and raked up some hay. 29 Dry and hot till the afternoon, when there came on some thunder with quite a rainfall. I worked at the Township Books and Cheese accounts. 30 Close, sultry day, a little hazy and thick atmosphere. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 31 Dry and fine. I Paris-greened the potatoes for the third time, then raked up some hay and put it up in handshakes. There is a great growth these days, splendid Rains and sunshine afterwards. <p. 216> August 1896 1st Dark, dry forenoon, the afternoon dark and slightely wet. I worked at the milk accounts and Township Books. 2nd Sabbath. Fine, dry day, pretty warm. Willie, Susan and her sister Adda [=Ada] were here. 3 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes for Jim. 4 Dry and very hot in the afternoon. I finished hoeing Jim’s potatoes and he hauled in a load of swale grass hay for me which I had cut. Miss Bowerman is here cutting out a dress for Mrs. R. We got a likeness today of Brother William, his wife and Grandchild. Rain at night. [in margin] Hot / Got Brother / William’s Likeness 5 Very sultry and hot, especially in the afternoon. Heavy dark clouds gathered in the sky towards night and about 10 P.M. the rain was coming down heavy. There was an immense display of sheet lightening and a good deal of thunder. I went to Sam’s in the forenoon and came home about 7 P.M. [in margin] Very hot 6 Dry and pretty hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. also went. Got a lift with H. Lon- sway. [in margin] hot / Jim commenced / cutting oats 7 Dry and hot. Mrs. R. and I went with Brother Sam and Madella to the cemetry of Dundalk to fix the Burying plot in which his darling Phebe is interred. 8 Dry in the forenoon and pretty hot. I went in the forenoon to measure some stove wood which I had got cut. Came home and stooked some oats. <p. 217> August 1896 9th Sabbath. Very hot day, thunder and lightening and rain at night. Joe and Ida were here. [in margin] hot 10 Hot and dry till the afternoon when there was a thunder storm. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped at night. [in margin] hot 11 Dry and hot, a very heavy thunder storm at night, a little hail with a great deal of Rain. I pulled pease for Jim after I got home from Hopeville. [in margin] hot 12 A little cooler than yesterday, dry. I pulled pease for Jim. 13 Dry and warm. I added up the milk sheets and balanced township orders in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 14 Dry and hot. I pulled pease for Jim. We finished on the Arnold place, a seven acre field. They are a good crop. 15 Dry and hot in the forenoon, a thunder storm in the afternoon, a good deal of lightening and rain. I helped Jim to haul in pease. We got in 10 loads before the rain and 2 yesterday afternoon. 16th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and very Breezy. �521 17 Dry and cool with a Rain storm at night, accompanied with thunder and lightening. I went to Dundalk and helped ship 194 Boxes of Cheese. Sold for 7 1/16 & 7 3/16 cents per pound, 120 @ 7 3/16, & 74 @ 7 1/16. <p. 218> August 1896 18th Dry in the Forenoon, showery in the eavning, with a good deal of Rain at night. I worked all day at making out the milk patrons accounts, a heavy day’s work it was. 19 Fine day, dry and Breezy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid the patrons of cheese facto- ry, 7 weeks milk $1302.49 20 Fine day, dry, a little cool. I Balanced the milk accounts in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped Jim to finish hauling in pease on the Arnold Lot, then hauled oats. [in margin] Frost this / morning 21 Dry in the morning, a slight rain came on about 10 A.M. and stopped the hauling in. The after- noon dry, we again hauled in. I helped Jim in the dry part of the day. 22 Dry day, cloudy in the afternoon and very much like rain. I helped Jim to haul in. Rain storm, thunder & Lightening at night. 23rd Sabbath. Fine day, dry and Breezy. Willie & Susan and Brother John’s Vina came here and stopped. 24 Dry and fine. I totted up the milk sheets in the Forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 25 Dry and pretty breezy. I added up the milk sheets got yesterday. [in margin] Frost 26 Dry in the forenoon. Rain came on about 12 noon and kept raining till about 3.50 P.M, when it cleared up and the sun shone out bright. I put up a few stooks of Barley for Jim in the forenoon. 27 Dry and cloudy in the forenoon. Dry & Sunny in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. Ida was here. [in margin] Frost <p. 219> August 1896 28th Frost this morning, but done no harm. The day dry and warm. I went to Sam’s. 29 Dry and cloudy. I went to Johney’s, then came home and helped Jim haul in oats. He put three acres of oat sheaves in my stable loft for cattle feed for me. 30th Sabbath. Showery. Ida and Vina were here. 31 Dry and cool. I helped Jim haul in oats. We hauled them in just as he cut them with the binder. Sept[ember 1896] 1st Dry day, cool and a good deal of sunshine. Jim finished cutting grain (oats) and we hauled them in. Then we drew in six loads of barley. [in margin] Jim finished / cutting grain 2 Dry in the early part of the day, showery from 9 A.M. Not a great deal of rain fell. I helped Jim’s man to put in one load of barley and unload two. Mrs. R. went to Sam’s threshing. 3 Showery in the forenoon, dry in the afternoon. Very cold in the eavning. I worked at the milk accounts in the forenoon. 4 Dry and cool. I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon. Returned 20 pounds of tea to Toronto. The tea was bad, I would not use it. Fixed up a pig Run when I came home. 5 Dry in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. I helped Jim haul in six loads of Barley in the dry part of the day. Went to Dundalk in the eavning. Mrs. R., Madella & Vina went to Adjala Town- ship and I am all alone tonight, ain’t it a pity! <p. 220> September 1896 6th Sabbath. Showery most of the day. �522 7 Dry, with a good deal of sunshine. I helped Jim load his pigs (9). He sold them for $3.60 per hundred pounds live weight. Mrs. R. and Madella got home from Adjala. 8 Fine day, dry and sunny. Mrs. R. Henders called. I worked at the milk accounts. 9 Dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 10 Dry and sunny, very sultry all day. I picked up some firewood in the forenoon and went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. Jim’s three children are here tonight. 11 Beautiful day, dry, sunny and hot. I picked up three loads of summer firewood and hauled it home with Jim’s team. Mrs. R. helped. Jim’s children are here. 12 Dark day, showery in the Forenoon, the afternoon misty. Mrs. R. and I hauled up 4 sheep of Jim’s which had been lost for ten days. She got them at the Railway. 13th Sabbath. Dark day without Rain. Willie and Sue were here. 14 Dark day, a slight mizzle of Rain fell now and then. I worked all day posting Township orders. 15 Dark, cool day. I helped ship the Dundalk Cheese. 153 Boxes, 10283 lbs. @ 8 3/16¢ per lb. These were the August cheese. 16 Dark in the morning, and in the afternoon Bright, and sunny in the middle of the day. D. Reid and wife came out to see a mare and colt of his which were at pasture. I worked at making out milk payments. <p. 221> Sept[ember] 1896 17th Dry, cloudy and cool. I finished making out the milk payments, then went to Dundalk. 18 Dry but cloudy, pretty warm. I added up and entered the milk sheets in the forenoon and went to Brother Sam’s in the afternoon. Mrs. Samuel McDowell was here. 19 Showery all day, the afternoon very cold, strong wind and drifting cold rain. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and paid milk patrons. 20th Sabbath. Dry but pretty chilly. Johney and Ina were here. 21 Dry and fine. I entered the milk payments in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped Jim to haul in four loads of Buckwheat. 22 Cold, chilly morning, Rain and wind, the day very cold all through. I went to Dundalk and Bought some necessaries. Mrs. Jas. Russell was here. Willie called in the eavning. 23 Very hard Frost this morning, the day dry and pretty sunny. I cut stove wood at the house. [in margin] Frost 24 Fine day all through, warm and sunny. I cut stove wood at the house till noon, then went to Dun- dalk. Ida was here in the eavning. 25 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. I helped Jim haul in a load of loose buckwheat in the forenoon. This finished his harvesting. [in margin] Jim finished / Harvesting <p. 222> Sept[ember] 1896 26th Dry and fine. I cut up some stove wood at the house and worked a while at the milk sheets. Brother Sam called this morning. 27th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Jim Patterson, Jnr., was here a while at night. 28 Very fine day, Sunny and warm. I went to Johney’s & Willie’s. Called in to Mr. John Conners’ and stopped about two hours. Mrs. R. and Ida were there. 29 Dry in the forenoon, Rain came on about 3 P.M., the afternoon wet, not much falling, still, heavier than a good Scotch mist. I worked at the milk accounts. 30 Wet day all through, except about two hours in the forenoon. The sky overcast and quite dark. The ground is pretty thoroughly soaked with wet at the present time. �523 October [1896] 1st Mizzle, wet day. I fixed fence round part of the garden. Mrs. R. helped. Then I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 2 Fine day, dry and sunny. I helped Jim in the afternoon to cut some oat sheaves. 3 Dry and fine all day. Jim threshed on the home place. His oats were very bad indeed, so light that a Bag would scarcely weigh a Bushel. He has some good buckwheat, pease and Barley. <p. 223> October 1896 4th Sabbath. Fine day all through. Dry and sunny. Jim’s Arlie and Vern were here. 5 Dry and sunny. I started taking up my potatoes, digged and picked up ten Bushels from 11 A.M. Sam came here in the afternoon and I went with him to witness his sureties signatures to his Bond as Collector of Taxes for Melancthon. [in margin] Began to raise / my potatoes 6 Dry in the forenoon, slightely wet in the afternoon. Willie came out with his team and plow and Boy, and helped me to raise potatoes. Sue also was with him. Anthony Trugon’s two little Boys also came. At 3 O’clock P.M. we finished, got up about 90 Bushels, put them in pits and covered them. Will let one pit of 20 Bushels remain till spring, the other pits with about 75 Bushels I in- tend putting in the cellar in about four weeks from now. They are a good crop, having about, in all, 100 Bushels off about half an acre. The potatoes are called ninety-nines, they are dry and nice. Sue stopped all night. [in margin] Finished Raising potatoes 7 Dark morning, quite mizzly most of the day, very cold and has all the appearance of snow. 8 Dry, dark, cold day, a little snow was on the ground in the morning. I Banked around the pig pen and stable. [in margin] some / snow 9 Cool and clear. We attended Dundalk show fair. There was a large exhibit and large crowd of people. 10 Clear and cold with a strong, chilly wind in the Forenoon. <p. 224> October 1896 11th Sabbath. Fine day, dry but cool. Joe and Ida were here. 12 Dry and cool, with a cold wind. 13 Fine day, dry but a trifle cool, quite a bit of sunshine. I worked at the milk sheets. 14 Beautiful day, sunny and bright. I dug out an open drain alongside of the S. E. fence to carry off the overflow of water which will occur in the Spring. Also went in the afternoon to see Mrs. A. Lonsway. Tried to place her Cancer medicine which she has got from England so that she could use it according to directions, but it is so mixed up that is almost impossible. 15 Beautiful day, almost like Indian summer. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. W. Robinson, an aged lady of 78 years, Resident of Proton, died this afternoon. [in margin] Mrs. Wm. Robinson / Died 16 Very cold day, a shower of snow about 10:30 A.M. Bitterly cold day. Mrs. R. and I went a few hours to the wake, then Mrs. R. went to Brother Sam’s for the colt which had been pasturing there and brought it home. 17 Dark, cool forenoon, quite a snowfall in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I attended the Funeral of the late Mrs. W. Robinson. She was Buried in Maple Grove Cemetry, Dundalk. [in margin] Mrs. Robinson / Buried / Snow 18 The Ground covered with snow this morning, but most of it disappeared before noon, a pretty cold day. [in margin] Snow <p. 225> �524 October 1896 19th Cold, raw day, cloudy. I put some more covering on the potatoe pits. The ground froze hard this morning. 20 Dark and cold, with a pretty sharp frost in the morning. I attended Council meeting of Proton held in Dundalk. 21 Dark and cold, hard frost in the morning. I compared the orders I paid and the money left with what cash I took. Found the day’s work straight and no error. Mr. [striken: D] Jim Grummett & wife and Mr. W. Bell were here a while at night. 22 Dry and cold. Mrs. R. and I went in the afternoon to Dundalk with the colt. 23 Dry, cool and cloudy. I helped Jim with his turnips. We picked up and put in the Root house 16 loads, about 500 Bushels from noon. There were five of us. Topped them in the forenoon. 24 The Ground covered with snow this morning, the day was one of snow showers and a little sun- shine between. I worked at the milk accounts. Mrs. Jas. Grummett was here in the afternoon. 25th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and mild. Willie and Sue were here. 26 Fine day, dry and sunny, almost like Indian Summer. I helped Jim to take up the remainder of his turnips. He has 33 Loads in all, upwards of 1000 Bushels, I think. He gave me one load. [in mar- gin] Indian / Summer <p. 226> October 1896 27th Beautiful day, sunny, bright and warm. I took up some turnips at home. G. McConnell, Collector of Proton, made his first payment $70.00. [in margin] Indian / Summer 28 Fine day, dry and mild, slightely overcast in the afternoon with a few drops of Rain. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 29 Dark morning, but the sun shone out [dittog.: but the sun shone out] and the day was fine and warm. I worked at posting Township orders. Mrs. R. and Ida drove to Shelburne and bought a Black Fur coat for thirty dollars. It looks well and I think also a good one. 30 Rainy morning, the forenoon wet, the afternoon dry and warm. I plowed for Jim in the afternoon. G. McConnell called at night and left $81.00 of Twp. Taxes. 31 Dark and cool, a slight shower of sleet at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. November [1896] Nov. 1st. Sabbath. Fine day, dry and mild. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 2 Beautiful day, sunny, bright and warm. I raised some carrots and parsnips. Mrs. R. went to Wil- lie’s, came home in the afternoon. 3 Fine day, dry and sunny. I helped Jim a little in the afternoon to fix up his barn for threshing. In the forenoon dug a ditch to carry off the water from the Garden in the spring. 4 Dark, but dry. Jim threshed on the Arnold lot. Pease & Barley, good quantity & quality, some of his oats are light. <p. 227> November [stricken: October] 1896 5th Wet morning, the day showery, very wet in the afternoon, the rain turned to snow at night. Jim’s threshers Broke arm* in the morning, had to stop and go to the Blacksmiths’s for repairs. [*on threshing machine] 6 The Ground covered with snow and more falling. Several snow showers throughout the day. Jim’s threshers Broke Arm when about 15 minutes at work this morning. The Big wheel of the Horse power burst. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted and Registered a letter to the �525 Manager of the Union Bank of Canada, Shelburne, Containing $70.00 in Bills to pay on notes made by President of Dundalk Cheese Factory, and was due on the 31st last October. 7 Dark and showery. I went to Melancthon to get Johney [to] haul me home a load of stove wood. There was too much rain falling so he postponed it till next Monday. 8th Sabbath. The ground covered with snow and more falling, a very wintry day, 9 The ground covered with snow, but the day was not cold. Johney and Willie brought me a load of stove wood each from Melancthon. They helped me to butcher a 13 month’s old pig which weighed 250 pounds. Jim finished threshing. He had a fair yield. 10 Quite a bit of snow on the ground this morning. It thawed some through the day. Mrs. R. and I took the colt & Buggy and went to Willie’s, Round by John Trugon’s. <p. 228> November 1896 11th Rain this forenoon, the snow has mostly all disappeared, the day mild. I chored around, took up beets, put some wood in the wood shed, etc. Cloudy in the eavning. 12 The snow has mostly all disappeared and people are plowing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 13 The ground covered with snow and more falling, quite a big fall of snow. Sleighs are running. I went to Dundalk to be present at the inspection of the cheese. Mr. J. B. McLaren inspected them. Did not pass his opinion to me about them, said he would tell Mr. Cornett. I went in the afternoon to Lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon, and let Frank Bellamy the cutting of 30 Cords long wood, at .60 cents per cord. The fallen timber to be cut first, then if there is not enough, standing timber, to make out the 30 Cords to be cut. Also the tops of the trees to be cut into stove wood 2 feet long at 30 cents per cord. Stopped at Joe Bowerman’s on my way home and had dinner and supper com- bined at one meal. [in margin] First Sleigh Ride 14 About four inches of snow on the ground this morning, the day pretty cold and wintry like. Joseph Brown was here to pay his Taxes. G. McConnell, Collector, paid me $475.00 which he had col- lected. 15th Sabbath. Fine day, the sun shone out bright. The snow has mostly disappeared. Arlie, Vern & Delbert were here, stopped till their parents came from Joe’s. <p. 229> November 1896 16th Fine day, mild and a good bit of sunshine. I put in the cellar, out of the pits, 70 Bushels of pota- toes. Mrs. R. helped. A Boy was born to Mr. A. Trugon this night. [in margin] A. Trugon’s / Boy born 17 Fine day, mild and not a particle of snow left. About 9:30 P.M. there came on a rain storm and it has all the appearance of a wet night. 18 Dark day and showery in the afternoon, a very strong wind in the afternoon. Thunder in the fore- noon. [in margin] Thunder / Neil Trugon / married 19 Very sharp cold day. Freezing from morning till night, the Roads very rough. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 20 Hard morning, the day sharp, no snow but a very cold freezing air. Roads are as hard as iron and rough as possible. 21 Snow on the Ground and more kept falling all through the day. Some sleighed but mostly wag- gons on the Road. I went to Dundalk. 22nd Sabbath. Quite cold, a little snow on the ground. Joe and Ida were here. Willie and Sue called at night. �526 23 A thaw wind and Rain, the snow is going again. Brother Sam called about one O’clock. I bought 22 Bushels oats and 5 Bushels pease at 20 & 45 cents per Bushel from James Mills. 24 Pretty mild day, the snow has disappeared. John & Ina were here at night. He paid me $50.00 Land payment on Lot 31, Con. 5, Melancthon. <p. 230> November 1896 25th A sleety Rain fell all day, the ground, Trees and fences all covered with ice and icicles. Jim and Mary and Andrew Roe were here. 26 Beautiful day, mild as spring, the ice and sleet of yesterday gone. I went to Dundalk to ship cheese. Did not. I helped McConnell to weigh and Box 60 of the unboxed, had dinner with him. 27 Another Beautiful springlike day. I went again to Dundalk on cheese business. 28 Hard frost last night, the ground as hard as iron. Went again to Dundalk on cheese business. 29th Sabbath. Pretty sharp day. Johney and Ina called in the afternoon. Ida was here a while in the eavning. 30 Very cold day, the roads hard as iron with some snow on them. I went to Dundalk, helped ship the cheese and collected cheese money through the village. [December 1896] December 1st. Cold day all through. I worked at the milk accounts, getting them ready for pay. 2 Another cold day, not very much snow on the ground. I finished the milk ac[coun]ts. Jim helped at night. 3 Pretty sharp day, some sleighs , some waggons on the Road. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 231> December 1896 4th Pretty cold day with some Showers of snow. I went to Johney’s to get him [to] haul me a load of firewood. The roads were so rough that I thought he had better not. 5 A little soft, with some snow falling. I went to Dundalk and paid the patrons of Cheese Factory their final payment for seven weeks milk drawing & making, total $1759.58. 6th Sabbath. Mild, the snow going. Mrs. R. and I went to A. Lonsway’s a while at night. 7 More snow fell last night, but melted pretty well today. I was working posting milk payments which I had made last Saturday. Gilbert McConnell, Collector, and wife were here. He paid me between Cash and orders and deposit slip, $1427.32. Johney and Willie fetched me a load of wood each. 8 Mild day, the snow softening. I was making out the Financial Statement for next Council Meet- ing. 9 Mild in the morning, began to blow and snow about 11 A.M., the afternoon cold and rough. I was making out Financial Statement for Township. I finished it as far as I can go till there are more Receipts and payments of moneys. 10 Mild day, the snow going. Sleighs and waggons both running. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. [in margin] Got letter from S[ister] Sarah / New Lowell P. O. 11 Fine, mild day. G. McKonnell [=McConnell?] was here and paid me taxes, $276.00. Mrs. R. and I went to Mrs. Lonway’s at night. <p. 232> December 1896 12th Beautiful day as any in spring, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s & Johney’s. 13th Sabbath. Mild mostly all day with a snow shower in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. �527 14 Pretty sharp day, the roads rough, the air keen and Bracing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim Grummett and wife were here a while at night. 15 Pretty cold morning, the day cold. I went to Hopeville to a council meeting. Stopped all night. 16 Another cold day. Came home, got here at noon. Counted over my orders which I had paid and the Cash I took with me, also what Cash I had got. Paid out over $2900.00. Made no mistake, every thing [MS think] was square to the last cent. I then went to Dundalk and sent $1000.00, Co. Rates to Co. Treasurer, O[wen] Sound. 17 Pretty cold day, the roads are very hard and pretty smoothe [=smooth], good wheeling. I posted orders in the Township Day Book and Le[d]ger. 18 Cold day and snow falling all day long, the wind very strong. I entered the orders in the Financial Statement out of the Books and Balanced it. I had a long and tiresome job of it. Don’t feel well either, think I got a cold. Mrs. R. drove Jim’s Mary to the School at Maybourne tonight to some kind of an entertainment. 19 Cold day, sharp frost. I went to Dundalk to the printers with the Twp. Financial Statement in the Forenoon. <p. 233> December 1896 20th Sabbath. Pretty sharp day. Willie and Susan and Ida & Joe were here. 21 Something milder than yesterday. I butchered a fat pig, would dress about 250 pounds. Jim McCartney and George Corbett helped. G. McConnell, Collector, & Mr. Gailbraith called at night with some Tax money. 22 Sharp day with a bit more snow on the ground. Some sleighs running. Mr[s]. R. , horse and bug- gy, took Jim’s Mary to Dundalk. R. J. Cornett and James Patterson called in the afternoon. I handed R. J. over $32.00, part earnings of Cheese factory. 23 Very cold day, a little snow falling now and then, but still very cold. [in margin] Cold 24 Cold day, some sleighing, not very good. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Johney came here when we got home. 25 Pretty chilly, some sleighing. Mrs. R and I spent our Christmas with Johney. Jim and family, Willie and Sue, Newt. Oliver and Tom were there. 26 Rather milder than yesterday. The Factory auditors, John McGrath and H. Jackson, were here auditing the Books. 27 Sabbath. Pretty sharp day, cold wind. Jim was down a while at night. <p. 234> December 1896 28th Cold, raw wind, not much sleighing. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 29 A Slight thaw. I made out a Financial statement for the Cheese Factory. A Germain [=German] Jew, a pedlar, is stopping here tonight. His name is Goodman. 30 Quite a thaw, slight mizzle of rain and also a ground thaw. I wrote some letters on Township Business. 31 Mild day, the snow has nearly all disappeared. Good wheeling. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon and sent a draft to the Co. Treasurer for $603.56, Co. rates, Being Balance in full for 1896. Ida was here today. The old year is nearly out and the new about coming in. The old has passed away without many changes among us. May the new have the same story to tell. [in margin] Mrs. Jas. Cavanaugh / wife of the Clerk of Proton / died this morning [January] 1897 January 1st Mild day. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs. James Cavanaugh of Ventry. �528 2 Mild day, the Roads very sloppy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and got from G. McConnell, Collector, $661.64. 3rd Sabbath. Mild day, the roads very sloppy. Mrs. R. and I went to see Mrs. A. Lonsway. 4 Rain occasionally, the day Freezing at night. I went to the Township voting at John Allen’s. <p. 235> January 1897 5th Pretty cold day, a little snow falling, the Roads very rough. I attended the annual meeting of Stock Holders of Dundalk Cheese Factory. Willie brought a load of wood. 6th Cold day, a little snow falling. I helped Jim in the forenoon cut some Feed. Mrs. S. Wakely, Manitoba, called to see us. 7 Cold and the roads very rough, almost like a thaw, sometime in the eavning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 8 Sharp frosty day, very little snow on the ground, the roads rough. Wheeling is the mode of transit. Mary was here in the afternoon sewing. 9 Dark and windy, pretty cold although the little snow there is softening. I Balanced the Township Books. They are now ready for auditing. 10th Sabbath. Pretty cold day. Johney and Ina were here. Mrs. Hannah Lonsway, wife of Andrew Lon- sway, aged 68 years and a Resident of these parts for about 46 years, died this forenoon of Cancer and Rheumatism. Mrs. R. and I went to the house a while at night. [in margin] Mrs. Lonsway / Died 11 Pretty cold in the afternoon. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville. Came home at night. The Roads going were very Rough. 12 Very sharp day. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs. Lonsway who was buried in Inistioge Burying ground. 13 Sharp day. I entered Township orders in Books. <p. 236> January 1897 14th Sharp cold day, no sleighing, only a very little Snow on the ground. Willie Brought me a load of stove wood. Miss A. Bowerman came here in the afternoon to sew [MS saw] for Mrs. R. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 15 Pretty cold day, the roads as hard as iron and rough. Miss Bowerman got done here in the after- noon and Mrs. R. took her in the Buggy to Ida’s. 16 Dark day, with a slight snowfall. Mild and almost inclined to thaw. Mrs. R. and I went to Dun- dalk. Clark, Mariah and Pearl came here this afternoon. They had been at St. Mary’s during the summer and fall. [in margin] Clark & / Mariah & Pearl / came 17th Sabbath. Sleet in the morning, heavy rain at night which turned to snow before morning. This is my birth day. I am 61 years of age. [in margin] 61st Birth- / Day / Rain 18 Cold, stormy day, Blowing, snowing a little and Freezing very keenly. Clark went to Ida’s. 19 Very Sharp morning, exceedingly cold through the night. The pump Froze last night and we could not get it to work today. Most of the day was bright and sunny. 20 A little milder than yesterday with a slight fall of snow in the afternoon. Clark went to Proton Station to help Jim pack some bailed hay in the cars. [in margin] Alfred Ward / 63 years of age / Died in / Dundalk <p. 237> January 1897 �529 21st Quite a bit of snow on the ground and more falling, the day mild. A. Gillespie, Township auditor, came here this afternoon and is stopping all night to commence work tomorrow. I went to Dun- dalk in the afternoon. 22 Rough, stormy day, the sleighing pretty good, some snow fell. The Auditors of Township Ac- counts (A. Gillespie & John S. McMullen) were on my accounts. They found them correct, as usual. They got done about 3 P.M. I went with them to Dundalk. Brother Sam came here and stopped all night. [in margin] Township / Auditors here 23 Pretty cold day, Snowing a little and freezing a good deal. Sam, Clark and I took the pump out of the well and brought the Frozen part in to the House to thaw it. G. McConnell called and paid in $437.00 taxes. 24th Sabbath. Some snow falling. Ida was here and Joe. Joe left his cutter for me to use when going to the Silver wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Rogers of Cedarville tomorrow. 25 Mild in the forenoon, the afternoon quite stormy, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Mrs. R. and I left about 1 O’clock in the afternoon to attend the 25th Anniversary of the marriage of Mr. Samuel Rogers and Mrs. Rogers of Cedarville, about 20 miles from here. We got there about 5 O’clock in the afternoon. There were about Fifty guests. We had a very pleasant time of it. Mr. R. and Lady were extremely kind. The Roads were so blocked up with snow that we had to stop till Wednes- day. [in margin] Brother John paid / us a visit in our / absence <p. 238> January 1897 26th Cold and stormy. We stopped at Mr. Roger’s all day and went with Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and some other guests to McBentley’s[?] and had tea there. 27 The Blowing has ceased and the day is mild. We left for home about 10:15 in the forenoon, got home at 4:40 P.M. There was about a mile of the road on our way home that was entirely filled up with snow, therefore we had to go through the fields. Brother John was here when we came but he left shortly after. Clark drove him to see the Friends and Brother Sam. [in margin] John left for Sam’s. 28 Pretty mild in the forenoon, the afternoon rough and stormy with a snowfall. I went to Dundalk. 29 Snow falling throughout the day. Pretty rough and cold. Clark took his horse to Melancthon to trade for a smaller one or to sell. He did not get home this night. 30 Fine day, a good deal of sunshine, quite a large number of teams on the road. The sleighing is good except where the roads are drifted in. Such places teams have taken into the fields. Johney brought me a load of stove wood from Melancthon. Clark is not home yet (5:20) P.M. Clark came about 9 O’clock. Brothers John and Sam also came. John stopped. Johney and Ina also came here. 31st Sabbath. Very fine day, Bright, sunny and mild. Mrs. R. and Brother John started for Adjala in the Forenoon. Mrs. R. Arnold was here, also Tom Arnold at night. <p. 239> February 1897 1st Very fine day, Bright and sunny. Sam’s Willie came in the afternoon and took his cutter which his father had left here home, behind his sleigh. 2 Mild day, but cloudy and overcast. Willie called on his way to Jim’s. Jim also called at night. Clark was here at noon with his horse on his way to Dundalk to try and sell him. He did not suc- ceed. Brother John was here all night. 3 Mild day without any sunshine. I went and helped Jim to take nine head of fat cattle to Dundalk. He is shipping them to Toronto. He was bid $190.00 for them by a buyer, but did not take it. I �530 sold my green wood (30 cords) to John Conners of Dundalk for $1.75 per cord. Had dinner with Mr. Skeffington Bell. 4 Fine day, sunny and warm, good sleighing except where the roads are drifted. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. Jim called in at night on his way home from Toronto, where he had been to sell his cattle. He sold nine head of two year olds. They weighed 8180 pounds. He just cleared what he was bid at home for them. 5 Mild in the forenoon, colder in the afternoon with a snowfall at night. Brother Sam called at night to Send word to Jim about pressing S. McCullough’s hay into smaller bundles. 6 Snowing mostly all day, quite a quantity fell, the day mild. Mrs. R got home at night. 7th Sabbath. Mild day. Willie and Sue were here. <p. 240> February 1897 8th Mild and dark, no Sunshine. Clark traded his horse to Wesley Lonsway for his span and gave him Thirty two 50/100 dollars to boot. Brother Sam was here at noon and got my horse and cutter to go to the Funeral of Mr. McDill, a Forester, to which society Sam belongs. 9 Mild day, Cloudy without sunshine. Mr. Harrison P. Moorish[?] and Ida were here. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and bought 2½ Brls Manitoba flour at $4.90 per Brl., also 1 Bag Ontario @ $2.00 and 5 Gallons Coal Oil for $1.00. Jim hauled it home. 10 Beautiful forenoon, the sun Bright and warm, the afternoon colder. I went to see Mr. Cavanaugh, Twp. Clerk, who is very sick. 11 Sharp day, especially in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 12 Quite stormy mostly all day. Blowing and snowing and Freezing. Brother Sam was here about noon. 13 Mild day, quite a bit of sunshine, good sleighing, the snow, I think, would be about sixteen inches deep were it not drifted. Jim was here at night. Clark brought over a small load of hay from Jim’s to me. G. McConnell, Collector, was here at night, paid $635.00. 14th Sabbath. Quite stormy, Blowing and drifting. Mrs. R. and Clark went to Meeting at J. McMurch- ie’s church. 15 Mild, the Roads very heavy. Mrs. R. and Clark went to Willie’s. Willie came here with a load of stove wood. I went twice to Dundalk. <p. 241> February 1897 16th Mild day, not much sunshine, the snow quite soft. Rather a stiff blow which banked up the snow. Mrs. Anthonhy Trudgon died this morning. Had been ailing for about three months. [in margin] Mrs. A. Trugon / Died 17 Mild day, almost a thaw. A Blow in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went to the Funeral of Mrs. Tru- gon. We went with Mr. Jim Grummett and wife. Mrs. Trugon was buried at the Union Church. 18 Mild day with some snow showers. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 19 Pretty mild and pleasant. G. McConnell came in the afternoon and stopped all night. 20 A Little Rough, especially in the afternoon, heavy wind and some sleet. I went with Mr. McConnell to a Council Meeting in Dundalk. He settled up his Collector’s Roll and handed it in. Jim gave me a ride home at night. He waited on me till I got done with Business. 21 Sabbath. Mild mostly all day. Ida came here in the afternoon. Johney, Ina and Joe called here at night. �531 22 Rather Blustrey day, calmed down towards night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon with Jim. Walked home and a hard job it was with the Big coat on. Went to Jim’s at night to hear the Lat- terday Saints’ preachers.* [*first mention of Clark’s new religion, which he joined in Michigan.] 23 Very stormy, Rough day, blowing, snowing and freezing. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. <p. 242> February 1897 24th Very Stormy, rough day from morning till night, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. I worked at the Township Books. 25 Another pretty rough day, especially in the forenoon, Blowing and snowing. Brother Sam called. Lew. Kinnell, a cheese maker, was here. I got a small load of straw from Jim. 26 A pretty rough, cold day. I went to Andrew Lonsway’s at night and wrote out his will for him. I think this is the third will I have drawn for him. 27 Rather cold and rough, but I am in bed laid up with grip. 28th Sabbath. Cold and rather stormy. I am pretty weak, fell of[f] the chair in the afternoon in a faint. Dr. McWilliam was here, said it was La grippe. Left me some pills. [March 1897] March 1 Cold and stormy, Blowing, snowing and Freezing. Am still in Bed. 2 Milder than yesterday, the Blow has ceased and there is a softening in the air. I bought a small load of oat sheaves some time ago from Jim Grummett for $1.50. He hauled them home today. There is scarcely an oat in them, good straw would be as good nearly. No more entries till April on account of sickness. <p. 243> April 1897 4th Sabbath. Pretty fine day, with a good deal of sunshine, Mrs. Ben Bowerman and Jim Patterson were here. I am still so weak and poorly that I can scarcely walk. However, I am improving and I suppose will get strong through time. 5 Dark day with some rain and thunder in the afternoon. Clark came here in the evening and went away again. 6 Pretty chilly day, cold air. I settled up with Clark, gave him an order on Dundalk Bank for the Balance of his [stricken: money] ($1000.00) which I had deposited for him in my name on the 14th Sept. 1892. This Balance and interest was $137.08 7 Rather a nice day with a good deal of sunshine. Johney was here in the morning. Jim was here through the day. Clark, Mariah and Pearl went away this afternoon for their home in Hillman in St. of Michigan, U. S. [in margin] Clark / left for Hillman 8 Hard Frost this morning, but the day was fine but not much sunshine. Mr. Robt. Oliver, an old resident of Melancthon, paid us a visit, went to Jim’s for a while, came back and stopped all night. [in margin] Mrs. Arnold’s / newborn Baby / died 9 Dark morning. It commenced snowing about 10 A.M. Big snow storm all day. Mr. Oliver left this morning. Mrs. R. has gone to Willie’s this eavning on the colt’s back. <p. 244> April 1897 10th The Ground covered with snow this morning, about four inches deep, but the sun got out pretty strong and a good deal of it disappeared. Mrs. R. got home from Willie’s in the forenoon, and �532 went with Jim in the afternoon to Dundalk. I am still so weak that all I can do is to walk around slowly. 11th Sabbath. Pretty cool, still, the day was pleasant. Joe and Ida and Walter Bell were here. 12 Bright and sunny, the snow disappearing pretty fast. I took a walk to the rear end of Lot 219, just 5/8 of a mile and back. It tired me out pretty well. I am very weak. 13 Dark and rainy all day, with the exception of about an hour at 3 P.M. No person moving around today, the Roads very bad. 14 Cool and dark, misty like all day. Mrs. Walter Bell and Mrs. Thos. Robinson were here. 15 Fine day, mild and the snow in the fence corners going pretty rapidly. R. Agnew came here. 16 Fine pleasant morning, Balmy and nice. The day got overcast, slightely wet in the afternoon. 17 The Ground covered with snow this morning, but most of it had disappeared before night. The day dark, cloudy and cold in the afternoon. 18th Mild in the forenoon, colder in the afternoon, with very heavy wind at night. Brother Sam was here. [in margin] Esther / Heavy wind <p. 245> April 1897 19th The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more fell during the day. The day cold and windy. 20 The Ground covered with snow this morning, and more falling, but most of it had disappeared before night. The afternoon milder. 21 Bright and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon overcast with a little rain at night. Stranger pruned the apple trees here and for Jim on the Arnold place. Seventy-five cents for both jobs. Edward Noble was here. Mr. Walter Bell and Thos. McAulay, Township assessor, called this eavning. [in margin] Fruit trees pruned / E. Noble / here 22 Beautiful spring like day, warm and pleasant. T. McAulay, Twp. Assessor, was here with his Roll. I added up the different columns for him and totalled them. [in margin] First cow / Calved 23 Mild and balmy. Thunder and heavy rain in the afternoon, a little [stricken: rain] hail with the rain. 24 Fine day mostly. I went to Dundalk with Jim. Have not been there for about two months on ac- count of sickness. 25 Sabbath. Fine day, a little cold rain at night. 26 Showery all day, some hail mixed with the rain. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s on the colt’s Back. 27 Hard Frost this morning, a bright sunny day with a cold air. Mrs. H. Lonsway was here in the af- ternoon. <p. 246> April 1897 28th Fine, mild day, the Ground drying up good. Ida and Miss Bowerman were here in the afternoon. 29 Mild day, quite close and warm, little sunshine. Cloudy in the afternoon with indications of rain. Mrs. R. and I walked to Dundalk. It tired me pretty badly. I got some small nursery stock. [in margin] Jim started / his spring work 30 Cool and windy, dark, without sunshine. I planted out some small Fruit, Gooseberries, currants, etc. [in margin] Set out / Fruit / plants May [1897] 1st Dark and lowering most of the day, with something more than a Scotch mist till about 5 O’clock in the afternoon, when the clouds rolled by and the sun shone out, Bright and clear. �533 2nd Sabbath. Wet all day. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s, then to Willie’s. Willie’s first child,* a girl, was born today. Dr. McWilliam was in attendance. [in margin] Willie’s Baby / Born. [*Reta] 3 Wet most of the day, the ground is in a terrible state of softness. Mrs. R. got home this afternoon. Willie brought her. 4 Heavy shower early in the morning, cleared up a little, quite a mizzle of Rain in the afternoon. 5 Fine day, sunny, Bright and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s. Johney drove us out as far as S. McDowell’s in the Buggy. 6 Dark and threatening Rain, but not much fell. I piled up some wood which had fallend out of the pile. Opened the potatoe pit, there was some of them Frozen. <p. 247> May 1897 7th Beautiful springlike day, sunny and warm. People are all busy plowing, the ground is wet. 8 Fine day, sunny and warm. We planted some onions and sowed lettuce seed. 9th Sabbath. Fine growing day, dry and warm till late in the afternoon when there came on [a] thunder storm, accompanied with lightening and heavy rain. 10 Dry and warm, a fine growth. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. I went to see Mr. Andrew Lonsway. 11 Fine day, dry and warm, quite a fine growth. I seen three swallows for the first this year. [in mar- gin] Seen first / swallows 12 Dry and fine to about 1 P.M. when there came on quite a thunder shower, wetting the ground very badly. Mrs. R. and I were at J. Bowerman’s. 13 Quite a mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry till night when there was a very heavy Rain. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim plowed, sowed and harrowed the garden. 14 Wet mostly all day, nothing but rain incessantly. There are none of the Farmers around here done seeding. They cannot get on the ground with the wet. 15 Dry and pretty warm. I posted Township orders. 16th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Joe, Johney and Ina called here. 17 Dry and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy. I took a pit of potatoes (24 Bushels) in. Mrs. M. Arnold was here in the afternoon. [in margin] Dundalk C[heese] Factory / opened <p. 248> May 1897 18th Fine dry day. I planted one Bushel potatoes. [in margin] First / potatoes / planted 19 Dark, without any sunshine, a slight rain in the forenoon and in the afternoon. I planted a Bushel of potaotes for Jim. Rain, thunder and lightening at night. James Trudgon called here this after- noon. 20 Wet day, especially in the afternoon, which rained without ceasing, ground very wet. 21 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 22 Dry day, a good growth, the ground dried up nicely, but there came on a rain at night which will soften it again. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. I fixed fences and put some leached ashes around the fruit trees. [in margin] Frost / this morning 23rd Sabbath. Wet mostly all day, dark and gloomy. 24 Dark and without any sunshine, but dry and no rain, except a slight mizzle. I chored around, not much of any work. 25 Dry and fine with a good deal of sunshine. I harrowed about two hours for Jim on Lot 215. 26 Dry and fine, a frost this morning, but it done no harm. The ground drying nicely. 27 Very fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Harrowed about an hour for Jim when I got home. [in margin] Got papers / From Toronto �534 28 Slightely wet. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. J. Bowler rode out with me. <p. 249> May 1897 29th Slight mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I got home at 9.40 A.M. From Hopeville. 30th Sabbath. Dark day, wet in the afternoon with some thunder and lightening. Joe and Ida were here, also Jim and Mary a while. 31st Dark and cold, slightely wet. I went to Dundalk. Miss A. Bowerman & Ben were here at night. June [1897] 1st Dry, sunny and cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. 2 Dry and cool, with Frost in the morning. I fixed [the] pig yard. Cloudy and very much like rain in the eavning. [in margin] Frost 3 Dry in the morning, a heavy rain about 11 A.M. The afternoon dry. Johney was here. I gave him four Bags of potatoes. 4 Dry most of the day but quite cool and cloudy. I cut two Bags of seed potatoes. 5 Dry, Cloudy and warm. I cut seven bushels of seed potatoes at Jim’s for him. 6th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon with thunder and Lightening. I hauled up Jim’s sheep which had strayed out of his pasture. I got them. Johney and Ina wre here in the afternoon. 7 Wet day mostly all through. I sowed nineteen pounds of Timothy Seed on top of some of last year’s seeding of three acres which Jim had gave me for a pasture. 8 Dry day, sunny and warm. I tried to hunt up a cow for Jim which had gone astray. Did not find her. <p. 250> June 1897 9th Fine day, dry, warm and cloudy. 10 Dry and warm. R. Arnold was here. I posted a letter to Clark containing $85.00, less .90¢, price of M[ail] order. 11 Dry in the forenoon, wet about noon and pretty misty about 7 A.M.[for P.M.?]. Mrs. R. Arnold and child were here. 12 Dry morning, the day dry all through and pretty warm. A woman called in this morning to get some feed for her Baby. 13th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Jim & Mary called, Jim Patterson and Mr. J. Bowler called. Mrs. Joseph Bowler was here. Mrs. R. and I went in the afternoon to see Mr. Andrew Lonsway who is ailing. 14 Fine dry day. I attended Council Meeting at Proton Station. Took the noon train going north at Dundalk. Jim came for me with the Buggy at night. 15 Dry and fine. I went with Jim in the afternoon to Dundalk, bought two hundred weight of Manito- ba shorts for $60/100 per 100 lbs. and a hundred of inferior flour for $90/100 for pig feed. Jim bought one ton of shorts. 16 Fine day, dry and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s. Stopped till 5 P.M. then Willie drove us home in his Buggy. Johney bought a dog from Mrs. A. Smith for Five dollars which I think is too much for any dog. 17 Cloudy and overcast, a little rain began to fall about 4 P.M. Kept getting heavier till near night. 18 Fine day, dry and warm. I dug a piece of Ground in the Garden for a cabbage plot. <p. 251> June 1897 �535 19th Fine day, dry and warm, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to the little saw mill on Sam’s place in the afternoon. The walk tired me quite a bit. 20th Sabbath. Cold and clear with a strong wind. 21 Clear and cool with a slight frost in the morning. I dug a piece for cabbage plants. [in margin] Frost 22 Clear, cool and windy. We went to Dundalk to witness the Jubilee.* There were a great proces- sion of S[c]hool children, about 500. They were presented with medals and Brooches by the cor- poration. The horse races were a poor affair. [*celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, 60 years on the throne. She was crowned 20 June 1837. The official parade in London was Tues. 22 June 1897, declared a public holiday in Britain, Canada (and all former colonies); see https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/queen-victorias-diamond-jubilee/] 23 [Stricken: Dry and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon.]. Bright and sunny. I hoed some potatoes. 24 Dry and very sultry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mr. George Watson, insurance agent, was here at noon. Joe Bowerman brought a load of rails and helped build a Cow pen. Jim also helped. 25 Cool, clear and windy. Jim and I finished the cow pen. I hoed potatoes for Jim in the afternoon. 26 Fine day, dry and sunny. I hoed potatoes in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Brother Sam and Madella were here a while at night. 27 Sabbath. Dry and pretty warm. Willie and Sue with their Baby were here. <p. 252> June 1897 28th Fine day and pretty warm. Frost this morning, the afternoon cloudy like a thunder storm. I set out one hundred and sixteen cabbage plants. Joe & Ida called at night. [in margin] Frost / Set out / Cabbage / plants 29 Grand Rain this morning, and rain pretty much all forenoon. It was greately needed. Johney came for his mother this eavning to go to Willie’s, whence she and Sue intend starting tomorrow for the wedding of Brother John’s daughter Nancy.* The others of the Friends also intend going. I keep house. [in margin] Rain [*Nancy marries James Patterson, Jnr.] 30 Misty morning, but the day cleared off and the afternoon was just splendid. [in margin] Hot July [1897] 1st Dominion day, but no turn out in Dundalk. Pretty warm with a little cool wind in the afternoon. I am alone, something I don’t regret. [in margin] Hot 2 Fine day and very warm. I am alone. [in margin] Very Hot 3 Fine day and hot. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [in margin] Very Hot 4th Sabbath. Very warm. Mrs. R. got home from the wedding about 2 O’clock A.M. 5 Very warm day, it might be called hot. I pulled wild mustard out of the acre patch. We moved the stove to the summer kitchen. [in margin] Hot 6 Hot day. I hoed some potatoes for Jim in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot 7 Very hot, especially in the afternoon. I done Statute labor. Hauled Gravel out of J. Allen’s pit with Jim’s team. [in margin] Hot <p. 253> July 1897 8th Very hot, especially in the afternoon. I posted Township orders in the forenoon and in the after- noon went to Dundalk. [in margin] Very hot �536 9 Very hot day, the sun came pouring down in the afternoon. I made out the half-yearly financial statement for the Township. Miss McDonald and Mrs. McDonald visited here. Mr. William El- ders of Flesherton called to see about arrears of taxes which have been returned against his proper- ty. 10 Very hot day. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. The Room was ex- tremely close and warm where I slept. Next meeting of Council is on the 14th of August in the same place. 11 Sabbath. Dry in the morning, Rain came on about 8 A.M., some thunder and lightening. I left Hope- ville and got home at 9 A.M. Mr. J. W. Paterson, Jnr. and wife, Joseph Bowerman and Ida were here. This afternoon is decidedly cooler. 12 Fine day, but cloudy and cool, pleasant for the Orangemen to march. I worked at posting the Township orders which I got last Saturday. Jim’s family, Arlie, Vern & Delbert are here this eavning. 13 Dry in the forenoon, a very fine shower of Rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I got the horses which had got out of the pasture, then we hitched up the colt and went to Dundalk. 14 Dry and warm in the Forenoon, quite a shower in the afternoon, some thunder and lightening. Mrs. R. and I drove with the colt to Johney’s and Willie’s. <p. 254> July 1897 15th A little cooler than usual in the morning, the afternoon warmer, the day dry. I wrote some letters in the forenoon and Paris-Greened the potatoes at the house, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk, posted the letters and got my mail. 16 Fine day and pretty warm. Thunder clouds passing round, a few drops of Rain fell. I went to Brother Sam’s, came home with Jim in the Buggy. 17 Pretty hot day, with a very heavy shower of Rain in the afternoon. Mr. J. Corbett, Councilman of Proton, and Mr. Robt. Woods,* Councilman of Melancthon, let a Road job of Gravelling 14 1/3 Rods opposite this house, six feet width and 7 inches deep, for $10.00. Both Gentlemen had din- ner here. [*Robt. Woods (1859-1944) was later MP for Dufferin, 1921-25, for the Progressive party; see Sawden, History of Dufferin County, p. 166. He was also grandfather of Don Woods (1935-2013). Don was an indefatigable Russell family reunion organizer, and Russell family his- torian, who inherited volumes 3-5 of these diaries from his mother Elva Russell Woods, grand- daughter of Robert Russell. In the late 1970s Don was instrumental in reuniting all five volumes of these diaries.] 18th Sabbath. Fine day, pretty warm, almost hot. 19 Cloudy and sultry. I mowed the grass around the apple trees and other parts of the acre. Felt pret- ty tired. 20 Cloudy and warm, thunder clouds and showers passing round. I molded up the cabbage, put some paris-green on the potatoes and shook out the grass which I had cut. Madella was here a while, al- so an aged lady (Mrs. Crisp) and her daughter called here to feed their horse. They were from Honeywood. 21 Dry and sultry in the forenoon, Heavy Rain with some thunder and lightening in the afternoon. I put Paris Green on Jim’s early potatoes in the dry part of the day. It will be of no use as the rain is certain to wash it all off. His potatoes are covered with bugs. <p. 255> July 1897 �537 22 Dry in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, then went out as far as the Cemet[e]ry. 23 Raining in the morning, slightely wet mostly till noon. I took the Buds off some potatoes. 24 A little damp in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and breezy. I took the buds off some potatoes, then raked and put in hand shaking some hay. 25th Sabbath. Dry day, but cloudy and cool. 26 Dry till about 7 P.M. when it began to rain and is still at it (9.40 P.M.), with all appearance of a wet night. I Paris-Greened Jim’s potatoes (an acre) in the afternoon. Joe Bowerman with his brother Ben and hired boy were helping Jim at his hay in the afternoon. They Raked up and got in six loads. 27 Wet morning, the day wet all through, and the Rain is now (9.30) P.M. powering* down, such an incessant rain has not come this year. [*slightly illegible, this may be a slip of the pen for “pour- ing”] 28 An incessant day’s Rain from morning till night. 29 Dry but the weather seems unsettled. 30th Friday. Dry in the forenoon, a terrifick Rain storm with some thunder and lightening about 1.50 P.M. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 31st Dry and quite breezy with a bright sun mostly all day. I Paris-Greened Jim’s potatoes in the after- noon. Also carried in some hay which I had at home. This has been a very wet time and a great deal of hay is spoiled. <p. 256> August 1897 1st Sabbath. Dry day. Willie, Sue and Baby were here, also Mrs. Bowerman, Joe and Ida. 2 Dry day and pretty hot. Joe and Jim cut the piece of grass behind the stable for me with their mowers. 3 Dry and cloudy, pretty warm. I mowed some fence corners till noon, then helped Jim a while in the afternoon to mow* away some hay. [*=put in hay mow, as opposed to mow=cut] 4 Dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a slight rain, enough to stop the hauling in of hay. I raked the hay out of some fence corners. 5 Dry and fine. I mowed fence corners in the forenoon, and in the afternoon Jim, Willie and I hauled in for me four loads which Jim gave me to feed the cows and colt. 6 Fine dry day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, bought a pound of Paris Green for .35 cts. Came home and put it on an acre of potatoes at Jim’s. This is the third time I greened the same patch. 7 Fine dry day. I went to Dundalk in the morning and in the afternoon helped Jim to mow hay. He and his help brought in eleven loads from noon. This finished his haying, all but the fence corners and some rakings. John Maxwell was here a while at night. [in margin] Jim finished / Haying 8th Sabbath. Dry, with rain and thunder in the distance. Johney and Ina called in the afternoon. 9 Dry, with thunder showers passing around. I got a load of hay rakings from Jim and put it in the stable loft. The hay is good. <p. 257> August 1897 10th Very heavy thunder, Lightening and Rain early this morning. The peals were startling and the lightening very sharp, whilst the Rain came down in torrents. The day was dry from about 10 A.M. I posted some Township orders in the Le[d]ger and made out the estimates for the Council meeting of the 14th inst. [in margin] Heavy thunder / storms �538 11 Dry and fine, with some clouds rolling over. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, then went to Sam’s in the afternoon. 12 Very cool and cloudy, almost like frost. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 13 Quite cool this morning, some people said there was a frost. The day fine, sunny and dry. I went to Willie’s logging bee. There were three teams and twelve men. He got about three and a half acres logged. 14 Cool and Cloudy, very like a thunder storm in the afternoon. A little rain fell at night. I attended a Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. 15th Sabbath. The day cloudy with very Black clouds rolling around in the eavning and a little thunder. I came home from Hopeville this morning. Mary and Jim were here a little while. 16 Cloudy day with showers of Rain occassionaly. I Balanced up the orders I got at C[ouncil] Meet- ing. Came out correct. 17 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to a Raising of a Frame Barn, 42 x 70 feet, at Brother Sam’s. Did not get it finished on account of a little delay in pieces not fitting. The raft- ers and a piece of the purline plate not got up. <p. 258> August 1897 18th Showery day, very heavy rain in the afternoon. I mowed some oats in the forenoon and in the af- ternoon went to help Sam up with the rafters. Did not get them all up. I stopped at Sam’s all night. 19 Dry day. Came home and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 20 Dry day. I mowed some oats on the acre. Only could cut in the seven hours which I worked about 1/8 of an acre. They were so thick, laying down and tangled with fowl. Mrs. John Arnold and Miss Bessie Arnold here a while at night. 21 Fine dry day. I finished mowing the oats in the garden. Joseph Bowler mowed with me for three hours. I then went to Dundalk and Joe Brown hauled three hundred pounds of shorts home. Ida was here in the afternoon. 22nd Sabbath. Fine day, dry and cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s. 23 Dry day. I chored around. Jim commenced his harvest. Cut some oats with his Binder. [in mar- gin] Jim began / his harvest 24 Dry in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon very wet, with some thunder and lightening. I put in the stable loft the oats (2 loads) which I had in the garden. John Hood, Jim’s man, helped me. 25 Dry day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and sold a pig to the Butcher @ $6.00 per cwt., dressed, and in the afternoon helped Jim a little. Joe Bowler & his wife were here a while at night. <p. 259> August 1897 26th Dry and fine. I wrote some business letters in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 27 Dry, cool and cloudy. I chored around, mostly doing nothing. 28 Dry and pretty warm. I posted Township orders in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to help Jim haul in Barley. He got other help, so I was not needed. Jim took my horse and Buggy and drove to Dundalk. 29th Sabbath. Dry till about 6 P.M. when there came on a fierce wind and Rain storm, with some thun- der and lightening. 30 Dry and cool, a pretty fine day. �539 31 Dry and fine. Mr. Deverall,* Butcher of Dundalk, came here and bought a young pig at $6.00 per cwt. He killed and dressed it here. Mr. John Maxwell was here at night. I wrote him out an ap- peal to send to the Dept. Minister of Education for a recount of his Examination papers. [*Deverell Bros., Butchers, listed in 1906 business directory; see History of Dundalk, p. 105.] [September 1897] Sept. 1st Dry till about noon, then a slight shower. Dry then till 6 P.M., when there was a pretty heavy rain. I helped Jim to haul in four loads of oats on the Arnold lot. 2 Dry and fine all day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 3 Very fine day, sunny, dry and warm. I helped Jim haul in oats and turned some pease for him in the afternoon. <p. 260> September 1897 4th Very fine day, dry, sunny and bright. I turned over some pease for Jim, then helped him draw in two loads. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk at night and done some shopping. 5th Sabbath. Fine day, dry, clear and warm. Joe & Ida, Willie, Sue and Baby were here. 6 Dry and hot with a few drops of rain about 3.30 P.M. I helped Jim to haul in pease. He got them all in, ten acres he had. 7 Dry and pretty warm, with some indications of rain. I helped Jim to haul in grain. 8 Fine day, sunny and hot. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and got a strap for to put on the co[l]t’s leg to keep if from jumping. 9 Fine day, dry and hot. I stooked some oats for Jim after the Binder, about (110). Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk at night. 10 Fine day, dry and warm, splendid harvest weather. I took up potaotes (9 Bushels). The hens had scratched them up and picked them, also there was a rot taking place, so I thought it best to raise them. Mrs. R. went to Toronto this morning. 11 A slight shower of rain early this morning, the day dry and bright. Mrs. R. got home from Toron- to, had some baskets of plums and peaches with her. 12 [13]th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and pleasant. Johney and Ina were here, also Sam. Mrs. R. and I went to see J. Bowerman at night, he is sick. <p. 261> Sept[ember] 1897 13 [14]th Heavy shower of Rain and high wind this morning, the afternoon dry. 14 [15] Dry, clear and cool. I went to Brother Sam’s. 15 [16] Dry and fine. I worked at Ledgerising Township orders. 16 [17] Fine day with a very slight sprinkle of Rain at night. I went to Dundalk, and helped Jim haul in a load of grain when I got home. 17 [18] A little Rain early this morning. I wrote some business letters in the morning, took them to Dundalk, posted them. Was home at 9.45 A.M. Then helped Jim in the mow till night. 18 Cloudy and very cool in the morning. The clouds passed away and the day was dry and Breezy. I helped Jim in the forenoon to mow away grain. 19th Sabbath. Dry and fine till night when there came on Rain. Jim’s three children were here, also Mrs. Ben Bowerman, Joe & Ida. 20 Damp in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, got some lumber for cellar door, and in the afternoon helped Jim to mow away grain. 21 Sharp Frost this morning, the day dry but some rain at night. I helped Jim to mow away grain. �540 22 Dry and cool. I helped Jim mow away a load of Barley, then raked up to get some Buckwheat sheaves which he had cut with the reaper. He stood them up singly. [in margin] (finished / cut- ting grain / Barley) 23 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. took out to Willie’s some chickens which she had raised for him. <p. 262> Sept. 24th 1897 24th Fine day, beautiful and bright. Mrs. R. and I attended Dundalk Show Fair. There was a pretty good turn out of people, but the exhibits of different kinds were not numerous. 25 Beautiful day, almost like Indian Summer. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon and when there went to see Mr. Thos. Hanbury’s orchard and garden combined. The vegetables and fruits which are in it are immense, such apples and plums as are there, and in such abundance and perfection. In the afternoon I helped Jim to load three loads of Buckwheat. He threshed in the field with the steamer, hauled the sheaves to the thresher and hauled the grain to the Barn. He has, I think, about 200 Bushels or 22 Bushels to the acre. 26th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and Breezy, cloudy in the afternoon. 27 Cool and dry. I went to Melancthon and piled 14 Cords of short wood which Johney and Willie had hauled out of the Bush for me last spring and thrown on the roadside. Had dinner and supper at Johney’s and stopped at Willie’s all night. 28 Very hard Frost this morning, the day dry and sunny. I stopped at Willie’s till about 2 P.M., then Sue drove me home in the Buggy. 29 Fine day, sunny and bright. I helped Jim raise his potatoes. A very poor crop, only about 25 Bushels off about 3/4 of an acre. <p. 263> Sept[ember] 1897 30th Beautiful day, almost like Indian Summer. I took up my potatoes. They were a poor crop, about 18 Bushels off about 1/4 of an acre. I put 13 Bushels in the cellar and 5 in a pit. [in margin] Raised potatoes. [October 1897] October 1st Fine day, dry and sunny and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and done some shopping. 2 Dry and fine, pretty windy. I pulled some of my apples. Mr. Thos. Lauglin, Township Clerk of Proton, was here to get the Collector’s Roll of 1896, as a guide to him when making out the rates. I gave it. J. Agnew and wife called. 3rd Sabbath. Dry and fine. Joe and Ida were here, also Johney and Ina a while at night. 4 Dry and fine. Bright sky, a little hazy atmosphere, a very nice day. I sorted some orders. 5 Dry and very dusty till about 3 P.M. when there came on a slight rain. It cleared off till about 6 when it again commenced. Also there was some thunder and lightening. Mrs. R. and I went to Sam’s. I helped him light some Brush piles in his chopping, but the rain coming on was against a good burn. It was 7 P.M. when we got home. 6 Slightely wet most all day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim is pretty sick through inhaling the poisonous dust at H. Johnson’s threshing on last Monday. Johnson had put his oats in to his barn very wet. They heated badly and several of the men got sick at the threshing, Jim getting a bad dose. <p. 264> October 1897 �541 7th Dry, cloudy and cool, quite a shower of Rain fell during last night. Jim is something better, but sick enough yet. 8 Dry, mostly, with a little rain about 11 A.M., the day pretty cold. Jim and I went to Dundalk. 9 Cold day, but dry and windy. I attended a Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. 10th Sabbath. Dry and cold with some thunder and lightening and Rain at night. I got home from Hopeville at 10 A. M. 11 Cold and windy, slightely wet in the afternoon. I worked all day at posting Township orders. 12 Dry, windy and cool. I finished posting Township orders and Balanced the Books. Came out all right. Brother John and wife came here in the afternoon and stopped all night. Also the Rev. Mr. Harrison of Dundalk and wife called in the eavning. 13 Beautiful day, sunny and Bright. John and wife went up to Jim’s for a while, then left for son Johney’s and Willie’s. Mrs. Samuel McDowell was here. 14 Very fine day, beautiful and Bright. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, then again at night with the Buggy to give Jim a ride home. We expected him up on the train. He did not come. Brother John and wife were here all night. <p. 265> October 1897 15 Fine day, dry, sunny and warm, exceeding warm for this time of the year. Brother John and wife left for home this morning. Jim got home from Toronto on the night train. Joe Bowerman drove him home. 16 Wet early this morning, then dry with some sunshine and pretty warm. A heavy fog came on in the afternoon, with a dullness [?] in the air which was quite unpleasant. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 17 Sabbath. Dry and pretty fine with a hard frost in the morning. Willie, Sue and Baby were here. 18 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I cleaned up some hen feed in Jim’s Barn on the Arnold place. 19 Cool and cloudy in the forenoon, sunny and somewhat warmer in the afternoon. I picked about a Barell of apples in the afternoon off our own trees, and in the forenoon we picked about two bags off Jim’s. Brother Sam was here a while at night. [in margin] Gathered / apples 20 Dry till about 11 A.M., then wet. Very heavy rain at night and after night. Jim started to press hay at D. Pate’s in Melancthon, very ???myamuable?? 21 Cloudy in the forenoon, with something like a Scotch mist, the afternoon dry. I hauled out manure on the garden with a stone boat. 22 Dry and fine. Finished hauling out manure. Jim helped me in the forenoon. <p. 266> October 1897 23rd Beautiful day, dry and warm. I plowed the garden with Jim’s horse and my colt. It tired me pretty well as the plough ran deep and I am anything but strong after the sickness which I had last spring. 24th Sabbath. Beautiful day. Joe and Ida were here. 25 Delightful day. Indian Summer, I think. G. McConnell, Collector of Township, was here and paid me as treasurer $99.00. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and deposited it in Bank. I bought 2 Barrels of Manitoba Flour at $5.40 per Barrel and 3 Bags of pease at 45¢ per Bushel. Joe Bower- man’s team brought it home, A. Thompson drove them. I pulled or Rather, shaked, the sweet ap- ples on Jim’s orchard on the Arnold place and Carried them in to the house. [in margin] Indian Summer 26 Beautiful day, sunny and bright with a hazy atmosphere. Indian Summer for sure. I helped Jim haul in turnips to his root house. [in margin] Indian Summer �542 27 Bright, beautiful day, warm and delightful. I helped Jim finish hauling in turnips. He had about 300 Bushels. He gave me two loads. Johney hauled them home for me. [in margin] Indian Sum- mer / Skip Carson and / Miss Patterson married. 28 Dark, cool morning, dry till about 4 P.M. when there came on a heavy mist, then a slight rain. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 267> October 1897 29th Snow on the ground this morning and more falling, quite a wintry like day. Most of it disappeared before night. [in margin] First snow 30 Another mantle of snow on the ground this morning, not much, enough to whiten the earth. Some of it went away before night. G. McConnell, Collector, left me $358.00 31st Sabbath. Dark, cool day, with rain at night. Willie, Sue and Baby were here. [November 1897] Nov. 1 Misty morning, the day dark. Warm in the afternoon. I topped some turnips at home. 2 Dark and misty, cold most of the day. Slightely wet in the afternoon. Mrs. John McDowell, an old resident of about 45 [years] in Proton, died. [in margin] Mrs. John McDowell / Died 3 Very fine day, sunny and bright. I topped the remainder of the turnips that Jim gave me. I think there must be about 50 Bushels. Jim threshed on the home place today. His grain did not turn out well. I think about 20 Bushels of oats to an acre. [in margin] Jim threshed 4 Fine day, dry with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I attended the Funeral of Mrs. John McDowell. She was buried in Inistioge Burying Ground. The Pall Bearers were Mr. — Rundle, John J. McCullough, Joseph Neithercut, Snr., Son Jim, and John and myself. There were about Fifty Rigs at the Funeral. <p. 268> Nov[ember] 1897 5th Dark morning, the forenoon dry, hot in the afternoon. I helped Jim put a top on a straw stack in the forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Dundalk and left my measure for a pair of long boots (calve skin), $5.25 [a] pair. Ida and Mrs. Jas. Maxwell were here in the eavning. 6 Dark and stormy this morning, Showers of snow falling all through the day. High wind, cold at night, quite wintry like. 7th Sabbath. Fine day, splendid sunshine, very nice. 8 Dark and mizzling most of the day, a very unpleasant sort of weather. 9 Snowing and blowing, a full day of storm, no cessation from morning till night. [in margin] Snow Storm / Cows stabled 10 Mild day, but the ground is still covered with snow. Sleighs are running, also waggons. 11 Rain in the morning and mostly all forenoon, the afternoon dry till night, when there came on a blustering snow storm. I Butchered a seven months old pig. It would weigh about 175 pounds, dressed. Jim and Sam’s Johney were the officers at its death. [in margin] Killed pig 12 Pretty cold with showers of snow during the day, pretty stormy at night, with a strong wind. 13 Cold and stormy in the morning, with snow falling, the afternoon milder. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got the last pay for 6 weeks milk. <p. 269> November 1897 14th Sabbath. Dark and misty, the snow thawing, the day mild. 15 Slightely wet in the forenoon, the snow mostly gone, the roads very bad. 16 Cold and dark, gloomy day. Mrs. R. sold her poultry. �543 17 Sharp day, a shower of snow in the afternoon. I split some stove wood at the house. 18 Pretty cold day, not any sunshine hardly. I split stove wood at the house. 19 Dark and mild with a little snow falling now and then. Mrs. R. and Mary drove out to Willie’s and Johney’s. [in margin] J. Johnson’s / Sale of Stock / implements, etc. 20 Mild day, the snow melted away and scarcely any remained at night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon with the Collector who was here and paid me $340.00 which I deposited in Bank 21st Sabbath. Pretty mild day, though dark. Jim Patterson and Nancy were here and Brother Sam called at night. 22 The ground again covered with snow but it mostly disappeared before night, but there came on a fierce snow storm at dark. I carried in to the stable about 40 Bushels of Turnips which Jim had gave me. 23 Very cold day, with a little snow falling now and then. T. McAulay, collector, handed over $90.00. 24 Pretty cold although there was a thaw wind. Mrs. Jos. Bowler was here helping to quilt. <p. 270> November 1897 25th Dark and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon milder and thawing. 26 Rain in the morning and the day was pretty wet, turned to frost and snow at night. 27 Sharp, cold morning, the day dark and a hard Frost, the Roads very rough. Mrs. R. and I drove to Dundalk with the buggy in the afternoon. Seen the collector, he handed me over $175.00. 28th Sabbath. Pretty cold day, a little snow on the ground. Joe and Ida were here. 29 Rough, stormy day, blowing snowing and Freezing, not any sleighing as yet. 30 Pretty cold, the roads very rough, a trifle of snow fell. I went to see Jim Bell who is sick for some time with La Grippe. [December 1897] Dec. 1 Cold day, especially in the afternoon, some snow fell. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Met with the collector. Mrs. Donald McAulay was here. She and Mrs. Russell drove to Dundalk to a missionary meeting. 2 Sharp cold day with a little snow. I butchered a seven months old pig. It would dress about 200 pounds. Johny Hood, Jim’s man, helped me. Mrs. R. got hurt by being thrown out of her Buggy. The Buggy tipped up and she fell out, the lines broke and the horse ran off. Might have got killed. Johny and Ina, Joseph Bowler and wife were here a while at night. <insert> [between pp. 270 and 271] page of accounts: Took $1810.10 back side of page Got 7.42 has itemized payments in 4 columns 100.00 with total of 4 cols. = 3628.91 2434.90 Received 4352.42 Paid 3628.91 Balance 723.51 </insert> <p. 271> December 1897 3rd Cold, but not so much as yesterday. The sleighing is improving. �544 4 Something like a thaw, the trees covered with sleet in the morning which began to soften towards night, and almost turned to rain. I worked at the financial statement. 5th Sabbath. Dark and soft, a little snow fell. 6 Dark and cold, a little snow fell. Mrs. R. with others started for the funeral of her nephew, J. W. Agnew,* who died at Fort McLeod in the North West Territories and who will be buried on to- morrow the 7th inst. from his home in Essa. I worked at the Financial Statement and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. [*Joseph William Agnew, b. 15 July, 1871, eldest son of John and Margaret Agnew] 7 Dark mild day with snow falling now and then. I worked at the Township Financial Statement. Mr. Rutledge called here and left his taxes, $19.80. Joe Bowler milked the cows this morning and his Father milked them at night. I am alone tonight. 8 Fine day mild and a good deal of sunshine. I worked at the Financial statement. Mrs. R. Got home about 8 P.M. 9 Dark and soft, the snow going rapidly, wheels and sleighs both on the Roads. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. 10 Rain mostly all day, a regular thaw. I finished the Financial Statement as far as I could get. Mrs. J. Arnold and Mrs. Rob. Arnold were here in the afternoon. [in margin] Thaw <p. 272> December 1897 11th Raining this morning, and continued so most of the day. The rain turned to snow in the afternoon, freezing tonight. Rob. Arnold and Mrs. J. Bowler were here. Willie and Dr. Martin called at night to examine Willie for a pain in his side. He said his liver was out of order, gave him some medi- cine and pills. [in margin] Thaw. 12th Sabbath. Dark, misty and mild. Brother Sam was here a while at night. 13 Dark and a cold raw wind, got cold at night and the wind rose. Mrs. R. went out to Mrs. J. Patter- son’s to see Nancy.* [*Nancy, daughter of John and Eliza Agnew Russell, b. 12 Oct. 1868, mar- ried to James Patterson] 14 Dark day, slightely wet with pretty heavy rain after dark. I went to Dundalk and drew out of Bank $1300. to take with me to the Council meeting tomorrow. Willie brought me the horse and buggy from Jim’s. I am taking $1362.34 to the meeting, besides $103.00 of taxes which have been left by individuals for me to hand collector. 15 Pretty cold, raw morning, the day slightely wet. I went to Hopeville to Council Meeting and stopped all night. 16 Cold and slightely wet. I came home this forenoon. Balanced my cash and found it correct. 17 Snowing all day. I worked at the Financial statement. 18 Snowing some. I finished the statement, very hard it was, as I had to change some of the entries. <p. 273> December 1897 19th Sabbath. Pretty cold day with some snow falling. Ida was here. 20 Snowing in the forenoon, the day pretty cold. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, left the Financial Statement at the printers to be printed, also sent $1000.00 of Co. rates to the Co. Treasurer. 21 Mild mostly all day, with quite fall of snow in the afternoon. Johney called on his way from Jim's. 22 Dark and cold, snowing and blowing in the afternoon. Joe. Bowler and wife were here a while at night. 23 Cold day, snowing some in the afternoon and blowing very sharp at night. 24 Very cold day all through. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and done some Township business. �545 25 Christmas. Pretty sharp in the forenoon, the afternoon milder with a slight fall of snow. Jim and wife and family, Willie and wife and Baby, Jim Patterson and wife, Joe Bowerman and Ida were here. Christmas gift from Jim: 2 pairs slippers. 26th Sabbath. Pretty cold day with a fall of snow in the afternoon. Johney and Ina were here. 27 Bright and sunny with a keen frosty air. I carried some turnips which had frozen in the horse sta- ble in to the cellar to thaw out. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk to see Mrs. J. Patton, who broke her leg. <p. 274> December 1897 28th Fine day, but a little cold, capital sleighing. Rev. Harrison, John Maxwell, Ida and T. McAuley were here. 29 Blowing and snowing most of the day, not very cold. Mrs. R. and I attended a prayer meeting in James Trugon’s, Minister Harrison officiated. I sent, or rather, wrote a letter this night to Brother William, Kosoman P. O., I. T., U. S. [in margin] Sent a letter / to Bro. William. 30 Quite a fall of snow this forenoon and the Roads are pretty heavy, the day mild. I sent a letter to Clark and another to Sister Sarah.* Went to Dundalk in the afternoon and brought the horse and cutter home for Jim who is going to Toronto on the 5 O'clock train. [*Sarah probably lived in the Sudbury area in these years. Her daughter Margaret was married 26 Jul. 1894 at Bracebridge, Muskoka County, and her residence was Sudbury. Sarah’s daughter Sarah Elizabeth was married 15 Mar. 1898 in Sudbury, although her residence was Blezard, Nipissing District. Source: Ontario Marriages. Thanks to Reta Russell Lancaster for these details.] 31 Very stormy day from morning to night, snowing Blowing and Freezing, the stormiest day of the season. The old year is passing rapidly into the past and the New Year will soon be ushered in. What has the old left us? Not very much to me, indeed, as my health, I fear, has been permanently injured through inflamation of my lungs last winter. Still, things might have been worse, so I think I must be thankful for past mercies and hope that the future will in some respect compensate for the past. No sickness in the Families. <p. 275> January 1898 1st Stormy cold day. Snowing some, Blowing strong, and Freezing worse than Greenland. The very coldest day which has come this winter. Son Johney called here on his election campaign, he is running for the Council in the Township of Melancthon. Jim is in Toronto, he went down on the 30th Ult[imo]* to sell 4 carloads of pressed hay which he had shipped from Proton Station. Don't know when he will get home for I think the Railroad is blocked up with snow. [in margin] Ex- tremely cold. [*=“Ultimo mense,” of the previous month, i.e. December] 2nd Sabbath. Very cold stormy day, Snowing, blowing and freezing. James Mills, a [dittog.: neigh] neighbour, died this morning. He was 76 years of age, and lived here for about 50 years. [in mar- gin] J. Mills / Died 3 Cold but not so rough as yesterday. I went to the elections in Proton, Dundalk and Melancthon, voting in each. Willie was here. 4 Mild day, good sleighing. William McDowell, an old resident of Melancthon, died to day of par- allisis. He was about 63 years of age. Jas. Mills was buried today, there were about 45 Rigs at the funeral. 5 Mild day. I am laid up with a cold. Dr. Martin was with me yesterday, gave me some medicine. I am recovering. W. Lonsway and daughter Annie* called today. [William Lonsway, husband of Robert’s late sister Margaret (deceased 3 Mar. 1892), and Robert’s niece.] <p. 276> �546 January 1898 6th Dark, mild day, very much like a thaw. Mrs. Mills and her sons Edward, Christopher, Robert and Joseph came here at night for to get me read their Father's will. 7 Bright and sunny a good deal of this day, quite mild. Jim sent me a load of straw for bedding. Johney Hudd hauled it, he also took the Buggy over from here and placed it in his Barn. Mrs. Joe Bowler was here in the afternoon, also Mrs. Donald McDonald and Miss McDonald. 8 Rough and stormy. Blowing and snowing all day, not very cold, the roads very heavy. 9th Sabbath. Mild day with a good deal of sunshine. Jim’s three children, Arlie, Vern, and Delbert were here. Son Willie slept here this night. 10 Fine day with a good deal of sunshine. Jim went for me to the Council Meeting at Hopeville, I not being well. I got him to take my place. 11 Mild day, but indications of a thaw, the bushes covered with hoar frost. T. McAulay, collector, was here and paid me in cash and orders $681. 69. J. Arnold and wife and Miss B. Arnold were here at night 12 Rain this morning and slightely wet through the day. Jim left for Toronto to see about selling hay. Miss McDonald paid us a visit. Ida and Miss A. Bowerman called. [in margin] Rain a little / thunder and / Lightening 13 Dark and pretty mild. T. Laughlin, T. Cla[r]k and T. McAulay, Collector, were here a while at night. <p. 277> January 1898 14th Dark and mild, the roads are rough after the thaw, sleighing is middling. 15 Dark, mild day with quite a fall of snow. 16th Sabbath. Sharp, cold day with a little snow falling now and then. Joe and Ida were here and Joe brought me a bottle of cough medicine from Dr. Martin at night. 17 Sharp, cold day. I wrote a letter to a Mr. Wm. Smith-Kildon. Sent it and another to the post with Jim, also sent with him for sundries to Dundalk. This is my 62nd Birthday. They are rolling off pretty rapidly. [in margin] 62nd Birthday 18 Fine day with a good deal of sunshine. 19 Bright and fine, a very pleasant day. 20 Sleet and snow in the forenoon, the afternoon was rainy, a kind of a thaw. 21 Dark and dull, but mild, the snow has settled down and is not near so deep as it was. 22 Dark and mild, a wind and snow storm at night. T. McAulay [MS McCaulay] and G. McConnell were here and paid me $193.00, Taxes. Mrs. H. Johnson & Jim Grummett were here, also Messrs. Anderson, Scott and Smith, Trustees of S[chool] Sect[ion] No. 14, and they refunded me $166.17, which they had overdrawn in error on the 15th of last December. 23 Sabbath. Dark and cold in the forenoon, the afternoon, wind and snow. Johney and Ina were here. Brother Sam called at night. Joseph Bowler was here. <p. 278> January 1898 24th Dark and cold, the roads pretty heavy with yesterday eavning's snow. 25 Pretty sharp day, with a slight snowfall. 26 Cold day with a snowfall in the afternoon. Willie was here a while, then went to see what was keeping the man that presses hay. 27 Stormy, Blowing, snowing and drifting most of the day, a little while in the afternoon had some sunshine. Mrs. J. Patterson, Jnr.*, was here. [Nancy Russell Patterson, Robert and Nancy’s niece] �547 28 Cold and stormy, Blowing and Freezing. Messrs. Cowan and Gillespie, Township Auditors, were here on my Books. They found them correct. Johney brought me a load of stove wood. [in mar- gin] auditors / here 29 Extremely cold day, strong wind and very sharp frost. I think it is the coldest day has came this winter. [in margin] very cold 30th Sabbath. Very cold day, bright sunshine in the forenoon, but a keen Frost. Joe and Ida called at night. Jim was here with the horse and cutter. [in margin] very cold 31 Pretty sharp day, a little snow falling now and then. Got a letter from Brother William, Kosoma P. O., Indian Territory, U. S. He and family are well but business has went back. [in margin] Got letter / From Brother / William / Cold Feb. 1 Very cold day, nothing like it this winter, Bitterly Freezing. I stopped in all day. [in margin] very cold 2 Cold as usual, but not quite so bad as yesterday. Most fluids in the house last night were iced over, snowfall at night. [in margin] Cold <p. 279> February 1898 3rd Extremely cold day from morning till night, strong wind and a very sharp freeze. I think there has been no day so cold this winter. Just seen one sleigh on the road today. Miss Bessie Arnold was here in the afternoon. [in margin] very cold 4 Pretty cold but not near so bad as yesterday, the Roads are very heavy. Mrs. J. Arnold was here. 5 Stormy, Blowing and snowing, not such a keen Frost as yesterday. Jim sent me a load of stove wood. I have just heard that Gilbert McConnell, Collector of Proton for about 10 years, died on the 2nd inst. He had lost his leg in the threshing machine some years ago. His mind I think was troubled lately. He had been to several doctors and lastly was in the General Hospital in Toronto. Came home about three weeks ago, incurable, so now he has gone where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. Poor Gilbert was a kindhearted and trustworthy man. I hope he is happy. [in margin] Gilbert McConnell’s death / Mailed a letter to Brother William 6th Sabbath. Pretty mild. Jim Patterson* of Melancthon unfortunately got his dwelling house with all its contents burned about 3 P.M. He and wife were away at the time and there was nothing saved. [*presumably the father-in-law of Nancy Russell Patterson] 7 Very fine day, sunny and warm. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. Nancy Patterson’s. The collector was here, I subscribed for one share, $25.00, in the Dundalk Woolen Mills, to be paid in 3 years. 8 Mild and cloudy, a slight rain in the afternoon. I split some stove wood in the wood house. 9 Soft and mild, the thaw continues. Neil McAulay was here. <p. 280> February 1898 10th Dark, mild and soft, the thaw continues and the snow is disappearing, fields getting bare. Mrs. Jim Patterson, Jun[io]r, is stopping here tonight. 11 Sunshine in the forenoon, and a regular thaw, strong wind in the afternoon, windy and rain. Nancy went with J. Patterson in the afternoon. 12 Pretty mild, but cloudy. I attended Council meeting held in Dundalk. Mrs. R. drove me in, Jim drove me home. Brother John and wife and daughter Nancy here all night 13th Sabbath. Fine mild day, mostly dark. Brother John and wife went to Jim’s. Jim Patterson, Jun[io]r, was here and stopped all night. Joe and Ida were here. 14 Pretty mild, a little snow falling occasionally. Brother John, wife and daughter was here all night. Mr. W. Walton, and T. Laughlin, Twp Clerk, was here on business �548 15 Blowing and snowing quite rough. [Stricken: Brother John; read: Brother John, his] wife and daughter Nancy, are here tonight.* [*i.e. Eliza Agnew Russell, and Nancy Russell Patterson, have come to assist in the birth of Mary Russell’s baby] 16 Extremely cold, strong wind and hard Freeze. [Stricken: Brother John, wife and daughter Nancy are stopping here tonight.] Son Jim’s wife gave birth this morning to a Daughter. Brother John went with Brother Sam to his place. Mrs. J. Russell and Mrs. R.* were at son Jim’s tonight and J. Patterson and wife stopped here at night. [in margin] Jim’s Fourth / child Born / very cold day [*that is Eliza Agnew Russell and Nancy Agnew Russell, mother and aunt of Jim; the fourth child is Elva.] 17 Quite cold this day but not so much as yesterday. John and wife are here. 18 Rainy morning, turned to sleet & snow in the afternoon. Brother John and wife left for home about 10 A.M. [in margin] Rain <p. 281> February 1898 19th Cold and windy. Thos. McAulay and daughter were here this afternoon. 20th Sabbath. Stormy, blowing and snowing. 21 Heavy fall of snow last night and this forenoon, the day pretty cold in the afternoon. Johney brought me a load of stove wood. 22 Fine day, mild, without any snowfall. 23 Fine day, mild, good sleighing. Mrs. Jos. Bowler, Mrs. Joseph,* Mrs. William Talbot, and Mrs. Widow McLean were here. Thos. Laughlin, Twp. Clerk, was here on Twp. business. I went to a political meeting in Dundalk in the afternoon. [*a surname missing?] 24 Fine mild day, with quite a snowfall. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 25 Pretty rough and stormy, quite a fall of snow, turned quite cold towards night. 26 Fine, mild day with a good deal of sunshine in the afternoon. Johney called here at noon. 27 Sabbath. Fine day. Joe and lda were here. 28 Fine, mild day. Mrs. R. and I went to a political meeting in Dundalk. Brother John’s son Jim was here all night. [March 1898] March 1 Very fine day, bright and sunny. I went to the Provincial Election’s poll and voted for J. D. Morgan,* Reform Candidate. The other candidates were [David] McNicol, Patron, and Dr. Jame- son, Conservative. Dr. Jameson was elected. [*David McNicol, of the Patrons of Industry Party, was MPP 26 June 1894-1 March 1898. Here he is defeated by Jameson, Conservative. The 1898 election was won by the Liberal Party (for its eighth term in office), led by Arthur S. Hardy (Oli- ver Mowatt, previous leader, had moved into Federal politics in 1896.). The Conservatives were the official Opposition. The identity of J. D. Morgan, or that of the Reform Party itself, are both unclear, unless the party is a forerunner of the United Farmers of Ontario.] <p. 282> March 1898 2nd Very fine day, clear and sunny, a trifle sharp towards night. 3 Splendid day, clear, mild and sunny. First class sleighing, the snow is not very deep for this time of the winter, perhaps it would average 18 or 20 inches. 4 Very fine, sunny and bright. S. McDowell, H. Lonsway and Jim Russell were here. H. Lonsway got the drawing of the milk to Dundalk Ch[eese] Factory at .74 cts. per trip. Willie Brought me a load of stove wood. 5 Lovely day, Bright and warm sunshine. I attended a meeting of the Cheese Factory in Dundalk. �549 6th Sabbath. Beautiful day, Bright sun and clear sky. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. Samuel McDowell’s. 7 Bright and sunny, a Beautiful day, the snow melting, the water in pools on the roads. Got a letter from Brother William. [in margin] Got letter / From Br. / William 8 Lovely day, mild and Balmy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jim sent me a load of hay. [in margin] Thaw 9 Cloudy and warm, the snow disappearing fast. Sleighing very bad, a good deal of the roads bare. The sheep and cattle are picking in the fields. Willie brought me a load of stove wood. Jim Brought me a load of straw. 10 Dark and thawing, slightely wet in the afternoon. Henry Gallagher bought my colt at $35.00, pay- able in 5 months with 10 p[er] c[ent] interest. I told him the colt was bad in its wind or I would not have sold so cheap. If it was sound it would be worth $50.00. <p. 283> March 1898 11th Mild day, cloudy and thawing, with high wind and rain at night. I went to Dundalk in the after- noon and gave Jas. Corbett, councillor, $80.00 to pay orders for me at the Council Meeting on to- morrow. 12 Dark and thawing, with rain at night. Mrs. J. Bowler was here a while at night. 13th Sabbath. Mild in the middle of the day, with heavy rain the night before. Cold with hard frost at night. 14 Hard frost this morning, clear and bright during the day with sharp frost at night. Mrs. R. and I went to J. Arnold’s at night. 15 Windy and cold, sharp frost, piercing wind. I started to go to Brother Sam’s this morning. Came back again on account of the cold. The sleighing is all gone, wheels are running. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s this night. lda is sick with La Gripp[e]. It is raining now (11:30) P.M. 16 Nice mild day, just like spring, a good deal of sunshine. Cloudy in the afternoon, thunder, lighten- ing and some rain at night. I went to see lda, she is getting better. The two daughters of Mr. Don- ald McDonald were here this afternoon. [in margin] Thunder 17 Pretty chilly most of the day, decidedly cold at night. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. 18 Dark and soft, rain in the afternoon. Jim brought me ten bushels of oats which I had bought from him. He and I then went to the Arnold place and he showed me how much to feed the cattle, he also gave his mother a bag of buckwheat for hen feed. <p.284> March 1898 19th Mild. Rain in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and posted a letter to Brother William (Kosoma, I. T, U. S.) Mrs. R. is at H. Lonsway’s tonight, he having come for her as his wife is sick. 20 Sabbath. Mild and springlike. Mrs. R. is at H. Lonsway’s. Brother Sam, Ida and Joe were here. 21 Some snow on the ground this morning, and a little more fell during the day, finally it turned to rain. The day dark and lowering. 22 Dark and mizzly most of the day, with some thunder, lightening and rain at night. Mrs. R. went with H. Lonsway to his place in the afternoon and will be there all night. 23 Pretty cold morning, with quite a bit of snow falling, a little milder in the afternoon, hard frost at night. Mrs. R. went to H. Lonsway’s at noon. She is going to be there all night. Mr. John Arnold called here at night. I wrote a letter for him to Wm. Hale at Sudbury re. David Kinnear who is sick and in the hospital, likely to die. [in margin] H. Lonsway’s / Baby girl born �550 24 Mild in the afternoon, but the forenoon was pretty cold with a hard frost. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I seen two Robins, but others have seen or heard Robins prior to this. [in margin] Seen / Robins 25 Beautiful day, clear and sunny, very springlike. Ida was here a good part of the day. [in margin] Jim started /plowing / on the / Home / place <p. 285> March 1898 26 Mild and dark. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. I bought an Indian pony Six Years old from Mr. S. Bell. I gave him a note which I held against H. Gallager of $35.00, bearing ten per cent interest, due in 5 months from the 10th of this month. He, Mr. Bell, to return me $5. when he gets paid. 27th Sabbath. Dark with a mizzle of Rain sometimes. 28 Dark and without sunshine, a sprinkling of Rain fell during the forenoon. I made out a List of De- faulters From Collector’s Roll to send to the County Treasurer, also a Financial Statement to Send to the Bureau of Industries. [in margin] Heard / Frogs 29 Very hard frost this morning, the sun shone out in the afternoon, which was pleasant and Bright. 30 Hard Frost this morning, the day pretty chilly. Mrs. R. and I hitched up the poney and brought the Buggy over from Jim's Barn. 31 Hard Frost this morning, the day bright with a very cold wind. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. took her poney and Buggy and went to Willie[’s]. I am therefore alone tonight April 1st Clear and cold, the Roads very bad, hard frost this forenoon. I went to Johney’s and Willie’s. Mrs. R. and [I] came home in the afternoon in the Buggy. The snow is all gone except in the edg- es of the woods. 2 Extremely hard frost this morning, snowfall during the forenoon, the day very cold. Jim hauled me 1480 lbs. of Bailed hay from his Barn. He was here a while at night. <p. 286> April 1898 3rd Sabbath. Extremely cold, piercing frosty wind. 4 Very cold piercing wind with a slight fall of snow, as cold almost as any day during the winter. 5 Cold and raw with a little sunshine in the afternoon. Mrs. Jim Patterson was here. Jim Russell and J. P. Bowler were here a while at night . 6 Pretty cold most of the day with quite a snowfall and a very little sunshine. I wrote seven business letters. 7 Quite a bit warmer than yesterday, a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk, then at night went to J. Bowler’s for a while. 8 Fine sunny day, mild and springlike, very nice. I posted Township orders in the old books. 9 Fine mild day, quite pleasant. I posted orders in the New Municipal Cash Book. 10th Easter Sabbath. Very fine day, sunny, bright and warm. Joe and Ida and Bob Agnew were here. 11 Another fine day, very bright and warm. I walked to Brother Sam's and home again. The roads are bad and I am pretty tired. The people as a general thing are out in their fields plowing. [in margin] General plowing / began 12 Beautiful day, springlike all round, very warm. No spring since I can remember came as early or as nice as this one. <p. 287> April 1898 �551 13th Fine day, dry, sunny and warm. We planted some Dutch Setts (onions). Mrs. J. Bowler and Joe were here a while at night. Jim Russell, also Bob Agnew, called in the forenoon. Mrs. Sarah Maxwell died at 6 P.M. [in margin] onions planted / Mrs. Sarah Maxwell / died 14 Very fine day, a little windy. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 15 Fine day, dry, but a little cold and windy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I attended the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Maxwell. She was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery.* The funeral was large, I should say about forty five rigs. The deceased was a sister to Mrs. Phebe Russell and was about thirty five years of age. She formerly came to school to me when I teached. [*Maple Grove Cemetery is the name of the Dundalk cemetery, just west of town.] 16 Cool with some sunshine. I washed the pork which had been in salt through the winter and Mrs. R. hung it up to dry. I also digged a little in the garden. 17th Sabbath. Dry and fine, a little cool. 18 Dry, sunny and clear, a cold wind. I digged some in the garden. Found a Bird's Nest out in the open field with three eggs in it. I think its very early for birds to be laying eggs. [in margin] Got Bird’s nest / 3 eggs in it 19 Rough blustering day, sleet, rain and high wind being the order from morning till night. 20 Rough stormy day from morning till night, sleet and snow falling all day long. It melted almost as soon as it came in contact with the ground . <p. 288> April 1898 21st Dry and sunny but pretty chilly, strong cold wind. Mrs. R. went to Shelburne. 22 Rain all day from morning till night, not heavy in the forenoon but increased in volume in the af- ternoon. 23 Cloudy and dry, a little mild in the eavning. Jim called on his way home from Dundalk . 24th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Johney and lna called in the afternoon. 25 Dry, cloudy and warm. I went to Dundalk. Jim sent me ten Bushels of oats with B. Bowerman. 26 Beautiful day, dry sunny and warm. I put some brush on the beds in the garden to keep the hens from scratching them. Abbie Bowerman is here making a dress for Mrs. R. Ida came in the even- ing. 27 Beautiful day, sunny dry and warm. I digged in the garden, then cut and carried some brush from the swamp to protect the beds when I make them. Abbie Bowerman is on the important dress. 28 Fine day, dry and warm. I carried up Brush from the swamp and placed over some beds of garden seeds which I had sown in order to keep the hens from scratching them. 29 Fine but a little cloudy, dry and middling warm. I chored around, did not do much of anything. 30 Fine day, dry and warm. I planted some onions then went to Dundalk in the afternoon, bought 30 lbs. Grass seed. <p. 289> May1898 1st Sabbath. Fine and dry till about 6 P.M., when rain began falling and continued so mostly all night. Willie, Sue & Baby were here. 2 Dry and fine all day, rain came on at night but did not continue long. I chored around. 3 Dark and slightely wet all day. Jim got the Poney and Buggy this eavning and went to Dundalk. 4 Dark misty day all through, pretty cold. Brother Sam came here in the forenoon with a demented man which he found near his place in Osprey. Said his name was Ralph Ward, that he lived in Ar- thur and could not find his way home. Sam took him to Dundalk, left him in the hotel and went to consult the Magistrate. When he came back the man was not to be found. �552 5 Dark mostly all day, but no rain, a little mild in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went at night to Mrs. J. Patterson who is sick. Will be gone all night. I sent a letter to the Post Master of Arthur describing the lost man, Ralph Ward. 6 Fine day, dry and sunny. Got a telegram from P[ost] M[aster], Arthur, telling me to keep Ralph Ward, that his people were coming after him. His Son in Law, Ben Grey, came here at night en- quiring for him, but as I never had him in possession I could not give him. 7 Dry and sunny. Mr. Grey came here at noon and Mr. Ward with him. He had found him and was very glad, thanked me for sending word, stopped and had dinner. They left to take the 5 O'clock train for their home in Arthur Village. [in margin] R. Ward found, been wandering for 12 days <p. 290> May 1898 8th Sabbath. Fine and dry. Mrs. R. went to see Mrs. Jim Patterson. 9 Fine dry day and warm. Mrs. R. and I helped Willie to take his cow and calve home. The cow had been boarding at Jim’s all winter. We drove the cow, put the calve into the buggy. [in mar- gin] seen first / swallows 10 Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. I sowed about 36 pounds of grass and clover seed for Jim on Lot 219. He finished sowing grain, all but his buckwheat. [in margin] Jim finished / sow- ing grain 11 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon showery with a little hail mixed with the rain, also some thun- der. 12 Dry but quite cool, with a heavy frost in the morning. I fixed some fences to keep the cattle out of Jim’s meadow. Mrs. R. went to see Mrs. J. Patterson. 13 Dry and cool with a frost in the morning. I fixed fences which were broken down. 14 Dry and fine. I posted orders in the Township Books and washed the fruit trees with soft soap suds. Jim got the poney and buggy and went to Sam’s for a calf, then he went to Dundalk. l5th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mary and family, Johney and Ina and Ida were here. 16 Dry and fine, cold after sunset. I cut four Bushels of seed potatoes, and brought home the little pigs which I had got from Jim. <p. 291> May 1898 17th Frost this morning, the day clear and cool. I cut five bushels of seed potatoes. T. McAulay, asses- sor, called here. 18 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. There was a fierce Rain storm at night with continuous thunder and heavy lightening. I got Jim’s horse and harrows, harrowed the potatoe ground then hauled out manure on it. 19 Dry and warm. I finished hauling out manure in the forenoon. 20 Dry but cloudy, threatening rain. I cut seed potatoes at Jim’s in the forenoon and in the afternoon Jim and Arlie, Vern & Delbert, with Benney Bowerman, came here and we planted about eight bushels in three hours. Jim plowed them in. Ben and Arlie dropped. There is about 5/8 of an acre, the seed being small, went over this amount of ground. We planted them about ten inches apart and in every third furrow. [in margin] Began and finished pl[anting] potatoes 21 Dry and sultry. I cut seed potatoes for Jim in the forenoon and in the afternoon helped him to plant them, about nine bushels and 3/4 of an acre of ground. Long and continued rain at night. [in margin] Got papers / from / Toronto 22nd Sabbath. Dry and sultry in the forenoon, heavy rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to An- drew Lonsway’s at night. �553 23 Dry, mostly, with a very little rain. I oiled the Buggy harness, took the brush off the garden beds and let off water that was over Jim’s oat field. Quite a quantity had accumulated. <p. 292> [Hand-written recipes] For a mouth wash Tincture of myrrh is one of the best things to use as a mouth wash. It hardens the gums, leaves a clean taste in the mouth—and a pleasant odor to the breath. [dividing line] Kerosene oil is the best of furniture polishes. It cleanses, makes a fine polish and preserves from the ravages of insects. [dividing line] Where to send for Cancer Cure A. J. L. Gleddon 92 & 92 Queen Street, Cheapside, E. E. London England Send a Five dollar money order, with the request for the medicine and how to use it. [in margin] It is called / the Mattie Medicine [dividing line] Receipt for Sciatica 1 oz oil of Hemlock, 1 oz gum of camphor 1oz salt pitre Put this in 1 pt. of coal oil take 15 drops each day, and rest plenty in by the fire ——Feb. 13th 1897 [pasted-in clipping from newspaper] NOTES A correspondent in the Farmer’s Advocate gives in its last issue an extremely simple and inexpensive cure for Lump Jaw which should be worth trying. He says I have used ammonia for years, and cured every case, no matter how bad. Just rub a little on lump, or lumps, as sometimes there are several. They will disappear gradually in a short time. Sometimes, if very bad, I foment with pretty warm wa- ter, but not hot enough to scald. The ammonia has then more chance to penetrate, but I seldom do anything but rub a little on with my fingers out of a ten cent bottle I keep in the stable for the purpose. <p.[293], unnumbered end flyleaf, recto> [more clippings, and hand-written recipes and notes] 1. A poem from newspaper: The Sea Queen Wakes, a poem by Canadian poet Mr. Clive Philips Wolley, “lately published in the Daily Columbian” is “another example of Canadian feeling. The lines are full of the fire both of poetry and patriotism” —about 22 lines, incomplete, beginning: “She wakes! in the furthest West the murmur has reached our ears— / She wakes! in the furthest East the Russian listens and fears” 2. [partly covered by pasted-in poem, a pencilled note] …n as Farmers testify). […]r Fred Rogers, Bar- rister etc. / Sault Ste Marie. 3. [in ink] When a cow shows signs of aborting, give her about 3 ounces laudunum and keep her quiet, repeat the dose if necessary. April 10th 1896. 4. [in pencil] South American Rheumatic Cure / [in ink] See Dundalk Herald. 5. To increase or restore apputite [=appetite]. Valerian root 1/4 or ½ lbs. ground coarsely or well bruised. Make a tea of it �554 by steeping a rounding table spoon full of the powder in water 1 pt. Dose one to two table spoon fulls just before meals and half to a wine glass full at bed time. 6. To cleanse the Blood—one ounce of stone lime to one quart of water. Take a wine glass full every morning. 7. Valerian. Latin name —polemonium reptans*. [*Latin, Greek Valerian; Jacob’s Ladder, member of the Phlox family; native to N. America, herbaceous perennial, ½ to 1½ feet, blue flower (see https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pore2)] 8. Cure for Warts. 1st Cure. Cut a wild turnip and rub the wart several times with it. 2nd Cure. Rub the warts night and morning with a moistened piece of muriste[?] of ammonia. 9. Said to cure Cancer. Take equal parts of pure honey and Gunpowder, mix and apply the ointment. June 24th 1896 10. Good Pens. The Copp Clark & Co. Falcon pen. Turner & Co. 01419. Lion series rapid writers. (D. Leonard & Co Ball pointed.). H. Hewitts patent. Turkish Steel pen Co, Pashins Series 977. The owl pen. 11. [Newspaper clipping] A prairie farmer correspondent’s remedy for flies on cattle is this: Take coal tar two parts and coal oil and grease one part each and mix with a small amount of carbolic acid. Apply with a cloth by moistening the hair and horns of the animal with the liquid. In the applications include feet and legs and it will drive every fly away, and one application will last ten days or more in dry weather. Apply as often as necessary and your cows will be entirely se- cure from flies of all kinds. Any kind of old lard or grease can be used. Coal tar is the base of this remedy, and when too thick to spread well use more coal oil; when too thin to adhere well use more coal tar. Carbolic acid will cost about 50 or 60 cents in crystals by the pound, and every farmer should always keep it on hand, as it, in its many uses, is indispensable. This rem- edy is equally effective as a lice exterminator on poultry and is used simply by painting the sides of the henery and roosts and dropping boards with the liquid. For young chickens saturate a cloth and place in the bottom of a box and place the mother and young chickens in the box for an hour or so. This recipe is equal to any preparation on the market. <[p. [294], unnumbered end flyleaf, verso]> [Three columns of newspaper clippings] 1. From An Algoma Settler. [letter to the editor, extolling the merits of Algoma East for settlement. Notable among the details given, to show success as a settler, is the list of buildings he has in 1894, after arriving in 1881 with a family of seven children, the eldest being only 15, and start- ing with building a shanty 8 x 12, and 25 cents cash. He now has: “24 head of cattle, 24 sheep and 4 horses and a colt. We have also about 110 acres cleared, with one frame barn, 40 X 60, with stable underneath; one frame house, 22 x 30; one sheep house, 24 x 30; and four or five other small outbuildings, consisting of hennery, milk house, ice house, etc.”] 2. [second clipping on merits of Algoma, versus going to the US]: “Distant hills, we are told, always look green, and that probably is why many Canadian farmers go the United States to settle, notwithstanding that they might do better by staying at home. ….” [pencil dated, 1893] 3. [newspaper clipping] “A Sure Cure for Felon—Steam it! …” 4. [newspaper clipping] “Celery for Rheumatism. New discoveries of the healing virtues of plants…..” 5. [col. 2: another newspaper clipping, letter to the editor of the Globe, from Chelmsford, near Sudbury]: “Advantages of Algoma”—this time extolling Algoma versus Manitoba or the North-West. Cites ease of clearing land after forest fires; gives prices for produce; comments on mineral wealth, productive land, etc. Dated Feb. 22. �555 6. [col. 3: another letter to the editor of the Globe, extolling Algoma]: “From Another Algoma Set- tler”—gives details of his success as a settler on a farm nine miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, af- ter only seven years. <Inside back cover> [newspaper clippings, hand-written recipes] 1. [one long column, newspaper, continuation of letter to editor from previous page, of an Algoma set- tler, William Allard, dated Sault Ste Marie, March 10, [added in ink:] ’94. 2. [bottom of first column, further newspaper clipping] Rheumatic Sufferers!!, an ad for a patent medi- cine, by James Russell, 212 Griswold street, Detroit, Mich. 3. [partial newspaper clipping, on dialogue between Pere Turcotte and an interlocutor, on religion] Part- ly covers hand-written cure for : 4. [Lumba]go & Rheumatic pains [written in red ink.]…strong liquid ammonia […] fuls of oil of turpen- tine and 40 drops of laudunum, with ½ ounce of Goose grease. Rub well before the fire in the pained part. May 11, 1894. 5. [in black ink] Cures for Dissentry, or Summer Complaint: Mix a Table spoon full of Flour in a cup full of new milk and drink it. [2nd cure] Put two hands full of carraway seed in a pint of the best new milk. Boil thoroughly and take it. 6. [newspaper clipping] Earache. “I am afraid I have greatly interfered with my own practice,” said a celebrated aurist, “by giving the following advice to many of my friends: At the first symptoms of earache let the patient lie on the bed with the painful ear uppermost.” 7. [written in black ink] To Keep Snow from Balling in the hoofs of Horse. 2 ounces of Glycerine ap- plied equally to them. Globe, Feb. 19, 1896. 8. For worms in pigs: Give doses of 3 ounces of caster oil and a teaspoonfull of oil of Turpentine. Globe, Feb. 19, 1896. 9. Cure for Erysipilas. Pine Gum spread on a piece of cotton cloth and applied as a plaster to the sore. Jul. 6th 1896. <end of inside back cover> <end of volume four, Robert Russell Diary (May 1892-23 May 1898> �556 Volume 5 24 May 1898 – 2 March 1900 Editorial Note: For examples of the variable spelling and syntax, and for the editorial conventions used, see the Preface to Volume 1. For details on the physical structure see the Material Description of the diaries. Pagination is noted inside angle brackets (e.g. <p. 1>), preceding the running title found on each page of the manuscript. Insertions and pasted-in items are indicated by annotations inside tags enclosed in angle brackets, e.g. <insert> text of insert </insert>. As noted in the Material Description, one page between pp. 70-71 has been torn out, and the last entry is on p. 92. The remaining pages are blank, except for pasted-in clippings and annotations on p. 234, and on the endleaf (recto and verso), and the inside back cover. The last diary entry is for 2 March 1900. Robert died on 11 March 1900, of heart failure, three days after being paralyzed by a stroke. <inside front cover> [written across top] The Alonzo O. Bliss Co., Washington, D. C., U. S. A. & Montreal, Can. Herb, medicine for / the Blood T. H. Atkinson Stayner, O[nt]. General Agent [3 newspaper columns, pasted on the inside cover] 1. “The Toilet.” [series of treatments—“To Soften the Skin”; “To Keep the Hair in Curl”; “To Beautify the Teeth”; “Hair Restorative”; “Sea Foam, or Dry Shampoo”; “To Make Cold Cream”; “To Re- store Gray Hair”.] 2. “Napoleon’s Religious Views. Gen. Gourgand, who accompanied Napoleon to St. Helena, has left in his memoirs some interesting information relative to the Corsican’s religious views. ….” 3. “Electrical Treatment of Cancer. Dr. Massey, an Ohio physician, is treating cancer successfully…..” </inside front cover> <p. [i] flyleaf, recto> <title page> [three pasted-in newspaper columns at top edge of page, which obscure slightly the written Diary title] 1. Letter from “C. S. dit Blondin”, on the merits of Chelmsford, versus Algoma, etc. 2. continuation of this column 3. 7 4-line stanzas, title: “When You Are Gone”, clipped from Boston Pilot <title> Diary Robt. Russell Township of Proton �557 Co. Grey Ont. May 24th 1898 Dundalk is said to be about 1480 feet higher than Toronto and 700 feet higher than Owen Sound </title> </title page> <flyleaf, verso> [blank] <p. 1> May 1898 24th Cool and cloudy. The spring is pretty well advanced, the trees are out in leaf, the apple trees be- ginning to blossom, the cherry and plum are blossomed out fully. 25 Fine and dry, a little windy in the afternoon. I wrote a letter to Brother William, Kosema P. O., Indian Territory, U. S. Mrs. R. with her poney took Mrs. Jim Patterson out for a drive. 26 Fine day, dry and warm. Good growth. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got the Buggy harness mended & posted a letter to Brother William. Miss McDonald was here. [in margin] Sowed / parsnip / seed 27 Fine day, close and warm. Mrs. R. and I went to Joe Bowerman’s in the forenoon. 28 Dry and cool. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night. 29th Sabbath. Dark, with a slight rain in the morning. I left Hopeville in the morning, got home at 10 A.M. <p.2> May 1898 30th Dry and fine. I went over the receipts and payments made on Saturday, found the cash correct. I digged a while in the garden in the afternoon. 31 Fine and dry, warm in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. I finished digging the cabbage plot, then posted Twp. orders. [June 1898] June 1st Dry and pretty warm, thunder clouds in the afternoon. I fixed a Brush fence. Jim gave me a little pig about five weeks old. Miss Bell was here selling tickets for the entertainment on tomor- row night. I bought two for thirty cents. 2 Fine day, dry and warm. I chopped firewood in the swamp in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went at night to hear Mr. Campbell, S[chool] I[nspector], describe a visit to Europe. 3 Fine day, dry and pretty hot. I went to Dundalk and helped at the shed of Presbyterian Church. 4 Dry and hot. I chopped some firewood in the swamp. 5th Dry and hot. Willie, Sue & Baby were here. [in margin] Willie [faint writing; the beginning of this annotation is written on inside of front cover, at the bottom left corner: “Letter From” with “Willie” on the bottom of p. 2.] <p. 3> June 1898 6th Cloudy and hot. I chopped stove wood in the swamp. Pretty hot work most of the time. �558 7 Hot day with a slight thunder and rain in the afternoon. Mrs. Jim Patterson was here in the after- noon. Mrs. R. went to visit at Mrs. Wright’s of Wereham [=Wareham]. Mrs. John Arnold gave birth to a Baby girl. [in margin] John Arnold’s / Baby born 8 Dark and cool. I planted out some cabbage plants, wed some in the garden and went to Dundalk. Mrs. Mortimer and Mrs. W. Bell, former Scholars,* visited me. [*i.e., they were pupils in his school many years earlier.] 9 Cool and cloudy most of the day. I went to a Council Meeting at Bell’s Corners, 20 miles away. Went home with D. McKenzie, Reeve of the Township. 10 Slightely wet and cool with cloudy weather. I and the Clerk and Reeve met at Hopeville on Town- ship business. Came home in the afternoon. Heavy rain at night. 11 Dry in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I were at Dundalk in the eavning. <p. 4> June 1898 12th Sabbath. Showery, especially in the forenoon. Mr. S. McDowell and wife visited us. 13 Slightely wet, cloudy, no sunshine. I posted township orders in the forenoon and in the afternoon attended a meeting of the Stockholders of the Woolen Mills Comp. Limited, Called for the pur- pose of passing a By-Law enabling the Directors to borrow money. The By-Law was carried. A partially blind man called here, taking up collections to enable him to provide for his family. 14 Cool and cloudy, especially in the afternoon. I posted in the Township Cash Book the receipts and Expenditure for the month of May and Balanced the Book for the month. Jim got the poney and Buggy and went to Dundalk. 15 Clear and cold, almost a frost last night. 16 Clear and cool. I cut wood in the swamp for about two hours in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Withdrew $450.00 of my money out of the P. O Savings Bank. Mrs. Jas. Patter- son was here. <p. 5> June 1898 17th Fine and clear, warm especially in the afternoon. I cut some stove wood in the swamp. 18 Dry and pretty warm, cloudy towards night with some lightening at night. Arlie is here tonight. 19th Sabbath. Cold and cloudy, almost a frost at night. 20 Cold and cloudy. Jim got the poney and Buggy and went to Proton Station. Johney and Ina were here and got some cabbage plants. I cut some stove wood in the bush. 21 Cool and clear. I cut stove wood in the bush. 22 Cool and clear. I hoed potatoes. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s. 23 Dry, clear and warm. I went to Dundalk, then hoed potatoes when I got home. Johney brought me a load of stove wood. Mrs. John Arnold with her baby was here. 24 Dry and hot with a high wind and thunder. Cloudy in the afternoon. I bossed the Statute labor in John Allen’s pit.* [*a gravel pit] <p. 6> June 1898 25th Splendid shower last night, this day dry and pretty warm, with the exception of a slight shower at night. 26th Sabbath. Dry and cool. I went to Sam’s. Mrs. R. came for me in the afternoon with the Buggy. 27 Dry, warm and cloudy having rained quite a bit early this morning. I hoed potatoes. Two persons, man and woman, with span of horses and buggy called at night wanted to stop, could not keep them. �559 28 Mostly dry, cloudy and cool. I hoed potatoes. 29 Dry, sunny and hot. I finished hoeing potatoes for the first hoeing. Willie and Susan were here in the afternoon to see their baby who is here for a few days. 30 Dry and hot, cloudy in the afternoon, almost like a thunder storm. There was a thunder storm ac- companied with heavy lightening and Rain about the middle of last night. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and washed some of my fruit trees when I came home with soap suds. <p. 7> July 1898 1st Dry and warm. I washed the apple trees with soap suds, wed some onions, etc. Jim brought me from the P. Office, my cheque for Sup[erannuation] pension, $101.00 2 Dry and hot, cloudy in the afternoon. A short sharp shower of rain last night about 12 Midnight. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. When I came home I made and put up two scar[e]crows in the cherry trees to keep the birds off. 3rd Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, a thunder storm in the afternoon accompanied with sharp lightening and Rain. Henry Lonsway (a neighbour) had a horse killed in the pasture by the lightening. Willie and Sue were here and took Reta home. 4 Dry but quite cool and cloudy. I posted a month’s work in the Municipal Cash Book, also made out the half-yearly Financial Statement for the Township and hoed some potatoes. Jim scuffled my potatoes in the forenoon. Mrs. Henry Lonsway with her baby was here in the afternoon. <p. 8> July 1898 5th Dry and warm with a bright sun in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I pulled some cherries assisted by Arlie and Vern in the forenoon, in the afternoon, I hoed potatoes. In the afternoon about 8 O’clock there passed in the sky from East to West a bright ball or streak of Electricity, leaving in its course for several minutes a long narrow streak of fire. After it had passed there was a rumbling, appear- antly in the ground, quite loud for about one minute. [in margin] Phenomenon in the sky 6th Fine day, dry, sunny and warm. I hoed potatoes. Ida and Joe were here a while in the afternoon. They pulled about five quarts of cherries. 7 Dry and hot. I finished hoeing potatoes. Mrs. R. left this morning for Hillman, State of Michigan, in order to see Clark, Maria and Pearl. Jim drove his mother to the station. I gathered up 117 can- celled stamps, intending sending them to Mrs. D. McKenzie, Cedarville, according to request. [in margin] Mrs. R. left for / Michigan 8 Dry and warm with showers in the distance. I went to Dundalk, done some business. Jim brought me 185 lbs. shorts from Dundalk at $1.85. <p. 9> July 1898 9 th Mostly dry, a slight shower in the afternoon, the day cool. I attended a Council Meeting at Proton Station. Jim came for me with the poney and Buggy at night. 10 Dry, cloudy and cold. At night clear and very cold. Arlie and Delbert came and tidied up the house. It is quite lonesome since Mrs. R. went to Michigan. There was a very heavy frost at night, a regular scorcher. [in margin] Sabbath / Big frost / at night 11 Dry and fine. I balanced the orders paid on the 9th with my cash. Came out exactly straight. 12th Frost this morning. The day dry, pretty windy and very dusty. I went to Dundalk, seen the Reeve and Clerk, done some Township business, came home with Brother Sam. He had supper with me. I fixed up, then prepared and counted up the costs of the day. [in margin] Frost �560 13 Dry, sunny and hot, especially in the afternoon. Brother John[’s] son Johney called to see me on his way home this afternoon. 14 Dry and hot. I cleaned out a watering place for the cattle on the Arnold place in the forenoon, and in the afternoon mowed around the house. <p. 10> July 1898 15th Dry and pretty warm. I finished cutting grass in the Garden, took the Buggy and went to town in the afternoon. Sent off $1.00 renewal of subscription to the Globe, bought Paris Green, Bread and tea. It is very lonesome being without Nancy. 16 Dry and pretty warm. I Paris-Greened the potatoes, put on the 1/2 acre about 3/4 of a pound. Put in a teaspoon full to a pail of water, and this done two rows. The bugs are pretty numerous. Helped Jim in the afternoon to fix his spring for the cattle to drink. [in margin] Paris-Greened / potatoes 17th Sabbath. Dry and hot with thunder clouds in the afternoon. I drove to Johney’s and Willie’s. 18 Dry and hot with the exception of a slight sprinkling of Rain in the afternoon. Jim & George Cor- bett hauled in three acres of Jim’s hay and put it on my stable loft. I raked and carried in the hay of the fence corners on the acre. [in margin] 3 Loads 19 Dry and hot in the forenoon, a very heavy shower of Rain about 2 p.m. I chored around and fixed some township papers preparitory to my going to Toronto on tomorrow. Sent a letter to Mrs. R. <p. 11> July 1898 20th Fine day, dry and very hot. I went to Toronto to sell some Drainage Debentures of the Township of Proton. Disposed of them at 3 3/4 percent per annum interest. Came home that same day. 21 Dry and hot. I helped Jim at his hay. 22 Dry and hot. I helped Jim in the forenoon, he put in my stable loft one load of hay. The loft is about full. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Son Willie was here this afternoon. 23 Very hot day. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home at night. [in margin] Hot 24 Sabbath. Exceeding hot, the hotest day of the season. Brother Sam came here in the afternoon. [in margin] Hot 25 Hot and dry with some clouds. I went to Dundalk. 26 Hot and dry. Mrs. R. got home this night from Michigan. I helped Jim a little at his haying. 27 Hot and dry. I helped Jim at his haying, drove the horse attached to the hay fork rope. <p. 12> July 1898 28th Every appearance of rain this morning, heavy clouds but only a very slight shower fell. Jim took his pigs in the wagon to Dundalk (7 of them). Got $5.25 per hundred for them, they weighed over 170 each. I drove his stag for him, could not get him to the place of shipment on account of the heat and his fatness. He gave out. Poured water on him several times during the drive. I attended a meeting of the officials of the Cheese Factory at 6:30 p.m. There was a slight rain with some thunder and lightening while I was in Dundalk at the meeting. 29 Dry and pretty warm. I built a load of hay for Jim in the afternoon. 30 Fine and dry with the exception of a slight shower of Rain in the morning, the day pretty warm. I worked at posting Twp. orders, writing business letters, making out the Township estimates, etc. 31st Sabbath. Dry and warm. Johney and Ina called here on their way home from H. Lonsway’s where they had been visiting. Mrs. J. Arnold also was here a while this afternoon. <p. 13> �561 August 1898 1st Dry and pretty warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, cleaned out the watering place for the cattle in the afternoon. Jim hauled three loads of hay and put it in a stack for me at the stable, this makes seven loads in all which he has given me. Mrs. R. went in the afternoon to Willie’s. [in margin] Jim finished / haying 2 Pretty hot. I worked at entering orders in the Twp. Books. 3 A slight shower in the morning, the remainder of the day dry and pretty warm. I entered orders in the Municipal Cash Book and in the afternoon went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. went with the poney for Mrs. Jim Patterson and her sister Minney. Mr. Walter Bell was here a while in the afternoon. 4 Slight shower of rain in the morning. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 5 Dry and pretty warm. Mrs. R. and I put some Boiled linseed oil on the Buggy wheels. We had a piece of tin like a half circle, the shape of the section of the tire, made like a Box. We put the oil in this, placed it over a fire till it boiled, kept turning the wheel in it for 3/4 of an hour. <p. 14> August 1898 6th Dry and warm. I attended a Council meeting at Hopeville. Came home at night. The oats are nearly all ripe towards this place, some fields are cut and people are threshing their fall wheat and Barley. Potatoes seem to be a failure owing to the frost and dry weather. 7th Sabbath. Fine day, dry and warm. Ida was here in the afternoon. Jim took her and the little girl home in the afternoon with my poney and buggy. 8 Dry and warm, thunder clouds going round. I drove Brother John’s daughter Minnie home to Ad- jala, about 34 miles from here. Got there at 6:30 P.M. I had Jim’s horse as my own appeared stiff in the legs. 9 Dry and warm. Stopped at Brother John’s. He has a fine crop of wheat, oats and barley, is done harvesting all but about 3 acres of oats which are still in the field. Fine crops in this section of country. 10 Dry and pretty warm. Left John’s about 8:30 A.M., got home at 5 P.M. The roads very dry and dusty. <p. 15> August 1898 11th Dry and pretty warm, mostly, through the day. I went to Dundalk and bought some pig feed. There was a pretty heavy rain accompanied with thunder and lightening at night. 12 Dry and cool. I herded cattle (Jim’s and mine) all day out of the grain. Mrs. W. Neithercut and Mrs. S. McDowell visited here. 13 Dry and cool. I herded Jim’s cattle and mine out of the oat fields on the Arnold farm. It requires strict attention, as they keep moving around very rapidly. 14th Sabbath. Dry and warm. Mrs. J. Patterson called. 15 Dry and warm mostly, slight rain in the middle of the afternoon, a little thunder and lightening at night, but no rain. I was herding the cows. 16 Dry and warm. I was herding the animals. Sam’s daughter, Eddie [=Edith], is here tonight. 17 Dry and fine. I chored around, minded cattle and drove them to water, pulling it up for them. <p. 16> August 1898 18th Dry and warm, with heavy clouds in the West in the afternoon. I stooked and helped Jim to haul in some oats, also went to Dundalk. 19 Dry and warm. I helped Jim mow oat sheaves. He and Jim Lock hauled in to the barn. �562 20 Dry and warm. Jim finished cutting oats. His mother and I stooked them (7 acres). We heard that Sue is pretty sick tonight with what Dr. Mitchell says is inflamation of her stomach. Mrs. R. and Jim’s Mary is now (11:20 P.M.) gone out to see her. I hope nothing serious will happen, poor Sue. [in margin] Jim finished / cutting oats 21st Sabbath. Dry and warm. Joe and Ida were here. 22 Dry and warm, misty in the afternoon and a few drops of rain fell. Jim finished hauling in his oats, Johney Hudd and I helped him. [in margin] Jim finished / hauling in / oats 23 Thunder, Lightening and heavy rain about 4 A.M. The day was dry then to 5:30 P.M. when anoth- er heavy rain fell with some thunder. I did not see any lightning. <p. 17> August 1898 24th Slightly wet during the day, a very heavy thunder, lightening and rain storm at one o’clock this morning. 25 Cloudy and cool with a slight sprinkling of Rain. I piled up some stove wood which I had cut in the bush. 26 Cloudy and cool. I worked at posting Township orders in the Day Book and Le[d]ger. 27 Fine day, dry and pleasant. I attended a Council Meeting of Proton, held in Dundalk. Nice pleas- ant time, all things went harmoniously. Mrs. R. drove me home. 28th Sabbath. Dry, cool and breezy with very heavy clouds around the horizon in the afternoon. A slight shower of rain after night. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s. 29 Dry and Breezy. I and Mrs. R. were at a paring Bee at Joseph Bowler’s. I think he got 2 Barrels pared, cored and strung. Mrs. John Arnold and Baby were at our house a while this afternoon. 30 Dry and hot. I fixed up some Township orders. Mrs. R. went to a quilting at H. Johnson’s. <p. 18> August 1898 31st Dry and hot. I cut some cedar in the swamp for kindling wood. Jim got the poney and Buggy and went out to buy hay for pressing. [in margin] Hot [September 1898] Sept. 1 Dry and hot. I cut light wood for the winter. Jim brought back the poney and Buggy at noon then Mrs. R. drove to Mrs. Jim Patterson’s. She was not at home. Then she went to Brother Sam’s. There is a great fire burning out in the southwest, it appears very much like some person’s Barn. [in margin] Hot 2 Dry and hot. I piled up some stove wood. Johney and Willie each hauled me from Melancthon a load of stove wood which I had there. [in margin] Hot 3 A little Rain early this morning, the day very warm. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Met with Mr. D. McKenzie, Reeve of Proton. 4th Sabbath. A little rain early this morning, the day pretty warm, high winds. The fire burned fiercely in the swamp 30 rods to the west of the house, swept an old stump fence from end to end. I drove to Dundalk at night for Mr. Hood. <p. 19> September 1898 5th Quite a Rain this forenoon, I drove Jim to Dundalk, he is going to Toronto with car load of hay. Got home and fixed fence which had been burned. Got five bushels and twelve pounds of pease from Mr. D. McDonald, paid him fifty cents per bushel for them. 6 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I fixed a burned down fence, then went at night to Dun- dalk for Jim who came up on the train. �563 7 Dry through the day, some thunder and lightening with a shower of Rain about 8:30 P.M. I posted Township vouchers in the Municipal Cash Book. 8 Slight rain, the day mostly dry. I piled up some light wood in the forenoon and went to Dundalk in the afternoon, posted three letters. 9 Cloudy and dark with a slight rain in the afternoon. I cut stove wood in the swamp. 10 Dry and cool with a good deal of sunshine, very cold at night. I cut stove wood in the swamp. <p. 20> September 1898 11th Sabbath. Very hard frost this morning, it has fixed the potatoes and the buckwheat. My potatoes were not killed by the first frost, but this one blackened them badly. The buckwheat which Jim had cut down by the first frost had sprung up again and was about 1/3 of a crop, was now in blos- som and partly in grain. It is now killed by the frost. The day was cool and clear. Brother Sam called here on his way home in the afternoon. [in margin] Frost 12 Dry, clear and warm, lots of sunshine. I cut stove wood in the swamp. 13 Dry and warm. I was cutting stove wood. 14 Dry and sultry, cloudy in the afternoon, every indication of Rain. I was cutting stove wood. 15 A little rain in the morning, cleared up, dry till about 4 P.M. when there was heavy rain, thunder and lightening. Mrs. R. and I went to Johney’s and Willie’s. <p. 21> September 1898 16th Dry and fine. I went to Dundalk, posted a letter to Clark, bought some coal oil, oatmeal, Fly pa- per, stationery, etc. 17 Very fine day, dry, bright and sunny. I wrote out Deed and Duplicate, Mortgage and Duplicate, between son John and me of Lot 31, Con. 5, Township of Melancthon. Also wrote out Lease of ten acres of said Lot from John to Me. I am giving him the land for $800.00. He has paid me in all $200.00 since he got it. This leaves $600.00. I am giving him ten years to pay this amount at 5 per cent per annum interest. I am renting from him for thirty years (I won’t live that long) ten acres off the southeast corner at 25 cents per annum rent. The farm is a good one containing one hundred acres. John Jackson called here this afternoon. 18th Sabbath. Rain, thunder, and lightening very early this morning, the day afterwards dry. I went to Sam’s. Ida was here. 19 Cold and windy, the sky quite hazy, the wind very chilly. I did not do anything, felt tired and worn out. Mrs. R. went to Mrs. J. Patterson’s. <p. 22> September 1898 20th Dry, sunny and warm. I cut stove wood in the swamp in the afternoon. Pretty cool at night. 21 Dry and warm. I cut stove wood in the swamp. Johney White called here this afternoon. Dan Reid came along with his dogs a-hunting when I was chopping. He had only got one rabbit. Poor sport, I think. 22 Dry and misty in the forenoon, the afternoon slightly wet. I cut stove wood in the forenoon and in the afternoon wrote some business letters, went to Dundalk and posted them. 23 Very wet day, heavy showers all through the day, especially in the afternoon. The Equinox storm, I think. [in margin] Equinox / Rain 24 Dark and misty all day with a slight shower of Rain at night. We brought the stove in out of the summer kitchen. Jim left his children here at night during the time he and his wife were in Dun- dalk. �564 25th Sabbath. Dry but dark and overcast. Jim’s three little ones, Arlie, Vern and Delbert were here, their parents having gone to Brother Sam’s. <p. 23> September 1898 26th Mostly dark and cloudy with a little thunder in the distance. I cut a little stove wood in the swamp. 27 Dry but cloudy mostly, a little sunshine now and then. I cut stove wood. The Rev. — Harrison, Presbyterian Minister, had tea with us this afternoon. 28 Bright and sunny, I cut stove wood in the swamp. Mr. D. McKenzie, Reeve of Proton, stopped here this night. 29 Bright, sunny and warm. Mr. McKenzie and I went to the 5th Division Court, Flesherton. The Township of Proton had two suits, the 1st, J. C. Hooker sued the Township for the Keep of an in- digent. Hooker lost the case. The 2nd case was where a man got his horse’s leg damaged on T[own] Line Proton and Artemesia. Proton offered settlement before trial, and to pay as their part, $7.50. Artemesia would not settle, hence the plaintiff sued both Municipalities. Judgment given against the Townships, each to pay $10.00 and costs. Mr. J. McKenzie stopped here this night. 30 Dry and sunny in the morning, thunder and Rain in the afternoon. I wrote some letters. Mr. McKenzie and daughter, who came here in the morning, left for home. <p. 24> Oct[ober] 1898 1st Dry with an overcast sky, indications of Rain, none fell. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 2nd Sabbath. Dry and fine. Johney and Ina, Joe and Ida, Willie, Sue and their two children* were here. [*first mention of Willie and Susan’s second child, R. Melvin, born 6 Aug. 1898; Susan’s illness 20 Aug. 1898 is mentioned, but not the birth of her second child.] 3 Dry and very sultry. Thos. Laughlin, Township Clerk, was here this morning to get the Collectors Roll of 1897 as a guide for him. I gave it. I piled wood part of the day and took up a drill of pota- toes. There was just a bag full. 4 Dry and cloudy in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. I piled the remainder of the stove wood in the forenoon, had in all about ten cords. 5Dark and showery, especially in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk to meet the Reeve and Clerk of the Township on Twp. business. Did not get going up to the fair grounds. Mrs. W. Talbot stopped here all night. [in margin] Dundalk / Show Fair 6 Frost, the day fine. I pulled some mustard at Jim’s. He put a handle in my axe. I also raised a few potatoes at home. Mrs. Talbot left this afternoon with Joseph Jackson’s son, Arthur. <p. 25> October 1898 7th Fine day, cool in the morning, with some frost. I dug and gathered three bags of potatoes. 8 Fine and dry with a good bit of sunshine. I took the poney to Dundalk, had two old shoes taken off and two new ones put on, cost .50 cts. Also bought two snaps* at 6 cents. [*for horse har- ness] 9th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Mr. J. Patterson Junior, and wife were here. Went to J. Russell’s for tea. 10 Dry and cool, cloudy in the afternoon. Very much like rain, which will be inconvenient for me as I have laid out to raise my potatoes on tomorrow. I digged and gathered three bushels in two hours today. There are not many at a stalk, but they are large and dry. 11 Wet day all through. Not very heavy, generally, but it kept coming down. Bad for me as I could not get my potatoes dug. �565 l2 Fine but cool. Mr. Thos. Laughlin, Twp. Clerk of Proton, was here on Township business in the afternoon. I oiled the Buggy harness. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. <p. 26> October 1898 13 Rainy day, not very heavy but enough to make it unpleasant. Johney and Ina came here, he to help me take up my potatoes but the day was unsuitable. Willie also started, must have went home again as he did not get this far. 14 Another wet day. T. Laughlin, Twp. Clerk, called here this morning and left me a cheque of $466.00, proceeds of a sale of Drainage Debentures which he had made in Toronto. A. Trugon brought me two Bags of pease and one of oats. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, got the cheque cashed. 15 Cold and wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry but cold. Some snow with the rain. I went to Council Meeting at Hopeville, stopped all night. [in margin] Snow l6th Sabbath. Dry and fine with quite a frost. Came home, got here about one O’clock. 17 Cold but dry, and misty. Took up the potatoes, there were about 60 Bushels, good large potatoes, most of them. Gave Willie 5 bags, and Jim 7, put in a pit 30 Bushels for seed. Jim and his man and A. Trugon, Junior, helped. [in margin] Raised / potatoes <p. 27> October 1898 18th Dry in the forenoon, very wet in the afternoon. I wrote some business letters for the Township, intended going to Dundalk to post them but the rain prevented. Johney and Willie each brought me a load of stove wood from Melancthon. This is the last of what was cut by F. Bellamy in 1896 for me. 19 Dark and cool with some rain at noon. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, and posted some letters. Among them were ten debentures, Registered to Geo. A. Stinson & Co., Toronto. In the afternoon I carried out of the drive house in to the cellar 15 Bushels of potatoes. [in margin] Jim threshed / Grain 20 A little sunshine in the morning, then the day clouded over and was dark and lowering. I went to Dundalk, Jim also. [in margin] Jim / finished / threshing 21 Dark and without any rain, only a mist like in the forenoon, the afternoon showery and a heavy rainfall after dark set in. 22 Dark and wet mostly all day. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, met the collector who paid me in taxes $520.00. I deposited it in Dundalk Bank. 23rd Sabbath. Cool and cloudy. Cold at night. <p. 28> October 1898 24th Dry and quite a bit of sunshine, strong wind in the forenoon. I split some stove wood. Mr. McKenzie, Reeve of Proton, called, 25 Fine and dry with quite a bit of sunshine. I went to Dundalk and mailed a P. O. M[oney] order to the Clerk of the 5th Division Court for $16.42, being the amount Proton had to pay in the case of Best against the Townships of Artemesia and Proton. 26 Chang[e]able day with alternate rain, there is now at 10 P.M. a wind and snow storm raging. This is the first snow of the season. I chored around. [in margin] First snow 27 Cold morning, with some snow on the ground, the day cold with a sharp frost. I butchered two spring pigs, would weigh about 190 lbs each. Mr. Deveral, the Dundalk butcher, and Joseph Bow- ler done the job. I was in Dundalk in the afternoon. �566 28 Pretty chilly day, dark with an East wind. J. Bowler hauled a dressed hog for me to Dundalk. I had sold it to the Butcher for $5.50 per hundred. It weighed 188 pounds and deducting 3 lbs. for shrinkage, Brought me $9.71. Not bad for a spring pig. <p. 29> October 1898 29 Very fine day. Bright and sunny, almost like Indian Summer. I salted away a pig, also took up some roots in the afternoon. A German Jew by the name of Herman James, a pedlar, is stopping here tonight. 30th Sabbath. Cold and raw, the Jew is still here. 31 Some snow on the ground and a little fell during the day, the day was lowering and very chilly. I cut a road to the stove wood which I have in the swamp. The pedlar went away this morning, gave about 25 cents worth for keep. [November 1898] Nov. 1 Mild day and a good bit of sunshine. I took up some roots, beets, parsnips, etc. and put some cabbage away. For the cabbage I dug a trench about nine inches deep and eighteen inches wide and placed the cabbage roots up in it, having previously put some cabbage leaves in the bottom. I then put some more cabbage leaves on the top and finally put a slight covering of earth on them. I also put a few in the cellar on shelves. 2nd Mild day, considering this time of the year. I took the tops of[f] the Beets and put them in the cel- lar, and also some carrots. I went to Dundalk with the Buggy at night. [in margin] Mr. Calhoun / died 3 Fine day, dry and sunny. I went to Dundalk, paid my third call on J. T. W[oolen] Mills Co.* Seen W. Reid and Mrs. Reid. Collector stopped here all night, paid over $200.00. [*see 16 June 1899, where he refers to his fifth call on The Dundalk Woolen Mills Co. Ltd. It is possible that J. T. is a person at the Woolen Mills, although the writing is cramped and the ink blotted in this entry. There is a share certificate, 22 Feb. 1901, to Samuel Russell from The Dundalk Woolen Mills Company Limited, signed by W. H. Peterson, Secretary, James Russell, President. These two en- tries suggest the name of the mill is unofficially J. T. Woolen Mill, but officially called The Dun- dalk Woolen Mill Company Limited.] <p. 30> November 1898 4th Mild day with some sunshine, the sky a little like Indian summer. Mrs. R and I went to the funeral of Mr. J. Calhoun.* He was buried with Masonic rites in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Dundalk. The funeral was large. [*James Calhoun and son, General Store, is listed in 1887 directory; see History of Dundalk, p. 104.] 5 Dark and dreary in the Forenoon, the afternoon mild and wet. I worked at the township accounts. 6th Sabbath. Several showers of snow through the day with a strong wind, almost blow a person down. [in margin] Stabled / Cows 7 Ground covered with snow this morning, some of it melted before night, the day was pretty cool. I entered Township orders, wrote letters, &c. 8 Fine and dry with quite a bit of sunshine. I worked at the Township Books. The collector was here and left $405.00. 9 Dark, dreary day without sunshine and pretty cold. 10 Snowing and Blowing all day, a regular blizzard, and a good deal fiercer as the day advanced. The night was as bad if not worse. The snow will be piled up pretty high in the fence corners in the morning. �567 <p.31> November 1898 11th Another pretty bad day, but not so fierce as yesterday. 12 Milder, the snow thawing some, and the day pretty mild. The Twp Collector was here and left me $140.00 taxes. Brother John’s wife Eliza came here in the afternoon. Mr. Reid’s daughter Annie drove her up from Dundalk. She stopped all night. Ida was here in the afternoon. 13th Sabbath. Mild in the morning, the afternoon was a regular snow storm. Eliza went with Jim and wife to her daughter’s, Mrs. Jim Patterson’s. 14 Mild day, the waggons and sleighs are both running, but the snow has melted during the day. Johney & Ina were here in the afternoon. Jim sent me a load of firewood, also some bedding*, which I needed. [*straw for cattle bedding] 15 Strong wind in the forenoon, and pretty cold, the afternoon slightely given to thaw. I split some stove wood, got 13 Bushels of oats from C. Mills at .25¢ per Bushel. Ida was here in the after- noon. 16 Mild day. I split some stove wood in the forenoon. Mr. Reid & wife, Thos. Hanbury, wife & son, Joe Bowerman and Ida, Mr. John Russell & Ina were here at night. <p. 32> Nov[ember] 1898 17th Mild day, the Roads very muddy. I went to Dundalk. Seen George Wright, Councilman, done some Township business, also bought 3 Barells Flour, l 1/2 Manitoba & l 1/2 Ontario, for $13.00. 18 Dark and showery, anything but a pleasant day. 19 Dark and mild. I dug a drain in the garden to carry off the water in the spring when the snow melts. Merritt Nicols left his tax, $21.39, here for the collector 20th Sabbath. Dark and without sunshine mostly all day, pretty cool. Mrs. R. and I drove to Ida’s. The Roads are very muddy. 21 Fine, dry with a good deal of sunshine, the snow is pretty much gone, the clouds are threat[en]ing this afternoon. 22 Showery, mostly cold with a heavy damp atmosphere, the roads are extremely bad, not many peo- ple moving around. Joseph Bowler and wife were here at night. 23 Cold and snowing, a little snow fell mostly all day. The cold was pretty severe. The roads are very rough, the wheels are still running. <p. 33> Nov[ember] 1898 24th Rather mild. Mrs. John Russell came from Mrs. Jas. Patterson’s and stopped here all night. 25 Mild mostly all day, began to grow colder in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk. Bob Mills hauled home for me three Barrels of flour which I had bought last week. 26 Snow falling this morning and all through the day, quite wintry weather, some sleighs and some waggons running. A span of horses belonging to a Mr. McMaster of Osprey ran away opposite here and broke his buggy 27th Sabbath. Mild, dry, dark and inclined to be soft. Joe, Ida and Albert Thompson were here. 28 Mild but dark and without any sunshine. John Hudd with Jim’s team hauled me a load of bedding. He then fixed a horse stall for me. 29 Mild and dark with all appearance of a snowfall at night. I fixed the cows’ stall. Jim got the Bug- gy, he and Mr. S. Bell are going to Flesherton. Joe and Ida were here a while at night. [in margin] W. Robinson / died <p. 34> �568 Nov[ember] 1898 30th Mild but dark, without sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s to the Marriage of his eldest daughter Madella to John White of Artemesia. There were about Sixty guests. The wedded cou- ple left in the afternoon for Toronto. Madella is a splendid girl and will make a fine wife. [in margin] Niece Madella / Russell / married [December 1898] December 1st Quite stormy, snowing and blowing, especially in the forenoon. Mrs. R. went to the fu- neral of W. Robinson, a son of William Robinson. Brother John’s wife Eliza came here at night. Jim Patterson drove her here. Some snow fell, the day was mild but overcast. John and Ina, Joe and Ida and Miss A. Bowerman, Brother John’s son, Jim, and his Mother were all here at night, stopped till after 12 O’clock. 2 Quite a snowfall last night, a little fell during the day. Johney helped me Butcher a pig of six months old, it would dress, I think, 200 pounds. Ina came with Johney 3 Bright sunny day, the snow thawing some. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Sent deed & duplicate, mortgage & duplicate of Lot 31, Con. 5 Melancthon to be registered in Orangeville. <p. 35> December 1898 4th Sabbath. Pretty cold with a slight snowfall in the forenoon which increased to a heavy fall in the afternoon. It snowed and blowed all night. Jim’s three children were here, viz., Arlie, Vern & Delbert. 5 Very deep snow. I think there must have fallen during the night two feet. Snowing and blowing all day. Jim’s man John Hudd hauled me a load of stove wood from where I had cut it in the swamp. I made a start at writing out my Financial Statement. [in margin] Big snow Storm 6 Cold and stormy, snow falling throughout the day, the roads are very badly filled up. I worked at making out the Financial Statement for the Township. 7 Stormy, Rough day, snowing and blowing. The Proton Collector and his Brother stopped here all night, he left me over $2400.00 taxes 8 Very Rough and stormy. The collector tried the road West, but the snow was too much drifted. Then he turned and went towards Dundalk. I worked on the Financial Statement. 9 Stormy and rough, snowing and Blowing. I am laid up with a cold. <p. 36> December 1898 10th Stormy and rough, snowing and blowing, Roads filling up. 11th Sabbath. Stormy and rough, snowing and blowing. Jim and Mary got as far as here in his cutter. 12 The storm has abated a little, people were trying to open up the Roads in the afternoon, some shovelling and others driving their sleighs through. 13 Rough day, stormy, the roads bad. 14 Pretty Rough, Snowing some, the Roads very heavy. Mrs. R. went to Jim Patterson’s. [in margin] J.Patterson’s / Boy* born [*Oscar George Patterson] 15 A little milder, no snow falling. Went to Council Meeting at Hopeville. Jim drove me out with his horse. We stopped all night. 16 Mild day. Came home and settled up my accounts. Came out straight. 17 Pretty Rough, the Roads very bad. I worked at making out the Financial Statement. Johney brought me a load of wood, so also did Willie. <p. 37> December 1898 �569 18th Sabbath. Pretty cold, without snow. Joe and Ida were here. 19 Very cold, raw day. Rhime on the Bushes. Mrs. R. went to help Ina kill turkeys. I finished the Financial Statement. 20 Dark and slightely wet, the snow sinking. I took to the printer in Dundalk the Financial Statement to be printed. I had not much trouble in Balancing. [in margin] Thaw 21 Dark and mild, a little snow fell but the thaw has ceased and is about over. I got a letter from Clark. 22 A little snow mixed with rain in the forenoon which turned into rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the eavening, then she went to Mr. Bell’s School entertainment. [in margin] Rain 23 Snowing and blowing a fierce storm all day, and the blow increased as night came on. 24 Cold and rough, snowing and drifting. I got a Christmas Gift from* Mrs. R. (a cup and saucer), gilt china .70¢, very nice. [*should read “for”, not “from”?] <p. 38> December 1898 25th Sabbath. Pretty mild, the Roads heavy. We had Jim and family, Willie and family, Johney and Ina, Joe Bowerman and Ida, Newt Oliver and Miss A. Bowerman spending their Christmas with us. 26 Cold and pretty rough, the wind strong and the snow drifting. Mrs. R went in the afternoon to Mrs. Jim Patterson’s. 27 Stormy and wild, snowing, blowing and drifting. An exceedingly rough day, the roads filling up. Joe Bowler was here a while. 28 Extremely cold day, the wind is not high but the freeze is very sharp, the coldest day. I think, that has come this season. 29 Mild, the snow thawing. I and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. I got the cutter fixed, also seen the Twp. Collector, he made me a payment. 30 Mild in the forenoon, the afternoon cold and windy. 31 Extremely cold, nothing like it this winter. The old year is passing out and the new coming in. We have had some reverses in this year, still, our health has been good or fairly so. We hail the New Year and hope that things in general may be more prosperous with us. [in margin] Very cold / Bob Russell hurt <p. 39> January 1899 1st Sabbath. Cold day, sharp frost. Brother John’s eldest son Robert died this morning. He was for some time working in a foundry in Toronto and while helping to put up a smoke stack last Friday something gave way and a piece of wood hit him on the head, Breaking his skull. He was insensi- ble till he died. Poor boy, to be carried off so suddenly. His Father, Mother & [stricken: family] Brothers & Sisters will be in agony. [in margin] Brother John’s son / Robert died on the 2nd 2 Very cold, sharp raw wind. I with Jim went to the voting in Melancthon, Dundalk and Proton. 3 Milder, thawing, at night raining. I went to Dundalk, got the poney’s shoes shaped and the cutter fixed. Also attended a meeting of the Stockholders of Dundalk Cheese Factory. After I came home Mrs. R. and I drove to Dundalk again. I sent a telegram to Jim when on his way to Toronto, the telegram got him at Cardwell.* Johney and Ina were here all night. [*4 miles north of Or- angeville, ON.] 4 Raining this morning, the day wet all through. Mrs. R., Johney and Ina, Willie and Jim Patterson and Brother John’s daughter Vina left this morning in Jim Patterson’s sleigh for the funeral. Brother Sam left here about noon for the same. I did not go, was afraid of getting cold. �570 <p. 40> January 1899 5th Cold, snowing and Blowing, the thaw is over and the Roads are a glare of ice. I worked at Balanc- ing the Township Books. John Hudd brought me a load of stove wood from the swamp with Jim’s horses. 6 Cold day, snowing some and blowing. I worked at the Township Books. Jimmey Bowler milked the cows for me. The folks got home about 1 O’clock tonight. Ina stopped here all night. [in margin] Storming 7 Fearfully stormy, snowing and blowing. Johney came here for Ina, they left about 3:30 P.M. Brother Sam came here about 9:30, stopped all night. [in margin] Stormy & cold 8th Sabbath. The blow is partly over. Sam left for home. 9 Pretty cold day. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville. Stayed all night. [in margin] cold 10 Piercing sharp frosty day. I came home. [in margin] cold 11 Very sharp keen freeze. I entered Township orders. [in margin] cold 12 Milder than yesterday. W. Lonsway called here this afternoon. Johney brought me a load of wood. <p. 41> January 1899 13th Soft and thawing, rain mixed with snow in the Forenoon and pure rain in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 14 Stormy day, Blowing and snowing, especially so in the afternoon. Very chang[e]able weather. 15th Sabbath. Mild and fine. Joe & Ida were here. 16 Very mild, thawing some. Johney brought me two loads of firewood. Willie and Tom Oliver* were here at noon. The Rev. Mr. Harrison, Presbyterian Minister, and his Lady were here in the afternoon. [*Tom Oliver later marries Ada Davidson, sister of Mary and Susan.] 17 Colder than yesterday, Freezing and snowing some. I split a little wood in the woodhouse. This is my Sixty-third Birth-day. [in margin] 63rd Birth / Day 18 Fine and sunny with quite a sharp air. I split some wood in the woodhouse. Mrs. R. went to a Presbyterian Social in Dundalk. Miss Robinson was here about taxes. 19 Fine and mild, good sleighing. Mr. W. Bell and wife were here a while this afternoon. <p. 42> January 1899 20th Quite a fall of snow and the wind pretty high, not cold. Jim’s boys, Vern and Delbert, were here in the afternoon. 21 Very stormy from morning till night, snowing and Blowing. Mrs. R. went to Dundalk for me. Brother John and wife came here this afternoon. 22nd Sabbath. Mild and not cold. Brother John and wife Eliza left here this morning and went to their Son-in-Law’s, J. Patterson. 23 Mild day mostly. Thos. Laughlin, Clerk of Proton, was here in the afternoon. Brother John called with J. Patterson. Willie called also. Ida was here in the afternoon. 24 Mild day mostly. Mrs. R. and I visited at Brother Sam’s. Brother John and wife Eliza were also there. Sam and I went to George Brown’s, a neighbor, and I bought a package of “Nature herbs” from him. He is the agent for the sale of the Medicine, said to cure almost anything. 25 Mild day, good Sleighing. Johney brought me a load of firewood. Mrs. D. McAulay spent the day here. <p. 43> �571 January 1899 26th Pretty stormy in the forenoon, the afternoon just terrific, snowing and Blowing, drifting. Brother John and wife, Jim’s wife and three children were here. John stopped at Jim’s at night, his wife stopped here. James Conner, a young man of Melancthon, about 27 years of age, born here, a son to John Conners, Farmer, Melancthon, died in Toronto after three day’s illness of typhoid fever. He was a splendid specimen of manhood, large, strong and handsome, a good boy, civil and oblig- ing, loved by his neighbours and friends. He had been working for some time in his Uncle’s store in North Toronto but death claimed him and he had to go. [in margin] James Conners died / in Toronto 27 Cold, but the storm has ceased. Sharp frost. The remains of poor Jim Conners came to Dundalk this night from Toronto. My son Jim helped to carry them from the train; my Jim and the deceased were greatly attached to each other. Brother John and wife Eliza are here. [in margin] cold 28 Sharp cold day, the roads heavy. Brother John and wife started this morning for home. They upset about 40 rods from here. They came back. They then started after dinner for J. Patterson’s. Mrs. R[obert] R[ussell]* went to Jim Conners’ wake. My cold prevented me from going. [in margin] very cold. [*to distinguish her from Mrs. John R. in this entry.] <p. 44> January 1899 29th Sabbath. Extremely cold. Jas. Connor was buried in the R[oman] C[atholic] Cemetery in Melanc- thon. There was a large Funeral. I could not go, not being well. Mrs. R. went. [in margin] Ex- tremely / cold 30 Very cold, a snow storm in the afternoon. Johney and Eliza left Jim Patterson’s for home. Son Johney called here. Mrs. J. Bowler was here. [in margin] Extreme / cold 31 Very Cold. Mr. P. Cowan [MS Cowand] and Alex. Gillespie, Township auditors, were here on my books. They found them right. Patrick Connor and son John were here at noon. [in mar- gin] Cold [February 1899] Feb. 1st Very cold, the frost is exceedingly sharp. 2 Not quite so cold, a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 3 Quite a snowfall last night, the day rather mild in comparison of the former days. 4 Mild with a slight fall of snow last night. 5th Sabbath. Pretty fine. Johney & Ina, Donald McAulay, wife and daughter were here. <p. 45> Feb[ruary] 1899 6th Pretty cold, a very sharp frost in the afternoon and at night. 7 Fine sunny day, the afternoon pretty sharp. Mrs. R. and I went to the funeral of Mrs. S. McDonald of Proton. She was a sister of Mr. Thos. Laughlin, Clerk of Proton. Was quite young, the mother of two children, one of them a baby. She was Buried in Ventry Cemetery. The funeral was very large. Mr. George Carnpbell, an old Resident of Proton, died this morning. [in margin] G. Camp- bell died / Mrs. McDonald buried 8 Sharp day, keen frost, with a little sunshine now and then, also some showers of snow. I split some stove wood. Very cold at night. [in margin] cold 9 Very cold, the wind blowing strongly and the cold intense. Snow falling now and then, a bitterly cold day. [in margin] very cold 10 Extremely cold, the cattle after drinking would shake as if they had the ague. Few people on the Road today. [in margin] very cold �572 11 Clear and sunny, but with a very sharp frost. I attended a Township Council Meeting held in Dun- dalk. [in margin] very cold <p. 46> February 1899 12th Sabbath. Cold all day and cloudy. Mrs. D. McAulay and Ida Bowerman were here. 13 Cold with quite a bit of sunshine. I got in a little hay stack which I had at the stable. Billy Bowler and Jim Bowler with their team hauled it, there was quite a bit of bad hay in it. 14 Bright and sunny. I fixed up some Township papers which the auditors asked me to do for them. Mrs. R. went to Johney’s and Willie’s. 15 A little milder. Still, it’s cold enough. 16 Mild day, a good deal of sunshine, the snow thawing in some places, some pools of water in Dun- dalk. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Willie hauled me a load of stove wood. [in margin] Willie / hauled / me a / load of wood 17 Mild, a good deal of sunshine, a little rain in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk and sent Clark $57.48 in two money orders, one for $50.00, the other for $7.48, payable in Alpena, Michigan, U.S. The commission cost me .60 cts. The money was paid me by Johney, who wished me to send it to him. Johney owed Clark. <p. 47> Feb[ruary] 1899 18th Dark and quite a thick air, a slight snow in the early morning. The Proton tax collector called here in the afternoon. Mrs. R. went to J. Patterson, Junior’s. Came home at night, then went to Jim Russell’s. Came home, got her supper, then started for H. Lonsway’s. 19th Sabbath. Mild but dark, very much like a thaw. 20 Dark and soft, a fall of soft snow last night. Mrs. R went to Ida’s. Thos. McAulay, Township as- sessor, called here (not assessing). 21 Beautiful [MS Beautifuld] day, sunny and warm, the snow thawing fast, quite spring-like. Jim’s Delbert was here all day. 22 A heavy fall of snow last night, and more fell during the day. Mild and soft. Mrs. R. and I went to see Andrew Lonsway who is pretty sick. Jim Russell called a while at night. 23 Bright and sunny but a very sharp frost in the eavening. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. The Col- lector returned his Roll. 24 Very fine with a bright Sun. Keen freeze in the shade. Jim is teaming out his oats, price 28 and 29 cts. per Bushel. Brother Sam was here at night and I gave him a little pup. <p. 48> February 1899 25th Pretty sharp Frost but a good deal of sunshine. I wrote in the Township Books, posting orders, etc. 26th Sabbath. Pretty windy, sleet falling through the day and rain at night. Jim’s Four* children were here this afternoon. [*Arlie, Vern, Delbert and Elva.] 27 Stormy, Snowing and Blowing all day. I copied the defaulters into Defaulters Book. Ida was here. 28 Stormy, Blowing and snowing all day. The snow seemed something soft in the afternoon. I worked at Township accounts. March [1899] 1st Pretty cold in the forenoon, Blowing & Snowing, the afternoon milder but with a sharp freeze. 2nd Fine, a good deal of sunshine, quite sunny in Dundalk. I attended a Meeting of the Dundalk Woolen Mills Co. L. T. McAulay, Proton Assessor, stopped here all night. Assessed Jim’s 250 acres for $2400.00. Assessed my acre and House $100. �573 3 Dark and very misty, a fall of soft snow turning to almost rain in the afternoon, quite a thaw. Mrs. R. is going now 5:50 P.M. to attend a social held in the Union Church, Melancthon. <p. 49> March 1899 4 Dark and a very heavy mist, the day soft, the snow going. I made out Financial Statement for the Bureau of Industries, and a very crooked bit of work I found it! 5th Sabbath. Rough and stormy. Blowing and snowing, filling up the Roads at a great rate. [in margin] Big Storm 6 Calm and sunny in the forenoon, the afternoon dark, cold and a little snow falling Miss A. Bow- erman was here. 7 Rather finer than yesterday, but sharp frost in the afternoon. Miss Jenny Russell came here with Brother Sam from Rosemont.* [*a hamlet in Adjala Township, 7 miles (11 km) west of Alliston, on what is now Highway 89.] 8 Fine day, mild. Mrs. R. took Jenny out to Sam’s. John Hudd hauled me about 3000 lbs hay from Jim’s place (the Arnold Lot). Jim would not accept any money for it. 9 Mild day, getting something like a thaw in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I drove to Dundalk. 10 Dark and windy, the sky indicating a storm. Ida was here and went to Jim’s. Her mother drove her home at night. <p. 50> March 1899 11th Quite soft, a strong thaw wind. The water ran in pools accross [=across] the Roads. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville. Stopped all night. 12th Sabbath. Bright, sunny morning, the day got clouded, the thaw continued till about 3 P.M. when a snow storm arose. Kept snowing and Blowing all afternoon. Willie and Sue and their two chil- dren were here. 13 Bright and sunny but with a very sharp frost. I made out a copy of the defaulter’s to send to Co. Treasurer, and wrote Four Business letters. 14 Bright and sunny most of the day, the afternoon cloudy and cold. I went to Dundalk in the fore- noon, drew $200.00 out of the Bank, and sent it, along with $800.00 more which I had in the house, making $1000.00 in all, by Express to the Manager of the Molsons Bank, Owen Sound. The parcel of money was rather large to go into the envelope, but Mr. Symington the agent put them into the press in his office and reduced the bulk. There were 10 x 10 = $100, and 180 x 5 = $900, [total] $1000. Miss Minnie* Russell is here this afternoon. [*daughter of John and Eliza.] <p. 51> March 1899 15th Wet day from morning till night. Jim Russell’s Sale of Farm Stock and implements which was to be today had to be postponed, on account of Rain, till Friday the 24th inst. 16 A good deal of sunshine but a pretty sharp Frost most of the day. Jim was here a while at night. 17 A little sunshine in the forenoon, the afternoon cold, and stormy at night. 18 Stormy day. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing from Morning till night. Brother Sam called on his way home From a meeting of Victoria Cheese Factory. 19th Sabbath. Rough and stormy, snowing and Blowing. 20 Very Stormy day, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Walter Bell and Robt. Irwin called here in the afternoon with a petition [MS patition], getting signers for seperation [sic] of the Country part of Union S. S. No. 1, Dundalk, from Dundalk, and to unite with Sch[ool] Sect[ion] 5, Melancthon. I �574 signed the petition. I worked at the Township Books in the forenoon. <p. 52> March 1899 21st Very stormy. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk. Mr. McKenzie, Reeve of Proton, came home with me and stopped all night. Sam’s Madella and Willie called here. 22 Soft and evidently a thaw is setting in, the snow is quite soft. Jennie and Mrs. R. went to Dundalk. 23 Stormy, Snowing and Blowing all day long. There was some thunder last night. Jim called at noon. [in margin] Thunder 24 Very stormy, especially in the forenoon, Blowing and snowing. Jim’s Sale was in the afternoon. There was a large crowd of persons, and the animals and Farming implements brought good pric- es. Miss Abbie Bowerman stopped here all night. [in margin] Jim’s Sale 25 Mild and without storm in the forenoon, the afternoon wild, Blowing and snowing. Miss Bower- man is here making a dress for Jenney. Miss Bowerman went to Dundalk in the evening. 26th Sabbath. Mild and the snow softening some, quite sunny. 27 Very fine, Bright and sunny. Miss A. Bowerman, Jenny and Ida were here making dress for Jen- ney.* [*Jenny, or Jenney, is Jane Russell, an unidentified cousin.] <p. 53> March 1899 28th Dark, with a big snow storm in the afternoon. The snow is now (6: 30 P.M.) falling thickly. Jim moved in to the Arnold house. Miss Bowerman went home this afternoon. 29 Stormy from morning till night, Snowing and Blowing. 30 Fine, and the snow inclined to soften, a good deal of sunshine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Jennie left this morning for Brother Sam’s. [in margin] Jennie left 31 Bright clear morning, the day fine and sunny till about 5 P.M. when the sky got overcast, like a coming storm. [in margin] Good / Friday [April 1899] April 1st Fine in the morning, the afternoon got overcast and there was a heavy fall of snow. Brother Sam called on his way to Dundalk and I sent a letter with him to post, addressed to John Philips, Grand Valley P. O., Ont. 2nd Sabbath. Moderate in the forenoon, the afternoon rough. Jim and family spent the day here. 3 Mild with a good deal of sunshine. Jim brought me a jag* of straw for bedding. [*farming ver- nacular, dialectal usage for “small load” or “amount” e.g. straw, hay, wood; see Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th ed., 2010.] <p. 54> April 1899 4th Sunny and with a sharp air. I worked at the Twp. Books. 5 Bright and sunny, the snow melting pretty well. I entered Twp. orders. J. Bowerman and Ida, Miss Bowerman and Bob Agnew and Jim Russell were here a while at night. 6 Bright and sunny, the day very fine. I went to Dundalk. 7 Dark, a slight snow fell in the afternoon, almost rain. 8 Snowing, Blowing and pretty stormy in the afternoon. 9th Sabbath. Fine. Johney and Ina were here. 10 Fine, a good deal of sunshine. Jim’s second boy, 5 years old, Delbert, met with a bad accident. He fell down a feed hole in the Barn and broke his right leg up within three or four inches of his body. �575 Dr. McWilliam of Dundalk set the bone. He is doing as well as can be expected. Dr. Mc[William] Sett it very carefully. [in margin] Delbert broke / his leg 11 Mild with a pretty heavy rain in the afternoon. I attended Proton Council Meeting in Dundalk. <p. 55> April 1899 12th Very fine, strong sun and thaw wind. 13 Fine, Bright and sunny, cool in the afternoon. 14 Mild. Strong Sunshine, the snow disappearing fast. 15 Mild and quite springlike, the snow going rapidly. I worked at the Municipal Cash Book. A very heavy snow storm at night 16th Sabbath. The ground covered with fresh snow about four inches deep this morning, the day fine. Brother Sam and Walter Bell called in the afternoon. [in margin] Seen Robin 17 Fine, the snow melting pretty fast, a good deal of sunshine. W. Bell called here. I wrote out a communication for him to the minister of Education. [in margin] heard frogs 18 Fine, sunny, and very springlike. I dug through the Banks of snow and opened out a drain to let the water away from a potatoe pit. 19 Fine springlike day, a shower of rain last night and another this morning. <p. 56> April 1899 20th Fine, dry and warm, the snow is mostly gone. 21 Beautiful day, hot in the afternoon. 22 Very spring-like, there is quite a bunch of snow in the South-west corner of this acre but it is going rapidly. Some parts of the roads are dry and dusty while other parts have got a ridge of snow and ice in the centre about two feet deep. Johney and Willie called here this afternoon. Willie took home a heifer calve which he got from us, he took it on the stone boat behind his waggon. [in margin] Sowed / cabbage seed 23rd Sabbath. Fine, dry and warm, quite spring-like. 24 Very fine, dry and warm. Some are starting to plow. [in margin] plowing began 25 Dry and sultry, a little thunder in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk with the Buggy, the first time we have used it this spring. The roads are very bad, in some places there are ridges of snow. 26 Beautiful day, a little thunder. I split some stove wood. Got two pigs from Jim, they cost me noth- ing, they are small and not thrifty,* Came last fall. [* “thrifty” also has the meaning “prosperous; thriving physically”, in addition to its current meaning “frugal”.] <p. 57> April 1899 27th Fine and warm, cloudy in the afternoon with indications of a thunderstorm. Jim borrowed the poney and Buggy and drove around to buy some hay for pressing. He got some at $5.00 per ton, first class timothy. Mrs. Henry Lonsway was here a while this afternoon. The last of the snow disappeared out of the Garden. [in margin] snow all gone / in the clearings 28 Dry and very windy, pretty warm in the afternoon. Mr. Walter Bell was here in the eavning. I wrote him an application to the Minister of Education re. appointing arbitrators. 29 Beautiful day. Heavy dew last night, a little thunder. I fixed fences, made some garden and went to Dundalk. 30th Sabbath. Fine day, warm, thunder storm in the afternoon. Jim Patterson, wife and Baby were here. [May 1899] �576 May 1st. Sultry, cloudy in the afternoon, great growth. I fixed old fences as usual, and worked in the Garden. 2 Fine but not so warm as yesterday. Dr. McWilliam took the splint off Jim’s Delbert’s broken leg in the morning, but in the afternoon the leg seemed to have shortened so Jim Brought the Dr. again and had it made right. The trees are about half leaved-out, the weather being so favourable. [in margin] Trees out / in leaf <p. 58> May 1899 3 Fine but a little cooler than yesterday. I fixed brush fence. 4 Fine, a little cool in the afternoon. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 5 Fine, dry and warm. I sowed garden seed: Coucumber [=cucumber], Butter Beans, Carrots, Pars- nips & Beets. Mrs. R. had sown top onions, potatoe onions* & Lettuce. [in margin] Sowed gar- den /Seeds [*presumably “top onions” were what is now called “green onions”, and “potatoe on- ions” were onions to be grown to maturity, of which the bulb only is for food.] 6 Fine, dry and warm. I fixed lane for pigs and put up a slight Board fence of 72 feet long, only one Board on top, nailed to posts about five feet off the ground, to keep the poney out of garden. 7th Sabbath. Very fine, sunny, dry and warm. Mr. W. Bell and Joe Bowler and wife were here. 8 Lovely day, sunny, dry and warm, an ideal spring day. I put some brush on the garden beds to keep the hens off. Helped Jim a little in the afternoon at his fence. 9 Fine, dry and warm. I sowed some carrot seed and washed the fruit trees with soft soap suds. <p. 59> May 1899 10th Dry and fine, cloudy and cool in the afternoon. I minded Delbert in the afternoon while his moth- er went to Dundalk, then finished washing fruit trees. Mr. Walter Bell was here a while in the af- ternoon. [in margin] Jim sold a / Roller for S. Bell* [Skeffington Bell was an implement dealer, among other things, in Dundalk. This seems to be the very beginning of Jim’s career in selling farm equipment. He worked about 30 years full-time for Deering, then International Harvester, then Cockshutt, before retiring in 1931.] 11 Quite a Rain last night or early this morning, the day cool but dark, with a strong wind, the eaven- ing wet. I split some stove wood at the house. 12 Dry and fine, pretty warm, cloudy in the afternoon. I went to Johney’s and Willie’s then went to Dundalk, bought a bag of shorts at .75¢, a Box of Matches 10 cts, and some toilet soap .10 cts. 13 Cold, Dry and windy, bright sun, a little sprinkling of Rain in the morning. Done nothing today. 14th Sabbath. Hard frost this morning, ice on the water, the day dry, cold and windy. [in margin] Frost 15 Very hard frost this morning, quite thick ice on the water, the maple leaves are scorched and the blossoms on the fruit trees must have suffered. I split stove wood at the house. [in margin] Frost / D[undalk] C[heese] F[actory] opened <p. 60> May 1899 16th Cold damp morning, very heavy rain with a little hail and some thunder in the afternoon, very cold. 17 Dark and cold, showery. Delbert was here for the first time since his leg was broke. His Pa, Ma, and all the family stopped here all night. 18 Dark and cold, a slight mizzle of Rain through the day. Delbert and his Ma went home this after- noon. He is not able to walk yet so we took him accross in his ‘spruce waggon.’* I split some stove wood at the house. [*presumably a child’s wagon.] �577 19 Cold drizzly day, very unpleasant. 20 Cold and cloudy, the day getting a little brighter in the afternoon. 21st Sabbath. Dry and fine with rather a chilly air. In the afternoon I went to Brother Sam’s. 22 Dry and fine. I cut seed potatoes. Delbert was brought here in the absence of his Mother and I minded him. [in margin] Got / papers / from / Toronto <p. 61> May 1899 23 Very fine, dry, sunny and warm. I finished cutting seed potatoes, then bagged up the remainder of the pit for Jim and Willie. I put in pit 30 Bushels last fall and could only get out 28, there were none either frozen or rotted, they apparently had just wasted away. [in margin] I. Traynor* / called here at / night [*a surveyor] 24th Queen’s birthday. Victoria is 80 years of age, a long life. The day pretty warm in the morning, also bright and sunny, the afternoon a little cloudy. 25 Fine, pretty warm. A pretty sharp shower after night fell, some thunder and lightening. Willie with his team and Newt. Oliver helped me to plant potatoes, about Eight Bushels on 5/8 of an acre. They hauled out the manure, I spread it, then Willie plowed in the potatoes. Arlie and Vern dropped, also I and Newt. We had all done at six O’clock, also had harrowed them. We placed the seed about twelve inches apart in the rows, and dropped [stricken: a see] in every third furrow. I gave Willie [to take] home with him about ten bushels, and I have six bags for Jim, as neither of them have any, got killed with the frost last summer. The rows are about 2 1/2 feet apart. [in mar- gin] Began and finished / planting potatoes <p. 62> May 1899 26th Dry and warm, till about 4 p.m. when there came on a heavy shower of Rain, some thunder and lightening. I worked at the Township Collector’s Rolls, getting up a statement re. Drainage of Sch[ool] Sect[ion] No. 1, for the information of Proton Council. 27 Showery, pretty warm, a fine growing day, cloudy. 28th Sabbath. The forenoon dry, the afternoon wet, with a thunder and lightening storm about 6 O’clock P.M. Mr. Walter Bell was here a while at night. 29 Dry in the forenoon, the afternoon Raining. I went to Dundalk and drew out of Bank $200.00, Twp. moneys. 30 Cold and windy in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and some sunshine. I attended a council Meet- ing at Hopeville and stopped there all night. There is a great amount of land between here and Hopeville covered with water on account of the frequent and heavy rains. 31 Left Hopeville at 7:30 and got home at 10 A.M. Mr. R. Oliver called to see us in the afternoon. The day was dry and windy. <p. 63> June 1899 1st Dry and fine, a little windy. I cut some seed potatoes for Jim. Mrs. R. and I went to DundaIk in the afternoon. John Madill and John Hudd was here in the forenoon. I drew up an agreement be- tween them for the buying and selling of a property in Dundalk. 2 Dry, sunny and warm. I finished cutting Jim’s seed potatoes. 3 Bags in all. 3 Dark, Cloudy and cool. I posted Township orders. 4th Sabbath. Heavy Rain, Thunder and Lightening early this morning, the day sultry. 5 A shower of Rain this morning, a little thunder and lightening. I put up a fence to keep the poney from running over the potatoes. Mrs. R. was repapering the kitchen. �578 6 Dry and sultry with the exception of a shower of Rain mixed with hail in the afternoon. Mrs. R. finished papering Kitchen. Jim’s wife Mary helped her. G. Watson, Co. Councillor, was here. 7 Sultry and showery in the afternoon. I Consulted Dr. McWilliam Regarding an ailment. He said it was a double rupture, sent for a double truss for me. Said I was in danger till I got it on. [in mar- gin] Set out / cabbage plants <p. 64> June 1899 8th Fine, dry and cool. Cloudy in the eavening. 9 Dry, cool and sunny. Delbert stopped a while here. His Grandma with the poney and Buggy took him and a Bag of potatoes to Ida’s. Brought Delbert back but of course left the potatoes! 10 Saturday. Dry and cool. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, took Jim’s Mary along a-shopping. 11th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Willie, Sue and the two babies were here. Jim got my poney and Buggy, he and wife and Delbert and the wee lady [=Elva] went to Jim Patterson’s. Arlie and Vern stopped here. 12 Dry in the forenoon, a sharp shower in the afternoon. Ida was here. I went to Dundalk in the af- ternoon and Dr. McWilliam fitted on me a double truss which I am necessitated to wear. It’s very uncomfortable but such must be. I think it’s as bad as wearing a hair shirt or any other kind of penance. 13 Cloudy, close and warm. I worked in the Garden weeding Carrots, digging beds and preparing ground for planting out Cabbage plants. <p. 65> June 1899 14th A shower of Rain in the morning, the day very hot till about 3 p.m. when there came on a rain with some thunder. I worked in the garden, sowed some carrots, parsnips and Beans for the second time, weeded some beds and planted out cabbage plants. [in margin] sowed carrots / & parsnips 15 Quite cool this morning with a shower of Rain, the day cool and cloudy. I digged a patch for cab- bage in the garden and planted out about Forty Seven. This is the second planting on the same patch. Brother Sam called this eavning and I gave him 100 plants. Jim’ s Mary and Delbert were here. 16 Very cool in the Morning, the day dry and cool. I went to Dundalk and paid the 5th Call to the Dundalk Woolen Mills Co. Limited. 17 Dry and fine. I wed some in the Garden. 18th Sabbath. Mostly dry and cloudy, a little rain. 19 Dry and warm, hot about noon. Mrs. R. took the pony and Buggy and went with 100 pounds of hay wire for the pressers to Melancthon. Delbert is stopping with me. <p. 66> June 1899 20th Dry and cool. Cold at night. Johney and Ina were here a while in the [stricken: eav] evening. Jim and Arlie and Vern stopped here all night. Jim had caught 13 speckled trout and he gave them around amongst us. 21 Dry and cool most of the day, the evening was something warmer. Jim is in bed here all day with something like a cold. Cannot tell what it is. I hoed some potatoes in the evening. 22 Dry and cool, a slight shower of Rain in the morning. Jim kept getting worse last night. I went for Dr. Martin at 11:30 p.m. He came and said he could not tell whether it was typhoid, Malaria or Measels. He left [dittog.: he left] him some powders and medicine. Jim began taking them and the fever abated, so much that he drove with me to Dundalk this afternoon. �579 23 Fine, dry and warm. I hoed potatoes. Jim is on the mend. He went out to Willie’s for Mary in the afternoon. 24 Dry and hot. I hoed potatoes. <p. 67> June 1899 25th Sabbath. Fine, dry and warm. Johney & Ina were here. Sam also called. 26 Dry and warm. I hoed potatoes. 27 Dry and fine, I was hoeing potatoes. Jim got home from Toronto and stopped here all night. 28 Slightly wet in the forenoon, the afternoon more Rain fell. I hoed a little at the potatoes, but had to quit on account of the Rain. Jim is here, also Delbert, Vern [MS Verne] and Arlie. 29 Fine, dry and sunny. I finished hoeing potatoes for the First time, then went to Dundalk, took Del- bert along. 30 Bright and fine. I went to see Mr. B. Bowerman. Miss A. Bowerman and Ida were here this even- ing. July [1899] 1st Bright, sunny, and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon, stopped about three hours. 2nd Sabbath. Dry and fine. Jim’s children were here while he & wife were at Sam’s. <p. 68> July 1899 3rd Showery and pretty warm. I hoed potatoes between showers, this is the second hoeing which I am giving them. 4 Dry till about 6 P.M. when there was a very heavy rain. The day was quite sultry. I done Statute labor. 5 Dry and warm in the forenoon, showery in the afternoon. I hoed potatoes. 6 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the Forenoon, I hoed potatoes in the afternoon. 7 A little Rain early this morning, the balance of the day dry and pretty warm. I worked at the Township Books and prepared 1/2 -Yearly Financial Statement. 8 Showery and cold. I attended a Council Meeting at Proton Station and stopped all night. 9th Sabbath. Bright, sunny and warm. Came home this morning. J. Bowerman and Ida, Mr. B. Bow- erman and wife, Jim and Mary with children were here. <p. 69> July 1899 10th Warm and Bright. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. Mrs. R. took Ida who was picking Berries home. I examined the orders which I had paid at Council Meeting and compared them with the cash which I had taken. Came out right. 11 Shower of Rain early this morning, the day dry afterwards and pretty warm. I entered one hundred and two Reeve’s orders in [dittog.: in] Township Day Book. 12 Fine and dry. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 13 Dry and hot. I wrote some Business letters in the Forenoon and in the afternoon Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. I sent a letter to Br. William, Kosoma P. O., Indian Territory, U.S. [in margin] sent letter / to Willie 14 Dry, sunny and hot. I entered Twp. orders in Book. 15 Cloudy and cool in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. We were in Dundalk this afternoon and sat for our pictures. Family group, viz., Mrs. R., Jim, John, Willie, Ida and I. Clark’s, who is in Mi- chigan, was also taken off an original and put in. Price six dollars for all. <p. 70> �580 July 1899 16th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Willie and Sue with the two children were here a short time in the even- ing. 17 Cloudy with a slight mizzle of Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry and windy. I wrote some business letters and Paris-greened the potatoes (5/8) of an acre. I put on a pound less about a ta- blespoon full. Sue and Baby were here a while. 18 Fine in the forenoon, the afternoon cloudy with a rain at night. I posted Township orders in the Municipal Cash Book. 19 Dry, cloudy and cool. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and Johney’s. 20 Rain in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Mrs. Abraham Jack- son and Miss Eda Russell were here in the afternoon. Brother Sam called in the evening. 21 Heavy shower early in the morning, the remainder of the day dry and breezy. Mrs. R. went to Misses J. Patterson’s. <page torn out, covering the days 22July - 24 August 1899> [Corresponds to the period when the episode occurred which led to Willie’s commital to the Hamilton Insane Asylum. Details are known from the records of the Asylum (now Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital) now held in the Ontario Archives. Willie suffered a psychotic event (called an attack of insanity in the sources, or violinte mania, caused by “hard work, extreme heat”). This happened suddenly “about 2 weeks prior to 9 Aug.”, i.e. in the week following 21 July, the last entry above. He was taken into custody on 7 Aug., certified insane by two medical examiners at Orangeville jail on 9 Aug., and transferred to Hamilton Asylum 24 Aug. 1899. The medical case notes cite his symptoms: “Delusions, signs, signals and representations of different parties, and other things.” As well, he “imagines he is suffering from an incurable malady. Quite excited, has to be closely watched on account of his impulsiveness to strike and kick those near him.” He seems to have had only this one psychotic event, followed by prolonged depression. He was discharged on probation in care of his brother James, 2 April 1901, and fully discharged 11 Oct. 1901 as “recovered.” It seems, on the evidence, that he was probably manic-depressive, with a history of only one manic attack, followed by lengthy depression. The documents sent to me from the Ontario Archives include copies of the correspondence between the family and the Medical Superintendant (Dr. James Russell), which are referred to in the diary, below.] <p. 71> August 1899 25th Dry and fine. Mrs. R. drove Jim to Willie’s place this forenoon, then she came home and Jim’s wife and she went to Jim Patterson’s in the afternoon. 26 A little cool in the morning, the balance of the day warm and pretty hazy. Jim got the poney and Buggy and went to Dundalk. 27th Sabbath. Dry and fine. I drove Jim to Willie’s. 28 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. and I went to Willie’s and along with Sue stooked about 8 or 9 acres. 29 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. took the poney, drove to Willie’s and immediately returned, all being well there. 30 Dry and hot. I took Jim to Dundalk in the afternoon. He went to Toronto on hay business, fare & Return, $2.30. 31 Dry and sultry till about 8 p.m. when some rain fell and gradually increased in quantity till there was quite a rainfall during the night. Ida was here in the afternoon. I drove her home then went to meet Jim in Dundalk. He did not come. The night was very dark for driving. <p. 72> �581 September 1899 1st A few drops of Rain in the morning, the day cloudy and cool. I went to Dundalk at night and met Jim, who was coming from Toronto, at the station. 2 Cloudy most of the day but dry and sultry. I wrote some Business letters,* drove to Dundalk and posted them. [*one is a letter to Dr. James Russell, Medical Superintendent of the Hamilton Asy- lum, inquiring on the state of health of his son Willie. He receives a reply on the 5th; see below.] 3rd Sabbath. Dry but quite cold in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to the funeral of C. Johnson’s daughter, Mary. The funeral did not take place because the corpse did not arrive in time. She had died in Vancouver. 4 Dry and fine. John Agnew called here in the forenoon. Mrs. R. and I went again to Mr. Johnson’s daughter’s funeral. She was buried in Flesherton Cemetary. 5 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Johney brought a letter here at night which Jim got in the post office from Hamilton. The letter contains good news, says Willie is improving mentally and physically and the chances for his cure are good. [in margin] Letter from Dr. Russell / Hamilton <p. 73 September 1899 6th Fine day, dry and pretty warm. I went to Willie’s, raked up some oat sheaves. Jim and Johney hauled them in [MS in then] in the afternoon. 7 Wet in the forenoon, the afternoon dry. Some people hauled grain in during the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I got some teeth pulled by Dentist Henderson who will replace them with false ones when my gums become healed. Those which I got out were stumps and old, partly de- cayed, a bad lot. A thunder, lightening and Rain storm at night. 8 Cloudy, cool and dry. We pulled our Siberian Crabs*, about five pails full. [*apples.] 9 Dry and fine. Susan and her two Babies came here and stopped all night. 10th Sabbath. Dry and fine, Cloudy in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Brother Sam’s. 11 Dry and fine till night when there came on a Rain. Mrs. R. took Sue and the Babies home, then when she came back, she and I went to Dundalk and bought $13.75 worth clothing for Willie and Expressed them, with other clothes of his, to him in Hamilton. I contributed $5.00 and Sue the remainder. <p. 74> September 1899 12th Fine most of the day. I chored around. 13 Dry with a little sprinkle of Rain about 4:30 P.M. I went to Willie’s, stopped till the afternoon, then came home. 14 Dry and fine but very cold. Quite a heavy frost last night, thick ice on the pail of water outside the house. Got news* from Willie. He is still improving. [*reply from Dr. Russell to a letter from Su- san enquiring about Willie’s state of health.] 15 Dry and fine. Mrs. R. with Jim’s two children went to Willie’s and they with some others raised his potatoes. I think there would be about 40 Bushels. 16 Dry and fine with a strong wind. I went to Dundalk, bought a Bag of Manitoba flower [=flour] for $2.25, took it out to Susan. 17th Sabbath. Dry and fine. Jim Patterson, Junior, and wife and Baby were here. Jim Russell got my poney and Buggy and went visiting to Mr. S. McDowell’s. 18 Dry and fine in the forenoon, the latter part of the afternoon wet, and now (9:10 P.M.) raining. <p. 75> September 1899 �582 19th Dark and lowering, quite a sprinkle of rain fell in the afternoon and a little in the forenoon. I at- tended a Proton Council Meeting in Dundalk. Mrs. R. took me there and came for me at night. 20 Dark and misty all day, a little rain. Ida was here a while in the afternoon, her Mother drove her home in the Buggy. I Balanced my cash and paid cheques in the Township Business which I had done yesterday. 21 Fine, dry and warm. I went to Dundalk, got a letter from Willie*, he is still mending. I also digged and picked five Bushels of potatoes in the forenoon and Five in the afternoon. [in margin] Got letter / from Hamilton [* reply from Dr. Russell in answer to letter from Robert.] 22 Cold and slightly wet in the morning, the day afterwards was clear and cold. J. Bowler and An- thony Trugeon with their Boys came here to raise potatoes for me. I thought the day rather cold. Afterwards I took up some myself. 23 Frosty morning, the day fine. J. Bowler and his two boys, A. Trugon and his Boy helped me raise potatoes. They were a good crop, about 124 Bushels, a little over two Bushels to the row. [in margin] Raised / potatoes <p. 76> Sept[ember] 1899 24th Sabbath. Dry in the forenoon, Rain with thunder and lightening in the afternoon. Sue with her Babies were here, came last night. 25 Wet and cold all day. I sorted over potatoes in the stall. 26 Dry and cold I sorted over some potatoes then got W. Bowler to haul me a load (45 2/3) Bags to Dundalk. I sold them to John Sinclair for .40 cents a Bag, cash. 27 Dry and cold, some sunshine in the afternoon. I picked a barrel of apples off the two Wealthy trees, the Haas trees’ apples are worthless on account of worm[s]. 28 Dark and cold with a very high wind. T. Laughlin, Clerk of Proton, was here for lend of 1898 Col- lector’s Roll. I went to Dundalk in the eavning. 29 Cold and cloudy. I chored around. Snow fell tonight. [in margin] First Snow 30 Snowing this morning, a particularly cold day, could make snow balls at the end of the house. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. Moved our cook stove in to the kitchen. [in margin] moved stove <p. 77> October 1899 1st. Sabbath. Dry and cold, hard frost in the morning. Sue and the Babies called here. Johney and Ina were here. 2 Dry and fine, hard frost in the morning. Sue was here in the forenoon. She and I wrote letters to Willie.* [Robert writes covering letter to Medical Superintendent, asking for the enclosed letter (from Susan) be given to Willie; this follows letter sent 27 Sept. inquiring if Susan could visit Wil- lie, with response on 28 Sept. saying “not yet”.] 3 Cold and clear. Heavy Frost this morning. 4 Bright and sunny. Johney and Ina were here. Dr. Martin paid me a visit at night. I am slightly indisposed. 5 Fine mild day, Bright mostly. Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Roseborough visited us in the afternoon. Mrs. R. drove them here from Dundalk. 6 Fine, dry, sunny and warm. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon. 7 Dark and cool. 8 Sabbath. Pretty fine. Mrs. J. Patterson & Mrs. W. Russell were here. 9 Dry and fine. John Agnew and wife stopped here at night. �583 10 Dry and fine. Ida was here a while, Mrs. R. took her home. <p. 78> 11th Dundalk Show Fair. Dark and misty in the morning, the day cleared up and was fine. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon, did not go to the grounds. Sue and the children were here in the after- noon. 12 Fine day, dry and sunny, hazy also like Indian Summer. Miss McDonald and Mrs. McDonald and Ida were here. [in margin] Indian Summer 13 Very fine. Dry, sunny and warm, like Indian Sununer. 14 Misty in the forenoon, slightly wet, dry in the afternoon. Mrs. Wm. Talbot was here in the after- noon. I went to Dundalk. 15th Sabbath. Dry and fine. 16 Dry, warm and Sunny. Hazy like Indian Sununer. 17 Dark morning and wet. Heavy rain through the night, the day showery. Mrs. Wright and daugh- ter-in-law were here. I worked at the Township Books. 18 Fine day, dry and pretty warm. Mrs. Wright went to Jim’s this morning, Mrs. R. took her over. The threshing machine (W. Silk’s) was to be at Willie’s. <p. 79> Oct[ober] 1899 19th Dry in the forenoon, slightly wet in the afternoon. Mrs. R. drove Mrs. Wright to Dundalk. I went to Dundalk in the eavening. [in margin] Trouble / in the / camp* [unclear reference to trouble] 20 Frost this morning, the day sunny but cold. 21 Cold and cloudy with a good deal of sunshine. Ms. R. went in the afternoon to Ida’s. 22nd Sabbath. Dry and cool. Ida and Joe were here. 23 Very heavy rain with thunder and lightening early this morning. Mrs. R. and I went to Susan’s and brought her two Babies home with us. 24 Beautiful day, sunny and warm. I took out the carrots and beets. 25 Fine day, dry and warm but cloudy. I went to Dundalk. Mrs. Widdow [sic] Neithercut & Mrs. S. McDowell came here, also Susan. 26 Dry and fine in the forenoon, the afternoon wet. Mrs. R. & Sue took the team and went and picked Willie’s potatoes. They brought Jim’s 29 Bags & some in the wagon Box. It was hard work putting them up on the top. <p. 80> Oct[ober] 1899 27th Dry and cloudy, damp in the afternoon with a good deal of Rain at night. I went to Dundalk, and drove to J. Bowerman’s, Coming home, for Mrs. R. 28 Wet all day from morning till night, dark and gloomy 29th Sabbath. Dark and cloudy, but no rain. 30 Dry and sunny, a very fine day. Mrs. R. and Sue took Willie’s team and went to Melancthon to bring home the remainder of Willie’s potatoes. I piled wood in the woodhouse. [in margin] Sent letter / to Hamilton [asking if Willie mixes with others, or is “taciturn and reserved.” Answered on 31 Oct.: “has improved rather of late. He goes out working now on the farm and is a little more talkative, but is still rather confused and not making many friends. His general health is good.” ] 31 Dry and fine. I put about 13 Bushels of Willie’s potatoes in a pit in the Garden. J. Bowerman and Ida, Mary and Susan were here for supper. [November 1899] �584 Nov. 1st Dry and fine. I sorted some potatoes in the cellar. Sister Sarah came here about 1 P.M. Brother Sam brought her.* Sue and her children are stopping here this night. [*Sam has brought Sarah (and her son George, age 15, b. 10 May 1884, Simcoe Co., ON) to visit their brother Robert and family. This visit is likely in response to the news that Willie was in the Hamilton Asylum, and that Robert’s health was failing. Sarah and her family perhaps lived in Sudbury, ON at this time. Sarah spent the last years of her life in British Columbia.] 2 Cold generally, but dry. Sister Sarah’s son, George, came here and his mother went with him to Sam’s. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. <p. 81> November 1899 3rd Cold and raw, with rain at night which turned to snow. I sorted over potatoes in the cellar, picked out 30 Bushels for seed and eating, and left about 15 for other purposes. 4 The ground covered with about two inches of snow this morning, and a little more fell during the day. I worked at the Township Books. Made entries in the Municipal Cash Book which is a Big unwieldy humbug. Stabled up the cows for the first time this season. [in margin] 1st stabling / of cattle 5th Sabbath. Snow on the ground, the day pretty Chilly. Mrs. R. and I dined with Jim. J. Bowerman and Ida were here in the eavning. 6 Mild day. I took Susan out to Sam’s, then I engaged Sam’s son, Johney, to work Willie’s farm for one hundred dollars, he to go to School during winter and to do the chores. 7 Very fine day, sunny, dry and warm. I Butchered two fat Hogs, one of them weighed 200 pounds and the other 160. J. Bowler and J. Bowerman and Benny* helped. [*Joe Bowerman’s brother.] <p. 82> November 1899 8th Fine, dry and sunny. almost like Indian Summer. I went to Dundalk in the afternoon. 9 Very fine day, especially in the forenoon, a trifle cloudy in the afternoon. 10 Cold this morning, with snow, the afternoon milder. I attended Council Meeting at Hopeville and stopped all night. Mrs. W. Bell and Mrs. T. Robinson visited Mrs. R. 11 Cold and raw this morning, the afternoon milder. Left Hopeville this morning, got home about 1 P.M. 12th Sabbath. Quite a bit of snow on the ground, the day cold. Joe and Ida were here. 13 Cold morning with snow on the ground, the afternoon milder. Mrs. R. dressed three of her geese, took them to Dundalk. They weighed 24 pounds, she got Eight cents per pound for them. I bought 18 Bushels of oats from Bob Mills at 25 cents per Bushel. Mr. John Arnold and wife were here a while at night. <p. 83> November 1899 14th Some snow on the ground in the forenoon. The most of it had vanished before night. The day pretty mild. Sam brought Sue and Rita* (who had been at his place for a week) here. [*Willie’s wife and daughter (usually spelled “Reta”); there is no mention of the baby, Melvin.] 15 Dark and misty all day, pretty cold, slightly wet. The snow is all gone and folks are plowing. 16 Mild for this time of the year, Misty in the afternoon. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the after- noon. T. McAulay, Collector, stopped all night, paid $725.00. [Following notes, written by Robert Russell at end of the year, explain the gap in the diary en- tries.] Laid up with sickness, dropped the tally for quite a while. �585 This year has passed away a sad one for us. My poor son Willie is now in Hamilton Asylum. God, restore him to his reason again. [Robert makes no mention, in this year-end reflection, of Susan and Ida’s Christmas visit to Wil- lie in Hamilton. This happened following the letter Robert wrote to Dr. Russell, Medical Superin- tendent of the Hamilton Asylum, on 18 Dec. 1899, asking if Willie’s wife and sister can visit him “about Christmas.” Dr. Russell agrees: “he will no doubt be glad to see his wife and sister.” Fol- lowing the visit, Robert writes on 21 Jan. 1900: “Did Willie grieve or fret after his wife and sister left him at Christmas?” The reply on 22 Jan.: “We did not notice anything in particular in regard to him after his wife and sister visited him, and if he grieved any he must have kept it all to him- self.”] <p. 84> January 1900 1st Rather mild in the forenoon, the afternoon sharper. I went to the Township election at J. Allen’s. 2 Cold day, snowing and Blowing. I worked at making up the School vouchers for Co. Auditors. 3 Milder than yesterday. I split some stove wood in the wood Shed. Mrs. John Arnold was here a while at night. 4 Mild. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. J. Bowerman brought me some pressed straw. Ida was along. 5 Fine day, good sleighing. I worked at the Township Books. 6 Fine and mild, good sleighing. J. Bowerman Brought me a load of stove wood. I finished the Township Books. 7th Sabbath. Rain, the day turned to snow at night, quite a thaw. [in margin] thaw 8 The Snow gone off the fields in a great measure, the roads very Rough, but enough of snow left to make sleighing. I attended Council meeting at Hopeville, came home in the eavning. <p. 85> January 1900 9th The day a little mild. The Township auditors, Alexand[er] Gillespie and Archy McMillen, were here and audited the Twp. accounts, found them correct. [in margin] Auditors here 10 Very fair sleighing, but the Roads slippery. I wrote out an address* for D. McKenzie, late Reeve of Proton, took it to the printers. Got the poney shod on the hind feet. Mrs. R. visited at Mrs. Johney White’s* in Dundalk. [* “address” in the sense of “statement of public appreciation”; *Mrs. Johney White is Madella, Sam’s daughter] 11 Quite a snowfall, the day mild, sleighing improving. I entered orders in the Day Book. 12 Mild most of the day, good sleighing. Joseph Bowerman hauled me two loads of stove wood. 13 Quite a Bit of snow fell during the day. I went to Dundalk in the forenoon to see about Jim. 14th Sabbath. Mild, dry. Jim Patterson, wife and Baby, Sue and her two Babies, Joe and Ida, Johney and Ina were here. [in margin] Mrs. Patton / Died 15 Mild day, dark, with a little snow falling. I split some stove wood in the wood shed. Mrs. R. went to the wake of Mrs. Patton in Dundalk. <p. 86> January 1900 �586 16th Mild, and dark, without sunshine, good sleighing. Mrs. R and I went to the funeral of Mrs. J. Pat- ton in Dundalk. She was buried in the Dundalk Cemetrey [sic]. 17 Blowing and drifting, the roads filling up badly. Very sharp frost in the afternoon. I have passed another Milestone in my journey through life and am now 64 years of age. Will I see another, that’s the question, or will I be better or worse if I do see another? [in margin] Birthday 18 Dark morning and thawing, a slight mizzle of Rain during the day. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk in the afternoon and then drove to Ida’s coming home. 19 Quite mild, thawing, the snow going fast. Mrs. R. went to Jim Patterson’s. 20 Still thawing, but the afternoon turned to freezing with a strong wind. Mrs. R and I went to Dun- dalk. 21st Sabbath. Cold, with a raw N.E wind. Ida was here in the afternoon. Joe called for her with the cutter at night. <p. 87> January 1900 22nd Cold in the morning. The day got milder, some sunshine in the afternoon with a softening of the snow. Mrs. R. and I drove to Mr. Bowerman’s in the afternoon. 23 Windy in the morning, the snow softening. The wind rose in the afternoon and quite a frost set in, getting quite cold towards night. Mrs. R. is quite sick, overstrung nerves is the cause, I think. Her long trouble on account of Willie is very trying on her. [in margin] Mrs. R. Sick 24 Very cold, strong wind and excessively cold. [in margin] cold 25 Cold day From morning till night, but especially in the morning. Mrs. R. is something better. 26 Extremely cold. Frost enough to please a Greenlander. Strong wind with a few flashes of sunlight in the afternoon. The cold so intense that our pump froze last night, however we have a small well in the cellar available. [in margin] pump / Froze 27 Sharp morning, the day quite cold but not near so bad as yesterday. Mrs. R. went in the afternoon for Sue and children. [in margin] cold 28 Very cold and stormy. Sue went to Swinton Park with H. Lonsway and got Babtised [=baptised], by dipping, into the L.D.S.* It’s a fad, I think. [*Latter Day Saints, here short for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of L. D. S., a splinter group from the Mormons, led by Emma Smith, first wife of Joseph Smith, and one of her sons, following the assassination of Joseph Smith in Illinois in June 1844. This small group formed in opposition to Brigham Young’s leadership of the Mormons, and their exodus to Utah. It is the Re- organized L. D. S. that Clark and his wife’s family joined in Hillman, Michigan in 1894. Despite Robert’s scepticism, it seems Clark converted Susan, Jim’s wife Mary, and Robert’s wife Nancy. Willie and his family later joined, and some of Willie and Susan’s descendants continue active in this church, now renamed the Community of Christ. Its headquarters are in Independence, MO.] <p. 88> January 1900 29th Cold and Stormy. Mrs. R. took Sue and the children home in the afternoon. [in margin] very / cold 30 Stormy and rough from morning till night, Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. [in margin] very / cold 31 Very cold day. Sam and Ida were here. [in margin] very / cold February 1900 Feb. 1 Very cold. Mrs. R and I went to Dundalk. 2 Exceedingly cold all day, but especially at night. [in margin] very / cold �587 3 Not quite so cold as yesterday, snowing and blowing occasionally. Mrs. R. is going to Dundalk for Jim who is to come home from London this afternoon. Brother John and wife came here this evening, stopped all night. [in margin] Sharp 4th Sabbath. A little milder, with quite a snowfall last night. Mrs. R. and I visited at Mr. W. Bell’s. Brother John and Son, Jim, slept here this night. 5 The Roads quite heavy with snow. I worked at the Township Books. Brother John and Eliza went to their son-in-Law’s, J. Patterson. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s. <p. 89> February 1900 6th A little milder, with quite a bit of sunshine. I wrote some business letters. 7 Mild and turned to Rain in the afternoon, quite a thaw. I attended Council Meeting in Dundalk. Mrs. R. took me in and Jim brought me home. 8 Rain during a good part of the day, high wind in the afternoon, with a driving mist. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. 9 The Rain has turned to snow, it’s now freezing. John and Eliza were here at night. 10 Pretty mild but not much snow falling. Mrs. R and John’s wife went with Jim Patterson to Dun- dalk at night, then John’s wife went home with Jim Patterson. 11th Sabbath. Mild. Brother John left this morning for S. Russell’s. 12 Mild but dark, like a fall of something. The snow is thawing some. I wrote some business letters. 13 Mild in the morning, some Rain. Cold in the afternoon. Snowing, Blowing and Freezing. Brother John and Eliza stopped all night. <p. 90> February 1900 14th Cold with a strong wind. Brother John and wife left for home this morning. Mrs. R. went to Wil- lie’s. 15 Pretty chilly day, the sleighing is improved. 16 Another cold day. I went to Dundalk, lifted the money for son Willie’s oats, got .25¢ for the Black oats and .26¢ for the white. Mr. J. Arnold’s Baby born dead. Total Cash Received, $127.31. 17 Pretty fine, with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. and I went to the funeral of Mr. J. Arnold’s Ba- by. 18th Sabbath. Rather cold. Jim was here a while at night. John & Ina were here in the afternoon. 19 Pretty sharp day with a good deal of sunshine. Mrs. R. went to Ida’s to purchase a turkey. Jim started to Shelburne on his Agency.* [*Presumably as a seller of farm implements, and this is the beginning of his three decades in this business; see 10 May 1899.] 20 Mild day with a good bit of sunshine. I copied the defaulters list into the Book. A tough job it was on account of the Clerk, Thos. Laughlin, having omitted to place the No. of acres against each Lot on the collector’s roll. <p. 91> Feb[ruary] 1900 21st Mild in the forenoon, the afternoon overcast, windy and cold. Mrs. R. and Mary went to Dundalk. 22nd Rather mild with quite a fall of snow. Mrs. John Murdo and Mrs. H. Lonsway visited here in the afternoon. 23 Mild with a little snow falling. Mrs. R. went to Willie’s. Two men stopped opposite the house in the afternoon. One of them came in and showed me a Map of Ontario and other places. I pur- chased one map for ninety eight cents, to be delivered in about a month. �588 24 Dark and mild with quite a fall of snow. Mrs. R. and I went to Dundalk. I bought a Draft of $128.00 from the Bank. Sent it to Mr. David Boyle, Richmond Hill, as payment of $100.00 prin- cipal and $28.00 interest, due 1st next March on Willie’s Mortgage on Lot 32, Con. 6, Township of Melancthon. Paid Commission on Draft .15 cts. 25th Sabbath. Rough and Stormy. Blowing, Snowing and Freezing, the stormyest day came this win- ter. Jim was here a while at night. 26 Very cold, sharp frost with the sun shining now and then. [in margin] very cold <p. 92> Feb[ruary] 1900 27th Sharp Frost, quite a bit of sunshine, still, a very cold day. Mr. Walter Bell was in a while. 28 Milder than yesterday. Still, cold enough. Ida was here, her mother drove her home in the after- noon. [March 1900] March 1st. Roads quite heavy from the fall of snow last night. Blowing and quite Stormy in the af- ternoon. I and Jim went to Dundalk, attended the annual meeting of the Dundalk Woolen Mills Co. L[td]. Mrs. R. is very sick with a cold. 2 Blowing and snowing, a very rough day. Mr. Henderson, Agent for the North of Scotland Co., called here. [No more entries in the diary, the remaining pages blank. Robert Russell died 11 March 1900, presuma- bly of a stroke, leading to heart failure, the cause of his death mentioned on the death certificate. The certificate states he was paralyzed for three days before death. He is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dundalk, in a family plot where now are buried his wife Nancy, and son Willie and his wife Susan, all indicated on the same red-granite monument.] <insert><between pp. 92-93> 1. Envelope from Deputy Postmaster General, sent O. H. M. S. Free, date-stamped Ottawa, July 14, 1896—contained the cheque reimbursing Robert for the lost money sent to Brother William in the U.S. The letter meant for William went to the Dead Letter Office because of an error in the ad- dress.] 2. Slip of paper, on which is written in ink (recto): May 21/92 Invoiced Mrs. R. $10.00, (verso) Six months. [above this, notes in pencil at top of slip]: 15 March 1890, Dep. 83.00 June 16 Left - $79.00 on June 16th 18-[cut off] 79 + 20 = 99 on Nov. 28, 1890 99 + 33 = 132 Feb 17th [cut off] 3. Post Card (recto), featuring picture of an envelope, with rose tied to it by ribbon [with simulated post- age mark] HAPPY NEW YEAR JAN. 1 84; (verso) [written note] A new year’s card / from my son Jim / in 1884 / To his mother 4. Interim receipt, from The London Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Canada, May 30 1899, for $6.30, to Mrs. Robt. Russell, for insurance: Dwelling House $350, contents $250, Stable $70., Contents $30, Live Stock $50., from June 16 1899 to June 16, 1902, signed Geo. Watson. �589 <p. 234> <insert> [Pasted-in newspaper clipping, two full columns long:] Liquid Air A New Cure For Cancer: Dr. Campbell White Cures Cancers by Freezing Them. <p. 235> <Endleaf, recto> <insert> [Pasted-in newspaper clipping, 2 1/2 cols., lengthy letter to the Editor of the Globe:] Men Wanted. To Take Up Land in the Island of St. Joseph [an island 25 miles southeast of Sault Ste Marie] <p. 236> <Endleaf, verso> Handwritten list of Express Charges From Dundalk to Owen Sound: on $500.00 = .40 cts, on $600.00 through $1000.00 = .50 cts., on $2000.00 = 1.00. <insert> [Pasted-in newspaper clipping, one column, with bottom fold-over:] The Infinity of Space. The Centre of the Universe Everywhere; Circumference Nowhere. [a long description of the solar system, and deeper space.] <p. 237-inside back cover> Top half, handwritten recipes: Cure for Cancer or other sores. Break a milkthistle and rub the milk which comes out upon the Cance or sore. Continue this for the season, perserveringly, so long as you can find a milkthistle. It has been known for certain to effect a cure. August 15th 1898 <double line> Said to be good for a shortness of Breath and to cause an appetite for food. Prickely ash obtained at the druggist’s, steeped in whiskey, a little taken before meals. Nov. 23, 1898 <insert, bottom half> [two pasted-in newspaper clippings] 1. For the Spramotor: Spraying, Disinfecting and Whitewashing can be done with the Spramotor…. 2. Some Timely Hints. Prepare for Spraying the Fruit Trees. Test Your Seed Corn Before Planting- General Notes. </inside back cover> <end of volume 5> Editorial Postscript 3 December 2018 Appended here is the text of the encomium, dated 31 Dec. 1900, sent to Mrs. Robert Russell by the Pro- ton Township colleagues of Robert Russell, as an expression of their condolences following his untime- ly death. It was printed on silk, and framed. It hung on the wall beside the large formal photograph of Robert Russell in the farmhouse at Shrigley of his son Willie, and later of his grandson Glenn. �590 To Mrs. Robert Russell DEAR FRIEND, We have purposely delayed the expression of our deep sorrow, awakened by the death of your dear husband, in order that we might not break in upon the period of your affliction, until the elapse of a little interval had, in some degree, tended to mitigate the heavy burden of sadness you have been called upon to bear. As members and ex-members of the municipality in which the late Mr. Russell held the position of Treasurer for so long a period, we have met together, at this time, to place upon record the tribute of our mutual kindness and respect. We desire to do honor to the memory of one whom in life we had by a long and intimate association, learned to appreciate as a friend worthy of our highest confidence and esteem. We assure you, Dear Friend, that apart from his official capacity, we are deeply impressed and with the conviction that a friend has departed from us whose place it will be hard indeed to fill, and the direction of our thoughts point to the unselfish, generous nature of Mr. Russell and the kindly social sphere of influence which he filled, and filled so well. And then, Dear Friend, when our minds pass from the more kindly considerations of personality to dwell upon his attributes as an executive officer of the Township we are constrained to acknowledge that the one whose memory we desire to honor, was a man not governed by sectional, sectarian or selfish motives. He stood for the best; he strove for the best. He was faithful to every trust: a man of sterling integrity, who discharged his duty as a Municipal Officer with conscientious industry, correctness and courtesy. The sympathy and counsel of Robert Russell were never sought in vain by his colleagues; how often has his voice been heard amid our deliberations and always with an inspiring influence! Claiming the privilege of uniting with you in sorrow for the sad loss of our Dear Friend, we re- main respectfully, D. MACKENZIE, Ex-Reeve J. H. CORBETT, Reeve P. SHAW, “ D. WILSON, Counsillor S. ROGERS, “ J. McARDLE, “ D. McMILLAN, “ G. WRIGHT, “ P. McGREGOR, “ J. A. COOPER, “ G. Watson, County Commissioner T. LAUGHLIN, Clerk T. McAULAY, Collector Proton, Dec. 31st , 1900 �591 Appendix 1 Russell Family Members Mentioned in Diaries (My thanks to Reta Russell Lancaster for the historical and genealogical details provided here in Appendix 1, the fruit of her extensive research into archives and sources in both Ireland and Canada, from the 1970s to the present. Disambiguation of names is not always possible, e.g. the replication of names such as William H., James, Robert, John, Hannah, Maria, Sarah in different generations of the same family can lead to confusion. Conjectural identifications are marked with (?).) First Generation Russells: James, b. c.1811, Whitehouse Townland (?), Co. Antrim – d. 7 July 1882, Melancthon Twp., Dufferin Co.; married, 29 Dec. 1834, Raphoe Presbyterian Church, to Anne Clarke, b. Sept. 1807, Maghrehane, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – d. 4 Feb. 1882, Melancthon Twp., Dufferin Co. James and Anne Russell and seven children were immigrants to Canada from Raphoe, Ireland, in June 1851. James and Anne were established on Lot 37, Con 4 NE Melancthon in 1854. Second Generation Russells (children of James and Anne Russell): 1. Robert—the diarist, b. 17 Jan. 1836, Raphoe – d. 11 Mar. 1900, Proton Twp.; married, Proton Twp., c. 1861, to Nancy Agnew, b. 14 July 1840 – d. 1931 2. James, b. 16 Jan. 1838 – d. (?); last heard from in two letters from Ohio in Dec. 1853 3. John, b. 27 Mar. 1840, Raphoe – d. 26 May1912, Simcoe Co.; married 7 Mar. 1866, Proton Twp., to Eliza Agnew (sister of Nancy), b. 13 Aug. 1845 – d. 1904 4. Sarah Russell, b. c. 1842, Raphoe – d. 11 Nov. 1929, Trail, B.C.; married c. 1862, Melancthon, to Allen Thompson, b. 1840 – d. 1909 Sask. 5. Margaret Russell, b. 23 Apr. 1844, Raphoe – d. 3 Mar. 1892, Simcoe Co.; married, Melancthon Twp., c. 1875, to William Lonsway, b. 26 July 1849 – d. 27 Sept. 1917 6. William Henry Russell, b. 6 Dec. 1846, Raphoe – d. (?), Texas; married, Lawrence Co. TN, USA, 28 Jan. 1869, Louisa Hortence Melisia Wooten 7. Samuel Russell, b. 21 June 1848, Raphoe – d. 23 May 1929, Dundalk; married, 5 May 1874, Flesherton, to Phoebe Jackson, b. 28 Apr. 1856 – d. 10 June 1895, Melancthon Twp. Third Generation Russells (and Robert’s granchildren, the Fourth Generation): Children of Robert and Nancy Russell: Robert Clark, b. June 1862, died as infant, 10 Sept. 1862 James (Jim), b. 11 Nov. 1863 – d. 11 Feb.1939; m. Mary Davidson, 4 April 1888, Dundalk; Grandchildren: Arletta (Arlie), b. 17 Feb. 1889 – d. 1 June 1910; Robert Vern (Vern), b. 22 Jan. 1892 – d. 6 Mar. 1952; Delbert Glen, b. 9 Jan. 1894 – 9 Nov. 1941; Elva Ida, b. 16 Feb. 1898 – 27 Dec. 1959 John (Johney), b. 16 Nov. 1865 – d. 9 May1932; m. Thomasina (Ina) Oliver, 26 Oct. 1887, Melancthon; Grandhildren: baby girl, died an infant, b. 10 Sept. 1888 – d. 20 Oct. 1888 Robert Clark (Clark), b. 23 Aug. 1867 – d. 5 Feb. 1929; m. Mariah Moran, 15 Oct. 1890, �592 Melancthon; Grandchildren: Lawedna Pearl (Pearl), b. c. June 1895 (see 21 Nov. 1895 entry) Eliza (or Ida), b. 29 Sept. 1869 – d. 18 July 1941; m. Joseph T. Bowerman, 5 Nov. 1890, Dundalk William Henry (Willie), b. 27 Aug. 1871 – d. 16 Feb. 1957; m. Susan E. Davidson (sister of Mary), 27 Nov. 1895, Toronto; Grandchildren: Mada Reta (Reta), b. 2 May, 1897 – d. 31 Jan. 1980; Robert Melvin (Melvin), b. 6 Aug. 1898 – d. 18 Aug. 1982 Robert’s grandchildren born after his death in March 1900: Clark and Mariah Russell have two more children: Stanley G., b. 5 Mar. 1901 (?) – d. after1958 Lanita Fern (Fern), b. 21 Jan. 1903 – d. 21 Oct. 1973. Willie and Susan Russell have two more children: Marjorie E., b. 11 July 1904 – d. 2 Sept. 1977; Glenn D., b. 19 May 1906 – d. 27 Mar. 1998; Ida and Joe Bowerman have a son, Jack, b. 26 July 1908, Dundalk – d. 21 April 1993, Alliston Johney and Ina Russell adopt a Barnardo Immigrant boy c. 1913, Harold, b. c. 1904 – d. 10 Oct. 1972 Robert’s nephews and nieces are frequently mentioned in the diaries. Only Robert’s brother Sam lives in close proximity to Robert; his other siblings moved to Simcoe County in the mid 1880s. Of the family members listed here, not all appear by name in diary entries, and some dates of birth and names are not confirmed from reliable sources. Children of John and Eliza Russell: Robert Alexander, b. 8 April 1867 – d. 2 Jan. 1899 Nancy, b. 12 Oct. 1868 – d. 1941 James, b. 13 Oct. 1870 – d. ? Mary (Minnie), b. 13 Jan. 1872 – d. 1917 John Agnew, b. 20 Sept. 1873 – d ? Lavina (Vina), b. 31 Mar. 1875 – d. ? William H., b. 23 Jan. 1877 – d. 21. Nov. 1880 Annie Eliz., b. 20 Apr. 1879 – d. 12 May1964 Children of Sarah Russell Thompson and Allen Thompson: Edward, b. c. 1864 Annie, b. 7 Dec. 1865 – d. 27 Jan 1951 James R., b. c. 1868 Margaret, b. c. 1871 Mary H., b. c. 1873 Sarah, b. c. 1875 William, b. c. 1878 George, b. c. 1881 Children of Margaret Russell Lonsway and William Lonsway: �593 Hannah Maria (Maria), b. c. 1876, m. 23 May 1894, d. 25 Nov. 1938 (dates are not confirmed in diary.) Annie, b. 25 July 1877 – d. 15 Mar. 1941 Sarah, b. c. 1878 (date not confirmed in diary) infant, dies hours after birth, 29 Dec. 1880 William Herbert, b. 18 Jan 1883 – d. Feb. 1960 Children of Sam and Phoebe Russell: Annie Elizabeth (Madella, later Dell), b. 9 Mar. 1875- d.10 Dec. 1936 William James, b. 18 Mar. 1876 – d. 2 Feb. 1941 male infant, b. 27 Jan. – d. 30 Jan. 1878 Mary Edith (Edith), b. 2 Feb. 1879 – d. Nov. 1915 John Henry (Jack), b. 28 Nov. 1880 – d. 26 May 1948 Hannah Maude, b. 8 Oct. 1882 – d. 3 Feb. 1951 Robert Jackson (Bob), b. 24 April 1884 – d. 19 May1957 Samuel Clark (Clark), b. 18 Mar.1886 – d. 3 May 1926 Abraham, died an infant, b. 3 Feb. – d. 6 Feb. 1888 Phoebe Alma (Alma), b. 13 May 1889 – d. 6 May1987 Elmer Kilburne (Kilburne), b. 26 April 1893 – d. c. 10 Jan. 1960) Austin Ashla, died an infant, 10 June-11 Sept. 1895 Sample of extended family, neighbours, mentioned in Diaries (with their ages as given in the 1881 Census) John Agnew (Nancy and Eliza Agnew’s brother; ages extrapolated from 1891 Census) in 1881 is 42, wife Margaret 36, children Jos. Wm. 10, J. Thomas 8, Robert 7, Nancy 5, James 2, and they later have (by 1891) Nassau 9, Eliza 8, Lena 2; W. J. Arnold (26), Anne (22), Margaret (7 mos); Mrs. Clements Bell (Sarah, age 61, widow); Skeffington Bell (30), wife Sarah, sister Sarah (23); William Bowler (age 70), Hanna (63), Albert (24); John Brinkman (25); Robert Cross (29); John Gott (34), Catherine (25); Andrew Lonsway (53), Hannah (52), William (31), Elisabeth (27), Andrew (25), Henry (23), James (21), Mariah (19), Samuel (16), Wesley (14) [William is married to Margaret Russell; the sons William, James, Henry are listed only in 1871 census, so are no longer at their parent’s home in 1881] Daniel Reid (21), Emma (21), Eliza (3 mos); James Roseborough (50). Appendix 2 Teacher Qualifications for Ontario Common Schools In his diaries Robert mentions his son Clark’s various attempts to gain teacher certification, including attending schools in Collingwood and Durham, and attempting the qualifying examinations in Owen Sound. Clark begins to teach on 4 Jan. 1888. Robert himself had Third Class and Second Class �594 Certificates during the seventeen and a half years (1858-75) he taught at S. S. No. 3 (later renamed No. 5), Melancthon. After his retirement from teaching, in order to qualify for his pension, Robert had to provide a medical report each year to William Ferguson, Priceville, who was Public School Inspector for South Grey. Ferguson was responsible for Proton, Artemesia, Osprey and Melancthon Townships (Belden, Historical Atlas of Grey and Bruce; see also Sawden, pp. 124-25). Before the establishment in Ontario of Normal Schools for teacher training (the first was in 1904 in Toronto), prospecitve teachers attended Grammar Schools (high schools), and in those designated as Model Schools, they observed teachers, and thus learned to teach, and gained certificates if they passed the annual teacher examinations. These examinations to qualify to teach were held over three days. Candidates who succeeded adequately on the first day received Third Class Certificates. Those who passed the examination on the second day received Second Class Certificates, while those who succeeded the examinations on the third day were awarded First Class Certificates (see Sawden, p. 89). The following are the official criteria for each class of teaching certificate, as approved by the Ministry of Education in October 1856 (cited from Sawden, pp. 87-88). Third Class Certificates 1. Candidates are required to be able to read intelligibly and correctly any passage from any common reading book. 2. To be able to spell correctly the words of an ordinary sentence dictated by the examiners. 3. To be able to write a plain hand. 4. To be able to work readily, questions in the simple and compound rules of arithmetic, and in reduction and proportion and to be familiar with principles on which these rules depend. 5. To know the elements of English Grammar, and to be able to parse an easy sentence in prose. 6. To be acquainted with the elements of Geography and the general outlines of the Globe. 7. To have some knowledge of school organization and classification. Teachers of French or German may substitute their knowledge of these languages for English, whose certificates will be limited accordingly. Second Class Certificates 1. Candidates for certificates of Second Class Teachers, in addition to what is required for Third Class, must be able to read with ease, intelligence and expression, and to be familiar with the principles of reading and pronunciation. 2. To write a bold free hand, and to be acquainted with the rules of teaching writing. 8. To know fractions, involution, evolution, and commercial and mental arithmetic. 3. To be acquainted with the elements of bookkeeping. 4. To know common rules of orthography, and to be able to parse any sentence in prose or poetry; to write grammatically, with correct spelling and punctuation, the substance of any passage which may be read. 5. To be familiar with the elements of mathematical, physical and civil or political geography, as contained in any school geography. First Class Certificates 1. In addition to the requirements for Second Class Certificates, candidates for First Class Certificates must understand the elements of Mensuration and Land Surveying. 2. Algebra to quadratic equation; and to know the first four Books of Euclid. 3. To know the outlines of general history. �595 4. To be familiar with the elements of botany, zoology and natural philosophy. Appendix 3 Farmers’ Co-operative Movements: The Grange Following a commission in Jan. 1866 by U.S. Pres. Andrew Jackson to Oliver Kelley to report on the state of agriculture in the southern states following the Civil War, Kelley and a handful of like-minded men in Washington and Boston founded the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry in 1867 in Washington, D.C. It was a fraternal organization for farmers, which borrowed rituals from the Masonic Order. It required both men and women to be members of its executive committees, and was intended for the social, intellectual and economic betterment of farmers. It spread rapidly throughout the U.S., with 25 states having Granges in 1872, and with a National Grange, to which the state-level Granges reported. The Granger movement entered Quebec via Vermont in 1872, and entered Ontario in 1874, first in Prescott, then in London, and, following expressions of interest from famers in Grey County, a representative from the National Grange established 3 Granges in Grey (east and west) in March-April 1874. A constituent assembly in June 1874 in London established the Dominion Grange, making the Canadian movement independent of the U.S. National Grange. Growth in both countries was rapid. By Jan. 1875 in the U.S. there were 22,000 subordinate Granges in 41 states. In Canada, by Dec. 1879 there were 766 subordinate Granges with 31,000 members, with 65 Granges in Grey County. A feature of the Dominion Granges was the annual picnic on 2 June, anniversary of the foundation of the order in Canada. In 1876 the picnic at Flesherton had 22 Granges attending. The rapid growth was followed by an equally fast decline in Canada; by 1884, ten years after its foundation, membership had dropped to 12,500, and was merely a few hundred in 1904. In the U.S. the National Grange recovered from its decline, beginning in 1900, and continues to the present as a farm organization. The purposes in both countries included the economic benefits of bulk buying from suppliers, functioning as a cooperative; and political advocacy against commercial monopolies (railways), or middlemen between producers and consumers. In Grey County, Robert Russell, as secretary of Mayburn Grange, was involved in placing orders for supplies for members, but his disappointment in the advantages was quickly apparent—local merchants also quickly adjusted prices so that they were competitive with prices offered to Grange members. And there was some feeling that the institution was too “Yankee” to appeal to Canadians. Robert and Nancy Russell joined the Grange 7 Dec. 1876, and by 26 Dec. 1877 he declares it to be a fraud, and he is no longer secretary, and has divorced himself from it for “all practical purposes”. (These details on the Secret Order of the Patrons of Husbandry are based on Wood, A History of Farmer's Movements in Canada; see pp. 21-105, at pp.24, 28, 60-61.) The impulse for concerted commercial and political action on behalf of farmers, and the importance of women in political life, evidenced early in Grey County, preceded the later development of these principles in the United Farmers of Ontario political party (founded in 1914, it won the Ontario provincial election in 1919), and the associated United Farmers Cooperative. Agnes Macphail from Priceville, elected in 1921 as the first woman member of Parliament in Canada, was active in both movements. � 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 Robert Russell Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Robert Russell Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1876-1900 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Grey County, Proton and Melancthon Townships, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Robert Russell Diary, 1876-1883 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 Robert Russell Diary, 1876-1900 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 21, 1876 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Robert Russell Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ccad266380e1eb3865867aaaff8cb171.pdf d2c356ea231f4607d07a80348b08d494 PDF Text Text David Bergey Diary - 1900. DAVID E. BERGEY, 1845-1932 Mannheim, Ontario Diary Selection, February, May, August, November, 1900 Diary Transcribed by Royden Loewen Introduction David E. Bergey was born on July 3, 1845, the oldest of 10 children, some 23 years after the family of his father, Jacob Bergey, immigrated from Pennsylvania. It is not known when his mother Elisabeth Wagner or her parents came to Canada. In 1849 Davids family purchased a farm in Wilmot Township near Mannheim. In 1866, at the age of 21, David was granted a Teachers certificate by the Waterloo County Board of Public Instruction. He taught at the Pinehill SS #7, Wilmot from 1866, 69. In 1869 he studied at the Normal School, Toronto. From 1869 78 he served as principal of the two room Waterloo Central School. In 1872, at the age of 27, he married Louisa Bowman (also 27), the eldest child of preacher/farmer Moses S. [see diary above] and Anna (Cressman) Bowman. David and Louisa llived in a large white brick house on King St., in the town of Waterloo, until 1878. Then they moved onto an 82 acre farm they purchased near Mannheim, Ontario. It was located only two miles away from both sets of parents and next door to Louisas sister, Susannah (married to Menno M. Shantz). David then accepted a principalship at the two room school in the village of New Dundee. On 1 February 1900 in this diary selection David purchased a second farm of 100 acres from his brother-in-law, Menno M. Shantz, and retired from teaching. Clearly, David was fortunate, for at this time several of his neighbours, like Ezra C. Bowman, whom he gives school money in February relocate to Alberta. As the diary indicates Davids four sons Gilbert, Milton, Ezra, and Herbert did most of the work on these farms. One reason may be that in 1900 Louisa established a cheese operation, having learnt the trade from her father, but nevertheless was also assisted by her husband David who accompanies her to Berlin to sell cheese. In addition the Bergeys had a hired in Henry Eckstein. There is less mention of the girls Amelia does not seem to live at home although she loans her father money to help purchase the farm; Eva does seem to work at home, despite a trip that she takes this year to Moosimin in Prairie Canada, Ida is at home some times, but an exam entrance fee suggests that she was studying. Women on the Bergey farm are not typical Victorian women, however; Louisa plays a central role on the farm and David often picks up chicken feed "for wife", sometimes charging it to her on a separate account; he also borrows money from her. And her borrows money from his daughters as well as other women, including Amelia (Davids oldest daughter), Misses Zeller, Lydia Bergey (Davids younger 38 year„old unmarried sister), Mannesah Hallman, Anna Bowman, Amelia the Bergeys began selling cheese wholesale in large quantities to local stores and a firm in Toronto. In 1911 they added it to the list of produce they sold at the Farmers Market in Galt. Bergeys cheese was retailed at the Galt Farmers Market on Saturday mornings from June 17, 1911 to �December 31, 1988. Moreover, David, although active in the community, helps with the on March 28. The diary outlines the social bounds of the Bergeys household. The heterogeneity of Waterloo County is exhibited by the fact that William Trussler, a Sussex, England, immigrant who owns a travelling steam-powered sawmill is contracted to cut wood in February; in the same month the Bergeys do business at the mill of Elias Snider in St. Jacobs; Snider reportedly did not belong to a Mennonite church, despite the fact that his father was a leading conservative Mennointe minister. Then, too, the male Bergeys over 21 vote in the Dominion Election in November. But tea is usually taken at homes that are affiliated with the Mannheim church; Moses C. Bowman who David and Louisa visit in February is a minister in this church. And E.S., or Eli, Hallman, at whose house David has dinner in May, not only ran a dry goods store, but was a Mennonite preacher at Berlin Mennonite Church. Then, too, there is a vibrant local economy exhibited in the purchase of eggs of Isaac Cressman, Davids neighbour at the new farm near New Dundee. David is also very involved in his church. When he leaves the County, as he does in May, he attends church services, including the annual sessions of the Canada Conference of the Mennonite Church in May, meetings that were held at the "Twenty" (Vineland, now Town of Lincoln) in 1900. A large portion of Davids time and energy was spent serving the local community (both Mennonite and non-Mennonite) as conveyencer, surveyor, and administrator of estates. At the end of 1911 he recorded that he had written over 100 mortgages, deeds, wills etc. during the year. David Bergey was also an active church member. He was ordained a deacon in 1889 and served as Secretary of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario 1906, 1921. When David sold his farmstead to his son Gilbert in 1921, and agreement was made for David and Louisa to have lifetime possession of three rooms on the east side of the house on the main floor, the bedroom in the southeast corner of the second floor and storage room in the cellar, as well as stable room for a horse and visitors horses, and room in the driving shed for the vehicles. Gilbert built an addition of a kitchen, a living room and a woodshed on the southeas end of the large house for the use of his parents. This end was called the Grandpa House of Grossdawdy House. David retired from the office of deacon and Secretary of Conference in 1921. The lot fell on Gilbert to succeed his father as deacon in 1921. He also succeeded his father as Secretary of Conference, 1922, 1940. David Bergey died on March 25, 1932. The Diary January 1900 1 Mon.: Weather cold, about zero in morning. Cold west wind all day. At Blenheim Church in a.m. A. Hunsberger from Luke 2:21-48. Wrote deed Is Cressman to G. Guthrie in morning. 2 Tues.: Weather rather cold, a strong S.W. wind with considerable snow. Started from home at 7 am for Berlin, thence to Benuel Bowman's to settle a difficulty between them �and David Wenger. Got there at 10:30 am. Stayed there till after 4 pm when I started for home, stopping 1/2 hour at Berlin to feed horse. Got deed....25 cents and diary .25. 3 Wed.: Weather cloudy and a little milder. Wrote deed for Hunsberger and Baer and mortgage Cressman to Guthrie in am. Had Hunsberger deed signed in pm. Got for deed 1.25, D.O.M. .25, Registr., $1.90. 4 Thurs.: Weather cloudy, milder. Had Cressman [and] Guthrie deed mortgage signed in am. At 11 am Issac Cressman and I went to Issac McNally's to get two mortgages discharged. Then to Berlin to registry office. Made one D.O.M. for Lucinda Cressman. Paid at Registry Office for Hunsberger, Baer Deed $1.40. D.O.M. .50. Paid at Registry Office for Cressman - Guthrie deed $1.40. Paid at Registry Office for Cressman - Guthrie mortgage $1.00. two disch. 1.20 5 Fri: Weather mosty fair and fine, thawing some. Benjiman Groff and his brother Al Groff from N. Dakota here last night and to-day till after dinner. Ezra took them to Hamburg in pm. I was at Dundee in pm on business. Got from E.H. Thames for writing will $1.00. For Mrs. Hawes, money order $15.00. Paid William Kriesel on account. $10.00., Kolenbren account in full $7.50., A. Maeder's account $4.30, I Spreeman's account .55 cents. Mos. Bock here to order writings for sale of farm. Gilbert hauled wood out of bush. Paid Dauman for labor $9.25. 6 Sat.: Weather fair and warm. At Dundee in am. Kriesel's account in full $5.94., M. Rae's accournt in full $10.00. Wm Main, thrashing $1.00, P.Poth's account in full $9.50. Cutting hair .15. Milton 2.00, Ida and Herbert .32., Got from Ida and Herb on note 2.00. From Amelia.....20 7 Sun.: Weather cloudy, s.w. wind with considerable rain in am. At home all day. 8 Mon.: Weather fair and fine. M.M. Shantz and wife here. Made agreement for their farm. I paid him $1.50, he paid me for cow $23.00. I got from Amelia $40.00. Gilbert and Amelia went to Berlin with apples. Paid for blanks .25 cents. Ch. boxes .30 cents. D.H. Snyder for labor 1.50. Cow to Bull $1.00. 9 Tues.: Weather fair and fine with a rather strong wind from S.W. by S. Rain in evening. I went with A. Lederman to deliver books that he sold. Got dinner at Stauffer Shantz and tea at John Snyders west of Haysville. Home at 8:10 pm. Got mare shod in morning. 40 cents. Gilbert got 11.20 lb. corn chop for 8.96, repaired harness, 10 cents. 10 Wed.: Weather cloudy and fair with rather a cold wind. I was at W. Hall's in a.m. to get documents signed. Got from G.Guthrie $6.75. From Mos. Bock $4.15 for writing and registration work. Two D.O.M. and I mortgage for H. Einwachte, N.N. Bowman in pm. Got for writing 1.75. For Registering 2.40 H. Einwachte for use of engine and corn cutter $4.00. �11 Thurs.: Weather cloudy, E. wind, heavy fall of snow during pm and evening. At Josi. Hallman's in pm to make affidavits. Got 20 cents. Home at 9am. Wrote agreements for Jac Schlichter and E. Cressman in am. In pm I was at Israel Cressman's (New Dundee) and M.M. Shantz's. Sent deed and mortgage to Woodstock for registration. P.O. Money order $2.60, cost 4 cents. 12 Fri.: Weather cloudy and not very cold. Wind from N. in am. Wife and I started from home at 8 am. Stopped at my parents on way next to Berlin. At Lucinda Cressmann's for dinner. Was at registry office and Bank. In pm went to Bishop Jonas Snider's, he not being at home we went to Menno S. Weber's for supper. Then to Martin H. Bownman's for the night. Balence of Cressman and Bowman's accounts .50cts. Herald of Truth $1.50. of Chees. 50cts., Y.P. Paper. 75.cts, llustrator 60 cts, registry mortgage 1.00. 2 D.O.M. 1.00, 1 deed Guthrie to Bock, 1.40, Hay .10. 13 Sat.: Weather cloudy, not very cold. Left M.H. Bowman's at 9 am for E. Bowman's (New Jerusalem) where we got at about 10:30 am. Stayed there till 3:30 pm then went to M. Heckendorn's for the night. In evening he and I went to hear Jac. S. Wollner preach at North Wollwich on "Conversion" (Matt. 18:3) Collection 10 cts. 14 Sun.: From M. Heckendorn's to Conestoga Church in am. D. Wismer from Matt 5:16. To George Schmitt's for Dinner, thence to Dil. Snyder's Conestoga for supper. To David Koch's for the night. 15 Mon.: Weather mostly cloudy with a heavy snowfall in evening and night. From D. Koch's at 8:45am for Waterloo. Stopped at Jos. Snyder's, Eli Horsts, and Mrs. Chr. Snyder's for calls. Put up at Waterloo. Per Str. cue to Kaufman's Planing Mill and back to Mos. Eby's (Waterloo) for dinner. To Jns. Kunkels for tea. Thence home by 9:40 pm Hay 10cts, ABC blocks .10, Car fare .05, Seed .08. 16 Tues.: Weather cloudy rather mild. Wife and I at funeral of Mrs. David Shantz. (Williamsburg) at Latschars' at N. Bergey's for dinner. Stopped at Jacob C. Hallmans on way back, then to Roseville and back home at 6 pm. Funeral largely attended, an overflow meeting in the school house. 17 Wed.: Weather fair and cloudy although some snow in pm. A strong S.E. wind. I got H. Eckstein in the morning and took him to the bush where he and Gilbert made logs. Ezra took 4 logs to Hallman's Mill. I left home at 10:30 for Berlin, went to Mrs. Richert s for dinner. To Registry Office and other business, thence home via Strasburg, stopping to see Mrs. Swartz about writing her will. For Registration .95, affidavits .25, Palms for mitts ,50, Candlesticks .20, repaired shoes .70. 18 Thurs.: Weather cloudy and mild. Some rain in pm. Agents for Sylvester Binder here for dinner - ordered one for trial, I boxed cheese in pm. 7.4lbs in 22 boxes. Boys worked at logs, hauled 4 to mill. 19 Fri.: Weather mostly cloudy and quite foggy in am. Cloudy and fair aft pm. I took �and shipped cheese from Petersburg in morning. Home at 10:00 am Post .08. I took 2 logs to Hallman's mill in pm. Boys made logs. 20 Sat.: Weather cloudy and fair although cooler. Paid Milton $1.00, Amelia and Ida 30cts, P.O. box .25. I was at Dundee in am. Paid Alex Smith account 1.25. A.R. Bock 4.40. Had 3 horses shod in pm.„ "Lady" "Fair," and "Ab" „ $1.20. Was at W. Spaetzels for tea. He paid me interest $20.25. I paid him right .15cts. M.M. Shantz and I signed note in evening for $27.00 to Wendell Bowman. 21 Sun.: Weather cloudy and cooler. At home all day. 22 Mon.: Weather mostly fair, snow melting in pm at home in am. At funeral of Enoch Snyder in pm. D. Wismer from Phil. 1:21 (German) and Jonas Snider in eveng from Gen[esis] 5:24. A crowded house. Home at 5 pm. Gilbert at Ayr and Goldie's for chicken feed and cheese boxes. Paid for cheese boxes .30cts. 23 Tues.: Weather fair and cloudy although with a raw N.W. wind, colder toward evening. At Dundee with Oats for choppin in am. (1700 lbs., pd. 85cts.) Paid Chopping account 66 cts. A. Schlermen for labor $1.88., for his mothers funeral expenses $20.00. A. Hunsbergers taking boys home in pm. Boys hauled wood out of bush. (at home bush). 24 Wed.: Weather cloudy with a cold E. wind. I was at Dil Hunsberger's sale, bot 2 tubs, 2 bench 1.75, 1 doubletree .85, 3 augers .25, 1 reel .10, 1 truck 3.25, 4 bells .60, cooker .75, stand .10, and 25 bushels Barley at 41 cts. Also a cow (Nelly) from Sam. H. Hunsberger for my note at $35.00. Ephraim Shantz from Didsbury Alta., and his father Jac. Y. Shantz, H[enr]y Baer and wife here for tea and Jn. Kunkel for night. 25 Thurs.: Weather milder and cloudy with snow in pm. Colder in evening. I was at Cressman's sale. Bot, Wood rack .85 cts and wire at 2.25 all. I helped to settle up sale in evening. I was at M.M. Shantz's in evening. Put in tender for wood for school 11 cts., for $ 45.00, and 1/2 cord pine for $1.75. 26 Fri.: Weather cold (below zero) and a N. wind. At home all day wrote a D.O.M. and a mortgage, 1 former for Jacob S. Bowman, G. Goetting [?] and latter Goetting and Bowman. Got $1.25 for it. Boys got barley at Hunsbergers in am and woodrack at Is. Cressmans in pm. 27 Sat.: Weather stormy and colder at home in a.m. at I Cressman's in p.m. and at Dundee. Settled with Cressman, paid him for 12.26. Bushel wheat c 72cts $9.05. For wood rack .90, wire .32. I got from him for writing and registration $6.05. Bal. on thrashing .38. Came home via Dundee. Got papers. Gilbert took a load of wood to P.E. Shantz {Preston) for $5.50. 28 Sun.: Weather rather stormy and some what colder. At Blenheim Church in a.m. N. Stauffer from Tit[us] 2:13-14. At home in p.m. Collection taken for farmers in India $12.10. I gave to collection 2.00. �29 Mon.: Weather cold with a S.W. wind. 10 below in morning. I was at Hunsbergers im a.m. to settle up. Dil. paid me old account $3.44. 2 1/4 days thrashing at .75, [$1.88 struck out] $1.09. I paid him 3 1/2 days thrashing , $2.63. Truck and c bought at sale $7.70, 25 bushels Barley at 41 cts, $10.25. He paid me, 2 notes (Wm Hunsbergers est.) 1 of $18.35, and 1 of $105.85. Wm Beattie and A.B. Detweiler for getting a lease written. Got for it .75. At Dundee to attend funeral of Johnny McRae. Could not get in (house full) Saw C. Hillgartner, he signed a codicil. Got for it .75. Gilbert took a load of wood to P.E. Shantz, Preston. I paid P.E. Shantz $1.00 to pay acct. in full. 30 Tues.: Weather stormy with flurries of snow, colder in evening. I went to Berlin via my fathers taking sister Lydia along. At Aunt Richerts for dinner, wrote a lease from her to Louis Ernst. To registry office with Ernest Getling. Paid him $3.50 for Jac. S. Bowman. To Bank next. Got from Lydia $7.00 for my note. Got from Bank for me $1.00. Deposited for M.M. Shantz $764.53. Got from Bank for Hunsberger est. $75.00. Sent draft to Jac. E. Bergey, $200 less 50cts for cost of draft. I paid Ez Bowman "India Farmers Fund" $23.60. Paid for tablets .20cts, for Blanks D.O.M. .20cts. Home at 6 p.m. Gilbert bought at Dundee Mill, 10 Bushels Corn chop $4.20, for chopping oats and barley 90cts. 31 Wed. 31: Weather quite cold. At home all day. C.W. Backers here to order deed and D.O.M. written. I wrote them in pm. Gilbert and Ezra took a load of straw to Mrs. R. Bock. February 1900 1 Thurs.: Weather fair & cloudy alt, strong wind, especially in p.m. & cold. We Killed cow (Holstein) in a.m. H. EcksteinY helping. I handed checks to M M ShantzY in a.m. Chored round in p.m. 2 Fri.: Weather still cold, 10 below E. At home in a.m. At Mr. Turnow's funeral in PM. Mr. Meyer on Isa.57:1,2 & Mr. Backus on 1 Thess. 4:14. At Mr. Backus' place to get Deed signed after funeral. Paid AmeliaY Interest $3.30, Paid EvaY $2.00 Got from Eva (coll) 1.00. From do. (Coll.) 1.00. Paid for Daily Globe for 3 mths $1.00. Boys brot. Mr. Eckstein some straw in a.m. Chored in p.m. 3 Satur.: Weather milder. Boys hauled wood out of Bush 4 Sun.: Weather stormy with quite a fall of snow. Wife & I at Latschar ChurchY [later Mannheime Mennonite Church] in a.m. At [neighbour] Amos M. Shantz'sY for dinner, At S.School in p.m. At H Baer's for supper, Home at 10 p.m. 5 Mon.: Weather not very cold. At home in a.m. At meeting of Farmer's Institute in p.m. till 4 p.m. Special School meeting at 4.30 p.m. I was chosen Trustee for M.M. Shantz'sY unexpired term. EzraY took a log to [Jacob C.] Hallman's mill [at Rosebank, Wilmot Township]Y in p.m. Paid Fee 25[?] 6 Tues.: Weather mild & cloudy in a.m. fair in p.m. At J[ohn] S. Hallman'sY in a.m. Got �cutter repaired at Koleubrenners on way home. Took a load of household articles to Breslau for M.M. Shantz in p.m. Got there at about 7.30 p.m. & remained all night. GilbertY took a log to Hallman's mill in p.m. 7 Wed.: Weather cloudy with some rain in p.m. began at about 4 p.m. Wife & I left M.M. Shantz's at 10.45 a.m. and went to Millie Bacherts for dinner. Left there at 3.50 p.m. to Berlin, & thence home at about 8 p.m. Gilbert took a load for M.M.S' today Pd. M.M.S'. balance on acct. $2.00: " for cheese boxes 60: M.M.S. pd. me school money $2.90, which I gave to E.C. BowmanY who deposited it in Bank of Commerce. 8 Thurs.: Weather rainy in a.m. somewhat cooler in p.m. high water running over our land. At village in morning to meet Jac. S. Hallman about money matters. He agrees that I would borrow $4500 from him on June 1 next at 4 per cent on the M.M.S. farm, & pay off their mortgage now on the same farm. Took some hens to the new farm in p.m. Gilbert and Eva came home at 8.30 p.m. from Breslau 9 Fri.: Weather mostly fair with a strong W. wind. At new home in a.m. shifting things & boys cleaning stables &c all day, I was at home in p.m. writing Deed, Kinsie to Fried. Kinsies' at our place for tea. Got for writing: Agreement & Deed $2.00, Regis. $1.40. For 4 lbs cheese 44[?] Ezra got 555 lb corn chop and 360 lb Midd's at Dundee Mill all @ 80 cts a C. 10 Sat.: I was at Dundee in morning got nails &c [etc.] at Kriesel's on credit, Took a Cow Hide there st. 60 lbs @ 7 cts a lb. Had 6 shoes set & 2 new ones put on Dexter & Fan, Pd. for chop & midds, got yesterday $7.32 Shoeing horses $1.10, Repairs cutter &c .30, Gilbert was at Baden Mills for ScipY [trade name of chicken feed] in p.m. Got 1008 Scip chop for $7.06, Borrowed from wife $2.06. Did some work for Hy. Baer in p.m. 11 Sun.: Weather fair & cloudy alt. At Blenheim Church in a.m. Jos. Nahrgang from Isa. I:18„20. At home in p.m. Jos. Nahrgang & Ben. Rosenberger with us for dinner. 12 Mon.: Weather fine & mild till 4.30 p.m. some rain after that. Killed 2 hogs today, H. Einwaechter helping, made about 100lbs. Summer Sausages, had kept 3 qrs. of Beef of cow Holstein. Paid H. Ein. $1.50. Paid Is. Denstedt .25 for pruning grape vine, T. Current did some work at other house in p.m. 13 Tues.: Weather rainy in morning & colder with a strong N.W. wind. Moved smoke house to near house in morning, hung up sausage & meal, Abr. Hallman's came to see use, for dinner till 3.00 p.m. 14 Wed.: Weather mild & cloudy. We took pigs to other barn in a.m. I was at F. Bretz's in p.m. to see him about writing will. He is sick in bed. Boys took young cattle to other barn in p.m. 15 Thurs.: Weather windy, rather mild in a.m. colder in p.m. some snow. I was at Dundee in a.m. getting "Fly" & "Ab" shod. 3 new 5 set, $1.25 pd. Was at Mr. F. Bretz's �to get him to sign his will. Got for it .75. Paid D. Garinger for labor 75 [cents], I was at Baden in p.m. Exch. 11 10/00 Bush. wheat for 395 lb Flour & 134 lb Bran, Got 1837 lb Scip, for wife $12.86. Gilbert was at Petersburg twice for corn Got 4050 lb @ .40 a bushel. D. Shuh's came, in evg. to stay all night. I sent Deed, Kinsie to Fried, to Woodstock from Baden, made affid. before Mr. Holwell, sent with it $1.42, pd. cost, postage &c. 7cts. 16 Fri.: Weather fair & cold, 8 below zero in morning. Worked at No.2 house, waterworks, Pipe from Attic tank to cellar frozen. Water ran over, came down through ceiling &c„ regular mess. Boys took stove & wood over in a.m. we set up stove to warm & dry up things, I fed cattle there in Evg. & cleaned stables. Boys hauled wood in p.m. 17 Sat.: Weather fair & fine though cold, I was at Dundee in a.m. writing agreement, E.H. Thamer to Miss Hamacher Got for it 70 cts. Boys picked over turnips in a.m. chored round in p.m. 18 Sun.: Weather fair & cloudy alt. & cold. I was at home all day. 19 Mon.: Weather cloudy & rather cold, at bush with woodchoppers in morning. At other barn doing chores in p.m. Gilbert took a load of Dry wood to the School house in a.m. & hauled wood out of bush in p.m. 20 Tues.: Weather cloudy & fair alt. & milder with an E. wind. At other barn in morning doing chores. A.R. Bock V.S: here in morning to attend to heifer that could not calve. Wife & I left at 12.40 p.m. for Berlin with cheese, apples & lard, and went to W.E. Shantz's for the night. Got from Bank $140.00. Gilbert hauled wood out of bush. 21 Wed.: Weather cloudy with E. wind & mild. Began to snow at about 4 p.m. I left W.E. Shantz's after hunting up a wagon, at 10 a.m. for Elmira where I got at 1 p.m. [three hour ride]. Got 22 35/00 Seed Peas from Mr. Geo. Klinck @ 73cts, $16.48. Pd. for Dinner & hay 35[?] Left Elmira at 3.30 p.m. & got to W.E. Shantz's @ 6:30 p.m. [three hour ride]. Boys hauled wood from bush. 22 Thurs.: Weather Cloudy E. to N.E. wind & not very cold, snowing most of day. Left W.E. Shantz's at 8.30 a.m. and after stopping at Berlin for a short time, came home with about half of peas at noon. Got from A.S. Hallman for .83 lb., cheese, $9.16. Boys cut down Elm tree for saw logs in p.m. Chopping 1200 lbs Oats 60 cts. 2 snaps 15[?] 23 Fri.: Weather snowy & stormy. At Dundee in morning to pay for corn &c. Pd. for 4045 lb corn (E.W.B. Snider [mill in St. Jaocb 29.12. Pd. A. Schmitt rep. School .75, Stamps .25, P.Cards 08. Rep. Wagon 1.00, [William] TrusslerY, cutting wood $1.00. Boys went to bush to make sawlogs, made one & brot. it along in a.m. In p.m. Ezra took log to J.C. Hallman's, & Gilbert hauled wood to Sch.house. 24 Sat.: Weather stormy & snowy. Ezra took two logs to J.C. Hallmans & Gilbert 2 loads of wood to sch. house. �25 Sun.: Weather stormy & getting colder. At Blenheim Church in a.m. Jos. Nahrgang & Isa. Rosenberger [preached on] Heb. 12:25. At home in p.m. 26 Mon.: Weather fair & very cold 18 below zero. At home all day. Chopping corn, 73 cts. 27 Tues.: Weather fair & very cold in morning 18 below, at home in a.m. Wife and I went to Jno. Rodas & I wrote a codicil to his will (got 50 ct.) then to M.C. Bowman'sY for tea. came home in Evg. bringing Grandmother's cutter along, wife remained there. Boys got wood ready for Berlin. Pd. Elias Hallman for cheese $7.60. [Paid] Henry Eckstein for cutting wood $10.00. 28 Wed.: Weather cloudy & snow all day, N.E. wind not very cold, about a foot of snow fell. Boys took 2 cords of wood to W.E. Shantz Berlin, I did chores & worked at Ram, & water. Pd. for nails 12 cts. Chopping oats, 54 cts. Mr. Trussler bot $1.50 worth of goods @ E.H. Thamer & co. which I promised to pay. 30 Mon, Weather cloudy & fair alt. with a cool N. wind. a little rain in a.m. Abr. Hallman & I went to Berlin on business for [the] est[ate]. Got dinner at E.S. Hallman'sY. Got from Bank $215 Lent to Abr. Hallman. Pd for shoes $1.25, for Com[munion] Wine. 25, Book (J.B. Gingrich) 40 [cents], 3 blank books 15 [cents], Cough drops .05. For 100 lessons in Bible Study (E.S. Hallman) .50. Gilbert harrowed & Ezra cultivated. March 1900 1 Thurs.: Weather cloudy, milder, snowing some, strong N.E. wind all day. At other farm dairy [?] chores in morning. 2 Fri: Weather fair, not very cold. Strong N.W. by N. wind. Snow drifts high. At other barn and at N. Dundee in am. Got harness repaired for 30 cents. Paid for map of Ontario $5.00,...30cts. Gilbert at Baden in p.m. for Hog feed. Got 15 bags @...$15.00 per two and 15 bag Midd. at $16.00 per ton. Paid in all $19.15. and Repaired harness .05cts. Repaired sleigh .10cts. Error, see Monday Mar. 5. 3 Sat.: Weather fair and cloudy although not very cold. I did chores in a.m. Boys broke road. I was at Roseville settling with D. Clemmens for sawing. Account $4.96, Milton got 2 calves at H. Baer's, paid for them $2.00. 4 Sun.: Weather - snowing and blowing, not very cold. At Detweiler church in a.m. S. Yehman Matt. 5:3 and 6. At Mrs. Isaac Snyder's for dinner. Home at 5 p.m. 5 Mon.: Weather mild and windy. I did chores at both barns and helped Is. Cressman's some in a.m. at moving. Gilbert got Sorg[hum], chop and midd[s], at Baden, 15 bags of each for $19.15. He got sleigh repaired, .10cts and harness, .05 Ezra helped Is. Cressman's to move with team. Midd[s] 1212 lb at .80cts per C [100 pounds]. and 1261 Serf. ch. c .75 per C. �6 Tues.: Began to rain during last night and rained till about 9 a.m. Mild in a.m. turned colder towrd evening. A strong W. wind. Did chores at other barn in a.m. Wife and I at Steph. Hawes sale in p.m. Took tea there. Home at 8 p.m. roads bad. Ezra took sow to H. Einwachters in morning. Gilbert started to Petersburg in p.m. but came back. 7 Wed.: Weather fair and cloudy although with snow flurries and a N.W. wind. I did chores. Gilbert fetched 46.32 Bushels corn at 40 cents, $18.64. At Petersburg, bought of Mr. C. Quinn. Ezra at my father's place in p.m. for force pump. 8 Thurs.: Weather still rather cold in morning, fair and fine, milder in p.m. Thawing some. We tried to get water at other farm with force pump but did not succeed. Chores round next day. Wife and I at Dundee in p.m. I paid Trussler for cutting wood, $2.40. Paid for fork handle .15 cts. Boys helped Moses Shantz load turnips and buy oats in p.m. 9 Fri.: Weather mild, cloudy in a.m., fair in p.m. A little rain in evening. Gilbert and I left at 6:40 a.m. for Wellesley [Township] sale at D Brennemans. I bought a cow, gave my note for $31.60 due in 10 months. I paid Gilbert $0.50 for horsefeed and c. We got home at 9:30 p.m. 10 Sat.: Weather mostly fair and mild. Milton took me a part of the way to Petersburg. I took train there at 9:30 a.m. for Berlin. Stayed there till 1 p.m. when I went to Breslau with M.M. Shantz's horse to see the Misses Zeller about borrowing money, they were not at home. I left Breslan at 3:30 p.m. for Petersburg where I got at 4 p.m. Walked home. Fare Petersburg to Breslan .20cts., Dinner .25, M.M. Shantz for Oats, $25.00. Fare, Breslan to Petersburg 35 cts., W.H. Becker $2.25. 11 Sun.: Weather cloudy and colder. S. E. wind at Blenheim church in a.m. M. Cressman [preached] from Matt. 7:24-27. M. Cressman at our place for dinner. At home in p.m. 12 Mon.: Weather fair and cloudy and cold in morning. Turning milder in evening . Choring round other barn, cleaning out chicken pen in p.m. Gilbert took 2 loads of wood to Schantz house and got ready for going to Galt tomorrow. 13 Tues.: Weather cloudy and mild. Chores round. Gilbert took a load of wood to Galt which he sold for $5.50, he paid for dinner .25. I paid for chopping oats $1.28. Took 2 tubs to Alex Smith to mend. Gilbert repaid me .25cts. I got from M.M. Shantz 248 lb. oats at 30 cts a bushel. 81 27/34 bushels making $24.54. (I paid him last Saturday $25.00) 14 Wed.: Weather fair and cold. N.W. wind. Chores in a.m. At Al. Hallmans. Benj. Knipps and N. Cassels' in p.m. Paid N. Cassel for fish .40cts. Boys hauled some wood to School house, and Gilbert got a load ready for Galt. 15 Thurs.: Weather fair and cloudy although cold. E. wind with a little sun in p.m. Gilbert at Galt with wood, sold it for $5.00. Paid for dinner .25. Wife and I went to Preston via Doon. Sold 12 lb. Butter for $2.40 and 29 lbs cheese to for $3.19 to Mrs �Hewing, Preston. Wife sold 30 doz eggs at 12.5 [cts/doz?]. I paid for golb [?] clever seed $9.00, for Earls shoes .90cts, for thread 10 cts. 16 Fri.: Weather fair and cold, west wind in p.m. I spent some time in a.m. and in p.m. at New Dundee School, where Promotions Exam was going on. John C. Cressman was here mending harness today. I paid him $1.50. Mr. and Mrs. McRae were here after dinner to sign deed from them to Hausperger family, he paid me $1.60. Boys worked at wood. 17 Sat.: (St. Patrick's Day) Weather stormy. At home in a.m. At Blenheim Church in p.m. at special meeting of the brethren to elect Trustee and District man vice. M. M. Shantz resigned. 18 Sun.: Weather mostly cloudy and somewhat milder. At home all day. Gilbert and Eva took Earle Hawes to his grandparents whom he is to accompany to Manitoba. 19 Mon.: Weather fair and cloudy although with a little snow and rain in p.m. mild, snow getting soft. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Earle at our place for dinner and on a visit. Gilbert at Baden in p.m. for chicken feed and Middlings for 12.00 lb Midd, at $17 a ton, $10.20. I got 2.00 sheets Butter Paper of E.H. Thames and Co. for 20 cts. 20 Tues.: Weather rather cold. N.W. wind. Chored round. Boys took some wood to school house, hard wood is nearly all there. 21 Wed.: Weather mostly cloudy with a strong west wind. Israel Cressman and I went to H. Hillgartners sale where I bought one set harness a $10.00, one cutter $2.75, one wheelbarrow $1.00, one shovel 35 cts, one double and triple trees .30, shaving horse 10 cts, Golab $14.50, gave my note at 10 months. Boys in bush trying to cut pine wood. 22 Thurs.: Weather fair and fine. Gilbert and I went to H. Hillgartners in the morning to get things I bought at his sale. Wife and I took her mothers cutter and my father's Force pump home after 3:40 p.m. Stayed at my father's for tea. Home at 9:45 p.m. Boys washed some harness getting it ready to oil. Cow Queen calved. 23 Fri.: Weather fair and fine though rather a raw N.W. by N. wind. I was at Goldies mill in a.m. for bran. Got 147 lb at 80 cts a C, $11.77. Came home at 12.35 p.m. Boys in bush in p.m. cutting pine wood. Cow Rosa calved. Borrowed from Amelia $2.00, paid for Bran $11.77. 24 Sat.: Weahter fair and fine. I was at home nearly all day. At Dundee in morning to get hair cut, cost 15 cts. Wife and Gilbert at Preston with butter and eggs. I got for butter 3.62. Got 2 shoes set at Kolenbrenners in p.m. (20cts) 25 Sun.: Weather fair and cloudy although not very cold. At Blenheim Church in a.m. At Isaiah Rosenbergers for dinner. At S. Hawes in p.m. for a short call, brought Early home with us. I paid for collection for Sunday School, 25 cts. �26 Mon.: Weather fair and cloudy although with a little snow in evening. I was at Benuel Bowman's to try to settle a difficulty between them and Daniel Wenger. No success. They (Bowmans) refused to try to settle. Stopped on way home at Berlin, paid for oats $0.10. Home at 9 p.m. Gilbert took wood out of bush. N....had team for hauling wood. Eva took Earl back to S. Hawes. Borrowed from wife $5.00. Cow Rolly calved. 27 Tues.: Weather fair with a rather sharp W. wind. Wife ant I went to Hamburg in morning, and thence on a visit to Amos Cressmans home at 6 p.m. Gilbert got sleigh repaired in a.m. Cows Topsy and Tidy calved. 28 Wed.: Weather fair and fine. Did chores. Helped to wash in a.m. 29 Thurs.: Weather fair and cloudy and mild. Chored round. At Dundee just before dinner, at school and store. Got 2 axehandles for 45 cts. Brought cows and calves over in morning. 30 Fri.: Weather mostly cloudy a raw E. wind. I walked (nearly all the way) to Petersburg in the morning, and took 9:20 train to Berlin. Went to registry Office, registered deed (Backus to Einwaechter), also deed, McRae to Susanna Geiger et.al. and D.O.M. [for] S. Hallman to Backus. Got money in Bank, some blanks at Becker's and came back with 11 a.m. train. Got a chance with A McDonalds team, got home at 1:15 p.m. Took from bank $1.75, paid ticket 35 cts, Blank Mortg. 50 cts., registry $3.45, Carfare .05. Boys took a cord wood to New Dundee for A. McRae, and some straw to Mrs. R. Bock and H. Eckstein. 31 Sat.: Weather fair with a cold N.W. wid. At home in a.m., at Dundee in p.m. Paid D. Harper $96.25, Mrs. Willits $10.00. Got 10 lbs nails, calf rope and Galvinized pail at W. Kriesels. Wrote notices of Beef meeting in evening. Gilbert in Preston in a.m. with Cutter eggs and chickens. I got for 19 lb Butter $3.60. April Sun. 1. Weather fair and cloudy although milder. Snow melting fast. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. Not a great many there on account of bad roads. Mon. 2. Weather fair and rather cold. At home in a.m. At Dundee in p.m. putting up bills for Beef meeting in p.m. paid for postage for do. .05. Paid Miss Lye (per A.B. McRae) 53.75. Boys worked at harness today. got Milton's quarters salary $78.75. I paid Milton.20 cts. I paid to wife $5.00. Tues. 3. Weather fair and fine. At Dundee in a.m. to open tenders for sawing wood. Jns. M. Baer got it, 45 cts a cord. We tapped trees today. Boys fetched hens at Isaac Brickers in p.m. Wed. 4. Weather fair and fine with rather a cold N. W. wind. At home choring round in a.m. At Wms. Garland sale in p.m. Bought 0. Boys oiled harness. �Thurs. 5. Weahter fair and fine, milder than yesterday. Did chores and cut some wood in a.m. At Dundee in p.m. and got some (700 lb) corn chopped and 2 shoes set (Dex. And Fair, 7 each.) Boys hauled wood and gathered sap in a.m. Cut wood and tapped trees in p.m. Paid for chopping 77 + 35 cts = $1.12, setting 2 shoes .20 cts. Fri. 6. Weather cloudy with a little rain. David Burgerman and wife with us for dinner. We valued buildings on new farm. He and I went to Is Cressman's in p.m. to value his effects. W. Tunney, M. Knarr and A. Fried here in p.m. to have lease of farm written, I got for it $1.20 boys boiled sap. Sat. 7. Weather fair and fine, quite warm. I did chores in a.m.at Beef meeting in p.m. Wife and Ezra at Galt market wit butter and eggs. I got for 38 lb butter $7.27. Paid hay 10 cts. Gilbert took a load of lumber and c to Berlin for Is Cressman. Sun. 8. Weather cloudy and a little cooler. At Blenheim Church in a.m. S. Gelman from Matt. 18:3,11. Inquiry meeting, Sunday School after service. At home in p.m. I paid Almo .25cts, got bars .50 cts. Weather fair with a cold N. wind all day. Hard frost in morning. Wrote some mortgages in a.m. and part of p.m. At Is. Brickns in p.m. for geese and also at Watermans for carpet for M. M. Shantz's, paid for carpets $1.40. Boys oiled harness in a.m. and picked stones in p.m. Tues. 10 Weather fair but a cold N. wind. Chores in a.m. At Dundee in p.m. Saw Mrs. Tomos about her will. At a. Schlermans, A. Hunsberger, C.W. Backus about business. Wed. 11 Weather cloudy and fair with a rather cold wind a little snow and rain in evening. I left home at 9:00 a.m. went to Strasburg, stopped at Mrs. Swartz's got her to execute her will, thence to Berlin, registred D.O.M. Went with J.Z. Kolb for the night. Paid for Registering .50 cts, dinner and hay .35 cts. Thurs. 12. Weahter cloudy and somewhat foggy. From J.Z. Kolb's to Bresleeve to see the Missis Gilbert about money matters, thence to Berlin and to Congerence. Left Berlin for home at about 5 p.m. Mr. Schlerman $30.00. Got from H. Streburg for 53 lb cheese $5.30. Paid for hay .10cts. Fri. 13. Weather cloudy with some snow. At Blenhem Church in a.m. At home in p.m. Jesse B. Cassels and Abr. S. Cressman's at our place for dinner. Got alens 50 cts, paid 10 cts. Sat. 14. Weather cloudy and fair and mild. Wife and I went to Galt Preston and Doon with eggs, butter and cheese. Home at 5:00 p.m. Sold 13 lb butter for $2.44 and 46 lb for $7.82 (not paid) and 72 lb cheese for 7.92. Got 60 lb clover for 6.75 and 36 lb Tim. For $1.32, 2 bags 32 cts, hay .20cts. Boys boiled sap. Paid Milton $1.00. Ida .50cts, Herbert .50cts. Sun. 15. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. E.C. Bowman around place last night and for dinner, Mos. Baier's for dinner. Weather fair and cloudy although mild. �Mon. 16. Weather fair in a.m., cloudy in p.m., rain in evening. I chored round, pruned trees and c. in a.m. Write some in p.m. Gilbert fetched our carriage at H. Baer's in a.m. He was at Blair for cultivator in p.m. Ezra boiled sap and c. Sold 6.5 lb cheese to B. Schlechter at 12 cts. 78 cts cash. Gilbert got 3 shoes set for Family in a.m. Tues. 17. Weather mostly cloudy with occaional showers of rain. I was at Dundee in p.m. to get shoe set and got other repairs and c. Paid for setting 4 shoes 40 cts, 4 plw points $1.25 repaired cutter 10 cts. paid A. Schlierman alms for his late mother $10.00, 2 sweat pad 1.50, 4 weat pads $1.60, 2 person plow lines .50cts, 1 trace chain .40 cts. 464 lb middlings at 90cts, $4.18. Boys hauled some rails picked stones and c. H. Baer paid me for writing 2 mortgages $2.00. Wed. 18. Weather fair and cloudy although strong S. W. wind, mild and fine. Wrote and had will signed of Katie Gherr in a.m. Got for it $1.00 I paid Eias Hallman, bal of his cheese $7.27. Boys began to plow sod in new land on new farm. I brought carriage home from Nwe Dundee paid .20 cts for loosening wheel. Thurs. 19. Weather cloudy in a.m. fair in p.m. Cold N. wind. I was at goldies for middlings and Serg chop. Got 1100 lb Serg chop for myself at $16.00 a ton - $8.80 and 1058 middling chop at $17.00 a ton - $8.99. Also 92 lbs Serg. for Is. Cressman, $0.73. Home at 5:30 p.m. Boys plowed sod. Fri. 20. Weather fiar and fine. At Ayr and Goldie's. Got new head for plow at Hilborn's $2.10, share and slip .70 cts, Dinner and hay .50 cts, Wax and bags .30, Lime .40, Middlings (712 lb) $6.05 and 718 lb Bran $5.74, (Middling $17 a ton and Bran $16 a ton) Boys plowed sod. Sat. 21 Weather fair and cloudy and mild. Boys plowed sod. Milton and I hauled rails in a.m. I was at Dundee in p.m. Got post cards for .25cts. Ezra got corn chopped 1170 lb $0.59. Got from A. Hanspeyer writing deed and c. $1.75. Sun. 22 Weather fair and cloudy although with a little rain in evening. At Blenheim Church in a.m. M. Cressman from Titus 2:11-14. Got alms 60 cts, paid 10 cts. Mon. 23 Weather fair and warm. I took 4 hogs to Baden sold to Hall and Knipp, weight 645 lb at 5 5/8 cts. $35.25. Paid for dinner and hay 40cts, weighing 10cts, brought Serg drop for wife 1060 lbs for $7.95. Boys plowed sod. Tues. 24. Weather fair and somewhat cooler. Boys and I hauled rails in a.m. boys plowed sod in p.m. Herbert rolled clover field. I was at Dundee in evening. Paid for bolts 10cts. paid Jns M. Baer for sawing wood at school $5.55. Wed. 25. Weather fine. Boys cultivated and sawed in a.m. Plowed sod in p.m. I made fence. �Thurs. 26. Weather fair and fine. Boys finished plowing sod in a.m. They cultivated and began to sow oats in p.m. Mr Will. Berger of Montgomery Co. Pa. came to our place in a.m. and stayed for night. I started rain and repaired rain box in p.m. Fri. 27. Weather fair and warm. I took W. Berger to my fathers place in a.m. Came home for dinner a 1 p.m. Saw M. Hallman on way home. Boys sowed oats and cultivated. Gilbert harrowed and rolled in p.m. Bought of Is. Cressman 30 dozon eggs at 10 cts, paid $3.00. Sat. 28. Weather fair and fine. Hy Eckstein worked at water in other farm in a.m. Boys culivated and sowed oats. iwas at Dundee in morning. Bought wrench and c in morning. Sun. 29. Weather fair and fine. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. Tuesday, May 1 Weather fair & cool. I wrote will in morning for Benj. D. Hallman. He was at our place for dinner. I got for writing his will $1.25. At Dundee in p.m. Got Mrs. Toman to sign will, got fruit .75, I pd for repairs, blsmith 35[?]. Gilbert sowed barley, Ezra cultivated. Wednesday, May 2 Weather fair & fine. My parents at my place on a visit & for dinner. Gilbert finished sowing barley & then harrowed, Ezra cultivated...sowed some oats in Evg. Thursday, May 3 Weather cooler, & cloudy. Benj. Schlichter & T. Currents here in a.m. to sign Deed. T.Current & wife to B. Sch. Ezra finished cultivating & Gilbert finished sowing oats in morning. Ezra then disked peaground & Gilb. hauled stones off the same. I help[ed] some. Friday, May 4, 1900 Weather mostly cloudy & cold, hard frost in morning. I took chop....to mill in morning & then had two shoes set & was at School (Arborday). Home at 12 N. I pd. for Ottawa Fire Sufferers $5.00, M. Milgan for trees (school) $1.40, 2 shoes .20, setting trees .40, sundres 40 [cents]. Ezra disked & Gilbert hauled stones, Herbert & I hauled stumps off peaground in p.m. Bot. of Is. Cressman 30 dozen eggs @ 10 [[?]] $3.00 pd. H. D $1.20 pd. F. D Saturday, May 5 Weather fair & cold N.wind, hard frost in morning. At Dundee in morning. Got chop & Bran, home at 10.15 a.m. Cleaned some wheat for grist. At Blenheim (preparatory meeting) in p.m. D[avid] WismerY [preached] from Ex.12. Gilbert hauled stones in a.m., disked in p.m. Ezra disked all day. Pd. for chopping (1600lb) .80 & For 195 lb Bran $1.65: T[otal] Current 75 [?]. Sunday, May 6, 1900 Weather fair, cold in morning & evg. warm at noon. Communion at Blenheim, D. Wismer (Luke 22 & 23). D. Wismer's, Jac. Woolner's & Jos. Nahrgangs with us for dinner. Monday, May 7 Weather mostly fair, rather cool in morning. Herbert & I took cow to �Baden, sold to Hall & Krupp, weight 1000 lbs @ 3 [cents/Ib] „ $32.50. I also exch. 11 20/00 bush Wheat....61 for 402 lb Flour & 136 Bran. I pd. for lime .30, for weighing 10 [cents], For Scip. for wife (1245 lb) $8.72. I was owing her $4.00, she now owes me $4.72. Boys disked both in a.m. Ezra in p.m., Gilbert sowed some Peas in p.m. I repd. hydraulic Ram in p.m. Tuesday, May 8 Weather cloudy with some showers of grain. Boys sowed some peas. I plowed between raspberry rows in p.m. Wednesday, May 9 Weather cloudy & fair alt. & rather cold. We made fence in a.m. made fence in p.m. Boys sowed peas & harrowed. Thursday, May 10 Weather cool with a strong N. wind & fair. Gilbert finished sowing peas in a.m. Ezra cultivated turnip ground in a.m. Eckstein & I made fence in a.m. Eckstein & Gilbert hauled manure in p.m. Ezra harrowed & Herbert rolled corn & turnip ground. I pruned apple...trees on other place in p.m. Friday, May 11 Weather cloudy with a drizzling rain part of a.m. Wife & I at funeral of Jos[eph] Y. Shantz at GeigersY [meeting house, near New Hamburng, Wilmot Township] in a.m. Sermon by E.S. Hallman in Eng[lish] from Ps. 39:4 & by [Bishop] Am. CressmanY in Ger[man] from Rev. 14:13. Eckstein & Gilb. hauled manure & Ezra cultivated corn & turnip ground on other place. M.C. Bowman pd. me for Maria Bricker $10.00 Bot. from A. Stager doz. eggs pd $1.23 " " H. Dau " " H.S. Einwachter Saturday, May 12 Weather mostly fair, warm in a.m. Cooler in p.m. I was at Berlin & Waterloo. Gilbert worked on Road, Ezra harrowed, Eckstein Spread manure. E.H. Thamer pd. me for 82.3 lb Butter @ .14, $11.52. I pd. for rubbers .85, Registering Deed $1.40, Sugar Beet Seed .70, Dinner & Hay .35, [Berlin] Chronicle [newspaper] 1.00, Setting 4 shoes.05, carfare .10, Mangel seed $1.50, violin strings .15, Drawing book .05. Home at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 13 Weather fair & warm, wife & I at Geiger Church, at Eli Goods for dinner, at Henry B. Cassels in p.m. when Communion was held, he being sick. At David E. Eby's for tea, home at 8 p.m. Monday, May 14 Weather fair & cloudy alt. & very warm. We hauled 8 or 9 loads of manure in a.m. Ezra & I loading & Gilbert hauling. Boys plowed, & Gilb. spread manure in p.m. I was at Dundee getting 2 shoes set & a...made, pd for it 20 + 25 = 45 cts. I pd. Mrs. Is. Cressman for 30 doz. eggs $3.00 Tuesday, May 15 Weather fair & warm. I chored round, plowed garden lot in a.m. Helped to plant some strawberries in p.m. Boys plowed for corn & mangles. At Dundee at Trustees meeting at McRae's office in Evg. Wednesday, May 16 Weather fair & cloudy alt. & cool. Left home at 7 a.m. for the "Twenty" Annual Conference.Y Got to Preston at 9 a.m. To Galt per Street Car. Thence �to Hamilton G[rand] T[runk] R[ailway]Y by 12.20 a.m. Left there at 4.10 p.m. for H.G.&B. Street Railway, Got to Beamsville at 5.40, went with James Moyer for supper, To Church at the Moyer Church in Evg. To Christ[ian] Fretz for night, Street car „ Preston to Galt .10, Fare Galt to Hamilton $1.30, Dinner .10, Carfare .10, Hamilton to Beamsville 40[?], Coughdrops .05, Shave .10. Thursday, May 17 Weather fair & cloudy alt. cool. Left Christ[ian] Fretz at 8 a.m. with Cyrus Summers. Thence to Conference at 9:30 a.m. Dinner at Chas Watson's. Back to Conference in p.m. To Dea[con] Wm. Fretz's for tea. Back to Church service in Evg. N. Stauffer [preached] on "Self„denial," went to Isaac Culps for the night. Bought through Wm. Fretz, 500 Strawberry plants. Friday, May 18 Weather mostly fair & cool. Left I. Culp's at 7.40 a.m. a short visit to Mr. Sol. Albright. Thence to Conference at 9 a.m. Got dinner there. Left Close of Conference at 5.20 p.m. for Andrew Kratz's for supper. Back to Church in Evg. Bish. Sam[uel] Wideman on "The Power of the Holy Spirit," Went to James Moyer's for the night. Borrowed from M.C. Boman pd. Wm. Fretz for plants A. Stager, 6 doz eggs 65[?] pd. Hy. Da...., 9 90[?] pd. Saturday, May 19 Weather fair & cool. Left James Moyer's at 5.10 a.m. for Beamsville where we took the Trolley for Hamilton. Left Hamilton for Galt per GTR at 8.20 a.m. Got to Galt at 10.10. To Preston by Trolley, Thence with Abr. Hallman. Got home at 12.30 p.m. At Dundee in p.m. for Corn Strawberry plants &ct. Carfare .15, Corn & mangel seed $2.57., ex...for plants .40, For [Toronto„based] (3 wks) 1.00Y Sunday, May 20 Weather mostly fair & cool. At Blenheim Ch[urch, Oxford County] S.S. In a.m. At home in p.m. Aaron Shantz's at our place in p.m. & for dinner. Monday, May 21 Weather fair with a cool N.Wind. Plowed in garden lot in a.m., planted potatoes in p.m. Boys plowed corn & turnip ground. I pd. Milton for Exam. Fees 5.00. Tuesday, May 22 Weather fair & rather warm. Herbert & I took cow to my Father's in a.m. which I sold to him for $35.00 (got cash), stopped at Jac. C. Hallman's on way home. Got from him per E.H. Thamer, for logs $44.00. Boys plowed for corn &c. I was at Mos[es] Bock's in p.m. helping to take down old barn. Wednesday, May 23 Weather fair & warm, cloudy in evg. I was at M. Bock's in a.m. Ezra plowed in turnip patch. Gilbert marked out for corn. H. Eckstein here, he dug in garden lot in a.m. & planted corn in p.m. I planted some corn too &c in p.m. Thursday, May 24 Weather fair & fine. At Blenheim Church in a.m. M.C. Bowman from Acts 1:10,11. At home in p.m. A. Swartz & M.C.B. here for dinner & Isaiah Witmers for tea. Boys planted some corn in p.m. Friday, May 25 Weather fair & fine. I was at Hamburg in morning to witness Codicil to �Jos. Y. Shantz's Will, got 50 lbs corn & a bag for .85. Boys finished planting corn, we planted some potatoes in p.m. A. Stager 8 doz eggs @ .10; .80 pd. Trustee meeting this evening, decided about school pictures. Saturday, May 26 Weather fair & fine, I was at Ayr & Goldie's Mill in a.m. Got 8 cow chains for $1.50 8 lb Bean's for .25, 1000 lb corn chop for $8.75, 457 midds for $3.88, 560 Bran @ .80, $4.48. Boys hauled stones, I finished planting potatoes in p.m. Got hair cut in evg., .15. Sunday, May 27 Weather mostly cloudy with quite a shower in a.m. Wife & I at Detwiler Church in a.m. (Communion) Am[os] Cressman [officiating], at Mrs. Detwilers for dinner, at Blenheim S.S. in p.m. thence home. Monday, May 28 Weather fair, aloudy alt. & warm. I chored round, fixing calf ties & plowing Mrs. Cressman's garden in a.m. Planted sunflowers & pumpkins in p.m. At Dundee in Evg. to see about hauling wheat. Saw eclipse in a.m. Tuesday, May 29 Weather fair & warm. Hauled 4 loads of wheat to Dundee Mill 53.20, 66.19, 66.34 & 66.55, test 58 [Ibs in a bushel?], price .63 [per bushel]. Wednesday, May 30 Weather mostly cloudy with a thunder shower in p.m. warm. Hauled 2 loads of wheat to mill, 66.11 & 67.06, Test 58 [Ilbs in a bushel?], price 63cts. Boys repd. fence in p.m. & I did some writing. Thursday, May 31 Weather fair & cloudy alt. rather fine. Wife & I 1st to Jac. S. Hallman to see about mortgages. Thence to M.C. Bowman's for dinner, A.C. Bowman paid Int. $100, We went to Jac. C. Hallman's on way home. He paid me part of Legacy of Jno. S. Hallman to Blenheim Mennonite Church $250.00. Sam. Toman pd. me on Note of $583, the sum of $500 prin[cipal]. & $29.15 Interest. Boys hauled stones & rep'd made fences. Friday, June 1 Weather cloudy with a good deal of rain in p.m. Wife & I went to Berlin to settle for M.M.Sh[antz] farm. got from Susanna, Zeller, On[t.] $4500.00 Lydia Bergey " 100.00 Amos C. Hallman Pd. his Note 365.43 Manasseh Hallman My Note 500.00 Anna Bowman On my note 300.00 Mos. S. Bowman Est. Pd. This Note 106.06 Menno M. Shantz 3 notes 443.14 I paid M.M. Shantz farm 7000.00 " " Regi[ster] deed " " " mortgage " " " 2 disch[arges] " put in Bank for Church 250.00 " " " " " private 495.00 �" paid Lydia's Note & Int. 709.33 Saml. Shantz pd for Beef Saturday, June 2 Weather fair & fine. Had S. Toman & wife execute mort. in a.m. Was at Mill got $243.00. Went to Jesse B. Cassel & pd. him a Note of $200 & $4.16 Int....In p.m. chored round till A. Hunsperger & wife came & I did some work for him. Got .25 for it. Got from S. Toman for work & Rep's $2.25. Wrote D.O.M. for Smith [&] Goften in p.m. In Evg. there was meeting at Blenheim when S.F. Coffman preached from Ps. 131:3. Whit„Sunday, June 3 Weather fair & warm. Meeting & S.S. in Blenheim in a.m. S.F. Coffman from Titus 2:1„3. Quite a no. of visitors for dinner. Jno. Detwiler from Indiana, Menno Heckendorn's & A. Swartz's, [prominent preacher from Vineland] S.F. Coffman, [preacher] M.C. BowmanY & his mother David Shantz Ben. Rosenberger & others. June Mon. 4 Weather fair and warm. Went to WAterloo with S. Toman to help him to get money out of bank. He paid me .30cts. I then went to Berlin and to Sunday School Conferenceat the C Eby church. Crowded house, good conference. I gave a a short address on "Literature as a Factor in Sunday School." Gilbert took 6 hogs to Baden and sold them at $6.25 per weight. They came to $61.00. I paid Amelia $5.00, Milton for board $4.00, registering D.O.M. .70cts, weighing hogs .10cts. Tues. 5 Weather fair and warm. We worked on the road. I was home part of the day doing some work for B. D. Hallman got for it .50cts. I was at Josi. Hallman's after tea making affidavit. Wed. 6. Weather fair and warm. I wrote deed for Hawes to Kinsie in a.m. Was at Dundee sent away Mortgage to Woodstock enclosed $1.54, postage .04. Boys with 2 teams and H. Eckstein worked on road. Got for writing deed Hawes to Kinsie $1.00 for registration 1.40, 8 lb cheese .80cts. Thurs. 7. Weather mostly cloudy with some rain. Eckstein and I worked in Butcher shop in a.m. We hauled stones in p.m. Ber. Schlichter here at noon and paid for deed (writing 1.25, registration 1.40) and for 3 1/2 lb cheese .35 cts. Fri. 8. Weather fair and cloudy although with a little rain in p.m. I pruned some apple trees in a.m. Was at Dundee Mill for Corn chop in p.m. Boys hauled stones. I got from B. D. Hallman for work .25 cts. I paid for chop (Corn) 1580 lb at $18.15 per ton $14.33 Al Hallman paid me for Berphing $2.00 Al Hallman paid me for Cst. 216.10. H. Daunmann, 9 1/3 doz eggs (pd him) 90cts. F. Daunmann, 7 5/12 doz eggs - (pd him) .75. Sat. 9. Weather fair and cool. Went to Berlin in morning on bank and registration business. paid for deed Hawes to Kinsie $1.40, Black board brushes (school) .50, copy book note paper and c, 36cts, dinner and hay .35, Lime .20, Got from bank $226. Paid �Kauerspeyer est. $204, Is. Bowman Est. $88.40. Boys worked at turnip ground and c. Milton scuffed some corn in p.m. Paid for turnip seed at New Dundee 5 lb .72 cts. George Good from St. Jacobs came to see us for the night. Sun 10. Weather mostly fair and rather warm. Mr. Good and wife, and my wife and I went to Fred Reier's for diner and we for supper. Home at about 7:30 p.m. Mon. 11. Weather fair and rather warm. I scuffed corn. Boys sowed and harrowed turnip patches and Gilbert began to ridge in p.m. H Eckstein hoed sugar beets. Tues. 12 Weather fair and warm, cool in morning. I sowed turnips. Boys ridged and rolled, and Ezra scuffed corn for a part of p.m. For 4 lb turnip seed $0.56. Wed 13. Weather fair and cloudy although with a heavy rain in evening. (thundered) Was at Dundee in morning, for midd, and c. paid for 2 bags of midd at .90cts per 100, $1.28. I. Chipman for wire $1.00, W Kriesel for hinges, and c. .60cts. H. Ecksten and Gilbert repaired wire fence along lane. Ezra scuffed corn. I helped M. M. Shantz at what in p.m. M. M. S. his sons Milton and Joshua at our place for night. Thurs. 14. Weather fair and warm. I helped M. M. Shantz with a load of wheat and getting things out of the cellar in a.m. also pruned some trees. Ezra and I pulled weeds in p.m. Gilbert and Eckstein worked at wire fence 3/4 days for H. Eckstein. B.C. Hallman paid me for est. intrest on Mortgage $149.00 I got for my share of one percent $9.57. I got for B.C. Hallman then one percent, 10.35. Fri. 15. Weather mostly fair and warm. I made gate and was at N. Cassel's and Abr. Hallman's in a.m. Boys worked at wire fence in a.m. Boys and I pulled weeds in p.m. I paid Mrs. Nathan Cassel intrest on mortgage $119.45. She paid me note with intrest $102.12. Paid for nails .20cts. Sat. 16. Weather mostly fair and warm. I made gate in a.m. Boys repaired wire fence in a.m. We all pulled weed on other farm in p.m. Is. Cressman's children and Bert. Main helping. I got for 12 1/2 lb cheese at .10cts $1.25. Sun. 17 Weather fair and fine. At Blenheim Church in a.m. At home in p.m. I gave to collection for Minister's Fund $1.00. To children .10cts. Mon. 18. Weather fair and fine. I worked round gates and fences in a.m. Wife and I at funeral of Mrs. Benj. Martin at Detwiler's in p.m. Boys harrowed corn in morning. Ezra then scuffed and Gilbert hauled stones for rest of day. I paid Dan. D. Snyder for10 for wire fence $1.00. Tues. 19. Weather fair and fine. I was at Dundee in a.m. for repairs and c. Paid for repairs, Snap and T for gate .35cts for 7 bolts .10cts. Sent for Canadian Horticulturalist $1.00. Sent for "Northfield Echos," $1.00. Expenses for do. .13 cts. Ezra scuffed corn and Gilbert made fence in a.m. �Wed. 20. Weather fair and fine. Scuffed corn, pulled weeds and c. Cut thistles. At Dundee school in p.m. hanging pictures. Thurs. 21. Weather fair and fine. Eckstein 3/4 day cutting thistles. Gilbert cutting thistles and c. and Ezra scuffing corn, pulled some weeds. Amos Bock wife and daughter here in p.m. to hoe turnips and c. I was at school in a.m. repairing doors and c. Fri. 22. Weather cloudy with a slow rain nearly all p.m. N. Stauffers at our place for tea. Sat. 23. Weather fair and fine. At Berlin on bank business. Got from bank $68.00 Paid dinner and hay .35cts. Paid Milton $2.00. Paid Amelia $5.00. Radish seed .05. Home at 7 p.m. via Petersburg. Boys cut thistles and in a.m. fetched binder in p.m. Paid freight on Rennst .45cts adn on express parcel from Eaton's .30cts. H. Ecksten cutting thistles, 1 new shoe 1 set .42cts. Sun. 24. Weather fair and very warm. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. Mon. 25. Weather fair and warm. We began making patent fence in a.m. Gilbert and Eckstein cut thistles in p.m. Ezra pulled weeds in p.m. I was at Dundee Mills for corn chop, 1300 chop $11.80 115 bran .90cts. Sold calf for $4.00. Tues. 26. Weather mostly fair and very warm. M. Rellinger helped us to make Patent Fence in a.m. Ezra and I cleaned potatoes in p.m. Gilbert fetched tiles in Berlin in a.m. until 4 p.m. Delivered to Mos. Toman those we had borrowed. paid M. Rellinger for labor .65cts. Paid Ida who went to entrance exam .45cts. paid for tiles, 240, 3 in. $2.40, 165, 2 1/2 in $1.24, 25, 5 in. .50cts. Wed. 27 Weatherfiar and cloudy although rather warm. We hauled earth to barn bank on other farm. H. Eckstein helping in p.m. Ezra at M. Bock's raising in p.m. Thurs. 28 Weather fair and fine, a little early in morning. We hauled sand. Eckstein helping, and Trusseler in p.m. Gilbert at Bricker's raising. Paid Trussler for today .60cts, for cutting wood $1.40. Paid weight beef ring for June $5.00. Fri. 29. Weather fair and cloudy although with a strong N. wind. I was at Dundee in morning in blacksmith shop store and c. Paid teachers. paid for nails and c. $1.00, Blacksmith repairs .25cts, 1 shoe set .10cts, bought a pair of shoes. At M. Bock's raising from 10 a.m. till evening. Ezra also in p.m. Ezra scuffed turnips and a.m. Gilbert ground mower knives and cut some grass in evening. Sat. 30. Weather fair and cool. Strong N.W. wind. We hauled sand in a.m. Eckstein helping. Gilbert cut some grass in morning and some in p.m. Eckstein cut thistles and c. in p.m. Ezra scuffed. Paid for machine oil .18cts. Eva 2.00, Milton 1.00, Gerbert and Ida each .25, Ezra .50. �July. Sun. 1. Weather fair and rather warm. At Blenheim and Sunday School in a.m. Isa R. I gave to collection for India Farmers $10.00. Whole collection $44.00. H. Baer and wife and some young people at our place for dinner. Mon. 2. Weather fair and warm. I tok 7 hogs to Baden in a.m. Weight 1205 lb, price $5.85 per Cubic weight. Total $70.50. paid for weighing .10cts. paid for Midd. (252) $2.02. Home at 1 p.m. I cut grass in p.m. Boys and Eckstein hauled in 8 loads of hay. B.S. Martin and M. Chapman here in evening to get deed written. B.S. Martin paid me for writing $1.25. M.C. for registration $1.00. Ben Schlichter paid me for cheese .90cts. Tues. 3. Weather mostly fair and very warm. I was at Roseville for 2 posts in morning, $1.16 and saw B.S. Martin about deed. Home at 10:45 a.m. Wife and I left home at 11:45 a.m. for Berlin to attend funeral of cousin Diliman Eby, some business in Berlin also. paid for car fare .10cts. Blauks .60cts. Sent bank draft to Elkhart for India Farmers $81.50. ($44.00 for Blenheim Church and $37.50 for Detweiler Church) Paid exchange .25cts. Eckstein in p.m. Made hay on heaps in p.m. Boys hauled in 2 loads in a.m. W. E. Shantz paid me for wood $7.00, apdi him express charge .25cts. Wed. 4 Weather fair and very warm. 90 in shade. Gilbert at B.S. Martin's in morning about deed. M. Martin came signed it. He paid me .50cts. I was at Dundee to see Jn. Baer and c. Got rope .25cts. Mending latch .05. We put in 5 loads of hay in p.m. Eckstein helping. Thurs. 5. Weather foggy till 9 a.m. then fair and very warm. I was at Blair and Doon in a.m. Got M 49 for Moneer .50cts. I paid for Spr. Too. Cultivator $42.40 to G. A. Tilt. Got 96 lb binder twine at Doon at .13cts $12.48. I got due bill $8.44. Home at 11:30 a.m. Brought in 6 loads of hay. Eckstein helping till 4 p.m. Fri. 6. Weather fair and warm. I was at New Dundee in morning to get rope mended (dumper). Got new piece (30 ft.) for $1.68. Pulley .30cts. Splicing rope (by Schwinz) .30cts. Eckstein helped till 4.20 p.m. Got in 8 lades of hay. Finished cutting home field in morning. Sat. 7. Weather still warm, turning a little cooler towards evening. I cut about two acres on other farm in morning, and about 11/2 in evening after supper. Put in 7 loads at home (done.), and one load to Mrs. R. Bock from other farm in evening. Noah Shantz and I went to Jesse B. Cassels inp.m. on a business meeting of trustees of church. Got from G. Guthrie for cheese $1.20. Sun. 8. Weather cloudy and fair although cool. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. Mon. 9. Weather cloudy and cool. Gilbert hauled manure in p.m. Eckstein loading. Tues. 10. Weather fair and fine, somewhat cool. Took in 8 loads of hay from 1 field and 2 loads from other. Eckstein and Trussler helping. �Wed. 11. Weather fair in a.m. Cloudy with thunder showers and hail in p.m. Took in 5 loads of hay in a.m. Boys scuffed in p.m. W. Main, J. Trussler, and H. Eckstein in a.m. Thurs. 12. Weather mostly cloudy and cool. I cut some grass in a.m. and a little in evening. Gilbert took a load to Dan. Griperich in morning. (1890 lb). In p.m. we took in nine loads of hay, Jns. Trussler and G. Main helping. Soem rather heavy. Fri. 13. Weather mostly fair, cool a strong N.W. wind in p.m. WE cut the grass in the orchard in a.m. and took in 2 loads of hay. I wrote a will for Ernst Schneider in a.m. Gilbert brought Aaron Hanspeyer 2300 lb hay in morning. In p.m. we hauled in 7 loads of hay taking one of 2140 lb to Nathan B. Cassel in evening. H. Eckstein 3/4 day, Jns. Trussler 1 day. Sat. 14. Weather fair and rather warm. We took in 5 loads of hay in a.m. finishing. I was at Roseville in p.m. for lumber. Got 10 boards for gates, 16'x5"x1", $1.12 and 10 pieces cedar for $1.25. Got from Bauk through Amelia $25.00, gave it to Milton for board andc. Boys chored round in p.m. Sun. 15. Weather fair and cloudy although very warm, shower shortly after noon. At Blenheim Church in a.m. Isa. Ro. from Hebrew 3:18 "They entered not in because of inbelief."At home in p.m. Mon. 16. Weather fair and rather mild in a.m. Some rain at noon. Boys and Trussler hauled manure on other farm, about 30 loads. My brother Aaron and his wife came to our place in the evening for the night. Tues. 17. Weather fair in a.m. Cloudy with heavy showers in p.m. Gilbert began to cut wheat, a few rounds in a.m. and few rounds in p.m. till the rain came. Ezra and Trussler hauled manure in a.m. Trussler spread some in p.m. I paid Trussler for labor in hay and manure 4 1/4 day at $1.25, $5.25. Wed. 18. Weather fair mostly, rather warm in p.m. Boys cut wheat finishing 12 acre field. I was at New Dundee in morning at mill and also in evening getting corn chop. I paid for corn chop previously got $7.54 for 1218 lb corn chop got today $11.49. paid for snaps .15., oil cans .10 hoe .40, Bolt .02. Milton came home from Berlin today. Thurs. 19 Weather fair and warm. Cut about 12 acres of wheat today, binder not working any too well. Fri. 20. Weather fair and warm. Cut about 10 acres of wheat. Sat. 21. Weather fair and fine. Finished cutting wheat today (about 9 acres) Got a bag of "standard" twine at Kriesel's. Sun. 22. Weather fair and warm. Wife and I at Church at Cressman's in a.m., at M. M. �Shantz's for dinner and till 4:40 p.m. To D. Shuh's for tea. Home at 10:30 p.m. Mon. 23. Weather fair and fine. Gilbert plowed sod and the rest of us hauled in 12 loads of wheat. Tues. 24. Weather fair in a.m. Cloudy in p.m. with rain in evening and during night. Ezra and I took 10 fat hogs and 1 old sow to Ayr, sold them to Guthrie. The 10 weighed 1720 lbs at $5.75, $98.90. And the sow 430 at $3.25, $13.97. I got in all $112.00. I paid for plow parts .30cts, for weighing .15cts. Gilbert plowed in a.m. All of us drew in 7 loads of wheat in p.m. Wed. 25. Weather cloudy in a.m. with a little rain in morning. Fair in p.m. Wife and I at Preston with eggs in a.m. I got from G.A. Tilt, Blair, 17 thistle cutters for cultivating for $4.25. I was at Staysville to see Mr. Knight about binder in p.m. Is. Cressman paid me on rent $10.00. Boys plowed with two plows. We borrowed 995 lb oats from Is Cressman and got it 805 lb Sergs. chopped. Paid for it .85cts. Thurs. 26. Weather fair and fine. Mr. Knight and Mr. Sproule here in a.m. and for dinner to make binder go. I gave my not for it $120.00 to be paid by Nov. 1. '00. Gilbert cut barley in p.m. Milton, Ezra, H. Eckstein and Is. Cressman hauled in wheat, I taking H. Eckman's place in p.m. and he shocking barley till 4 p.m. Fri. 27. Weather fair and warm. Gilbert cut barley in a.m. Other boys and Is. Cressman hauled in wheat in a.m. and bys and I in p.m. Gilbert helped Josi. Cassel thrashing barley in p.m. Eckstein 3/4 of a day shocking barley. Sat. 28. Weather fair and rather warm. Gilbert helped Josi. Cassel to thrash till 10:30 a.m. Other boys and I hauled in wheat till 11 a.m. then Is Cressman helped till 6 p.m. and Eckstein in p.m. Ezra and Amelia to Breslan in evening. Sun. 29. Weather fair and fine in a.m. Cloudy with some rain in evening. Meeting and Sunday School in Blenheim in a.m. At home in p.m. Jos. Nahrgary and Dav. Gehman's at our place for dinner and A.S. Bieher's for tea. Monday, July 30 Weather fiar & fine. Wife & I went to Berlin to funeral of Sister Susanna relict [?] of the late Abr. M. Weaver. Sermons preached by A. Cressman & D. Wismer. At the house (Dil. Bowman's) for dinner. Home at 5.30 p.m. Had horse "Ab" shod at Toman's Berlin $0.80. Brot. bicycle along. Boys plowed sod on other farm. Milton spread manure & raked stubble. Tuesday, July 31 Weather fair & cloudy alt. with a thunder shower in a.m. not much rain here. I was at H.D. Tye's Haysville in a.m. & bot 2 pigs (sows) for $8.00. In Baden in p.m. At mill for Scip, &c. for wife I pd. for midds. .60, For Bran .50, for Scip for Is. Cressman $1.51. Do[cument] for H. Eckstein 1.30, I got from J.F. Becker for writing Disch, & reg. &c. $1.00, Pd. F. Holwell for affid[avit] .25, Sent to Berlin .50. Boys plowed in a.m. & scuffled turnips in p.m. Milton raked stubble. �Wednesday, August 1 Weather fair & fine, not very warm. I cut weeds in garden lot in morning, raked stubble from 10.30 a.m. till about 4 p.m. then scuffled turnips till 5.30 p.m. At Dundee for twine &c, in Evg. Pd. for 100 lb. Twine $9.75, For Bran 51 ct. Boys & Is. Cressman hauled 34 loads manure. Thursday, August 2 Weather fair & warm, Finished hauling manure in the morning. Then MiltonY began to cut oats & the rest of us, including Is. Cressman, began to draw in Barley. Friday, August 3 Weather fair & fine. Finished drawing in Barley, cut oats & shocked Is. Cressman helping. Began cutting oats on Shantz farm in p.m. Saturday, August 4 Weather fair & warm. Cutting & shocking oats. Sunday, August 5 Weather fair & very warm. Wife & I at Geiger's in meeting. At Jos Nahrgang's for dinner & @ Danl. Shantz's for tea. Monday, August 6 Weather fair & warm. Gilbert began to plow sod 3/4 day, Rest of us finished oats on Shantz farm in a.m. Ezra ganged [gang plowed] Barley ground in p.m. Milton shocked oats. Tuesday, August 7 Weather fair & very hot. Gilbert plowed sod, Milt. Spread manure. Ezra ganged barley stubble. My parents with us for dinner. Got 6 plow shares for 1.80, 3 gang shares .60, 25 K....pts. .40. Wednesday, August 8 Weather fiar & hot, Gilbert plowed, Ezra ganged barley stubble in a.m. Milton & Eckst. spread manure. Ezra & I cut oats in cornfield in p.m. I pd. For machine oil .15. Thursday, August 9 Weather fair & warm. Eckstein pulled peas 3/4 dy, The rest of us hauled in Oats „ 17 loads at home & 1 load on Sh. farm. Pd in Beef Co. $5.00. Friday, August 10 Weather fair & warm. Took in 4 loads of Oats in a.m., Gilbert & Milton helped to thrash at Mos. Baer's in p.m. Ezra ganged & Herb harrowed in p.m. Eck[stein] at Peas. Saturday, August 11 Weather fair & warm. Gilbert helped Stager's to thrash in a.m. & W. Toman's in p.m. The rest of us hauled in 12 loads of oats. Ecks[tein] at peas. Sunday, August 12 Weather fair & cooler with some rain in Evg. At Blenheim Church & S.S. in a.m. Menno Cressman at our place for dinner & Dan. Eby's [and?] Wm. Bacherts for tea. Monday, August 13 Weather cloudy & cool. Gilbert helped to thr[esh] at Howling's in p.m. Ezra finishing ganging in a.m. �Tuesday, August 14 Weather fair & cloudy alt. with a shower in Evg. Pulling peas H. Eckstein, D. Garinger, Jno. Trussler & W. Toman helping. Ezra plowed sod and Herb Disked on other farm. Wednesday, August 15 Weather fair & cloudy alt. & rather warm. Gilbert, Eck (1/2) Garinger (3/4) pulled peas. Eva & I at Berlin in p.m. Got ticket to Moosomin for her $28, Valise &c $3.10, pd. her $1.00, Peaches .35. Deposited money for Hallman Est. $49.70. Stopped to see A.C. Bowman about thrashing on way home. Thursday, August 16 Weather mostly fair & warm in p.m. Gilbert, H. Ecks[tein] (3/4) & D. Garinger (1) pulled peas, finishing. I was at J.C. Hallmans in p.m. to see A.C. Bowman about threshing. Pd. for splicing line .05. Friday, August 17 Weather fair & fine. Boys plowed &c. I was at Preston in p.m. with eggs & fowls for R. Walder. Home at 6 p.m. Saturday, August 18 Weather fair & fine. Hauled in oats & turned peas. I took Eva to Petersburg Station. She went off to Manitoba, I pd. her $10.00 Sunday, August 19 Weather fair & cloudy alt. with rain at noon & in Evg. At home in a.m. At S.S. in p.m. Monday, August 20 Weather fair & cloudy alt. rain in early morning & late in Evg. We got ready for thrashing in a.m. Thrashed in p.m. 300 Oats & 230 wheat. A.C. Bowman 3 men & machine W. Toman 1 " Mr. Bock J. Howling 1 " D. Garinger F. Stager 1 " Jno. Trussler D.H. Snyder Jos. Cassel Tuesday, August 21 Weather fair & cloudy alt. Gilbert plowed sod & Ezra disked. I chored round, hauled stones &c. Wednesday, August 22 Weather mostly fair. At [New] Dundee in morning, got slip for plow .30, Bolts &c. & hinges .13, Gilbert worked plowed sod with 4 horse cultivator Till 4 p.m. & Ezra disked & harrowed till 5 p.m. We three turned peas, I wrote mort[gage] for Wm Spaetze. To Sam. Hallman At Dundee in Evg. to get signed. Got for writing & Regis &c. $3.00. Thursday, August 23 Israel Cressman got from here in all, 1299 lb oats. We turned peas & oats in field in a.m. Hauled in Bal. of Oats (4 loads) in p.m. Weather fair & fine. �Friday, August 24 Weather fair & warm, Got ready for thrashing in a.m. Put on 2 loads of peas. Thrashed 30 loads of Peas in p.m. (about 250 bushels) A.C. Bowman 3 men & machine W. Toman ½ J. Howling 1 F. Stager 1ÌM. Baer & team D.H. Snyder, 1 man Jos. Cassel 1 " M. Bock 1 Hy. Eckstein ¼ no. Trussler ½ Jac. Brunk ½ Saturday, August 25 Weather fair & warm. I was at Berlin on business. Stopped about an hour at Hy. Baer's on way home. Pd. for screen wire 80 cts. Dinner & Hay .35. Boys cleaned up from thrashing & put in 2 loads of peas in barn &c. Sunday, August 26 Weather fair & warm. At Blenheim Ch. & S.S. in a.m. Isa. Ro[senberger] from Jno. 10:20. At home in p.m. Monday, August 27 Weather fair & warm. Gilbert & H. Eckstein hauled manure & Ezra plowed. I was at Ayr in a.m. for Cement, Got 1 bag for 80 cts. Home at 11 a.m. I plowed in p.m. Tuesday, August 28 Weather fair & warm, Gilbert, Eckst. & Ezra same as yesterday. I got some gravel & sand in a.m. & plowed in p.m. Got bags ready &c. Wednesday, August 29 Weather fair & warm. Gilbert & Ezra plowed. Eckstein spread manure. H Granel here in morning to repair cistern. Herbert disked. Got bags ready & cleaned some wheat in Evg. Thursday, August 30 Weather fair & warm. Gilbert & Ezra plowed, Herbert disked in a.m. Eckstein spread manure, helped me to clean wheat & to cup up old willow tree in a.m. He went away at noon. I took 46 Bush. wheat to Dundee Mill. Exch. 17 9/[100] bush. for 600 lb Flour & 20 lb Bran, & got 64 cts a bush[el] for remainder, $18.+ got harness mended 30 cts, [one] gal[lon] seal oil .38. Friday, August 31 Weather fair & warm. Boys plowed, Herbert disked. I was at Dundee with writings for Granel & McRae. Got for D.O.M. $1.00, Stopped at School for a short time. Saturday, September 1 Weather fair & warm. Boys plowed, Milton & I hauled stone off new land. I was at Dundee at Noon, (Granel & McRae). Sunday, September 2 Weather warm, at home in a.m. At S.S. in p.m. September Mon. 3. Warm, rain at noon. Boys plowed, Herbert disked. Milton and I cleared wheat for sseed in a.m. I got cheese ready (5 boxes) and c. in p.m. Tues. 4. Weather fair and warm. Boys plowed, Herbert harrowed in p.m. I and Herb went to Petersburg with cheese in morning. I then took train for Berlin at 9:30 a.m. to get documents registered. I came back to Petersburg at 12.30. Came home with G. Bechtel. paid fare .35cts. Stage .25cts, registering deed 1.40, D.O.M. .50, previous (M. Chapman) �.15cts. Wed. 5. Weather fair and warm. I chored round in a.m. At dundee in p.m. Paid for skimmer head .40cts. For setting shoe .10cts. Gallon measure .25cts. Gilbert sowed wheat about 11 1/2 acres. Ezra plowed and Herbert harrowed. Paid for Timoth seed (54 lbs) $3.10 J. Kriesel and Co. Thurs. 6. Weather cloudy with some rain in a.m. Fari and warm in p.m. Gerb and I harrowed in p.m. 3 horses in harrow. Is Cressman and Herb disked in a.m. Gilbert plowed in a.m. and sowed wheat in p.m. Ezra plowed. Jn. Chipman got a "jag" of hay in evening. Fri. 7. Weather fair cool in mornign and warm in p.m. Gilbert sowed wheat. Ezra disked and Herb harrowed. Sat. 8. Weather fair and warm. Gilbert sowed Early Arcadian. Ezra disked and harrowed. I getched 284 bushels Dawson wheat at Jn. Frieds for $22.00 in p.m. Sun. 9. Weather fair and warm. At Blenheim Church and Sunday School in a.m. At home in p.m. Inquiry meeting. M. Cressman from Matt. 18:1-3. Mon. 10. Weather fair and warm. Boys plowed till 4.p.m. then Ezra disked and Gilbert hauled stones. Herbert rolled about 8 or 9 acres in a.m. then he and I hauled some stones. Tues. 11. Weather fair and warm, windy in p.m. and night. I was at Waterloo in a.m. for pigs. Bought 8 from A. Quickfull for $15.00. paid for Sassafras .10cts. Home at 12:30 p.m. I disked in p.m. Gilbert hauled stones in a.m. and sowed wheat in p.m. Ezra disked in a.m. and was at D.H. Snyder's helping to fill silo in p.m. Herbert harrowed (had borrowed horse from J. Chipman.) Wed. 12. Weather mostly fair, cooler with a strong N. W. wind. Gilbert sowed wheat. Ezra was at D.H. Snyder's helping to fill silo in a.m. and harrowed in p.m. Gerbert harrowed in a.m. and disked in p.m. till 4 p.m. I disked in a.m. and also wrote Mortgate for Mster. I was at Dundee in p.m. with 260 lb mixed oats and peas for chop. Paid .13cts. pdi for midd. $1.00. Thurs. 13. Weather fair and fine. I was at Berlin at Conference. Got two deeds and one Mortgage registered in a.m. Paid for deed Spetzel 1.80, Mortgage do. 1.10, deed Master 1.40, paid at Conference $4.56, Hay .10cts, Peaches .90. Home at 9 p.m. Gilbert finished sowing wheat in a.m. and made 95 gals. cider in p.m. Ezra harrowed. Fri. 14. Weather fair and somewhat cooler. Boys plowed stubble. I chored round bot silo ready etc. Sat. 15. Got ready for cutting corn. �Sun. 16. Weather warm. Wife and I at Blenhiem Church in a.m. aT Mos. Cressman's for dinner. Home at 6 p.m. Mon. 17. Weather fine and cool. We cut corn today. Gilbert, Ezra, Eckstein, Trussler and Phil Appel with sickles and Benj. Snyder with a corn binder. I cut round fences etc. Tues. 18 Weather fair and fine. Ben Snyder finished cutting corn at 10 a.m. Gerbert the took his binder to Williamsburg. A.C. Bowman and Gary came with engine and cutting box and we put corn in Silo on other farm. Nearly 7 acres almost filling it. WE and P. Appel, A. Arnold, J. Trussler, W. Toman's men Mos. Bear and hired man, Gilbert, Ezra and I. I paid Ben Snyder $5.00. Wed. 19. Weather fair and cloudy although cool. We filled silo at home in a.m. Men same as yesterday except J Trussler who could not come. Baldie Cressman drove team. We sawed wood in p.m. A.C.B. and his two men helping. I paid P. Appel for 2 1/2 days $2.50. I paid A. Arnold for 11/2 days $1.50. Thurs. 20. Weather cool, some rain during last night. Gilbert plowed till 4 p.m. Then he and Wm. Toman killed beef for H. Eckstein. Ezra took wagon and sawhorse and unloaded corn wagons, helping in a.m. and he plowed in p.m. I plowed from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wife and I at funeral of H. Eckstein's infant from 1 to 4 p.m. Fri. 21. Weather mostly cloudy and cold. A heavy thunder shower during last night. I was at Ayr in a.m. for cheese boxes got 19 for .95cts. Bought a pair of shoes for Herbert at Baker's for $1.50. I had 26 lb Tallow for which I got $1.00. Sat. 22. Weather fair and cloudy and fine. At funeral of H.B. Cassel at Blenheim in p.m. N. Stauffer in evening and A. Cressman in German. English text - Isa. 38-1, German Heb. 6-8. Boys finished plowing stubble field in a.m. Repaired fences andc. in p.m. Mos. K Snyder's at our place for dinner. Sun. 23. Weather fair and cloudy and rather cool. At Blenheim Church and Sunday School in a.m. Sermon by S. Gerhman from Luke 11-40. Mon. 24. Weather mostly fair and rather warm. I was at Berlin for cheese boxes. Got 15 at Metcalfs from .75, 14 at Boehmens for .60. 5 at Dukes' for .25, and 5 at Brubakers for .25. paid for driver .25, for pencils .28, for blanks .15. Boys set off power for cutting corn, and took a load of hay to Chipman weighing 1570 lb. He got before 640 lb. Total 2210 lb. Sold to Dav. Gehrman 11 lb cheese at .10cts. - $1.10. boys harrowed etc. Tues. 25. Weather fair and fine. I boxed cheese in a.m. In p.m. I took 57 boxes - 11783 lbs to Petersburg Station to ship to Park Blackwell Co. Boys got H.P. and straw cutts ready in a.m. Harrowed in p.m. Wrote a deed in evening for Sam Hallman. Wed. 26. Weather fair and fine. Boys hauled in cornstal. I chored round white washing celler etc. Got from S. Hllman for writing deed $1.25. Mrs Horst here for dinner to get �will written. Dr. Ratz and Dr. Rice here in p.m. to get deed written. Thurs. 27. Weather fair and fine. Boys hauled corn stalks. I did some writing and chores. Fri 28. Weathe fair and fine, cool in morning. I was at Dundee in a.m. At cooper shop, at Dr. Ratz's and at Chipmans hardwear in at Thamers. I hauled corn (ears) and sunflowers from cornfield in p.m. Sat. 29. Weather cloudy, rain in a.m. I did some writing etc in a.m. At Dundee in p.m. Got from W. Kriesel for writing .50cts. I paid for apple purer .60fts, fot tub hoops etc at Alex Smiths. Gilbert helped D.H. Snder to thrash in p.m. Sun. 30. Weather fair and fine. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. At Abr. Hallman's for a call after tea. October Mon. 1.Weather cloudy and foggy in morning, after that fair, rather warm. At Berlin via H. Baer's. At Mrs. Horsts Bugeport for dinner, home at after 2 p.m. Got from Bank, Bowman est. $21.00. Got draft of J W. Berry $21.00, ex. .25cts. Got from Bank, Hunsberger est. $270. Got from Bank, my own 200. Got from Bank, school check, $58.20. paid Blauks (deed etc.) $1.85. Tear searches .60, peaches .45, grapes .18, for draft .25. Gilbert helped D.H. Snyder to thrash. Ezra plowed stubble. Tues. 2. Weather fair and warm. I was at Dundee in a.m. Paid teachers etc. Gilbert and Ezra plowed in a.m. and Ezra in p.m. Gilbert helped Jos. Cassel's thrashing in p.m. Wed. 3. Weather fair and fine. I did chores in a.m. In p.m. wife and I went to her mother's place, stopping at Jac. S. Hallman's on way. I paid M. Hallman's not of $500, with $8.43 interest. Park's cheque for $209.43, and $299 cash. Ezra went to Galt show, I paid him $1.00. Gilbert helped W. Toman's to thrash in a.m. A. Schliman helped Cassel for me in a.m. A. Schliman helped W. Toman for me in p.m. P. Appel helped W. Toman for me in p.m. Thurs. 4 Weather fair and fine. Wife and I attended funeral of Mrs Burkholder in a.m. Brought Mrs. J.K. Brulaker and her daughter along for dinner. We took them to D. Eshelman's inp.m. for supper. Gilbert plowed, Ezra plowed till 11 a.m., then went to D.H. Snyder's to act at hosts at funeral. A. Schliman and P Appel for me at W. Toman's ¾ day. Fri.5 Weather fair and warm. I was at Haysville and at Jac. Hanspeyers in a.m. Eckstein and I dug potatoes in p.m. Eckstein 1/4 day. Boys finished plowing field at 5 p.m. They then brought in potatoes. Milton paid me his wages for 3 months, $78.75. gave him $1.00. I paid Jac. Hanspeyer for Hanspeyer est. $20.00. Sat. 6 Weather mostly fair and rather warm. We all worked at potatoes in a.m. gilbert went to Conestoge in p.m. I went to school exam and Ezra repaired fences etc. �Sun. 7. Weather cloudy with rain in p.m. turning colder in evening. At Blenheim Church and Sunday School in a.m. Is Cressman's with us for dinner. Jos. Nahrgary spoke from Rom. XII: 1,2, and 11. Mon. 8 Weather mostly fair with a cold N. wind. I took 4 hogs to Baden. Sold to Hall and Knepp, weight 830 lbs at 53/4 a lb, $47.75. I bought for wife 1065 serg chop at $13 a ton, $6.90. Boys plowed stubble. Tues. 9 Weather fair and fine. Boys helped Mos. Bear thrashing 2 days. gilbert went away in evening to go to Markham. Wed. 10. Weather fair and fine. Ezra and Eckstein helped M. Baer thrash 3/4 of a day. A. Schliman helped for me at Mos. Bock's. I got apples ready in p.m. for making cider. Thurs. 11. Weather fair and fine. I made cider at Beckers in morning. (83 gals, 83 cts.) Ezra plowed. A .Schlirman at M. Bocks 1/2 a day for me. Fri 12. Weather rather fine. Ezra sick, could not work. Dan Cressman's from Kansas came to our place in evening for night. Sat. 13. Weather rather fine. Ezra plowed. I chored round, did some writing. Sun. 14. Weather cooler. Wife and I at Latschen church. N. Stauffer Phil. 2:5. At H. Baer's for dinner. Home at 6 p.m. Mon. 15. Weather fair and fine. I did some writing. Deed Clemmens to J Horst. Mrs. Horst and daughter and some in lend here in morning. Boys began at Manpels. From M. Hansberger for 9 lb cheese 9.00. Tues. 16. Weather fair with rather a cold N.W. wind. I did some writing (Church Calenders). Jns. Dirstein and wife came here on a visit for night. I was at Dundee in evening. Got two bags flour, some lime, and some sstore articles. Boys worked at Manpels. Wed. 17. Weather mostly fair and cool. First heavy frost this morning. Let Mr. and Mrs. Jns Dirstein have horse and buggy to go visiting. Wrote at Church Calanders in a.m. Deed Spaetzel to Geiger in p.m. Got from Wm Spaetzel balence for mortgage and registering deed. $1.05. Got for writing and registering deed Jac. Shantzie batlence to Dan. Geiger $3.00. Got for writing Elizabeth Spaetzels note principle 50.00, interest 2.25 = 52.25. Got for writing Wm. Spaetzels not principle 75.00, interest 3.15 = 78.15. Got on Wm Spaetzel's note principle 230, interest 12.00 = 242.00. Total of all sums, 372.40. Paid Wm. Spaetzel for collar 5.00, repairs .40. Paid Wm Spaetzel Rachel Bock (coal) $25.86. Boys at Manpels. Thurs. 18. (Thanksgiving Day) Weather fair and rather cool. At Blenheim Church in �a.m. Is. Rosie from Rom. XII. Got collection for poor $12.00. I was at Dundee in p.m. Boys at Manpels in p.m. Fri 19. Weather fair and rather cool. Went with Geo. Bechtel to Manheim (J. Berggs) Got fahter's horse, went thence to Waterloo to order printing of Church Calenders at Chronicle office. Thence to Berlin registry office registered deed Spaetze to Geiger $1.55. Got Canadian History .50, Blank's .25, book .25. (all at Beckers), deposited in Bank of Commerce $350.00. Got tablets (2) .20. I came to my fathers at 12:40 for dinner there got my horses and came home at 2:30 p.m. Then went to Dundee Beef Meeting. (Subscribed $2.00 stock in Farmer's Binder Twine Co. at Walkerton). Home at 6 p.m. Boys finished Manpel's in a.m., plowed in p.m. Sat. 20. Weather fair and cool, though somewhat milder. Hard frost in morning. I did some writing and hauled two loads turnips and one corn in a.m. Wife and I at Blenheim Church (preperatory meeting) in p.m. D. Wisner preached. Gilbert and Herb plowed. Ezra picked apples. From H. Hllman 11 lb cheese at $1.10. Sun. 21. Weather fine. Meeting at Blenheim (Communion). All present partook, some not present. D. Wisner's at our place for dinner. Also John Benjamin, O. Stauffers and Eph Snyder. Mon. 22. Weather fair and cloudy although rain in p.m., evening and night. I did some writing in a.m. Brought home some wook, pumpkin etc. Boys plowed, finished field north of house. Tues. 23. Weather cloudy in a.m. with rain in morning. Boys brought Mrs. Rachel Bock some straw in a.m. 1040 lb. Gilbert and J. Brunk worked at pipes (raw) I was at Berlin and Brideport, did writing for Mrs. Horst. (2 deeds, will, agreement etc.) Got for writing $6.00) Home at about 8 p.m. Wed. 24. Weather fair and cloudy and mild. gilbert and I Brunk and I sometimes forked at pipes, got water to come. Ezra worked at turnips. I took 1/2 cord of wood to Jac Brunk for $1.75. I bought a shovel (scoop) for $1.00. P Cards and Stauffers .50. Thurs. 25 Weather cloudy and foggy. I was at Blenheim church in p.m. Boys finished topping turnips in p.m. Took in three loads of turnips in a.m. Fri. 26. Weather fine and mild. Took in 12 loads of turnips today. Sat. 27. Weather mostly fair and mild. Picked up 11 loads of turnips in a.m. Boys took 2 of them to Amos Bocks in p.m. Sun. 28. Weather fine. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. At Jesse B. Cassels for tea. Mon. 29. Weather cloudy in a.m. Fine in p.m. We topped and harrowed out 1 acre of �turnip in p.m. G. Main pulled some, and Eckstein a few rows in a.m. We hauled in 2 loads in evening. Tues. 30 Weather cloudy with a lot of rain. I was at Waterloo and Berlin. Read part of proof for Calanders. At Berlin in registry office etc. Dinner .25, hay .10, postage .10 carfare .10 envelope .50. Got from Bank $100.00. Paid Binder, sent in registered letter. $120. Wed. 31. Weather cloudy. Took 1500 lb hay to J.M. Weber today. Boys plowed. Thursday, November 1 Weather cloudy & mild. We took 5 loads of Turnips in. Friday, November 2 Weather fine, We took in 12 loads of turnips. Saturday, November 3 Weather fair & fine. At Waterloo & Berlin, I got dinner at E.C. Bowman's at Chron. Office. Brot. Mrs. E.C. Bowman along home pd. Book .60, Hay .10. Boys brot in 11 loads of turnips. H. Granel plowed for $2.50. G. Main 1 load for pulling turnips, At meeting of Trustees in Evg. Sent to Binder Twine Co. Walkerton $100, got it out of bank. Sunday, November 4 Weather mostly fair & fine. At Blenheim Ch. in a.m. Jos. Nahrgang Math. V:6, 14, 20. Edification Meeting at our place in Evg. Monday, November 5 Weather fine in a.m. Cloudy in p.m. with a storm at 4 p.m. Took away 12 loads of Turnip's, 2 of them to Eckstein, 2 to Is. Cressman & 1 to Wm. Main. Virtually finishing. Tuesday, November 6 Weather cloudy & fair alt. with a rather cold N.W. wind. I was at Berlin, Took some eggs along, Stopped at Levi Hallman's on way & got money for note held by Jos. Hallman Est[ate] deposited same in Bank. D.B. SchneiderY & I at Louis Ernst, pd. him $5. on note against Reichert Est[ate]. Brot some sewer tiles from D.M. Shoemaker's. Pd for Dinner & Hay .35, Rep. Spect. .10, 5 8„in[ch] tiles $2.15. Boys repd. finces & brot in some partly rotten turnips. Wednesday, November 7 Dominion Election to„day, I was at Dundee on some business & to cast vote at election, had horses shod, 4 new, 4 set. $1.40, Repair .25. Boys plowed, Gilbert down to vote at Dinner hour. Thursday, November 8 Weather cloudy & rather cool, Worked at apples Boys plowed. Friday, November 9 Weather cloudy & rather mild. Boys plowed, Finished one field in a.m. Began another in p.m. Saturday, November 10 Weather cloudy & cold. Wife & I at Preston with eggs. Sold 100 doz. Home at 2.15 p.m. Milton & Ezra plowed. Gilbert helped Jno Howling to thrash. Wife pd me $8.22 which she had been owing me. Sent money to Mary Ann �Pickett & Josi. Hunsperger Sunday, November 11 Weather cloudy mostly At home in a.m. At S.S. in p.m. Monday, November 12 Weather cloudy & rather cold. I plowed til 9.30 a.m. Then chored round &c. Gilbert helped Howling [?] day thrashing. Then plowed rest of day, Ezra plowed all day. Advanced to Beef Co. $43.11. Settled with Jno. Hall for cattle. Tuesday, November 13 Weather cloudy with snow. I was at J.C. Hallman's for some lumber in a.m. Got 1 2/5 elm plan[ks] @ $14. per M [1000 board feet?] & 200 ft. cull boards for $1.75. Had previously got 625 ft plank @ $14.00, Total pd. $12.95 I Got from A. Smith for Beef $4.71, From W. Futher do[cument] $4.44. I pd. A. Smith's acct. $2.65. Boys plowed in a.m. Too much snow in p.m. Jac. C. Hallman pd. bal. of Beef acct. $4.40. Wednesday, November 14 Brot some sand to Horse Stable to fill up, expecting carpenter to lay floor, he did not come. Hung up barn door in morning. Thursday, November 15 Weather cloudy & somewhat snowy. We cleaned at other barn 53 00/00 bush. wheat & took it to Dundee Mill & sold it for 63 cts a b. Test [weight] 60 [pounds], Total $33.51, pd. for a broom .30. Had Dexter & Fan shod in a.m. 5 set & 3 new at Kolen. Got from S.H. Snyder for Beef $5.00, being 41 cts too much. Friday, November 16 Weather cloudy & fair alt. some snow in a.m. Cleaned up & took to Dundee Mill, a load of wheat about 47 bush. Exch. 16+ Bush. for 600 lbs of Flour & midd., instead of Bran, got cush $20 10/00 Daughter Eva came home from Man[nheim] in Evg. Sent registered letter containing $20 to Wm. Hunsperger, Didsbury Alta in p.m. Saturday, November 17 Weather cloudy, foggy, with a little rain in p.m. Took young cattle to other barn, got stables ready, & put up gate &c in a.m. Cut corn & got a load of Straw from other barn in p.m. Sunday, November 18 Weather cloudy with some rain in p.m. At Blenheim Ch. & S.S. in a.m. At home in p.m. M. KressmanY spoke from Matt. XXII:20 (good sermon). Monday, November 19 Weather cloudy with rain almost all day. I worked at other barn for some time. Boys plowed some in a.m. Chr. Cressman & Jno. Karcher here in morning to see about writing deed. At Dundee in Evg. Got Man[ure] fork .80, file .18, Bolts .10, hook .03, Rope .12. Tuesday, November 20 Weather cloudy for day with a little rain in Evg. I was at Preston with eggs, & got a Turnip pulper of P[eter] E. Shantz['s foundary], a.m. to pay 2 loads of 2nd class wood & enough cash to make $10. At Galt with Street car. Pd. for drive .25 Carfare.15 Boys plowed in p.m. Got basket at Dundee for .20. Wednesday, November 21 Weather cloudy with a high wind, with some rain & thunder �in a.m. I did chores &c. picking over turnips. Boys chored round, cut corn, &c. Thursday, November 22 Weather fair & cloudy alt. mild. We Killed two hogs today, made sausage, all ourselves. Friday, November 23 Weather mostly fair & rather cold. I took apples to Spaetzel's Mannheim to be made into apple syrup. Came home at 12:30 p.m. Got Mr. C. Beckman to come tomorrow to put floor in horse stable. Boys finished plowing corn & turnip ground & some in garden lot. I was at Abr. Hallman's on business in p.m. Saturday, November 24 Weather cloudy & not very cold. Eva & I went to Waterloo where I got Church [preaching] Calenders & paid $11.80 for Insurance of School House. Then to Berlin, where I got $75 from Bank for me, & $75 for Hallman est[ate]. To W.E. Shantz's for dinner, Home at about 5.30 p.m. Ezra helped F. Stager to thrash. C. Beckman made a stable floor (3/4 day) N[athan] B. Cassel pd me for hay [$]10.15. Sunday, November 25 Weather cloudy with rather a cold wind. At home in a.m., At S[unday] S[chool] in p.m. Monday, November 26 Weather fair & cloudy alt. with a cold N. wind. We thrashed to day, 325 bush wheat, 400 bu. Oats, 35 barley, 16 peas, & 26 Peas & Oats. Total 802. Aaron Bowman, Machine & 3 men W. Toman, 1 man, A. Schlierman J. Howling, 1 " Jas. Bergey M. Baer, 1 " Amos Bock F. Steger, 1 " Hy. Eckstein D.H. Snyder, 1 " Dil. Hunsperger 3/4 day Jos. Cassel, I made some calculations for my father, got 25[?] Tuesday, November 27 Weather fair & cloudy alt. & fine. Thrashed again, finished at home. Men same as yesterday, except AM Bock did not help, 29 bush wheat, 238 bush. barley, 281 Oats, Total, 854. I pd. Dil. Hunsperger, Note to Sam Hunsperger for cow $35. Wednesday, November 28 Weather fair & cloudy alt. & mild, Thrashed again on Shantz farm. Men same as yesterday, 420 bush. Oats, & 240 wheat, Total 660. Paid Taxes $76.49. Thursday, November 29 Weather mostly cloudy & not very cold. I was at Dundee in �Morning, getting paper twine & mucilage [?] 20 cts. Packed & addressed Church Calendars till 4 p.m. Then took them to Dundee to mail them, pd. postage 78 cts. Got 30 p. curds, .30. Boys took a load of hay to H. Granel, 1610 lb @ $10 a ton. Friday, November 30 Wife & I went to Berlin with eggs &c. I sent an Express order of $5 to Menno E. Hunsperger, Napierville Ill. & one of $3.33 to Mrs. Melvin Larrabbee, Port Huron Mich. Cost of Orders .08, postage .04 pd. for lunch (wife & I) .30, biscuits (bal.) .11, sund. .06. Boys got some Barley & oats chopped. I have a severe cold with cough just now. Got worse today. December Mon. 3 WEather mostly fair and fine. At home all day. Jesse B. Cassel's, Mrs. Henry Cassel, and Simon Cressman's at our place on a visit and for dinner. Sold S. Cressman's 12 lb cheese at .12 cts. $1.44. S.C. paid me balence on beef .12cts. Ezra helped F Steger's to thrash. Tues. 4. Weather mostly cloudy with a little drizzlin rain in p.m. Gilbert took 1010 lb hay to Jns. Chipman in a.m. Gilbert plowed sod in p.m. Wife and Ezra went to Preston with eggs. I paid James Bergey $2.75 for labor (2 3/4 days). I weighed Is Cressman's oats into his bin in p.m. Wed. 5. Weather cloudy and fair although turning cooler. Gilbert plowed in a.m. and took a load of wood to Weber Bros. in p.m. Ezra hauled rails in a.m. and plowed sod in p.m. I was at Dundee at A. Hanspeyer in a.m.and did some chores. In p.m. I was at Blenheim church helping to repair floor etc. At Guthrie's in p.m. He paid me $5.00 on beef account. At Josi. Hallman's in evening to make affidavit on deed. Thurs. 6. Weather cloudy and mild. Started from home at 6:20 a.m. and to Dundee thence to Petersburg with G. Bechtel. Took train for Hanover where I got at $1:30 p.m. Got dinner at Kirchener's Hotel. Thence I walked to Isaac Hanspeyers where I stayed for the night. I got from wife 5.00. I got express order for $5.00 to Ezra Hanspeyer N. Dakota. I got express order for $1.40, G.R. Patueer registration. cost for same .07, Stamps .04 cts. Fare Petersburg to Hanover and return $4.20. Bus fare .15, dinner .25, sand .05. Fri. 7. Weather cloudy with snow last night at Hanover. I stayed at Is. Hanspeyers for dinner. He took me to Hanover Station. I took train at 1:30 p.m. for Elmwood. (paid ticket .35.) At Uncle C. Eby's for supper with them to church where H. Gondie preached a "Home Mission" sermon from Rom. 10:16. (Gave to collection .10cts) Went to J. Dirsteins for night. Gilbert took 1 load of wood to Dr. Rice for $3.25. Sat. 8. Weather cloudy and colder. Left J. Dirsteins at 7:10 a.m. Took train got to Petersburg at 11:45 a.m. Home with Bechtel paid him .25. Fro Globe $1.00l Fot from wife $15.00 Sent to registry office $1.50 (postage .05) A. Schliman 1400 lb straw. I.A. Bock 2 loads wood to Garland $6.50. Sun. 9. Weather cloudy windy with some snow in p.m. At home in a.m. At funeral of �Jm. odes in p.m. Mon. 10. Weather rather cold, N. W. wind. Ezra took hay to Milton's ... Gilbert and I loaded hay for Bechtel. Gilbert took it to farm in p.m. 2390 lb at $16 a ton $11.95. I was at Dundee in p.m. ... postage .08. (parts missing because copy to light to read.) Tues. 11. Weather fair and cloudy although with snow flurries. W. wind. (the rest of text for this day copy is too light.) Wed. 12. Weather cold with a W. wind, milder in evening. Wife and I at my father;s place for dinner and at A. Swartz's for tea. Ezra did chores and clipped calves. Thurs. 13. Weather mastly cloudy with a cold N.W. wind and flurries of snow in p.m. We cleaned and bagged a load of what in a.m. I took it (55.25 a bushel) to Goldie's in pj.m. Sold it for .63. $34.91. Thence to Ayr for Cheese boxes and a bunch of shingles. Paid for shingles .70cts. For cheese boxes .30. court plaster, .05. Dan. Geingrich paid me for hay $8.90, I borrowed form Mrs. Is. Cressman $1.10. I repaid Eva 4.00. Gilbert helped Jos. Cassel to thrash in p.m. Fri. 14.Weather fiar and cold N.W. wind. I was at home doing chores. Ezra helped Josi. Cassels to thrash. Gilbert at Berlin via Petersburg. Took eggs for J.A.Auck to Petersburg Station and got cheese boxes at Berlin. Paid for cheese bexes .45cts, whip .30, sanders .50. Sat. 15. Weather fair and cloudy and cold. I was at Dundee in a.m. Got padlocks .80. At Baden in p.m. Got Schol Taxes for Wimot $649.54.. Home at 6 p.m. Paid Jonas hanspeyer for est. $4.00. Gilbert helped Josi. Casssel to thrash 1/2 day, in a.m. Sun. 16. Weather fair and cloudy although rather cold. At Blenhim meeting and Sunday School in a.m. At home in p.m. Mon. 17. Weather cloudy and not very cold. Rather damp E. wind. I was at Dundee in morning about school matters. Paid Wm Main for shcool work $1.00. For work in haying $1.00. C. Beckman for laying plow in horse stable $1.00. H. Einwachte for gravel for school yard. Wife and I started from home at about 2 p.m. took Arnie and Walter Bowman of Michigan to Israel Shantz's thence we went to Berlini and to D. Shuh's for the night. I left $50.00 with A.B. McRae for Miss Dancaster salary. A.B. McRae I had paid for dogskin.50. Tues. 18. Weather milder with E. Wind. I went from D. Shuh's to Wm Bachert for a calf. Paid for it $1.50. Wife and I left at Shuh's for Berlin at 10 a.m.. To Berlin. Came home at 1:30 p.m. I paid for pocket knives for boys. $1.75. For Hellebin .30, for cough medicine .25. Deposited in bank $460.00. H Baer's at our place in evening. Ezra helped Mrs. Dinger to cut wood. Wed. 19. Weather fair and mild. Got oats and barley and peas and barley ready and �brought them to chopping mill, Dundee in a.m. 2060 lb and some before. $1.76. Put cheese in boxes (1116 lb) and Gilbert took it to Petersburg Station. Ezra at other farm in p.m. Thurs. 20 no entry Fri. 21 no entry Sat. 22 no entry Sun. 23. Weather cloudy and fair although with a little rain in a.m. At home in a.m. At Sunday School in p.m. G. Hallman's at our place in evening for tea. Mon. 24. Weather cloudy with rather a cold W. wind. Took a horse to Weber's Dundee in a.m. At Funeral of Sam. Hallman in p.m. Full church. Sermon by P. Cober, Text "Let me die into death of the righteous and let my last sin be like his." Benj A. Bowman and wife from Michigan and A.S. Beiber and wife with us for dinner. Tues. 25. Weather cloudy, rather cold. Wife and I went to church at Latscher's in a.m. To wife's mother's place for dinner and a family gathering. Home at about 6 p.m. Wed. 26. Weather cloudy and colder. At Dundee and school meeting in a.m. I got reelected frustee. I was in bush showing Dan Gingrich where to cut wood in p.m. Thurs. 27. Weather mostly cloudy, not very cold. Wife and I left home at 8 a.m. and went to Petersburg Station. took train for Breslan to Bible Conference. Got there at 10:20 a.m. Went with M.M. Shantz for the reader. Paid ticket $1.20. Paid Milton $5.00. Fri. 28. Weather cloudy and rather cold. Took 10:50 train for Berlin where I registered discharge for J.F. Master. Got money in bank (school) $525 and collected cheque. M. F. Anslie $104. In C Bitzers office to make affidavit in regards to execution Sam Hallman's will. In E.P Clements office the same in Rodas will. Went back to Breslan partly in ... got there at 1:30 p.m. Left breslan at 7:30 p.m. for Petersburg. Thence home where we got at 10:30 p.m. Paid for registration D.O.M. .60cts. Sat. 29. Weather fair and cloudy and fine. At Dundee on business in a.m. Got Gly shod. p.m. shoeing horses. $1.10 paid scool money to Alex McDonald $651.00. At Blenheim Church in p.m. At business meeting. Paid insurance $13.54. Church expeneses 1.50, minister's fund 1.00, insurance for Rachel Bock 1.43. Ab. Rickerts came to our place for the night. Sun. 30 Weather mostly cloudy and fine. Blenheim Church in a.m. at distribution of prizes in p.m. At Is. Cressman's meeting in evening. Milton took Ab. Rickerts to Mannheim in a.m. Got visitors in p.m. Rain hard in evening, for the night. Mon. 31. Weather cloudy and rather cold. Wife and I left home at 8 a.m. and left by train at Petersburg at 9:40 a.m. for Elmwood accompanied by Abs Rickert and wife. Got to �Elmwood at 2 p.m. Went to funeral of Mrs. Mos. Weber. Is S. Bacherts for tea, and to Cornelius Eby's for night. Thrashing for 1900 We helped Josiah Cassel July 27-8, 3/4 day Oct 2+3, 1day. Mos. Baer Aug. 10, 1 day Oct 9+10 31/2 days F Steger Aug 11, 1 day Nov. 24, 1 day, Dec. 1+3 11/2 days Wm Toman Aug 11, 1/2 day Oct. 3+4, 3 days John Howling Nov. 9-12, 1 1/2 day Mos. Bock Aug 1, ½ day Oct 10+11, 1 1/2 days D.H. Snyder Aug , 1/2 day Sep. 29 1/2 day, Oct.1, 1 day Thrashing for 1900 We got help from Josi. Cassel Aug. 20, 1/2 day, Aug 24 1/2 day, Nov. 26-28, 2 3/4 Mos. Baer Aug. 20, 1/2 day, Aug 24, 1 day (team), Nov. 26-28, 23/4 Settled by hamper $3.75. F Steger Aug 20, 1/2 day, Aug 24, 1/2 day, Nov. 26-28, 2 3/4 Wm. Toman Aug 20, 1/2 day, Aug 24, 3/4 day, Nov. 26-28, 2 3/4 �Jns. Howling Aug 20, 1/2 day, Aug 24, 1/2 day, Nov. 26-28, 2 3/4 Mos. Bock Aug 20, 1/2 day, Aug 24, 1/2 day, Settled by recpt .50. D.H. Snyder Aug 20, 1/2 day, Aug 24, 1/2 day, Nov. 26-28, 23/4 A.C. Bowman 3 men and machine, 3 men and machine, 3 men for 2 3/4 I paid him $53.00 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Bergey Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource David Bergey Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Mennonite Archives of Ontario Conrad Grebel University College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1866-1924 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th and 20th Century, Waterloo County, Wilmot Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. David Bergey Diary, 1900 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource David Bergey Diary, 1900 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Typed Transcription Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1900 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. David Bergey Diary Collection UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f35105fae1377aef77418597e1f7f343.pdf 8e360b9a7ebb852bf2e8ba1b2a7c650c https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/56c489384e0947bfa5be7ba892d49b25.pdf 7f1bee655a0857f1c0f3abf693de3413 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/248eee9b7291fa5c2b51d8a47837d62e.pdf 7ec5d9917c10a82fedc5e1fa8eb2257c 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 Philp Family Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th & 20th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th & 20th Century, Wellington County, Maryborough Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Elizabeth Philp Diary & Transcription, 1897 Elizabeth Philp Diary & Transcription, 1898 Elizabeth Philp Diary & Transcription, 1899 Elizabeth Philp Diary & Transcription, 1900 Elizabeth Philp Diary & Transcription, 1901 Clara, Olive, & Elizabeth Philp Diary & Transcription, 1902 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1903 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1904 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1905 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1906 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1907 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1908 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1909 Clara, Brock, Elizabeth & Olive Philp Diary & Transcription, 1910 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1911 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1912 Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1913 Clara & Olive Philp Diary & Transcription, 1914 Olive & Clara Philp Diary & Transcription, 1915 Olive Philp Diary & Transcription, 1916 Olive Philp Diary & Transcription, 1917 Olive Philp Diary & Transcription, 1918 Olive Philp Diary, 1919 Olive Philp Diary, 1920 Olive Philp Diary, 1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1897-1918 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 Elizabeth Philp Diary & Transcription, 1901 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1901 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Philp Family Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Elizabeth Philp Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archives of Ontario Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Wellington County, Maryborough Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1901 UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> <p>Diary for 1901</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January TUESDAY,1 (1--364) 1901</span></h2> <p>Tes. Fisher here crushing grain Walt plant helping all day Robt (Robert) choring and helpingkind of stormy Willie and Ma went up to see aunty Cass dick went up to aaron walton's party. Willie and Jim went up at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 2 (2-363)</span></h2> <p>Finished chopping fornoon Walt Plant here helping Robt choring and helping move Fisher to Perkins Jim took Dick to the train at eleven and took willie at one o'clock back to work. Jim stayed over for a few days longer. Robt drawing out manure. Cold.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 3 (3-362)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring fornoon then helping Burrows kill a beez? Miss north here to give girls their lesson Jim here for a while. lizzie and Sarah Hilborn here in the evening. Very fine day. A new teacer for this year. A Miss Forbes Olive and Brock started</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January Friday, 4 (4-361) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and finished drawing out {illegible}. rather a fine day. Mother here for a little while afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 5 (5-360)</span></h2> <p>Robt: choring forenoon and cleaning out all the {fens?} and down to Drayton at night. children and I down home in the evening. beautiful moonlight- nights.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">1a Sunday, 6 (6-359)</span></h2> <p>all at home all day. jim here forenooon children and I down home for a little while.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY, 7 (7-358) 1901</span></h2> <p>Da choring forenoon. Over to route in afternoon. Down to Drayton at night. Fine day. Mr. McEwing and Mulloy elected for Commissioners.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 8 (8-357)</span></h2> <p>Da choring all day Jim went home at noon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 9 (9-356)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January THURDAY, 10 (10-355) 1901</span></h2> <p>Soft rainy day Robt choring in forenoon. took "Mint." over to Dick Lowes in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 11 (11-354)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day 'D' Battery Guelph Boys arrive home great reception.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 12 (12-353)</span></h2> <p>Cold and stormy. Da choring in forenoon. In the afternoon over to Dick Lowes and round by Drayton.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January SUNDAY, 13 (13-352) 1901</span></h2> <p>Beautiful day. up to Grandpa Philip's in afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 14 (14-351)</span></h2> <p>Lovely morning. but a soft snow falling in the afternoon. Robt choring in the forenoon Started to draw up wood in the afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 15 (15-350)</span></h2> <p>Foggy and soft choring and drawing up wood.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January WEDNESDAY, 16 (16-349) 1901</span></h2> <p>Very stormy day. Da choring in the forenoon, and over to J. Richie's sale in afternoon. W. {Fain?} and N. Bimming here to see {illegible}.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 17 (17-348)</span></h2> <p>Stormy day. Robr- choring all day sold calves to Fain, and Bimming for $130.00 Rich {superscript symbol} brought word.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 18 (18-347)</span></h2> <p>Choring forenoon drawing wood afternoon very fine day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January SATURDAY, 19 (19 - 346) 1901</span></h2> <p>Choring all day. and down to Drayton at night.</p> <p>Oline, Brock and I at Drayton afternoon</p> <p>very bright- but cold</p> <p>W.Fair took his bull away. It was the oldest.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 20 (20 - 345)</span></h2> <p>all at home all day.</p> <p>very fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 21 (21 - 344)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon. packing Feather Tick and took it to Drayton and expressed it</p> <p>Saudy Walker here for a few minutes. Robt went to Drayton with him and took the bed to express to Brandon.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January TUESDAY, 22 (22 - 343) 1901</span></h2> <p>Choring forenoon and down to Drayton to get horses shod.</p> <p>All over to Sara Burrows 40th birthday party had nice time.</p> <p>Cold but fine.</p> <p>Queen Victoria died at 6.30. Eng.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 23 (23 - 342)</span></h2> <p>Choring forenoon started to N. Binning's with Bull calf at 1 o'clock. Folm Craig here aft.</p> <p>Little pig died.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 24 (24 - 341)</span></h2> <p>Folmie Craig here all day</p> <p>kind of soft.</p> <p>Robt got home at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January FRIDAY, 25 (25 - 340) 1901</span></h2> <p>Choring round all day.</p> <p>Richd brought- White Rocks from Fergus at night</p> <p>Robt. to Drayton afternoon.</p> <p>fine.</p> <p>Aunt Kate. Eleanor and Violet came here Uncle Richds</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 26 (26 - 339)</span></h2> <p>Choring and drawing wood aft.</p> <p>The three children to Drayton in afternoon.</p> <p>Robt took Aunt Kate Rothsay in the morning.</p> <p>They gone to live in Brace bridge</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 27 (27 - 338)</span></h2> <p>Mother and I up to church in afternoon. soft snow falling</p> <p>Mr. Aull from Palmeston preached about our Dead Iueeu</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January MONDAY, 28 (28 - 337) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon finished drawing up wood afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 29 (29 - 336)</span></h2> <p>Choring and helping Mc Euning kill pigs and down to Drayton and got Brocks top ouw coat.</p> <p>little stormy.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 30 (30 - 335)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon. and took load of hay up to Rothsay and then went to Drayton evening.</p> <p>Mr. North here for tea.</p> <p>Peel and Maryborough Co. meeting</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">January THURSDAY, 31 (31 - 334) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon Cleaned out {illegible} afternoon.</p> <p>Burrow {illegible} jack fisher for cutting wood on thin premises.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February FRIDAY, 1 (32 - 333)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day.</p> <p>Ma up to Richds making door for sheep house.</p> <p>Stormy in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 2 (33 - 332)</span></h2> <p>Choring forenoon and afternoon.</p> <p>Queen Victoria to be buried. parade in Drayton and Rothsay.</p> <p>Beautiful day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February SUNDAY, 3 (34 - 331) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and I up to Bob Gasse's for dinner. Children at grandma's</p> <p>turned Very stormy.</p> <p>Clara has a bad cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 4 (35 - 330)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>W. Plant helping chore and then helped down with three Head of Catlle choring rest of day</p> <p>rather fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 5 (36 - 329)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon then let the fire out and cleaned out the chimmey and pipes and I blacked the stool.</p> <p>very sharp and cold</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February WEDNESDAY, 6 (37 - 328) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and drawing out manure afternoon</p> <p>Miss farbes come down with children from school</p> <p>Jorah B. and Ma here for a while</p> <p>I feeling sick with cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 7 (38 - 327)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>I choring all afternoon</p> <p>Nell hardon came with Maud Morth</p> <p>mother here for a while</p> <p>very fine afternoon</p> <p>I feeling miserable at night with cold</p> <p>Robt gone to Drayton at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 8 (39 - 326)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon drawing out manure afternoon</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>I feeling miserable with a cold</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February SATURDAY, 9 (40 - 325) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon then up to Rothsay to animal factory meeting in to pay H {Hasreltim?} and see his grandpa Philp</p> <p>very stormy forenoon turned fine aft</p> <p>father has a bad cold in bed all day</p> <p>got a letter from fas {name?}</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 10 (41 - 324)</span></h2> <p>at home all day</p> <p>I went down home a little while at night</p> <p>rather fine</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">2 MONDAY, 11 (42 - 323)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon and up to Burrows other place. Surveyor did not come, Folmie Craig here an hour or so in the morning. putting in straw aft</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Da very poorly, Robt done his chores all this week</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February TUESDAY, 12 ( 43 - 322) 1901</span></h2> <p>Choring forenoon</p> <p>Down to Drayton afternoon</p> <p>very stormy day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 13 (44 - 321)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>fine day</p> <p>cutting out the top of stack</p> <p>Robts birthday 45 years</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 14 (45 - 320)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>Drawing out manure afternoon</p> <p>very fine day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February FRIDAY, 15 (46 - 319) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>cleaning out hens and pigs and choring</p> <p>Yom Miller here for supper</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 16 (47 - 318)</span></h2> <p>children all down to Drayton forenoon</p> <p>Robt choring forenoon drawing out manure afternoon down to Drayton at night</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 17 (48 - 317)</span></h2> <p>very fine day.</p> <p>All at home all day except children &amp; I down home for tea</p> <p>Da &amp; Ma feeling better</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February MONDAY, 18 (49 - 316) 1901</span></h2> <p>Choring forenoon</p> <p>Drawing out manure afternoon</p> <p>very fine forenoon turned out stormy at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 19 (50 - 315)</span></h2> <p>Robt away until 2 o'clock helping surveying a line between John Fisher and Burrows. Then did the chores</p> <p>a little stormy.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 20 (51 - 314)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>Drawing out manure in afternoon</p> <p>Tom Henderson left Kate and Grace here while he went to {Sawe?} Crockers They went away about half past eight</p> <p>Pretty stormy day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February THURSDAY, 21 (52 - 313) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>Drawing out manure.</p> <p>Very stormy day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 22 (53 - 312)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>Gone to Charlie Duckerings funeral in afternoon. Then drew out three loads of manure.</p> <p>fine forenoon but very stormy in the afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 23 (54 - 311)</span></h2> <p>Robt finished drawing out manure. Very fine day but sharp out. Plenty of snow roads very good. Drown to Drayton at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February SUNDAY, 24 (55 - 310) 1901</span></h2> <p>Down to grandma's in afternoon at home rest of day.</p> <p>Rather nice morning but stormy in afternoon and evening. pretty cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 25 (56 - 309)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring round all day Joe Mr Dornald brought the lamp for piano. paid him and bargened to keep piano at {illegible} Down to Drayton at night</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 26 (57 - 308)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and up to Billy fairs to help him ring the B.Calf choring evening</p> <p>little stormy</p> <p>Hilborns Young Folks here</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">February WEDNESDAY, 27 (58 - 307) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring round all day</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 28 (59 - 306)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring round all day</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March FRIDAY, 1 (60 - 305)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and went down to Drayton about four o'clock</p> <p>blustering</p> <p>very fine forenoon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March SATURDAY, 2 (61 - 304) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring round all day and down to Drayton at night</p> <p>very beautiful day</p> <p>Clara &amp; Olive up to Richds aft</p> <p>Brock out of school all week with a cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 3 (62 - 303)</span></h2> <p>Turned terribly stormy about ten o'clock. then very high wind at night</p> <p>children and I down home for a while</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 4 (63 - 302)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>very fine day I washed cloths</p> <p>Henry {name?} &amp; Old mon Shepherd here cleaning out the well in the poplar</p> <p>Yom Miller come here and staid all night.</p> <p>Turned little stormy at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March TUESDAY, 5 (64 - 301) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon Yom Miller here till aft dinner. fine forenoon but turned stormy toward night</p> <p>I down helping mother and Robt choring round barn aft.</p> <p>Addie Noecker married</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 6 (65 - 300)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon took out some chop to Drayton and got it home.</p> <p>rather fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 7 (66 - 299)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon out with chop afternoon and brought home our 30 lbs of lard</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Miss North here</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March FRIDAY, 8 (67 - 298) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon and out for the chop</p> <p>Terrible heavy fall of soft snow commencing at about 3 aft</p> <p>Ma &amp; Sarah Burrows here</p> <p>9 Young pigo</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 9 (68 - 297)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>down to Drayton with chop</p> <p>Brock went along to get his hair cut</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>1 young lamb</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 10 (69 - 296)</span></h2> <p>All at home all day</p> <p>The girls went down home for a couple of hours</p> <p>Turned out fearful stormy</p> <p>3 young lambs from 1 few ewe</p> <p>Thunder &amp; lightening at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March MONDAY, 11 (70 - 295) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon and afternoon</p> <p>terrible stormy all day</p> <p>Craigs whole family here for the evening</p> <p>Mr {name?} &amp; Darrock along</p> <p>Robt went for Da &amp; Ma</p> <p>terrible stormy but not cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 12 (71 - 294)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon choring round aft and filling up chop.</p> <p>I down home for a while</p> <p>Mrs {Hueltim?} here to pay for 30 lbs of Butter</p> <p>very stormy forenoon but cleared off evening quite mild at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 13 (72 - 293)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day</p> <p>Terrible stormy the long day</p> <p>children all at school</p> <p>Jimmie Mitchell married</p> <p>Old Mrs Tiles buried</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March THURSDAY, 14 (73 - 292) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all forenoon stared out to Drayton aft__ but just got as far as Mc{illegible} Come back and taok out the plough to plough the road</p> <p>snow very deep</p> <p>rather fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 15 (74 - 291)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day cleaning out pens and set</p> <p>Mother up here for a while</p> <p>rather cold wind</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 16 (75 - 290)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>{name?} here for seed oats</p> <p>Mother and I down to see Mrs Tarner Page</p> <p>beautiful day</p> <p>the first fine day in March</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March SUNDAY, 17 (76 - 289) 1901</span></h2> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Children and I up to church then down home for a little</p> <p>Robt up to see his father afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 18 (77 - 288)</span></h2> <p>very fine day</p> <p>choring forenoon</p> <p>started to draw out manure afternoon</p> <p>I washed a big washing</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 19 (78 - 287)</span></h2> <p>terrible stormy day</p> <p>Robt choring forenoon and Down to Drayton afternoon brought home a bag of N. spys</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March WEDNESDAY, 20 (79 - 286) 1901</span></h2> <p>Raw East wind</p> <p>choring and drawing out manure</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 21 (80 - 285)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and drawing out manure.</p> <p>Rather stormy and cold.</p> <p>Os. and Miss North here</p> <p>jennie calued.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 22 (81 - 284)</span></h2> <p>Choring in forenoon</p> <p>Drawing out manure in aft.</p> <p>Ma and Sara Burrows at grandma's.</p> <p>Clara 16 yrs old.</p> <p>Stormy morning fine aft.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March SATURDAY, 23 (82 - 283) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt finished drawing out manure</p> <p>Very fine day. Ma, Brock and grandma at Drayton.</p> <p>Daisy ealned (heifer)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 24 (83 - 282)</span></h2> <p>At home fore.</p> <p>Down to grandma's afternoon.</p> <p>Misty and thawing.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 25 (84 - 281)</span></h2> <p>Very foggy day. Choring in forenoon. at Drayton and Goldstone pay Norris.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March TUESDAY, 26 (85 - 280) 1901</span></h2> <p>Choring this forenoon</p> <p>Mr Mc {Euimg?} and Robt ploughing road.</p> <p>Rather dull and thawing.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 27 (86 - 279)</span></h2> <p>frozen hard</p> <p>Robt choring forenoon Took gag of straw down to Da and drawing out manure</p> <p>fine clean day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 28 (87 - 278)</span></h2> <p>Choring and gone to help Perkin with cattle to Moarefielde forenoon</p> <p>fine cold clean air</p> <p>helping butcher at Richdo afternoon</p> <p>then all over to Craigo Euening {e4apt?} Brick. He staid down all night with Ma &amp; Da.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">March FRIDAY, 29 (88 - 277) 1901</span></h2> <p>choring forenoon</p> <p>drawing up stone, tile, and old rails, of other place afternoon</p> <p>thawing and very soft {daytime?}</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 30 (89 - 276)</span></h2> <p>choring forenoon</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Mrs Burrows helping sew rags</p> <p>cleaning out pews and choring aft</p> <p>Da &amp; Brock gone to meet Jim</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>freezing at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">3 SUNDAY, 31 (90 - 275)</span></h2> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Jim here for Dinner</p> <p>children &amp; I down home for a little while.</p> <p>freezing hard at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY, 1 (91 - 274) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>choring and cleaning out pews afternoon</p> <p>Mother &amp; I washing and sewing rags</p> <p>Very fine day overhead</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 2 (92 - 273)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and went to Drayton to help Mr {name?} load his car for the N.West</p> <p>Mrs Pirkin and Emma here afternoon</p> <p>Yom Miller here</p> <p>snowing soft snow</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 3 (93 - 272)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>choring and sawing old rails afternoon</p> <p>Mother &amp; I sewing rags all day</p> <p>very fine day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY, 4 (94 - 271) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon sawing rails afternoon, I sewing rags finished for this spring 16 llo</p> <p>thawing and very dull.</p> <p>roads bad</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 5 (95 - 270)</span></h2> <p>Good friday</p> <p>very fine day choring forenoon</p> <p>and Both down to see Howard Hilborn {illegible} sawing up old rails afternoon</p> <p>Mrs Smith came up from Toronto</p> <p>I down home for a while</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 6 (96 - 269)</span></h2> <p>fine day</p> <p>choring and sawing rails</p> <p>(Mrs Smith here.) afternoon (for dinner &amp; tea)</p> <p>roads very bad</p> <p>Robt down to see Howard</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April SUNDAY, 7 (97 - 268) 1901</span></h2> <p>very dull, and raw wind</p> <p>all at home</p> <p>{e4apt?} down home for a while</p> <p>Mrs S_ gone over to saw</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 8 (98 - 267)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring forenoon</p> <p>Yom Miller came to make timber for the driving house. Wat-Ed. helping</p> <p>very raw wind</p> <p>spitting snow all afternoon</p> <p>Mrs S_ and Ma here</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 9 (99 - 266)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring fore and all Hands went out to finish the timber</p> <p>Robt came home about Eleven O clock with a terrible cut in his right foot sent for Dr Mack and put in seven stitches in it (very sore)</p> <p>Richd &amp; Wat - done the chores</p> <p>very fine day Ma here</p> <p>children all at home</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April WEDNESDAY, 10 (100 - 265) 1901</span></h2> <p>Wat choring off and an all day</p> <p>fine weather</p> <p>Ma here</p> <p>Robt foot not very painful</p> <p>Walter Smith out here</p> <p>Wat went out to Drayton with chop</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 11 (101 - 264)</span></h2> <p>Wat choring all day</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Robt foot feeling fine</p> <p>Ma here</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">3a FRIDAY, 12 (102 - 263)</span></h2> <p>Wat choring all day</p> <p>Dr Mack here to dress the foot said it was doing splendid {illegible} saw a wound do better</p> <p>Moble down here for a while</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Ma here</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April SATURDAY, 13 (103 - 262) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt feeling well but tired sitting in the house</p> <p>Wat choring forenoon and took the {Team?} and went to Palmerstan for a tank. Home again about four</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Ma here</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 14 (104 - 261)</span></h2> <p>Robt feeling well foot not painful</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Richard doing chores, today</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 15 (105 - 260)</span></h2> <p>Wat Burrows doing chores</p> <p>very fine</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April TUESDAY, 16 (106 - 259) 1901</span></h2> <p>Wat doing chores</p> <p>very fine</p> <p>Robts foot doing fine Dr Mack here to dress it</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 17 (107 - 258)</span></h2> <p>Wat doing chores</p> <p>fine day</p> <p>Richd took two pigs to Bill Richards</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 18 (108 - 257)</span></h2> <p>Wat doing chores</p> <p>fine days rain</p> <p>colder &amp; freezing at night</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April FRIDAY, 19 (109 - 256) 1901</span></h2> <p>Wat doing chores</p> <p>Drayton Horse show</p> <p>dull but dry.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 20 (110 - 255)</span></h2> <p>Wat doing chores</p> <p>Windy</p> <p>Mother &amp; I down to Drayton forenoon</p> <p>turned out a terrible snow storm and very cold snow in big banks</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 21 (111 - 254)</span></h2> <p>Richd doing chores</p> <p>Ann &amp; DickLowes here afternoon and Art Garneau.</p> <p>Very misty and heavy rain off and on all afternoon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April MONDAY, 22 (112 - 253) 1901</span></h2> <p>Will McJovish came choring</p> <p>Mother &amp; I down to Drayton to see Mrs Barry</p> <p>Robt able to move round on crutches Dr Mack here to dress his foot.</p> <p>Eda {Weocker?} married</p> <p>beautiful day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 23 (113 - 252)</span></h2> <p>Will choring forenoon down to Drayton aft with chop</p> <p>Henry {illegible} here putting in the cistren got done at noon</p> <p>little mizzle forenoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY. 24 (114 - 251)</span></h2> <p>Will choring forenoon all day</p> <p>beautiful day</p> <p>Mell Gordon Started mercing in Guelph Hospital</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April THURSDAY, 25 (115 - 250) 1901</span></h2> <p>Will choring forenoon</p> <p>lovely fine day</p> <p>Men spouting the house into the cistren</p> <p>Miss North here</p> <p>Will choring afternoon and building fence</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 26 (116 - 249)</span></h2> <p>Will choring forenoon and building fence</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>I helping take plaster of mothers room &amp; helping her rid up aft.</p> <p>Mrs Craig here afternoon</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Brock home from school with bad head ache</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 27 (117 - 248)</span></h2> <p>Will choring forenoon and disking sod started seeding</p> <p>Dr Mc here to dress Robts foot</p> <p>Brock in a high fever very sick</p> <p>beautiful day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">April SUNDAY, 28 (118 - 247) 1901</span></h2> <p>Will here to do up chores morning</p> <p>we done the chores among us aft.</p> <p>William {Tass?} here aft and John Gordon here for a while</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Olive + Clara took grandma up to church</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 29 (119 - 246)</span></h2> <p>Robt started to do the chores for first time after having cut his foot</p> <p>Will working on the land</p> <p>fine day</p> <p>Robt down to Drayton afternoon to get a wash for Brocks {throte?}</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 30 (120 - 245)</span></h2> <p>Mother and I down to Drayton afternoon</p> <p>looking like rain</p> <p>Will working on the land sowing peas</p> <p>Robt picking up fence botton</p> <p>between Ezra &amp; Ms. T choring</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May WEDNESDAY, 1 (121 - 244) 1901</span></h2> <p>Will working up barley ground and sowing it spring {tathing?} root ground aft.</p> <p>Robt Helping Burrows butcher five pigs</p> <p>Robt choring and piling wood</p> <p>Turned the young cattle out in the bush</p> <p>rain, thunder, &amp; lighting Norths House burned</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 2 (122 - 243)</span></h2> <p>Robt &amp; Will picking up stones and rails forenoon on other place</p> <p>Will spring{illegible} and sowing aft</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Robt piling wood</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 3 (123 - 242)</span></h2> <p>Will finished sowing here and Harrowed it</p> <p>Robt piling wood in the yard</p> <p>fine</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May SATURDAY, 4 (124 - 241) 1901</span></h2> <p>Will cultivating and sowing on the other place</p> <p>Robt sawing rails in the yard and piling them</p> <p>very fine day</p> <p>Clara down to Drayton aft</p> <p>Brock a great deal better</p> <p>fine</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 5 (125 - 240)</span></h2> <p>All up to church but Olive</p> <p>lovely day</p> <p>Olive has a sore mouth but not so bad as Brock</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 6 (126 - 239)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and down to Drayton to vote on the felt by law. Clara gone to Drayton for Miss Johnson</p> <p>Moving fince back on other place in the afternoon and Will back seeding on the other place.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May TUESDAY, 7 (127 - 238) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and sharpening stokes to build fince on the other place forenoon driving them afternoon</p> <p>Will back seeding on other place</p> <p>fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 8 (128 - 237)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and back building fence on other place</p> <p>Will seeding back there too</p> <p>I down to Drayton aft</p> <p>rather fine looking like rain</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 9 (129 - 236)</span></h2> <p>Clara down with card to past to Jim</p> <p>Will over on the other place seeding</p> <p>Robt choring and building fince</p> <p>little misty aft</p> <p>Miss North and Carrie here. Tenth {illegible} in 2nd quarter</p> <p>Robt down Town at night</p> <p>Art Garneau out here to shoe Carrie</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May FRIDAY, 10 (130 - 235) 1901</span></h2> <p>Will working on the other place finished seeding over there</p> <p>Robt choring and building fince finished the fence</p> <p>Mr North here to put in the cistren pump and stayed all night</p> <p>Jim Bradey here for first time.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 11 (131 - 234)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Will choring and moving the potatoes pit out of the pit into the root house</p> <p>turned very cold misty and some rain</p> <p>Girls took Miss Johnson to Drayton</p> <p>Miss Duncan came over here evening</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 12 (132 - 233)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring</p> <p>Miss Duncan and I up to church</p> <p>turned very cold and hail &amp; rain fell</p> <p>All down to Mothers for a while</p> <p>then Robt took Miss Duncan home in the evening</p> <p>very cold and raining a little</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May MONDAY, 13 (133 - 232) 1901</span></h2> <p>Clara gone for Miss Johnson</p> <p>Robt choring and drawing out manure on the barly ground</p> <p>I took Miss Johnson to Drayton in the evening</p> <p>quite cold</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 14 (134 - 231)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and drawing out manure</p> <p>fine cool weather</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 15 (135 - 230)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and drawing out manure forenoon</p> <p>Started to gang plough afternoon</p> <p>drawing out manure aft</p> <p>Turned the cows out to grass</p> <p>fine</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May THURSDAY, 16 (136 - 229) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and drawing out manure fore</p> <p>Started to gong for barley aft</p> <p>very fine</p> <p>Children home from school</p> <p>Teachers Conv_at Palmerston</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 17 (137 - 228)</span></h2> <p>Robt gong ploughing all day</p> <p>fine cool weather</p> <p>I down helping Mother</p> <p>Jim Braedey here</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 18 (138 - 227)</span></h2> <p>Robt finished ganging B_ ground forenoon</p> <p>Harrowing afternoon finished at five oclock. then milked and both went up to Rob. Norths</p> <p>children stayd at home</p> <p>very cool</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May SUNDAY, 19 (139 - 226) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt up to Rothsay aft</p> <p>mizzling and dull all day</p> <p>Children and I down home for a while</p> <p>quite a lot of rain fell cool</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 20 (140 - 225)</span></h2> <p>Robt cleaning out pig pens and calf pens and {dwiding?} little calfes forenoon</p> <p>Helping me clean out wood house and choring round aft</p> <p>mizzling forenoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 21 (141 - 224)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing patch in front of house and sowing barley and harrowing it</p> <p>fine day cool and brezz</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May WEDNESDAY, 22 (142 - 223) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing and working on the mangol ground</p> <p>mizzling off and on all day</p> <p>House cleaning</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 23 (143 - 222)</span></h2> <p>Working on mangol ground all day</p> <p>planting a few early potatoes</p> <p>Robt down to Drayton at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 24 (144 - 221)</span></h2> <p>Raining all day</p> <p>Robt choring round all day</p> <p>Brady here for dinner</p> <p>Terrible lot of rain fell</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May SATURDAY, 25 (145 - 220) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt chopping out dead trees and drawing out the old carn all day</p> <p>Clara down to train to meet Jim</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 26 (146 - 219)</span></h2> <p>little rain moring</p> <p>Jim and I up to church</p> <p>fine afternoon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 27 (147 - 218)</span></h2> <p>Robt over at Burrow</p> <p>helping out with manure all day</p> <p>fine day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May TUESDAY, 28 (148 - 217) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt drilled up the mangol ground and sowd them forenoon</p> <p>drawing out manure afternoon</p> <p>fine</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 29 (149 - 216)</span></h2> <p>Robt drawing out manure and spredding and drawing out rails</p> <p>mizzling of and on all day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">4a THURSDAY, 30 (150 - 215)</span></h2> <p>Raining morning</p> <p>Hasseltine &amp; Hicks &amp; Webber here to start put up winmill working at it all day</p> <p>raining</p> <p>Got a barrel of sugar from Guelph</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">May FRIDAY, 31 (151 - 214) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt Hicks &amp; Webber working at W.Mill all day</p> <p>raining off &amp; on most of the day</p> <p>Brardey here</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June SATURDAY, 1 (152 - 213)</span></h2> <p>Robt cleaning out pens and then Hicks came to finish putting up the winmill finished about four o clock</p> <p>Mother and I at Drayton afternoon</p> <p>Robt round by Ad Fhaths and at Drayton at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 2 (153 - 212)</span></h2> <p>All at home except down home for a while</p> <p>Y. A. Craig here aft</p> <p>dull &amp; raining</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY, 3 (154 - 211) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt took old Francy to Moorefield forenoon. Young Folds galvanizing the water trough at other place.</p> <p>Robt went over to Duckerings raisin got it up in good time</p> <p>Yom Miller bought (the life of Queen Victoria) here aft</p> <p>fine &amp; Windy drying up fast</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 4 (155 - 210)</span></h2> <p>Robt building a piece of fence accross the road on other place</p> <p>Old Jake acting very strange about noon took another spell at dark then shot him and burried him nine or ten years old</p> <p>very fine and cool</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 5 (156 - 209)</span></h2> <p>Robt still working at the fence all day</p> <p>fine day</p> <p>Robt sprained his wrist at night taking away a cow</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY, 6 (157 - 208) 1901</span></h2> <p>Clara &amp; I milked morning</p> <p>Robt went over to see get Will McYavish</p> <p>Robt went down to Drayton</p> <p>Will came over and chored o up till noon finished the fence on other place</p> <p>cool and rain at noon</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 7 (158 - 207)</span></h2> <p>Robt &amp; Will back on other place fixing fence and turning back the Young Cattle.</p> <p>Will helping wash his fathers sheep and drawing out manure and over to Craigs</p> <p>cold but dry</p> <p>Brady here</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 8 (159 - 206)</span></h2> <p>Robt &amp; Will Tagging sheep forenoon</p> <p>Will drawing out manure aft</p> <p>Girls down to see Ether aft</p> <p>Both at Drayton at night</p> <p>very cool feels like frost cool but bright</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June SUNDAY, 9 (160 - 205) 1901</span></h2> <p>very bright day</p> <p>All home forenoon</p> <p>Children and I up to see grandpa Philp</p> <p>fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 10 (161 - 204)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing on the root ground</p> <p>Washing sheep afternoon.</p> <p>Hay press men came on</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 11 (162 - 203)</span></h2> <p>Men here pressing hay all day</p> <p>Robt working on root ground and took load of pressed hay to Drayton</p> <p>very fine day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June WEDNESDAY, 12 (163 - 202) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Percy finished drawing pressed hay forenoon.</p> <p>Robt working on root ground till four oclock then up to a meeting at the S.house</p> <p>very hot day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 13 (164 - 201)</span></h2> <p>Robt working on root ground all day Will McKay came here and staid for dinner</p> <p>Mother and I down to see Mrs Jock Rich</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 14 (165 - 200)</span></h2> <p>Robt sheering sheep Wat and Ed helping finished forenoon</p> <p>Brady here</p> <p>terrible heavy rain aft</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June SATURDAY, 15 (166 - 199) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt gone to Palmerston with wool got {illegible} per lb cash brought home four {illegible} of flour</p> <p>Intend one for Grandpa Philp</p> <p>Olive, Da, and I down to Drayton forenoon all had dinner at Grandmas</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 16 (167 - 198)</span></h2> <p>All at home all day except Olive she was up to church with G_pa &amp; G_ma</p> <p>very fine day but Windy</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 17 (168 - 197)</span></h2> <p>Robt working on the root ground all day</p> <p>Maggie Benson &amp; Eliza Allon here very fine day</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June TUESDAY, 18 (169 - 196) 1901</span></h2> <p>rigging up for the turnips and sowing them.</p> <p>fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 19 (170 - 195)</span></h2> <p>Robt &amp; Da cutting and planting potatoes forenoon</p> <p>sprouting potatoes and filling them in bags for Goldstone</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 20 (171 - 194)</span></h2> <p>raining morning but cleared up Pearcy took our potatoes to Goldstone</p> <p>Robt ploughing the patch of sowthistle</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June FRIDAY, 21 (172 - 193) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing on other place</p> <p>Harrowing potatoes</p> <p>Brady here</p> <p>I went down to Drayton aft</p> <p>Both over to fix the little grove evening</p> <p>very fine day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 22 (173 - 192)</span></h2> <p>very fine forenoon</p> <p>Robt working on a patch on other place forenoon.</p> <p>down to Drayton with chop and to get the geam shod.</p> <p>alittle rain at milking time</p> <p>Miss Johnston here sewing aft</p> <p>I took her down to Sanderson</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 23 # (174 - 191)</span></h2> <p>very fine day</p> <p>children up to see G_pa.Philp in the afternoon.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June MONDAY, 24 (175 - 190) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt gone to see Adam Flath and Ruben Rogers. did not get home till noon.</p> <p>Miss Johnson here sewing.</p> <p>In the evening Robt over to moorefield.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 25 (176 - 189)</span></h2> <p>Robt distributing notice to fewer viewers in forenoon</p> <p>In evening over to Bob. Hamilton's with notice.</p> <p>Drawing up timber in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 26 (177 - 188)</span></h2> <p>Clara gone to Drayton to try entrance</p> <p>Miss Johnson gone to Mr. McEuning.</p> <p>very warm day Aunty Jass here</p> <p>Planted trees in forenoon and piled brush. finished piling brush went down and cut rafters and drew them up</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June THURSDAY, 27 (178 - 187) 1901</span></h2> <p>Clara at Drayton. very warm</p> <p>Robt. scuffling mangols in forenoon and fixing fence between montgomery and us. in afternoon. Uncle Will McKay stayed here over night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 28 (179 - 186)</span></h2> <p>Clara finished at Drayton.</p> <p>very warm. shower at noon.</p> <p>Heavy shower in evening fierce lightning</p> <p>Robt. Holing mangols all day. Jim Brady here</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 29 (180 - 185)</span></h2> <p>Robt. started at the road work</p> <p>Will. McTauish helping. very warm day.</p> <p>ordered got a crate of strawberries.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">June SUNDAY, 30 (181 - 184) 1901</span></h2> <p>Ma, Olive and Clara over to camp meeting on afternoon.</p> <p>Mr and Mrs Booth came here</p> <p>we were not here.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY, 1 (182 - 183)</span></h2> <p>Robt. and Will working on road</p> <p>very warm day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 2 (183 - 182)</span></h2> <p>Robt. and Will working on the road finished</p> <p>warm day.</p> <p>Lightning and thunder at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July WEDNESDAY, 3 (184 - 181) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robert hoeing mangols in forenoon</p> <p>Gone back to other place with Willie Wilson, R. Hamilton and Joel Kitley to settle line fence between us and Smith.</p> <p>rather hot.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 4 (185 - 180)</span></h2> <p>Robt hoeing mangols all day.</p> <p>hot.</p> <p>Ma and Grandpa hoed potatoes</p> <p>Annie and Tillie Fisher called at noon</p> <p>Miss North did not come.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">5 FRIDAY, 5 (186 - 179)</span></h2> <p>Robt hoeing mangols all day.</p> <p>rather warm.</p> <p>Ma up to Uncle Rich'd</p> <p>Jim Bradey here</p> <p>Terrible rain and thunder storm about eight o'clock. Sky got very black. fierce lightning and heavy rain.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July SATURDAY, 6 (187 - 178) 1901</span></h2> <p>Da and Ma at Drayton at night.</p> <p>Robt. hoeing mangols in forenoon</p> <p>Ma, Olive, Brock, and Clara helping weed mangols and carrots.</p> <p>E. H. Webber brought out new hay rake, oiled the wind mill and took the old rake away. Robt. scuffled cow here then went down and scuffled potatoes in in turnips field. (cloudy.)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 7 (188 - 177)</span></h2> <p>At home all day Ma and Children down home. Robt. up to Fishers at night. Dreary day. Misty and cold.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 8 (189 - 176)</span></h2> <p>Robt. scuffling. turnips and mangols until 3e o'clock then hoed 13 rows of turnips. children dropped {rupe?}</p> <p>fine cool day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July TUESDAY, 9 (190 - 175) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt. hoeing turnips till 3 o'clock</p> <p>Then had a sick stomach. did not work till after supper. hoed 17 rows to day.</p> <p>fine cool day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 10 (191 - 174)</span></h2> <p>Robt. hoeing turnips all day. hoed 24 rows.</p> <p>Olive and Clara at Drayton this forenoon rather warm day.</p> <p>Robt. had bad head ache.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 11 (192 - 173)</span></h2> <p>Robt. hoeing turnips all day. hoed 26 rows</p> <p>He feeling better to.day.</p> <p>Ma at Drayton this afternoon</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July FRIDAY, 12 (193 - 172) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt. hoeing turnips all day finished them in evening. Jim Braedy here for dinner and Mr. Hatch. Ma, Olive, Brock, Grandpa and Clara at Drayton all day. Went down in morning and met morning train. Had dinner at Tom Henderson's got home about eight o'clock. Very big crowd there. rather warm all day.</p> <p>Orange men celebrated in Drayton.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">Saturday, 13 (194 - 171)</span></h2> <p>Miss North here the 12th lesson in Second quarter. {This line was written vertically on the left side}</p> <p>Robt cleaned out all the pews and started to mow around the little trees. Finished it in afternoon and cut what was left with the mower after supper. Tom Miller here patching barn roof all afternoon. Robt disced over sow.thistle.</p> <p>hot in middle of day.</p> <p>Gone to Drayton at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 14 (195 - 170)</span></h2> <p>Ma, Olive, Brock and Clara up to church in morning. Da and Ma up to see Grandpa Philp. Very hot day. Grandma up here this evening</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July MONDAY, 15 (196 - 169) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt. down with team helping draw in Mr. McEuning's hay. Took in 24 loads. Then Percy and Jim came up and they took in patch in front. Charlie Wallis here this morning. Ray brought Charlie's trunk and the word about Entrance Clara passed. Very warm day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 16 (197 - 168)</span></h2> <p>Children went up to Grandpa Philp's to pick goose berries, stayed for dinner. Threatning rain from about ten o'clock. little shower at noon. Robt. cutting hay back of old barn. finished it. At Drayton at night. very warm before rain.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">5a WEDNESDAY, 17 (198 - 167)</span></h2> <p>Robt went down and banked up potatoes Then went for white calf to Mr. McEunings. and cleaned up the barn floor and straightened implements about.</p> <p>Brock 8 years old.</p> <p>After dinner Robt. raked Grandpa's hay and over field. Then Charlie and he puting it up. Charlie came for breakfast. rather breezy. Ma and Grandma at Drayton</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July THURSDAY, 18 (199 - 166) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt. mowing back in back field Then raked up what he cut. Charlie finished puting up back of old barn. Then back in other place. Clara at Drayton in morning to get knife mended. Then down in evening for mail. She got 746 marks. Out of 39 - 31 passed in Drayton. very warm day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 19 (200 - 165)</span></h2> <p>Robt. finished cutting in back field then raked it up this afternoon. Then he and Charlie puting it up. Jim Braedey here Miss North here. Grandpa puting in his hay.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 20 (201 - 164)</span></h2> <p>Robt. and Charlie finished puting up back field at noon. Then drawing into Grandpa's barn from behind old barn. Mr. Craig helping them. Olive and Clara at Drayton in afternoon. warm day.</p> <p>Robt and Charlie at Drayton at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July SUNDAY, 21 (202 - 163) 1901</span></h2> <p>At home all day Bob. Jass and Maggie here for dinner and tea. Charlie went up to Rothsay</p> <p>very windy day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 22 (203 - 162)</span></h2> <p>Robt. stacking hay in back field. Mr. Craig and Willie helping. also, Mr. McEuning and Percy and Will. McJavish. They put up between 30 and 35 loads and 2 loads left in the field yet. rather warm but a good breze blowing. Charlie 38 years old.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 23 (204 - 161)</span></h2> <p>Robt. Charlie and Will McJavish drawing into Grandpa's barn from field behind old barn. Then after dinner took pig load up to Grandpa Philp and fixing up round stack and brought up what hay was left over from stack. warm day.</p> <p>Clara and Olive down to Drayton.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July WEDNESDAY, 24 (205 - 160) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt. mowing back by Rich'd. Then raked up what he cut after dinner Charlie cutting weeds and dock around till noon. Then he and Will McJavish puting it up. Will here this afternoon. finished mowing the clover part of it. Ma and Grandma up to see Aunty Gass.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 25 (206 - 159)</span></h2> <p>Robt. took dog ("Mint") over to Dick Lowes. It was raining in morning but when he came back went and cut what he did not want for timothy finished about one o'clock. Then he and Charlie making a stone boat. Miss North here for dinner. Grandpa Philp 82 years old.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 26 (207 - 158)</span></h2> <p>Robt. raked up what was left back at line fence.Then after dinner Charlie and he put it up. He cut little patch below orchard before he went to rake. In the evening he raked little patch and they put some of it up. Jim Braedy here for dinner. Clara and Grandpa to Drayton in afternoon. fine day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July SATURDAY, 27 (208 - 157) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt went over and got Bill McJavish and they drew in little patch. Just got last load as it came on rain. It rained till noon. After dinner men cut down 2 big poplars and the silver maple here at the door and piled up the brush and drew them away. Clara down to meet Uncle Jim. He came. Robt over to Dick Lowes. few showers in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 28 (209 - 156)</span></h2> <p>At home all day. Ma and Uncle Jim up to church in morning. Uncle Jim here for dinner. Big rain after dinner. Showers off and on rest of day. Robt down to McEuning in evening. Ma down home. Very sultry before dinner.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 29 (210 - 155)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie, splitting, sawing and sharpening stakes all day. Clara and Olive down to berry bush got very wet. Uncle Jim, Clara and Olive at Drayton this afternoon. Tom Miller here framing timber for driving home. Went home at night. Robt. and Charlie up to Henry Perkins to get hair cut. Very heavy rain. Misty off and on all day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">July TUESDAY, 30 (211 - 154) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie cutting and sharpening stakes and clearing up rubbish on north side of barn in forenoon. Both went over to Mr. Craig's flax . bee. did not get home till late. Tom here framing. Ma and we children gone over to Mr. H Hilbows in the evening. fine day. Essie and Chrissie Smith came down from Tara. Uncle Jim gone back to Guelph.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 31 (212 - 153)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie getting out binder and oiling it up to cut barley behind the poplars. Got out about ten o'clock. Charlie shocking. finished cutting it about six. Very windy day. Robt over to get Bill McJavish to help with hay to_morrow. Tom Miller here framing.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY, 1 (213 - 152)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie. and Will McJavish drawing hay. Mr. McEuning and Percy here in afternoon. Essie, Chrissie, Clara and Olive to Drayton in afternoon The girls first came to Grandma's night before and came up to our place in morning.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August FRIDAY, 2 (214 - 151) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie and Mr. Craig finished taking in rest of hay. Then Robt. cut timothy seed. Then took load of hay up to Grandpa Philps. Essie, Chrissie, Olive, and Clara at Drayton to get photos taken. fine in forenoon, mizzling rain in the afternoon and evening. Robt. over to Dick Lowes for the dog.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 3 (215 - 150)</span></h2> <p>Robt. scuffling turnips and Charlie hoeing in forenoon. Both hoeing in afternoon. Robt disced sowthistle after tea. Then he and Charlie gone to town. Tom here framing to_day. cool and cloudy. Clara took Chrissie and Essie over to Uncle Sams morning. Grandpa and Brock at Drayton afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 4 (216 - 149)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Eliza down to see Art. Booth at Goldstone. Clara up to church with Grandpa's. very fine day</p> <p>Clara and Charlie did milking</p> <p>Old. Jock Smith died in evening.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY, 5 (217 - 148) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt. and Charlie finished hoeing turnips at noon. Then they drew in barley. finished it in one afternoon. Tom Miller here framing all day. Jack here till noon. Essie and Chrissie gone home this evening. Took train at Moorefield. Clara and Olive at bush. May Gorden down fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 6 (218 - 147)</span></h2> <p>Robt. and Charlie drawing in Timothy seed in forenoon. About eleven oclock gone out to cut oats other side of orchard. Cut quite a few of them. Ma and Grandma gone to Jock Smith funeral. Robt and Charie gone to Drayton. fine day. Tom not here to day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 7 (219 - 146)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie cleaned up barn floor and straightened round implements. Then pulled peas till noon. Drew in what peas they pulled after dinner. Pulled a load and drew it in after tea. Ma and Brock at Drayton afternoon. Tom here framing. fine day. windy.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY, 8 (220 - 145) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt. and Charlie finished pulling peas and drew all in but one load in forenoon. Mr. Perkin helping a few hours this morning. Robt. and Charlie took in last load of peas. and loaded up a load of light wood and took it to Grandpa Philp. Then gone to Dave Corbetto farm for sheep. Clara and Grandpa at Drayton Miss North here Tom finished framing. fine day, but windy.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 9 (221 - 144)</span></h2> <p>Robt. cutting barley next to Trask in the morning. Then cutting oats after dinner. Charlie shocking. very dull day. little rain at night. using new potatoes now. not very good. very few at hills. have 12 little pigs.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 10 (222 - 143)</span></h2> <p>Robt. finished cutting oats about one o'clock. Then Charlie and he put them up. Drawing in what they cut first got 4 loads. Clara and Brock at Drayton afternoon. Robt and Charlie at Drayton at night. very dull day. windy. have 9 little pigs.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August SUNDAY, 11 (223 - 142) 1901</span></h2> <p>Ma and children up to church in morning. Uncle Richd and Uncle John here after dinner. Miss Duncan here in the evening for an hour or so. very dull day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 12 (224 - 141)</span></h2> <p>Robt took five sheep over to Moorefield and children took horse over to bring him home. Charlie hoed while we were away. Unloaded a load of oats and sharpened binder knife before dinner. Then went back and cut oats on other place. Olive and Clara over to see Lillie Page in afternoon. Charlie shocking warm day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 13 (225 - 140)</span></h2> <p>Robt. cutting oats on other place and Charlie shocking. oats down bad this year. very warm at spells to -day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August WEDNESDAY, 14 (226 - 139) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt finished cutting oats on other place. Then came up and cut and put up Grandpa's piece. Charlie shocking all day. Finished cutting grain for this year. very warm day. Robt gone to hunt a maw for to-morrow.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 15 (227 - 138)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing in barley auxt to Ezra's. Waller Smith helping. Got it all in but one load when a rain came up. Miss North here. rained about 3 o'clock. Then fenced the hay stack and fixed big window for barn. very sultry before rain. rather windy.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 16 (228 - 137)</span></h2> <p>Robt took horses to Drayton to get shod in morning. Charlie finished hoeing turnips and cleaned out pigs while Da was away. Then drawing in oats after dinner. Grandpa helping in mow for a while in afternoon. Olive and Clara at Drayton in evening for mail. rather warm day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August SATURDAY, 17 (229 - 136) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie finished drawing in on home place. after dinner. Then drawing up oats from other place. Will. Mc Javish helping all day. very warm day. Clara and Grandpa at Drayton after tea. met train and got uncle Willie. did not know he was coming. Charlie at Drayton at night. Miss Duncan came over and stayed over Sunday.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 18 (230 - 135)</span></h2> <p>Ma and Miss Duncan went up to church in the morning. Uncle Willie here for dinner. Then down to Grandpa's after dinner Ma and Da took Miss Duncan home. warm in morning, but rather cloudy after dinner.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 19 (231 - 134)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing oats from other place. till five o'clock. Then very heavy rain. quite a lot of damage done by lightning Will McJavish here. helping. Brock started to school.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August TUESDAY, 20 (232 - 133) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing out manure all day. Clara and Olive over to Mr. Craigs in morning. very sultry. Clara, Olive and Uncle Willie at Drayton in afternoon. Annie, Willie and Bella Craig here in evening. Uncle Will and Grandma up here. Splendid music. gone home about halp past 12 o'clock</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 21 (233 - 132)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing out manure all day. very hot and sultry. Ma. Grandma and Uncle Will went up to see Aunty Jass. stayed for dinner.Olive started to school.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 22 (234 - 131)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie finished drawing out manure. Ma and Uncle Willie at Drayton in afternoon. few drops of rain about 3 o'clock. Very heavy storm gone round. very sultry and warm. Miss North here for dinner</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August FRIDAY, 23 (235 - 130) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie fixed up end window of barn. washing and oiling harness very heavy rain at noon. three heavy showers in forenoon. Uncle Willie gone home on one train to {name?}. dull all day long.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 24 (236 - 129)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing clay from poplars. for to fix up barnyard about five o'clock went up to C. Walkers hill and got a load of clay to fill in round soft water pump. Brock and Grandpa took Mark to Drayton to get shod. rather cool wind but very fine.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 25 (237 - 128)</span></h2> <p>Up to church in morning at home rest of day. Except to Grandma's. cool in morning. rather cloudy towards evening.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August MONDAY, 26 (238 - 127) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drew 5 loads of gravel Newstead's pit this forenoon then drawing in oats after dinner. Got in 3 loads. Then very heavy rain about four o'clock very warm before rain. rather dull and sultry in morning.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 27 (239 - 126)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie working around house. Drawing clay from hill filling round house. fixed up a platform at the door. Put 3 loads of gravel around pump and up to door and down by milk stand. Gone to Drayton to get a man. very warm all day. Aunt Emma here in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 28 (240 - 125)</span></h2> <p>Clara drove Mrs. Pollock up to factory. {This line was written vertically on the left side}</p> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing in rest of oats. on other place. Walter Smith helping. Finished harvest to - night. very fine day. Mrs. Tom Anderson &amp; two boys of {Manitoba?} here for a little while with Jessie Pollock in afternoon. Then Mrs. Kirkpatrick and Mrs Duckening &amp; children here in afternoon. Robt and Walter gone to Drayton evening.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">August THURSDAY, 29 (241 - 124) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie gone up to help Uncle Rich'd draw in oats. Miss North and Miss. C. Taylor here for dinner. Ma at Drayton after dinner. Bright but threatning rain.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 30 (242 - 123)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie divided up the sheep brought some home to fat. After dinner gone back to dig sow-thistle Gone to Uncle Richd about 3 o'clock Very dull day. turned cool at night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 31 (243 - 122)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie gone up to finish Uncle Rich'd. in morning. Then came home and cleaned out calf &amp; pig pens After dinner put calves back on clover and gone to other place to dig sow. Thistle. Clara and Olive at Drayton in morning rather dull, cool day. Robt and Charlie at Drayton at night. mist on at night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September SUNDAY, 1 (244 - 121) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt gone over to Hollew to see Rube Rogers. mom. dull day. We, children down home after dinner. misty at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 2 (245 - 120)</span></h2> <p>Labor Day</p> <p>Brock, Robt and Charlie gone back to dig sow-thistle on other place in forenoon. Then gone with team after dinner to help Mr. McEuning draw oats. Dull morning. warm afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">6a TUESDAY, 3 (246 - 119)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing in at Mr. McEuning's all day. Ma and Grandma gone to Drayton to visit Mary Rich. stayed all day. no school to day. Pretty Warm day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September WEDNESDAY, 4 (247 - 118) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing in at Mr. McEuning's till noon. Then brought down 5 loads of sand from Mr. Walker's pit. warm, fine, day. Mr. McEuning finished harvest</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 5 (248 - 117)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie brought down 9 loads of gravel from Newstead's pit. for barn yard. very warm day Miss North here for dinner</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 6 (249 - 116)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing gravel for barnyard all day. brought 7 loads. very warm day. Clara at Drayton afternoon.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September SATURDAY, 7 (250 - 115) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt gone to E lora for a load of lime. left about seven. got home half past four. Charlie working round driving house. taking out. truek, to get ready to move. Charlie and Clara gone to meet Uncle Jim at night. He came. very raw wind. very smoky in evening, and high wind.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 8 (251 - 114)</span></h2> <p>Ma, Uncle Jim and Grandma gone to church. Uncle Jim went to Uncle Sams for dinner. Robt walked over to see Tom Miller Then he and Uncle Jim started for Palmerston about 4 o'clock. cool wind but bright day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 9 (252 - 113)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie cleaning out driving house in forenoon. Then Robt gone to Mr. McEuning's threshing after dinner. Jake Cole and his brother bought pig up from Richards &amp; had dinner here. Charlie has bad cold. Rather dull day. Charlie at driving house all day. Men brought a load of tackling for morning with.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September TUESDAY, 10 (253 - 112) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie tearing out floor of driving house and ridding it out to move. Silas Rogers here over night. Very heavy rain at six o'clock. Dull all day. Ma at Drayton in morning.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 11 (254 - 111)</span></h2> <p>Had men on mowing driving house. Got it down but not "packed" up. Eleven men for meals. Clara at Drayton in morning for nails. misty at times very dull rest of day</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 12 (255 - 110)</span></h2> <p>Men blocked up driving house. Here for dinner. Had 10 for dinner. heavy rain in night quite a shower in morning. Miss North here for dinner. Robt took Sil.Rogers tackling over to Moorefield. Wat. went with him. Got home eight o'clock. Rain at night. rather dull part of day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September FRIDAY, 13 (256 - 109) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt gone over to McKee's to see Bill Lowery about building driving house wall. could not get him. Then gone to Drayton with chop. Winnie McEuning here this afternoon. After dinner Da and Charlie picking out stone round driving house. fine day smoky afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 14 (257 - 108)</span></h2> <p>Robt drawing down stone from old foundation to build wall of driving house. Charlie at I. Hilborn's threshing. Ma and Brock over to see Miss Duncan in afternoon. Robt and Charlie gone to Drayton at night. warm day. very foggy.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 15 (258 - 107)</span></h2> <p>Clara up to church with Grandpa's. Arthur Booth's here in afternoon, and for tea. very windy day. rather cool</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September MONDAY, 16 (259 - 106) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt drawing stone all day. for new foundation. Charlie at Hilborn's threshing Mrs. John McLachlaw, Mr. &amp; Mrs Wright here for a short time in afternoon. Awful windy all day, rather cool.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 17 (260 - 105)</span></h2> <p>Robt drawing stones all day. Charlie at threshing till about nine o'clock. Then helping Da. Jim Braedy here for dinner. Ma at Drayton after dinner. rather windy &amp; cool.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 18 (261 - 104)</span></h2> <p>Robt started to plough down by turnips till about three o'clock. Then came up and ploughed corn ground. Charlie gone to Drayton about ten o'clock. Allie McLachlaw here {illegible} for a book. showery, and dull heavy froct night.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September THURSDAY, 19 (262 - 103) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day back of Poplars a piece. Jim Braedy brought our horse, Flora, here this afternoon. Ma over to Henry Hilborn's for tomatoes. Fine day. good breeze cool night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 20 (263 - 102)</span></h2> <p>Robt. ploughing all day. Charlie came here at noon. Then he taking in wood into wood house. Mrs. North and Stewart here all day. Ma and she at Grandma's for dinner. Miss North came and gave us our lessons. Finished 2nd quarter. very dull forenoon. shower at noon. raining again at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 21 (264 - 101)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie filling wood house in morning. gone to help Mr.Perkin take in clover seed in afternoon. Robt gone to Drayton at night. Brock and Grandpa at Drayton in afternoon. fine day. flies bad on horses.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September SUNDAY, 22 (265 - 100) 1901</span></h2> <p>Clara gone to church with Grandpa's. Da and Ma over to Dick Lowes after dinner Olive gone with thrm. fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 23 (266 - 99)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie finished filling wood-shed. fine day. flies bad on horses.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 24 (267 - 98)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie cutting stakes in Poplars. fine day. turned cool towards evening. Uncle John Gordon brought his heifer here to pastme. Clara up to school for afternoon.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September WEDNESDAY, 25 (268 - 97) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie cutting stakes back on other place. very cold all day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 26 (269 - 96)</span></h2> <p>Robt finished ploughing behind the Poplars, about ten o'clock. Then went back to other place and set up stakes. Charlie cutting stakes all day. Robt started to plough on other place. Miss North here this afternoon. warm day. flies bad in house. Clara at Drayton in morning.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 27 (270 - 95)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie gone to McJavish's threshing from 11 to 2 o'clock then cutting stakes back on other place Ma visited Mrs. Perkin's in afternoon. warm day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">September SATURDAY, 28 (271 - 94) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie cutting stakes. Ma and Olive at Drayton in afternoon. nice day. heavy rain at night. Robt at Drayton at night. Mary Philp here in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 29 (272 - 93)</span></h2> <p>At home all day. Heavy rain in forenoon dull after noon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 30 (273 - 92)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie cutting stakes fine cool morning. bright after dinner. Clara took Lizzie Hilborn some cabbage and Mrs Perkin some pumpkins. Mr.Craig here in evening.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October TUESDAY, 1 (274 - 91) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing and moving stone pile all day. Charlie cutting stakes in forenoon, at Drayton show after noon. Ma, me children and Grandpa at show all afternoon. fine day got home at seven. very large crowd there.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 2 (275 - 90)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing forenoon. at Mr. Burrows threshing afternoon. Charlie there all day. fine at times with scudding showers off and on all day. cold wind. Joe McDonald married to the lady who nursed his first wife.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 3 (276 - 89)</span></h2> <p>Robert ploughing all day. Charlie cutting stakes. Miss North here afternoon. Very dull day. Raining all forenoon off and on. Robt killed sheep at noon. cold wind.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October FRIDAY, 4 (277 - 88) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie cleaned out pens, then gone to cut stakes. snowed for about two hours in morning Clara took children up to school then gone to Grandpa Philp's with meat and round by Uncle Richards. Ma and Clara at Drayton afternoon. Heavy snow storm passed over. cold. frost at night. Mr. North here in evening</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 5 (278 - 87)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie cutting stakes. cold day. Walter Smith here for pigs in evening. Here for tea. windy with little rain at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 6 (279 - 86)</span></h2> <p>Ma, Olive and Grandma up at church in morning. At home rest of day. very fine day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY, 7 (280 - 85) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie took lambs to Moorefield and Brock took horse. They came back and took bags to Mr. Craigs for them to clean up grist for us. Charlie topping mangols after dinner. very fine day Clara at Drayton in afternoon. Miss Forbes here over night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 8 (281 - 84)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing out potatoes this morning Then we picked potatoes till milking time. Robt Charlie and Grandpa picked them over and pitted them. The clay stuck to them very much fine day. Clara at Drayton in afternoon. Finished with potatoes about nine o'clock (night)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">7 WEDNESDAY, 9 (282 - 83)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie topping mangols all day. also pulling them and putting them in piles.Fine for an hour or so in morning, but got misty and rainy. The man delivered map of Canada.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY, 10 (283 - 82) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt took Ma to the station. She is gone to Toronto to see Duke &amp; Duchess of York. The men cleaned out the pens this forenoon. Archie Maxwell, the masons came here to build wall after dinner. Not here over night Dull day. misting all day. Robt and Charlie topped few mangols this afternoon. got along fine without Ma.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 11 (284 - 81)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie topping mangols in forenoon Then drawing them in after dinner. They drew till six then had tea and milked The 3 masons here all day. 2 boys here over night very foggy till about ten o'clock Then cleaned up and was a lovely day. Lizzie and Hoshed Hilborn here for an hour or so in evening.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 12 (285 - 80)</span></h2> <p>Rainy morning. Maxwell did not come till noon. Robt took load of cheese to Moorefield. Then drew in mangols till noon. Then they topped carrots and finished drawing in mangols. {illegible} up about 10 o'clock but rained again at four. Then they took in a couple of loads of carrots. Robt gone to Drayton to meet Ma. She had a fine time.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October SUNDAY, 13 (286 - 79) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt went over to see Tom Miller at home the rest of the day. fine day with a little mist in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 14 (287 - 78)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie choring round in forenoon. Gone to Newstead's threshing after dinner. The masons finished the wall except "pointing" and filling in where the blocking is. May Gorden and Miss Stone here for dinner and till about three o'clock. Clara up to Miss Stones for butter. fine forenoon rather heavy rain about half past three. {Wm?} &amp; Sam Gough of Gorrie working with Arch-Maxwell.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 15 (288 - 77)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day back on other place. Charlie at Newstead's threshing till about ten oclock. Then cleaned out pens and went back and cut stakes. Fine breeze blowing misty at times. fine day. Got Barrel of sugar shipped from Guelph</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October WEDNESDAY, 16 (289 - 76) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie at Frank Pages threshing.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 17 (290 - 75)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Charlie at Pages threshing till noon. Then at H. Perkins till night. Heavy snow storm at times all day. Miss North here to give music lesson. Put cows in over night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 18 (291 - 74)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie at Perkins threshing till about half past three. Then came here and threshed for two hours. We had fifteen men for tea. Tom Miller came here about four o'clock and was here over night Ma, Olive, Charlie and Clara went up to Rothsay to Annie Craig's concert. nice time. home about twelve. fine day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October SATURDAY, 19 (292 - 73) 1901</span></h2> <p>Charlie and Brock went up to Rothsay to see about bringing home lambs from Corbelts. Robt went with load of chop to Drayton and get the team shod. Left about 10 o'clock. home about five. Tom Miller here all day. Sile Rogers here in afternoon and evening to let driving house down. fine day, but raw wind.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 20 (293 - 72)</span></h2> <p>Ma and we children up to Grandpa Philp's this afternoon. Saw Aunt Catty there fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">7a MONDAY, 21 (294 - 71)</span></h2> <p>Robt took a load of pigs to Moorefield and came round by Geo. Fisher's for lumber. arrived at noon Then he went back to plough. very fine day. Charlie at Drurys threshing till about half past eleven. After dinner Charlie gone to Drayton. Tom Miller here all day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October TUESDAY, 22 (295 - 70) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. Tom here all day. Aunt Catty and Grandpa Philp here about three o'clock and for tea. very foggy in morning but a lovely day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 23 (296 - 69)</span></h2> <p>Robt finished ploughing stubble on other place. then came up and started in the rape. Ma at Drayton in forenoon. Robt at Will Lowes raising. after {illegible} Tom here all day very windy but fine. Mabel Philp here in afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 24 (297 - 68)</span></h2> <p>Robt helping Tom get ready to raise. the addition to the driving house, in the forenoon. After dinner had 10 men and raised it. had tea here. Miss North here. cold raw wind rather dull.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October FRIDAY, 25 (298 - 67) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt went to Drayton for a load of lumber in forenoon. Then went for shingles and took lumber from station to plaining mill and brought another load of shingels very fine day. Clara up to Grandpa Philp's in afternoon. Tom not here. Charlie came back at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 26 (299 - 66)</span></h2> <p>Robt finished ploughing the rape this forenoon. Tom here to - day. Charlie helping Tom. The three masons came this morning to finish wall. Olive gone up to Uncle Richd this afternoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 27 (300 - 65)</span></h2> <p>Ma and we children up to church in morning. Lewis Flath here in afternoon. Ma and Da gone up to Joe McDonalds after tea for a while. very fine day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October MONDAY, 28 (301 - 64) 1901</span></h2> <p>Clara went to Drayton to get Miss Johnson then went to Moorefield to give Charlie a ride home. Charlie took sheep to Moorefield. Robt topping turnips till noon. Tom here. Robt and Charlie drawing turnips afternoon. beautiful day. Masoms finished here at noon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 29 (302 - 63)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie working at turnips all day. Tome here. Grandpa helping at turnips very fine day. Ma at Drayton in moring.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 30 (303 - 62)</span></h2> <p>Robt and Charlie drawing turnips till noon. Then Charlie helping Tom. warm day Grandpa &amp; Da at turnips in afternoon. Robt took load of turnips up to Grandpa Philps</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">October THURSDAY, 31 (304 - 61) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt taking in the old shingles of the driving house. Tom here. Wat &amp; Ed Burrows and Charlie helping shingle the driving house Miss North here. very fine day shower at night. Clara took Miss Johnson to Drayton in morning.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November FRIDAY, 1 (305 - 60)</span></h2> <p>Robt working round building. Tom, Charlie, Ed and Walt here shingling. windy but very fine.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 2 (306 - 59)</span></h2> <p>Robt working round the building all day. Tom, Charlie, Walt and Ed finished shingling the driving house at noon. Then put in the floor of it. Ma, Brock and Grandma at Drayton in afternoon. Robt and Charlie at town at night. Old Mark very lame. very fine day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November SUNDAY, 3 (307 - 58) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt walked up to Geo. Fishers this afternoon. We children and Ma at Grandma's this afternoon. raw wind but fine day. The roads are lovely now. smooth as in summer.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 4 (308 - 57)</span></h2> <p>Robt went up to Geo. Fishers for lumber in the morning and then went down and cut posts out of back bush. Charlie helped him. Tom here. After dinner they killed Grandpa's and our pig cold day. slight fall of</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 5 (309 - 56)</span></h2> <p>Robt cut up the pig in morning and cleaned up grist of chop. Went to Drayton with it after dinner. cold day. Tom working at doors. Fall of snow early in morning.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November WEDNESDAY, 6 (310 - 55) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt drawing out manure all day. Charlie at Mr. Wallners raising. Ma and Grandma at Drayton in afternoon. Tom making doors. fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 7 (311 - 54)</span></h2> <p>Robt finished drawing out manure and brought up a load of clay from the Poplars to fill in at manure house door. Charlie at Woolness raising all day. Tom at the doors. cold raw wind with a skiff of rain at night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 8 (312 - 53)</span></h2> <p>Robt drawing up clay from Poplars for manure house till noon. Then moving stones into the orchard. Charlie helping Tom. Tom working at doors and stalls. fine day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November SATURDAY, 9 (313 - 52) 1901</span></h2> <p>Kings Birthday {written centered}</p> <p>Churned fint butter - 10 lbs. {This line was written vertically on the left side}</p> <p>Robt cleaned out all the pens. then finished moving the stones. Tom Davidsom and Mr. Henry the spouters came here about ten and spouted the driving house finished about four o'clock. Robt skidding up the loose timber after dinner. Tom and Charlie working at stalls. Uncle Jim came home at noon. Hazel Taylor, Ethel Kirkpatrick and Mary Philp here in afternoon to see Olive. (cold day.)</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 10 (314 - 51)</span></h2> <p>At home, except to Grandma's. Uncle Jim here for dinner. We down home at night Mr. McEuning and Uncle Richd here in afternoon. Then Da went with them up to the school. Fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 11 (315 - 50)</span></h2> <p>Robt cleaning out pens and ploughed the old driving house bottom in forenoon. Harrowed it and leveled it all. Tom stalling the stable. Ma at Drayton with Grandma in afternoon. Uncle Jim went home in morning. Clara churned - 10 lbs. raining in morning fared up and became very foggy rather warm.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November TUESDAY, 12 (316 - 49) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt blocking the horses stalls in forenoon. Gone back to plough sod on other place. afternoon Mr. Sanderson brought Miss Johnson here to sew in morning. Tom at the stalls. rainy and misty all forenoon. turned colder and commensed to snow. churned</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 13 (317 - 48)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing sod on other place all day Miss Johnson sewing here. snowing of and on all day. Tom working here at stalls.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 14 (318 - 47)</span></h2> <p>Robt helping Tom all day. Miss North here in afternoon. very stormy at times. stormy at night. ground covered with snow.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November FRIDAY, 15 (319 - 46) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt helping Tom all day. Miss Johnson finished here at noon. Ma took her to Drayton after dinner. Soft snow falling all afternoon. thawing all day. freezing at night. Let young cattle home to-night</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 16 (320 - 45)</span></h2> <p>Robt cleaned out all the pens and did up the chores. then helped Tom at the driving house all day. Tom finished at night and sent his chest of tools with Harry Cole. Robt and Tom. at Drayton at night. snowing very little all day. not cold. Robt brought house a female deer, which Uncle Sandy sent us.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 17 (321 - 44)</span></h2> <p>Robt went up to Mr. Walkers to see about Uncle Johnys heifer. Uncle Richd, Aunt Emma Elwin and Gerald here in afternoon. Fine day, but rather dull.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November MONDAY, 18 (322 - 43) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt did up chores and skinned the deer. Then got horse ready to go to look for heifer, when Uncle John came along. Then they went together. Left about eleven o'clock. Got heifer at Will. Pollocks. Had dinner at Uncle John's then went up to Dave Corbetts for lambs. Got home about half past three. dull day but fine. Brock and Olive very sick with measels.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 19 (323 - 42)</span></h2> <p>Robt cleaned the pens and did up the chores. Then went to Drayton with a grist of chop. Home about two o'clock. Then straightening up round driving house. and went up to Mr. Newstead's for a load of sand. Olive very sick with the measels. Brock some better. Bright, pleasant, day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 20 (324 - 41)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing sod all day. Grandpa drove Clara up by Rothsay to deliver venison in forenoon. Olive and Brock getting better. rather muggy day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November THURSDAY, 21 (325 - 40) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing sod all day. Ma at Drayton in forenoon. took 43 lbs. of butter down. Clara over to Mr. Craigs' in afternoon with venison. she walked home. fine, bright day. Art. Garneau came out and pared Marks' sore foot.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 22 (326 - 39)</span></h2> <p>Robt ploughing all day. very soft snow falling in afternoon. turned colder and snowed some. Clara took venison down to Mr. McEwings &amp; up to F.Pages in forenoon.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 23 (327 - 38)</span></h2> <p>Robt at Richd's threshing all day. cold day_ Neal Philp sold his farm to Mr.Lawton. Robt covered some round the potato pit.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November SUNDAY, 24 (328 - 37) 1901</span></h2> <p>At home all day. Grandma up in afternoon. heavy fall of soft snow in afternoon. Robt tied in young cattle. Olive had bad ear ache in night. feeling not very lively.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 25 (329 - 36)</span></h2> <p>Robt at Richd's. threshing all day. Clara at Drayton in forenoon. raw day. Mr. McJavish here in morning after his pig.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">8 TUESDAY, 26 (330 - 35)</span></h2> <p>Robt first did the chores and killed the ducks. Mrs. Burrows, Grandma, Ma and Clara se alded and picked fifty - eight ducks, from eight till five oclock cold and stormy all day. Ducks in fine order.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November WEDNESDAY, 27 (331 - 34) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt doing chores in forenoon. Then took ducks and some chop to Drayton. in afternoon. Clara up to Grandpa Philp's in afternoon. Ma and Clara put duck feathers up in garret to dry. Cold day. rather snowy at times. Took 53 ducks to Drayton got 64 lb.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 28 (332 - 33)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day. Then he and Ma went to Mr. Duncan's to a Thanks giving supper home at one o'clock. Grandpa and Grandma came up and had tea with us children. rather cold all day. Thanks giving Day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 29 (333 - 32)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day and cleaning out driving house to put implements in. Ma and Brock went to Drayton about 12 o'clock Expressed a roast duck to Uncle Jim. Brock got two teeth filled Mr. North here for tea. misty, then turned to soft snow. Then fine for rest of day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">November SATURDAY, 30 (334 - 31) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon, then helped Burrows Boys kill four pigs. then came home and took implements out of barn into driving house. Gone to Drayton at night. Olive has bad tooth-ache all day. fine day. machine came to Mr. McEwings</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December SUNDAY, 1 (335 - 30)</span></h2> <p>Ma and Clara up to church in forenoon. At home rest of day. very fine day. thawing hard all day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 2 (336 - 29)</span></h2> <p>Robt at Mr.McEwings threshing all day. Then up to see Grandpa Philp and got a cheese(18 lbs.) Grandpa Philp slipped and fell on his hill. not hurt very bad. frozen hard all day. cold. Percy and Ross filled tank here.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December TUESDAY, 3 (337 - 28) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt at Mr.McEwing's threshing till about two o'clock. Then they moved here started at 20 min. to three. Mr.F.McMilliam, &amp; Mr. Blauche with machine. beautiful day but sharp.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 4 (338 - 27)</span></h2> <p>Threshing here all day. very cold sharp day. finished. Lara Burrows helped Ma with meals. Had the two threshers over night.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 5 (339 - 26)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and straightning up round home. beautiful day but sharp. Miss North here this afternoon. Da and Ma went up to see Grandpa Philp. this evening. They brought "Vesta" the horse home with them.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December FRIDAY, 6 (340 - 25) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt doing chores and straightning machinery round in driving house. Ma and Olive at Drayton in afternoon. very. fine day rather raw wind. roads dusty and very smooth.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 7 (341 - 24)</span></h2> <p>Robt doing chores and cleaning out hen pens Clara and Brock up to Grandpa's Philp's with a pair of shoes for him. hazy all day. raw wind.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">8a SUNDAY, 8 (342 - 23)</span></h2> <p>At home all day. Very heavy fall of soft snow in forenoon turned to rain.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY, 9 (343 - 22) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring and piling up the old boards that came out of the driving house. Olive started to school. dull dark day inclined to be soft snowing heavily at night. roads very slippery.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 10 (344 - 21)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon, Then took out a load of manure, and loaded up a load of boards and light wood for Grandpa Philp. Lilliam and Alice Page here in afternoon. fine day, but stormy in morning.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 11 (345 - 20)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon and helping Mr. Burrows clean out their well, in afternoon Ma and Clara at Drayton in afternoon. mild day. Had cutter out for first time.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December THURSDAY, 12 (346 - 19) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt helping Mr. Burrows with their well till two o'clock. Then doing up the chores. Clara at Drayton in forenoon. Miss North and Carrie here in afternoon. very fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 13 (347 - 18)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon. and round to Willie Wilsons and Grandpa Philp's. in afternoon. very rainy until middle of afternoon. very sloppy under foot.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 14 (348 - 17)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring till eleven o'clock, Then went to Drayton to get cheque cashed and pay taxes. very stormy in afternoon, but rained in morning, then turned cold.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December SUNDAY, 15 (349 - 16) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt up to see his father in afternoon. very stormy at times and cold sharp day. Clara and Olive at Grandma's for dinner.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 16 (350 - 15)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon and after dinner cleaned up the barn floor and the timothy seed. Mr. Fisher came here with the chopper and set. very fine day but cold and sharp.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 17 (351 - 14)</span></h2> <p>Mr. Fisher choping here all day. Robt choring and helping. Walt Plaut here also. Mr. Jim Bready here for a short time in afternoon. very fine crisp day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December WEDNESDAY, 18 (352 - 13) 1901</span></h2> <p>Mr. Fisher chopping till about one o'clock. Walt here all day. Robt choring and helping also. Clara went to Drayton in afternoon. Miss Forbes here over night. Lovely day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 19 (353 - 12)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon and drawing manure on to potato pit. in afternoon Ma, Brock and Grandma went to Drayton in afternoon, Miss North here for tea. very fine day, but raw wind.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">FRIDAY, 20 (354 - 11)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon and started to draw manure when shoeing broke on the sleigh. Then he went and chored. very fine day. Killed three ducks for Xmas.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December SATURDAY, 21 (355 - 10) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring all day long and cleaning pens and fixing mangers for little calves. very fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 22 (356 - 9)</span></h2> <p>At home all day. Cold raw east wind blowing. rather stormy and blowy.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">MONDAY, 23 (357 - 8)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon. and tearing down old pig pen in afternoon. very mild day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December TUESDAY, 24 (358 - 7) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon, and cleaning out pens and took down the old pig pen in afternoon. Ma, Brock, Olive and Clara at Drayton in afternoon. Uncle Willie came off noon train and walked home. Grandpa down to get parsels from Uncle Jim and missed Willie. Willie and Grandpa here after tea. very mild day. roads. fine.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">WEDNESDAY, 25 (359 - 6)</span></h2> <p>Christmas Day. {This was written centered}</p> <p>Robt choring in forenoon. Then all of us went down to Grandpa's and had dinner with them. Uncle Willie met Uncle Jim off noon train. very fine day and bright. Little fall of snow in night just made good slipping.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">THURSDAY, 26 (360 - 5)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon and drawing manure in afternoon. Robt up to school meeting in forenoon. Tom Miller here for dinner. Uncle Jim and Willie here for a short time in forenoon. Ma down home in afternoon. Miss North here for tea also Uncle Willie and Jim. rather fine, but hazy.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December FRIDAY, 27 (361 - 4) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon and drawing manure in afternoon. Uncle Willie took Uncle Jim to station this morning. Uncle Willie up to see aunty Jass and over to Uncle Sam's. fine day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SATURDAY, 28 (362 - 3)</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon and drawing out manure in afternoon. Clara at Drayton in forenoon Robt at Drayton in evening. Uncle Will here for a short time in evening. fine mild day.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">SUNDAY, 29 (363 - 2)</span></h2> <p>Ma and Olive up to church. Robt up to see Grandpa Philp in afternoon. We down to Grandpa's at night. Olive and I over to Sara Burrows in afternoon. fine mild day.</p> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">December MONDAY, 30 (364 - 1) 1901</span></h2> <p>Robt choring in forenoon. drawing out manure and cleaning pens in afternoon. Uncle Willie went away on morning train Richd Chambers came on the one o'clock train. and walked up. stayed here in afternoon. He and Da gone over to Mr. Duncans. at night. to party ,Dance fine day but little colder.</p> <h2><span></span><span class="mw-headline">TUESDAY, 31 (365)</span></h2> <p>Robt went to Drayton and met Joe Chambers off morning train. Home at noon. Robt choring all afternoon. Joe went over to Uncle Sams for night. Dick went over after breakfast. very very stormy from ten o'clock in morn.</p> </div> transcribed